New England in My Dreams

By: Sharon K. Shubert

I stepped off the plane that morning with great anticipation and a rush of adrenaline. Finally, I had arrived at the destination of my childhood reading adventures!

I tried unsuccessfully to catch a glimpse of the New England scenery that awaited me outside. Crowds pushed around me while fellow passengers impatiently clamored for their luggage. The long, rather boring flight from Texas had made me feel a little impatient too. The rented cottage on the sandy beach would be my refuge away from the throngs of people and roaring noise of the planes here.

A fussy, crying child demanding attention, yanked at his wearied mother's skirt. She calmly directed him to the door without so much as a glance his way or a word of comfort to calm him. An old man paced slowly back and forth at the curb, muttering to himself. Perhaps he worried about the ride that hadn't arrived, or maybe he was confused at his whereabouts.

Feeling rather lost in the crowd, I watched their comings and goings and waited for a cab. I studied faces and tried to capture the mood and aura of the people rushing through here. I knew this area of the country was quite different from the small town where I'd grown up. As a child, I'd buried myself in library books devouring anything and everything about New England and the coast. Something in those stories intrigued me, beckoning me to this once-in-a-lifetime trip years later. Home seemed a world away at this moment.

The sudden, blaring honk of a horn startled me out of my day-dreaming! I realized an anxious cab driver was waiting to whisk me away to my adventure. I settled back into the somewhat worn seat, feeling happy and exhausted. The ride would give me time to collect my thoughts, relax from my tiring trip and see the wonderful new sights on the scenic roadside. My excitement grew as we drove slowly out of the thick airport traffic. We seemed to be heading for the tourist area of small, quaint rented cottages on secluded sandy beaches. Buildings disappeared and were replaced by the most beautiful landscape my books could not clearly depict! Pictures had not done justice to the beauty my eyes beheld!

I couldn't wait to visit the grand old lighthouses I'd read so much about! I'd go on a windy boat ride out to sea, visit the unique beach-side gift shops and take it all in! I'd certainly savor this trip like no other, because I had always dreamed of it! Plans included a clam-bake at dusk with a few close friends who would arrive in a matter of hours. We'd dine on the private beach behind the cottage where tables and lounging chairs had been arranged in a close grouping. Flaming, flickering torches would set a comfortable, intimate mood. Completing the scene were thick hand-made wicker baskets, colorful ceramic plates and heavy bowls laden down generously with the most delectable fare of the area.

An array of wonderful ingredients were to be delivered to the cottage for a tasty seaside feast. Included in the chosen menu were freshly baked breads, steamed lobster and clams, jumbo shrimp, new potatoes in churned butter, fresh roasted corn and a variety of iced-down drinks and indulging desserts. I suddenly felt famished at the mere thought of the evening courses!

The following day would be quite full, as I had much on my agenda. I wanted to see and do everything here that had held my undying interest all these years. It would be a week or so of exploring all the area had to offer, before heading back home. I surmised it would all fly by too quickly as good times so often do.

"Here we are, ma'm,' the driver said as he abruptly pulled over to a screeching stop. I couldn't help but notice he shook my arm roughly! "Ma'm! Wake up! We're here" he said loudly. He repeated his demand somewhat rudely! I sleepily sat upright, embarrassed and disoriented. I looked around, confused and bewildered! Where's my cottage? Where am I? I'm supposed to be in beautiful New England, on a seaside beach in a delightful little haven, enjoying a cozy clam-bake with my friends! We're going to the famous, old lighthouses and for a boat trip out to explore the sea! I want to see the sights of New England!! Where are the tourist shops and wonderful sites? Oh! no.......

Disgusted, I flopped over in my bed and angrily punched my rumpled pillow a couple of times. I was deeply disappointed to realize that New England and the quaint, cozy cottage on the beach were only in my dreams........

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