Chapter 12 – Family Matters

Momma and Poppa Rossi's – 4 days later

Dave helps Poppa out of the sedan. They slowly amble up the driveway to the front door. Momma hustles in ahead of them and opens the door. It had taken most of Dave's FBI training in hostage negotiation to convince the rest of the family NOT to be in attendance when they arrived. Dave knew his Father would not want to be on display as he made his way from the car to the house. However, he wouldn't be able to stop them from coming later if they decided to.

Dave had already arranged, not one, but two hospital beds to be delivered and set up in the living room. The night before, when he brought Momma home, they had also brought all the cards and flowers that had been sent to the hospital and set them up in the living room as well. Dave noted that every member of the BAU had sent something, including Erin Strauss. A book from Reid written in Italian, a potted plant, and a card from Hotch, Morgan, Emily, and JJ, cut flowers and a card from Strauss and from Penelope, a small box filled with gardening seeds, a gift card to a local garden store, candles, and a handmade note.

Poppa had been pleased to see that Davey's new co-workers were taking an interest in his family. Davey, on the other hand, wasn't so thrilled.

"What the hell is this?" Poppa Rossi demands when they enter the house. Dave unbuttons the elder Rossi's coat and slips it off his shoulders.

"Your bedroom until the Doctor clears you to climb the stairs," Davey responds.

Poppa glares at him. "Why are there two of them?"

Davey smiles. "Because you and I both know that Momma isn't going let you out of her sight."

"You know that's right," Momma says as she enters the room. "Why are you just standing there, get into bed."

Poppa sighs and moves towards the bed closest to the window.

"Not that one," Momma says. "I'm sleeping on that one."

"I want to look out the window," Poppa argues.

"I'm taking that one!"

"I can turn them so both of you can look out the window," Dave says.

"You be quiet and put your father into that bed," Momma scolds. She points her finger at the bed away from the window.

Poppa grumbles under his breath as they shuffle across the floor. "I should have stayed in the damn hospital. I had the room to myself and a view."

Dave smirks, but hides it from both of his parents. Momma fusses with the covers pulling them to the side and adjusts the pillow. Dave helps Poppa ease onto the edge of the bed and removes Poppa's shoes. "You want to lay on the bed," he asks.

"No," Poppa says, shaking his head. "Let me sit up here for a few minutes."

Dave looks at his Mother. "I'm going to get his bag out of the car. I'll be right back. Poppa, don't do anything or Momma is going to hit you with a spoon!"

"I'm not scared of her," Poppa replies.

Momma pokes Poppa in the side causing him to yelp. "You better think twice about that."

Dave chuckles as he heads out to the car.

Momma and Poppa Rossi's

In Virginia he drove an Escalade. It was a large vehicle, probably too large for the city but he liked the comfort and the security of knowing that if he got in an accident, his chance of survival was pretty high. Here, in Little Creek he owned two vehicles, a restored 1978 Ford Bronco and this sedan, a brand-new Cadillac CTS.

He bought the sedan for his parents, not that either of them drove these days. He bought it so it would be easier to get them around. Even when healthy both parents had issues getting in and out of taller vehicles. Though his Dad absolutely loved the Bronco.

Dave walks to the rear of the sedan, unlocks the trunk, and removes the small suitcase tucked inside. His phone vibrates in his pocket. He sets the case down, closes the trunk and pulls out the phone.

"Rossi!"

"Did I catch you at a bad time?" Penelope asks.

He smiles. "No, Kitten. How are you?"

"I'm okay," she replies. Her voice sounds like sunshine to his ears and makes him feel warm inside. "How are you?"

"Tired," he answers truthfully. "I haven't slept much since I've been home."

"Poor baby," Penelope coos.

"You don't sound very empathetic," he growls.

"Sorry, I haven't slept much either," she apologizes.

"What's going on?"

"It's nothing," she brushes him off. "I called to see how your Dad was doing."

"Poppa's fine," he tells her. "We just got home. Getting him and Momma settled."

"You really are a good boy."

He snorts. "You can't tell anyone that."

"Why?"

"Because they will think you're crazy."

"I am crazy," she growls. He hears strange noises in the background, bells, whistles, even a toot from a boat.

"Where are you?"

"I am at work."

"It sounds like you're at a shipyard," he grumbles.

A few more weird noises sound over the phone. "It's my stress relievers."

"I see," he says. "I like a different form of stress relief."

"And what would that be?"

