Chapter 16
Grissom was completely caught off guard and shocked when she latched onto him and kissed him. He tried to push away, but his leg was hurting and not helping with leverage to pull away. He craned his head back as far as possible, but she wouldn't get the hint.
"Hey, hey get off him." Warrick said angrily pulling her away.
Breathing heavily he looked at her. "What the hell was that Terri?"
Terri smiled. "Kissing my boyfriend who I haven't seen in months that's what that was." She tried to move closer, but Warrick held onto her. "Warrick let me go ok, I wanna give Gil a hug."
Grissom shook his head and Warrick turned her. "No go away. You broke up with him remember last summer, now get lost. You realise what damage you could've down if they saw you?"
Sliding down the wall to the floor, Grissom rest his head against the concrete and closed his eyes. "What do you mean damage and I didn't dump him he walked away." Terri said looking over Warrick's shoulder. "Let me go he's hurt." She struggled against him.
He shook his head. "No and he's tired that's all. His girlfriend will see he's ok so get lost and go back to your fiancés."
She looked up at Warrick and creased her eyebrows in confusion. "Girlfriend, Fiancés? Conrad Eckley is not my fiancés and who's girlfriend?
Warrick laughed and turned to Grissom who was now pushing himself to stand. "My girlfriend is none of your business now please go away." Grissom started to walk back into the dugout when he saw Sara sit next to Catherine and whisper something to her. Sara got up and walked off. He turned to Warrick confused. "Has Sara got class or something Warrick?"
Warrick watched Terri walk over to the opposing side's team and wrap her arms around Eckley before turning to Grissom. "Not that I know of. Most classes are off because of the game. Why?"
"She's leaving." He pointed to the car park.
"Maybe she has an appointment of something." Warrick shrugged and went into the dugout.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Sara stopped at the corner of the street and turned to the dugout. She watched Grissom limp back to his team before she continued to head home.
Still confused at what she just witnessed, she helped herself to drink from the fridge and sat on the couch. Not long before Nick gets home and they can go to the doctors. Sara picked up the phone and dialled her Nan.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Nick threw his bag down on the floor as he closed the door. "Sara." He shouted.
"Yeah?"
"Where are you?" He walked to the kitchen and pulled out a coke from the fridge. "You missed the game."
"I saw it."
Walking to the basement door, he looked down the steps. "What you doing?"
Sara folded a pair of jeans. "Washing Nick what's it look like?" She snapped.
"I see that. Why?" He stood in front of her and watched her fold a T-shirt. "You going somewhere?" He asked as she put the clothes in a rucksack.
She nodded. "I'm gonna stay at Nan's for a few days so I can catch up on my papers."
"You taking Griss?" He said picking up a jumper and folding it.
"We got to get going in 5minutes." She said avoiding his question.
Nodding he picked up his coke and walked back upstairs. "Doctors."
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Later that afternoon Nick went to open the door. "Hey."
"Hey Nick, is Sara in?"
He shook his head and opened the door wider. "Nope. She left about 3 hours ago. You wanna leave a message?"
Grissom looked up the stairs then at Nick. "Left? Where?"
Nick turned to him and tilted his head to the left. "You don't know where? I thought she told you. She's gone to her Nan's."
"Her Nan's why? For how long?" Grissom moved to sit on the stairs.
Watching him carefully Nick said. "She said she needed time to catch up on college work and that she'd be back in a few days."
Standing abruptly he said panicked. "Days?" Grissom started to pace. "I need to see her Nick."
"She said if you needed anything you should see Catherine." Nick shrugged not sure what Sara's message meant, but figured Grissom did.
Just then Grissom stopped pacing and thought back to the game. Catherine was the last person he saw her talking to. "I gotta go. Thanks Nick."
"No probs." Grissom opened the door and ran out to his car. Nick watched him drive off and turn at the end of the street with squeaking breaks. "Needs checking that." He grinned and closed the door.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"Hold your horses." Catherine's mother called out as she opened the door. "Oh hello Gil. Can I help you?"
Grissom took a deep breath and pushed gently passed her so he stood in the hallway. "Sorry Mrs Willows. I need to talk with Catherine."
"I was wondering when you'd get here." Catherine shouted from her bedroom doorway. She walked down the stairs and dragged him outside. "You have some explaining to do so talk."
