Previous part of Raising a Family.
***
A/n. Children's ages: Savanna, six, DJ and Nate, four, and Jason two. Henry, six, and Lisa four. Jack nine, and Sarah two.
"I'm heading to take Jason over to Mike's for his playdate," Reid called into the kitchen where Derek and the twins were coloring.
"Okay, see you when you get back," Derek called back.
"Can I go with you, Daddy?" Savanna asked as she walked into the living room.
"Sure you can," Spencer answered.
"Yay," the six-year-old cried as she ran to the garage door. Derek laughed and pulled his husband in for a brief kiss before letting him go. After buckling Jason into his booster seat and making sure his daughter had buckled her seatbelt Spencer climbed behind the wheel and headed off.
"I'll drop him off later this afternoon," Mike's mother told Spencer as the two boys ran for the backyard.
"Thanks, bye, Jay, be good," Spencer told his son.
"Bye, Daddy," Jason called back."
"What do you say we get ice cream?" Spencer suggested as they pulled out of Jason's friend's driveway.
"Yeah, ice cream, yum," Savanna exclaimed.
"I'm getting cookie dough. How about you?" Spencer wondered.
"Chocolate," she answered. They were about a block and a half from the ice cream shop when a car came out of nowhere and broadsided them. Spencer tried to keep control, but the car spun completely around and collided with the other car before spinning back the other way and crashing into a telephone pole. The drivers side took the brunt of the hit and both Spencer and Savanna happened to be sitting on that side.
"Daddy?" Savanna whimpered. Her head hurt and her arm hurt even more. She leaned forward enough to see her father slumpt against the steering wheel with blood runningdown his face. "D-d-daddy?" the little girl tried again. He didn't answer her, though. Just then she heard sirens getting closer and closer. Moments later she saw people running for the two cars. They stopped at the other car and talked to the girl standing in front of it. They handed her something to put on her cheek then headed for Spencer's car.
"Are you okay, ma'am?" asked an EMT. The blonde standing next to her wrecked car nodded. She had a cut on her cheek, but other than that she was fine, shaken up but fine.
"Put this on your cheek," his partner instructed handing her a bandage. She took it and did what she was told.
"Are the people in the other car okay?" she asked.
"I don't know yet, ma'am. Why don't you go sit on the back of that ambulance and we'll take you to the hospital to be checked out," one of the EMT's suggested. Nodding the young woman walked slowly to the ambulance and sat down, wrapping the blanket she found sitting there around her shoulders.
"I see two people, one of them is a little girl," called the taller EMT as he looked in through the drivers side window. The man in the front seat appeared to be unconscious but the little girl was moving and calling out for her father. Walking to the back door the EMT tapped on the glass.
"Hi, sweetie, are you hurt? My name's Greg, I'm a paramedic. My partner and I are here to help you and your Daddy." Savanna nodded as she pointed with her good arm to first her head then her other arm that was at an odd angle.
"Are you hurt anywhere else?" Savanna shook her head.
"Okay, I need you to do something for me, can you do that?" Once again she nodded. "I need you to unbuckle yourself and open your door. Do you think you can do that?"
"Yes," she whispered as she unbuckled her seatbelt then opened the door.
"Is my daddy okay?" she asked the medic once she had her door open.
"I'm sure he's fine. My partner is getting him out. What do you say we do the same for you?"
"Okay," she answered.
"What's your name, sweetie?"
"Savanna Reid-Morgan and I'm six years old."
"He's FBI, Greg," called his partner once he found Reid's wallet.
"Do you have an ID, Pat?" Greg called back.
"Special Agent Spencer Reid."
"Spencer, my name's Pat, I'm a paramedic, can you hear me?" Spencer groaned but didn't wake."
"I'm gonna lift you out, okay, kiddo?" Greg checked.
"Yeah," Savanna agreed. As gently as he could he lifted the little girl out of the wrecked car and placed her on the stretcher wincing as her broken left arm was jostled.
"Ouch," she cried as she clamped her eyes shut."
"I know it hurts. We'll give you something for the pain in just a minute," he promised.
"How's it going, Pat?"
"Good, he's out," Pat answered as he placed Spencer on another stretcher and the two of them began rolling them to the ambulance. Another ambulance had pulled up and had transported the young woman to the hospital while Greg and Pat were getting Savanna and Reid out of their car. Twenty minutes later they arrived at the emergency room and once emergency contact information was located, the nurse on duty made the call.
Derek glanced at his watch and noted that Spencer and Vanna should have been back by now. Maybe they stopped for ice cream, he mused. He knew that both of them had a major sweet tooth. Just then the phone rang.
"Hello?" he answered.
"May I speak to a Derek Morgan?" requested a female voice.
"This is Derek Morgan, what can I do for you?"
"My name is Samantha Blake and I'm a nurse at George Washington Memorial. Are you related to a Spencer Reid-Morgan and a Savanna Reid-Morgan?"
"Yes, Spencer is my husband and Savanna is our daughter. Why?" Derek demanded. He could feel panic beginning to set in.
"They were involved in an automobile accident. They're both in stable condition, but it would be best if you'd come down," Sam explained.
"I'll be there as soon as I can," Derek answered numbly. Hanging up he took a moment to collect himself before calling for the twins. They came running into the living room.
"We're going for a ride, go get your shoes on." Both of them ran off and did what they were told.
"Where are we going?" Nate wondered. Derek wasn't sure how to explain it to the four-year-olds.
"Daddy and Savanna are at the hospital. We're going to see them."
"Is Daddy hurt?" DJ asked her big brown eyes filling with tears.
"Not bad, the doctor's are making him all better," Derek assured her hugging her tightly. "Climb in and buckle up," he instructed. The twins climbed in and buckled without a fuss. Keeping his focus on the road, Derek called Garcia. He knew she'd call everyone else and get them to the hospital.
"Hey, what's up, hot stuff?" she teased answering the phone.
"Hey Garcia," Derek greeted.
"What? No hey Baby girl? What's wrong, Derek?" she questioned noting the slight panic in his voice.
"Savvy and Spencer were in an accident. I'm on my way to GW Memorial."
"Do you know if they're okay?" she gasped.
"The nurse said they're both in stable condition. Jason's at a playdate and the twins are with me."
"I'll call the rest of the team and we'll meet you at the hospital. I have a baby seat for Jason in my car so I'll pick him up. Is he at his playdate with Mike Harris that Spencer was talking about?"
"Yeah, thanks, Baby Girl, see you soon."
"Bye, Derek drive careful."
"I will, you to," he told her.
"Always," she promised.
"Bye, Garcia."
"Bye, Derek," she said hanging up and starting her car. She was glad that both of them were in stable condition. None of them could handle it if eitheir of them was hurt badly.
"I'm here for Savanna Reid-Morgan and Spencer Reid-Morgan," Derek informed the receptionist sitting at the emergency room desk.
"They're both in room 33. The little girl refused to leave her dad's side," the receptionist explained.
"I talked to a nurse, Samantha something," Derek broke off he couldn't remember her last name.
"Samantha Blake, just a moment and I'll get her for you."
"Thank you," Derek said walking over to the chairs where the twins were sitting and taking a seat between them.
A pretty redhead woman wearing pink scrubs made her way over to him.
"Hi, I'm Sam, I was the nurse who called you. Your husband and daughter are both going to be fine. Spencer has a mild concussion and a gash on his face that didn't require stitches. He was unconscious when the medics arrived at the scene, but he regained consciousness shortly after he got here. As for Savanna she has a broken arm that we've already put a cast on and a knot on the head."
