AN: Sorry for the long wait. You might want to reread the last chapter because it picks up from there :)

A Family Matter CH 5

Aife

"I don't see why you have to see her know. Bo will call us when she's ready." Jack tries to convince me through the phone, but I'm done waiting. It's been weeks since we moved to this damn town in hopes to see and warn my daughter. My patience had run out. Jack tried to stop me from driving to Bo's new house, but he conceded but only until I got the call from him.

It's close to 10pm but it's been over five years since we parted from Isabeau. I was too wrapped up in the money and the luxury of Jack's job and what it provided for us, but I sacrificed my only daughter to do so. A decision that has haunted me since.

"Aife, come on it's not too late to go back to Trick's. Let's not disturb Isabeau and the good doctor." His voice is dripping with sweetness, something that used to provide me with comfort, but now it just twists my insides into knots.

I wish my mother hadn't died at such an early age. Trick used to tell me how fearless and brave she was against what she believed. A trait that was never a part of me...until now. I just hope I can make Isabeau see through my mistakes and see who I am and how much I've changed for the better. How I have grown up and accepted my role as a mother.

Looking at the house in question, I turn the engine off and grab my big brimmed hat. Having brain surgery made for a bad hair day (or month) since the doctors had to shave close to half of my head. So as well as I look wearing this big ol thing, it helps with my self consciousness.

With one last look at the phone, I end the call and exit the car, ignoring his frustrated and demanding words to return home. This isn't about him and his many many lies. This is about me and my daughter.

XXX

Bo

Listening to Kenzi and Lauren bicker about boundaries, I finish topping our glasses with the last of the wine. After my BFF witnessing our pool session, she thought it necessary to have some ground rules if she was going to live with us. And of course Lauren has to object on some of them.

"I'm just saying, Kenz! There is no way I'm going to keep my hands to myself in common areas. I mean just look at her!" Lauren says pointing at me.

Since Kenzi's surprise appearance, both Lauren and I were left to hastily put back on our clothes, but failed miserably in our wet condition. It left for us to clutch our already ruined clothes and dash to the bedroom to grab a few robes. In the meantime, Kenz already drank half of the bottle.

I can see that sparkle in her eye that she gets from teasing Kenzi, especially a sufficient tipsy Kenzi. "I'm powerless to her! Blame her if anything!"

I bite the inside of my cheek to keep from busting into a fit of giggles at how ridiculous this all is. I'm still amazed how we manage to feed and fend for ourselves at our adolescent behavior. I wouldn't change one thing about us. "I have no idea what you mean, Lo. I was just enjoying a swing by the pool." I say sweetly, but laugh at Lauren's shocked face.

Before we can say another word though, the doorbell rings. Looking at the clock, I wonder who would be here at this hour. Both Tamsin and Vex are celebrating the news about the pregnancy and well, that pretty much limits our friendship circle.

"Who is it?" Kenzi yells from the couch, not bothering to get up.

"It's me."

The voice that used to ease my worries, now brings nightmares. I hear Lauren mutter a "Who?" And I make my way to the door.

"It's my mother."

XXX
Lauren

I want to stop Bo from answering the door, I really do but I know she needs this. Her parents have been trying to get together, to explain or at least to visit, with their daughter for some time now. I've had my own issues to work on involving them and Trick, but it has been nothing on pare to my fiancée's.

"And you must be the popular Doctor Lauren Lewis. It's an honor to finally meet you." I didn't even realize that Bo led her mother inside and I shake my head and clutch my robe suddenly feel self conscious at my lack of clothing.

I take her hand and nod my head. "That's me." I'm so awkward, always have been, but what am I supposed to say to the woman that faked her death and abandoned her child? It certainly isn't a 'Nice to meet you'.

"What do you want, Aife? It's late and we were just going to bed." Bo's voice is void of emotion as she crosses her arms, a stance I hate to be in front of.

I quietly take a seat next to Kenzi and watch the two brunette's. Bo is just a new and a more improved image of Aife. Both have long chocolate hair, same height, and their mannerisms are nearly identical. Especially when arguing.

"Who does that, mother? I didn't need to be shipped off thinking my parents were savagely slaughtered! I needed my mom!" Bo cries out, her bod shaking with anger and frustration.

Aife just buries her face in her hands, tears freely falling. "I have no excuse. I was young and foolish. I have so much regret. I was so wrapped up in the novelty of mine and your father's romance that I-I just followed blindly."

Aife in on her hands and knees in front of Bo. It's too much and I can't take it anymore. I stand and help the kneeling woman to the couch, ignoring the glare I earn from Bo. "Let me get you some water."

