It'll Never Be The Same

30 in 30

Reid's POV

"Hi, I'm spencer and I'm an addict." I look over the room and they all welcome me prompting me to continue. "Today is my first full day out of rehab, and my first meeting. I was nervous to leave, you know, there is so much structure and discipline there. Now that I am out I have free range to do what I want. Last night, when I got home, I went to my stash that I had in my bathroom. I wanted to use, but I didn't. I stayed clean, even had someone look through my stuff and clean out any of my drugs that I stashed before going to rehab. I'm happy I took that step but for some I'm still upset about it. But I am 30 days clean as of yesterday so that is a positive thing I am hopping to keep at the forefront of my mind and keep clean." I smiled at the room and sat back in my chair.

After the meeting I stood in the back grabbing a cup of coffee and waited for River to be ready to leave. I look around the room staring at all the broken souls trying to put themselves back together again. I smiled at the thought of how strong all of these people have been.

"Spencer, right?" I hear a voice beside me.

"Yeah, Oliver right?"

"Yeah. Oli is fine though. How was you first meeting here?"

"It was good. First meetings always cause some kind of anxiety for me. But it was a pretty good meeting."

"That's good to hear, I'm glad it was a good meeting for you. How long have you been going to meetings?"

"Well before my relapse leading me to rehab, I went to meetings at least once every two weeks. My job is demanding so I couldn't get to meetings more. But in rehab it was every day for 30 days, so I'm going to do another 30 meetings in 30 days. Work the steps you know. What about you ? How long have you been going to meetings?"

"Well I've been coming here for almost 2 months now. I moved to Virginia about 3 months ago looking for a fresh start. I'm looking to make some new friends. You know anyone that could show me around the city."

"I would love to. I've lived here for a while. Why don't we get some coffee. I know a great place." I smiled at him as River walked up next to me. "This is my friend River." I introduced him to her.

"Hi, I'm Oli. It's nice to meet you."

"It's nice to meet you too. You know coffee I terrible here." River chuckled.

"I was thinking about getting some coffee at the shop down the street. Oli is joining. Do you want to come or go home?" I asked.

"I'll come with. Would be nice to out of the house for a while."

We walked to the coffee shop down the street. When we arrived at the shop we ordered our coffee and sat at a table near the counter. We waited for out order to be called out, and started talking.

"So what is the plan for today?" Oli questioned.

"I was thinking we could stop by my work to see my boss. Then to see some sights. We could skip my work if you want."

"I'm down for what ever." Oli replied and River nodded in agreement, getting up to grab our coffees. She returned with our drinks and handed them to us. We talked for a while drinking our coffees. After we finished we walked back to the church to my car. I drove to the FBI to talk to Hotch.

"Do you guys want to say in the car or come in with me?"

"I think I'm gonna stay in the car." Oli replied.

"I can come in with if you want. Or stay in the car with you Oli." River replied looking back at Oli. Oli nodded at River to come in with me. We walked in the front and she signed in after me.

"Hey, Garcia." River said when Garcia walked into the elevator. She pulled River into a tight hug and smiled at me.

"How are you guys doing?"

"Good. Just got back from a meeting. Going up to talk with Hotch. How are you?" I asked.

"I'm doing pretty good. I got to go. Make sure to say bye?" She asked.

"Yeah, of course."

We parted our ways when we got out of the elevator. I walked into the office and introduced River to the rest of the team and excused myself to talk to Hotch in his office.

"How are you doing Reid?"

"I'm doing better. Just got back from my meeting. Did you get the letter I wrote?"

"Yes I did."

"Well, I can't stay long. I have a friend out in the car. I just wanted to come and check in. I have a full plan for recovery before I come back. I'm going to do another 30 meetings in 30 days, get a sponsor, and get into see a therapist to help with my addiction problems. I am willing to do anything to get my job back when I am done with these first steps. Just let me know what I need to do to be able to come back." I rambled out.

"Well, I can get you set up with a therapist from to Bureau. After your time off I will have you fill out paper work and you will have to go through a probation time. I will be able to tell you more later. I have a few packet of papers you will need to fill out. We'll talk more about your return to the team and what that will look like when your leave is over. Until then, take care of yourself and we'll see you later." Hotch replied walking me to the door handing me a rather large folder full of papers to fill out.

I walk out after thanking him for everything. I said my goodbye to everyone and made my way back to my car with River.

"Alright, everyone ready to meet this city?" I call out as we left.