Strings

How Will Things Go?

Letting out a soft smile I put the sunscreen back in my bag and looking over I saw Stef walking toward us. Standing up I held Mariana's hand tight as I swallowed hard. How was it possible Stef got more beautiful each time I saw her. With just a black tank top on and tight ripped jeans and sandals she was beyond words as her beautiful long hair hung long passed her shoulders and sunglasses covered her eyes.

"Stop staring Lena. You can do this. You can do this." I whispered to myself as I now waved at her.

"There is my friend Mariana." I said looking down to her as she stared just as hard at Stef as she approached us beaming from ear to ear.

"Hey Lena! You guys picked an amazing day for the zoo!" She said pulling me in for a hug as I hugged her just as hard back.

"We did. It's amazing out."

"That it is. And who's this cutie pie?" smiling wider then ever Stef leaned down to Mariana's level with no hesitation lifting her sunglasses over her head.

"This is Mariana. Mariana this is my friend Stef."

"Hi sweetheart aren't you a doll face. Thanks for letting me join you guys today I think we will have fun huh?"

Stef's smile grew even wider despite the fact that Mariana had remained silent and not said one word to her but the eye contact remained.

"That's ok talking is over rated anyway. But I did bring you something." As she dug in her back pocket Stef pulled out a pink lollipop holding it in front of Mariana. This would be interesting for Mariana did not trust a single sole and had just stared to take things from my hands. "Not sure if you like the flavor but it's not bad. It's for you love." As I watched what she would do Stef's eyes glanced to mine as we both smiled at each other.

"It's ok sweetheart it's yours." she said patiently as I was more shocked then ever to see Mariana take the lollipop from her along with showing Stef a smile. Mariana would barely take a fork from Monte's hand even after living with us for a few months.

"That a girl." She winked now standing up and staring deep in my eyes.

"Thanks." I whispered as she nodded her head a smile remaining on both of our faces.

"So let's see some animals huh?"

"Sounds like a good idea."

As the three of us spent the day at the zoo it turned into a wonderful time and the best time I had in years. Yes, originally I had been nervous about how Mariana would react to Stef but she seemed to adore her more than anything even sitting closely beside her during the Safari ride, the dolphin show and allowing Stef to pick her up to see the monkeys. This was a stark contrast to the behavior she exhibited toward Monte for Mariana never let her within 12 feet of her. However as I continued to watch the two interact throughout the day Mariana seemed to enjoy Stef's company more than anything as I soon saw her hug Stef when she purchased a stuffed elephant for her. There were no words to how sweet it was and it reminded me so much of the time we spent with Callie when she was young and how she clung to Stef so closely as well. I was pretty sure it reminded her of the same thing the longer the day went on and the more Mariana seemed to grow closer to her. By the time we got back to my apartment it was well past 7 PM as I tucked Mariana in and she fell asleep almost instantly. Thinking it was somewhat risky inviting Stef over for a bit I wanted to talk to her about her trip and if she had any more news regarding Callie.

"She never goes down that fast." I said coming out of Mariana's bedroom as I saw her sitting on the couch leaning her head back.

"The zoo can be exhausting. I'm beat myself. But she's adorable Lena."