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Sara just nodded in response.
Neither of them knew how to go on.
Greg finally asked. "Why didn't you just put your name under the card?" Sara had always struck him as a were direct type of person, who wasn't afraid to express what she was thinking. A bit insecure maybe in the realm of social interactions but still he had not thought of her as someone who would write an anonymous card. Not that it bothered him that much, it was just surprising.
"I don't really know myself. I know it sounds silly, but I actually wanted to visit you in hospital, but when I was there, I don't know", Sara laughed nervously.
"I guess I felt just guilty that I had gotten of so lightly in the explosion, while you were seriously hurt." She didn't look at him while speaking, her eyes were fixed on the pavement
Greg sensed that she wasn't telling the whole truth, but he didn't want to press the issue. If she didn't want to tell him, that was her business. But why bother with the card if she didn't care enough to even visit? Her explanation that she had been scared to face him was just ridiculous in his mind. Hell, why did people have to be so complicated? It used to be all so easy. Maybe Grissom had it right, lots of work and cockroach racing in the off-time. But lately even Grissom seemed to have a life with all it's associated pesky problems.
"Well, thanks a lot for the card then." he tried to give a smile that didn't seem forced. The whole exchange made him uncomfortable. "It'd better get going then. Just call me about the car repair" he wanted to get away.
"Where do you think you are going, Greg?
"I told you, people do care. What's really the problem? You've always worked with more enthusiasm than anyone else I know, I don't believe that you suddenly simply don't like your job anymore." Her voice sounded firm, but Greg could detect a hint of uncertainty in it
"I'm sorry I backed into your car, I'm gonna take care of the repair. But the rest is my business. Just stop meddling in my affairs." With that he marched off.
Greg himself didn't know why he had reacted with so much aggression. It was probably just a reflection of his anger at himself and his own doubts. Maybe he was doing Sara an injustice and she really did care? He thought to himself as he walked back to his car. For a moment he considered turning back, but he was just to tired of everything right now. I could still call her and apologize later, he thought, knowing that he wouldn't.
Sara had doubts as well. She wasn't nearly as confident as she pretended to be. This was foreign territory for her as well. But it could hardly go worse than it had with Grissom. What business did she have meddling in Greg's affairs? If he wanted to quit his job, who was she to tell him not to? Normally she was a rather private person and also accorded others their privacy. But what if leaving people alone when they wanted to be left alone, wasn't going to do them any good? She could tell that Greg was having problem, which were probably a lot more serious than he let on. She decided that she was going to find out and do what she could to help. She was a friend who cared, she decided that was enough. Besides if she was right than Greg didn't really want to quit his job either. There was more to it, Greg didn't want to tell her, ok fine with her, but he wasn't going to get himself into trouble again. She caught up with Greg, just as he was about to get into his car again.
"Greg", she called. He didn't react.
She grabbed Greg by the sleeve.
"Listen, I'm sorry. It is your life." If an apology was what it took to get him to listen, that was what she was going to do.
"You shouldn't be driving. Look, you're distracted, your hands are trembling, if you drive like this you just risk having another accident." She sounded concerned.
Greg had to admit that she had a point. Another accident wasn't high up on his list of things to do today. He was in enough trouble as it was.
"Come on, I'm going to drive you home."
"You sure you don't mind?" He couldn't believe this was happening. This day was just plain crazy.
"Yes, I'm. Let's go. Otherwise we'll still be standing here by the time shift starts up again." Sara tried to lighten up the tense situation.
Finally, they got into the car. Sara marvelled at the turn that she had taken since the last time she had climbed into her car about 30 minutes ago. She also wondered where she was heading. In the right direction she told herself. Ever since the explosion she had felt like doing something, like reaching out more to the people around herself. Now she had taken a step in that direction.
Note: Thanks a bunch for the reviews, you rock. I totally agree with MoonDancerCat that Greg deserves to be happy, so I'm aiming for a happy ending.
