Chapter 13
The two women had set up camp not far from the stream that had turned into a lake. Once the fire pit had been built, a nice cheery fire warmed the area. Bobie was feeling the stress of the journey and her body was beginning to retaliate. She set on a flat rock that looked very much like a coffee table and for legs; it had small pillars of rock under it for support. Sarah Clemens was standing near the water gazing out and looking like she just might jump in at any second.
Bobie sighed; it took a lot to hold back the tears that kept trying to find their way out. She did not want the young woman to know how totally useless she was feeling, how deeply she missed Skylar Richmond and their life. So much had happened and she was grateful to be alive and out of that hell hole. Now she was trying to get past this place.
Had she led them into a trap? Was there another way out? Would the others come for them? What would she do?
"Earth to Bobie, are you all right?"
She heard the words as if coming through a fog but immediately responded by looking up and into the wide eyes of a woman who had a very worried look on her face. "Sarah, you caught me daydreaming, sorry."
Sarah sit beside her and said, "Nothing to be sorry about, if one cannot daydream sometimes life can get really tough. I understand for I do this a lot."
Bobie tossed her head allowing golden strands to dance with glee at their new found freedom. "I am trying to figure out if I led us wrong. We did get away from them but where we are at this moment and just what is waiting for us is a mystery."
Kicking, her shoes made marks in the sand, Sarah soothed, "It will be all right, we are together and I have no doubt you will get us out of here. I am just happy to be safe for at least a little while."
"Sorry to have gotten you into this fix."
"Don't feel that way; I did what I felt needed to be done. Not even a snake should get such bad treatment. You are a good person, Bobie Parker I feel terrible at how you were treated."
"Not your fault, but thanks. I owe my life to you and will never forget it. We didn't have a lot of time to look for a better camping area, but think this will do for tonight. Just need to keep the fire stoked and try to rest. Tomorrow we will take our packs and walk the stream down to see what lies ahead."
Sarah stood and said, "When are we going to, you know, get cleaned up?"
Laughing, Bobie replied, "Haven't seen a bath or a shower nearby so it will have to wait, sides we both smell the same. Actually not bad for what we have gone through."
"Speak for yourself Bobie, I do not smell like perfume."
Standing, Bobie winked at Sarah and said, "Then we have to do something about that." Before Sarah new what was happening, Bobie Parker reached out, scooped her up in to her arms and dashed to the water. Sarah's screams went unheard as Bobie walked into the water carrying the woman.
The second she released Sarah in water that was deep enough to take her under she realized perhaps the girl could not swim and dove in after her. The water burned her eyes as she fought to see Sarah. Darting here and there like a fish trying to avoid a shark, Bobie swam underwater, finally giving up she swam to the surface. Feeling a deep ache in the pit of her stomach she slammed her right fist into the water, splashing it and cursed herself for being so careless.
It was at that moment, a hand reached up from behind and pushed Bobie under, she fought to get away, it happened so fast she was not able to catch her breath and as soon as she could she quickly headed for the surface. When she came face to face with Sarah Clemens who was smiling ear to ear, she coughed, "You little devil, I should take you over my lap."
Sarah giggled, "Kind of hard to do in water."
Bobie reached up and brushed wet hair off her face and smiled. "You are contagious. It is nice to see you happy, Sarah."
"Even if I pulled a trick on you?"
"Even if you pulled a trick on me and it was a good one. Have to tell me how you did it, later."
"You are not mad at me, are you?"
"No. Not mad but you did have me worried."
"I'm sorry, I was just funning you."
"I know that now. Well since we are both very wet, time to take off the clothes."
Sarah had the look of a deer in the headlights as she muttered, "Can't."
"What do you mean you can't?"
"Just can't, I'm going in now."
"Sarah the whole purpose of this was to freshen up."
"I think it could be a good idea, but I don't know and neither do you just what may be down there." She pointed downward and the look on her face was one that said,
any second some sort of sea monster might think she was dinner.
