Part 12
"Wesley, come here," calls Jean-Luc, lowering himself onto the sofa with a mug of tea in one hand and an old paper book in the other.
Glancing up from the desk where he is working with his colourful plastic pieces, Wes doesn't want to be disturbed from his assignment. "What is it?"
"Put that homework away and come join me. I want to show you something," commands Jean-Luc, lifting his mug to his lips.
Reluctantly, Wes abandons his project and walks over the living area, watching his father leaf through a weathered book. "Where's Mom?"
"In the shower," relays Jean-Luc, setting his mug on the table. "Sit down."
Wes takes a seat next to Jean-Luc on the sofa, curious, but eager to return to his work.
"What's that?" inquires Wes, peering at the book in his father's lap.
"Your history," proclaims Jean-Luc with a tiny smile, handing the book to Wesley.
With furrowed brows, Wesley accepts the proffered well-worn book. "History?"
"It's a book on the Picard family ancestry," relays Jean-Luc, shifting closer to the young man as Wesley leafs through the pages of pictures, captions and anecdotes.
Eyes wide, Wes' lips form a small smile in the corner of his lips. "Wow. This is…so cool. All these photos."
Smiling, Jean-Luc looks down at the book, an old picture of his ancestors in Paris visiting the Eiffel Tower. "It's a family tree."
Wesley continues to flip through the pages of the book, examining the images and stories of his Picard relatives. He's fascinated with watching the Picard family tree unfold before his eyes. "This one, in the vineyard in La Barre."
Looking over his son's shoulder at the photo on the page Wes is staring at, Jean-Luc nods, a small smile on his lips. "Yes. Your grandfather, Maurice, and grandmother, Yvette."
Grinning at his father, Wes nods. "Maybe one day we could visit the vineyard in La Barre?"
Bobbing his head, Jean-Luc swallows the lump forming in his throat. It deeply touches him that Wes is interested in visiting his hometown, in learning of the Picard roots. "Yes, Wesley. I'll take you and your mother. I'd like to show you the house, the vineyard."
"Cool," replies Wes, returning his attention to the book. After a moment, he rotates his neck and looks at his father earnestly. "Papa, can I ask you something?"
"Of course," responds Jean-Luc, leaning back into the sofa cushions.
Pursing his lips, Wes considers how to phrase his thoughts. "When you and Mom are married, will I take your name?"
Glad that the teen had taken the opportunity to voice his question, Jean-Luc looks him in the eye with a light smile. "You can do whatever you wish, Wesley." Jean-Luc had dug out the old family book for a reason, hoping to elicit a profound discussion with the boy about the issues Wesley is having in regards to Jean-Luc and Beverly's pending nuptials. Beverly had requested that Jean-Luc cancel the wedding and post-pone moving in together, claiming that Wes needed time to to adjust to their new relationship. The teen is having difficulty at school and with some of the crew due to the unique position he is in with his father as the commanding officer. Jean-Luc had been devastated, loathing the prospect of putting off the wedding and their co-habitation. More than anything, he wanted to be married to and living with Beverly as soon as humanly possible. Furthermore, he had been gravely concerned about the boy's status, and felt terrible for placing him in such an awkward position. Jean-Luc had promised Beverly he would do everything practicable to alleviate the tension and make things as normal as possible for the boy. The main priority for Jean-Luc had been to initiate a strong bond with his son, one that could overcome any misgivings Wesley might have because of the position he is in.
Seemingly torn, Wesley frowns.
"Wes, you've had an identity for sixteen years," Jean-Luc begins. "You're not a child. You don't have to change your name if you're not comfortable with it. I want you to do what you want. Your mother and I will be happy with whatever you want to do. Regardless of whether your name is Crusher or Picard, you will still be my son."
Appearing relieved, Wes bobs his head in relief. "Thank you." Taking a long breath, Wes returns to casually flipping through the pages of the book. After a moment, he glances back up at Jean-Luc with a bemused expression. "Hey, you're not in here?"
With a relaxed, knowing smile, Jean-Luc drapes an arm around the back of the sofa. "Neither are you. Not yet."
Grinning at his father, Wes makes his decision. He can take the taunting, the muted whispers in the corridors. It's not easy to be the Captain's son. Nevertheless, he is a Picard, and there's no way he should ever be ashamed of that. One day, he is going to be in this book. Him, and his future family.
"Let's change that, shall we?" Jean-Luc smiles encouragingly, grateful he had a chance to show the boy some glimpses of the Picard's past. Now, perhaps, Wesley can be excited about continuing the Picard's future.