Impressed

"Why aren’t you moving? Are you waiting for Christmas to arrive?"

If Zannie hadn't spoken, Howard probably wouldn't have gone back in time. He could not believe that this woman could drive. She unintentionally impressed him.

On the other hand, he couldn't help but worry. He strongly believes that a man can do better than a woman. It’s not cool for a woman doing men’s work. And he was still very worried that he might be ruined again when he was with her. Maybe Zannie's anger at him hasn't subsided yet.

"Aren't you going to drive?" Howard asked Jacob.

"I can't go back to the barracks so only you and Zannie will ride in that armored car."

"Really? Is she a professional driver?" Howard still couldn't believe that she really can drive.

He managed a sly smile on his face. Zannie seemed insulted by his smile. Howard's eyes followed Jacob away before he got into the car. He positioned himself in the front seat which caused Zannie to raise an eyebrow. 

"Sit in the back," her authoritative command.

Howard nodded. That clatter was mixed with annoyance. "Why? Are you allergic to people?" he joked. He doesn't tend to joke but his father used to tell him that when the situation is annoying, learn to manage it with a positive vibe. Unbeknownst to him, when he was CEO, he never applied his father's advice.

He glanced at the back of the armored car. He smiled because the rear of the vehicle was occupied by various relief goods and army equipment. But for some deadly weapons like a gun, he can't see where they were exactly placed. For safety, maybe that's why it can't be exposed lightly.

"You peeked before you told me to move to the back," he said. Zannie just turned around and started operating the car.

Zannie tries to focus on driving. Please, the space inside the car is shrinking because he is with Howard. She’s not comfortable with a guy she just met recently, not because he’s unreliable. As soon as she felt that, she suddenly became conscious and seemed to be whispering to herself to always be careful in her actions when she was with this man. Maybe Jacob would feel upset once he messed with Howard again.

Zannie had been driving for a few minutes, she was just careful speeding on the road. She runs slowly and notices that his companion is bored.

‘That's why I'm so conscious. Focus on driving, Zannie. Don't let his presence affect you.’

"It's like I'm riding in an interment car."

Howard's weak language could not pass her hearing. Her cheeks warmed at what he said. It seems that the young man is still very angry with her but she can't blame him.

She pretended to hear nothing. She barely caught a glimpse of Howard's appearance. He always thought that only Jacob is the only handsome in her eyes but why did God bother to send a more handsome creature next to her?

'He's so ugly.'

She countered the threatening admiration that she should have given only to Jacob.

"Aren't you going to speed up yet?" Howard asked as he raised the volume of his voice. He noticed Zannie's smirk. She still doesn't say a word, she just seems to be holding back her anger. But she couldn't understand herself sometimes.

It was fun to watch the frown on Zannie's face. Suddenly he forgot his guilt.

"You want to go fast? I should have let you ride in an ambulance in the hospital!" Zannie sighed as she accelerated the vehicle. She didn't care if the arrogant man got angry.

"Hey hey! You're really not kidding?"

Howard was confused because the car suddenly accelerated. He looked to the side of their path to the barracks. He screamed until his voice cracked, after all, steep cliffs were the side of the road they were walking on.

"You're not sorry, are you going to do this? Please, slow down!" Howard added. But Zannie seemed deaf because she was still accelerating the car, faster.

“You requested it, then I’m going to give it!” Zannie answered without even looking at Howard.

***

Howard’s soul seemed to fly after the trip back to the barracks where he was staying. It's like riding the scary rides of an amusement park because of Zannie's driving skills. This is only his first time meeting a woman like her. Mixed emotions again, annoyance and admiration. Zannie's attitude of not knowing how to apologize was annoying to him. But it was funny because he had the courage to do the thing he never thought a weak -looking woman could do. He must have made a wrong impression on the girl.

‘I can't beat this woman. But she messed with the wrong man. She was wrong when she opposed me.’

He followed Zannie's gaze as he got out of the car. She was silent on the dropping of relief goods, not even asking for help from other people in the barracks who seemed to be counting poles. He knew it would be heavy but he pretended not to care. Zannie hates him, so he feels the same way about it. That would be their way of reciprocating things towards each other.

He averted the sight to the view from outside the vehicle. The area does not seem to have been affected by the war. The rooms are well made even if they are simple. He was suddenly curious, he wanted to know where in Trias the battlefield was set up. On the other hand, he temporarily lost the annoyance he felt at sending his father to the place where he is now.

Now, he thinks this experience is a challenge and interesting on the other side. But he thinks the bigger challenge is none other than Zannie.

Several minutes later, another lady appeared and approached Zannie.

“Hey Zannie, are the goods okay to distribute?” the unknown lady asked. Zannie nodded. “I can handle all of this, don’t worry.”

“Just tell me if you need help. But I think the guy beside you can help you. He looked strong at first glance.”

“I don’t think so,” Zannie grumbled and annoyingly glanced at Howard.