It's been too long and this is just a short one. I had to fill in ... something, to get to the next 'scene'. I hope you're not disappointed after waiting for so long. I'll try to make it up to you in the next one.

Chapter 10

Lauren: "I'm not coming."

Hale+Dyson: "What?"

Lauren: "I'm staying."

Staring with open mouths. Wide eyed. Silent. Tension in the air. As if a storm was coming. Confusion on their faces. Before it started. The thunder. In a blast of laughter. She detested thunder.

Dyson: "Yeah, sure. You almost got me there. Now, move your flat ass over here, princess."

Hale: "Wow, man. I didn't think you got it in you. But that one was hilarious."

The wolfman made room, showed her to come over.

Lauren: "I'm not coming!"

Dyson: "Yeah, yeah. Okay, that grows old pretty fast. Now, come on. We met some chiacs last night and made plans with them. We're already late because of your little… field trip."

Pointing, winking, the barn-woman, coming back out of the command center. She hated ogling. Not on her watch. Not with this girl. Not, not, not.

Bo: "Lauren? What are you doing?"

Lauren: "You said 'don't leave me'. So, I'm staying."

Proudness. A decision was born.

Bo: "But Lauren…"

Hale: "Yeah, but Lauren, man?"

Dyson: "That is ridiculous. Now, come here!"

Lauren: "Dyson, I'm not coming. You found me and I'm thankful but my life, my decision. I stay. Come on, Bo, bring us back."

A small smile.

Bo: "Are you sure?"

A sparkle in her eyes.

Lauren: "Yes I am."

A growing smile and a nod before the brunette turned around. Staring as she went. Great a-…

Dyson: "You better be at the airport when we go back to Toronto. I don't want to drag you back home again because you just can't get away from your… playmate."

She didn't like his tone. Derogative. He did that when she stood up for herself. He liked to rool. Liked to be in charge. Not this time. Not now. He dragged her once. They were ten and Lane had the new National Geographic. Sue her. It was worth it. Wondering what happened to Lane though.

Lauren: "Let it go, Dyson. I'm capable of taking care of myself."

Turning around. Walking away. Like a boss. Walking, walking, walking over that wet spot on deck, cheering for herself, not this time Murphy. Only to step into another puddle. Losing grip. Sliding. Stumbling. Falling…

Bo: "Careful there."

… into the arms of that beautiful woman. Saved. By the Stranger. Again.

Lauren: "Thanks."

Bo: "You're welcome."

Smiling. Staring.

Dyson: "Get a room!"

Moron. Rolling eyes.

Lauren: "Sorry."

Bo: "It's okay."

Hale: "Ey, man! Let them. Just go on girls."

Ogling. Idiot.

Bo: "You ready to go?"

Lauren: "Gosh, more than ready, yes."

Taking Lauren's hand, they walk on. Into the cockpit. To the steering wheel. Back to the island. Back to the barn. Back to being together.