Bobie watched Sarah Clemens swim away and head for shore. She finally followed and was soon standing, soaking wet by the fire. Sarah was trying to wring water from her top with little success and finally Bobie said, "Take it off. Lay it on a rock near the fire and it will dry soon. Same with your other clothes."
"Can't."
"Then I'll help you." She stepped toward the woman who only stepped further away.
"I get the hint Sarah, you don't want me to see you naked, and if I promise not to look will you do it?"
"Can't."
"All right but you are going to get mighty cold tonight, you need to dry off and so do your clothes. I for one do not want to freeze, so if you have some sort of thing about the body, don't look."
Sarah stood mesmerized by the freedom Bobie Parker seemed to have. It was nothing for her to whip off the top followed by the bra, then meticulously unbuttoning her jeans and sliding them down, she stepped from them. After picking up the clothes and laying them on rocks near the fire, Bobie turned to gaze at Sarah. The young woman had the rosiest cheeks she had seen in a long time. "As you can see there is nothing to it, Sarah, give it a try."
Sarah seemed to be at loss for words, all she was able to do was stare. Finally Bobie started to walk toward the woman. "Am I that hard to look at, Sarah? I seem to have frozen you on the spot."
"N--no."
"Then what is the problem? There is only you and I out here, and now you have seen me, and can tell I do not hide any secrets." Instantly Bobie knew she had said something that was wrong for Sarah began to cry.
"Stop crying, I'll put the wet clothes back on. Didn't mean to frighten you with my body."
Holding back tears and trying to talk at the same time certainly was a difficult chore for the woman, but she finally was able to say, "You're beautiful. I'm sorry."
"Tell me, what is wrong, then?"
"I am afraid you will not like me."
Bobie was within arms length of Sarah and she stopped tilted her head from side to side then said, "I don't know what you are talking about. I see a beautiful young woman standing in front of me. How could I not like you? Of course I do, we are great friends."
"It's just you are so--"
"I think your eyes need adjusting, for I am definitely not
so whatever you are saying. I am just me, and I hate to think of you freezing all night. Look my clothes are all ready getting dry some. The sooner you take those off, the sooner they get dry. I am sorry for taking you into the water, promise will not happen again."
Bobie had noticed Sarah doing her best not to gaze at her but failing each time. She finally reached out and touched her on the right arm. "Will you do it for me? I will even turn my back."
Grinning, Sarah replied, "You are so cute, trying to make me feel comfortable. This is not a situation I can get comfortable in. But I do need for my clothes to dry. So if you promise not to laugh, I'll do it."
"This is not a laughing matter, Sarah. It is a matter of survival."
Sarah Clemens was the daintiest when it came to removing clothes. Her features were flawless with a complexion that showed she had not spent a great deal of time in the outdoors. Her soft blue eyes were fringed with long curving lashes, an expression made up of the trustfulness of a child and the gentleness of a playful colt, her hair had grown and looked much better now that it was fuller and reached her neck. She had a lithe and rounded figure whose every attitude and movement was filled with grace, most of the time.
Bobie took the clothes she handed her and walked to the fire, strategically placing them, she then turned to gaze at Sarah. "I do not know why you were so cautious about removing the clothes, Sarah, you are beautiful. Come sit on your back pack, next to me and we can stay warm."
Once the two were sitting, Sarah crossed her arms over her breasts and stared at the fire as if urging it to warm the clothes faster.
"Is this the first time you have been naked with a woman?"
Sarah turned her head to gaze into Bobie Parker's light blue eyes and replied, "First time around anyone. That is anyone that was not trying to hurt me."
"I know you mentioned something about the men at the compound, did they hurt you?" Bobie's question was answered before Sarah could reply the moment she gazed at her back and the welts that crisscrossed it. "I feel terrible. This is why you didn't want to take your clothes off, isn't it?" She reached out to lightly touch one of the welts as Sarah pulled away.
"It's nothing. But now that you have seen them you will look at me different."
"Never. They will fade away in time and I know someone that works with herbs, bet they can make sure you never see them again. Please relax, I promise I will not hurt you."
