Chapter 9

Everyone was hard a work when Penelope came rushing into the bullpen with the biggest smile on her face.

"Guys, guys, guys…guess what."

"What's up Babygirl." Derek asked, coming to stand beside her.

"Rossi just texted me, Erin's being allowed to come home tomorrow."

"Aww Garcia that's great." JJ smiled.

"It's it great Alex." Penelope asked, looking at her.

"It's great news, it's wonderful. Would you excuse me a minute."

They all watched as she left the office and looked back when they heard Hotch coming down the stairs.

"What's all the excitement." He asked, approaching them.

"Erin's coming home Hotch, tomorrow."

"That's great news Garcia, where's Blake?" He asked, noticing her absence.

"She stepped out for a minute man."

"Thanks Morgan."

Hotch left the others to enjoy the happiness of Erin's release. He walked outside and found Alex standing at the side of the building.

"I didn't think you smoked." He asked.

"Now and then."

"Are you okay."

"Sure I am."

"Are you forgetting who you're talking too."

"I had to go and work with profilers, didn't I."

"It'll be okay you know."

"Will it, what if she avoids me altogether now. Why did I tell her, what the hell was I thinking. We're finally back on track and then I go and tell her I still had feelings for her, I'm an idiot."

"No you're not, you needed to get it out there. You got an answer from her, it may not be the one you wanted but at least it was a true response and you can both move on and make a fresh start. A new start to your friendship."

"I guess you're right."

"Don't avoid her when she comes back, that would just make things worse and one of you would end up leaving and I can tell you now…it won't be Erin."

"I'll talk to her when she comes back. I won't let this affect our working relationship, I promise."

"It's getting late, we should all call it a day. Come back fresh tomorrow."

"Thanks Hotch."

The next morning Dave arrived at the Hospital with a change of clothes for Erin. When he walked in she was sitting on the edge of the bed, clearly waiting for him to arrive.

"David."

"Morning my love, how long have you been sat there waiting for me."

"Long enough, did you bring my clothes."

"Of course I did, here you go."

She stood up and took the bag from his grasp and made her way into the bathroom. He sat down and waited for her to change and looked up when Dr Matthews came in.

"Morning Agent Rossi."

"Morning Doc, everything okay."

"Perfect, here are Erin's discharge papers and here's the names of some AA groups for her."

"But she's already with one."

"She said she wants to start a fresh, with a group she doesn't know, after what happened."

"She doesn't want the group feeling sorry for her."

"Something like that."

"Oh Bella, I'll give them to her Doc, thanks."

"I need to get back, anything she needs, she has my number."

"I'll let her know, thank you…for everything."

"It's my pleasure."

"I mean it, Hotch told me that you were responsible for transferring Curtis."

"I didn't think having him here would help her recovery any."

"We appreciate it, really."

"No need to thank me, I was happy to help. I'm just thankful she's alive."

"Yeah, me too."

As Dr Matthews left, Erin came out of the bathroom in her fresh clothes, displaying the biggest smile on her face.

"Were you talking to yourself David."

"No, Dr Matthews came by, he gave me your discharge papers and he said to give you these."

Erin took the leaflets from his hand and gave him a concerned look.

"I can't go back there David, they're all aware of what happened to me."

"I know but isn't that why you should go back, you know these people now, they've seen you at your worst and they can help you. If you leave, you'll be right back at the beginning,learning to put your trust in a new group."

"I'm already back where I started David, Curtis already took all my hard work away from me."

"He hasn't taken your courage, your strength, your determination. Don't let the bastard win this Erin. Go back to your group and hold your head high and show them that this hasn't beaten you, that he hasn't beaten you. You're tough Bella, that'sone of the reasons I love you so much."

"I love you too David. Will you come with me, to the first meeting at least."

"If you want me too, of course I will."

"David…"

"Yes my love."

"Take me home." She smiled.

"With pleasure."

She slipped her arm through David's as they walked out of the Hospital, ready to face the world.

To Be Continued…