1. April 30, 1989 - First Meeting

Elizabeth Prentiss knew one thing about her daughter: She always hated the FBI Agents who worked for her.

However, Elizabeth swears to her husband's grave that her daughter, Emily Elizabeth Prentiss, has a crush on her newest Agent who works for her.

Elizabeth watches as Emily becomes a shy, timely girl around said Agent. Said Agent is a gentleman with Emily, helping her when he can and just being a friend.

Elizabeth watched Emily change her style and hair back to her dark brown. She spoke to Elizabeth about getting a job, moving off campus, and doing Criminal Justice instead of her language degree.

Elizabeth was amused by Emily's relationship with this agent and thought they were a perfect match. However, it broke her heart when Emily found out the Agent had a girlfriend.

Not just any girlfriend, but his high school sweetheart.

Her poor baby just broke her heart, and she realizes that Emily did not know she was in love with Agent Aaron Hotchner.

2. April 4, 2007 - Honor Among Thieves

Almost 18 years ago, Elizabeth sat at her desk, watching her daughter fall for her agent.

Now, Elizabeth is watching her daughter fall for her boss.

Or is it she never got over it? Elizabeth thought.

Elizabeth watches throughout the case how her daughter would do anything to get on the agent's good side.

History is repeating itself, Elizabeth thought.

But sadly, Elizabeth's dreams of Emily with the man she fell for all those years ago went out the window when she noticed the ring and a photo of a little boy who looked just like the agent.

But it didn't stop Elizabeth from questioning Emily about the agent. She listened as her daughter spoke about the agent and how he didn't like her, but now she thinks he likes her.

She listened to Emily speak about the team not liking her, that her coming with the case might not help her, and that it only helps with the agent her daughter loves.

Elizabeth was amused at the end when Emily spoke softly about how the agent was telling her or venting that he and his wife were having problems and that Emily didn't know what to say to him.

Elizabeth was sure about one thing.

Aaron Hotchner better not play her daughter, or hell will be paid.

3. October 4, 2007 - In Name and Blood

One would think Elizabeth Prentiss does control her daughter the way her daughter and others believe. Elizabeth allows Emily to express herself in any way (but ensuring she is safe).

So, when she got a phone call from Emily's Section Chief about controlling her daughter and how her daughter would ruin her career if she stayed loyal to said Agent.

She wished she could tell Strauss that Emily would die for said Agent. However, somehow, she thought that would make matters worse for them.

So, she did what any good parent would do and called Emily after her case. Elizabeth listened to how Emily got hurt, but she was fine.

"Emily, you're fine, and my fine are two different things. Why don't I come over?" Elizabeth said.

Before Elizabeth could get a response, she heard the agent's voice.

What was he doing in Emily's apartment? Elizabeth thought.

"Mom, I have to go. Aaron, er Hotch, I mean Agent Hotchner, sir, is staying with me for a while since his wife and he is fighting, and I needed someone with me for the night because of the head injury. Can we do brunch this weekend?"

Elizabeth agreed but thought Emily would finally get her man. Emily doesn't like her bosses or anyone with personal problems coming home with her. However, one last thought entered Elizabeth's mind.

This will not end well.

4. December 24, 2009 - After The Slave of Duty

Elizabeth sips her wine while watching the agent's son hold on to Emily. This four-year-old was only staying with the agent, the agent's brother, and Emily.

Should it surprise her? Probably not because Emily made her find the Angel her late husband got them before his death.

But still, Elizabeth wonders if something is going on with them.

"You know they are good together," Rossi told her as he watched her watching them.

"I know. I know for over ten years."

"What's the problem?"

"He isn't into her as she is to him. My daughter will be the one hurt because Emily loves to the fullest and gives herself. While he seems to see her as an annoying little sister who won't go away."

"You and I both know that isn't true with him."

"Is it?"

"Elizabeth..."

"He was living with her half of the time they were gone. Right after her death, he pulled away and still is. While I of all people understand what it is like to lose your partner to this job because Emily and I did this song and dance almost 25 years ago. But this isn't it. Emily is the one who will be hurt because she is in love with him while he isn't there."

Elizabeth walked away from him, tapping Emily's shoulder where Jack wasn't on and asking her if she was ready for their trip.

Elizabeth watched as Emily's face fell. She knew then that she had agreed to stay close to home in case said Agent and his son needed her.

