Chapter 1
I did not want to leave, but there were no options. Parsons had complicated things enough for Gibbs and the rest of the team. I shouldn´t killed Ilan Bodnar, but I had to. He killed my father… Gibbs more than anyone understands, but my actions had consequences that affect all my friends…
Besides I was stupid enough to slept with Alex, that complicates a lot my "relationship" with Tony. He was so sweet, that he even forgave me for it, but something had changed between us, we haven´t talk in weeks and now that I´m leaving… He would never know. I definitely screw things up.
Last week I got a call from Orli that woman has no limits. She offered me a job at Mossad. She wants me to be a sort of international operations manager. I was not sure what does that mean but she was offering me an out and I have no attachments to the U.S., so I take her offer and I´m supposed to fly to Israel within two days.
I packed all the furniture of my apartment and put them on storage in case things don´t worked out, I will love to return to D.C. None of my former co-workers were aware about my trip, and that way was better. I will see them for the last time tomorrow night, my last day in American soil.
I arrived to the bar early so I started with two shots of tequila. Ducky as usual on time, came second, and then Abby, McGee, Gibbs, Palmer and Breena. There were no signs of Tony and I become a little impatient. I want to see him before living tomorrow, but apparently that was not an option.
"McGee, do you know where is Tony?" I asked.
"I talked to him early and apparently he was ill. So he was not sure if he can come over" He said.
"Oh! Anything serious? About that time the tequila was the one who was speaking.
"I don´t think so, he ate something yesterday…"
"Well then. I hope Tony will feel better tomorrow. I will like to invite you over to my home to celebrate my birthday." Ducky said smiling. Damn it, I just forgot it.
"That will be awesome, Ducky" a cheerful Abby almost yelled.
"We´ll be there" Palmer confirmed.
"McGee, Gibbs and I are in" Abby said.
"Ziva?" This time was Gibbs who questioned me. I can´t go, I have an early flight. He was staring at me with that deeply eyes of his. I felt like he was trying to read my mind.
"I´m sorry, Ducky, but as much I love to celebrate your birthday I can´t go. I´m leaving tomorrow to Israel"
"Why are you leaving? You have nothing to do over there" Gibbs told me.
"I have some business to attend." But this explanation was not good enough for him.
"When are you coming back?" Palmer asked.
"I´m not coming back" I said decided, and all their jaws dropped down.
"So you were not going to tell us that you leave tomorrow?" Abby screamed at me.
"No. I wasn´t. I jeopardized my and your careers, and I just can´t do this anymore. I already made my decision and there´s nothing that you can do or say." Tears start dropping down my cheeks.
"But my dear, you have nothing there. Your place it´s here with us, your family" Ducky said so tenderly.
"You will always be my family and I love you guys, but because of my actions McGee, Gibbs and Tony have no job and I just can´t… I promise I come to visit…"
"Everything will be ok. We just have to wait. Please, Ziva." Abby pleaded.
"I have to go, I´m sorry. Please try to understand." I begged them.
Gibbs gave me an apprehensive look but didn´t say anything else.
We finished our night and I had the chance to say goodbye to my love ones.
"Zivers, promise me that you will take care of yourself, and if you ever need anything whatever it is you will call me" That man had become my father in the last eight years… He looked me in the eyes and his features soften.
"I promise." And I hugged him.
I went home heartbroken. I cried until I fall sleep. I woke early, outside still dark. I can only think of Tony. I was hoping for him to call, but nothing happened, and I started crying again as a child. I feel hopeless, loveless… I gave my apartment a last glance trying to capture every little detail in my memory. I waited for the elevator in the empty corridor. And finally when the doors open there he was, Anthony Dinozzo with his characteristic grin waiting for me in the elevator.