Chapter 33 – The End
Lewis Manor – Tuesday 25th June, early morning
"That was..." Bo emerged from under the sheet, puffing, and panting. "…..Amazing, simply epic." She sat herself up against the bed rest, adjusting the pillows beneath her.
Lauren glided up from the sheets, joining Bo lying in her arms, positioning her head in the crook of her shoulder, casting her leg and arm over Bo's body. "Oh yeah, top ten at least."
"Whoa there. Wait a minute, maybe top twenty," Bo replied laughing.
Lauren looked up with a slight frown, "Not top ten?"
Bo's cheek dimpled, and the corners of her lips curved upwards. Bo loved all of Laurens expressions, but her confused look was her favourite. "The top ten is an esteemed list baby, and there's some strong competition already, including last night."
"You have a top ten list of our sexcapades?", Lauren smiled back, giving Bo a quizzical look, "This I have to hear."
Bo smooched a little lower, pulling Lauren closer, "OK, but first, we still need to talk about us, what we're doing together, and where we go from here."
Lauren sighed, she thought she would not have this conversation, not today anyway. "Bo, I thought we talked last night?"
"Yes, we did briefly about what happened, not what we plan to do next?" Bo answered.
"You don't want to stay in England, do you? You want to go back to Canada? Please don't leave just yet, I need to settle mum and I -"
Bo placed her hand on Lauren's mouth to silence her, "Ssshh baby, there you go again. Your putting words into my mouth and second guessing me. That's not what I meant." Bo smiled and removed her hand and gently stroked Lauren's cheek. "I'm not going anywhere, unless I go with you, and you need to start believing that."
Lauren's heart raced, she really did want to believe what Bo was saying, but still she couldn't hide her demons, "I want to believe you, really I do."
Bo's eyes darted from side to side, "You still think I would leave you? After what we have just did? After all that we have said to each-other! "
Lauren sighed, "Bo, I want to believe that you'll never leave, but you were leaving before; now you're staying, maybe out of guilt, or maybe because I was in the hospital, or maybe because my dad died and you wanted to be here today? Maybe all three?"
"That's not the reason Lo," Bo shot up and sat facing Lauren, "I'm here 'cause I love you and want you to forgive me, and for us to be together properly, without any insecurities hanging over us." Bo press her head against Lauren's "And I meant what are we doing together, as in our future, where are we living, what are we doing?" Bo emphasised the we in that sentence to ensure Lauren understood that she had no intention of ever leaving.
"Oh, I just thought, well Crystal said-"
"Fuck that bitch, and Evony too." Bo clenched her fists, "They're both twisted, that is all I got from Evony, how I was not good enough for you and how I was only going to be a rich girls' plaything. And now I hear that Crystal was also filling your head with shit too. It angers me. I wouldn't put it past them if they plotted to break us up."
"Ok, you're right, we shouldn't listen to others, but we can blame them totally." Lauren opened up Bo's closed fist and placed her hand in hers. "And Bo, you don't need any forgiveness, you went through stuff too, you too nearly died," Lauren replied, using her other hand to circle the scar above Bo's left breast.
"It's not the same, I didn't die," Bo said, as she took hold of Lauren's hand to stop her touching her scar.
"So, you stay out of guilt then? because my Dad died." Lauren lifted her head up till it was level with Bo's.
"I'm not staying out of guilt, I love you, but if we are being honest then we must admit then it was all my fault, I should not have gone to the airport that day, I should have stayed and talked to you."
"I should have noticed that you were unhappy and done something about it, rather than ignoring it and hoping it would all be ok. We were both to blame Bo."
"Me leaving that day was the hardest thing I have ever done, I just really believed I was doing the right thing by you, that you would be better without me." Bo quickly replied. "However, what you don't know, was that as soon as I got to departures I knew I made a mistake. That's why I was in that tunnel, I changed my mind." Bo heard Lauren gasp, then continued. "I was waiting for the agency to come back with my bag."
"I didn't know that." Lauren answered. "But that makes sense why we found you next to the handling agency offices."
"Well, this was the first time I had the chance to tell you. I was broken the moment they handed me my boarding card. All I thought about was not being with you when you travel and all the promises that I made you." Bo closed her eyes, the memory still raw, "And how much I loved you. I don't remember the blast, just a shooting pain in my chest, and my world going black and feeling like I deserved this to happen."
"Bo," Lauren went to speak, but words failed her, "you need to forgive yourself."
"That's the problem, I can't. As for my scar, I hope it never does heal." Bo covered her hand over Lauren's and felt the raised tissue between her fingers. "If I could, I would change what happened that day in a heartbeat, you getting hurt, your dad-", words started to fail Bo then, "-it should have been me-", unable to say anymore Bo softly sobbed.
Lauren held Bo, whispering words of love. "Bo, please sweetheart. Don't blame yourself for what happened that day. It was not your fault. What happened, all that happened, the blast, dad dying, me being in the hospital, none of it's your fault-."
"How can you say that," Bo interrupted, "you were both there 'cause of me, so how can you say that?"
"No Dad was there to find you, as he knew he was wrong, and he realised how hurt I would be without you. I was there as it was my job, and as soon as I thought you may be inside, I knew that nothing would stop me getting to you. We made our own decisions that day." Lauren tightened her grip on Bo, trying her best to show the love she felt.
"Thank you, Lauren, that means everything to me." Bo eased, releasing the tension that she was unknowingly holding.
