Bella Vita

by Jesse Kimmel-Freeman

  The small airport came into view from the tree lined road and I felt pangs of worry coming off Dom.

  “I'll be back before you know it.” I punched him in the shoulder lightly.

  “I know. And you know that you can come back before you're scheduled to, the pilot never minds that.” He tried to smile.

  “Yes, I know.” I tried not to stiffen, but it was difficult.

  “Let me help you with your bags to the plane.” He quickly parked the car and got out.

  He's just nervous I won't come back, he's trying to help me do what I need to do. I need to remember this. I took a deep breath and got out of the car.

  Dom had my bags. I asked if he could take them into the plane for me. I wanted him to be happy... but he was suddenly becoming very possessive. He came back out and stood for a moment just outside of my reach.

  “Mia bella, ti amo.” He took my hand and kissed it.

  “Ti amo, Dom. I'll be home soon enough. So stop worrying.” I kissed his lips gently.

  He nodded his head and walked me over to the door. “Be safe, Merry Meet and Merry Part, Princess.” He bowed slightly.

  I laughed. “You are such a dork.” I kissed his cheek and then went inside the plane. “Bye.” I waved as they shut the door.

  I watched Dom wave to me until they started preparing to take off. He left the same way we came, but somehow it looked very lonely and as though he was falling into despair. I thought about contacting him through our link, but I thought better of it.

  The flight was about three hours. The weather was beautiful. I could see the small world below as we flew into the heavens above. It was like stepping into a different universe. Dominic had shown that to me, and it was something that I treasured about flying. I had instructed the pilot to try and land as close to the school as possible. It was in Castlekelly, and I knew that there had been some sort of magic placed on it so that planes didn't fly over it or close to it. We landed in a field a few miles away. I pulled my bags out of the plane as the pilot pulled my Harley out of the back.

  Merry Part, Princess. Should you need to leave before our scheduled time just let me know. Otherwise I'll meet you here at the end of the week. The pilot's voice was rich and smooth like honey.

  Merry Part, Henry. Thank you and I'll see you at the end of the week. I replied and tied my bags onto my bike.

  Once I was moving, the world fell away and all I could feel was the connection to the old land. I sent a mental message to Dom to let him know I got there okay, but I didn't stay connected long enough for him to start a conversation with me. The air smelt green and full of life. My energy felt like the world had opened up to me and whispered that I could have it all. I was glad I came.

  As soon as I hit the school's land I knew. It was like walking through ice. My entire body went cold and I felt like I was going to go into shock. However, one of the nice aspects to being a vampire was that my body temperature was naturally lower than most people. So the cold didn't stop me, I went on. I had done my research about the area. There was a small inn that was just over a hill from the school- still on their land, but not owned by the school itself. It was a place where I could get away with staying without causing too much commotion. I had paid in advance for my room, I also gave them extra for the short notice- even though they refused in the beginning. I had researched the inn, it was barely making ends meet because of the magic the school had put into place- they kept normal folks away. This place seriously needed the money. I also decided that I would be leaving them a very generous tip when I left.

  When I arrived at the inn, I fell in love. The outside was painted a simple white wash. The roof was thatched in a traditional Irish way. Around the door and windows, the frames were painted a nice deep hunter green. It was like I had stepped into a storybook, it was just so damn quaint. I parked my bike outside, I didn't see anywhere else to store it for now. I grabbed my bags and went into the warm and welcoming inn.

  A roundish woman with fiery red hair and sea glass green eyes stood behind the small oak counter. When the little bell above the door chimed, she looked up at me. Her face lit up like it was Christmas or something.

  “Dia dhuit.” Her native Irish had the slightest hints of a Leinster dialect to it.

  “Dia is Muire dhuit.” I responded with the traditional reply to her greeting of 'May God Bless You.' I didn't understand why I had to say that God and Mary should bless her but I did what I was supposed to do.

  “Conas atá tú?” She seemed generally interested in how I was doing, it was so strange to walk into a place and to have a stranger actually care.

