Criminal Minds One-Shots

Fifteen

Jennifer Jareau, known as JJ to her friends and colleagues, sat on the edge of her small, cluttered apartment bed, gazing at the crib in the corner where her infant daughter, Y/N, slept peacefully. The soft hum of the city outside was a far cry from the quiet rural life she had grown up with. JJ’s life had changed irrevocably when she had become pregnant at only 14-giving burth a mere three weeska fter she turned 15, and the weight of responsibility pressed down on her with each passing day.

Her parents had offered her a way out, suggesting she move back home. It was tempting, but JJ was determined to prove she could manage on her own. She wanted to show the world—and herself—that she could be both a dedicated mother and a successful full-time student on the path to a successful career.

The first few months after Y/N was born were a whirlwind of sleepless nights and endless adjustments. JJ had to learn how to stretch every dollar. She spent hours pouring over bills and trying to understand the intricacies of budgeting without the convenience of modern apps. There were many nights when she would sit at her kitchen table, a pile of unpaid bills before her, and try to figure out which ones to prioritize.

"Just one more month of this," she would tell herself, calculating her expenses and weighing them against her paycheck. Each time she had to choose between buying Y/N's necessities and paying bills, she felt the sting of sacrifice, but she did it with determination, knowing that her daughter’s needs came first.

Adding to her challenges was the ongoing drama with Y/N’s father. Despite a positive paternity test, he refused to accept responsibility. His denial stung deeply. JJ often found herself at odds with him over child support and visitation rights. Each encounter was a painful reminder of the fractured relationship and the constant need to assert herself as Y/N’s sole provider and protector.

"I just don’t get it," JJ said one evening to her friend and fellow part-time data analysist, Daphne Barnes. "I thought he would come around after the test results, but he’s still avoiding his responsibilities."

Daphne placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "You’re doing great, JJ. You’re providing everything Y/N needs, and that’s what matters."

As Y/N grew, JJ faced the inevitable sacrifices that came with being a young mother. She missed out on traditional high school experiences like prom and the homecoming game. Her friends often invited her, but JJ had to decline due to the demands of parenting and working long hours at 'the Ferm'.

One day, her friends threw a small get-together and begged her to come, even for a short while. JJ showed up for an hour, her smile a mix of happiness and sadness. Seeing her friends enjoying themselves made her feel a pang of longing for what she had missed.

Her parents’ offer to move back home was always there, but JJ continued to resist. They lived in a small town where her mother and father could easily help with childcare and household responsibilities. But JJ’s pride and desire to be independent held her back.

"Are you sure you don’t want to reconsider?" her mother asked during a phone call. "We could really use the extra help, and you could focus on your online classes more. Plus, you wouldn't have to work so many double shifts."

JJ sighed, her voice tinged with exhaustion. "I appreciate the offer, Mom. I really do. But I need to do this on my own. I want to be able to tell Y/N that I made it through everything without relying on anyone else."

Despite the hardships, JJ found ways to cope. She created a makeshift office space in her apartment and learned to manage her work and personal life with a newfound efficiency. Her dedication to her work and her daughter became a source of strength. Her coworkers, old schol friends, and online classmates noticed her resilience and often stepped in to support her, whether it was offering a listening ear or helping with an occasional favor.

One day, after a particularly challenging case, JJ sat in her car, looking at a photo of Y/N. She smiled, remembering how much Y/N had grown and how far she had come.

"You’re my reason for everything," JJ whispered, her resolve stronger than ever. "I may not have had the chance to experience everything, but I’m giving you everything I can."

Years later, JJ looked back on her journey with a sense of accomplishment. She had navigated the complexities of young motherhood, managed financial struggles, and faced personal sacrifices with grace and determination. Her relationship with Y/N had grown strong, built on a foundation of love and perseverance.

Though she had missed out on some experiences, JJ found new ways to create memorable moments with her daughter. The challenges had shaped her into a resilient and compassionate individual. She had learned that strength came not from doing everything alone but from embracing the support around her and never giving up.
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Jennifer Jareau had always been a young mother, thrust into the role when she was just a teenager. As a result, her relationship with her daughter, Y/N, was unique. They were more like best friends than mother and daughter, sharing their thoughts and dreams with each other.

At 12 years old, Y/N was wise beyond her years, her personality and insights often surprising Jennifer. It was during one of their many late-night conversations that the topic of Jennifer’s personal life came up.

“Mom, you know that guy you told me about from your case in NOLA, Will?” Y/N asked, her eyes twinkling with curiosity.

Jennifer sighed, resting her chin on her palm. “Yeah, I know him. Why?”

“He asked you out, didn’t he?” Y/N leaned forward, her excitement evident.

Jennifer nodded, a faint smile on her lips. “He did, but I’m not sure if I should go. I mean, it’s been so long since I’ve been on a date.”

Y/N’s eyes sparkled with determination. “Mom, you should go! You deserve to be happy. Plus, you never know if you’ll regret not going if you don’t try.”

Jennifer chuckled, a mixture of amusement and affection in her gaze. “You really think so?”

Y/N grinned and nodded enthusiastically. “Absolutely! And I’ll be right here, ready to hear all about it when you get back.”

With Y/N’s encouragement in mind, Jennifer agreed to go on a date with Will. It was a modest affair, a simple dinner at a cozy restaurant where they could talk and get to know each other outside of the office. The evening turned out to be pleasant, filled with laughter and easy conversation.

When Jennifer returned home, she found Y/N waiting eagerly. “So, how was it?” Y/N asked, her eyes wide with anticipation.

Jennifer smiled, feeling lighter than she had in a long time. “It was really nice. Will’s a great guy, and I think he might be someone worth getting to know better.”

Y/N’s face lit up with happiness. “I’m so glad! I knew you’d have a great time.”

As the weeks went by, Jennifer and Will’s relationship grew stronger. Y/N remained Jennifer’s confidante, offering her insights and support. The bond between mother and daughter deepened, proving that their relationship was built on more than just family ties—it was a genuine friendship.

Jennifer realized that Y/N’s wisdom had not only helped her take a step towards personal happiness but had also strengthened their unique and cherished bond.

Years later, as Jennifer looked back on that pivotal moment, she saw how it had shaped not just her own life but her relationship with Y/N. Their bond, forged in the fires of youth and friendship, had only grown stronger. And in the midst of it all, Jennifer understood that their special relationship was something to be treasured—a testament to the fact that family could be both deep and delightful, blending love and friendship seamlessly.