Lauren

Lauren had already treated a couple of patients before she retreated to her office. It had already been a long morning but this is what she lived for. What she craved. To help people. To help them heal. To help them feel good about themselves. To get back out there and to the lives they were living.

For so many years, Lauren felt dead. Bloody body after bloody body was either wheeled in or nearly thrown in her lap. She often felt like she was dead. Walking from table to table, bed to bed. It became repetitive. Day after day, walking from exam table to exam table treating Fae after Fae. Then walking that long, dark and lonely hall to check on Nadia. Another round of beeps and a patient she couldn't fix. Couldn't heal.

Nothing hurt the Doctor side of her more than having a patient she couldn't help. Experiment after experiment failed on Nadia. Then Bo happened.

Bo comes along. Lost and completely unsure of what she was and why she did what she did. Lauren had only read about Succubi, now there was a living, and breathing one right in front of her. Sitting naked on her exam table. Bo said she could read auras, well that was almost true for Lauren too. She never saw such a bright light coming off of a Fae. A Fae.

Normally Lauren would have been dismissed as a stupid, lowlife human when she came across a Fae. Bo wasn't like that. Bo was kind and caring. So caring she freed Nadia for Lauren. Five years Lauren had been working to do that very thing and here was a Succubus. A Fae going above and beyond her nature and status to help.

Sure it all started when Evony cruelly gave her the nail, but Bo had never stopped. Would never stop trying. Never stop looking. Never stop asking. And then she did. When Lauren walked into Bo's party with Nadia, Bo didn't look shocked at all. That wasn't one of Bo's memories, it's one of Lauren's. Bo didn't say anything. Didn't ask how it happened. She looked almost hurt that it did. She looked like she was struggling to accept it. Struggling to move on with her life. Even her smiles that were almost blinding bright dimmed like a light bulb about to go out.

Bo had done something for Lauren. She didn't do it as a Fae, she did it as Bo. A very touching and huge gesture. Looking back on it now, it all made sense. The calls suddenly stopped. Bo never once asked to see Lauren even when the Doctor knew she had been at the compound. She did nod once as she walked by Nadia and Lauren at the compound after Lauren had just met with the Ash to make sure that it was ok for Nadia to live with her.

Bo had that look in her eyes again. Like she was lost and struggling to find out where she belonged. Lauren nearly had to beg Lachlan to let her and Nadia get away for awhile. But Nadia had no idea where they were going. They were putting distance between Bo and Lauren. After Bo handed Lauren her car keys, and then Lauren tried to give them back, she knew she needed to get away. Their hands touched and Bo's was so warm and gentle. Although her heart had already chosen, Lauren wanted to be fair to Nadia. She owed her that much. She owed the both of them that much.

Which lead her to where she was now. On her computer looking up what and everything Bo would need to finish high school.

"I'm sorry Dr. Lewis. You are needed in the lab". A nurse said quietly from the door.

Lauren locked her computer and rushed out to help. It wasn't as urgent as the Nurse's tone earlier had suggested. So Lauren decided to take another break and she left the building.

Bo

Lauren had dropped by Bo's to help her pack for her trip. They were chatting as Bo packed up a pair of black jeans, a few dresses and pantsuits. The Succubus was nervous about how she would look once she returned to her old school board and hometown. Sure she could probably request her transcripts by mail, but that would likely take weeks and she wanted to get started right now.

The last time she was in that building, she had blood on her hands literally as she cleaned out her locker that night. She had to, she couldn't go home and get some clothes, and remembered she kept a change of clothes in her school locker. They told her she would never graduate and wanted her and her things out of her building. She waited until night when there would not be any students on campus to watch her clean out her locker before the school year was over.

She always felt Mary Dennis was going to kick her out and needed a backup pair of clothes. It wasn't until she started living on the streets that she developed a love for anything leather.

The Succubus hadn't been expecting Lauren but was pleasantly surprised to see her and happy that she accepted her leaving on a trip and offered to help her pack. Bo had bought a few outfits. They were busy ripping tags off, and folding them neatly in duffel bags. Lauren also offered to go, but Bo wanted to do this alone. They would take plenty of trips in the future, and to be honest Bo wasn't sure what kind of reception she was going to be getting. She didn't want Lauren's first time in her hometown to be a disaster. It was going to be romantic.

"Do you have everything? Lauren asked as she zipped one bag closed.

"I hope so. Thanks for everything Lauren and for understanding that I need to do this part alone". Bo sighed softly as she took a seat.

