Disclaimer: I do not own Criminal Minds. All the characters are not mine, either. I'm simply writing fictional stories about my favorite show. I do not make any profit from them. The stories are only for those who also love this show and want to read different material. All rights of the show belong to CBS and the production company. Thank you and enjoy this story.
Author's Notes: As you can probably tell, I'm a huge fan of the show. I love all the characters/actors in the show. The storylines are amazing. I'm an English major and a writer in the making. I also happen to be a huge shipper of Elle/Derek Morgan. I think they have a great chemistry. They had some sparks in the episode, The Broken Mirror and other episodes as well. This is a romantic story that gives the readers a glimpse to who Elle really is and what happened to her in the past. I hope all of you guys enjoy my story. Please don't hesitate to post comments on it. Thank you.
Previously on Unexpected Feelings…
Elle: Then why are we wasting our time talking about it? Let's do it.
Chapter 10
Everyone was expecting to see Morgan really lose it right about now. They knew him too well. He's not the kind of person to just sit back. He was never the silent type, especially when the woman he loved was in danger.
Morgan: Elle, think about what you're saying here? This is crazy. You should not have to go through that again.
Elle: Gideon is right. I'm the only one who can help Natalie. I became an FBI agent for a reason. I've been so overwhelmed with bad memories that I lost the sight of what is important here. It's Natalie. She needs us. It's our job to save her life, Morgan. You know I'm right.
Gideon: You are very brave for agreeing to do this, Elle. It won't be easy. The hypnosis can be dangerous. Are you really ready for this?
Elle: As ready as I'm ever going to be, Gideon. Let's do this.
Morgan: No, this isn't right. Elle, come on. Do not do this. Do not put yourself through that again. Please, listen to me.
Elle: Guys, can you give us a minute here. I need to speak to Morgan privately.
Hotch: I think that's a good idea. We'll be in the kitchen. Let's go.
Reid, JJ, Hotch, and Gideon leave Elle and Morgan alone in the living room.
Morgan: Look, you need to go home. You can't be here. You are already in danger. Don't you see that?
Elle: Derek, thank you for being so worried about me and for wanting to protect me. It means so much to me. But I have to face my demons. You told me that yourself. When you were in my hotel room, you said that I needed to put my past to rest.
Morgan: That does not mean that hypnosis is the way to go. What if something goes wrong, and we can't bring you out. What happens then? How is that going to help Natalie?
Elle: I know that it is a risk. I know that. But we have no other choice. You heard what Gideon said. I'm the only link to the rapist. I have to do this. It's my duty.
Morgan: Forget about your job for a second here, Elle. What about the duty you have to yourself? I cannot imagine what I would do if something ever happened to you. I don't want to lose you.
Morgan and Elle stared at each other for a moment. Elle saw a worried look in Morgan's eyes while Morgan saw a determined look in Elle's eyes. He knew that she had already made up her mind to do this, and there is nothing he could say to change her mind. There was no point in arguing with her. She really was going to do this, even if it kills her. For a second, Elle felt happy to see all the love that Morgan has for her in his eyes. It made her feel so much better knowing that she has finally found her better half. She has been in love with him for a while now. She never wanted to admit it to him because she was never sure about how he felt about her. He always had lots of women. The term player applied directly to him. But, now for the first time, she finally knew that he loves her just as much as she loves him. Here she was living through this horrific nightmare again, and yet she found love. Life really is full of surprises. JJ was right when she told her that there were good and bad surprises. In this case, there were plenty of both.
Elle: You're not going to lose me. I promise you that. Everyone is waiting, Morgan. It's time. I bet they've already phoned a hypnotist. And he's most likely on his way here right now.
Morgan: If at one point, you feel scared or too overwhelmed, you let us know and we will stop the hypnosis session. And I'm going to be right next to you, Elle.
Elle: Thank you.
Elle and Morgan share a big hug. And then he gives her a kiss on her left cheek.