"Did the arm need surgery?" Derek asked.
"No, just a cast. The doctor wants to keep them both overnight for observation," she informed them. Derek's next comment was stopped by the arrival of the rest of the team. After filling them in he turned back to the nurse.
"Can we see them?"
"Of course you can. Your daughter's been asking for you."
"And you're sure they'll both be fine?" Derek checked. The nurse nodded with a smile.
"You can see them whenever you're ready. Take this hall until it crosses take the right hallway and it's the fourth door on the right," she directed.
"Thank you," Garcia said as the rest of the team followed Morgan as he headed for the room that held two of the most important people in his life. Everyone was thankful that they were both going to be okay.
***
A/n, children's ages: Savanna Reid-Morgan, 19, Nate and DJ Reid-Morgan, 17, Jason Reid-Morgan 15. Jack Hotchner, 22, Sarah Hotchner, 15. Henry Jareau, 19, Lisa Jareau 17.
"So I'll meet you at the corner of Parker and Williams at 11:30," Nate whispered into the phone.
"Yeah, I really wanna see that new horror movie. So what if it's rated R," Lisa responded. They were both 17 but would turn 18 in a few months. Both of them looked close enough to 18, that they doubted they'd be asked to show ID.
"Mine and DJ's car is sitting outside so that'll make it easier. Maybe Savanna will be getting home late tonight. I know she has a research paper for her freshman english comp class so if they hear the car they'll just think it's her," Nate said.
"Yeah, I'm glad she hasn't moved out yet," Lisa added.
"That's true," Nate agreed.
"See you tonight, love you, Nate," Lisa said sweetly.
"Love you to, Lis," Nate answered.
"Lisa Renee! I told you to do those dishes two hours ago," JJ called up the stairs.
"I have to go, Mom's mad. I forgot to do the dishes," the teenage girl explained.
"Okay, see you tonight," Nate said hanging up the phone.
"Where are you going tonight?" his little brother asked walking into the room they shared.
"No where, how much of that conversation did you hear?" Nate demanded.
"Enough to know that if Dad and Pop knew what you were up to, you'd be in a lot of trouble," Jason answered. "You're grounded for the weekend because of your math grade, remember?" the youngest child reminded his brother.
"What they don't know won't hurt me. I promised Lisa I'd take her to that movie before I got my algebra test back," Nate protested.
"Which movie are you going to see?" Jason wondered.
"The new horror film with Morgan freeman," the other boy answered. Deciding he'd be nice to his brother Jason promised to cover for him.
"I'll cover for you if they ask where you are."
"Thanks, Bro, but they shouldn't. I'm meeting her at 11:30 and we should be back by 1:00 or so. If I'm careful I won't get caught."
"For yours and Lisa's sake, I hope not," Jason said flopping on to his bed and grabbing the new issue of Sports Illustrated.
The rest of the evening went by without a hitch. Finally it was 11:30 and Nate crept quietly down the stairs and out the door. He cringed as he climbed into the car he shared with DJ and started the engine. The car sounded really loud in the silent night. Thankfully no one seemed to notice. Easing out of the driveway he drove to the corner where he was to meet Lisa. Pulling up beside her he reached over and opened her door.
"You ready?" he asked as she climbed in.
"Yeah, let's go," she said excitedly.
"Did anyone see you?" he wondered.
"No, I just hope we don't get caught."
"Yeah, me, to. I'm dead if Dad and Pop catch me sneaking back home."
"That Algebra grade get you grounded?" Lisa wondered.
"Yeah, but I didn't want to break a promise to you," he explained. Lisa nodded as they settled into a comfortable silence.
The two teens enjoyed the movie and made it back to the parking lot before trouble hit. Emily who had taken Sarah and a couple of her friends to the movies for a late night release of a huge movie was just walking out into the parking lot with the three girls.
"Hey Mom, isn't that Nate and Lisa?" Sarah asked spotting the two older teens. Following where her daughter was pointing Emily frowned when she realized Sarah was right.
"Go get into the car, I'll be there in a minute," Emily told her daughter and her friends. Nodding the girls headed off, knowing the other kids were in big trouble.
"Nate, Lisa, what are you doing here? Its way past your curfew," Emily reprimanded as she reached the kissing couple. Breaking apart they stared wide-eyed at Emily.
"Uh, hi," Nate said sheepishly.
"If I were to call your parents and ask them where you two are supposed to be what would they tell me?" the mother questioned sternly.
"At home," Lisa replied looking down at her feet.
"Nathaniel?" Emily prompted.
"The same," he answered reluctantly.
"Well then, don't you think that's where you should be heading?" the mother suggested. The young couple nodded silently.
"Yes, Aunt Emily," they answered in unison.
"I'll be following you home to make sure you get there, and I'm calling your parents," she told them.
"No, don't call them, please. Can't we just keep this between us?" Nate begged.
"No, we cannot, young man. You two broke the rules, now it's time for you to accept the consequences," she said. By this point they'd reached the cars. "Get in and wait for me to tell you where to go. I've a feeling the four of them will want to meet at one place," Emily said as she dialed JJ's number.
The phone ringing drug JJ from a sound sleep.
"Hello?" she mumbled into the phone.
"Hi, JJ, it's Emily, sorry to wake you, but I'm at the movie theatre with Nate and Lisa. It looks like they snuck out to see a movie. How do you want to handle this?"
"They did what?" the mother cried angrily. Will sat up and stared sleepily at his wife.
"What's wrong?" he questioned.
"Lisa and Nate snuck out and went to the movies. Em's at the theatre and just ran into them. How do you want to handle this?" JJ repeated.
"Let's go to over to Reid and Morgan's," Will answered.
"I heard him," Emily said.
"Okay, see you in a bit," JJ said hanging up the phone and climbing from bed, Will copying her actions. She was beyond angry at her daughter and her boyfriend. Emily's call to Derek and Spencer went much the same and they said they'd be waiting for everyone toget to their house.
"I'm gonna drop the girls off at my house first if that's okay," Emily asked.
"Sure, see you when you get here," Derek said hanging up the phone.
"I can't believe he snuck out. He's grounded because of his grade on his math test," Spencer said angrily.
"I know if he thought being grounded for a weekend was bad, he ain't seen nothing yet," Derek added. Spencer nodded in agreement.
Half an hour later Emily was climbing out of her car and walking with the two teens to the door. Derek opened the door when he saw them coming up the walk.
"Thanks for bringing them home, Emily. I'm sorry to have messed up your night. I know they are two, right you two?" Derek prompted.
"Yes, sir," the two kids answered.
"Apology accepted," she said turning and heading back to her car glad that at least the two kids were safe even though they were both in a world of trouble.
***
"What were you thinking?" JJ demanded once they reached the living room.
"We really wanted to see the movie," Lisa answered softly.
"Which movie?" Spencer asked.
"The new one with Morgan Freeman," Nate told the group.
"So let me get this straight, not only did you sneak out to go see a movie, but it was one that's rated R?" Derek clarified. Both kids nodded unable to look the adults in the eye.
"Did you know that Nate was ground because of his grades?" Will asked his daughter.
"Yes," Lisa answered honestly.
"But you went anyway?" She nodded tears filling her eyes. She was ashamed of her behavior.
"Well, now your both grounded for a long time," Derek said.
"Nate, your grounded for a month," Derek said.
"Give me your keys, you're also grounded from driving for that month," Spencer said.
