Raven and Drew

by WonderChaser

Police Officer Ysabeau Dennis and Dr. Lauren Lewis met for the first time in 2005. Nothing happened but both felt a connection that either one of them never felt before. After a year, a 911 call set the stage for their unexpected but eventful meetup. Now that they met again, will they act towards each other on their own or do they need the help of their friends?

11. Chapter 11 - Fall 2006

Author's Note: And I'm back! So sorry about the one month plus few days hiatus. I enjoyed the holidays, I got sick and workload got heavy. In other words, real life happened. And since I was away for while, I will give two chapters in succession to say Thank You for waiting. I hope you enjoy them.

Disclaimer: The characters of Lost Girl are still not mine. I just write them as I like.

LG=LG=LG=LG=LG=LG=LG=LG=LG=LG=LG=LG

Chapter Eleven

Westville New Haven

It is already late in the evening when five people come out of the house in Marvel Road. The laughter that emanates from the group warms the cool calmness of the night.

"Well Vex, I've been dealing with you for the last 11 years but it looks like I've been dealing with you my whole life. You're incorrigible." Ciara shakes her head as she glares at Vex.

"It is just 7 years but that's okay I understand. Many people can't handle my awesomeness. But don't worry, since you and Dyson are going to be married soon you'll have the time to figure me out." Vex smiles contemptuously.

Ciara rolls her eyes.

"You two are funny." Hale laughs.

"It's just the tip of the iceberg Hale. You haven't seen anything yet. Our chemistry..." Vex puts his arm around Ciara's shoulder. "...is like the 4th of July."

Ciara hits Vex's arms and laughs.

Bo laughs at Vex's antics. She looks at the woman beside her. She expects a smile or a smirk but Lauren's face says otherwise. It looks like she had seen a ghost. Bo leans towards the blonde and whispers, "Lauren, are you alright?"

Lauren looks at Bo and nods. "I'm okay."

"No, you're not okay. Obviously something is bothering you. Tell me."

She looks at Bo's determined face and says, "Okay, but not here. Let's walk towards the truck and let's pretend that we are looking at the leaves of that tree."

"Okay. Lead the way Doctor."

Lauren walks towards the front end of the lawn and Bo follows.

Vex is startled when he sees that the two women are walking away. "Look at them. While we are chatting and laughing here, they are going to isolate themselves again. Hale, you went to the back lawn earlier. Did you ask them what they were talking about?" Vex asks.

"Bo told me that they were looking at the leaves of the trees. And since it's autumn now, they were talking about leaves turning from green to yellow, then orange to red and finally to brown."

Ciara nods. "Lauren is really fond of autumn. So that's quite true. But they were there for a long time."

"I know. But I don't think they will tell us whatever they talked about."

"Damn! They are worse than you and Dyson." Vex looks at Ciara and shakes her head. The doctor just laughs at him.

"We're here. So are you going to tell me what's going on your mind or should I guess?" Bo puts her hands inside her pockets and turns her head to Lauren.

"Of course I will tell you."

"Okay." Bo patiently waits while Lauren gathers her thoughts. She looks at the tree in front of them. "This is a sugar maple tree right? Look at the leaves."

Lauren is momentarily removed from her thoughts and looks at the tree. The leaves hang low and she can see that some of leaves have already changed their colors. She reaches out and plucks a big leaf. "Look Bo, a perfectly colored leaf." She smiles. The leaf is yellow from the stem then orange and red is distributed evenly to the tip.

She looks at the leaf and sighs. "I just realized something about Vex and Ciara a while ago when he mentioned about chemistry." She twirls the stem of the leaf and continues. "Vex first met Ciara when I introduced them outside our residential college. Vex's college was just around the corner. I remembered I was excited to meet new people. He introduced me to Emily while I introduced him to Ciara. While I was socially awkward back then, I could tell that they had an instant connection, a spark. Emily agreed. Days went by and the four of us became closer. But since Ciara and I were on the same college, we often talked about our childhood. So I talked about Vex, Dyson and Ryan. She convinced me to show her a picture of the four of us." She pulls her cellphone from her pocket and opens the gallery. She scans the picture until she finds what she's looking for. "This was the picture that I showed to her."

Bo leans on the doctor's shoulder and looks at the picture. She sees a younger and slimmer bespectacled Lauren who was surrounded by three guys. The one that was on Lauren's right was Vex. He and Lauren were goofing around, looking at each other while Lauren was holding his left arm.

"Who's this? The one on your left?" The brunette asks.

"That's Ryan whose right hand was holding my left hand. Then the one who had his right arm around my shoulder was Dyson."

"Oh. So that's Dyson and Ryan." So that's Ryan. "How old were you in the picture?"

Lauren smiles. "I was only 14 when this picture was taken. Vex was 16, then Dyson and Ryan were both 17." She swipes her thumb over the picture and looks at the next one. "Here, the same everything except it was taken 10 years after."

Bo looks and zooms at Ryan's right hand. Yeah he was still holding her hands. Of course, she said the same everything. Ass! Her jaw clenches. Bo, she reminds herself, you have no right to be jealous or to feel anything about Ryan and Lauren. Oh right, who am I kidding? I'm already jealous, just deal with it. She then decided to focus on the less complicated part of the picture. She looks at Lauren and says, "You didn't have your glasses on."

"Yeah I already went through a laser eye surgery when that picture was taken. I had an astigmatism so I needed that surgery right away or else it would lead to amblyopia that will decrease my vision."

"What causes astigmatism?"

