"Thank you, Uncle Joseph." Maria said as her and Isaac slowly climbed out of the automobile.

"You're welcome, baby. Just take care. I'll be waiting right here for you." Joseph said kindly as he watched the two walk away. May God be with you child. He added in his mind. You're going to need him.

Thank you, Uncle. Maria's voice instantly answered.

"Isaac, I must warn you about my great grandmother. She talks in puzzles sometimes. Quoting and making up her own lines." Maria said softly as they climbed up a steep mountainside.

Isaac simply nodded hi head, signifying that he understood her.

A few minutes later they were standing at the large wooden door Great Grandmother Marie's house. "Ready?" Maria asked as she looked over and up at him.

"Yeah." Isaac said confidently at her as he took her hand in his and rapped firmly on her door.

The heavy door opened and a small white haired woman stood to the side. "I knew you would come, Maria." She said smiling as she opened the door farther and allowed them entrance.

Maria nodded her head politely and Isaac repeated the motion.

"And I knew that you were coming too Isaac Hanson." The old lady said smiling at him.

After a few minutes had past, Isaac became more comfortable about Maria's great grandmother and even started to like her for a while. Then he remembered why they were there in the first place. He gave Maria a look as they each grabbed for a ginger snap cookie to go with their tea.

Maria nodded and cleared her throat. "Great Grandmother," She started off.

"You want me to lift the curse." The old lady answered smiling from her chair by the fireplace.

Maria nodded her head. "Please, Great Grandmother." She pleaded softly.

Isaac looked at the old lady that occupied the wooden chair. Her cane was a large stick, with carvings of different animals.

"Maria, you know why I placed it in the first place." The old lady started.

"Yes, but I do not think it fair to punish me for my fathers vanity." Maria said sharply as her voice rose slightly.

Marie smiled proudly at Maria. "Maria, look at Isaac."

Maria did as she was told.

"Now Isaac, look at Maria." She demanded.

Isaac supplied her demand and stared at Maria. They both smiled at each other softly.

"What you are seeing is pure feeling of 'I want it what I can't have.' " Marie stated.

Maria shook her head roughly as she continued to stare at Isaac. "No!" She denied fervently. "I love him. I know I do."

"And I love her." Isaac added for emphasis.

Marie shook her head also. "I will lift the curse." She said gently.

Maria and Isaac perked up and grabbed each other's hands in happiness.

"But," Marie added. "I will not do it until you two find out what it is like to be with each other in. Maria, in your village; and Isaac, with your fans. And then you will see what a difference you both really are form each other." She said before she got up and left.

Maria slowly got up and pulled Isaac up also. "Time to go." She said softly.

"That's it?" Isaac asked as they walked out of the house.

"Yeah, that's it." Maria said distractedly as they walked back down the mountainside and to her uncle's automobile.

The ride home was made in complete silence. Letting room for deep thought.