Chapter 11
Friday February 18th, 2005
6:45 p.m.
Sidle Residence
"All right, are you sure you have everything you are going to need?" Grissom asked from the hallway.
"YES!" Sara snapped rolling her eyes. "Now shoo! It's California native women only night!" she continued with a smile as she picked up a piece of popcorn.
"Yes ma'am," Grissom replied with a wink to Jessica before turning and heading towards the door. "Don't forget, you need me, just call."
"We won't, now go before we see if the two of us truly can kill someone and get away with it!"
"Especially since we know all the mistakes not to make at a crime scene," smirked Jessica.
"Going," Grissom called before they heard the door shut
"All right, now that it's just us other than those nice police officers outside circling the place and the one in the den downstairs..." Sara began with a smile. "Let's start the movie. And we'll just ignore the fact I can't see it worth shit," she added with a grin.
"So what movie are we watching anyway?" Sara asked as she turned to look at the television, squinting slightly as the DVD started. "Sounds...fairy tale like...based on the music I suppose."
"It's Ella Enchanted," Jessica told her. "I wanted something as far from reality as I could get."
"Sounds good to me," Sara agreed with a smile and shrug before turning her focus completely to the TV as the movie started. "Was that the voice of the snake?" Sara asked some time into the movie when it came out of nowhere.
"Yeah, he's hiding in the saddle bag," Jessica explained with a smile as she took a bite of her chocolate bar.
"Interesting...snake... " Sara mused before turning back to the movie. "Okay, is Anne Hathaway seriously singing?" she asked some minutes later.
"And dancing," Jessica laughed as Sara shook her head. "That must be a sight. Good voice though...you know, I really like this song. Wasn't this one by Queen?"
"Yup. Somebody To Love." Jessica replied with a grin. "God, that seems forever and a day ago doesn't it? When they used to play it on the radio and such."
"Yeah back when we were listening to 8-tracks," Sara teased. "Although you know, I think I like it this way better. Romantic Ballad like...not that Queen's version wasn't romantic and ballad like, I can just see this one playing at a wedding better...and I'm babbling aren't I?"
"Quite. But know what you mean," Jessica laughed softly. "So, back to the movie?"
"Yeah, sure," Sara agreed lost in thought. Some time later the movie caught her attention again however. "Okay, don't tell me he just put that on his head," she began glancing at Jessica.
"He did."
"Idiot."
"So true."
"Then again he is a male," Sara mused with a smirk. "You know, I like this movie...we need more girl power flicks."
"Now that is true," Jessica agreed with a grin.
"Don't tell me they are dancing around singing at the party," Sara began with a laugh.
"Yup, dancing knights, dancing trolls, and singing party guests," Jessica answered with a grin. "But by the way, I'm so not doing that at either of our weddings."
"Hell no. That's what Greg and my brother are for," Sara replied with a snort of laughter. "Man, can you imagine Greg around my parents? They're still stuck in the sixties, they kept Chris in the seventies, and Greg is...well I'm not quite sure what planet he lives on, not that I don't love him to death mind you...but can you just see the four of them together with a band?"
"Thanks for the mental imagery Chica," groaned Jessica
"Hey, let's not forget, they're my family," Sara teased. "You got to escape them the majority of the time. You missed all those interesting family band nights that were entertainment for the guests," Sara trailed off with a shudder.
"At least you have a family," sneered Jessica under her breath.
Sara turned her head towards Jessica trying to focus on her and cursing her failing sight. "Yeah...you."
"No, not me, not anymore. You have a family and it's one that I don't seem to be a part of anymore."
"What are you talking about?" Sara asked confused. "You're the only sister I have, how can I have a family that doesn't include you? Hell Jyn, you're more family than my biological family considering my uncle and the fact that I still don't know if they knew all along so..." Sara trailed off completely confused.
"You don't get it, do you?" questioned Jessica. "You don't get that you have a family here in Vegas and I don't fit in with it. I was a poor substitute for the real thing."
Sara frowned as she thought before sighing softly. "What's going on Jyn? Talk to me. And any 'family' I have here in Vegas isn't complete if I don't have you in my life...don't shut me out Jyn. Please."
"I was here only as long as you weren't," commented Jessica sadly. "It doesn't matter that you can't work anymore, not to them because they don't accept that. You're back in Vegas so it's only a matter of time before you're back to work and the sooner they get John, the sooner you can return to work."
"Jyn...seeing as no one's noticed, I'm not going to be going back to work as a CSI. I can't," Sara began with a frustrated sigh. "I don't know what we can do to knock some sense into them honestly," she began after a moment. "What are you going to do now?" she continued looking up at Jessica.
"I don't know Sara," sighed Jessica. "It's getting harder each day that goes by. It's not too bad when they know it's me they're talking to but when they don't or when they think I can't hear them..."
"Oh Chica," Sara sighed softly. "Do you think we could get away with murder? Or mass kidnapping? I doubt they'd ever suspect us, I mean hey, the blind woman and the CSI, how would we have done it, better yet, how would we, let alone why would we risk me getting captured by John, and how did we evade my police protection," she seriously debated before glancing towards Jessica and smiling slightly. "Then again, we could always plead insanity if we did get caught. They made us do it, kept driving us insane."
"Maybe I should go back to San Francisco," suggested Jessica.
"Do you really want to?" Sara asked after a moment. "Cause if you do, then I say get your ass on the next plane and escape this place. Next get together would be there rather than here," she continued with a shrug.
"A part of me does but another part of me doesn't and that's what's making this so hard Sara. I'm confused and I don't know what to do."
