The Bracelet

By Nuhad Banna

Trust your heart to fulfill your destiny.
 
For young Laura Salem, troubling dreams of an epic love just out of reach continually haunt her. Then she meets the very man who is just as much a part of her past as he is her future. Her deep sense of fear causes her to delve into the unknown as she and Roland relive convoluted past lives they never knew they possessed.
 
Historical and cultural conflicts in a war-torn Middle East may be enough to keep Roland and Laura apart forever. Can Laura work through loss and heartache to find her happily ever after with the love of her life?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Nuhad Banna
• Release date: Feb 7, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393341574

Book preview

Chapter One

Laura: Present Day

1964

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Laura found herself on a horse wearing a strange riding habit. How she’d come to be on a horse, she didn’t know. Fear filled her heart as she and her horse raced the wind, the chiffon tail of her head-covering trailing behind her. After a few moments, she again heard the distinct pounding of hooves from behind, threatening to catch up to her. A mysterious rider persistently urged his stallion in pursuit. Laura did not know where she was going but felt an overwhelming desire to push onward. She kicked her horse with her boot spurs and sped up. Her heart beat thunderously fast as danger grew ever closer, encroaching on her heels. Ahead of her she saw him, a knight, frantically waving. He beckoned her forward, reaching his arms wide to enfold her. He called out her name. 

Lauraine.

Laura felt confused. Did he call her Lauraine? Why?

A deep longing to reach the man unfurled within her. His face seemed so familiar, yet she did not know him. She called out to him, but her words were lost in the wind. An ancient yearning, an aching call, escaped her lips as she fought to reach him.

Laura, wake up! Her mother gently shook her shoulder.

Mama! What’s wrong? Laura said in a groggy tone. Startled and disoriented, she sat up in her bed, scanning her surroundings to see her familiar, modest looking bedroom rather than a moonlit desert. Disappointment sat heavy in her heart as she thought back on that mysterious man calling her forward, desperate to hold his...Lauraine. She shook herself and studied her room, attempting to dismiss her dream.

Her room was spacious, with wide windows and a nice oval mirror with cabinets and glass tops for her toiletries. The cupboard holding Laura’s clothes was made out of brown oak. A desk with a side lamp, covered in books, was placed near the window overlooking the west side of the house under which bushes of gardenias and roses were planted.

It’s time to wake up from your nap. Her mother gave her a concerned look. You were yelling in your sleep again.

Her heart still thumped in her chest as the fear began to subside. It took a few minutes to calm herself down.

I am okay. I just keep having this strange recurring dream.

The dream about that mysterious man? 

Laura nodded. I’ve had it many times over the years, but now it is happening more often.

When did you last have it, that is, before this day?

Two days ago, the day Rana came to visit. Maybe I shouldn’t have taken this nap. The feeling of apprehension subsided a bit but did not leave her. Her mother sat next to her and seriously pondered the issue. She felt grateful her mother didn’t dismiss her dreams as strange flights of fancy.

Your dreams could be an echo of inner unsettled feelings from the past, or things yet to come. All dreams reflect some form of reality, some unfinished business from our past or present. Perhaps you must assess if there is something within you that must be discovered.

Laura raised an eyebrow. I have no idea what that means. Her mother smiled. Never mind. Shake it off, my dear. It is time to get ready for the party. Happy birthday to my darling girl. Juliette kissed her daughter’s forehead.

Laura took her mother’s palm in her hand and gently put it on her cheek, feeling the battered skin from years of hard work. A hand that worked hard to make things for her. She suddenly looked at the wall where her mother’s wedding picture hung and thought how beautiful her mother was. Skinny, dark wavy hair, a delicate heart-shaped mouth, and a pretty smile. At six feet, Juliette was tall for a woman, yet she was graceful and elegant in her movements. The wedding picture brought a smile to Laura’s face as she looked at the image of her father standing on an elevated wooden step to reach her mother’s height. She was still beautiful except for a thick waist and streaks of white hair appearing here and there. She adored her mother.

