Bella Notte

by Jesse Kimmel-Freeman

  “Hey Mary. How are you doing? I hope all this isn't too terrible for you?” I wanted to be kind to her; she was born or very well trained into knowing her place. To me, she was an equal.

  “Very well. Thank you, Miss. I am enjoying the evening.” She blushed as she caught herself calling me 'Miss' again. “Sorry, Emma.”

  “Don't worry about it. You call me whatever you feel comfortable with. I understand what it is like to be so familiar with one way and then being told to do it another.” I smiled at her.

  “Thank you, Miss Emma. Now please let me get you into your dress.” Her eyes pleaded with me not to be difficult and allow her to do her job.

  “Yes, thank you, Mary,” I conceded.

  Mary gingerly slipped my dress from the hanger on the mirror and unzipped it. It piled on the floor in the nicest shape, and I wanted to stare at it and figure it out- but duty called.

  I stepped into the hole, and Mary pulled it up. I felt her put her weight slightly against me as she pulled to get the corset as tight as possible. The effect was something a little bit too showy for my taste, but then again, I didn't design the thing. I stuck my shoes on and Mary did the straps easily. Clearly she was a pro at all this.

  “You look lovely, Miss Emma.” Her voice was filled with emotion.

  I only wished that I could give her a moment, at least, to feel like this. “Thank you, Mary. For everything.” I gave her a small hug, which caused her to freeze in her motion.

  I headed for the door and took a deep breath.

  When I opened it, I found Dom waiting to escort me to my position as welcoming committee.

  You look beautiful, Emma. His voice was sultry.

  Why, thank you. You look quite dashing yourself, Dom. I smiled at him. He wore a black tux with a black button-up shirt, and a black tie.

  We walked down the stairs and into the foyer. My family was already standing at attention. They all looked at me, but said nothing. I knew where I was to stand- the order was Grandpa, Grandma, Dad, Mom, Dominic, and then me. We took our positions and almost instantaneously the door was opened by a member of the staff. And so the greetings began.

  It took about two hours for everyone to arrive. I heard many voices in my head and knew that if I was anyone else, I would desperately need some sort of help. I was polite and gracious the entire time. I smiled and shook hands with hundreds of people, and they were all some sort of beautiful.

  Once everyone had been greeted, we allowed for about thirty minutes of mingling before we started the dancing.

  I was lucky because tradition said that if the changed is betrothed she is to dance with no one other than her destined partner. No one breaks tradition at an event like this. So I was blessed to only have to dance with Dominic, and we danced to every song.

  When Dom and I waltzed around the room, it was like we were floating on clouds. It had never felt like this with Mike. Something was different.

  Dominic held me intimately close, and my cheek rested on his shoulder. The other dancers cleared the way for us as we swept through and around them. It was really like a scene from a fairytale movie and I knew that I was deeply in love with my dance partner. The dancing lasted for about an hour.

  Dinner began at seven thirty promptly- well at least we started to get everyone seated by then. There were tables inside and outside, with my family broken between the two. We had two smaller tables set up to accommodate us amongst the larger groups. My parents sat outside with Dominic's parents and some person I couldn't remember. My table held Dominic, Grandpa, Grandma, Bettina, and I- Abner had sent his apologies for having to miss my big event. Many people came up and greeted us during the meal.

  The meal was filled with so many different things. At first they brought out trays of appetizers which had all sorts of meats on top of a plethora of items. Then a goblet of the finest filtered blood was placed in front of every guest, the children received sparkling red cider- all of the guests were vampires so nothing was left to be hidden, only the staff were left in the dark. This was followed up by a staff member at each table taking an order from each guest. I ordered a very rare filet mignon. I didn't care what accompanied it on the plate as long as it was still bleeding when it got to me. I, of course, could not say this.

  The guests ate the snacks and drank their goblets until the food was brought out. I wasn't sure how it was managed, but it all happened within forty-five minutes. We each ate in a silent splendor. This would be the only silence in the entire evening.

  After the main course was brought out, a light dessert of a toffee sorbet and coffee was delivered to each person- minus the children, they all got hot chocolate instead of coffee. Then dinner was finished. I was supposed to make the announcement for the following entertainment.

  “Ladies and Gentlemen. If I could have your attention.” I waited while they stopped to look at me from where I stood on the bottom step of the stairs. “There is entertainment for all ages tonight. If the parents want to leave their children in the kids’ area in the sun room, we have attendants to look after them as they play and watch a world renowned puppet show. Then, they can choose whether they would prefer a quiet atmosphere or a loud one. For the younger adults and soon to be adults, there is a tent set up outside, to the far right, that is our very own club for the evening. There will be dancing and fun all around. For those who find yourself out of both of these categories, there is a tent on the left side of the backyard, closest to the house, that is designed to be a relaxing atmosphere. There will be gentle music playing, chess games have been set up, and areas for discussions. But, all are welcome in all areas. Please enjoy this evening's entertainment. Thank you.” I smiled at them all and went back to my table.

  “Well said, young one.” Betty winked at me.

  “Thank you, Betty.