"It's a common vision condition that causes blurred vision. It occurs when the cornea is irregularly shaped. The specific cause is unknown. It can be hereditary and is usually present from birth. Mine increased because I read a lot so I need to wear those thick eyeglasses. Not all types of astigmatism can be treated by a laser surgery so I underwent a series of examinations just to know if the type of astigmatism that I had was treatable. Good thing mine was. So before I flew over here, I had the surgery." Lauren relates.

Bo nods. "So what if it can't be treated by laser surgery, what are the other options?"

"I may have to wear those thick eyeglasses again or I can request for contact lenses. Another option is a corneal procedure that was painless and noninvasive."

"Then it was a good thing when you already had that surgery. No need for those thick eyeglasses or the contact lenses."

"I agree." She closes her phone and puts it into her pocket. "That was the picture that I showed to Ciara. When she saw Dyson, she started to ask things about him. At first I didn't realize that she became interested in him and it looked like she was ignoring Vex. I thought they just had a fight. But when weeks became months and she became more interested in my cousin that was when I thought hard. She fell in love with Dyson while it seemed that she ditched Vex on the side."

"But did Vex and Ciara date during those times?"

"No. They were just good friends but very close. We were all focusing on our studies... well I thought so that time. And we were all too young. Well I was only 16 but the three of them were already 18 and Dyson was 19 that time..."

"But how did Ciara fall in love with your cousin? Did they see each other? How did they communicate?"

"Oh through calls, letters, emails, etc. And Dyson did come here several times to visit us. He said that he missed me." She frowns. "So maybe what he said was partially true but I realized that as time went by, he was coming here to visit Ciara because he was already pursuing her."

"So how was Vex at those times?"

"Oh he was hurt. But on the surface, he seemed cool. But Emily and I knew. Good thing he had Emily. Well I was also there for him but I was really young and I was really focused on school work. And besides I didn't know anything about dating stuff and I was naïve about the social nuances of seeing two people that were already into each other. Then Dyson and Ciara revealed that they were serious and entering into a relationship. I remembered that I was really happy for them but I was also sad for Vex. Those times were very confusing."

"I can imagine. Your two best friends loved the same woman. All the drama can be a burden to you even though you were outside looking in."

Lauren sighs. "You perfectly understood what I felt."

Bo nods and smiles at the doctor. "At least you survived."

"Well yeah. I focused on my studies. I told myself that I was here for that and not for anything else. After that, things went smoothly. But of course, I couldn't just ignore my friends and what they were going through as they didn't ignore me. In fact, the bullying incident coincided with it. But we strived hard and persevered. Look at Dyson and Ciara."

"How long was it, 9 years?"

"Yeah. But I could tell that they really went through a hard time, being away from each other. I couldn't help myself but to think sometimes that maybe it was better if it was Vex who became Ciara's boyfriend. He was here and obviously there was a spark between the two of them. But as they say, you can't choose who you love." Lauren shrugs.

"It was obvious that Ciara fell hard for Dyson and vice versa. Because they wouldn't last this long if they didn't love each other." Bo points out.

"I know that now."

"So why did I see what I saw earlier? Your face looked like you've seen a ghost."

Lauren sighs. "I just remembered the time when I introduced Ciara to Vex outside our college. I saw how they smiled at each other back then. Then earlier, I heard Vex talked about their chemistry and Ciara laughed without being sarcastic. They can't stand each other sometimes even though they were living in the same house."

"So you really saw a ghost, a ghost of past unrequited love."

"I did."

"Okay so, I have a question - did Vex tell Ciara about his feelings?"

"No he didn't but he told me he had plans but Dyson was already in the picture and he was already ignored so..."

"Were his feelings blatantly ignored?"

"No, it was subtle, I almost missed it." Lauren thinks for a while. "I think what Ciara refused to recognize was the idea of Vex being her significant other. But he was also completely and utterly ignored as a friend. That's why he was really hurt. And I don't think Ciara has an idea of his feelings until now."

"Oh Doctor, I disagree." Bo shakes her head and bites her lip.

"What? Why? How?"

"Lauren, I think Ciara knew right from the start." Bo points out gently. "She realized that Vex had feelings for her. She ignored it because if she acknowledged it with Dyson already in the picture, things would be more complicated. She would have been forced to admit that she also had feelings for him but her feelings for Dyson were stronger. Think about it. That's the reason why she completely ignored him. To cut him loose early on."

"What? No." Lauren knits her brows and shakes her head. "She should have talked to Vex. I think it would be just fine."

"You were still young back then. I don't think it would be just fine." Bo snorts. "Do you think Dyson knew about it?" The brunette asks the blonde. "Since you know him better than me, then consider this. If Dyson knew about Vex's feelings for Ciara, would he give way to his best friend or would he still pursue her?"

Lauren remains silent as she processes the arguments put forward by the woman beside her.

"So do you want to bet on this Doctor?" The brunette asks. "I think we already came to an impasse."

The blonde's eyes sparkle. "I'll take your bet Officer." She raises her eyebrow. "So what are we betting on? You presented numerous points of contention. Just to be clear."

"Okay. Do you now agree that Ciara knew Vex's feelings right from the start?"

"When I processed them all, I find your arguments valid on that point."

"Very well Doctor. But you don't agree on one thing and that is?"

"You said the reason why Ciara ignored Vex and his feelings completely was because acknowledging it will make things complicated so she cut him loose. Well I disagree." Lauren sighs. "I think the reason why she ignored him is simply because she didn't have real feelings for him."

Bo laughs. "Wow that's a complete 180 degree turnaround Lauren. You told me about the connection and spark they shared when they first met. And did you remember last night you said Ciara told you she liked Vex when you introduced them right?"

"I know but I'm still betting against it. Maybe I just misinterpreted it. Well she told me she liked him... maybe just as a friend? I don't know." She shrugs. "Because if there was really a connection between them, then why is she with Dyson until now?"

