Everything Has Changed

by gogobolo

Alternative Universe. Lauren embarks on a mission of self discovery as a Camp Counsellor in the USA where she meets Bo, Kenzi and Ciara. Basically a wacky journey of fun, friendship, adventure and love.

25. Chapter 25

Chapter 25 – Flaws and Family

Something was wrong. Maybe that's not the best word to use, but ever since I'd finished at the lab this afternoon and Bo had swept me up in her arms I'd felt it; a sense that something was off or suspicious or contrary.

The more time that passed, the greater that sense had become and it almost made me genuinely fearful of discovering what was driving the attention I'd been receiving. I'd missed Bo for six months; so much so that the feeling of missing her, the burn and ache in my gut became a living and breathing part of me, and since our reconnection, just being away from her for a few hours made me feel like a crazy person.

That's why at first, I'd lapped up and laughed off her opening and closing the car door for me, her sitting in the back tucked into my side and making Nicole feel more like a taxi driver than an actual part of the group as we drove to lunch. It continued as we found parking in a side street near Surry Hills, Bo rushing out first, opening my door and taking my hand in hers, only letting it go once we were shown to a table out on the verandah at the Winery because she needed her own hand back to pull out my chair and then push it in again once I was seated.

I figured she'd missed me too in the few hours we'd spent apart and so it was lovely being doted on, it was romantic and she was gorgeous. But then later our food arrived and as I went to tuck into my grilled barramundi, she was watching me intently, seemingly ready to cut it up into little pieces if she'd had any inkling that's what I needed and probably even chew it up and spit it down my throat like a mother would do to feed its baby bird if I'd asked. That had been the moment of clarity, the moment my senses had snapped up a gear and I could feel, smell, taste and see something was askew.

Whatever it was, Nicole was in on it too, that much was obvious to me once I took a closer look. She wasn't over the top like Bo in her actions or words, but it was there for me to read in her eyes and in the way her body was subtly tensed when there was no apparent reason for it to be. She was resigned to the fact that shit was about to go down and she was readying her armour. Nic was the first through the front door while I ushered Bo in, her hand hanging back to maintain contact with mine for as long as she could before I discreetly pulled free to close the door. It was time.

"Great day ladies, thanks, it's been fun. I'm just going to head upstairs to change and I'll probably take off for a run before Harvey gets home from work". I stood stock still, my front resting against the wooden back of one of the dining room chairs as I watched Nicole's eyes dart to Bo quickly before she started to move for the stairs.

"You're not going anywhere". She stopped mid stride, her hand on the wooden railing gripping tightly as she took a deep breath and then let it out, her eyes meeting mine as she looked back over her shoulder. I pulled out the chair I'd been leaning on, following the lead Bo had so gallantly been providing for me all afternoon by gesturing for her to sit and then tucking her in slightly. I sat right next to her, staying close while I waited for Nic to join us. I hadn't had to say anything else for her to close the distance from the stairs back to the table, her eye brow raised and a wry look on her face that screamed her discomfort at having been oh so close to escape, but not quite fast enough.

"Something happened today and I'd really like to know what". My words hung out in the ether while Nicole looked to Bo and Bo looked to me.

"Babe, we can talk about this but it's not Nic's fault. She wanted to tell you before and I made the decision not to".

Bo's hands moved to the table top, fidgety and unsure. I still had no idea what was going on, but I grabbed her left hand with my right, holding on tight and steady. "Whatever it is, just tell me, please".

Bo's body turned towards me and even though I was passively forcing Nicole to stay in the room to face whatever part she'd played in whatever the hell had happened my focus was solely on Bo right now. "I asked Nic for a favour; I asked her to set up a meeting for me, to find out if there was any possibility of an international police transfer here after my academy graduation". Her stare was nervous as she let the intro sink in, knowing my mind would be jumping all over the place and it was, but the dots were connecting thick and fast.

"You didn't just go for a tour of the station today; you had the meeting as well". She nodded slowly, holding onto my fingers as my own grip loosened. "You should have told me". Everything made sense; the looks between Nic and Bo last night when we were talking about plans for today, the nervousness and intensity this morning and everything I'd gaged this afternoon, even the way Bo had insisted I think harder and longer about the internship before declining the offer. "I know I just…" my chair legs screeched on the tiled floor as I pushed out from the table. I could feel myself getting angry and upset, triggering a need for space. It was only Bo's panicked expression and glassy eyes that kept me in that seat. Damn those eyes, they were like a sucker punch.

"Lauren". My head snapped towards Nic's voice, then her own chair pulling out. She didn't look uncomfortable, just sympathetic and I wasn't sure whether it was directed at me or Bo or both of us. "Go, but we'll be talking later". With a nod she headed for the stairs again, leaving Bo and I alone. I took a couple of deep breaths, seeking calm to my rapidly firing emotions. I'd forced this conversation on my terms and looking back now I knew Bo would have told me today anyway, she was just prepping herself for it and sugar coating me, that's what this afternoon had been about.

"I'm sorry".

"I know. I also know you must have a reason for not telling me about the meeting before you had it, but we can get to that later. What did they say…about the transfer?" I'd figured in my head the news couldn't have been particularly positive or I was sure Bo's energy would have been different, more excited than apprehensive.

"Basically that I'd need two years frontline experience before I could apply, and that applications are only called if and when vacant positions aren't filled here locally. Just to top it all off, I'd also need permanent resident status". She looked so wounded, like hearing the information and now relaying it was like a slap to her face.

"I'd put so much hope into it; thinking I could give you everything, you could accept your internship, I could transfer here so we could be together. I was all set to sign right there on the dotted line if I could have, I'd made the decision".

I couldn't help but feel blown away by it, the determination and commitment she was so openly giving. "Oh god Bo, you told Kenzi what you wanted to do didn't you…she would have freaked". I'd said the words out loud; I know I had, although I probably should have kept them in my head, by the look on Bo's face. "Was that what you meant by her not being as supportive as you think she should be?"

"It's part of it". Bo was looking at me intensely and I was trying to get a handle on how I felt as I kept on processing everything, the two year minimum time frame flashing like an obnoxious neon sign.

"Jesus Lauren, tell me what you're thinking, you're driving me crazy here. Are you pissed off, frustrated, dazed and confused, what's going on in there?" I looked back up at her; she was so beautiful and so vulnerable in that moment.

"I've been so busy researching the best options for me to move to you that I didn't even really think about the reverse of that…..that you would actually relocate here. I'd never ask you to leave Kenzi and Trick for me, as much as I want to be with you I could never ask that, they're your family. Months and months ago before I had to leave you, we agreed it would need to be a decision one of us made, that it would never be someone asking the other person to stay. But you can't just expect the important people in your life to support that decision if you spring it on them Bo. You woke up in the hospital and what…..a day or so later you tell Kenz you're going to transfer here before you've even arrived. Did you speak to Trick about it as well?"

"No…..I didn't". She stopped talking and sighed, looking even more defeated and I hated it. "My plan had some flaws". She smiled and I couldn't help but return it coyly. "We both want to find a way to be together and I love that you were so ready to take the leap of faith if you could, but I guess it's not the best option for us. It's not that I can't wait two years if I have to Bo, because I love you so damn much I would. I really just don't want to; I don't want to waste a minute without you if there's any possible way to avoid that. Life is too short. I didn't think we'd be talking about this now, I thought we'd put it off until the last minute like we always seem to do but here we are already".

"I don't want to wait either Lauren, so what other options do we have?" Bo and I had moved closer together instinctively, our bodies turned towards each other and our hands joined again. "First off we both need to finish what we started; you need to finish at the academy and I need to finish off my surgical prac. Veterinarian medicine is on the list of specialist occupations which quality me to apply for an E-3 Visa. If I got a valid job offer and that practice was willing to sponsor my Visa application, I could start with an initial entry period of two years to live and work in the states. There's also the option of indefinite renewal of that Visa so long as I hold the job".

