Thanks so much for your reviews! I can be really unsure from time to time, and getting such nice feedback gives me the courage to go on (what I really need is a boost of confidence from time to time, and... you give it to me, that's so nice :)) Ms. Snow! I'm so glad you're back, I really missed you last week. Thanks for doing the beta-part! This chapter, however, is a bit longer than the usual chapter by me, don't think you mind... Please leave a review...
Chapter 12
"This is the room, right?"
Greg looked at the two other men. Warrick pointed at the paper at the side of the door. "Well... if Sara is still called Ms. Sidle, than this is her room."
Greg raised an eyebrow. "I'm sorry Warrick... I just didn't notice it."
Warrick shrugged and knocked on the door.
"Come in!" Nick looked from Warrick to Greg. "Was that Sara's voice?" Before they could answer, Greg had already opened the door.
Sara and... another woman, with frizzy red hair and glasses were sitting on Sara's bed together. They were having dinner together, but it seemed that they had just finished. Both women looked over to the door and smiled at the threesome.
"Hey guys, glad that you could come."
They stayed in the doorway, a bit hesitant. Nick looked at Warrick. "It seemed we didn't have to come, she has company already..." All of them looked at Jena. She jumped off the bed and walked over to them. "Hi... I'm Jena."
Jena turned around to see Sara. "These guys are Warrick, Greg and Nick. They're friends of mine, from the crime lab."
"And may I ask who this pretty lady is?"
Jena flushed, "I'm Sara's sister."
Nick looked from Jena to Sara and back to Jena. "But... you don't look like her, not at all..." He turned to Sara. "I didn't know you had a sister..."
Jena and Sara shared a private look. "She's my foster sister."
When she saw the stunned expression on all of the three men, she added: "Yes, I have been in a foster home and no, I don't want to talk about it." She pointed at the chairs. "You can take one... it may be a bit more comfortable than to stay there..."
Jena walked back to Sara's bed and sat on the foot of the bed, legs curled up so that she was not interfering Sara's position. The men grabbed a chair and made the circle full.
"So... how are you? I see that you're feeling better..."
Sara nodded, and smiled at the men. "Yeah, I am feeling better... if it remains that way, I can go home in two days, still under medication and unable to work, but it's better than spending my day here." She smiled sourly at them.
"And... are you going to your own apartment... alone?" Warrick asked, it was still a question, but with a worrying undertone. Sara definitely was a person who thought she could make it herself, even if she couldn't, and going home alone after all what happened was not a smart move. He knew she had to stay with someone.
Sara shook her head. "No... I already have company, if you were going to offer, thanks but no..."
Warrick looked from Nick to Greg and back to Sara.
"And may I ask with who you are staying then?" Greg looked at Jena, but she shook her head, amused at the way the conversation was going. She knew perfectly well what was going on, but she wouldn't help her sister get out of the embarrassing situation, she had to tell them this on her own. "No... not with me."
Sara looked down, unable to look at the faces of her friends. "I... eh... I'm staying... ehm, with... with Grissom..." She smiled when she said the words, relieved that they now knew. Still, she was afraid of their reaction.
"Ah... we see... well, you're in good company then... with the father of your baby."
Sara's glance immediately turned to Greg, filled with disbelieve. "How...?"
He shrugged. "News travels fast... but don't worry, it's only Nick, Warrick, Cath and me who know..."
"I... I can't believe you... who... who told you?"
"Well... we... that means Catherine and me, were in the hospital, to investigate your case... you were unconscious, I don't think you remember it, but I scraped your nails. Grissom was not allowed to go in your room, he stood for the window and well... we heard the news from Grissom himself. So, no speculations, no gossip around the lab, but I felt that I had to tell Rick and Greg... I mean... they would have found out themselves..."
"And thank you very much... seems that everyone knows everything about me, even more than I do." An angry frown had appeared in her forehead, she didn't like this situation. "Maybe I wanted to tell them this myself..." The words weren't meant for anyone in particular, she just muttered them.
Nick watched her for a moment, hoping that she would remain calm, but the look in her eyes told him that his hoping was in vain. He knew that he had to defend himself, but especially Grissom. "Sara, he didn't mean to hurt you with what he told us. Your situation was really unsure, and he had no-one to talk to, he couldn't go to you, couldn't talk to you, don't get me wrong, but the doctors almost had aborted the baby. He had to make the decision on his own, and he was having a very hard time. Please don't be mad at him, he had no bad intentions; he just needed to clear his mind. If you're bitter because of what I have told Greg and Warrick, that's fine, and I apologise because of that, I agree that the two of you should have told them the news, but please understand that I told them because I couldn't deny the truth, I had to tell them."
