Adios

Fifteen year old Anthony Gibbs followed his dad to the gate leading to airport security at Dulles Airport. At that point Jethro Gibbs, Tony's dad, would have to remain because he was not a passenger that day, but Tony would continue through security and to await his departure for Mexico at the appointed gate. His father pulled him to the side to give him last minute instructions.

Tony set down his carry on bags and faced his father. He had finally had enough of a growth spurt that he was just a few inches shorter than his dad, and the doctor had assured him that his final height would be around six feet. He just had to tilt his head up a little bit now to meet his father's gaze, and he did so, noting his father's serious expression. This meant he was in for a long list of instructions.

"Remember to give Abuela the money in that card I sent, the one with her name on it. Do that as soon as you get there. I don't want to get down there and find out you misplaced it."

Tony nodded and replied, "I got it, Dad."

Jethro continued, "I'll be there next week, and tell Maria I have gotten almost everything on the list she sent. I actually think I can make a run to the store this afternoon."

"I'll tell her, Dad. Can I go now?"

"No, I'm not finished. Make sure that you behave and do what Maria tells..."

"Dad, I know! I've been obeying Abuela all my life now!" Tony interrupted impatiently, reaching down to grasp his bag. Sometimes his dad could be so annoying.

Gibbs narrowed his gaze into an icy blue glare, firmly grabbed Tony's upper arm with one hand and his chin with the other and ordered, sotto voice, "If you don't lose that attitude right now, Anthony, you and I are going to be taking a trip all the way back to the car, where I can assure you- actually I promise you- that you will lose it there. I can also promise you that it will be miserable flying to Mexico when you've just gotten a spanking and your rear end is throbbing and uncomfortable. Am I clear, Son?"

Tony responded with an automatic pout, but while allowing his lower lip to creep out he answered quickly, "Yes, sir, I'm sorry, and we don't have to go to the car. I wasn't trying to get an attitude."

"As I was saying," Gibbs continued, "You know to obey Maria, and I am telling you that I don't want you going anywhere without adults present. Ok?"

Tony nodded his agreement, then realized his dad wanted a verbal response. "I got it, Dad. I know how to act, and I would never do anything to upset Abuela. Besides, I'm fifteen now, not six, so I am more mature. You don't have to keep worrying all the time that I'll do stupid stuff."

Maria Osirio, or Abuela, had been part of the Gibbs family since Tony was a toddler. She had worked as a housekeeper and had seen them through the deaths of Shannon and Kelly, Tony's mother and sister, when Tony was a pre schooler. Her devotion was legend, and it wasn't until Tony began high school that she had deemed him old enough to not need her direct, daily supervision.

She had retired to the house on the outskirts of Campeche, Mexico, that Jethro Gibbs had bought some time before, but in which she now lived year round. Jethro and Tony came to Mexico during the year, and Tony was leaving today for a two week summer visit.

"Do you have your money?" Jethro asked.

"Yes sir, right here." Tony patted his front pocket.

"Passport?" He questioned, raising his eyebrows.

"Right here," Tony patted the other pocket, "I'll be ok, Dad. If anything happens I know who to call and what to do. I'll be ok on the flight."

"All right." Jethro turned Tony loose and added, "but you go straight to the gate and wait for boarding. Don't go to one of those stores to look at clothes, or one of those other places to play games. I'm serious."

"Got it, Dad. May I say something?" Tony looked up and gave his dad a brilliant smile.

"Yes, but it better relate to this topic," his father spoke.

"It does."

"Ok, tell me, then."

"I just wanted to say that I love you, Dad, and that I'm glad that you are going to be coming down next week. Also, I want you to take care of yourself while I'm not here in DC." Tony reached over and embraced his parent.

Gibbs smiled and kissed him on the head in response, then raised his hand and popped Tony on the back of the head.

"Hey!" Tony sputtered, stepping back so his dad couldn't connect again. "What was that for?"

Laughing, Gibbs turned Tony towards the gate. "That's for lolly gagging and not getting to your gate. Go! I love you."

Tony gathered his bags and joined the queue, then turned back. "I love you, too, Dad." He grinned his trademark dazzling smile and Gibbs watched him disappear into the crowd.