Chapter 3
Grissom sat in his office the next evening, staring at his phone. Catherine stood in the doorway to his office and watched as he reached for the phone and then changes his mind mid air. He leaned his chin into his palm and sighed.
"What's going on?" He jumped. "You've been staring at the phone for like, since you got here." Catherine sat down in one of the visitor's chairs and eyed him suspiciously.
He pursed his lips and looked at Catherine with questioning eyes. "You realise Sara did everything she could about Eddie's death?"
Catherine scowled at him. "Where did that come from Gil?" She stood to leave.
"She's kicking herself because of you. She's having so many doubts about herself, because you wont tell her she did all she could." He watched as she stopped on the threshold.
"You've done your fair share of ignoring and putting her down Gil, she doesn't need to worry about what I say or do and I'm sorry for everything I said during the case."
"Tell her that. I've done mine, you do yours." He interrupted.
Catherine stared and him in disbelief. "I.I. I'm going to find Warrick." She turned and left.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Grissom didn't hear from Sara for four days and figured she was doing well, but he still worried. Seeing as it was his night off, he stopped on her doorstep and knocked. Some muffled sounds were heard and the door opened.
"Hey." Sara smiled.
"I hope you don't mind me dropping by?" He raised the bottle of wine in his hand and watched Sara's eyes widen.
She opened the door and let him by. "Any man with a good bottle of wine standing on my doorstep is welcome." She quipped, then added. "Even more so because it's you."
Grissom blushed and headed straight for the kitchen. Sara followed and watched him curiously as he pulled out two glasses. "I thought you might want to see a friendly face after being at home all the time. How are you doing?" He asked handing her a glass and went to sit down.
"Molly's an angel when she isn't hungry. I'm tired, but she sleeps most nights. She's a good baby. I think she's starting to like me. This is the first time either of us have ever experienced such a challenge." Sara drank some wine and sighed tiredly.
"I asked about you Sara." He reminded softly.
She smiled weakly and leaned back against the couch. "Tired, exhausted, warn out, physically drained and quite liking the idea of her being here. It's nice to have someone to look after when you've lived alone for so long."
Grissom noticed her eyes drooping and her wine glass tilting. Leaning forward, he removed the glass and before she could resist. He moved off the couch and gently lifted her into his arms and carried her to her bed. Sara's eyes were closed now as he laid her down and covered her with a blanket. "You sleep Sara." He pushed some hairs from her cheek, his fingers lingering on her soft skin. "Just ask Sara." He whispered running his hand over her cheek.
Sara was sleeping soundly and he stepped away only to turned at his name. "Stay." Her eyes were still closed, which made him strain to hear the word. She moved over the bed to make room and pulled some blanket for him. Grissom kicked his shoes off and scooted down the bed. He lay on his back as she swung the blanket over him. He watched as she fell into deep sleep. His eyes wondered to her hand that still grasped the blanket and was now resting on his chest. Grissom slowly followed her into a calm sleep.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
The bed was vacant one person. She heard sounds from the spare room. Molly was crying. Sara noticed the bed still warm and guessed she'd only just started to cry. Sara stood and followed the sound. Stopping in the doorway, she watched over protectively as Grissom leaned over the crib and hesitantly lifted Molly into his arms. "Pair of lungs on you." He whispered. Molly's crying soon turned into a smile and giggles. Her little fingers claimed Grissom's index finger as he softly rocked her in his arms. "You're a Sidle alright." He chuckled. "Those wide eyes. Bet you become a scientist like your aunt." Molly giggled and cooed. She started to close her eyes, but fought them.
Sara reached around Grissom from behind and placed the dummy into the little mouth. Grissom didn't even jump as she leaned against him slightly as she kissed Molly's hair. He lowered her to the crib and watched as she slipped into sleep. Sara left the room and waited for Grissom in the hallway. "You're a natural." She grinned and turned away, but Grissom reached for her wrist and stopped her. Sara looked up at him and smiled. "What?"
"I think you'd be a great mother Sara." He said honestly and letting his fingers softly stroke her skin before releasing his hold.
"Thank you." She smiled warmly and walked into the kitchen.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Sara was absence from work for two weeks total and most of that time she had surprise visits from Grissom. He would stop by on his nights off and sometimes a few hours at the weekend. Sara came to like his company more than she thought. He was getting better at handling Molly. When she had a tantrum or wouldn't sleep. Sara was still tired, but was getting more sleep when Molly slept. Nick and Warrick rang now and then to see how she was, but the calls were never long.
