"Well, we got tickets for South Africa, in a days time. Till then, we are at my place. Lets go," Chris said.
As they got up, Nathan gave Marie a crutch,
"Thanks,"
"No problem, we have lots, these guys get hurt a lot," Nathan said with a smile.
They all walked to the elevator and got in. As soon as the door closed the silence was broken.
"Hey, what's the definition of an accountant?" Marie asked.
"What?" JD asked.
"Someone who solves a problem you didn't know you had in a way you don't understand," Marie joked.
They all groaned.
"Please excuse my friend, she wants to become an accountant, and she's got no life," Ayanda said as she rolled her eyes.
"Come on, hey I got another one, What's the definition of a good tax accountant?" Marie asked.
"Don't know?" JD said.
"Someone who has a loophole named after him," She answered.
This cause more groaning.
"And here I though JD's jokes where bad," Buck teased.
"HEY!" JD and Marie shouted back at the same time.
"Oh, this is good, When does a person decide to become an accountant?" Ayanda asked.
"What?" Marie asked.
"When he realizes he doesn't have the charisma to succeed as an undertaker," Ayanda joked.
Marie's mouth dropped open, the others turned their attention to the girls.
"That's cold, that's very cold," Marie said.
Ayanda looked at Marie, then at the ground, then back at Marie.
"Sorry," She said softly.
"Yeah, well the truth does hurt," Marie joked.
"Did you hear about the terrorists who took a court-full of lawyers hostage? They threatened to release a lawyer every hour unless their demands were meet," Marie joked
"Now that's scary!" Buck laughed.
"Hey!" Ayanda said in protest.
"Any more?" JD asked.
"Well, there was an accountant, who was having a hard time sleeping and goes to see his doctor."Doctor, I just can't get to sleep at night." "Have you tried counting sheep?" "That's the problem - I make a mistake and then spend three
hours trying to find it"," Marie joked.
Everyone laughed at that one.
"You do know that you just insulted yourself and a hundred other people?" JD said to Marie.
"Yeah, but if you can't laugh at yourself, what can you laugh at?" Marie said.
The others were caught by surprised at that one, they never really thought about that. As soon as the elevator come to a stop they headed into different directions.
"What's going on?" Ayanda asked.
"Well, they are all going home to pack, while you and I are going to your hotel to get your stuff, then we all meet at the Ranch," Chris spoke as they headed to a black car.
"What is it with you and black?" Ayanda asked.
Chris raised an eye brow, he wasn't used to people just asking him straight forward questions.
"I mean, black clothes, black car, please don't tell me a black house?" Ayanda asked.
"No, normal house, and I like the colour," Chris spoke in defence.
Nathan helped Marie into the car,
"Hey, what do you guys eat?" Nathan asked.
"Anything," Ayanda spoke without thinking.
"Allergic to anything?" Nathan asked.
"Oh, I hope I am not to much of a pain, but I can't eat any type of fish, it makes me sick," Marie said shyly.
"Not any trouble, okay so anything goes, but fish?" Nathan asked again.
"And frogs and snails, or anything slimy," Ayanda finished off.
"Okay," Nathan smiled as he left.
Chris just shock his head as he started the car. The drive was short, and silent, Chris had to check the mirror every few seconds to see if there were still in the car.
Once they stopped they headed to the room, Chris waited by the door as Ayanda quickly packed the bags. Chris had to talk Marie's bags since she had her hands busy. They walked in silence they whole way to the car.
"Hey, what's wrong?" Chris asked.
Marie and Ayanda looked at Chris,
"While, we were wondering what's going to happen to the others?" Ayanda asked.
Chris frowned.
"What do you mean?" Chris asked.
"Well, instead of babysitting us, you could be getting drugs and stuff of the streets," Marie said.
"That's what we are doing right now. If we can get Mr Stuan, a lot of weapons and drugs will be stopped from coming into our streets, so this is very important," Chris said.
Marie and Ayanda looked at Chris, with smiles on their faces.
"So what's on your ranch?" Ayanda asked.
Chris smiled as he started the car,
"Horses," Chris said.
"Oh, horses, I love horses," Marie said in awe.
"Nothing against them, but I prefer cars," Ayanda said.
"Cars! Na, horses are the best," Marie argued.
"No way, cars are the best, less work," Ayanda argued back.
"Oh please! cars break down, machines are our down fall," Marie sated.
"Ja right, says the one that spends all her time in front of the computer!" Ayanda teased.
"Hey, as long as I still look at nature its fine,"
"Ha! who are you joking? when it comes to going out and computers, you choice is always computers!"
Chris inwardly groaned. Now he wished he didn't comfort them.
What seemed like forever, they arrived at the Ranch. They got out of the car and headed inside where Chris showed them their room.
"Sorry but you are going to have to share," Chris said as he dropped their bags in one of the spare beds.
"That's fine with us, thanks for bring us here," Marie said.
"Sure," Chris spoke as he left the room.
Ayanda looked at the bags then at the two beds.
"I book the right," Ayanda said quickly.
"Come on, that's the one with the window!" Marie argued.
"Yeah but I booked it first!" Ayanda teased.
"Rock, paper, scissors," Marie asked.
"Fine!" Ayanda signed.
They both raised their fists,
"Three," Marie said
"Two," Ayanda carried on.
"One!" they shouted together as they released their hands.
"Ha ha, paper covers rock!" Ayanda laughed as she did her little victory dance.
"Yeah well, at least if anyone comes through the window you will be the first to know," Marie smiled.
Ayanda's eyes grew wide, as she looked at the window, then back at Marie, looking a bit paler than she did a few seconds ago.
"You know, I think rock wins, because I mean you can tear the paper with the rock, and," Ayanda stopped then looked at Marie.
"Your evil," She stated as she moved off the bed that was nearest to the window.
Marie just smiled then hopped on the bed.
"Yeah, but that's why you like me," Marie joked.
"So that's why I put up with all your BS? here I was thinking I lost my mind," Ayanda joked.
Chris walked into the kitchen and heard the arguing that was heating up, he groaned.
"Are they all like that?" Chris asked himself.
"Talking to yourself again, cowboy?" Vin asked.
Chris jumped when he heard Vin speak.
"Dam it Tanner, you planning on giving me a heart attack?" Chris asked as he quickly controlled his breathing.
Vin just smiled,
"When did you get here?" Chris asked.
"Few seconds ago," Vin said as he helped himself to a cup of coffee.
"Never heard anything with those two," Chris groaned.
"Remind you of someone?" Vin asked.
"Buck and JD," Chris laughed.
Vin and Chris just settled down in the lounge when Marie hobbled in, followed by Ayanda and the rest of the guys.
Everyone got comfortable, as they sat their in silence.
"So were do you guys want to go and see in SA?" Ayanda asked.
The others turned to Ayanda,
"What is there?" JD asked.
"Beach, sun, mountains, animals, shops, Gold Reef City, The lost City, shops..." Ayanda spoke as she thought.
Ezra's eyes grew bigger at the sound of Gold.
"Gold Reef City? is there any gold?" he asked.
"Yip, they even let people touch it. In fact if you can lift it, using only two fingers, you can have it," Ayanda said.
Ezra looked at Ayanda's reaction, trying to see if it was another one of their scam's. But there was no reaction, no joking, no laughing.
"Your serious?" Ezra asked.
"Yip, but its bloody impossible to do it. That's why offered that deal," Marie said seriously.
The others looked at Ezra, they could see his mind plotting a scheme.
"Don't get your hopes up, because Marie's right. Its impossible," Ayanda said as she saw the others look at Ezra.
"Why is that?" JD asked.
"Its heavy, dam heavy. I mean you can't even pick it up with both hands," Marie stated.
"Ez, hey Ez, you listening to this?" Vin asked.
But Ezra's mind was working over time, thinking of all possible ways of getting the gold.
"While, anyway, we will leave thinker of there, and plan for the rest of us. I got it, the Lost City," Ayanda suggested.
"The lost City?" JD asked.
"Have any of you watched MR. Bones? or golf?" Marie asked.
They all shock their heads.
"Well, its a beautiful city, there are paths you can walk," Marie said.
"Yeah, and there are water slides, and not to mention the big casino," Ayanda said.
Ezra suddenly come out of his thinking at the mention of a casino
"Did I hear correctly, did someone mention the words, "Big Casino"?" Ezra asked.
