Holidays

By Dorothy Burton & Maureen J. Long

John entered the children's ward of the Medical Center. Helena told him that the hospital was throwing a party for the children on Christmas Eve so he knew exactly where to find her. As the doors to the elevator opened, he saw a bustle of activity. The children were all gathered around a real Christmas tree stuffing their tiny faces with all kinds of Christmas treats. Their parents were beaming as they watched. John quickly scanned the room looking for Helena. When he couldn't find her in the maddening crowd, he eased around the room careful not to disturb the children or their parents.

He stopped and watched as a nurse appeared holding a large tray of cookies. Suddenly, the door behind him opened and he was pulled into an office. When he turned around he found a frantic Helena. She closed the door and pushed a plastic bag into his hands. "Here, take all your clothes off and put this on." She ordered.

John grinned broadly, "Well, I kinda had that planned for later."

Helena was not to be distracted. She looked at him with pleading eyes. "Just put it on, John." She pointed to a young man snoring on the couch behind her. "My intern was suppose to be Santa Claus but he's passed out on the sofa." John looked over at the snoring man. "John, all those kids are waiting. You HAVE to do it." She said with desperation in her voice.

"Okay, Okay. Relax, I'll do it." He opened the bag and started removing his jacket.

She smiled. "Thank you."

John made quick work of shedding his clothing and slipped on the Santa suit. Helena helped adjust his beard and handed him the sack of toys.

John noticed that she seems more at ease. He decided to have a little fun with her. Before he opened the door, he leaned down to whisper in her ear. "Tell me little girl, have you been naughty or nice?"

She cut her eyes and looked up at him seductively, "I'll show you later, Santa." She searched through the white beard until she found his mouth then leaned forward and gave him a quick kiss. She pulled back and opened the door. John was immediately surrounded by a horde of happy children.

One of the nurses led him over to a chair and he sat down and gave his best "Ho Ho Ho." The kids went wild with shouts of delight. Helena laughed from across the room as each child crawled on to John's knee. When all the children had opened their gifts, Helena indicated to John that it was time for Santa to leave.

He bid them a goodnight, waving as he made his way across the room before disappearing into a waiting elevator. He heard Helena standing near the back wall of the elevator laughing. "I think you really enjoyed yourself."

"I did." He admitted. Patting the round belly of his costume, he asked, "What about my clothes?"

"Oh my gosh, I completely forgot. We'll have to wait until the children are in bed before you can retrieve them."

He raised his eyebrow as he spoke, "What am I suppose to do until then?"

Helena chuckled. "I guess you'll just have to be Santa a little longer." She tilted her head and gave him a silly grin.

"Great," he said as he pulled the beard away from his face. "This thing is hot."

"Let's go back my office. I need to call my serivce then I'll show you a big surprise."

He moved to stand closer to her. "What'd you have in mind?"

She touched his chest with her palms. " Not that Santa." She winked, "At least not yet."

They returned to her office. As Helena checked her messages, John noticed her CD player sitting on the credenza. He looked through the stack of CD's. Locating Kenny G's Christmas CD, he popped it in the machine. The soft music filled the tiny space. He looked over at Helena. She was standing with her back to him with the telephone up to her ear. He stepped behind her and bumped her with his belly. She turned around and noticed the silly grin he was wearing.

"Hang on, John. I'm almost finished."

He reached for to the lapels of her lab coat and pulled her close. "Hurry," he whispered. "You don't want to keep Santa waiting, do you?"

She shot him an amused look as she listened to the remaining messages from her service.

"Okay, Santa," She said as she placed the phone back into it's cradle. "I have a little surprise for you."

He moved to press his body against hers. "Oh, Santa has one for you too."

"Yes, I can feel yours." She teased. Taking his hand she moved seductively toward the door. "Follow me."

John followed Helena out of her office and back into the elevator. They stood close to one another as the elevator doors closed.

"I've been working on a little project for the Commissioner the last few days."

"What it is?"

The elevator stopped and the doors opened. "It's a big secret." She indicated a door to the right.

She entered her security code and the door slide open. A huge smiled spread across John's face when he discovered that behind the door was a replica of an Eagle's passenger compartment.

"What's this for?" His eyes wandering around the room.

"I've been studying the effects of prolonged space travel on the body."

"This is great. I can't get over how real it is."

"It's an exact duplicate of a real Eagle. Come on." He followed her inside She closed the door once they were both inside the cavity of the mock up.

"Amazing. How'd they get this thing in here?"

"One piece at a time." She said laughing. He did look sexy in a funny sort of way standing there in his Santa suit.

"Ha, Ha, Ha." He turned around to look at the equipment on the model.

She moved closer to him, "Don't you mean Ho, Ho, Ho, Santa?"

He turned around to see Helena's eyes roaming up and down his body. He moved toward her until he was an arm's length away. He reached out and took her by the lapels of her lab coat. He was smiling as he gently pulled her to him. "You never did answer my question?"

In a low voice she responded, "And what question was that, Santa?" Her arms snaked around his neck.

He moved his mouth near hers. "Whether you've been naughty or nice?"

"I'll let you judge for yourself." She pressed her mouth against his for a passionate kiss.

When they released one another, Helena looked up into John's playful eyes. She noticed that he was still holding the beard and the hat. She took them from his hand, tossing them over her shoulder. The beard landed on the stun gun rack. The hat fell on the deck. John touched a nearby button turning the lights down in the module.

She pushed the padded jacket off his shoulders as his kisses moved around her neck. With the jacket gone she was able to run her nails up and down the bare skin of his back. Helena kissed him passionately as John pulled her against his body.

She stepped back and admired his chest. Then she ran her hands underneath the bright red suspenders that held the pants up. John leaned against her. "So you are planning on being naughty with Santa. I was beginning to wonder."

"Oh, I'm going to be very naughty, Santa." She pushed the bottoms of the costume down and let them fall to the floor. After he stepped out of the pants, John reached for her. But Helena took his hands and led him to one of the passenger chairs. "Wait here," She indicated with her finger.

When she turned around to face John, he was watching her. She leaned forward and touched her lips to his. "Now it's time for your present," she whispered in his ear.

She straightened up and stepped back so he could have a good view of her. She slipped the lab coat from her shoulders and flung it across a storage locker. Then she tilted her head and slowly unbuttoned her navy blouse. As each button opened, John's interest grew. When all the buttons were undone, she slipped her blouse off revealing a soft silky green camisole. John's raised up out of the chair but her soft touch indicated that he should stay seated. She slipped the camisole over her head and threw it to the opposite side of the Eagle. John's amused stare watched it land across the fire extinguisher. She slid closer to him and unhooked her bra exposing her breasts. She laughed lightly when she heard John's low growl. He watched as her bra flew across the room and landed in the chair next to him.

Reaching behind her Helena unzipped her Navy skirt and it fell to the floor. Picking it up with the toe of her pump, she kicked it at John. He caught it and flung it over his shoulder. She giggled when she saw John's eyes go wide with disbelief as he stared at her matching green silk panties. His eyes moved down her legs to her high heel navy pumps. She walked closer to him and carefully placed her foot between his legs. He moved his hands up and down her leg.

