Come to Me by Twilight: A Caius Volturi Story

Chapter 6: The Influence

Chapter 6: The influence,

I awoke with his words ringing in my ears. Sunshine poured through the windows. The room once dark was flooded with light. I smelled the coffee brewing and the distinct smell of muffins baking downstairs in the kitchen. In the hall, the clock struck eight.

Shivering from the cold air, I dressed carefully trying to choose the best outfit I'd imagine that Caius would like on a lady. I picked to wear my best black sweater, a soft angora turtleneck. I pulled the jeans that best fit my backside, a black pair like Caius had on.

Before I left, I took time to put a little makeup on and hide that pimple on my cheek. I decided against picking at it or it might bleed and spread. Not what I needed right now. I hope Caius would not notice. I stopped before the kitchen door feeling anxiety but a good kind that causes butterflies to flutter about in your gut. I forced myself to calm down and breathe normally. Caius would be in there getting his breakfast. I smooth down my hair and straighten my clothes and open the door. But no Caius or dad for that matter. I was expecting them to be chattering about the news of the day and I would listen to Caius's magical voice.

''Where is everybody? ''I inquired.

''Your father is already at work on his novel, ''Cindy said, ''Caius doesn't eat breakfast. Tea in his room is all he wants. As for lunch, he asked me to leave a tray at his door so he can work undisturbed. We won't be seeing him until dinner, I guess. ''

Without noticing my disappointment Cindy sipped her coffee and went to work with her embroidery stitching.

Mikey looked up from his cereal. ''Did you see Mr. Volturi's car, Raina? ''

Cindy got up and went to the window and push the curtain aside. ''Come take a look, Raina. It's a really nice car.''

A car the color of cherry shining and sleek graced our driveway. The morning sunlight gleamed on the perfect paint job. Wow, it was the Porsche, the same car I'd seen passing the inn the night of the Blizzard. I knew it would return, and it had. Was it possible Caius heard me when I invited him to stay? Was it why he looked at me the way he does? The very thought sends a shiver up and down my spine.

''I hate that car! ''Mikey said loudly, I hate Caius too! ''

Cindy smooth her hand over her son's hair. ''Now, Mike what did I tell you? Mr. Volturi is our guest and he is welcome. You must not talk like that he may hear you. ''

Ignoring his mother's correction, Mikey said. ''Will Robbie be coming today? ''

''I'm afraid not, ''Cindy said. ''This is a school day. ''

Mikey pouted then brightened. ''Maybe he'll come on the weekend and make snow angels with us. ''

I was hardly listening to Mikey, my thoughts lingered on Caius. The day Rob and I spent together seems like a lifetime ago.

Mike studying my face. ''You like Robbie, don't you?''

''Well, yeah of course I do. ''I say quickly to remove any doubt. ''He's a nice kid. You're lucky to have him as a friend. ''

''But Raina, he's your friend too.'' Mikey said frowning at me. ''Or do you like Mr. Volturi better? ''

Cindy came to my rescue. ''Michael please stop pestering your sister and eat your food. You hate mushy cereal. ''

Later when I was alone in my room, I found it difficult to concentrate. The math equations blurred into one another. Languages ran into a jumble hopelessly. The clock on my mantle ticked in succession reminding me that I was wasting time. It was so long before dinner time with Caius.