"And you're talking to the worst person for advice in that department. You know as well as I do the number of times I called you trying to decide if I should leave or not. All I can tell you is what you told me. Follow your heart love. If it tells you to go, then go. If it tells you to stay and give this a shot...and I think we both know I'm not talking about working in the Vegas lights...then stay. Until then...well, you at least got me to escape to and we can watch silly movies and you can describe half of what's happening for me," she added with a smile.
"That's just it, Sara," sighed Jessica as she lay down on the couch, putting her head in Sara's lap. "It's my heart that's divided. Part of it wants to stay and see if there is even the smallest chance for us but the other half just wants to leave now before the rest of it gets broken."
Sara gently lowered her hand just so she could trail her fingers across Jessica's shoulder up to her head before letting her hand rest fully on her friend's head as she started to brush her fingers across Jessica's hair. "I know Chica, I know. And that's the biggest step we ever make in our lives. Putting ourselves at risk...setting ourselves up for possible hurt. You used to think I was nuts for staying every time Grissom broke another piece of me. Who knew one day you'd be here too," she trailed off with a sad sigh. "No matter what though, I'm here love. And if you stay, if you do get broken, I'll make sure we find every little piece and put you back together. After I bury Nicholas Stokes where no one will find him for another eighty years mind you."
"You promise?"
"Always. After all, what are sisters for?" Sara answered seriously. "You picked me up didn't you? After Bernie..." she continued thinking back. "God, that's a lifetime ago isn't it? Did you know Bev is pregnant again?"
"Again? How many is it now?"
"Five I think...maybe six. God knows they can start populating a school if they don't quit soon. The oldest is in high school now...how scary is that?"
"Okay, Now I'm starting to feel old here," laughed Jessica.
"Don't I know it, can you imagine...if he and I had...Sara Lee was conceived their wedding night...and that was his first time...his track record...God can you see me with a teenager by now?"
"Hell no."
Sara laughed as she nodded her head. "Well my dear, what are we going to do now? Start picking baby names since we're now facing a reality where I'm pregnant...which reminds me. Shouldn't I be...oh I don't know, feeling some signs of morning sickness by now? Let alone possibly showing?"
"Some people never get morning sickness. Clair told me that my mother hardly suffered from it at all. Apparently they didn't even know I was on the way until she started gaining weight and they couldn't figure out why so she went to see her doctor and found out I was the one causing the weight gain," explained Jessica.
Sara nodded as she mused. "You know, just realized...I've never seen you with any guys before Nick. Not even Prom," she began changing subjects.
Jessica stiffened at Sara's comment. This was a part of her life that she had tried to bury along with everything else from her past. "No one ever noticed me, I guess. Unless it was to tease me for having my head buried in a science book all the time."
"Ah, guess we are two peas in a pod after all," Sara smiled as she began trailing her fingers across Jessica's hair once more. "You okay? Is it getting cold in here? Or did you get a shiver down your spine?" she continued perplexed by Jessica's movements. "Umm, hold that thought," she rushed before Jessica had a chance to think of an answer. "I need to get up Chica, now," she continued as she lifted her hand.
Jessica quickly sat up to let Sara up off the couch. "Do you need any help?"
"I think I'll be okay," Sara smiled as she turned and navigated her way around the furniture as fast as possible to the hall and moments later Jessica heard a door slam. Rising from the couch she made her way down the hall to stop in front of the closed bathroom door.
"You okay?" she asked a few minutes later as it continued to be silent on the other side of the door before she heard the unmistakable sound of a sniffle. "Sara? Are you okay in there?"
"Not exactly," Sara called with another sniffle. "It's open," she continued after a beat.
"Chica, what's wrong?" asked Jessica as she opened the door and carefully made her way into the room. Finding Sara sitting on the side of the bathtub, Jessica knelt down in front of her taking Sara's hands in hers. "Sara? What is it?"
Sara bit her bottom lip as she shook her head. "Umm...can you check..." she trailed off taking one of her hands and gesturing towards the closed toilet. "I think I might have started my period..." she trailed off, "...at least that was what it felt like..." Sara trailed off once more.
Jessica peered into the bowl and let out a sigh taking a seat next to Sara and putting her arm around her. "There's blood Sara," she told her friend quietly. "Do you want to go to the hospital?"
"No." Sara whispered. "But I probably should," she continued with a sigh as she leaned her head on Jessica's shoulder. "Who wants to tell the officer?" she asked with a slight laugh. "Poor kid, he's what maybe twenty and now he's got a pregnant half-blind woman who is either having a miscarriage or on her period that he's not suppose to let out of the house. Not to mention the fact I've already scared him with my knowledge of the inner workings of the mind of a killer," she laughed softly.
"Well I can always drag in poor Dr Robbins," offered Jessica.
"That works," Sara smiled before shaking her head. "No, the lab would know before I do," she continued shaking her head. "Come on, let's get to the hospital. We have to call Griss on the way..." she trailed off with a sigh. "Anyone else think this is the last thing any of us need right now?" she asked as she carefully stood.
Jessica helped Sara from the bathroom and through the house to the front door, grabbing her purse and car keys on the way. She opened the door only to come face to face with an officer. "Get out of my way," she snarled when the officer blocked her path
"Ms. Harrison, where are you going?" the officer asked glancing between the two women.
"The hospital. Now if you'll kindly move your body out of the way, we'll be on our way," snapped Jessica.
"Oh, yes ma'am," he answered quickly. "I'll drive. Is everything alright?" he asked concerned as he moved to Sara's other side to help.