"Yip," Ayanda smiled.
Ezra smiled a very big smile causing the others to groan.
"Ezra, don't even think about it," Chris warned.
Ezra looked at Chris, with a grin. Chris groaned inwardly.
"Anywhere else? like away from the casinos?" Josiah asked.
"Yeah, the KZN, beautiful place. Mountains, wild life, beautiful scenery," Marie said.
"KZN? what's does that stand for?" JD asked.
"Kwa-Zulu Natal, it used to be called Natal, its a province," Ayanda stated.
"But enough with the history lesson, what we going to do for when we come back?" Ayanda asked.
"We are staying here, its safer," Chris said.
"Why, I mean, they don't know who we are yet?" Marie asked.
"That's true, however, as soon as we arrest them, they will know that their was someone there, and that's when they will try and find out who. That's why we have taken off leave, to go and visit South Africa. So we want to avoid everyone till then, people might ask questions if they see you two with us," Josiah spoke.
"Oh, got a point there. Hey, what's going to happen to us once people know who we are? I mean, they won't come after us for revenge or anything, will they?" Ayanda asked.
"Now who's the conspiracy freak?" Marie whispered.
Ayanda glared at Marie, who in turn glared back.
"Looks like completion for Chris," JD joked.
Marie, Ayanda and Chris glared at JD, who quickly turned his attention to the floor.
"Dam, that's scary," Buck said as he saw all three glares.
"I'm serious, what's gonna happen to us?" Ayanda asked worriedly.
"Well, you are going to be put under witness protection," Josiah said.
"That mean we have to stay in USA? and can we still study for the jobs we want to?" Ayanda asked.
"We could put you in a program anywhere, but the jobs, we have to see about that," he said seriously.
"Well I want to be a lawyer, and Marie wants to be an Accountant," Ayanda said.
"Well, an Accountant should be fine, lawyer, I am not to sure about. Bad guys often land up in court, sorry but that job is too dangerous," Josiah said sadly.
They watched as Ayanda heart broke into two as her dreams just crashed into hundreds and thousands of pieces.
"I'm sorry," Nathan said sadly.
"I...I think I am going to hit the sack, see you tomorrow," Ayanda's voice was filled with sadness as she spoke.
"Do you want supper?" Nathan asked.
"No, not hungry, good night," Ayanda spoke as she left the room.
They turned their attention to Marie, she was sitting there as if the world sat on her shoulders. She gave them a weak smile.
"Well, its getting late, I think I am going to sleep to, been a hectic day," Marie said sadly.
"Good night, and if you need us we will be here," Josiah said.
"Thanks," She said as she left the room.
The others looked at each other sadly. Vin was the first to look outside to see how dark its gotten.
"Well boys, I think I am going to get some shut eye," He said as he got up.
"Where's everyone going to sleep?" JD asked.
"I got my bed, you boys decide. But I want you to be alert, just in case," Chris said.
"I book the one bed room!" JD said quickly.
"Hell no, boy, have you ever heard the expression, "Age before beauty ?" Buck asked.
"Yip, that's why I chose the bed," JD joked.
"How about "Respect your elders?" Buck asked.
JD groaned.
"Right, we got three rooms, Josiah you get your own one. Me and Ezra will share the other, leaving Buck and Vin ," Nathan said.
"Hey what about me?" JD asked.
They all turned to JD.
"The sofa," They said together.
"Oh, man," JD moaned as he headed for the sofa.
"I'll sleep on the floor," Vin suggested.
"In Buck's room?" Chris asked.
"Hell no, in yours. You don't snore as loudly as him," Vin joked.
"Now junior, no need to get nasty," Buck joked.
After they sorted out where everyone was sleeping they headed to their rooms. For a much deserved sleep.
Vin was awoken by moans coming from the girls room. He quickly got up, raising his gun as he walked slowly to the other room. When he got their he quietly opened the door.
Nothing out of place.
Vin frowned swearing he heard something, he just shrugged and began to close the door when he heard the notice again. He looked at the two bodies and saw that Marie was shaking. Vin quietly moved to her side to see two watery eyes staring back at him.
Vin used his hand to signal for her to follow him. Marie nodded then slowly got out of bed and followed him.
They went to the lounge, but they didn't want to wake up JD so they headed outside.
The air was cool, specially in your were in your pyjama's. Vin and Marie, both wore a lose top with sweatpants.
Vin lead Marie to the porch where Marie sat down on the big wooden chair. She drew her legs up, using her knees as a chin rest. She huddled together, slightly rocking herself.
"Want to talk about it?" Vin asked.
Marie used her hand to wipe away the unfailing tears.
"I keep seeing him beg for mercy, I know there was nothing I could do, but it ain't easy to see a man die like that," She whispered.
Vin nodded his head,
"I know," Vin said sadly.
She smiled a very weak smile.
"I keep seeing his bloody face, his dead eyes staring at me, it was like he blaming me, I can still hear his cries," Marie broke off as she relived the memory.
"I'm afraid they never go away," Vin said sadly.
"I know," Marie cried.
Vin, who would normally avoid contact at all costs, got up and put his arm around her. To his surprise he felt her flinch, but then she leaned into him, trying to seek more comfort.
They stayed like that for a few minutes, before she broke contact.
"I'm sorry, for wasting your time, I better go," Marie said as she slowly got up.
"It wasn't trouble, and you don't have to go," Vin said.
"Thank you, but I better go, Ayanda will be having nightmare's too," Marie said as she walked back inside.
Vin sat where he was, still wondering why he didn't feel uncomfortable to hug another person. He had a sad feeling it was because maybe he could relate what she was going through, maybe because he could feel something familiar in her.
Vin got up slowly and headed inside. He silently went back to his bed, but he just could not fall back to sleep. He kept on thinking what's behind all those jokes. The more he thought, the more he dreaded. For every thought kept on reminding him that she was a lot like him.
Sure everyone one has demons. Chris lost his wife and child a few years ago, because some guy wanted revenge. Chris started to drunk, get into fights, but he had Buck to help him through that.
He on the other hand had no one, ever since his mother died, he'd been alone. He had to learn to grow up quickly , learn how to hide in the shadows. But he survived, using jokes to get by. He used jokes to see the bright side of life, as he was moved around. He might have not spoken them out loud, but he used them. He had to, to survive the depression, the hatred, the angry.
Was this why Marie and Ayanda used their 'jokes' to learn to forget the bad?
Vin groaned as his sleep just flew out the window. He just couldn't get the image of Marie's haunted look, or the flinch.
Vin must have fallen a sleep when he was woken up by a noise in the kitchen. He slowly got up and headed to the kitchen, when he got their he saw Ayanda and Marie making coffee. But the sight was just to good, that he couldn't help but let out a soft giggle.
Marie's hair was all over the place, she still had sleep in their eyes, dark circles under the eyes, and looking like something people would avoid.
Marie shot daggers at Vin when she heard his laugh.
"Not a morning person?" Vin asked.
Marie just growled as she left the room with a warm cup of coffee in her hands.
Ayanda looked normal, her hair was tied up, she was wide awake. She was wearing a new pear of jeans, and a normal t-shirt.
"Morning Vin," she greeted with a smile.
"Morning," Vin said as he went and poured himself a cup of coffee.
"I wouldn't, she likes it strong, and it tastes like tar," Ayanda warned.
Vin smiled, and carried on. He smelt it first, making sure it was coffee before taking a sip.
Ayanda watched Vin's face, she burst out laughing when his face twisted in agony before swallowing.
"Dam fine coffee," he said as he took another sip.
Before anyone could speak, six people busted into the room with guns pointing everywhere.
"Morning boys," Vin greeted.
They all groaned and lowered their guns.
Chris went to the coffee.
"Did he make the coffee?" Chris asked Ayanda.
"Nope, Marie did ,but be warned, its strong," Ayanda smiled at Vin.
"Its can't be anything like his," Chris said pointing at Vin.
"Your funeral," Ayanda whispered to Vin.
Vin and Ayanda watched as everyone poured themselves a cup. They watched even closer when they took a sip.
JD spat all the coffee out of his mouth, Buck swallowed hard, Josiah's eyes grew wider, Chris looked as if he could cry. Ezra's sleepy eyes woke up quickly. Nathan ran to the sink before spitting it out.
