The atmosphere at Kate's house was a lot less awkward than it had been at my house and at Ziva's house. Kate's children weren't as full of questions about their family as mine and Ziva’s were, because they had the fortune of knowing all of their relatives. All the things my kids knew about my mother came from stories that Jen and I had told them. But if I thought I had it bad; I was wrong because Ziva had it worst. Ziva was afraid to tell her girls about their Aunt, Uncle and Grandparents. Luckily, Kate was spared from having to deal with these burdens that Ziva and I had to. That night; Kate, Drew, and all five of their kids were enjoying a fun filed family night at home. A night that consisted of board games and movies.
At the moment they were taking a break from the board games and were watching the movie they had chosen. Both Kate and Drew were more than happy that they were watching The Wizard of Oz. They had played over five rounds of Monopoly and each time one of the kids had won.
“Tony would be thrilled if he knew we were watching a classic movie like this. He would so be proud of Benji, Ali, Noah, Ash and Jr watching The Wizard of Oz.” Kate thought as Judy Garland skipped down the yellow brick road as Dorothy with the Tin Man while singing We’re off to see the Wizard.
Midway through the movie Kate had fallen asleep on Drew’s lap as he massaged her back. Kate had only been asleep for about fifteen minutes before she woke up to the sound of her and Drew’s four youngest children jumping for joy every time they saw Toto on the TV screen.
“Well good morning sleeping beauty.” Drew said when he noticed that Kate had woke up as he slowly ran his fingers through her dirty blonde hair.
Kate’s hair had gradually gotten lighter over the years much like Jen’s hair had. And of course Tony and McGee had both noticed that Kate’s hair was lighter that in the hotel room that day nearly nineteen years ago. The last time they had seen her was when she was supposedly gunned down by Ari, her hair was completely brown. So when they had seen her in the hotel room y, they had been completely taken aback when they saw her for the first time in five years; eighteen years ago.
“You look like that girl, Sasha Alexander that plays that Medical Examiner on Rizzoli and Isles.” Kate had remembered Tony saying that to her a mere ten minutes of her arrival.
Before long Kate was brought back from her trip down memory lane by the kids.
“Mommy, Daddy; can we get a dog like Toto?” Ashleann asked.
Kate and Drew looked at each other like all parents of kids who wanted a dog do. Before Kate could say anything, the house cordless rang and Kate grabbed the phone. Drew knew that his wife would want him to answer their daughter’s question while she took the call. Ashleann had then decided that since she was her parents’ baby girl and one of their only two girls that it would be okay for her to sandwich herself between her parents on the couch. Before Ashleann settled herself against Kate she leaned over to Drew.
“Well Daddy, can we have a dog; please?”
Drew nodded yes and Ashleann snuggled into Kate.
“Hello.” Kate said when she answered the phone.
“Kate its Jenny, I was just calling to ask you something. I hope that I’m not interrupting anything.”
Ashleann heard Jen’s voice over the phone and knew it was Jen before Jen even said her name.
“Its fine, Jen; you’re not interrupting anything. What did you want to ask?”
“I was just wondering if you would like to come over here for a girls’ night in. Jethro is out with Kelly for some father-daughter bonding, so I have the house to myself.”
“Sure, I’m game. I’ll be over after the movie we’re watching ends. Who else is coming to this girls' night in?”
“Abby, AJ, Ziva and her girls, Jay and JD.” Jenny answered.
“Okay, I’ll be there as soon as I can.”
“See you then.”
“Bye Jenny, and thanks for the invite.”
A little while later after the movie was over and the kids were in bed, Kate left for Jethro and Jen’s. For the most part the nine of were just sitting in the living room watching re-runs of the Golden Girls. On a commercial break, Jen had asked the girls to go into the kitchen to get a soda or something to drink so that she could have a few minutes to tell us something she had to tell us. Hannah, Leah and JD did as Jen instructed.
“There’s something I have to tell you guys.” Jen said once the girls were out of the room.
“Well don’t leave us waiting, Jen; tell us what you have to tell us.”
“I will be stepping down as Director of NCIS when Ducky and Jethro retire.”
“Who will be replacing you, ma’am.” AJ asked.
Jen’s mind had gone back to the moment she heard Jethro ask Morrow that exact same question twenty-three years ago.
“Me.” I answered AJ.
With that my answer some things had occurred. Abby was a bit upset that Jen was leaving the agency.
“We’re losing our mom.” Abby said.
After Abby spoke, I grabbed my jacket which happened to be my NCIS jacket and walked out of the house. Shortly afterwards Jen got up just as the girls returned to the living room and grabbed her NCIS jacket. In a matter of minutes after Hannah and Leah asked what they had missed JD walked over to the living room window. Looking out the window JD saw two emotionally charged crimson haired women she deeply cared for walking down the driveway in black stilettos with the back of our NCIS jackets, showing what was sewn in on the back in white letters; NCIS Federal Agent on the back.
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Sunday, June 20, 2010
The DiNozzo Family
“What was the first movie we saw together when we were first together?” Ziva asked.
“Before the girls and before we got married?” Tony asked from the kitchen.
“Ah yeah.”
“I believe it was one of the Duke’s movies.” Tony said as he came into the living room with two wine glasses with a bit of champagne poured for both him and Ziva.
“What’s this for?” Ziva asked.
“For us having some time to ourselves before Hannah and Leah come home from the movies.”
“Its like we’re in that hotel room again.” Ziva said as she took a sip of the champagne while Tony put a DVD in for them to watch.
“Except we’re not undercover pretending to be married assassins, McProbie isn’t pretending to be waiter and we have twin seventeen year old daughters.”
“Well yeah there’s that Tony and then there’s the fact that you aren’t flashing Jenny like did back then.” Ziva said as Tony sat down on the couch and she settled into him.
“Seventeen years and we’re still a good fit.” Tony said.
“Thank God, Gibbs created rule fifty-one.” Ziva said as she kissed Tony.
“When did you tell the girls they had to be back by?”
“I told them to be back by 11pm.”
The previews ended and the movie began to play. Tony had put in one of the Duke’s movies, She Wore a Yellow Ribbon. Ziva knew that he had put in the movie they had first watched together before the opening credits played.
An hour or so later the front door of the DiNozzo household opened and the twins came in. Tony stopped the movie so they could talk with the girls.
“Hey mom; I hope you don’t mind me asking, but what was Bubbie David and Aunt Tali like?” What is Grandpa Eli like?” Leah asked.
“Well your Grandma and Aunt were….” Ziva began to tear up.
Ziva still missed her mother and sister, even after all these years. Within minutes of Leah’s question, Ziva ran to her and Tony’s room completely distraught.
“Don’t worry girls, its not you. She just misses them.” Tony said as he went to his wife.
“You had to ask mom about her family?” Hannah said reprimanding her twin once their father was out of the room.
“Sorry, I was curious.”
“I know, but you should know by now that Grandpa Eli is dead to mom just like the rest of her immediate family.”
While Tony comforted Ziva, Ziva’s cell phone rang. It was Eli calling to tell her that he was going to be in Washington for little while and wanted to see everyone. After awhile Tony was able to get Ziva out of their bedroom. Ziva managed to tell Hannah and Leah about their Grandmother and Aunt. She even told them that they would get to spend some time with Eli when he came to visit.
“Before the girls and before we got married?” Tony asked from the kitchen.
“Ah yeah.”
“I believe it was one of the Duke’s movies.” Tony said as he came into the living room with two wine glasses with a bit of champagne poured for both him and Ziva.
“What’s this for?” Ziva asked.
“For us having some time to ourselves before Hannah and Leah come home from the movies.”
“Its like we’re in that hotel room again.” Ziva said as she took a sip of the champagne while Tony put a DVD in for them to watch.
“Except we’re not undercover pretending to be married assassins, McProbie isn’t pretending to be waiter and we have twin seventeen year old daughters.”
“Well yeah there’s that Tony and then there’s the fact that you aren’t flashing Jenny like did back then.” Ziva said as Tony sat down on the couch and she settled into him.
“Seventeen years and we’re still a good fit.” Tony said.
“Thank God, Gibbs created rule fifty-one.” Ziva said as she kissed Tony.
“When did you tell the girls they had to be back by?”
“I told them to be back by 11pm.”
The previews ended and the movie began to play. Tony had put in one of the Duke’s movies, She Wore a Yellow Ribbon. Ziva knew that he had put in the movie they had first watched together before the opening credits played.
