Chapter 4 Rise and Shine

The next morning…

Lewis Enterprises is a multi story mega-complex situated in the bustling center of downtown. The multi-billion dollar cooperation prides itself on their cutting edge clinical research studies and development of psychotropic drugs which are used to treat a variety of psychological illnesses. After the company's founders died, their daughter Lauren Lewis took over the business as CEO. Dr. Lauren Lewis keeps the research component fully operational but she also added a new division. Her parents allowed corporate greed to consume them but Lauren is far less concerned with the market rate trade value of the company's shares. Her humanitarian spirit led her to develop and implement Tabula Rasa, a non-profit organization that recruits those with frequent appearances in court for criminal charges for their rehabilitation program. The non-profit organization provides an alternative for people on the verge of serving a long prison sentence under the Three Strikes Law.

Lauren works very closely with the Tabula Rasa team and often provides counseling to recruited participants. Her doctorate degree in clinical research/professional counseling and her self taught knowledge of business administration allow her to contribute her many skills to the continued success of her non-profit organization.

The entire 5th floor of Lewis Enterprises is designated for Tabula Rasa. This area is immaculate, with top of the line modern furnishings, and a well trained team of researchers, therapists, and other personnel that support this segment of Lauren's operation.

Lauren's office occupies a massive corner workspace with large windows and a spectacular view of downtown. Her office is decorated with exquisite contemporary Japanese furnishings. A Shoji screen which serves as a barrier between her desk/work area and the area she reserves for sessions with clients. The bright white walls are decorated with several pieces of 16x20 framed contemporary paintings. Her workspace houses an oversized desk, high back leather office chair, and a wooden 8-drawer Japanese filing cabinet. The client area of her office includes a futon, a legless lounger chair, a basic legless chair, Shoji lamps, a beautiful handcrafted cabinet, coffee table, and two smaller tables.

Judge Ash is responsible for forwarding potential candidates to Tabula Rasa and Lauren is very involved in the screening process of the list of potential recruits that the judge forwards to her organization for consideration. Lauren has assigned herself to oversee the case of Tabula Rasa's newest recruit. Bo Dennis' file has certainly sparked her interest so she decided to handle this case herself.

It is early afternoon and Lauren stirs and fidgets in her chair, appearing restless and anxious. Lauren is wearing her tailor fit white lab coat. Underneath the lab coat, Lauren sports tailor fit tan slacks, and a burgundy button down shirt with the top three buttons undone exposing her elegant neck and a glimpse into her cleavage. A brown belt and burgundy and tan oxfords complete the outfit.

Frustrated with her restlessness, she gets up and walks over to the receptionist's desk. Sylvia immediately perks up as Lauren approached her.

"What's wrong Dr. Lewis?" the young woman inquired concerned.

"Bo Dennis was due to arrive this morning to begin the paperwork for participation in this quarter's program. Have you heard from her?"

"She was scheduled to begin the check-in process this morning and she has yet to arrive or call. I have the contact information from the court and could telephone her if you'd like."

"That won't be necessary Sylvia. We will provide the standard 48 hour waiting period before I notify the court that she did not arrive to begin the check-in process."

Lauren walks back to her office and falls into her high back leather office chair, a look of hurt and disappointment splashed across her face. She removes the Bo Dennis file from her filing cabinet and studies it, paying especially close attention to the attached mug shot photos from her previous arrests. Lauren is concerned about the woman's whereabouts and is startled with her reaction. She does not even know this woman and typically isn't affected this way by her clients. The doctor busies herself with re-organizing her filing cabinet, trying to distract herself from thoughts of Bo.

At Raku's apartment…

Bo awakens in a panic and eyes the time on Raku's large wall clock.

"Oh shit!" Bo screams.

Raku is startled by Bo's booming exclamation and wakes up in an equally panicked mode.

"What?!" Raku inquires confused.

Bo hops out of bed and runs out into the living room. She quickly locates her clothing and hurriedly puts them back on.

"It's 2:00 in the afternoon and I should've been gone a long time ago. I had a very important appointment. Shit! I could end up in jail again."

"What are you even talking about? Get back in bed and let's start this little party all over again. I have all day to please you and party with you." Raku looks at Bo with hopeful eyes.

"You know how this whole song and dance goes with us Raku. Nothing has changed. Thanks for the good time but I have to go. As a matter of fact, this was the last time I'm coming here."

Raku stares at her in disbelief. Bo has made that exit statement many times before and always ended up coming back for a night or day of drug fueled passion and partying. This time seems different though and Raku senses that this was indeed be her last time with Bo.

"I've been given an opportunity to really get myself together. I don't want to ruin the chance."

Raku is visibly shaken and enraged. She storms towards Bo.

"Get out, just get out. This is all we will ever be isn't it. You show up at my front door out of the blue and fuck me all night while getting fucked up off of my stash! You are a user Bo. You use people and you walk away! The next time you're craving your next hit and feeling horny, go somewhere else!"

Bo finishes getting dressed and pulls on her boots and jacket. She walks towards Raku and tries to give her a hug.

Raku is fuming and starts yelling at Bo again.

"Don't you dare come near me. Don't you fucking dare!"

"I should have cut this off a long time ago when I noticed you getting in too deep. I'm sorry Raku. I really am." Bo says very calmly and sincerely. She enjoys the fun times with Raku but realizes the two of them together is a toxic combination.

"I was a fool to think that one day this would become something more." Raku shouts.

Raku walks to the front door and opens it, gesturing for Bo to leave.

Bo walks to the door and looks at Raku before dropping her head and walking out, never looking back.

Raku slides down the length of the door and begins to cry.

Bo walks down the stairs of the apartment building and heads home.