One night Grissom feel asleep with Molly between him and Sara. She slept while Grissom held her tummy softly and dozed. Sara took a picture and was even more pleased when neither of them woke; it might be a nice picture if it came out ok. Soon Sara fell asleep and when she woke, she found her head on Grissom's shoulder. Molly was still sleeping, but Grissom's hand had fallen to Sara's and just lay upon hers. Nervously, she stood quietly and put Molly in her crib before returning to the couch to wake Grissom. She knelt on the cushions and leaned her arm on the back of the couch as she leaned toward him. "Griss. Grissom." She whispered so not to startle him. He moaned and turned his head slightly. "Time to go home." She gently ran her hand down his cheek. "You can't say Griss."
"I'm ok here." He groaned.
Sara smiled. "You have a meeting Griss. You'll be late if you stay." She explained and brushed her fingers through his tight curls.
"You keep doing that and I'll never leave." He smiled sleepily.
Sara embarrassingly removed her hand, only for him to slowly take it in his. "Come on." She pulled him up as he rubbed his eyes with his other hand. Grissom stopped at the door with her and yawned. "I'm officially kicking you out Doctor Grissom." She giggled.
"Okay." His eyes opened wider and were now fully awake. "Right, home." He commanded his feet.
Sara laughed and watched him wonder down the path. "I'd let you stay Griss, but Ecklie will pester you for weeks if you don't show."
Grissom waved a dismissive hand at the comment. "I'll see you soon. Remember to ring if Molly starts teething. She's going to start world war three in her own room when that happens." He grinned.
"Ok, but I can deal with it."
"Ring me." Sara nodded and smiled. Grissom drove home to a nice comfy bed, although Sara's couch was very comfortable, especially with her sleeping on his shoulder. He grinned to himself. 'God she's cute when she's asleep. She's beautiful all the time, but god damn cute while she's sleeping.'
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Three days later, Grissom was sat at the layout table looking through a collection of pillowcases from a motel room. Nick and Warrick were sitting in the corner looking through the records of the motel for the past week. A killer was going around killing certain customers and he had to get the information from somewhere. Catherine was working on a pile of sheets when Grissom's cell phone rang.
Grissom answered as he turned the blue light on and shone it over two laid out cases. "Grissom." He instantly stood. "Is she alright? no I'm on my way. Don't worry, she'll be fine. Calm down Sara. It's ok. I'm leaving now." He turned to the worried eyes of the team and sighed. "I'll be back later. Sara needs some help. No questions please." Everyone nodded and watched him rush out the door.
Warrick looked at Catherine. "They're finally talking I suppose." Catherine looked down at the sheets and continued to work. He turned to Nick. "Wonder what he meant by 'she'?" Nick shrugged and got back to reading.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Chapter 4
Grissom pushed through the double doors of the paediatric wing and saw Sara straight away. She was pacing outside a cubicle with the curtains drawn. "Sara."
Sara turned with tears. "I don't know what happened. One minute she's ok, the next she's crying all the time. She doesn't cry Griss; she's a good baby. I've done something wrong I know it."
She cried harder and Grissom wrapped his arms around her. "It's ok. The doctors will figure it out."
"What if I made her formula wrong or gave her something she's allergic to. It's all my fault." Her hands grasped his shirt tightly as she sobbed into his shoulder.
He rubbed her back gently. "You know that formula like you know forensics Sara. I know it too." He chuckled. "You haven't done a thing wrong I'm sure of it. It's going to be ok."
Just then, the doctor opened the curtain and smiled. "Miss Sidle?" Sara nodded and looked up at Grissom.
"Gil Grissom. I'm a friend." He shook the doctor's hand. "What's wrong with Molly? She's not the type to cry a lot. She's quiet and very good." Sara could feel his heart beating erratically. 'He's growing very attached to Molly.' She thought.
"She's going to be alright. Molly has a middle ear infection. I've prescribed antibiotics and you can pick some more information up from the front desk with some forms to sign. She can go home." The doctor smiled and let them by. She watched as Sara kissed Molly and Grissom lifted her into his arms. Her wiggling seized as she smiled at him and clasped her fingers around his.
