Note - Part of this chapter was inspired by the song "Leather and Lace" by Stevie Nicks and Don Henley.
~O~
A Blood Bicycle Built for Two
"What's your name?"
Donna squinted at her. "Donna Beneviento."
"And what are you doing?"
"I don't know."
Donna made a small groan.
Angie had her face close to hers; she was holding her cheeks, reassuring her that it would be fine. She'd been doing it most of the morning and Donna still hadn't been so sure about it. It was something she'd never done before.
She sighed as she looked at the picnic cloth of choice; the pattern was lovely enough and the food she'd picked were some of Bela's favorites.
"The design is tacky. Do you think it's tacky?" Donna asked.
Angie shook her head with a sigh. Well, this was getting them nowhere. Donna had been at this for an hour; paranoid about how everything looked.
"Mother always went on these picnics with father and me." Donna continued. "I only want perfection. I want it to be nice."
"Mm, maybe you and fly face are better for each other than I thought." Angie quipped.
Donna gave a nervous chuckle in response. Something so simple shouldn't have been this difficult for her to do. But she found that with things like this, she lacked understanding and experience. Bela didn't seem to mind or be bothered by that. But Donna was and she certainly minded it.
"I'm glad I have you with me." Donna agreed.
"Yeah. I know."
Angie giggled and Donna gave a light, airy laugh. Well, this shouldn't have been scary for her; it was a simple date and one she organized herself. She had to have courage to ask Alcina for her blessing. It would be easy, really. It had to be. Surely she understood.
The trip to the castle was quiet, mostly. The Others danced around her, happily singing and talking. Normally, Donna would be overwhelmed by it. But the distraction was nice and it kept her heart from racing too much.
And when she arrived, Alcina had been welcoming to her as always. She was even remarking about how Bela seemed in good spirits.
"I could hear your heart racing across the castle..." Alcina quipped.
"Sorry." Donna said, quietly.
"It's not a problem for me. I'm sure Bela can hear it as well."
Donna sighed with a quiet groan of unease. She didn't want to spend time broadcasting her fear to the entire Dimitrescu family.
"It's been delightful," Alcina said, as they walked down the castle halls. "I haven't seen my eldest one this happy since the Summer Ball in '64."
Donna chuckled softly. "I...had planned on a little picnic for us."
"A picnic." Alcina smiled at the idea. "That DOES sound lovely."
"I only need a suitable wine, really."
"Of course. My personal stock would help make for a pleasant evening." Alcina continued. "And, as you know, I want the best for them."
Donna knew that very well. She was also aware that Alcina spoke to her and not necessarily the wine. She had to ask. The Others were talking aimlessly.
(She's going to judge you.)
(She laughs.)
"Do you have an issue with me seeing her?" Donna asked, before she could stop herself.
Alcina stared at her incredulously. "What? No, of course not." she said. "You've clearly done something to entice my daughter. And she's happy. That is what I want for her."
"Yeah, she did something alright..." Angie quipped.
Donna put her hand over the doll's mouth to shut her up.
Alcina turned toward a maid who had been sweeping the floor. "Here. Now." she ordered, her tone even, but firm and commanding.
The maid rushed over to her side, nervously waiting for her Mistress' order.
"Take Donna to my wine cellar." Alcina ordered. "She will select what she wants and you will take it wherever she asks. Understood?"
A quick nod from the maid and Alcina nodded back in return. She smiled down at Donna and gestured with one hand for her to go.
That had been easier than Donna thought.
O
The hill by the lake seemed proper enough.
Bela and Donna watched the sunset while resting on the picnic cloth. Bela had been enjoying the blood-dipped cherries - cherries from Donna's vineyard. The wine had been a perfect choice by the maid, though Donna had needed some help to pick the right one.
"My mother did this often." Donna told her. "I thought it would be nice to share the same moment with you before the winter season."
Bela smiled at her. "Well, you chose the best wine and fruit! How did you know it was my favorite?"
"I had...help." Donna admitted, with a light laugh.
Bela laughed, leaned against her shoulder and the pair watched the sun together. Donna let out a small sigh after a moment.
"How do you suppose we got here?" she questioned, with a soft smile. "A Dimitrescu and a Beneviento on this hill?"
"Well, I'd like to think it was my little kill on your doorstep." Bela teased, with a grin.
Donna blushed somewhat, glancing at her. "Actually, it was...before that."
"Hm? Really?" Bela looked at her with delight. That was flattering. "How long?"
"The Summer Ball of '64." Donna admitted, lowering her eye.
"Why didn't you say something?" Bela looked at her with pleasure and awe.
Donna made a face and it earned an understanding laugh from the other woman.
"Yeah, you're right." she admitted.
"You were lovely." Donna said, after another moment of silence. "But words failed me. They often do. I was worried about...well, this."
She gestured to her own face lamely.
"And Alcina wanting to take a bite out of me."
Bela crowed with laughter, nodding in agreement.
Donna could see her Other Selves again. Two of them were on a tandem bicycle, singing loudly and happily as they passed the lake.
"Bela, Bela,
Give me your answer, do!
I'm half crazy,
All for the love of you!
It won't be a stylish marriage,
I can't afford a carriage,
But you'll look sweet on the seat
Of a blood bicycle built for two!"
"Mm, I could definitely adore your Other Selves, too." Bela told her, which made the Others crash the bicycle nearby. "Besides, they're you. And I like you."
Donna blinked, listening to the bicycle crashing somewhere; the voices chatted excitedly, happy to hear her words.
(She likes us!)
(She likes you!)
(She likes us all!)
Donna smiled warmly at her and they leaned their heads together, comforted by the sun and its warmth.
And to think, Donna had even considered hesitating.
"What would you like to do?" Donna questioned.
"Mmm, I don't know." Bela told her, snuggling closer. "I think we have a long time to decide, don't we?"
Donna took a moment before she smiled, content with the answer.
"We do."
