A Smooth and Bumpy Road

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Chapter 29

Everyone in Tio Matteo's house was up bright and early the next day. The kids had gone to school while Pepita helped Tia Frieda around the house. Amanda spent the morning washing everyone's clothes and after scrubbing them clean, she was hanging them on the makeshift clothesline outside.

It was a lovely morning and from where she stood, she could see Lee off in the distance, helping Matteo mend a fence.

She found herself entranced with watching Lee. He was using a huge hammer to drive a post into the ground with considerable force as Matteo held the wooden post up for him. Amanda was imagining Lee's muscles rippling underneath his shirt as he drove the post in.

At one point Lee seemed to sense her watching him. He stopped what he was doing and suddenly looked over in her direction. Blushing quickly, she pretending to be absorbed in her work as she quickly lifted another wet shirt from the basket, and hung it to try on the ratty clothesline.

Why had she admitted her feelings to Lee last night, she regretfully wondered, especially since it was obvious from his response that there was no future for them.

But what did she expect would happen? That he would whisk her away like his fairy tale? No, she wanted more than a player with a dashing, charming veneer. She thought he was more than that. He was, but that didn't mean he wanted her.

With a heaving sigh, she reached down for another wet clothing article to hang. As she hung up the first corner of the item, she realized with embarrassment that it was one of Lee's boxers.

Amanda's hands immediately dropped to her side in horror, watching as the shorts dripped and dangled on the clothesline, held up by one clothespin.

A male voice behind her spoke out, "You could have at least given it some dignity by pinning both sides of it, Amanda."

Amanda instantly turned around and to her chagrin, found Lee standing there, holding the brim of his straw hat in his hands. His hair had been flattened by the hat and his villagers' clothing were dirtied and stained from the morning's work, but there was no mistaking his good looks.

Ergh, Amanda thought, He caught her again at an embarrassing time. It seemed as though her last 24 hours have been a series of humiliating moments, separated only by meals.

Horrified, her eyes looked left and then right, as if she were looking for a means of escape.

"Here, let me get that for you," he volunteered, in reference to hanging up the boxers. Dropping his hat, he took a few steps forward. She slightly sucked in her breath at his nearness. Amanda watched as he decisively picked up the other side of his shorts and pinned it onto the clothesline.

When completed, their eyes met and it was as if the air between them came to a standstill and got sucked away. And now it was Lee who couldn't breathe.

So he stepped away to pick up his hat again.

Amanda could feel her cheeks getting warm, "Thanks, Lee, for helping with the laundry."

"Pffft, that's nothing, I've always enjoyed doing the laundry...well, except for the 'washing-drying-folding-and putting-them-away' part of it, that is!"

Amanda gave a short laugh, "Heh. I know that feeling well!"

Lee wanted to say something more to her, to explain why he could not return her feelings, but he didn't know why himself. So he looked down, twirling his hat in his hands.

"Yeah, so...I...guess I'll be heading into town with Matteo for some supplies," he explained, and then looked up, "You need anything?"

"Not that I can think of. After all, this is a farm and they seem to have everything well-stocked or if not, they could grow them," she explained, seeming to slightly ramble so Lee would stay, "and then later this afternoon, I plan on teaching Frieda how to make fried chicken for lunch. The chicken should go well with her rice and tortillas."

Lee's mouth began watering just thinking of devouring some traditional American food.

"I'll look forward to it!" he enthused and then added "And while I'm in town, I plan to give Billy a call. He could probably help me figure out what to do about the kid. Maybe I'll get some more intel as to the whereabouts of Hector's men as well."

"That's a good plan," Amanda nodded.

"I thought so."

Neither knew what to say next.

"So, I, uh, best be off...I think I hear Matteo calling me," Lee noted.

"Really? Because I didn't hear him say a thing."

Lee turned his head towards Matteo, who was still working on the fence, "HEY, MATTEO! STOP RUSHING ME! I'LL BE RIGHT THERE!"

In the distance, Matteo turned and tilted his head, "EH?"

Lee did his awkward chuckle, "So there you go! Now he's nagging me as well!"

She laughed, "Yeah, Matteo is useless without you on his own farm," she teased, although her eyes looked regretful.

"Tell me something I don't know," Lee responded back, as he put the hat on his head and then tapped it down, "and while I'm gone, Amanda, you must remember one very important thing as you help Tia Frieda fix lunch."

"Oh? What's that, Lee?"

"Don't get in Frieda's way, in queso you want to live," he teased, and then with a wink, he turned away.

And as Amanda watched his departing back, she felt she was falling even further for him.

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Night had fallen and it was time to leave. And unlike when they had arrived, Lee and Amanda had now garnered respect from both Matteo and Frieda for all the hard work they had accomplished. It was sad to leave this hardworking family, but Lee and Amanda needed to be on the road before Hector's men arrived.

