My Way To You 213 Then Just Go

"Do you regret it?" Ariana asked as she brought down her hands from under her chin and looked at Lobo desperately. "Let me ask you? Will you regret not seeing your adoptive mother?" Lobo asked as he looked into Ariana's eyes. "I...." Ariana said before she pursed her lips. She dropped her gaze to the travel container that was placed to the right of her. "I." She said again as she opened her mouth. Ariana thought back on how fun it was making food with other people. Not because of shear need but for enjoyment. She then recalled her time at the Sugar Apple Cafe.

Her eyes started to water as she started to choke on a sob threatening to come out. "I..." She said as she remembered the good and the bad times. She remembered the unconditional love she received and the horror on everyone's faces when she changed. She remembered how her adoptive mother tried to reach out to her without hesitation even after she changed. No matter what Zula never stopped loving her. "I want to see my mom." Ariana cried as she picked up the container. "I want to give her the soup, I want to give her a hug, I want to tell her I love her and I want to say see you later." Ariana cried louder.

"Let's go then." Lobo said as he got off the ground and dusted off his pants. "She won't hate me right? For getting mad and storming off?" Ariana sniffed as she looked up at Lobo. "You're a bigger baby then I am." Lobo sighed as he stretched out his hand. Ariana looked at the big hand then wiped away her tears with her own hands. "So what I'm allowed to be." She grumbled as she took Lobo's hand. He held her hand tightly and walked beside her.

"You know, this doesn't mean I'm going to take you as my mate." Lobo laughed as he raised his hand and showed Ariana that they were still holding hands tightly. "I won't let you take me as your mate." Ariana laughed out loud. "Good. I'm your soldier... No I guess that's wrong since we are in school. I'm your guard now, I won't leave your side so Cayden better get used to it." Lobo said firmly as they walked.

"You're going to cause more misunderstandings?!" Ariana shouted hysterically. "Of course not. I will take my duties very seriously." Lobo said with a low growl. "So you're going to bow to me every time I see you? Are you going to stick to me like glue? Are you going to address me formally?" Ariana asked with a small chuckle. "I must, this is part of the code for the Royal guards." Lobo said with pride. "No I don't want you too!" Ariana shouted as she tried to pull her hand away but Lobo kept her firmly in place.

"Too bad, rules are rules and this way we won't cause misunderstandings." Lobo said firmly. "Holding my hand is not a formal thing to do!" Ariana yelled as she held up their joined hands and waved it around. "Of course it is! I have to comfort you and this is the best way." Lobo said without hesitation. "I'm comforted! Look no more crying! I'm smiling, see." Ariana said desperately as Lobo looked at her. "You're not smiling with your eyes, my mission is not complete." Lobo said indifferently.

"What mission?! I gave you no mission! Lobo let go already! Please!" Ariana shouted in protest. Lobo gave Ariana a devilish smile and pulled her along faster. "Not until you see your mom." He laughed as Ariana cried inside her heart.

.....

"Lady Zula a pleasure to meet you." Lobo said as he bowed in front of Zula. Only then did he release Ariana's hand. Ariana looked absolutely bitter about being dragged to her adoptive mother. "That's nice..." Lady Zula said awkwardly the turned to Ariana. "Did you get a new boyfriend?" Lady Zula asked as she pointed at Lobo. "No! He is not my boyfriend! He will never be my boyfriend! He is my n-new b-big brother! He's Cayden friend and was told to take care of me when Cayden isn't close by." Ariana shouted in a panic. "You sure?" Lady Zula asked suspiciously. 

Lobo raised his head and looked Lady Zula in the eyes. "I don't want her either. She's rude, loud, very unladylike but my best friend loves her so I need to keep her safe. I have also prepared myself to act as the fun uncle to their children when the time comes." Lobo said robotically that it dumbstruck Ariana in to silence. "You're pregnant?" Lady Zula gasped. "No! I'm still a virgin!" Ariana shouted at the top of her lungs. "Sweetheart I'm just teasing! You don't have to get so upset." Lady Zula laughed loudly. "You're not mad at me?" Ariana asked in disbelief.

"What of course not! Why would I?! You needed time to process things and I let you have some time. I don't think I would have waited around forever but you came back before I ran out of patience. Honestly I would have hunted you down and made you talk." Lady Zula said as she pulled out a white handkerchief and dabbed the tears from her eyes. "Mom." Ariana called out as she suddenly became bashful. She knew her mom cared but she always felt so touched by her words. "Mmmh?" Lady Zula responded. "Here. I made it with some people very nice people." Ariana said as she presented the travel container filled with soup. "Oh.... Are these nice people different from others?" Lady Zula asked as she took the container. 

"Very different. They accept me, flaws and all. They are also willing to help me whenever I need it. Just like Lobo here." Ariana said as she brought up her gaze and locked eyes with her mother. Ariana could see the message s.h.i.+ning in her mother's eyes. 'Do they know?' Ariana nodded her head. "I'm glad you surrounded yourself with good friends. Next time I will see if Rin and Sterling can come up with me. They miss you." Lady Zula said as she started to reach for her purse. "Hold on, honey please hold this form me." Lady Zula said as she pa.s.sed Ariana the travel container. Ariana quickly grabbed it and watched as Lady Zula put her hand inside her purse.

"Ah! Here it is." Lady Zula said as she pulled out a thick white stack of envelopes.