The sky had turned dark when the doorbell rang. Dominic went to get it as I went to get a sweater. I grabbed a blue sweater from my closet and quickly tidied up my room. I so don't want her to be able to say anything nasty. I went downstairs and found that they didn't want to come in. I was confused.
“Why don't you guys want to come in?” I asked.
“Eh …” Mike was lost for words.
“Acacia doesn't feel welcome without meeting your parents. Since they're in California right now, she won't come in.” Dominic saved them.
What's going on?
“That is right. I'm sorry, Emma. It was how I was raised,” Acacia said as she stepped back a bit.
“Well, okay. Dom could you help me get a blanket and some snacks for us? You guys can find a spot on the driveway grass circle for us,” I said as I headed toward the kitchen.
“So, why won't they come in really?” I asked Dom as I pulled out a picnic basket.
“I can't tell you. One of the many secrets of this house.” He smiled awkwardly.
I am so tired of secrets! “Fine,” I grumbled. “For now. I will find out though.”
“That I don't doubt, my Little Emma Bird,” he said as he took the basket filled with junk food and the Thermos flasks filled with cocoa.
I grabbed a couple of blankets and followed him out.
I knew the grass was cool since the sun had gotten rid of my Christmas snow. Luckily it wasn't wet. We laid out two of the blankets and sat back to stare at the sky- Dom on my right, Mike on my left, and Acacia to his left. We didn't talk much. The chilled night air didn't bother anyone. Dominic was cool to the touch like me and Mike and Acacia both radiated heat from their skin.
When the comet came into view it looked more like a shooting star, but it blazed a trail across the night sky more slowly. It was absolutely amazing. We all gasped as we watched the large rock burning through our utmost outer atmosphere. The tail glowed blue against the pitch black sky. I smiled knowing that this was wonderful for everyone.
After the sky was filled with only tiny twinkling stars, we sipped our hot cocoa and told each other stories. Dominic and I told stories of our childhood. Mike told stories he had heard from his family.
Acacia told only one story and it chilled me to the bone, for some reason:
“It was a dark night much like this is. A comet had raced through the sky, which meant the seer would have the greatest vision to tell us.
Our people raced through the night as though the banshees themselves were after them. When they made it to the cave on the cliff where the seer lived- they waited. For two hours they waited. One of the chiefs from a local tribe decided someone should see what kept the great prophet from coming. So, he took a man from each tribe- they totaled eight- and walked up the winding, windblown path, to the mouth of the cave. The air was filled with frost. They pushed forward carrying only one torch to guide them. They saw and smelt the blood before they found the body of the seer- dead. His neck had been ripped out and he looked completely empty of blood. On the ground next to him were the writings of his newest vision. The vision told of a new kind of enemy to come and thirst for blood. The people would evolve to fight this monster. For long times there would be war, then a momentary peace would come due to the temporary love of our kind to their queen. She would stop the fighting. Then our king would be killed by his own because of his love of her.
Her grief would cause more wars- amongst each of their own kinds. She would die to return the balance to peace … and it would last.
The men buried the body of the seer and told their people the prophecy and it was learned and feared. But, soon, the enemy did come and wrecked their towns, killing as they went. The people began to evolve and the war began. It is said to continue to rage to this very day. They still seek the queen to bring peace.”
We each sat in silence. Mike stared at Acacia. She stared back defiantly. Dom looked at me and I stared at the sky. The story reminded me of the song I had heard in Bella Notte. That's probably where the song came from.
It felt important but I didn't or couldn't know how. We sat there until it became colder and later. Mike and Acacia rose and bid us 'Goodnight.' Mike told me to let him know when I had time to hang out again. Then they left. Dom and I gathered everything and took it inside.
I didn't want him to leave.
“Stay, please. I don't want to be alone.” It felt like a deep dark confession.
“If it pleases you, mia bella. I will stay. But I must leave early tomorrow. I have things to attend to. If I stay will you spend New Year's Eve and day with me?” His eyes lit with the question.
“If you want me to spend your birthday with you … of course I will- you nut.” I smiled at him.
“Good, because I already asked your grandpa and he said it was fine. You'll have lots of fun, I promise.” He was beaming.
“Thank you for staying,” I mumbled as I laid down on the couch in the living room.
“Thank you for tonight and agreeing to spend my birthday with me.” He kissed my hand, took the blankets and then lied down next to the couch. We talked until I fell asleep.
Dominic was gone by the time I woke up, stiff from sleeping on the couch, but it didn't matter. I was glad he stayed and excited about New Year's Eve. I wonder what we'll do?
Sunday I spent on the phone getting Dominic's birthday present that was a leather band that had 'Bella Notte' imprinted into the front and the back said 'I believe in you. Love your Little Emma Bird.' It took quite some time going back and forth to get the design right. Eventually though, it was perfected. I agreed to pay double if it could be delivered the next day before two- the time when Dom would come back.
By the time night fell I was a ball of nerves and Dominic dominated my mind. It was a nice feeling not to be confused.