"Simple. She felt a stronger connection with Dyson. But it doesn't mean that what she felt for Vex wasn't real."

The doctor frowns.

"Are you sure you want to bet on that?" Bo stares at Lauren unblinking, challenging. "Are you sure you want to go against the good old chemistry thing between two people who feel a certain connection, a spark?" Please say no. Please!

Lauren sees the unspoken request from Bo's intense gaze and bits her lip. "Okay, I'm going to withdraw." Her voice falters. Because if I continue betting against it, it's like I'm dismissing ours! I'm an ass!

Bo blows a huge breath. Thank God! "Wonderful. So what we are betting on?"

"Let's bet on the Dyson factor. For you, he has no idea or whatsoever about Vex and Ciara. And for me, it's the opposite. Now I have some misgivings about this whole Dyson factor."

"Of course. We have doubts about it so now the bet becomes more justifiable. And I am very curious."

"More justifiable?"

"Yes, to know the truth. I would have said that it becomes more exciting but that's being insensitive. We are talking about feelings here."

The doctor nods. "Right. But I need to ask... if you are correct, why is Ciara still keeping this secret from Dyson?"

"Fear. She's afraid that it will do a lot of damage in their relationship if she reveals it to him."

"You think so? I mean if Dyson will know, will he break up with her?"

"It can go either way Lauren. How will you describe him as a person?"

"Well he's always calm. I mean I haven't seen him angry or mad, unlike Vex. Vex is quite the opposite." Lauren thinks for a moment. "I'm suddenly afraid for the three of them. And I'm also feeling guilty." The doctor blows a breath.

"Why?"

"Because I wouldn't know these things if you haven't pointed them out to me. I'm one of their best friends. I should have known."

"Lauren, all the arguments that I've pointed out were based on what you have told me." Bo explained kindly. "I think you need me to figure these things out, like we're partners. It's one big puzzle. We wouldn't know the whole truth unless there would be a confrontation in the future."

"So why didn't I know these things? Why didn't they tell me?" Lauren looks hurt. Bo leans towards her and touches her shoulder in a comforting way.

"I think they were just protecting you from the truth. You didn't need the extra hassle. Please remember, you said all of these coincided with the bullying incident with Percy and Nadia correct? They knew you didn't need the extra burden."

Lauren nods, looks at the brunette and smiles. "You're right. Thank you Bo."

"No problem." Bo waves her hand. "Now my concern is, are we still going to bet on it?" Bo frowns.

The doctor laughs. "Of course. We are already deep into it. Might as well know the outcome right? We should do it. Where's your sense of adventure?"

"You're insane! Earlier, you're being emotional about it then now... I thought I already figured you out. Now I'm not quite sure..." Bo shakes her head.

"Isn't it exciting?" Lauren laughs.

"And crazy, may I add!" Bo smiles and asks, "So what is the wager? Let's see. No money involve of course." She smirks, dimples visible.

Lauren looks at her. "Tell me yours first."

Bo thinks for a while and asks, "Hmm let's see. Have you ridden on the back of a motorcycle before?"

The blonde shakes her head.

"Okay. So if I win the bet, you and I will go on a trip and you will be riding on the back of my motorcycle, while I drive of course."

"Just that?"

"Yeah, just that." The officer nods. "You're not afraid?"

"I'll cross the bridge when we get there." The doctor shrugs. Then suddenly, she gets excited. "Now, if I win the bet Officer, you and I will go to a cliff and we'll jump and dive into the water."

"Whoa! That's pretty intense... we'll jump from a cliff? Okay I can do that. But dive into the water? Swimming lessons first Doctor!" Bo blanches.

Lauren laughs out loud. "Don't worry Bo. It's not like we are going to do it very soon."

"But still... jumping off a cliff and diving into the water? I obviously don't expect that from you." The brunette raises her eyebrow.

"Just being myself, mysterious and all." The blonde grins. "Oh here..." She gave Bo the sugar maple leaf. "...to remind you of our bet." She winks at the brunette.

Bo hesitantly takes it from Lauren. "So this means the bet is really on?"

"Yes. Officially it's on." Lauren does the fist pump and Bo chuckles at the blonde's playfulness.

At the other side of the front lawn Vex, Hale and Ciara are looking at the couple laughing at each other.

"Awww look at them! They are very happy in their own world." Vex coos. "I haven't seen Lauren laugh like that in a long while."

"The same with Bo. My partner is one serious woman, I tell you both. She just smile and then nothing. It is very refreshing to hear her laugh." Hale says.

"They are just adorable. Bo is making Lauren loosen up. And vice versa. My only question is, how soon will they realize that they are perfect together and for each other?" Ciara wonders.

"I'm afraid I will be the devil's advocate here my friends." Vex hedges. "I think it will be later rather than sooner."

"How later are you talking about?" Hale asks.

"Well... not sure. Maybe towards the end of the year? Early next year?" Vex shrugs. "Let's give them a room to breathe. They just met again yesterday. I say let them enjoy each other as friends. There's nothing wrong with being friends first right?" He looks at Ciara. When the doctor avoids his eyes, he sighs. "It builds foundation... strong foundation to the relationship that they will have in the future."

"Right. Those are wise words Vex. But you said let's give them a room to breathe." The police officer stares at his friend. "But what about us, partner? Let's say two months from now?" Hale winks.

"That's enough time." Vex nods.

Ciara raises her eyebrow and obviously confused. "Enough time for what?"

"Vex, let me explain it to the good doctor." Hale turns to Ciara when he gets the affirmation he needs from Vex. "Vex and I will start a betting pool and we are thinking to start the 'odds on' two months from now."

