Chapter Twelve

"I don't wanna go," Jaycee told Sam as Gibbs walked into her hospital room.

"I'm sorry, Baby Girl," Sam said. "I had no say in the decision."

Gibbs sat down on the bed and wrapped his arms around Jaycee. "Mornin' Kiddo," he said kissing her temple.

"Gibbs, please save me," Jaycee begged. "Don't make me go to that place."

"There's gonne be a lot of nice people there who are gonna work with you and help you feel better," Gibbs said. He wanted nothing more than to take her home but he knew he couldn't and knew he needed to be positive for Jaycee's sake.

"I do feel better," Jaycee insisted. "I won't do it again. I swear it!"

Gibbs kissed the top of her head as he held her and smiled over at Sam. "Listen to me," he said, "I need you to go over there and do what you gotta do, listen to the nurses, socialize with the other patients, make the best of things and you'll be home before you know it."

"You don't want me anymore?" Jaycee asked even though she knew in her heart that it wasn't true.

"Oh, we both want you," Gibbs assured her. "You're not getting away from us that easy."

A hint of a smile played on Jaycee's lips as Gibbs held her tightly to him. She'd never been told she was wanted before. Gibbs and Sam made her feel so loved.

"I brought you some things from home to make it a little more comfortable there," Gibbs said holding up the backpack he'd packed. "You've got some clothes in there, a couple books so you don't get bored, a notebook in case you want to journal and Kylee sent along her favorite baby doll so you can think of her whenever you get lonely."

Jaycee smiled sadly as she hugged the backpack. "How long do I have to stay there?"

"They're gonna hold you for three days to start with," Sam said. "They'll evaluate you while you're there and based on a few different factors, they'll decide whether you can come home or need to stay longer."

"Is that why you told me to listen to the nurses?" Jaycee asked looking up at Gibbs.

"Uh-huh," Gibbs said with a smile, "and I've got a surprise for you when you get out."

"What surprise?" Jaycee asked.

"I'm not gonna tell you," Gibbs said. "It'll be something for you to look forward to."

"I still don't wanna go," Jaycee said.

"I know, Baby," Gibbs said kissing the top of her head again. "It'll be okay though and I have a little something for you before you leave." He handed her the smoothie he'd snuck in, knowing how much she loved them. Sam always made her a smoothie on Saturday mornings.

"Thank you," Jaycee said.

Gibbs and Sam sat with Jaycee until it was time for her to be transported to Hope Springs. They did their best to encourage her and love on her and help her make the best of the situation. Both gave her enough hugs and kisses to get her through until that night when they could visit. Because of when she was getting there, they'd have to skip the afternoon visit so the hospital could start working with her and give her time to get settled.


The twins barely let Sam get in the front door before attaching themselves to her legs. They hadn't had their hugs and kisses the previous night and they weren't going to let her do anything until they got them that morning.

"How are my two favorite little guys?" Sam asked as she scooped them up.

"We missed you, Mommy," Milo said.

"Never ever leave us again," Lucas said.

"Well, I had to stay with Jaycee, Sweet Boy," Sam said. "We don't want her to get lonely, do we?"

"Well, she could be here with us too!" Lucas said.

"You've got an answer for everything, don't you?" Sam asked with a smile. "You're one smart cookie."

"Cookies?" Lucas asked.

"Did somebody say cookies?" Tony asked, coming out of the kitchen holding Kylee.

"Maybe for snack," Sam said with a laugh. She kissed the twins then tried to put them down so she could greet the girls but they weren't ready to give her up yet.

"You didn't kiss our tummies," Milo said sticking his little belly out as far as he could.

"You're right," Sam said, turning on the silly charm she knew the boys thrived on. She blew raspberries on each of their bellies then gave them several more kisses before handing them off to Gibbs. "Now, where are my two favorite little girls?" she asked. "I missed you guys."

"We missed you too, Mommy," Gracie said as Sam sat down on the couch with them cuddled in her lap.

"Where's Jaycee?" Kylee asked.

"Jaycee went to a very special hospital where they're gonna help her feel a whole lot better," Sam answered.

"Remember we talked about this when you helped me pack her bag this morning?" Gibbs asked.

"Yeah," Kylee sighed. "I just want her to come home right now."

"I know, Baby," Sam said. "I think we all want that but Jaycee's gotta stay at the hospital for a couple days so the doctors can help her."