She loved hearing her father and mother share the events leading up to their first meeting and eventual courtship.

In his youth, Emile had decided to study in college to become a land surveyor, which he enjoyed very much. He also became proficient in seven languages. After graduation, in 1929 he’d received a job at the Land and Survey Department in Jaffa, the State of Palestine, and became popular among his co-workers due to his humor and friendliness.

At work, he had become close friends with a man named Nicholas Kane. They always went together on camping trips for work or entertainment in Tel Aviv. At one point, Nicholas had invited Emile for dinner at his sister’s house. She was married to Mr. E. Monta, who worked at the Secretariat of the British viceroy in Haifa.

During the conversation, Emile had leaned over and confided to Nicholas, If your sister was not married, I would have asked for her hand. She is very pretty.

Really, do you want to get married? Nicholas had asked.

Yes, I think it is about time. I am not young anymore. I am thirty-eight, Emile answered.

Well, I have another sister for you, even prettier than Mary. 

Nicholas shared with Emile that he had always admired him for his candor, honesty, and kind personality. Thus, Nicholas took Emile to Acre where he met Juliette Kane, a very beautiful woman whose face lit with a smile that stole his heart. Within one visit, he’d known Juliette was his future.

Every week after that visit, he sent a letter to Juliette filled with romantic, passionate declarations of love. He kept asking her to marry him, and after six months of weekly love letters, Juliette agreed to marry Emile Salem. Laura’s mother had been twenty-nine years old at the time.

The thought of those love letters always made Laura smile. She wondered if she would ever find a love like that in her own life, and her thoughts immediately went unbidden to that mysterious man in her dreams. She shook it off but couldn’t dismiss it because her vision at the seer’s cave had validated her nightmare. Had that happened only a few days earlier? It felt like an eternity.

The visit had happened when her lifelong friend, Rana Sadeq, had come for a visit. They’d sat on the veranda chatting, enjoying the evening breeze, a jasmine scent filling the air. A canary bird sitting in a beautiful bronze cage had chirped long, beautiful whistles while her mother had made coffee for them.

You girls enjoy your visit, her mother had said as she left the coffee set in front of them.

Thank you, Mother, Laura said.

After her mother left, Laura looked at Rana, noticing a longing in her eyes as Rana stared after her mother.

What is it?

Rana gave her a sheepish smile. I envy the relationship you and your mother have. It seems you can talk to her about anything. My mother… Rana grabbed her coffee and took a tiny sip. Well, it’s not important.

Laura hesitated to press for more information. Rana had been her best friend since childhood, and they had gone to the same school and were neighbors. However, their upbringings had been different, especially due to their religious beliefs. Even though Laura was Christian and Rana was Muslim, they never once allowed those differences to prevent them from loving and caring for each other, but there were certain topics they simply didn’t discuss. Laura wondered if this might be one of them.

After a moment, she decided she really wanted to know. Rana, you’ve seemed very troubled lately. If you can’t speak with your mother, perhaps you can speak with me.

Rana hesitated then said, I care for someone, deeply. I am not sure what my parents will think.

Who?

Omar. Rana said it quickly then took a nervous gulp of her coffee.

Laura felt her friend’s sadness and nervousness, and she drank as well.

He asked me to marry him, Rana said, blushing.

But this is wonderful. Why are you sad? Laura asked.

From what she understood, Rana would eventually be married to a Muslim, and Omar shared her faith. Omar was also a wonderful young man. However, she realized how Rana’s interest in Omar might be a problem for Rana’s parents. He was the son of the grocer who worked in a small store two blocks down the hill. Her parents were wealthy, upper class elite, and concerned about social status.

And Rana’s brother, Ali…

Once a very kind individual, he had gone to England to study abroad and had returned with so much hatred in his heart she had hardly recognized him. What had once been a healthy belief in the Muslim faith had turned into Muslim radicalism that frightened Laura. From what she could tell, he had adopted some of the more oppressive beliefs concerning women, and she sometimes feared for Rana despite the parents’ attempts at reasoning with their son.

