Crimson High

A/N: Thank you to all of you who reviewed. I really do love hearing from you guys.

Chapter five

I was halfway through my second shift at the diner, and things had been going well. Grace, Rigsby and Cho had already been to the diner that morning to say hi, and I was grateful that they made the effort. One of the other waitresses, Samantha Andrews, was busy serving a table by the door when I heard the bell hanging over the door chime. I was in the back, fetching a plate of bean stew, when she came rushing through to me. "Teresa," she hissed. Her blue eyes sparkled excitedly. "The cutest guy just walked through the door. I'm going to serve him."

I rolled my eyes. This was nothing new for Samantha. She was forever telling me about some hot guy who had walked through the front door. "Well," I said. "As long as the boss doesn't find out, do what you want. But I don't want any part of it."

Our boss, a gentleman named Bret Stiles, didn't approve of us fraternising with the customers. It wasn't strictly against the rules, but he just thought it to be unprofessional. I took the plate through to the front and set it down in front of an elderly man. I turned around to attend to a table behind me, and froze. Samantha was smiling and flipping her blonde hair for a very familiar face from school. Patrick sat at a booth in the corner, his hands resting nonchalantly on the table. Samantha was giving it her best shot, but Patrick just ignored her efforts. He quietly asked Samantha for something, and she nodded quickly. She came past me and smiled. I shook my head at her before turning to my table. I walked back into the kitchen several minutes later, and found Samantha holding a tray that contained a teapot and a teacup and saucer. "Tea?" I asked incredulously, raising an eyebrow.

She nodded. "That's what cutie in the corner wants. It was definitely not what I expected from someone as gorgeous as him, but hey, he's still hot."

"If you're embarrassed to carry that tray out," I said dryly. "I can take it to him."

She shook her head. "He's cute. I want to get a chance before you come in and take over."

I watched from the doorway as Samantha sauntered across the diner and placed the tray in front of him. Patrick glanced up at her as she leant over him. She asked him if he wanted anything else, and he shook his head. She straightened up and wandered off to tend to her next table. Patrick spotted me as I headed over to my table and smiled brightly. I smiled back and continued to serve the waiting customer. Half an hour later, and Patrick was still sitting at the booth. Samantha had been back to him about five times asking if he wanted anything else, but he continued to refuse her offers. In a lull in service, I strolled over to his table. "Can I get you anything else?" I asked, pulling out my notepad.

Patrick smiled up at me. "I was wondering when you would come over to say hello."

I rolled my eyes. Patrick studied my face carefully. "You're covering those scratches very well."

I reached up to touch my face. "We need to talk about that later."

He frowned momentarily, but smiled again. "When do you knock off?"

I glanced at my watch. "Another hour."

He shrugged. "I'll wait for you to finish up, and then we can go back to your place."

I nodded slowly. "Can I get you anything else?"

He shook his head. "I'm happy just sitting here."

My shift ended, and I turned to Samantha. "See you tomorrow."

She nodded and continued to wipe the last of the tables. She hadn't been too upset that Patrick had ignored her, and I was grateful. The last thing I needed was another fight. Patrick stood at the door. "Hurry up, Teresa." He said, bouncing on the spot. "We need to go."

Samantha looked up at the sound of his voice, and frowned in confusion. I sighed and followed him through the door. I got into my car and drove back to my apartment. He followed behind me in his light blue Citroen. As I parked my car, he pulled in behind me and turned his engine off. He was at my door before I could even get my seatbelt off completely, and he had pulled my door open. I sighed and stepped out onto the sidewalk.

Inside, I flipped the light switch at the door, illuminating the tiny room. Patrick followed me through the door, shutting it behind him. The apartment consisted of three rooms; a living room area, a bedroom big enough for a single bed, and a bathroom the size of a postage stamp. Patrick glanced around the living area. It had a kitchenette set into one corner, and he headed in that direction. I went through to the bedroom and put down my purse. I went back through to the living room to find Patrick digging through my cupboards. "What are you looking for?" I asked, sitting at the desk.

Patrick turned around. "You have no actual food."

I nodded. "I know. Money's a little tight this month."

He tilted his head. "It's one of your brother's birthdays."

I stiffened. I had been skipping at least four meals a week so I would have extra money for a gift. It was my eldest brother, James, who turned fourteen that month. How could he possibly know that? He resumed his perusal of my cupboards, and I watched from my desk. "Found anything you like yet?"

