Isaac, Garet, and Jenna: Ease
Isaac is torn. For weeks now, he had been dreading this moment. He had nightmares over it, had agonized over it, had stayed up all night worrying about it. Isaac stares at the group on the other side of the room, feeling the presence of his teammates next to him. His group versus their group. For months, this had been the status quo. Felix running, Isaac pursuing. Always at odds. And yet, here they are, standing on opposite sides of the room, joining forces.
Hama's words are final. They still have a job to do. There is no time for hesitation or worry. They need to save the world.
Isaac understands that. He does. But after months of nightmares and agonizing and worrying over this moment he can't help but feel so…unfinished. Everyone says words. They're glad they sorted out their difference. They're thankful they don't have to fight. Isaac contributes, too, because he thinks that's what a leader must do in this situation. But his eyes are trained on Jenna and Felix. They are his best friends. Were his best friends. He doesn't know anymore. They feel like strangers now. Felix is unreadable and Jenna refuses to meet his eyes. Isaac steals a glance at Garet and knows that his best friend (his real one, the one he's certain about) feels the same. And no words of gratitude or thankfulness can quell that uncertain feeling in his chest.
But Hama is right. There's no time. They must move. Isaac's group leaves first. Ivan, then Mia, then Garet, then Isaac. Isaac is last because he wants to hope that maybe he'll see something in their eyes. Or that they might look at him. They don't. So, Isaac doesn't either. He feels heavy and he knows Garet feels the same way. He and Garet are about to step out of the house when Jenna stops them.
"Isaac! Garet!"
They turn toward her. She is looking back. Her face is unreadable, but they wait for her anyway because they want to believe they're still friends. Best friends. She doesn't say anything, just stands there for a moment. Isaac wonders if she only called them just to say their names. If that's the case, he doesn't mind. But still. She slowly walks up to them, taking step by agonizingly slow step. When she reaches them, she looks them in the eyes for a second, and then throws her arms around them both. She draws them closer to her body. Isaac buries his face in her shoulder and breathes in her scent. He thinks Garet does the same.
He doesn't know how long they stand there, but when they finally let go, Isaac feels a thousand pounds lighter and he believes the other two feel that way too.