"I'm bleeding and blind, but I can still walk on my own two feet you know," Sara grumbled.
"You're bleeding?" the officer asked scared. "Where? What happened?" he continued glancing around as if expecting to find someone jumping out of the bushes.
"Why don't you just go and get the car Officer..."
"Samuels," he answered nodding. "Going," he continued rushing towards the car and opening the door so Jessica could help Sara into the back seat.
Jessica climbed in next to Sara as Samuels jumped into the driver's side and took off for the hospital. Once they were on the road, Jessica pulled out her phone and quickly hit the speed dial for Grissom.
"All right then, Jess please call Griss err, never mind you're doing that...Officer Samuels, I know you have to call your supervisor so just inform them that we are on our way to the hospital thanks to possible complications to my pregnancy. Fair enough? Good, now drive man!" she growled before letting her head fall back on the seat.
Jessica smiled and patted Sara's hand as she waited for Grissom to answer while the officer flipped his own phone open.
"Grissom," the man answered automatically, no doubt by the sound of his voice, he probably hadn't even checked his ID.
"Griss, It's Jess. I'm on my way to the hospital with Sara."
"WHAT!" Grissom yelled, going for soprano no doubt. "What's wrong?" he asked in his normal voice.
Jessica had to pull the phone away from her ear for a second, pretty sure that the other two in the car with her had heard Grissom's cry. "Sara's bleeding. We don't know if it's her period or a miscarriage."
Grissom was silent for a long time before Sara held up her hand for the phone, and Jessica handed it to her without question. "Gil?" she asked as she set the phone to her ear. "Breathe Griss, I'm okay."
"You're bleeding, how is that okay?" he asked and Sara held the phone away from her ear as she looked over towards Jessica.
"Think he's panicking more than I am?" she asked with a smile.
"Can you blame him, Sara? He nearly lost you more than once, he's not about to let it happen again. At least not this soon," explained Jessica, a certain sadness entering her demeanor.
"And I'm not going anywhere," Sara assured her as she reached out for Jessica's hand while she turned back to the phone. "Yes I'm bleeding, but it could be worse. We're almost to the hospital now so I'll see you there."
This time Jessica couldn't hear his answer, so the next thing she heard was Sara's goodbye before Sara handed the phone back to her. "Smile Jess, too much work to not smile," she teased lightly as she let her head rest on Jessica's shoulder. "Hey, this might be a good thing you know...maybe I wasn't meant to have John's child. God decided that John didn't need any little munchkins running around the world to be tortured with the knowledge that he was their sperm donor."
"Please don't joke about this Sara," Jessica requested quietly as they pulled up in front of the emergency room entrance.
"Laughter is medicine for the soul love," Sara reminded her gently giving her hand a squeeze. "I'm not going anywhere Jyn. As for this...well there are plenty of cases of women who have normal pregnancies other than the occasional period just the same. Women are strange, just ask any member of the male species," she continued as the officer hopped out and ran into the emergency room as Jessica opened the door.
Jessica remained silent as the emergency crew came out with a gurney to get Sara who rolled her eyes as she was set on the thing before being wheeled inside. The officer left to park the vehicle while she made her way inside and began filling out paperwork until the others arrived. Although Grissom got there only a matter of minutes after they did.
"You okay?" he asked softly as he sat down next to her.
"About as well as could be expected I guess," replied Jessica quietly.
"You sound like me," Grissom countered with a sigh. "So how was the night before..." he began for a possible change of subject to distract both of them from what was going on somewhere on the other side of those doors.
Jessica shrugged. "I explained the movie to her and then we talked for a bit."
"Sounds like an interesting night at least," Grissom nodded throwing a small smile her way.
"Sidle?" a voice grabbed both their attention as they looked up to see a doctor looking around the room. Rising they got his attention and he made his way over to them. "Family?" he asked to clarify.
"Sister and significant other," Grissom answered nodding towards Jessica then himself. The doctor raised an eyebrow at his answer before nodding and gesturing towards a secluded corner a small distance away.
Once there the doctor lowered his voice before starting. "Ms. Sidle is fine at the moment, we are running some other tests to be sure but as far as we can tell she is experiencing the normal aspects of her menstrual cycle," he explained.
"And the baby?" asked Jessica in concern
"We're running more tests, but from my initial assessment, there is no baby," the doctor explained gently glancing up at Grissom. "If my assessment is correct, heads are going to be rolling, how no one caught this in the time Ms. Sidle has been in the hospital is beyond me," he continued shaking his head. "Anyway, until the results come in, both of you can see her. She's being transferred to a room now just for observation until the results come in. The receptionist can direct you to the room."
"Thank you doctor." Grissom answered before the man nodded and walked away. Glancing over at Jessica he raised an eyebrow before nodding towards the receptionist. "Do you want to let the officer know while I find out her room and contact the lab? Catherine is covering for me, but I honestly don't want to face her later if she isn't informed about Sara being fine," he added with a slight smile before shaking his head once more.
"No problem," Jessica said turning and returning to the waiting area in search of their escort.
Watching her for a moment Grissom turned to talk with the receptionist as he pulled his cell phone out. After learning the room Sara had been moved to, he hit the speed dial for Catherine's cell and informed her that Sara was fine, but being kept for observation for a few hours and he was going to stay as well. Jessica was fine also and took note to pass on Catherine's comments to her when she returned. Hanging up he turned and saw the woman making her way back towards him as the officer stepped outside to place a call to his supervisor. Brass would be there in record time probably, after he learned of what happened. "Ready to go?" he asked Jessica as she joined him.
