Nobody Special

[Billyjorja]

I've read and reviewed and waiting anxiously to find out.

[Destiny062]

hey guys, sorry for the delay with the next couple of updates, things have been a bit hectic, but here ya go, here's the next couple of chapters, so read, enjoy and review (if ya want).

previously....
"..... i'm ok now really. but maybe one of you guys should go in and talk to her, or sit with her. i don't think it's a good idea to leave her without company for too long."

Chapter 21.

[/b]

"yeah sure. i'll go in now, unless one of you guys wants to go in?"

"no, it's ok. you go in first and talk to her, or sit with her or whatever, and we'll go in after."

so he left the room, they had been waiting in, observing her, willing her to wake up, or move slightly, even if it was just one of her fingers. they all knew that the longer Brooke was unconscious, the longer Sara would be silently beating herself up and feeling guilty over something that wasn't her fault, it had just happened.

"hey Brooke, i'm Greg. listen i know you can't see me, you're unconscious so of course you can't see me. but i'm just gonna sit in this chair next to you, and chat to you for a bit ok. i mean, i know i could use someone to talk to at the moment, and you can just listen. well of course you can, you can't speak at the minute. i'm rambling, sorry, i do that when i don't know quite what to say or how to say it. ok i'm still rambling, but i'm gonna ramble on to you for a bit, so just be patient and stay with me ok? ok.

i work at the crime lab with Sara. i used to just be a DNA lab tech, but then a few years ago i moved out into the field, that did mean a bit of a pay cut, but it was worth it. now that i'm working in the field i can't really imagine going back into the lab, and doing lab work. to be honest with you, i used to kind of have a crush on Sara, but that kinda went away, and she became one of my best friends, and when i started out in the field, she became a kind of mentor to me as well. she helped make me into the CSI i am today actually.

she's a great girl, and a great friend. we're lucky to have her in our lives, i know i am thankful for that everday, and you are too. because no matter what you might think of her, Sara is very loyal to those she considers friends and family. and she deifinitely considers you to be a part of that group, so don't you ever doubt that. you know, our team at the lab is kind of a dysfunctional, non-traditional family. we are always there for each other, and the family and friends are considered part of the extended family. so what i'm saying is, or well trying to say is, that you're a friend of Sara's so you're part of our extended family, so welcome i guess.

listen i don't know when you're gonna wake up, or when you're gonna be recovered, but i do know that whenever that is, Sara's gonna be there for you. we all are. so take as long as you need to recover ok, coz we're all gonna be there when you do. Sara's still beating herself up about what happened to you by the way. i don't think she's ever gonna fully forgive herself, but when you wake up, maybe you can help her do that, and in turn she'll help you, like she's been doing for a while.

anyway, i'm gonna go now, but one of the team who hasn't been in to see you yet, will be in to see you in a bit, so just hang on ok. see ya soon Brooke."

Greg then got up, and walked out of Brooke's room, back to where the rest of the team were standing, knowing that they had been watching him the whole time he was in there with her.

he rejoined the rest of the team, and asked Nick and Grissom which of them would like to go in next. after a couple of minutes, Nick decided that he would go in next, and then after he came back Grissom would go in.

"hey Brooke, my name's Nick. i work with Sara and the rest of them at Las Vegas crime lab, but you might already know that. i don't know how much Sara has told you about us, or even if she's told you anything about us. you have probably already been told, that we are not all just colleagues or friends, we're kind of like family to each other as well, and since you're a friend of Sara's, that means you're part of this family too. Sara's kind of like a sister to me, we argue sometimes when we have a disagreement, but we always make up, and we never let it interfere with our work, well we try not to anyway, unless we're arguing over a case, and then we try to compromise.

this isn't fair what happened to you, but no-one's to blame, it was just an accident, something that happened. but i can tell ya now, Sara doesn't see it that way. she's beating herself up about it pretty hard man, and the only person who can stop her from doing that is you. but you can't really do that when you're unconscious. listen i know it might seem unfair to you, but you need to wake up man. you need to let her know that you don't blame her for this. otherwise, shes gonna keep blaming herself, and she might self-destruct, and i know that is something none of us want to see happen.

so come on Brooke, why don't you wake up soon, ok, just put her mind at rest. she's gonna be there for you everyday you're recovering you know that. so do this one thing for her-wake up and help her forgive herself. can you do that, please?"

after receiving no answer, he said goodbye to Brooke and left the room, knowing that Grissom would see him leave, and know that it was his turn to go in.

Grissom was the first person to turn away from the window, away from Brooke and see Nick enter the room. even though he knew he should go in and introduce himself to Brooke, he found it hard to let go of Sara's hand. he thought that as soon as he let go Sara would fall. he knew that that was very unlikely, after all she was the strongest person he knew, but he also knew how much this had affected her. she knew Brooke, she was her friend. but he also knew he had to let go sometime, and the sooner he did, the sooner he could come back and hold it again.

he gave her a kiss on the cheek, whilst everyone else was still observing Brooke, looking for any signs of improvement (he was still very much a private person) and left to go into Brooke's room.

"hello Brooke. my name's Gil Grissom, i work at the crime lab with Sara, and everyone else who has been in to see you, apart from Lindsey obviously, she's Catherine's daughter. but you've probably already beeen told this by everyone who has come in to see you.

i don't know how much Sara has told you about me, or even if she has told you anything about us. all i will tell you is that i love her very much, and i have done for a very long time. but we've only been together for about two years now. what i do know is that she cares about you a lot. she was so worried when you hung up the phone on her, and she got more and more worried as she continued to get no answer from you. so if you want to believe that she doesn't care about you, you are quite wrong.

i think you remind her of herself when she was younger. i mean your backgrounds aren't exactly the same but they are smilar. i'm not going to tell you anything about it, it is Sara's business, but if she hasn't already told you and if she wants to, maybe someday she will. but it has to be on her terms, and in her own time. she'll tell you when she is ready. just like you'll wake up when you're ready.

i'll leave you alone for a bit now. and you can think and digest everything you've been told about us, and you, and how affected Sara has been by it all. we are just outside, and no doubt Sara will be in in a bit to talk to you some more, or just sit with you and keep you company.

goodbye for now, and we'll meet properly whenever you wake up."

with that Grissom stood up, left the room, and went back to the others where his han quickly found Sara's and held onto it again, knowing he would never let go.

...


you know the drill, read and review, the more reviews the more chapters

[Billyjorja]

Great update x 3.

Does that mean 3 more chapters as I have given you three reviews?

[Destiny062]

thanks for the review billyjorja. am glad you're still reading and liking the fanfic. sorry for the really long delay, but have been on holiday and have just got back. anyway here ye go- the next chapter....

previously...
"... goodbye for now, and we'll meet properly whenever you wake up."

with that Grissom stood up, left the room, and went back to the others where his hand quickly found Sara's and held onto it again, knowing he would never let go.

