The Prophecy (The Guardians) by Wendy Owens Page B

it.”   Gabe’s heart felt like it grew three times its natural size when she referred to him as a friend.   He had treated her with such reckless regard, he thought for sure she had a hidden disdain for him.   Her confession that she felt safe with him made him smile, though he tried to resist the urge.
    “Can we not talk about this anymore?” Rachel asked.   “I was thinking of jarring some preserves today, what do you think?   I even thought we could take some to town eventually for trade.”
    “That’s a great idea, I’ll watch.” he replied with a devilish grin.
    “I don’t think so.   You get to march your butt to town and get me some jarring equipment.” Rachel instructed.
    “Nah, sounds like too much work.   How about we go swimming instead?” Gabe grinned, the idea of Rachel’s wet body pleasing him.
    “You’re incorrigible.” Rachel laughed.
    “I try.”

CHAPTER TWELVE

    The afternoon sun was high in the sky; Gabe raised a hand to shield his eyes from the rays.   He had noticed some time ago that Rachel had headed off in the direction of the nearby brook.   Not wanting to seem as though he was obsessed with her activity, he had not followed.
    Something had been off about Rachel all day though.   She had barely spoken at breakfast; Gabe could tell whatever was on her mind was weighing heavily.   He worried she might be reconsidering her choice to stay in the valley with him.
    Enough time had passed since she left his sight that Gabe decided it would simply be prudent of him to go and check on her.   Ensuring her safety after being absent for such a lengthy amount of time couldn’t possibly be misconstrued.
    “Rachel?” he called out as he approached the clearing near the brook.   When he emerged from the tree line he caught a glimpse of her.   She seemed so peaceful, sitting along the water’s edge, running her fingers through the lush blades of grass.   Turning around at the sound of her name, Rachel half smiled as she watched Gabe approach.
    “Hey Mr., what are you up to?” she asked turning to stare at the water some more.
    “Looking for you, actually.” Gabe replied taking a seat next to her relaxed body.
    “Oh yeah?   What’s up?” Rachel inquired.
    “Nothing really.   I guess I just wanted to make sure you were alright.”
    “Yup, I’m fine.” Rachel answered, without shifting her gaze.
    “Can I say something?” Gabe asked politely.
    “I don’t know, can you?” Rachel smiled, pleased with her snarky response.
    Gabe took it as a good sign that she was cracking a joke.   No matter how much he dreaded the conversation and that the result may reveal that she wanted to leave the valley, he hated seeing her this way more.   “I don’t want to make you mad or anything, but I have noticed that you haven’t seemed like yourself for that past few days.”
    “Who do I seem like?” Rachel continued with the jokes.
    “I’m trying to be serious here, is something wrong?” Gabe asked, staring intensely at her as he waited for an answer.
    “It’s silly, nothing to worry about.” Rachel replied.
    “Please?” Gabe continued to push.
    “Fine, I’m a reader.” Rachel said as if Gabe should understand somehow what that meant.
    “Okay, and is that supposed to mean something?”
    “I love to read —” Rachel continued.   “You know, books.   I used to read anything I could get my hands on.”
    Gabe furrowed his brow; he wondered if Rachel were speaking in a cryptic code he was not aware of.   Somehow the fact that she liked to read books was making her sad.   “I’m sorry, I’m still not getting it.”
    Rachel looked up at Gabe; she could see in his eyes that his concern was sincere.   She smiled softly, doing her best to explain her dilemma.   “You like to create stuff, right?   Like drawing or sculpting.”
    “Yeah, I guess.” Gabe replied.
    “Imagine all the tools you needed to create your masterpieces with were unavailable to you.   The