"Care to help me with these shoes, Santa?" She slightly moved her foot against him.

"No." He glanced up at her surprised and slightly disappointed face.

"No?"

"No." He moved her foot and stood up pulling her to him. He leaned down and whispered, "Santa wants you to leave those heels on tonight." He kissed her passionately. As he pressed against her, Helena could tell that he was ready for the next step.

"Are their beds in this thing?" He asked between kisses.

"Most definitely." She took his hand and led him to the back of her Eagle.

Later as they lay in the soft afterglow of love, John began to laugh. Helena rolled over on top of him, pinning him to the mattress of the bunk.

"What's so funny?"

John pushed her hair behind her ear with his fingers and rubbed his thumb across her lips, grinning up at her. "Can you imagine the look on Simmonds' face if he caught us like this?"

Helena's face began to turn a bright shade of red. She moved off him. "I can't believe you would think of that little jerk at a time like this!" She said playfully punching him in the arm.

He laughed louder. "I'm sorry, Sweetheart. He's just so stuffy. Alan says he needs to get laid." He kissed her lightly.

"He's probably right." She said, looking around the bunk for something to put on, remembering her clothes were, quite literally, strewn around the Eagle.

"Have you seen Alan lately?"

"He's spending all his free time with your sister."

"I heard that Melissa took him over to meet Mom and Dad. Did he tell you what happened?"

"I heard your Dad caught them in her bedroom and they were-- well, his hands were busy." John laughed remembering Alan's description.

"Yes. She called me and asked me to talk to Dad, he wasn't too happy. "

"I want to meet him one day." John ran his hands up and down Helena's bare back.

"Oh you will. He'll love you. But promise me one thing--"

John smiled at her, "Anything."

Helena leaned close to him and whispered, "Just make sure you keep your hands to yourself while in his company"

"Oh I will, I promise." John kissed her quickly. As he lay in the dark an idea came to his head. He made a mental note to send Alan some email later.

Helena rolled out of the bed and glanced at John over her shoulder. She left him lying there. He soon followed her. She was just zipping up her skirt as he came through the rear hatch, wearing only his underwear and socks. "Have you seen my pants?" He asked.

She held up the red costume pants. "Great." He said, not thrilled with the prospect.

She laughed. "We'll go get your clothes, the kids should be settled down by now."

He pulled on the pants, snapping the suspenders over his shoulders. He grabbed his jacket off the floor and pulled it on. "Remind me not of volunteer for this again." He said.

"Oh, I thought you did a great job, the kids loved it." She said pulling her lab cost over her shoulders.

"Only did it for you." He said.

She kissed his cheek. "Come on, we still have to make an appearance at the administrator's Christmas party."

"Not like this." He said taking his hat from the floor.

She stood beside him. "I said we'd get your clothes, Santa."

"So, did you like your present." She said looking up at him.

"Very much. You'll get yours later." He said kissing her quickly.

"I'm counting on it." She said, smiling at the promise in his eyes.

He took her hand and pushed the control to open the door to allow them to leave. They walked from the mock up; leaving behind the beard that still hung on the gun rack.

They walked back to the pediatric floor, finding it much quieter than before. The children had settled down to wait for Santa. They entered her intern's office quietly. The young man was still sleeping soundly on the couch. Helena retrieved John's clothes. Handing them to him, she sat behind her desk and checked her messages once again. She watched as he began removed the Santa suit. He smiled as he watched her watching him, remembering her striptease in the Eagle. He slowly pulled on his clothes, knowing they still had pay a visit to the Administrator's party.

She put the phone down as he fastened his belt. "Any problems?" He asked.

"None, I'm free till after Christmas." She said, moving to him.

He kissed her as she slid into his arms. "Do we have to go to this party?" He asked on their parting.

She nodded. "Yes, I said I'd be there. It's a political thing"

"Come on let's get it over with. I think Santa would like to get home and have some egg nog." He said heading to the door.

They found the party in full swing in the cafeteria. Carols were playing and people mingled happily through the crowd. John got them both a cup of punch as they moved into the mass. Helena spoke to several people as they moved through the crowd. Finally, she came across the Administrator who greeted her warmly.

"Helena, how nice you could join us." He said in a distantly British accent.

"Dr. Smythe. I was seeing to the children's Christmas party."

"Of course, how are the little ones?" He asked.

"Much happier now that Santa has paid his visit."

John smiled as he stood beside her. "By the way Dr. Smythe, let me introduce you our Santa, John Koenig." John shook the doctor's hand.

"Good of you to help us out, Captain." He said.

"My pleasure, Doctor."

"How is your friend, Captain Cellini?" He asked.

"Doing well with Dr. Russell's assistance." John replied.

Dr. Smthye had been made aware of Tony's suicide attempt and he had kept it under wraps at the Space Commissions insistence.

"Yes, Dr. Russell has been a great asset to us during her time with us."

"Helena gave him a smile. "Thank you, Doctor. I hope I have made a small contribution."

John listened to her sincerity. She had certainly helped Tony pull through a tough time. John hoped that Tony would be reassigned to Alpha one day. His therapy sessions seemed to be helping him cope with what happened out beyond Ultra.

"Helena, isn't that your intern?" John pointed across the room.

"Yes, it is. I need to have a word with him. Would you two excuse me?" She crossed the room. Her intern had a date with destiny.

"Dr. Smythe, is everything set for next week?" John kept his voice low.

"Yes, Captain. Everything is ready." He turned to look at Helena as she scolded her intern. "She must really be something special for you to go to so much trouble."

"She is." John glanced in Helena's direction.

Dr. Smythe turned and shook hands with John. "Merry Christmas Captain, enjoy your holiday."

"Thank you, sir. I plan to."

They soon left the party for the walk back to her flat. They climbed into the antique elevator for the slow ride to the third floor. John sat his case on the floor and pulled Helena into his arms during the slow ride. He kissed her, making the kiss last until they reached her floor. They parted both breathless. She smiled up at him as she reached to unlatch the door to the elevator.

John carried his case into her flat, he took in the room, remembering it from his last visit.

"Why don't you put that in the bedroom." She said removing her coat.

He removed his own coat and followed her instructions. He took his case to the bedroom and surveyed the room, his memories of their last visit flooding him. He smiled as he looked at the four poster bed.

Helena fixed them both a glass of wine. He joined her in the living room. They sat on the couch, admiring her small Christmas tree that was strung with lights and ornaments.

"Beautiful tree." He said sipping his drink.

"I thought the place needed something, I mean, I always enjoyed having a big tree when I was growing up, made Christmas all the more special." Helena said, remembering her childhood.

"Yeah, we always had a nice tree when I was little, Mom thought it was important." John said, remembering his childhood years before his parent's death.

John moved his arm around her, pulling her close to him. "Now we can share your tree."

She leaned her head against him and sighed softly. They enjoyed one another's company and the quiet evening.

