Gibbs's New Girl

By Rena Mason

Chapter 11

Gibbs woke Ali early so they could get a head start on everything that needed to be done at his house. So after eating a good breakfast then cleaning up Gibbs changed Ali and they dressed in comfortable clothes and headed back to Gibbs's house. As they were working in the front yard Gibbs looked up when he saw Tim's car pull up in front of his house. As soon as Ali noticed Tim she was racing towards his car.

"Tim, Tim. You came, you came!" yelled Ali as she almost jumped him.

"Off… hey little one. How you doing?" asked Tim as he returned Ali's hugs.

"Ali be careful sweetie," called Gibbs as he came over to the pair.

"Sorry Tim" said Ali softly.

"It's alright little one"

"Ali, why don't you start working on the other flower bed." Said Gibbs.

"Sure daddy" answered Ali then she bounced off back to work.

"Ducky didn't call you about the change?" asked Gibbs as he led the young man away from Ali

"He did boss, but I…." stammered Tim.

Gibbs hadn't seen the young man so unsure of himself in a while and wondered what had caused the sudden change.

"Tim, what is it?"

"It's Ali, I'm not sure what I can do with her. I mean Tony has the movies, Ziva cooks. With the exception of computer games and stuff there's not much I am good at."

"Tim, don't worry about what you're good at or trying to teach Ali anything. Right now all she needs is for us to spend time with her. Talk to her and find out something you both have in common. Music, museums anything like that and then just spend time with her."

"Thanks boss, do you mind if I talk to her now?" asked Tim.

"No go ahead, just make sure she finished her chore" said Gibbs with a smile.

Tim walked over to where Ali was working and knelt down beside her. After a few minutes you heard Ali scream and Gibbs looked over to see Allison laying on top of Tim hugging his neck.

"Ali!" called Gibbs firmly but with a smile.

"Sorry Daddy" said Ali as she quickly clambered off of Tim and ran over to where Gibbs was working. "You'll never guess where Tim said he'd like to take me? To a museum, the Smithsonian! I've always wanted to go there but I never could"

"That sounds wonderful Ali" said Gibbs then looked at Tim and smiled giving him a small nod of approval.

"He also said that we might be able to go to the symphony, and maybe even tour all the attractions in Washington." Replied Ali once again beginning to bounce with excitement.

"That sound great Ali, but right now we need to finish our chores so we can get cleaned up and ready for the cookout tonight."

"Oh you're right daddy, come on Tim. Back to work." Called Ali as she went back over and grabbed Tim's hand dragging him back to the flower bed.

"Yes Ma'am" said Tim with a smile then started helping Ali.

Gibbs watched the two for a few minutes then returned to his own task. By eleven o' clock they were finished and Gibbs and Tim surveyed the house while Ali finished putting away the tools.

"Thanks for coming Tim, it really made Ali happy"

"Any time boss. I'd forgotten what it's like to have such a happy little sister around."

"Well that she is most of the time, although she has her moments" laughed Gibbs. He was remembering the last two time were Ali was less than her happy self and he'd had to get on to her.

"Well I think that's normal. Every little one tries their boundaries"

"You're right of course but it seems so out of character for her when it happens."

"That's probably because she's never been able to before. She's always been the parent or adult, never the child. Now with you, she's gotten that chance and it's bound to happen a few times until she learns what you will and won't except."

"Thanks Tim, I'd forgotten what it's like to have a little one around. It's been so long" said Gibbs wistfully remembering another little girl.

"No problem boss, just keep it consistent. Like you are with us" said Tim with a smile.

As he saw Ali coming out of the house he turned to face his boss. "Well I need to get going, I've got to get cleaned up and then pick up my part of the food for the cookout tonight"

"You're coming back tonight aren't you Tim?" asked Ali as she approached the two. She had heard Tim telling Gibbs that the needed to leave.

"You betcha little one, I'll be back after lunch and we'll have the rest of the day to play, how's that sound"

"Like fun! And Tim….?" Said Allison softly as she ducked her head.

"Yes Ali" asked Tim as he went over to her and raised her chin

"Thank you for helping us with the chores, and promising to take me to the museum" said Ali softly

"No problem Ali. I'll give you a call, and we can set up a time, OK?"

"Ok, and thank you Tim" said Ali louder then threw herself around his neck.

When Ali released him Tim went to his car and Ali and Gibbs watched him drive away. After a quick check of the house Ali and Gibbs returned to her house, cleaned up and then ate lunch. During lunch Ali started getting fussy so Gibbs put her down for a short nap, and she was still asleep when everyone started to arrive.

While Ali was still asleep Gibbs and Tim googled plans for adult sized play sets and found several that they could modify to what he wanted for Allison. After ordering the plans they went out in the backyard and started marking off the dimensions for the play set. As it turned out it fix perfectly against the back fence leaving most of the front part of the yard closest to the house free for open play space.

By this time Allison was beginning to make noises so Gibbs went upstairs to wake her up and change her. As returned the handset to its stand in Ali's room and turned off the monitor he looked at the woman asleep in the bed.

As he bent down and began to stroke her hair Ali opened her eyes.

"Hey baby girl, feeling better now?" asked Gibbs with a smile.

Ali smiled around her pacifier then started to stretch. She had worked hard helping Gibbs and Tim with the chores and she didn't want to miss everyone coming but she had gotten tired. So during lunch she started to get fussy and Gibbs ended up swatting her then putting her down for a nap. Now that she had rested she felt much better.

"Sorry daddy for the way I acted earlier" said Ali as she removed her pacifier and placed it on the night stand.