An hour or so later the front door of the DiNozzo household opened and the twins came in. Tony stopped the movie so they could talk with the girls.
“Hey mom; I hope you don’t mind me asking, but what was Bubbie David and Aunt Tali like?” What is Grandpa Eli like?” Leah asked.
“Well your Grandma and Aunt were….” Ziva began to tear up.
Ziva still missed her mother and sister, even after all these years. Within minutes of Leah’s question, Ziva ran to her and Tony’s room completely distraught.
“Don’t worry girls, its not you. She just misses them.” Tony said as he went to his wife.
“You had to ask mom about her family?” Hannah said reprimanding her twin once their father was out of the room.
“Sorry, I was curious.”
“I know, but you should know by now that Grandpa Eli is dead to mom just like the rest of her immediate family.”
While Tony comforted Ziva, Ziva’s cell phone rang. It was Eli calling to tell her that he was going to be in Washington for little while and wanted to see everyone. After awhile Tony was able to get Ziva out of their bedroom. Ziva managed to tell Hannah and Leah about their Grandmother and Aunt. She even told them that they would get to spend some time with Eli when he came to visit.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
The Balboa Family
It was the end of the work day. Ziva and I were wrapping things up as the rest of the team was already in the parking lot. Jen was gathering files to bring home with her as Ziva and I shut our desk lights off.
“Ainsi pour lequel avez-vous planifié ce soir?” Ziva asked.
“Pas beaucoup, un portrait de famille et des devoirs. Fondamentalement le lundi soir typique à notre maison. En ce qui concerne vous?” I answered.
As Ziva and I chatted away, Jen came down the stairs and noticed we were talking in French. I could tell that she really wanted to join in.
“Qu'est-ce qui continue Jen?” Ziva asked.
“Je passe un soir silencieux agréable avec Jethro.”
“Les dépenses du temps ensemble à l'extérieur de la chambre à coucher, qui ne ressemble pas ainsi à deux d'entre vous.” I said as the three of us stepped into the elevator.
Once it was just me and Nick in the car, I had quickly reverted back to English. Nick wasn’t that fluent in French as I was.
“It still surprises me that after seventeen years of marriage that you are multi-lingual and that our girls are multi-lingual too.
“Well you can thank Jen the next time you see her cause she taught me.”
“Ciao mamma, papà Ciao. Come è stato lavorare?” JD asked.
“E 'stato bene, giorno lento. Nessun caso.” I answered.
“Ok, io sono quasi pronto a partire.”
“Мы - прямо здесь, мама.” Jayden said.
“Et nous sommes prêts à aller.” Jocelyn said.
Nick was completely amazed at how well the four of us spoke in Italian, Russian and French.
“Okay now you guys are just showing off.”
“Papa Désolé.” Jocelyn said.
“Жаль Папа.” Jayden said as she followed her twin’s lead.
“Ci dispiace papà.” JD said.
“Le brave ragazze, andiamo, abbiamo appuntamento da raggiungere. Andiamo, è tempo di palo in macchina.” I said.
Nick just looked at me.
“Mi dispiace, non posso farne a meno, la sua natura solo secondo. Ti amo, amore mio.” I said as we piled into the car again.
“Translation please.”
“I'm sorry; I can't help it, its just second nature. Love you, my love.” I said as we pulled out of our driveway and made our way to DC Photo Studios where I had made our appointment.
When we got there we barely had to wait. The receptionist quickly ushered us into the curtained off room where we would be and told us that our photographer would be with us shortly.
“Hello, I’m Max Berra and I’ll be taking your pictures today.”
“Nice to meet you Max; I am Jaylyn and this my husband Nick, and our daughters Jennifer, Jayden and Jocelyn.”
“Nice to meet you all. What pictures would you like done?”
“Well I would like some of our daughters together and some of them individually. I’d like a family portrait as well as a few pictures of just Nick and myself.
“Okay, how long have you two been married?” Max asked.
“Seventeen years.” I said as Nick and I shared a look.
“Congratulations, now girls how old are you?”
“I’m seventeen.” JD answered.
“And we’re thirteen.” Jayden and Jocelyn answered in unison.
It was obvious that our photographer was one of those people that looked down on children being conceived during their parents’ honeymoon. So I just rolled my eyes as Max set things up.
A few hours later and a dozen or so pictures later, we had finished up at DC Photo Studios. Things got a bit interesting on the drive home. Apparently Jocelyn’s curiosity got the better of her.
“Hey mom, can I ask you something?” Jocelyn asked from the backseat.
“Sure, go ahead; baby girl.” I said kind of knowing where this may go.
Recently I had found both Jayden and Jocelyn looking at the pictures from my childhood and the album that Jen had made up of the few pictures of me with my mother before she died.
“What happened to Grandma Emma? What was she like?”
“Joce.” JD reprimanded her younger sister as we pulled into our driveway.
Nick could see the sadness in my eyes as I tried to answer our daughter. He knew that I missed my mother. He also knew that this wasn’t the best time to be asking about my mother, especially since it hadn’t been that long since my father’s death.
“Jocelyn, you should call your Aunt Jen about Grandma Emma when you get inside.” Nick said.
Once we were all inside Jocelyn called Jen, JD and Jayden got started on their homework. As for me I went straight to mine and Nick’s room; and slammed the door shut behind as I buried my head in my pillows. A few seconds later Nick came into console me.
“C'est pas mal, mon amour. Elle est dans un meilleur endroit, comme votre papa. Je sais qu'elle serait tout à fait fière de comment sa fille de bébé se termine et comment sa fille élève ses petite-filles.” Nick said.
“Merci; je vous aime.” I said as I kissed him.
Once we had separated from the kissed, Nick wiped away the tears with his fingers.
“Ainsi pour lequel avez-vous planifié ce soir?” Ziva asked.
“Pas beaucoup, un portrait de famille et des devoirs. Fondamentalement le lundi soir typique à notre maison. En ce qui concerne vous?” I answered.
As Ziva and I chatted away, Jen came down the stairs and noticed we were talking in French. I could tell that she really wanted to join in.
“Qu'est-ce qui continue Jen?” Ziva asked.
“Je passe un soir silencieux agréable avec Jethro.”
“Les dépenses du temps ensemble à l'extérieur de la chambre à coucher, qui ne ressemble pas ainsi à deux d'entre vous.” I said as the three of us stepped into the elevator.
Once it was just me and Nick in the car, I had quickly reverted back to English. Nick wasn’t that fluent in French as I was.
“It still surprises me that after seventeen years of marriage that you are multi-lingual and that our girls are multi-lingual too.
“Well you can thank Jen the next time you see her cause she taught me.”
“Ciao mamma, papà Ciao. Come è stato lavorare?” JD asked.
“E 'stato bene, giorno lento. Nessun caso.” I answered.
“Ok, io sono quasi pronto a partire.”
“Мы - прямо здесь, мама.” Jayden said.
“Et nous sommes prêts à aller.” Jocelyn said.
Nick was completely amazed at how well the four of us spoke in Italian, Russian and French.
“Okay now you guys are just showing off.”
“Papa Désolé.” Jocelyn said.
“Жаль Папа.” Jayden said as she followed her twin’s lead.
“Ci dispiace papà.” JD said.
“Le brave ragazze, andiamo, abbiamo appuntamento da raggiungere. Andiamo, è tempo di palo in macchina.” I said.
Nick just looked at me.
“Mi dispiace, non posso farne a meno, la sua natura solo secondo. Ti amo, amore mio.” I said as we piled into the car again.
“Translation please.”
“I'm sorry; I can't help it, its just second nature. Love you, my love.” I said as we pulled out of our driveway and made our way to DC Photo Studios where I had made our appointment.
When we got there we barely had to wait. The receptionist quickly ushered us into the curtained off room where we would be and told us that our photographer would be with us shortly.
“Hello, I’m Max Berra and I’ll be taking your pictures today.”
“Nice to meet you Max; I am Jaylyn and this my husband Nick, and our daughters Jennifer, Jayden and Jocelyn.”
“Nice to meet you all. What pictures would you like done?”
“Well I would like some of our daughters together and some of them individually. I’d like a family portrait as well as a few pictures of just Nick and myself.
“Okay, how long have you two been married?” Max asked.
“Seventeen years.” I said as Nick and I shared a look.
“Congratulations, now girls how old are you?”
“I’m seventeen.” JD answered.
“And we’re thirteen.” Jayden and Jocelyn answered in unison.
It was obvious that our photographer was one of those people that looked down on children being conceived during their parents’ honeymoon. So I just rolled my eyes as Max set things up.
