Bella Notte (20 page)

“
I am not
going into the magical colored water and getting eaten by some
creature from the black lagoon on the other side. Are you insane? You
are not leaving me here, Dominic,” I said as I watched him
strip down to his boxer shorts and shove his cloths into a large ball
that he attached to his wrist with a rope.

“
Then you must
come. I will wait for you to get ready,” he said as he turned
and faced the other direction.

I decided that I
wasn't going to walk through the dark cave by myself and I had come
this far, so I was going forward, even if it killed me. I grabbed
another ball thing and shoved my sweatshirt, boots, socks, and jeans
into it, and then sealed it. Standing around in my bra, t-shirt, and
panties made me feel like a fool. I grabbed Dominic's hand and nodded
that I was ready.

The water was like
warm butter. I was quite afraid once I got into it. What
if
there really is a creature from the black lagoon in here?
I felt myself start to panic as the water went up to my shoulders.
Dominic held my hand firmly and waited a moment for me to calm down.
I felt like an idiot. Then he pulled me forward, took a deep breath-
I followed suit, and then dove down. We swam toward the darkness in
front of us.

It scared me to no
end … but it was only a few seconds before we surfaced on the
other side.

“
I told you it
wasn't so terrible.” He smiled at me and climbed out of the
water with his shorts sticking tightly to him.

I looked away to
give him a moment to adjust. When I looked back his shorts were
sitting in his hand and he was dressed. I sighed and waded out of the
water. He turned once more and I tried to be as quick as he was, but
I knew I wasn't. It was very uncomfortable to wear my jeans with wet
panties on, but the alternative seemed worse. I hobbled along after
him once we were situated, until things felt an even level of damp.

I knew when we
entered the catacombs because the walls held old skulls in them. Each
was odd in itself, some were small, shaped odd, or had long canine
teeth. Dominic explained that his family had been using these
catacombs for years and many of his ancestors were buried down here.
As spooked as I had been in the cave, I felt relaxed here. I know- I
am an odd duck.

Dominic spoke to the
tombs as though he was conversing with live people. He introduced me
to everyone that we walked by and I, in turn, greeted them all. It
was really interesting and it was as much fun as watching movies.
Dominic had a knack for knowing what I would like to do. But when he
said that there would be a lot of stairs to climb to get back up to
the house, he wasn't kidding. We walked up and up, and up, until I
wasn't sure if we were moving any more- only when I was sure we had
gotten stuck on a time loop did we get to the top of the stairs.

The day had snuck up
on us while we were exploring that beautiful place.
How
can he have such a magical place and leave it?
We ate dinner together- just some tasty chicken, mashed potatoes, and
peas. After that I excused myself in hopes of an email from Mike. I
wasn't disappointed.

Hey, Em,

I've missed you so
much! I felt like such a jerk when I missed your call. I know you're
crazy busy out there. So I understand why you don't call so much. I'm
glad Dominic isn't making you insane. I was worried about him, you
know. I mean he is like your intended and you are stuck out there
with him, anything could happen. I wouldn't be upset if something
did, I understand pressure. My family has introduced me to the girl I
am supposed to marry. CAN YOU BELIEVE IT? Apparently I am betrothed
as well!! I wish you were here. I think it wouldn't be so hard to be
like screw that. But it is hard. She is really nice. I debated
whether I should tell you or not and I decided it would be best if
you knew. She is transferring to our school like Dominic did. Our
families have pushed us together as much as possible and I am sure it
will continue even after your return. I am so sorry that things are
like this. If you want to call it quits I'd understand. I mean, we
are both fighting against our families and now another one on top of
that. UGH! What is wrong with people? I mean, shit, why can't I find
my own girl, fall in love and live in peace? Why do they have to get
involved in every freaking thing? I am so pissed. I'm sorry, it isn't
your problem. But you are going through it sort of too. What are we
going to do? I miss you so much and our normal life … what the
hell is happening? Okay, I am tired now, I am going to bed …
maybe an answer will come to me.

Love ya,

Mike.

I was utterly
shocked.
What
the Hell is he doing getting a girl as soon as I leave! What the
Hell!

I could feel my
illogical temper flaring once more.
Don't
break anything here, Emma. It isn't yours!
I needed to calm down. What could I do? I had to answer the email.
But I knew right now wasn't a good idea.
Could
I talk to Dom about this? Would he take advantage of the situation,
of my temper?
It didn't matter ultimately because I was slamming things and he came
up to check on me.

“
Emma.”
He knocked gently on the door. “Are you okay?”

“
Come in!”
I snarled at the door.

“
Whoa. Breathe
for a second. Let's calm you down before we talk. I know what to do,
but you have to trust me. It is a side effect of your change
beginning.” He took subtle steps toward me.

I gave him a look of
death and he froze mid step.

“
Emma, I know
I don't have the best record of trust with you, but I really know
what you are going through. Let me show you how to calm down. If you
don't calm down you will change, now, and I am not sure anyone wants
that. It generally doesn't start well in the first twenty-four hours.
Please, let me help you.” His eyes begged but he stayed where
he was.
Clearly
he fears me right now. Good.
I was beginning to fear myself.

