Reveal

Janice followed Carl to the stump lab and hid behind a tree. She peeked and saw Drake, surprisingly took a step back and snapped a twig. She froze for a minute and bend over to see if someone heard her but Drake wasn't there and Carl was running towards her as she turned back someone grabbed her neck and THUD! pressed her against the tree.

Suddenly, the person released her. She coughed for a moment and when she became conscious and open her eyes, she was in shock. It was Drake.

Carl came running.

"JANICE! What are you doing here?" ,said Carl breathing heavily.

Janice eyes were filled with tears as she couldn't believe it was Drake in front of her.

"She followed you." ,said Drake.

Drake was looking at her expressionless. As, their eyes met for a few more seconds, Drake averted his eyes, turned over, took a deep breath and said,

"Take her back." His voice was trembling.

Janice grabbed his arm. His arm was cold and hard. It felt like she was holding a log. Drake turned over and saw her crying.

It was quite uncomfortable for Janice because she wanted to ask him about what happened but couldn't. He made her release his arm by sliding away her hand. He walked towards the forest, his bones cracking and a few seconds later VANISH!

Janice fell down on her knees and started crying.

ON WAY HOME

Carl told her on their way that Drake is not comfortable in front of him too and It took much more to convince him to meet . He said that It was difficult for Drake to come in front of her like that that's why he didn't come see her.

"He doesn't want you to see him like that and .... I- I don't know how he can talk like that nor I can ask him about it." ,he said.

Janice started staring him. Carl look at her and said,

"Nothing. You don't need to worry. Everything will be fine. I promise."

THE NEXT DAY : AFTERNOON

Carl and Janice standing next to Drake.

"I couldn't stop her." ,said Carl.

Silence.

"You know Janice is helping me throughout to complete the antidote. she's been a great help." ,said Carl after 2 minutes gap.

Janice started writing on her pad.

"Let me be your side , Drake."

Drake read it, ignored it and sat on the log.

For a whole week, with Drake, Carl and Janice will come to stump lab and will do a research on the antidote but something was still missing. The formula to the antidote was lost and there was not enough time for them to memorise it. So, it was quite difficult for them to complete it. But yes, Drake noticed them throughout. He felt like the bonding between them was getting stronger and it made him uneasy.

"Is your neck okay?" ,said Drake in a quite heavy voice, while looking down.

Janice wrote "its okay." and passed a smile.

"I'm sorry for last time."

Janice nodded in rejection. They both smiled to each other.

Carl faced gloomed and Drake noticed.

It was time when Carl and Janice go back, before that Drake whispered to Carl,

"Don't worry, I won't take her from you." ,and smiled.

Carl passed a surprised look with wide opened eyes.