Left Ajar

Posted on Sun Jan 19th, 2025 @ 12:49am by Lieutenant Ame Solis M.D.

Mission: Character Development
Location: Texas, Earth
Timeline: Summer 2396
1048 words - 2.1 OF Standard Post Measure

There was no sound as the taxi dropped her off at the foot of the drive, the setting sun painted the outline of the older farmhouse in a golden glow that was framed by trees older than she’d ever known. The Bajoran felt a relief as she crunched up the worn path to see Jackson’s prized truck in pride of place out front, the tyre tracks weren’t fresh but it was clear he’d been out at some point in the day. The air was heavy the smell of animals, dry hay and smoke carried on the light summer breeze.

The door unlocked with the touch of her hand, the upgraded biometrics meant she didn’t have to rummage through her heavy rucksack to find a key. Her eyes closed and she took in the smell of coffee, a cooked meal and cologne. She was home and the apprehensive excitement for her return fluttered in her chest. It was a surprise, she hadn’t told him she was coming or even on her way. The stars had aligned, her reassignment back to Starbase 621 had intersected his planned shore leave and the timing of her potential discovery was the cherry on top.

In her mind, Ame attempted to play out how she would spring the news, but none of it felt right. The pleased scoop and affection asking why she was here and he was glad, and then the confusion of everything sinking in. I think we might be pregnant, she would say, and he’d scoop her into his arms, laugh that carefree laugh of his, and tell her it was the best news he’d ever heard. He was always so good with his nieces and nephews, chasing and playing perhaps more so than their own parents.

A soft smile crossed her lips as she let the bag slide from her shoulder onto the floor beside the door. Music seeped through the house, songs they had compiled into their favourite memories and her heart swelled. She used the toe of one trainer to peel off the other and hopped to pull off the last one, no socks on hardwood floors. There was the memory of sliding through the landing with a PADD faux guitar and his sunglasses and the subsequent collision as he joined the motion ending in a pile on the floor.

Silently the Bajoran followed the music, there was the sound of voices but this wasn’t unusual, he was a sucker company or better still laying in bed and watching a holo series. It wasn’t a worry none the less, she could wait for the right time. The sounds led her up the stairs, fingers lightly tracing the neutral stucco walls with the soft breeze letting her know the balcony doors were open. It was a glorious sight so she couldn’t blame him.

The music grew louder as she approached the bedroom, mingling now with the low murmur of voices and something else. A muffled gasp, a half-laugh. Ame frowned slightly, her steps slowing as a strange unease coiled in her stomach. The bedroom door was ajar, the music pouring through the gap, golden light spilt onto the floor with only the sideboard visible. But then she heard it: a breathy, intimate sound that made her heart stutter. There was an understanding that as a couple bound by duty, there were at times that needed to be filled when one wasn’t present and she had no doubt that he was perfectly capable of managing that on his own. She brushed aside the flickers of anything untoward, biting her lip and letting her hand push open the door.

The sight hit her all at once. The bed they’d shared, with sheets tanged and half pulled to the floor. Jackson, his imposing frame bathed in the sunset, hunched over a woman with her dark hair spilt across the pillows, his hands gripping her thighs. She froze, unnoticed until the door hit the wall with a hollow thud. Her fingers curled around the doorframe and his head whipped around, eyes wide with panic as she registered her. “Ame-” he started voice cracking, but she had already turned away, feet padding and numbly stumbling down the stairs.

“Ame! Wait!” His voice was frantic now, and she heard the rustle of sheets as he scrambled to cover himself. The sound of her heartbeat drowned out the music and she couldn’t remember if she even took a breath until she leaned down to gather her shoes and awkwardly force in her feet. They didn’t need to be tied.

She couldn’t bring herself to look up from her task and heard his footsteps pounded behind her. “Ame, please! Let me explain!” he pleaded, but she didn’t want to hear it. How could he explain that? An unfortunate collision? She clenched her jaw and continued her battle, having to drop to the floor to untie her laces and get them on.

Jackson stumbled his own way down the stairs, barefoot, his hair dishevelled, the sheet clutched haphazardly around his waist. “Ame, please!” he called again, desperation in his voice. “It’s not what it looks like!”

She did look up, eyes now devoid of the excitement she’d had not minutes before. Fresh with the idea of starting their own family and sharing the joy together. Tying a final knot she clawed her bag toward her, pushing herself up to her feet. She met him face-on, “It’s exactly what it looks like Jackson,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper. She gently shook her head and opened the door. His hand found her arm and she snatched it away with a look of repulsion, “Do not touch me.” She hissed pulling the bag further onto her shoulder.

Composure left her as she crossed the threshold. His precious car would serve its purpose and get her as far away as she could manage, a shuttle stop to Academy and then out to Utopia. “Ame!” His pleas from the porch fell on deaf ears, she started the engine and gladly left a trail of dust behind her, struggling to see the road ahead.