A/N: I still don't own CSI, CBS, or any other known entity. Mia and the doctor are mine, though. And Mia's fun. :D Anyway, in this chapter, Ryan Wolfe makes a cameo again, and he's from Miami, not me. Also, Mia's ringtone is "Sleepwalker" by The Wallflowers, which I don't own. Mia's turning 28... so I hope you enjoy this chapter, and please please please review.
Chapter 3: Happy 28th Birthday, Darling
"You seem different today." He shrugged.
"I seem different every day."
"You seem like you're regressing," she clarified.
"Can't help it," he replied.
"What's going on?"
"Today's her birthday." She nodded.
"How old is she?"
"28, I think. I always thought it was ironic she was born on Valentine's day, considering the life she had." He sighed. "I know it's strange, but I wrote her a letter. Sent it home with Nick the other day."
"It's not that strange, Greg."
"Yeah, I guess. I want to make amends, you know? I don't know if she'll see me or if she'll even read it, but I felt like I had to do it."
"It's a start, Greg. You're confronting your feelings, and that's a good thing." He nodded.
"Yeah, I know. I'm trying to make things better, but I don't know that I can."
"It takes time, Greg."
"Yeah, I know. Rome wasn't built in a day. I'm doing good, though. I swear. I'm not in a bad place or anything. Just, contemplative." She nodded.
"Good to know. I'll stop by again later, Greg. Take care today."
"Will do. See you later."
Maybe I could be the one they adore, that could be my reputation. It's where I'm from that lets them think I'm a whore. I'm an educated virgin…
Mia groaned as her phone rang. Snatching it off her nightstand, she answered it gruffly. "I'm going to kill you, Nick," she said.
"No you aren't," he replied.
"It's early."
"Honey, it's noon."
"After I went to bed at 7. What do you want?"
"Open the door. I brought you some stuff." She sighed, pulling herself out of bed.
"Why?"
"Because it's Valentine's day, which also happens to be your birthday, my dear."
"So? I don't care."
"Humor me, then. You only turn 28 once."
"Remind me to tell Grissom to hide my personnel file better." She heard Nick chuckle through the door as she unlocked it.
"Wasn't Grissom who told me." She opened the door for Nick, who hung up and handed her a large cup. "Caramel iced latte with sugar, just like you like it." She smiled.
"Thanks, Nick." She stepped back, allowing him to enter.
"Not a problem," he said. "So, I brought you breakfast, and I was thinking that since we both had the night off, I'd take you out for dinner." She arched her eyebrows.
"Are you serious?" she asked.
"Yeah."
"Does this mean I'm gonna have to do shit like this on your birthday?" He laughed.
"I'd never expect that from you. Besides, you already have done stuff for me on my birthday." She shrugged as she finally noticed the bags in his hands. "What'd you get?"
"I told you, breakfast. Figured I'd eat with you."
"From?"
"Frank's. Got you pancakes and sausage, because I know that's what you like." She smiled.
"I like bacon too, you know." He shrugged.
"That'll be your 29th birthday," he said, causing her to laugh.
"You're crazy, Nick Stokes," she said.
"Yeah, I must be to be friends with you."
"That's what I've been telling you all along." He laughed while he grabbed silverware. "I hope you're doing the dishes after while I take a shower."
"That's what I planned on." She smiled. "Then after, I think Wendy's got plans for you."
"Yeah, she does. She's taking me to the spa for the afternoon."
"Yeah, she told me. I was plannin' on doin' somethin' else, but whatever."
"You're odd, you know that?" He laughed.
"Yeah, yeah." They sat down at breakfast, and she noticed the card sitting next to the bags.
"What's this?" Mia asked, looking closely at it and finding her name on it.
"It's a card," Nick replied, swallowing his mouthful of eggs. "It's from Greg." He watched her stiffen slightly.
"Oh."
"He wanted me to give it to you on your birthday when I saw him last week." She nodded as he passed it over to her. "He wanted to say happy birthday and say some other things, but wasn't sure how it would go over. He thought doing this would be best, you know? That way there, you could open it and look at it when you're ready." She nodded again, not saying anything.
"Thanks for playing messenger," she said softly. He nodded.
"You're welcome," he told her. He watched her stare at the card as she picked at her food. "Hey, don't be down, okay? It's your birthday." She smiled slightly.
"I'm not down. I'm just thinking is all. I miss him."
"Go see him."
"Does he even want to see me?"
"Yeah." She nodded.
"I have to call ahead, don't I?"
"Yeah." She nodded again.
