Disclaimer: See previous.
Yeah, I know. I lied. This is five days late but I have a good reason. I had Finals to study for. Oh, well. It's here now. I won't give an exact day for the next chapter but it should take me 1 to 365 days for it.
The Extreme Makeover Design team waited for Ty in the RV. They were a lot like the Graveyard shift of CSI. They'd been through so much and knew each other very well. Conversation was light and easy, as they discussed their current project, gathering details like the criminalists would with a crime.
Michael, the interior designer, asked, "So did Sara's fiancé say anything about what she likes?"
Paige, the carpentry designer, tilted her head to the side, "The fiancé?"
Michael nodded, "Yeah, Gil"
Daniel, the newest designer's, eyes squinted in confusion, "Gil and Sara are engaged?"
Eduardo, exteriors, leaned forward, "I thought that's why we were building this house. You know as sort of a pseudo engagement gift."
"Then why didn't Sara take Gil to Hawaii?" Daniel asked.
Paige shrugged, "Well he is her boss."
Further inquiry was halted when Ty came bounding up the RV steps. "Ok, guys, now I want to show you Gil's entry tape." He put the tape he was carrying into the VCR directly below the TV, in the living room/ dining room/ kitchen area of the bus. Everyone was quiet as the tape played.
The first image was of Grissom sitting at his desk, contemplation etched on his face. He then glanced at something beside the camera. "You ready Archie?" The A/V tech must've nodded because he straightened and spoke as if he was in court. "ABC, my name is Gilbert Grissom, and I've got a gal named Sara. Ever since she moved here from San Francisco she's always been a bright spot in our somewhat gloomy job and day in and day out she is always ready with a smile on her face when someone needs it. A few months ago, though, she told me about her past." He paused a moment, then shook his head. "It still amazes me that she could go through what's she's gone through and still have the courage to subject herself to the pain of others as often as us CSIs do."
Grissom shifted in his seat, uncomfortable to be speaking in strings of long sentences about something other than forensics. He looked down at his clasped hands which were resting on a once crumpled paper. As if he just remembered it he held it up, examining it as finely as a microscopic fiber. "A month ago she bought her first home." He turned the rumpled paper around, presenting his piece of evidence to the jury. It was a flyer for a one bedroom ranch home. It was simple, but elegant with yellow siding and a sky blue door. A solitary tree stood in the center of the front lawn. Grissom lowered the paper again and laced his fingers.
"This is what her house looks like now."
The video cut to a charred skeleton of a house only recognizable from the tree in the yard. More footage showed the blackened interior. Exposed foundation, curled linoleum, scorched walls, all narrated in an opera with Grissom's baritone in the lead.
When it did cut back to the CSI supervisor his glasses were off and he was rubbing his eyes; whether from tears or fatigue was up to the observer. Balancing his specs back on his nose, he lifted his head.
"I know I'm not the most quixotic person in the world, but I've always tried to be there for Sara the best way I knew how. This time, though, I'm out of my league. So, please, Extreme Makeover, help me give Sara a home."
The TV went fuzzy but before it did the look of utter defeat was burned into the minds of all those present.
After a moment Ty spoke. "I know we aren't used to doing homes for single people, but for Sara I think we'll make an exception."
The design team nodded in unison. Ty said, "Let's get started then."
According to Ty getting started meant getting to know Sara. Since the person in question was half way to Hawaii and her house destroyed the next obvious place to go was her friends. The first person they asked was Nick.
"What does Sara like?" the Texan repeated. He crossed his arms and thought for a moment. "I've only seen her old apartment a couple of times, but from what I saw it was very modern; lots of books of course. But she needs somewhere to relax."
Then there was Warrick. "What does Sara like." He leaned back, with his hands behind his head, in a pose of relaxation. "She might have mentioned once that her favorite color was purple, maybe maroon. She has a good taste in music, but her collection isn't very large."
Next was Greg whose grin was all knowing. "I'll let you in on a little secret. On Sara's days off, which are few and far between, she likes to volunteer at the animal shelter. I think if she had some sort of pet she'd have a reason to stay at home more often. Oh, and a place to entertain fine people such as myself."
Last on their list was Gil, who looked dumbfounded. "What does Sara like?" Don't say vegetation. Don't say vegetation. Don't say vegetation. "She likes vegetation." And you have a PhD how? Bugs are a lot different from humans and don't roll your eyes at me. I didn't and you should probably elaborate before people stare. Too late. "What I mean is she's very involved with the environment." Good comeback. Thank you.
A while later the design team was back in the RV and on their way to Sara's house.
"So, based on that what are we thinking?" Ty asked.
"How about we give her a two story home, ultra modern. The first floor will be entirely for her living room, kitchen, and dining room, so she can entertain," said Paige.
Ty nodded, "Daniel?"
Daniel said, "How about we give Sara sort of a relaxation room? You know somewhere she can hang out that doesn't have anything to do with her occupation. Maybe a music room or meditation area or both depending on her mood."
"Go with it. Michael?"
"We should probably go with deep colors and wood. She also needs an entirely new wardrobe."
"Eduardo?"
"Because of the intense desert heat plants would be hard to grow. How about we build her her own indoor paradise? A natural looking pool with a waterfall surrounded by a garden."
"Ok and I'll take her bedroom as my special project."
Right on cue the bus stopped. Ty stood and rubbed his hands together. "Let's do this, guys."