This is my take on what life would be like for the Gibbs and David children in teenage years.
Throughout the story, there will be many light, cheerful, and happy moments. However, there will be also be heart wrenching, dark, and sad moments as well...
"Dancers, 10 minutes 'till top of show, 10 minutes 'till top of show". The woman's voice coming out of the intercom system announced.
It was performance night, and all the dancers were gathered in their dressing room at the theatre. Ziva and Tali exchanged excited glances before turning back to their light-up mirrors to finish applying their makeup. Ziva glued her fake eyelashes on, as Tali reapplied her blush to make it darker. Dancers all around them were warming up, and touching up their makeup.
"Dancers, 5 minutes 'till top of show, 5 minutes 'till top of show". The woman's voice coming out of the intercom system announced again.
Ziva walked over to the costume rack, and took out her backless, black Naughty Girl's dress from the hanger. She stripped down until she was only in her tights, and slipped her dress on. She sat down in her chair, and quickly secured her headpiece in her ballet bun. Once Ziva was satisfied that her headpiece was not going to fall off, she applied bright red lipstick to her lips.
"Dancers to the stage for the top of the show, dancers to the stage for the top of the show". The woman's voice coming out of the intercom system announced for the last time.
"Ready Tali?" Ziva asked her sister.
"Yeah, just hold on a sec". Tali answered bent over, securing her pointe shoe ribbons. She straightened up and took one last look at herself in the mirror. "Okay, now I'm ready".
Ziva and Tali walked down the long, narrow hallway towards the backstage area. "Are you nervous?" Tali asked Ziva, as they turned the corner and entered the busy backstage area. They walked near the wings, and started warming up. "Nope. Excited". Ziva answered, jogging in place. "You?"
Tali made a face. "Ziva it's me". Tali said. "I never get nervous when I'm performing".
A woman wearing a headset walked backstage, and announced that the curtain was coming up in one minute. As the Naughty Girl dancers took their places onstage, Tali grabbed Ziva's arm, and pulled her into a bear hug.
"I know it's your last performance Zivi, but make it amazing". Tali whispered to Ziva, still hugging her tight.
Ziva hugged her sister back. "Shine Tali". Ziva whispered. "Steal the show like only you know how".
They stopped hugging and looked at each other. "Let's make Ima proud". Tali said softly. Ziva smiled, and walked onstage to take her place.
The lights in the audience dimmed, and Abby could barely contain her excitement. "It's starting! It's starting!" She whispered loudly to McGee.
"Abs, how many Caf-Pows have you had today?" McGee asked her.
"Well, you know, the usual". Abby answered, bouncing in her seat.
"I don't think so because I'm getting jumpy just by looking at you". McGee said.
. Ari was talking with Tony and Kate about he performance. When the lights dimmed, they stopped talking, and turned their attention to the curtain. Ari glanced at the empty seat next to him. He sighed. Of course his father wasn't going to show up. .
The music started and the curtain rose up, revealing the seven Naughty Girls.
Tony spotted Ziva immediately. His eyes went directly to her. They way she danced, and flirted with audience was enchanting. Tony couldn't take his eyes off her. As Ziva was dancing, Eli's voice floated in Tony's head.
"Ziva, after the performance, I will no longer allow you dance ballet ever again". "My decision is final. Kiss ballet goodbye".
A lump formed in Tony's throat. "She truly is an amazing dancer". Tony thought as Ziva made complicated movements with her legs.
. Then, the music changed. One by one, the Naughty Girls exited the stage, and Tali and a male dancer appeared.
The male dancer named Sean extended his arms, and Tali took it; jumping into them, and hooking her legs around his waist. The audience laughed about how playful Sean and Tali were dancing. Kate and Abby giggled when Tali snuck up behind Sean and tapped him on the shoulder.
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As Sean and Tali skipped off stage, the soloist emerged from the wings. Tony thought she looked very elegant; with her long, backless white dress, and wearing a sleek, tight ballet bun.
Lauren, the soloist, made beautiful lines with arms and legs. Ziva and Tali watched her from the wings backstage. They both clapped with the audience when Lauren finished her demanding solo.
The curtain closed, and Lauren stumbled into a chair in the backstage area. Huffing and puffing, she chugged down her water bottle that was set on the table.
"Good job, Lauren" Tali said as she and Ziva walked by her.
Lauren looked up at Tali and grinned. "Thanks! You too".
"ZIVA!!! TALI!!!" Abby squealed as Ziva and Tali walked linked-elbowed into the lobby. After the performance, the dancers were supposed to go out into the lobby, and greet the people who came to watch them.
Abby ran to them, and pulled them into an 'Abby hug'. "That was like, seriously AMAZING!" She almost screamed. A few people turned their heads to stare at Abby. "I can't get over how PERFECT that was! You two have serious talent!"
Tali laughed. "Thank you Abby". She thanked.
Ari and Tony approached Ziva and Tali, and handed them flowers. "For the two most beautiful dancers". Ari said as she gave his half-sisters roses.
Tali felt someone tugging at the hem of her dress. She looked down and saw a little girl with a pen and paper in hand.
"Can I get your autograph?" She asked shyly.
Tali crouched down, so that she was eye level with the little girl. "Of course you can". She said with a broad smile. The little girl handed Tali her pen and paper, and Tali signed her name. "What's your name?" Tali asked the little girl, handing back her pen and paper.
"Erin". She said.
"Well that's a very pretty name, Erin". Tali smiled kindly at her.
Erin blushed. "Thank you". She said, and hugged Tali.
Tali rubbed Erin's back as she hugged her. Erin broke the hug, and looked at Tali again.
"I want to be a ballerina, just like you when I grow up". She said, adding a twirl for effect.
Tali laughed. "I think you will be an amazing dancer, Erin".
Erin curtsied, and ran off to find her mother. Tali stood up, and Tony grinned at her.
"Can I have your autograph too, Superstar?" He asked, flashing his 1,000 watt smile.
Tali laughed, and Tony handed her and Ziva their flowers.
