Love, Evangeline

31.

Two days went by, I hadn't seen or talked Domenico every since my birthday. I assumed he was busy with his new business and his fathers work. A part of me wanted to go up to Domenico's office and talk to him, but the other part told me to leave him alone. I spent most of my time in the library, in my room, or out walking through the gardens. I spent some time with Vincent as he worked around the house, he kept me company most of the time.

" You've been smiling more," Vincent said as we walked through the garden. I smiled, " you're happy, that's good," Vincent chuckled. I nodded, " I am." " Has it have to do with anyone?" Vincent asked, eyeing me. I grinned, " you and Domenico are getting closer, I assume?" Vincent asked. " Yes, I guess I learn more about him every day," I answered. Vincent nodded, " I've known Domenico ever since he learned to walk. He is now a man, and I've never seen him like this before." I frowned, " like what?" Vincent chuckled, " happy, smiling, pleased with something." I scoffed, " I'm sure he was happy before I came." Vincent sighed, " Domenico was a very secluded man before you came Evangeline. You have been the one and only person to brighten up his heart."

As we walked back into the house, Vincent turned to me and said, " Domenico needs you, don't break his heart." I immediately frowned as I shook, " I wouldn't ever do that." Vincent nodded, " you have a kind, and bright soul Evangeline, it is very rare to find one like yours in this world." I smiled as Vincent turned and made his way towards the kitchen. I folded my arms as I chuckled before turning and walking up the stairs. Halfway to my room, a unsettling sensation filled my body. Frowning slightly, my mouth suddenly watered up with saliva as my stomach tightened up. Clenching my jaw I ran up to my door, bursting into my room, I sprinted into the bathroom. Right as I lifted the toilet lid, I threw up. I gasped before my stomach tightened up again and I vomited back into the toilet.

Hovering over the toilet bowl for a few seconds, I quickly grabbed some toilet paper before whipping my mouth and flushing the toilet. A dreaded sigh escaped my parted lips as I stood up, tossing the toilet paper into the trash can. What on earth was going on? I hadn't been sick in weeks, let alone months. As I rinsed my mouth out in the sink, I then washed my hands before standing up. Was it food poisoning? No, the food the Berlusconi's made was entirely fresh and cleaned, anything rotten or spoiled would've already been thrown out. Inhaling deeply, I eyed the toilet before drying off my hands and walking back into my room.

     - - -
I sat at the table, alone, with nothing but a bowl of fruit I had cut up and prepared for myself in front of me. Inhaling deeply, I picked up the fork and stabbed a strawberry slice before taking a bite. The natural sweet flavor tingled on my tongue, within seconds I had devoured the whole bowl. I rubbed my lips together, waiting for something to happen. Right as I was about to grab my bowl and stand up, the dinning hall doors flew open. I flinched as Mya and her sisters walked in, excitement filled their eyes. Mya smiled, " what are you doing in here?" " I made myself food," I informed Mya as I grabbed my bowl and stood up. Gianna walked over to me, taking the bowl from my hands.

" Did you eat a bowl of fruit?" Gianna asked, slight confusion laced her tone. I smiled, " yes I did." Isabella chuckled, " you know we have people in this house that get paid to make things for you," Gianna informed me once again. " I can take care of myself, thank you," I said as I took back my bowl from Gianna's grasp. " Whatever," Mya sighed as she walked up to me. I looked at her, " there's an event tonight," Mya informed me. I frowned, " we just had one." " We have like three a week," Sofia said informed me. I looked at her before looking back at Mya, " what's so different about this one?" Mya smiled, " this one's dedicated to you." My heart skipped a beat as the feeling of emptiness fillerd my stomach. " What?" I asked softly.

" Shockingly enough, Domenico has found himself someone to marry, which is you," Isabella commented. I eyed her, " this event tonight is an opportunity for everyone to officially see you and Domenico together," Mya added. I shook my head, " don't worry, it'll be fun," Mya said as she took my bowl from me and pressed it against Gianna's chest. Gianna glared at her sister before taking the bowl and setting it down on the table. " Everyone, as in?" I asked dreadfully. " Pretty much all of Italy," Isabella answered, as if her answere wasn't a big deal. I instantly raised my eyebrows, " it's okay, we're going to help you," Mya assured me as she took my hand and led me out of the dinning hall. " We know people you should avoid, people you need and have to talk to," Mya began saying. " Need to remind you, I don't know anyone here," I reminded Mya. " I can't just go up to people and start a conversation as if I've known them my whole life." " Do you trust us?" Mya asked. I scoffed, Mya slightly raised her eyebrows, waiting for a response. " Yes," I sighed. " Good," Mya nodded.