Gibbs arrived at Hope Springs just before 12:00 that afternoon. When they were helping the boys brush their teeth that morning he realized he hadn't packed Jaycee's toothbrush. Sam had suggested just taking it that night but Gibbs decided he didn't want to wait any longer. He reasoned that she hadn't gotten to brush her teeth that morning but both knew it was just because he wanted to be close to the teenager. He knew he wouldn't be allowed to see her but in a roundabout way he would be able to check on her.

"I've got a toothbrush for Jaycee," Gibbs said handing the nurse the toothbrush holder with the toothbrush in it.

"Okay, I'll add this to the list of her personal effects and make sure she gets it," the nurse said. "Wait, Jaycee Burton?"

"Yeah, why? Did something happen?" Gibbs asked.

"Not with her but there's a young man here insisting on seeing her," the nurse said. "He started getting a little violent. We had to call security."

"What?" Gibbs asked. He already suspected the young man was Ty but nothing else the nurse had said was making much sense.

"When I told him all visitors have to be eighteen he threw a fit," the nurse explained. "He charged us, trying to get through then started screaming and yelling and making a big scene."

"Where is he?" Gibbs asked. "Can I talk to him?"

"He refused to leave so we ended up putting him in the room with padded walls until he calmed down," the nurse said. "I wouldn't recommend going in there."

"Look, I'm a Special Agent with NCIS," Gibbs explained, "and I know him. I can calm him down."

The nurse reluctantly agreed to let Gibbs see Ty. The boy was out of control and had some muscle on him. She'd seen out of control 90 pound girls take down their biggest security guards so she was always cautious about the safety of visitors and patients but since Gibbs was an officer of the law she figured he knew what he was getting into.

They peeked in the window of the door and saw Ty standing in the middle of the room screaming. Gibbs motioned to let him in and the security guard unlocked the door.

"Jaycee!" Ty screamed before realizing the door was opened and Gibbs was there.

"You can scream for Jaycee all you want, Kiddo, but this room is soundproof," Gibbs said. "She's not gonna hear you."

"You have to get them to let me out," Ty pleaded. "I have to see Jaycee."

"I don't have any authority here, Ty," Gibbs said. "I can't even see her right now."

Ty looked from Gibbs to the large man standing at the door and decided to try to make a break for it again. Gibbs grabbed him before he could make it to the door and held him back until he calmed again.

"Calm down," he said. "Relax. Let's you and I talk."

The security guard left them alone and closed the door to give them some privacy.

"I'm not mentally disturbed," Ty said angrily. "I don't even know why I got locked in this place!" he screamed.

"Relax," Gibbs soothed. "I hate to say it but you're acting a little mentally disturbed at the moment. You can't come in here and tackle their biggest security guard and make a big scene and expect them not to do anything."

"I should've played football instead of baseball," Ty said. "I could've taken that guy!"

"Calm down," Gibbs said. He'd never seen Ty that worked up before. He let the teenager go and the first thing Ty did was throw himself at the padded wall. He had so much anger and frustration built up and had no outlet for it. Gibbs watched as he paced the room and screamed some more. When the boy finally wore himself out he moved over in front of Gibbs and just started sobbing uncontrollably.

"I know," Gibbs said catching him as he collapsed and lowering him to the floor. "I know."

"It's my fault," Ty cried.

"No," Gibbs said firmly. "No it's not."

"I broke up with her," Ty said.

"Ty, this is so much more complicated than just one thing," Gibbs said.

Ty pulled out of Gibbs' embrace and sat facing the man. He wiped the tears from his cheeks and took several deep breaths to calm himself down. "Why?" he asked. "Why? Why did she do this?"

"Ty, there have been so many changes for her and they happened so fast," Gibbs explained. "She got overwhelmed. Then, on top of that there was the car accident and everything that stemmed from that. Plus, she hasn't been sleeping. Sleep deprivation messes with your mind."

"But she doesn't have to live on the street anymore," Ty reasoned. "You rescued her."

"Having a place to live doesn't fix everything, Son," Gibbs said. "Think about the worries and struggles you deal with everyday."

Ty nodded his head as what Gibbs said clicked. "I get it," he said. "She just has different problems now. I wish I could fix everything for her. I feel so damn helpless."

Gibbs smiled as he put his arm around Ty and pulled him into half a hug. "Sam would tell you you're being such a guy," he said, "but I know how you feel because I feel the same way."

"So what do we do?" Ty asked.

