Bella Notte

by Jesse Kimmel-Freeman

  “It's a pleasure to meet the both of you as well. Em has said such wonderful things about her family; I was beginning to wonder if I would ever get to meet you.” Mike smiled, but I could tell that the tension my parents were emitting was making him nervous.

  I wonder what is up with them?

  Something felt strangely out of place. This was magnified when Mom and Dad excused themselves from the rest of the evening, saying they had promised friends to eat dinner with them. I knew it wasn't true but I wanted the coldness in the room to leave.

  “I don't think they like me,” Mike said with a frown. “Maybe it's the way I'm dressed or something.” I looked at him and then looked down at what I was wearing. We both broke out in laughter.

  “Sure, that's it, and secretly they hate the way I dress too.” I smiled at him, but I was really worried about what took place.

  “Maybe I should head home, Em. You've had a long afternoon.” His smile disappeared and he was slightly frowning again.

  I didn't know how to answer- I always loved spending time with Mike, but I wanted to know what was up with my parents. I decided to compromise.

  “How about we eat something first? We'll go to the little pizza place in town. And then you only have halfway to go alone.” I smiled triumphantly.

  “Alright, Em, but then I'm heading home. It's getting late and I don't have an awesome excuse to stay home tomorrow.” He gave me a fake smile.

  “Why on Earth would I stay home when I get to spend more time with you?” I fluttered my eyelashes at him.

  “You're impossible, Emma!” He grabbed me in a tight bear hug.

  As impossible as he thought I was, he and I drove back to town and ate some cheesy pizza at the little hole in the wall Italian place. The silence that filled most of time drove me insane, I had to break it.

  “Maybe they're worried that I'm becoming a snob or something, being that your family's the only other rich ones around.” I mumbled through an exceptionally cheesy bite.

  “I doubt that, Em. It was something else. Maybe our parents don't get along,” he suggested with a shrug.

  “No way. I never even heard of your family really.” I knew it had to be something; I wasn't sure what it was.

  “Maybe that's my point.” He slipped back into silence.

  The rest of our time together passed in the same way- silent. I wanted to scream that it would all be okay, but I knew Mike wouldn't listen right now. Something was as wrong as he thought. I didn't know what it was- yet … but I'd find out.

  “Don't worry so much, Mike, I'm sure that there's nothing wrong. And if there is something, I'll figure it out.” I smiled at him.

  “I know, Em, I guess it was an odd reaction to me or something. Next time, I'm sure they'll love me.” He smiled in reply, but it was forced.

  “Okay, let me know when you get home so I know you're okay, alright?” I said as we got up from the table.

  “You know I will, love ya, Em.” He kissed my cheek and beckoned his two-wheeled monster to life.

  I watched as he headed toward the highway that led to his house. I wanted to make it all better, I knew something was wrong. I wanted to sit and hold Mike until I was sure that his mood passed. That would have to wait until I found out what was going on. I got in my own four wheeled beast and drove.

  By the time I got home, both my parents and grandparents were home- big surprise to me. It was late so I left my car in the driveway knowing I'd probably be running late tomorrow. I slipped in the kitchen door and that's when I heard them in the dining room. My parents and grandparents were sitting at the table, deep in conversation. I inched toward the door that was slightly ajar and listened.

  “Are you sure that she didn't suspect anything from your reaction to him?” Winfred asked with a tone of urgency I had never heard my grandmother use.

  “Yes, Mother. I'm sure. We were so shocked to have one of them in our house,” William said, exasperated.

  “Honey, he hasn't changed yet- maybe he won't. You know she really likes him.” Edwina's voice was full of hope.

  “You know as well as I do- just as she'll change, so will he. I could smell it. The change has started in them- even if they've not noticed the signs yet.” William's voice was completely void of the hope my mother's voice held.

  “I think perhaps this conversation is best left for when the house is again empty … and not so easily overheard.” Alfred's voice traveled closer and I knew I had to move.

