Author's Notes:
Thank you to all those that have left a review – know that I look forward to all your comments; they provide me with much needed encouragement.
Also thank you to those who are following and who have set my story as favourite. It's a huge compliment.
As mentioned in the last chapter, the 'feels' will be ramping up, so please continue to bear with me. Doccubus is end game. And in light of how the show is going, we all need a reminder of why Doccubus resonates with us all.
Thanks again to my Beta, Neytiri's Heart. Trying to keep the hope and faith alive Neytiri.
Chapter 4- "Second Chances and Goodbyes"
Lauren's condo
Lauren had just sealed the envelope and wrote Bo's name on it when she heard a knock at the door.
Upon opening the door, she wasn't surprised to see Serena there. It was 7:30 p.m. on the dot and in all her dealings with this Light Fae, she had always been very punctual. Maybe this was an Ignis trait – being able to generate and manipulate fire – this type of Fae had to be precise; controlled; and accurate. Or it could just be part of Serena's personality. Either way, punctuality was always something that Lauren appreciated in herself and in others. "Dr. Lewis." Serena said in a calm and professional tone.
"Good evening Serena."
"Are you ready Doctor?"
"Almost. I just have to do a quick check before I lock up."
"Is this everything?" as she indicated to Lauren's duffle and back pack.
The blonde nodded yes.
"I'll take your belongings to the car then."
"Thank you. I won't be long."
Lauren looked around her condo. It was hard to believe that she was actually leaving her 'home' even if it was only for a few months. It was modern and comfortable but she wouldn't call it cozy. Yet it was her haven; it was where she could relax and unwind;and she did enjoy the space and privacy it afforded her. So, in all respects, it had been her home these past six years.
Lauren's eyes travelled to where she left Bo's letter on her desk. She moved over to her lab and placed the envelope upright between two glass beakers so that it would be more visible. She hoped Bo would read it but she knew that was beyond her control. With a sigh, the blonde took one last look around, walked to the entrance, turned off the lights and walked out the door; locking it behind her.
Serena was standing by the dark blue town car and upon seeing the doctor exit the building, opened the rear passenger door for her. When Lauren was seated, she shut the door after her and made her way over to the driver's side. Once behind the steering wheel, the Ignis buckled up, started the car and pulled away from the curb. Lauren could see her building slowly disappear in the side mirror of the car and released a deep breath once it was no longer in view.
After a few minutes, Lauren chided herself for her lack of manners and cleared her throat in order to get the Ignis' attention. "Serena, for what it's worth, I appreciate your accompanying me on this assignment. I know you weren't given much notice and most likely no choice. So, thank you."
Lauren observed Serena's face in the rear view mirror to see if there was any reaction but there wasn't. Even though she had asked Hale for her specifically due to their working well together in the past, she was still aware that she was human and Serena was Fae; and there was a distinct possibility that the Ignis didn't want to be on this assignment. If that was the case, it would be a very long 6 months. The blonde was about to say something when the Fae made eye contact with her via the rear view mirror.
"Is it true that you personally requested me for this detail?" Serena asked; no hint of emotion in her voice.
Lauren wondered what can of worms would her answer open; but seeing that she was all about honesty these days, she replied in the affirmative; bracing herself for the possibility of having a disgruntled bodyguard.
Serena was quiet for a couple of seconds before responding; ensuring that she made eye contact with Lauren using the rear view mirror, "Then it is I who should be thanking you Doctor."
The Fae's announcement surprised the blonde. One: Lauren could count on one hand how many times any Fae had thanked her; and two: that Serena was thanking her for being assigned as her bodyguard – which meant that she wanted this job.
Serena could see Lauren's mild shock and proceeded to explain. "Normally, my security assignments are being the back-up to the back-up for the Ash or an Elder; or guarding some worn down, cockroach infested warehouse. This is my first detail where I'm assigned a 'client' to protect; I'm not the back-up to the back-up; I'm it!" The normally stoic Fae was actually smiling now. Lauren could tell by the reflection in the rear view mirror that her eyes literally beamed.
"This is a fantastic opportunity for me. I will be in unknown territory – always on the move and having to adjust strategy to match the situation or possible danger. I will have to be on my guard at all times and it will test my skills. It's perfect!" Serena was actually excited. This was a side of the Fae that Lauren had never seen before; she was surprised that Serena even knew of this emotion as she was always so serious and detached. "Even the guys in my Section are envious that I got this detail and that I was personally assigned by the Ash! And because of the political ties with this job, it will most likely mean a promotion for me or at a minimum, better security assignments upon our return."
