In the waiting room, Lauren's mother sat across from her looking like a Stepford wife. She wore a pale purple dress, with her blonde hair coifed and perfect makeup. She was even wearing her pearls, which Lauren thought wasn't very appropriate for the occasion.
Lauren was often told she looked like her mother, but she felt like any resemblance was lacking, she didn't see it at all.
She flipped through a magazine and with her head down, said. "You need a boyfriend, Lauren."
Oh good, Lauren's favorite subject. She could almost envision the entire conversation in her head. Her parents were far too invested in making it clear they wanted her in a relationship with a man. It had her guard up with them at all times.
"Yeah, that's not very likely to happen," Lauren muttered under her breath.
Her mother scoffed her disapproval and gave Lauren a cold stare. "Who you date and marry reflects directly on our family."
"And if I marry a woman or don't marry at all?" Lauren questioned, narrowing her eyes at her. Her frustrations were getting the better of her, and she couldn't stop herself from engaging.
Her mother waved her fingers at her, dismissively. "Lauren, you're so pretty. I'll never understand what turned you into a man-hater. You could have any guy you want if you would put the effort in."
Lauren nearly snorted out a laugh, but she slapped her hand over her mouth. Speaking through her fingers, she snapped back. "I don't hate men. I just don't want to have sex with them." She was tempted to point out that her mother knew that already, but was choosing to ignore it.
Her mother darted her head around. "Lauren, hush! I'm horrified by your behavior." She admonished. She sounded scandalized. "I understand that college is for experimenting but after that, you should…"
Lauren shot her a fierce glare. "What you are saying is so insulting." She interrupted her, her voice tense.
Her mother's brown eyes bulged out at Lauren's interruption. "I'm not judging you. I watch Ellen DeGeneres' talk show every day. And the gal that does my hair at the salon has a boy haircut, so I'm sure she's one of those…" She lowered her voice to a horrified whisper. "Lesbians." She shook her head as if saying the word left a bitter taste on her tongue.
Lauren's face fell into her hands, and she massaged the pressure building in her temples.
Her mother inhaled a few times sharply and drummed her fingers on the magazine. "Like I said I'm not judging."
They sat in silence for a while. Everything inside Lauren screamed at her to tell her mother off, but she didn't have the energy to continue the back and forth. It was like talking to a brick wall anyway.
Minutes later, Lauren's father took a seat next to her mother and Lauren crossed her arms over her chest and rolled her shoulders.
Lauren's father studied her with such scrutiny that she cast her eyes to the floor. She wondered what she could have done to upset him. But she hadn't done anything. He didn't have a reason to be angry with her. She knew he was simply in one of his moods, and he was just unhappy with her.
He shifted in his chair to get a better view of Lauren. "We both know I can't condone disrespect of any kind, even implied."
Lauren looked up, and her mouth hung open in shock. How was she being disrespectful simply sitting quietly? She rolled her eyes at him, which infuriated him even more.
Their eyes met in an intense standoff. The blatant scowl he gave Lauren spoke to his displeasure. Her parents stared her down, trying to pick her apart with their eyes, but she remained unwavering under their gaze. She refused to cower under the disappointment behind their scrutiny. She wouldn't give them the satisfaction of coming undone in front of them.
"We need to discuss your attitude, missy." He snapped, harshly. The vein in his temple throbbed and looked ready to burst. "Your grandmother is sick, stop moping around here like it's all about you."
Lauren's eyes drifted away from him to the ceiling. She inhaled a deep breath and wished for Dyson to return from the cafeteria.
"I'm going to help Dyson," Lauren mumbled as she stood quickly and headed away from them to find her friend.
Lauren's thoughts focused on Bo as she walked. Thinking about her made her long to hear her voice. As she approached the cafeteria, she dug out her cell to call her.