"I know. I trust you Bobie Parker. Have you ever been with anyone like me?"
The question came out of left field and it took a moment for Bobie to digest it. "Like you? What do you mean Sarah?"
"I mean, you know, sex."
Standing, Bobie uttered, "Wow! That certainly was one out of the ball park for me."
"What do you mean,? I don't understand."
"I just never figured you would be one for the
sex talk."
"If you are meaning do I know about the birds and bees, I do. If you are meaning, have I ever been with a woman in that way, no."
"Then why are you bringing it up, we have so much to do, so much ahead of us, sex is the last thing on my mind."
"I think you have me wrong Bobie, I do not mean you and I. I was just asking."
"Kinda personal I think. But to ask a question like that, I will assume you know about Skylar Richmond and myself. And here I leave it. Want to talk about something else, I am up for it, but no more sex talk, please."
"I did not mean to upset you. And yes I heard about you and Skylar Richmond, that is why they had you captive. The love for one another would bring her to you. I know that no one in their right mind would ever want to make love to me because they loved me, I know who I am."
"I do too, Sarah Clemens a really good friend."
That night when they lay near the fire pit, Sarah had donned her clothes, though they were still not the driest while Bobie chose to let hers dry a bit longer. Sarah could see in Bobie's eyes a longing for the woman she loved and could not help but wish some of that was for her. She felt so alone, even if Bobie Parker said she was her friend, she felt if Skylar Richmond should appear, Sarah Clemens would be forgotten instantly.
The next morning when Sarah opened her eyes, she could feel the warmth of Bobie parker against her back. It was a pleasant feeling. She didn't know when Bobie snuggled but she was glad the woman did. It had been cold and she was chilled a lot of the night.
"Sleep all right?" Bobie asked sleepily.
"Fine, hope you did too?"
"Kept warm. We have to do something today about finding some sort of shelter. It may rain."
Sarah sit, then gazed down at Bobie, "I am up for it. Feel refreshed after the water yesterday. What would you like for breakfast?"
Bobie chuckled, "Like we have a choice. I am getting so sick of jerky."
"It has kept us full. I was thinking there are probably fish in that lake. The stream goes on and on, now this large lake makes one wonder just what lies ahead. Maybe we can catch a few."
"With what our smiles?"
"Don't know but I did see Swiss Family--"
"Good show but it was only a movie. Sure hope we do not run into any huge
anacondas."
"You are thinking snakes and I am thinking of how they caught food."
"Like I said, it was only a movie and they can do just about anything in a movie."
Once they were up and having stoked the fire again, they sit and ate the few remaining pieces of jerky left. Now it was obvious they had better figure out some other source of food and soon.
When they were finished, each took their back packs and began to make a reconnaissance trip of the area. Sarah glanced back and asked, "Do you think we will make it back here today?"
"All depends on how far we go. I want to follow the stream's path. We can branch out and check both sides of the canyon at the same time."
"Just so I don't lose sight of you."
"Sarah I am sure if you had to, you could handle this all by yourself. But do not worry; I will be within eye view."
In the beginning it was an easy trek, but this soon changed. The path was a rather dubious and uncertain one; they followed the ridge that ran along the steep canyon walls. A similar ridge seemed to run on the other side of the canyon as well. Bordering to the left and to the right they could enjoy strange contrast in the scenery. On the left there were many craggy looking granite spikes that appeared to be nature made. The walls were sprinkled with heavy vines but on the left there appeared to be a grassy basin.
It was a world of uneven ground of no trees but once in awhile they would see mist filled hollows and tall granite spirals that seemed to multiply. Sarah pointed to the broken granite and what may have been a circle of huts. She squealed, "Look, a ruins of some kind!"
The two descended slowly to the area and when they reached the bottom, Bobie said, "There are stones strategically placed, it is like some sort of--"
"Don't say sacrifice ritual."
"Turning to look at Sarah, Tilting her head to the left she replied, "Didn't have to, you just did."
"Do you really think that is what it is?"
Bobie walked around the area, she bent down several times to pick up a stone, finally she said, "Skylar would love to investigate this place."
