Morgan Gets a Girl!

Chapter 1 - part 1

SSA Morgan, the single ladies man of the BAU, arrived at his desk to find a message to contact social services in Chicago. Absolutely baffled as to what this could possibly be about he called the number. He was notified that a second cousin of his had been found dead. What awful news.

This cousin was one of his closest when he was growing up, but when he went to college this cousin got mixed up in some street stuff that unfortunately caused him to stray away from his family. It always bothered Derek that he could not pull this cousin out of that mess. In any case, he did not know that the cousin had a 10 year old daughter that he was trying to raise while still battling his demons. Social services found that his cousin had purchased a life insurance policy when the baby was born and listed Derek as the beneficiary. Who knew? They needed someone to take the child. Honored, saddened, and frightened all at the same time, Derek went to Chicago to figure out the situation. Before he left, however, he told the unit that he didn't know the details and how this would work out, but he would be in touch. They collectively gave him their support and he was off.

When he arrived in Chicago, he met his cousin's child. Boy, she looked like a chip off the old block. Her name was Tiffany and she was a pretty little girl. She had a little bit of attitude though and Derek wasn't quite sure what to make of it. He figured that because she had been temporarily in the system with a foster family and she was grieving her father's death, he would let this slide. He would have to see how that plays out.

The case worker talked with him to try to catch him up on her history. Her mother is not in the picture and her mother's family cannot be located. Tiffany does not even remember her mother. She moved from one small apartment to another with her dad because he would get evicted, therefore she changed schools quite frequently. She doesn't really have any friends as a result. She has been essentially raising her self and taking care of her dad. Her dad died of a drug overdose and was found after she called and said he had not been home for 2 days.

Derek was a little overwhelmed by the child's circumstances but he felt compelled to take care of his cousin's child. It seemed like the right thing to do. He knew he was going to do this and THIS was huge. He would figure out to make this work eventually. He knew that he could offer her a much better home life than she had. He couldn't stand to think that this little girl's child hood was being stolen from her. He decided to take her out to lunch to get to know her and to get a feel for what she understands of the situation.

At the café, Derek asks Tiffany, "So Tiffany, how are you feeling?"

"I feel pretty bad. Duh?? I mean my daddy died and now everybody wants to know how I feel."

"Ok, that might have been a bad question, but I really do want to know how you're doing. I know I just met you, but your dad and I were really close at one time. I loved him like a brother but…" She cut him off.

"So where have you been? I never heard him talk about you."

"Well sometimes people grow apart and that's kind of what happened with us. Your dad knew that I would be there for him if he needed me, but I never knew how to contact him." He didn't want to tell her that her dad was cracked out and resisted any and all help that anybody tried to offer him. If she didn't know what exactly caused her dad's death, he certainly didn't want to tell her now and possibly ruin her image of her dad. "That is really lame," she said very snidely. "I know but it's the truth," he replied. Derek tried to laugh this off, but Tiffany's attitude was really becoming irritating. It just wasn't necessary. He decided to change the subject. "The menu looks good. See anything you like, baby girl?" Without looking up from the menu, she replied, "I'm not a baby and I'm not your girl." Whoa! At this point, Derek was both annoyed and a bit upset. He doesn't really like attitude like that coming from adults let alone a 10 year old girl. She needed to be reminded that despite how her life has been, she is in fact a 10 year old girl. "Tiffany," he said sternly, " you can drop the attitude." She smacked her lips, folded her arms across her chest, and settled into her seat. "I'd like for you to do it now." She unfolded her arms and shifted in her seat. "I am trying to get to know you because, like it or not, I am going to take care of you from here on out. I am very sorry that your dad and my cousin died, really sorry. I'm sorry that I was not in your life and your dad's life earlier. I'm also sorry that you had to grow up so fast. I'm sorry if I have offended you with my term of endearment. But I am here now to take care of you and to make sure that you are safe. So now, Tiffany, now that we got that out of the way, what looks good to you?"

At that point, she just burst out in tears. Derek came around and sat beside her in the booth. He put his arm around her shoulders and tried to pull her to him. At first she resisted, but he continued to gently pull her to him, and after a few seconds, she finally relented. She fell into his chest and cried. He cooed to her, "that's right, get it out, baby girl (he couldn't help himself)." She sobbed for about 10 minutes never saying anything. Derek just continued to hold her and rock her. When her crying slowed and she wiped her face, he asked her, "are you ready for some lunch?" "Yeah, I think so Uncle Derek. Can I call you Uncle Derek?" He smiled at her and said, " of course you can call me Uncle Derek. Can I call you baby girl?" "I guess so if you don't call me that too much. I'm not a…" " I know, a little girl", he teased.