The next day I woke at noon and spent the next hour and a half sitting on my steps waiting for his present to arrive. When it did come, I tipped the delivery guy way more than necessary and ran inside to wrap it. I had just finished when Dom walked in the front door.
“You're not dressed.” He frowned.
“You didn't tell me to be ready at two- just that you'd be back then.” I shrugged and stuck the gift in my pocket.
“Well, could you please go get dressed- for being outside with the night air? I guess layers. And an overnight bag.” He tried to shoo me along.
“An overnight bag? We're going somewhere?” I was confused.
“Yes. I won't tell you where though. It's a surprise. Please,” he said as I looked like I wouldn't budge.
“Fine.” I gave up and left the room.
I threw on some jeans, a tank top, long sleeves, and a sweater. I packed the same, but included my pjs and bathroom stuff. On top of everything, I gently put his wrapped present.
Dominic carried my bag out to the black sports car- a mustang. He put it in the trunk and opened my door for me. His body being so close to me was like something I couldn't even put into words. I watched him walk to the other side of the car and get in. Then we were off at a breath taking speed. The world flew by in globs of color.
When we stopped I realized we were at the airport with the same plane as before. Are we going to Italy?
I got out of the car and waited for some explanation. He didn't give me one- simply took my hand and led me onto the plane.
“So, where are we going?” Curiosity got the best of me.
“Not too far away. You may want to nap- tonight will be long.” He gestured toward the room with the bed.
“I haven't eaten. I can't sleep on an empty stomach,” I admitted.
“Oh. I can only wonder why I am not surprised. Sit. I will get us something,” he said as he went toward the small kitchen.
He came back with two glasses of orange juice and two ham and egg sandwiches. It tasted heavenly after not eating anything all day. We sat in silence as we ate.
“Are you ready to nap?” he asked as the captain told us it was
time to depart.
“No, I think I want to sit here. I like to watch the change from the runway to the air.” I smiled as I thought of how he was the one who'd showed me.
“You'll be tired later, but I do enjoy your company, mia bella.” He took my hand and sat down next to me.
“I don't even get a hint?” I leaned my head on his shoulder and watched as we began our climb.
“If I do give you one, then you will surely know. I really want it to be a surprise. You really will enjoy it.” He was looking out the window as well.
We sat in silence watching the sky become our surroundings. It was the most peaceful and intimate moment I could possibly share with someone. We watched as the clouds became less dominate and the blue of the sky became absolutely clear.
I must have fallen asleep because when I opened my eyes, we had landed in a busy private airport. There were lots of planes like ours and lots of people.
“We're here!” he exclaimed.
“Okay but where is here?” It was starting to get dark and big flood lights were on.
“We are in an airport and that is all you need to know, for now.” He grinned and I rolled my eyes.
We got in a red sports car- not that I was surprised- and drove out of the airport. There were lots of homes but then we came into the city. We're in New York on New Year's Eve! Oh My God!
My body rushed with excitement. I wanted to leap out of the car right there. The traffic was packed and people were everywhere.
“Let's get to the hotel first and eat something before you go running off like a crazy woman,” he said as though he understood my desire.
We were closer to Times Square as there were more and more people. We pulled into a parking lot. Dom stopped for valet. When the guy came, Dom pulled out our luggage and escorted me into the lobby of the beastly chic hotel. I instantly felt under dressed and out of place. I fidgeted while Dominic talked to the front desk. Everything was shiny, polished, and expensive. Yeah, I came from money, and yeah, I had the kind of money to stay in this place, but I grew up in a small town where our money didn't matter. Here it mattered. I didn't like it.
Dom came back to me and handed me a key.
“I know that you don't like these kinds of places but all the others were booked when I called. We also have to share a room. It has two beds of course.” He led me to the elevator.
The elevator was unsurprisingly huge and shiny. I felt like I was in a mirror box. My reflection looked traveled and disheveled. We got off and walked down a few doors. Room 1431- really 1331 since hotels don't have the thirteenth floor. He opened the door and the room was huge. It even had a patio. I set my bag down on the bed closer to the door and I watched it sink slightly. Curiosity got me again, so I sat down. Heaven.
“Are you ready to eat?” Dom asked with amused eyes.
“Don't make fun. I've never been to a place like this. Yeah, let's go eat.” I smiled as I got off the fluffy bed.
We ate at a crowded café and then walked over to Times Square. Millions of people crowded the area … well, definitely thousands.
There was noise and smells everywhere. A live band was playing on a stage where people were filming. The air was tensed with excitement and there were still hours to go. I could see the lit ball looming over head and my heart picked up another notch. I can't believe I'm here. This is the best New Year's Eve ever!
“Thank you!” I shouted at Dominic who was now sporting some glow sticks and glow jewelry.
“No, thank you,” he said as he clipped glowing plastic tubes to me.
We moved through the crowds, holding hands and shouting at each other. The clock ticked down further. We tried to dance to the music, but there wasn't any room. I stared up at all the buildings, glowing bright with lights. The sky wasn't really the right darkness and stars were invisible. How do people live without stars?
