**Sooo sorry this took forever! The next chapter will be up later today and is much longer! Enjoy! Please review!**

Chapter 9

"Is that it?" Gerald was peeking over Arnold's shoulder at a map of San Lorenzo he had gotten in a store when they were in Cadiz. He was looking at the big red 'x' symbol Arnold had put. They were walking behind the rest of the class on their first tour of the jungle. There were different trails for each day.

"Arnold! Gerald! Keep up! We don't want to lose anyone in this place, wonderful and unique as it is." Mr. Simmons had called to them. He turned his attention back to Principal Wartz and the tour guide.

Arnold sighed. "That's it. That's the first place I want to go. It's the temple I was born in." He smiled and thought of his father's recollection of the memory written in the journal.

Gerald raised his eyebrows and flicked a bug off of his shoulder. "And if they're not there?"

"Well," Arnold folded up the map, "I guess we're going to have to wing it." He smiled out of optimism.

Gerald rolled his eyes and sighed. "Man, I hate when there isn't a plan."

"There is a plan."

Gerald smiled and acted to wave him off. "Right, right."

A few steps ahead of them, the rest of the students were walking in the jungle, lost in wonderment.

"Gosh, isn't this just splendid?" Lila was daintily walking along, completely captured by the atmosphere.

"Ugh, yeah, if you like the hot climate, useless sunglasses, and now completely filthy shoes." Rhonda waved her hands around in frustration.

Lila smiled at her and tried to comfort her. "Why, Rhonda, you just look ever so wonderful. I wish I had the same sense in fashion as yourself." She fluttered her eyes.

Rhonda found this acceptable. "Well, thank you, Lila. I'm glad someone in this place can still appreciate my efforts." She turned to her best friend. "Oh, Nadine. Would you please stop pausing at every single bush we come across?"

Nadine had a bag filled with 3 jars to collect insects in and had a magnifying glass in her hand. "Sorry, Rhonda. I don't want to miss anything. You know, you don't have to wait for me though." Nadine didn't look away from her magnifying glass while speaking.

"But, Nadine! You don't expect me to walk by myself in this horrid place, do you? Even if I am the best dressed." Rhonda stumbled in her 2-and-a-half-inch-heels.

Nadine simply rolled her eyes.

"Aughh! I think I'm dying! Mr. Simmons, how much longer are we going to go?" Harold was fanning himself, acting like he was dying of heat exhaustion.

Mr. Simmons didn't hesitate. "Harold, you're going to be fine. I have water if you need it, don't forget! But for now, please enjoy the beautiful sights in front of you."

"Can you believe it, Helga? I've never seen such an exotic place!" Phoebe was looking around with excited eyes.

"Eh, it's okay." Helga said absently. She was excited to be there, but her mind was preoccupied.

Phoebe giggled, not picking up on Helga's cryptic tone. "Well, I believe this is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity. I'm soaking up every minute of this!"

Helga turned to look at her best friend. She saw Phoebe look around, lost in amazement, and felt happy to see her so excited. She sneaked a glance over her shoulder to look at Arnold. He was putting something away in his backpack. 'I bet it's that journal. I have to find out what they have planned.'

"So, how far away is this temple from our cabins anyway?" Gerald had picked up a stick and was waving it around.

Arnold looked down. "Well, I compared the public map and my dad's map last night. The temple isn't marked on the public map because it's hidden, obviously. The Green Eyes wouldn't want anyone to find it." He turned to Gerald. "If I got it right, it's about two and half to three miles away." As he expected, Gerald's face formed a baffled expression.

"Right," Gerald had stopped walking, dropped the stick, and had grabbed Arnold's arm,"and how do you expect to WALK there, have a family reunion, and get back in time before everyone wakes up?"

Arnold pulled him along to not get seperated from the group. "Well...I haven't figured out that part yet," he admitted. They continued to walk, both looking down at the ground a little behind the group. When Gerald stayed silent, Arnold looked up at him. "Look, you really don't have to come with me. This isn't your mission, it's mine."

Gerald rolled his eyes. "Man, I told you. I'm with you in whatever you choose to do. I'm just thinking.."

Arnold smiled at what Gerald said, and turned his eyes back to the ground. "I guess we're just going to have to sneak away in the middle of the night. Tonight."