Betting pool? Odds on?"

"Yes Doc. A betting pool in which the three of us..." Hale winks at Ciara. "...you heard it right, it includes you, will put a wager of $ 50.00 or $ 25.00 on the day we think Bo and Lauren will officially be a couple.""Okay. When you say 'officially be a couple', it includes 'exclusively dating'?

"That's fine with me." Hale looks at Vex. "And you?"

"I concur."

"So it's just the three of us? I can persuade Dyson to join." Ciara says.

"The more, the merrier Doc. What about Ryan?" Hale asks.

"Uh that one, I'm not sure if we can 'persuade' him." Vex frowns.

Hale raises his eyebrow.

"It's complicated partner. And it's not my story to tell so..." The businessman shrugs.

Hale holds his hands upright. "That's fine with me. So I can talk to Kenzi and Tamsin tomorrow at the birthday party. Those two won't miss this for the world."

"Alright. We finalize the details tomorrow." Vex rubs his hands while smiling widely. "This will be fun."

"I will make a temporary template for the betting pool so the others will have an idea of how we like it to be."

"Good idea man."

"Thank you. So I would like to talk to you three occupants of this house but..." Hale looks at Lauren with Bo. "...but the third member is busy with her 'friend' so I'll speak to the two of you." He laughs while doing the air quotes.

"Oh we'll just tell Lauren about it. So what is it Officer?" Ciara encourages Hale to speak.

"Your house is big and I am just wondering if you have an extensive security system. You know as a police officer and your friend, I'm just curious..."

"Well the owner seems to be a traditionalist so the 'extensive' security system that we currently have are just keys."

"Keys? Uh that's not comforting. If Bo will know this, she will tell you the same."

"Then let's hear it from you Officer. I'm actually thinking about it so now you're here, we can discuss it."

"Okay. Let's tour around your house and I will make suggestions."

Ciara nods. "That's fine with me Hale."

"Okay. Let's start with your main door..."

"Is this your truck?" Lauren gestures at the red pickup that was parked in the front of the house.

"It is actually my grandfather's but he doesn't drive anymore so I use it whenever my car is not available."

"I see." The doctor smiles widely.

"Why are you smiling like that?" Bo asks.

"Oh it's just that both the Lewis' patriarchs are both big fans of trucks." The blonde's face is nostalgic. "So I grew up riding shotgun in them." She sighs. "I just suddenly miss them, that's all."

"Really? Tell me."

"Well I started riding shotgun at the age of 9. I just love the feel of sitting in the passenger seat of a truck. We roamed the city of Torrance, just me and my grandfather, on every summer vacation I had with them. We visited his friends and he regaled them with my new scholastic achievements. He's very proud of me. He, being a former science teacher, was proud that one of his grandchildren followed his footsteps in loving science you know? Both my dad and Vincent went to study business and I was the only one who followed his footsteps." She steals a glance at Bo and sees the brunette smiling at her. "Why are you smiling like that?"

"I'm just happy to hear you talk about your grandfather. It is obvious that you love and miss him terribly."

"Yes I do. I love them both very much. It's just hard that my grandparents are far away from me. I really want to give back to them for all what they did for me. They were my first teachers - not just for science and baking but about love and life..."

Bo nods. "I understand. I also feel the same with my grandparents. That's why when my grandmother died, I felt a sense of regret that I wasn't able to give back for what she did for me. Good thing I still have Pops."

"You were 12 years old when your grandmother died right?"

"Yeah."

"You said earlier that she was very kind to you. And she gave you a painting of hers before she died. I know that it was frustrating on your part that you were not given the chance to love her more but I know that you are thinking about her every single day, correct?"

Bo's eyes are glassy as she asks the doctor, "How do you know that?"

"Well based on my experience, I can't think of my grandfather without thinking about my grandmother, that's how. And I know you are thinking about your Pops every single day and by that, I presume you are also thinking about her right?"

The police officer just nods.

"So by thinking about her every day, I think that she knows how much you love her."

Bo nods again. A tear drops from her eye.

Lauren sees the tear and exclaims, "Oh my God Bo, I'm sorry I made you cry."

A small smile escapes the brunette's lips. "No, it's okay Lauren. It's just that what you have said went straight to my heart and I can't help myself... maybe because it's Pop's birthday tomorrow and I can't help myself but to also think of my grandmother..." Tears keep on falling down. "I'm sorry, I can't seem to control my tears..."

The doctor's eyes widen. It hurts her heart seeing the brunette crying like this so without thinking, she resolves her dilemma right away. She walks into Bo's personal space and places her hand into her waist and her other hand to her shoulder. She encloses her arms into Bo's body and brings herself closer. After a few moments, she feels Bo's arms around her neck. She then slides her hand from the brunette's shoulder to the back of her head. She softly nudges it to lay on her shoulder. When she feels Bo's breath into her neck, she proceeds to rub her other hand on her back while comforting Bo with words.

"Shhh it is okay Bo, I'm here. I'm sorry I made you cry."

Bo nods and sniffs, unable to speak. She is overwhelmed by emotions not really foreign to her but is a little bit dazed on how quick the doctor comforted her.

Lauren sighs and closes her eyes, oblivious to Bo's warring emotions. She continues to rub the brunette's back. After a few beats, she starts to hum a song unconsciously. And then she sways them, side to side.

Where do I begin?

To tell the story of how great a love can be

The sweet love story that is older than the sea

The simple truth about the love he brings to me

Where do I start?

The swaying stops when she hears her name from the brunette's lips. She opens her eyes and leans back. "Bo?"

"What is the song that you are humming?"

"What are you talking about?"

"You were humming a song while you were comforting me. You also swayed us a little from side to side, you know like we're slow dancing." Bo smiles a little and winks at the doctor.

