Chapter 19
Friday, December 2, 2005
1:35 p.m.
Stokes Residence
"Sara?"
"Hey," Sara sighed into the phone as she shifted on the couch.
"Honey where are you?" Grissom asked over the phone.
"Nick's."
"Why are you there?"
Sara shook her head softly at the confusion in his voice. "Long story Love, but I'm in desperate need of a ride and pretty sure you're in desperate need of ringing my neck."
"That's putting it lightly Sara," he growled over the phone. "God, I came home and you were gone..."
"I know," she whispered with a sigh. "I'm sorry Gil. But Jyn called and she was a wreck and...well..." trailing off she listened as he sighed heavily.
"I'll meet you out front in a moment," he spoke finally. Hearing a door shut on a car she realized that it must be him.
He was waiting at the door when she opened it, and immediately pulled her to him. Closing her eyes she wrapped her arms around his neck and laid her head on his shoulder. After a few minutes of silence Sahidi whacked his tail against the door loud enough to get their attention before they leaned back to look at him.
"Come on, let's go home," he spoke softly and she looked back up at him. Nodding softly she let him lead her to the car before she began to tell him what had happened.
Friday, December 2, 2005
2:15 p.m.
Harrison Residence
"Catherine, I need to see Jessica," Nick said when Catherine opened the door.
"Mmm hmm. And you promise that I won't get another call from Sara to come watch over Jessica while she goes to give you a new opinion on life, if I let you?" she asked as she leaned against the doorjamb.
"I promise, now will you please just let me in?"
"Of course," Catherine smiled as she stood up. "Be careful Nick, she's not doing so good," she added softly as she turned and picked up her purse, cell phone already in hand.
"I promise," agreed Nick as he stepped into the house past Catherine who was on her way out.
"Sara? Is that you?" asked Jessica groggily as she emerged from one of the back rooms only to come face to face with the last person she expected to see in her living room. "Nick, what are you doing here?"
"Look Jess, I realize that I'm probably the last person you want to see right now but…"
"But what Nick? If you're here to break my heart again you can just leave because you've already done a really good job of it for a second time," snapped Jessica who had not moved from the bedroom doorway.
"God Jess, the last thing I wanted to do was hurt you and I'm sorry if my actions lately have led you to think things that aren't true. I'm sorry I didn't take you to Dallas with me and I know that you overheard Warrick and I talking the other day so I know you heard that I haven't told my parents about us yet but Jess there is a reason why I haven't told them," Nick said, trying to explain as he walked cautiously towards Jessica.
"Yeah, a reason named Sofia, right?" demanded Jessica as she brushed past Nick and towards the front window, wiping away a few tears in the process.
"Jess, I swear to you there is nothing going on between Sofia and me. We're colleagues nothing more."
"Colleagues who seem to spend every waking minute together recently. Is she the reason why you didn't want me to come back here?"
"Jess the reason I told you not to come here for Thanksgiving is that Ecklie had just broken us all up and the lab was in chaos plus I knew I wouldn't be here. I didn't want you coming back here only to have to spend the weekend alone," Nick explained following Jessica back into the living room.
"Fine, let's say I believe that," Jessica began turning to face Nick. "That still doesn't explain Sofia and what you've been doing with her recently. I'm not blind Nick, I see the way that she looks at you and I can't compete with that."
"Can't compete with what, Jess?" asked Nick as he took a few tentative steps closer.
"God Nick, she's beautiful…"
"And you're not," he countered closing the last of the gap between them, taking her chin in his hand.
"No I'm not," admitted Jessica as she pulled away. "I'm not surprised that you would choose someone like her over me Nick. I just wish you would have done so long before now."
"Jess, I have not chosen Sofia over you and you are beautiful. I just hope that our child turns out to be a daughter and that she's as beautiful as her mother," Nick said in hopes of reassuring Jessica.
"Oh God, Sara told you?" Jessica asked desperately as she collapsed to the couch, her head in her hands.
"Yes, Sara told me," Nick said as he knelt down in front of Jessica, raising her chin so he could look into her tear filled eyes. "Jess, it doesn't change the way I feel about you. In fact it only makes me love you that much more knowing that's my child you're carrying."
"But what of Sofia?"
"What of her Jess? Sofia was simply helping me with something that needed a woman's opinion and before you say anything, no I couldn't ask you seeing as it was for you, Sara wouldn't have been much help and Catherine's busy with her new baby."
"What was she helping you with?" asked Jessica warily.
"This," Nick said as he pulled a small velvet box out of his pocket, opening it to reveal a white gold band with a marquise cut center diamond with three smaller diamonds on opposite sides with five small diamonds down each side of the band next to the center diamond. "Jess, the reason I didn't tell my parents about you was because I wanted to ask you if you'd marry me first," Nick explained. "Jessica Lynn Harrison will you marry me?"
"Move in with me," replied Jessica.
"What?" asked Nick in confusion at the sudden nonsequiter. "Jess, didn't you hear me?"
"I heard you Nick," replied Jessica raising her eyes to his. "Yes Nick. Of course I'll marry you."
Nick leaned in and kissed Jessica once he had her answer before pulling away and pulling her into a tight embrace.
"Now will you move in with me?" Jessica asked through her now happy tears. "I bought this place for the both of us."