She didn’t know how he might feel about Rana marrying Omar, but heaven help Rana if he had strong opinions against it. 

Rana made a dismissive gesture with her hand and pasted on a brave smile.

Never mind. We will talk about other things.

Laura took the hint and allowed her friend to change the subject. They spent the next several minutes talking about silly things, laughing and teasing one another as they finished their coffee.

Looking at her empty cup, with all the designs left behind by the coffee grounds, a tantalizing thought came to Laura’s mind as the residue of her recurring nightmare haunted her again. 

With a hint of skepticism, she asked, Rana, do you know how to read coffee grounds? 

Coffee ground readings were a common practice and form of entertainment among the women, young and old, in the city of Amman, Jordan. Visitors could find professional paid seers in the countryside as well.

Laura’s Christian upbringing didn’t necessarily encourage those types of activities, but black magic performed by very few was not unheard of. Some believed in evil spirits possessing people, and they would go to holy men to undo the evil spirit’s control over their children or some relative. Temptation filled her to delve into the supernatural activities that few men and women operated in or even knew about. She had seen on television how one priest had performed exorcisms on people, so she thought maybe it would not hurt to explore the supernatural. If anything went wrong, she could go to the priest!

Thus, the culture was no stranger to superstitions, evil practices, spells, curses, and demon possessions. People fought against black magic with payers, talismans, and charms which were worn under the clothes or placed under pillows.

Laura was desperate to understand these dreams plaguing her. She wanted to know the identity of that man in her dreams.

Rana gave the question some serious thought. To answer you, no, Laura, I don’t know how to read coffee grounds, but there is a very well-known seer. Her name is Mahdiyeh, and she lives half a mile down the road. Do you remember the hillside where a large refugee camp was erected and is now vacant?

Yes, I remember very well. Years ago, when I was a child, I used to visit the place with mother, trying to find domestic help, Laura said.

She lives on that hillside where the refugee camp used to be. Have you heard of her? Rana asked.

Laura shook her head, confused as to how she had never heard of a seer living so close. Then again, she hadn’t paid much attention to some of the more superstitious customs. 

She charges fifty cents for a coffee cup reading. The coffee is free. People say she is really good. Would you like to go?

She appreciated Rana’s enthusiasm. In fact, her friend seemed just as intrigued as Laura. Yes, why not? Laura laughed, trying to hide how much she liked the idea. Still, it didn’t seem right to place so much faith in a fortune teller. It would be quite intriguing. She might even predict the love of my life, Laura added jokingly, even though she longed for that very outcome.

Good! We will have a lot of fun. She only does the readings on Thursday evenings, so we’ll have to wait until tomorrow. Of course, first come, first served. No appointments. Rana smiled.

Okay, let’s meet here at my house tomorrow evening, and we’ll go together.

The next evening, Laura and her friend walked towards the vacant refugee camp site located near Laura’s house. The girls approached a well-traveled path branching off from the main road. They took it a few yards further in and saw the seer’s tent, painted white for everyone to see from afar. It sat near a wide cave, one Laura had heard of before. It was known to be haunted, filled with apparitions and supernatural occurrences. Her palms began to sweat as she realized where they were.

Many believe in demons and spirits. The rumor is that the cave near the seer’s tent is haunted. Rana told her friend.

Yeah, right. Do you believe in this nonsense? Laura asked as a chill went down her spine. She took a deep breath to hide her own jittery nerves at the prospect of getting closer to the cave.

Well, I don’t necessarily believe in that cave’s mystery, but I do believe demons and spirits exist, don’t you? Rana said. Otherwise, black magic, fortune telling, and seances wouldn’t be mentioned in our history and religious books.

You are right, my friend. It’s getting late. We should hurry. I don’t want to lose daylight before we see the seer. Laura urged her friend forward.

