Upon Turbulent Seas

by CuddleFae

Bo and her sister Kenzi are pro surfers. Bo is striving to win a world championship. Lauren is headed to the 2016 Olympic games in Beach Volleyball with Tamsin as her teammate. After a chance encounter one night, Bo and Lauren are absent from each others lives until their lives collide once again in a life and death situation.

4. Chapter 4: Destination Rio

A/N: Sorry for the delay, but I'm not a pro surfer nor am I from Hawaii! It takes a lot of research to get some of the things right in this story. Please excuse any mistakes! There was some weird line spacing thing happening when I tried to upload this chapter. Hopefully the spacing works out. It looks fine now on my end, but you never know what happens when it actually gets to the readers! Thank you so much for all of the reviews and PM's! I'm so glad you're all enjoying the story. Let's go to Rio!

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Chapter 4: Destination Rio

"BO! Where's my Rio ticket? I thought I put it with my… oh, forget it! Found it!"

Bo emerged from the bathroom, "Do you have clothes for Rio?"

"Yea. I talked to Val who talked to our sponsors. They're expecting us to wear their clothes in case we're on camera and you have an interview in Rio on Wednesday, don't forget."

"I know, I know." Bo replied, still angry at Val for taking a trip that was supposed to be about Lauren and turning it into a press junket for her return to surfing.

"Bo, I know you're angry at Val, but Lauren understands. It's business, not personal."

"I know, but I still hate it. I just want to go and be a spectator and supporter of Team USA Volleyball."

"Well, one third of the program anyway." Kenzi smirked.

"Fine, I'm not there to cheer for all three teams, but I will cheer for them when they're not playing Lauren and Tamsin, okay?"

"Fair enough." Kenzi replied, slinging her backpack over her shoulder, "Okay, I'm ready to go."

Dyson entered the house, "Hi Bo."

"Hey, Dyson." Bo said quickly, before looking back to Kenzi, "You call me when you get there and no secrets this time, you hear? I want to know what you know."

"I got the message loud and clear."

"Can I take your bags, Bo?" Dyson asked.

"I'm not going with Kenzi." Bo replied, looking back at Kenzi, rolling her eyes when Dyson pressed for information.

"I see your bags. If you're not going with Kenzi, then where are you going? The pros are off until September."

Kenzi smacked Dyson on the chest, "Nosey much? Grab my bags, please."

Dyson gave a low growl, his eyes staying glued to Bo, "I'm not a friend anymore? I can't know when you travel?"

"Dyson, we've been through this. You don't need to know where I'm going and what I'm doing."

"I don't understand, Bo. We're friends! Why can't I know where you're going?" Dyson pressed.

Kenzi shook her head, whispering to their scruffy-faced friend, "You're smothering… pushing her away… you need to stop man."

"What?" Dyson asked, looking at Kenzi before looking back at Bo. Kenzi just rolled her eyes, checking her backpack for her passport, headphones and other small items she needed.

"Hey there." Lauren entered the house and moved to Bo's side.

Bo leaned over and kissed her softly on her lips, "Hey there."

Dyson's eyes went wide, causing Kenzi sigh before smacking him on the chest again, "Are you going to get my bag or are you staying in the states this trip? I can call Mark or Vex to drive the wave runner for me."

The tall man didn't respond, his eyes still locked on the woman he had been waiting to reciprocate his love. The pair seemed lost to each other… they were in their own little world. He moved the short distance to where they stood and extended his hand,

"Hi, I'm Dyson. You must be Bo's doctor." He wouldn't allow himself to think of this woman as anything other than a professional in Bo's life.

"Idiot." Kenzi whispered, picking up her own bag and carrying it out to the car.

Bo pulled back from Lauren, gripping her face and giving her one more kiss before pulling back and looking at Dyson's extended hand. Lauren wrapped her arm around Bo and returned the gesture,

"Hi. I'm Lauren." The blonde's smile disappeared as she felt the extra firm grip that wrapped around her much smaller hand as she looked into eyes that seemed to flare with… what was that? Anger? Jealousy? Lauren wasn't sure, but she knew the grip on her hand was uncomfortable, but she wasn't about to allow that to show. She squeezed back equally as hard, causing Dyson's eyes to drift to the joined hands.

Bo placed a hand on Dyson's chest, applying just the right amount of pressure to get him to release Lauren's hand, but not make a scene,

"Kenzi's waiting, Dyson and we have to be going."

Dyson's eyes looked hopeful for a moment, "You're coming with us?"

"No. Kenzi and I told you that I'm going to Rio." Bo replied drawing a frown from Dyson.

"The games don't start for two more weeks. I don't understand why you aren't coming to support your sister and be with your team when you get into heavier water again." Dyson replied.

Lauren placed a soft kiss on Bo's cheek, "I'm going to put your bags in the car. I think this is a conversation for two."

Bo gave her a shy smile and watched as their hands slid apart. Watching the blonde walk towards her bags, she sighed and turned back to Dyson,

"Look, Dyson… we've been through this."

"I just don't understand why you have to go before the Olympics even start, Bo. You need your team around you right now. You've been discharged from the hospital. You don't need a doctor, you need the people who have always been there for you to get your head back in the game. Why are you shutting out the people who love and care about you?" Dyson asked.

Bo smiled at the big dumb lug before her, wondering if he would ever get the message that she'd been trying to send for over a year now,

"Dyson, I am not ready for big water yet. We told you that the shack is being renovated over the next month, so I can't be here. Kenzi's star is rising… I'm just a distraction to that if I'm there with her. We've talked about it, sister to sister. It's time for her to do some events on her own so the cameras are on her and not me."

"I know, but…"

"Dyson! Stop it! You can't control my choices! I'm going to hit some of the smaller surf for a while in Rio. I need to get my courage up… I need to find the surfer I was before I met 'the team'." Bo said, using air quotes.

Dyson frowned, "But…"

"No, Dyson. Look, I appreciate that you looking out for me and what you think is best, but I have to do this my way. I have to listen to my mind, my heart, and my body. You can't help me with this."

"But your Doctor can?" He spit the words.

Bo shook her head, "She is more than just my doctor and you know it, Dyson."

"I can be there for you, Bo. I can help you through this. Why won't you let me? We've been through so much together. How can you just push me aside?"

"I'm not pushing you aside. We will always be friends, Dyson. We've shared a lot over the years. There is no way I would ever not want you to be a part of my professional life."

"But not your personal life?"

"On occasion, for picnics, beach hangouts with the gang… of course." Bo gave him a soft smile.

"Are you saying we're over? You seriously believe what you have with your doctor will ever be stronger than the bond that you and I share, Bo? We're meant for each other, I know it. We fit, Bo and…"

Bo held up her hands. She was getting frustrated, "Dyson, we're over. I've been saying it for a long time. Look, I don't want to hurt you, but I can't say it any more plainly than that."

"Please don't let this doctor…"

Bo cut him off, "Her name is Lauren. She is my girlfriend. I'm in love with her. That's not going to change… ever… if I have my way. If you want to be in my life, it's going to be as a friend. If you can't handle that, then you and I will part ways, Dyson. I'm going to Rio to work on the things I need to work on with a specialist Mitch referred me to who is working with Team Brazil. When the Olympics begin, I'll be at Lauren's matches and wherever else she needs me to be… or not be."

"Bo, this is a mistake…"

"Dyson, we're done… this conversation is over. If you are going to be my sister's driver, then you need to spend time with her… not me. She's coming up, Dyson. I'm on my way out, this season or next, for one reason or another. Right now, that's all up to me to get my head back in the game. You can't help me with that. You can, however, help Kenzi just like you helped me."

"See? I did help you. All you needed to do was admit it. You know we're a team, Bo... driver and surfer. We have a rapport… an understanding. I know when to tow you in to the mix… I know when the conditions are perfect for you."

"Then how did Evony get to me that day? How was it that she got towed in to my wave, Dyson?" Bo had wanted to ask that question ever since her memories of her accident had begun to come back.

"I didn't see her driver, Bo… I don't know how…"

"No, Dyson. Those were tow-in conditions. There is no way she got up on that board on her own in waves topping twenty-five feet and you know it."

Dyson hung his head as Bo raised her voice, "The truth, Dyson! What happened?"

"I heard the engine… you know it's hard to hear out there. I thought it was a small boat, not a PWC."

"So that's the way you're gonna call it? You're going to claim you thought it was a small boat instead of a personal watercraft. What? Was someone out fishing in the middle of the pipeline, Dyson?"

"Of course not, I'm just saying that…"

"You're saying that you screwed up, Dyson! She got towed in because you weren't watching! Was I the first one in? Tell me! Was I the first in? Was what happened to me my fault?"

"NO! No, Bo! Absolutely not! You had the right of way, I'm sure of it! She entered the wave through the back door and came across the peak! You were already in the curl when she dropped in on top of you! I've been playing it over and over again in my head! Ever since the accident… ever since I testified at the WSL hearing… I've been reliving the moment over and over again. I don't know how I missed it… I don't… I'm sorry, Bo. I'm so sorry."

Bo knew it wasn't Dyson's fault. Once Evony dropped in, there was nothing he could have done. Even yelling to her wouldn't have helped. She never would have heard him over the sound of the pipe. They all knew the dangers of that spot. Tow-in surfing was dangerous and there was a certain risk that came with it.

Dyson finally spoke after a long moment of silence, "So are you going to any of the tow-in spots in Brazil?"

Bo frowned, "I'm not ready for that, Dyson. I think we both know that. Like I said, I'm hunting small surf."

Dyson chuckled, "Small surf for you is anything over twelve feet."

Bo nodded, "I may go down and check it out just to watch. I'm sure Manny is going to be down there with Miguel and Enzo. It would be nice to catch up with those guys."

"I heard Enzo was towing in at Mavericks last weekend." Dyson said, shoving his hands into his pockets as she shifted back and forth on his feet.

"Wow. Maybe they're not headed to Rio after all."

"Nah. They'll be there. Everyone who's anyone is going to be there. They want to have all the best there to get the spectators into surfing. They need to make a good showing in four years when it's an exhibition sport or surfing will never make it into the Olympics for good."

"I guess my invitation was lost in the mail." Bo laughed.

Dyson shook his head, "Everyone is asking about you, Bo."

"It's okay, Dyson. I haven't exactly been the easiest person to like on the tour. I've always had a bit of a chip on my shoulder. My accident was actually a good thing. It's put me in touch with parts of myself that I lost long ago with my parents. I think people are going to like the new Bo Dennis."

"They liked the old one just fine."

"They liked her okay, but it would be nice to have some real friendships with my peers rather than a lot of friendly rivalries."

Bo sighed, "Oh well, all in good time. Right now, I just need to get back out there and figure out what the new Bo Dennis is capable of for the rest of this season."

"You can do anything, Bo. I believe in you."

"And I appreciate that, Dyson. You know I always have… but… well, I have to believe in myself or none of this is any good."

"I can help you believe in yourself again, Bo. Please…" He took both of Bo's hands in his own, "… be my partner again."

Lauren stood in the doorway, watching her girlfriend with her ex. She held her breath, waiting for Bo's response, the fear building up in her chest as Bo spoke,

"Dyson, I will always care about you, but I'm in love with Lauren… completely, utterly, hopelessly and endlessly in love with her. I know you don't understand, but it's just the way it is. No matter how many ways Kenzi and I have tried to say it, you're just in denial. I'm sorry, but you're going to have to figure this one out on your own."

She placed a hand gently on his chest, "We're over, Dyson… whatever it was that we were beyond friends… it was over years ago. I've tried and tried to tell you, but you just won't listen. I wish I could feel what you feel for me, but you're going to have to accept that I'm in love with someone else."

"I'll never stop loving you, Bo." Dyson replied.

"Well, that's something you'll have to choose to hang on to or let go of… I hope it's the latter, Dyson. You deserve to have love in your life, so I hope that you won't hang on to something that will never be. There's someone out there for you, Dyson. Please don't give up on finding them."

Dyson nodded, "Promise me you won't go doing anything crazy when you go visit the guys at Maresias?"

"You mean like when we got a little crazy with the helicopter at Jaws?" Bo laughed.

"That was radical." Dyson smiled, rubbing the back of his neck.

"It was the best ride ever. Nothing beats air tow-ins."

"Well, I'll just have to take your word for it. I'm bailing at anything over twenty feet." Dyson laughed.

"You always were a light-weight." Bo laughed in reply.

"Hey! I towed in at Mavericks and Ship Stern Bluff!"

"Yea and you pretty much dove off your board as soon as you landed." Bo laughed, slapping him on the shoulder.

Dyson laughed, "I think I shit my trunks too."

"Ah, you were always a good sport."

"Seriously, Bo. Please don't let anyone else tow you in. I don't trust…"

Bo placed a gentle hand on the blonde's arm, "I don't trust anyone else either, Dyson. You will always be the driver for the Dennis sisters. But Dyson, you have to be able to separate out these feelings for me from the job. If you can't do that, then I'll have to use Vex or hire someone else."

"No. No Vex. He towed you into the shitter at Ilha dos Lobos the last time we were in Brazil." Dyson said emphatically.

"Yea, I know. Maybe someone new would be better all together." Bo replied with a soft smile.

"Please, just… give me a chance before you go hiring someone else? I know your sets, Bo."

Bo nodded, "I know you do, Dyson."

She looked up at the clock on the wall in the kitchen, "Dyson, I really have to go. We have a flight to catch."

"You and the Doctor?" Dyson asked, frowning.

"She's my girlfriend, not my Doctor. Her name is Lauren and she's in my life, Dyson. If you want to remain in mine, you'll have to get used to having her around… and if you can't show her the respect she deserves, you won't be welcome. Are we clear?"

Dyson frowned, saying nothing, so Bo repeated the question,

"Dyson, are we clear?"

"Yes." He nodded.

"Great. Well, I'll see you when we get back from Rio then."

"Is it okay if I come down… I mean… to Rio? When Kenzi comes down, if you don't mind… I mean… if the Doc… I mean… Lauren wouldn't mind…"

Lauren stepped into the room, "Lauren wouldn't mind at all. The more support for Team USA the better, right? I mean… as long as you're not afraid to cheer for the underdogs."

Bo smiled at the blonde as she stepped into her arms. Dyson sighed before giving a small grin at the look of happiness on the brunette's face,

"Not at all. I love an underdog." He smiled before looking at Bo, "You look happy… a lot happier than I've seen you in a long time."

Bo smiled, "Well, I've got a new outlook on life." She looked at Lauren, "The last two weeks out of competition have given me a chance to get back in touch with a part of me that went missing somewhere along the way."

Dyson smiled, "Well, whatever it is, it looks good on you."

Dyson turned to Lauren, "Congratulations. You've got yourself quite a woman there. I hope you know how lucky you are."

Lauren's megawatt smile beamed as she looked at Bo, "Oh, don't worry. I definitely know. Are you ready, sweetie?"

"All set." Bo turned to Dyson, "Take care of Kenzi, okay?"

"Always, Bo. She'll be safe with me." Dyson assured.

Bo moved to leave, but then turned back, "Just please remember that Evony has a lot of free time on her hand and she's banned from WSL events right now."

Lauren added, "And I just learned today that her medical license has been suspended pending a hearing."

Bo's eyes went wide, "A hearing at the hospital?"

Lauren shook her head, "No, the board of review… the group that governs all medical licenses in the state of Hawaii. If she loses her license here, it goes on her permanent record. She would likely never practice medicine again."

"She's not going to let this go, Bo." Dyson warned.

Bo nodded, "I know. She's going to want to get back at me… and at Lauren."

"Why Lauren?" Dyson asked.

The blonde smiled, "Her ex-husband is my coach and she used to be my boss in the ER until the Chief of Staff of the hospital walked in on her threatening to make my life… and Bo's life… a living hell. Then when this whole plan to hurt Bo with Kristy came out, well…"

"I get it. She's definitely going to want revenge." Dyson said, shaking his head.

"Keep Kenzi safe, Dyson. Please?"

Dyson nodded, "Well, at least we don't have to worry about tow-ins for competitions."

"I know, but she told me she's been gaining confidence doing it for practice. I just…"

"If Evony is spotted anywhere, I won't let her practice tow-ins, okay?"

Bo shook her head, "That's the whole problem. She's never spotted. She just appears out of no where and screws with everyone."

Dyson nodded, "Vex and I will be extra vigilant, okay?"

Bo nodded, "Okay."

"Hey! Are we intentionally trying to miss our flights? I mean, if you want to stay here and breathe in dust, dirt and destruction then be my guests, but I'd rather go breathe the stale air on the plane." Kenzi waved her arms as she spoke, causing the three older adults to laugh.

"Okay everyone, let's get going." Bo smiled, walking to her sister and giving her a great big hug.

"Are you sure you don't need me there?" Bo asked.

"Need you stealing my thunder? Are you kidding?" Kenzi gave her sister a hug, whispering in Bo's ear, "I'll miss you. Do what you feel and nothing more, okay? I won't be around to save your ass."

Kenzi pulled back, looking into her sister's eyes as her own brimmed with tears, "Safe travels, safe rides and safe shores."

"Safe travels, safe rides and safe shores. I love you, Sis." Bo replied, hugging her sister once more.

Kenzi looked at Lauren, "I'll see you in two weeks. I'll be the one fangirling from the sideline. Just wait until you see the T-shirts I had made."

Lauren looked on in horror, but Bo laughed and eased her fears, "She's kidding, sweetie. But she will be screaming her head off for you. She's used to cheering over the sound of the waves, so…"

Kenzi wrapped her arms around Lauren, "She's right about the screaming… and I really did have T-shirts made. Play your ass off and make sure my sister is happy, okay?"

Lauren pulled away, "Always."

Kenzi added, "And safe."

"Well, that is not fully in my control as I'm sure you know." Lauren smiled, "But I will threaten her."

Kenzi smirked, "Just threaten to withhold sex if she does anything stupid. That'll keep her from throwing herself into a wave she has no business on right now."

The younger sister turned to Bo, "And I know you'll be looking up Manny, Miguel and Enzo down at Maresias… they always talk you into doing insane things with helicopters."

Lauren's eyes went wide. It was the second time she'd heard something about helicopters,

"Do you jump out of them?"

Bo knew that look on the blonde's face… her fear was kicking in, "No, baby. We don't jump out of them. They hang a rope and toe us into waves."

"I thought you used Dyson on a wave runner for that." Lauren asked.

"Well, the chopper is up higher and can see the waves coming from further off. They can actually pick better waves and drop you in the right direction. It's just expensive, so I don't do it much."

Kenzi laughed, "But our boys in Brazil are loaded and own their own helicopter, so she's sort of leaving that part out."

"Bo…"

"Lauren, I promise you… there is no way I'm towing into a wave using a PWC or a helo."

"PWC?" Lauren asked.

