Journey Beyond the Dream

Inc.

"I knew something good would come from you taking all those classes. How are you doing with anatomy?"

Laurie giggled. A little homework wouldn’t hurt. You know, some hands-on experience.

His hands moved in interesting patterns under her sweater. Would my degree in chemistry help you out?

Chemistry? Oh, that sounds really useful. Laurie loosened the buttons of his dark plaid shirt.

Anatomy, chemistry, we’ll get you through all those classes. No trouble at all.

What about personal relations? Laurie persisted with another button. I hear that’s very important these days.

How personal can these relations be? he asked, tormenting her deliciously with fingers that stirred flames beneath her skin.

Oooh, that’s a very delicate subject. Laurie eased the last button loose and teased spiral circles up his chest.

Now we’re getting into physics, I see. Laurie felt her bra snap open from the center front catch. He cupped and caressed breasts that fit perfectly into his hands.

For every action… Laurie began.

There is an equal and opposite reaction. And, Baby, do you give me one hell of a reaction.

Laurie moved against him, her system singing at his touch. That’s good. I wouldn’t want this to be a one-way affair.

Praise for Fleeta Cunningham and…

ELOPEMENT FOR ONE

Well-crafted story… exciting plot… interesting characters… The love between the two main characters is precious, from beginning to the final, exciting conclusion… I am now determined to read the rest of the series.

~The Romance Studio (5 Stars)

BLACK RAIN RISING

One of the most fantastic books I’ve read this year… grabbed my attention from the first sentence… A memorable, entertaining, and well-written story… An author of increasing distinction who will never disappoint her readers.

~Two Lips Reviews (5 Lips, Recommended)

HELP WANTED: WIFE

Ms. Cunningham writes a sweet romance story where the two cantankerous characters both agree to smooth out the rough spots and try together again.

~Long and Short Reviews (5 Stars) Terrific Read

Journey Beyond the Dream

by

Fleeta Cunningham

Discerning Hearts, Book Two

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales, is entirely coincidental.

Journey Beyond the Dream

COPYRIGHT © 2017 by Fleeta Cunningham

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission of the author or The Wild Rose Press, Inc. except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews.

Contact Information: info@thewildrosepress.com

Cover Art by Rae Monet, Inc. Design

The Wild Rose Press, Inc.

PO Box 708

Adams Basin, NY 14410-0708

Visit us at www.thewildrosepress.com

Publishing History

First Mainstream Historical Rose Edition, 2017

Print ISBN 978-1-5092-1196-8

Digital ISBN 978-1-5092-1197-5

Discerning Hearts, Book Two

Published in the United States of America

Dedication

To Frances Galloway Dupre

and in memory of Linda.

For all the time we shared, the memories we made,

and those all-night sessions when the air was blue,

the music hot, and any dream was possible.

Other Books by Fleeta Cunningham

available at The Wild Rose Press, Inc.

Bal Masque

Close Encounter with a Crumpet

Double Wedding, Single Dad

Till the World Is Safe for Dreams

Cowboy After Five

~*~

The Santa Rita Series:

Don’t Call Me Darlin’

Black Rain Rising

Elopement for One

Half Past Mourning

Cry Against the Wind

Help Wanted: WIFE

The Shame of Merline Gates

Male-Order Catalogue

~*~

The Discerning Hearts Series:

Innocent Journey

Journey Beyond the Dream

Serpentine Journey

Journey to Reunion

Chapter 1

Dear Laurie,

I’m taking a full load of classes this term, thanks to you. I can’t tell you how much it means, knowing Rose of Sharon is safe with Olympia while I’m in class.

We’re looking for a larger place to live, something with a bit of yard for the baby, come spring. Rose of Sharon is thriving. The doctors take all the credit, but I know if Olympia hadn’t come, we both would have been sick or worse. If it weren’t for my practical, no-nonsense Laurie, what would I do?

I’m working with a linguistics group analyzing cognates in ten languages. We even have computer time with the campus mechanical brain. You should see this thing—it fills half a room. And it’s guarded like Fort Knox. We’re doing such exciting work.

Whoops, time to run to class. Will give you the new address as soon as we have one. Sending latest pictures to Auntie Laurie and Uncle Andy. Love to you both.

Meg

P.S. What’s up with Ferrel and Tye? Any wedding bells yet?

****

My life is so perfect, Laurie whispered, snuggling into Andy’s arms, the room dimly touched by the gray tides of dawn.

You think so?

Uh-huh. Laurie curled closer, her long hair screening her face against his shoulder.