"Bo. I wasn't there for your high school years. Yes it hurts a bit that I can't go but I understand this is a trip you have to take alone. I just hope it goes a lot easier than your last trip". Lauren said.

"We will go one day, I promise". Bo said softly, standing up, and stepping towards Lauren. She hadn't forgotten the hurt in Lauren's eyes when she wanted to take Kenzi instead the last time.

"I know". Lauren said throwing a duffel bag over her shoulder and grabbing another one to carry. Bo looked around as Lauren walked towards the door. She didn't see anything she had forgotten.

She needed to keep it light. Keep her focus strong but not carry around a lot of material things. Keep a lot of doubts out of her head. She didn't need that. They didn't need that. This was her focus. This was her future. She wanted the trip to be over as quickly as possible, so that she could get into getting her diploma and moving on to that next level.

Lauren walked out to Bo's car and put the bags in the trunk as she locked up the house. She turned around and leaned against the car waiting for Bo to come down the stairs.

"Thanks again Lauren. You didn't have to come". Bo said nervously as she stood in front of the Doctor.

"Bo I know this is not going to be easy for you at all. If you need anything, just call". Lauren said in her own nervousness.

"I just need to get my transcripts. These people were complete snobs and will likely give me the runarounds, which is another reason I want to go in person. If I request them online or over the phone, they could just put it on some desk, and then forget about it. I want them in my hands as of yesterday. I can't even remember the last class that I took or attended, so this will help". Bo said.

Lauren bit her lip. There was so much she could do and probably get everything Bo needed in a matter of minutes, but if Bo was insistent on doing this, this way, she wouldn't intrude.

"I should get going". Bo said as she opened her arms stepping into Lauren's personal space. She sighed deeply when Lauren returned the hug. She inhaled her scent. She inhaled her soul. She inhaled her heart.

"See you soon". Lauren said softly stepping backwards.

Bo grinned remembering the last time Lauren said that to her. Lauren opened the car door for Bo because if she didn't they would both continue to stand there, staring.

As the Doctor watched Bo leave, she heard the engine make quite a few rattling noises but Bo gave her the thumbs up knowing she was likely worrying.

"We are going to need to get her a different car". Lauren smiled softly as she walked to her own. Lauren smiled as she sped down the road and nearly laughed when she reached a red light.

"Want to borrow mine? Lauren yelled towards the car to her right.

"Very kind of you to offer Dr. Lewis, but no thank you". Bo winked as she waved and drove off.

Lauren grinned and sped off in the other direction. Yes they were traveling down different roads but they would end up on the same road at the end of the day.

The Dal

"How did you get in here? Aife asked slowly.

"I will never reveal my secrets". Kenzi snapped as she continued rifling through some papers.

Aife walked over and slapped them out of Kenzi's hands and was just about to drain her when Mason stopped her.

"Here. She got in this way. Her scent is all over the floors and wall". Mason growled.

"Break it". Aife ordered and watched as Mason tore the small doors off and sealed it so nobody else could enter that way. Short people that is.

Aife laughed that must have been how Trick snuck out of there when he suspected his crown was about to be exposed.

"And her? Mason asked as he slowly walked towards Kenzi.

"Take her to my special hiding spot. You know the cage without locks". Aife grinned.

"Why not kill her? Mason growled in anger. Kenzi snuck in on his watch. His shift. It was embarrassing.

"Death would be too easy for her. This little bitch needs to learn some manners and respect, and nothing will break a person down more than being locked away. Especially an unclaimed human with nobody to come for them. That and Isabeau might get pissed off, if I kill her..that is without telling her first". Aife laughed.

"Bo will come for me! You will see". Kenzi snapped angrily.

"Silly girl. My daughter is not thinking of you. And even if she does, it won't be here. You will never set foot in the Dal Riata again. So go ahead and inhale the fumes. The Vodka and anything else you may have swallowed here". Aife laughed.

Kenzi didn't know what to do. With a Succubus standing within inches of her and a shifter licking his lips as he eyed her. There was no way out. She had no choice but to allow him to take her wherever the hell this place Aife mentioned was. Somebody had obviously told her about Kenzi's lock picking skills. Otherwise why put her in a cage or room without a lock?

"What shall I feed her? Mason asked.

"Give her water and stale bread and mayonnaise sandwiches. Nothing more". Aife said seriously.

"I'll take her out the back". Mason said as he grabbed Kenzi by her arm and off they went. There was a taller back door that they rarely used in Trick's lair.

Aife checked her reflection in the mirror and climbed the stairs. She smiled when she saw they had a customer but more like a guest.

