"Your serious?"
"Why would I joke about something like this?" She replied.
"I don't know, this was just... not what I was expecting."
"I'm not gonna rush you for an answer." She said looking out the window. "It's not like the world is ending or anything so we have time."
"It feels like you are rushing me." I said scratching my head.
"I need an answer for something else now though." She stated leaning closer to me. "Do you like Angie?"
Her smile turned into a look of intrigue as she waited my answer.
"I care about her a lot, but I've never seen her in a romantic way."
"You answered that a lot more calmly than I was expecting."
"What were you expecting?" I asked.
"Who knows." She replied standing up. "I should tell you that going forward I will be teasing you until you respond to my feelings."
"Compared to everything we've been dealing with, I'll be looking forward to it." I replied with a smile.
"Wasn't there something you wanted to talk to me about?"
"Oh yeah... never mind that."
"You sure?" She asked with a frown.
"Yeah it doesn't matter right now."
I feel like Lici wouldn't say anything if she did saw something last night. I don't need to bring that up with her right now.
"Then let me ask you something Ejay. Isn't your dad suppose to meet us at this town?"
That question stunned me for a second.
"How do you know my father is the scientist?"
"I overheard the captains talking about him. Let's say hypothetically, that tomorrow comes and he isn't here. What do you think is gonna happen?"
"Tell me what they said." I ordered in an aggressive tone.
She was slightly shocked by the sudden shift in my tone of voice, but only for a second.
"They said if his team doesn't arrive by morning then we will leave them behind."
I immediately walked towards the classroom's exit, but as I walked pass Lici she grabbed my hand again.
"Calm down Ejay." She said softly.
"Let me go."
"Whatever you want to say to the captains won't make their decision change."
"So what do you expect me to do, cause I'm not just gonna sit around and let this slide."
"First of all you should have faith that your dad and his team will reach before then. Afterwards if they don't show up, then you should have a plan set in place."
"What could I plan? I have to take in consideration that the captains will be against whatever I have to say. There's a 'demon' walking around outside and I don't even know where my dad is suppose to be coming from. I'm alone in this."
"After this conversation you really think you're alone in this? I'm here to support you, don't forget that."
"Why are you helping me. I get, that you like me. But this doesn't concern you right? You should be wanting to get to the airstrip as quick as possible."
"You said it just now, I like you. Now I'm gonna get you to fall for me, if you haven't already."
"Your crazy." I replied with a laugh.
"That makes the both of us." She said smiling back.
"I assume you have something planned if you're giving me all this information."
"How good are you at memorizing details?" She asked as her smile grew larger. "The fact that we've walked so far south when the airstrip is to the east, means we've been getting as close as possible to your dad's team. This has led me to suspect that we're not very far off right now from where they were stationed. Earlier today at our first stop, Zhaire pulled out the map he's using to guide us. I stole a glance at it even though I think if we just asked to see it he'd let us anyway."
"So why don't we just ask to see it?"
"If you ask at this time, it may bring suspicion to you. I could ask but I much rather you do it, so you could have the information you need. Who knows if something might happen to me so you shouldn't rely on me."
"It's kinda scary how much you've thought about this. You're getting pleasure from this huh?"
"Please I'm not Nico. Anyway, I saw Zhaire place the map down in the room that the captains are in. If there's anyone in there I'll make a distraction to get there attention, so you can get a look at that map."
"I don't need you to tell me what happens after that. Later tonight I leave the town without anyone knowing."
"No, we leave the town without anyone knowing." She replied with a grin.
"If it resorts to that we're gonna be in serious problems."
"Problems I assume you're ready to face."
"Let's go." I responded with a smile.
We left the room and walked over to where the captains were staying. Rodney and Captain Wilson were the only two in there, and just like Lici said. The map Zhaire uses was opened on a desk in the corner of the room.
"Go back and wait for the moment." Lici whispered to me.
"Alright." I replied.
I stood away from the class and Lici entered in her normal manner.
"Excuse me, have you seen Nico or Angie?" She asked.
"No they haven't been here." Rodney answered.
"Oh, I hope they didn't actually..."
"Didn't actually what?" Rodney asked.
"They mentioned going outside after we saw the kid from earlier walking around out there. I went to the bathroom and now I can't find them anywhere in the school."
"These damn kids." Captain Wilson stated.
"Let's go, show us where exactly you saw the kid." Rodney ordered.
