His Forever Flame

26. Birthday Week part 3

Lauren woke up early. She was confused as to how she got in their bed, and then she remembered that he showed up and brought her home. She guessed she fell asleep in the car. She rolls and sees him lying beside her asleep. She sighs; she loves him with all she has, but she's really confused. Does she believe everything he's been telling her and showing her or does she believe what Erin said last night?

She really doesn't know. She wants to believe him because she loves him, but at the same time she can almost believe that Erin was telling the truth and that he would tell his partner things he wouldn't tell her.

Lauren rolls out of bed. She needs to get out of here and go to Kelly's. She doesn't want to tie him down if this isn't what he wants, and she needs advice from her big brother. He's never let her down and she knows this time wouldn't be any different.

Jay feels her moving and wakes up. "Hey," he says quietly.

"Sorry. Didn't mean to wake you. Just go back to sleep."

"No I'm fine. Where are you going?"

"Uh... to Kelly's. You just sleep."

"Why? Why are you going to Kelly's? Why won't you talk to me?"

Lauren sighed as she felt tears well in her eyes again. All these crazy hormones were getting to her. "I don't know... I don't know Jay! I just need some time ok?"

"It's not true Lauren! None of it is true! She said that shit because she's jealous... she wishes she were you, but I don't want her! I want you! I love you!"

Lauren felt the tears falling. He'd done nothing but show her how much he loved her, but a few well worded sentences from Erin and she was falling apart. She'd never had much self-confidence, and she always wondered what he saw in her. So Erin's little speech was just enough to make her question everything.

"I love you too Jay; you know that. I just need some time."

Jay sighed as he ran his hands through his hair. "Fine. Let's go. I'll take you over."

Lauren let the tears fall harder as she grabbed her jacket and purse. Jay sent Kelly a text letting him know he was bringing Lauren over. When he got to Kelly's apartment, he grabbed her hand and rubbed his finger over her rings. "I love you Lauren Kathleen no matter what. Everything she said was a lie, and when you're ready to come back home, call me and I'll come get you."

Lauren nodded. "I love you too Jay. Never forget that," she whispered as she pulled her hand back and got out. She headed up to Kelly's apartment as he drove off.

Jay headed straight for the district. He knew Voight would probably be in today. When he got there he was right. He headed straight for his Sargent's office.

"Jay? What can I do for you? I figured you'd be home with Lauren today since we're off."

"Yea well... I needed to talk to you for a minute."

"Ok sure."

"I need a new partner sir. What Erin did yesterday was unacceptable and I can't trust her right now."

Hank was quiet listening. "Have you talked to her about it?"

Jay shook his head. "Not since yesterday and right now I don't think it'd be a good idea."

Hank nodded. "Lauren ask you to do this?"

"No sir. She doesn't even know I'm here. She's at Kelly's. I came here on my own because what Erin did was unacceptable to me and I don't want to be partnered with her for now. I can't trust her if she doesn't always have my back. I get she might not always agree with my decisions, but she should at least be courteous enough to come to me about that instead of going behind my back trying to ruin my relationship."