Stacy got up to the hospital the next morning and Tim had good news; they were sending him home. She was happy that he was getting out, but wondered what this was going to mean for their relationship. She thought maybe once he got back home something might trigger his memory. But what if that didn't happen? She hated the thought of losing him. She spent the last couple of nights doing a lot of thinking and soul searching. She had finally come to a decision. If Timmy did get his memory back, and things did not happen for them as far as a relationship; she would do the only thing she could do. She would let him go. The very thought of it killed her, but his happiness meant more to her than her own. She loved him that much.
Tim had gotten his discharge orders and got his things in order. He was looking forward to getting out of there. He thought maybe when he got home; something might trigger the memories that were trapped deep in his mind.
"Are you ready to go home?" Stacy and the nurse came into the room. Stacy knew that being stuck there all this time had to be getting to Tim. Maybe that was part of the reason he was so edgy. Getting back home and more into his normal day to day life might be just what he needed to remember and get back to the Timmy she had always known.
"Yeah, let's get out of here." Tim reluctantly got into the wheel chair so they could bring him downstairs. He tried telling them he could walk, but it was hospital policy. "Maybe we can stop by the office too on the way."
"Sorry, Tim. Doctor said no work for at least another week or two." Stacy grabbed his things so they could head out.
McGee was a little annoyed with Stacy's answer. "I hope you don't think you will be bossing me around and watching my every move until then."
Stacy hated how he got short with her so frequently. "I'm only trying to help. I'll back off if that is what you want me to do." She was trying hard to hide that she was upset.
They got back to Tim's apartment and Stacy helped him bring his stuff up. He was just glad to be home. He was looking forward to having some time to himself without having someone watching over his shoulder every second of the day.
He went into his room and noticed some of Stacy's stuff there. "Why is your stuff in my apartment? Have you been staying here while I was in the hospital?" He seemed a bit upset and Stacy didn't know what to say.
"I stayed here off and on just to keep an eye on things for you." She realized her excuse was pretty lame, but what else could she say?
McGee grabbed her stuff and moved it to the couch. "Make sure you don't leave anything behind." He seemed to be getting more and more agitated.
"I'm sorry; I'll make sure I get it all. I guess you won't be needing my help like we had talked about?' Stacy was on the verge of tears. It took everything she had not to cry.
"Whose candles are these?" Stacy was trying to figure out how to tell him he bought them for her.
"You bought those a few weeks ago." Why did she say that? She should have just said they were his.
"Why would I have bought these?" He was confused again and getting more aggravated.
"Because you knew they are my favorite." Stacy was starting to feel uneasy.
"Ok, how would I know they are your favorite and no offense, but why would I care?" Tim was starting to get angry. He was angry that Stacy was at his apartment while he was in the hospital. He was upset that he couldn't remember things. He was starting to wonder if she was messing with his mind.
"Umm, you know it really isn't important. I'm going to head out and let you have some time to yourself. If you need anything call me." Stacy just wanted to get out of there at this point. She grabbed her stuff and headed toward the door.
Tim called to Stacy as she opened the door, "You forgot your candles."
"I'll get them next time. Take care, Tim." Stacy just kept going. She wasn't expecting to hear the sound of glass breaking.
"Don't worry I took care of them for you." Tim yelled to Stacy through the door.
Stacy got to her car and just started to cry. Why was Timmy being like this? She understood he was frustrated, but this was NOT like him AT ALL. How much longer was he going to be like this? Was it going to get worse before it got better? She didn't know what to do. She didn't want to upset him anymore than he already was; but she didn't want to completely back away either.
Gibbs met up with Stacy for coffee. She had called him when she got home. She didn't know who else to turn to. She didn't want to upset Sarah and she knew Gibbs would have some good advice for her. At least she hoped he would. She told him about the recent incidents including when she brought Tim home.
"What am I going to do? The doctor said to try not to push the past on him too much. He's starting to scare me a little." She could hardly believe she would ever think that way about Tim. He was always the one who could make her feel safe. Now she felt like she was walking on eggshells around him.