"We'll see. I mean, I have no problem going, but…"
"You do. Crazy people make you feel crazy and all that." She chuckled.
"I guess you could say that. You could also say that it's because I don't want to see him like that. I hate any hospital, but especially psych hospitals. I never told you that when I was in foster care, one of my foster siblings ended up in a psych hospital."
"No, you didn't," Nick said, putting down the fork and looking at her. Mia half-smiled.
"She was a sweetheart," she said. "She was older than me, always looking out for me, but she was having issues, really severe ones. So one day I came home, found her wasted. This became pretty regular, and so our foster parents sent her away. I was sent away shortly after. Never really found out what happened to her, don't know when she got out, but I do remember going and seeing her once. Scared the hell out of me." Nick grabbed her hand gently, and she smiled lightly. "Oh, well. Doesn't matter now. It's my birthday, let's move on to happy." He nodded, and they finished breakfast.
"I'll clean up," he said. "Take a shower before Wendy gets here."
"I don't know why it matters," she said. "We're going to the spa. I'm only gonna have to shower after too."
"I don't know either. I already talked to Wendy. I'm picking you up here at 7 for dinner, okay?"
"Okay, great." She hugged him gently. "Thanks for breakfast."
"Not a problem." She smiled, walking up stairs. Nick turned to the dishes they had generated, cleaning them quickly.
"Girl, get your ass down here!" Wendy called. Nick chuckled from the couch.
"Remember, bring her back here by six," he said quietly. "And help her pick out something fitting?"
"Of course."
"Thank you."
"Not a problem. I like this game." Mia walked down the hallway, effectively ending their conversation. Nick smiled at her.
"Alright, ladies, enjoy your afternoon. I'll catch up with you later."
"Later, Nick," Mia said. He walked out the door, and Wendy turned to Mia.
"He's cute," she said.
"Not my type," Mia replied.
"Why not?"
"He's too dense." Wendy laughed, throwing her arm around her friend's shoulders.
"I thought you liked that."
"As a friend and pseudo-brother, yes. As a romantic interest, no. That's why I love Greg, you know? He can always read me, and while that bothers me sometimes, it's helpful."
"Nick can read you too, you know."
"Yeah, but not the way Greg can." Wendy shrugged.
"Who can do things the way Greg can?" Mia chuckled.
"Touché. So, tell me what's on the schedule."
"Manis, pedis, and massages, but that only takes us until about 4, so I was thinking a mall trip after? Get you something nice to wear to dinner with Nick tonight?"
"So you know where he's taking me then, huh?"
"Yes, but I'm not allowed to tell you."
"Just allowed to dress me."
"Exactly." Mia shrugged.
"Whatever. It's Nick." Wendy laughed.
"Exactly," she repeated. The two of them walked out the door and headed to Wendy's car for a relaxing day at the spa.
"So, did I tell you that Nick was playing messenger?" Mia said as her and Wendy walked into Mackenzie's Boutique.
"No," Wendy said, guiding Mia to the evening gown dress section.
"Wait, hold up. I have to get really dressed up for this?"
"Yes, dear."
"Damn. Where the hell is he taking me? To the prom?" Wendy laughed.
"I don't know. He just told me to have you pick out a nice dress." Mia sighed.
"I hate this kid so much."
"No, you don't. Now, tell me, messenger for who?"
"Greg."
"Really? Girl, you've been holding out on me!" Mia laughed.
"Slightly, yes." She picked a dress off the rack, and Wendy shook her head.
"No. Nick said something about there having to be color, no black, white, silver, or gold."
"So he wants me wearing something obnoxious. Okay." Mia picked up the most ugly dress she could find- a puffy lime green and pink dress. "Here we go." Wendy laughed.
"If you wanna look like that going out, sure." Mia frowned, and Wendy picked up a deep red dress trimmed with rhinestones. "How about this one?"
"Possibility," Mia said, taking it from her. She picked up a simple, coral colored dress.
"That may bleach you out," Wendy said.
"Didn't for Senior Prom." Wendy shrugged.
"Whatever. So, tell me, what did Greg say?"
"Nothing, really. He had Nick give me a card from him."
"Did you open it?" Mia shrugged.
"Not yet."
"Why not?"
"I'm scared to."
"Girl, the second we get home, you're opening that card and finding out what he has to say." Mia shook her head.
"I can't."
"Why?"
"Because one of two things is going to happen. He's either going to be a bastard because of what my father did, or he's going to apologize for everything, and I'm going to believe him."
"Is that so bad?" Mia shrugged as she fingered a dark green silky dress.