"I wanted it to be me". Confusion spread throughout me at Bo's words, my eyes silently asking for more.

She laughed to herself, a smile gracing her features before she spoke. "You were just there when I opened the door in that bunk back at camp, dancing in your underwear. You came out of nowhere and now you're everything and I wanted to be the one to make the move, to show you how much I love you and that I know exactly what I have and I'll never take you or us for granted".

As much as I felt her sentiment in every cell of my body, I didn't say anything else; I didn't say that I felt exactly the same way, that I wanted it to be me and not her, that she'd been the driving force I'd needed to lay somewhat peacefully to rest the pain of my past and feel passion and excitement about my future. "Why didn't you tell me about the meeting? I would have gone with you".

"I know…..I just, I needed to hear the answer first, I don't know why, it just felt like that was the way it had to be, like I needed to be the one to tell you, I wanted that at least".

"OK". I smiled at the perplexed look she gave me. "OK….that's it? I was expecting more, maybe some yelling and definitely some anger". I stood up from the chair and Bo followed my lead, allowing me to move in close, my hand grabbing for hers again. "I wish you had told me beforehand about what you had planned, but you just showed that you were crazy enough to move to a different continent for me, so OK, that's all you're gonna get, no yelling, no screaming and no running. I told you I was working on not doing that and I meant it. Maybe you clinging to me like a rash all afternoon might have helped a little bit too".

Her hands hooked on my lower back, her arms encircling me protectively while her eyes although playful, still looked sceptical. "We still need to get better at communicating don't we?" I brushed my lips against hers softly as I nodded. "With words….yep, but I think we've got the physical communication down to a fine art form". She lunged to kiss me, but I moved just out of her reach. "As soon as my surgical qualification is registered and finalised I'll start to apply for vacant positions. When we get to that, I'll talk to you about it first, I'll also talk to my family and you talk to yours. Any big decisions get made together. If you come up with any other plans or opportunities that we can explore, we talk about them".

"OK" Her smile was bright and teasing as she mirrored my casual response from minutes earlier. "Speaking of my family and considering you were all too prepared to leap right into life here, how about you meet them? Tomorrow night. Dinner".

"I'm ready for it babe". I had to laugh at the way Bo's words were fighting ones, but I could still see she was nervous about it. "Here's a plan; I'll call my mum and you'll call Kenzi. Then I'm going to run a bath and soak in it because that's what I always feel like doing after being in the lab. I feel like I need a little bit of space to process. Just give me an hour and then come and join me". I turned and went to go but her hand pulled me lightly back. "There's something else I need to tell you about today. I met Evony".

Nicole chose that particular point in time to shuffle down the stairs, stopping at the bottom when she saw my face. "Seriously….you took Bo to the gym!?"

She looked between Bo and I, inching towards the door slowly. Bo's hand squeezed mine, bringing me back to her. "We walked passed, I wanted to go in, it was my idea".

"And I said it was a bad one". I glared at my best friend, the fire in my belly roaring to life. "You two make quite the team; nice day of adventure you've had, and suddenly I'm wishing Kenz was here".

"And on that note, I'm off for my run".

"Yeah you'd better run mate".

"Good luck with that Bo" Nic exited quickly, throwing one last look over her shoulder at us before making her way out the front door, my name coming from Bo's lips the second it clicked close.

"What were you thinking?" I was pacing slowly, my adrenalin leaving me with a desperate need to move again.

"What was I thinking? Let me see, where to start….firstly I was thinking I have no fucking control over anything, even when I've made a clear choice. I couldn't control what answer I'd get in that meeting, I couldn't change it even though I wanted to. I was being an ass to Nicole and we walked passed the gym and I…I couldn't help myself. I was angry and upset and it was something I could control, well at least try to". She stopped talking, her palm rubbing at her face and a small solemn laugh escaping.

"I have no interest in Evony; I shot her down point blank".

"I know nothing will ever happen between you two, I trust you completely, but it made me crazy when you told me about her. I just wanted to see her with my own eyes, get a read on her and let her know I was here and to back off".

"For whose benefit? Because I can imagine what Evony would have said to you".

"I'll admit it was for my own benefit. I needed to take some control back and I felt like I could do that by facing off with her. I'm not jealous Lauren, because I know we're solid. But I'm possessive by nature and especially with you. She knew exactly who I was the minute I introduced myself properly, she's a piece of work that's for sure. I told her to stay away and not to proposition you again, and then the bitch has the juice to openly check me out and offer herself up for a threesome if we were into that".

The swift rise of my own possessiveness made me sick to my stomach, kind of like how you feel when you go through the upside down loop on a rollercoaster, dizzy and hyped. I breathed steadily in and out of my nose, Bo looking at me with a sort of desperation for me to react and end this conversation. "And your answer was what exactly?"

Bo moved closer, looking relieved first and then smiling as her hands rested just under the hem of my shirt, fingers tracing softly against the bare skin at my sides. "That it'll never happen". I was expecting her to kiss me again, definitely wanting that to happen, but instead she nestled into my neck, pulling me into a soft hug, my own arms wrapping around her and holding on.

When she pulled back, I felt tired all of a sudden and she looked the same. "Go call your mum and have that bath you wanted. I really do need to call Kenz".

"See you soon then". She loosened her grip slowly, watching me carefully until I hit the bottom step and whispering out a "see you soon" in reply.

6:15pm

I was pruning and half unconscious, submerged in warmth and bubbles that smelled like pineapple. I had thought Bo would have been in the tub with me by now, but I was still very much alone. I needed the space but at the same time I wished she was here. That was just the way things were now; I'd found the yin to my yang, my contrary force. Bo was reactive and lived in the moment, where I would always need time alone to think, analyse and strategize.

I'd run through the day in my head, trying to see all the angles and especially to understand things from Bo's point of view. I wasn't angry, not really. I'd been in the dark in my previous relationship, so any type of secrecy or covert behaviour would always be a pressure point for me, but I understood the need she had to keep the meeting to herself for the timeframe she did. I understood her confronting Evony as well and I wasn't ashamed to admit it got me hot knowing she was so willing to fight for me and for us against anyone who posed a threat, even if that threat wasn't solid to start with.

In my eyes it was a good thing she was taking a while, I wanted things between her and Kenzi sorted, but I knew from what Bo said there was more to the story than Kenzi's reaction to Bo wanting to move here stat.

My call to my mum had gone exactly as I'd expected. She was momentarily annoyed I hadn't told her sooner that Bo was here which was quickly replaced by mild panic she only had a day's notice to plan dinner and then excitement at finally getting to meet in person. I'd insisted dinner be kept to just immediate family, no aunties, uncles or cousins and mum had agreed easier than I originally thought she would. Now that the plans had been made, I was really looking forward to it; Bo was important to me, she was special, and I couldn't wait to show her the house I grew up in and the people that had made it a home and so much more.

The settled cloud of pineapple steam was somewhat disturbed as Bo made her entrance into the bathroom, approaching me slowly and taking a seat on the edge of the tub. "Hey beautiful". I grinned widely at her greeting, trying my best to fake disinterest at her close proximity but probably failing miserably.

She smiled back at me, looking a little bit apprehensive, like she didn't quite know if I wanted her in here or if I needed more space and time. She seemed to push through it though, her hand skimming through bubbles and just dipping below the surface to run lightly up my arm fleetingly. "Smells nice in here. Fruity".

"Mmmmm, how's Kenz?"

"She's good except for the quote; 'excruciatingly cruel weight regulations' on her bag flying over here and her trying to decide whether to go for a Brazilian bikini wax or to just get it all removed so she's completely beach body ready". We both laughed lightly and I could see that little sparkle in Bo's eyes, telling me she'd missed her best friend.

