Kathryn walked up to the school near her home. She had been back on Earth for a few days now and she hadn't been able to see any of her family. She was released from the debriefings late last night and she took the first transporter back to Indiana this morning. With her duffle she walked into the elementary school and walked into the office on her left. She acknowledged the secretary at the desk as she approached.
"May I help you. . ," she paused a moment to count the pips on her collar, "Captain?"
Kathryn opened her mouth to respond but the Principal came from her office and spotted Kathryn with great joy.
"Oh my god Kathryn you're home."
She came around the desk and gave Kathryn a hug.
"Hello Nora how are you?"
"I am doing just fine."
Nora turned to the secretary.
"Nadine this is Kathryn Janeway, Devon Janeway's wife and the mother of Conner and Jorja."
"Hi pleasure to meet you."
"Likewise."
Nora faced Kathryn again.
"Does Devon know you're home?"
"No I came to surprise her and I want to see my kids."
"Ok so I am going to be doing my rounds in a moment I will take you to Devon's room and then we'll take you both to go get the kids out of their class."
"Sounds like a plan."
Nora grabbed her PADD and they made their way down the hall.
Kathryn looked about her with a sense of longing. She knew she missed out on some really important years of her kids lives and she hated it. She followed Nora to a room on the second floor and she knocked and Kathryn stayed out of site for a moment. She listened as Nora did what she assumed was her usual schpeal for her visits and as she was talking to Devon who now had her back to the door Kathryn crept in and held a finger to her lips telling the kids to be quiet. She stood right behind Devon and smiled down at her. Nora looked up at her over Devon's shoulder which caused Devon to turn around. Devon screamed and jumped into Kathryn's arms. She held on tight and cried into her wife's shoulder.
"Oh my god, oh my god, oh my god!"
Kathryn lowered her back down and kissed her forehead and continued to hold her.
"I missed you so much."
"I missed you to love."
Devon couldn't let her go. She wouldn't let her go never again would she let her go. She turned to face her class and smiled at them.
"Ok class this is my wife Kathryn. Everyone say hello."
"Hi!" came the overwhelming roar from the kids.
Kathryn waved to them all and looked back at Nora who was bringing a substitute into the room.
"Mrs. Janeway I am giving you the rest of the day off and I have already called over to Mr. Johanson's room to have Jorja and Conner ready to leave when you get there."
"Thank you."
Nora smiled at Kathryn and stood infront of the class as Devon grabbed her things and followed Kathryn out of the room. Once in the hall way away from little eyes Devon spun Kathryn around and threw her arms around her neck pulling her down to kiss her. Kathryn wrapped her arms around Devon's waist and deepened the kiss. When the pulled apart to breath Devon rested her head on Kathryn's chest.
"I knew you were alive. I knew you wouldn't leave us forever."
Kathryn smiled and kissed the top of her wife's head.
"I love you baby. I want to see my kids."
Devon nodded and pulled Kathryn down the hall and up to the third floor. They walked to the end of the hall and knocked on the door. And a tall skinny man came to it he smiled down at Devon and then with an aghast smile offered Kathryn his hand. Kathryn shook it and smiled back.
"Jole can Kathryn go in and get Jorja and Conner?"
"Of course."
Kathryn dropped her duffle and walked slowly into the room. She looked at the class of thirty and realized she hasn't seen either of her children since they were babies. But something deep in her heart was drawing her to the little blond boy and the red haired girl sitting together. She knelt down in front of them and they both threw their arms around her.
"Hi mommy." Conner cried into her neck.
"We missed you mommy." Jorja said.
Kathryn could hold back her tears any longer she cried hard as she held her babies close. She would never be taken away from them again she swore it to herself. She pulled away and looked at them both.
"You guys got so big."
"Why are you crying mommy?" Jorja asked looking very confused.
"Because I'm happy. I missed you guys sooo much. I love you both."
"Love you too." They said together.
Kathryn stood up and held both of their hands as they walked back to the door. They watched as the adults talked and then they made their way out of school together as a family.