She was about to fall apart and the instant she heard Bo's voice she could pick herself up. That's all she needed right then. Bo. But Bo didn't answer; it went to voice mail instead. She ended the call without leaving a message. It was strange for Bo not to answer, or, at least, return her calls. That was the fourth time in a row. Her head was a mess of confusion, because of her parents, Bo and it all set her on edge. Doubt in Bo rose, but she stifled it. She couldn't let her mind wander about what Bo might be doing, just because she was unavailable for one day.
Inside the cafeteria, Lauren looked around for Dyson but didn't see him. Giving up, she took a seat at an empty table. She tried to block out the sounds around her, rested her forehead on the table and closed her eyes.
A loud whistle from behind roused Lauren before she could doze off. Blinking quickly Lauren's head shot up, and Dyson halted behind her. When she turned around, he affectionately tugged on a strand of her hair. "What are you doing?" He asked, sitting next to her.
"Hiding." She said, snatching the bag of French fries from his hands. "I'm cutting you off. That's your third order today."
Dyson laughed and grabbed the bag back. "I like fries. Sue me."
Lauren rubbed her eyes and cracked her neck from side to side to wake herself up. "You need to start eating better. A diet of junk food and beer isn't good for you." She scolded, but with a playful tone.
"You're not a doctor yet." He said with a smile, licking the salt from his fingers. "Besides, potatoes are a vegetable." He made a show of chomping loudly into a fry.
"Try eating an apple once in a while," Lauren mumbled and stared at her phone.
Dyson watched Lauren silently fidget with her phone for several minutes. "One thing we've always been is honest with each other. Sometimes, brutally so." He said before stuffing more fries into his mouth.
Lauren glanced up from her phone, and her brow pushed together in confusion. "And?"
Dyson smirked at Lauren and wiped the grease from his fingers onto his jeans. "So, be honest now. What's wrong?"
"I hate being here with them. It messes with my head." She grumbled, running her fingers over her phone. "And all I want is to talk with Bo, but she didn't answer her phone."
"That's understandable wanting your girlfriend when you're upset. It's okay to need your girl."
Lauren glanced around the room, utterly frustrated with the last few days. "I know, but I'm afraid to rely on her too much." She replied, honestly.
"It'll never work between you two if you don't. If Bo's making changes for you, why can't you do the same for her?"
Lauren nodded and searched her heart. She wanted to stop turning inward like she always did. She wanted to trust Bo enough to lean on her. But she was still afraid to do so, fearing Bo might walk away or disappoint her again.
Abruptly, Dyson broke into Lauren's thoughts. "I have to fly home, today. I'm sorry, but I have to get back to work."
Lauren exhaled, feeling a bit uneasy and dispirited. "I understand." A sick feeling rolled over her as she thought about losing her only buffer with her parents.
Dyson studied Lauren's crestfallen expression and said. "If you need me to stay just say the word and I'll quit my job."
"No." She said quickly, feeling weak and pathetic about not being able to face her parents alone for a few more days. "Please don't do that. You've done enough already."
After a moment, Dyson linked their arms together, standing them up. "Come on; you need to eat. I don't have to leave for another hour."
With a small smile, Lauren allowed Dyson to guide her away from the table toward the food line. She wasn't hungry, but she was looking for any excuse to stay away from her parents.
XXXXX
Lauren's grandmother had been the first person to tell her that her sexual orientation wasn't something to be frightened of or ashamed about, that it was okay, and she wasn't alone. Although, she was older, from a different generation, she never judged Lauren or made her feel wrong. It was a great relief to a younger Lauren, and despite her parents, it gave her confidence to know it was okay to be herself.
Growing up, her grandmother traveled a lot, but when she was around, she offered Lauren the support and understanding she was missing in her own home. Many times, she had wished her grandmother would adopt her and take her away. As she got older, she realized that was a childish fantasy. But she would forever be grateful for her grandmother's positive influence outside of her parents' negativity.
