The Covenant - Chapter Fourteen

Heading towards the oversize front doors leading from the hotel’s lobby to the outside , Annie feels a buzzing sound coming from the hidden pocket of her rustic backpack.

“I’ll be there in a minute… I’ll catch up with you!” yells Annie bending on one knee attempting to open the tied drawstrings of her backpack which have now turned into a knot as the phone continues to buzz.

Looking behind him, Rick notices Annie and tells the others, “We’ll wait outside the doors for her.  It isn’t a good idea for anyone to go off wandering on their own even if it is just a block or two away.”

“Hello?” frantically asks Annie into the receiver afraid that she might have missed the call while searching to find her phone.

“Hello? Hello? Hey, Alice, can you figure this out?” requests a familiar voice on the other end of the line. 

Annie hears some shuffling and asks again “Hello?”

“Hello!” exuberantly greets Alice Hammer and then Annie can hear Jennings jumping in “I think you need to hit that button!”

The phone goes completely silent and still, Annie asks again “Hello? Is anyone there? Hello?”

“Ahhh … yes, we’re finally here!  Jennings hit the mute button instead of the speaker so we could both talk to you at once” delightfully explains Alice Hammer “We are actually speaking to you in Peru!  How exciting!”

“Can you hear us? How do we sound? Are we clear enough?” inquires Jennings in tones of a crescendo and decrescendo while fidgeting with the phone in an attempt to turn up the volume.  

“Do we sound any different? Do you have an accent yet?” curiously asks Alice Hammer anticipating an affirmative answer “I always wanted a Spanish accent when I talked.  I thought it would be terribly romantic, just like Zorro”.

“Oh course she doesn’t! She’s only been there a couple of months!” snaps Jennings wondering where her best friend comes up with these ideas and then mumbling not directly into the phone “Zorro please … “

“Well, how about maybe someone that has been in “Evita” perhaps like Antonio Banderas or Salma Hayek … But that was Argentina, not Peru” considers Alice Hammer meandering through her random thought tangent.  “I always liked that song ‘Don’t Cry for me Argentina’ when Madonna sang it.  I’d like to sing like her but definitely not wear her costumes.”

“At least you are agreeing not to expose yourself too much, now that would be a scary sight to behold” mockingly states Jennings clearing her throat with a moment of compromise  “At least you got the right continent of South America instead of the country of Spain which is now considered to be in Europe.”

Missing her friends but attempting to bring the conversation back to something she can join in on, Annie giggles “No, not really… but I can teach you a little Spanish when we get back. How does that sound?”

“Wonderful! I’ve been practicing a little on the postman.  I’ve been saying to him “ Moo-cha-chas Grass-see-ahs” when he hands me the mail.  He seems quite pleased”

“As you can tell, she still needs a little help” sarcastically replies Jennings “She found a book about learning to speak Spanish in seven days, but I think she needs something more like Rosetta Stone that she can listen to”.

“Also, when I’ve run in to my favorite clerk from Shop-mart I’ve asked her “Comma estates you stead is’” speaking really slowly so Annie can understand her “I’m not sure I’m saying it right, but at least she smiles back at me! Last week she even patted my hand after I showed her the lovely blouse I bought and I replied “Mooey bandana.”

Annie can hear a ‘ughhh’ sound on the other end of the line and then asks “What? I didn’t quite get that.”

 After a sigh Jennings remarks blandly “Annie, don’t strain yourself, if you can’t figure it out, Alice meant to say ‘muchos bonita’ - not quite the same thing…”

“So, how about you?  What kind-of things have you been doing?” cheerfully inquires Alice Hammer taking another bite of her cookie.

“We’ve been doing daily children’s worship services as well as a vacation Bible School type thing but instead of one week it has ran for eight.  We’ve also did a few ‘open airs’ on the street corners with drama and sacred dance using a small brass ensemble , Bible Studies at senior care facilities, helped paint the bunk beds in the Children’s Home and also the walls with lots of fun designs.  Let’s see, some of the guys painted the outside of the building and planted a few seeds and trimmed the yard work” states Annie trying to recall just a few things that they were able to participate “Also, we served meals to the community during the week for lunch, and in the evening we either lead worship or planned family activities for those who attend the corps”

“You sound very busy” frankly confirms Jennings “I wish that I were young again and could go on a mission trip.  The service trips are some of the highlights of my time as an officer before I retired.”

“Are you getting enough rest?” asks Alice Hammer concerned for her friend who’s voice sounds a little weak on the phone.

“I take some time for myself, everyone has to in order to recover some of those who don’t make it a little tougher on the rest of us because they don’t always make the best decisions when they are exhausted, and to be blunt are more difficult to get along with while they continue to run on little or no sleep” explains Annie have witnessed and experienced some exhaustion from other teammates over the last few weeks. “Even though at times each of us has been tired, it has definitely been worth every moment being here.”

“We sent you a care package.  One box is for the school with a few extra supplies.  The box for the team includes candy, tissues, some eye drops and aspirin, band-aids, cough drops, microwave popcorn, chapstick, toothpaste, stickers for the kids, money to buy postcards and stamps” explains Jennings running through the list in her mind “oh yes, some children and adult  praise and worship CDS which are always beneficial.”

“Thank you so much!  It will be very helpful!” gratefully shares Annie watching as Rick walks towards her “A group of us are going out for a walk tonight.”

“How romantic! Are you going with Captain Wentworth?  He’s so handsome!  He’s a good match for you, Annie.  I saw him noticing you quite a bit before all of you left town.  Have you made him your boyfriend yet?” curiously asks Alice Hammer hopeful that they have connected in an unfamiliar place.

“No” giggles Annie “We’re just friends. However, I think that he might be interested in someone else on the team.  At least she is making every attempt to make him be.”

“Oh, that’s too bad.  If things are meant to be they will eventually work out.  But if not, then your future is elsewhere” offering words of encouragement Jennings continues “ Just keep a smile on your face and find happiness in what you are doing, then when the right person comes along it will be the best time for you.”

“Well, I have to go now.  I’m sending quite a few postcards you way.  Have any of them arrived yet?” asks Annie flipping her backpack over her shoulder while still clinging to the phone in order not to keep her friends waiting any longer than necessary.

