Christmas at Lake Tahoe

Chapter 2

Once they'd entered the house Jonathan repeated his earlier question. He asked T'Pol if everything was all right. She assured him everything was fine, but was not forthcoming as to the reason for her visit. Jonathan assumed she'd tell him later, in private.

After everyone had removed their jackets and coats, he introduced the two women to each other.

"It's nice to finally meet you Commander T'Pol," Sarah told the Vulcan, her voice full of admiration.

T'Pol nodded in agreement. She felt uncomfortable not having anticipated the captain to have company. "I don't mean to intrude on the two of you. I can return in the morning, when it's more convenient, Captain."

"Why don't we all go sit down?" he invited, leading the way to the living room. The evening had taken an unexpected turn. This morning he'd expected to spend it all alone and now he found himself entertaining two females.

T'Pol followed him with hesitation and seated herself on the sofa. Sarah stood by the fireplace, studying the ornaments on the mantelpiece. "If you two need to discuss ship's business, I can make myself scarce."

"No, it's nothing like that," T'Pol explained, continuing to feel awkward. "I don't wish to intrude," she repeated.

"You're not," Jonathan answered. T'Pol looked up at Sarah and wondered if she echoed the captain's sentiments. On the exterior she seemed friendly enough — but humans were often polite on the surface. It was difficult to gauge their true feelings sometimes.

"What can I get you ladies to drink?" Jonathan asked, enjoying the role of host. "Sarah, how about some sherry?"

"That would be great, thanks."

"T'Pol, would you like some?""No thank you, Captain." She stood up off the sofa and apologized once again for intruding, explaining that she'd speak to the captain in the morning, and walked down the corridor towards the front door.

"Excuse me for a minute, Sarah," Jonathan said, then followed in T'Pol's direction.

T'Pol was already putting on her coat when he caught up with her. "T'Pol, there's no need to leave."

"It was rude and inconsiderate of me to turn up without giving you adequate notice."

"I don't mind. Did something happen? Is Trip okay?"

She wasn't sure why he was asking about Trip. "I believe so, Captain."

"I thought you were in Florida."

"No, I've been in San Francisco staying with Ambassador Soval and his family."

"Really? I had no idea. I just assumed…oh well guess I was wrong. So what brings you here?"

"Nothing of consequence."

"You're gonna disappear into the night without even telling me why you made the journey up here?"

She was on unfamiliar ground. She wanted to explain without incriminating herself, but didn't know how. Trip had assured her the captain would be staying on his own up at the lake. He'd added that Archer would probably be lonely and enjoy the company. She'd uncharacteristically decided at the last minute this evening to take a shuttlepod and fly up here to see him. Now it didn't appear to be a sound choice.

"The reason doesn't exist anymore."

"Want to decipher that one for me?" Jonathan asked, with a twinkle in his eye. "Come on T'Pol, what's the big secret?"

"There is no secret. I don't feel comfortable barging in on you and Commander Collins. You obviously have plans for this evening, and it would be impolite to interfere with them."

"I think you're reading into something that isn't there," he said, gripping her shoulders gently. "Why don't you stay?"

On the inside he could barely suppress the excitement at her appearance. And now learning that she hadn't been in Florida with Trip was an added bonus. There were so many things he wanted to ask her.

"I don't wish—"

"If you say intrude once more, I may just lose my patience," he teased. "Stay, T'Pol."

There was a pleading note to his voice and she genuinely believed he wished her to remain; so removed her coat.

They rejoined Sarah in the living room who'd been getting better acquainted with Porthos. Jonathan explained that T'Pol was going to join them for a drink after all.

"Glad to hear that, Commander," Sarah said.

"Please call me T'Pol."

"Sure thing."

"He's a cute dog," Sarah called out to Jonathan as he poured the drinks. "Have you had him since he was a puppy?"

"Yeah," he answered carrying in the drinks. He handed one glass to Sarah and another to T'Pol. "He was six weeks old when I brought him home with me. He was a timid little thing at first, but within a week or so I'd gained his trust."

"This is alcohol," T'Pol stated as she sniffed her glass.

"Well I thought you might try it," Jonathan answered. "You've had alcohol before."

