A Journey to Remember
Hello fellow readers! First follower yesterday! So happy. I was reviewing and my chapters are WAY too short. I will make them longer for you guys. If anyone has any ideas, I am more than willing to take them in. Read on bros. Your question will be answered shortly.
CH7
Everyone stood in the middle of the shack looking at each other. Sweat dripped down the sides of their faces, Will was still panting from the game, and Julia was rocking side to side in her hammock staring at the ceiling. She had so many questions that needed to be answered. How did anyone know her father? Why is she a princess? Did her mother know anything about this? She was interrupted by a soft concerned voice.
"Those are some pretty nasty cuts you've got there." Will said standing up straight and pointing in her direction.
She had forgotten about that when they were walking back to the shack. "Oh yeah. Now that you mention it, it does sting a bit." She said sitting up and wiping some blood away.
"Well, I will leave Luke here to clean your wound and I will take the boys out to get a bath. We shouldn't take long." Levi replied.
He gave her a nod and then headed out the door with the others following. Luke stood in the middle of the shack with hands on his hips and a grim expression on his face.
"What?" Julia insisted with an eyebrow raised.
"Oh nothing. I was just noticing that we look ridiculous in these clothes." He said in reply.
Julia scoffed," no, I look ridiculous."
"You look like a princess no matter what you wear." Luke said as he slowly advanced towards her. "May I tend to your wound?" He asked before bending down on one knee to inspect her leg.
She nodded and wiped away some blood that dripped down her knee. Luke grabbed a chair and a bowl with water and a cloth in it. He sat down and put her leg on his knee so that her leg was extended out. He picked out all of the left over rocks and dirt in the cuts and then started wiping away the dried blood that stained her leg. After her cuts were blood free he put some herbs and leaves that were soaking in the water, over them then bandaged them up.
"Thank you. They feel much better already." She thanked him.
They both sat there looking at each other until Will walked in.
"Bath time your highnesses." He said with a smile on his face. "Levi is at the arch right around the corner. He will escort you to one of the waterfalls."
Luke rose from his chair and helped Julia stand up. The walked out of the shack and met up with Levi. A stone path disappeared in the vegetation as they continued down. As they turned a corner a triple water fall was visible from the path that they were walking on. Julia walked to the base of the waterfall and put her feet in the water.
"This place is unbelievable." She whispered to herself looking up at the waterfalls.
Luke jumped in the water from a tall rock and made a big splash. Julia watch for when he was going to pop back to the surface, but started to worry when he didn't. She walked out farther into the water until the water was up to her thighs.
"Luke?" She called out as she was looking in the water.
All of a sudden a hand grabbed hers and pulled her under the water. She squealed in surprised and popped her head up from the water. The nice cool water brought some relief to her headache almost instantly. A head popped up in front of her and laughter broke out.
"This is the most beautiful place I have been to by far." Luke admitted with a big smile on his face.
"It's like a dream isn't it?" Julia said looking around in awe.
Luke smiled in agreement and then swam toward one of the small falls. They cleaned themselves up and Julia dried herself off in the sun. She sat on a boulder staring at the sky enjoying herself. A splash of water hit her back and snapped her out of her daze. Luke was standing there soaking wet with a big grin on his face. She chuckled and then joined in the splash fight.
"Wait, what time do we have to be back?" She asked as she shielded her face from the water with her hands.
"I have absolutely no idea, to tell you the truth." He said shrugging.
"In that case, we should get back. We don't want to my party." She said splashing him one more time before getting out of the water. Luke followed and they both followed the trail back to the city. Once they arrived, Levi and the group were conversing with some of the natives. Angel was there waiting for them once they entered the shack.
"Welcome back." Angel said with a smile on his face.
Without giving anyone time to reply, he handed them some new clothing. "Once you two are all ready, meet everyone in the main square and we will have plenty of time to talk." He gave a little smile and then walked out of the shack. Julia set her clothes down and slumped in her hammock. She sighed and Luke sat in the chair that was next to her hammock. They sat there in silence for a while as she rocked side to side looking at the ceiling.
"You okay?" Luke asked quietly.
"Yeah, I'm just deep in thought…and kind of overwhelmed." She said quietly
"I see. I would be too if I were in your situation." He admitted. "It's all so confusing."
"I just don't know what to think of everything right now. It's frustrating."
They sat in silence for a while longer.
"How does it feel being a princess?" He said slouching in his chair.
"I don't feel any different." She said turning to look out the window.
Kids were playing in the distance and lively music was audible from the shack. For once she felt at ease and relaxed. She smiled and closed her eyes sighing. Luke stood up and walked over to grab his clothes that he got.
"Don't open your eyes." He said with his back turned to her.
"Don't worry." She replied
Luke removed his wet clothing and hung them up on the post above his hammock then slipped the bottoms on that angel gave him. Once he was done, he tiptoed over to Julia and nudged her hammock making her rock even more. She gripped the sides and sat up quickly.