“Oh yes.  I have them all over the refrigerator!  I’m thinking of making a scrapbook for you once your trip is done!” offers Alice Hammer suddenly inspired with a few ideas that involve glitter, paint, and a little flair.

“Sounds wonderful! I can hardly wait to see it!” smiles Annie treasuring already the future gift of her friends.

“Well, see you.  Make sure you take lots of pictures so we can look at all the places you went to!” orders Jennings “We miss you Annie.  Have a great time!  Bye!”

Looking down at her phone already missing her dear friends, Annie sighs as she clicks ‘end’.  Rick places a kind hand on her shoulder bending his head towards her, “Is everything all right, back at home?”

“Oh yeah, everything is great.  I’m just missing home a bit, that’s all” reflects Annie gently moving away from Rick and taking a few steps towards the front door “I’m sorry that I kept everyone waiting.  I’m ready to go now.”

The Covenant - Chapter Thirteen

“I don’t like these kinds of roads!  It feels like we’re about to fall off the edge!” excitedly Lauren peers through the large side window and tugging on her seat belt to make sure that it is still secure.

Sitting next to Annie who is gripping the vinyl bench seat on each side of her, Ben Wick can feel the color drain from his face as they hit another bump in the road.   The van swerves to recover its steady grasp on the winding dirt path.

Trying to focus her mind on something else, reluctantly Annie nervously recalls a conversation she had with the post master about some driving facts she learned while applying for her international driver’s license.  The cautious kind man at the post office warned her that in Peru an accident occurs every 15 minutes with a fatal accident every 40 minutes, so he didn’t recommend driving in the country but thought taxis and buses might be a better solution for travel.   As the reality of this pointed thought sinks in, Annie feels her heart palpitating against her chest and prays that she will not be counted as another statistic today.

Noisily the community van lets out another bank from its exhaust pipe and climbs purposely up the steep hill.  Without warning, it nervously dips into the curves making the passengers feel as if they are free falling into thin air before catching their breath again. 

As her heads hits the ceiling of the van as it crashes into a pot hole created from a past mud slide, Annie lets out an alarming whelp.  For a second Rick takes a break from his intent focus on the road to make sure that she is all right, but quickly moves his glance back to the front window to watch a car coming directly towards them on the narrow passageway.

As the old grey Nissan station wagon narrowly misses them choosing to move closer to them rather than the rocky edge Lauren anticipates a crash and lets out an impulsive verbal warning “Watch out! He’s going to hit us!”  She grabs Rick’s hand into both of her own refusing to let go.  Rick is pleased that Lauren is looking to him for strength, but a little distressed that the one holding his hand is somehow not the one he envisioned holding it while on the journey up the mountain.

In an effort to comfort his own fear, Ben moves his hand towards Annie and lays it on top of her frozen white knuckles firmly attached to the seat.  The back end of the van sachets as it slips on the loose dirt beneath the tires kicking up billowing clouds of misty brown dust that hover and cling to the van.  The volunteer tour guide is able to quickly recover his pace while still maneuvering the steering wheel and turning back to the rest of the van portrays a mock smile that everything is all right. 

Looking to the road ahead without returning the driver’s assuring gaze, they prepare for yet another gut wrenching moment as the van twists and turns its way up to their chosen destination.

As the van slowly comes to a halt, the passengers fill their lungs with deep breaths of cool air before moving out of their now plastered seats.  They share quick wide-eyed stolen glances with a convoluted mixture of anxiety and relief.

“We made it!” joyfully shouts Lauren while kissing her hand and then playfully stooping to touch the ground with it.

Not too far from her, Ben places his hands on his hips and stretches as far back as he can looking into the sky grateful that he can see it once more.

While the others adjust to their new surroundings, Annie climbs back into the van grabbing a backpack of supplies that she brought with her.  It holds a variety of products such as a tour guide with a map, a large bottle of water, a flashlight, a few band-aids, and other odds and ends of possible needs for the mountain hike that she prepared the night before.  She ties her hair back into a pony tail and then smoothes some aloe sunscreen on her arms offering more of the tube to anyone who is interested.

“It’s not hot, only in the 70s.  I don’t think that I’ll need any sunscreen.  Thanks anyway” shrugs Lauren not wanting to mess up any of her makeup which she carefully re-applied a few minutes earlier.

“I’ll take some, Annie.  The UV rays can be bad at this altitude and the sun can bear down at times here” explains Ben Wick taking a rather large blob of white cream and applying it on his tanned face and arms.

Talking with the tour guide, Rick seems rather unusually animated in his conversation.  The driver is smiling but shaking his head and waving his hand as if he is trying to explain something in regards to an opposite opinion.  Rick bends his head trying to create eye contact and sincerity with his body language. The tour guide makes a face and squints into the sun while pursing his lips as if to consider a deeper thought.  He finally shakes his head towards the ground in reluctant agreement.

The air feels thinner as they start to walk along the trail of masonry stone embedded into the ground of all shapes and sides to create a path along the mountainside.  Annie stops to catch her breath and observes the hunter green, dark tourquoise, and purple shaded mountains hovering majestically along the landscape.  The area is luscious with plenty of foliage as a blanket of beauty across the skies.  Wild ferns line the narrow path against the mossy rocks.

The first stop is the Funery Rock Hut where the Incas mummified their nobility in a similar fashion to the Egyptians in ancient days. The misty fog envelopes the group for a few moments as the cloudy moisture dances on their skin.

“Hey look!  You can see some real llamas and alpacas walking around the place, just like deer back at home!” exclaims Lauren tugging on Rick’s arm and then grabbing his hand pulling him closer to the edge of the precipice.  Rick slowly unwinds himself from her grasp giving the appearance of attempting to look for his camera in his knapsack.

“Lauren, you might not want to get to close to the edge.  You can easily lose your balance” kindly warns Ben Wick having been here many times before over the years. 

“I’m not worried.  I’m not afraid.  I can take care of myself” firmly responds Lauren slightly moving her chin in the air in defiance that she would need to be told what to do even in friendly advice.