Chapter 22.

[/b]

she couldn't quite explain it, but the instant Grissom's hand was in hers again, she felt that little bit safer, as if everything was going to be ok. the team knew about their relationship, on some level they always had, but once they had officially told them, the whole team was stronger than ever. nothing had really changed, except that Catherine now did Sara's reviews instead of Grissom, but that was just to keep Ecklie happy.

they all stood at the window looking in on Brooke, constantly trying to work out if something had changed, and whether she was improving. but she hadn't moved, not even a finger, she just lay there.

after a while Sara told the team to go home. she'd stay here, and the moment there was any news, she would call them.

"Sara, we're not going anywhere. we're here for you, and for Brooke. don't push us away please. we're all staying here for as long as necessary, so get used to it." Catherine told her friend.

"but nothing's changed. there's no point all of us being here and hanging around. honestly Catherine, i'll be okay, take Lindsey home, get some sleep all of you." Sara argued.

"Sara, look at me."

Sara turned her head.

"we are not going anywhere. Mom's not taking me home, none of us are going home, and do you honestly think we'd get any sleep tonight knowing you were here on your own worrying about Brooke. because we wouldn't, we'd be worrying about both you and Brooke. we want to be here just as much as you do when Brooke opens her eyes. she may not know it, but she's part of our family now, and family stick together. at least that's what Mom's always told me. and somehow i don't think Grissom would leave your side anyway, not when he hasn't let go of your hand the whole time we've been here. well apart from when he went to see Brooke. he loves you Sara, we all do. just let us be here for you, don't push us away thinking we don't wanna be here, because we do." Lindsey told Sara, the whole time never looking away.

"Lindsey's got a point. and here was me thinking i'd never agree with a teenager." Greg said smiling.

"hey!" Lindsey said, at which she looked at her mom, who gave her a slight nod of the head smiling. after silently getting her mother's permission, Lindsey hit Greg on the arm.

"hey!" Greg almost shouted "what was that for?!"

"that was for making fun of me." Lindsey informed him.

"Catherine, don't you have any control over your daughter?"

"course i do, i just thought you deserved it. Lindsey takes after me in a lot of ways Greggo, and you might not have realised this, but she has an uncanny ability to say exactly the right thing to someone, even though it might not be what they want to hear. she inherited it from me. besides Lindsey's been great this whole time, that and she's right. we wouldn't be able to sleep if we went home anyway." Catherine replied.

".....man i hate it when you're right." Greg sulked.

Lindsey smiled at her mom "thanks"

"anytime sweetie" Catherine told her daughter.

Sara just smiled, knowing that no matter what her 'family' would always be there for her. and knowing that they would always be there for Brooke, made her feel even better.

she slipped her hand out of Grissom's and walked out the room to go and sit with Brooke again.

"hey Brooke" she said walking up to Brooke's side and sat on the chair, that she had put there when she walked in the first time.

"i see you're still hanging in there, that's good. just so you know, we're all staying here. we're not going anywhere, not til you wake up, and not even after then, so you're stuck with us sorry. listen i just wanted to tell you to take as long as you need to come back, don't rush ok. we want you to get better, of course we do, but it has to be in your own time. we don't want you to wake up too soon, and have it hinder your recovery, so you take as long as you need, just rest. i'll .... we'll all be here for you whenever you wake up. i don't know what happened to you after you packed up your stuff and sent me that text. but i want to know, but i know you'll tell me whenever you're ready to. and in return i'll tell you more about me and my past ok. i'm just going to sit here a while if that's ok. ok. just rest Brooke, everything else can wait."

and Sara just continued to sit by Brooke's side letting her rest and trying to figure out what she was going to tell her about herself and her past when the time came. only a couple of people knew the full story about her past, the rest of the team with exception to Grissom only knew bits and pieces, and Lindsey knew none of it, unless Catherine had told her herself. she knew there would be a time, where she would have to tell them everything, but she couldn't right now.

she would know when the time would be, but for right now, all that mattered was Brooke.

..........................

what did ya think? you know the drill; read and review

[Destiny062]

previously...
she knew there would be a time, where she would have to tell them everything, but she couldn't right now.

she would know when the time would be, but for right now, all that mattered was Brooke.

Chapter 23.

[/b]

i was at peace. at peace with the world, with myself, with everything. i wasn't dead i knew that. Grams had told me to go back, to go back to Sara and make our friendship right, or fix something. so i had gone back. the only thing was i wasn't completely back yet.

i was aware of voices, but i couldn't really hear them or make sense of what they were saying, or even if they belonged to different people or the same person. everything was blurry, nothing was concrete or familiar. i was somewhere in the middle. at least that bit was familiar, i had been in the middle of something my whole life, at least i had been. before things had changed, before i had gone to the edge where i had become invisible and taken for granted. i was remembering things, but they were all jumbled up. nothing made sense where i was. maybe if i could go fully back, they would make sense again. but i couldn't get back there yet. something was blocking me, but i had no idea what.

maybe if i figured out what was blocking me things would make more sense. but first i had to work out what could be blocking me. i tried to move my arms, but they wouldn't move, neither would my legs. i tried concentrating even more i tried moving my hand again, but nothing moved, not even my pinky finger. i couldn't understand why.

i could hear a voice again. it sounded familiar, but i couldn't place it. it sounded safe so i listened, trying really hard to make out what they were saying. after a while the voice went away, and i still didn't know what they had been saying.

i silently tried to call Grams, hoping she would hear me, hoping she would help me, like she had done before, like she had done numerous times before she died. i kept trying, i knew my Grams would hear me eventually, she never gave up on me. she had always believed in me even when no-one else did, even when i didn't believe in myself. she wouldn't let me down, i knew she wouldn't. i just had to wait.

a few minutes later i heard her voice, well it was a voice and i hoped it was hers. it was so clear, all the other voices had been distorted and too whispered so i could hear and understand. she was telling me to relax, and if i did that and fully let go i would go back and wake up whenever i was ready, and only when i was ready not before.if i went back before i was ready, i would hinder my recovery, and do more harm to myself than good. i trusted that voice, i trusted her so i listened, and obeyed.

there was a bright light, but after a while my eyes became accustomed to it, i blinked, and a sound came out of my mouth. there was something blocking it, and it hurt. i couldn't breathe properly, my throat was dry, and i couldn't even take one breath.

the room was deadly quiet, but then Sara heard a sound, and after giving one look at Brooke, she knew it came from her. she took hold of Brooke's hand again, and told her soothingly to calm down, that everything would be ok. she had a breathing tube in her mouth for when she was in a coma, and she would get someone to take it out.

