Very early on Christmas Eve morning, T'Mara just finishes packing Stefan's bag. Spock had just placed his and T'Mara's bags by the door. He walks to their son's room. The door swooshes open. He stands by the entrance. He places his hands behind his back. "T'Mara, are we set to leave?"
"Yes." She smiles broadly, for excitement fills her. It has been a while since she saw her cousins, who live in the Philadelphia area.
"Excellent; come, for we must leave now to arrive at the transporter station in time. Our beam out is scheduled for 0900 hours."
T'Meika and T'Anya exit their room carrying their valises. With all set, they leave their home and Spock pilots their skimmer to the main station in San Francisco. The terminal is swarming with holiday travelers from Earth and Federation planets. Spock and his family head to the appropriate transporter pod, and they shimmer away to the Philadelphia depot.
oooooooooooooooooo
Anthony anxiously standsin the waiting area for Spock, T'Mara and the children. He sees them walking towards him. His eyes light up, and a smile creeps onto his face.
T'Anya runs to him with her arms out. "Cousin Anthony!" They embrace, then she lets go and goes back to her father.
T'Meika takes hold of Stefan's hand. They walk up to their cousin. "Oh, I am so glad to see you again."
He hugs her. "You have grown so much since I last saw you. You have become a pretty young lady."
T'Meika's cheeks begin to show a tinge of green. "Aw, thank you, Anthony."
He then picks up the youngest. "So, I finally get to meet the newest member of the family. Stefan, you are adorable."
Spock's young son giggles. "Cousin...Anthony…you make me happy."
He carefully puts him back down. He faces his other family members. "Spock and T'Mara, I am very glad to see all of you." He embraces her, then clasps his hand.
All then enter the car. Anthony's vehicle lifts off and he pilots it to the diminutive town name Paradise. T'Meika peers out the window. She takes in the view of the old city as the car zips between the old buildings. The city fades away to just rows and rows of homes. Then she sees the homes give way to open spaces with trees and large acreage. The land she sees once belonged to Amish families. They lived and had their farms over 300 years ago. The area they are flying into is Lancaster County. In the 23rdcentury, there are still Amish living, but they continue keep to themselves.
He eases the vehicle into the lot next to his ancient farmhouse. Amish hands once built the house. Behind the home is an old stall. Anthony had kept the stall, in case he would ever own some horses.
After exiting the car, they all go up the walkway. Anthony opens the huge, old, wooden door. They enter into the foyer, and he leads them to the family room. The rest of T'Mara's cousins are there, and they all welcome Spock, T'Mara, and the children.
Tonya and Jerome excuse themselves and walk to the kitchen. Anthony settles next to his wife, Sidney, and urges everyone else to take a seat.
"I am sure you are all hungry," Sidney says.
"Well, I know I am. We didn't take time to have a full breakfast," T'Mara states with Spock beside her.
Anthony glances at little Stefan, who is sitting on the flooring playing with a teddy bear. His eyes sparkle as he looks at his cousin T'Mara. "He seems to take after the both of youse. Will he be your last?"
But it is Spock who answers his inquiry. "Well Cousin, that is in the Creator's hands." He gives Anthony a slight smile. "May I ask the same of you? Do you and Sidney desire to have another?"
Anthony looks over at his wife. She graces him with a sweet smile and says, "We haven't decided. Anthony and I have discussed the possibility. Actually, two weeks ago we were just going over the pro and cons of having another."
Jerome emerges from the dining area. "Breakfast is served. Come and get it." He waves towards an old oak table, which now holds various platters of vegetarian and meat lovers' fare.
All the adults sit at the handmade Amish table. Being the oldest, T'Meika and Cherese also get to sit at the big table. T'Anya, Chad, Tony, and Cherese are seated at a smaller wooden table. Little Stefan settles in a high chair. All now hold hands as Anthony blesses the food.
"So, Spock, I hear you and T'Mara have volunteered to perform at the Christmas Eve service," Jerome states.
