Page 16 of Love By The Falls

Caleb presses on the gas to keep up with Arturo ahead, and I wish the tour guide would keep his promise to drive slowly.

My hair whips across my face and I praise Jesus for having remembered an elastic. Gathering the wild strands, I secure them with the hair tie into a bun.

But with my hands in my hair, I lose my balance when the Jeep hits another rock. “Whoa!” I say as I grab the dashboard in front of me.

Spreading my legs, I press down on the floor to keep myself steady.

A wave of nausea washes over me and I throw a hand over my mouth.Oh God, don’t let me throw up.

Caleb slows down and Teo groans. I close my eyes, thankful for the respite.

The break doesn’t last long because Arturo drives into the bush. There’s no road, no path, nothing to ease the way. Instead, tree branches smash against the front window and I move closer to Caleb, avoiding any scratches on my arm.

“Whoo hoo!” shouts Teo, pleased with the rough terrain.

I lose Arturo in front of us because of all the trees and shrubs, but Caleb’s face is serene and calm. There’s a small smile playing on his lips. Damn, he’s actually enjoying himself. I inhale deeply again, regaining my inner strength. This could be fun, if I relax a bit more. I could enjoy the wind in my hair rather than curse the loose strands over my eyes.

Caleb shifts gears and the Jeep lurches forward. My back presses against the seat and a quick glance at Caleb confirms he’s indeed enjoying this. His confidence seeps through my fear and my fingers loosen on the leather. My feet still press against the floor, but I smile when the road opens, and we hit a clearing near the top of the next hill.

Arturo stops his vehicle, and Caleb pulls up next to him. Teo and Nikki hop out before Caleb turns off the car. “That was awesome,” says Teo.

I unbuckle my seat belt and climb out, but my legs feel like jelly, and I stumble. “Are you okay?” asks Caleb. I steady myself with a hand on the hood of the car. “Yeah. Just need a minute to get my sea legs, or Jeep legs.”

He waits with me while the others walk up the hill. Tall trees still surround us, and there’s a huge rock formation ahead, but I hear water nearby. Slowly, wecatch up to the others staring at the edge of the hill and the water grows louder until finally I see it—it’s a waterfall.

I’ve been to Niagara Falls, and it’s not as large as that, but despite its smaller size, it’s still mesmerizing to look at. It’s hidden between the trees and rock, and a steady stream falls from seventy-feet, at least. “There’s an entrance through the back. Follow me,” says Arturo.

My body rejuvenated, I easily keep up with the group as we weave through the forest and trek down the rocky side of the waterfall. My foot slips at a wet spot, but I hold on to the cool gray stone along the path.

A hand wraps gently along my waist, and I hear Caleb’s voice in my ear. “I’ve got you.”

Goosebumps rise along my arms, but I don’t think it’s from the mist.

Arturo leads us to a rocky, but flat, surface next to the waterfall. We all stand arm to arm, staring at the natural beauty in front of us.

“Can we jump in?” Teo asks.

I fight the urge to roll my eyes because of course not, but then I hear Arturo say, “Of course you can.”

Teo pumps his fist. “Yes!”

Thank God Charlie isn’t with me. I’d be giving him a lecture about why this is a horrible idea. But I’m not Teo’s mother, so I find a dry spot near the edge to sit.

“Are you going in?” asks Caleb, lowering his body next to mine.

“Not a chance.”

He chuckles. “It does look refreshing, but there are a lot of rocks around. I’m not sure if it’s a good idea.”

“It’s a fucking terrible idea,” I say.

He laughs harder. “I’m surprised to hear you say that.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. You seem the adventurous type, traveling alone, and agreeing to come on an off-road tour with a stranger.”

“Ha, you’re right. Except I would normally never do those things.”

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