Dr. Lauren Lewis chaired a status update meeting of her medical and laboratory staff on their current and proposed programs and initiatives. Dr. Abigail Danna, Dr. Lewis's deputy ran through the list of projects with the assembled staff, while Dr. Hollis Gardholt, Dr. Lewis's Chief Operating Officer questioned the odd detail here as they progressed through each update.

As Dr. Lewis listened to the staff reports her thoughts wandered as she reflected over the last ten years of her life. So much had changed. When Trick became The Ash nearly ten years ago, he asked her to resume her medical position not only with the Light Fae but also with the Dark Fae in efforts to maintain joint relations with The Morrigan. Trick added there was one condition: if she accepted the role she was there to stay no matter what her commitment would be to the Fae world including Bo regardless or their relationship status. Trick acknowledged that while her issues with the Fae were valid he felt she was too unpredictable when it came to her commitment to the Fae. He reminded her that she too had relationship with the Fae, and whether or not she depended on them they depended on her. If she rejected his offer, she would be released from both the Light and Dark Fae, but never again allowed to step foot inside the Fae world. If she violated that agreement she was on her own with no help or protection from either side. If Bo attempted to protect her they both would be on their own. Lauren asked if Bo knew about his offer. Trick said no. Lauren understood, and knew she could not tell Bo either; it would be grossly unfair for Bo. It had to be her decision and her decision alone.

After meeting with Trick that day Lauren returned to her condo to ponder his offer. She sat and stared out her window as she drank a bottle of wine. No matter her feelings for Bo this would be a permanent decision for her. This was about accepting everything and everyone around her Fae, to the bitter end, and she knew she could not make that decision in a day. She needed real time to think about it. She had called Trick to let him know she planned to leave the County for a couple of weeks to consider his request. He understood and thanked her for the heads-up.

Bo had called later that day to see if they could meet for dinner, but Lauren declined and informed her she would be leaving town for a couple of weeks on a personal matter, but chose not to elaborate. That caused Bo to rush over after the call anxious that something was wrong between them, but Lauren was able to deflect Bo inquisitiveness with both assurances and other activities. The next morning, Bo wanted to see Lauren off but Lauren told her she would be late for work at the Dal. Lauren smiled at that thought. Bo and Kenzi were working stiffs now. She also asked Bo not to call her, nor would she call. She needed both the time and space to think clearly without interruption. Lauren had regretted saying those words the minute they came out her mouth for they made Bo anxious again. She assured Bo she would be back, which seemed to ally Bo's fears.

Lauren packed her bag, grabbed a taxi for the train station, and then took a long train ride for several days on the train, then got off, rented a car and drove for hours until she happened upon a Bed and Breakfast that was situated along the sea coast. She checked in and found the owners were a lovely elderly couple that owned the place since their early 30's when they inherited the property from family, and decided to turn it into a bed and breakfast to take advantage of the scenery and its position over-looking the sea. They also built several quaint cottages spread out on the property over-looking the sea coast so people felt that within each cottage they had an entire sea coast all to themselves. The couple, Mr. and Mrs. Ballorby said the views kept the bed and breakfast stocked with guests year-round, and they felt blessed. Lauren recalled the wife had looked at her long and asked if she wanted to rent a cottage. Lauren was thankful, not sure if one was available. The woman said she thought Lauren looked like she had the weight of the world on her shoulders, and needed some private time. Lauren laughed at this thought. She must have looked pretty worn. Mrs. Ballorby handed her the keys and a map showing the location of the cottage, and when Lauren arrived at her rented cottage it was like having her own private property with no one in sight, and the views were magnificent. Lauren had no idea how she happened upon this spot, but for the first time in years she felt at perfect peace.

The cottage was fully stocked and there was a lovely porch that had several rocking chairs. Lauren settled her bags, and then went out onto the porch with a glass of red wine, and looked out onto the sunset, and proceeded to cry.

The next morning, she got up and explored a pathway down to the sea coast and took a long walk with a thermos of coffee in her hand, and nearly each morning thereafter she would begin her morning with walks along the sea coast.

One afternoon Lauren went into town and explored the little shops, walkways, and boat docks. The town had a similar look, feel, and design that reminded her of Nantucket Isle. She leaned over a railing and watched as fishermen pulled in their hauls of fish. She always admired the life of a deep sea fisherman. It was dangerous, simple, and yet peaceful profession.

As she walked along the beautiful boardwalk she had stopped and admired a few of the knickknacks here and there and made a few purchases.

It was evening and Lauren became hungry and happened upon a local little tavern that had a band playing. She walked in and bellied up to the bar, ordered a beer, and some food, and ate as she listened to the band.

As she was on her third beer a stunning lean 5'10", with long blondish-brown hair that fell past her shoulders woman approached her. She lean and fit, wearing simple jeans and a light-green form fitting t-shirt.

"Hello." The lady said.

"Hello." Lauren replied.

"I saw you belly up to the bar and have been watching you ever since and had to come up and introduce myself. My name is Ellie."

"Lovely name. Matches a lovely woman."

"Why, thank you! And here I thought I had to do all the flirting."

Lauren smiled.

"May I sit?"

"Of course!"

"So what brings you out tonight?"

Ellie chuckled, "I meant out to Tucker's Tavern. Never noticed you before."

"That is because I am here in town on a visit."

"Oh. So what brings you to Albert Cove?"