She took a moment to shake off her earlier conversation with her parents before walking to her grandmother's room. She stopped at the room number and pushed through the door. She hadn't seen her grandmother in two years, and she was surprised by how different she looked. She looked frail and older than she remembered. Her eyes were shut, but when the door closed, she turned her head and opened her eyes.
"Lauren, dear." She said, through the beeping rhythm of the machines.
"Hey," Lauren whispered as she moved to her side. She sat in a chair next to the bed and gently took her hand.
They stared at each other for several moments. Although she was still recovering from her surgery, Lauren could still see a glimmer of the grandmother she remembered in her eyes.
"How are you?" She took a few breaths. "You know there's not a day that goes by that I don't think about you."
Lauren kissed her hand. "I missed you too," Lauren smiled at her and looked her over. "How are you feeling, you look great."
"Still a terrible liar, I see." Her grandmother joked while she adjusted her bed to a sitting position.
An hour later, Lauren was stretched out on the couch under a window, studying while her grandmother watched TV. Yes, Lauren was staying in her room to avoid her parents. They stopped in briefly before leaving to run a few errands, and she didn't want to risk running into them when they got back. And since Dyson was gone, she decided to stay and keep her grandmother company while she was awake.
"You don't have to sit with me all the bloody time," Lauren's grandmother griped. Her skin looked pale against the hospital sheets but seeing her feisty temperament was a good indication she was on the mend, and it brought Lauren a bit of comfort. "You're young, go be young."
Lauren grinned, tapping her phone to the next page on the study notes she was currently reading. "I just want to make sure you're okay. Keep you company."
She clicked off the TV and said. "I'm restless. I'm recovering from surgery, but I'm bored to tears. Lauren, dear, sneak me out of this place."
Lauren lowered her phone and pinned her grandmother with a thoughtful look. "You're more difficult than I remember." She said lightheartedly as she got up to sit next to her.
"It's a newly acquired trait."
Lauren chuckled lightly and tucked her knees into her chest. Quickly, her mood soured along with her expression, she sighed and glanced out the window.
"Is there any special woman wooing you Lauren? You're quite a catch." She spoke weakly, but her eyes twinkled. "Anyone worth mentioning at all?"
Unprepared for that question, Lauren's gaze turned back toward her, frowning. A silence had stretched between them before Lauren answered. "There is someone. Bo."
She tilted her head with a questioning look. "Is it serious?"
Hesitating, Lauren considered her answer, and then she shrugged.
Her grandmother held out her hand. "Let me see a picture."
Lauren scrolled through her phone for a picture of Bo and handed it over.
Her grandmother studied the photo for a long time. "She's very pretty, but she has kind, genuine eyes, which make her more beautiful." She said offering the phone back to Lauren. "Do you love her?"
Lauren held her breath for a beat and shoved the phone away. "Yes, well, I mean we just broke up and got back together…it's kind of a complicated situation. We're trying to figure it out, I guess." She forced out. She questioned why she was ashamed to tell her grandmother about Bo cheating, but didn't come up with an answer. "She made a mistake and seems genuinely sorry about it. But….Do you think I'm naïve or stupid for staying with her after she broke my trust?"
"I don't know Bo. But one thing I know for sure is you're not stupid, and there has to be a pretty good reason for you to give her another chance. Use your head, but keep your heart open, it will speak to you as well."
"I just get so confused sometimes," Lauren replied, getting momentarily wrapped up in her thoughts. Her eyes absently focused on the flowers and cards around the room.
"Your grandfather and I broke up five times when we were dating."
Lauren's eyebrows went up in surprise as her grandmother's words pulled her out of her head. "Really?"
"Yes. It was very much a scandalous situation back in those days. We worked through it and were happy until the day he passed away. There was a magnetic force that connected us. He couldn't deny it any more than I could. We learned from our mistakes, and met each other halfway."
"I never knew that," Lauren said, taking in her alarmed expression.
"No relationship is perfect, and handing your heart over to someone else always comes with risks. And sometimes you need a little conflict to appreciate what you have."