Serena paused for a moment and very seriously said, "Dr. Lewis, I do appreciate that you recommended me because you have provided me with a great opportunity and I won't ever forget it." The Ignis' eyes conveyed the seriousness of her gratitude and she smiled which caused the blonde to relax and smile herself.
Lauren finally found her voice. "I'm relieved to hear that you're looking forward to this job and that you don't consider it to be a nuisance. Though I hope your opinion doesn't change when we're in the middle of nowhere." Serena shook her head and smiled. "I look at it as an opportunity to travel plus it's hot there and I love the heat…. for obvious reasons."
The blonde continued smiling. "Not to squash any of your enthusiasm but I'm not sure how much action you will come across in the Rainforest. And to be honest, I'd rather that you didn't as it would mean that I was in danger and someone or something wanted me hurt or dead."
Serena chuckled at Lauren's comment. "Understood."
The blonde was relieved that this was not going to be an issue. She had enough issues to deal with. Changing the subject, Lauren asked, "Anything you can tell me about our travel plans? All I knew was that you were picking me up at 7:30."
The Light Fae was focusing on the road. "We have a ten and a half hour flight to Brasília, the country's capital. Ash Medeiros wants us on the ground as soon as possible and as the next commercial flight isn't scheduled to leave until tomorrow night, he spared no expense and chartered a private jet to fly us there. It will only be the flight crew and the two of us onboard. He wanted to ensure that we would arrive as soon as possible and that there would be no issues en route. By the time we arrive at the airport, the pilots should be finalizing their pre-flight checks and fuelling should be almost complete."
Lauren was surprised; she wasn't expecting any special treatment. The only thing she could vocalize was "Wow!" Serena agreed as she looked back at the blonde. "Wow, indeed. They must really want and appreciate your expertise Doctor." Lauren smiled in response. It felt good to be recognised for her abilities; it had been awhile since she felt appreciated. Immediately, her thoughts turned to Bo and her heart grew heavy. Lauren thought that she would have more time to talk to the Succubus at the airport but from what Serena said, she may not have enough time. She'd have to deal with that when they got there. Until then, she sat back in her seat and willed herself to try and relax. Her nerves were shot and there was still so much yet to come; she didn't know if she would have the strength to handle the phone call to Bo or even what to say.
Serena watched the doctor grow quiet and pensive. She appreciated that Dr. Lewis must be under a great pressure to deliver successful results for this outbreak. More importantly, the Ignis understood that for an Ash to expedite their travel arrangements and not hesitate with any expense, meant that the medical issue that they were facing was very serious and that a lot was riding on Dr. Lewis' medical knowledge and abilities. She would have to monitor the situation carefully to ensure that once the assignment was complete, that the Clan didn't forget that the doctor was on loan and not there to stay. She would definitely have to keep an eye out on things and keep her Ash informed of their situation.
Meanwhile at the Crack Shack
Kenzi was in the middle of a blood bath. There were robot hooker corpses strewn about on the screen as her fingers deftly flew over the buttons of the controller, shooting, beheading and disembowelling her attackers. However, every 12 seconds, she would catch movement out of the corner of her eye and it was distracting; it was throwing her off of her killing streak.
The Goth paused the game and quickly jumped off the couch to intercept Bo who was pacing back and forth. "Yo, BoBolicious, what's the deal? If you keep pacing like this you'll wear a hole in the floor and I don't think we'll be able to find flooring that would match our wonderful décor." Kenzi gestured to their surroundings like one of the models from 'The Price is Right' would.
Instead of a witty comeback, all the petite woman got for a response was "Huh?" Bo was engrossed in her thoughts and didn't hear a word that the Goth said.
"What's with the frown?" Kenzi tried again. Bo looked up from her cell phone, "I haven't heard from Lauren and it's late – it's like, 7:30." she replied worriedly.
"I'll let you in on a 'lil secret." The tiny brunette leaned in close and whispered, "Hot Pants is a workaholic. But you didn't hear that from me."
The Succubus rolled her eyes, "Thanks for the news flash Kenz. I just really wanted to spend time with her and I'm anxious… This is like my second chance - I want to start things over right, you know?"
"I hear ya babe. Why don't you just head over there then?"
"I don't want to seem too-"
"Needy? Whipped? Nervous?" Kenzi interjected with a grin on her face.
The tiny Goth received her second eye roll in less than three minutes breaking the previous record.
Bo straightened up. "You're right, I'm over thinking this. I would normally just go over, so I should just do that."