"So the usual Kenz then?"

"Yeah pretty much. I told her about the meeting and we talked a little bit about it, nothing extensive though. We've got plenty of ground to cover when she gets here". Bo's eyes were piercing as her words died off and she looked down at the mass of bubbles; my ankles, feet, arms, neck and head the only body parts peeking out. She was biting her bottom lip as she kept appraising me with her eyes, her fingers eventually reaching out for my right hand, squeezing gently before turning it palm up and tracing the life lines down to my wrist. That gentle caress went on for a minute or two before Bo sucked in a deep breath, kissing my palm before standing. I'm gonna leave you to enjoy your bath, I'll finish unpacking. I can have a shower when you're finished". I watched dumbfounded as she turned and walked out of the room, the door closing with a soft click. She hadn't stripped naked and jumped in the bath with me. How the hell hadn't that happened? I could tell she had wanted to, but maybe she thought I didn't want that? It made sense because I didn't know I wanted that until right this second when it was off the table.

I soaked for a while longer before drying off; my towel wrapped tightly around my body and tucked in neatly as I padded down the hallway and back into my room. Bo poked her head out of the jam packed wardrobe to greet me with a casual "hey baby" before disappearing again amongst hangers and clothes. I couldn't help but smile as I brushed my wet hair, letting the towel fall and pile around me as I sat on the bed and watched Bo try to cram more than should be humanly possible onto one hanger and then shove it in to the wardrobe, the force of which resulted in her breathing heavily and sweating. She stopped in her tracks when she turned and saw that I was now very naked. She moved to me swiftly, a look of determination on her face as she kissed me lightly just once, her tongue licking at her lips as she backed up and took a couple of steps back. "Good bath?" I only nodded and she smiled as she stepped further away again until she reached the door. "I'll go have a quick shower. Want to watch a movie after? I can make us dinner?"

"OK babe". She disappeared from sight, leaving me rattled again. Damn Nicole and her big bertha story, talking up my temper. I'd done well I thought, with the news about the meeting, I'd been pissed and upset by the result, but I understood everyone's motives and I'd taken a bit of space but hadn't disappeared. Clearly I hadn't done well enough though because I was alone and naked in here and Bo was alone and naked in my shower all of ten metres down the hallway.

I could fix this situation so easily I realised, communication was the key, it's what Bo and I had agreed on. With purpose I let the towel lay slack where it was on the bed, my body moving free of it as I stood and walked out of my room, down the hallway and as quietly as I could I opened the bathroom door, making my way into the humid and steamy space again.

My eyes automatically landed on Bo's naked back even though that view was somewhat impeded by the frosted glass. By the way she hadn't turned around or moved, I guessed she hadn't heard me come in and I was thankful for the element of surprise.

With only the thin pane of glass separating us I stood transfixed. She was so beautiful; two hands flat against the tiled wall, the muscles in her back and shoulders taught and tensed while her head was slightly bowed, allowing the water to fall easily along her entire length. She never failed to leave me breathless and my hands itching to touch her. If the need to be closer wasn't so strong I know I would have been profoundly happy just watching for a while.

I took a step towards the glass enclosure, but a small muted whimper almost completely muffled by the sounds of the water spray but not quite escaped from Bo and stopped my path forward for a second. She was crying softly to herself but I was here and it was about time she knew it. Without wasting another second I finally entered into the shower cubicle, my arms wrapping around her, hands gripping her hips, body tight along hers and lips pressing into her shoulder. She only flinched for a microsecond before relaxing back against me, her left hand staying pressed to the cool tiles while her right covered my own on her skin.

"What's wrong?" I'd spoken softly, but the words still sounded far too loud for the small and intimate space we were sharing.

"Nothing that we can fix…I guess everything just hit me at once. I'd been stressing out over the meeting and I was upset after, not just angry. I didn't really have any time to think, I just reacted and then I knew I had to tell you and…I was scared shitless of how you'd respond". I closed my eyes and nodded against her back, my arms pulling her tighter against me even as I pushed forward. "I don't want things to be heavy between us, I just wanted to get here and be with you for a few weeks, have some fun. It just hasn't turned out that way so far, we always seem to create an emotional whirlwind when we're together and it's so intense and I love it, but it makes my head spin". I stayed quiet, but my hands were moving as she put all her feelings out there for me. The water was hot against my back, I was taking most of the water spray now, sucking in small droplets as my lips and tongue moved over soft and wet planes of skin. It was so natural, the way my body reacted to hers and she clearly felt the same need starting to rise as she hummed softly even as she sniffed and her tears continued to run in silence.

I couldn't resist any more, one hand reached to palm her heavy breast, lifting it and pinching a nipple gently while the other moved her wet curtain of hair to one side, giving my lips access to her neck and my voice a reason to breath and whisper into her ear if I wanted to. In response she moved her other hand from mine, palm flat against the cool tiles again. "I love you so much Bo". Her head tiled to the side and back, our lips meeting in a kiss that was both crushing yet soft as silk. The water spray mixed into the moment and caused us to break apart, but the need was burning now to be closer, to be inside her. "I love you too, so much, but god you confuse me sometimes. You said you needed space and it was so hard to maintain it, but I did, even though it felt unnatural for me. I always want you close even if you're pissed off at me but you're the one who came in here; you chose to close up the space".

"I know I'm confusing, I don't mean to be, I don't want to be. Let me be clear what I want right now". I kept a tight hold on her breast, using it as an anchor as my other hand traced her abs down and over the soft curve of her lower abdomen resting there briefly to build the need that little bit more before moving lower again, parting her outer lips and stroking down into her scorching heat. Bo's eyes were closed as I repeatedly thrust into her pussy with one finger, smoothing her wetness up to her clit and covering it with the pad of my fingers but not moving before doing it all over again once the water spray washed her essence away. "I want to make love to you. I want to feel and just be". She was lost to the sensations I was giving her, head resting on my shoulder and eyes closed. The angle was awkward though and didn't allow me to move freely and deeply into her. "I don't ever want to cause your tears". Her hands moved from the wall and she stood up a little straighter, still cradled in my hold. "You didn't, I just needed to let go of some pent up feelings". This time she turned, her hands moving to hold my face and pull me forward into another kiss. Her tongue slipped into my mouth as I urged her out of the spray until her back hit the tiles and lifted a thigh, my hand holding it up on my hip as fingers danced down again, this time thrusting without preamble, deep and firm. Our lips forced apart, my mouth moving to nestle into her neck softly as she gave her body over to my care, one arm holding onto my forearm, urging me on while her other just reached the top of the glass panel to her right, gripping desperately. "Oh fuck yes baby, feels so good".

I felt on fire, so needy but just for her, I wanted to give everything I had and I did, pushing forward with the heel of my hand against her clit, the sounds of soft moans and pleasured grunts flooding the space and mingling with the dewy hot steam. "I love being inside you, love you…" the words were strained, but I couldn't help murmuring them into the wet skin I was pushing against. "I want you to feel incredible…I want to make you cum".

The water had started to cool, but I didn't care because she was tightening around my fingers, her leg shaking at my hip, her skin flushed and red across her chest and it was the best feeling the world, being the one person who got to love her. We stayed suspended in time, suspended in our own little glass world until finally she peaked and strained against and around me, keening and barely breathing as she came and then collapsed. Her thigh slipped down from my hip, both legs now unsteady as she stumbled. I caught her though and I held on tight even with the ache in my arms. I was determined to always catch her, never letting go.

