Chapter 25

Amaris followed Marco up to the building and around the front over by the office. Anna was sitting on the picnic table out front. When she saw Amaris she leaped up and ran to hug her. Anna’s parents walked out of the office with the office manager behind them.

“Ah Amaris. I knew you had not gone too far. You look like you are all in one piece. I think you had quite a fright last night. Thanks Marco. I’m going to take her up to Lyle’s office. She will be safe with us.” Anna’s father patted Marco on the shoulder with his good arm. The two men grabbed each other’s forearms and held on in a show of brotherhood.

“Keep an eye on her from now on! “ Marco laughed as he walked back to his old 1980’s faded blue Chevy pick up truck and got in. He pulled the truck up to where they were all standing by the picnic tables and leaned out the window. “I will let Lyle and the council know that you are on your way. I am sure they will have lunch for you all and then start the proceedings.”

Marco then waved farewell and drove away.

Anna’s Dad had finished his meeting with the motel owner and came out. He was putting his credit card back in his wallet as he came out. “Boy the credit card company is going to faint when they see that charge. Did you know that a King size bed cost $3000.” He shook his head as he placed his wallet back into his back pocket. Amaris and Anna had sat and waited in silence while Anna’s father was inside. Anna had initially been excited and relieved to see Amaris back safe, but now it was almost as if Anna was avoiding Amaris’ gaze. Anna’s Mom and Dad decided to goto the diner across the street for breakfast before the long drive up the mountain.

They walked into the diner and the waitress told them to sit where ever they would like and she would be with them shortly. Anna’s Dad picked the booth at the back of the diner. It was also near the kitchen door and the smells coming from there were making Amaris’ mouth water. It reminded her that it was nearly lunch time and she had not eaten anything today. The waitress came to the table with 4 glasses of water and menus. “I brought you your special menus Ben. Do you and Emily want coffee?” Both Anna’s parents nodded and the waitress bustled away only to return momentarily with two coffee cups, a small carafe of coffee, a small pitcher of cream and a selection of sweetener options in a dish. She turned to the girls and asked for their orders. Anna ordered first and got eggs, ham, a steak biscuit, and bacon on the side. Amaris gave her an amused look and said “Guess you worked up an appetite last night.” And laughed. Amaris went next and ordered fruit cup, eggs sunny side up, and raisin toast. Both of Anna’s parents looked at her, and began to speak at once. “Oh honey you may want to add more protein in than that.” Anna’s Mom said. “You must have worked up more of an appetite than that last night Amaris how about we add some bacon on the side for you too. A double order please Angie.” Said Anna’s Dad. Amaris could not understand what the big deal was this morning. Anna’s parents had never cared what she ate before. Maybe they were feeling worried after last night and the fact that she was out in the woods all alone last night. Both Anna’s parents ordered their breakfasts and they were very heavy of the meat and protein as well. Maybe they were on a new health kick Amaris thought.

As soon as breakfast came out, Amaris immediately regretted not getting more ham or bacon, the smell of all the others’ breakfasts was driving her crazy. Amaris tore into her eggs and left the toast and fruit. Anna’s Dad seemed to know what she was thinking and pushed a huge plate of bacon at her, “I’m glad I ordered you this. Looks like you could use it.”

Amaris smiled and began to polish off the whole heaping plate of bacon. When she was done she could not believe herself. That was more bacon than she could eat in a month. It had tasted amazing. Sleeping outdoors must have made her more hungry than she thought.

Anna was watching Amaris as she finished with a satisfied grin on her face. “Feel better? You really need to start eating more protein. Especially at certain times of the month.” Amaris’ face flushed. It was not like Anna to talk about personal feminine issues in front of her Dad, and it was not that time of the month for her anyway. Luckily that was not for two weeks. Especially since she was wondering around out in the woods in the nude for part of last night. That part was embarrassing enough that she was going to keep that to herself.

Everyone had finished eating and after Anna’s Dad left money on the table for the bill and the tip, they piled in the car and began the long ride up the mountain.