"Good lord, who could drink this...this.." Ezra was a loss at words to describe the awful taste.
"Its worse than Vin's," JD gasped as he poured his coffee down the drain.
"Good God, this is dreadful, what is in here? tar, Jet fuel?" Ezra carried on.
"This is not good for anyone's health," Nathan commented.
Ayanda just laughed, which caused them to stare at her,
"Hey, I warned you. I told you my girl make coffee," Ayanda joked.
"This is not coffee, my lady, this is not worthy the name coffee," Ezra spoke.
By the time they made new coffee, everyone was wide awake, dressed and sitting in the lounge. When Marie stormed in, she was wearing jeans, tank top, her hair tied in a pony.
"Who changed the coffee? this stuff is muddy water, not coffee!" Marie argued.
The others looked at her with amazement.
"Surely you can't mean that jet fuel?" Ezra asked.
"What jet fuel? look I made coffee this morning, I need it strong, not some dishwater. COFFEE, so where the hell is it?" Marie demanded.
The other's didn't laugh as her glare was as bad as Chris's, even Chris felt a little bit uneasy under her glaze.
"We threw it out," JD said softly
"Thanks a lot, now I need to make more!" Marie said as she stormed off.
The others looked at Ayanda.
"She is Not a morning person, and no one touches the coffee. Hell now you know why I don't touch the stuff," Ayanda teased.
"Hell has no fury as a woman scorn," Josiah laughed.
They all drank their coffee in silence, when Marie come back with her coffee.
"Anyone want some?" she offered.
"Yip," Vin said as he held out his mug.
"You, sir, are either brave beyond words, or tremendously stupid," Ezra whispered to himself, which Ayanda heard.
"You go Boy!" Ayanda shouted in support.
They all watched Vin take a sip off the coffee. They all saw him take a big swallow, then a smile formed.
"My kind of coffee," Vin answered their silent questions.
Marie sat down next to Ayanda, then turned her attention to the group.
"Look, I'm sorry for my outburst. I am not a morning person, and I need my coffee," Marie apologised.
"Its alright, we all have our down side. I must admit I too am not a morning person, but dam that coffee sure woke me up," Josiah joked.
"Well, that's why coffee was created," Marie said as she took another sip.
"Well, we got another five hours before our flight. I got Nettie to come and look after the horses, so everything is sorted," Chris spoke.
"Okay, sorry to interrupt this planning thing going on, but I am STARVING! can we get some grub?" Ayanda begged.
Everyone laughed.
"How about some pizza?" JD asked.
"No, we need something nutritious," Nathan argued.
"Do you guys have any bread? eggs? milk? syrup? oil?" Ayanda asked.
"Yes," Chris answered.
"Well, me and Ayanda can cook up some wicked French toast, if you want?" Marie offered.
"Yeah and its healthy, I mean its got eggs, bread and milk," Ayanda spoke to Nathan.
"Sounds wonderful," Vin said.
"Okay, give us ten minutes," Ayanda said as she got up.
"Anyone want coffee?" Marie asked.
"NO!" the others shouted back.
The others stayed in the lounge, waiting for the food. They flinched every time they heard something dropped, or the cupboard doors get slammed shut.
"I don't think I am going to have a kitchen anymore," Chris joked.
"Don't think so," Josiah laughed.
After ten minutes, Ayanda appeared with plates, when disappeared back to the kitchen. Seconds later, she came back with a big plate filled with French toast, followed by Marie with the syrup. They placed the food on the table, then sat down. Everyone looked at the food, not to sure if it was going to be safe or not.
"Don't worry, this tastes like heaven," Ayanda said as she helped herself to a slice.
Marie followed her, then by Vin. They watched as Vin drowned his toast with syrup.
"Sweet tooth?" Ayanda asked.
"Yip," Vin answered.
The others watched Vin take a bite. He closed his eyes
"Mmmmmm," Vin moaned.
Since they got the sign that it was safe, they each helped themselves to some. They all fell into heaven as they tasted the food.
"My word, this is marvels, delicious, incredible," Ezra spoke.
Breakfast went by quickly as the food disappeared. Everyone got up and headed to the kitchen. Chris prepared himself to see a disaster zone, instead he found the kitchen clean. In fact cleaner than it was.
"How?" Chris asked.
"Well, I felt bad for shouting, so I quickly did a one two, and its clean," Marie explained.
"One, two?" JD asked.
"Just a saying," Ayanda answered.
"Right, so what we going to do for the next four hours?" Marie asked.
"Pack, get ready, and see some more sights?" Ayanda asked.
"Sure, why not," Chris said.
Everyone nodded and headed to their rooms to pack. While they did that, they could hear Ayanda and Marie arguing about something else, which caused Buck and JD to start arguing as they packed their stuff.
Chris meet Vin by the car when they packed their bags into the car.
"Why us?" Chris asked.
Vin just laughed.
They didn't wait long before Josiah, Nathan and Ezra joined them. They quickly placed their bags into the car, as they listened to the arguing that was going on.
"Who do you think we are just unlucky to land up with those four?" Nathan asked.
"It seems that they were indeed born to see that we suffer," Ezra moaned.
"Why, out of the millions, do we land up with the talkative ones? we are doomed," Nathan said sadly.
"That what makes things interesting," Vin joked.
The others glared at him in response.
"Since you like them so much, I am putting you in charge with their safety," Chris said with a smile.
"Now Chris, come on, lets be reasonable," Vin said in a panic.
Chris just smiled.
"Come on Chris.... CHRIS!!!" Vin cried.
"Yes Vin," Chris said innocently.
"Come on, you can't do that!" Vin argued.
"Oh, yes I can, and I Did!" Chris laughed.
"No! come on Chris, you can't be that mean," Vin asked.
Chris just smiled as the others laughed at Vin futile attempts.
"I'll get you back, just you wait!" Vin promised.
Chris silently wondered what was worse: staying with the girls or Vin's payback?
Before he could make a decision Marie and Ayanda came out with there bags. Josiah took the bags from them and placed them in the back. They could still hear Buck and JD fighting over something.
"Are they always like that?" Marie asked.
"Yip," Vin answered.
"How do you put up with them?" Ayanda asked.
"That, my friends, is indeed an excellent answer, to which I do not know the answer," Ezra said.
Ayanda and Marie turned their attention to the others,
"Correction, how do you live with them?" Ayanda asked as she pointed at Ezra.
"The same way we put up with family," Josiah explained.
"Don't know how you do that, as soon as I could I moved out," Marie said.
"Yeah, but that still doesn't answer why I stick with you?" Ayanda joked.
"The same way I put up with you!" Marie joked.
"Now hang on, Who says you suffer more than me. I deserve a medal for all your jokes!" Ayanda argued.
"What about all the shopping I have to deal with, and what about all your crying when something goes on in Egoil?" Marie argued back.
"O please! I have to put up with all your Alien and murder stuff,"
"Don't mess with my Programmes, and nothing's wrong with my jokes!"
"And the fighting begins," Ezra cut in.
Marie and Ayanda turned to Ezra.
"We don't fight!" they shouted together.
Ezra unconsciously took a step back. Which caused Marie and Ayanda to re-think what they said.
"Sorry, we just get a little bit carried away," they apologised.
Before anyone could say anything, they were interrupted by JD and Buck.
"Didn't!" JD argued.
"Did too!" Buck argued back.
"Didn't!"
'Did too!"
"Didn't"
"Did too!"
"CHILDREN!" Chris shouted.
JD and Buck stopped and silently walked to the car. Josiah took their bags from them as he packed them into the car.
"Thank goodness, Look, can we please have silence on the way to the airport?" Chris asked.
Everyone nodded their heads, then slowly got into the kombi Chris hired for the day. Before Buck and JD could go in, they were pushed a side by Chris.
"I want you two to be on your best behaviours, or else paperwork, lots of it. Do I make myself clear?" Chris asked.
"Yes," Buck and JD said simultaneously.
"Good, now get in," Chris ordered.
It was a tight squeeze, Chris and Josiah in the front, Vin, Nathan and Josiah behind them. Followed by Buck, JD, Marie and Ayanda. Luck for the guys that Ayanda, JD and Marie were thin, making them just fit onto the seat.
Chris started the car, and off they drove. While they were driving, JD took out a computer magazine.