Jessica nodded as she followed Grissom down the hall.
As they reached the elevator Grissom looked over at her out of the corner of his eyes. "Catherine passed on a message for you by the way."
"Oh?"
"Hope your okay and your evening was alright for the most part. And have Sara give you a hug, she can't imagine what she would have done if it had been her with Sara and wanted you to know how thankful she is that you're here with all of us." Seeing Jessica nod as the elevator opened Grissom waited for those leaving to pass before letting Jessica walk in before him and hitting the button for their floor before leaning down to talk to her softly. "By the way, that message is true for me as well. Thank you for being the friend you are to Sara. I'm not sure how she would be dealing with all of this without you here. Thanks for putting up with the rest of us."
"I would do anything for Sara. She's the only family I have left," replied Jessica in quiet sincerity
"She feels the same way," Grissom answered softly as the elevator opened on their floor. Letting her exit in front of him he led the way down the hall before stopping in front of Sara's room and opening the door slowly. Inside they found Sara sitting up in bed, the second bed empty, as she raised an eyebrow at their direction.
"I won't bite you know, you can come in without fear," she teased, he would have to bug her later to see just how she knew it was them there.
"Hmm," Grissom began with a smirk. "I wouldn't be so sure of that. You have a tendency to bite people's heads off," he teased back as they entered, waiting back slightly to see if Jessica would want to go to Sara first. Smiling at Sara over Jessica's head as the woman did as he thought she would, he stopped to let them have a moment as Jessica walked over and wrapped her arms around Sara.
"Hi again Chica," Sara spoke as she smiled back at Grissom before turning her attention to Jessica completely. "How are you doing?" she continued with a smile to Jess.
"I'm fine," replied Jessica
"Mm hmm. So when do you want to continue our so rudely interrupted girl's night?" she asked as she sat back slightly to regard Jessica. Times like this she hated losing her sight, she couldn't read Jessica's eyes or face. And body posture, her aura, only helped her read her 'sister' so far.
"The next time Grissom can spare me for a night I suppose."
"Hmm, in that case, remind me to beg him to let you off soon. I have an urge to hear Anne sing again. And try to picture those dancing trolls and knights," she teased with a smile. "Besides, next time we have to watch a musical, I vote for Chicago."
"Works for me," agreed Jessica. "You know how I feel about Richard Gere," she finished with a smile, glad to have to conversation off of her for a while
"Quite. Oh did you know he's got a new movie coming out? I was surfing online back in Miami and found out about it initially. Looks interesting, with J-Lo. What I wouldn't give to be able to see him dancing across the big screen, ball room dancing..." Sara trailed off with a sigh of contentment. "Oh well, I'll just have to picture it in my head and get details out of you," she grinned.
"Oh God. Richard in tails," Jessica groaned at the image. "That man is a God! And that voice of his."
"And I think I just managed to send Jyn off into the world of fantasy," Sara laughed as she looked over at Grissom. "You gonna stand there all day watching us like we've lost our minds or come take a seat. You know I'm pretty sure that's a perfectly good chair here," she began waving towards the chair beside the bed, "that's perfectly empty seeing as Jyn is quite comfortable on the bed with me."
Grissom shook his head as he walked over to drop into the chair. "I'll have you know I wasn't watching you like 'you've lost your minds'," he announced as he tented his fingers to rest under his chin. "I was actually thinking a few other things, like curiosity about this movie you're discussing and what 'Anne' sings that you're so interested in."
"Well, you're just going to have to wait until you see the movie with me to find out the answer to that one," Sara replied with a grin in his direction before turning to Jessica as her pager went off. "Please don't tell me that God is being nice and that's Richard Gere paging you to ask you to... ahem... dance," she teased.
"It's Catherine actually," replied Jessica sitting up. "Looks like she needs some ballistics help on her case. Guess I better go meet her," Jessica commented getting to her feet.
"Okay, have fun and I'll talk to you later," Sara smiled. "And don't worry Chica. I'm fine," she added with a wink.
"Goodnight Sara, Grissom," Jessica said as she made her way from the room.
They watched the door for a moment before it shut behind her and Sara looked over at Grissom as she reached a hand towards him. "Hey, you okay?" she whispered.
"I don't know yet. God Sara, I was terrified I was going to lose you again," he admitted as he grasped her hand in his own and brought it up to his lips before reaching out to cup her cheek. "How are you?" he countered as he lowered his hand to take her free hand as well.
"Tired, stressed, sick of being unable to see as I once did, especially as I can't see your eyes or Jyn's to see what you're thinking and not saying...feeling crappy thanks to the normal aspects of that time of the month...and trying to figure out which I'm more, thankful that I'm not pregnant, or sad because I'm not," she finally admitted.
Grissom smiled softly. "Well I can help with the tired by getting you to sleep, and the stressed by being here. As for the sight, well I can only promise that I'll try my hardest to not keep things I'm thinking quiet seeing as I know it bugs you, and as for the 'normal aspects of that time of the month' as you put it...all I can offer is chocolate and a nice hot bath and a back massage when we get you home. As for the last..." he began sighing softly. "I'm sorry honey. And I know exactly what you mean, cause I feel it too," he began before swallowing.
"You know, part of me is thankful beyond hell that I might not be pregnant. It means there's no chance John is a father. And this isn't exactly the best time for me to have a child to take care of while I'm still trying to adjust to my failing sight. And with me in protective custody still...it's probably all for the best..." she trailed off.
"But..." he prompted.
"But at the same time, it might have been your child," she whispered as she glanced down at their hands.