"Sex," he says bluntly.

"Well. I see."

He chuckles. "Were you expecting me to say something else?"

"Honestly, I don't know what I was expecting," she says.

"Davey?"

Dave turns to the front door; his Mother stands there watching him. He pulls the phone away from his face. "I'll be right there, Momma."

"Poppa needs to go to the bathroom," she hollers.

He picks up the suitcase and heads for the house as he speaks to Penelope again. "Kitten, I'll call you later. I have to help Poppa."

"Okay. I miss you."

He half-grins as he approaches his Mother. "I miss you too. Bye, Kitten."

Momma Rossi smiles broadly. "Was that Penelope?"

He nods and motions for her to enter the house.

"You should invite her here for the weekend," Momma says as she crosses the threshold.

"She's working, Momma," he sighs.

"Who is he inviting for the weekend," Poppa demands. "I don't want no strangers here."

"Be quiet, Poppa. Davey was talking to Penelope," Momma states.

"Oh! Well, she can come anytime," Poppa says warmly. "When is she coming?"

Dave puts the suitcase down by the stairs. "She's not coming, Poppa. She's working."

"Tell them it's an emergency," Poppa smirks.

Dave shakes his head. "Come on, let's get you to the restroom."

Half an hour later

Dave and Momma sit at the dining table eating lunch as Poppa snores softly from the other room.

"You look tired, Davey. Are you not sleeping well?"

He finishes chewing and swallows. "Are you?"

She pats his arm. "I will now that Poppa is home."

Dave nods and takes another bite of his Italian Beef sandwich.

"Marco is going to stop by tonight and check on Poppa," she tells him. "He and Gloria have the grandbabies, so she's not coming."

"Oh, where are Tony and Becky?"

"Tony hasn't come back from sea-duty and Becky got transferred to Texas for additional training," Momma explains.

Dave shakes his head. "The life of married Marines."

"Yes," Momma agrees. "Tony has a year left on his contract, but Gloria says he's thinking of re-upping."

"Other than the travel, it's not a bad job. Doesn't Becky have another couple of years as well?"

"Mm-hmm. They have both asked for time off in May though, so they can be around when Mia graduates from NYU. Are you going to be able to join us?"

He nods. "I've already requested the time off."

"Good."

He finishes his meal and takes their plates to the sink. He washes, dries, and puts them away as Momma goes to check on Poppa. She returns as he finishes putting away the remnants of their meal.

"Irene should be here shortly," she announces. "Are you two still fighting?"

He snorts. "When aren't we fighting?"

Momma chuckles. "That's a good question. When she gets here, you can go home, take a nap and relax."

"How long is she staying?"

"Oh, until Amanda arrives, I'm sure."

He raises an eyebrow at her. "Amanda's coming?"

Momma nods. "She took some time off and will be staying over the weekend."

"Is Lyla coming as well," he asks.

Momma shakes her head. "The twins are still in school. Harrison has football and Madison has basketball. Also, Lyla still has to work."

He grunts. "She still working in Queens?"

"You'll have to ask Amanda," Momma says through a yawn. "I don't remember."

"Why don't you lay down and take a nap, Momma?"

"And leave you to your own devices?"

Dave grins. "I promise to behave myself."

She pats his cheek. "I trust you. Do your Momma a favor, make some soup for Poppa. There's chicken in the fridge."

"Okay, Momma."

He watches her from the kitchen as she teeters into the living room. Both Momma and Poppa were getting older and it broke his heart knowing one day they would be gone. Momma adjusts Poppa's blanket, kisses his cheek, and lays her hand on his shoulder for a moment before climbing into her own bed and settling in to sleep.

Dave rolls up his shirt sleeves then wipes down the countertop. He pulls out flour, salt and eggs then begins making homemade noodles. Poppa hates the taste of prepackaged pasta, so everything has to be made by hand. Dave loves cooking. To him, it is art. In a matter of minutes, he has made and rolled out a sheet of dough. He sets it to the side.

From the refrigerator, he grabs the chicken and several stalks of celery. It's a whole chicken, enough for a large pot of soup. He looks at the sheet of dough and decides he needs more dough. Setting the chicken and the celery aside, he begins making more dough for the noodles.

"You should've been a chef," Reeni says.

He looks up to see her standing in the doorway between the living room and the kitchen.

"I didn't hear you come in," he tells her.

"I snuck in," she shrugs. "I figured at least one of you would be asleep."

