The land they'd built their home on had developed rapidly as more refugees were given places to live. While their nearest neighbor was still about a kilometer away, there was a sense of community as more houses popped up and the remaining Vulcans that stayed on Earth settled in and made a new life for themselves. Her neighborhood was a nice community now, despite the cookie cutter homes. The families inhabiting them tried their best to bring personality to the homes — make them more reminiscent of their homes on Vulcan.
They passed her neighbor T'Aian as she walked up to the steps of her house. She and her husband were a young couple that had a modest home to accommodate their growing family. While only midway through her pregnancy, she'd been extremely sick for most of it so far. With only her husband, Nia's family had taken it upon themselves to adopt the couple and help them whenever they could. Catching wind, other neighbors pitched in and helped clean and cook for them and, while they never said it outright, T'Aian and Evekh were extremely grateful for the community support.
Nia was thankful too, honestly. It made things easier having more than her family to lean on for support, though having any family at all was nearly a luxury now.
Stepping through the front door Nia paused in surprise at the sight that greeted her. Colorful streamers hung from the ceiling and doorways while balloons rolled on the ground. Displayed across the wall was "Happy Birthday" in bright colors. The best part were the pointed party hats they all wore as they observed her quietly. She held a hand to her mouth to hold back laughter at the sight of quiet, serious vulcans wearing colorful party hats. Her eyes met Torin and she smiled outright.
"Happy Birthday, Nia." Her father said as he approached her. Zerin and Solen, the two boys Torin had cared for, hit a balloon back and forth while Saya tried putting a party hat on her stuffed sehlat.
T'Lores, with her second birthday approaching, sat contentedly in her mothers arms. Saya had been excited to be an older sister until the baby cried for the first time in her presence. 'Mother,' she'd said 'I believe it is broken and needs to be returned.' Nia had to leave the room to hide her laughter while her parents gently explained it was just something infants did and she was there to stay.
"Thank you!" She laughed.
Her father handed her a box wrapped in purple paper, his eyes trailed to the necklace she wore and he looked at her knowingly. She felt her face flush when she met his eyes and knew they'd have a talk later. The box he handed her was light, but bigger than she'd expected.
"You didn't have to throw me a party. Honestly with everything going on I forgot what day it even was."
"It is customary on Earth for humans to celebrate the anniversary of their birth." Her father pointed out. With the surprise out of the way, he removed his hat.
"Well, thank you." Her father watched her and she realized he was waiting for her to open the gift. She kneeled down and carefully opened the gift and passed the wrapping paper to her father. Inside was a set of soft purple scrubs and a stethoscope. She smiled brightly as she grabbed the stethoscope and examined it.
"Thank you! I'll need this when I start my clinical hours. These scrubs feel so comfortable!" She stood and reached out to hug her father. The clan never said anything about her outward displays of affection, though she did still try to keep it private and never in public. A steep learning curve had been learning that Vulcans were affectionate, just in a different way. Though, her clan never judged her for her more human displays of affection.
"I see congratulations are in order." He whispered while he hugged her.
"How'd you manage to keep it a secret?" She laughed.
"It was… not easy." He admitted. "Come, a meal has been prepared and is ready outside."
Nia put the stethoscope back in the box and pushed it aside before joining her family outside. If Nia didn't know any better she would have thought they were having a feast with the amount of food she saw on the table. Smaller folding tables were set up and she saw a few neighbors seated at them.
"What's all this?" Nia whispered to her father.
"It is good to come together to celebrate. Our clan is growing." He nodded towards Torin. "T'Aiana and her husband had an appointment and could not come." He explained as he motioned for her to sit as he went on.
"It is important to recognize those who have played integral parts in our lives. We wished to foster a sense of community and our neighbors wished to show their support." Her father took a seat and she joined him, Torin taking the seat to her right. She could see the neighbors looking her way, glancing between the three of them, and Nia nodded in acknowledgment. After giving a nod back, they continued speaking to each other.