Noticing her smirk, Ben Wick smiles and shakes his head taking another look at the guide map deciding what the next best place to see might be.  The group heads towards the Sacred Plazas which held the most important buildings of the Inca community.

“It’s interesting that the Incas were able to build these magnificent building that managed to still stand after so many years of earthquakes and natural decay without using any mortar.  They cut precise stones to keep everything knitted together as if making a puzzle” surprised at the ingenuity states Rick “I wonder if this is where the idea of puzzles came from?”

“I don’t get it” frankly confirms Lauren “But I can’t imagine how long it took them to figure out how to put this all together.  It would be like playing a life size game of Tetris.”

“I like how they created stone windows so they could still have a beautiful view of the mountains each morning.   I would love to wake up to this view every day!” exclaims Annie overwhelmed by the intricate splendor in front of her that confirms God’s hand in the design of nature surrounding her.

“It is lovely” affirms Rick moving closer by Annie to see the same outlook from her vantage point and then smiling at her with the mountains cascading in the background “I think this might be the most beautiful view I’ve ever seen”.

“Take a look over here!  I think this is an even better view!” interrupts Lauren pointing them in the opposite direction and then posing for special effect handing her phone to Rick, “Here, take my picture!  I want to remember this place forever!”

“Did you ever notice?  Lauren seems quite good at posing as if she was meant to be in a magazine” pleasantly observes Ben Wick taking out his camera to capture a few snaps as well.

Quietly Annie murmurs to herself taking photos of her favorite location instead, “I wonder how many hours she spends practicing at home in front of the mirror for just the right moment to share her skillful technique”.

After a few minutes embracing the landscape, the groups moves on along the guided terrain.  They find the Intiwatana where the Incas use to observe the stars.

“According to the tour book, they were advanced astronomists especially influenced by the winter and summer solstice which held significant rites and celebrations.  Around June 21 which was the winter solstice, the Inca high priest would rope a golden disc around the Intiwana, which is that rock pillar with the four corners oriented toward the cardinal points, to capture the sun and bring it back to earth to begin the seasons again” reads Ben Wick out of his internationally famous tour guide book.

“Didn’t they know that the seasons happened anyway regardless of what they did?  You would think they could have figured that out considering they were so smart in everything else they did” sarcastically remarks Lauren taking another gulp of soda that she bought at the gift shop.

“It’s interesting to me that that many consider this location a magnetic focal point and having some sort of spiritual connection to the environment” considers Annie “I wonder as in many places, stones such as Lime have this same effect.  It is fortunate that the Spanish conquerors didn’t destroy it liked they tried to with everything else that relates to the Inca religion.”

“I think that stuff is all nonsense”, smirks Lauren wanting some attention but not sure how to add anything to the conversation of the others.  “I’m a if-I-can-see-it-and-touch-it-then-it’s-real sort-of person, all that other stuff is just made-up fairytales.  Don’t you think so?” rhetorically asks Lauren looking towards Rick for a affirming responsive to her opinion.

“I think there are many things that we don’t understand in life but that doesn’t mean that they are not just as real even though we can’t see or touch them.   Love, faith, hope, all exist and are experienced even though they are not tangible items on a shelf” thoughtfully considers Rick before pausing as he continues “I think God is much bigger than our imaginations and how He chooses to work isn’t always for us to understand but it doesn’t change the fact that He is still at work with us in mind.”

“The last stop is the Condor Temple which is just ahead” informs Ben Wick studying the map.  It isn’t too much further from here.  Afterwards we can get some dinner together.

As they are walking away from the area, a man dressed in Khakis and white short sleeved hunting shirt, catches up with them “I think you might have dropped this” handing a unopened water bottle to Annie who appears to be slightly flushed.

“Oh, no.  It wasn’t mine.  Someone else must have dropped it” reluctantly Annie confesses wishing that such a bottle would appear out of nowhere.

“Actually, it is one of mine” smiles the stranger in a friendly manner “I’ve been watching your group for most of the afternoon and I heard all of you talking and realized that you were also Americans.  I’ve been over here for awhile and it is nice to hear a familiar dialect.  I wanted to find a way to say “hello” to a fellow countryman.”

“Well, “Hello”.  What did you think of the tour so far?” asks Annie not sure what to say.

“I think it is fantastic!  I find the Inca culture fascinating.  How about you?” encouragingly asks the handsome stranger.

“I do too.  It’s one thing to read about their history and quite another to actually be in the place where it was experienced by them” offers Annie enjoying his company.

“By the way, go ahead and keep the bottle of water.  You might need it later” offers the man taking out another bottle of water from his well-outfitted backpack that has obviously been used quite a lot.

“Thanks!  I really appreciated it.  I was getting a bit thirsty!” warmly smiles Annie opening the cap and taking a sip.

“I’ll probably see you later down at the bottom of the hill.  I have to catch up with some friends who have already moved on ahead of me.  I hope you have a great day!” as he waves goodbye and jogs on ahead.

Hearing the conversation Rick waits for Annie to meet him where he standing waiting “Who was that?  Do you know him?”

“No, I just met him.  I don’t know who he is.  I forgot to ask his name” surprised at herself Annie explains “He offered me a bottle of water because evidently I looked a little hot.”

Feeling slightly jealous, Rick narrows his eyes “You really need to be careful who you talk to.  There are all sorts of people and some may have a motive to be much more friendlier than others.”

“He was fine.  The bottle of water isn’t poison and I appreciate it being offered to me” frankly states Annie certainly not appreciating that he thought she couldn’t discern when to speak to people who approach her in a foreign country. “He’s from the States.  So how harmful can he be?”

After dinner all together at the hotel at the edge of the mountain,  while walking to her room Annie sees the stranger walking across the lobby, he catches her attention and waves with a warm smile.  She finds herself waving back rather pleased to have a found a new friend.   Rick is coming towards her from the opposite direction with Lauren trailing behind him trying to fix her sandal and hoping along to keep up.

In a rather short tone, Rick quickly snaps “Ben and Lauren would like to go for a walk so they can capture some pictures of the mountain at sunset.  I was wondering if you would like to join us?”

