Counting Stars // Spencer Reid (ON HOLD)

Chapter 7

Eliza loved it when Spencer was home. In those moments of peace it was as if nothing else mattered. It was early on a Saturday in late November. Eliza sat in the living room with Spencer when they heard a crash next door followed by yelling. Spencer noticed Eliza begin to panic for a bit. It took him a few moments to realize she was having an anxiety attack. He held her hands.

"Deep breaths, in and out," he instructed her trying to help her.

She felt like someone was choking her and taking all the air out of her lungs. Her mind was racing with a million thoughts all linking back to that car accident that had taken away her best friend. "Just look at me, don't focus on anything else."

Spencer kept on speaking trying to get her to calm down. Eventually it worked and she could breath again. It was after the yelling from the next door apartment ended as well.

"Are you alright?" Spencer was concerned.

"I'm fine, just an anxiety attack."

"Do you get them often?"

"Used to. Not so much in the last month or so."

"Do you know what triggers them?"

"It varies, loud crashes, yelling, car accidents, and sometimes it's just random."

Spencer held her close. "Well nothing's going to harm you while I'm around. I'll help you in any way I can."

That morning was when Eliza's sister video called the two. It was completely random but they were happy none the less.

"Hello Addie and Spencer," Sophie said.

"Hi to you too," Eliza signed.

"What's with the sudden video call? Is there something wrong?" Spencer questioned.

Nicolas laughed. "On the contrary, we thought you two would be the first to know."

"First to know what?" Eliza questioned.

"I'm pregnant," Sophie blurted out.

Eliza looked so happy after receiving the news. "That's amazing. Congratulation."

"Yeah congratulations."

"So tell me, are you two a couple now," Sophie questioned

"Sorry but that hasn't happened yet. So are you hoping for the boy or girl?"

"Girl, so I can spoil her rotten," Nick told them.

"Awe and I can knit her cute little hats," Eliza squealed.

"You knit?" Spencer hadn't noticed it since most of her things were still on some boxes.

"Yeah, I'm knitting some things while you're off on a case."

"We were thinking of moving to Baltimore, Maryland. It's a little less than 4 hours away from Virginia. Nick was offered a job that payed better on the other coast."

"What about your job as a pediatrician?" Eliza knew her sister had studied and worked hard to attain that career.

"I'll continue to work and then take some time off. It's still up for debate."

"Tell us if there is anything we can do to help."

They said their goodbyes after s short while. Eliza and Spencer were left to enjoy their lazy day.

"Read to me," Eliza asked.

Spencer grinned. "Which book?"

"Any although Fahrenheit 451 sounds tempting."

"Ray Bradbury. Alright just let me grab my copy."

Spencer went to his book shelves and searched under the B section. Eliza had taken the liberty to alphabetize the book collection making it all the easier to find. "Here it is, do you want to grab a blanket before I start reading?"

Eliza shook her head. "Although you should loosen that tie of yours Spence. We have nowhere to be until tomorrow."

Her fingers wrapped around the tie as she undid it. His cardigan was a bit faded and she made a note to knit him a new one for Christmas. "You ready?"

"Ready."

She rested her head on his chest as he began to read. Eliza loved to hear the rhythmic beating of his heart. It calmed her nerves and made it feel like everything was going to be okay. A reminder that she wasn't alone.

How these lazy days would proceed were reading and playing chess. Maybe the occasional glass of alcohol or outing. They liked to keep it simple. She loved hearing his voice and he loved to be around her. Spencer put down the book after approximately three hours to find Eliza asleep. As soon as she heard him stop speaking her eyes opened up.

"Why don't we go out and walk River? She needs exercise."

"Make sure to bundle up. It's getting cold."

Eliza put on her jacket and scarf. She grabbed a scarf she had just knitted for him. "It'll help keep you warm. The stitches are tight so as to not let the heat slip through the yarn."

"Thanks El, it's really pretty.