Lou Ann
After Lauren had dropped her off, Lou Ann tried. She had tried to watch TV. She had tried listening to music. She had tried reading a book. She had tried reading a newspaper. She had tried to sleep but she knew falling asleep would fail in comparison to the hell that she knew was coming. Aife.
She had known Aife a long, long time. The Succubus had trusted her with her baby Succubus, and she would never forget that or Aife getting her away from Evony's clutches. She knew that every Fae would want Bo. But she never understood why Evony didn't pursue Aife as a Succubus. A Succubus was just a Succubus until Bo was born. And holy hell if she didn't make Lou Ann's world hell after she ran with her. She thought long and hard about what to do with her. The baby would have to remain alive or it would be the end of the Fae as she knew it. She didn't have any spells or Fae trinkets that would work, so she hid Bo with humans.
She flinched when Aife told her the baby's name. Isabeau was a powerful name. A name known among the Fae, so they shortened it to just Bo before she placed her with the Dennis family.
She sighed as she continued to pace back and forth. She looked around her room to see if there was anything that she cherished enough to take with her, knowing she needed to leave soon. Not to flee but to talk to Aife. To tell her something she had never told anyone else before until tonight. The Succubus would either kick her ass or just snap her neck. Either one was possible and would be very painful. Aife was like a horror flick monster, she would taunt you while kicking your ass or while she was slowly killing you.
Rubbing her forehead, she grabbed her jacket and headed out to the nearest street. She didn't own a car, so she hitchhiked to the Dal Riata. It was still early so she knew it was still open and there could be a large crowd. Which could work to her benefit. To blend in with the crowd, but Aife's Succubus could spot any aura while she was blindfolded.
After a few minutes Lou Ann had finally been picked up and they were off down the road. The guy was nice and all but he talked way beyond her comfort level. Mostly flirted with her. She wasn't about to find a new lover when her last one ended up dead, and he reeked of human. Been there. Done that. She had him drop her off within a few blocks of the Dal, so he wouldn't be tempted to follow her into the bar. Once she saw his truck lights disappear, she turned to walk the rest of the way.
The Dal Riata
The bar was busy as Lou Ann had hoped for it to be. Mason was pouring drink after drink and loading them on to the trays for Khana and Jerica to serve the customers. Aife had been in her lair for the longest time. He assumed she was busy working on her next plot to piss off somebody far off in the Fae world. He had ordered another shifter to watch Kenzi for him. The girl was never going to escape or bribe Norris. He was a Lion shifter. That's how him and Mason became friends. They ran with different packs, but still managed to forge and keep a close knit friendship. He told him who Aife was and Norris had no problems helping out. Telling Mason no would be like telling Aife no. Aife's only order regarding Kenzi was to never allow her to escape. It took some doing to find day old bread for her to eat though.
The Succubus found Lauren's old Light Fae menu and that was pretty much all she was allowed to eat. Bread and water. If she ate anything else, it was on someone else's dime or time.
Lou Ann walked in and surveyed the room. She didn't see Aife yet, but that didn't mean that she wasn't there. Throngs of people crowded around the pool tables, seating tables and the bar. She walked towards the bar and waited for Mason to make his way to her.
"What can I get ya? Mason smiled.
"I'm here to see Aife". Lou Ann nearly shouted over the noise.
"She's downstairs, if you can wait a few minutes, I can take you to her". Mason said and smiled when Lou Ann nodded. He knew better than to just go down there. Especially after Kenzi's stunt.
Mason wiped his hands on his towel and nodded for Lou Ann to follow him. He knew she wasn't a stranger. The way she said Aife's name told him, she had met the Succubus before. Lou Ann took deep breaths with every step she took towards and down the stairs. Closing her eyes she waited with Mason at the door as he knocked on it. When Aife gave the ok, he gestured for Lou Ann to enter.
Lou Ann found Aife furiously writing something down as she sat at an old desk. She knew it had to have belonged to Trick.
"Did Lauren get everything she needed? Aife asked never looking up.
