Chapter 74: The World in the Workshop

They gathered around Will’s working area. Stacy was asking questions both Jack and Nelly couldn’t understand. Will answered her questions with the matching level of enthusiasm. In the process, Will found out some of the problems he overlooked while designing the model. Stacy gave a lot of insightful ideas while they were discussing ways to fix the problems.

“I feel like they are speaking another language,” Jack leaned in and whispered to Nelly. She nodded, still looking at them in awe. “I think we’re good about looking for activities she’s passionate about. She’s already doing it,” Nelly shook her head in disbelief. “So no more sparing?” Jack’s face lit up at the thought.

Two hours in and Jack was fast asleep with his head on the table. Nelly made herself comfortable. She had kicked off her shoes and folded her legs on the bench she was sitting on, a book in her hand. The inventor duo were still working on the model.

Time became a metaphor as they continued engrossing in the activity of their passion. There wasn’t ticking time, no other medium of worldly matters other than their space paced with discussions, inventions, words, and.. dreamland.

Until the door opened. None of them paid any attention. There’s a high chance they hardly notice the newcomer. The machine’s progress was astonishing. Nelly’s already on her second book, the left side thicker than the right.

Chad stood at the side as he studied them. He saw how Stacy and Will worked together. The pieces of junk Will was trying to put together a few days ago has taken its shape. His focus was solely on the girl sitting beside Will. She’s sitting close to Will, occasionally leaning in to observe his work. They were sitting close. Too close.

But she looked really happy and dedicated. That’s the look he’d missed. He used to watch her work on the batches of weapons with that look in her eyes. The level of focus and dedication was admirable. A small smile claimed his former frown. At least she’s alive, well and happy. That’s what matters.

The air surrounding them was so calm, he didn’t have the heart to go over and disrupt the peace. He walked over to the nearest wall and leaned against it with his arms folded. His eyes were still where it was moments ago.

Despite all his stares, Stacy didn’t as much as move or acknowledge the presence of him. That’s fine. He continued watching her with that warm feeling in his heart.

Nelly turned to the last page of her book. The previous pages were filled with colorful stickers to mark important points.

Finally, she looked up from her spot. There weren’t any more books for her to read. It took her some time to adjust to her surroundings as she looked around with ‘who am I, where am I, what am I doing’ written on her face.

Her eyes finally landed on the figure leaning against the wall. Their eyes met. She could feel her heartbeat speeding up. She gave him a small smile, trying to prevent her blood from rushing all the way up to her face.

She stole a glance at the inventor duo. They were totally in their own world. Her eyes darted to Jack. He’s sound asleep with his hood on. Quietly, she stood up. She wanted to go over to where Chad was. The moment she turned, a hand grabbed her by the wrist. Her eyes widened in surprise.

Her eyes drifted to Jack’s hand on her wrist, then to the sleeping man. There’s no sign that he’s actually awake. ‘What’s he doing now?’ Panic started to rise in her heart. It’s a good time to be talking to Chad. It’s peaceful and relaxing. She wanted to savor this moment but Jack’s hand on her wrist has another agenda.

Her brows furrowed as she tried prying open his fingers. His grip was strong and unmoving. The more she tried, the angrier she became. At some point, she didn’t care about waking him up anymore. She tugged and tried to jerk his hand away.

Instead of letting go of her, he pulled her closer as he lifted his head from the table. When she thought that he’s finally awake, he wrapped both his arms around hers and rested his head on her shoulder. Her eyes nearly bulged out as she automatically turned to see the reaction of the man by the racks. His expression didn’t give away anything. His attention wasn’t even on her. She tried jerking Jack off, desperate to show that there’s nothing intimate going on.

“Hmm.. kebabs..” Jack mumbled. The crease between her brows deepened. “Wake up,” she whispered, trying to push him away. He only hugged her arms tighter. “So many of them.. I want more..”

His comment made Will look up from his work. His eyes first landed on the sleeping figure before darting to where he placed his head on Nelly’s shoulder and finally to Nelly’s face. A mischievous smile pulled at his lips slowly.

Nelly was panicking. She shook his head at Will but Stacy was already looking up at them. She blinked a few times before the scene registered in her mind. “Ooh,” she exclaimed softly, excitement written on her face. She nudged Will with her elbow. “I’m hungry. Let’s grab dinner,” she said as she was half-pushing him out of the way.

Chad met them halfway to the door. He turned and gave Nelly a small gesture of goodbye before disappearing behind the door with Will and Stacy, leaving a distressed Nelly in the workshop with a sleeping Jack still clinging to her like she’s a lifeline. “Wait, no.. Wait for me..” her protests faded out and eventually died in her throat, finishing it with a loud sigh.

Her body relaxed and she turned to look at Jack. “You and your food dream,” she hissed as she pressed a finger to his head, pushing him a little, causing his head to tilt back on her shoulder, revealing his face behind the hood.

Her mouth gaped a little in shock as she looked at him.