The double date is finally happening. Hotch was hesitant and tried to cancel on us multiple times, but I had Rossi put some sense into him. He was uptight from the moment he and Beth joined me and Emily at the restaurant, however he seemed to relax some once conversation started.
During dessert, through the conversation and laughter, I hear my phone ringing and the watch on my wrist starts vibrates. I check my watch and see my niece's name on the caller ID. I reach into my bag immediately and pull my phone out. Ava doesn't call, we only text occasionally to check in.
"I should take this, excuse me" I say to the others as I get up from my seat
"Everything ok?" Emily asks
"I don't know" I answer.
I walk out of the restaurant and I accept the call. "Hey, Ava" I answer cheerful, despite the bad feeling in my chest
"Aunt Natalie..." she sobs
"What's wrong, honey?" I ask immediately
"Mom knows. She found some photos of me and my ex-girlfriend that I forgot I had hidden inside books of my library. No one touches them ever! But she heard some rumors and tore my bedroom apart. And they kicked me out--"
I see red. "Where are you now?"
"At grandma's. Dad broke everything of mine at home, including my phone, but I was able to take my sim card out. Grandpa gave me his phone to use right now" she explains
"Alright. Sit down for me and take some breaths. Everything will be ok. Can you give me grandpa for a moment?"
"Yes...".
"Natalie?"
"I can't believe her, dad! Is she serious?" I yell
"I tried to reason with her but she hung up on me"
"Oh, I will reason with her!" I promise
"Natalie, don't do anything that will damn you too" he warns me
"What does mom have to say?"
"She hasn't said anything. She is acting like nothing is happening"
"Oh my God..." I sigh desperate. "Look, I will ask for a couple of days from my boss and I'll come over there and try to knock some sense into 'God's wife' over there. Can you make sure Ava is comfortable there? She shouldn't feel or be alone right now? Do you understand what I'm saying?"
"Yes, Natalie, I do. Just get here before me and your mother start fighting about it too"
"I will. Bye"
"Bye".
I walk back in the restaurant visibly upset. "I have to go. I am really sorry. A family matter came up and I have to go home as soon as possible" I speak before they could. "Could I possibly get a couple of days off to get there and sort this out?" I ask Hotch
"Of course. Call me if you need anything" he answers immediately
"I mean I could use the jet to fly straight to Texas right now, but I don't think you'd be thrilled" I admit
"We are a little tight on the budget right now" he reminds me
"When aren't we?" I comment. "Anyway, I had a wonderful time with all of you and I am sorry I have to cut the night short. I will make it up to all of you" I say as I gather my things.
"Wait, I am coming with you" Emily stands with me
"No, you shouldn't--"
"I said I am coming" she insists
YOU ARE READING
Delicate || Emily Prentiss
FanfictionNew town. New apartment. New job. New everything. Natalie Harper took the hard decision to leave Boston behind her and move to DC when she was offered a promotion. However, she could never image how much more was about to earn. Natalie's whole life...