"Of course I'll move in here with you but what do you say to getting some more sleep before we have to report to work? I've missed holding you in my arms at night. I got quite used to it while I was in California and I find that I haven't had a good night's sleep since leaving you there," Nick suggested with a smile as he pulled back from Jessica.
"I would love to fall asleep in your arms again Nick," replied Jessica as Nick helped her to her feet before swinging her up into his arms and carrying her back towards the bedroom she'd emerged from earlier.
Friday December 2nd, 2005
11:10 p.m.
CSI Break Room
"You really shouldn't be drinking that sludge you know," Nick commented from his spot on the break room couch, never raising his eyes from the magazine in his lap.
"You know what, you're right," agreed Jessica as she gagged on the coffee she had just been attempting to drink. "This stuff is gross. How can Greg drink this stuff?" Jessica asked as she poured out the coffee and grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge before retaking her spot leaning against the counter.
"How can Greg drink what stuff?" Warrick asked walking into the room.
"That sludge he has the nerve to call coffee," Nick informed him, continuing to read his magazine.
"I could have sworn Greg made the good stuff," Warrick argued glancing between them. "That crap is the blonde dude from dayshift's."
"That explains it," Jessica said swallowing back the urge to throw up.
"Garbage can?" Warrick asked seeing her turn an odd shade of green. One he recognized from his own wife.
"Excuse me," Jessica said as she bolted past Warrick on her way out of the room, her hand covering her mouth.
"Bathroom works just as well," Warrick sighed as he moved over to dump the pot of coffee out, Nick having disappeared after his girlfriend. A few minutes later, having managed to locate the stash of Greg's good stuff Catherine had hidden away months before in the freezer, he waited for the coffee to finish before looking up as the couple returned. "Crackers?"
"Thanks," replied Jessica taking the offered crackers before sitting down on the couch next to Nick.
"Welcome, so when's the big day?"
"Big day?" asked Nick in confusion, not sure which 'big day' Warrick was referring to. "Have you been talking to Sara at all since this morning?"
Warrick cocked his head as he thought. "Well I did drive her to your place and listened as she mumbled under her breath about various ways she could either kill you or dispose of certain body parts that aren't necessarily a requirement of life. Well your life..." he added with a smirk towards Nick who blanched momentarily. "Other than that, nope, nadda. Although Cath was also mumbling under her breath when I picked her up from Jess' about how she'd dispose of your body for Sara or any missing body parts you might find yourself with," he continued with a shrug. "Why? What are you thinking? I'm talking about when the newest member of the gang is going to join us, since it's obvious to a man who just went through this a few months ago what's up with your poor stomach girl. Oh and word of advice, start carrying crackers and decaf tea would be good, herbal best. No more coffee, not even Greg's good stuff I'm afraid."
"Oh baby big day," replied Jessica as it finally sunk in what Warrick was referring to. "Oh uhm…" she trailed off as she did the math in her head. "Sometime in May I think? We don't know for sure yet as I haven't had the chance to get to my doctor. I only just found out for certain today."
"Baby?" Warrick mouthed repeating her words. Before he had a chance to continue Grissom walked into the room.
"Evening milady and gents," he spoke as he headed straight to the coffee pot. "Oh and good to see I don't have to worry about any alibis for Sara," he added glancing over at the couple who had obviously worked things out.
"No alibis required Griss," reassured Nick as he took Jessica's hand in his.
"Good to hear, she's got enough stuff on her plate that she doesn't need to be worrying about how to kill you without any evidence, not to mention getting a hold of Catherine for help with disposing of your body," he nodded. "By the way, Greg won't be with us tonight. Officially Conrad can't retaliate against us all, but he's got Mia so backed up Greg begged me to let him out of cases tonight so he can help her."
"I knew I should have gone along with Sara's plan of killing that man," mumbled Jessica. "What?" she asked when Nick looked at her in surprise. "Oh come on Nick not a few hours ago she was threatening to kill you and dispose of your body parts. You think Ecklie is any different after that crap he pulled with all of you? Hell, I was being nice when I let the slime ball keep his job as day supervisor. The Senator had other ideas for him."
"He did? Oh come on Jess you have to share. I just know Sara would kill for this information and I'd kill for the chance to tell her in all honesty," Grissom smiled slightly.
"Roasting him on a spit in the middle of the Senate floor was the first suggestion the Senator gave me but my favorite was transferring him to a federal lab in Siberia for the rest of his career," offered Jessica.
"And we thought Sara was evil," Warrick mused before grinning. "I do believe the man would prefer death to that last one."
"I thought that being demoted back to his old position permanently and knowing he can't do anything about it or get back at us in anyway was a much better punishment. Can you image how hard it must be for him to sit there and see us day in and day out and not do anything about it?" asked Jessica.
"Why of course," Grissom agreed with a smile. "But we do have cases to work, although if you want you can stay in the lab today Jess. Jim heard you in the restroom," he added softly.
Jessica groaned and dropped her head into her hands. "I'm pregnant,' she mumbled through her hands.
"Congratulations. But that wasn't the question dear," he replied softly with a smile.
"Okay I have to ask this. Does anyone not know about this? I mean in our little group?" Warrick mused glancing around. "That is before the actual mother gets a chance to tell people that is."
"Well let's see," mused Nick. "Jess told Sara, who told Catherine, who told you Warrick. And Sara also would have told Grissom. That leaves Greg."
"He knows," mumbled Jessica. "He actually knew before Sara did."