Elle: All right, let's do this.
They walked into the kitchen.
Hotch: So, I hope you don't mind, Elle. The hypnotist is on his way here. We're going to do the session in the living room. There is more space.
Elle: Okay.
Gideon: Also, I hope this does not make you uncomfortable. But we all have to be present at the session. We might be able to pick up a couple of clues better if we were all there.
Reid: Seeing as how we each specialize in different fields, the more heads, the better are the chances of spotting clues.
Hotch: But it's up to you, Elle. If you really feel against this, maybe only Gideon can be present.
Elle: No, it's all right. It is a better idea to have everyone there. It's just kind of ironic, really. I didn't even want to tell one person about my past, and now I'm going to tell everyone about it.
Morgan: The important thing is that we are all here for you.
JJ: You are surrounded by your friends, Elle.
Reid: We all care about you. None of us feel differently about you because of what happened to you in your past.
About ten minutes later, Dr. Palmer walked into the house. Everyone exchanged hellos and introductions. Time was running out, and so the session had to start immediately.
Dr. Palmer: Now, Ms. Greenaway, are you really sure about this?
Elle: Yes, Dr. Palmer, I am.
Dr. Palmer: All right. Let's get started then.
Elle suddenly felt a little nervous. Morgan sensed her fear and held her hand for support. Dr. Palmer, Elle, and Morgan were all seating on the couch while everyone else was scattered around the living room.
Dr. Palmer: Elle, I need you to relax. Please close your eyes. That's good. Now, I need you to imagine yourself in a peaceful garden with beautiful flowers everywhere. There are roses and daises. You can hear the sound of birds. It's a soothing sound that relaxes your soul. Now, I'm going to gently count till five. Let all your worries and anxieties go. One…two…three…four…five.
Elle was no fully in a trance. Her eyes were closed and she was resting her head on the couch. Meanwhile, Morgan was still holding her hand. He never wanted to let it go.
Dr. Palmer: Elle, can you hear me?
Elle: Yes.
Dr. Palmer: Please describe your surroundings.
Elle: I'm playing with my favorite doll. She's very pretty.
Dr. Palmer: What is she wearing?
Elle: A pink dress. She has long hair.
Dr. Palmer: Are you happy?
Elle: Yes. My mother gave me this doll for my seventh birthday.
Dr. Palmer: Tell me about your mom, Elle.
Elle: She has a beautiful singing voice. I love hearing her sing. And she reads fairy tales to me every day. I love my mom.
Dr. Palmer: And where is your father?
Elle: He's coming home soon. He's still at work.
Dr. Palmer: Tell me about your father.
Elle: He's the best daddy in the world. He always takes me to the park and buys me ice cream.
Dr. Palmer: Sounds like you have the best parents.
Elle: Yes.
Dr. Palmer: Now, Elle, I need you to think about your seventeenth birthday. Do you remember that day?
Elle: Yes.
Dr. Palmer: Tell me. What did your mom and dad give you for your birthday?
Elle: They bought me a car.
Dr. Palmer: Did you like the car, Elle?
Elle: Yes, very much. I couldn't wait to show it to all my friends.
Dr. Palmer: What color was it?
Elle: Red.
Dr. Palmer: Now, what did you do when your parents went on their vacation?
Elle: I invited some friends over to my house for some pizza.
Dr. Palmer: That must have been so nice. Did you have lots of friends?
Elle: Yes.
Dr. Palmer: So then your friends went home? What happened after?
Elle: I read a book.
Dr. Palmer: What was the title of the book?
Elle: Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen.
Dr. Palmer: That's a really good book. Now, it's almost midnight. You have just finished reading your book. What are you doing now? Describe your steps, Elle.
Elle: I'm in my room. I feel sleepy. I need to get some rest. I go to my bed and lie down.
Dr. Palmer: And how do you feel now?
Elle: Comfortable. I close my eyes and start to fall asleep. But…
Dr. Palmer: But what, Elle? Does something interrupt you?
