Raising Avon

  ****

  By the time dinner was finished, everyone was laughing and smiling again. The food was fantastic even if the majority was from a replicator. Dessert was simple yet satisfying. "Movie in an hour?" Avon asked Jeremy. Jeremy nodded.

  An hour later, Jeremy arrived in the study with a fresh bottle of wine. Avon had already prepared a plate of chocolate covered strawberries. "I really hope you like these," she stated apprehensively. "I traded a whole envelope of seeds."

  Jeremy was shocked. "Why in the hell would you trade a whole envelope of vegetable seeds for strawberries and more importantly why would you do that for me?"

  "Because it was how I was raised. To sacrifice what you hold dearest to contrite for your misdoings. And secondly, it wasn't vegetable seeds, it was lavender seeds. They are my favorite flower. I can replicate vegetables but not the natural scent of lavender. They are what I covet most. But don't worry; I've collected a lot of seeds over the years. I still have plenty of plants to harvest seeds from this fall. The flower garden will continue to thrive."

  "Sometimes you really surprise me," Jeremy sighed, surprised by Avon's sincerity. Despite their differences and angst, Avon had thought out her actions and their consequences. She had sacrificed her enjoyment for his. "I'm sure I'll truly enjoy them."

  "Let's pop that cork on the wine and I'll start the movie. I've tried to find one which isn't too sappy. It's about love, true love, and sacrifice. Be warned, you may cry. I always do."

  "Men don't cry," Jeremy rebutted mannishly and poured two glasses of wine. The two sat at opposite ends of the sofa and settled in to watch the movie. Avon sat the plate of strawberries on the sofa between them and then curled up with a pillow. Glancing at the table next to the sofa, she pulled the box of tissues closer to her.

  As the movie played, the two remained silent. Jeremy heard Avon occasionally sniffle during the more emotional scenes. He kept his eyes on the screen to give her privacy. Despite his misgivings, Jeremy liked the movie. The story was good, the plot was uncontrived. He could see why Avon enjoyed the movie as much as she did. It was about true love, eternal love, magical love. It was the love every girl dreamed of. The love of a man so pure, he would do anything for her, fight for her, protect her, even die for her.

  Silent tears were streaming down Avon's as the credits rolled. "We should all be so lucky to find love like that," Jeremy whispered. "Now I see why you want to find a good man and have a family."

  "Thank for watching it with me," Avon replied hoarsely. "Thank you for letting me cry."

  "You’re welcome," Jeremy stated sincerely. "Thank you for sharing all your favorite things with me."

  "Today is almost over and tomorrow we go back to you ruling my world," Avon sighed depressedly.

  "We do have to get you into shape," Jeremy reminded her. "If your father is right about an insurrection in the Zarog galaxy, then we have to be ready."

  "I'll still be at the Academy and you'll achieve your dream of being on a warship. You'll get to put those pilot skills of yours to use. I hear you sometimes in your suite practicing on the simulator. When was the last time you've flown?"

  "It's only been two months but it seems like forever. I need to keep my skills honed. If we do go to war, I have to be on top of my game."

  "I hope Daddy is worrying about nothing. No one should have to die in a war. But I know it's what you've trained for. It's who you are."

  "Speaking of training," Jeremy chuckled. "How about we take a break from weight training and have Iramy teach us how to use the swords. It should be a good work out. Those swords are not light."

  "And we start on full packs tomorrow?" Avon grimaced.

  "Yes, we need to get you strong for the bivouac and for your evals."

  "I better head to bed then. Good night Captain Hanson."

  "Good night Cadet Zadoorian."