Chapter 9

"Temperance I would like to see you in my office please." Said Dr. Goodman.

"Yes sir, I'll be right there. I would just like to finish documenting my findings." Said Bren.

"10 minutes Temperance and whether you are finished or not I want to see you in my office." Said Dr. Good man who was met with silence from his intern. He signed as he walked towards his office.

15 minutes later Bren was knocking on her mentors' door. "You wanted to see me Dr. Goodman."

"Yes 5 minutes ago Temperance, come in and have a seat." Putting his pen down he focused on the young lady sitting across from him.

"Temperance, since you have been here you have done remarkable work. I am very impressed with your determination as well as your dedication. However I also noticed that you have clocked over 70 hours in one week. For the reason I am giving you Thursday and Friday off. You will not be allowed back into the lab until Monday morning."

"No Dr. Goodman, I am working on identifying remains in bone storage. I won't be done by the end of today. I need more time." She pleaded

"Document your findings and you may complete it next week. My decision is final Temperance."

"What am I supposed to do for 4 days?" She huffed

"Well if you don't want to stay in the city go home and visit with your friends. Or you can explore DC. Its' up to you but I don't want to see you here after 3pm today."

"Yes sir. Is that all? I will like to get as much done and its almost noon."

"That will be all. And Temperance don't skip lunch." He grinned when he heard her mumble on her way out of the office.

During lunch she called Bethany to complain about the change in her schedule. "Why don't you just come back home?"

"Booth is supposed to come here for the weekend."

"Why don't you come home tonight and surprise him? Jack is having a pool party at his house this weekend; we can go and have a good time. Come on Bren I haven't seen my best friend in a while. You know the Millers would like to see you too."

"Fine I'll come back tonight. First I have to call and make sure its ok with the Millers and if they say its ok please don't tell Booth I'm coming."

"I can agree to that. I don't see why it would be a problem you know they love you. But for whatever reason your welcome to stay with us. Even though my brother would probably prefer you stayed with him."

"I'll call you back and let you know my plans."

"Hello"

"Hi it's me Temperance."

"Temperance sweetheart is everything ok? Are you alright?" Mrs. Miller asked worried since she never heard from Temperance in the middle of the day.

After explaining the situation and her reason for calling, Mrs. Miller told her she was always welcomed at home and she never needed to call first. She emphasized that this was also her home. Now that she had some sort of direction for the next few days she went back to work.

At 2:30 Dr. Goodman reminded her that she needed to clock out at 3:00pm sharp. So she began putting away the remains and cleaning up her area. Once that was completed she gathered her things and clocked out at 3pm. Dr. Goodman was standing by the time clock when he saw her approach on time. "Enjoy your extended weekend Temperance and I will see you on Monday morning."

"Thank you Dr. Goodman. I will see you bright and early." She smiled as she walked through the sliding doors toward the parking garage.

As soon as she arrived at her home she called Bethany to let her know she was back and they agreed to meet for something to eat and catch up.

The girls were sitting at the table laughing when Booth and one of his friends came in. As soon as she looked up their eyes met and a large grin broke out on his face before he immediately schooled his reaction to her presence.

"Give me a minute Man my little sister is here with one of her friends." They walked over to their table.

"Hey Bren when did you get back into town?" She knew what he really wanted to know.

"I've been back about an hour now. Dr. Goodman forced me to take an extended weekend because of the amount of hours I've logged in a week. I'm not allowed back in the lab until Monday. I thought I would surprise you guys and came home for the weekend."

"Oh I'm sorry. Brandon this is Bren. Bren this is a friend of mine Brandon."

"Nice to meet you Brandon."

"You to Bren." He eyed her lustfully

Everyone at the table noticed the way he looked at Bren and it made her uncomfortable.

"Do you ladies mind if we sit with you." Asked Brandon as he was looking at Bren

"We'd rather you didn't." Said Bethany

"Come on squirt top acting like that." He said as he moved to sit next to Bren

"No I'll sit there you sit here in my seat." Said Bethany as she pushed her plate across the table next to Bren. Brandon then sat next to Booth who sat directly across from Bren.

