Well it certainly has been a while. I apologize for that. RL seems to enjoy getting in the way, and to add to it my computer finally kicked the bucket so I had to wait to get a new one before updating could be done.

I do hope you can forgive me.

As you have probably seen I've been doing some editing for this story. It was nothing major; a few changes here and there.

Enjoy the chapter!

Catherine's POV

Sighing I listen to my heels click against the floor as I make my way to the locker room. Despite talking to Sara several times tonight I still could not sleep. I have gotten used to Sara's presence in my bed and now every night I spend without her it is a struggle to get even an hour worth of sleep. It has been two and a half weeks since the last time I slept in bed without Sara. I know this only because it was my last day off when Sara came over, and hasn't felt the need to go back to her apartment since.

I had tonight off because Lindsay is sick. Too sick for me to leave her with only Jay. As I round the corner I can hear voices in the locker room. As I step into the room I realize the whole team minus Grissom, as usual, is getting ready to go home.

Sara's eyes are the first to land on me; however Warrick is the first to speak. "Hey Cath. What are you doing here? I thought you got an unexpected night off. How is Lindsay doing?"

"It is," I reply as I open my locker and begin to dig through its contents. "She is doing a little better. Her fever finally went down to an even one hundred so she was sleeping when I left her. I wanted to be there when she wakes up in case she needs something. Jay knows my number if something happens while I'm out."

"That certainly explains why you are here so early in the morning." My tired smile is hidden by the fact I am still shifting around the clothes in my lockers. I make a mental note to clean it one day soon. "We were trying to talk Sara into going to breakfast with us, but I guess Lindsay being sick leaves you out as well."

"Yeah sorry. I've got to get home as soon as I can. Oh, hey Sar, can you stop at the store and pick up some popsicles for Lindsay before you come home? She can't eat anything; her throat is too raw and she can't keep anything down."

"Sure," Sara says before she replies to Greg's comment.

"Speaking of home," Warrick says slyly. "When are the two lovebirds officially moving in together?"

I shrug from inside of my locker. "Hey Sara do you want to move in with me?"

"Whatever you want babe," Comes her distracted reply as she continues her conversation with Greg.

"Now." I inform Warrick as I finally find the shirt I was searching for.

"Well congrads."

"Thanks. Say Warrick, can you do me a favor?"

"Sure Catherine. Anything for you girl."

I send him a brilliant, slightly evil smile. "Stay sober at breakfast this morning." He opens his mouth to protest and I add sweetly, "For me."

He doesn't meet my eye when he promises he will, and I have a feeling I will be seeing him at my front door in a few hours time.

The locker room begins to empty until it is only Sara and I left. I take a seat on the bench and wait for Sara so that we can walk out together. I hear her locker open and then close a few minutes later. Sara's footsteps sound behind me before her hands are on my shoulders. She begins to rub the tension out of them.

"You look tired babe," she states in a quiet, loving tone.

"Well I found out when I tried to get a few hours of sleep tonight that I can no longer sleep without you by my side." Sara lightly chuckles, and I rest my head against her lower stomach so that I can gaze up at her as she towers over me. She is beaming smugly and I know she will never admit it, but she is very happy about this piece of information.

Sara sits straddling the bench and I do the same causing our knees touch. "Do…do you really want me to move in with you Cat?" I can see her insecurities.

I send Sara a reassuring smile. "I might have asked casually, but I meant it with all of my heart Sara. I want you to move in with us if you want to. I can make a tear jerking speech for you if that will make you feel better about this."

Sara rolls her eyes at me. "No. I like the question just the way you asked me. I wasn't certain if you were serious, or asking to amuse Warrick."

"I would never joke about something like this Sara." I inform her instantly. "That would be a horrible thing to do to you." I gaze at her expectantly. She has her formal question and I want my formal answer.

"Um, what?" Sara appears confused by my expression.

"I'm waiting for your answer to my question." I say with mock exasperation before smiling.

"Yes… I'd love to move in with you Catherine." Sara beams at me revealing the gap between her teeth. Leaning forward I capture her lips with mine. Our kiss is slow and loving. There is no rush to go further. An expression of love.

My cell phone starts to vibrate on my hip. I pick it up. "Hello."

"Lindsay is throwing up again."

