Secret To Be Kept

Chapter 3 - Why?

Emily was glad to hear that everything that Charlotte talked about in her dream was just that a dream, while in reality Morgan and Reid just argued the whole flight and Charlotte and JJ were talking about Henry.

Hotch was still worried about Emily, she looked so scared when him had woken her up on the jet, this definitely wasn't the Emily he was used too.

The team were making their way off the jet and over the cars, Reid and JJ, Morgan, Rossi and Charlotte, Hotch and Emily. This was the perfect time to talk to her thought Hotch.

"Babe? I know you said that you needed sometime but you're scaring me, this Em isn't you. This wasn't you 24 years ago or 7 or 5 or now so please talk to me" Hotch said as both him and Emily had climbed into vehicle. "Aaron please" Emily whispered not trusting her voice. She had to tell him because one thing was right Charlotte was born on April 12th, 1992 in New York.

"Tonight? After everyone has gone to the hotel, I'll tell what's on my mind okay, but I still really need to talk to one person before we talk okay. Babe I'm sorry I know your just trying to help and I love you for that but please just drop it" Aaron just nodded, wiping the tears from Emily's eyes and pulling her in for a kiss.

- Later That Day -

This case was not like the rest, it was disorganised and proving hard for the team. All the crimes demonstrated a level of understanding of criminal psychology and patterns, this was the only lead the team had because they were able to draw the conclusion that the unsub works or worked in police or military and is highly educated.

JJ and Emily decided it was time for yet another coffee break, but it wasn't only Hotch that has picked up on the agent's sudden mood change.

"Hey Em, are you okay. Is it just one of those cases?" JJ asked, Emily struggled with some cases reminding her of her undercover days. But JJ couldn't make sense of why this one would cause Emily to shut down.

"Not you too, please would you and Hotch just drop it" Emily snapped at her best friend, gaining the attention of the whole team but most importantly Charlotte. Emily had walked off into an empty office, she just needed a minute to cool down before apologising to everyone. However, another agent had a different plan.

"Agent Prentiss?" Charlotte whispered scared to get shouted at.

"Charlotte please, it's Emily, I'm sorry. I must have scared you" Charlotte smiled, although Emily was annoyed with the team and their nosiness Emily couldn't be annoyed at Charlotte. This was something Charlotte took note of but brushed it off.

The pair was sitting on the couch not speaking, staring at their hands. Emily had tears running down her face, she was going to tell Charlotte but was interrupted.

"Well, if it's Emily please call me Lottie. I don't think I've been called Charlotte this much my whole life and don't worry, we are just wanting to make sure your okay. Are you?" it was only then that Charlotte had noticed the tears running down the agents face. Emily just smiled; she was ready. Slowly grabbing Charlotte's hands and holding them in her own, they turned their bodies to face one another and just sat there smiling. Before Emily started.

"It was a long day to say the least, at 18 and being in labour for 16 hours it was a lot on my body. I remember the day like it was yesterday, it was so hot which was weird for April, but I guess it was warning of what was still to come"

"It was 8:57pm when I was told that I was 10cm and that I had to start pushing, all I can remember is how much I wished your Dad was there but he wasn't because I broke up with him a week before I found out that I was pregnant and he had his whole career ahead of him and I knew he would have drop all of that at hat for you and once I tell him tonight, I know it isn't going to go down well. But um ... you were born at 9:07pm weighing 8 pounds and 3 ounces 58cm long. Adopted by a British couple Rose and Thomas Burton who had a 6-year-old son, James." Both mother and daughter were in tears, they both knew from the beginning who they were to one another, but it still needed to be said.

"Why?" ... "Why didn't you ever tell him?" ... "What's his name?" ... "Why didn't you keep me?" Charlotte stuttered out trying to understand everything, even though she knew Emily was her birthmother there were still some details Rose and Thomas never got the chance to share.

"I was scared, scared of my parents, scared of the feeling of unconditional love, scared that I could never give you what you really needed. I know it's stupid and I'm sorry, I should have said something when you first walked through the BAU doors. Um ... and as for your father I was actually going to tell him 5 years ago, we were happy and together. I had just found out I was pregnant again and I had planned to tell him on your 18th birthday, but I had a miscarriage a week before your birthday and we got into a huge fight about somethings and words were said and we broke it off. Look Lottie I promise that I will tell you everything about your father and more but next time okay" Emily had noticed the time it was almost 6 and could see that Charlotte was tried and emotional drained.

"Hey Em, just so you know. I've known who you are to me the minute I started working here and I'm not mad at you for giving me up because there a lot of things that would probably be different and I wouldn't want any of that to change. So, thank you I guess and um ... please when you ready I would love to hear about my dad and there is someone I would like you to meet too." Charlotte smiled wiping her tears and heading for the door.

Emily sat there for a little while longer that was till Aaron came looking for her. "Em everyone is gone" he said, and she knew what he meant, so she just patted the couch and had to get emotionally ready for the second roller-coaster of truth.