Bella Vita

by Jesse Kimmel-Freeman

  My alarm blared away next to me. I silently thought of throwing it against the floor, but decided it wasn't such a good idea. Dom got out of bed and turned it off. He kissed my forehead.

  “Time to face the day, Em.” He said as I reached up to pull him back into the bed.

  “Five more minutes.” I kissed him hard.

  “Ah, I doubt that would take five more minutes.” He pulled away gently.

  “Aw, fine.” I pouted and threw back the blanket.

  I got out of bed as he left the room. I pulled out some black yoga pants and a black tank top and headed to the bathroom.

  The shower was just enough to wake me up. I didn't style my hair or put on makeup. I knew today I would be standing like a living doll as the baseline to my dress was fitted to me. I pulled on my well worn black Chucks and went downstairs.

  Dom was sitting at the kitchen table with a cup of coffee in his hand as he read the paper.

  “Hey Professor, anything important going on in the world?” I teased him as I made a quick cup of cocoa.

  “Our engagement has been announced. As well as the date we're to be married.” He sighed and handed me the section.

  “Joy, oh, joy.” I made a face at the paper. I really didn't understand the point of newspaper announcements, everyone that needed to know would get their invitation.

  “Don't look so sad, it's only our wedding.” He laughed.

  “Oh, I'm not sad, I just think these things are stupid and a waste of space.” I tossed the paper down onto the table and grabbed a bagel.

  “Well, our families went to a lot of trouble to get it in with these announcements. They were trying to get it sooner, but the paper only releases one every week.” He sighed and shook his head.

  I glanced at the clock and realized it was time to go.

  “Okay sunshine, it's time to go- otherwise we'll be late.” I got up and went for my keys.

  “I would like to drive if you don't mind.” He smiled at me.

  “Okay, but can we take your bike then.” I batted my lashes at him.

  “Would I deny you anything?” He laughed.

  “Maybe if it would hurt me... no, probably not.” I giggled at him.

  “Let's go.” He led the way out to his bike.

  The drive was pleasant. The morning overcast allowed for a nice freshness to cling to the air. We arrived on time, but it took a good five minutes to get Dominic into the building.

  “I don't know what the devil is wrong with you, but if you don't get fitted then we're not getting married.” I finally resorted to saying.

  “Fine.” He was pouting as he walked up the narrow staircase.

  I laughed at him.

  The room we stepped out into was a workspace. It was the place of a seamstress. There were racks of material and clothing everywhere. The woman had several sewing machines set up all over the west wall. The east wall was all windows. In the middle of the room was a mannequin with my dress on. Whereas I thought it would have been just the base of the dress, it was the entire thing. It looked like my drawing. It was a strapped corset bodice on a long trained dress. The material was a black satin, except for the centers of the bodice and center of the front and train of the dress- those were a rich deep red.

  “Dom, don't look.” I blurted out.

  “What?” He looked at me.

  “You can't see my dress before the wedding, it's bad luck.” I pleaded with him with my eyes.

  “Okay, I'll just look at you.” He turned his body so he was standing looking at me and the east wall.

  “Thank you.” I sighed.

  “So you're here now.” A British woman stepped out from behind one of the many rows of material.

  “Yes, ma'am.” Dom tried to turn to follow the voice, but I stopped him and shook my head at him.

  “Oh, let me move that so he doesn't see it.” The woman said as she pushed my dress behind a curtained off area, I was very thankful for what she did.

  “Thank you.” I smiled at her and let go of Dom's arm.

  “Don't you fret. It is a common belief. I'm seamstress Amelia.” She shook my hand first and then Dom's.

  “I'm Emma and this is Dominic.” I smiled at the woman with purple hair and violet eyes.

  “The pleasure is all mine. Now to get to work. Dominic, you won't be in this room with us womenfolk- you'll be through that door right there working with Javier. He's a sweetie, so don't you worry your pretty little head.” She patted Dom on the arm and shooed him away.