"I'll be right there." I hang up the phone and meet Sara's concerned expression.

"Lindsay is up, and throwing up again." I stand up and Sara follows me.

"I'll stop at the store and get her popsicles. Do you want anything?" I shake my head no. Sara and I separate as we go to our individual cars.

"Hey Cath?"

"Hmm?" I reply distractedly.

"I'll stay home with Lindsay tomorrow if she is still too sick. I should probably pitch in seeing as she is my daughter too." Glancing up at Sara once again a grin appears on my face.

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Entering the house I rush into the bathroom and find Lindsay leaning over the toilet once more. Looking around there is no sign of Jay. Pulling Lindsay's hair away from her face I rub her back. "Hey sweetie," I say soothingly.

When Lindsay is finished she turns her head look at me. She is so pale, and so tired. I can't imagine what she has left in her stomach to come up. "Oh babe," I sigh. "Sara is stopping at the store to get popsicles so you can try to eat something."

She nods weakly, "Did you ask her?" Lindsay's voice is rough and quiet. I can't help but smile at her curiosity even when she is sick.

"I did," my smile threatens to break my face. "She said yes." Lindsay smiles back weakly.

"It's about time Sara moved in here for good."

"Where's Jay?" I listen and cannot hear her in the house. Lindsay shrugs.

"I told her to get out of here. She has a weak stomach. I don't know where she went."

"Okay." Brushing back Lindsay's hair I kiss her softly on the forehead. The skin beneath my lips is on fire. "Come on baby, let's get you out of here and I'll get you some Advil." Lindsay nods. Shakily she stands, her colorless cheeks paling even further. Carefully I drape her arm over my shoulder guiding her out of the room.

The front door opens and shuts and Sara comes around the corner before disappearing into the kitchen. The freezer opens and closes and then she peers down at the hallway at us. Rushing over she places herself under Lindsay's other arm. "I've got her Cat."

Sara bends and lifts Lindsay's legs with her arm effectively holding her like a baby. "Bring her out onto the couch please. I'm going to go get her blankets and stuff." Sara nods and we separate going in opposite directions. I grab Lindsay's pillow and blanket before peeking my head into Jay's empty room. I notice the window is wide open. "Shit," I mumble. Stopping in the kitchen I find Sara rinsing out the bucket Lindsay has been using.

She glances at me. "Lindsay will be okay Cat," I nod vigorously. "That's not what is wrong is it?" I shake my head no. "Okay. Go get Lindsay settled and then we can talk." I nod again before getting Lindsay a glass of water and grabbing the Advil.

Entering the living room I cover Lindsay and place her pillow behind her head. As I do this my daughter regards me silently. "Jay isn't here is she?" I gaze into my daughter's blood shot eyes and shake my head.

"No she's not baby," I hand Lindsay two Advil and hold the glass to her lips as she sips water, not wanting to freeze her overheated hands. "But don't worry. I'll take care of it."

"We haven't been getting along lately," Lindsay says in a scratchy voice. I gaze at her as I sit on the coffee table. I take the hand that is resting outside of the blanket. I place our linked fingers on Lindsay's chest.

"I could tell sweetie, but I wasn't sure…I didn't know if you would want to talk about it or if Jay…"

"I love her…I really love her, but I…I don't know…" I can see the tears welling in Lindsay's stormy blue eyes; breaking my heart. Footsteps sound behind us and I turn locking eyes with Sara. Her chocolate orbs flicker to Lindsay's. Worry pouring over her features.

Lindsay smiles weakly at Sara causing Sara to cross the room and lightly kiss Lindsay on the head. She whispers in my ear, "I'll wait in our room."

I smile softly at Sara, "Call Jay. Try to find out where she is. You can play the nice parent if you want." I hear Lindsay snort in amusement in front of me.

Sara rolls her eyes at me and leaves. I watch her pull out her cell phone as she rounds the corner. I turn back to Lindsay and watch her with sad eyes. "Could I have some…some more water?" Her voice is rough and strained. I hold the glass to her lips and she sips. "Thank you. Ever since everything happened with Jay's brother she has been different…we all know it. I have a feeling she is not telling the whole truth of what happened. I think…I think Sara might have been the only person to get the truth out of her. Jay has been doing things…she has been hanging out with people at school, who I don't approve of. And she has been doing things…" A tear rolls down Lindsay's cheek, followed by another and another. "She has just been doing things…" Lindsay shakes her head and I observe as she protective folds her arms beneath the blanket.