"Oh honey," Grissom murmured as he reached up to stroke her cheek. "I know, I know," he continued as she finally looked up at him. "Like you said, maybe it's for the best," he began carefully. "And it might not be the best time now, but we do have the future."
"I thought you never wanted children," she reminded him softly.
"No, but then I never met you, never let myself love you," he countered just as softly. "There's nothing more that I would ever love than to watch you carry a child we created together. And if it doesn't happen, then it doesn't happen. But if it does, I'll love every moment."
"Even mood swings worse than ones I already have," she teased as she smiled.
"Even mood swings and late night runs for meat, then listening to you complain that you don't eat meat," he teased right back before she laughed.
"That will never happen."
"Ah, you say that now."
"Yeah, well last I checked you were the one responsible for my giving up meat, would make sense if you were the one responsible for my eating meat again," Sara smirked.
"You didn't have to stay for the experiment you know," Grissom reminded her.
"Like I would have left you there on your own Gil," she answered after a beat.
"True, true," he replied softly as he raised her hands to his lips once more.
"Knock knock."
"I do believe I recognize that voice," Sara smiled slightly as they looked towards the door where her doctor from earlier stood.
"Well, good to hear you can recognize it already," he teased as he came further into the room. "Not all of the results are back yet, but I do have a theory as to what happened," he explained as he walked over to stand at the foot of her bed and look at the chart in his hands once more.
"Share away, anything you have for me he can hear," Sara replied.
The doctor nodded. "I was looking at your information from Dallas. One of the anesthesias they used has a very rare but very specific side effect."
"Which is?" Grissom asked.
"It can cause false positive or negative results in pregnancy tests. I'm not sure why the labs in Dallas didn't think to double check, or how our labs never caught it, but I believe that you were never pregnant to begin with. You've said that your cycles can be rather sporadic, especially during times of stress, so my theory is this: standard procedure for any patient is to run every test, especially after a situation such as yours. The test came back positive, possibly because of the anesthesia, causing stress on top of what you were dealing with already, so your cycle probably went to hell in a hand basket, to quote a saying many of the nurses say."
Sara giggled. "That's a very common saying Doctor."
"Ah, another who knows the saying then," he smiled. "But I have a few other people to see, when the rest of the results are in I'll be back, if you need anything before then, just page the nurse's station and they'll contact me."
"Of course, thank you doctor," Grissom replied as they watched him leave before he turned back to Sara. "Get some rest honey. We've got some time."
Sara quirked an eyebrow at him for a moment before shaking her head softly. "Fine enough, but next time I hear those words from you, I better not be the only one sleeping."
"Deal," he countered as she laid back on the pillows, keeping her hands in his. "Night Sweetheart."
"Goodnight," she replied with a smile.
March 27th, 2005
3:32 p.m.
Desert Palms Hospital
"All right Ms. Sidle, I think we can call it a day," the therapist spoke as Sara sat back down. From the doorway Grissom watched with a smile as Sara looked up at her like she'd just declared that the world was flat and that the sun and planets revolved around Earth.
Shaking his head he quickly crossed the room to stop World War III. "She's right, Acushla."
Sara looked up at hearing his voice with a slight frown, trying to place him in the room before shaking her head as he placed a hand on her shoulder. "But I'm so close," she argued.
Glancing up at the nurse he nodded his head towards the door. She smiled and shook her head before heading from the room. "I know Honey, but we have to go. Don't forget we have Catherine's dinner tonight," he reminded her with a smile.
Sara opened her mouth about to protest before shutting it with a sigh. "Alright, alright."
"Come on Sara, let's go home," he smiled as he traced her shoulder down her arm so she could take his hand. Helping her to her feet she took his arm before he led her from the room and out to the car. Seeing her safely inside, he shut the door before walking around the back to meet the officer currently on watch. "Lead or follow?"
"I'll follow."
Nodding Grissom continued around the car to get in behind the wheel. Starting the car, he backed out of the spot and started down the familiar route to the safe house, the officer pulling up directly behind him. "So, how was today's session?" he asked glancing over at her.
"Normal," she shrugged.
Frowning slightly he glanced over at her once more before reaching over to hold her hand between them on the seats. "What's wrong Acushla?"
Sara looked up at him before shaking her head. "Nothing...I don't know. I just wish that things would be easier. I'm so tired of being tired, and waiting for John to show up, and trying to learn to relive my life now that my sight is going. God Gil, I wish my sight would just go away completely at once rather then loosing it over a time."
"What did they say at your appointment?" he asked softly.
Sara sighed softly. "Eighty percent gone. Rate I've been loosing...Maybe the end of next month, six weeks max."
"Oh Acushla," Grissom sighed. "It's going to be okay."
"How can you be so sure?"
"Because, I know you. And I know that there are a number of people here determined to see you through to the end."
Smiling softly Sara shook her head. "You're right. Well then, on to other topics. Did you get the new book like you promised? So we can practice my Braille?"
"Yes I did. And I'm sure it is one you are going to certainly enjoy."
Sara glanced at him with 'that look'. "You got a book about bugs, didn't you?"
"Only Beetles," he defended himself, smiling as her laughter echoed through the vehicle.
"God Gil, only you would be able to find a book about Beetles in Braille. Only you would want to find a book about Beetles in Braille."
"Guilty as charged, my Dear," he answered raising her hand to his lips. "And we're here," he added as he parked the car.
"Good, there's nothing more I want right now than a nice bubble bath."
Shaking his head he unbuckled before turning to look at her while the officer checked out the house. "So, any idea where we're going tonight?"