  I ran as quietly as I could up the stairs and into my room. I figured I might be getting a visit from Grandpa, but before he got up to me I needed to think about what I'd heard. Mom and Dad reacted to him that way because of something he was- different from what we were.

  I sat back on my bed and that's when I remembered the strange vision I'd had during my dance lessons today. I knew that it held something important and it had to do with what they were talking about, but there were no clues as to what. My mind wouldn't work the way I wanted it to.

  “Emma.” The voice was gentle and I knew it was Grandpa.

  “Yeah, Grandpa.” My voice quivered and I hoped he didn't notice.

  He pushed my door open and came and sat next to me.

  “Sometimes we learn things that we don't understand, at least not at the moment. When that happens, know that all the questions that are brought up by this information will be answered at the right time.” His voice carried a gentle air of wisdom.

  He rose to leave.

  “Grandpa...” My words trailed.

  “Yes, sweetheart.” His eyes sparkled.

  “Will Mom and Dad make me stop seeing Mike?” I couldn't hide the tears that began to streak down my face.

  “Oh, honey. Don't worry. You can still see your friend.” He wiped a single tear with his soft cool hand and then left my room.

  I didn't know what to think, but I did know I could still see Mike and I didn't care what they thought we were becoming. With that I fell into the shaded world of sleep.

  When I woke the next morning I was already late. My cell buzzed on my deep cherry nightstand. I grabbed it and it said, “one new text message.” I clicked the OK button when I was prompted to read it.

  “Em, Get up! You're late already!! See ya soon!” It was from Mike, and he was right- I'd slept through first period.

  I threw on some jeans, a t-shirt, and my boots. I ran out to my truck and found Grandpa had stuck a note inside excusing me for being late. How does he always know?

  I got in and sped to school. I made it to second period as the class was starting. Mike sat at our usual table and greeted me with a head nod.

  “Always got to get you outta bed,” he said with a smile.

  I knew that yesterday had been forgotten, so I wouldn't bring it up.

  “Yeah, well, I was awake- just not functioning yet,” I grumbled.

  You could try getting me into bed. The thought came and went and left a rosy tint to my cheeks.

  “Bad thoughts as usual?” he said, shaking his head as he gently touched my now burning cheek.

  “I don't know what you're talking about.” I knew the guilt was written on my face.

  The day passed as they usually did and soon it was Thursday, the day before my birthday- I was scared. I'd asked Mike to come, but he still hadn't given me an answer. My parents hadn't told me he couldn't come, they said that he might not feel comfortable with all our family there from Europe and the others that they'd invited. I knew I needed his answer today and that I wouldn't get upset if he decided not to go.

  Today is unusually bright and sunny. I grimaced as the sun glared off a bench and into my eyes for like the hundredth time. I was waiting for Mike outside his shop class. It took me all day to build up the nerve to talk to him about tomorrow. Miss Ashley said I could go early today, saying something about her knowing all the preparations that still needed to be done for my celebration tomorrow. So, instead of heading home, I took the opportunity to clear my mind and figure out how to
talk to Mike about tomorrow. I couldn't do it then since I wouldn't be in school due to the high volume of guests coming into town. I sat on the table in the cafeteria closest to the shop and stared at the shut brick red door. I never could understand why that door was red.

  I don't know what to say to him. I wonder why he hasn't mentioned it. Maybe it's time to start to talk to him about the dream and about the vision I had two weeks ago. I don't know how we've managed not to talk about it all.

  I sighed and the bell rang- Mike was the last one out of the room.

  “Hey slowpoke.” I waved him over to the shiny beige table.

  “Hiya, Em. Whatcha doing out here?” he asked without looking surprised to see me.

  “Well ... I was wondering if you're gonna come tomorrow.” I waited to see some clue as to what his response would be, but nothing showed.

  “Em ... I asked my parents and they said I'm not allowed to go because I have family obligations. Apparently, we have some family coming into town as well.” He frowned and looked away.