"I'm sorry. I could smell your perfume, so I know you were here, and poured myself a drink". The woman sighed taking a sip.

"Now you know you don't have to apologize for getting your swerve on". Aife winked as she walked behind the bar.

"I will pay for...

"You will not. Your money is no good here". Aife smiled softly.

"But I...

"Stop it". Aife said gently pouring her own shot.

"Ok". Lauren smiled.

"So why are you here? Aife asked.

"I should have called first, but nothing like asking in person". Lauren said downing her beer.

"And the question is? Aife aske.

"I want to find Lou Ann". Lauren answered. Aife was looking at her strangely and she hoped she had not overstepped.

"Why do you need her? Aife asked pouring them both shots.

"No offense but I would rather just find her and go from there". Lauren said. She wasn't about to tell Aife what Bo hadn't told her yet.

"What do you know about her? Aife asked.

"I know Bo went to visit her. I know Bo felt like they had some kind of connection. Then you hit town. Not that far of a leap to think you had something to do with her and you know where she is". Lauren explained setting her glass down on the counter.

"Lou Ann is one of the few Fae left that I trust. For you to want to know where she is, it must be big". Aife said softly.

Lauren sighed and took a seat.

"How about if I get her to come to you? Aife asked.

"If that's how you want to play it, that's fine with me. I just want to see her soon. I could have gone looking for her myself, but I didn't want to step on any unnecessary toes. So to speak". Lauren said.

"Doctor I know you are not trying to go behind Bo's back". Aife laughed.

"No. Nothing like that. I just want to see Lou Ann. To talk, that's all". Lauren explained.

"I can have her meet you at your house or at your clinic. Whichever you choose". Aife said.

"My house. That and I can give her some food, if she's hungry". Lauren said.

"Tonight ok? Aife asked.

"Tonight will be fine. I have got to get back to work in the meantime and thanks for your help". Lauren said popping a mint into her mouth.

"Anytime". Aife smiled as Lauren walked out. Lou Ann is important to the Succubus. But whatever Lauren wants her for has something to do with Bo. She wouldn't tell Aife why she wanted to see her, but the Succubus would drop it and find the woman.

Aife waited for Mason to return and left the Dal in his hands. That is after she explained how nobody was to be let in that she didn't approve of. If they didn't show him money, they couldn't even relieve themselves.

The Succubus was in her car speeding for miles until she came upon a small house. Opening her car door, she took some quick steps until she reached the door and knocked.

"Get up and get ready". Aife said as she walked into the house.

"You're not pregnant again, I hope". Lou Ann laughed.

"No of course not. But you are going on a little trip". Aife said.

"I am? Lou Ann asked as she turned her head sideways.

"Dr. Lauren Lewis wants to see you. I will take you to her. You will tell her everything she wants or needs to know, and you are going today. You tell her one lie, and it will be your ass. I will wait while you make yourself more presentable". Aife said taking an offered beer and took a seat on the couch.

After thirty minutes and annoying Aife, Lou Ann was ready to go. The women piled into Aife's car and sped away.

Bo

It had been almost six hours and Bo finally arrived in her hometown. She drove past her old house to see if there was any activity going on. The lights were on but she kept going. Nothing good could come from her stopping by.

She had said her peace the last time, the next time she wanted to step in the house was with Lauren. Mary didn't like her dating Kyle so Bo wasn't really going to give a damn about how she would feel about Lauren. She only wanted to bring Lauren because Lauren wanted to come back then and now.

She found a small hotel to check into. It wasn't too bad and she was sure she knew the pimpled geek behind the desk but used one of her fake IDs to check in.

She showered and turned on the small television. She wanted to call Lauren but chose to text her that she made it instead. It would kill her to talk to Lauren now and tell her about her trip so far. That would be cruel. She still felt the burn from this trip and the last one.

When she got a text back with a smiley face wishing her good luck, she sighed in relief. Looking out the window she was ready for the next day. The first face she would see. With all of the advancements in technology, she hoped she wouldn't be sitting in the office like some child waiting to speak to the principal. She wasn't even going to her high school. She was heading to the school board which was right across the street from her old high school. She could already feel the stares. The oos. The ahhhs. Some pencil neck nerd thinking he would hit that. Some cheerleader rolling her eyes and thinking she was better than Bo. She had seen it all. Lived it all. This wasn't about any of them. Crawling into bed, she kissed that night goodbye.

Lauren's

"I am not kidding. You tell Lauren everything she wants to know. Not that mickey mouse shit you told Isabeau". Aife said.