Dyson replied, "It's a classification… personal water craft… wave runner."

"Oh." Lauren replied.

"Okay then, let's get going." Bo smiled.

The group turned and headed for the door. Bo and Kenzi allowed the other two to leave first. They stood together, turning around to face their home,

"Well, Bo-Bo, the next time we see this place, it won't be this place." Kenzi wrapped an arm around her sister's shoulder.

"Are we making a mistake?"

"Giving up a shithole with one even shittier bathroom? Hell no! Besides, getting real walls… with the soundproofing I ordered around your bedroom… will allow me to begin to heal the damage done by having to listen to your sexcapades with the Doc this week. I mean, I'm glad you're healing and all, but I'm never sure if I should duck and cover because there's a volcano erupting or if it's just you or the Doc having one of your multiple orgasms."

"Kenzi!"

"What? I'm a sensitive child being exposed to porn sounds in my own home. The renovations are necessary for me to retain my youthful innocence!"

"Right… and you're a virgin, too." Bo smirked before giving her sister a squeeze, "I'm gonna miss this place, Kenz. It may be a shithole, but it has always been our shithole. This place got us off the streets and out of the shelters."

"And that's why we're not moving, Bo. We're renovating. Once we get all of our stuff back in here, it will start to feel like home again."

Bo smiled, "Of course, where we're standing now won't ever be home again."

"Nope. It's our future… the future of Kenbo Surf Shop!"

Bo laughed, "We haven't decided on that yet."

"It'll grow on you. I know it." Kenzi smiled, smacking her sister on the ass, "We're out!"

Bo looked over her shoulder, watching her sister walk away. She turned back to the shack,

"They'll take good care of you, I promise. Bruce and Sam have all of the plans… they're just going to give you a little face-lift so you don't fall down around us. You'll be proud of your new look."

Bo laughed at herself for talking to her house like it was a real person, but she'd been talking to these walls for more than a decade… they held all of her fears, her anger and the secrets she never told anyone. Somehow she felt like by breaking down the walls, they would all get out. It was silly and she knew it, but still…

"See you soon, shack. We're going to have a great future." Bo smiled, closing the door behind her.

Stepping outside, she looked up at the house one last time. She remembered the first day she stepped inside, using five thousand dollars to buy it from the previous owner, Fitz. He was a youthful seventy-eight year old man who still got out and rode on his surfboard every morning. He owned several properties on the island and had seen Bo surfing not far from the shack. After a few hours together, he'd decided to invest in her future, saying she was one of the most talented surfers he'd ever met on the island who wasn't a native.

Bo smiled, thinking of the old man who had helped her get her start… helped her break into the group of island locals at the pipe. Fitz had come to the hospital twice to see her after her accident. Bo was amazed at how a man pushing ninety could still get around the way he did. She hoped that she could keep his respect and get back up on the board again. The longer she thought about it over the last couple of weeks, the more she realized that her life had been full of people to support her in her career and personally. She'd been so wrapped up in missing her parents, that she hadn't realized how many people who had stepped in to assume many of the parenting duties in her own life.

She sighed, hearing Lauren call her name, "See you soon, Fitz." She turned and called to Lauren, "I'm coming, baby."

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Two Weeks Later…

Bo settled in to her courtside seat, looking around for her sister. Finally, she saw her and waved frantically. Kenzi smiled, running towards Bo,

"Bo-Bo! I missed you so much!" Kenzi smiled, wrapping her arms around her sister.

"Ripped it, kiddo. I watched the finals yesterday! Nice rides! Those other chicks never had a prayer. You really have turned a corner, Kenzi. I'm so damn proud of you!"

Bo hugged her once again for good measure before pulling back and sharing a smile. Kenzi's eyes welled with tears,

"That means so much to hear you say. I wish you could have been there, Bo. It was amazing! And I got picked up for next season by Billabong as long as I maintain at least my current standing!"

"That's awesome, Kenz! Did Val check the contract?" Bo asked, concerned about not being there for the business side of things. She had much more experience in these matters than her younger sister.

"They're faxing her the contracts next week. I'll be fine, Bo. Val is a wiz with this stuff. Right now, it looks like we have something else to deal with… how's your girl?" Kenzi nodded towards the pair warming up on the court in white suits.

"She's nervous, Kenz. I mean, she's trying not to show it, but I could feel it. I hugged her early this morning and she was stiff as a board. I felt like I was in a vice she was squeezing me so hard."

"Awww… broken bone hugs. It must be true love." Kenzi quipped.

Their attention was pulled by the sound of the announcer starting the match,

"Ladies and Gentleman, welcome to Copacabana Beach! The home of the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Beach Volleyball!"

The crowd cheered as the announcer continued,

"There is perhaps no other sport more closely associated with Rio than beach volleyball since its entrance into the Olympic Games in 1996. We are proud to host both the men's and women's competitions."

The crowd cheered again, the roar building as the two teams made their way courtside,

"And now, let's get to our next match, Team U.S.A..."

Cheers resounded once again, as Lauren and Tamsin stepped forward and gave timid waves to the cheering crowd,

"And Team Latvia…"

The crowd erupted in applause again as the Latvian flags fluttered in the ocean side breeze of the beach venue opposite the American flags. The announcer gave a quick synopsis of the sport,

"Beach volleyball is played on a sand court divided in half by a net. The two teams of players will try to hit the ball onto the ground in their opponents' court, scoring a point each time they do. Let's get to the action now, ladies and gentlemen. Let the game begin!"

Bo and Kenzi smiled, fist pumping the air as the match was called to begin,

"Let's go Torrent!" Kenzi yelled as Tamsin entered the court.

"Come on, Lewis!" Bo added, cheering for her girlfriend as she walked on behind her partner, "Please." She added, clapping her hands together and lowering her head for a moment in silent prayer to whoever was listening.

Kenzi wrapped her arm into the crook of Bo's elbow, "Okay… they're supposed to win this one. Piece of cake, right?"

"Right. Of course. Piece of cake. No problem. They've got this. Right? Of course I'm right."

Kenzi laughed at her sister, "Uh… are you sure Lauren was the nervous one?"

Bo took a deep breath and exhaled, "See? This is why surfing is better. You get up on a wave and a minute later, the ride's over. This? It's like what… an hour of shear torture with the lead going back and forth and back and forth? Is it an hour? Is it longer? I don't think I can take it being longer. Look at my nails! I have nothing but nubs! How will I ever make it through the whole tournament? I'm going to bite off my fingertips down to the first knuckle at this rate!"

"Awww, it's okay, Bo-Bo. You don't need fingers for surfing. Of course, Hotpants might miss them when you're supposed to be giving her your hot, hot lady love."

Bo smacked her sister hard on the shoulder, pushing her away.

"Oowwa!" Kenzi gripped her shoulder, glaring at her sister.

"I should have brought Dyson." Bo frowned, turning towards the court once again.

"Oh yea, that would have been a great idea. Hotpants would have been glaring at the stands the whole time instead of concentrating on playing."

"Stop, Kenzi. She's fine with Dyson. I'm not sure where his head is, but she knows where my heart is and that's all that matters." Bo replied.

"Awww… that's adorable." Kenzi replied, "YES! Whoop! Whoop! Whoop! Nice one Lewis!"

Bo smiled at her sister as she gave a cheer of her own. The sisters watched anxiously as point after point was played.

"You know, this is a really cool sport. I forgot how much fun it could be." Bo smiled.

"I remember playing at night after a day of surfing. It's sad to think of all of the things we've had to leave behind to pursue our careers." Kenzi replied.

"Do you regret it?" Bo asked, pondering the question herself.

"Hell no. This is great and all, but there's no rush like surfing for me."

Bo nodded, "Me too."

They were silent, watching Latvia score a point. Tamsin and Lauren came together in the middle, whispering to each other before both nodded and moved into position to receive the oncoming serve. Kenzi broke the silence, her eyes still on the court,

"So, did you get into any big surf yet?"

"Nah. I decided to wait until you got here. I just… I mean, my legs feel pretty good. I haven't used my walker for the past four days at all. I've needed the cane a bit when I get tired. My left leg still drags a bit, but that guy Mitch referred me to is good. He's using these little cups that he puts fire in or something. He's using a lot of massage that is actually more painful than it is soothing, but I'm just sucking it up because I'm getting better."

"That's good to hear. So… no big surf?" Kenzi was curious as to why her sister was waiting for her. Their friends would have been more than capable of making sure she was okay.

"I just… I wanted you here. I dunno, Kenz… I just… I'm scared, ya know?" Bo admitted quietly.

"Well, having me here isn't going to make much of a difference. Manny and the boys are more qualified in these waters than I am." Kenzi replied.

"I know… but… I mean, if anything happened… I'd want you to be here." Bo spoke honestly.

"Okay, well we won't be talking like that anymore. You're going to be fine, Bo. Having me here or not isn't going to keep you alive. You've got to get out there and battle like you always do."

Bo was silent, watching the match. She heard Kenzi's brief speech, but she didn't know how to respond. She didn't know what stopped her from going out with Manny yesterday. She knew she could handle bigger waves, but once they got there, she just froze. She had feigned dizziness, but the truth was that her dizzy spells had all but ceased unless he was on a boat.

"Well, I'm here now, so let's make a plan to do some easy waves tomorrow and then hit some bigger surf, okay? I have to keep this fine body in tune and you have one month to get ready for your next event."

Bo nodded, not wanting to acknowledge or deny her willingness to go out with her sister. She allowed the anxiety to be channeled into watching the match. Her silence seemed to work for now, as Kenzi all but dropped the subject in favor of cheering for Team USA. Bo was relieved to not have to talk about it… truth was, she would be happy to drop the subject for the rest of her life right now. She knew that wasn't possible, but for now, she'd take beach volleyball over surf talk.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Bo and Kenzi waited for their friends outside of the tent where Lauren and Tamsin were getting their post-contest drug tests performed. When they finally emerged, Bo went immediately to her girlfriend, giving her hugs and congratulations while Kenzi did the same with Tamsin. They then switched places and made a plan for dinner at a local restaurant that was recommended by one of the USA Men's teams.

As they walked, they all talked animatedly about the match the two blondes had won while agreeing they were happy to have off tomorrow. It wasn't a particularly grueling match, but they'd been practicing hard the last two weeks. Lachlan had been driving them hard along with the other coaches right up until an hour before their match. The stress was clearly getting to the pair, so Bo and Kenzi hoped to help them forget about their sport for a while.

"So, what do you want to see?" Bo asked Lauren with a smile.

"First, a big huge steak. My body is craving protein." Lauren replied with a smile.

Tamsin laughed, "Did you see her whisper to me when that tall girl from Latvia crushed me with that mean overhead?"

"Spalding tattoo on the forehead, for double T… that girl was looking to totally rearrange your face." Kenzi quipped.

Lauren's looked confused, "Double T?"

Kenzi shrugged, "Keep up, Hotpants… her name is Tamsin Torrent… she's Double T!"

"Oh." Lauren nodded, feeling a little silly. She was just so tired, she wasn't thinking clearly.

"Anyway, after I got smashed in the face, my oh-so-concerned-teammate was thinking about her empty stomach rather than ask me if I was okay. That's when we made dinner plans."

Bo and Kenzi outright laughed as Lauren innocently defended,

"What? I was hungry?"

Bo wrapped an arm over Lauren's shoulder, who frowned, "Stop laughing at me. I'm hungry and it's not funny. I need food, then I need a nap and a massage… maybe not in that order, but my legs and back are absolutely killing me."

"I'm sorry, sweetie. Come on, let's get you to the restaurant and get you fed." Bo smiled, trying hard to stifle the laugh the desperately wanted release at the look on her girlfriend's face, "You're adorable when you're hungry."

"No she's not. She's mean and selfish when she's hungry. My face will be one big bruise tomorrow and she could care less. Where is the love among partners?" Tamsin asked, "We've been best friends for years! I get not sympathy! I get no respect!"

Tamsin yelled, but Bo could see her laughing with Kenzi as they pushed through the door to the restaurant.

"I respect her." Lauren frowned.

"She's kidding, sweetie. You really do need food. Let's get you fed." Bo smiled, holding the door for the blonde.

They entered and were immediately escorted to a table near some other athletes. The four women sat down and were given menus, which they took with thanks. Lauren waved to the server,

"Can we have eight bottles of water?"

The waiter gave her a questioning look before Bo explained, "They've just finished a long match on the beach. They're both dehydrated."

"Ah, yes. I see." The waiter said, "Right away Miss."

Bo nodded, "Thank you."

Lauren put her head down on her crossed arms. Bo leaned towards her, "Are you okay?"

"I don't feel very well. I'm dehydrated and I'm out of fuel. I want to sleep, but I know I need to drink and eat first. I'm sorry, Bo. I don't think I'm going to be much fun today."

Bo looked up to see Tamsin in the same position. She shook her head and turned to Kenzi,

"Lachlan is an idiot. What the hell has he been doing to them?"

"I think I can answer that." Came a voice from over Bo's shoulder.

Tamsin and Lauren both raised their heads at the sound of the familiar voice. They looked up to see Misty and Casey smiling down at them. They each pulled a chair to either end of their table and sat down. Looking at Bo, Misty began,

"Well, we just got the low down on what's happening with Team USA. It appears that Lachlan placed a huge bet with some underground gambling ring that our first team would win the gold. After weeks of practice, he apparently is worried that he bet on the wrong team."

Kenzi shook her head, "So Lachlan has been running them into the ground to turn them into… well… this…" She pointed to the pair of Olympians, "… so that he could win a bet?"

Casey nodded, "It's a disgrace. We've reported him to the USOC, but until the investigation is complete, he'll remain on staff. The head coach of Team USA has agreed to one compromise as long as Lauren and Tamsin agree."

Lauren lifted her heavy head, as did Tamsin, "What?"

The waiter arrived with the tray of waters. Bo took four and gave them to Lauren while Kenzi handed four to Tamsin, but Misty shook her head,

"That will work during dinner, but after this, you need to take them to the med tent again. They need I.V. fluids. We've been covering the games for NBC News coverage, so were on the courts all week. We tried to talk to him, but he wouldn't listen. We just thought he was a total idiot until we found out about the bet. Unfortunately, we couldn't do anything about it until now or we would have."

Lauren frowned, "That's why the two of you brought us the cooler of water."

Tamsin nodded, running her fingers through her hair, "With just three words of wisdom, 'drink it all'."

Casey nodded, "We're not your coaches... we're not on the Team USA coaching staff. We're Press, that's it. Sorry, but it's all we could do."

Lauren shook her head, "It's not your fault." She looked up at Tamsin, "I can't believe this is happening. If we don't do as he says, he could kick us out and he knows it. We signed a Code of Conduct agreement and…"

Casey shook his head, "…And Lachlan signed a Code of Ethics contract. That said, the USOC and the Team USA Head Coach gave us an option for you… if you're willing."

Tamsin looked at Misty, then Casey, "Well?"

"They will keep Lachlan on the general coaching staff – they can't fire him unless they prove the case and they can't do that until they're back on U.S. soil since that's where the gambling ring is…"

"So… what do we do?" Lauren asked.

"You let us coach you." Misty said with a tight smile, "It's what they're offering as a compromise. Lachlan wouldn't be able to do anything with you unless we gave him consent."

"So, we take the two of you on as our official coaches and we're basically free of Lachlan?" Tamsin asked.

Casey smiled, "That's right…" he slid two papers across the table, "Sign these and we're all yours… and you're free of Lachlan."

Tamsin and Lauren looked at each other, and then allowed their eyes to travel over the documents. Kenzi looked at Bo and then back at the two women,

"What the hell are you two doing? Sign the damn papers! These two shrubs can't be any worse than Lachlan!" Kenzi dug in her purse and produced a pen, handing it to Tamsin, "You first, Double T… come on… sign."

Bo frowned, "Uh… Kenzi… these two… uh… shrubs… as you put it… are former gold medalists and world champions."

"Oops. My bad. They're golden shrubs." Kenzi shrugged, handing the pen to Lauren, "Sign. Then you eat and drink all of that water, then you pee… a lot… then you nap."

Casey pulled the papers from the two women, "No, they eat, drink two bottles of water, and then you guys hold on to these for them for later. Once you're finished here, you bring them to the med tent. We'll be waiting there with everything we need to get them fixed up. For the next forty eight hours, they lay low."

Bo frowned. She knew that Lauren had been hoping to get to some of the other competitions.

"I'm so sorry, Bo." Lauren began, but Bo placed a finger over her lips,

"I'm sure the news coverage will be great, Lauren. We'll just have to cuddle up in bed and watch the Olympics on TV."

Lauren's head fell heavily into her arms again, "Great. We're in Rio fucking de Janeiro for the Olympics and we're watching it on TV. Some Olympic experience this turned out to be. I'm gonna kick Lachlan's ass."

"No. You're going to stay as far away from Lachlan as you can." Casey warned.

"I'm just venting." Lauren said, "I know I can't actually hurt him… but damn I want to."

Kenzi laughed, "Look at Hotpants trying to be all tough."

Misty cocked her head at Kenzi, "Hotpants?"

Tamsin moaned from the pocket created by her folded arms, "She has a nice ass that Bo can't keep her eyes off of… hot pants."

Misty nodded, "I see."

"No, actually you don't… she'd actually have to stand up. The best way to see it is…"

"Kenzi!" Bo scolded, knowing her girlfriend didn't have the strength to stand up to herself.

The waiter arrived, "Ladies?" He noticed Casey had joined the table, "Sir? Are the two of you joining…"

Casey waved him off, "We're not staying much longer." He tossed two hundred dollars on the table, "Please get these two the biggest steaks you have, with some sort of potato or hardy vegetable and a big portion of dark green vegetables of some kind. Please tell the chef not to go to light on the salt. These two ladies can have whatever they'd like."

The waiter nodded looking at Bo and Kenzi, "Just get us the same. We'll give whatever we don't eat to these two pathetic excuses for athletes."

"Hey!" Tamsin turned her head to the side with a frown.

"Sorry Double T." Kenzi smiled.

"You're forgiven… until the next time you insult me."

"I'll try not to keep you waiting too long." Kenzi smiled as the waiter took their menus and walked away.

Misty put two hands on the table and stood, "Well, we'll see you ladies at the medical tent in what… say… two hours?"

Bo nodded, "We'll have them there."

Misty placed a soft hand on Bo's forearm, "I'm sorry you won't get to tour the Olympic Village."

Bo smiled, "We have time. Luckily, their competition is early in the games. Once they're finished playing, we'll be able to wander aimlessly."

Casey smiled, "And catch some of that Rio big surf, right?"

Kenzi smiled, "Damn straight!"

Bo was less than enthusiastic, "Sure."