During lunch, they each talked about their lives. Derek told her about his life in the BAU and how close they all were in the unit. He also told her about the fact that he traveled for work periodically but not to worry because until he had her settled in, he would be home with her. She told him about how she kept changing schools and her lack of friends. She talked about how wished she knew her mom and how she wanted a mom. " Uncle Derek, are you married?" He chuckled. "Hmm, no not yet. No kids, either. You will be my first." She looked a little sad. He reassured her, " I know some women who would be happy to help you with mom things." She looked a little more comforted. He told her everything would be just fine.

She went to her school to say her good byes. They packed up her things that she wanted to take with her to DC. They settled up her father's affairs and had a private memorial. They headed out to DC.

When they got to Derek's place, there was a surprise waiting for her. Her bedroom had already been done up in her favorite colors – pink, navy blue, and white. It was her dream room. She even had a computer and all kinds of girl books on the book shelf. She had a book bag and a closet full of clothes. Really cool clothes. She looked at it and just cried tears of joy. She had never had a bedroom like this before. "Uncle Derek, I love it. How did you do this?" She looked at the clothes in the closet and they were her size. She was amazed. "How did you do this, Uncle Derek?" "Remember those women that I told you about? They are my friends from work, Emily, Penelope, and JJ. I called them and told them about you and they wanted to do this for you. They want you to start off here with your own bed to sleep in. This is yours. You can change it how you like. Just keep it clean, ok?" She hugged him so tight and he loved it. He had already fallen for her and knew she was a sweet girl who just acted tough because she had to. He was going to protect her and give her the childhood that she deserved and was her right.

"Ok," he said, "let me show you around the place so you will know where everything is. This is your home too now, so you don't need to ask for anything here. It's yours too now. " He showed her how to work the electronics and showed her around. He gave her the address and phone number and told her to memorize it. He told her it was time for bed. She protested, " but it's only 9:30." "I know and it's time for bed," he told her. "Wow, this is going to suck!" she said. "Suck or not, time for bed, you. You remember where the towels and things are and there are pj's and stuff in your room. Now go ahead and shower and get to bed." "Are you serious? This is ridiculous," she said. Derek turned serious and said, " We need to get a couple of things straightened out. First, you need to do what you are told to do. There will be rules and you will need to follow them. Some things are not up for discussion, most things aren't. Your bed time is not negotiable. It is not too early and that is what's normal for a child your age and actually earlier would be ideal. We can talk about all this tomorrow, but for now, I need you to go do what I've asked you to do. I will be up to tuck you in a little later." "Tuck me in? Wow, I'm not a little kid." " I know you're not a little kid, but I'm coming anyway. No stop stalling and go get ready for bed." She stomped off up the stairs mumbling something about not being a little kid, how unbelievable it was to have a bed time, and how much now she thinks it's going to suck here. Derek just laughed and thought to himself how much of a challenge he was going to have on his hands. When he went upstairs about a half hour later to check on Tiffany, she was in the bed, sleep – snoring. He kissed her on her forehead and said "sleep tight, baby girl."

part 2

The next morning, Derek let her sleep in. He started breakfast for her. He fixed her pancakes and sausage. He went to wake her. "Hey sleepy head, rise and shine." She turned over groggily and said "Now?" " Uh huh, now. Go wash your face and come down for breakfast." She grunted but got moving. She came downstairs. She said, "Wow, this smells good." He said, "Tastes good, too." As they were eating he told her they had a lot to do today. They had to interview some nannies that the girls from the BAU had prescreened for him. She was a little disappointed that he was a getting a nanny but he explained again about the traveling and how she would need consistency. She wondered aloud why he just didn't get married. All he could do was laugh at that. They also had to go find thank you gifts for the girls for the great bed room. Finally, they had to get things together for a little party that night. Everybody wanted to meet Tiffany. She never had a party before and was actually getting excited. "Will there be any kids here?" she asked. "None your age. JJ will bring her baby and Hoch will bring Jack who is a little man." That brought her down just a little bit, but he reminded her that she would start school on Monday and would make lots of friends her age.

The interview of the nannies went well and he settled on a lovely woman named Ms. Claire. She was a youngish grandmother in her late 50's who retired from the school system but loved working with kids. Derek thought she would be perfect for Tiffany and for him. Her job would consist mainly of after school care and overnight stays when he had to go out of town. They would do a trial run this week while he still had time off. He was excited because she could help Tiffany with her homework. She also said she would be willing to fix dinner for them and fix lunches. She even offered mornings, but he said he could handle that unless he was away of course. As much as Tiffany thought she didn't need a nanny, she liked the idea of Ms. Claire and was drawn to her. She thought she was warm and welcoming. There was something about her that made her trust her almost instantly. This part was going to be alright. She still didn't like the idea of a bed time. She hoped that maybe Ms. Claire would give her a break on that. She was sure she would get an opportunity soon.