"Correct. T'Mara is singing a solo, and I will play the piano," Spock states after swallowing a bite of his fruit salad.
"Which song will you be singing, T'Mara?" Sidney asks.
"That, we are keeping a secret. You just have to wait till tonight," she says while winking at Spock, who gives her a slight nod.
"T'Meika…maybe youcan tell us. I will give you one of my pancakes." Jerome attempts to bribe her.
She puts her fork down. "No…I promised, and it is not proper to break a promise. Also, I am a Vulcan and we do not accept payoffs," she says with a bit of defiance.
"H'm, not even for a ride on my hoverbike?" Reggie asks in hopes his offer will persuade her.
"Uh…" She wavers, then says, "No."
Reggie turns to face Spock. "You taught her well. Should I assume she has your stubbornness?"
Spock's brow hits his bangs. "Indeed, she might have."
ooooooooooo
Just past midday, the family gathers in the living room. To T'Mara's surprise, even her reserved, logical husband engages in the upbeat conversation. He did not need to smile, for she senses that he is enjoying himself.
The younger children sit near the seven-foot Douglas fir tree. T'Anya is facing the tree. It seems to enthrall her. Though her father allowed simple Christmas decorations, they never had a real tree. She keeps focusing on it. Sometimes she would reach out and touch the ornaments. Then she touches the needle-filled branches. She would place her fingers to her nose to get the scent.
As the adults continue their conversation, Spock leans forward with his elbows on his knees. He places his hands like a steeple and leans his bearded chin onto his thumbs. He occasionally glances over at T'Anya. At times, he studies her expression as she touches the tree. He observes how she is mesmerized by it. He sits back as he ponders the fact that he never permitted his children to experience a Christmas tree. He begins to feel a stirring of remorse. Did he deprive his children? He turns to face his wife. She feels that something is amiss with him.
T'Mara leans towards him and whispers into his ear. "Are you okay?
He just gazes at her. A moment passes, then in a low voice he replies, "I am fine, T'Mara." He turns his head towards the tree. "Perhaps next Christmas season a new tradition will be started."
Realizing what he was referring to, she kisses him on his cheek.
Tony's head raises up, his eyes on Anthony. "Father, are you glad that your family is not like the Griswolds?"
"Yes, quite."
"Uncle Anthony, after dinner are we going to watch Christmas Vacation?" asks Cherese as she puta down her padd.
"Yes," he answers, then turns his attention to Spock and T'Mara. "It has been a Victorino tradition for many years to view a holiday movie every Christmas Eve. This year is Christmas Vacation. Not a very spiritual movie, but fun to watch."
"Ah, then I shall be prepared for a tale fill with illogical antics," Spock states with a slight smirk.
"Well, you'll just have to wait until you view the movie. By the way, would you two like to practice your song on the piano in the den?" Anthony offers.
"We rehearsed all week," T'Mara replies. Facing her husband, she asks, "Do you want to practice?"
Spock contemplates for a moment, then responds, "Actually, it would be good if we could practice at the church. Perhaps if we arrive an hour early. That way I can get accustomed to the piano."
Anthony nods. "Yes …I am sure there will be no problem."
"Excellent." Spock leans back.
ooooooooo
Later in the afternoon, Reggie and Tonya excuse themselves. They go to the spacious kitchen that contains an antique Amish stove, old oak cabinets, and a large food storage unit.
The chimes from the old clock on the family room wall ring five times when they finish placing the last of the food platters on the old table.
"Okay family, come and enjoy the feast!" Tonya exclaims as she enters the family room.
Everyone heads into the dining room and sits in the same place as they did for breakfast. The main course is a traditional Christmas ham. For those who prefer vegetarian, there are several meatless platters. However, everyone's favorite is Tonya's old-fashion macaroni and cheese.
"So T'Mara, how does your husband keep so fit and trim with his hearty appetite?" Tonya smiles at Spock.