"Same goes for you Lisa Renee," JJ said holding out her hands. Both teens handed over the keys to the used cars they'd gotten when they were 16.
"It's going to take a long time for the two of you to regain our trust. I hope this month apart will help you understand just how wrong what you did tonight is," Will said.
"It will," Nate answered lowly.
"Good, well we'd better be getting home," JJ said.
"Bye, Nate, see you at school on Monday," Lisa said.
"Yeah, see you then," Nate replied.
"Get on up to bed, Nathaniel," Derek said sternly.
"Yes, sir, night, Dad, Pop."
"Night, son, we love you," Spencer said.
"Love you to," Nate said beginning to climb the stairs. He knew his parents loved him that was why they'd grounded him.
***
A/n, children's ages: Savanna Reid-Morgan 12, Nate and DJ Reid-Morgan 10, Jason Reid-Morgan 8. Jack Hotchner, 15, Sarah Hotchner 8. Henry Jareau, 12, Lisa Jareau 10. An important time in every girl's life, just how do the guys cope?
Savanna was sitting in her sixth grade social studies class reading that day's chapter in her textbook. She'd not been feeling well all morning, but she tried to ignore it. Her stomach started hurting and she really needed to go to the bathroom. She raised her hand and waited for her teacher to call on her.
"Yes, Savanna?" called Mrs Walters, her social studies teacher.
"May I go to the bathroom, please?"
"Yes you may, take the pass on my desk. Nodding the pre-teen grabbed the pass and headed for the bathroom.
She'd finished using the bathroom and began to pull her underwear back up when she saw the blood. Her panties were covered in it. Savanna began to panic. She wasn't sure what was going on. With shaking hands she fixed her clothes and headed back to her class.
The teacher looked up as she walked in. She grew concerned at the paleness of the young girl's complexion.
"Are you alright, Savanna?"
"No, may I please go to the nurse? I'm not feeling well."
"What's the matter?" Mrs. Walters questioned as she began filling out a pass.
"My stomach hurts, and uh," she stopped embarrassed about the other part.
"And what?" the teacher whispered leaning closer.
"I'm bleeding and don't know what to do," she finished. Nodding in understanding, the teacher signed her name and handed the nurses pass to Savanna.
"Take this to the nurse and I'll see you in a little bit."
"Thank you, Mrs. Walters."
"You're welcome," the teacher answered.
Nervously Savanna walked into the nurse's office and stood at the counter dividing the seats and the cots where kids who were sick laid down.
"How can I help you, hun?" the nurse asked kindly.
"My stomach hurts and my underwear has blood on it," Savanna whispered.
"Have you had your period before?" the nurse asked. Savanna shook her head.
"No, I haven't."
"Well, you're experiencing your first period. Welcome to womanhood, sweetie. Do you have any supplies?" the nurse asked kindly.
"No, I have no idea what to do," Savanna answered sniffling. She was a little scared.
"It's okay, I have some supplies and I'll show you what to do." Nodding Savanna allowed the nurse to hand her the necessary supplies and instruct her on how to use them.
"Do you have anything to get the blood out?" Savanna wondered.
"Yes, here's some peroxide, put some on a cotton ball and rub it across the stain it'll come out. Five minutes later the stain was gone and Savanna had successfully used the panty liner and the tampon the nurse had given her.
"My stomach hurts, can you give me something for that, please?"
"I can't give you any medicine. Someone would have to bring it to you. Maybe your parents can. I can call them," the nurse told her reaching for the phone.
"Do you have to tell them why I need it?" she asked blushing.
"Yes, but it's a natural part of becoming a woman, don't worry, they'll understand," the nurse promised. Slumping into the chair, Savanna placed her head in her hands. The idea of her father's knowing she'd started her period was mortifying. An idea popped into the young woman's head. Garcia was on all four kids emergency contact lists and authorized to give permission if it was ever needed.
"Can you call Penelope Garcia and ask her? She can tell my dad's if she has to," Savanna suggested. Smiling softly, the nurse nodded. She could understand where the young girl was coming from.
"What's your name, sweetie?"
"Savanna Reid-Morgan," she responded. Typing a few keys the nurse located the girl's record and her emergency contact form. Locating Penelope's number she picked up the phone and dialed.
"FBI technical annalist Penelope Garcia, how can I help you?"
"Uh, yes, this is Brenda Smith; I'm the nurse at Quantico Middle School. I have Savanna Reid-Morgan here in my office and she's started her period for the first time. She's a bit scared right now. She's experiencing stomach cramps and asking for some medicine. Would you be able to bring her some? She requested that I call you instead of her father's."
"Of course I can. Can I talk to her for a moment?" Garcia requested.
"Of course you can," the nurse said holding the phone out to Savanna who took it anxiously.
"Hey, Mom," she greeted.
"Hey there, Vanna, I hear you're a woman now?"
"Yeah, and it sucks. I don't feel well. My stomach and my back hurt and I have a headache." Garcia winced sympathetically.
"I'll bring you some meds. If I can get your dad's permission, would you like to leave school and spend the day with me? It's a special day and I think it's something that two women should celebrate together.
"Sure," Savanna answered softly.
"I'll be there with the meds soon and I'll let you know what your dad's say," Garcia told her.
"Okay, see you when you get here," Savanna said handing the phone back to the nurse.
"Do I have to go back to class?" she questioned the nurse.
"No, you can lay on one of those cots until she gets here."
"Okay, thank you," the pre-teen said as she headed to one of the cots and curled into a tight ball wishing these stupid cramps would go away.
"Hey, can I talk to two of my favorite agents?" Garcia requested as she stood next to Reid and Morgan's desks.
"Sure, what do you need, baby Girl?" Morgan asked the computer tech.
"Savanna's school nurse just called me. She apparently started her period for the first time today. She's having cramps and isn't feeling well and wants me to bring her some medicine," Garcia explained.
"She's a woman now?" Reid squeaked. Garcia nodded.
"But, she's too young. She's only 12," Morgan protested.
"That's not too young, Derek. I was eleven when I got mine," Garcia told him.
"Why'd she call you instead of us?" Reid wondered.
"Who would you have wanted her to call if you were Savanna?"
"Good point," the genius answered.
"Is she okay?" Derek asked in concern.
"She's a bit scared and really isn't feeling well. Her back and head are hurting on top of the cramps."
"Does she need to be picked up?" Reid asked.
"That was the other thing I was coming to ask you. Would it be okay if I took her out of school and we spent the afternoon together? Becoming a woman is a big deal and I think it'll help her adjust if she's got another woman to talk to." She could see the relief in both men's eyes.
"You'd do that for us?" Reid checked.
"Of course I will," Garcia told him.
"Thank you, baby girl," Derek said hugging her.
"Tell her we love her and we'll see her this evening.
"Will do," Garcia said hugging them then heading off to purchase somethings for the young woman and then heading for the school.
"Hi, Penelope Garcia, I'm here to pick up Savanna Reid-Morgan," Garcia introduced herself to the school nurse.
"She's sleeping back there on the second cot," the nurse informed the other woman, pointing her finger in the direction of the cots.
"Thanks, can I sign her out here or do we have to go to the office?"
"I can sign her out and have someone bring her stuff here," the nurse said.
"Thank you if you'd do that, I'll go wake Savanna," Garcia said. Nodding the nurse called the main office and signed Savanna out and had them send an office runner to her class to get her things.
Garcia found the pre-teen curled in a ball fast asleep. Sitting next to her surrogate daughter she brushed some hair from her face as she called her name.
