Chapter 189 - Back home (2) (1/2)

After dinner they spent some time chatting.

Stella pulled Sarah on the side and whispered: ”You are staying in the same room with Aiden?”

”Yes. Is that a problem?” Sarah raised her eyebrows. Her body was stiff showing that she is ready to argue if needed. Or leave, again.

”No. As long as you know what you are doing.” Stella quickly responded. She does not want to agitate Sarah, not now when she finally returned home.

Sarah knew that her mom is thinking of the rule that they taught them since they were very young: first school, then job, then love (family). ”Mom, don't worry. I know what I'm doing. And also...”, Sarah faintly smiled, ”he takes care of me more than how much I take care of myself.”

”I find that highly believable.”, Stella confirmed. She knows that Sarah is borderline reckless and enjoys the thrills; high-adrenaline activities are her favorites. That young man taking care of her more than herself is something that it's easy to believe.

Stella said in a quiet voice: ”I just thought that since you just made up with your father, you will not do anything to provoke him.”

Sarah got defensive. ”How is this provoking? He knows that we are living together.”

Stella agreed. ”True. But knowing and seeing is different.”

”If he can't handle this much, then he was not sincere when we made up. Right?” Sarah was prepared to leave house if anyone raises any issues with their current arrangement. She loves Aiden, and he loves her as well, and they are living together. What kind of fake-pretend-game will she play if they stay separately? Just to indulge her father? No.

Stella observed Sarah's unwavering expression and sighed, ”When did you grow up so much?”

After some silence, Sarah asked, ”You will go on another trip soon?”

”Yes. Two weeks from now.” Stella confirmed. ”One month long stay in India. If I get a chance, I will visit in-laws.”

”How about our training?” Sarah asked apprehensively.

Stella was pleased that Sarah didn't forget. There are some things that she wanted to teach her. ”It will wait until I'm back. It's not like you can do much in this state anyway.”

”True... Is it OK if Aiden joins?” Sarah asked in quiet voice.

Stella answered with a question. ”Does he have any skills?”

”You will be surprised.” Sarah flashed a smile.

Stella thought for a second before asking, ”You vs him, what is the outcome?”

”We never sparred, so I don't know for sure.” Sarah shook her head, and then looked at her mom earnestly. ”But I have a feeling that he would have the upper hand.”

Stella was surprised to hear this. Sarah is usually very confident in her skills. ”Hearing you say it that way... I'm interested to see what he has.” There was still a bit of doubt in Stella. What if Sarah praised him only because she is in love with him? But this is something that Stella can confirm.

JoAnna approached them and looked at Sarah. ”Sarah, do you want me to change bandages before I head out?”

Sarah nodded. ”Yes, please. Just give me ten minutes to shower first.”

”OK. No problem.” JoAnna went back to sip her tea.