"Yes. She did. That's why I'm here actually". Lou Ann said softly.
"If you lied to her, you know what I am going to do to you". Aife said still not looking at the woman yet.
"Yes I know. I told her the truth. All of it. You need to know it too". Lou Ann swallowed softly.
"All of it? All of what? What did Lauren ask you? Aife asked finally looking at Lou Ann.
"She asked about Bo's childhood and teen years. There is something I never told you, that you need to know". Lou Ann replied walking over to a small stool.
Aife stood up and closed the notebook she had been writing in. Walking around the small desk, she sat on top of it. "This better not be any bullshit. Or your ass will be ashes by the time I'm done with you".
"Aife you and I go way back, this wasn't exactly something that I did, it's just something I didn't think to tell you about. I had almost forgotten it until Lauren and I were deep in our conversation".
"Ok. Tell me". Aife said angrily.
"When Bo was in high school, after some of her Succubus powers started to show, Mary Dennis got wind of it and thought she was a freak...". Lou Ann started and flinched when she heard the Succubus growl. When Aife nodded she continued.
"She plotted with her friends, and some people on the school staff and made it look like Bo failed so she could kick her out of her house and Bo would be out of her hands". Lou Ann explained.
"Kyle? Aife asked coolly.
"Yes I believe it was". Lou Ann answered.
"Go on". Aife snapped.
"They found Kyle's body and all assumed that Bo had done that to him since she was the last one they saw with him. When Bo tried to go home, she couldn't because Mary had already kicked her out. She didn't even give Bo a chance to explain what happened with Kyle. She didn't have anywhere else to go. She tried sleeping in the school gym, but couldn't because the authorities had cars there waiting for her to show up. My contact at the school told me Bo had passed and was set to graduate but they led her believe she flunked". Lou Ann finished.
"So what you are telling me Lou Ann, is that the woman you handed my baby over to, punked her out of her high school diploma? So what you are telling me Lou Ann is that this bitch thought my daughter was a freak that she and this piss poor town needed to be ridded of? So what you are telling me Lou Ann is that they threw my baby out like she was a bag of trash? So what you are telling me Lou Ann is that Bo thought she was a loser to these bitches and they got away with it? Until now?! Aife screamed angrily as she paced back and forth.
Lou Ann jumped when the Succubus voice shook the legs of the stool that she was sitting on. "Yes that's right".
Within a flash Aife was in front of Lou Ann. "Is there anything else you haven't told me? Do not lie to me. I can read your scared ass aura". Aife said gritting her teeth.
"Bo and Lauren have both gone to Grimley. That's the last of my news". Lou Ann said.
"Mason! Aife screamed and the entire building shook under her voice.
"Ma'am?! Mason said running down the stairs, nearly falling on his face as he did.
"Lou Ann here will be running the Dal. You and I are going on a trip". Aife snapped.
"Yes ma'am". Mason said handing the keys to Lou Ann.
"Aife. I'm sorry. I know I should have told you a long time ago". Lou Ann said.
"I know you're sorry, but not as sorry as those bitches will be when I am done with them". Aife laughed sadistically.
"Trick has two twin beds you could put together to make a bed with". Mason said pointing to the beds in the far corner.
Lou Ann nodded. She was so embarrassed. Aife had done more for her than any Fae and this was how she repaid her. Truth was she had honestly forgotten about it. She remembered when Bo came to see her before she was supposed to be executed. The Succubus mentioned them having a connection and she couldn't tell her that it was true. She had to tell Aife that she had seen Bo first before she told her anything about them.
"So where the fuck is this Mayberry town? Aife asked grabbing some clothes and jamming them into a bag.
"Grimley it is...". Lou Ann started.
"I know where it is". Mason said never taking his eyes off of the woman. As pissed off as Aife looked, she had to mean something to the Succubus to stop her from draining her on the spot.
"Then lets go, and you have work to do Lou Ann". Aife snapped as she waited for Mason to carry her bags out to the car.
The Succubus and shifter were already in the car and down the road when Mason wondered what her plan was and why they were off so suddenly.
