Chapter 16: They Need a Doctor

“What?” Stacy stared with round eyes. “Forget it,” Chad mumbled. She shrugged and went back to her work. Chad didn’t know if he should laugh or cry.

“He’s interesting,” she said. “Who?”

“Jack,” she replied without looking up. “Hmm.”

“Even Mark the Grumpy response to him,” she continued.

There wasn’t any response this time. She finished up with the gun and smiled triumphantly.

“I think he has a thing for Nelly,” Chad said out of nowhere. Stacy looked up at him. “Yeah?”

“We all do,” he added. Stacy smiled, “I never knew you were one to gossip.”

Chad cleared his throat. “Anyway, thanks for all your help,” he immediately changed the awkward topic. “Hmm,” he got a simple grunt of acknowledgement.

“Where’d you learn your medical skills? I never knew you could handle such an injury,” it’s Chad’s turn to extend the conversation. “Someone taught me years ago.”

Just then, the door opened, revealing Jack, Neil, Nelly, and Mark. “Here you are, Chad!” As usual, Jack was the first to talk. Nelly was back to her shy, timid self. She stayed close to her brother, occasionally fidgeting with her hair or her fingers.

“Everyone’s drinking out there. Come join us!” Neil echoed. Chad turned to Stacy, “come on!” Stacy went rigid for a brief second before nudging her chin towards the door, saying, “you guys go ahead. I’ll pass.”

“Come on! It’s fun. Don’t you drink?” Jack tried persuading. “Aren’t you on duty tonight?” Chad shot. Jack smiled sheepishly, “I’ll just drink a bit..” He raised his hand, aligning his index finger and thumb in the ‘a-little’ gesture.

“No,” all the other men in the room said in unison. “Oh, come on!” Jack raised his arms and swung them down to his sides while hunching dramatically. “Stop being dramatic. We’ll drink tomorrow,” Neil teased.

“Let’s go,” Mark, who was being quiet all these while voiced out, “it’s time for duty.” He turned and disappeared behind the door. Dragging his feet, Jack moved to follow. “Ayy, Jack!” Stacy called out. He turned around to catch the gun she threw at him in time. “Cheer up!” His smile widened as he flipped his new weapon. “Thanks!” He gave her a salute and sprung out the door.

“You made his day,” Neil said, shaking his head. “Oh, yeah?” Stacy replied. “He was talking about how you promised to customize a gun for him all day. Right, Nelly?” He cued his sister. She gave a few firm nods.

“The special weapons you created helped us out of danger last night. I hope you can create more of those,” Chad was back to his all-business personality. “Sure, I’ll work on it,” she replied, pulling out her notes. Neil eyed Chad with a knowing look. “Come on! The men are waiting for you.”

“Are you sure you don’t want to come with us?” Chad reconfirmed. “I’ll pass,” she replied with a small smile. “Alright, then,” they turned to leave.

“Can I stay here?” A meek voice asked.

All eyes turned to the source of voice. “Are you sure?” Neil asked. He looked at his sister with a worried expression. She nodded. Neil turned his attention to Stacy briefly before looking at Chad. “Don’t worry. There are guards outside. Sam’s here,” Chad assured him.

Neil eyed Stacy. “I won’t kill her,” she said plainly. “But..” Neil continued to protest. “I’ll be alright,” Nelly assured. “If anything happens to her,..” his expression was serious as he stared Stacy down. “You can take my life,” she stated nonchalantly. “Come on, nothing will happen to me,” Nelly coaxed.

His expression gradually softened. “Tell Frank or Darius to get me in case of an emergency. They’re right outside the door. Don’t touch anything in here. Remember..”

“I know, I know.. Don’t worry! Just go and have fun,” Nelly half pushed Neil through the door.

Finally, the door closed behind them, leaving the two girls in the warehouse. Nelly sighed, “he worries too much sometimes.” Stacy gave her a brief smile. “Can’t blame him. Given the situation we’re all in, I can’t promise not to be like him if I have someone I care for.”

“You don’t?” The question escaped her mouth before she could stop herself. “Sorry, I don’t mean to pry..” Nelly apologized quickly. She figured it wasn’t a question to ask someone you just knew.

Stacy took out more of her blueprints. She remained expressionless as she looked for the one she wanted. Nelly was nervous as she waited for her response. “I’m an orphan,” she said as she put the rest of the blueprints away. “I’m sorry..” Nelly felt awkward already. Stacy’s eyes landed on Nelly for half a second before going back to the contents in front of her. “Don’t be. I’m not offended,” she said.

Nelly studied her but her expression didn’t give anything away. “You’re a good doctor,” Stacy stated matter-of-factly. Caught off guard, Nelly blushed. “Thank you. You’re great, too,”

Stacy started working on her new model. Nelly inched closer, eyes shining with interest. “Do you mind me watching?” She asked timidly. “Go ahead, do what you want. I won’t stop you,” Stacy replied. Nelly took a seat opposite her and observed with keen interest.

“Do you shoot?” Stacy asked. “Oh, no.. no! I’ve never touched a gun before,” Nelly's lashes fluttered as she stuttered. “Really? Your brother shoots really well.” “He does,” Nelly smiled, “I’m not from this town. I’m new here.” Stacy nodded, “me too.”

“How did you end up here? My brother used to say that only men are allowed to stay in their clubhouse. When I first arrived, he made me stay in the inn for weeks,” Nelly recounted as she voiced her curiosity.

“I injured myself in a fight. It’s dangerous to stay out there. To avoid the enemy, I had a deal with Chad. I help create weapons and they let me stay,” Stacy explained. Nelly nodded in apprehension. “My brother told me about the enemy. I have been staying inside since I arrived. He said the inn belongs to the group. It’s protected.”

“You stayed inside all the time? Wouldn’t you feel suffocated?” Stacy’s question touched her. “I do. I don’t want to go back there but it’s not safe outside,” Nelly dimmed visibly. “Why not ask them if you could stay here?” Stacy suggested, “judging from what happened today, they need a doctor.”