Disclaimer: I do not own CSI or these characters.

Chapter Twenty One: Rebirth

Sara left home that afternoon for her appointment while both Gil and Matt were napping hard. She arrived at Dr. Reese's office right on time. "Hello, Donna," she greeted the receptionist, "How's the gum working?"

Donna winced as she chomped away on her nicotine gum, "Well, I haven't smoked a cigarette in several weeks, but now I gotta figure a way to give up this gum."

Sara was laughing at Donna's newest dilemma just as the inner office door opened and the patient before her silently left, eyes reddened and swollen. It took her back to see that sight; remembering the tears she had shed facing her own ghosts. It was a stark reminder of the progress she had made; she was indeed in a much better place.

As she entered Carla's office and took her seat, feeling the progress she made gave her an air of confidence. She was ready to embark on the next phase of her life.

"Sara, I must say you're looking well." Carla said as she greeted her star patient.

"I feel ready." She looked off, "Ready to plot out my future." As she reacquired eye contact with Carla she continued, "I've achieved so much in the last year, it's like I have to pinch myself to remember I'm not dreaming all this."

Carla was beaming; Sara's accomplishments were truly remarkable.

Sara continued, "You know, I'm comfortable in my wife and mother role, we're settled into our new home, so now it's time to consider returning to work in some form." She shrugged, "I need to work; I need the challenge.

"It's part of you, yes. You wouldn't be the wife and mother you want to be if you didn't take care of yourself."

Sara shifted in her chair, "I'm not afraid to admit that I'm scared to death of having my attachment issues resurface with the traumas I would regularly be facing as a CSI."

Carla confirmed Sara's fear, "You are correct. That is a risk; however, your remarkable insight into the risk diminishes the chance of it occurring. Besides, you must know that even if problems develop, you would be a long way from where you started with me. It wouldn't be hard to get you back fully functional."

Sara paused to think for a moment before replying, "I see what you're saying, but I don't think it's a battle I ever want to fight again," she squinted ever so slightly, shaking her head, "not ever. That was a painful, lonely place where I used to live."

Carla nodded sympathetically. She couldn't know first hand the pain Sara had been in, but she was immensely gratified having guided her out of it.

When they finished, Sara decided to sit down with Gil and see what options were available at the lab, short of field work, and more importantly, how they would manage Mathew's care.

With Sara's experience in the field and educational background, there was virtually nothing in the lab she couldn't handle with minimal training. That helped, but what hurt was that she was looking for a part time schedule. If there were people applying for full time positions, they would certainly be hired over her. Gil and Sara knew that as busy as the lab was, they really needed full time workers. Besides, the few part timers they had were always being called out, virtually turning them into full timers, by default.

Then they had to consider the shift that would be best. Even if she worked in the lab, there would still be conflicts with her working the same shift as Grissom, but they were manageable.

As they talked it out, the day shift actually made the most sense. They could arrange day care easier for that time when she would be working and Gil sleeping. Also, Gil would be off as a back up in case of sickness or another eventuality. Even though Sara would be working when Gil was sleeping, and vice versa, so they would still share quality off time in the afternoon, evening, and days off. One problem remained; Ecklie. Sara was loathe to work with him, and the day shift was always short because of his antagonistic leadership.

"I still think I need to bite the bullet and try to work it out." Sara declared. "Matt's well being takes precedent. I can only return to work comfortably if I know he's going to be in a good situation. We have so many good choices for childcare during the daytime hours."

Gil cocked his head, and nodded, "I'll try to set up a meeting with Ecklie; see what he's got." He shrugged, "I know we're not his favorite colleagues, but I suspect even he won't be able to pass on a talent like you, part time or otherwise."

The meeting was arranged. Sara wanted Gil there with her in case Ecklie acted, well, like only Ecklie could. Gil could go toe to toe with him, but it would kill her chances if she tried to herself. Catherine wanted to baby sit, if for no other reason to be the first to get the scoop on the meeting. After their shift, she and Gil arrived together, and after a brief visit Gil and Sara headed into the lab.

"Sara!" Ecklie extended his hand as she entered his office, "You look amazing. The changes in your life obviously agree with you. Congratulations on the wedding, the baby, that's all so wonderful."

"Thank you," she politely replied.

"Gil, good to see you as well," Gil reluctantly shook hands and they took their seats.

"So," he leaned back in his desk chair, "What can I do for you?"

"I'm here to explore my options," Sara started in, "I'd like to return to the lab."

"I thought as much," Ecklie considered his response. He had been looking forward to this moment, hoping Sara would return, groveling. "Well, as you must be aware, your file is full of behavior that is, well, not very professional."

Gil didn't hesitate, "C'mon, Conrad, it has much more positives in there than negatives."

He laughed, "Sure, with the lion's share of the positives written up by you; and we now know how completely unbiased those evaluations are, Dad." Ecklie slammed the file shut, "Besides, your abrupt departure was indisputably unprofessional. We were already short, and you gave no notice at all. I'm not sure we need that back in this lab."

Grissom wasn't going to let him get away with that last one, "Sara has proven her dedication over the years, and she tried to stay on, but was forced to leave for health reasons, and besides, I pulled more than enough doubles to make up for her place on the schedule."

"Health reasons?" He smirked, "I thought you had a nervous breakdown or something."

Grissom was fuming; he didn't expect open arms, but he certainly didn't see this coming. Sara held her hand up to let him know she would take over. She calmly started in, "I suffered from post traumatic stress syndrome after my kidnapping. I also had a disorder related to some childhood traumas that was becoming difficult to deal with in the setting of the post traumatic stress. Those childhood traumas were largely responsible for the negative issues you alluded to in my file. I left work to seek treatment for all of that, and I am happy to say the treatment has been quite successful."

