My First Christmas, Part 1

Posted on Thu Mar 31st, 2022 @ 8:51pm by Ensign Jonaya Darik

Mission: *CD*
Location: Earth
Timeline: 4 Years Ago

"A story? Hm." As she thought about it, Jonaya rolled her eyes upwards, as though someone wrote in the night sky what tale she should tell. She and Mychal had arrived at the Tressia home, and after an amazing reunion with her best friend Lona that was filled with joy and tears, and catching up with others she knew, the bonfire was lit and food was served.

"How about the story of my first Christmas?"

===

It was winter break and there were no classes for two weeks. Jonaya thought about spending time on Betazed, but a significant part of her break would be spent traveling there and back. That was also presuming she could find a ship that could take her home and one to bring her back. She could have stayed on campus and tried to occupy the time herself. She was in a quandary until her roommate made a suggestion.

Julie Hilton, who was studying to be a nurse, invited Jonaya to spend the time off with her family in Maine.

Jonaya wasn't sure, as she felt like she would be an imposition. Julie came from a big family and they enjoyed hosting visitors, so they would welcome her. Not wanting to miss out, Jonaya accepted.

Julie had two sisters and three brothers, with Julie being the oldest and the first to attend Starfleet Academy. It was not only a welcome home after four months, but a time of honor and pride for them. They had welcomed Jonaya as if she had always been one of the family.

Julie hadn't told Jonaya much about what would happen over the break; she wanted it to be a surprise, but she assured Jonaya it was going to be fun. Meeting the Hilton family that first day, Jonaya knew she was going to have an amazing time.

===

"Here comes the second wave!" Jonaya ducked as a barrage of snowballs began pummeling the girls, laughter and squeals of delight filling the air.

Jonaya and the three Hilton girls had built a snow fort and the three brothers had built their own. Children from the neighborhood joined them and when the battle lines had been drawn, it was boys against the girls.

"Covering fire!" It was Jonathan, the oldest Hilton boy, giving the order.
Another blast of snowballs was launched, with one whizzing past Jonaya's shoulder.

"They're trying to flank us!" shouted Jonaya. "Watch the left! Watch the left!"

It was no use. The boys charged and the girls' ranks broke. They were overrun.

"You, ma'am, are my prisoner," said Jonathan, pointing at Jonaya.

"You got me," said Jonaya, raising her hands. "We surrender." The two looked at each other for a few seconds.

"Come on, Jonathan. What are you doing?" The boys were celebrating and high-fiving their victory.

"My troops need me," said Jonathan.
Jonaya watched him as he walked away. His cheeks were a rosy red. She was certain it was because of the cold. What else could it be?

"He likes you." It was Julie. She brushed snow out of her hair.

"What? No he doesn't."

Julie chuckled. "Yeah, he does."

Jonaya scowled. Over the last few days, she had noticed Jonathan looking at her, but when she looked back, he would quickly turn away. Maybe he did like her, but what did that mean? Once winter break ended, she and Julie would be back at the academy.

Mrs. Hilton's voice rang out from the back porch. "Is anyone ready for cookies and apple cider?"

Over a dozen children shouted as one, which was followed by a stampede to the house that was filled with excitement.

"My mom is known for her cookies and cider," said Julie. "Come on."

"What's apple cider?" said Jonaya.

"You've never had apple cider?" said Julie.

Jonaya shook her head no.

"See those four trees in the back? Apples are fruit that grow on them. We harvest them in the fall. My mom bakes real cookies and pies from them. She makes cider, juice, and applesauce. We make sure to keep some in stasis so we can have them all winter. You're in for a real treat."

Inside the mud room was a pile of wet clothes and boots, with small puddles of melting snow. After taking off her coat, Jonaya's first experience in the kitchen was the amazing aroma of cookies cooling on the table. Mrs. Hilton was busy trying to keep order in the throng of eager and excited children.

Jonaya felt warm inside. This was a household filled with love. It made her miss her family.

Mrs. Hilton wanted Jonaya to be served first since she was their special guest. Seeing the anticipation on the faces of the younger kids, Jonaya insisted they go instead.

Julie brought a ceramic mug filled with a brown liquid and handed it to Jonaya. Steam was rising from the brew.

"I put some cinnamon in it," said Julie. "Though now that I think about it, I should have checked first to see if Betazoids can eat cinnamon."

Jonaya sniffed the concoction. "I'm sure it's okay." She sipped the hot beverage.

The first thing Jonaya experienced, was a burst of sweet goodness caressing the inside of her mouth. She swished it around before swallowing. It was so incredible!

Julie laughed. "I told you it was a treat."

Jonaya took another drink, though she did too quickly. almost burning her tongue.

"Careful," said Julie.

"You have got to bring some of this with us when we go back to class. This is amazing," said Jonaya.

Julie smiled. "Wait until you try the cookies."

Jonaya could hardly wait. She hoped the children didn't devour them all.

To be continued....