Two hours and a half later (Kevin chugged three Gatorades and begged for two rest stops,) they finally stop in the underpopulated city Maceio, where it was clear that poverty was a problem.
The boys trudge out the bus and meet with some Helping Kids in Poverty mentors. A young woman wearing a baseball cap, jean shorts, white sneakers, and a white tee with the associations logo comes over and warmly shakes each boys hand.
"Hello! I'm Brooke Windfeild, executive of the Helping Kids in Poverty foundation. It's so lovely to have you boys volunteer for us. The kids will adore it, although I'm not sure they'll know just whom you are."
Nick smiles. "Oh, it's no problem. It was kinda hard convincing my brothers to come ALL the way here to Brazil, but after I told them it was for the kids, and we'd be doing a really great thing, they agreed."
Kevin mouths "Whaaaaaa?" to Joe, who stifles a giggle.
The brothers begin to make the small towns, stopping every 10 minutes to introduce themselves and ask questions to children. They're astonished to see in what conditions some small families where living in, and what every day things the boys have that these people desperately need. Pretty soon, though, the heat really starts to dawn on them.
"I swear, I'm going rip off my shirt about any second now." Joe whispers to Nick.
"Dude, no one wants to see that." Nick whispers back.
Joe glares at his little brother. "I'm in waaaaay better shape than you, stupid."
Nick slaps Joe's stomache lightly, who doubles over. "Yeah, Joseph. Waaaaay better shape. Waaaaay."
They continue their journey through the jagged mountains, and soon stop for lunch.
Nick bites into his otherwise dull turkey sandwhich. "So, you and Mar are getting pretty cozy, eh?" Nick asks Joe.
Joe digs into his bag of chips. "Not really." Kevin rolls his eyes and steals a chip from Joe. "Don't lie. We saw you ring shopping!"
Joe discreetly smiles. "I'm not gonna propose. I was just... I don't know, pondering apon the idea of getting her a promise ring?"
Nick laughs as he peels off his crust. "As long as you're not getting serious, pffft."
Joe eyes Nick. "And who do I recall giving a promise ring to Macy in only 4 months of their relashionship, which then led her to leaving for two months?"
Nick shrugs. "We were young and times were easy. Besides, now that she's back, our relashionship is a lot more mature, and I plan to get her a ring that I didn't get out of a to dispenser very soon."
"Smooooth move, lil bro."
Brooke makes her way to the brother's table, and Joe's thankful for a subject change. "Hey guys. Just wanted to let you know that we're kind of tight on time right now, so we're gonna need you to go ahead and continue through the town while we pack up here and clean up our mess."
"Um, excuse me, did you say you'd like us to continue the walk alone?!" Joe asks.
"Yes, yes. Don't worry, you won't get lost, the path is completely straight. We'll come in the bus in about 30." She says, never seeming to drop her annoyingly big smile.
Kevin bites his lip. "And, in the event of say, being attacked by a Mountain Lion, what would we--"
"You'll be fine. Go ahead, we'll catch up later." She returns to her table, and the boys exchange worried looks. They pick up their trays and discard their trash. Joe takes the lead as they head up the trail, having no idea what he would soon experience.