Elle: Yes. I hear a noise coming from downstairs.
Dr. Palmer: What are you doing now?
Elle: I'm walking down the steps.
Dr. Palmer: How are you feeling?
Elle: A little scared. I'm in my house alone. My parents are away. I walk into the kitchen because that's where I hear the noise. And…uh…
Dr. Palmer: It's all right. You can tell me.
Elle: Um, no one is there. So then I go to the living room…
Dr. Palmer: Is someone in the living room, Elle?
Elle: Um, someone covers my mouth! And tackles me to the ground! Let go off me! Let me go!
In this instant, Morgan wanted to snap Elle out of her trance. But Hotch motioned for him to relax. Mr. Palmer also signaled to Morgan to sit back.
Dr. Palmer: Elle, can you hear me?
Elle: He's hurting me! He hits my stomach and slaps my face! Stop it! Don't hurt me, please!
Dr. Palmer: Can you see his face, Elle? I need you to focus on his face.
Elle: Um, he has cold eyes. They're brown eyes.
Dr. Palmer: That's good. That's very good, Elle. What else do you notice about that man?
Elle: No! He's taking off my clothes! Please stop it! Don't hurt me!
Morgan was having trouble listening to this. He barely could hold his composure.
Dr. Palmer: Elle, tell me more about his face?
Elle: He has a scar on his chin, a big one. His mask does not cover the scar.
Dr. Palmer: What about the color of his hair, Elle? Can you see it?
Elle: I can see a strand of his hair. It looks dark black, and it's curly. Oh my god! I'm naked now! He's trying to rape me! Help! I need help! Someone please help me!
Morgan held Elle's hand tighter. Elle now had tears rolling down her cheeks. Her body was shaking in fear. JJ also had a tear down her cheek. She was overwhelmed with seeing her friend in so much pain. Reid, Hotch, and Gideon all wanted to look away and block out the image of Elle sobbing and crying out in pain. Every one of them wanted to stop the session now, but Dr. Palmer motioned for them to wait a few more minutes.
Dr. Palmer: Elle, did he say anything to you?
Elle: He, um, told me that I'm sexy. He said that he always thought I was sexy.
Dr. Palmer: Do you recognize his voice? Is it someone you know?
Elle: It sounds so familiar, but I don't know where I heard it before…
Dr. Palmer: Tell me about his voice?
Elle: It's very low. Like, he's almost whispering. He has this weird way of pronouncing the letter s.
Dr. Palmer: What do you mean, Elle?
Elle: It almost sounds like th.
Dr. Palmer: What is he wearing? Does he have cologne on?
Elle: Um, he's wearing pants and a t-shirt. He does have cologne on. But I can't tell what kind…
Dr. Palmer: Describe the smell to me.
Elle: Um, like raspberries. Stop it! Help me! No!
Dr. Palmer: What's happening, Elle? What's he doing?
Elle: He's gliding into me! It hurts so badly! I can't take it anymore. I just want to die. I want him to kill me now! He's really pushing into me. There is blood everywhere. I can't breathe. Everything hurts. My thighs hurt. Stop it, please! I'm begging him to stop it. But he says nothing to me. He just hits me on my face again. Oh my god! I feel like I'm already dying. Why won't he stop hurting me? What did I do to deserve this?
Dr. Palmer: Elle, I need you to focus. What else can you tell me about him?
Elle was not answering. She was sobbing and shaking. Morgan was trying to keep her calm. He was wiping off her tears. JJ was also fully crying now. She just could not take it anymore either. Reid walked over to JJ and put his arm around her. Morgan had tears also rolling down his cheeks. And he didn't even bother to wipe them off. His entire focus was on Elle.
Dr. Palmer: Elle?
Elle: His hands.
Dr. Palmer: What about his hands?
Elle: The thumb on his left hand. It has no nail on it. It's completely disfigured.
