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?

12. Chapter 12 - Fall 2006

Author's Note: As I promised, another chapter is here. Enjoy. Thank you for the reviews, favorites, follows and just by reading this story of mine. I'm not really a good storyteller but I'm doing by best :). Three days ago, I received a prompt in my e-mail stating that a guest has reviewed my story. I am always looking forward to each review even though it's a bad review. But this review, it's not that bad but I was incredulous after reading it. Just to be clear, at this time of the story Lauren is 27 years old and Bo is 26 years old but she will be 27 in a few months so expect a birthday chapter very soon. I admit that I miscalculated the years Dyson and Ciara have been together. I know I've written it 9 years but it should be 10 so pardon my mistake. The review also said that Bo and Lauren talked mainly about leaves... so nothing else is happening. Are you reading my story dude? They just didn't talk mainly about leaves, you are taking it literally. Look at their connection! Or maybe I just failed to convey what I really want to say in the scene. Okay, end of rant!

Last week, it was Anna Silk's birthday and she started a blog. I read her first entry and I was really amazed. I was inspired. Anna, you are amazing! I'm glad that you and Zoie are both amazing and inspiring women. It really pushes me to tell this story.

Disclaimer: I still don't own Lost Girl. I just want to be a part of their world.

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

Chapter Twelve

Vex groans and covers his face with his hands. Lauren closes her eyes and sighs.

"What? What happened?" Ciara looks at Bo and Hale.

Hale looks at Bo then to Ciara. "You kind of let a secret out Doc."

"What? I mean, it's a secret?"

"Of course not Ci." Lauren speaks up. "Vex is actually easing on telling them that. And because I'm kind of shy talking about it. You know about what I feel about all of these Ci. The enormity..."

Ciara interrupts. "I'm so sorry Lauren." She says contritely. "I know how you feel."

Lauren looks at Bo and Hale, her face apologetic. "Vex and I didn't mean to mislead you or anything."

"No harm done Doc." Hale smiles.

Bo leans towards Lauren and rubs the doctor's shoulder. "No problem Lauren. I actually thought about it. Vex has been going on and on about 'The Grove' and he's so familiar with it so I have some ideas. At first, I thought that Vex's family owns it but when he said that the family of his friend owns 'The Grove', I kinda think that your family owns it instead. And plus, you are looking down all the time while Vex regaled us about 'The Grove'. You haven't said a word after you told us that it's your favorite restaurant. Then you perked up when I mentioned the Michelin stars."

Vex stares at Bo and smiles, his eyes thankful. "Hey very good observational skills Officer."

"Thank you Vex." She smiles. "So Lauren, since your family owns it then you should treat us when we come to California." She winks at the doctor.

The doctor blushes again. "Sure no problem Bo. Just come to California, you and Hale both and I'll make sure that you will enjoy your time in 'The Grove'."

"Oh yeah!" Hale does a fist pump but quickly sobers up. "But when are we going to California? It's so far away!"

Ciara laughs. "Well maybe we can do that a little bit sooner huh?"

Vex's eyebrow quirks up. "Huh! What are you planning to do?"

"You'll see." She winks at Vex.

Vex's curiosity flares up, leans into the driver's seat window. "What's up? You're going back to California?"

The doctor nods. "I am invited by Dyson's parents." She opens the back door to the truck and climbs in.

"Really? When is this?" Vex stretches his neck to look at Ciara.

"I'm not sure if I'm going there in Thanksgiving or Christmas.

"Thanksgiving will be hosted by the Thornwoods so..." He looks at Lauren. "... then the Christmas will be the Lewises, right?"

"Right."

"Thank God I'm not hosting anything this year." Vex huffs.

"Well you will be hosting again next year."

"Oh yeah. But it's next year so that's okay."

"Your families are alternating as hosts?" Hale asks.

"Yeah. Last year's Thanksgiving was hosted by the Lamberts while Christmas was by my family. Next year, Ryan and I will be switching occasions."

"That's a tradition of your families?"

"For over 20 years or so." Lauren states somberly.

"Why do you say it like that?" Vex laughs.

The doctor stares at Vex. "What?"

"Like you are tired of it."

"No of course not. It's just now that I'm reminded that my family will be hosting Christmas, I'm not really looking forward for what will happen."

"Like?"

"Well first I'm not allowed to cook or bake."

"You are not? How come?" Bo asks.

Lauren snorts. "Because I am assigned to socializing. And I hate it. I want to be in the kitchen, not in the living room talking to people that I don't want to talk to."

"I'll stick with you. I won't keep you out of my sight."

"Really?" She slaps cheek lightly. "You left me in last year's Thanksgiving." She looks at the others and pouts. "He left me when he saw Joann."

"And who's Joann?" Hale asks.

"My Nana Lupe's daughter."

"What?" Vex puts his hands in his waist. "Wait. You misunderstood my motive of seeking Joann out last year. I want her out of your hands."

"Out of my hands? Why? We already talked Vex. She said she understood."

"No, it's the other way around." He slaps his forehead. "My mistake; I want you out of her hands."

Lauren frowns then sighs.

Ciara looks at Hale then they look at Bo. Bo's face is unreadable.

"Well she was crying and the others were starting to stare at her. What a time to confess her feelings then being shut down. I dare say what a waste of time when you already told her..." Vex suddenly stops and clears his throat, now being mindful of his audience. "... that you don't have the same feelings for her. I'm sorry Lo, I don't intend to tell that story."

"It's okay Vex." She then faces the three of her friends. "Joann is my Nana Lupe's daughter. She's three years younger than me. We were close when we were young because early on, Nana Lupe introduced them to Vincent and me. Nana's other child is Gilbert, two years younger than Joann. They were nice kids." She stops, wanting to choose her words carefully. "Two years ago, my grandmother, well Grandma Lewis told me that Joann has been telling her how she admires me and her intention to visit me here. Moms warned me that it's not a simple admiration. Her intention to fly here and see me is a big thing. So I told Moms to stop her because it won't do any good. It's just a waste of her time. So last year, she cornered me and confessed."

"It was not a good sight. Dyson and Ryan were both useless, they just stood there and watched. It was awkward. Vincent was shocked. So to save her face, I pulled Joann from you and let her out of the house. And I also gave her some advice." Vex shares.

"Really? Can we hear it?" Ciara asks.

"Seriously?"

"Yes. Go on, I want to know what you told her."

Lauren looks at Bo. She scans the brunette's beautiful face at that very moment. There's a certain disconnect that occupies her face, a mask. A wall she certainly erected; an act that she is accustomed to. The doctor looks away, her heart hurts a bit. She doesn't want to see the mask so she doesn't dwell on it. She looks at her best friend and encourages him to continue. "Please continue."