"Vanna, time to wake up, sweetheart." Slowly brown eyes opened and stared into Garcia's compassionate ones.
"Hey, Mom," Vanna greeted.
"Hey, Vanna Bug, I brought you some Midol and Derek and Spencer said you could come with me," Garcia told her. Savanna gave a smile as she sat up and swung her legs over the side of the cot.
"Okay, cool."
"Here, take this it'll help you feel better," Garcia said handing her a pill and a bottle of water. Savanna took the pill then followed Garcia out into the main part of the nurse's office.
"I had another student go get your things from your class," the nurse informed Savanna as she walked around the counter.
"Thank you," she answered.
"Do you need anything from your locker?" Garcia asked. Savanna shook her head as she put her backpack on her back.
"Hope you feel better," the nurse said.
"Thank you," Savanna responded turning and heading out the door Garcia next to her.
A little while later found the two women walking into Savanna's house.
"I bought you a few things," Garcia said handing her a bag of feminine products and a bottle of Midol. "Here's a bar of chocolate as well. It'll make you feel better."
"Chocolate makes everything better," Savanna commented.
"You're right about that, Savvy. I tell you what, why don't you go take a nice hot bath and I'll make us grilled cheese sandwiches," Garcia suggested.
"A bath does sound nice," the young woman admitted.
"Go on, lunch'll be ready in a few minutes. The rest of the day was spent with the two of them watching chick flicks and talking about what it was like to be a woman.
"Can I ask you a question?" Savanna asked.
"You can ask me anything you want."
"What was it like when you got your first period?"
"It was really embarrassing. My mom was gone for the weekend with a friend of hers so it was just my dad and me. I had to tell him that I'd started my period."
"Oh, how awful," Savanna sympathized.
"Tell me about it. Neither of us knew what to do so I called my mom and she told me to call my best friend Mya and ask if her mom could take me to get some supplies. She did and we made a girls day of it," Garcia explained.
"Just like you did with me," Savanna realized.
"Yes, just like I did with you." Glancing at her watch Garcia saw that the other kids would be getting home shortly. Right on cue the school bus carrying the three younger kids pulled up and let them off.
"Looks like the peace and quiets over," Savanna teased as her brothers and sister came running in.
"Hi, Mommy, why are you here?" Jason called hugging his mother tightly.
"Vanna wasn't feeling well so I picked her up from school," she answered.
"Are you feeling better now?" DJ wondered.
"Yeah, Mom helped me feel lots better." Garcia smiled hugging the girl quickly before standing up and heading into the kitchen to fix all the kids a snack.
Later that night Savanna was curled up in bed reading with a heating pad that Derek used for his shoulders when he overdid it working out against her back. She'd just taken another dose of Midol and was waiting for it to kick in. It was 9:00 and it would be bedtime soon. She was pulled from her book by a knock on her bedroom door.
"Come in," she called the person on the other side. The door opened, revealing her father's.
"Hey, how are you feeling, baby?" Spencer asked.
"Okay, the heating pad is helping and the Midol is kicking in I think," she answered.
"We love you so much and we know this is a big day for you. We got you something," Derek said pulling a small wrapped box from behind his back. Reaching out the pre-teen took it and carefully unwrapped it. Lifting the lid she gasped at the butterfly pendant on the gold necklace chain.
"Oh, it's beautiful, thank you," she exclaimed. Jumping up she hugged both men smiling brightly.
"We're glad you liked it," Spencer told her.
"Like it, I love it. I'm gonna wear it to school tomorrow," she said.
"If that's what you want to do," Derek said.
"It is, I love you Papa, Daddy," she said softly. Both men kissed her on the cheek and told her they loved her to.
"Time for lights out," Spencer told her.
"Okay, night," Savanna said climbing back into bed after placing the necklace on top of the outfit she'd planned to wear the next day.
"Good night, young lady," Derek said blinking back tears at the declaration of womanhood. Quietly they slipped from the room just as DJ was heading for it having just brushed her teeth. After bidding the other kids goodnight the two men settled on the couch in the living room beers in their hands and the TV on softly.
"I can't believe she's a woman now. It seems just like yesterday we were holding her in our arms and she was a baby," Spencer said wistfully.
"I know it does, babe. She's growing up and we have to let her," Derek reminded him.
"Oh crap, part of growing up means d-d-dating," the genius stuttered.
"Oh crap," Derek echoed as the full implication of Spencer's words sank in. Their lives would never be the same again.
***
A/n, Children's ages: Savanna 13, Nate and DJ 11, Jason 9. Jack, 16, Sarah 11. Henry 13, Lisa, 11.
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Derek was enjoying a quiet cup of coffee one Saturday morning. He and Savanna were the only ones up. They were the early risers in the family. DJ and the others would sleep all day if they could. His cell phone, which was sitting on the counter, rang, breaking the silence. Carrying his mug of coffee in one hand he walked over to the counter and picked up the ringing phone with the other.
"Hello?" he answered. The person on the other end of the line began speaking rapidly.
"Des, slow down, sweetheart. I can't understand a word you're saying. Are you crying?" Derek asked in concern.
"Derek, Mama's g-g-gone. She died in her sleep last night. Sarah and I were going to take her out for breakfast this morning, but she didn't answer when we called her. We were both worried so we drove over to the house. I used my key to get in and f-f-found her in her bed. She wasn't breathing. We called the paramedics and they came, b-b-but there was nothing they could do. She was already gone." By this point Desirée was sobbing uncontrollably. Derek could feel his breath quicken. He was having a panic attack but he couldn't seem to stop it. He could hear his sister calling his name but he couldn't seem to get his voice to work. His vision was going dark around the edges. He'd forgotten about his half full cup of coffee and it slipped from his fingers shattering into pieces as it hit the kitchen floor. Unable to hold himself up anymore Derek fell to his knees and allowed the darkness from the panic attack surround him. The last thing he heard as his world went black was his oldest daughter and sister simultaneously calling out to him.
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The nice thing about being up first on Saturday morning meant that she got to pick the cartoons, Savanna thought with a smile. She was 13 and most people would say too old to watch cartoons, but she didn't agree. Cartoons are for all ages, she argued when someone would give her a hard time about watching them. She heard her father's cell phone ring and smiled when she heard him say her aunt Desirée's name. She let the conversation blend into the background. The sound of shattering glass grabbed her attention instantly, though. Rushing to the kitchen she reached it just in time to see her father fall to his knees and black out.
"Papa!" she shouted running over to him. She dropped to her knees beside him mindful of the glass littering the floor. She noticed that his hands had landed on two rather large shards and were now bleeding freely. The teen could hear her aunt calling her father's name. Reaching out she took the phone from his limp hand and placed it against her ear.
"Hey Aunt Des, it's Savanna, what's wrong? Papa's on the floor and he's blacked out."
"I thought I heard glass break, what happened?" Des questioned.
"He dropped his coffee cup," the young woman explained. Realizing her first question hadn't been answered, Savanna repeated it. "What's wrong, Aunt Des?"
"I shouldn't be the one to tell you this, but your grandmother died this morning, Vanna. She died peacefully in her sleep."
"Nana's gone?" Savanna whispered.
"Yes she is, kiddo," Desirée answered just as softly. Savanna could feel tears filling her eyes and flowing down her face.
"I need to take care of Papa and tell everyone, I'll have Dad call you or Aunt Sarah soon. I love you Aunt Des," Savanna told her.
"Love you to, sweetie. Have Spencer or Derek call me when they can. We're still working on arrangements."
"Okay, bye," Savanna said.
