My Melody

Chapter 40

There was no where to run. I wish we had more distance between us then I could believe that we'd have a chance at getting away.

"Don't call me that," I yell backing away as he and his men approached. "How could yo- How could you do that to Marcos?! He loves you like a brother. He considered you family, and you betray him like this?" Charlie gives me an incredulous look. "Yeah I know about the conflict between y'all. It was all over the news." I said as I make my way up the path. Aline was walking carefully watching the men.

"fugir de nós! deixe-nos em paz!"(Get away from us! Leave us alone," ) She screams. But as soon as she sees Marcos father she burst into tears.

I make my way over to Aline. As we continue to move up this steep hill. Charlie and another one of his men gain on us. I slip a bit on loose rubble,but gain my footing and keep running. I feel someone grab my leg. I try to kick him off of me,but it was of no use. He had a good grip on my ankle. Then something happened unexpectedly. Aline took the gun from my waist ban and shot the man. The sound of the gun made a piercing pop. Momentarily making me pause. Charlie's hands went up in a surrender like pose. The man that was with him was hit in the lower torso. Dubbling over from the pain,and ended up falling over the side of the cliff. I don't know if he's dead,but he sure is hurting. Aline then started to yell at Charlie pointing the gun at him. Not knowing what she was saying I just watched and continued to move further up the hill. He then starts to back away going back down the hill wearing his signature smile. Just like that? Yeah okay I don't trust it. We both look at each other,and she gives me back the gun I can't help but notice two of the trucks were already gone. As if sensing what I was thinking she nods her head towards another direction for us to go. We then continue on our journey. I now feel a bit paranoid. I'll be sure to stay on my guard as we continue traveling. I don't know how long we have been walking,but I'm starting to feel a bit light headed from lack of sleep,food and water intake. I had stopped and leaned on a tree to catch my breath.

"Como. continue a andar. estamos quase lá," (Come on. Keep moving. We're almost there), Aline said as she came over grabbing my arm pointing towards some trees,and what looked to be smoke rising. I look at her with hope.

"Okay,okay I'm up." Although I didn't know what she had said. I knew she wanted us to keep moving. We walked on not stopping until we arrived at a small town with what looked to have a decent population. I looked around to see any store type business that might have a phone. We went into four different establishments,and no phone was available. We then saw a hotel,but for some reason Aline didn't want to go inside,but I didn't care. I dragged her in with me. We were met by an elderly gentleman who let me use his phone. At first I wanted to call the local police,but I saw a few uniformed officers at one of the hideouts so I scratched that idea. Then I went with my gut and called my father.

"Pick up, pick up, pick up, please pick up dad." I whispered. He didn't answer so I left him a message with our location. Told him that I love him,and to hug and kiss Michael for me. I honestly don't know what's going to happen next. I didn't think this far ahead. I know we can't stay here but for to long. I'm sure word of mouth will make its way around,and I don't believe that Marcos's father just gave up once a gun was pulled. The old man in the hotel must've felt pity for us because he then gave us a room for the night free of charge. We thanked him and made our way to the room. Entering the room it was a typical motel style setting with one queen size bed. The sheets,carpet,and drapes looked a little dated but the room was clean and that's all that mattered to me. We then went to clean up. When I saw my reflection I couldn't help but cry. My eye wasn't as swollen,but it was a now a purple colored hue clearly trying to heal. The scar on my chin was completely healed and my bottom side tooth was gone. We had no clothes,but Aline and I still took a shower if you could call it that. She washed our clothes there after and we sat in our towels until they dried. We planned to stay here for a day. Leaving tomorrow night. The day was now ending, and I decided that I would stay up while she slept. Then I'd sleep tomorrow morning and then we leave in the evening. We were able to map out where we would go next. I need to get to the U.S. Embassy in Panama City. From Alcantara it should take four hours by bus. Walking I don't even want to try to calculate. That's the only way I'll be able to get home. It was now two in the morning and fatigue started to take over. I found myself nodding off,but I knew one of us had to keep watch. I got up to go splash cold water on my face. It did the trick. As I was coming out of the bathroom I noticed that the front door was slightly ajar,and Aline was gone. I quickly look beside the bed where I left the gun and saw that it was still there. I grab it then go to look out the window.