A/N: Hello, readers! Thank you guys for the encouraging reviews! I seriously feel so honored that you guys are following this. I'm sorry that my normal weekly post is late, since summer classes have been taking away my writing time. But I will still work my hardest to get in a weekly installment for you all. Once again, I promise you guys that you won't be disappointed as the story continues :) happy reading!

And I also want to say how really, really, really sorry I am for uploading this chapter several times. You all probably received various alerts on this new chapter. There was an error in the upload that I needed to fix and it took several times to correct.

Disclaimer: I do not own the show Criminal Minds…even though in my wildest dreams I do.

Maybe I shouldn't…

Reid glanced at Hotch's office door.

But then again, what do I have to lose?

"You okay, kid?"

Reid looked up, startled. "Of course I am," he quickly replied, "just reading up on our case." He motioned towards the newspaper in his hands as he leaned back in his chair, averting his eyes to the small letter text.

Morgan took a seat, smirking. "You have been distracted ever since you got here. I could tell that you weren't fully with me as I caught you up on the case."

Reid didn't say anything. As much as he tried to push the unanswered questions to the back of his mind, it was easier said than done once he entered the conference room and caught Hotchner's eye. He could feel the curiosity rekindle, which was now running completely ablaze.

He focused his concentration on the headlines, eyes quickly scanning line after line.

"You can't fool me," Morgan leaned forward in his chair. "You have been eyeing Hotch's door for the past five minutes."

The younger profiler avoided meeting his stare. It was moments like this that peeved him on how well the team knew each other, given their innate skills on reading non-verbal cues.

"So you have been watching me?"

"No. I'd say more like observing."

"That's creepy."

"Call it whatever you want. I can't help but notice what's right in front of me."

"Well, it really isn't anything," Reid huffed. He stood up, folding the newspaper and tossing it onto his desk. "I just need to ask some questions over the crime scene parameters."

Morgan shrugged, amused. "Wouldn't explain your nerves, but alright then."

Annoyed with his close friend's interrogation, Reid traipsed away, dodging eye contact from J.J. as he passed. She shot Morgan a perplexed look, who shook his head in response.

Reid drew in a breath before knocking on Hotch's door. Unlike most people, the team unit chief's stern demeanor normally didn't intimidate him– this being one of those few exceptions.

"Come in," a voice called out.

He entered hesitantly, lingering by the doorway. "Hey, Hotch. I just wanted to clarify some points over the crime scene."

Hotchner didn't seem deterred by his presence, with his eyes still fixated on the case file in his hands. He flipped a page. "You aren't here to ask me questions over the case."

Reid remained quiet, unable to deny the claim. There was no point in denying it now.

"Close the door," Hotch ordered. "Now, what do you really want to ask?"

Reid cleared his throat, fidgeting with his tie.

"I know that it's a strange thing to ask, but how do you and Dr. Remorin know each other?" he eyed Hotchner quizzically, who maintained his composure.

"We met years ago," he replied, his tone flat.

Reid waited for him to elaborate, but no words were further spoken.

"Look, Hotch, I got that. But really, who is she?"

"She's a friend."

"No," he shook his head, taking a step forward. "Who is she?"

Silence filled the room. He stared at Hotch earnestly; hoping to acquire what he had been seeking this whole time. The longer the reticence prolonged, the more aggravated he became.

Shuffling papers and pushing back his chair, Hotchner stood up. He tucked the case file underneath his arm.

"A friend," he repeated.

"But, Hotch-"

"It is not my place or business to tell you," Hotch responded sharply. The look on his face was an expression Reid knew all too well – that was it. Not another word was to be brought up on the issue and that was final.

He leaned down to pick up his briefcase beside his desk and walked towards the door. "We're leaving in 10," he said briskly.

Reid sighed, exasperated. He stuffed his hands into his pockets as he reluctantly followed.

A part of him knew that seeking answers through Hotch was going to be futile, but his wishful thinking dashed away such doubt.

He paused mid-step on the catwalk.

But as much as he knew that he ought to drop the issue, those questions continued to burn in his mind, demanding answers. The more evasion of the subject only deepened his curiosity.

He turned to the opposite direction, quickening his pace.

After all, he wasn't one to give up so easily when it came to seeking answers. Spending hours upon hours searching in books for solutions as a child quenched his budding curiosity, and this situation was no different.

He was going to get his answers, one way or another.

"Garcia?"

"Yes, my love?"

"I need you to do some research for me."

...

"It's quite bothersome, really."

Julianne stretched out on the blanket, running her fingertips along the blades of grass. She closed her eyes, watching swirls of purples and blues dance underneath her eyelids from the sunlight.

"But it's not like I have much say in it anyway, if she persists to go on living the way that she is," she sighed.

She opened her eyes. The vast blue sky reached out to her, looming above as she outstretched her hand to touch the gossamer wisps of clouds.

"Personally, I think she deserves better…but then again, who am I to be the judge of that?" Julianne mused.

She turned towards the gravestone as if waiting for a response. The stone watched her in its solemn manner, glinting underneath the beam of the sun. The singing of birds and chirping from a lone cricket emanated amongst the undisturbed surroundings. Rustling of leaves on the swaying tree branches quietly whispered their sentiments.

Julianne laughed wistfully and sat up. Running her fingers tentatively over the stone's grainy surface, she traced over the engraved lettering.

"It's around that time again," she murmured. Her eyes clouded over darkly. "Those flowers…"

The wind blew lightly, waving her dark hair around her face. She brushed a strand and tucked it behind her ear.

Biting her lip, she closed her eyes once again.

"It never ends."

…and the mystery continues. Sorry to leave you guys on the edge like that. Please leave a review! :)