Title: Online Connection
Author: cjacsifan
Pairing: Catherine/Sara
Rating: PG-13 (maybe different for subsequent chapters)
Disclaimer: CSI is owned by CBS and Jerry Bruckheimer
Summary: Catherine joins an online chatroom.
Spoilers: None

Catherine hated nights off without Lindsey, but this couldn't be helped because Lindsey was on an out of town field trip to the Grand Canyon.

Catherine had wanted to go but the lab was swamped and she was needed, even though it saddened Lindsey she knew how important her mom's work was but the students were allowed to bring cell phones so even though she would be gone for four days Lindsey would be able to talk to her mom while on the trip, this pleased Catherine so even though she wasn't with Lindsey she could talk to her and ask her what her class did on during the day on her field trip.

Catherine was too wound up from talking to Lindsey, so she checked to see what was on television and when nothing caught her eye she turned off and went upstairs. She passed Lindsey bedroom and noticed the computer, and even though she used a computer for work she decided maybe she would just surf the web for a while.

She logged on under her screen name which was VegasMama, this was her home name, at work her screen name  was CSIWillows and she was only allowed to use that one at work, after a few minutes of checking all the websites that interested her she saw a list of chatroom names and the one that interested her was WOMAN IN MAN'S WORLD which was a chat room for women that were doing jobs that were considered men's jobs not so long ago.

VegasMama: Hello everyone.

CaliGirl: Welcome VegasMama.

VegasMama: Thanks, sorry I'm so nervous but I'm not usually one for chat rooms.

CaliGirl: Hey not to worry, we're all friends here.

VegasMama: So CaliGirl what profession are you in that used to be the domain of men.

CaliGirl: I work in league with the Police.

VegasMama: Wow, I do as well.

CaliGirl: That is so cool what do you do Mama?

VegasMama: Well Cali, I work as a scientist...I'm a CSI.

CaliGirl: CSI?

VegasMama: Yes that stands for Crime Scene Investigator...we collect the clues that help the police find the criminals....what do you do for the police.

CaliGirl: Nothing that exciting, I really don't work as close to the police as you do I work for the coroner which is kind of cool because I am a fan of horror films, but kind of sad too.

VegasMama: I know what you mean, I feel for the families of the victims and saying you are sorry for their loss just doesn't seem to be enough at times.

CaliGirl: I know that's the worst part of my job is the notification of the closest family member, sometimes I just want to say the hell with it and quit, but I guess like you I want the victim's family to find closure....Well Mama, it's kind of late here and I have to get ready for work....I work the nightshift here...Take care hope we can talk again.

VegasMama: Wow, another coincidence I work the night shift as a CSI as well...and I know we will talk again...Nice meeting you Cali....Good night.

CaliGirl: Nice meeting you too Mama. Good night.

Catherine then turns off Lindsey's computer and heads for the bathroom to shower then get ready for work.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Meanwhile in an apartment across town, "So, do you think she bought it...that I worked for the Coroner."

"Don't worry I think you got her on the hook now all you need to do is reel her in."

Catherine walks into the lab happier than she has in a long time; thanks to her new friend CaliGirl, Nick sees her and says, "Hey Cath, you're lookin' like you got little more kick in your giddy-up...anyone we know?"

"Never you mind Nicky...now let's get in the break room, because as you well know I need cup of coffee before I can deal with a case." Catherine says trying to steer Nick away from asking too many questions.

Nick nods in agreement to her line about coffee, but persists on asking about her personal life, "Okay...okay, but I'm telling you I haven't seen you this happy in a long time, I hope whoever put that smile on your face will keep you happy."

Catherine thinks about Nick's words as the two of them silently enter the break room, 'Well I am happy, not that I wasn't before; I love Lindsey...I love my work...The guys are like family to me...but there is one person who I would love to get to know and that's Sara...she's an enigma and one day I hope I get that chance...and who knows where this internet thing may lead...' Catherine is brought out of her musings when she hears Gil beginning to speak.

"Not very busy tonight...Warrick and Nick, jewelry store robbery off the strip...Sara and Greg, young girl drown in swimming pool...that's all good luck."

"What no case for me Gil?" Catherine asks somewhat harshly as the others leave for their assigned cases

"Sorry Catherine, you my dear have a date with your paperwork...besides..."

"Besides what Gil?" Catherine says as her anger is rising.

"I didn't want to give you the drowning case...because I saw a picture of the girl and it looked like Lindsey...knowing she was out of town this week I didn't want you worrying about her and give Ecklie any ammunition to try and split us up again."

Catherine was about to yell at Gil but thought better of it, "Thanks Gil...I know you were looking out for me...I appreciate that."

"Your welcome now go, you have a desk of paper work to finish."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Hey Rick you and Catherine are tight...right?"

"Yea we are so why do you wanna know?"

"Well when I saw her coming in tonight I noticed that seemed really happy...more than usual..."

"So what?"

"Well I asked her if she was seeing anyone and she woldn't tell me and you being her best friend...I thought you would know."

"Well she really doesn't tell me her whole life but I think she would have told me if she had a new guy in her life."

Meanwhile on the other side of town, "So you two got to chatting and then what?"

"Nothing really Greg, we just got to the topic of what we do and I had to tell her that I work for the Coroner, she thinks I'm in California because of my screen name, but tonight I am going to chat her up some more maybe get her to tell me about how she feels about me...well here we are...God how I hate cases where kids are the victims."

"Don't I know it," Greg says in a somber tone then gets out of his Denali.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Catherine was just getting started with her paper work, but yet she couldn't get CaliGirl out of her head so she turned to her computer and instead of using her work screen name she typed in personal screen name and noticed that she had some email; one from VegasBaby which she knew to be Lindsey's personal screen name and one from CaliGirl, so even though she knew she shouldn't do it she read her personal emails

To: VegasMama      From: VegasBaby

Mom,

The bus trip out here was really neat, I saw more of Nevada and Arizona then I ever have, I will be back before you know it so try not to miss me...Oh by the way the hotel we are staying at has internet connections so the teacher told us we could use her computer to let our parents know when we got here and another for when we are leaving so you know when to pick us up.  See you in a week.

Love you

Lindsey

This brought a smile to Catherine's face to know that Lindsey was safe and sound, but the one from CaliGirl intrigued and scared her a bit, but she thought what the heck and opened it.

To: VegasMama      From: CaliGirl

Mama,

I am just about to leave for work but I'm still thinking about our conversation and hope that in the long run we can become friends because I really like talking to you.   I will be online tomorrow sometime after 3:00 pm hope to see you there.

Your friend

Cali  

Catherine smiled at the thought of talking to her as of yet anonymous friend, so she got started with her paperwork only to be interrupted by her cell phone.

"Willows."

"Catherine where's Lindsey?"

"Sara is that you?"

"Yes and would you please just tell me where Lindsey is." Catherine was surprised to her that Sara was panicked about Lindsey.

"Lindsey is on a field trip to the Grand Canyon, I told Gil about I just never thought to tell the rest of you....why are you asking?"

Sara lets out a sigh of relief, "Because the little girl we found that drown looks like she could be Lindsey's twin...I'm sorry I over reacted."

"That's okay Sara, Gil told me about it after he gave the assignment to you and Greg, told me he didn't want me to worry about her unnecessarily....I really appreciate the concern, see you when you get back."

"You're welcome...see you later...bye Cath."

Catherine was pleasantly surprised at the concern about Lindsey, especially when it came from the enigmatic Sara Sidle, "I best get this paperwork done." and Catherine went back to the mound of paperwork on her desk.

Catherine was happy that CaliGirl had sent her an email and she was looking forward to talking to her later today, what confused her was Lindsey writing in her email that she would see her mother 'next week' when she knew that Lindsey's field trip was ending day after tomorrow.

Checking the calender in her kitchen she realized that her sister Nancy had offered to let Lindsey sleep over after she came home from the field trip, this way if Catherine had a case that required her to be at the lab early or she had to do some overtime she wouldn't have toworry on how Lindsey was going to get to her sister's place, or get a ride home.

Catherine was tired after the long night, so she decided to make herself  a light breakfast of a bowl of oatmeal and some fresh fruit , as the water was boiling for her instant oatmeal she took the time to go upstairs and change out of her working clothes into a pair of lounging pants and a tank top.

While she was upstairs she decided to go back to Lindsey's room and check her email, "Wonder if CaliGirl left me anything," Catherine asked herself and to her pleasant surprise it was there;

From: CaliGirl      To: VegasMama

See you at 3pm...I want to know all about you

Catherine couldn't keep the smile off her face if she tried, she had made a connection and she wanted nothing more than to get to know her new friend, she had a nervous excitement when she sat down to right a response that read;

From: VegasMama      To: CaliGirl

I can't wait either...after I tell you my story you have got to tell me yours.

Catherine then heard the tea kettle whistling and made her way downstairs to make her breakfast, after which she would get some sleep before talking to CaliGirl

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Across town, Sara and Greg were relaxing in Sara's apartment, Sara then decided to check her email, that's when she sees Catherine's reply to her email.

"Oh God Greg...she wants to know my story, what the hell am I going to do..."

"You are going to tell her same thing you told Grissom during the Russian mail order bride case, the same thing you told me after you came back from the suspension...The Truth."

"Damn it Greg it's not that easy...God maybe I should just tell her that I don't want to talk to her anymore and that will be the end of it."

"NO...You are NOT doing that, you saw how happy she was last night when she came in and that is because of YOU, do you want her to go back to the way she was towards you when you first came here, being a total bitch to you because if you stop now that's what's going to happen...and not only that she will be a pain in the ass to work with...do you want her to be bitchy to the rest of us too."

"No I don't, but Damn it Greg I'm scared that after I tell her my story she'll not want to talk to me anyway, so I'm just eliminating the hurt I will be causing myself and her when I do tell her."

"Sara how do you know something like this will happen?"

"It always does...I start caring about someone it's great up until the point when I tell that someone about my life then they up and leave...I wouldn't be able to handle it if Catherine does the same thing."

"How do you know she will."

"I just know it will happen...it always does, that's the story of my love life...God I shouldn't have started this."

"Sara, I'm going to tell you something my grand dad used to tell me when I acted the way you are now...Nothing happens, until it happens, if it happens."

"What the hell is that supposed to mean?"

"It means that you are so sure that she will stop talking over the internet with you after you tell her about your abuse but you aren't even sure that she will stop talking to you over the internet at all, so SUCK IT UP SIDLE and do it."

"Greg..."

