Chapter 4

"Jessa?" My dad called from down the stairs, "Are you home?"

I popped my head out my doorway and smiled, "Yes, Dad."

"Oh, good! I need your help with some things! Can you come down here?" He gave me a mischievous grin and I closed my bedroom door as I bounded down the steps.

I stepped into our living room and was met by the sight of a giant green Christmas tree. Warmth and excitement bubbled inside of me. It had been such a long time since I had, had a Christmas tree. I was officially on Christmas break and Dad had promised Thanksgiving weekend we would get a tree, but he had gotten a case. One case turned into two and then three. "Dad, really?" I whispered.

Dad's smile reached his eyes, "Of course, Jes. Anything for you." Before he knew what was happening, I threw my arms around him. A deep laugh arose from him and I stepped back.

"Thank you! Oh my gosh! Thank you so much! Are we going to decorate it right now?" I grinned. He nodded easily and moved aside to show me the boxes that lined the floor and coffee table. I clapped my hands together and opened the first one. Delicate ornaments were tucked away safely in tissues and newspaper. There were handmade ones and store bought.

Dad dug around a bit before he found the colorful lights. "Here," he handed me the end of one strand, "Let's get these on." It took us thirty minutes, but we finally managed to untangle and string the lights onto the tree.

I stood back and admired the different colors. It made the house feel warmer and cheer-filled. My stomach rumble and I looked at the time. "Dad, can we order some Chinese for dinner?" I questioned, the hope threaded into each word.

"It should be here any minute. I ordered it after I set up the tree." He stated.

"Did you get orange chicken? And rice? And noodles?"

Dad stopped and stared at me, "You act as though I don't know my own daughter. I'm offended." His hand went over his heart in mock pain.

I rolled my eyes and the doorbell rang. I walked over and opened it. My heart nearly stopped for the third time in a month. "Can I help you?" I asked, bitterness rising in my voice.

"Ah, yes, Jessa! Is Commander McGarrett home?" Sara Croft asked a little too sweetly.

Dad came to the door, no doubt seeing my tension and hearing the familiar voice, "What can I do for you, Ms. Croft?" He took on a defensive stance, his arms crossed in front of him.

She smiled, "Can we talk? Privately?"

"Dad-" I went to defend myself, but he cut me off.

"Jessa, could you go wait in your room please?" I wanted to protest, but he gave me a stern look and I walked up the stairs. I didn't go to my room though; I quietly took a seat on the second to top step.

"Commander, as you know Susan Wright is still in town." Ms. Croft spoke.

"Of course I do. She poses a threat to my daughter, I've had my people keep an eye on her."

I had wanted to throw Sara Croft off of my porch as soon as I had seen Jessa tense up. Professionalism was the only thing keeping me from doing so. This lady was dense! If someone poses harm to my daughter, of course I'm keeping tabs on them. I will protect Jessa at all costs.

"Please, Ms. Croft, do get to the point." My arms stayed crossed over my chest menacingly.

"Susan Wright won't back off her demands. She is taking it to court, Commander, she is seeking full guardianship over Jessa." I thought my heart would stop completely at these words.

I kept my face neutral, "The adoption was finalized months ago. She can't do that."

Sara Croft sighed, "She can, Commander. She is Jessa's only living relative and she has a case built up against you. You've left Jessa in the hands of friends while you were seemingly arrested at her school. She has nearly died two times while in your care; once from malnourishment. While all of that may not have been your fault, the lawyer will present it to the judge so it seems as though you are unfit."

"Unfit?" I shouted before lowering my voice, "Unfit? I am the head of a top government investigation agency! I am the most fit person in this world to care for that girl."

"I agree." She nodded, "But Susan has already taken this to a judge and raised the concern. I came here tonight to tell you that I will be back tomorrow morning to take Jessa to a group home where she will stay until full custody is given to someone. I only found out about the matter an hour ago. I am sorry, Commander, but there is nothing you can do to stop this process."

"You're not taking my daughter anywhere." I breathed out angrily.

"I don't have a choice. We will notify the authorities to come with us tomorrow. Standard protocol in case anyone steps out of line." Sara gave another exasperated sigh, "I truly am sorry."

