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I awake suddenly, filled with alarm. The chronometer on my wall reads 4:37, more than an hour before the computer is set to give me a wake-up call. What has startled me?
“Computer, lights fifty percent,” I instruct and the room instantly fills with dim lighting. I look around my room, even bending down to inspect under the bed. Walking over to my dresser I check on Sam and Al, who are sluggishly moving across their cage. They glance at me as if to say, “Hey, it isn’t time to wake up yet!”
“Sorry,” I tell them and finding a towel in the bathroom closet, I cover their cage.
I mentally extend my search outside my room and discover that Mother is also awake. Something has her upset. Is she crying? I step out into the living area and find her rearranging the pillows on the furniture.
“Mommy, why are you cleaning in the middle of the night?”
She pauses and slowly turns toward me. She knows that she can’t hide her tears from me. I sense her emotions best of all. “We received a message from your brother,” she tells me.
“Alexander!” I say excitedly. “Is he coming to visit us? I have not seen my brother in so long. I hate that he lives on Q’ronos. We so rarely travel nearby the Klingon homeworld and Alexander has not been able to take much time away from his studies.
“He and Rosa will be rendezvousing with us on a shuttle in a few days.” I’m amazed that they’ve decided to join us inside the Delta Quadrant. Even though the pockets will make their trip relatively short, they will still be entering unfamiliar territory. And since the Enterprise is currently exploring territory that the Federation has no previous data on, it is likely they had to receive clearance from Starfleet. “They’ve announced their plans to marry and wish for Captain Riker to perform the ceremony.”
“You don’t want Alexander to marry Rosa. Why?” I remember meeting Rosa and thinking that she was sweet, soft spoken and very easy to get along with. Why wouldn’t Mother want such a person for a daughter-in-law? I would love to gain a big sister.
Fresh tears flow down Mother’s cheeks and she brings her fingertips to her mouth. “Perhaps it’s time to tell you, but I don’t know how to begin.”
“How did Alexander and Rosa meet?” I ask. “Begin there.”
“Rosa’s father has been an officer aboard the Enterprise for several years. They began dating shortly after they met and then spent a long time apart when Alexander went to Q’ronos to study. I thought they would drift apart, each find another and not have any desire to rekindle their romance.”
“But why would you wish for that if they love each other and make each other happy? What happened to make you hate Rosa so much?”
Mother clutches my hand and I sense that she believes Rosa and Alexander are somehow responsible for directly hurting me. “When you were a toddler, your father and I trusted Alexander to watch over you. But he invited Rosa over and while he was preoccupied with her, allowed you to wander off into the bathroom where you nearly drowned in the tub.”
I find it hard to fathom that my big brother was ever that irresponsible. His dream is to lead the Klingon Empire toward a more peaceful existence to end the senseless bloodshed. How could someone like that ever neglect a small child?
“I understand how angry you must have been,” I say slowly, not sure how I feel toward Alexander at this moment. Pulling away from her, I fold my arms. A tightness forms in my chest and I can barely breath. How will I look Alexander in the eyes when we next meet?
“The important thing now,” Mother begins, running her hand through my hair, “is how this makes you feel. I sense how confused you are and that’s normal. I’ve dealt with this for six years and I’m still unsure how to cope with my anger. But Alexander is your father’s son and your brother. We must deal with this.”
I recall the time I sent Tammy Reeve into oblivion and wonder whether Alexander’s mistake is any different. Tammy could have died just as easily and her parents forgave me. “We all make mistakes, Mommy. As long as we learn from them.”
“But what if you had died?” Mother’s face grows flush. “I’m sorry. I should not have asked you that. I must remind myself that despite your accomplishments, you’re still only a child. You shouldn’t be expected to deal with the implications of any of this.” She turns away from me. “I should have waited a few more years to tell you.”
“I’m glad you told me now. If you hadn’t, I would have been confused by the emotions I sense in you and I wouldn’t know who to be loyal to.”
“Shannara, it’s not a question of family loyalty. It’s a question of whether we can finally move forward and welcome Rosa into our family. Can you, now knowing that she and Alexander nearly let you die?”
Father enters the living area, clad in silk pajamas and still caught in the vestiges of sleep. “What is going on?” he asks, concerned.
“We were just discussing Alexander’s wedding. Isn’t it exciting?” I ask, glad Father is unable to sense any emotions.
He furrows his brow. “At this hour?”
“I was restless,” Mother explains, “and I unintentionally awoke Shannara. Now we both can’t sleep.”
Father plops down in the chair, slouching slightly, legs spread. “And now I cannot either.”