Bo, Tuesday 27th January, 11:45am

I'm in love with Lauren's hands; her long slender fingers that move with precision and care, steady and graceful. I envied every patient that was touched by her, even if those patients weren't enjoying the touching so much. I knew what those hands could do, what her touch felt like and so I'd spent the day mesmerised as she worked, her hands always at the forefront. Even now as she sat at her PC and typed on the keyboard logging the grass allergy medication she'd just dispensed to Sam the Maltese Terrier who had done a great job scratching the skin on his belly until it was red and raw, I was obsessed with those hands.

She'd been professional all morning, taking patients and introducing me as her 'intern', explaining I was here to 'shadow' her for the shift. Every time she'd use those words it would give a little more weight and extravagance to the lab coat fantasy I was harbouring. Doctor Lauren in action was a smoking hot sight to behold and considering that was my job today, just to watch her, I was giving it my all. "I can feel your eyes on me you know?" She hadn't glanced at me as she'd spoken or stopped typing her notes.

"I'm an excellent intern; I'm taking in every detail". This time her concentration faltered and she smiled, hitting save on her notes and closing down her patient file before spinning on the office chair to face me.

"You're actually enjoying this?" She looked genuinely surprised but the truth was I really had been enjoying the morning watching her work and not just for the opportunity it presented to play on my fantasies. It was amazing to see her in action and to cement in my mind just how brilliant she is at what she does.

"Why wouldn't I be?"

"I thought you might get bored. I'm sorry I didn't have any surgeries today, it's all pretty routine check-up stuff, nothing particularly special". I wheeled my own chair in close until our knees were touching, leaning in so I could whisper against her lips. "You're special all by yourself". She rolled her eyes dismissively before accepting the kiss I delivered, my hands cradling her face before moving down to her waist and pulling her closer again. I growled my disapproval as she stopped the kiss from escalating, her hands pulling mine from where they'd ventured just under the tails of her button down shirt. "As much as I'd love to continue this, an audience, even by proxy, isn't particularly a turn on for me". I followed the tilt of her head up to a previously unnoticed camera, discreetly placed up in the ceiling corner. "It's an insurance thing. We've never had legal action taken in regards to a patient, but it could happen and Joe's smart with his business".

I nodded as I slid the chair back a bit, Lauren looking a little frustrated, but easily slipping back into work mode a second later. "I thought he'd be older, Joe I mean. I don't know what I was expecting, but the whole salt and pepper Mcdreamy vet was not it".

"He just turned 60 actually".

"Hmmm, I was still expecting older".

"I'm sure he'd love to know that, you should tell him".

"Um, no I don't think I'll be doing that. He was great about me being here today, he seems great in general actually".

"He is. He's taught me so much, been an incredible mentor. I'll never really be able to repay that. He's become such a good friend as well; I could tell he was excited to meet you".

"Yeah well I'm still a little bit scared of Sylvia and Barry the cat. Both of them gave me the impression they'd claw my face off in your honour and it's doing nothing to ease me into meeting your sister tonight". Lauren was outright laughing at me, her hands reaching out for mine.

"You're still nervous". The glare I gave her stopped her laughter, but she was still smiling brightly, her eyes focussed and sure as she looked at me.

"I'm a grown woman, I know I shouldn't be this nervous, but this is your family and it just…it feels important, it feels like a big deal, especially with Karen considering I haven't met her at all and she obviously hasn't wanted to meet me".

Lauren sighed hard as she continued to look at me and play with my fingers. "They're my family yes, and they're important, and yes your partner and your family getting to know each other and getting along are a big thing in any relationship. But I love you Bo, so just relax and be yourself, trust me, knowing my mum and dad, they'll be more nervous than you are".

"You think?"

"I can picture it now actually; mum would have been at the supermarket early this morning buying everything for dinner and stressing about what to cook and making sure dad's cleaned the barbeque and everything's ready to go. Then she'll clean the house top to bottom and dad will get so frustrated that she won't relax that he'll give up trying to talk sense into her and retreat to the man cave he has set up in the garage. Dad will be nervous in his own way, but secretly excited because I've talked so much about you to him. He's quiet, he might not talk a lot tonight, but don't take it as a bad thing, that's just his way, he needs a little bit of time to warm up and show his true colours. He's not shy, but he might seem that way to you at first".

"Sounds familiar" Her eyes held mine as I thought back to when we first met and how Lauren was reserved in those early days. "Honestly I don't know what to expect from Karen. We'll both just have to take that as it comes. Mason will be all over you though, he has excellent taste". The way her eyes were sparkling as she spoke told me she wasn't nervous, just happy at the prospect of me meeting everyone and that was enough to squash down my nerves some.

"Fine I'll be pie".

"What?"

"Last night when I spoke to Kenz she was laughing her ass off at my nerves, then she told me I didn't need to worry because I was like pie, every loves it, even when they don't want to".

"Was she drunk?"

"Always possible with Kenz, but I don't think so. That was her other piece of advice actually; to take a couple of bottles of great wine with me and if things turn to shit, get myself and everybody else drunk".

"OK you know what; I'm finished with my patient files for now, so how about we head out for some air, we could….." Lauren's words were cut off by a stiff knock on the door and then the appearance of Sylvia. "Apologies for the interruption Dr Lewis, but Keith Murphy's requesting you take a look at Ivy urgently". Lauren was on her feet instantly, and it was like a car shifting gears, she was authoritative yet very calm as she nodded and requested that Keith and Ivy be taken into exam room 2.

As soon as I stepped into the adjoining room my fantasy role play came to an abrupt end. Being an 'intern' wasn't fun when I had no knowledge or skill to help the gorgeous caramel Cocker Spaniel lying pitifully on the metal exam table.

"Hi Keith". Lauren smiled tightly at the anxious man looking just as helpless as I felt in that moment. "I should have bought her sooner, I thought she was just tired, or that she might have been stiff after yesterday's bush walk".

Lauren was unfazed by the emotion in the room as she continued to stroke the dog's fur softly, reassuring Ivy that she'd take care of her. Ivy was retching and coughing, Lauren listening intently with her stethoscope and I could see concern edging in to her expression even though she remained on task. "Ok Ivy, I just want to see if you can stand for me". Gentle but firm hands moved to lift the animal, but she wasn't budging easily and when she did, her back legs were wobbly and so weak she could only maintain the stance for a few seconds.

Lauren's hands were moving swiftly now, her finger tips moving searchingly through the caramel coat as she asked Keith questions. "You mentioned a bush walk yesterday, how far in did you go and for what amount of time".

"We're just at the bottom of Rosebery Street as you know, so we cut down on the fire trail and then out to Lake Ekersley. Ivy likes to swim out there with the kids. We were gone a good few hours". Lauren was working systematically as she listened; it looked like she was searching for something with her fingertips. I'd watched closely as she started with Ivy's nose and slowly examined her face, forehead, ears and even in her mouth, checking gums and lips. "Ticks are rampant at this time of year. Is she up to date with her Advantix or Frontline treatments? Or do you use a tick collar?"

As she was speaking Lauren had removed Ivy's red leather collar, fingertips running through the fur at her neck and shoulders down to her front legs. "She's about due for another dose of Advantix". Lauren's hands just kept on searching with steeled concentration, almost appearing like she was only half listening to anything else except the heavy breathing and cough like bark the dog was suffering through.

"You think it's a tick". She nodded in confirmation as she moved her eyes and hands to Ivy's tail and sides, then down her back legs. Lauren paused during the close examination of the dog's foot, pulling toes apart much to her discomfort. "Here it is, and unfortunately it's a paralysis tick. It's been a really bad season for them this year; we've seen almost ten cases at various stages in the last month". Lauren moved to one of the surgical drawers, pulling out a small green plastic device that looked to me like a cross between tweezers and a fork as well as a small sterile jar. She moved back into position and pulled the dog's leg back, she kicked out, moving her mouth as if to snap back as much as she could at the area. "OK Ivy, I'm gonna lay you down on your side and then I'll remove this tick and any others hiding out and I promise you'll feel better soon". Lauren gave the animal a long stroke with her fingers from her head down to her tail, trying to calm her before looking up at Keith and I.