"Is it very strong?"

"About 15, a little stronger than wine. Its called sherry."

"I see." She sampled a little. It was exceedingly sweet, unlike wine that she'd tasted before.

"Not to your liking?" Sarah asked.

"It's fine."

Jonathan sat down on the sofa and was immediately joined by Sarah. T'Pol seated herself in the armchair to the side of them. There was an awkward silence at first. T'Pol felt certain that Sarah wished she'd left. It was obvious the commander had wanted to be alone with the captain. She continued to feel like she was intruding…but reminded herself that Jonathan had insisted.

"Jonathan was telling me about some of your missions earlier at dinner." Sarah made the first attempt at breaking the silence.

"Oh." T'Pol felt at a loss when it came to small talk.

"Do you have a favourite?" Sarah asked the Vulcan.

"No."

"Jonathan, what about you?"

"Hmm?"

"Do you have a favourite mission?" Sarah repeated.

He hadn't heard her the first time as he'd been gazing at T'Pol; she looked so lovely tonight. If he wasn't mistaken she was wearing more makeup than usual. Her eyelids bore a darker shade of eye shadow than normal, highlighting her luminescent green eyes. Her lips were glossy, adorned with a deep wine color lipstick.

She was dressed very much like a human woman — in black slacks and a grey wool jumper. She'd probably dressed for practical reasons — her uniform or Vulcan robes would not have kept her sufficiently warm up here in the mountains. But there was no logical reason for the extra makeup.

"Oh…umm…I'd have to think about that. I enjoyed the Akaali homeworld, it was almost like going back in time."

"Sounds nice…I have a friend who's a huge history buff. I'm sure she would have enjoyed something like that."

"Yeah."

"Jonathan, why don't we take that walk around the lake you suggested earlier?"

T'Pol gathered she wasn't invited.

"Okay…T'Pol, you coming?"

"No, Captain. I'll let you two enjoy the cold all by yourselves. This climate isn't really for me."

"All right." Jonathan wasn't going to argue with her, besides after Sarah left he'd have her all to himself and maybe finally he could get some answers.

T'Pol paced the living room after they left, chiding herself for acting illogically and without thought. Ambassador Soval had been a gracious host and most accommodating, as had his wife. But she'd felt like she was imposing. The Ambassador had had a few days leave from the Consulate and she felt guilty for disturbing the private time he probably wished to spend with his wife and family.

The night before Enterprise had returned to Earth, she'd sat with Trip in the Mess Hall discussing their separate plans. He was going to Florida. There was going to be a large family get together — the largest one they'd had in the last ten years. When Archer had announced that Enterprise was heading back to Earth, she'd contacted Soval asking if she could stay in one of the vacant rooms at the Consulate. He wouldn't hear of it, and invited her to stay with him and his family at his residence in Sausalito.

Trip had informed her the captain was going to Lake Tahoe, and if she tired of the Ambassador's hospitality, she should go visit the captain. He didn't like the idea of the captain being alone over the holidays. He would have invited him to Florida with him, but with the large amount of family members invited, he'd assumed Jonathan would have felt uncomfortable. He'd never been one for large gatherings.

She'd asked if Archer had any family members and Trip answered no. Except for some distant relatives in upstate New York, he was basically alone.

Trip's suggestion had been in the back of her mind for the last few days, but she hadn't known how to implement it. Should she turn up unexpectedly? Or would it be prudent to contact him first? What if he wanted to be alone?
The night before returning to Earth she'd lain in bed, clutching the address of Jonathan's house in the mountains that Trip had given her. She'd conjured up images of she and Jonathan together at some idyllic mountain lake resort and experienced a sense of excitement at the thought. How illogical!

Once settled at the Ambassador's residence, she'd tried to push any notions of joining Archer out of her head. It would appear strange if she appeared out of the blue.

But this evening she'd been unable to get the thought of Jonathan out of her mind. It was Christmas day — she knew the humans attributed great importance to this day. It was a time to be spent with loved ones and close friends. She disliked the idea of him being lonely, as Trip had insinuated, with only his quadruped for company.