  “Táim go maith.” I was fluent enough to tell her I was was well, I enjoyed using the Irish I learned in high school when I wanted to come here.

  “Conas atá tú?” I asked the woman.

  “ Táim go maith.” She replied. “Cad is ainm duit?”

  “Emma Hutchinson is ainm dom.” I told the woman what my name was when she asked.

  “Tá brón orm. I'm so sorry, Miss Hutchinson. Here I am blabbing away and yer probably tired from yer long journey.” The woman's smile dropped.

  “Oh, not to worry. I was enjoying our conversation. I haven't used my Irish since high school.” I beamed at her.

  “I've to tell yah, I thought yer were a natural. I'm Moira, by the way.” She held out her hand.

  “Deas bualadh leat, Moira.” I shook her hand with bright red polish on it.

  “The pleasure is mine, Miss Emma. Here let me help yah with yer bags.” I watched as Moira moved out from behind the counter, that was when I realized she must've been at least six months pregnant.

  “That's quite all right. Do you know what sex the baby is?” I smiled down at her small mound.

  “I wish. The doctor keeps checking, but the wee one won't show us.” She patted her belly affectionately.

  “I could tell you what you're having. I've a knack for such things.” I lied to the woman about my ability, I could tell she would be having a little boy from the moment I saw her belly.

  “Truly? What do yah think it's?” She leaned against the counter for support.

  “It'll be a boy. He will be strong and healthy, and I can already tell that he loves his momma very much.” The words came out like they were waiting to be said since the dawn of time.

  “Deas bualadh leat. Thank yah so much. I feel like yer right.” Her eyes became lost in thought.

  “Go ndéanaí mhaith duit, you're welcome.” It was so nice to see the woman look so happy.

  “Oh, right. Let's get yah settled. Níl aon tintéan mar do thintéan féin. So let's make this place yer home for the next week.” She let me take my own bags and then slightly hobbled into the next room and up a small flight of steps.

  Moira had to stop at the top of the stairs for a minute to catch her breath. I offered her just to tell me and I could get myself to my room, but she insisted that she was going to do her job. I loved her stubborn nature. It reminded me so much of my own.

  The room was bright. It had a large window that overlooked the small, but well maintained garden in the back. There was a brass bed with a beautiful quilted blanket on it. A small chest was at the foot of the bed for my belongings. There was a white porcelain sink in the room, for freshening up without having to leave my room. The walls were a gentle yellow with a border of small delicate feminine flowers. It was a nice springy room.

  “Is it to yer liking, Miss Emma?” Moira stood nervously in the doorway as I set my bags down.

  “I love it. Where do I find the bathroom? Oh and is there some place I can park my motorcycle, I left it out front.” I beamed at her.

  “The bathroom is down the hall to the left, there are fresh towels in the cupboard and a robe on the back of yer door. As fer yer bike, I figure yah can bring it to the back. We have a covered carport. I could have one of the men take it round back for yah if yah want.” Moira looked a bit tired.

  “No, that's fine. I can take it there myself. How a
bout you go rest a bit? I promise I'll give you a call if I need anything.” I watched as Moira's face relaxed just a little bit.

  “Right, but only if yer sure.” She said as she inched out of the door.

  “Yes. I'm sure.” I waved to her as she left.

  “Oh, one more thing. We have dinner around sixish, breakfast around eight, and lunch is at noon. If there's anything else yah need just let me know, I'll be downstairs in the front.” She closed my door as she left.

  I listened as her steps slowly crept their way down the hall and eventually down the stairs. I could tell that her pregnancy was weighing on her, but I also knew she'd be one of the greatest and happiest mothers around. As with all pregnancies, she would forget all of this strife.