Dr. Palmer: That's good. What else, Elle?
Elle: Um…
Dr. Palmer: You said you know his voice from somewhere. Think. Where did you hear it before?
Elle: I don't know. I don't remember. He sounds familiar.
Dr. Palmer: Try to remember. His voice. You said that he does not pronounce the letter r correctly. That's unusual.
Elle: I'm trying. But I don't remember. I can't remember. His voice. Where did I hear it before?
Dr. Palmer: A friend of the family maybe? A teacher? Who is it, Elle?
Elle: No, it's not a friend of the family. No one says the letter r like that.
Dr. Palmer: Someone you met at the park, maybe? How about perhaps the parent of one of your best friends?
Elle: Uh…
Dr. Palmer: What's going on now, Elle.
Elle: Oh no! Get away from me. What else do you want from me? No!
Dr. Palmer: Elle?
Elle: He's going at me with a knife. I'm fighting him off. But I can't. He's too strong for me. Help!
Dr. Palmer: Focus on his voice, Elle. Who is it?
Elle: No! Let go of me! The knife! He's trying to kill me. I can't fight him off. Help me! Somebody please make him stop. No! No! No! I can't breathe! He's hurting me!
Elle was now shaking uncontrollably. Morgan has had enough of this.
Morgan: Snap her out of it now! That's enough!
Gideon: Morgan is right. It has gone long enough.
Dr. Palmer: Elle? Elle, can you hear me?
Elle: Stop him! He's hurting me!
Dr. Palmer: Elle, it's all right. You're safe. You need to open your eyes now. It's time to wake up, Elle.
Elle: Let me go!
Dr. Palmer: Elle, it's Dr. Palmer. Listen to my voice. You need to wake up now. It's all over. No one is hurting you anymore. You're not seventeen years old anymore. You are no longer at your house. You will open your eyes on the count of five. Okay? Focus on my voice, Elle. Everything is fine. You are surrounded by your friends. They all care about you. You are no longer alone or afraid. One…two…three…four…five.
Elle was not waking up. She was still shaking and yelling. Suddenly, everyone was afraid in the room. Morgan felt as though his heart had stopped beating. He was terrified.
Dr. Palmer: Elle? Elle, you need to open your eyes now.
Morgan: What's happening? She's not waking up. Do something! What kind of hypnotist are you? You can't even get her out of her trance!
Hotch: Morgan, calm down! Let Dr. Palmer do his job.
Morgan: I don't see him doing his job. Look at Elle. Look at her, and you tell me everything is okay.
Elle: Stop it! Stop hurting me! No!
Dr. Palmer: Elle? Elle! Focus on the sound of my voice. Open your eyes. You can do it. You are no longer seventeen years old. You're now an FBI agent. No one is hurting you. You are safe. Open your eyes.
Elle: No! Make him stop!
Dr. Palmer: Elle, listen to me. You are no longer in your house. Open your eyes.
Morgan: She is not responding, doctor! Can't you see that? If you don't get her back, I will kill you with my own bare hands!
Hotch: Special Agent Derek Morgan, you need to sit down. That's an order!
Morgan: I knew this was a bad idea. I told all of you not to do this at all. And now we can't bring Elle back!
Dr. Palmer: Elle, it's Dr. Palmer. You need to wake up. Focus on opening your eyes. Your friends are right here waiting for you. Gideon, Hotch, Reid, JJ, and Morgan are all here. Just open your eyes.
Elle: The knife! I need my parents. Where are my parents? Oh my god, I'm going to die. He's going to kill me. No!
Dr. Palmer: Elle? Elle, no one is going to kill you. You are not in danger. Let's try this again. I will count till five, and you will open your eyes. You are an FBI agent. You are no longer anyone's victim. You are strong. You are safe. One…two…three…four…five.
To be continued…
Coming up…Will Elle snap out of her trance? Does the team have enough clues to find Natalie before it's too late? Stay tuned.