T'Mara glances over at her husband. "He has a good metabolism, and he finds ways to burn any extra calories off."
Reggie chuckles. "I'm sure he does. Perhaps, T'Mara, you sometimes help him burn off those extra calories…" He gives a sly smile.
All the adults laugh.
Somewhat confused by the reaction, Spock declares, "T'Mara and I do exercise, though our children sometimes interrupt us."
There is more laughter.
"Change of subject," Anthony says in a loud, firm voice.
The discussion turns toward the holiday. The children tell what they hope to receive on Christmas. The adults talk about the true meaning of the day. When all are finished with the delightful meal, they get up and clear the table.
"Dad…Dad, is it time for the movie?" the anxious Tony asks.
"Soon," Anthony tells his son. "Go to the family room and locate the movie on the computer. We'll be joining you."
"Okay, Dad."
In a few minutes, everyone enters the family room. The adults settle onto the comfortable furniture, and youngest sit down on the floor. Anthony commands the video player to play the movie. The wall parts and reveals a 60-inch screen with speakers on each side. "Please proceed to play Christmas Vacation," he commands the device. "Oh, by the way, all foul language and suggestive scenes have been edited for our younger audience."
"Uncle, time for popcorn?" Chad asks.
"No, we are all stuffed from the meal. Maybe when we get halfway through the movie," Anthony suggests.
"Hush please, the movie is starting," Reggie requests.
They all watch the comedy in silence until Clark Griswold attempts to escape the redneck's amazingly fast, dilapidated pickup truck. Spock cannot resist making a comment on Clark's overly emotional response to the rednecks' mischievousness. He asserts that Clark should have listened to his wife and pulled over in order to avoid such unfortunate situations.
T'Mara gives him a long-suffering gaze, and in a quiet voice says, "They are human, and this is supposed to be funny."
Spock responds with a raised brow. "Ah yes, human humor."
Spock sits silently for a short time as the movie proceeds. It reaches the part where Clark gets trapped up in the attic. Almost everyone laughs as he constantly gets smack by the two-by-fours. Spock mumbles mainly to himself, "Illogical. Why would anyone be so ignorant to leave loose wood planks lying on the attic floor?"
"SSShhh!" Reggie says.
A few moments go by, and Clark steps onto a weak spot on the attic floor. He falls through. Again, almost everyone laughs. The plot continues, and then Spock speaks his mind. "I am sure he could have found a way to shimmy down onto the bunk bed."
Anthony commands the movie to pause.
"Then while he waits for the family to return, he could get those loose two by fours, and temporarily fix the hole in the ceiling," Spock remarks.
Anthony stares at him. "Really? Cuz, please stop. That would not be funny. Remember this is a comedy, not a documentary. Could we all just watch the movie? Remember, rely on your human half and enjoy."
Spock's lips turn up to a smirk. "That is what I believe I have been doing."
Anthony sits back and it dawns on him Spock is having fun, well at least as much as his Vulcan self would permit. As he commands the device to continue with the movie, he declares, "You're something else."
Spock tilts his head towards Anthony. "Indeed," he says with his eyes still smiling.
They all appreciate the rest of the movie. After the film ends, Anthony speaks. "Well all, we best get ourselves dressed for the service. Spock and T'Mara need to be at the church one hour before the service starts." He stands up.
Minutes later, in Spock and T'Mara's room, she is straightening his red silk tie. A smile creeps onto her face. "There, my husband, you're all set." She smooths out his shirt with her hand. Her other hand rises to his bearded chin. "Let me get your suit jacket." She goes to the bed and picks up his jet-black jacket. He holds his arms out so she could place them into the sleeves. She lets go, and he adjusts the jacket. Then he walks to the wall mirror and makes sure the suit collar is laying flat.
He sees T'Mara's reflection in the mirror. At the sight of her flowing red dress, his eyes widen a bit and his lips turn slightly upwards. She comes up behind him and puts a hand on each of his shoulders. He does not move.
