Chapter 7: Lily Ann

In the local hospital, the unconscious Dawn was placed in a bio bed. Spock felt completely helpless as he watched the medical staff knit her self-inflicted wound. She was given blood through an IV. Spock, Jeff, and Anna sat in chairs around her bed. Spock put himself into a meditative state. He had to regain control of his emotions. He knew that Dawn would feel his concern, hurt, and fear through their bond as she started to wake.

After he sufficiently blocked his emotions from her, he looked to her parents. "Mr. Davis, why was I kept in the dark about Dawn's daughter?"

"Spock, I believe you have some idea of what she's been through. What you don't know is that the summer before her junior year of high school, she was still having a hard time controlling her Orion pheromones. She never had anyone to teach her. She was trying her best by learning as much as she could about her heritage but without the proper guidance, her efforts were nearly fruitless. One night she stayed at the library too long and she was attacked while walking home. There were two of them. We were searching everywhere for her. She made her way home on her own the next morning. When we saw her, she was bloodied, had broken bones, and a month later we found out she was pregnant."

Anna reached into her purse and pulled out two photos and gave them to Spock. One was a sonogram of a 7 month old baby still developing. The other was of Dawn smiling with her hands framing her growing abdomen.

"On Christmas Eve that year," Anna explained, " we were in the middle of service when Dawn had a miscarriage. By the time we rushed her to the hospital, Lily was stillborn."

"Was there an explanation as to why Lily did not survive?" Spock asked handing the photos back to her.

"The only thing that the doctors could figure was that Dawn's DNA and the other man's was not compatible. According to the doctor, it was a medical miracle that Dawn was able to conceive at all."

Spock listened carefully to everything that they were telling him. "Did she seek help with the trauma she endoured?"

"We sent her to several counselors, but even though they tried their best, they weren't able to help her." Jeff explained.

"Perhaps the healers on New Vulcan would be able to help her." Spock suggested. "She was doing well during her time at the academy."

"Jeff, what do you think about having Dawn go to New Vulcan?" Anna asked her husband.

"Would she still be able to attend the academy? Being able to go there was what started bringing her out of her depression. I think that being at home isn't good for her. There are too many memories here that she can't cope with yet." he replied.

Spock spoke up, "She would still be able to attend the academy where I will guide her in perfecting her meditation but during the summer, she would travel to New Vulcan and be with the healers. She will have a home with my father."

"I think that's the best idea. I also think it would be best for you both to go back to the academy tomorrow." Jeff said, "Spock, you really do love my daughter, don't you?"

"I do." he answered without hesitation.

Jeff looked to his wife who just nodded. "She'll be safer with you and on New Vulcan. We love her and we only want what's best for her." Jeff explained.

"I understand." said Spock, "Mr. and Mrs. Davis, you are both in need of rest. I will stay with Dawn."

"Thank you, Spock." Anna said as she stood up. "We'll be back in the morning." she walked over to her sleeping daughter and kissed her forehead. Jeff followed in suit.

"Good night, Spock." Jeff said as he escorted his wife from the hospital room.

"Good night, Mr. and Mrs. Davis." he replied.

I opened my eyes to an unfamiliar ceiling. Wondering where I was, I pushed myself into a seated position and looked around. I'm in the hospital? Images of the night before came flooding back and immense regret washed over me. What had I done? Spock had tried to explain. I didn't listen and flew off the handle. I glanced down at my arms. One had an incredibly faint scar and the other had an IV sticking out of it. I gazed around my room only to find Spock sleeping in a chair to my left. Spock stayed with me? Why? I peered into his sleeping face. He seemed so relaxed, so at ease, so peaceful.

A nurse came in to check my vitals. "How long has he been here?" I asked him.

"He's been here since he brought you in last night. Your vitals look good. I'll check with your doctor, but I bet you'll be able to go home today." the nurse told me.

"Thanks." I replied and he left.

"How can you love me with everything I've just put you through?" I whispered and hung my head.

"My love for you is limitless."

I raised my head to see Spock sitting upright. "Why?" I questioned.

"You are the one who has saved my life without even knowing it. Dawn, I love you for you, that includes your past, our present, and our future." Spock pulled his chair closer and gently touched my hand. I couldn't feel anything through our bond.

"Spock, have you blocked our bond?" I was slightly hurt.