A tap on her hip made her turn. Standing behind her was little Saya, a smile trying to work its way onto her mouth despite her best efforts to maintain a serious expression. She pulled her hands from behind her back and held a piece of paper out to Nia. On the front were several blocky figures wearing triangles on their heads with wobbly Vulcan script next to them — their names.
"It is tradition to give a card on the day of your birth." She explained. "It is the clan." Standing next to Nia in the picture was Torin and it warmed her heart that Saya had included him. She'd also included Zerin and Solen. The two orphaned boys had officially been adopted by the clan, though no paperwork had officially been filled out. Legally, they were the boys guardians until family could be found but, at this rate, it was unlikely any existed. They'd adapted surprisingly well with the help of Saya, who was more than happy to cling to new playmates around her age having lost her other cousins and friends.
A small message in the corner gave her pause.
'Good Birth' the message read and Nia bit back a smile.
"Thank you very much Saya, I appreciate the work you put into this."
Saya smiled then, glowing under her praise. She ran back to her parents on the other side of the table, who shared an amused look with her. T'Lores babbled and squirmed on Turak's lap as he gently urged her to sit down.
"Does this say 'good birth?' Did I translate that right?" Nia whispered to Torin, showing him the picture. She could feel his amusement as he looked at her artwork.
"You did, yes." He confirmed. Nia let out a small laugh as her father addressed the crowd.
"Thank you for joining us. It is good that we are able to come together as a community to support one another in times of need. It is important that we continue to do so and continue to teach the next generation our values, culture, and history. Today, our clan grows by one. " His eyes lingered on the children at their table and to Nia and Torin. Their clan was the only in the area with young children, who were doted on by everyone.
"Through adversity we grow stronger. Thank you." There was contemplative silence as he sat again and began passing around the first dish. She felt Torin rest his hand on her arm for a moment and she looked up at him with a smile. Nearly 2 years together and she still got butterflies when he looked at like this. He pulled his hand away as Zerin asked him a question. Her heart was full and the fact they'd put effort into accepting and celebrating her human upbringing meant more than they'd know. The warmth of love and acceptance nearly overwhelmed her.
A sleepy fullness that she hadn't felt in a long time overtook her as she stood outside on the driveway with Torin. The nearly-full moon and cloudless night cast plenty of light while the subtle lights in the front garden cast a romantic glow. Nia crossed her arms and pressed them closely to her chest as the chill of evening sent goosebumps up her arms.
"Thank you for coming." She smiled softly to Torin as stood close to her. "Today was perfect." She reached out and pulled him into a hug that was gladly reciprocated. When she pulled back he leaned in to kiss her, which she then gladly reciprocated.
The porch lights flipped on before things could get too heated and she sighed at her father. Her rested his hands on her upper arms and rubbed small circles with his thumbs, resting his forehead against hers.
"I wish you didn't have to leave." She'd become more comfortable being open with him in the last year or so as he spent more time together.
"Me too." He murmured.
"I should go." She leaned away from him slightly, but made no move to actually leave. He dropped his hands from her arm, understanding that he would have to be the one to break contact. He brushed his hand with hers he did and Nia inhaled sharply at the sudden, pleasant contact. She took a step back, resting his hands behind back while his eyes lingered on hers.
"Goodnight Nia. Happy Birthday."
"Night. I'll see you tomorrow, right?"
"Of course." He assured her. Smiling sadly she watched him walk to his car, start it, and back out of the driveway, once more wishing she'd convinced her dad to let him stay. Sighing she felt the necklace she wore and giddiness replaced her melancholy.
I'm engaged.
The thought sent a little thrill through her and she smiled widely.
As she reached down to open the door, it swung open to reveal T'Mir. She looked surprised for a second before her eyes trailed to the necklace she wore. Nia could sense the happiness she felt, finally having a moment to speak with her privately.
"I'm glad to see my assumptions were correct." She stepped aside and let Nia into the house. The neighbors had gone long ago and the children had just been put to bed. She could hear the clank of dishes being washed in the sink, something her aunt insisted upon since it was more environmentally friendly and less wasteful.