"Decisions."

"Life that tough at home, huh?"

"You could say that."

"Nothing tragic I hope."

"Not in the strict sense, no."

"Hmmm. Cryptic."

"My life requires it I am afraid."

"Running from the law?"

Lauren harrumphed, "Not this time."

The lady laughed. "I like you. You have a quick wit."

"Thank you."

"Life is crazy, huh?"

"A bit."

"Care to share?"

"Wish I could."

Ellie looked at Lauren long and replied, "Been there."

"Have you?"

"Pondering a decision so momentous that it could literally transform your life? Yep. That is how I ended up here."

"Really? Where do you come from?" Lauren asked.

"New York. I was a Venture Capitalist. Was married. To a woman. Have two children. Ages 16 and 14. I was successful. Made millions. Had the Norman Rockwell family so life should have been a dream come true for me, but the problem was it was a dream. All a dream. It was life without passion. I did everything that was expected of me, but nothing that I wanted to be. I woke up one day, terribly unhappy, and realized I could not live a life unless it was a passionate life. I wanted to leave it all, and venture out and create a new life, a passionate life about ideas and activities that contributed to the betterment of the society and the world. Tried to talk the wife in venturing out with me but she was tied to all that was the "New York" social strata. We could not make it work so our 18-year marriage ended. Congenially. I am fortunate not to have any of the post-divorce drama couples have with their exes. She is a great mother, and we thought it best the children live primarily with her, but they visit out here regularly and I speak with them nearly every day." Ellie replied.

"Wow! Quite the story." Lauren said. Ellie smiled.

The sat in quiet for a moment.

"So what is it that you do? Can you at least tell me that?" Ellie asked

"I am a Scientist and a Physician."

"Impressive! For whom? A hospital? A pharma?" Ellie asked.

"I work for a pharmaceutical company."

"Oh, what's the name?"

"Ash Pharmaceuticals."

"Ash Pharmaceuticals? I know that one. I read a prospectus on a break-through drug your company plans to bring to market on dementia, if I recall."

"Yes, that would be us."

"You know, we have been talking all this time and I did not get your name?"

"Lauren. Dr. Lauren Lewis."

Ellie's eyes lit up. "Yes! I read about you in one of the business mags. You are the doctor who actually developed the drug."

"Guilty as charged." Lauren smiled.

"You are an amazing woman." Ellie said genuinely impressed.

"Thank you!" Lauren replied as she blushed.

"No, you really are. If what I read is true the drug you developed is just one step shy of wiping out dementia, and if followed through could serve as the pathway to the eradication of many long-term illnesses."

"Now I am impressed. You have been following along. That is what we hope." Lauren smiled, and felt she was deeply red by this time.

"Well, who would have thought I would meet the famous Dr. Lewis here at Albert Cove."

"Well, whatever decision you are pondering I am sure Ash Pharmaceuticals would do anything to prevent you from leaving them. Not only did you bring a truly effective drug to market, but you have also made them rich, incredibly rich. If I were them I would fight for you to the bitter end." Ellie said.

"If only you knew."

They sat in silence again.

"Do you climb?" Ellie asked.

"Mountains?"

"Yes."

"I am not unaccustomed."

"I am going on a mountain hike tomorrow. Care to join me? I would have followed the traditional path and asked you to dinner, but I can tell neither one of us are traditional people."

"I don't think I should. Plus, I think I would slow you down."

"I think I would be more concerned with me slowing you down." Ellie flirtingly said. Lauren smiled.

"Don't turn me down. Besides, I think you need someone to talk to." Ellie said.

Lauren pondered her drink. "You may be right there."

"Well, then it is all settled. Where can I pick you up?" Ellie asked.

"I am staying at the B and B on top of the cape."

"Oh, at the Ballorby's. That is a phenomenal area up there."

"Yeah, I am staying at one of the cottages."

"How did you score that? They are usually booked up."

"I think Mrs. Ballorby took pity on me."

"She is a lovely lady." Ellie said. Lauren smiled.

Ellie downed the rest of drink, and held out her hand.

"I will pick you up at 7AM then. Nice to meet you, Dr. Lauren Lewis." Ellie said.

"Please, Lauren." Lauren replied and she shook her hand. "Nice to meet you Ellie?"

"Saen."

"Nice to meet you, Ellie Saen."

Lauren returned to her cottage, settled in, pulled out her tablet, and conducted an internet search on Ellie Saen. Ellie indeed had an impressive background, and she wasn't a multi-millionaire. She was a billionaire. She hailed from New York, born and bred. Her family was affluent. Attended all the right schools from nursery school to college at Harvard. She was a Westinghouse Scholar, and spent a year at the Sorbonne studying Finance. She received her Masters from the London School of Economics in Finance. Did stint on Wall Street and then joined the Federal Reserve Bank as an International Finance Advisor. Went on to serve on the staff of the World Bank, and then partnered to form the venture firm Andrassian Capital.

Her ex-wife, Ophelia Carrington-Saen was no slouch either. She was a Rhodes Scholar, and graduated from Princeton in Literature and Fine Arts. She served as a Consultant-Curator both at the Lourve and the Smithsonian, and served on the Board of the Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art in Manhattan. Add to that impressive list of credentials she married a wealthy venture capitalist and raised two children in the power vacuum that is New York. But it also made Lauren curious to learn more about Ellie, and why she left such a high-powered life. Lauren suspected there was more to it than what Ellie shared.