  “Wow, you handled that really well.” I laughed.

  “Well, you two are not the first rushed vamp couple to come through here. On to our business, let's make you a bride.” She smiled at me and I realized that her fangs were jeweled.

  “I, um, didn't realize that you would have so much done already.” I stammered at her.

  “Yes, well, the vamp weddings take priority over the everyday work I do. So since I was brought onto the project I've only worked on the bridal party's attire.” She led me to the curtained area.

  “Wow.” I said as I saw the fine detail on the dress of sparkly beaded spiderwebs.

  “Yep. Made-to-order. Halloween-wedding inspired. I'm glad you like it. Now strip down so I can make sure I was accurate.” She disappeared through part of the curtain and left me standing there.

  I pulled off my clothes and stood there in my black bra and bright green boy shorts. The area was warm enough to stand around half-naked, but I still felt self conscious.

  “No room for modesty here, sweetheart.” Amelia bustled back in with pincushions on both her wrists and marking pencil behind her ear.

  I blushed.

  “Now, let's get started. When I hold this down I want you just to step into the middle and stand there. I'll help you get it on. The seams are only temporary and need to be reinforced. I just wanted to make sure that it fit properly.” She took the dress off the mannequin and laid it on the floor with a perfect circle for me to step into.

  I did as I was told. She pulled the delicate garment up slowly. It fit like a glove. She turned for a second and came back around with the train of the dress. The beautiful crimson color was going to be held onto the back by a large black bow. She attached the piece after zipping me into the gown. It was beautiful.

  “One more thing. I just need you to look over the veil.” There was a large black box she pulled closer to me and lifted the lid off. Inside was a long black veil that had more sewn-on beading that created a magnificent spiderweb design all over it. It was perfect.

  “It's beautiful. It all is. You did an awesome job!” I cried at her.

  “No waterworks. I'm not fully done. I need to take in the sides just a smidgen and I'll need you to come back for one more fitting with your heels, unless you brought them with you?” She cocked her pierced brow at me.

  “Um, no. I didn't know. If I had, I would have.” I felt useless.

  “No worries. Most people don't realize how quickly I work. You know what I'll measure you with the dress on and then you can call me up with the height of the shoe once you've decided on it and I can tailor it based on that.” Amelia was already sticking pins in the side of the dress.

  “Okay.” I mumbled.

  The rest of the fitting went along in a similar manner. I was finished before Dom. But when he came out my dress was already hidden and he looked happy. I smiled at him.

  “So it went well?” I inquired.

  “It was fine. You were right.” He kissed my cheek.

  “Of course I was.” I laughed.

  We left Amelia's in good spirits, both certain that our wedding would be wonderful if everyone involved was as efficient as she was.

  My mood was easily turned down when I thought about how I would have to teach at least a little in my healing class. I had no clue what Daniel would want me to do, but I knew Lily had been fascinated by my abilities. I sighed.

  “My Little Emma Bird, no frowns. Tomorrow will be fine.” He always knew what w
as wrong.

  “Yeah, so you say.” I kicked at the rocks by my shoes.

  “No, so I know.” His smile was secretive.

  “What do you mean, you know? You're not the seer I am.” I pouted.

  “But you're not the only seer, my love.” He laughed.

  “Yeah, well, I don't care what another seer said. It won't be perfect unless I believe it'll be. And right now, I just don't feel like that is going to happen.”I crossed my arms across my chest.

  “Can you say 'pity party,' Emma?” Dom bumped me.

  “Ugh.” I stuck my tongue out at him.

  “Since we're out anyways, let's go get something to eat.” He took my hand and started to drag me off in the direction of the tourists.

  “Um, does it have to be with all of those people?” I suddenly felt very people-a-phobic.

  “Yes. Come on, stiff upper lip and all that jazz.” He wrapped his arm around me and pulled me into the crowd.

