Chapter 73: Getting Better

Both Jack and Stacy looked over with curiosity, wondering what idea Nelly would come up with. A small smile tugged at the corner of her lips. “Let’s find out any activity that you are passionate about. Then, we immerse ourselves in those activities.” Nelly’s eyes were basically shining when she voiced her suggestion.

Jack gave her a suspicious look. Stacy was deep in thought, considering the suggestion. “But how do I find it?”

Nelly smiled, “I see that you are really into hitting that dummy just now. What about sparing?” The moment she said that, both of them looked at her like she’s grown another head. “That’s a stationary target. Real spar.. I.. I don’t know..” Stacy was unsure of the idea herself. She started doubting if she’d be able to do it.

Jack stood up and grabbed Nelly’s arm, guiding her to the side, further from Stacy. “Hold up.. hold up,” he whispered, “you were really worried about her physical state just now and now you are suggesting sparing? That’s even more dangerous. And who will she spar with? Anyone here could beat her to a pulp if they want to.”

Nelly gave him a look. There was a pause. Jack was still waiting for her answer when he realized what that look meant. His eyes widened. “Really?” He took a step back while giving her the what-the-fuck gesture. “Yes, yes! Really,” Nelly nodded with raised brows. “What makes you think that..” Jack started protesting but Nelly cut him off. “You will go easy on her, won’t you?” She grinned as she could feel the odds on her side. She was convinced it was really a good idea.

Jack shook his head. His expression suggested that he thought the whole thing was ridiculous. “Why sparing? You should have suggested something else. Cecilia’s machine still needs to be done. Your brother’s bike broke down last night. And..” Nelly held up a hand to stop him. “Will is working on the machine. He’s actually really good at it. Everything is on track. And she doesn't even remember how to properly use a gun. What makes you think that she can handle a complex machine or bike?”

Jack nodded slowly. “I guess you’re right,” his voice was quiet as he came to terms with the idea before blurting out, “but why sparing?” His expression turned dramatic.

Nelly shrugged. “Exercise,” she said as she moved back to where Stacy was.

Jack was left on the spot, flabbergasting. “Exercise?” He exclaimed in disbelief.

Stacy was studying a blueprint left lying around when Nelly approached. She lifted her head. “What happened? Did something happen?”

“Nothing in particular,” Nelly replied enthusiastically. Her eyes darted to the approaching Jack. “Jack’s just excited about the whole sparing activity,” she couldn’t wipe that smile from her face as she observed how Jack gave her the look again. “Right?” She still wanted to poke him anyway. He was trying his best to corporate. His whole being was stiff as he nodded.

Stacy’s eyes darted between them like she was watching a match. “Something is wrong,” not beating around the bush or shrugging it off, Stacy pointed out the obvious directly. Nelly’s smile froze. “Sorry?” She said through her teeth, still grinning like an idiot. Stacy turned to Jack. “You tell me.”

“Me?” Jack was caught off guard, “Why me?” Stacy shrugged. “Just a feeling.”

“A feeling?” Jack couldn’t believe her. “You are grinding me for answers because of a feeling?” His dramatic mode came back on instantly. He held on to the edge of the bench, sighing loudly to add to the effect. “My life is dictated because of a feeling,” he cried as he fell dramatically while wiping away a tear that wasn’t there.

Stacy’s jaw dropped. Nelly couldn’t help rolling her eyes. “Let me present to you, the drama king of the decade,” she gestured flamboyantly at Jack, as if she was presenting a rare artifact from the museum.

Stacy started laughing. Her genuine laugh echoed in the warehouse. She laughed so hard she had to sit back on the bench. The whole absurdity succeeded in entertaining her uncertain self, taking away the stuffy feeling that stayed with her since she woke up from her long sleep.

“You people are crazy,” she said finally, after her laughter died off. Nelly’s brows furrowed at her comment. Crazy? She always thought that it’s a way of scolding someone. Jack replied with a laugh of his own, joining in the remnants of her laughter. “Thank you for your compliment!” He almost looked proud as he exclaimed. Stacy held her hand up for a high five and Jack hit it with the certainty that said he’s found his identical companion.

It deepened Nelly’s frown. “Isn’t crazy..” she looked over with confusion, watching the two acting like the word used was something positive, like excellent, great, marvelous.. instead of crazy. “...mentally deranged?”

The whole place was so quiet, you could hear a pin drop.

As if on queue, Stacy and Jack burst out in another wave of laughter. “What?” Poor Nelly was still confused about their weird sense of humor.

Jack nodded a few times. “Right. Mentally deranged,” he pointed at himself, still smiling, “I’m crazy.” At the same time, he looked over at Stacy. Stacy gestured to both her and Jack. “We’re crazy,” she echoed the sentiment.

Nelly looked at them like they were actual flying pigs.

The sound of the opening door interrupted them. They turned their attention to the door simultaneously. Will stepped in looking tired. He wore a simple t-shirt and jeans paired with a pair of sneakers. His hair was out of place. He had the resting bitch face that screamed ‘I don’t give a fuck’.

The moment his eyes landed on Stacy, his whole being lit up. He actually smiled!

With unhurried steps, he approached them. “The warehouse is especially lively today,” he commented. Jack looked at him from head to toe. “Is that why you came in looking like you haven’t been sleeping for a decade?”

Will shrugged. “Really. Are you alright?” Nelly started studying him with her eyes. “Yes, I am. If I’m not, I am now,” he said, stealing a glance at Stacy at the end of his sentence. Nelly narrowed her eyes at him while Jack rolled his eyes dramatically. “Yeah. Your bull horn said so,” he nodded towards his head. Will extended his hand to touch the spot Jack mentioned. Of course, he found some hair sticking out, annoyingly out of place. Smoothing it out, he turned to Stacy. “Hey! You are awake. How are you doing?” Her eyes drifted to Nelly and Jack at the side. “Good.” A slight pause. “Getting better,” she added with a smile.

Will blinked at her. Stacy was smiling. The same little girl who hid in the storage room to cry all the time. She’s smiling!

Stacy raised a brow. She couldn’t understand his reaction. Nelly quickly pulled Will to the side. “Let’s get working! How’s the machine coming up?”

Stacy’s eyes lit up. “That blueprint,” she pointed, “it’s yours?”