“
Fine. Work
your magic. But if you do anything I don't agree with, or take
advantage, I will hurt you. I don't think I could stop myself right
now. So take it at your own risk,” I said through clenched
teeth.
Calm
the Hell down, Emma!

He walked toward me.
He took hold of my hands in one strong hand. He put his other hand
over my eyes. I felt awkward but no less angry. Then he kissed me.
What
the devil is he doing?
I struggled at first, I fought hard, but he was stronger than I could
have imagined.
Too
strong.
My anger began to disappear, and confusion was left in its wake. He
pulled away and was breathless.

I stared at him.

“
I am sorry. I
should probably run for the hills right now. But I knew the best way
to distract the anger- no anger isn't right, it is rage is to change
it. Feed it into something else. A kiss is the best way to give you
an outlet, especially if you weren't expecting it … and
perhaps there is a slight feeling behind it that isn't disgust.”
He rambled it all together as he blushed fiercely.

“
Thank you.”
My voice had become very businesslike.
Do
I like him? Like,
like
him?
I knew I didn't want to know the answer that I already knew.

He allowed a few
seconds to pass before he spoke again, his voice normal. “So,
what is it that has upset you? Remember when you get too upset to
think of the kiss.” He winked at me.

I blushed. “Well,
Mike, eh, wrote me an email,” I huffed.

“
I don't see
how that could be such a terrible thing.” He raised an eyebrow.

“
Ahh! You
don't understand. He said that he has a betrothed that he just met. I
mean, what the Hell? That isn't something that is common anymore …
you were enough of a freaking surprise for me! He was all like, 'I'd
understand,' blah blah blah … what, I don't count anymore?

He could just get
rid of me that easily because of some stupid girl that he is
supposed
to be with?” I sighed heavily.
Think
of the kiss
.
I flashed back to the kiss. The passion brought the blood to my
cheeks once more.
Why
do I feel this way?

“
See, my
advice works.” He smiled. “I don't understand what is so
bad about him having a betrothed. You have one. But you are still
with him. Perhaps his feelings are changing, Emma. Don't get angry,
but think about it. I mean in a
calm
and understanding way. Not from the point of his girlfriend- that I
might say has had the problem he is facing longer than he has. Do you
understand
mia
bella
?”

“
No!” I
sobbed out as I felt my chin wobble.

Dominic gripped me
into a tight hug. He held me until he was sure I wasn't going to
break down.
Very
effective. He clearly understands my inner workings. Another point in
his favor.
I sighed.

“
I am better
now. Thank you for everything. I think that perhaps I should think a
little by myself before I write him back.” I kissed his cheek.

“
Yes, I agree.
If you need me I am downstairs in the kitchen,” he said as he
walked toward the door. “Oh, by the way, tomorrow we are going
to a club. In the evening that is … I want you to see some of
the culture that many don't know about. Just something to think
about.” He closed the door and I heard his steps vanish down
the hall.
Okay,
deep breath, Emma. You need to think logically here. No heart in the
way. No anger clouding your thoughts. You must be fair.
I really hated my internal voice sometimes.

I sat down at the
desk. This was a serious matter and it required a business like
atmosphere. I arranged the desk so it no longer held any
distractions, and stared at the wall. I thought about all the things
I had been doing while I was here, and all my feelings. I thought
about Mike and Dominic. I thought about me. And, in the end, I had no
answer. I decided to write the email and leave it open. I knew an
answer would come.

Dearest Mike.

I can't believe they
are betrothing you as well. Are you going to fight against it? I'd
understand if you decided it would be best to take the offer. I am
willing to wait things out until you feel sure in your decision. You
didn't sound really sure in your email. I am glad that there is
someone you can hang out with while I am here. I hope that she is
really awesome. I had some of the things that happen with me
explained and it is nice to know I am not totally insane. I still
have no answers to this “change” thing that they speak of
in hushed voices. I feel paranoid about it. I know that you know
something, but I don't care. I will find out when the time is right.
I went to the most beautiful place today. I got to see the catacombs
and caves that attach to the castle. In the caves there are these
crystals that look like they could be part of the rainbow. It was
beautiful. I couldn't take any pictures though, sorry. Anyways, I get
to go to a club tomorrow. I am excited and scared. Sounds neat
though. I didn't ask the name, maybe tomorrow I will. I have to go to
sleep now. The day has been long and had lots of things to overcome.
Sleep well.

Em.

I pressed send and
went to bed. I had dreams of Dominic all night long. I felt unnerved
when my normal dream came. That dream had stopped being something
that was solid. It changed daily. Tonight- should I say early in the
morning- Mike had taken on features

I hadn't seen
before. When I blinked in the dream, I thought he was a wolf. I felt
the whisper in my ear, but still couldn't hear it.
I
wonder what will bring the words to me.

I woke up in the
middle of the day and I was glad for it. My last bit of sleep was
darkness.
Ah,
sweet uncluttered sleep.
I got up and took a long bath. I wrapped myself in a robe when I got
out. I walked out into my room and Dominic was sitting in the chair
once again.