Running Bases CH 7

Lauren POV

This feeling I remember. Energetic. Wired. The feeling of fire coursing through my veins. There is a high that happens once I wake up that I imagine what drugs feel like.

My body isn't the only thing that is restless either. My mind is running wild with thoughts of the time that has passed. The knowledge is unreal. Dyson took care of my home and assured me it was still standing, even though that wasn't my main thought. My heart almost burst thinking about poor Elvis being abandoned. Thankfully, Bo kept him safe and well fed. She promised to show me photos once I was checked out and not so dazed. The knoeledge is unreal.

It's nearing 2am when the doctors finally finish up. Blood tests, respiratory tests, brain activity; the doctors do it all and quickly. My parents and Dyson are next to me as we all finish up. I hate seeing my mother cry, especially over me. The worrying for her never stops and it pains me to see that I caused so much stress for her. My dad, well, he hides it better. I like to think it's to help ease my guilt since he too, has been where I stand.

Bo left soon after my parents got here. She called them as soon as the doctors barreled into my room. It was odd to see them so familiar with each other, even if it was for a short time. I suspect they had bonded over my time asleep.

Three weeks. It doesn't even feel real. Although, seeing the new pink skin on my arms and hands, I know it's true.

"You look exhausted, mom." She smiles and my dad chuckles softly, shaking his head. "You guys should go get some sleep. Ill still be here in the morning." I tell them gesturing to my bed ridden state. My legs aren't burned like my upper body, but my brain seems to be having some difficulty sending signals to them to move properly.

My mother stand and tucks the blanket more over me, sensing my irritation with my body. "You just wantwanr us to leave so you can have your lady friend come see you. What was her name sweetie? Bo was it?" Sheshe laughs along with my dad, while and I groan. "Your secret is out, Little Lottie."

"She's not a secret." Sitting up more, I wince at the sting on my neck. Tylenol can only numb some of the lingering pain. "It's just new with her." I smooth out the blanket from the invisible crinkles. "It's different with her."

With Bo, it's not just herhr being a woman. It's this light and free feeling whenever I'mim near her. Just thinking about her, I have to fight a smile so I don't look so looney. My family knows dating isn't a new thing for me, so I can definitely feel the difference with Bo. And it feels right.

Dyson comes into the room before my mom can comment any further on it. My mouth waters seeing he's carrying a tray of food. Mmm pancakes. "I thought you could use a real meal, sister. That food in a tube business made you lose a lot of your muscle." He fixes my bed, placing a rack that hovers above my thighs so the tray is in my lap. He then reclines the bed higher so I'mim sitting more upright. "Please eat these slowly. Otherwise you have to eat the shitty oatmeal." He warns me.

I remember back in Hawaii when it wasws oatmeal every meal since I couldn't hold anything else. Although, I was in a coma for much longer, I heed his warning only taking nibbles of the fluffy goodness. Before I can even ask, he gets me some more water. I forget he does this for a living. "We are going to inform the police and security forces from the base that you'reyoure awake, but not until you rest some." I swallow another bite and nod. I bite back the urge to argue that I have been resting. Apparently, three weeks isn't long enough. "Do you remember anything?"

Bo. I think to myself. Arguing with her. Her begging to meet her for breakfast and me agreeing. I remember feelingfeelin better on my way to work, but after that… "Last thing I remember was sending the boys off early for the day and going inside to change before the night watch." Slamming my eyes shut, I try not to get frustrated at the blank spaces in my mind. "But that's it."

Opening my eyes back up, the three of them share the same look of sadness. I know something either happened on the base or on the way home. Some kind of fire, but I honestly can't think of anything that would give me burns like this. "What do you guys know?"

My dad speaks before anybody else. "Let'sLets just focus on your healing first, kid. We can figure out the rest later." I sigh but agree knowing the man is stubborn and is impossible to arguergue with him. WhateverWhtever happened to me will come back. It's a terrifyingterryifying experience, but it is worth it. I just want to remember.

"Did Lauren tell you guys that Lauren and Bo kissed?" I squeal at the tauntingtaughnting smile he gives me. He can be such an ass. My mother smiles and rambles on question after question while my dad laughs and hi fives Dyson. "Was that your first kiss with herer sister? I'mIm crushed!" He grabs his chest in fake hurt, but I can see the teasing glint in his eye.

"You suck, Dy!" I blush and try to push my mom away from her hugs.