There is a knock on the door. "I've got it," Sara calls. As she passes the room hear, "There was no answer when I called Jay."

"What kind of things Linzz?" Lindsay shakes her head again and hugs herself tighter. "Okay. Okay you don't have to tell me baby." I pass her the remote. "Try to get some rest."

I can't believe this. After everything. I can't believe I missed Jay's pain. I can't believe that, that sweet girl that I first met could drive Lindsay so far into devastation. After all Lindsay has done for her. After how much Lindsay has loved her. I have never seen Lindsay in so much emotional pain, and on top of that there is the physical. I can't help but believe that the emotional pain weakened her. Allowing the illness to take over her, and push her into physical misery. Yet no misery can overcome that of the pain I see in her eyes. The betrayal and confusion.

How can something such as love be so wonderful, but then be so torturous? How can what draws us together push us so far apart from each other?

Walking to the front door I discover it is closed, and I can hear slightly raised voices on the other side. Opening it I step outside joining Nick and Sara. "No Nick I'm sorry, but Lindsay is sick and Catherine doesn't need any more drama. Warrick will just have to stay somewhere else."

I glance at Nick's truck and see Warrick passed out in the passenger's seat. "Cath," Nick appears relieved by my entrance. I approach them, stopping by Sara's side. My arm automatically snakes around her waist.

"Hey Nicky. What's going on out here?" I gaze up at Sara for an explanation.

"Sara says Warrick can't stay here," Nick interjects like a little boy tattling on his sibling.

"Well it is her house too Nick…If Sara doesn't want him here…" I reply my eyes never leaving Sara. The thoughts flashing through her orbs catch me off guard. I focus my gaze on Nick. "This can't continue. We have to do something for Warrick."

"Yeah, but what?" Nick's expression is expectant as if I will have all of the answers.

"I don't know. Let me think about it," As I say this an idea is already forming in my mind. However it requires me to do things I would rather not at the moment. I run my hand down the length of my face. "Nick why don't you go try and wake Warrick up while I talk to Sara." Nick nods and follows my instructions. I push Sara around me in half-circle, my arm never leaving her waist, so that our backs are to Nick and Warrick. "Is it all right with you if Warrick sleeps this off here? Just for today."

She shrugs, "I don't want you dealing with anymore than you have to, but if you say it is okay then I guess it is fine with me."

I nod; my stress is building with each second that is going by. "I think I have a plan, but I'm not sure yet, concerning Warrick that is. Right now we have to deal with Jay. I think she is in over her head whether she realizes it or not. She is spending time with people, and doing things Lindsay does not approve of, but Lindsay won't say what that is," I inform Sara in a whisper. "I think she might be che… Whatever she is doing is tearing Lindsay apart. Linzz is a wreck. You know how it is, what love can do."

"Yeah I do." Sara's hand runs along my upper back before curling her fingers around my shoulder. She pulls me closer to her.

"I need to see if Lindsay knows where Jay is. If she is not back within the next two hours I am going to get her. Could you call Jay's dad? Maybe he will know what to do."

"We could wait until we know the seriousness of the situation before we call him. Cat, I don't want you having to do this alone. Let me help."

I gaze up at Sara with a small smile. "You are helping me. I need you to stay with Lindsay incase she needs anything. I'll let you know about helping Warrick. I need more time to mull things over."

"Okay," I can tell Sara isn't satisfied. Standing on my tiptoes I capture her lips with mine. My hand wandering to her face. Her tongue darts out caressing my lips before I open my mouth.

We are interrupted by Nick clearing his throat. We turn in unison. Nick takes a step back when confronted by mildly pissed off glares. He is supporting a semi-conscious Warrick.

"Hey Cath," Warrick says with unnatural cheerfulness.

"Hey Rick. Let's get you inside." Nick follows me as I lead him and Warrick into mine and Sara's bedroom. Nick helps Warrick into bed before we both leave, closing the door behind us. "If this happens tomorrow Nick, Warrick will need somewhere else to stay."

"Okay," he replies quietly. "You're changing Catherine," Nick informs me as we walk back to the front door. As he walks into the fresh morning air he throws over his shoulder, "And I'm not certain if I like the new you."