Gibbs took a long look at Stacy. He had a hard time believing that McGee would be acting like this; especially toward her. But he was still recovering from head trauma, and sometimes this kind of behavior went along with the process.
"You know this isn't really him. I'm sure it will get better. Maybe you should just give him some time. Once he gets his full memory back; you two will be right back where you were." Gibbs could tell by the look on Stacy's face that she was not satisfied with that answer. He put his arm around her and kissed her forehead. "McGee loves you, and in time he will remember. Trust me."
"I hope you are right. Thanks." Stacy smiled at him and tried not to let him see that she really didn't feel any better about the situation. They talked for a little longer and then Stacy went home.
A few days went by and Stacy hadn't heard from Tim. She was worried about him. She was worried about losing him; maybe she already had. She didn't want to be too pushy; so she just sent him a text to say hi. After a couple hours, she figured he wasn't going to answer.
Tim was struggling trying to figure out why he could remember some things, but not everything. He was really starting to like Stacy, but he felt like she was holding something back. He got the impression she really liked him too. What was missing? He felt bad about how he treated her when she brought him home from the hospital. She had given all her time to helping him recover and didn't seem to want anything in return. He wanted to call her, but worried after his actions, that she wouldn't want to talk to him. He got a short text from her and he thought maybe there was still hope. He waited before he made his move. Then, he called her. She didn't answer; but he took the chance and left her a message.
"Stacy, I'm really sorry about the other day. I was a real jerk. Let me make it up to you. Why don't you come over tonight? I do still owe you dinner, so I figure we can do that. Bye"
Stacy listened to his voice mail over and over. She really wanted to go over, but was nervous because she didn't know what would set him off again. She was so torn. She finally called him back and said she would be there. She missed him and wanted to see him. She just hated that she had to act like they were just friends.
Tim was starting to get worried that Stacy had changed her mind when he heard a knock on the door. He opened the door and seeing her almost took his breath away. She was wearing a little red dress and had her hair and make-up done really nice. She looked so pretty. He couldn't help but think he'd seen her like this before.
"Wow, Stacy, you look really nice. Come on in." He felt his heart almost skip a beat. He had been so mean to her the last time he saw her, yet she took the time to look so pretty for him. "Thank you for coming tonight, I didn't think you would after…"
Stacy stopped him before he could finish his statement. "Tim, it's ok. You have been through a lot and you are going to get frustrated from time to time. I understand." Even in her heels she had to get on her tip toes to kiss him on the cheek.
Tim felt lucky to have her as a friend. He had been so mean to her the last few times he saw her. She was such a good person. He wanted tonight to be a new beginning. He was determined to have a good night with her.
They sat and talked for a while and had dinner. Stacy had to keep reminding herself not to bring up the past. They spent a few nice hours together and she decided she better go since it was getting late.
"It's starting to get late, Timmy. I should probably head home." Stacy wished she could stay, but knew it was too soon.
"Yeah it is pretty late. I'll walk you to the door." Tim was happy that they had a good night.
They walked to the door and Stacy turned and looked at Tim. She could see in his eyes that he was still struggling with everything. Hoping she wasn't doing the wrong thing, she hugged him. He gladly reciprocated and held her tight. As they pulled away she kissed him. Tim just looked at her. She thought she might have made a mistake; but then he pulled her back to him and kissed her; a small, but very sweet kiss.
"Good night, Timmy. Thank you for dinner. I hope we can do this again sometime." She just smiled at him.
"Good night, Stacy. You're welcome. I would like to do this again; soon." Stacy turned and opened the door. Tim watched as she walked down the hallway and out of his sight.
He closed the door and had a really good feeling about the night they just spent together. He was able to keep his frustration and his temper in check. He kept having feelings of almost like a déjà vu a few times throughout the evening. The only thing he knew for sure was that he really, really liked having Stacy around. He was going to try hard not to mess this up.
Stacy went home and got ready for bed. They spent a wonderful night together and the sweet Timmy she had always known seemed to be on his way back. He wasn't short with her at all. She was determined to try to find a way to get him to remember what they had.