"Nope, Catherine said she'd call with the location later. I think she was having trouble making arrangements, or else she wants to just keep you and I in suspense for some unknown reason," she shrugged with a grin.
"The last sounds more like her," he agreed with a laugh. "So my Dear, if memory serves me correctly, we have a class in two days time. Are you ready to give the tango a shot?" he asked with a smile.
"I still can't believe you suggested we take dancing classes together," she countered shaking her head.
"Well, who else would I take a dancing class with," he countered as he stopped the car.
"Yeah, yeah, yeah," she replied rolling her eyes as the officer checked out the house.
Seeing the all clear he hopped out of the car and made his way around to join her. "So, ready for the party?"
"Give me a few hours and I will be," she countered with a smile.
"Fair enough."
"Gil?"
Glancing up from the newspaper Grissom checked the clock before lowering the paper. "Yes?" he called back.
"Can you come here," she called back.
Setting the paper down, he rose and made his way down the hall to the bathroom. "Everything okay?"
"Yes, you can come in you know," she replied and he shook his head before opening the door. Leaning against the doorjamb he raised an eyebrow when he saw her sitting in the tub, her arms wrapped around her knees as she looked at him.
"Help," she smiled slightly.
Shaking his head once more, he walked over and grabbed a towel before helping her rise, then wrapping the towel around her. Carefully lifting her into his arms, he smiled when she rolled her eyes, before he set her back down on the bathroom floor. "Do you need help getting ready?"
"Nope, I already set things out before I came in here. Now go back out there and finish your crossword. I'll come out when I'm ready, and I expect a full review," she ordered lightly.
"Yes ma'am," he smiled before making his way back out to the living room. Twenty minutes later he looked up from the paper when he heard her clear her throat. "My God Acushla, you look..."
Sara laughed softly. "This should be marked down on the calendar, Gil Grissom at a loss for words."
"Well, let's not tell everyone and we can leave them with their delusions of grandeur about me," he smiled as he took in her appearance once more. She was wearing a knee-length emerald green velvet dress that had sleeves that ended halfway down her forearms. On her right wrist was a small gold chain, and on her left thumb was a simple gold ring. Her hair, which was still short, though not as short as the pixie it had been when John got her in December, was back to her normal hair color, and curling like mad.
"I remember that necklace," he spoke when he saw it.
"I should hope so," Sara smiled as she reached up to gently trace the pendant.
Walking over he carefully placed his own hand over hers as he looked at the necklace he hadn't seen in years. He had been in an antique shop in Boston, not long after he met her when he had seen a butterfly necklace peering back at him from under the glass. A butterfly pendant, made from gold, diamonds, and other precious stones. The outer bands of the wings were diamonds, and the eyes of the wings were mosaic opals, synthetic thankfully as her birthday wasn't in October, which would have been a good deal of bad luck that she certainly didn't need. Pink diamonds comprised the body of the butterfly, completing the necklace. The moment he had seen it, he had felt drawn to get it for her. He hadn't given it to her then, instead just buying it and telling himself it was for his mother. But when she graduated…he couldn't resist sending it to her.
"I didn't know you still had this..." he mused as she looked back up at her.
"Of course I would," she argued softly before smiling. "I just never wore it to work; I didn't want to risk losing it or it getting broken. I don't think I ever thanked you enough for it..."
"Yes, you did. But we can continue this walk down memory lane later. We need to get to the restaurant..."
"You're right, come on then, let's go," she agreed as she slipped her arm into his. "Love you Gil."
"I love you more, Honey," he countered with a smile.
March 27th, 2005
6:54 p.m.
Restaurant in Las Vegas
"A toast," Catherine began with a smile as she raised her glass of wine. Catherine had arranged quite the evening for the small party that was gathered around the table. A private room in one of Vegas' finer restaurants but with the windows open to have the music from the main dining room's live band to drift in so they could listen. The room wasn't exceptionally large, more the size for a small wedding or dinner party. None had thought to inquire just how Ms. Willows had arranged the event, and many simply didn't want to find out just how she did it. So, other than the small dance floor a few feet away, the room was decorated with candles and sconces, and a large round table that seated Catherine, Warrick, Nick, Greg, Jessica, Grissom, and Sara.
"To?" Grissom inquired as the other six raised their glasses.
"Friends, some new, some older, but all unique, and to finally being together. All of us," Catherine replied with a smile. "Salute!"
"Salute!" the others echoed before taking a drink as laughter filtered around the table.
"Salute?" Nick asked with a smirk. "Now Grissom I could see saying such a...European word. But always figured you for a plain simple Cheers girl Willows," he teased as Catherine rolled her eyes.
"Bite me Stokes."
"Nah, I don't go for cannibalism darlin'," Nick countered
"You okay?" Sara whispered turning towards Jessica, who was seated next to her, when she heard Jessica choke on her wine. "Oh and Nick, how come you never informed me of that information before, say all the times I used those same words," she continued towards him to keep attention from Jessica.
Jessica nodded as she quickly took her water glass and sipped it.
"Ah but threatening you is half the fun Sunshine," Nick replied as he picked up an appetizer.
"Keep it up Stokes, and worries about Catherine coming after you for cannibalism are going to be the least of your problems," Sara snapped lightly as Grissom leaned to whisper in her ear so she would know Jess had nodded. Squeezing his hand in thanks she waited to see if Nick would push the subject.
"Fair enough Sara," Nick answered with a small smile. "I do know when to take a hint."
"Smart man. I knew there had to be a reason you kept him in the lab," Sara smiled as she looked at Grissom.
