The New Girl

Chapter 1- First Day Nerves

As you step onto the elevator, you feel your breath begin to fluctuate. You slow your breathing, counting each time you breathe in and out. You're not trying to have a panic attack on your first day.

You press the button for the 4th floor. As the doors begin to close, you hear a high-pitched voice shouting at you to hold the elevator. You quickly put your arm between the doors causing them to open again. A woman with funky glasses and a hot pink dress steps onto the elevator; clearly out of breath.

"Thank you," she gasps. "No problem. What floor?" you reply. She points to the number 4 and, realizing it's already been pressed, she responds with, "same as you, I suppose". You nod, giving her a small smile. The doors close and the elevator begins to move up.

"You must be the new girl," you hear the woman say. "What? Oh, yeah I guess I am". The woman holds out her hand: "I'm the technical analyst, Penelope Garcia". "Clarke. Elizabeth Clarke," you respond, shaking her hand. As she starts to say something else, the elevator doors open.

You look out and see two glass doors. Suddenly, Penelope takes your hand leading you towards the entrance. "I can't wait for you to meet the team. You're gonna love them".

Walking up to the desks in the BAU, Penelope begins to speak: "Guys, this is our new team member, SSA Elizabeth Clarke. Elizabeth, this is Agent Rossi". She pauses as you reach over to shake Rossi's hand trying not to feel too starstruck. You've read all his books many times after all.

"This is Dr. Spencer Reid". "Doctor?" you say, surprised considering how young he looks. "Pretty boy here isn't just good for his looks. He's got brains too," says a man sitting next to Dr. Reid, messing his hair around. You give them both a smile as Penelope says, "Derek Morgan".

Derek reaches his hand out and you shake it. "Nice seeing another pretty face on the team," he says, smirking cheekily. Another blonde girl hits him on the head with a rolled up newspaper.

"Shut up, Morgan. Hi, I'm the communications liaison for the team. You can call me JJ". You only give her a smile as she's behind one of the desks and it would awkward to try to shake her hand.

"And last, but certainly not least, SSA Emily Prentiss," Penelope gestures to a woman leaning against the front of the desk JJ is at. You hadn't noticed her when you first walked in. She reaches out her hand to shake yours. "Hi. Nice to meet you". "Y-Yeah you too," you reply sheepishly.

Your hand lingers in hers, looking into her dark brown eyes. Before the long hand shake becomes too awkward, you're interrupted by Agent Hotchner at the top of the stairs. "Conference room in 5," he says.

You pull your hand away looking nervously at the tan carpet below your feet. You can feel her gaze linger on you; a hint of curiosity in her eyes.

The team disperses and you head to the empty desk that you assume is yours. You down the last bit of coffee in your to-go cup; you get the feeling you're gonna need as much energy as possible for the day ahead.

After you set your purse and jacket down on your chair, you follow the team as they make their way to the conference room.

Taking a seat, Agent Hotchner says, "I'm sure you've all had the chance to meet the newest member of our team, Agent Clarke". They all nod and glance at you.

The hairs stand on the back of your neck as you feel her looking at you again. You open the file sitting in front of you as JJ stands up and begins to present the case.

"The city of Tacoma, Washington has had three men murdered all within a few miles of each other. The first victim was Thomas Garrison, 23. He was found in an alley outside a bar 3 weeks ago. He was blitz attacked and strangled with what appears to be the unsub's hands".