The waitress came and took the guys order and brought desert for the girls. While they were talking Booth heard a familiar voice and groaned.

"Hello Seeley? I haven't seen you in awhile." Said Tessa as she purred

"Hey Tess. Yeah I've been sorta busy." Replied Booth

As she rubbed up against him she ran her hands through his hair, "I'm sure you can make some time for me this weekend. I can come over to your place."

"I'm sorry Tess but I'm really busy this weekend."

"Come on Seeley think about it. We can do that thing that you use to like doing when we were alone. You know where I use to…" He cut her off. Tessa really I'm busy. I won't have time for much of anything.

Bren felt tightness in her chest and she knew that this woman was referring to sex. Something that Booth would not do with her. She grabbed her purse on the floor between her and Bethany. She took out some money and turned to Bethany. I think that's enough to cover my bill. I'm going to head out. It's been a long drive and an even longer day. I'll call you tomorrow.

"Brandon I wish I could say it was a pleasure but it really hasn't been."

"Booth." She said curtly as she stood and stormed out of the restaurant.

By the time he made it out the door he saw the back of her Mercedes speeding down the road. "Damn it." He said as he ran his hands down the front of his face.

"Well that went well." Said Bethany who was standing in front of him when he opened his eyes.

"Why the hell didn't she tell me she was coming?"

"Because she wanted to surprise you. You've been going to her she wanted to come to you. And don't get mad at her because you can't control your ex. I'll see you later."

Booth went back to the table where his friend was waiting with Tessa. "Tessa I said its not going to happen and its not. You are my ex for a reason. Leave it at that."

"But Seeley that was so long ago."

"Your right and we should leave it in the past. B I'm going to get out of here. I'll catch you later."

Booth went back home and called Bren over and over for the past hour and left her numerous voicemails but she ignored them all. He looked at the time and realized he better had tried to get some sleep because he had work the next day. He was off on Friday because he was going to DC for the weekend.

"Hello"

"Be at my place at 4."

"I can't."

"Why the hell not?"

"I have plans."

"We need to talk about last night."

"Nothing to talk about."

"Come over when you finish with whatever you have to do."

"It may be late when I'm free."

"I'll wait up. I don't have work on Friday because I was coming to see you."

"Fine. I'll call you when I'm free."

"No need to call just come over I'm not going anywhere."

After work he stopped and picked up something for them to eat. But she didn't show up until 9:30. He opened the door to let her in. She went into the living room but she didn't sit down. He walked in behind her and put his hands on her hips and he went to kiss her on her neck when she stepped out of his embrace.

"I'm sorry about last night. Tessa was an ex-girlfriend from high school. What I don't understand is why do you have the attitude with me. What did I do wrong because I didn't encourage her at all?"

"I don't know why it bothered me it just did." She said

"I only want to be with you Bren. I'm playing by your rules here. What do you want from me?"

"What the hell do you mean your playing by my rules? When did I set up any rules?"

He stepped to her and said, "Correct me if I'm wrong but you were the one that didn't want anyone knowing that we were together right?"

When she didn't answer he said, "I would have no problem with telling Tessa or anyone else that I am off the market and we are together.

"She was talking about sex correct Seeley." She sneered his name.

"Don't go there Bren! You knew when we got together that I wasn't a virgin. How are you going to be mad at me for something that happened before we met?"

"I'm mad because the last time you came to my apartment you were quick to put a stop to us going any further than making out on my bed but you had no problem going all the way with the bottle blonde and fake implants."

Booth knew she was jealous. He walked into her personal space. She took a step back and he continued to advance on her. She continued to step back until she walked into the wall.

Booth put his hands up on the wall caging her in and looked directly in her eyes, "When I make love to you it's going to be forever. That won't happen until you're sure about me and about us. And I stopped us because if we got started I won't stop until I hear you spitting out my name. And I feel your body quiver under mine." He leaned in one more time and captured her lips with his and began kissing her. He hands went down to her hips he brought her body flushed up against his. Breaking the kiss he laid her forehead on hers and said, "I brought dinner for us. Its' probably cold now, I'm going to warm it up and we can eat. Why don't you have a seat and find us something to watch on the tube."