"T'hy'la, I've had to put up my barriers because my emotions were too strong. I only want what's best for you." he explained.

"Thanks. Why were you so angry last night? You said you weren't angry with me but I must have…"

"Dawn, you did nothing wrong. I was remembering how my mother died and who killed her. I am still angry at Nero even though he is dead."

"Spock." I whispered and held his hand more firmly. "I am so sorry...about...everything."

"T'hy'la, I am the one who must apologize. I did not show the kind of restraint I should have and that caused the situation we are currently in. Will you forgive me?"

"Of course." I answered as sweetly as possible.

"Good morning, sugar." I heard my Momma's voice and looked up to the door. I saw her and Daddy carrying boxes of Christmas gifts.

"Momma, Daddy, what's all this?"

"We thought we'd bring Christmas to you, baby girl." Daddy replied.

"Thank you, I feel terrible that I don't have your gifts with me. I left them in my bedroom." I told them.

"It's alright honey, you've already given us the best gift ever." Momma said as she put the box down in an empty chair. I looked at her curiously and she made her way over to me. "It's you, baby girl. You are the best gift your Daddy and I have ever gotten." She took my face with both her hands and kissed my forehead.

"I love you Momma. Love you too, Daddy."

"We love you very much." Daddy said as he handed me my first gift. It was the second time that I would spend Christmas in the hospital. It was still bittersweet, but at least it was a little better than the last time. I looked over at Spock and smiled as he opened his gift from my parents. I received a small upturn of his lips. Once all the gifts were opened, we ordered brunch and then my family told me about a decision they made with Spock last night.

"Dawn," Daddy started, "Your Momma, Spock and I have something we'd like you to do."

"Okay?" I asked timidly looking from my parents to Spock.

"We'd like for you to go back with Spock to the academy tonight and during the summer, we want you to go to New Vulcan. There are people there who would be able to help you. Spock says you would be welcome to stay with his father."

"Why do you want me to leave so soon?" I asked now on high alert.

"Dawn, there are too many bad memories for you here. We love you and we want what's best for you. You know that your Momma and I will take care of Lily for you. You still have your locket, so she'll be with you no matter where you go."

I touched the silver locket around my neck and looked at Spock. For the first time since I received it, I took off my locket. I handed it to Spock, "Open it." I instructed.

When he did, he saw two things, there was a tiny lock of black hair behind clear plastic and there was a photo of a baby girl with light green skin, pointed ears, and black hair. Spock gazed back up at me and I could see a small smile starting to form. He returned my locket and I put it back around my neck.

The doctor walked in the room and double checked my charts and vitals, then he turned to me and said, "You look like you're doing fine, physically. I do want you to start seeing a counselor though. I have a few recommendations here and I would like for you to start taking this medication."

Spock spoke up, "That will not be necessary. She will be going to New Vulcan to be with the healers there."

The doctor nodded his head, "I'm glad to know you've got a plan in place and you have a great support system." he told me. "I'll have a nurse come in and take out that IV for you." he said before he left.

Moments later, the nurse from earlier came back in and took out my IV. "You can get a shower if you want before you leave. If you need anything else, please let us know."

I thanked him and thought that a shower was a good idea. Luckily I got a brand new outfit for Christmas, so I had a change of clothes. "I'm going to go get a shower." I announced as I swung my legs over the edge of the bed. Grabbing my new clothes, I headed to the bathroom. Twenty minutes later, I emerged from the bathroom feeling much better after washing and brushing my teeth. I looked around, but only saw Spock.

"Where did my parents get off to?" I asked him.

"They took our gifts to the cars. They also brought your luggage so we would be able to leave for the academy from here." he explained.

As I heard this, my mind drifted to my daughter's garden. I would miss being there. It was one of the ways I could be close to her. My breathing became hard.

"Dawn, please, tell me what is on your mind." said Spock.

"I'm going to miss being with Lily."

"She is still with you. A part of her is in your locket. Your parents will maintain your garden for her."

"Logically, I know this. Emotionally, the only thing that was more difficult was knowing that she was dead as I gave birth to her. I don't know if I'm explaining myself well enough." I sighed.

"I do not know if I fully understand, but I am here to support you in any way I can."

"Thank you," I stepped to him, looked him in the eyes, and took his hand, "T'hy'la."