HOW LITTLE WE KNOW
A "Star Trek: The Next Generation" Fan-Fiction Story - by Vicky

PART VIII

INT. CRUSHER'S APARTMENT – Following Morning

BEVERLY CRUSHER walks into the living room of her apartment and kneels in front of DREW RIKER, who is sitting on the floor playing with some building blocks. Beverly holds her closed fists out to Drew.

BEVERLY CRUSHER
Pick a hand, Drew.

Drew sets a block aside and turns his attention to Beverly. He sits back on his heels, mulling over the decision. He finally points to Beverly's left hand.

BEVERLY CRUSHER
(Revealing an empty hand.)
Guess again.

Drew points to Beverly's right hand. She opens it palm up. Drew grabs the piece of chocolate from Beverly's hand and unwraps it.

DREW RIKER
(Putting the candy in his mouth.)
Thank Aunt Bev'ly!

BEVERLY CRUSHER
(Smiling.)
Yup, you're definitely a Troi.
(Tousling Drew's hair.)
This is our secret. I don't think your mom would approve of you having chocolate at oh-nine-hundred.

DEANNA TROI emerges from an adjacent room with her hands on her hips.

DEANNA TROI
(Feigning disbelief.)
Beverly, I'm appalled you'd say such a thing!
(Walking into the living room.)
Chocolate is welcome any time of the day.

Beverly stands and raises an eyebrow.

BEVERLY CRUSHER
Even for a two-year-old who's active enough as is?

DEANNA TROI
(Smiling at Drew.)
He deserves it every so often.
(Extending a hand in Beverly's direction.)
Where's mine?

Beverly reaches into the pocket of her shirt and tosses a piece of chocolate at Deanna. Deanna catches the candy with ease, unwraps it and pops it into her mouth. Drew returns his attention to the blocks in front of him.

DEANNA TROI
(With mouth full.)
Thanks Doc.

Deanna steps around Drew and slumps down onto the couch, putting a hand on her stomach. Beverly sits on the opposite end of the couch.

BEVERLY CRUSHER
(Concern expression.)
You okay?

DEANNA TROI
(Small nod.)
I'm fine. It's just a little morning sickness.

Drew turns his head towards Deanna and gives her a wide-eyed expression.

DREW RIKER
Mommy's sick?

DEANNA TROI
(To Drew.)
No, sweetie.

BEVERLY CRUSHER
(To Deanna.)
I can give you something for it.

DEANNA TROI
I already gave myself a hypo, it just hasn't fully kicked in yet.

DREW RIKER
(Standing.)
You sure?

Drew climbs into Deanna's lap and wraps his arms around her neck. Deanna gives him a tight hug and kisses the top of his head. Beverly and Deanna exchange a small smile over Drew's concern for his mom.

DEANNA TROI
I'm positive, Drew. In fact ...
(Touching Drew's nose.)
... you'd be the first to know if I wasn't.

Drew looks up at Deanna for a silent moment, considering her comment.

DREW RIKER
Okay.
(Kissing Deanna.)
Love you, Mommy.

DEANNA TROI
Love you, too.

Drew snuggles closer to Deanna. Smiling, Deanna smoothes back his hair and kisses the top of his head again.

BEVERLY CRUSHER
(Sighing.)
They grow up so fast. Before you know it he'll be entering the Academy, working on a starship ... dating.

DEANNA TROI
And all of that is going to happen way too fast for me.

BEVERLY CRUSHER
(Mischievous grin.)
Since we're on the topic of sons and dating ...

Deanna's eyes grow wide and she sits up straighter, adjusting Drew on her lap.

DEANNA TROI
Don't put me in that position, Bev. Please. I promised Wes I'd try to keep my big mouth shut around you.

BEVERLY CRUSHER
(Sliding closer to Deanna.)
Ah ha! So there is someone!

Deanna puts a hand over her mouth and shakes her head.

DEANNA TROI
I'm not getting into this with ...

DREW RIKER
(Interrupting Deanna.)
Maggie!

DEANNA TROI
(Looking at Drew with shock.)
Drew!

Beverly leans back against the couch and crosses her arms.

BEVERLY CRUSHER
Maggie ...
(Realization hitting.)
As in the Titan's first officer?

Drew crawls off of Deanna's lap and moves closer to Beverly. Deanna puts her head in her hands and sighs.

DEANNA TROI
(Mumbling to herself.)
He's gonna kill me ...

DREW RIKER
(To Beverly.)
Maggie and Wes.

DEANNA TROI
(Making eye contact with Beverly.)
You heard none of this from me.
(Quietly adding.)
Nothing's official yet. But he is interested in her ... and I'm pretty sure she likes him, too.

– End Part VIII –

All "known" characters (c) Paramount, Star Trek: The Next Generation and all other relevant parties. This story was written for the enjoyment of other TNG fans and is not meant to infringe upon the copyrights of any of the aforementioned individuals.