We walked into the lobby and were ushered into their grand ballroom by the valets that were standing by. A group of teachers had volunteered to help with table assignments, and gift handing out.
Mr. Williams instructed us each where to sit, which was silly because we had planned it all out, but we allowed him the pleasure of it. Ms. Henderson handed us each a personalized picture frame with a memorable moment from our high school experience in it. Dominic's held a photo from the Halloween dance where he was posed looking like Dracula. I was surprised that mine held my version of the dance, with a similar expression. We laughed at it as we walked over to our table.
The entire room was done in white and lights. It was ethereal looking. The DJ had set up and was now chatting animatedly with one of the students. Our group sat down and kept talking amongst each other.
Soon the room was filling and the appetizers were brought out, along with a pamphlet for the schedule of the evening. We would eat, announce prom court, dance, and then eat dessert. It looked like nothing written down on paper, but it had taken weeks of effort on all our behalves to get it all together. I was really proud of us.
I munched on the appetizers as I searched the room to see if Mike and Acacia had decided to come. We had set places for them even though they didn't RSVP.
I suddenly saw them across the room and felt stiff. I had imagined prom so many times, before I had been with Dominic, which seeing Mike with another girl was startling and it opened up the wound that was beginning to heal. His eyes met mine and then looked quickly away. Dom took my hand and started tracing small circles on the back with his thumb. I smiled at his gesture because I knew he was well aware of what had happened.
We sat patiently through the meal as we waited for the principal to make his way up to the stage. I was afraid everyone would start chanting at one point, but he managed to walk his butt up there.
“Welcome to your senior prom. I would like to thank Miss Emma Hutchinson and Mr. Dominic DeDominico for their contributions for this affair.” He paused and clapped, everyone followed suit and I blushed.
“Now, is the moment you've all been waiting for … prom court!” He boomed and the room filled with cheers.
He waited for us to settle down. “First the princesses. When I call your name please come up to the stage. Kelly Winters, Elizabeth Browne, and Acacia – sorry, I can't pronounce your last name.” He smiled apologetically at Acacia, and Kelly looked at me with worried eyes. “Please come to the stage.”
He waited for the girls to get to the stage and have their tiaras placed in their fancy hairdos. “Now for the princes, when I call your name please come up to the stage. Ben Smalls, Matthew Taylor, and Dominic DeDominico. Please come to the stage.” I looked at Dom with wondering eyes. I surely thought we'd be together in the court, at the very least. I pouted.
Don't worry, mia bella, you will probably be the queen! His voice was sweet in my head.
It isn't the same without you. I pouted more.
“Now for your queen … could Miss Emma Hutchinson please come and be crowned.” I was shocked as I stood, walked to the stage, and had a sparkling tiara slipped into my hair by Miss Ashley.
Congratulations, Emma, she whispered in my head. I thanked her silently as I waited to find out who would make a better king for me than Dominic.
“Now our queen must have her king … could Mr. Michael O'Shanold please come up to the stage.” The room burst with cheers and my mouth dropped. I heard a low growl come from Acacia and a slight hiss come from Dominic in response.
I watched as Mike walked across the room and was crowned by Principal Taylor. “Here is your royal court!” he boomed once more and the room went wild. “Now, our King and Queen must have their dance.”
Emma, you don't have to if you don't want to. Dom said to me.
I think it would be best if you did Emma, don't show the wolves that they can take things away from you. Prove you belong in the place of the vampire queen to save us all. Miss Ashley's voice was in my head and I agreed with her.
I walked to the middle of the stage and waited for Mike to make his decision. I held out my hand in a waiting gesture. He decided it wouldn't kill him to dance with me. He took my hand, led me to the dance floor, and then he pulled me to his chest as a royal waltz started playing. A spotlight hit us and I was lost to the rest of the world- I had imagined this, yet now it was happening, it wasn't right.
“Hi,” he said in a bashful voice.
“Hello.” I was cold.
“I'm sorry,” he whispered.
“For what? It isn't your fault. We each have our choices and you made yours,” I said through a smile.
“No, I know that everything they tell me isn't true. I shouldn't listen to it all. I saw you save that bird. I also watched you come back to check on it later.” He was thinking.
“What do you care?” I didn't want to be sucked back into this quicksand.
“I love you, Emma. I'm sorry I've been so stupid. I want to be friends, something, anything.” His bright green eyes pleaded with me to understand.
“You love me?” I scoffed. “Mike, I know all your feelings and thoughts up until the day I saved the bird- a little trick I learned- and I could see the revulsion and disgust inside. Yes, I saw the love, but it was buried. It is how things have to be. You with her and me with him.” I gestured to Acacia and Dominic.
“Emma, I wish you could understand. It's like there are two parts of me; the Emma's Mike and the Acacia's Mike. I really didn't want any of this. I can't make the two halves fit together. I'm sorry.” His face was contorting with pain.
“Don't. Not here. We are their King and Queen, as we might one day be for our peoples. You will be strong. And you will do what's best for these people. Yes, Mike … I love you, I always will. There is a place that is cold and frozen and will be forever waiting for you to warm it again. But I've been told the prophecy, and, even if I don't believe it, I will do my best to make this world better for those around me.” I sounded like I was born into royalty, my grandmother would be proud.