The two girls followed the well-trodden pathway where the imprints of tent bases remained on both sides. As they approached the white tent, they found a couple of women sitting on small bamboo chairs in front of a low table with coffee cups and a kettle.

Hello, is Mahdiyeh available? Rana asked one of the ladies.

Yes, she went to the cave to pray. She just made a fresh batch of coffee before she left. Help yourselves. After you finish drinking, tip your cups upside down so they are ready for her when she returns. Have a seat. There are enough vacant chairs for both of you. The lady smiled knowingly.

Matter of the heart, I guess? asked the second lady. 

Rana and Laura remained sheepishly quiet, not wishing to acknowledge their reasons for being there.

After a moment, the second lady smiled, assuming she had guessed correctly. I am here because my jewels were stolen from my home, and my friends assured me the seer can tell me who did it.

Really? That would be amazing if you could catch the culprit, Laura commented.

While they sat visiting, a little girl came out of the cave and said, The seer apologizes to you ladies, but she won’t be reading your cups today. You must leave now...except for the young lady with the red hair. The women were very disappointed and tried to object, but there was no one to listen to their complaints. The girl went to Laura, held out her hand, and said, You must come with me to the cave.

A shot of adrenaline flooded Laura’s system. The thought of entering that cave gave her chills. I don’t think it is a good idea to be alone with you. Rana, come with me. Let’s see what she wants.

The little girl shrugged her shoulders and turned on her heal, leading them towards the entrance of the cave. An old fat woman came out and took Laura’s hand, pulling her inside. Laura was amazed at the agility with which the woman moved.

Wait a minute. What are you doing? Stop pulling me right now! Laura objected angrily. I do not want you to read my cup any longer. I think it’s best we leave. This was a mistake, Rana. Fear crept into her heart. She started praying silently.

The wizened woman gave her an understanding smile and patted her hand. Do not be afraid, my daughter. When I saw you coming down the hill, I knew you had a special destiny. I felt you should be here to see for yourself. It is a must for you to see what I want to show you. This is not just a cup reading for you. The woman tried to calm Laura’s fears. Your friend can come in and watch.

Laura hesitated for a moment before taking courage and squaring her shoulders. She wanted answers, and she felt this to be the best way to get them. She had to know the identity of the man from her dreams. Why did he call her Lauraine? She gave the seer a nod, and she and Rana followed the woman further into the cave.

The cave had a tunnel lit with torches, leaving creepy shadows on both sides of the walls. The odor of wet moss on the stones attacked their senses. The narrow path, regardless of the torches, was dark, cool, and damp, leading to a spacious, circular clearing also lit with several mounted torches.

In the center, four old men with long beards reaching their bellies sat on the floor in front of a low stone table. The men were dressed in turbans and colorful robes, humming and moving their heads left and right. Incense smoke rose in the air, wafting from silver swinging thuribles adorned with intricate designs. They had domed lids with carved openings. Small chains allowed the men to hold them. Their long beards swayed with the movement.

What are they doing? Laura whispered to the old woman.

They are praying, Mahdiyeh answered. Your friend needs to stay here.

Rana leaned against the wall and whispered, Laura, do you want to run back?

No, somehow I am not afraid anymore. Now, I am very curious to see what kind of tricks they have up their sleeve. This has to be all show. In truth, Laura wanted it to be more, but she felt it best not to get her hopes up. She leaned in and whispered in Rana’s ear. We will discover how they cheat people out of their money. Wait here. 

As they approached the men, the old woman directed Laura to a stone chair located in front of the low stone table where the men sat. The woman instructed her to sit down. She then returned to Rana’s side.