"Keith can I just get you to hold Ivy's shoulders down for me please. This won't hurt her, but it'll feel uncomfortable. Just talk to her, keep her eyes on you". Lauren then turned to me, catching me like a deer in headlights as I swallowed hard.

"Bo if you could gently keep a firm hold of her back, make sure she doesn't try to stand?" I nodded instantly and moved into position, my own adrenalin kicking in and pressing me to help in whatever what I could.

"These tick removers are so simple in design yet so effective". Lauren was talking out loud but it seemed to me she was more marvelling to herself than looking for an answer as she moved back into position again and went straight to work. "The common mistake when removing tick's is to squeeze the body when really it's the head that's buried and needs to be removed. I watched as she moved the fork like instrument into place, twisting it and pulling the tick out in one swift motion depositing it in the sterile jar and screwing on the lid. She went straight back to work, checking Ivy's other back paw and then moving to the front two where another tick was identified and immediately removed. "The two ticks are quite engorged and given Ivy's a medium sized dog and the symptoms she's exhibited in the timeframe you've explained, I'm guessing she picked them up on your walk yesterday. I'd recommend a tick collar as well as your Advantix for any further adventures you take her on at this time of year". Keith was stroking Ivy where she now lay comfortably. "Given she can't stand and the fact there were two ticks, it's important that we keep her in overnight, get some fluids and a broad spectrum IV antibiotic going and she should show great improvement in the next day or so".

I stayed in the exam room as Lauren allowed Keith to say goodbye to Ivy, leaving him with Sylvia before coming back in and lifting the dog gently up and into the back area of the clinic where various cages and enclosures were set up. I could only watch in awe as Lauren prepped the equipment she'd need and had Ivy all set up within twenty minutes. She hadn't forgotten I was there because she'd gently grabbed my waist or brushed my hand several times as she'd worked, but it wasn't until now she turned to notice I was staring at her. She smiled as she questioned me with a "what?"

I just shook my head and smiled at her replying with a "nothing" because I didn't have words for how much she amazed me every day I got to spend with her. She smiled indulgently, her body language relaxing a little as we moved back into the exam room. "So intern, you ready for lunch now?"

I smiled right back at her as she shed her navy blue lab coat, locked her computer screen and pushed in her chair. "Lead the way doctor". Maybe I was even ready for dinner; well as ready as I'd ever be anyway.

6:00pm

Lauren's family home was everything I'd imagined it would be, and I'd had 25 minutes sitting in the car on the way over here in comfortable silence, her hand holding mine and resting on my thigh to form a visual in my mind.

The house was red brick, single story, big windows and an open tiled veranda overlooking the bushland situated directly across the street. The front yard wasn't fenced and was built up with bush rock and various plants and flowers. The grass looked freshly mown, green and immaculate. There weren't gnomes in the garden, that was something I'd been expecting and I wasn't sure why, but there was a congregation of coloured solar lights jutting out everywhere which I imagined looked beautiful, proudly carving their rainbow path at night.

We'd pulled up in the street adjacent to the side of the house a minute or so ago and I'd been drawn to looking up and down the road at all the houses, Lauren's hand still firmly on mine. "The architecture's different in comparison to home".

Lauren smiled across at me nodding in agreement. "Yeah I noticed it when I was in the camp van from the airport in Boston, especially as we wound through the surrounding suburbs. There's more use of wood, less brick and just different styles, different use of materials". She was looking at me intently, trying to get a ready on how I was feeling.

"Are we gonna go in?" She looked excited at my prompting, her smile wide and happy. "Let's do this".

I reached into the back seat to grab the bottle of wine and bunch of flowers I'd bought earlier near Lauren's clinic. I'd made a decision to approach tonight like I would any important life or death mission; with a plan of attack and thought out strategy. My nerves and surging adrenalin were still there, but I'd used them to my advantage instead of allowing them to make me their master. Lauren's dad and Karen were the two biggest variables, she'd mentioned her dad would most likely be reserved and what to expect with Karen was anyone's guess, so my mission for tonight was to focus on really getting to know Lauren's mum. If I could start to forge a positive relationship with Margaret tonight and hold my own with Warren and Karen, I'd take that as a first round victory. The battle would be longer, getting to know people on a deeper level always took time and I was in this for the long haul.

With both of my arms full, Lauren moved in closer to me, her lips dusting across mine gently. "For luck" she whispered before moving to my side and sliding an arm around me, leading us both to the side gate of the house and opening it so we could slip inside. The back yard was built up with retaining walls from the path we were walking; leading on to an undercover tiled entertaining area adjoining what I assumed was the back door. It led straight into a large, empty kitchen that smelt amazing, the only sound to be heard at first was laughter from the adjoining room we were approaching and then a voice I recognised as Lauren's mum's vaguely from the minimal time I'd spoken to her previously, mistaking us for Karen as she anxiously berated her for being late, wishing she'd arrived earlier and did she find the allusive brand of salted caramel ice-cream for dessert.

Lauren only smiled at me as we made our surprise entry and I wondered if she'd made sure we were early on purpose. Three surprised faces turned to us as we walked into view, Mason hanging upside down by his feet in Lauren's dad's arms, her mum jumping from the couch, her cup of tea discarded on a side table as she recovered and gave her daughter a pointed look. "Honey…..hi, why didn't you use the front door?"

"When have I ever used the front door mum?" Everything after that seemed to be both in slow motion and at lightning speed; Mason was on the ground and leaping at Lauren in delight, my hands were clenching around the gifts they held as a nervous smile crept across my face because Lauren's parents had focussed their full attention in my direction. "Bo, it's so good to finally have you here".

"Thank you so much for organising dinner tonight, it's great to meet you in person Mrs Lewis, you too sir". I offered the flowers and wine and they were accepted with a smile and a kiss on the cheek as a look I didn't dare to decipher passed between husband and wife. "Oh god Bo…..please call me Maggie" she looked to her husband the very next instance the warmth of a large hand briefly found mine in a semi hand shake, semi hold "No need for formality with us Bo, just Warren is fine".

"Lo Lo make bombs?" Mason was still wrapped around Lauren, resting on her hip, his arms around her neck tightly as she watched me and her parents carefully. "I'll come fill some water bombs with you in a minute buddy, but there's someone I want you to meet first". She stepped a few paces in towards me, turning Mason so we were close together. "Mason, this is my girlfriend Bo. Can you say hi please?"

"Hi Bo" Lauren was wrong; once he'd said his hello and taken a good look at me, he'd turned back to his auntie and buried his face in her neck as he squeezed tight. She was right as well though; the kid had excellent taste.

"How about we all go out? He's wanted those water bombs for the last hour". I smiled at Maggie's suggestion, the five of us making our way back outside being led by Mason who was practically dragging Lauren along by the hand.

7:50pm

Lauren was like her dad in so many ways; her eyes, her face, her expressions and especially her wry sense of humour. She'd said he'd be reserved and he had been, but when he spoke it was always to say something insightful or meaningful. I could tell he wasn't the kind of man who'd engage in chit chat, he'd prefer to sit and watch and way things up, just like Lauren.

Lauren had her mum's warmth though; it was something you could feel when she spoke to you. Maggie was this ball of energy and positivity, passionate and open and kind of eccentric in the way she had a thousand hobbies, but from what she'd told me and from the softly frustrated smile Warren got when he looked at her, she never really favoured any one of them over another.

"I'm so full" Karen's words summed up exactly how I felt, Maggie was an incredible cook and even now that we'd all had seconds and then some, the table was still pretty much covered in food. The only person still eating was Mason from his high chair, placed between Karen and Lauren at the table. I couldn't help but smile at him munching on a sausage and throwing peas in all directions.

