Chap. 10 Life goes on
After this time off Derek's life was busy; they had many cases and he hasn't much time to phone his Mom.
From time to time Fran would phone him and tell him the news. He learned that Penelope was improving, little by little; she was gaining some mobility in her arm.
Fran had found a physiotherapist that accepted to rehabilitate Penelope's hand firstly. Maybe he later he would help her with her legs. Derek had been happy to find that Penelope was happier with the time going.
He hadn't heard from her since he had left Chicago and had asked his mother why. Fran told him that Penelope also asked some news but didn't want to disturb him as he was often on the road.
"Tell her that I don't mind…"
"You can call her too, you know."
"I don't have her number."
"It's a pretext. If you really wanted it…"
"Yes I guess. Listen I've got to go."
"Bye baby."
Penelope was happy, now after more than six months of rehab she could move her hand and arm; it wasn't completely healed but that was an improvement. Only some months left and she could fully use her arm. She had been so lucky to meet the Morgan family. They were very kind. Fran acted more like a mother than a nurse. Sometimes she felt bad to not be able to pay her more so she had started to search for a job.
She hadn't dared phone Derek, she owed him so much but she didn't want to intrude; she could disturb him while he was at work or worse while he was with a woman.
She had some news through Fran and she was happy to know that he was doing well.
She interrupted her thoughts when Alex her physiotherapist knocked at the door.
"I'm coming."
"Well guys, I think we deserve some time off." Hotch said while they were on the plane.
They hadn't had some time off for ages.
All the team agreed while Rossi was on the phone with Strauss.
"Guys time off approved. Two weeks." Rossi said sitting down.
They all smiled knowing where they wanted to go.
Fran was coming back from Penelope's place when she had the surprise to see Derek parking in front of the house.
He quickly left the car and gathered her in his arms.
"Hi mom."
"Hi. How are you?"
"I'm fine. I'm sorry to arrive like this. I wanted to surprise you."
"I'm so happy! It's been what? 8 months?"
"Yes. I know we've been so busy." He sighed.
"Anyway; you're here now. How long?"
"Two weeks."
"Wonderful. Come on, I'll make you some breakfast."
"Where you at Penelope's?"
"Yes."
"How is she?"
"Fine; you should see her. She seems happy."
"And her arm?"
"Good. She has even found a job in a library… she works with computers of course. She's thinking about applying for a teaching job."
"Wonderful."
"You know, I'm glad that Alex accepted to take care of her. They had become so close…"
"Oh, they're an item?"
"No! Alex is gay, they're close friends now."
"I guess that's why she didn't call me."
"Of course not. She always asks about you. You didn't call her either."
"I don't know what I would tell her. I don't know her that much."
"What's your problem? And the dinner you shared months ago?"
"So much time has passed."
"Believe me, she cares for you. It's just hard to keep contact when the other one is away, and you only met briefly."
Derek nodded.
"Tonight, I invited Pen and Alex for dinner. You don't mind?"
"Not at all." Derek said grabbing his bag.