"Let's go Moll's" He chuckled and put his arm around Sara's waist as he guided them towards the front desk.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Sara sat on the couch with and heat pad covering Molly's ear, while Molly drank some juice. Grissom was reading the leaflets as he sat on the coffee table facing them. "Says here that if we can get Moll's to swallow or yawn it can help to relieve the feeling of tightness." Grissom looked up and smiled. "She's drinking and swallowing. That's good." He reached out and stroked her hair.
"I think we've turned Doctor Grissom into father material Molly." Sara whispered with her head down, but her eyes on Grissom.
Grissom smiled. "I wouldn't say that, but I do like being around her. She's not like any child I've met. She's quiet, good, happy, intelligent." He grinned. "When ever you're in the room, even if she can't see you, she's listening out for your every move. She even knows your perfume."
"So do you." Grissom ducked his head and looked at the leaflet. Sara covered his hand to stop his movements. He looked up and watched as she gently removed his hand and the heating pad. Molly was sleeping soundly. Grissom put the heat pad and bottle on the table and helped Sara up. He slipped his arm around her back and pulled her up with one hand on her arm to steady Molly. Their eyes locked as they stood. "Thank you for everything Griss. I don't think I'd have been able to do this without your help."
His eyes slowly scanned her face to land on her lips. He leaned in slightly and kissed them briefly. "I'd do anything for you." He whispered as he looked down at Molly.
Sara took Molly to her room and lay her in the crib. She covered her and watched her sleep for a few minutes. 'Middle ear inflection's are caused either by virus or bacteria and some children have frequent attacks. Let's hope Molly doesn't. She's strong enough to get through this. Especially with Grissom and me here.'
Grissom was standing in the kitchen, washing up the coffee cups and Molly's bottles. Sara walked past him to the cupboard and pulled out a jar of molly's food. She pushed herself up onto the counter and started to read the ingredients. Grissom dried his hands and poured some coffee in fresh cups. He placed one by Sara's leg and leaned against the counter beside her so his arm was leaning against her thigh.
"I think I'll change Molly's diet." Sara announced grimacing at the jar. See showed Grissom and he also grimaced. "I'll have to ask the store and maybe the health doctor."
"I read that at Molly's age she can have mashed up foods. Bananas, potatoes, yoghurt." He stopped when he felt Sara's fingers playing with his collar.
She was still listening and reading. Sensing his pause, she continued. "I feed her baby rice and bananas, even pairs. All mashed up. Her bottle was her main feed, but she's going on 8 months and should start on something more bland I think." Her fingers ran along the top of the collar and back again as she turned the jar and read the age and the type of food that was in the jar. "Pasta and cheese."
Grissom closed his eyes as she brushed against his neck and leaned against her some more. Sara slowly pushed her hand over the back of his neck to his other shoulder and leaned her head on his. "You might want me to cook for Molly." He chuckled.
"I'm a good cook Grissom." She chastised playfully, but neither moved. "Tell you what. We start this new food tomorrow and you can join us."
He nodded. "Sounds good to me. 6 ok?"
"Perfect. Molly can eat then sleep." Sara put the jar by her coffee and picked up the cup and drank from it. She was well aware of Grissom's hand on her knee and his eyes closed with his head on her shoulder.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Catherine walked down the corridor towards Grissom's office. As she stopped by the door, she saw him approach her from the reception. "You were gone a long time."
Grissom opened his door and entered with Catherine close behind. "I was helping some friends."
"Sara?" She asked curiously.
He nodded. "Yes."
She watched as he sat down and got stuck into the paperwork that was covering his desk. "You seeing her outside work when she's on leave of absence?" He nodded. "I thought she was helping family?"
"She is." Grissom signed three reports while Catherine stood there. He sighed. "What's wrong with that Catherine?"
"Nothing I suppose. It's just confusing." She shrugged and sat down.
He narrowed his eyes and looked up at her. "Confusing how?"
Catherine leaned forward and looked him in the eye. "She leaves for god knows how long to sort out family business and she's got you running around after her."
"I'm not running around." He protested.
"What is it then?" She interrupted. "You apologise, have a go at me about her having doubts, taking all your days off and not coming into work early, rushing out of here to help her and obviously someone else. I'd say she's got you running around after her."
"I'm helping my friend Catherine. She's not asking me of anything. I'm offering and she's gladly accepting." He explained removing his glasses.