"Hey! I never heard a thing from Catherine," Warrick spoke up indignant.
"Well then how did you find out?" asked Nick. "And how did Greg for that matter?"
"And I don't want to know why Greg knew first, so let's not go there," Grissom added with a pointed look as he rose. "So, cases. B and E, 419, and a trick. Who would like what? I've got paperwork coming out of my ears so it's up to you guys."
"I got the B and E. Not likely to turn the stomach…I hope," commented Jessica, taking the slip from Grissom.
"Well, you want company, I'll welcome any chance to escape mount Everest," he offered as Warrick grabbed the dead body before Nick could, smirking when Nick rolled his eyes and glared at the taller man.
"I would love your help Griss," Jessica replied shaking her head at the antics of the other two as they playfully shoved each other on their way from the room.
"By the way, congratulations. And good to see the man actually has good taste in things other than women," Grissom called after them with a wink before gently leading Jessica the opposite direction.
"Hey!" shouted Nick in indignation from the other end of the hall causing Jessica to start giggling.
Saturday December 24th, 2005
5:00 p.m.
Marina Del Rey, California
"Can you hear them
They talk about us
Telling lies
Well that's no surprise
Can you see them
See right through them
They have no shield
No secrets to reveal"
Smiling softly Grissom glanced over at Sara who was singing along with the radio. "Hilary Duff?"
"Problem?" she countered with a grin.
"None at all," he smiled
"Good," she answered before starting to sing once more.
"Spreading rumors
So far from true
Dragged up from the underworld
Just like some precious pearl
It doesn't matter what they say
In the jealous games people play
Our lips are sealed"
"Sahidi!" she cried when the dog started to bark at a passing car before rolling her eyes.
"He is a dog after all love."
"Oh shush," she answered with a smile before turning back to swaying along to the song and beat as she sung.
"Hush my darling
Don't you cry
Quiet angel
Forget their lies
Can you hear them
They talk about us
Telling lies
Well that's no surprise"
"We just entered the town limits," he spoke up and she turned to look at him before nodding.
"Okay," she nodded before turning to look out her window.
"It doesn't matter what they say
In the jealous games people play
Our lips are sealed
Pay no mind to what they say
It doesn't matter anyway
Our lips are sealed
Our lips are sealed
Our lips are sealed"
Shaking his head softly he reached over to squeeze her hand before turning his attention back to the road. A few minutes later he stopped outside of the house he had grown up in and turned to look at her. "Ready?"
She glanced at him before looking back at Sahidi then back to him. "Ready as I'll ever be."
"Good. And don't worry Acushla, she's going to love you," he whispered as he caressed her cheek.
She nodded and smiled, but the smile wasn't exactly the honest smile he was use to seeing. Letting it drop for now, he knew that she'd only be reassured after she had met his mother so there was no sense in pushing it. Turning he got out of the car and made his way around to her side to help her out, then wait as she got Sahidi and the dog back in his lead. "Ready you two?" he smiled.
"Of course," Sara grinned as she took his arm before he led her up to the front door.
Ringing the bell he waited a few moments before he heard the familiar footsteps on the other side, then the door opened to reveal Eleanor Grissom. "Gil," she spoke with a smile as she stepped forward to hug him, then turned to Sara. "And you must be Sara," she continued with a smile as she moved to hug Sara.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Grissom," Sara spoke as they separated, glancing over at him helplessly.
"Don't worry," he whispered as he quickly signed for his mother.
"Oh please, call me Eleanor, and don't worry, I do believe my son is going to quickly become used to translating for both of us. After all, that's the only reason I invited him along for the trip."
Sara laughed before looking over at him. "I like you're mother."
"So do I," he smiled. "And good to know I'm good for something other than sending you presents, Mom."
"Of course you are, you bring home this lovely creature so I can finally get a daughter in my old age," Eleanor replied with a grin before taking Sara's arm. "Come my dear, we'll let him get the luggage while I tell you about the house. And a few of those embarrassing childhood moments I've been waiting a lifetime to share about my son. And don't worry about responding just yet, we'll have conversations to last hours to come soon. I already made Ben set up a laptop for you in the living room so we can talk that way. Gil went on about how you can type faster than the speed of light so I figured you can type your answers and then we can have girl talk without him being forced to listen to us."
Grissom shook his head softly as he watched his mother lead Sara into the house, chattering away like a schoolgirl. Turning he made his way to the car to get their things.
Saturday December 24th, 2005
6:20pm
Dallas, Texas
"Nick, are you sure this is such a good idea? I mean your parents aren't expecting you for another couple hours," Jessica pointed out nervously as she continued to look out the passenger side window.
"Everything is going to be fine Jess. My parents are going to love you," Nick said trying to reassure her, taking Jessica's hand in his as he maneuvered the car through the streets of Dallas.
"I hope you're right Nick," replied Jessica worriedly.
"Trust me Jess. Look, I'll make you a deal. Give it twenty-four hours and if you want to leave, I promise you, we'll leave alright?" Nick offered as he pulled into the driveway of his parents' home.
"You promise?"
"I promise, Baby," Nick reassured as he leant over and kissed Jessica lightly. "Let's go," he said as he pulled away and got out of the car, walking around and opening Jessica's door for her and helping her out before leading her up to the house, the front door opening just as Nick was about to knock.
"Nicholas? What are you doing here? I was just on my way to the airport to meet you."
