A/N: Was it just me, or is Sara hilarious in this episode? This is short, busy weekend and even busier week, but hopefully the updates will continue as planned!
Spoilers for episode 5x1, Viva Las Vegas.
"Sara."
Catherine barged into the locker room, eyes blazing.
"I need a drink," she said. "Now."
I averted my eyes.
"I can't."
"Oh, you so can," Catherine prodded. "No excuses, let's go."
I bit my lip. Catherine had taken me for a drink when I'd needed it. And she sure looked like she needed one. My PEAP counselor hadn't said anything about stopping drinking – occasionally, of course – but I had kinda made a promise to myself to quit for a while. Why did this have to be so hard?
"I really can't, Cath, I'm sorry."
She stared at me for a moment, gave me a steely look, and walked out. I sighed. She'd probably be frustrated with me for the next shift or two, but it was worth it. I didn't want to let myself down again.
"Sara."
Greg burst into the locker room, looking like he was either about to yell or burst into tears.
"I really need a drink," he said. "Chandra quit."
"I can't, Greg."
"Chandra quit, Sara," he said. "And I failed my proficiency. Bar. Now."
"I can't," I said bitterly, and a little angrily.
Greg must have been surprised by the tone in my voice, because the anger dropped off his face and he came to take a seat next to me on the bench.
"Are you going to tell me what your summer vacation was about?" he asked softly.
"No."
He paused.
"Oh," he said, taken aback. "Well… are you okay?"
"Yeah," I replied. "Yeah, I'm fine, Greg. And I'm sorry about Chandra."
"It's okay," he said, obviously still concerned. "I'll… figure it out. I'll, uh, see you tomorrow?"
"See you tomorrow."
He left, and I sighed deeply. I'd tried hard to act okay during shift – I didn't want anyone to even get a hint of what my "vacation" had really been, but maybe I overdid it. All I wanted to do was talk to Grissom, get it over with, and go home.
"Sara."
"What?" I snapped. "Oh. Grissom."
"I, uh, was just telling you I'm heading out for then night," he said. "You need a ride?"
"Oh," I said. "No… I'm parked out back. But thanks."
"Okay," he nodded. "See you tomorrow."
He began to make his way down the hall.
"Grissom?" I called. "Are… are we going to talk?"
His eyes widened.
"Oh, Sara, I completely forgot," he said softly. "Between Greg's proficiency, doing paperwork for the new girl, covering cases…"
"You're busy," I finished. "It's okay. We'll… we'll do it soon."
"Soon," he agreed. "I promise. Night, Sara."
"Goodnight."
I watched him disappear down the hall, and I sighed yet again. I thought of the endlessly irritating question my counselor repeatedly asked, how do you feel about that?
Well, I wish you'd just talk to me. My anger is gone. Desperation has settled down a bit. I'm feeling better.
I wish you'd just talk to me.