Sarah's face blew up like a bull frogs would as she said, "Always her, the woman must be in your blood."
"You know we are a couple. This is her job, at least some of what she does. So yes, I thought of her. I don't know about you, but I would just as soon be far away from this place before dark."
"Me too." Sarah grabbed Bobie's hand and pulled her along.
Once they had left the area, and were on more solid ground the two began to look for a place to make camp. It was as they neared one of the canyon sheer cliffs that Bobie spotted an opening in the wall. She pointed it out and they made their way to the spot.
Sarah looked up and said, "This thing just keeps going up. Jack and the Beanstalk have nothing on this place."
Laughing, Bobie said, "Thank goodness there is no giant. And we do not have to climb to the clouds. But I wouldn't mind finding the
golden egg."
"Me either."
There was a lot of dead shrubbery and vines covering the area and the two began to pull it away. Bobie used her trusty knife to cut through some and Sarah hauled it far enough away. Immediately in front of the cave was a small terrace, partly formed by nature and partly by the earth that had been swept there by the winds. One cliff seemed to fall off in front of the terrace and the approach by its sides, under the ridge of rocks looked difficult and dangerous.
Sarah gazed at it, her hands on her hips and said, "It looks like a cave, but why was it hid?"
"Probably just the way things grew."
"I don't know, Bobie, after that ritual thing I am not sure going into a cave is a good thing. Could be anything in there."
"Then I'll go in and if I don't come back, you high tail it out of this place."
"Don't talk like that, I would be lost without you. Be sure you have your knife."
Gazing at Sarah with a look of wonder, Bobie said, "I have it, but just like the T-Rex, won't do much if it is a
Saber Tooth Tiger."
Her face looked like it was going to spark and fly off any second into a million fireworks as she muttered, "Don't talk like that. You keep it up and eventually we will see just that."
Grinning, Bobie replied, "Can't conjure up
Dino's just by talking about them. The worst might be a bear."
"Great, like that is any better."
Raising a right eyebrow, Bobie said, "Yes, I'd have more chance against one of them than the tiger. Now, stop this kind of talk. You stay there, I'll check it out and be right back."
Sarah watched the woman make her way past cobwebs and other debris as she entered the cave. Turning around she gazed up at the canyon walls then back from where they had come.
It seemed like forever before Bobie Parker showed her face again but the woman did make it back. Before she could say a word, Sarah ran to her and gave Bobie a big hug. "You're back, you're back."
"Embracing Sarah, Bobie replied, "Yes I am. But you might not want to go in there."
Stepping away from Bobie, Sarah asked, "Why? Did you see something?"
"Actually its quite big, seems to go on and on. So I have no idea just what may come walking in. But if we build a fire near the opening and stay in this area, I think we will be fine."
"What now?"
Bobie pointed toward the water and said, "I'll make a spear with the knife and go try to catch a few fish, that is if there are any."
"What are you going to use to keep the knife in the branch?"
Bobie had been sifting through the debris and found a branch she felt would work. "I'll try to niche a spot in the top of the branch, then tie it on with a vine or two."
"Might work in the movies but in real life, not so sure."
"Really Sarah are you always such a naysayer?"
"Just telling it like it is. I know you are good and hope you can do it. I am hungry and you are probably too."
Bobie pointed to several bushes not far from where they stood and said, "Those look like some sort of berries, you might take a look. While I am trying to catch some fish, you could start a fire, so we can cook them."
"Right on, can't wait to see this happen?"
"Don't make fun. You never know, it just might. If not, we can eat berries, that is if they are not poisoness."
"Hurry up, catch the fish, that way you can check out the berries. You are an outdoors person so I think you would have the best way of knowing if they are eatable or not."
"While I am doing this, you make a fire and check out the cave. I don't think we are going to be able to make it back today."
When Bobie made it back to the cave area, she had three fish strung out on a vine. Her Levi pants were rolled up to the knees and a bit damp but the smile on her face was precious.
