The sun was setting as Sara brought in the horses to feed for the night. Jared was working steadily cleaning out the stalls. They worked together in harmony like a perfected duet on a piano. Sara and Jared have a relationship not like mother and son, but more of friends. He was always open to her and carried the greatest admiration for her.
"You father and Uncle Jim are up the road at "Glenn's Place", trying to work things out between them", Sara said in a monotone voice. Jared didn't reply, he kept pace with his work.
"Jared, please don't shut him out. It's hard enough on your father just finding out he IS your father".
Jared broke his rhythm "Why did you bring him here mom?"
"I asked Uncle Jim to bring him here so you could meet him, and maybe even begin to know what a good man he really is", Sara said.
"But he's not a good man, mom." Jared snapped.
"Yes he is honey," Sara stopped in her tracks, "he is a good man, he didn't leave me, I left him, and it's about time you know the whole story."
"I worked with your father for many years. We had our ups and downs. Your dad took a long time to come around to me. Kinda like your little friend Missy you like. One day she acts like she likes you, then the next day she's not talking to you. But your father and I were in reverse. I really loved him, but he didn't know how much he loved me. Do you understand so far?"
"I guess so… sometimes she punches me." Jared said rubbing his arm.
Sara chuckled, "Well your dad didn't punch me but sometimes his words would sting. Anyway, one night I got a phone call, it was about your grandmother. She was being relea…um...trying to find me. I went to your father's apartment to talk to him about it. Let's just say, that night was the happiest night I ever had. It was the night that God reached out and touched us."
Jared twisted the pitchfork in his hands, "but what about my grandmother?"
"Well, I…I have chosen not to not let your grandmother into our lives. I moved away, not because of your father, I moved because I didn't want your grandmother to find us." Sara said looking into his eyes.
"Why didn't you keep talking to dad?" he said.
Sara took a deep breath, "Because I was afraid that your grandmother would talk to him and I….I just didn't want him to know some of the things that happened in my younger life. Son, you'll understand more as you grow older, but for now, that's enough."
Sara approached Jared and held onto the pitchfork he had in his hands. She motioned for him to sit down on a bale of hay he had yet to open. Jared sat and Sara sat next to him.
"Baby, up until these last few days you had love and respect for your father, I remember that you use to wish he would just show up at one of your games, or at a birthday party, or really, anywhere. Why now, are you feeling different?" Sara questioned.
"Mom, it's not that I feel any different for him, it's just that I feel like you asked him to come here just to take care of me, you know, when…." Jared looked down at the ground.
Sara reached out to touch his shoulder. "You know, I guess I really wanted him here for myself, I'm scared son, and I really want someone to hold next to me and help me through this. You're my son, and you'll be strong for me. I know you will do anything in the world for me, but there's just some things you can't do. You understand don't you?"
"I guess so mom, whatever make you happy, it's ok with me." Jared smiled reluctantly.
"OK, what makes me happy right now is to get done with these chores and get inside for supper." Sara said lightheartedly.
The two finished their chores and walked towards the house. Sara stopped suddenly and reached out for Jared's hand. She motioned towards the setting sun. "I wish I could be here with you until you grow old Jared. I hope you and your father can keep the things I have started here, and always take time to watch the sun set. I'm afraid he hasn't looked at one for a long time."
Riding in the car next to Brass, Grissom was looking out the window at the sun setting. He was thinking to himself that he hasn't seen a more beautiful sunset. It had been years since he took the time to even notice. He recalled a time when he and Sara were working a case in Vegas. The sky was illuminated with all the colors of orange and blue in the spectrum.
Grissom's attention was brought back into focus as the car turned into the driveway. He saw Sara and Jared walking toward the house. As the car slowed to a stop, Brass turned to Grissom and said, 'until she is gone, you won't have a problem with me again. I won't let my feelings hurt them".
That's allJim needed to say. Grissom agreed wholeheartedly.
