“Mr. and Mrs. Boucher, may I have the pleasure to introduce Miss Emma Hutchinson.” He smiled as he gestured toward me.
“Oh, most welcome, Emma. We hope that this affair will make more sense to you later, after your change.” The tall white haired woman said. She wore a very simple black dress that covered her arms, and legs.
“Thank you very much, Mrs. Boucher. I am honored to have been invited to such an occasion, under the circumstances. I know that some alterations had to be made due to my presence.” I smiled and bowed my head.
“I requested that certain things be changed for you, Emma. I do hope you don't mind. But your family has always held one of the oldest traditions and I did not want to impose on it, even though I very much so wanted you here,” Amelie said and I picked up on the French accent instantaneously.
“Well, then thank you very much, Amelie. I am terribly excited. I wish you a wonderful evening. I do hope that we will be able to talk at some point tonight.” I once again smiled, bowed, and moved on.
Dominic led me around the room pointing out people, some of whom I was sure I had seen at the club. The room was very full and everyone was wearing black. It felt like some really fancy funeral. This is so weird. Black everywhere! The decor wasn't black, and it was definitely influenced by France, but it was different. There was lots of stuff that looked like it might have belonged to Louis the XIV. I found it far more interesting to look at my surroundings than look at the hundreds of people that were packing into this huge room- I did not like being in large crowds.
There was an announcement of some kind, but we could not hear anything from where we were- then I heard the music. I sighed.
Dominic reached out his hand. “May I have this dance, my lady?”
I smiled and accepted.
We glided around the room in a circular pattern with everyone around us doing the same thing. It was like something out of a planned movie scene. Perhaps it was more of an old black and white film than anything else. The problem with everyone wearing black was how easily it all flowed into a large black blur as we swirled around the room.
The song ended and I stepped out of the dancing floor.
“Do you think that you could find me something to drink?” I asked through parched lips.
“But of course. I will be right back.” He smiled and disappeared into the crowd.
I backed up into the wall and stayed there. That is where Amelie found me. Her gown was like a fluffy princess dress, but, instead of it being a pretty pastel, it was midnight black. She wore a small tiara with the same stones in it as my necklace.
“Ah, Emma. I am glad that I have found you. I wanted to know how you were feeling? I heard things that make me suspect that your change is near. It can make you feel a bit ill before it happens.” Her brow crinkled with worry.
“I feel fine. Thank you for letting me know though. I, unfortunately, have not been told anything.” I forced a smile for her. What the devil is this change? Are we gypsies that turn into werewolves or witches that come into our powers at a certain age? My thoughts raced once more through the hundreds of possibilities that had all come from my vast knowledge of monster flicks.
She smiled back and I saw what I thought to be fangs. My mouth hung open. She noticed and closed her smile slightly. “What do you think of the party thus far?” She inquired.
No. Freaking. Way. There is no way she has fangs too. I thought back to my birthday and my memory of Dominic with fangs. Vampires? No, it couldn't be. There is no way I've lived my entire life with vampires and never noticed, it must be something else- something more logical.
“Well, it's quite festive. The dancing is fun.” I turned my head to search for Dom. What did she want me to say? I've never been to one before and it seems like it is just starting.
“Oh, wait til later. C'est très bon. There will be entertainment- fire breathers, palm readers, you know, that kind of thing. I wanted my celebration to be of my choice.” Her hazel eyes lit with excitement.
“I am sure it will all work beautifully.” I was saved by Dominic's appearance.
“Hello, Dom. I must be off. Do enjoy.” She waved as she walked away.
“That was interesting.” I sighed.
“I can only imagine. She's an odd one. She wanted to be my betrothed for the longest time. It was just to have the name though- no love there. I knew her party would be done down enough for you. Unfortunately, I doubt you will have much say at yours. It will be very traditional. I think she wanted to say that she had so and so at hers.” He laughed a hollow sound.
I looked at him and I could see that she wasn't liked much. I wonder why?
“Thank you for saving me and thank you for the drink.”
He smiled a true one and then we talked for a bit.
There was entertainment- it felt more like a circus than anything else. I was way too overdressed for this event, I would say- but then everyone else was. I could see what Dom had meant about being 'done down.' Many of the guests seemed to be thinking the same thing. Some looked at me with eyes that begged to be forgiven for even having me here- others looked at me like I could have been the cause. I didn't enjoy any of it. I don't like circuses.
The meal was short compared to my birthday meal and it wasn't very tasty. Everything was overcooked. Amelie did have a nice selection for dessert. I wonder how old she is? I must ask Dominic.
“Psst. Dom,” I whispered at his ear.
He turned straight into my face due to my lack of quick reflexes. He kissed my cheek to cover my mistake. “Psst, yes, mia bella.” I greatly enjoyed being called 'his beauty'.
“How old is she?” I wanted to know if I was a late bloomer or something.
“She is a bit late for this change. She is nineteen. Do not worry, it generally happens after the eighteenth birthday- your time is coming. With men it happens earlier. With me- it happened early.” He smiled.
I ate to be polite but I really wanted something tasty. It didn't have to be fancy- just edible.
