Free Village E3: Survival of the Human Spirit by James Holler Page B

felt something more than just
friendship. This time, washing up was more of a chore than leisure, and they
quickly finished cleaning and washing their clothes. "We need to catch
some fish today. I'm starving for some protein," said John, after they had
a short rest in the shallows. "Sounds good to me," said Hailey, as
they both started toward home.

Chapter 5
    John had learned to appreciate the wide
variety of plant and animal in place. The walks he took with Hailey were
something that he looked forward to, since she too appreciated nature. As they
walked, they each liked to point out things that they thought were interesting,
sometimes stopping to take a closer look at an exceptional flower, a butterfly,
or any creature that caught their eye. There was no shortage of new things to
look at here, but on this walk they didn't talk much because they were both too
tired and hungry.
    "Oh my gosh, there she is,"
Hailey shrieked as she looked back at John. Katie was seated by the fire.
Hearing Hailey, Katie looked up and smiled as they approached. Hailey was too
excited to notice the oddity of her smile, but John noticed it. Neither of them
had seen her smile since she had been here. "Where have you been? You
scared us to death," said Hailey, as she walked up and hugged Katie around
the neck.
    "Oh, I guess I overslept today.
I know I've been a little lazy, so I thought I would fix some lunch," said
Katie, pointing to the fire. "Wow, you caught some fish. Man, those look
good," said John, looking at the two fish that were skewered on sticks and
cooking over hot coals. "Where did you spend the night last night, Katie?"
asked Hailey. "What do you mean?" Katie asked, looking confused by
the question.
    Hailey looked up at John, to see what
his reaction to Katie's strange behavior was. Trying to make sure Katie didn't
notice, John shook his head slightly to signal Hailey not to continue with her
line of questioning. "Uh, the thunder and lightning woke John and me up
last night, but I guess you slept through it," said Hailey. "I guess
so. I didn't hear a thing," said Katie.
    Katie reached out and turned the fish
over, so they could cook on the other side. "I hope you don't mind that I
used your fishing pole," said Katie, looking up at John. "It's OK, as
long as you don't lose a hook. We only have a couple of them, and there obviously
aren't any stores nearby," said John. As Katie moved the fish, and
adjusted their position over the fire, Hailey and John exchanged glances,
trying not to let Katie notice. John tilted his head toward the hut. "I'll
be right back," he said.
    "I'm going to go see what John
is doing," said Hailey, after waiting a minute or two. "She doesn't
even have a clue that she was gone," said Hailey, in a loud whisper, as
soon as she set foot in the hut. "I don't think it would even do any good
to tell her. What do you think?" asked John. "Promise me one thing
though. If they ever take me like that, tell me. I want to know," said
Hailey. "OK, you do the same for me," said John.
    "We better get back out there.
Besides, I'm really hungry," said Hailey, taking John by the arm. She
gently released her grip, and slid her finger tips down John's arm, and
squeezed his hand in hers. Placing her other hand on his chest, she leaned
toward him. John bent his head down to meet her, and they kissed, slowly at
first, then the passion built.
    This moment was something they both
wanted, and it was safer for Hailey, since Katie was back. Katie's presence
would keep them from going too far, too fast. Placing his hand on the small of
Hailey's back, John pulled her close to him. She could feel that he was
excited. She wanted more too, but now wasn't the time. "Come on, we better
get back," said Hailey, breaking away. She slowly walked out of the hut.
John stayed behind, needing to calm down. Wearing just his boxers, it was impossible
to hide his desire for her. He couldn't walk out looking like he looked now.
    "You look like you are