Page 6 of Entwined

“I don’t know. I was left as a baby. I grew up in an orphanage, where soon, I guess they could tell I was different.”

“Different is better. That’s what I always say. Who wants to be like everyone else? That’s boring.”

He smiles, looking down still embarrassed by my sudden display of affection. “What are you going to do now?”

“Everything! Come on, let’s go before Boris finds me. I’ll be back. I know it. I feel it deep inside my heart. Exmoor is meant to be my home. But first, I need to set the world on fire. Just like he told me to.”

Will doesn’t respond to my almost manic change in moods. I’m coming alive again. Having a purpose does that to a person. I want help people like Will. I want to teach autistic children; show them how precious they are. That they too—can set the world on fire.

“What are you going to do? Where are you going to go now, Jessie?”

“Home. I’m going back to California. But don’t worry—I’ll be back. I’m not sure when. Maybe months; maybe years…but I will be back. Promise me Simone and Ollie will still be here? Take special care of them for me, Will.”

“I will. I swear it Jessie. Promise…promise me you’ll come back? It’s nice to have a friend to talk to.”

“I will. And that’s not a promise. It’s a vow.”

“Duck! Boris’ car is coming!”

“Shit!”

I unclip my belt, hiding low in the seat. Will drives straight, ignoring Boris’ honk and keeps driving.

“Did he loop around?”

“No. But he’s ringing my cell. Stay down and quiet.”

“Yes? …I’m heading into town. I needed some hoof cream for one of the horses. It’s cracked…. Yes, it’s been all quiet.” He hangs up. “Don’t come up until I lose him in the rearview.”

“I won’t. But Will, I can’t have him hurting you because you helped me.”

“Mr. Devillo wouldn’t let that happen. I’m in charge of his prized horses. It’s a real important job, he said so.”

“It is. I have time before my train. Here…,” I open my small wallet, taking out some notes. “buy me a pay-as-you-go phone. I’ll stay hidden in the car.”

He pulls over and parks. “Okay. Stay down. I’ll be right back.”

I stay huddled with my hands on the seat. Will comes back five minutes later with not only a burner cell, but a box of chocolates and a cup of hot tea.

“Thank you. You didn’t need to get me these.”

“It’s late, but Happy Christmas, Jessie. Thank you for being my friend.”

“Happy Christmas to you Will. I-I’m sorry. I can’t believe I forgot to get you a gift. I was just so excited about my trip with Christos…”

“It’s okay.”

But it’s not. This poor man-child has never known love, acceptance, or a proper Christmas with gifts. When I come back to Exmoor for good—I make a vow to myself that he’ll never go without them again.

“We’re here. There’s no one about. It’s best you get out now before someone might see you.”

“Take care of yourself Will. Here,” I hold out my new phone to him, “type in your number so I can reach you. Use a secret name. So, no one ever guesses it’s me.”

“Diana. She was the Greek goddess of animals and the woods. She spoke to them. Just as you do.”

I swallow hard. I never told a soul about what happened between me and the wild black pony in the creek. “It’s perfect. I’m honored you chose that to be my secret nickname.”

He hands my phone back, and I reach up to kiss his cheek, “Take care. I’ll be in touch.”

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