A few hours later and a dozen or so pictures later, we had finished up at DC Photo Studios. Things got a bit interesting on the drive home. Apparently Jocelyn’s curiosity got the better of her.
“Hey mom, can I ask you something?” Jocelyn asked from the backseat.
“Sure, go ahead; baby girl.” I said kind of knowing where this may go.
Recently I had found both Jayden and Jocelyn looking at the pictures from my childhood and the album that Jen had made up of the few pictures of me with my mother before she died.
“What happened to Grandma Emma? What was she like?”
“Joce.” JD reprimanded her younger sister as we pulled into our driveway.
Nick could see the sadness in my eyes as I tried to answer our daughter. He knew that I missed my mother. He also knew that this wasn’t the best time to be asking about my mother, especially since it hadn’t been that long since my father’s death.
“Jocelyn, you should call your Aunt Jen about Grandma Emma when you get inside.” Nick said.
Once we were all inside Jocelyn called Jen, JD and Jayden got started on their homework. As for me I went straight to mine and Nick’s room; and slammed the door shut behind as I buried my head in my pillows. A few seconds later Nick came into console me.
“C'est pas mal, mon amour. Elle est dans un meilleur endroit, comme votre papa. Je sais qu'elle serait tout à fait fière de comment sa fille de bébé se termine et comment sa fille élève ses petite-filles.” Nick said.
“Merci; je vous aime.” I said as I kissed him.
Once we had separated from the kissed, Nick wiped away the tears with his fingers.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Getting to know Kelly
The next morning I had awoken to see the entire group sound asleep in the living room of my sister, Jethro and Kelly’s house. Before Abby and McGee put Addie and Jake down for the night Jethro pulled out Kelly’s old crib. Surprisingly Addie and Jake only woke up once during the night. What surprised me more was that they only woke their parents up. I guess that those of us that were seasoned parents weren’t as worried as Abby and McGee were as long as it wasn’t our kids crying at the top of their lungs.
When I got up, my instincts took over as I carefully made my way to the kitchen to get breakfast for my girls and make coffee for me and Nick. I knew that the aroma of coffee was bound to wake Jethro up so I decided to save that for last. Before long I was joined by one of the others.
“I’m surprised at how well you know where things are in here.” Kelly said as she made herself tea.
“Well I practically grew up in this house.”
“Practically grew up in this house?”
“Kel, my sister and your father have been a couple for longer than you think.”
Kelly had that look of bewilderment and curiosity on her face.
“Don’t worry; Jethro was completely faithful to your mother when she was alive. Jen and Jethro weren’t an item until 1999.”
“What happened between ’99 and now?” Kelly asked.
I couldn’t help but roll my eyes at Kelly’s question.
“What happened between ’99 and now?” Kelly asked again.
“Three cheating redheaded ex-wives, a mystery redhead, a blonde Army CID Lieutenant Colonel, a redhead former DC Madam and a brunette lawyer.” I answered.
Kelly was completely stunned.
“Don’t tell you thought he was celibate after your mom died.”
“Kind of did.” Kelly said as drank her tea.
“Ha, he was anything but celibate. I’m just glad that he ended up with the right woman.”
Kelly suddenly got that pissed look on her face.
“Besides Shannon, of course.”
After I quickly recovered from my slight faux pas, Kelly and I were joined by Abby, Ziva and Kate. Jethro had some Caf-Pows stashed in the refrigerator for Abby.
“Jay, did you start making the coffee?” Kate asked.
“And run the chance of waking Jethro up after he’s been up all night working on that his boat; ah no.”
“We were all up late, Jay. Not just Gibbs.”
“Fine, I’m not gonna argue with you; Kate. I’ll make some coffee; just don’t blame me if Jethro drinks all.”
Once I got the coffee going, I went to wake the girls and Nick up. I knew that it would only take a mere two seconds before I had Nick fully awake. So when I got over to Nick, I knew how I would wake him. Within a matter of seconds my lips locked with his as I kissed him like I did the night we conceived JD seventeen years ago and then again that night thirteen years ago when we had the house to ourselves when we brought our twins into existence.
Just as I had predicted Nick woke up within seconds of the kiss.
“Wow, you haven’t kissed me like that since….” Nick whispered.
“Since we conceived Jay and Joce. I know.” I answered mischievously.
Meanwhile as Nick and I got our daughters up for breakfast, Abby and Kate had gone out to sit on the porch before they followed my lead. So Ziva and Kelly stayed in the kitchen. At first there was an awkward silence between the two of them.
“Ziva, I hope you don’t mind me saying this; but it seems like you see my father as more than just your boss.”
Ziva knew where this was going. The rest of us knew and understood why Ziva was so close to Jethro.
“It’s a long story.”
“Well we have time, Ziva; so you might as well start sharing.”
“I’d love to but I have to get Tony and the twins up.”
With that Ziva stepped out of the kitchen and left Kelly to wonder why she was being so evasive. Just as I had predicted the aroma of freshly brewed coffee had woke Jethro up. In a matter of minutes Jethro had joined his daughter in the kitchen as he got himself and Jen some coffee.
“Hey dad, you got a second?” Kelly asked.
“What’s up, Kels?”
“It maybe nothing, but I’ve been getting this vibe since I came back that Ziva sees you as more than just her boss. Like she sees you as her father.”
“It’s a long story.”
“Come on dad, tell me. You owe me that much.”
“Ziva killed her half-brother twenty-three years ago to keep him from killing me.”
“Okay, but that still doesn’t explain why she acts like you are her father instead of acting like her own father is her father.” Kelly said.
“Kels, Eli David wasn’t and still isn’t the best father to her. He has put her through hell and expected her to be a soulless killer. Eli wanted Ziva to be just like her half-brother, Ari. If Jen hadn’t approved Ziva’s liaison position between NCIS and Mossad after everything that had happened twenty-three years ago then Ziva would still be in harms’ way instead of being with us and her family.”
With that Jethro left the kitchen and his daughter with both coffees in hand. Just as Jethro had left, Ziva had return to the kitchen to refill her coffee cup and to get some for Tony.
“Hey, Ziva.” Kelly said.
“Yeah.”
“Thanks for saving my dad; I know it must have been hard for you.”
“Your welcome.”
Shortly after Kelly thanked Ziva, Addison and Jacob woke up. This time when Addison and Jacob woke up, they woke up everyone else who was still sleeping. Now the day had begun. By 8am we had all the kids off at school. Soon after the kids left for school Jordan left for work as the fourteen of us headed back for yet another day at the office. Kelly had no appointments today at the Veterinarian hospital she worked at so she had volunteered to baby-sit Addison and Jacob for Abby and McGee. Ziva, Kate and I found it quite amusing that Kelly thought it was going to be a piece of cake taking care of newborn twins.
“This should be interesting.” I said to Ziva and Kate once we were at our cars.
“I know.” Ziva said as she got into the passenger seat.
It still amazed me that Tony still insisted that he drive instead of Ziva driving after all these years.
“If we were able to take care of our twins when they were Addie and Jake’s age then Kelly is more than capable to watch them for a few hours.” Kate said as she got into the driver’s side of her and Drew’s car.
“Look who’s the eternal optimist at forty-nine. It’s about time.” I said I got into my car.
I knew Kate would let me slide with that comment until we got to the squad room so I reveled in my wit as Nick and I drove to work.
When I got up, my instincts took over as I carefully made my way to the kitchen to get breakfast for my girls and make coffee for me and Nick. I knew that the aroma of coffee was bound to wake Jethro up so I decided to save that for last. Before long I was joined by one of the others.
“I’m surprised at how well you know where things are in here.” Kelly said as she made herself tea.
“Well I practically grew up in this house.”
“Practically grew up in this house?”
“Kel, my sister and your father have been a couple for longer than you think.”
Kelly had that look of bewilderment and curiosity on her face.
“Don’t worry; Jethro was completely faithful to your mother when she was alive. Jen and Jethro weren’t an item until 1999.”
“What happened between ’99 and now?” Kelly asked.
I couldn’t help but roll my eyes at Kelly’s question.
“What happened between ’99 and now?” Kelly asked again.
“Three cheating redheaded ex-wives, a mystery redhead, a blonde Army CID Lieutenant Colonel, a redhead former DC Madam and a brunette lawyer.” I answered.
Kelly was completely stunned.
“Don’t tell you thought he was celibate after your mom died.”
“Kind of did.” Kelly said as drank her tea.