They went to the mall to pick up gifts for the BAU ladies. But she didn't know what to get especially since she didn't know them. Derek suggested that they check out a gift shop that had cards and gifts. She got cards and decided to get them really pretty small frames that she could put pictures of them with her in. She figured she could take a picture with them when they came over and print it and put in the frames before they left. Derek loved the idea and they were satisfied. They had to make one more stop before they left the mall. He decided that he wanted to get her a cell phone so that she could get in touch with him whenever she needed. She was so excited because she always wanted a phone but never had one. "Uncle Derek, are you serious?!?!," she asked excitedly. "Of course I am. I need you to feel like you can get in touch with me at any time. Send a text message or something. You need to know that I'm never too busy for you. You are the most important person to me. I love you, you're my baby girl now, and you are my priority." She was about to burst inside because she knew he meant it.

Everybody came over for the party and they had a great time. She got to meet the "BAU girls" that fixed her room for her. She expressed how grateful she was and how much she loved it. She gave them the thank you cards and asked if she could get a picture with them. They eagerly agreed to do it. Derek took the picture for her. She disappeared to print the picture with his help and fixed the frames. When she gave the frames to them, they loved it. She made one for herself to put in her room. She told them they were her first friends in DC. She played with JJ's baby and with Jack. The adults had a good time. Hoch and Jack left first because he needed to get to bed. JJ and her baby left next, but the baby was fast asleep. It was 9:00 and Derek asked Tiffany, "Tiff do you know what time it is?" She thought to herself that he was ruining a good time. She didn't want to miss any of the fun. She loved the BAU team. She thought Reid was hilarious because he seemed so nervous and he knew so much stuff. She thought Penelope was strange but she was very nice. Rossi was just a nice man. But her favorite was Prentiss. She didn't know why, but she was. She didn't want to leave. "Tiff? Time?" "Ugh. Bedtime. But it's a half hour early. And on Saturday?" Derek just shook his head and just thought this girl was going to be a handful. He replied, "if you start now, you will be done by 9:30 which is your bedtime. Everyday." Fine, she thought. "Ok everybody, it was good to meet all of you. Good night." Everybody bid her good night.

She showered and by the time she got out, everybody was gone already. Derek came up to bid here good night and kissed her forehead. She loved it and felt very loved, but then she started to cry. "What's wrong," Derek asked. "I miss my dad. I have so much now and he didn't have anything." His heart broke for her. "Your dad did the best he could given his circumstances. He gave you the best he could which was his love. The fact that you miss him, means that he did something right. It's okay for you to miss him and even to cry. But don't feel bad about being more comfortable. Okay?" "Okay." She tried to dry her tears but they kept coming. "Do you want me to stay with you?" "Yes." He laid on the bed with her and stroked her hair and wiped her tears until she fell asleep. He cleaned up downstairs and when he finally got to bed, he shed tears for his cousin too and vowed to take of his princess.

part 3

Sunday was a wonderful day. They watched movies, bought some school supplies including a new pink backpack. She got herself psyched up to go to yet another school. But if all went well she would be in this one until she was ready for high school. Also Ms. Claire was going to start working with them. She just looked like she could give good hugs. She needed that.

Monday they went to register at the academy not too far from the house. She was given the orientation and uniform. This school was somewhat exclusive but not too haughty. She was introduced to her class. She told them that she was from Chicago and that she was living with her uncle after her father's death. Lots of people offered her assistance to help her find stuff and get oriented. The day went fine. Derek and Ms. Claire were there to pick her up. She did her homework, ate dinner (which was delicious!) and hung out with her Uncle Derek. They got into a pretty regular routine and life was good.

It wasn't long before Derek had to get back to work. Thankfully his first case was local and he didn't have to go away. Life was still good. Then he had an away case. That's when things got a little wonky. Before he left, he sat down with Tiffany to reiterate the rules. Bedtime at 9:30, homework as soon as she gets home, and be respectful and obedient of Ms. Claire. Not too hard. It seemed.

Tiffany had become friends with two girls that were from her neighborhood. Strangely enough, these 2 girls were so very different it was hard to believe they were friends. Amber was very shy, quiet, and super smart. Brittany was boisterous, very outgoing, very smart even though she tried to hide it. These two did have in common that they were very mischievous. They pulled pranks on their classmates and to date, they had not been caught. Three weeks into her stay at her new school, she had a substitute teacher. This is when Amber and Brittany decided to show what they were really made of. They pulled prank after prank on the teacher. The last one is where it got sticky. The girls were laughing so hard that the sub just knew it had to be them. When she approached them, they stuck together. Tiff was not breaking rank because she didn't want to lose her friends. Some of the stuff was funny but not all of it. When the teacher questioned them, she just didn't answer instead of lying or telling on her friends. The sub sent them to the principal's office. The principal stated that if they did not start talking they would be suspended. Well, they didn't talk, so….