  I slowly turned around my room. It was such an interesting contrast to my room back home. I sent Dominic a mental message letting him know that I had made it to my motel. Again, I broke contact before he could respond. I wasn't ready to let home invade this personal haven I felt like I was taking, at least not yet. I sat on the bed. It wasn't nearly as squishy as mine, but it was still soft enough that I would be able to sleep on it comfortably. I looked at the window as I sat on the beautiful blanket. I could feel the love that went into each stitch, just as I could see the devotion that went into the garden and small yard. The entire inn radiated an energy of love. As I sat there soaking in these pleasant emotions, I made a silent vow to ensure that this place would never have to lose any of that. I decided I would be its silent benefactor to it. It would never want, but I would never interfere with it either. It was perfect just the way it was. I smiled to myself, knowing that for once my wealth would go to something that mattered.

  I stood and stretched. It was so nice to feel just relaxed. I looked down at my engagement ring and knew that my life wouldn't hold a lot of moments like this- not if I was going to be the queen that the vampires needed. This trip suddenly became my moment, my time to be me before I had to be what they needed and wanted me to be. I would be the best queen they had, the one that would change what needed to be changed, but I would always be able to go back to this moment and remember my calm. Yes, this was a good choice. I shook my head and went downstairs to move my bike.

  When I came back in Moira was watching a small television behind the counter. She looked quite content. She was even knitting something that was blue and she had clearly just started. I smiled.

  “Never too soon to start making things fer him.” She waved the beginnings of what I thought to be a hat at me as I waved to her.

  “I couldn't agree more. I'm sure he'll look beautiful in it. Have you a name for him yet?” I leaned on the counter.

  “No, but I like Michael, or Patrick. Or maybe Liam, Diarmuid... hmm, I'll have to talk to my fear céile.” Her laugh was cheery.

  “I think those are all fine names for a nice Irish lad. Perhaps all of them. I know my friend that is from here has like five or six names.” I laughed.

  “Aye, that they probably do. We do like to give names.” She smiled. “Was there something that yah were needing?”

  “Actually, I was wondering if it was usually okay for people to stroll up by that school over on the other side there?” I thrust my thumb over my shoulder.

  “Aye. I've never heard any other. Are yah planning on going out fer a walk then?” She eyed the door enviously.

  “I thought I might pop up there and look around. It was something I saw when we flew over.” I smiled at her as I pulled on my coat and newsboy hat.

  “Well, be safe. Just call the inn if yah need anything. The school people aren't as welcoming to folks as most in these parts.” She shifted uncomfortably in her chair.

  “No worries, Moira. I've a friend up there. Do you need anything before I head over? Honestly?” I eyed her tea cup.

  “No, dear. I've got me a full pot right here.” She patted a small tea pot I hadn't noticed earlier. “Yah go and have fun.”

  “Okay, well if you need anything, just phone my cell.” It was my contact number, I turned and left- I really hoped she would call if she needed anything, I felt for her.

  The walk over was quick enough for me. I memorized the landscape in case I needed to know any of the small details. I really didn't know how Acacia, Mike's fiancée, would receive me being here or if the school would get all bent out of shape. I also had no clue if they taught werewolves to kill vampires at this school. My heartbeat jumped up with the thought that I might have to fight for my life. It created a giddy feeling. I secretly wanted that kind of excitement in my life, I wasn't sure that being a politician was where my heart truly was.

  I sent out mental probes to get a feel for the students and school itself once I got closer to the actual structure. The day was becoming seriously overcast and a light drizzle had started so there was not a lot of outside activity going on. I tried to feel for Mike, but it was near impossible with so many werewolves around. Their presence seemed to create a constant flow of energy. It took me about half an hour before I realized that he was outside. I followed the probing back to him as quickly as I could. I didn't want to be noticed.

  He was alone when I finally got to him. He was walking around a lake of sorts. His beautiful auburn hair was slick with the light drizzle. His bright green eyes were lost in thought as he threw stones onto the gray surface of the water. I wasn't sure how to approach him.

  Mike. I sent the word to his mind.

  “Emma?” His eyes came back to this moment, but he shook his head like he had imagined it.

  Mike, turn around. I was behind a tree close to the edge of the water.