I'd been prepared for guarded and formal when Karen arrived and walked in through the side gate of the house just like Lauren and I had. I hadn't been anywhere near prepared for her to come straight over and introduce herself to me, apologising for being late, picking up her son with a smile and explaining she'd had a call from Jason who was away completing a training operation and hadn't wanted to rush through it. Lauren had showed me photos of Karen back at camp, but seeing her in the flesh, the two of them standing together, the similarities and differences were so clear. Anyone could easily discern that they were sisters; same smile and mannerisms, both were beautiful just in different ways. Lauren was naturally gorgeous, the kind of beauty that shone and glowed, especially when she was stripped bare. Karen on the other hand was that glamorous, put together kind of beautiful.

"I'll give you half an hour and I bet you'll be hungry again". I smiled behind my wine glass at Lauren, noticing Maggie had done the same thing as she watched her daughters and her grandson interact. "Green, peas are green". A look of pride sprang to Lauren's face as she continued to make patterns with the veggies on Mason's plate even as he demolished them, ate some and threw the rest in all directions.

Just as I put my glass down, my hand came up in a classic catch, saving a flying carrot from hitting me square between the eyes. "Sorry about that Bo, throwing food is his latest and greatest game". Karen was moving as she spoke to me, adjusting the high chair so her son could make his great escape into the yard. I shrugged it off with a smile, watching as he disappeared behind a bunch of shrubs near the back fence picking flowers. "Does he ever stop moving?"

The loud agreeing chorus of no's sounded thick and fast around the table before everyone burst out laughing and then relaxed again. "I'm thinking you don't have any small kids in your family then?" Lauren's smile faltered a bit at her sister's question, but it hadn't made me uncomfortable and I grabbed her fingers, giving them a squeeze under the table to hopefully relay that. "No kids, no. My mum was an only child, so I never had little cousins or anything like that and I don't have any sisters or brothers, so no nieces or nephews".

"Lauren's told us a lot about your grandfather and Kenzi as well. We're looking forward to meeting her next week". Maggie had been quick to jump in and steer around any potential speed bumps in the conversation, but honestly I think Lauren was the only person who looked at all worried. "She's flying in this weekend so you'll have to let the two of us take you all out to dinner next time".

"We'd love to. Warren and I were talking the other day about our travel plans and we're thinking a tour of the US would be a good option, probably later in the year, so we'd also love to meet your grandfather then".

I noticed Maggie had looked intently at Lauren for a long second, something passing between them before the moment broke. "What have you girls been up to the last couple of days anyway?"

Lauren and I looked at each other; both smiling as we remembered exactly what type of activity had taken up the majority of our time. I certainly wasn't about to tell them I'd spent the better part of three or so days naked with their second born on every available surface. Nope. Not gonna happen.

"We've just been taking it easy mum. I've still had some uni work and shifts at the clinic but I've made plans for the next few weeks".

"Mmmm, your Uncle Tony was on the phone the other day and mentioned you'd given him dates to use the holiday house and boat". Maggie now had Lauren's full attention. "I was planning on running it by you later tonight".

Maggie and Warren exchanged a smile before she answered. "We think it's a great idea to take Bo and Kenzi down the coast. In fact, we've cleared a couple of days and would love to come down and spend some time with you girls if that's OK? Get a little bit of beach time in. I'm taking it Nic will be there too?" Lauren nodded yes to the final part and was looking at me as though I had some say in any of this, which I was damn glad I really didn't. Karen for her part was trying hard not to smirk as she watched us both.

"Sounds good". Lauren turned quickly to her right, regarding Karen with a smile of her own. "You should come down too sis, Mason will love it".

"Just text me the dates this weekend and I'll see if we can make it". The table was quiet for a minute or so after that, Maggie reaching out to refill my wine glass, the two of us having almost polished off the bottle.

"The holiday house has been in our family for years Bo, my brother and I inherited the land and built the house together. Maggie and I didn't have the money for expensive holidays, so we'd pack up everything into my old brown Datsun and we'd head south for a few weeks when we wanted to get away. I'll have to pull it out and show you while you're here, there's a photo of Maggie, it's one of my favourites, she was pregnant with Lauren and I'd dug this huge hole in the sand down at Iluka beach for her belly to fit into so she'd be comfortable. I don't know what it is about that house, but it's always felt a little bit magical, like whatever you need at any given time it provides. If you need to relax, then you sleep and eat and sleep some more. If you want adventure, you hit the water on the boat or you go kite surfing or paddle boarding. I hope you love it down there as much as we do".

It was the most he'd said all night and I found myself captivated for a little while before eventually snapping out of my haze. "I'm sure I will and I'd love to see that photo".

"No photos, you guys are as bad as Nicole". Lauren turned to me with this gorgeously annoyed and mortified look. "Seriously, I wasn't a cute baby".

"You were both stunning babies, how could you not be coming from us".

"Yes dad, you were a fine architect, I know, we've heard it a million times".

"Not that I don't agree with that statement honey, because I do, your contribution to the genetic construction of our daughters is the greatest gift you've ever given me". I could see Maggie gearing up, reaching for another sip of wine, but finding her glass empty. "You were always so caught up in the romance of babies; if only you could have carried one, had the morning sickness and midnight sickness and even three in the morning sickness like I had with Karen, the swollen feet and the heartburn and the contractions and the pushing. I remember it all like it was yesterday". She looked around the table before glancing to the sky and shaking her head with a rueful smile. "And I wouldn't change a thing".

"Yeah well, your next grandchild's getting some revenge on your behalf. Nausea was back with a vengeance early this morning". Karen had been relatively quiet, but thankfully friendly which was making me nervous because I could see there was more under the surface, we just hadn't had a chance to interact together much or test things out without the buffer of an audience.

"I know morning sickness is common, but unfortunately the all hour's nausea seems to be a hereditary trait. I'd bet Lauren will probably be the same when that time comes one day". It was only meant to be a fun and light hearted comment, but I couldn't help but cringe inwardly and turn to Lauren in reflex, checking she was OK and I wasn't the only one. When I glanced over, Karen was focussed on Lauren as well, concerned but trying to not make it obvious. She caught my eye next, looking between me and Lauren a couple of times. Did she know about the pregnancy as well? Lauren had said that she hadn't told anyone, but that look Karen had, it was definitely some kind of recognition. Through it all Lauren was smiling indulgently at her mum, not looking at me and probably doing it intentionally in that particular moment.

9:15pm

"What is this….amateur hour? Blind Freddy could see the extra cards you're throwing down dad. You're taking them back, picking up another two and subtracting five points from your score in penalty".

Warren scoffed and then smiled and I could tell there was no way he was going to follow his daughter's directive. "My house which means I'm the dealer and therefore we play by my rules. I'll take my cards back and pick up one in penalty. The score is sacred".

"Fine, fine, but don't think you can try to cheat just because Bo's here and she's not familiar with your terrible sleight of hand. I'm insulted on her behalf". Lauren seemed mighty pleased with her retort; waiting for her dad to fire something back, but I suspected because I was here he was being on his best behaviour.

"Yeah well I'm mortified that Bo's now seen the seriousness that is Lewis family Uno. I think it's time for dessert, sweeten you two back up". Maggie was already on her feet, her cards discarded. "You're more than welcome to leave these two and join me". That seemed to pull Lauren's attention; she quickly shrunk her perfect fan of cards down to a small pile before placing it face down on the table. "That's OK mum, I can stop and help with dessert as well".

"No, no you stay hon. Bo will be perfectly safe with me, don't worry. I'll bring her back to you soon and I'll try not to do anything else that will make you feel insulted on her behalf". Lauren's eyes rolled up to the ceiling, but she had a hesitant smile on her face as she looked at me, silently making sure I was alright.

