Bella Vita by Jesse Kimmel-Freeman Page B

with Bella
Notte. I beamed back at him, I quickly
decided that I needed to tell Dominic everything except the weird
dream that Bernie had, so we had no lies between us.
    When we're home
then. He let the silence drift between us
like static on a dead radio, I didn't like it.
    The rest of the ride was
spent in this fashion, which in turn caused me to desperately try
not to fidget. I allowed my mind to wander back to England and
everything that had happened. The entire trip was insanely
strange. How will I tell Dom about all
this nonsense? I knew him well enough to
know that he would think me foolish for keeping it all a secret to
begin with. Then I remembered why I had to keep it a secret in the
first place- that god-awful dream about his sister.
    I sighed out into the cool night air, and
missed the fact that my breath no longer made little puffs of
smoke.
    What's wrong? There was no alarm in his voice.
    Nothing, my love. I sighed internally for having to lie once more.
I knew I needed to tell him, but how was an entirely different
story.
    We crossed the water, and I
secretly laughed to myself about that old legend about running
water stopping vampires in their tracks. Clearly, it was nothing
more than a silly myth. I wonder where and
how that one got started? The sleek bike
made small crunching sounds on the well-worn road of this lovely
enchanted place. Dominic's castle like home towered above us as we
pulled up. I could easily see the tower-like rounded corner where
my room was located. The rich sea air was damp, but so welcoming. I
even had to admit to myself that I missed the spooktastic catacombs
under the house.
    “ Welcome home, mia bella . It hasn't
been the same without you.” His words echoed through my body as
though he had said them straight to my heart.
    “ Oh, Dom!” I clung to him
as we got off the bike. “I don't know where to begin! I want, no I
need to tell you so much!” The words rushed from my
mouth.
    “ Emma, hush. Calm my love.
Whatever is the matter?” He stroked my straight black
hair.
    “ Oh, so much. And your
sister!” The mere mention of Issy sent me into hysteria.
    “ Emma, what about Isabella?
What's wrong, my love?” His hold tightened around me, as though to
protect me from whatever was causing my tears.
    I could do no more than shake my head.
    “ Come, let's get inside
where it's warm and I'll make you some tea.” Dominic led me up the
well-worn stone stairs into my home.
     
    The kitchen was so welcoming after being at
Betty's with her strange rooms and servants. The beautiful tile
floor, with its warm hues, and the vast open space, with the light
pouring in during the day- it was just what I needed. Dom set the
kettle and retrieved a blanket from one of the many closets, he
placed it around me. The gesture was reassuring, even if the
blanket wouldn't change my naturally cool body temperature.
    He placed the steaming cup in front of me, I
could smell the naturally calming herbs and the hint of blood he
must have mixed in.
    “ Drink this, mia bella .” His words
were a command filled with love.
    I sipped the soothing liquid. I could feel
it course its way through my body. The herbs were easily absorbed
into my system, and the blood gave me just the right amount of
extra energy that I needed to get control of my raging inner
self.
    “ Feel better?” His green
eyes looked like storm-churned waters with his concern.
    “ Yes. Thank you. I think it
was just how overwhelmed I suddenly felt to be home. I'm sorry if I
scared you. I'll tell you everything about my trip and the reason
for me going there. I'm sure I'll ultimately need your help
anyways. But right now, I'd like to go upstairs, take a long warm
shower, and then eat dinner.” I told him directly, expecting his
objection.
    “ Sí , of course, my love. I know your trip was long. We will talk
later.” Dominic's voice drifted after me up the stairs.
    What's wrong with you, Emma
Hutchinson? I realized that was a