Lauren gave her a small smile at her words.
Her grandmother sighed and leaned back against the pillows, looking tired. "If you love this woman, and she loves you, fight for what you have. Love is a precious gift."
A nurse popped her head in the doorway and said, "The doctor will be here in a minute to examine you."
Lauren stood and gently kissed her cheek. "I love you, Gran. I'll be right here when you're done. I promise."
Her grandmother scoffed, and slowly shook her head. "I'm fine. I don't need you hovering." She said sternly, but her eyes sparkled lively.
XXXX
When Dyson called Bo and told her he had to leave Lauren alone, she booked her flight immediately, intent on being there for Lauren. She was determined to take care of the woman she loved, even at the risk that Lauren might turn her away.
Bo pulled into the hospital parking lot and immediately spotted Lauren, standing alone out front. All the air sucked out of her lungs at the sight of her. She was glowing with the light pouring in from the side. It made her look like an angel, and she never looked more beautiful. The corners of her mouth turned upward, and she realized she was just staring at her, with the car idling.
She parked her rental car in a visitor's spot and took a deep breath as she glanced in Lauren's direction. She looked more scrumptious than Bo remembered. Her body stirred to life with hot flares whipping through her. Once out of the car, Bo stalked toward Lauren, causing her heart to pound with each step, her throat tightened with anticipation.
"Lauren."
Lauren froze for a few seconds at the familiar voice behind her, then whirled around, coming face to face with Bo.
Lauren's eyes connected with Bo's, she blinked not able to fully process what she was seeing. Bo was there. Even after so many months, Lauren could still feel a little helpless and flustered by Bo's presence, especially when she hadn't expected to see her.
Bo could tell Lauren was shocked to see her, that she hadn't expected that she'd come there to be with her.
"Surprise," Bo said, with a dimpled smile. She was holding flowers and a 'Get Well Soon' balloon.
Lauren rushed forward and threw herself into Bo's arms, knocking their bodies together as they collided. Bo wasted no time in tugging Lauren close, her free arm instantly wrapped around Lauren's waist, their lips crashed together. And just like that, they were lost in each other for several minutes.
Then, in Bo's unique way that served to disarm Lauren, Bo whispered. "I missed you so much."
At Bo's simple, sweet words, Lauren couldn't stop the tears that escaped her eyes. Bo pulled her even closer. She held her tight, doing her best to comfort Lauren, even though she didn't know what was wrong.
Lauren let the tears pour freely as she pressed her face into Bo's face. She didn't understand why she was breaking down. Seeing Bo had just opened the floodgates to the emotions she was holding inside.
Comfort. That was what she had been missing. It surrounded Lauren, like Bo's body heat. What scared her, the most, was relying on Bo too much. But she did. And to her wonderment, Bo seemed to know what she needed before she did, and had shown up to be with her without her having to ask. The heavy weight in her chest lifted. All she could feel was the desire for that moment never to end.
"Is your grandma okay?" Bo whispered softly, gently rubbing circles on her back.
"No, she's fine. I just…I missed you too."
Bo held Lauren's face in one hand and wiped the tears away with her thumb. "This is a first for us." She tenderly kissed her lips. "You needing me. I like it."
Lauren winced at those words. Bo wasn't wrong, though. She didn't know what to say because she did need Bo, she just wasn't great about showing it.
Bo searched her gaze for a long beat. "I was a little nervous you might be upset with me for showing up like this." She said at last. "You told me not to come." There was an uneasy, cautious edge to Bo's voice.
Lauren's breath hitched, and she glanced away.
"I know you don't quite believe in us, in me right now, and that's understandable," Bo said, finding Lauren's eyes again. "Let me believe enough for the both of us for awhile. Trust me with that responsibility."
There was sincerity in Bo's voice that was difficult for Lauren to deny. But she was without an answer, so Bo brushed her lips lightly across Lauren's in a quick kiss.
Confused by Lauren's continued silence, Bo asked. "What do you need from me?"
