Chapter 7

"Tali David DiNozzo, what is taking you so long?" Tony asked his daughter for what seemed like the millionth time.

"For somebody who doesn't want me to leave, you sure are rushing me out the door." Tali said as she grabbed her last bag.

"We need to get you moved into the dorm before classes start. We have a few hours' drive to get to Ohio State." Tony said, as his daughter got into her car. He shut the door.

"Do you have anything even left in your room?" Tony asked. "You know, we could have strapped your bed to the roof."

Tali looked back at her dad and rolled her eyes. "Yeah, Dad, hilarious, can we go now?" She started to turn the key to start the car. Then she stopped. "Dad!" She yelled to Tony. He stopped and turned, walking back to her. "I…I left you something in my room…a letter. I just…read it when you get back home."

Tony nodded. He then turned went to his car. He got in. He shook his head. Something was different. Tali had almost looked like she was going to cry. What was in that letter? He shrugged it off. He would find out after he got her settled in in her dorm room at Ohio State.

Tony returned the next evening. He headed straight to his daughter's room. He had no idea what she would have to say.

Daddy,

I came into your life unexpectantly. I knew about you. But you had no idea I even existed. But that didn't matter, not really. Not when you saw me. Not when I saw you. I was your girl, and you were my dad. That's all that mattered. That's all that has ever mattered. I do wonder why mom, Ziva, didn't tell you about me. I know all the answers, all the reasons, people have told you over the years. And I…I don't get it. I can't see myself doing something like that to any man. I can't see myself denying anyone the privilege of raising their own child. I miss mom. I always will. I will always wonder what life would have been like. That is just how things are. Those are the questions in my life that no one can answer for me. And you have tried to answer them all for me. And I love you, so much, for that. I appreciate that. I know how hard you've worked to find those answers, for me, and for yourself.

I have been blessed to have the family you have raised me up in. I had no idea I could have so many family members that I could truly have no relation to, but love so much. I am so glad you extended that invitation to them all. I love all my aunts and uncles. And I am so glad you invited them all over for my huge congratulations/going away party. I told you I had not decided on a major. But I have decided. I decided before I left high school. I want to be a forensic scientist. Auntie Abby told me to come talk to H.R. at NCIS as soon as I graduate college.

I wrote this letter to thank you. Thank you for the life you've given me. Thank you for the sacrifices you made so that I could grow up and have as normal a childhood as possible. And thank you for taking me and raising me. You didn't have to do that. You could have given me up for adoption. You could have denied that I was yours.

As I said, I am blessed.

I love you,

Tali

Well, I guess that's it. I have enjoyed writing this story. And, I am still not a TIVA fan. I just wrote how I thought the characters would respond, given the current story line. I hope you enjoyed.