| Lara sat in the backseat of a cab. She had given the driver the directions to the ring that the mysterious Cell had given the other day; however, she didn’t tell the driver where they led because she was afraid he wouldn’t bring her there. Lara looked out the window seeing nothing but mountains and a few trees here and there. She wondered why she was risking her life for a lousy picture. But there was something about this Cell that intrigued her. He would be something different to add to her collection of drawings. As she was having her second thoughts the driver came to a screeching halt. Lara looked up wondering what the problem was. The driver turned around and looked at her. “Is there something wrong?” Lara asked. “You bet there is,” said the driver. “Do you have any idea where I’m driving?” “Yes, sort of.” “Are you serious? You tryin’ to get me killed or sometin?” “What do you mean?” “Don’t play stupid with me lady. We’re in the desert area here. And if I’m not mistaking that’s where that monster is.” Lara knew that she would have to walk the rest of the way. “Look, I’ll pay you extra if you bring me there.” “Ha! There’s no way on Earth that I’m going any farther. You want to still go you can walk. I’m not stupid enough to go within two miles of that monster.” Lara grabbed her backpack and got out of the car. She paid the driver, and he left as soon as the money hit his hand. Lara growled to herself and began walking. She was thankful that it wasn’t that hot out that day, otherwise she probably would’ve died before she reached her destination. Her walk was shorter than she thought. She was only walking for about twenty minutes when a small platform came into view. She took out her binoculars, (which she was going to use so she didn’t have to go up next to the ringside), and adjusted them to the direction of the platform. It was the platform that she expected to see, and standing in the middle was the person she was hoping to draw. Cell. She went a little closer then hid behind a small mound of rocks. She looked through her binoculars again and frowned. She had a perfect view of him, but all she could see was his back. Now what? She thought. I can’t draw him like that. She sat on her knees trying to decide to go for a different angle or be smart and go home. As if he was reading her thoughts, Cell turned to his left. Once again she looked through the binoculars. Perfect, she said. She took out her sketchpad and a pencil from her bag. Cell was looking straight ahead of himself with his arms crossed, giving her a perfect side view. She was hoping to be able to draw his whole face, but it was this or nothing. She would draw a few lines, look through the binoculars, and then draw a few more lines. She was able to keep this up for about fifteen minutes. Then when she looked through the binoculars again, she gasped. He was looking in her direction. She ducked hoping he didn’t see her. She waited a minute before peeking over the rocks again. This time he was gone. Oh no…where’d he go?! Lara held her breath. Please don’t see me; please don’t see me…she wished to herself. As she sat there she noticed a shadow loom over her. Her body became stiff. I’m going to die…well, might as well face the music. Lara took a deep breath and turned her head far enough for her eyes to see Cell standing on a ledge about five feet above her. He stood there with his arms still crossed looking down at her. Lara turned around and faced him. The two starred at each other for a while waiting to see if the other was going to make a move. Finally, Cell broke the silence. “So, what brings you all the way out here?” Lara felt her body tighten up even more. She couldn’t say a word; she was too scared to even attempt to. “What’s wrong? Can’t you speak?” asked Cell. Lara didn’t answer. “Well, at least shake your head or something. Now, can you speak?” Lara hesitated but shook her head yes. “Good. Now will you be able to answer my first question?” Lara shook her head yes again. “Well, what brings you out here?” Lara was still afraid to speak. But she finally got the courage to say one thing: “Umm…um…” Cell laughed and said, “You’re scared of me aren’t you? Well, I won’t hurt you as long as you talk.” Lara hoped he was going to be true to his word. “I…um…I was, I mean I wanted to…to…” “To…?” “I was trying to d-draw you…” she finally got out. Cell was surprised at her answer. “Draw me? So that’s why were constantly looking through those binoculars.”Lara’s eyes became wide. “What? Didn’t think I saw you?” Lara looked at the ground then back up to Cell. “I was hoping you wouldn’t.” Cell laughed to himself again. “Sorry to disappoint you, but I knew you were there the whole time. That’s why I turned around. I wanted to see what you were doing.” Lara didn’t say a word. She closed her eyes and tilted her head down. “What’s wrong?” asked Cell. Not looking up she answered, “I’m ready.” “Ready for what?” “To die. I knew that if I got caught you’d kill me, so I’m ready.” “My dear girl, remember I said that I wasn’t going to hurt you. Right now at least,” he added with a smile. Lara looked up at him, not knowing what to do. “Well, would I be able to see what you’ve done so far?” “W-what?” “The picture. May I see it?” Lara looked down next to her where the sketchpad lay upside-down. She didn’t want to make him mad so she handed it to him. He took it and looked at the half drawn picture. “Hmm…” he said lifting an eyebrow. “This is pretty good.” “Thank-you.” “What made you pick me?” He asked handing the pad back to her. “I’m not sure. I saw you on TV and thought you’d be something different to draw for a change.” “Are you going to finish it?” Cell crossed his arms again. “Umm…if you let me I will.” “Hmm…should I or not…How about this. If you promise not to be so scared of me I’ll let you redraw me if you wish.” Lara’s eyes widened. “You would do that?” “I said I would didn’t I?” Lara didn’t answer. Not looking for a response Cell slowly started flying back towards the ring. “Wait! Where’re you going?” Lara yelled. Cell stopped and turned towards her. “Surely you don’t want to sit in the dirt. You can come to my arena.” He continued on his way. Lara didn’t know what to do. She thought of taking a run for it, but then decided that he might come after her. She picked up her things and started walking to the arena. |