The doctor's face reddens and awkwardly smiles at Bo. "I honestly didn't..." Her explanation is interrupted by the ringing of her phone. The melody of the song Every Breath You Take by Police screams into the silent night. She huffs, "It's Dyson." She crunches her face.

Bo chuckles, forgetting her small breakdown earlier.

"Dyson?"

"Hi cupcake!"

"Don't call me cupcake!"

"But why? You are my cupcake!"

Lauren rolls her eyes. "I'm already on my late 20's so comparing me to a small cake is not appropriate at this time."

"What? But you are my cupcake!"

"Please just... argggggh!"

Dyson laughs. "Oh my! I'm not there with you right now but I know that you're already blushing!" He laughs more. "I miss you Lo!"

The doctor smiles at the sentiment. "I miss you too Dy!"

"Where are you?"

Lauren raises her eyebrow. "I'm here at the house, why?"

"Are you inside or outside?" Dyson teases.

"I'm outside." She clears her throat.

"Really? You're outside?" He mockingly questions her.

She knows this routine. "You know what, this is getting old." She looks at Bo. "Just tell me why you are calling."

"You are still easily flustered cupcake. You are like that because you are with Bo. Put me in speaker. I want to talk to her."

"What? Why?"

"You'll know. Please cupcake!"

Lauren huffs. "Fine." She leans into Bo and whispers, "Dyson wants to talk to you."

"Why?"

"I have no idea." She puts her phone in loudspeaker. "Dy, here's Bo."

"Hi Officer Dennis. I'm Dyson Thornwood, Lauren's cousin." The voice is gentle but firm.

"Hi Mr. Thornwood. What can I do for you?" She stands straight when she hears the formal greeting.

He hesitates. "Yeah well about that... I just want to ask a few questions, if it's okay with you?"

"Sure, go ahead."

"How long have you been a police officer?"

Of all the questions she's expecting to be asked of, this is not one of them. "Just over two years."

"Okay. So how do you find it? What I mean is, are you happy to be a police officer?"

The question somewhat bothers the brunette but she answers eloquently. "Well 'happy' is not the word that I will use in this situation Mr. Thornwood. I rather use the word 'fulfilled', if I may say so."

"Oh very good. I think that's better." He clears his throat. "In your experience as a cop, what was the hardest part of it?"

The brunette sighs. "Well I can say it is the time spent on it. Not just the number of hours but the uncertainty of fixed shifts. It's not that kind of 9 to 5 job. It's a 24-hour job as far as I'm concerned. A policeman's job doesn't end when he goes out of the station. It can be another shift."

"I see." He sighs. "Thank you for answering my questions Officer Dennis. It's a big help."

The doctor, whose innate characteristic is curiosity can't help herself not to intervene, interrupts the conversation between her cousin and Bo. "Help? What's going on Dy? And why are you interrogating Bo about her job? Are you questioning her intentions of being here as our friend? What's going on?"

"No no no cupcake! This is not an interrogation nor questioning her intentions of being there with you."

"Then what is this all about?" The doctor's protectiveness over the police officer is evident from the tone of her voice.

"Lauren, I'll be coming there in New Haven in two months. I'll be there permanently. I already quit the family business over here. I no longer want to be in the midst of it. I already talked to your mom and dad and they let me go. This is my chance to be there with Ciara. I'm asking these questions because I'm thinking of entering the police academy next year and be a policeman."

"Oh. Ciara knows about this?"

"Yes."

"Okay. You know that I will support you Dy. Sorry for biting your head off."

"It's okay. Just promise me that I can still call you cupcake." Dyson chuckles good-naturedly."

"Okay muffin!"

Her cousin groans. "I thought you have forgotten about that."

"Obviously no." She laughs.

"I really miss you Lo. Don't worry, in two months' time I'll be there." He sighs. "Officer Dennis, I'm sorry if you are offended by the way I ask my questions earlier. It's not my intention to do that. I just want your help."

"Just call me Bo, Dyson. And it's okay. I'm not offended or anything. Did I help you decide?"

"You're a big help Bo. Thank you."

"No problem. You are Lauren's cousin, Vex's best friend and Ciara's boyfriend so it's okay. No biggie. But can I ask you a question?"

"Go ahead."

"Why do you want to be a policeman? I mean obviously you're a businessman like Vex. But you're quitting."

"Well I've been with the family business from the time I graduated the business school. But my heart's not really on it. Ciara knew this. And I always go back to my time in the army."

"You served in the army? That's a big plus."

"All I really wanted was to be a law enforcement officer. But my family intervened and I got my business degree just to appease them. I already served the family for many years. I think it's my time."

Lauren speaks up. "And the family is very thankful for that Dy. Heck, I left California to avoid serving the family. But you stayed. Thank you for carrying that burden."

"Lo, don't be so hard on yourself. You did not avoid serving the family. You are part of that family. You are brave to follow your dreams. I'm not that brave enough to do that in the past and I admire you because you stood your ground."

"Thank you Dy. But you know my misgivings about that. So I'll expect you to be here in two months? I really want you to meet Bo and Hale. Well you already talked to her but you know to meet them both personally."

"I'm really looking forward meeting you in person Bo. And of course, Hale. Is he your partner?"

"I'm also looking forward to meet you Dyson. And yes, Hale is my partner."

"Thank you again Bo. Cupcake? I miss you. I'll be there in October. Just to visit all of you. I miss Ciara terribly. Phone and video calls are not enough." Dyson sighs. "I may ask her to marry me next year Lo."

"What really?! I'm so happy for you Dy."

"Do you think she'll have me?"