Catherine sat back heavily. "That's just it. Sara's not the type to ask for help. Something's not right here."
Grissom glared at her. "Just because she's accepting my help doesn't mean something's wrong. How would you like it if you had to stop working to look after a ch. I mean," He quickly recovered. "She's helping her brother out while he sorts his life back out. It's a stressful time and I just happened to find out what was going on. I couldn't not be a good friend and help."
She eyed him suspiciously. 'Ch.?' "Fine. Just be aware that she doesn't finish things."
"Catherine." He warned loudly making her jump. "Don't pin Eddie's death on her because I won't allow it. She was not the one driving the car. She was not the one to leave Lindsey and I'm sorry she couldn't find the killer, but she did the best she could and you would have done the same thing if it was someone else." Catherine stared at him as the words sunk in. "She's a good person Cath, what you said wasn't you and she understands that, but you won't talk to her unless it is work related. You need to let it go and get back on track with her. She needs my help at the moment and she wouldn't mind yours."
"I don't understand." Catherine shook her head at him with confusion.
He held up a finger. "One minute and I'll explain." He picked up the phone and dialled. "Hey. No nothing's wrong. I was just ringing about Molly." Catherine's eyes widened. 'Molly?' "Yes. I'll be there tomorrow night, but I was wondering if Catherine could join us. Yes I know. She's here now. No I was going to ask you first." He smiled as he listened to Sara. "Ok.I'll bring the wine. Bye."
"This family business has something to do with a 'Molly' right?" Catherine asked as he hung up the phone.
"Yes, Molly's Sara's niece. Molly's father is trying to put things right at home. Molly's mother just died and Chris, Sara's brother, asked for help and now Sara's looking after Molly." Grissom explained.
Catherine's jaw dropped. "Sara's looking after a child?" He nodded and smiled. "How old? Can't be that young though. Sara hasn't a clue how to look after a child."
Grissom laughed and pulled his glasses back on. "Molly's nearly 8 months." He watched, as Catherine's eyes grew wide with worry. "She's fine Cath. She's been looking after Molly for the past few weeks. Come with me to dinner tomorrow, meet Molly and see how good Sara is with her." Catherine pondered this for a few minutes and stood with a nod.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Grissom sat in his office the next evening, staring at his phone. Catherine stood in the doorway to his office and watched as he reached for the phone and then changes his mind mid air. He leaned his chin into his palm and sighed.
"What's going on?" He jumped. "You've been staring at the phone for like, since you got here." Catherine sat down in one of the visitor's chairs and eyed him suspiciously.
He pursed his lips and looked at Catherine with questioning eyes. "You realise Sara did everything she could about Eddie's death?"
Catherine scowled at him. "Where did that come from Gil?" She stood to leave.
"She's kicking herself because of you. She's having so many doubts about herself, because you wont tell her she did all she could." He watched as she stopped on the threshold.
"You've done your fair share of ignoring and putting her down Gil, she doesn't need to worry about what I say or do and I'm sorry for everything I said during the case."
"Tell her that. I've done mine, you do yours." He interrupted.
Catherine stared and him in disbelief. "I.I. I'm going to find Warrick." She turned and left.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Grissom didn't hear from Sara for four days and figured she was doing well, but he still worried. Seeing as it was his night off, he stopped on her doorstep and knocked. Some muffled sounds were heard and the door opened.
"Hey." Sara smiled.
"I hope you don't mind me dropping by?" He raised the bottle of wine in his hand and watched Sara's eyes widen.
She opened the door and let him by. "Any man with a good bottle of wine standing on my doorstep is welcome." She quipped, then added. "Even more so because it's you."
Grissom blushed and headed straight for the kitchen. Sara followed and watched him curiously as he pulled out two glasses. "I thought you might want to see a friendly face after being at home all the time. How are you doing?" He asked handing her a glass and went to sit down.
"Molly's an angel when she isn't hungry. I'm tired, but she sleeps most nights. She's a good baby. I think she's starting to like me. This is the first time either of us have ever experienced such a challenge." Sara drank some wine and sighed tiredly.
"I asked about you Sara." He reminded softly.
She smiled weakly and leaned back against the couch. "Tired, exhausted, warn out, physically drained and quite liking the idea of her being here. It's nice to have someone to look after when you've lived alone for so long."