  I watched him turn slowly. I stepped out from behind the tree. His face lit up. I stood my ground- I wasn't sure how he would react. He took a timid step towards me, then it was as though he decided the hell with caution and ran to me. He caught me in a hug.

  “Emma! How did you get here?” His scent was so familiar that it made my heart pang.

  “Well, I didn't walk all this way, obviously.” I laughed.

  “No shit, Sherlock. When did you get here, how long are you staying? Damn, I've missed you.” He pulled back and stared at my face- his thumb rubbed my cheek gently.

  “Whoa, whoa. Slow down, Cowboy. One question at a time. I got here this afternoon, I'm here for a week. And I've missed you too.” I took his hand and led him further into the trees I was using as cover.

  “How about we walk by the water?” He smiled his crooked smile at me, and my heart melted.

  “I think it might be safer if we stayed closer to the tree line.” I tried not to say that I was worried that his werewolf buddies would rip my heart out.

  “Oh, shit. That's right. What are you doing here?! Em, it's dangerous!” His brows pulled together.

  “Hey, hey. This was my choice. I needed to see you.” I knew I needed to tell him about the wedding.

  “But if they find you here, I don't know how they will react. This area is vampire-free. Your scent will be everywhere. Shit.” Worry was clouding his eyes.

  “I've got something to show you, but you have to promise not to freak the devil out, okay?” I looked at him with big eyes.

  “Em, I know that look. You know you can trust me.” He crossed his arms across his chest.

  “Okay, stay right there.” I stepped behind a larger tree and took off my clothes. I changed into my wolf form.

  “Alright, but what are you doing back there?” His voice was curious.

  I stepped back out, in my black wolf form. He jumped.

  “Emma!” He yelled for me. I stepped closer to him.

  Mike, it's me. I sent the words to him.

  “What the...” He bent down and looked me in the eye.

  I promise, Michael, it's me, Emma. My tongue lolled out of my mouth.

  “How?” He stepped back, and I sat back on my haunches.

  Well, surely you know how vampires can shapeshift. Well, I'm the first that can shift into a wolf. I smiled at him.

  “Wow.” He
got closer and smelled the air. “You smell so... so wolf like. Maybe you should stay like that.” He nodded to himself.

  Um, what about my clothes? I knew my scent would be on them as well.

  “Your clothes...” Mike's face flushed a brilliant crimson.

  Yes, my outer wear. I can't shift in and out with them on. Do you guys? I was generally curious about werewolves, even more so because I had this talent.

  “Well, some can. I can't, yet.” He looked down at his scoffed Docs.

  Hey, clearly you aren't alone. I yipped at him.

  “Let me grab your clothes. Then my scent should mask yours somewhat. I've just missed you so much, Em.” He walked behind the tree and grabbed my things.

  I know whatcha mean. I've got something else to tell you. I didn't want this nice conversation to spin into something uncomfortable, but I needed to be honest with him.

  “You know you can tell me anything and I'll accept it. So shoot.” He had my clothes in his hands and he was rubbing them up and down against himself.

  I'm getting married at the end of this month. But I had to see you. It's like part of my very soul calls out for you. I think I'm damaged. I sighed out a long breath.

  “Wow. I had heard something. Why come though, Em? You know how this all ends. It doesn't matter if you love me or I you, we have roles to play.” He sat on a rock by the edge of the trees, I padded up close to him and nudged him.

  I don't know, Mike. But I had to come. Maybe I'm just selfish, but I needed to see you... it wasn't just a want. I don't think I could do anything else. It was time to come. I felt his hand begin to stroke my fur.

  “You're really soft.” He laughed.

  That isn't how all of you guys are? I wasn't sure if he was changing the subject or just distracted.

  “Not this soft. It's nice... I know what you mean, Em. I was just out here thinking of you. It's been so hard not contacting you. I swear I saw you the other day. But it was like you were there, but then you weren't. I completely know what you mean.” He looked out over the water.