Lexi leaned back on her chair and closed her eyes feeling the sun warm her face and body. Her family needed this vacation but she needed it even more. Work, marriage, family, and life in Starfleet came with so many more challenges than Lexi expected. This was the lie she told herself. Alexandra Garfield had spent the first five years of her career bouncing around the galaxy, away from family, exploring the galaxy. It was fun but also lonely. She reconnected with Chris several times during this period with one fateful science conference producing thier daughter. Stretching her body out anyone would have seen it as her relaxing but Lexi instead was trying to find a position to relax and work out the tension in her body. Taking a deep breath, Lexi exhaled it louder than she intended drawing the attention of her companion.

“Drink this,” Kelly handed Lexi a chilled bottle of strong alcohol. “Whatever problem is going on between you and Chris is going to be shared easier the drunker you get.” She waited for Lexi’s protest. It was coming just like the conversation that was simmering just under the surface. She just needed to give Lexi some time and a little encouragement. “Ian did you lie about there being a barbecue or just raising the cow for the barbecue. I am dying here,” Kelly glanced over at Ian with a smile.

Lexi took a sip of the drink and blinked shaking her head. Kelly counted the juice in a drink and not the alcohol which translated into a drink far stronger than one normally expected. “What makes you think there is a problem with Chris?” Kelly’s knack for being a Betzoid at times annoyed Lexi.

“Because we are in the middle of a desert island instead of with his family on the ranch,” Kelly said simply taking a sip of her drink.

“Becuase he has no idea what is really going on,” Lexi spun her legs around to sit facing Kelly.

“What is going on,” Kelly took a long swig on her drink. Her gut told her it wasn’t something as trivial as a hot ensign or old flame. Chris and Lexi had their problems like any other couple but it usually revolves around who left their shoes in the middle of the floor or who missed the clothes hamper.

“Chris and i were talking about more kids. I mentioned it to my mom who has completely went off the deep end. She doesn’t understand why we are not back in Israel which is where I was headed before marrying Chris that weekend. All I hear is how I need to give Ruth a better up bringing. Kelly she doesn’t know the Shema.” The blank stare by Kelly made Lexi swing around and drop back into the seat. “It’s the first prayer all Jewish kids learn,” she informed Kelly frowning.

“And your mom is going to expect Ruth to l is it,” Kelly finally snapped the pieces together. “So can’t you just cram for it with her?”

“That is exactly what he said,” Lexi waved frustratedly at Chris. Looking around rapidly for a second she realized Ruth was no longer building a sand castle but moving towards the waters edge. In truth Ruth was only about two feet from Chris. One large step and he would be next to Ruth but right now Lexi was just annoyed.

“Ruth if daddy isn’t going to watch you come sit with me ,” Lexi called out.

Lexi Robins