"I just got Momma to lay down about ten minutes ago. Wanna help?"

"Sure." She sets her bag down and removes her coat. "I'll cut vegetables. You have to do the chicken."

"That's fine. Grab some carrots and onions from the pantry."

They work in unison, prepping the food and getting it on the stove. Dave turns the sheets of dough over, so they dry on both sides.

Reeni makes coffee for them. They sit at the table.

"When are you going back to work," Reeni asks.

He shrugs and take a sip out of his cup. "When Poppa's better?"

She rubs his shoulder. "I'm worried."

He looks at her sharply. "About?"

"Poppa," she says vaguely. She peers into the living room. "And Momma."

"Me too," he confides. He sets his cup down and rubs his hands over his face. "Maybe I shouldn't have re-joined the Bureau."

"No," Reeni says reluctantly.

He lowers his hands and looks at her.

"I can't believe I'm saying this," she mutters to herself. She looks at him. "I haven't seen you this happy in years. This situation, not withstanding, there's an air about you. Like you've found purpose in your life again."

He watches her, keeping his mouth shut.

She sighs. "I still wish that you weren't in danger, I wish that you could find that purpose elsewhere. Outside of my daughter and grandkids – you're my favorite person. I don't want anything to happen to you."

"I'll be careful," he promises. "You're my favorite peoples too."

"Behind or in front of Penelope," she teases.

"Who's Penelope," a female voice cuts in. The woman in question wears a shawl wrapped around her torso, lime green harem pants and sandals.

"Bella!" Dave and Reeni shout in unison.

"Shh. You'll wake the parentals," she scolds.

Dave stands. He wraps his sister in a hug. She smells of patchouli and something else he can't quite place. "Hello, Bella."

She squeezes him hard. "Davey. Mmm, you have a good aura today."

He steps back and allows Reeni her turn to hug her older sister.

"Do I?" he asks. "Is Amanda with you?"

He peers into the living room and sees his Grandniece checking Poppa's vitals.

"Yep, we drove down together," Isabella answers. She sniffs the air. "Chicken soup?"

"Yeah, I hope there's enough for everybody," he frowns.

"Grab a bigger pot and make some more noodles," Bella instructs.

"How many people are coming? Poppa doesn't want a fuss," Dave reminds her.

"Marco will be here later," Reeni reminds him. "And I think Sophia and Gio are also on their way down."

Dave sighs. "See if there's another chicken in the freezer. I'll start making more noodles. Bella, you start making bread."

They converge on the kitchen again, each staking out a section of the counter. Dave and Isabella are closer together as they have to share ingredients. Dave stops and sniffs. He frowns and peers at Isabella.

"Are you smoking marijuana?" he asks.

She glances at him. "Not at this very moment, but yes."

"Porca miseria! Are you kidding me?!"

She stops and gives him her full attention. "It's for medicinal purposes, Davey."

He scoffs. "Oh really? And for what medical condition are you smoking it?"

She looks away from him and goes back to her task. Reeni glances over and then looks at Dave and smirks. They work in silence for a few minutes. Isabella stops what she is doing, turns to look at their parents and then turns back to Dave and Reeni.

"Don't tell Momma and Poppa," she pleads. "Not yet. Please."

Dave and Reeni exchange another look.

"I've been diagnosed with breast cancer," Isabella confesses.

They look at her in shock.

"Seriously," Dave asks.

"Yes," Amanda says as she enters the kitchen.

"When? How long have you known?" Dave fires off these questions as he wipes his hands and converges on his sister. "What did the doctor say?"

"A lot," she smiles even though there are tears in her eyes. "Please, let's wait until Sophia gets here, so I don't have to answer all the questions a second time."

Dave pulls his sister into his arms again. "Of course." He kisses her head and holds her for several minutes. Reeni steps over and wraps her arms around them both.

Amanda takes Dave's place at the counter and begins rolling out a sheet of dough. "How many of these are we making?"

"Four," Dave answers. "That one and three more."

Isabella pulls out of the embrace. "Get the yeast for me, Davey."

The two sisters hug again for a few seconds. Reeni whispers something in Isabella's ear, who nods and sucks in a shuddery breath. They part and Reeni returns to the pot on the stove without looking at the others. Dave sees her wipe a tear from her cheek.

Dave retrieves the yeast from the fridge. He opens the package and grabs the measuring spoons. "How much?"

"I'm making a double batch," she tells him. She peeks through her lashes at him. "So, you never answered my question."

