DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN NCIS OR ANY OF ITS CHARACTERS

A/N: A sequel of sorts to "Not So McPerfect: A Little Sister's Story

Measuring up to an Overachiever: A Not So McPerfect Story

Chapter 5

My heart was racing most of the next day. Tim was still answering questions thrown at him from Mom. How can she so much to ask? He still calls home at least once a week.

Finally I got my opportunity to talk to Tim alone. He volunteered to pick up some ingredients mom was low on to make her lasagna and garlic bread. I invited myself along.

"So what's the plan?" I asked anxiously.

He looked at me with a lopsided smile then turned back to the road. "I've already dropped a few points to both Mom and Dad."

I was stunned. "Like what?" I choked out.

He shook his head with a hint of laughter, "I was telling Dad how mature you were. That I couldn't believe myself that my 'baby' sister was actually quite a young woman."

I blushed hearing my own brother using words like that to describe me, "What did Dad say?"

"He agreed. Thought you even acted more like an early adult than a teenager most days."

I beamed.

"What did you say to Mom?" We both knew she was the stricter of the two.

"Actually she was asking me if I thought you were too mature. She was concerned you didn't have enough of a childhood, because they were so much older when you were born that they might have been too out of touch with childish things."

"Ha!" I shook my head in disbelief. "IF they only knew how much like a child I still feel around them."

"Don't worry I told her they did a terrific job raising you and that they should be proud of how mature you are today."

We had reached the store and as we got out of the car I was saying, "Gee thanks Tim. I really appreciate all those nice things you told them." I wrapped my arms around him and gave him a big hug.

"I meant every word, Sar," he returned my hug.

When we got back from the store, Mom was holding the phone out for me, an eyebrow raised questioningly at me. Crap, it must be Roger.

"Hello?" I asked taking the phone.

"Hey Sarah," Roger's elated voice gave no indication Mom had said anything to him.

"Are you still coming over?" I asked an eye on Mom's face trying to read her expression.

"Sure. I wanted to call first."

"Good call. Tim and I just got back from the store, so you can come at any time, though dinner won't be for another few hours." I couldn't stop the smile at the thought of seeing him again.

"Alright, I'll probably be about forty minutes. I got a few things to finish up here first."

"Okay, see you then."

"Bye," he waited for my reply.

"Bye," I said hanging up reluctantly when I turned back to face my mom.

"So, who was that?" she asked sternly.

Not good. I chanced a look at Tim who was carrying the bags into the kitchen. Mom noticed the look and called Tim over. I grimaced. I didn't want Tim to be in any trouble over this.

"I'm waiting Sarah. Who was that on the phone?"

"His name's Roger. He's the friend you told me I could invite over for dinner tonight," I confessed.

"He's a boy, Sarah!" she accused.

The word 'Duh' almost escaped my lips, but I was saved by Tim's interruption.

"He's a nice young man, Mom. I met him when I picked Sarah up from school yesterday."

"Oh really. Did you know that was her intended guest for this evening?" she almost glared at him.

He took a deep breath, "Yes, Mom. Sarah likes him and Roger wanted to meet you and Dad so he could take Sarah out."

Mom looked doubtful, "He wants our approval and our permission?"

"Basically, yes," Tim answered.

Mom looked back to me, "Don't you think you could have been more forthcoming about this last night?"

"I suppose," I admitted. "I know once you meet Roger, you'll like him."

"We shall see. I guess. When should we expect him?"

Smiling I told her forty minutes.

"Very well. I best get busy with dinner," she headed to the kitchen.

"I'll help," I followed her.

She was pretty quiet while we prepared dinner and I was hoping she was thinking positive thoughts.

I almost bolted to the door when the doorbell rang, but Mom put her hand on my shoulder to stop me. "A young lady never runs to meet her date," I grinned at her calling Roger my 'date'.

I nodded and walked slowly to the door. She stood beside me as I opened it, to gauge his first reaction to seeing me, but his eyes were set on her.

"Mrs. McGee, it's a pleasure to meet you," he offered his hand to her.

"You as well, Roger is it?" she took his hand politely seeming pleased by his manners. She scanned him head to toe and didn't find anything amiss. Thankfully Roger dressed up for the occasion.

"Come in," I said taking his hand and pulling gently. I led him into the living room where Tim and Dad were sitting. I smiled at Tim and introduced Roger to our father.

"Nice to meet you," Dad stood to shake Roger's extended hand.

"Pleasure is mine, sir," Roger gave him a short nod.

Dad measured him against his naval standards and offered him a seat. So far so good.

"Sarah is this our dinner guest?" Dad asked clearly wanting to know the details.

"Yes, sir," I answered. "Roger is my friend."

Roger managed to remain calm and sat virtually at ease. I wondered how he couldn't be nervous or how he hid it if he was.

"How long have you two been friends?" Dad asked skeptically.

"We've been hanging out for a few months with our friends," I replied.

"That good to know," Dad watched Roger for a moment. "Is there a reason for this invitation to dinner?" he asked Roger.

"Sir," he addressed him, "I think Sarah is a nice girl and I like to spend time with her. I was hoping you would permit me to see her."

Tim smiled at him approvingly. Nodding at the polite words and mature delivery. He could tell Dad was eating it up.

I kept my jaw off the floor by some small miracle. Roger is amazing! I had to wonder if he'd taken lessons from someone on how to suck up to parents. I looked at my brother to see his reaction and then wondered if he somehow advised Roger on what to say and how to say it. But how could he have done that?