"You can't do this. Not before Christmas. That girl, my daughter, has been through too much this year for you imbeciles to ruin this! I'm calling the governor!"

She walked to the door, "Do as you see fit, Commander McGarrett, but the governor has no say in this matter. Ultimately the judge will rule. I will see you tomorrow morning. Please have Jessa ready by eight." With that she stepped out the door and I watched as she went down the path. I quietly shut the door and leaned my forehead against it.

A whimper came from the stairway and I sighed sadly, "Come down, Jes." I heard the padded footsteps come to a stop at the end of the stairs and I turned.

"Dad..." she choked out. The fear in her eyes broke my heart.

I felt the breath hitch in my throat and my stomach tightened in knots at the two words I dreaded most: group home. Susan was fighting for sole custody of me and until she won I would stay in a group home. No Christmas with the team, no Christmas Eve policeman's ball, and no more Steve McGarrett.

I was losing everything all over again. My home, my friends, my family. Everything would all be gone tomorrow at eight a.m. I would no longer be Jessa McGarrett and I could physically feel my world shattering around me. I must have made a noise because I heard Dad- Steve tell me to come down.

I made slow steps, trying not to fall from the weakness I found in my knees and legs. I made it to the bottom and watched as he turned to face me. My voice formed one word over the lump in my throat, "Dad..." and that was when I let it all come crashing down. I sank to the floor and wrapped my arms around my legs, pulling them into me.

"Jes, honey, listen. I'm not letting them take you away from here, from me. You're staying right where you are, okay? I promise. I don't break my promises, do I?" I felt his hand in my hair. He was trying to get me to open up, to not withdraw into myself again, "Sweetheart, please." His voice took on a begging tone and I met his eyes. He was scared too.

"You can't promise anything, Steve. Don't promise anything because tomorrow you'll have to break your promise." I whispered.

"Jessa, please don't say that. You're not going anywhere. I won't let them take you from me." Steve's strangled voice shattered my heart even more and I pulled away.

Standing on wobbly legs, I looked at the man, I had called my dad, straight in the eyes, "I'm leaving tomorrow and I'm not coming back. You can't stop the system." I turned on my heels and walked up to my room. I closed the door silently and melted against it. Sobs racked my body and I looked at the present I had been wrapping only two hours earlier.

A leather gun holster with an engraving on it that read, "Merry Christmas, Dad. I love you." I slid it under my bed, not my bed, the bed. I wouldn't be able to give it to him now. I looked around the room. So many things I had collected over the months. Pictures, awards, presents and everything would have to stay here.

I pulled out a backpack and packed a minimal amount of clothes. Just enough to where the other girls couldn't steal them. I crawled into bed at seven p.m. Dinner forgotten and my stomach still churning. I cried silent tears now. I cried until it physically hurt and when I thought I was done, I cried more. I'm not sure when I fell asleep, but I know I fell asleep still crying.

The sun peaked out from the sheer curtains and I rolled over. I hadn't gotten much sleep in the night and the sleep I did get was restless. I rolled over and checked the time on my clock. One hour to go. One hour until I would be gone from this home forever.

My body seemed to move on its own; it went through the motions of getting ready. I caught a glance of my reflection in the mirror and I paused. Red puffy eyes and dark circles stared back at me. I didn't want to have to face Steve, but I knew I would have to sooner or later.

I took the steps slowly, hoping that maybe Steve had gone into work. I knew though, I knew he wouldn't have. He was sitting quietly on the couch. He wore the same clothes he had yesterday and I wondered if he had gone to bed at all. The last step creaked and his head shot up at the noise.

"You're awake." He tried to smile, but it was lost on him. His eyes were red and I knew he hadn't gotten any sleep.

"Yeah, I mean, I am leaving." I could hear the bitterness in my voice and I willed it to go away. I was turning back into that ten year old girl who was angry and reckless.

"Jes, please don't." Steve whispered brokenly. This strong man, that I loved like he was my real father, was broken because of me.

