My First Love [Spencer Reid Fanfic - 1]

Chapter 23 - Birthday Girl

"Of all forms of caution, caution in love is perhaps the most fatal to true happiness." - Bertrand Russell

It was my birthday. I was finally 23 years old. Last year, I had no friends to celebrate with but that changed. I had my team, a family that welcomed me with open arms and made me feel loved and cherished. Elle became a sister to me, I convinced her to stay with me after she was shot by Randall Garner. Morgan was basically a goon who always made me laugh. Gideon was my mentor and has been teaching me everything about the job. Hotch was like a dad, he was stern and tough but a fair leader. Penelope and JJ were so fun to be around and always gave me good advice. And then there was Spencer Reid. He was my best friend and the man I was completely in love with.

The team, except for Elle, was gathered in the conference room, singing happy birthday. Thank God, JJ didn't get me a stupid hat.

"Happy birthday, Cass!" Garcia engulfed me in a hug. "My girl is growing up." I chuckled and she let me go.

JJ hugged me as well and then Morgan. "23, huh?" He smirked at me. "We should celebrate in private." He winked.

"In your dreams, Big D." I rolled my eyes and laughed.

"It has been a pleasure to teach you and watch you grow, not only professionally, but also personally." Gideon hugged me. "Happy birthday!"

Hotch gave me a quick hug. "All the best wishes, Cassie."

"You called me Cassie." I gasped.

"Consider it your birthday gift." He winked and I grinned widely.

Spencer took me aside. "Happy birthday, Cass!" He smiled and handed me a well wrapped gift. "I hope you like it."

I opened my gift and was shocked at what I saw. "This is..." My mouth was open and my eyes were wide at the perfect gift. "Thank you, Spence!" I kissed his cheek and hugged him tight.

"What did he get you?" JJ asked with a smile.

"Anna Karenina by Tolstoy in russian." I had a smile from ear to ear. "It's a first edition. How did you get it?"

"When I went to Las Vegas, I searched for in my mother's things and I brought it with me." He blushed.

"Do you even know russian?" Morgan asked with a raised eyebrow.

I examined the book carefully before turning to Morgan. "You keep forgetting I have an IQ of 184 and am an autodidact."

"You only mention it five times a day. How could I forget?" Morgan chuckled but I ignored him.

Spencer had given me the most precious thing ever and I couldn't ask for anything else. I was so happy and surprised by his gesture. He brought a book with him, just for my birthday.

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My mother had taken me shopping so I could pick a dress for my birthday party. She always threw the most lavish parties ever, much to my chagrin. I hated big parties.

"Honey, who are you taking to the party?" She asked while skimming through dresses.

"Spencer and Elle." I replied with a smile. "You know she's living with me now."

My mom looked at me with a yellow dress in hand to which I shook my head. It was hideous. "Your father and I are looking forward to meeting Spencer."

I started blushing at his name. "What for, mom?"

"Well, he seems to be such an important part of your that we want to meet him." She grabbed another dress, this time pink. "You would look adorable in this." She pinched my cheek and I groaned.