“Sure!  Let me just grab my camera and backpack, I’ll be right down in a few minutes” agrees Annie excited to capture some lovely moments for posterity.

“I’ll ride up with you.  I forgot my wallet” lies Rick not exactly sure of his own motive other than wanting to spend a few minutes alone with her.

“Okay, hurry up.  I’m holding the door for you” states Annie not sure why Rick is being so snippy with her .  Not wanting him to know that she remembers his room number from when they registered at the hotel, she asks “What floor are you on again?”

“Fourth floor, room 407” states Rick glaring at her for a moment “You’re on the same floor too just the next door down from me in room 409.  I’m surprised you couldn’t hear me.”

“No, I like listening to my music and have a tendency to fade all other noise out while I get lost in my own thoughts.  But here, I seem to get lost in the beauty just from the balcony…” explains Annie wanting to sooth some waters between them “What are your favorite moments so far?”

“I think riding in the van.  I prayed quite a lot during that time” sincerely jokes Rick with a laugh not wanting to experience the same thing again “I’ll wait for you before we go down again to meet the others.”

“It was a bit scary! Okay, it will just take a second for me and I’ll be right back” smiles Annie fumbling in her pocket to find the card to open the door to her room.  Rick gives a quick hand wave before entering his room.  Annie smiles to herself but sadly wondering why he can’t recognize how much she has missed him and how much he still means to her now.

A few minutes later Rick asks while waiting for the elevator “Are you ready?”

“Yes” smiles Annie looking up at him while putting the backpack on. Without asking Rick helps her with the second strap around her shoulder “I think that I have everything.  Probably too much, but I don’t like being unprepared.”

“I definitely remember that.  Your purse seemed to be a bottomless pit of anything that would ever possibly be needed”, jokes Rick wondering for a second if he said too much.

“Yes, you’re right.  It still is that way.  I haven’t changed” giggles Annie remembering finding a coupon last week that actually expired six months before then.

He politely waits for her to enter the elevator while holding his hand up to hold the door.   He follows in behind her wishing that they would have more moments alone together to talk.  He misses the many hours they use to sit and talk about every subject under the sun and never grow tired of their conversations.  His heart aches recalling the sweet memories that last only for a few seconds.

The doors open with Lauren greeting them “What took you so long?  I thought you were never coming!”  Pushing herself, Lauren moves very close to Rick and touches him while pretending a couple moving on the other side of the hallway with their  luggage are coming too close, forcing her to overreact and bump into him where she lingers a minute or two longer than necessary.

Noticing her unsolicited behavior, Rick backs up and pretends to wipe away lint from his shirt. He tucks at his shirt to make sure everything has returned to the right place.  He disappointedly looks over to Annie who is already been redirected from her annoyance into a conversation with Ben Wick.

 

The Covenant - Chapter Twelve

“Beatriz, can you help me pass out the crayons?” asks Annie digging through one of the boxes of teaching supplies that will left at the children’s home once the summer has ended “Arcani, can you help me collect the scissors ?”

The kids are absorbed in their individual creative projects.  They are making colorful masks to wear for the special presentation that will be held at the end of the week celebrating all that they have learned during the summer.

“I think it is about time for chapel!” announces Lauren sweeping into the room excited for what lays ahead for the rest of the day.

“I’m not feeling so good …” informs Amaro walking up to Captain Wentworth holding his stomach “I think I might have had too many vegetables for lunch.”

“Mmmm … that could be or it might be the candy.  What do you think?” suggest Captain Wentworth with a smile and his arm around Amaro’s shoulder leading him to the infirmary.

“No, not really … candy is good for you, Capitan! I try to eat as much as I can every day” encourages the five -year old boy “I don’t think that I need the other green stuff.  It’s only good for grownups!”

“Maybe after taking a rest, you’ll feel better” offers Rick “We’ll save something for you that will be given out during chapel service.  I’ll let it be a surprise.”

“I like surprises! My sister once surprised me by giving me a turtle.  She found ‘Capac’ in the street around the corner from the children’s home” explains Amaro taking a deep sigh “ I had it for long time.  But one day I decided to let it go for a walk in the front lawn and it never came back! I looked and looked and looked and looked for it but it never found him! Do you like turtles, Capitan?”

“Yes, I think I do” considers Rick feeling as if something is about to come.

“Maybe you could get me another turtle” pleads Amaro tugging on Rick’s white pressed uniform sleeve leaving pink streaked traces of a Picounes tasty lollypop.  “You could name him!”

“I’ll have to think about that.  You’ve given me a good idea” kindly considers Rick looking at his sleeve for a moment and shrugging his shoulders enjoying the warmth of a child’s hand in his own as they chat on the way to the nurse.

“The children’s home only has Pedro.  He’s our dog.  He’s a lot of fun but I don’t think he would mind having a turtle as a brother” thoughtfully explains Amaro, “ He wouldn’t be lonely. He would have someone to play with him too.”

As they reach the infirmary where the volunteer nurse comes twice a week, Rick stoops to eye level with Amaro to tell him goodbye.  Amaro gives Rick a huge hug while rubbing his face into his shoulder smearing just a few more remnants of candy on his shirt with a urgent request “Remember my turtle!”

“What are you doing?” playfully asks Lauren “It looks like your shirt will need to be washed again”.

“It doesn’t matter, a little soap will take care of it” rationalizes Rick feeling as if he just had one of his best conversations of the day with a five-year old.

“I don’t like getting dirty especially from children” a little disgusted explains Lauren “Kids are great as long as they don’t share their dirt or germs with me”

“Ummm …. It kind-of goes with the territory” thoughtfully states Rick “A moment with one of them is worth anything that can be cleaned or will pass on by eventually”.

“If you say so” sarcastically responds Lauren “I keep a bottle of anti-bacteria hand cleanser in my purse for any time I need it.”

“That’s probably helpful to at least some degree” acknowledges Rick feeling as if working with children may be something that Lauren will not likely pursue as a future career.

As they are talking, Annie passes them in the hallway looking for the box of construction paper, glitter, plastic beads, and feathers.  Observing Annie for a few moments, Rick recognizes Annie’s familiar gait and smiles thinking that she hasn’t changed much over the years. 