"Of course, she'll have you! My God Dy, it has been what, 9 years! You are a changed man because of her!"

"Oh you need to mention that in front of Bo?" Dyson groans.

Bo laughs. "It is okay Dyson. At least you changed. That's a good thing."

"See?" She looks at Bo. "You know Dyson was a player back then. That's why I called him 'muffin'. You know, stud muffin?" The doctor laughs. "When he met Ciara, he eventually changed. It was admirable, still is."

"Thank you cupcake for that trivia!" He exclaims then momentarily sobers. "When you meet 'The One' Lo, you will understand. Ciara is 'The One' for me.

"I know. She really loves you."

"I know. That's why I'm going to marry her."

"Wow."

"You're the first one to know Lo. And I want you to be with me when I choose her engagement ring, okay? I need her measurements and what she wants. Please Lo."

"You didn't have to beg. Of course I will be there!"

"Hey, I am here! I also know now." Bo interrupts while laughing.

"Of course Bo. I'm just happy to share the news."

"Well I'm happy for you and Ciara."

"Thank you." They hear a voice calling Dyson. "That's Leonard Lo. I need to go. He's replacing me at Lovel Pharmaceuticals so we need to go over some details. I'll talk to very soon okay. Love you!"

"Seriously Leonard will replace you? Wow strange things happen!"

"I know right!"

"Well I will let you go then. Love you too Dy! Bye."

"Bye Lo! Bye Bo!"

"Bye Dyson!" The brunette officer quips.

Lauren stares at her phone. "Wow that's a lot to take in."

"What do you mean?"

"Well, first is Dyson coming here and planning to stay, then proposing to Ciara. Second, quitting his job and planning to be a policeman then, his older brother Leonard taking over his job." Her eyebrow furrows. "Those are big changes in his life. Of course I will support him as he supported me when I decided to come here."

Bo nods, a signal to the blonde to continue.

"Dyson has been a straight arrow all his life. What I mean is he lives by the rule. He will do what his parents tell him to do. No questions asked, he will not hesitate. That's the difference between him and Vex."

"Vex is a rule breaker?" The brunette asks.

"Exactly. For Vex, if he doesn't want it he won't do it. Even if it's his mom telling him to do it. Growing up with Vex and Dyson, I saw the difference between them. Like for instance, my mother really wanted me to learn how to ride horses but I didn't like it. Dyson admonished me and said that I should follow my mother. He said my mother just want the best for me. But Vex told me not to do it if I didn't want it. So I defied my mother. My mother became angry at Vex. And he didn't mind. You know what happened?" Bo shakes her head. "Dyson took my place. He learned to ride horses for me just to placate her."

"Wow. They both loved you that time but they showed it in different ways."

"I know. It's amazing, having them both as my brothers and best friends. Now I realized Dyson will be here very soon. Do you think there will be a confrontation?"

"Confrontation?"

"The bet Bo! He will finally propose to Ciara. Do you think the secrets will unravel themselves?"

"Oh yeah! So Dyson will also live here in this house?"

"Of course. My God, the three of them will be together in this house. And I'm in the middle of it." Lauren widens her eyes.

"Well it looks like Vex and Ciara are okay being on the same house… is Vex currently dating someone right now?"

"No, he's dating on and off and it's off for now." The blonde looks at the brunette. "Why? Are you interested?"

"Whaaat! Of course not!" Bo exclaims indignantly. You're the one I like to date and no one else.

"I'm just kidding Bo." The doctor winks. She's still beautiful when she's flustered.

Bo huffs. "Well I'm asking because in this situation it will be in their best interests if he's dating so that Dyson will not think that Vex is taking advantage of his absence."

"You think Dyson will think that way?"

"It can go either way Lauren. Between us, you are more capable of answering that question since you knew him all your life." Bo shrugs.

"Oh. Just fuckin' great!" The doctor whines. "Would you think that I'm bad if I say that the sooner the confrontation happens, the better for all of us?"

"Then we are both bad Lauren. After that, they can all move on. Just think that the confrontation will be cathartic for all. Emotions will fly, words will be spoken but in the end, all will be well. Then you will stop worrying then."

"I hope you're right Bo." She sighs. "You know I just realized Dyson and Vex are experiencing milestones in their lives, totally 180 degrees turnaround."

"What do you mean?"

"Well I told you about Dyson being a straight arrow and Vex being a rule breaker?" Bo nods. "As you heard from Dyson, he's now coming out of his shell. All his life, he is following everyone telling him what to do. But now, he's doing the complete opposite. He's now doing the things he wanted to do in the past. And Vex, for once in his life, is following what he was ordered to do." The doctor thinks for a moment then exclaims, "Oh I haven't told you about Vex…"

The officer interrupts, "Yes you haven't told me about that. But before we talk about Vex, do you want us to sit inside the truck? Our legs are already stretched for quite some time you know." She laughs.

"Oh yeah. Sorry Bo." She then tugs the officer's arm and they walk towards the truck. "Let's go then. Let me take a look at your truck."

Bo let the doctor drag her to where her truck is parked. At this point, she knows she will follow Lauren wherever she wants her to be. She knows it's been only two days but the pull the doctor has with her is undeniably strong and can't be denied. It's like they are making up for the lost time. It's a good feeling inside and it warms her heart. She's still thinking about it when she hears the doctor calling her name.

"What?"

"Where have you been?"

"Here with you." She smiles her patented bedimpled smile.

The blonde laughs. "C'mon." She stares at the truck. "This is a Dodge Dakota TRX4 right?"

Bo's eyes widen. "How did you know that?"

"Well the same exact truck is sitting in my grandparents' garage. The only difference is the color. Mine is yellow."

"Seriously?"