After eating they watched some more television and Bren looked up at the time and said, "Booth I have to go. Its late."

"Come on stay here tonight. I promise to be a perfect gentleman."

"That's the problem. Guess your right. I am tired."

The next day Booth woke up and fixed breakfast for them. Once he was done he placed her breakfast on a serving tray and took it into his bedroom. He woke up with gentle kisses on all over her face. She opened her eyes and saw Booth standing there. She sat up in the bed and rubbed her eyes. He placed the tray over her lap and said, "Good morning beautiful. Now eat up. I have the whole day planned."

"Booth its to nice out to be inside all day. Thank you for breakfast by the way."

"Your welcome and we won't be staying in all day. After we eat your going to go home and shower and change. I'm going to come and pick you up and we are going on a road trip."

Her eyes lit up. "Where are we going?"

"We are going to Newark New Jersey. There are a couple of things I want you to see. I think you'll like it."

Eagerly she dug into her breakfast. Booth had to laugh at how fast she ate and left to go get ready. An hour later they were on their way. Laughing, singing and acting silly on the way was great.

Booth parked and grabbed her hands as he led them to the Newark Museum Global Art & Natural Science Exhibits. It had over 80 exhibits and they weren't able to view them all but they did see as many as they could. Booth couldn't believe he spent over 5 hours in the museum. What he wouldn't do for this girl. She lit up like a little girl on Christmas morning. After their last exhibit he said, "Before we eat and get back on the road I want to show you one more thing." They walked to their next destination and she looked up when they stopped in front a church.

"Booth why would you bring me to a church?"

"I know your not a religious person Bren but I think even you can take pleasure in the artfully craftsmanship of this building." They walked inside and he heard her gasp from beside him. She stood in the middle of the room and slowing turned around in a complete circle as she took in every feature of this magnificent place. Booth was right this place was regal, elegantly crafted. "Booth what is the name of this church?" she all but whispered

"This is the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart. It is 323 feet and some 45,000 square feet."

She was astonished. He couldn't remember the last time she was this speechless. He allowed her the time to take in all of its beautiful features. Bren was awestruck as she reveled in the vaulted ceilings, the stained glass, and three rose windows. She has never seen anything like it before. Then she turned and took in the imported and domestic marble, the crystal, and silver and bronze chandeliers. The beauty and elegance of the place brought tears to her eyes. She took Booth's hands and said, "Thank you for bringing me here." They walked out of the church and half way down the walkway she stopped and pulled him into a kiss. "I appreciate what you did for me today. No one has every done anything like this for me. I know that museums aren't your thing." She kissed him again and left him breathless.

She had started to walk away and when she realized he wasn't beside her she turned and yelled over her shoulder, "Hey didn't you say something about eating?"

She giggled when he ran up to her and picked her up in the air and twirled her around, "Seeley Booth put me down." They were both happy today was a success.

They found a little cozy restaurant to eat at. Then it was time to hit the road. She held his hand all the way home. He kissed her good night and walked her to the door.

The next day they all went to Hodgins pool party. Bethany and Bren were laying out by the pools enjoying the sun. Zach jumped into the pool and splashed water on the girls. They laughed and screamed his name. Bren decided she wanted to go for a swim to cool off. She stood up and took off her sarong to reveal her emerald green and navy blue bikini. Booth had just taken a sip of his beer when he looked to where the guys were looking and starting chocking on his beer. He quickly made his way over to his sister and hissed, "I thought you guys were going together to pick out bathing suits."

"We did! Doesn't she look hot?"

"I don't need my girlfriend to look out around a bunch of horney guys that don't have a clue that she's not available. Damn it!"

Bethany smirked at him. "Feeling jealous big brother? She's just swimming. After all it doesn't matter what they know what matters is that she knows."

"Is this about Tessa the other night? We worked that out."

"Maybe you did, but now you know how she felt. I didn't now so many guys were interested in actually swimming." She said as she gestured to the pool. He noticed that now just about every guy that was at the bar is now jumping in the pool.

Before he could get up she grabbed his arm, "Don't do anything stupid Seeley. Show her you trust her."

