A/N: Hey y'all. I know I know. Another update within one month? What's wrong with me? I just wanted to thank all of my readers for being mostly kind. Also I think I am going to include a question about me and then ask you guys a question so if you want to leave questions for me please do so. I really appreciate all of you guys. And in this break I hope to get out a few more chapters while studying for what I believe Americans call midterms.
Alex's POV:
After hearing about his sister's struggles last night, Alex decided he would do whatever it took to stop the little bit-, he means, brat from bullying Tali. After all, his sister was one of the sweetest girls he knew and he knew a LOT of girls. Granted most are his age and are extremely full of themselves. But anyway, he would find Jake Van Hawn and tell him he better stop his sister or else.
So that morning, he had his mind so set on talking to Jake he forgot all about the skipping school plan. So when he checked his phone to see that Brett texted him, are we still on?, he was taken back. Now he had an impossible choice. Stick up for his family? Or become a cool kid? And avoid trouble at all costs of course. Oh god, what was he gonna do?
Alex decided to just think about it while he ate his cereal. Unfortunately, thinking made him quiet and a quiet Alex was a dead give away something was wrong.
Ziva's POV:
"Alex, baby, why are you being quiet? You've hardly touched your cereal." his loving mother questioned, obviously confused as to why her bottomless pit of a son was not eating.
"I'm just not very hungry, Mama. But I'm fine I promise." Unbeknown to her son, Ziva had gotten a strange call last night. Abby had dialed her right away after dinner and told her how Penny informed Abby that Alex was gonna skip school. Apparently, Penny 'overheard' some big kids talking about the group of teen boys' plan. The same teen boys that Alex was seen hanging out and whispering with. This concerned Ziva but instead of confronting him, she decided to watch how it played out. Especially now that Tali had requested assistance. The poor mother hoped with all her heart that the teen decided to put his sister first. Her mind knew though about Alex' desire to fit in so she wasn't sure.
"We have to go, I don't wanna miss the bus again." Alex interrupted her thoughts.
The children all made their way out the door and down the street where many of the neighborhood kids waited. Tali went immediately to Sarah, probably discussing yesterday, Ellie stuck by them too wanting to feel included, but Alex walked right past Caleb and his friends and went over to Collin Anders, a blonde boy with a reputation of trouble. Ziva's worst fears were coming true. Her son was becoming an unruly teen.
At school, Alex POV:
Brent came running right up to Alex, "Hey man, you ready to go?"
Alex sighed but decided to explain, "Give me like 10 minutes to do something then I'll be ready."
"But the bells are gonna ring by then and we will have to be in class," Mickey's voice popped into the conversation.
Brett chimed in again with the tone of finality, "Yeah Dinozzo, we're leaving now and you're either with us or not. But if whatever you're doing is more important then feel free to keep being goody good." The last part was added in a mocking tone that angered Alex. Obviously his sister was more important but this still is his reputation. What are the chances of an opportunity like this ever popping up in his middle school career? He can talk to Jake some other day. Tali will probably be fine anyway. It's one day.
Without giving much thought, he hopped on the pegs of Mickey's bike and the group of boys rode away from school. He didn't even see the frown and confusion apparent on Tali's face as she watched him bike away. All he could think about was how cool this was and how much trouble he'd be in if he got caught.
Tali's POV:
Once arriving at school, Tali went straight to her friend Carrie. Carrie was a grade older, being in the same class as Sarah, but that didn't seem to matter. They still all played together at recess. Greeting her friends, they decided to play a quick game of tag before the bell rung. Soon kids of all grades were crowding around the school doors, and Tali decided that she would wait for her brother since she knew he offered protection. When she finally spotted him, he was with a group of boys making no indication of coming in. She was about to call out to him but then remembered how he would be angry because "I don't want people to think, I still play with my baby sisters". She protested that she wasn't a baby, and she was super fun but the protest met deaf ears. Still she waited for him, now wondering what was taking so long. If he was late to class Mama would kill him especially since he just got in trouble the other day. What she saw next shocked her, Alex had just jumped on some boys bike and rode off, away from school. Not knowing what to do, she just stood there staring.
"Tali Dinozzo? Why aren't you making your way inside? Class is about to begin," The monitor said. She was the nice monitor who wouldn't yell if you were late, or fooled around but instead would remind you. She reminded Tali of Aunt Jenny, who was really more like a grandmother, but was firm yet gentle. "Are you waiting for someone?"
The small brunette turned, once more searching for her big brother before coming to a realization he wasn't coming, "No. I guess not ma'am." And with that she went inside, knowing today would suck.
Just a short chapter. In the next one, we will see Alex' day on the town along with some family moments. As always thanks for reading, and reviews are appreciated.