Pretty sure of yourself. He pushed her back, lifting himself on one elbow. Maybe we should practice a little more, just in case.

Can’t, not right now. Mom’s up. Smell the bacon? Laurie sat up and reached for the dark green robe at the foot of the bed.

Yeah, I forgot. Merry Sunshine is always up before the chickens. With obvious reluctance Andy squirmed out of the covers. By the way, are she and your sister staying through the weekend? If they are, I’ll get tickets for the string quartet Saturday.

Laurie admired the way his droopy pajamas hung on his sturdy frame. No, their plane leaves about noon on Saturday. Laurie fastened her robe and stepped into fluffy mules. She and Andy were still newlyweds enough for her to enjoy dressing up for bedtime. She leaned in the doorway of the bathroom to watch him shave. Much as I love Mom and Julie, I’ll be relieved when they go home.

Tired of houseguests already? Andy’s reflection winked at her in the mirror.

Not tired of them. Not really. Laurie frowned at herself and reached across the vanity to pick up her hairbrush, observing her long hair tangled like a string mop early in the morning. It’s just Julie. We’ve always been close. She’s been my dearest friend all my life, but this week—I don’t understand her—she’s short with everybody, snappish.

I’ve thought she’s been a little sharp-tongued. Some of her conversation seemed sort of snide. Maybe she’s envious.

Of what? Us? Laurie discounted the idea. No, she and Derek are getting married in the fall. I’m not crazy about the guy, but she sure loves him. I don’t think it’s that.

Maybe she’s just worn out from her state board exams. I hear the boards for pharmacy are every bit as rough as the medical boards or the bar exam.

Laurie nodded but wasn’t convinced. Maybe, she conceded and headed for the kitchen to join her mother, leaving Andy to his shower.

She shared a quiet couple of hours with her mother after Andy left. In spite of the chilly morning, they toured the backyard, discussing the ornamental borders Laurie planned and possible plantings for the flowerbeds. Dottie Llewellyn shivered.

I need to go in, dear. The chill is getting to me. I’ll make a fresh pot of coffee. Julie will be up any minute and will be looking for a cup.

Laurie watched as the older woman hurried up the steps to the warmth of the kitchen. Her mom, a plump lady in a print challis dress had mother written all over her. They did all right when they made Dottie Llewellyn. Thirty years of marriage, four daughters, and two grandchildren hadn’t dimmed the twinkle in her eye or slowed the vigor in her step. Laurie smiled at the retreating figure. I hope I look that good in my fifties.

Pushing the heavy side gate open, Laurie trotted along the driveway. Goosebumps rose under her thin sweater as she hurried to retrieve the mail. Though the early morning had been chilly, the breeze was now freshening and gaining force. Cold March showers, reminders that spring was still weeks ahead, were on the way. Anyone passing might have been surprised to see the tall young woman, no coat or scarf, dressed only in a sweater and skirt, stopping by the roadside to read her mail as the first drops began to fall. Laurie paid no attention as she ripped the flap loose on an envelope. She studied the contents for some time before the chill penetrated, sending her back up the steps just ahead of the rain.

Look, Meg’s sent us pictures, she called as she scurried into the den.

Oh, let me see, too. Dottie Llewellyn hurried across the room.

Laurie passed the envelope to her mother and, for the first time, noticed the thin figure of her sister sitting listlessly near the fireplace. Julie, I didn’t know you were up.

You were expecting me to sleep till noon, maybe? Julie’s tone was touched with acid.

Come look at these precious baby pictures, Julie, her mother coaxed.

Why would I want to look at those? One baby looks pretty much like another. Julie poked at the small fire in the fireplace.

Oh, no, this is Mary Margaret’s little girl. She’s adorable. You remember Mary Margaret? She used to spend the night with us from time to time when she and Laurie were in college.

Sure, I remember her. Big brown eyes like a kicked collie.

Laurie and her mother exchanged looks. What could be ailing Julie? Though sharp-tongued, she wasn’t usually so negative and dismissive.

Rushing to cover the awkward moment Julie’s attitude created, Laurie told her, Meg’s in graduate school now, Julie. She’s managing a baby and a full class schedule, too. It’s a heavy load, but she is determined to make her way in the academic world. I admire her for it.

Julie stirred the embers of the fire in irritation. Don’t look at me to hand out awards to some girl who couldn’t get out of school without getting pregnant. She’s no better than any other little tramp.

Julie! Two voices chorused the same surprise.

