I blinked a few times as the truck hitting a large bump jarred me awake. I was in the middle of a dream that is now causing me questions. I dreamt about Jeff, which all things considered isn’t too far off the rails since he’s my boyfriend and all. I was in his arms and we were kissing and feeling each other. But we were both naked! I don’t even remember a dream where I was naked with my wife. Should I be having such dreams? All I know is that I was pissed at being awakened from it.

“Did you have a good nap, sleepy-head?” asked a smiling Mom looking down at me. She was still holding me in her arms.

I sat up and rubbed my eyes as we bounced along the nearly non-existent road. I squinted to try to look out the window that was now obscured by sunlight on the dirty windshield.

I sighed. “I had a strange dream. More like crazy.”

“Oh?” said Mom. She was obviously expecting me to elaborate.

I looked down at my hands and said, “It’s crazy. I dreamt about Jeff.”

Smiling as she brushed some loose strands of hair from my face, she asked, “What’s crazy about that?”

I gave Mom an incredulous look. I said earnestly, “Think about who I am! I mean, he’s a boy and all.”

Combing my hair with her fingers, she said, “What an exciting time for you, Nell. A time of self-discovery. Young love. You have a whole new life ahead of you.”

I nodded. An old song popped into my head and I said the lyric out loud. “Why must I be a teenager in love?” I pursed my lips as I shook my head at Mom.

Mom pulled me into a hug. “Ah. First love. Your father and I like Jeff too.”

Before I could form a reply to that revelation, Luiz announced as the truck rattled to a halt, “This is as far as we can go, Miss Nell.”

I flashed Mom an ironic smile. I sighed. “Now we hike. We’ll camp here tonight and strike out at first light tomorrow morning on foot.”

Mom groaned. “Lovely.”

* * *

“I wish I’d thought to bring marshmallows,” I said as I sat in the dirt next to Bea watching our camp fire.

My aunt and former sister frowned. “I wish we’d rented a helicopter and just flown in.”

I shook my head at Bea. “We’ve been over this. You can’t really see this place from the air. That’s why nobody except yours truly has found it.”

Still frowning at me, Bea said, “You could have marked it on a map.”

“Where’s your sense of adventure? Isn’t this trek exciting?”

Bea snorted as she tossed a twig into the campfire. “This trek stopped being exciting about after a mile of riding in the back of that stupid truck.”

“The area around the lost city doesn’t look the same on a map as it does on the ground,” I said. “Besides, the windshear coming off these mountains scares the local pilots. I couldn’t hire a big military helicopter.”

Staring at the fire, Bea said simply, “You could have just said that.”

Standing up and brushing dirt from my shorts, I said, “Good night, Bea.”

* * *

Waking up reminded me why I don’t particularly like camping. Even at my new young age, I felt cold and stiff and I must have slept on a rock all night. The sky was just starting to brighten. The jungle surrounding us was alive with the sound of birds and God knows what else. The rest of our expedition was waking up with groans.

As I sat up in my sleeping bag and stretched, I felt my ear being tickled.

“Nell!” shouted my Dad. “Don’t move.”

“What? What?” I shouted, alarmed. Dad slapped my head with the palm of his hand. “What the…?” And then I saw the large tarantula scampering away. I screamed.

I jumped up, dancing around running my fingers through my hair. “Oh my God oh my God oh my God! Arrgh! I had a spider in my hair!” I jumped around yelling.

Luiz laughed and said, “It’s not poisonous menina.”

“I don’t care!” I shouted. “There was a spider in my hair!” I flailed my arms around. “Are there any more?”

Bea was doubled over in laughter. I don’t think I’ve ever seen her laugh so hard.

Mom stood by the truck, covering her mouth trying not to laugh.

Dad said, “I think that was it.”

I whacked Dad on his shoulder. “You didn’t have to hit me so hard!”

Rubbing his shoulder, Dad said, “I wanted to get rid of it before it laid eggs in your hair.”

“Eggs!” I screeched. “In my hair??” I started running my fingers vigorously through my hair. I ran to Mom shouting, “Mom! Mom! Do I have eggs in my hair? Oh my God!”

Mom sifted through my hair as I fought off crying. She said, “Other than needing a return to the salon, your hair is fine. Father, you should be ashamed of yourself.”

I scowled, “Yeah, Dad.”

Bea was gasping for breath sitting in the dirt. “That was hilarious!”

Looking alarmed, Dad said, “Bea. Don’t move.”

Bea chuckled. “I’m not falling for that shit.” The tarantula’s leg touched her cheek. She screamed and swatted at her face, sending the frightened tarantula scurrying into the jungle. I don’t think I’ve ever laughed so hard.

