Chap. 16 What now ?
Disclaimer: I don't own Criminal Minds
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"How is she?" They asked as soon as they entered the room.
"We talked, she is happy to have her family back." He said.
"And you two?" JJ asked.
Derek smiled.
"We told all the truth to each other, now we need time to explore what we have."
"Good." Fran said gathering her son in her arms. "We need to talk." She whispered in his ear.
Derek frowned but nodded.
He followed her outside, and they sat in the nearest chairs.
"Yes?"
"Derek, I would like Penelope to come to Chicago with me when she's released from the hospital. That is if she agrees."
"What? Why?" he asked confused.
"I know that you all want her to come back to Virginia but I think that she'll need time… I don't want her to be overwhelmed and I think being in Chicago with me could help her."
"But mum, I want to be there for her."
"I know and you'll be from time to time. I know that you'll want to be there for her anytime, but you'll be busy and I think that she'll need a mother figure."
"I understand… you think that despite having her family back she'll need some space."
"Exactly, she's happy for now but she'll have hard times and I want her to confide in me even more than before."
"Well, we'll see what she thinks about it." He said sighing.
"Derek, I don't do it against you, it's just that I love Penelope and I hope she'll be a part of the Morgan family."
At hearing this Derek smiled widely.
"I hope so." He whispered.
"And even if she's in Chicago, you won't be worried when you'll be away on a case."
"I was thinking about taking some time off."
"Yeah I guessed so but you two need time. Even if I want you two to get married and give me grandbabies, I know that she doesn't have to feel rushed. She was still married only a few days ago and now she's a widow… a murderer's widow. She will need time."
"Mum you're the best. I guess you're right. I know that she'll be in good hands with you and the girls." He said kissing her cheek.
"Well let's talk about it with her."
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Fran talked about her idea with all the team in the room. She noticed the first reaction of protectiveness from them. But then they understood her point of view and agreed.
At hearing Fran inviting her to come to live with her in a few days, Penelope began to cry.
"Really?" she asked. "You want me to live with you; you don't mind taking care of me?"
"Of course not, you're like a daughter to me young lady. You always were and always will." She said glancing at Derek.
"Thank you. I just don't want to be a burden."
"Non sense. You need a peaceful place to heal, and that will be mine. The girls will be happy to see you whenever they want and your friends could come too."
"Thank you Fran…" Penelope whispered crying again.
"Hey baby Girl don't cry… that's ok. We're family."
"Yes we're family, she said." They all noted the wave of sadness that passed through her eyes.
They knew that harder times were to come.