"Do you really have the whole week?" She asked.

"The whole week." He repeated.

They spent a quiet Christmas Eve listening to carols on the BBC and sipping a bottle of Merlot. They retired to her four poster bed for the evening listening to the carols on the radio. They fell asleep secure in each other's arms.

During the night, John slipped out of bed and turned on Helena's computer. He sent Alan a message.

To:SpaceJock

From: Jkoenig

John smiled as he pressed the button that would send the message. He hoped Alan would be able to arrange it.

Christmas morning John woke with his hand covering Helena's as she slept. He watched her, moving his foot against hers and tickling her palm with his finger. She smiled at his touch and rolled onto her side to face him. "Merry Christmas." He whispered.

She opened her sleepy eyes and kissing him quickly, rolling into his arms. He held her and closed his eyes. They slept lightly, enjoying the quiet morning. Soon Helena's hand moved down between John's legs stroking him lightly. He sighed at her touch. She aroused him quickly as his hand found her, bringing the same sensation to her. As they both began to feel the need for release. Helena moved on top of him and guided him inside her. They made love, slowly, enjoying each other completely.

After awhile, John pulled a pillow behind him and propped up in bed, "You know it's nice not to have to get up and run this morning." John said.

Helena joined him "I know, it's nice to just be."

He took her hand putting it to his lips. "I think this Christmas morning is getting off to a fine start."

She smiled at him.

"I wonder if Santa came last night?" John mused.

Having caught his double meaning, Helena moved closer to him. "I don't know, did he?"

John laughed lightly and pulled her close. "What'd you think." John asked with a raised eyebrow.

In answer, she kissed him, putting a hand to his chest. "I think Santa had a good time last night."

He pulled her tight and kissed the side of her head. "How 'bout some coffee." He said.

She nodded against him.

They spent the morning fixing a light breakfast and looking at her tree. He opened the drapes in the living room; it was a beautiful day, even by British standards.

"Looks like someone paid us a visit last night." He said indicating the packages under her tree.

"What? I only had a couple..." She said investigating the new gifts.

"Well, Santa must've had something to do with it."

She turned to him, smiling as she picked up a small wrapped gift with her name on it. She went to sit beside him on the sofa.

He smiled as she sat beside him. "So let's see." He said, impatient.

She opened the package slowly then opened the box that contained a crystal music box. Her eyes opened wide as she pulled it from the box. "John, it's beautiful," she exclaimed examining the box.

She opened the lid and listened to the tune, Fly me to the Moon.

"It's wonderful." She said turning to him for a kiss. "Thank you." She touched his lips with hers, as her hand caressing his cheek.

"I saw it and thought of you."

She leaned against him as they enjoyed the music. They were perfectly relaxed. She went back to the tree and located his gift. She returned to his side and handed it to him.

He took it from her, meeting her eyes. "Thank you." He said.

She settled beside him again and he pulled the paper from the small box. He opened the box to find a gold pocket watch. He pulled it slowly from the box, admiring it. "Helena, where did you find this?" He asked taking the watch in both hands and opening it to reveal its face.

"It was my Grandfather's, the only thing of his I have." She said softly.

"It's beautiful. Helena, are you sure you want me to have it?"

"I've never been more sure of anything before, John." She said leaning forward to kiss him.

He took her in his arms and pulled her close as he closed his hand around the watch.

John searched under the tree. Finding the small flat box, he turned and handed it to Helena.

"What's this?" She asked.

"Open it."

Helena pulled off the brightly decorated ribbon and carefully opened the package. As she pulled off the tissue paper, she saw the tickets. She looked up at John. With a nod of his head, he encouraged her to open the folder. There were two tickets in the folder.

"Oh John," her voice filled with regret. "I can't go."

"Yes, you can."

She moved to sit beside him, still holding the tickets in her hands. "John, it's a lovely thought but I can't go back to Houston with you. I have to work."

"No you don't--"

"Yes, I do," She interrupted. "I would love to spend New Year's with you. But I'm on call."

"No--"

She interrupted him, "John--"

"Helena, shut up." His voice was full of mischief as took her hands. "You can go to Houston and you are going to Houston. I've worked it all out."

"How?"

He flashed her an adolescent grin. "I made some calls and pulled some strings. And you have some time off. "

Helena looked at him, still skeptical. He sensed her uncertainly. "Tomorrow, Dr. Smythe is going to call you. He's going to tell you that Dr. Ellis wants to swap schedules with you. And Honey, you ARE going to swap with him."

Helena shook her head. "How did you make this happen?"

He had spoken to Dr. Smythe, explaining that it would be important for Helena to meet some people in Houston, if she was really interested in an appointment to Alpha. Dr. Smythe was agreeable, as he thought Helena would be the logical choice for Alpha's CMO.

"My secret." He grabbed her hand. "It's very important to me that we are together at midnight. Please Helena, come to Texas."

She hugged him tightly, "How can say no to a request like that?"

They spent a week together in London; she was on duty but they were able to spend a great deal of time together. On Thursday, they would fly back to the States. They took a taxi to Heathrow and boarded their flight for the states. Melissa had arranged first class seats for their late night flight. As they settled in their seats the stewardess brought their drinks. John covered Helena's hand as the plane took off. He was glad she had accepted his invitation. The flight was long, but he was used to it. Helena on the other hand did not like airplanes and found it difficult to relax and sleep. He looked over at her as she readjusted her pillow for the umpteenth time that hour. The plane was quiet as most of the passengers where asleep. John ran a hand down her arm. "You okay?" He asked quietly.

She looked over at him. "No." She stared out the window " I'm tired and can't relax."

"It's understandable. That four o'clock wake up call didn't help any." He remembered being startled out of his sleep by the ringing phone. One of Helena's patients had gone critical and her intern was calling to confer with her over treatment. John had listened to the conversation and knew she would be going into the hospital. She hadn't returned to the flat until late that afternoon.

He reached over to kiss her. She was wearing a new perfume, it garnered his immediate attention. A trace of a smile touched his lips as inspiration hit. "I'm going to the bathroom." He said with a wink.

"Okay." She said tuning back to her pillow.

He pulled her hand underneath the pillow that was sitting on his lap. "I think you need to, too." Her eyes went wide when she felt the bulge underneath the pillow. He leaned over her as he stood. He said quietly, next to her ear. "I think I have a way to help you relax."

She looked up at him, raising her eyebrow, "Oh."

"Come on." He said taking her hand as he helped her from the seat.

He moved toward the front of the plane noticing the attendants were otherwise occupied. He opened the door as Helena moved beside him in the small hallway. She ducked inside and he followed. The light came on as he closed and locked the door. The bathroom was barely large enough to accommodate both of them. Helena was backed against the small sink.

"So just what did you have in mind." She said smiling up at him her hands about his neck.

His hands went around her waist. "Oh, we'll think of something." He said covering her mouth with his. She still tasted of wine. They stood in the small space facing one another, barely able to move.

"John, I hope you aren't thinking of--"

"That's exactly what I'm thinking." He kissed her.