Sarah ran to greet her and was ecstatic to see the fish. "You did it!"
Handing the woman the string of fish, Bobie smiled and said, "Did you have any doubt?"
Sarah was dancing around like a schoolgirl until Bobie said, "It's your turn now, you get to clean them."
"Oh no, I couldn't."
"But you can. Remove the knife from the branch and clean them. I will make a spit."
"If you say so. I'll take them off a way, and then bury the insides."
"Good, you have done this before I think."
"Maybe a time or two, doesn't mean I like it, but it is you that gets to sleep near me and inhale my smell all night."
"I don't mind if you don't."
That night they ate fish and it was a great treat from the jerky they had been eating, even if a few stickers happened to slip past their lips. When they were finished, Sarah rubbed her stomach and said, "Yum good. I am so happy to be with
Jane of the Jungle."
Throwing back her head and laughing, Bobie said, "No Jane here and thank goodness no jungle. Very cute Clemens, very cute."
The cave was much warmer; this would make it a pleasant night. Bobie smiled when she saw Sarah curl up and drift off. It was good to see the woman rest and not be chilled. She was just getting ready to lay down when she heard a slight cracking as if someone had stepped on a twig. Glancing toward Sarah who was fast asleep, she found the knife and lit a make shift torch, then began to walk further into the cave.
It wasn't long before she spied a figure darting in and out of the crevices of the wall. Though not deep, who ever this was thought they could hide, at least for a while. Taking quick steps, it was not long before the figure was more visible and when the woman turned to stare at her, Bobie's mouth fell open.
Long silky black hair cascaded over her right shoulder. The look on her face revealed she was not happy. The woman wore a full pleated skirt matching a large green shirtwaist top, both held together by a silver concho belt. Her dark brown eyes held surprise in them but she still held the enigmatic opacity of a mystic. "What do you want with me?" The woman's voice was shaky.
"Why are you sneaking around here?"
"I am not sneaking, I was here before you."
Bobie stepped closer and as she neared, the woman said, "It is good to see you again Bobie Parker."
In quick time, Bobie made it to into her welcoming embrace. "It is so good to see a friendly face. I have been so lost."
"I know my child. Come sit, we can talk. Do not worry about your friend, she will be fine."
Once they were seated and Bobie had placed the torch into a small crevice, she sat beside Alice and said, "I am surprised to see you here."
"I come here from time to time to gather a certain herb. I knew you and your friend had also come here. I did not want to disturb you."
"Then you must know what has been going on."
"I know some of it. However, did not know where you were until the day you escaped. Your father taught you well, it was a good thing the way you covered your tracks. But I have to tell you that they are near."
"I was afraid of that. Hoped that they would not attempt to climb the hill to get to this side."
"As we speak they are readying the climb. I would say by mid-day tomorrow they will be in the canyon."
"And you were just going to let this happen and not tell me?"
"I was going to tell you, that is why you heard me this night. You must get your friend and travel further."
"How much further? Is there another way out of here?"
She shook her head. "I know of a cave that I use to come in to the canyon and then I climb the stairs to get back. In order for you to go back, you need to go the way you came. And they are there."
"I cannot let myself end up back in their hands, I have to do something. You say you come here often to hunt for herbs, tell me is there a hiding place?"
She shook her head and replied, "There are many of them but I think they will leave no stone unturned. There is no place you can hide. "I do not know if you have heard the legend of
Whispering Falls?"
Bobie shook her head and asked, "What is it? I have heard of
Savage Falls."
"Not the same. The
Falls are in this canyon. The ridge you walked this morning will take you there."
"But once we get there, what then?"
"That is where the legend comes in."
"Legend?"
"Yes, many years ago, a young warrior and a young maiden fell in love, both were from warring tribes. They were not allowed to see one another ever again. When they were told this, they ran off in the darkness of night. The elders of the tribes sent warriors to bring them back. Once brought back, they would be punished in such a way, love would never be thought of again. There love was so strong, they chose the
Falls instead of what was going to happen if they got caught."
"Oh no!"
