Here you go my lovely readers
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Chapter 16:
Even through the dark of the night, Sara found her way back to her mother's front yard. But instead of stopping and entering the house, she went just one more house down, to Jason's house. Entering the house, Sara felt cautious despite the fact she knew they could not see her nor were they aware of her presence at all. The house was dark, much like the houses surrounding, except for a single light in the kitchen. Slowly approaching, Sara recognized Emma's small frame, sitting in a kitchen chair, legs pulled up to her chest rocking back and forth. Feeling a sense of urgency rush through her, Sara hurried along side the girl, and brushed the hair out of her face to reveal an empty stare. Silent tears were running down her cheeks and stained the front of her blouse. Sara had seen people in this state out of many years as a CSI; a state of hopelessness, loss, and grief. And to see someone she knew in this state, was very hard to watch. Besides Jason, Emma was the only one who knew exactly what had happened to Sara, and even they didn't know the whole story. Especially the very important fact that Sara was not dead.
"It's all my fault." Emma whispered. Her voice with no emotion; no sadness, no... nothing. Then, something caught Sara's eye. Emma appeared to be holding something between her hands; a white-ish cloth of some sort. Then suddenly, Sara recognized the pattern, and looking down at her shirt, she saw the same design on both Emma's shred of cloth and Sara's shirt. That's because it was Sara's shirt. Sara then realized that she had just found the first piece of evidence that could help in her investigation. The sound of footsteps descending down the stairs caught Sara's attention and brought Emma out of her trance as she quickly shoved the shred of clothing into her pocket. Wiping her eyes and smoothing out her clothes, Emma put on a weak smile as she walked towards the stairs. Following Emma, Sara watched as she walked up to Jason and instead of anything being said, all Sara heard was the quick snapping sound of a slap in the face.
"You told me you'd be up in ten minutes. That was an hour ago." He growled at her. Sara then raced to Emma's side and stood hopelessly as she held the side of her face, crouched over, gasping for a breath. Sara wanted nothing more at that moment than to be able to cause some physical harm to Jason, for now actually witnessing this abuse first-hand.
"I'm so sorry." Emma stammered out, finally catching her balance and some of her composure. "I lost track of time--"
"I don't need any of your god-damn excuses." He said louder as he raised his hand yet again.
Emma quickly acted, "What I meant to say was, it won't happen again." she said as she inwardly breathed a breath of relief as he lowered his hand back down along side his body. She then put her hands in her pockets as she held the material of Sara's shirt, out of Jason's sight. "It's my fault." she sadly whispered. For a moment, Sara was unsure of which situation Emma was referring to, but either way, it made no difference.
Jason's posture seemed to soften as he slowly raised his hand and cupped Emma's face, "I'm sorry." he said, as he rubbed his thumb along side her face, and over the red hand print that was beginning to take shape.
"It's okay," she said to him, "I deserved it." Jason then smiled at her and kissed her as he then put a forceful arm over her shoulder and led her up the stairs and out of Sara's sight.
Sara stood there, speechless, now finally seeing the inner-workings of this dysfunctional, abusive relationship. How could Emma believe him? she asked herself. Seeing how easily Emma gave in left Sara flabbergasted. Sara pondered their behavior the entire trip back to Grissom's hotel room.
When she entered the hotel room, thankfully, Grissom was still asleep. He needs his rest, Sara thought. She then walked over to the bed and slipped under the covers beside him. Curled up close to him she gently traced small circles over his chest. She was caught completely off guard when he lifted his hand and laid it on top of hers, lacing their fingers together in a loving gesture. Sara gasped as she willed herself to be still and calm down. She then said the only thing she could think of to say.
"Gil?" she squeaked out. Watching his chest slowly move up and down in his sleep, her heart stopped when he slowly breathed out the response she had been hoping for.
"Sara." he mumbled. Eyes still closed and breathing still even, Sara was almost positive that he was still asleep.
DUN DUN DUUUUN! Comments, thoughts... yeah, they're appreciated I guess.