“Ha, he was anything but celibate. I’m just glad that he ended up with the right woman.”
Kelly suddenly got that pissed look on her face.
“Besides Shannon, of course.”
After I quickly recovered from my slight faux pas, Kelly and I were joined by Abby, Ziva and Kate. Jethro had some Caf-Pows stashed in the refrigerator for Abby.
“Jay, did you start making the coffee?” Kate asked.
“And run the chance of waking Jethro up after he’s been up all night working on that his boat; ah no.”
“We were all up late, Jay. Not just Gibbs.”
“Fine, I’m not gonna argue with you; Kate. I’ll make some coffee; just don’t blame me if Jethro drinks all.”
Once I got the coffee going, I went to wake the girls and Nick up. I knew that it would only take a mere two seconds before I had Nick fully awake. So when I got over to Nick, I knew how I would wake him. Within a matter of seconds my lips locked with his as I kissed him like I did the night we conceived JD seventeen years ago and then again that night thirteen years ago when we had the house to ourselves when we brought our twins into existence.
Just as I had predicted Nick woke up within seconds of the kiss.
“Wow, you haven’t kissed me like that since….” Nick whispered.
“Since we conceived Jay and Joce. I know.” I answered mischievously.
Meanwhile as Nick and I got our daughters up for breakfast, Abby and Kate had gone out to sit on the porch before they followed my lead. So Ziva and Kelly stayed in the kitchen. At first there was an awkward silence between the two of them.
“Ziva, I hope you don’t mind me saying this; but it seems like you see my father as more than just your boss.”
Ziva knew where this was going. The rest of us knew and understood why Ziva was so close to Jethro.
“It’s a long story.”
“Well we have time, Ziva; so you might as well start sharing.”
“I’d love to but I have to get Tony and the twins up.”
With that Ziva stepped out of the kitchen and left Kelly to wonder why she was being so evasive. Just as I had predicted the aroma of freshly brewed coffee had woke Jethro up. In a matter of minutes Jethro had joined his daughter in the kitchen as he got himself and Jen some coffee.
“Hey dad, you got a second?” Kelly asked.
“What’s up, Kels?”
“It maybe nothing, but I’ve been getting this vibe since I came back that Ziva sees you as more than just her boss. Like she sees you as her father.”
“It’s a long story.”
“Come on dad, tell me. You owe me that much.”
“Ziva killed her half-brother twenty-three years ago to keep him from killing me.”
“Okay, but that still doesn’t explain why she acts like you are her father instead of acting like her own father is her father.” Kelly said.
“Kels, Eli David wasn’t and still isn’t the best father to her. He has put her through hell and expected her to be a soulless killer. Eli wanted Ziva to be just like her half-brother, Ari. If Jen hadn’t approved Ziva’s liaison position between NCIS and Mossad after everything that had happened twenty-three years ago then Ziva would still be in harms’ way instead of being with us and her family.”
With that Jethro left the kitchen and his daughter with both coffees in hand. Just as Jethro had left, Ziva had return to the kitchen to refill her coffee cup and to get some for Tony.
“Hey, Ziva.” Kelly said.
“Yeah.”
“Thanks for saving my dad; I know it must have been hard for you.”
“Your welcome.”
Shortly after Kelly thanked Ziva, Addison and Jacob woke up. This time when Addison and Jacob woke up, they woke up everyone else who was still sleeping. Now the day had begun. By 8am we had all the kids off at school. Soon after the kids left for school Jordan left for work as the fourteen of us headed back for yet another day at the office. Kelly had no appointments today at the Veterinarian hospital she worked at so she had volunteered to baby-sit Addison and Jacob for Abby and McGee. Ziva, Kate and I found it quite amusing that Kelly thought it was going to be a piece of cake taking care of newborn twins.
“This should be interesting.” I said to Ziva and Kate once we were at our cars.
“I know.” Ziva said as she got into the passenger seat.
It still amazed me that Tony still insisted that he drive instead of Ziva driving after all these years.
“If we were able to take care of our twins when they were Addie and Jake’s age then Kelly is more than capable to watch them for a few hours.” Kate said as she got into the driver’s side of her and Drew’s car.
“Look who’s the eternal optimist at forty-nine. It’s about time.” I said I got into my car.
I knew Kate would let me slide with that comment until we got to the squad room so I reveled in my wit as Nick and I drove to work.
Friday, June 11, 2010
Kelly's Visit to NCIS
Midday Kelly had stopped by the office for a visit during her lunch break. Her arrival at NCIS completely surprised Jethro and filled Tony’s mind with a thousand questions he was dying to ask her. Today had also been the day that Abby returned to work after being on maternity leave for two weeks. Kelly had asked Ziva and Kate to teach her how to fight. As usual Abby gave Kelly the tour of her lab and of the building.
While Kelly was being showed things by Abby, Jethro was downstairs talking to Ducky. As for me I was on a coffee run for all of us. Just as Jethro was about to take the elevator up to the squad room, Jen had called down to Autopsy to tell Ducky to send Jethro up to her. Little did Jethro know, but Jen was planning on telling him that all ten of us would be leaving soon to go to a photo shoot and interview at East Beat with the magazine’s features writer at SECNAV’s request. Jen knew that Jethro would protest this outing, but she knew that she’d be able to convince him to go along with it. Jen definitely had ways of making Jethro do things he didn’t want to.
“What did you need, Jen?” Jethro asked.
“To tell you that you need to change into this.” Jen answered as she held up a hanger that held a pair of his dark jeans, a black polo shirt and black blazer.
“What for?”
“If I tell you, you’ll back out.”
“Jen.”
“Fine Jethro, SECNAV has signed all of us up for a photo shoot and interview with East Beat magazine to promote the Navy, the Corps and NCIS.”
“I’m not doing it.” Jethro said.
“Yes you will, because I have the one thing that you can’t go without.” Jen said with a devious look in her eyes.
Jethro knew he couldn’t win; he also knew that he couldn’t resist Jen’s green eyes, especially her crimson red hair. He even knew that Jen would make him celibate if he didn’t do this publicity event. So with that Jethro took the hanger with his outfit and went to change. A few minutes later the guys were waiting for us in a white room. Jen, Abby, Ziva, Kate and I were in hair and make-up.
Before long we were all on set for the photo shoot. We were all in dark colors, we were practically in black. Ducky was in grey slacks, a black polo shirt that was quite similar to Jethro’s and a black sports jacket. Jethro was in his outfit just as Jen was in dark faded jeans, black v-neck shirt and stilettos. McGee and Tony were similar outfits; dark jeans, black shirts and black leather jackets. Kate was in a black knit top with jeans and stilettos. Ziva had a black shirt that had a belt around the stomach, jeans and stilettos like all five of us. Abby was in a black halter with her jeans. As for me I was in dark ripped blue jeans and black tube top. Palmer wore a black graphic T-shirt, jeans and sneakers similar to the ones McGee wore when Abby was being stalked years ago.
After the group shot the photographer took some other pictures and then they put us into sub-groups. First the men took another round of pictures followed by the five of us. The photographer wanted some pictures of just me and Jen together, then they wrapped up the photo shoot with pictures being taken of Tony, McGee, Kate, Ziva, Palmer, Abby and I with our respective significant others. Shortly afterwards we all sat down with East Beat’s features writer Elyse Barrett for the interviews. Once the interviews were over Elyse said the issue of the magazine would be out in a few days. She also said that we would get advance copies of the magazine.
Later that evening all ten of us, our significant others, and the kids had all piled into Jen, Jethro and Kelly’s house for the night. The way things were at moment from where I was sitting was perfect. Nick and I were at one end of the couch as my sister and Jethro were at the other. Nick was sitting on the couch and I was able to rest my head on his lap as we watched JD take time to spend with her younger sisters.
“Brings back memories, doesn’t it Jay?” Jen asked.
“It does.”
“Some things don’t change.” Jethro commented.
I was quite content; it was perfect having two generations of sisters in the same room just as I spent time with everyone I cared the most about. Out of the blue a few minutes later Jen got up from the couch.
“Jethro, Jay, Abs, Tony, Tim, Kate, Ziva, Ducky, Palmer; team meeting in the kitchen now.” Jen ordered as she picked up the box that contained our copies of the edition of East Beat that would feature us.
“Come on Jen, we’re all comfortable. And I am sure Jethro would want you to return to him.” I said.
“Kitchen now.”
We all got up and left Kelly to keeping tabs on kids.
“There’s no need to pull the Director card on us outside of the office, Jen.” I said.