"Which was?"

"Who's Penelope?"

"His new girlfriend," Reeni says quickly.

"Ooh," Amanda coos. "What is she like?"

"I talked to her on the phone," Reeni continues. "She sounds nice, very nice."

"Is she a blonde?" Isabella asks.

Dave chuckles. "Yeah."

Amanda pipes in. "You don't normally go for blondes."

He raises an eyebrow at her. "How would you know what I go for?"

She rolls her eyes. "Carolyn was a brunette, Hayden had black hair and Krystall… I don't think I've seen her."

"She was a blonde, Smarty Pants."

"What about the last one? Bren," Reeni says mischievously.

"Ooh, I forgot about her," Amanda coos.

Dave huffs. "She was not my girlfriend."

"He doth protest too much," Reeni jokes. She laughs and Amanda and Isabella join her.

Dave throws his hands in the air. "I give up. I'm going to go take a nap. You three can finish this without me."

He makes his way through the living room, pausing to check on his parents, both of whom are sleeping soundly. He continues through the room to the entryway and up the stairs.

Dave climbs the stairs with a soft tread. He pauses at the top. To the left sits his parent's room and to his right, a couple of guest bedrooms. He had his pick. He turns left and enters his parent's room. When he had stayed over, he usually slept in the nearest guest room. It had a queen size bed, whereas the other room had two twin beds.

He sits on the edge of the bed and slips off his shoes before removing his belt and emptying his pockets. He slides under the covers, grateful that his Mother hadn't stripped the bedding to use downstairs. He quickly falls asleep.

Momma and Poppa Rossi's room

"Davey? David, time to get up."

A gentle hand on his shoulder shook him awake. He rolls onto his back and rubs his eyes as her hand rubs his chest. Finally, opening his eyes he smiles at his Mother sitting next to him on the bed.

"Are you hungry?" she asks.

"Yeah," he blinks and sits up. "What time is it?"

"Time for dinner. Marco is here and Sophia and Gio just got here as well. Poppa refuses to eat until you come down."

He nods. "I'll be there in a minute, Momma. Let me wash up first."

She kisses his cheek. "I'll see you downstairs," she says as she leaves the room.

Dave sits on the edge of the bed for a moment. He glances at his phone; he's been asleep nearly four hours. He goes to the restroom to freshen up, returning he puts on his shoes and belt then reloads his pockets with keys and change.

He heads downstairs, going directly to the living room.

"Poppa, you're not eating," Dave says sternly.

A tray with soup and bread sits next to the bed. "I was waiting for you. I need to use the restroom."

"Marco and Gio are here, they couldn't…"

"No," Poppa retorts sharply. "You do it best."

Dave nods and steps closer to his father. "Alright, Poppa. Can you turn so your feet are over the edge? I'll lower the bed a little."

Dave adjusts the bed as Poppa carefully maneuvers himself around.

"Help me with my house slippers," Poppa requests.

Dave grabs the footwear and slips it onto his feet. He stands and helps his father off the bed. "Okay, to the restroom."

Dave waits in the hallway as his father uses the restroom and washes his hands.

"I want to sit with the family," Poppa announces as he comes out of the bathroom.

"I don't know, Poppa," Dave says shaking his head.

"I wasn't asking," Poppa replies.

Dave nods. He leads his father to the dining room.

"You took a wrong turn, David," Sophia says when she sees them.

"Poppa wants to sit in here," Dave tells the room at large.

"Don't overtax yourself on your first day out of the hospital," Marco recommends.

"I just want to eat with my family," Poppa grumbles. "All of my children are here, and I want to be with them."

Dave holds out Poppa's chair and steadies him as the older man sits.

"I'll grab the food from the other room," Amanda states as she walks out of the room.

Sophia sets a steaming bowl of soup on the table next to Poppa's seat, for Dave. Amanda returns with Poppa's food and sets it in front of him.

"What do you want to drink, Uncle Dave," Amanda asks. She sets a glass of water in front of Poppa.

"Iced tea is fine," he replies as he sits. She brings him a glass and he pours his drink from the pitcher on the table.

After dinner

Dave helps Poppa get ready for bed. Marco heads out with a promise to stop by again the next day. Amanda and Gio go upstairs to prep their respective rooms for their stay. Amanda and her Mom will each have a room and Sophia and Gio will sleep in Momma and Poppa's room. Reeni, Isabella and Sophia clean up the dishes and the kitchen.

