Paranoia - s.reid

Packages

2 months into pregnancy and Liz was already tired. Her bump was just barely there and she'd missed three cases. She'd been spending every day at the office, helping the BAU on cases from her seat and going home with Spencer on the weekends. She never realized how difficult it would be to only communicate with him over the phone for five days a week.

"I can't imagine what 2 weeks away from this place is gonna feel like." Elle smiled, setting a cup of tea on Liz's desk. The lack of caffeine was also killing the girl. She grinned as Spencer walked into the room, kissing her hastily before sitting down. "I can't wait for the two weeks off."

"Liz, you have over nine months off, I don't know why you choose to come here." Elle rolled her eyes playfully. "Because staying at home is boring, I like being here with Garcia. And plus, I get to have Penny home for two weeks straight."

"You sure you guys don't wanna go with Elle and I? I can get my man to swing you a hotel room for practically nothing." 

"No, I think Liz, the baby and I are happy here." Spencer said, a small frown evident on his face. Liz knew why. "We're gonna spend the two weeks as a family." Morgan grinned, nodding his head at the couple.

"Hey, don't knock family. I'm gonna get nothing but for the next 336 hours. Haley's got a list of chores a mile long. I can't wait. The biggest decision I gotta make is what I'm gonna do first. Bring it on!" Hotch cheered, waving the team goodbye as Gideon rushed through the building. 

"I'll be lost in a cabin in the woods for the next 2 weeks. Do not call me for anything. Have a great time, you all deserve a break. Seriously, don't call." The group chuckled as the older man left. Liz turned to her boyfriend. "Should we get going?"

"Yeah, let's get going."

-----

A long drive lead the couple to Bennington Sanitarium, Nevada. The pair stood in a room, their gaze on a certain woman, their hands linked. "We heard a rumor you were here." A woman appeared in the doorway.

"How's she doing?"

"Schizophrenia is a lifetime illness. The meds stabilize the worst of her symptoms, but she still has bad days. What makes her most happy are her journals and your daily letters. She is exceptionally proud of you." Liz smiled.

"She is?"

"Talks about you all the time, to anyone who would listen. Staff, other patients. Her journals are filled with the cases you write her about. She calls them your adventures."

"Mom's of the belief that you can find adventure all around you if you just look. That's what happens when you're a professor of 15th century literature."

"She's gonna be so excited that you were finally able to get here in person." Spencer froze, and Liz could feel his hand stiffen. "Maybe it's better if I just let her rest today. I'll come back tomorrow."

"I'll talk to her, Penny. Give me the book." Liz smiled, taking the book from him. She kissed his cheek, making her way towards the woman. "Mrs Reid?"

"Elizabeth. Good to see you. It's been a year, I thought I told you to call me Diana. Spencer told me about you both." The old woman smiled, taking Liz's hand. "Yeah, we're expecting too." Diana's smile widened.

"Expecting? That's nice. Congratulations."

"Thank you, Diana. Spencer wanted to give this to you, it's Margery Kempe, your favorite." Liz handed over the book. "Where is Spencer?"

"He couldn't make it, Diana. I'm sorry." How was she supposed to tell the woman that her son was so guilt ridden he couldn't come? "It's alright, now tell me about the baby."