He's Back

To avoid the disgusting view, Zannie immediately sought out Jacob in the camp. The annoyance caused by Howard was immediately forgotten when she saw Jacob nearby..

She felt giddy  today. She tied her loose hair tightly just to make her look comfortable in Jacob's eyes.

"Zannie..."

She automatically smiled at Jacob's approach.

How are you?" At the same time his question was a slight sulk in her voice. Because of Jacob’s failure to speak about being a perfect soldier. 

"I'm fine, Zannie. And I know you are too." The young man's smile was wider than she was flaunting. 

"Is that all that you are going to say?" Zannie asked once again without any hint of enthusiasm in her voice. It seems that Jacob has no plans to open his career plans or maybe that was a part of the protocol as an aspiring soldier. She felt betrayed at the same time. He was her best friend, and it was frustrating to realize that Jacob preferred to keep his mouth shut.

"Of course." Jacob raised an eyebrow obviously, curious about Zannie's reaction. But, he knew the reason why that was. 

"I'm a little new to this, and maybe I'll get used to it." Out of nowhere, Zannie said that and she was also shocked by the words that were uttered. Maybe those words could give a little clue to Jacob. It just has to be able to feel.

‘You hurt me.’ She sighed inwardly.

Jacob gasped. He gazed at her and tried to understand what she meant. He nodded repeatedly. 

"That's probably how life is Zannie. Only change is the permanent thing in this world."

"Yes I know." Zannie turned her gaze in the other direction.

"Are you okay? I hope you're not neglecting yourself. And I hope that you finally got along with Howard"

"But you didn't even tell me your future plans as a soldier." She made it sure that it won’t be obvious that she’s sulking right now.

"I'm sorry, I've been busy and I haven't been able to get you to the barracks." The man's reward was a forgiving smile. Just to make things not awkward, he tried to make her feel at ease..

"Do you have no plans to return to Manila? Pursue your dream of going abroad?" he initiated a random topic.

‘My dream is here, why should I go away?’ She couldn’t even say that. Those words remained only in her mind.

If Zannie had had enough courage, she would probably have voiced that. It took several minutes for her to answer that question.

"I'm happy here and I love what I’m doing here."

Jacob chuckled. "But I know you're tired Zannie. The world you lived in was different then than it is now. Aren't you scared? Now that the Trias conflict is over, you can go home."

"Why do you seem to be pushing me away? Why do you seem to be leading me on what I should do?" She couldn't help but raise her voice. Zannie even overcame the stabbing of the dagger at the young man's hint. Yes, she was aware that Jacob would not and would never have any chance to like her. But this is too much as of now.

Jacob backed away. Somehow, he managed to put a smile on his face. "I'm concerned because I love you as a friend. But, your cuteness is angry." He pinched Zannie's nose.

"Get a boyfriend. Go home to Manila, look for it. Or if you want, just date Mr. Howard instead." He glanced at the man he identified while busy assisting evacuees such as medical staff.

"I don't like him. And I will never like him either." Zannie frowned slightly, a sign of disgust at what Jacob had said. She could kick him anytime. She didn't want it pushing her to another man. Very numb to all numb when analyzing Jacob’s mind.

"He's single. He's very busy with the company."

Zannie raised an eyebrow. "I am not interested in him."

She took a deep breath, then picked up the medicine kit he was holding again. "A staff member is waiting for this. I'll help them first," she said, referring to the item she was carrying. She also faked a smile. But there's really no reason to dislike Howard. This man is a blessing from God almighty! He's sexy even when he's only breathing. His expressive eyes could make everyone mesmerized. He is obviously well-educated while talking and Zannie proved Howard’s intelligence when he taught the children.

"Ah. Zannie, are you done evaluating him? He's also been here in Trias for over a month and maybe we will never had to finish the 90 days because our mission is almost coming to an end."

She was scratching his head. In fact, Howard’s evaluation sheet is still blank. But from what Zannie sees, the young man's behavior is getting better and it's okay to set him free. Many also say that Howard is naturally bossy, also carried by his original profession. But that attitude doesn't affect the whole team. She just couldn't figure out if it was just a show or not. They also don't have time to talk and learn about habits. Of all the colleagues, she only avoids Howard. She feels something unfamiliar when he is around. When they are together, she has to look away from others because Howard will definitely get his attention. Until now, she couldn't figure out why he was getting better every single day. Maybe, because of his intimidating looks.

"He's doing okay." Her smile was fake again. 

"Then give me the evaluation form huh? At our next meeting. When the activities in our unit are over."

"I haven't started yet, but go ahead. I'll give it a go."

She was about to leave in front of Jacob but he immediately blocked his path. "Zannie, are you tired of helping me? I'll take it back."

She looked up. She didn't want to expect anything from Jacob. But from what he says now, it seems like she still has something to look forward to from him. She immediately concludes that they might date—friendly date. But why else? Maybe she was just really assuming that matter.

"Will you go out with me? To celebrate your achievement?"

"Yes. Let's take Lucille with us, if it's okay with you."

She laughed. "All right, but it's unlikely to happen. You're already busy."

"I will find and find a way. See you tomorrow, the whole staff will have a little celebration with the soldiers. That rarely happens."

"All right. Bye Jacob." She smiled but when Jacob finally left her, she averted her gaze at Howard and she was surprised to know that he was staring at her!