"Yes, my child, as the warriors closed in on the two, they embraced and jumped into the
Falls, never to be heard of again."
"That is tragic."
She sighed and said, "It is said there are two worlds that exist in the
Falls, if they fell into the light side, they would be fine, if they fell into the dark side, no one knows just what can happen."
"Sounds like Heaven and Hell to me."
"No. One will be a world such as this, the other will be one of darkness and evil."
"I have heard of things like this but never believed them. So what you are telling me, I can jump into the
Falls, a very scary thought, and still find myself in terror?"
"I have never been there. I only know what has been taught to us for generations. That is one reason the canyon was blocked to outsiders."
"I do not have a choice it seems. I will check it out. Not sure I have enough courage to take the leap. Alice, in case I do not make it back alive, would you please tell Sky, I love her and I miss her."
She gazed into the blue eyes of the woman and realized they held a tone of green to them as she replied, "Child, she knows it. However, I will tell her. I am glad that I was able to help when she was bitten and almost died. Most of all I think it was your love for one another that pulled her through."
Bobie became quiet for a few minutes then she asked, "What can you tell me about her?"
"It is as you thought; she did come looking for you. The second she knew you were missing, she has left no stone unturned. But--"
Fear shown on Bobie's face as she said, "But is not good. What has happened?"
After hearing what Alice knew about Sky and what had befallen the woman, she stood and began to pace the area. "God, I was doing my best to keep her in California and she comes out here and gets shot."
"She is a fighter as we both know and is doing better. It is good she has a friend such as Tara Coltrane to help."
Blond hair flew left then right as Bobie moved with a sadness that even surprised her. "Friend? Coltrane? No. They are enemies."
"Things change and so have they. Come sit and I will tell you about Coltrane and Sky."
When Alice finished telling Bobie all she knew, the woman was amazed, she had little use for Tara Coltrane after the many things she had done to Skylar but had to admit the woman was there when they fought the
wendigo. "I have to face it; Sky has someone in her life now. She needs to get on with it. I seem to be in limbo."
Alice smiled and said, "The two of you will always be connected, even if someone has captured your hearts, the pull will be there and it will bring you back together. I have never seen a love like yours."
"Alice, do you really think the legend is real? That they may have landed in a good place? The two lovers."
"Like any legend a person has to give it some credence. It could be true or it may not be, one has to believe in some things."
"Would you do it?"
"I do not know. I think it would have to do with the time and place, what was going on and if I truly believed. As medicine woman, I have seen many things that cannot be explained."
"I had better get back before Sarah wakes and finds me gone, she will be frightened. Thank you so much for your kindness and for what you said."
The two hugged then Bobie watched Alice disappear into the cave. She picked up the torch and headed back. What Alice had said, was racing through her mind, she knew she would not go back with the people that were coming for her. It was either that, or take the leap. At that moment she had no idea just what she was going to do. When she fell asleep, her last thought was of Sky.
The next morning a much-rested Sarah Clemens was up and filled with happiness. It did not take her long to get some water and sprinkle it on Bobie's face. The woman woke, hands slapping at what she though was a bug of some sort. However, staring up at Sarah and the grin on her face she knew the bug was a very mischievous young woman.
"Gotcha Bobie."
Sitting, she rubbed her eyes then yawned and said, "Sure did. Looks like you had a great sleep."
"You didn't?"
"Not really."
Sarah danced around and said, "I slept like a baby, full stomach, and knowing you were here to protect me, it was heavenly. How come you did not have a good rest?"
"It is good to see you smile and be happy but, we need to talk."
Sadness fell over Sarah Clemens face as she asked, "What happened? Are you sick?"
"Sit. I am not sick. In fact today would be a good day except--"
"I don't like it when you get that look on your face and use the word except. It scares me."
"I have word, the people that held me captive and you are at the hill, they will be here by mid-day tomorrow."
Jumping to her feet, Sarah pulled at her hair saying, "Then we have to do something, gather what we have and keep going."
"Sarah, there is no place to go, this canyon ends and there is no way out. We are trapped and have to accept it."