"Okay. I told her – Things will get better Joann. Right now, you are hurting and it hurts a lot. I know what you are going through. I won't tell you the details but I know. It will take time and it will take a lot from you. It will be a process. Moving on is a process." He sighs. "She then asked me what if she doesn't want to move on. I asked why. She said maybe you'll change your mind." He looks at Lauren. Lauren closes her eyes and shakes her head. "Well I told her – Joann, Lauren is not like that. When she said no, it's really a no. She won't change her mind. She already told you no and it's an outright refusal. I'm sorry but you need to hear the truth. But I'm telling you, you need to move on. It's for your own good. Then she cried and cried. And then I just hugged her."

"Doc, you are a heart breaker!" Hale quips. "There's Nadia, then now there's Joann..."

The doctor opens her eyes and looks at Hale. "No I'm not a heart breaker. You know why? Because I don't know why Joann felt that way for me. Why me? I really felt bad because she's my childhood friend. I tried softening the blow but I..." She frowns. "It's better that way. I needed to tell her early on. Less time, less heartaches right?"

"I wholeheartedly agree." Vex nods.

"Me too." Hale agrees.

When silence ensues, Vex looks at Bo. "Bo?"

"What?"

"Do you agree?"

"Oh! Yeah, yeah I agree." Bo says absent-mindedly. Vex raises his eyebrow. Then he looks at Ciara. "And you?"

Ciara shrugs. "Uhuh." Her phone rings. "Oh it's Dyson. Excuse me guys!" She gets out of the truck and walks towards the house. Vex sighs.

"And as for Nadia..." Lauren glances at Hale. "...I didn't feel bad breaking her heart because I didn't really like her... at all."

Bo can't help but smile at Lauren's statement but she suddenly wipes the smile off her face when she noticed Vex is looking at her.

Lauren, oblivious to what happened, looks at Vex. "You know you haven't told me what you told Nadia so she could stop..."

"... pestering you?" The doctor nods. "I told her that I'll kill her if she keeps on bothering you." Vex states nonchalantly.

"Seriously?" Lauren asks Vex, her irritation evident in her face.

"Seriously. Try it, it's effective. She stopped right?"

"You know that I know you so well Vaughn. And I know I'm not the most perceptive person out there but I know when you're lying." Lauren admonishes her best friend.

Hale and Bo snicker.

"So what time do we have to go to your house tomorrow Bo?" He asks, effectively changing the subject. Lauren rolls her eyes.

The brunette officer sobers up. "Oh yeah. The party will start at around 7:00 pm since that's the time Pops will go home from his meeting with his friends. You have to be there an hour before that."

"Okay. Hale man, you are also coming at around 6:00 pm?"

"Yeah, I will be there on the dot."

"Don't forget."

"You know I won't." Hale winks.

Bo looks at Hale and Vex. Huh there's something going on and I don't have any idea.

"Hale, what do you usually do in a Sunday?" Lauren suddenly asks.

"You're asking me Doc?" The tall officer winks. "Every Sunday, my family and I, immediate and extended family included, come together in our house to have our luncheon. My mother will cook her usual dishes. Mind you, they are delicious so it's okay if she cooks them every week. That's it. But if I wake up early, I sometimes run. Just to keep on shape you know so I could jump cliffs more." He laughs.

The doctor sits up straight. "You run?"

"Yes Doc. I started doing it when I was still in Brown. It's part of the training for basketball varsity players." He looks at his partner. "Right Bo?"

"Oh yeah of course. We need to run to increase the endurance and efficiency of the cardiorespiratory system. But running is just one part of the cardiovascular training. We can also do biking, swimming and hiking. Running is effective but it could also be stressful so it should not be done for a long period of time or distance. That's for the aerobic part. We still have the anaerobic part wherein we need to sprint then rest." Bo relates.

Hale stares at her. "Partner, again you astound me."

"Why? What I said is true. That's our usual off-season training regimen..." Bo continues.

Hale looks at Vex. "Look at her huh, she just goes on and on..."

"Oh I can relate Hale. This one..." He points at Lauren. "...is also like that."

"Hey we're here, we can hear you." Lauren says in protest. She looks at Bo and frowns. Bo winks at her.

The doctor realizes that the mask is now gone. She breathes a sigh of relief.

"Hey you two stop that. Before we talk about anything else, what's with you two? I think there's something going on." Bo asks the men. "I intend to find out, that's a promise."

Hale smiles. "What? There's nothing going on. Right Vex?" He certainly acts hard to look innocent.

"Nothing is going on." Vex shakes his head.

Bo narrows her eyes. "Right." She looks at her watch. "Whoa! It's already 11:30 pm. Hale and I already took much of your time tonight." She looks at Lauren and Vex. "And since you..." She points to Hale and Vex. "...are hiding a secret from us..." She points to Lauren and herself. "...it's time to go home. And besides, we will be seeing each other tomorrow. I'll continue the badgering at the birthday party."

Lauren laughs as the two men frown.

Vex removes himself from the driver's seat door and quickly walks towards Hale.

When the two men are halfway to the house, Bo looks at Lauren. "See? They are keeping a secret but they aren't hiding it."

"What? I'm kind of confused."

"Look at them. They are talking in a secretive way. They have something that they are keeping from us but they are not being subtle. We are still here. They know we can see them."

Lauren nods. "So what is it all about? You have any idea?"

"No idea whatsoever but as I told you, I intend to find out."

"Maybe it's not too important because they are not trying to hide it.

"Yeah, but my spidey senses are tingling. That's why I can't just ignore it."

The doctor laughs. "Spidey senses? What, you're 12 years old?"

Bo's face reddens, smiling shyly. "Oh Kenzi and I called it like that."

"I'm just teasing you Bo. It's cute." She leans forward and moves to open the truck's door. "Let's go inside the house. I bet they are already waiting for us."

Bo scrambles to her seat, opens her door. "Uh don't move Lauren. Let me open the door." She goes out and quickly walks towards the other side.

"But..." She protests. "...I can do it myself." She stares at the approaching figure of the officer. "You don't have to do this Bo."

"Well I'm here now." The brunette opens the door and gestures as if she's opening the door for a royalty. The doctor exits the driver's seat smiling.

"Thank you."

"You're welcome. Let's go." Bo starts to walk towards the house. She is already halfway when she finds Lauren still standing near the truck. She goes back where the doctor is. "Lauren..."

"Well did you know that there's a study that sought to determine if gender was related to the phenomenon of having one person open the door to a car for another?" The doctor asks.

Bo shakes her head.

"Some say that such a gesture of door opening is characterized as a form of benevolent sexism by males, reflecting their attempt to maintain dominance over women."

"Well I'm not a man so I will just call it chivalry. Do you agree Doctor?" The officer winks at the doctor.

"Very well said Officer." She smiles nervously. "Bo, before we go inside the house I would like to apologize..."

"Apologize? About what?"

"The incident about 'The Grove'.