"Yeah Sara,"

"Thanks..." Greg knows that Sara is thanking him for yelling at her to stop doubting herself and her feelings towards Catherine.

Sara gets up from her computer, hugs her best friend, ushers him out then goes into her bedroom to get some much needed sleep, where if this sleep is like those she's been having lately, she will be deaming about Catherine.

Catherine sits at Lindsey's desk and nervously turns on the computer, "Come Catherine, get ahold of yourself, you don't even really know this person...True but then why is it that I can't wait to get home to see if she left me an email or when we talk why do I get butterflies in my stomach...You know why Catherine Willows, you're just trying to deny it...okay...here goes nothing." Catherine then turns on Lindsey's computer and heads right for the WOMAN IN MAN'S WORLD chatroom.

VegasMama: Afternoon all.

CaliGirl: Hey Mama, I'm glad you made it, I almost thought you weren't coming.

VegasMama: Of course I was...didn't want to miss chatting with you Cali.

CaliGirl: Aww thanks Mama...how bout you and I go into private chat.

VegasMama: Sure

CaliGirl: Okay just a second.

And with that Sara leaves the chatroom, a few seconds later she types this into her computer: Caligirl invites VegasMama to Private chat, she then sends it to Catherine.

Catherine sees the message and then a second message: Do you wish to enter into this private chat  YES or NO, of course Catherine presses the yes button.

CaliGirl: Welcome to my place..sort to speak....LOL

VegasMama: Do you bring alot of your lady friends here?

Cali Girl: Nope, only the ones that are special to me

VegasMama: Aww honey now it's my turn to blush....Please call me Cat

CaliGirl: Well you are...Now tell me all about you and don't leave out any details...Please call me Sassy

VegasMama: Okay Sassy, Only if you promise the same.

CaliGirl: I promise

VegasMama: Okay good, I was born in Montana and lived there for about the first 17 years of my life...

CaliGirl: Montana must be beautiful...the mountains, the horses, the blue sky

VegasMama: Oh it was but for a teen it was pretty boring so let's get back to my story; I lived there until I was 17 when my boyfriend at the time, decided to go to Seattle and check out the music scene.

CaliGirl: Wasn't that dangerous.

VegasMama: What can I say I trusted him, but I realized I shouldn't have when saw him one day about 3 years after we got there, while I was out looking for a job to support both of us, I saw him kissing this older woman and he told me that I was too young for him and the schmuck dumped me then and there.

CaliGirl: So what happend next?

VegasMama: Well I made my way here to Vegas and began dancing, well stripping something I'm not proud of but it did give me the greatest thing I now have in my life.

CaliGirl: Please explain...

VegasMama: Well while dancing I met my late ex-husband Eddie Willows, and fell in love with him, but the problem was he got me hooked on cocaine, which is something else I am not proud of because of all the things Eddie made me do while I was using.

Sara felt her stomach tie in knots at the thought of what that bastard Eddie would make Catherine do; Cali Girl: What kinds of things would he make you do...if you don't want to tell me I understand.

VegasMama: No I trust and I want to tell you...he made me give sexual favors to his friends, but after a while he realized that he what he was doing to our relationship and stopped that, but after I got pregnant I stopped dancing and taking drugs for the sake of my baby, but he needed someone he could get high with and screw, so he went and had more affairs then I care to count, but I was getting clean and nine months later my daughter Lindsey was born...he was killed a few years ago, I just wish Sara could have found the killer.

Sara couldn't believe Catherine cared for Eddie even after he made her do those awful things, she wept for her friend for a few minutes, wiped her eyes, "God now I know I love you because of your strength to go on," Sara whispered as she returned to the conversation.

CaliGirl: Sara I gather is a woman you work with...why not tell me about her and your other co-workers.

VegasMama: Well my immediate boss is Gil Grissom, he is a great guy and a great criminalist, but he is also an entomologist which means he plays with bugs and I think he feels more at home with them than he does people...then there's Warrick Brown, my dear friend and confidant, we share a lot of secrets and at one time I had a major almost school girl like crush on him, but he got married and I don't want to be the other woman to him because I had to deal with that in my own marriage which is the biggest reason that broke up and I won't do that to a friend...Nick Stokes is another friend from work, he's from Texas and as like all Texans he is a gentleman, to me he is like a nephew...then there's Greg Sanders the youngest one of our group, he was a lab technician before he became a CSI and being the youngest he is a bit on the goofy side but sometimes when cases are getting to us emotionally, he knows just what to do or say to get us smiling and laughing which breaks the tension, he also has a major crush on the last member of our team Sara Sidle and who can blame him; she's smart, caring, a hard worker sometimes she works too hard, because there are cases that just get to her and God I wish I could be there for her to hug her and tell her everything will be alright; she was also the one that closed my ex-husband's murder case without finding the killer...God I was such a bitch to her, but he was my daughter's father and I wanted closure for her...if I could do it over again I would tell her that I was sorry for acting the way I did and that I know she did her best and to tell her how I feel about her.

CaliGirl: So how do you feel about her, because it seems that when you talked about this Greg person you said that you couldn't blame him for having a crush on her.

VegasMama: Well that's just the thing,  I think I have a crush on her but I everyone thinkd she has something going on or at least a crush on our boss Gil Grissom.

Sara just stared at the screen in shock knowing that the woman of her dreams has a crush on her, but she wanted to wait until she got it confirmed by her source in the Willows household; Lindsey.

CaliGirl: You know Cat, the first step might be to apologize to her for acting the way you did towards her.

VegasMama: I did, I took her out after a case where she found out she was the 'other woman' to the guy she was dating...the only problem is, she got suspended during a mail order bride case for saying that I use my sexuality to get what I want during cases...it again had to do with abuse but she was out of line and after that things seemed strained between us but it has gotten better...

CaliGirl: But not to where it was or where you'd like it to be.

VegasMama: No,  not really we have disagreements which sometimes turn into out and out shouting matches and like I said there is that thing she might have with Grissom, So I think I have about as much of a chance with her as I do building a snowman in the desert around Vegas.

Caligirl: Well then tonight go up to her and ask her out to breakfast after your shift, I know that's what I would do if I were in your shoes.

VegasMama: You know you're right I will, thanks for the encouragement...Now Sassy I think it's time I heard your story...

Sara's eyes grow wide and a lump forms in her throat as she is now forced to tell the one person she loves, the biggest secret of her life.

CaliGirl: Well, I was born in the Bay area of California, but it wasn't really a home to me...you see I was in the system as a kid

VegasMama: My God Sassy why...what happend?

CaliGirl: Are you sure you want to know?

VegasMama: Yes, I trusted you with my life and all it's dark areas...please know that you can trust me with yours.

CaliGirl: Thank you...but I'm warning you it's not very pretty.

VegasMama: Just go ahead honey, just take your time...I'm not going anywhere

CaliGirl:  Thanks you don't know how much that means to me...Well I was born as I said in the Bay area of California, my parents were hippies that owned a bed and breakfast and things were pretty good in the beginning until my dad lost the place after some bad investments, and then all hell broke loose...he would drink because he felt useless because he couldn't find a job and when he got drunk he got mean...I mean REALLY PISSED OFF mean, he started hitting my mother and nearly put her into the hospital one time, and then for some reason they got angry at me for being born...I guess that was because they really didn't have enough money to pay for anything and to them I became a bother; they would lock me for days up in my room, without food or water...I had to use a chamber pot for bathroom facilities...then when my dad got stinking drunk after he would be done beating the crap out of my mother he would come after me with anything he could find but his favorite weapons were a leather strap, his bet, his hands, his cigarettes and his cigarette lighter...

VegasMama: Oh my God you poor thing, you don't have to go on if you don't want to.

CaliGirl: No I want to tell you everything....Well while other kids went out to play I was going to the emergency room at the local hospital with, concussions, broken arms, cracked ribs, dislocated shoulders...I thought...I thought it was how everyone lived.

Catherine could not believe her eyes at the words she was reading on the screen;  VegasMama: Go ahead Sassy if you want to.

CaliGirl: I learned to get used to it but I never trusted many people because of it and because of that I never had many friends at school but because I was always locked in my room I was a voracious reader and I loved studying and made all the honor rolls through school.

VegasMama: Did that make things better at home?

CaliGirl: On the contrary it made it worse because my parents never got past high school and by 6th grade I was taking some high school level course and when I tried to show them how smart I was getting they would beat me all call me a smart ass thinking that I was trying to show them up....It got even worse...

Catherine's eyes got wider still and a lump took up residence in her throat...Sara wasn't fairing much better, trying to type through the tears that were falling as she remembered the awful things her biological parents had done to her.

CaliGirl: Cat are you there?

VegasMama: I'm here Sassy, go on if you can.

CaliGirl: Well, because of my being smart, now my father AND my mother were beating me...mom's favorite things to hit me with were a rolling pin, even sometimes she would wrap things up in a towel to hit me with so there was no evidence and no one would get suspicious....Then one day my father beat my mother so much she passed out....he then came after me you see he blamed me for my mother not wanting to perform her 'wifely duties' for him because she had started drinking as well...So...one night..he..he...

VegasMama: He what honey...come on...you can tell me, Catherine reassured Sara even though she herself was in tears now.

CaliGirl: He tried to rape me..he came in drunker than usual and tore off my jeans and undies...I screamed as loud as I could hoping the neighbors would hear...but to my surprise, my mother heard and saw what was happening and got the carving knife out of the kitchen drawer and stabbed him 12 times in front of me, and after that I went into the system from family to family, never really feeling like I belonged anywhere or didn't deserve any happiness.

VegasMama: Sassy you are the strongest woman I've ever met to be brought up in conditions such as those and make it out alive and be working with the coroner.

CaliGirl:  Thanks Cat...You don't know how much that means to me.

VegasMama: What does that emoticon mean?

CaliGirl: It means I'm kissing your cheek...I think

VegasMama: Awww thank you , so how bout your friends at work?

CaliGirl: Well I only know two people there, one's name is Dennis he is the coroner's assistant....and of course the coroner himself Doc Abraham, other than not many friends, but I have had a few girlfriends in my day; Sara realized too late that she had just outed herself to Catherine.

CaliGirl: Oh crap did I say too much Cat, I hope I didn't scare you off...do you mind that I am gay.

VegasMama: Not at all, hell I even told you I was interested in my friend from work Sara in more than a friendly manner, so I guess that would make me bi, considering I had a husband and even a few lousy boyfriends so no it doesn't bother me...Well it looks like I have to get ready for work, and I want to thank you for trusting me with those things about your past.