"Bye," Desirée replied.
She'd only been on the phone for a minute or two, but it felt like much longer. Savanna was surprised when she looked up to see Jason come running into the kitchen. Taking note of the fact that he wasn't wearing shoes and didn't see the glass, Savanna used a command that all the children had been taught from the moment they could walk.
"Freeze!" Instantly the nine-year-old froze in place looking from his older sister to his motionless father.
"Savvy?" he questioned fearfully.
"Jay, go get Daddy, tell him to get down here now," she instructed as she got to her feet and began cleaning up the glass thankfull she'd been wearing her slippers. Nodding the young boy took off for the stairs at a run calling for his dad as he ran. Savanna knew as loud as he was being, Jason would wake everyone in the house, but right then she didn't care.
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By the time he reached the top of the stairs, his older siblings and his father were hurrying towards the young boy.
"What is it, Jason?" Reid asked hurriedly.
"It's Papa, he's hurt and Anna's crying. She t-t-told me to come get you," he stuttered. The fact that Jason used the name for his oldest sister that he hadn't used since he was three showed just how afraid he was. Spencer desperately wanted to ask more questions, but he could tell by the anxious look in his child's eyes that now wasn't the right time to ask them.
"You did a good job getting me so fast, kiddo," Reid said hugging Jason before rushing down the stairs. He knew the kids would follow him even if he told them to stay upstairs.
Having cleaned up all the glass Savanna got the first aid kit from the downstairs bathroom and began assessing her father's wounds. Thinking back she tried to remember everything she'd learned in the first aid/CPR class she'd taken a couple months before.
"I'm sorry, this is going to hurt, Papa," she said regretfully as she gently removed the first piece of glass. Thankfully it came out without a problem. What worried her, however, was that he didn't even flinch when she removed the glass from his hand. Quickly but carefully she removed the remaining pieces of glass and began bandaging his hands.
Reid's heart jumped into his throat when he reached the kitchen and took in the sight of his daughter holding Derek's bleeding hands and the fact that Derek didn't appear to be aware of his surroundings.
"Careful, there's glass on the floor, don't step on it," Savanna called out pressing down on thebandage on her father's hand as she did so. Spencer looked down and saw the bloody pieces of glass and winced in sympathy. Grabbing the dust pan from where it was sitting a few feet away he cleaned up and threw away the glass then knelt down beside his daughter and husband.
"Derek, can you hear me?" Spencer called touching the other mans arm. His skin was cool to the touch and Spencer could see his color was off.
"Vanna Bug, do you know what's wrong with him?"
"He blacked out while talking to Aunt Desirée," the young woman informed her father.
"Why?" Spencer asked. He could feel the dread in the pit of his stomach. Hesitantly Savanna looked between her parents and her younger siblings. Deciding it was better to tell her father even if her siblings were present she spoke.
"Nana's gone, she went last night in her sleep, according to Aunt Des. She said she'd call with more information or to have you call her or Aunt Sarah when you could. She said to have Papa call her if he was able to as well," Savanna relayed. The three younger children stared at their big sister wide-eyed. After a moment DJ's eyes filled with tears and she fled the room.
"Jason, Nate, why don't you go upstairs with your sister," Spencer suggested.
"Sure, Dad," Nate said ushering his younger brother out of the room explaining to him what was going on along the way. Taking a long look at his daughter he saw the blood on her cheek.
"Are you hurt?" he questioned.
"Huh?" she replied.
"Are you hurt? You have blood on your cheek," Spencer pointed out.
"Oh, no, it was from when I took the phone out of Papa's hand. He'd dropped his coffee cup and when he fell to his knees his hands hit the glass and got cut. Just then Derek began coming around.
"Derek, it's Spencer, can you hear me?" Cacant brown eyes stared into Spencer's Hazel ones.
***
"Derek, it's Spencer can you hear me?" Vacant brown eyes stared into Spencer's hazel ones.
"Papa?" Savanna tried. He didn't respond to her either.
"Dad, what's wrong with him?" she asked.
"He's in a deep state of shock. I need to get him to the couch and look at those cuts. I think they might need stitches.
"Okay, I did what I could to help stop the bleeding."
"You did just fine, sweetheart. Can you help me get him to his feet?" Spencer requested. Nodding she stood up and reached out to take one of Derek's hands carefully into hers mindful of the cuts. Spencer did the same and they managed to get him to his feet. He allowed them to move him to the couch in the living room, but gave no indication he recognized them or what was going on around him. Spencer unwrapped the bandages and examined Derek's hands. He frowned at what he saw.
"These look pretty deep. I think they might need stitches. He needs to go to the hospital," Spencer told his daughter.
"What do you want me to do while you take him to the ER?" she asked.
"Can you stay here and keep an eye on your brothers and sister?" her father questioned. Savanna nodded quickly. "Are you sure? I don't want you to take care of them if you can't handle it right now. I know this is hard for you to, baby," Spencer said softly pulling her in for a tight hug.
"Dad, relax, I can handle it. I'll look after the boys and DJ while you guys are gone. Just take care of Papa and call Aunt Des or Aunt Sarah."
"I will, I'll also call the team, so expect people to be calling and dropping by," Spencer said getting off the couch and after coaxing Derek to his feet making his way to the door guiding the other man behind him.
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Once the door closed the teen made her way upstairs to check on her siblings. The three of them were in her and DJ's room crowded on DJ's bed.
"But when's Nana coming back?" Jason repeated for what clearly wasn't the first time.
"She's dead, that means she's never coming back, stupid!" DJ shouted. Their grandmother was dead, why couldn't Jason understand that
"Donna Joanne, cool it! He's just a kid, don't yell at him. He doesn't understand what's going on," her older sister scolded.
"You're not my boss. You can't tell me what to do, only Daddy and Papa can," the pre-teen shot back.
"Dad and Papa aren't here right now. Dad took him to the hospital to get stitches in his hands. Dad left me in charge, so yes, right now I'm the boss. Now go to Dad and Papa's room and cool off. I'll be in to talk to you in just a little bit.
"Fine," DJ huffed stalking out of the room slamming their parent's bedroom door when she reached it.
"Is DJ telling the truth? Is Nana really dead?" Jason whispered, tears brimming in his Hazel eyes.
"Yeah, she is, Jace," Savanna answered. Once he knew what DJ had said was the truth the little boy started to cry. Silently Savanna held out her arms, and Jason crawled into them laying his cheek against her chest as he cried. Savanna rocked back and forth rubbing circles on her baby brother's back.
"I'm gonna go read," Nate said tightly. Savanna could tell he was struggling with the situation, but, like Derek, he always tried to hide his emotions.
"Okay, let me know if you need anything," she told him. Nate nodded as he patted Jason's shoulder before heading to his room and grabbing a book. He wanted to escape into another world for a little while.
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Once Jason's tears subsided Savanna let go of him and gave him a shaky smile.
"I love you, Jason," she said softly.
"Love you to, Vanna. Can I go watch TV in the living room?"
"Sure, go ahead. If the doorbell rings, make sure to ask who it is," she reminded.
"I know," Jason said exasperatedly. Savanna smiled, she couldn't help but do it. Jason always knew how to make anyone in the family smile no matter what kind of a day they were having.
Sighing when she reached her parent's room, Savanna forced herself to relax. DJ was just angry and sad, she didn't mean what she said to Jason. Opening the door Savanna looked in only to find her sister curled up on their parent's bed sound asleep tear tracks all down her face. Deciding it would be best to let the younger girl be, she quietly closed the door and tip-toed back down the hall collapsing on to her bed. She desperately wanted to curl up in a ball and cry for the loss of her grandmother, but right now she couldn't. Actually she could, but she wanted to do her best to stay strong for her siblings. They were counting on her, and she didn't want to let them down.
