Chapter One- Travelling on your Birthday

When I was 15, I found out that my father wasn't my father and that my real father was someone my mother had had a decade long affair with.

When I was 16, I discovered that I not only had a father, but a half sister and a nephew. And my world was turned upside down.

That same year, I had an amazing vacation with my mom and dad to Italy and when we got back, Joy, Shawn and Kai came over for a week and we found out that Joy was pregnant again! I was going to be an aunty again!

Because Joy couldn't travel as much, we had made plans to spend Christmas with them in California. It would be strange. It was the first Christmas I had spent away from home. With a bit of luck (or a miracle, you choose!) Aaron and Jack were spending Christmas in Seattle with Meredith and her children. So at least we'd be in the same time zone if not the same state!

The week of mine and Mom's birthdays came and in the midst of the packing we found time to celebrate. On the rare occasion that I minded my birthday and Christmas being mixed, Dad cooked a Christmas dinner for the whole team. We celebrated the birthdays and Christmas all in one, seeing as we wouldn't be with the team this year. And then it was back to the packing. This had to be done carefully as we had presents to take and we knew we would be coming back with some. Dad had paid extra to take an extra suitcase over that was full of presents for Kai, Joy and Shawn as well as our family. Mom and Dad were sharing a suitcase but I had my own. Dad had bought us all matching pyjamas for Christmas- cheesy I know, but I'm going to go with it.

"Bambina, you all packed?" called Dad from the hallway outside my room.

"Almost Pop!"

"Good cause I want to get the car packed tonight!"

"I know!"

He came into my room, "Are you still going out with Jack tonight?"

"He's taking me to the theater for my birthday, so yeah I'm still going. Seeing as I'm spending my 17th birthday on a plane!"

Dad chucked, "I know it's not ideal bambina, but your mother and I agreed it was best to get out before all the holiday rush!"

"I know, and at least I'll get to see Joy on my birthday!"

"See look at the positives!" Dad threw his arm round my shoulder and pulled me into a hug, "What are you seeing tonight?"

"Hadestown. It's on tour."

"I'm not even going to ask!" Dad smiled, "Enjoy yourself, kid."

"Thanks!" he went to leave, "Daaaad?"

"What?" he replied, smiling.

"If Jack was to ask me back to his, would you and mom be ok to pick me up?"

Dad smiled, "If you are up and ready by six and Aaron doesn't mind, we'll pick you up en-route!"

"Thanks Dad!" and I gave him a hug.

"No worries. Now finish packing!"

"Yes sir!" I smiled as he left the room.

Curled up with Jack later that evening, we were busy recounting the show we had just watched.

"When do you leave for Seattle?" I asked casually.

"The day after tomorrow." He replied, "It's going to be nice, spending the holidays with Meredith, Zola, Bailey and Ellis. And you'll have heaps of fun with Kai and Joy and Shawn!" he tucked a strand of hair behind my ear.

"I know." I replied, "It's just odd. I've never spent a Christmas away from home before."

"But you won't be away from home." Jack replied.

I looked at him confused.

"Think about it. A house is four walls and a roof. A home is something else entirely." He placed his hand on my heart. "A home is where the heart is. You are taking your home with you. Your mom and dad are going and your sister, brother-in-law and nephew are all going to be there too. You aren't leaving home at all!"

I snuggled in closer to him, "Thanks Jack." I whispered.

"Love you Jess."

"Love you!" and we fell asleep.

Half five came round much too soon. Jack and I yawned as we struggled to wake up. I jumped under the shower for five minutes to wake up and wash my hair. I wrapped a towel round me and brushed my teeth. I was having breakfast with my parents at the airport but didn't really want unclean teeth. I had a toothbrush at Jack's 'cause I stayed over so much, I had packed my other one last night. I went back to Jack's room to get dressed and he wasn't there. I shoved on some comfy pants and one of Jack's hoodies. I then grabbed my backpack, put my phone charger in, slotted my phone in the side, made sure I had everything and then left.

I tiptoed down to the kitchen, not wanting to wake Aaron and I found Jack in the kitchen with a mug of coffee and a cupcake with a candle in it.

"Happy birthday to you, Happy birthday to you, Happy birthday dear Jessie, Happy birthday to you!"

I grinned, "Thanks Jack!" and I blew the candle out.

"Did you make a wish?"

I nodded, "But I won't tell you cause then it won't come true!" and I kissed him.

"I got you something."

"You didn't have too! You took me to the theater last night!"

He handed me a rectangle shaped object wrapped in pink tissue paper and tied with a ribbon. I put my coffee down and looked at him. I opened in and smiled when I saw what it was. It was a photo board of Jack and I.

"When did you do this?"

"When we lived in Seattle these last few months. Dad helped. I was going to try and send it, but then they found Scratch."

"And you didn't have to!"

"And I didn't have to! D'you like it?" he asked

"I love it! Thank you!" I kissed him again.

"Happy Birthday Jessie!" he whispered again, resting his forehead on mine, "I'm glad I didn't have to miss another one!"

"Me too!"

"Seriously Jack, your room is upstairs!" came the voice of Jack's dad Aaron Hotchner. His hair was ruly and unkempt. It looked as though he had just rolled out of bed. He rubbed one palm into his eye and yawned. Jack kissed me quickly and then poked his tongue out at his father.

"Sorry, Aaron, I was trying not to wake you!"

"It's okay Jess. I was awake anyway."

I smiled.

"What time are Erin and Dave coming for you?"

I looked at my watch, "In fifteen minutes."

Aaron nodded and left the room. I looked at Jack. Jack shrugged. Then Aaron came back with a parcel in his hands.

"Happy birthday!" he said, smiling.