Bo thinks for a moment and says, "But Lauren you already apologized for that and it's okay."

"But it's not okay with me. I want to explain."

"You don't have to do that..." Lauren starts to protest. "...but if you want, go ahead. For me, you don't need to explain Lauren."

"But why?"

"Because you have shared a lot of yourself tonight with me. You have spoken up and you haven't faltered in explaining things. You have opened up yourself. It was amazing really. I actually felt guilty because I just let you talk incessantly while I just listen. I didn't share a lot of me tonight."

"That's okay Bo. There would be next time."

"Then you don't have to explain. There would always be next time."

"But if I don't explain myself now, I don't think I will sleep peacefully tonight. I will think that I've done something wrong." She rolls her eyes. "Please Bo."

Bo nods and reaches out for the doctor's hand. "Fine. But first, let me tell you this. You didn't do anything wrong okay? At least in my eyes." She winks at the doctor.

The doctor lets out a small smile. "That statement makes me want to explain more now." She looks at the hand that is holding hers. She takes a deep breath and clear her throat.

"Hey looks like you are preparing for a long speech." Bo teases.

"Oh shut up!" Lauren groans.

"I'm just teasing you."

The doctor squeezes the officer's hand.

"Fine go ahead."

"The reason why I am very reluctant to share that part of my life is because I'm not really comfortable with the enormity of wealth and power my family has. That is one of the reasons why I decided to come here and study in Yale because I think Connecticut is so far away from California that I can't be reached, that I can avoid all of it. I don't even know all the businesses my family have right now. My father and brother even offered to take me to the main office and explain all of it to me. They offered every time I went home."

"You haven't been inside your family's building?"

"No. But I've been on the parking lot." The doctor smiles widely. "Remember the incident with my mother?"

Bo nods her head. "You haven't met any of your family's employees?"

"Oh I have. I have met all of them but not inside the building." She laughs. "We have this annual party for all of the employees and they were always held somewhere else."

"When did your family start to use that building as sort of headquarters?"

"1995. I was already here." She sighs. "Did you know that sometime in 1999, an issue of a business newspaper in California featured me in one of their articles and entitled it as 'The Reluctant Heiress'?"

"Sounds like a title of a 1970's trashy romantic novel."

"What?"

"Yeah, try googling it. There are lots of novels with that title."

"How did you know?"

"Let's not go there now. It's not that important." Bo smiles the patented bedimpled smile. "Are you finished with your explanation Doctor?"

"Yes."

"So do you feel good now that you have explained yourself?"

"You know, you can be a shrink. It's not too late to change careers."

"Well did you hear what I said to Dyson? I am already fulfilled with my chosen profession Doctor." She tugs Lauren's hand. "C'mon let's go inside. It's getting cold."

The doctor squeezes Bo's hand. "Thank you for listening Doctor Jung."

Inside the house, Hale and Vex are looking outside the windows.

"What are they doing? They seem to be talking again." Vex exclaims.

"Yes and it seems very serious. Look, no one's smiling." Hale tells his friend. "And they are holding hands."

"Is it too early for that?"

Hale laughs incredulously. "Are you serious?"

"Of course not. Hey, do you think Bo has an idea of the bet?"

"No, she's just fishing man."

"Okay. We should really keep it from them. The bet should be super secret. Tell that to Kenzi and Tamsin and whoever else that will join."

"No problem. Leave it to me."

"Oh looks like they are finished with their serious talk. They are already smiling. They are already walking towards the house. Come quick, let's sit." Vex quickly sits down on the couch. Hale follows.

Lauren is the first one who walks through the door then Bo. "Where's Ciara?"

"She's in the kitchen." Vex looks at Bo and Hale. "Do you want something to drink before you go?"

"Yes something to drink, preferably non-alcoholic." Lauren raises her hand.

Vex stands and walks towards the kitchen. "Let me get it for you."

Hale leans back at the couch. "Doc, tell me more about The Grove. What kinds of cuisine do the restaurant offers its customers?"

"Lots. Let me tell you first how it all began." She sits at the corner of the couch and crosses her legs. "My Grandma Lewis was a pastry baker. She began her journey of having a business with a small bakery near the house in Torrance. She called it The Dessert Factory. She baked a lots of pies and cakes and all kinds of bread and pastries. She went on and on and impressed Torrance of her brilliance in baking. My father suggested that they branch out to Los Angeles, then to San Francisco and the rest is history. When Nana Lupe came into our lives, my father thought of putting up restaurants in Torrance and Los Angeles. When the restaurants became successful, they incorporated the bakery with the restaurants."

"Wait Doc, so it means your restaurants have their own bakery on each branch?" Hale's eyes widen.

Lauren looks at Bo and they both laugh at him. "Yes Hale. And to answer your question earlier, we have American, French, Italian, Spanish, Greek, Chinese, Mexican, Japanese, Thai, Indian, British, Caribbean, Mediterranean, Vietnamese, Filipino, etc. We have a big kitchen. Every kitchen is in the center of each restaurant. Then the dining area is divided into 4 – 3 big dining areas then the other one is for the bakery."

"Wow that means you have lots of employees." Bo notes.

"Oh yeah. There's the executive chef, sous chefs, servers, the manager, cooks, dishwashers, hosts, buspersons, bartenders, bakers, counter servers, etc."

"And four of your restaurants already got 1 Michelin star each? How did they manage that? There are lots of cuisines that you cater to. That's impressive." The brunette exclaims.

"How do you know about that partner?" Hale asks.

"Again, watching food channels and any show that discuss food is my thing, really. I can watch them the whole day."

"No time to watch NBA games?"

"Of course, I have time for that. Once the 61st season starts, I'll be watching. It's just sad that the Knicks was dead last in their division last season."

"That sucks."

"You have the same favorite team?" Lauren asks.

"I actually don't have a favorite team Doc but since we are in the eastern side of the States, I dig most of the teams in the Eastern Conference so I'm okay with the Knicks." The tall officer replies.

"So your favorite is the Knicks?" Lauren asks Bo.

"Yeah, then the Celtics."

Vex suddenly walks towards the living room, carrying a carafe of lemon juice. "Aha, a Knicks and Celtics fan. A Lakers and Spurs fan here." He sneers at Bo.

The brunette groans. "Oh God, another Lakers fan."

"Who is the other Lakers fan if I may ask?"

"Tamsin."

"Oh goody!" He smiles widely. "We can go to Boston or New York if a game versus Lakers will come up next season."

"I'm game! You, Hale, Tamsin and I. Lauren will you go?" Bo asks seriously.

"I can watch. I think it will be fun considering Vex will not shout near my ears because I won't sit near him this time." The doctor laughs good-naturedly. "I think Dyson will also join. He also loves the Lakers. So if Dyson will come, then Ciara too. What about Kenzi?"

