NCIS: A Secret To Discover (ON HOLD)

Chapter 8: Ugh Birthdays!

Isabella was quiet the whole way to NCIS, she didn't really know Fornell that well and she never really does have a real conversation with Gibbs. She had a cup of hot chocolate in her hand, thanks to Fornell, when he got coffee for him and Gibbs he thought about her. When they got to NCIS, Gibbs took her cup holding it as they walked.

Isabella was walking slowly at least 2 feet behind Gibbs and Fornell. They would stop so she could catch up, she was still getting used to crutches. She felt bad since they had to wait on her instead of getting to the place they needed to go and do their job, but she was holding them back from what they needed to do.

'Stop paying attention to me. I wish I was at home with my aunt and uncle but their dead.' Isabella thought to herself as she finally made it to the elevator.

She assumed they were dead, at least, she didn't know for certain, no one would tell her anything. She was just going off of things she heard, why else would she be here if they weren't alive?

She leaned against the wall of the elevator behind Gibbs and Fornell, her hair covered her face as she looked down at her feet. She didn't want Gibbs to notice that she was upset, she hoped that no one would make a big deal out of her birthday if they even remembered, were told, or found out.

When the elevator doors opened Gibbs and Fornell let Isabella out first. When they had gotten to Gibbs' desk, DiNozzo, Ziva, McGee, Abby, Ducky, Palmer, and even Jenny was standing with them.

"Happy Birthday!" They all said when Isabella, Gibbs, and Fornell were between McGee's and Gibbs' desk.

Isabella swallowed nervously, her head started pounding as thoughts and memories started flooding back. "Um...thanks." She said barely above a whisper.

Gibbs put a hand on Isabella's shoulder, "Okay. Guys don't overwhelm her."

Isabella pulled away from Gibbs carefully before she sat down in the desk chair. She put her head on the desk so no one could see her face.

Gibbs was concerned for Isabella, he noticed the sadness in her eyes and how uncomfortable she was with everybody here. With his eyes glued on Isabella he didn't notice that certain ones were watching them but he felt their gaze.

Jenny noticed how both the girl and Gibbs looked, it broke her heart seeing them like that.

She went over to Gibbs putting her hand on the girls back, before crouching down.

"Hey, sweetheart, can you look at me." She asked softly and in a whisper.

"Jen, don-" Gibbs started but was cut off by Jenny waving her hand.

Gibbs rolled his eyes moving behind Isabella putting a hand on the back on the chair and one on the desk, he was angled enough so that Isabella could still see him.

Jenny began rubbing the girl's back soothingly, Isabella slowly looked up most of her face still hidden.

"I'm Director Jenny Shepherd but you can call me Jenny. I promise we won't let anyone hurt you." She said studying the girl's face before she continued talking.

She noticed that the girl's gaze kept flicking to Gibbs and the floor.

"What's your name?" She asked and a gruff voice answered.

"Isabella."

Jenny turned so her body was facing Gibbs, she glared at him coldly. "Thank you Jethro but as I recall I didn't ask you."

That comment got some muffled laughs from DiNozzo and Fornell which didn't go unnoticed by Gibbs.

He whispered something to Isabella causing her to look up, she watched Gibbs walk behind Fornell and slap the back of his head. He did the same with DiNozzo.