He looked at her confused. "Me? I'm here for a message from Sara. What's going on Cath?"
She eyed him warily. "You didn't see her did you?"
Shaking his head he sighed. "When?"
"When you were with Terri." She watched Grissom put the pieces together and turned to the door where Warrick was standing.
"She saw Terri kiss you." Warrick added.
Sitting down on the garden wall he buried his head in his hands and laughed sadly. "Talk about causing damage Warrick."
Catherine looked at Warrick who shook his head. "Nick just rang. Apparently she left to go see her Nan, but no one has seen her since."
Grissom looked at him in fear. "What do you mean?"
"Nick got a call from her Nan and said Sara stopped by, but left an hour later. Say's she went to a cabin her dad owned when she was little." Warrick leaned against the doorframe of the patio door and sighed.
"Where is it?" Grissom asked standing up.
Warrick shook his head. "Neither does Nick or Sara's Nan."
Catherine watched Grissom kick the patio lightly and put his hands in his pockets. He headed towards the back gate without a word. Warrick went to walk after him, but Catherine stopped him. "Let him be. He's upset and his temper isn't good if you get in the way." Warrick nodded and they went back inside.
Chapter 17
Talk about taking a few days off. A week and three days later Nick was talking to Greg in the corridor of the physics lab. Warrick walked over to them with his arm around Catherine.
"Hey guys." Warrick greeted.
Greg turned to Catherine. "Hey Cath."
She laughed. "Greg. How's Libby?"
"Still in Paris, she'll be home tomorrow." He said picking up his bag. "I'm going to the library, see you later guys."
"Later."
Nick looked past Warrick then at Catherine. "Where's Grissom?"
Catherine turned around. "He was right behind us."
"How's he been?" Nick asked adjusting his bag on his shoulder.
Warrick and Catherine sighed and looked at each other. "Not good." Warrick said sadly.
"He's been quiet. Barely says a word. Lets just say that if Sara doesn't come home soon he's gonna loose it." Catherine explained quietly as Grissom came walking towards them.
Nick smiled which got Warrick and Catherine's attention. "She came home yesterday."
"Hey." Grissom said stopping next to Nick. "Who came home?"
"Sara." They all watched Grissom for a reaction and when they saw none became worried.
"Well, I'm going to work, see you around." Grissom turned and headed to the car park.
Warrick looked at Catherine who just shrugged. "Don't know." She said.
Nick lowered his eyes to the floor and rubbed his head. "Erm guys I'm going home. See you tonight."
"You ok Nicky?" Catherine asked seeing him sway slightly.
He raised his head and put on a fake smile. "Of course. See you at mine tonight. Don't tell him ok and if he asks she'll be at the library or something. They need to talk and if tricking them is the only way to get them in the same room, then so be it." Nick turned and left.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Grissom worked without a word, which worried the people who work with him. He hadn't been very sociable for over a week and it scared them when he sat in the morgue on his own doing nothing for hours. He was cutting himself off from the rest of the world and although they've tried he won't talk.
All he thought about was Sara and even though she was home he couldn't see her. When he was told she'd gone all he wanted to do was find her, but not knowing where to start worried him. One thing from the past can do so much damage in a matter of minutes.
He hadn't had a decent night sleep for days and not being with Sara felt confusing. She made him so happy it scared him, but not being with her scared him even more. He couldn't figure out what he was feeling. His heart ached and whenever he heard her name his stomach would tighten into knots. He so desperately wanted to see her, to hold her, but he was frightened she didn't want to see him.
She must have seen him trying to push Terri away, she must have. How could she not see that there was something special between them and that he wouldn't even think about cheating on her? The only answer he can think of is that she doesn't trust him. Granted they haven't known each other long, but he felt like he'd known her for years not weeks.
Hours after work he got home like he had done every night since she left and that's walk.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Warrick and Catherine had agreed to meet up at the party so Grissom didn't have a chance to back away. Warrick waited in the kitchen and when Grissom opened the door picked up his jacket and keys and approached him. "Turn right around, your coming with me." Warrick turned him forcefully.
"For gods sake Warrick let go." Grissom tried to protest as Warrick pushed him towards the passenger side door of Grissom's car.