"She will come and support me. So it will be Hale, Kenzi and I versus Vex, Dyson and Tamsin? That's fair game."

Ciara suddenly appears. "What are you talking about?" She puts the glasses on the table.

"Basketball." Vex replies.

"Ugh basketball."

"We have a plan to go to Boston or New York if a game versus Lakers will come up this coming season. You will be coming of course because Dyson will come." Vex tells her.

"Sure. Lauren and I will just watch all of you cheer loudly until your voices fade." She chuckles.

"We'll bring the popcorn." Lauren answers back.

"What, the two of you will be fence sitters? No way! You need to choose a side." Vex demands.

"What side? The Light or the Dark? Unaligned? Anyone?" Lauren laughs at herself then seriously declares, "Of course Ciara will be on Dyson's side. So to be fair, I will be on Bo's side. Satisfied Vex?"

Vex's eyes widen. "You'll be taking their side?" His hand points at Bo and Hale.

"To be fair right? Ciara will always side with Dyson. Vex, it's fair. It's just a matter of having the equal number of people on each side." Lauren gestures with her hands.

Vex crosses his arms across his chest. "Fine." He looks at Bo. "As soon as the season starts and there's a game between Lakers and Knicks or Lakers and Celtics, we'll go watch live okay?"

"Of course, we are going to look at the schedule then we decide. Fair enough Vex?" Bo winks at him.

"Be thankful that I like you Officer Dennis. But now that I know you're a Celtics fan... I may change my mind."

"C'mon, you love the challenge. And besides, you know that not all the people in America love the Lakers." The brunette notes matter-of-factly.

"I agree. But if you will force me, I will actually admit that I love the Heat." Ciara quips.

Vex's jaw drops. "Really?"

"I love the Bulls." Lauren interjects.

"What? Seriously?" Bo raises her eyebrow.

"Yeah. Of course, the Bulls of Michael Jordan era. Not now. That's why I stopped watching NBA. No Michael Jordan. No Toni Kukoc." The doctor says the last name in a small voice.

"Say that again."

"No Toni Kukoc."

"Huh!" Bo frowns.

"Oh yeah, Lo loves Toni Kukoc." Vex announces, teasing the doctor. "Why do you like him so much?"

"His three-point shots and assists."

"And he's good-looking huh. Right Lo?"

"Right." Lauren glances at Bo and notices that she's still frowning.

"Doc, you don't need Toni Kukoc if you're just looking at three-point and assist stats. Add the good-looking part. My partner here..." Hale points at his partner. "... is the epitome of all that."

"Hale..." Bo shakes her head.

"Bo, you should be proud of the records you made in your basketball career! Hell, if I were you... man! You were a better player than me."

The brunette shakes her head. "That's not true Hale. We played different positions. We can't possibly compare that."

"Wait a minute... I'm curious." Vex puts up his hand. "Hale, do me a favor. Please tell."

"My partner here played for the John Jay Bloodhounds as a point guard. John Jay College is member of CUNYAC. That's City University of New York Athletic Conference NCAA Division III. She played from 1997 to 2001. She was the Rookie of the Year in 1997-1998 season when she led the Bloodhounds to their first championship appearance in years. But they lost it to City College of New York. The same happened the next season. The Bloodhounds and the Beavers became rivals. Bo was a member of the All-Tournament Team in her sophomore year. Everything changed when the 1999-2000 season came. The Bloodhounds, led by their team captain and junior star player who won the Player of the Year and Most Valuable Player, got the championship. It was the first championship for the JJC Women's Basketball Team ever." Hale looks at his partner who is currently very interested in her fingers on her lap. "The same happened the next year and their team captain happened to win the Athlete of the Year and her second Player of the Year and MVP awards."

"Wow." Vex looks at Bo.

"In her rookie year, she led the Bloodhounds in assists per game, steals per game and three-point percentage made. The same happened in her sophomore year. When she became a junior, she already led her team in points per game. The same thing happened on her last year as a player. She still holds the record in points averaging 22.7 per game."

"Finished Hale?" Bo asks, trying hard to suppress her irritation at her partner.

"Yeah I'm done. I'm sorry..." He looks at Vex. "... I can't remember her stats in assists, steals and three-point percentage. But what I remember is that her three-point percentage was above 50%."

"Wow, you are absolutely an outstanding basketball player!" Vex stares at Bo.

"Not really."

"Still humble despite of all those accolades. There's a reason why I like you Officer Dennis." He smiles at her.

"Thank you."

"That's quite an achievement Bo." Ciara notes.

"Thank you."

Vex is looking at Lauren staring at Bo with unguarded look of pride, a look someone will give to a significant other. He smiles widely, noting that the brunette officer is still looking down at her lap.

"Bo..." Lauren starts.

Bo looks up when she hears the doctor call her name.

"You should be proud of your achievements. Being a varsity player and excel like that... it is amazing. You obviously worked hard for it. And because of that, you deserved all of the awards. They were not given to you just because you were there but because you successfully made it happen."

The officer gulps the lump in her throat and says, "Thank you Lauren."

"You're welcome." The doctor suddenly looks at Vex. "Look at Vex."

"Me? And why?"

"He doesn't look like former varsity swimmer right?" Lauren laughs out loud.

"Seriously Lo? You're going to talk about this now?"

"What? I'm not going to talk about that." The doctor bits her lip innocently.

"Awww I'm not going to talk about that." Vex mimics Lauren's voice. "Well let's talk about your wardrobe malfunction at the... hmpf!" The doctor jumps up and covers Vex's mouth.

Bo chuckles at the doctor and her best friend's back and forth ribbing.

Hales speaks up. "What about the wardrobe malfunction?"

"Hale!" Bo elbows her partner, not believing what she heard from her partner.

"Oh sorry sorry. I'm just curious!" He puts both of his hands defensively. "I'm so sorry Doc." He looks at Lauren.

Lauren smiles at him. "It's okay Hale, no harm done. Vex is just exhibiting his usual naughty self. And besides, that's not a wardrobe malfunction. How can it be when... oh! I better keep my mouth shut."

Vex just laughs and laughs.

"Vex stop it or else... I'll tell them about that one time you went to the comfort room and you..."

"Okay stop. Truce Lo! Please... I'll just shut up."

Lauren smiles smugly and glances at Bo. She notices how intense the stare Bo is giving her. She is not for ready for it so she unconsciously bits her lip, smiles at the brunette a little bit longer than she intends to and looks away.

Hale looks at Ciara, "What about you Doc?"

"What? Did I experience a wardrobe malfunction?" Ciara laughs. Hale's face reddens. "No, I am not a college varsity player. But I was the head cheerleader when I was in high school."

"Right. You and Dyson really fit. The jock and the cheerleader." Vex teases Ciara.

"Of course. At least not the swimmer and the cheerleader." Ciara quips.

"And what do you mean by that?" Vex crosses his arms across his chest.