Sara's stubborn expression did fade a little, but still was present on her face. Anger filled her eyes now. "So you probably all know that I'm 14 weeks pregnant, that we made love at that conference, yes, my boss and I made love at a work-conference, but no, we were not on the clock, it was completely legal. You definitely know that we both thought that it was a mistake, how on earth can you think that it is not? I was drunk, yes, you heard it correctly, drunk, when I got pregnant, you all will think that this is just my routine, my way of living, you probably would think that I'm some stupid alcoholic whose drunkenness is the cause of all her stupid mistakes... Yes, Sara, drinking is bad for you, and can cause brain-damage to the baby, Sara, how stupid could you have been? Come on, say it to my face, and tell me the truth, because we all know that it is true."
"Sara... please, this is not what we thought and you know-"
"What else should I know? What else do you know about my life that I'm not aware of?" The tone of her voice was bitter.
Jena moved closer to her, and made Sara look at her. "Hey... calm down... calm down Sara." Sara almost burnt her with the fierceness in her eyes, but looked down shortly after it; she couldn't look back to the woman who looked at her intensely. Jena caressed her hair. "Are you finished?" Sara still looked away, but nodded slowly. She turned her head to the three men, who were looking anxiously at her; they hadn't expected a burst of anger like this from her. "Sorry guys... I shouldn't have reacted like this... it's just... it's..."
"Don't worry Sara; we're sorry too... well... I think we're just all deadly curious about you two..." It was hard for Greg to hide his excitement, though he had mixed feelings as well. He had always had a crush on Sara, though he knew that she didn't like him that way. Still, he felt somewhat jealous at Grissom.
Sara glared at him, but then started to laugh. "No, I'm not going to give you details, you know Greg? You need to learn when to keep your mouth shut, and this is one of those moments."
Greg put on a pout, but smiled again very quickly. "I won't force you to tell, I was just saying that I... would like to know how it's going between you two."
Sara raised an eyebrow. "Let's just say... we both need some time to think about us." She felt that herself flushing, but managed to keep looking at Greg's face. "And I think that's enough for now..."
Jena felt she had to save the day of Sara, she needed to change subject. "So... I need a place to stay, I hadn't planned this trip, I just... took the first plane to Vegas, rushed to the hospital, and now I'm sitting here without a place to stay. So... is one of you willing to take me in your home, for a few days? I... I'm not going to be a burden for you, I'll be quiet."
The three men looked at each other, Nick spoke up first. "You can stay at my place, my pleasure, and you can stay as long as you want - no problem." They shared a look, and shortly after it a small smile. "Okay... I'll go with you... Nick?"
Nick nodded. "Yeah, Nick Stokes... It's Jena?"
"Jena Bonnar."
Warrick looked at Sara and noticed how exhausted she looked. Even though she tried to hide her tiredness and tried to act like she wasn't, it was clear to him that she was really tired and wanted to sleep. "Sara? I think we're going to work, is that okay with you?"
Sara nodded. "Yeah, that's okay, I'm really tired actually and I could use some sleep. Can I talk to Jena for a second? Alone, I mean..."
"Yeah, sure..." The CSI's stood up and walked out of the room. Jena stayed at Sara's bedside. Sara smiled at the redhead. "I'm glad you have come, I'm sorry you had to find out this way, but now you're here, I... I really appreciate it."
Jena smiled back at Sara. "You're very welcome, but wouldn't you have done the same?"
Sara nodded. "Yeah, of course. Jena... can you give me my nightdress? I don't have the power to walk to the chair and walk back to the bed..." Jena already had grabbed the nightdress and gave it to Sara. She saw that Sara was trying to undress from her jumper, but had no energy left: it seemed to be stuck to her. Jena quickly moved forward and helped Sara take off her jumper. In one fluent movement, she took the nightdress and helped Sara get it on. "That's a deep scar on your skin..."
Sara looked at Jena. "Yeah, I know. I can forget my model career now..."
Jena rolled her eyes. "I didn't mention it because of that... you can act like you don't give a damn, but I know that you do. You don't have to act like you're a big girl with me, I know you..."
Sara grabbed Jena's hand as she started to walk out of the room. Jena stopped and turned to Sara. "Jena... thanks for coming, for telling me the truth when I need it..."
Jena shrugged. "It's not a big deal... but you're welcome." She walked out of the room. When she arrived in the hallway, she immediately walked towards the crowd. "My bag is in a locker downstairs."
"That's fine, let's get that first then."
They mad their way to the hallway and picked up the bag. "Do you want to see the crime lab first, or do want to get some sleep? It doesn't matter to me what you choose."
"I'm a bit jet-lagged, but I'd love to see in what kind of environment Sara is working so... please show me the lab."
They arrived at the crime lab and walked towards the desk: Jena couldn't come in without a visitors-pass, so she received one. The guys escorted her to the break room, where Greg poured a cup of coffee for everyone. He served Jena's with a smile. "This is my special coffee, its Blue Hawaiian, hope you'll like it."
"Do you want milk or sugar?"
"No, thanks, I drink it black. Just plain coffee for me." She took a sip of it. "Hmm... this coffee is good. Never tasted anything like this..."
