Chapter 14 – Sara's POV

I'm holding Lindsay to me, just listening to her cry.We're in the break room back at the lab as everyone buzzes around us, trying to find Catherine.
Catherine…
I feel empty, completely hollow.
I want to get up and help everyone get her back, but I can't. Besides, Lindsay needs someone.
I'm not a people person, and I'm emotionally and socially inept, but right now I'd give Lindsay the world if I could.
She's all I've got of Catherine right now.
I'm crying now, and it scares me more than ever.
I feel so much for her, and I don't think I could cope if anything happens to her.
It's not fair, we've been through so much, and when we finally get together, I'm cheated of her again.
Lindsay leans back, and looks at me.
Although she's been crying, her voice is clear as she speaks.

"They'll find her, won't they? Just like you guys found me."
Its more of a statement than a question. I don't know if they'll find Catherine, but I can't bear to think that they won't.
"Of course they will Linds."
"You miss her as much as I do, don't you?"
I nod.
"Do I need to talk to the police officers yet?"
"Not if you aren't ready."
She wipes her eyes, and her determined expression reminds me so much of Catherine, I almost start to cry again.
"I'm ready."

I sit with her holding her hand the whole time as she gives her statement. She's amazing.
She doesn't cry and she's remembered every little detail.
The only time her voice falters is when she tells Brass about the other girl she was with.
The sick bastard killed her, right in front of Lindsay.
She's been through so much, yet she's still sitting here, her voice steady, telling us exactly what happened.
As we're leaving the interview room, Grissom stops me.

"You need to sleep."
I start to disagree, but he cuts me off.
"Sara, you've worked relentlessly. Go home. Do you want me to make arrangements for Lindsay?"
"No. I want to stay with Sara."
She grabs my hand again.
"Are you sure? You could go and stay with your aunt or your grandma; they both want to see you you know."
She shakes her head.
"I want to stay with you."
Grissom smiles.
"I guess it's decided then. Now go, both of you."

I drive her back to my apartment. We could go to her house, but it would be too difficult without Catherine there.
When we get back to mine, we both sit on the couch, Lindsay's head on my shoulder.
"Shall I order us a pizza?"
She nods eagerly, but her expression is scared and sad.
"He..he didn't feed me."

I wrap my arms around her.
"It's ok sweetie, you're safe now."
I order us pizza, and once it arrives, I put on a movie.
It's some stupid comedy, but I'm too tired to focus.
Once we've finished eating, I ask her if she's ready to sleep.

"Ready for bed Linds?"
She nods.
"Ok, you have my bed and I'll take the couch."
She frowns.
"I want to stay with you."
That's fine with me. Anything to make her feel safe again.
"Ok then, we'll both sleep in my bed, but I warn you, I kick in my sleep."
It's a weak attempt at a joke, but she giggles anyway.

I lend her some pyjamas as she hasn't bought anything to wear. They're much too big and we laugh about it.
She snuggles against me, and falls asleep straight away.
I'm tearful again. She's so young, yet she's been through so much already.
Her parents divorce, Eddie's death, now this…
I'll help her get through this, whatever the outcome.
In a way, helping her helps me.
It gives me something to take my mind off Catherine.
Feedback anyone?