It was now Sara's turn to be shocked because Catherine just told her that she wanted to be more than just her friend.

CaliGirl: NO...thank you, you are the first person I ever told that didn't go screaming into the night and never wanted to hear from me ever again...Cat do you want to know something?

VegasMama: What Sassy?

CaliGirl: I think this is the start of a beautiful friendship.

VegasMama: So do I Sassy...So do I...Well take care honey, I hope you don't mind me calling you that...Talk to you tomorrow.

CaliGirl: Are you kidding? I love the idea of you calling me honey, just as long as I can call you sweety....Talk to you tomorrow.

VegasMama: Of course not honey, I'm flattered that you would want to call me sweety.

CaliGirl:  Bye sweety.

VegasMama:  Bye honey.

Catherine and Sara turn off their respective computers and each get ready for another night of work, both much happier than the night before.

Catherine walks into the lab alot happier than she has been in a long
time, but the happiness is tempered with thoughts of sadness at what her
new internet friend told her about the past she had to endure, she
figured there was nothing she could do about the woman's past but she
sure as hell was going to try and make her future brighter; she just had
to figure out how.

Catherine's thoughts are interrupted by someone bumping into her, "Oh
Sorry Catherine...hey are you okay, you don't seem yourself?"

"I'm fine Sara, thanks for asking...hey what are you doing after shift,
that is if you aren't working overtime I mean." Catherine inwardly
cringed at her lack to control her own tongue because she remembered
what CaliGirl had told her to do about asking Sara to breakfast.

Sara just chose to ignore the overtime comment, "Well seeing that Greg
and I are just about finished with the drowning case, all we need is
autopsy report from Doc Robbins and unless Grissom has another case for
me I'll probably end up doing the paperwork on the case for most of the
shift...why did you ask?

"Well...I was wondering if you'd like to join me for breakfast after
shift...just the two of us because it's been all of us lately and I
think it's time the two of us got out and had a 'girl chat' session...if
that's okay with you," Catherine spoke softly as she could feel the
blush rise into her cheeks

Sara was feelinga little blush rise on her own cheeks, "You know that
sounds like a great idea, I'll come find you after shift tonight...but
only on one condition..."

Catherine was nervous wondering what the condition was, "Sure no
problem....what's the condition?"

"You pick the place and breakfast is on me."

"Sara, I couldn't let you do that?"

"Well if you don't want to have..." Sara never got to finish her
statement.

"Okay...Okay you have a deal...Thanks Sara." Catherine then does
something that is completely out of character for her when it comes to
Sara; she holds Sara's hand and gives it a little squeeze.

"Your Welcome...we better head to the break room for assignments looks
like Grissom is getting ready to leave his office."

The two ladies make their way to the break room with Grissom closely
behind them.

"Good Evening Ladies and Gents, so anything new on your cases..."

"Nothing new with our case, Griss," Nick says, beating Warrick to the
punch

"Well, Sara and I are headed to the morgue and see what happend to our
drowning victim."

"Okay Greg and Sara you two head for the morgue, Warrick and Nick you
might want to check out the scene once more might be something you
missed...Catherine..."

"I know...I know...paperwork."

"If that's it then...let's go to work." Grissom then leaves the room,
followed by Nick and Warrick, Greg and Sara then Catherine.

"Hey Sara hold up a second."

"Sure Catherine what do you need."

"Just want to thank you once more for the invitation to lunch."

"My pleasure, see you later."

"Bye.."Catherine then gives Sara a seductive wink, which she can tell
had the desired effect because of the blush rising once again on Sara's
cheek, before leaving to get her paperwork done, "cute...definately
cute."

Sara can see Greg wants some information by the way he is looking at
her," Go ahead Greg ask what you want."

"So how's this whole thing going..the internet thing I mean."

"Well okay I guess, it seems she took my advice and asked me out to
breakfast for after shift, she even told me that she agrees with you
about me being attractive and believe it or not I told her that I was
gay and she had no problem with it because she told me that she had a
crush on me which is why she told me she was bi..."

"Hey that's great, you see Sara she does like you."

"It's not that Greg, I just hope she doesn't get all pissed off when I
tell her on the net that I want to meet in person and then she finds out
it's me...what will I do then if that happend."

"Sara, Remember what I told you..."

"I know, I know...nothing happens, until it happens, if it happens."

"Look at it this way Sara, at least you two are going to breakfast after
shift."

"You have a point now let's go Doc is probably waiting for us."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~\
~

"So Doc what have you got for us?" Sara asks the coroner.

"Good day Sara, How are you Greg?"

"Sorry Doc, I'm doing okay, I just want to get this over with so the
family can have some closure."

"I know what you mean, I hate have to deal with kids...well, I took some
pills out of her stomach that were undigested and from the looks of them
I think they were sleeping pills."

"Sleeping pills, shouldn't that put you to sleep?"

"It usually does Greg, but I remember hearing about a few prescription
brands that causes a person to do things in their sleep."

"Oh yeah, I read about that in the paper; these people would take the
sleeping pills and during the night they would raid their refrigerator
and eat, take walks or in some cases even drive...and the kicker is they
wouldn't realize what they were doing, because when they woke up it
seemed like it was just a dream."

"And that's what happend to our vic, I figure she was taking these and
probably walked right out into the family pool."

"Thanks Doc, looks like we have to notify the parent of the cause of
death, God how I hate this part."

"I do too, but it's a necessary part of the job...take it easy."

"See you guys later," and with that Greg and Sara head for the home of
their victim.

Sometime later Sara and Greg pull up to the home of Thomas and Carole
Woodson and knock on the door, "May I help you?"

"Yes I am Sara Sidle, this is Greg Sanders we're from the Las Vegas
Crime Lab, we have some questions regarding the death of your daughter."

"Please come in I'm Carole Woodson, this is my husband Thomas...now what
was it you needed to ask us about Meghan's death?"

"Was your daughter taking any type of medication...specifically sleeping
pills?"

"Well she was having troulble sleeping, so our doctor did give her a
prescription for one...why is that important."

"Did you notice any changes in her behavior after she began taking
them?"

"Well once, I caught her in the kitchen eating right out of the
refrigerator, and I heard her walking around the house late at night,
please tell us what happend?"

"I'm sorry to have to inform you that we believe the cause of your
daughter's death was drowning because she was sleep walking because of
the type of sleeping pill that was prescribed to her."

"We just wanted to let you know, please accept our deepest
sympathy...We'll show ourselves out."

"God I hate that part of our job but I know it needs to be done."

"Let's go Greg, now we can finish this case up."

Greg parks the SVU in the lab parking lot as he and Sara get back not only from the Coroner's office, but also from telling the family of their victim, Meghan Woodson that she died because of a sleeping pill.

"Now we get to do the mundane paperwork...YIPPEE." Sara says in mock excitement.

"At least the family has closure now...and by the way call me later and tell me how breakfast with Catherine went."

Sara stops in her tracks, "God I almost forgot, maybe I should cancel, tell her I'm not feeling well."

"You will do no such thing young lady, you started this and you are going to continue until you get what you want...which is?"

"Catherine."

"So you go do you paperwork and i'll do mine and we might see each other during the rest of the shift, if not let me know later what happens."

"Okay Greg I will and ....thanks."

"Hey, you're doing all the leg work sort to speak, I just came up with the plan."

As the two enter the lab they pass by Catherine's office and she notices Sara not looking as chipper as she did earlier in the shift, "Hey Sara are you okay?"

"Oh hey Cath, yeah I am I just had to tell a family that their daughter died because of sleeping pills."

"You mean the one in the pool, I thought it was deteremined a drowning."

"It was, but the reason she was in the pool was because of one of the side effect from her prescription sleeping pills, she was sleep walking and walked right outside and fell into the family's pool."

"Damn shame, and Grissom told me she looked alot like Lindsey."

"Yeah, that's why I called you, remember I asked if Lindsey was okay."

"Yes I do and that's one reason I want to take you to breakfast, as a way of saying thank you for caring about Lindsey."

"Just remember you pick...I pay."

"Sure now you better go before Grissom send out the blood hounds looking for you."

"Okay Cath, see you later."

Sara gets to 'her' office and starts her paperwork, but it's driving her crazy wondering if Catherine sent her any personal email, so she turns on the computer and types in her personal screen name and password and lo and behold there is one from VegasMama

To: CaliGirl            From: VegasMama

Hey honey,

I miss you already and I've been at work only an hour, so how about at our usual time we chat some more, you know something light, like favorite movies, type of music you know things like that well I best go so my boss doesn't catch me.  Talk to you later.

Yours

Sweety

Sara just stared at the screen in shock, instead of using the screen names for the email, Catherine used the pet names Honey and Sweety....her blush quickly returned.

She realized she had more work to do and went back to it and after a few hours, there was a knock on her 'door'

"Hey Catherine, what can I do for you?"

"Actually, it's what I can do for you, it looked like you could use some coffee...here you go."

"Thanks Catherine, and thanks again for letting me vent when Greg and I got back..."

"Hey not to worry, we all need to vent besides I'm glad I could be there for you...now I was wondering would you like to go to the Desert Rose Diner as always."

"Sure and thanks for the coffee...." Sara puts the cup to her lips and tastes it, "Wow how did you know how I liked my coffee."

Catherine just gives Sara a smile, "I'm very observant....Bye," she gives Sara a sly, sexys wink and leaves.

Sara gets back to her paperwork and in a matter of about ninety minutes finishes it and sees she has just enough time to check her personal email again and get her stuff in her locker and meet Catherine in her office.

To: CaliGirl          From: VegasBaby

Hey Sara,

Hope all is going well there, so have you and Greg put the plan in motion so you and mom can finally get together because to tell you the truth I'm glad I'm in Arizona at least until tomorrow, because my mom was driving me crazy with 'Sara This' and 'Sara That' and 'Sara is so cute' or 'Sara looked so hot in that outfit today' PULLLLLEZZZZEEEE get this plan over with because my hair might turn gray before I'm 21 and I don't want that to happen.

By the way, I will be staying at my Aunt Nancy's over the weekend I am coming home real late Friday Night which means you and mom will already be working so mom asked Aunt Nancy to pick me up and keep me with her, just in case you guys have to work overtime...Well see you soon and please help my mother get her head out of her butt and realize that she's in love with you.

Lindsey

Sara signs off her computer, puts all her paperwork away, heads for the locker room and gets her things and heads for Catherine's office.

"Hey Cath, you ready?"

"You bet, let's go."