Grissom noticed her eyes drooping and her wine glass tilting. Leaning forward, he removed the glass and before she could resist. He moved off the couch and gently lifted her into his arms and carried her to her bed. Sara's eyes were closed now as he laid her down and covered her with a blanket. "You sleep Sara." He pushed some hairs from her cheek, his fingers lingering on her soft skin. "Just ask Sara." He whispered running his hand over her cheek.
Sara was sleeping soundly and he stepped away only to turned at his name. "Stay." Her eyes were still closed, which made him strain to hear the word. She moved over the bed to make room and pulled some blanket for him. Grissom kicked his shoes off and scooted down the bed. He lay on his back as she swung the blanket over him. He watched as she fell into deep sleep. His eyes wondered to her hand that still grasped the blanket and was now resting on his chest. Grissom slowly followed her into a calm sleep.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
The bed was vacant one person. She heard sounds from the spare room. Molly was crying. Sara noticed the bed still warm and guessed she'd only just started to cry. Sara stood and followed the sound. Stopping in the doorway, she watched over protectively as Grissom leaned over the crib and hesitantly lifted Molly into his arms. "Pair of lungs on you." He whispered. Molly's crying soon turned into a smile and giggles. Her little fingers claimed Grissom's index finger as he softly rocked her in his arms. "You're a Sidle alright." He chuckled. "Those wide eyes. Bet you become a scientist like your aunt." Molly giggled and cooed. She started to close her eyes, but fought them.
Sara reached around Grissom from behind and placed the dummy into the little mouth. Grissom didn't even jump as she leaned against him slightly as she kissed Molly's hair. He lowered her to the crib and watched as she slipped into sleep. Sara left the room and waited for Grissom in the hallway. "You're a natural." She grinned and turned away, but Grissom reached for her wrist and stopped her. Sara looked up at him and smiled. "What?"
"I think you'd be a great mother Sara." He said honestly and letting his fingers softly stroke her skin before releasing his hold.
"Thank you." She smiled warmly and walked into the kitchen.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Sara was absence from work for two weeks total and most of that time she had surprise visits from Grissom. He would stop by on his nights off and sometimes a few hours at the weekend. Sara came to like his company more than she thought. He was getting better at handling Molly. When she had a tantrum or wouldn't sleep. Sara was still tired, but was getting more sleep when Molly slept. Nick and Warrick rang now and then to see how she was, but the calls were never long.
One night Grissom feel asleep with Molly between him and Sara. She slept while Grissom held her tummy softly and dozed. Sara took a picture and was even more pleased when neither of them woke; it might be a nice picture if it came out ok. Soon Sara fell asleep and when she woke, she found her head on Grissom's shoulder. Molly was still sleeping, but Grissom's hand had fallen to Sara's and just lay upon hers. Nervously, she stood quietly and put Molly in her crib before returning to the couch to wake Grissom. She knelt on the cushions and leaned her arm on the back of the couch as she leaned toward him. "Griss. Grissom." She whispered so not to startle him. He moaned and turned his head slightly. "Time to go home." She gently ran her hand down his cheek. "You can't say Griss."
"I'm ok here." He groaned.
Sara smiled. "You have a meeting Griss. You'll be late if you stay." She explained and brushed her fingers through his tight curls.
"You keep doing that and I'll never leave." He smiled sleepily.
Sara embarrassingly removed her hand, only for him to slowly take it in his. "Come on." She pulled him up as he rubbed his eyes with his other hand. Grissom stopped at the door with her and yawned. "I'm officially kicking you out Doctor Grissom." She giggled.
"Okay." His eyes opened wider and were now fully awake. "Right, home." He commanded his feet.
Sara laughed and watched him wonder down the path. "I'd let you stay Griss, but Ecklie will pester you for weeks if you don't show."
Grissom waved a dismissive hand at the comment. "I'll see you soon. Remember to ring if Molly starts teething. She's going to start world war three in her own room when that happens." He grinned.
"Ok, but I can deal with it."
"Ring me." Sara nodded and smiled. Grissom drove home to a nice comfy bed, although Sara's couch was very comfortable, especially with her sleeping on his shoulder. He grinned to himself. 'God she's cute when she's asleep. She's beautiful all the time, but god damn cute while she's sleeping.'
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Three days later, Grissom was sat at the layout table looking through a collection of pillowcases from a motel room. Nick and Warrick were sitting in the corner looking through the records of the motel for the past week. A killer was going around killing certain customers and he had to get the information from somewhere. Catherine was working on a pile of sheets when Grissom's cell phone rang.
