Hey guys.
I was watching Starship Mine and this popped in my head. It'll probably be my last update till after school lets out.
I don't own Star Trek. Sigh.
"Lauren." The young girl ran down the hall.
"Yes, Daddy." She said as she turned the corner. Strawberry blond hair flew around her face with her. Her father was sitting in his chair. A book was sitting on his lap, a paper on the night stand, and a lamp was shinning off his bald head.
"Come here, we have to talk." He said putting the book down and picking up the paper.
"Did you get my report card?" She asked coming into the room and sitting on couch.
"I did. I thought you told me your English grade was up." Her face fell.
"Oh Daddy, I tried. I really did. I studied and I did all my homework and I worked so hard on the projects. I promised I did my best." She put her hands over the armrest. Her baby blue eyes put on their sweetest stare.
"I know." He said setting one hand over hers, "Which is why I'm glad you did so well."
"Oh Daddy, don't scare me like that!" She said taking the report card from his hands. "I got an A! I know it's not as good as Math and Science, but I'll bring it up. I pinky promise."
"I know you will." He said. "Now come here, there's something I want you to have." He knelt down and brought up a saddle. "I want you to have this." The room was quiet as Lauren ran her hand across the old leather. It was old and worn and smooth to the touch.
"Daddy, I can't take this."
"Lauren, do you remember what I told you, when I first took you riding."
"You said that a serious rider has their own saddle." She said still infatuated with the saddle.
"That's right, and now you do."
"But Daddy, this is your saddle."
"And now it's yours. I won't be able to use it much longer, and I don't want all that hard work to go to waste." Lauren set the saddle down on the floor and hugged her father.
"Thank you Daddy." She said squeezing her eyes tightly. "Can I go use it?" She asked stepping back in order to see her father.
"Have you finished your reading?" She nodded.
"I like Sherlock Holmes. Could I ask Mr. Data to get me another one?"
"We'll see him in a few weeks. You can send him a subspace message tomorrow asking him."
"I will. Can I go riding now, please Daddy?" He laughed.
"Go ahead." Lauren picked up the saddle and ran down the hall, "But be home before dark." He called after her.
"Promise." She called from the front door. "Hi Mom, be back later." The door slammed shut. Beverly came into the sitting room.
"Jean-Luc did I just see our daughter carrying your saddle?"
"Well, as you know, all serious riders have their own saddle." Picard said smiling.
"Of course they do and I suppose Lauren is the same." Beverly sat down on her husband's lap. "She'll be a great rider." She said leaning down to kiss her husband.
Review please I would love to see what you guys think of it.