David frantically scattered his gaze around the area, his eyes in search of Zarinna's familiar form. Where could she be? As much as he tried to resist, the apprehension he felt only intensified with each passing moment.

Why was he so concerned? He dropped his gaze to the ground. Had he ever worried for someone like this? He shook his head. Now was not the time to think of such. For all he knew, Zarinna could be in danger whilst he stood idle. Though not widely acknowledged, terrorist groups were known to scout the grounds of this land, and Zarinna being alone somewhere, the lady that she is, puts her in much peril. David prayed in his mind, calling out to God in hopes to calm his storm of emotions.

"Zarinna!" He called out, but the sound of wind caressing the trees filled his ears instead. He strode to another area, walking in haste as he probed each side of the path he passed by. He heard footsteps behind him.

"Any sign of her?" He heard Gina's voice. Turning around, the view of Gina along with Sir Luke occupied his perception.

"No," He breathed, "I see you've come, Sir Luke." He remarked, smiling slightly towards his fellow teacher.

"Yes, I heard Zarinna's gone missing. I've already alerted the others. They will help in searching."

David nodded as he listened to him speak, "That's great Sir," He tapped his shoulder and turned around. "For now let's split up. I'll take this direction." David strode away as he finished speaking, relieved that help from the other faculty is coming.

After what seemed like an eternity, David came to a halt. Worry and desperation cloaked him like the exhaustion that weighed upon his body. He closed his eyes, counting each breath as he sought peace amidst the turmoil.

"Father," He whispered, "Please... please help me find her."

With this, he unclasped his lids, advancing once more to another path. The path he took turned more downhill as he walked. He looked around the place, no sign of a person. As he was about to turn around, the sound of sobs came in contact with his ears. He peered over his shoulder, and as though responding to instinct, he approached the boulder before him, walking by its side till he reached the other side.

"Rinna?" He spoke, the view of a woman upon the ground occupying his vision. The woman lifted her gaze, her tear wet cheeks gleaming as light touched it. A sigh of relief found its way off his lips. She rose to her feet in a split of a second.

"Manung!" A silent gasp escaped his lips as he felt Zarinna's arms wrap around his neck. For a moment he couldn't move, struck wordless as he felt her warmth. He heard her ragged breathing from his side, the shuddering of her body evident against his.

"I thought no one would come," He heard her sob, "I thought... I thought..." her words were muffled in tears. Slowly, David lifted his arms, responding to her embrace as he began to speak.

"It's okay," He smoothed the back of her head; "I'm here now." To his surprise, Zarinna's embrace tightened, he felt his stomach lurch. She was so near.

"Just a few more seconds," He heard her mumble, "Just a few more seconds, please..." he could almost hear his heart beat from his chest. What in the world is happening? He questioned in silence. He kept his arm upon her back, the other on her head, reminding himself to breathe from time to time whilst his heart figured out a way to keep him alive.

Slowly, he felt her arms loosen, her hands retreating to his chest with each breath. "How do you feel now?" David asked. She lifted her head and met his gaze.

"M-much better..." She replied, almost a whisper.

"Hey! I think I've found he- woah," Mr. Sepnayen was taken aback by what he saw. Averting his gaze immediately as he recognized the two whose arms are around each other.

"What's happening here?" A voice of a woman was heard. Flustered, Zarinna kept her gaze downcast, stepping away from David in haste. Lauren eyed both of them.

"Uhm," Zarinna began, her voice limp as she wiped the tears off her face. "I'm sorry. I was just-" She took in a breath.

"It's okay. She was just afraid that's all." David cut in, his hands now upon his sides. The awkward atmosphere was so thick around them, and silence reigned in their midst.

"Ow-kay!" Mr. Sepnayen spoke up, breaking the silence. "I guess this issue is solved then. Come, Ma'am Zarinna let's get you back to the camp." Mr. Sepnayen tilted his head, his gaze narrowed to the white fabric Zarinna held. A chuckle escaped his lips, "I think I know the culprit behind all this, and it's right inside that palm." Zarinna unclenched her hand, revealing the tear wet white flag in its midst.

"You got it, Mr. Sepnayen, you got it." She affirmed, shaking her head. A smile crept up David's face unknowingly. Strange fascination griping his being as he gazed upon her.

"Zarinna!" their gazes flung to where the voice came from.

As soon as the man reached her, Luke instantly held Zarinna by her shoulders, locking gazes with her as he spoke.

"What happened, where were you?" Concern echoed from his voice.

"Oh no, your jeans are torn," David tilted his head and glanced towards her legs. She's bleeding too.

"Here," He saw Luke take his jacket off, wrapping it around her waist to shield her exposed leg. David lowered his gaze in discomfort.

"Thank you, Sir Luke." Zarinna smiled.

Glancing towards them momentarily, David stepped aside and began to walk. The others followed behind him.

"I've texted the others," Mr. Sepnayen informed, "Dinner will be ready as soon as we arrive."

"That's great, Sir Maurice!" Lauren beamed, "I'm starved!"

David heard Luke ask Zarinna questions, she answered all. Men, does she even keep any secrets? And why was he feeling upset anyway? He found her, for goodness sake!

"It was back when I was fourteen," He heard Zarinna recant, gripping his attention as he walked, "Something..." She paused for a while, "Something really terrible almost happened to me on a large boulder many years ago. So, whenever I see something like that, I get this wave of anxiousness and all other sorts of mixed emotions - especially when I'm alone. I couldn't even think clearly or come up with a logical action."

He heard Lauren scoff, "What sort of 'terrible thing' could have caused you that much trauma? Were you almost sacrificed to a god or something?" The sarcasm in Lauren's voice struck Zarinna silent, and David never heard her speak again till they reached the clearing to their camp. David shook his head at Lauren's response. Sometimes this friend of his really speaks so carelessly - so unChrist-like.

Zarinna refused to speak anymore, a bit offended by Lauren's words. If only, if only you knew. She wanted to say but resisted the urge.

"Zarinna," She heard Luke speak once more, "I noticed from yesterday that you really like barbeque. I know a good place that serves it wonderfully. If you want I can take you there sometime?"

Zarinna opened her mouth to speak but was interrupted when she heard David clear his throat. The man beside her refused to even flash her a gaze, wonder surged Zarinna of his unusual silence.

Maybe he's mad because I embraced him without consent. Zarinna bit her lip in embarrassment. And there goes another piece of your dignity, girl, good job!

"Zarinna?" Luke's voice tore her from her thoughts.

"Ah, yes, the barbeque. Sure! Just inform me when."