"Get in, now." He pointed at the car. "We're going for a drink." That seemed to get his attention and he got in the car.
Driving the short journey to Nick's house he glanced at Grissom to make sure he wasn't going to do a bunk when the car stopped. When Warrick did pulled up to the crowded street he turned to him. "We're here."
Grissom looked up at the house then back at Warrick shaking his head. He laughed mirthlessly. "Oh no, I'm going home Warrick." Grissom got out and started to walk down the street. Warrick got out the car quickly and stopped him from going any further. "Move."
Shaking his head sternly. "You need to explain to her Griss, if you don't it's going to eat away at you for good." "She doesn't want to see me Warrick." Grissom snapped.
Taking a step forward Warrick crossed his arms over his chest. "And how do you know that?"
"Like Nick said, she came home yesterday." He looked up at the sky and took a deep breath. "If she wanted to see me she would have found me and she didn't."
"That doesn't mean anything Griss. She's just as confused and scared as you." Warrick looked up at the house and waved to Catherine. "I'm going in." He started to walk across the road to the house, but turned back. "Don't go home, just.think about it." He reached out to Catherine's hand and followed her in.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Grissom had been sitting on a wall across the street for an hour thinking about what to do. He should talk to her, but would she want to talk to him?
Warrick said that she's just as confused and scared as he is. He must a have spoken to her then, hadn't he. Maybe Nick told him.
Looking up at her window he saw her light on, but no movement. He watched her room window for a few minutes and sighed. Standing he straightened his crinkled clothes and squared his shoulders. If he was going to be rejected, told to leave or shouted at he wasn't going to let anyone see it not even her.
Entering the house he could see loads of people dancing in the dining and living room. Catherine waved to him and he waved back. He looked up the stairs and breathed deeply. It felt like an execution standing at the bottom of the stairs, like he was walking to his own death. Get to the top and reveal your worse nightmare, being alone for an eternity.
He got to the top and looked back down. Catherine and Warrick were watching him closely. He turned to her door and reached for the handle. His hand hovered over it and he stopped, pulled it away. Raising his hand to the wood he knocked. Hearing her voice made him freeze and he didn't move or answer.
Grissom was completely caught off guard and shocked when she latched onto him and kissed him. He tried to push away, but his leg was hurting and not helping with leverage to pull away. He craned his head back as far as possible, but she wouldn't get the hint.
"Hey, hey get off him." Warrick said angrily pulling her away.
Breathing heavily he looked at her. "What the hell was that Terri?"
Terri smiled. "Kissing my boyfriend who I haven't seen in months that's what that was." She tried to move closer, but Warrick held onto her. "Warrick let me go ok, I wanna give Gil a hug."
Grissom shook his head and Warrick turned her. "No go away. You broke up with him remember last summer, now get lost. You realise what damage you could've down if they saw you?"
Sliding down the wall to the floor, Grissom rest his head against the concrete and closed his eyes. "What do you mean damage and I didn't dump him he walked away." Terri said looking over Warrick's shoulder. "Let me go he's hurt." She struggled against him.
He shook his head. "No and he's tired that's all. His girlfriend will see he's ok so get lost and go back to your fiancés."
She looked up at Warrick and creased her eyebrows in confusion. "Girlfriend, Fiancés? Conrad Eckley is not my fiancés and who's girlfriend?
Warrick laughed and turned to Grissom who was now pushing himself to stand. "My girlfriend is none of your business now please go away." Grissom started to walk back into the dugout when he saw Sara sit next to Catherine and whisper something to her. Sara got up and walked off. He turned to Warrick confused. "Has Sara got class or something Warrick?"
Warrick watched Terri walk over to the opposing side's team and wrap her arms around Eckley before turning to Grissom. "Not that I know of. Most classes are off because of the game. Why?"
"She's leaving." He pointed to the car park.
"Maybe she has an appointment of something." Warrick shrugged and went into the dugout.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Sara stopped at the corner of the street and turned to the dugout. She watched Grissom limp back to his team before she continued to head home.
Still confused at what she just witnessed, she helped herself to drink from the fridge and sat on the couch. Not long before Nick gets home and they can go to the doctors. Sara picked up the phone and dialled her Nan.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Nick threw his bag down on the floor as he closed the door. "Sara." He shouted.