"You've lost weight, Bo," Lauren said, trailing a finger down her ribs.
"Without you, nothing mattered to me Lauren. You're my world. I couldn't face it alone." Bo picked up Lauren's hand and kissed it. "Seeing you in hospital broke me more, I've never been so scared of losing something in my entire life, but then again nothing in my life has ever meant as much as you do. I know we can't just pick up where we left off as if nothing happened. I know you can't just forget that I gave up on you, on us, but I'll do everything to make you happy again Lauren. I really do love you."
"I love you too, and we'll get there, we'll find our way home," Lauren answered honestly. "We rushed things, Bo. I can see that now. I rushed you. I pushed you away."
"I was there too Lauren, we did go a bit fast, but I had fallen so badly for you, I couldn't help myself. I thought you were regretting it all, regretting being with someone like me. I thought you were better off without me, and maybe you still are?" Bo answered.
"Bo, I have always been of logic, science, but before I met you I had no idea what it was like to look at someone and smile at them for no apparent reason. Sometimes I just look at you and wonder how I got so damn lucky."
"You think you're lucky hey?" Bo held Lauren even tighter, the conversation feeling already lighter.
"Let's just say we are both cliché lesbians hey, six weeks in and already moved in and engaged." Lauren laughed, "Maybe we should reset one step back? get to know each other again, like when we were in Cairo?"
Bo's mind raced. One Step, One Step, she repeated to herself, "I agree if one step back is cooling off the engagement, right?
"Lauren smiled, relieved. "Yes, just the engagement. I don't think we could ever go back to a platonic relationship again after whatwe have just done."
Bo let out a loud laugh, "No, I guess not. Ok, and this time I'll make sure you get all the romance you deserve, not just me announcing it on a karaoke."
"So, you're asking me." Lauren relaxed more, happy that the conversation had been said, but was now over. "Seeing as we are definitely staying together now, then there's something I think you should have back." Lauren reached over Bo into her brown satchel and in one swift action had the necklace she had once given to Bo in her hand. "I'm proposing then that you're to propose to me when it's time."
"I will" Bo chuckled, "We're engaged to be engaged and I'll wear this to make sure that everyone knows I'm firmly off the market." Bo took the necklace and placed it over her head.
Lauren huffed, "Off the market? baby, your off people even looking at you. I get all kinds of crazy jealous."
"I'll remember that. And never you mind, I've only eyes for you." Bo cuddled closer into Lauren, happy again.
"Where were we?" Lauren asked, mischievously moving her hand lower circling Bo's nipple, which quickly became erect. "Ah yeah, you'll about to reveal your top ten of our sexcapades."
Bo gave herself a moment to think. "Ok, if you really want to know. So, I've think at number ten would be my sensual massage, the one you gave me the morning after I got into that bar fight."
"Ah yeah, my knight is shining armour." Lauren held Bo closer, "You were beaten up pretty bad that night."
"Yeah, but I soon forgot about that! Oh, my god, I've never passed out from sex before! It was simply amazing.", Bo was literally grinning at the memory.
Lauren gave a wry smile, "Well, then I'll make sure you have another massage soon baby."
"I hope so. Then straight in at number nine, it's last night. I'm going to just have to say it—, "Bo twisted in her seated position to face Lauren, "sorry I think I might have squirted?"
"I think you did, but that is nothing to apologise for, it's a compliment to your lover." Lauren brushed at her shoulders before taking her place again beside Bo.
Bo's eyes lowered and a frown appeared, she was worried, "I wasn't sure what to expect last night, I thought I would be sleeping on a couch. Then you came and found me, asked me to spend the night with you, and as soon as I got here, I was nervous that, you know. But you completely eased me, made me feel wanted, claimed me almost, and I felt that lost connection with you again, it's been missing since Cairo."
Lauren nodded, "I know what you mean by the connection being lost." Lauren kissed the side of Bo's arm, "also, yeah maybe I was claiming you a bit, sorry if I was a bit rough, baby."
Bo bit her lip, "Did you hear me complain?"
Lauren buried her head into Bo, "No, only scream.", Lauren laughed and Bo joined in. They continued to share their happiest, albeit, intimate moments as she went through her top ten list. At number eight was her dance lesson that led onto kitchen sex. Number seven was also at the villa, on the decking outside, as well as inside the hot tub. They reminisced about that weekend in the villa and how they never did get to christen that fireplace! Also, how Bo aided Lauren with the Bedouin girl in childbirth that night and adding the star gazing sex as number six.
"Five has to be in the adventure park—" Bo continued.
"Please don't say in that awful dingy." Lauren interrupted laughing.
"Oh god no. All sex is great sex with you baby, but that was just painful. I had the ore literally in my bum for most of it." Bo laughed into the room.
"Well, you're lucky I had a massive splinter actually up mine for all of it." Lauren joined in with Bo laughing. "Felt like I was having a threesome with you and the boat!"
They carried on laughing, unable to speak until they finally calmed themselves down.
"No, No, oh dear not that boat. I was going to say in the hut after the mud bath. Me in my paper underwear and you and your flexibility!" Bo added.
"Oh yeah, all this talk is making me kind of horny again." Lauren circled Bo's nipple again.
"You got to be kidding right….." Bo trailed off. She had a high sex drive but Lauren was going for the Sex-Olympics.