"Bo was raised by humans to keep her safe from her father. She attended human schools. When she reached her senior year in high school her Succubus powers surfaced and she killed her boyfriend. Her adoptive mother called her a freak and arranged for her to flunk out of school, and kicked her out on to the streets". Aife explained.
"Its not uncommon in a town like Grimley. I grew up there and moved away when I was fifteen. We are dealing with some nasty, uppity women". Mason explained.
"I know I picked you as my right hand for a reason". Aife laughed.
"Where did you want to go first? Mason asked.
"Isabeau. We need to find Isabeau first. I am sure Lauren will tell her the truth and as much as I am ready to fight, my daughter needs me more". Aife said.
"And Mrs. Dennis? Mason asked.
"All in good time, my boy. All in good time". Aife laughed.
Bo
Bo was ready for the next day. She had drank her entire mini bar and had gone downstairs to the actual bar. When she had her fill there, she was walking through the lobby, and stopped dead in her tracks.
She squinted thinking she had too much and was hallucinating. She watched the woman check in and watched her pull her bags behind her. She followed her to the elevator and climbed on to it with her.
Once the elevator started moving up, she spoke up. "What are you doing here Lauren?
"Bo. I can explain just not here". Lauren said pointing upwards.
"Explain? Like you explained any of your plans to me before. I want the truth now! Bo snapped.
Lauren sighed and pushed the stop button. "The old Lauren would accept your accusations and assumptions. But me? I will not accept the way are talking to me. I never told you my plans because of this...you jumping to conclusions without knowing the facts. You spouting off about things you don't understand. If this is how you are going to be, I will let you off on your floor, take my bags back downstairs, check out early and go home. Now I came here after I found out something that you need to know. I will not tell you on this elevator because it's a private matter. You will not talk to me that way again and I will not help you with this, or anything else again". Lauren snapped looking Bo dead in her eyes.
"Lauren I'm sorry. I really am. I'm frustrated because I want to get this over with already and I snapped at you when I shouldn't have. I'm sorry". Bo said softly taking one of Lauren's hands.
Lauren nodded and let go of Bo's hand as she started the elevator again. Once they reached their floor, she got off first as Bo followed her.
The women entered Lauren's room and the Doctor inhaled the clean scent. She had a king sized bed and loved it. Walking to the small closet, she set her bags inside. Bo was busy pouring Lauren a drink. She didn't want anymore tonight. Not after the elevator incident.
Lauren waited on the long couch as Bo joined her, handing her, her drink.
"Lauren I'm sorry. Really I am. Just being here is pissing me off all over again, even if I left on a good note the last time. But I wanted our first time here to be romantic". Bo said softly looking at the floor in shame.
"I don't think you will feel that way after we talk". Lauren said sipping her beer.
"What? I do want to bring you here Lauren. Our first time here together. Bring you to meet the Dennis family. Take you on more trips than this place.". Bo said softly
"If it makes you feel better, we aren't exactly in Grimley, we're on the outskirts". Lauren said and watched as Bo nodded.
"I just want us to do things together again. To be where we were the first time we made love after we became a couple. Before I left you feeling like a third or fifth priority". Bo said gently looking at Lauren.
"Bo...
"No Lauren. You saw it. There is so much ahead of us. I just want us to get there, right now". Bo said snapping her neck from left to right.
"I know. I saw it. But if you pull what you pulled in the elevator again, you can find another lover". Lauren said softly.
"So we still don't fully trust each other yet? Ok. I understand". Bo said softly.
"I trust you Bo. Just not completely yet. If I didn't at all, I certainly wouldn't have come here". Lauren said.
"Why are you here? Bo asked gently. She was beyond anxious to have Lauren back for good and this was slowing them down a bit.
Lauren released a deep breath and started. "Mary Dennis, Bo. She's not who you thought she was. After you left I went to see Lou Ann with Aife's help. From what I learned from her, you didn't flunk any of your classes, they led you to believe that you did".
