Chapter 3

Deeks POV

I was woken up by the sound of thunder as the nights storm raged on. My first instinct was to make sure that Dakota was alright, seeing that she is terrified by storms and always ends up in bed with her parents and sometimes even Monty.

I made my way down the hall to Dakotas room only to stop because a light from the downstairs living room caught my eye. Deciding that the living room would be more promising I quietly walked down the stairs to the living room.

As I made my way towards the light next to the couch I found my sweet little baby girl curled up with a photo of the three of us and her mother's favourite blanket. The site almost brought me to tears. How could a 2-year-old be so resilient and understanding in these circumstances. Without jostling her too much I picked Dakota up and walked her up the stairs to my room. When I placed Dakota into bed I found her staring up at me with unshed tears in her eyes. As she looked between me and the photo in her hands the tears started rolling down her chubby little cheeks. After a few seconds, she slid off the bed and ran as fast as her little legs would carry her. As I followed her back to the living room I found her still holding the photo but this time she was sitting at the door. I came and sat down next to her. All I could think about was how long she had lasted before going into a complete meltdown. My poor baby was trying to be so strong even though she was pushed into the deep end with this whole situation, as if the world wanted her to grow up before she had a chance to experience the world.

I was pulled out of my thought when Dakota grabbed my arms and tried to pull me closer to the door. After a couple of tugs, she gives up. I pull Dakota into my arms and let her cry.

After what seems like forever she finally stops crying. I loosen my grip on her and ask her what is wrong.

The only reply that I get is a soft whimpered "momma".

After hearing everything I needed to hear I picked Dakota up walked to her room to get some warm clothes then I got changed into some clothes that weren't my pjs grabbed some twinkies for the road and left for the hospital.

It took us an hour to get to the hospital even at the late hour. When I walked into reception the nurse there almost turned me away when I asked for the visitors sign in sheet. However, once she saw the look on Dakotas face she willing gave me the sheet and pen. I walked the short distance to Kensi's room and turned on one of the lamps next to the armchair and lifted Dakota up next to Kensi. Before I could do anything, Kota had climbed under the bed sheets and clung to her mother for dear life. Not long after our arrival Kensi started waking up, as she opened her eyes I saw the pure joy that erupted from Dakota.

It took Kensi a couple of seconds to realise what was happening. I watched as Kensi sat up in her bed and just look at me with a confused expression.

Kensi POV

I was woken up by the feeling of pressure around my waist. As I opened my eyes I found that Dakota was clinging to me and that Deeks was watching with a sad expression on his face. When I sat up I saw a glimpse of Kota's face, her eyes were red and puffy and her cheeks were flushed. I looked to Deeks as if to ask him what had happened but Dakota beat him to it.

"Momma, I miss yous. When is yous coming home? Why you not betterer? Momma I wants yous home. Do yous not wove me anymore?"

After her last question, I almost broke down. How could this sweet innocent child be so profoundly conscious to what is happening around her. Without hesitation, I pulled Dakota up to my chest and held her as tight as could, and told her that I'm here now and everything is going to be alright. Dakota looked up at me and put a sad smile on her face, then she snuggled closer to me and started drifting off to sleep. When she was sound asleep I then took the opportunity to ask Deeks what had happened.

I sat there waiting for him to tell me everything that happened. Deeks explained that Dakota hates thunder storms and usually spends the night in 'our' bed. As he continued he told me about the otherworldly meltdown that occurred even though Kota barely said a word when she had her meltdown. After about an hour or so of explaining Deeks looked exhausted and ready to pass out.

So, I took a leap of faith and told him that there was plenty of space in the bed. After watching him contemplate whether it was a good idea he finally conceded and hopped into bed and something clicked.

It was as if the final piece of the puzzle had been put into place to create the perfect picture.