Bea stood up and brushed herself off. “Fuck this jungle.”

* * *

We were underway in our journey an hour and half after sun-up. Dad had asked me if I wanted eggs for breakfast. I just glared at him.

Walking through the jungle wasn’t nearly as hard as it was just a few months ago. We still had to hack our way through some places, but I didn’t nearly as tired as when I was sixty-eight. We all carried our own gear. Luiz carried the radio and extra rations but he was also a pretty big guy. Sadly our cell phones didn’t reach down here.

It was quite warm and I regretted wearing a bra. I was sweating under it, but what was I going to do? Mom and Bea were in the same boat. All of us were wearing boots and panama hats. And insect repellant. Fortunately, we weren’t encountering much in the way of critters besides bugs and birds. And no human critters either. Luiz was the only one in our party carrying a sidearm. And then the brief rain showers. We didn’t have time to plan a full-fledged expedition so we didn’t pack tents.

We stopped at a stream to take a break and eat some of our rations. Just something light like deviled ham and crackers and Vienna sausage. Same things we ate on camping trips when I was a kid. Well, a kid last time.

Sitting on a rock, I checked my map and compass. I found the stream and figured about where we were based on landmarks I could see through openings in the jungle canopy

“We should hit a small clearing in about three hours at this pace,” I announced. “We’ll camp there. It gets dark quick and out here it gets dark. If this map and my memory serves me, we should hit the lost city around noon tomorrow. At that elevation, we can use the radio to contact the Brazilian authorities to make our claim.”

Bea took a drink from her water bottle. “If we get there before Foster.”

I sighed. “It is a race, but we can’t be stupid about it.”

Dad popped the last of his sardines in his mouth. As he wiped some sweat from his brow, he said, “I wish I had a beer.”

I chuckled. “No you don’t. It’s a diuretic.”

Dad frowned at me. “I don’t give a shit what it is. I just want a beer.”

Bea stood up. “On that note, I think it’s time to get going.

* * *

We arrived at the clearing a little later than I had anticipated. It got dark sooner than I expected. There was a break in the jungle canopy revealing a brilliant night sky. The Milky Way displayed in all its glory.

“Isn’t that just gorgeous?” said Mom as she put her arm around Dad’s shoulders. He was eating chili from a can. We didn’t bring pots and pans so we heated the chili right in the can.

Dad scooped up some chili with his plastic spoon. “I know. You can’t see anything like that back home. Not even at the park.” He looked back up and pointed. “Look. There goes a satellite.”

Bea exclaimed, “Hey check this out! I got a signal on my pad! It’s a news channel. Nell you won’t like this.”

We all stood up and walked behind Bea. “Holy shit,” I said under my breath.

“Hey everyone!” said Foster in the news video feed. “We’re in an undisclosed location in the Brazilian jungle.”

Someone off camera speaking with an Australian accent said, “That’s exciting Mr. Foster. Do you think you’ll actually find the lost city of zed?”

The camera zoomed in on a grinning Foster. “Oh yeah. I expect my team and me to arrive there sometime after noon local time.”

“What makes you so confident?”

Looking somber, Foster said, “I’m following the maps and writings of my mentor, Dr. Forscher who died a few months ago in this very jungle looking for the city. I’ve dedicated this expedition to the memory of Dr. Forscher.” The video froze and then pixilated.

“Isn’t that sweet, honey?” asked Mom. “He dedicated his trip to your memory.”

“Horseshit!” I snarled. “How the hell did that blighter get my maps?”

Bea had turned away from me. “Bea? Why do you have that cat that ate the canary expression?”

Bea jumped up and shouted, “Yes Neil. I did it! I sold him copies of your maps and note books.”

I kicked her in the shin. “You bitch! Why?”

Bea sat down and rubbed her shin. “For a piece of the action. I was just hedging my bets. You would have done the same.”

“That’s beside the point!” I snarled. “How dare you betray me!”

Bea just laughed. “What’s so funny, bitch?” I demanded.

Standing back up, Bea said, “Watch that ‘bitch’ talk sweetie or I may change my mind.”

I squinted at her. “What are you talking about?”

Bea tested putting weight on her ankle. “I’ve already bribed the government official to use your name no matter who calls in with a claim. I learned that from you.”

Mom sighed. “Am I the only honest person in this family?”

Dad said, “You got me, cupcake.”

Mom just folded her arms.

* * *

We got an earlier start on what I hoped would be the final leg of our journey. It was still on the dark side when we finished what passed for breakfast. Bea’s treachery meant we had to pick up the pace.