"Who? Who did Lauren? Bo asked angrily. Lauren wouldn't be telling her any of this if she didn't believe any of it herself.
"Mary wanted you out of her house. So she conspired with a few people at the school and possibly on the school board to flunk you so that she would have a good reason to kick you out of her house. You actually passed Bo, but they doctored your records and tests to make you think you flunked out of high school". Lauren explained.
Bo sat shocked. She didn't think or feel she was dumb as they lead her to believe. In fact she did know one thing that they didn't know. "I never liked tests. Hated them actually, but I didn't take them, she did".
Lauren nodded when she understood what Bo meant. "Are you ok? You look way too calm".
"Oh hell no. I am fifty shades of red pissed the fuck off. I just don't want to take my anger out on you like I did earlier". Bo said seriously.
Lauren nodded and slammed her beer.
"Are we ok? Bo asked worriedly.
"Yes but I meant what I said". Lauren said.
"I understand Lauren. I just didn't want to go to bed with some kind of friction between us". Bo explained.
"You're going to bed? Lauren asked.
"Yes the earlier I go, the earlier I can get up and go see my dear old Mary Dennis". Bo said.
"I could go with you, if you want". Lauren said setting her glass on the small table.
"I do want that actually. I just didn't want to assume you would go. This is not exactly your mess or problem". Bo said.
"Bo I wouldn't have come here if I wasn't going to go with you wherever you need to go. These people don't sound nice or cooperative at all. I am sure they won't like you bringing this up, so I'm going with you. They did this on purpose". Lauren said softly.
"Which is why I'm ready for bed. I want to get up and get over there early before she has a chance to leave". Bo said softly.
"Good night Bo". Lauren smiled softly.
"Good night Lauren. Thank you for comin. Want to meet for breakfast? Bo asked.
"Sure". Lauren said walking Bo to the door. The Succubus room was on the other end of the floor.
Bo wanted Lauren but this was not a night for that. They had business to tend to and the Succubus was touched that Lauren not only wanted to help but came to help her in person. Most people would call, but Lauren showed up.
Lauren took a quick shower and jumped in the bed. It took her a long time to go to sleep but she finally fell asleep.
The next day
Bo wasn't kidding. She was up and had already texted Lauren that she was waiting outside of her door. When Lauren rushed out, she nearly slammed into Bo. The Succubus was waiting with a breakfast cart and pushed it in when Lauren opened her door wider for her. Bo pushed the cart over to the small dining table and they passed the food around as they plated the food.
"Sorry. I just thought it would be nice to eat here in case we needed to talk about all of this without prying eyes or ears". Bo said after they took their seats.
"Its fine and a good idea". Lauren said noticing that it wasn't even 7 yet.
"I just can't believe she would do this". Bo said shaking her head.
Lauren didn't know what to say. It was horrible but she didn't know the woman well enough to form anything other than a nasty opinion of her. "We will hear from her soon enough". Was all the Doctor could come up with.
"Are you ok? I know this is a lot to take in and even more to deal with". Bo said taking a bite of her food.
"I'm fine Bo. Really. I'm more concerned about you". Lauren said drinking her coffee.
"I'm fine. Still highly pissed off but fine. Since it sounds like I passed, we shouldn't be here long. It shouldn't take long to get my diploma and get the hell out of here". Bo said taking another bite.
"Yeah that shouldn't take long. I'm sorry Bo. I know this can't be easy to deal with or to hear". Lauren said apologetically. She had studied for years to get her Degree. In a way her degree saved her. Her home life wasn't that great. She didn't have many friends but always had Science in her corner.
"Thank you Lauren. Thank you for coming. Thank you for caring enough to come. My life has always been one mess after another and you didn't have to step into this one". Bo said softly shaking one of Lauren's hands in appreciation.
"You're welcome". Lauren smiled as she wiped her mouth with a napkin.
Twenty minutes later, they had finished, Bo returned the cart and they met in the lobby. Lauren nodded as they walked out and waited for the valet to bring her car around. Bo offered to drive since she knew exactly where they were going but Lauren thought it better for her to ride so she could calm down a bit. They didn't know for sure what they heard was true but Bo knew Lou Ann wouldn't lie about this. She cringed when she thought of Aife. She wouldn't give a damn about reasons or excuses.