"Oh cool, is that the new memory board?" Marie asked.
"Yeah, why do you know anything on computers?" JD asked.
"Now that's a understatement if I ever heard one," Ayanda joked.
"Thanks, Ayanda but I'm not that good!" Marie answered.
"What computer games do you have?" JD asked.
"No, please don't courage her," Ayanda begged.
"While I got, Need for Speed, CSI, X-files, Matrix, Lord of the Rings all volumes,....." Marie carried on.
For the next half hour, they heard every game, every software, every new computer piece ever designed. Buck and Ayanda were frustrated because they didn't understand a word of it. The others just started their own conversations.
After a while, they finally arrived at the airport. They quickly got their bags as they headed to the passport control.
"Right, now single file, oh and before we go there are some rules. Number one, no arguing. Number two, no talk on computers! Number three, when we land, Everyone must wait at the gate. Got it?" Chris asked.
"Why can't we talk about computers?" Marie asked.
"Because only you and JD understand it, and its giving us a headache," Ayanda explained on Chris's behalf.
JD and Marie just groaned as they all made their way through customs. On the plane, Vin, Chris, Nathan and Josiah sat on one role, right in front of them was Marie, Ayanda, JD and Buck. Ezra sat in the row before them
Not even before they took off, Marie, Ayanda and JD were talking.
"Have you watched the World Idol show?" Marie asked JD.
"Yeah, pretty good," JD answered.
"How'd you like Heinz ?" Ayanda asked.
"Not too bad," JD answered.
"Yeah, but I still liked the hobbit," Marie laughed.
"That was mean, he's not that bad looking, but they were right about his voice," Ayanda said.
"Yeah, and the Peter guy wasn't that bad neither," JD said.
"Ya, but I'm sad about Will, he's really got a nice voice. Have you heard his new song 'Leave Right Now', its to die for!" Marie said.
"You must excuse her, she's a bit of a Will Fan. She's been rooting for him ever since he appeared for his first addition," Ayanda explained.
"What, he's got the personality and he's definitely got the voice," Marie argued.
"Don't argue, she can win. Believe me, she's like a dog with a bone, she will Never let go!" Ayanda said to JD and Buck.
"So what's this thing about the hobbit?" Buck asked causing them to groan.
"Does 'Lord of the Rings' mean anything to you?" JD asked.
"Some movie, or something like that?" Buck asked.
"Bad topic, Buck, you just chose the Wrong thing to talk about with this Nut," Ayanda explained.
"Why? what she do?" Buck asked.
"Well she read the book, which is a thousand pages, Three times. She downloaded the Elfish language, which she is currently learning, and you just won't believe what she did when the third movie came out," Ayanda groaned.
"A Thousand pages, THREE times?" Buck gasped.
"Elf language?" Josiah asked, as he and the others over heard.
Marie looked at them sheepishly,
"Well, the first time I read it, I read fast, the second time to catch up I missed and the third to make sure I got everything. AND nothing's wrong with Elf lang, I mean, its a beautiful language. Look at this phrase, " Amin mela lle," Marie said.
"That's beautiful, what does it mean?" Josiah asked.
Marie blushed,
"Means I love you," She explained.
"Hey, did you know the Tolkien was born in South Africa, in Bloemfontein," Marie said
"Really?" JD asked
"Don't start, she mad about that movie. Go on tell them what you did for the third movie," Ayanda said.
"What did you do?" JD asked.
"Well I went to my brother's flat, on the sixteenth. Anyway we spent the day together, catching up news and stuff, we went to his friends house, Sue, and got the lord of the Rings extra's. You know the movie that they made, the uncut version. Yeah, anyway I woke up on the seventeenth of December, the first day that lord of the rings showed in South Africa, and watched the uncut versions of both movies, plus the normal versions. Just as I finished we went to watch the third movie. We watched the last show, but it was so cool. Have you guys seen it?" Marie asked.
Everyone who could hear, that was the whole team, just sat there dumfounded.
"That's not healthy," Nathan commented.
"You basically spent the whole day, just watching lord of the rings?" Buck gasped.
"It's a very good movie, anyway they did leave out a LOT, can't wait for the extended version of the third movie, they say its going to be five hours long," Marie said.
"Oh, no, you know what that means, my friend here is gonna spend that day watching number one, then two then three. Just so she don't miss a thing," Ayanda said as she rolled her eyes.
"FIVE hours long?" JD gasped.
"Yip, five wonderful hours," Marie signed.
"Told you, that girl got no taste, or a life," Ayanda said sadly.
Vin looked at Chris, who in return just shock his head. Lucky for them the plane lifted off, drowning any chance of hearing the conversation.
Chris send a silent thank you to the heavens as he closed his eyes, and started to enjoy the peace, well it lasted.
The flight was short for Chris, as he soon found himself waiting by the gate for the others. His wait was cut short when they all came. Chris made sure everyone would stay close, just in case someone had see Ayanda or Marie. They then headed to customs, which went by slowly. After what felt like ages, they finally made their way outside, to be greeted by the humidity. Sure it was hot in Denver, but this was a different kind of heat, what's worse was that it was night time.
"Dam it's hot," Nathan said.
"You got that right," Buck said as he took off his jacket.
"Welcome to Durban, or Durbs as we like to call it," Marie said.
Lucky for them that Chris had already organised another kombi for them, which was waiting for them outside.
"Right I got us a hotel, for today," Chris said as they all got in.
"Hey, I don't know about you guys, but I think I should drive," Ayanda spoke.
The others just looked at her,
"Yeah, I mean, she's got her licence, and she knows a hell of a lot more than you about the streets. I wouldn't drive, even if I could," Marie suggested.
"Why can't you?" JD asked.
"You have to be seventeen, or older, to go for your learners, and eighteen, or older, for your driver's licence. I'm only seventeen, just have my learners. Ayanda got hers three months ago, and she's been driving here every day. So she's the best," Marie explained.
"Alright," Chris said unwillingly.
Everyone got to their places as Nathan took up Ayanda place, so Chris could still be in front. Ayanda got into the driver's seat.
"Please buckle up, keep your arms inside at all times. Hold on for dear life, oh, and please remove anything which could cause damage in case of immediate stops. Always be prepared for a sudden stop, as there is a guarantee it will happen," Ayanda said.
At first everyone thought it was a joke, but Marie and Ayanda never laughed, they didn't even smile at that one.
"This is not a joke, I'm serious. We are driving in the devil's court, where some drivers just go, well others drive like snails. And the people, hell some of them just walk, so be prepared for sudden stops. Its happened to me every day I travelled here," Ayanda explained after seeing their looks.
"But don't they know its dangerous?" Josiah asked.
"Yes they do, but if you drive this road every day, you do get careless. But the police have started to jack up their security, by putting up hidden cameras and driving around, stopping people who are driving dangerously. But there is always that one idiot who doesn't care," Ayanda answered.
"Okay, lets go, O and people, please keep your windows closed at all times, but feel free to look at the sea and stores on the road," Ayanda offered as she started the car.
They guys expected something to go wrong, because they still didn't like the idea of an eighteen year old could drive in a city. It scared them, even though they knew that Ayanda wouldn't do anything stupid or crazy, it still bugged them a bit. They watched as Ayanda started the car, without any problems, but then she started to drive on the left hand side of the road.
"YOUR ON THE WRONG SIDE OF THE ROAD!" JD screamed.
Ayanda stepped on the brake with shock, lucky for them that they were still in the driveway.
"What the HELL is your problem? Trying to get us killed?" Ayanda spat.
"You were the one trying to kill us, you were driving on the left side of the road!" JD argued.
"Stupid prat! You gave me a heart attack for no reason. Hell, I though you guys were smart!" Ayanda shouted.
"What do you mean?" JD asked.
"In South Africa, we drive on the left hand side," Marie explained.
Suddenly JD went bright red, he looked at Ayanda.
"Sorry, I should have thought of that, sorry," JD apologized.
Ayanda took a deep breath,
"Next time, trust me. I don't want to die And I ain't that stupid. But I forgive you. Now sit back and enjoy the outside," Ayanda said.
She then turned her attention back to the road and began to drive. After a while they got used to the idea, and began to enjoy the scenery outside.
"Wow, look at that beach. Hey guys can we check it out?" JD asked.