“In this box I have our copies of East Beat. Take one and read it at your leisure.” Jen said completely ignoring me.
Once I had grabbed my copy of the magazine I returned Nick and his lap in the living room. Soon after I had rested my head on my husband’s lap the others had returned, I had began to read the articles in the magazine and looked at the pictures that made the cut.
NCIS’ Finest
Written By: Elyse Barrett
On a daily basis NCIS serves and protects everyone on active duty in the Navy and Marine Corps as well as their families. Like the FBI and ICE, NCIS is based in our countries’ capital. Once again NCIS is run by its first female Director. At the helm; Director Jennifer Shepard has a slew of Agents, Analysts and Specialists at her disposal.
Working underneath Director Shepard’s command is Supervisory Special Agent Jethro Gibbs and his team. Agent Gibbs’ team includes his Senior Special Agent Anthony “Tony” DiNozzo, Junior Agents Caitlin “Kate” Todd-Mackensie, Tim McGee, Ziva David-DiNozzo and Jaylyn Shepard-Balboa. Working alongside the Agents are Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard, Dr. Mallard’s Assistant Medical Examiner Jimmy Palmer and Forensic Specialist Abigail “Abby” Sciuto-McGee.
This week’s edition in East Beat’s “Life in DC” we’ll get to know these Agents, Specialists and their Director.
NCIS’ Dashing Gentlemen and Femme Fatales
Written By: Elyse Barrett
The atmosphere at the photo shoot was that of complete and utter fun that verged on productive chaos, both on set in front of the camera and behind the camera. In front of the camera the two youngest team members; Ziva, 43 and Jaylyn, 40, kept things lively. At times I noticed Jethro shoot Ziva and Jaylyn looks of complete annoyance. At one point during the photo shoot, Jaylyn told Jethro to stop acting like her father.
“Jethro tends to forget that I have free-range when it comes to what I do and don’t do, it’s one of the benefits of being the Director’s sister.” Jaylyn stated.
Everyone was completely happy. I noticed a few stolen glances on set and behind the camera. After learning more about these people, I was able to understand the stolen glances.
Behind the camera watching on was Jaylyn’s husband of seventeen years; Nick, Kate’s husband of sixteen years; Drew Sr. and Jimmy’s wife of sixteen years; AJ. Ducky’s long time girlfriend Jordan also looked on with the others.
Then in front of the camera in between takes there was an additional three couples that I learned about. Tony would look adoringly at Ziva, who I had learned was his wife of seventeen years. Also adoring his wife of sixteen years was Tim as he kept looking at Abby. Every time Jethro looked over to Jennifer, she would shoot back a “come hither” look.
Later I had learned two things. Jethro and Jennifer aren’t married like the others, but they consider themselves to be husband and wife since they have known each other for decades. So by extension Jethro’s team also considers Jethro and Jennifer as a married couple, despite the fact that Jennifer doesn’t wear a wedding band and engagement ring like her younger sister does.
Towards the end of the photo shoot I had asked the team what they like to do when they aren’t at NCIS Headquarters.
Jethro said when he isn’t working he enjoys spending time with his daughter; Kelly; 40, from a previous marriage to Kelly’s mother; Shannon, and he enjoys spending time with Jennifer. Both Tony and Ziva said they love spending time with their twin daughters, Hannah and Leah; 17, as well as spending time with each other. Kate stated that she loves being with her husband and their five children; Benjamin; 13, Jaliyah and Noah; 11, Ashleann and Drew Jr.; 9. Both Abby and Tim said they love spending time with each other and spending time with their newborn twins, Addison and Jacob. Jennifer says that she loves being with Jethro and Kelly, she also stated said that she loves being with Jaylyn, her brother-in-law and her nieces. Jaylyn said that she loves being with Nick and their daughters, Jennifer Delaney; 17, Jayden and Jocelyn, 13. Jimmy stated that he loves being with AJ. Ducky was the last to speak. Ducky said he enjoys being with his significant other, Dr. Jordan Hampton; a fellow medical examiner.
From where I am standing these people are truly a family.
After I had finished reading the articles I looked at the pictures. Both of the group pictures made the cut. The first group picture was adorable; Ducky had been sitting down in a chair, Palmer had been standing besides Ducky. Jen and Jethro had been standing close to each other while Abby was in between them. Kate, Ziva, Tony, McGee and I stood beside each other. The next picture that followed the first group shot was the guys’ shot. Abby, Jen and Ziva loved how handsome McGee, Jethro and Tony looked. Kate and I both thought that Ducky was adorable. AJ thought that Palmer was just as handsome now as he was when she married him sixteen years ago.
After the photo of the men was the photo of me, Kate, Jen, Ziva and Abby. Our significant others were absolutely stunned at how gorgeous we looked in the picture. Everyone loved the two pictures of me and Jen. The first one had been of us leaning up against a wall. Jen was on one side, I was on the other. Our second picture was of the two of us standing back to back as we looked at the camera.
Finally the last picture out of all of them had to be one of my personal favorites. Elyse had given the go ahead for us to be with our significant others. So the last picture was quite a fun picture. Tony had wrapped his arms around Ziva and kissed her. McGee and Palmer followed suit with their respective wives.
Ducky had stood up and gazed adoringly into Jordan’s eyes. Drew and Kate kissed as they danced. Jen and Jethro stood with each other looking in each other eyes with a look that told the other they were just as infatuated with the other as they had been back in Marseilles years ago. As for me and Nick we were just as smitten with each other as we were when we got married seventeen years ago. At the exact same moment Jethro and Nick had decided to pay homage to the 1945 classic picture of the sailor kissing the nurse in Time Square on V - J Day.
That day was a perfect day for all of us. One thing was for certain, none of us would change the events of that day no matter what. There was no need to mess with perfection.
While Kelly was being showed things by Abby, Jethro was downstairs talking to Ducky. As for me I was on a coffee run for all of us. Just as Jethro was about to take the elevator up to the squad room, Jen had called down to Autopsy to tell Ducky to send Jethro up to her. Little did Jethro know, but Jen was planning on telling him that all ten of us would be leaving soon to go to a photo shoot and interview at East Beat with the magazine’s features writer at SECNAV’s request. Jen knew that Jethro would protest this outing, but she knew that she’d be able to convince him to go along with it. Jen definitely had ways of making Jethro do things he didn’t want to.
“What did you need, Jen?” Jethro asked.
“To tell you that you need to change into this.” Jen answered as she held up a hanger that held a pair of his dark jeans, a black polo shirt and black blazer.
“What for?”
“If I tell you, you’ll back out.”
“Jen.”
“Fine Jethro, SECNAV has signed all of us up for a photo shoot and interview with East Beat magazine to promote the Navy, the Corps and NCIS.”
“I’m not doing it.” Jethro said.
“Yes you will, because I have the one thing that you can’t go without.” Jen said with a devious look in her eyes.
Jethro knew he couldn’t win; he also knew that he couldn’t resist Jen’s green eyes, especially her crimson red hair. He even knew that Jen would make him celibate if he didn’t do this publicity event. So with that Jethro took the hanger with his outfit and went to change. A few minutes later the guys were waiting for us in a white room. Jen, Abby, Ziva, Kate and I were in hair and make-up.
Before long we were all on set for the photo shoot. We were all in dark colors, we were practically in black. Ducky was in grey slacks, a black polo shirt that was quite similar to Jethro’s and a black sports jacket. Jethro was in his outfit just as Jen was in dark faded jeans, black v-neck shirt and stilettos. McGee and Tony were similar outfits; dark jeans, black shirts and black leather jackets. Kate was in a black knit top with jeans and stilettos. Ziva had a black shirt that had a belt around the stomach, jeans and stilettos like all five of us. Abby was in a black halter with her jeans. As for me I was in dark ripped blue jeans and black tube top. Palmer wore a black graphic T-shirt, jeans and sneakers similar to the ones McGee wore when Abby was being stalked years ago.
After the group shot the photographer took some other pictures and then they put us into sub-groups. First the men took another round of pictures followed by the five of us. The photographer wanted some pictures of just me and Jen together, then they wrapped up the photo shoot with pictures being taken of Tony, McGee, Kate, Ziva, Palmer, Abby and I with our respective significant others. Shortly afterwards we all sat down with East Beat’s features writer Elyse Barrett for the interviews. Once the interviews were over Elyse said the issue of the magazine would be out in a few days. She also said that we would get advance copies of the magazine.