"Sorry Dad. I thought we'd surprise you instead," Nick replied as he led Jessica into the house past his father. "Jessica I'd like you to meet my father William."
"It's nice to meet you, Sir," commented Jessica as she held out her hand towards William, who was a man in his late sixties, standing almost six feet in height with graying hair and the same eyes as Nick.
"Dad, I'd like you to meet my fiancée…"
"Jessica Harrison, as I live and breathe," William said interrupting Nick's introduction, shaking Jessica's hand as she and Nick exchange confused glances. "Come in, come in. Charlotte is going to be tickled pink to meet you," William informed her as he took her coat before leading her into the living room, Nick following behind. "Charlotte, Honey, can you come in here please? There's someone here I think you'd like to meet," William called out, finally releasing his hold on Jessica.
A few minutes later a woman in her mid to late sixties with graying shoulder length hair and a few inches shorter than Nick entered the room, followed by another couple, the man looking not that dissimilar in appearance to Nick but a few inches taller with light brown hair and brown eyes, accompanied by a woman about the same height as Jessica, a few pounds heavier than her though with blond hair and brown eyes.
"William, what on earth are you yelling about?" demanded Charlotte.
"It's seems our young Nicholas here took our advice at Thanksgiving and found himself the nice girl you suggested," William said stepping out of the way so that Charlotte could see Nick and Jessica behind him.
"Oh my, is that really…"
When Charlotte's words trailed off Jessica looked at Nick before stepping towards his mother, extending her hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you Mrs. Stokes."
"Mom, this is my fiancée Jessica," Nick said stepping up behind Jessica and putting his hands on her shoulders.
"Well then, I guess congratulations are in order," replied Charlotte as she pulled a rather stunned Jessica into an embrace. "William, get us all something to drink," instructed Charlotte as she pulled away from Jessica and led her over to the sofa, Nick joining them so that Jessica was in the middle.
"Jess, this is my brother Stephen and his wife Julia," Nick said introducing the other couple in the room as Jessica shook their hands. "Hey Mom, where are the girls?"
"Your sisters and their families will be here tomorrow," replied William as he handed everyone a cup of eggnog.
"Thank you," Jessica said accepting her cup.
Nick watched as Jessica lifted the cup to her mouth only to stop short and suddenly put the cup down on the coffee table in front of them, her hand quickly covering her mouth. "Down the hall, second door on the left," he informed her quietly.
"Excuse me," Jessica said as she rose from the sofa and quickly left the room.
"Is she alright Nicholas?" Charlotte asked in concern a few minutes after Jessica had left the room.
"She'll be fine Mom. It was probably just the smell of the eggnog," explained Nick.
"Is that why you're marrying her Nicky?" asked Julia.
"What are you talking about Julia?" demanded Nick, not liking the sound of the accusation.
"Well…she's loaded right? I mean she is Jessica Harrison of Heaven's Paradise Estates right? So what's a high society girl like her doing with a lowly little lab rat like you Nick unless…"
"Spit it out Julia," Nick ordered coldly.
"Well, what reason would someone like her have to marry you unless you knocked her up? So tell me Nicky is little Miss Jessica in the family way?"
"Jessica wait!" Nick called out when he saw her go by the door to the living room and towards the front door. "I'm going with you," he finished as he reached her.
"Nick…wait…Please don't go. Stay…both of you…please," pleaded Charlotte following Nick out into the hallway.
"I'm sorry Mom," replied Nick as he helped Jessica into her coat before wiping her tears out of her eyes. "But it was a mistake to come here so I'm taking Jessica home. She doesn't need to be insulted by someone who is supposed to be family."
"Nick…Jessica, I apologize for the things that Julia said. She has a tendency to speak without thinking things through fully," explained Charlotte.
"No Mom. Julia knew exactly what she was saying. She was trying to hurt Jessica on purpose. I don't know why she said what she did but I'm not about to just sit there and let my fiancée's character and integrity be called into question by the likes of her. Come on Jess, let's go. Call Phillip on the way," Nick said as he went to open the door.
"Nick please," Charlotte pleaded desperately. "I promise you and Jessica that your father will make sure that Stephen keeps Julia in line and if not I swear to you that they will be told to leave immediately. Jessica," Charlotte said as she stepped between Jessica and the door, taking a hold of her hands. "You have my sincerest and deepest apologies for the things Julia said and implied back there. Please don't leave. I'm afraid if you walk out that door, I'm going to lose not only my youngest son, my baby, but also my newest daughter."
Jessica nodded in understanding.
"Are you sure, Baby?" asked Nick in concern as he brushed some hair behind her ear. "We can leave if you really want to."
"It's okay Nick. I promised you a day so I'll give you a day but I think we should at least tell your parents the truth," replied Jessica.
"Only if you want to Baby."
"I'm sure Nick."
"Okay then," agreed Nick. "We'll stay Mom but on the condition that Julia keeps her opinions about me, Jessica, our relationship and our child to herself."
"You have my word Nicholas," Charlotte promised. "So it's true then? I'm gaining a daughter and a grandchild?"
Jessica nodded in agreement only to find herself being pulled into another hug by Charlotte. Once Charlotte had released her hold on Jessica, Nick helped remove her coat before leading her back into the living room, his arm around her waist, his mother entering behind them.