Well, I mean it. Julie stuck her hands in the pockets of her jeans and stood defiantly in front of her sister and mother. Having a baby out of wedlock isn’t cool in my book. It’s cheap and common.

If you knew what Meg went through, Laurie began.

I know. I know. Julie shrugged. "Her mother’s loony-tunes, shut up somewhere in some expensive nut house. And there was some scandal about her brother that the Air Force buried because of who her daddy is. And that old man has chased everything in skirts within the city limits of Atlanta. I know all about that family. The daughter just followed the path the rest of them started." Julie’s teased and sprayed hair bobbed with the vehemence of her words.

That’s gossip, darling. Her mother stopped her. Vicious rumors that could only hurt a troubled family. You’re putting the worst possible interpretation on the situation.

It’s not true, none of it, not the way you say it, Laurie added. I don’t know what’s gotten into you. You’re being mean and spiteful. That’s not like you.

Some friend of yours goes out and gets herself pregnant, and because I don’t think it’s wonderful, I’m mean and spiteful? That’s a joke. Julie turned her back on Laurie and her mother and stared out the window at the gray, slanting rain.

It must be the exams. Dottie turned to Laurie, obviously embarrassed and trying to excuse her daughter’s bad manners. I know they were exhausting, coming right after finals and graduation. We have to be a little patient with Julie. She’ll get back to her usual self in a few days.

I hope. Let me see the pictures again. Laurie and her mother perched on the sofa side by side, cooing and laughing over the bright snapshots.

Olympia is in this one. Dottie pointed to the large black woman holding the baby.

Sure is. She’s been with Meg since New Year’s, looking after the baby and keeping house for them. Meg had a really hard delivery, a C-section and everything, and the baby couldn’t take any of the regular formulas. Meg was about out of her mind. At that time, she couldn’t see how she could get back in school and take care of the baby and herself.

What does she mean in her letter that she’s doing well thanks to you? Dottie handed the page to Laurie.

Oh, you remember. I couldn’t see Meg missing a whole semester of school. She had her plans made, but things were overwhelming her. I called around until I located Olympia at her catering job and told her the problem. She was sick about Meg being alone like that. She wanted to go right away, but it was the holidays. She felt obligated to help out through the party season. She went just in time, from what I’ve heard from Meg. She’s stayed with them ever since, so Meg could get on with her plans.

Little Miss Fix-It rides again. Julie’s words turned Laurie’s attention back to her sister and drew a sharp frown from their mother.

Your tone is more than rude, Julie, Dottie began. I don’t care much for what you said, and I certainly don’t like the way you’re saying it. Laurie was able to bring two people together who needed each other. I know Olympia wasn’t happy in her work at the caterers, and Mary Margaret certainly needed her.

Laurie sensed the agitation in her sister. Julie had always been a bit caustic in her outlook, a little sharp with her words, but usually her comments came out as wryly amused at the foibles of humanity. The wry wit had turned bitter and cutting for some reason. She looked at Julie more carefully. The teased, bouffant hair swirled in perfect waves around Julie’s triangular face, but her cat-green eyes seemed to snap behind the narrow tortoiseshell glasses. She wore perhaps more mascara and eye shadow than usual. The high cheekbones sported an extra touch of blush. She saw nothing obviously different, nothing blatantly changed about Julie, yet Laurie sensed unhappiness shadowed her sister’s face.

And how does Bobby-Lee Brown react to an illegitimate grandchild? Should be the hottest topic of gossip at the country club this season. Julie searched the box on the coffee table for a cigarette. Finding none, she raised an amused eyebrow. Quit again, Laurie?

Trying to, anyway. Here, I still have some in the desk.

Julie took the offered pack, tamped one cigarette out, and lit it, exhaling a heavy plume of smoke. Well, is he in seclusion over his daughter’s fall from innocence?

"I really don’t approve of gossip, Julie. You know that. Dottie’s tone discouraged any more discussion. What is wrong with you today?"

Julie drew another charge of nicotine and flicked the ash toward a stoneware tray. She left the cigarette on the edge of the jade green box and held out both hands, palms down and fingers spread. Her French manicure shone pallidly against the darker skin of her hands. Notice anything different? She waggled thin fingers at her mother and sister.

Laurie looked at her sister’s hands, the clever, nimble hands she’d envied all her life. Your ring? Where’s your ring, Julie?

Julie shrugged. This diamond ring doesn’t shine for me anymore, she sang in a voice carrying more anger than music.

Julie? You and Derek? Laurie reached for her sister, not believing the evidence of her eyes. Julie and Derek were making wedding plans. What went wrong?