Lauren noticing that Annie is gaining some attention attempts to interrupt his thoughts “Annie!  You need to go to the ladies room right now!  It looks like you have been hit by a cyclone of sparkles!”

Feeling slightly embarrassed, Annie looks up catching Rick’s eye as she starts to wipe the mixture of glue and purple, red, and silver glitter from her face.  “I didn’t realize that I still had some left.”

Seeing that the glitter has not only reached her face but her hair as well highlighting it in several places, Rick chuckles while helping her remove some of the unwanted shine and paste.

Crossing her arms with a bit of a pout Lauren insists “I think you need to go use a mirror.  Neither one of us alone can remove everything that you managed to get all over you.  Seriously, considering the amount of glitter on you, I can barely tell the difference between you and one of the children.”

In response Annie weakly grins and disoriented from being momentarily annoyed turns to head down in the opposite direction of where she has been directed. Rick calls after her, “I think you’re heading the wrong way.  I’ll walk with you and show you where to go.  I’m going that way anyway.  I need to check about a few last minute details about our trip this afternoon.  I’ll see you later Lauren.”

Realizing that she will be left alone in the hallway, Lauren grits her teeth and cooly stares back at him. “I think that I’ll walk with you too.  Annie might need some help after all.”

About an hour later, Rick meets the team back in the chapel for devotions and further instructions for the day.  While waiting for him each member has chosen a polished wooden bench to relax on from the long day of children’s activities.  It has been a rewarding summer but exhausting as well.   There are only a few days left before they return home to share their testimonies of the amazing things that happened to change their lives and hopefully the lives of others within a few short weeks.

“I know some of you have chosen to go to the market place in Miraflores with Harriet and Major Smith to get some last minute shopping done for souvenirs, as well as to tour the Aliaga House and Pucllana Temple.  For those who are left, I will be taking the group to Machu Picchu for the rest of the day and tomorrow” explains Rick and then more directly, “Please make sure you have started to pack for your return back to the States.  Anything that you would like to leave here to donate for the children’s home would be greatly appreciated.  In about an hour, we’ll be leaving for our destined locations.  So, keep track of the time, you don’t want to keep anyone waiting any longer than necessary.”

 

The Covenant - Chapter Eleven

Walking through the streets of Lima, Annie observes the pastel homes cascading down the mountains and built into the cliffs of shades of blue cornflowers, melon, mango, squash, and sweet pink orchid. At the top of the mountain stands a wood cross as a beacon watching over the city.  Along the coastline tall merchant and corporate buildings emerge from among the bluffs before reaching the steep and rocky precipice with the ocean waters rushing hundreds of feet down below.

The colorful buildings with wide baloneys in the tourist section are reminiscent of days years ago in the wild west with their iron decorative casting tracing their fringes and accented by ornate street lamps.  Gazing out towards the cool blues waters of the ocean, Annie views white sandy beaches with a mixture of colorful and dried grass umbrellas scattered along the tropical landscape as locals and tourists alike embrace and bask in the warm sun.

After touring the Cathedral on the Plaza de Armas, a troupe of traditional women dancers puts on a performance for the crowds gathered in the area for the Puno Folk Festival.  Each woman wears something like a bowler hat that Charlie Chaplin might have worn in the 20s accented with flowers or feathers and also wearing woven scarves in tones of red and pink and matching skirts.  They carry multi-colored palm-palms of yarn attached in long strings around their waists and shoulders. 

As they listen to the rhythmic music of the drums and flutes, the melodies move through them enchanting the audience with its beautiful harmonies and cadences.

The group is eventually guided to a more affluent area of the city.  In the center of the Miraflores district known for shopping and beautiful gardens, is a large memorial of a former hero in the large roundabout meant just for walkers to enjoy their time sitting on cement benches in the lush green grass. 

Exhausted from their apprising new adventures, Annie finds a peaceful place to rest for a few moments to soak in the foreign beauty of everything around her.  Choosing a bench right next to her own, Rick looks up towards the sky and smiles lost in his own thoughts.  He glances over at Annie who shyly for a few seconds returns his friendly gaze. 

“Hey!  Where did you go?” interrupts Lauren “You were behind me one moment and then I look again and you’re gone!  You can’t leave me alone, I need you to show and explain what everything is to me since I’ve never been here before”.

In return Rick squints his eyes as if the sun is too much to take in and takes his palm to cover his eyes before speaking, “This is a great view.  You might want to find a place of your own to enjoy it for a few minutes.”

“Oh, okay” reluctantly agrees Lauren and after accessing the situation, plops down next to him on the bench barely long enough for two. “I guess it doesn’t hurt to take a break, but I really don’t like being bored.”

Just after her, Ben Wick finds a shaded spot directly across from Annie and takes out a favorite book with a worn cover from his backpack. He brushes the cover lightly with his hand before opening it to one of his favorite passages.

“I think you might like this one Annie” kindly offers Ben Wick “I found it last night and thought that I would share it with you today.”

“Really? What is it?” asks Annie curious to discover what might be an insightful reflection for the day.

“It’s really a rather familiar quote from Sir Galahad by Tennyson” finding his place Ben Wick slowly  begins to read with dramatic effect “’My good blade carves the casques of men, my tough lance thrusteth sure, My strength is the strength of ten because my heart is pure’. ”

“What is that suppose to mean?” sarcastically asks Lauren “It sounds like a sword fight. None of us are going to get into a sword fight today that I know of.”

Deciding whether to respond or not, Ben Wick silently stares at her for a moment biting his lower lip before answering “It means when the tough times come, if you keep your thoughts and heart centered on the good, you can overcome many difficulties even though at first appearance they may seem insurmountable.”

“Oh, I never thought about that.  What a lot to get from a few words” genuinely reflects Lauren wondering how much she considers the good or bad of anything as much as only relying on impulse before making a decision. “How do you know if something is “good” anyway?”

