In preparation for the various end of the year concerts that would take place at Faith's elementary school, the gymnasium had been outfitted with a makeshift stage. In front of the stage were rows of folding chairs to accommodate the dozens of parents expected to attend each concert.
On the night of the second grade concert, Jack and Gibbs managed to arrive early enough to secure seats in the middle of the third row. As the students began to take their places, Jack anxiously looked for Faith. When she spotted her daughter, she smacked Gibbs' thigh. "There she is!"
Gibbs grabbed Jack's hand to prevent her from hitting him again. "I see her."
"Do you think she can see us?"
"Give her a minute. She's lookin'."
It only took Faith about thirty seconds to find Jack in the audience. When she did, she smiled and waved. Jack waved back, then settled into her seat to enjoy the concert.
NCIS NCIS NCIS
After the concert, Gibbs took Jack and Faith to the diner for burgers and milkshakes. While they were waiting for Elaine to bring their food, Faith handed Jack a piece of paper that she'd been carrying since they had left the school. "Miss Temple said to give this to you."
Jack took the paper and quickly skimmed the details for the school's upcoming Field Day. She winced when she read the date of the event. Setting the flyer down, she looked across the table at Faith. Jack noted Faith's hopeful expression and felt awful for what she had to tell her. "Faith," Jack began softly. "I'm sorry. I can't be there. I have to be in court that day."
Crestfallen, Faith lamented, "You have to come. Please."
"I'm really sorry, Faith. If I finish early, maybe I can get there before the end of the day."
While Jack struggled to console Faith, Gibbs swiped the flyer from in front of Jack, folded it into quarters, and shoved into the pocket of his jeans. Once it was out of sight, he told Faith, "Just because your mom can't be there, doesn't mean you can't have fun."
"Yeah," Jack agreed quickly. "You'll just have to tell be all about it afterwards."
"I guess."
NCIS NCIS NCIS
On Field Day, Miss Temple paired Faith with a classmate whose mom was able to attend. The woman encouraged Faith to participate in the assorted activities, but Faith mostly refused. She was sullen and withdrawn and spent most of her time watching her classmates play while periodically scanning the area for any sign of Jack.
Just before the three-legged race was set to begin, Faith once again looked for Jack. There was still no sign of Jack, so Faith dropped to the grass and hugged her knees to her chest. She didn't notice the person who walked up behind her and sat down next to her until they said, "Hey, Little Doc, need a partner?"
Faith immediately recognized the voice. "Gibbs!" she squealed in delight as she threw herself into his lap and hugged him tightly. "I didn't know you were coming."
"Supposed to be a surprise. I know I'm not your mom, but this is what we could manage."
"Mom knows you're here?"
"Of course. Didn't want her gettin' calls from your teacher."
"Mrs. Temple knew too?"
"Well, yeah, Faith. Not like they give these to just anyone," retorted Gibbs, indicating the visitor's pass on his chest. "Had to get permission."
"Are you staying?"
"All day."
"Can we do the three-legged race? And the water balloon toss? And the egg race?"
"Whatever you want."
NCIS NCIS NCIS
Gibbs and Faith spent the afternoon competing in several races and games, then found a free spot among the sidewalk chalk drawings that littered the school's basketball court to add their own artwork. At Faith's insistence, they drew a pink horse under a giant rainbow. When they had finished, Miss Temple took a polaroid picture of them next to their masterpiece. Later, Gibbs pinned the photograph to the bulletin board behind his desk.