The Opera Ghost 20

"These were the only items Ms. McCorgin had on her when the doctor met with her." The coroner places the bags on the table next to the deceased. Both Bo and Lauren focused on Aife laying on the tabled covered in a white sheet up to her chest. "I will just need a signature to document her daughter obtaining the belongings.

Bo pulls her eyes away and takes the clipboard from the older man. Signing it, she hands him the papers, but notices his focus on Lauren. The sheer terror on the man's face makes her gut turn. Seeing her lover's unhidden face was never an issue for her, but to notice how a complete stranger's reaction causes her own protective side for Lauren. "Here." Bo all but sneers, shoving the papers against his chest.

He at least has the decency to look ashamed from his gawking and suddenly the floor seems more interesting.

"How did she pass?" Lauren asks unfazed by the man's odd behavior. It's something she will just have to get used to. "She seemed…healthy."

Adjusting his lab coat, the coroner walks to the other side of Aife's body. "She was for the most part. Getting a call from one of the local doctors in town, they checked her vitals and gave her a routine checkup. She called saying that she was feeling weird… No one knew exactly what she meant and she couldn't, wouldn't elaborate. He has no choice but to leave after claiming she was fine." He sighs and rubs his tired eyes. "The next morning, she was found dead in bed."

"How does that even happen?!" Bo yells, but Lauren is quick to pull her into a hug. "I-I don't understand any of this Lo."

Lauren holds her lover tight and whispers comforting words in her ear. She spent most of her night restless and crying until her eyes closed on her own. The pain only a sliver of how bad her heart ached for her savior and friend. Bo was quiet. Lauren could tell that she was still processing everything. It was hard to think about, but Lauren understood anyway.

Lauren could feel the resentment from Isabeau whenever she would speak of her mother. It wasn't often, of course. Most of the time, Bo would speak of her father and the more happier times, but whenever her mother was brought up it always brought an angrier side of her. A side the Phantom could relate to easily.

"Thank you, sir. I think we have all that we need?" Lauren asks the man and her nods eagerly. In the item's, he slipped the address to the local funeral home so they could make arrangements if needed. Both women were happy with his quiet exit and soon they followed suit. Even without discussing it with Bo, Lauren knew Aife needed a funeral. Closure was needed for all of them.

Finding her trusty steed, Lauren decided instead of home, to take Bo somewhere special. The brunette was in such a daze, Lauren made her sit side saddle the front with the blonde's arms tight around her as they slowly walked down a hidden path. It wasn't long until Bo fell asleep against her lover.

My Dear girl Lauren,

If you have found this letter, then you have found out who I am. I never meant to hide myself from you, but I was afraid of what you do if you knew the truth.

I saw you with my daughter that day in the cemetery. More importantly, I saw the way you looked at her. I had only seen that look once in my life and it was with Isabeau's father.

Oh, how I loved that man.

I trusted you from that first day, Lauren, but over the weeks with you I found my love for you to be just as strong. You have such a kind soul, dear. Don't let the darkness of this world consume you. You are better than all of them.

I am sorry how this had turned out, but even if I could change things, I wouldn't. You gave my baby a happiness that one would search their whole life looking for. I'd ask you to be good to her, but I know that you already are and will continue to do so even after death.

You surprised me, Lauren in the best of ways. Take care of her and be happy.

Aife

Lauren wiped the tears away from her face and folded the letter once again. This was real. Aife was gone and yet, she seemed to be okay with that. Aife said what she had to and left her without any unanswered questions. She was selfless when reuniting her and Bo back together. She did it for the sake of her daughter, even if Bo would never know it. Aife did the motherly thing and gave Bo her happiness back.

"Lauren?" Bo's voice is soft as Lauren looks down to her lap where Bo's head laid. "Where are we?"

Purple and white flowers surrounded them. The trees blooming since the snow has melted away, filling the lake with clear water in front of the. It was still chilly, but the soft cape around Bo's body kept her warm.

"One of my secret spots." Lauren says with a quiet laugh. Bo has teased her multiple time bout her many secret spots. "I used to swim here in the summertime when I first found the Opera House. It's a few miles from the locals, but I like how quiet it is. How peaceful."

"It's beautiful." Bo agrees and shifts so she can look into her lover's eyes. "How are you feeling, baby?"

Stroking her soft hair, Lauren leans down to claim her lips. "Better now that I am with you, Bo."

The letter is still folded on next to her and Bo eyes it sadly. "Is that…from my mom?"

