by West, Shay
At the house that evening, she helped C.C. hang the decorations on the back patio. She had her iPod plugged into the stereo port and the music flooded the back yard. Alex and C.C. danced and sang as they put on the finishing touches.
“Hey! Sounds like someone’s having a party.”
Alex turned to see her Uncle Mark standing in the doorway with his hands on his hips.
Karen squealed like a little girl and ran to throw her arms around him. He picked her up and swung her around while she kicked her legs, laughing breathlessly. He was dressed in fatigues, and his hair was in typical Marine high and tight style. His face was more lined than the last time Alex had seen him but he was still a ruggedly handsome man.
Alex gave him a hug, though she felt a little uncomfortable. She had only seen him a few times in her whole life.
He soon had her perfectly at ease, exclaiming over the new phone, complimenting her on her choice of music.
“Why don’t we set up the lawn golf game?” Mark suggested.
“Mark, I’m not sure that lawn golf is the “in” thing for kids these days.” Karen poked him in the ribs.
“Nonsense. They’ll love it.” He proceeded to set it up, making sure that the two posts were set the perfect distance apart.
“You guys don’t have to play if you don’t want to.” Karen looked at her husband with exasperated affection.
Alex laughed. “It’s fine. It might actually be fun.” As happy and content as she was at this moment, her uncle could have suggested setting up a Parcheesi game and she would have been fine with the idea.
Her friends arrived and she swept through the house, giving them the quick tour. She showed them the guesthouse and they were all very impressed. C.C. had hung lights on the trees and the back fence, making the yard look like something out of a fairy tale. Just as Alex was about to show them the fountain, the boys spotted Mark.
“Lawn golf!” Paul and Simon ran off to start a game. The girls rolled their eyes and continued with the tour.
When C.C. brought out the pizza and soda, the boys stopped their game and piled their plates, practically pushing the girls aside. There was much good-natured shoving and bantering, each trying to get the best piece.
As Alex watched her friends, she was happy and content. Even the memory of Catelyn and Beau did nothing to ruin this night. She pushed thoughts of them aside. Even sourpuss Brittany had come and seemed to be having a good time. Alex got up with Jennifer to dance to one of their favorite songs. The others followed and the patio was soon crowded with dancing, shouting teenagers.
Alex excused herself and ran to the guest house to use the restroom. She was singing under her breath, able to hear the music blasting from the stereo. Hope the neighbors don’t get upset.
She stood at the sink washing her hands when the image in the mirror shifted to the beautiful strawberry-blonde girl.
Not now! Please not now! Her heart was in her throat and she gripped the edge of the sink trying to force the image to disappear, like she had been able to do before.
Her body shook and her arm rose up to move toward the mirror, though she gritted her teeth and tried to fight the urge. She whimpered and tears fell down her face.
The other girl had the same expression as Alex did. Her brown eyes were filled with tears and her arm was poised to touch the mirror on her side.
Alex tried to brace herself for the pain she knew was coming but it still took her breath away. She tried to fight the blackness creeping in on the edges of her vision, but she wasn’t strong enough.
CHAPTER 11
ALEX AWOKE ON the floor. She groaned and forced her slack muscles to move. It was not taking as long to acclimate as it did when she was transported to medieval Ireland, which surprised her a little. I wonder where I am? Her heart fluttered in her chest but she tried to take deep, even breaths so she could remain calm. She stood slowly.
She looked around and found that she was standing next to a large table made of oak. It was richly carved and topped with a large circular mirror. The table had an array of combs, small mirrors, and fancy vials and canisters made of polished silver and glass. Behind her stood a four-poster bed with the drapes pulled back. A screen painted with beautiful colors was in the back corner.
Alex crept to the window, reveling in the sensation of her bare feet sinking into the lush carpet covering the floor. The sun was barely peeking over the horizon. The buildings Alex could see were stone and sat very close to one another. A large ornate wooden bridge spanned the river and many small boats floated lazily underneath.
Alex looked down and could see there were many water channels everywhere. She ducked back inside, her heart racing. I think I’m in Venice. She recognized the bridge as being the predecessor to the Rialto Bridge, which still stood in present day Venice.
Alex chewed her lip. She thought she must be in Venice somewhere around the sixteenth century but she could not narrow the timeframe more than that as of yet. She tried to remember important events from this period but a light tapping on the door interrupted her.
She considered ignoring it but decided she needed information and speaking to another person was the best way to gather it. She took a deep breath, pulled her light robe tightly around her silken nightgown, and opened the door.
“Anastasia, darling, what are you doing still in your night clothes?” A beautiful woman breezed into the room, giving Alex a strange look. She was dressed in the most gorgeous gown Alex had ever seen. It was cream with pale green sleeves and a darker green velvet skirt. The woman wore earrings, necklace, and rings that matched the color of the dress. Her hair had more red than did Alex’s and it spilled over one unblemished shoulder in a cascade of perfect curls.
“I think you should wear the red gown Sir Norton gave to you. You must look ravishing at the gathering.” The woman rummaged through a large armoire, pulling out a dress that nearly took Alex’s breath away.