Quietly he tells her, "You, my Aisha, are aesthetically pleasing. No, you are absolutely stunning." He turns completely around, takes her hand, and leads her out of the room.
Their children are already dressed for the evening, and are waiting for everyone to gather.
Breaking free from his oldest sister grip, Stefan scampers to T'Mara. "Mommy, Mommy...am I handsome?"
She places his hand onto his small shoulder. "Oh yes, just like your father."
His face lights up as he says, "Thank you, Mommy.
Once everyone is together, Anthony's eyes review the entire family. "You all look just splendid. Now, who will ride with whom? Spock, T'Mara, T'Meika, T'Anya , and of course Stefan, can ride with Sidney and me. Chad, Tony, and Cherese, you can ride with Reggie and Jasmine. Of course, Jerome, Tonya – you're on your own. Let's go, then." He gestures at the door.
They arrive at the old stone church, in the heart of Lancaster. Once inside, Anthony escorts Spock and T'Mara to the practice room and pulls on the brass doorknob. The door squeaks open. Inside, Spock lays his lyre on a chair.
Anthony looks at his cousins. "You two nervous?"
"Vulcans do not get nervous," Spock states.
"Speak for yourself," T'Mara says with a jittery smile.
Anthony faces Spock. "Well, if Vulcans do not get anxious, then you better inform your right eye muscle. It is twitching." He cannot help but smile at Spock.
"Indeed, so it is." Spock closes his eyes and reopens them. The twitching stops. "Just a minor reaction to the lighting in this room."
"Uh huh…and you are good at bull— Never mind, that would not be proper to say in God's house. He shakes his head and smiles. "Well, I will let you two be." Anthony leaves the room.
Spock sits on the piano bench. T'Mara stands right in front of the piano, facing towards the door.
"I must admit, I do feel a bit of apprehension tonight," Spock says as his fingers hit the keys.
T'Mara glances in his direction. "We are performing in front of 500 people. That is 225 more than the largest crowd at our church. But maybe it's not just the size of the crowd, but the fact that we are performing in front of strangers."
"You might be correct." He begins playing the song T'Mara is singing solo.
After they spend twenty minutes of practice, Spock asks, "Ready, T'Mara?"
She looks at him. "As much as I ever will be. I don't think I can practice anymore."
He stands and picks up his lyre, which he will play for their second song. They have kept that a complete secret. They exit the room and head into the sanctuary. Anthony sees them approaching. He stands up and moves out from the pew. The family had taken the first two rows of pews on the right of the sanctuary. The pastor is at his podium going over his sermon.
"Hey, you two, come and meet my pastor." Anthony leads them to the Altar. He gets the minster's attention. "Pastor Williams, this is my cousin T'Mara and her husband Spock."
The tall brown-skinned man says, "I am honored to meet you, T'Mara." He offers his right hand to her.
She smiles and takes his hand. "Thank you, Pastor Williams. I am pleased to meet you."
He shifts his position. "Captain Spock, it's my pleasure to meet you."
"The honor is mine, Pastor Williams." Spock shakes the pastor's hand.
"Please call me DeSean," the Minister says with his strong bass voice. "I appreciate that you and your wife volunteered to perform in our Christmas Eve service. Let me go over the order of the service. Opening prayer, worship, first scripture reading, then T'Mara's solo. Then words of prayer and praise. My sermon, the reading of Luke chapter 2, verse 4 through 15. The service will end with T'Mara's closing song."
"Thank you for allowing us to perform," T'Mara states.
Knowing that the minister wants to get back to his notes, Spock bows his head to the man who towers about five inches over him. "I am sure your sermon will be a blessing to your congregation."
"If I allow God to speak through me, then they will be blessed."
Spock, Anthony, and T'Mara proceed to the pews. Since Stephan was at the tender age of one and a half, they had agreed to place him in the nursery. Others begin to file into the church.