"There's no room in here for that." She protested.

He took her hands and pressed them against his growing erection. "Oh, I think there is."

Helena laughed. "Turn around," she ordered.

"Why?" He stroked her breast and kissed her ear.

"Because I said so."

He did as he was told and turned around and faced the wall. Helena sat back on the edge of the sink and pulled John between her legs. She reached around him and unbuckled his pants. She freed his erect penis from its confines and began to stroke it.

"Helena, what are you planning?"

"What do you think? Relax, John." Her voice containing a playful tone.

She felt the weight of his body press against her as she continued to stroke him. She found a small bottle of lotion and slipped some into her hand. John moaned softly when she moved her lubricated hand along his harden shaft.

"God, that feels good." He whispered.

"Hmm, you're ready." She said into his ear as she continued to stroke him.

"Yes," he whispered the word nearly catching him his throat.

"Oh John, you are so hard. Come for me, baby." Helena suppressed a strong urge to laugh. She'd never been in this situation, although she frequently heard Melissa talk this way over the telephone to her boyfriends. Helena was amused by her own actions.

"No, Helena..."

"Do it John, come for me." She moved her hand faster. "Do it." She demanded.

"Oh God!" John moaned as he came to his peak. He was breathing heavy as he leaned against the wall.

Helena reached for a towel and wiped her hand off before handing one to John.

When he recovered, he pulled on his pants and turned to face her. She was smiling almost laughing.

"What's so funny?" He kissed her lightly.

"Nothing. This was suppose to make me sleep better?" She asked softly.

He reached for her; "Can I return the favor?"

"Maybe later." She kissed him. "I think that if we don't get out of here soon, someone is going to get suspicious."

He smiled at her. "I guess you're right."

She washed and dried her hands before running her fingers through her hair. They assessed one another, hoping they both looked suitably unruffled, both giggling at their pretentiousness. He kissed her and unlatched the door to peek out. The attendants were no where to be found, and he slipped out the door. He held it open for her and she slipped out behind him. She followed him to their seats and he moved aside to allow her to step to the window seat.

One first class passengers, who had recognized John earlier from his television briefings on the Meta Probe, opened an eye, closing it quickly as they passed. "What is it about astronauts." He thought before lapsing back into sleep.

John and Helena sat down and he reached for her hand bringing it to his lips and kissing it. She smiled at him and leaned back and relaxed into her pillow. He put her hand down, but continuing holding onto to her, closing his eyes, a satisfied look on his face.

Five hours later the plane arrived in Atlanta. As they disembarked, the passenger who had seen them after their activities, walked just behind them, "What club is it that astronauts belong to." He said casually to his companion, just loud enough for them to hear.

"The mile high club, isn't it." His friend responded.

John gave Helena a glance, squeezed her hand trying hard not to laugh as they disembarked to change planes.

After their relatively short flight to Houston, they negotiated the passenger ways of Hobby International Airport as quickly as the crowd allowed. They made their way to the baggage claim for their bags. While she waited for the bags he went for the car. He pulled the convertible corvette to the curb as she walked out the door, followed by a skycap. He rounded the car to open the door for her, stowing their bags in the trunk. She slipped into the seat as he closed the door. He rounded the sports car again and hopped in They were away from the curb and headed for the freeway.

"Isn't this car a little bit of a cliché." She asked as he pulled into traffic.

John smiled. "What can I say, I'm an astronaut."

Helena shook her head and enjoyed the ride. It was fast; he guided the car through the traffic with the same grace as he flew an Eagle. He rested his hand on her thigh as he drove. She covered it with her own as she leaned back in the seat to rest.

"John, are we doing anything tonight?" She asked as they drove toward his condo.

"Actually we are. We're meeting Alan and Melissa."

A huge smile crossed Helena's face. "Melissa?"

He returned her smile, "That's one of your surprises. She's here with Alan. They flew in yesterday"

"Oh John." She flung her arms around him as he drove. "Thank you for making all this happen."

They arrived at John's condominium in record time. As he pulled into his parking space, Helena appraised the complex; they were brick two-story structures, each looked similar to the other. He opened her car door took her hand. He grabbed their luggage and led her to the door. Finding his key he opened the door, inside she found a masculine décor. An overstuffed couch and recliner with a wall television, a small stereo system beside it. There was a kitchen and small dining table with four chairs. Upstairs she saw a loft with a desk and work chair. There was a door off the loft, which she suspected was the master bedroom. Off the living room area was another door, which would most likely housed an additional bedroom.

He followed her inside setting the bags on the floor. She turned to him as he stood behind her. "Nice place." She said moving her hands around his neck. They kissed, with a subdued passion. He pulled away from her, looking down into her eyes. "Why don't you have a nap. I made dinner reservations for nine-thirty." He said putting his hand to her cheek. She nodded at his suggestion.

He picked up her bag and led her upstairs. In his bedroom, she found a queen-size bed with a chocolate brown comforter and pillows. A small television sat on a five-drawer chest of drawers in the corner. There were several different prints on the walls of various planets and one large one of the moon. He set their bags on the chair in the corner by the chest.

"There are clean towels in the bathroom." He said pointing around the corner.

She nodded. He moved to her. "I'll let you get some sleep. I don't want you tired tonight." He said rubbing his hands down her arms.

"I could use some company." She said her hands going to his chest.

"How can I refuse an offer like that." He said with a slow smile.

She moved from him to get her bag. She pulled out her cosmetic bag. "First I'm going to have a quick shower."

He smiled as she disappeared around the corner.

He heard the shower go on as he turned down the covers on the bed. About ten minutes later, she reappeared wearing only a towel. He was under the covers, propped up in the bed. She crossed to the bed, slowly her eyes glued on his. She winked at him as she stood beside the bed and pulled the towel from around her. He smiled as her naked body was revealed to him. She slipped quickly beneath the covers to join him, snuggling close to him, as he wrapped his arms about her. She sighed deeply, releasing her tension, relaxing into his arms. They lay in one another's arms, enjoying just being together. He stroked her arm as she closed her eyes. He continued to hold her until she was in a deep sleep. He was tired, too. He set his internal clock to wake at five o'clock.

While Helena slept, John called Alan to double-check on all the arrangements. He couldn't wait to see Helena's face when they met her parents the next day for lunch.

"Good afternoon." He said sitting on the edge of the bed and she slowly opened her eyes.

She looked at him with sleepy eyes. "You left." She said disappointed.

He touched her face. "You needed to sleep. I just got you to relax."

"What time is it?" She asked.

"About five-thirty."

"I must have been tired." She said wearily.

"Better now?" He asked.

She nodded. "Hungry." She stated.

He laughed lightly. "That I can remedy! Put something on and meet me downstairs." He

She wrapped herself in a robe and did as she was instructed, meeting him in the kitchen. He was busy cooking an omelet for her.

She went to stand behind him, circling his waist with her arms, hugging him as he prepared her food. "Smells good." She said peeking around his arm.

"Don't mess with the master." He said.

