Reid's Gift To Himself – Chapter 5
A/N: This is for the CCOAC 17th Challenge – New Year's Resolution. PLEASE REVIEW … so I can improve this story before the deadline of 1/31/12. Thank you again, to those of you who review, and to those who are following my story.
*** Disclaimer: I own nothing related to Criminal Minds. This story is only for entertainment and for improving my writing skills. ***
December 31st
All day long, people kept saying it over, and over to anyone who would listen and care, as well as saying it to those who didn't care. Reid didn't count himself amongst either category, really. He simply responded the same to almost everyone who said to him, "Happy New Year, in case I don't see you later on."
Reid's standard response had always been, "Thanks, same to you and yours." He learned that patterned response from his mother. It was straight forward, and considered polite enough, by normal social standards. Yet, it was also empty enough to leave a vacant and cold area in the hearts of others. That helped make most people not want to engage him further into their inane world of conversation. That really was all he had that worked for him. Reid didn't not wish people well, he just never felt comfortable saying the things that most people said. Reid was okay at pomp, but not at circumstance. Pomp held an ancient and historic place in the world, for good or bad, but circumstance was as flighty as a sheet of paper in the wind. Circumstance had no constant structure, no bounds, and no real purpose, although, it ruled most peoples' lives. Well, it didn't rule his at all.
Thankfully, Reid's cell phone rang. If not, he would have found himself trapped in his prior discourse. That's what circumstance was good for, sometimes. It broke through his mind's deep fugues and brought him back to the moment at hand. He laughed out loudly as he answered his phone. It was a quick call. Just a simple geographical question about an area Garcia was reviewing. It's a good thing that the conversation didn't entail any tragic discussion, because Reid could hardly stop laughing during the non-humorous phone call.
Reid sat at his desk slightly shaking his head and laughing beautifully. He had suddenly recalled the paper that he had turned in to his sixth grade science teacher. He had postulated that time travel was indeed possible even though it was yet to be proved. It was obviously able to happen. Matter has dimensions of height, width, and length, along with a host of other terms of measurement and comparison. The mind has levels of consciousness capable of altered states of mentality. He had lived with, and taken care of his mother, so he knew a lot about altered states of mind. Last, but not least, time has dimensions. Put it all together and you have three of the four things required for time travel. Reid had ended his paper as follows: "I have identified three of the four requirements. Can you name the fourth? Let me know as soon as you have your answer. Then we can discuss this further. Thank you." It wasn't until many years later, that Reid finally understood why that teacher had been so angry at him." Still laughing softly, Reid went to the break room for another cup of coffee.
Garcia had corralled her team in the conference room at 9:00 am and informed everyone that they were all meeting at the team's favorite restaurant and bar at 9:00 pm sharp! Garcia then turned and looked directly at Hotch. She put one hand on her hip and said, sternly, "Does anyone have an excuse as to why they cannot attend?"
There were giggles and smirks around the room, everyone was watching to see how Hotch would respond. He met Garcia's staring challenge with his most stoic facial expression, ever! Hotch focused his straight-faced glare directly at Garcia. He held that glare until the giggles and smirks turned to faces of worry and anxiety. Then, Hotch laughed out loudly and said, "No excuses will be tolerated from anyone, Garcia. And that includes me."
That made everyone laugh, even Garcia, who had really started to freak out. All day at work, the BAU team was in a very festive mood. Even Hotch was caught a number of times smiling at one person, or another.
At 11:00 pm on New Year's Eve, Reid was where he chose to be … at home. He had spent some time earlier in the evening sharing a toast with his team and wishing them well, and using not just his standard statement. He actually wished everything in the world for them, and he put it into as many sincere words as he could. Next to his mother, this team was his family.
Reid had insisted that he had to be home before 11:00 pm, but he wouldn't tell his teammates why. Only Rossi knew the reason, and he said, "You do what you have to do, Kid." Rossi knew that Reid felt it was as necessary as blowing out birthday candles, making a wish, and keeping it secret. If you tell, then your wish doesn't come true. Reid had more to lose than just a wish. He had made decisions! Reid knew the history of such beliefs, though he did not actually believe in vexes, curses, or superstitions. Still, he took no chances at vexing his plans, or encouraging bad things to happen.
Reid went over everything one. more. time. His plan had to be perfect, or he would fail. That was unacceptable to him. At 11:30 pm, Reid started his nightly ritual and prepared for bed. All along, he kept finessing his plans and building up confidence within himself.
At 11:45 pm, Reid's phone rang. It was Rossi.
"I know you're still busy, Reid. Don't worry, I won't keep you long. I just called to wish you a Happy New Year, Reid. And to thank you for being my one best friend. Thank you for all you've helped me with these past two weeks. I'm still out with the team. Would you believe that I tried to skip out and go home, but they pleaded, actually pleaded, and begged me to stay with them. That's never ever happened before with the team. I really feel good about maintaining my resolutions next year. Thank you, again!" Rossi said, sincerely.
"Rossi, I wish you the very best New Year you've ever had. I'm so glad we're real friends. I felt much more comfortable tonight than I've ever felt when we all go out. I don't think anyone other than you noticed. But it did feel really good inside. I was still a little quiet, I know. I've been trying not to employ any of my plans until we all get back to work. I don't want to waste any good stuff before the new year, when my resolution counts." Reid said, with a slight chuckle.
Rossi and Reid talked for a few more moments. There was no work tomorrow, so Rossi suggested that Reid come over to his home and get in some last minute practice on chit chatting. Rossi said he had some more opening lines that he'd written down for Reid. Another important part of their Reid plan was that once they both got back to work, Rossi was going to be very implemental in subtly setting up chit chat scenarios for Reid to take over.
Reid agreed to meet at Rossi's house at 11:00 am, tomorrow morning. They said their goodnights and another round of heartfelt Happy New Year's to each other. They hung up at five minutes before midnight. Reid was keeping his plan of lights out at midnight, and Rossi had just enough time to get back to the team before the big countdown.
A/N: I hope this chapter wasn't too short. I think it covered what needed to be covered. The next chapter will be longer. It will cover January 1st. Please leave me a review. I need to know what you think, good or bad, just pleasantly phrased. Yes, I am an Aspie. I rely heavily on honesty, honour, and dignity. So please, feel free to be totally truthful, but kind.