Hmmm... So, is Deanna going to get anything out of her cousin? Well she does know her better than anyone else...
Enjoy
Lucy
Chapter 16
Deanna relaxed back on the sunbed, adjusting her sunglasses slightly, “I have to admit cousin, you do know the best places to unwind.”
Ehliena chuckled, “I’ve found that most people like 21st century South Beach, I do have other places, the Mountains of Gallian IV for example, but nothing quite compares to relaxing in the sun.”
“Especially if a handsome red-head happens to be in the vicinity.”
Ehliena flushed, “I’ve stopped those programs for the moment… It’s not exactly the time right now…”
Deanna sat up, “Agreed, but there’s nothing wrong with a holodeck fantasy Ehliena – you won’t be the first or last person to combat loneliness that way. I know of a certain First Officer who met a very charming lady on the holodeck before he realized who he should be with…”
Ehliena was astounded, “Will! Oh now I know you’re teasing me…”
Deanna laughed, “No, I’m not – next time he’s giving you hell, just mention Minuet… I think you’ll find he’ll leave you alone.”
Ehliena sighed, “I guess, but that’s just the problem… Minuet didn’t come to life did she…?”
Deanna chuckled, “So… I was right… and so was Will – your interest in Lieutenant Caine of the MDPD was a little more than just… entertainment…” Seeing Ehliena turn a deep red in colour, she was about to tease a little more when she felt her cousin becoming a little upset and drawing back slightly, so she changed her mind.
“Ehliena, I’ve been there too. I had this wonderful boyfriend while I was studying at the Academy – I only saw him when I wanted to. Any relationships we make in here are fine – as long as they stay here and don’t affect us in our real lives.”
Ehliena looked at her cousin and spoke bitterly, “Stop counselling me Deanna – don’t you think I know that… and for the record – I never built a fantasy relationship with Lt Caine… I’m attracted to the person yes, but nothing more, I’d rather have someone real, someone I can hold on to.”
The older woman gave her a soft look, “That’s it isn’t it… You have kept the line between fiction and reality quite clear – but now that line has blurred and you don’t quite know what to do about it.”
“Yes I do – I’m doing nothing about it, leaving well alone.”
Deanna sighed, “Ehliena, to deny how you feel to yourself is not going to help the situation – in fact it could make it worse… You will push the Ambassador away, dissolve your friendship… Is that what you want?”
At first her cousin did not answer, “No, but I don’t want to try and mould his character into the person I see as Horatio Caine either and that scares me – that I might influence who he becomes. He has to find himself… Find his own character …”
Deanna smiled, “We are all influenced by those around us Ehliena – the Ambassador has already developed a dry sense of humour that is almost like Will’s – he has taken the personality of Horatio Caine and will main true to that – with some very slight differences. I don’t think that your influence will be to the detriment of the character.”
She paused for a moment, “You know, in the flesh he is very attractive… If I didn’t have Will…”
Ehliena stared at her cousin, “Are you serious! Oh come on Deanna please…”
Deanna chuckled, “So… you are attracted to him…” Seeing her cousin beginning to flush once more she continued, “I think you’re right to be careful Ehliena, but don’t shut his friendship out of your life. Who knows, six months from now, you’ll realize that you have nothing in common and then you’ll regret losing a friend.”
“And if we do have something in common?”
Deanna winked, “Then you’ll have to go out and catch your man… Though it could take a while… Heaven knows how long it took me to get Will…”
Ehliena chuckled softly, the more she thought about her cousin and the Commander, the more she laughed, Deanna was right, she should wait to see what happened – not build obstacles for the sake of it – though she absolutely no intention of forming more than a friendship with Horatio.