Allie sat her weary feet up on the seat across from her on the plane home from Albuquerque. Her first case since being back hadn't been anything like they were before. Hotch barely looked at her, and when he did the emotions that stirred within her only confused Allie more. Reid's thoughts were now a mystery to her, and he barely made the time for her anymore. Her best friend was gone. And so she sat and stared out the plane's window, feeling very much alone. Her thoughts raced over all the events of the past months. Coming to the BAU, finding her new place within the FBI... and then going on to ruin her integrity and her friendships.

That evening they all arrived back at the BAU. Although it was dusk, everyone was still at work, dealing with paperwork and various tasks. Allie sat staring at the same page for practically an hour, with no progress. As she watched the time tick down on her clock, she slowly built up with feelings of anger and hurt. She suddenly rose and headed straight for Agent Hotchner's office.

Allie entered and asked, "Sir, a word, if you have the time?" With that she turned and shut the door.

A startled Hotch looked up. "Al? What's up?" He stood and started to walk towards her.

She held her hand up. "Stop," she commanded, before he got any closer. "My name is Agent Greenwald. And four months ago," she started to explain, "I came to the BAU to save lives, and help put nasty people in their place. Over these past few weeks, I've become distracted from that purpose. I've let emotions come first. I've… forgotten what I started fighting for. I promise you those actions are done with. From now on, I work for you. And that is the extent of our relationship. From now on I am simply the Agent you hired. Sir." And with that, she left his office. And swore to herself she would start living her life differently.

After grabbing her things, while making her way out of the office, she passed Spencer's desk, and said, "Have a good evening, Dr. Reid," in the most professional voice she could muster. He looked up, his face twisted with confusion. But Allie did not see his expression, for she was already out the door and down the elevator.

Despite her decisive actions, the night that followed was hell for Allie. Upon returning home to her apartment, she broke down into a fit of tears that lasted hours. Her thoughts flashed to Hotch's startled and confused face in the office, and then the image of the back of Reid's head, the only thing she saw of him the entire flight home. She recalled his confession of his feelings for her, and how she ruined the moment completely. Guilt washed over her, sadness washed over her, loneliness washed over her. The thoughts tormented her for the entire night, not ceasing until exhaustion finally took her around 5:30 in the morning. Not even 3 hours later, her alarm waked her from the brief slumber she had, and it was time for her to return to what was now her hell.

Allie arrived at the BAU early. She put her things at her desk and once she saw Hotch and JJ arrive she felt a piercing pain. Her stomach was uneasy and she had an unbearable need to escape. And so she went to the only other part of the BAU that she would feel welcome.

"My dear!" Penelope Garcia cried out in joy, as Allie entered her large command center. "What brings you to my humble abode?"

Garcia's contently perky personality put a smile on Allie's face, despite her terrible mood. "Oh, I don't know," Allie said, "just wanted to come by and see how our better half lives."

"Oh, how you flatter," Garcia said, glowing. "Now, seriously. What's up with your girl? I haven't seen you since before that case you scared the living daylights out of all of us."

Allie gave a heavy sigh and leaned against her desk to get a little more comfortable. "I'm okay," she said simply, but Penelope noticed the dismal undertones. She also noticed the dark marks under her eyes and the way her brown hair was just dragged up on her head.

"I hope you didn't come here to lie to me, missy," Garcia pointed out.

"I didn't," Allie replied apologetically. "I just… needed to get away from everyone. I've got some troubles and I thought a little visit with you might cheer me up."

"Well I can't blame you for thinking that," Garcia replied with a wink. "But you can't expect me to let mention of your 'troubles' slide. I am all about solving issues. Is it work problems? Big decision ahead? …Men?" It was with the mention of the last one that Allie looked up from the feather pen she had been playing with. "Of course," Garcia practically sang. "The root of any lady's problem is usually a man. So spill." She rolled her chair around so the two were facing each other head on.

Allie gave a little laugh and avoided eye contact slightly. "I don't know how to describe it," she said anxiously, continuing to play with the feather pen. "And I can't tell you the particulars. Let's just say I think I screwed everything up with not only one, but two guys. Now I've alienated myself from a person that is… very important to me. All because I couldn't figure out what I wanted or make a damn decision.

"Well," Penelope began, "I do have a few things to say on this topic. With that Garcia leaned back in her chair. "You know that whole listen to your heart stuff?" She asked. "Total crap. Hormones do funny things to us and our emotions are nothing but unstable. Listen to your goddamn head. It knows what's up. Don't over-think, but look at the facts. You know what's right. You know what you want. Just stop doubting and questioning yourself and go for it. Everything a man could ever want in someone you've got, girlie."

A smile crept over Allie's face and she nodded in agreement. "Well, thanks Garcia," she said, leaning over for a hug.

"Anytime, hun," she replied. "Girls night soon," she added with a wink.

Allie turned and started to walk toward the door. Just as she was reaching for the door handle, she heard Garcia speak again.

Now turned away and facing her computer, Garcia said, "Oh, by the way, I was on my way out of the office the other day and Dr. Reid was asking me for advice on flowers," Garcia said. "He has such a sweet heart. Handsome, too. He deserves a nice girl," she added.

"Yeah," Allie replied slowly. "Thanks again," she said, now finally exiting the room and closing the door behind her.