That was enough to make Lauren turn her head and look up at her girlfriend. Bo looked at her and smiled, pushing a strand of hair from her face, but Lauren frowned,

"We'll talk… I know that look."

Bo simply nodded in reply before looking back at the departing guests, "Well, good luck, coaches. I suppose this is not exactly how you planned to spend your week."

"No, but we've played these two enough to know their strengths and their weaknesses." Casey replied.

Misty added, "And there is no way we're going to allow anyone to mess with Team USA Beach Volleyball. It means to much to both of us."

"Good for you." Bo smiled, "Thank you."

"No thanks necessary. Just make sure you get these two fed, watered and back to the med tent so we can get them on the road to recovery."

Bo nodded, "See you in a bit."

The pair said their goodbyes and headed towards the exit. Bo and Kenzi looked at each other, then the pair of exhausted players,

"Fucking Lachlan." Kenzi said.

Bo nodded, rubbing Lauren's back, "Kenz, if you want to go meet up with Manny…"

"No way, Bo-Bo. I sent him a text a few minutes ago and told him we were unavoidably detained. He's going to meet us at their match in two days against the Netherlands. They're hoping we'll go out with them after that."

"We'll see. Are you sure you don't want to…" Bo began,

"Hey… I came to support these two weaklings. I'm not running off and leaving you with this mess… I mean… look at them? They look like they went on a week-long bender with Señor Malbec." Kenzi watched as the waiter laid down a basket of bread sticks. Pulling one out, she took a bite and used it to point at the pair, "Look, he brings food and they're too whipped to even lift their heads to eat!" "Food?" Lauren asked, lifting her head.

Bo laughed, "Here, sweetie. Try a breadstick."

"Carbs! Oh yes! Carbs!" Lauren and Tamsin attacked the bread basket with gusto, taking a bite of the bread, then a sip of water, then more bread and so on. Bo and Kenzi could only laugh.

Finally, the food arrived and the group settled into quiet conversation about the new coaching staff, their altered plans to see the sights and tour the village, the predictions on the upcoming matches and the incredibly delicious food. When the waiter brought the change from their bill, Bo insisted he keep it, but instead, he brought bottles of water paid for by his tip.

"I couldn't take a tip this large, Miss. It wouldn't be right… and… well, your friends are dehydrated, so… here… please."

"Thank you." Bo replied.

"You're welcome." He said with a smile.

The young man turned to walk away, when Bo called out.

He came back to the table, "Yes?"

Bo looked at Lauren who nodded before she pulled two tickets from her back pocket,

"Here, will you take these please? We were supposed to go tonight, but she's on bed rest and I'm going to stay to keep an eye on her. They'll just go to waste if you don't take them…"

The young boy looked down at the tickets in Bo's hands, his eyes going wide, "But… these tickets… this is to the Brazil Football match tonight!"

"Yup."

Kenzi pulled out the tickets she had been holding for she and Tamsin, "Of course, if you take these tickets, it means you have to cheer for Team USA."

The young man frowned, "Uh… I mean…"

Kenzi laughed, "Dude, I'm just kidding. Don't you have humor in Rio? I mean, the guys I know here have humor, do you have humor?"

"Yes, of course I do… I just…" the boy blushed.

"Dude, I'm kidding again. Sheez, lighten up, son! We are grateful and want you to go have fun… you know… laugh a little?" Kenzi smiled.

Bo smiled, "It's okay, really. Just ignore her. Please, take the tickets and have a great time. I'm sure you can find three people who would love to go with you."

"Are you kidding? I'll be the most popular guy in the neighborhood." The young man smiled, "But I'll be taking my brother, my uncle and my grandfather. We never miss a match."

He turned to Kenzi, "I promise I won't boo Team USA, how's that?"

Kenzi crossed her arms over her chest, "And your man crew?"

"Them too. I'll make it a condition of taking them with me."

"That's perfect. Oh… and you have to call the game Soccer at least once… loudly so everyone can hear you!"

"Kenzi, don't embarrass him in front of his entire country."

"Fine… call it football… of course, I do have my San Francisco 49ers shirt with me. We could make him wear that?"

"Kenzi!" Bo scolded, turning to the boy, "No more conditions. Take the tickets, don't boo us… but please pity us if our Mens' team sucks. We're still babies in the sport."

The boy laughed, "I promise not to embarrass America any more than they embarrass themselves."

"Perfect!" Bo smiled.

The boy's face grew serious, "Really, I truly cannot thank you enough. There is no way we could have gotten these tickets. You really have no idea what this will mean to my family."

"No, thank you for accepting the gift. It would be sad to see four empty seats on the home team's stands at the game. The Rio Olympics should be packed full of Brazilians at every single event. It isn't every day that the Olympics come to town."

"Agreed. Thanks again. Maybe I'll come and cheer your friends on at a Team USA volleyball match."

"We'd love to see you. Here…" Bo took her napkin and his pen. She wrote the name of her hotel on the napkin and handed it to him, "Leave a note at the hotel if you're coming and they'll make sure you have seats. The venue is Copacabana Beach."

"I know." He smiled, "I know all of the venues for every event. I am a bit of an Olympics… what do you call it in America... a junkie?"

Bo laughed, "That's right… addicted to the Olympics. Kenzi and I used to watch the whole thing from sun up to sun down with my parents when we were kids."

"We do that at our house too! It's so exciting, isn't it?"

Bo loved how the young man's eyes glittered with excitement. She remembered seeing that excitement in Kenzi's eyes when she was really young.

"It is very exciting." Bo smiled as the four women stood to leave, "Well, we must be going. These ladies need their rest. Take care, be safe and have fun at the match."

"I will. Thank you!" The boy smiled waving the four tickets at his customers as he headed towards the kitchen.

Bo smiled, "Well, that's a feel good moment."

"You're a god woman." Lauren whispered, kissing Bo on the cheek, "Now please take me to the med tent? I'm really not feeling well, Bo."

"I'll second that." Tamsin said, leaning on Kenzi's shoulder.

Bo and Kenzi looked at each other, worried, "Let's get a move on Bo-Bo."

The brunette nodded and headed for the door, the sisters helping the two athletes through the exit.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

The walk back to the beach had been brutal. The sun was high and it was hot. They kept the two girls sipping water from the extra bottles Bo and Kenzi were lugging for them, but it didn't seem to be helping much. They'd tried to flag down a ride, but had no luck. When they finally arrived, the new coaches were waiting for them.

"Whoa, I thought you'd look better after sitting in an air conditioned restaurant, drinking water and getting some grub into you." Casey remarked.

"Long walk back. We couldn't hitch a ride. Everything is packed around here." Bo commented, helping Lauren onto the table that Misty pointed to.

"Welcome to Olympic life. I've never been to a games where it wasn't packed. Sometimes it makes you feel alive and sometimes it makes you feel exhausted."

"I vote for the latter right now." Tamsin moaned climbing onto the table. She suddenly gripped her calf and let out a scream before she went silent, holding her breath.

"CRAMP!" Misty yelled, a trainer moving to her side instantly and taking hold of the blonde's lower leg.

Flexing back her foot, he extended her leg and began to massage the offending muscle, causing Tamsin to scream out louder, "Try to relax, Tamsin."

"Yea, right!" She yelled, her brows knit together in anger for several moments before the cramp began to subside.

Meanwhile, Bo was watching as Lauren had an I.V. inserted into her arm and a bag of fluid hung on the pole next to her bed,

"What's in that… uh… Doctor Mansfield, is it?" She asked reading the name on the man's lab coat.

The man looked at Lauren, "She's my girlfriend Bo and that's her sister, Kenzi. It's okay to share."

He looked at Tamsin who nodded as well, "They're our people. The ONLY people we'll trust now other than our personal coaches. Shit."

Tamsin put the back of her hand over her eyes and bit her lip as the trainer continued to work on her legs.

He nodded and turned to Bo as he continued his initial assessment of the athlete, "Yes, I'm Doctor Mansfield, the Head Doctor of for Team USA. I was called in for this case by the USOC to determine the level of negligence on the part of their former coach."

"Thank you for being here, Doctor. Can you tell me what's wrong with them?" Bo asked, taking Lauren's free hand.

"Well, their Misty and Casey have gone over the workout and hydration schedule that they received from the USOC. What's actually wrong with them we can't conclusively know without drawing blood and we don't want to do that right now with the suspected level of dehydration."

Bo looked at him, still a bit confused. Kenzi spoke, "English, please?"

Lauren wanted to explain, but she was just too tired to get it out. She decided to play the good patient and allow Dr. Mansfield to explain.

"Well, for now, we are treating them for exercise-associated hyponatremia or EAH."

"Hypo-what now?" Kenzi and Bo asked in tandem.

The man smiled at Lauren who rolled her eyes and gave a weak smile, "As I'm sure Lauren would tell you if she wasn't so exhausted, we're treating them for EAH, a fluid-electrolyte disorder that is caused by a decrease in sodium levels or hyponatremia during or up to twenty-four hours after prolonged physical activity."

"So you're giving them what, water and sodium in that bag?" Kenzi asked.

"Basically. It's a hypertonic solution that we hope will correct their plasma sodium levels since trying to hydrate orally at this point will take too long to get them back on the court."

Bo stared at the bag, "There's nothing in there that can get them in trouble for doping or anything, right?"

She watched as Tamsin and Lauren's eyes went wide, but Misty and Casey quickly reassured the pair,

"Dr. Mansfield knows the rules. He wouldn't do anything to jeopardize your hope for a medal. Casey and I have known him for our entire careers and trust him with our lives. You're in good hands… really." Misty smiled as Casey nodded in agreement.

Dr. Mansfield explained further, "Tamsin is already cramping, so we really don't have a choice but to take action. The reason athletes are brought to the site of the games two weeks early is to acclimate to the conditions. Our training center is in Colorado, but Tamsin and Lauren were smart to train in Hawaii. It's closer to this climate, though definitely cooler. The added heat is what they were to acclimate to, but their workouts were not assigned in the progression that would allow for that."

Bo summarized, "So they were asked to do too much too soon. They might as well have showed up on day one and played."

The doctor nodded, "And they had practices three times a day, with film and very few water breaks from what I read in the report. I have never seen an athlete in this condition in all my years with Team USA."

"So you think Lachlan's guilty?" Kenzi asked.

"I'm not permitted to comment on that, but… I will say…" He looked up at Misty and Casey, "I'm on their side."

Bo and Kenzi looked at each other and sighed. This whole situation sucked, but at least their friends had the right people in their corner now,

"So, nothing will show up in their pee, right?" Bo wanted reassurance that their medal chances wouldn't be compromised or worse yet, that a doping scandal wouldn't haunt them the rest of their lives as she'd seen with other athletes.

"This treatment is not used frequently because there are risks of which Lauren is well aware."

Lauren nodded, giving Bo's hand a squeeze.

"Risks?" Bo asked, looking down at Lauren. The blonde gave her a soft smile and spoke quietly,

"Rapid re-hydration outside the context of medical emergencies is not worth the risk because it can cause infection, bleeding, soft tissue infiltration and air embolism. It also bypasses the digestive process which could cause enzyme and hormone issues, something that has unknown impacts on athletic performance."

"So you don't even know what this will do to you?" Bo asked, panicked.

Lauren was too exhausted to reply, so she looked at Dr. Mansfield and nodded. He smiled and turned to Bo,

"Bo, if we don't do this, I cannot clear them to play. There is no way I can get them hydrated and cleared to play by morning after next. Do you see this little mechanism on this tube? It controls the rate at which fluids enter. I'm hydrating both of them slowly to allow their bodies to recognize the additional fluids. While we don't have enough time for oral hydration, we do have enough time for slow IV hydration."

"So the doping thing…"

"We are well within our rights. We are only permitted to use IV hydration in the event of a medical emergency. While you were feeding them, I was consulting with the doctors of the IOC and getting permission."

"What's the IOC?" Kenzi asked.

"The International Olympic Committee… well… their doctors." Dr. Mansfield clarified, "We are permitted to administer fifty milliliters every six hours for those deemed in emergency need for every sport except wrestling where weight management and hydration are actual factors of responsibility for the athletes."

"Glad I'm not a wrestler." Lauren mumbled, offering Bo another weak smile.

"I'm sure you'd kick ass if you were." She leaned down and kissed Lauren on the forehead, "I'm so sorry this is happening to you."

Lauren nodded and closed her eyes, "I'm so grateful you're here. I'm going to sleep now if that's okay."

"I'll be right here." Bo whispered.

"You and Kenzi should go see the sights." Lauren said, turning her head towards Kenzi, taking a peek at the younger sister.

"Not a chance, Hotpants. We're staying right here with our girls until you're ready to go back to your rooms." Kenzi assured.

"Thanks, Kenzi." Lauren mumbled before she sighed and fell into a deep sleep.

Bo laughed, "I'm not sure she'll remember any of that conversation."

Kenzi laughed as well, "Well, Tamsin's out, thank Poseidon."

"Poseidon?" Dr. Mansfield asked.

Casey laughed, "They're surfers… Poseidon is…"

"Got it… the Greek God of the Seas." Dr. Mansfield smiled in return, before his eyes suddenly went wide with recognition, "Oh my… you're… you're Bo Dennis! I've been following your case!"

He walked over to Bo and looked down at her legs, "You're walking! It's amazing! I'm… who took over your therapy?"

"Took over?" Bo asked, looking at Kenzi.

"Well, I live in California and my kids are surfing nuts. They are hoping my wife and I will give them permission to go on a field trip with their school to take lessons at Mavericks, but…"

"Let 'em." Kenzi interrupted.

"What?" Dr. Mansfield asked.

"Kenzi." Bo warned, "It's not your choice."

"No, it's not but if he doesn't let 'em go, they'll find a way to go themselves… unsupervised." She emphasized the word staring at her sister, "You and I both know I'm right, Bo."

Bo turned to the doctor, "She may have a point. Teenagers who think they're the next great surfers go there all the time and try to handle Mavericks, but it's not somewhere kids should go without a professional or local with them."

Dr. Mansfield nodded, "That's what my brother said. I played beach volleyball as a kid. He was the surfer. He's on their side, my wife is a New Yorker who knows nothing about the sport and is terrified every time they take their boards out."

"And their Dad?" Kenzi asked.

"Their Dad just wants them to be happy and live their dreams… albeit safely." He smiled. Bo nodded, "I can certainly understand that."

"So you think I should let them go?"

"It's really not my decision, Doctor. You should go there and see it for yourself, talk to the professionals your child will be working with and then make the decision." He nodded, "So, what about you?"

"Yea, about that. How do you know someone took over my therapy? I mean… how do you know about me at all? Surfing isn't exactly an Olympic sport."

"Yet." Kenzi emphasized.

Bo smiled, looking down at Lauren when she felt the blonde's hand twitch in her own. She used her other hand to trace light patterns up and down the blonde's forearm, hoping she would relax.

"Well, as Kenzi implied, surfing is going to be an Olympic sport. The medical team is already in the planning stages for how we are going to handle it. None of us are surfers, so we're starting to interview prospective doctors who understand the sport."

Bo smiled, looking down at Lauren, "Well, I might have to recommend my girlfriend."

Kenzi smiled as well, "Yea, she's falling in love with my sister and the sport. We finally got her up on a board a little over a month ago. We've all but banished the fear monster from the good Doctors' head."

Doctor Mansfield nodded, "I hope you don't mind my saying that it is a little… how do they say it here… loco?"

Bo laughed, "I've been called that by many of my friends at a local surf spot here."

"I saw some video of you… that's how I finally recognized you. Are you going to get back out there?"

Bo lowered her eyes to Lauren. She hated when people asked her that question. She really didn't know how to answer it, but naturally, Kenzi jumped right in,

"Of course she is! She's already been back in the water thanks to Mitch!"

Dr. Mansfield's eyes hesitated in leaving Bo's, noting her hesitation to answer, but he managed to turn his attention to Kenzi, "Mitch? Mitch Graham?"

"Yup." Kenzi nodded, before her face twisted, becoming suspicious, "Wait… how did you know Bo switched to a new therapist?"

"I'm on the board that investigates malpractice with regards to athletics. Your sister's case is one that I'm privy too, although I relinquished my duties to another doctor since my absence to be here would have held up the case. They are looking to make a swift decision considering the heinousness actions of the medical professionals involved."

Kenzi went to speak, but Doctor Mansfield put up a hand, "And before you ask, I am not permitted to comment further on the case, though I'm sure you are as distraught about what happened to your sister as you are about what has occurred with your two friends here."

Kenzi nodded, "You got that right."

She hated seeing Tamsin laying here like this. Her new friend was so full of life, spunk and rebellion… she had been looking forward to raising hell with her in Rio once they were done playing and had the gold medal securely in their grasp. Looking at her now was tough… she looked so small… so weak.

"Kenzi?" Bo called to her younger sister, "Doctor Mansfield asked you about your goals for surfing.

Shaking off her thoughts, Kenzi looked up at the doctor, "I'm going to break all of my sister's records, of course."

Bo laughed, "And she will… just as soon as I retire."

"You're retiring?" He asked.

"Not right now, but it's always on my mind." Bo replied.

"Well, you're in good hands with Mitch. He's under consideration for a position with the team for the next Olympics. Since he'll have experience rehabilitating a surfer, maybe we need to dig a little deeper with him."

"He's been great. I wouldn't be back on a board yet without him, I'm convinced." Bo smiled.

"So…. Could I trouble you two for an autograph? I mean… for my kids?"

Bo and Kenzi looked at each other, as the younger sibling pulled out her phone, "We'll do you one better… do your kids have Facebook?"

"My daughter does." He replied, opening up to his daughter's Facebook page and handing his phone to Kenzi, "My son isn't old enough… no social media until they're sixteen… my wife's rule. She works in school counseling and has seen how much cyber bullying goes on because of social media. She said the kids need to develop a filter before they should be 'free' to roam the web and comment on things people say or post."

"I hear you there. Bo and I spend most of our time trying to sort out the comment worth replying to and the ones that are just haters. Remember that girl Becky, Bo?"

Bo laughed, "Becky was this teenage girl who used the screen name smurfergirl14."

Kenzi explained to the confused doctor, "She loved the Smurfs and she loved to surf." "I see." He replied as Bo continued,

"She came to a competition and asked me for my autograph after I won, but her friend called her out while she was standing with me."

"Called her out?" He asked.

"It turns out that smurfergirl14 was one of those people posting hate mail on Bo's Twitter feed. Her friend told Bo while she was about to sign her autograph." Kenzi explained.

"So what did you do?" Doctor Mansfield asked, but Kenzi was the one who responded,

"She was the exemplary professional, as always. She knelt down in front of Becky and asked her to take her hand…"

Flashback… six months ago…

"Do you feel that, Becky?"

"Feel what?"

"My hand, my skin… I'm a real person… do you feel that?"

"Uh… yea."