"I don't want to go inside yet. Can we just sit out here for awhile longer?" Lauren asked, with her eyes locked seriously on the ground. The dread of going inside and facing her parents settled in her chest.
"Whatever you want, babe," Bo said without hesitation.
Bo took Lauren's hand and steered her to a bench. Bo put down her flowers and balloons, and they sat quietly together, and it wasn't awkward at all. It was charged with understanding and love. Things felt different between them since the day Lauren left, and she wondered if it could really be that easy. Could the uncertainty of their relationship be gone? The fear, Lauren was done surrendering to it. Bo shattered all her beliefs about what love could be. In truth, it was messy and hard, difficult but also amazing. Yes, they were young, and she knew that added to their issues, too. But they were connected in ways that were hard to define and understand.
Bo's company sobered her, and she gathered a series of calming breaths. "Are you missing work to be here?" Lauren asked, glancing at her curiously.
"No. Don't worry about it. I took care of it."
A disbelieving laugh escaped Lauren's lips. "I can't believe you dropped everything and rushed down here to be with me."
Bo gave Lauren's cheek a quick kiss. "Believe it."
Lauren flashed Bo a nervous smile. "I'm happy you're here, but I didn't want to involve you with my parents. They are pretty judgmental people."
"I can handle it. I just wanted to be with you, even if that means having a painful encounter with your difficult parents. It's worth it."
Lauren had frowned in thought before her face smoothed out. "I just… I feel bad putting you in this position."
"I can take it," Bo said, giving Lauren's shoulder a little push. She wanted Lauren to relax because she never seemed to be able to lately. "Mostly because you're so damn hot."
Lauren couldn't help but smile at Bo's teasing. She squeezed Bo's knee, tightly. "I'm so glad you're here. I really needed you."
"That's what girlfriends are for," Bo said, smiling. "To be there through the good and the bad. I'm serious about this, Lauren. I'm serious about us."
Bo's extremely genuine and empathetic voice soothed Lauren. She nodded and rested her head against Bo as she linked their fingers together. She related the facts surrounding her grandmother's condition, how she was recovering. Focusing on those details, further calmed her. By the time she was finished she felt lighter, her head clearer.
XXXXX
After avoiding it as long as possible, Lauren finally awkwardly introduced Bo to her parents. Bo noted that they were watching her with guarded suspicion. Tension settled in her body. They were already rubbing her the wrong way.
Bo tried not to grimace and to act normal under the judgmental scrutiny. No emotions marred their faces as they continued their inspection. They seemed to be analyzing everything about her. Her clothes. Her posture. Her hair. Everything.
Lauren's father kept his hair cut short and sported a trimmed goatee, and was wearing a dark blue suit and tie. Bo thought they were both too dressed up to be sitting at a hospital all day. It gave them a haughty, self-important vibe.
"Mr. and Mrs. Lewis. It's very nice to meet you." Bo said with a bright smile, extending her hand.
Lauren's father sat in a chair and crossed his legs. "Dr. Lewis." He corrected her and didn't take the hand she'd offered. "I think I've earned my proper title." His tone was harsh, scolding Bo.
People around the waiting room started to stare, adding to Lauren's discomfort. She cringed, her pulse pounding. She wanted to grab Bo and run away, but planted her feet, instead.
"Of course, Dr. Lewis." Bo said, using an apologetic, polite tone.
Dr. Lewis didn't acknowledge her but shifted his eyes to Lauren, glaring at her. He considered her with impatience as if she were a stain on his shirt.
Mrs. Lewis leaned back in her chair, taking Bo in. "You are very beautiful Bo. Are you and Lauren classmates?"
Bo stared back at her, wondering if that was a trick question. Her face held no amount of kindness. In fact, she looked positively irritated by the audacity of Bo's presence.
Lauren took Bo's hand, squeezing it tight. "Bo's my girlfriend." She said confidently as she turned her head to look directly at Bo, who gave her an encouraging smile. "And I love her."