The next few moments found me walking back into the kitchen with Maggie, stopping as she started to clear off plates from the bench. "Here, let me do that".

"No please…..we'll just leave them for later". I smiled and Maggie smiled right back. "Thank you so much dinner; I've had a great night".

"So have I and I'm the one that should be thanking you". I was confused as she turned and stepped into the fridge and freezer, taking out a cake box and the infamous, sought after ice cream. "The flowers you brought were beautiful and thoughtful, so thank you. The wine was amazing, so amazing I think I'm kind of drunk actually which again, thank you, because I was so nervous about meeting you and the buzz kind of helped". I laughed just a little bit, it was only a hint really, but she was doing the same thing in response. "I was really nervous too". I kept it at that, not wanting to say out loud how bizarre a conversation this was turning into.

"You don't need to be nervous Bo; I can see you're a worthy partner for my daughter". She paused again, seeming to think long and hard about what she wanted to say next. "You called me Mrs Lewis when you first arrived….I never intended to get married, never saw the sense or meaning in it at the time, I was right into freedom and rebelling against anything institutionalised. Warren just thought it was a sign that I wasn't all in which of course wasn't the truth by any means, but I guess that's how it was perceived by him and looking back now I can understand that. If you haven't noticed and I'm sure you have because I've seen the way you look at Lauren and the way she looks at you, she's like her father in so many ways. They're both traditional in a sense". She paused again, her gaze still warm and open. "She's all in with you, that much is clear and it makes me so happy to see. So thank you Bo. Whatever it is you've found together, in each other, keep doing what you're doing, do more, do whatever you need to do and you've got my support".

I wasn't sure who instigated the hug, but it was warm and comforting, so I closed my eyes and I soaked it in before slowly pulling out of the hold, a question on the tip of my tongue. "What made you agree to getting married?"

With a shrug she grabbed a sharp knife from the block and opened the cake box. "I never could refuse that man anything for too long".

I thought of Lauren then as I blurted out a fast "I can relate". I plated up the cake as she sliced it, the two of use working together seamlessly. "Welcome to the family honey".

Another couple of minutes later, just as Maggie was walking out of the kitchen, hands full of plates, Karen walked in from settling Mason into bed. She looked tired I noticed, but kind of shocked to find herself alone in the room with me. Then everything settled in around me like thick fog; the relief I felt that this night was going so well so far, the confidence and assurance that had snuck in after my conversation with Maggie mere minutes ago, how Karen didn't know me at all and I didn't know her and that was basically her doing. Maybe it was time that she learned who I was and that I was all about her sister. "You've been so friendly to me….I wasn't expecting that". Her head titled to the side as she took in my words, her expression one I didn't recognise, because again, I didn't have experience reading her yet. "You're Lauren's sister and I want to know you. I don't have a sister…..not in blood anyway…but you're special to her. If there are things you want to say to me, can you please just say them?"

I paused there and she left me hanging. I was steeled for this though, so my eyes didn't stray from hers. "What is it that you think I need to know?"

"Give me the speech if you need to, demand that I not hurt Lauren, threaten me even. Do it so I can look you in the eyes and tell you all I want is to make her happy and be happy with her".

The room felt charged then as she held my eyes and nodded out of instinct, as if to say she wanted so much to believe me, but I just knew whatever she said next would contradict that.

"Bo". Just like that, Lauren's soft voice shattered the moment and I relaxed instantly as she came into view, a smile on her face that dampened when she realised Karen and I were together and alone. Karen shifted gears for all of us, walking to the fridge and grabbing herself a bottle of water and leaning lightly against the open door. "I was thinking; considering Bo's here and I know you guys haven't had a lot of time together because you've been working and stuff, how about I ask mum if she can take Mason on Thursday?"

Lauren just looked between her sister and me, trying to gage what had happened, trying to figure out how to react and respond. I decided to give her a hand literally, I reached for her and she came to stand at my side. "You were planning to have Mason on Thursday?" She nodded slowly then seemed to fully wake up out of her thoughts. "He has swimming lessons and then I normally take him for a bike ride. Mum will be fine to have him though, I'll just ask her".

"No don't change your plans. Swimming and a ride sounds like fun. I'll need to start actually doing a little bit of training soon anyway, or getting back on track at the academy will basically be torture". I turned to Karen, showing her enough respect to ask the question directly. "As long as that's OK with you?"

"Yeah that's completely fine with me". She closed the fridge door and grabbed the remaining bowls of dessert to take back into the dining room. "You were right earlier sis; I'm hungry again so let's eat".

Thursday, 29th January, 4:00pm

I could feel the steady and rhythmic rise and fall of Lauren's chest, my arm draped across her loosely as I silently thanked Nic for choosing this large, leather couch. Lauren hadn't moved to re-button or re-zip her shorts just like I hadn't bothered to pull my bra or shirt back into place. I loved making love to her, stripping her naked and feeling the rush and friction of skin on skin but there was something to be said for the giggly and desperate, hands down pants, fuck each other stupid kind of quickie as well.

"Kids are exhausting". I smiled even as I said the words out loud, instantly feeling her laugh. "Yeah because what we just did has nothing to do with you being tired".

"I'm serious; I'm so tired right now. How the hell do people have more than one child? How the hell do you handle him on your own all day?"

"He's full on I admit, but I love it, it's a break from being an adult for a while. We just have fun, feed ducks, read books, swim or ride or go to playgrounds". Lauren loved her nephew that much was clear. They seemed to share a bond and I hadn't been prepared for the effect seeing them together in the flesh with my own eyes would have on me. She was always so calm and patient and attentive with him and it made me think about things and want to ask questions that had so many layers of emotion attached to them I felt nauseous even contemplating them.

"Did you have fun?"

"Yeah I did". She sighed hard, shifting my arm off her and moving to sit. I had no choice but to move with her or be knocked off the lounge which wasn't an appealing option. "What is it?"

"What's what?"

"There's something".

"There's nothing".

She raised her eyebrows slightly, her lips quirking to the side. "Your breathing changed". I smirked back at her, reclining further into the soft and cool leather against my back. "You didn't have a stethoscope to my chest".

I'd obviously pushed the line of fun a little too far because she was standing now, straightening out clothes and looking around the room. "We need to get up anyway, mum will be here to pick Mas up in an hour and we need to wake him up soon. Where's my phone?"

I grabbed her wrist just as she was about to turn. "I don't know how to ask you something". She looked serious then, almost steely. "You can ask me anything and I'll answer if I can". She sat back down next to me and I sat up a little more, one leg tucking under my body. "We just haven't…..we haven't talked anymore about your pregnancy and I don't want to talk about anything that might hurt you. I hadn't really even thought about this until today, well that's not exactly true I guess, I had thought about it". I paused and looked up as something dawned on Lauren.

"You can ask me Bo".

"Having kids, in the future I mean….. Is that something you want?"

"Is it something you want?" I felt no pressure as I answered slowly and honestly. "Not right now, but one day, when the time feels right, yes I want to have kids".

She nodded with a slight smile of her face, even though I could see the memories still clouding her eyes with sadness. "I guess it's practical to talk about this. We're talking big and we're making plans, so I'm glad you brought it up". She was stalling on answering, but I let it go. I could see her thinking and I could see the pain it caused and I almost went to say something, anything to tell her we could stop if she wanted to.

"I've thought it over a million times; if I would have kept the baby or…terminated". Her eyes were almost golden brown when they met mine, so raw and beautiful. "Despite the circumstances, I was already in love". She paused again, taking a deep breath. "I want kids Bo, I do".

No other words were exchanged after that, but her arms were around me and mine around her, holding on tight, sealing the deal for a time much later.

