"Morning!" Marissa spoke cheerfully as Sara stepped into the living room the next morning.
"Ditto," yawned Sara, trying to keep her eyes open, but they still drooped. She gratefully accepted a mug of hot chocolate that Marissa handed her. Smiling, the older woman said, "So, how'd it go with Greg?" Marissa blushed.
"It was okay. We mostly just talked about random stuff, he's really funny!" she grinned.
"That's our Greggo," Sara said thoughtfully, remembering the nickname Nick had used for their lab rat.
"Hey, uh, Sara?" Marissa's smile wavered slightly. "I was thinking about how Grissom got me scholarship money and all... and I want to try to get into a college soon." Sara smiled.
"Got any place in mind?" she asked, silently hoping it would be in Nevada. Marissa nodded.
"I was thinking that I might have to go to a community college, so, I've got quite a few options." She smiled.
"Hey," Sara said. "'Ris, you know how much money we... I mean Grissom, collected?" The younger girl's face took on a confused expression.
"Fourty-grand," Sara smiled even wider, as her niece's eyes widened in surprise and excitement.
"Holy shit!" she cried. "Are you kidding, Sar?"
"You can go to UNLV!" Sara cried with delight. Marissa screamed and they hugged.
"Oh my God!" Marissa wiped a tear from her dark eyes. "I'm actually going to college!" They were both grinning until Sara had to leave for work.
"Hey Sar," a voice said softly in her ear just as she closed her locker. Nick's strong arms wrapped around her, heightening her happiness.
"Hello," she said, laying her head on his arms. For a moment, they were silent. Both seeping in the peace. Then, she whispered, "Marissa's going to college."
Nick smiled thoughtfully, "Good for her! Any place in mind?" Sara nodded, happily.
"UNLV."
"Wow, I guess that's good. 'Cause if she stays with you, it's cheaper." Nick turned Sara and layed his lips on hers, as the locker room door opened.
It was Grissom.