Free Soulmates by Mindy Kincade

He went on to explain. “Gracie has been here longer than any of us. She feels, she’s wise, and she responds to human touch. See?” Jesse touched the tree and the limbs started to sway gently.
    “In The Book of Codes we are told that without Gracie we would not be able to exist here. Just as on Earth we couldn’t survive without the trees, here we could not survive without her.
    Presley never had pondered such deep thoughts. She found Jesse enlightening and bright, much different from the guys back home. The deepest thoughts they had were who was going to win the next football game, or where the next party was going to be.
    “We have to respect the laws of nature and try not to take them for granted. We need to appreciate how fortunate we are just to be alive. We need to make the most of our lives and know that there is a purpose for all of us. Our lives are what we make of them. Some people go through their lives with blinders on and go every which way the wind blows. Some people feel sorry for themselves because hard of circumstances that have come their way, and feel negative and defeated throughout their life. Not me. Not anymore.”
    They sat in a deep stare for a few moments. Jesse pulled Presley closer towards him, and for a split second it seemed as if he was going to kiss her. Her heart began to race with anticipation and she felt as if time stood still. He nudged her instead, “Come on girl. Let’s get you some clean clothes,” he said as he shyly turned away from her.
     

 
    Chapter Six
     
    The walk back was quiet. They watched silently as horse carriages rode past. The intense desire between them continued to grow. Once back, Jesse began to act nervous.
    “I had so much fun with you today, but I probably need to get to the field and help the guys out,” he stepped in closer to Presley. “I really enjoyed being with you. Anyway, the guys, they are going to wonder what happened to me.” He stood frozen, his eyes locked with hers for a moment. “I promise you that tomorrow we will try to find Manna and get you home.”
    “Okay,” she replied. As she was about to open the door, she turned back toward Jesse and said, “I really had a good time with you, too.”
    Jesse walked up to her and with wide eyes excitedly asked, “Would you go somewhere with me tonight? I want to show you something.”
    “Yeah, sure,” she said without hesitation. This time Tyler didn’t enter her mind. Jesse’s eyes lit up.
    “Okay, I’ll come for you just before dark,” he grinned. “Until then.…”
    Jesse took Presley’s hand and kissed it softly.
    Presley went inside, closed the door behind her, shut her eyes and smiled. Paulette burst into the room, interrupting Presley’s peaceful solitude and lustful thoughts.
    She blurted, “Well, I had an interesting conversation today with Sarah. Seems to me that she may be a little jealous of the time you and Jesse have been spending together. But don’t you worry. I won’t let her mess with you. She’s a snide little hussy, and I can tell you right now that she will try to cause you problems.”
    “Doesn’t she know that we are going to go back home? I mean, why would she want to cause problems for me when I’m leaving?”
    “I don’t know. I suggest that you stay clear of her. She’s a manipulating, calculating trouble maker and she loves to stir the pot. As your friend, I just want you to know that.”
    “Okay. Thanks,” Presley smiled.
    Paulette went over to the pile of clothes in the middle of her living room floor and began to fold them.
    “Wanna give me a hand with this?” she asked. Presley quickly helped her fold the clothes.
    “So, what’s the story with Jesse and Sarah? Did they date or something?” Presley nonchalantly asked.
    Paulette glanced at her out of the corner of her eyes. Yeah, they dated for a short while, way before I came here. I don’t think that Jesse was ever in love with her. It was just convenient. You know they came from