AN: This is a reunion that I've been looking forward to, so hopefully I can do it justice. For those who took the time to review the boring chapter, I thank you! *DISCLAIMER* I do not own Criminal Minds or Higher Ground.
"I must be dreaming," she says, "Because that looks like Shelby Merrick besides you."
"You aren't dreaming," Peter replies with a grin, backing up to get out of the way. Good thing, too, as it only took another half-second for Jess to pounce on me.
"Shel," she exclaimed. I grip the back of my shirt and hold her tight. My eyes are watery, but it is the first genuine smile that I've had in some time. I don't want to let go, but eventually we release just enough to hold each others' arms and just look at each other. Our noses were nearly touching, and the tears streaking down her face had me crying moments later.
"Dammit, Jess," I say, wiping my eyes. "You've got me crying now."
"I'm sorry. It's just been so long. And you didn't call. I'm... I'm just shocked."
"I know. I missed you."
"I missed you, too," she agrees. Stepping back, she gestured with her hands toward me. "And look at you! You're gorgeous!"
Yeah, a week of sleep deprivation and wrinkled clothes are apparently what my sister considers 'gorgeous.'
"Not too bad yourself, kiddo," I say with a wink and a smile. After a few moments of silence, she speaks up again.
"Shit," she groans. "I've got watch over the Trackers today. Say, Peter, do you mind if Shel shadows me?"
"Of course not," he says. "She should know how to run place already."
I laugh. "I wasn't here that long, Peter."
"Great," Jess exclaims. Her expression quickly swaps to a frown as she looks down at my shoes. "Um, I'll let you borrow one of my pair of boots."
I grin as she rushes into her cabin. Peter steps up to once again stand beside me.
"Thank you," I say again, facing him. I've only said it to him a gazillion times during my life, but this time wasn't for myself. His brow furrowed.
"What for?"
"Ten years ago, we asked you to save her life. Her eyes were dead back then. There was nothing there. Just a bland pool of color. Today I saw a glint. I saw happiness. That's my sister, Peter. You saved her, and for that I can't thank you enough."
"These are the best pair I've got," Jess says as she returned from the inner depths of the cabin. "Well, other than the ones on my feet, of course. Just toss those shoes of yours in my house and put these on."
"Thanks, sis," I reply, looking up to Peter as I take a seat on the porch step and start tying the boots. He nods, accepting my thank you without tipping Jess off to our conversation.
"I've got to get going," he says. "I'm supervising the Ridge Runners today. I expect to see both of you at dinner, though."
"Of course," Jess answers. "C'mon, Shel, follow me."
AN: Short, but my next introspection piece should be much longer. I may skip right on to it if I can't think of anything good to do with the team. I'll have to see what I come up with. Thanks for reading!