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Spencer was sitting in the waiting room at GW Memorial while a doctor was tending to Morgan's wounds. Deciding it was now or never, he picked up his cell phone and dialed Hotch.
"Hotchner," the Unit Chief answered.
"Hey Hotch, it's Reid. We have a problem. Derek's sister, Desirée called this morning. Apparently his mom died in her sleep last night. Needless to say Derek didn't take it well and when he blacked out from shock his hands landed on the coffee cup he'd dropped. We're at the hospital now getting stitches. I'm in the waiting room, he's getting the stitches," the genius clarified.
"I know what you meant, Reid. I'm sorry to hear about Fran. Is there anything you need me to do?"
"Yeah, can you call the team, and Hotch?"
"Consider it done, and yeah what else do you need?"
"Can you send Jack over to our place. Vanna Bug's keeping an eye on the other kids and trying to help them cope. If I know her she's forcing herself to be strong. I think Jack's the only one who can get through to her."
"I'll send him over as soon as we hang up. Hang in there, and call me if you need anything else. We'll probably stop by later. How's Derek doing? I mean I know he's not doing well, but…" the Unit Chief broke off.
"Not good atall. He's in a deep state of shock. I don't think he recognizes me or what's going on around him. He didn't seem to recognize Savanna when we were at the house," Reid explained. Flashbacks to Savanna's kidnapping ran through Hotch's head. Only then Reid had been the one in a near catatonic state and Morgan was the one to bring him out of it. "What can I do, Hotch? I've never seen him like this before. It's scaring the hell out of me," the genius admitted.
"Just be there for him. Let him know you're not going anywhere. When he comes out of the shock, it's gonna hit him hard and he's going to need you. Losing someone you love is never easy, you know that," Hotch reminded the other man.
"I know, I have to go for now. I'll keep you posted."
"Okay, I'm giving you both the next week off. I think I can get Morgan a couple more weeks off because it's a death in your immediate family, but I'm not sure if I can get anymore than this week off for you," Hotch warned.
"A week for me is fine. Thanks, bye, Hotch," Reid said.
"Bye Reid," Hotch said hanging up just as Emily walked into the living room frowning at the look on her husband's face.
***
"Aaron, what's wrong?" Emily wondered moving to sit beside her husband on the couch.
"That was Reid, he and Morgan are at the hospital. Apparently Morgan's mom died in her sleep last night. When he got the news he blacked out and when he did he cut his hands on a coffee cup he'd dropped. His hands needed stitches," the team leader explained.
"Oh my gosh, that's terrible. What can we do to help?" the brunette asked.
"Reid asked if we'd tell the rest of the team, and he wanted to know if Jack could go over to their house and help out Savanna. She's watching the younger kids and trying to help them deal."
"Which means she's not dealing with it," Emily finished.
"Exactly, I'll call Dave and Gideon, you call JJ and Garcia?" he suggested.
"Sure, should we tell Jack and Sarah first, though?" Hotch nodded in agreement.
"Jack, Sarah, come in here, please?" he called.
"What's up?" Jack asked as the two kids walked into the living room.
"We have something sad to tell you," Emily began. "Uncle Derek's mother died in her sleep last night," she explained gently.
"Oh no, poor Derek," Jack said softly.
"That's so sad," Sarah added.
"Yes it is, kiddo," Hotch said hugging Sarah.
"What can we do to help?" Jack wanted to know.
"Reid's asked if you wouldn't mind going over and helping Vanna look after DJ and the boys," Emily told him. Jack nodded without hesitation.
"I'll finish getting ready then I'll head over," the teen said quickly.
"I'm gonna draw Uncle Derek a picture," Sarah said scampering to her room to begin coloring.
"Jack?" Hotch called just as he reached the hall.
"Yeah?"
"Don't be afraid to call Emily or me if you need us. It's not easy helping someone deal with losing a loved one."
"I will, see you later."
"Bye Jack," the two adults called back.
"Well I guess we'd better get calling everyone," Emily said standing up to go find her cell phone.
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JJ hung up the phone and stood completely still. She couldn't believe what she just heard.
"Will," the blonde called.
"Yeah, what is it, baby?"
"I need to go to Derek and Spencer's it's an emergency, can you handle things here?"
"Of course I can, what's wrong?" As he got closer he could see the tears in her eyes.
"Morgan's mom died in her sleep last night. I'm not sure quite what all happened, but he blacked out and somehow cut his hands rather badly on a broken coffee cup. Spence is with him and Em said Garcia and Rossi are heading to the hospital to be with Reid. She and Hotch are working on getting a hold of Strauss."
"Go, we'll be fine," her husband assured her.
"Tell the kids, will you?"
"Yeah, don't worry about it. Go help take care of their kids. I love you, JJ," Will said kissing her quickly.
"I love you to," she said returning the kiss before heading for the door.
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"Vanna, I'm hungry," DJ complained as she appeared in the doorway of the room they shared. Glancing at the clock the 13-year-old noticed an hour or so had gone by. She couldn't believe it.
"Okay, let's go fix us some lunch," she said climbing off her bed. Arriving in the kitchen she took a look at what they had.
"Hey, how does grilled ham and cheese sandwiches sound?"
"Yum!" Nate cried.
"Yeah, double yum," Jason replied.
"Okay, I guess," DJ answered softly. Nodding Savanna gave DJ a sharp look.
"What?" the young girl wondered. Savanna's eyes moved to Jason.
"Oh, sorry for being so mean to you earlier, Jason."
"It's okay," he told her.
Savanna had just finished putting lunch on the table when the phone rang.
"Hello?" she answered.
"Hey, it's me. We're still at the hospital. They're almost done with the stitches, but the doctor's are trying to decide if they need to admit him," Reid explained. Glancing at the table she saw that all three of her siblings were listening intently. Moving into the living room she lowered her voice.
"Why would they admit him?"
"Because he's still not responding. They'll observe him for a little while longer before they make a decision. Are things going okay there?"
"Yeah, they're fine now. Things got a bit tense earlier, but everythings okay now. Just then the doorbell rang.
"Keep me on the phone while you answer it," Reid instructed.
"Yes, Dad," Savanna said walking to the door.
"Who is it?"
"It's JJ," came the voice from the other side. Giving a small smile she opened the door and allowed her aunt to pull her in for a hug.
"Is that your dad?" JJ asked pointing to the phone.
"Yeah it is."
"Can I talk to him?"
"Aunt JJ wants to talk to you," Savanna informed her father.
"Okay, give her the phone."
"Okay, I'm gonna go eat lunch. See you when you get home." Taking the phone from the teenager, JJ began asking the same questions Savanna just had.
Lunch was over and JJ had convinced the others to head into the living room and watch a movie. DJ grabbed a photo album and began looking at it with the boys commenting on a photo every now and then. This left Savanna alone in the kitchen which suited her just fine. She began washing dishes trying to stop thinking. The harder she tried to block her grandmother's death from her mind the harder the memories kept coming. She didn't even register someone ringing the doorbell or JJ answering the door. The first realization she had of someone else in the kitchen was when she felt hands on her shoulders and heard a kind and gentle voice.