Sarah decided to go see her brother and see how he was doing. She was hoping he was remembering more, but part of his memory was still blocked. He was happy to see his sister and get out for a while. While they were driving, he thought one of the buildings seemed familiar. Sarah told him that Stacy lived there. He wasn't sure how he would know that; but just figured he brought her home one night from work or something. He still couldn't remember much about the night he got shot. He hoped maybe Sarah could fill in some of the blanks. She told him what she had been told about that night and what had happened. As she was telling him he was getting memory flashes from the days leading up to that night. He remembered Stacy showing up at NCIS. He remembered her being so scared and that he was trying to protect her.
He looked at Sarah; "So it was Stacy's ex who shot me?" The memories were getting fuzzier again and he was getting frustrated.
"Yes. He kidnapped Stacy and you and the rest of your team and the FBI went to save her. He hurt her pretty bad. But you guys did save her." Sarah didn't like the look in her brother's eyes. She could sort of see what Stacy had talked to her about. "Are you ok, Tim?"
"Yeah, I'm fine. Can you do me a favor? Instead of bringing me home can you drop me off at Stacy's?" He wanted to see if he could get more information from Stacy. She could probably help clear up some of the memories he was having.
Sarah wasn't sure this was going to be a good idea and told him so. She did not like his response at all.
"If you don't bring me there I will just drive myself." Tim knew telling Sarah that would get him what he wanted. Sarah knew he still wasn't allowed to drive.
"Ok, Timmy. Just don't get to crazy over all of this. It's done and over with now." Sarah didn't like what she was seeing.
"What do you mean it's done and over with? I can't remember parts of my life and you think this is ok? It is far from done and over with. One way or another I am going to find someone to tell me the truth about all of this." Tim was pretty much yelling at Sarah now. She brought him to Stacy's and headed home. She sent Stacy a text as soon as Tim got out of the car to let her know what was going on.
Stacy was on her way home when she got the text. She was a bit worried what she was going home to; but if Tim was determined to know the whole truth; she was going to tell him.
She got to her apartment and Tim was sitting by her door. "Stacy, we need to talk." Tim's tone was stern. Stacy didn't like where this was going already.
"Ok Tim, Come on in." Stacy let him in and they sat on the couch and started talking about the case.
He wanted to know how she had come to work on it with NCIS. She told him she had worked on the case with the FBI and when it crossed into NCIS jurisdiction, she helped them too.
"Why did you come to us when you found out he was your ex? I started to remember a little about that day. You showed up and you were so scared. You were clinging on to me; why?" Tim was determined to get all his questions answered once and for all.
"Timmy, I probably shouldn't tell you this…" He cut her off.
"I am really getting sick and tired of people telling me what they should and shouldn't say or do around me. Tell me what is going on! I NEED to know!" He had a firm hold on her arms and was yelling in her face by this point.
"I came to you because; you and I…" He cut her off again.
"Just come out and say it Stacy!" Tim was on the verge of losing it.
"You are my boyfriend, Timmy. We've known each other since grade school. We've loved each other since high school. We lost touch after we both left for college and then one night I met Abby. She and I got to talking and I was telling her all about you; but I never said your name. She figured out it was you because you used to tell her about me. We told her all the same stories. She brought us back to each other. I had actually first told you about my ex one night at your apartment. At that point I had no idea he was the psycho we were after. As soon as I found out he was after me; I came to you. Then he got me. Then you and the team and the FBI saved me and you got hurt. I am so sorry he hurt you, Timmy. I never wanted anything to happen to you."
Hearing this had all sorts of memories going through his mind. It was too much for him to handle at once. Stacy had been trying to protect him from all of this, and instead he forced her to tell him. At least now he knew why she was there every day in the hospital. They were together. And he couldn't remember. This made him feel even worse. He could only imagine how awful this must have all been for Stacy. It all was too much, too soon and he lost control.
