A/N: Guys, I'm so sorry. I know it's short, but I've got a wicked case of writer's block and school started a couple weeks ago, so I'm also sorry it took me so long to even get this part out. I promise I will update and the chapters will be longer.
So lost in her own thoughts, Kate hadn't even heard Catherine come in. She was only aware that there was someone else other than her in the hall when she saw a curtain of strawberry blonde hair a few inches in front of her knees. Slowly, she raised her head to see Catherine looking worried and slightly annoyed.
"Do I really need to ask?"
Kate shook her head. "I'd rather you not."
Catherine nodded, straightening. Pulling her shirt back into place, she glanced toward the autopsy room door. Kate followed her gaze curiously, wondering if throughout this entire thing, someone had been sitting there, watching her humiliating breakdown. But the hallway was empty save for the two of them. Kate looked back to Catherine, who was frowning, biting her lower lip.
She gave a minute shake of her head and turned to Kate. "I'll be right back."
Kate nodded, trying to figure out what was going on. Why did Catherine need to go in the autopsy room? She watched the older woman disappear through the swinging doors; wincing at her creaking knees, Kate stood, wiping her eyes. This was stupid and she knew it, she needed to suck it up and get over it. There was a case she couldn't handle, big deal; that happened all the time. So why was she so wound up about this? Leaning against a table, Kate viciously rubbed her eyes, trying to get over this embarrassment. She heard the door swing open again, and looked up. Catherine was coming through, looking completely calm, but there was a gentle understanding in her blue eyes. Kate immediately knew that Grissom had told her what happened. Fire raced through her veins, turning her ears and jaw a bright red. That was just great, pretty soon the entire lab would know she'd lost it. She studied the floor with careful intensity.
"So, I'm guessing Mr. Grissom told you, huh?" Kate slipped off the lab coat and placed it in Catherine's outstretched hand.
Catherine looked at her curiously as she put the coat away. "Told me what?"
In relief, Kate smiled. "Thanks." Her respect for Catherine Willows was growing by the hour.
Catherine just winked. "No problem." She jerked her head toward the door, heading in that direction as Kate shed her coat, jogging slightly to catch up with the blonde. Relief was coursing through her, almost to the point where she was gushing with praise for Catherine Willows. But she kept her mouth shut, wanting to appear somewhat like a professional. Also, she was lost in her thoughts, regarding Wendy Gregory. What on earth had happened in the six years since she'd seen her? The woman she'd loved and admired years ago had turned into an addict and alcoholic? It was throwing Kate for the loop. She just couldn't mix the two images together. Wendy had been an avid sponsor to 'Just Say No' programs forever. Had she been a user back then and the whole thing was a lie? If not, what event could've sent her spiraling down so far? Kate's brain spun with the possibilities. Vaguely, she could hear someone talking around her, but she couldn't make out what they were saying, she was so lost in her own thoughts. It wasn't until two fingers snapped in front of her face that she actually blinked. Jolted out of her reverie, Kate looked around and saw Catherine watching in annoyance.
"Have you heard a word I just said?" She asked irritably.
Wincing, Kate shook her head. "Sorry Catherine, I kinda got lost in my own head." She cringed, waiting for the inevitably verbal blow. Third chance and she'd already blown it. Nice going Kate, jeez, could she do anything right? This was no time to start daydreaming. Anxiously, she watched Catherine, waiting for the anger, but Catherine just frowned slightly and shook her head. "I know she was a friend of yours, but if you're going to work with me, you've got stay focused, okay? I already have one colleague who's lost in his head all day, I don't need another one."
Kate nodded. "Yes ma'am, I understand."
Catherine nodded. "Good."