Healing Together ( Criminal Minds fanfic)

Unexpected Encounter

Chapter 44:

Washington DC

The afternoon sun cast long shadows across the street, covering the sidewalk with uneven patches of light and shade. Emily fidgeted on the park bench across from Daniela's high school, her fingers drumming on her phone case.

Construction cones and orange fencing blocked off the usual carpool lane, forcing parents to navigate a chaotic maze of double-parked cars and impatient honks.

As if driving in DC wasn't stressful enough.

"Come on, Daniela, where are you?" Emily muttered under her breath, glancing at her watch for the hundredth time. "This construction is a nightmare!"

The sounds of the bustling schoolyard filtered across the street – shouts and laughter of students mingling. Emily sighed, her patience wearing thin.

She'd promised the teen she'd pick her up after school today, a promise she hated to break, especially with the traffic mess caused by the unexpected construction.

Just as Emily was about to call the girl, the school doors swung open with a sea of teenagers onto the sidewalk. A familiar figure with dark brown hair tied back in a messy ponytail caught Emily's eye.

It was Daniela, scanning the street with a worried frown. Relief washed over Emily as she waved her phone high in the air.

Dani's face broke into a relieved smile. "Hey Em, sorry I took a while. There was this huge debate in English class that ran over."

She jogged across the street, dodging the last stragglers from the schoolyard.

"No worries, just glad you're here," Emily said, meeting Daniela halfway.

"This construction is making everything chaotic," she adds, swinging her arm over the teen's shoulder.

As they started walking towards the park bench, a booming voice cut through the end of the street.

"Daniela Hernandez! Is that you?"

The teen stopped dead in her tracks, her eyes widening in surprise. She turned around, her gaze landing on a tall, athletic woman with a warm smile striding towards them.

"Coach Ocampos? Is that you?" Dani exclaimed, a hint of disbelief in her voice.

The woman chuckled, a hearty sound that seemed to fill the entire sidewalk. "In the flesh! How have you been, young lady?"

"I'm good, thank you," Daniela replied, a smile spreading across her face. "I can't believe it's you! What are you doing here?"

"Well," Coach Ocampos began, her voice dropping a bit secretly, "I'm the new gym teacher and head soccer coach for Benjamin Academy. To my luck, I came across my star striker from the Wildcats!"

A blush crept up Daniela's cheeks, and she offered a shy smile. "That was a long time ago, Coach."

Coach Ocampos waved her dismissive hand. "Long enough for you to grow into a fine young woman. But listen, the soccer team could use that talent of yours again. We've got tryouts coming up, and I'd love to see you out there."

Dani hesitated, uncertainty crossing her features. She glanced at Emily, seeking an unspoken understanding.

"Thanks, Coach, that's nice of you to offer, but..." the teen began, her voice trailing off.

Before she could finish her sentence, a familiar voice called out, "Yo Dani!"

A girl with bright pink hair sprinted towards them, waving excitedly. Daniela excused herself and walked a few steps away to catch up with her classmate.