"Uh nothing." Her phone rings. "Wow saved by the bell." The doctor hurriedly goes out of the living room.

"What does she mean by that?" Vex repeats the question.

Lauren looks at Bo. Bo shakes her head and sighs.

"She means nothing Vex. Don't mind her. I think she's quite agitated. Dyson has been calling her all night long." The doctor speculates.

"How did you know that?"

"I received a call from Dyson earlier. He will visit next month."

He just nods and looks away.

Hale frowns and sits beside Bo on the couch. "What's going on?" He whispers to her.

"I don't know." She whispers back. She looks at Lauren. "Is he okay?"

"No. I know he's thinking about what Ciara says. And when he goes silent like that, I know he's pulling something from the past and contemplating hard about it."

"Maybe you should distract him a little bit so he could pull out from what he's thinking." Bo suggests.

"You're right." The doctor walks towards her best friend. "Vex... Vex..." He doesn't even flinch. "Vaugh..." Lauren says his name a little bit louder.

"Oh hey!" He exhales a deep breath. He then glances at the two officers. "Sorry about that. My attention momentarily flies into oblivion but I'm back."

"Hale and I are leaving now Vex. It's late and we all should rest because..." She looks at her watch. "... well it only 15 minutes away from tomorrow so later will be a big day." She smiles widely. "I will see the three of you at the house tomorrow okay? Vex, you already know where the house is right?"

Vex nods. "I'll drive us tomorrow there Bo. Thank you for inviting us. I can't wait to see Trick again. Don't worry about the cake okay?"

"Okay." She scans the living room. "Where's Ciara? We would like to say goodnight to her."

"Maybe still talking to Dyson. She'll live." Vex mutters.

Lauren sighs. "Don't worry, I'll tell her."

Hale walk towards the doctor. "Doc, I'll see tomorrow at Trick's party okay?" He encircles his arms into her shoulder and gives her a side hug.

The doctor looks up to him and smiles. "Okay. You'll be driving?"

"No. Bo will drop me at the house. Right partner?" He and the doctor walks towards the door, his arms still across her shoulder.

Bo sees Hale's arm around Lauren and rolls her eyes. Vex notices and laughs. "Don't worry Bo, I'm here." He mimics Hale's action and guides the brunette officer to the door. Bo punches his arm and shakes her head.

"C'mon Bo, lighten up. It's just a side hug, nothing else." Vex pouts. "It's harmless."

The pairs walk towards the truck comfortably with each other's company. When they reach the sugar maple tree, Vex stops. "Bo, say your goodnights to Lo. Say your sweet nothings. We will not look." He covers his eyes. Hale follows him.

Bo groans. Vex is making this hard. But she has to say goodbye for now. Last night was a disaster for her so she needs to compensate, of course for her own sake and sanity. She walks towards the doctor and stops right in front of her. She looks at her soft brown eyes. She speaks up before she loses herself into those brown orbs. "Lauren, I'll see you later okay? I would like to thank you for tonight. It really touches my heart that you shared so much of yourself to me. And how you comforted me when I needed it. I think that's all." She looks down shyly and chuckles.

Lauren smiles and touches Bo's cheek. "Look at me please." The brunette immediately looks up. "I want to thank you for listening to me all night. No one has ever given me that much freedom to talk endlessly. It really warms my heart Bo." She puts down her hand slowly. "Drive safely please. Text me as soon as you arrive at your house okay?"

Bo grins. "Okay." She breaths deeply and closes her eyes. "Can I... can I hug you?"

Vex and Hale stand straight when they heard the brunette's question. The shorter man opens his fingers that cover his eyes while the taller one removes his hand.

"Open your eyes Bo." The officer open her eyes and is immediately engulfed into a hug. She reacts fast and puts her arms around the doctor's waist and pulls her closer. When she feels Lauren's arms around her back, she breathes deeply and puts her chin on the doctor's shoulder.

The two men bump their closed fists and smile widely.

Lauren melts into the embrace. All she can think of is how sweet Bo smell and how close her body is to hers. She knows it will end soon so she indulges herself and further leans into the other woman's body. After a few beats, she becomes aware of the two pairs of eyes that are looking at them. She knows that they need to end this warm cocoon they created so she clears her throat and utters the brunette's name. "Bo..."

"Hmm..."

"They are looking at us."

"Who?"

"Vex and Hale."

"Let them..."

She can't help herself but laugh and punch Bo lightly at the shoulder. "Bo..."

Bo joins in her laughter then utters the doctor's name sweetly into her ear. "Lauren..." She then dares herself to do what she thinks is a very brave move. Before she changes her mind, she closes her eyes and brushes her lips softly against the doctor's temple. She leans back slowly, looking at the doctor, challenging her. The ball is in your court, baby. She winks.

The doctor's brain starts to freeze when she feels Bo's lips and her eyes stares at the officer unblinkingly. She jerks into consciousness when Vex taps her shoulder. She didn't notice that Bo already eases out of the embrace.

Oh shit I was completely out of it! She closes her eyes and breathes deeply to center herself. She feels much better when Vex encircles his arm around her shoulder. When she opens her eyes, the partners are already inside the truck.

Hale waves his hand goodbye as Bo adjusts her seat, keys the engine and looks at Vex and Lauren with a smirk on her face.

Vex hollers, "Bye guys. Drive safely." He points at Bo. "Look at what you have done. I think she's still out of it. You little devil..." He laughs contemptuously. "Maybe you have to kiss her again..."

When Lauren heard the word 'kiss', she speaks up. "Oh no, it's okay. I'm okay Bo. Just... just drive safely."

"Okay Lauren, see you later." She smiles her patented bedimpled smile. "Vex..." She narrows her eyes.

Vex points V-sign fingers to his eyes then to Bo. "I'm watching you." He mouths.

Bo's laughter is heard as the roar of the truck's engine fades into the night.

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Room 409

Yale New Haven Hospital

"So what are you going to tell me Miranda?" Nadia asks.

The nurse swallows and clears her throat. "Please Nadia, hear me out first before you react okay?" The patient nods. "You know that I'm from New York and my father died while I was only 11 years old. My mother raised us the way she could. What you don't know is that among their five children, I was the only one who persevered and finished college. These past few years, they all went to me whenever there's trouble, especially if they needed money. They knew that I am nurse here in Yale Hospital and they thought I am earning that much but I'm not. But I can't tell them that. I'm the only one they can count on. So I needed to earn money outside this job."

"And what side job is that?" Nadia asks, raises her eyebrow.

"I sell information."

Nadia frowns. "Information? Don't tell me you're selling information about the patients here? Mir, you know about HIPAA."

"Please let me finish. And to be clear, I'm not selling patient information Nadia. I love my job here. What I do on the side has nothing to do with our patients. Someone will hire me, someone who wants information about a person. We will talk about my fee. I also demand an allowance. I work hard and fast. They will pay me as soon as I give them the information they want."