"hey Brooke, just relax ok. someone's coming now to take that thing out. just relax, don't close your eyes just relax, stop fighting it. it'll all be ok soon, i promise. just relax Brooke. i'm here, i'm not going anywhere. it's ok."

a few seconds later the doctor came into Brooke's room, and after checking on her, asked her to give one big cough so that they could take the tube out, which she did. immediately Sara gave her some water to dampen her throat, and make her feel a bit better. it seemed to help a little bit.

a few minutes later, the doctor left, saying he would be back in a half hour or so to check on her, and that if they needed anything to just press the button, and one of the nurses would come and help.

within seconds of the doctor leaving, Catherine, Lindsey and the rest of the team all walked into Brooke's room, glad to see that she was awake, and on the way to a full recovery.

"Sara, what happened? who are they? why are they here?" Brooke asked.

"it's ok Brooke. these are my friends, i work with them, and that's Catherine's daughter Lindsey, she's a couple years younger than you. she's a great kid. they were here to support me, and see how you were doing. they helped me find you. what do you remember?" Sara asked softly.

"erm i don't know it's all jumbled up. it got really bad at home, so you asked me to come to Vegas. i stayed with you for a couple of days, after driving here, and then you got me my own place, and told me to ring you or text you anytime i needed anything. we chatted a lot. i tried to find a job, but nowhere was hiring. and i remember driving somewhere else, you told me to meet you there. i think it was the police department, but i don't remember anything else, it just gets all jumbled up. i'm sorry." Brooke told her.

"it's ok Brooke, don't worry about it. you'll remember soon, though i'm not sure you'll want to see me when you do. you were pretty angry with me."

"but you helped me. Grams said so. Grams said you came after me, and that you found me and bought me here and wouldn't let go of my hand, not until they made you. you saved me Sara, more than once, why would i be angry with you?" Brooke asked confused.

"Brooke, i thought your Grams was dead. you told me she died a couple of years ago. it was one of the first things you ever told me."

"i know i did. listen this is going to sound crazy, but i saw her. i had this dream, well i think it was a dream and she told me what you did, what you all did. she took me to the family waiting area, where you were sitting all on your own. you had your head in your hands and..... i remember now, i was at the PD and you were running late that's why you called me. after everything that's happened i took it the wrong way and hung up. when i saw Grams she took me to the family waiting area, and i asked her what the point was, as i would have no-one there waiting to see if i was ok, as i had no family. she pushed me through the door and i saw you. you had your head in your hands, and i think you had tears in your eyes as well, and i couldn't understand why. Sara i'm so sorry. i never meant to put you through this. it's just so many people have let me down before, and when you rang, i thought you were another one wanting me out of your life, so i did what i always did, i lashed out and hung up, and wanted to disapear all over again. i'm sorry, i'm so so sorry." i said, tears streaming down my face.

"sshh, Brooke. it's all going to be ok. you're going to be ok" Sara said.

"why don't we go get some coffee, and something decent to eat. leave these guys to talk. we'll come back and see you later ok Brooke?" Lindsey said.

"ok, Lindsey right? you couldn't bring some coffee back for me could ya. i've missed it." i asked.

"yeah sure no problem. you won't want to drink what the hospital passes for coffee anyway. any preference what one you want?"

"erm, mocha if you can get it, otherwise just a normal cappacino." i told her.

"sure, no problem. see you in a bit then. see ya later Sara."

"bye Lindsey, bye guys. hey can you get me my usual coffee as well please? thank you."

with that Lindsey and the team all walked out the hospital to go get themselves something to eat and some coffee, leaving Brooke and Sara to talk in private.

................

hope ya liked it. you know the drill read and review

[Billyjorja]

Yes, I'm still reading and enjoying.  It's totally different from most ff I read.

[Destiny062]

It's totally different from most ff I read.

that a good different or a bad different??

anyway, here's the next chapter. sorry it took so long to update.

previously....
"bye Lindsey, bye guys. hey can you get me my usual coffee as well please? thank you."

with that Lindsey and the team all walked out the hospital to go get themselves something to eat and some coffee, leaving Brooke and Sara to talk in private.

Chapter 24.

[/b]

"you think they planned that?"

"maybe" Sara replied. "but you never know. i mean they haven't eaten in a while, and Lindsey, well Lindsey really loves her coffee, so it probably was a legitimate reason. anyway, you need your rest, and they probably figured you'd get more if they left you alone. well at least for now. if i were you i'd make the most of it, coz when they get back they're gonna be asking at least twenty questions about you. it's just they way they are."

"so why didn't you go?" i asked Sara.

"honestly, because i didn't want to leave you on your own again, and besides they'll bring me something back."

"oh. i don't know why. i mean, i don't remember everything that happened and why i ended up here, but i have a vague recollection of yelling at you. so why are you here Sara?"

"because it wasn't your fault. and there's nothing you can ever do that's gonna make me give up on you. i'm not going anywhere Brooke, and you really need to start believing that."

i smiled. "thanks. i don't know why, but thanks"

"see, you can smile, i'd almost forgotten what you looked like when you smiled. it suits you." Sara said smiling in return.

"they seem nice, the people you work with. and Lindsey seems nice too. has she always been like that or did she go through a bratty phase like all other teenagers?" i asked.

i don't know why, and i couldn't explain it, but suddenly i wanted to know more about these people that were in Sara's life. i just hoped i wasn't coming off too nosy.

Sara laughed. "yeah, Lindsey's grown up quite a bit in the last couple of years. when her father died she was a bit bratty for a bit. she drove Catherine, that's her mom, nuts. she'd always get called away by her school coz she'd been fighting or something. poor kid just wanted her mom's attention, i mean she'd already lost her dad, guess she felt like she was losing her mom too, since she was working so much."

"oh. so i guess things between Lindsey and her mom are better now. i mean they seem so close."

"yeah. they sat down and talked and really listened one night, and things got better. Catherine cut down on her hours, well she started to work less doubles and triples, and if she really needed to she called Linds, and Linds would sometimes come to the lab just to hang out. it was kinda good actually spending more time with Lindsey and getting to know her as a person, and not just Catherine's daughter."

"sounds nice. i mean you guys are all one big happy family, and i guess i never realised what i was dragging you away from each time i called you or texted you or emailed you to tell you what was going on with me. i'm sorry Sara."

"hey hey, what have you gotta be sorry about? i told you you could call or text or whatever anytime you wanted to speak to me, or needed a shoulder to cry on. you were never dragging me away from anything. i promise you that. and you know what else? they're you're family too now. i mean you're gonna be staying in Vegas, and we're gonna be here for you anytime you need us day or night. you're never gonna have to be alone again ok."