Grissom answered as he turned the blue light on and shone it over two laid out cases. "Grissom." He instantly stood. "Is she alright? no I'm on my way. Don't worry, she'll be fine. Calm down Sara. It's ok. I'm leaving now." He turned to the worried eyes of the team and sighed. "I'll be back later. Sara needs some help. No questions please." Everyone nodded and watched him rush out the door.
Warrick looked at Catherine. "They're finally talking I suppose." Catherine looked down at the sheets and continued to work. He turned to Nick. "Wonder what he meant by 'she'?" Nick shrugged and got back to reading.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Chapter 4
Grissom pushed through the double doors of the paediatric wing and saw Sara straight away. She was pacing outside a cubicle with the curtains drawn. "Sara."
Sara turned with tears. "I don't know what happened. One minute she's ok, the next she's crying all the time. She doesn't cry Griss; she's a good baby. I've done something wrong I know it."
She cried harder and Grissom wrapped his arms around her. "It's ok. The doctors will figure it out."
"What if I made her formula wrong or gave her something she's allergic to. It's all my fault." Her hands grasped his shirt tightly as she sobbed into his shoulder.
He rubbed her back gently. "You know that formula like you know forensics Sara. I know it too." He chuckled. "You haven't done a thing wrong I'm sure of it. It's going to be ok."
Just then, the doctor opened the curtain and smiled. "Miss Sidle?" Sara nodded and looked up at Grissom.
"Gil Grissom. I'm a friend." He shook the doctor's hand. "What's wrong with Molly? She's not the type to cry a lot. She's quiet and very good." Sara could feel his heart beating erratically. 'He's growing very attached to Molly.' She thought.
"She's going to be alright. Molly has a middle ear infection. I've prescribed antibiotics and you can pick some more information up from the front desk with some forms to sign. She can go home." The doctor smiled and let them by. She watched as Sara kissed Molly and Grissom lifted her into his arms. Her wiggling seized as she smiled at him and clasped her fingers around his.
"Let's go Moll's" He chuckled and put his arm around Sara's waist as he guided them towards the front desk.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Sara sat on the couch with and heat pad covering Molly's ear, while Molly drank some juice. Grissom was reading the leaflets as he sat on the coffee table facing them. "Says here that if we can get Moll's to swallow or yawn it can help to relieve the feeling of tightness." Grissom looked up and smiled. "She's drinking and swallowing. That's good." He reached out and stroked her hair.
"I think we've turned Doctor Grissom into father material Molly." Sara whispered with her head down, but her eyes on Grissom.
Grissom smiled. "I wouldn't say that, but I do like being around her. She's not like any child I've met. She's quiet, good, happy, intelligent." He grinned. "When ever you're in the room, even if she can't see you, she's listening out for your every move. She even knows your perfume."
"So do you." Grissom ducked his head and looked at the leaflet. Sara covered his hand to stop his movements. He looked up and watched as she gently removed his hand and the heating pad. Molly was sleeping soundly. Grissom put the heat pad and bottle on the table and helped Sara up. He slipped his arm around her back and pulled her up with one hand on her arm to steady Molly. Their eyes locked as they stood. "Thank you for everything Griss. I don't think I'd have been able to do this without your help."
His eyes slowly scanned her face to land on her lips. He leaned in slightly and kissed them briefly. "I'd do anything for you." He whispered as he looked down at Molly.
Sara took Molly to her room and lay her in the crib. She covered her and watched her sleep for a few minutes. 'Middle ear inflection's are caused either by virus or bacteria and some children have frequent attacks. Let's hope Molly doesn't. She's strong enough to get through this. Especially with Grissom and me here.'
Grissom was standing in the kitchen, washing up the coffee cups and Molly's bottles. Sara walked past him to the cupboard and pulled out a jar of molly's food. She pushed herself up onto the counter and started to read the ingredients. Grissom dried his hands and poured some coffee in fresh cups. He placed one by Sara's leg and leaned against the counter beside her so his arm was leaning against her thigh.
"I think I'll change Molly's diet." Sara announced grimacing at the jar. See showed Grissom and he also grimaced. "I'll have to ask the store and maybe the health doctor."