#

Under the cloak of night, Lee and Amanda were riding in the cargo area of the red pick-up truck, while Pepita sat up front in the cab with driver Matteo. They were headed to the city of San Cristobal, which was beyond the mountains ahead of them.

Ka-pooom!

They had hit another bump in the rocky road. The bumpiness continued that way for miles. There was nothing to grasp onto, so Lee and Amanda were tossed about like marbles in a box. Not that Amanda complained, for Lee had put his arm around her for stability and she felt safe and comforted despite the jolts.

Ka-pooom!

As the truck hit another bump, Amanda was thrown further into Lee's chest.

Awkwardly she slightly pushed herself off his chest. However, Lee never removed his arm around her. In fact, his hand began to run up and down her arm sending shivers through Amanda's body.

When she turned to face him, they were now so close that their noses were almost touching. Their breathing had become shallow as she felt his arms drawing her even closer to his body. His eyes gazed longingly into hers before he looked away and stared at the desolate countryside.

"I've just realized something, Amanda," he philosophized.

Amanda couldn't imagine what Lee meant, as she stared at his handsome profile, "What's that?"

It seemed as if he was struggling with expressing himself, "It's hard to explain, really. It's just that this mission..." he began, still looking off into the distance as the wind blew softly in his hair, "feels so different for me, Amanda. It feels as though...now when I look at you, I see the best of my life in front of me, you know?"

He then turned to look at her, piercing Amanda's heart. But she reminded herself that she mustn't get her hopes up.

"You really are a world of contradictions, Lee," she noted.

"That's only when it comes to you, Amanda," he admitted, "I find that when I try and keep things simple between us, that's when it becomes very complicated."

Their pulses were racing and Amanda could feel the heat of his hand lightly caressing her cheeks.

Amanda stared up at him steadily, encouraging him, but then he dropped his hand as his head drooped.

"I...shouldn't lead you on," he half mumbled to himself.

Although he didn't hear a response, he felt it when her hand warmly covered the back of his and he astonishingly looked her way. Her face was in shadows but Lee thought she never looked lovelier.

"Amanda..."

"I understand, Lee. No promises. Just don't stop, whatever you do," she bravely whispered back.

Her words and actions affected Lee as he roughly pulled her onto his lap. Amanda felt her head spinning. There was no hesitancy as she waited in fervent anticipation as he leaned into her for a kiss.

His warm breath mingled with hers when their lips touched at last. She expected his kiss to be demanding, but when his lips made contact with hers, it was so light, so incredibly gentle. There was no rush, only an incredible sweetness that made her lips part, wanting and expecting more.

As the kiss deepened, his hand sensually slid to the small of her back. She melted in his arms as she became lost in a world of sensations.

Ka-pooom!

Another bump in the road. But this one managed to break them apart instead of bringing them together.

Ka-pooom!

The bumps were closer together as the mountains loomed ahead, but they hardly gave it a notice. Their gazes locked as they realized what had just occurred between them. Despite the dangerous situation, they lingered a few seconds longer, staring at one another as they still felt the familiar prickles of heat and cold chasing over every inch of their bodies.

Rummmm...Bbbbbsssmmm

The truck movements stopped as it came to a halt, although it took a while for the engine to die down. With starlight twinkling above them, Amanda looked around at the darkness surrounding them, a deep contrast to the warmth she was feeling seconds earlier.

"A-Are we here?" she asked, thinking the place looked so isolated. A sound of a cricket could be heard in the distance, yet there was no response from a possible mate. That's how alone they were.

"Seems to be," Lee stated, purposely not looking her way since he needed time to calm his rapid heart rate.

Amanda stared straight ahead. She just wanted to experience the kiss in her mind over and over again and didn't want him to say anything to ruin the moment.

Meanwhile Lee had hefted his leg over the back of the truck to jump out. Seconds later she heard the screeching sound of the hinged tailgate as he unlocked it and then held out his arms to her.

Clearing her throat, she almost squealed with delight as he grasped her waist in order to help bring her down to the ground.

She stared at him in helpless fascination and he reciprocated, looking at her as if she were the only woman he had ever yearned for.

They almost didn't hear the truck's cab doors open and shut.

"Señor! Señora! Over here, please!" Pepita called out, gesturing with her hands to come quickly.

Their private time had passed as Lee and Amanda met up with Matteo and Pepita, who were standing slightly away from the truck. Standing together in a circle, they could feel the cool night air hitting their faces.

Matteo turned and began speaking fast Spanish to Lee.

Amanda leaned into Pepita, "What is Matteo telling Lee?" she asked, "He looks so concerned."

"Oh, my uncle say we got out of the village just in time," Pepita was saying, "When we turn a curve in the higher lands, he see three pairs of headlights just arriving there. Not often we see three vehicles all in line like that, especially in the dark."

"Then it's good we left," Amanda commented.

Pepita's eyes looked so round in the dark, "Yes, it is good," she paused slightly before asking, "Señora, may I ask you something?"

