92 DATE WITH THE GODS"I keep thinking you're just someone from this planet
who is trying and succeeding in making fun of me. I may
accept that you do possess some very extraordinary
powers, such as the ability to read minds, and that you're
quite astute, clever, very beautiful, and sweet as sugar,
but when it comes to being from another planet, with all
due respect to your fantastic abilities, I have to tell you
there are times when I think you are constipated."
"I take it that's your way of saying I'm full of it?"
"I guess mind-to-mind communication conveys se
mantics very well."
"Charles, all I have to say for now is that I will be
patient with you. I'm certain you'll come around when
you're good and ready."
"Rama, can you imagine what my people back in New
York would say if I told them I'd met a creature from
another planet?"
"If your people have an open mind they would at least
give it some consideration. They might also be able to
achieve eternal life."
For awhile we rode in complete silence. I went deeper
into my thoughts. With every turn and bump on the
road I could feel Rama's little body tenderly snuggle
against me, hugging me reassuringly. I began to feel
guilty for having been such a bastard to her. She was
very sweet and gentle and didn't deserve that kind of
treatment; yet I couldn't get over the feeling that she
was still putting me on.
We drove to the end of one of the canyons. A huge
stone chimney loomed like a warning sign, indicating we
would soon be in the vicinity of toll booths and the
Peruvian road patrols. I downshifted, made aU turn and
headed back in the direction of Acaya. Rama never
uttered a sound, but I sensed her approval. Again we
drove in silence, mentally and otherwise, for almost an
hour.