Rating: PG for some strong language
Disclaimers: Major spoilers for Ep 312 "Silent Night," some of the dialogue is taken directly from the episode. I own nothing you recognize.
Thanks to SallyJetson for the beta.
Lindsay Monroe hated Christmas. She always had, at least since 13 years ago. And this year, it was even worse. Ironically, as a kid, Christmas had been her favorite holiday, and not just for the presents. But everything had changed that one fateful night.
"I love coming out this way during Christmastime. It's just so beautiful. All the houses decorated, the lights. We don't get to see it in the city," Hawkes commented.
"The stuff is just a waste of electricity," Lindsay commented.
"Linds, don't be such a Scrooge."
A house covered in icicle lights. There is a decorated tree in one window and a nativity scene in another. The windows are splattered in blood.
Lindsay shook her head and shivered. "I'm not a Scrooge," she tried to insist.
"Bullshit. It was like pulling teeth to convince you to go to the departmental Christmas party last year. And this year, it's been worse than getting a root canal trying to convince you to go. Someone would think you didn't like Christmas."
Didn't like Christmas? Last year, Mac had to threaten Lindsay with a reprimand to get her to go. This year that hadn't worked.
"Fine. I don't care. Give me a reprimand. I'm not going."
"All right, since that didn't work, this is what's going to happen. The department, end of year, party-fundraiser is required for all members not on duty at the time."
"It's a fucking Christmas party Mac, don't try say it's not. And I'm not going."
Whoa, Mac thought. "Lindsay, it's not a choice. If you don't go, I'll consider you AWOL, resulting in a suspension."
"Mac!" Lindsay exclaimed, almost whined. Mac simply looked at her. "Then put me on duty that night."
"No CSI is off duty that night anyway, except for those on call. Come on, you'll have fun. It's going to be even better than last year's- food from Hell's Kitchen, dancing…" Lindsay shuddered. "Lindsay, what's wrong?"
"Nothing. Forget it; you're never going to understand." Lindsay stormed out of the office, slamming the door as she left.
Mac stared out into the hall at Lindsay. He definitely understood what Christmas was like after having lost someone, even why she might have a problem with Christmas. But he had no clue why Lindsay reacted so badly to the mention of dancing.
Like last year, she had already begged Mac to let her work Christmas day. He'd refused. She'd already worked Thanksgiving, and departmental protocol dictated that she be off one of those two. Besides, Mac felt that Lindsay was working herself to the bone. Last year, he'd thought it was just that she didn't know many people in the city. However, when Stella asked Lindsay to come to her place for Christmas last year, Lindsay had refused. What they didn't know was that Lindsay had stayed in her bedroom the entire day crying. Christmas: the requirement to be joyful, the friends, the memories. Did Lindsay Monroe dislike Christmas? No. Lindsay Monroe hated Christmas.