ARC: Essence by Lisa Ann O'Kane Page A

that.”
    “Tuolumne Meadows.” I remembered the name from Jett’s explanation. “That’s where people retire, right?”
    “Right.” She motioned to a road that twisted away from the Valley. “There’s the route that leads there. It’s an incredible honor to be accepted at Tuolumne Meadows – the pinnacle of Community life, really – but it’s also a huge decision, because Tuolumne is in the High Country. It’s totally separate from the rest of the Community, and no one but retirees and the Founders are allowed to go up there.”
    “No one else? Not even to visit?”
    “No.” Kadence’s headshake was emphatic. “Rex is very clear about that. Once retirees make the decision to cross over, we need to respect their right to privacy. It’s part of the cycle of life out here. Disobedience is grounds for banishment, actually.”
    “Can retirees ever come back?”
    “They can, but I’ve never heard of one who did. Crossing over is a really big deal, and I guess they just want some peace and quiet.”
     
    Our last stop was a narrow trail just before the entrance to the Ahwahnee. Its dirt path led toward a cluster of large white tents and cabins, and these were decorated with multi-colored flags that flapped like rainbows in the breeze.
    “Meditation rooms,” Kadence said. “A few Community members lead meditation sessions there every morning and afternoon.”
    “You meditate here?”
    “Not that ‘smooth out your aura’ Centrist stuff, but actual meditation. Meditation as it was meant to be,” she explained. “You aren’t required to go, but some people think it helps. Awakens your Essence, realigns your chakras, all that stuff.”
    “You don’t sound convinced.”
    “Oh, no, I love it,” she said. “There just seem to be two schools of thought here, so not everyone sees its value. It’s really a personal preference.”
    I studied the meditation rooms. “What are the schools of thought?”
    “Well…” For a minute, she seemed to slip from her orientation mode. Drumming her fingers against the steering wheel, she said, “So, Rex and Daniel favor ‘active’ Essence pursuits – like climbing and celebrating and taking risks – but some of us believe the power of your Essence should be harnessed internally. Like an inner strength, you know?”
    I didn’t, but I nodded anyway.
    “Some people try to do a combination of both – like my friend Shayla. She’s one of the most active people in this entire Valley, but she and I still make time to meditate almost every single day. Depends what you’re comfortable with, I guess.”
    My thoughts flashed back to the beautiful girl I’d met at the dinner table. Before I could stop myself, I asked, “So, what’s up with that girl, anyway?”
    Kadence’s chuckle made my cheeks burn. I stared down at my wristband again, and I wondered if my heart monitor was picking up on the embarrassing way my pulse was now racing.
    Before I could worry too long, she answered, “Shayla’s great. Amazing, really. Probably the nicest person in this entire Valley.”
    “Has she ever dated Ryder?”
    Where are these questions coming from? I grimaced and almost clasped my hand over my mouth to prevent a future outburst, but Kadence seemed to take my question seriously.
    “No,” she said after a moment. “I don’t think so, but nearly every other girl here has.” She turned down the Ahwahnee’s long driveway. “Autumn, I know you’re new here, and I know everything seems really exciting and promising right now. But if I can give you one word of advice…? Stay away from Ryder Stone.”

 
    CHAPTER TEN
     
    “How you liking that wristband so far, Red? Looks good on you.”
    I fought the flip-flop that skittered in my chest at the sight of Ryder reclined in an overstuffed lobby chair. His boots were dusty, and a book was propped open on his lap.
    “What are you reading?” My stride was tense, and my words came out more aggressive than I’d