Bella Vita

by Jesse Kimmel-Freeman

  I'm making things worse for you. I'm sorry. How's Acacia? I hoped things were going well for him with her.

  “Well, we're going to be married next year. I love her and all, but she isn't you. Dammit. Emma.” He sighed into his hands.

  I grabbed my clothes from him with my teeth and rolled over on them a few more times. I moved back into the cover and shifted back. I walked out smelling like a dog. It was an interesting experience.

  “Look, Mike. I'm sorry. I really didn't mean to cause more problems. I don't even know what I was hoping to find here.” I walked over to him and bent down in front of him.

  “It isn't your fault. You know that. It's like we were born in the wrong lives or bodies or something. If I wasn't this and you weren't that... then we'd be together.” He was gesturing wildly with his arms.

  “Yes, but if we weren't us, then we wouldn't be the same people either. It's part of us.” I smiled at him, I really had missed him

  “Ugh. Why do you have to say the right things, right now? Can't you lie to me? Tell me I'm right. That for once, even though there's no way now, if life had been different we could've been together, Emma?” He grabbed my arms, his eyes were desperate.

  “I'm not going to lie to you, Mike. I've always tried to be honest with you. You've been through a lot with me. You are part of me. It doesn't matter that I'm a vampire and you're supposed to be my sworn enemy. No, that doesn't matter. You've been a part of me since I was a little girl. When no one else was there, you were- in my dreams. I know at times it feels like it would be easier if they could be erased, but it would change us. You've helped to make me, me.” I reached up and placed my hand on his cheek.

  “Dammit, Emma.” He shook his head.

  “Don't worry so much, Mike.” I laughed.

  “Look, I've got to head back in now. Where are you staying? I'll come to you. It's too dangerous for you here. I don't know what I'd do if anything happened to you.” His green eyes turned soft.

  “I'm at the little inn on the other side of the hill. I could say the same for you, you know.” I stepped back.

  “Walk towards the other side of the lake. Then shift and head back the way you came. If your scent is strong enough, they will come after you. It really isn't safe for you here.” He hugged me again.

  “Okay, don't worry, Mike. I'll see you around.” I walked away.

  Getting back into my room unseen took a little ingenuity. I figured if I was seen running around naked that things wouldn't look so well for me. I had checked the garden area for a place to change back, but there were people in the back. I waited near the door, in the shadow of a storage shack. When I saw Moira walk out, I shot out from behind it and into the house. I made sure that no one was ahead of me and rushed into my room. I dropped my clothes on the floor and shifted back into my human form. I grabbed the robe from the back of the door and went to my window. I could see Moira shifting the dirt around- gardening.

  “Excuse me, Moira, is it okay if I take a shower?” I shouted down to her.

  “No problem. Go right ahead, honey, I was just about to get dinner started.” She smiled up at me.

  “Thank you.” I smiled back at her, and then grabbed my bathroom stuff from my bag and went to get cleaned up.

  The entire experience was different than back home. The shower hung over an ancient, yet beautiful, crawl-footed bathtub. There was a clear plastic curtain that wrapped around it all. The water itself was soft, but not the same feel as home. It was like I was suddenly in someone else's shoes. I wasn't sure how I felt about that either.

  When I got out of the shower I felt more like me. I smelled like I did, no longer like I was trying to mask my scent in dog. I knew that when I was in my wolf form, I didn't smell entirely like Mike did- not even close, but I also didn't smell like a vampire either. I was something else- something different. It was strange to feel like an outcast amongst creatures that I always thought were fictional, but I knew the feeling too well.

  I shuffled down the hallway in my warm robe, and I felt like that the happiness I had experienced earlier had been zapped out of me. I sighed.

  In my room, I pulled on some comfy jeans, a tank top, and a large hoodie. I wanted to go to sleep, but I knew I needed to go and eat some of the delicious smelling food. I was certain that Moira went out of her way to make something special for me.