"listen Sara, i know you're never gonna give up on me. but it's not fair of me to drag them into the mess my life is as well. it was unfair to drag you into it in the first place."

"Brooke, i'm not just saying that. Lindsey said the exact same thing when she came to us after speaking with you, when we were first allowed to see you. they don't know the full story about you, or your past. if you want to tell them you can, but they've all said that you're part of our family now, dysfunctional as it is, you're a part of it. which means we will all look out for you, and be there for you anytime you need us. there that's at least twice i've said the same thing to you, please don't make me say it again, although i will if i have to. i'll say it as many times as it takes for you to believe me."

"you don't have to say it again." i told her, "i get it now. thank you."

"good. so what else do you want to talk about?" Sara asked me

"i don't know. how's everything at the lab?" i asked.

"it's ok. you know, same old same old." Sara replied "Ecklie's still a pain, but then he's Ecklie. and we still go out invstigating crimes, trying to catch the bad guys, and be a voice for the victims. but i don't particularly wanna talk about work right now. so what else do you wanna talk about?"

"wow. Sara Sidle doesn't want to talk about work? that's a new one." i say trying not to laugh.

"haha very funny. what else do you wanna talk about?" Sara asked again.

"i don't know. hey how long do you think i'll be stuck in here? i hate hospitals, i just wanna get out as soon as possible."

"i don't know Brooke. it depends on what your doctor say, i'll ask him later ok."

"ok. it's not as if i hav anywhere to go when i get out of here anyway. i returned my old key to the landlord before i left, so i can't exactly go back to my apartment, from what i remember my car is absolutely wrecked, so i don't even have anywhere to sleep. maybe it's just as well i'll probably be stuck here for a while."

"hey Brooke, you know how i said you're part of the family now? well you can always crash at mine, or at Catherine's or at one of the guys' places for as long as you want. really we wouldn't mind, and you're not gonna be fully back on your feet for at least another couple of weeks after you get discharged, so we can help you out anyway. and then when you're ready you can get your own place. but until then you can stay with one of us."

"are you sure? i mean i don't wanna intrude."

"you won't be intruding. i'm telling you, you'd be welcome to stay at any of our places, although Greg's place doesn't really have much room, so you might not wanna stay there. i mean, if you want you can stay with me at my place. i've got a spare room, so you'd have somewhere to yourself. but it's completely up to you."

"thanks Sara, i'd like that. only if you're sure though."

"Brooke, if i wasn't sure i wouldn't offer now would i? of course i'm sure."

"thanks Sara. i really appreciate it." i say.

"hey no thanks needed, but you're welcome."

"hey Sara, can i ask you a question."

"sure, anything."

"where did you find this?" i ask holding out my hand to show the pendant my Grams gave to me.

"i found it in the desert, while i, while we were looking for you. actually Lindsey found it, but when she showed it to me, i immediately recognised it as yours so i kept hold of it. as soon as you were out of the OR i gave it back to you. it must have come loose in the accident and fallen off while you were walking. i mean i knew you would never intentionally take it off and leave it anywhere. so i held onto it, and gave it back to you as soon as i could."

"oh, well thanks i guess. could you do me a favour? could you fasten it at the back for me please? i kinda feel a bit weird without it on. i know that doesn't make any sense but.....

"of course i will. can you sit up. take your time, i don't want you to pull anything."

i slowly started to sit up, holding on to Sara's arm to help me. the bed had already been raised a bit, so i didn't have to get up too far, but it still hurt quite a lot. Sara moved slightly so that she could put her arms around my neck in order to fasten the pendant at the back of my neck. about a minute later she was helping me lie back down on the bed, in order that i would be more comfortable. she then sat back down on the chair beside me.

"thanks. hey could you fill my water jug up for me please. my throat's getting a little dry."

"sure. i'll be right back ok. just stay here."

"erm Sara, where exactly am i going to go?" i said smiling.

Sara smiled back, "oh good point. i'll be back in a couple of minutes."

"ok, see ya in a bit" i replied.

i was getting bored. it felt as if my legs had gone to sleep. i couldn't get up, i couldn't go anywhere, and i was alone in my hospital room. i must have been more tired than i thought, as i soon felt myself drifting off to sleep......

...............................................................................

ok i know, this chapter is not as good, but please keep reading.
you know the drill: read and review if ya want me to keep writing...

[Destiny062]

previously...
"ok, see ya in a bit" i replied.

i was getting bored. it felt as if my legs had gone to sleep. i couldn't get up, i couldn't go anywhere, and i was alone in my hospital room. i must have been more tired than i thought, as i felt myself drifting off to sleep......

Chapter 25.

[/b]

everything was silent. i couldn't hear anything. it was so peaceful here, even though i didn't exactly know where here was, it was familiar, i knew that much, i just didn't know why. i kept walking, hoping that if i kept going i would figure out why this place was so familiar. so far i had come up with nothing, but i kept going, hoping to find the answers.

then i heard a very familiar voice, i knew immediately who it was. that voice had been with me the whole time. it had convinced me to go back, it had helped me go back. it was my Grams voice, i heard her again. she believed in me, she was the only one that did until Sara came along. and even though she was dead, and had been that way for a couple of years, she was still helping me out. i had no idea how or why she was doing it but she was, and something within me told me she would never stop.

"hey Grams."

"hey Brooke. you doing ok sweetheart?"

"you know what? i am. Sara and i talked a lot actually. we haven't sorted everything out, but she told me i was part of her family now. so that can only be a good thing right. after all these years, i actually belong somewhere again. you know somewhere where people actually care about me. i met the people she worked with, and this girl called Lindsey. she's Catherine's daughter, and i guess she's a couple of years younger than me, but she's still pretty cool.

for the first time in my life, i think i've got friends, real friends that will look out for me, and help me out, and stand up for me. i still have a lot to work through, i know that, but for the first time in my life i think everything is going to work out, at least i hope it will. i really hope i haven't just jinxed it."

Grams just smiled at me.

"what?" i ask.

"nothing" Grams replied "i just don't think i've seen you this happy in a while. i'm glad you worked things out with Sara. she's a good person. she still blames herself a little bit you know. she's putting on a brave face for you, but she still blames herself. you have to help her work through that, it's not going to be easy, but you'll help each other through this Brooke, i know you will."

"i don't understand. why does she still blame herself? none of this was her fault, and i'm okay now. i am okay now right?"

"of course you are. but you and Sara still need to talk, about everything. and i think hearing from you that it wasn't her fault will help her a lot. she's been there for you, and she always will be, but you need to be there for her as well."

"i know that Grams and i will. erm Grams...?