  “Are you enjoying your evening?” I wanted her to be having an awesome time.

  “Actually, this is one of the first changing balls that I've been to that I have nothing to complain about. A little saddening. But I am enjoying myself. I think I might go and watch this puppet show that you spoke of.” She smiled at me.

  “I am glad that you're having a nice time. Why not one of the other options?” I always wondered about Betty, she was a puzzle that I wanted to figure out.

  “I am not an old stiff that needs to rest me weary bones. I am not young enough to go gallivanting to a beat that I can't keep up to. Thus, I am left to sit with the children.” She looked put out.

  “Oh, no. I didn't think of that. What should I do?” I felt a panic at the fact that I had clearly left out a group of people.

  “Oh, child, you are so easy to get! If I really felt as put out as I claimed, I would sit with the old fogies and not complain. I am interested in this show.” She winked at me again.

  I flushed. “I'm sorry. I so want this evening to be perfect for everyone.” I sighed.

  “Do not worry about anyone other than yourself. These people mean nothing in the end, only your happiness. I promise you that they will not be the creators of it. Trust me, I have found my own happiness at their confusion.” Her laughter was a rough sound that I instantly loved.

  I smiled.

  “Well, I am off before I have to knock some children out of the way to get a good seat. And Emma, I will talk with you about what your future holds, but I think it best left for another day … perhaps when you come to visit me in England.” She rose from her chair and had a look that said she might actually enjoy such a thing.

  I laughed and I knew I would be going to see her.

  I do not understand her. The confusion was evident in Dominic's thoughts.

  You don't have to; I think that's her point. I kissed his cheek and grabbed his hand.

  He shook his head as he stared after Betty.

  “Let's go dance.” We left the room to be cleared by the staff.

  Outside my father had made the announcement and everyone was taking off in their different directions.

 
; Dominic and I made our way to the tent with my crystals in it. I could feel the beat pulsing through the ground, but could not hear a sound. When we got inside the tent, there were people everywhere. I had staff moving through all of the areas providing the guests with drinks and such. In here, I wasn't sure how that was going to be accomplished.

  I bounced my way out onto to the lit floor. The colors flashed around me and I felt it all weave its spell on me. I swayed to a song in a language I didn't know, but heard the heart of the song.

  Suddenly, every bass beat was the heart beat of this story, struggling to get told. I opened myself to feel every ounce of the song. I was lost to it. Dominic danced with me, and kept tabs in my mind, but I didn't care.

  Emma. His voice was hushed.

  I feel it. I wanted to live it.

  I think it is one of your gifts. He was very matter of fact about it.

  Tell me later. And I was lost again.

  That was how my evening was spent, feeling the flow of life around me through the people I danced with, and the music that played.

  At about four in the morning, my guests began to leave and I thanked them all for coming and shook each hand. I was so receptive to each of them, that the contact between our hands opened everything that they had ever thought up to me.

  By the end of it I knew everyone's secrets! I didn't know what to do. I didn't know who to tell.

  I will help you figure it all out tomorrow. Now you sleep. Dom's voice was firm as we closed the door on the last of the guests.

  I nodded my head. “Good night, my dear family,” I said to the line of my family members.

  I then went to bed with my head full of information I could not process.

  Chapter Twelve

  A few days later, I was in control of my thoughts and my fangs. My parents had decided that the next day I would be allowed to return to school.

  Dominic and I sat outside discussing how my new gift might affect some of the things that I'd be involved with. He was concerned that it might flare up while we were around a lot of humans and I could lose the control that I had learned. His fear was logical, but it still annoyed me that he had such little faith in me. I was trying to unlock his mind, something I had not yet managed to do. I struggled to find the balance within me that allowed me to be so open to everything else- I was not doing so well.

  Perhaps if you went for a walk to clear your mind. His thoughts always made so much sense.

  I think that's a great idea. You wanna come? I was beginning to always enjoy his presence.

  I need to call Abner. He felt very embarrassed over not being able to attend your party and I am worried that he is still fretting over it. His concern for his friend touched me deeply.

  No prob, Bob. I'll be in the woods by the mine if you need me. I showed him a mental picture of where I would be.

  “You really are getting the hang of all this.” I didn't know whether it was a complement or an insult, I left it alone.

  I waved as I walked off. I don't think that I should say 'walked' as my walking speed had easily become the rate a normal person jogs. The woods were green and every shade of brown imaginable. I would never get tired of this as my backyard. I could hear all the animals moving with life. The sounds of small feet scurrying around made me smile, just as it has my entire life.

  When I was a little girl, after the DeDominicos had left, I was completely alone and I would wander away from my sunny backyard into these trees. They have been a second home for me and a place of safety. Today, they held a chance for me to try and understand myself a little better.

  As I moved amongst the trunks of the moss covered trees, a noise caught my attention. It was the sound of something falling. Not just anything, but something alive

  My stomach clenched as I moved quickly toward the noise. I found the baby bird by the sound of its heart sputtering to a slow stop.

