A/N: So I decided to try a 'how they got together story'. I need something to do while I wait for updates to 'We All Make Mistakes'… hahaha… if you haven't read that story, start now. I'm not used to writing long stories, but I'm going to give it a try. You know the deal, I love reviews.
-CSI-330 xoxo
Disclaimer: I own nothing to do with CSI. This is just for fun.
Catherine Willows gently shut her front door, dropping the armful of groceries before leaning against the door and closing her eyes. Resting her head against the wood, she breathed a deep sigh. She had dropped Lindsey off at school after work and was finally home after taking care of the banking and groceries. Being inside the cool, quiet of her house was a relief. Padding into the kitchen, she put away the food and quickly did Lindsey's breakfast dishes. Looking around, it was clear that at least SOME tidying would have to be done before she could get any sleep. Sighing again, she began to pick up the books and pillows, folding blankets and setting the living room in order. A half hour later, Catherine was satisfied and too tired to continue so she grabbed her purse, checked that the door was locked and trotted upstairs. Passing Lindsey's room, she decided, while she was cleaning anyway, to do a quick sweep for laundry and dirty dishes. Pushing the door open, she smiled at her daughter's neatness. 'She's been putting in such an effort,' she smiled. 'I have to remember to thank her.' Spotting a glass on Lindsey's desk, she turned to grab it. Oddly, Lindsey had forgotten to shut the computer off. The message on the desktop caught Catherine's eye, and, too startled to feel guilty, she sat and read.
To:
From:
Hey Linds!
Your math project's all right except for numbers 9-11… look at the denominator, you forgot to square. That's why you need to write neatly… said 'chicken scratch' herself, haha.
Work's been crazy… it's a combination of a couple of brutal cases and stupid bureaucracy. Ecklie is one of those people who like to make work… you know those 'stupid' journal entries Mrs. Anderson makes you write? Your mom has to do similar stuff that's not really relevant. You get frustrated by it, and it's like that for her, O.K… it's meaningless stuff that she has to do when she wants to be elsewhere. It's frustrating… and it's almost like the Willows women have, like, a temper or something. I'm teasing you. I'm not saying she should have yelled at you, but try to see where she's coming from. I promise you that you're the most important thing in her life. She loves you more than anything, and even if you don't hear it or can't care right now, you are so, so, SO lucky to have her, Linds. She's the strongest person I've ever met. You're all she talks about other than work… it's really boring. KIDDING!
If you want me to take you to the cemetery Friday, give me a shout tonight, I'll be online after work. If I don't answer right away, I'm in the shower.
Math midterm!! Just remember to pace yourself and DON'T leave early again… I don't care if everyone else does. Good luck, you don't need it.
Sara x
Sara? What the hell was Lindsey doing with an e-mail from Sara Sidle in her inbox? And why would Lindsey want to go to the cemetery? With Sara Sidle? Catherine's brow furrowed as she re-read the message before shutting off the computer, heading down the hall to the bathroom.
As she stood under the water, her mind began to turn.
Sara Sidle. Enigma? Definitely. But Catherine had always respected her… Sara had a drive and a focus that was… well, amazing. OK, this is obviously not the first time they've corresponded… Sara's checked some homework for her. Is this the first time this has happened? No way to tell… No… it seemed from the language it's not. The joking seemed intimate. Sara was taking her daughter somewhere. Without her knowing. She should be mad… she was mad. But she wasn't. Sara had been so… Catherine froze as she remembered what Sara had said about her.
Catherine took a final deep breath before shutting off the water and towelling off. Hair swept back, clad in a tank and pyjama bottoms, Catherine carefully set the alarm to wake her in time to get Lindsey. Still confused and now exhausted, Catherine climbed into bed and felt herself begin to relax. Her mind still quietly sifted through the information she had… Lindsey… Sara… friendship?... cemetery.
Suddenly, Catherine was wide awake. She rolled over and looked at the ceiling, heart still.
"Eddie died five years ago Friday."