"Well, real people, like you and me, we have feelings and those feelings can be hurt by things that people say whether you're twelve or twenty. It hurts my feelings that you would say mean things to me on Twitter as if I was some machine and then stand here and ask me for an autography that could possibly pay your college tuition if I win the championship and you sell it on EBay ten years from now."

"I didn't mean it."

"You see, now here's the problem with that statement, Becky. I don't really know if you're telling me the truth because you mean it or because you want me to sign this autograph right now. Do you understand?"

"I really am sorry."

"Well, how about this. I'm going to give you this blank piece of paper right now. The next time you see me, no matter where I am or what I'm doing, you walk right up to me and ask me again."

"But what if I never see you again?"

"You're a surfing fan, right? Do you really plan to never go to a surfing competition ever again?"

"No way!"

"That's what I thought. So, the next time you see me, ask and I'll let you know if I've decided to give you an autograph, okay? I need to think on this one. You bullied me online, Becky. I can't just give out my autographs to anyone, now can I?"

Becky frowned, watching Bo sign her friend's autograph, "I guess not."

"And don't be mean to your friend because she called you out. She did the right thing. You can't very well do one thing and say another. That's lying and you don't ever want to be a bully or a liar… not if you want to be a surfer. In our sport, if people bully people into getting onto waves they're not ready for or lie about surfing conditions, people get hurt."

Becky nodded as Bo stood to leave, "I'll see you around, Becky. And next time, if you've stopped being a hater, I'll give you that autograph, a picture and maybe a little something else."

Becky's eyes went wide, "Really?"

Bo nodded and walked away with her sister in tow, "Have I told you you're the coolest woman on the beach, Bo-Bo?"

"Nope, not until now. I always thought that was you."

"Nah… today it's you. I'll reclaim my title tomorrow." Kenzi smiled, smacking Bo on the ass.

Present Day…

Kenzi hit post on her phone after finding the teenager's page, then turned the phone around and showed the doctor,

"Oh my goodness, she's going to be thrilled."

Kenzi finished with her own phone, "I posted it on each of our pages as well. Her friends are going to go bananas in about three… two… one… and there it is!"

She turned the phone around so Bo could see all of the likes and comments posting. Doctor Mansfield smiled,

"I'll never understand why 'likes' are so damn important to these kids. Hell, some of them have killed themselves trying to do things to get likes… but my daughter will definitely be happy about this. Thank you."

Bo and Kenzi nodded, "You're welcome."

"Well, I've got other athletes to check on. Your friends will need another fifteen minutes or so, then they need shade, air conditioning, sleep, water, fruit, veggies and more protein… then some carbs on game day."

"Got it, Doc." Kenzi replied.

"Is it okay for them to be alone in their room in the Olympic Village?"

"There are team doctors in the hotel, so they should be fine if they go back there, but it couldn't hurt for them to have someone with them around the clock. Your hotel might be more private. I could call the hotel doctor for you."

"That would be great, but we'll wait to see what they want to do when they wake up. I wouldn't want to predict where they'll feel more comfortable."

The doctor nodded, "I don't expect any of the complications Lauren mentioned, but... well…"

Bo smiled, "I know… that's why they call them complications. I heard that for last six months of my life."

Doctor Mansfield smiled, "I'm sure you have. For what it's worth, I really do hope to have a chance to see you surf some time soon. Your name is quite big in my house and they're starting to talk about your little sister here as well."

"She certainly is an up and coming force in the surfing world. I think she could be in the Championship next year." Bo beamed proudly at her little sister.

He looked at Kenzi, "Well, good luck with that."

"Thanks." Kenzi smiled, "I've got a great team behind me, so I've got everything I need… I just need to make it happen."

"I'm sure you will young lady. You've got spunk." The doctor smiled, offering a hand to Bo and then Kenzi, "It's been very nice meeting you. I'll check in on the girls in about fifteen minutes if I'm able. If not, Doctor Jacobsen will look in on them."

"Okay. Thank you again, Doctor Mansfield." Bo smiled.

"You're welcome Bo." He looked at her sister and nodded, "Kenzi."

"Bye, Doc." Kenzi said, pushing her hands into her back pockets as she looked down at Tamsin, "She looks so small, Bo."

The brunette moved over to her sister's side and put an arm around her shoulder, "She'll be okay, Kenz."

"Yea. I guess." Kenzi replied, unconvinced.

"You two have gotten pretty close in the past couple months, huh?" Bo asked.

"I dunno… I guess so, yes. She gets me and I like her snarky comebacks."

"She does keep pace with your quips." Bo smiled.

"Look… chairs." Kenzi pointed towards the Team USA folding chairs that were leaning up against the tent poles in bags.

"Do you think they'll miss two of those?" Bo asked.

Kenzi looked around, not seeing any in use, "Doesn't look like they're needed for anyone but you and me at the moment."

"Well then, I think they have our names on them." Bo smiled, handing one to Kenzi.

"How about Lachlan? It looks like he's going to lose his job. I hope Evony wasn't counting on alimony to support her when she gets fired from her job and loses her license."

Bo smirked, "I know, right? It certainly doesn't look like she'll be using surfing to replace her income."

Kenzi leaned back in the chair, her fingers absent-mindedly toying with the ends of Tamsin's hair that was hanging from the table,

"They're SO going to oust her from the WSL. I can't wait." Kenzi laughed.

"Yea, I just wonder when we can expect the retaliation." Bo replied.

"True." Kenzi thumbed her phone screen with the hand that wasn't twisting Tamsin's hair, "I think I have an idea about that one, though."

"Kenzi…" Bo warned, "What are you thinking?"

"I'm thinking of calling the boys at Banzai Beach and asking them to check her out… see what she's up to."

"Is that all?" Bo asked.

"Scouts honor." Kenzi said, crossing her heart.

"Girl Scouts don't cross their hearts and besides, you were kicked out of Brownies."

"I know, but that's only because allowed to go back to graduate to Girl Scouts because of that silly little incident."

"You put a thumb tack on the troop leader's chair, Kenzi!"

"It was just a little one and she only sat on it for a second! You should have seen how fast she jumped up, Bo… and how high she jumped… it was truly epic. Kenzi at her best."

"You got kicked out… of Brownies!"

"But you didn't even get in! At least I can say I got in."

"I never signed up."

"You have no idea what you missed." Kenzi shrugged.

"You do realize you're playing with Tamsin's hair, right?" Bo asked.

"It's really silky." Kenzi replied.

"Oh really?" Bo smirked.

Kenzi realized in that moment what she was doing and quickly dropped the hair and pulled her hand away,

"These are really comfy chairs." She changed the subject.

Bo looked at her sister, curious, "Uh-huh. Comfy."

Kenzi looked up at the bag of liquid attached to her friend, blushing. What was wrong with her?

Bo laughed at her sister, wondering what was going on with her and the blonde. She laughed, chalking it up to some sort of common bond. Looking up at Lauren, she noticed her mumbling,

"No! Breathe… breathe, Bo!" Lauren's face was twisted in a fearful scowl as she cried out desperately.

The brunette stood and moved to her girlfriend's side. She'd thought the nightmares of the days she'd drowned had stopped for the blonde. She frowned, leaning down to place a kiss on Lauren's forehead before she whispered,

"I'm here, sweetie. I'm safe." She took Lauren's hand in her own and kissed the knuckles, "No need to worry."

She dragged the chair back over and sat by Lauren's side, holding on to her hand. She watched over the next few minutes, as the crease in the blonde's brow seemed to melt away. She hoped that the rest of Lauren's Olympic experience was better than what she'd been through so far.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Tamsin and Lauren had opted for the private hotel rooms that Bo and Kenzi had gotten with their travel miles. Tamsin had requested sharing a room with Kenzi so that she didn't have to deal with Lauren whining about being away from Bo. Lauren had worried about not rooming with her partner since they were supposed to be bonding, but Tamsin assured her they had bonded plenty.

So, while Tamsin was getting settled in their room, Kenzi sat and talked to Bo and Lauren,

"So, I guess we're hanging here until tomorrow morning?"

Bo looked at Lauren who frowned, "I'm sorry, Kenzi. I feel like an idiot now. I'm a doctor for crying out loud. I should have questioned Lachlan as soon as he gave us the practice schedule two weeks ago. Tamsin and I thought it was overkill, but we at least figured there would be tapered workouts. The afternoon workouts were always the toughest… the hottest. How could I not have questioned him?"

"Because he's been driving you so hard for over a year now. He hasn't let up on you, Lewis. You learned to suck it up and do as you were told. He knew exactly what he was doing all along. I'm convinced of it. Dick." Tamsin said, crashing face first on the empty bed next to where Lauren and Bo were laying.

"Well, I think we should order room service and do a movie marathon… spoil you guys a little after the two weeks you've had." Kenzi suggested, running and jumping onto the bed next to Tamsin.

"Hey! Don't be so rough! My whole body hurts."

"Sorry Double T."

"It's okay Little K."

Bo smiled and whispered to Lauren, "They're adorable."

"What?" Lauren asked, putting her arm behind her head so she could see Bo better.

"I don't know… there's just… something."

"Bo, Tamsin's…"

"I know… so is Kenzi, but… I don't know."

Lauren nodded before the couple turned to Kenzi, "Let's order! I'm starved!"

"Kenzi, we just had lunch." Bo argued.

Tamsin protested, "I can eat. I can always eat. And can I have one of those bottles of water we got at the restaurant?"

Kenzi nodded, "I'll get it. They're in the fridge, eight in each room, which you two need to drink in the next forty-eight hours. Oh, and the Doc wants to see you tomorrow at noon for a physical. They're going to take blood out of you both."

"They're going to see if we've recovered enough to be cleared to play. Give me a bottle of water too, Kenz."

Bo could feel the worry coming off of Lauren in waves, "Hey, don't worry. We'll get you two back up to snuff."

Lauren leaned over and whispered to Bo, "I don't feel very good, Bo. I can't be the reason Tamsin doesn't play."

"You won't be, Lauren. I'm going to make sure of it." Bo smiled, "Give me that bottle. The Doc showed me a little trick."

She stood and moved across the room, "Tamsin, I need your bottle too."

The pair watched as Bo took their bottles of water and went over to the counter. She picked up two of the tall glasses and turned to Kenzi,

"Can you go get a bucket of ice, Kenz?" She held out the bucket.

"Right… it's at the end of the hall. Be right back."

"What are you doing, Bo?" Lauren asked.

"Well, full strength sports drinks have too much sugar. The Doc wants it diluted…"

"Of course, the level of electrolytes would be increased if you divide the volume into one part water and one part sports drink, giving us twice as many liters per volume in the end."

"If you mean I'm filling a glass half way with water and the rest of the way with sports drink then yes, that's what I'm doing." Bo rephrased, not sure what Lauren had said about volumes and electrolytes.

"Good idea." Lauren replied.

Kenzi came back in with the ice and placed a few cubes in each glass, then took the two glasses to her friends.

"Drink up, ladies."

She crashed back on the bed with Tamsin and picked up the menu, "Okay… so… for food… what does everybody want?"

"The Doc said they need fruit, veggies and protein. So, how about smoothies and some kind of meat?"

"A burger. Do they have burgers in Rio?" Tamsin asked.

"Let's see… they have picanha… and pork… lamb and wild boar?"

"Wild boar?" Tamsin asked.

"That's what it says. You better not eat that."

"Why not?" Tamsin asked.

"You'll get boar-ing… get it? Boar-ing." Kenzi laughed hysterically, making Tamsin laugh at how hard she was laughing at such a lame joke.

"Well, I'm not eating lamb. They're just too damn cute to be sacrificed, even for my empty belly."

"You're belly isn't empty, Tamsin." Lauren grumbled.

"Hey! You don't know my belly! And what's wrong with you anyway, Grumperella?" Tamsin shot back.

"I feel like shit!" Lauren said, gripping her head with both hands, "I have a headache."

Tamsin looked at Kenzi, "Let's go in our room so we can order the best of Brazil's luxury hotel room service so that Lewis can sleep."

Kenzi looked up at her sister, "It's fine, Kenz. Go on and feed your friend. I'll stay here with Lauren. Can you do me a favor and order her that smoothie, though? I'll get her some food later on."

Kenzi nodded, "You've got it, Bo." She looked at Tamsin who rolled off the bed and right onto the floor, "You okay?"

"A little dizzy. Sorry 'bout that." Tamsin said as Kenzi helped her to her feet. Once she was steady, she leaned down over Lauren and kissed her forehead, "See you soon, partner."

"You bet, T." Lauren replied, rolling onto her side.

Bo went into the bathroom and wet a washcloth with cool water, bringing it out for Lauren. She drew the blinds shut, blocking out the sun and then laid the rag across her girlfriend's head,

"Ahhh… that feels good." Lauren smiled.

Bo sat down in the chair next to the bed and watched her girlfriend adjust the pillow under her head.

"Why are you so far away?" Lauren asked.

"I want you to be cool and sleep, sweetie." Bo replied.

"I'll sleep better if you're lying next to me."

"My body heat will just make you warmer." Bo replied.

"I don't care, Bo. Please? I need you near me… I'm… I just…"

Bo climbed into the bed and faced her girlfriend, taking her hand into her own and kissing the back, "I'm right here, Lauren."

"Hold me, Bo. I want so much for you to just hold me." Lauren asked, tears welling up in her eyes.

"Hey… none of that, now. You're okay. Two days from now you're going to be back on that court and playing your heart out. We're just going to have to be really careful for the rest of the tournament. You'll only go out at night, play during the day. Once your week of play is over, then we'll enjoy the sites of Rio. I'll take you to my surf spots and you can meet my friends Manny, Miguel and Enzo… well, Enzo may not be back but hopefully you'll get to meet him before we leave."

"Bo, I feel so foolish. You and Kenzi are trapped here with us because neither of us could see that we were being played… quite literally. I mean, we're professionals for crying out loud! We should have listened to our bodies!"

"How did you get this far, Lauren?"

"I started to feel bad a couple of days ago, but I just started drinking lots of water. I was worried about food poisoning, so I switched to bottled water and had Tamsin do the same. I didn't know what it was when it continued… I thought I was drinking enough, trusting that Lachlan wouldn't have been shortening our water breaks. I just thought I was just so tired or so sick that the breaks just felt shorter and the workouts just felt longer. I decided it was mind over matter… I mean… that's what he said. I've been so determined to prove him wrong, that I just kept accepting the challenge. Then, about halfway through today's match, I told Tamsin I was hungry. By the end of the match, I was dizzy and chilled."

"And chills are a sign of heat exhaustion." Bo said, knowing those symptoms from attending and working at summer camps in California when she was young.

Lauren nodded, "I have a really bad headache."

"That's the dehydration, Lauren. Drink, then you'll sleep and repeat. Every time you wake up, I promise you'll feel better. Okay?"

"Okay." Lauren replied, "I love you, Bo. I'm so relieved you're here."

"I'm not going anywhere, Lauren."

"If you want to go surf with your friends…"

"Next week, Lauren. I'm fine… and my training can work as long as I do my exercises every day. I'll have to go to my therapy appointment in the morning, but I scheduled them for daily at six o'clock so I would be able to eat breakfast with you if you wanted me to. Let's just focus on you right now, okay?"

"I just don't want you to lose ground in your training because of my stupidity." Lauren said.

"I know, baby. I'm fine. Drink… sleep… repeat."

Lauren smiled, downing the rest of the bottle. Bo took the empty, screwed on the lid and tossed it on the other bed. Lauren snuggled into her chest and within minutes was sound asleep, the feel of Bo's gentle touch comforting her.

"I love you, Lauren." Bo whispered as she felt her girlfriend relax into her embrace.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Lauren opened her eyes to find Bo was no longer in front of her. She leaned back expecting to find her on the other side, but she was gone. Sitting up, she realized she was alone in the room. She suddenly felt her full bladder and ran for the bathroom trying desperately to hold it in. She got to the commode and sighed at the sensation of release. She stood, flushed and looked in the mirror as she washed her hands.

"Geez, Lauren you look like shit. Is it any wonder Bo ran away."

She dried her hands and went in search of a toothbrush from her suitcase, but when she looked down, she saw a note on the counter,

"Good Morning, Sleepyhead! I had to go to my PT appointment. I had room service bring up an extra toothbrush and toothpaste. There's soap, shampoo and conditioner in the shower. I'm sure you're ready to wash off the day you had yesterday. There is a smoothie and a bowl of fruit in the refrigerator. There's also a little bit left from my dinner last night. It may not look super appetizing, but it's really good for you and I actually really liked it. Just zap it in the microwave for a few minutes. I've ordered you room service breakfast to be delivered at eight a.m., when I plan to call to be sure you're awake if I'm not back yet. See you soon! Hugs and kissed, Bo."

Lauren smiled as her fingers traced the toothbrush box laid carefully on the counter next to the box of toothpaste, a washcloth and a thick, cotton towel. She looked at the shower and realized there was a Jacuzzi tub,

"You are just what the doctor ordered." She smiled at the warm bath.

Turning on the water, she bent down to make sure it was not too hot and not too cold. She went to turn away when she saw lavender and vanilla bath oil on the rim of the tub,

"Mmmm… Bo's favorite… it will be like having her here with me." She smiled, pouring the oil into the bath.

She walked out into the room and pulled the smoothie from the refrigerator, then noticed two more behind that one. She saw a note on top of the fridge. Opening it, she read,

"Lauren, you're supposed to have fruits AND veggies, so I got you four… two of each. You're the doctor, but I'm thinking you should start with the fruit one since it will help get your sugar levels up so you have energy to stay awake for a while. Plus, it has Açaí in it, which is one of those super foods. You can be super girl tomorrow! Remember to drink one of the bottles of water as well, and then see if you can down my leftovers from dinner before breakfast comes. We've got to get some calories back in you. I'll see you soon, baby. Bo xoxo."

Lauren pulled the almost bluish pink smoothie from the fridge and went back to the bathroom. She brushed her teeth and then stripped off her dirty clothes, dropping them on the floor. She put her smoothie on the shelf above the tub and slid into the water, closing her eyes with a sigh. She instantly enjoyed the sensation of the water jets on her back and legs. Grabbing her smoothie from the shelf, she leaned back into a relaxed position and began to sip from the straw. With a smile on her face, she spoke to the empty room,

"Now this is an Olympic experience I could get used to." She smiled, turning to her phone and opening her music app. She turned on her relaxation playlist and slid back under the water with a sigh.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Lauren hadn't realized what time it was when she had gotten into the Jacuzzi tub. She heard the door open and her eyes went wide with worry. Had Bo left the door unlocked? It couldn't be Bo, could it? What time was it? Surely it was very early in the morning, right? There's not way she had slept until almost eight o'clock.

"Lauren?"

