Oktober 1997

Calleigh is a very jung ballistic expert who is working for the CSI Miami. Before that she has studied and has worked as a cop aside from that. But on a case where she was the responding officer Horatio noticed her talent for weapons and had hired her right away. That was in April 1997. Now their relationship has changed. From a proffesional to a personal relationship. They were in love.

One evening after work they were sitting on the couch in the livingroom and Horatio noticed that something was bugging her, he was not sure what is really was, but he had a slight idea. Up until now the couple, who had been together since June and lived together since August had not had sex up until now. It was because of Calleigh´s fear that it had not happened yet and that he did not pressure her. He was not sure why she was afraid but he is sure that he will find out someday. Horatio could see that it was really hard for her to talk to him so he put his hand on top of her folded hands and squeezed them a little. "Honey talk to me." She just looked away. "Calleigh I love you. What is bugging you?" "Horatio when I was little my life was wonderful, but…." "But what honey?" "But when I got older the marriage of my parents became hostile and sometimes even violent." She took a few breaths and Horatio spoke. "Calleigh there is more isn´t it?" She nodded. "My father drank a lot and he was involved into a few accidents while driving under influence. He also was in the hospital a few times because he got hurt during the accidents and he once almost lost he life. I was about 13. I was about 14 when social services came to us the first time because my teachers noticed that I was not really concentrating in school and that I was permanently tired." "Why were you tired?" "Because my mother was so exhausted after getting my father to go to bed when he was drunk and she had already worked 8-10 hours a day. So I did the housework to help her out. I also helped her out with my younger brithers Simon born in 1977 and Patrick born in 1980." "I am sorry Calleigh." "It is Ok Horatio. When I was 18 I went to University and my mother died when I was 21. Simon died when I was 19 and Patrick died when I was 22, in March of this year. I really adored and admired her. She was my hero." She turned away so he would not see her face but he knew that she was crying and pulled her into a hug and laid her head against his chest. She rested her head for a minute but pulled away after and sat up strait again. She wiped away the tears and tried to compose herself again. She then spoke. "There is something else I wanted to talk to you about." "What is it?" "I am sorry that I have never slept with you until now. I just was not able to. I am sorry." "Calleigh I never pressured you and will never. It is your decision and we will live your way. When your ready not before." "Thank you. But the reason is that I was almost raped on campus. I am still a virgin. But it almost happened. I am just afraid Horatio." "Hey! It is ok. Just take it easy. Your speed. Not mine. He was determined to give her as much time as she needed.

Two days later they were in bed and she and he were involved and kissing and loving. When he was about to start his magic on her he locked eyes with her and looked for her consent. She nodded and gave it to him. After their lovemakeing she slept peacefully in his arms. The enxt morning he was already making breakfast in the kitchen when she entered. "Morning Horatio." "Morning sweetheart." He pulled her into a hug and kissed her temple. "Did I dissapoint you yesterday Horatio?" "Honey you did not dissapoint me. You were wonderful. Are you alright?" "Just a little sore." "It will pass. Give your body a few days to adjust to the change." "Yeah." After breakfast they drove to work and she walked straight to the ballistic lab. He walked into his office.

When he came to her lab for lunch he saw her when he approched it. He saw her on the phone looking at the door but she did not see him. She had tears in her eyes. She finished the call and put her pfone down. He walked into the lab and approached her. "Calleigh!" She swallowed and composed herself before she turned around. "Hey!" He saw the she had cried. "Calleigh why did you cry?" "Nothing really." "Calleigh what is it? I saw you talking on the phone when I came here." She just looked away. "Calleigh I love you talk to me." "It is my father." "What about him?" "He was in an accident. He was drunk. He is in the hospital." "Come on let´s go." She just nodded. And he lead her out of the building holding her hand. When they arrived at the hospital they talked to the doctor. "Your father has two broken arms, a broken foot, two broken legs, a concusion to the head and we had to take away one kidney. He is in a coma. We do not know when he will,wake up, if he wakes up. I am sorry" Horatio saw Calleigh´s impression and put an arm around her and pulled her into a hug. She started to cry and sob uncontrollable and he sat both of them down on a couple of chairs. After her tears have subsided her breathing evened out and looked up at him. Horatio could read her look and said. "He is going to be alright Calleigh. Do not worry." She just nodded. She had not really listened to him. She said. "I have to see him." They went into his room and left a few hours later. Horatio took Calleigh home right away. He took care of her and did everything he could to comfort her.