"Yeah?"
"Where are you?" He walked to the kitchen and pulled out a coke from the fridge. "You missed the game."
"I saw it."
Walking to the basement door, he looked down the steps. "What you doing?"
Sara folded a pair of jeans. "Washing Nick what's it look like?" She snapped.
"I see that. Why?" He stood in front of her and watched her fold a T-shirt. "You going somewhere?" He asked as she put the clothes in a rucksack.
She nodded. "I'm gonna stay at Nan's for a few days so I can catch up on my papers."
"You taking Griss?" He said picking up a jumper and folding it.
"We got to get going in 5minutes." She said avoiding his question.
Nodding he picked up his coke and walked back upstairs. "Doctors."
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Later that afternoon Nick went to open the door. "Hey."
"Hey Nick, is Sara in?"
He shook his head and opened the door wider. "Nope. She left about 3 hours ago. You wanna leave a message?"
Grissom looked up the stairs then at Nick. "Left? Where?"
Nick turned to him and tilted his head to the left. "You don't know where? I thought she told you. She's gone to her Nan's."
"Her Nan's why? For how long?" Grissom moved to sit on the stairs.
Watching him carefully Nick said. "She said she needed time to catch up on college work and that she'd be back in a few days."
Standing abruptly he said panicked. "Days?" Grissom started to pace. "I need to see her Nick."
"She said if you needed anything you should see Catherine." Nick shrugged not sure what Sara's message meant, but figured Grissom did.
Just then Grissom stopped pacing and thought back to the game. Catherine was the last person he saw her talking to. "I gotta go. Thanks Nick."
"No probs." Grissom opened the door and ran out to his car. Nick watched him drive off and turn at the end of the street with squeaking breaks. "Needs checking that." He grinned and closed the door.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"Hold your horses." Catherine's mother called out as she opened the door. "Oh hello Gil. Can I help you?"
Grissom took a deep breath and pushed gently passed her so he stood in the hallway. "Sorry Mrs Willows. I need to talk with Catherine."
"I was wondering when you'd get here." Catherine shouted from her bedroom doorway. She walked down the stairs and dragged him outside. "You have some explaining to do so talk."
He looked at her confused. "Me? I'm here for a message from Sara. What's going on Cath?"
She eyed him warily. "You didn't see her did you?"
Shaking his head he sighed. "When?"
"When you were with Terri." She watched Grissom put the pieces together and turned to the door where Warrick was standing.
"She saw Terri kiss you." Warrick added.
Sitting down on the garden wall he buried his head in his hands and laughed sadly. "Talk about causing damage Warrick."
Catherine looked at Warrick who shook his head. "Nick just rang. Apparently she left to go see her Nan, but no one has seen her since."
Grissom looked at him in fear. "What do you mean?"
"Nick got a call from her Nan and said Sara stopped by, but left an hour later. Say's she went to a cabin her dad owned when she was little." Warrick leaned against the doorframe of the patio door and sighed.
"Where is it?" Grissom asked standing up.
Warrick shook his head. "Neither does Nick or Sara's Nan."
Catherine watched Grissom kick the patio lightly and put his hands in his pockets. He headed towards the back gate without a word. Warrick went to walk after him, but Catherine stopped him. "Let him be. He's upset and his temper isn't good if you get in the way." Warrick nodded and they went back inside.
Chapter 17
Talk about taking a few days off. A week and three days later Nick was talking to Greg in the corridor of the physics lab. Warrick walked over to them with his arm around Catherine.
"Hey guys." Warrick greeted.
Greg turned to Catherine. "Hey Cath."
She laughed. "Greg. How's Libby?"
"Still in Paris, she'll be home tomorrow." He said picking up his bag. "I'm going to the library, see you later guys."
"Later."
Nick looked past Warrick then at Catherine. "Where's Grissom?"
Catherine turned around. "He was right behind us."
"How's he been?" Nick asked adjusting his bag on his shoulder.
Warrick and Catherine sighed and looked at each other. "Not good." Warrick said sadly.
"He's been quiet. Barely says a word. Lets just say that if Sara doesn't come home soon he's gonna loose it." Catherine explained quietly as Grissom came walking towards them.
Nick smiled which got Warrick and Catherine's attention. "She came home yesterday."