"SO THEN THIS IS ALL YOUR FAULT. HE SHOT ME BECAUSE I WAS WITH YOU. YOU FELT GUILTY SO YOU STAYED AT THE HOSPITAL THE WHOLE TIME. I CAN'T BELIEVE I FELL FOR THAT STUPID I OWED YOU DINNER THING. I THINK IT WOULD BE A GOOD IDEA IF YOU JUST STAY AWAY FROM ME!" Tim was screaming at her. He was trying really hard to force all the memories to come back. He then did something he regretted immediately. He shoved her away from him and she hit the wall. She looked up at him from the floor and there was a look of terror in her eyes. He knew he had to leave.
"Timmy, please. I didn't stay at the hospital because I felt guilty; I was there because I love you." Stacy was shaking and crying. This was not the Tim she had known most of her life. She knew she shouldn't have told him everything; but she felt like she had no other choice.
"Stacy, I…let me help you up." He offered his hand to her and she flinched. "Maybe I should just go." With that he left her apartment. He didn't live too far from her and thought it would do him some good to walk for a bit anyway.
Stacy called Gibbs and told him what happened. She never thought Timmy would do something to hurt her. She didn't know him anymore. Everything in her life had been coming together so well; and now it was all falling apart. Gibbs told her to stay put and he would try to take care of things. He went to Tim's apartment.
Tim took the long way home. He felt awful. What did he just do? He made Stacy tell him everything and then he blew up on her. He knew he was wrong. She said she loved him. How serious of a relationship did they have before this happened? He knew her since they were kids. Why couldn't he remember all of this? What was he going to do to try to fix the damage he just caused? He wouldn't blame her if she never spoke to him again.
He got to his apartment and Gibbs was waiting inside. "Boss, what are you doing here?" McGee had no idea Stacy had called him.
"McGee, what the hell are you doing? Stacy called me and said you flipped out on her. You made her tell you everything that had happened and then you blamed her for it. It's not her fault." Gibbs could see by the look on McGee's face that he already realized this.
"I know. I was wrong. I shouldn't have made her tell me everything. I shouldn't have taken it out on her. She told me that we were together and I feel awful that I can't remember that. I mean, since I woke up and have spent time with her; I've known there was something there, but I wasn't sure what. She deserves better than this. I don't know if I can ever fix what I've done. I can't imagine how she must have been feeling with me not remembering about us." McGee had tears in his eyes; but he didn't dare cry in front of Gibbs.
"Tim, you need to give her some time. She loves you. She isn't going to give up on you. Take some time for yourself and cool down and then think of what you can do to fix this. I wouldn't make a move right away; but don't wait too long. You don't want to let this one get away. You two are good together. She brings out a lot of good in you. If you don't fix this, you are going to regret it for the rest of your life." Gibbs looked at McGee and saw how upset he was. He knew he needed some time alone. "If you need to talk, you know where to find me." Gibbs left.
Tim went into his room and sat on his bed. He started having more memory flashes. He remembered Stacy spending the night with him. He remembered holding her all night while they slept. He laid down and cried until he fell asleep.
Stacy needed some time to think. She decided to go visit her aunt in Connecticut for a couple of weeks. She needed to put some distance between her and Tim. She wasn't ready to give up on him; but she just couldn't deal with him right now. This was going to take some time to get over. She sent him an email before she left.
Timmy,
I am going away for a couple of weeks. I think we need to just step back and take a break from one another right now. I know you didn't mean the things you said and did, but I just need some time. I know you do too. I'm hoping thing will be better when I get back. Please don't try to contact me. I will let you know when I am ready to talk. Take care of yourself and know that even through all of this; I do still love you.
Stacy
Tim got the email from Stacy and felt numb after he read it. She was going away and he was to blame. He kept playing back the things Gibbs had said to him. He needed to fix this. He thought maybe she was right and they just needed a little bit of time and space. She did say that she still loves him. He now knew that deep inside he loved her too. The feeling that he couldn't explain, it was his love for her; but because he couldn't remember their relationship it didn't seem to make sense. He knew these next couples of weeks were going to be long ones.