"Julia, I believe you owe Nick and especially Jessica an apology for your earlier accusations," instructed Charlotte coldly.
"But Charlotte, I can't help it if I speak the truth," Julia argued, rising from her seat in indignation.
"Now Julia, or you are not welcome in this house," Charlotte informed her harshly.
"Alright, alright. I'm sorry," Julia apologized petulantly as she sat back down in a huff.
"Now then Nicholas, why didn't you tell us you were seeing this lovely young lady when you were here last month?" asked William as he handed Jessica a glass of ice water, which she accepted gratefully.
"I wanted to Dad. It just didn't seem like the right time," explained Nick, taking Jessica's hand in his as they sat together on the sofa, Jessica curled into his side.
"Not the right time Nick?" asked Stephen speaking for the first time. "My God Nick, her face was all over every news broadcast that weekend and you're telling me it wasn't the right time?"
"Would you have believed him?" asked Jessica quietly after taking a sip of water.
"Excuse me?" asked Stephen.
"Would you…would any of you have honestly believed Nick if he had told you that he was seeing me the same week that my little impromptu press conference made national headlines? You all would have thought that he was making it up in an effort to impress you," replied Jessica.
"Well then, why didn't you just come with him?" snarled Julia.
"Because Julia," Jessica began, her voice ice cold, the name slipping off her tongue like poison," if you had been paying any kind of attention to what was being said during the press conference, I had just been offered a job as a lowly little lab rat like Nick in Vegas and since you seem to know so much about me, you should know that it's no small deal for me to move from my family home in Sonoma to Vegas. I had to ensure that the stables and the vineyards were looked after which I prefer to do in person and then I had to find a place to live in Vegas as the last time I was there I stayed at a friend's apartment. So as you see Julia, I had a lot of things to do and not a lot of time to do them in; so I suggested Nick come alone for Thanksgiving and I would join him here for Christmas."
"Whatever you say Princess," replied Julia dismissively.
"You know what Julia? I am really getting sick and tired of your holier than thou attitude, your petty jealously and your looking down your nose at me. Just because you've heard things about me in the media doesn't mean you know anything about me, my relationship with Nick, or Nick's proposal and whether it happened before or after we learned that I was carrying his baby. That is nobody's business but ours so if you know what's good for you, you'll keep your nose out of our lives and your asinine comments to yourself," ordered Jessica.
"Charlotte, William, how can you sit there and let her talk to me like this?" questioned Julia. "Stephen?"
"I'm sorry Julia, but you brought this on yourself," replied Stephen as he rose from his seat. "You know what Mom, Dad; I think Julia and I will call it a night."
"Good night Stephen," replied Charlotte and William.
"Nick, congratulations and Jessica…welcome to the family," Stephen said leaning over and giving Jessica a hug. "Please accept my apology on behalf of my wife."
"Thank you Stephen," replied Jessica.
"Do the two of you have a place to stay?" William asked a few minutes later after Stephen and Julia had left.
"We have a hotel reservation downtown," replied Nick
"Nonsense. I won't hear of it," argued Charlotte. "The two of you can stay here while you're in town."
"Thank you Mr. and Mrs. Stokes," replied Jessica. "But we don't want to impose…"
"It's no imposition at all Jessica. We'd love to have you here, both of you. And please, it's Charlotte and William," Charlotte said.
"Thanks Mom," replied Nick interrupting any further argument from Jessica. "I think Jess and I will call it a night seeing as we didn't get the chance to get much sleep after our shift last night and flying in," he explained as he and Jessica rose from the couch.
"All right dear, good night you two," Charlotte said placing a kiss on both of their cheeks before Nick led Jessica from the room and towards his room on the second floor.
Sunday December 25th, 2005
10:00 a.m.
Marina Del Rey, California
"Merry Christmas," Sara said as she and Grissom walked into the living room where Eleanor was already seated with a cup of tea.
"Merry Christmas," Eleanor answered after Gil translated. "Good morning."
"Good morning Mom," Gil answered as Sara settled herself down on the couch with Sahidi at her feet. "How are you?"
"Fine, and the two of you?"
"Wonderful," Sara answered with a smile.
"Well, it's Christmas, let's start with the gifts already. I'm assuming you did get her something Gilbert," Eleanor spoke up.
"Of course I did Mom," he replied shaking his head before producing her gift. "And the other gifts are wrapped, this one was too lovely to mask with paper."
"What is it?" Sara asked softly as she traced the edge of the box with her fingers. "It's beautifully carved..." she trailed off as she glanced towards Grissom.
"It's a shadow box," he began with a smile as he took her hands and led them along the glass.
"The glass is etched?" she asked as she felt the familiar feeling.
"Yes, with roses and music notes around the edge," he smiled.
"A lock?" she asked when he stopped moving her hands and she felt the latch.
"Open it."
Frowning at him she turned her attention back to the shadow box and opened the lock before raising the lid. Glancing at him for answers she moved back to the box and carefully felt what was inside. "A mask?" she asked as she continued to trace the lines... "The Phantom's mask?" she continued recognizing the design.
"Mm hmm," he replied as she stole a quick glance at him before going back to the gift. "This one is soft... like feathers." she continued as she found another object towards the bottom of the box, the opposite corner from the mask. Moving her fingers along to the bottom corner under the mask she felt... a small book. "Okay, I'm lost now Gil."
"I'm curious as well," Eleanor added.