“That is the very dress I was thinking of wearing, Veronica.” Alex spoke the name as if she had known this woman for many years. Why did I remember her name and not the people back in Ireland that Aine knew?
Alex did not have time to ponder this oddity. The woman moved behind her and began peeling Alex out of her clothes. She blushed and fumbled with the strings tying the neck of her nightgown closed.
“A blush? From you, dear Anastasia?” Veronica raised her eyebrow. “If I didn’t know better I would think you a courtesan newly come into her talents. I have seen you in the nude before.”
Alex groaned inwardly at the word courtesan. Well, that’s what I get for daydreaming about being one to impress Beau. Her body trembled as she began imagining the worst things possible she would have to do while she was in this body. Maybe I can do whatever is needed and leave before I am expected to perform my duties.
Alex now knew what time period she was in based on her location in Venice and the woman who was pulling the fabulous gown over her head.
The woman had to be none other than the infamous Veronica Franco, perhaps one of the best known and most powerful courtesans. Alex had watched the movie Dangerous Beauty with her mother only last year. Patricia had been reluctant to let Alex watch the movie but she encouraged her daughter’s obsession with history and thought that perhaps she was mature enough to handle it.
Is it only coincidence that I just happen to know about the history of the places I have been so far? Alex wished she had more time to think things through. The woman had finished lacing her up so tight Alex could barely breathe. When she caught sight of herself in the full-length mirror she sucked in a delighted breath.
The dress was a perfect match for her skin and strawberry-blonde hair. The tight laces not only gave her the tiniest waist, but it also did wonders for her breasts, which seemed in danger of spilling out of the gown. Why can’t I have this body back in my own time?
Drawing on the knowledge of the girl Anastasia, Alex began to pile her hair on her head, pinning it so that it would sta
y in place. She let the rest fall down her back. I wish I had beautiful long hair like this!
She found a choker that had a large red stone in the center, a perfect accent to the gown she wore. She grabbed a silver container and a brush from the table and applied a light layer of blush to the apples of her cheeks.
Alex surveyed her face in the mirror. Anastasia’s eyes did not require any make-up since the long, dark lashes rimming her dark brown eyes enhanced them better than anything else possibly could. Her skin was unblemished and felt smooth as silk. She wondered how women in this time kept their skin so soft.
Alex stared at the reflection, still in awe of how much of herself she saw in Anastasia’s eyes. It was a little eerie, as if someone had stolen her spirit and put it inside of someone else. That’s exactly what’s happened!
“Come. We must be going.” Veronica pulled her skirts high and walked toward the door. Alex gulped and followed, wishing she knew where she was going. Veronica held her head high, and gave a small nod to those she passed on the street. Alex tried to emulate the way the other woman walked, but only felt silly and awkward. She bit her lip to keep from laughing hysterically.
Veronica led them to a small pier where she called a greeting to the man in the longboat. He held her hand gently as he helped her aboard the gondola. Alex let him take her hand and wished she could climb aboard the rocking gondola as gracefully as Veronica had. She nearly tumbled herself and the gondolier into the dirty water. I hope I don’t get sick riding in this thing. She took a seat as the gondolier moved to the rear and began to paddle slowly. He hummed a tune as they made their way through the watery channels.
Alex tried to sit back and enjoy the ride but she was too hot and uncomfortable. She had to sit with her back perfectly straight or else she could not draw breath. The smell of the city was making her nauseous. Alex followed Veronica’s lead and fanned her face with a delicate lace fan, which helped to clear the air.
The area became more opulent as they traveled, and the smells more pleasant. Alex knew they must be nearing the richer part of the city. Her heart thudded in her chest as she wondered if they were paying a visit to suitors and what would be expected of her. Her fright and the tightness of the bodice of the gown were becoming unbearable. Alex closed her eyes and tried to focus on taking slow, shallow breaths, and prayed she wouldn’t faint. Maybe if I feign illness, I can go back to my room and figure out a way to get out of here. However, if the past was any indicator, she would be unable to return home until she had completed whatever task she was here to finish.
The gondolier stopped at another pier and helped the girls to the dock. Veronica pushed some coins in his hand and thanked him profusely. Veronica took Alex by the arm and led her toward a sprawling stone manse with gorgeous marble statues of men and women in very suggestive poses. There were flowers and fruit trees in the front garden, filling the air with their delicate perfume. Alex breathed deeply, certain she had never smelled anything so lovely.
A servant dressed in a simple dress of blue and white met them at the front door. Her dark hair was in two braids and wrapped around her head. She kept her head down as she walked them to the central courtyard.
Alex was stunned at the beauty. There was a large stone fountain in the center with white stone benches surrounding it. There were even more flowers and fruit trees and trellises covered in vines, filling the courtyard with rich colors and smells. More servants carried trays of delicacies, fresh fruit, breads and cheeses, and goblets filled with spiced wine and cider.
Many men were scattered about the courtyard. All were richly dressed in hose and doublets, covered with ornately decorated cloaks or capes. Most of the men wore slender swords at their hips. Alex noticed their hair was short and their beards cropped close.
Some of the men took note of their arrival and moved toward the pair. Alex wanted to hide behind Veronica, feeling like a gazelle about to be pounced on by a pride of hungry lions.