The blonde relaxed hearing her girlfriend's voice, but remained confused over the time. Did she skip therapy? Bo entered the room, carrying a tray,

"Hey. I ran into the room service guy on the way in. You look comfy…" Bo smiled, "… and deliciously naked."

"And you look like you should join me. You're sweaty." Lauren grinned, taking a sip of her smoothie, her tongue dwelling on the straw just before she closed her lips to swallow.

Bo crossed her legs, pushing down her libido. The Doctor had told her Lauren needed rest. This was no time for her to get horny.

"He worked me hard since I didn't surf yesterday. I'll put this out in the room and join you. Do you want a bottle of water yet?"

"I just got in here a few minutes ago and am still working on my first smoothie. You may not like the temperature. It's a little chilly."

"Chilly sounds perfect right now. It's hot out already. We're staying in today, so don't get any ideas if you feel better."

"I do feel much better." She called to Bo who left the room to deposit the tray, "The food sounds fantastic."

"I hope so. We can heat it up in the microwave." Bo said, stripping down and climbing into the tub behind her girlfriend, "I brought you a bottle of water anyway… and one for me."

She opened the bottle and took a long slip, "Wow, I didn't realize how thirsty I was."

"Oh, don't make that mistake." Lauren warned with a chuckle.

"Someone sounds like she's in better spirits." Bo whispered.

"I feel so much better." Lauren replied, leaning her head back against Bo's chest.

"I'm so glad to hear that. You really passed out yesterday."

"Did I really sleep since yesterday at three o'clock?" Lauren asked.

"You actually did get up to pee twice. The first time you made me come with you because you didn't want me to be alone." Bo laughed.

"I didn't want you to be alone and yet I wanted you to listen to me pee?" Lauren asked.

"Apparently." Bo replied with a chuckle.

"I don't remember getting up at all. It's like yesterday didn't happen once we left the restaurant. It's an odd feeling."

Bo smiled, "All that matters now is that you feel better today. We have another twenty-four hours to get you ready for tomorrow's game against the Netherlands."

Lauren nodded, "Well, I guess I better drink up then."

"Yup. You have a massage at nine a.m."

"A massage?" Lauren asked.

"Yes. Doc Mansfield is sending someone over." Bo replied.

"What about Tamsin?"

"Kenzi took her over to the medical tent last night. They gave her another treatment of IV fluids because she was still cramping. She went back for a massage at seven this morning and then she and Kenzi were going to eat in the dining room downstairs. I think she was getting a little stir crazy."

"Yea, Tamsin gets nervous during tournaments, so she likes to move around a lot. Any other time, she could sit on a couch all day long and not move."

"Wow. She and Kenzi are like sisters from another mister." Bo quipped.

"I'm starting to realize that as well." Lauren replied, finishing the bottom of her smoothie with a long slurping sound.

"Water?" Bo asked, offering her a bottle.

"No, you brought that in for you." Lauren shook her head.

"Actually, I brought this one in for myself. This one is for you. I was pretty sure you would be ready for it before you got out of the tub."

"It feels so good in here. I don't want to get out."

"I'm so glad Kenzi splurged on our rooms. We have so many miles and the deals we get all over the world are really great. We usually spend most of our time at tournaments at the beach, so we don't often splurge like this on a top rated hotel."

"Well, your girlfriend is certainly happy you did. I have a fridge, microwave and a great-tasting smoothie."

"I'm glad you are satisfied." Bo replied, feeling Lauren fingers tracing up and down her calves.

"Let's switch places. I want to wash your hair." Lauren smiled.

"Really?" Bo asked.

"Sure. Do you not like people to mess with your hair?" Lauren asked.

"Baby, you can mess with whatever you want. I will never deny you your urges." Bo replied.

"Well, in that case…" Lauren raised her eyebrows seductively, but Bo cut her off,

"Except that… I mean… right now. The Doctor said rest and we both know sex is one of the most strenuous exercises known to man. I promise you that once you have finished, we will make very good use of our five-star hotel room bed."

Lauren kissed Bo's lips softly, "Mmmm… and shower… (kiss)… and tub… (kiss)… and that counter… (kiss)… and the chair… (kiss)… and the balcony…"

Bo pulled away, "The balcony? Are you trying to get us arrested in a foreign country?"

"What? We can be quiet and do it when the sun goes down."

"You are bad, Doctor Lewis." Bo smiled, kissing her girlfriend.

"You like me when I'm bad, Bo Dennis, surfer girl extraordinaire."

Bo smiled, sliding to replace Lauren when the blonde stood and moved behind her. She gripped all of the thick brunette hair and pulled Bo gently back so her hair was completely submerged, and then sat her back up. Bo handed her the shampoo over her shoulder, which Lauren took and soon worked her into a good lather.

"So how was your workout?" Lauren asked.

Bo moaned at the sensation of Lauren's fingers massaging her scalp, "Mmmm… it was hard, but I was able to do ten two-minute wall sits. My quads are back and my legs feel pretty strong. I have to admit that after our walk to and from the restaurant I was a little tired, but I recovered pretty well after sitting for an hour while you were hooked up and then evaluated."

"I'm glad to hear that, Bo. Have you made any progress on your core? I know you said that was bothering you while you were surfing." Lauren asked as she rinsed the soap from Bo's hair, the silky feeling making her want to continue to run her fingers through the dark locks.

"Yea, it just makes me feel a little off balance somehow. It's getting better, but I think it's just going to take another week or two."

"Well, please don't let me stop you from getting your workouts in."

"I won't, baby. I know once you're off bed rest, things are going to get busy for you again." Bo expressed her understanding of Lauren's schedule so the blonde would know she didn't expect anything more than what she could give.

"Thank you for being so flexible." Lauren replied.

"I know you would do it for me if the roles were reversed." Bo got chills as Lauren ran the bar of soap up and down her back.

"Yes I would… lift?" Lauren asked, tapping her girlfriend's bicep. Bo complied allowing the blonde to slide the soap back and forth along the deep curve of her underarm before rubbing it back and forth along her sides, moving it around her body until she reached her stomach.

"Lauren…" Bo said her name as a whisper when she felt the blonde's hands slide around to her chest, one hand lifting each breast while the other washed beneath, then over and around the heavy, firm mounds of flesh.

Lauren knew she was being bad, but she just couldn't resist touching Bo. She allowed her thumbs to move back and forth across the hardened nipples, before dipping the soap down the center of her abdomen to the downy patch of hair that floated in the water beneath her hand.

The blonde pulled Bo back to lay against her chest, her head landing in the curve of her neck,

"Lauren, the Doctor said…"

"He said I couldn't have sex… he didn't say anything about you." Lauren whispered, "Let me give you your release, baby. I know you need it. I saw it in your eyes when you walked into the room."

She put the soap up on the shelf and then dipped her fingers down between the brunette's legs, her left hand sliding up between her legs, digits parting thick folds to find her core wet with her essence, her right hand repeated the action, then the left, then the right until finally, she entered her, a surge streaking straight to Lauren's core at the sound of her name spoken breathlessly into her ear.

She turned her head to face Bo's and captured her lips in a fierce kiss as her other hand moved to add to her pleasure. Bo reached behind her back and slipped her fingers between Lauren's legs, "Please, Bo."

The blonde pulled back, seeing the blush on the brunette's face, her eyes dark with need, her mouth agape as her breathing rate increased until finally, a look of pure bliss fell across her beautiful features. With eyes locked on the blondes, Bo's breathing ceased and, quite unexpectedly, Lauren's world stopped as she felt her own orgasm rip through her at the sight of her girlfriend coming literally right before her eyes. As they came down from the peak of their pleasure, Lauren leaned in and kissed Bo's lips softly, pulling away only enough to slide her lips up, down and around her girlfriend's lips, their breath shared as their eyes remained fixed on each other.

Bo finally smiled, "Wow. That was…"

"Beautiful." Lauren answered, "You're beautiful when you come for me, baby."

"So are you. I'm sorry… please don't tell Doctor Mansfield on me." Bo looked guilty.

"I promise I'll only tell if we lose the gold medal because I was too tired to play." Lauren teased.

"Well, if you make it to the gold medal round, then I think it will be because I gave you a great orgasm."

"It is a great motivator. If I win, I get orgasms?" Lauren laughed.

"If that's the motivation you need, I am more than happy to provide." Bo replied, kissing her girlfriend gently.

"Are you ready to get out of the tub? It's getting pretty cold now."

"I'm glad to hear you're actually cold. Your skin was burning up most of last night."

"Yea, I'm surprised the IV fluids didn't do more." Lauren said.

"I'm not since Tamsin had to go in for another treatment."

Lauren nodded, releasing her girlfriend so she could clean up and then get out of the tub before she followed suit. The two shared touches and kisses as they dried each other off and pulled on the thick cotton hotel robes. They moved out into the room where Lauren excitedly went right for the food tray and one of the green smoothies Bo had gotten for her.

"What's in this one?" Lauren asked, taking a sip while Bo took the plate from her hand and placed it in the microwave.

"I went to the hotel doctor and asked him what foods would be best in a smoothie for someone who was dehydrated. He had helped several athletes with the same problem, so he called room service for me and ordered it himself. Long story short, I have no idea but it tastes good."

"It probably has Kiwi fruit in it. It's green and sweet, so it takes much of the bitterness out of vegetables like spinach and kale that are also probably in the mix."

Bo nodded, pulling her girlfriend's plate from the microwave, "This breakfast is actually called The American."

"Two eggs, hashed browns, pancakes and a side of bacon… sounds pretty American to me." Lauren replied, "I mean, it's really two breakfasts in one, but it's all familiar."

Bo nodded, taking a bite of a piece of Lauren's bacon, "And it's good, too. But you should really try this stuff I had for dinner last night."

Lauren took a peek at the bowl her girlfriend pulled from the microwave, "What is it?"

"Okay, so it's called Feijoada and it's got black beans, sausage, pork… and then they serve rice, kale and this other stuff that we didn't recognize on the side, but Kenzi just mixed it all together. Here, taste."

Bo held up a spoonful to her girlfriend who smelled it, then licked it, then finally took the bite into her mouth. Bo waited anxiously to see her reaction which was finally a smile and a nod,

"Good. I'll eat some of that on the side with my breakfast and smoothie."

"Good girl. That's what I wanted to hear… a healthy appetite after about fourteen hours of sleep."

"Fourteen?"

"I got back just before eight, Lauren. You've been asleep since three o'clock yesterday. Other than your two little nighttime bathroom adventures, you didn't move." Bo lowered her eyes, causing Lauren to worry.

"Bo?"

"I was worried. I… I hope you don't mind, but… I was worried, so I called Doctor Mansfield last night. He came right over and check you out."

"He was here?" Lauren's eyes went wide.

"I wasn't sure you were alive! I mean… I knew you were alive because you were breathing, but we couldn't wake you up and I was afraid you were in a coma or something. He said I did the right thing by calling him. He said that since he could rouse you, it wasn't a coma, just exhaustion."

"Did he pull me?"

"What?"

"Did he pull me from the games?" Lauren's eyes were wide with panic.

"No, no, sweetie." Bo reassured her girlfriend, "I told you, you have an appointment at noon today in the med tent. So eat your breakfast. Your massage will be here soon, then you have a few more hours to drink and relax before we have to go, okay?"

Lauren sighed, "I'm sorry for snapping. I just…"

"It's okay. I'm sorry for bringing him here without your consent, but…"

"It's okay, Bo. You're not a doctor. I totally understand. I would have been worried if I'd been awake to know what was happening to me. You did the right thing. Come on now, sit and eat with me. I won't be able to eat all of this."

Lauren smiled, handing Bo the piece of bacon from her plate, "I'll trade you a piece of bacon for a piece of sausage?"

"Okay." Bo said, making the trade.

Lauren put down her fork and sighed, "I love you, Bo."

"I love you, Lauren." Bo smiled.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Medical Tent, Noon

"Well, ladies, your blood work looks good. We were particularly concerned about hydration levels, but this shows they have recovered significantly, "The doctor said, flipping through their charts, before he continued, "You will both likely be feeling a little slugglish today and tomorrow, but Casey and Misty are confident you should be able to play the match and play safely if you play smart. They're going to be meeting with you about how to minimize your water and caloric expenditures while maximizing your scoring opportunities later today."

"Today?" Tamsin groaned, laying back on the cot and throwing her hands over her eyes, rubbing her face.

"Yes, today… now, if that's okay with your escorts." Casey looked at Bo and Kenzi. Bo sighed, not really wanting Lauren to go anywhere but back to bed, but she knew her girlfriend needed to get up and moving today if she was going to play a match tomorrow.

"Sure. We'll find something to do." Bo replied while her sister nodded in agreement.

Lauren looked up at Bo, "Maybe you guys could go have some recreational fun with the locals on surfboards?"

"That would be fun, Bo-Bo. Let's go hit some junior waves. We'll have a distance contest." Kenzi said, giving Bo a high five.

"What's a distance contest?" Lauren asked.

"It's something our parents used to do with us when we were kids. You try to ride a wave all the way to shore without stepping off the board until the board beaches."

"Oh." Lauren replied, "Sounds like fun."

"Yup. We'll get you and Tamsin out there after your medal ceremony." Kenzi smiled.

"Short stack is very confident in our ability to win the gold." Tamsin explained to her partner, "It's all she's talked about since we got up today."

"She's not the only one who's confident. Sure, you had a little set back, but a little dehydration doesn't have to mean the end of your medal run. Personally, I think any medal at this point will say an awful lot about your character and fortitude." Bo said to the pair.

"Translation, she's still expecting gold." Kenzi said, nudging her sister.

"Fine, that's a little bit… well… a lotta bit… true." Bo laughed, earning a slap from Lauren.

"Go! Surf! Allow the Olympians time to be Olympic." Lauren said, waving the two away as she sat up from the cot.

"We will do as you command as long as you remember to take plenty of water breaks." Bo wagged her finger at the pair, her eyes focused on Lauren.

"Don't worry about that, Bo. Their coaches have that covered for sure." Casey assured, "Can you come back for them between four and five this evening? We want to make sure they get plenty of time for another big dinner and a lot of sleep."

Bo nodded, "Sure thing, Coach. Do you want them in the Olympic Village tonight?" Casey shook his head, "Nah. I mean… it's up to them, but Lachlan is staying there again, so I'm guessing they may not want to stay there."

"What!?" Bo and Kenzi said in unison, their eyes wide.

"Yea, I know. The IOC won't pass judgment until the USOC does a full investigation and submits a report. Until then, the room is paid for, as are his accommodations. I guess they have other concerns from their point of view." Casey explained.

"So are you saying the rooms that were paid for by Tamsin and Lauren's sponsors are okay vacant?" Bo asked, "Sorry, but in surfing, the sponsors would expect reimbursement."

Casey nodded, "Well, that's for the USOC and the IOC to worry about, isn't it? It won't reflect poorly on these two at all. They're just doing what they're told to do. We're telling them it would be a good idea to stay away from Lachlan. If they choose to come back to the village to be with the team, that's fine as well."

Lauren and Tamsin shared a glance before Tamsin spoke, "I'm up for another night or two in the hotel. I want to have the air conditioning, plenty of food and water as well as a comfy bed at my disposal until I'm sure I feel normal again. Lauren?"

"I agree with Tamsin… if it's not too much trouble for Bo and Kenzi." Lauren added, not wanting to assume anything.

"It's no problem. We are happy to play host to Team USA." Kenzi replied quickly, causing Bo and Lauren to snicker at the young girl's enthusiasm.

She noticed that everyone was staring at her and blushed, "What? I just want what's best for Tamsin… and Lauren." She added the doctor as almost an afterthought, leaving the couple to laugh again.

"Okay then, we'll let you get to it. Is Misty coming?" Bo asked, curious.

"She's going to meet us over there. She had a spot to do for the network. The two of us are sort of juggling two jobs here while they're waiting for the new commentators to come in to replace us."

"It's fine, Casey. We understand. We are just grateful that the two of you figured out our situation and stepped up to support us."

"Hey, we bleed red, white and blue. Of course we're there for you."

Tamsin smiled, "Well, thanks anyway."

"Okay then, let's get going. The Netherlands isn't going to give you the match just because you've been sick."

"Well, Kari and Lynn are friends of ours. We know their game and we know they play hard as hell. They may be a relatively new pairing, but they're both strong players who have been finding their rhythm as a team…" Lauren said matter-of-factly, "…and we may have a ton of fun together off the court or at beach bonfires, but when it comes to competition, they'll take advantage of any weakness in any opponent, friends or not. If they know we've been out of commission, they'll use that in their strategy."

Casey nodded, "And so will we. As Doc Mansfield told you, we have a strategy for you to converse water and shorten the match. Don't go letting your friends get into your head with what you know they'll do. Just stay focused on what we need to do. Our strategy is the only one that matters right now."

He sighed, looking between the two players, "We need you two to trust us, okay?"

The two shared a glance and then nodded, "You have so much experience in the sport… believe me when I tell you we have nothing but mad respect for the two of you. Where you lead, Lauren and I will follow." Tamsin said as Lauren nodded with her.

Casey smiled, "Okay then, let's head over to the courts and meet up with Misty."

He turned to gather his belongings leaving the four alone. Bo was the first to speak,

"Okay ladies, we'll go do our thing while you do yours. We'll meet you back at the courts between four and five."

Lauren nodded, "Be safe, Bo. Kenzi, please don't let her do more than she can. She can't afford an injury at this point. Let's keep her on track to be back on the circuit in a month."

Kenzi nodded, "That's the plan."

"Okay, see you soon." Bo said, leaning in and giving Lauren a soft kiss on the lips.

"See you soon, Bo." Lauren replied.

The two turned to see Tamsin and Kenzi side by side, talking privately. When they parted, they stepped apart, and then halfway back towards each other, then exchanged awkward arm punches and nervous laughs.

Bo laughed, "Yup… definitely something going on there."

"Are you going to ask?" Lauren whispered to Bo.

"Nope. Kenzi will talk to me when she's ready… which probably won't be much longer. If there is something going on, she'll be asking me the birds and the bees questions all over again."

"You gave her the birds and the bees talk?"

"Oh yea. She would never have handled that talk with my parents. She didn't even let my mom explain her period to her when she first got it." Bo laughed.

"So… just curious… why would she need that talk again?" Lauren asked.

"Uh… I gave her the straight talk… she is probably already thinking she has no idea what to do with a woman." Bo laughed watching Kenzi talking to Doctor Mansfield.

"So… she's never been with a woman?"

"Nope." Bo replied.

"Oh. Well, Tamsin has some experience in that department, but really… she's always been more into guys. This should be interesting."

"Yea… let's just hope it's not a flame-on with an early crash and burn. It would be awkward for us to have your best friend and my sister at dinner together, post relationship disaster."

