Author's Notes: I am so happy to be back in this series in the six months since my last update. With the completion of my King Arthur story, Into Your Light, I'm motivated to come back to this series and pick up where I left off. This particular story takes place during the episode, "Zoe's Reprise" (Season Four, Episode Fifteen), and this story has a special guest appearance by Annette's younger sister, Anya. This story is written and edited in full. Just have to publish whenever the time comes. Hope you guys enjoy the ride!
No penance serves to renew them, no massive transfusions of trust. Why, not even revenge can undo them, so twisted these vows and so crushed.
-Leonard Cohen
Annette stared out the airplane window in awe at the city of Cleveland, Ohio. Known as The Forest City since the nineteenth century, Cleveland was not just known for its plush, forest nature, but for also being another important stamp in United States history since the Civil War. The growth of its industrial scene attracted the European and Middle Eastern immigrants, as well as the African American migrants looking for the opportunity for a better life. Music was another important factor; from polka, jazz, R&B, hip-hop, and rock and roll, many famous artists planted their roots in the city's heart that emphasized their motto, "Progress and Prosperity".
"Wow. Cleveland looks a hell of a lot better up close compared to what I've seen in the brochure and on the internet."
Anya's comment made Annette chuckle as the young girl stole a glance out the window from over her shoulder.
"Imagine laying in the luscious grass that is the forestry, Anya."
"True. We have none of this gorgeous forestry back home," Anya said with a nod. "Not even the artificial grass you can buy at Home Depot comes even remotely close to the genuine article."
Her words caused Annette to giggle as she turned to look at her.
"At the very least, we have a few days to take it in and enjoy it. I'm sure there'll be plenty of spots to walk around and near campus.
"Speaking of which, are you ready for the tour?"
Anya nodded.
"Been ready since we got on the flight."
"If you can navigate the campus at UNM, I'm sure you'll navigate CSU just as easily," Annette said, giving Anya a pat on the knee. "Let's hope this university lives up to its reputation."
The Hilton in downtown Cleveland was about a mile from Cleveland State University, and it was going to be the temporary living quarters of Annette, Anya, and Anya's criminology class for the next few days. Annette and Anya were sharing one of the high floor rooms, the window providing a spectacular view of the city. Sitting down on the edge of the bed, Annette ruffled her damp locks from the shower she just finished taking.
Anya soon emerged from the bathroom following her own shower, wearing a black graphic T-shirt and jeans as she ruffled her auburn hair and sat down on the edge of the other bed. When her eyes locked with Annette's, the two sisters shared a smile.
"Thanks for tagging along and agreeing to speak at the lecture," she said.
"My pleasure," Annette said with a nod. "Neither of us has ever been to Cleveland before, and it has been a while since we got to spend time together.
"Despite this time together being because of your academic studies, it's an opportunity I would not pass up."
"To be honest, I am curious which case I'm going to pick out for the assignment," Anya said. "I just hope I can fulfill my end of the goal."
"Whatever case you pick out, I know you're going to excel at the profile, Anya," Annette said reassuringly. "I'm also here to guide you and your classmates in the right direction if you ever get stuck."
"I know, and we appreciate it."
"Of course," Annette said with a nod.
"While we're on the topic, have you decided whether you're going to join the team full time after we fulfill our goal here?"
There was a beat of silence as Annette took a deep breath and let it out.
"I am considering it, but to tell you the truth, I am so nervous about taking the position and moving across the country permanently.
"Despite having gotten my feet wet for the past few weeks with the temporary stay in DC, the thought of moving and being with the team full time is a frightening change for me."
"I understand the change being a scary thought, especially for you, since you settled into a comfortable routine for almost three years," Anya said. "However, the only thing that really is going to change between them is the distance. The team has taken great care of you, and they will continue to take care of you down the line.
"You've proven yourself to be a reliable asset that the team can lean on and count on to be there for them, Annette. They will need you going forward."
Annette gulped, her anxiety continuing to grow at the knowledge of the pressure that was on her.
"Another thing that scares me is the thought of living with Spencer full time. He's mentioned that he's been house hunting, but what if things don't work out between us in the end?"
Anya reached out to take Annette's hand, squeezing it in her own.
"It's all going to work out, Annette. Hurdles will get thrown at you and Spencer regarding your relationship, but if there's one thing I am certain of, the two of you will jump over them together.