  The steps creaked ever so slightly as I walked downstairs. I followed my nose into a small, but quaint dining area. I was in need of some blood, so I mixed a few drops into the cranberry juice that was sitting on the table for me. I went to ask if she needed any help, but I found her talking animatedly to a tall gentleman with deep reddish color hair and a beard. I quietly stepped back into the dining area and sat down. I could hear their merriment. Moira had told her husband what I had said about having a boy, it was clear that she believed me- the husband was happy, but trying to make sure that Moira didn't get too carried away. I could feel for the guy, but I knew that he would have nothing to worry about- and that he would get to play ball with his son every Sunday after church. It warmed my heart.

  The door opened and Moira's husband came in, his mind circled the possibilities that they would have a boy. His head was filled with excitement.

  “Oh, I didn't see yah there.” He nearly dropped the serving dish he was carrying.

  “No worries. I'm Emma Hutchinson.” I smiled, rose, and stuck out my hand.

  “Nice to meet yah.” He put the plate on the table, his face dimpled as his smiled while shaking my hand. “I'm Patrick. I've heard quite a bit about yah, Miss Hutchinson.”

  “Please, call me Emma.” I laughed.

  “How are yah enjoying yer trip so far, Emma?” As he shifted things on the table, his strong arms cut into my view.

  “It's been nice. I have a friend up at the school.” I was trying hard not to think about the chaos I might be causing for these nice people.

  “Did she come down?” Moira's bubbly voice drifted in from the kitchen.

  “Aye, she did.” Her husband shouted back.

  “Oh, hi Miss Emma. Did everything go well with the bathroom?” Moira smiled as she brought in another platter of food, her cheeks were flushed- her husband took it from her.

  “Yes, quite well. I love this place.” I gestured to the inn.

  “Aye, we do too. Oh, where are my manners. This is my husband Patrick. Patrick, this is Emma Hutchinson.” She beamed at us.

  “Thank you, but Patrick introduced himself to me before you came out.” I chuckled.

  “Well, see there are some good manners in yah yet, Pattie.” She laughed.

  “Yep. I was just talking to Emma about the things I've heard about her.” There was something dark about the way he said it, it made me want to probe his mind for what was there.

  “Please, Patrick, the things yah hear at the pub aren't true.” She shook her head and rolled her eyes.

  “But...” He started.

  “No, none of that nonsense at my table. Please just ignore him. He heard stories at the pub that he's now convinced are true.” She sighed.

  “About me?” I was semi-curious.

  “Yep.” Patrick said.

  “I'd like to know. I promise to tell the truth, if they're true.” I smiled at him.

  “Are yah sure, Miss Emma? I told him earlier to just let it alone.” She was shaking her head again as she began to serve the food.

  “Oh, I can do that, you look a bit tired, Moira.” I reached for the plate.

  “No, dear, I've got this. I enjoy this.” She smiled at me.

  “Okay, so Patrick, what are these great tales?” I turned my attention to him.

  “Well, um...” He was clearly uncomfortable with such direct attention on him.

  “Well?” I laughed. “I promise I don't bite.”

  “Eh, I, um, heard some rumors that yah were a... yah know.. a vampire. I know them kids up at that school are wolves, we see them up on the hill at night. It's part of the reason the
y let us keep this land. We don't say anything, but if yer one of 'em I don't see a problem saying it to yah.” His face was a glorious red and he was staring down at the table.

  Moira was embarrassed and looked from him to me with deer eyes, that slowly turned from shock to utter embarrassment. I could hear her thoughts praying to God for patience, and forgiveness, and that I wouldn't get upset.

  I laughed. “Well, do you wanna know the truth?” I cocked an eyebrow at him.

  “Aye, that I do.” His blue eyes burned with desire.

  “If I tell you, then you can't say anything to anyone- even the pub folk. It could put you in danger.” My face was serious.

  “I'd still like to know, especially if it's something that I'll have to protect my family from.” I felt honored to be in his presence for his desire to keep his family safe.

