First a Dream (Dreams Come True #1) Read Online Free Page B

in a crumpled heap next to the bed. She wasn’t crying, but the effort she exerted not to was pained her greatly. Her face was red. Her breathing was ragged, her appearance haggard.
    Crossing the room silently, Jessie knelt by her friend and began stroking her frizzing hair. “I don’t suppose you’d consider letting those tears out?” Her voice was quiet and serious.
    “I ...can’t...” Isabella struggled to maintain her composure.
    “What your grandmother did to you all those years ago was a terrible thing, Isabella. There are times you have to cry, you must cry. If you don’t cry...” Her voice trailed off.
    Isabella knew what she was thinking. It was what Isabella herself feared. What if she just lost it? “What...if...I...can’t...stop?” Her eyes darted about nervously.
    She sighed. “All right. Maybe you aren’t ready to cry yet.” Jessie stood up and walked into the master bathroom. Soon Isabella heard the sound of water filling the tub. From where she lay, Isabella could see Jessie lighting the candles. The Yankee Candle scents of Hyacinth and Seaside Holiday mingled with Clean Cotton. There was another scent too, ummm Warm Vanilla Sugar bubble bath. Isabella sat slowly, propping herself up on one arm. She felt weak from the drama of the past twenty-four hours.
    Wordlessly, Jessie walked over, helped her onto the edge of the bed, undressed her, and prodded her toward the bath tub. She steadied Isabella as she slipped beneath the bubbles into the soothing warm depths. Jessie walked over, turned off the lights, and whispered, “I’ll be back up after I feed the kids and clean up, okay?” Isabella nodded. Then Jessie pointed to the hook on the back of the door where Isabella’s solitary bathrobe hung limply. “In case you want to get out before I come back.”
    In the distance, Isabella could vaguely hear her children clamoring to help with dinner. This was just another adventure to them. They were so good, so easy to be with. At some point, Isabella felt the tension slipping away. Her shoulders weren’t as tight. Her leg muscles weren’t aching like they had been, and even her back felt less strained. From out of nowhere, a new seed was planted in Isabella’s head . I’m going to be just fine. The thought really surprised her. She had to try it again, say it aloud to make sure she meant it, and believed it. “I’m going to be just fine.” Excitement bubbled inside her.
    “I know you are, Isabella.”
    Startled, she looked at the door and realized Jessie was peeking in on her. Her cheeks burned from her earlier actions. She wore a shy smile. “You don’t have to worry about me. I won’t break, or crack, or whatever it is you thought was going to happen.” Feeling stronger now, Isabella stepped out of the bath tub. She grabbed her bathrobe and cinched it around her. Gliding past her best friend, she crossed the carpeting to her bed, then climbed under the comforter and leaned back against her layers of pillows. Jessie pointed to her night stand. There were more candles lit, and two of her enormous mugs sat steaming on a tray. Isabella shot her a confused look.
    “I wanted you to eat something and get some rest. One is decaffeinated tea, prepared just the way you like it.” She was about to explain the other mug, but was interrupted.
    “Nine sugars?” Isabella was doubtful. Her friend had always cringed watching her make her teas.
    Jessie gave a full body shiver. “Yes, Isabella, nine sugars. Nine big, heaping sugars.” Isabella laid there contented with the answer. “And the other mug has chicken bullion in it. I didn’t think you could stomach anything too harsh, but I still floated some oyster crackers in it.”
    She sighed contentedly. “I love you, Jessie. You know me so well. Can you stay while I eat?” She watched for a reaction. “I’ll even talk now. I promise.” She raised her fingers in a mock pledge.
    “Actually, I called Jeff. And if you want, I’m yours for the