Bo swallowed hard when they pulled up behind Aife's Hummer. Bo got out of Lauren's car and ran to her mother's. The Succubus was still sitting in the backseat with her sunglasses on.
"Don't worry I haven't killed her yet. I will let you talk to her first, but after that, that bitch better run". Aife laughed putting her glasses on top of her head.
"Mom let me do this. Please". Bo said.
"Go ahead. I will find something to do, but I will be back". Aife nodded as Mason started the Hummer.
"I should only need an hour or two". Bo said softly.
"Yeah you should go first. Your real mother is going to need more than that". Aife laughed as Mason drove off.
"How did they find her house? Lauren asked.
"I don't know but mom can find ant piss, if she needed to". Bo said walking back to Lauren as they faced her old childhood home. It didn't look any different. The yard looked cleaner.
"Lets go". Lauren said gently pushing Bo forward.
The women walked up the stairs and rang the doorbell. They looked around waiting for someone to answer. A few lights were on, so somebody had to be there.
Bo turned back to the door when she heard it finally opening. There she was Mary Dennis. She looked at Bo as if she didn't know who she was.
"Mom. Its me Beth". Bo said and smiled as the woman nodded and opened the door wider to them.
Bo held the door for Lauren and they followed the woman into the living room. The house still smelled the same to Bo. Their heels hitting the hardwood floors was the only sound in the house.
"I'm so glad you are home Beth. I am making your favorite breakfast. Eggs over easy and bacon". Mary said.
Bo looked at Lauren and shook her head. That wasn't her favorite meal. "I've...we've already eaten".
"Ohh well maybe the dog will eat it". Mary laughed.
"Dog? Bo asked.
"My Cocker Spaniel. He's a good boy, that I named Bo. I like that name for some reason". Mary said. Bo and Lauren watched her walk out to find the dog.
"Bo are you sure she's well enough to do this? Lauren asked.
"It could be a trick Lauren. She used to do this all the time. She's hiding something or knows why we are here". Bo said.
"Do you think Aife...". Lauren started.
"Mom would have thralled her. This is all Mary Dennis. Her aura never flinched.". Bo said.
"That gives me an idea". Lauren said.
"Probably the same idea I have". Bo said as Mary returned to the room.
Bo walked over to Mary after she put the dog on the floor. Lauren started playing with him to distract him. Bo hugged Mary and sent pulse after pulse into her back.
"Mom did you stop them from passing me in high school? Bo asked softly as her chin rested on Mary's shoulder.
"Yes I wanted you out of my house and my life. In fact why are you back?! Mary asked angrily pushing Bo away. The Succubus allowed it so she wouldn't frighten the older woman.
"There was never anything wrong with you at all. Was there mom? Bo asked angrily. She saw the same, dead, and cold stare she had grown used to.
"You killed that boy! Get out of my house! Mary screamed.
Lauren had enough. The Doctor stood up and lunged for Mary touching her face. "Forget that you saw us". She said as she sent a gold pulse into Mary's face. When the woman smiled, she removed her hand.
"Lets go". Lauren said grabbing Bo's hand. The Succubus looked heartbroken, and the sight broke Lauren a little too.
The women walked out to Lauren's car. Lauren strapped Bo into her seat and rushed around to the driver's side.
"Bo that wasn't your fault. None of it. I looked into her soul. She has always been a bit resentful of you. You didn't know what you were. They didn't know either, but that didn't stop them from trying to destroy your life. You are better than that now. Kyle wasn't your fault. You have to stop blaming yourself for him. I know you could have stopped yourself if you knew how back then". Lauren said gently as she sped down the road. They needed to be far away from Mary Dennis and if she had any say in the matter, they would be out of that town by nightfall.
Aife and Mason.
Mason had parked and climbed out to open the door for Aife.
"Are you sure this is the place? Aife asked.