T'Anya, who is sitting between Spock and T'Mara, tugs on his jacket sleeve. "May I sit on your lap, Father?" she asks louder then she intended.
Spock's expression remains calm. "No, not here. T'Anya, do I need to remind you which voice you need to use while in church?"
"No, Daddy, I know I need to use my soft voice." She touches his hand.
"And when the service begins what do you need to be?" he asks of her.
She looks up at her distinguished father. "Quiet"
"Correct."
Within minutes, the pews are filled with people who exhibit a wide variety of human skin coloring. Spock scans the sanctuary and notices that his family are the only aliens. However, it seems not to matter to this group of people. Some come up and greet him and his family. There is no sign of prejudice on their faces.
As the pastor told them, the service begins with opening prayers. Right after the prayers, a soulful rendition of "Joy to the World" by the choir of twenty men and women who sway and clap to the beat of the music. Now, Desean invites the congregation to stand.
Anthony, who is right in front of Spock, turns his head slightly and whispers to him. "Watch out, Cuz, the Holy Spirit might just take a hold of you." Then he whispers to T'Mara, "Watch out, the Holy Ghost might just have your husband dancing in the aisles." He smiles gleefully.
Hearing his cousin's words, Spock responds, "I think not. The Holy Spirit is quite aware that I am a Vulcan and I will not be dancing in the aisles."
As the worship continues with upbeat Christmas Carols, T'Mara looks down at the floor and notices that the heel of her husband's right boot is moving up and down to the beat of the music. On one occasion, she notices him sway a bit to the beat of a song. She does not say a word, but her eyes gleam even more as she continues to sing. She wonders if he had placed his hands in his jacket pockets to prevent himself from clapping.
The worship ends after the fifth song. All settle in their seats. A young woman walks up to the podium. She recites the first scripture reading, which Isaiah 35.
Right after the vibrant reading, Spock and T'Mara walk up to the Altar. He sits on the piano bench. She goes to him and bends down to whisper in his ear, "How many people do you think are here?"
With a quick but efficient look around, he calculates in his head how many people are there. "My best estimate is 625 inside the sanctuary. But I cannot give you a number for the people in the hallway, or how many are viewing the service via computer."
"Thanks, I didn't even think about the ones watching on their computers," T'Mara states, then swallows hard.
"Aisha, do not worry, it will be alright. Just go and sing as you always do," he whispers into her ear. He graces her with a small smile of encouragement. She walks to the front of the Altar. Spock begins moving his fingers on the piano keys. She begins singing the song, "O Holy Night".
T'Anya scooches over so she can reach Anthony. She taps his shoulder. "Cousin Anthony, I cannot see Mother and Father. Can I sit on your lap?"
"Come, you can sit in between Sidney and me," Anthony informs her.
She slowly moves to the front pew. He moves to the edge, and T'Anya squeezes between him and Sidney.
T'Mara sings the song with her rich soprano voice. She finishes the song with a strong ending. Spock joins her, and they both bow. They receive warm applause. T'Mara studies his expressionless face. In the past, when he had performed for her solos, he played flawlessly, but it lacked feeling. This time he played the piano with true feeling.
When they return to their pew, T'Anya goes up to them. "Father, you played so well." She takes her father's hand. She turns her head to her mother. "Oh Mother, as usual, you sang beautifully."
After their parents settle in the pew, T'Meika leans against her mother. With a proud but quiet voice she says, "Yes, you both did an excellent job."
"Thank you," they happen to say together.
An older man goes to the podium and invites prayer requests or praises. He asks them to keep it brief, for they needed to end the service by midnight.
The people, of course, respond to the petition. There happens to be more praises than prayer requests.
Pastor DeSean Williams walks purposefully to the podium. He faces his congregation. His sermon is titled "Do Not Fear", and flows from Isaiah 35: 1-10 and Matthew 11:2-10. The pastor preaches with fervency. Throughout the sermon, some of the people shout out "Amen", and some wave their arms in the air to praise the King. DeSean ends his well-received sermon. He steps down and goes to his seat. A man goes up and recites Luke 2:4-15, the biblical account of the Savior's birth. Once finished, he closes his bible and proceeds to his seat.