"I don't know. I mean, I do still love him, a lot." She took the dress off the rack, adding it to her pile as Wendy started picking out dresses as well. "He's funny and cute and just a really sweet guy. And, like I said earlier, he can read me so well, and I really like that. But, at the same time, what if he still actually believes what my father said?"
"I don't think he does," Wendy said.
"How do you know?" Mia inquired, looking over a big blue dress at her. Wendy shrugged, picking up a black dress. "I thought Nick said no black."
"Honey, these are for me and my date tonight." Mia chuckled as Wendy winked. "I don't know, Mia. Something about the way he reacted when you left made me think that he never truly believed it. You'd be gone from the room, and it was like he didn't know what had just happened. This was before you left. When you did, he went off the deep end. I've never seen him that bad. I was surprised it took him seven months to end up in the hospital, the way he was going."
"He's stubborn and proud."
"Sounds like someone else I know." Mia snorted.
"Point taken," she said.
"Good girl," Wendy replied lightly. "Now, are you going to talk to that boy or what?"
"I told Nick earlier I'd think about going to see him. He knows I'm back in Vegas. He knew Nick was in touch with me too. So when he wrote the letter/card/whatever, he knew that if he gave it to Nick, Nick would make sure I got it."
"That's good. I think you should read it." Mia shrugged, adding a shimmery, dark blue dress to the mix.
"I will, later." The two of them headed into the dressing room. "For now, let's find something I look good in."
After settling on a dress, Mia headed back to her place with Wendy. "Now, am I getting ready alone, or…?" Mia asked.
"Sorry, girl," Wendy said. "I gotta head home and get ready for my own night." She held up the black dress she had picked out that was trimmed with pink silk ribbon and studded with pink rhinestones on the outer layer of black lace. Mia smiled.
"That one really does look good on you."
"Yeah, I know. I gotta go, though. I'll see you later."
"Later, Wendy, and thanks for today."
"No problem. Happy birthday."
"Thanks." Mia got out of the car, walking up the steps to her apartment. She pulled out her keys, opening the door as her cellphone rang. "Salvatori," she answered.
"Oh, and don't forget to open that card!" Wendy said. Mia laughed. "I got you home early so you could!"
"I thought that was so I'd have plenty of time to get ready." Wendy laughed.
"Nope. Read it."
"Okay, okay, I will, and then I'll report to you later."
"Okay. See you later, girl."
"Later, Fruitcake." Mia hung up, putting her phone down on the table as she walked over to where she had left the card. She looked at the clock, which read 5:30. She had plenty of time. She sighed, opening the card and bringing it with her as she took the dress into her room.
Mia, it read. I know this is probably the last thing you expected from me, given that the last time I said anything to you, I said… well, you know what I said, and I'd rather not rehash that. I've been thinking a lot… kind of the consequence of being in a psychiatric hospital, but anyway… I really miss you. I never meant to hurt you, but I know that's all I did. I realized too late what I was doing to you. By the time I realized you weren't lying and that you had nothing to do with it, you were already gone. I guess I owe Grissom a bit for setting me straight, but that's another story.
I guess this is really the only way I have of communicating with you right now, letters through Nick, but I know I caused this. I'm not sure where you are right now, because Nick's being really cryptic about it, but I'm sure by the time you read this, you'll know where I am. How I got here. I'm stupid, Mia. Really, really stupid. I see that so much now.
Part of me always believed you didn't have anything to do with it. Part of me was rational, knew you loved me, knew there was no way you really had anything to do with it. But the rest believed the irrational lies. I guess that I was scared. Your father tortured me, and the only way to make him stop was usually to play along with his lies. After a while, I was conditioned. I believed it.
I know this doesn't make up for what I did. This doesn't make anything better, and I know that. I'd be surprised if you ever talk to me again, after what I did to you. I was horrible. I hurt you. I know how hard it is for you to trust someone, let alone fall in love with someone, and yet you did both with me. And I hurt you.
That's why I tried to kill myself, why I felt I had nothing left to live for. I felt that I didn't deserve to live after what I did to you. I've never told anyone but my therapist that, though. It's hard to admit, somewhat. I guess some of what made that so easy was that I had no one to talk to, no one to tell me that I was flawed with even that thinking. If hearing about me trying to kill myself hurt you too, then I'm even more sorry. I really never did mean to hurt you.
I guess when it comes down to it, I hope you'll forgive me, but know that I'll completely understand if you don't. I still love you more than life itself, and while that might be hard for you to read/hear, I mean it with my entire heart. Even when it seemed like I hated you, I still loved you, and I probably always will. So, I'll end this by saying that I hope you have a great birthday, a better Valentine's day, and I hope you're happy.