Ecklie looked at her dubiously, so she added, "I can provide a physician's report to verify my diagonsis and successful treatment, if you'd like."

"I see," Ecklie rubbed his chin in thought, her explanation was hard to fault, "I think, given the circumstances, providing that documentation would be prudent."

"That will be no problem. I see Dr. Carla Reese; I'll have her contact you directly."

"OK, very good," pausing to jot down the name, "Now, are you looking to return to your old job?"

"Actually, no," she paused, "I'd like to work only in the lab, on days, and if possible, part time, only three of four shifts a week."

Ecklie's eyebrows rose in surprise, he wasn't expecting anyof that. She had been a workaholic, a field CSI, and devoted to Grissom's graveyard team. This flew in the face of her former self. "What? Are you saying you don't want to work with the Great Gil Grissom on grave?" he smiled sarcastically.

Gil rolled his eyes, and Sara fought mightily to resist a fitting comeback. "We have to consider our son's well being. Days make more sense."

"Very well," he sat forward, "What area were you interested in?" he asked, shifting some papers around his desk.

"Actually, I think I can work where ever I'm needed. I can also process any evidence in the lab the field CSI's are too busy to get to. I would prefer to stay out of the field as I feel like that could potentially trigger the problems which forced me to leave last year. I don't want to risk that."

Sara was certainly not Ecklie's favorite CSI, but this was too good to pass up. He knew she could really fill just about any need, and would provide invaluable input to his less experienced CSI's as they brought in evidence and ran cases by her. "OK, then, ah, when are you looking to start?"

"I need to finalize the childcare, and then I'm good to go, probably early next week."

Looking over his calendar, "How does the 14th sound?"

"Great," Sara replied, managing a wide grin.

"Are you going to be flexible on which days you work?"

"Yes, as long as I can keep it to three scheduled, and one more call out as needed. However, I'm firm on that."

"And, I can really assign you anywhere I need you?"

"That's the deal."

Ecklie pursed his lips and fought a greedy grin. He reasoned that if Sara could keep from mouthing off to him as she had in the past, he had just been handed an extraordinarily valuable asset to his team. Still, he tried to maintain a posture that it was he who was going out on a limb for her. "OK, well, considering what you both have given to the lab over the years, I'll just have to work this out, I guess."

"Thank you, Conrad," Gil graciously offered as he rose to leave, fighting the urge to say what he really thought.

"See you on the 14th, Sara."

"I'll be ready."

As they headed out of the building to the car, Sara asked Gil, "So, what did you think?"

Gil cocked his head and smirked, "I think he had to try hard not to pee on himself he was so excited to get you in this arrangement. Think about it, as willing as you are to work anywhere you are needed and with your field experience, you will be able to plug all sorts of holes and assist the new CSI's like no other lab tech." He threw his arm around her shoulder as they walked out in the parking lot.

Sara could only laugh at her husband's observation. "I'm just so glad you were there," she grinned. "The Great Gil Grissom, after all!" she bellowed trying her best to imitate Ecklie.

Grissom glared at her for a moment before bursting into laughter. "He is one annoying man." Shaking his head, "You win my prize for mother of the year to put up with that for our son's sake."

"After everything I've been through, that doesn't faze me like it used to." She inhaled deeply, "There was a time," she looked off, her expression turning serious, "I would have never been able to hold back some comment that would have landed me in whole lot of trouble." True, in the past Sara would never have sat by while Ecklie made those sarcastic, hurtful remarks about her and Grissom, but then she lacked the communication skills to effectively deal with it.

Gil reached down to open her door, when she looked back at him; she was suddenly hit with a stunning revelation. It was an odd time and place for such an epiphany, but there it was. She saw first hand how she had changed. She was pelted with Ecklie's slings and arrows, yet she maintained her intellectualism, and rose above it all. She had complete command over her communication. "You know," she spoke, "I feel like myself, but," she paused, a look of wonder washed over her face, "but, it's like I've been reborn, like I get to start all over."

He paused, looking deeply into her auburn eyes, understanding the meaning behind that profound statement. He reached up to cradle her cheek, "You will always be my Sara, and I wake up everyday and thank God, you have been reborn, with me."

He pulled her into a tender kiss, which grew with passion as their love flowed between them. They were transported momentarily from the lab parking lot to their own private world. More than a few pairs of eyes paused on this often rumored, but never seen occurrence; unlike past times, the couple was completely oblivious.

When they lapsed back into reality, Gil eased Sara into the car, and proceeded to drive off.

You never know when the most routine, mundane moment of life will become life altering. A simple meeting, yet it was proof that positively every aspect of her life had been remade. Sara's therapy had given her power in her dealings with Ecklie that she had never before possessed.

The process was now complete. Sara had overcome her demons, and returned to Gil. He had accepted her, and together they wove their lives together into a seamless fabric. They further cemented their bond with the arrival of Mathew, and dedicated themselves to their new formed family. They passionately embraced their family life that neither thought they would ever have.

The last piece of the puzzle for Sara was work. She had always worked, and her mind needed that challenge to be whole. Now that she was accepted into a position she could manage, one that would provide the hurdles and rewards she craved without risking her well being, without interfering with her new found roles of wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend; the journey was complete.

Their departure from the lab parking lot was hardly something new for them, but this day, this time, they were actually doing so much more. Together they were embarking on their new life, bonded, fixed, and whole. Reborn.

Fin.

A/N: Thank you to all reading and reviewing. I was hesitant to write this story essentially about treating mental illness, when I have so little experience in the field, but your support has been tremendous. I'm so glad I took it on. It's been very rewarding. At some time in the future, I would like to do an epilogue, a peek into the future, just for fun. In the meantime, thank you, and please leave your thoughts on this finale.