"A mind is a terrible thing to waste." Zac announced as he sat next to Jakob on the low brick wall outlining the steps to the building.
Jakob turned and smiled at him, "A great quote. What's your fetish with it though?"
Zac shrugged, "I think I need to start using my mind more."
"I think you should use it less." Jakob remarked dryly. "You think too much as it is."
"No, I think too much on things that I shouldn't." He corrected. "I think I should start thinking about things that are more important."
Jakob nodded his head, "Ah, that is a good idea actually." He agreed.
"Yeah," He said softly. "I also think we should let Mechelle hang with us for a while." Zac suggested.
His friend sighed, "Zac." He warned,
"She's not making a lot of friends, ok?" Zac explained hurriedly. "In fact, as far as I know, she hasn't made any yet. And has only talked to us."
Jakob tilted his head and thought quietly for a moment. "You shouldn't be using this as a reason to get close to her just to ease your over-active imagination."
Zac grinned, "I know. And I'm not. She is really nice, and very smart."
"Zac," Jakob said smiling, "I don't need you to point out her qualities to me just for my validation."
"Well, I just…" He started.
"You just wanted me to say 'yes.' " Jakob filled in.
Zac hung his head in false shame and smiled down at his clasped hands. "Yeah." He murmured mockingly.
He laughed and nodded, "Yes." He answered.
"Thank you, man!" He said loudly before grabbing him in a side-ways hug.
Jakob laughed harder, "Man, get off me!" He said giving him a friendly push off him. "Jeez, we're in public, ya know? And there are some people who can see us here."
Zac laughed as well, "I know, I know." He said while backing off.
They calmed down some, "Zac." Jakob said softly. "Try not to get in too deep with this… and her, okay?" He asked carefully.
Silence surrounded them and Jakob held his breath. Awaiting the outburst his friend would have.
Something different came.
Zac slung his arm carelessly over his friend's shoulder, "Don't worry, Jakob." He assured soberly. "I won't hurt her."
"I'm not just worried about her." He confessed.
"I won't let myself get hurt either." Zac promised slowly and gently. Praying that he was right, on both counts.
Jakob began to bob his head up and down in thought. "I hope so, Zac. I truly hope so."
You and me both. He thought worriedly.