Later that evening all ten of us, our significant others, and the kids had all piled into Jen, Jethro and Kelly’s house for the night. The way things were at moment from where I was sitting was perfect. Nick and I were at one end of the couch as my sister and Jethro were at the other. Nick was sitting on the couch and I was able to rest my head on his lap as we watched JD take time to spend with her younger sisters.
“Brings back memories, doesn’t it Jay?” Jen asked.
“It does.”
“Some things don’t change.” Jethro commented.
I was quite content; it was perfect having two generations of sisters in the same room just as I spent time with everyone I cared the most about. Out of the blue a few minutes later Jen got up from the couch.
“Jethro, Jay, Abs, Tony, Tim, Kate, Ziva, Ducky, Palmer; team meeting in the kitchen now.” Jen ordered as she picked up the box that contained our copies of the edition of East Beat that would feature us.
“Come on Jen, we’re all comfortable. And I am sure Jethro would want you to return to him.” I said.
“Kitchen now.”
We all got up and left Kelly to keeping tabs on kids.
“There’s no need to pull the Director card on us outside of the office, Jen.” I said.
“In this box I have our copies of East Beat. Take one and read it at your leisure.” Jen said completely ignoring me.
Once I had grabbed my copy of the magazine I returned Nick and his lap in the living room. Soon after I had rested my head on my husband’s lap the others had returned, I had began to read the articles in the magazine and looked at the pictures that made the cut.
NCIS’ Finest
Written By: Elyse Barrett
On a daily basis NCIS serves and protects everyone on active duty in the Navy and Marine Corps as well as their families. Like the FBI and ICE, NCIS is based in our countries’ capital. Once again NCIS is run by its first female Director. At the helm; Director Jennifer Shepard has a slew of Agents, Analysts and Specialists at her disposal.
Working underneath Director Shepard’s command is Supervisory Special Agent Jethro Gibbs and his team. Agent Gibbs’ team includes his Senior Special Agent Anthony “Tony” DiNozzo, Junior Agents Caitlin “Kate” Todd-Mackensie, Tim McGee, Ziva David-DiNozzo and Jaylyn Shepard-Balboa. Working alongside the Agents are Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard, Dr. Mallard’s Assistant Medical Examiner Jimmy Palmer and Forensic Specialist Abigail “Abby” Sciuto-McGee.
This week’s edition in East Beat’s “Life in DC” we’ll get to know these Agents, Specialists and their Director.
NCIS’ Dashing Gentlemen and Femme Fatales
Written By: Elyse Barrett
The atmosphere at the photo shoot was that of complete and utter fun that verged on productive chaos, both on set in front of the camera and behind the camera. In front of the camera the two youngest team members; Ziva, 43 and Jaylyn, 40, kept things lively. At times I noticed Jethro shoot Ziva and Jaylyn looks of complete annoyance. At one point during the photo shoot, Jaylyn told Jethro to stop acting like her father.
“Jethro tends to forget that I have free-range when it comes to what I do and don’t do, it’s one of the benefits of being the Director’s sister.” Jaylyn stated.
Everyone was completely happy. I noticed a few stolen glances on set and behind the camera. After learning more about these people, I was able to understand the stolen glances.
Behind the camera watching on was Jaylyn’s husband of seventeen years; Nick, Kate’s husband of sixteen years; Drew Sr. and Jimmy’s wife of sixteen years; AJ. Ducky’s long time girlfriend Jordan also looked on with the others.
Then in front of the camera in between takes there was an additional three couples that I learned about. Tony would look adoringly at Ziva, who I had learned was his wife of seventeen years. Also adoring his wife of sixteen years was Tim as he kept looking at Abby. Every time Jethro looked over to Jennifer, she would shoot back a “come hither” look.
Later I had learned two things. Jethro and Jennifer aren’t married like the others, but they consider themselves to be husband and wife since they have known each other for decades. So by extension Jethro’s team also considers Jethro and Jennifer as a married couple, despite the fact that Jennifer doesn’t wear a wedding band and engagement ring like her younger sister does.
Towards the end of the photo shoot I had asked the team what they like to do when they aren’t at NCIS Headquarters.
Jethro said when he isn’t working he enjoys spending time with his daughter; Kelly; 40, from a previous marriage to Kelly’s mother; Shannon, and he enjoys spending time with Jennifer. Both Tony and Ziva said they love spending time with their twin daughters, Hannah and Leah; 17, as well as spending time with each other. Kate stated that she loves being with her husband and their five children; Benjamin; 13, Jaliyah and Noah; 11, Ashleann and Drew Jr.; 9. Both Abby and Tim said they love spending time with each other and spending time with their newborn twins, Addison and Jacob. Jennifer says that she loves being with Jethro and Kelly, she also stated said that she loves being with Jaylyn, her brother-in-law and her nieces. Jaylyn said that she loves being with Nick and their daughters, Jennifer Delaney; 17, Jayden and Jocelyn, 13. Jimmy stated that he loves being with AJ. Ducky was the last to speak. Ducky said he enjoys being with his significant other, Dr. Jordan Hampton; a fellow medical examiner.
From where I am standing these people are truly a family.
After I had finished reading the articles I looked at the pictures. Both of the group pictures made the cut. The first group picture was adorable; Ducky had been sitting down in a chair, Palmer had been standing besides Ducky. Jen and Jethro had been standing close to each other while Abby was in between them. Kate, Ziva, Tony, McGee and I stood beside each other. The next picture that followed the first group shot was the guys’ shot. Abby, Jen and Ziva loved how handsome McGee, Jethro and Tony looked. Kate and I both thought that Ducky was adorable. AJ thought that Palmer was just as handsome now as he was when she married him sixteen years ago.
After the photo of the men was the photo of me, Kate, Jen, Ziva and Abby. Our significant others were absolutely stunned at how gorgeous we looked in the picture. Everyone loved the two pictures of me and Jen. The first one had been of us leaning up against a wall. Jen was on one side, I was on the other. Our second picture was of the two of us standing back to back as we looked at the camera.
Finally the last picture out of all of them had to be one of my personal favorites. Elyse had given the go ahead for us to be with our significant others. So the last picture was quite a fun picture. Tony had wrapped his arms around Ziva and kissed her. McGee and Palmer followed suit with their respective wives.
Ducky had stood up and gazed adoringly into Jordan’s eyes. Drew and Kate kissed as they danced. Jen and Jethro stood with each other looking in each other eyes with a look that told the other they were just as infatuated with the other as they had been back in Marseilles years ago. As for me and Nick we were just as smitten with each other as we were when we got married seventeen years ago. At the exact same moment Jethro and Nick had decided to pay homage to the 1945 classic picture of the sailor kissing the nurse in Time Square on V - J Day.
That day was a perfect day for all of us. One thing was for certain, none of us would change the events of that day no matter what. There was no need to mess with perfection.
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Acceptance
Kelly stood in the doorway of the bedroom that her father and mother once shared decades ago. She found her father sitting in the chair he had sat in when he created rule 51. Kelly saw her dad holding the box that she knew contained pictures of her from her childhood, pictures of Shannon, pictures of her and Shannon together, then there was his rules; every one of them written down. What had drawn Kelly to the doorway of her parents’ old bedroom was that she heard her father talking to someone. Now Kelly was thinking that he was talking to Jenny since it was only the three of them in the house. But when she got to the doorway of the bedroom and noticed that Jenny wasn’t in the room with her father, she knew who he was talking to.
“Wish you were here, Shannon. Wish you could see how our girl turned out.”
A tear slid down Kelly’s face as she continued to listen.
“We miss you; sometimes it’s not the same without you.”
Tears were flowing freely now for both of them. It was rare to see Jethro shed a tear.
“But the one thing that makes it better is that I see so much of you in Kels. She is just like you in so many ways.”
Kelly had heard all she needed to, that and the fact if she stood there in the doorway listening any longer then Jethro would definitely be able tell she was there. So Kelly left for the kitchen. When she got there she found Jenny pouring coffee for Jethro and herself. Jenny had noticed that there was something wrong with Kelly.
“What’s wrong, Kelly?”
“Its nothing really, just listened to my dad talking to my mom.”
“Oh.” Jenny said with a bit of concern in her voice.
“Jen, I just want you to know that I am fine with you being with my dad. I know you aren’t trying to replace my mom. Just please don’t break his heart.”
“I won’t.”
A few minutes later the Gibbs household was empty. Jen and Jethro left to join the rest of us at the office as Kelly went to her job. By the time Jen and Jethro got to the office things were on the chaotic side. Shane and one of her agents Delilah Werth had come over to cause some issues. As usual Shane had been on her rant them being at the short end of the stick when it came to cases.
