Dream of Me: Book 1 The Dream Makers Series Read Free Page A

of staying. There was a part of her that felt so very guilty for leaving when she had so many responsibilities, most of which she had yet to relinquish. She was attempting to prepare not only herself but also those in the community for her departure.
    Serenity had not come to the decision to leave easily. She hated to leave her Aunt Darla and Uncle Wayne. They had raised her since she was nine after her parent’s death, and they had been nothing short of amazing. She worked a part time job to help them make ends meet because there weren’t a whole lot of riches to be had in Yellville unless you came to it with your pockets already lined. Serenity didn’t want to put them in a tight spot by leaving, but she also didn’t think she could spend the rest of her life in the small town. She wanted to see the world, to experience things that she never would in the mountains of Arkansas. Her attention was drawn away from the golden rays of the morning sun when she felt Mr. Whitherby, her obnoxious albeit strangely comforting cat, winding himself around her legs. She looked down at him and couldn’t help but smile at the huge fuzz ball.
    “Another day in paradise, Mr. W,” Serenity told him as she reached down and scratched behind his ears. He made a swipe for her hand when she pulled away but, being clawless, caused no harm. “I can’t sit around and pamper you all day no matter how much attitude you give me. I’ve got things to do, people to see.” Her cat plopped down on his haunches and stared up at her with an almost bored expression. She laughed. “Okay, so maybe there isn’t really much to do, but I do have school and then work, so make yourself useful and go fix me some breakfast.” Of course, he didn’t do anything other than yawn and flop over on his side, making it perfectly clear just how unimportant her day was to him. Serenity shook her head at the defiant little beast and headed for the shower.
    “Made your favorite,” Aunt Darla said as Serenity entered the eat-in kitchen―showered, clean and dressed―way too early if she did so say herself. “Cheese and ham croissants. Your uncle is already gone; he’s going to help hunt down a mountain lion that is killing the Thompson’s goats. They’ve planned to be out overnight and then go to Bill’s house for supplies before they head out again.” During the summer months, Wayne was a guide on the White river. But not just a guide, he was one of the best. Wealthy people from all over the world came to Cotter Trout dock to get to spend a few days on the river in hopes of catching the big one with Uncle Wayne. She’d been out with him a couple of times, and though some girls her age might think being on a fishing boat for hours on end would be boring and tedious, it was anything but with Uncle Wayne as the guide. He was one of those people that could make anyone feel at ease. His easy going attitude and ability to talk to just about anyone made him very likable. Not to mention he had a certain love of dirty jokes and was eager to share his material on new, unsuspecting victims. Serenity was beginning to believe he liked the shock factor as much as he liked delivering the punch line. During the winter months, when the fishing season slowed down, he did odd jobs. Sometimes he cut firewood or helped others with their goat or cattle herds. He stayed busy to be sure.
    “So they’re going to be out in the cold overnight?” Serenity asked.
    “They gotta do whatever they can to kill whatever is killing off his goats. That’s the Thompson’s livelihood; every goat killed represents bills not paid,” Darla told her. “I’m going to get dressed; don’t leave without saying goodbye.”
    Serenity gave her a ‘thumbs up’ as she filled her plate with the wonderful goodness that was her aunt’s cooking, too focused on her food to turn and look up at her. She was amazed that they weren’t all severely overweight because her aunt was a firm believer in feeding