Spock lifts his lyre and stands. As he eases his way out of the pew, T'Mara follows right behind him. T'Anya goes back to sit between Anthony and Sidney. As her parents get situated in the chairs, the people begin passing out candles. Then each candle becomes lit, one at a time. Spock then begins strumming the strings on the Vulcan lyre to the tune "Mary Did You Know". T'Mara sings the song in the style it was sung over 290 years ago.
Mary, did you know that your baby boy
Will one day walk on water?
Mary, did you know that your baby boy
Will save our sons and daughters?
When they finish performing, at first there is a hush in the sanctuary. Then all break into loud applause. Spock and T'Mara, bow then straighten up.
She touches his forearm. "Anthony was correct. Well, in a way. The Holy Spirit did get a hold of you. I never heard you play with such..."
He cuts in by adding, "With such feeling?"
"That is not exactly what I was going to say. With such richness, such fullness." She could no longer hide the joy she is feeling.
"As I said, with such feeling. Yes, T'Mara, it would be illogical for me to deny it; I am not ashamed, for it was in God's glory," he admits with mild emotion.
The family goes up to them. T'Anya walks up to Spock. "Daddy, that was wonderful."
"Thank you, Daughter."
T'Anya lets go of her father and turns to her mother. "Mommy, you as always sang beautifully."
"Thank you." T'Mara pats her on her head.
Spock notices Anthony coming his way. "Cousin, there is no need to tell me 'I told you so.' But as I said, I did not dance in the aisles." His lips move upward.
Anthony pats Spock on his upper back. "No, you didn't. However, I can tell you this. These people never met a Vulcan and probably did not know what to expect. I know for sure they didn't anticipate that."
Some of the congregation come up to them and comment on their superlative performance. The people also wish Spock's family a blessed Christmas. Pastor Williams goes to them to thank them. He whispers to Spock. "I did not realize that Vulcans could be so soulful."
Spock whispers back, "As my Wife is fond of saying, we are not your typical Vulcans."
The crowd slowly leaves the church. Anthony, Sidney, Spock, and T'Mara gather their family members and exit the church. After the short ride back to the old home, they go right to the family room.
When cousin T"Mara returns after taking sleepy Stefan up to the crib, Chad speaks up. "Uncle Anthony, can we have hot chocolate as we open one gift?"
"Yes…Cherese, please help them with the hot chocolate. Make sure you bring out the synthetic hot chocolate for those who are allergic to cocoa," Anthony asks of his daughter.
"Ok, Dad," Cherese remarks as she gets up off the floor.
All the children head into the kitchen. Anthony stands and walks to the edge of the entranceway of the dining room. "Cherese, you know...wait. Put everything onto the cart and bring the cart out here. That way everyone can get what they want. Oh, by the way, add the tea dispenser."
"Okay, will do," Cherese other children follow her into the family room, carrying their cups of hot cocoa. They sit by the presents under the ornament-filled tree.
Tony looks up at his father. "May we please start opening our one gift?"
"Yes, starting with the youngest which is Chad," Anthony tells them.
"Go and open a present," Tony encourages his cousin.
Chad's eyes widen with joy. He scans the presents for his name. He sees a big box. He pulls it towards him and removes the wrapping. "Uncle Jerome, Aunt Tonya, thank you," he says with exuberant joy. Inside the box is a remote-control model starship.
"Oh Uncle Anthony, can I play with it now?" he asks with hope.
"No Chad, that is strictly an outdoor toy," Anthony informs the small boy.
"Aw…okay," he responds with sadness.
"Okay Cherese, you are next," Reggie says.