"Well that and he does come in handy for running around when you don't feel like it. In the lab of course," Catherine added with a wink to Jessica.
"And for bets he can never win," Warrick continued as Grissom shook his head.
"HEY!" Nick spoke up raising his hand to stop further comments. "I do seem to remember beating you on a number of bets Mr. Brown."
"And losing more than you've won," Warrick replied with a smile as he picked up his glass. "Course that is half the fun in itself," he added toasting Nick with his glass before taking a sip.
"Very funny," Nick replied shaking his head, but laughing as well. "So, to other topics so we can stop this bashing on the Texan," he began turning towards Grissom and Sara. "Since we haven't heard anything, has Grissom got you reading books about bugs in Braille?" he asked with a smirk. And it was Sara's turn to choke on her drink of water.
"Do we ask?" Greg asked leaning over to look at the two.
"Do we want to know what books he might have her reading?" Catherine continued raising an eyebrow.
"Actually, just a few hours ago we were discussing the latest book I found for us to read, and it just so happened to be a book on bugs," Grissom replied with a smile as Sara raised her napkin to her mouth as she shook her head.
"A book on beetles, I believe," she continued as she lowered her napkin.
"New subject, trying to eat here," Catherine spoke up with a shudder.
"Most definitely," Warrick agreed. "So who's turn is it to pick a subject?"
"Well, I can't remember if I've heard everyone's reasons, so why not why everyone became a CSI?" Greg spoke up with a grin.
"I could have sworn we've been over this..." Sara sighed softly.
"Well, what about you Jess?" Warrick asked curious.
"I'd really rather not talk about it," replied Jessica quietly as she played with her wine glass.
"Besides, would have thought it would be obvious," Sara continued after a beat. Unbeknownst to her, Nick was across the table frowning.
"You know, if I had ended up in the same business as my best friend," Catherine began with a smile. "I'd have ten kids back in Montana. You two definitely picked the best job to end up working together in."
"I don't think it was intentional Catherine," commented Jessica. "I think we both just had things in our lives that led us along the same path," she finished with a slight shrug.
"I think that's true for everyone here," Grissom continued with a nod as the waitress and a waiter came bearing their food.
"All right, I have to ask. We all know you went meat-less quite some time ago Sara girl. And yet you are eating seafood. Isn't that a meat?" Warrick asked with a smile.
"No, it's a fish," Sara replied with a smirk as Grissom leaned over to speak in her ear. After a moment she raised an eyebrow towards Warrick as she expertly picked up a piece of shrimp scampi. "Besides, let's see you survive that particular experiment and still eat meat."
"Once again, eating. So let's not go there and say we didn't," Catherine spoke up waving a fork at the group.
Finally Nick spoke up with a question about a recent movie, which started a conversation that got them through the main meal with relative fun and ease. After the plates had been cleared, and desert arrived accompanied by coffee, Sara sat up surprised as the band begun to play a new song.
"Griss?"
Grissom smiled as he pushed his chair back and took her hand in his. "Might I have this dance Ms. Sidle?"
Sara shook her head softly looking up at him. "Of course Mr. Grissom," she answered as he pulled her chair out and helped her rise before leading her over to the dance floor.
"Grissom dancing, now this is something I never thought I'd see," Warrick mused.
"Better yet, have to wonder where the devil he learned to dance like that," Catherine countered as they watched the couple dancing like a pair of pros.
"Well, we can ask them later," Warrick replied with a smile. "May I have this dance?" he asked offering his hand to Catherine.
"Of course Mr. Brown," Catherine smiled as she took his hand and they made their way over to dance beside Grissom and Sara, though a few feet away.
Jessica, Nick and Greg sat and watched the two couples for a while before Greg got up enough courage to do what he had been dying to do all night. "Would you like to dance Jess?"
Before Jessica answered she turned to look at Nick to see if he might object and claim this dance for himself.
"I'm not stopping you," commented Nick flatly.
"Of course Greg, I'd love to," replied Jessica, a hint of sadness in her voice as she took Greg's hand and allowed him to lead her onto the dance floor, stepping into his embrace gracefully as Nick sat watching and fuming silently.
"Interesting," Catherine whispered to Warrick as the music changed. "Would have thought Nick would be dancing with Jessica...and alright, did she and Sara take lessons together?" she continued glancing between the two women.
"Why do you ask that?" Warrick asked with a knowing smile.
"They're floating practically," she answered giving him a look that said 'duh'.
"Well I would think the answer would be no. Jessica has had more training than Sara."
"And you know this how?"
"Jessica is more sure of herself, you can tell in the way she steps. She's been trained a lot longer; perhaps all her life is my guess. She has the same movements that Lindsey does, so my guess is she took ballet once upon a time as well. Whereas Sara is only dancing like she's had dance training. And I know for a fact that girl hasn't been dancing like that forever. I've seen her at clubs," he added with a wink before Catherine smacked his shoulder.
"You spent far too much time at these 'clubs'," Catherine teased before she watched the two women for another few moments. "You're right. Jessica is lighter on her feet."
"I'm always right," Warrick chuckled. "And as for Nick, she's probably better off with Greg, Nick is over there trying to light the candles without a match."
"Hmm, interesting...very interesting," Catherine mused as she studied Nick for a moment.
"I know that look. You are not going to try to fix them like you did Sara and Grissom all these years are you?" Warrick asked pointedly.
"Fine, I'll keep out. But look how things turned out with my first couple," she argued.
"I don't think you had much to do with that Cath," Warrick reminded her softly as they both looked over at the two. "Besides, if you're desperate for a couple to get together. Why not help Greg with Mia."