"Well, we'll just have to make sure they both keep perspective." Lauren reasoned.

"Okay… however in the world one does that." Bo was skeptical, "I just want to make sure Kenzi isn't just sewing her curious oats. I don't want her to hurt Tamsin."

"Likewise." Lauren replied, "Okay… I've got to get going."

"Have fun… okay? Don't forget… this is all about playing a game that you love." Bo reminded.

Lauren thought to herself for a moment, then smiled, "You know, that's probably the best advice I've heard in years. Thank you."

"You're welcome. It's a little lesson I learned after drowning." Bo replied.

Lauren shook her head and waved to her girlfriend before yanking Tamsin away from Kenzi. Bo watched the pair leave as Kenzi moved to her side,

"Okay, sis. Let's go find us some boards and waves."

Bo smiled, "Let's do it."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"She's holding' back, Kenz. What's up with her? She's different." Manny asked as he and Kenzi sat with their toes buried in the sand on the beach.

"She's in love, she's in physical therapy and… well… she died." Kenzi said, her eyes traveling down to where she was brushing some sand from her bare thigh before she refocused on her sister finally up on a wave.

"Died?" Manny asked, sitting up to look back at his friend.

"She didn't tell you." Kenzi made the statement more to convince herself that after a week with these guys, her sister had disclosed nothing to them.

"Well… obviously she didn't die, die. She drowned and had to be brought back. It took about five minutes."

"Shit, Kenz. I had no idea. Why didn't she tell us?" Manny asked.

"Dunno. Doesn't want you to see her as weak or afraid?" Kenzi guessed, but she was pretty sure that was the case.

"I'd never think Bo was weak. She rips it up with the best of 'em and she can sure as hell kick my ass… and all the guys here at the point."

Kenzi laughed, "Yea, you guys have battled many times."

"I've learned to watch her from afar rather than try to match her." Manny laughed. "So… is she… I don't know… better?"

"Her girlfriend has been good for her head. I don't know if she'd be up on a board yet if it wasn't for her." Kenzi replied.

"She told us she was seeing someone named Lauren who was playing beach volleyball in the games. That's really hype."

"Yea, they haven't had an easy time yet. We'll see how they do in their next match."

"They lost already?" Manny asked.

"Nah, just a little good old-fashioned Team USA drama. She and her partner, Tamsin, are at practice now. We're heading over to have dinner with them later."

Manny nodded, "That was a good ride, eh?"

"Not bad. She's not attacking the wave like she usually does, you're right about that."

"Well, now that I know what she's been through, I'm not surprised she's surfing the way she is, Kenzi." Manny admitted, watching Bo and Miguel paddle out for another set.

"Can you help her?" Kenzi asked, holding her breath as she waited hopefully for a positive response.

Manny watched his friend paddle, laughing with his brother, "Well, you can definitely see moments of the old Bo when she's out there… I mean… out there with all of us. It's when she's up on a wave that she just looks… different… like she's thinking or searching for something."

"Shit. You're right." Kenzi said, sitting up, "Look… see how she's looking around her?"

Manny watched for a few moments before nodding in agreement, "You're right. It's like she's looking for sharks or something."

"Not sharks… Evony." Kenzi sighed.

"Evony? The bitch from hell who got kicked off the Women's circuit?"

"One and the same." Kenzi said, standing up and offering Manny a hand up. He took the offered hand and allowed the raven-haired girl to help him to his feet. Brushing himself off, he began to follow her up the shore,

"Where are we going?" Manny asked.

"To run blocker for our girl. Gather the boys, Manny. I've got an idea for how to fix our girl's head."

Kenzi zipped up her springsuit, picked up her board and looked back at Manny, "See you out there in five?"

Manny smiled, putting his phone to his ear, "I'll see you in two." He winked, placing a finger over his free ear to block the sound of the ocean.

Kenzi smiled at her old friend, eyeing him with great appreciation, before turning towards the water. Pushing off through the breakwater, she began to paddle as she watched Bo with their Brazilian friends. They'd all met at a competition bonfire on the beach about two years after their parents had died. Enzo had challenge the pair to night surf with them. Kenzi had been afraid to try, but Bo being Bo had jumped at the chance. After catching her first wave, she'd pulled Kenzi into the water with her and the rest, as they say, is history.

Each year, several times a year, they would all get together whether there was a competition or not. They were like the brothers the girls had never had and they were always pushing them to try things their team wasn't willing to allow them to do. It's how Bo had landed her first 360 air years ago.

"Hey, Kenz! I thought you were done?"

The younger sister smiled as she paddled up next to her sister, sitting up to straddle her board. It made Kenzi's heart swell to see a smile on Bo's face that actually reached her eyes… one that wasn't put there by Lauren for a change. Not that those smiles were bad, but she knew Bo hadn't been this happy about surfing since the accident… maybe even longer.

"Yea, well I was, but then Manny and I were watching and… well… we noticed something." Kenzi eyed Miguel, now aware that he didn't know most of what Bo had been through.

"It's okay, Kenzi. I told them." Bo replied.

"You did?" Kenzi asked.

Bo nodded, "And I'm going to tell Manny just as soon as he gets out here." Bo nodded her head towards the man who was paddling towards them.

Kenzi mumbled, "I told him."

"Huh?" Bo asked.

Kenzi looked at her sister, "I told him, okay? I didn't know you hadn't told them. He was talking about you being different and I told him!" Kenzi's arms were held out to her sides, her finger stretching out as she spoke, "I'm sorry!"

Bo laughed, "It's okay, Kenz. We can just call it one last time I have to tell the story of my death."

"You lived. Stop calling it your death." Kenzi lowered her eyes, "And stop looking around. Evony isn't here, Bo… no one is here… nothing is going to happen to you."

"What?" Bo asked, not understanding what Kenzi was getting at.

"Manny was right. You don't even realize you're doing it. You're looking around out here… he thought you were looking for sharks, but I know they only person you're actually looking for out here is Evony. You think she's going to come out here and take you down for good. You've let her get into your head and now you can't relax and do what you do best."

"What are you talking about? You're making it sound like I'm paranoid or something." Bo said, looking over her shoulder.

"There… what are you looking for behind you?" Kenzi smirked.

"What?"

"You heard me, now answer my question."

Bo looked behind her, "A wave." She blurted out.

Manny and Kenzi looked at each other and then back at Bo, their lips twisted and heads cocked to the side, "Really? Is that all you got?" Kenzi asked.

Bo sighed, "Fine! I'm afraid! I'm afraid! Is that what you all want to hear? The great Bo Dennis is terrified of big water because she's afraid of what's under it! A rock, a reef… and yes… Evony! You know she's not going to stop until she has her revenge, Kenzi! She'll go for me, she'll go for you because you're my sister, she'll go after Vex, Dyson, Tamsin… and when she's done, she'll come after Lauren! Hell, we don't even know for sure that she isn't the one behind what Lachlan did to the two of them!"

Kenzi sighed, "Bo, she isn't here! You have to stop living in fear of what she may or may not do!"

"How do you know she isn't here, Kenzi? She has no reason to be in the states right now! She has no job and no family there! She has four reasons to be here! You, Tamsin, Lauren and me!"

"Bo, she's not allowed to leave the country! She has the lawsuit at the hospital and the one with the World Surf League that requires she remain in her home country. She's not here!"

The brunette sighed, her eyes going to the KB logo on her board. She continued to stare at the spot until she saw a large hand move across her own,

"Bo?"

She looked up into the kind eyes of her friend Manny… his sun-scorched, dark skin glistening with droplets of sea water, the long tightly curled locks of hair, framing his face dripping with small beads of moisture that down his shoulders. He gave her a sad smile,

"Bo, do you want to surf?"

"What?" Bo asked.

He smiled, "I'm asking you the easiest question there is for someone who grew up the way you did, Bo. Do you want to surf? Do you love it? Is it still a part of you?"

"I-I… I dunno."

He took Bo's hand and pulled her head into his chest. She relaxed against him instantly, as tears began to fall. She was so confused and she didn't know how to get back to where she used to be.

"Bo, look at me." Manny pulled back, but Bo held on tight, refusing to look up.

He urged her again, "Bo. Please… look at me."

She pulled away, eyes down, "Please?" He asked again.

She slowly raised her eyes to meet her friends, "What do you remember about surfing?"

She thought for a moment, "I remember when I loved it… I remember feeling the water and the turns and how happy I was… but that was a long time ago and I don't know how to go back there."

"Bo, we can never go back, my friend. Life is about moving forward… hell, even surfing is about moving forward. We always have to move forward. You know how I always used to tell you that you couldn't surf to win for your parents… that you had to surf to win for what was here and now… for what was in the future for you and your little sister?"

Bo nodded as he continued, "It was about moving forward, not back. Your parents laid the groundwork for you and your sister. They made you the young women you were when they died. Since then, you have moved forward. One step at a time, you have become the woman you are today… a great woman, Bo… a woman capable of so much more than you've already achieved. But you can't stop now. You have to have to faith in yourself and the people around you… that we are not going to let you get hurt again."

Bo eyes filled with tears, "I don't have any faith left in me, Manny. I thought after Dad died, that we'd be okay with Mom, but then she died. I thought we'd be okay alone, but then the system took Kenzi from me because I couldn't provide for her. When I finally dropped out of school and got a job, they gave her back only for me to realize that I was never going to have enough money to keep her in school. I couldn't afford an apartment, so I moved her into a shit hole of a home and fed her Spaghettio's for a year while dragging her to surf competitions with me so I could make some money on the side. I…"

"Stop! Don't do this, Bo! I love my life… I love my life with you… my life as a surfer and as we speak, our shit hole is being renovated into a new home as well as a new business. You are so far stuck in the past all worried about what you didn't give me that you can't even see what you have given me!"

"What? What have I given you, Kenzi? You haven't graduated college, you don't have a steady job and you're in you're a twenty-something who has lived in a shack for most of your life!"

"Hey! Walls are overrated! Besides, I am going back to school! I'm registered for online courses in the fall."

"You should be going back full time! It's what I promised…"

"Stop! You promised Mom I'd get a college degree. Well, there are options on how you do that these days. There are no options when it comes to the longevity of my surfing career, which, I might add, is what I truly love and want to do for a 'job' right now! Do not talk about it like because it's my job, I'm some sort of third-class citizen! Being somebody doesn't mean you have to be a doctor or an engineer, Bo!"

"She's right about that, Bo." It was Miguel who agreed, "I could live like a king if I wanted to. I'm a multi-frigging millionaire, sis. I don't need a job… hell, I'll probably never need a job. I don't need a big house, a lot of clothes or a fancy car. I just need my board, a wave and good people who want to do great things for the world."

"My dad would call that lazy." Bo replied, quietly mumbling to the logo on her board. Manny laughed, "You know what? I think it's time for a field trip. What do you think, bro?"

Miguel smiled, "I agree, bro. Let's get a few more waves in and then we'll take the Dennis sisters for a little tour of lazy town… unless you're too afraid of the big bad Evony getting to you through twenty-five of your bros from the point?"

Bo looked up, her eyes angry, until she scanned the area behind her friend and saw all of the guys from the point. Her mouth hung open as they all looked at her, smiling. "Y-you… you all came here? For me?" Bo asked.

Manny's cousin, Rico laughed, "Of course we did, Bo. We can't very well have the little girl we raised to be a champion get her ass kicked at the finals this year. We had to come and set you right."

Bo nodded, looking at the swell coming behind her, feeling the water as it flowed beneath her, raising her up and then laying her down as it passed. She sat feeling the ebb and flow of each wave until finally, she sighed a great sigh. Looking at Kenzi, she gave her a nod, "It's time."

"Full steam ahead, Bo-Bo. No looking back." Kenzi replied, with a hint of a question in her voice.

Bo smiled, "No looking back."

Bo turned to Manny, "Let's go big."

He asked, "Are you sure?"

"Go big or go home?" Bo replied.

Manny smiled, "Okay, let's paddle back to the cars, load up and move to where the real fun can be had."

Bo smiled, laying down on her board and paddling past her sister with a grin from ear to ear. It made Kenzi feel good to see her sister willing to give this a try.

Kenzi nodded, watching her sister paddle away from her, "Bo?"

"Yea, Kenz?"

"I don't want to bring you down now that you're all kinds of fired up, but… uh… your legs and your head… they're good, right? I mean… if we move to the big stuff… you can handle it? Lauren would break my ass if anything happened to you. I promised her I wouldn't let you do anything stupid."

Bo laughed, "Stupid is as stupid does, Kenz."

Manny laughed, "Oh no, the real Bo Dennis is back! Quoting Forrest Gump and shit… the girl is in it to win it!"

Kenzi shook her head, "What the hell does that mean anyway?"

Bo laughed and began to paddle away, followed by Manny and Miguel. Finally, Rico moved up next to Kenzi,

"Actually, we studied it in my American Literature class. It's a version of the fourteenth century saying 'handsome is as handsome does'… at least… I think it's that century. I could be off a few hundred years. Anyway, it basically means that stupid isn't how a person looks or talks, it's about how a person acts. In other words, you shouldn't judge a person by how they appear, but what they do. Let's just wait and see how Bo does. If she crashes and burns, then we know she was stupid."

Rico turned and paddled away, leaving Kenzi dumbfounded, "Not only does the guy take an American Lit course in college, but he also quotes Top Gun. I'm living in the Twilight Zone."

Jesus paddled by, "And you're quoting T.V. shows… just in case you thought you weren't just like your sister and friends."

Kenzi watched her friend glide by, shaking her head, "I swear I'm the only sane one in the bunch."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Tamsin and Lauren walked from the court over to the water table where they were each handed a bottle and two bananas,

"One now and one tonight, ladies." The trainer said with a smile.

"Got it." Tamsin said with a wink and a smile, turning to walk away, but the trainer stopped her,

"That's not all, ladies…" She said, handing them two bottles of sports drinks, "… you know the drill, right?"

Lauren nodded, "Dilute by half with the water and down all four by tomorrow. Thanks."

Tamsin groaned, "I swear I'm gonna float away before tomorrow. If you find me out in the middle of the ocean, just grab the string I'm sure I will have attached so you can pull me in like a floatation device."

"Speaking of the ocean, I have a text from Bo. She wants us to catch a cab to… uh… well, she sent us GPS coordinates to…"

Tamsin looked at the phone, "The ocean?"

"Her text says Grumari? Have you ever heard of it?" Lauren asked.

"Nope." Tamsin said.

"You up for going?" Lauren asked.

"Well, since they cleared us to be outside today, I'm up for beach walking." Tamsin shrugged.

"They cleared us to sit outside, not walk. I believe Doctor Mansfield's exact words were…"

"I know, I know… you can sit your ass in a beach chair, but under no circumstances are you to engage in any activity beyond the practice your coaches have had with you… kill joys."

Lauren laughed.

"What? It's not funny! I'm losing my mind being this still. If I don't get back to normal soon, you could find yourself playing with a statue tomorrow."

Lauren laughed again, "Okay, well let's go move your ass to some form of transportation so we can get to this beach." She wagged her cell phone in front of Tamsin before placing a hand on her shoulder and turning her towards the street.

XXXXXXXXXXXX

"So, why are we here instead of Postinho?" Kenzi asked, "I was really hoping to surf there some time before the Oi Rio Pro next month.

Manny nodded to Kenzi, "I know and that's why we're here. You wanted to surf where the Pro is happening, right?"

"Yea, but…"

Manny shook his head, "I know, I know… but what you don't know is that a big ass storm hit us in early May and it eroded a good chunk of our most famous beaches including Bo's favorite…"

Bo's eyes went wide, "It hit Ilha dos Lobos?"

Manny nodded, "Yup. It's okay but they're rebuilding the beach right now. Plus, I thought you might not be ready for tow-in surfing."

Bo nodded, "That would probably be sort of stupid."

"And this isn't?" Kenzi asked, pointing out to sea, "What is this place? It hardly looks like the site for a major surf competition."

"This is Grumari. We're about forty-five minutes west of Postinho. Gorgeous, isn't it?" Miguel inhaled deeply, smiling as his eyes scanned the horizon.

Bo smiled, doing the same, "It's beautiful… completely natural and untouched by the crowds. It would be awesome to have a surf competition here. Get rid of the commercialism and take it back to its roots."

Kenzi laughed, "Dream on, Bo-Bo. Without that commercialism, you and I don't get paid."

Bo nodded with a sigh, knowing her sister was right. She listened as Miguel continued,

"Anyway, like it or not, Grumari is the newly elected site for the Oi Rio Pro, Kenzi. It's got a gorgeous beach and the nature preserve over there just adds to the beauty. There's a punchy beach break that supplies plenty of ramps and tubes out there. It has a consistent waveform with a deeper trench and channel than Postinho so it holds a bigger swell from every direction. I think you're gonna love it."

Manny nodded, pointing to the waves forming before them, "Check it out."

The group looked out to see a nice tube forming.

Bo smiled, "Let's do this."

Kenzi gripped her sister's arm, "You're sure?"

Bo looked back out to the waves, before turning back to her sister, "I am."

She gave Kenzi a soft kiss on the cheek and went back towards the car to get her gear.

XXXXXXXXXXXX

THIRTY MINUTES LATER…

"Thanks for the lift." Lauren smiled, paying the driver, "You're sure this is the place, right?"

"This is Grumari." The driver replied.

"What is this place?" Tamsin asked.

"Well, it's part nature preserve and part surf spot. It's actually going to be the place they have some major surfing competition next month. Sorry, I'm not much into surfing. Riding the waves of nature seems a little loco to me."

Lauren nodded, "I can understand why you would say that."

"Do you want me to wait, ladies?" the driver asked.

"No, we're supposed to be meeting friends here."

"Suit yourself. Here's my card if you need a ride."

"Thank you." Lauren nodded, taking the car, "Have a nice day."

"You too and good luck in your game tomorrow. I'll be cheering for Team USA all the way… I mean… until you play Brazil, of course."

Lauren smiled, "Of course. I would never expect you to cheer against your own team. We are not offended."

The man smiled and waved as Lauren closed the door. He pulled away, leaving the two standing alone.

Tamsin shrugged, "Well, let's head over the dune and check this place out. Bo and Kenzi must be around here somewhere, right?"

"I hope so. I'd hate to make him come back to pick us up after sending him away." Lauren replied, a little frustrated with her girlfriend.

Although the two had been given another treatment today, Lauren still felt a little tired. She didn't want to walk around too much so hoped that Bo wasn't far. She had thought she would be staying put and heading to dinner before back to the hotel to rest, but now, here she was walking around. The place was beautiful, sure, but why were they here?

She trailed behind Tamsin who moved over the crest of the dune in front of her. She hadn't expected her to stop so suddenly, so she ran right into her,

"Lewis!" Tamsin yelled as she fell forward over the dune with Lauren landing on top of her.