He masked his emotions and turned it all back into a smile. “You are right. Thank you. So, you believe in the prophecy? I don't really want to die, you know. And I don't want you to die either. What a stupid tale.” He sneered at it.
“Whether it is true or not, only time will tell. As for us, our love is something deep, and dark, and it will be hidden for as long as it needs be. I'm sorry if it hurts you, but I've been given my family's responsibilities. If we were different people with this problem, I think we could make it, but we are too high profile. I know you care about what happens with your family.” I looked at him with pleading eyes; I had to hide my emotions from myself. I didn't want to know any other secrets accidentally.
“I think I understand, Em. Don't fret. No matter what, you'll always be my first true love- my soul mate.” He kissed my cheek as the music ended and bowed to me. I curtsied in response, but I felt numb.
Dom was immediately at my side and Acacia took Mike away.
The music changed instantly- dance music was playing and the lights turned into flashing strobes. Cheers were heard everywhere.
Everyone was happy, the evening was a success- but I was lost. I knew Mike's words were true and I knew I had said the right thing, yet, somehow, I felt like part of my very soul had been ripped out, never to be rejoined with myself. I wondered how much I was conveying to Dominic.
Do not worry, Emma. You will heal. Time really does heal things. He smiled at me.
Clearly it was too much. As void as I was on the inside, I needed Dom to have a good time. I built a wall around my thoughts; I knew I was stronger with my own mind than Dominic could take on. I smiled at him. I'm fine. It was startling. Let's have ourselves an awesome night. I lied to him and felt rotten- something else to add behind my mental wall and I did.
He couldn't tell if I was lying or not- I don't think he thought I had become that strong with my thoughts yet- so he
let it go and turned into smiles. And like that, my thoughts were my own once again. I now knew that I had the strength to protect myself and those around me. It felt good.
I spent the next hours dancing and laughing myself silly. Perhaps my laughter was a little too loud and harsh, but no one noticed.
All around me the people I had begun to care about were truly enjoying themselves and that made all my pain worth it. I listened as Kelly told everyone how she was going to be a top model right after graduation and she'd be moving to New York. Everyone oohed and aahed their way through it. I laughed to myself.
Dom and I danced every song together- no one had the guts to ask to break up the perfect couple. It didn't matter because he was happy. I could feel it in his thoughts and his kisses were quick happy ones. It could have been much worse for me, but it wasn't.
I didn't see Mike or Acacia the rest of the evening- I assumed they left, which put a little damper on my mood because they shouldn't have to leave their prom for the issues between Mike and I. It didn't matter.
The evening drew to a close and everyone was exhausted minus Dominic and I, but we're special. Some of our group had fallen asleep inside so the guys helped to carry the half asleep out to the limo.
We were all too loud once we piled inside. I was surprised anyone could sleep through the ruckus but they did. If I was asleep and got woken up, I would've threatened death to all, but that was just me.
It took very little time for us to get back into town. We all climbed out of the limo and said farewells and gave hugs or helped drag the sleeping into Kelly's house. Before we left, Kelly beamed the brightest smile I had ever seen, right at me. I understood completely. I was glad she'd had a great night and I smiled back.
A few minutes later, Dom and I were dropped off. Dominic gave the driver an obnoxious tip and then we watched him drive off.
You really okay? He asked from behind concerned eyes.
Yes. Why don't you believe me? It's not like I can hide anything. I felt my bitter self seep into my words and I was proud at how easy it was when I was lying for someone else's good.
I don't know. Something about your thoughts seems a little off and guarded. He shrugged.
I laughed and shoved him slightly. Ready to go to bed yet?
Not really. Why? Curiosity was to be his ultimate killer- like the poor kitty cat.
Well, it's a clear night and I was thinking about sipping on some hot chocolate while I stargaze, would you like to join me? I purred the thought to him.
“Sounds lovely, Em. But let's put on more comfy clothes, okay?” He smiled.
“Sounds perfect. I'll meet you in the kitchen,” I said as we walked into the house.
Once I was upstairs, I felt the weight of my decisions and I wished that I could come undone right there, but I knew that he'd hear it. I'd have to wait until I was alone.
I quickly slipped out of my dress and hung it up. I pulled on some sweats and an oversized shirt. True comfort. I made a quick trip into the bathroom to undo my hair and makeup, and then I meandered downstairs.
He was wearing something similar when I walked into the kitchen. The tea kettle was on the stove and two cups with the hot chocolate mix were sitting on the counter. I wrapped my arms around Dom's waist and smiled up at him.
“Thank you for a wonderful evening, and a great prom,” I sighed at him.
He wrapped his arms about me. “No, my queen. Thank you.” He kissed me softly until the kettle was whistling.
We made the cups of cocoa and then went back upstairs. I led the way into my private attic and widow's walk. It was difficult with two steaming cups of hot chocolate, but we managed.
After I gave him a quick tour of the place, I grabbed an old wool blanket and laid it out on the walk. We sat down and stared up at the beautiful stars. We told each other stories we had heard about the stars and how they were formed. I told him everything I knew about every constellation.
