LtJG Kayla Drex: Christmas in Inlet PT2 (NT, JP backsim with Eleanor Alexander)
Kayla Drex
((Timeskip - Stardate: 239412.24 1300hrs))
((Earth, Inlet, New York, Drex house))
::The snow was already thick on the ground, and more was already beginning to fall. Kayla had always loved Inlet in the winter. It wasn’t for everyone - the temperatures alone were enough to turn most people away, but Kayla didn’t mind. That’s what layers were for. Now as she and Eleanor walked up the neatly-shovelled walkway, she breathed in the frigid but welcoming smell of home. Judging by the smoke rising from the chimney, she could see that a fire was already blazing in the woodstove in the family room. Kayla smiled as she looked at her friend.::
Drex: So, before we go in, I should probably prepare you a little. My family can be … enthusiastic. They’re really sweet and wonderful, but -
::Just then the front door flew open and what seemed like a woolen stampede issued from it. The Drex family, each wearing a particularly classless knitted Christmas sweater, raced out to greet the girls.::
Leanna: ::squealing just like Kayla as she enveloped her in a hug that coming from anyone but a mother would be interpreted as assault:: My baby’s home!
Drex: ::muffled, but grinning:: Hi, mom
::Beaming and red-cheeked, Dr. Gulliver Drex, the renown theoretical quantum physicist walked briskly up to Eleanor, held out his hand in greeting.::
Gulliver: You must be Eleanor. We’ve heard so much about you. Kayla goes on and on about you! ::smiling warmly:: We’re so glad you’re here.
Braiden: Kay goes on and on about most things though, so don’t feel too special. ::he added a wink at the end of this, just to make sure Eleanor knew his joke was at Kayla’s expense and not hers.::
::Kayla’s mother noticed Gulliver’s greeting - Kayla had always been amazed how her mom could see in apparently 360 degrees at all times - and chided him gently.::
Leanna: Gulliver, is that any kind of a greeting?
::She extricated herself from Kayla’s embrace, which was equally as fierce as her mother’s, and turned to Eleanor. The hug, while perhaps slightly less assault-like than her daughter’s, certainly lacked no warmth or genuine welcome.::
Leanna: We really are glad you’ve come, Eleanor. ::holding her at arm’s length to have a good look at the girl’s face:: You’re family while you’re here, ok? Not just a guest - family. ::smiling genially::
Alexander: ::Lowered herself into a low curtsey:: Pleased to meet you all
Leanna: We’re all going to freeze if we stay out here any longer. Let’s continue this inside. I’ve just made some fresh cocoa. Would you girls like some?
Alexander: I would love some, thank you very much.
::The tallest of Kayla’s brothers reached out, and with effortless agility, hefted a large packing case onto each of his shoulders::
Braiden: Guys, grab the others, will ya?
:: The other Drex boys followed their brother’s example, never once commenting on the number of cases. Inside, the house was warm, dry, and smelled of holiday. Mingled scents of woodsmoke, pine, baked goods, and a number of other scents that were harder to place a name to combined to form the perfect sensory greeting. The front door apparently opened to the outside from a small foyer. To the left was a staircase - the boys headed straight up to deposit the luggage in Kayla and Eleanor’s room. Straight ahead, the house opened up into a large, open space. The kitchen and family room were separated by a peninsula counter so that the whole room smelled delightfully of Christmas cooking. To the right, Kayla noticed her family had already set the table for Christmas Eve dinner. Leanna walked to a large pot on the antique stovetop and ladled steaming hot chocolate into mugs she’d had waiting for when the girls arrived. Coming back to the group just as the boys returned from upstairs, she handed Eleanor and Kayla each a mug and gestured for everyone to move into the family room.::
Drex: Ok, first things first. ::to Eleanor:: You’ve sort of already met my family, but officially … ::she indicated each member in turn:: This is my dad, Dr. Gulliver Drex; my mom, the impeccable Leanna Marsh-Drex; Braiden, Philip, Michael, and David. Everyone, Eleanor Alexander.
::David tried to hide a snicker as a cough. He always thought it sounded odd when Kayla tried to be official. Philip elbowed him in the ribs to stifle the laugh. They each warmly welcomed Eleanor to their home. Kayla smiled as she took in the scene. Best. Christmas. Ever.::
Michael: So, Eleanor, Kayla says you’re quite the gifted engineer. That’s impressive! I never could quite get the hang of it. Is that something you’ve always been good at? As a kid, I mean.