  I was awash in feelings and sensations that didn't belong to me. I had no shield up, and to throw one up would need concentration- something that I was using not to throw up from everything around me. My hands became slick with sweat and my heart was racing. Dominic looked over at me with concern. I knew I was blanching, but I couldn't stop the overwhelming sensations.

  Emma? His words were like a distant whisper.

  Dom, help. I prayed to whoever was listening to help my words get to him.

  What is it? His eyes darkened with worry.

  Too much... I felt the world getting further away from me.

  Emma?! Stay with me. I'm going to get you out of here. I couldn't focus on his face anymore, everything became fuzzy and darkness started to swallow the world.

  I heard another vampire enter the conversation, asking what was wrong with the princess. I didn't stay awake long enough to find out what was going on.

  I blinked back to the world, and found that I was staring up at a very Italian fresco on the ceiling. I rubbed my face with my hands and felt how cold my body was. Fear trickled through me. Why am I so cold? I tried to sit up but my body wasn't having it just yet. My movement must have been seen because as soon as I was able to focus again someone was standing by my side.

  Emma? The voice was so familiar.

  I blinked.

  My little Emma bird, come back to me. Dom's voice was gentle and encouraging.

  I tried to talk but failed.

  Dom? I sent my words to him.

  Yes, mia bella, I'm here. Relief colored his words.

  Where are we and what's wrong with me? I couldn't keep the emotions out of my words.

  We are in a church that a neighboring vampire owns and runs, and I think your body shut down to stop the bombardment of everything around you. I am so sorry. He hung his head.

  Sorry? Why are you sorry? I didn't understand.

  If I hadn't dragged you into that crowd you would have had time to prepare yourself for it. He kissed my cheek.

  So why can't I talk or really move yet? I wasn't really worried for some reason.

  I think your body is doing something similar to a system reboot. I'm sorry that I don't know exactly what's going on. Do you want me to call your grandpa or parents or Betty? It was obvious he was trying to create answers for me.

  That won't be necessary. I think your explanation is as close to the correct thing as possible. We don't have words for what happened to me or how my body is handling it. I can tell you I'm fine and I'm healing. I knew this was true because my entire being was telling me everything would be okay, and I just needed to wait.

  I was so worried I would lose you. I didn't know what to do. He kissed my hands- where his lips touched my skin, I felt warm tingles.

  Which reminds me, did I get called 'princess'? I wanted to make sure I hadn't dreamed that.

  Sì, mia bella. You've heard it before. Amongst our people we're royalty. And when the time comes, we're expected to bring them out of this dark time. Remember the prophecy. His words were solemn.

  I let out a long breath.

  Yes, I remember, but it doesn't happen so often, ya know? How have they come to create royalty where there was none before? I didn't understand our customs.

  There have always been royal families. And many vampires have been royal amongst the humans. But within our own kind, we follow the words of the seers. When Bettina made this one, our world came to look at our families as royalty. There is no king or queen, yet, but once we're ready, that will be our position. There is a castle built for us already. He chuckled at the last part.

  Wait. What? They built a freaking castle for babies?! My mind whirled at this latest news.

  I guess you could say that. But we aren't to live there until you have been trained in our ways. Thus the importance of vampire school. I wiggled my fingers in his hand.

  See, I'm getting more control already. I slowly began to test out the various movements of my body. Eventually, I had control over everything again.

  I got out of the small bed I had been placed in. I stretched a little to release the tension I was feeling from being still for so long. I took a deep breath and was good to go.

  Ah, she is awake. Merry Meet, Principessa. A small man that looked shockingly like a friar from a Robin Hood movie.

  Merry Meet, sir. Thank you for your kindness. I bowed slightly towards the man.

  No need to thank me. You are the reason many of us still breathe today. You shall lead us out of the darkness. His smile was intoxicating, but the words scared me.

  I can only hope to do my part. I thought that was a safe response.

  Thank you again, Angelo. I don't think she would've recovered so quickly if it wasn't for your hospitality. Dominic hugged the roundish bald man with warm welcoming eyes.