"Oh." She said retreating to the corner of the kitchen.

"Besides your omelet is ready." He said slipping it onto a plate.

She went to the table as he followed her with the plate. She sat where he had placed a fork and napkin for her. He placed the plate in front of her. She dug in, realizing she hadn't eaten since the plane from London.

He returned with a cup of coffee and sat next to her.

"Well?" He asked.

"Wonderful." She said, swallowing.

He smiled at her watching as she ate her light snack. He pulled a piece of melon from her plate and ate it.

"I thought that was mine?" She said defensively.

"Payment."

"I can think of better ways to repay you." She said seductively, putting the fork to her lips.

"Oh, I'm sure you will." He said smiling at her playfulness.

"So where's dinner tonight?" She asked, turning her attention to the melon.

"Oh, a little place I like." He said.

"I thought--"

"Later, first I want you all to myself." He said.

"You always do."

He stood behind her and softly rubbed her neck with his fingertips. The movement sent chills though her body.

"What time did you say dinner was?" She asked.

"Nine-thirty." He continued to touch her lightly.

She smiled and caught his hands. She was thinking along the same lines as he was.

Popping the last piece of melon in her mouth, she took her plate to the sink. He watched her gracefully moved across the room toward him, cutting her eyes at him with a sly smile. She brushed past him moving back to the bedroom. He followed her upstairs.

In the bedroom, he stood behind her and slowly moved the robe from her shoulders. She turned to him as the robe fell to the floor, looking up into his blue eyes. Helena pulled John's polo shirt from his pants. He pulled it over his head, dropping it on the floor. She ran her hands up his chest. He leaned down and kissed her pulling her to him. He ran his hands down her bare back taking in a deep breath. Her hands unfastened his belt pulling it from his waist and dropping it with his shirt. Her hands went to the zipper of his pants, pulling it down, slowly. She could feel that he was becoming aroused and smiled up at him.

"Anxious, are we?"

"Always with you." He said, kissing her lightly.

She pulled him toward the bed as he stepped out of his pants. She sat on the edge of the bed, watching as he pulled off his underwear to reveal his hard penis. Helena moved back on the bed as he followed climbing after her. He moved to cover her body with his own. He kissed her deeply playing her tongue with his. Her hands roaming up and down his back and buttocks, kneading and caressing him. He moved down to kiss her hard nipples, teasing them with his tongue. She sighed at his gentle touch. His hands were on either side of her as he pushed himself above her to look at her. He kissed her again as her hands went around his neck. He saw the desire rising in her.

"John?" She said huskily.

He covered her mouth again and began to slowly trailed kisses down her shoulders, across her breast, down her stomach, and down her legs. He retraced his path with the same deliberate pace. The slow pace was driving her insane, she needed him and soon.

"John!" She called more insistent.

He went back to her breasts, teasing them again. He was over her again and her hands found him, he gasped at her touch. She circled him and stroked him firmly. His hand moved between her legs that she opened wide for him to touch her. She sighed deeply at his touch. He felt her moistness between his fingers as her fingers played over the tip of his penis. He moved his hand from her and moved onto her. He went inside her slowly, bringing her to the edge as Helena's hands went to his backside. He moved against her slowly, building a momentum that brought them together as one; completely.

They realized at that moment of joining that they were truly soulmates, meant to be together. They had recognized it when they first saw one another at the hospital, now after having spent a good deal of time together, they were true friends as well as lovers. As they climaxed, they lay in each other's arms savoring their passion.

"Better with more room." She murmured into his shoulder.

He smiled, remembering their activities in the plane.

They spent a long time talking after they had loved each other. They discussed the moon, the Meta probe, their relationship and just how they should handle it.

They showered and dressed for their dinner. She wore her new sexy red dress and he wore a dark suit.

John had made reservations at a small Italian restaurant that he enjoyed. Antonio, the owner sat them at a special table in the corner not far from where a small combo was playing for the New Year's celebration. A bottle of wine was already open and waiting at the table for them. John sat across from Helena as Antonio poured them each a glass. He bowed slightly as he left the table.

John took raised his glass to her. "To us and may we enjoy a very happy year."

She smiled at him as she touched her glass to his. "I have so far, thanks to you."

They sipped their wine and the band began playing, "Unforgettable". He took her hand across the table. "Dance with me."

They crossed to the dance floor and he took her in his arms, pulling her tight. They moved slowly across the dance floor, locked in a rhythm that was their own. They'd known each other for several months, however they moved together like they had been together for years.

After their dinner, they headed for the New Year's party being held at Johnson Space Center. When they entered the New Year's party, John saw Alan waving to them from the dance floor. He waved back and tugged Helena over to them. The two sisters screamed and hugged happily.

They danced well into the night, kissing each other at the stroke of midnight, to usher in 1999, a year that, for them, would be like none other. The party seemed to wind down quickly after midnight. Alan suggested they return to his apartment. Around three a.m., Helena and Melissa were more than a little intoxicated. John decided it was time for them to go.

Having had more than one of Alan's Toxic Maragritas, John called a cab instead of drive home. Helena was swaying as she walked from Alan's condo to the taxi. They made out in the backseat all the way home, much to the amusement of the cab driver. By the time they arrived back at John's condo, they were past the point of just being drunk.

As he opened the door to the condo, Helena moved her hands up his chest and around his neck; she stood on her tiptoes and kissed him. His arms went around her waist and they pressed against each other. Their lips not leaving each other, he moved them inside. As she pulled away from him she smiled, throwing her purse on the couch. He smiled as he watched her moving lazily around the room. He removed his jacket and it landed somewhere near her purse. "I had a wonderful time, John." She said, reaching for his tie and pulling him to her. "Did you have a good time?" She hiccuped. He nodded at her as he stumbled. She caught his weight and they both started giggling. He took her hand and pulled her toward the stairs. She pulled him back and kissed him passionately. "John, take me."

"Here?" He asked as his hands roamed her body. She giggled, amused at his whispered suggestions.

They fell to the carpet. John pushed up her dress and removed her panties. She pulled down his trousers. He took her there on the carpet. She felt so good and he was lost in the moment. As he began to reach his peak he screamed, "Celeste!" Even through his drunken haze he realized what he had done. He felt Helena's hands push him away from her as she struggled to get up off the floor.

"Helena?" He called as she sat up and ran to the bathroom.

She didn't say anything but closed the door behind her. Seconds later he heard her as she purged the contents of her stomach. He pulled on his pants and waited for her to emerge from the bathroom. Several minutes passed before she opened the door. She was pale and her hair was a mess. She crossed the room to sit by him on the couch.

"Sorry." She said quietly. "I guess those Margaritas combined with all that movement made me a little sick."

John breathed a sign of relief. She was so intoxicated that she didn't realized what he had done. "That's okay. Let's go to bed. I think you need to rest."

He gently took her hand and led her upstairs to the bedroom. She followed willingly. He helped her out of her dress as she sat on the bed. Helena pulled on one of John's T-shirts and together they surrendered to sleep.