Jack pulled up in front of his best friend's house and turned off the car. It was no secret that he cared for Savanna Reid-Morgan more than just a friend, but he wasn't sure how she felt. He was pretty sure she liked him to, but he was afraid of finding out for fear of ruining their friendship. Now's not the time for those kinds of thoughts, Jack, he scolded himself as he made his way up the driveway and rang the doorbell. It opened revealing JJ. He looked into the living room and saw the twins and Jason watching a movie and looking at family pictures.
"Hey, Jack, come on in," JJ greeted.
"Hey, JJ, how are you?"
"I'm doing okay. She's in the kitchen and I know she'll be glad to see you."
"Thanks, I'll just go check on her if that's okay.
"Sure go ahead," JJ said waving a hand.
Entering the kitchen Jack just watched the brunette. She didn't even seem to realize he was there. He could see her furiously scrubbing a plate. Walking over to where she stood he placed his hands on her shoulders and spoke softly.
"Hey there, Lady bug."
"Hi, Jack," she greeted just above a whisper. On one hand, she was glad to see him, but on the other one she wasn't. She knew other than her parents he was the only one who had the ability to make her stop being strong and deal with whatever was wrong. Having thoroughly washed the plate she rinced it and began drying it. Noticing the harshness with wich she scrubbed the plate dry, Jack could tell she was reaching her breaking point but fighting it tooth and nail.
"I think it's dry now," he teased. Savanna shook her head and kept running the towel over the plate.
"No I'm not done yet," she protested. Reaching out Jack tried to remove the plate from her hands.
"Let me have it, Savvy." The young woman shook her head. She could feel her emotions reaching their breaking point. Jack decided he needed to use his trump card.
"Savanna, you need to stop. It's okay to let go for a little while. I'm here, Lady Bug, I'm here." Savanna's hands began to shake and she finally let Jack take the plate. The moment he turned back to face her she let herself fall forward against his chest and let her grief take over.
Cradling the crying girl to his chest, Jack managed to walk to the back door and slide it open. Carefully he guided them to the swing on the back porch and settled on it Savanna curled against him. Hearing the back door close JJ tip-toed into the kitchen and glanced out the window. She was glad to see Jack holding Savanna and extremely glad to see he'd broken down her walls and she was beginning to grieve.
"Why did she have to go?" Savanna choked out through her sobs. "It's not fair, J-j-jack, she shouldn't have been taken so soon."
"I know how that feels," the young man said a shadow crossing his handsome face.
"Oh, Jack, I'm so sorry. I can't believe I forgot about your mom," Savanna exclaimed.
"It's okay, I'm fine. It's you I'm worried about," Jack admitted.
"I c-c-can't believe she's gone," the teen whimpered fresh tears making tracks down her face.
"I know, Lady Bug, I know," Jack soothed pulling her closer and continuing to rock.
JJ hated to ruin the moment, but she knew Savanna would want tissues. Quietly she walked out on to the patio and over to the swing. Seeing something out of the corner of his eye, Jack glanced up. JJ was holding a box of tissues out to him.
"Thought you could use these," the mother explained.
"Yeah, thanks, JJ."
"No problem," she answered. Savanna's sobs which had eased up slightly intensified once again as a new wave of grief hit.
"Shh, it's okay, it's gonna be okay, Vanna," the 16-year-old whispered. Without thinking he leant in and kissed her on the temple as he rubbed her back. JJ jumped in surprise and Jack froze and looked up wide-eyed at someone who he saw as an aunt. JJ could see the love shining in the young man's eyes and she just smiled in understanding before quietly making her way back into the house.
Jack wasn't even sure Savanna had registered the kiss until he looked down at her and saw her smiling at him through her tears. Even though her face was tearstained and her eyes were red rimmed, Jack hadn't seen anyone look more beautiful than Savanna Reid-Morgan looked at that moment. Slowly and deliberately he moved his mouth towards hers. He moved slowly enough to give her time to pull away if she wanted. He let his lips hover just inches from hers as he stared into her deep brown eyes.
"Kiss me, Jack," she breathed. That was all the permission he needed and he let his lips touch hers. The kiss was short and sweet but spoke of the attraction they had for each other. Pulling back they rested their foreheads together.
"I like you, Savanna Grace Reid-Morgan," Jack declared.
"I like you to, Jack Landon Hotchner," Savanna responded just before kissing him once again.
***
"What exactly are you asking from me, Agent Hotchner?" Strauss demanded. He'd finally managed to reach the section chief.
"Agent Morgan's mother died last night and I'm asking for three weeks off for him and one week off for Agent Reid. I'm also asking for the entire team to be given a couple days off so they can attend the funeral," Hotch explained.
"I'll grant your first two requests, but I'm not sure about the third one," she answered.
"Listen, Erin, I'm giving you the courtesy to grant my request before I just call the director and get his permission. I can guarantee he'd take one look at the BAU's outstanding record and say yes with no problem. Sighing she knew he was right.
"Fine, I'll give the rest of the team until Thursday off, but expect to be working next weekend."
"Yes, ma'am. Thank you," Hotch replied. XXXX
"I managed to get the time off for the guys and the time off for all of us so we can go with them," Hotch said walking into the kitchen where Emily was fixing lunch for them and Sarah.
"That's good, it means we'll be able to help look after the kids and be there for Derek and Spencer," she commented. Just then the phone rang. A moment later Sarah came running into the kitchen the phone in her hand.
"Daddy, it's Jack," she said handing it to him.
"Hey Jack, is everything okay?"
"Uh, yeah, I guess. Savanna cried herself to sleep and is napping on the swing. I tried to move her but she wanted to stay there," Jack explained all in one breath. Hotch took note of the fact that Jack sounded a little jumpy.
"Are you okay, son? You sound a bit funny," Hotch questioned.
"Yeah, sure, I'm fine. But can I talk to Emily?"
"Sure you can, here you go," Aaron said handing the phone to his wife before going to wash his hands for lunch. XXXX
"What can I do for you?" Emily asked her step-son.
"I kissed her, then she kissed me back and I can't believe it," the teenager rambled. Emily's head spun. She couldn't believe what she was hearing.
"Woah, hold on a minute. Did you just say you and Savanna kissed?" Emily asked.
"Yeah, I did," Jack replied. "It was my first kiss, and I'm pretty sure it was hers to."
"And where are you now?"
"In the kitchen pacing. I can see her sleeping on the swing from the window."
"So how did it happen?" the agent asked.
"She was crying and without thinking I kissed her temple. JJ who'd brought out a box of tissues saw it. I didn't think she realized I'd done it at first, but then Vanna smiled at me and once JJ went back inside I leaned in to kiss her. I gave her enough time to pull away but she didn't. She told me to kiss her. We admitted that we like each other then she kissed me back. Then I sat their rocking her trying to calm her down and her crying had worn her out and she fell asleep."
"Wow, just answer me this. Are you happy?" Emily questioned.
"Yes I am, Em," Jack said softly. "And she seems happy to."
"Well then that's all that matters. We don't know arrangements yet, but your dad managed to get most of this next week off of work for the entire team so we'll be going to give the guys and the kids support at the funeral. I'll call the school on Monday and get your assignments if you want to go with us?"
"Yes, I do, thanks, Emily. I should get going, Savanna's waking up."
"Okay, see you later, love you, kiddo."
"Love you Em." He was glad he could be at the funeral for Savanna's sake. Hanging up his cell phone, Jack made his way back outside and settled on the swing just as Savanna's eyes opened. XXXX
Meanwhile at the hospital. Rossi and Garcia were sitting in the waiting room with a worried Spencer.
