A/N: Here's chapter three. Word to Pete Yorn for writing such an awesome song. It's called "On Your Side" and it's from the cd "MusicForTheMorningAfter". Thanks for all the positive reviews you guys are giving me. I know this a different almost "AUish" direction that I am taking and I am glad that you guys are enjoying reading it just as much as I am enjoying writing it. Thanks to Marita as usual for your continued support. And thanks to Ann for pre-reading the first part of the story for me. Jennifer and Karin- You guys read everything I write so kudos to you. If I left anyone out, thank you too!
Summary: Grissom's contemplating the situation and comes to a realization while visiting the most unlikely of places.
Chapter Three- Ask a simple question, get a simple answer.
~ ~ ~
I'm outside your house,
2 am it's dark,
So many mistakes,
Come back home from bars.
~ ~ ~
Gone. Where in the hell had she gone? Her house. He knew it was at least seventeen blocks in the opposite direction from his. If he took his Tahoe he might be able to catch up with her. * Go after her damnit * a voice shouted angrily in his head. * Let her Go! * Another fired back. A mass confusion bombarded his brain, bringing on an unwanted, unneeded migraine. Moving slowly to the kitchen he grabbed a pill bottle and a glass off of the shelf. Lying down on the couch he knew he'd been a fool to confront Catherine like that. His advances had scared her, backed her into a corner.
"Grissom. I…I just can't. Not now. Not ever."
Those words they ripped his heart to shreds. He couldn't help but be hurt by them. At the time he thought it was a comment blurted out in the heat of the moment, but now he wasn't so sure. In some small way he had always felt a little overwhelmed by her presence. Her personality shined like an aura around her; a beacon that could be seen for hundreds of miles. Knowing the full power of her words she was always careful, never saying something that she didn't mean, or would regret in the future. Maybe she really had meant what she said.
~ ~ ~
I am on your side,
I just want to tell
You off.
~ ~ ~
Anger boiled until it overcame him. Clenching his fists he pushed himself off of the couch and headed for the door. Driving always helped him clear his head, much in the same way that roller coasters did. The night air was chilly as Grissom walked out of his townhouse to his Tahoe parked nearby. Climbing in and putting the key into the ignition the car roared to life.
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So many lies,Are taking hold,
It's not your fault,
There's many scars.
~ ~ ~
The city. The lights. The people. The glamour. They were all out tonight as he drove down the strip. Grissom had no clue where he was headed, the drive itself enough to relieve some of the fire building within him. Soon the lights were fading into darkness, and residential houses with their painted mailboxes and white fences peppered the landscape. He was now driving along W. Lake Mead Boulevard. Without even thinking he had led himself here.
Stopping in front of a lone house near the end of the street, Grissom got out of his Tahoe and shut the door. Lush green landscape surrounded the beautiful one story home. Even from the street he could see the reflection of the evening sun bouncing off the pool in the side yard. A large circular driveway led one up to the front door. It was so secluded, so alone, as if nothing in the world could take away the breathtaking sight of it. 8548 W. Lake Mead Boulevard, Catherine's home.
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I am on your side,
It's taken me a long time
I am on your side
And I listen…
Yeah, I listen
~ ~ ~
The lights were off and Grissom debated whether or not he should walk up to the door. Two steps forward, three steps back. His head and his heart could not make a decision; the porch seemed so close and yet at the same time so far. It was now getting close to eight p.m. Shift started at eleven. If he could just work up the nerve to knock on the door, Grissom knew that he could get things smoothed over in time to make it to CSI without the rest of the group suspecting that anything had ever happened
For a mere split second, the chill of the doorknob washed over his hand. A cold, frightening, exhilarating, lonely chill. Something Grissom had never experienced before. Something foreign. Then jerking it back and stuffing it in his pockets, he glanced at it one more time before turning back in the direction of the Tahoe.
*Why is this so difficult* he wondered taking a long glance back towards the house.
*"She doesn't love you…She doesn't love you…" a tiny voice cackled in his ears. A familiar voice. It started off small and slowly raised its voice until Gil could no longer bear to look at Catherine's home. Too much pain, to many memories. Why hadn't he heard it before? His head was telling him something that his heart had just refused to believe. But now he understood. Now he was listening.
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Can you listen?
Now I am listening
I am on your side
It's taken me a long time
~ ~ ~
He could hear the screams echoing in his head as he drove away from the house. Fading away slowly. For a place so beautiful on the surface, darkness lurked beneath.
After it was all said and done; her pain; her cries; her scars were still there.
* "You got burned bad huh? Welcome to the club."*
Her burns were still there. Now that was evident to Grissom. She hadn't moved on yet. And recalling the fight they had had earlier, Grissom wondered if she ever would.
~ ~ ~
I am on your side…
And I listen
Yeah I listen
Can you listen?
Now I am listening,
I am heading out tonight,
And I listen.
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To Be Continued…
Ahh…the end of chapter three and it feels so good. Tell me what you think of it! Chapter four coming soon to a fanfiction site near you!