"Back in ninety-seven, I was called into Frisco to work on a case, my first with Sara."
"I remember that case, God I was so stressed out about that one," Sara sighed.
"Okay, now I'm even more curious, how does a case relate to The Phantom Of The Opera?"
Sara laughed softly. "My best friend Jyn, who trust me you will meet sometime," she smiled. "Well she had gotten the two of us tickets, but at the last minute, she had to go back to Heaven's Paradise to deal with some issues relating to the horses. Before she left though, she told me to go ahead and take someone in her place, the two of us would go together at a later time. At the time, the only person I could think of taking was Gil, and I knew he needed a break as much as I did, so I offered. And he accepted."
"Quite the amazing evening to be honest," he continued with a smile.
"Ah, so that's how it works. So, would that have been your first 'date'?" Eleanor asked with quite an evil little smile.
"Well..." Sara trailed off glancing at him.
"I believe it would," he replied with a smile and she grinned. "Now, this bottom corner is the playbill from the show, you wouldn't believe the hassle I went through to get it," he continued shaking his head.
"Hassle? It was with my scrapbook in the living room," Sara argued shaking her head.
"Yes, but finding the time to get it without you knowing I was up to something," he countered and she laughed softly.
"Okay, so this would be?" she asked as she moved back towards the "feathers"
"A rose, made from feathers." he replied with a smile. "A red rose of course, and around the stem is a black ribbon, and a small jeweled ring."
"Like the one the Phantom gave Christine?" she asked glancing at him.
"Exactly. How do you know what it looks like?" he asked confused.
"I have my sources," Sara smiled. "So the mask?"
"It was one of a series released back in ninety-eight, about eight-inches long and six across the top," he began as she moved back to trace the outline. "It does have a silvery-gray ribbon for hanging, but since I have it very carefully mounted...not really an issue. And carved into the back is 'R.U.G.'"
"Really Useful Group," Sara nodded.
"Really Useful Group?" Eleanor asked
"The licensed creator for Phantom Of The Opera masks," Sara explained. "I'm sort of a Phantom fanatic," she continued to explain her knowledge. "One of the things Jyn and I share a passion for."
"Among many other things," Grissom countered with a smile.
"Then I can't wait to meet this girl," Eleanor smiled. "What about the poster?"
"Poster?" Sara asked glancing back at Grissom.
"Behind the mask and above the rose is a poster," he began with another smile. "It's a charcoal sketch of Erik clutching Christine's wedding veil."
"Oh wow," Sara grinned as she looked up at him. "I remember seeing these when they were released. And you got one?" she continued shocked.
"Well to be honest, I've been admiring it for a few years," he shrugged.
"Okay, close, and lock. Now! I'm not letting anything ruin these items!" Sara ordered lightly and once it was back on the coffee table she turned to hug him tightly.
"I'm glad you like it Acushla," he smiled before she let go. "And, last gift to go with that."
"There's more?" Sara asked in shock.
"Just unwrap," he replied.
"Hmm, feels like a DVD," she mused after she had removed the paper carefully and Eleanor shook her head.
"You Gilbert are evil; just tell the girl what it is."
"Well, I thought I'd let you have the honor, Mom," he countered.
"Okay, enough arguing over who's going to tell me what it is, seeing as I can just see this going on for the rest of the day..." Sara trailed off rolling her eyes. "Someone tell me. Please?"
Grissom shook his head as Eleanor laughed. "The Phantom of the Opera, my girl."
"The movie?" Sara asked for clarification.
"Since they have yet to release the stage show..." Grissom shrugged before he found himself holding her once more.
"I foresee a girls night with Jyn and Catherine now. And this one you brought on yourself," she announced as she sat back, the movie remaining on her lap.
"Girls night?" Eleanor asked with a smile.
"Sara, Jessica, and Catherine share a love of Richard Gere, and thus the musical Chicago. I'm sure Jessica and Sara will soon recruit Catherine to a love of Phantom Of The Opera as well," he explained with a smile. "But now it's your turn, Mom," he continued handing her a package.
"Oh heavens," Eleanor sighed before smiling and starting on her own gift.
Sunday December 25, 2005
11:15am
Stokes Family Residence
"Hey guys, would you mind keeping it down? You're brother's still sleeping upstairs," pleaded Charlotte to the room full of family members.
"Are you sure he's just sleeping Charlotte?" goaded Julia.
"That's enough Julia,' ordered Charlotte.
"Whatever," Julia mumbled in reply before quickly walking over to the punch bowl that was filled with eggnog.
"Well good morning sleepy heads," greeted Charlotte after she turned around and found Nick and Jessica standing in the doorway to the living room.
"Morning Mom," greeted Nick as he kissed Charlotte on the cheek.
Nick and Jessica barely got two feet into the room before Julia was standing in front of them, two cups in hand. "Eggnog?" she asked innocently shoving a cup right under Jessica's nose causing Jessica to turn green and bolt from the room.
"God damn it Julia," snapped Nick in irritation as he grabbed the woman by the wrist. "What the hell is the matter with you?"
"I'm not the one with the problem Nicky," replied Julia.
"You know what Julia; I'm not getting into this with you again since I seem to recall Jessica putting you in your place last night. Now stay away from me and stay away from Jessica," Nick instructed her increasing the pressure of his hold on Julia's wrist.
"Or what Nicky? What could a lab rat like you do to me?" questioned Julia, not believing that Nick would actually do anything to her.