"Sure, we are staying here for two days, but I suggest we get some sleep," Marie said as she began to yawn.
"Hey what's the time?" JD asked.
"Some time after twelve ," Ayanda said.
"How's that possible, I mean we left Denver around ten in the morning. The flight took us a few hours, so it should be just coming to night?" JD asked.
"Yeah, but didn't you set your watch forward?" Buck asked.
"No why?" JD asked again.
"Well you doos, We are in South Africa, that means new time. Think of New Year, we celebrate it before you. In fact you guys are about two or something hours behind us. I know that the UK, gets between one and two hours behind us. Don't know about you guys. I found that out watching Pop Idols," Marie explained.
"Cool, so if we go back to Denver it's like going back in time," JD said.
"In a way yes," Marie answered.
Everyone groaned.
They drove in silence, looking at the sea. There was a full moon which highlighted the beauty of the sea, making it look more inviting than in the day. Darkness surrounded parts of the beach but you could still see the blue of the sea, even though it did appear darker, but still had its beauty.
They arrived at the hotel and quickly got their bags out.
"I'm tired," Marie moaned.
"I find myself exhausted, as I received a rude awaking. And that Jet fuel that caused my much needed sleep away, leaving me forced to be awake at such ungodly hours of the day," Ezra moaned.
Everyone laughed at the fact that Ezra had been up so early, but then they also had to admit that the coffee could wake up the dead. They made their way into the main lobby, where Chris quickly left to get their keys.
He returned with a smile on his face, which made the others nervous.
"What's up?" Vin asked.
"Well we only got five rooms, meaning we are sharing," Chris smiled.
"Alright, Buck and JD you two got room 306. Nathan and Ezra, you got room 305. Marie and Ayanda, you got room 304. Josiah, you got room 303," Chris said.
"And me?" Vin asked already knowing the answer.
"With me, room 307," Chris said.
"Hey, how come Josiah gets his own room?" Ayanda asked.
"Because he snores, so no one can sleep," JD said.
"Oh," Ayanda said some what surprised.
They headed up in the elevator in silence, which caused the others to stare at Marie and Ayanda in concern.
"What?" Marie asked.
"No jokes?" Vin asked.
"Didn't think you liked them," Marie shrugged.
"We don't, but its fun to hear some of them," JD explained.
"Well, that just makes me feel better," Marie said sarcastically.
"Well come on," Buck encouraged.
"I can't Believe you are encouraging her, You gonna be sorry," Ayanda warned.
"A Mafia Godfather finds out that his bookkeeper has screwed him out of ten
million bucks. This bookkeeper happens to be deaf, so the Godfather brings
along his attorney, who knows sign language," Marie said
"The Godfather asks the bookkeeper: "Where is the 10 million bucks you
embezzled from me?" The attorney, using sign language, asks the bookkeeper
where the 10 million dollars is hidden. The bookkeeper signs back: "I don't
know what you are talking about."
"The attorney tells the Godfather: "He says he doesn't know what you're
talking about." That's when the Godfather pulls out a 9 mm pistol, puts it
to the bookkeeper's temple, cocks it and says: "Ask him again!" The
attorney signs to the underling: "He'll kill you for sure if you don't tell
him!"
"The bookkeeper signs back: "OK! You win! The money is in a brown briefcase,
buried behind the shed in my cousin Enzo's backyard in Queens!"
"The Godfather asks the attorney: "Well, what'd he say?"
The attorney replies: "He says you don't have the balls to pull the trigger." Marie concluded.
Ayanda burst out laughing.
The others watched as Marie and Ayanda laughing so hard that tears were running down their faces. JD giggled but the others just shock their heads with smiles on their faces.
"Come on, its stupid but its good to laugh again," Ayanda said.
"Yeah, lighten up. Be Wild, be free, go nuts, and have a laugh," Marie said.
Before anyone could answer the lift stopped, everyone got off, but before anyone could walk off to their rooms they were stopped by Chris.
"Get some sleep, BUT! no one is allowed out their rooms till I get you, Understand!" Chris asked.
"YES!" they all shouted together.
"Okay, get some sleep," Chris ordered.
Everyone went down the passage and stopped at their rooms, where they went in for some much needed sleep. Lucky for them there were two single beds in each room, so no one had to sleep on the floor. Chris quickly had a shower while Vin switched through all the channels. Once Chris reappeared he sat down on the bed as Vin went for his shower. Once he was finished they got into their beds.
"Anything on?" Vin asked.
"No, unless you like some Afrikaans show, they got English subtitles, but I haven't got a clue what's going on," Chris said.
"Its so different here, damn its Hot!" Vin moaned as he kicked off the one blanket.
"Yip," Chris agreed.
"What's going to happened tomorrow?" Vin asked.
"Don't know, but its going to be interesting," Chris laughed.
"Do you think Ezra's figured out away to get the gold?" Vin joked.
Chris just laughed.
"I don't even want to think about his plans," Chris groaned.
"How we gonna control Marie, Ayanda, Buck and JD?"
"Don't even go there, I don't want to think about all the trouble they can cause," Chris groaned.
"Night," Vin yawned.
"Night,"
But Chris was far from sleeping, his mind kept on thinking of all the trouble that could happen, and the more he thought, the worse the feeling of dread became, and that meant less sleep. Chris tossed and turned, when he turned he saw Vin, who was in a deep sleep.
"Dam you Tanner," Chris cursed his sleeping friend.
But his only answer was the soft snoring.
What felt like only a few minutes passed when Chris was woken up by his alarm.
"Dam it!" He cursed.
Chris got up slowly and headed to the shower. When he came out he wasn't surprised to see Vin sitting on the bed waiting for his turn for the shower. While Vin was busy Chris went out the room to wake everyone up. He knocked at Josiah's room, and received a curse for his trouble.
"Josiah, get up and meet us downstairs for breakfast," Chris shouted through the door.
Chris chuckled and headed for Nathan and Ezra's room. Once again he knocked and again received curses.
"Nathan, Ezra, get up. That's an order! meet us downstairs for breakfast!" Chris shouted.
He then headed to Buck and JD's room. This time he was surprised as the door was opened to see a half- sleeping JD looking at him as if waiting for something.
"Time to wake up, meet me and the others down stairs at the restaurant," Chris said as he walked off.
He finally stopped at Ayanda and Marie's room, he knocked and waited. The door opened to reveal a scary Marie, her hair, once again, was all over the place. She still had sleep in her eyes, and she had a murderous glare pointing at him. Chris was happy that looks couldn't kill, or else he would be four feet under.
"What!" she growled.
"Time to wake up, meet everyone downstairs for breakfast," Chris said lightly.
"Fine!" she growled as she slammed the door.
Chris flinched when he heard the door slam. He headed to his room, when he got their he saw Vin sitting on the bed. He was wearing a shirt and short pants.
"What's wrong?" Vin asked.
"I ran into Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde," Chris joked.
"Who?" Vin asked.
"Marie, she defiantly ain't a morning person. Hell she's worse than me," Chris joked.
"I know, saw her yesterday," Vin laughed.
"Come, lets get some grub!" Chris said.
"About time!" Vin agreed as they made their way out.
They waited in the passage, knowing that the others were still coming. They didn't wait that long when JD and Nathan came out and greeted them. JD and Nathan both wore loss fitting tops, with short pants.
"Morning," The all said.
After a few more minutes went by, Josiah and Ayanda came out, and went to them. Josiah was wearing long pants with a loss t- shirt, Ayanda was wearing a tank top with very short pair of short pants. She stepped in front of Chris, letting her eyes search his body. The others looked at her with puzzled looks.
"What ya doing?" Vin asked.
"Checking for any holes that my baby girl could have given you," Ayanda said.
"She always like that?" Chris asked.
"Scary ain't it, and yes. The first time I saw that side of her, scarred the hell out of me," Ayanda joked.
"Why is she like that?" Josiah asked.
"She's a night person," Ayanda answered.
"Dam scary," Chris muttered.
"Yeah, but once she's got make-up on to hide the evil, she's pretty as a picture," Ayanda laughed.
After two minutes Buck came out, wearing a Hawaii bright coloured top, with normal short pants, wearing a big grin, which made everyone worried.
"Why ya so happy?" Vin asked.
"Its a Beautiful morning, why wouldn't you be happy?" Buck said innocently.