I wanted to scream and cry, but I held it in, "Don't what? Don't be bitter? Don't be angry? Don't say the truth? Da- Steve, I am leaving. Susan Wright is pulling me away and I should have known from the beginning; I don't get what I want."

He was going to say something, but he was cut short by the front door being thrown open. Danny came through with Chin and Kono; all of them looking angry.

"We won't let them take you. We'll call in swat if we have to. You aren't going anywhere." Danny said coming over to me and laying his hands on my shoulders.

I smiled, "It's okay, Danno, you can't stop them. It's okay, I swear."

"It's not okay!" The usually calm Chin shouted, "Susan Wright doesn't have the right to do this!"

I wanted to laugh at that play on words, but I held it in. "I'll be okay, I promise."

"We could fly to the main land. I can get us the tickets now. We've got fake ID's ready to go." Danny gave Steve a pointed look and he seemed to mull this idea over.

"No. Danno, this has to be done. I- I'm sorry, but I can't let you guys sacrifice your careers for me." I bit my lip and looked down at my converse. Unwanted tears sprang to my eyes and I watched as one fell on the tip of my shoe.

I heard a large huff, "Sacrifice our careers? I would sacrifice my life for you to be safe." It was Chin who had said it.

I looked up and met his eyes and gave him a small smile, just as the doorbell rang. Everyone turned and stared it down, refusing to answer the ring. My heartbeat sped up and I took tentative steps to the door. I felt the cool metal beneath my hand and suddenly it felt like I was watching from a different perspective.

The door swung open. Two police officers, Sara Croft, and Susan Wright stood expectantly on the small platform.

"Good morning, Jessa!" Susan smiled.

I turned away from her and let them in. Furious eyes met those of the intruders and the police officers knew they would be no match against this team of people.

"Jessa, are you ready to go?" Sara asked.

I bit my lip and searched Steve's eyes. I wanted to scream for him to talk to me, to get me out of this, but he remained silent. I nodded my head once and grabbed the small backpack with my few belongings. There would be no goodbyes, it was too hard to say the words. I looked one last time at my dad and willed him to speak. Still, no words came and I walked out the front door.

No one put up a fight as I climbed into the front seat of Sara's Impala. I waited as she spoke to the family I had once had. I could tell they were all arguing, but it was done. She walked over to the driver's side and slid in.

"Well, Jessa, I'm surprised you came so easily." I looked out my window and bit down hard on my lip. Tears sprang to my eyes and I refused to answer her statement.

She backed the car out of the driveway and made her way down the road. I watched through the tears as my home drifted further and further away. We came to a stop sign and it hit me. I couldn't just leave like that. I needed to tell him everything. I needed to make sure that Steve knew he would always be my father.

I unbuckled my seat belt. The sound causing Sara to look over at me. "Jessa, what are you doing?"

"I can't, I can't leave him like that. I need to at least say goodbye." I whispered and bolted out the door. I heard her protesting yells, but I didn't slow down. I took the shortcut through Mr. Hankinson's backyard and I didn't care that he yelled at me to get off his manicured lawn.

I ran and I didn't stop until I came face to face with the house. Steve was sitting down on the porch step, his head in his hands. The team stood behind him. They looked up at my sudden arrival and Danny nudged Steve's shoulder. His head jolted up and I saw the tears on his face.

"I- I couldn't leave without saying goodbye, Dad." I stated, tears falling from my eyes. He stood up and I stilled. He was in front of me within two strides and his arms naturally secured me into him. I breathed in his forrest, ocean scent and a sob escaped me. "I don't want to go, Dad. Please-"

"I'm going to fight this, Jes, no matter how long it takes me, I will not let them take you away. I swear, on my life, that you will be back home once this is all over." Steve's, my dad's voice was strong and firm.

I nodded my head into his chest, My tears soaked his black t-shirt as they continued to fall, "I love you, Dad."

I felt him take in a lot of air and then let it out, "I love you too, Jessa." I heard the sound of tires on pavement and knew that Sara was back.

"I'm sorry."

"What do you have to be sorry for?" Dad questioned.

I pulled back slightly, "I took it all for granted. The large family, the home, you. I'm sorry I didn't appreciate it as much as I should have. I'm sorry that I have to lose it all, you all."

