Tiva tales

Disneyland Magic

Twinkling lights illuminate the ground in an array of colours and despite the starless sky there's a comfort to the atmosphere that I have longed for since I can remember. In the distance is the picturesque view of a childhood dream, the turrets twisting and winding upwards - stretching for miles towards the infinite expanse of the nights sky.

Over-excited families push past me, the air's filled with the sound of delighted shrieks of joy and mothers calling for their little ones to slow down. Despite the chaos there's a definite sense of peace and before I realise it my mouth's curling itself into a cheesy grin. It's difficult to see very far ahead due to the cluster of sparkly Mickey Mouse ears blocking my view, but somehow I catch sight of Ziva stood to the side of the crowd. I think it's the twinkle in Tali's eyes as she sits on Ziva's shoulders that really catches my attention, when she see's me she begins to wave over-enthusiastically. "Abba." she shouts, "we're over here!" Holding my arm up as high as I can I wave back and make my way over to them, apologising to everyone as I attempt to squeeze through non-existent gaps in the crowd. 

"Hey little one." I chuckle as I lift Tali off Ziva's shoulders and throw her over one of mine, she squeals with laughter so I pull her back over and lift her in the air. "You're almost too big for that now." I say - her response is to tilt her head and give me an over-exaggerated pout that reminds me of Ziva more than anything, so I gently put her down. Like Mother like Daughter is a phrase that runs true in our family. It's not just her mannerisms - Tali's soft, olive skin and dark marble eyes are the same as her Mother's too. 

Ziva takes her hand and turns so we are stood in a line, facing the breathtakingly lit castle - "I think Tali has her heart set on the Carousel." she whispers in my ear. 

"Okay." I murmur as I turn to face her and she plants a soft kiss on my cheek. As she steps forward the breeze sweeps her chestnut brown hair off her shoulders and I temporarily forget that I am lucky enough to be married to the only compassionately loving, ex-assassin turned Mother, on the planet.

Somehow, as we are walking towards the castle, Tali manages to wriggle her tiny hand free from her Mother's palm and runs ahead, briefly turning back to giggle at us. Her black dress catches in the breeze, twirling up around her and blending in with the enveloping darkness of the night. Ziva shouts her name across the crowd and I see the same panic I feel rising in her eyes. 

Frantically but strategically we search until I catch a glimpse of her clambering onto a carousel horse. Ziva and I run to the cold metal fence, surrounding it. It topples as we slam our bodies into it and after a second of heavy breathing Ziva leans over towards me, closing her eyes and gently shaking her head. I notice her hand slowly slip away from the concealed weapon at her side as the soft sound of piano music and bells starts up. The carousel slowly spins and the delicately, hand painted, animals begin to move. Some of the children grin whilst others hold on for dear life.

Tali's smile reaches her eyes as she comes round on the horse, bobbing up and down. She see's us standing by the fence and laughs, throwing her head back slightly so that her Mickey Mouse ears look as though they're about to fall off.

"She definitely has your will." I chuckle to Ziva as we watch Tali come back round for the second time.

"Sheket!" Ziva replies, playfully hitting me in the chest. 

I cannot think of a better way to spend our holiday than together, laughing all night long.