"Yes this is it. It is the only school in town, besides I called ahead and made sure this was Bo's school". Mason said.
"Good boy. Lets go in". Aife laughed as she climbed the stairs. This wasn't exactly going against Bo's pleas to do this alone, and she wasn't going to go it alone, if Aife had any say in it.
The duo walked halfway down the hall and Mason opened the door for Aife.
"Who's in charge here? Aife asked angrily.
"I am. Do you have a student here? An older lady asked from behind the desk.
"Beth Dennis". Aife smirked and watched as the woman turned sheet white.
"She is no longer a student here. I am sorry you came here for nothing". The woman snapped and turned away.
"I know she's no longer a student here, but she's mine". Aife said protectively.
"You are not Mary Dennis. I cannot help you". The woman said sitting at her desk now.
Aife hopped over the counter and was in front of the woman in a matter of seconds. "I will try this the nice way for another second". She said producing Bo's birth certificate.
"Like I told you. She is not a student here anymore. I cannot help you". The woman said writing something down.
"And like I told you. She's mine. Now where are her records? Aife asked.
"I do not know". The woman snapped.
"Ok. I tried to be nice but you left me no choice". Aife said bending over and pulsing the woman.
Mason growled when a man came running out of the other office. He recognized him from his time there.
"She doesn't know". Aife laughed.
"But he does". Mason said pointing to the man fleeing the building.
"Fetch". Aife laughed and watched as Mason ran at top speed and tackled the man.
"Where are you going in such a hurry huh? Mason asked angrily.
"You don't want any of this boy". The man said.
"And you don't want none of me" Aife laughed standing above them.
"You don't understand. This is bigger than us". The man groaned.
"You're lying". Aife laughed.
"Here". Mason said handing Aife, Bo's file.
Aife scanned the papers and immediately noticed how Bo had been taking Advanced Placement classes and suddenly flunked out of school. She groaned when her phone rung.
"Hello Lauren". Aife smiled into her phone.
"Where are you? Lauren asked.
"At Isabeau's old high school. What's up? Is it time for me to kick ass? Aife laughed.
"There is nothing wrong with Mary Dennis other than being evil. She guilted Bo about Kyle and she's been in a funk ever since". Lauren explained.
"Yep. It's time for mama to kick ass". Aife laughed.
"I need to get Bo's records and we are leaving today". Lauren said.
"We can meet you at your hotel. I'm holding them as we speak. Isbaeau was in AP classes and then she suddenly flunked. You might be ready to leave, but I have business to handle here". Aife said.
"The faster we get out of here the better. Bring me the records, and I will work on that part myself". Lauren said.
The four met up an hour later. Lauren pulled out her laptop and hacked into the school system. A skill she learned in the military. She never used that skill with the Fae, they would likely have had her hacking into human bank accounts or worse.
"There everything is fixed in the system. Now all we have to do is get Bo's official diploma". Lauren said. Lauren could have done all of that at home, but she wanted to meet Bo's adoptive mother and never wanted to see her again after what she saw inside of that woman. Bo's father must have been nice or something or her mother was playing her all along. Bo was too sweet to be raised by a monster like that. Probably why she projected Bo as a monster, because it hurt to much to see the monster Mary Dennis was in the mirror. Either way Lauren had seen enough. Mary Dennis would not remember their visit but anybody else that went to seee her was fair game. Aife had seen enough too and left the three of them at the hotel.
Dennis home
Aife had sped so fast she was sure she broke all kinds of speeding limits. But she just had to get there. To see this bitch up close and personal. To see the thing Lou Ann had left Bo with.
Mary had just finished eating breakfast when her doorbell rang again. She was almost floored to see the woman standing before her.
"Mary Dennis? Aife said.
"Yes and you are? Mary asked.
"Beth's mother. Her real mother". Aife laughed gripping the woman's neck as she pushed her inside of the house.
TBC
Aife confronts Mary Dennis.
Lauren tries to snap Bo out of her funk.
Kenzi fakes an illness hoping to be let out.