The Runaway Groom

Lulu sat by Star's crib as Star slept quietly, feeling troubled even as she stared at Star's peaceful little cheeks.

She wanted to stay with Star as she grew up-to watch her take her first steps, learn to talk, go to school... eventually becoming an adult and building a happy life of her own. That was the only way she would find comfort, but now...

As she gently caressed Star's cheek, she mused, "How much longer can I still take care of you?"

Star would eventually grow up and not need anyone to take care of her, and Lulu only had that much time by her side.

Still, Lulu smiled. "But I'm satisfied being at your side now. Anything else can wait until later."

Time passed unhurriedly.

With Vivian gone, Lulu's life with Star was calm and peaceful.

However, Ken Dawson would come by occasionally, saying that Zachary sent him to check on Star. After all, Zachary stopped watching the security cameras since he could guess Lulu would be uncomfortable and had Ken take pictures instead.

"He's really creating extra work," Ken said with a chuckle. "You can do it for him, but he'd rather have me do his bidding."

to hear him and focused on taking care

tell me

him, more or less knowing

the more he would have to

find

Zachary's project

meant Lulu had to see him frequently, since he would come home at night even if

to cook

yet to return. With

three of them

anyone would mistakegelst

a

three... which they

nor Lulu would say anything even if

Zachary suggested, "Why don't we

not refuse him, since she had things to tell him too and did not know how to start. Alcohol might

and a couple of glasses, then placed one in front of Lulu and the