We were all so surprised, we saw multiple camps made, and I guess they had created a search party.
As soon as they sighted us, all the soldiers came out of the camp and stood erect in front of us and saluted.
"How have you guys been?" Cal asked wearily.
"We care more about the health of the citizens, sir!"
"They are all fine; I hope no one else is missing except us?"
"No sir!"
"Good, dismiss, Salute."
The first-aiders immediately rushed to attend to each one of us.
The Colonel came and hugged Cal tightly, he didn't even wait for Cal's greetings.
"We almost lost hope. We had searched every single area for you guys."
"We survived"
"There she is" Colonel rushed to the president's daughter and they conversed indistinctly. He made Elena laugh.
Then I heard my name from a distance. "Sidney!!!"
I looked in that direction and saw Jake running towards me. He hugged me tightly.
"I was so heartbroken when I heard you went on the mission with them because of me"
It wasn't because of him.
I just smiled.
My eyes ran and met Cal's. He was upset, then he walked away.
*********
I was alone with Jake in a camp. Then he started talking.
"I've missed you, I thought I would die without hearing your answers, I…"
"Jake, I…"
"You have my answer, now?" he was excited.
I nodded with a sad face hoping he would understand, but he was so naïve. He was eager.
"I am sorry, i…"
"Wait!" he cut me short. "I heard a rumor and make me believe it is just a rumor, it is not true right?"
"What rumor?"
"Are you and Calvin dating?"
My countenance fell, "Oh my God, he betrayed my trust." Jake stood up angrily.
"Jake, please listen to me."
"Listen to you? Why should I listen to you?"
He stood up and left my camp, and I followed him stupidly.
He walked into Cal's camp. When he saw Cal, he ran towards him a threw a punch at him.
"Oh no…" I said disappointed
Cal initially didn't fight back, but it seemed Jake wanted a fight and Cal gave it to him.
I ran outside and called the colonel, so those wild wolves wouldn't kill themselves. The colonel called them to order immediately after he got in. Jake was already badly injured.
********
After everything, I felt so guilty, stupid, and lifeless.
"I know how you feel" Vera came and sat beside me where I was thinking about my life.
"You do?" I asked curiously, wanting to hold a conversation with someone who would make me feel better.
"Yeah, when two men are fighting over you, your head swells."
"That is not it." I hissed, "Please go away, you are making things worse."
"You love Calvin that much?"
"I guess."
"Well, I won't deny, I envy you, it is my first time seeing Cal so interested in a woman in the five years I have known him. But, Jake is also interested in you. Why not choose Jake?" She adjusted and glared at me. "I wish you luck with whatever decision you make," she said and walked away.
I spent the rest of my day in America thinking of what to do when I got back to Nigeria. Later, we were ordered to pack up. After a few minutes, the plane came and took us. I was sitting next to Elena, Grace sitting next to her boyfriend Red, Vera was sitting next to one of the sergeants. I wonder what jokes he told her that made her giggle. Cal sat next to Jake. I guess they sorted out everything, but Cal hasn't looked back at me since we started our journey. I guess he hates me now. I sighed and closed my eyes, never felt so lonely.
"Can I join you?" Cal said as he sat beside me.
Then I heard the announcement to fasten our seatbelts, but before I could take my seat belt Cal already did, helped me with it, pecked me, fastened his seat belt, and held my hand tightly.
*****