"How are you doing, baby cakes?" Garcia asked gently.
"Honestly? I don't know. I can't believe she's gone. After my mom died she filled in that part of my life. Of course she didn't replace my mom, but…" the genius broke off."
It's okay, we know what you mean," Rossi assured him. Drawing in a shaky breath Spencer clasped his hands in front of him. Reaching out Garcia covered his clasped hands with one of hers.
"It's okay to miss her, sweetie. I know we all will. She was always so sweet when she came out to visit you guys and the kids."
"I can't think of anyone who could cook a better breakfast," Rossi added. The doctor entering the room stopped their conversation.
"How's Derek, are you going to admit him?" Reid demanded jumping to his feet stumbling as he did so. Garcia and Rossi reached out to steady him.
"We've managed to stich up both of his hands. As for admitting him I'd like to but when we talk about it he gets agitated. I think he's going to come out of this no matter where he is, but I'm afraid admitting him would be more a hinderance than a help at this point. I'm releasing him into your care. However, if his symptoms get worse or he tries to harm himself bring him back immediately," the doctor instructed.
"I will," Spencer swore.
"Very well then, he's in the fourth room on the right. Here are his release forums. You can leave anytime," the doctor said handing the papers to Reid to sign. Once he did so he along with his two friends/coworkers along side. XXXX
Garcia gasped at the sight of Morgan's hands.
"Oh, hot stuff. What have you done to yourself?" she cried gently taking them into hers and staring down at the stitches that criscrossed his palms. Derek didn't acknowledge the computer tech, but just stared straight through her.
"The doctor said you can go home. So c'mon, let's get you home, babe. I know the kids will be glad to see you," Spencer said helping his husband to his feet and guiding him from the room. XXXX
The four BAU teammates were silent until they reached the parking lot. Once the fresh fall air hit him, Morgan seemed to come back to himself. He was confused, though. He didn't understand why he was at the hospital and why Reid, Rossi, and Garcia were with him.
"Why are we here?" he croaked. The other three stopped in surprise.
"You needed stitches for your hand," Rossi explained.
"Why?" Morgan questioned.
"You cut them on a coffee cup when you blacked out," Garcia told him.
"But what made me black out?" The computer tech and the co-founder of the BAU gave Reid bewildered looks.
"I think he's suffering from a common kind of amnesia. He's suppressing a painful memory," Reid explained.
"How do we fix it?" Rossi wondered.
"The only way to do it is to tell him what he's blocking out, unfortunately," Reid answered with a sigh. Turning to Derek he spoke softly.
"Desirée called this morning to tell you that your mom died in her sleep last night and you blacked out cutting your hands on the coffee cup you'd just dropped when you fell to your knees," Reid explained.
"You're lying! I know you're lying! Mama's not dead damn you!" Derek shouted. Before anyone could react he'd jumped at Spencer and swung at his face connecting with a solid punch that sent the genius sprawling. Derek continued to reign blows down on a curled up Spencer while declaring that he was lying.
"Derek, that's enough. Stop it right now!" Garcia yelled as she tried to grab Derek's flailing hand. She only succeeded in getting hit in the face accidentally, though. Rossi could only think of one thing that would reach the irrational agent right then.
"Agent Morgan, stop it right now, and that's a direct order from a superior agent!" he bellowed in his best boss voice. Instantly Derek froze and Rossi was able to pull him off Spencer and hold him in a tight grasp. Shaking Spencer climbed to his feet and Garcia and he checked each other over.
"Are you okay, Pen?" he checked.
"Yeah, just a bruise, what about you?" she wondered worriedly.
"Nothing that won't heal. I'm just worried about him," he whispered glancing at Morgan still being held by Rossi. Derek's vision cleared and his eyes widened. Feeling the younger man relax, Rossi released his hold allowing him to stand on his own.
"Oh, god, I'm sorry, Spencer, Baby Girl. Please forgive me," Derek begged. The two nodded knowing he wasn't in his right frame of mind.
"Mama's really gone?" he whispered shakily.
"Yes she is, Der," Spencer responded.
"No, I c-c-can't believe it," Derek said tears filling his eyes.
"I know, me, either," Spencer replied tears filling his own eyes. Silently he held his arms open for his distraught husband and Derek quickly walked into them. Both of them let their tears fall once they were in the comfort and safety of one another's arms.
"I think it's best if we all go over to their place and neither of them are in any condition to drive. If I drive Reid's SUV, will you come with if we find a way to get your car later?" Rossi asked the computer tech.
"Yeah, I feel helpless and going to the house will give me something to do. There's plenty of people for me to help there," she agreed.
"Okay, stay with Reid and Morgan. I'll go get the car," Rossi told her.
"But how?" Garcia wondered. Victoriously Rossi held up Spencer's keys.
"I took them when he wasn't looking. I hadn't planned on letting him drive home," Rossi explained.
"You're a very sneaky man, Agent Rossi, a very sneaky one indeed."
***
Arriving at Derek and Spencer's the four of them climbed out of Reid's SUV. Holding hands Derek and Spencer walked into the house Garcia and Rossi a little behind them.
"Papa, Daddy!" Jason cried as he ran to them. The nine-year-old stopped in front of the two guys and stared up at them. He looked from Spencer's face to Derek's hands.
"It's okay, kiddo. We're both fine," Derek comforted pulling Jason into a hug mindful of the stitches in his hands. A laugh/sob from the couch caught the adults attention. Savanna was sitting next to Jack with the twins and JJ on her other side and she was looking at a picture. She was laughing and crying simultaneously.
"I don't remember that picture," Nate commented.
"Which one?" Derek asked as the adults walked over and settled around the others.
"The one when you and Dad brought the twins home and I drewarrows on them trying to send them back," Savanna explained.
"Oh, what happened?" Jack asked.
"Nana who'd come for a visit took me aside and explained to me that now I was a big sister and it was my job to look out for the babies. She made me realize that they weren't so bad after all." At the end of her speech, the teen was crying softly.
"She sounds like a really great woman," Jack comforted as he brushed her tears away then kissed her on the forehead. Spencer's and Derek's eyes widened in surprise and they glanced between the two kids and JJ who was smiling. Rossi and Garcia shared a soft smile. Looks like the next cutest couple of the BAU had finally taken the first step. XXXX
"We knocked but no one answered, so we let ourselves in," Emily said as she Hotch, Sarah, Will, Lisa and Henry walked into the living room. Everyone picked up on the slightly awkward atmosphere. Emily's gaze swept from a slightly stunned Derek and Spencer to a blushing Jack and Savanna then back to the guys.
"I think they know," she commented wryly. Hotch nodded in agreement.
"Huh?" Will questioned.
"Jack and I are dating," Savanna answered smiling.
"We're happy for you, but, Jack?" Derek asked.
"Yeah?"
"If you hurt her we'll kill you," Spencer finished.
"Yes, sir," Jack replied.
"I'll never hurt her," Jack swore, kissing Savanna quickly before settling back on the couch to enjoy looking at more of her family pictures.
***
Next part of Raising a Family.
- Criminal Minds - home page
- New stories
- Reid/Morgan
- Reid/Hotch
- Reid/Gideon
- Hotch/Rossi
- Hotch/Morgan
- Hotch/Gideon
- Prentiss/JJ
- JJ/Garcia
- Prentiss/Garcia
- Morgan/Garcia
- JJ/Reid
- JJ/Morgan
- Prentiss/Reid
- Hotch/Prentiss
- Morgan/Prentiss
- Other pairings
- Gen stories