The Life of Jacob Track (Book Two of the 33X Series)

Chapter Twenty Nine

           

CHAPTER TWENTY NINE

April 11, 2015

Zacchya wished, more than anything, that she knew what Larry was planting into her head.  She, of course, couldn't remember it.  And the weird thing was that she didn't feel a lot different.  She wasn't depressed anymore, but of course they had proven that 33X could cause depression and suicidal thoughts. That science experiment was done.  It was hard to say what Magnus and The Program would want her to do next.  She hadn't figured it out yet, but hopefully she would soon.

            Ben brought in her supper tray, and sat on her bed beside her.

            "Hey, I just wanted to say that the plan is going ...very slowly, but it's going," Ben smiled.

            "Oh, good. I was just literally sitting here trying to figure out what on earth Larry might be implanting in my head. You don't know, do you?"

            "I surely do not, sorry.  And I don't know what he's doing to Jacob either, but it's definitely something. Jacob is practically a different guy. He's still nice and charming to others, but he's different. He surely doesn't think much of me, either," Ben shrugged.

            "Oh, I know what that part is about ... he's jealous of you. He thinks there's something going on between us. Which is ridiculous, right? You're just trying to help us get to safety, but Jacob is sure you want me. It's sad really. I think we might have broken up," Zacchya frowned.

            "You broke up?"

            "Yeah, I don't know, but yesterday. I had overheard him like a few weeks ago talking to Larry, on the TV or whatever it was. He wasn't himself.  Larry was telling him he'd have to kill me. It was awful! Anyway, he's been slowly changing since then. I mentioned you yesterday about how you're trying to help us, and Jacob flipped out! He said he didn't want to talk to me for a while and that our wedding wasn't real. I guess you'd take that as a break up, I don't know," Zacchya frowned, staring at her supper tray, not even wanting to eat it. The pain of possibly losing Jacob again, was too much.

            "Oh no, I'm so sorry," Ben said, his hand on her shoulder.

            "Thanks ... I know it's not his fault. I'm sure there's still hope for us, you know? Well, there is once we're out of this damn place! 33X has changed him so much already. He needs away from it!"

            "Yes, he does, you both do," Ben sighed.

            "Ben, I'm so grateful for your help. I know whatever you're working on to get us out of here, won't come overnight. And I know you're putting a lot on the line to help us, when you don't have to. That means a lot to me, it really does. Please, don't forget it," she said, looking sincerely into his eyes.

            "Listen, I better go ... I've been in here too long already," Ben looked into her eyes. "Just don't lose hope about Jacob or the escape. It will work out. I'll make sure of it."

            "Thanks, Ben, you always know what to say," Zacchya leaned toward Ben, putting her arm around his shoulders.

            "You're welcome," he replied. He knew that it was shift change for the guards and no one would be walking by the door for another ten minutes. He could stay longer, but it wasn't the best idea. He leaned over and hugged her, holding her a few seconds too long. "I should go ..."

            "Keep me updated," she said, letting go of Ben so he could leave.

            "Zacchya?" Ben said, his gold-green eyes staring into hers intently.