“Ah, Miss Franco. Delighted as always.” One gentleman took Veronica’s hand and bent over it, pressing his lips lightly to the back of her hand.
“Miss Demarco, a pleasure.” The same man took Alex’s hand. She did not know how to reply so she merely smiled.
She didn’t know any of their names but by taking Veronica’s lead, she was able to at least flub her way through the greetings. She would try to greet someone only after Veronica did and if a man she didn’t know came to her, she simply called him “Sir.”
“Will you play for us, Anastasia?” The eldest of the men bent at the waist, indicating with his arm for Alex to follow him. She took his proffered arm and he led her to a stone bench beneath a trellis covered with vines heavy with tiny purple flowers. He beckoned with one hand and a servant scurried over carrying a harp. He placed it gently on the ground and bowed, backing away.
Alex wanted the ground to swallow her up. I don’t know how to play the harp! She stared at the musical instrument as though it had grown teeth and would bite her.
“Go on, ‘stasia!” Veronica said.
Alex once again found herself moving as if being controlled by someone else. She took a seat and positioned her fingers over the strings. She took a deep breath as her fingers expertly moved along the strings, plucking a melody that was both foreign and familiar.
Alex closed her eyes and simply let the part of her brain that knew how to play music take over and she soon lost herself in the song.
When she finished, the men and Veronica clapped and shouted with amazement. She blushed and murmured her thanks. Alex stood and gave a small curtsey before beckoning to a servant. She took a goblet of wine from the ornate silver tray and sipped slowly, not wanting to become drunk but her throat was so parched and she felt she needed a little something to steady her nerves. If Mom saw me drinking wine, she would ground me for a month! Alex felt a little guilty, but continued to take delicate sips of the wine anyway.
Alex also helped herself to the food being brought around. She was famished. Alex expected to be able to stuff herself but was quite surprised to find that she felt full after only a few bites. It must be this damned corset! My tummy is probably scrunched to the size of a quarter.
She was beginning to remember things about the men at this gathering. Alex could hold a brief conversation with each one, chatting about his favorite topic.
This is so weird! I know who I am and remember everything about my life and yet I can also sort of remember being this other girl.
Alex was glad none of the men did anything but talk to her, take her hand, and place it on his bent arm while he walked her about the courtyard. They seemed perfectly pleased to enjoy her company and did not push for anything further. Alex noticed that Veronica was enduring the same treatment, though she seemed to relish the attention, while Alex wanted nothing more than to be left alone to try to puzzle out why she had been brought here.
Since I’m here, maybe I should try to enjoy it. As the morning passed into afternoon, Alex did indeed find herself enjoying the day. She began to feel more comfortable and she relaxed into the role of a courtesan, using her wit, charm, and intelligence to beguile the men around her.
As good as she was, she was no match for Veronica Franco. She was stunning, smart, witty, and fun. She was everything Alex wished she could be. She’s a lot like Catelyn.
But while Catelyn was mean and vindictive, Veronica was sweet and nice. She showered the men who spoke to her with praise and affection that seemed genuine to Alex.
“Would you do us the honor of reciting some of your poetry, Miss Franco?” One of the men asked.
Veronica nodded her head briefly, and stood, waiting until she had the attention of everyone in attendance.
I can’t believe I am actually in sixteenth-century Venice about to hear the Veronica Franco recite some of her very own poetry!
Veronica’s voice was clear and smooth, carrying easily to all listening in the courtyard. Even the servants crept closer to hear her words. After she w
as finished, she bowed to resounding applause.
Veronica glided to where Alex sat and announced they must be going. The men bowed to the women and asked if they would grace them with their presence again soon. Veronica promised they would return and followed the female servant to the front of the house.
“You have not been yourself today. Are you unwell?” Veronica asked as they made their way to the waiting gondola.
“Just preoccupied,” Alex said.
Veronica gave her a side-long glance. “Thinking of anyone in particular?”
Just then a man hailed the girls from the street. Alex met his eyes and her heart stopped. He was tall, with short dark hair. He wore a navy blue doublet stitched with silver thread. His black boots came to his knees.
But it was his eyes that stole her breath.
His eyes were grey, like the fog that crept up the banks of the rivers and channels of Venice. Alex thought she could lose herself in those eyes. There is something so familiar about him.
“Why, if it isn’t Chandler Lockton.” Veronica said, holding her hand out to the handsome young man. He dutifully helped her from the boat but he only had eyes for Alex.
She tried to figure out how she could possibly know this man as he helped her from the boat. His touch sent electricity moving throughout her body. She was certain that he could feel her skin warm under his hand.
“I am hoping you are free for dinner tonight, Miss Anastasia.” He held her hand close to his breast as he gazed into her eyes.
“Oh, o…of course.” Alex stammered.
“I will bid you good night.” Veronica gave a small curtsey and sauntered off down the street.
Alex tried to focus on not tripping over the two left feet she had just sprouted. She also found herself standing upright, squaring her shoulders and sticking her chest out, trying to emulate the confident way of walking that Veronica had.
Getting quite into the role, aren’t we? Alex scolded herself, and yet did not change her posture.