Page 233 of Naughty Nelle

The little girl follows me back to my bed and crawls under the covers with me. She clasps her hands together and mutters something quietly to herself.

“What are you doing?”

“I’m praying Marcella doesn’t fire you.”

Please pray she does.

“Jane, would you give me a goodnight kiss?”

Now, she’s really pushing it and getting on my nerves.

“Go to sleep,” I tell her impatiently as I lean over to blow out the candle.

“Okay,” she says. “Sweet dreams.” Just like Elz.

“Sweet dreams to you.” I’m surprised how the words flow out so effortlessly.

In no time, she’s sound asleep. I close my eyes and am finally lulled to sleep by the little girl’s soft breathing.

Deep into my sleep, I have a dream. A tall chiseled man with a full-face black mask tiptoes into my chamber, startling me. He puts a finger where his lips should be, signaling me not to scream. I say nothing. He takes my hands in his, his grip warm and firm. I should be afraid of him, but strangely I’m not and give myself to him. In a heartbeat, we’re soaring into the sky, floating like two bubbles, toward clouds. I ask the masked man, “Who are you and where are you taking me?”

A shrill voice snaps me out of my dream. “JAAAANE! I need you!”

Blinking my eyes open, I bolt to a sitting position. Calla is gone from my bed. Did I oversleep?

“JAAAANE!” the voice screeches again. “Where’s my liquid diet potion?”

Damn it! It’s Marcella! My second day back in Lalaland is about to go from bad to worse.

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