Derek broke our engagement. She turned away, thick lashes batting back sudden tears. He found someone else.

Julie, you were wearing your ring all week. You haven’t talked to Derek since you’ve been here. When did this happen? Laurie was certain she’d seen the tiny stone on her sister’s hand in the last few days.

He told me right after graduation, just after your wedding. Julie shrugged as if her words were nothing more than a casual observance. I didn’t believe it. I thought it was wedding jitters or school burnout. We’d been together for so long, more than two years. I couldn’t imagine any other way for my life to go. I told myself he’d be back. That got me through the review classes last summer, and the state boards. I was sure by now, with that behind us, we’d get back together. It didn’t happen. So, finally, this morning, I took my ring off. Accepted the obvious. The end of a dream.

I am so sorry, Laurie said.

No, you’re not. Not really. Julie plopped herself down into the club chair beside the fireplace, her back to Laurie, her face in her hands. You never liked Derek. I knew that. He knew it, too, and we laughed about it. We saw how everyone acted when he didn’t get all the nuances of Southern life. The looks he got when he’d say something that was just ordinary conversation to him but came out offensive to all my relatives. He knew you didn’t like him, but it was okay. We figured you’d get over it.

Laurie recalled the suntanned blond Apollo Julie had brought to her wedding. The beach boy the family dubbed him. His good looks hadn’t overcome his vulgar mouth, in her mind. His ridicule of all things Southern, from manners to drawl to cooking, hadn’t made him popular with the parents, either. Julie was right. No one had been enchanted by the prospective son-in-law.

I hate it for you, Julie. You’re hurt, and I never wanted that.

Julie turned and stared over her glasses, her eyes narrowed and glaring. Laurie flinched at the anger that glittered behind Julie’s thick lashes. Now she understood the extra eye makeup. It covered red and swollen eyes, eyes that gave away the pain Julie tried to hide.

What happened, dear? Derek seemed devoted to you, even if your family was difficult for him. Dottie put a comforting hand on Julie’s shoulder only to have it shaken off.

What happened was my internship, four nights a week in the hospital pharmacy for months on end. No weekend off. Studying every minute I wasn’t at the hospital. That’s what happened to me. What happened to Derek was a honey-blonde doll-faced cheerleader who needed tutoring to pass Alphabet 101.

Oh, dear, Derek got involved with someone he was tutoring? Surely he’ll come to his senses. Dottie’s sympathetic tone echoed Laurie’s thoughts. How could Derek, or any man with intelligence, prefer a brainless cypher to their clever, brilliant Julie?

I guess not. Julie took quick, harsh puffs from her cigarette. He finally called last week. Just before we left. He and Barbie Doll are getting married this weekend. Quick trip to the nearest JP. Seems there’s a little time bomb on the way.

Julie twisted her cigarette into the ashtray, tearing the paper. Fine flecks of tobacco and ash spattered across the cream-colored table. She jerked herself up from the chair, striding the length of the room in agitated paces to the window streaked and silvered by pounding rain.

Now you see why I don’t have any trophies for girls who go around with guys and try to trap them by getting pregnant? Julie leaned her head against the window, becoming a dark silhouette against the dim light. I loved Derek. He loved me, but there wasn’t enough time in my life for him. Not for months. But there was that cute little blonde just waiting to play patty-cake. He was blindsided, never knew what hit him. She turned back to face them. You think I should applaud some other little cheat who tried the same game and lost? You want me to cheer for her because she has to live with the consequences? Fat chance. Julie drew dry, racking breaths, harsh in the silence of the room.

Laurie approached her sister carefully. Julie was hurting from a wound too poisoned with bitterness to heal, but the parallel she was drawing was unjust.

That wasn’t what happened with Meg, Julie. It’s not the same at all.

Julie spun around, glaring with eyes too angry to see reason. I don’t want to hear about Meg! I don’t care. I hope her family is so humiliated they’ll move to Nebraska and become hermits to hide their shame. Julie started toward the hall. "The families of all those little good-time girls should be embarrassed."

Meg’s family doesn’t even know, Julie. The whole family fell apart after Raif died. Laurie tried to reason with her sister, but Julie was beyond reason. She pushed Laurie away and ran down the darkened hall. Laurie started after her.

Dottie stopped her. Let her alone for a while, Laurie. It’s been terribly hard for Julie to tell us. You know how proud she is. I think that pride of hers is hurt as much as her heart. She’ll be a long time getting over Derek.

But to keep it to herself like this, Mom… Why didn’t she let us know? We could have helped her through it.

