Chapter 4: Disillusionment
July 2345
The Stargazer's unexpected recall back to Earth was met with mixed emotion by Alicia, until the realisation that she would return just in time for Owen's birthday sent her into a flurry of planning and preparation.
A day out from earth she received an unexpected call on subspace from her friend, John. A frown marred her face as she watched John give his subspace message. "I'm sorry Allie. Mother is very sick. I'm going to be looking after all around the clock. There's no way that I'll be able to watch Tommy during Lucy's annual leave as we organised. Everything is so chaotic. Since Tommy's such a darling, I'm sure you'll have no problems organising something else though." John's face morphed into a nervous smile as he closed the connection.
"Now what do I do?" Alicia whirled around sending her empty cup crashing to the floor as she did so. With the Stargazer almost in orbit around Earth, it wasn't actually that much of a problem. She had been planning to spend a lot of time with Tommy anyway. Still, that doesn't mean I want Tommy being the third wheel at my surprise birthday reunion with Owen this morning.
"I could take Tommy to my place for the weekend," Alicia startled at the unexpected voice coming from behind her. Turning quickly, saw her young brother-in-law leaning casually against the open door frame to her quarters. "Are you sure, Cole?" she felt compelled to ask. "You know Owen will demand your presence at our house for a full report on the Stargazer's last mission and your 'heroic actions' just as soon as he finds out you're back on Earth." Owen always acts like he's both Cole's father and his commanding officer all rolled into one, instead of his brother, she thought a little sadly.
Cole grimaced. "Promise you won't tell him I'm off duty while we're orbiting earth, Allie?" he begged.
Alicia shook her head. "I'll do my best to avoid the topic of you while I reconnect with Owen. Besides," Alicia smirked, "I plan to keep Owen much too busy to be wondering about poor little old you. But are you sure taking Tommy won't be ruining your own romantic plans for the weekend?"
"Don't worry about me, Allie. A quiet weekend with my favourite honorary brother is exactly what the doctor's ordered." Cole smiled ruefully, fully aware of his playboy reputation. "Besides, you know that I really only act up the part just to annoy Owen, don't you?"
Alicia nodded as she smiled wryly. She knew exactly what Cole meant. Sometimes, when she was with Owen, it felt like she was drowning in family responsibility and expectation. She fully understood the desire to lash out and do something shocking and wild just to spit in the face of Paris Family Culture. But then, she knew she'd chosen this life when she'd chosen Owen.
Letting herself quietly into the house, Allicia tiptoed soundlessly to the bedroom. She knew that this was Owen's rostered day off and that he would still be in bed enjoying a rare sleep in. It was his birthday, and she intended to surprise him. Which is why she had called in a lot of favours to make sure that Owen didn't know about the Stargazer's sudden return to earth.
Reaching their shared bedroom, she grinned wickedly as she tightened the sash on her overcoat. It had been hard to take the six month tour of duty away from her family. But having earnt enough federation credits to buy the exotic lingerie and slinky new dress she was wearing as part of Owen's 'birthday surprise' felt really good. Being able to commission a family portrait sitting with one of the most talented artists in the quadrant for the following week felt good too. As did being able to give Owen a personal gift that hadn't been bought using his family's old school connections
.
The doors silently whooshed open. Alicia added an extra sashay to her gait as she walked in. And stopped horror stricken in the doorway. There, lying naked in her husband's arms, was her best friend, Julia. They were both fast asleep.
Alicia swallowed thickly and pushed both the nausea and the feelings of betrayal down. No wonder they were both so enthusiastic about encouraging me to go back to work. Owen stirred briefly. Quickly, not wanting to be caught staring, Alicia backed out of the room. On the other side, she leaned despondently on the wall. Merde. What a fool I've been. How could I have never suspected?
From inside the bedroom, she heard the beginning of movement. And then Julia's seductive purr as she woke Owen up and wished him a happy birthday. As she heard Owen's equally sexy response, Alicia squeezed her eyes tightly shut. What do I do now? Making up her mind, she quickly left the way she came.