"Oh sweetheart, you aren't losing anything. We are going to fight for you. The governor is personally coming to the court to give a testimony. Don't worry, we're going to bring you home." He kissed my forehead. I willed myself to believe him, but Susan Wright had come this far and she wasn't going to back down now.

I gave my dad one last hug and walked to the car. I looked at Danny, Chin, and Kono. They all stood in front of the porch now and I nodded to them. I met Danny's eyes and gave him a knowing look. He knew what it meant, it meant to take care of my dad no matter what the outcome. Danny nodded once and I got into the car.

"We can go now." I stated simply to Sara.

"You're not going to try to run again, are you?" Her tone was light, but I was not in the mood for jokes.

"Let's just go." And we did. I watched as everything became a distant dream. Was my time there even real? I wanted to believe that Steve could win the custody appeal, but I was scared. Would my life ever be normal? Would I ever get to a point where everything was going to be okay?

The car came to halt in the parking lot of a group home. The sign read, "Morning-Side's home for teens" and I took in a gulp of air. We got out and I followed Sara into the building and into the offices. I watched as teens filtered in and out of the building. Sara opened and office door and we both filed in.

"Ah, Mrs. Croft, right on time." A large man with graying hair and piercing blue eyes said.

"Mr. Hathaway, this is Jessa Lawrence." Sara smiled.

"McGarrett. My last name is McGarrett." I stated stiffly.

Sara gave me a cautioning look, "Right."

"Please, please, have a seat." Mr. Hathaway said and we did, "Let's just get right down to business shall we? It looks as though you should only be staying with us for a short time. We have assigned you to room thirteen which is empty so you won't need to worry about a roommate. Each room has its own bathroom as well. Luckily, it is Christmas break and you won't be needing to worry about school. Breakfast is served whenever you want it before 10, lunch is at 12:30, and dinner is at 6. If you want to go out you must get permission from one of the adults. Is there any questions you have?" I shook my head, "Perfect, I'll get Lisa to show you to your room."

Lisa was a small blonde. Her perky eyes were hidden behind big glasses. "Jessa, right?"

"Yeah." I threw my backpack over my shoulder and shoved my hands into my pockets.

"I'm Lisa, the girls' leader. I can't wait to get to know you!" She smiled and led me down a hallway. I looked back at the only familiar face and Sara waved goodbye. "Here's your room!"

She opened the door to a small dorm type room. It had cold white walls and two twin beds on the opposite walls. I dropped my backpack on one bed and sat down on the other. I looked around at the emptiness and pulled out the only pictures I had brought with me. One of the Lawrence's, one of the whole team, and one of Steve and I.

"Was that your family?" Lisa asked tentatively as she stepped over and sat down next to me on the bed.

"Is. They are my family." I corrected her.

"The director didn't really fill me in on your situation. You want to tell me?"

I shrugged, "My adoptive parents were murdered, I went to live with Steve, he adopted me. My biological parents murdered my adoptive ones and they're sister is now trying to take full custody of me. Kind of ridiculous because I'm seventeen and in less than a year I can leave her anyways."

I hadn't meant to open up to her, she just seemed so easy to talk to. "I see. I'm sorry you have to go through that."

"It's okay, I'm kind of used to it now."

"Well, the girls and I are going to be marathoning Christmas movies all day if you want to join us. It's in the living room just down the hall. Get situated and explore a little!" She smiled, patted my knee and left.

For the first time since I had woke up that morning, I was completely alone. I closed the door and slid down against it. My knees finally gave way and I broke down. I wanted to tell myself that I was stronger than this; that I could handle this loss, but I knew I couldn't. I needed my dad and without him I would crumble. He had grown to become my world in just a short time.

Hello, everyone! I hope this lengthy chapter made up for my lack in posting! I am truly sorry! I started a "new" story for the NCIS fandom and if you like that too I hope you'll check it out! Thoughts on all that happened in this chapter? Anyone have an idea as to what might happen next? I sure don't ;)

Until the next time,

Theatrefreak10

P.s. I don't claim to know anything about the adoption process or guardianship legal process. Everything I've written is from my mind.