Chapter 23: Discussion

Stacy woke up as the sun shone in through the window. Her heart pounded in her head. It’s the first time she felt anything like this. The word ‘hungover’ was never in her dictionary. So this is how it feels like. She sat at the edge of the bed and held her head in her hands. Why did she drink so much?

She was still questioning her life choices as she headed downstairs. Grabbing two slices of bread, she went straight to the warehouse. When she arrived, Zalen was already waiting for her. “Hey,” he greeted.

“Hey,” her reply was simple. She reached for her blueprint and sat down, all ready to start off her day. “I heard you and Nelly were close,” he said. “I wouldn’t use the word close. We did spend some time together while she was here,” Stacy chose her words wisely.

“What do you think about Neil’s choice?”

Stacy looked up from her work. “That’s their choice. I wouldn’t make any comment.”

“Seriously, do you think that it’s a wise choice?” Zalen pushed. “Why are you so adamant on my comment regarding this matter? Stacy asked. Zalen took some time to think. “Let’s say that we really care for her,” he said, “we’ll hope that everything goes well.”

“Are you seriously discussing it for her sake?” Stacy found it hard to believe. She eyed Zalen with doubt. “I’m simply curious about your take on this matter. Do you think that she could stay hidden for two years?” He said with his usual straight face.

“I think that it’s not so simple,” she replied. “And how so?” Zalen continued pushing for more information.

“First of all, is it possible for her to stay hidden? So many people have seen her and known about her existence. As long as someone wishes to find her, they can easily locate her in this town,” Stacy elaborated. Zalen nodded as he processed her point.

Just then, the door opened to reveal Jack and James. “Hey, Zalen’s here!” Jack exclaimed.

“Moreover..,” Stacy’s words were cut off by the intruders. She stopped talking and focused back on her work. “What were you talking about?” James asked. For a moment, nobody talked. Stacy lifted her head to look at Zalen. She was about to say something when Zalen interrupted, “I’m asking for her advice.”

The newcomers couldn’t hide their surprise. “Just an opinion, not advice,” Stacy corrected. “Please continue what you were saying,” Zalen cued. “I’ve said everything I wanted to.”

“Sorry, should we leave?” Jack chimed in. “They know,” Zalen assured Stacy. “Isn’t it better if less people know about it?” She voiced her concern. “About what?” Jack started to feel impatient. “Nelly,” Zalen’s reply was simple. “Oh..” “Ah..” They nodded.

“Don’t worry. We know. We’re both in charge. We are to provide assistance whenever needed,” Jack explained. James nodded. “I'm curious about your opinion, too. Would I be honored to hear them?” Jack said with his usual playful demeanor.

Stacy was quiet as she continued her work. After a pause, she said, “what I was saying is, we didn’t settle the real problem here. By keeping her hidden, I doubt she could learn anything other than some medical theory from the few books she brought with her. It’ll be a problem for her to go back to society.”

“What do you propose?” Zalen asked. “Why are you suddenly asking for my opinion?” Stacy didn’t believe him when he used the curiosity excuse.

“I realized that your experience and point-of-view is quite different,” Zalen said, “also, I’m curious as to what Chad sees in you. You must have wise thoughts, or at least unique ideas.” Jack nodded. “I second that!”

Stacy nodded. “So, are you disappointed?”

“I won’t say I am,” Zalen answered. “Why can’t she stay here?” Jack asked. “Have you ever seen a girl staying in the clubhouse?” James voiced out for the first time. Both Zalen and Jack pointed at Stacy. Sensing the quiet atmosphere, Stacy lifted her head only to realize that both the men were pointing at her.

She shrugged. James stopped short. “Oh, yes. You,” he said. “What’s wrong with girls staying in the clubhouse? Is there a rule that says girls are not allowed in here?” Stacy asked.

“You see what happened with the Vipers. Chicks to the left and right. They’re distractions,” Zalen explained. Stacy nodded. “I won’t deny but I don’t think that it’s 100 percent right,” she said.

“What’d you know,” James murmured. “Do I seem like a brainless chick to you?” Stacy countered. James opened his mouth to respond but no words came out. He then proceeded to snap his mouth shut. “Sammy’s different. She’s cool,” Jack exclaimed proudly as he elbowed James while nodding towards Stacy.

“Right. At least Sammy here didn’t cause much trouble. She even helped with the weapons,” Zalen nodded. “Nelly helped save lives,” Jack said. The whole place was suddenly quiet. “She’s indeed helped a lot that day,” Stacy said with a smile.

“Right. Can’t she stay here and be the doctor? I think we really need one,” Jack suggested. “It’s not safe,” Zalen countered.

“Have you ever heard the saying, the most dangerous place is the safest place?” Jack’s words made everyone look at him. James elbowed him, saying, “I didn’t know you say such deep words. When did that ideology appear in your head?”

Stacy joined in the laughter. “Even Sammy laughs at me,” Jack sulked. “You’re indeed saying things that are out of character today,” Stacy said. Jack shrugged and immediately perked up. “Hey, Sam! The gun you customized for me was cool. Have I shown you?”

James and Zalen immediately started shaking their heads. “He’s been going on about it forever,” James explained. “That’s concerning,” Stacy chimed in.

Ignoring them, Jack immediately moved to the shooting range, preparing to show them his skills.

“Look! This gun is really good!”

Jack started shooting and the topic of discussion successfully changed. However, the remnants of the previous topic hung in the air, just like water particles, you couldn’t see it but you knew that it’s there. Everyone pretended that nothing had happened. They remained silent and reacted to Jack’s antics with tacit understanding.

Everything would be fine, wouldn’t it?