She'd been non-communicative throughout dinner. So much so, Soval's wife had inquired if she was feeling ill. Vulcans didn't always converse during meals, but it appeared the ambassador and his wife had become accustomed to the human practice, after living on Earth for so many years.

She'd excused herself, collected a few things into a bag and changed into something warm. Checking her reflection in the mirror she reapplied her makeup, it had faded since the morning.

She'd contacted Lieutenant Matthews at Starfleet, who was in charge of transportation, and requested a shuttlepod for this evening. She hadn't known what to tell Soval at first. She didn't want to lie, but telling the truth wasn't a possibility either. She'd explained that Archer had contacted her and needed some specs in relation to Enterprise's retrofit and asked if she could deliver them.

The Ambassador had appeared surprised, but hadn't questioned her explanation. She was about to depart when she remembered a package wrapped in silver paper with a red ribbon attached to it sitting in the guestroom wardrobe. She retrieved it and placed it carefully in her bag. Then she headed out to Starfleet HQ to pick up the shuttlepod.

She'd arrived at Archer's house around 8pm, but found the residence unoccupied with the lights extinguished. When she'd rung the doorbell she'd heard Porthos barking, but no one had come to the door. The captain was out. She'd gone for a walk around the area, but within 10 minutes was freezing cold. She'd returned to the shuttlepod to stay warm, and tried the house again around 8:50pm. There was still no sign of him, so she paced the front porch in an attempt to keep warm.

Ten minutes later she'd heard a car drive up and spied two people getting out. She recognized the captain immediately, but not his companion. As she'd watched them approach she realized a woman was with Archer. Trip had been mistaken — the captain had not been home alone. If it had been possible she'd have disappeared without them seeing her. But it wasn't so she'd announced herself.

And now here she was — in Jonathan's house, alone. He'd put forth a flurry of questions once they were alone. What would she say? Her thoughts were interrupted as she heard the front door open. She was surprised to see Jonathan walk in alone.

"Where's Commander Collins?"

"She decided to go home, said she was feeling tired. She called a cab from her communicator."

"Oh." Now she felt nervous and almost wished Sarah had stayed.

Jonathan took off his coat and shoes and joined her in the living room. She was standing by the fireplace.

"So Commander T'Pol, would you like to explain this surprise visit?" He put on his stern captainly voice and looked her straight in the eye.

Explanation time had arrived, but no words came to mind. Why hadn't she used the time alone to rehearse something? She couldn't exactly say that Trip had thought he'd be lonely.

"Did you have a pleasant walk?" It was a question to buy her some time.

"You answer my question with a question? Hmm…T'Pol my curiosity is piqued."

She heard a loud noise emanating from the hallway and enquired what it was.

"It's my antique grandfather clock. It chimes on the hour. Guess it's 10 o'clock already."

"Oh."

"You seem unusually tense, T'Pol. How about some camomile tea? That might help."

She thanked him and replied that she would like a cup.

He made his way over to the kitchen and put the kettle on to boil. He couldn't figure out what T'Pol was doing here and why she seemed nervous. She'd never acted this way around him before. But he wasn't one to look a gift horse in the mouth. For the time being he was just grateful that she was here and that they had an opportunity to spend some time together one on one.

"You staying at one of the local hotels?" he enquired.

"Err…I hadn't made arrangements. I need to do so."

"No need. I have a spare bedroom, why don't you use that?"

"I don't wish to impose."

"You aren't. I'm inviting you."

"Thank you for your hospitality."

She remembered the parcel in her bag and decided now would be a good time to give it to him. As he prepared the tea she went to the hallway and rummaged through her bag to find the item in question. She strolled into the kitchen and handed it to him.

"This is for you, Captain. Merry Christmas."

Jonathan was genuinely astounded. She'd never given him a Christmas gift before. "Thank you," he whispered. He unwrapped it with care; guessing it was a book. When he gazed at the cover he was amazed — The Collected Works of W B Yeats.

"You remembered," he whispered.

"It's on page 57."

"Huh?"

"The poem you love, the one your mother used to read to you."

"Ah, wow, T'Pol, I'm speechless. I love it. Thank you." His impulse was to hug her in an act of gratitude, but he didn't wish to make her uncomfortable.