Lauren's father snorted with disgust and looked away, never bringing his eyes back to Bo. An unmistakable air of privilege and snobbery hung heavy around him, and Bo found herself having no patience for it.
Bitterness rose in Lauren's throat, but she pierced her lips to silence herself. This wasn't the way things should be. Her parents really should be more open-minded or at the very least polite to Bo's face. Her blood heated at the whole exchange. This wasn't how you were supposed to treat people. She tried to remain calm. It wouldn't do any good to blow up right there in the middle of a hospital waiting room.
Mrs. Lewis plastered on a tight smile and said. "Fascinating." She offered Bo her slender hand and shook it quickly, almost like she feared Bo's germs would infect her. "This is embarrassing for us. We didn't know Lauren had…well, she never mentioned you." She said, and glared at Bo and Lauren.
As her mother spoke, Dr. Lewis started cracking his knuckles as his face switched between annoyance and boredom.
Lauren glanced at Bo. She was upset. For her. She gave her a half-smile and mouthed out a 'Sorry'.
Bo searched Lauren's eyes, not sure what she should do. She had zero experience dealing with other people's families. Everything about Lauren's parents was uncomfortable and aggravating. It made Bo understand Lauren a bit more, and she wondered how the hell Lauren had turned out so normal.
Bo couldn't stand for it. They shouldn't treat Lauren that way or look at her like that. "Show some respect to your daughter." She snapped loudly. "She's brilliant, beautiful, hard-working, reliable, and despite your terrible parenting, she's unbelievably confident." As she spoke, her body almost shook with the fury flowing through it. "She makes me think, keeps me strong, and she saved me from myself."
"Good lord, Lauren." Mrs. Lewis gasped, placing a hand on her chest, dramatically. "Who is this aggressive woman?" She asked, looking like she'd just tasted something sour.
Lauren closed her eyes for several seconds and tried to compose herself. Her eyes flew open when Bo spoke again. "I love Lauren, and we're together. And your close minded attitude won't keep me away from your daughter." She spoke directly to Lauren's father, and he continued to ignore her. "You need to get used to the idea of me being around." She circled her eyes back around to Lauren's mother.
Mrs. Lewis stared at Bo like she'd slapped her across the face, and Dr. Lewis pretended not to hear a word Bo had said.
Lauren saw things turning even more disastrous, and she felt the need to defend herself and Bo. "I'm not ashamed of Bo, or our relationship. But you two should be ashamed of your behavior." She said, after finally finding her voice, and it sounded so strange, so assured.
After a few seconds of uncomfortable silence, Lauren's father flew out of his chair, with his face flaming red. "I didn't raise you to be such a disrespectful brat." He hissed, looking squarely at Lauren. He took Mrs. Lewis' hand, almost pulling her from her seat. In a dash, they stormed out of the waiting room without another word.
"I'm sorry I put you through that," Lauren sounded utterly dejected. "My parents are truly awful."
"You shouldn't apologize." Bo sat on the edge of a chair and placed her hands on Lauren's hips. "It went better than I'd expected." She said, looking up at Lauren. "I'm just glad I could be here with you."
Lauren's mortification at her parent's behavior turned to irritation, then to fury. "They shouldn't have treated you like that."
Bo steered Lauren to sit next to her with her hands on her hips.
Another silence descended, and Lauren thought about the quarrel with her parents. She knew, beyond a doubt, that Bo was serious about their relationship. Words were just words, but it was Bo's actions that had shown her that. Strangely enough, Bo showing up there, standing up to her parents for her had cemented that in her mind and heart once and for all.
Lauren blinked at Bo, and her voice cracked a little with emotion when she said, "That was a nice little speech you gave them."
Bo wove their fingers together and gave Lauren a smile. "I meant every word. I'm not going anywhere."
XXXXX
AN
Next chapter: happiness and fun times.
Thanks for reading and reviewing.