Lauren put down her tablet and prepared for bed and thought of Bo. She missed Bo. She wanted to call Bo, just to hear her voice, but she knew if she did that it would elicit a conversation she was not prepared to handle. She stared at her phone for a long time. She missed Bo's face, her smile, her laugh, her touch, she missed Bo's very presence. But she knew she could not call Bo. She was not ready.

After their mountain climb Lauren and Ellie spent the next eight days together on hikes, walks, dinners, and at Tucker's Tavern drinking beers, talking, and Lauren found that as each day passed she felt she could confide more and more in Ellie.

After attending "Comedy Night" at Tucker's Ellie drove Lauren back to her cottage. Lauren invited her out on the porch for a nightcap.

When they sat in their respective rockers

"So will you now tell me from whom you are running from?" Ellie asked as they settled into their respective rocking chairs. Lauren looked at her drink.

"I know we have been talking about different things for the past eight days but not about what has really brought you here." Ellie said.

"I need to determine whether the job I have, and all that goes with it is something I want for the rest of my life." Lauren replied.

"Okay." Ellie said. Lauren took a deep breath.

"Eight years ago, I joined Ash Pharmaceuticals in efforts to access facilities and resources to cure my then girlfriend, Nadia, who was stricken with an illness, while we were on a visit to the Congo. She fell into a coma. In return for access to medical and research facilities to find a cure and bring Nadia of out of her coma I joined the staff of company full-time." Lauren said.

"Okay."

"Ash Pharmaceuticals is a…family-owned enterprise, and in the course of pursuing a cure for Nadia I became involved in an on/off relationship with one of its members, and found myself falling in love with her."

Ellie nodded.

"A cure was found for Nadia, five years later, she was fine, but then there were other complications, and she died."

"I am sorry." Ellie offered. Lauren nodded her head.

"Thank you. In any case, I tried to leave the company but Ash Pharmaceuticals insisted I fulfil my contractual obligations. I flagrantly broke that contract, and joined a Laboratory operation owned by a man called Dr. Issac Taft."

"Okay."

"I soon discovered Dr. Taft's Laboratory was operating both immorally and unethically, in competition with Ash Pharmaceuticals. Matters ensued, and he eventually disappeared altogether."

Ellie raised an eyebrow.

"Ash Pharmaceuticals eventually re-approached me again to resume my position within the company to fulfil my contractual obligations. They offered to provide me with protection from any fallout associated with working for Dr. Taft."

"Is Ash Pharmaceuticals part of the mafia or something?" Ellie asked. Lauren see-sawed her head.

"Recently, the leadership changed hands, and because of my rickety relationship with the company asked me to either rejoin the staff, or leave and never, ever return."

"Harsh. Is this in part because you are involved with one of its family members?"

"The chairman's grand-daughter."

"I understand." Ellie said. Lauren smiled.

"What is her name?"

"Bo."

"Are you still in love with this Bo?"

"Very much so."

"But the decision you have to make it regardless whether she is part of your life or not."

"Correct."

"Obviously, this contractual arrangement with Ash Pharmaceuticals goes far beyond the standard understanding. What do they have on you?"

"Quite a bit, but nothing they can expose on me without me exposing equally as much if not more on them."

"Wow! A 'Mexican stand-off slash Détente'. Only thought one saw those at the World Bank."

"The scientific field is just as competitive."

"But they are willing to let you go? No harm, no foul?"

"Yes."

"What about this Bo? Would she go with you?"

"I would never ask that of her."

"Why not?"

"Their world is her world. Could she live outside it? Yes. Could she survive outside of it? Perhaps not."

"What is she? Spoiled royalty in the family or something?"

"Spoiled? No. Royalty? Well, that remains to be seen."

"What?" Ellie queried. Lauren chuckled.

"What I mean by that is she is poised not only to inherit Ash Pharmaceuticals but its parent company as well."

"What does Bo think of this ultimatum?"

"She doesn't know about it?"

Ellie nodded slowly. "Wow! I see now the complexity of your decision."

"And that is how I ended up here. At Albert Cove." Lauren replied

They sat in quiet for a moment and then Ellie said, "Thank you for sharing what you could with me."

Lauren thought to herself: You mean what I didn't share: that the Fae are a group of uber-humanoids who manipulated her into joining them by cursing Nadia and then hid that manipulation. Then forced her into indentured servitude so as to keep her, and even locked her up – literally - as punishment any time she defied them. You mean that truth I didn't tell you.

Bu instead Lauren replied, "I have shared everything." Ellie smiled.

"I have worked in the international circles of Finance. My ear is attenuated to hear what is being said and what is not being said. But I thank you for trusting me enough to share what you are able to share. Can I say something?" Ellie asked. Lauren nodded.

"Even from what you have just shared here, I can see they value your expertise, their relationship with you."

"The chairman of the company said as much himself."

"Just from what I read of your work they would be fools to let you go. If you were to stay with Ash Pharmaceuticals though, I would counter with the strongest possible terms. To make your presence and purpose worthwhile and enjoyable to your advantage. Go with a plan." Ellie recommended. Lauren pondered it for a long moment.

"That is great idea." Lauren said.

"Well, I better get going." Ellie said as pout down her drink and stood up.

"Ellie, thank you for listening. You were right. I needed someone to talk to." Lauren replied as she put her drink down and stood up as well.