Dottie shook her head. I doubt it. It’s not her way. You know Julie never shared confidences easily, not even with you, though you’re closer to her than she is to Sallie or me.

She’s right, you know. I never liked Derek. He was so superior. Is that the word I want? He didn’t fit in with us somehow. He had sort of a hostile condescension. Does that make sense?

Derek wasn’t what I would have chosen, but I tried to make him welcome and overlook his oddities, which probably were magnified by being around all of us. Dottie swept the flecks of ash and tobacco into the ashtray and emptied it into the wastebasket. She stood a moment, speculation wrinkling her brow. Somehow, I think if it only took Julie’s internship at the hospital to drive Derek to another girl, he never would have stayed after they were married.

You’re right, Mom, but how long will it take Julie to see it? She’s out to hit a blow at the world right now, and it takes forever for her to get over a hurt.

I know, darling. We’ll just have to wait until Julie has worked it out for herself. Her heart will heal, but her pride will be slow to mend.

After her visitors left, Laurie continued to be troubled by the bitterness her sister exhibited. Andy tried to ease her concern. He was sure Julie would get over her pain in time. As far as he could see, the girl was better off without someone like Derek. As weeks passed, Laurie told herself Andy was right, and Julie would recover her equilibrium.

Winter passed and spring came. Other matters soon took precedence in Laurie’s perfect life. She and Andy celebrated their anniversary by not renewing her prescription for birth control pills. She and Meg exchanged brief phone calls and pictures. Meg, now deeply into her graduate work, struggled with her thesis. Laurie missed her first period, and in the summer, Andy’s former roommate Ferrel came for the weekend.

****

July brought an unusually cool summer. The days were warm, not hot, and nights were chilly enough to require a blanket. Laurie’s herbaceous borders and blooming flowerbeds thrived in the late July sun. In faded shorts and shirt, Laurie sat cross-legged in the grass, weeding a stubborn patch of pansies. Her cheek sported a streak of dirt, her hair tangled in the forsythia wands, and her nose carried a new dusting of pale gold freckles.

I never saw you look so cute, Angel Face. Where’s that crazed scientist of yours? Still at the lab?

Laurie spun around in surprise at the sound of Ferrel’s voice. Her flowered pink garden gloves fell to the ground as she rushed to her feet.

Ferrel? Is it that late? Frantically Laurie brushed leaves and grass from her knees and the seat of her cutoffs. She’d never expected their guest to catch her like this.

No, doll, I’m ahead of schedule. My meeting hit a snag, so we broke it off early. I just came on over.

Well, come in the house. Let me get you a beer, and I’ll make myself fit for company.

You look fine to me, Ferrel insisted but followed Laurie into the house and accepted the chilled mug she put in his hands.

I’ll be right back. She left a bowl of pretzels at his elbow and disappeared down the hall. It wasn’t long—he was only halfway through his beer—before she returned, scrubbed, brushed, and dressed in a bright green print sundress. She poured a mineral water for herself and curled into the club chair opposite his.

Supporting the local business, I see. He grinned, nodding at her colorless drink.

Well, it does support us. She sparkled with excited glee. For the next several months, it’s all the indulgence I can have.

It’s true, then? Andy Junior is on the way?

Right on schedule. Laurie poked fun at her own penchant for planning.

Ferrel joined in the joke. He must have read the fabled Laurie-list. Everything going okay?

Yes, just great. No morning sickness. No mood swings, and my clothes still fit, at least so far. I’ve never felt better in my life.

That’s good, Laurie. Andy is excited too, I’ll bet.

Gone to the moon and back. Being an only child, he’s always wanted a house full of kids. I think he’s more excited than I am.

What about Meg? Have you told her?

Laurie slipped a coaster under her glass and set it on the side table. Of course. I told her almost as soon as I told Andy. She’s pleased, but she’s not as focused on me as she might be. She’s into writing her thesis. If she can wind it up within the month, she’ll be able to get her master’s on her twentieth birthday.

Wow, that’s impressive. I didn’t realize she’d taken on such a load. How’s the kid?

Meg or the baby?

Ferrel gave an embarrassed laugh. Both, I guess. I forget little Meg is a grown-up mother now. She’ll be the kid sister till she’s sixty.

She’s grown up pretty hard and fast in these past two years, Laurie reminded him soberly. Then she smiled. "Meg’s doing well. Got through classes just fine, thanks to Olympia. With someone to see to the baby in the daytime, Meg could concentrate on her studies without any distractions.