"Now remember..."

"I know...I know, you pay for breakfast..." Catherine then surprises Sara by linking their arms and putting her head on Sara's shoulder, "You don't me doing this do you Sara, I know you aren't really the touchy-feely type but I couldn't help myself."

"Not at all Catherine, Not at all..." Sara says with a smile bright enough to light the Vegas strip.

Catherine and Sara decided to drive separately to the diner because The
Desert Rose Diner was closer to Catherine's home and Sara didn't want
her to go out of her way to bring her back to the lab just to pick up
her SUV.

Once inside the diner, the two ladies were met by Mabel, their favorite
waitress, "So I see the two of you finally are alone together," which
got her a proverbial look that could kill from both women because not
only did Sara confide in Mabel about her crush on Catherine, Catherine
also confided in Mabel about her crush on Sara.

After a moment of awkward silence, "Come with me ladies, I'll show you
to your usual table," Mabel then left to get the two women some coffee
and some menus.

"Sara, I want to apologize for what I did back at the lab..."

"What, you mean the putting your arm in mine and your head on my
shoulder thing?"

"Yes, I know you aren't really a very tactile person but I just wanted
you to know how happy I was about us having breakfast together."

"Cath, listen it's fine...as a matter of fact, it was really nice of you
to feel that you could be so comfortable with me...especially after all
the times that we have been at odds with each other over the years."
Sara made a point to take hold Catherine's hand and look her in the eye,
this way Catherine will know she is telling the truth.

"Sara I am always comfortable with you, it just seems sometimes you lock
your friends out when something bad happens and you must know we are
there to help you." Catherine gives Sara's hand a squeeze for
reassurance.

"I know Cath, but there are somethings from my past that I need to deal
with."

"But you don't have to do it alone."

"I know, and I appreciate the offer of help and when I'm ready to, I'll
let you guys in on those things...I promise."

"Okay Sara, I'm taking you at your word," as Catherine finishes speaking
Mabel returns to get the breakfast orders.

"So sweety what will it be today?" Mabel asks Catherine.

"I think I'll have the corned beef hash, home fries and rye toast."

"And for you honey?"

"Veggie omlete, hash browns and whole wheat toast."

After Mabel leaves Catherine says, "Damn woman I don't think I've ever
heard you order that much for breakfast...you must be hungry and where
do you put it all."

"Me...what about you, eating all that and looking like a runway model,
having people staring at you...what is your secret."

"Sara Sidle are you flirting with me...calling me a runway model and all
and by the way missy I could say the same about you."

'Oh crap I'm busted', Sara thought, "I just meant that the guys all look
at you and practically drool, and Catherine you must know I see you at
crime scene we work together so, yes I know that you look good no matter
what....as more me I'm nothing special."

"Are you kidding me, nothing special I'll have you know Sara Sidle that
many of the guys look at you...and the way YOU wear your
clothes...accentuating your figure."

"My my Catherine....now who's the one flirting."

"Well I was just..." Catherine stammers.

"Okay change of subject..." Sara says leting Catherine off the
hook...for now, "I hear from my confidential sources that you seem to
have someone new in your life."

Catherine nearly chokes on her coffee but recovers, "And who are these
sources."

"Under penalty of death I can not divulge the identity," Sara says
trying to stifle a laugh.

"I swear I'm going to kill Sanders."

"Hey, don't blame him because he told me he heard it from Nick."

It dawns on Catherine what was going on, "I know what he's talking
about...he told me earlier this week that I looked happier than I have
in a long time and he tried to figure out if I was seeing anyone."

"Are you?"

"Well yes and no."

"A little more explanation please."

"Well I went into a chatroom on line and met this...girl."

"Girl...the new person in your life is a girl, and you met
online...Catherine don't you think you should be careful, because from
what I hear on the news that could be dangerous not only to you but to
Lindsey too."

"I know...I know but she makes me so happy when I talk to her and I
can't wait until I am home so I can talk to her again...and please
don't tell anyone that I'm bi."

"Your secret is safe with me...I promise." Sara tells Catherine
honestly, she then starts giggling and tries not to laugh out loud.

"Sara what is so funny."

"You've got some of your breakfast smack in the middle of your right
cheek," Sara points to her own face so Catherine can get an
approximation to where it is on her face.

After a few failed attempts, Sara reaches over and tries to help
Catherine, "Here let me help you."

As Sara reaches over and touches Catherine on the cheek to wipe off the
hash, Catherine leans into Sara's hand almost snuggling into it, and
gives a sweet smile to Sara.

The two women are brought back down to earth by Mabel who was at the
table to give them the check,"So who gets...oh I'm sorry," Mabel says
before turning around scurrying towards the kitchen.

"Mabel come back here, don't worry about it...here is the money for
breakfast," Sara hands her a twenty dollar for a thirteen dollar tab.

"I'll be right back with your change."

"Keep it..."Sara then looks at Catherine who gets up from the table
stands next to her and they both look at Mabel and Catherine voices what
Sara is thinking, "And tell no one what you just saw."

Mabel just nods and walks away as Sara escorts Catherine to her SUV,
"Thanks honey I enjoyed this...we should do this more often..."
Catherine says as she leans in to give Sara a hug, "Thanks again...and
please don't say anything about what I told you."

Sara takes Catherine's hands into her own and looks deep into her
beautiful sky blue eyes, "Catherine, when I make a promise to do or not
do something I keep it...secrets are sacred to me and I would never
betray a friend's trust."

Catherine leans in closer and gives Sara a peck on the cheek, "Thanks
honey..see you tonight...pleasant dreams.

"Your welcome sweety...see you tonight...sweet dreams," Sara then
watches as Catherine get into her SUV and drive away.

Sara then stoically walks to her own SUV, but inside she is doing her
own version of a happy dance.

Sara walks into her apartment still feeling euphoric about the breakfast she had with Catherine, she just had to call someone so Sara dials the first number on her speed dial.

"This better be good...because whoever it is better know I work for LVPD and can have you arrested."

"Good Morning to you too, Greg."

"Sara?...what the hell are you calling me for this early?"

"I just wanted to tell you that things are working out great under my screen name I suggested to Catherine that she take me, Sara out for breakfast and she did and it was great...I was just wondering if you think I should hint at how I feel about her using my online persona."

"Well that's up to you but just see how she feels about you being you and about the breakfast...then if you think it presents the opportunity, do it...but if she goes on and on about you as Sara then I say maybe you should push her into telling you have she feels about you while in cyberspace...does that make any sense."

"In some screwy way it does...thanks Greg...sleep well."

"I was until someone woke me up."

"Sorry...thanks again." And with that Sara closed her cell phone and got herself ready for bed.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

At 3pm sharp Sara was online and in her usual chatroom when a familiar name popped up on the list of people in the chatroom.

CaliGirl: Hey sweety

VegasMama: Hey honey, how are you today.

CaliGirl: You wanna chat here or...

Sara got her answer when she sawVegasMama invites CaliGirl to a private chat

CaliGirl: Miss me

VegasMama: You know I did.

CaliGirl: So I remember the last time we chatted you said something about wanted to take a certain female co-worker out to breakfast.

VegasMama: Yeah I did

CaliGirl: So how did it go?

VegasMama: It went better than I thought ...we ate, we chatted and  believe it or not flirted with each other.

CaliGirl: You did, was it like you thought it was going to be?

VegasMama: Well yes...

CaliGirl: I sense a 'but'

VegasMama: but I really wasn't thinking about her when I was flirting with her.

Sara sat there shocked and a bit sad, and really not wanting to see what the response to her next question would be; CaliGirl: So sweety who were you thinking about?

VegasMama: Believe or not...YOU!

CaliGirl: ME...WOW...we only just met and you flirt with someone and wish it were me...I'm flattered but why.

VegasMama: Because even though we've known each other a very short time, I think I have feelings for you....very strong feelings.

CaliGirl: You mean like love.

VegasMama: Well not really...not yet, we both know each other's deepest darkest secret but we don't know each other's likes and dislikes...can you understand...I want to get to know everything about you, and I must tell you that when we aren't online together I miss you.

Sara couldn't believe her eyes Catherine was admitting to having feelings for her or rather her online persona; CaliGirl: What if I'm not the kind of person you think I am?

VegasMama: How can you be anything more that a wonderful caring person to go through your childhood and come out of it alive how can I not care for someone that strong.

CaliGirl: I care for you too sweety...

VegasMama: Now I sense a 'but'

CaliGirl: Well before you make any snap decisions about what is going on between us how about we meet face to face...I could drive to meet you and we could spend sometime getting to know each other better.

VegasMama: I love that idea... Drive why not just fly?

CaliGirl: I could but I had a bad scare on a flight once and it freaked me out to the point that I can't even go near an airport.

VegasMama: So when should we do this?

CaliGirl: How about next weekend, I'll just ask my boss for Friday off  and that way we can meet Saturday after you get off work...or later that day after you've had some sleep.

VegasMama: Where will you sleep?

CaliGirl: I have some friends that own a bed and breakfast near Laughlin, so I'll stay with them.

Catherine didn't know that when Sara was a CSI in San Francisco she helped solve a case where the safe of a bed and breakfast was broken into and as a way of saying thanks the owner offered her a room anytime she wanted, however after what he went through in California he told Sara that he and his family were moving to Nevada, and he wrote to her telling her the offer still stands; He is still one of Sara's best friends letting her stay in his personal house while she was looking for an apartment in Vegas after she called him and told him she was moving there.

VegasMama: Hey that's great...but what do you want to do...

CaliGirl: I leave all the plans for my weekend in Vegas in your capable hands, but I think you'll get a better idea when we talk tomorrow, remember we still don't know about each other's like and dislikes so I think we should chat about that...Oh will you look at the time I need to get ready for work.

VegasMama:Great idea...Oh man it is getting late, Well Honey have a great night...I can't wait to see you...please be careful...bye

CaliGirl: Neither can I sweety...I will...you be careful too...Bye

And with that Sara and Catherine logged off their respective computers and got themselves ready for another night of work.

Sara paces the locker room as if she were a tiger locked in a cage, she had tuned out the outside world so much that she didn't even hear Greg coming up from behind her, "Hey Sara, you okay?"

"Jesus Greg, don't sneak up on a person like that."

"Sara what's wrong...why are you pacing like a nervous tiger...wait let me guess....Catherine."

The look on Sara's face was all the answer he needed, "Okay tell me what went wrong now."

"Well remember I called you and told you that we went to breakfast."

"How could I forget you woke me up out of a sound sleep."