"Okay. But what if the information they want is about a patient?"

"I already told you. I'm not doing that."

"But how can you be so sure? We admit lots of patients in this hospital."

"Before I accept a job, I make sure of it." Nadia shakes her head. "Okay. I act alone Nadia. There's no conspiracy. I don't have any snitch in the medical records department okay? And I don't do my jobs that way. I'm not a computer savvy. I have other methods."

"When did you start doing it?"

"I was already doing it before I came here."

"So I can conclude that you are already an expert."

"Yes."

"So why are you telling me all of these?"

"Last year before Christmas, a man approached me here in the hospital. He said he wanted information about a woman. He didn't say what his relationship with the woman was but he was very clear that he wanted me to know her friends, her whereabouts and who she's with all the time. He was very generous. He said if I yield results fast, he will employ me for the rest of the year." The nurse breathes deeply. "When he told me the name of the woman he wanted me to spy on, I hesitated. But I badly needed the money. One of my brothers was jailed because of some misdemeanor charges. He needed bail money. If I didn't give him the money, he will be jailed and my mother will be devastated."

"Who was the woman the man wanted you to spy on?"

"It was you." The nurse says in a small voice.

"What? Say that again?"

"It was you."

"What the hell!" Nadia exclaims. "I can't believe this. So that's the reason why you started sleeping with me huh? Fuck! I thought…" She puts her hands on her head. She suddenly slams her hand on the bed and says, "So that's your method? You seduce the person your client wanted you to spy on and sleep with him or her?"

Miranda stands from the chair and starts walking towards Nadia. "Nadia…"

"Don't come near me. I swear… fuck!"

"Nadia, I'm so sorry." The nurse's voice quivers. She starts crying. "You were a job for me at first but lately, I am…"

"Please don't continue that statement because from now on, I won't believe anything you will say to me. Fuck!" Nadia interjects. "Now… tell me the name of the man who hired you. Tell me!"

"It was your husband, Percy Saunders."

"You're my husband's spy?" Nadia asks incredulously. "What the fuck!" Her face reddens from anger. "How much did my dear husband pay you to whore yourself huh?" She points her finger to Miranda. "You… get out of my room. I don't want to see you again. Get out of my life Miranda Hamilton!"

"Please forgive me Nadia. I love you! I'm so sorry!" The nurse cries, her hands covers her face.

"Go away please!" Nadia orders the nurse. "Go now! I don't want to hear your voice ever again. And I don't want to see your face ever again! Do you understand? I will tell Dr. Holland to remove my room from your rotation."

Miranda stops crying and looks at Nadia. "Okay I hear you Nadia. I know that I hurt you. But I just want to tell you that every time I was with you, it always felt right. I fell hard for you. That is why I am telling you all of these. If this means goodbye, then this is it. Goodbye Nadia." Her voice cracks. She walks towards the door. "I love you very much. Take care of yourself." She opens the door and walks through it.

Nadia looks at the redhead's retreating back. When she heard the door click, she lets the tears she suppressed fall down on her face.

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Downtown New Haven

It's already 12:30 in the morning when Bo enters her house. She dropped Hale at the front of his house. This was after a good ribbing from her partner about the kiss she unleashed on the doctor. She smiled thinking of that. But it was just a soft kiss on the temple, nothing else. It was an innocent kiss. She just wanted to be a little bit affectionate.

She's very tired but it was all worth it because she and Hale accomplished a lot today regarding the case and she spent a lot of quality time with Lauren. She smiles at the thought of Lauren. It is like they are making up for the lost time. She can't remember having a long conversation with another person whom she just met and feeling comfortable to share things with each other. Maybe that's what a true connection means. Not just chemistry and spark, but an open communication with each other. She's still smiling and thinking of her dear doctor when she hears Kenzi calling her.

"Bo, is that already you?"

"Yes it's me Kenz."

"Wow you're all smiley and all. Had a good night with the doctor?" Kenzi sits in the couch.

"Yes, I had a good night not just with Lauren but with Vex, Ciara and Hale. We talked about the case among other things." Bo walks towards the couch and sits beside the younger woman.

"Then that's good. Meeting new friends is good for you Bo."

"It will also be good for you Kenz because I invited them for Pops' birthday. Apparently, Vex is a regular customer of The Dahl and is friends with Pops. I think that's the reason why Pops said that Lauren's name was familiar to him. Vex had told Pops about her. She actually went to The Dahl one time to meet him but Pops was in Ireland that time."

"Wow! Already introducing the future granddaughter-in-law to Pops? Isn't it too early for that?" Kenzi laughs.

"Ha ha! Too early! And there's nothing wrong with that, Pops knowing Lauren."

"Of course. I'm happy for you. It looks like you two really have strong connection Bo. And I want to see it with my own eyes. Good thing you invited them. I'm excited to meet Lauren."

"Thank you for the support Kenz." Bo loops her right arm on her best friend's shoulder. "By the way, they will bring Pops' cake. I told them not to bring anything but they insisted."

"They will buy Pops a cake? That's very generous."

"No. Lauren and Vex will bake a cake for Pops." Bo corrects Kenzi.

"What? Your doctor bakes?"

"And cooks." Bo adds.

"Wow! Really?" Bo nods. "Then marry her already!" Kenzi exclaims. "Just imagine all the food she can cook and bake for you! Nom nom nom!"

"Silly! Well she really is amazing!" Bo says dreamily.

Kenzi notices something yellow is sticking out of Bo's side pocket. "What's that?"

"Oh this?" Bo takes out the sugar maple leaf from her pocket. "Lauren gave this to me. This is a sugar maple leaf. As you can see, it was a perfectly colored leaf in autumn. It's yellow from the stem up to the lower part of the leaf while the rest of the leaf the colors orange and red are distributed evenly. According to Lauren, when autumn comes leaves are susceptible to change their colors because of the absence of sunlight. The absence of sunlight means the absence of chlorophyll and chlorophyll makes the leaves green. When a leaf turns to yellow, then orange to red and finally to brown, that's the time it will fall from the tree."

Kenzi's eyes glaze from Bo's lecture. She recovers quickly and laughs. "Seriously? You talked about that?"

Bo smiles widely. "Autumn is one of Lauren's favorite seasons. She talked about her childhood and how she observed trees during this season. She was specifically captivated with how the leaves changed their colors."

"How sweet and romantic! A sugar maple leaf for the first gift… what's next? Engagement ring?"

"Kenzi… don't be ridiculous!" Bo slaps the younger brunette's left arm and her face becomes serious. "I… just love her." She looks down at her lap.

The younger woman turns her head to fully face Bo at the couch. "So you're not hiding your feelings anymore?"

"Not from you or Tamsin or Hale or Pops." Bo looks up and smiles at her best friend.