They ran out the class following behind Lici, trying to catch up to Nico and Angie. That girl is something else... what am I supposed to do about her confession. This isn't the time to think about that, it could wait until later. I casually entered the class and left the door open. Quickly, I went over to the map and began examining it. Zhaire had marked and drawn all over it, labeling all of our projected campsites and the routes we would be taking to get to each one. Also, just like we had hoped he also labeled the location of my dad and his team, and just like Lici predicted they weren't far from our current location. Actually they were close enough that if we leave early in the morning, we could be back early in the afternoon. Maybe even earlier since it's only me and Lici and we wouldn't have to worry about pacing. That's considering the captains decide to wait for us. If not I should remember the route to get the campsite tomorrow. Damn it's far away. Whatever, I'll make it work.
"Everything alright Ejay?"
I turned my head to find Zhaire standing in the doorway.
"Never better Captain. I came looking for Rodney but nobody was here."
"I see." He replied. "So what's the plan?"
"Plan for what." I asked.
...
"Ejay, what would you do if your dad doesn't show up?" Zhaire asked walking into the room.
"I have faith he will, so I don't need to think about that."
"Let's say hypothetically-"
"Are you expecting him to not show up?" I asked cutting him off.
"No, but I want to make sure you're prepared for the worst case scenario."
...
"I can handle myself." I said walking pass him.
"Even though it was for a short while, I felt like I came to understand all of you that was on my squad. Cory's a bit blunt and when it comes down to it, he'll prioritize himself over anyone else. Dameer is a very genuine person and he likes to joke around to keep a positive spirit. Liam's not as smart as the others but he has a bright personality and is quick to fight alongside any of you. Lici at first seems like the average teenage girl just a bit more athletic, but after awhile you figure out she's very observing and calculating. Lj is the most mature and focused out of everyone but he lacks ambition, and tends to become invisible to his own team. Alyssa is the most emotional and caring, and she has an energetic personality, but she can let her emotions control her reasoning. Then there's you Ejay. A hard worker and protective towards everyone around you. You think a lot and you tend to make decisions based off of your emotions. I'm not saying I know everything about all of you, but over this short period of time I've come to feel responsible for your growth. Even now as I've been pushed into this Captain role for all the searchers, I'm still biased towards that original team which I really shouldn't be. But I am, so if any of you are in trouble I'm going to prioritize your safety over the rest. That said if there's ever anything I could help with, feel free to reach out."
"I appreciate that, Zhaire." I responded while nodding my head.
I exited the room quietly and made my way to the entrance of the school. I wonder what would Zhaire do if I told him that I'm planning on leaving the group. All of the other Captains come across as superiors, but Zhaire feels more like a big brother to us... The sky is clearing up a bit. I should try and find Lici.
...
"Hey lil bro." Nico said walking to catch up with Benji.
"What are you doing out here alone?" Angie asked.
"...Nothing." He replied hesitantly as he waited for them to catch up.
"What about earlier? Why were you so far from the town by yourself?"
"Also this bag, it was filled with herbs earlier wasn't it?" Nico asked.
"Bush medicine." He replied softly. "People in the town are sick so they need it."
"But why would they send you to get it by yourself?" Angie asked.
"I chose to go by myself. Most of the adults are sick and the kids don't know what to look for. The healthy adults like Clay need to protect the town and take care of the others."
Angie and Nico looked at each other and thought "what kind of state is this town in?"
"Well, how 'bout we join you for now then?" Nico suggested with a smile. "I know bush medicine so I could help you out with that."
"I don't really know anything about it, but I could at least help keep you safe." Angie stated.
"...Sure."
"Angie!"
The three's attention diverted to the voice that was calling out to them. They found Lici walking towards them with Rodney and Captain Wilson.
"I was wonderful why they were taking so long." Angie said.
"Where's Ejay?" Nico asked.
"You two know it's dangerous out here right?" Rodney asked moving closer to them.
"We're aware." Angie replied.
"So why are we out here?"
"We're helping out this kid and keeping him safe." Nico explained. "He needs bush medicine for the sick townsfolk and I know I can assist with that."
"Are you sure that's what it is Nico?" Captain Wilson questioned.
"Positive sir." He replied with a smile.
"The sun's coming back out so we should be safe from that infected they were talking about." Angie stated." Plus me and Nico can hear its whistling so we'll be fine."
"At the campsite we move in three man teams consisting of a searcher, guard and hunter." Rodney stated.
"Oh I'm joining them." Lici said moving over to Angie. "I said I was looking for them not trying to stop them."
"I'm joining 'em too if you guys don't mind." Ejay said walking up from behind. "Sorry for being late."
"What about a four man team sir?" Nico asked the stunned Captains.
"You kids are up to something." Captain Wilson exclaimed.
"We're not kids, we could handle ourselves." I stated walking pass them and joining Angie and the others.
"Don't go far, and be back within an hour." Rodney said looking at me.
"Yhup, we'll be back." I said walking off.
We'll be back this time.