"Quite a lot actually," replied Jessica coldly as she walked up to stand beside Nick.
"Oh really, like what?" snapped Julia.
"What is Sara's favorite threat Nick? Oh that's right," Jessica smirked, a malicious glint in her eyes. "We'll kill you and dispose of the body."
"And everyone in this room could tie the two of you to it because they all just heard you threaten me," countered Julia smugly.
"You really think so? What is it you think we do exactly?" asked Jessica curiously.
"How the heck would I know? You probably sit around playing with chemistry sets all day long," snapped Julia, as she tried to free her wrist from Nick's grasp.
"We're crime scene investigators, Julia," Nick informed her, which means that we find the evidence my brother needs to put the bad guys away. So you see, we can get rid of any evidence tying us to your disappearance which means that if you know what's good for you, you'll stay as far away from me, Jessica and our family as you possibly can," finished Nick, finally releasing his hold on Julia's wrist.
"What do you say we all open some presents," suggested Charlotte a few minutes later breaking the tension.
"Come on Jess," Nick said leading her over to a love seat on the far side of the room, as far from Julia as possible, while the rest of Nick's family arrayed themselves around the room. As everyone was busy opening their presents Nick told Jessica who each person was and how they were related to the family.
"Nicholas, don't tell me you didn't get anything for your beautiful fiancée for Christmas?" William chided.
"Yes Dad, I did. I gave it to Jess before we came down," replied Nick.
"Good," replied William with a smile as Charlotte walked up, a gift-wrapped box in hand.
"Jessica darling, this is for you," Charlotte said handing the box to Jessica.
"Oh my…" Jessica trailed off when she opened the box and discovered a beautiful pearl and coral cameo attached to a five strand pearl choker. "Charlotte, I…I can't accept this. I mean this looks like a family heirloom. This should go to one of your own daughters if not Julia."
"Believe me Jessica, Julia's been dying to get her hands on this ever since she first saw it. This necklace has been in the Stokes family for generations and is passed down to the woman who marries the eldest son but William and I both agree that Julia is not the right person to receive this but that you are," Charlotte explained. "Please Jessica; it would make us both so happy if you would accept this gift."
"In that case Charlotte, how could I possibly say no," Jessica said smiling as Charlotte hugged her.
Sunday December 25th, 2005
5:00 p.m.
Marina Del Rey, California
Smiling to himself Grissom stopped and leant against the doorframe to watch his mother and the love of his life as they worked in the kitchen. Sara was chopping carrots, a sight that he had finally gotten used to over the last few months of trying not to wince when she'd be swiftly going through the vegetable and her fingers being entirely too close to that blade for his comfort. Meanwhile his mother was seasoning the turkey breast that was going to be going in the oven.
Eleanor Grissom was a regal woman, she never let her disability rule her life, and watching her now as she talked with Sara, not even worrying about her lack of ability to answer with the laptop in the front room. She was as tall as he was, and they shared the same eyes. Her hair, now silver, was once the palest shade of blonde he'd ever encountered in his life, and it was from her that he'd gotten his curl.
"You don't have to stand in the doorway forever you know," Sara spoke up drawing his attention.
"You're far too good at that, Acushla," he teased as he made his way into the room to wrap his arms around her waist and kiss her cheek as his mother turned to look at them.
"God, it does my heart good to see you so happy."
Pulling back from Sara he smiled as he signed, "Glad to make your heart feel better Mom."
"Oh hush you," Eleanor waved her hand before turning back to the turkey.
"So what can I do?" he asked as he moved to stand next to Sara.
"Well..."
Sunday December 25, 2005
7:00pm
Stokes Family Residence
"Alright you two, spill," instructed Samantha, Nick's eldest sister, who looked like a spitting image of her mother, as everyone was sitting down to Christmas dinner. "How did the two of you meet?"
"A friend," replied Jessica at the same time that Nick said "Work." After looking at each other briefly, they each replied again, only with the other answer, causing both of them to laugh.
"So which is it?" asked Samantha. "Did you meet through a friend or at work?"
"Both actually," replied Jessica.
"It can't be both Jessica," commented Julia. "It has to be one or the other."
"Well you see Julia, it's like this. We both have a mutual friend in common…"
"See," snapped Julia interrupting.
"A friend who disappeared during an investigation but had enough forethought to make sure that I was the CSI sent to help out," finished Jessica. "So you see Julia, it was both through work and a friend that we met."
"I'm sorry but CSI?" asked Samantha, a little confused at the term.
"It stands for Crime Scene Investigator," explained Nick. "As I said earlier, we're the ones that deal with the evidence that the lawyers need to put the bad guys away."
"I see," replied Samantha. "So Jessica, what made you decide to become a CSI as you call it? I mean we all know why Nick did but there must be a reason why someone like you would choose that line of work."
"I really don't think this is a very good topic for discussion," commented Nick.
"It's alright Nick. The more I talk about it, the easier it is for me to deal with," Jessica reassured him quietly. "My parents were murdered when I was only seven. Their killers were never found. I knew then that I wanted to do something so that no other child had to go through what I did, what I saw that night, I just didn't know how to do it. When I was nine my guardians decided to send me off to science camp for the summer, which is where I met our friend Sara. Sara and I worked together for the San Francisco Crime Lab for a number of years before she transferred to Vegas, where she met Nick. I'd heard a lot about Nick and the others from Sara over the years. And then I got a message from Sara one day telling me she had to disappear for awhile and that I should go to Vegas as they were working on a case not that dissimilar from one we'd worked together in Frisco."
