The Reid Method: A New Chapter

Chapter Four- I've Got An Elastic Heart

                                                                 The Reid Method: A New Chapter

                                                              Chapter Four-I've Got An Elastic Heart

After meeting with the coroner, Spencer and Courtney returned to the house to tell the children the news.

This time, they gathered at Courtney's apartment. The four of them sat down on the couch waiting for Spencer and Courtney to tell them what was going on.

"Did something happen at the coroner's office?" Cameron asked.

Spencer sighed. "Yes." The four of them looked at him with worry and concern unsure about what he was going to say.

Courtney continued with the story. "We found out that your father has--" she paused, taking a deep breath and correcting herself "had a heart condition. It's called Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy."

"It's genetic" Spencer said blankly.

"Uncle Spence and I have made arrangements for all of you to be tested after the funeral" Courtney announced. "I know it's a lot, but it's better to know right away."

The four of them shifted uncomfortably in their seats.

A frantic knock on the door lifted the tension in the room. Courtney rose to her feet walking over to open the door. The person standing outside the door surprised her but wasn't completely unexpected.

Connor's sister, Amelia, made her appearance in D.C. showing up at Courtney's room wondering why she wasn't contacted. She made her way in through the door looking at her nieces and nephews still sitting on the couch. Spencer sat on the coffee table in front of them.

"Hi guys" She crooned at them, waving and smiling.

The four waved back wearily at her. Amelia didn't make an appearance very often. They barely knew who she was.

Amelia looked back at Courtney who was closing the door. "Well, I suppose you two won't mind if I help out with the funeral arrangements?"

They did mind actually. Connor was not exactly their favorite person and neither was Amelia.

"Not at all" Courtney beamed. They didn't need to add extra tension to this. They had all lost a parent, brother, and sister.

"Why don't you guys head to the park across the street?" Spencer suggested. "Take a little break from the apartment."

"Sure, Uncle Spence" Victoria said. Her long blonde hair reminded Spencer of Samantha.

They all grabbed their jackets and headed out the door. Spencer closed the door behind them.

"Well then" Amelia said pulling her brown hair back into a ponytail. She and Connor could practically be twins with how much they looked alike. "Let's get started."

The three of them sat down made the arrangements. Strangely, there were no arguments made. Spencer and Courtney thought for sure that Amelia would start a fight about the arrangements and custody of the kids, but she never did.

When they were finished planning the ceremony, Amelia got up from her chair and grabbed her jacket putting it on. "I assume we'll talk about where the kids will be staying after the funeral."

Spencer and Courtney looked at each other knowingly.

Amelia scoffed. "You've already made the decision, haven't you? I should have known."

"They don't know you, Amelia" Courtney stated. "You only come around once every couple of years. It's their choice and they want to stay with me."

"I'm their Aunt" Amelia snapped, putting emphasis on 'Aunt'.