Chapter 33—Day Three, a Sign

"Excellent landing, Chris," Jake said, giving his friend a tap on the back. Nikki was sick of Jake complimenting Christina's landings. Her own legs might be slim, but were obviously strong enough to support adequate landings.

Nikki's thoughts returned to finding the crystals, hopefully today. What if someone got hurt and they couldn't go on?

Devin stood at the ready with arms folded. When everyone was geared up, Nikki said, "It's all yours now guys; where to?" Ranger, who had his own way of entering the crater, raced toward them barking his greeting.

"We're taking you to tunnel number seven, over there." Jake pointed to the lone fir tree. Nikki hesitated and then nodded. The wind was high again, and they shaded their eyes as they crossed the base. Nikki's head swiveled, her red ponytail flying back and forth. She hoped for confirmation of the veracity of the quest. If Jesse hadn't already found five crystals in France, she might have thought she had only dreamed of the crystal angel and the quest.

After their meeting at the café, Jake had given Christina a ride home on his bike. "Christina, I have a weird question," he had said while they were pedaling.

"What?" she said as her dark hair shot straight back and her hands gripped the shaking fenders behind her.

"Did you experience any hits...I mean any special feelings, down in the crater?"

"I did," Christina said, trying to balance as they sped along. "One tunnel opening is shaped like a heart. I didn't say anything because Nikki and Devin would—well, you know. But I felt a pull to that tunnel." They were quiet as they streaked through the cool air.

Christina leaned in. "Did you sense anything?"

"Wait a minute. Do you mean the tunnel with the small tree growing outside the opening?" She nodded, not remembering that he couldn't see her.

"I did think that was weird." Jake tilted his head toward her. "That the only tree grew at that exact place. I don't remember any other trees at the base. Do you?"

"None, and the opening is heart-shaped. I felt a definite pull. Do you think it's a sign?"

"It could be." He stood and pumped the pedals hard on the hill. "We'll find out tomorrow."

And here they were, on their way toward proving their hunch. As the opening got closer and wider, the heart shape became more obvious. They stopped, looked at each other with a secret knowing, and then continued toward the tunnel.