My Thanksgiving

by: Allison

Disclaimer: I don’t own these characters, and I have no money anyway so who would want to sue?

Rating: PG to PG-13 for adult language and mature topics

Summary: Catherine returns to CSI after a leave-of-absence, only to find her relationship with Grissom strained…. what happened?

A/N: This one’s for Ann, in honor of Don Henley and Grissom’s hat.

~ ~ ~

A lot of things have happened
Since the last time we spoke
Some of them are funny
Some of 'em ain't no joke
And I trust you will forgive me
If I lay it on the line
I always thought you were a friend of mine

~ ~ ~

The halls were quieter than she remembered. Glancing around, she half expected to hear Greg’s punk music roaring loudly from the lab. But there was nothing. Not even a whisper. Only the sound of her own footsteps, echoing throughout the empty corridor.

The door to Grissoms’ office stood ajar, and she took in a breath, nervous about speaking to him on her first day back. They had had so little to speak about over the past few months. But, peeking her head through the doorway, she saw no one there.

~Where could he be? And where was everyone else?~ She wondered, continuing on her way.

~They must all be in the locker room.~ That was it. It was the only logical explanation she could come up with. Upon entering, she was surprised to find only Sara, throwing her clothes back into her locker in preparation to leave.

“Oh hey Catherine. Welcome back.”

“Hey.”

“You looking for someone in particular?”

“No, not really. Finding anyone right now would please me at this point.”

“We’ve been pulling doubles all week. I’ll bet everybody’s fighting over who gets the couch in the breakroom…you sure did pick a fine night to come back.” Sara told her, the sarcasm evident in the younger CSI’s voice; a new fear adding itself to the already forming pit in Catherine’s stomach.

“Guess so.” A distant reply was all she designated the question with, to caught up in her own thoughts to really hear what Sara was saying.

“ Not like you will have to worry…I am sure you’ll just be on desk duty.”

Checking herself in the mirror, she was depressed by the image that reflected back at her. Harsh, dark bags that no amount of make up could hide framed dull, tired, sunken eyes, which held a fresh new sense of pain and inner turmoil.

“You ready Catherine?” jumping slightly, the sharp tone of Sara’s voice brought Catherine out of her reverie.

“ Yea, let’s go. Shift’s about to start.”

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *

“I think they’re coming…is everybody ready?” asked Greg, standing watch near the doorway.

“Come on, places…places everyone!” Soon the room was quiet, the lights were dimmed, and all were settled waiting in anticipation for the pair to enter.

From his seat in the corner Grissom saw her silhouette, outside the door. He knew in a moment he would have to face her. The thought very nearly made him queasy. How would she react to seeing him here, after such a long period of silence between them?

“SURPRISE!”

There was a scowl on her face, Grissom noted. A scowl that transformed into a jubilant smile as she entered the room, surrounded by her co-workers.

~You’re a ghost Grissom. Just disappear, they won’t even notice~

Considering the idea he rose slowly from his chair. But seeing her happiness, captivated him in such a way that he could not move from the spot where he stood. His gaze fixed on her petite frame as she greeted everyone with hugs and handshakes.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *

~ Where is he?~ she wondered, making sure to paste on the biggest smile she could muster while greeting her fellow co-workers. Scanning the room she finally spotted him in the corner, alone, watching her. She realized, that this was it, the moment she had to face him. It was now or never.

To be continued….