Four years had almost passed since the time he'd talked to T'Pol of a poem about a girl with apple blossoms in her hair. T'Pol had an amazing memory.

"I'm glad you are pleased."

He felt a little awkward that he had nothing to give her. Should he tell her about the necklace being made or let it be a surprise when it arrived? He decided on the latter.
He placed the book down on the kitchen counter and returned to making the tea for T'Pol. He made himself a decaf coffee.

Jonathan asked if she preferred to be in the kitchen or living room. She answered kitchen and they pulled up the stools and sat around the kitchen table with their hot drinks.

"So…" Jonathan began.

"Yes?"

"This is a wonderful surprise, T'Pol."

"The gift?"

"The book is great, and an amazing surprise. But I was referring to you turning up like this out of the blue."

"I should have contacted you beforehand."

"It's okay — it wasn't as if I had plans."

"But Sarah?"

"I bumped into her today while I was out skiing. She asked me to dinner and since I didn't have anything else on my schedule I agreed. We had a fun evening and I invited her back here to see the house and go for a walk. It was just a friendly evening between Starfleet colleagues."

"Of course. I understand, Captain." It wasn't as if he owed her an explanation anyway. But she was glad she hadn't barged in on something of a romantic nature. "I hope she didn't leave on my account." She tried her camomile tea and managed to burn her tongue.

"Sorry, it's still hot, give it a couple minutes," he suggested. "So, T'Pol…we gonna continue with the small talk or you gonna tell me what you're doing here?"

"Is there something wrong with just wanting to visit you?"

"Err…no, of course not. But it is unusual. Get bored of being with Soval?" he teased.

"To be honest Captain, it was a spur of the moment decision. Also, I thought it would be polite to allow the ambassador and his wife some privacy, even though they'd been very hospitable to me."

"Spur of the moment, huh? That's not very Vulcan."

"No." She agreed with him on that point.

"If you'd said something on Enterprise we could have travelled up here together." Had she had a fight with Trip? Was that why her visit was spur of the moment?

"I realize that. Have you been enjoying yourself here?"

"It's been relaxing and quiet. Almost too quiet…maybe I'm not one for vacations; I miss the hustle and bustle of the ship. Skiing was fun. The scenery's breathtaking. So yeah I guess I've been having a good time."

She tried her tea again, this time blowing on it.

"I was convinced you were in Florida."

"Why would you think that, Captain?"

"Listen, we're off duty and you're staying overnight. Think you could call me Jonathan?"

"Yes, if you wish…Jonathan."

"Thanks."

"I'm unclear as to why you thought I was in Florida."

"Really? Well I don't mean to pry…I mean you guys never said anything about it…but well I guess I assumed…I mean it was obvious. I think most of the crew knew…and if you'd told me, I'd have just asked you to be discreet…but you never did, so I wasn't sure if…well you know—"

"Jonathan, no I don't know." What was he blabbering about?

"Oh…right. Hmm…okay. What I'm trying to say is that I thought you were in Florida…because that's where you'd want to be."

"That makes it no clearer."

"Trip — that's what I'm talking about."

T'Pol pieced it together in her head and finally understood. Jonathan thought she was involved with Commander Tucker in a romantic relationship. "You are mistaken. If I'm correct I believe you are under the misconception that I'm in a relationship with Commander Tucker — I am not."

"You aren't?"

"No."

"Tonight sure is full of surprises." He felt like opening a bottle of champagne to celebrate. However, there wasn't any in the fridge. The coffee would have to suffice for now.

"Commander Tucker and I are good friends. That is all," she added.

"It's not my business, but weren't you—"

"Yes, we were briefly involved."

She didn't divulge any further information. "I don't mean to make you uncomfortable. We don't have to talk about this."

"I'm not."

He finished his coffee and told her he'd go make up the guestroom for her. She asked if she could help out, he answered no. He requested that she just make herself at home and he'd be back in about ten minutes.

He opened the window in the guestroom to let it air a bit, and changed the bedclothes. "Would you like a hard or soft pillow?" he called out to her.

"Soft, please," she answered, standing in the doorway of the room. "Do you have two?"

