Counting Stars // Spencer Reid (ON HOLD)

Chapter 12

Eliza and Spencer left Baltimore two days later when Hotch called with a new case. Hotch, of course, kept his promise and gave Spencer enough time in advance to drive back without anyone suspecting anything. This time Eliza drove as Spencer was worn out as Nick had kept him on his feet every second. She had put on a mixtape of songs to pass the time. River happily kept her company as she stuck her head out of the window.

They arrived back home and found a pile of letters. Most of them were addressed to Spencer and a few to Eliza, it was mainly bills and the like. One letter caught Eliza's eye.

"Uh why did you get a letter from Georgetown?" Spencer was beyond confused.

Eliza knew it was time to come clean. "I applied for their PhD program, specifically their psychology department."

"When?" His facial expression remained neutral but curious.

"You were on a case and it had been my plan for so long. I hope you're not mad."

"Mad? Why would I be mad? I'm glad you're pursuing the things you want in life. The only thing I might be a bit upset about is that you didn't ask me for help, I could have proofread your application." He playfully pouted.

She laughed. "You could help me write my thesis later on if I was accepted."

Eliza moved to open the letter. She read it over and over not being able to process the words. Not bothering to sign to him the results she just thrusted the paper at Spencer and began to jump from the happiness. "You got in!" Spencer exclaimed.

"I did, but now what do I do about my job? I don't want to leave those kids but I always wanted to go into psychology." Eliza was conflicted.

"We'll figure it out but if you're worried about the financial aspect of it I could provide for the both of us while you get your PhD."

"Spence, I can't ask that of you. I applied for financial aid so that should help with the cost of it."

"Then at least let me deal with the rent and groceries, things like that. Just focus on school, we will find a way," he reassured her.

She nodded her head. "Okay, we should talk about this when you come home."

"Will do. Um, you should go visit Alice and hang out. Text me if you need anything, I'll try to respond as soon as possible."

They went through the normal routine of saying goodbye as he left to take the public transport to work. It was a normal day as he walked into the conference room where JJ briefed the team. Once on the jet Hotch approached Reid while everyone was distracted.

"Everything alright?" Hotch questioned.

"Um, yeah everything is alright. Just thinking about the case details. Something seems to be unusual with this whole case." It wasn't far off from the truth so technically he wasn't lying.

Hotch nodded. "Well I'm glad you got some rest. Maybe you could share those thoughts of yours when we fovthe team briefing," Hotch muttered quietly before leaving him alone.

As usual Spencer tuned out any thoughts non related to the case by the time they landed. He knew it would be a difficult one as the case perimeters were nothing short of interesting. A man had crossed the Canadian boarder and claimed to be responsible for several crimes. It was going to be a long difficult case.

Once they figured out that a pair of siblings were responsible for the disappearance of homeless people it was just a matter of wrapping up the case. Spencer worked on paperwork on the plane ride back. Sighing in frustration because of his lack of concentration he got up to get a cup of coffee.