-"How could I let this happen?" Each time Aaron Hotchner thought through that scene, he concluded that the blame should fall on him. Prentiss laid a comforting hand on his "Aaron, this is your fault as much as it is mine."-

Earlier that day, Emily clocked in unusually late. She crept to her desk in hopes of evading the attention of her coworkers.

"You shouldn't come to work sick, Emily." Reid's eyes were glued to his paperwork, but his focus was on her now. "The last time you came in this late, you had an upset stomach and periodically vomited throughout the day."Morgan picked up on the conversation

"Oh man, Emily, you are definitely hung over or something." Prentiss glanced at Derek Morgan with contempt. "So spill it, Prentiss; what happened with you last night?" Spencer's gaze left the page, transferring his aim towards Derek. "If she is hung over, which I highly doubt considering that it's only Wednesday, you shouldn't antagonize her symptoms by talking to her."

"Spencer, you realize that just by talking to Morgan you're adding to my headache."

"Err, sorry Prentiss." Reid sheepishly carried on with his work.

"Prentiss," his strict commanding tone worried her in an instant "I need to see you in my office, now."

"Shit..." she murmured under her breath. She would've rather waited until later to confront Agent Hotchner with her excuse.

Aaron shut the blinds to avoid gawking bystanders. He stood in front of his desk "Prentiss, take a seat," There was a painful pause before he continued "This position in the BAU requires punctuality. You have been more than two hours late each day for the past three weeks. The cases that we're dealing with are time sensitive and we need everyone here. If this continues, I'm willing to take this matter to Strauss. Do I make myself clear?" At this point, Hotch's stance was uncomfortably close to Prentiss'; she could sense his detest even though she averted eye contact. "I'm sorry I have to threaten you with your job, but Emily, please," Hotch knelt down to meet her eyes "what's going on with you lately? You're picking your nails again." Self consciously, she planted her palms on her lap. Prentiss took a sharp breath.

"I, um, haven't gotten my period in over a month."

Aaron Hotchner's face flushed in a cold sweat. "You don't think-"

"It's the only explanation for my nausea the past month." she interrupted.