4:20pm

We were just loitering around the kitchen; Lauren was chopping up oranges and apples when I heard a car pull up outside the house. "Mum's early". She had an easy smile on her face, popping an orange segment into her mouth and chewing. It was hard not to get captivated by her lips and her tongue peeking out to swipe at the escapee juice from the fruit.

"I'll go let her in". My arm was caught before I could move. "She's got a key babe and she loves to use it, so don't move. I like you right here".

"Not cool to be so sweet when your mother's out front which means we can't go another round, maybe on the island right there".

Before she could respond there was a soft knocking on the door causing Lauren to frown in confusion. "And I repeat; I'll go let her in".

I pulled the door open quickly and to my credit, the smile I had on my face, all prepared for Maggie only slightly faltered when I saw Karen instead. She smiled in return, but there was something else there as well, a spark of great weariness even though she hid it well enough.

"Hey Bo".

Her voice brought me into the moment and I gave her a casual hi back, stepping to the side a little so she could enter. "I'm early, sorry. My Obstetrician was actually on time today so I called mum and told her I'd pick Mason up". Lauren stepped out of the kitchen with her bowl of fruit and a couple of plates, putting the down on the dining table. "Hey sis, this is a surprise, everything OK?"

"Yeah, everything's fine, I was just telling Bo my appointment was on time for once, so I'm early".

"We were just about to wake Mas up and have afternoon tea. I opened his door earlier, but he's pretty out of it still".

"That's fine, let him sleep. I need to talk to you about something". There was an instant unease that settled across Lauren's face then and I felt like I was out of place in this.

"I'll just go upstairs for a bit, leave you two to talk". I only got a couple of steps away before they both called me back at the same time, Lauren saying my name almost pleadingly and Karen using more, specifying it was both of us she wanted to talk to and asking that I stay.

We all sat down at the table, making everything seem suddenly formal and I honestly wasn't sure of what was coming which was fucking terrifying and all kinds of awkward. "The appointment, did something happen?" Lauren looked like she wanted to reach out and touch her sister, but she stayed in her seat. Karen looked at me then; the same look she had on her face at dinner, a confirmation she maybe knew things Lauren didn't think she did.

"The appointment was good, everything's good with the baby. That's not…I owe you both an apology and an explanation".

"Karen". The name and tone of how it was said was a warning not to be missed. It's not that Karen ignored her sister, she didn't, she looked at her long and hard before turning to me. "I didn't give you any credit or any trust Bo. I don't know you, but I know that's my own fault. I didn't know if what you and Lauren had was real, but you're here and after the other night at dinner, it became clear to me that Lauren trusts you and that's no easy task to accomplish". Karen paused then and looked to her sister who still had the same look of warning fixed on her face and again she pushed on. "I'm sorry for the delayed start to a relationship Bo, I really am. I'd like to get to know you if you'll let me".

I smiled and nodded without question. "I'd really like that". She nodded in return, quickly turning back to Lauren. "I'm sorry Lo. I know I didn't have your back like I should have when you were struggling with the distance between you two and your feelings. I'm you big sister and I should always have your back no matter what. I'm not perfect though Lauren, I'm not what you think I am and it's so hard to say that because I want to be that person, but I make mistakes, I've made mistakes. At my wedding, during the speech you made, you turned to me and you said you'd always wanted to be exactly like me, that you'd modelled yourself off what I'd taught you but it's the other way round in reality, I've always wanted to be just like you".

"I don't understand". Lauren looked so torn and I wanted to reach out to her, I was even tempted to reach out for Karen because the emotion in the room was thick and heady.

"I know you don't, that's been the problem, you couldn't understand why I was acting the way I was with you and Bo, but I've had my reasons, they're just kind of fucked up honestly and I never wanted to tell you, I never wanted to show my weakness to you, but I know I need to and I'm sorry and I love you, I just need you to know that".

"I do know that and I love you too. You're my sister; I'll always love you no matter what". Lauren was on the verge of crying where Karen looked petrified and stricken.

"Do you remember that night; Mason was around eight months old and Jason had just been deployed, I had that invite to my friend Michelle's hen's night in the city. I wasn't going to go, but you said I should, that it'd be good for me to go out and have some fun. You were living with me and you babysat Mason that night".

Lauren was nodding, easily. "Yeah I remember that night. I remember that time, Mason was unsettled and had been sick but you really needed to get out and I loved having him, I was still a mess then".

Karen sighed heavily, she looked almost defeated. "Even when you were drowning, you were so much more together than I was. You're the strongest person I've ever met". She took another couple of breaths before she continued. "I'd been struggling; Jason was away and I had this baby and he was beautiful and I loved him so much, but I felt like I didn't know who I was anymore. He wasn't easy and I felt closed in, like all I did was feed and settle him and then feed again and I felt like I was failing and that I'd lost my identity in some way. I didn't want to tell you how I felt, I needed to be there for you, not add my shit to your list. I got so drunk that night, it was good to forget for a while and just be a person again, other than just feeling like a mother and a wife to a man I didn't see and who couldn't even tell me where he was or what he was doing half the time. It was late in the night, I was getting ready to leave the bar, all the other girls had decided to kick on and I was about to catch a cab home. I stayed for one last drink".

"I don't want to hear anymore". Lauren was pleading and again I felt like I wanted to get the hell out of this room, but at the same time, I think I knew what was coming and that I needed to stay.

"He told me his name, but I don't remember it. I just remember how good I felt to still be attractive and interesting to someone. He kissed me and I let him. It could have gone anywhere…..but I stopped. I remembered. I remembered my son and my husband and my sister. I remembered everything I had to lose and I remembered what betrayal had done to you and I stopped. I know that's no excuse; that allowing myself to even be in that situation was wrong. I didn't want to ever tell you, after what happened with you and…I didn't want you to see me as a cheater, but like I said, I'm not perfect, I have flaws. When I'm wrong I say I'm wrong. I told Jas and we have regular counselling. He understood and with time he forgave me and we're still working on us. The distance….I didn't want that for you, I just didn't want to tell you the real reason because I'm ashamed of what I did and I couldn't protect you from getting hurt, I should have and I didn't want to be the person to hurt you again. I know I've done this all wrong. I'm so sorry, to both of you, I'm sorry".

There were so many emotions flashing in Lauren's eyes as she sat stock still. Shock, hurt, anger but understanding. I waited patiently for her to say something, to react but she didn't. Instead Mason made his presence known, his sleepy little voice calling out "Lo Lo" on repeat through the baby monitor in the kitchen.

She still hadn't said anything as she moved up the stairs, leaving Karen and I in an awkward silence at the table. Karen swiped her palm tiredly into her eye socket, wiping away tears with a little too much force.

"I think I understand now". She seemed thankful for my words, a tight smile forming on her face.

"Thanks". We could hear Mason laugh as Lauren tickled him; she kept him up there for a long while, obviously not ready to come back down yet.

"Don't ever make the same mistake I did Bo. I was lucky enough that my husband forgave me and I didn't lose my family. After everything she's been through, I don't think Lauren has any quota of forgiveness left, so don't make any errors. Just love her; please…be the person she deserves".

"I will. For what it's worth, I think you're wrong about her. She'll forgive you".

"I hope your right. I really don't want to lose my sister. I love her too damn much". Karen was surprised as I reached out and rested my palm over the top of her hand.

"Me too".

END CHAPTER 25

A/N: Thanks everyone for your continued support by way of messages and reviews, I love reading them all. This story is approaching its end, but still some fun to come before we get there.

Kenzi's big arrival in Aus is up next and for anyone who thought I'd forgotten Ciara, I haven't.

Every time I think I'll be writing a shorter, fluffy and smutty chapter I seem to just keep going, so sorry about the wait between chapters.

Thanks again and please leave me your thoughts. I'll be back soon with more…

Thanks for reading!