She walked into the grocery store trying to hide her confusion and frustration. She knew nobody knew what was going on in her head but sill she felt shame. Even in this day and age what she was planning on doing felt shameful. She just wanted to get in, see if they would give her some boxes, and get out. She was cutting through the international foods aisle when she saw a familiar face.
"Jackie?" Breena asked.
"Oh hi Breena." Jackie replied turning around.
"So you're making Israeli food for dinner? I hope the kids like it Jimmy tells me it's a favorite of Leon's." Breena commented.
"They are out tonight. Leon and I were supposed to have a romantic dinner. I had it all planned out and almost prepared. Then he comes home and tells me he invited Ziva and her father over for Shabbat." Jackie explained with a hint of anger in her voice.
"Jimmy didn't say anything about Eli being in town. Usually visiting fathers is a big deal for him." Breena replied.
"He just got in last night." Jackie replied.
"Jackie can I ask you something?" Breena asked.
"Shoot" Jackie replied.
"How do you deal with Leon working so much? Do you ever feel like you come second?" Breena asked.
Sometimes yes but then I remember me and the kids will always be number one in his heart but he also loves his job and sometimes the job has to come first because me and the kids don't have any questions but somewhere a family does." Jackie replied.
"That is true." Breena replied.
"I thank God everyday my family doesn't have any questions or pray for closure." Jackie replied.
"Thank you Jackie." Breena replied.
"For what?" Jackie asked.
"For stopping me from making the worst mistake of my life." Breena replied turning to leave.
"Cherish every moment!" Jackie called.
Later that evening she lay in bed with Jimmy. He held her in his arms unaware of how close he had come to lying there alone. When his phone buzzed for the umpteenth time that night. Realizing it must be important he grabbed it.
"It's work." Jimmy sighed.
He answered and listened to the other end the rest of his side of the conversation was in a hushed tone. When he hung up he rubbed his hands over his face and sighed heavily tears were falling down his cheeks.
"Jimmy what's wrong?" Breena asked.
"Th…there wa…was a…a shoot…out." Jimmy stammered.
"Oh Jimmy I'm so sorry is everyone OK?" Breena asked.
"Th…they're d…dead." Jimmy replied.
"Who?" Breena asked voice laced with concern.
"E…Eli an…and…J..." Jimmy replied.
"Eli and who?" Breena asked.
"Jackie Vance" Jimmy replied.
Fifteen Months Later.
The cries rang out through the hospital room. Ducky held up his antique camera and framed the family of three into the shot. Jimmy stood beside the bed leaning into view beside an exhausted Breena who held the newest Palmer tightly in her arms. Much to Breena's joy she was a mini version of Jimmy. Curly brown hair, grey eyes, and a big smile the nurses and doctors said was probably just gas.
"So does she have a name?" Ducky asked.
Jimmy looked at Breena the deal was she'd name the baby if it was a girl and he would if it had been a boy. At the twenty week exam they learned they were having a girl. Jimmy had chosen Donald William and Breena's was kept secret.
"Yes" Breena replied.
"What?" Jimmy asked.
"Jacqueline Grace Palmer" Breena replied.
A/N: To anyone following "New Life" I am sorry for not updating yesterday. I had it all written and then forgot to save it. Don't worry you will get an update tomorrow. Would be today but I am kind of OC about my update days. I hope this makes up for yesterday though. Please review and thanks for reading.