"Sorry." Lauren said, rolling off her partner, "Why in the world did you stop?"

Tamsin pointed out towards the water, "Look."

Lauren got to her feet, wiping the sand off before looking up to see Kenzi riding a huge wave, her board kicking left and right before she cut back and did a flip off the back side of the wave.

"Oh. My. God." Lauren said, swallowing hard.

"Wooohoooo! That's my girl! Ride it Kenz!" Tamsin yelled, her hands extended over her head, motioning a rock star pose.

They watched as Bo paddled into the next wave, "Oh God… Tamsin… she's…"

Lauren gripped Tamsin's arm, tightly. The blonde wrapped an arm around her partner's shoulder,

"She's doing what she loves. Look at her, Lewis… she's amazing." Tamsin tightened her grip around her partner, trying to will the strength to be supportive into her friend, "Cheer for her, Lauren… don't fear for her."

Lauren listened to Tamsin's words, allowing them to settle into her mind, then her heart, "Cheer for her… I can do that… I can… can't I?"

"She cheers for you, Lauren." Tamsin replied.

"Yea, but when was the last time a volleyball player drowned?" Lauren asked, biting her nails as she watched Bo disappear into a tube, "Where is she?"

"She's okay, Lauren… Kenzi told me about being inside a tube like that… she said it's calm, quiet and peaceful… right now, your girl is having quite the Zen moment, apparently."

Lauren held her breath, waiting for Bo to emerge. When she finally did, she exhaled, "Oh, thank God." She turned to Tamsin, "If she wants Zen, couldn't she just meditate?"

Tamsin laughed, "Lewis, I swear. Do you love the girl or not?"

Lauren watched as a smiling Bo picked up her board and paddled back out towards her friends, oblivious to her presence,

"I love her so damn much, Tamsin. I just… I don't want to lose her." Lauren replied.

The blonde nodded, "I believe it was the band .38 Special who advised us to 'hold on loosely, but don't let go… if you cling to tight girl, you're gonna lose control', right?" Lauren nodded and continued, "And I think they also said 'you're baby needs someone to believe in and a whole lot of space to breathe in'. I guess I need to listen to more musicians."

"Or at least take their advice." Tamsin replied, "Come on, let's go down to the water's edge and watch, okay?"

"Okay, but I swear if she gives me any reason to call on Doctor Lewis, I'm going to kick her ass." Lauren said, trudging along behind Tamsin.

"You mean spank her ass." Tamsin quipped over her shoulder.

"Ha. Ha." Lauren replied, "She could at least not have me struggling over sand dunes on my weak legs."

"Quit whining, Lewis. We're almost there." Tamsin replied.

Lauren immediately silenced her complaints, her eyes taking in the sight of Bo up on another wave. She watched as she cut back and forth across the top of the wave before sliding down the steep face. She looked like she was really in her element and though she couldn't see her face clearly, she would swear Bo was smiling. She sat down next to Tamsin and watched as she did a quick cut back and sailed up and off the wave, performing a tail grab of her surfboard before she disappeared from view behind the large breaker.

All Lauren could see was the large group of men behind the wave with their arms extended over their heads cheering for the brunette.

"Who are all of those men?"

Tamsin shrugged, "Hey, I got here when you did, remember? I know what you know."

"Sorry."

Tamsin sighed, "No, I'm sorry. I know you're worried, but… well… do you think you could just sit here and watch them surf? You know, like they're all just contestants in a huge surfing competition?"

"I know nothing about surfing. I mean… how do you win? It all seems very subjective to me. Is the winner just the one who looks coolest or hottest on the board? I mean, if so… Bo wins, come on shore, collect your trophy and let's go to dinner."

Tamsin laughed, "Okay… surfing 101 is it, Lewis."

"What?"

"Well, maybe if you knew what you were looking for, you could… I don't know… keep track of what you think the scores should be. That might distract you if you were trying to determine if she was winning or not. It's just like what she does when we're playing, right? Did you see her biting her nails at our first match?"

"Actually, all I saw was the blurry players on the other side of the net while I was trying to stay conscious."

Tamsin nodded, "Well, your girl was hanging on every point from the times I peeked over at her. She was biting her nails and cheering like crazy… well… Kenzi might have been the loudest voice in the stadium, but… well… let's talk about the points."

"Okay. Well, first there are five judging criteria. They look at commitment and degree of difficulty."

"Well, no one is more committed than Bo."

"No… not that kind of commitment. We mean commitment to the wave… not giving up once you decide to paddle in."

"Oh."

"Then there is innovative and progressive maneuvers, combination of major maneuvers, variety of maneuvers then finally speed, power and flow."

She paused, watching as Kenzi caught a wave, "See? Kenzi's got amazing speed, but Bo definitely has her in power and flow. Bo has longer lines but I suspect Kenzi's going to get better at that as she improves."

"Okay, so how do they rate those? I mean, it still seems really subjective."

"Right, so there are five judges who score each wave on a scale of one to ten. They drop the high and low scores, and then average the three remaining scores to get a score for each wave."

"How many waves does she get to ride in a competition?" Lauren asked.

"There isn't any limit on the number of waves that are scored, they can ride as many as they want in one-on-one heats, but only two highest wave scores count. In all the prelim heats, there's a fifteen-wave maximum, they still score only the top two. It used to be three, but they dropped it to two to push the surfers to attempt bigger scores and, I suspect to weed out the weaker surfers so they didn't cut into the tide times where the best waves were available. Anyway, the two top scores added together give you a heat score. Gradually, the pack is thinned out until you get to the finals where a winner eventually has the highest score."

"It sounds complicated." Lauren replied, watching as a longhaired man took a wave, "And I still wouldn't know who is the best one out there."

"You get used to it after you watch for a while and have a lot of surfers to compare everyone too. It's sort of how you and I can tell a pro player from an amateur. Most amateurs don't understand why they don't make pro until they go up against them in a match. The sharper, harder, quicker shots, the smaller target and placement of shots. It's not a huge difference, but it does make the difference in the win."

"I get it." Lauren replied with a nod as another long-haired man moved onto a new wave.

Tamsin recognized him immediately, "That's their friend Manny. I met him when Kenzi and I went out for breakfast yesterday. Very cool dude and a super good surfer, but his brother Miguel is amazing. He was at the top of the surf world for a while. He's retiring after this year. Manny retired about ten years ago."

Lauren simply nodded, "So… you and Kenzi… what's going on there?"

The doctor gave a soft elbow to her friend who blushed and grew silent. Tamsin was never silent, so Lauren at least knew there was something between the two. They sat in comfortable silence for a while, Lauren giving Tamsin space to decide if and how to answer her friend. Finally, the blonde spoke,

"Well, you know I swing both ways, but… well… Kenzi's never been with a woman, so… I mean… she's afraid… she admitted she's attracted, but she's afraid. I don't want to start anything she can't finish, you know?"

"You want to protect your heart." Lauren said quietly.

Tamsin laughed, "Kinda hard when you've sort of given it away already."

"I'm sorry, Tamsin." Lauren sighed.

"Yea, well I can't think about that right now. We've got a medal to focus on. I need to stay in the game. Whatever happens with Kenzi happens. You can't control the things that are out of your control, right?"

Lauren laughed, "Focus on the things you can control and let the rest up to the fates, I guess."

Tamsin nodded as they watched Bo come in on a massive wave. Lauren's hand once again gripped Tamsin's arm as she watched her girlfriend slide down a massive wall of water. She gasped when she saw her lurch forward, but shook her head when she saw her somehow regain her balance and circle back up the wall then down, disappearing into a tube.

"Tamsin, it's so big…"

"It's so cool." Tamsin replied, mesmerized by the surfer, "I mean, I knew she was a pro and I knew she was good, but seeing this in person. Lauren, you just don't get it… your girl is a freaking genius on a surfboard."

Lauren relaxed as she saw Bo emerge from the tube, riding back up the flat wall of water and back across the top of the wave. Her body moved smoothly, effortlessly… she was beautiful and the blonde found herself lost in her movement. It was almost like she could feel what Bo was feeling, the speed across the wave, the up and down motion provided by the force of nature beneath her feet,

"Beautiful." She whispered so softly, it was like a prayer.

Bo rode the wave into the shore where she jumped from the board and fell to her knees in the surf. The breakers hit her hard from behind and rolled her over,

"BO!" Lauren yelled, struggling to her feet, but Tamsin was way ahead of her and into the water, lifting Bo up.

"Whoa." Bo said, throwing an arm over Tamsin's shoulder, "Thanks."

"What was that, champ?" Tamsin asked.

"Apparently gravity isn't my friend after riding hard for an hour." Bo replied, a smile plastered on her face as she worked hard to breathe.

"Nothing stupid! You promised nothing stupid!" Lauren stood in front of the surfer, her eyes wide with fear.

Bo laughed, "Hey. I'm okay. My legs just feel a little like jelly from riding so hard. I guess I overdid it a little for one day considering the conditions."

Lauren crossed her arms over her chest, torn about how to feel as Bo and Tamsin walked to the sand behind her. She stood watching as the surfers came in one by one, finally finding herself face to face with Kenzi.

"Hey, Doc! Thanks for coming out. How'd we do? Exciting enough for you?" Kenzi asked. A nod was all the blonde could muster through the gritted teeth hidden behind her crooked smile.

"Doc?" Kenzi asked, noting Lauren's silence, "You're shaking. You okay?"

Lauren nodded again, her eyes filling with tears.

"Lauren. Talk to me." Kenzi said, turning her back to the beach and standing next to the doctor.

"I panicked. She fell down in shallow water and got knocked over by a wave. Tamsin ran in and pulled her up. I couldn't make my legs move. I… I can't lose her, Kenzi. I can't go through that again."

"Hey. She's fine. Before that last wave she admitted her legs were spent. She shouldn't have done one more… she broke our rule. We never do one mores, since it always ends badly. She insisted she needed to get to shore and that she would go easy, but I guess that wave was just too irresistible for her."

Lauren shook her head, the tears falling freely, "I want to be what's irresistible for her. I want her to want desperately to come back to me every day. I don't want her to choose some stupid wave over me!"

Kenzi nodded, "I'm sorry you feel that way. You saw her out there, Lauren. She was happy."

"I could make her happy!"

"But she wouldn't be whole. If she told you she didn't want you to be a doctor and save lives anymore, would you agree? Would you give that up for her? Think about it, Doc."

Kenzi turned and walked away, leaving Lauren standing in the water, shivering. Lauren wiped her tears, one cheek at a time. She didn't have to think about it. She would give up being a doctor in a minute for Bo if it meant having her in her life, wouldn't she? In truth, she really wasn't sure. When she thought of the picture hanging in her locker… the desperate efforts she'd made to save lives day in and day out… could she walk away from that? It's all she'd ever known… all she'd ever wanted to do… to be.

She felt a jacket come over her shoulders, "Hey you." Bo whispered in her ear.

"Hey." She said, wiping her tears away before turning to face her girlfriend.

"What's wrong?" Bo frowned, seeing the redness in her girlfriend's eyes.

"Nothing, it's just… the wind… a little salt water in my eyes."

Bo shook her head, wiping a tear from her girlfriend's chin, "We don't lie to each other, Lauren. You're upset… because I got tipped over by a wave in the shallows?"

How was she supposed to respond? Did she even know why she was crying? There were so many thoughts ripping through her mind and way too many emotions.

"Lauren? Talk to me, baby." Bo's voice was soft and sincere, but Lauren could see an newfound energy in the eyes of her girlfriend. It's as if a weight had been lifted from her shoulders.

"You had fun today. I mean… you looked like you were having the time of your life out there." Lauren said quietly.

"It was a very good day. Manny and the guys helped me move forward rather than staying stuck in the past. I don't know why, but once I took the first wave, it was like… I don't know… everything just clicked. I mean… I think I rode better today than I did in my last competition. I was only thinking about my future… about how things are looking up, you know?"

"Yea?" Lauren asked.

"Well, I think they are… I mean… I'm getting stronger, I'm back on the big waves, you're in the Olympics and feeling better and we're together… in Rio… watching each other realize our dreams. Pretty cool, eh?" Bo asked, her smile bright and wide.

Lauren gave her a weak smile, "Pretty cool." She couldn't say anything else. She didn't want to see that smile vanish from the beautiful face before her. She had never seen her girlfriend look this happy… ever.

"Why doesn't that sound very convincing to me? What's wrong, baby?"

"Nothing, Bo. I'm just tired." Lauren said, her fingers gripping the jacket and pulling it around her, "It's getting a little cold."

"The guys are going to build a fire on the beach and cook. Manny promised he would provide plenty of meat and carbs for you and Tamsin. I want you to meet all of my friends… you know, have some down time to relax and probably listen to their embarrassing stories about the Dennis sisters? Would that be okay or do you need to go back and lay down?"

Lauren could see the hopeful look in her girlfriend's eyes, "I… uh… well, I guess I… whatever you want." Lauren finished with a sigh and a shake of her head. She wanted to go back… why didn't she just say so? Should she have to? Did Bo remember that she and Tamsin had a match in the morning?

"Are you sure?" Bo asked.

"I really can't stay long, Bo. I mean… we were supposed to…"

Bo cut her off, "I know and I promise I'll get you back if you get tired. Let's get you over by the fire. I want you warm and sitting. Tamsin said you guys have a cooler of fluids you're supposed to be drinking, so lets get you on that."

Lauren's shoulders sank as she thought to herself, 'If I get tired? Has she really forgotten yesterday that quickly? Is she not looking at me?'

Regardless, Lauren allowed Bo to help her to the beach. She didn't have the strength to argue. She took a seat in one of the beach chairs Miguel had started putting out. Tamsin came to sit next to her, plopping the cooler of diluted sports drinks between them. She opened the top and pulled out the first one marked with an 'L' and handed it to her partner before taking one of the bottles labeled 'T'. Lauren looked up to see the man looking down at her,

"Hey, Lauren. I'm Miguel. That's my older brother Manny and that's Enzo. We're the brothers Rodriguez, adopted siblings of the sisters Dennis. It is very nice to meet the woman who has stolen Bo's heart. I'm glad someone has finally made an honest woman out of her."

Lauren smiled, politely shaking the man's offered hand, "It's nice to meet you, Miguel." She returned the wave sent her way by Manny and Enzo.

"That's Nico, our cousin and you'll meet all of the other guys that are wandering around. They all surf the point with us… it's a sort of brotherhood that Bo and Kenzi somehow found themselves a part of when they came here just after their parents died."

Lauren smiled and nodded, drinking from the bottle. She hadn't been focused on the need to drink since they'd left the court. She needed to remember that tomorrow was a competition day for them. They were supposed to review their game plan twice before bedtime, coach's orders. They needed some time to get in sync after spending yesterday in a med tent instead of playing together. Leaning over to Tamsin, she whispered,

"You haven't forgotten we have a game tomorrow, have you?"

Tamsin replied, "Nope. We're going to eat and run no matter what the Dennis sisters have planned. It's getting late and we have something else we need to focus on besides party time. I'm only doing this because Kenzi begged."

Lauren looked back at the fire, nodding quietly. Tamsin placed a hand on Lauren's arm,

"I'm serious, Lo. He made some sort of stir-fry that's loaded with protein and carbs that he just has to heat up in the fire. It sounds like a good meal for us. So I'm thinking a bowl of that and we're out. We have to review our game plan and get to bed early. Right now, we drink up and eat while staying as relaxed as possible… same as we'd be doing back in our room."

"I'm glad we're on the same page, only I don't know how much resting we'll be doing. It looks like we're expected to be a bit social." Lauren smiled, relieved that her partner wasn't so caught up in Kenzi that she'd forgotten why they were here.

Tamsin interrupted her thoughts, "I guess that's true. Maybe we should just leave now. Are you worried? Do you want to leave now? We could take the bowls to-go and heat them in the microwave or just get something back in the village."

"I don't want to be rude, Tamsin, but to be honest, I don't like that we're here and not back at the hotel or our room focusing on our game tomorrow. We can't afford a loss at this stage."

Tamsin nodded, "I agree, Lauren… I just didn't want to be the party poopers, but you're right… Bo and Kenzi both know why we're here. We didn't make our priorities a secret and they know we aren't at our best physically. I'm with you if you want to go now. We can eat back at the village and sleep there if you want. I could care less if Lachlan's there. I'm not sleeping with him. I'm your partner in this… where you go, I'll follow… no matter what my heart may be screaming, my priority is still that medal podium with you by my side. You have that driver's card. We could call for the ride."

Lauren nodded, "You know what, I think I'll do that. He won't get here for about a half hour anyway. By then, we'll probably have eaten or be close to eating. If he's closer and we go before we eat, that's fine too. At least we came and watched them surf. They have to be happy with that part, right? After all, it's something that wasn't in our promised game plan at all today. Being here was never supposed to happen. I refuse to feel guilty about leaving… I'm a little upset that they had us come here. I'd hope that Bo and Kenzi would understand our need to eat and run considering they're the ones who pulled us from our schedule."

Tamsin could tell her partner was more than a little upset. She was doing that twitchy thing her mouth and her hands were curled into fists and crossed over her chest. Tamsin tried to reassure her,

"I'm sure they would and if they don't, well that's on them. They've known we came here with one goal in mind. We have to take care of our priority. This is like a vacation for them. We can't get caught up in that until after we're finished playing. Make the call, Lauren. We need to make the right choice here."

Lauren pulled out her phone and the business card, making the call. She didn't notice that Bo was watching from across the fire as she talked to a group of her friends with Kenzi. She slowly excused herself from the conversation and made her way around the fire, coming to sit in the space between Miguel and Lauren's chairs.

She sat staring at the fire for a moment as Lauren finished her call and then asked, "Is everything okay, sweetie?"

Lauren didn't see Bo approach, so was surprised by the sound of her voice, "Everything's fine, Bo. Your friends seem great and the fire is nice."

Bo sensed a 'but' coming and sure enough, it did…

"But you have to remember that Tamsin and I are here for the Olympics. We had a scare yesterday and we're still recovering. We need to get back, do a review of our game plan for tomorrow, go through our pre-game routine while we finish our hydration routine so we get the final clearance to play in the morning and sleep… we need a good night's sleep. We have a mandatory breakfast at the Team USA dining hall in the morning with the full coaching staff… which Lachlan will be present for just to make things extra stressful… so we need to be up, ready and on time. Our match is early, Bo."

Bo felt like an ass, "I'm so sorry, Lauren. I just… I guess I got caught up in the day. I had so much fun and I haven't seen these guys for so long. I wanted you to meet them and thought you might like to relax on the beach for dinner. I didn't think… well… they're family and I've known them most of my life and…"

Lauren cut her off. The longer she was here, the more upset she became that Bo made plans for her and Tamsin without asking on them. It was an important night during her competition and Bo knew that. Her reply was short and probably a little abrupt with an angsty undertone,

"… Much longer than you've known me, I know. Kenzi already made sure to be sure I knew how much more important they are than me."

