Okay, this is shorter than the others. But, I thought it was a good length. I would like to thank money makes me smilefor the suggestion. I hope because of that,the story looks better. And I am thankful for the reviews, it made me feel so good. I get nervous sometimes, about what people will think about my stories. I write alot, and I hope they're just as good as this one. People like this one, and I hope ya'll will like my future fanfics. latas-Navaer

Over the next few days, Sara slowly began to become used to Marissa's presence. But she still felt distant. No one at the lab seemed to notice Sara's being uncomfortable talking about Marissa or to the girl, except Nick. He was worried about his friend. It didn't seem like Marissa was staying only for a little while and he didn't know if Sara could handle that.

"So," he asked calmly as he and Sara were on their way to a new crime scene. They'd finished the last case only the shift before. The vic's twin brother had tied him up, and strangled him. They only got him from fingerprints on the vic's front door. The brother finally confessed after about an hour of interrogation.

"Is Marissa moving to LasVegas?"

Sara shrugged, concentrating on the road. "She wants to find a place, but she doesn't know where. So she got a job at the grocery store. And she's helping part time at the animal shelter." There was a moment's silence.

Then Sara continued, "I don't know how she's going to get into college! She says she has about ten grand in a savings account. But she'll take years to get there with two jobs. And one's part time, she only works Mondays at the shelter. They're paying her five an hour because it's supposed to be volunteer but she's one of the only two working on Mondays. She'll never get in!"

Nick frowned, "Well, maybe um… I dunno what she can do. But, I was really wondering… how are things with ya'll? Are you still upset?" Sara's lips formed a thin line on her pale face.

"I have no problem with her. It's her mother, as I told you before," Sara spoke harshly. Nick backed off.

After processing the scene, Sara and Nick returned to the lab to bring some fragments of glass they found in the victim's home. It looked like the vic had been robbed right before she died.

"Listen Nick," Sara said as they walked to a team meeting Grissom had assembled. "I'm sorry I was tense." She looked down.

"It's fine," Nick assured her, flashing a smile.

"It's just, I feel so frustrated sometimes!" Sara bit her lip, "I don't know what to think! I can't blame her for her mother… and yet, I don't want her to be around." Nick nodded, thinking.

"You're letting your hatred of her mother overwhelm you," he put his arm around her shoulders. She smiled, feeling content.

"Hey guys," Grissom spoke as the team sat around a table. "I wanted you all to come here to talk about something." He looked at Sara, who could tell what was coming. Something with her and Marissa.

"As you know," Grissom continued. "Sara's niece has come to Las Vegas. She is a very smart girl, and as Greg informed me yesterday, wants to become a CSI." They all smiled, even Sara. She was a little disappointed that Marissa didn't tell her, but the teen had spent her extra hours hanging out with Greg. They had become fast friends.

"I know she cannot afford college," said Grissom, pulling Sara out of her thoughts. "So, I have made a fund, and the lab has put in fifteen thousand. Everyone can donate individually too." He gave Sara one of his rare smiles. She returned it gratefully. Nick, Warrick and Catherine already started writing their names and a donation.

Grissom walked out, and Sara ran out to him. She paused, and said, "Thanks Grissom."

He nodded, "If she gets through well, we'll have another Sidle. And we'll need her." Sara didn't stop smiling, as she walked back in the room to talk with Nick about the case.

Sara had known even when she was younger, since Marissa was a child, that the girl was intelligent. She had graduated a year early. But sadly, now she was a year behind most of her ex-classmates. But now, thanks to Grissom, she had a chance. Sara was happy for her niece, and for that moment, her feelings toward Marissa's mother couldn't stop that. TBC...