Alexander: Not at all, it mainly started as a hobby. I used to love to take things apart to see how they worked and it sort of went from there really ::turning her attention away from Michael for a moment:: I have to say Mrs Drex what a quaint little home you have here ::not wanting to sound too snooty or offensive::
Leanna: Thank you, dear! We’re very comfortable here. Gulliver and I met not far from here - just the other side of the lake in fact. It has always felt like this is an important pinpoint in the universe for our family.
::Leanna smiled at her husband resting on the arm of the chair beside her.::
Alexander: Well I would like to thank you all for letting me stay over the festive period, it was certainly very kind of you all.
Drex: Would you like to get unpacked or anything before dinner, El?
Alexander: And yes, I’d like to slip into something more relaxing before dinner.
::Kayla lead her friend upstairs into the room where she’d spent her childhood. The room had seemed large before Kayla left for the Academy, but now - whether because she’d gotten used to the comfortable quarters at the Academy or some other factor - the room felt close, almost like a blanket fort she’d made with her brothers growing up. An extra bed had been set up for Eleanor opposite the wall Kayla’s occupied.::
Drex: The dresser should be empty. You’re welcome to use that if you’d like for some of your things. I wasn’t planning on unpacking. There’s a restroom just down the hall, and it looks like mom has laid fresh towels out for you on the foot of your bed. I know it’s kind of tight in here, but I really hope you’ll be comfortable. I’m really so happy you’re here. It’s like all the best parts of my life are joining up.
Alexander: It’s perfect, just how I pictured it ::she said dragging one of her cases to the bed:: although I’m sorry for bringing so much.
::Kayla gave Eleanor another hug, then left her to freshen up and recover from the onslaught of Drex hospitality.::
:Eleanor noticed Kayla leave the room, she opened the case that she had dragged to her bed and opened it, inside the case were some clothes and a medium sized wooden box, it was old and finely decorated, she gently lifted it out and placed it upon the bed. Gracefully kneeling down she lifted the lid and loningly gazed at the contents, before gently kissing it Oo Happy Birthday Eleanor Alexander Oo she thought to herself before quickly closing the lid, shielding its contents from the world.::
((Meanwhile, downstairs))
::Kayla practically skipped into the room where her family still sat chatting.::
Drex: Mama, did you get the note I sent before we left the Academy?
Leanna: I did, Sparks. Everything’s ready.
::After a few more minutes of catching up, Philip sidled over to see what the two were conspiring about.::
Philip: What’s up? I want in on the secret.
Drex: ::playfully:: Get used to disappointment, punk.
::Philip caught Kayla in a headlock, but just then, Eleanor came (quite a bit more gracefully than Kayla had done) down the stairs and into the main room.::
::For once Eleanor was actually showing some emotion, a rare smile was beaming on her face, showing two little cute dimples, she had changed into a beautiful gown and she certainly felt everyone’s eyes glance at her.::
Alexander: :Glancing at Philip and then at Kayla:: Now, now. Don’t keep all the fun to yourself.
::Kayla extracted herself from Philip’s grip with a quick jab to the stomach. Once free, she ran to her friend, took both of her hands in her own and, beaming, spun around with her.::
Drex: Oh, Ellie! You look so pretty! That dress!
Alexander: ::Nearly falling over:: Thank you, but it’s nothing special, just an old gown from back home. ::Holding tightly onto her friend::
::The sentiment was clearly shared by others in the room as well. Kayla’s parents looked on genially, but her brothers … they practically tripped over each other as they scrambled out of their seats to see what form of refreshment they could offer.::
Leanna: ::Coming over and resting a hand on Eleanor’s arm in a motherly way:: Eleanor dear, that really is a stunning dress. Is this … oh my, is this a LeLique!? I’ve never seen one in person.
Alexander: ::In a shocked tone as she wasn’t expecting anyone to notice the design:: Yes, it’s an original unique LeLique, my father got me it for my birthday last year.
::Michael had made his way over to the group by now. He began speaking awkwardly, which for a professional diplomat was saying something. His whole job relied upon his ability to remain poised and composed under any circumstance.::
Michael: You look very colorful. I mean, your dress … it’s shiny.