“I don’t know.  I think usually when something is good there are some trademarks that are clearly evident” considers Ben Wick pleasantly surprised that Lauren would ask him a philosophical question “In my opinion ‘Good’ can be defined by a few things such as: if it makes everyone around you better for that experience or knowledge; if it respects who you are without decreasing anyone else’s value; if it encourages and protects the general feelings of love and well-being, but also counter-wise does not include any negative connotations such as shame or resulting in a consequence of guilt.”

“Ummmm …. Interesting, I’ll have to think about that one a little more” returns Lauren and then shaking her head as if removing any deeper thoughts then stands up announcing “I’m ready to go shopping!  It’s our first day off in a week from working in the children’s home and I want to find a Colca bracelet, a hand-painted ceramic bowl to bring home for Mary, and a silver necklace for myself.”

After being persuaded, Rick reluctantly follows her lead with Ben Wick and Annie chatting together over a few favorite lines of poetry slowly trailing along behind them.

After a few quotes, Annie feels more comfortable with Ben Wick and forces herself to ask him a few questions that might tell her a little more about Rick and the years that she has missed him. “You’ve been friends with Rick for a long time.  What was he like over the years?” curiously asks Annie wondering what changes in his life occurred to make him into the man he has become.

“Rick? Yes, we’ve been friends for awhile now” remembering into the past, Ben Wick glibly shares  “When I first met him, some stupid girl had rejected him and he was pretty torn up about it. He’s a great guy.  She must not been worth his time to even consider giving him up. I hadn’t met my girlfriend yet that I’ve lost so I had no clue why he was grieving so much over someone that he probably needed to do without.  Although not too empathetic, I tried to help him out and get over her which is how we became friends.”

“Did he date much?” cautiously asks Annie not sure that she wants to actually know the answer because it might be too painful.

“Not really.  His friends set him up on a few blind dates or tried to do a little matchmaking in groups, but no one really captured his attention.  I don’t think that he ever completely recovered from his old girlfriend, but he never mentions her either” explains Ben Wick focusing his attention on Rick and Lauren talking just ahead of them “However, I think he is older now and starting to look for someone to share his life with so he is not so lonely and settle down.”

“Whatever happened to the girl?” asks Annie wondering what the rumor came to be about herself.

“I’m not sure.  I actually think that I overheard once in a conversation when a friend of his came to visit from his home that she’s become a bit of a recluse and not the marrying type, but don’t quote me” offers Ben Wick and then continues more insightfully “Rick is a really capable and an outstanding guy.  I would trust him for anything. He’s going to need someone rather unique and special to match him.  He needs someone who can be something of a leveler for him so that he doesn’t overwhelm them too much by his abilities or that also isn’t in constant awe of him either like some of the younger girls tend to be. I’m surprised you haven’t been interested in him yet.”

Looking down to avoid any embarrassment being recognized, Annie deeply blushes and pretends that her sneaker has become untied. Annie quietly suggests “We knew each other a very long time ago. But I doubt he really remembers me from then anyway.”

“Maybe not, I’ll have to ask him about it” considers Ben Wick “Sometimes he misses the obvious.”

Walking back towards them, Rick asks “Do you want get some mazamorra morada for a treat?”

“What is that?” skeptically asks Lauren not too sure about all this new food she’s been trying over the last few weeks. 

“It’s a purple corn desert in sort-of a jelly substance with fresh and dried fruits in it.  It’s delicious!” enthusiastically explains Ben Wick being one of his favorite desserts “You have to try it!”

“Ok, if you say it is good, it probably is.  So far you have been right about everything” compliments Lauren swaying back a forth a little noticing how surprisingly handsome Ben Wick looks today “I can trust your judgment as far as food is concerned.”

As the group moves the trail to the hill, Lauren pretends to find it difficult to walk on the cobblestones.  At every opportunity where she can create enough reason, Lauren grabs Rick’s hand in an effort to steady herself and to keep from falling.  She widely smiles directly into his eyes every time he turns towards her in a protective manner to see if he can save her from losing her balance.

Watching her, makes Annie feel like gagging but manages to keep her emotions in check other then occasionally rolling her eyes when the acting is a bit overdone. Ben Wick noticing the same thing looks over to Annie in agreement with a smirk and shrugs his shoulders at the entertainment.

“Rick might end up with her if he is not too careful!” observes Ben Wick in a slightly mocking tone “I don’t think he realizes the welcoming trap he is walking into.”

Suddenly feeling alone and if she might have lost Rick forever, Annie feels a sharp pang of remorse as his comment sinks into her heart and mumbles “I don’t think so either ….”

As the find seats at the outdoor restaurant, Rick orders for the group and turns to Annie “Would you be interested in going to Machu Picchu on our day off next week?  Major Smith has offered to let us borrow the mine-bus for any of the team that would like to go.  The Inca Indians are quite a fascinating people. I know you like history and this might be a place that you would like.”

“Sounds great!  I was hoping there would be an opportunity to go while we are here. A few years ago I took a sociology class specifically focusing on the culture and achievements of the Inca Indians. I read quite a few more books before we came too about their history” explains Annie feeling as if she may be boring everyone at the table especially Lauren who is re-applying her mascara and obviously checked out of the conversation.

Rubbing her eye, Lauren turns to Rick “I think I have an eyelash in my eye.  Can you see it?”  She leans in very close as Rick politely moves his head away and to the side from her but attempts to help her.

“So, you like sociology?” curiously asks Ben Wick being his minor in college and pleased to find something else that he can share in his friendship with Annie.

“Yes, very much so … I enjoy learning what makes people interested in the things that they are, how their rules and codes of conduct are developed, how they share life within their families, how their language is defined over their years – any and all of it is fascinating to me” sincerely shares Annie feeling slightly uncomfortable talking about herself so much.

Not discovering anything, Rick swiftly scoots his chair a couple of inches away from Lauren and turns towards Annie placing his hand on her arm to grab her attention while he is speaking “I have a couple of books back home that you might be interested in reading sometimes”.

“Thanks!” replies Annie feeling pleasantly surprised by his touch while taking another bite of her dessert but not sure how to process how she is feeling at the moment.

