A/N: I apologize that this is later than I said, and also that it's so short. The next chapter will hopefully make up for it though. Also, again special thank you's to ladyd10, calleighsthebest, TwistedSister03, Marija Magdalena, Adorelo, Le Pecore Nere, and Indygo-Blues. Your reviews are awesome and completely make my day!

Chapter Four

Eric had gotten a sinking feeling the moment Calleigh picked up the phone. She had been through so much recently, he wasn't sure that she could handle any more bad news. Speedle's death had affected everyone, but it seemed to have hit Calleigh especially hard. Her dad's near-miss with the drunk driving incident coming so shortly after definitely didn't help. Add to that Hagen having committed suicide in her lab right in front of her, and it was a wonder that she hadn't completely shut down. He didn't know how she was handling this so well now. Hearing the click that signalled Calleigh had closed her cell phone, he looked towards her, praying for good news.

"It's my father. He's awake." The news was taking a while to sink in, but slowly Calleigh felt a smile creeping onto her face. She looked up at Eric, just in time to get swept into a hug.

"Calleigh, that's wonderful. I'm so happy for you," said Eric, relieved that at least something was turning out in Calleigh's favour. "Did the doctor say how he was doing?"

"They're optimistic. He's a little fuzzy right now, and not making much sense, but that's to be expected. The doctor says not to worry, and that I should come down to the hospital so I can visit with him. Dr. Bernard thinks that maybe seeing me will help him. Ooh, I should pick him up some flowers, and maybe a teddy bear, he's always had a soft spot for stuffed animals; maybe a dog, he likes dogs. Or I could –" Calleigh's relief was going to her head, and before she realized it she found herself babbling like an idiot, only to be cut off by Eric hugging her yet again. "Careful there, hotshot. People might start getting ideas," she teased him.

"I wouldn't –" Eric's reply got cut off as Horatio came into the room.

Horatio took one look at the two of them, and gave them a sly grin. "Not interrupting anything I hope?" asked Horatio, causing Calleigh to go beet red and turn away, pretending to shuffle papers on her desk.

"Not at all, H," Eric replied with a grin of his own. "Calleigh was just sharing some news. Her father woke up this morning."

"Calleigh, that's very good news. I take it that you're off to go visit him?" Horatio asked.

"I was hoping to, but you've been so good letting me take all this time, if you need me here, that wouldn't be a –"

"Nonsense, Calleigh. You've had a tough week, and with all your hard work for so many years the least we could do for you is let you take some time when you really need it. Besides, the only thing that's really pressing is the backyard barbeque murder, and I think that Ryan and Eric have that well in hand. Am I right?"

"Absolutely, H. No problem. Call me once you've had a chance to talk to him, Calleigh?" Eric requested.

"Definitely. Thank you, Eric," said Calleigh, meaning every word.

Eric smiled at her and headed out, leaving Calleigh with Horatio.

"You too, Horatio, thank you so much. I don't know if I could do this without you guys."

"No worries, ma'am. You just head out and be with your father; take as much time as you need, you certainly deserve it. And you know, if you needed some support, I could probably even spare Eric for the afternoon," Horatio added with a small smile, as he turned and followed Eric, leaving Calleigh standing in her lab, slightly stunned. She quickly got over it though, and pausing just long enough to make sure she wasn't leaving evidence out, she hurried out of the lab.