"I am glad I played my hunch."

"Will I see you tomorrow?" Lauren asked.

"Do you wish to?" Ellie asked.

"Yes." Lauren replied.

Ellie walked up to Lauren and kissed her lightly on the lips. They held the kiss then Ellie probed Lauren's lips with her tongue. Lauren opened her lips and invited Ellie's tongue in. Their tongues touched lightly then Ellie pulled back slightly.

"Too soon?" Ellie whispered.

"No." Lauren replied.

"Out of line?" Ellie asked. Lauren looked at her for a moment.

"No." Lauren replied. They kissed for a long moment, and then Ellie broke the kiss.

"I better go. I will pick you up tomorrow morning. Ever been kayaking?" Ellie asked.

"A long time ago."

"Good. That is the plan for tomorrow. We will take a quick drive up the coast and spend the day kayaking." Ellie said as she smiled. She turned and walked off the porch but stopped at the bottom of the stairs.

"The day after tomorrow I would like to invite you over to my house for dinner. Game?"

"Game!"

"See you tomorrow" Ellie said as she jumped into her red Aston Martin DB9 and left.

As Lauren watched Ellie drive off Lauren honestly still did not know whether she wanted to remain with the Fae. She loved Bo, but Trick was right, Bo could not be the sole reason to remain with the Fae. However, she regarded her relationship with the Fae, Lauren realized the Fae had come to greatly rely upon her. Even Ellie saw that even through Lauren's metaphorical account of events. By all rights she should just leave. Nadia was dead. The Ash that cursed her was also gone. Lachlan also dead. All debts paid in full. She could live out her life in relative peace. Lauren shook her head, picked up the drink glasses, went back inside her cottage and prepared for bed.

When Lauren drove up to Ellie's home for dinner two nights later she came upon a gorgeous, expansive meld of a Craftsman-Brick home set on 10 acres. It took Lauren's breath away. Lauren walked up to the door with the bottle of wine she picked up earlier, and rang the doorbell. When the door opened she was greeted not by Ellie but by a teenager whom Lauren deduced was one of Ellie's children.

"Hi!" Lauren waved tentatively. "I am Lauren."

"Hi!" The young man replied.

"You must be Mason."

"Yes, I am. And you must be Dr. Lewis. Nice to meet you. Come in. Mom's in the kitchen with Livvy." Mason invited.

"Thank you. I take that to mean your younger sister, Olivia?" Lauren said as she stepped through the door and into the home.

"Yep."

Lauren followed Mason into the kitchen admiring the interior design as she went. The home may have had a Craftsman-Brick style look on the outside, but it had almost Frank Lloyd Weber design on the inside. The home had 15-foot ceilings with windows to match, and the lighting perfectly accented the mix of interior design. Lauren recognized some of the artwork on the walls, mostly French Impressionist art, but Ellie had other techniques on display as well. Lauren eyes rested on a Pointillism piece. Lauren could not recall if she had ever seen that style of art in any home. Ellie met her at the doorway of the kitchen with two glasses of wine in hand and noticed Lauren looking at the artwork.

"I am mad for French artwork." Ellie said as she handed Lauren one of the glasses.

"I brought this." Lauren handed Ellie the bottle of wine.

"Thank you." Ellie said. Lauren returned her attention to the artwork.

"I love the artwork. I see you have pieces from the Pointillism style." Lauren replied.

"When I was exposed to art very young age that was one of the styles I found utterly fascinating."

"I was just thinking the same thing." Lauren replied.

"Can you imagine the patience it would take to create such a piece and yet at the same time keep a vision of what you are attempting to convey?" Ellie noted.

"It is why I admire the technique. It is both exceptionally detailed and yet visionary at the same time." Lauren said.

"Exactly. It also speaks to both our natures: you as a Scientist, and me as Financier. We need to be both if we are to be the best at what we do." Ellie replied.

"I have never considered that perspective." Lauren said.

"I am sorry I did not meet you at the door. I was having a bit of kitchen emergency."

"No worries. Mason was quite the gentleman."

"As always." She then turned towards the kitchen. "Please, come meet Livvy."

Lauren and Ellie walked into the kitchen and was floored by both the style and size of it. The ceiling were also fifteen feet in height with windows to match. The mahogany oak beams outlined the kitchen with the detailed trey ceilings. The pod lights above cast a warm glow over the entire area. Livvy waved at Lauren as she put together a salad.

"Hello! You must be Dr. Lewis. Nice to meet you." Livvy said as she chopped a cucumber, and put it in the salad. Livvy said.

"Nice to meet you as well. Please call me Lauren." Lauren replied.

"Okay, then." Livvy said.

"Ellie, your home is amazing. This kitchen is gorgeous." Lauren complimented.

"Thank you. We shall take you on a tour after dinner. It is almost ready." Ellie said. Lauren smiled.

"Mason, could you and Livvy finish setting up the table?" Ellie said.

"Sure!" Mason replied then went and grabbed the finished salad from Livvy, and they both went out to porch to finish setting up the table under a beautifully decorated trellis against the backlight of an outdoor fireplace.

When they left, Ellie came up, took Lauren in her arms, and they kissed for a long moment.

When they broke their embrace, Ellie said "Hello again."

"Well, Hello." Lauren replied as they kissed again, and then broke their embrace. "You didn't tell me your children would be here tonight."