Eventually, I got tired and laid my head down. Dom did the same thing. The stars began to fade and I fell asleep.
Chapter Fifteen
It was funny how quickly time moved when you were busy doing other things. Prom was the starting point for everything.
I decided that I would move to Italy, after graduation, and had to start making arrangements. Thus, Dominic had to inform the Italian school that he had decided to accept the position there. There were many things to negotiate because I wanted to stay at Dom's instead of the school, and also the little details of our relationship.
Once all the fine details were taken care of, we found other things to be involved with.
I helped Kelly with her studying for every one of her tests- even if I didn't have the class; I studied the information before hand and helped her struggle through it all. I also made sure that all the arrangements were taken care of for her and her modeling career.
Chris had been true to his word and sent the contract to my lawyers. They reviewed it, made some corrections, and then sent it to Chris' lawyers … then the ping ponging started. Eventually, they got everything straightened out and Kelly had the best modeling contract that was ever created- and she signed, willingly. The photo shoot date was set up for after the finals were all finished. That way she wouldn't get too distracted.
Finals came and everyone was stressed out- well, except for Dominic and me. Kelly had lost her gloss and her little pack of friends were extra snarly. Our schedule was changed to give each class a three hour window to torture its students. Those three hours became the most tiring hours of my life because I was always done with my tests within an hour- and even that hour was a stretch of my time limits.
After I finished, I check and rechecked everything. I tried desperately to look like I was still working on my tests- it was so hard.
You done too? Dom was bored.
Yup. I yawned.
How are you doing? He laughed.
I've checked my test like a million times. I don't understand how it takes so long. I sighed.
Try to remember back to before you were a vampire, Emma. It took you that long and, sometimes, even longer if the teacher would let you. He chuckled.
I stopped to remember the past, a time that felt so long ago. I saw myself struggling to keep my pencil sharpened and fill in all the answers that I knew. Three hours was barely enough time even on my fastest day. Yes, I understand.
So, now you're going to be a little more forgiving to those around you? I could see his face in my mind with his brow lifted.
Yes, I will. I nodded to myself and gave a forgiving glance to the rest of the room- after all, it wasn't their fault they didn't have photographic memories and could remember everything a teacher said. I sighed.
Dominic and I passed every test session like this. He would finish, generally after me, and then he would start talking to me. We talked about everything we could think of. He was going to take another trip to Italy before the end of the year- thus meaning he'd be gone soon for a few days. I told him all about the photo shoot for Kelly and how I'd set it up for his trip time. He thanked me for sparing him from the experience. I laughed.
We discussed graduation and how things would change and when we'd leave for school. There was a lot of information passed. I enjoyed it greatly though.
By the time our final came in Art, Dominic and I presented Miss Ashley with our master pieces; his was a painting of the most beautiful monastery I had ever seen, and mine was a pencil sketching of my entire family- and then we were excused from the classroom.
We went and had lunch in town before we went home. Dominic was leaving that evening for Italy and the next day Kelly would be over for her photos. I suddenly felt like everything was slipping away too quickly and I wanted to hold on to it.
Concern crossed Dom's face. What's wrong?
Nothing. I'm thinking about how it's all going to change. I sighed.
He hugged me. Don't worry so much, you'll enjoy the changes that come. He kissed me gently on the ch
eek.
The day ended with me feeling sorry for myself. I really missed Dom from the moment that he left. I was alone in the house because my parents were away, yet again, and my grandparents were visiting friends a few towns over- they wouldn't answer when I asked if these friends were vampires as well.
I stayed in my room all night as I sipped on my new favorite nutritious drink- of a red nature- and watched the monster movies I had memorized. God, I hate being completely alone. Yeah, it's cool to have my moments of thought without everyone being able to hear them, but it's too lonely and quiet.
And so I sat, staring at my television screen as Bella Lugosi and Lon Chaney, Jr. acted out my lifelong friends. I decided that I was a strange, strange girl.
I fell asleep as the sun was dawning. My dreams were blank and my thoughts empty. It was a restful sleep.
When the alarm went off two hours later, I was tired, but not as tired as I should have been for only getting two hours of sleep.
I quickly got dressed in an oversized black sweater and black leggings. I brushed my hair and teeth and then pulled my hair into a pony tail. I ran downstairs and got rid of the evidence of any blood and hid the pitcher full of it in the secret compartment in the fridge. I really didn't want to have to explain to Kelly why there was blood in my kitchen, let alone my room. My mini fridge was currently pretending to be a table, so it was clearly hidden and locked with the old fashioned key worn around my neck like a necklace.
Just as I had finished hiding all existence of vampires in the house, the doorbell rang.
“Coming!” I shouted as I walked to the door. I pulled it open and found Kelly standing there. “Hey, girlie. Come in.” I smiled at her.
“It's so cold out there.” She gestured to the door. I hadn't realized the weather so I didn't bother to turn on the heat.
“Let me get the heat going in the room where we'll be having the shoot. I'll bring in some food too.” I smiled at her and dragged her to the back of the house and out to the sun room.
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