Picard shakes the hand of a junior xenobiologist and watches as the crew gradually drift out of the theater. Beverly and some comrades had produced a holiday musical for the crew on Christmas Eve, with crew and some of the crew's children performing in a seasonal play to celebrate the traditional Earth holiday. Standing near the exit, whipping around, Picard smiles as Beverly, clad in a simple black long-sleeved dress, walks up to him.
"That was a wonderful show, Doctor. Well done," proclaims Picard, smiling gernously as he extends his hand to Beverly.
Smiling graciously, Beverly exhales deeply. "Thank you. I thought it came together well. I'm so proud of the children. They really stepped up to the challenge and shone tonight."
"You've got a real flare for theater," Picard points out with mirth.
Wesley rushes up behind his mother, handing her a stack of scripts. "They're just cleaning up the stage."
Turning around to her son, Beverly smiles. "Thank you, sweetheart."
Taking a step back toward the door, Picard bobs his head. "Well, congratulations on the play. It was terrific. And Merry Christmas, both of you."
Brows furrowed, Wesley looks to the captain curiously. "You're leaving, sir? There's a little party in Ten Forward."
Lips curling into a tiny smile, Picard raises a brow. "I'm afraid I have the night shift. I'm headed to the Bridge to relieve Commander Riker."
Pursing his lips, Wesley looks disappointed. "You have to work Christmas Eve? That's a shame. What are you doing tomorrow?"
Eyes wide, Beverly's mouth is agape as she folds her arms across her chest, glowering at her son. "Wesley!"
Shrugging, Wesley looks innocently at his mother. "What?"
Chuckling lightly, Picard puts a hand up, gesturing his approval. "That's alright. After my shift I may lay down for a few hours."
"You're spending Christmas by yourself?" Wesley confirms incredulously.
Shrugging his shoulders, Picard fails to see the problem. "Well, yes…"
"You should come have Christmas dinner with me and mom," suggests Wesley simply.
"Wesley!" admonishes Beverly, eyes as wide as saucers.
Smiling politely, Picard shakes his head. "Thank you, Wesley. I'm alright."
Thoroughly displeased, Wesley shakes his head. "Please, sir. No one should be alone for the holidays."
Averting her eyes, Beverly's cheeks tinge red, embarrassed.
Exhaling audibly, Picard nods stiffly. "Very well. If it's alright with your mother?"
Finally meeting his eyes, Beverly nods. "Of course, sir. We'd be happy to have you."
With a relaxed smile, Picard drops his hands to his hips. "Well, thank you. I look forward to it."