The next morning Helena woke slowly her head was pounding and she delayed opening her eyes. She couldn't recall the events of the previous night. They just seemed like pleasant fuzzy memories. Cracking her eyes, she searched for John in the dim lighting of his bedroom. He was snoring softly with his back to her.

Helena sat up quietly and eased out of the bed. She was holding her head as she made her way to the bathroom. As she walked she felt herself becoming queasy. "Oh no," she said softly as she practically ran to the bathroom closing the door behind her.

The click of the bathroom door woke John from his slumber. He realized from the sounds coming from the bathroom that Helena was sick again. He tried to rise up out of the bed but as soon as his feet hit the floor the room started to spin. Quickly, he returned to bed holding his hands over his eyes. 'That's the last time I try to drink Alan's margaritas.' John made a mental note as he reviewed the events of the past night.

The door to the bathroom opened and a pale Helena crawled back into bed. John reached across the bed and found her hand.

"You okay?"

"Not really." She admitted. "You?"

"I feel about the same."

"John, do you remember what happened last night after we left Alan's?"

"Vaguely. You don't?" His pulse racing as he waited for her answer.

"Not really, I'm a little sore and I have a red spot on my left buttock that looks like carpet burn."

John stifled an amused grin. If she didn't remember how she got a carpet burn, he felt sure she didn't remember the rest. "What do you remember?"

"The last thing I remember is Alan making Margaritas after midnight. How did we get back here?"

"Taxi. My car is still at Alan's." John yawned. "I can't remember the last time I had that much to drink. My head is killing me. It even hurts to yawn."

Helena laughed lightly. "I think we over did it for sure. Good thing we don't have anything planned for this morning."

John suddenly remembered the lunch with Helena's parents. He hadn't told her yet wanting to surprise her. "Helena...I kind of have another surprise for you this morning."

Helena moaned, "No I can't this morning, John. I really do have a headache."

He chuckled, "Not that, Dear."

She sat up slightly and ran her fingers through her hair. "What is it?"

"When this room stops spinning I'll tell you." He jumped from the bed and ran into the bathroom. He returned a few minutes later and joined her on the bed.

"I wanted everything to be perfect. I'm sorry we both feel so bad."

"Perfect? I think this is perfect." She rolled over and snuggled against him.

"Helena...I wanted...well I wanted to make a good impression when I met your father."

"My father...John, what are you talking about?" She pulled away from him and propped up on one elbow.

"I had Melissa make arrangements for your parents to come in from Arizona this morning and join us for lunch."

"You did what?" Helena couldn't believe what she was hearing. She had always been Robert Thompson's favorite daughter. The one that never gave him any problems, the goody-two shoes as Melissa called her when they were growing up. Now here she was with a blazing hangover sitting in the bed of a man she had only known four months.

John watched her face. "I thought you'd be happy. You're always talking about him and I thought you might like to see your folks before you go back to London."

She looked at his alarmed face. Placing her hand up his cheek, she smiled at him. "John, it was a kind and sweet gesture. I just wish I felt better."

He returned her smile, "Me too. We really should get a move on. Alan is suppose to pick us up in about an hour."

Carefully, she rolled out of bed and headed to the bathroom to shower. John ventured downstairs and put on a pot of coffee hoping the coffee would help his hangover.

They were dressed and ready when Alan and Melissa arrived an hour later. Alan noticed that John and Helena looked a little pale and seemed to both be nursing headaches.

"So what'd you kids think of my Toxic Texas Margarita?"

"They're Toxic, all right," John responded sarcastically. "Let's hope Dr. Thompson doesn't notice what you did to his daughters or you'll never get on his good side."

Alan laughed slightly. He was going to try and make amends with Melissa father. He hoped it would be today.

The foursome was to meet Helena and Melissa's parents at Lancaster Hotel for a New Year's Day brunch. Dr. and Mrs. Thompson had flown in from Phoenix to have a lunch with their daughters. When they entered the hotel they were greeted with a lovely expansive lobby. They crossed the lobby to the restaurant where they were to meet the girls' parents. There were several people waiting in the alcove of the restaurant for tables. Since it was New Year's Day, tables at the Lancaster where a hot commodity. Alan was a little uncomfortable about meeting Dr. Thompson again; they hadn't exactly parted on the best terms. John was looking forward to meeting Helena's father; she had spoken of him often.

They met Helena's parents in the crowd. Dr. Thompson was a tall man, about the same height as John with white hair, glasses and an easy smile. Mrs. Thompson was an older version of Helena, with just a bit of gray touching her blonde hair.

Helena tapped her father on the shoulder. "Expecting someone?" She asked casually.

He turned and gave her a broad smile, taking her into his arms, "Cup Cake." He said giving her a tight hug.

"Hi Dad." She said returning his hug.

Her mother then pulled her daughter into her outstretched arms. "Hi honey." She said giving her a quick kiss on the cheek and a hug.

Dr. Thompson gave Melissa the same warm greeting, as did Mrs. Thompson. Alan and John watched the whole reunion, with a smile.

Helena broke away from her mother and pulled her over to John. "Mom, I would like to introduce you to, John Koenig." She said formally.

John took Mrs. Thompson's hand and gave it a gentle shake. "A great pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Thompson. I can see that Helena gets her beauty honestly."

Mrs. Thompson's gave him a soft smile. "Thank you, John, I can see what Helena said about you is true." She responded.

"And what was that?" He asked.

"That you're quite a charmer." Helena said for her.

John laughed lightly as Dr. Thompson joined the twosome.

"John, this is my father, Robert Thompson." She said formally.

John took Robert's hand and gave it a firm shake. "Nice to meet you, John." He said giving John the once over.

"Dr. Thompson, Helena has told me a lot about you, sir."

"Oh, has she now." He said pulling his daughter to him. "Well, don't believe all of it, she does tend to make me out to be better than I am."

Helena gave him a playful poke. "Dad," She said.

Robert gave her a smile and a squeeze.

John could tell there was a special bond between father and daughter. Her hangover seemed to disappear when she looked at him. "Do we have a table?" She asked, no one in particular.

John stepped toward the reservation stand. "I made the reservation."

He asked the maite'd for the table and they were quickly taken to a table in the center of the room. Far enough away from the band that was playing, so as not to disturb their conversation.

It was a pleasant and animated luncheon as the group discussed everything from medical breakthroughs to the Meta Probe. Dr. Thompson found John to be a strong conversationalist and was full of interesting opinions. He also noticed the strong attraction between John and Helena. It was unlike what she had with Lee, that was subdued and this relationship was clearly overt.

As the group made their way to leave the restaurant, a young, leggy brunette, who was waiting with friends for a table looked up, noticing John coming toward her. She smiled broadly in anticipation. 'John!" She said as he approached her. John turned at his name and stopped, dead. Helena noticed he wasn't behind her and turned to see him standing there, obviously awestruck. She moved back to him as the others continued on to the entrance. "John?" She asked moving back to him.

He continued to look at the woman, who stood just two feet from him. "Celeste." He said in a soft voice that made Helena shiver.