  I never want to see him frown ... I hate it.

  “No worries, Mike. My parents said you'd probably be bored stiff since it's only family and all.” My fake smile began to crack.

  “I hope its lots of fun ... even though it is only family. I'm gonna miss ya tomorrow- I'm stuck at our house welcoming people. Ugh!”He led the conversation and our direction out of the cafeteria.

  “I hope you don't go postal and kill anyone. I mean you don't even have a party to link the craziness too!” Awkwardness snaked in the pit of my stomach as I joked half-heartedly. My mood began to darken like thick rain clouds rolling in. What's the point of a birthday party if I can't spend it with whom I want?

  “Hey, I got you something ... I know you told me not to and all ... but I thought it could be something we share. Here, open it.” I could read the nervousness on his face as he handed me a black wrapped present with a green satin ribbon.

  I untied the ribbon and tied it into a head band for my hair. Then I took one high glossed crimson polished nail and cut through the tape holding together the thick black paper. I slid back the flaps to reveal a book.

  It was thick, worn sienna colored leather, and the pages looked out of sorts. I ran my hand along the edge and fell in love with the texture of the aged pages. I looked up at Mike and the tears started to stream down my cheeks. God, I am such a baby.

  “Mike ...” My words got caught in my sob.

  “Em, if you don't like it- maybe you'll like its contents.” He frowned again completely misunderstanding my reaction.

  “I love it!” I shouted and hugged him.

  “Oh! Great! Well, then you'll love the inside.” He smiled.

  I opened the book to the middle and found it blank. I decided to thumb back toward the front. That's when I found his small and scratchy handwriting. I looked up confused.

  “It's kinda like a journal. I thought we could write to each other. The first entry is of why I think I knew you right away.” He looked down at his boots.

  “Oh, Mike! This is the best present ever! I was just thinking about how we never talked about that. I can't wait to read it,” I said as I started to turn toward the front again.

  He stopped me. “Not now, later. And then you have to write about how you thought you knew me, okay?” He smiled and grabbed his helmet. “I gotta go now, Em. Promise you'll let me know when your party is over and, hopefully, I'll be able to see you, okay?” He shoved his shiny red helmet on.

  “Mike, wait. Take your helmet off.” I said it as calm and collected as I could but I was scared of what I was about to do.

  Mike took his helmet off and looked curiously at me. He was about to open his mouth to say something when I threw myself at him. His shock was momentary and soon his lips responded to mine.

  Being this close seemed to cause a flood of emotions to pass through us, between one another. I could hear his blood flowing through his body and I could smell the change of his body- to lust. I don't know how long we kissed, but I do know that when it ended, I was more connected to Mike than I ever thought possible. Mike stared at me as his normally tan face returned from the red hue it had taken on.

  “I wanted to let you know that I love the present and I hope that you have a great time tomorrow. Okay, bye.” It all tumbled out as I hopped in my Jeep- and then I sped off. I love him! I never thought I would be one of those foolish people to fall in love, but I guess I am.

  When I looked up in my rear-view window, I saw that beautiful red bike following me. I had already driven passed my house- I didn't even realize it. I turned onto the trail that led up to the old mines. I parked my Jeep and got out. Mike stopped his bike and watched me to see if I would object to his company.

  “Em, you know we both should be heading home.” He was always the voice of reason.

  “So, head home then. Otherwise, come and grab my hand and walk with me.” I stuck out my tongue and held out my hand. He took it. We walked together in silence through the thick trees. I never walked this part of the forest before but it somehow felt familiar.

  The sun was hiding behind the clouds making the sky look as though it was set on fire- it was beautiful. We stepped out into a clearing and we both froze. Fear gripped my heart and I could feel the sweat beginning to flow between our hands. I looked at Mike and I understood what the front of journal held. We both knew this place from our dreams. I took a step back – I was afraid.

  “Don't be afraid, Emma. We're together and I'm not going anywhere.” Mike's voice sounded trance like to me.