::He blushed in exactly the same way Kayla did when she was embarrassed.::
Michael: What I mean to say is, you look very nice, Eleanor.
Drex: Michael … are you blushing? ::grinning evilly::
Alexander: Thank you ::Glancing at Kayla:: Perhaps it is too much ::she asked, looking for reassurance::.
::Leanna read the situation perfectly and interjected before her daughter could cause her third-born any more discomfort.::
Leanna: Dinner will be ready in about 20 minutes, girls. Kayla, would you please help me with plating?
::Kayla was disappointed at not being able to further torment her brother, but was happy to help her Mama.::
Drex: Sure thing. El, keep an eye on this guy for me? I want to know if his ears burst into flame.
::Giggling, Kayla walked into the kitchen to help with dinner.::
Michael: ::to Eleannor:: She’s a great kid, but knows how to push my buttons a little too well.
Alexander: Alas it is so. I am the same with my elder brother, it’s what us younger siblings are for.
Michael: So, Kayla has told us in no uncertain terms how talented oO and pretty Oo you are, but I’m afraid I don’t know much about you. For instance, where are you from? What kind of music do you prefer? You know … all the small talk questions.
::He smiled then. A smile that started in his eyes, and spread to his whole face. He was sincere - currently a bit awkward, but sincere.:
Alexander: Me..::pausing, she was a keen reader of people herself, she knew the in’s and out’s of diplomacy, it was expected of her, she was expertely tutored, which is how she was able to keep her composure and neutral facial expression. His posture, his smile which was getting wider, the slight red tint, he found her attractive.:: Oh just a small colony, nothing special, I couldn’t wait to get away. Music, I like a whole range, I enjoy relaxing to classical and I’ve been told I can hold a tune on the pino, my parents made me take lessons as a child. I have an older brother Liam and I like to take things apart and fix them, what more can I say.
::Michael’s diplomatic training was tingling in the back of his head. He really wanted to pursue this cryptic summary of Eleanor’s family, but he’d seen enough negotiations go sour over pushing a subject prematurely to know better. He gave a small smile instead - the same one he gave visiting royalty that simply said, “Alright, highness. We’ll put a pin in that for later,” and leaned instead on the other information Eleanor had provided. The two of them talked for a few minutes about various classical composers, and found they shared a few favorites.::
::Kayla meanwhile, was watching the duo from the kitchen in fleeting glimpses. She loved being right, and had thought for a while now Michael would like Ellie. Her friend could be hard to read when she wanted to be though. Kayla wondered what kind of impression her brother had made on her.::
Leanna: Alright, everyone! If you would like to move to the dining room … Dinner ::beat:: is served.
::The eight of them gathered around the table. (Kayla had shuffled the seating, placing Eleanor next to herself and directly across from Michael - all the better to eavesdrop and prod conversation)
::The table gleamed with brightly colored vegetables and jewel-bright berries, but the reflected candlelight had to fight the aromatic steam issuing from the taurine of gravy, dish of mashed potatoes, and of course … the turkey. Massive, golden, and cooked to absolute perfection, it stood proudly as the centerpiece. Leanna was an artist both in her studio and the kitchen. Where most people these days were more than happy with replicated food, Leanna found immense pleasure doing things the old-fashioned way. She said there was more love in the food this way.
::Once everyone was seated, Gulliver began carving the turkey. As he made the first cut, juice and herbs ran down the surface of the bird. David actually applauded.::
David: How do you do it, Mom?
Leanna: Sweetheart, you know I’d show you if you really wanted to learn.
David: Nah, that’d spoil the magic. I’ll just come home for Christmas until I’m a hundred.
Leanna: ::smiling at her youngest son:: That’s fine with me.
Drex: You ready for this, El?
Alexander: ::closing her eyes for a moment and taking in the sounds and smell, this moment was perfect and everything she had hoped it was going to be. She quickly opened her eyes and allowed her to lower her normally inpenatrive defences, she smiled widely:: Oh I can’t wait to to try that turkey, I’ve always wanted to try turkey
Gulliver: Wait … you’ve never had turkey?
Simmed by:
Lieutenant JG Kayla Drex
Science Officer
USS Eagle, NCC-74659
Image Collective
Writer ID: E239510KD0
Science is life, art is soul, love is home
~and~
Ensign Eleanor Alexander
Engineer
Embassy Duronis II /USS Thor
C239509EA0