"All we can do is love her," Gibbs said, "be a friend. Believe it or not that's a whole lot more than anybody else has ever done for her."

"Doesn't feel like enough," Ty said. "I really want to tell her I'm sorry and I love her. Why can't I go in there?"

"I don't know, Bud," Gibbs said. "Those are just their rules. You know what, Sam's gonna have the kiddos make Jaycee some get well cards once they get up from their nap. Why don't you come over and make one too? We'll bring it to her tonight."

"You mean I don't have to stay in here?" Ty asked.

"Do you want to stay in here?" Gibbs asked.

A devious smile crossed Ty's face. "I was kinda hopin' they might admit me then I could be with Jaycee."

Gibbs couldn't help but be amused. At least the boy had a plan. "I'll go talk to the nurse, get you out of here."


Tony and Abby headed to NCIS after Gibbs and Sam got home and had a chance to get settled. The morning had been spent cuddling and playing. When Gibbs returned from Hope Springs, while the little ones napped, Sam took Kylee out and bought brightly colored paper, markers, colored pencils, stencils and stickers. She hoped the kids' cards would remind Jaycee that she was loved.

After nap and snack time, the art supplies were spread out across the table and the kids got to work. Ty arrived not too long after they started and was greeted with a warm embrace from Sam. All seven of them worked on their cards. The kids drew pictures, traced stencils and added several stickers. Gibbs and Sam helped them write their messages then coached them through signing their names. Gibbs, Sam and Ty wrote longer messages of love and encouragement on their neatly decorated cards.

As the kids finished they went off to play, leaving Ty at the table with Gibbs and Sam.

"Ty, Baby, Jethro told me what happened this morning," Sam said.

"I just wanted to see her," Ty said slightly embarrassed about his behavior. "I wanna get back together. I never should've broken up with her."

"Why Baby?" Sam asked. "Tell me why you want to get back together with her."

Ty hesitated slightly, looking from Gibbs to Sam. Why were they asking him that? Did they not like him? Did they not want him to get back together with her? "'Cause when I heard about what happened and thought about what it would've been like, you know, if she wasn't here anymore, I realized I can't live without her. I'm gonna ask her to marry me so she never has to be alone again."

"Slow down, Stud," Gibbs said, keeping his tone light and friendly. "First grandkids, now marriage? You two've only known each other for a couple months."

Sam rested her hand on Gibbs' arm as she started speaking again. "Ty, Jaycee didn't do this so you would get back together with her—"

"I know," Ty interrupted.

"We just want to make sure you're doing this for the right reasons," Sam said.

"I am, I swear," Ty insisted. "I love her and I want to marry her and take care of her and have babies with her and—"

"Slow down. Slow down," Sam interrupted. "You guys are still in high school. There's no need to rush things. You both have a lot of life ahead of you. If getting married is meant to be you can wait a little while. Take a deep breath, Baby."

Ty took a deep breath that turned into a slight laugh. "My parents would kill me if I told 'em I was gettin' married."

"I promise, Ty, there's a lot of time for you two to be in love," Sam said, "a lot of time for you guys to date and be married and have babies. Don't rush it."

"Yeah, okay, I guess," Ty said. "I just want to start living my own life, our life. My house is so lonely and empty and quiet and I see you guys and there's always something fun going on over here. You guys are always laughing and playing and being happy."

"You should stop by when it's time to give the twins their baths," Gibbs joked.

"Yeah, but it's still fun," Ty insisted. "Who doesn't like chasing butt naked kids through the house and trying to wrestle them into the tub?"

Gibbs looked at Sam and smiled. "You know, I think we should move this boy in with us," he said. "He could be a real asset around here."

Sam just laughed. "It is fun, Ty, lots and lots of fun and we wouldn't trade any of this for anything but it's also tiring and it can be frustrating and it certainly tries your patience. When you have kids, you can pretty much say goodbye to free time. Date night with Jaycee won't be as easy either. You've gotta save you money and get a sitter. You can kiss sleep goodbye. Whenever there's a thunderstorm, Jethro and I are sharing the bed with four little ones and I use the term sharing lightly. The kids are bed hogs. There's no more sleeping in either. Kylee's always up at 6:00 and the twins get up not long after that and when the twins are up, everybody's up."

"I get it," Ty said. "I guess I can wait."