  “I'm a vampire. The school is one for werewolves. However, you're not supposed to know anything about this. Knowing it can put you in danger. So it's best that you just pretend you don't know anything. I like you guys. I'd like to help fund this establishment. I can tell that you guys are strapped for cash- perhaps the school is hoping that you'll fold. But the wolves don't like my kind, and I don't like what they're doing with your business.” I smiled at them.

  “Miss Emma! You know the rules!” She shrieked at me.

  “I had a feeling you already knew what I was. The cranberry juice isn't typically the choice of beverages that are served at the dinner table here. I do appreciate the dark liquid, but it wasn't necessary. I could always take care of those cravings at another time.” I smiled at her.

  “How... how did yah know that she was one, Moira?” Patrick looked at his wife like she was an alien.

  “Women often know more than the men folk.” She laughed.

  “I've a feeling my grandpa has been through here recently. Perhaps even my parents. Our kind is probably the majority of the business that you get because there is a protection on the school that includes your home here- it acts to deter people. It doesn't affect us because we're not so sensitive to the cold.” I shook my head at the wolves foolish belief that the vampires would stay away just because of the proximity to the school.

  “Patrick, don't worry. This is how we survive. I've known since the first ones we served. Emma is merely part of the line. Although she is the first to offer to help us. I'd like to take yah up on yer offer. With Liam on the way, I don't want things to be even more strapped. What do yah want to do here, Emma?” She sat down after she handed everyone a plate.

  “Absolutely nothing. I merely want to supply what you need.” I took a bite of the Irish stew in front of me.

  “But I don't understand. Why would yah want to do something like that if yer not getting anything in return?” Moira shook her head at me.

  “I feel connected to this place. I'd like a room that I could come to anytime, but other than that.. I want nothing. I'll provide you with the funds you need to run the place, hire on staff if you desire, even expand. It's entirely up to you.” It felt odd putting the proposition out like this, but I guess all things happen for a reason.

  “Just to have a room? That's all? Why?” Moira was suspicious of things that came too easily, it was trait that I treasured.

  “Vampires typically are involved in many things. However, I've no interest in the opera charity or constructing whatever for a third world country, I know that makes me a bit on the heartless side. But I find that the things that you care about the most are the things that you're willing to get behind with your money. I know that money is a concept that you and I think about differently, but I wouldn't just throw it away. I know this place is amazing. You guys are amazing people. And I want to be able to say that this place was like a second home for me... and that you guys are taken care of. You feel like you're part of my family already.” I smiled hoping that they might begin to understand just what I was feeling for them and this place.

  “I don't want us to be yer charity case. And I won't sell my family's land to yah.” Moira was still trying to figure out what my angle was.

  “Look, I'm not going to try to swindle you out of your land, nor do I think of you as a charity. This is an investment for me. What if you guys became an inn for mainly vampires? I'm not saying that you stop your services for whatever humans make it through their protection shield, I'm merely saying that you could increase your business by catering to my kind. And I'm willing to be a silent business investor for that. Is that a better way to put it?” I was trying to make a way for them to see what I was saying.

  “I'm not sure. I mean, yah guys are the reason we're still here. But to specifically take yah in. What would that even entail?” I could feel her mind thinking, considering the idea- not dismissing it at all.

  “Well, I guess you'd have to have a fridge stocked with blood. But I think that would be it. We are pretty self-reliant. The blood would only be courtesy, most of us carry our own with us. You wouldn't have to change anything. This place has its own beauty. I think I might hire someone just to make sure that everything was secure and people were properly checked before being allowed to stay here, to make sure everyone was safe.” I nodded my head in agreement with myself.

  “Yah really think there would be enough business to do background checks?” I could see the hope light in her eyes.

  “Yes I do. Especially if I recommended this place to people. Unfortunately, I've way too much say in my world.” I laughed at this small fact that I felt such a strong grudge at.

  “Yah... would do that?” Patrick finally spoke.

