Free Bella Vita by Jesse Kimmel-Freeman

mom smiled at me.
    Grandpa just waved me on and Grandmother
seemed to be lost in her own thoughts.
    I walked out of the room and out to the
veranda. The outdoors seemed to call to me, especially after going
through that kitchen scene with so many people trying to fix
something they didn't understand or could do anything about. I
sighed into the cool early evening air.
    Emma? His voice was concerned.
    “ Dom, I'm going to forgive
you. I'm just annoyed.” I hated to play those games where you dance
around what you mean.
    “ Thank you. I'm sorry you
feel betrayed. I had to tell them.” He looked down at his
boots.
    “ You know... what they're
doing... it won't help. You know that, right?” I looked at
him.
    “ What do you mean? You can
see this?” He knelt in front of me.
    “ Yes. No one asks me
though. This path leads to that future as well. I can't see a
different path to take. But maybe something will change soon. I
didn't want to say anything because I wanted them to feel like they
were doing something.” I looked out into the purple hued sea, the
sound of waves crashing was comforting.
    “ Thank you for telling me.
I truly appreciate it, my love.” He sighed and sat next to
me.
    “ What's the point of lying
to you, I doubt it'll make you feel better. You are going to have
to trust me. I'm watching this, looking for options, but right
now... it seems like nothing is going to change it.” I had to be
honest with him.
    “ I understand.” He huffed
out a breath. “So I asked the outfitters to come out in about an
hour for your fitting.” He smiled at me.
    “ My what?” I raised my
eyebrow at him.
    “ For your uniform.” I
watched as he was holding back a snicker.
    “ Uniform? Excuse me, no one
mentioned a uniform!” My temper was set to come out, I stood and
walked to the rail.
    “ I promise it isn't a
terrible one. In fact it's all black. And every student has the
ability to add to theirs. But the school needed something that
helped to keep people from nosing about too much- thus the private
school look, and uniforms.” He was holding his smile
back.
    “ UGH!” I exhaled as much as
I could.
    Apparently, Dominic felt that that was the
straw that broke the camel's back because he burst out in
laughter.
    “ What the hell do you think
is so damn funny, Dominic?” I snarled at him.
    “ You, my dear.” He giggled
at me.
    “ Grr!” I went and sat
noisily down.
    “ It really isn't so bad.
You'll see soon. As for your books, they will have to wait until we
get your schedule tomorrow. I've arranged for us to be there a
little early so we could get you settled.” He beamed at me, as
though it replaced his laughter from earlier.
    I remained silent.
    “ Oh, come on, Emma, you
can't truly be mad at me for laughing at your silliness.” He nudged
me with his arm.
    “ Yes, I can!” I
protested.
    “ Okay, fine, sit there and
pout. I guess I'll have to eat these tasty calzones all by myself.”
He said as he pulled two silver covered plates from behind the
outdoor bar.
    “ That is so not fair! Using
food when you know I've not eaten yet.” I sighed in mock
despair.
    “ You know I would give you
the world, mia bella .” He handed me a plate that felt the perfect
temperature.
    I pulled the lid off and
bit into the doughy turnover. My mouth watered as the salty
tartness from the green olives and the artichoke hearts blended in
my mouth. My favorite! Yummy! I could no longer pretend to be upset.
    “ Thank you!” I smacked a
loud wet kiss on his cheek.
    “ You're welcome and that is
only slightly gross- less calzone next time.” He smiled as he slid
his hand across his cheek.
    We ate in silence- just watching the waves
roll on the sea as it darkened to a midnight black.
     
    Once the outfitters arrived I was rushed
upstairs into an actual fitting room- apparently I had not been in
every room. It had mirrors everywhere and a pedestal that I had to
stand on. There were drawers on every surface that didn't