Love,
Greg
Mia inhaled deeply, sitting down on the couch. She sniffled back the tears that had come to her eyes with Greg's letter. She shook her head, sniffling again. His words had touched her, and affirmed most of what she had been thinking and feeling. She still loved him deeply, and probably always would, but at this moment, she wasn't sure how to go about reconnecting with him. She took a shaky breath as her tears began falling. She wasn't sure where exactly the tears were coming from or why. She couldn't tell if it was happiness, sadness, comfort, being touched, or something else, but she welcomed them anyway. She sniffled, allowing herself the moment to cry before looking up at the clock. 6:15. She needed to go get ready. She tried her face, putting the card and letter on the table before picking up her dress and walking down the hall. She had a dinner to get ready for.
"C'mon Mia," Nick called impatiently from down the hall. He had walked in just a few moments ago, her being to busy getting ready to open the door for him.
"Hold your horses, Fatass," she replied, aggravated. "Girls take longer to get ready."
"I thought you being back by 6 would be enough time."
"Would've if I didn't get distracted by something else."
"What the hell distracted you?" He heard her snort loudly in the other room.
"A promise." He shook his head.
"What the hell did Wendy make you promise to do?"
"Read Greg's letter." Nick nodded to himself, looking at the clock. 7:10.
"That good, huh?"
"Let's not talk about this please. Otherwise, I'm gonna take longer."
"Alright, alright. Subject dropped. Are you ready yet?"
"God, you're impatient."
"We have reservations, dear."
"They'll keep, Fucker." He chuckled.
"Nice talk."
"Well, stop rushing me on my birthday."
"I'm sorry." She walked into the room finally, and Nick took in her appearance. She had settled on a dark teal, satin dress, trimmed with off-white pearls around the top edge and with the same pearls used on the straps. The dress dipped low in the back, and the back was tied up with a sash that matched the dress in material and color. The loops that the sash went through to tie up the back were adorned with the same color pearls as the trim of the dress. She wore a string of matching pearls around her neck and small ones studded in her ears. Her hair hung in loose curls around her face, making her look more like an angel than he'd ever seen and taking his breath away. "You look great," he said after a moment.
"Thanks," she said nervously.
"You really do. Now, let's get going because we're already late." She shook her head.
"You clearly don't like this look I have going on."
"Hey, you still love Greg and I'm just taking you out for your birthday."
"Ouch, Bastard."
"Love you too, Bitch." He opened the door for her, leading her outside to the limo waiting for them.
"You know, I hate you for this."
"No, you don't."
"Nick, this is way too much." He chuckled as the driver opened the door for them.
"You have no idea, princess, so just enjoy the night." She sighed, shaking her head.
"Why are you doing this?"
"I'll explain later." She frowned, and he laughed. "Babe, that ain't gonna work on me."
"Damn." She closed her eyes for a moment. "So, where are we going?" He smiled.
"Don't worry about that." He handed her a glass of champagne. "Just enjoy this for now." She arched her eyebrows.
"I thought we had a strict love/hate sibling relationship."
"We do," he said.
"Alright. Just wanted to make sure." He chuckled.
"Okay." He held up his glass. "Congrats on managing to stay alive for another whole year." She laughed at his mock toast.
"Thanks, Fuckhead." They clinked glasses, and each took a drink. "This is good champagne."
"I know." They pulled up outside the Rampart, and she looked at him critically.
"A casino?" she asked.
"Just trust me," he replied. She shrugged.
"You know I do." The driver opened the door, and Nick slid out first before extending his hand back in. Mia took his hand gently, sliding out after him. "So, are you going to tell me what this is about yet?" He smiled.
"You remember talking to Mikayla about sweet sixteen parties?" She furrowed her brow.
"No, not really."
"The two of you were watching 'My Super Sweet Sixteen,' and it caused you guys to talk about your own 16th birthdays. Of course, my little sister had a big party, because Grandma and Grandpa can afford for that, as could Gen and her husband." Mia suddenly realized what he was getting at.
"And I had mentioned that I didn't have a sweet sixteen party, because no one cared," she said. "So, is this to make up for it?"
"Yeah, pretty much."
"You are incredible, you know that? You're going through all this trouble for someone that constantly berates you. I can only imagine what you'd do for the woman you loved." He smiled.
"Hon, this wasn't just me. It was my idea, but I'd be lying if I took all the credit for this." They walked into the ballroom, where Mia's friends and colleagues all welcomed her with a loud "Happy birthday!"
