Lieutenant Commander Timothy Alentonis & Dr. Ellie Torvalin: Give It Another Go
Zeph
(( Alentonis’ Quarters, USS Astraeus ))
Tim woke up and decided to take a shower before getting dressed. While in the shower, he was considering what Dr. Harford had mentioned that he was avoiding Dr. Torvalin, and he hadn’t spoken to her since sometime last leave. He closed his eyes and enjoyed the water for about thirty minutes before he got dressed and made his way toward the desk with the console on it.
He sat down in front of the computer, smoothed out his hair a bit and hesitantly pressed the button to activate the monitor. He felt hesitation as he prepared to speak up, though he didn’t know what he’d even say when or if she took his call. It took a few moments for him to compose himself enough to begin the speaking.
Alentonis: Computer, please open a channel to Deep Space 224 to a Doctor Ellie Torvalin.
Computer: Acknowledged.
There were a few moments of silence and then the image changed to reveal Ellie Torvalin. The woman on the other end was smiling, long hair tied back into a pony tail and the familiar cobalt blue eyes he remembered. Then, when she saw his familiar looking, clean shaven face, she smiled at him.
Torvalin: =/\= Well, this is an unexpected surprise, Tim. How’s things? =/\=
Alentoinis: Things are…things are things. Ya know? I thought I’d reach out and do a little investigating.
Ellie’s expression changed from pleasantly surprised to quizzical. The raised eyebrow was a frequent technique of hers.
Torvalin: =/\= Investigating, you say? What do you mean by that? =/\=
Alentonis: Reaching out to…to clarify something you said during your last call. I’ve been largely avoiding the question, but do you still possess a love of Romulan architecture, corny romantic comedies, chick flicks & empowered women as superheroes?
Torvalin: =/\= Yes, I do. But as I also mentioned, romance has been hard. I know it’s been a long time, and I know our relationship was short-lived. =/\=
Alentonis: I haven’t found romance in…since…you. I mean…the former you? I’m not sure how to refer to that.
Torvalin: =/\= It’s fine, Tim. I get it. No worries. =/\=
The two stared at each other for a few moments as Tim attempted to formulate a question. He was still processing, after all, but he hadn’t finished formulating a script in his head of how this conversation would go. After a few more seconds, he cleared his throat and spoke.
Alentonis: Do we still want to give it a try? I mean, after almost thirty years and neither one of us has found romance at all?
There was a distinct pause in the conversation as Ellie seemed to consider the possibility, though she didn’t know how exactly it would work out or what she would answer. She was still carrying a torch for Tim, as the saying went. He felt a bit of the sensation of butterflies in the stomach as he waited for her answer.
Torvalin: =/\= We could give it a go, sure! Maybe take some time to hash out what we’re both looking for about boundaries and expectations? =/\=
Alentonis: oO That sounds exactly like what Alix said. Oo Okay. Talk to you soon, then?
Torvalin: =/\= Yep. Talk to you soon. Bye, Tim. =/\=
As the call ended, the screen returned to the Federation logo. He felt less like it was now full-on avoidance, but on the other hand he had a sense of accomplishment. Yet, for all of this emotion, he didn’t know how to characterize it. He closed his eyes and just sat there, meditating on the internal emotional nonsense for another 30 minutes.