"yes Brooke"

"where exactly are we? i mean i recognise this place, it seems so familiar, but i don't know why. i mean i know i should know where we are, but its blocked in my head if that makes any sense. and i'm trying to remember why it's so familiar."

"of course it's familiar. if you go down the street a little more, you'll come to the house where i used to live years ago, when you were a lot younger. you used to visit quite a lot. you'd stay over for the weekends once a month, and visit every week, or every other week, depending on the mood of your parents. i used to love having you stay, and i hated seeing you go home, because i'd miss you so much when you left. you used to love coming here too. you and your sister. oh we all used to have such fun."

"sister? Grams i don't have a sister, i never did. what are you talking about?"

"oh Brooke. i wish i had told you this sooner, or at least your parents should have done."

"should have told me what? Grams what's going on?" i asked

"ok. when you were very little you had an older sister. she was only a year or so older than you, but she was your parents favourite. i don't think they intended to treat you and your sister differently but they did. and then when you were three, you both got very sick, but somehow you pulled through. you kept on fighting, and eventually you got better, but your sister didn't. she died, and your parents never got over her death. they couldn't understand how she hadn't pulled through and you did. i guess as you got older that they came to resent the fact that you survived, and their favourite daughter died. i don't think they meant to treat you like that, they do love you, but unconsciously, whether they admitted it to themsleves or not, they loved your sister more.

"wait so you're saying, the whole reason why they took me for granted and treated me like i was invisible, was because i wasn't the daughter they wanted to survive. thanks for that Grams, that makes me feel a whole lot better."

"Brooke. Brooke. listen to me ok, i wasn't like your parents. after your sister died i told them to get counselling, and focus on the fact that they hadn't lost you both. but they didn't listen. when they kept dropping you off at my house with no warning, i warned them i would go to Child Services and ask them for custody of you, but nothing worked. i couldn't prove that they neglected you. things seemed to get better for a while. you probably don't remember, but for a while they took you everywhere with them, they didn't want to let you go. and you know what i was happy. i thought finally, that you were back on track and being a real family again. you look so much like your sister, its uncanny. when you were a baby, and your sister must have have been one, people thought you were twins you looked so much alike."

"what was her name? my sister who died, what was her name?"

"Sophie, her name was Sophie."

"why didn't anyone tell me? all these years i was growing up, with the ghost of my sister beside me, why didn't anyone tell me about her?"

"i don't know sweetie. you deserved to know the truth, i don't know why they didn't tell you. i guess maybe, after all these years it still hurt too much to talk about her. if they told you about her, maybe they were afraid you'd ask a lot of questions about her, questions they felt would hurt them to much if you asked them."

"so instead they lie to me, take me for granted, treat me like i'm invisible and don't bat an eyelid when i leave them to come to Vegas. you know what, next thing i know you'll be telling me i'm adopted which is why they loved her more than me."

Grams stayed silent.

"you've gotta be kidding me. i'm adopted as well. so my sister who died wasn't even my real sister, and the people who adopted me didn't really care about me as much because i wasn't even their real daughter. no wonder they treated me like i was invisible, i wasn't even really their daughter. who am i Grams? who am i really?"

"you're Brooke Tyler, and you're my granddaughter. that's all that matters. they were your parents Brooke. they may not have acted like it, and they may not be blood relations, but they are your parents!"

"yeah, parents are meant to love their child unconditionally, no matter what. i guess that isn't what happens when your natural child dies, and you're left with the adopted one. tell me something Grams, did they adopt me before or after Sophie died?"

deadly silence was all that filled the air.

"come on Grams, it's a simple question, did they adopt me before or after Sophie died?"

"before. they adopted you a few months before you both became sick. everything i told you is the truth. you both became sick a few months after the adoption was finalised. they couldn't have anymore kids, and the desperately wanted to give Sophie a sibling to play with and grow up with, and they chose you. then a few months later you both became very sick and you fought and pulled through, but Sophie died."

"i can't believe this. i trusted you, and you've lied to me my whole life. what's my real name Grams?"

"i told you, i've only ever known you as Brooke, my granddaughter Brooke Tyler. your mom and dad never told me the name your biological parents gave you, maybe they didn't know. they do love you Brooke, they may not show it but they do love you."

just then i felt a weight on my hand.

"i have to go. bye Grams."

"bye sweetheart. i love you."

"yeah. love you too Grams."

i felt myself going back, but i knew exactly where i was going.

after i few minutes i opened my eyes, and after adjusting them to the bright lights of my hospital room, i turned my head to see Sara sitting on the chair beside me holding my hand.

"sara..." i whispered

Sara looked up, "hey there sleepyhead. you feeling any better. you've been asleep for over an hour."

"yeah a little bit. can i have some water please?"

"of course" Sara filled the plastic cup on the bedside table with some fresh cold water and held it to my mouth while i took a couple of sips. unfortunately, and frustratingly i still hadn't got all of my strength back yet.

"listen Sara, i need to tell you something. but you can't interrupt or judge me. it won't make any sense, and i don't really know what to do myself, but could you please just listen?"

"of course i will. Brooke what is it?"

"well..........."

.............................................................................................

you know the drill, if you want more chapters, and for me to keep writing please read and review

[Billyjorja]

Good different.

More please.

[Destiny062]

previously....
"listen Sara, i need to tell you something. but you can't interrupt or judge me. it won't make any sense, and i don't really know what to do myself, but could you please just listen?"

"of course i will. Brooke what is it?"

"well..................."

Chapter 26.

[/b]

"erm, well..... i don't even know where to begin."

"just take your time. you don't have to tell me now if you don't want. it can wait..... sorry i know, no interruptions." Sara said

"ok here goes. you know how i told you my parents constantly acted as if i was invisible, and anonymous and would take me for granted, expecting me to loads of stuff round the house? back when i still lived with them i mean? well turns out that there was a reason behind it. not a good one, and not one that excuses their behaviour, but still, there was a reason."

"ok. i'm confused. i mean how do you know?"

"Grams just told me. i think she thought i had already been told, but i hadn't and i guess she thought i deserved to know the truth."

"Brooke, i thought you said your Grams died over two years ago. ho could she tell you, if she's dead?"

"look, i know it doesn't make sense, and you probably don't believe me. but when i was asleep i saw her. i've been seeing her quite a bit recently, ever since the accident, whenever i go off to sleep she's there. i don't know quite how to explain it, but i hear her voice and see her. i know i must sound crazy right?"

"just take your time Brooke. so what did she tell you?"

