Disclaimer: Not mine, belongs to so-and-so.
Author's Notes: It's been awhile since I've written anything, and this is my first CSI fic. Because, unfortunately, my schedule doesn't give me enough time for writing I am only posting a short first chapter. If I receive enough encouragement to continue writing, I will. But that does not mean I only want "u r gr8. write more". Constructive criticism is definitely something I desire above anything else, and appreciate people who take the time. Updates may be a week or so apart, but I do eventually update.
Title: Opportunity
Rating: Nothing you wouldn't see on the show.
Archiving: Just ask. I like keeping a list of where my work is hanging around.
Summary: When the San Francisco crime lab calls Sara and asks her to come back, the CSI is torn between the two lives she's lived. On one hand is her only family, a promotion and old flames. On the other is the "family" she's built herself over the last four years, the only people she feels close to, and a job she loves at a great facility.
~*~*~*~*~*~
Sara Sidle fell onto her bed, giving a sigh of relief. That had been the shift from Hell. She wondered at her decision to work in Las Vegas. It had seemed best at the time; better pay then where she was, better facility, the people were great, and it was finally away. College hadn't been really away. She went back home to San Fran as soon as she was out.
But still, there seemed to be something incredibly wrong lately. Maybe it was the hint of worry in her mother's voice last time she called. Something about her father not feeling well lately, but quickly glossing over the fact. She may not agree with her parent's philosophies, but they were her parents.
Maybe it had been that her coworkers had been acting pretty weird around her lately.
Maybe it had been the fact she was almost thirty three years old and had nothing at all to say for her life. She went to work, she slept, she went shopping. She dated rarely, and didn't remember the last time she had been in a serious relationship. Her career had seemed to have stalled about the time she took the Vegas gig. Maybe what she needed was a change of scenery. She heard that the New York lab was looking for someone with her expertise. She had been to New York before, liked it.
It was something worth considering, when you stopped to think of it. Standing up to change into pajamas, she jumped when the shrill ring of the phone pierced hr quiet apartment atmosphere.
"Hello, Sidle."
"Sara, it's Clark Van Halteren."
"Clark? Hi. It's been awhile. How are things at the lab?"
"Good, good. But…"
"But what Clark?" she asked, fiddling with the cord. There was something about his voice.
"Listen, I guess I should just say this. We need you back here."
"After four years?"
"After four years. We need someone with your proficiency. You should see the package they want to offer you. It'll blow your mind. They're planning on calling you today or tomorrow. Just thought I'd give you the heads up."
"It's never been about the money. And one disastrous date doesn't require you to look after me."
"I know that. And of course not. But I would love to see you back here. You're a great CSI, and we could use you."
"I'll let you know," she said, hanging up.
This is what she wanted, exactly what she was planning on doing. But now that the yellow brick road lay before her feet, she couldn't help but notice all the cracks along the way.