The Old Elm Tree

Author's Note: This story was written in response to a challenge I issued in Jr6 "I would like you to write a story in which the relationship (or lack thereof) between Captain Janeway and Commander Chakotay is observed by a third party."

Dedication: This one is dedicated to my JetCJr6 pond, and the best group of girls out there.

You guys rule!!!

The Old Elm Tree

By: Kathryn Murphy

September 1998

The light breeze slowly traveled across the flower fields, persuading the blossoms to sway lazily from side to side. From her perch high up in the old Elm tree, she could see for miles in either direction.

This had always been her favorite spot, from her time as a young girl, playing childish games, and swinging from branch to branch like her brothers. However, now, in her adolescent years, she relished the quiet comfort of the old Elm. It provided a sanctuary from everyday life; her own corner of the world, from which she observed and learned.

She had been brought up in a household of boys, learning to withstand the rough play, and in time, she came to appreciate the freedom of the outdoors, to the stuffy atmosphere of her home.

She cared deeply for her family, but she had always felt out of place in their presence; the one thing she could always count on, was her love of writing.

For hours she would sit in that tree, and let her imagination take her to places she could only dream; one day she would be hiking through the old caverns on Earth, the next, flying through space, up among the stars. And she loved every minute of in, in fact, that's where she got her name; her nickname to be precise.

Her favorite author, who's multitude of short stories, and exciting, riveting novels held her interest for hours on end, became her most admired friend. It was for this reason, that her father began calling her Jem.

***

As her eyes began to wonder the fields, she became aware that she was no longer alone.

Off in the distance, the bright yellow sun shone down on a woman moving slowly through the maze of flowers.

Jem moved closer to the edge of her branch, and set her writing utensils aside. Yet another character trait of the young woman; she was easily distracted. Jem watched, as the woman reached up, and pulled her long golden hair free from the confines of its ponytail, and allowed it to blow in the light summer breeze.

At first glance, Jem thought the woman was alone, but after a moment, she caught a glint of sunshine playing across his dark hair, as he crept up behind the woman, and enveloped her in his arms.

Jem smiled, as the breeze carried the woman's surprised giggles up to her branch.

The woman started to pull away from him, and for a moment, Jem was disappointed, but the man took hold of her hand, and began leading them to the tree.

Jem noticed their subtle movements, just as any good author would; the slight touches on her arm, the way she smiled as he spoke, the soft caress to her cheek.

As they neared the tree, the man stopped, and pulled her to him, hugging her fiercely, before placing a gentle kiss on her lips, and turned, leading them in the other direction.

Jem smiled brightly, her heart pounding in her chest, and leaned back on her perch, grabbing her pencil and paper, and placing them on her knee. She was an author first and foremost, but she was a romantic at heart. She believed some things didn't need to be told.

So for now, no one would have to know that Starfleet's Hero's Captain Kathryn Janeway and Commander Chakotay had been kissing underneath the branches of her old Elm tree, that warm summer day.

Fine

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