"Of course, Pepita."

"What will happen to me after we go down to San Cristobal? Are you to leave me there?"

Amanda sighed. She hated that this little girl no longer had a sense of a home or even a future. She must be sure to reassure Pepita.

Taking her hand, Amanda walked her over to a different area so that they would have some privacy, "Of course we won't leave you here, Pepita! Señor Lee has spoken to some people at his work and even though he couldn't reach his boss, he was advised to go to the Embassy office in San Cristobal, which is just beyond these mountains. The paperwork has been rushed through and we will get an emergency visa for you to leave with us to the states!"

She hoped Pepita would be happy with that news. Though Amanda would have loved for Pepita to stay with the boys and Mother, that could not be a possibility with Pepita knowing what she knew about Lee and Amanda.

Even in the dark, Amanda could see Pepita's eyes had brightened, "Oh! America! Can that be so?" she asked breathlessly.

"It is, Pepita!" Amanda answered, relieved at Pepita's reaction, "Señor Lee and I already decided that we would never leave this country without you by our side, And then when we are safe in America, I will also contact your parents and let them know. I think we might be able to pull some strings and get your parents to come here as well!"

"Oh yes! To America I will go! And I will see Mama and Papa again! everything is most exciting!" Pepita enthused. She instinctively reached out and gave Amanda a big hug, "Señora Amanda, I have never been so happy in my entire life!"

Tears surfaced as Amanda hugged her back.

And for the first time in many years, she wished she had had a daughter.

When Lee and Matteo were done talking, they walked back to Amanda and Pepita.

Lee explained, "Matteo says there is a checkpoint just beyond the bend, so he will leave us here and we will need to walk a ways in order to go around that checkpoint on foot."

"So we are hiking the mountains on foot?" Amanda asked.

"It's the only way. I don't think the truck can make it up the steep and winding mountains, anyway."

Matteo gave his farewells and then started walking back towards the red truck.

"How long will we have to walk in order to avoid the checkpoint?" Amanda asked, after the red truck had driven away.

"Matteo estimated roughly 8 miles," Lee told her.

"Eight miles in the dark?" Amanda stated, "Not that I'm complaining. When I used to hike with the scouts, we could easily cover 12 miles in a day!"

"Then pretend you're doing just that," Lee suggested, "while ignoring the fact that you have the wrong kind of shoes, supplies and clothing!" he teased.

"Oh, Señora, 8 miles, that is nothing!" Pepita insisted, "I have herd sheep up a hillside for many more miles than that!"

"Yes, but sheep obediently follow one another, unlike a troop of rambunctious scouts!" Amanda claimed as all three began their trek.

#

They continued their walk as the moon rose higher in the sky and the chill of the night deepened. Gradually the rocks grew less formidable, as walking and climbing over rocks became easier.

At one point while climbing, Amanda slipped.

"Oof," she automatically gasped, but instantly she felt a strong arm holding her up.

"I've got ya," Lee stated, smiling down at her.

In more than one way, Amanda silently thought to herself.

Lee had to admit that Amanda was the most incredible woman he had ever met. Everything she did, she did with optimism.

"You've really been a trooper this whole mission with no complaining whatsoever," Lee stated with admiration in his voice as they continued the hike.

"Really? Cuz right now, I'd trade that compliment for a nice soft bed!" Amanda admitted.

Lee chuckled, "Just a little longer. We'll stop when we find a flat area," he promised.

Amanda could feel her energy waning but she trudged on. She had no idea what time of the night it was, or even what day it was. It felt like forever since she had been home. She yearned to hear her boys arguing or her mother's kind interference.

"Okay," Amanda stated, "but just to let you know, I've already used up tomorrow's tiredness!"

They stopped after some time to catch some sleep. Then after a quick snack of oranges and tamales, they continued on. By this time, the dark night skies were dissipating and morning would soon be arriving.

"Hurry! Hurry!" they heard Pepita yelling from in front of them, "Step it up, you two! Do not fall so far behind!" she stated as she leaped to the next jagged rock.

Lee commented, "I think we've got a drill sergeant on our hands, and a spry one at that!"

"Yeah and she's the shortest one I've ever seen, too!" Amanda stated as she continued to climb.

In the coldness of predawn, Amanda concentrated on following Pepita, watching the little girl manage the rocks with envied agility. They had been hiking for another an hour when Lee held his hand up.

"Listen," he said, "Can you hear it?"

They halted in order to listen carefully. It sounded like the slow steady drone of a machine.

"What is that?" Pepita wondered, looking up towards the sky.

Flwooop! Flwoooop! Flwooop! Flwoooop! Flwooop! Flwoooop!

"Oh my gosh! Sounds like a helicopter!" Amanda theorized, scanning the skies.

Instead of being excited, however, Lee looked concerned as he watched the skies, "Quick! We need to take cover!"

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