Bo went to speak, but Lauren shook her head, "Look, I get it, Bo. It's okay. We were going to stay and just do the 'eat and run' thing, but I just called the driver who brought us here earlier. He gave me his card just in case we needed a ride back and well… he's actually in the area and can actually get us now. He will be here any minute."

"You're leaving?" Bo asked, surprised. She hadn't thought Lauren would actually rush off like this.

Lauren gave a light chuckle of disbelief, "Did you not hear me, Bo? I know this is all a mini-vacation for you, but I'm here to attempt to win a gold medal. A goal I've had all of my life. If you can't understand and support that, then I'm sorry but staying here is not in my best interest. Coming here rather than going back to the hotel and lying down as we'd planned was not in my best interest. I don't know what happened to the plan we had made when you were so worried about me this morning, but let me recap for you…."

Lauren was on a roll, her cheeks flushed red with anger, though her voice remained calm and firm,

"…my legs are weak, I'm still not fully hydrated which means they could pull me from competition for health reasons. That is not an option since I've got the match of my life in the morning which, I must apparently remind you, is a match in which another person is relying on me to do my part… a person who has the same goal, the same dream and has worked to achieve for the same amount of time. I'm not in an individual sport, so I don't have the luxury of making selfish decisions with regards to preparation. I'm part of a team… I have a partner in this goal… a partner who has known me a lot longer than I've known you. I owe her my full dedication to this match as promised. I thought you knew all of that."

Lauren knew it was wrong to throw Bo's words back at her, but when the brunette had said she had known Manny and Miguel most of her life, it had sounded like she was saying they were more important than the reason they were actually in Rio right now… more important than her girlfriend.

Lauren stood and abruptly, looking at the younger brother, "Thank you, Miguel. But I'm afraid that Tamsin and I have got to go get ready for a match tomorrow morning. Our ride is just over that dune waiting. Thank you for the invitation. Maybe we can make it some other time."

Lauren smiled politely and walked away, giving a weak smile and wave to Kenzi, Manny and Nico who were all looking her way. She marched up and over the dune, leaving a stunned Bo sitting there speechless.

Tamsin just smirked and shook her head, standing up to follow her partner, "Miguel, Manny, Nico… thank you all. Bo, Kenzi… I guess we'll see you around."

"Around?" Bo asked, causing Tamsin to turn back to face her,

"I'm not sure where we're going right now, Bo. Lauren's right about one thing. When we left this morning, we had a plan… the four of us… had a plan… no offense, boys but we're here to compete in the Olympics, not watch you guys surf. I'm not sure how much they've told you, but our training was sabotaged and Team USA is not healthy right now."

Tamsin took a breath, trying to calm the anger that was slowly growing towards the sisters as she came closer and closer to the realization of what they'd been asked to sacrifice so the sisters could hang with their friends. If Kenzi really gave a shit about her, she would have been courtside five minute early. She felt her chest tighten, but pushed down the emotions. This was no time to deal with relationship drama. Love had waited this long… it would wait longer… maybe much, much longer.

She looked up at the group of men, "Look, we finished practice under direct orders to go eat and then rest. Instead, we came here and found ourselves on the dinner end of a tailgate, four hours short of the rest plan our team doctors, trainers and coaches had planned for us. There are a lot of people putting their time and effort into helping us win. We owe them."

She shook her head, "This is my fault. I'm the one that said okay to coming against Lauren's better judgment because at the time, I felt pretty good. Now, we have yet to have eaten our post-practice snack or our dinner that should have happened thirty minutes ago. That said, we're going to get to sleep later than we'd planned so we can get the calories we've been asked to consume. In short, I let my partner down by insisting we come here. We should have texted Bo back and said we couldn't come, but I knew that Lauren wanted to see Bo and I wanted to see…"

Tamsin ran her hands through her hair, moving her glance from Kenzi back to Bo,

"Whatever. I screwed up. We should have stayed in the village and stayed focused on our schedule."

She looked up at the ocean, "Bo, if you can't support Lauren's dream for this one week and possibly one additional week if we make the finals… what does that say about your respect for what she needs in her life? How can you expect her to support yours for another year?"

Tamsin shook her head and walked away, giving a glance to Kenzi as she passed her by. Kenzi tried to stop her, but Tamsin pulled her arm away, turning to look at her, "Look… no offense, but you owe me nothing. Stay here. Hang with your friends and your sister. You didn't come here to support my Olympic dream. You planned to follow Bo here for her girlfriend before you and I even realized… well… what we realized about us. So really… no strings, no obligations, Kenzi. I've gotta go do my thing. I've worked my whole life for this. I have to avoid distractions that aren't focused on what I'm focused on."

"I'm a distraction?" Kenzi asked, her eyes holding hurt that she knew she had no right to display. If she wasn't going to go all-in with Tamsin, did she really have any right to be hurt by her comments?

"Like I said, Kenzi… it's not personal. I can't be here… you are a distraction, like it or not. You're pulling my focus… it's… emotional and confusing for me and that's not good right now. I just… I have to go."

They all watched as Tamsin walked away. Manny slowly moved to the chair vacated by Lauren and looked over at Bo who was watching them leave. Kenzi sighed, looking around at the group. They had a plan this morning and she'd allowed herself to be caught up in her world. Allowing Tamsin's words to penetrate her mind, she realized she'd been selfish. She turned to Bo,

"Sorry, sis. I pulled your focus onto surfing when I know you came here for your girl. Maybe you should go…"

Bo cut her off, shaking her head, "I don't think she'd let me right now, Kenzi."

"I'm sorry, too Bo. Me and the boys, we were so excited to have you two here again… then the teacher in me kicked in and I wanted to see you back in big water… I'm sorry I pulled you away from the reason you came."

Bo shook her head again, "It's not your fault, guys. This is on me. I screwed up. I was supposed to stick to puddle jumpers today. I agreed nothing stupid. My legs feel like jelly right now. I'm not cleared for big water. I took stupid risks… sure, it worked out and I'm still alive, but it was an unnecessary risk. I don't have to surf for another month and a half. She's right. We're here for the Olympics. It's not a vacation. It's not surfing prep. It's not a competition. I'm supposed to be here for my girlfriend, not myself. It was selfish!"

Kenzi slipped into the chair beside Manny where Tamsin had been sitting, "Did she tell you why she was crying?"

"I knew it! I knew she was crying! She told me it was the wind and salt water." Bo said, standing up and pacing in front of Manny and Miguel.

"You scared her when you went under in the shallows. I think she wants you to quit surfing for her."

Bo turned to her sister, "She said that?"

Kenzi shook her head, "No, but that's what she meant."

"What did she say, Kenzi? Exactly!" Bo demanded. She knew how Kenzi could be and she didn't want her translation. She still didn't know Lauren well enough to translate her words. Bo had learned that the blonde was seldom able to talk about her feelings when it came to her fears about surfing.

Kenzi went on to explain the conversation that she had with Lauren verbatim while Manny and Miguel listened. Finally, Miguel laughed,

"She sounds just like my wife Sarah."

Bo laughed, "You know, come to think of it, you're right. So what do I do?"

"Give her time, Bo. She'll sort it out in her head."

"Look, I know you… we… screwed up here, but you're not actually going to quit surfing for her, are you?" Kenzi asked.

Bo looked at Miguel and returned his smile, "You're damn right I will… if it comes to that."

"What?!" Kenzi shot out of her seat, "You cannot give up your dream for some chick!"

Bo's eyes flew towards her sister, "I will make my own decisions about what I will and won't do where Lauren is concerned. You are my sister and I love you to the moon and back, but Lauren is my life, Kenzi. She is everything I've ever hoped to have in a partner and if I had to give up surfing so that she wouldn't have to experience the fear and anxiety of losing me again, I would do it in a heartbeat. There are more important things in my life than riding waves in big water. Being forced into puddle jumpers these last weeks has reminded me that I didn't start surfing for money."

"But do you think she would give up being a doctor?" Kenzi asked.

"I would never ask her to do that." Bo replied emphatically.

"How is that fair? Love is a two way street, right? Sacrifice on both sides… compromise… how is that an equal relationship?"

"Because being a doctor is her career, Kenzi. It's a part of who she is."

Kenzi snapped back, "And that's what surfing is for you!"

Bo shook her head, "No, it's not, Kenzi. Surfing is a paycheck, yes. It's a competition… it's a goal… one that I will or will not achieve, but it's not my career. Engineering is my career. Finding the perfect way to ride a wave is my true love… KB Boards… that's what's a part of me… my career dream. You used to know that."

Bo sighed, placing a hand on her sister's arm, "Kenzi, teaching a future generation of surfers to love the water… to love the ocean and not fear it like I've been trying to do with Lauren… that's my real passion. It's funny… I told Lauren that I needed to be here with all of you today because I've known you my whole life. How is it that I've known you all of your life and you don't know my passion and my life goal, Kenzi?"

"But you… it's always been you and me out there, fighting waves… it's…" Kenzi stopped, unsure of what else to say.

Manny jumped in, "I think I can help you, Kenzi. Miguel and I had always ridden waves together. I was his brother first, but his teacher and mentor when it came to the ocean. The same could be said for you and your sister. I loved surfing, but as I got older, I wanted more… I realized there was more. I knew there had to be something more important than searching for the next best wave. That's where Bo is in her life and frankly, Miguel is there now too. He and Sarah want to start having kids and he needs to be alive for them. Sure there are plenty of people out there who keep surfing the big waves once they have kids, but Miguel and I aren't up for taking that chance."

Manny squeezed Bo's hand, "I love teaching at my school. I've made enough money surfing on the pro circuit that I don't need a job with a huge salary and Miguel is in the same situation. We can all only wish for you as much success for your surfing career that you will be able to work in a job you love rather than to work in a job for money."

Kenzi looked at Bo, "You really don't want to surf for a living?"

Bo smiled, "I'm surprised you have to ask that question. Think back, little sis. When did I start surfing for money?"

Kenzi took a moment before she finally remembered, "When you dropped out of school and they came to take me from you."

"Surfing was a means to an end, Kenzi. Sure, I love it, but making boards is my dream. Owning that surf shop is always on my mind."

"And here I thought that was your big retirement plan… something to fall back on."

Bo laughed, "If anything, surfing was my fallback plan."

Kenzi nodded, "Should we go after them?"

Bo shook her head, "I'll talk to Lauren in a couple hours to say goodnight. I'll find out if they're staying at the hotel, but it sounded like they were going back to the village."

She watched as Manny and Miguel stood and placed the pots in the coals of the fire to heat up the dinner. She leaned over and spoke quietly to Kenzi,

"I think you need to give Tamsin a little space, Kenzi. You don't know what you want and I think it's ripping up her gut a bit. Please respect the reason they're here. There's nothing worse for an athlete than love-life problems during a competition. If you're going to be around, let her know that you are fully dedicated to supporting her Olympic dream. You two can deal with whatever this is between you after that. I'm going to do the same with Lauren. I won't be surfing again until after she's finished playing. This is her dream… her time… her choices. From now on, I'm following her lead. If you can't do that, you shouldn't be around them."

Kenzi nodded, sitting back in the chair. She wished she could move full speed ahead with Tamsin, but the truth was, she has no idea what she was feeling.

Bo turned to Manny, "So, I guess we have some time. You were going to show us this 'lazy-town' you were talking about?"

"Come on, let's take a little ride." Manny smiled.

Kenzi and Miguel stood, following Bo and Manny to his truck. It was obvious to the brothers that their friends were going to be a bit distracted tonight, but they hoped they could give the girls a few laughs before sending them back to the games.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Getting out of the truck, Bo and Kenzi took in the site of a small village on the back bay not far from the point. They followed the brothers into a building at the center of the colorful row of small cottages, curious as to what this was. It was quiet and no one appeared to be here.

"What is this place?" Bo asked Manny.

"This, my dear friend, is what you so politely referred to as me being lazy. It's my business… well… my school, actually."

"Your school?" Kenzi asked.

Miguel smiled, "It's our investment. The cottages are homes that house instructors and students. They observe a strict schedule, so right now they are inside their homes, studying with their tutors."

"Tutors?"

"This is my version of an orphanage. The kids get structure, supervision, exposure to the outdoors and all of the usual subjects any child in Brazil would get. Their day is flipped upside down, though. They learn water and beach sports by day, they learn about healthy living and training after they play, then they eat and then they have classes. After classes they have their evening meal and then they have an hour of free time before they go to bed."

They walked through what appeared to be a surf shop and out through the back door where there were several garages,

"These are storage units for all of the school's supplies. One is water sports equipment, one is beach sports equipment, one is books and classroom supplies and the other is personal items… toilet paper, toothpaste, etc."

"Wow. What kind of boards do you have?" Bo asked.

Manny and Miguel looked at each other and smiled before Miguel said, "They're logo free boards made by a friend of ours."

Bo knew exactly what boards they were talking about, "You're using my prototypes?"

Manny nodded, "The kids love them, the instructors love them… when you get your store up and running, we want to be your first order."

Bo's smile spread across her face, lighting up her eyes, "I love you guys! I'll give you a huge discount, I promise!"

"Damn, I thought we'd get some freebies from her, Bro." Miguel teased as he winked at his brother.

"I guess we're just not high enough on the list of Bo Dennis' people."

Bo laughed, "You guys know you're at the top. Believe me, when I say discount, I'm talking I'll make them for free. I just need you to pay for materials."

Manny placed a light hand on Bo's shoulder, "Absolutely not. We want to pay full price, Bo. We are going to get your boards noticed. We want extra to sell in our store. You noticed the empty board racks in there, right?"

Kenzi nodded, "I did!"

They walked together back out onto the beach by the bay, "So why the bay?" Bo asked. "Small water for beginner surfers. We take the more advanced ones out by boat. You can do a lot more on the bay. This is a self-sustaining village, Bo. The kids fish a lot and they have a garden of their own. We buy very little food. The kids are truly learning how to be self-sufficient and resilient. Plus, there's a lot less chance of the entire place being wiped out by a storm back here."

"True." Bo nodded, "It's amazing, guys. I'm so impressed."

"Well, we hope this will inspire you to go beyond just a surf shop. Kenzi could have been one of these kids, ya know?" Miguel asked.

Bo nodded, "That thought occurred to me the minute you said orphanage. If this place had been available to us, I know it would have been a good place for her to be until she turned eighteen."

Kenzi nodded, "I would have loved this place… no offense to the shack, Bo."

Bo laughed, "I would have been living on a boat if you were in a place like this."

The four walked a bit before Manny suggested they head back for their meal. Getting into the truck, Bo looked back and smiled at the small village. Maybe some day, she would be able to realize her vision… and maybe it would be something like this… maybe she would add a hospital, if Lauren ever spoke to her again.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"Goodnight, Bo-Bo." Kenzi said as she swiped her entry card in the hotel room door.

"Goodnight, Kenz. I'll see you tomorrow morning." Bo replied, holding her breath as she entered the room.

She walked to the bed, checking for any sight of Lauren. When she didn't see her, she turned on the light, frowning at the absence of the one person she had hoped to see… hold. She couldn't blame her for not staying here tonight. She wished that Kenzi had told her what she had said so she could have said something… done something differently.

"You screwed up, Bo. Face the facts. You were an idiot. You got all caught up in your own shit and lost focus on why you came here. She feels like you don't care, she feels unimportant and your decision to nurture your own sport instead of hers is the reason." Bo stood scolding herself in the mirror before she looked down at her phone. She didn't want to wake her with a ring, so she decided to text her instead. At least that sound was just a single ping. If Lauren were awake, she'd hear it. If she was asleep, it shouldn't wake her.

It took her four tries before she finally sent a text… a lame text…

B: 'Hey… you asleep yet?'

She waited for a minute. When a reply didn't come, she decided to get ready for bed. She showered and brushed her teeth before changing into a pair of shorts and a T-shirt. She grabbed her phone, plugged it in and plopped it on the nightstand before setting her alarm for her six o'clock therapy session. She lay back on the pillow just as her phone pinged.

L: Just got into bed.

Bo shrugged, understanding that the reply would be short. Lauren had probably stared at it for five minutes trying to decide if Bo deserved a reply at all.

B: I don't want to keep you up, but I wanted to say three things if you don't mind.

L: Okay…

B: First, I'm sorry for losing focus on why I came here. I promise that whether you speak to me or not for the rest of the games, I'll be here for whatever you need… just ask.

There was a long pause before a new text arrived,

L: Second?

Wow, she wasn't pulling any punches.

B: Second, I wanted to tell you that I love you and that if you ever asked me to, I would do whatever it took to help you feel safe and loved. I took chances today that I wasn't physically ready for. It won't happen again. I don't want you to be afraid of life with me.

She waited, a little longer this time before the reply arrived.

L: And the last thing you wanted to say?

Bo sighed. She had hoped that Lauren would have said something in reply other than just ask for the next item on her list.

B: I wanted to say goodnight and that I hope you have a good sleep, good dreams and an incredible game tomorrow. I just want you to know I'm in your corner… I'm sorry if you think I left it for a few hours… I'm back and I'll be there for you for every single play of the match, cheering you on.

L: Thank you, Bo. Goodnight.

Bo sat staring at the message. It was cold… she could feel Lauren pulling away with every message. She wanted to text her again… she wanted to know if they would be all right, but she knew that would be selfish. Lauren needed to focus on her volleyball. She didn't have time for drama in their relationship.

She rolled over, placing all of her trust in their relationship and placed her phone back on the nightstand, taking a moment to plug it in to the charger once again. She lay back on the pillow and stared at the ceiling, thinking of the night that she and Lauren stared at the sky. She rolled over and gripped her phone. Pausing for a moment, she picked it up…

B: Just in case you can't sleep, I'm imagining the stars on my ceiling… the same stars we saw the night that we laid under the stars wrapped in each other. I think I'll take that memory to sleep with me tonight. It was one of the best nights of my life.

Bo hit send and placed the phone back on the table. She rolled onto her side, staring at the black screen. Several minutes later, it lit up. She rolled over and picked it up, looking at the text from Lauren,

L: Sleep isn't coming easy, so I appreciate your suggestion.

Bo sighed at the sterile text, but another came,

L: Stars always relax me… that night… being in your arms, I was relaxed.

Well, that was better. Another text came…

L: I'll dream of sleeping under the stars with you, Bo. Goodnight.

B: I'll be right there with you. Goodnight, Lauren. xo

Bo smiled as she placed her phone on the nightstand again. She closed her eyes and imagined lying on the grass outside of Lauren's house with the blonde in her arms, beneath a sky full of stars. Closing her eyes, it didn't take long until she was sound asleep.