Nodding, Lauren picks it up, but also reaches for the plastic bag next to them. "There is one with your name on it too. She knew her time was limited. I guess she was ready to go on her terms." Lauren shuffles the few belongings until she finds a similar letter and hands it to Bo.

She stares at the letter for what seemed like forever, before reluctantly taking it. "I-I don't know if I can read it yet. I'm not ready, Lauren."

"it's ok Bo. You don't have to until you are." She kisses the top of her head. "You guys had a strained relationship. I won't rush you, but I will tell you that the woman that I met, the woman that saved my life reminded me of you every single day I was with her. She was proud of you, Bo. And she loved you the best way she could."

Bo silently sobs and hides her face against Lauren's body. That's all Bo wanted growing up. Parent's that loved her. Looking up at the hazel eyes watching her closely, Bo realized she has something better. A woman that she loves and is loved in return. "I love you so much." She whispers and kisses Lauren again, but this time deepening it.

Lauren can feel the desire pouring out of her body. Opening up her mouth wider, she lets Bo take control of the kiss. The feeling of her their tongues stroking each other ignites a feeling that has been suppressed. "I need you." Bo eyes darkened with desire.

She shifts so her back is flat on the cold damp ground, but the feeling of Lauren settling between her legs has her distracted. Shifting, until she is hovering above her face, Bo traces Lauren's lips with her fingers before connecting their lips once more.

Bo's kisses are hungry and spurs Lauren into action, but still wanting to take this slow, she has her one hand map out Bo's thigh before bending it so it can wrap around her waist. "Did I ever tell you how much I like your dresses?" Lauren asks, slipping her ruffling dress up until her free hand can sneak inside. Bo just laughs and clutches at the blonde hair fanning across her clothed chest as Lauren moves lower and lower.

"Baby." Bo whines as Lauren teases her dampening slit over her underwear. She grinds into her hand over and over, but the blonde never slips inside. She is too focused (not that Bo is complaining) on her freeing her breasts from the tight material. "For the love of God, here!" She pulls Lauren's face away from the tops of her breasts.

Bo grips the material where it dips at her chest and rips it in two, leaving her breasts uncovered. She satisfied having the blonde's attention, but needs a little more. "Lauren…" Bo drawls out, her voice dripping with sex. "Fuck me."

Never hearing such language from her usually polite and shy lover, Lauren growls and does as she is told. Pushing the silk material to the side, Lauren eases one, then two fingers into Bo's wet heat. They moan in unison as their eyes meet thrust for thrust. "You are so beautiful. I could watch you like this for hours." Lauren breathes against the sweating neck below her before sucking on Bo's pulse point.

Bo is thrashing in ecstasy, both of her legs wrapped tight around Lauren's thin frame, bring them closer together. The long fingers are pressing against that spot dep inside her that makes her see stars and knows that she is close. It only takes a well-timed thumb rubbing circles harshly on her sensitive nub to throw her off of the edge, crying out.

Lauren smile never falters once she feels a burst of liquid covering her fingers and wrist. "That was incredible, my love." She tells her once the woman in question stops clenching her fingers. She gives her more time, noticing her lover still experiencing aftershocks.

Bo catches her breath finally and watches the complete and utter devotion on Lauren's face. "Mmm you sure know how to please a woman. I'd be worried if you weren't still moving inside of me." She chuckles at the look on Lauren's face. Pulling out, Bo guides the fingers into her own mouth, taking her time to taste her own essence. "Let's go home. I'd like more than anything to return the favor."

Days turned into weeks and Aife's funeral came and went. They chose to bury her near her father so both of them could visit them as often as they liked. Lauren dealt with the loss of her friend, but was still worried for Bo. She had failed to open the letter written to her from her mother, but still kept it with her.

Lauren would watch as Bo would look at the lettering on the outside, but as she would attempt to open it, Bo would panic and hide the letter away once more. It was sad in a way that most people wouldn't understand, but Lauren was lucky that way. She knew disappointment, dealt with death, and lived with abused all of her life. She could see the monsters behind a politician's smile or expensive perfume. She was well educated in seeing past the mask and delve deeper in one's secrets, or in this case, emotions.

Lauren promised not to push her on this, knowing everyone's response to grief is different, but somehow, she knew Bo needed her, even if Bo didn't know it.

Evony and Lachlan have continued to be supportive with them and their relationship. They could see the weight Bo was carrying with her and managed the shows in her favor. Only a few knew of what was going on in the Opera House, those closest to them, so the others didn't mind the break in between performances.

With the Opera House quiet, Lauren thought a night away from all of this would help her lover relax and stop running from her own demons.