"Hm! and pigs can Fly, I've seen your face. You can't wait to see the women," Ayanda said with her one arm waving in the air.
"I am hurt deeply, but since you mentioned that.." Buck laughed.
They waited a few more minutes when Ezra came out, he was wearing smart long pants, with a shirt and a tie. Looking very smart, and successful. When he joined them, he noticed that Ayanda's one eyebrow up, and she had a 'what the hell do you think your doing' kind of look.
"May I, why are you staring at me like that?" Ezra asked, still a bit on the sleepy side.
"What the Hell do you think you are doing dressed up in that?" She asked.
"I am dressed, as a gentleman, and it is my form of clothing," Ezra argued.
"Hm! ya, you rich folk don't seem to understand that showing off like you got money, is like wearing a "please rob me" sign. Hell you mind as well just paint a bulls-eye on your back," Ayanda moaned.
"I do not show off, I was brought up to always look my best. I am more comfortable in these than the "clothing", that you are wearing," Ezra said back.
"Look here, mate. This isn't America. Here you dress like that, you get robbed. Its as simple as that. anyway I ain't going to go out with you looking like that, hell mite as well burry me now!" Ayanda stated.
"What's that mean?" Nathan asked.
"He's going to stick out like a sore thumb, making him the top of the list target. Hell, he's screaming money," Ayanda stated.
"Ezra, I think you better change into something else," Chris said.
"Mr Larabee, I am afraid I do not own anything less formal, and I will not like to wear anything else," Ezra said.
" Well, when you get robbed, maybe even killed, don't come crying to me," Ayanda said.
"What do you mean by killed?" Ezra asked.
"Killed, dead, murdered, departed,..." Ayanda started but was stopped.
"I understand what killed means, but why would your presume I would allow myself to get "robbed" as you say," Ezra asked.
"Its not like you get a chance, anyway one guy bumps into you, there goes your wallet. Or else, you get bumped into an alley, five people standing their with guns pointing at you, I don't think you'll have much of an option," Ayanda said.
"Well, if you put it in that way, please excuse me, I need to change my appearance," Ezra groaned.
"Here, had a feeling you won't have thought of that, here's some clothes, That you will wear," Ayanda said as she handed him a bag that everyone had failed to see.
Ezra took it and left. Just as Ezra went back into his room, Marie came out, looking much more human. Her hair was neatly tied up in a pony. She was wearing a tank top with some shorts on. She slowly made her way to the others.
"Morning, how do you feel?" Josiah asked.
"Coffee, need coffee," Marie spoke.
Vin just chuckled. Which caused her to glare.
"Ya know, I think Chris has lost the title of the deadliest glare," Vin joked.
"Sorry, not morning person," Marie said.
"Don't worry, we used to it," Nathan said.
They waited a few more minutes when Ezra came out, which caused everyone to laugh. There he was wearing a cool, light green t-shirt, which suited his eyes, with dark brown pants.
"I am not comfortable in this....this..." Ezra couldn't find the words to describe them.
"I think you look nice, a lot better than that suit which would have attracted everyone," Marie said.
"Just pretend you are on an undercover assignment Ez, and its only for a week," Vin said.
"How charming," Ezra groaned.
"Right, enough with the chit-chat, I need food," Ayanda said.
"Go girl!" Marie cheered.
They made their way into the elevator, once again it was silent, not that they minded but it just felt wrong.
"To early," Marie moaned when she felt their eyes on her.
"Yeah, I mean just because her jokes don't have any thought behind them, doesn't mean that she doesn't need to be awake," Ayanda joked.
"You know that means I'm going to have to get you back," Marie said slyly.
"Please don't tell me she does paybacks too?" Chris asked.
"Hell yeah, and boy are they bad," Ayanda warned.
Vin just smiled, he was starting to think this might work in his advantage, especially since he still owed Chris a little something.
Chris suddenly had a bad feeling coming from Vin, he turned to see Vin's smile. He groaned inwardly, this was going to be the longest week of his life. The ride went by quickly when they found themselves sitting around a table ordering food.
"So what are we going to do today?" JD asked.
"Well we could go to the shopping mall?" Ayanda suggested.
"Hell NO!" Marie moaned.
"Where, What?" JD asked.
"A Big shopping complex, she wants to shop!" Marie moaned.
"Yeah, but think of it, for one dollar, you get about seven Rands, so I mean, we can do lots of shopping," Ayanda said.
"While we could, and there is a computer place, got the latest games there, I think there is also C.S.I ," Marie suggested.
"They have it here?" JD asked.
"Yip,"
"Cool,"
"What about..."
Before JD could say anything else the food was brought.
"Thank goodness for small mercies," Buck said.
"So where else can we go?" Buck asked.
"Well, there is the beach, which is nice," Ayanda suggested.
"Sounds like a plan, what about for the rest of the week?" Josiah asked,
"Well I've planned, we can go to game park, a game park, the berg, and just go exploring," Marie said.
"And of course, we have to get our stuff," Ayanda said sadly.
This made them all realise that they still had a mission, there was still a trail, and two people were going to lose their old life's.
"Think of it this way, you get to shop on all these fancy shops, using dollars, I mean come on, that's your dream," Marie said.
"Yeah," Ayanda said happily.
They quickly ate their food, then went back to their rooms to change, then headed to the beach,
"Wow, it's beautiful," JD gasped.
"Yeah, it's like I'm in heaven," Buck said.
The others looked at JD who was staring at the sea, and then at Buck who was staring at all the women in bikini's on the beach.
"Who wants to go surfing?" Marie asked.
"You surf?" Vin asked.
"Surf, body board, you name it," Marie said happily.
"She suits her star sign, she is a bloody fish. Once you get her in the water, you can't get her out," Ayanda complained.
"I think I am going to tan, who wants to join me?" Josiah asked,
"Hell, I was born with a Tan," Ayanda joked.
This caused Nathan to laugh, he never thought of it that way. Ayanda walked closer to him,
"Ever wonder why they need to tan?" Ayanda asked.
"Nope," Nathan answered.
"Me neither," Ayanda joked.
"You and Marie are good friends," Nathan commented.
"Hell no, we are sisters," she stated.
"I know what you mean," Nathan said as he watched his six friends.
"You want to sit a bit?" she asked.
"Why not," he said.
Chris, Josiah, Ezra, Nathan and Ayanda sat on a few towels, enjoying the warm sun, and of course the entertainment that was happening before them. They watched as JD and Vin try and suffer.
"Owe!" Josiah laughed when he saw JD go under.
After a few minutes Buck joined them.
"What's so funny?" He asked as he sat down.
"Them," Chris laughed as he pointed to JD.
"Dam, that got to hurt," Buck winced when he watched JD get hit by another wave.
"Hey, who's that one?" Buck asked pointing the one person that was surfing the best.
"That's my girl," Ayanda said proudly.
"Marie?" Buck gasped.
"Yeah, she was born to surf,"
"Dam she's good!" Nathan said.
They watched in awe as they Marie on the waves, then they watched Vin, who was a quick learner. JD was also getting good, but there were one or two bad ones, which left him washed up. But with each try they got better and better.
"Ayanda, why don't you try surf?" Nathan asked.
"The same reason you don't, I ain't stupid enough to try, anyway I don't really like the water that much," Ayanda explained.
"At least one has a brain," Buck joked.
"It's really beautiful here," Josiah said.
"Yeah," Nathan said.
They just relaxed and watched the people come and go. After a while Marie came in.
"Come in for a swim," she asked.
"No," they said as one.
Marie smiled,
"Buck , I saw a pretty woman ask for you, she is waiting by the water, come with me," Marie said.
"You know, a swim might be nice after all," Buck smiled.
Buck followed Marie right up to where the water was,
"I don't see anyone!" Buck moaned.
Before Buck could do anything, Marie pushed Buck into the water. The others watched as Buck came out, coughing and spitting out water.
"Why you little..." Buck shouted.
Marie just laughed. But then quickly started to run as Buck started to chase her.
The others just laughed at the sight. They were still laughing when Vin and JD joined them.
"Did you guys see Buck?" JD laughed.
"Yeah," Ayanda said as she wiped away the tears.
"Come on in, the water is great," Vin said.
"You know what, I think I might go for a swim, who's going to join me?" Josiah said.
"Why not," Nathan said.