I realize Mother doesn’t want to discuss our conversation with Father. I understand why she wouldn’t want him knowing that she still has reservations about his son. It must be very difficult for her to keep this from him, though. I have to help her cope, to get through this family event.
*****
Captain Riker joins us in the shuttlebay when Alexander and Rosa’s shuttlecraft arrives. “Worf, Deanna,” he says, “I can’t imagine how either of you could be old enough to have a child ready to get married.”
“Thank you, sir,” Father replies. “But I am prepared to see my son married and honored to welcome Rosa Cassadaga into our family. They will lead an honorable life.” He glances over at Rosa’s parents, Daniel and Shirley Cassadaga, who have also joined us eagerly awaiting the young couple. Daniel is a tall, husky black man with greying hair. His wife is about a foot shorter than him with a medium build.
I wonder how Father has so easily set aside the past. He has been able to not only forgive them, but also has a high confidence in their future. I am worried about how Mother will handle this conflict. She wants to move forward, to forgive, but not to forget. Will she find the courage to discuss this with Father, to let him know how Alexander’s past mistake still haunts her?
The shuttlebay doors open and the small craft glides effortlessly into a vacant spot. I had no idea that Alexander had become a skilled pilot. Apparently, he’s been studying more than Q’ronos history and politics.
The Cassadaga’s make it to the shuttle first as the door opens and offer Rosa a hug as she steps off. Alexander steps out a moment later, carrying their luggage. Our father steps up to him and says, “It is good to see you, Alexander. “I trust your trip through the wormhole went smoothly.”
“Yes, Father,” Alexander replies. “It was one of the most remarkable experiences I’ve ever had.” He nods toward his fiancé, whose eyes are lit up. “We’ve ever had.”
Mother walks up to them next and Eric and I follow behind her. I eye Mother sympathetically, silently encouraging her to handle this welcoming graciously. “Alexander, Rosa,” she says, “congratulations. I know you said in your message that you wish for Captain Riker to perform the ceremony, but you haven’t yet told us what type of ceremony you’ve chosen.”
“Not a Betezoid one, I assure you,” Rosa says, chuckling. “Actually, we considered several and decided on Earth traditional. We want to keep it simple, the same way we want to live our lives.”
Mother nods pensively.
“Well, why don’t we see you to your temporary quarters,” Riker says. “Give you a chance to get settled in. If all of you would like to join me in Ten-Forward at 1800 hours, I’d like to invite you to dinner, so we can discuss these wedding plans more formally.”
Everyone agrees enthusiastically...that is except for Mother. She pretends to be eager to help with the plans, but deep down within her, I sense a strong desire to have this ordeal over.
*****
After everyone is seated at the large table at the center of Ten-Forward, Shirley Cassadaga brings up the subject of the wedding dress. “You’ve seen pictures of your father and my wedding and I’ve watched over the years how you always admired my dress. I want you to wear it for your special day.”
“Oh Mom,” Rosa sighs. Her eyes grow glassy as she responds. I hope there isn’t going to be a lot of crying during this dinner. “Of course, I’d be honored to wear your dress at my wedding.”
“What color scheme have you chosen?” Shirley asks. She and her daughter continue to banter about pink and white flowers, balloons, dinnerware and whatever else is needed for the reception. The men around the table feel particularly uncomfortable talking about colors and contribute little to the conversation. I begin to wonder if Rosa’s mother plans to dominate the evening. Granted, she’s the mother of the bride and deserves the pleasure of being up front with the wedding plans, but why should the rest of us be made to feel as though are input is unneeded?
“Why don’t you have the ceremony in the holodeck?” I pipe in, determined to be included. “That way you can choose your favorite city for a location.” Alexander locks eyes with me and it takes all my strength for me to not look away from him. I don’t want him to know I know. If he were to find out now that I know about my near-fatal accident, it would ruin his wedding. “I hear Paris can be very romantic. Father you grew up on Earth. Any suggestions?”
“I lived in Italy for many years,” he informs the group. “About ten miles from Venice. Very stimulating city.”
“There are many other sites which could be quite romantic,” the captain adds. “Why not choose a country setting as your backdrop rather than a large city?”
“Yes, I could see my daughter getting married in a barn,” Daniel says. Even scanning his mood, I’m unsure whether he’s serious. Humbled by the direction of this conversation, I wait for him to continue. “As long as the hay is stacked neatly.” He lets out a hearty laugh.
Our conversation is paused when the waiter arrives with our meals and one by one places them in front of us. Our group takes to eating more than talking and while everyone is enjoying their food, I lightly scan their minds to gauge their moods. Only Mother is uneasy.