"Are you sure you don't need anything else?" Evony asks looking at the two large horse in front of the carriage and Vex as the driver. "Maybe even a new carriage driver." She smirks at the huff from the man dressed in the suit and top hat.

"I will have you know, I'm kind of important here." Vex reminds her with a satisfied smug.

Lauren laughs and clutches her coat tighter around her body. Her spontaneous attire had her questioning her sanity, but her brother and Vex approved with a loud whistle in her direction. The blush instantly covering her cheeks and neck. "I'm positive, E. believe it or not, he is the only one available on such short notice. Plus, I have a hard time trusting strangers." She has a nervous smile on her face as she looks at the clock tower.

A fit of giggles instantly eases her worries knowing Miss Kenzington has done a job well done. Lauren asked for a small favor from the Opera star to get Bo ready for a romantic evening. Apparently Kenzi loved a good makeover and jumped at the opportunity. Bo of course didn't look too happy, being all but dragged into the warm evening night.

Bo was just about to curse Kenzi out for pushing her until she noticed Lauren. Her long blonde hair was curled flawlessly in waves. What really has Bo struggling to breathe was the lightly applied makeup. Her pale skin has just a hint of blush that accentuated the dark pink lipstick.

Lauren broke their intense starring contest and had the familiar butterflies in her stomach as Bo approached. "Wow…" Bo whispers with just a hair between them. "You look, just," Bo just shakes her head, a brilliant smile permanently on her face.

Lauren blushes again, not used to this feeling, and lets her eyes take in the beauty of her fiancée. Black soft material clings to her skin, showing off her curvy body. The plunging neckline has Lauren feeling dizzy with desire, but drags her eyes away to see Bo's rich chocolate eyes. Her beauty will never cease to amaze the Phantom, but knowing how special she is, is what makes her fall in love with her all over again.

Evony steps away from Lauren and walks past Bo. "You should see what she's wearing for, my dear." With a wink, she goes back inside with an energetic Kenzi behind her.

Bo doesn't even notice, instead taking Lauren's hands that are holding the coat closed. "It's just me, Lauren. No need to be nervous."

"I'm not perfect, Bo. Not like you." Lauren says nervously, but let's Bo gives her a chaste kiss on her lips and opens her coat.

"You are perfect, Lauren. Perfect for me." Bo reminds her and gasps when she sees the navy blue shining in the glimpse of moonlight. "A dress?" licking her lips, she runs her hands down Lauren's sides and pulls her in so their bodies are flushed.

Lauren tries to not stutter but fails miserably, having Bo practically undress her with lustful eyes. "We, we should get going. Uh, I um I thought we could get away. Well at least for a night?" Struggling to catch her own breath, Bo nods and accepts Lauren's elbow.

"Where are you taking me, my love? You've been busy I see." The brunette looks out of the side of the carriage, but only sees trees in the darkness.

Lauren only smiles and gives her the glass of champagne. It was such a spur of the moment idea, even though it is what they have been preparing for. Once the idea was there, she couldn't get it out of her mind. "I thought we could do something special, just the two of us. I'm sure you get tired of us only staying in all this time."

Bo shakes her head and somehow moves closer to her lover. "I'd never get tired of that place. Sure there are a few bad memories there, but they always get outweighed by the best ones. I did meet a sexy Phantom there, you know."

Lauren hums thoughtfully, but can't stop smiling. "I still cat believe you are real, Bo. That all of this is real. That our love is true." Before she ruins her own surprise night, Lauren shuts herself up and kisses Bo softly. The explore slowly, not caring how much time passes, only the feeling of them being so connected. "I love you. I don't think I could ever stop, if I tried."

"You won't ever have to. I promise." Bo smiles and rests her head against Lauren's. She didn't want to tell her like this, but she felt as if she were hiding something if she didn't. In the way that Lauren has been so open and comforting, something just made it all feel right. "I read the letter."

Lauren doesn't say anything, choosing to grasp her hand with both of her own. "She didn't say much or explain why she left my father. Between you and her…unexpected death, I figured she was losing her mind. I-I'm still so mad at her, Lo. But I miss her."

"I know, my love. I know." Lauren pulls Bo into her arms and sighs. Illnesses, especially of the mind are hard to keep up with, Lauren knew that, but she wondered if she would have at the young age when Aife first left.

"She gave me this, though." Bo opens her purse and holds up a smaller diamond ring. "It was hers and her mother's before that. She was happy for me that I found someone who looked as those I created the whole night sky." Bo takes the ring and slips it on Lauren's ring finger. "I would have fallen apart had she not saved you, Lauren. She saved us both bringing us back together. That is something I can never thank her for. I don't like how she left me and my father or how I was alone for some time… but I forgive her because it all led me to you."

