Series 6 One-shots – The Stranger

Disclaimer – I own nothing but the ideas

This was one of two moments I considered from this episode. The one-shot is set prior to the conversation with Hotch. Hope you like it.

Prompt:

Strauss: I'm just dealing with a few things right now.

Hotch: What is it?

Strauss: I might have to be away for a few months. I'm not asking you to step away from your duties but I might need you to supervise some departments.

Hotch: Whatever you need, of course.

. . . .

Strauss sat straight backed. Her immaculate navy dress crease free from the exact same position she had sat in for the past twenty minutes. Erin didn't tolerate tardiness. Her patience was wearing thin. She shot the Receptionist a look, the kind of look that usually put the fear of God into whoever it was aimed at.

Not this time, the Receptionist replied to the glare with a sickly sweet smile, before returning to the paperwork in front of her. She had seen woman like Strauss before, afraid of no-one or anything. That was until they faced what she was facing today. How the mighty fall she thought, silently praying for good news for the stern woman. After all no-one deserved what she was to face, if the news was bad.

Realising her actions hadn't worked; Strauss stood and made her way to the desk.

The Receptionist looked up, the same smile plastered on her face, yet her eyes didn't smile.

"Would it be possible to know how much longer I am going to have to wait?" Erin's clipped tone seemed to echo in the silent waiting area.

"I'm sorry, I appreciate you want an answer but Dr Anna does like to give each person the time they need, as I am sure you are aware no one knows how they will react . . ."

Her words were cut off.

"Then maybe she should take into account when making appointments. I am very busy and do not have the time to waste sitting here."

"I'm sorry," was all the poor woman could manage, under the intense stare of Erin Strauss.

Erin turned and made her way back to her seat, flattening her dress as she sat and waited. It wasn't so much the 'what she could be doing instead of being here' that mattered. It was that sitting in silence made her think; and thinking was something she was avoiding at all costs.

Staring out of the nearby window, her mind once again begun to wander, ever since she had found the lump she had tried hard not to think of what it could mean. She wasn't worried for herself, she had long ago learnt to smother her emotions and get on with things. No she worried for her family and the impact it would have on them. Or worse, that it may have no impact at all.

Henry, her long suffering husband, he had been a top lawyer until he took early retirement. Now he busied himself with rounds of golf and museum trips. Filling his days with all the things he had wanted to do but never had the time. Erin was jealous of his carefree lifestyle, but was aware that she had made her choice and would see it through to the end.

Some nights, as she lay there beside him, listening to him snore softly; she couldn't help but ask herself if he still loved her, or if she had pushed him away once too often. She had frequently asked herself the same thing.

At times their lives had seemed so distinct they may well have been separated. Yet Henry wouldn't hear of it, even after the affair, he took her back. She could still picture the hurt look on his face and hear the cruel words that she spoke, as he selflessly offered to forgive her. God she could be a bitch when she wanted.

Then there were the children. David, the eldest, he was no mommy's boy, probably because he never saw his Mom as he was growing up. First he had the Nanny and then boarding school, as soon as possible. But it's done him good. He's bright and already set up in the partnership of a law firm. His success is enough to rival his father's already. He has a beautiful fiancé, who will make an amazing trophy wife for all the functions he is sure to attend. The girl oozes class and sophistication, just not a strong enough character for Erin's liking.

Unlike her Dana, chip off the old block that one. Since finishing university she has taken the media world by storm. She was already a head of department and being interviewed for Deputy Editor next week. Both Erin and Dana had every confidence she would succeed. Mainly because Dana succeeded at everything she put her mind too, she was her mother's daughter after all. In more ways than one Erin thought, smiling drily as she considered her latest Italian boyfriend.

Then there was sweet little Alice, where oh where did she come from? Alice didn't have the drive and application of her elder siblings. She was bright enough, but just had no wish to do anything with it, well not anything useful. Alice had never returned from her voluntary service work out in Kenya. Erin physically cringed as she thought of the conditions her daughter chose to live in, in some vain attempt to make a difference. She had considered going out and dragging her back, they had even threatened to cut her funding, in the hope she would return. But there lay the problem, the one trait she had inherited from her mother; pure down-right stubbornness.

Would any of them miss her? Would any of them rush to her side? The children had never wanted for anything, they asked they got it. All except one thing, their mother's attention. So how could expect their attention now, when she had failed to meet their needs.

Of course at present none of them knew. What was the point; it could all be a waste of time. She could be fine. So rather than test those tenuous bonds Erin decided to do what she does best, keep herself to herself and deal with it alone.

"Erin Strauss."

Erin looked up and the overtly cheerful Receptionist. Standing she straightened her dress and flattened her hair. She fixed the emotionless look onto her face and work purposely towards the desk.

"Dr Anna is ready to see you now," the Receptionist grimaced, "I would like to apologise again for the delay."

Erin nodded an acknowledgement and turned towards the door. Her step faltered as she entered the consultations room.

How the mighty fall, thought the Receptionist, before returning to her computer screen.

. . . .

My cancer scare changed my life. I'm grateful for every new, healthy day I have. It has helped me prioritize my life.

Olivia Newton-John

. . . .

I think this storyline could lead to a few changes next season, which is kind of why I focussed on it. Also I think it kind of opened up a different side of Strauss (who knows there may be a human in there after all).

On a completely different note; I have a poll on my profile until the end of the month. I have the prompt of the Aerosmith song 'Love in an Elevator' but not sure what pairing to use, please vote for what you would like me to write – just a bit of fun after all this heavy stuff.