Chapter Three:

A/N: Thank you for all the reviews! Gosh, I haven't been updating much at all. It's my birthday today, but I don't feel like going to bed. When I wake up it will seem more like my birthday hah, I think anyways. Anyways, on with story:

When I'm not with her, she's all I can think about. It seems like I'm thinking about her a lot more than usual as I am seeing her a lot less. It's been a week since I've met Emma, and outside of work, I've only seen Sara once without her. I've talked to her, sure. It seems she's always having alone time with Emma, or I'm doing something with Lindsay… and when we do see each other outside of work we're at the diner with Nick, or Greg, sometimes Warrick or Grissom, we're never alone. It almost breaks my heart. I miss her, talking to her, joking with her. Telling her anything I feel. We were so close there for a while, closer than I'd ever been with anyone. Then Emma came along… and now everything, our friendship, it just seems like it's worth nothing. And I know that's silly, because what Sara and I had… have, is much different than what she has with Emma. Sara is not in love with me, and furthermore, I am not in love with Sara. I'm straight. I hate when things get screwed like this. If Sara was straight, I probably wouldn't be having this conversation with myself… not that I have anything against Sara not being straight, or anyone not being straight for that matter… but it'd make things a hell of a lot easier for me if I'd never had to start thinking about it. Lindsay knows there's something wrong with me, so no doubt the guys do. Sara might too, if she'd make time to say two words that aren't case related to me these days. When we do talk, I guess I should tell her how I feel. Not the jealousy, but the hostility, and the way I miss our time together. Maybe it'll get better, once the novelty of the new relationship wears off… or maybe they'll break up.

"Catherine?" I hear a faint voice from behind me, but I don't bother turn around. Catherine is a common name. "Cath?" The voice is closer now, and sounding strangely like Sara's. This time I turn around, and speak of the devil.

"Hey Sara." I greet her, trying not to appear as depressed as I feel. "What's up?"

"Nothing… just getting ready to leave." She answered, as she started putting away her things in her locker.

"Going out with Emma tonight?" I asked, trying to keep the hint of either sarcasm or hurt out of my voice.

"Actually, no I'm not." Sara answered.

"Oh." I sigh, trying not to sound too pleased. "Would you like to go out somewhere then?"

"Sure." Sara answered with a smile, making me smile as well. I couldn't stay frustrated, or upset, or whatever I was with her for long. "Where do you want to go?"

"I kind of feel like dancing tonight, actually." I decide after a moment of thinking. Dancing could always cheer me up, because if I knew nothing, I knew I could dance.

"Sounds good." Sara smiled. "How about I'll pick you up in an hour?"

"Sure." I nod, throwing some more things in my locker before grabbing my keys and turning to leave. "See you then?"

"See you then." Sara echoed as I left. I walked briskly to my car, not bothering to stop and say goodbye to anyone else as I made my way throughout the lab. I had to get home and get ready to go out. I need someone, anyone, to help me get my mind off of things. This was the perfect opportunity to find a random, disposable man to take home with me for the night. It wouldn't help that Sara would be there to find out how it feels to be left out for once either. By this time, I was pulling out of the parking garage in the lab, and soon was on my way home. Driving the maximum speed limit all the way, I was pulling into my driveway in no time. I hopped out of my car, slamming the door as I went. Rushing into the house, I headed straight for my room.

"Mom?" Lindsay called from the living room.

"Hey Linds." I called back as I began to rifle through my closet. "How was school?"

"It was okay." Lindsay answered. "What are you doing?" She was leaning against my doorway now, watching me quizzically as I pulled outfit after outfit from my closet.

"I'm going out tonight," I told her. "Well, Sara and I are going out."

"Oh." Lindsay thought it over for a moment, "I haven't seen Sara for a long, long time. Is everything okay with you guys?"

"Yeah." I nodded. "She's just been really busy."

"New boyfriend?" Lindsay wondered.

"Something like that." I sigh, knowing it wasn't my place to divulge secrets of that sort to my daughter. "So you'll be stuck with Grandma for the night."

"I heard that!" My mother called from the kitchen.

"Sorry Mom." I called back, smiling because of the amused smile Lindsay has on her face from seeing me being reprimanded.

"That's okay." Lindsay shrugged. "I'll probably head over to Lauren's house later anyways."

"Alright." I nod. "Have fun, and be safe." She makes a face at my last comment. "I know you hate to hear that… but I know what kids your age are up to these days."

"Mom, you have nothing to worry about. Except getting ready to go out and have fun tonight! So do that. I'm going to finish my homework." Lindsay tells me as she leaves the room.

"Good girl." I laugh. Turning back to my clothing dilemma, I realize I have at least seven outfits that would be ideal for a night out dancing. But which one to go with? I decide a dress will be a safe bet. Sexy, but in a classy, casual way. Exactly the look I want. After ensuring I was wearing proper lingerie for the type of night I was planning, I pulled on the black dress. I hadn't worn it for quite some time, but luckily, it fit me as well as ever. The low neckline clinging to my bust and the hemline sitting mid-thigh. I head over to the mirror next, brushing my hair through and then moving onto make up. Retouching my concealer quickly, I then pick up the eyeliner pencil to darken the amount already applied for work to something more bold and daring for a night out. Next comes mascara, then eyeliner. Clasping on a string of pearls to complete the outfit, I give myself a once over and decide I'm ready to go.
"Mom!" Lindsay calls from her room, where she is presumably doing her homework, but more likely talking to someone on msn or myspace. "Sara just pulled up." Perfect timing. I grab my purse, and head for the door, remembering as I leave the room to slip on a pair of black heels. By this time, Sara is at the door chatting with my Mother. Even more wonderful, now we may never get to leave. Spraying on a little perfume before I finally leave my room, I can tell it is going to be a marvellous evening. And it hadn't even started yet.

A/N: Wow. Hah. I haven't updated this in 39842 years. I started this chapter like, forever ago. But that's cool, it's finished now. I should be in bed, haha as I have school tomorrow… but I drank a bunch of pop earlier, and now I can't sleep. Thank you caffeine. Hah. Review please? Thank you!