A Second Chance

by: Liv-x-Case-Benson & dcmasters

Ch. 1: Confidence Shattered

Catherine took a deep breath as she stood in the work bathroom, staring at herself in the mirror. This was it. She was going to tell Sara how she felt. They'd spent enough time together, and knew each other inside and out. She was the only person Catherine had ever properly trusted in her life, and she owed to herself, as well as Sara, to tell her how she felt. Catherine jumped as her pager went and she stared down at it. 'Family meeting' it read. Frowning, though not surprised as they hadn't caught a big case all night, she stood with confidence as she left the bathroom, arriving at the staff room a minute later, flashing a smile at Sara as the others filed in.

Meanwhile, Sara stood in the conference room with Grissom. They'd kept the relationship private for many reasons, one being a conflict of interest.

Catherine couldn't understand why the two were standing together, though it wasn't unusual when they wanted help on a case. "So... what's going on?" she asked once everyone was assembled.

Sara bit her lip. "Well, we know this is sudden, but Gil and I have been together for a few months and we're getting married in a week and moving."

The words stung the older woman as she swallowed back the tears she felt forming. She wasn't going to cry, not now, even if her heart was breaking.

"Congratulations," Nick smiled, going over to hug Sara and shake Grissom's hand.

As the rest of the room followed suit, Catherine slowly slipped from the awkwardness in the room to retreat to her office, locking the door as the tears finally spilled from her eyes. She was too late.

Sara smiled, but noticed Catherine had disappeared. She went to Catherine's office and knocked. "Cath?"

Catherine wiped the tears from her eyes, checking her reflection in the mirror on her wall before unlocking the door. "Yes?"

"Are you ok?"

"Perfectly fine, thank you."

Sara raised her hand to her best friend's cheek, wiping a tear. "Can I come in?"

Catherine stood aside to allow her access. "I've not got long."

Sara sighed, stepping in. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you. I just didn't know how."

Catherine nodded. "It doesn't matter."

"Why did you run out?"

Catherine sighed, all the confidence she'd managed to find completely knocked from her as soon as Sara had made their announcement. "I just need to get home to Lindsay."

Sara nodded. "Well...we're having a party later this week. I hope you'll come. I'll miss you."

Catherine nodded. "I really have to go."

Sara hugged her tightly. "I really am sorry."

Catherine, not wanting to be rude, gave the brunette a gentle hug. "Me too," she whispered.

Sara pulled away.

"I... I'll see you tomorrow," Catherine said, quickly fleeing her office.

The following evening Catherine phoned in sick for the first time in years. She couldn't face Sara. The older woman felt betrayed, not to mention hurt.