Author's Notes: Well, I worked on updating ALL of my other stories this week, and I didn't want anyone who is reading this to feel put out, so I decided to force myself to sit down and write this chapter.

I've been told that I'm sending Greg and Sara on a torture spree...and, well, maybe I have...lol...and this one is chock-full of angst as well. Face it, I work in the coroner's office, I don't do happy. :-)

If anyone is still reading this, raise your hand so I can be amazed. Lol. Hope you enjoy!

This chapter goes out to my wonderful pal Emmithar, who is usually the torn in my side to sit down and focus. Amazingly enough, even when she isn't around, she's still able to nag me through esp or something. Lol. Anyway, she's my inspiration, and the one who turned me on to Sandle angst. Blame her. LOL.

Jenny

Chapter Five:

"You...you what?" Sara asked incredulously, her eyes wide as she took a step back, "What did you just say?"

Greg sighed, this was not the response he was hoping for. Looking away, he muttered, "I said I loved you, but I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said anything. Just forget I said anything. Let's go back to the hotel."

He started to walk away, fully aware that Sara was still standing still. Her voice traveled far on the empty beach as she called out, "So that's it? Forget you just told me that you loved me? Go back like nothing happened?"

"What do you want me to do?" Greg asked, taking a step towards her, "I can tell by the look on your face that you don't feel the same way. At least if we forget about it, I can salvage a shred of my dignity and our friendship won't be ruined."

Sara crossed her arms over her chest, shivering slightly, "Our friendship isn't in danger. I'm just...floored. Where did this come from?"

"I've always loved you." Greg whispered, "I can't remember a time where I didn't."

Tears welled in Sara's eyes and she sank onto the sand, her knees bent and her hands running through her hair, "Why...why now?"

"You asked why I didn't want you to leave." Greg said softly, "I..I just felt like it was the right time." He sat down beside her, yet far enough away to give her some space.

Sara gave a short, dry laugh, "Greg, my Mom just died. I don't know what I'm thinking, what I'm feeling. Why would now be a good time?"

"I don't know." Greg replied once more, shaking his head, "It was stupid, I shouldn't have said it. Please don't hold it against me...I have bad timing."

Sara sighed, trailing her fingers through the sand as she tried to sort out her thoughts, "I honestly have no idea what to say."

"You don't have to say anything." Greg replied softly, staring out into the ocean, "I'm sorry."

Sara shook her head, wrapping her arms around herself self-consciously, "Just take me back to the hotel, okay?"

"If that's what you want--"

"It's what I want." Sara interrupted, turning back to the direction they had came from, "I just need some time to think."

Greg nodded, walking silently beside her as they made their way back to the car. He had really stuck his foot in it now.

--

Sara sat cross legged on her bed, staring down at an old photo album Jaysen had left for her at the front desk. As she flipped through page after page of her childhood, it became harder and harder to hold back her tears.

When she remembered growing up, all she was able to focus on was the tears, the screaming matches, the numerous blows, the blood...all leading up to that one fateful night where her life was turned upside down.

It wasn't until she started studying the pictures that a few brighter moments entered her mind, leaving her quasi-reminiscent and heavy hearted. She traced her finger along the edge of her father's face, studying it carefully to determine that on this particular day, he wasn't drunk, at least not yet. Her mother wore a genuine smile, her young eyes reflecting in the bright sunlight. Jaysen was making a face towards the camera, causing the much younger Sara to laugh delightedly as the picture was taken.

It took her awhile to place where the picture had been taken, but after studying the background, she determined they had to be at the annual Sidle family barbeque. Her father's family wasn't very sociable, they were all busy people who led their own lives, not having time to be inconvenienced with traveling to an Aunt or Cousin's house for the holidays. Instead of numerous small family functions throughout the year, they'd all gather for one weekend during the summer to catch up on each other's lives.

The barbeque was usually a weekend of relief for Sara, Jaysen, and their mother, seeing as how their father had to make sure his family didn't show up with any bruises or unexplainable injuries, and hanging out with her cousins was usually a lot of fun.

She frowned as she remembered how none of her Aunts or Uncles had wanted to take her and Jaysen in after her father's death, how at school her cousins pretended like she didn't exist. It had actually been a relief to be sent away to her first foster family, just to escape the stigma she had been given at her school, by people who were supposed to love her.

She shut the book with a heavy sigh, pushing it off to the side as she laid on her back, facing the ceiling. Things were happening so quickly, and she wasn't quite sure how she felt about anything.

The phone rang, but she didn't make a move to answer it. It was probably Greg, and she wasn't in the mood to talk to him right now. It wasn't that she was angry that he told her that he loved her, it was very flattering, it was just so inappropriate for this time of her life. There was no way that she could be someone's girlfriend right now, she barely knew who she was.

She knew she probably blew her chances at ever having anything when Greg when she pushed him away, and with a groan, she rolled onto her side to stare out the large window over the busy city. She had just completely alienated the only man who had shown any interest in her since her relationship with Hank. Could things get any worse?

Her phone rang again, and instead of reaching to answer it, she pulled her pillow over her head to muffle the irritated scream that came from her body. All she wanted was a few minutes alone to reflect on what had happened, berate herself, and formulate a corrective action plan. Was that so much to ask for?

As the phone rang for a third time, she slammed the pillow into the wall, answering the phone with a growl, "What!"

"Hey, calm down. What's wrong?" Jaysen's worried voice asked, "Are you okay?"

Sara threw herself back down on the bed, slightly whining, "Didn't you get the hint when I didn't answer the first time?"

"This is first time I called. What's wrong? Is Greg giving you trouble?" Jaysen asked worriedly, "Do you need me to take care of him for you?"

Sara groaned, shutting her eyes as she replied, "No, I think I'm the one giving the trouble here. Greg's been nothing but great, and I'm being such a...such a...girl!"

"Well, Sara, I hate to tell you this--"

"Shut up Jase."

"Are you up for some company? I'll bring Chinese..."

Sara quickly cut him off, snapping, "No!" She paused, taking a deep breath, "I just need some time alone, to breathe and gather my thoughts. I'm, well, I'm not used to being around people so much, and I miss my alone time."

"Not a problem, sis, I'll see you tomorrow."

"Thanks." Sara said softly, hanging the phone up and stretching out on her bed, closing her eyes tiredly.

She was just beginning to doze off when the phone rang again. With a growl of frustration, she stomped to the phone, answering it with a sharp, "What now?"

"Excuse me, mam?" A strong voice replied over the phone.

Anxiety gripping briefly at her chest, Sara muttered, "Yes?"

"Mam, do you know a Greg Sanders?"

Anxiety quickly transformed into a heavy sense of fear as she sank onto her bed, "Yes, I do."

"Mam, this is Glenn Harrison with the San Francisco Police Department. There's been an accident. Your number was found in his car, and we need someone to identify the victim..."

TBC...