"Hm. Would that have meant I would have gotten lucky?" Ellie said with a sultriness in her voice.

Lauren smiled and they kissed again.

"RealIy, I apologize. I should have told you they were here tonight. They will be here tomorrow night as well, and then will fly back to New York the next morning. But I wanted you to meet them." Ellie said when they broke their embrace.

"Well, they certainly seem well-mannered." Lauren replied.

"Yes, they are." Ellie kissed her again briefly. "Come, let us eat."

Throughout dinner Ellie's children demonstrated a level of conversation that Lauren had not expected. She thought for sure all they would have wanted to talk about were the latest pop sensations and social media outlets that were popular with teenagers, but they expressed a seemingly genuine interest and understanding of Lauren's profession. Livvy had said she herself wanted to pursue a path in biotechnology while Mason was interested in Archaeology. But what Lauren loved the most about the evening is that it felt like a family evening and her thoughts flashed to Bo. Could she and Bo have such a life in the Fae world?

"Even though I am interested in Biotechnology I am hoping to follow your accomplishments in the field of Genomics." Livvy said.

"My accomplishments?" Lauren queried not sure what all Livvy knew about her.

"Yes, of course. Your preclinical trials for vascular dementia. I want to pursue a similar path in the prevention of diseases through the study of genotyping and DNA sequence analyses." Livvy replied.

"Quite an impressive grasp of the fields, Livvy." Lauren said.

"Please, don't get her started, or you'll feel like you never left work." Mason chimed in. Livvy gave her brother a piercing look. He smiled as he kept eating.

"Sounds like you have a handle on what you plan to pursue. Are your studies aligned?" Lauren asked.

"Yes, I made sure the subjects I am taking currently feed into the Integrated Sciences Program at Princeton." Livvy replied.

"If you really want to get a leg up take a clinical lab right away during your freshman year. Get ahead of the crowd. It may seem like grunt work at first, but it will gain you experience well ahead of your peers as well as establish those early connections in the scientific community. That will help you get your name out there, and if you do well, as I suspect you will, you could go on to be selected as Intern or Assistant within more specialized projects. That will really set yourself apart from your peers." Lauren advised.

"Thank you so much, Dr. Lewis…I mean Lauren. I will do exactly that." Livvy replied as she looked at Lauren in awe. Ellie smiled.

"So Mason, care to share your educational interests with Lauren?" Ellie said.

"I am not sure she would want to hear about something as dull as Archaeology." Mason said somewhat resigned.

"I would love to hear about your interests in the field. Please share." Lauren replied.

"Well, I have always been fascinated with the question of cultural origins. There are so many societies, small tribal societies that for all of our present technologies still live…untouched. But yet these same societies possess the answers to some out most complex questions about our history, our past, and perhaps even our future." Mason said.

"Continue." Lauren prompted.

"I must be boring you, Dr. Lewis, sorry, Lauren." Mason said.

"Quite the contrary. You speak of societies like the Mayans, the Egyptians, and the Africans."

"Yes. Many such questions that are hidden, locked away, beyond the temples, and the pyramids. I believe our answers exist in a different setting, a different way of life, perhaps not even of this earth." Mason wondered. Lauren looked at Mason thinking to herself that he had no idea how right he was.

"Daring. While your thinking is not uncommon, it is also not widely shared." Lauren said.

"That is because a lot of people think his ideas are crazy ones." Livvy chimed in.

"Livvy." Ellie gently warned.

"What I meant by not shared is that not many people have taken the time beyond speculation to prove or disprove Mason's theory, limiting themselves to what only they can see. There is something to be said about the power of mysticism, and in some cultures more real than reality itself." Lauren replied.

"Yes! Exactly!" Mason said excitedly while making a face at his sister.

"If you like, I could put you in contact with Dr. Yves Payipay whom I know from my researching days in the Congo who is pursuing very much the same question." Lauren offered.

"You know Dr. Payipay?" Mason asked with the same enthusiasm as if Lauren told him she personally knew the members of his favorite music band.

"Yes, had the opportunity to work with him for a short spell." Lauren replied.

"He is the foremost authority on the study of Animism. One of my favorite subjects. Thank you!" I would appreciate that!" Mason said. Ellie and Lauren smiled at one another.

After dessert and after Ellie, Mason, and Livvy took Lauren on a quick tour of Ellie's 15,000 square foot home Mason asked if he could take the car and visit local friends with Livvy. Ellie gave them a time certain to be home and then watched them drive off.

"You are certainly trusting. Allowing your children to drive your Aston Martin." Lauren said.

"You only live once. Besides they are very responsible." Ellie replied.

Ellie went and grabbed a bottle of wine and Lauren went and settled on the couch against the fireplace as Ellie poured their glasses.

"Your children are amazing. Their level of conversation is very adult." Lauren commented.

"They are used to attending a lot of public functions so their conversation level is not the typical teenage level conversation. But do not let that fool you, they love all the things that go with teenage-hood right with the best of them." Ellie replied.

"Well, they are very charming." Lauren said.

"Thank you. And you were quite the hit with them." Ellie replied.

"I was only trying to help."

"So, did you enjoy your evening?" Ellie asked.

"Very much so, and this house is amazing, and huge. What does one need with this much space?"

"I like different spaces in a home. In New York City, space is at a premium and one has to build up down, but here I could build left to right, like a nice rambler."

"I love the design mix." Lauren complimented.

