Sorry for the delay my darlings. Blame the sun, it was calling me :)

Chapter 11

Over the next few days Penelope did her best to stay out of Morgan's way. She replayed the night over and over in her head, she remembered being at the bar with him and the tequila. She recalled them dancing until around 1am before Morgan had decided it was time to head home. She took a sip of her coffee as she remembered laughing with him in the back of the cab and leaning her head on his shoulder with his arm bringing her into his embrace. She was busy typing when she suddenly stopped when the image of her kissing Morgan popped into her head.

Flashback

"Do you know how long I've wanted to do that to you my ever-loving protector." She giggled.

"Babygirl we're drunk."

"So…"

"So, you'll regret this in the morning."

"No I won't, you won't."

"We're not thinking cle…."

She grabbed hold of him and pulled him into a passionate kiss, he wrapped his arms around her bringing her closer to him, never wanting the moment to end. She moved away and took hold of his hand before taking him into the bedroom."

End Flashback

"Oh my god, what did I do."

She grabbed her bag and made her way out of the building, bumping into JJ as she left.

"Garcia hey, you okay." She asked, noticing Penelope's flustered persona.

"Huh, yeah fine. I'm just heading out for a bit, thought I'd drop by and check on Chief Strauss."

"Oh okay, well give her our love."

"Will do, see you later."

JJ watched as she rushed out and JJ being JJ wasn't satisfied with Penelope's answer so she dropped by Morgan's office to see if he knew anything.

"Derek, you busy."

"Hey JJ, come on in."

He watched her as she closed the door behind her and sat down in front of him.

"What's up." He asked.

"What's going on with Garcia."

"What do you mean."

"She's acting…weird."

"Is she."

JJ noticed the change of tone in his voice and his face told her something wasn't right.

"Okay Morgan, what gives."

"Sorry."

"I'm not stupid, I know somethings up and Alex mentioned the hickey she had the other day. Is something going on with you two."

"You want the truth."

"What do you think."

"I don't remember."

"Huh."

"The other night when we went back to her flat, I know we were drunk but I don't remember if we slept together or not."

"Well where did you wake up."

"On her sofa, but that doesn't mean anything and as you said…she's acting weird and she's been avoiding me."

"Okay, you really need to talk to her."

"I know, I will. Is she in her office."

"Actually she just left to go visit Strauss."

"I'll talk to her when she gets back."

"Let me know how it goes."

"Thanks JJ."

"I care about you guys, you know that."

Penelope pulled into Erin's driveway and made her way up the steps and pressed the doorbell. Erin appeared a few moments later, looking pale and tired.

"Penelope, I wasn't expecting you." She said, trying her hardest to smile.

"Oh my god, hunni are you okay."

"Come on in."

She followed Erin into the kitchen as she began making them some tea. She watched closely as Erin's hands began to shake, she sat her handbag down and went over to her side.

"Here, let me help you."

"I can manage."

"I know you can but you're shaking."

"I SAID LEAVE IT."

Penelope took a step back when Erin yelled at her but tried hard not to show her shock.

"Penelope, I'm sorry. I didn't mean…"

"Sweetie, it's okay. I understand, really I do."

"It's a bad day."

"What happened."

"Dave caught me last night, I went out while he was sleeping and I bought some whiskey and he found me in the study, crying as I took another sip of the already half bottle."

"It's okay Erin."

"It's not okay, how could this happen to me. I was recovering and that bastard has taken everything I worked so hard for away."

"I know hunni but with our help you will get through this."

"It hurts, the cramps and the cravings are the worst. I hate that David has to see me like this again. I never wanted to be like this, it's the job…it gets to you over the years and I just couldn't cope with it, add Michael and his affair and it just drove me over the edge."

Penelope watched as Erin's tears grew stronger and stronger. She could feel her own tears building for the woman she had come to care a great deal about and knew that Erin was going to need the entire BAU's help to get through it.

"It's okay sweetie, you'll be okay…I promise you, we're all going to be there for you, no matter what. We love you."

"I love you too, I can't imagine what I'd do without you."

As she cried more, Penelope pulled Erin into her arms, offering her all the comfort she could.

To Be Continued…