Author's Notes: Sorry to keep you guys waiting. Here's Chapter Five! Enjoy!
Chapter Five: Anya's 21st Birthday
Annette finished her latest stack of paperwork fairly early and was finishing up reading Wuthering Heights. As she thought about Catherine and the rash decisions she made thanks to not following her heart, she came to realize that it could have been her had she not accepted the transfer. She could have lived the miserable existence Catherine had the second she married Edgar Linton and forsake Heathcliff, the man her heart truly desired. Love may not pay the bills, but being with someone that truly loves you is worth more than an elite social status could ever offer.
Just as she set the finished novel down, she noticed Spencer approaching her, sitting down at the edge of her desk from the corner of her eye.
"Wuthering Heights?" he asked, picking up the book and studying the cover at every angle.
"Yeah. I could have been like Catherine had I not accepted the transfer."
"You really think so?" Spencer asked.
"Yes," Annette replied. "I could have lived that miserable life Catherine chose had I not followed what my heart wanted.
"I was trying everything I could to find even the smallest, negative reason for me not to accept the offer, and it was all because of fear."
Spencer reached for her, raking her hand in his own.
"But you didn't let your fear cloud your judgment. You're here, and we're together."
He brought her hand up to his lips, tenderly kissing her knuckles, causing her cheeks to flush a slight shade of pink.
"Something else is on your mind. What is it, love?"
"Anya turns twenty-one today," Annette replied. "I talked to her earlier and wished her a happy birthday from all of us, but I wish I could celebrate with her."
"Didn't she say all she wanted for her birthday was for you to be happy?" Spencer asked.
"Yes, and believe me, I am happy, especially since I'm here with you," Annette replied.
"Then, despite you not being with her, knowing you're happy is good enough for her," Spencer said.
Annette gave him a small smile, and they stared at each other when her phone vibrated. When she picked it up, it surprised her to see Anya was calling her.
"Hi, birthday girl."
"Hi," Anya greeted.
"How are you?" Annette asked.
"I'm good. How about you?"
"I'm doing good," Anya replied.
"Have you got anything planned?" Annette asked.
"I have something in mind with Mom and Dad, and I've got something planned for later in the week with a couple of girlfriends.
"Are you still bummed out about not being with me to celebrate?"
"Kind of, but you told me what you wanted this year was for me to be happy, and I want you to know that I am happy, Anya," Annette replied.
"Good to know, but I think I know what would make today even better."
"Really? What's that?"
"Turn around and see for yourself."
Annette raised a brow when she saw the surprised look on Spencer's face. When she turned around, she screamed in delight when she saw Anya coming in through the double glass doors with Ben and Belinda. Ending the call, she tossed her phone on the desk and practically leapt out of her seat to give Anya the biggest hug she could muster. Her screaming caught the attention of the others, and when they came out to see the commotion, it shocked them to see Anya.
"Are my glasses playing tricks on me, or is that sweet little Anya?" Garcia asked as she attempted to walk fast in the wedges she was wearing.
"Hi, guys!" Anya exclaimed, making her rounds as she gave each member of the team hugs, saving Rossi for last.
"Happy Birthday, little kiddo," Rossi said, giving her a rub on the back. "You're of legal age now. You can gamble and drink."
"That's right! She's twenty-one today!" Garcia exclaimed, clapping her hands in delight. "And since she's here, we should celebrate at Rossi's!"
"Think she can handle some expensive wine, old man?" Annette asked.
"Only one way to find out," Rossi said, causing Anya to bury her face into Rossi's suit jacket out of embarrassment.
"Annette, are you ready?" Anya called from the other side of the door.
"Yeah. Just about. Hang on," Annette called back.
She took a moment to stare at her reflection in the vast vanity mirror, studying the outfit Anya bought for her. It was a red V-neck tank top that twisted in the front, and a pair of floral embroidered denim jeans. A simple white belt adorned her waistline, and on her feet, ready to shuffle, were a pair of brown leather cowboy boots. It had been a while since she rocked the "western" look, and considering she was born and raised in the deserts of New Mexico, she needed to represent her roots.
After running her hands over her hair to flatten it down, Annette emerged from the bathroom, and Anya let out a small wolf whistle at the sight of her.
"Damn. It seems like you're the birthday girl instead of me," Anya said with a chuckle.
"Anya, honey, it is your day today, and as cute as I probably look right now, you're looking just as completely and utterly adorable," Annette said.
She took a moment to study Anya's outfit, which was a floral tank top of a tan color, a pair of her own denim jeans, a leather, brown belt, and a pair of cowboy boots made from rattlesnake skin.
"All we need are the cowboy hats, and our looks would be complete," Anya said.
"Even without the cowboy hats, we still look good, and we highlight the roots of our beloved New Mexico," Annette said. "So, are you ready for a little gambling and drinking?"
"I just hope I'm able to hold my liquor," Anya replied.
"On the bright side, all I have to worry about is when you run to the bathroom or outside in the yard."
Anya giggled and shook her head.
"Well, let's go grace the others with our presence before they wonder where we disappeared to," Annette announced.
"What's taking them so long? I'm ready to drink!" Garcia exclaimed.
"Hey, hey. The golden rule of a Lennox girl: she always wants to look her best," Belinda announced, smoothing out her jeans. "Especially considering what the three of us have in mind."
"What exactly do you have in mind, Belinda?" Morgan asked.
"You'll see," Belinda replied with a smile and a wink.
"Hey! Sorry it took so long!"
Anya's call from down the hallway caught everyone's attention as she made her presence known, with Annette following behind her.
"Well, look at Little Miss Birthday Girl and her equally gorgeous older sister," Morgan teased.