"ok, here goes. she told me, that when i was very little i had an older sister. she was only about a year older than me and her name was Sophie. i guess that's why i don't remember ever having a sister, i was so little, and there were never any photos up of her, none that i could see anyway, and my parents never talked about her, guess it was too painful. anyway when we were little, we both got really sick, i don't know what from. but only i survived. Sophie died, and i survived, and i guess my parents couldn't understand why.

i got a bit mad, that i had never known about her, or never been told anything about her. and the next thing i know, is that Grams told me i was adopted when i was a baby. she never knew my real name, and she wasn't sure if my parents, or should i say my adoptive parents knew either. they couldn't understand how they could lose their natural child, when their adoptive one survived. in a way i guess they blamed me for her death, and that they felt i should've been the one to die and not Sophie.

for a while i guess after their grieving period we went back to being a normal family, but after a while things apparently went downhill. they started leaving me at Grams' house more and more often, and for longer periods of time. i think after a while Grams got tired of playing permanent babysitter, and apparently told my adoptive parents that if they kept it up, she would take them to court and ask for full custody of me. they must have changed, because Grams saw less of me.

i know they never fully got over Sophie's death, and once i hit my teenage years, things really got worse for me. it was then that i really started to notice how things really were. i was treated like i didn't even exist. to them i guess i didn't, not really anyway. i mean they sometimes acknowledged me, but most of the time i just kept to myself, or shut myself in my room.

i needed to know if they adopted me before or after Sophie died. i needed to know whether they adopted me to fill the void that Sophie left, or if they adopted me because they wanted me to be part of their family. turns out they did want me to be part of their family, to be another daughter to them, to be a sister to Sophie, but all that changed when we both got sick and Sophie died.

i know it doesn't excuse their behaviour towards me, but in a weird way i kinda understand it. they hoped and prayed for their daughter to get better, but instead she died and they were left with the adopted daughter, the daughter that didn't really fit in."

tears were streaming down my face as i told Sara my story, and when i looked up into hers i could see tears falling down hers. but not once throughout my story had she let go of my hand.

"oh Brooke, i'm so sorry." Sara said simply.

"it's ok." i told her "i guess i got used to how they behaved towards me after a while, even though i didn't know what i had done wrong. i guess now i do. i was the one who was supposed to die all those years ago, and Sophie should have survived, but instead i fought and survived."

"i guess it wasn't your day to die, and it's still not. you're a fighter Brooke, you always were and you always will be."

"thanks Sara. doesn't really make much of a difference now. i've gotta put the past behind me and move on with my life. maybe i'll find my birth parents, maybe i won't, but i can't change my adoptive parents, and i guess i have to accept that."

"you'll be fine Brooke, i'll help you, we all will. and if you decide you want to find your birth parents then we'll help you with that too. a perk of the job is that over time you gain contacts who you can call in a favour to every now and again." Sara said smiling.

"thanks Sara. you do know that what happened to me wasn't your fault don't you? so stop blaming yourself ok. i just overanalysed something, so i threw my defenses up again so i wouldn't get hurt, but i know that in not hurting myself, well apart from the obvoius pain, i hurt you, and i'm so sorry for that. i really am Sara, i'm so sorry."

"Brooke, it wasn't your fault either. how about this, we both move on from it, and not let it happen again ok?"

"ok" i said quietly. "friends?" i ask questioningly

"friends" Sara said smiling leaning over to give me a quick hug, being careful not to hurt me.

at that moment........

...................................................................

sorry for the cliffhanger, but if you want more you know the drill....
read and review

[Billyjorja]

Good update.

I hate cliffhangers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Destiny062]

previously...
"Brooke, it wasn't your fault either. how about this, we both move on from it, and not let it happen again ok?"

"ok" i say quietly "friends?" i ask questioningly

"friends." Sara said smiling leaning over to give me a quick hug, being careful not to hurt me.

at that moment...........

Chapter 27.

[/b]

at that moment the doctor walked in.

"excuse me. i'm sorry for interrupting but i need to check over Miss Tyler."

"oh sure no problem. i'll be right outside if you need me ok Brooke."

"don't leave me" i say. i know i must sound really pathetic but i don't want to be left on my own. not again. especially in a hospital, i hate hospitals.

"is it ok if i stay?" Sara asked the doctor

"are you family?" the doctor asks

"yes" Sara answers quickly before i can answer the question myself.

"well if the patient has no objections i don't see why not."

"hey, i have a name you know. i'm still here. you know my name you just said it about two minutes ago." i say with a hint of annoyance in my voice.

"sorry of course you are. i'm just going to check your wounds and give you something for the pain, and then i'll leave you alone."

"ok" Sara and i say at the same time.

after a few minutes the doctor leaves, but only after watching me swallow the painkillers he gave me. i think he thinks that if he doesn't watch me i won't take them, as if i actually like being in this kind of pain. after the doctor left, Sara and i started talking again, about anything and everything. kind of like just like we used to before my accident.

after about half an hour or so i was fighting to keep my eyes open. Sara must have noticed because she told me to just rest and go to sleep. i'm not gonna lie i was thankful for that, i guess i was more tired than i thought i was, either that or the painkillers were starting to really kick in. in no time at all i had drifted off to sleep again. i don't know what time it was, or how long i had been asleep for, all i knew was that someone or something had woken me up.

when i was fully awake i thought the voices sounded familiar and then it hit me. they were the voices of my parents, well my adoptive parents, specifically my adoptive mother. i knew they were here for me. and you know what else, i was kinda surprised they had found me. i mean i hadn't left them a note telling them where i was going when i left, and i knew that Sara wouldn't have contacted them, so i guess someone at the hospital must have done, not knowing that they were the ones i had run away from, and one of the reasons i had come to Vegas in the first place.

i could hear them coming closer and closer so i pretended to be asleep. it wasn't really that hard, i was still pretty tired. i guess i was hoping that if they saw i was asleep, they would go away and leave me alone. realistically i should've known that would never have happened. now that they had found me, they were never gonna let me go.

"Brooke? oh my God, Brooke what happened to you?" my adoptive mother Rebecca said.

"i'm sorry. this is going to sound really weird, but exactly who the hell are you?" Sara asked.

"we're her parents. i'm John Tyler and this is my wife Rebecca. when we got the call about our little girl we were so worried, we left town and came straight here." my adoptive dad John said, "who are you? how do you know our daughter? why are you in here?"

"my name is Sara Sidle. i'm a friend of Brooke's. wait you're her parents?" Sara said

"yes. we've come to take her home with us as soon as her doctors say we can. we've missed her so much." said Rebecca.

"how did you know she was even here?" Sara asked "i mean she left your house weeks ago, why not come then, why now?"

"we didn't know where she was and then we got the call that she was at Desert Palms Hospital in Las Vegas. hang on, how do you know she left our house weeks ago?" Rebecca asked Sara

"i'm her friend. she told me everything. about how you treated her, about how unhappy she was at home, how she just wanted to get away from everything and from you." Sara said forcibly but quietly, tryng not to wake me up.

none of them knew i was just pretending to be asleep and that really i was listening and hearing every word.