It rained most of the morning making the jungle steamy as well as hot. It was a light rain, but we were all thankful it stopped after an hour or so. Of course the rain brought out more bugs and creepy crawlies. It also enhanced the smell of the jungle and the rich, dark earth that we labored to walk on.

After we crossed another stream, we took a snack break as our hike became more tiring as we began to ascend a mountain.

As the sun broke through the clouds, I grinned as I looked around at the jungle below us. “I remember this! We’re close guys. We’re very close.”

Dad grunted. “Why couldn’t this lost city be near a McDonalds or something?”

I stumbled as I slipped on some mud. “When we reach the summit, be on the lookout for the pointer rocks. And Dad, don’t fall off a cliff this time.”

“It’s not like I did it on purpose!”

“I can’t see shit with all these trees in the way!” complained Bea.

“This all looks familiar,” I said. “The rocks will be sticking up out of the jungle.”

The sun had past its zenith and I was starting to get worried. Had I miscalculated? Had we wandered off the trail?

Luiz stopped and pointed. “Are those the rocks you talked about Miss Nell?” And there they were. A bit more covered by jungle growth, but definitely the two pointer rocks.

I grinned as I stared happily at the rocks. “Good job, Luiz! Careful going down this slope. That means you, Dad.”

Dad scowled at me. “Will you stop?”

We reached the level plain of the city. The jungle had been busy reclaiming the city but the ruins were clearly visible this close. As we walked into the overgrown street, I raised my arms and shouted, “Behold! The lost city of Z!”

“Luiz, set the radio down so we can call in our claim,” said Bea, obviously excited. Luiz unslung his backpack and set it on the ground.

“I wouldn’t do that if I were you,” snarled a man along with two others stepping out from behind a vine covered crumbling building. The man who spoke wielded a nasty looking shotgun, the other two armed with rifles. I recognized him instantly as Clarence Foster.

Luiz’s hand started to reach for his sidearm, a Clock 10mm. Foster quickly brought up his shotgun towards Luiz. “Not so fast, bucko. Put the pew pew down, nice and easy like. That’s right. Now back away from it.”

“Foster!” growled Bea. “What’s the meaning of this? We had a deal!”

Foster laughed and glanced at his two friends. “Do you guys remember signing a deal with this dried up old bitch? Yeah, me neither.” Addressing Bea, he said, “And even if I had-a, don’t mean shit now. I’ve changed my mind. Think of it! Unlimited youth, unlimited health, unlimited wealth and unlimited bitches. It’s bad enough I have to share it with these two dorks.”

Bea shook with anger, her face turning red. Dad stepped in front of Mom.

Turning his attention back to Bea, Foster laughed and said, “Oh, and Beatrice dear. My uncle over-rode your bribe with a bigger one. So we win no matter what.” He turned his attention to me. “And little bitch. Let’s not forget about you. Tell your grand pappy thank you when you join him in Hell.”

Foster slung his shotgun over shoulder and looked at one of his men. “Hand me that sat-phone. I got a little business to do. If any of those jokers makes a move, waste ‘em”

Foster punched a few numbers on the satellite phone. After a few moment’s pause he grinned and said, “Hey Batista! Foster here. Yeah , I’m ready to take options of the land at these coordinates.” He looked at a pad device and rattled off some numbers. “That’s right. For the agreed upon amount. Throw a little extra in for yourself. Great doing business with you. What’s that? Nope. No sign of the other party.” He hung up.

“You bastard!” snarled Bea.

Foster laughed. “You’re right. I am.” He handed the phone to one of his partners. “Call the pilot. He should be able to land right here.” He waved his hand in a wide arc. Grinning at us, he said, “Well come on. Don’t you want to see the fountain? The chopper won’t be here for twenty minutes.” He gestured for us to follow him.

We walked through the silent, dead city. The only sounds were birds and the wind in the trees. I thought of making a break for it. But no way could I outrun a bullet.

Foster turned and ran his finger down my cheek. “Don’t worry cutie. We won’t be having our way with you. Don’t want to leave any pesky DNA around when you’re found at the bottom of the cliffs. I’d do Beatrice, but she’d probably enjoy it.” He laughed heartily.

After a few minutes, we arrived at the town square where the fountain bubbled its dangerous liquid. Foster pointed at one of his henchmen. “Get a shot of this.”

Foster stepped up to the fountain and outstretched his arms. “Behold, ladies and gentlemen! I give you, the fabled fountain of youth!”

The henchman who wasn’t holding a camera ran up to the fountain, shouting, “First dibs!” He put his mouth over the small opening of the trickling water and drank deeply.