"I understand". Lou Ann said as she climbed out of Aife's car. She watched the Succubus drive off and walked up the walkway leading to Lauren's front door. Ringing the doorbell, she jumped back and waited.

"Dr. Lewis? Lou Ann said softly as she noticed a blonde opening the door.

"You must be Lou Ann. Please come in". Lauren said standing aside.

Lou Ann walked into the foyer and then the sitting room. This was nothing that she was used to. Sure she had a nice house provided to her by Aife, but this is beyond riches she had ever experienced.

"May I offer you a bite to eat? Lauren asked holing a tray of snacks.

"No thanks. I understand you have some questions for me? Lou Ann said sitting on the couch.

"I do. I do". Lauren said setting the tray down on the coffee table.

"Then ask away". Lou Ann said softly taking a cup of coffee from Lauren.

"I know you know who and what Bo is. Where she lived and with whom. All of that brings a few questions to mind. Long story short I had Bo's memories but there is something I never tapped into before I gave them back to her". Lauren said.

"What do you want to know? Lou Ann asked.

"What can you tell me about Mary Dennis? Like anything she may have hidden from Bo? Lauren asked. She watched the woman shift uncomfortably in her seat.

You will tell her everything she wants or needs to know...You tell her one lie, and it will be your ass. Lou Ann cleared her throat and started talking.

"When Bo was a baby, she was a very good mother at first. Then when Bo started showing signs of her Succubus, Mary started pulling back and spending less and less time with her. Bo spent most of her time alone from what I saw, and when she was with Mary, she was verbally abused. When she reached high school Bo started to rebel, skipping school. Staying out". Lou Ann explained.

"What about her grades? Lauren asked.

"Bo was doing very well. Even when she skipped school, she would immediately catch up. Her grades never faltered". Lou Ann replied.

Lauren thought back. Bo had told her she flunked Biology when they first met. This wasn't making any sense.

"Then how did he not get her Diploma? Lauren asked.

"As I said before Mary Dennis would leave Bo for days and nights. Her days she spent at work, or running errands. Her nights were spent with the principal of the High School".

"What? Are you serious?! Lauren asked.

"Very serious and that is not all. I had a friend inside of the high school that was fired because she was about to expose the Principal and some members of the school board". Lou Ann said sitting forward.

"What did they do?! Lauren asked angrily. She wasn't mad at Lou Ann, she was getting mad at the bullshit she knew was coming.

"They purposely flunked Bo so Mary had reason to throw her out into the streets. The real reason was Mary thought Bo was a monster. She wanted her out of the house and school at any cost so that she wouldn't be repsonsible for her anymore and her society friends wouldn't see the thing she was raising grow up. Those were her words not mine". Lou Ann explained.

"Where are her records? Lauren asked. She was twenty kinds of pissed off now.

"There aren't any. They were all burned the minute Jessica was fired. Jessica was my friend. She told me the last class Bo took was Biology, if that helps". Lou Ann said.

"Can you wait here for a few minutes? Lauren asked softly. She didn't want the woman to think she was mad at her personally.

"Yes of course". Lou Ann said sitting back.

Lou Ann started picking at the tray. She moaned at how good everything was. There was a lot so the Doctor was obviously prepared for a long talk. Yes their talk wasn't long but it was eventful. Twenty minutes later, Lauren emerged.

"I am done with all of my questions. I can take you to the Dal if you don't want me to know where you live" Lauren said.

"I can go home. It's only fair since I know where you live". Lou Ann smiled.

"Then if you're ready, I am too". Lauren said pulling a bag behind her while carrying one over her shoulder.

The ladies piled into Lauren's Hummer and Lou Ann gave Lauren the coordinates for her house. Lauren was in too big of a hurry to ask questions about where to turn, and she had bought the best GPS unit she could find. Twenty minutes later, they arrived.

"Thank you so much for coming and talking to me. I wanted that to be a personal conversation that's why I didn't agree on the Dal Riata". Lauren said before Lou Ann climbed out.

"It's quite alright. Aife is an old friend. Let me know if you need anything else". Lou Ann said as she handed Lauren her phone number.

"I just might need that". Lauren nodded. Bo was going to be pissed off and not likely to just go by what the school board tells her.

Lauren waved bye and nearly cried. Bo was going to be so upset but she needed to get to her and before morning. She used her GPS unit to find her way to Grimley and finally pulled out of Lou Ann's driveway.

"I know you wanted to do this alone, but you are getting help sweetie". Lauren said softly as she drove down the road.

TBC

Bo spots Lauren checking into her hotel.

Bo and Lauren visit Mary Dennis.

Lou Ann tells Aife the truth.