A Friend In Need

By

Sydne

Rating: CSI 2

Disclaimer: All characters belong to CBS, etc…

Summary: The funeral

Chapter 6

The following morning was beautiful, with a clear blue sky and brilliant sunshine. But all of that was in direct contrast with the dark brooding mood Grissom was in. His troubled demeanor did not coincide with the bright world around him.

Standing in front of the mirror in the bungalow that he and Catherine shared, he tried for the third time to tie the Windsor knot of his tie. Cursing, he pulled the tie from his neck and threw it on the table in front of him.

She watched from the bathroom doorway as he had his tantrum. When he was done, she walked over to him and picked up the tie.

"Is this bothering you?"

"What do you think?" he replied sarcastically.

"I think that you are extremely stressed and that's making it more difficult."

"You think?"

"I think. Now turn around."

He turned around and she walked up to him. She wrapped the tie around his neck and quickly tied the knot. Stepping back, she angled her head a little to admire her work. She reached out and straightened it a bit and then lifted her hand up to cup his cheek.

"It will be all right, Gil. I promise."

Taking a deep breath, he leaned into her caress. He exhaled and tried to smile.

"Thank you, Catherine."

"Anytime. Are you ready to go?"

"I guess so," he shrugged.

She took his hand and led him to their car. Handing him the keys, she went around to the passenger side and got in. After a moments pause, he got in the drivers side.

The trip to the funeral home was quiet. Lost in the memories of his mother, he didn't make any small talk. Content to leave him be, she watched the scenery as it passed by.

When they arrived they entered the large building and an usher rushed up to them.

"How may I help you?"

"We're the family of Mary Grissom," he told the man.

"Ahh, my condolences sir. If you'll follow me this way," he turned and started down a long hallway.

Holding hands, the couple followed him down the hallway. When the man reached a small, private room he opened the door and then went away. Inside surrounded by flowers was the mahogany casket that contained the remains of his mother. Grissom walked up to the casket and laid his hand upon the dark wood.

Catherine watched as he stood there with his shoulders slumped. After a few moments, she went and stood next to him. She laid her hand on his back and softly began to rub small circles between his shoulder blades. Leaning her head against his shoulder, the strawberry blonde tried to give him the most comfort she could.

The usher gave them a few minutes of privacy and then returned.

"Mr. And Mrs. Grissom, if you'll follow me," he said to them.

In unison they turned towards the man and looked at each other. Quirking an eye up, he smiled at her and shrugged. She smiled at him and looked back to the usher.

"We're ready," she quietly told him.

They followed the usher into the chapel. As they walked down the aisle Grissom was aware of the fact that the pews were sparsely filled. He noticed the sign language interpreter that he had hired was standing in the front left corner of the chapel and was pleased. The few friends and acquaintances his mother had would be able to understand the services. When they reached the first pew, they took their seats.

Catherine reached out and took Gil's hand. She held it firmly between her own, offering silent comfort. When the casket was rolled out, she felt him jerk beside her. She looked at him and watched as he quickly tried to mask the emotions behind his eyes. Knowing that the funeral would not be easy on him, she scooted closer to him. She let their shoulders, hips and thighs touch, hoping that he would feel her comforting touch.

After the sermon started, she looked towards him and saw the tears silently falling. She reached into her purse and pulled out a small package of tissue. Handing him one, she kept one for herself. While she had not known, Mary Grissom, she cared about next to her. She hated seeing him in pain.

A few prayers read by the minister and one or two of her friends stood up and recited special memories. Then, almost abruptly, the sermon was over. The casket was being wheeled away and he was left with a feeling of emptiness. He turned towards her and laid his head on her shoulder. She wrapped her arms around him and held him as the silent tears continued to fall. When he was done, he sat back up and looked at her.

"Thank you," he said as he wiped his eyes.

Her smile was her only response. She stood and took his hand in hers. Helping him to his feet she said, "Lets go."

He looked in the direction of where the coffin was last seen and shook his head. Turning back to her he nodded and allowed her to lead him out into the bright sunlight.

When they arrived outside they were greeted by several of Mary Grissom's friends. They told him, both verbally and in sign language, how much his mother meant to them. Their words warmed his cold heart. Gradually the tension left his body and he relaxed as he listened to them. Soon, the crowd began to disperse and wander off.

Catherine looked at him and saw that he was doing better.

"Are we going to the cemetery, Gil?"

"No, she wanted to be cremated. When her ashes are ready they will be sent to me in Vegas. Next time I come out this way I'll spread them over the ocean."

"Is that what she wanted?"

"Yeah, it is."

"Then when you come back, I'm coming with you."

Smiling he looked at her, "I couldn't keep you away could I?"

"No you couldn't."

Together the couple walked back to where the car was parked. After they both got in, he looked at her.

"Are you ready to go back to Vegas?"

She gazed at him for a few moments before replying, "I'm ready when you are."

"Catherine, the only thing left is to talk to the realtor. I'm ready to go. I don't want to stay here any longer. I can call him from Vegas."

"Then lets go home."

They went back to their hotel, changed into more comfortable clothing and quickly packed. Taking their bags, he walked to the back of the Mercedes and stowed them in the trunk.

"If you don't mind Cath, I'll drive."

The petite redhead smiled at him and said, "Sounds great to me."

The return trip to Las Vegas was less tension filled than the trip out to Marina Del Rey. During the drive, Grissom told her stories about his mom. He told her how his mother had arranged for him to learn to play baseball, how empty the home had felt after his father had died, and how his mother had immersed him in the arts. As he gave her these snippets of his life, Catherine knew the warm memories he had would gradually lessen the pain of her loss that was now in his heart.

When they arrived back in Vegas, he took her directly to her home. He helped her get her bags out of the back and carried them to the house for her. After setting them inside the doorway, he grabbed Catherine's hand and pulled her him back to him. Startled she looked at him with her eyes wide.

"Gil?"

Staring into her big blue eyes, he said, "I want to thank you Catherine. I know we've said that to each other many times over the last few days, but I don't know what I would have done without you."

He quickly hugged her and kissed her on the check. With a small smile he turned away from her and returned to his car. Returning to his car he started it up, waved and drove then away.

Catherine smiled as she watched the car fade from view. She knew he would have his ups and downs over the next few months, but he would always have her there to be his friend in need.

Finis!