"Whenever you need to get your fill of taking care of little ones, you just come right on over here," Sam said as she stood. "We could always use the help." She dropped a kiss on his head then headed to the kitchen to warm up her coffee and refill Gibbs'.


It seemed like it took forever for 6:00 to come around. Tim and Ziva had come over after work to stay with the little ones so both Gibbs and Sam could go visit Jaycee. They walked into the hospital shortly before 6:00 and the nurse took them to Jaycee's room. The teenager was lying in bed reading one of the books Gibbs had packed for her.

"Hey Kiddo," Gibbs said.

"Hi Babe," Sam greeted immediately sitting by Jaycee and pulling her into a hug.

"You guys have to get me out of here, please," Jaycee pleaded.

"What's wrong?" Sam asked.

"I just hate it here," Jaycee said.

"I'm sorry, Baby," Sam said. "We can't. The doctor has to make the decision about when you get out."

"Just follow their rules, Jaycee," Gibbs said. "You'll get out sooner. Are you socializing with the others and eating your food and stuff?"

"Yeah," Jaycee said. "I only just came in here to read and wait for you guys. We played bingo earlier and did group therapy and I saw a counselor or some person and I got the nicest nurse here but I just wanna come home."

"Sounds like you did well today," Gibbs said pulling her into a hug once Sam finally let her go. "You've got one day under your belt, let's hope for just two more. Did you get the toothbrush I brought by earlier?"

"Yeah," Jaycee said.

"The kids made you some cards," Sam said. "Ty made you one too."

"Ty? He knows?" Jaycee asked.

"Mac called him after you called her," Sam said.

"I'm so embarrassed," Jaycee muttered under her breath.

"You have nothing to be embarrassed about," Sam told her.

"Everybody goes through weak moments," Gibbs said. "Believe it or not I've been in your position before. I considered ending my life after I lost my wife and daughter."

"Really? Did you have to stay in a place like this?" Jaycee asked.

"There was nobody around to save me," Gibbs said.

"But you're still here," Jaycee said.

"Yeah," Gibbs said. "I had a moment of weakness but I got through it and you will too. You're just getting a little more help than I did."

Jaycee gave them a short tour of the hospital. It was a small building set up almost like a house. Everything was on one floor. The boys' rooms were on one end of the building and the girls' rooms were on the opposite side separated by a kitchen, dining room and an area set up to resemble a living room. There were enough beds to house ten adolescents but only seven of them were filled, two boys and five girls.

Gibbs and Sam met Jaycee's roommate who seemed like a sweet girl. She came off as shy and hurting but not crazy like one might think someone in that situation would behave. The world's perception of what happened behind the closed doors of a mental hospital was far different than what was happening at Hope Springs. Both Gibbs and Sam knew there were bad psychiatric care facilities out there and were thankful Jaycee had gotten into a good one. Hope Springs had a great reputation and as they looked at the facility it seemed to be a place where kids could escape from their problems and focus on healing.

As visiting hours were nearing their end, Jaycee rested with her head in Sam's lap while Gibbs stroked her hair. She realized how much they really did care about her and hated herself even more for what she'd done.

"We'll be back to see you during both visiting times tomorrow," Sam said. "You just focus on what you've gotta do."

"We love you, Jaycee," Gibbs said. "Hang tight, you'll be home before you know it."

Tears spilled out as they both hugged her goodbye. She didn't want them to leave. She wanted to go home with them. She was sorry for what she'd done and wished everybody would just believe her so she could get back to her normal life.

Sam kissed her cheek and Gibbs kissed her forehead then they left the teary eyed teenager to her nightly activities. They didn't want to go anymore than she wanted them to and the fact that she was standing there crying only made it that much harder but they didn't have a choice.

"We're doing the right thing," Sam said to herself as much as Gibbs. "She's getting the help she needs here."

"That doesn't seem to be making this any easier on any of us," Gibbs said as they walked to the car.

Sam whacked him across the chest and glared at him. "You're not helping," she scolded playfully.

"I know," Gibbs said. "I know this is where she needs to be but that doesn't make my urge to plan a breakout any less powerful."

Sam smiled as she pictured Gibbs helping Jaycee escape from the hospital. She had no doubt he would do it if he had any less self-control. He was a man that liked to take care of his own but he seemed to understand that the care that Jaycee needed was beyond him. He could love her and care for her but healing would have to come from someone who'd been extensively trained in the inner workings of the human mind and human behavior. Regardless, neither of them could wait until they had their baby home with them.