"Sorry about that, but the real kicker is that after I woke up I went online and she and I chatted in a private chatroom and I told her that I wanted to meet in person...and now I'm scared shitless."

"Too scared to go through with this or scared that she will find out it was you all along."

"Both kind of, because when we went to breakfast, we got to know each other better and we even flirted a little, and now I'm wondering..."

"If it's real Sara or cyberSara that she will like...but Sara you told her that you wanted to meet in person so it looks like you got to go through with this and let it play out and deal with whatever happens."

"Greg it will kill me if this all goes wrong...and I lose her as a friend, we have been getting along so well lately, I don't want to screw that up."

"Sara just remember what I told you when this whole thing started."

"I know...I know, now we better move before they send out the dogs to find us."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The day went surprisingly well for the shift and both ladies made it home on time, and after a good afternoon of sleep both women kept up their cyberspace appointment.

CaliGirl: Hey sweety how you doing this afternoon?

VegasMama: Pretty good because today my daughter comes home...she was on a field trip to the Grand Canyon, but she is staying at my sister's until tomorrow because she will be home after I am at work tonight.

CaliGirl: She must have loved it.

VegasMama: She did...now weren't we going to talk about what our likes and dislikes were.

CaliGirl: That we were...mind if I go first?

VegasMama: Go ahead honey.

CaliGirl: Well went it comes to movies I like mysteries, romantic comedies, adult comedies for example, I love all the Sherlock Holmes movies with Basil Rathbone as Holmes...romantic comedies I'd have to say my favorite is The Goodbye Girl, my favorite adult type comedies are both Mel Brooks movies; Young Frankenstein and Blazing Saddles; I also like certain musicals and some sci-fi but the ones I mentioned are my absolute favorites...your turn.

VegasMama: Well I am a sucker for romance, my absolute favorite is Picnic and An Affair To Remember, I too like the Goodbye Girl and Young Frankenstein so that's one thing we have in common...what about food...what type of restaurants do you like?

CaliGirl: Well as for cooking at home I'm a vegetarian, and I guess that limits my choices when I go out, and my two absolute favorites when I get the chance to go out are Mexican and Italian.

VegasMama: Italian, I love Italian and I think I know the perfect place to go when we meet...as for cooking at home, I try to make a balance dinner especially because I want my daughter to get a balanced meal which mean whatever I can cook quickly but it has to be good for her...so what kind of music do you like?

CaliGirl: Well I am definately not a big fan of what's played on radio today, even though some of it is okay but my favorite types are; Classic Rock, Doo Wop, some Country, even some Big Band.

VegasMama: I know what you mean about today's so called music even though my daughter listens to it; how she's not deaf yet God only knows LOL...my favorites are County especially Patsy Cline, some Easy Listening from the 70's, I love Bette Midler but I really don't listen to the radio too much because it distracts me when working and I sleep during the day.

CaliGirl: I know what you mean...you said you had a daughter, tell me about her.

VegasMama: She is the light of my life, even if she is the typical teenager; rebellious at times, loving at times, drives me crazy...ALL THE TIME!!!

CaliGirl: LOL... If she is anything like you I'm sure she will be fine.

VegasMama:  Sweet talker .

CaliGirl: Sweety are you flirting with me...not that I mind.

VegasMama: I might be...what if I were honey?

CaliGirl:...It would make my day sweety...Oh by the way I will probably be in Vegas early next Saturday afternoon, because I checked it out on the computer and it said that between here and Vegas it's around 405-415 miles, so if  I leave early Saturday morning I should be in Vegas area by lunch.

VegasMama: Hey maybe we could meet for lunch?

CaliGirl: We will both be needing our sleep if we want to look good for our first meeting...even though I took off the Friday before I leave, but I'll be so nervous I probably won't be able to sleep much

VegasMama: Okay honey..God I know what you mean, we aren't meeting until next week and I'm already getting nervous, excited but nervous.

CaliGirl: Me too sweety...me too...you have great night at work...talk to you soon...bye sweety.

VegasMama: You have a great night too...Bye honey.

Catherine was sitting at her desk doing what she loved the most;
paperwork, that is until her cell phone rings and shakes her up,
"Willows."

"Hey Sis are you okay, you seem a bit shook up?"

"Nancy...sorry bout that I was so caught up in my paperwork that the
ringing of my cell made me jump...to what do I owe the honor of this
call."

"Someone here wanted to talk to you..." Catherine hears her sister hand
the phone over to someone else, "HEY MOM...I'MMMM Back did you miss me?"

"Of course I did baby, how was the trip?"

"It was fun, I'll tell you all about it when you get home from
work...Anything new with you?"

"I have a new friend... a female friend."

"REALLY...what's her name, what does she look like..."Lindsey questions
her mom, knowing the answers but she wanted to sound like she didn't
know anything.

"I really don't know...I never asked her that, wemet in an online
chatroom she calls herself CaliGirl, but she told me to call her Sassy."

"Cool mom, well you can tell me all about this when you get home."

"Good to have you home honey..Love you."

"Great to be home mom...Love you too."

Catherine hangs up the phone and sees Sara waiting for her at the door,
"Need something Sara?"

"Grissom's looking for you...by the way who was on the phone if I may
intrude."

"No you're not, that was Lindsey, she's home from her trip to Arizona
and she just wanted to call and say hello."

"Great, did she have fun?"

"She said she did, but she will give me the details when I get home."

"Okay...by the way Grissom is looking for you," and with that Sara heads
for 'her' lab and pulls out her cell phone and dials a number by heart.

"Hello?"

"Hey there Linds...how are you...how was your trip?"

"I'm great Sara, the trip was fantastic, I told mom I'd tell her about
it later so you'll probably hear about it tomorrow...how are you
doing...and your 'computer activities'?"

"Doing okay here, I am coming to see your mother from California next
weekend."

Lindsey has to think for a few minutes but it finally dawns on her,
"REALLY that's cool, I can't wait til mom sees you, so what are you
going to do on your date?"

"That's got me nervous, I hope your mom won't get made when she finds
out it's me...I really am scared."

"Don't be Sara, remember my email to you, she's always talking about;
how smart, cute and funny you are I know she will be okay...so what are
the plans."

"Not sure sweety but I did mention that liked Italian food and she told
me she likes it too so that's where I think the date will happen...I
hope."

"You'll do fine Sara, I best get off the cell before mom has a hissy fit
because of the bill, you know how mad she can be."

"Ohhh yeah...do I, well talk to you soon bye Linds."

"Bye Sara...and Sara...

"Yeah."

"Don't worry it'll be okay."

"Thanks for the vote of confidence."

"That's what I'm here for...bye."

"Bye," Sara then head back to the main area of the lab and heads towards
the A/V room which is where she was really going to before she got the
call from Lindsey.

Sara was thankful for a slow shift, it's not that she liked doing paperwork, but a slow night meant that she could catch up on some of the overdue stuff and get caught up with the paperwork from her latest case.

When she got home she made herself a pot of coffee and sat down at the computer hoping to talk to Catherine before her daily meeting with Morpheus, and as soon as she turned on her computer she saw VegasBaby signed on.

CaliGirl invites VegasBaby to private chat:

VegasBaby: Hey Sara what's up?

CaliGirl: Nothing much sweetness how bout you?

VegasBaby: I'm sure mom told you I was back from my trip?

CaliGirl: She did are you at home?

VegasBaby: No I'm at Aunt Nancy's ...why?

CaliGirl: PHHEWWW that was close I don't want your mother know it me as CaliGirl, that's all.

VegasBaby: Not to worry she told me about you... I asked her what you looked like and your name and she said all you told her was Sassy and CaliGirl...and Sara, your secret is safe with me.

CaliGirl: Thanks sweetness, by the way are you okay with this

VegasBaby: EARTH TO SARA...EARTH TO SARA...YES IT IS OKAY WITH ME THAT YOU ARE IN LOVE WITH MY MOTHER.

CaliGirl:  Don't yell at me please it's hard enough to go through with this let alone have a teenager yell at you, especially when the teenager is the daughter of the woman you're in love with.

VegasBaby: Sorry Sara but I told you this already, you have nothing to worry about...so what's the plan for next weekend?

CaliGirl: Well I will ask for Friday off and head for Laughlin, I have some friends that own a bed and breakfast there and probably head for the mall to buy something appropriate for our...date.

VegasBaby: What wrong...why the hesitation on calling it a date?

CaliGirl: You know why...

VegasBaby: Yes I do...STOP IT!!.

CaliGirl: Okay...okay,...oh I best go your mom just came online and is looking for me...see you next week. talk to you later bye.

VegasBaby: Bye Sara.

VegasMama invites CaliGirl to private chatroom.

VegasMama: Hey Honey how was work?

CaliGirl: Hey Sweety...SSDD you know what I mean.

VegasMama: Oh  I do, luckily it wasn't too busy here so I was able to get alot of my paperwork done.

CaliGirl: Same here, plus order supplies for the morgue, clean instruments...boring with a capital B.

VegasMama: LOL...I picked out a place for us to go on our...date.

CaliGirl: So it's a date huh.

VegasMama: Well only if that's what you want it to be.

CaliGirl: Of course that's what I want it to be, I was teasing you...so what's the name of the place don't keep me in suspense here.

VegasMama: BellaDonna Italian Gardens...it's a beautiful place that has a small area of tables outside...I requested that area for us...If that seem too intimate I can change them if you like.

Sara just looked at the screen with a wow look on her face, the BellaDonna Italian Gardens has very good food and is also very expensive ; CaliGirl: No that sounds lovely, my treat...

VegasMama: Oh no, you are coming to see me and as a way of welcoming you I want to pay for this on my own...please let me do that for you honey.

CaliGirl: What time did you make reservations for dinner?

VegasMama: Seven-thirty

CaliGirl: Okay but the next day all three of us will do something together and it is MY treat.

VegasMama: Three of us...???

CaliGirl: Yes three of us...you did say you had a daughter, I want meet her, but I know if she's anything like her mom I'm gonna love her too.

VegasMama: LOVE...did you say love.

Sara is in complete panic mode as she reads what she wrote and Catherine's response

CaliGirl: Oh damn that came out wrong...I'm so sorry, my tongue is always getting the best of me please forget I said anything...

VegasMama: Honey...stop worrying it's fine...besides if you weren't going to say it I was...I think I love you.

CaliGirl: Seriously...how could you, we've only been communicating over the internet...how could you know that you feel that way.