"I like mixing modern with the traditional." Ellie said.

Lauren started looking around and saying "I really like the ceiling height…" and when she turned back she was met with a kiss by Ellie and Lauren met it. They laid on the couch and made out for a long while. When they finally emerged from their long make out session Lauren into Ellie's eyes.

"You are seducing me, I swear." Lauren said.

"Is that so wrong?" Ellie said as she kissed Lauren's neck.

"No, but I better go." Lauren said.

"Must you?" Ellie asked.

"Yes, I must." Lauren replied. Ellie smiled, let out a breath and then they both rose from the couch.

Lauren straightened herself out as she gathered her keys, and headed for the door. Ellie followed.

"Tomorrow?" Ellie asked as she took Lauren into her arms.

"Enjoy your time with your children, and then call me afterwards." Lauren replied.

"You do not need to stay away. I am sure the children would love to see you again tomorrow."

"Thank you, but we will have our time. Spend time with them."

"Feeling overwhelmed?"

"Feeling spoiled, but also distracted. Not sure if it is bad thing, but I cannot evade for too much longer the reason why I am here, and the decision I must come to."

"I understand." They kissed one more time and then Lauren left.

Lauren returned to her cottage, and took a shower. When she emerged she saw her phone indicator light blinked. She went over and checked her phone. Bo called. And texted. Lauren sat onto the bed and checked Bo's text. It said "Call me. I love you and miss you."

Lauren hit the call back button on her phone and heard it ring. Bo picked up on the second ring.

"Hey!" Bo answered.

"Hey babe! How are you? Everything okay?" Lauren asked.

"Yeah, everything is fine. How are you?" Bo asked.

"Fine. Fine."

"So, what is going on?" Bo asked.

"What is going on?"

"Yes. You have been gone for nearly three weeks now. I thought you would be back home by now." Bo said. Lauren honestly did not realize how much time had passed since she left the County.

"I am sorry that I worried you babe."

"I would have continued to respect your wish that I not call but when nearly three weeks passed with no word I became concerned." Bo said.

"I am sorry I should have checked in. Would not want Dyson out on another "in search of" mission."

"This time it would not have been Dyson, but me. And…maybe Dyson. Still need his nose." Bo said. Lauren laughed.

"So when are you coming home?" Bo asked.

"I still need more time." Lauren said.

"More time? Lauren, what is going on? Everyone is asking." Bo asked plaintively.

"Nothing I can talk about until I am ready." Lauren replied.

"About what? Us?" Bo asked.

"Not directly." Lauren replied cryptically.

"Are we in trouble?"

"It is not about us being in peril." Lauren said.

"Then what the heck is it?" Bo asked.

"I love you, but please give me some time and then I will come home and explain everything."

"Lauren!"

"Bo, please."

"I don't understand."

"It is not about us. It is about me."

"What is about you IS about me." Bo said.

"Not this time."

"Lauren!"

"Do you love me?"

"Of course I do!"

"Then please be patient."

"Lauren, I…"

"Bo. Please be patient with me. That is all I ask of you. I will return. I just need time and your patience."

Bo took in a deep breath and exhaled "I miss you."

"I miss you."

"I will give you your space but know that I love you, and I am waiting for you." Bo said.

"I know."

"I love you." Bo said.

"I love you." Lauren replied.

"Talk with you hopefully soon." Bo said.

"Yes, we will." Lauren replied.

They both hung up.

Lauren fell back onto her bed. That was the very conversation she wished to avoid with Bo when she still had no earthly idea what she wanted to do. Lauren honestly didn't know whether she wanted to remain with the Fae. She loved Bo, but Bo could not be the sole reason to remain with the Fae. And she knew her thoughts were being distracted by Ellie, and the new life Ellie was slowly exposing her to, or more accurately seducing her to. Ellie represented everything she presumed what constituted success. There was nothing that could have stopped Lauren from pursuing such a life. So why not?

Lauren and Ellie met up the next evening at Lauren's cottage for dinner after Ellie's children flew back to New York. Afterwards, they decided to take a walk along the seashore, with a couple of long blankets wrapped around them, and talked the entire time about Lauren's choice.

When they looped back to Lauren's cottage, they sat on the beach and took in the night sky. Ellie then wrapped her blanket around Lauren and kissed her, and Lauren met her kiss. Ellie laid Lauren on the beach and then Ellie crawled on top of her as Lauren opened her legs and wrapped them around Ellie as they kissed hotly.

"Is this about us?" Ellie asked as she briefly broke the kiss. Lauren looked at her for a moment, and then pulled her down for a deep kiss.

The next morning, Lauren woke up on the beach, naked, but covered in one of the blankets she and Ellie had taken along on their walk. Ellie was holding her while still asleep. Lauren quickly looked around to see if anyone was around, but then realized during her entire time there she had not noticed another soul anywhere near her cottage. She turned over and gazed at Ellie who still slept soundly. Lauren laid back down, and just watched her.

"Watching me sleep, huh?" Ellie said while eyes still closed.

"Guilty as charged." Lauren replied.

Ellie opened her eyes. "Come closer."

"You do realize we are lying here, on the beach, naked, under blankets right?" Lauren said.

"Do you regret it?" Ellie asked.

"No, I don't." Lauren replied.

"Then come and lay next to me. Take in the morning sunrise in my arms." Ellie said.

"You are going to spoil me with romance" as Lauren laid in her arms.