“We'll eat after this- I promise. Would you prefer at home or on the way?” I guessed he noticed me moving even the dessert around my plate with my fork.
“I don't care. I am so hungry, I could eat a cow,” I said just above a whisper- someone giggled by me. I turned to look to find a little old woman. She smiled at me and winked.
“Don't worry, dearie, this ain't bangers and mash, but it ain't something better.” Her words were covered in a thick English accent. It was unrefined. I loved it.
“I don't believe I have had the pleasure of meeting you.” I extended my hand. “I am Emma Hutchinson.”
“Aye that ya are. I've been 'round fer quite some time. You, my dearie, are a far fetching bit of gossip. Tis sad when so many want what ya don't even know ya 'ave. Course, t'aint yer fault enuff of that stupid family with der silly traditions. And look at ya, so lost amongst dis nonsense.” She motioned with her hand. She looked like a crazy woman dressed up. I loved it. Her dress was long and layered- it was odd to say the least, but it suited her. Her hair was a mess and pinned up on her head. It was a mixed color of grays and blacks. She was beautiful in my eyes.
Dominic grabbed my hand in case there would be need for him.
“I do wish that they would tell me. But I am not to know. What is your name?” I asked her directly this time.
“Oh, me? I'm nobody of any importance. My name is Bettina Williams, but everyone calls me 'Batty Betty'.” She winked at me. “I lets them think it, since dey don't think I understands much these days … but I know. I know more than most. And I am da one who told them damned guttersnipes about ya. I am sorry for it now. As yer life will be changed for it, but not by what has been told.” She smiled a huge smile and I could see she had few teeth. Those which she did have were discolored. I began to understand why everyone thought she was a bit off.
“So, what's with the deception? I can easily tell you are intelligent. Why this charade?” I asked her bluntly in a lower whis
per. I watched Dom lean closer to hear what I said. I also noticed the shock on his face afterwards as he stared at me.
“I can see that I was correct about you, Emma dear. I knew you were a smart one. I still don't understand why you have not figured out anything, but perhaps that is intentional. You are right that I let them think me to be a fool, when in fact I can easily laugh at them for their foolishness. Thank you for not being fooled. I do think that your companion is having quite a bit of difficulty right now though. I am pleased to meet you. Please do call when your change has happened and I will tell you much more than anyone else.” She winked at me as she handed me her card. “Aye, that be a bit of mumbo jumbo magic child.” She rose and left the table.
“What happened?” Dominic looked at me incredulously.
“That woman easily fooled all the people who thought to think her a fool. I greatly enjoyed her company. I think I shall ask Grandpa to invite her to my 'celebration'.” I laughed to myself.
He stared for a moment as we rose from the table, but did not comment.
We left the evening after bidding farewell to our hosts and lying terribly by telling them how wonderful it all was. I wanted to laugh so much.
“So, Emma, home or out to eat?” Dominic asked as soon as we got in the car.
“What about everyone else? Are you hungry?” I asked to the others in the limo.
“No, darling, I couldn't touch anything without imagining that horrific meal,” my mother said with a sneer on her face.
“Sorry, dear. Grandma and I are quite tired. We'd like to go home,” Grandpa said with a frown.
“Dad, what about you?” I questioned my father.
“Oh, honey, I am not feeling that well.” He looked a little green around the gills.
I would have asked Dominic's family but he had taken care of that. Everyone wanted to go home.
“Well, that solves that. Home it is.” I kissed his cheek and leaned my head down. Home. It's funny how easily it comes out of my mouth in reference to where I am just a guest.
Grandpa sat next to me. He leaned over and whispered in my ear; “But it could be your home,” and then leaned away.
How does he know what I am thinking? I sighed. Could it be my home? Could I be so happy there? I was so miserable this morning … could I let go of my life at home? I just don't know. It needs time. I shook my head in agreement. Dominic tried to shift to make me more comfortable, obviously misunderstanding my head movement.
“Thank you,” I whispered to him.
He smiled.
When we got home, our company went to bed. Dominic and I went to change so we could eat together in the kitchen. The cooks had gone home for the evening, so we were in charge of feeding ourselves.
I met him in the kitchen in my sweats. My feet ached from the heels, so the cool tiles felt nice on my bare skin. He was already pulling things out of the fridge.
“So, what are we making?” I asked as I looked over the ingredients- artichokes, eggs, a lemon, some parsley, olive oil, dry white wine, and salt and pepper.
“We are not cooking. I am cooking for you. I am going to make you artichoke frittata. It is delicious. It is like an omelette but different. You will enjoy it.” He sounded absolutely sure of himself.
I sat and watched as he prepared the artichokes and placed them aside in water and lemon juice. Then as he beat the eggs and shook random amounts of salt and pepper into them. He sautéed the artichokes in the oil and wine. Then he threw in some more spices and then the eggs. It took only a few minutes but it was amazing to watch. I had never had someone close to me cook. Watching him cook was fun and exciting.