"Yes. It was a gift from my grandparents on my birthday 2 years ago."

"What a nice coincidence!"

"It is. So can we sit now?"

"Oh sure. Let me…" Bo unlocks the car. She immediately goes into the driver's side of the truck and looks at Lauren. "Do you want to sit here in the driver's seat?"

"Can I?"

"Sure." Bo opens the truck's door and wait for the doctor to enter the vehicle.

"Bo you don't have to open the door for me. I can do it by myself." Lauren groans.

"I want to do it. Please Lauren, come here now and sit on the driver's seat. C'mon."

The doctor beams. "Thank you Bo. You're sweet."

When Bo sees the doctor finally sit on the driver's seat, she turns around and hurriedly walks towards the passenger seat. She climbs the passenger seat and settles into it.

"So Doctor, how was it? When was the last time you have driven your truck?""

"Well last year when I was there during Thanksgiving. I drove my grandfather around Torrance. It was fun." The doctor relates while rubbing the steering wheel.

Bo turns her body to the left. She stares at the doctor's face then looks down at the hands that are rubbing the steering wheel, her steering wheel. Oh how I envy the steering wheel now. She gulps. "Uhm so what's the thing about Vex?"

"I told you that Vex is a rule breaker. He is the complete opposite of Dyson. But now it seems their roles are reversed. Dyson is breaking all the rules while Vex is following what his mother is telling him what to do."

"And that is?"

"Quitting his family's business and transferring the role of CEO to his younger sister."

"What?"

"From the time Vex got his Electrical Engineering Sciences degree, he took over his family's business. His mother was the former CEO but she got tired, retired from the family business and reluctantly gave the reins to him. She was reluctant because the degree he got from Yale was not a business related degree but he's intelligent and resourceful so he thrived. She was proven wrong. He stayed here for 2 years after he graduated, ran the business from here. But you know, to really know the business he really needed to be there so he went home. He was there for four years Bo. Then he came back in New Haven and managed the business from here. Last night when I went to Nadia's house, he was waiting for me in the house because he wanted me to know about his mother's directive. Although he's the CEO, his mother is still the matriarch of the family."

Bo is shocked but skeptical. "He just gave it up?"

"That's what he told me. He's still the CEO up until December 31 but he will be transferring it to Roxanne after that."

"Roxanne is his sister?"

"Yes. His mother is letting him go. He was sad and a little bit hurt because he worked hard for his family's business. And now his mother is taking it all away from him. But he loves his sister and he said he won't be a hindrance to his sister's success."

"I know that I'm not really knowledgeable about businesses but can't his mother give Roxanne another position in the company, like CFO or COO?" Bo asks, very curious about Vex's situation.

"Me too Bo. I really don't know the reason but all I know is that Roxanne just got her MBA from Stanford University this year." Lauren frowns. "Oh yeah, I have a theory." She looks at Bo.

"I think you nailed it on the head Doctor." Bo winks.

The doctor nods. "So now, he's grasping at straws. He doesn't know what to do next year." She leans her right shoulder on the driver's seat back support. "I suggested that he go back to school. He's considering it but I don't know…"

"Yeah well, Tamsin is also in quandary of what to do next. She has been working as a bartender in my grandfather's pub for years but she already finished school. Now she doesn't know if she will continue working at the bar or pursue her career as an interior designer and landscaper."

"Lots of decisions to make…" Lauren turns her body and leans back. "What about you? You told Dyson that you are fulfilled with your job. Is that true?"

Bo bites her lip. "Yeah that's true. I mean it was only two years but I'm doing what I want although sometimes my childhood dream comes popping up in my mind."

The officer's statement captures Lauren's rapt attention so she turns her head to the brunette and asks, "So what's your childhood dream Bo?"

"I wanted to be a lawyer like Pops but I like to be a prosecutor, then maybe I can be a district attorney." The officer sighs. "Who knows? Maybe someday…"

"Well you can always go back to school. You're still young…" The doctor smiles encouragingly. "As long as the desire still burns in your heart and mind, it will happen."

"I hope so. Thank you Lauren. What about you?"

"Me? Right now, I'm officially on my 4th year of residency. As you know my specialty is Genetics, specifically Clinical Genetics and Genomics. In my first two years of residency, I was trained to provide comprehensive diagnostic treatment, management and counseling services for individuals and families at risk for clinical disorders with genetic basis."

"So you can also see and treat patients?"

"Yes. I will be a specialist that is trained to evaluate individuals of all ages who are at risk for hereditary conditions."

"Will?"

"Once I pass the board certification that will be held in August next year."

"You will pass it in flying colors."

The doctor laughs. "How do you know that I will pass Officer?"

"I know, trust me." Bo winks at her.

Lauren chuckles. "Well I will be going to undergo two board certifications - one for Clinical Genetics and Genomics and one for the laboratory counterpart. I am now in my second year of my residency for the research or laboratory part. This is actually my favorite, the research. So I really can't fail."

"Why?"

"Because it is my favorite and I think it is very important because scientists like me know that unlocking the genetic code would lead to a better understanding of health and disease. There are still many undiscovered and unclassified diseases in the world Bo that can trigger widespread danger. I want to discover at least one of them and then of course, I also want to discover how to treat that disease so that at least on my own little way, I'll be doing my part in helping mankind."

"That's your goal?"

"Career-wise, yes. To discover a disease and its treatment or to discover a new technique that will unravel the treatment of an untreatable disease that was already discovered."

"Those are admirable goals Doctor. How do you plan to do that if I may ask?"

"Research grants my dear Officer." The doctor smiles widely. "There are numerous government agencies, like the National Institute of Health, that can provide scientists the funding they need for their research."

"I see. So that's your... what 5-year goal?"

