A/N: I decided to do something different and not make Lindsay act like a witch. I think she's really cute, and I wanted her to be there for her mom. Same with Sara. I thought it'd be nice for them to get along.

II. Regret

Had she imagined everything? The dinner, the almost-kiss near the drain, the smiles…

Get over yourself, Willows.

"Mommy?"

Her gaze flitted to the door briefly, spotting her daughter, clad in pink silk pyjamas and a fleece blue robe, standing in the doorway, regarding her worriedly and biting her lip.

She's been through so much. Catherine realized this and blinked to avoid the rush of tears that threatened to overflow onto her cheeks. That was all it took for the small twelve-year-old to dart across the room to her mother's bed, climbing in beside her and hugging her tight. "I love you, Mom," she whispered, and the tears fell.

Tears for her daughter, who lost her father at the worst possible time and her mother who worked so much they barely spoke, who spent a good deal of time alone. Tears for herself, for pain of losing the man she had come so close to loving, for Grissom and Sara, who finally found each other, for Nick, so incredibly grateful that he was alive. She cried, and cried, and cried, holding her precious daughter near, all the while knowing that Lindsay was the only thing she had left.

-----

She woke up the next morning and fumbled for the phone beside her bed. "I'm sick," she murmured tersely to Grissom before hanging up and forcing her eyes open. She was lying in bed, quilts tightly wrapped around her and a breakfast tray on her bedside table. Clearing her throat, she called out hesitantly, "Lindsay? Honey, you here?"

Her daughter appeared in the doorway. "How did you sleep, Mom?"

"Fine." Catherine closed her eyes again and sank back into the mountain of pillows behind her head. "Thank you, baby."

"You're welcome." Lindsay perched on the edge of the bed. "I brought you orange juice."

Her mother smiled. "That was very sweet of you."

Breakfast was quietly comforting, and Catherine took her daughter to school and came back home without complaint. She made herself comfortable on the couch with a movie, popcorn, and a warm wool blanket, and settled down to watch, drifting off into a fitful sleep…

Her eyes snapped open when a small chime came at the door. Rubbing the sleep from her eyes, she stumbled to the door and opened it cautiously. "Sara."

Sara stepped forward and simply offered her a hug, not speaking. When she drew back, she said only two words: "I'm sorry."

Something in her snapped. "Why is everyone sorry? My life isn't over, I'm not going to brood over him, I'm just sick." She sighed and squeezed her eyes shut. She stepped inside and opened the door wider, silently inviting the brunette to come in.

"Are you?"

With a small chuckle, Catherine replied, "Now you're starting to sound like Grissom."

Sara smiled. "He kind of grows on you."

She nodded. "Yeah." Leading the way to the kitchen, she added, "I was just watching a movie. If you want, I have some coffee, or tea, whatever you prefer…" She knew she was carrying on, but Sara stopping by was something she had not expected. They had never been close; civil, maybe, but never had they gotten together outside of work, save exceptions with team outings.

"Water is fine, thanks."

Catherine poured two glasses and handed one to the woman beside her. "Why don't we sit in the living room," she suggested. "It might be more relaxing."

Sara nodded and turned to go back to the living room, taking a seat on one end of the couch while Catherine settled in the plush armchair next to it.

"So, tell me why you're really here." The blonde tilted her head to one side. "What about Warrick?"

Sara blinked. "Who says I'm here to listen to you pour your heart out regarding the man you love?"

"You're a woman," Catherine replied succinctly, "that's what we do."

Sara laughed and took a sip of her water. "Would reading minds also be part of our natural jobs?"

"Along with other things."

They both laughed that time.

Sara didn't prod, didn't pressure, didn't even ask about the dark-skinned, dark-haired, blue-eyed man that had completely captured her heart and thrown it away in the blink of an eye. She simply listened to whatever Catherine had to say, whether it was about Warrick or not.

When Sara left, Catherine hugged her quickly. "I regret not doing anything, Sara, but you've helped me. Thank you."

"You're welcome." Sara smiled, and waved as she headed down the driveway.

A/N: Please keep reviewing.