Chapter Four
For the first time since that night, Beverly had returned to his quarters. Jean Luc had been so relieved to have her back, though frustrated at the reason for her return.
What was Wesley thinking? I trained him better than that. We raised him better than that. The two thoughts were spun together so tightly that Picard could not help but relish in the role he had the privilege to play. Of course, he had been Wesley's commanding officer for many years. He had watched the boy flourish as a member of the best ship's crew he could ever hope to serve with.
...but then, there was that other role that he played in Wesley's life. He had first taken to Wesley as a way to help his friend Beverly, and to honour his friend Jack- who could not be present to raise Wesley himself. Because of my orders. But then, it had become a relationship with both of the Crushers under his command that had brought so much fullness to his life. He watched Wes grow into a fine young man, and an officer who would learn to be the best...in time. He genuinely felt pride, and a sense of ownership for the boy's path. He gladly helped Beverly with decisions, and eagerly greeted Wesley when he was able to come home to visit.
This family had welcomed him in and he had come to think of himself as one of them...for better or for worse.
He knew he had told Beverly not to interfere - to trust Wesley to work it out for himself, but did he have the strength to hold himself back as well? Wesley was nearly 21. It was certainly time to let him make his own successes and failures. As hard as that would be for both of them. Only time would tell, if it was the right decision.
At least Beverly was back, he reminded himself softly as he cleaned up his quarters for the night. He found himself smiling as he turned out the lights.