Authors note: Hello all! I really appreciate all you who have read and reviewed my first chapter. I hope you enjoy this one. Thank you for sticking with me in this journey! Just a warning Winnona is not portrayed as a super great mother so for anyone who may be triggered by very poor parenting you may not enjoy this chapter.

Chapter 2

Jane spent the night on that cold floor eventually having cried herself to sleep late into the night. When the morning came, she was resigned to what was about to happen. She knew that all she could hope for was that perhaps this bonding could get her out of her mother's grasp. With that hopeful thought she numbly showered and dressed in the Saffire blue gown left for her in the bathroom. When she hesitantly left the relative safety of the bathroom her mother guided her to the vanity to sit. She set to work on Jane's makeup humming contently as she worked seemingly unaware of her daughter's contrary mood.

Jane looked at herself in the mirror as her mother worked. She took in the vivid blue dress that seemed to make her eyes bluer and the makeup that was made to draw attention to her eyes. Jane didn't recognize herself. It wasn't that she looked terribly different, just older and her eyes looked tired but that might have been because she knew the dark circles that the makeup hid.

Amanda caught her daughter's eye in the reflection and leaned down to quietly whisper in her ear. "Enough with the dagger eyes Jane. I want you on your best behavior. Do not dare ruin this." Winona placed a firm grip on Janes shoulder and stared Jane down in the reflection. "I promise you would not like the consequences."

"Yes Ma'am." Jane's voice was barely a whisper, but her mother released her grip. Jane watched as a single tear fell down her cheek.

"None of that." Winona tutted wiping the tear away before touching up Janes makeup. "I allowed you to cry last night. You'll have red eyes later if you keep crying. I already had to hide your dark circles in your makeup." She stepped back to admire her work then nodded. She wrapped a scarf that matched the dress loosely around Janes shoulders allowing the hood she created to fall behind Janes head. "Use this to block the sun. We will be going out for the ceremony."

Jane remained silent as her mother fussed with the scarf a bit more pining it in place to the dress. With another nod, Winona grabbed her own scarf and pulled Jane to her feet by the elbow. "Let's go."

Jane pulled her elbow out of her mother's grip. "I can walk on my own." she snapped moving past her mother towards the door.

"Just making sure you don't run away." Winona laughed lightly at her own joke. Jane just rolled her eyes.

"You've made it clear I have no choice in this. Let's get this over with."

With that they left the room to find the others in the Kitchen enjoying morning tea. Spock wore a light grey robe that had blue embroidery accents on the collar and arm cuffs to compliment her dress subtly. His eyes seemed to scan hers as they entered the room. She tried for a smile. "Good morning." She said with fake enthusiasm.

After a few pleasantries and an offer of tea which Winnona refused quickly obviously wishing not to delay the bonding any further, Spock's parents lead them outside. Winnona following closely while Spock walked beside Jane a few paces behind the adults.

Spock glanced at her as they walked. "You look uncomfortable." He remarked quietly.

Jane glanced up at him then at her mother a bit ahead and likely out of earshot before quietly asking. "With a bond… can you see everything in my mind." She asked as much for herself as for him. He didn't need all her baggage to deal with.

He considered it for a moment before seeming to decide as he shook head. "Not if you do not wish me to."

"How would you know what I want you to see and don't?"

He thought about that for a moment as they walked. "Perhaps if you could picture a door in your mind. If you put the things that you do not want to show me behind that door then I will refrain from opening the door."

Jane considered then nodded. She closed her eyes and pictured what he suggested recreating her house in her mind to hide her memories in a sort of mind palace. "I'm sorry if all the doors are closed. I don't know you." She said quietly, looking at him as she said it. The morning sunlight hit them as they exited the building taking a small pathway towards a mountain. She noted how bright his brown eyes seemed to become as the sun hit his face, like melted chocolate.

He nodded as he said. "Many bonds are recorded to begin as small connections between bonded pairs. You do not need to allow me fully into your mind." He said as if he were telling her something so simple and not comforting her. She found herself wondering as they walked in silence if he was trying to comfort her or if his logical way of talking was simply comfortable for her. She had always found comfort in logic she supposed.

Spock kept glancing at her as they walked noticing her fidgeting with her the hem of her scarf, she now wore over her head and how she kept glancing towards her mother and his parents. Unsure how to help her he decided to tell her something instead. "My parents wish for me to bond. I was to bond to a Vulcan previously; however, it did not happen. Your mother and my mother are old friends I believe." Jane considered this information as she looked out at the rocky cliff in front of them which seemed to be where they were heading. This was arranged for him too, she realized. "However, I find that you are an acceptable partner. We are compatible, I believe." He finished looking away from her quickly as her attention snapped to him.

She gawked at him unsure how to take such a clear compliment from him. She wished this wasn't forced. She had a feeling he was someone she could grow to like but that was overshadowed by her mother bring them together by force.

"I…" She swallowed. "I agree." She managed despite her hesitation. It seemed to satisfy him, however. "Doors." She mumbled to herself. "What about you? What should I avoid?" She asked him.

"The same." He said simply as the adults came to a stop in a clearing at the top of a cliff. There were two older looking Vulcans waiting for them. They were dressed in matching robes and held themselves as if they held stature on this planet. From the way Sarek and Amanda bowed slightly to them Jane assumed they were important people. Spock too gave them a small bow and Jane followed suit. She found herself looking out at the breathtaking view of the planets red sands and mountains in the distance. Spock pointed out a few mountains in the distance that had names and explained that this spot was a sacred spot to his people for the view. "My people come here to study the stars in the night as there is little light pollution this far out in the desert."

"Okay! Let's get this show on the roll." Amanda said as the adults finished their conversation. She was grinning clearly excited as she clung to Janes mother's arm.

Sarek directed the two to stand in front of each other near the cliff face and stood stoically besides Amanda his expression harder to read. The two elder Vulcans started the bonding ceremony without too much fanfare. Jane wondered for a moment if they too were rushing to get this completed and she couldn't blame them as the heat of the day was getting hotter and hotter as they stood in the open clearing.