"Then that's good Bobo. It's not good hiding things especially when strong emotions are involved." She looks intently at her best friend. "What made you decide to be open with your feelings for her?"

"Just to be clear, I'm now open with my feelings for her with you, Tamsin, Hale and Pops. Me, being open with my feelings is not for everyone understood?"

"I got yah sistah! So what made you decide? C'mon spill."

"Nothing special Kenz. I just don't want to deny it anymore. That's it."

"But you worry." The smaller woman scans her best friend's face.

"Yeah I do."

"About what?"

"What if she won't love me back? She's a doctor and I'm just a police officer. Surely she will find..."

"Wait!" Kenzi interrupts Bo's litany. "Where is this coming from? Bo, you were so happy a while ago... now it's like someone stole your favorite toy. I didn't know you have inferiority complex!" She stands up and places her hands on her waist, her mouth wide open in shock.

Bo sighs. "I don't have inferiority complex!" She closes her eyes.

"Oh really?" She answers mockingly. "If we're going to analyze your previous statement, you were asking what if she won't love you back. Are you serious? Yes, you spent the past two nights with each other's company. But Bo, it's only two nights. Give yourselves some breathing room. Get back to me in a few months." She sits again and lowers her voice. "And then you belittle your job! You said you love being a cop but now..."

The officer looks away and bites her lip.

"What's going on Bo? Talk to me! This is not about Lauren, isn't it?" Realization dawns on the younger woman. "This is about your mom. Am I right Bo?"

Bo just nods, fighting the lump in her throat and trying hard not to cry.

"Oh Bo, don't cry! Your mom was delusional to leave you when you were also hurting. I just can't believe that a mother can do that to her child." Kenzi's voice is incredulous.

"Well believe it. It's already 4 years... she's there somewhere and enjoying herself while I'm here and still picking up the pieces." She sniffs.

The younger woman walks towards her and loops her arms around her best friend. Bo returns the gesture. "Well it's her loss."

"Her loss?" The older woman leans back to look at Kenzi.

"Yeah. If she's here, she'll be a witness to her daughter's journey to being a good policewoman, her friendship and budding romance to a beautiful doctor..." She winks.

"Speaking of the beautiful doctor... she actually saw me crying earlier."

"What? You already spilled your guts out to Lauren? What did you tell her?"

"No, no I haven't told her anything. I just lost it for a moment when she told me about her grandparents and it got me thinking about Pops and Moms, especially when I remembered it's Pops birthday today. My tears betrayed me and I cried in front her. She comforted me with a hug. It's embarrassing."

"Your tears betrayed you?" Kenzi laughs. "Or you just did it to score a hug from the good doctor?"

"Of course not. You know I'm not like that." Bo punches Kenzi's arm.

"I know, I'm just teasing you." Kenzi reaches out for her best friend's hand. "Bo, not everyone will leave you okay? I'm here... Tamsin and Hale are also here for you. Then there's Pops. He won't leave you." She squeezes Bo's hand. "And don't count Lauren out yet. And her friends. They will know the real you and they will stay. They will love you. You'll see."

"Okay, I'll keep that in mind. And thank you for always being here for me." The older brunette smiles. She then walk towards the kitchen and glances momentarily to the staircase leading up to their rooms. "Did Pops already start transferring his things in his old room?"

"Yes he did." Kenzi sits in the couch. "Bruce and Steve helped him carry his things." She then sees the older brunette open the refrigerator. "What, you're hungry again? I thought your doctor already fed you."

"Oh the pasta, pizza and pies that she fed us already left my stomach. I think they were already in my small intestines." Bo rubs her stomach. "But yeah, I'll just drink a couple of beers then I'll rest. Big day later for Pops." She returns to the couch, carrying two bottles of her favorite draft. "You like?" She offers the younger woman.

"No I'm okay. I just drank a couple of shots from the bar a while ago and they were still lingering here in my gut."

Bo opens the first bottle, gulps an ample amount of the brew and turns to Kenzi. "So how are you and Nate?"

"We're fine. He's good for me. We kind of agree to take it slow because we're still young." She smiles.

"Good." Bo glances at her best friend. "What about you and Hale?"

"Me and Hale?"

"Yeah. You're friends right?"

"And he's your partner. Ask him."

"Well I already asked him."

"And?"

"And he said you're okay."

"Then we're okay.

"Seriously Kenzi? Now you're the one who's being avoidy." Bo uses Kenzi's word against her.

"Haha! Honestly? Our friendship hits a snag. He's suddenly... not there." Kenzi shrugs.

"He's just busy Kenzi. The case is taking up his time."

"What? He's still working on the case while he's at home? I don't think so."

Bo sighs. "Kenzi... I think you know why." She leans forward and looks straight to her best friend's eyes. "You're one of the most perceptive people I know."

"Yeah." Kenzi's shoulders slump. "And Nate is kinda jealous of him. So maybe this is better... you know, the distance between us."

"But you are his friend Kenz! You can't just abandon that friendship."

"Just this time Bo. Nate and I just need some time together and be secured with each other. My friendship with Hale blurs the line sometimes so... you understand right?"

Bo sighs and nods. "Okay." She thinks for a moment. "Have you told him about you and Nate?"

Kenzi shakes her head. "No. I don't know how to tell him."

"But did Hale already tell you how he feels for you? I mean did he already confess?"

"Not vocally. I mean, he dropped hints and clues but not straightforward. But I didn't need that Bo. So I didn't assume." She sighs. "Nate... Nate told me he loves me on my face. He told me ages ago. He waited so I finally told him I love him back a month ago." Kenzi smiles sadly.

"Damn Hale!"

"He will be here later?"

"Oh yes! But I have to warn you. He appears to be clueless Kenzi so I don't know how he will react if he will finally realize that you and Nate are together."

"That's okay. I'll talk to him."

"You need to seek his attention fast. He seems to latch himself into Vex. They seem to find themselves 'brothers' in such a short time. And he develops a small crush on Lauren." She frowns.

"What? Are you kidding? And you're okay with that?"

"Yup. You know Hale is harmless Kenzi. He's loyal and he assured me that it's just a tiny..." She parts her thumb and forefinger. "... crush and nothing else." She finishes her first bottle and opens the other one.

Kenzi raises her eyebrow.

"It's okay Kenzi..." Bo laughs. "...it's just nice that he enjoys Vex and Lauren's company. Ciara too."

"Who's Ciara?"

