The Shadows We Keep

CHAPTER TEN

Gabriella's pov

Matteo kept to his promises about me being able to leave the house, and I was ecstatic about it. Even though I couldn't see the places I visited, I could feel them like he said I would. The scents, music, people, the heat, I could feel it all, and it felt entirely different . It was like I was in my own world, a world that I created, deciding which colours I wanted my sky, and the appearance of people around me.

I let down the car window, and let the warmth of the sun kiss my face. It didn't feel like screened rays from the sunroom of the house, or the filtered breeze from the open windows, but real warmth. The kind that made you soul lift your soul just a little.

I didn't say anything as he car pulled up to a quiet street. I didn't need to. One of the guards opened the door, and I stepped outside, cane in hand, shoes crunching over the pavements. Matteo had insisted I get a cane to assist me in walking, without totally relying on anyone.

I took in a deep breath, inhaling the ocean, salty air. "Where are we?" I asked.

"The promenade. Santa Monica." One of the guards said. Romero, maybe. I was still learning their voices.

I smiled. I and Janine had made plans for after college. Plans that included us backpacking and exploring the world. Los Angeles was supposed to be our last stop before heading to Europe.

I sighed, letting the breeze blow my hair into my face. Those moments from my past had always seemed so hopeful. I was full of life and so much spark, and now….

"Do I smell corn dogs?" I said glancing around.

"Uh,yeah. There's a truck not too far from here."

"Could you get one for me, please?" I asked, my tone soft. "I heard the corn dogs they sell here are to die for."

"I'll be right back."

I smiled, not sure if I was staring at him. "Thank you."

I heard his footsteps retreat, before I turned to the sounds of approaching giggles. They sounded like young girls.

"....And when we got to my driveway, I honestly expected a kiss or something. Instead this dude just drops a kiss on my cheek and forehead." one of them said.

"Oh s**t, he doesn't like you. A hundred bucks that he friendzoned you with those sad excuses for kisses." The other said, she souded cheeky.

"Or maybe he's just really respectful. Come on guys, Jayden has been obsessed with Emma since sixth grade, even when you dated that hot jock last year. He's probably just nervous about ruining things."

"I know, but ……"

I chuckled as they walked further away, their voices getting drowned by the other noises around. I almost forgot that once upon a time I used to be a teenager. I remember wanting to grow up so fast, because I thought it was really stupid what teenagers fought over; boys, friendships, teachers who were mean, front seats, gummy bears. I hated the bickering and wanted to grow older just so I could leave Miami. But right now, I'd honestly do anything to go back to those moments. I missed my mother. I missed my father. Flaws and all.

This world felt different. It sounded different. There were voices, traffic, laughter. I could hear children squealing in the distance, rollerblades on the pavements, waves crashing just been the pier.

And then—-his voice. "Did someone order two corn dogs."

I turned my head, smiling despite myself. "I asked for one, and why are you out of your cave before sunset?"

Matteo's chuckle was smooth, low. "Even vampires like fresh air now and then."

He handed me a corn dog. "Tell me why you asked for a corn dog in Santa Monica?"

"I heard it's the really good." I said and took a bite. "And it really is."

"I'll be the judge of that." He replied.

A second later, I felt him shrug. "It's not too bad"

"Of course you'd say that, when all you feed on is blood."

"Then you should be worried." He joked and took my free hand gently.

A moment later, we were strolling in silence. It wasn't the kind that was awkward, it was peaceful. He pointed things out as we went; a dog doing backflips, a girl blowing bubbles, a couple arguing over matching tattoos.

"You're really bad at describing people." I teased. "You said that guy has 'aggressive eyebrows'. What does that even mean?"

"I'm just saying what I see, Mia cara. You need to more creative."

"Oh, do I?!"

I laughed, and for a second, it felt like I belonged to the world again.

We ended up at a food truck, where Matteo insisted I try something called “churro ice cream.” I didn’t argue.

“You’re lucky I trust you,” I muttered as I took a bite.

"You shouldn't." He said, almost too quietly.

I ignored the weird feeling in my chest, and kept munching on the churro ice cream.

****

It was so hot, and so dark. I tried to tug at my clothes for more air, but my hand touched nothing. It was like I was floating on thin air. Where was I?

"Hello!" I called out as I glanced frantically around.

This had to be a dream. But it wasn't like my usual nightmares. No blood, no fire, no screaming.

And then, it wasn't dark anymore. There was a bright spotlight above me, and I could…I could see.

But my surprise about my eyesight didn't last long, because standing in a dark hallway, back turned to me, was my father.

"Daddy?" I called out softly.

He didn't move

I walked closer, the spotlight following me. "Daddy, please. Turn around, it's me."

Still nothing.

Finally, I got to him, and reached out. But just as my fingers brushed his shoulder, he began fading away.

"No, no, no, no!" I gasped, moving to his front.

His eyes looked empty, and he shook his head gently. "You trusted the wrong man, Amore."

I gasped awake, my hand clutching my chest as I tried to steady my breathing.

The room was quiet.

But my heart wasn't .