The Amazing Mexican Secret - Jeff Brown [3]
It was dark when Stanley concluded his tale of the mummy he befriended in an ancient Egyptian tomb. There was no mistaking the admiration and amazement of his listeners. Someone called something out to Eduardo. The other children cried, “¡Sí! ¡Sí!”
“We have a surprise for you,” Eduardo said, with a grin. “Come!”
They led Stanley to a grand tree. The little girl who had compared Stanley to a pancake stepped forward and held out her hands. They were filled with small candies in shiny wrappers.
“Thank you!” said Stanley. He took one and started unwrapping it.
“Not yet,” said Eduardo in a low voice. “You must put them in your pockets.” Stanley did.
“Up!” commanded Eduardo, and two tall boys grabbed Stanley’s legs and lifted him into the air. Above his head was a tree limb. Stanley grabbed on with both hands.
This is a strange surprise, thought Stanley. He looked down and saw the little girl standing beneath him. Her wide eyes were hidden by a blindfold. The other children started spinning her around and counting.
“¡Uno! ¡Dos! ¡Tres! ¡Cuatro! ¡Cinco! ¡Seis! ¡Siete!”
After seven spins, the girl weaved with dizziness. Someone handed her a giant stick.
The girl held the stick over her head and swung it. Stanley felt a swish of air against his leg.
“Hey!” he cried. All the children were cheering.
“What are you doing!” yelled Stanley again as the girl swung the stick a second time, grazing his foot.
“YOU’RE GOING TO HURT ME!” screamed Stanley at the top of his flat lungs.
“¡Alto! ¡Alto!” cried Eduardo. The little girl froze. “Is something wrong, Stanley?”
“What the heck is going on?!” Stanley said.
“We are playing piñata,” replied Eduardo.
“But I’m not a piñata!” said Stanley. “Now get me down from here!”
The two tall boys rushed up and helped Stanley to the ground.
“But we thought—” said Eduardo.
“What?” huffed Stanley.
“We thought you could not be hurt,” Eduardo said. “From your stories…you seem so fearless and…indestructible. Like you are made of rubber. We thought you would like to be the piñata.”
Stanley shook his head sadly. He folded himself to the ground.
“I can get hurt,” he said quietly. “I know I didn’t make it sound like I can. But I can get hurt just as easily as anyone. I should have been honest with you.”
Eduardo was frowning.
“I’m sorry,” Stanley said softly. He gave a heavy sigh. “All I want is to get Carlos’s great grandmother’s secret ingredient and return home safely.”
Eduardo blinked. “Is that why you are here? For the secret of La Abuela?”
Stanley nodded.
“There are spies,” said Eduardo.
“I know,” Stanley said.
“It is very far,” said Eduardo.
“I know,” repeated Stanley. “But I promised I would try, and I can’t turn back now.”
Eduardo peered deep into Stanley’s eyes. Then he walked off to talk to the other children.
They probably never want to see me again, Stanley thought.
Eduardo returned. “We will take you to La Abuela,” he announced.
“Really?!” said Stanley.
“The journey is long and dangerous, even for one as fearless and indestructible as you,” said Eduardo. “We will protect you.”
Stanley looked up at the children who now encircled him. His heart felt warm. Silently, he reached into his pocket and began passing out candies.
4
The Mayan Temple
Stanley had traveled more than most people his age. And although he enjoyed visiting faraway places, it was not always easy. For instance, airmail was sometimes warm and uncomfortable.
But the journey to see La Abuela was more difficult than any Stanley had ever taken. On this trip, he did not have the luxury of waiting patiently in an envelope, or of being rolled up and placed on the back of a horse.
On this trip, he walked. He walked, and walked, and walked. Guided by Eduardo and three others—little Isabel with her wide eyes, and the tall boys named