Chapter Six
Nikolas ventured back to his room after he and Spencer had completely searched the house. Spencer of course had seen it as a game, a chance for his daddy to play with him. And daddy didn't seem so sad. So Spencer had put on his Diego exploring hat and set off on an adventure. Spencer also knew that there was no telling what might be behind any of the doors here. Uncle Lucky said that there were bats and vampires. Spencer wasn't so sure, but Uncle Lucky was nice and he was funny. Aunt Lulu was even better because he could always convince her to give him candy or ice cream or something. She was a total sucker and he knew exactly how to work her.
Spencer kept pulling his binoculars out and staring down the halls as they tiptoed through the castle. This was fun. But finally even Spencer was tired, and they hadn't even seen any bats or vampires. He would have to tell Uncle Lucky. But he knew Uncle Lucky wouldn't believe him.
Nikolas lay down on the bed. He was exhausted. He was so sure that Spencer had seen Emily. Emily. Even her name still made his heart clench. He closed his eyes and thought of her. At first it was thoughts of Dancing with her at the Black and White Ball. His most recent memories, but as his sleep grew deeper he began dreaming of a much younger Emily, of dancing with her at the Bacchanalia. And then he heard a faint tinkling sound, and he watched as if in a movie, the four musketeers exchanging Christmas gifts before the fire. Emily clutched a small jewelry box in her hand, a box that he had given her. She looked so alive, so vibrant. He couldn't help but smile. But something woke him from the dream. And oddly enough the music box was open and playing its soft music from his dresser. He had buried that with Emily. Now how was it here. He rose from the bed and picked it up and held it to his heart. Her heart would always be connected to his.