At the hospital Caleb was led to the waiting room. He sat in a chair, turned sideways and hugged his knees. He started to cry again.
"Please lord, please save my family…I can't watch anymore loved ones die….I can't" he sobbed softly in a prayer.
He then felt a buzz on his leg and moved to get his phone. It was Jimmy Palmer and he took the call.
"Uncle Jimmy? How…how was the…wedding?" he asked as he tried to stop crying but he was losing the battle.
"Forget the wedding Cal! What the hell is going on?" The usually kind medical assistant snapped.
Caleb winced. "I don't know! Don't yell at me…I am scared enough as it is!" he yelled back.
Jimmy sighed. "Your right…sorry little man" he said quietly. "I am scared too is all…I tried reaching your dad but he isn't answering…your actually the only one of the team who is"
"That's because everyone is badly hurt" he said. Caleb explained about the bombing and how he was at the hospital with Tim and Abby.
"Last I saw dad he was getting me help…I think he found the others though…maybe that's why he ignored your call" he ended.
Jimmy paled on his side. "That explains why…." he murmured.
"Why what?" Caleb asked.
Jimmy blinked and realized he had muttered. He decided to tell the child so he could concentrate on his mentor.
"I was looking for Dr. Mallard five minutes before I tried to call your dad…he was on the beach face down in the sand" Jimmy explained and Caleb gasped.
"Is…is Grandpa Ducky…" he asked but couldn't form the awful words.
"He's still alive….unconscious…but alive" Jimmy answered. "I guess someone called him from NCIS and the shock gave him a heart attack" he added.
"I don't blame him…I haven't been this scared since I found Grandma dead in her bed" the child answered.
That made the gates open and Jimmy cried silently for his little friend.
"Oh Cal…" he murmured. "Listen buddy…just be brave for me a little bit longer…I am staying here with Ducky…But Breena said she'll go to you if you wanted" he added.
Caleb nodded. "Okay…I do love Aunty Breena" he said. Jimmy smiled at that. "She loves you too kiddo…okay I have to go…tell your dad when you see him" he said.
"I will…he probably will be here soon with Uncle Tony and Aunt Ziva" he said. 'I hope' was what he thought.
Jimmy hung up and Caleb went back to his position. He didn't stay that way for long as a warm hand stroked his back.
"Would you like something to eat while you wait sweetheart?" A young and pretty female voice whispered in his ear.
Caleb turned and the woman smiled at him. "Okay…I…I won't get in trouble will I for leaving here?" he asked.
She shook her head. "No…I am sure your family will understand" she said kindly.
Caleb nodded and took her hand. She held it lovingly and stroked his fingers.
"It'll be all right sweetie…I am sure your family will pull through"
Caleb nodded. "I guess…I mean they are federal agents…they been through lots of dangerous stuff…" he said. He was trying to console himself but he still had doubt.
The nurse gasped. "Your family you were with…they were in the building….NCIS?" she asked.
Caleb nodded. "Did it already make the news?" he asked. She nodded.
"Big news like that gets on the air fast" she said. "But you still think they'll be okay right? Uncle Tim got hit with a lot of glass and Aunt Abby…she was bleeding a bit…" Caleb asked.
"I am sure they will be….they have you waiting for them and no one would abandon a child on purpose" she said kindly.
"I am Caleb Gibbs…what is your name?" Caleb asked. "Emma…it's very nice to meet you Caleb" she said sweetly.
"You too nurse Emma….thank you for helping me…your very kind" he said.
"Your very kind yourself Caleb…come on, a brave special boy like you deserves a good meal and some nice dessert" she said.
Caleb smiled a small smile. He liked Emma, least she made him feel safer and secure. He'd really be happy when Breena was with him as well.