"I can bet that he's just as nervous as you are. Even though you haven't decided yet, he's thinking ahead if you accept the position. The fact he's looking for a house tells me he wants to put down roots, and he wants to do so with you. If that doesn't convince you of how much he loves you, then I don't know what will."
Annette didn't say a word as she looked at their hands. After a beat, she nodded.
"My meeting with a couple of my classmates isn't for a while. How about we watch a movie together to help take your mind off your anxieties?"
When Annette nodded again, Anya turned on the television, flipping on a movie beginning to start on one of the many movie channels.
Anya left the room not long after the movie reached the end, leaving Annette by herself and to her own devices. She fell back on the bed, her body bouncing from the impact as she stared at the ceiling. She began pondering about her speech, a part of her hoping she wouldn't panic and stumble through the words. The anxiety of struggling to make her final decision regarding the team was really getting to her, and once again, she was losing focus on her primary goal.
The ringing of her phone snapped her out of her mess of thoughts, and when she looked to see who it was, she saw it was Spencer.
"Hello?" she answered after the second ring.
"Hey. It's me," replied his familiar voice.
"Hi."
"Did you make it to Cleveland?"
"Yes. I meant to call you earlier, but I got distracted. I'm sorry."
"Hey, hey. Don't apologize. It's okay. You're getting to spend time with Anya. The last time you saw her was during Christmas during your temporary stay."
"I know."
She couldn't mask the sniffle and the hiccup that escaped her, even as she covered her mouth.
"Annette? What's wrong?"
After a beat, Annette spoke up.
"The fact I haven't decided on whether I'll join the team full time is messing with my head. I can't focus."
There was another beat of silence before Spencer finally spoke up.
"Annette, worry about your goal regarding Anya and her class first. Hotch and the Director allowed you an additional two weeks to think it over after you're done. You have had little time to process things since Michael Boudreaux's death. In fact, you jumped right into this not long after the execution."
"I know. I owed Anya a favor, not to mention I wanted to spend some time with her after being away from her these past few weeks. Getting to see her create a profile under my watchful eye is going to be fun."
When she heard Spencer chuckle on the other end, she felt a warm feeling in the depths of her chest.
"Get some rest, Annette. You have a long day when tomorrow comes, and you want to be fresh for your speech."
"Agreed. Thanks for hearing me out, and I love you."
"I love you too. Allow yourself the time, and things will smooth themselves out."
"Okay. Thanks again, Spencer."
"You're welcome. I'm just a phone call away if you need me."
The smell of coffee flooded Annette's nostrils as she groaned and stirred in the bed. She rubbed the sleep and blurriness out of her eyes before sitting up, and after blinking several times, saw Anya pouring a fresh batch of coffee for the both of them. When she finished pouring the second cup, she turned to her and smiled.
"Morning, sleepyhead. I made some coffee, and I picked up some breakfast sandwiches."
Annette nodded as she tossed the sheet and duvet aside before getting up and making her way to the table. She took in the coffee's aroma for a little longer before sweetening it to her liking and then proceeding to eat her sandwich.
"How are you feeling?" she asked Anya, noting the tense look in her eyes as they ate together.
"Honestly, I'm nervous. Not about the profiling, but about not being able to find a case that will stand out and catch my attention," Anya replied after she chewed on her bite.
"I'm sure something will pop out to you," Annette said. "The local students at the university will chime in if need be."
Anya nodded.
"So, have you thought about the position?"
"I have given it a little thought," Annette replied. "It's like I said last night. I am considering it, but I haven't really decided yet regarding both my anxiety and timing. The whole thing regarding Michael's execution, plus me jumping into this trip per a favor I owed you, hasn't allowed me the time to process everything that's transpired."
"You have the time, Annette. Didn't the Director allow you up to two weeks after our time here to think it over?"
"Yes," Annette replied.
"At the very least, take advantage of it if you need to process everything and relax. If you accept, you can use the said time to prepare what you need to move."
Annette nodded, taking another bite of her sandwich and then taking a hearty sip of coffee.
"For now, let's make the most of our time in Cleveland," Anya announced. "It's not very often we get to be out of the state and our comfort zone together. We'll go to the lecture, spend some time on the assignment, and take in what Cleveland has for us."
When she held out her hand, Annette took it in her own, the both of them gripping each other's hands tightly to seal the deal.
End Notes: I'll give this chapter a few days and let you guys get your feet wet as we get back into this series. Let me know what you guys think, and check back!