An hour or so later he wandered out to the graveyard. There was a bench beside the wall next to her memorial headstone. He sat down and just looked at the plaque.
Temperance Brennan-Booth
He couldn't find the words to say to her at the time, so he just sat. he let the air cool until night fell around him. only when the cold had fully reached his bones did he move and go back to his car. He drove slowly home, ignoring his phone as he went. Opening their apartment door he let himself in. there was four messages on his answering machine. He punched the button and slumped down on the couch and let them play.
"Booth it's Ange. It's getting late so Jack and I will just keep Harlie here tonight to give you some space. we're worried about you call me!"
"Hey Seeley it's Cam. Ange said she still hasn't heard from you and I just wanted to see if you're ok. Ring me!"
"Hey man it's Jack it's midnight. Please ring!"
"Booth it's Angela again. it's three in the morning. Please ring me. I know you've had a rough day but we're worried about you." he looked at the clock. It was just turning twenty to four, he picked up the phone and hit speed dial three. She picked up on the second ring.
"Booth?" she said immediately.
"Yeah sorry I just got back now!"
"Thank God you're ok. Where were you?"
"Graveyard."
"Until now?"
"Yes. I couldn't leave."
"Oh Booth didn't you get cold and wet?"
"Yes that's why I came home. Sorry I left Harlow with you so long."
"That's fine you need a break. Jack wants to take her to the zoo tomorrow so we'll keep her tomorrow."
"That would be great Angela. Thank you. I don't think I'd be much company."
"It's ok Sweetie. Now get yourself a hot shower and some sleep. I'll talk to you in the morning."
"Ok" he said hanging up the phone. But instead of doing as she said he pressed speed dial two, although he knew he'd get no answer. He waited for the machine to start.
"You've reached Dr Temperance Brennan-Booth. I cant answer the phone right now but leave a message and I'll get back to you… or Booth will if I'm too busy." He smiled at the sound of her voice. He rang the number again. putting the phone to his ear he dragged himself up off the couch and walked over to the kitchen, reaching into a cabinet he pulled out a bottle. This was what he did when the sleepless nights became just too much for him to bear. He could tell that this would be one of those nights. Taking the bottle and a photo off the kitchen counter he went back to the couch. He rang the mobile a third time and ran his fingers over the faces in the picture, his favourite picture of Brennan and Harlow. He unscrewed the top of the bottle and settled back on the couch…
"You've reached Dr Temperance Brennan…"
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"Booth?" Jack rapped on the door. "Booth open up!" when he got no reply he reached behind the fire extinguisher and took out the spare key. He let himself in "Booth…" the room was dark. Going around the couch he found Booth lying on the couch, asleep. Bending down Hodgins picked up the two empty bottles that lay on the floor. He then took the half full one off the table and took it over to the cabinet where he knew Brennan had kept the alcohol. "Oh Booth…" he sighed. The cabinet was practically empty. Turning back to Booth he carefully took the photograph from his grasp and placed it on the table.
"Booth wake up man." He said shaking him slightly.
"I'm Up!" he said groggily.
"You ok?"
"Yeah sorry I just slept in. what time is it?"
"Six"
"In the morning?"
"No in the evening." Booth sat up suddenly holding his head. "How much did you drink last night?"
"Not much…This morning though…" he said slowly.
"Booth…"
"Don't I know I shouldn't have I just…"
"no I get it Don't worry."
"Jack I can't take it anymore. I need her back."
"I know man I know…" he sat beside him.
"Can you and Ange keep Harlow a few days? I have some stuff to sort through"
"No problem man but you know you're not alone we're all here for you."
"That's the thing Jack Not everyones here." Booth sighed.
"Booth…"
"I have stuff to do I'll talk to you later ok?" he stood up slowly and walked Hodgins over to the door. Turning just as he left he said.
"Just remember I'm here." Booth didn't answer.
Hodgins pulled out his phone and rang home.
"Hey Ange I'm just leaving now. He's here. He just wants some space .it's all finally hit him. he wont let me stay. I'll be home in a minute."
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Booth heard what Jack said on the phone as he closed the door. Leaning against it he slumped down to the floor. He needed space…time to think. Or to stop thinking. Grabbing his keys he drove to the first place he could think of.
