February 13th
Aimé was once again delighted to be woken by a loving pat and scratch from her new familiar. She was fast becoming use to this.
Beverly was going about her morning and couldn't hep but smile. Whoever it was hat gave her Aimé she truly was in debt to them. Aimé's mere presence in the morning lifted her spirit in a way very few others could. There have only ever been four people in all her life that could do such a thing; Nana, Jack, Wes, and recently Jean-Luc. Beverly banished that thought as soon as it formed. It would do her no good to think of Jean-Luc right now.
Beverly busied herself with the rest of her morning routine.
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As soon as Beverly laid her eyes on her desk they were immediately drawn to the rectangular jewellery box, with a handwritten note on top. She picked up the note and read;
'Someone tried to copy your eyes but failed to capture the fire behind them.
Now all it does is give a constant reminder of how amazing you are.
All My Love Your Secret Admirer'
Beverly smiled as she opened the box to discover a beautiful necklace with a pendant of the most amazing blue she'd ever seen. It was the most remarkable necklace she'd ever been given, including her wedding necklace from Jack's mother.
It took Beverly a while to tear her eyes away from it and focus back on her work. A few extra pads had worked their way onto her desk since she left last night.
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Beverly's morning remained uneventful. In the late morning Beverly had to go to a senior staff meeting.
The meeting itself was just a catch up on recent events, and a briefing on what was to happen soon. Most of which Beverly could generally ignore, because it was irrelevant to her. However, Beverly couldn't help but notice a change in the way Deanna and Will interacted. Will was acting, ever-so-slightly, like he was guilty of something, and Deanna was acting, just as subtly, like the wounded party. Beverly summarised that they must have had a small tiff sometime yesterday. It was the only explanation she could think of as to why they'd be acting this way.
Just as the meeting was finishing up Will added, "And the Captain was in touch with me, he'll be returning sooner than originally planed."
Before anyone could ask when that was they were dismissed, and both Will and Deanna quickly left. Beverly looked after Deanna surprised. In all their years of serving together Beverly had never seen Deanna leave a meeting so quickly. She had been hoping to catch up with Deanna and figure out what happened but it looks like that isn't to be so.
The rest of the senior staff that was still there exchanged a confused and concerned look. Data and Geordie left heading off to Engineering, while Worf hung back to talk with Beverly.
"Doctor," Worf started following Beverly onto the corridor. "I wonder if I could your opinion on something."
"Of course," Beverly replied smiling. "What can I help you with?"
"Well, I want to know what your thoughts would be on the best way to introduce Alexander to someone I want to pursue a romantic relationship with. When Deanna and I began seeing each other it was a gradual thing. He was more prepared for it. This I do not think he will be."
"Who's the lucky girl Worf?" Beverly asked smiling even more broadly, even giving Worf a friendly nudge.
Worf only cleared his throat. "Do you have any advice? I was wondering how you handled these things with Wesley."
"When I was looking after Wes I didn't have much time to date. Also, he was older than Alexander was when Jack died. But when I did manage to be seeing someone I just simply came clean and told him all about it. Well not all about it, but all of what he needed to know. I made sure he knew that no matter who the person was, regardless of their rank, he would always remain my number one concern. I never wanted him to think I would choose them over him."
"What about the introduction?" Worf asked. "How did you explain to him about that?"
"It would depend," Beverly explained stepping onto the turbolift. "Sickbay. If he already knew them, I'd try "how would you feel if I started seeing…" or "you know… what would you say if I started dating them?" I'd treat it like I was asking his permission to date them. And generally I kinda was. If he didn't know them I'd say "there's someone I want you to meet and tell me what you think." Something along those lines."
"I see," Worf did look slightly pensive for a moment. "What if he doesn't like the idea of me seeing this person?"
"Then you don't pursue it. Nobody is worth loosing your relationship with you son. I doubt you'd have that problem though, anyone you choose to date I'm sure Alexander will like them too."
They stopped at the doors to sickbay.
"Thank-you Doctor. I will try the advice you've given me," Worf said before turning to head back down the corridor.
"No worries. Oh and Worf," Beverly called getting him to turn back to her. "Good luck."
Worf seemed like he was smiling back before he gave a curt nod, and continued on his way.
'I wonder who has caught Worf's eye.' Beverly thought to herself heading over to her office.
But all thoughts of Worf and his personal life fled her mind as she spotted the large bouquet of violets and roses.
Popping her head around the corner into the main room she called out, "Dr Martin?"
"Yes," her colleague replied looking up from the pad in his hand.
"Has anyone been in my office since I left for the meeting?"
"Not that I know of, but I've only just returned from Med-lab 2. Sorry."
"Nah, it's okay. I'll be in my office if you need me."
"Okay," he replied returning to his work.
Beverly returned to her office and went to have a closer look at the flowers. She found a pad sitting next to them Beverly read out loud;
'Roses are red, violets are blue,
Sugar is sweet and so are you.
Love
S.A.'
"The roses are gone, the violets are dead, the sugar bowel's empty and so is your head," came the reply from her door way.
Beverly spun around and was surprised at who she saw standing in her office door way.
"Alyssa! What are you doing here? I thought I sent you home for good yesterday?" Beverly replied looking almost angry with her nurse.
"You did. I'm here for a check up today," Alyssa innocently answered going to stand next to Beverly also taking a closer look at the flowers.
"Right, how could I forget?" Beverly sarcastically replied.
"Agrh, this 'SA' is very un-romantic. I mean, a dreadful poem, and these flowers are replicated!" Alyssa's disgust was evident, even without looking at the face she was pulling at the offending plants.
"It's the thought that counts anyways," Beverly said getting the equipment she'd need for the check up.
"Pfft. What did the other one get you? You know the more romantic one."
Beverly laughed as she indicated to the box on her desk and for Alyssa to sit. Sitting in Beverly's chair she pulled the box toward herself opening it. Alyssa audibly gasped.
"It's beautiful," she whispered.
"Isn't it," Beverly agreed as she began the scans.
"Still no ideas?" Alyssa asked tearing her eyes away from the necklace.
"None," Beverly replied focusing on the screen she was looking at.
"Well you'll be finding out tomorrow. Excited?"
"I think I am a little now."
"Good, because if were going to remain as neutral as you were the other day, I would be forced to hurt you."
Beverly chuckled, "I have no doubt at all that you would."