My mom gives up the hug and settles to sit on the bed next to me. "So… she kissed you?" I nod and suddenly feel like I'mim back in grade schoolgradeschool. "She's a very sweet girl, Lauren. You know, she came here to visit you almost as much as we did. And each and every time, she had a new video of Elvis with her."

My ears perk up at that, with a lopsided grin. "She did?" it's my mother's turn to nod. "Oh." I smile wider and look to my hands. I'm glad Elvis was in good hands. "She's really good with him. She pet sits for a living…" I continue to ramble on about Bo. I tell them more this time. About her job and her family. I also tell them how she drew me in from the very beginning. I tell them everything there is to tell them. I just hope she comes back soon so I can stop missing her.


Bo POV

"Know remember Kenz, she might be tired so don't ask too much from her, ok? And don't wander off because people are here get better, not be tricked into playing cards with you." I tickle my sister as we enter the hospital.

I was exhausted from last night, not only with my job but seeing Lauren awake after being asleep for so long had me awake most of the night. I was restless, but feeling content. Lauren was awake and ok for the most part. I called Elizabeth and Connor knowing their worries. Her parents rushed there and I took my leave. As much as I wanted to stay, I knew Lauren needed family time. They both deserve that without me there being a distraction.

What surprised me more though, was the text I received from the blonde consistently on my mind.

Missing you. Please come back soon and maybe I can help you out with those crossword puzzles.

That text was enough to have me doing exactly that. Unsure of what Lauren was thinking, especially since my kiss to her was spontaneous, I didn't know exactly what Lauren was feeling about it. We didn't get to get into it since we had an audience but I pray for positive results.

And maybe another kiss.

"You're doing it again." Kenzi signs shoving me out of my daydream. She keeps tugging on my arm every time I do. "I promise I will behave, but we have to get there first! Come on, I want to see Stud!"

Stud. I laugh and shake my head. I would regret the nickname if it wasn't so spot on. "Alright, let's get our visitors badge first, Kenz." There are some familiar nurses there. Betty at the front desk is the one who always pages Dyson whenever she sees me, but I think she thinks I am here for him rather than his sister. A fair, but completely wrong assumption.

Kenzi is just as excited as I am. I can feel both of us picking up the pace as we near her room number, but stop when we spot her around the corner. It's a sight, seeing her standing in the hallway in the standard white and blue polka dot outfit the hospital puts patients in. what has me giggling is the god-awful crocs she's wearing and the way her nurse is trying to tie the string to not show off her purple boy cut panties.

It's my snort when she shoos the younger nurse away that has them both finding us. I hope I'm not imagining the way he eyes light up when she sees us and waves us over. Kenzi, of course, runs and immediately hugs her. My heart swells seeing the two of them sign to one another with matching smiles. I do notice how her hands are slower in a few phrases, but I'd bet that is just a result of them being stiff for so long.

When I approach them, I stay back, but Lauren watches me as she answers Kenzi. "Soon hopefully. Just have to run a few more tests and promise to take it easy. I hope to be back home in a day or two." She looks up at me and fixes her hair that is still pulled back in a ponytail. I only briefly glance at the scarring sure to come on her upper chest area, but it doesn't even bother me. She is more than a few scars on her body. "Hello Bo."

"You look good, Lauren." I tell her in a low voice. The way she looks at me is making my throat dry.

"Not as good as you." She tells me and looks me up and down slowly. I try not squirm or blush myself to death as she bites her lip. It's when her eyes find mine once more that she catches me off guard and pulls me into a hug. I melt into her embrace and breath her in. I hate the fact that I forgot just how amazing she feels in my arms. Or me in hers. "I'm glad you came back." She whispers in my hair.

"Always." I promise. Of course, a familiar stomping sneaker has us pulling apart. Kenzi, looking like such a diva standing there with her arms crossed has us both smirking. "I am still here, you guys! Wait until I am at school for you guys to make eyes at each other."

"Be nice, or else I'll tell mom about who broke her vase playing Call of Duty." I warn her and her confidence falters.

"Shutting up." She adds a little zipper across her lips and smiles innocently at Lauren. "I am glad you are ok, Stud. I missed you."

My heart warms up again as Lauren signs, "I missed you too, little one."

"One more lap, Lauren." The nurse who moved awkwardly to the side step forward. "Then you can visit with your friends." Lauren huffs and Kenzi nods reading the woman's lips. She comes to stand next to me as I go to squeeze Lauren's shoulder, only to freeze mid air.

Even though her arms are ok to touch now, the skin grafts on her neck are still healing. Instead, I cup her cheek and rub her cheek with my thumb. I smirk seeing her face heat up and the quick upturn of her lip. "Do your lap. We'll be right here when you finish."