"If that is what it takes to keep you here then yes." Ellie said.

"A seduction?" Lauren asked.

"A demonstration of what is possible for us." Ellie replied. Lauren said nothing.

Ellie looked down at Lauren in her arms. "A bit much?"

"A bit honest." Lauren replied.

"I am sorry. I will keep it light." Ellie said.

"Now you say that!" Lauren replied. They both laughed.

They laid there in a long silence.

"You plan to go back don't you?" Ellie asked breaking the silence. Lauren said nothing.

"We are grown women Lauren. You can be frank with me." Ellie said. Lauren sat up, turned towards Ellie as she pulled the blanket up her chest due to the chill of the morning breeze.

"Last night…and this morning were wonderful. The time we have spent together has been wonderful. And what I believe to be a prescient contrast between what I have, what I could have, and what is still possible." Lauren explained.

Ellie propped herself on her right elbow, and rested her heads in her right hand. "Tell me what you are thinking."

"The whole time I have been enjoying this time with you one thought has been gnawing at me: why can I not let go? I have every reason, every right to leave. All debts paid in full. Some with blood. I could live out my life, my way. I can pick up my phone, call Ash Pharmaceuticals, and tell them I am not coming back, and start my life anew, right here right now."

"So what's stopping you?" Ellie asked.

"Me." Lauren took in a deep breath and continued, "When I left the company and joined Dr. Taft's staff, only to find out he was operating under immoral and unethical conditions, I felt a responsibility to support Ash Pharmaceuticals not simply because of my own ethics, but because I felt still very much part of it. In the course of addressing it, I realized the company really has come to rely upon me. They have a horrible way of showing it sometimes, but they do. I just needed to be reminded of that." Lauren finished.

"Patty Hearst Syndrome?" Ellie asked.

"Not precisely one for one, but I hear where you are going there and I wish I could blame that."

"Then what do you blame?"

"Love."

Ellie looked down at the sand while Lauren looked straight at her with intent.

"While I do have a family I could run to, I want a family I can come home to."

Ellie looked back up at Lauren and met her gaze.

"I think I have found my family and that is with Bo. And I have you to thank for that, Ellie." Lauren said.

"Well, I am glad our time was entertaining." Ellie replied with a hint of sarcasm and hurt.

"Don't talk like that. It belittles our time together which was beyond amazing. I meant every word I have said to you. You are an amazing woman. You made me feel loved, contented, and safe. If I had decided to start anew it would have been with you." Lauren said. Now Ellie sat up and faced Lauren.

"I know. Forgive me for my childishness there a second ago. The adult in me knows better. You are a beautiful, magnificent woman Lauren, in mind, body and spirit. I was just being hopeful. Whoever this Bo is a very lucky woman."

"Yes, she is!" Lauren said smiling. Ellie chuckled.

"I just hope she loves you, truly loves you as much as you love her." Ellie said.

They pondered the silence for a moment.

"So. When do you plan to head back?" Ellie said.

"Today." Lauren said.

"I understand. Will you allow one last meal with me? Breakfast? At Tucker's? And then I can drive you to the airport?" Ellie said.

"I would love all of that."

They both stood up, and wrapped themselves tighter in their blankets and gathered their clothes and walked with their arms around one another back up to Lauren's cottage.

"I know the Ballorby's will miss you for sure." Ellie commented

"And I will miss them and their hospitality." Lauren said.

As they reached the stairs to climb to Lauren's cottage. "You know, if you ever need anything you know how to find me, and I will be there." Ellie said.

"You already have been, more than you will ever know, and I thank you for it. For everything." Lauren and Ellie embraced. Ellie kissed Lauren on her forehead, and then proceeded up the stairs.

Lauren called Bo to let her know she was on her way home. Bo sounded genuinely glad to hear her voice, and asked her to dinner that night at the Dal. After she dropped her luggage off at her place and showered Lauren arrived to a cleared out Dal and dinner set for two. On one plate sat a small package with a small bow on it. Lauren's heart raced.

When she looked up Bo was standing there with two glasses of wine in her hands.

"Welcome back." Bo said as she gestured to the box sitting on a plate.

Lauren walked over to the table, opened the box and squinted her eyes curiously and looked up at Bo.

"To our future." Bo said as she smiled as she hoisted the wine glasses in her hand. Lauren reached into the box and pulled out a key.

"To the Clubhouse?" Lauren asked. Bo laughed at her reaction and stepped closer.

"No. To a house. Our house. For us." Bo replied.

"Really?" Lauren replied surprised.

"I missed you desperately, and when you left on your personal sabbatical I was terrified you were making decisions about us, and it spurred me to act. I wanted to show you that I wanted to join our lives together. It is beyond time."

"Bo…"

"And when you called me I felt even more…"

"Bo…"

"Anxious and so..."

"Bo. I need to say something."

Frustrated, Bo put both glasses down on the table set for them.

"Okay. What is going on, Lauren?"

Lauren took a deep breath, sat down at the table set for them.

"The reason for the trip was because Trick offered me my old job back."

"Okay. That's great. But sounds like there's a catch?" Bo said as she pulled a chair around the table and sat in front of Lauren. Lauren smiled.

"If I decided to take the job back it would be to the bitter end. Whether you and I were together or not. But if I chose not to take the job then I was to leave the Fae world and never return. That would have meant never seeing you again."

"What?" Bo asked incredulous.

