CHAPTER THREE
Catherine sipped her coffee as she walked to Grissom's office. She hoped he wouldn't flip out.
She knocked and heard a voice say "Come in."
Catherine entered and wasn't surprised to see Gil studying a bug. It wasn't an odd sight to her; To others it was plain frightening.
She said just above a whisper "I want to drive Jenna home."
Gil didn't even look up as he replied "Sure. If you think you can handle it."
Catherine raised an eyebrow and asked "Excuse me?"
Grissom looked at her and replied "Rape victims can be more traumatized than people realize. Be prepared, Cath. It's her first time out of the hospital."
Catherine stared at him for a moment and replied with anger in her voice "You don't think I can handle it? I can handle it." Before leaving she thought about what he had said and decided to say something else. "Sorry Gris. I… didn't think about it like that. I'll remember that. Promise."
Catherine flashed him a smile and Gil returned one. And with that, she was gone.
Catherine stepped out of the elevator and hung a left.
She had made plans with Jenna's Aunt to drive her home.
Catherine entered Jenna's room without knocking and was surprised to hear the TV on. Jenna clicked it off and said "Good morning Ms. Willows."
Catherine looked at Jenna and sat down in the chair next to the bed. With a smile she said "Good morning to you. You can call me Catherine. Um… Are you ready to go home?"
Jenna's eyes filled with tears as she nodded yes. Catherine saw Jenna's IV was gone and an instruction sheet was on the bed close to Jenna's arm.
Catherine pulled a bag out from underneath the bed and asked "Do you need help getting up?" Jenna looked embarrassed and said "Yes please."
After Jenna sat up, Catherine told her to put her arm around Catherine's shoulders. Catherine helped Jenna to the bathroom so she could change, handed her the bag and closed the door.
20 minutes later Jenna opened the door and winced with each step she took.
Catherine asked her if she wanted a wheelchair but Jenna just kept walking.
Catherine walked ahead of Jenna and went out into the hall, but noticed the teen stood frozen in the doorway.
Catherine took a few steps backward and thought about was Grissom had said.
She gently locked arms with Jenna and as the teen walked out into the hall, she whispered to Catherine "Thank you."
The two made their way outside and Catherine helped Jenna up into the Tahoe. Once inside the car, Jenna closed her eyes and flinched as Catherine started up the car and started for the girl's house.
Catherine mentally prepared herself for what might happen back at Jenna's house.
Before she knew it she was parking the Tahoe in the driveway of the home she had visited a few days before. Jenna's eyes slowly opened and she stared at the house.
"I'll get your door," Catherine said, opening her own door and hopping out.
Walking around the front of the vehicle, Catherine saw many neighbors peeking out their front doors.
She opened the car door and Jenna slid calmly out of the car.
The teen glanced around and then looked at Catherine with eyes saying "Please. Just take me in the house."
Catherine locked arms once again with Jenna and they slowly made their way up the sidewalk and onto the porch.
Before either had a chance to knock on the door, Jenna's Aunt opened the door; Almost instantly Jenna let out a sob and collapsed into the woman's arms.
The two walked over to the couch, sat down, and the Aunt held Jenna as she sobbed.
Catherine felt a tear glide down her cheek and decided the two needed to be left alone. She closed the door and walked to the Tahoe, tears escaping even though she fought to keep them in.