"I read that at Molly's age she can have mashed up foods. Bananas, potatoes, yoghurt." He stopped when he felt Sara's fingers playing with his collar.
She was still listening and reading. Sensing his pause, she continued. "I feed her baby rice and bananas, even pairs. All mashed up. Her bottle was her main feed, but she's going on 8 months and should start on something more bland I think." Her fingers ran along the top of the collar and back again as she turned the jar and read the age and the type of food that was in the jar. "Pasta and cheese."
Grissom closed his eyes as she brushed against his neck and leaned against her some more. Sara slowly pushed her hand over the back of his neck to his other shoulder and leaned her head on his. "You might want me to cook for Molly." He chuckled.
"I'm a good cook Grissom." She chastised playfully, but neither moved. "Tell you what. We start this new food tomorrow and you can join us."
He nodded. "Sounds good to me. 6 ok?"
"Perfect. Molly can eat then sleep." Sara put the jar by her coffee and picked up the cup and drank from it. She was well aware of Grissom's hand on her knee and his eyes closed with his head on her shoulder.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Catherine walked down the corridor towards Grissom's office. As she stopped by the door, she saw him approach her from the reception. "You were gone a long time."
Grissom opened his door and entered with Catherine close behind. "I was helping some friends."
"Sara?" She asked curiously.
He nodded. "Yes."
She watched as he sat down and got stuck into the paperwork that was covering his desk. "You seeing her outside work when she's on leave of absence?" He nodded. "I thought she was helping family?"
"She is." Grissom signed three reports while Catherine stood there. He sighed. "What's wrong with that Catherine?"
"Nothing I suppose. It's just confusing." She shrugged and sat down.
He narrowed his eyes and looked up at her. "Confusing how?"
Catherine leaned forward and looked him in the eye. "She leaves for god knows how long to sort out family business and she's got you running around after her."
"I'm not running around." He protested.
"What is it then?" She interrupted. "You apologise, have a go at me about her having doubts, taking all your days off and not coming into work early, rushing out of here to help her and obviously someone else. I'd say she's got you running around after her."
"I'm helping my friend Catherine. She's not asking me of anything. I'm offering and she's gladly accepting." He explained removing his glasses.
Catherine sat back heavily. "That's just it. Sara's not the type to ask for help. Something's not right here."
Grissom glared at her. "Just because she's accepting my help doesn't mean something's wrong. How would you like it if you had to stop working to look after a ch. I mean," He quickly recovered. "She's helping her brother out while he sorts his life back out. It's a stressful time and I just happened to find out what was going on. I couldn't not be a good friend and help."
She eyed him suspiciously. 'Ch.?' "Fine. Just be aware that she doesn't finish things."
"Catherine." He warned loudly making her jump. "Don't pin Eddie's death on her because I won't allow it. She was not the one driving the car. She was not the one to leave Lindsey and I'm sorry she couldn't find the killer, but she did the best she could and you would have done the same thing if it was someone else." Catherine stared at him as the words sunk in. "She's a good person Cath, what you said wasn't you and she understands that, but you won't talk to her unless it is work related. You need to let it go and get back on track with her. She needs my help at the moment and she wouldn't mind yours."
"I don't understand." Catherine shook her head at him with confusion.
He held up a finger. "One minute and I'll explain." He picked up the phone and dialled. "Hey. No nothing's wrong. I was just ringing about Molly." Catherine's eyes widened. 'Molly?' "Yes. I'll be there tomorrow night, but I was wondering if Catherine could join us. Yes I know. She's here now. No I was going to ask you first." He smiled as he listened to Sara. "Ok.I'll bring the wine. Bye."
"This family business has something to do with a 'Molly' right?" Catherine asked as he hung up the phone.
"Yes, Molly's Sara's niece. Molly's father is trying to put things right at home. Molly's mother just died and Chris, Sara's brother, asked for help and now Sara's looking after Molly." Grissom explained.
Catherine's jaw dropped. "Sara's looking after a child?" He nodded and smiled. "How old? Can't be that young though. Sara hasn't a clue how to look after a child."
Grissom laughed and pulled his glasses back on. "Molly's nearly 8 months." He watched, as Catherine's eyes grew wide with worry. "She's fine Cath. She's been looking after Molly for the past few weeks. Come with me to dinner tomorrow, meet Molly and see how good Sara is with her." Catherine pondered this for a few minutes and stood with a nod.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