Sighing I close the door and turn to find Sara standing behind me. "You like the 'new me' right?" Sara smiles and pulls me into her strong arms.

"There's no new you. Nick is only mad because you are not going to let them push you around anymore."

"They need me Sar. I feel like I am refusing to help them; like I am going back on my word."

"You're not. They will see that eventually." Sara runs her fingers through my hair, her nails lightly scratching my scalp. "You should talk to Lindsay before she falls asleep."

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I pull up to the rundown park. Ivory is growing up the bars of the broken gate. Trees loom overhead forbiddingly. Turning off the car I get out. This place holds a level of familiarity, but I can't place it in my mind.

Stepping up to the padlocked gate I move over to where the plants climb the metal hoping that I can still manage this, and mentally kicking myself for not taking up Sara's offer for her to come with me. Curling my fingers in the ivory I drag myself up and over the gate landing securely on my feet.

I run my hand over my front wiping away the debris of the plant. I can hear laughing and shouting just out of my view. Quietly I approach what I can now decipher as a gaggle of teenagers. Off in one corner I spot the girl I am searching for. Joint in one hand, and lips locked with a blonde girl that is not my daughter.

Taking out my phone I dial Jay's number and wait. I observe as she takes out her phone and rolls her eyes. She opens her phone and takes a puff of her joint before answering, "Yes Catherine?"

I can feel my rage pumping through me. I don't care what Jay has been through as far as I am concerned it is no longer an excuse. "Little early to be getting high don't you think Jay? If I were you I would get your ass out of this park if you want to consider having even an ounce of freedom."

Her eyes dart around as my voice sounds not only on her phone, but echoes through the enclosed area. Her eyes meet mine and she pales as my lips purse and my anger begins to show. She hands the girl hanging off her side her joint and slowly makes her way over to me. Head hung, fingers tapping against her thigh.

A few kids are dumb enough to call out "See ya later Jay." Firmly I place my hand on her back and lead her out of the abandoned park.

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We enter the house. I can hear the TV playing in the living room. "If you don't want Lindsay to hear what you have been up to from me I would tell her yourself. Now. And pray to God that she has the heart to forgive you." Jay nods. She has not said a word to me since she answered her phone.

I follow behind Jay. As she enters the room Sara stands watching her with prying eyes as she crosses the room. Silently we watch as Jay kneels next to Lindsay. She takes her sleeping girlfriend's hand in her own. A smile curls at Lindsay's lips and she holds the blanket up. Jay crawls under the covers and gently lays on top of Lindsay. Lindsay's arms snake around Jay and Lindsay sighs as tears begin to roll down Jay's cheeks.

Jay looks up through her tears and focuses her eyes on mine. She mouths, "I'm sorry." I can feel my resolve beginning to break; however I shake my head informing her it is going to take more than words to fix what she has ruined.

Sara takes my hand and pulls me through the room onto the back patio. She sits on the wooden steps and pulls me onto her lap. Her forehead rests on my right arm as my left hand reaches up allowing my fingers to run through her hair. "I found her," I start quietly. "Where Lindsay said she would be. Imagine my surprise to see the girl I had deemed my daughter with an overly skinny blonde wrapped around her. Lips fused and a joint in her hand…Lindsay knew…she knew that Jay was cheating on her, but she never tried to confront Jay about it…"

"That we know of," Sara replies softly. "She loves Jay. Maybe that is enough for her to temporarily overlook what was happening."

"Sara they are only teenagers. This will end. At some point it will end. And then what?"

"You don't know that Cath. And if it does we'll deal with it then." I gaze down at Sara my sad smile mirroring her own.

"What are we going to do about Jay?"

Sara shrugs, "I guess we should call her father and see what he thinks. It's just pot. It's a drug yes, but she could have been doing worse. "

"I have a feeling she has been doing more than that. You didn't see Lindsay's reaction."

"Well the only way we will know is if we ask."

I shake my head no. "I've been there. If it is about the drugs there will be denial. It is all about the next fix. You won't say something that will risk your chances of getting your next fix. If it is about getting high and partying the two will be connected in the mind. Why risk either? Sara do you think…do you think we suggest that Jay goes home?"

TBC...