Chapter 52: Needed a Push

Nelly didn’t linger for a second longer. They blinked once and she’s already out the door, dragging the man with her. “Lead the way,” she said as her legs carried her as fast as she could. The two leaders followed behind them, expression worried.

Soon, they reached a room. Two men were standing guard at the door. They stepped aside immediately upon seeing Jack and Nelly approaching. Chad entered behind them followed by Hank. When Hank was passing through the door, one of the men’s hand shot out in defense, looking like he was going to block the path but jerked back immediately to his sides.

Hank managed to catch a glimpse of him before entering the room. The man had a straight face. It was almost comical, as if his muscles had a reflex episode.

The room wasn’t really spacious. It had the same setting as the room Stacy was in. There’s a bed and a bedside table. Cecilia laid on the bed, unconscious. Nelly was standing at the side, body bending forward as she checked on the patient.

After some examinations, she straightened and turned to the men gathered behind her by the door. “How’s she?” Chad queried. Nelly placed her index finger in front of her lips before pointing at the door.

They understood immediately, piling out the room quietly. Nelly walked down the corridor and the men followed her. Once they were out of hearing distance, she stopped. “Well?” Hank probed.

“Her injury was critical. I managed to keep her alive till today, but considering we didn’t have enough equipment, I’m not sure how long she can hold on,” she explained. Jack chimed in, “you said to keep quiet around her. You won’t even say anything in the room just now. Why is that?”

“She’s unconscious. However, our minds are actively collecting information even without us knowing. If we recklessly say things around her this time, when she wakes, there may be some problem. Not physically, perhaps mentally,” she explained. Jack nodded, trying to comprehend her words.

“What machines do you need? Let me see if I’m able to come up with anything,” Chad offered. Nelly shook her head. “Medical equipment is hard to come by, especially in places like.. this. Even if we could get our hands on it, it would probably cost a fortune.”

“And we will probably alert the government,” Hank voiced out. Chad folded his arms, eyes focused as he thought. “I see you have been trying to invent things in the past few days. Can we put things together to make the equipment you need?” Jack proposed. Nelly shook her head. “My specialty is to put the human body together, not machines.”

Jack scratched his head. “Aren’t they the same?” Nelly shot him a look which made him stop. “Sorry.. Sammy made it look so easy when she was making those equipment in the workshop,” he said in a small voice.

Nelly lit up at once. “Why didn’t I think of it sooner?” She beamed up at Jack. “You’re a genius!” It made him even more confused. “I am?”

Ignoring him, she turned to the leaders and explained her plan. “I don’t know what happened to Sammy, but if we could persuade her that we really need her, she might come back to us. You’ve seen how she worked in the workshop all day. That’s passion right there. If she does something she enjoys, it will help with her condition.”

Jack shook his head. “I’ve tried that. It’s no use.” Nelly almost rolled her eyes. “How did you try?”

“I told her that..” Jack was only beginning to talk when Nelly intercepted, “the weapon you made came in handy! It was so good. I was hoping you can do this, do that..”

Jack’s eyes widened slightly. “Wow! How did you know?” Chad gave him a dead-pan “wonder how.” Nelly saw his poker face and bit back a laugh.

“The thing is, that’s in your interest, not hers. We have to give her purpose. Correct me if I’m wrong. I think she’s a really kind person, even when she tried to mask it. If we tell her that Cecilia is barely hanging on and needs the equipment badly, it might give her a purpose. Because the situation is urgent and she’s the only person that can help. There’s a higher motivation to give her a push, out of her situation.”

Saying that, Nelly nodded with satisfaction. She started marching towards the direction of Stacy’s room, every step humming with purpose. Chad caught up with her, grabbing her arm. Nelly turned around looking shocked. “Don’t,” he gushed. There’s an urgency in his tone.

Realizing his slip, he quickly let go of her arm. “Don’t agitate her,” his voice came out softer. Nelly was confused for a moment. “She really needs a push in this situation. It’s hard for her to..” she tried to explain but Chad stopped her with a firm ‘no’.

Jack exchanged looks with Hank. They were all there when the incident happened. Every one of them knew what triggered Stacy into her current situation. Poor Nelly was still in the dark, looking confused. “But why?” The question was very soft, almost as if she was asking herself.

“Would you move some resources to save your fake daughter?” Chad turned his attention to Hank. Nelly’s eyes widened, surprised by the revelation. “Fake daughter?” She gasped. Jack bent his body towards her, whispering into her ear, “Cecilia.” Her mouth formed an o shape as she nodded slowly, processing the new information.

Hank extended his arms. “Do I look like someone with anything left?” Chad studied him, trying to figure out how much of his words were genuine.

“You don’t. But she do. They do,” Chad finally said. “Her mother will be more than willing to sacrifice for her.” His calculating gaze searched Hank’s face for any expression. As usual, he revealed nothing.

“Mind if I destroy them instead?” Chad suggested with a smirk.