"Yeah, no problem." He walked into his bedroom, retrieving a spare pillow from his wardrobe.

She continued to stand in the doorway while he worked. "I'm grateful for your hospitality."

"You already told me that," he smiled. He closed the window; the room was fresh enough.

"I'm reiterating my feelings."

"Okay. Well I think it's all ready for you to move in," he announced as he smoothed the comforter out.

She went to get her luggage in the hallway and returned with it, placing the bag in the wardrobe in the corner. He explained the bathroom was down the hall and asked if there was anything else she needed.

"Everything is satisfactory."

"Good."

"Are you retiring for the night?" she asked.

"No, not yet." It was only 10:30pm.

"Would you rather be alone?"

After she'd asked the question she wished she could take it back. Jonathan Archer would be the model host, whether he enjoyed it or not. He wouldn't answer the question truthfully if it meant hurting the other person. She was regretting her impulsiveness again — she didn't feel at ease.

Yet usually she was comfortable around him — he was her good friend and captain. What was the problem now?

She hadn't been aware that he still thought her and Trip were involved. She wished the whole matter hadn't been so clandestine. Archer should have been told. Though she'd never been certain what exactly she would have told him if she'd taken the opportunity. Her relationship with Trip was perplexing — the commander himself had blurted out in a moment of anger that it wasn't even that. He'd called her the queen of mixed signals. He'd never known where he stood with her.

"No. Did I give off that impression?" Jonathan asked.

"I was uncertain. Maybe I'm not good at reading you off-duty."

"Hmm…I beg to differ. I think you've always been pretty good at it," he smiled. "So what would you like to do with the remainder of the evening, that is if you aren't tired?"

Jonathan played the role of platonic friend perfectly…as if he'd rehearsed it all out. In that moment she realized it wasn't what she wanted, and her sudden impulsiveness made perfect sense. She knew why she'd come up here and why her relationship with Trip had never had a future.

"I'm not tired."

"Me neither." He suggested watching a movie.

"The piano in the living room," T'Pol said.

"What about it?"

"Do you play?"

"Yeah…but not well."

"I'd like to listen."

"I'm really out of practice," he protested.

"Oh…well if you don't wish to, I won't insist." She didn't want him to feel obligated or uneasy.

"I don't want to offend your sensitive Vulcan ears."

"You wouldn't."

"Oh okay," he sighed. "But I warned you."

They returned to the living room and he sat down by the piano. She seated herself in the armchair. "Any requests?" he asked.

"No. Play something you like."

He thought for a moment, then placed his hands on the keys and started to play.

Jonathan couldn't have been more mistaken. He played beautifully and the music was pleasing. He'd been over modest — he was an accomplished pianist. "That was enjoyable," she commented after the piece was finished. "May I ask what it was called?"

"Silent Night — it's a traditional Christmas song."

"I liked it. Can you continue?"

"You want more?"

"Please."

"Hmm…okay, let me think." There was one piece of music he'd spent weeks learning to play to impress his piano teacher on her return from vacation — Fur Elise by Beethoven. He'd been ten years old at the time. Remembering it now, he began to play and soon his fingers were flying over the keys effortlessly.

T'Pol closed her eyes concentrating on the melody. Music was similar to mathematics — complicated, challenging and intriguing. She preferred this piece to the previous one; it seemed to touch her.

"Okay, I think that's enough of the piano music for now."

"Why, Jonathan? You play very well."

"Thanks." He noted the tone of disappointment in her voice, and felt flattered. Maybe he didn't play as badly as he thought.

"It would be nice to have a piano onboard Enterprise. You could give concerts. It would make a change from movie night."

"You don't care for movie night?" he asked, teasingly.

"The choice of film often leaves a lot to be desired."

"True, I can't disagree with you there," he laughed.

"In fact, you wouldn't need a piano, one of those electronic keyboards would suffice," she said. "It could be put into storage when not used."

"T'Pol, I don't think so."

"Why not?"

"Well for one, I'm not really that good. And two, well I'm not one for performing before a crowd."

"You've given speeches before a large room of delegates."

"That's different — it was a duty, not a choice."