I whispered to Bea, “He’s drinking too much.”

Foster laughed and shoved the man away from the fountain. “Back off, big guy. I want a taste of youth myself.” He took a few sips and backed away frowning. “That’s got quite a metallic tang to it.”

The third guy lowered the camera and grinned, “Hey, me too!” He put his mouth over the fountain and took a drink. He backed off when he heard the scream.

In an absolutely disgusting spectacle of horror, the first man began to shake and then literally exploded in a mass of blood, flesh and bone flying through the air. Foster looked like he was about to throw up.

Looking horrified, Foster backed away from the fountain, covering his mouth. “Oh my God! We drank that shit!” He looked over at us with terror in his eyes. “Why didn’t you warn us!”

“I’ve never been here before,” I lied.

Before our eyes, we saw the two men slowly start to look younger. Then much younger with girlish faces as they shrank and screamed in agony. Their now over-sized clothes fell from them. And then… silence.

Bea ran over to the two piles of clothes and laughed. “They’re girls! Little baby girls.”

I walked over to stand net to Bea. I looked at the baby lying in Foster’s clothes. “Are you happy now, Foster? You got what you wanted.” I shook my head.

The air was filled with the sound of two large helicopters landing in the clearing. We watched as over a dozen of men in Brazilian military uniforms exited the helos along with three men in suits. One was carrying an aluminum suitcase. As soon as they exited the helicopters, then ran towards us.

One civilian, obviously in charge walked up to us and surveyed the area with a grim expression. A small team of soldiers gathered at the fountain and opened the suitcase.

The civilian turned to the officer and said quietly, “Pack up the babies and grab the old ladies and everyone goes.”

The civilian glared at us. “Move people. We need to clear this area.”

I walked up to him and poked my finger into his chest “Hey bub! Get off my land! I just filed a claim.”

The man smirked at me. “Your claim has been voided. This property belongs to the government of Brazil. Let’s move along.”

I stepped in front of him. “Just who the fuck do you think you are?”

The man adjusted his tie. “I’m Oliver Westin, president of the ISMP, the International Society of Medical Professionals. We’re putting a stop to you.”

Bea stepped up to Westin and demanded, “Why? Don’t you realize what this fountain could mean?”

A wry smile crept across Westin’s face. “Oh we do, madam, we do. Can you even conceive on how this fountain could destroy global economies when no one would need a doctor, a hospital or any medical professionals? No more research scientists and no more grants? The effects of this fountain would be devastating. Now let’s get in the chopper. Either walk or we’ll carry you.”

As we walked slowly away from the fountain, I turned to look at the group of soldiers around it. I looked at Westin and asked, “So, Westin, what’s with the metal suitcase?”

He frowned and said, “That’s Mr. Westin to you, child. I really don’t owe you any explanation, but the case contains a small low yield tactical nuclear weapon. We plan to destroy the fountain along with the lost city.”

A flush of adrenaline rushed through me. “You can’t be serious! Even without the fountain, the city is a historic find!”

Mr. Westin shrugged. “Collateral damage. Can’t be helped little girl.

I looked over at the two medical personnel carrying the infants. “What about the Foster team?”

Mr. Westin shook his head. “Don’t worry about them, The babies will be handed over to the American embassy. It will just be reported that contact was lost and they were never recovered. The bribe money, both theirs and yours will be used to pay for their care”

I looked at my feet. “That’s cold.”

“Get on the helos. At enough distance, we land and set off the device. The Brazilian government will take you back to your plane at Porto Velho and your visa’s will be permanently revoked. Don’t come back.”

* * *

“Hey Jeff!” I said into the phone on the jet. “It’s good to hear you!”

“It’s wonderful to hear you babe! When are you coming home?” asked Jeff.

“In flight right now, baby.” I said. “I’ll be back in school on Tuesday.”

Jeff exclaimed, “I can’t wait to see you! Oh, we won the game!”

I grinned at the phone. “I can’t wait to see you too! And good job on the game. I knew you could do it! See you soon/”

* * *

The elderly native man struggled with his burden as he tried to keep from sliding as he walked down the mountain side. It seemed every time his journey grew harder. It was probably time to hand this task over to his son.

As the sun traveled across the sky, the day grew hotter. He cursed himself dropping and losing his leather water bag.

As he climbed past the sheer rock he noticed a trickle of water escaping from a crack. He cupped his hand below the crack and filled the palm of his hand. He took a small drink from his hand. He smiled. He was not only refreshed, but felt a youthful vigor come over him. With a spring in his step, he hurried on to his village.

* * *

The End of The Curse of the Fountain