Once Jen was out of sight in her office and Jethro had gone down to see Ducky, things got interesting. With all of Shane and Delilah’s venting about how we got the major cases was only because of Jen and Jethro’s relationship had pushed me to my breaking point. I was tired of hearing them bitch and bad mouth my sister. They were even bad mouthing Jethro.
What shocked me the most was that Tony, Ziva, Kate and McGee weren’t defending Jethro while he was with Ducky. Little did I know that the reason why my teammates weren’t defending Jethro, let alone why Ziva wasn’t defending Jen just as I was due to the fact that Jethro had told them to ignore Shane and Delilah since they would attempt to bait us with the fact that Jen was playing favorites, which in their opinion benefitted our team.
Everyone knew at NCIS how things worked with Jethro’s team. The entire building knew that we were all loyal to Jethro and that we would do just about anything he asked. They also knew that Ziva and I served two masters; they knew that we weren’t just loyal to Jethro like the others were, but that we were also fiercely loyal to Jen as well.
“That’s enough; you both need to get the hell out of here.” I said.
“Oh look, Shane; Agent Shepard is defending her sister and Agent Gibbs.” Delilah said.
“Back off bitch.”
“We’ll back off, when you and the rest of the team see what Director Shepard is doing and realize that we were better off when Assistant Director Vance was running the agency.” Shane said.
Without thinking or anything I punched Shane square in the jaw. Within a matter of minutes Shane and I were in a full on fight. Delilah had jumped in shortly afterwards. Just as they had eighteen years ago, Tony and McGee stood behind McGee’s desk as they recorded the fight on McGee’s camera phones. Ziva and Kate wanted to break the fight up, but they decided it would be best to stay out of it.
Before I knew it Jethro was pulling me away from Shane and Delilah.
“DiNozzo, McGee; escort Agent Parker and Agent Werth back to their office while Jaylyn and I go see the Director.”
“On it boss.”
When Jen looked up from her computer, she was kind of surprised to see Jethro and me standing before her.
“What happened now?” Jen asked.
“Your sister got into a fight with Agent Parker and Agent Werth.”
“What the hell got into you, Jay?” Jen asked.
“I was obviously pissed, Jen. Shane and Delilah were at it again. Saying that the only reason why they weren’t getting any of the major cases was because the two of you are involved. They wouldn’t stop badmouthing you guys. I wasn’t going to stand for it.”
“You could have showed a bit of decorum.” Jethro said.
“Ha; you are lecturing me on showing decorum, Jethro. That’s a good one.”
Jethro as usual gave me his stare.
“That doesn’t work on me, Jethro. And before either of you say anything else, I wasn’t gonna stand idly by like the others while Shane and Delilah were verbally bashing the two of you.”
As three of us continued to discuss what had happened in the squad room, Tony and McGee had returned to squad room.
“Damn the Shepard women have some fight in them.” Tony said.
McGee rolled his eyes as he sent a text message to Abby to see how she and the twins were doing.
“Drop it Tony.” Kate said.
While everything was being sorted out at the office with the seven of us, the newest NCIS mom was bonding with her infant daughter and son. Abby was still getting use to having Addie and Jake around. She had gotten so use to having them inside of her, so it was hard for her to have them outside of her womb. When Abby noticed the text message from McGee she had told her son and daughter that their dad was checking up on them. About two minutes after Abby texted McGee back McGee had sent Abby the video he and Tony had taken of the fight. In response Abby sent McGee pictures of Addie and Jake, which McGee showed the entire team once he saved them to his Iphone. It was obvious that McGee was proud father; just as Jethro, Tony, Nick and Drew were.
“Wish you were here, Shannon. Wish you could see how our girl turned out.”
A tear slid down Kelly’s face as she continued to listen.
“We miss you; sometimes it’s not the same without you.”
Tears were flowing freely now for both of them. It was rare to see Jethro shed a tear.
“But the one thing that makes it better is that I see so much of you in Kels. She is just like you in so many ways.”
Kelly had heard all she needed to, that and the fact if she stood there in the doorway listening any longer then Jethro would definitely be able tell she was there. So Kelly left for the kitchen. When she got there she found Jenny pouring coffee for Jethro and herself. Jenny had noticed that there was something wrong with Kelly.
“What’s wrong, Kelly?”
“Its nothing really, just listened to my dad talking to my mom.”
“Oh.” Jenny said with a bit of concern in her voice.
“Jen, I just want you to know that I am fine with you being with my dad. I know you aren’t trying to replace my mom. Just please don’t break his heart.”
“I won’t.”
A few minutes later the Gibbs household was empty. Jen and Jethro left to join the rest of us at the office as Kelly went to her job. By the time Jen and Jethro got to the office things were on the chaotic side. Shane and one of her agents Delilah Werth had come over to cause some issues. As usual Shane had been on her rant them being at the short end of the stick when it came to cases.
Once Jen was out of sight in her office and Jethro had gone down to see Ducky, things got interesting. With all of Shane and Delilah’s venting about how we got the major cases was only because of Jen and Jethro’s relationship had pushed me to my breaking point. I was tired of hearing them bitch and bad mouth my sister. They were even bad mouthing Jethro.
What shocked me the most was that Tony, Ziva, Kate and McGee weren’t defending Jethro while he was with Ducky. Little did I know that the reason why my teammates weren’t defending Jethro, let alone why Ziva wasn’t defending Jen just as I was due to the fact that Jethro had told them to ignore Shane and Delilah since they would attempt to bait us with the fact that Jen was playing favorites, which in their opinion benefitted our team.
Everyone knew at NCIS how things worked with Jethro’s team. The entire building knew that we were all loyal to Jethro and that we would do just about anything he asked. They also knew that Ziva and I served two masters; they knew that we weren’t just loyal to Jethro like the others were, but that we were also fiercely loyal to Jen as well.
“That’s enough; you both need to get the hell out of here.” I said.
“Oh look, Shane; Agent Shepard is defending her sister and Agent Gibbs.” Delilah said.
“Back off bitch.”
“We’ll back off, when you and the rest of the team see what Director Shepard is doing and realize that we were better off when Assistant Director Vance was running the agency.” Shane said.
Without thinking or anything I punched Shane square in the jaw. Within a matter of minutes Shane and I were in a full on fight. Delilah had jumped in shortly afterwards. Just as they had eighteen years ago, Tony and McGee stood behind McGee’s desk as they recorded the fight on McGee’s camera phones. Ziva and Kate wanted to break the fight up, but they decided it would be best to stay out of it.
Before I knew it Jethro was pulling me away from Shane and Delilah.
“DiNozzo, McGee; escort Agent Parker and Agent Werth back to their office while Jaylyn and I go see the Director.”
“On it boss.”
When Jen looked up from her computer, she was kind of surprised to see Jethro and me standing before her.
“What happened now?” Jen asked.
“Your sister got into a fight with Agent Parker and Agent Werth.”
“What the hell got into you, Jay?” Jen asked.
“I was obviously pissed, Jen. Shane and Delilah were at it again. Saying that the only reason why they weren’t getting any of the major cases was because the two of you are involved. They wouldn’t stop badmouthing you guys. I wasn’t going to stand for it.”
“You could have showed a bit of decorum.” Jethro said.
“Ha; you are lecturing me on showing decorum, Jethro. That’s a good one.”
Jethro as usual gave me his stare.
“That doesn’t work on me, Jethro. And before either of you say anything else, I wasn’t gonna stand idly by like the others while Shane and Delilah were verbally bashing the two of you.”
As three of us continued to discuss what had happened in the squad room, Tony and McGee had returned to squad room.
“Damn the Shepard women have some fight in them.” Tony said.
McGee rolled his eyes as he sent a text message to Abby to see how she and the twins were doing.
“Drop it Tony.” Kate said.
While everything was being sorted out at the office with the seven of us, the newest NCIS mom was bonding with her infant daughter and son. Abby was still getting use to having Addie and Jake around. She had gotten so use to having them inside of her, so it was hard for her to have them outside of her womb. When Abby noticed the text message from McGee she had told her son and daughter that their dad was checking up on them. About two minutes after Abby texted McGee back McGee had sent Abby the video he and Tony had taken of the fight. In response Abby sent McGee pictures of Addie and Jake, which McGee showed the entire team once he saved them to his Iphone. It was obvious that McGee was proud father; just as Jethro, Tony, Nick and Drew were.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Parenthood
I had been quite content with where I was, in bed with my husband; sleeping of course. Nick and I had gone to bed an hour after the girls were in bed the night before. I had pulled my hair back after I had changed as Nick pulled his shirt off to reveal his perfectly sculpted abs that I loved with every fiber of my being.