Greg glowed at her words. Nick gave him an irritated glare and Greg's smile faded away. When they had finished their coffee, Nick stood up and took Jena's hand. "Do you want me to give you a tour through the lab?"
Jena nodded. "Yeah, it would be nice if you did."
They walked to the locker room together. "This is the locker room, it's not interesting, really, but well... as the name says, and we have our... lockers here." Nick felt that he completely messed up with this. Of course she has seen that there are lockers here, and she knows what people use them for... why am I acting like a seventh-grader? He swallowed and smiled at her. "If you want to take off your coat, I can put it in my locker for you..."
Jena shook her head. "No, thanks, I'll keep mine on. What locker is Sara's?"
Nick walked towards one and knocked on the metal. "This one."
Jena turned around to the corridor. Nick got the hint she gave him. Together, they walked to Grissom's office, where they found Catherine, turning through some papers. Nick still wasn't used to find Catherine there now, she was his supervisor for more than two weeks now, he was used to that, but he still found it strange to see her sitting in his office. The plate where Grissom's name used to sit had changed, it now contained her name on it. "Hey, Cath..."
Catherine looked up. "Hey Nick..." She looked at her watch. "You're here early."
Nick nodded. "Yeah, I was just showing Jena the building... I have to bring her home soon, but she wanted to see Sara's work environment."
Catherine raised an eyebrow. She looked to Jena. "Hi... I'm Catherine Willows, supervisor of the nightshift... You're related to Sara?"
"Yeah, I'm Sara's sister. I heard that she was in the hospital, so I figured that she needed me, and I came to Vegas. I'm staying with Nick, and he's showing me the crime lab..."
Catherine shared a look with Nick, but his facial expression didn't give her much. She suspected that Nick had more intentions with his action than doing Sara and her sister a favour, but she couldn't prove it. "That's okay Nick, you can bring her home, but... I want you to be back at 10, when your shift starts. Well, if Jena wants to stay here through the night, that's okay as well. If you will excuse me, I have a lot of paperwork to do..." She rolled her eyes and muttered: "I had no idea that this was so boring when I said yes to the job..."
Nick laughed at her. "Good luck with it... I understand that I don't have to be jealous?"
"Maybe at my pay check, but no... this is nothing to be jealous of. Jeez, it's a lot more than I expected..." She couldn't hide a smile. Jena nodded politely and both of them walked out of the office. Nick made Jena stop. "What else do you want to see? I mean... I can show you the whole lab, but if you're not interested, I-"
"I am interested, Nick... show me whatever you want, but... if when you're finished... this might sound so weird... don't get me wrong, but... can you drop me at Grissoom's place?"
Nick looked at her, this request was weird. But if this is what she wants... why not? "Ehm... yeah, sure. I can drop you now, if you want, then we'll finish this tour later..." Jena smiled at him. "That would be a good idea... I mean, I think he'll be up now, well... I am afraid that if you'll drop me later, he'll be asleep and... well... thanks, let's go then..." Nick shook his head when Jena didn't look at him and they walked to the exit of the crime lab.
Jena stepped in his car and he drove to Grissom's townhouse. When they arrived there, Jena moved forward to him. "Have I thanked you already? I mean you're so kind letting me stay with you..."
"You have, and I already told you that it's no big deal, I... well, I don't mind your company - you're a very nice woman..."
Jena smiled at him. "Thank you very much..."
"Oh, don't thank me for telling you what you are... How long have you known Sara? I mean... she-"
"I've known Sara since I was 3, and I don't think that she'll want me to tell you about her past, I think she'll tell you when she's ready. I don't mean to be rude, but I know Sara, and she just wouldn't like it when I told you about... her time before she came in my family. Okay?"
Nick nodded. "Yeah, sorry, you're right. So... where do you come from? You're not from this coast, are you?"
"My parents were from a small village in England, but I was born in the US, my entire youth was spent near San Francisco, but when I finished high school, I moved to New York City. I still live there. I have to confess that I don't have an accent from Frisco... You're not from here either, are you?"
Nick smiled, he was used to this comments. "No, I'm from Texas, but I have lived here for some time now. What reason brought you to New York?"
"I wanted to see something else other than California, and I had been to New York with a friend, I was just fascinated at the city. I wanted to study there, I have studied English Literature, but I still haven't finished it, for some reason. I work in a bookstore now, I don't feel the need to finish it at this moment, I'm fine with my job, and don't need it now, but I know that I can always come back to finish my study."
She looked outside the window and opened the door. Nick walked her to the front door and pushed the doorbell. After some time, the door opened and Grissom appeared. He looked very confused at Jena, and then his eyes moved to Nick. Nick shrugged. "She wanted to see you... for some reason."
Jena moved forward and gestured to shake hands. "Hi, I'm Jena... can I come in?" Grissom nodded, still perplexed by this situation. He closed the door and left Nick at the doorway.
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