He cut it in half when he was sure it was done and had cooled then he served it to me. It looked a little on the scary side but I wouldn't let that stop me. I took a fork full and chewed. It tasted great. It was thicker than a regular omelette, but it seemed that this feature helped the flavor of the artichokes come through. We ate in silence. I helped to clean up afterwards through his insistent complaints.
“You cooked, I'll clean,” was all I said.
We said good night and I went to bed. I thought to look for another email from Mike but I didn't want anything to ruin the peaceful atmosphere that still clung to me from the kitchen. I enjoy being around him sometimes. He brings a peace to me. I closed my eyes.
I had planned to spend the next day doing something outdoors, but it was still pouring. Dominic and I decided to spend another day watching movies. This time I let him choose something other than monster films. He chose classics- he explained that these films were the ones that you watched when you studied media and film. So we watched films from each of the master directors. The day flew by in this fashion. I didn't want to go back to my room because I knew I couldn't stop myself from checking my email- which meant we ended up watching movies until I fell asleep.
“Mia bella. Little Emma Bird.” His voice filled my head.
I blinked into the darkened room as I looked up at Dominic. “Eh, it's still dark, why are you waking me?”
“I thought you would like to shower and pack. Tomorrow you leave early and tonight we have a big party to say ciao.” He smiled at me upside down. It was odd to see his face turned upside down. I sat up to rectify the situation.
“Not another party, Dom. Didn't we have enough of that before?” I pleaded with him.
“It is only us. Well, our families close ones that is. I thought we could all go to Bella Notte and have a little celebration.” He smiled at me again. Now it looked right.
“Wait … back up … what did you say about me leaving tomorrow? What about you?” I asked as my heart seized in my chest. Interesting reaction, Emma.
“Well, I must stay here for another week. I must take care of some business. But do not worry, I will return. You won't even notice I am gone. You will be back with Mike.” I could see the hurt on his face as he tried to be reassuring.
“Mike. Right. But I will have to face Acacia alone then.” I sighed into my hands.
“Who or what is that?” He snickered at the name.
“It means thorn, but she is really nice, I hear. And she is Mike's betrothed who is now enrolled in my school. Even though she has tested out of home school. AHHHH!” I let the small scream come out.
“Feel better?” He lifted a brow.
“No, not at all.” I wanted to cry and never leave here. I heard Grandpa's words, “but it could be your home,” and I suddenly felt very torn.
“Well, do not dwell. It will go well. You will see. And then he will forget her. Now go pack and shower.” He sounded so logical and confident, but I knew it hurt him to say it. I didn't want that pain to be there, but I got up and listened.
The shower only helped to loosen my stiff joints from sleeping on the couch. My mind was still filled with fret as I shoved things into my bags. The first thing to go in was my laptop. Maybe Dom could write me? I held that hope as I put the electronic deep inside my bag.
Everything was packed, but two outfits. One for this evening, which was a plain black skirt and black sweater. The other was my last clean pair of yoga pants and a t-shirt. I felt sad as I looked around the room for anything I had left behind. I put all the gifts in the bag last, so I could see the crystal necklace glowing from inside. I took it out and put it on. At least I can have him near to me. Perhaps he will give me strength this way?
The rest of the day passed in a flash. I didn't want time to tick by and so it sped by. I got dressed and we went to the club. There was nothing special about the door tonight because it was opened for us.
Abner greeted us and told Dominic how he had informed people that the club would not be open tonight. I felt a twinge of guilt for taking away their safe haven for even one night. What would they do now? Dominic led us to where the booth had been and now a large table was set up instead, with lots of food. Classical music was playing in the air.
“You've done well, my son,” Dominic's father said.
I smiled. D
ominic noticed and held out a chair for me. All the men followed suit for their companions of the evening.
It was a wonderful way to end my perfect trip. Conversations continued the entire time. Everyone spoke about everything and to everyone.
I finally had a full conversation with my parents- it was about my upcoming celebration and how I wanted to invite Batty Betty. They didn't see a problem with it. They asked my opinion about things like their business and details to the event. I finally felt like I could talk to them. My grandpa merely smiled when this happened and held a private chat with Dominic. I really wanted to know what was said, but no one would clue me in. And so the evening passed and we returned.
I spent my final night in my room with Dominic. We talked until the sun rose. He explained that he was trying to get other Bella Notte clubs opened in other areas because it had helped many of the problems that arose amongst our kind- that was what he needed to stay for. We talked about my feelings about everything that had happened and that was happening. Actually, if I'm correct, he listened and I talked. He never interrupted me or commented about the silliness of it all- just listened. He told me that he understood- l'ho provato sulla mia pelle. I knew I would miss his random Italian, and I knew most of it would disappear when he returned and was back to “fitting in”. I would miss him terribly. He said he would accompany us to the airport if I wanted, but I didn't want to have to get on a plane and watch him disappear, so I asked if he would stay- he said he would because he didn't want to cause me pain. He understood so much, and I knew nothing.
Grandpa came to fetch me. Dominic took my bags down for me and handed me a small bag with some breakfast in it. He promised he would cook for me again someday. I waved to him as the car pulled away and he waved until he was out of sight.
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