“I guess it’s about time we head back to the children’s home.  They’re probably wondering where we are.  Harriet and her mom took everyone else to the beach today so they should already be back since it is nearly dark” suggests Rick paying for the bill in nuevos soles banknotes which he previous exchanged at HSBC, a large international bank, to give him the best rate.

“I’m riding shotgun!” shouts Lauren moving quickly to the passenger door before the others can reach the van to return to their temporary home.  Rick unlocks the doors as everyone climbs in and secures their seatbelts for the upcoming ride on a tricky narrow road up the side of the mountain.

 

The Covenant - Chapter Ten

“Hola mi amigos!  Como estan Ustedes?” Shrieks Harriet running down the pathway into the luggage area completely bypassing the security guard and over to her American friends.  He smiles recognizing her uniform and having met her many times before at the airport.  She hops and stops right into front of Annie and gives her a gigantic hug.  “Are you still reading?  I miss our book club so much!”

“Yes” giggles Annie brushing a strand of hair away from her face “I miss you sharing your wonderful ideas! You need to come back to our corps this summer although I’m sure your boyfriend has first dibs on where you want to go.  But you have to promise to visit!”

“I’m so glad you’re here!  We’re going to have such a great time together!” exclaims Harriet clasping her hands and jumping with enthusiastic pleasure being able to be with her friends again.

“Have you met Captain Wentworth yet?” asks Annie wanting to make everyone comfortable with their new friend.

“I don’t think so.  He’s a good looker” frankly states Harriet and then in a lower confidential tone but way to obvious with her intention as her wide eyes proclaim “Annie maybe you need to take a look in his direction.  It certainly wouldn’t hurt.”

Overhearing Harriet’s comments, Rick catches Annie’s eye as she deeply blushes unable to figure out how to respond in a calm and natural way. Annie giggles instead and shakes her head at her friend.

Seeing the Rick’s focus has moved from her, Lauren swiftly moves into place next to Rick “Do you mind helping me with some of my luggage? I might have brought one too many things with me.”  Lined up in front of her is seven bags in a variety of sizes from gigantic case to a makeup tote of leopard print luggage.

Wanting to check on Annie but being unavoidably deterred, Rick sighs and politely smiles, “I think they have luggage carts which would help you much better. I’ll get one for you.”

Within a few minutes, Rick finds the money that he has already exchanged and puts coin into the cart rack enough for three carts.  He moves one next to Lauren’s luggage and then heads toward where Annie is standing.

“I didn’t know if you needed a cart, but I have an extra one if you would like to use it.” Kindly offers Rick making an effort to have a moment to speak with Annie.

“Thanks, that was very thoughtful.  I only have one suitcase that has wheels and a backpack, but we could load on the school, toiletries, and medical supplies that we brought with us on it” looking around for a moment Annie adds “I think everyone else has their own instrument to carry too so a cart will be helpful.”

“Annie, I don’t think it would be a problem if you would like to go with us tonight” hopefully offers Rick, “If there are any issues that arise, I should be with the younger members of the team anyway. Ben Wick has decided to come along too with us so it will be a group event.”

“Oh, I’ll definitely think about it” states Annie while shuffling through her backpack to find her passport once again “I enjoy walking in the city at night and seeing the sights.”

“There you are!” rushes Lauren pushing her overloaded cart as quickly as she can up next to them. “This is so heavy.  You are so much stronger than me, I need your help.  I can push your cart while you push mine! I’ll save you a seat next to me on the bus too while the luggage is being loaded underneath.”

“Uhh … thanks” slightly dismayed states Rick looking back at Annie who has already started to walk towards the Exit doors of the airport towards the rest of the group that is waiting outside for the bus to arrive.

“I brought a couple of tour books with me and we can look at them while we drive to our destination.  You can help me pick out places that you would like to see while we are here on our free days” firmly offers Lauren with a smile looking directly into his eyes and insisting “It’s going to be so much fun!”

While waiting for the bus to arrive, Harriet runs and slides on the wet cement as if she is riding a slick surfboard and gently bumps into Ben Wick before stopping.  “Oh, sorry! I was just having some fun.  Have you ever been surfing?  You should try it sometime!”

“I haven’t been in a very long time.  Deidra loved to surf. Since my girlfriend was in a fatal car accident last year, I really haven’t been doing a whole lot of anything” fumbling with his luggage, Ben Wick takes a small awkward pause before continuing  “This summer was rather given to me as a gift to get away for awhile and hopefully get a fresh start”.

“I’m so sorry to hear about your girlfriend” offers Harriet brushing her hair behind her ear but then not knowing what else to say looks at the rest of the group loading into the bus “I think there is a empty spot open next to Annie. I’m already sitting next to my mom who is the corps officer and I think Annie is sitting alone.  She might like some company if you don’t mind.”

“Sure, no problem” replies Ben Wick feeling a sense of relief “She seems very nice and it will give us a chance to become better acquainted before the summer of service really begins.  This is my sixth year on a service corps team.  I could have been a leader as I have in the past, but I asked to have some time off from that role which is why they ended up assigning an officer to the team for the summer.  Captain Wentworth is a good friend and mentor too.  I’m so glad he is the one that territorial headquarters assigned to the team.”

Entering the bus Harriet shakes her hair back and adds a bandana as a hair band to hold back her dark curls. “Hey everybody!  We have a few announcements.  You are being passed back a brief of the daily schedule for the next six weeks.  Of course, the best thing to do is to “go with the flow” as you Americans say.  Being “flexible” with a consistent good attitude are the essential keys to a happy and fulfilling summer!  We’re very excited that all of you have come to help and serve.  There are many needs that will be uniquely filled by each one of you.  Remember God sent you here for a purpose and has many wonderful and challenging things in store for you. Keep your heart close to Him and everything will be all right.”

Rather than chatting with Lauren, Rick pulls out a large black leather notebook filled with various letters, forms, and papers.  He seems to concentrate heavily on what they contain.  Lauren a little perturbed takes out her small mirror and reapplies her lipstick and mascara hoping to gain some wanted attention.

As they pass the quiet countryside, Ben Wick pulls out a book from his gray knapsack and begins to read. 

“So, you like Tennyson?” politely asks Annie surprised that anyone on the team would be interested in poetry as well.

