The teams began to gather their stuff as the train slowed. Mac looked up to find Harm standing at her side. "I'm sorry." She said softly.
"Don't, okay? Let's just get this leg over with as soon as possible."
"Okay." She followed him off and to the clue box. "Make your way to Da Nang where you will find your next route marker. Note: all the flags will be plain yellow during this leg due to the fact that Vietnam's national colors are red and yellow."
"Let's go." Harm followed the other teams to the cars. He handed her the map and got in.
After a few minutes, Mac spoke softly. "Harm..."
"I told you I don't want to talk. You said you'd drop it."
"I'm sorry." She whispered, staring out the window.
They were the last team to arrive at the marker. "Listen, we need to focus on getting through this, okay?"
"Okay, Harm. I promise to stop pushing you."
Harm nodded and ripped open their clue. "Detour."
In this detour, teams will have to choose between 'Basket boats' and 'basket bikes'. In boats, teams will need to paddle across the river to get to their clue. The river is wide and the task can be physically grueling to fight the current. In bikes, teams must ride bikes carrying dozens of locally made woven baskets one mile. The distances isn't far, but keeping the baskets balanced can be a challenge.
Pete/David and Gerry/Melissa chose the boats while Andy/Bev and Bernie/Anne chose bikes.
"Let's do the boats?" Mac suggested and Harm agreed. //We just have to get through this and then everything will be okay again...it has to be.//
They climbed into their boat and began to paddle, but Harm seemed to be having a hard time focusing. His eyes kept darting nervously around. Mac wanted to comfort him, but refused to break her promise to let it be. But, they fell way behind and Mac ended up doing most of the paddling.
Mac ripped the clue open. "Travel 10 miles towards China Beach...Harm?" She touched his arm gently. "What is it?"
He shrugged her hand off. "No big deal. China Beach was a relax area for American soldiers during the Vietnam War...she took me there."
"Gym?"
"Yeah...let's just go."
She followed him to the cars, riding in silence.
When they got to the box, they found that they were the last to pick up their clue. "Roadblock, one team member must peddle the other on a 'cyclo', a three-wheeled bicycle with a seat on the front, to the pit stop." Harm pulled Mac to the bikes.
Mac nodded and sat as Harm began to peddle furiously.
Andy and Bev arrived at the pit stop first. Bev had down the roadblock since she'd yet to do one.
Five minutes later, David/Pete stepped on the mat. David had done the roadblock.
Ten minutes later, Gerry/Melissa stepped onto the mat. Gerry had done the roadblock for them.
Six minutes later, Bernie/Anne stepped onto the mat. Anne had done the roadblock.
One hour later, Harm and Mac sprinted to the mat.
"Harm and Mac, you're the last team to arrive."
Harm threw his bag down. "I'm so sorry, Mac."
"It's really okay."
Phil cleared his throat. "Fortunetely, this is the second of four non-elimination legs. You're both still in the race."
"Really?" Harm relaxed, pulling Mac into a gentle hug. "Thank God."
"Let's get some rest, Flyboy." She took his hand, leading him away from the other teams.
"Mac, I...I'm so sorry."
"It's okay. I know it still hurts." She wrapped her arms loosely around his waist, her cheek against his chest.
He relaxed more, holding her as he rested his chin lightly on the top of her head. "I'll just feel better when..."
"When what?"
"When I get you safely out of this country."
She looked up at him. "Is that why you were so jittery on the boat? You were looking out for people that might hurt me?"
He nodded slightly. "I know it's stupid. I just...I can't watch you die."
"Hey...nothing's going to happen to me."
"Promise?"
She smiled softly. "I promise...just don't shut me out."
"I'll try not to." He smiled sheepishly.
"Let's get some chow and a little sleep. We have to catch up tomorrow."
"You got it." He followed her over to the other teams, his fingers laced with hers.
BACK AT THE ROBERTS' RESIDENCE
"I'm too old for this crap. It's going to give me a heart attack." AJ groaned.
"That was...too close." Bud agreed.
"And I thought they were a headache in person. They're even worse on TV." Sturgis chuckled, shaking his head.
"I don't know how much more I can take." Jen sighed dramatically.
"I think everything agrees." Harriet laughed and took little AJ up to bed.