"Hmm, now there is a thought..." Catherine trailed off as Warrick just shook his head in amusement.
Not long after, the music of Queen's Somebody To Love faded away and the three couples returned to the table, although Sara and Grissom seemed to be not exactly there anymore which had the majority of the table at least smiling over the fact that those two were so obviously in love it wasn't funny, and that they had finally got their acts together and gotten together.
Jessica sat there while everyone was enjoying their desserts trying to figure out what exactly she had done to make Nick act towards her the way that he was. Every time she looked in his direction her eyes met his and the look that was in them did not make Jessica feel very comfortable. A short while after everyone had finished their desserts and most were done with their coffee, Jessica couldn't take the looks any longer. "Greg, would you mind giving me a lift?"
"Sure Jessica," replied Greg as he stood up, helping Jessica from her seat once more.
"Goodnight everyone," bid Jessica before allowing Greg to escort her from the restaurant.
Friday April 15th, 2005
8:24 a.m.
CSI Lab
"Jessica?" Grissom asked as he knocked on the door that was open to the lab Jessica was in working on the computer.
"Hey Griss," greeted Jessica as she looked up from the computer. "What can I do for you?"
"You up to getting a bite to eat?"
"Sure," agreed Jessica
"Meet you out front in five minutes?"
"No problem. Let me just grab my purse and I'll meet you there," replied Jessica getting out of her chair.
Grissom nodded before heading out to the vehicle. A few minutes later Jessica joined him and he opened the car. The first few moments were spent in silence before he looked over at her. "So, what do you feel like?"
"Pancakes," Jessica answered not taking her eyes off the view out the passenger side window.
"IHOP okay?"
"That's fine," Jessica agreed.
"So, how are you?" Grissom asked as he turned and headed towards the restaurant.
"About as well as could be expected I guess," replied Jessica. "Worried about Sara, but then who among us isn't right?"
"Very true," Grissom agreed.
After a few minutes of silence Grissom wisely refrained from pushing her. Twenty minutes later they were seated and their orders had been taken. Taking a sip of his coffee Grissom smiled slightly. "By the by, before I forget and Sara kills me. She's having a party in a few days, since she's on that camping trip, she asked me to pass your invite on to you. She'll take care of everyone else once she's back but wanted you to be the first to know," he explained with a shrug.
"Well you can let Sara know that I'll be there," Jessica said. "What are friends for after all?"
"She'll be thrilled. Personally I think she'd rather just have you there and maybe Catherine and have a girl's night instead of inviting half the lab," Grissom smiled. "She finally cracked and decided that this was the only way to get the phone calls to her cell phone to stop."
"I can see Sara doing that," agreed Jessica. "So what's the real reason you invited me to breakfast Griss because you could have invited me to Sara's party back at the lab."
"Ah yes. Well," Grissom began with a smile. "I'd like to extend an offer to you."
"An offer?" questioned Jessica in confusion. "An offer of what?"
"An offer of a position. Here. In Vegas," he replied suddenly having flashbacks to the days he couldn't speak around Sara.
"You're offering me a job?" Jessica asked in shock. "Here? But what about my position in San Francisco?"
"Well," Grissom began. "I did contact your supervisor, informing him that I wanted to extend this offer to you. Of course you are under no obligation to take it," he added quickly. "But MacWhitter said that while it would be terrible to loose you, he understands why I would want you and why you might decide to stay. What with the reputation of the lab, and having Sara here," he explained. "But please don't think you have to stay. I just wanted to get this out there for you to know that we would love to have you and...well I'm going to shut up now before I manage to make a fool of myself talking," he finished with a shrug and half smile.
"Can I have a few days to think it over?"
"Of course."
"Thanks," replied Jessica.
"No problem," Grissom answered as their food arrived. "So, what else should we talk about? Do you like any sports?"
"Oh I don't know Griss, let's see, how bout horse racing, show jumping, eventing anything like that I guess," replied Jessica sarcastically. "Have you forgotten already that I raise thoroughbreds for sport?"
"Of course not. Believe me, Sara has given me a thorough introduction to each of your horses. At least as much as she can give me considering we have no pictures and such."
"Unfortunately, I don't see them as much as I'd like to but there are issues there that I really don't want to have to deal with."
"Ah well, that's understandable. And I'm sure they forgive you," he added with a wink.
"I'm sure they do," agreed Jessica. "Out with it Griss, you don't do small talk well so what is it you want to ask me?"
"Yeah, Sara is always telling me that," Grissom began shaking his head. "Ok, well I was wondering if you would...maybe...help me...with...something…" he trailed off. /-/Who knew it would be so hard to ask a simple question./-/
"I can't help you unless I know what it is you need help with Griss," prodded Jessica teasingly.
"Oh all right. Would you come with me sometime to look for something for Sara?" he rushed out.
"It depends on what kind of something you're looking for," pressed Jessica who was enjoying the chance to tease Grissom.
Grissom looked away as his ears turned pink. "Jewelry Jess, Jewelry," he answered shaking his head.
"It's okay Griss, I kinda figured that's what you wanted," apologized Jessica. "I just couldn't resist the chance to tease you. You're very cute when you get embarrassed."
"I never need any more proof that you and Sara are like sisters," Grissom began shaking his head. "She does the exact same thing to me all the time," he trailed off with a smile. "But, if we're done giggling at my expense," he teased back. "Which do you think? White, yellow, platinum, or silver?"
"That's easy. Yellow."
"That's what I figured," he began with a smile. "So, what other advice can you give me oh wise one?"
"Well..."