"how dare you!" Rebecca half-shouted "we were going frantic, out of our minds with worry when she left. we came home one day from work and her stuff was just gone. no note, no car, no nothing. we didn't know where she'd gone, or even where to start looking for her."

"calm down Becky. none of that matters now. all that matters is that we've found her now and when she's better we can all go home." John said soothingly trying to calm his wife down.

"i wouldn't count on that happening" i heard Sara say under her breath. luckily neither John or Rebecca heard her. now was probably a good time to wake up and stop pretending.

"Sara?" i said sleepily

"hey sleepyhead. you feeling any better?" Sara asked

"a little. can you pass me some water please?" i ask her

"yeah sure. do you want help sitting up or are you okay?"

"i'm okay" just as i am sitting myself up i notice my adoptive parents, well properly at least. "Sara? what are they doing here?" i ask her

"i'm sorry Brooke. the hospital rang them. i swear i had nothing to do with it." Sara told me.

"get them out of here!" i say

"Brooke, sweetie thank God you're ok. we were so worried about you." Rebecca said

"everything's going to be ok now honey. we're gonna take you home as soon as the doctors say it's okay." John said

"get away from me! you hear me? leave me alone. i'm not going back with you, i'm already home. you can't make me go back there. i'm staying here in Vegas with Sara. Sara tell them to leave me alone." i shout.

"i think it's best if you just go. now, both of you" Sara tells John and Rebecca "leave, now"

after a minute or so John and Rebecca realised that they weren't going to get anywhere so they grudgingly left. just before they did Rebecca said "we're not leaving Brooke. this isn't over!"

"i'm sorry Brooke. i should've realised the hospital would call them, i'm so sorry." Sara said

"it's ok. at least you've met them now, i mean you always wanted to right? you know what they're really like. they're not gonna give up you know. they'll stop at nothing in order to get me to go back with them." i told Sara.

"well then" Sara said "they'll have a fight on their hands. you're a part of our family Brooke and we're not gonna let you go. not now, not ever ok."


...

okay guys you know the drill, if you want more chapters you know what to do...
read and review...

[Destiny062]

Chapter 28.

[/b]

"thanks Sara, and i know that. i don't want to go back there, believe me i don't, not now not ever, but maybe it would just be easier if i did. that way none of you guys would get hurt. i mean it's my mess, it's my family, i need to be the one to sort it out. i really appreciate you guys wanting to fight for me, and for welcoming me into your family but, maybe this is something i need to do on my own."

"no way Brooke. you're a smart kid, but if everything about what you've told me about your parents is true, and after what i've just witnessed you're gonna need our help. so just let us help you please?"

"okay, but can i make one thing clear, they are not my parents, they are my adoptive parents, and they were barely that. i know in the eyes of the law they're my parents, but to me they were just two adults i happened to share a house with and do everything for."

"ok. if you want we can get an emancipation order from the court. we get you and John and Rebecca to sign it, and then legally your separated from them. they can't make you do anything. i know you're eighteen so legally you're an adult anyway, so they can't make you do anything you don't want to, but they seem to have forgotten that, and so this emancipation with serve as a hefty reminder. plus you'll have something on record, if that's what you want. it's comepletely up to you, you don't have to if you don't want to."

"no, no i want to. how soon can we get that emancipation order?" i ask

"i can call in some favours and get it processed through pretty quickly, and then we'll get you to sign it, and then it depends on them. if we have to take them tyo court we will, but hopefully it won't come to that. obviously if we don't have to take them to court it will go through a lot faster."

"Sara i can tell you now, that we're gonna have to take them to court. they're not gonna let me go quietly. and how am i going to pay for a lawyer, i haven't got any money. i'm not even sure if i have health insurance. how am i going to pay for all my hospital bills?"

"hey Brooke, calm down. we'll help you out, and you don't need to worry, you don't need to pay us back either. we'll pay for your lawyer, after all we're all going to be on record for this so in a way he'll be representing all of us. and i can find out if you have health insurance, something tells me your parents, sorry John and Rebecca definitely got ya covered."

"great. listen can you do me a favour? can you find out how long i have to stay here. it's just i hate hospitals and i just wanna get out of here and go home"

"yeah sure. here take these and drink some more water and i'll be right back ok. oh and listen i called the guys while you were asleep and they're on their way back, so they should be here soon, and yes Lindsey remembered your mocha coffee. she's gonna sneak it in to you as i don't think you're really meant to be drinking coffee just yet, but they won't tell if you don't." Sara said smiling.

"don't worry i won't tell anyone, i've really missed my coffee. anyway if i'm gonna be stuck in here for a while, i might as well enjoy the coffee while i can right?" i said smiling

"ok. i'll be back in a bit. i'll leave this with you so you don't get bored. there's some good stuff on there you might like." Sara said handing me her iPod. i smiled graciously and thanked her, and as soon as she left the room i plugged it into my ears and pressed shuffle.

about twenty minutes and quite a few songs later Sara walked back into the room.

"hey" i say taking out the earphones "so what's the verdict?"

"hey, well i spoke to the doctor, and he said you were doing a lot better than they thought you would be doing this early after the surgery..."

"so does that mean i can go home soon?"

"he said you could probably go home in a couple of days. he just wants to keep you under observation for a bit longer, just as a precaution. but you're still going home earlier than you should be, so that's good"

"yeah it is. i guess i can put up with a couple more days in here. listen i totally understand if you've changed your mind, but is it still okay for me to stay at your place for a while when i leave this place?"

"yeah that's fine. i told you you could stay at mine for as long as you wanted remember? i still mean that."

"thanks Sara. but what about Grissom?"

"what about Grissom?"

"well you guys are together aren't you? what does he think about me staying at your place. i mean i can't imagine that he's completely happy with you inviting me to stay at your house."

"ok, Brooke yes Gil and i are together, and we have been for a while. but he knows how much i care about you, and how guilty i felt when you ran away and i let you down. he won't mind. besides if he finds too much of a problem with it, well then he can stay at his townhouse can't he?"

"so you two aren't living together?"

"well no, not officially. listen i said you could stay at mine, and you can. it's your room for as long as you want it to be."

"ok. listen i'll get a job, and i'll help with rent and bills and stuff while i'm staying there ok."

"you will do no such thing. i mean if you want to get a job you can. i'm not gonna stop you, and i'll even help you if you want, but i am not taking your money for bills or anything, you hear me. don't even think about it." Sara said.

i was about to argue back, but the look on her face told me there was no point, she wasn't going to budge on this one. but i wasn't going to back down either, i would do something to pay her back. maybe i could do jobs around the house to help her out.