"Hello, there." She said with a flip of her hair and a smile.

"Hi." John said with a slow grin.

Helena stood watching this exchange.

"Where have you been keeping yourself?" Celeste asked moving closer to him.

"Same as usual." He said as she closed the distance between them.

"You back at Johnson, these days?"

"For awhile." She replied, "Are you in town, for a bit?" She asked.

"Yeah." He said with that same grin.

Helena did not like what she was seeing and cleared her throat. Both Celeste and John turned to look at her. It broke John from Celestes' gaze.

The rest of their group, watched the whole exchange as they waited for Helena and John.

John looked at Helena, wide eyed. "Oh Celeste, let me introduce..." He fumbled, momentarily forgetting Helena's name.

Helena looked at him with contempt. "Helena Russell." She said with a nod toward Celeste.

"John, we should go, the other's are waiting." She said firmly.

"Oh don't let me keep you, John. I just wanted to say hello." Celeste said.

Helena took two steps away and looked back at him. Celeste reached forward and gave him a quick kiss on the lips. "Happy New Year." She said.

John smiled again. "Yeah, Happy New Year."

He then followed Helena and joined the others. They all moved out into the lobby.

Helena was beside John and assessed him. "She's an old friend." He said simply.

"I could tell." She said.

Melissa moved beside her and touched her elbow. "Come on sis, I have to pee."

Helena nodded at her and moved off with Melissa. Helena's mom gave Robert a wink and followed her daughters.

Alan stood next to John and whispered to him. "Boy, you have really done it now, and I thought I was going to stay in trouble."

John looked at him as Robert approached them. "Alan, would you excuse us a minute?" Alan nodded and gave John a slap on the shoulder as he moved off.

Robert sighed before he addressed John. "I can tell you obviously have feelings for my daughter, but if you are going to conduct yourself like that around her, you just might as well forget it. She's a wonderful girl and I will not let you or anyone else bring any hurt to her. You acted like a dog in heat back there. I wasn't sure about Helena getting involved with an astronaut again, now I really am really beginning to have some doubts."

John looked at Robert hard; he was not one to be dressed down, by anyone. He nodded. "You're right, Robert. I was out of line. She caught me off guard. She's a friend of a friend." John laughed lightly, more than friends he thought, "I apologize, I would never do anything to hurt Helena. I'm in love with her." He finished.

"Then I suggest you'd better tell her that and apologize to her, quickly."

John looked down at the floor and back to Robert. "Yes, sir."

The ride back to John's condo was a quiet one. Helena stared straight ahead as they drove. John glanced over towards her trying to read her mood. They'd known each other such a short time that he wasn't yet accustomed to reading her feelings. One thing he did know for sure was that she was not happy about that little exchange at the restaurant. That would be something he'd have to rectify as quickly as possible.

He wheeled his car into the parking lot and turned off the key. He reached over to take her hand but she pulled it away and stepped out of the car. Watching her walk up to his condo, he realized he had his work cut out for him.

Helena went upstairs to John's bedroom and lay down across the bed. John stood in the doorway watching her. She was lying on her stomach and her head was buried in her folded arms. He walked over and knelt by the side of the bed. Unable to resist touching her, he softly stoked her hair. She lifted her head up and looked at him.

"Helena, I'm sorry."

She didn't say a word only watched him as he struggled to apologize.

"Look, she's means nothing to me. You are the one I want."

Helena's anger shot to the surface and she quickly sat up and glared at him. "I'm the one you want! That woman practically seduced you right there in front of my whole family. For God's sake, my father was standing there watching. How do you think that made me feel?"

John lowered his head and stared at the ground. There was nothing he could say. He knew where he stood with Dr. Thompson. He looked up at Helena as she stood and moved around the room.

"I'll tell you how that made me feel, humiliated and embarrassed."

He stood and pleaded with her. "Helena," he said finding his voice. "She's just a friend."

Helena threw her hands up in the air and walked a few steps away from him. " John, you couldn't even remember my name and you expect me to believe that she's just a -- just a FRIEND!"

Finding his nerve he approached her almost close enough to touch her. "Helena, please listen to me."

She stopped pacing "I should have known not to get involved with another astronaut. I thought you were different. But oh no, you're all alike. None of you can seem to keep your pants on!"

She struck a nerve and John's temper rose to the surface. "Are you accusing me of sleeping with Celeste since we've been together?"

"Well it the condom fits wear it!" She stormed from the room slamming the door behind her.

John was still mad as he followed her down stairs. She was fuming when he reached the living room. He walked up to her and grabbed her roughly.

"Let go of me!" She demanded.

"No! You are going to listen to what I have to say even if I have to tie you up."

Helena stopped struggling and looked up into John's face. "Just say what you have to say and let me go."

"I'll let you go if you promise to sit down and be reasonable. Do you think you can do that?"

Helena took a deep breath as John released his grip on her. He pointed to the recliner and she took a seat.

"I am sorry about what happened at lunch. I didn't know Celeste was back in town. She caught me off guard."

Helena watched him as he pulled an ottoman up to sit in front of her. He looked down at her hands as they rested in her lap. Then he looked up as her. "Your father is clearly not happy with me and that is entirely my fault. He gave me a good dressing down before we left. I've apologized to him. You know how much I wanted to make a good impression with your parents."

He took a deep breath and shook his head. "I never intended this to happen. You have to believe that."

Helena's anger subsided slightly. "I know you wanted to make a good impression."

"I didn't."

"John, I already know the name Celeste." Her voice was cold, almost unfeeling.

"You do? How?"

"Because you called me that while we were on the floor last night."

The color drained out of his face as he looked at her.

"I didn't think you remembered anything from last night..." His voice barely a whisper.

"It's not pleasant being called another woman's name during...well you know." Her voice trailed off and she shook her head with disgust.

John swallowed hard and took a deep breath. Several moments of tense silence passed between them. "We met through Victor. Do you remember that weekend a few months ago when I went surfing? The weekend I bought the GTO?

Helena shook her head slightly.

"Well, I bumped into Celeste at the beach. She was biking and I stepped in front of her and we...crashed." He held up his hands and demonstrated the accident. "I waited with her for awhile to make sure she was okay. We ended up talking for a couple of hours, that is how I got so sunburned. She was working at the Cape on the Meta Probe. Anyway, after she left I found her Visa Card in my pocket. I guess when we stood up, I picked it up by mistake. I called the Cape and Tony gave me her address."

"I see. So you went to her house?" For what, John? You could have just left her card with security and they would have returned it." Helena retorted.

"Helena, just listen. Please?"

She crossed her arms over her chest and sat back in the chair.

"When I arrived at her house, I met Victor. He was apparently there to ask her to dinner. I had no idea that they knew each other." He shrugged his shoulders. "Victor and I were always close but I never knew he was involved romantically with anyone. Anyway, Celeste's old boyfriend was there. He was giving her a hard time. He nearly punched us out. Victor said we should leave. It would be better for Celeste. So we left."

