Eric and Cassie made it back to the store. They took their time heading back and talked some more about what had happened over the past few years. Cassie told Eric all about wanting to become part of NCIS like her father. Eric smiled and nodded. As they approached the store Cassie's mind had begun to wander. She was thinking of Palmer and what he was doing. She did miss him and wanted to know what was going on with him, but being here with Eric was easy no questions or problems.

"So pick you up around 6:30 for the party?" asked Eric

"Yeah, sounds good. I had a lot of fun with you today,"

"Day's not over yet,"

"I know, but it's been awhile since I've had a nice relaxing afternoon with a friend,"

"I'll see you later," said Eric pecking her on the cheek before turning and walking away. Cassie stood and watched him for a minute smiling before heading inside.

"Hi sweetheart, did you and Eric have a good time?" asked her father

"Yeah, we did. Have you eaten lunch?"

"Yeah, there's stuff in the fridge. You hungry?" asked her grandfather.

"Actually I think I'm going to go lay down. I'm a bit tired after all the walking."

"I'll fix you up something and bring it to you, "said Jethro

"You feeling OK?" asked Jack eying her wearily

"Yeah, just tired. Eric invited me to a party for his cousin tonight around 7 so I think I'll try and rest up before hand," she said heading to her room. Jethro made the tray of food and took it to her. He was worried Cassie was pushing herself too hard for her first day.

"Sweetheart, you sure you're feeling up to all this activity?"

"I'm a little tired, but not overly so. I'll probably be sitting most of the night so it won't be too much stress,"

"I really don't want you to overdo it. Promise me you feel sick you come right home,"

"I promise. You and grandpa have a good morning?"

"Yeah, we talked about you. He's upset we didn't tell him sooner. I'll go grab your pills. I meant to ask you earlier, but did the doctor give you anything test results before we left? They said they would call us,"

"I didn't hear anything,"

"OK, I'm sure they'd call the cell if it was urgent,"

"Could I have my phone back?"

"Sure, I'll just go get it. Everything good between you and Eric?"

"Yes, why hoping for a new son-in-law?"

"No, just thought I'd ask. You seem happy and relaxed with him. I just want to see you happy sweetie that's all,"

"I am happy. I'd be happier if I could rest,"

"OK, I'm going. Holler if you need anything,"

Cassie ate her lunch in bed and checked her phone messages. Tony had left one as did Abby. Jenny also left a message telling her to call her if she needed to talk about anything. She also got one from the doctor's office about her test results. She hadn't told her father that she'd gone ahead with an alternative treatment. The doctor told her it wasn't working and that her counts were starting to drop again. She would have to go in twice for chemo this week. As she sat there her mind went to Eric. He didn't know about her illness. The one person who saw her as normal and not sick or dying. There was no way she was going to ruin this visit with him by telling him she was dying. Not after the morning she had. She was very tired and knew that she needed to slow down. She also did not want to miss out of anything involving Eric. A good afternoon nap would have her back on her feet in no time.

"Jethro, I think she's pushing herself too hard. You honestly aren't letting her go out tonight are you?"

"Dad, she's fine. She knows when to quit. All she needs is a little bit of rest and she'll be as good as new. If she's looking off after her nap I'll ask her to consider staying home,"

"You should insist she stay Jethro. All this running around isn't health for her being so weak,"

"Dad, relax I'll handle it. Now are you going to argue with me or play gin rummy?" said Jethro holding the cards.

The afternoon wore on and Jethro read and made some phone calls to the team to check in. Jen called him twice asking about Cassie and Jack. He got annoyed when she asked for Jack over him the third time she called. Jethro check in on Cassie a few times to clean up the food and make sure she was comfortable. She slept most of the afternoon. Around 4 he stuck his head in again and found her waking up. Her face was pale and she looked odd.

"Cassie, honey, hey, how you feeling?" he asked helping her sit up in bed.

"How long did I sleep?"

"Almost four hours. You feeling OK?"

"Just kind of light headed," she said taking a drink of water.

"I don't think you should go with Eric tonight Cassie,"

"Dad, I'm fine really. Just give me a minute to adjust," she said taking a deep breath.

"Please don't push it Cassie. Your immune system is not as strong as it once was."

"Dad, stop please. I promise I'm fine," she said her body shaking from cold.

"Your freezing Cassie," he said grabbing her sweatshirt from the end of the bed.

"I want to go sit with grandpa," she said trying to stop from shaking

"OK, easy," said Jethro helping her out of bed and into the sitting area next to the stove.

"Hey there sleepy head,"

"Hey, grandpa. Dad lose in gin?"

"He put up a fair fight. Owes me a week worth of work in here, but fair. You doing OK darling?" he asked noticing her pale complexion.

"Yeah, just need to get the circulation going,"

"Hot cup of coffee should do just the trick," said Jack handing her the mug. He eyed Jethro who giving him a knowing look as well.

"Cass I'll be right back," said Jethro stepping out into the other room.

"Jethro she's sick! There is no way in hell you can let her out of this house,"

"Dad, I know. Would you go get the doctor? I would feel better having her looked at. Something isn't right," he said hearing a thud from the next room. He ran back and found Cassie on the floor next to the chair.

"Cassie!" yelled Jack

"Cassie, sweetheart can you hear me? Cassie!" yelled Jethro checking her pulse. It was weak. Something was definitely wrong. He picked her up and ran out the door and put her in the car.

"I'll drive," said Jack running out after them as Jethro threw him the keys.