CJ's junior year of high school was eventful. Not the kind of eventful one wishes for. After first semester exams Avery's trial took center stage. And what a stage it was. The prosecutor painted a picture of a deranged, careless monster out for blood just for kicks. The defense was inadequate to say the least. Avery was found guilty quickly. It was at sentencing that the true story was finally able to be heard; a kid who is wrought with guilt and shame because his bad choice had such disastrous effects. Each of Avery's friends took the stand as a character witness. They each explained in their own words how Avery was a funny guy and that really in a group of eight he wasn't the loudest or most outgoing. He would never try to hurt someone. His choice was one he would change in a heartbeat if given an opportunity.

Even Tony took the stand as a character witness. He felt that over the past three years he had come to know CJ's friends. The cop in him was satisfied with the guilty verdict as Avery had made choices that had killed 2 people. The parent in him didn't want to see a 17 year old sent to jail for it. In the end Avery was sentenced to 30 days in jail and 5 years probation. Everyone shook their head. 30 days, to prove a point? But there was nothing else left to do.

The rest of the semester flew by in a haze as they went to class, came home, did homework, gathered each Saturday night in the living room of the DiNozzo house and started it all over again the next week. No pranks were pulled, no stunts devised, the gang looked like a set of robots going through the preprogrammed routines. The seniors in the group went to prom when the spring came more because it was the thing to do then because they were looking forward to it.

And then came graduation. CJ, Steven and Ainsley were going to be left behind at the end of this year. Graduating high school is supposed to be a happy occasion but to 'the gang' it was another event that meant they would no longer be together. This point was highlighted at the ceremony when awards were handed out. Ashley's family had donated money for a scholarship for the graduating student who was continuing their education in languages and was ranked highest in those subjects. Because it was the first time the award was granted and it was the year they had lost Ashley there was more pomp and circumstance in the explaining of the award and the handing it off to its recipient. Tears flowed freely from all members of "the gang" as Drew one of their own ranks was handed the small statue and envelope of money.

Summer was finally here. The sun shone brightly and it was CJ's hope that the warm weather would burn away the cold and frozen feeling she had been left with after her school year. Steven and CJ spent the first week on their bikes along trails, eating picnic lunches and being as care free as one can be. By Saturday both were tanned and smiling while they ate dinner with Tony and Ziva Friday night. It was at this dinner that Tony broached the subject of a summer internship.

"CJ, the agency is allowing senior year high school students to do summer internships at headquarters."

"Really?" CJ asked out of politeness rather than interest.

"Ya, I brought home an application for you" he said quietly.

"What? Why would I want to work at the agency? I am not you and mom you know?" her voice taking on a certain shrillness.

"I know that. It's not like by taking a summer job you will have to work there forever. I just thought you might want to start to put together some money for going to college."

CJ looked to her father and then her boyfriend. Steven knowing what both of them could be like kept his head down and his mouth shut. He wanted no part of this conversation. He smiled inwardly knowing that Mr. DiNozzo had brought this up with him there thinking CJ would stay calmer. Steven knew better.

The conversation ended abruptly when CJ stormed off to the living room physically dragging Steven with her. She threw in a DVD cuddled into Steven on the couch and gave her best Gibbs glare when Tony tried to enter the room. Realizing he wasn't going to get anywhere tonight Tony gave up and went to help his wife clean up the kitchen.

'The gang' had decided that they would continue to gather on Saturday evenings for as long as possible on so the next evening found them kneeling around the coffee table playing cards, drinking soda's and eating chips. The conversation turned to summer plans. Almost everyone was getting or already had a job of some description. Everyone except CJ. Steven had started working for a local landscaper on the weekends throughout the spring and had been offered odd jobs throughout the summer as well. When CJ told the group that her father wanted her to do and internship at the agency they were all very excited. Confused CJ asked "What's so exciting about that?… it's not like I'm going to get to go to crime scenes and carry a gun ... you know!"

"No… you won't… but you will have access to federal computers… excellent equipment designed to assist in undercover operations…" Owen explained with a Cheshire cat grin on his face.

"And I care because…." CJ sarcastically responded.

"Because we all want… no need… fake id's for next year… we are headed off to college and might need a little help entering certain… establishments…" Owen waited as dawning crossed CJ's face.

"OH" nodding her understanding.

"But all interns do is like photocopying and running errands and stuff" CJ complained.

"Ya, but I'm sure you'll have time to talk to Abby and be in her lab… and you'll probably get different jobs because your entire family works there." This time it was Drew who offered the advice.

By the end of the evening all were in agreement that CJ would take the job and at some point try and manufacture id's for each and every one of them. At the end of the summer they would head out to a night club to "test" their wares and celebrate 'the gang' before all heading off in all directions for school in the fall.