She looked around to make sure she had everything she needed and sighed deeply. This wasn't any easy decision but she had to do it, after everything that happened. Ziva closed the box and turned around. But no one was standing behind her. The bullpen was empty. It was late and people needed to go home, didn't they?
She grabbed her purse and headed towards Abby's lap.
"Ziva", Abby greeted her happily.
Abby quickly switched from happiness to concern.
"What's wrong?"
Once again Ziva sighed.
"There is something I need to tell you"
Abby's eye widened.
"I'm leaving", Ziva answered quickly.
Abby's eyes started to tear up and a hand pressed agains her mouth.
"Why?"
Ziva looked down.
"I can't stay after everything that happened"
"But.."
"But what, Abby?"
"What about you and Tony?"
"Somehow we will work it out", Ziva mumbled.
-Liar, liar, liar, LIAR, as if!- the voice inside her head yelled.
Arms wrapped around her body and she could feel Abby's tears run down on her neck.
"Shh", Ziva whispered and rubbed Abby's back.
"You can't leave us, leave me", Abby cried.
"I'm so sorry, Abs"
"You can't leave, please don't leave me"
Ziva's grip tightened. After Abby's tears had died down Ziva put both hands on each side of Abby's face.
"We are going to stay in contact, I promise"
"Really?", Abby asked and wiped away the tear that had snicked its way out of the corner of her eye.
Ziva nodded. After a few more minutes which felt like hours, it was time to say goodbye.
"I love you, little lotus blossom", Ziva said and tried to smile.
"Call me as soon as you are safe okay?"
Ziva nodded and walked out of Abby's lap before turning around for the last time, memorizing every inch of the lab. Stepping onto the elevator she hit the button to the first floor but immediately switched the emergency flip. A few tears rolled down her cheeks but she wipped them away almost immediately. She couldn't allow herself to cry in the elevator, not when the most hurtful goodbye was still on her list.
