Verecund (Criminal Minds)

Chapter 20

Spencer had already ordered Thai food by the time Ash was walking out of the bathroom in sweatpants and a t-shirt. He was sitting on his couch, book in his lap, and only looked up when he heard her footsteps cross into the living room. 

"The food should be here in about twenty minutes," he stated. "Would you- Would you like to talk about your essays?"

Not really, Ash admitted with damp hands, Later definitely, but for now only if you have writing criticisms.

"Well, then on that topic, you have a fantastic narration style and way of describing and outlining your paper," the doctor nodded, "I would, however, like to point out that you do have some sentences that may be better off split. While in creative writing and casual conversation run-on sentences flow well, informative and declarative writing tends to flow better using multiple brief sentences instead. Otherwise, your writing is incredibly well-detailed and elaborated on."

Ash nodded, then signed Thank you. 

"Of course." Spencer put his book on the coffee table. "On another topic, JJ, Emily, and Penelope have been asking about taking you out for some type of 'girls day' for shopping and lunch. Is that something you would be interested in tomorrow?"

Can't any time soon, no money, Ash told him.

"Well, I'd give you money." The young doctor had a soft smile at the thought of having to convince his own new kid to let him buy her things. "But if you don't want to go, I-I'm not gonna force you," his slightly crooked smile widened. "They'll accept no for an answer, but you don't have to worry about finances."

Ash stood for a second, as if she was thinking about the choices in front of her. Then she nodded. 

"Is that a yes?"

Ash nodded again.

"Okay," Spencer smiled again. He was glad she was opening up more and more, especially in casual situations where she could get to know the people around her more. "While we-"

The doorbell rang. 

That was quick, Ash observed. Food already?

Spencer's eyebrows furrowed the slightest bit as he stood, making his way to the door. "They aren't supposed to be here yet."

The man stood in front of the door, and he had to bend his head down to look through the peep hole. A woman in a neatly-pressed black and pink pantsuit stood on the other side of the fisheye-effect glass hole. Spencer recognized her as the social worker who had interviewed Ash and helped with her placement. 

"Miss Pressley," Spencer opened the door. "Is everything okay?"

"Doctor Reid," the short woman smiled at him, "Yes, absolutely. I came by this morning, but the house was empty. I came in for your monthly wellness check, may I come in?"

"Oh, absolutely," Spencer had to process the situation after being caught off guard. Miss Pressley stepped through the door, her short heels clicking on the laminate flooring. "Sorry, I was at work this morning, and Ash has been coming with me."

"Yes, I called to double check. It's okay, that's the whole point of making these visits generally random. Ash, would it be all right if I talk to you?"

Ash, who had been awkwardly standing several feet away, nodded. She remembered Miss Pressley as the only person at the care center who knew any sign language, and tried to learn more from Ash when she used signs that Miss Pressley didn't know. 

"How about you show me your bedroom? I'd love to see what you've been doing with it."

Ash nodded again before turning around and leading the social worker through the hallway. Spencer returned to the coffee table to begin re-organizing as he heard the woman speaking softly to Ash. He couldn't easily make out what was being said, but Spencer tried not to pay attention, anyway. He directed his focus to the crossword puzzle on his kitchen counter as he waited for the two to return.