Post-Butterflied
Disclaimer: I still don't own CSI and get no profit from writing these stories…yadda yadda yadda.
Chapter 17
Up until the time Sara was to have her cast removed, she and Grissom took turns staying at each other's apartments. When they had days off together, they went hunting for a new place. They had decided that neither of their current homes was right for them move into together. The hope was that by the time Sara was able to get around, and ready to move, they'd have a nice little house or a bigger apartment.
"Sara, I don't know about you, but I really like this place," Grissom said as they took a tour of a small house not too far from where Grissom currently lived.
"I think I do too," Sara smiled, "it's small, but it's really nice and plenty for both of us."
"The price is just in the right range too," Grissom agreed.
"Well I'll let you two discuss this alone," the home owner casually slipped out of the room.
"Is this really it?" Sara asked, "is this the one?"
"I think it is," Grissom raised his eyebrows, "that is if you like it."
"It's got two bedrooms, a bathroom, a kitchen and a living room," Sara listed, "I think that's good."
"It's still close to work," Grissom added, "and I don't know about you, but it's got a nice, homey feel to it."
"I think so too," Sara smiled, "are we sure this is the one?"
Grissom glanced around the room once more, "I'm ready if you are."
"When exactly will we move?" Sara asked.
"Well, I can get us both a day off work and maybe we can get Nicky, Warrick, Catherine, Greg and Brass to help us out, even if it's only for a little while. That would sure make things faster with that much help," Grissom said.
"You realize that means we have to tell everyone we're planning to move in together soon," Sara said.
"I know," Grissom nodded, "they'd know sooner or later anyway."
"I'm getting my cast off tomorrow, so whenever the owner is ready for us to move in," Sara said.
"And just when I thought you were really starting to like that thing," Grissom teased.
"If I have to spend another week in the lab, I will go crazy," Sara laughed.
"So, this is going to be our house," Grissom smiled and looked around.
"All right, let's go tell the owner," Sara turned as quickly as she could with her crutches.
"Ma'am, I think we would like to buy your house," Grissom announced when they found her on the front porch.
"Really?" the woman asked, "this is great news. You know you're only the third people to look at it? I thought I'd be trying to sell this forever. And you two look like such a nice couple too."
"Thanks," Sara smiled.
Catherine took a week off work and spent every minute of her free time with Lindsey. Mostly Catherine wanted to spend the time with her daughter that they had both missed out a lot on because of work.
"Mom, I love you," Lindsey announced one morning at breakfast.
"I love you too Linds," Catherine smiled.
"I'm sorry I skipped school," Lindsey hung her head.
"Linds, it's okay, we already went over this," Catherine put her fork down.
"No Mom, I've been thinking about it. It was really stupid. I think partly in my mind I was doing it because I knew it would upset you," Lindsey started to cry.
"Linds," Catherine sighed.
"I'm sorry Mom. When I saw that car swerving towards me, it made me think," Lindsey sniffled.
"Honey, as long as you know what you did was wrong, that's all I really care about," Catherine told her softly.
"But I thought about what would happen if I died. First you lost Daddy, and I know you guys didn't along, but I was there and I saw how much it hurt you," Lindsey continued.
Catherine got up and pulled Lindsey into her arms, "Lindsey, I love you so much. You are my life and I know it doesn't seem that way when I work all the time. But I really work for you, so you can have a nice life."
"You do your best, I know it Mom," Lindsey sobbed, "I don't help things out by being a brat. It's just…it hurts sometimes that you don't have time for me."
"Lindsey, I'm sorry. I'm really going to try harder to spend more time with you," Catherine assured her, "my biggest fear is losing you, baby."
"You won't, at least not to me doing something stupid like that," Lindsey said shakily, "I promise you I will start doing better and I'll tell you where you I am all the time."
"Honey, I love you so much," Catherine was crying by this time too, "if you make an effort to be better, I will too. Deal?"
"Deal," Lindsey agreed.
"Let's just put all that aside for now, I know we have a lot to work on, but let's make today just about us. Mother and daughter, having a good time together," Catherine suggested.
"Okay Mom," Lindsey sniffled.
"What do you want to do? We can do whatever you want today," Catherine suggested.
"Let's just stay here, all I really want to do is be with you right now," Lindsey took the offered Kleenex.
"All right, what do you want to do after breakfast then?" Catherine asked, returning to her plate.
"I don't know about you, but I'm not hungry anymore, let's go watch a movie," Lindsey took her mother's hand in her good one and led her to their movie collection, "you pick one Mom."
"Okay," Catherine looked through their various movies and DVDs, finally selecting one that she knew Lindsey liked.
"Wow, that's my favorite, Mom," Lindsey smiled, "you do listen to me."
"Yes I do," Catherine smiled, "I know we didn't finish breakfast, but how about some popcorn?"
"That would be great," Lindsey agreed, "let me make it for you, Mom."
"All right," Catherine took a seat on the couch and waited for Lindsey to return. She hoped that Lindsey was being serious and not just saying what she knew her mother wanted her to hear. She had the feeling Lindsey was being sincere. The accident had scared them both. Now Catherine was just relieved to even have the opportunity to bond with her daughter again. She was going to really enjoy their nice, calm day at home. She did realize Lindsey was missing a week of school, but she had been hit by a car. Even if she was medically cleared to go back to school, Catherine wanted a chance to spend time alone with her daughter.
A/N: It took me six or seven tries for this chapter! Ack, I don't know why it was so hard. Anyway, thank you so much for your patience in my delay. You are all excellent reviewers and I really do appreciate every one of you! With any luck, the next chapter should come easier.
