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Chapter 1

Missing

Alex frowned as she poked at her soup. He doesn't want to come over. She glanced out the restaurant window, viewing the increasing snowfall. What's his problem with Christmas, anyway? She took another spoonful of soup, tipping it over the bowl watching it fall back into the bowl as if it were a science project. She sighed.

Squirming uncomfortably across from her, he took a small bite of his sandwich. Why can't she understand, that Christmas holds no pleasure for me? I'd rather be alone, than ruin everyone's holiday.

She looked up from her bowl, resting her head on her hand. "You know Goren, it wouldn't kill you to at least try."

He sighed, putting his sandwich down. "Eames..."

She shook her head. "You'd feel better." Dammit, I'd feel better knowing people who cared about you were with you. She pushed her bowl away, sitting back in her chair, she crossed her arms in front of her. Her eyes sparked defiance at him, towards anything, any word he had to say in his defense.

Bobby rubbed his forehead with his finger tips. "Alex, I'm use to spending the holiday alone. Really."

"Oh, so that's good for you?" She looked at his unshaven face, and his sleepless eyes. "I doubt it."

Why does she have to be such a ... He stopped the thought. Rubbing his chin, he knew how much she loved getting with her family, especially this time of the year. Why does she think everyone enjoys it?

"Well, it's an open invitation. We plan on serving at seven tonight." With that, Alex abruptly pushed herself away from the table, standing she picked up the ticket and went to pay for their lunch. She had taken him to lunch with hopes of talking him into coming over to her folks' home for Christmas Eve. The only thing she found was that he was as stubborn as she was. We could argue all day, and neither of us would get anywhere with the other. Sighing to herself, she buttoned her coat, bringing the collar up around her ears.

Alex stepped out on to the sidewalk, pulling her coat tighter against herself as she caught a bitter snow filled wind full face. She gasped as she felt her breath being taken away. Bobby quickly stepped beside her, blocking the next gust that blew. "It's a strong one." He yelled as he slightly bent his head down, trying to avoid the wind and snow.

Crooking his arm, Alex latched on, keeping her head down as he slowly led the way back down the street to MCS. She focused on her feet, trying to be careful not to fall. Just as he opened the door for them, the wind had a sudden burst of energy and pushed them into the building. Letting go of his arm, she began to quickly brush the snow from her coat. Finishing his, he began lightly brushing off her shoulders. Alex bit her bottom lip. Even when we disagree, he's still watches out for me. Clearing her throat, she looked into his warm, but tired eyes. "Look Bobby, I'd love for you to come, but only if you want."

He cocked his head watching her head towards the elevators. Puzzled, by her sudden dismissal of the argument, he followed her. The elevator doors closed before he reached them. He stood waiting for the next one to become available. Reaching her desk, she draped her coat over the back of the chair. Grabbing her coffee cup, she went to the break room getting a fresh cup. She was stirring in the sugar when Bobby came into the room. He lifted a brow, watching her. "Why are you giving up?"

She smiled at him. "Not giving up, just accepting the fact that you don't want to be there." With that she turned and left the room.

Bobby rubbed his chin, wondering what brought about the change. Shrugging, he left the coffee room, heading towards his desk. Alex was on the phone, and from the tone of the conversation, it was with her mother.

"I'll be there in plenty of time. Yes, I'll be careful." She rolled her eyes at Goren, indicating she was once again five years old. He grinned at her expression.

"Love you too. What?" She glanced in Bobby's direction, and then let her eyes fall on a file on her desk. "No. No, I'll explain later." With that, she hung up, and flipped open the file. She began studying it.

Bobby watched her, knowing that the final part of the conversation was about whether or not he would be there. He continued taking notes, wondering if the phone call would prompt further 'discussion' about him joining the Eames in their festivities tonight. As the day moved on, he and Alex remained busy filling out paperwork from their most recent case, with only a few words exchanged between them. She glanced at the clock, quietly noting that it was nearing five o'clock.

"Well, close enough." She signed off the last piece paper she had filled out and put it in a stack. Bobby handed her his stack. Organizing them, she tucked the papers in the file, placing it in a bin. Standing up, she smiled.

"I best be going before Mom sends out the calvary. See you Monday." Without further discussion, she put her coat on and headed towards the elevators.

Well, that's an about face for Eames. He felt a little bit a relief, and a lot more regret. Tapping his pen on his portfolio, he looked at the clock. An hour later, his heavy eyelids closed as he leaned his head against his hand. Just as he felt himself sink into a deep sleep, a nagging ringing sound pulled him back. Slightly confused, he sat up, realizing that it was Eames' phone. Punching the button, he answered. "Major Case Squad."

There was a pause on the other end. "Detective Goren?"

The voice sounded vaguely familiar. "Yes?" Bobby waited patiently for the voice to continue.

"I'm John, John Eames, Alex's father. She hasn't arrived yet, and we're trying to track her down." There was concern in his voice.

Bobby glanced at the clock. He was surprised that she wasn't already at her folks', as it was already six-thirty. "Have you tried her cell?"

"First thing. It's been going to voice mail."

He heard the concern pick up in John's voice. Bobby pinched the sleep from his eyes as he stood, trying to remember if she said she had any stops to make. "Let me do some checking around here, and see what I can find out."

Hanging up, he flipped his portfolio closed. Bobby grabbed his coat, and quickly headed towards the elevators.