On Thursday night, Lauren sat at the diner, waiting for Cara. She'd said she wanted to meet there. Cara'd never been, and after hearing her mom and dad talk about it, well, she couldn't not see it.

Lauren waited for a few more moments, thinking about the week at work. It had started terribly and was ending worse. Parker had distanced himself, and spent more and more time in his office. He'd taken to corresponding to her and Sara through memos or emails.

'What do you want, Lauren?' she asked herself. That was just it…she'd pulled back to protect her emotions, but…this separation was worse than anything she'd experienced in a long time.

"Lauren!"

She looked up to see Cara storming down the aisle to the booth. She smiled and stood up to hug her.

"You look great, Cara.
"Thanks, you too…wait, um, actually, you look like crap."

Lauren laughed. "Thanks a million."

"No…I mean, I'm sorry, but what's the matter?"
"What?"

"Your eyes…they are so sad. Has something happened?"

Lauren smiled.

"I'm fine. Things are fine. It's really good to see you. So…how's Angela?"

Cara laughed.
"Pregnant again."
Lauren laughed.
"That's awesome!"
"Yeah, I'm surprised Parker didn't tell you." Cara seemed confused.

"Oh, well, things have been really busy at the clinic, so…" she concentrated on the menu.

"Ah…yes well…I think I'm coming in tomorrow to check things out, see my handsome brother, you know….Lauren, hello…are you listening?"

"What? Oh, yeah…that's going to be fun." She smiled.

...

The next morning Parker got to the office early to make things look nice for Cara's visit. He'd let his office get a little messy, a reflection of the way he felt his life was getting, but…he knew Cara was sharp, like their dad…they could read people so well. She'd be able to tell in an instant if something wasn't right.

"Well, well, well…this is how you pay the bills."

He laughed when he saw Cara standing at his office door.

"Hey, chica." He walked over to give her a hug. "You look great."
"Thanks, and I'll tell you what I told Lauren last night. You look like crap."
"Gee, thanks."

"Yeah, well, what's going on? I've never seen you look this tired, not even when you were in med school."

"Things are just crazy around here, that's all."

"Okay." She shrugged and move to test out his comfortable office chair.

He smiled, both at the way she made herself at home and in satisfaction that she seemed to be buying his excuse.



Cara was surprised. She always knew her brother was serious about pediatrics, but…it was amazing how good he was the entire day. And Lauren, well, she knew that she'd gotten sidetracked when her parents had died; Cara was amazed at how great she was, not just with children, but with the parents and grandparents, and even a pet turtle. She used touch to express concern and care and affection. Cara felt jealous that they'd both been able to find where they fit in the world. She'd really been struggling with her future lately. Oh, she had her business degree and had applied to some law schools, but, for some reason, she was feeling like once she made a decision about a career, she'd be tying herself down for life. Her parents hadn't been much help, they'd both dedicated their lives to their careers, and to each other…she shook her head to clear her thoughts. She didn't want to spend her whole day thinking about her future, that was what tomorrow was for. She had an interview at the Jeffersonian.

She saw Lauren smile and hug a young girl with a cast on her arm, handing her a sucker and placing a sticker on the girl's shirt. Parker was behind her, talking with the girl's mother, a non-native English speaker. She was so impressed by the patient way he was explaining the care needed.

When they watched the family leave, Parker looked at Lauren for a moment, and Cara gasped. Oh my goodness. She silently willed Lauren to look up, to see what she, and anyone else who was looking could see… oh, please, look up...

Cara frowned when Parker looked back to his paperwork. Lauren looked at him then, and Cara's eyes widened at the emotion she saw in her new friend's eyes. She couldn't believe she hadn't figured it out before. Of course. This was why they'd both been hesitant on the phone and why they both looked like they hadn't slept in weeks. She smiled as she realized she'd come to the city not a moment too soon. This was going to take all her cunning.

She turned to see Sara, the pretty blond receptionist, looking at Lauren also. She sauntered over to the desk.

"So…"

Sara looked at her.

"Oh yeah."

They both smiled.

"I like her." Cara told her brother when he came with her coat.

He laughed "Cara, are you ready to go?" Parker asked her.

"Yeah, Lauren, do you want to hang out with us tonight?" Cara asked her.
"Oh, sorry, I can't tonight. I'm busy."

"Doing what?" Sara interfered.

Lauren narrowed her eyes.

"I'm…shopping…Christmas shopping…for…my…" she went silent as she realized she didn't really have anyone to buy gifts for. Her heart ached…it was the meaning of loneliness…no one to give love to…Lauren turned back toward her paperwork.

"Come on, Cara…let's go."
"Okay. Lauren. If you change your mind, call us, okay?"
Lauren waved without looking up.