"Ok, your virtue is safe, for the time being anyhow. Tonight, we'll be in Ireland, so a new place to Christen." Lauren gave Bo a wide grin and a quick flick of her nipple. Bo's jaw was dropped.
"Where are we actually going?" Bo asked finally, allowing her own libido to settle.
"Dublin. We fly into Dublin, we're staying is just outside in a place called Malahide, and believe it or not we're staying in the family castle." Lauren grinned as she saw the excitement in Bo's face. "Speaking of which we need to get up, the remaining top four will need to wait until…..." Lauren was cut off short by the sound of knocking on the bedroom door. Panic set in as they both darted under the duvet.
"Lauren dear it's me, I trust you're awake?" Kate entered the room, she did not wait for an answer. She walked across to the other side and opened the balcony door.
Under the duvet, the girls froze. They had been completely lost in their conversations that they had not noticed the time, nor the fact that Bo had sneaked into the room and should have been back to her own room by now. Lauren placed her fingers to Bo's lips as to ask her to stay silent. Bo nodded. Lauren moved back up the bed making sure that the duvet stayed still.
"Hi, mum." Lauren peeked her head out from the covers. "I won't be long."
"Good, also I don't know what you planned to wear but I dry cleaned your black dress suit in case?" Kate moved back toward the door and opened it, stepping out she turned back round. "Oh, and Bo, Martin will bring along your suitcase shortly."
Kate gave a knowing smile and left the room.
Bo wriggled back up from under the covers and laughed with Lauren. A thought crossed her mind, "Are you sure we're soundproof?" Bo asked.
Lauren giggled, "Of course the room is soundproof. It needed to be as we all played an instrument when we were younger."
"Really?" Bo raised her eyebrow, loving finding out more about her girlfriend already, "What did you play?"
"What didn't I play would be easier, but mainly the piano and violin." Lauren pointed over to her pile of awards and Bo saw a section for music along with a young Lauren playing the violin. "Now we really do have to get up."
Ireland Bound
They were both dressed and ready to leave within forty-five minutes, they would have been quicker if the morning shower they shared had not distracted them both. With Bo unsure what to wear, Lauren asked her to open her gift box that she had bought her in Egypt. On doing so Bo was happily surprised to find a soft black leather, laced up bodice, slightly revealing, however when it was paired with a black skirt and a borrowed tailored jacket it more appropriate for the day. Bo made a promise to herself after seeing her gift that she should also stop second guessing her girlfriend too, she had expected a formal blouse, convinced that Lauren was trying to change her. Now she knew, she was loved the way she was.
Lauren made sure that they both ate breakfast before they left for the airport to board the family jet. The take-off was smooth and the pilot announced a journey of just over an hour. Tamsin had joined Bo and Lauren on the table seat while her mother, brothers, and other family sat on the side chairs. Bo had been introduced quickly to them all, however understandably no-one was being chatty, except Tamsin who had not been quiet since she sat down.
"So, you were caught in Lauren's room," Tamsin whispered to Bo. "There goes your future invites." Tamsin sniggered.
"Don't Tam, it's not that bad, hell I'm thirty years old now," Lauren stated, "I just think, before I didn't want anyone in my room, judging me, assuming they somehow 'got me' because they saw a glimpse of my childhood bedroom."
"Well, it's kind of freaky. Like a shrine to a lost child!" Tamsin replied. "It's like entering a time zone to the 80's."
"It's not that bad. They're proud to show my achievements." Lauren blushed.
"Well I for one loved it," Bo joined in. "It's like that Halestorm song, 'In Your Room'.'"
"Thanks, baby." Lauren leant over and kissed Bo's shoulder, mentally adding another song to their playlist.
"So, are you ready to meet the Lewis's? Not the best time to meet the family but at least you get to meet them all at once. Silver linings hey." Tamsin sat back in her seat, unaware that her comment was inappropriate.
Bo remained silent as she didn't know how to answer her.
Lauren looked over at Bo seeing her confused expression and said, "Ohh don't worry about Tam. I've known she was fifty shades of wrong for many years, I'm used to her, don't let her bother you. She possesses the charm of a frozen carrot and the tact of a fresh sneeze."
"What?" Tamsin raised her arms in the air to protest and pretended to look hurt. "Lauren, I love you like a sister and Adam was like a dad. I merely don't like these socially awkward moments."
"I know. It's ok. I know you and I love you too," Lauren reached over clasping Tamsin's hand and holding Bo's hand with her other. "I don't know what I would do today, without the both of you."
The rest of the journey was in silence. Tamsin had put on her headphones and was listening to some music and Lauren was busy writing her Dad's eulogy. Bo sat still next to her and wondered what her stepdad's funeral had been like? Who had read for him? The thought almost made her cry, but she held it back, today was about Lauren and not herself.
Church of St Mary – Malahide, Ireland
"Do not stand at my grave and weep, for I'm not there I do not sleep," Lauren paused and looked around the church. It was jammed packed inside with more people stood outside, so busy that the priest had to move the loudspeaker to the door so that people could hear. A ghost of a smile graced her lips, her dad had been a well-respected man and, from the number of people that came she knew he would be missed by many.