  “Of course, I would! I love this place. Didn't I already say that?” I chuckled.

  “Moira, this could be the answer to our problems.” He beamed at her, I could hear her thoughts circling the idea as well, but she still wasn't sure.

  “Emma, I'd like to think about this. I want to be able to discuss this fully with Patrick as well as the rest of those that would be involved. I won't mention the vampire factor, don't worry about that.” She smiled.

  “Oh, don't worry, you can have all the time you need. If you haven't decided by the time I leave, then I'll contact you at a later time. Now, let's enjoy this delicious meal.” I began to eat my food again. I wanted to taste each flavor. It was so different from what I normally ate.

  After dinner, I went to my room. The moon was rising and it was hard to resist the urge to go and explore. I knew that the pack would be out tonight, the moon would be too much of a call for them. I was able to resist it, but they were governed by the glorious orb in the sky. I wanted to go out and explore the land. I knew that in my wolf form I could cover most of Ireland in one night, and I could see all the sites. But that desire was seriously dimmed when I saw the first wolf form appear on the hill that separated the inn from the school. I closed my window and decided that I should just go to bed instead.

  The morning rose too soon for my eyes. In the bright room it was like the sun was in the room with me. I glared at the cheery walls and all the glory that the sun was causing to greet me first thing. It was not what I wanted to do. I mentally thought that I should buy a darker curtain for the window, at least for while I was there.

  I rolled out of bed and rubbed at my tired eyes. Today I would get to look around the area. I wanted to make sure that I kept my scent from building up too much around the inn. I didn't need the wolves to come knocking at the door. I pulled out some clothes and quickly brushed my hair and teeth in the sink. I got dressed and headed downstairs.

  Moira was sitting at the front desk. She was wearing a pretty light green dress. It made her skin look like peaches and cream. She was reading the morning paper and sipping on some tea.

  “Top of the morning to you.” I laughed as I said it.

  “Good morning, Emma.” She smiled at me. “There's breakfast on the table for yah.”

  “Thanks.” I said as I bounced into the dining area. I wasn't sure what it was, but it was delicious. The tea was alright- nothing like my morn
ing cocoa back home. Thinking of home made me want to check in with them.

  Dominic? I sent the word to him.

  Emma? Are you alright? He sounded so worried.

  Yep, I'm fine. I just wasn't sure if you'd be up yet. How's everything? I smiled at his words.

  Oh. School is good. I had dinner with your grandparents last night. They're helping me sort out the stuff with the palace for when we're married. It was interesting to say the least. His laugh filled my mind.

  I can only imagine. I think I'm going to do some local sightseeing today, do you want me to bring you anything back? I wanted him to know that I was thinking about him.

  Um, let me think. Nope. Just you. I miss you. Dom's words were like a gentle stroke in my mind.

  I miss you too, but I think this trip is good for me. I'm having a great time. And I might have found a business venture for myself. I felt really happy about the inn.

  Really? What is it? His curiosity took over.

  I can't tell you yet. Not until I have more definite answers about whether or not it'll be happening. Okay, well I'm gonna go. I'll call tonight. I was glad I heard his voice.

  Okay, I love you, mia bella. Have a nice day. I felt him pull away and I broke the connection.

  “Wow, that is interesting to watch.” Moira was standing in the doorway- leaning on it.

  “Um, yeah. I was contacting my fiancé back in Italy.” I smiled at her.

  “I figured. You mind if I sit down with yah?” For once, she didn't look so sure.

  “No, go right ahead.” I gestured to the chair across from me.

  “So I want to talk to yah about yer offer.” She sat across from me, but put her legs up on the chair next to her.

  “Of course. I figured there would be several chats before you made your decision.” I placed my hands on the table in front of me.

  “Well, I want to accept yer offer. But I want yer word that if things don't work out that yah won't just pull the funding right away and that yah will be understanding that this is going to be an adjustment for us.” She shifted slightly in her seat.