Chapter 1
Jessica
“Jessica, come right away. They found a secret passage in the Pyramid,” Emma shouts as she rushes over. She takes a deep breath and wipes the perspiration off her forehead.
“I’m so excited, Emma!” I tell her and grab a flashlight and my camera. Maybe this is it. The moment I’ve been waiting for my entire life. The Mayan civilization has fascinated me for as long as I can remember. I spent years researching everything about them and nobody seems to know why their civilization had suddenly vanished, or how they had built these magnificent cities.
We have been here, in this beautiful Mayan city, for almost two days now. I have a team helping me discover the hidden secrets of the lost civilization of the Maya people, and my wonderful assistant and dear friend, Emma.
“Dr. Brown, we think the passage leads to the center of the pyramid,” Mike, one of the team members says to me as he enters my tent. We set our camp just somewhere near the enormous pyramid. Luckily, NYU University pays all the expenses of this research expedition. All I need to do is uncover the secrets of these people and the reason they had disappeared, leaving their cities in almost perfect condition. Even now, after thousands of years, the pyramids and buildings are in great shape.
“Let's go, guys,” I tell them. “I really don't know what to expect. “
“What do you think is there?” Emma asks as we trace back the path to the main entrance, pushing the vegetation aside.
“Fingers crossed,” I say, my heart beating so fast as if wanting to escape my chest. “I bet you’ll make the headlines: Dr. Jessica Brown reveals the mystery of the Maya civilization,” Mike says.
“I don’t care about that, Mike. It’s not the headlines I’m looking for.” I am so excited about all this. I really want this to be a major discovery. I mean, I’ve spent so much time researching it and I don’t know how much longer the university will support my research. If this fails, I won’t get a second chance.
“Ok, team. It’s now or never. We have to go through the passage all the way to the center.” I try to encourage them, but the one who needs encouragement is me. Deep down inside I fear we won’t find anything. I fear I’ve wasted my life searching for something that doesn’t exist. I fear I gave up on love, marriage, a family for an illusion.
Mike cuts our path through the tall jungle with some sort of sword. I’m clueless when it comes to technical stuff. We’re almost there. The city is colossal and going through the thick jungle really drains you of energy.
“Here it is!” I turn to face Emma. Her face lightens up when she looks upon the great pyramid.
“It’s gorgeous!” She stops and gazes at the impressive monument in front of us.
“It is an amazing structure,” I add and look up to the highest point of the Pyramid.
“The men are already inside,“ Mike tells us and points to the entrance. He seems excited about the entire thing. He's helped me out a lot with the expedition and he is a person I can really trust.
“I don't want anyone to enter the passage.” Maybe I’m selfish, but I want to be the first one to see what’s inside that passage. Ok, maybe I'll let Emma join me.
“Ok, then. I will instruct the men not to enter.” Mike takes out his phone and calls someone inside the pyramid. “Nobody's allowed to enter the passage. Dr. Brown’s orders.” He frowns a little and slides his mobile back into his pocket.
Now, the tricky part. We have to climb the pyramid to reach the entrance. Mike climbs first and then throws a rope down.
“Hold on to this rope and I'll pull you up.” I grab the rope and grit my teeth as I begin the ascent. The muscles in my body burn as I push myself to reach the entrance.
“Oh, shit. I'm gonna fall,” I shout and look down. Emma's there, looking up. She's got wide-open eyes, and she seems stunted.
“You can do it, Jess,“ Mike encourages me and pulls harder on the rope.
“Oh, fuck!” I grab the rope tighter and use all my strength to reach the top. Mike grabs my arm and helps me climb over the edge.
“This is the hardest thing I've ever done.“ I roll on my back and try to catch my breath. I take my hand over my eyes, pushing my hair over my head. Drops of perspiration run down my face.
“I'm not going up there,” Emma shouts from below. She looks in terror at the height above her, her facial muscles paralyzed.
“I know it looks scary, but you can do it. Hell, I could do it and you know I hate heights too.” I shout to her and throw down the rope.
“Grab on and we'll pull you up.” Mike leans over, his left knee on the ground. He grabs on the rope and pulls hard. I get up and go behind him, trying to pull with all my strength.
“Don't look down,” Mike shouts.
“Oh, God! Mike, pull me up and I’ll do anything.”
“How about a kiss?” Mike grins and pulls my friend up. He helps her over the edge, grabbing her body under her arms.