He opened the tiny bar fridge and shook his head. "Anything you have is either past it's prime or entirely unappealing to the senses. You need actual food, Teresa. Starving yourself isn't healthy."

I snorted. "Well, excuse me for trying to survive on what I can earn."

He closed the fridge and stood up. "Have you ever considered asking one of your friends for help? I'm positive they wouldn't mind lending you money. You could have even asked me."

I frowned. "Why would I want to do that? I don't need anyone's help. I'm surviving okay on my own."

His face softened, and he pulled out his cell phone. He dialled a number and stepped out of the door. I turned the chair around to face the desk and rested my head against the surface. Patrick was right, of course. I could just ask. But that was a weakness I did not want to show. Grace would worry if she knew how I was living right now. I closed my eyes. What felt like mere moments later, a gentle hand on my back startled me? I sat up and blinked. "Teresa?" a gentle voice behind me said. "Teresa, wake up. The food has arrived."

I turned around to find Patrick leaning over me. I stretched and stood up. On the counter sat a pizza box, and I smiled. "I haven't had pizza since…" my voice trailed off as a painful memory of my mother resurfaced.

Patrick rubbed my back gently, and went to fetch the pizza box. He looked around for somewhere to sit, and I smiled sheepishly. "I can't exactly afford a couch. Or a table. Or a second chair."

He smiled back at me. "You take the chair. I'll sit against the wall."

He opened the box and offered me the first slice. I didn't realise how hungry I was until I took my first bite. Soon the pizza was finished, and I glanced down to where Patrick was sitting. I had some questions to ask. "Why did Lorelei target me specifically? What did I do wrong?"

He glanced up at me. "Always one to take responsibility onto yourself, Teresa." He shook his head. "It wasn't anything you did. She just didn't like you much."

I frowned. "What did I ever do to her?"

"Teresa," he said with a gentle smile. "It's not about what you did or didn't do. She felt threatened by you. Even right in the beginning."

I frowned. Lorelei, with her dark hair and eyes, and her somewhat exotic appearance, was far more attractive than I was. "How did I threaten her?"

Patrick stood up, and came over to my chair. He pulled me to my feet and into an unexpected hug. His arms wrapped tightly around me, and I stood still. He smelled spicy and sweet, and I breathed in his scent. I was unsure about what to do next. "Teresa," Patrick whispered into my ear. "You stole what she never could. And that made her jealous of you."

The pieces fell abruptly into place, and I stiffened. The letters, the coffee, the visit, Lorelei's attack, even him being here now, all had clear meaning. "Patrick," I murmured, slipping my arms around his waist. "I don't know what to say."

I felt him chuckle. "You don't need to say anything, Teresa."

I tried to pull away, knowing that I couldn't think clearly this close to him, but his grip tightened. "Let me go," I insisted, struggling against his arms.

He dropped his arms and stepped back. "Teresa," he said. "From the moment I saw…"

"Stop," I said, holding up a slightly trembling hand. "I don't want some story, when three months down the line I will mean no more to you than what Lorelei does now."

He shook his head. "It's not like that. Lorelei never really meant anything to me. I pitied her, but that was it."

I frowned. "I don't believe you."

"Teresa, please."

Patrick took a step towards me, but I turned away. "Prove to me that this isn't some sick joke – that this is real – and maybe I'll give you a chance."

Patrick's face darkened. "I would never hurt you that way."

I looked up into his eyes, and I could feel the stubborn set to my chin. "Prove it, Patrick Jane."

His eyes shone like sapphires. "Trust me, Teresa. I will. I will prove it, because you're worth it to me."

I stared into his eyes, searching for any sign of deception, but all I saw was a fierce determination. I swallowed, and watched him take a step back.

He turned and walked to the door. He paused with his hand on the frame. "By the way," he said, almost nonchalantly. "You gave Lorelei one hell of a black eye. It was a pretty good shot. I came around the corner as she attacked you. You had hit her before I could take two steps."

I felt myself grin vindictively. "Serve's her right."

Patrick laughed. "Good night, Teresa. Sleep well, darling."

I blushed, and he strode from the room laughing.

He pulled the door shut behind him, and I turned off the light. I headed through to the bedroom and flopped back onto the bed. My mind was attempting to process what had just happened, and I lay there for ages before finally dropping off to sleep.

A/N2: Please tell me what you think in a review. I would love to hear your ideas and opinions. What do you think Jane should do to win Lisbon's heart? Please send your ideas. Thanks.