"My dad loved that poem, but only the first few lines. You see he believed that when you're gone, you're gone. He was a man of science and did not conceive in any afterlife. My father meant so much to so many people, and that's shown today at this turnout. My father was not only well respected in the community and by his peers, he was also a very loved husband of thirty-two years' marriage -"
Lauren saw that Bo had held onto her mother's hand, and suppressed the urge to cry. Taking a deep breath, she continued. "-he was a son, a brother, an uncle, a doctor, a professor, but to me and my brothers, he was simply Dad. And he was the best dad we could have asked for, funny, silly and strict when needed, especially when it came to our education. You see Dad believed that anyone could be anything that their heart desired, with hard work and determination. He would say that your actions speak louder than words. He believed that you're judged on whom you leave behind, not what. He was proud of his family and all our achievements and often referred to us as the greatest riches he had. He was a family man. Loved by all and he loved us all back."
Lauren took another deep breath.
"As I was preparing to leave the house this morning I saw dad's coat hanging up where it has always been under the stairs. And I cried. Knowing that the last time he took it off, he did not know he would never wear it again. His muddy boots are still in the garage where he left them. His cologne in the bathroom. All the small reminders that tell us a person existed, a reminder of a person now gone. In time, these will also disappear, but what can never go are our memories of him and this brings me comfort, and I hope it does to you also. My dad will always be here, as he echoes in each one of us, every memory we have of him, his work with the hospital, the patients he helped to save. That look of pride and happiness on his face when my brothers and I would help him complete his crosswords."
The room remained quiet, Lauren saw her brothers nod knowingly at her.
"I'll miss the hats he wore every Saint Patrick's Day, the riddles he would give us to solve, his laughter as he watched his favourite TV shows. I'll miss the conversations that I had, and those that I will never get the chance to have with him."
Lauren took another deep breath, composing herself she looked over to Bo and saw that she was looking straight back at her, they smiled at each other and she found the strength to continue.
"I'll miss how he danced with my mum when they thought no-one was watching. Or the way his accent always got broader the more he drank. Most of all I'll miss his way with words, his Irish proverbs, like 'It's often a man's mouth that breaks his nose'-"
The congregation in the church laughed.
"-I remember what he told me the day my Aunt Harper died, he said 'Life goes on, whether we want it to or not, the seasons will still come and go, the waves will still crash on the sands, and the earth will continue to move around the sun. Life is a beautiful lie, while death is a painful truth'. He then took me for ice-cream and we celebrated her life. Please all join me, not for ice-cream, but for a drink at the Dirty Onion. Do not stand at his grave and weep, for he's not there, he does not sleep. He's in the wind that blows, the diamond glint on snow, the sun on ripened grain and in the gentle Autumn rain. Thank You."
Lauren finished and took her papers with her. The church erupted in applause as she worked her way back to her seat, behind her the curtain was closing on her dads closed casket. Flowers had been placed on top and surrounding were the words 'Adam' to the right, 'Doctor' to the left and simply and 'Dad' in the middle. Lauren turned to look back one final time at the photograph that was positioned to the side, her dad smiling and whispered her goodbyes.
The introduction of her dad's favourite song began to play, and she threw her head back and laughed, she knew he had requested this song but never believed her mother would allow it. It was the one he sang at karaoke's, badly, and as she got to her mother she simply hugged her.
Her brothers joined in the hug and before too long the whole family was hugging and singing along to "Always look on the bright side of life" by Monty Python.
Dirty Onion
"You've got around most of them I see?" Tamsin leant against the bar spilling most of her drink in doing so.
Bo swiftly moved to avoid any wine going on her, "Yeah suppose I have. They all seem really nice."
Tamsin drank what was left in her glass and reached over for one of the bottles on the bar and refilled it. "Love an open bar, should be made mandatory in all funerals," she said necking another glass of wine. "So, where's Laur?"
Without turning around Bo replied, "Behind me, to the left, talking to her new boss."
"Spooky that you knew precisely where she was." Tamsin nudged Bo.
"Just in case I see her upset or needing me. But some of the conversations are best left private." Bo sipped on her whisky. "She's discussing her start date."
"And how do you feel about that?" Tamsin asked.
"We talked about it today while waiting at the airport, it's the right decision, I was being selfish before, now I would live in a mud hut at the top of the mountain surrounded by lions if that meant waking up to her every morning," Bo admitted, smiling.
"Urgh, pass the bucket." Tamsin joked, "But be careful what you say, she might want to go on more expeditions and that could end up being true." Tamsin watched as Bo's smile faded from her face.
"And…." Tamsin continued. "The wedding is off then? I heard you being introduced as a girlfriend and not a fiancée?"
"Yeah, we spoke about that too, the wedding was really never on as such. Besides, we still have so much to know about each other, and we have all the time in the world to learn. It's not off, we're engaged to be engaged." Bo grinned.
Tamsin simply nodded at her answer, "You two will be ok you know, as I'll make sure of it. It may be the drink, but I just love you guys so much together. It may not always be sunny, but I know that when it rains you two will just share an umbrella together and ride it out. Come here." Tamsin pulled Bo into a big hug and Bo, shocked at first, embraced her back.
"Ahem, should I leave you alone?" Lauren was standing next to them laughing.
They pulled away just enough to grab Lauren into their hug.
Tamsin finally lets them both go. "Got to go, said I would call Dy tonight. Don't judge me, but I'm missing that man more than I knew I could. Catch you later." And with that Tamsin was gone.
"What now?" Bo asked.
"Now we get drunk, dance and celebrate my dad's life. Tomorrow we begin afresh with ours. Gran says that 'every new beginning is another's beginning's end' and it finally makes sense to me." Lauren answered.