VegasMama: I just do....you're so kind and caring and after what you've been through in your life and come out a strong, independant, loving woman...what else could I feel for you but love....by the way thank you for thinking about her I know she will get a kick out of meeting you.

CaliGirl: You have made me the happiest woman on the face of this Earth...I think I love you too...now I think Sunday we should do whatever your daughter wants it's her choice.

VegasMama: Now I KNOW I love you...

CaliGirl: What's wrong sweety why the tears and laughter?

VegasMama: Those are tears of joy, none of my former boyfriends ever gave Lindsey, that's my daughter a second thought...you are the first to even consider her feelings.

CaliGirl: Like I said if she's anything like you I know i'll have nothing to worry about...well the sandman is beating me over the head, time for some sleep..Good night sweety...pleasant dreams...love you.

Catherine chuckles as she envisions someone getting hit over the head and sand falling into their eyes; VegasMama: Good night honey...sweet dreams...love you too.

Both women turn off their computers and make their way to their respective beds, both doing their own version of a 'happy dance' on their way to bed.

Sara makes her way into the lab after a relaxing night sleep; mostly because they were filled with dreams of Catherine, she sees Grissom and walks up to him, "Hey Grissom can I ask a favor?"

"Sure Sara, here let's go into my office...," Gil then escorts her into his office, "now what can I do for you?"

"If it's okay I'd like to have this friday off..." Sara says and is somewhat unnerved by his stunned reaction, "but if you'd rather not give it to me I'd understand." Sara says in a disappointed tone.

"No..no, it's not that Sara...sure you can have friday off, It's just so unusual for you to ask for time off...normally I have to force  you to take a day off...so sure."

"You know that means I'll be gone for three days, I do have this weekend off you know."

"Yeah I know, go ahead as long as all your paperwork is done I see no problem with it, just let me check the schedule..." Grissom goes over to his desk and checks his team's schedule, "Catherine also has the weekend off...but we've worked it out with less than a full crew maybe I can get Ecklie to let me borrow some of his people, besides he owes me..."

Grissom didn't finish his statement, but Sara pushed the issue, "How does Ecklie owe you for anything?"

"After we found Nick, after he was buried alive...Ecklie came to me and told me that anytime I needed help he would work it out with a member of dayshift."

"You're kidding, super schmuck, pain in the ass Ecklie was being nice..." Sara says through her chuckling. "did you check to see if he was high or drunk."

"No Sara, I didn't have to it was just Ecklie being nice...for once."

"My God the world's coming to an end...Ecklie was actually nice to our team." Sara said trying to keep a straight face.

Grissom couldn't help himself and he too started smiling, "Now go, and yes you can have Friday off...now get to work."

"What about assignments?"

"None for you young lady...you have some paperwork yet to finish...unless you want to work Friday..."

"Ok..Okay...I get your point...Thanks Grissom."

Sara heads into the area of the lab known as 'Sara's office'; it isn't officially her office but it's where she goes when she needs quiet, to think about cases or do her paperwork, so she gets to work.

An hour later she gets up and heads for the breakroom to refill her coffe cup, in there she sees Catherine and Greg talking animatedly.

"Catherine what's the big deal...so it's a blind date."

"Greg you don't understand..it's with a woman."

"So what's that got to do with anything."

"I'm as nervous as hell that what."

"You, the Great Catherine Willows nervous."

"Yes, I am."

"May I ask why?"

"It's because I'm not sure about the feelings between the two of us."

"Now I'm confused what does this have to do with feelings."

"Well Sassy, that's what she calls herself and I have been talking and this past Friday we told each other that we think we love each other..."

"I'm just not sure she will feeling this way after we meet...that's why I've got a case of the raging nerves."

Sara is shocked by Catherine's words but decides to interject her opinion, "You know Catherine it maybe just as bad for this Sassy as it is for you, she might be having the same case of the raging nerves as you called it, so my advice is go ahead with your...date and see where it leads."

"Well I did tell her about Lindsey and she said she would be here this weekend for our dinner date which is on Saturday night and she told me that she wanted to do something with me and Lindsey on Sunday she was even going to let Lindsey pick out what we do, so maybe this won't be as bad as I thought...well looks like Bobby wants me in Ballistics, see you guys later."

Once Catherine was out of sight, "Damn that was close, I thought for sure you had blown it."

"I know I was listening to the two of you and I had to step in hoping that what I said made her want to go Saturday night."

"Looks like it did the trick..so where are you going Saturday...if I may ask."

"Catherine picked Bella Donna Italian Gardens and she told me she got a table outside."

"Damn that'll cost her a pretty penny...So what about you what are you doing for the weekend."

"Well I just got Friday off from Grissom, that way I can go shopping, and head to that bed and breakfast in Laughlin...I know the owners from back in California and they told me that I could have a room when needed, I wanted it to look like I was coming from out of town."

"Good idea...so what are the plans for Sunday?"

"Well I was looking online and the Big Bend area of the Colorado River is about 30 minutes south of Laughlin so I figured I'd tell Catherine about it knowing what a sucker Lindsey is for picnics and swimming..."

"Good thinking Sara..well best get back to work...later."

"Later Greg," Sara then fills her coffee mug and heads back to her paperwork, and as she sits back at her desk she dial her phone and hears a familiar voice on the other end "Big Bend Bed and Breakfast, this is Chuck Jackson speaking how may I help you?"

"Hey Chuck, it's me Sara Sidle..."

"Sassy how are you long time no see...how are you, to what do I owe the pleasure of this call?"

"Doing great here Chuck, I was wondering if  could have a room this coming Friday and Saturday night?"

"For you Sassy not a problem, you know Susie and the twins will be happy to see you."

"So how is Susie and your twins how old are they now?"

"Susie's great...both Sally and Patty are fine, I can't wait to tell them 'Aunt Sassy'' is coming to see them."

Sara has to laugh because Chuck and his family were the only ones that knew about her childhood nickname, but also because of Susie's love of Charlie Brown and that she named her two daughters after Charlie's sister Sally and Peppermint Patty.

"So what time can we expect you?"

"Well how about five thirty, I have a hot date the next night and I want her to think I came from California..."

"It's the strawberry blonde...isn't it?" Sara at one time told Chuck and Susie about her crush.

"Yup and I'm finally going to take her out."

"Why tell her you're coming from California?"

"All will be revealed when I get there...see you Friday..my love to Susie and the girls..bye Chuck."

"Bye Sara...see you Friday," and with that taken care of Sara get back to the business at hand; finishing her paperwork.

Sara logs on to her computer and notices that Catherine is online already; CaliGirl invites VegasMama to private chat

VegasMama: Hey honey

CaliGirl: Hey sweety

VegasMama; God I can't wait, 48 more hours and we meet.

CaliGirl: I know what you mean, oh by the way I may not be online at all tomorrow being that I'll be driving to the bed and breakfast where I'm staying but i'll make sure to see if they have internet access so that way I can let you know that I'm safe and sound.

VegasMama:  You mean I won't get to talk to you until we meet?

CaliGirl: Don't cry sweety, would you rather we talk on this or meet in person?

VegasMama: Meet in person of course...Oh by the way I talked to my daughter this week and she doesn't care what we do because she knows whatever it is she will love it.

CaliGirl: Well about 30 minutes south of Laughlin is the Big Bend State Park and it has swimming and a picnic area so I thought that might be something she would like.

VegasMama: I'm sure she will...I hate to do this but I got to get going because I have to talk to my sister about watching Lindsey on Saturday night for our date,  but first I need to get ready for work, so until we talk or better yet see each other...bye honey..luv ya.

CaliGirl: Luv ya too, as I said if I can I'll try to catch you online when I get to where I'm staying...bye sweety.

And with that the two women get ready for work.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Luckily the night shift wasn't too hectic so both Catherine and Sara were able to get their paper work up to date.

"Well I'm ready to go...wish me luck Greg."

"Catherine if this woman doesn't fall in love with you at first sight, she isn't worth it...so go have a good time and let me know what happens," Greg says wiggling his eyebrows.

"Pervert," was all Catherine says as she smacks him on the arm and walks out of the locker room laughing.

Sara just sat back and watched all of that unfold in front of her, Greg closing his locker brought her back to reality, "See you Monday, Sara have a great weekend..." he then walks over to her and whispers, " I hope it works out as you hope it will, I'm on your side." he then gives Sara a little hug.

"Thanks Greg," Sara hugs him back and heads out the door, on her way to the local mall to shop for a nice out fit.

She stops in the first store, "May I help you Miss?"

"Yes, I am going out tonight...on a first date and want something nice in a pants and jacket type suit...you see I'm not really a dress wearing kind of woman."

"I think I have just the thing..." and with that the saleslady goes into the back and comes out with a black pant and jacket outfit that even has a vest included, "so what do you think?"

"Perfect, I was also thinking of a blouse to go with it...I am going to an italian restaurant and I want a color that would hide a stain if by chance I spill something...maybe in a red wine color."

"One moment, I'll be right back....here you are I was sure the size of either so I brought a few suits and blouses to try on."

"Thank you I'll be right back..."Sara then goes to the dressing room and tries on the first outfit which is a size 4, "this is perfect fits me just right in all the right places."

"Very good Miss...will that be cash or charge."

"Charge." Sara hands her credit card over to the sales woman and in a matter of moments she is back in her car and on her way home to pack and sleep.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

After a few hours of sleep and a bite of lunch, Sara packs her SUV and heads for Laughlin and luckily it's only a ninety minute ride she pulls up to the front of the Big Bend Bed and Breakfast, and waiting outside is Chuck Jackson and his family.

"Aunt Sassy," the girls scream in unison she picks them both up and hugs them close.

"Hey Sara," Susie Jackson says as she hugs Sara.

"C'mere Sassy," Chuck hugs Sara and lifts her off her feet.

After all the pleasantries, Sara heads for her room to unpack her clothes and takes a bit of a nap because she got up earlier than normal to leave for Laughlin.

After her nap she checks with Chuck, "So is 'Baby' still doing okay?"

"She sure is...here let's have a look." Sara and Chuck then walk to an old garage on the property and inside is a Candy Apple Red 1957 Chevrolet Bel-Air convertible, "Just as pretty as when I left her with you."

"Yup so you taking her to the restaurant...right?"

"Yes that way my Catherine can't tell that it's my car because if I brought the work SUV, she'd spot it in a minute."

"Are you ready?"

"As I can be..."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Saturday night came quicker than either woman thought it would and at the Willows house, Catherine was more nervous than ever, "What if she doesn't show up...What then?"