He took a breath. "Victor and I went to the Saturn V. We stayed there talking and drinking. Apparently, we had too much and decided to take a walk. The cops picked us up for public drunk and threw us in jail." He paused and waited for her reaction.

"Threw you in jail? John that could have cost you your career."

"Don't I know it."

"Well how did you get out?"

John hestitated slightly. She wasn't going to like the rest of the story but if they were ever going to have a real relationship they would have to be honest with one another. He had to tell her everything.

"Celeste bailed us out. It seems her boyfriend found a bit of trouble that night and when she went to check on him she found out about us. She bailed us and the GTO out. We went back to her house. Helena," He moved from the ottoman and knelt in front of her. " The next morning when I woke up I was in bed with Celeste and Victor."

Helena sat back shocked, clearly confused by his admission. "What?"

John grew frustrated with himself. "Helena, I wish I knew what happened that night but I don't. I don't have one single memory. I don't know if I slept with her. I don't know if Victor slept with her. I just do not know!"

"You don't know? John, how could you NOT know?!"

"I tried to find out. I called Victor the next day but he didn't know either."

Helena's started thinking as she sat staring at John. "That night when I was working, you were sleeping in another woman's bed? Then you came back and crawled in my bed and then made love to me?"

For the first time since he started talking, John looked away from her. His actions told her that it was the truth. "You crawled from her bed into mine."

He scrambled to cover her hands with his. "No, it wasn't like that."

"It had to be like that. You woke up in her bed!"

"But I know nothing happened..."

"How can you be so sure?" She questioned.

"Because I was too drunk!" He his voice echoed around the room.

"You didn't appear to be too drunk last night!" She screamed back.

There was silence as John struggled to recover. Finally, John spoke in a calm rational voice.

"We may never know what happened that night. I have to live with that everyday. I didn't tell you about it the next day because... well, I wasn't sure how you'd take it and our relationship was just beginning. I knew it was something special and I didn't want to screw it up. You're the first woman I've been interested in for a long time."

He reached for her hands, they felt cold to his touch. "I know you are upset and you have every right to be but we've been through a lot in the past few months. Please, don't do anything rash. I've grown to care for you and I think you care for me. Please don't throw it away because of something that might or might not have happened." He looked into her eyes. "And as for last night, well I can only blame that on all that tequila."

Helena stared at his face. He was trying to be sincere but she wasn't sure if she believed him. "And now? Are you and Celeste still talking?"

" I didn't know she was back at Johnson. We have been keeping in touch through random e-mails but those are few and far between. She couldn't bring herself to go to Victor's funeral. She was still hurting"

"I promise you, Helena. I will swear on Victor's grave if you want but there is nothing going on."

"Helena..." John thought about what her father had said. Maybe he should tell her that he was in love with her but he couldn't. Now was not the right time. Seeing Celeste brought back a flood of feelings and memories. He didn't know what to do about those feelings but he did know one thing, he didn't want to lose Helena. John reached for her hands and pressed them over his heart. "You are the one."

A slight smiled appeared and the quickly disappeared. "I hope so," she said tentatively, still unsure of her place in John's life.

Before they could continue the telephone rang. John pulled away from her to answer the phone.

"It's Melissa. Your parents flight has been delayed and they want to know if can meet them for dinner?"

'I don't know, John. I'm still embarrassed about what happened."

"Please, let's go. Maybe I can try and make things right with your father."

She understood and nodded. John turned back to the phone and made the arrangements with Melissa. He had another chance to impress Helena's father and he wasn't going to mess it up. But could he ever make things right with her?

They met her parents again at a quiet restaurant not far from Hobby International. The flight had been delayed due to weather. Everyone could tell the change in John and Helena's attitude, although she was cool toward him, and not as demonstrative as earlier, she still looked at him with appreciation and love. Yes, he'd been wrong with his encounter with Celeste, but she'd come to understand him a little better, realizing he would admit when he was wrong. When they left the restaurant, Dr. Thompson pulled John out of earshot.

"You two have obviously worked things out since this morning." He said.

"Well, we've made a start, at least." John admitted. "I handled that situation, badly. I've apologized, but I still think I have a long way to go." He said glancing at Helena, where she stood chatting with her sister, mother and Alan.

Robert extended his hand. "I wanted to thank you for getting us together, John. It has meant a lot to Susan and I. We don't get to see the girls very much and we miss them." He said as he shook his hand.

"You're welcome, sir. I'm glad it worked out." John replied.

"It will. You take care of my daughter, John. I'm counting on you." Robert slapped John on the shoulder.

John looked up and met his eyes. "I will. I promise you that." He said with conviction.

Dr. Thompson nodded at him as he moved to join the others. John followed him with a smile on his face; he had redeemed himself.

John and Helena went to the airport and saw her parents off. Alan and Melissa had plans of their own. They returned to John's condo so Helena could pack for her flight back to London, the following morning. They rode in silence; however, she did allow him to take her hand for the drive.

Back in the bedroom, Helena began packing her things. John gave her some space as he figured they both needed some time to deal with their feelings. When she finished, she ventured downstairs, finding him sitting alone, nursing a drink.

"Can I have one." She asked quietly.

He turned and looked at her. "Sure."

He poured her a drink and she sat on the sofa while he returned to the recliner. There was an uneasy silence between them. They both spoke at the same time. "John." "Helena." They stopped and laughed at themselves. He nodded to her, indicating she should go first.

"I saw you talking to Dad. What was that all about?" She asked taking a sip.

John looked at his drink. "He told me to take care of you, or I'd have him to deal with."

She smiled; knowing that was just like her Dad. "And..."

"I told him I would. If you let me." He said, looking at her.

She held his gaze as he set his drink on the table and moved to sit beside her. He took her hand. "Helena, I am so sorry about today ...and last night. I hope you will, in time, forgive me."

She turned to him, setting her drink aside. "I know John, I guess we've moved kind of fast. We probably need some time to be...friends." She said squeezing his hand.

He gave her that lopsided grin. "I guess we were due for our first fight."

Helena laughed. "I suppose, but let's not have any more like that."

He nodded and kissed her cheek. She leaned against him and he wrapped his arms around and pulled her close. He was right, it would take some time.

That night she snuggled against him to sleep. She still had questions about him, but she would endeavor to find out, everything about him.

The next morning, they rose early as her flight was mid-morning. He drove her to the airport and walked her to the gate.

She turned to him as they stood at the departure gate. She looked up into those blue eyes.

"Thank you John, despite everything, it's been wonderful."

He pulled her to him and hugged her tight. He held her for a long moment, then released her and kissed her softly.

"I'm missing you already." He whispered.

She smiled up at him and hugged him again. As her flight was called, he took her hand to move closer to the departure ramp.

He turned her to him again and looked into her eyes. "I'll be in touch, often." He kissed her again.

She put her hand to his face and then moved away to join the passengers.

He watched her as she handed her ticket to the flight attendant and moved to the doorway. She turned back to look at him and gave him a smile; then she was gone.

Maureen J. Long & Dorothy Burton

March 12, 2000