"Your turn." He said stabilizing her hammock to a stop.
She got up off of her hammock and took the clothes off of the chest by the foot of the hammock. "Now you don't look." She said with both of her eyebrows raided.
"Alright, alright." He said with his hands up. He flopped onto Julia's hammock and put an arm over his eyes. Julia turned around and removed her wet clothing. She put on a long dark blue skirt that had slits down the sides. The top had no sleeves and covered her chest. It was the same blue and had metallic patterns at the bottom.
"That blue is perfect."
"Luke!" she said turning around to face him.
"What? It is." He said shrugging with a smile on his face.
Julia rolled her eyes and started combing through her hair with her fingers. And put her hair half up and half down.
"Let's go." She said motioning to go out the door.
They walked out and went to the main square. There were tables full of food, music playing, people dancing, and kids running everywhere.
"These people sure know how to celebrate." Luke said with a chuckle.
Julia laughed and walked over toward Angel. He stood and motioned them to sit. Their table was long and had soft cushions for them to sit on.
"Make yourselves at home. After all, this is your city."
They sat down in silence for a while.
"So how do you know how to speak English?" Julia asked out of the blue.
"Your father and some of his people introduced us to the outside world. After that, he kept visiting and bringing new things that only the gods could make. He also brought your mother. She is the one who taught our children English."
"I wonder why my mother never told me about any of this." She said with a sad look.
"I do not know. But your father had always wanted to bring you back to us."
"How did you know my father had died?" She asked quickly.
"Your mother sends messages to us almost every week or so."
"Well that explains the birds always being around the house." She said quietly. "Can I send a letter to her?"
"Of course." He said taking a sip of his drink. "I think I will retire for the night." He got up and did a small bow then left the table.
The rest of the night, everyone ate and enjoyed themselves. The Levi's group eventually joined them at the table and conversed the whole night. The music stopped and then a man walked out into the center of the square and took a deep bow. He wore a long grey robe and had half of his hair shaved off. The man jumped and slapped the ground with his hand and the torches went dim. The people clapped and took their seats around the square to watch. The man stood and swung his robe off and laid it out on the floor. He placed something in the middle and then slammed a small ball on the ground in front of him, creating a wall of red smoke. All of the sudden, the smoke cleared the area and the man lifted up the robe quickly. Under the robe was a Jaguar and it stood there roaring. The man stood there with an evil type of smile and then the Jaguar charged. Levi ran in front of Julia and Luke to try to shield them but right when it was going to hit him in the chest, it turned into the red smoke. Everyone stood there for a moment and then started cheering. The group just stood there and look at each other with surprised expressions. The man walked back to the middle and put on his grey robe. He bowed deeply and then disappeared with the red smoke. Once the people were done applauding, they started to get up and clear the square.
"I guess the celebration is over." Julia stated.
Everyone stood up and walked back to the shack. Will started the fire and then took off his bottoms. Julia just shook her head and immediately faced the opposite direction.
"Okay then…" She stuttered.
"You can look now." Said Levi.
When Julia turned around, all she saw was cheeks. "Well I'm off to bed." She said as she quickly walked to her hammock. She quickly got in and covered her head with her blanket. They all started laughing and finished getting ready for bed.
"I'm putting on some tea. Anyone want any?" Luke asked.
"Oh yes." Levi said happily as he got in his hammock.
"Yes please." Julia said with her head still under her blanket.
Luke dug out a kettle and filled it with water, then set it on the fire. Julia finally took her head out and decided to write a letter to her mother.
Dear mom,
My adventure has been crazy so far. When we made it to Mexico City, we met up with some of Luke's friends. The next day we ventured far into the rainforest and found a hidden city. It is like a whole new world here. Why didn't you tell me about dad? I am so confused right now and a little hurt.
Other than that, Luke has been such a gentleman. He seems like a really nice man and the group seems to be having the time of their lives here. Luke's best friend Levi is very protective. He is always ready no matter what the situation. Will seems to be the clown of the group. He is seriously afraid of bugs. It's kind of funny. The other two, Sam and Rich, seem to always be on the lookout for something. I don't know what though.
I miss you mom. I wish dad was here. Hope you are doing okay over there. I am doing just fine here. Write me back.
With Love,
Your daughter Julia
Once she was done writing, she rolled it up and tied it.
"What you got there?" Asked Levi.
"Just a letter to my mother."
"Would you like me to send it for you?"
"Sure. Thank you." She said getting up and handing it to him.
Levi took it and walked to one of the tall temples. There he grabbed a raven and put the letter in a leather holster. The bird flew off and disappeared in the night sky. When Levi got back, the kettle started whistling. Everyone got themselves some tea and enjoyed the rest of the night. Luke was playing the guitar while swinging on his hammock while everyone else listened and drank their tea.