"I didn't even know I had this many friends," she remarked to Nick.
"Well, Wendy helped out a lot with that," he said. "Plus, everyone was told to bring someone."
"And, let me guess, Catherine secured the location." He nodded. "Nick, this is amazing. Thank you. All of you." He smiled.
"You're welcome, Mia. Welcome back."
"Thanks." She walked around, mingling with the other guests before running over to Catherine and Warrick. "Guys, you have no idea how much this means to me," she began. "Thanks so much."
"You're welcome, sweetie," Catherine said, hugging her. "You look amazing."
"Thanks. So do you." They chatted amicably until Wendy walked over.
"Hey girl," she said.
"Yeah, other date my ass," Mia remarked as she noticed Wendy was wearing the dress she had bought earlier with her. Wendy chuckled.
"He's here. He's just talking to Dave."
"Dave the coroner?" Wendy nodded. "Interesting."
"Well, apparently, they went to school together."
"Small world."
"True, true."
"So, you knew about this all along, and you didn't tell me?"
"I wanted to surprise you along with the rest of them." Mia sighed, shaking her head.
"You would." Wendy smiled.
"Happy birthday, Mia."
"Thank you." Mia walked away as a slow song played over the stereo and everyone picked someone to dance with. She was about to walk to the side when Grissom grabbed her by the hand.
"Hey," he said.
"Hey boss," she replied warmly.
"Let's dance." She looked confused for a moment before shrugging.
"Whatever. I'm slightly drunk, so I'm down for anything." Grissom chuckled.
"Same here." She laughed as he put his hand on her side and used his other to hold hers. She wrapped an arm around his waist.
"So, tell me something," she said. "What was your part in all of this?"
"I got everyone the night off," he replied. She nodded.
"I'm kinda buzzed, so I'm gonna be honest here. This has got to be the best birthday I've ever had. I don't remember ever being surrounded by people I considered family on my birthday. I was always away at boarding school, or was with my foster siblings, or was with a bunch of strangers. Something about being here in Vegas, though… I don't know. I consider you guys my family. This is my home."
"Yeah, we feel the same about you." She smiled at that. "Even if you are difficult." She laughed.
"Yeah, yeah."
"Honestly, Mia, I wanted to thank you a little bit." She arched her eyebrows.
"Thank me?"
"Yes."
"Why?"
"Because when most people backed off and let me do my thing after Sara died, you were the one person who pushed me to be open and talk about things. Everyone else didn't want to hurt me, and you didn't care."
"Griss, I've been there before. I know how death can tear someone apart if they don't talk about it. That's why I didn't want that to happen to you."
"Yeah, I know." She felt him relax a little more, which made her smile.
"Talking about that made you nervous, huh?" He nodded, which made her chuckle. "It's okay."
"Yeah." The song ended, and she smiled.
"Thanks for the dance, Grissom."
"You're welcome. Happy birthday, Mia."
"Thanks." He hugged her gently before walking away. She continued chatting with others, dancing, and having a good time before finally breaking off to the side. She found herself frowning slightly, wishing that Greg was there too. She felt a hand rest on her shoulder, and she looked up.
"Hey," Ryan said. She shook her head.
"You were the last person I expected to be here," she replied, hugging him anyway. He laughed.
"Yeah, well, apparently, I'm dating your foster sister." She laughed.
"Yeah, you would." She bit her bottom lip, and he looked sympathetic.
"You okay?" She forced a smile.
"Yeah, fine." He nodded, knowing it wasn't true, but going along with it. "You should get back to your girlfriend before she gets the wrong idea." He nodded, shrugging.
"Yeah, I guess. Good to see you again, good to see you changed. Take care of yourself, and happy birthday."
"Thanks, Ryan. Take care." He walked away, and she stayed slightly slumped against the wall as Nick walked up.
"Hey, Sunshine, why the clouds?" he asked softly. She shrugged.
"I just wish Greg was here," she replied. He frowned.
"I'm sorry."
"It's okay. It's stupid, really. I read his letter, and now I can't get him off my mind, you know?" He smiled.
"He was always on your mind before you read his letter." She chuckled.
"True, but it's been worse since."
"Go see him."
"I don't know."
"At least pretend you will so I can shut up?" She chuckled again.
"Okay, fine." He smiled.
"Good. Now, push away the clouds, enjoy yourself, and let's dance." She smiled, nodding as he pulled her off the wall and back out onto the floor to enjoy the rest of the evening.