When Tiffany got home, Ms. Claire did her usual questions. "How was school? Did you learn anything new today? How are your friends?" Usually Tiffany was very upbeat about the whole thing but today, she had very short answers. "It was okay. Yeah. They're ok." Ms. Claire thought that was weird. She realized that there was a phone call missed earlier and she checked the message. It was the school stating that Tiffany had been suspended for 2 days for insubordination. The message also said that a call was being place to Derek's cell phone. Right around that time, Derek called to say that they were on their way back from their last job. He asked if Tiffany had said anything about being suspended. Ms. Claire told him that in fact she had not. He said don't mention anything about it. He will deal with Tiffany in the morning. Tiffany did her homework, ate dinner, and went to bed without a fuss.

Next morning, Derek woke Tiffany up at the normal time. She got ready for school like she normally did. They left for school after she ate breakfast. When she got ready to get out of the car, Derek asked her where she was going. She said, "to school." He then asked her, "why would you do that when you have been suspended for two days?" Her face dropped. Tears welled up. "Why are you crying, Tiffany? Did you forget to tell me something? Answer me." She couldn't answer. What could she say? She was so busted. "Tiffany, look at me when I'm talking to you." She couldn't. "Close the door. We will talk when we get home." Tiffany cried the entire way home. Derek told her to save her tears. She would need them later.

When they got home, Derek asked for the letter from the school that he was going to need to sign for her to return. She got the letter and gave it to him. He told her to sit down across from him at the kitchen table. The questions came quickly and she found them hard to answer. "What did you guys do yesterday to the sub? Why didn't you just explain what happened? Why didn't you speak up and say that you had been suspended? What were you going to do today had I left you at school?" That last question was the one that pushed Derek over the edge. The plan was that they would go to Amber's house because her folks were at work during the day. " And how were you going to get the paper signed to go back to school?" She admitted that she had not thought about that. He started to get loud and told her, "That was the problem with this whole thing. You did not think. You were so concerned about your friends that you did not think about how this was going to turn out. You did not think that getting suspended would be a problem, but now that is on your school record. You did not think about what would happen when I found out that you were suspended for something so trivial. And the thing that bothers me the most is that, sure you guys thought you had a plan to deal with suspension by going over Amber's house, but what if something happened while you guys were there and every body is thinking that you guys are in school. What about that??!!!" Tiffany was crying again. She did not think about all of that. "Go to your room."

When she got to her room she had the feeling that he was not through with her. She had never been punished before. She became nervous and started crying again. When Derek came up 15 minutes later she was still crying. He tried to not be affected by her crying. He had to deal with her. He sat her down and told her, " What you have done over the last couple of days has been absolutely unacceptable." She tried to look away. He said, "look at me. The deceit and the poor judgement – not acceptable. This time is going to be the last time you ever pull anything like this again. You understand me?" "yes." He then stood up and began to unbuckle his belt. Tiffany looked terrified. "You're going to whip me?" "Yes, I am." She started crying loudly. It hurt him to do this, but he had to teach her a lesson. He did not want anything like this to happen again. He told her to turn over on the bed on her stomach. She moved slowly into position. He told her that she was to stay in that position. If she turned over or got off the bed, he would start over. He brought the belt down on her bottom (she still had on her pants from her uniform) and she jumped but did not turn over.

"if you ever (whack) try to deceive (whack) me again (whack) you will end up (whack) here again (whack). Do you (whack) understand (whack) me? (whack)

She tried to answer but all she could do was nod her head. She was crying too hard.

"If I find out (whack) that you (whack) have gave a teacher a hard time (whack, whack), you will end up here (whack, whack). Understand? (whack)

And if you ever think you are going to skip school (whack, whack, whack) you will end up here. Do you understand? (whack, whack, whack)

He let her lay there for a little bit to get the crying out. He then sat on the side of the bed and had her sit up. He put his arm around her to hug her and said to her, "I don't want to ever have to do that again. I expect for you to follow the rules whether spoken or unspoken. No one has to tell you that it is wrong to prank your teacher. No one has to tell you that it's wrong to not be where you're supposed to be. I know that you know better. So when you don't manage to do what's right, I will be here to push you in the right way. I love you, Tiff and I'm going to have to do the hard things sometimes. Do you understand?" She nodded and sniffed. "Go wash your face and come downstairs for the rest of your punishment." "The rest of my punishment," she thought. "Oh my gosh." She didn't realize that Derek could be so strict. She did as she was told. The remainder of her punishment was no cellphone, no computer, and no TV for a week. She could not believe it.

Good grief, she thought. Is this what happens to other people when they get punished. She was going to do what ever it takes to not end up here EVER again. She did not hate Uncle Derek but now she looked at him differently. He suddenly didn't seem like a cousin. He was more like a father that other people described. It made her feel strangely secure.