"Anyone else a little sore from the game?" Levi said rubbing his arm.
Julia reached down and touched her bandages hoping that they weren't soaked with blood. With a quick sigh she laid back and looked at the stars out her window. The rest of the night, Luke played the guitar and Will quietly snored in his hammock.
"Thanks for the tea." Julia said quietly
Luke nodded with a smile and then put the guitar away. Soon, everyone was sleeping soundly while the crickets chirped. Julia's eyes slowly fluttered open as she woke to the sound of people. The group was eating in their hammocks. Julia slowly sat up and stretched.
"Good morning everyone." She said in a tired voice. "Ahem, excuse me." She cleared her throat.
They all said their good mornings and continued on eating.
"So when are we heading out?" Sam asked.
"I guess whenever. I think Julia wanted to hear back from her mother before we leave." Levi stated.
"I don't mind staying here." Will added in.
Angel walked in greeted everyone then handed Julia a rolled up piece of paper. She opened it and a smile lit her face up. Angel smiled and left.
My Dearest Julia,
I am glad to know that you are safe but I am also surprised that you have found the city so quick. We had to keep it a secret because these people do not want to be tainted by the outside world. By we, I mean your father and I. A while ago, before you were born, your father and I would always visit. But others found out that there was a hidden city and wanted it for themselves. The two worlds ended up in war and we had to escape. We had to keep you from danger.
I have decided to pay a visit. I should be there around noon of Tuesday this week. I can't believe that I am going back. I missed you too even though it has only been a couple of weeks.
Love mom
Julia set down letter and smiled. "My mother will be here this afternoon. We can leave any time after if you want."
"Everyone good with tomorrow morning?" Levi asked
Everyone shook heads and went their own directions. Julia decided to walk around the city. She walked through the different temples around the main square then headed down a smooth stone pathway toward a distant garden. As she turned a corner, she saw Luke sitting on a bench looking at the amazing view of the land. There were waterfalls, twisting rivers, hills, and lots of vegetation. She walked closer to the bench and peered over his shoulder. He was drawing the view in a diary like book.
"What do you think?" He asked without taking his eyes off of his book.
"It is amazing. You are really good." She said walking to his side. "May I join you?"
He slid over and set the book down. They both looked out at the view for a while as they sat there on the bench.
"Who knew that all of this, came from behind all of those rocks?" He said in disbelief.
Julia peered at Luke. His Light grey eyes were drinking in the scene, and a smile spread across his face as if he had seen the face of God.
"You know you are missing it." He said turning to face her.
Their eyes met and a small blush crawled to Julia's cheeks. Their faces slowly drew closer as they seemed to drown in each other's eyes. Their lips were about to touch when a distant sound of laughing and cheering tore their attention away from each other. Julia's face lit up with a big smile as she saw a crowd of people gathering around the front entrance of the city.
"Mom." She whispered to herself.
Luke and Julia made their way to the entrance and slowly made their way to the front of the crowd. Julia rushed over and gave her mom a big hug.
"Time flew by quick!" She said still in her mother's arms.
"I would rather be here than in that little town!" she said chuckling.
Angel quieted everyone down and approached Julia and her mother with a bow.
"Welcome back Danielle. We have all missed your presence."
"I have missed you all as well." She replied with a smile.
Two natives took her bags out of the boat and they all walked to one of the temples.
The natives set her bags down and then exited with Angel. Julia walked around and looked at all of the trinkets and explored the huge temple. She walked into a room and sat down on a wooden chair that had her father's signature carved into it. Her mother walked in and sat down next to her causing the chair to rock back and forth. They smiled and sat there for a little. Levi and Luke walked in and set down some bags in the front room.
"We brought up your belonging for you. Angel said that the prince will stay with you as well." Levi stated.
"Prince?" Danielle said surprised.
"Oh yeah…I kinda won the game the other day and didn't want to kill the only people that I knew." Julia said rubbing the back of her neck.
Her mother shook her head and smiled. "(Bring him in.)" She said putting a hand in the air.
Two men escorted Luke in the room and stood there. When Danielle looked up she was surprised to see him standing there.
"There is another room with a bed right around the corner there. You can have it." She said pointing behind him.
"Thank you ma'am." Luke smiled and then went to gather his things.
"We should get some rest. You have a big day tomorrow." Her mother said as she got up.
"Wait what's going on tomorrow? We are supposed to be leaving tomorrow."
"Homecoming festival."
Julia raised her eyebrows up and sighed. Everyone got ready for bed but Julia just sat there in the rocking chair for a while. The sun started going down and the crickets started chirping.
"Get to bed!" Her mother said as she passed by the room.
Julia stood up and changed into some pajamas then hopped into the bed. The moonlight shone in through her window and dimly lit the room. A few minutes later, Julia was fast asleep with a smile on her face.
Another chapter and another celebration yay! What is going to happen the next day? Things are building up. Tell me what you think! I need feedback!