Milestone

It was the day of Delilah, Emiliana, Arabella and Madison’s high school graduation. Everyone was quite proud of the girls. Abby had planned a graduation party for the girls that was happening after the graduation ceremony. The girls were downstairs while their parents were upstairs. Jenny was dealing with the whole empty nest syndrome as it became all too real that in a few months time she and Jethro would be taking the girls to college. Jethro knew how Jenny felt and was supportive in every way he possibly could. As the girls were having a good time and bonding downstairs there was a knock on the door.

            Since Franks’ death and the details of the mission Franks assisted Agent Whitney Sharp in came to light, Jenny and Jethro had become extremely protective of the girls. Noemi answered the door as the girls made their way to the foyer. After hearing the doorbell, Jenny and Jethro began to make their way downstairs to see who was at the door.

            “Senora can I help you?” Noemi asked when she opened the door.

            The girls stopped dead in their tracks when they saw who Noemi was talking to. They had only seen pictures of her from when she was a kid and they had visited what they had thought was the woman’s grave.

            “Its okay Noemi, we know who she is.” Delilah said.

            “But Senora Delilah, your parents said not to let anyone in the house unless I knew who they were after Senor Franks’ died.”

            “Noemi, this is one of those times where there is an exception to what our parents say.” Arabella said.

            Noemi was puzzled at this point.

            “She’s our sister.” Madison answered Noemi’s confusion.

            “That’s Kelly, our half-sister from Dad’s first marriage.” Emiliana said.

            “But Senor Gibbs has only been married to Senora Gibbs.”

            “No, Noemi; my father from what I’ve heard from Agent Fornell remarried four times after my mom died.” Kelly said as she came into the house.

            “I’m wife number five, Noemi. Shannon was the first then Diane.” Jenny said as she and Jethro came down to the foyer.

            “Then there was what’s her name as wife number three.” Madison said.

            “Stephanie was number four, just before mom.” Arabella stated.

            “And then there’s her; Jenny Shepard, the harlot who made my dad forget about my mom.” Kelly said bitterly.

            Jethro was stunned to see his daughter whom he thought was dead standing before him.

            “Kelly Joann Gibbs, you will not disrespect Jen like that, not in this house.” Jethro said once the shock had worn off.

            Noemi left the foyer and returned to what she was doing beforehand. Everyone else remained in the squad room.

            “Kelly, by no means did I ever intend on replacing your mom in your dad’s heart and mind. I know that she was his soul mate and his first love. Unlike his ex-wives in between your mom and me, I have no problem with playing second to your mom.”

            Jethro was pure business.

            “Kelly why are you here? You’re suppose to be dead.”

            “Witness protection, dad. The FBI put me in after mom died. Then they told me that mom’s killer had been taken care of and later on her killer’s daughter was no longer a threat nor was the killer’s son.”

            Knowing what really happened in the case of Hernandez, Reynosa and Rivera; Jenny looked over to Jethro in an all to knowing way.

            “The FBI said once I turned eighteen I was allowed to leave Witness Protection and find you since all the threats had been alleviated.”

            There was an awkward silence. The collective heard Jaylyn and Kasey come in the back door. The girls then decided to take Kelly into the living room so that they could get to know her better. Jethro and Kasey went into the kitchen to talk over some cold beers while Noemi cleaned off the counters. The doorbell rang again.

            This time it was Stacey and her camera crew. Jarvis had thought that having Jaylyn and Jenny do Stacey’s interview hour show was a good way to promote the agency. He also saw it as an opportunity to show that NCIS was the only agency that had two sisters working together in a career that was considered to be in the realm of a “guy’s world” career.

            Stacey talked to Jenny and Jaylyn for a few minutes as she got her hair and make-up done before she did the show intro. Jenny and Jaylyn stood off to the side while Stacey taped. The trio of women would be talking and walking the grounds of Jenny and Jethro’s home. Minutes later they were outside walking around.

            “I’m here walking the grounds of the home NCIS Director Jenny Gibbs, the home that she shares with her husband; NCIS Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs and their four daughters. With the Director and I is the Director’s sister, NCIS Special Agent Jaylyn Shepard.”

            The trio stepped off the porch and headed down the driveway a bit.

            “This is a beautiful home you have here Director.”

            “Thank-you, my husband and I worked hard to get it this way.”

            “So it seems that serving the country runs in your family. You, your husband and Agent Shepard come from military families. Your husband was Marine Gunnery Sergeant, your father was a Colonel in the Navy and the three of you serve our country by working at NCIS. Two agents and a Director; Director is there any chance that your daughters will follow in yours and your husband’s footsteps?”

            “Not completely sure what they will do, they are free spirits; they have been since the day they were born.”

            “I bet you and your husband are quite proud of them graduating today, Director.”

            “We are.”

            “Agent Shepard, you and your husband must be anxious for the arrival your babies.”

            “Kasey isn’t my husband, he’s my boyfriend and yes we’re quite anxious for the girls to arrive.”

            “We are; Kasey will make a great dad.” Jenny said.

            “He’ll make a great step dad, Jen.” Jaylyn corrected her sister.

            “Step dad?”

            “The father of my daughters died in the line of duty, Kasey is their step-dad.”

            The walk and talk with Stacey continued on. Shortly thereafter Stacey and her people left. Everyone got ready for the graduation.

            The ceremony went perfectly. Jenny was in tears the entire time. The moment that sent Jenny into a tail spin was when the vice principal called each of the girls on the stage to accept their diplomas.

            “Delilah Jayne Gibbs.”

            Delilah walked to the stage and accepted her diploma. Jenny wept.

            “Emiliana Jayme Gibbs.”

            Emiliana walked to the stage and accepted her diploma. Jenny wept.

            “Arabella Jacqueline Gibbs.”

            Arabella walked to the stage and accepted her diploma. Jenny wept.

            “Madison Jaliyah Gibbs.”

            Madison walked to the stage and accepted her diploma. Jenny wept.

            “At least you got to see them graduate. At least you were there when they were born. At least you were there for all their firsts.” Kelly said under her breath bitterly.