"I'm glad dad approves. I was starting to worry that maybe him hovering so much meant he didn't like Torin or trust him." She admitted quietly. T'Mir glanced over her shoulder before responding.
"He likes Torin. He is just protective of you."
"I know." She smiled. Her father came up from the living room and approached her.
"I'm glad you approve. It means a lot." She smiled at him.
"Of course. Torin is a good man and we believe you two are a good match."
"We?" Nia asked.
"Everyone."
"Wait, the neighbors knew too?"
"Nia, you have been in a relationship with him for nearly 2 years. By Vulcan standards, you should be married already." T'Mir chimed in.
"Though," her father quickly interrupted, "it is not uncommon to wait. You are still young and have time." Nia smiled in understanding of her father. He was nervous about her engagement. Not because he distrusted Torin or even her own judgment, but because it meant she was growing up. It wouldn't be a surprise if she and Torin even moved in together soon. The thrill of the thought sent her heart racing and she quickly tried to build mental walls around the thought, something her father had been working on with her, as he gave her an odd look. Those were feelings she didn't need to broadcast.
"I love it." She felt the pendant again and her father's expression softened at her obvious happiness.
"It suits you." He agreed. "Come, join us in the living room. We are attempting to play cards. Apparently Uno is a classic card game used in family centered activities."
Smiling, she joined them.
Putting her tablet to sleep, Nia brushed her fingers against the necklace safely tucked under her shirt. A warm breeze ruffled a few loose curls that had escaped the tidy bun she wore. It was peaceful. The community garden her neighborhood had come together to create was a retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city they skirted. Rows of tomatoes, peppers, and even a few native Vulcan plants lined the raised garden beds as a few neighbors tended to them. It was a perfect day to sit outside and study, though her mind continually wandered despite her best efforts. Nearby, her elderly neighbor tended to small tendrils of some green plant. It was some common Vulcan root vegetable that she'd managed to get ahold of and grow in the Texas soil. Beside her was a middle aged widow who lived with her. Each had lost their family and decided to live together so loneliness wouldn't hit quite so hard. They were even kind enough to help Nia practice her Vulcan and always welcomed her visits.
"When is the wedding, Nia." Her elderly neighbor asked. Nia looked up at her, caught off guard.
"I apologize, could you repeat that?" A common phrase Nia used. She repeated herself, slowing down somewhat, and Nia felt her father would be proud at how well she kept her composure.
"I do not know. I believe…" She took a moment to search for the correct word. "We will… wait for some time."
"It is good to see young Vulcans….." Valeris, the middle aged woman, commented. "The Vulcan population is at risk. Some….do not…the good of the many." She spoke slowly enough, though there were words and phrases she didn't catch as she tried to piece together what had been said.
"Some words…I could not translate."
"Vulcans are endangered. You consider the needs of the many with your marriage." L'Vor, her elderly neighbor, chimed in. This time, Nia understood and couldn't stop the slight flush of her face.
"Oh." was all she could manage.
"You are young. You have time to think about these things." L'Vor added, switching to standard.
"Though I would not wait too long. Better to raise children while your health and energy are in top condition." Valeris shook the dirt from her gloves before taking them off and looking at Nia. "Have you considered children? How many you'll have?"
"I…um.. no. I haven't"
"It is something to consider. I would advise you to discuss it with your husband."
"Oh, we aren't married yet." She reminded her quickly.
"Do not needlessly worry her before it is necessary." L'Vor chided. "Regardless, your Vulcan has improved." She complimented.
"Thank you." While this pleased her, it was now the furthest thing from her mind as their words settled heavy on her. They had a point. Vulcans were an endangered species now and there was pressure to help rebuild the population. A few innocent comments had been made in passing before, but she'd brushed them off as comments from a stranger who didn't know her. 'What does your husband do? Your children would enjoy this playground. Would you and your husband consider relocating your family to a colony?'
