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A/n hello all and happy extended 4th of July weekend to all my readers in the US. Thank you all for your kind support. You're all wonderful. Here is the next chapter. Please enjoy.

Shoebox

Late afternoon sunshine filtered into JJ's living room and created shadows in the corners. She thought about opening her blinds but then decided to leave them closed. It didn't matter. She sat alone on her sofa with a cup of tea and her circling thoughts.

Her phone buzzed, but she ignored the call. For the first time in nearly ten months of dating, she didn't want to talk to Spence. Instead, she studied the call history and frowned. Her mother's number stared back at her from the display, and guilt wormed its way into her gut.

JJ put aside her phone and went to her bedroom. She pulled off her clothes and went to the bathroom. JJ realized that she hadn't run a bath, and she didn't want to stand in the shower. She left and went to her closet to find a robe.

Her phone buzzed again, and this time it was her mother. She grimaced and nearly answered, then shut off her cellphone completely. She didn't have a good reason for not seeing her mother after their case in North Mammon. Her mother would say," why not ask your boss for time off? I'm sure you've earned it."

JJ felt tears welling up in her eyes, and she wiped them away impatiently. Her mother wouldn't understand that JJ had to leave. She needed to get away from little towns and people that only cared about football.

"Remember how difficult it was for you to make it out of your small town. You did it, and you're a media specialist with the FBI.

JJ straightened her shoulders and returned to the bathroom. She decided to draw a bath and soak for a long time. She was adding bath salts when she heard her phone buzzing. She hurried out and grabbed it. It was Spence. She closed her eyes and then decided she would answer it. He'd call again if she didn't pick up.

"Spence."

"JJ, you okay?"

"No, I mean, yes. Just tired. Do you mind if I call you later? I was going to have a soak in the tub and then go to bed."

"Oh, ah sure."

"I will. Love you, Spence."

"I love you too."

JJ tried to ignore the guilt she felt at pushing Spencer away, but she couldn't bring herself to talk to him. Maybe tomorrow or next week, or who knew.

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"Thanks for coming over to see me," JJ said a week later.

Reid sat on her sofa with a mug of coffee and questions in his eyes. He wrapped an arm around JJ and let her put her head on his shoulder.

"I was worried about you. You've been distant since we returned from North Mammon."

"I know, and I hope you'll understand when I tell you."

"JJ, you don't have to explain. I know there's something you guard in your heart. I don't want you to tell before you're ready."

JJ kissed him and curled into his arms. "No. It's time. There is a reason why I fought so hard for this case.

JJ sat up and looked Spencer in the eyes. He reached out and brushed away several strands of hair from her face.

"When I was eleven, my older sister slashed her wrists in the bath. I found her."

"Babe."

JJ reached down and pulled her heart pendant from her shirt. "I know you've wondered about this necklace. It was her most treasured possession. She caught me looking at it the day before – um, she gave it to me and then – well, she was gone."

Spencer used a finger to wipe away tears the slowly slid from the eyes he loved. "I'm so sorry."

"I know," JJ said and returned to hugging him tightly. "My parents were never the same. They blamed each other and themselves. They forgot about me, Spence. I needed them, and they just – got lost. They never came back. My father left after a couple of years, and I've never seen him again. He calls mom once in a while, and I think he sends her money every month, but he's gone. I lost my whole family that day."

"I wish I knew what to say, JJ."

JJ pulled away from him again and sat up straight. She played with her necklace and then sighed. "I wish I knew why. She didn't leave a note. I think that's what bothers me the most. How could she do it, Spence? Did she hate us?"

"No."

JJ wiped her eyes and put her head on his shoulder. "I shouldn't have said that. I loved her."

"Yes, but you were a child, and she left you. It's natural to feel angry."

"How do I stop, Spence?"

"I don't think you're angry at your sister. I think you're angry with your mom and dad."

JJ looked at him, and then she nodded. "Maybe you're right, but I don't have the energy to try and figure it out."

Spencer didn't reply, and she knew he thought she should deal with her issues, but she was grateful that he didn't try to lecture her.

"You know I think you need rest. "

"Don't go," JJ said when Spencer stood up. "Please stay with me. I don't want to be alone."

"Alright, but it's my turn to cook you something comforting."

"Spence. You don't cook."

Spencer stared at her and then laughed. "You're right, but I can order takeout."

JJ smacked his shoulder and laughed. "Well, pick something good. I'm going to take a quick shower."

"I will."

JJ started to walk away, but Spence stopped her with a kiss and a hug. "I love you."

"I love you, too."

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Spencer dropped his mail on this kitchen table or tried to drop it but missed it. It fell to the floor, and he used a word he'd once heard Morgan say during one of their poker games.

He bent, and as he picked up the mail, a letter fell out. It was addressed from JJ. He grinned, pulled it out of the stack, and took it to his sofa.

My amazing love,

Thank you for listening to me the other night. You helped me realize that I will need to patch up my relationship with my mom one day, but not now. I don't know how I would talk to my dad. I have no idea where he is, and frankly, I don't want to know. I am sure you understand.

Anyway, I love you so much for understanding and not pushing. You're the greatest gift that the universe has given me, and I'll never take you for granted.

All my love, forever,

JJ.

Spencer took the letter and the envelope to his bedroom. He took down a shoebox and added the note to the growing pile within. He knew that Mogan would tease him for keeping the letters, and JJ would say it wasn't necessary because of his eidetic memory, but he liked the feel of the paper in his hands and the faint scent of perfume that made his head feel light and wobbly.

He put the box back in its place and decided it was time to finish a project for his latest foray into school. Then he'd call JJ and say thank you.