"Mom please you made the reservations...now go, I'll be okay until Aunt Nancy gets here...besides this woman doesn't seem like the type to cancel at the last minute or not show up without an explanation," 'if Sara disappoints my mother I'll kill her' Lindsey thinks to herself.

"Okay...Wish me luck," Catherine leans down and gives Lindsey a kiss, she turns away from the door once more "What if she hates what I'm wearing..." Catherine was wearing a navy blue cocktail dress that has a bit of a plunging neckline, with matching ear rings, necklace and shoes.

"If she doesn't then she's a fool... NOW GO...love you mom."

"Love you too baby...see you later."

As soon as she hears her mom drive away, Lindsey picks up the phone and dials a number.

Sara is in the restaurant and waiting to be seated, "Sidle."

"Sara...it's Lindsey are you there?"

"Yea kiddo, I'm waiting to be seated...how was your mom."

"Major basket case, how are you?"

"Not much better...I better go here comes the maitre' d"

"Good Luck."

"Thanks kiddo," Sara is then led to the table that Catherine requested out on the patio, and after the longest ten minutes of her life she sees Catherine being led to the table by the same maitre' d

Sara does the 'gentlemanly' thing of holding Catherine's chair for her and thanks to the maitre 'd blocking her view Catherine doesn't see her face, it isn't until Sara sits down again that Catherine sees that it's Sara.

Catherine looks at Sara wide-eyed, "Sara...what are you doing here?

"I'm your date....I'm CaliGirl."

To say Catherine was shocked at the news about Sara being her online 'girlfriend' CaliGirl would be the biggest understatement of the year, maybe the millenium.

"You...Sara..you're CaliGirl," Catherine says her eyes still wide with surprise.

"Yes Catherine...it was me all along..."Sara says looking down at the napkin in her lap, not wanting to even look Catherine in the face because of embarrassment.

"Why?" the one word question came out a bit more harsh than Catherine intended it to.

Sara looked up and saw Catherine's eyes; soft and questioning, not angry and disgusted as she thought they would be.

"Fear.." was the only word Sara said.

"What were you afraid of honey?"

"Afraid that if I had told you in person you would have laughed in my face, or even worse had me fired for sexual harrassment...mainly rejection."

"Aww honey...remember when we went to breakfast...how I put my head on your shoulder..." Sara nodded, "Well didn't that indicate that you were someone special to me."

"I guess so, but I was still was unable to tell you I guess maybe I thought I didn't deserve anyone as wonderful as you."

Catherine thought about it for a second and asked, "All those things that you told me about the abuse you endured at the hands of your parents...was that all true?"

Sara lowered her head once more and just nodded, fearing that any words coming out of her mouth would be choked back by tears.

"And you think I'm wonderful...Sara look at me...please..." Catherine asks softly as she cups Sara's cheek with her hand and Sara complied, "anyone who goes through that and comes out is more wonderful than I'll ever be."

"So...so you're not angry with me about this whole internet meeting thing?"

"Angry no...disappointed yes..." Catherine sees sadness in Sara's eyes and continues, "Not in you more in myself, the animosity and fights we had over the years were just my way of trying to fight the feelings I had...no have for you."

Sara looks into Catherine's eyes, "You..have feelings for me?"

"Of course I do, remember how I told you on the net I love you."

Now it was Sara's turned to be shocked, "You love me...as in I'm in love with you?"

"Well not that strong ...yet...but you never know what the future will hold for us, but as of this moment you are the most special person in my life...come on now I promised you dinner and I think it's time we ordered."

The two women then ordered dinner; for Catherine it was Liguini Bolognese, for Sara it was Angel Hair Prima Vera, they also enjoyed a fine wine and tiramisu for dessert.

"So any thought as to what we are doing tomorrow?" Sara asked as she and Catherine were finishing their coffee.

"Well I hadn't really thought about it...what do you think about going by the lake swimming?"

"Sounds like an idea to be besides, I am staying at a bed and breakfast near Henderson, so how about I pick you up tomorrow and we take it from there."

"Sounds like a plan...Lindsey will be so thrilled..."

"THAT I know..."

"And how do you know this my dear...?"

"Well she and I have been talking over the internet and she keeps telling me that you talk non-stop about me..."

"Is that how this whole thing started?"

"Yea, I guess that's where I got the idea, but it was Greg that gave me the push to try it and see where it leads."

"GREG...Greg knows about this...how much...who else knows?"

"Calm down Catherine...just Greg knows what my feelings for you are...Come on let's get out of here."

"Okay wait for me outside and I'll walk you to your car," Catherine then goes over to the cashier and pays the bill, she then walks outside and slides her hand around Sara's waist.

As Sara puts her arm around Catherine, Catherine puts her head on Sara's shoulder, "Perfect."  the word came from both women simultaneously, they smiled to each other and Sara allows Catherine to lead her to her car.

As they get to Sara's car, Catherine looks over to the car then back at Sara, "This...This is your car...This classic car is yours."

"Yup, I love the SUV, but it reminds me too much of work and when I want or need to forget about work I call my friend that is storing it for me and I go down to get it."

"The same friend that owns the bed and breakfast where you are staying."

"Hey, you are a brilliant CSI."

"Well miss smart ass, just for that no swimming tomorrow..." Catherine sees shock and sadness in Sara's eyes, "Hey there honey don't worry I was teasing you...come here." Catherine then wraps Sara in a hug.

"I'm sorry Cath, I was trying to tease you too..." Sara says looking into Catherine's eyes but not breaking the embrace, "Well I'll see you tomorrow...10:00 am sound okay?"

"Sure does honey..." Catherine then stands on her toes to kiss Sara goodnight.

Sara realizing what's happening lifts Catherine off the ground so the two can kiss, "Good night sweety...pleasant dreams...love you."

"Love you too honey...sweet dreams." The two women get in their respectine cars and drive in separate directions, knowing one day they will be leaving places together.

Catherine walks into her house with the biggest smile her sister has ever seen, "So I take it that everything went well for you this evening?"

"You bet sis and you'll never guess who my internet 'girlfriend' was."

"Who...do I know her?"

"Well yes and no, you've heard me talk about her."

"Oh my God was it Sara."

Catherine just smiled and nodded her head, "She even had an accomplice, Greg and I think someone else knew....just a second...LINDSEY MARIE WILLOWS COME DOWN HERE THIS MINUTE."

Joanne is really shocked at her sister's change of demeanor, but one look on her face told Joanne she was just fooling around, Lindsey is shocked as well and she walks down the stairs as if she were a felon walking his last mile.

"You...you wanted to see me mom?"

"Yes I did...I want to talk about my date tonight..." Catherine starts off with a very serious tone and look on her face but she smiles and hugs Lindsey the next second, "it went wonderfully....thank you...thank you...thank you."

Lindsey is a bit stunned at first but then realizes everything was fine, "So you and Sara had a good time...and you aren't mad at me?"

"Baby we had a great time, tomorrow she is driving by to pick us up and she is taking us to the bed and breakfast where she is staying...from what she told me it's by a lake in Henderson so you have to be ready by 10 am tomorrow because that's when she is picking us up....and no Linds I'm not mad at you, actually if it weren't for you pusking me into this I wouldn't have found out Sara had feelings for me and I was finally able to tell her abour my feelings for her."

"YIPPPEEEE...YES,......YES....now see mom aren't you glad I told you to go on this date?"

"You bet I am baby, now let's head upstairs and get our swim suits out of my closet, that way I can wash them before we go tomorrow...Thanks for watching her sis."

"My pleasure and sis...I am so happy for you," Joanne hugs Catherine and then Lindsey and heads out to her car to head for home.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Meanwhile as Sara is driving back to Henderson her cell phone rings, she notices it's Greg so she decides to have a little fun at his expense, "Sidle...{sniffle,sniffle}"

"Sara are you okay, what happend....please don't tell me Catherine got mad after she found out it was you and left all pissed off."

"{sniffle} Well Greg {sniffle} to tell you the truth...everything{Sniffle} went absolulely GREAT...God Greg I'm on cloud nine right now..."

"Damn it Sara you had me scared for a minute...so it all went well?"

"It was great, I even came clean about my abuse and she thought I was the bravest person she ever knew and tomorrow I am picking her and Lindsey up and driving them to where I am staying so we can use the beach by the lake..Sorry about the fake crying I just saw your number and I had to do it."

"That's okay Sara I'm just glad it worked out...so are you like girlfriends now?"

"Well she says she loves me but she's not in love with me yet, but I want to romance her a little if you know what I mean."

"I know besides from what we know about her she is a sucker for romance....glad you had a great time I know it will just get better."

"So do I Greg...and thanks for everything, because if it hadn't been for you giving me this idea I would have lost the nerve to do anything and lost my chance...I owe you big time."

"It was my pleasure besides what are friends for....and yes Sara you do owe me big time and I intend on collecting and I'll let you know when and what....have a great rest of the weekend see you monday."

"Bye Greg...thanks again," Sara then pulls into the parking lot of the bed and breakfast and heads inside.

"So how did it go?"

"Damn Susie...you scared me to death...as for how it went let me tell you..." Sara then procedes to tell Susie about everything that went on that night, including telling Catherine about her abuse which made Susie happy that someone other than Greg and her family are now in Sara's inner circle.

"I'm glad you had a great time tonight, so what time are you picking them up to come here tomorrow?"

"I told Catherine and Lindsey to be ready by 10 am so we should be getting back here around 11:30 or so."

"Good then I can have breakfast ready for you before you go and then I can get lunch made for all of us by the time you get back and do a little swimming."

"Susie you don't have to go to any trouble..."

Sara was cut off by Susie, "It's no trouble at all and besides Sara Sidle I want to see if this woman and her daughter are worthy enough to be in your inner circle."

"Believe me they are...well I'm going to head for my room, thanks for everything, all of you."

"It's our pleasure Sara...Good Night."

"G'Night."

Catherine and Lindsey are eating their breakfast when a very nervous Sara knocks on their door, "I'll get it Lindsey you just finish eating,"

Catherine opens the door to see Sara standing on her porch in a wine colored bikini top and a pair of khaki short shorts and a pair of flip-flops, "Sara please come in...damn you look hot in that outfit."

Sara walks in and is passing Catherine when she feels Catherine grab her hand and pull her into a hug, "I can't wait to see you wet."

"The feeling is very mutual," Sara says as she untangles herself from the hug and her eyes travel down Catherine's body which is covered by a white bikini top tied halter style and a very mini denim skirt; Catherine too has on a pair of flip-flops

Catherine then leads Sara by the hand into the kitchen, "SARA!!!!!!!" Lindsey screams as she sees her mom and Sara from the sink where she is placing her dirty breakfast dishes.