Getting his parents settled and watching a favorite movie, Dave leaves to help the girls.

"How can I help?" he asks as he enters the kitchen.

"Grab the wine and four glasses," Sophia orders. "We'll meet you on the back porch."

Dave chuckles. Pausing momentarily, he watches the girls move about the kitchen. Usually, he and Momma would be completing this task together. This was another of the changes happening in his life that he wasn't so sure about. How many more dinners might he have with his parents?

A wet rag colliding with his face pulls him out of his reverie.

"Stop wool gathering and grab the vino," Reeni grumbles.

He tosses the rag back to her with a glare, before grabbing four glasses and a bottle of wine. He opens the wine and goes outside, setting it and the glasses on the table on the back porch. Going back into the house, he helps himself to his father's cigars.

He slips on his coat and grabs his sister's coats as well.

"I have your coats," he announces as he ambles through the kitchen again. He sets their coats on the counter before he goes out the back door.

On the porch, he settles into a chair, preps, and lights the cigar as he waits for his sisters.

"And then the idiot comes back onto the freeway and zooms past us," Sophia says as she walks out the back door.

Reeni and Isabella follow her out. Dave grabs the wine and begins to pour.

"None for me," Isabella tells him as she zips up her jacket.

He eyes her and nods.

"You're not drinking?" Sophia questions. She sits on Dave's right. "Are you sick?"

Reeni sits on Dave's left and Isabella takes the chair across from him. He pours the wine and passes out the glasses.

Isabella makes eye contact with Dave and Reeni. She looks at Sophia and gives her a sad smile. "I'm taking some new medication and I can't have alcohol with it."

"Medication," Sophia echoes. "So, you are sick."

Isabella nods. "I, uh, - I have breast cancer."

Sophia reaches over and swipes the cigar out of Dave's hand. She snuffs it out.

"Hey," he protests.

Sophia glares at him. "Did you not hear what Bella said?"

"I heard," he nods. "She told us earlier."

"And you think it's okay to smoke around her?"

He pauses, then lowers his head. Chastised, he apologizes. "I'm sorry. I wasn't thinking…"

"It's okay," Bella smiles. She reaches across the table to touch his hand.

"No it's not," Sophia growls. She turns to Dave. "Stop being so damn selfish and think about others once in a while, will you?"

He frowns at his oldest sister. "What are you picking on me for?"

"Because you're an asshole and you need to be reminded of that every so often," she says.

He grabs his glass and takes a drink. Bella laughs. "I miss this. I miss you guys."

"Same," Reeni concurs. She wraps an arm around Bella.

"I don't," Dave says. "You guys always team up on me."

"I think you can handle three grown women," Sophia counters.

"Not according to his divorce count," Reeni cuts in.

"Ouch!" He glares at Reeni. "Not nice. Not nice at all."

"Poor baby," Reeni replies.

"Can we get back to Bella, please?" He looks at his second oldest sister. "How can we help?"

"You are helping just by being here," she smiles.

"How's Gary taking it," Reeni asks.

Bella's smile turns sad and she shakes her head. "Not well. He said, and I quote – if you lose your tits, you lose me too."

"Are you fucking kidding me," Dave growls instantly in full attack mode.

Sophia and Reeni wrap their arms around Bella.

"David!" Sophia scolds him.

"What? I'm just supposed to sit here and not do anything?" He rises from his seat. "I'm going to New York and kick his weaselly ass!"

"Sit down," Sophia orders.

"Oh, no! He's not getting away from this, I'm going to show him the errs of his ways," Dave says. His voice getting louder with each word. He paces the deck. "You do not treat a Rossi in this manner. I'm going to make him regret the day he was born."

He stops when he realizes Bella is laughing.

"What's so funny," he demands.

"You," she snorts. "You sound like the mafia guys you were so eager to run away from, not the FBI agent you are now."

He bites his lip and looks around at the deck, avoiding his sisters' eyes.

"Davey," Bella says quietly.

He looks at her and sees her reaching out to him. He crosses the deck in three long strides. He leans over and kisses her on the head.

She leans back to smile at him. "It's okay. I appreciate the bravado and I'm almost ready to let you loose on him. But not right now."

"What do you need?" he asks.

She glances at Sophia and Reeni, then back at him. "Everything I need is right here."

Dave nods. "Let me know if you change your mind."

She nods and sniffles. "I will."

End Chapter 12