"Yes it is. What about you?"

While the two ladies are sitting comfortably inside the truck, the two insatiably curious men are presently looking for them.

"Hale, where are they? Can you see them from where you stand?" Vex whispers his question, leaning on the side of the house.

"Uh yes, they are inside the truck."

"Let's go. I want to go and talk to them for a change. Go on. They are already glued together most of the night. What the hell are they talking about?" The shorter man exclaims incredulously.

Hale laughs. "Things that you talk about with the person that you like. Like when you are in a date, getting to know each other."

"Oh yeah, getting to know each other." Vex nods. "Let's approach the vehicle from behind. I don't think they will notice us. I will approach the driver's seat." The two men quietly walk towards the truck.

Hale hears his partner's voice. "... maybe in 2 to 3 years, I'll get my detective badge. I always wanted to be a homicide detective..." He raises her eyebrow. Oh partner, sharing your dreams already?

On the other side, Vex is looking at the side mirror. He doesn't want Lauren to see that he's spying. He's already near the driver's seat but the two passengers of the truck don't seem to notice their presence. Looks like they are inside their own little world. Then suddenly, he hears his best friend's voice.

"Oh a detective like Hercule Poirot and Sherlock Holmes! That's amazing Bo!"

That's when Hale decided to have their presence known. "Oh yes partner that's amazing! Right Vex?"

To tell the two women are shocked beyond belief is an understatement but the sounds they made are comical if not outright laughable.

Bo was the first to recover from the shock. She punches her partner on the arm and hollers, "Hey you can't just do that to us Hale!"

"And why not? Vex and I are already here a few minutes ago and you didn't notice us!"

"What? That's impossible. Bo and I are just talking and then you just speak up!"

"No you ignored us and that hurts Lo!" Vex interjects.

Lauren laughs and turns her head to Vex. "You are always my drama king Vex! C'mon we didn't hear you approaching the truck. That's kind of sneaky."

"We did use our ninja skills Doc." Hale smirks.

Bo glares at her partner. "So... what do you need from us, the two of you?"

Vex gasps. "Oh my God! The two of you are in your own little world ages ago. You don't want to hang out with us? We are just chopped livers for you huh, Officer Dennis?"

The brunette officer blushes. "We are not in our own little world Vex. We are just hanging out. We went inside the truck because Lauren here told me that she has the exact same truck in her grandfather's garage in Torrance."

"Oh yeah. Lo, is it the same model? Talking about coincidence Officer Dennis!" Vex winks at Bo and wiggles his eyebrows.

Bo can't help herself but to laugh at Vex's antics.

"Yes it is. Remember when I have driven us to Los Angeles and my parents saw us?" Lauren looks at Bo and Hale. "My father was so happy he rode at the back and went with us to The Grove. While my mother was left in the parking lot fuming mad because... what did she say Vex?"

Vex crumples his face and points his finger to the doctor. "I won't tolerate this behavior Lauren. I won't have the heiress of The Lewis family seen driving a truck in the middle of Los Angeles." Then laughs wickedly. "Oh my God, I was so afraid of her she might succumb to heart attack. You are so bad that day Lo!"

Bo looks at Hale when Vex mentioned the term 'heiress'.

"What happened after that?" Hale asks.

"Well her mother just went back to their building and maybe cursed her husband and daughter?"

Hale looks at Bo when Vex mentioned the phrase "their building'. He can't help but ask, "What is The Grove?"

Lauren blushes. "Oh that's our favorite restaurant in Los Angeles."

Vex sobers up. "Yeah it's our favorite restaurant." He looks at Lauren and clears his throat." We eat there a lot. Maybe some time Bo and Hale, you go with us to California and we will eat there. You will love it. Lots of great food and the ambiance wow! You will see why it was called 'The Grove'."

"A grove means a small group of trees right? It's like an orchard, with lots of trees that bear fruits." Hale asks.

"That's right Hale. The idea of 'The Grove' is exactly patterned on that definition. The restaurant was surrounded by group of trees – trees that are tall like a sequoia tree and trees that bear fruits like apple, orange, pear, etc. It was like dining in the middle of a forest."

Bo asks, "Who owns the restaurant?"

"A family friend." Vex immediately replies. "The whole idea is good right? You will experience eating out surrounded by lots of trees. You won't know that you are in the middle of Los Angeles or any of the cities of California."

"Any of the cities of California, you mean what?"

"Oh The Grove in Los Angeles is not the only one. It has restaurants in Torrance, Palos Verdes Estates, San Francisco, San Diego, Sacramento, Long Beach and Fresno."

"With the same concept, the restaurant surrounded by lots of trees?"

"Of course."

Bo looks at Lauren and sees the doctor looking down at her lap, biting her lip. Her attention is back with Vex when the businessman quips, "The restaurant in Los Angeles, Palos Verdes Estates, Torrance and Long Beach each earned one Michelin star already. The others are on their way to earn it."

"One Michelin star? Wow those stars are hard to earn." The brunette officer exclaims.

"Aha, you know your Michelin stars Bo?"

Bo snorts. "Of course. I watched countless cooking shows, food channels and food expeditions on TV. I should know."

Lauren looks up. "Really?

"Yeah. I love food Lauren. You should know that by now."

"Really Officer Dennis? You love food more than..." He is interrupted when Ciara suddenly appeared at the side of Hale.

"What are you talking about?" Ciara asks.

"The Grove." Vex answers.

"Oh the Michelin starred restaurants that Lauren's family own." Ciara nods and smiles.

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Author's Note: Maybe you noticed that I changed the tense of the story. I thought about this for a long time and I think using present tenses are better. I will change tense of the previous chapters. Thank you to the guest who commented about it.