So the romance is starting in this chapter. Enjoy!

The storm finally subsided and the sunshine returned. With it power and life also returned back to Echo Town. Rachel found that all the animals were anxious to be able to get outside. Being cooped up in their respective barns for a few days had made them all antsy. Not that she blamed them, she was feeling the same way. She didn't even attempt to do anything until they were in the fresh sunlight. Today was the first day she was going to attempt to shear the alpaca. The animal was very skittish. Typically it would take a half an hour just to brush him.

Rachel tried to coax him with some treats, but the stubborn animal was having none of it. Whenever she attempted to get near it with the shears, it would let out a loud high pitched noise then run away. She went to plan b and tied a rope around him to get him to stay, but he jumped around do much she was afraid he would hurt himself. Finally giving up she decided it was time to seek help from the one person she knew was an expert in alpacas. She stopped to inform Henry of her impromptu trip.

"That would be wonderful," Henry stated. "I have yet to be able to get that thing to cooperate." With his permission, she made her way over to the mansion.

Sanjay found himself whistling the same jovial tune he'd been whistling for days. It was starting to irritate Amir, but he couldn't seem to stop singing it. He wasn't even sure how he knew the tune, but it was lovely all the same. The alpacas seemed to enjoy the beautiful melody that he was whistling. He looked up to see the girl who had started his singing coming down the lane. He tried to avoid staring at her, but it was difficult. The girl was quite beautiful. Amir appeared to see her too, he went up to greet the girl. Sanjay sighed. He was a mere servant, he would have no chance against Prince Amir. He stopped whistling. One of the alpacas nudged him.

"None of that," he said calmly. The alpaca made a spitting noise. Sanjay jumped out of the way, and gently patted the alpaca in response. He surruptitiously watched the girl and Amir in their exhanges. Amir pointed in his direction. Sanjay quickly busied himself so it wouldn't appear that he had been watching them.

Rachel walked towards the man who was taking care of the alpacas. The last exchange between them had made her nervous. She had not known how to respond to him. she felt a fluttering in her stomach as she slowly approached the man.

"Hello," Rachel greeted. "Amir stated I could come to you and ask you about your alpacas."

"My alpacas?" Sanjay asked. "What do you need to know about my alpacas?" He was curious as to why this lovely girl was inquiring about his beloved animals.

"Well," Rachel said. "I have an alpaca that I am working with on the farm, and I am just not able to get near it." Sanjay chuckled. Alpacas were certainly finicky creatures. He had learned that himself the hard way many years ago. Rachel did not look so amused.

"Don't be offended my lady," Sanjay stated. "I am not laughing at you. I am laughing about the alpacas. They are tender creatures."

"That's one word for it," Rachel mumbled. She tucked a stray piece of hair behind her ear. There was something surprisingly innocent about this girl. Perhaps it was her amnesia that made her appear so.

"Alpacas can sense your emotions. If you feel tense, or angry or any other emotions besides calm while trying to approach them, they will not allow you to tend to them. What you need to do is relax your mind, and allow the alpaca to get used to you," Sanjay advised. Rachel looked at him dubiously. She was not sure she believed it was that easy. "Come." He held out his hand. Rachel accepted it without thinking. His hand felt warm against hers, she felt herself blushing. He pulled her in front of him, they were inches apart, with an alpaca in front of them. The alpaca started fidgeting.

"You need be calm," Sanjay whispered. That was easier said than done. She was not sure how he expected her to be calm and relax when they were so close to each other. Rachel could feel her heart beating in her chest. She hoped it wasn't beating so loudly that he could hear it as well.

Sanjay couldn't help but indulge himself just a bit where this beautiful girl was involved. He was careful not to be inappropriate, but he was enjoying the proximity to her.

"Calm," he repeated. His voice was melodic and low. Amazingly Rachel felt herself calming down. "Now take a few deep breaths, and hold your hand out to him, don't try to grab him, don't try to touch him." Rachel complied. The alpaca at first did nothing. But eventually it slowly started sniffing her hand.

"What is it doing?" she asked.

"It's getting used to you. Now very slowly, lift your hand up to rub it's head," Sanjay instructed. Rachel complied. The alpaca amazingly didn't move away from her touch. "The trick is slow movements. Do not make any sudden movements, and never try to grab one that isn't comfortable with you yet." Sanjay reached his hand out to pat the alpaca as well. It brushed against Rachel's arm. She felt a shiver of excitement go up her arm. She pulled away. The alpaca jumped, and ran off.

"Sorry," Rachel muttered. "Thank you so kindly for the lesson. Sorry but I must be going." With that she left. Sanjay watched her leave smiling. He wasn't sure exactly what effect he'd had on the small girl, but he knew that she had noticed him, for now, that was enough.