She goes over and shakes a couple of the gifts. She finds a small rectangular present and quickly unwraps it. She opens a black box. Inside the box lies a small silver charm bracelet. The charms are the Golden Gate Bridge, cable car, sea lion, a piece of gold, crab, and a starship. The representations of San Francisco.
She walks up to Spock. "Cousin, could you please put this on my wrist?"
"Of course, Cherese." He takes the bracelet, puts it around her small wrist, and pushes the toggle through the round clasp.
"Thank you…thank you, Cousin Spock and Cousin T'Mara. It's so pretty," Cherese says to them.
"You are welcome," T'Mara replies.
T'Anya is now next and searches the presents for her name. She picks a rectangular box about one foot wide and one and a half feet long. She carefully takes off the wrapping paper. She proceeds to lift the lid off the box. Inside is a 16-inch doll that she had seen in a store –a Vulcan doll that was created by a human dollmaker, whose main wished was to educate human children that diversity should be cherished. She then notices the tag that hangs from the toy. It reads, "My name is T'Anya. I am blessed to be biracial. I treasure that I am of two special worlds." She studies it and notices that the doll looks like her. She goes to where her parents are sitting. Thinking it was her mother's doing, she focuses on T'Mara. With her eyes twinkling, she says, "Oh Mommy, thank you so much."
"You are welcome T'Anya, but it was your father who found the skilled dollmaker. He had it special ordered to fit your description. You need to also thank him," she gently informs her.
T'Anya turns her head so she could see her father. It surprises her that her father bought her a gift that was so special. "Daddy." She could not help but embrace him. "Oh, I love it so!"
He remembers going to the toy shop with T'Mara. How out of place he felt. If not for her encouragement, he would have never gone inside to speak with the owner. With smiling eyes, he tells her, "You are quite welcome, my daughter. I am glad you are pleased with it."
Tony begins to tear open his gift. He then pulls it out of the package. "Thank you, Mother, Father," he says with happiness. He begins to play with his new padd.
At last, it is T"Meika's turn to pick out a present. She happens to choose one from her cousins Anthony and Sidney. She carefully unwraps the gift. She pulls out a pretty pink dress that is covered with a rose design. She goes to them. Sincerely she says, "Thank you so much. It is very lovely."
"You are welcome, Cousin," Anthony replies.
After the gifts have been opened, Anthony notices that the younger children are nodding off. T'Anya is already lying down on the floor. "Cousin Spock, would you help me get these sleepy youngsters up to their rooms?"
After securing the four children in their beds, Spock and Anthony proceed back down the stairs. Spock walks up to T'Mara. "My wife, would you like a cup of authentic hot chocolate?"
"Hey man, I thought Vulcans are allergic to chocolate," Jerome notes.
"No…chocolate is to Vulcans as alcohol is to humans," Spock informs Jerome.
T'Mara sighs. "Now that we got that straightened out, yes, I would like a cup, thank you."
Spock prepares the hot cocoa and gives T'Mara her cup. All converse about tomorrow's upcoming plans. After T'Mara and Spock finish their cup, he stands and offers her his hand. "My aisha, shall we head to bed?"
She takes hold of his strong hand. He pulls her towards him. He does not realize that his desire for his wife is showing on his face.
"I hope you both have a good night's rest," Jerome says with a wry smile. He nudges Tonya. She lets go a laugh.
"Indeed," Spock says, and they leave the room.
All the rest of them decide to go to their own rooms.
Inside the guest room behind the den are two people standing face-to-face, only inches from each other. T'Mara's eyes flame with desire. Spock pulls her close and kisses her deeply, with all the passion that is in him. He slowly lets go of her, and his eyes take in her beauty.
She smiles and almost giggles as she coaxes him with her forefinger. "Come back here, Sparky."
He visibly cringes. "T'Mara, you can call me 'angel', 'my love', 'my sweet', but please never call me Sparky."
Her smile fades a bit. "Sorry… that did not come out as funny as I hoped. I promise to never call you that again. Come here, my Cheri d'amour," she says, and he responds.