Lauren nods and does as the persistent nurse asks. Kenzi and I laugh as she continues to have trouble with the tie of her gown until the two of them disappear from our view. "Do you think Stud will like the card I made of her?" Kenzi asks, settling on the chair next to Lauren's bed. She's gotten comfortable here in this room, already familiar with how to swing the table over to help her dig through her backpack.

The card itself is just a white piece of construction paper with different glitter sparkles and colored pencil drawing on most of it. The stick figures are actually pretty accurate, too. It's mostly of her and Lauren playing softball and swimming together. But the one that has me rolling my eyes is the heart drawn above of her and I, while holding Elvis.

This kid is just as bad as my parent's.

"I think she'll love it, girlie." I settle in the chair next to her and turn on the tv and flip through the different games shows before finding one I like. I forget how awful television is on basic network channels during the week.

I flinch as the fire alarm signals for a few seconds, before it's turned off abruptly. The nurses are rushing and ensuring everything is fine and that someone accidently pushed a set door. Kenzi just shrugs and continues staging the card so Lauren can see it when she returns.

Time ticks on and I wonder how long the laps are, but don't think much of it. Instead of Kenzi obsessing over the card, I remember the homework I promised my mom I'd make Kenzi do since she's playing hooky from school. But before I can remind her, Lauren is pushed back into her room via wheelchair.

"I'll be the papers in right away, Miss Lewis." The nurse speaks quietly but professionally, all long way from their familiar nature I just witnessed minutes prior.

The look on Lauren's face has me stunned. Her tense features and set jaw have me holding Kenzi by the shoulder to keep her from running to her. An unsettling in my stomach has me holding my tongue until Lauren is ready to speak.

The nurse returns holding a manila folder, along with her is Lauren's main doctor. He frowns looking at her, but then notices us. "Could you and the little one give us a minute? I just need to discuss-"

"There is nothing to discuss." Lauren whispers looking at the floor. She looks dazed, and slams her eyes shut, breathing heavily. I take a step towards her, but stop at the sound of her harsh voice. "I am healed enough to go home. My brother is a certified nurse and will take care of the grafts on my neck. There is no brain damage, my extremities are functioning properly, and my heart rate is back to normal. Now give me the form."

"What is happening? Why is she upset?" Kenz signs privately, looking worried at her friend.

"Stay here." I reply and walk over to Lauren who is now sighing multiple papers. The words Against Medical Advice has my stunned. "Lauren.."

She signs the last of them and the doctor nods sadly. He hands her a packet filled with aftercare facts dealing with burn victims and writes a prescription of everything she needs. I take it and nod since Lauren is now standing and rushing into the bathroom. The violent sounds of her heaving fills the quiet room.

The doctor leaves and the nurse follows but pauses at the door. "She remembers." The nurse suddenly reveals. Without anything left to say, she follows the doctor.


Lauren's things were packed quickly. We left the hospital after Lauren changed into a pair of sweat pants and oversized tee. The only belongings she had was her keys and pieces of her wallet. Her cell phone was too damaged to be recovered and only a few cards in her wallet were salvageable.

Helping Lauren in my car and making sure she was comfortable, I sent a text to Dyson and his parents, keeping them updated. I then text my dad Lauren's address and asked if he could meet us there to pick up Kenzi.

Lauren hasn't said much, but I know she doesn't need to be alone right now. Not just because she is still healing, but I can see every so often how her eyes shut tight, teeth grinding and hands shaking. The memories, whatever they are, ae painful. I just hope I can give her some relief, even if it's only for a moment.

"I'm sorry." I turn to her as we pull up to her house. She then turns slightly to catch my sister's attention. "I'm sorry."

She smiles once Kenzi leans forward and presents the home made get well soon card. "It's ok." I reach over and pat Lauren's leg. She doesn't ever need to apologize, not for this.

My dad is there when we pull up with a bag and a special friend. I can already see Lauren's mood shift when she spots Elvis with him. "He got so big! His ears, wow!" She turns back to Kenzi. "What is your sister feeding him?" She jokes and it's enough to give me hope.

"Someone missed you." My dad lets go of the leash as I help Lauren out of the car. The growing puppy is still clumsy, but is quick to reach his mother, barking happily. I let my dad know briefly of what is going on and he bites his cheek and nods. I can tell he has a million questions, but knows now is not the time. Instead, he hands me the bag he's carrying and hugs Lauren and tell her to call if she needs anything.