"You girls look ready to dance in a hoedown!" Garcia exclaimed, looking at them in awe.
"You're very close, porcelain doll," Annette said with a smirk. "Dancing is part of it, but it's not a hoedown."
"So, what is it?" Prentiss asked.
Annette, Anya, and Belinda snickered at each other before the three of them made their way towards an open spot in the living room, standing in a horizontal line.
"Ben, start the music," Belinda announced.
The term "shocked" didn't come close to what Spencer felt as he and the team finished watching Annette, Anya, and Belinda perform the Black Velvet line dance. This was their third line dance, having slowed it down following the Boot Scootin' Boogie and the Watermelon Crawl. It explained their jeans, belts, and cowboy boots; along with the line dancing, the outfits represented their Albuquerque roots.
"What else have I yet to find out about you, Annette?" Spencer asked as he pulled her onto his lap and wrapped his arm around her waist, resting his hand on her hip.
"There's still a lot about me to discover, my beloved," she replied, wrapping an arm around his shoulders and running her fingers through his hair. She watched as his gaze studied her figure from head to toe, feeling her breath hitch in her throat as he looked back up at her.
"The sight of you in jeans and cowboy boots has become another one of my favorite outfits to see you in."
This made Annette smile.
"Well, I'm glad you approve."
They turned when they saw Rossi approaching them with two empty wine glasses.
"Thought you lovebirds could use a drink," he said, pouring the crimson red liquid into each glass.
"Thanks, old man," Annette said as she and Spencer raised their glasses to him. Then, they looked at each other and made a silent toast, clinking their glasses together before downing a hearty sip.
"I didn't know you could line dance."
"There are some things about me you have yet to find out," Annette said.
"What else do I have yet to know about my eldest BAU daughter?" Rossi asked.
"That's for me to know, and for you to find out," Annette replied with a wink, causing Spencer to lean toward her and kiss her cheek.
"Okay, guys! Here's the cake!" Belinda announced as she, Garcia, and JJ came out with a sheet of pink cake adorned with strawberries.
"And we've got a song to sing!" Garcia exclaimed.
All eyes were on a blushing and embarrassed Anya as Ben brought her up to the middle and Belinda began lighting the twenty-one candles to commemorate her age.
"Hope you got your poker face ready, little kiddo," Rossi announced as they gathered at the table, following cake and wine.
"I think I'm about as ready as I can be," Anya said.
Glancing at everyone, she noticed Spencer was hanging off to the side, piquing her curiosity.
"You're not playing, Spencer?"
"Did you forget he's not allowed to play poker, Anya?" Annette asked.
"Oh. That's right," Anya replied, recalling the poker game during Annette's birthday weekend.
"I want you to know this, Annette. You got yourself one hell of a catch in Spencer. Better not lose him."
Annette chuckled.
"I don't plan to. Now, let's put what you know about poker to the test."
It was down to the wire between Anya and Morgan after about a half hour of playing. It surprised Annette how well Anya was holding both her own and her expressions as she stared Morgan down. Anticipation coursed throughout the entire room as everyone waited to see what they were going to do next.
"I'm all in," Morgan announced, pushing the money laid out towards the middle.
"Really? You must have one hell of a good hand if you're that confident, Agent Morgan," Anya said teasingly.
"Against the pretty, younger sister of my colleague's girlfriend? You're damn right, Miss Anya."
Anya chuckled.
"Flattery with a little flirting will only get you so far, you handsome hunk. So, show me what you got."
Giving her a leer, Morgan set his cards down.
"Full house."
Anya nodded her head in approval.
"Not bad, Morgan. Not bad, but try this."
When she laid her cards down, the look on everyone's face was priceless, especially Morgan's, when his jaw dropped in shock.
"Straight flush. I win, honey," she announced, pulling the money off to her side.
Morgan breathed out a heavy sigh as he put up his hands in mock surrender.
"Just be aware that you're on my radar, Anya."
When he raised his wineglass to her, Anya reciprocated the gesture.
"I got a little extra money to spare. Let's go a second round," Rossi announced.
"I am so glad I persuaded Mom and Dad to take a flight out here," Anya said, following another sip of her wine.
"And I'm glad you're here and had a good time tonight," Annette said.
"In addition, both my birthday wishes came true. Your happiness and being able to see you," Anya said.
Annette smiled as she reached over to hold her hand.
"So, are you going to celebrate with a few of your friends when you get back home?"
"Yeah. That's the plan," Anya replied. "Mom and Carly are my designated chaperones."
"Good, and warn any of those boys if any of them attempt to touch one hair on your head, I'll fly back to Albuquerque and raise hell."
Anya chuckled.
"I know you will."
The sliding of the glass door caught their attention, and the sisters looked to see Spencer coming out to join them.
"Got room for one more?"
"Of course," Anya replied.
Spencer nodded before sitting down next to Annette, wrapping his arm around her waist.
"I really see the change in you, Annette," Anya said. "You glow whenever you're with him, and I know your relationship will last for a long time as long as you communicate with each other. I know you're still adapting to the transfer, but also be open and honest about what you're feeling."
Seeing the sincerity in Anya's eyes and reassuring smile, Annette nodded.
"Take good care of her, Spencer. I swear to God, if you break her heart and trust, I'll break you in half. Do we understand each other?"
"Perfectly," Spencer replied.
Anya nodded.
"Happy Birthday, Anya Marie," Annette said with a smile, causing Anya to smile.
"Thanks, Annette Renee."
End Notes: As a special treat for you guys, check back tomorrow for the next chapter! Just be sure to brace yourself for a lot of angst!