Castle's partner

Lanie

Lanie's loft is the perfect size. There is just the right amount of space for three people.

There is a master bedroom and another bedroom and a guest bedroom and a living room.

She leads me to the guest bedroom which is beautifully decorated with lavish wallpaper covered in flowers and paintings on the wall to match.

There is an array of spring colors like pink, yellow, and purple.

"This is beautiful Lanie."

"It's always here for you. I figured you would end up here at some point."

"Lanie, are you serious?"

"Of course!" She smiles.

I sit on the bed, Lanie next to me.

My emotions hit me, from physical pain, to emotional and mental.

For no reason at all, I start crying.

Lanie becomes concerned.

"What's wrong?"

I shake my head and laugh a little.

"I don't know. There's always something though."

She puts her arms around me.

The hug feels nice, but sends pain coursing through chest.

"Lanie," I whisper.

"Yeah?"

"You're hurting me."

She immediately lets go.

"Sorry! I'm so sorry." Her eyes are full of regret.

"Lanie it's fine. I don't even care."

"I love you."

"I love you too."

"Are you tired, or hungry? Do you need to go to the bathroom?"

"No. I'm exhausted."

A smile creeps onto her face.

"Let's get you in bed."

I slowly move into a laying position, pulling the thin warm blankets on top of me.

Lanie reaches over and moves the hair out of my face, stroking my forehead in the process.

"I don't want you to leave."

I'm surprised by her sudden clinginess.

"What do you mean?"

"You can't die. Ever."

I smile a sad smile.

"I can't live forever."

"I know. But you have to outlive me, and you have to talk to Ryan ok?"

"I will eventually. I just need a few days ok? Does anyone even know I'm out of the hospital?"

"Oooh. No. I should probably tell them. Are you ok by yourself?"

"Yeah I'm good."

She hugs me before walking out.

"Goodnight." I say to the wall.

I turn over, and go to sleep.

---------------------------------------------------

Ryan is sitting next to me.

I sit up quickly which was a bad idea. I groan slightly.

"You ok?" His features soft.

"Yeah, yeah I'm fine."

Lanie and Jenny walk in and sit down.

"What are you guys doing here?"

They all look at each other.

Jenny speaks up. "Samantha, we love you. You know that right?"

"Yeah, of course." I say slowly.

"And remember the part about nothing will ever change that? It's still true. Just because we're getting married, doesn't mean I want you to go somewhere else. You are like our first child in a way. I don't want you to leave."

I'm stunned by her words. First child? No, no their first child is one they are going to have together, not some screwed up teenager they found on the streets.

"What the hell are you talking about? You are not just a teenager we found on the streets!"

It is now I realize I was thinking out loud.

I look at my hands.

"Please come back." Jenny's voice is sad.

Ryan puts a comforting hand on her shoulder.

I watch as they both observe me. They actually want me back.
They care.
"Ok." I nod. "Tomorrow."

And with that, they are satisfied.