I grab her bags and she kneels down and hugs my sister. It's such a special moment, watching them sign and seeing how close they've bonded. I know Kenz would spend all day with her new friend if she could, but glad she understands the circumstances.

Her house was stuffy. Even though Dyson and his parents occasionally stopped by to grab her mail and water her almost dead grass, it was still stuffy. And warm.

Lauren must have sensed it too, since she walked towards her room and turns the air on as she does. I follow her, cautiously, but not overbearing. She is just enjoying having her puppy back by her side. "My dad got us wanton soup and noodles." I hold up the takeout bag once she settles the two of them on her bed.

"I-I'm not very hungry right now, Bo." I set the bag down on her dresser as she digs the heels of her hands in her eyes. "Thank you, though. It's been a long day, you're probably starved."

"I'm fine right now. If I get too hungry, I've raided your kitchen before and I'm not afraid to do it again." I remind her, walking closer to the bed. She laughs and I take that as an invitation to sit on the edge of the bed next to her. My feelings haven't stopped. They are constantly searching for any sort of contact for the blonde. Just being here, so close to her has me fluttering with excitement. I can still taste our first and only kiss.

She looks curiously at me and pats the bed beside her as she scoots further up the bed until she reaches the pillows. "I can't believe it's been three weeks. I think my bed misses me." I laugh as she sighs and sink further into her fluffy pillows. Elvis settles in between her spread legs and watches her like a hawk. She turns her head and gives me a look, eyes filling with tears as I lay next to her. "All I wanted was to meet you that morning, Bo."

"I know, I know, shh I got you." I sooth and let her body curl into mine. I swallow the lump in my throat as she cries on me. The sobs and the tears has me holding her tighter. "You're safe here."

I hold my breath as Lauren tells me what she remembers from that night. How she had a feeling something was wrong with a fellow airman. The chase, the scuffle when she and another security guard had him cornered. She told me he had been stealing supplies from the base to help his gambling debt, whether it be tools, accessories, and that night jet fuel. She didn't even flinch when he through the water bottles of the fuel at her and Ron. She only reacted too late (her words) when this Buffkin guy lit and threw the lighter.

I remember seeing a Ron Johnson in the papers. He died that night, but the investigation was still on going. I wasn't going to tell her that right now though.

It's awhile before Lauren calms down. I stop stroking her hair and see her eyes closed once more. Wanting hr to rest and not disturb her, I carefully untangle myself from her hold and grab the bag of food. Disposing it in her empty refrigerator, I find Elvis's dishes and fill it with food and water. Making sure the front and the garage doors are locked, I go back to Lauren's room.

She's still asleep, but when I go to turn off her light and make myself comfortable on the couch, her voice reaches me. "Stay with me." Taking a deep breath, I walk to her and help her get more comfortable. With our shoes on the floor and the blanket pull over her, she lifts it on my side. "Please?" I can tell she isn't used to be so vulnerable, but is desperate right now.

Although my heart wants to be sappy and romantic, I break the thick tension. "As long as you don't snore." I joke, rolling my eyes, and crawling into bed. It's still light outside, but I figured a nap would be worth it, especially if it will help Lauren.

"Is this ok?" Her arm is resting along my stomach and her hand is playing with the hem of my shirt.

I can't stop the goospbumps from appearing or the shiver her touch brings me. "It's good." I clear my throat and nod again, trying to relax. "It's fine."

"What about this?" Confused at her words, I turn my head head. I don't even get to question her as she leans over and kisses me. Her lips are as soft as I remember from once they first touched. Gasping when her fingers continue to stroke the skin on my bare hip, she dominates me and takes advantage of my parted lips.

Her tongue explores as she leans further into me, resting on her forearm. My hands find their way in her hair, holding on for dear life as she continues to control the passionate kiss. I smile as much as I can when I feel her chest rattle from her own moan.

Taking a deep breath when she breaks the kiss, she nips and sucks o my bottom lip, grazing it with her teeth. "So? Was that ok?" she asks just as breathless. Her forehead is pressed against mine as I refuse to let her go.

I pull back, waiting for her eyes. They don't disappoint; dark, blown wide from the desire in them. I lean forward and brush mine along hers, much slower than before. "It was definitely ok."

She laughs and nods to herself suddenly looking shy and lies back down, but decides to rest her head on my chest. We have a ton of things to air out between us. The healing, the trauma, and the drama. But for right now, right here, we can hold each other and enjoy the happy.

AN: I have no excuse, but it's here now. Thanks for reading! Take care…