Lauren stares at the ring and then back at Bo's glistening eyes. "Aife, your mother gave me a second chance. That's kind of what tonight is about actually. Bo will-"

Vex clear his throat dramatically as her slowly pulls to a stop. "Alright my lovelies. Here is your stop." Bo looks confused by the rather quick stop, but as Lauren guides her out, she is left speechless.

Dozens of candles are on the on the forest floor leading a path to what Bo can only guess. "Is this your secret spot?" Bo looks back at Lauren who is biting her lip.

"Come on." She says and they go hand in hand down the lit path, until they reach the clearing in front of the water. The moon is so bright, it's refection helping the candles for them to see the table set up. "I thought we could enjoy dinner out here. Enjoy the fresh air and peace and quiet."

Bo feels like she is floating. Lauren always makes an effort, trying to woo her day after day, but something about tonight feel different. A good different, but just different. She can't help herself. "What is all of this?" The look on Lauren's face is priceless. "Not that it isn't nice, but this could have been done this at home…in our pajamas." Bo rolls her eyes at the quiet laugh from the blonde. "Come on, I want to know."

"You were always a stubborn one, weren't you." Lauren groan with a small smile.

"Only with you." Is her cheeky response, knowing how much she loves it. "Just tell me….pleeeeeaaaaase?"

Lauren tries, she really does but Bo is her kryptonite. Those puppy dog eyes will always make her weak in the knees. "You sure you can't wait until after dinner?" Lauren asks and pulls the lid off of the silver platter between them. The smell of the warm pork loin greets both of them, making their mouth water.

Bo's mouth falls open and scoots her chair just an inch closer, her eyes never leaving the dish. "I can multitask."

"You win." Nerves suddenly appear as she cuts them each a plate. She really is buying time since the memorized words suddenly escape her mind. "I love you." Comes tumbling out of her mouth making Bo laugh.

"You do."

"Good. Ok well, we agreed that we wanted forever, right? I can't even fathom not spending the rest of our days together and I want every day like it is when we go on our rides and to the marketplace together and-"

"Lauren!" Bo reaches out to stop Lauren's rambling. Poor thing didn't even stop to breathe. "Just tell my, love."

"I want to build us a home. Here to be exact." Lauren says through the hold on Bo's hands on her face. "It could be ours and away from Opera House. A fresh start."

Bo takes a few seconds to process her words. "What? You want us to build a house? Here?"

Lauren nods and takes the hands off of her face to hold them properly. "You deserve more than my hidden lair underneath a place that you work, Isabeau. I did a little digging and found the owner of the land has passed and the last hundred ackers are up for sell. Vex helped with the lawyers and permits to build. All you need to do is say yes, and we can do it. We can start making a dream together a reality."

Lauren has come such a long way since Bo and her first met. The letters between them, the shared looks, and the mutual respect for each other only grows day after day. Bo didn't know she could love Lauren more than their first real conversation that night. They hurt each other, they fought their feelings, but at the end of the day they were together. Whether it be emotionally or physically, they were intertwined in a way neither knew existed.

The murderous, soulless Opera Ghost fell in love with her. Anyone with eyes could see the endless devotion, endless love she has for Bo. Even through the multiple obstacles and roadblocks in their way, they found each other once again. Even death couldn't tear them apart. At this point, nothing could tear their love apart.

"Yes." Bo beams and stand up to kiss this beautiful woman. "Of course, I want that. I want us. Let's do it!"

"Really?" At Bo's multiple kisses and nods, Lauren looks to the darkness where their house will be built. Never in a million year would she had thought she would actually find someone to share her life with. She couldn't afford to even dream a life like this. But here she was, a dream woman saying yes to loving her and sharing a life with her.

The Phantom could overcome the darkness and hate she carried with her since birth. Bo was the one who taught her kindness and shown her that she could love without fear. Her protector that stood by her through her worse hours and accepted her. The good and the bad that she dealt with, Bo was there to love her. And will be there to the end.

Vex took his cue, congratulating them both. He had the papers ready and Bo took the liberty to sign for them both. Making the newfound space owners of Isabeau and Lauren McCorgin.

THE END

AN: I thought this a great way to end it, so I did. Who doesn't love a happy ending?

Thank you for everyone for the support! Your kind words helped me along with this story so I hope you guys liked it. I can't say thank you enough. Reviews, follows, favorites… I didn't know that a simple acknowledgement to this story could turn my day around in the best of ways. You guys are amazing. Thank you.

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