"Chris? Ezra?" Vin asked.
"What the hell," Chris said as he got up.
Everyone looked at Ezra and Ayanda.
"No," They said together.
The others just nodded their heads, Nathan went behind Ayanda, while JD suddenly grabbed her legs. Nathan quickly picked her upper body.
"NO!" Ayanda screamed.
Nathan and JD walked right into the water, before swinging her before letting her fall into the water. She came up coughing.
"That's war!" She screamed as she began to splash them.
Vin silently moved behind Ezra, who was too busy watching the others, and quickly lifted him up.
"Josiah, a little help!" Vin asked.
Josiah quickly grabbed Ezra's legs.
"Mr Tanner, Mr Sanchez, you will let me go immediately. I am not joking!" Ezra moaned.
"MR TANNER!" Ezra screamed as he was thrown into the cold water.
Chris and JD were near tears when Buck came back with Marie over his shoulder.
"You caught her?" JD asked in surprise.
"Yeah, she hurt her foot again," Buck said.
"Must I call Nathan?" JD asked.
"Na, I'm okay, JUST GET ME DOWN!" Marie shouted.
Buck smiled.
"Shall we?"
"Yip," Chris said as they headed to the water.
"Dam this water's cold," Chris said.
"Yeah but its nice," Nathan said.
Buck smiled from ear to ear when he let Marie down, right into the water.
"Buck, I'll get you for that one!" Marie promised.
"No you won't, because that was pay-back from what you did," Buck warned.
This just caused a big water fight.
They came out of the water, fill of live, and laughter. They quickly went to their towels and quickly dried off.
"Where to now?" JD asked.
"Well, we could walk up and see all the little shops and stuff, maybe a ride from the rickshaw." Marie suggested.
"The what?" JD asked.
"A ride, come on!" Ayanda said as she began to walk.
They walked for a while looking at all the little shops on the road, JD brought a little car toy, while Vin brought some junk food.
"I am surprised your so good looking with all that junk food?" Ayanda said as she watched Vin eating his fifth caramel apple.
"What, they nice," Vin said.
"Yeah, lighten up," Marie said as she took a bite into her third one.
"Nathan, you got anything for those two?" Chris asked.
"I only got bandages, painkillers, but nothing for nervosa," Nathan said sadly.
"They gonna be sorry tomorrow, especially when we going to be in the car for at least two hours," Ayanda said.
"I'm not going to sit next to them!" JD said.
"You know, we fine, I mean, I can handle the food," Marie said.
"Yeah!" Vin agreed.
"At least I'm not that bad," JD said as he took a bite into his second sweet.
"Them young one's can still handle that kind of food, not like these old ones," Vin teased.
"Oh, wait for tomorrow, then we'll see," Chris said.
"Anyway we aren't that old," Buck said.
"Come on, lets go," Marie said.
They walked around, just enjoying the fresh air then headed back to their spot on the beach. They sat their in silence as they watched the sun set, as they listened to the waves break.
"Its so beautiful," JD said.
"A true gift from above," Josiah said.
"I must agree," Ezra said.
The others turned to look at Ezra, all shocked to hear that from Ezra. Ezra just smiled.
"Well I hate to interrupt this, but we better go back, its not safe to be out at night," Marie said sadly.
"Anyway, sitting in our wet costumes aren't good for our health," Ayanda said.
"You know, your right. Sitting in wet clothes, with this breeze. LETS GO!" Nathan ordered.
They all signed as they got up and started to walk back to the hotel. Once they got their they headed to their rooms.
"Right, as soon as you get in, wash up, get dressed in warmer clothes," Nathan ordered.
"Right, and since its almost time for supper, lets meet downstairs in half an hour. Same table," Chris said.
Everyone nodded their heads as they headed inside their rooms.
"Today was fun," Vin said to Chris.
"Yeah, it was," Chris said honestly.
"I'm going to shower first," Vin said.
Chris sat down on his bed. He never really had such a good time since his wife and son were alive. How he missed them. He still couldn't believe that they were murdered. Since that day, he turned to drinking, fighting anything to get anyway from the pain, he turned away from everyone. Luck for him that Buck was just too stubborn to leave. Buck, good old Buck. He was the one that helped him stop drinking, helped him get this job, meet his new friends. Thanks to Buck, he meet Vin. The scrawny, good for nothing Texan that melted the ice around his heart.
Chris was so deep in thought that he never heard Vin come out of the shower and back into the room.
"CHRIS!" Vin shouted causing Chris to jump.
"WHY THE HELL DID YOU DO THAT?" Chris shouted.
"I been calling you for the past five minutes, old timer," Vin laughed.
Chris was too busy trying to get his breathing back to normal to reply, so he grabbed his stuff and headed to the shower. When he returned he saw Vin sitting on his bed, watching tv.
"Anything good yet?" Chris asked.
"Nope,"
"Come on, time to meet the guys," Chris said.
They headed down stairs to see everyone in long pants and tops, sitting around the table.
"Bout time you got here, I'm hungry!" Marie stated.
"Good lord, after all that...that junk food you digested during the afternoon," Ezra said.
"Hey, I'm a growing girl," Marie argued.
"Yeah, growing in all the wrong places," Ayanda joked.
"Your so kind!" Marie said.
They didn't wait long for a waiter to come, they quickly ordered.
"So what we going to do tonight?" JD asked.
"Aren't you tired from all that surfing?" Buck asked.
"No," JD said.
"Well, there is a movie place we can go to?" Marie suggested.
"Cool, what's on?" JD asked.
"Don't know, but I think Lord of the Rings is still on," Marie suggested.
"NO!" Everyone but JD and Marie shouted.
This caused the other people in the restaurant to stare at them.
"What, its just a thought," Marie said in defence.
"Yeah, but we are leaving around seven, in the morning, to get to the game park. So something that is not over three hours long!" Ayanda said.
"Come on, its only seven now, and it starts at eight, so it will finish at eleven," Marie said.
"NO!" They shouted again.
This time the waiter came by.
"Can I help you with something?" He asked in concern.
"No thank you. We will try and lower our voices from no on," Ezra said.
The waiter nodded and left.
"Okay, okay, don't need to get all worked up. Lets see we got 'Finding Nemo' ?" Marie suggested.
"I can deal with that," Ayanda agreed.
"Wait, ain't that some sort of children's movie?" Buck asked.
"Well, that means that you can watch it," Marie joked.
"Cheeky little devil aren't you," Buck stated.
"And Proud of it," Marie laughed.
"Well?" Ayanda asked.
"Why not," Chris said.
Vin looked at Chris,
"Better than the ring movie," Chris said.
This caused everyone to nodded in agreement.
The food came, and they found themselves eating. Ayanda and Marie quickly got up as soon as they finished.
"Where you going?" Vin asked.
"To get the keys, and to change," Marie said.
The others nodded and ordered themselves another drink. After ten minutes they came back, Ayanda was wearing jeans and a smart dark purple top. Marie was wearing a light blue top, her hair tied up in a bun, and jeans.
"Lets go," Ayanda said.
Everyone got up and headed to the garage where they got in. Ayanda jumped into the driver's side, and stared the car. They drove in silence, but the trip was short when they found themselves at the place.
"Wow," JD said.
"Yip, come on, My treat," Ayanda said as she went to buy the tickets.
"Yeah, what do you want?" Marie asked.
"Want?" Josiah asked.
"Yeah, what food you want?" she asked again.
"Food, we just ate," Nathan said in shock.
"Yeah, but we never had desert," Marie argued.
"My kind of a girl," Vin said.
"Right, anyone want? coke? sweets? pop corn?" Marie asked.
No one answered.
"Right, Vin, JD, come and help me," Marie said as she walked off.
She went to the place and started to order. JD and Vin came and helped her.
"What do you want? I am buying coke and pop corn for everyone, but I know you guys want a little something else?" Marie asked.
"Yeah, I could do with some chocolate, oh, and chips, hey are those what I think they are?" Vin asked.
"Yip," Marie smiled.
Josiah, Nathan and Ezra came and helped carry all the food. They just got out the line when Ayanda was waiting.
"Time to go," Ayanda said.
They made their way into the theatre, where they sat down. Nathan was sitting next to Chris, followed by Vin, JD, Buck, Marie, Ayanda, Josiah and Ezra.
They watched as they chewed on the food.