  As I said before there is no need for thank yous. Is there anything else that I can do for you or Milady? Angelo gestured at his home- as though he was willing to give anything in his possession to us.

  Thank you, but that won't be necessary. I think it's time for us to go home now. Thank you again. I hugged the man that smelled of incense.

  The honor was mine, Principessa. Angelo was such a nice man, he led us to a back door that allowed us to leave the area without being in direct contact with such large crowds.

  Thank you again. I bowed to him once more and we left to trace our way back to Dom's bike.

  The trip home felt considerably longer than our trip going out. My body was tired again. It was strange to experience so many different things that could affect me so much in such a short amount of time. When we finally got home, Dom sent me straight to bed. He brought up some soup and a cup of blood cocoa. Once I had finished everything he tucked me in and kissed me goodnight and left the room. I was slightly disappointed that he didn't stay with me, but it only lasted momentarily because soon I was fast asleep.

  My alarm didn't have to wake me in the morning, the dream of Issy did all the work. My room was dark and cold. I felt lonely, as though I was sinking into a great big pit. I got out of bed and opened my window. The light rushed into the room, chasing away the shadows from the room and my mind.

  Today's the day. My mind raced at the thought of teaching people that knew so much more than me about being a vampire. What could I really teach them? I was afraid.

  I pulled on my bathrobe and grabbed the papers Dom and I had gone over about some of the classes I could teach. I needed a good plan and to sound confident. No need to let them sense my fear. I read over and over the papers until I was certain that I could handle both of my classes. The tension in my belly started to lessen. I took a deep breath. I needed to pull out my outfit for the day. It was hard to tone down my usual attire. I decided on black Dickies, and a black long sleeve. I pulled my vest over the top. It was strange to see me without all my usual bells and whistles. It was as if I had stepped into someone else's body- which reminded me of when Mike and I dressed as preps for Halloween last year. Last year. I can't believe it has only been a yea
r. It seems like a lifetime. I pushed my thoughts back to the present. I needed to stay focused or this day would eat me alive.

  I was dressed and packed up by the time Dominic even got up. I had his coffee brewed and on the table, alongside a tasty looking Danish. The paper was sitting on the table, and sorted the way he normally did it. I sat with my cup of tea, trying to calm my nerves.

  “Be still, Emma. Your tension rolls off you in waves. If you let them know you're so nervous they will eat you alive.” He laughed.

  “I'm glad you find this funny.” My temper was close to the surface again, a bad way to start the day.

  “Aw, my sweet. Thank you for starting my day like this.” He sipped his coffee and started to read the paper.

  “No worries.” I mumbled trying to find my inner peace.

  Dominic went to get ready and I loaded up my Jeep. Today was going to be a long day and I wanted to drive to it in my favorite beast. Once I was ready, Dom appeared with his satchel and got in. The drive to the school was quiet and pleasant. The wind created a nice breeze. There was a light cloud covering. As soon as we hit the outer gate, the day became overcast. I was suddenly worried that I might have a downpour in my poor car. I sighed. I really didn't want to think that this was a message from above.

  “Don't worry so much, Emma.” Dom took my hand and rubbed the palm. “Everything will be fine.”

  “Thanks.” I parked the car and gave the keys to the guy waiting to move my beautiful car out of my reach. I grabbed my stuff and mentally spelled myself to stay calm.

  “Very effective, mia bella.” He kissed my hand. “I've got to head up to the office, I'll let them know that you're returning to classes today.”

  “Okay. I'm going to head over to the greenhouse first and see if Lily wants me to teach today.” I waved to him as he walked into the dragon's den.

  The wind kicked up as I walked around the castle towards the fields where the greenhouse was. I was still nervous but my body didn't feel like it was a giant red flashing light. The fields were still barren from the cold, but I wanted to think that they would be filled with beautiful flowers once the spring came.