Lauren came back from going around the town, gathering information on Apollo and Artemis. She was heading to the room she was sharing with her mother when Indy approached her. He touched her shoulder as she flinched, "Dr. Jones."
"Lauren. We need to talk."
"I'm busy, "as she opened the door and Kate was watching her intently. Lauren started to close the door as Kate said, "Let him in, Lauren."
Lauren looked at her mother with a frown. Kate met Indy's eyes and gestured him in. Kate closed the door as Lauren went to her pack of cigarettes and lit one. Kate took it from her daughter and flushed it in the toilet, "You know how I feel about those, Lauren Marie. Sit," as she gestured the couch.
Lauren glared at them both and said, "I'm too old for the lecture, Mother. I'm an adult."
"An adult who doesn't give a damn about herself," Indy said.
"You have the right to talk, " Lauren said, "You were never there for me while I was growing up. Going after all those artifacts, fighting the Soviets. You were busy taking those risks instead of being there for Michael, Isabelle, and me," as tears went down her face.
"Didn't care?" Indy shouting at her, "I sent you a card every birthday and holiday. I went to see you every chance I got."
Kate watched them intently and said, "Lauren, what else do you need from us? Your father and I were not the greatest parents but we did our best."
"But he cheated on you. Left you alone," looking at her.
"He did," Kate said looking at Indy, "But that was my decision to divorce him rather than forgive him. It took years, my darling," looking at Lauren, "but I forgave him. It should be my fight not yours."
Lauren stared at them as Indy said, "Did you know I was there when you were born?" as he clasped Kate's shoulder, "Your mother went into labor and was too stubborn to move. I ended up delivering you and your brother."
Lauren's eyes softened as Kate nodded, "It's true, Lauren. He even named you."
Indy nodded, "Your mother was suggesting Antoinette or Gabrielle. Something French sounding. I intervened."
"And Michael?" Lauren asked.
Kate laughed, "After my father. At least he was an American."
Lauren looked at Indy, who said, "I was there for ever play, dance and music recital you were in. I stayed in the back."
Lauren's eyes soften a bit. She wiped them and started for the door, "I can't deal with this," as she shaking and left. Indy started to go after her as Kate held his shoulder, "Leave her alone, Henri. She needs time to herself."
Ben, Michael and Mutt were hanging out at a local taverna, drinking ouzo and enjoying the nightlife. The three men were laughing and joking as Michael said, "And you miss out, Benny Boy, for dating my sister."
Ben laughed, "It takes a lot of work to date her, Mike. Trust me."
Mutt shook his head, "She's tough as nails. Now that woman over there," pointing out to a buxom Greek woman, "Would be more your type."
Michael guffawed as he held out his glass, "To women."
The men clicked glasses as Ben lifted his to drink, he saw Lauren walk in and head for the bar. "Excuse me fellas," as he went to join her.
He heard her ask for a shot of ouzo, saw her drown it, and asked the bartender for more. Ben looked at her, "Drinking your sorrows away?"
"Leave me alone, Ben."
"What happened, Laurie? Did you get into another fight?"
"It's not of your business," as she downed another shot.
He grabbed the glass and looked at her, "I love you, Lauren and you know that. I wish you won't keep me out of it."
"Why the hell should I involve you?" her eyes glared at him, "Because you know my history?"
Ben looked at her, "This isn't about us. Its' about your father isn't it?"
Lauren sighed and tossed some money on the bar, "Go play psychologist to someone else," as she started to leave.
He grabbed her arm and said, "You're not doing this to me, Lauren."
"Let me go," yelling at him, tears spilling down her cheeks.
"No, I won't," as he pulled her towards him and kissed her. Lauren pulled away and stared at him, "How dare you?"
"Kiss you?" looking at her, "I love you, god dammit."
"No one should love a screw up like me," she said as she left the taverna. Ben followed her, pulled her in his arms and kissed her. Lauren's eyes filled up with tears, "Ben."
"What is it?" as he pushed back a lock of her hair.
"I do love you," smiling a little, "You know that."
"Then I suggest we discuss it elsewhere. Perhaps my room? Unless you want to wait?"
Lauren smiled, "What about Michael?"
"I'll kick him out and have him bunk with your mother."
Lauren laughed, "Lead the way, Ben Black."
Indy knocked on Ben's door the next morning. He heard some shuffling and then Ben opened the door, "Dr. Jones. Is there something wrong?"
"I have some new information on Apollo and Artemis that I would like to discuss with you."
Ben's eyes darted to the bathroom and said, "Can we meet downstairs for breakfest? I need to get cleaned up."
Indy looked at him and frowned, "Something in the bathroom?"
Ben shook his head nervously as Lauren came out wearing only his shirt, "Ben, I need someā¦" and stared at her father, "Dr. Jones."
Indy stared at his daughter and then at Ben, turning a bit red. "Lauren, we were worried about you."
"As you can see, I'm fine," as she stood next to Ben.
Indy looked at Ben, who nodded, "I'll meet you both downstairs," as he kissed Lauren's cheek and left. Indy stared at his daughter, "We need to talk."
"Fine. Mind if I get dressed or do I need yours and mother's permission?"
He scowled at her as she put pants on. With her back facing him, she removed the shirt and put on her bra, "What's the point of talking if it doesn't resolve anything?" as she faced him.
Indy looked at her, "I realize you're grown but I'm still your father. I worry about you."
"I survived twenty years and plan on being around."
"Working at a bar, smoking, and having sex is not what I call surviving?"
"It is for me," as she shrugged a shirt on, "You left to fight some war because you felt it was your duty, leaving Mom with four children to raise."
"That's true, but it doesn't make me love you any less."
Lauren's eyes misted a bit, "We can't resolve this in one afternoon."
"I know," he said, relieved that he was finally getting through to her. Lauren grabbed her shoes and said, "I think you said something about breakfest?"
