After faking his way through the day. Tony was relieved to be reminded that the gym floor was going to be buffed and basketball practice would be released half an hour early. Still he had a long afternoon ahead of him but at least he would have a spare thirty minutes. After basketball and play practice let out. Avery and him would be heading to the hospital to visit with Kaylin. Avery's parents had Tali for the evening so it actually worked out perfectly.
Deep down Tony was dreading bringing Avery to the hospital. She was accepting of Kaylin but what if things changed when she actually saw how much work it would involve? What if Kaylin didn't take to Avery? He wished that things could be easier and his family could just be happy and secure. He didn't blame Kaylin for the ordeal. She was just an innocent child who had been through a terrible ordeal. He didn't blame Avery either. She was a warm and loving woman who just wanted to help but had no idea what she was getting into. He was in the same boat but at least he wasn't walking blindly into this just to satisfy the person he loved. He wondered if Avery would have agreed to this if if she were not married to him.
"Alright Team! Hit the showers! Rest up tonight and eat well tomorrow. We've got the big game at six o'clock sharp tomorrow evening!" Tony announced.
"Hey coach want to come over for a little pre-game dinner tonight?" Daniel asked.
"Can't tonight I'm afraid. Avery and I have plans, thanks anyway" Tony replied.
"Alright. Well good luck." Daniel replied.
"You too" Tony replied.
Avery dropped Tali off with her parents for the evening. Her parents knew about Kaylin and were supportive of everything. Her mother even offered advice based on their own experiences. Of course twenty years ago Avery had been Kaylin. If anybody could get through to that girl it would be her. She took great comfort in knowing that her parents were so caring and understanding. Their love was the reason she could save Kaylin. Even more so their love was the reason that she could be married to a man like Tony DiNozzo in the first place.
"Oh Tali girl! Come to grandma!" Avery's mom called.
"She has several changes of clothes and about half a pack of diapers in her bag. I also packed snacks for her and some money if you want to order out." Avery explained.
"Oh Avery that is unnecessary." Sun assured.
"I know but I was just offering. Anyway we should be home around eight." Avery replied.
"Take your time and give my best to that sweet girl." Sun replied.
"I will but visiting hours end at seven thirty." Avery explained.
"If you choose your words right you can stay all night." Sun laughed.
"I'll remember that but I don't know if Kaylin wants me be there that long." Avery replied.
"Well just remember my old tricks." Sun reminded.
The ride to the hospital was made mostly in silence. Both Tony and Avery trying their hardest to hide their concerns. Both wanted to help out a child in need but both knew that they were in for a long road. Of course as long and hard as it would be for them. It was a literal nightmare for Kaylin. It was only their love for each other and desire for helping the greater good. That was pushing them to step up and parent Kaylin. It had been so rewarding with Tali and that story was so far different than Kaylin's. Finally Tony turned into the hospital and that was it. He climbed out of the car first and Avery followed close behind.
"Well here goes nothing." Tony breathed.
"We are going to do great." Avery assured.
By her third afternoon in the hospital Kaylin had the routine down pat. She looked up at the clock and forced a fake smile across her face. It was quarter past five. That meant about forty five minutes until dinner and about two hours until visiting hours ended. So far there had been no visitors but she couldn't say she was surprised. Who would want to visit her? Her parents were locked up, she had no friends in this life, and everybody from her past life had forgotten about her. Just as she had forgotten about all of them. Tony had come in the day before but she doubted he would be back. According to his profile. He was married with a daughter. Why would a man like him need a broken daughter. Figuring she had nothing to lose. She laid back, covered herself with the scratchy white sheets, and closed her eyes. She heard the door open and three people stepped inside.
"Great more doctors." Kaylin groaned.
"No Kaylin it's me." Tony replied.
"Tony? You came back?" Kaylin questioned.
"I did and I brought somebody with me this time." Tony explained.
"Who?" Kaylin asked.
"Kaylin this is my wife Avery." Tony introduced.
"Hello Kaylin it is wonderful to meet you." Avery greeted.
"Hi" Kaylin replied shyly.
"We are so happy to be welcoming you into our home. We have a room ready for you but you can decorate it for yourself." Avery explained.
"However you want. We did a wonderful zoo theme for our daughter Tali. She's two." Tony explained.
"My last room was a meth lab. I wouldn't know where to start. Besides you guys won't want me for very long." Kaylin scoffed.
"No Kaylin we both want you and are thrilled to take you in, you are our family." Avery assured.
"I am nothing." Kaylin groaned.
"You are everything to us." Tony assured.
"Stop lying to me but I know the truth. Nobody in the world wants me. That is what my father and step-mom always said and it is the one truth they told." Kaylin explained, grimly.
A/N: Kaylin comes home in the next chapter but will Tony and Avery be able to convince her that she is loved? New chapter will be up soon. Please review and thanks for reading.
