Hey all!

So, I feel bad. I haven't gotten very ahead in this story, this is currently the last chapter I have completed which means that I haven't sent any chapters to my beta :( But I will try to get caught up this week and hopefully post the next chapter on Tuesday.

Like I said, there's some time jumps in the next several chapters, probably for the rest of the story until Shawn shows up.

Enjoy!

CHAPTER 10

"Will you please be careful?!" Carlton yelled at one of the moving guys as they placed a lamp on the grass.

Michael, the guy in charge, came up to Carlton and said, "Sir, as I've told you before, we know what we're doing. My crew takes every precaution to make sure that nothing is damaged. Now, did you make sure that all the boxes that are going into the storage unit are properly labeled?"

"Yes." Carlton growled. "I checked yesterday and I checked again today."

"Then I suggest that you go get a cup of coffee or something and let us do our job."

Carlton glared at him before going into the backyard. It was Sunday afternoon and Carlton was on edge. Juliet had been a bit persistent about trying to get him to talk all week, even driving by his house a few times. He was hoping that she would take a break and enjoy her weekend.

After he had blown Shawn off on Friday, he tried to smooth things over with Juliet by taking her to dinner. He explained that everything was fine and that if he was dying, she would be the first to know. He needed space and Shawn needed to complete his academy training. After he had had time to think, he would come and talk to her. It seemed to placate her and they finished their meal in peace. As they parted ways, Juliet happily told him good night and that she would see him on Monday.

Sitting at the picnic table, Carlton started writing a letter to Juliet. He knew that she would be hurt when she found out that he left, but he made his decision. He had an interview set up with the Chicago police department next Monday; although he knew that he would not be out in the field. It was a sacrifice that he was willing to make.

He had just finished the letter when his phone rang. Seeing whose name it was, Carlton smiled. "Hey Lulu."

"Hey Carlton! How are things going? Is the moving company there?"

"Yeah. They basically kicked me out of the house because I kept interfering."

Lauren laughed. "I'm glad you're acting like your old self again. Listen, are you sure you want to drive all the way out here? It's going to take like 4 days."

"I could use the quiet."

"Are you saying that I'm loud?"

"No. It's just that driving can be very relaxing."

"So I've heard. Did you check with your doctor? What did he say?"

"He wasn't too pleased but said that I need to take a 15 minute walking break every 2 hours or so and not to drive for more than 10 hours in one day. Even had me set up an appointment in Chicago for Friday."

"You're leaving tomorrow morning, right?"

"Yeah. Around 8am. I should be in Chicago Thursday Night."

"Good. I'll grab something for dinner on my way home that night."

"Okay. I called the phone company and asked them to change my number. They're going to change it at midnight tonight so I'll text you the number."

"Don't you think this is a bit ridiculous?"

"What?"

"The lengths at which you're going to hide this baby."

"Lulu, I'm not going to change my mind."

"*sigh* I know. I gotta go but call me tomorrow before you leave."

"Sure. Bye Lulu."

"See ya! Good luck!"

"Thanks." Carlton replied as the call ended. With a sigh, he got up to check on the progress of the moving company.

Carlton parked his car on the street and waited. Juliet usually left for work around 8:30am, so he should have a few minutes. He was parked about 10 houses down the block and while he could not really see her house, he would be able to see her Volkswagen Bug leave. Grabbing his phone, he called Lauren.

After the third ring, she finally picked up. "Yello?"

Carlton frowned, "Are you still sleeping?"

"Well, some of us like to sleep in on Mondays."

"Isn't it 10:30 there?"

"So? I was up until three and don't have to be at work until noon. Is there a point to this call or should I just hang up now?"

Carlton laughed, "Usually I'm the grumpy one."

"Yeah, well I'm usually not hung over either."

"I was just letting you know that I'm about to leave. I have a letter I want to drop off for Juliet first."

"That's nice of you. Can I go back to sleep now?"

"Sure."

"Good. Safe travels."

"Thanks." He ended the call and picked up his coffee. His doctor warned him about drinking too much caffeine while pregnant and Carlton agreed that he would cut back, although he would still drink two cups in the morning.

After about five minutes of waiting, he finally saw Juliet's bug drive down the street. He waited a few more minutes just to make sure before he slowly brought his car up the street. Getting out, he looked around as he made his way up the driveway. Most people were on their way to work or dropping their kids off at school so there was no one around to notice him.

Carlton slipped the letter under the door while whispering, "I'm sorry." Without looking back, Carlton got back into his car and started his journey to Chicago and the new chapter in his life.

When Carlton finally arrived at Lauren's apartment Thursday night, he was a bit surprised to find Lauren still up. "It's almost midnight. I told you that you didn't have to wait up for me."

"I know, but it's important." Lauren smiled as she held out a small cake. "Happy Birthday!"

"Crap, I forgot." Carlton whispered as he put down his bag.

She laughed, "I thought you might. Make a wish!"

He stared at the candles for a few seconds before making a wish and blowing them out.

"Yea!" She put the cake down on the coffee table and smiled. "I know you don't like presents, but here!" She pulled a small envelope out of her pocket and handed it to him

"What's this?" Carlton questioned as he turned it over.

"Just open it."

He glanced at her as he slowly opened it. "A gift card. To Macy's?"

"Yeah, you always complain when you get silly gifts so I thought I would give you something practical. This is so you can buy yourself some pregnancy clothes."

"Thanks Lulu." Carlton kissed her on the cheek. "Although I think that you letting me stay with you is enough of a present."

"Yeah, yeah, yeah. Don't get all mushy on me! That's what family is for. So, when was the last time you ate?"

"I don't know, around 7."

"Come on, there's some Chinese in the fridge. Although I'm gonna get the ice cream for the cake!" Lauren smiled as she dashed for the kitchen.

Carlton shook his head as he picked up the cake and followed.