After the movie they got into the kombi. Before Ayanda started she looked at the others,
"DUDE!" Ayanda, Marie, Vin, Buck and JD shouted.
The others just shock their heads. While the five kept on mocking the movie, as Ayanda drove them back to the hotel. The teasing carried on all the way to their bedroom doors.
"Goodnight people," Chris said.
"Night" the answered as they went in.
Chris looked at Vin who was smiling from ear to ear.
"You through up, you clean up!" Chris moaned.
"Don't worry," Vin laughed.
"Did you have fun?" Chris asked.
"Yeah, it was nice to have a night to fool around," Vin answered.
"Go to sleep," Chris said with a smile.
Chris got into bed, smiling from ear to ear. Maybe things were going better than what he thought.
Chris woke from a deep sleep when he heard the alarm go off. Knowing that he couldn't sleep any later, he slowly got up and headed to the shower, when he finished he wasn't surprised to see Vin waiting for his turn.
After a few more minutes they were ready. Vin was wearing blue jeans with a loose white fitting top, while Chris wore black jeans, and a black loose fitting top.
"Time to meet the others," Chris said.
"Lets hope Marie is awake," Vin joked.
"No joke, I really do hope she is," Chris said seriously.
Vin laughed as they headed out. They stopped by the elevator for the others to come. They didn't wait long before everyone came. Everyone one wore jeans, and loose fitting tops, even Marie and Ayanda. Everyone had a bag with them, containing jackets, water bottles, cameras, and a Aid kit, thanks to Nathan.
"I must admit, I am not enjoying waking up in this unearthly hour in the mornings. Further more, these clothes, as you put it, are unacceptable, they are sloppy and are not meeting my standards," Ezra moaned.
"Ezra, we are going out in the bush, you want to mess your suit, go ahead, but you will get sun stroke and that isn't pretty," Marie said.
"I understand that, does not mean I can not complain or agree on it," Ezra pointed out.
"So are we going to get some food before we go?" Buck asked.
"Nope," Ayanda said.
"WHAT?" JD cried.
"Relax, dude, I got the people to make us some breakfast, for the road," Marie said.
"It better not be junk food!" Nathan warned.
"No, sandwiches, water and coffee," Marie said.
"Okay," Nathan said in approval.
"Lets go!" Ayanda said.
They all went down to the garage and got it. Ayanda started the kombi and off they went. Since it was still early and they didn't really have anything to say, Ayanda switched on the radio.
"My favourite station, East Coast Radio," Ayanda said.
They listened to the people talk and joke on air,
"Looks like their jokes are bad all round," Buck joked.
"Yeah, but your worse," Marie commented.
"Dam your mean," Buck teased.
"Yeah, but that's why you like me," Marie joked.
Buck just rolled his eyes.
"Hey don't they play any South Africa music?" JD asked.
"Yeah, but the other countries rule the air ways," Ayanda said sadly.
"OH! its Heinz, Go boy!" Marie shouted when Heinz Winckler's song came on.
who would believe it
I have lost much to say about it
I couldn't have dreamed it
In a million years
Now I've shed my tears, and I found
That I don't know much, but I do know,
I do know I do know
I'm heading for the nest stop happiness
I've been crying out for a new address
See I'm moving on and I'm standing strong
I finally found a rhythm that will fit my song
Next stop Happiness, oh yeah
Should have for seen it
Should have realised I'd been left behind
too long
Now I can feel it now like a new born child
open up my eyes and I see
That I don't know much, but I do know
I do know, I do know
I'm heading for the nest stop happiness
I've been crying out for a new address
See I'm moving on and I'm standing strong
I finally found a rhythm that will fit my song
For the next stop happiness
I've been crying out for a new address
See I'm moving on and I'm standing strong
I finally found a rhythm that will fit my song
Now my journey has begun
And I'm not afraid to laugh or cry
Dance until I'm satisfied
I'm heading for the next stop
I'm heading for the nest stop happiness
I've been crying out for a new address
See I'm moving on and I'm standing strong
I finally found a rhythm that will fit my song
Next stop Happiness, oh yeah
I'm heading for the nest stop happiness
I've been crying out for a new address
See I'm moving on and I'm standing strong
I finally found a rhythm that will fit my song
Next stop Happiness, oh yeah
"Not to bad, he's got a good voice," Ayanda said.
"That's why he came fourth on the World Idol, people. You should watch more Tv," Marie said.
"We watch, but not that much, we got work to do to," JD said in defence.
"I know," Marie said.
"So what are we going to see?" JD asked.
"Animals," Marie joked.
Everyone groaned and rolled their eyes.
"I know that, but what kind?" JD asked.
"Lots of stuff like lions, elephants, etc," Marie said.
"Cool, I always wanted to see them," JD said.
"You know in Lord of the Rings, they called the elephant an olifant, guess where that comes from?" Marie asked.
"Don't know, where?" JD asked.
"It's the Afrikaans word for elephant," Marie said.
"Your joking!" JD said.
"No I'm not, that's the truth," Marie said seriously
"Cool," JD said with a smile.
"TOLD YOU! a dam dog with a bone, never going to get rid of it," Ayanda said to everyone.
Everyone but Marie burst out laughing.
"Just wait Ayanda!" Marie promised.
"Yeah, well you can't do nothing now, I am your only way back home," Ayanda joked.
"Who says anything now, just wait till later!" Marie promised.
"Chris, it looks like you going to be needed a new witness, because after her pranks I'm lucky to be alive," Ayanda joked.
"Why what happened?" JD asked.
"Don't give him any ideas," Buck said before anyone could say anything.
"It's not me who you should be worried about, it's Vin," JD said.
"Don't blame me," Vin said in protest.
"Hey, I got a joke. 'Why do space aliens wear bullet-proof vests?" JD asked.
"Why?" Marie asked.
"Because of shooting stars," JD said.
"That ain't funny JD," Buck said.
"Come on guys, get it aliens, shooting stars, Come on!" JD cried.
"We get it, but it is just as bad as Marie's jokes. Both lame," Ayanda said.
"HEY!" Marie and JD shouted in protest.
"Now, now children. Why don't we just listen to the radio," Buck suggested.
They drove for miles in silence, but not because of they were angry, but because they were too busy staring out the window.
"It's amazing, there's just miles and miles of nature," Vin said in amazement.
"Yeah, its like its a never ending story," JD said.
They all looked at the fields and fields of nothing but the grass and flowers. It was a place Vin dreamed of, a place where there was nothing but nature for miles. No buildings, no shops, nothing.
"These roads ever end?" Josiah asked.
"Nope," Marie answered.
"Amazing," Chris said.
"Ayanda, STOP!" Marie shouted.
Ayanda quickly stopped the car, lucky for everyone that she was going slow.
"What?" Ayanda asked in frustration.
"Everyone look outside, right by that tree," Marie said as she pointed.
"What are those?" JD asked.
"Everyone, I want you too look at all the bucks," Marie joked.
"Bucks?" Buck asked.
"Yeah, you know it's sort of like a deer, but its a buck," Marie said.
"Hey Buck, look at all the bucks?" JD joked.
Everyone groaned but they looked at the beautiful creatures.
"They amazing," Josiah said.
"Yeah, but we will see a lot more, come on lets go," Ayanda said as she started to drive anyway.
They drove for another hour before they stopped at the gates of the game reserve. Ayanda stopped to pay for the day. Then she drove in.
The others looked from one side to the next, trying to see all the creatures. It did help that they had to drive slowly. As they drove Marie took out a video camera and started to film the wild life.
"What are those?" Buck asked as he pointed to some warthogs.
"Warthogs," JD answered.
Everyone turned to look at JD in surprise.
"Haven't you guys seen the Lion King? With Pumba?" JD asked.
"Should have known!" Buck groaned.
They spent the day looking at all the animals, they managed to see lots of different kinds, but as mush to their disappointment no elephants or lions. Ayanda stopped the car, and spoke in a whisper.
"Guys, look there!" as she pointed the direction.
Everyone looked to see two rhino's. They were some distance away so Ezra got out to get a better look, for the camera. Ezra was so busy filming the one that he failed to see another one, that was coming in his direction.
"Ezra, get in QUICKLY!" Marie shouted.
Ezra looked at Marie then to the charging Rhino.
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What's going to happen? reply and see....
Kas