Having stayed up talking so late, the guys wake up with barely enough time to shower and freshen up before check-out time, but they manage. It is glaringly obvious that John and Dave are infatuated with each other. Looks like a very strong bond being forged. As they walk out to the car, Reeds says to Skylar, 'Looks like those two are on the same wavelength. A lot like us when we first met!' 'I was thinking the same thing. What do you suppose will happen next?' 'That's up to them. We have to get back up to John's place and pick up Eleanor. Hope she hasn't gotten too worried with us gone so long!' 'I doubt she has. We'll have to give her a first class car wash before we hit the road again. She deserves that much after sitting out in that rain the other night!' John bids Dave a fond farewell. They pledge to see each other whenever they can. Then the three guys pile into the Chevy Cruze and head back to Las Cruces. John has phoned ahead to let his great grandparents know they are on the road and when to expect them back. Once they get back to the Woodland's home, Ira and Lois come out the welcome them back and start ask- ing questions about the little trip. Lois is especially curious and asks some of the most probing questions. Finally, as they get back into the house and get seated comfortably, John tells them that they bumped into an old gradeschool classmate of his and he has invited him to come up and visit. They remember Dave's family and a knowing look passes between Ira and Lois. Lois sounds pleased and both Skylar and Reed catch that all-knowing look of hers along with her smile approvement. Ira asks how the Chevy stood up to the trip. They don't take it out on the road very much, so he was concerned that it didn't fail them in any way. They said it was a great little car for this size trip and were happy to report no problems along the way. Lois talks the boys into staying over another night. They have another great supper with the Woodlands and John and visit long into the night again. Early the next morning, Lois has a fine breakfast ready for them and also a nice lunch for the road. They bid a fond farewell to John and his great grandparents and promise to visit them again whenever they get the chance. Then Skylar and Reed finish repacking Eleanor for the next phase of their trip. They drive around till they find a car detailing facility and give Eleanor the works. She seems to smile brightly as she comes out of the shop, spotless and gleaming in the mid-morning sun. On the road again boys! Next stop, San Antonio! ----------------------------------- M4 & M3 characters. Rendered in Poser 9. Post work in Photoshop 7. Thank you for taking a peek! Your support is greatly appreciated!