Malahide Family Castle – Wednesday 26th June
The sound of rain could be heard as it poured down on the rooftop of the small lake house that they were currently stood in. It was a last-minute change to staying in the castle, the lake house was the only alternative as Lauren had drunkenly locked them out. It was not long after they had got in and everyone had gone to their rooms that Lauren had decided that she needed air. So, with no other option other than calling the landline to get the door open, they tried the lake house door, happy to find it unlocked.
Bo lit the log fire in the bedroom, to get them both warmed up, as they just caught the start of the rain. She turned to see Lauren had returned from the kitchen, obviously not ready for sleep just yet, evident in the newly opened bottle of wine in her hands.
"So," Lauren slurred, as she sat in front of the fire with her back against the foot of the bed, glass poured of red wine clutched in her hands, "What's number four then?"
"Well before that, I need you out of those clothes." Bo grinned, "You're wet and you'll get cold." Bo stood in front of her, taking the blanket from the bed, ready to wrap Lauren.
Lauren, being in a playful mood, started to undress slowly. Standing in front of Bo she unzipped her dress and stepped out of it revealing her black underwear and stockings. Next, she untied her damp hair and rested it on her shoulders.
Bo stood frozen on the spot. Lauren's beauty never ceased to amaze her, that and her stunning toned body. Shaking her head to recompose herself she stepped forward, "Here's the blanket."
Lauren loved how Bo's voice got husky when she was aroused. It was her signal that she would be willing to continue to play along. "Baby, I'm wet— "Lauren stopped when she saw Bo's eyes dilate. This was going to be easier than she thought. "—I need a hot, hot— "Lauren bit down on her lower lip.
"—W-w-what do you need?" Bo's mouth was becoming dry and all abilities to act normal was diminishing as she watched Lauren unclasp her bra. The nipples were exposed, pert, erect, desperate.
"—Shower Bo. I need something to heat me up." Lauren purposely chose her words as she enjoyed Bo's reaction. The cold, wet outdoors had sobered her up slightly, but this exchange was awakening her even more. Removing her stockings and underwear slowly, yet seductively, she then turned on her heels and walked toward the small bathroom.
Taking a few moments to register in Bo's brain that Lauren was now gone from the room, she chased after her tearing her own clothes off in the process. Lauren was already in the shower, steam gently touching the surfaces of the partition glass when Bo stepped in to join her.
Bo's hungry mouth found Lauren's as they picked up from where they left off that very morning. They knew each other so well, they had already learnt plenty of each other's secrets: their hottest erogenous zones, their hidden fantasies, but still they wanted to learn more, to explore fully and reciprocate with more than just a 'taste' of each other. They took their time at first with deep slow kisses, mouths locking together, almost in slow motion. Bo moistened her fingers before slipping them inside Lauren, loving how they feel gliding inside her lover. Taking their time with this foreplay until neither could bear no more, as bodies pressed harder into each other, and their lovemaking heated up. Both with their expert fingers inside and riding in unison with each other. Bo felt Lauren close and droped to her knees. Lauren had the first of two leg trembling climaxes with her thighs clamped on Bo's head deep between her legs, squeezing tighter with each orgasmic step she climbed.
This time there was no time constraints as they made love, moving from the shower to eventually in front of the fireplace. No longer was it about being claimed, or to ease any tensions, every kiss, every touch was simply about love. Their love that they shared, each knowing that theirs was an everlasting kind of love.
A few hours later
They sat in front of the fire, Lauren leaning against Bo, who was holding the blanket around them. Bo kissed down Lauren's neck before asking if they should go to bed. After all, they had another early day in the morning. Lauren's family had arranged that Adam's ashes would be collected in the morning and scattered in two parts, as per his request, half by his family's plot within the castle grounds in Ireland and the second part returned to England and planted by his prized roses in a small columbarium.
"I'm not tired," Lauren yawned, "OK maybe I am. But please finish the list or I won't be able to sleep."
Bo kissed the side of her head, she was so in love with her. "OK. Number four was the shower in Egypt, ironically enough just after I got my ribs bruised. I was hurting, but also I asked you to be my girlfriend and you stayed silent, which hurt more." Bo kissed the side of Lauren's' head.
Lauren turned, "If only you knew then what you know now."
"And that is?" Bo raised her eyebrows.
"That I'm a geek, slightly socially awkward and not the quickest to realise that while my inner voice was jumping for joy, my outer voice had said nothing." Lauren smiled suggestively, "That was quickly rectified as I recall, twice in fact."
Bo laughed, "Yes it was, baby. I put that at four as it's the first time I've ever had sex with an actual girlfriend."
Lauren's eyes widened, "Oh my god, really? I know you have said that before, but I guess it never really registered with me."
"Anyway, number three, can you guess?" Bo asked.
"My head is still spinning from what you just said." Lauren giggled. "Ok, I'm back in the game. Ok, what about the night I blurted out that I loved you, as you seem to like nostalgic moments."
"Not just nostalgic, but kinky. Stockings. Tied Up. Over a table— "Bo paused as she felt Lauren blush, "I see you remember that kinky night?"
Lauren said nothing, she simply slipped herself around Bo so that she was facing her, and wrapped her legs behind Bo's back. Placing her arms on Bo's shoulders she said, "That's just the tip baby, I've all kinds of kinky planned for us."