"Yes, I suppose it was."

T'Pol's reference to speeches made them both recall the last speech he'd given — on Earth after the Terra Prime incident, eleven months ago. Now she wished she hadn't recalled the incident, their mission or anything else about it.

Jonathan moved over to the lounge and sat down across from her. "I never expressed how sorry I was."

"Sorry…for what?""It couldn't have been easy losing a child."

"Jonathan, there's no—"

"No, I should have said something months ago."

She wished he hadn't brought up Elizabeth. The memory was something she wanted to put far behind her.

He continued, "I'm not good at offering sympathy and condolences. The words sound hollow."

"You don't have to say anything."

"I was your friend, I should have."

"Jonathan, please — let's change the subject." She stood up and walked over to the window. It was snowing again.

He joined her by the window, feeling remorse at bringing up a subject that was obviously distasteful to her. "Beautiful, isn't it?"

"The snow does add something aesthetically."

"I didn't mean to upset you…"

"Jonathan, you didn't." She'd already asked him to leave the subject alone, why wouldn't he?

"There's so many things I wish to tell you…but I'm scared I'll word them all wrong. A moment ago was a perfect example."

"No, I just don't wish to discuss that subject. It's my past — I rather forget it. Some things are not meant to be."

He wondered if she meant her relationship with Trip or baby Elizabeth. Or maybe she was referring to both. Either way, he'd made her sad by alluding to the memory.

"Never snows on Vulcan, does it?"

"No."

"That was a stupid question. Of course it doesn't. Maybe you're the one who wants to be alone now…with your thoughts."

She turned to face him. If only he knew how wrong he was. "No…I'd like my thoughts to be distracted."

"Oh." He'd run out of small talk, and didn't dare ask any more stupid questions. She didn't want to see a movie. "Shall I play another piece?"

"That would be agreeable."

He returned to the piano and played several pieces over the next half-hour. Jonathan felt a knot developing in his stomach. He still hadn't received a satisfactory explanation for her appearance here, and he felt a klutz for bringing up her dead child. And his mind was still reeling at the information that she and Trip were no longer a couple. When had they split up? Did T'Pol continue to have feelings for the chief engineer? Had their break-up been a mutual decision?

There was a part of him that wanted to take advantage of the situation. Rejection was the worst that could happen — he guessed he could live with it. It wouldn't be the first time a friend turned him down. Another part of him cautioned against such foolish notions.

But…something about tonight felt different. Usually he felt completely at ease around her. Now she made him nervous. She looked so beautiful and vulnerable. She's your guest and first officer! How can you even think this way? What was wrong with him?

He finished Moonlight Sonata, another Beethoven piece, and went to the bar to pour himself a drink.

"Why did you stop?" she asked.

"Intermission," he smiled. "Would you like a drink?"

"A glass of water will be fine."

After pouring a glass of brandy, he went to the kitchen to get T'Pol's water.

"It's stopped snowing," he stated, handing her the glass.

"Jonathan, what did you mean when you said you had so many things to tell me but were afraid to?"

"Nothing really."

"I don't think that's a truthful answer." On duty she'd never accuse her captain of lying, but as friends she felt it was important they be honest with each other.

He sighed heavily. "I don't think it's anything that needs to be discussed. I said it without thinking."

"You must understand that a statement of that kind would make me curious."

"Right…I do now."

He swallowed the brandy in one gulp, and placed the glass on the windowsill. He gazed down at her, admiring her beauty.

She blinked, her face felt warm under his constant gaze. Was this a staring contest? She turned her head and focused her eyes on the trees outside, the branches heavy from the weight of the snow. She noticed something moving then saw a deer with a young fawn at her side trotting by the water's edge. "Jonathan, look—"

"The leasing agent was right. He'd said something about a couple of deers visiting the house. Probably looking for food."

"Yes."

They both watched the mother deer and fawn until they disappeared out of sight. "I believe the intermission is over," T'Pol announced. She hoped he'd continue to play, she found it soothing.

"Let's forget the music for a minute, T'Pol."

"But—"

The word had barely slipped out of her mouth, when Jonathan's lips made contact with hers.

TBC