Breaking Bones

Chapter 22: Sharing the News

It was a week later when Anatalia had finally woken up and Leonard had caught her up on the events of the Enterprise after he had knowingly put her in a medically induced coma. Khan had refused to go down with the initial blast on his ship and nearly destroyed Starfleet headquarters had Spock not tracked him down after Jim had apparently died by exposing himself to massive amounts of radiation to stop the Enterprise from plummeting into the Earth's surface. 

The information had been a lot to take in, but Anatalia had been too tired at the time to question much of it. She was relieved to hear that Leonard had been able to save Jim using Khan's blood and couldn't be prouder that he was able to save his best friend in such a miraculous way. Despite knowing that she was almost entirely healed, Leonard still refused to discharge Tali for another week just to be sure she was okay. The pair had gotten into a somewhat heated debate over the issue, and Leonard finally relented and let Talia out. Still, Ana knew that it would be a while before Leonard's overprotective side died down again. 

The greatest plus side to come of the disaster though was the mandatory time off for the entire crew of the Enterprise. The ship would be needing more than just a few minor repairs this time around, so everyone was promised at least two years on the ground. To say that Leonard was happy would be the understatement of the century. Leonard insisted that he and Talia take full advantage and move to the Starfleet outpost in Georgia during that time. Despite Jim's protests, the couple decided to do just that which is how they found themselves driving the familiar road to Martha McCoy's house. Leonard and Talia had yet to announce their engagement to their families, so both prepared for an onslaught of hugs and kisses and scoldings from the woman. Anatalia held Leonard close as they stood on Martha's porch and awaited her answering the door. Talia was bouncing up and down with excitement as she held onto Leonard who couldn't help but laugh at Talia's antics. 

"Darlin, you're going to pull my arm off if you don't stop shaking." 

"I'm sorry, Len. I'm just so excited to see your mom! And for her to find out the big news! I'm so happy you talked us into moving down here. It'll be nice to have someone to help plan the wedding." 

"What about me? You know, the groom?" 

"That's cute Len, but I mean real help." 

Leonard rolled his eyes at his fiancée's dramatics but found her smile contagious as he looked down at her with all the love in the world. Finally, the lock on the door clicked and the door swung open wide to reveal Martha McCoy already with her arms spread wide to welcome the couple in.

"Talia!" 

"Martha! Oh, I've missed you so much!" 

"Oh, I've missed you too sweetheart! It's been far too long." The women pulled away finally so that Leonard could have his turn at greeting his mother. 

"Hi mama." 

"Hello Lenny! Oh, it's so good to see you too. Come in, come in."  

The couple entered the home to find it exactly as they left it nearly three years earlier. Anatalia smiled at the rush of memories she had from her weeks spent there previously; the late night games of dominoes, the rainy days curled up on the daybed with Leonard while reading a book, the dinners hearing stories about Leonard's childhood. Anatalia smiled warmly at the thought of it all. This place felt like home. Ana was pulled from her thoughts as Leonard placed a gentle hand to her lower back to catch her attention.

"I'm going to take our luggage upstairs. Don't tell her without me." Anatalia giggled at the thought but nodded her head in agreement as the couple looked at one another a moment longer excitedly. 

"I love you." 

"I love you too." Placing a quick kiss to Tali's lips, Leonard grabbed the pair's suitcases and moved to climb the stairs to the guest bedroom. Talia moved further into the house towards the kitchen where Martha was dishing up plates of her famous peach cobbler along with her homemade peach lemonade, both of which were Talia's favorite.