  Before I could think of anything to do, I slumped down on the leaves that covered the forest's floor and scooped up the tiny creature. Something was wrong with it inside, I could sense it. I felt so much sorrow for a life that had been cut so short. I held the small bird to my chest as the tears slid down my face. Why could something so new to the world be lost so quickly? The tears flooded my vision and spilled down onto my hands.

  Suddenly there was a tiny movement within my closed hands. My heart fluttered. How can that be?

  I opened my hands and looked down inside- sure enough, there was a perfect baby bird sitting in my hands. It was covered in my tears, but it squeaked happily at me. Joy ran through my body at a rate that I had never felt before and then I could feel everything the bird had ever felt- including its death.

  I didn't understand what had happened with my miniature friend- ultimately it didn't matter. I saw where the creature had fallen from so I hopped up into the tree and placed it back in its nest.

  “Now, you stay here. You wait for your mommy to come back. No more trying to fly until you're ready.” I could sense that the mother bird was watching me with angry eyes. I blew the baby a kiss and jumped down.

  I watched as the mother circled the tree and then landed to examine her child. After being satisfied that I did not harm or damage it, she snuggled up to her baby and produced the food for it.

  A twig snapped relatively close to me. I twirled around to see a large auburn wolf staring at me with intense green eyes. They don't have green eyes. I knew immediately that this was Mike. I wanted to make contact with him, but I wasn't sure if this was the best idea. I stepped closer to him and he stepped back.

  “Fine, I'll keep my distance,” I grumbled at him. I felt hurt, but there was no need to share it with him.

  He nodded his scruffy head at me; then gestured toward the nest.

  “What? I don't know how it happened. All I know is that I helped it.” I was defensive.

  His head turned to the side as though he was confused.

  “Just because you believe what they told you, it doesn't mean it's true. I'm no different than before. I thought that you would be the one to fight as hard as I did, but I was wrong.” Pain colored my words; I turned my head to quickly wipe away the tear.

  Mike put his head down.

  “Whatever. I don't even know what I'm doing talking to you.” My emotions were flooding through me and I wanted to scream, to run and escape the pain.

  His hot head was touching my hand, and that was all I needed to know everything. He was loyal to his people and he had to take care of them. He wished we were still friends but would never admit it because he did still love me. I was overwhelmed with thoughts and memories.

  I pulled my hand back as though it was burned, but the thoughts were still there. They teased me as they settled in for later examination.

  His brows pulled together.

  I opened my mouth to say something, but what could I say? I knew everything. Instead, I reached out and patted him on the head … and then I ran.

  I ran as fast as my feet would carry me. I heard him try to follow, but I moved faster and wasn't hindered by lack of knowledge of these woods.

  I ran to the mines. The darkness swallowed me whole. I slid down the side behind the elevator and crawled down the shaft. If he really wanted to find me, he would have to locate my scent. The problem was that my smell was on everything outside and in at this place and many like it in the area. I doubted he could find me.

  When I got to the bottom, I walked straight toward my room of sparkles. I wanted to see my 'vampire star' and to remember a time that was less confusing. I could smell that someone or something had been in here but had long left. I wondered who would come to such a spooky place if they were normal. Normal? What's that?

  My bitter side was present when I finally found my room. The darkness never scared me here and the small light that found its way inside was a miracle. But it hit the right spot and the glittery crystals lit up the wall. Then I was fine.

  I remembered my date with Mike and his discomfort at this
place and I compared it to my adventure with Dominic in Italy. Both memories told me so much; Dom and I were similar creatures both in species and in preference, whereas Mike and I either grew apart in two weeks, or were really that different from the beginning and neither one of us saw it.

  A tear rolled down my cheek as I realized how wrong we were about our dream and our connection. All four of us were connected for some strange reason- a reason I hoped was not the prophecy as I did not want either Mike or me to die. I tried to think about it some more but I was bombarded with images from Mike's brain. I knew everything in his mind, and I was able to recall the information if I wanted to. The question was; did I really want to know?

  In truth I didn't. I didn't want to know if he really did love me still, I wanted to be free of it all. Instead, I focused all my thoughts on how I had healed the bird and what had triggered both connections. With the bird I was really sad that it had died, and I had cried. With

  Mike I was in pain at having to look at those eyes that didn't trust me anymore. I cried both times, maybe that's it?

  I don't think so Emma. The voice echoed in my head as I heard the footsteps come closer.

  Dom? How long have you been here? I didn't want to think that I had hurt him again.

  Long enough. But I think I have figured out your gift somewhat. It is your emotions as you had said. But it isn't just sadness. I think it is the extremes, he thought as he walked into the room and sat down next to me.

  “Of course!” The words were out before I could even think them.

  Dom smiled at me and then reached over and hugged me. “Tough day, huh?”

  “You don't even know the half of it. No, I take that back, you do.” I tapped my head.

  He scoffed. “I know it's invasive, but I always check on you. I am generally a silent observer. I watched you save that bird and I felt every reaction you had to Michael.” The pain ever so slightly colored his words.

  “Oh, Dom. I am so sorry. I won't see him again. I'll change all my classes. Anything. I'm sorry.” The words flooded from my mouth like a dam breaking.