“I’ve got an idea,” I say, recalling how much Mother likes westerns. “Why don’t we have a horse and buggy set up for the couple to ride away on after they’re married?”
“Oh, that’s a wonderful idea,” Shirley says cheerfully.
My Mother manages a smile. At least she is warming up to the idea of seeing her stepson and Rosa Cassadaga married. “There should be a driver and a covered wagon,” she offers.
I beam with pride, glad I could help Mother find the desire to partake in the wedding plans. My smile does not last long, however, as I notice Data entering Ten-Forward with Veronica on his arm. What if they decide to marry? My relationship with Data would never be the same again and I don’t want to explore alternative means of education.
Data spots our table and leads Veronica toward us. What if they join us? What if Veronica likes the idea of planning a wedding?
“Alexander,” he says, looking at my brother, “I hear congratulations are in order for you and your fiancé. Veronica and I look forward to attending your wedding.”
“Thank you,” Alexander replies. “We’re in the middle of making wedding plans, actually. Would you care to join us?”
I catch my breath, wanting this moment to end. If Data and Veronica sit at our table, I will use any excuse to leave.
“No, thank you. I believe you have more than enough opinions circulating your table already. Besides, Veronica and I were looking forward to a quiet conversation.”
“Good luck,” Veronica says as Data nudges her in the direction of a vacant table for two. As they walk away, I slowly exhale. I sense that no one else was perturbed by the interruption. In fact, Mother seems a bit relieved by it. “If you truly want this to be a traditional Earth ceremony,” Shirley continues, “Captain Riker should read from a Bible. Are you familiar with the King James Bible?” she asks Alexander.
“Yes, Mrs. Cassadaga,” he responds politely. “I’ve studied various religions of races throughout the Federation. I feel that by having a well-rounded knowledge of cultural diversity, it will help me better serve my own people. And, Mrs. Cassadaga, I would be pleased to include whichever Bible passages you’d like in the ceremony.”
“Wonderful.”
“I’m sure my wife already has a few bookmarked,” Daniel informs us. “She loves her Bible. Not that that’s a bad thing. Helps her keep me in line.”
Everyone laughs at this, but I sense that Shirley wants to move the conversation on as her cheeks grow flush.
“Also, it’s traditional for the guests to throw something at the bride and groom as they leave,” Shirley adds. “Since you’re leaving in a wagon, let’s keep with the farming theme by throwing chicken feed.”
“And let the holographic chickens eat it up,” I add with a chuckle.
We wrap up our dinner meeting by planning a bridal shower for the next night and setting the wedding date for two weeks from now.
*****
I have never been to a shower before, so the following morning, I research it on the computer’s database. What is appropriate to wear? To bring as a gift? And more importantly, how can I help Mother want to get involved with the tradition?
When it nears time for the party, I go to talk with Mother, armed with the knowledge I need. I find her in her office, finishing a patient file.
“Shannara,” she says, a little startled. “Is there a problem?”
“No. It’s just that...it’s almost time for Rosa’s shower. You are planning to attend, aren’t you?”
Mother appears baffled and I sense that she had not realized how late it was. “Yes, of course.” She stands and steps away from her desk. “I’ll need to change out of my uniform first. If you don’t mind.” She offers me a smile, but deep down, I know she is grasping for any excuse to arrive as late as possible.
“Mother,” I say as we’re walking down the corridor. It is time to use my knew-found information. “Did you know that up until about 200 years ago, it was traditional on Betazed for the mother of the groom to offer the new bride tips on how to please her son?” “Yes and while that is quite interesting, I’m not Alexander’s mother. Besides, the tradition was abolished for good reasons.”
“What would it hurt if you were to offer Rosa sound advice on how to have a good marriage. You told me that we must deal with this. You’re Alexander’s sok’cheim. He’s always looked up to you. In every way that counts, you’re like a mother to him!”
“I’ll think about it,” she says as we step onto the turbolift. Mother is being rather difficult. If I ever do anything that displeases her, would she be as unyielding about forgiving me?
*****
Shirley is hosting her daughter’s shower inside her quarters and as the guests arrive, Daniel Cassadaga quickly retreats, telling his wife that he’ll be in the holodeck playing golf for the next two hours.
The party begins with a few traditional games Shirley found in the computer’s database, of which I win two out of four. I give both of my prizes to Rosa.
After everyone hears of Rosa’s wedding plans and her hopes for her future with Alexander, she begins opening her gifts. I am delighted by her expression when she opens up the photo album I picked out for her. “It’s traditional to have lots of pictures taken during the ceremony and reception,” I point out.
“Thank you very much, Shannara,” she says, running her hand along its cover. It has a soft ivory cover with a heart-shaped window for the first photo. “Alexander and I will treasure the memories this will bring for many years.”