Never mind, this was the 25 anniversary of Domnick Prentiss' death. Or that Emily will get her heart broken.

Elizabeth just smiled and invited the Hotchners to their place for Christmas Day dinner.

5. February 14, 2012 - After Closing Time

Elizabeth Prentiss did the one thing most parents won't encourage, but this was a time when she felt she had to bend that rule.

Elizabeth and her daughter got drunk together. While she knew Emily was emotionally drunk, she wasn't expecting this.

"Mama, I am almost 42 years old and failed at life."

"Failed? Baby, you were a CIA OP, Interpol Agents, and BAU Agent; you ran your team in Chicago for two years. You save a boy's life twice."

"But I not a mother nor somebody's wife!"

"And?"

"AND?! I should be celebrating my Valentine's Day with HIM, but I'm here! I should be the one who gets the honour of being that sweet boy's stepmother. I did everything right and by the book to get them to see me as the one who fits their lives!"

Ah, there it was, Elizabeth thought.

Aaron Fucking Hotchner has caused her daughter's heartbreak once again. Or for the fifth time.

"Are we talking about you being in love with Aaron Hotchner for 23 years?" Elizabeth asked.

"Yes, I was so stupid and did not take chances with any of the men who wanted me."

"Men?"

"John Cooley, Mick Rawson, Clyde Easter, Brad, the real FBI Agent, some of the other men you were trying to set me up with!" Emily said, throwing up her hands.

"And what's stopping you from picking one of these men, starting a relationship with, and starting a family?"

"He took away my chance of having kids."

Elizabeth took a breath—another thing Ian Doyle took from her.

"You freeze your eggs, right?"

"Yes..."

"Then why not have a child by yourself, or better yet, Clyde has always loved you, and you love him too. Not as much as Aaron, but enough to have a good life."

"But what about Jack and Aaron? I need to be here!"

"And what about what you need?"

"Do you think Clyde and I could make it?"

"You're best friends, which is the best start to a good relationship."

"I think... I think I need to leave the BAU. It hurts too much to be around him now."

Elizabeth looked at Emily's sad eyes.

"I think... I need a new start."

1 Elizabeth realizes Hotch is in love with Emily - Sometime after Emily left but before Erin's death and 200

Elizabeth wasn't sure about Emily's request, but she would do it.

Emily left for London the day after Valentine's Day, and Elizabeth followed a few months later. Elizabeth watches as Emily returns to life and finally puts her dreams of being Mrs. Aaron Hotchner away, and she is happy now.

"I have one more guest, and we need to wait for one more person." Elizabeth heard Erin say.

"Who?" Reid asked.

"Me," Elizabeth said as she entered the kitchen.

The team was surprised to find Elizabeth. They haven't heard from the Prentiss women in over a year and a half.

"When did you come back?" Hotch asked.

"About two this afternoon. Many meetings I had to get to."

"Why are you here?" Morgan asked.

"Emily asked me to give you all these."

JJ and Will share a look, knowing what the news Emily has.

They open the envelope to find a photo of a baby.

"I don't get it," Reid said.

"Flip to the back."

Domnick Elliot Prentiss-Easter

Elizabeth watches Aaron closely. And she notices something.

Aaron Hotchner was in love with her daughter.

Why didn't he act on it? Elizabeth thought.

"But... I thought..." Garcia started.

"Oh, is this the Emily Jack talks about?" Beth asked.

Ah, the girlfriend, Elizabeth thought.

"Yes, she left for Interpol," Rossi said.

"Did you all not know she was having a baby?" Savannah asked.

"No, she... Never wanted kids..." Garcia said.

Elizabeth stared at them.

"My daughter always wanted kids. She has joint custody of Declan, too, now."

"Oh."

Elizabeth returned to look at Aaron and saw his little boy look sad.

"I should get back to the airport; this was just a day trip," Elizabeth said.

Aaron was the first to snap out of it and said he would walk her out.

"Is she happy?" He asked her.

Elizabeth looked at Aaron like she had watched her daughter look for years.

"She is. She has two sons who are the love of her life and a good man who is a good father to her sons."

Elizabeth looked at Aaron's sad eyes.

"Sometimes, if you love something, set it free. If it comes back, it's yours. If not, it was never meant to be," Elizabeth said.