Suddenly, a mist of smoke engulfed Laura, and the men began to chant in loud voices. Laura did not understand a word of what they said, but a feeling of drowsiness made her close her eyes. She did not go into a trance. She was aware of her surroundings, but she felt herself levitating from her chair, becoming weightless and a bit disoriented. She was amazed at this defiance of gravity, but experiencing it thrilled her. The memory of a magician who had once come to town flashed in her mind. He had levitated his assistant, similar to what she experienced at that very moment. Her heart stuttered in her chest, and a sense of foreboding filled her as her recurring dream came into focus.

Keep riding! Faster, Lauraine. I am here. Come to me. She heard a man’s gentle voice urging her forward. She opened her eyes and found herself riding on a horse rather than floating through the air. The cave, the men, even Rana had disappeared. She saw a familiar man, arms wide open, begging for her to reach him, the same handsome man from her previous dreams.

This cannot be happening. This is not real. 

She closed her eyes, and the scene in her vision swiftly changed. She was in a hall with pillars and a high vaulted ceiling. People were dancing, eating, and drinking. She saw her wedding night. The familiar knight was giving her a birthday present, a shining gold bracelet. 

No, no, this is only my brain playing tricks on me. 

Laura blinked fiercely and closed her eyes again. The chanting became louder and more intense, as if insisting she open her eyes, pay attention, and accept the visions before her. She heard Rana calling from a distance, but she did not understand the words her friend spoke. The disconnected feeling as she floated in the air caused her to feel nauseated. Then she felt herself rocking back and forth. She opened her eyes wide to see herself tied to a piece of wood in the middle of a sea vortex with no one around her, sucking her and a shipwreck to the deep.

Laura started screaming.

Laura, open your eyes. You are safe, Rana said, comforting her friend.

Laura opened her eyes and found herself laying down on the stone table, trembling all over.

They all left, and the woman said to come to her tent when you are ready. Do you remember what happened?

Laura decided to keep everything to herself.

No, I do not. Did you see anything happening to me? Laura enquired.

I saw you were elevated in the air in a kind of mist. My goodness, I was terrified, but she told me to keep quiet. I tried to call you, but the old woman forced me to keep silent. Once you started screaming you came down slowly. At that point, they stood up and left before you opened your eyes, and Mahdiyeh followed them. I was so scared for you! Rana explained.

Laura was especially glad she hadn’t shared anything. Rana would have thought her mad to believe the visions she had seen.

We need to leave this place. These people should be stopped. They practice fraud and tricks. Laura moaned as she tried to settle the terrifying feelings that overcame her.

Are you all right? You are pale. Rana put her hands around Laura’s shoulders, giving her a concerned look.

Did you pay any money? Laura asked.

No. She refused to take any and said to go to her tent, Rana said.

We are going directly home. I do not want to see her or have anything to do with her, Laura insisted.

You must have seen something that scared you, regardless if it was a trick. What did you see, Laura? You are hiding something from me, Rana said, frowning.

I don’t want to talk about it. Laura blinked back a few tears, feeling she wasn’t any closer to gaining answers. She felt an ache in her heart as she thought about that mysterious man.

Laura took Rana’s hand and went past the tent where Mahdiyeh stood at the entrance.

Go in peace, red-headed lady. You are one of a kind, she said.

Laura tried to put her visit to the seer behind her.

Laura finally came back to the present, realizing she was still sitting in her bed, thinking about all that had transpired with Rana and the seer. But the uneasiness she felt as a result of what had happened two days earlier kept nagging at her.

How long had she been sitting here while her mother stared at her in concern?

I’m fine, Mother. To prove it, she quickly jumped out of bed and prepared herself for the party.

Chapter Two

Laura: The Party

1964

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Laura impatiently counted the minutes as the clock ticked closer to her eighteenth birthday party. For that special event, and for her recent high school graduation at the top of her class, her parents had booked the party at the City Hotel Dance Hall. Her parents had been so proud of her, especially when she had stood at the podium a couple of months earlier, presenting her Valedictorian speech, which was very emotional and inspiring. Her party was now a double celebration. She was full of anticipation for the evening’s events, admiring herself in the mirror, when