Tell Me I'm Dreamin' by Eboni Snoe Read Free Book Online

upward, focusing on Ulysses’ face, she had been very much aware of his muscular arms and chest, and the thick hair on the latter which was almost level with her face. Nadine shut her eyes, tight, for she dared not think what lay beneath that cloth, but the images continued to come. She could see him as he walked away, how his torso tapered into a thin waist and slender hips, his towel pressed against firm buttocks with muscles that tightened and released as he moved.
    Looking at Ulysses Deane sparked the ache that occurred whenever Nadine had the unsettling dreams. A teasing warmth deep inside bubbled up, eventually becoming a threat if it was not released. A couple of years ago she had written and told Gloria about the dreams. There was no one else she felt close enough to, to reveal such personal things about herself. Gloria had written back making light of her dilemma. “Girlfriend,” she had penned, “nature is letting you know you weren’t born to be nobody’s nun. You better take care of that,” and she went on to describe ways that Nadine could do just that. It made her feel flushed even now just to think of some of them.
    Nadine recently had begun to look outside of the more restrictive religious practices that she had embraced. Although her high moral standards had cost her more than one budding relationship, Nadine was determined she would not become intimately involved until she was ready. At twenty-six she was feeling more than prepared.
    Her mood changed when she searched her reflection above the silver-embossed basin. Her hair was a voluminous brown cloud surrounding her face, sprinkled with remnants from the forest. There was a sparkle in her eye and a wildness about her that was unfamiliar but invigorating. She claimed the free being that she saw in the glass as part of her new identity, and Nadine submerged her hair under the running tap water. It was a kind of baptism and acceptance of that budding part of her.
    As Nadine dried her hair then managed to gather it together, braiding it into a single French braid from the crown down the back of her head, there was a sense of anticipation, an impending awakening. Her eyes were extremely bright when she looked in the mirror for the last time, and she hurried into the hallway, attempting to discredit the feeling as she returned to her room. Tomorrow she would be leaving this place and the strange people within it. Nothing would make her happier. She looked up apprehensively in the direction of her maker.
    After eating the codfish balls Catherine had left, Nadine climbed into bed and placed another towel on the pillow. As she closed her eyes she prayed that denying her true feelings would not also be a part of her new identity.

Chapter 5
    â€œCatherine, you cannot let Lenora sleep too late this morning. We have all kinds of things to discuss. I know the poor woman must get antsy whenever she thinks about her fateful meeting with the cliff dwellers.” Madame Deane clicked her tongue several times for emphasis.
    Clarence’s dark eyebrows rose as Madame Deane made the assertions, but he continued to tend the pink and white orchids growing in a large flower box. Madame Deane rolled her wheelchair behind Catherine, who was bringing in the morning meal.
    â€œI like having breakfast on the lanai,” Madame Deane commented as they entered the screened-in room. “I enjoy the fresh morning air.”
    â€œIt is good for you, madame,” Catherine replied. “It helps put color back into those papery cheeks of yours.” She looked back at her mistress and displayed surprise at how much Madame Deane looked like her old self this morning as she rattled on about the new houseguest.
    â€œDo you think Lenora’s awake, Catherine?”
    â€œNow Madame Deane, the young lady calls herself Nadine. She does not know anything about this Lenora story you keep talking about.”
    â€œI know. I know,” she shook her