But it didn't matter they were from strangers, the intention had been clear on their subtle suggestions that she needed to start planning on kids. Too anxious to study now, she bit her cheek. Who knows what things people have mentioned to her father. Maybe they'd been trying to set her up. She'd encountered that before, but bringing Torin around as she went about her business had significantly curbed it. She could still recall the spike of jealousy from Torin when someone had tried introducing her to their nephew, assuring her he'd be a great bondmate.
So awkward.
"Do you need any help in the garden?" Nia asked, accepting she was likely done studying for now.
"No, thank you. Why don't you head home and spend time with your family. Torin is usually there, yes?" L'Vor asked. Nia resisted the urge to sigh. She enjoyed their company, she really did, but they were such meddling women.
"He's working late tonight, they had an important meeting. I'll probably see him tomorrow." She tucked her tablet back into her small bag and stood, readying to leave. "Thank you for speaking with me. Have a good evening." Nia nodded to them and headed back towards home.
It was nearly midnight when Nia settled into bed. She was about to switch her tablet to sleep mode when it pinged.
Are you awake?
Sitting up, she tapped out a quick reply to Torin.
I'm awake. Is everything okay? She waited anxiously for his reply. It didn't take long for him to call her.
"Are you okay?" She asked immediately.
"Yes, everything is fine. I just wanted to tell you something."
"At midnight?" She teased.
"I apologize. I know you're normally asleep." He paused for a moment. "Why are you awake so late? You have a morning class tomorrow."
"I was studying."
"Too much studying is harmful, you'll burn out."
"I know, it's why I stopped." He didn't seem convinced, but let it drop. "So what did you want to tell me?"
"The meeting tonight was to discuss the design of a new colony. I have been asked to lead the project."
"That's great! Congratulations! That's a big accomplishment, you haven't been working there very long."
"Yes. It's a Vulcan colony. They've found a suitable planet to inhabit. As the only Vulcan on the urban planning team, they tasked me with designing it."
"How do you feel about that?" She could tell from his tone of voice that he didn't necessarily see it as a great opportunity as she did.
"It is… daunting. It also feels as though I'm leading solely because I'm Vulcan, not because I'm skilled."
"I can understand that…. but you are good at your job. They wouldn't keep you around if you weren't. And I doubt Vulcans would allow you to design it if they didn't approve of your work." She pointed out. "I'm sure they vetted you before offering the lead."
"Perhaps." He agreed.
"Either way, this is a great step for your career." He didn't say anything for a moment.
"There's something else." He said. Nia gave him a puzzled look, but let him continue. "They offered us a spot in the colony if we wish to relocate." All semblance of sleepiness was gone then.
"Relocate? To the colony? I don't if my father-"
"No," he interrupted. "Just us."
"Oh." What else could she say? She sort of wished he hadn't dropped such a bombshell on her so late at night.
"They want a…certain demographic to begin with." He explained.
When are you going to have children? Echoed in her mind.
"Young couples."
"Yes."
While it didn't feel exactly like home, she loved being with her family. She felt like she hadn't been with them for very long, and she was certain her father wouldn't like it.
"That's… a lot to take in." She admitted.
"I know. I wanted to tell you right away so you had time to think about it."
"Do they need an answer right away?"
"No, there is plenty of time." Nia anxiously twirled a piece of her blanket between her fingers.
"Nia, do not feel pressured. Take time to think. We can discuss it more later, but do not feel obligated." She took a deep breath and released it in a whoosh.
"Okay. Yeah. I won't."
"You have a morning class," He said after a moment of silence. " You need to sleep."
Fat chance of that now.
"Yeah, probably. We'll talk more later. Night."
"Sleep well."
Nia stared at the blank screen for a while longer.
We could move to a colony and help create a new Vulcan. The idea was exciting as much as it was terrifying. The idea of leaving her family made her chest hurt. Sighing, she decided it was probably best to have this discussion with Torin after she'd had time to sleep and process it all. Her thoughts were racing but, surprisingly, sleep came.
She dreamed of a lush landscape with the smell of rain in the air. There was a beaten path cutting through it as Torin and a small child walked along in front of her. He turned and she felt her chest warm as he met her eyes before returning his attention to the child. She smiled brightly up at them.