"And so you went to Vegas," commented Stephen.
"And so I went to Vegas," agreed Jessica.
"So that's how you met but how did you two get together?" questioned Samantha.
"That's not really something we should talk about as it was around the time that we were involved in a major case that is still pending trial in multiple states," replied Nick. "But I remember what Jessica was like when I first met her."
"Oh and how was that?" prodded Charlotte.
"Well at first everyone thought that she was our friend Sara, as the two look fairly similar to each other, but later that day when new evidence came to light about the case Jess had been called in on, I asked her a question and she seemed to lose her train of thought and started tripping over her own words. It was actually quite cute," commented Nick with a smile.
"I couldn't help it," replied Jessica, smiling in return. "I'd never really given guys much thought but I remember some of the things that Sara had told me about Nick and I figured that I would never stand a chance of even having Nick look my way."
"And why's that?" asked William curiously.
"Because he was the first guy that I actually wanted to look my way. I know it sounds crazy but with the loss of my parents I turned to my education, never giving guys a second thought and sure I had guys that were chasing me but I was never interested, until I saw Nick in person. The only thing going through my head that afternoon when Nick actually spoke to me was that Sara was right about him," answered Jessica.
"Right about what? What exactly did she tell you about me?" questioned Nick.
"She told me about the day that she walked into the locker room when you and Warrick were getting changed. He was tying his tie and you were in the process of changing your shirt. She told me that Warrick was wearing a 'fine suit' and you were 'justfine', and I couldn't agree more Mr. Stokes," Jessica finished as she looked Nick over from head to foot, causing everyone at the table, with the exception of Julia to laugh.
"Where's that ringing coming from?" asked Charlotte. "It doesn't sound like the house phone."
"I'm sorry Charlotte, excuse me," Jessica said as she rose from the table, pulling her phone off her belt in the process.
"Well now, if that's just not extremely rude," commented Julia.
"Back off Julia," ordered Nick, all humor gone from his voice. "There could be something wrong at the Estate that needs Jessica's immediate attention."
"Whatever you say Nicky boy," replied Julia.
"You're not going to believe this Nick," Jessica said retaking her seat at the table. "That was the Sheriff."
"Atwater?" asked Nick in disbelief.
"The one and only," replied Jessica sarcastically.
"Well, what did the good Sheriff want?" wondered Nick.
"Us. Back in Vegas. As soon as possible," Jessica informed him.
"What? Why?" questioned Nick
"I don't know all of the details but apparently Ecklie and someone else from day shift screwed up big time and are now on administrative leave, leaving the lab really short handed, hence us being called in," explained Jessica.
"You have got to be kidding me."
"I wish I was Nick," sighed Jessica. "And it gets better. Apparently the Sheriff wanted us to report to the lab tonight."
"Tonight?" asked Charlotte out of the blue. "This Sheriff of yours does realize that it's Christmas right?"
"He does but he doesn't care Charlotte. But we do at least have tonight," commented Jessica.
"How so?"
"Well think about it Nick. There is no way for us to get from Dallas to Vegas in time to start the shift tonight. First of all there is no way we'll get on a commercial flight this late on Christmas Day."
"Well what about Phillip?" asked Nick.
"Who's Phillip?" questioned William.
"My pilot," replied Jessica before turning her attention back to Nick. "I sent Phillip back to California to be with his family for the holidays. It's a three and a half hour flight from San Francisco to Dallas and a two and a half hour flight from Dallas to Vegas. That's six hours right there and let's not forget that Phillip would need time to get to the airport from his home and get the plane ready to fly so you have to add on at least another hour or two. By the time we actually made it into the lab there would be maybe three hours left in the shift, if that. When I explained all this to the Sheriff, he agreed that it would make more sense for us to just return to Vegas and report to work tomorrow after we get in as we'll be pulling a few doubles in the next few days while Internal Affairs runs an investigation and everyone else returns from their vacations. I'm sorry Charlotte but it looks like we're going to have to cut our visit short."
"That's perfectly alright Jessica," commented Charlotte. I'm just so glad that my baby boy has found himself such a nice girl to spend his life with."
"Thank you Charlotte," replied Jessica as everyone turned his or her attention back to Christmas dinner.
Monday December 26, 2005
4:30pm
CSI Break Room
"Well, well, well, if it isn't Grissom's little golden paycheck. Graveyard's little savior."
"Now that voice sounds familiar," mused Jessica as she turned around. "Why if it isn't the falling star of the Las Vegas Crime Lab. Our very own black eye," commented Jessica sarcastically before turning all business. "What do you want Ecklie? What are you even doing here? Aren't you supposed to be on administrative leave or something?"
"I just wanted to make sure that nothing goes wrong with my case."
"Your case Conrad?" asked Jessica. "Excuse me Conrad but I believe that this case now belongs to Nick and I since you and Sofia screwed it up so badly that the Sheriff had to suspend you and then call in Nick and I to clean up the mess you made. So tell me Conrad, how does it feel to fall so far so fast?" Jessica asked as she walked out of the break room past Ecklie, to where Nick was waiting for her before they walked off down the hall in the opposite direction of where Ecklie still stood.