Walking to the kitchen, I grab Bo's hand and pull her with me. I wait until we are far enough to look at her. She has her famous death glare focused on me, but I can take it. "Don't look at me like that, Bo. She was having a meltdown, literally on her knees and you just stood there."

"She deserves that and more for what she did! There is too much damage, Lauren!" Bo hisses at me and I shake my head.

"So you think being cruel to her will help you? There is more to the situation, surely you can see that? You heard Jack's side of the story, why not Aife's?" I didn't see it before, I couldn't with everything else going on but it makes sense. I have no facts or proof, but I know deep in my gut, something isn't right about Jack or Trick's story about all of this. "Do you trust me, Bo?"

Sighing she looks at the floor, "It isn't about that, Lo. You know I do. With my life."

Taking the opportunity, I pull Bo by the knot of her robe and tilt her chin up so I can see her. It has never been just words with us. It's been our shared looks and calming touches that the trust has been built. And she knows this. "I do know... I just like hearing you say it." That earns me a slap to my shoulder but I accomplished my goal to see that smile. "Come on, let's get you to bed."

"But my mother-" Bo starts to say but I press a soft kiss to her lips sufficiently shutting her up. "I got this babe. I'll be there in a minute."

She mouths a "Thank you" and a kiss to my cheek before disappearing to our room. Taking a deep breath, I grab a water from the refrigerator and go back to the living room. Kenzi has already turned on some weird space movie, both her and Aife silently watching.

"Oh thank you." Aife thanks me for the water and I look at her curiously. That's when I notice the shaven side of her head. She must notice my look. "These hats are the only things that hide the scarring." Pulling the hat away, she reveals the thick marred flesh. I try not to wince but shit, that surgeon really left a scar. One definitely not taking her into consideration, well besides the life saving surgery.

Ignoring my emotions, I go back to square one. Kenzi seems to take the hint and realizes the seriousness of it all and vacates the couch. "Listen Aife, I want to believe you, I do. But you'll have to be honest with me and especially Bo." The tears are coming back, but again I ignore it, until the doorbell rings again. And I'd bet my medical degree on just who it is.

Kenzi is at the door first but I wave her off and open the door, an arrogant smirk on my face. "Evening Jack."

His face falters for a moment but his smile is back on his face. "Dr. Lewis, sorry to bother and more importantly about Aife, but she's tired and desperate for Isabeau's affection. She'd say anything to get her daughter back. Poor thing." His coos but I see right through his charm. It's the same arrogance and fake kindness that politicians use, doctors too unfortunately. And at this moment, I see Jack for what he really is.

Stepping to the porch, I close the door behind me. He looks amused but I hold my hand up. "You need to get off my porch and off my property."

"I will once I retrieve my wife." He says and tries to step passed me.

A hand on his shoulder stops him in his tracks. "Trust me, Jack. I've gone to Hell and back for Bo this year. I have fought many many demons and you don't scare me. Aife came here, to my home for a reason and I gotta say, she makes a convincing argument about you."

His face hardens and I see the monster behind the mask. I only wonder who else has seen it. "She knows nothing, she's delusional! Always has been! More so loyal to me. She will always choose me!"

I smirk and open the door. "Well, she chose Bo tonight. Goodnight Jack." The door shuts just as he releases an animalistic howl. Locking the door, I flip off the light to the porch to go back to the living room. Kenzi seems to be already on the phone with the police, no doubt eavesdropping through the door. He won't do anything physical, he's too old fashioned to stoop to mediocre violence. But a police patrol in the neighborhood wouldn't hurt.

Aife looks frightened but I'm positive it's just from her husband showing up. "Let me go set up the guest room for you. It's been a long day."

"I got it, Hotpants." Kenzi says and she nods to mine and Bo's room. I take the hint and go to my love.

But before I can take a step, Aife wordlessly nods and reaches for a hug. It's quick and I don't even get to respond before she's let go and follows Kenzi.

Going into my room, Bo is curled up in bed, but she is wide awake. "Took you long enough." She jokes and pulls me to her into the bed. I'm happy to see she has discarded her robe and makes away with my own. The intimacy of skin on skin, just cuddling and keeping one another safe, has got to be my favorite thing to do with Bo. Well besides kissing, touching, talking, ect...

"I love you Bo. I know I say it a lot but I mean it. Every time."

"I know, baby. And I love you. So much."

We don't say anything else, sharing a few kisses until we are too tired to keep our eyes open. It's going to be rough for a while but it's worth it.

Bo is worth it.

AN: I'm back! I found inspiration and I have the time to write. Thank you for the continued support and for those of you following this little story even during its long waited updates. Thank you! And can't say that enough! Hope to hear some thoughts on this story if you can! If not I hope you enjoy it! Take care!
Twitter: Thelabcoat13