"Hey." Grissom said stopping next to Nick. "Who came home?"
"Sara." They all watched Grissom for a reaction and when they saw none became worried.
"Well, I'm going to work, see you around." Grissom turned and headed to the car park.
Warrick looked at Catherine who just shrugged. "Don't know." She said.
Nick lowered his eyes to the floor and rubbed his head. "Erm guys I'm going home. See you tonight."
"You ok Nicky?" Catherine asked seeing him sway slightly.
He raised his head and put on a fake smile. "Of course. See you at mine tonight. Don't tell him ok and if he asks she'll be at the library or something. They need to talk and if tricking them is the only way to get them in the same room, then so be it." Nick turned and left.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Grissom worked without a word, which worried the people who work with him. He hadn't been very sociable for over a week and it scared them when he sat in the morgue on his own doing nothing for hours. He was cutting himself off from the rest of the world and although they've tried he won't talk.
All he thought about was Sara and even though she was home he couldn't see her. When he was told she'd gone all he wanted to do was find her, but not knowing where to start worried him. One thing from the past can do so much damage in a matter of minutes.
He hadn't had a decent night sleep for days and not being with Sara felt confusing. She made him so happy it scared him, but not being with her scared him even more. He couldn't figure out what he was feeling. His heart ached and whenever he heard her name his stomach would tighten into knots. He so desperately wanted to see her, to hold her, but he was frightened she didn't want to see him.
She must have seen him trying to push Terri away, she must have. How could she not see that there was something special between them and that he wouldn't even think about cheating on her? The only answer he can think of is that she doesn't trust him. Granted they haven't known each other long, but he felt like he'd known her for years not weeks.
Hours after work he got home like he had done every night since she left and that's walk.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Warrick and Catherine had agreed to meet up at the party so Grissom didn't have a chance to back away. Warrick waited in the kitchen and when Grissom opened the door picked up his jacket and keys and approached him. "Turn right around, your coming with me." Warrick turned him forcefully.
"For gods sake Warrick let go." Grissom tried to protest as Warrick pushed him towards the passenger side door of Grissom's car.
"Get in, now." He pointed at the car. "We're going for a drink." That seemed to get his attention and he got in the car.
Driving the short journey to Nick's house he glanced at Grissom to make sure he wasn't going to do a bunk when the car stopped. When Warrick did pulled up to the crowded street he turned to him. "We're here."
Grissom looked up at the house then back at Warrick shaking his head. He laughed mirthlessly. "Oh no, I'm going home Warrick." Grissom got out and started to walk down the street. Warrick got out the car quickly and stopped him from going any further. "Move."
Shaking his head sternly. "You need to explain to her Griss, if you don't it's going to eat away at you for good." "She doesn't want to see me Warrick." Grissom snapped.
Taking a step forward Warrick crossed his arms over his chest. "And how do you know that?"
"Like Nick said, she came home yesterday." He looked up at the sky and took a deep breath. "If she wanted to see me she would have found me and she didn't."
"That doesn't mean anything Griss. She's just as confused and scared as you." Warrick looked up at the house and waved to Catherine. "I'm going in." He started to walk across the road to the house, but turned back. "Don't go home, just.think about it." He reached out to Catherine's hand and followed her in.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Grissom had been sitting on a wall across the street for an hour thinking about what to do. He should talk to her, but would she want to talk to him?
Warrick said that she's just as confused and scared as he is. He must a have spoken to her then, hadn't he. Maybe Nick told him.
Looking up at her window he saw her light on, but no movement. He watched her room window for a few minutes and sighed. Standing he straightened his crinkled clothes and squared his shoulders. If he was going to be rejected, told to leave or shouted at he wasn't going to let anyone see it not even her.
Entering the house he could see loads of people dancing in the dining and living room. Catherine waved to him and he waved back. He looked up the stairs and breathed deeply. It felt like an execution standing at the bottom of the stairs, like he was walking to his own death. Get to the top and reveal your worse nightmare, being alone for an eternity.
He got to the top and looked back down. Catherine and Warrick were watching him closely. He turned to her door and reached for the handle. His hand hovered over it and he stopped, pulled it away. Raising his hand to the wood he knocked. Hearing her voice made him freeze and he didn't move or answer.