Counting Stars // Spencer Reid (ON HOLD)

Chapter 9

Spencer attended the end of the school year banquet for Eliza's class the following day. All the children were happy to spend the summer with their families but would all miss their beloved teacher. Eliza and Spencer were finally officially dating and only they knew.

"I'll miss you Zakari," Eliza told the boy.

"I'll miss you too. Mr. Matthews said I could join the 3rd grade next year."

"That's amazing," Eliza replied while Spencer talked to the parents.

"Zakari is a very intelligent child. Have you ever thought about tutoring him outside of school?" Spencer questioned the parents.

"We gave it some thought," Zakari's mother, Elspeth replied. "What do you think John?"

"If that's what he wants I have no objections," her husband told her.

"Uh here's my card. Contact me if Zakari ever needs anything. I have some contacts who would love to help him. I would also love to help him in any way possible. I know what it's like from experience to be a child prodigy."

"Thank you Dr. Reid, we'll stay in contact," John told him.

That was the last family to leave. Spencer helped clear away plates and fix the chairs before they left.

"Why don't we go out somewhere? Take River out to the park or visit your sister? I have some time off."

"I'd like to see Sophie, she's about six or seven months now."

"Right, why don't we get packed and surprise them? We'll leave after dinner."

"You sure you're okay driving in the dark?"

"Positive, we'll listen to some audiobooks. I have The Hobbit on tape."

Eliza grinned. "Perfect."

What happened that evening was that they got home and packed, but instead of leaving after dinner they decided it was better to leave earlier and arrive early. River would be going with them as per usual. Spencer was the one driving that evening.

"How's your anxiety been this week?"

"Good," she signed.

"That's really good, breathing exercises working?"

"Yup, anxiety is pretty much under control."

Spencer grinned. "I'm happy, no anxiety attacks I take it."

"None at all."

"I was thinking, about us and the future. I don't want to rush things but would you be open to the idea of marriage? I mean not now, just in general. I want to know your preferences and dreams. I know a lot about you right now but there are still things to learn. Basic stuff like if you want to have kids, would you raise them under a certain belief system, things like that."

Eliza thought it was a bit adorable that he wanted to know those kinds of things. Of course she wanted children but she wasn't sure where Spencer stood on that. "Yes to kids although I'm not completely sure you'd want kids."

"Well you see, I didn't want kids, didn't as past tense, but if it's with you I won't let my fears control me. Sure schizophrenia is genetic but if it makes you happy I would do anything. I was thinking two would be ideal, a boy and a girl. I know what it's like to grow up being an only child and it can be pretty lonely." He looked over to find her smiling and him and blushed. "Although that probably sounds too cheesy."

"I like cheesy. I like how you're always honest with me and express your concerns. I don't care about the schizophrenia, I love you and I will love our kids just as much. So next question?"