Chapter 20
Carolyn (September 1957)
...
The chill September air brought a nice breeze into the garden behind the hotel. Some of the young women from Bradley Diamond's were scheduled to work in the hotel gardens to harvest some produce for the kitchen. In return, the students would get to keep some of the fresh herbs and vegetables for their own cooking classes. Carolyn was worried that the sun would make it too hot but she was thankful that the breeze saved them from the heat that swam down from the afternoon sun. Carolyn noticed that some of the girls were weary about getting down into the soil. One complained about worms and many of them didn't want to get their clothes dirty. Carolyn saw that Nancy felt differently. She donned a pair of gardening gloves and went right to work; weeding the garden and digging for potatoes and carrots. Carolyn pulled green onions and bulbs of garlic from the soil. She enjoyed the smell and the worms did not bother her in any way. She was careful not to squish them with her gardening trowel.
Carolyn watched Nancy work hard. She was a bit surprised that a rich girl was so down to earth. Nancy had told her about her family and how she grew up spoiled; a young lady that was never allowed to lift a finger and had everything handed to her. She was a girl raised by servants, the complete opposite of how Carolyn was brought up. Carolyn thought it was fascinating that Nancy could admit that she was raised spoiled. She didn't act like the girls that would attend her parents' dinner parties. Those girls acted like they deserved everything anywhere at any time. Nancy was refreshing. She had known her for a few months and felt such a strong connection with her. She had a deep devotion to her and loved making her happy. Nancy was upfront about how she also felt the connection but Carolyn would seek reassurance. Nancy never had a problem making it known to her. Carolyn felt warmth in her heart when she was with Nancy and she continuously hoped that Nancy really felt the same way. Nancy would smile and give her that reassurance without a second thought. When they would be alone in their room together, they would read their books and take turns reading to each other. They shared their first kiss in room C7 and giggled after the fact. They would talk and tell each other stories through the night while braiding each other's hair; sometimes not even realizing that the sun was beginning to rise.
Carolyn loved to listen to Nancy's stories. She talked about her brother, who seemed like a nice young fellow. She complained about her parents and Carolyn would relate with stories of her own. Carolyn was curious about Lonnie and was glad that Nancy didn't have any issue with sharing details about her relationship with him. It was a serious relationship but wasn't taken too far. According to Nancy, he was a stand-up guy who never pressured her into doing anything she didn't want to. Nancy had also said that while a part of her wanted to marry Lonnie, another part of her knew it didn’t feel right. It wasn't meant to be but she knew that it wasn’t because of her family. Carolyn thought about Lonnie and the breakup often. She didn't say it to Nancy, since she didn't want to re-open the healing wounds, but she was glad that Lonnie had broken up with her. This made it easier for them both. Again, that connection was felt by both young women and Carolyn knew what it meant as soon as she felt it. Nancy confessed that she learned what it meant; the discovery was all too new but she didn't feel the need to shy away. They knew that if anyone were to find out about them they would be in serious trouble, so the two young women kept a short distance while they were in classes. Not meaning they were cold to each other, but far enough where everyone knew they were friendly and got along. Nothing more it seemed. But Carolyn knew that it wasn't only a simple friendship between two roommates stuck at Bradley Diamond's. Nancy knew it as well. It was love.
After the gardening was finished the group of young ladies called it a day. They washed up, ate supper, and retired to their rooms. Nancy dropped like a log on her bed and groaned.
"I'm so tired. Today was a long day. My feet and back are aching."
"It was nice to be outside for once though," Carolyn said.
"It was nice of Roger to bring us lemonade," Nancy replied and giggled.
"He looked like he hated the sun."
"Oh, he does hate the sun," Nancy laughed. "He's told me he prefers the indoors and reading. He occasionally watches the television."
"I wish we had a television!" Carolyn said. "In the day room. It would be perfect!"
"Maybe we could ask Laurier."
"She would never allow it. She hates fun, remember?"
Nancy laughed into her pillow while Carolyn kicked off her shoes and sat on her bed. She noticed that Nancy hadn't removed her shoes and had gotten some dirt on the sheets.
"You're dirtying your bed, Nancy."
"Hm?" Nancy turned over and saw Carolyn pointing to her feet. "Oh goodness, sorry. I'm just so tired." She got up from her bed and kicked her shoes off in the same place Carolyn had taken hers off. She returned to the bed and flopped once more.
Carolyn went over to her desk to retrieve one of her books.
"What book are you going to read for me tonight?" Nancy asked with half her face buried in her pillow.
"The Body Snatchers."
"And you found that in the library?"
"I did indeed!"
Carolyn walked over to Nancy's bed and made her scoot over. They cuddled up together, close to the nightstand where the soft-glowing lamp sat, and Carolyn began to read her book. Nancy listened intently to the story and Carolyn indulged in feeling Nancy leaning against her, the warmth of her made the chill in the room fade away. When she noticed Nancy was beginning to doze, Carolyn sat the book down on the nightstand and they fell asleep in each other's arms.