A/N: Sorry about the lateness, we're current having computer problems. Hope you enjoy this chapter

Calleigh could feel her throat burning. She was scared of what was coming next. She calmly sat down in the booth facing him and gave him a nod to go on.

"I found a letter on my desk this morning. I opened it, talked to Horatio, and he confirmed it," Eric said looking back down into his drink.

Calleigh furrowed her brow in confusion and said, "I don't get it, what was the letter about?"

Eric took a mouthful of his beer and swallowed it down and winced slightly.

"The letter said that I was being temporarily transferred to the Marine Forensics department in California?. It's not really a transfer, more like a 4-month study process," Eric said as he took another drink. His facial expression was plain, like he was feeling no emotions.

"What?" Calleigh asked confused, "Did you get recommended or were you picked out"

"Horatio found out there were looking for someone to do the job so he recommended me. He said it would be a great advantage in my career status," Eric added. Calleigh looked down at the ground as to not show the immense depression on her face.

"So… what do you think Cal?" Eric asked curiously.

Calleigh let out a deep sigh and looked up at him.

"What do I think? I think… I think that 4 months is a lot of time, almost half a year"

"That's true"

"And ?? isn't the closest place in the world"

"That's also true"

"But this would be great for your career"

"Once again true"

"So as a co-worker, I'd have to say I'm happy for you…but"

"But...?" Eric pressed.

Calleigh tried to look away but Eric's hand under her chin made her look him in the face.

"As a friend… well, I'd miss you, a lot," Calleigh, said in a heartbreaking voice.

Eric got up and sat next to Calleigh on her side of the booth.

"And I'd miss you a lot. But if the chance came for you, would you take it," Eric asked putting a supportive hand on her shoulder.

Calleigh let out a defeated sigh and murmured, "Yeah, yeah I guess I would"

Eric pulled her into a warm hug and held her for a while. He could feel all her emotions flowing into his body. He didn't want to leave. He wanted to see her everyday.

He gently caressed her neck with his thumb; he could feel her body relax and the blood start flowing normally again.

Calleigh held onto Eric tight. She wouldn't let him leave; she wouldn't let him go, even if it was only for 4 months. To her it would feel like a lifetime. She slowly pulled away, she didn't want to, but she needed to know more about his departure.

"When do you leave?" Calleigh asked just above a whisper.

"Friday afternoon", he answered solemnly. Calleigh let out a depressing sigh and leant her head back against his chest. She could feel it slowly rise up and down as he breathed.

Thursday

"Another case closed," Eric muttered as he sat down with Calleigh, Tim and Horatio in the break room.

"Doesn't matter, doesn't bring her back. She was a 4 year old girl," Tim grumbled.

"No Tim, no it doesn't. But you know what? Now Sun Rise's mother can finally have closure. Sometimes when we can't help the victims, it's because we're not meant to. Sometimes we have to be there for the family," Horatio said as he walked out of the room, followed by Tim.

Calleigh had been so focused on their new case, she hadn't thought about Eric leaving the next day. Now, Calleigh was holding a picture of their 4-year-old rape victim, Sun Rise.

"Hey Eric?" Calleigh asked across the table.

"Why do you think they called her Sun Rise?" She asked, referring to the little girls parents.

"Well have you ever seen the sun rise?" Eric asked quietly.

Calleigh shook her head and looked back down to the photo of the little girl.

"Really?" Eric asked surprised. Calleigh didn't reply.

"Well," Eric added, "It's one of the most beautiful things to see. Just as the sun slowly rises, golden yellow and sugary pink mixes together to create this magnificent colour. Just seeing it makes you happy and relaxed"

Eric had the strongest urge to say, "And the other most beautiful thing to look at, is you" but he knew that would be a bad idea.

The dreamy look in Eric's eyes caused Calleigh to smile.

Eric caught this smile and chose to take advantage. "I guess while I'm gone you're gonna have to find someone else to make you smile like that" Eric said grinning cheekily.

"No one will have the same effect on me as you do," she flirted. They both grinned at each other.

Eric nervously looked down at his feet and shifted them a bit.

"Uh, I better get going," said Calleigh standing up.

"Oh… are you coming to my farewell party?" He asked shyly.

"I didn't know you were having a farewell party," Calleigh said, giving Eric a small frown.

"Well it's not so much of a party, more of a couple of drinks between a few friends," Eric said putting his hands in his pockets.

"Oh… I'd love to but, I, uh, I have some stuff I have to do, ya know, just family stuff," Calleigh answered sliding her bag onto her shoulder.

Eric's face dropped.

"Well I guess erhm," Eric said clearing his throat, "I guess I'll see you in 4 months then"

"Bye," Calleigh waved. As she made her way past him she wanted so desperately to hug and kiss him, but settled for a soft pat on the back.

She made her way as quickly as she could to the car park and sat in the drivers seat slamming her door shut. She closed her eyes and gently rubbed her face. Why did she have you lie to him? Why did she have to make up the unbelievable lie about her family?

She took in a deep breath and started the car. She just wanted to get home and soak in the tub.

"To Eric," Horatio cheered as he, Tim, Eric and Alexx raised their glasses. Every one cheered and drank their unalcoholic beverages. Everyone was laughing and having a good time, everyone except Eric.

"We'll miss ya man," Tim said patting Eric on the back.

"Come on guys, I'm only gonna be gone for a few months," Eric said running his hands through his hair.

"That's a few months to long without my favourite Cuban CSI," Alexx said standing up and hugging Eric, "I have to go home to my kids. Don't you dare forget to come back to us. You know I love you honey"

"I love you too Alexx," Eric said with a friendly smile as she planted a butterfly kiss on his forehead.

Alexx left, leaving the three men alone.

"So where are you staying in California?" Horatio asked as he signalled the waitress for another drink.

"For the first couple of days I'll be in Gerthrock Hotel but the department's setting me up with a temporary residence," Eric replied looking at his watch, "Um I have to go now guys"

All three stood up and Tim gave Eric a hug, before Horatio gave Eric a professional but friendly handshake. Eric left the bar and drove home. He still had a fair bit of packing to do, and a lot of thinking.

KNOCK, KNOCK. Calleigh's eyes sprang open as she heard the pounding on her door. She stretched her arms and slowly got out of bed. She didn't know what time it was, she was too tired to check, but it was really early.

KNOCK, KNOCK.

"Hold on, I'm coming," Calleigh murmured as she made her way through the dark house.

Just as she was in the middle of a yawn she fell over something and tripped.

"Ouch," she mumbled.

She finally made her way to the door. As she opened it she had to shield her eyes to see who it was.

A/N: I'll post the next chap hopefully tomorrow