It was 8 hours later and Kate got off the plane and went to call a cab. She had forgotten how damn cold it was in DC, all that time in Hawaii had gotten her used to the heat. She quickly walked outside and got a cab to the hospital. She didn't care of it was dangerous to be seen…Ari was dead anyway…it was over. Kate got into the cab and on the whole way to the hospital hoping, praying that some how he would be ok. When she got there she paid the driver and walked into the hospital not really knowing what to expect. Suddenly it dawned to her…she hadn't seen these people in over a year…and if Abby, McGee and Ducky were there and Gibbs hadn't told them…they would get a surprise. Taking in a deep breath she walked up to the desk and asked where Tony was. She got an answer and walked up to the room. Silently she looked around the corner of the hospital and saw Abby and McGee sitting there looking semi blanc. She sighed not sure how to do this. She really wished she knew if they knew that she was alive. God this is much harder then I thought it would be. Kate thought. How can she do this? Just walk in and say 'Hi how have you been, o what's that? O yeah I faked my death but now I am back so you know every things good.' Kate felt tears come into her eyes…she didn't know why really they just did. But then she thought of Tony…she had to get to him no matter what it took. Slowly she stood around the corner. That's when she say Abby's stomach…it was HUGE! O my God! She's pregnant! Kate thought in surprise. She briefly wondered who the dad was but then she saw that Abby and Tim were holding hands and she was asleep on his shoulder. No way! Abby and Tim. Wonder what Gibbs said to that. She thought briefly. Kate took in a deep breath and stepped forward but someone suddenly grabbed her shoulder from behind.
"Gi…" Kate started to say but he covered her hand with his mouth and he led her away. "What's going on?" Kate asked kinda angry.
"Look if you just walk in there they will both think they have gone mad. I am going to go and tell them." Gibbs said and for the first time in a year he looked right into her eyes.
"Ok Gibbs, I understand…but…please hurry." Kate said.
"Kate its not every day that you get told that someone you thought was dead for a year actually isn't dead." Gibbs said.
Kate nodded as Gibbs walked around the corner. She held her breath wanting to hear if Abby and McGee believed what Gibbs was telling them. She heard a slight gasp a few sobs and "No way!" from Abby. Kate smiled to herself, she hadn't heard her best friend talk in a year…and in some ways in that year she felt dead…all the people she loved and cared for was suddenly out of her life. She frowned deep in thought and suddenly it hit her again…Tony! She suddenly walked out and Abby saw her gave a small shriek. Kate hugged her friend and tried to stop her friend's tears. She finally pulled away and looked at McGee…his face was in shock…his mouth hanging slightly open.
"What have I taught you about manner Timmy?" Abby said and she closed his mouth with her hand.
"Kate wow I don't know what to say." McGee said stammering a little.
"Well it's great to see you alive would be nice." Kate joked and they all laughed. "Looks like you have been busy while I was away." Kate said nodding to Abby stomach.
"Well Tim and I are married and this little one is going to be joining us next month." Abby said a huge smile on her face.
Kate smiled, it was a happy one but she couldn't help but think, she has missed out on so much. She quickly turned and faced Tony's room…he was the one she most wanted to see when she was able to come out of hiding…but not like this…she wanted him to be happy and healthy…not in a hospital. She walked into the room and almost passed out…Tony was in such a state…his leg was in a cast…his chest was wrapped in several places where stiches had been and his head was wrapped from the concussion. She slowly walked over next to his bed and held his hand and squeezed it softly.
"Tony? Tony I'm back." She said softly sitting in the chair next to him.
The rest of the team left giving Kate some time alone with Tony. She looked at him tears threatening to over flow. She should have told him how she felt but now…well now it could be too late.