DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN NCIS OR ANY OF ITS CHARACTERS

Call to My Heart: A Sequel to Lock on My Heart, a Tim and Linda story

Ch 1

Tim awoke in the morning still foggy with sleep. As he stretched and rubbed his hands over his face, flashes of memories of the previous night's party replayed in his mind. A smile spread across his face as he pictured Linda and recalled the feel of her lips on his.

He held his doubts at bay, believing she was certain to call. If not today, tomorrow for sure. He didn't think he could bear to face her Monday at school, not to mention everyone else, if she didn't. Years of being laughed at echoed in the back of his mind.

'This time is different,' he psyched himself.

Getting out of bed a bit of trepidation slowing his movements, he urged the positive thoughts to overrule the negative.

'This is going to be the longest day of my life,' he mumbled inwardly making his way to the shower.

Freshly showered and dressed in his favorite green polo shirt and black chinos, Tim entered the kitchen. He gave his mom a kiss good morning and sat down to eat the blueberry pancakes she had made.

"Special occasion?" he asked slicing his fork through a short stack.

His mom smiled gently saying, "No, just felt like making them. I know they're your favorite." She tousled his hair which made him blush as he rolled his eyes.

"Thanks I appreciate them," he took a generous mouthful, but was careful not to make a mess of himself.

"I know," she said softly, turning to prepare a plate for Sarah who sat in her chair waiting patiently. Tim smiled at his little sister and shared a small bite off his plate to tide her over.

His mother shook her head, but didn't say anything. Proud that he was taking his role as big brother so naturally. She could really only smile at his willingness to make Sarah happy. She then thought of that girl he met last night and what impact it would have on Tim's relationships with his family.

"So do you have any plans for today?" she asked him placing Sarah's plate on the table.

"Not really," he shrugged, secretly hoping that Linda would call and they could maybe make some plans.

She nodded unsure whether to broach the subject of the young lady he was no doubt anticipating a call from. Deciding to let Tim lead the way for that discussion she let it go and sat to enjoy her own breakfast.

When he finished Tim offered to wash the dishes, but his mother waved him off, "You go do whatever you like. I've got them. Sarah will help, won't you dear?" she patted Sarah's head.

"Sure Mommy," she answered happy to spend time with her mom.

"Your father will be late this evening so we'll be eating dinner around seven," his mom out to him as he exited the kitchen.

"Okay, I'll be I'm home," Tim promised, even though he had no plans to go out. Just then the phone rang and his heart skipped a beat, "I'll answer that," he called out.

He picked up the line in the living room, "Hello McGee residence."

"Hey Tim!"

"Oh, hey Derek," Tim replied a note of disappointment in his voice.

"She didn't call yet?" Derek asked.

"No, but it's only nine AM," Tim defended.

"Right. Do you really think she will?" Derek was working himself up.

"I only know that she said she would. I'm inclined to believe her," Tim answered.

His friend wanted more details, "Why? What happened last night?"

Tim chuckled, "I'm not saying Der."

"Ugh!" he groaned. "You know if you don't tell me, I'll probably think you're making it all up or you did more than you're willing to admit to!"

"Derek," Tim warned, "Don't go there. Linda is a nice girl and I won't have you spreading any rumors."

"Sorry," Derek apologized. "I just know that something happened. It's not fair you won't share. I told you about Mandy and me," he bargained.

"Geesh Der. First off, you bragged about Mandy and only because you were going to be pummeled by her boyfriend. Second whatever may have happened between Linda and me is personal," Tim explained.

"Personal! Whatever!" Derek scoffed. He knew he wasn't getting any details. "So how about we head over to the mall? I want to check out some of the new programs available to upgrade my system."

"I don't know," Tim wavered. He wanted to go, but hated the thought of missing Linda's call.

Sensing his friend's dilemma, Derek admonished, "Look you are NOT waiting by the phone all day. If she calls while you're out your mom will get the number and you can call her back."

Knowing his friend was right and that waiting at home would be torturous, he agreed on the trip to the mall.

"Great I'll pick you up in fifteen," Derek hung up before Tim could change his mind.