Zach wasn't fully aware from the first moment where his eyes fell upon Owen. But there was something there – he just did not quite grasp what it was. Zach had always liked girls, but he had also always felt awkward around them. He hadn't even had it in him to kiss his girlfriend goodbye, before he and Gray were sent off to Jurassic World. And now he stood here, waiting to be taken home by his parents and with his brother. He just didn't really want to leave. And to think, he had been so reluctant when they first arrived. It hadn't exactly been a lot of fun either, but when Owen showed up, things just got better and he saved the day again and again. He saved their lives, didn't he?
He turned around, looking over at Owen and Claire, standing close together. But they weren't holding hands and not even touching. He had of course seen them kiss, but that had been moments after he first saw Owen and he didn't know the emotions so well yet. Zach just knew he'd rather stay here than leave for home with his family.
"Mother…" He approached his mother, who gave him a smile, "When are we leaving?"
"Soon. Don't worry Zach; we'll be home in time for Christmas." She said, still smiling, but Zach felt a bit strange with that knowledge. He had to figure out something!
"I just feel… we ought to stay, and help Aunt Claire. It feels strange to just leave it all behind." Zach said and that caused a serious and worried expression on his mother's face. She hadn't seen that one coming!
"You would rather stay here?" She asked, sounding as surprised as she looked and Zach nodded.
"I think I do." He said and if his mother could look more surprised, she did. She told him she would have to think about it and then she returned to their father and whisked him aside to talk to him. He wondered what they were discussing, but watched from afar. Then they walked over to talk with Owen and Claire. Owen looked towards Zach and Zach felt strangely overjoyed within. What was this? He never felt like this with his girlfriend. But for some reason, a glance or a few words from Owen did something to him. Finally the four came over to Zach.
"You really want to stay and help out?" Claire asked and Zach nodded and confirmed it. His brother sat a bit away with a bottle of water and now gave them all strange looks, as they stood there talking in a group. But Zach ignored him and focused on his parents and tried to not look at Owen.
"It's settled then. But it will be hard work! We have quite a few dinosaurs to catch." Owen said and Zach couldn't help but look up at him.
"I'm ready for anything you throw at me." He said and looked determined. And so it was decided that Gray would go home with his parents and Zach would stay on the island at least until after Christmas, which was still a few weeks away.