| The sun began to rise. Sitting on the ground, leaning against a tree, sat Cell. And leaning up against him was Lara. They had both fallen asleep and neither awoke until light began to fill the sky. The first to open their eyes was Cell. At first he didn’t know where he was. Then he felt his arms around Lara. She still slept peacefully. Not wanting to disturb her, Cell remained in his position, though he was uncomfortable. A seagull flew by loudly calling to other gulls nearby. Stupid bird, Cell thought. Lara started to move. She opened her eyes and saw two yellow feet in front of her. Then she realized they belonged to Cell. I’ve been here all night with him, she thought. She looked up at him. “Did that bird wake you?” he asked. “Yeah,” she answered. “Did you sleep?” Cell nodded. They both stood up and stretched. Cell swung his arms around one at a time, and then lifted his wings, and put them back. Lara was still half asleep. She walked over to the stump and looked out into the ocean. Cell came up behind her and put his hands on her shoulders. She in turn put one of her hands on his. Lara yawned and said, “I wonder what time it is. It’s probably around 5:30. I don’t know about you, but I’m starving. I never had dinner last night. Do you mind if I go back to my house and get something?” “No. I’ll take you there if you want.” Lara agreed and he brought her to her house. She invited him inside. At first he refused, but she persuaded him to come in. He stood in the kitchen and watched her open cabinets looking for something good to eat. Then she pulled out a box of donuts she bought the day before on her way home from work. “These are really good,” she said. “You should have one.” “No thanks,” Cell said. He crossed his arms and walked around looking at the different objects in the room. “I think you should have one,” she said again. She went over to him and tried forcing one into his mouth. “I don’t want one,” Cell told her. “Will you just try it? For me?” She gave him the puppy eyes. Cell couldn’t resist that look. He snatched the donut from her and took a bite. When he finished chewing and swallowing he said, “Happy?” “Yes.” She finished hers and went into the refrigerator for the milk. After she poured herself a glass she found that Cell had finished the donut. “See, I told you you’d like it.” He didn’t answer. “I’m going to get washed up. You can look around if you want.” She left and he started wondering around the house. He just looked into the living room, and then walked down the hall. He went into Lara’s bedroom and looked at the pictures on the bureau. Lara walked into her room and found Cell wondering about. “Who’s this,” Cell asked pointing to one of the pictures. “My friend Rob.” “Oh,” Cell said and walked away. “You live by yourself?” “Yes,” Lara said as she brushed her hair. “Hey Cell? I was wondering…” “About what?” “About the tournament. It’s tomorrow isn’t it?” “Yes.” “Are you going to win?” “I doubt I’ll lose. I don’t know of anybody that could beat me. There’s one person that might come close, but I doubt he’ll succeed. Why do you ask?” “Just curious.” “You’re not thinking I’m going to get killed or something are you?” “Actually the thought did pass my mind.” “Well, I assure you, nothing will happen to me. I’ll be fine. No one has beaten me yet.” “Have you even fought anyone yet?” “Yes, two people and I took them out with no problem.” Lara laid her brush on the bureau and starred into space. “What’s wrong?” asked Cell. He walked up behind her. “I don’t want the bubble to burst.” “Bubble?” “Cell, ever since I met you I can’t stand to be away from you. I couldn’t live without you…and if something happens to you at that tournament…” Tears began to fill her eyes. When one escaped her eye, Cell caught it with his finger. “Nothing is going to happen to me. I’ll win the tournament, and when I do I’ll be back.” “Promise?” “Promise.” Lara smiled and held his hand. “Can I come to watch?” “It might be too dangerous.” “I’d be okay. I wouldn’t get in your way or anything. Just sit way off to the side and watch the fight. That’s all.” “If you want to come then that’s you’re decision, not mine.” “Then I’ll be there.” After a moment she asked, “Are you still going to destroy the Earth?” “Because of you no.” Lara was thankful to hear this. “Why did you threaten to destroy it in the first place?” “I told you that it was Dr. Gero’s dream for the world’s destruction. And besides, I had to say something to get the attention of people out there.” Lara dropped the subject. As long as she knew the Earth would stay intact, she didn’t care. She put her arms around Cell, and hugged him. “I love you,” she said. Cell only put his arms around her. He didn’t respond to what she said. Mostly because he still didn’t understand “love.” “I should probably get back to the arena.” “Do you have to?” “I should, yes.” Lara looked down at the floor. Cell lifted her head. “I told you, I promise that I’ll come back when the tournament’s over.” “I know. I just don’t want you to leave.” Cell gave that half smile again. They walked to the front door. “Bye…” Lara said. “Bye.” Cell noticed how sad Lara looked. “Oh, stop looking so sad.” “I’m sorry. I’m better now.” “Good.” “I’ll see you tomorrow then.” “I’ll win, don’t you worry,” Cell said. “I won’t.” Before Cell flew off, they gave one last kiss. Then without saying another word, he waved bye with two fingers and flew off. She watched him until he was out of sight. Remember you’re promise...she said in her mind. |