Kenzi patted her on the shoulder, "Good idea."
The brunette chuckled. "You just want me out of your hair so that you can play your game without any distractions."
"Moi? Never!"
Bo grinned. "Right! Later Kenz."
The Goth was already on the couch resuming her game before Bo was able to shut the door behind her; car keys in hand.
Airport – a short while later
Lauren and Serena had just gone through Security and were approaching the gate for their plane. The blonde was getting anxious and turned to her body guard. "I have to make a phone call. I'll just be over there." she indicated to the window nearby. Serena nodded. "I'll take your bags over and talk to the flight crew to find out how much longer till we board."
Lauren watched as the Light Fae walked over to the gate to talk to the staff. She took a deep breath as she pressed '1' on her cell and then looked out the window at the tarmac, watching the baggage handlers load and off load luggage.
Bo picked up on the second ring. "Hey babe! I'm just on my way over to your place."
"Bo-" the blonde was interrupted by a very excitable Succubus who was anxious to see her girlfriend. Bo wanted to show Lauren how important she was to her and wanted them to spend some much needed time together. She knew that things were strained and she just wanted to start the process of fixing their relationship. "So what do you think of an evening of takeout and then cuddling on the couch as we watch a movie?"
Lauren was a bit taken aback by her enthusiasm. The doctor was so emotionally drained; she was on the opposite end of the energy spectrum that Bo was on. "I'm sorry. I… I won't be able to."
Bo's eagerness faltered a bit. "Don't tell me you're still at the lab?! Babe, it's late and you need to relax. That's it! I'm turning around and coming to get you."
Lauren blurted out. "Bo, I can't. I'm on an assignment."
The Succubus paused, trying to concentrate on driving and trying to figure out what her girlfriend was saying. "Assignment? Does that mean you have a tight deadline and have to work late?
Lauren ran her free hand through her hair, she knew that this wasn't going to go over well. "It means that I will be on loan to another Light Fae Clan to assist with their medical situation."
Bo still didn't understand this arrangement and pressed further. "So what exactly does that mean? Do you stay with them or are you free to come and go? Can you go home? Can you have visitors?"
Lauren didn't want to talk about this because time was short but she also knew that the brunette wouldn't be able to focus on what she had to say if she didn't understand the situation. Lauren sighed. "It means that I will be working and staying at their Compound or at their various sites and it would be very difficult to have visitors. But they asked for my assistance so I will be treated well."
Bo's mood went from excited to confused to angry in a matter of seconds. "I'll be the judge of that! The Light and the Dark always want something from you and it's always at a cost to you."
The blonde was about to placate Bo but was interrupted. "Just how long are you on loan for?"
The doctor rested her forehead against the window and exhaled, causing the window to fog up. "Between two to six months." she replied in an almost whisper.
Bo was stunned. "What? I didn't hear you correctly. Did you say months?!"
"Yes." Lauren's eyes were welling up with tears but she forced herself to not cry.
The Succubus was now livid. She pulled her Camaro over and put it in park; she couldn't focus on driving. "Is this Hale's doing? I'm going to kill him!"
Lauren knew that Bo was upset and she tried her best to keep her voice calm and unwavering despite the fact that her stomach was churning. "Bo, I asked for this assignment. Hale just agreed to it."
Bo was confused now and pinched the bridge of her nose, trying to deflect the start of a headache. "I don't understand. Why would you ask for this? And where is this Clan anyway?"
The doctor moved away from the window; her free hand now at the base of her neck, trying to relieve the tension forming there. "I know you don't understand and I am really sorry Bo. I didn't want to have to do it this way but if I told you in advance, you wouldn't let me go."
There was an announcement in the background which sounded distorted over the phone. Bo tensed; concern evident in her voice. "Go where? Lauren where are you right now?"
The doctor was pacing back and forth in front of the window. "I'm at the airport."
"Airport?! Where are you going that requires you to travel by plane?" she exclaimed. Bo then heard someone in the background. "Dr. Lewis it's time to board." Then everything sounded garbled and Bo could only guess that Lauren's hand was covering the mouthpiece of her phone.
A few seconds passed and Lauren returned to the phone. "Bo, please listen. I don't have much time. I'm going to South America – that's where the Light Fae Clan is. I left a letter for you at my place. It'll explain everything. Just use the hidden spare key."
"South America?! What the…!? Why would you ask for this?" Bo was in shock. "Is… is this because of us? I know that things between us haven't been great. I know that I've been distracted but the Dawning is over and I want to make things right. I want us to work." Bo was desperate and it was evident in her voice. "Lauren, please don't leave!"
