Chapter 26, This Bird Has Flown: Summer 2032

"Tali, stand still, PLEASE, you are squirming way too much." Ziva was trying to use bobby pins to keep Tali's mortarboard on her head. Today was the first of two graduations for Tali. Over the past two school years and in the summer between, Tali had taken college courses at the local community college via the joint enrollment program. She had completed all the requirements for a College Preparatory diploma from the high school and after two classes over the summer term; she would have an Associates' degree in General Studies from the college. In September, she would enter Georgetown as a Junior, with a major in languages and linguistics.

"I am, Ima. This is how I stand still when I am excited." Ziva smiled, and put the last pin on the back of the cap. The high school colors of crimson and white were incorporated into the gown and cap. The crimson gown looked fantastic on Tali and brought out a natural pink in her cheeks.

"Everyone ready?" Tony called from the front door. The family's minivan was already in the driveway. Anthony stopped at the door and asked his Abba to check his tie. "Looks good, kiddo!" Tony was proud of Anthony for learning to tie both a long tie and a bowtie. He had shunned the clip on versions even when he was younger and insisted on learning to tie them himself.

Ziva was the last one out, and she whispered to Tony, "We are not ready for our baby to be graduating and nearly eighteen. Where have the years gone?" Tony nodded.

At the school's arena, Tali went to the assigned area for graduating students while the family met Gibbs, the McGee family and the Palmer family. Tori, as a ranking member of the Junior class, was an usher for the graduation. As they made their way to seats, Abby and Leon came in behind them. The Reeves family and Nick and his wife, Allison, were coming through the door where Tori was handing out programs as the others took their seats. She pointed out the family to them, and they made their way to what LJ deemed "Tali's Official Cheering Section."

The principal called the assembly to order, and led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance and the singing of the National Anthem. He seated the audience and introduced the Senior class as a group. The presentation of diplomas got underway, with the students called alphabetically. As Tali's row stood, her family applauded.

"Talia Elisheva DiNozzo, highest honors," Tony and Ziva cheered with the rest of the family. Tali was grinning (her DiNozzo grin, of course) as she walked across the stage to receive her diploma. Her family erupted with applause and more cheering. Several others in the crowd looked over at the family, amazed at the size of "Tali's Official Cheering Section." She hands down had the most family in the audience! Tony squeezed Ziva's hand as she handed him a tissue. Both parents had tears running down their faces, as did Grandpa Gibbs. They were so proud of their girl.

~TIVA~

The party after the graduation was in the DiNozzo backyard. All of the family had brought covered dishes and Ziva had made pans of lasagna. She baked bread the night before and had ordered a cake from the bakery near their house. Anthony remarked that if anyone left hungry, it was their own fault.

When Ziva brought the cake out, Tony called the group to attention. Ziva placed the cake on the table, and stood next to Tony.

"Tali, I want you to know how proud I am of you today. You graduated with highest honors, have almost completed a two-year college degree and are entering Georgetown on full scholarship in the fall." Tony beamed at his first-born. "It seems like only yesterday you were a little girl, and now you are almost eighteen and an adult." Tony wiped at his eyes. "Tali, I love you and I am proud of you." Tony hugged Tali.

"Tali, my baby, my first born. I am so, so proud of the woman you have become. You taught me how to be an Ima. I loved you from the moment I knew of your existence. I love you. Ani ohevet otach." Ziva hugged Tali and kissed her forehead.

Gibbs stood up and walked over to Tali, "Proud of you, kiddo. I love you, Tals." Tali hugged her Grandpa, and then took his hand. Together they started cutting and serving the cake to the rest of the family.

~TIVA~

Mid-August, Tali finished the last two classes for her Associates' degree. Since there was not a formal graduation ceremony for the summer term, she picked up her diploma at the campus about two weeks after class ended. She had graduated Magna Cum Laude with a 3.89 GPA. Tony and Ziva took her out for dinner to celebrate.

Labor Day weekend, they moved Tali into her dorm at Georgetown. She wanted to live on campus, rather than at home to get the full campus experience. As Tony and Ziva readied to leave, both had lumps in their throats and tears in their eyes.

"Ima, Abba, cheer up, it's not like I went across the country or to another country." Tali tried to cheer up her parents. "Besides, I'll be at home over breaks."