Chap. 7 Coming back home

Disclaimer: I don't own Criminal Minds

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Just after her shower, Penelope and Chris went out for their last day in town as they had to come back to California the next day.

She kept quiet most of the time. Chris sensing her mood kept apologizing to her. She let it slide but feared what he could possibly do in the future.

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Derek needed several hours to cool off after Pearl scene with Penelope. He couldn't stop thinking about her eyes full of tears. He was glad he had been here for her but wondered who she could turn to in the future.

When Pearl came back it was dinner time. She took her place around the table and stroke Derek's cheek.

"Honey I'm so sorry. I shouldn't have said that to your friend. I'll call her, if you give me her phone…"

"No that's ok. You've done enough. And it's not as if we'll see her anytime soon, is it? "He said with a deep voice.

Fran stared at her son and sensed the turmoil he was feeling. She knew she would have to talk to him before he leaves Chicago the next day.

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During the flight, Penelope kept staring outside the window. She needed to call the girls and tell them she was married. She knew that they wouldn't take it well. What seemed a good idea the day she married him was becoming more and more complicated.

"You're ok honey?" Chris asked.

"Yes, I'm tired. That's all."

"Ok have some rest. I'll wake you before we land."

"Ok." She said shutting her eyes.

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Derek and Pearl didn't say much to each other while he was driving them back home.

Derek was thinking about the discussion he had with his mother that night while he couldn't sleep.

Flashback

Fran, Derek and Pearl finished the dinner and not long after headed to bed.

Derek kept turning in the bed while Pearl was fast asleep. He decided to go downstairs and drink some water. Some minutes later he was joined by his mother.

"Mom? I'm sorry; I didn't mean to wake you.

"You didn't wake me. I needed to talk to you."

"Yes?"

"It's about P…"

"Pearl…. I'm sorry for her behaviour. It won't happen again."

"No I meant Penelope. Is there any chance that you two….?"

"Mom. We already had this talk, there's nothing between us. Plus she's married and I have someone."

"This doesn't mean you're happy."

"Mom…"

"Derek, do you see a future with Pearl? I mean marriage, children…"

"I… I don't know."

"You've been seeing each other for more than one year now. Don't you think that you should have an idea about the question?"

"Yes I guess you're right. I'll think about it."

"Derek don't fool yourself, Pearl and Penelope are nearly alike physically, and Penelope married a tall dark and handsome man…."

"It's a coincidence."

Fran smiled lightly.

"Coincidence or not I just want you to be happy. If there's a chance that you have deep feelings for Penelope, try to win her heart. I know she's married but a married woman, a new married woman shouldn't be shedding so many tears."

"Ok mum. Thank you."

They kept talking missing the light movement upstairs… pearl going back to bed after hearing most of their talk.

End of flashback

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Soon they were back at his place. Derek having to work the next day, pearl came back to her place.

Just before heading to sleep, she made a necessary phone call.

"You should keep a close look at your wife. I shouldn't be surprised if a certain FBI agent pays her a visit."