  “Mike, I don't know what your dreams held for you, but this place never brings anything other than trouble. I'm afraid. I don't want to lose you.” My voice trembled and I pulled back on his arm as he stepped forward.

  “My dreams have always haunted me- always ending badly. But I'm drawn to the place that I've seen for most of my life.” He seemed so distant to me.

  I stepped in front of him, placed my hands on either side of his face and made him make eye contact. “We can come back during the day, okay? You said yourself that we should both be heading home.” I wanted to cry, but then I saw the focus come back into his eyes. Thank God.

  “Okay, Em. We'll come back some other day.” He smiled and turned. “Oh, by the way...” He grabbed me and kissed me fiercely and hard. “I owed you one.” He walked back to his bike and waited for me to get back to my car.

  “Okay, I guess I'll see you later, Mike,” I mumbled and I got into my black beauty.

  We both drove together until my turn off where Mike waved bye to me and kept driving. I pulled into the garage and realized that the house was ablaze with lights- both inside and out. Great, now I have to deal with all the family.

  I sighed and walked toward the kitchen door. Why do I even have to have a big party?

  I walked into the living room and my mouth dropped open. The entire room was transformed into the room from my dream. This is crazy!

  “Honey, I'm glad you're home, I was getting worried,” my mother cooed at me.

  “Eh, sorry I'm late. I wanted to hang out with Mike since I won't see him tomorrow.” I shrugged. God I hate it when she tries the everyday parent thing.

  “Oh, I'm sorry your friend can't make it. But don't worry; you'll have plenty of company.” She smiled and I could see the relief on her face.

  “Mom, I know we've not talked about any of the details of this whole thing. But I was thinking I'd wear my black satin dress.” I wanted to get her mind off of Mike.

  “That reminds me. Your grandmother and I got you the most wonderful present. And your grandfather got you something as well,” she said as she crossed the living room over to our ancient Chinese cabinet. That's when she opened the cabinet and pulled out a lusciously wrapped present in sage green and a small black velvet box. She handed both items to me.

  “The black one is from your grandfather and the other is from your grandmother and me.” She smiled and waited for me to open them
.

  I opened Grandpa's gift first. The soft black velvet felt wonderful in my hands. Maybe this is why Mom and Grandma always buy jewelry? The lid clicked open and I moved a soft beige cloth to see the trinket inside. That's when I saw the sparkle of emeralds.

  Within this tiny box, I found a pair of small studs, a small pendant, a studded bracelet, and a medium-sized hairpin. It was the hairpin that caught my attention. It wasn't large or gaudy, it was shaped like a bat and it was meant to hold up my hair. The bat must be Grandpa trying to make it more 'me'. But I know that hairpin, I've seen it before. But where have I seen it? Oh my God ... it was from my dream!

  That's when I tore the paper off the other present. I didn't care about the beautifully textured sage green paper or the fact that I sliced my pinky open in my haste. The smell of blood assaulted my olfactory nerves, but I ignored it. I pulled the box apart, pushed the pale pink tissue paper aside, and saw the shiny golden satin. My hands trembled as I lifted the dress out of the box. The empire cut was the same as my dream as well as the slight train that flowed down the back. I think I'm losing my mind.

  My mother mistook my shear shock for excitement. “I'm so glad that you like it, honey. Well, I have things to take care of before everyone starts to arrive.” She gave me a quick kiss on the cheek and walked out of the room.

  I sat on the floor and only stared. What does it all mean?

  I really wanted to call Mike, but I knew he had people coming over. Instead, I decided to go up to the widow's walk and write in the journal.

  The walk through the house was surreal. We had a staff on for the weekend. Everyone and everything seemed to be moving around me as I moved in slow-motion. I walked up the stairs and into my room. I switched the journal for the dress on my bed and climbed up the ladder in the top right corner of my room that lead up to the attic. The attic and its widow's walk were my places to be alone.