“Okay not fair, babe. You know what your abs do to me, especially when you sleep in just lounge pants.” I said as I got into bed next to him.
“You do the same to me.”
A few seconds later our bedroom lights were off and Nick wrapped his arm around my waist as our bodies molded together under the bedding. We had stayed that way for hours, my back against his chest; his arm around my waist keeping me as close to as humanly possible and our legs intertwined with each other. Before long we had heard incessant pounding on our bedroom door. I knew it was Jayden and Jocelyn on the other side insisting it was time to get up.
“What is that noise?” Nick asked groggily.
“It’s the twins insisting we get up.”
“What time is it?”
“I have no idea; the alarm clock is on your side. You tell me.”
“I forgot how cranky you are in the morning.”
“After being married for this long, you’ve forgotten. That doesn’t surprise me.” I said.
Nick rolled his eyes.
“Oh come on, you’ve worked under my sister for how long and you didn’t see what you were getting yourself into when you met me.”
“I know; Jay, you and Jenny are two peas in a pod. But there is one thing that’s different.”
“What’s that?”
“I’m married to you, not your sister.”
Jayden and Jocelyn were still pounding on our bedroom door.
“What time is it?” I asked.
“Quarter of eight.”
“Guess its time for us to be Mom and Dad.” I said as I got out of bed.
“I guess so, Mrs. Balboa.”
“Hun, we can’t keep them waiting; they want breakfast and one of us has to wake JD.”
“But I wanna play house.” Nick said with that look in his eyes.
“Maybe tonight, now its time for you be a dad; Mr. Balboa.”
Things were just as crazy at Tony and Ziva’s as they were for me and Nick. Unlike Nick and me, Ziva had already been up. Tony was fast asleep, as were Hannah and Leah. Ziva had been up since 6:30am and decided to make breakfast for her husband and daughters. Tony, Hannah and Leah weren’t easy to wake up; but Ziva knew after knowing Tony for twenty-two and being married to him for seventeen of those years that there was only one way to get him out of bed. She also knew there was one way to get him into bed if he wasn’t completely exhausted. Hannah and Leah were just like Tony when it came to getting out of bed.
Ziva knew that the aroma of a homemade breakfast would get her loved ones out of bed. All of our households each had one of those video household phones in the kitchen; much like the one Vance had hooked up in the Director’s office fourteen years ago, which remained there to this day. So like clock work; Jen, Abby, Ziva, Kate and I got in touch with each other on our respective home video phones as we made breakfast for our families. This had become pretty routine for the five us over past few years. Most days we were like the women of Wisteria Lane, other days we were like the girls from Sex and the City.
Like the others, I was able to see all of them on the screen of our kitchen phone. Jen was in the top right corner of the screen, Ziva was in the top left corner next to Jen. Abby was in the bottom right as Kate was in the bottom left. The others could see Jayden and Jocelyn sitting at the counter island eating their cereal and milk.
“You look like you could use a caffeine jolt, Jay.” Jen said to me.
“Hi Aunt Jenny.” Jayden and Jocelyn called from their seats.
“Hi girls, have a good day at school.”
“Where’s JD?” Kate asked.
“Nick is getting her up.”
“Getting her up? She should have been at school an hour ago.” Ziva said.
“Not today, she is able to go in later on Wednesdays since her first class is a study hall.”
“So what’s going on with everyone else?” Kate asked.
“Well I’m still on maternity leave, so I’ll be taking care of Addie and Jake as usual.”
“Abs.” Jen said in a motherly tone.
“I know, Jenny.”
“So what are you doing today, sis? You and Jethro christening his latest boat before heading into the office?”
“God mom, I didn’t need to hear that first thing in the morning.” JD said as she went into the fridge to find something to eat.
“Who said you had to listen in on this conversation?”
“Jay.” Ziva said.
“Thanks, Aunt Ziva; besides I’m not on the phone acting like one of the Desperate Housewives from Wisteria Lane at 8am.”
After that Ziva said that once she and Tony got the girls to school that they would be at the office. Kate said that they were going have Drew’s sisters, brothers and their families come over for an impromptu barbeque. Abby then said that Addison and Jacob’s christening was set for Sunday morning.
“Okay not fair, babe. You know what your abs do to me, especially when you sleep in just lounge pants.” I said as I got into bed next to him.
“You do the same to me.”
A few seconds later our bedroom lights were off and Nick wrapped his arm around my waist as our bodies molded together under the bedding. We had stayed that way for hours, my back against his chest; his arm around my waist keeping me as close to as humanly possible and our legs intertwined with each other. Before long we had heard incessant pounding on our bedroom door. I knew it was Jayden and Jocelyn on the other side insisting it was time to get up.
“What is that noise?” Nick asked groggily.
“It’s the twins insisting we get up.”
“What time is it?”
“I have no idea; the alarm clock is on your side. You tell me.”
“I forgot how cranky you are in the morning.”
“After being married for this long, you’ve forgotten. That doesn’t surprise me.” I said.
Nick rolled his eyes.
“Oh come on, you’ve worked under my sister for how long and you didn’t see what you were getting yourself into when you met me.”
“I know; Jay, you and Jenny are two peas in a pod. But there is one thing that’s different.”
“What’s that?”
“I’m married to you, not your sister.”
Jayden and Jocelyn were still pounding on our bedroom door.
“What time is it?” I asked.
“Quarter of eight.”
“Guess its time for us to be Mom and Dad.” I said as I got out of bed.
“I guess so, Mrs. Balboa.”
“Hun, we can’t keep them waiting; they want breakfast and one of us has to wake JD.”
“But I wanna play house.” Nick said with that look in his eyes.
“Maybe tonight, now its time for you be a dad; Mr. Balboa.”
Things were just as crazy at Tony and Ziva’s as they were for me and Nick. Unlike Nick and me, Ziva had already been up. Tony was fast asleep, as were Hannah and Leah. Ziva had been up since 6:30am and decided to make breakfast for her husband and daughters. Tony, Hannah and Leah weren’t easy to wake up; but Ziva knew after knowing Tony for twenty-two and being married to him for seventeen of those years that there was only one way to get him out of bed. She also knew there was one way to get him into bed if he wasn’t completely exhausted. Hannah and Leah were just like Tony when it came to getting out of bed.
Ziva knew that the aroma of a homemade breakfast would get her loved ones out of bed. All of our households each had one of those video household phones in the kitchen; much like the one Vance had hooked up in the Director’s office fourteen years ago, which remained there to this day. So like clock work; Jen, Abby, Ziva, Kate and I got in touch with each other on our respective home video phones as we made breakfast for our families. This had become pretty routine for the five us over past few years. Most days we were like the women of Wisteria Lane, other days we were like the girls from Sex and the City.
Like the others, I was able to see all of them on the screen of our kitchen phone. Jen was in the top right corner of the screen, Ziva was in the top left corner next to Jen. Abby was in the bottom right as Kate was in the bottom left. The others could see Jayden and Jocelyn sitting at the counter island eating their cereal and milk.
“You look like you could use a caffeine jolt, Jay.” Jen said to me.
“Hi Aunt Jenny.” Jayden and Jocelyn called from their seats.
“Hi girls, have a good day at school.”
“Where’s JD?” Kate asked.
“Nick is getting her up.”
“Getting her up? She should have been at school an hour ago.” Ziva said.
“Not today, she is able to go in later on Wednesdays since her first class is a study hall.”
“So what’s going on with everyone else?” Kate asked.
“Well I’m still on maternity leave, so I’ll be taking care of Addie and Jake as usual.”
“Abs.” Jen said in a motherly tone.
“I know, Jenny.”
“So what are you doing today, sis? You and Jethro christening his latest boat before heading into the office?”
“God mom, I didn’t need to hear that first thing in the morning.” JD said as she went into the fridge to find something to eat.
“Who said you had to listen in on this conversation?”
“Jay.” Ziva said.
“Thanks, Aunt Ziva; besides I’m not on the phone acting like one of the Desperate Housewives from Wisteria Lane at 8am.”
After that Ziva said that once she and Tony got the girls to school that they would be at the office. Kate said that they were going have Drew’s sisters, brothers and their families come over for an impromptu barbeque. Abby then said that Addison and Jacob’s christening was set for Sunday morning.
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