My eyes are bleeding. That's what happen when you can't stop crying. She was my best friend. Unlikely as that seems, it was true.
I miss her everyday. Sure, I put on a brave face and do my job. That doesn't mean that I don't miss her.
We had so much fun together. Doing girly things. Things I didn't do with my goth friends.
"Don't cry Abs." I hear from behind me. Turning around slowly, I'm met by Kate.
"Kate?"
"It's me, Abs. Please, no more tears."
"I hate you, you know. You left me here, alone. No goodbye..." I paused and took a breath. "I don't hate you. I just miss you so much. Besides Tony, you were my best friend. And you left me..."
"In a single moment, all our lives changed. So many things are different now. It's how you handle those differences, those changes, that will determine the rest of your life."
I sighed. "Why did it have to be you? I just wish that things had been different."
"But they weren't. Ari is gone and you guys can live your lives. For me. Can you do that?"
"I can." I said.
With that, Kate vanished, smiling.
It's been a week since I last talked to Kate. She comes less and less to see me. I guess that means I don't need her as much.
God! I hope not! Her visits calm me. They're all I have left.
"Abs." I hear.
"Hey Kate."
"I know it's been a while since I stopped in but I saw you were doing okay. And McGee's okay. And Gibbs is... well Gibbs."
"Tony?"
"Tony needs me more then the rest of you. Even with Charisma, he still needs to know I'm here."
"He misses you the most you know."
"I know." She saw I was crying. "Abs, no tears, ok? This isn't goodbye. It's just so long for now. I'll be back, I promise."
I nodded and looked away. As I looked back up at her, I saw she was gone.
"So long, Kate."