The Drop off at the Office (Season 2)

Viola couldn't help but allow her hand to drift over Lauren's knee as the older woman shifted gears. Did she love this woman? The thought kept running around her head, as she settled back in the seat of the car, enjoying the site of the pink and purple foam pigs that sat on the front dashboard. Lauren has a funny sense of humor, Viola had to admit, as her stomach lurched again.

"Sorry, Kitty, I'll try not to take those curves so fast." Lauren remarked noting the motions of Viola's throat as the woman's hand clutched again.

"Not that, Mom..." Viola felt the words drop out of her mouth before she even realized she had said them again. "I... still can't believe how natural that feels."

Lauren momentarily was caught aback at the change in subject, before again turning the car along one of the busy city streets.

"I don't mind. I kinda... like it. Who knows? I know your Daddy would like it if I went off the pill." Lauren released the gear shift and patted at Viola's hand, who couldn't help but blush. Lauren loved watching the soft glow of her kitty's face whenever Robin was mentioned. It was obviously love, and she didn't mind. If anything, Lauren was appreciating both the show and the extra sleep the last few weeks. While Robin was fun, he was high maintenance. Sometimes she just wished that she had a guy around who had a normal drive.

That thought brought a smile to her lips. Of all the things to complain about, a boyfriend with an overactive libido was probably not it. Especially now that it was somewhat under control. Noting the shocked expression on Viola's face at the words, she continued.

"Course, while I'm on it, might as well explore a few more options." Lauren smirked. "What kind of guy would complete your set?"

"My set?" Viola asked, as the thought of several of her favorite game and film characters flashed through her brain. "Oh right, uhm... let's see, how bout, totally going to have to have the cute and polite one."

"To go with the cuddly one? That's sweet. But I'd want two of them. Totally would love it if twin brothers fell in love with me." Lauren smiled. "Because I think those would be the only men on the planet who'd be ok with sharing a woman these days."

"Oh ever since I saw Harry Potter 2, I am all over that fantasy." Viola's thoughts of twins suddenly went to her stomach and softly roiled there for a moment. The thought of how many times Robin had filled her ran though her brain. She felt like she'd be lucky not to be be on a reality show for the learning channel at this point. "How bout you, what do you want for your perfect set? Besides the twins."

"Oh that's about it. I wasn't sure on the whole other woman thing, but it's working so far." Lauren shrugged. "I guess I just had to find the RIGHT woman for it to work."

"Not like Becca." Viola spoke the name of the Robin's ex like a curse.

"Perish the thought. Yeah, none of the passing notes while telling different stories to everyone crap. I hated it when girls did that in grade school, and it's still annoying when adults think they're clever doing it."

"I'm really liking this honesty thing. So... I have to tell you something, and I don't want you to tell Robin till I'm sure. I don't want to make him nervous."

"I'm not going to lie for you kitty." Lauren remarked sharply. "We agreed on that."

"I'm Pregnant."

"Ok, maybe I just won't mention it. Are you sure?" Lauren's face took on a more serious tone. "And is it Robin's?"

"No and yes. I mean, I've got two lines, and morning sickness."

"Ok, so it isn't my driving this morning." Lauren nodded. "How long have you known?"

"Just a couple days. I was trying to figure out how to tell you."

"Tear off is always the best way with something that might hurt." Lauren agreed. "Well, this is something we're gonna have to have a family meeting on. First off we have to get this actually confirmed, get you some prenatals..."

"Woah, Mom! Relax, we can handle all this after work." Viola laughed at the immediate acceptance. The river of ice water that had wanted to run though her spine seemed to melt somewhat, and she sighed at the familiar site of her office building coming up on the right. The crowds of morning coffee drinkers was still heavily invested in their daily routine, and just like always, the line for the little green shop on the lowest floor was nearly out the door with people crammed into nearly every single square meter of space.

"Just... my kitty's having a baby." Lauren giggled. "I'm... jealous. I can't believe I'm saying this, but I'm jealous of you."

"You're jealous?" Viola gasped.

"Oh, totally. Just an emotion. Nothing to worry about. Tells me something's wrong." Lauren nodded, pulling the car to the curb. "I love you, Viola. And I'm happy. Just something's wrong, and I don't know what it is. Gut feeling. I'll figure it out, and we'll talk it out."

Viola undid the seat belt, and leaned across the small divider to give Lauren a quick kiss goodbye.

"So, have a good day at work, and try not to kill anybody." Viola smiled at the older woman, before stepping out of the car.

"You're even starting to sound like him. Clearly a side effect." With that bon mot, Lauren drove off down the road, and waved as she did so. It would have been much more dramatic had she not been to stop at a traffic light two car lengths down, but at least the thought was there.

Viola turned and noted that several of her co-workers were milling around the outdoor smoking area or lounging in the front lobby. It was still a few minutes before the actual start of shift, and her mind flitted to the fact that she was going to be dealing with a new person today. So many changes, and so many things going on in just a little time.