"Trick pointed out that after Lachlan's death I have not been consistent in my commitment to the Fae."

"Are you kidding me? How can he say that? To you? Of all people? And how dare he?!" Bo replied as she started to become upset.

"It sounds callous, I know, but Trick spoke truthfully. I do have more than just one commitment; not simply to you but to all of the Fae as their Physician. And I went away because I needed to decide whether I wanted to remain committed to their care or leave."

Bo looked at her stupefied. "You thought about leaving us?"

"I thought about leaving the Fae." Lauren saw Bo's anger starting to rise and added, "Trick comments were not the issue. I was the issue. They simply were the catalyst in making me face the music."

Bo still fumed.

Lauren took Bo's face with both her hands, and made Bo look her straight in the eyes.

"Bo, hear me. It was me."

"Okay." Bo took in a deep breath and asked, "And us? You thought about leaving us?"

"I said once before that I am yours, no matter whether we are together as lovers, friends, or even adversaries. I have always been, and ever shall be committed to us, no matter our status, and that will never go away. Ever."

"Okay." Bo thought for a moment as she began to calm down and then asked "What about us? Is there an 'us'?"

"What? You think I am going to give up a house offer? Of course, there is an 'us'" Lauren quipped which made Bo blurt out a laugh and a few tears.

Lauren looked intently at Bo and then kissed her deeply. Bo was surprised at the intensity of the kiss, and then met Lauren's passion.

"Do you have any idea how much I love you?" Lauren said when she broke the kiss.

"Do you have any idea how much I love you?" Bo countered. "Know this, that we are one. What impacts you impacts me."

"Bo…"

"I mean it, Lauren. I love you, and I thought I lost you, and it terrified me. From this moment forward, there is no more you or I, there is only us. I am yours, forever."

Lauren took Bo by the face and they kissed deeply again for a long while. Then Lauren broke the kiss gently, stood up, stepped back, and leaned up against a pillar, proceeded to slowly strip down naked. When she took off her panties as the last piece of clothing, she dangled them on one finger and replied with a sultry grin.

"Then show me." Lauren taunted as she crooked her finger. Bo raised her eyebrows.

"You do not need to tell me twice" Bo replied and went to her.

The next morning Lauren called Trick and apprised him of her decision. When they met later that morning Lauren insisted on free reign to develop whatever research programs and initiatives she deemed fit to include working on cures for illnesses that felled humans. She wanted to contribute. Both the Light and Dark Fae leaders understood the request; it was what drove her to join Taft's staff in the first place. The thug response would have been to kill her on the spot, but they opted for the smarter choice to draw her closer to the fold by providing her with what she wanted: freedom to make her own choices, investigate new causes, knowledge that would benefit all of Fae kind. Trick agreed so long as the medical needs of the Fae were met. Lauren silently thanked Ellie for the recommendation.

Evony however added one more condition: that for the Dark Fae, Dr. Lewis's reinstatement came at a price: the restoration of Evony's Fae power. Lauren was still not sure if the so-called "de-Fae" serum was stable, but upon acceptance of her terms and conditions, Lauren restored Evony's Fae power the good, old-fashioned way - with a needle. Just before she received her shot, Evony suggested it would be more fun if her Fae power was restored the same way it was taken. Bo was not amused.

The monies Bo and Kenzi generated from the programs from the Dal initially funded the capital investment to secure facilities, equipment, and staff for the newly formed Joint Fae Medical and Laboratories, commonly known as JFM.

With regard to key staff, Dr. Lewis asked Dr. Abigail Danna to be her deputy at JFM. She and Abigail had already worked together when, but when the JFM was formed Dr. Lewis tapped her as deputy. The same went with Dr. Hollis Gardholt who Dr. Lewis tapped as COO. He was driver in ensuring they met their timetables for product delivery, and asked him to continue as COO for the JFM. She also decided to ask Dr. Louis Padameshi back. They also worked together during her early years with the Light Fae. He had left the County to be close to his family in India and administered medical attention to the Fae within his region. Lauren had explained the facility's new strata and purpose to include an extensive research and development arm. A proposition Dr. Padameshi found too enticing to resist, and decided to rejoin her staff again. Lauren also reached out and hired Jobina, the nurse she and Bo met when they worked a case undercover at the now defunct Hecuba prison. Jobina proved she was far more capable than what she demonstrated at Hecuba and quickly rose to the role of Head Nurse, and currently enrolled in Medical School to become a physician herself.

Dr. Lewis was tasked not only with forging a Joint Light/Dark Fae Medical Facility but with the additional mission of building relationships intended to expand the JFM medical network throughout other Fae Counties. Then as Ash Pharmaceuticals started to develop their own portfolio of proven pharmaceuticals to include the cure for dementia, JFM became a self-generating enterprise, and was able to replay the Dal's initial capital investment. Which in ten years led to…

"Dr. Lewis, if you don't get started now you will be late for your meeting with The Ash." Abigail said interrupting Lauren's reverie.

Lauren shook head and replied, "Thank you for the warning."

Lauren took off her lab coat, picked up her phone and briefcase, and jumped into car that waited for her to take to the Compound. When she arrived Beverly motioned her through the double doors into The Ash's office. When she walked in she saw Trick kneeling on the floor with four toddlers overwhelming him. The four children noticed he looked up at something, turned, saw Lauren and all went toddling to her with her arms up.