We laughed and stumbled our way along. It was a wonderful time, but very blurring. My mind was certainly overstimulated. Then the clock began to count down.
Ten. Dom and I stopped and stared at the ball.
Nine.
Eight. Where did the hours go?
Seven.
Six. My heart was racing.
Five.
Four.
Three.
Two. The giant blazing ball was sliding closer to the New Year.
One. Touchdown.
“Happy New Year, Emma,” he whispered in my ear as he gently kissed my cheek.
“Happy Birthday, Dom! Happy New Year too!” I shouted and threw my arms around him.
I kissed his cheek gently and he hugged me back as the air filled with tiny pieces of colored paper. This is the best night ever.
We went and got ice cream on the way back to the hotel. It was refreshing on my strained throat from so much shouting.
We got back to our room and sat on the patio with blankets wrapped around us as we sipped cocoa.
“Did you like it?” He looked at me.
“Yes! It was the best. Thank you so much.” I nearly threw myself at him in my renewed excitement.
“I am glad, mia bella. There's no need for 'Thank you' though, your company was my reward.” He smiled and his cheeks dimpled slightly.
“Oh, wait here,” I said as I rushed back inside and to my bag. I pulled out his gift and went back outside. “Here. Happy Birthday.”
He took the red wrapped box tentatively, like he was afraid to crush it. Then he ripped the paper off and opened the lid. I fingered my crystal necklace as I watched him pull the bracelet out of the box. The box dropped with a light thud. I held my breath as he looked it over.
“Oh, Emma! I love it. You are so thoughtful.” He was fumbling to get it on.
“I'm glad you like it.” I blushed. “Let me help you with that.” I gently took the band from his hands and easily attached it to his right wrist.
“Thank you.” He kissed me softly.
“No problem … and thank you for tonight.” I looked up at him and my body trembled.
“Ah. Tomorrow we shall see the city so we need to get to bed now,” he said as he rose and went inside.
I followed behind him. He climbed into his bed and screwed with the clock. I slid into the squash of my bed.
“Good night, Dominic,” I whispered.
“Good night, my Little Emma Bird,” he whispered back.
The alarm blared an early nine o'clock. I thrashed at it fiercely to turn off but my dazed and sleepy confusion had me fail at this.
Dom sat up and switched a button and silence filled the room.
Sweet silence.
“Good morning. Would you like to shower first?” He got straight to business.
I blinked at him and then nodded.
“Breakfast will be here when you come out, my lady.” He clearly woke up on the sunny side of the bed.
I stumbled into the bathroom with my bag. Twenty minutes later I walked back into the room to find a push cart filled with tasty looking food.
“Morning, Dom. Did you sleep well?” I asked as I headed for the food.
“Ah. Sleep has let you from its clutches and you now have an appetite. Ha ha. Yes, I slept well. And yourself?” Laughter colored his words.
“Yes, I slept well. The bed is like sleeping in the clouds.” I sighed. Might have to get one of those.
And that was the beginning of the day. The rest was spent tromping around New York City and being tourists. I tried to be all low key about it but every time I saw something amazing, my disguise was blown. Dominic found it all very funny.
We ate at little hole in the wall places, with food to die for, and we walked everywhere.
At the end of the day, Dom called up a cab to take us to the private airport. Apparently our bags had been sent on that morning when he checked us out of the hotel. The plane sat there waiting for us. A wave of sadness hit me like when I left Italy. Things are always different when we go back. And I promised Mike we'd do something. Friday we can go up t
o the mines.
I felt better about making a decision. I texted him my suggestion and he let me know he'd meet me at my house at noon.
Dominic and I got on the plane and I could sense that he felt the same. I didn't know what to say. Instead, I said nothing and cuddled against him in our seats. I still didn't understand anything but I was trying. Things with Dom felt just right. With Mike though, I had to work for it these days. Dom was my childhood love, the one I had thought I would grow up and marry one day and possibly a current love- Mike was my first real love, my heart ached as I thought about being without him. Gah! Confusion and love go too well together.
We sat in silence, pressed up against each other’s sides.
When the plane landed, I felt the gentle distance come between us. I wanted to cry.
Dominic and I spent some time apart for the next few days. I focused on healing my tired muscles for Friday. I wanted to be absolutely fine while I was with Mike. I kept thinking about Dom.
It was hard to get everything ready with my mind so distracted, but I managed.
Friday came and I was dressed, fed, and ready to go when Mike showed up late. I let it go.
“So, you ready to go?” I asked enthusiastically.
“Yup. Yup. Sorry I'm late, Em.” He looked at the floor.
“No worries. Let's go,” I said as I jumped into my black beauty. Mike followed slowly.
I drove out to the highway and turned left. I kept my eyes peeled for the turn off. Mike didn't say anything. I found it and cut across the two-lanes.
“Jeeze, Em, you coulda waited til that truck went by,” he said as he white knuckled my door frame.
“I had plenty of time,” I responded as I drove down the small dirt road.
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