“Yes, he’s one of my favorite.  But I also thoroughly like Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and E.E. Cummings” offers Ben Wick pleased to find a kindred spirit for the summer.

“I like Langston Hughes who was part of the Harlem Renaissance and Emily Dickinson.  But Lord Alfred Tennyson is definitely my favorite.  I like especially like “In Memoriam” about the death of his friend.  I particularly like “Break, Break, Break” as a individual poem.”

“I’m reading “In Memoriam” about Arthur Hallam right now” surprised that Annie would even recognize his poetry “The series is helping me get through losing Deidra.”

“I understand. You can feel every emotion with each line” reflects Annie starting to quote a favorite stanza with sensitive inflection“Be near me when the sensuous frame is racked with pangs that conquer trust; and Time, a manic scattering dust, and Life – a fury, slinging flame”

“Yes!  How about ‘I sometimes find it half a sin, to put to words the grief I feel, for words like nature half reveal, and half conceal the soul within’ is one that I quote often to myself” offers Ben Wick smiling at his new companion.

“I know one too!” jumps Lauren into the conversation from across the aisle feeling a bit bored with her seat partner “’It is better to have love and lost than never to have loved at all!’ But I don’t know anything else in particular he ever said so don’t ask me.”

“That is a good one too” politely responds Ben Wick with a bit of a smirk and then turning to Annie.  “Here is another favorite ‘And, what delights can equal those that stir the spirit’s inner depths, when one that loves but knows not, reaps a truth from one that loves and knows?’”

“Oh I like that one!” exclaims Annie pleased with her unexpected new friend “We’ll definitely have to share our quotes.  Maybe we could have one we pick every morning that we can share with each other?”

“Sounds like a great idea!  It will make the summer all the more interesting with something to inspire us each day” quite content Ben Wick smiles from the corners of his eyes “I think this is going to be a good summer already.”

“Before I forget for each person I have a bookmark for you to place in your Bibles not only for the summer, but to remember to pray for us when you return to the States” explains Harriet taking a cluster of colorful hand-woven crosses out of her bag and handing them to Lauren to pass around on the bus. “We’re stuck in a bit of traffic but don’t worry it’s really not that much further to the children’s home in the mountains.”

“When are we going to eat?” asks Hailey putting an arm around Chris “We’re both really hungry!”

“I forgot about that.  We’re going to a local restaurant and for those a little more adventurous I would suggest that you need to try to eat some Cuy which is a local favorite” giggles Harriet as if she is holding a secret that is just about to burst from her “You can get it baked or BBQ’d.”

“I might try some of that” considers Annie while Ben Wick smiles at back at her.  He has been on many trips to Peru and had enjoyed the delicacies of the area, but carefully debates within himself whether to tell her or not what it is before she tries it.

“I definitely want to get some music while I am here.  I’ve listened to quite a bit these last couple of weeks. I enjoy listening to the drums and wind instruments” remembers Annie having downloaded quite a few songs “I would like to bring a Zampona back home with me if I have a chance to find one.”

As the bus comes to a half by a local restaurant in the center of town, everyone quickly embarks into the new world encountering in awe of the colors, design, and architecture of the buildings and the people that surround them.  The group opts to enjoy the outdoors and finds a cluster of tables under the canapés outside.

The breeze is cool and welcoming in the upper sixties since Lima is in the mountains, but as the summer continues the air will decrease in temperature more like fall weather for the team. 

Taking the lead, Ben Wick locates a table with a good view of the city. Annie follows closely behind him and he pulls out a chair for her.  Observing where everyone is seating, Rick notices Ben and Annie and heads toward the same table with Lauren in tow hurrying to claim the fourth seat.

Everyone settles into a comfortable place and begins to scan the unfamiliar menu requesting translation of Harriet and her mother several times.   Annie has already confessed to the team they probably know more Spanish that she does, but she makes an effort to speak and try to communicate in her rather peculiar accent and broken grammar to the waiter, the security guard, the bus driver, and just about anyone else that she meets.

“I only eat things when I know what they are.  I am a very picky eater” pronounces Lauren skeptically moving unfamiliar vegetables to the side of her plate.

“It’s always good to try things.  For one, your host will feel appreciated as they share with you some of their favorite things; and two, you might find something new that you really like; and three you’re here to experience the culture in order to blend and connect with the people you are helping.  By rejecting things that are important to them, you will only isolate yourself and be less effective” instructs Rick feeling as if it is necessary as the leader to set a standard of conduct. 

Listening quietly with his years of service corps experience in many different countries Ben Wick graciously interjects, “As a bit of advice, limit how much you compare the States to what is available to them or habitually whine about things you are missing.  Find a way to appreciate what is in front of you and let yourself experience whatever it is for its own worth and value.”

“Well, you’ve convinced me to at least try this dessert.  The picarones look like little donuts” taking one from the plate Lauren critiques “These are the best ever!  They taste a something like pumpkin and the chancaca syrup is really good too! I may need to take a goodie bag with me for later …”

“So what are the plans for tomorrow?” asks Annie taking the last bite of her tres leches cake.

“What about tonight?” interrupts Lauren simultaneously moving her chair closer to him “Captain Wentworth, are we going to walk the city? It looks like Annie and Ben Wick will have everything covered while we are gone.”

“Actually, I’ve invited Annie and Ben to go along with us since both Harriet and her mom will be staying at the children’s home for those who want to catch up on some sleep” answers Rick not wanting anyone to think they are already an ‘item’ “The four of us would be a good size group to do things together while we are here”.

In response Lauren lets out a huff and then purses her lips, “I guess that will be all right” and then takes a moment to glare in Annie’s direction but then cunningly smiles back at her “We easily fit into two couples, Annie can partner with Ben Wick when necessary.”

“Sounds great to me!” agrees Rick pleased to be sharing the time with his best friend and another he wants to be reacquainted with.

“Good, we’ll be able to have a few more discussions about our favorite poets and writers” suggests Ben Wick looking forward to the future adventures together and feeling much better than he has in months.

“Yes, I think it will be fun.” Affirms Annie cautiously wondering how the dynamics of this small group will play out over the next six weeks.