Bo swallowed hard. Whether it was the fact that their breasts were touching, the close proximity of Lauren's face, or the words she just said? but something made her whole-body shiver. "I look forward to it then," she replied in a croaky voice.
Lauren loved how she could affect Bo with only words, she slowly kissed the side of her neck, "I loved that night, and not just for that reason. I loved how you took me upstairs to watch the sunset on the balcony and told me you loved me."
"I love you so much, Lauren." Bo stroked the side of Lauren's face with the tip of her finger.
"Number two then is what Bo?"
Bo stretched her neck more to allow Lauren more access, she was so in love with this woman she thought she would burst, "Number two is the night in Cairo, just before we headed to the camp. You and that champagne…." Bo let out an involuntary moan, "…. Thinking of that night and you doing that is not a good combination Lo, unless you don't want any sleep tonight."
Lauren flashed a smile up to her girlfriend, "But then we'll never get to number one."
"Exactly, drum roll please," Bo playfully slapped Lauren's bare buttocks, "What you have been waiting for, the number one spot. It has to be our first time, that naughty day in your back-office room."
Lauren buried herself deeper into Bo's chest, "I was so naughty that day, we nearly got caught and— "
Bo interrupted, "—ah-hem, I was the one-half naked if I recall. Poor Doctor Maged thought I was being treated for a urinary tract infection, which I, later, realised you were saying I had thrush! I should be the one blushing now baby, not you."
"Sorry, Bo I got nervous and panicked. I just said the first thing I could think of." Lauren replied, letting out a small laugh.
"Yeah, well it could have been worse I guess." Bo giggled. "Now come on baby, let's go to bed, to sleep. It's been a long day and we have another travel day tomorrow."
"OK-," before Lauren could say any more she found herself being swept into Bo's arms and carried to the bed.
Lakehouse – Thursday 27th June, early morning.
Bo was first to wake, she could tell by the morning light that was coming through the curtains that it was going to be a lovely day. She looked down at Lauren and kissed the side of her head. Lauren had been the little spoon last night. Bo moved her arm from beneath her slowly in order not to wake her and made her way into the small adjoining kitchen to get them both a drink of water. She had never experienced thirst like this before and her head was pounding like a steel drum band had moved in. Bo was filling up the water when she heard a cough in the room, she spun around immediately nearly dropping the glass.
"Sorry Bo, but I thought you should know that I was here."
"Kate…. I, erm, didn't see you…." Bo flustered her reply, aware that she was standing naked, her arms now held up against her naked breasts, legs crossed, body bent.
"I did knock, and the door was open," Kate replied, taking an apron from the side and handing it to Bo.
Bo took the garment from Kate, leaving one arm to cover her modesty.
Just then Lauren appeared at the doorway, dressed only in a sheet, rubbing her eyes and smudging last night's makeup. "Bo, you here?", Lauren poked her head around to see Bo putting on the apron and her mother looking at the floor. "What's going on?"
"I was getting us a drink and Kate was already here," Bo explained.
Kate looked up to her daughter, "I went to your room to find it empty. I wondered out to find you, make sure you were awake so that you didn't miss the service for your dad. We were thinking about eleven-ish, just family and close friends, I've already invited Tamsin and of course Bo you're welcome also. Then we fly straight after, so you have a few hours before we leave? or you could stay longer if you need some time?"
"You could have just called me mum," Lauren said, somewhat annoyed, moving closer to Bo. "And we will fly back with you, keep you company."
"No need, I've your brother's families staying, so I'm alright if you want to stay. Also, your uncle is coming back with me to help sort out dad's will and talk to the lawyers but will come back in a week. You can stay here and return on the plane next week." Kate smiled over when she noticed Bo's grin. "Oh, and I did call, your phone was off." Kate rose to her feet and brushed her skirt down.
Lauren looked over to Bo wearing just an apron and a rather enthusiastic smile and momentarily envisioned exploring Dublin together. It did sound like a good idea. Lauren nodded at her mum, "Yeah, we'll stay, explore some of Dublin."
Bo grinned and hugged Lauren close, pulling apart they simply smiled at each other, briefly forgetting where they were and who they were with, all that mattered in that moment was each other.
Kate saw the way Lauren and Bo looked at each other and was inwardly happy, breaking the silence Kate spoke, "Thank you, Lauren, for the reading, it was beautiful. Your dad would have been proud."
Lauren walked over to her mum and wrapped her arms around her, "I love you mum. Also, we spoke, Bo and I, and we were wondering if we could stay with you for a while before we make any definite plans?"
Kate smiled broadly, a winning smile that reached her eyes, "I would really love that." Kate knew the real reason was so that she wouldn't be alone, nevertheless was grateful for the gesture.
Suddenly the door burst open and Ciara walked in with Tamsin in tow, "Hey, there you are….", Ciara stopped when she saw the scene in front of her, "What the hell did I miss? Naked chef, Toga Panda and mother."
"Ha, we just got up and mum dropped by to see where we were." Lauren answered, "Also Ciara, can Bo and I stay here for a few more days?"
"Yeah sure, that would be fine, dad is away with Aunt Kate, and I'm away for a few days with work, but the castle is all yours." Ciara replied, "or stay in here, whatever you want to do."
"So, that settles it, you stay and I'll go back and take that yank with me." Kate cheerfully smiled over to Tamsin who pretended to look hurt.