After the presents are all opened, the party casually divides into several small groups as friends and family catch up on each other’s lives. I watch as mother approaches Rosa and a moment later as they wander away from the crowd to sit at the small table near the replicator. I concentrate on their emotions, satisfied that Mother is taking my advice. It then dawns on me that there is also someone with whom I need to speak. Without a word to anyone, I slip out of the Cassadagas’ quarters, determined to find a resolution before the wedding.
Moments later, I press the annunciator to Alexander’s quarters and he lets me inside. “Is the shower over already?” he asks.
“Pretty much. The guests are still there catching up on gossip. Alexander, can I talk to you about something important; something that happened a long time ago?”
I sense a dramatic shift in his mood as he realizes what I’ve come to discuss. “Deanna told you. I didn’t think she ever would. Come, let’s sit down on the sofa.” I sense that he is unsure what to say to me, but at the same time desperate to say it. “How long have you known? He asks once we’re seated comfortably.
“Only since I learned that you and Rosa were coming to get married on the Enterprise. Mother was upset and decided I was old enough to know why.”
“Shannara, I’m really sorry.” His voice cracks. “I don’t know what else to say to you. This happened so long ago. I was an immature boy, not ready for the responsibility.” He stares at me, longing for a way to get passed this awkwardness. “And no matter how much older or wiser I get, I can never undo the past. I don’t expect any of us to ever forget.”
“But we can forgive,” I finish for him.
“Thank you, sister. You have a big heart. Tell me, since you’re empathic, how is your mother truly feeling toward me?”
“She wants to forgive you. She just hasn’t figured out how. I coaxed her into talking with Rosa, to offer her advice on how to have a successful marriage. I don’t know for sure how well that went over, but before I left the shower, I noticed Mother and Rosa talking. That’s a start.”
Alexander tugs at his lip pensively. “I should talk to Deanna myself. If I weren’t such a coward about it...I can face a whole room-full of angry Klingons at a peace conference, but I can’t face my sok’cheim to bring peace within my own family. Will she ever accept Rosa as part of our family?”
“I think she’s trying. Otherwise, she wouldn’t be talking to her now. And I’m trying, big brother, to let you know that our relationship doesn’t have to change because of this.” I hold my hand out to him and he grasps it. “I look forward to your wedding. It will be nice to finally have a big sister.”
*****
The guests arrive inside the holodeck dressed in 1800's style clothes. It was Mother’s idea for everyone to play characters from that time period. She has come dressed as a show girl, while father is playing bartender. I am dressed in a long red and white dress with a petticoat and am wearing my hair in two braids with a bonnet.
Others have come as maids, school teachers, farmers and Geordi La Forge has come in an elaborate sheriff’s uniform circa 1865. The captain, of course, is dressed like a minister and stands atop a hay stack in front of Alexander, who is awaiting his bride. The seats are made from milk crates. They are not very comfortable, but I, like the other guests, bear with it, not wanting to spoil this moment for the bride and groom.
Ensign Bronson from Stellar Cartography begins playing an organ and everyone turns toward the barn doors to watch as Mother and Father step inside, arm in arm. As Mother passes me, I sense that she is relaxed and ready to welcome Rosa into our family. They join Alexander, Father standing to his left and Mother stepping to his far right. Bronson switches to the wedding march and everyone stands up, eagerly anticipating the bride’s arrival. She steps forward her arm wrapped inside her father’s arm. Her dress is exquisite, bright white with a long train and very lacy. When she passes me, I notice that she’s trying to hold back her tears and losing the battle. I am overwhelmed by just how much she loves my brother.
After Rosa joins her soon-to-be husband’s side, everyone takes their seats and Riker begins reciting from the Bible. I am moved by the ceremony like I never have been before. By the time they’ve said their “I do’s” and Riker tells Alexander he may kiss his bride, I am balling. If only someday someone would love me like Alexander loves Rosa, I would never abandon him for the Continuum.
Riker introduces the newly married couple to the guests and then Data, dressed as a photographer, takes all the pictures for their photo album. Once all the pictures are taken, barn yard music starts playing and some of the guests take up partners and square dance. I wish I had a partner, but I stand off to the side, leaning against a support beam, watching the others dance instead.
“May I have this dance?” someone asks from behind me. Knowing full well who it is, I whirl around, a huge grin on my face. “I’d love to!” I say, taking my android mentor’s hand.
Somehow after that, the evening feel magical. Although I wonder why Veronica has not come to the wedding–perhaps she is on-duty–I really don’t care. As long as I have Data to myself, all is right with the universe.
