Chapter 21: Maria’s Tears

 

With the threat of a thunderstorm looming, the sound of the blue helicopter could be heard a good minute before it settled down on its landing pad.

The door slid open sideways, revealing Blake and Sutton—Blake jumping out first—running over to Maria and receiving a warm embrace. Judy and Sutton soon joined them. To escape the dust being kicked up while the engines were being shut down, the four of them went inside a small office, just off to the right.  

“Well, Major, don’t keep us in suspense any longer.” Judy knew how to come right to the point.

“Maria, we found your father—but we didn’t get to actually see him!”

“Oh my God.  Thank you—Jesus, thank you.  But why didn’t you see him? Is he still alive? Where is he? Is he all right?” Tears began running down her cheeks.  Judy reached out and took her hand. Everyone could see how grateful Maria was at this wonderful news. Blake felt tears in his own eyes as he reached out and handed her his handkerchief.

Sutton nodded at Blake, who then spoke up. “He’s living on Elephant Mountain in a temple of some kind, about four days from the village. So of course we couldn’t go because we had to meet the helicopter. But we’re all welcome back. And remember, Rama—from your father’s letter? Well, from what we were told your father will be with him because Rama has been in India for two years and has just returned. So our timing could not have been better. After we make all the arrangements they will both be there.”  

Looking at Judy, Sutton said, “They want us all to come.”

Judy smiled.  “You mean they’ll be at the village?”

“Oh no, at the temple.  We’ll have to walk there because there isn’t anywhere to land the helicopter on that part of the mountain.” 

Blake stood smiling—that wonderful smile of his—looking at Maria.  She was so happy.  He pulled her closer.

 “That’s right—we’re suppose to meet back at their village as soon as we can. From there they will take us to your father.”

“But what about the Khmer Rouge? Is it safe?”

“Listen, everything’s fine. We were given all assurances. Everyone loves these people. Out of respect for Suryavarman—and they even mentioned the tremendous love the Khmer have for your father—so no, Elephant Mountain is peaceful.  We asked them a couple of times if it would be safe for you. They said that the journey was rugged, but not dangerous.”

Hearing what had just been said, everyone turned toward Judy. What she would say meant everything. Without her helicopter Elephant Mountain was impossible to reach.

“Well, gentlemen, sounds like you did your homework. And Maria, sounds like you and I are headed for quite an adventure.”  Taking her other hand, Judy then announced:  “Now you two gentlemen leave us alone, we’ve got some shopping to do! Why don’t you both go outside and find our pilot and tell him what he needs to know.  And ask him about the other helicopter.  OK Maria, we’ve got some good climbing shoes to buy.”

“Blake, while the girls are shopping we need to see about an extension for our visas. Before they leave, ask Judy if she and Maria can meet us at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in about three hours. Oh yeah, also tell Maria to buy lots of film for her camera.” Another loud roll of thunder rumbled in the near distance.

Making their way back to the orphanage it started to rain hard and by the time they got there, five children stood by the front door, intrigued by the sudden storm. About fifteen minutes later the sun came out.