'Charming, I have an all expenses trip paid to Ireland and this is my treatment." Tamsin folded her arms in mock annoyance.
Everyone laughed.
"Well, come up to the main building for breakfast before the service, and I know I said its casual dress, but please do get changed." Kate ushered the other two out and closed the door behind her.
Lauren looked over to Bo and laughed, "What the hell do we look like?"
"Not my finest moment," Bo replied, "it's not yours either."
They both laughed as they returned to the bedroom to get ready.
Lauren and Bo had made their way to the main castle straight away and went directly to their original allocated room to get changed into more comfortable clothes. Lauren opted for blue jeans and a grey tee, while Bo wore black jeans and a white baggy vest top. They made their way to the breakfast hall to join the others. No sooner had they finished breakfast Lauren was pulled into a nearby room by Kate for a quick chat. Bo suspected what they were talking about and began to feel nervous, should she have told Lauren what Kate had confided in her before they left Egypt? It was not her story to tell, but the bile that she swallowed down was making her more anxious as every minute passed. Tamsin was still talking to Bo in the kitchen when Lauren returned, nearly an hour later.
Bo watched Lauren walk into the kitchen, frowning and looking confused. Bo knew better than to directly ask her anything, knowing Lauren preferred to talk in her own time, instead she simply said "Hey."
Lauren replied, "Hey, what are you talking about?"
Tamsin excitedly shared her news, "I was just telling Bo that I'm moving in with Dyson. He has found us a great apartment, and is starting training next week on a new job." Tamsin was beaming, "and I've been given the all clear to return back to work, I just need to see a shrink a few times before I'm back fully."
Lauren smiled back, "That's great news."
"And Bo was just telling me about Kenzi. Did you know?" Tamsin asked.
Lauren shook her head, "Know what?"
"Oh, Bo you tell her it's your story," Tamsin said, not picking up on Lauren's mood.
"Maybe later, Lauren are you ok?" Bo asked, walking forward to stand in front of her.
Lauren whispered back, "I will be."
Bo stepped forward and held her, glad to see that Lauren did not pull away.
"Kenzi is pregnant." Tamsin could not wait any longer and blurt out Bo's news.
Lauren stepped back and looked up to Bo, "Really?"
Bo mentally kicked herself, so much for sharing everything and starting anew, she had been so focused on their relationship she had not mentioned Kenzi's news yet. "Yeah, she told me that night I met with her and missed the family dinner in Sharm. She was freaking out, and excited, at the same time. She was more concerned about the not drinking rather than the giving birth bit, but she will soon freak at that too."
"I can't imagine our Lil' Kenzi being pregnant. I need to call her and-" Tamsin finally picked up on Lauren and Bo, "-What's going on? What have I missed?"
Lauren stepped back and sat on one of the kitchen stools and poured herself some coffee. "I also have some news, you might want to sit and I need this to stay confidential, you cannot tell anyone, not even Dyson. Do you promise?"
Tamsin nodded and answered, "I promise on my life, what is it, Laur?"
Tamsin sat to her side, taking Lauren's hand, and Bo sat to her other.
"Just been speaking to mum as you know, and well, mum has a brother. And he's the one and only Dylan Murray," Lauren spoke calmly.
"WHAT!" Tamsin's raised voice made Bo jump. "Dylan is your mum's brother, as in the Dylan Murray, as in Envoys' boss and head of the cartel?" Tamsin sat forward and leant against her arms on the counter, she knew about Dylan from time spent on the job.
"Yes, they brought in Donald, not to protect their image but to keep mum hidden. Mum and Uncle Dylan both believe some people would stop at nothing to get to him by using her and us if they knew of our existence. That's why Dad tried to pay Bo to go away, he never wanted any media speculation for the family." Lauren continued to speak, hardly believing what she was saying herself.
"So, what next?" Tamsin asked.
Kate walked in and the room fell silent. "Lauren must continue to stay away from the media, apart from that, nothing changes. " Kate answered, "Tamsin, Bo, now that you know, I need your help to protect our family just like her dad did."
Tamsin answered, "I'll make sure of it Kate. Rest assured I'll do everything, I've just one question…."
Kate nodded, "Go on then, what is it?"
"How is it that no one has even known he had a sister?" Tamsin asked.
"We'll those who did are either dead or think I am. You see there were a fire and a body and well, let's just leave it there. It was accepted that I died, so I've been safe, but with Bo's, erm predicament, and possible media attention that no doubt will surround it, we need to be careful. I still might get recognised, even after all this time." Kate answered.
The room remained silent and Kate took that as there were no further questions, "Ok, so we're holding your Dad's final memorial in ten minutes. Please, can you all meet me and the rest of the family in the garden by the family plot."
Lauren hugged her mum, then she left.
When Kate had gone, Tamsin spoke, "Wow, are you alright Laur, well obviously, not alright, but you know…." Tamsin fumbled her words, still in shock from the earlier revelations.
"Yeah, I'm just going to focus on Bo and clearing her name, but from here, in England and then starting anew. Dad, anyway, he helped me with Bo, he told me to check the flowers. And then when Mum gave me his notebook, it all fell into place."
It was Bo's turn to ask the questions, "What do you mean?"
"Well remember when I told you my theory the day after you announce our engagement?" Lauren smiled, "Well I was right, but Dad had worked out what could have caused it. The hard part will just be proving it, but we have the science, just need some test samples."