"Hey kiddo you ready to go?"

"I sure am..." Lindsey says as she grabs the beach bag containing her towel, her mom's towel, a bottle of sunscreen/suntan lotion and two hats, "you ready mom?"

"You bet Linds...I'm ready...," Catherine leans close to Sara again, "for anything."

As the three go out to the driveway, Lindsey squeals in delight, "SARA is this your car?"

"You better believe it kiddo?"

"Where have you been hiding it...?"

"Well kiddo I keep it with my friends who own the bed and breakfast where we are going; it's called the Big Bend Bed and Breakfast, it's just past Laughlin on the border of Nevada and Arizona..."

"Isn't that where the big bend of the Colorado River is?"

"That's it Linds...very good...you must take after you mom in the smarts department."

Sara notices Catherine is blushing, "Well it's true you are the smartest woman I know; along with sexiest, kindest, hardest working...should I go on?"

Catherine can only mouth the words 'thank you' and grab Sara's free hand and give it a squeeze, to which Sara gives her a sweet smile and a wink.

"Sara?"

"Yeah Linds?"

"You and mom are you girlfriend and girlfriend now?"

"Lindsey that is not an appropriate question to ask?" Catherine admonishes her daughter.

"Well Linds let me put it this way...we are getting close but there are some things your mom and I need to talk about first...does that answer your question?"

"For now...but I'll ask again soon," Lindsey says as she starts laughing at her mom's fish out of water look, which get everyone laughing.

Soon the ladies are in the parking lot of the Big Bend Bed and Breakfast, "This is a nice place Sara, how did you know about this place?"

"When I was working in San Francisco, I met the owners when I was working in San Francisco, you see they were robbed by someone at the B & B they owned in San Francisco and we got to be good friends."

"AUNT SASSY!!!!" and right at Sara came Pattie and Sally Jackson, along Chuck and Susie.

"Hey munchkins how are you?"

"We're good"

Sara then gives a hug to Chuck then Susie, "Chuck and Susie Jackson I'd like you to meet Catherine and Lindsey Willows...."

"Pleasure to meet you both....Sassy here told me you were a looker, but damn..."

"Chuuuuck what did I tell you."

"Sorry Sassy, hey Lindsey you want to learn how to ride a boogie board I have one in the shed...That is if it's okay with your mom?."

"Please mom...can I...pleeeeeeeaaassseeee."

Catherine tried her best not to laugh but succumbed to laughter and said "Okay, but be careful."

Catherine then began walking with Sara, Susie and the little Jackson Girls into the kitchen of the bed and breakfast to see if any help was needed in preparing the lunch...since none was needed Sara and Catherine went outside and sat in the lounges on the beach that Chuck had set out for them and the rest of the gang.

"So Sassy huh?"

"Well it's a nickname my full name is Sara Abigail Sidle, and so my friends just started calling me that and it stuck."

"I like it, it fits you perfectly," Catherine says as she kisses Sara softly on the lips.

"I could get used to that."

"Me too"

After about an hour of play it was time for lunch and as Catherine and Sara were walking out of the water Catherine whispers to Sara, "I was right you do look hotter when wet."

"So do you Cath...so do you."

Lunch, which consisted of Hamburgers for all except Sara she had a Veggieburger, baked beans, cole slaw, lemonade and ice cream sundaes, was a great success and the Jackson twins took to Lindsey like she was their big sister and Lindsey loved every minute of it, "You must give me the recipe for your baked beans and cole slaw they are to die for."

"Sure Catherine, just give me your email address and i'll email them to you," Susie says.

After  lunch everyone decided to take a nap under the big tree in the Jackson's  back yard; all except Catherine and Sara who took a walk down by the river.

"Sara, this weekend has been one I will not soon forget...I want to thank you for including Lindsey...Chuck said something during lunch about me and Lindsey being part of your inner circle...what was that all about."

"My inner circle is a group of my closest friends, which includes Chuck and Susie of course, and Greg, and Gil to a certain degree, that know all about my life; the abuse from my parents, the time spent in the system, the foster families, my nightmares, my attempts at suicide...they know all about those things and have continued to be my friends through it all....Cath, sweety why are you crying?"

Catherine took Sara in her arms, "Sara Sidle I am honored that you feel close enough to me that you would consider me part of  your inner circle..." Catherine then kissed and hugged Sara with all the emotion she could muster, "I think Lindsey will get her answer sooner rather than later...Sara Sidle would you honor me by becoming my girlfriend."

"The honor would be all mine...I love you Catherine."

"I love you too Sara."

Sara and Catherine walk hand in hand from the beach to the backyard of the bed and breakfast, Lindsey who is now playing with Sallie and Pattie on the swing set sees them approaching, "Hey you two how are you...you were gone a long...Mom are you okay...Sara what did you do or say to my mom to make her cry."

"Lindsey wait..." Catherine yells at her daughter but Lindsey just keeps running, " I should go get her."

"No sweety let me, I told her once in no uncertain terms if I ever made you cry that she would have permission to kick my butt."

"Are you sure you want to tell her everything?"

"Hey, I told you without falling to pieces, why don't you stay here and take care of the munchkins."

"Okay honey...Good luck." Catherine gives Sara a quick kiss and then Sara heads over to where Lindsey is sitting on the beach.

"Linds...Lindsey, I'd like to talk to you."

"Why so you can tell me how you broke my mom's heart and made her cry.....no thanks."

"Lindsey listen your mom is crying because I told her all about my past and those tears were a mix of happy and sad tears...." Lindsey just looks at Sara with a perplexed look on her face and nods which Sara hopes is a sign that she can sit down, which she does.

"Okay so you wanted to talk so talk."

"First of all, thanks for not kicking my butt as you once promised me....Okay so your mom was crying because I told her about my past which is what I am about to tell you...My mother and father weren't the kindest people in the world as a matter of fact they were the most vile people I ever met..."

"Why would you say that about your parents are they supposed to love you and take care of you?"

"Normally yes, but my parents were abusers; they would slap me for no good reason, beat me with a belt for no reason, burn me with a cigarette lighter on the bottom of my feet..." Sara shows Lindsey the burns on the bottom of her feet and she heard an audible gasp from Lindsey.

"Why would they do that to someone as great as you?" Lindsey asks trying to swallow the lump that has taken residence in her throat.

"It's just the way they were, well if that weren't bad enough, they broke both my arms at different times, dislocated my shoulder and knees countless times..." Sara shows Lindsey all the scars as she describes all the injuries at the hands of her parents, "My father got to the point that he would touch me inappropriately even.....he even raped me on many occasions."

It was at this point that Lindsey grabbed Sara in a bear hug and sobbed violently and just kept repeating "Why...why...."

Sara was able to calm Lindsey down and continue her story, "...Well one day my mother saw my father try to rape me again and took a knife and stabbed him a dozen times."

"Was she put in jail...what happend to you after that?"

"Well she was put into a mental institution and as for me I was sent into foster care, but I really was lonely and because I was a foster child, none of the biological kids from the families I lived with ever liked me...so I even tried to kill myself once."

"Why Sara...didn't you think anyone cared for you?"

"Not until this one family where my foster parents were teachers and they instilled in me a love of learning and then I went to Harvard and then to San Francisco thennnn..."

"Here to Vegas, hey Sara thanks for letting me into your inner circle...It really means alot to me that you let me know the real you and I know you mean alot to mom because...because from what I saw when you and mom were talking...Mommy and Sara sittin' in a tree K-I-S-S-I-N-G..."

"You little rat come here," Sara then proceded to tickle Lindsey until she couldn't laugh anymore.

It was getting late so Sara went up to pack her bags and put them in the back of her SUV, after saying good bye to Pattie and Sallie, she hugged Susie and Chuck, "Thanks guys for everything."

"Hey Sassy no problem...and anytime you and Catherine need a little alone time, mi casa es su casa."

"Thanks Chuck."

"Catherine it has been a pleasure to meet you, please don't hesitate to call or email us...don't forget I'll email you those recipes."

"Oh I won't Susie", she then turned to Chuck who had a certain look in his eye, Catherine hugged Chuck and whispered, "Don't worry from now on she will be well taken care of."

Chuck just nodded and waved as Sara's car drove out of sight, "I think Sassy is going to be okay."

"Catherine will see to that," Susie responded.

Sara carried Lindsey into the Willows house because she had fallen asleep on the drive home, so Sara gently laid her on the couch, "Sara I really want to thank you for everything this weekend, I want you to know that you are now as important to me as Lindsey, please anytime you need anything don't hesitate to call...why don't you and I ....you know..." Catherine motioned upstairs to the bedroom area of her house.

"No Catherine...not yet."

"No...Not Yet why not?" Catherine's words come out somewhat angrily.

Catherine wouldn't make eye contact with Sara, "Catherine please look at me..." when Catherine looked up at Sara, Sara began to explain,"Because Catherine before we do any of that, I want to romance you; take you out to dinner, watch sad romantic movies on the couch together, laugh together at a comedy, take walks in the park, give you flowers for no reason...Catherine I love you and I want it to be forever not just a quick hop into bed and dance the mattress mambo with you...can you understand where I am coming from?"

"I do Sara, I guess I reacted that way because that's all anyone that I ever dated wanted from me."

"Oh I want that too, but I want to do it the right way...okay."

"Sara that is so okay with me...I love you." Catherine then seals the deal with a searing kiss.

"I love you too...but I best get out of here...see you tomorrow," Sara steals one more kiss from Catherine before leaving.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Sara is at her locker the next evening getting ready for the shift when Greg walks up to her, "Soooo how did the weekend go with Catherine?"

"It was okay." Sara says trying to supress a smile.

"Just okay...you and Catherine spend a weekend together and all you can say was that it was okay," Greg however didn't see Catherine sneak up behind him.

"Should we tell him how it really was?" Catherine asks nearly give Greg a heart attack as he jumps to see her standing there.

"I think we should show him instead..." Sara then walks up to Catherine and the two give each other the hottest kiss they can without getting to graphic because they remembered where they were.

"You mean...the two of you....you're a couple....you mean the plan worked."

"Yes Greg...thanks to you I got the courage not only to tell Catherine how I feel about her but also about my past."

"So she's one of us now; part of the Sidle inner circle... along with Chuck, Susie and Grissom"

"I am and let's just say, I'm closer to Sara than the rest of you."

THE END

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