Disclaimer: I don't own Numb3rs

Info: Set post Breaking Point, but I'm setting Breaking Point before Christmas. It's one of my favorite episodes.

Prologue

Colby Granger wasn't doing so well. He had been forgiven by all of his friends for being a triple agent, but he knew they didn't trust him.

David wouldn't say it, but Colby thought David hated him. How could he not? He had betrayed everyone he ever cared about.

Charlie had faith in him, but that's because Colby knew that the kid didn't give up hope.

Megan, Don, and Liz were still a little wary around him. Colby didn't blame them. Everything was his fault.

Alan treated him fine though.

Colby had talked to his mother Claire once since he had rejoined the team.

The conversation had been awkward, and Claire had revealed his older sister Janice was pregnant for a seventh time. Everyone could see that one coming. Janice was a baby making machine. His other sister Maria was pregnant for a fifth time. His third sister Lena was having her fourth baby. His older brother Nathan and his wife had three kids, and everyone knew they were trying for a fourth. Colby was the youngest, and the only Granger without a kid. Before everything, his mother had been pressuring him about getting married and having a baby.

Now she just seemed disappointed in him.

Colby didn't know how disappointed, but he couldn't wait to return home for Christmas to prove to his mother that he wasn't a screw-up.

Colby picked up the phone and dialed his mom's house.

"Claire Granger speaking," was the answer.

"Hi, Mom," Colby said.

"Oh. Hi, Colby."

"How are you doing, Mom?"

"Fine."

"What time are we eating dinner on Christmas Eve?" Colby asked.

There was an awkward silence on the line.

"Colby, I'm sorry. I don't want you here for Christmas."

"Why," Colby asked, dreading the answer.

Claire sighed. "I don't want a traitor at my house. Who knows what you'll do. You dishonored the Granger family and I can't have that. Your sisters and nieces and nephews don't need someone like you around," Claire spat.

Colby's whole world had shattered with those words. He was right. His mom didn't love him anymore.

"It's okay," Colby lied, trying to hold back a sob.

"Good-bye," Claire said. She hung up the phone.

Colby tried to stop the sobs and when he succeeded, the phone rang.

"Hi," said Alan Eppes.

"Hi," said Colby.

"I don't know if you're spending time with your family for Christmas, but would you like to come over to our house?" Alan asked.

Colby thought over it for a second. He had nowhere to go, so he agreed.

Colby just hoped he would be over this hurt by the time that Christmas rolled around.

TBC

I had this idea in my head where Colby's mother didn't want home for Christmas because of the whole triple agent thing. Please review and tell me what you think.