| At noontime Lara sat in the living room reading a magazine. Cell and Seru came home and found her curled up in the reclining chair. “So how was you morning?” “It was so cool! You have to see what Daddy taught me!” Seru ran over to her and picked up her hand. Looking at Cell she said, “What did your father teach you?” They went outside and Seru showed off his flying skills. “So you taught him how to fly. Did you teach him how to fight too?” “Are you upset about it,” asked Cell. “No, I knew you would do that.” Seru landed on Cell’s shoulders. “Did you see?” “Yes I did,” Lara said. “That’s very good. Did you eat?” “No and I’m starving! Can I have pancakes?” Lara laughed. “Yes. Go get washed up; you’re pretty dirty there.” Seru did as he was told and hopped down off of Cell’s shoulders. When he left Cell stopped Lara. “I told him.” “Told him what?” Lara asked. “About my past. He knows what I’ve done and that I’m leaving for good later today.” “What did he say?” “Nothing much. He took it better than I thought. Maybe he just doesn’t understand.” Lara put her hand on his shoulder. “Don’t worry, Cell. He’ll understand eventually. He’ll remember this day for the rest of his life. I think that’s important.” Lara and Cell went into the house. Lara made the pancakes and they all sat down to eat; even Cell tried one, but didn’t like it too much. Cell looked at the time. It was 1:04. Not even a full hour left, he thought. He sighed, got up and walked over to the window. He starred out into the yard. He knew this would be the last time he would see anything like this. I wish I never did it…they wouldn’t have to go through this if I hadn’t been so foolish. What’s wrong with me?! He slammed his fist on the counter, and went outside. “What’s wrong with Daddy?” Seru asked. “I don’t know. Stay here.” Lara followed Cell outside. She found him standing in the yard with his back turned to her. She walked up beside him and looked straight ahead. “So what’s up?” At first Cell didn’t answer. Then he said, “It’s my fault this is happening.” “What are you talking about?” Cell turned and looked into Lara’s blue eyes. “Lara,” he started, “If I wasn’t so selfish and thick headed in the first place, I never would’ve died. And I wouldn’t have to leave you and Seru here all alone. I’ve been such a fool. I’m sorry.” Lara smiled. “Don’t worry about it Cell. I know you couldn’t help your nature. That’s the way you were taught, right? You didn’t know that all of this was going to happen. You didn’t plan on me coming into your life…” “No I didn’t,” Cell interrupted. “But I fell in love with you. I couldn’t believe it at first and thought it was just a phase, but it lasted. I came back for you. Then I found out that I had a son. I never expected that. I didn’t want to believe it either; but now I do and I’m failing him as a father.” “No you’re not. You’re a good father. He loves you very much. I think it’s better that he at least got to meet you instead of never knowing you at all.” “But I’m leaving you…” Lara hugged him tightly. “That doesn’t matter…” She tried to hold back the tears. “Cell, I love you. And every minute I spent with you will stay in my memory for the rest of my life. We’ll be together again someday…” “Lara…” Cell hugged her back. Then the both felt something wrap around their legs. Looking down they found Seru. “Seru…” Lara said wiping her eyes. “I love you too, Daddy.” Cell smiled and picked him up. “I’m sorry that I won’t be here for you.” “That’s okay,” the boy said. “I’ll take care of everything. I’m as strong as you now and I’ll fight off anybody that wants to hurt us.” “Well, I don’t think you’re at my level of strength yet,” Cell laughed. “But I do know you can protect your mom.” It was ten of two. Cell, Lara, and Seru were in the front yard saying their good-byes. Lara tried to be strong and not cry, but it wasn’t working. Cell held Seru and talked to him briefly before he ran out of time. “Be good, kiddo.” “I will Daddy,” Seru said. He sniffled and wiped his nose. “Don’t start crying. Be a big boy,” Cell said. “I’m not crying!” Seru exclaimed. Cell laughed and put his son down. Then he walked over to Lara. “Well, I guess this is it…” he said. “I guess…” Lara said. “Oh Cell!” She jumped into his arms. They gave each other one last kiss. “I never told you…but I love you,” Cell said gently in her ear. “I love you too,” she said back. She refused to let go of him. Then an ogre appeared behind them. “Let’s go Cell. I’ve been ordered to escort you back to HFIL,” he said. Cell didn’t respond. He still hung on to Lara. Then the ogre yelled at him again. Cell put Lara down and slowly backed away. Lara stood behind Seru with her hands on his shoulders. “Bye…” said Cell. “Bye Daddy…” Seru said. It took Lara a second to say “bye” because of her soft crying. Cell turned away and met up with the ogre. “Here,” the ogre said holding out the handcuffs. “Put your wrists out.” “Please…not in front of them,” Cell requested. “Very well,” the ogre said. It wasn’t long before he disappeared and Cell started fading away. He quickly caught one last glimpse of his family. When Cell was gone Lara and Seru stood there for a few minutes. Lara wiped her eyes and said to Seru, “Come on Seru. Let’s go back inside.” |