His Forever Flame

13. Labor Day Weekend part 1

The next week seemed to drag for Lauren. She just wanted to be with Jay, but she was stuck at school. She texted him off and on all day when he wasn't sleeping. Mouse kept her updated too. At night, she would call and talk to Jay before bed. Those conversations were her favorite, simply because she could hear his voice. Jay was released from the hospital on Wednesday. Mouse was taking him back to Chicago where any other medical attention would come from Will.

Lauren was so thankful he was going home. She knew he was lucky, and she couldn't wait to see him again. By Friday, she was practically giddy. He had skyped her last night, telling her how much he missed her, and how much he really needed a better nurse. He said his brother didn't have any bedside manners, but Will joined in the conversation and said it was because Jay was just too stubborn.

Lauren laughed at the brothers' banter. She knew they both meant well. She told Jay her plane would land at O'Hare at six pm and Kelly would be picking her up. She promised he would be bringing her straight to Jay's.

Jay was glad. He had missed her. The time she was with him in the hospital wasn't enough. Oh he understood, but he just wanted her back in his arms. He couldn't wait for the day she'd be there permanently.

On Friday afternoon, Lauren left school feeling like she was floating in the clouds. In just a few hours she would be back in Jay's arms. She couldn't wait. She knew he was mostly recovered, or at least that's what he said, but she was looking forward to just spending the weekend with him, taking care of him. She'd promised Kelly that they would come to Molly's for a party on Labor Day, but honestly, this weekend was all about Jay for her.

When she landed at O'Hare, she practically ran off the plane. Kelly was waiting on her; "Well, it's so good to see you too, Sis," he said with a laugh.

"Hi, Kel."

"You're awful," he observed.

"Just glad to be back," she said with a wink.

"Mmm hmm," he said.

"Oh, come on Kel, you know it's the truth."

"Yea, you're just glad to be back with Halstead."

"So, what? I'm happy aren't I?" she tossed back. She knew Kelly was just giving her a hard time.

"You are, which makes me happy. I really am glad to see you," he said.

"And I'm really glad to see you."

"Come on, I know someone who is dying to see you," he said with an eye roll. Jay had called him earlier to make sure her plane was still on time. He sounded just as excited as his sister looked.

Lauren could hardly sit still in car. "Would you chill? You act like this is the first time you're ever seeing him or something," Kelly said laughing.

"I'm just excited."

"Believe me I can tell." She wasn't telling Kelly exactly why she was so happy because her brother really didn't need all those details. She just hoped Will was at work, all weekend long. When Kelly pulled up outside Jay's apartment, Lauren practically jumped from the car.

"Hey, hey, slow down. At least let me get your stuff."

"Oh, yea, right," Lauren said with a giggle. "I about forgot."

"Oh, Sis, you have it bad."

"I know," she said as she took her bag from him. "Thanks, Kel. I really appreciate it."

"I know you do." He pulled her in for a hug. "I'm really glad you're happy." He felt her smile; "Now, go see your man," he said as he let her go. Once she was inside the building Kelly drove off. He'd be surprised if he saw his sister any this weekend, but it was ok. He hadn't seen her this happy, ever; not even the first time they were together. She deserved it, he thought as he drove off.