Lauren's heart lurched hearing the pleading in the brunette's voice. "Bo, I am so sorry. I really am. This is already arranged – I couldn't get out of it even if I wanted to. I… I'm sorry that I wasn't enough for you. Maybe things would've been different if I were."
Bo couldn't believe this was happening; that Lauren was leaving. "Babe, don't say that. You are enough for me. You're all that I want! Just stay!"
The blonde's eyes were brimming with tears; her heart aching. "I know that this doesn't make sense to you now but please know this: I love you – I always have and I always will; whether you believe it or not."
The Succubus was trying to convince her girlfriend not to get on that plane but she couldn't get a word in. "Bo, just listen. Please take care of yourself. You have a habit of attracting trouble even when you're not looking for it. And look after Kenzi – she's still dealing with everything from the Kitsune. I'm so proud of you for completing the Dawning and you should be proud of yourself – for everything that you've accomplished these past three years."
"Dr. Lewis!"
"Bo, where I'm going – there most likely will not have any cell phone coverage or internet access, so I won't be able to communicate. I love you but I have to do this… Goodbye Bo."
Lauren ended the call and choked back her tears; she had a lump in her throat from holding in all her emotions. She refused to cry out in the open. She'd hold it in and then break down once they were in the air. She would will herself to be strong for a few minutes more.
"Lauren! Wait!" The line went dead. "Dammit!" She re-dialed Lauren's number. "The customer you have dialled is currently not available. Please try your call again later."
"No, no, no!"
She hit re-dial again. "The customer you have dialled is currently not available. Please try your call again later."
"FUCK!" Bo slammed her hand down on the steering wheel repeatedly. Leaning her head back against the head rest, she willed herself to calm down. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, replaying the conversation in her head. A letter. Lauren mentioned she left her a letter. Bo threw her car in gear and peeled off towards her girlfriend's condo.
Lauren's condo
Bo ran through the hallway towards Lauren's apartment. Out of habit, she reached for the door handle to open it but it didn't budge. "Right. Locked." Bo muttered. She reached in behind one of the hanging plants that was mounted on the wall and blindly groped around till she found what she was looking for. In her haste to get into the apartment, Bo ended up fumbling with the key and it took her a little longer to gain entry.
Once inside, she noted that the apartment was dark and unnaturally quiet. Bo's heart was racing as she was afraid of what she'd find. She turned on the lights and quickly scanned the room. Nothing seemed out of place. In fact, the condo looked as per normal - incredibly clean and tidy.
Bo ran upstairs, taking the stairs two at a time. Once in the bedroom, she quickly looked through Lauren's closet and dresser drawers and noticed that there were some clothes missing. She made her way to the bathroom next and observed that some of her toiletries were also gone. "Shit!" The thought that this was all just a horrible practical joke crossed her mind but discovering that things were actually missing, made this all too real.
Bo made her way back down stairs and her eyes made another pass of the room.
Her gaze stopped at the lab. There was Lauren's lab coat, neatly draped over the back of the chair. Bo reached for it and instantly, Lauren's scent wafted to her nose - vanilla and a hint of hand sanitizer. The brunette brought the coat to her face and inhaled deeply; everything about Lauren flooded her senses. Bo was overwhelmed and felt her eyes well up with tears. Lab coat still in hand, she noticed an envelope on the desk and hesitantly reached for it. It was labelled 'Bo'.
Bo walked into the living room with the envelope in one hand and Lauren's lab coat in the other; and allowed her body to fall back into the couch. She didn't know what was contained in the letter but she had her suspicions. Tears were running down Bo's cheeks before she even realized it; the emotional rollercoaster of the evening was taking its toll on her and she hadn't even opened the letter yet.
The brunette took in a deep breath and exhaled before taking the knife out of her boot. She carefully cut the envelope open and unfolded the letter. She closed her eyes momentarily to steady herself. Bo wanted to know why Lauren did what she did but the other part of her was also afraid of knowing - that she may have been the reason why the blonde left. Bo sighed as she steeled herself; her eyes fluttered open and came into contact with the first line.
Dear Bo.
Author's Notes:
Yes, I realize that this is a horrible place to stop and that it's incredibly cruel on my part. But in all honesty, this cliff-hanger was not on purpose, though it works really well here. The next chapter requires that the content be linked to the letter and if I separated the two, it would've affected the flow. So curse me out all you want, but please keep reading and reviewing.