Bo's heart raced, "So what do you think caused it then?"
"What you described in the field is Aconitum, which contains pseudo aconitine and has the matching indicators as you depicted for Kyle; impassiveness, cardiovascular hypotension and asphyxia," Lauren answered.
Tamsin sighed, "And for the non-scientists in the room Laur."
"Sorry," Lauren exhaled, trying to think of alternatives, "It's a flower and it looks like a bluebell, it's highly poisonous causing numbness, decreased blood pressure to the heart that will eventually lead to unconsciousness and death by suffocation."
Bo sat down, "Is that what happened to Kyle?
Lauren nodded, "I believe so."
"Why not me?" Bo asked.
"I can only think it's because he was outside longer or maybe he had been exposed before? I need to run some tests, but I'm as sure as I can be now, and I'll prove it and you will finally have closure. It was never your fault Bo." Bo held her hand.
"Why was that not found as the cause of death at the time." Bo was pacing the floor, unable to fully understand what was going on around her.
"Standard autopsy don't test for poison. We'll need to get the families permission to exhume the body." Lauren stood beside Bo and took her hand again. "We'll find a way Bo and it'll all be over in just a few months. And then we're free to go anywhere, do anything and be together properly."
"Fuck, that's mad to think you thought it was your fault all these years and he actually died from a flower," Tamsin said breaking the tension.
"I know." Lauren signed, "Right let's go outside, the second service is due to start and you have a plane to catch."
"Lauren, if you need me to stay, then you know I will," Tamsin said sincerely.
"I know, but you need to get back. Poor Dyson will have the flat decorated with boxing equipment if he's left to his own way." Lauren smiled.
"I hope so, find it rather sexy to have a hanging punch bag in the bedroom," Tamsin replied.
"Erm…." Lauren for once was silenced. It was certainly not to her taste.
"Joking Lauren" Tamsin playfully slapped her arm, "That goes in the spare room."
"Come on then, let's bury Dad again." Tamsin started to walk away.
"We're not actually-" Lauren stopped when she saw Tamsin turn and smile. She knew she was socially awkward and hid it with witty comments, so chose to ignore her.
The service was quick, a few words from Lauren's older brother before scattering half of the urn's ashes across the family plot. The remaining ashes returning to England to stay there. After the service, they all said their goodbyes to each other and made their way to the cars and left for the airport.
Bo and Lauren waved them off before deciding to take a walk around the castle. Kicking off their shoes and walking barefoot in the grass, with their arms linked they strolled across the vast grounds, Lauren telling stories of her summers spent growing up with her cousin and their adventures.
"It's really beautiful here Lauren, so much green, and the lake is simply Wow," Bo spoke.
"Yeah, it is, and if you look to the far left you will see the lake house, and that's the full circle tour." Lauren pointed out the lake house, then relinked her arm around Bo's, and pulling her down to sit beside her on a garden bench.
"So, has there ever been a wedding held here?" Bo asked, nudging Lauren slightly.
Lauren flashed a smile up to Bo and bit down on her lower lip, "Not that I'm aware of, no. Why?"
Bo smiled back as she saw the sparkle in Lauren's eye, "Just think it would look nice."
Lauren playing along asked, "And how do you think it would look?"
Bo grabbed Laurens' hand and pulled her up and along the grass, "So here I see rows of chairs, white, with huge bows tied to the backs." Bo let go of Lauren's hand and spread her arms out in both directions and turned to face Lauren, "And here would be the train, white carpet leading from the castle to the seating area and down towards the minister."
"Yes," Lauren excitedly joining in with Bo, "I see it too, white but with a gold trim, so that the flower girl and bridesmaids can also wear soft golden dresses."
Bo nodded and ran further forward, "And here would be a makeshift altar, wooden, with flowers wrapped around."
Lauren smiled and joined Bo, facing her she took her hands in her own, "And the minister would announce the expression of intent."
Bo squeezed Lauren's hands back, "And they would say I do."
"Then the vows would be read out", Lauren beamed.
"The rings placed on the fingers, and then the ring vows would be exchanged," Bo added.
"And then the kiss, a long kiss maybe?" Lauren concluded. "After maybe a poem, reading or something different like song lyrics."
Bo looked at Lauren, she loved her so much and could feel her every time her heart beat, "It would be magical."
Lauren smiled back at Bo, loving every inch of her and knowing she always would, "More than magical, it would be perfect."
"Maybe one day." Bo held Lauren close.
"One day very soon." Lauren looked up, seeing her future in them brown eyes, and kissed the woman she loved knowing that everything would all be ok.
"Yes, very soon, my love."
THE END
AN: Thank you for all your support, and sticking by me, even though I may not have deserved it! I'm sorry I took so long to finish, I had things going on, but I always made a promise that I would come back and complete this.
I hope you have enjoyed the story, for those who have been with me from the beginning, you may have noticed that I made a few slight story changes to help it flow a bit better.
It's been an adventure for me, as well as a challenge. My first and only fanfic, I learnt that to be a writer needs more than just a story and an idea. Thanks for the reviews and comments, it pushed me harder and would love to hear your final thoughts on the story as a finished article.
I look forward to your final review, from me thank you again, hope you enjoyed Cockails and Doctors! I left it was a possible sequel, but also a happy ending...So you never know, if you want it, maybe I will give writing fanfic another go?
Love and Best Wishes, CC xx