"I trust her. I don't trust them."

Booth went and sat on the edge of the pool and put his feet in the water. Bren was talking with Zach and Hodgins while the other guys were trying to get her attention. When she noticed Booth sitting on the edge of the pool drinking a beer she swam over to him and sat next to him on the edge of the pool. She reached across him and swiped his beer from his hand and took a sip. He snatched it back with more force than he intended, "Stop taking my fucking beer. Your to young to drink." He all but sneered at her. Taken aback by his demeanor she pushed herself up and went over to her seat and dried off and sat down next to Bethany. Her and Bethany didn't speak but they both felt the tension building.

"Come on Booth get into the pool." Yelled Tessa

Sitting his beer bottle down he slide into the pool. He and his friends played a game of volleyball in the pool. Tessa swam up to him and put her arms around his neck and before he could stop her she pulled him into a kiss. By the time he pushed her back he turned to where he knew his girlfriend was sitting and saw that she was gone. His sister was getting her stuff together when he walked up to her. "Where is she?"

She just looked at him and shook her head. Grabbing her bag she called out to Jared, "Hey Jar, I'm going home."

He saw what happened and he saw his brothers' girlfriend leave. Jared jumped out of the pool and grabbed a towel and began toweling off as he walked over to his sister, "Is she going to be ok?"

"I don't know. She was hurt by the way he was talking to her before he got in the pool. I honestly don't know if keeping their relationship is putting more pressure on the relationship or what but they can't keep going like this. I'm going home. I've had enough of this."

"Alright be careful sis. I'll see you when I get home."

Booth sat in the chair Bren used earlier and tried to call her. He even called the Millers home number hoping she would answer. He knew the Millers were out with some friends and would be back late. He drove past her house and her car wasn't in the driveway. So he drove to his parents' house hoping she was with his sister.

"Mom is Bethany home?"

"Up in her room. She's been up there ever since Bren left."

"When was Bren here?"

"About 45 minutes ago."

Booth ran up the stairs two at a time. "Hey where is Bren? I went to her house and she wasn't there."

"Your soon to be ex-girlfriend went back home."

"I just left there I would have passed her on the road. Where else would she go Beth?"

"She went back to DC stupid. She came to say goodbye and she went to see the Millers at their friends and told them she was going back a day early so they wouldn't worry."

"I wouldn't do anything to hurt her and you should know that."

"Really should I? You're the one that jumped into that pool when Tessa told you to come and swim with them. The same girl that propositioned you in front of your girlfriend 4 nights ago, it took you a little to long to break that kiss by the way. So you think again about that statement of not doing anything to hurt her. Not to mention the way you spoke to her when she came and sat next to you at the pool."

Booth sat on his mothers porch and pulled out his cell phone and called Bren's phone. Her voicemail picked up, "Baby please talk to me. I'm so sorry about what happened. Call me as soon as you get in. I need to know you made it home ok. I love you Bren. Please call me."

"What's going on son?"

Booth explained the events that occurred from the time Bren came home what led her to cut her trip short. His father sat and pondered for a minute. "You don't want to keep your relationship a secret do you?

"Not really but it seemed so important to her so I agreed."

"You want other guys to know that she is taken?"

"Yeah that still won't stop them but at least I can address it. Now I can't do anything but sit and watch."

"Like she had to do."

"Yeah."

"But I also want the freedom to take my girlfriend out, kiss her when I want and hold her when I want to. I hate the idea of having to sneak around with my own girlfriend." Just as he finished talking his phone buzzed in his pocket. He pulled it out and read, "I'm home. I've been thinking on my way here and I think we need to put an end to this relationship. It's not working. I'm what you need after all. Go and be with Tessa. Good luck to you. I won't be answering any more of your calls."

Booth couldn't believe what he read. He couldn't put the phone down. He hadn't even realized tears were making its way down his face until his dad reached over and took the phone. He read the message and signed. He just sat with his son as he hurt over the girl he loved and lost.

"Come on let's go into the house. You can sleep in your old room."

Going into the house his wife and daughter were watching TV, "What's going on Edwin?"

"Bren just broke up with him."