Chapter 6: Me too!

In another half an hour they finally reach close to a habitable area which means the village is nearby.

'Mountain range is just few kilo Meters away from here so we can start writing our observations form here onwards' Rick announced to everyone following him. I stopped after his call like others, finally time to rest. 

He really was in his club president's character today, seeing his dedication one could tell how high their responsibilities are.

This area is really beautiful I can see the mountain range ahead, everything is covered with lush greenery. Only thing we need to be very careful is not having any contact with dangerous wild animals, not a very good idea to hang out with them. 

'Hey Noah come here it's your time to take pictures of the area' David called out to him. 

David was a good looking guy his honey colour hairs with hazel eyes really suited his personality. His features were also attractive and the best factor was his height no wonder Emily might be attracted to him.

'On it... give me a second' Noah answered taking out his camera Trisha also stood beside him. They are really getting closer, how come I never noticed they were a thing.

I took out my file and papers it's time to get some work done. Our project is to write about the vegetation diversity, mineral composition and if possible endemic flora and fauna of a particular area. This area was chosen by Rick I didn't ask why but I can say his choice is actually good.

Every one searched around noting down time, weather and season details in their files, there's a lot to fill initially. 

'Guys look here' David shouted and grabbed everyone's attention. We walked closer to where he was pointing and noticed an isolated plant.

Hearing David's call Emily was the first one to run to stand beside him. I wouldn't have noticed this action of her's before but now that I know her feelings I can't ignore these signs. In love sometimes you forget how obvious your actions are.

'...and what's this' Trisha questioned no wonder she doesn't know.

'Its a medicinal plant called Black cohosh' Rick answered her question. It's good she feels curious and not bored.

'Oh' she exclaimed with interest 

'Funny name for a plant with white flowers' Nina commented with a giggle.

'What's it used for?' Trisha asked again with a curious face looking at Rick

'Uh...' Rick hesitated for a moment wondering if he should answer or not

'It helps relieving menstrual pain' I answered Rick don't have to feel embarrassed for us it's not that big of a deal. I can understand his dilemma he was afraid of making girls feel uncomfortable. Quite a gentleman!

'Omg... I seriously need this' Nina shouts with joy followed by all the other girl laughing and smiling.

'True might take some on way' Emily joined the happy chatter. 

'I think we should follow this trail we might find some more of these or even more useful plants' Noah suggested to go on a diverted route from the main one.

'We don't have that much time it will take hours to go investigate and come back remember we have to find this lake' Rick said pointing towards the map.

Our goal was to find that lake near the mountains as there's a possibility of finding lot more useful data there.

'But we need to record these flora of the area too it will take a lot of time both ways' David supported Noah

Rick thought for a while deciding what to do and gives his idea 'How about we split in teams?'

Everyone seems surprise with the idea not agreeing immediately. Its a good idea as it will help us collect all the data in the given time but it comes with its own danger. We are in a jungle and you never know what could happen.

'I agree with the plan' I announced supporting Rick's decision separating may not be the perfect solution but we need to do something.

'I also like the idea there's no other way' David also supported, after that others also agreed to the plan.

'So how we gonna divide the team?’ Noah asked

'Noah, you have to click pictures of the vegetation you might encounter so you should go on the second route' Rick said 'and...' he looked at Trisha and said '...take Trisha with you'

Does he know? Did Rick also noticed what we noticed? Great!

'I will go straight on this decided route' Rick said looking ahead

'I will go with you' I offered as I also want to go ahead to explore.

'Then I will also come with you guys' David also joined as soon as he announced his decision a voice came from behind

'Me too' Emily shouted and joined David

'Me also' Jack also joined in

As I said before... too obvious. Rick, David both looked startled with what just happened along with me. If everyone will enter the same group it will not work guys.

'David I think you should go with Noah and others its dangerous to let then go alone and you are an experienced person so they might need your help' Rick told David giving him pitiful looks you could tell from his eyes how much he hoped David to agree.

'Fine I will go' David was a little reluctant but agreed after all he and rick are closest buddies how can he deny his request. Rick must have asked me due to the trust he have one David.

As soon as those words escaped his mouth I looked at Emily knowing she will shout now and as I expected she did 'Me too' she shouted and joined him with others going the second route.

Jack who was holding her bag and he didn't say a word but you can tell from his pitiful expression he wanna join them or her actually, poor guy!

'You should go too you have her bags' I told him to go its not nice to make this guy suffer with us. He smiled at me and followed after the others.

'Its dangerous for you and Luna to go alone' David said looking at me. Oh boy don't give me those concerned looks.

'I will join them' Nina said oh yeah she was also there, for a second we all forgot about her.

At the end the teams were finalized Me, Rick and Nina will go on our regular route while others will follow the plant trail.