"ok" i said simply "if you're sure"

"of course i'm sure." Sara said simply.

i just smiled at her. it had been well, more or less forever since i felt as if i actually mattered and that someone cared for "thanks Sara, for everything."

"you're welcome Brooke. so what are you thinking, you wanna get a job when you get better, or go back to school? you're a smart girl, you could easily get a degree or something and do something you love for a living. what do you like Brooke?"

"i don't know. i mean i went to school when i used to live with John and Rebecca and i was quite good, i used to get teased coz when i wasn't in class i was in the library. i remember thinking that i could use school to escape. i thought to myself if i did really well in school then maybe i could get a scholarship to college, and even if i couldn't i could go anywhere i wanted, and the further away i could get the better. you know maybe i could go back to school. but i'd probably have to get a part-time job to help put myself through."

"listen, you look at colleges and decide what you want to do, and i'll have a look at your grades and at the places you want to do, and i'll see if i can get you a full, or at least partial scholarship okay? that sound ok?"

"ok? that sounds great Sara thank you. thank you so much." i leaned over and gave her a big hug to show her how much this meant to me.

"you're welcome. just be careful of your stitches and that shoulder ok. we don't want you to cause more harm to yourself and end up staying here for even longer do we?"

"nope. definitely don't want that." i say smiling.

a few minutes later.........


...

okay you know the drill, read and review. constructive criticism is always welcomed
let me know if ya like it/don't like it or whatever

[Destiny062]

Chapter 29.

[/b]

a few minutes later we heard some scuffling outside the door to my hospital room, and a few seconds later Catherine, Lindsey and the rest of the guys walked in carrying the promised coffee for myself and Sara, plus another cup for themselves each. once the coffees had been handed over to myself and Sara, and put down the guys went in search of extra chairs so that could all sit down comfortably and chat to one another and find out more about me, the newest member of their dysfunctional family.

i wasn't really up to talking much, so Sara did most of it for me while i just sat back enjoying my mocha coffee and seeing my new family interact with each other. it was nice, i didn't feel left out at all, in fact for the first time in my life i actually felt as if i belonged somewhere, as if i was actually home. and that was a feeling i haven't felt since my Grams got sick and then died a few years ago. i liked having that feeling back, it was a nice feeling.

i was thankful for having an actual cup of proper coffee, actually scratch that, just to have coffee in my hands again. it felt like forever ago since i had last had a cup. i don't know how long i have been in the hospital for, and to be honest i don't think i want to know, all i do know is that i can't wait to get out.

as of yet, no-one had asked why i was in Vegas, and how i had come to wreck my car in the first place, even though i know they were all dying to know. maybe Sara had told them not to ask, but to wait to see if i bought it up. i didn't want to tell them my life story, so i decided that i would wait until they asked me. after all if they really wanted to know, they'd ask at some point wouldn't they? my mocha was still a bit too hot to drink so i put it on the table beside me waiting for it to cool down, before i could drink some more.

"ok, everyone this is Brooke Tyler." Sara said "and Brooke this is everyone. that's Catherine, and her daughter Lindsey. That's Nick over there with Greg. that's Jim Brass, and over there in the corner, that's Gil Grissom." she pointed to them all in turn.

"hi" i said. i had met them briefly all before the coffee and food run, but now i had been introduced to them properly, and had faces to go with the names and stories that Sara had told me about them. "nice to meet you, properly i mean."

"it's nice to meet you too Brooke." Catherine said.

"hey Brooke, if you don't mind me asking, why'd you disappear, or at least try to disappear in the first place?"

"Greg! not now. she's not a suspect, she doesn't need you interrogating her. just drop it ok." Sara exclaimed.

"no Sara, it's ok. they deserve to know why it was so important you find me. they deserve to know the truth about me, especially since i'm gonna be sticking around this time and staying with you for a while." i say.

"you're staying with her? Sara this girl's gonna be staying with you? are you sure about this? i mean we barely know her, you barely know her." Greg said

"Greg!"

"actually that's not true, we've known each other a year or so, ever since i went to give that talk on forensics that Grissom sent me on to that high school. Brooke was a student there, and we got talking, and i guess eventually she trusted me enough to open up to me. we kept in contact after i left." Sara explained.

"oh" Greg said.

"so i believe you wanted to know why i was here? cliffnotes version, i was tired of being invisible and being taken for granted at home, so i called Sara up and she invited me to come and stay in Vegas with her for a while. after a couple of months i moved out, got my own place and started being more independent. anyway after a while i decided to go back home to get some more of my stuff. i stuck around for a few days until i had emptied my bank account and packed up all my stuff. i found myself a little apartment, and got my stuff unpacked. i called Sara, and as per usual she said we could meet up and chat. anyway she was running late, called me, i took it the wrong way and i did what i thought was best i disappeared again. i knew she would try track my cell phone so i left it in my apartment. got in my car and started driving, wasn't paying too much attention to the road and went off the road, and ended up flipping my car over a couple of times. i got out somehow, i don't know how and started walking, and you know the rest." i told them.

"guys, there's something else you should know about Brooke." Sara looked at me and i nodded, indicating it was ok for her to tell them. "it turns out Brooke is adopted, and her adoptive parents want to take her back home. they've already been here once, and the likelihood is they'll come back again."

"hang on a second, Brooke you're eighteen right?" Lindsey asked.

"yeah. but they don't see it that way. see legally i'm an adult, but to them i'm still a stupid kid who is acting out and doesn't know what she wants." i say.

"so i'm asking you guys, can you make sure there is one of you here with her at all times, and if it's Lindsey maybe one of you could stay here as well? it's just for the next couple of days, until she's allowed to go home, and by home i mean my place." Sara says.

"i'll square it with Ecklie Sara. don't worry. we'll take shifts ok." Grissom calmly told Sara.

"thanks Grissom."

"you know with any luck they won't come back." Nick said.

"you don't know John and Rebecca like i do. they'll come back, and if they don't it's because they're planning something, and that's never good. they won't give up without a fight, and they won't back down easily. not without trying to take at least me down with them." i said "i'm really sorry i dragged you into this guys."

"it's ok. we've had to deal with worse before. besides you're a part of this family now. we're not gonna let you go." Catherine said.

i just smiled and said "thanks".

i reached over, picked up my coffee and drank some more "now that's good coffee" i say smiling

"see i told you." Lindsey said knowingly with a smile on her face.

and with that we went back to talking about anything and everything, trying to forget, if only for a while the oncoming storm that would be John and Rebecca Tyler, my adoptive parents, trying to force me to come home, not knowing that i already was......

...

ok you know the drill, read and review.... please?

[Billyjorja]

Of course Gil will understand.

Love the way you write.