CHAPTER #16 ----- "YES"

Xena: Choose Your own Adventure #2

By Allison

H = 33, X = 5

Xena threw her arms around Darius.

"Yes!" she exclaimed. His eyes lit up, and they kissed until the door swung open.

"Daddy!" Sarita yelled. Xena and Darius backed away from each other guiltily. "Gabrielle is really not coming back?" her eyes welled up with tears.

Xena and Darius looked at each other.

"Uh... we have something to tell all three of you. Go get your brothers..." Darius decided, holding Xena's hand. He grinned at her, and she returned the smile.

The two boys quickly returned with their sobbing sister, and sat down outside to listen to what Xena and Darius had to say.

"Xena and I are-" Darius was interrupted.

"Going to look for Gabrielle right now," Xena finished.

Darius stared at Xena, opened mouthed. The kids opened their eyes wide. "Get your things together, you're coming with us," Xena stated.

The kids ran back inside, cheering. They figured this was all a game.

Xena hoped it was.

"What is Zeus' name do you think you're doing?" Darius asked quietly.

"Looking for Gabrielle," Xena made eye contact with the man she loved. "I shouldn't have said anything to you about this marriage thing. I want to - don't get me wrong, it's just that... I have to make sure Gabrielle's oalright first," Xena finished.

"You have to make sure Gabrielle's alright or you have to alright it with Gabrielle first?" Darius' words stung Xena.

"What?" Xena hissed.

"Why do you want to find Gabrielle? She probably did go home! She's a big girl, Xena!"

"That's why you asked me to marry you after Gabrielle left... you didn't want me discussing it with her! Does it ever occur to you that I might have a mind of my own, and that might use it?" Xena pursed her lips. Darius just stared at her. Xena got a sinking feeling that this marriage thing might not be a good idea... but then again, she loved Darius, and this was just tension because of the situation... right?

If Xena tries to apologize and set things right, go to chapter #32.

If Xena makes no move to fix the fight, go to chapter #33.