"Thanks Aaron!" I took the parcel and opened it. The first present was a book. I flipped the book over and saw t was Little Women. I grinned, I had wanted this book for ages. The present underneath it was another photo related present. This time, it was a photobook. It had photos of me growing up in the BAU. I flicked through the photos and smiled. There was one from a hallowe'en where I had dressed up as Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz and Jack was dressed as Darth Vader and we had come to the BAU to show off our costumes before we went trick or treating. There was another where I was sat on Spencer's knee and he was showing me some science magic. I was so engrossed in what Spence was doing that I didn't even realise my photo was being taken. And of course there were some more up to date ones, including when we got the team together again.

I looked up at Hotch, tears in my eyes, "Thanks Aaron." Was all I managed. He came and gave me a massive hug.

"You're welcome Jess. I'm glad you like it!"

I nodded wiping my eyes and then there was a knock at the door.

"I'll get it!" said Aaron, going to answer the door.

Jack came and gave me a hug. "Have a safe trip, Jess. Let me know you land safe!"

"I will. Let me know you get to Meredith's safe and sound."

He nodded.

I picked up my backpack and put it over my shoulder. I then kissed Jack. He held the kiss for as long as he could. I wrapped my arms round his neck pulling him closer. I could feel him smile and I pulled away.

"That's got to last you until I see you again!"

"I think it will. Love you."

"I love you!" and I kissed him again.

"C'mon Jess. Put him down. You'll see him again soon!" came my dad's voice.

I had to laugh. "I'd better go!"

Jack nodded and then kissed me again. "Just one more!" he smiled.

I kissed his cheek and headed out to find my Dad chatting with Aaron.

"C'mon Dad. You'll see him again soon!" I smiled

"Cheeky!"

I gave Aaron a hug and then left the flat with Dad.

The drive to the airport was relatively smooth. The temptation to fall asleep in the car was overwhelming, but I put Panic At the Disco on in my headphones and sang along.

We arrived at the airport and made it through security. We went and found a café to have some breakfast in. Mom and I sat down and Dad went to get the food.

"Happy birthday baby!" Mom said, handing me a present.

I smiled, "Thanks Mom. I thought you were waiting until we were at Joy's?"

"I know, but I couldn't resist this one!"

I opened it. It was a necklace with a tree in the middle. On the tree branches were the names of the BAU members.

I looked up at mom, "I know you have a family with Dave now and I'm glad, but for the longest time, these guys were your family!"

I got off my chair and went round to her and gave her a hug. "I love it Mom, thank you!"

"You're welcome sweet girl!"

"Did you give her the necklace?" asked Dad coming back with a tray of coffees and pastries.

Mom nodded and as soon as Dad put the tray down, I gave Dad a massive hug too. He wrapped both arms round me and lifted me up. I squealed a little as it caught me by surprise.

"Happy birthday Bambina!"

"Thanks Dad."

We had our coffees (mine was a hazelnut latte and it was lush!) and then it was time to board the plane. The flight was smooth. I had a kip. I was reading Shadow of Night and I must have fallen asleep cause when I woke up, my book was closed, bookmark in place on the tray in front of me. Mom smiled and said that she had closed it to save my place if I dropped it on the floor. I thanked her and looked out the window. We were close to landing. The sun was beating down. California confused me. December was meant to be cold and I normally had snow on my birthday. But not this year. This year, I could spend my birthday on the beach and I think that was what was planned.

A few hours later and the Rossi's were gathered on the beach. Kai and I were in the sea. He was a strong swimmer and I was keeping an eye on him, making sure he didn't go too far or get pulled by a current. Mom and Joy were sat chatting away under a parasol and Dad and Shawn were playing baseball. I was floating on my back, enjoying a sunny birthday for a change when suddenly Kai came up behind me and pushed me under. I spluttered and then got him back by throwing him in a couple of times.

We then came out of the water for something to eat and Dad handed me a soda. We sat in a circle round Joy and she handed me a present.

"Erin mentioned you were an avid reader, so we got you some more books!" Joy said

"Wish I hadn't said anything now!" Mom laughed, "Jess you might need to get a new bookcase!"

I gave her a look and opened my present from my sister. Out fell four books, Annelies, Northern Lights, Subtle Knife and the Amber Spyglass.

"Thanks Joy!" I said, blowing her a kiss.

"They should keep you going for all of four days!" Dad joked.

"Shawn, next time you bowl, aim for somewhere that hurts!" I replied. Dad ruffled my hair in response.

Kai was next to give me a package, "Thank you Kai, do you want to help me open it?"

He nodded enthusiastically and tore off the paper. Inside was a sketch book, some pencils and watercolours. "Wow, thanks Kai, these are amazing!"

"You're welcome Aunty Jessie!"

I gave him a hug.

The other part of my present from Mom and Dad was a gift voucher and some loungewear. I had been complaining about getting dressed at the weekend and obviously Mom had listened.

"I propose a toast." Dad said, holding his soda can in the air, "Jess, I have fifteen years worth of birthdays to make up for, but every day I spend with you is a celebration. I wish you the happiest of happy birthdays, my darling daughter!"

"Happy Birthday Jess!" Everyone else said, holding their drinks in the air.

"Thanks guys!" I smiled

"Jess, Morgan just sent me this!" she passed over her phone. It was a recording of Savannah, Hank, Morgan and baby Brianna dancing and singing to 'Happy Birthday' by Stevie Wonder.

Then Dad joined in:

Happy Birthday to you
Happy Birthday to you
Happy Birthday
Happy Birthday to you
Happy Birthday to you
Happy Birthday

And soon everyone was up and dancing around singing, even me. This had to be one of the best birthday's I'd ever had.

And it was only going to get better!