"It's ok little one, but remember when I say something I mean it or next time the swats will be harder"

"Yes sir"

With that taken care of Gibbs quickly changed Ali, then went to wash up.

"You had better hurry and get dressed. You have some visitors downstairs who are anxious to see you." Called Gibbs from the bathroom.

With that Ali sprang off the bed and quickly started gathering her clothes dressing while she hopped around on one foot. Gibbs stepped out of the bathroom, saw her and laughed.

"Slow down Ali. We don't need another trip to the hospital on our cookout day."

"Sorry daddy" said Allison as she stopped, took a deep breath then slowly finished dressing.

When she was done they went downstairs and she almost made it to the bottom of the stairs before with a screamed she raced down the rest of the way. The whole team was sitting around the living room or kitchen and she raced to each hugging them, then raced off to the next.

After everyone was greeted and hugged they all sat around talking about what Ali and Gibbs had done at his house, then Tony mentioned the toys Gibbs had bought her and they were off to the backyard so Allison could show him. Soon everyone followed to watch Tony, Tim, Ziva and Palmer play with Allison.

After a few minutes it became apparent that Allison was going to need some help so Gibbs grabbed an old baseball glove he had retrieved from his house and went out to help. Ali's first attempt to throw a baseball had landed the ball almost at her feet just a few inches in front of her. She was about to give up when Gibbs came up behind her.

"Here baby girl, hold it this way and throw with your shoulder not just your arm" said Gibbs as she showed her the motion.

After a few tries Ali finally got the ball almost to DiNozzo who was a few feet away from her.

"Good throw Ali, that a girl!" called DiNozzo as he tossed it back towards her.

Allison ducked behind Gibbs as he caught the ball.

"Here princess, try it again." Said Gibbs laughing as he handed it to her.

Once more Ali threw the ball to Tony but cringed when he tossed it back towards her.

"It's ok Ali, we'll work on catching the ball later" answered Gibbs.

The rest of the afternoon was spent with Allison throwing the baseball to Tony, Tim, Ziva or Palmer, with Gibbs catching it then giving it to her. When Gibbs noticed Ali was beginning to tire he suggested that they change to the soccer ball and after a few tentative tries he was able to stand back and watch as she kicked the ball to a different person.

The sun was starting to set when Gibbs called a halt to the fun and told everyone to come inside and get cleaned up. Ali started to protest when Ziva suggested that maybe Ali would like to help get the food ready for the cook out. After a quick wash and change of diaper Ali was in the kitchen helping Ziva, Ducky, Tony and Tim while Gibbs and Palmer started the grill.

When the meat was ready Ali and Ziva carried it out to them and then returned to the kitchen to finish up the rest of the food. When the meat was ready they all gathered in the kitchen to fill their plates then returned to the patio to eat. After dinner was eaten and everything was cleaned up they all gathered in the living room to watch some movies that Tony had brought.

It was well after Ali's bedtime when the movie ended and Gibbs looked down to see her curled against his chest sound asleep.

"Hey boss, do you need help taking her upstairs?" asked Tim.

"No thanks Tim, I've got her." Answered Gibbs as he shifted and moved a little to sit up. Ali mumbled something but never moved from his spot against her chest. With a smile on his face he whispered.

"Ali baby, it's time for bed. Tell everyone goodnight"

Ali turned her head, opening her eyes for a second them mumbled "Nigh" then burrowed her head back against Gibbs's chest.

Everyone smiled at the women in Gibbs's arms then called softly.

"Good night Ali"

"Night squirt"

"Sweet dreams my Allison"

As Gibbs carried Allison upstairs he heard Ducky start to organize everyone into straightening up the house then getting ready to leave. After a quick bedtime routine and change Gibbs returned downstairs to find everyone gone but Ducky, Ziva and Tony.

"Uhhh Gibbs, would it be alright if I came back tomorrow and taught Ali how to make the desert I brought tonight? She asked and I said I would check with you."

"Of course Ziva, just call to make sure she's not asleep. You know she's had a busy day today" said Gibbs with a smile.

"Yes she has" said Ziva with a smile "Well good night Gibbs, Ducky. Come on Tony, I'm driving" then she grabbed the keys from Tony's hand and started towards the door.

"Ziva, now wait…." Cried Tony as he quickly followed her out calling "Night Gibbs, Ducky"

As the two watched Ziva and Tony leave they both headed towards the kitchen. Gibbs to get a cup of coffee and Ducky a cup of tea.

"So how's she doing Duck?" asked Gibbs as he took a sip.

"Remarkably well Jethro, I think this is just what she needed. She seems remarkably content and happy with your relationship."

"You don't think it's too much for her to be alone during the week and then with me on weekends?" asked Gibbs. He had gotten concerned when Ali had spent the three days working on the identification marks and not taken care of herself.

"Well we might have to monitor her a little more strictly if she pulls another sugar high but I think for the most part she should be alright. Are you thinking of moving in with her permanently?" asked Ducky.

"It's crossed my mind Ducky but I don't want to crowd her or make her feel like I'm trying to take over her life. I know she needs her "baby" time, but she also needs time as Allison."

"My dear Jethro, talk to her. I'm sure Allison will let you know if she needs some adult time but remember she's already had a lifetime of being the adult. Maybe now she just needs to be a kid." Said the older man, then got up and put his cup in the sink and left.

Gibbs sat for a few minutes then went upstairs, going into Allison's room watching her sleep. She looked so much like an angel while she slept that it broke his heart to think of all the years she never got to have the simple joys of childhood. With a lot on his mind Gibbs returned downstairs, grabbing a beer then plopping down on the couch to think.