"No! I will never accept it! Besides how do you know it ends? Do something. You are Bobie Parker; there is nothing you cannot do."
Standing, Bobie tried to smile but failed. "I am just a woman, nothing special about me. I cannot perform magic, and I apologize for bringing you with me."
"I am glad I came. Nevertheless, I am scared of facing them again. They will kill us."
Nodding, Bobie replied, "Not until they are satisfied we have been tortured enough. I for one do not want to allow this to happen."
"Then you do agree we need to keep going forward?"
"No. When you were sleeping a good friend of mine, actually a Medicine Woman from a pueblo that is near Diablo Rio, talked with me."
"I wondered how you knew. For a bit I thought maybe you had a vivid dream. What is someone that far away doing in a blocked off canyon?"
"As Medicine Woman, she works in wondrous ways to heal her people. She is the one that saved Sky when the half man, half demon bit her."
"I think I heard something about that, was not sure it was really true."
"It was. Anyway, she said she comes here to gather a certain herb. In a way it is good she did, for we now know what is going on."
"Is she going to get us help?"
"There is no time. If she did, it would take days and we do not have days. Anyway I don't."
Bobie stood and reached for Sarah's left hand. "There is a legend."
"Oh boy, now we have legends. Maybe the
Lone Ranger will come riding in on
Silver and save the day."
"Not that kind of legend. If you sit back down, I will tell you. What you decide I will understand."
After Bobie told Sarah about the legend and
Whispering Falls, her eyes grew wide, she crooked her mouth and said, "Sure, and there are
Flying Pigs too."
"I'm serious, Sarah."
Once more, she was on her feet but this time the woman began to pace in circles all the time mumbling to herself. Bobie stood and watched then she called out, "You going to do a war dance next?"
Stopping, Sarah turned and stared at the woman. "Not funny Bobie. I just cannot believe you would actually jump into this
Whispering Falls. It is mind boggling."
"What would you have me do? Surrender to them and feel pain again, only this time much more before they kill me slowly. At least this way it will be quick. And who knows maybe the legend is real."
"Sure and so in the
Tooth Fairy. Come back to the real world, there is no legend, there are
falls but we both know what is at the bottom of them if a person even makes it to the bottom."
Bobie walked to her backpack and put it on, then said, "I'm going. You do what you must. I would never ask anyone to jump into something like this with me. Just know I care about you and I am deeply sorry for getting you involved."
Sarah tackled the woman sending her flying backwards and soon was sitting on Bobie's stomach. "I won't let you do it."
"Get off me, the pack is hurting my back. Sometimes I think you have a bulb that has gone out. Don't ask, just get off me." Bobie lay looking up at the woman. For some reason she did not think that Sarah Clemens was going to move.
"Sorry about the pack but you put it on. I'll let you back up when you come to your senses and figure out a better plan."
Bobie reached up grasped her by the waist and with little effort tossed Sarah over her head. She landed with a thud but was soon back on her feet. "That was mean."
"No worse than you tackling me like you did."
"I just wanted you to think about what you said. It's insane jumping into a waterfall."
"All right, you tell me how to avoid these blood hounds and get out of here."
"I'm not the outdoor person, you are. This is the first time I have ever been in a place like this."
"Then my dear, do not try to stop me from what I have to do.
"I'm sorry. I care about you, and it hurts me to see you think you have to do this."
"You know the way back. I will go on by myself. Take care."
As Sarah watched the blond walk away, she felt a pain in the pit of her stomach. The two had grown close and it was hard to see Bobie walk toward certain death. "Dumb legend!" Sarah kicked at the spit, knocking it down. "What do do what to do?" She began to walk back and forth. At this time, the sound of helicopters could be heard and shading her eyes, she looked up to see several choppers heading for the front of the canyon.
Turning her attention to Bobie who was no longer in sight she grabbed her backpack and headed in the direction the woman had taken. "Oh no Parker, not without me you don't."
As she sped off leaving only a trail of dust behind, the sound of choppers was getting louder.
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Continued