"Well she'll be here later too. She's also a doctor, housemate of Lauren and Vex, girlfriend of Lauren's cousin and best friend Dyson. Dyson, whom I talked to earlier about being a cop and was calling Lauren cupcake and her calling him muffin. Funny that, I just finished crying about Moms and then being hugged by Lauren, suddenly I was being questioned if I was happy about my job." Her voice becomes a little bit louder and skeptical. "And here I was earlier, wondering if she going to love me or not because Vex unconsciously told us the story of Lauren's childhood friend confessing her love for her and Lauren rejecting her. Then I was told I have inferiority complex and in return I told you that my partner has a crush on the reluctant heiress. Hale, then told all of them about my sterling career as a college basketball player without my permission and I agreed to watch a basketball game with a group of crazy Lakers fans. While my mom is somewhere else, gallivanting and not a care in the world. Then after saying my goodbyes to my doctor, I kissed her!" She then raise the bottle to her mouth and finishes it in one go. She put the bottle on the table with a thud.

"Whoa whoa time out! That's a loaded rant!"

Bo goes to the kitchen to put the bottles into the trash bin. Without looking back at her best friend, she starts climbing the stairs leading to her room.

"Hey! I'm still talking to you!" Kenzi follows the older brunette up the stairs.

She sighs. "I'm tired and sleepy Kenz. I'll just talk about my 'loaded rant' later in the morning!" She suddenly stops and taps her forehead. "Oh shit, I forgot to send a text." She retrieves her phone from front pocket and starts typing.

"Huh you have time to text but you don't have time to talk to me."

"Sending a text exerts less energy and effort than talking to you about my rant. So goodnight... err good morning Kenzi. I love you but I need to sleep." Bo walks into her room and closes the door.

Kenzi's mouth is still open when Tamsin enters the front door.

"Kenz, is Bo already here?"

The younger brunette just stands on the top of the stairs, her mind still reeling from Bo's rant. "Too much information." She said to herself and shakes her head.

Tamsin frowns when Kenzi doesn't acknowledge her presence. She climbs the stairs and stops behind her best friend. "Hey!" She slaps Kenzi's back.

"Fuck Tamsin, that hurts!"

"Well I've been calling your name and you seem to be in shock. What happened?"

Kenzi shakes her head. "It's all fucked up!" She sighs. "Well I just want to tell you before I retire to my room, Lauren will be here later. Bo invited her and her friends to Pops' birthday."

"Whoa really? So we will finally meet her?"

"Yup. Go to sleep Tamsin. I'm going to my room now. We'll be busy later."

"Uhm I stopped by just to take a shower and change clothes. I'm meeting someone."

Kenzi rolls her eyes. "Okay enjoy." She marches to her room and immediately closes the door.

"Oh I plan to." Tamsin grins wickedly.

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Yale New Haven Hospital

Miranda Hamilton hurriedly walks through the hospital lobby, tears falling down her face. She badly wants to run, run out of the hospital, of New Haven, of Connecticut but she can't right now. She needs to somewhat make this right for Nadia. Yes for Nadia. I need to do this for her. She quietly slips inside the comfort room. She goes in front of a mirror and wipes the tears from her face. She then opens the faucet and washes her face. I should be okay until my shift ends. After that, I need to plan what I'm going to do.

Still standing in front of the mirror she looks at herself, really look at herself. Yes she is good-looking, beautiful even – long red hair, pale skin, radiant blue eyes, red lips. She always turns heads whenever she's walking down the street. She's very conspicuous, noticeable. Now, she needs to change that. I need to lose the red hair and the blue eyes. Cut the hair short, color it to dark brown. Same with the eyes. Okay, but shit how will I explain the changes to my boss? Uh, change of lifestyle? Fuck yes! That would be true! She put her hands on the sink, still looking at the mirror. She's imagining how she will look like after the changes. Maybe not that bad. She looks at her watch. Eight hours to go. It will be a long night. She hurriedly gets out of the comfort room and walks towards the nurses' station.

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Westville New Haven

Bo's truck is already long gone but Lauren and Vex remain standing beside the sugar maple tree.

"Lo, what are you thinking about?"

"I am trying to process all of it."

"All of it?"

"Tonight was eventful, wasn't it? Lots of things to think about."

"Aha! I know the first thing you're thinking about... the kiss!" Vex bumps his shoulder to his best friend's shoulder.

"What? Of course not!"

"Really? I know you're lying Lo!"

"Fine! I am thinking about it."

"But why? It was just a kiss on the side of your head. No biggie!"

"Well it is for me."

Vex stares at the doctor and asks, "Why?"

"I've been always kissed on the lips the first time, may it be a peck or full mouth kiss. I may have felt a slight feeling akin to excitement once or twice. But this one, it was just a slight brush of lips but..."

"But..."

"The kiss was mere seconds but it made my heart race, felt butterflies in my stomach and I can't get over it until now... I can feel the emotions that were poured into it..." Lauren's voice wavers. "I can't understand... I felt I was thralled..."

"Thralled?" Vex laughs. "What? Bo has a superpower that we don't know?"

The doctor grins. "Maybe..." Her face becomes serious. "She's amazing Vex... and beautiful... breathtaking... intense..."

"And..."

"I am smitten Vex, definitely and absolutely smitten." She smiles shyly.

Vex's jaw drops. "Oh my God... is this for real?"

"Why are you so shocked?"

"You're being vocal and so sure of your feelings. It's definitely a breath of fresh air. Are you okay?" His brows furrow.

"I'm okay, better even." Laughter bubbles from the doctor's throat. She reaches out to her best friend and holds his hands. "And well, we are all alone here now so it's not like I'm announcing it to the world right?" She tugs his hands and looks up to him. "I have a favor to ask of you though."

"Name it."

"Can we keep this to ourselves, for now?"

"No problem Lo." He opens his arms. "Come here and give me a hug." The doctor hurriedly encircles her arm around Vex. He blows a breath and sways them in place. "So what are you going to do now?"

"About?"

"About what you feel about her."

"I don't know... nothing for now... I guess, I'll enjoy the company and the friendship." She leans back from the hug to look at Vex. "It's only been two days you know. I want to know more about her, of course..."

"Well that's good... but what if there will come a time that she will date someone else and not you?"

"Then I'm not the heart breaker anymore." The doctor smiles and looks away.

Vex narrows his eyes. "Nah, I won't let that happen to you again Lo."

"You can't promise me that Vex. You can't always fight my battles for me. Besides, we can't predict what will happen in the future right? If we could, then maybe we had avoided all those heartaches a long time ago." She smiles sadly.

Vex comes to her side and puts his hands inside his pockets. They both look up in the sky. Both are lost in their own thoughts, thinking about past heartaches maybe? After a minute or two, Vex breaks the silence and clears his throat. "Lo, it's getting cold. We should go inside and start preparing for the night. I'm a bit exhausted. We'll just have to wake up early."

"I agree. Let's go." She starts to walk towards the house. Then he follows. Before he enters the door he utters, "... the trees are saying goodbye to their green, letting go of what has been. We, too, have our moments of surrender, with all their insecurity and risk. Help us to let go when we need to do so..."

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Author's Note: Next chapter will be Trick's birthday. Read and review. Thanks in advance.