We'll Have Paris Forever
Chapters Three through Four
Chapter Three
Jean-Luc woke first the next day. This time it was he who was standing on the balcony and looking over the city in the early morning.
He looked over at Beverly sleeping soundly. They had had a long day yesterday with going up into the Eiffel Tower, their long afternoon alone together and then dinner in the hotel diner. She was exhausted.
Picard looked back out to the city and started thinking about his brother and Renee'. He adored Renee' and missed him sorely. He missed his whole family, actually.
It had been ten years since he had gone to the memorial of what had been the last of his family. All three died in a fire that consumed their home. Now, Jean-Luc was the last of a long line of Picards and he had no heir to carry on the family name. The Picard vineyard was no more, for there was no one to tend to it or even clean up what damage the fire did to the vineyard.
"It probably just recycled back into the Earth." He thought to himself, sadly. "It was all from the Earth to begin with anyway."
He had spent too long trying to serve Starfleet and he had not taken the time to have a family. Now he felt it was too late. "If only I had acknowledged my love to her sooner." Picard thought to himself. "Then maybe I could have had a chance of having children of my own. Now it's too late and even if it isn't, she probably doesn't want anymore now that Wesley is grown. It would be like having two families."
A tear rolled down Picard's face. He felt he had no family now that his brother and family was gone. Now all he had was Beverly as family. He no longer had a ship of his own as an Admiral and all the crew from the Enterprise, who he also considered family, had left to other assignments. He missed them all sorely.
Suddenly, Picard realized he had been crying. He felt the pain of his loss that he thought he had already worked through with Counselor Troi, but France seemed to have brought all the pain back. He grew up here in this country with his brother. He remembered his parents and when he had lost them. The pain of their loss was not so great, but his brother's was. He had just made amends with him before they died and he felt that since Robert had a son he did not have the responsibility of providing an heir to the Picard legacy. Now, there was no heir and if he had not taken the attitude that he did not have to have a family, because Robert did then maybe there would still be a chance.
"Ah, Picard!" He scolded himself. "Why are you wallowing in self pity!"
"Jean-Luc?" He heard Beverly call out to him.
He wiped the tears that had been running down his face. Then he turned toward Beverly, who was putting on her robe to join him. "Yes." He replied.
"Are you OK?" Beverly asked.
"Yes." He replied then his false facade changed to a look of sadness. "Actually, I was thinking, instead of going to the Lourve, why don't we go out to the old Picard Vineyard in LaBarre, today. It's been a while since I've seen it."
Beverly studied him for a moment, then said a bit puzzled,
"Alright."
"I feel the need to go visit it while we are here." He said. "If that's alright with you?"
"Yes, that's fine." Beverly said. "Jean-Luc, are you sure you're OK?"
Picard shook his head slightly as though he were trying to shake the cobwebs out of his mind. "I was just thinking about my family. You know, I have not been back here since the memorial service?"
It was dawning on Beverly now what was wrong this morning with her husband. Paris had brought about memories of the past which, eventually, in turn brought on mourning for his family, again. She sympathised greatly with him.
She placed a hand on his back and started rubbing his back
gently. "You know if this trip is too much for you we can always go some place else." She said. "We don't have to stay here."
"No, no." he said, reassuringly. "I just need to go back to get through this, this, whatever you want to call it."
As a doctor and one who has worked with the psychologist that counsoled Picard, she understood his need. "I'll be ready here soon." She said. "Just give me time to shower and dress."
"That's fine." He replied. "Take your time."
Once Beverly was dressed and ready for the day, they headed to their shuttle craft and flew out to LaBarre. Less than an hour later, they had arrived at what was left of the Picard Vineyard. It was completely destroyed and what was left was rundown.
Jean-Luc briefly scanned the remains, fell to his knees and broke down into tears. Beverly placed a sympathic hand on his shoulder.
"I'm sorry, Beverly." He sobbed.
"It's OK." She said sympathically.
"No, it's not." He sobbed. "I thought I had dealt with all this long ago with Counselor Troi and now, on what is suppose to be my honeymoon, I'm a bucket of tears."
"It's understandable." She replied. "You started trying to deal with it after the memorial and never returned until now, so if I know Deanna, she'd say you are doing what you need to do to completely deal with the loss. Returning, regardless of our honeymoon, is the best thing you could do for yourself.
He looked up to Beverly and touched her arm. "You know, you could do as well as Counselor Troi." He stated sadly. "I'm really sorry if this is ruining our honeymoon for you."
"No, it's not." Beverly replied. "If it helps you, I'm fine with it. As I said, even Deanna would say you need to deal with your ghosts. I would not have it any other way."
Picard stood, wiping his face with the back of his hand. Then in a dazed looked at his surroundings, then he said, "You know, we could rebuild and start over. Just the two of us. The vineyard could be as good as new again."
"Jean-Luc, we couldn't do all of that by ourselves." Beverly said with some alarm of concern. "We would need help and then when we could not do it anymore who would take over?"
Jean-Luc paused and then with remorse said, "Maybe you're right. It was just a thought."
He walks over to where the vineyard once grew and stood looking at it as a distant memory. "You know, the last time I saw Robert, we got into a fight in this vineyard.
"You mean an argument?" Beverly asked.
"No, it was a physical fight." Picard informed her.
"When we were finished, we were sitting on the ground
covered in grapes and grape juice, laughing and talking as
brothers who, deep down, did love each other."
"Then what happened?"
"Well, we resolved our differences." Jean-Luc said.
"Turned out, he was jealous because I actually left to join Starfleet and he didn't persue his own desires. Instead, he stayed and continued working here in the vineyards and making the Picard wines."
"Well, if neither of you were thrilled with continuing the business, then why are you wanting to rebuild?" Beverly asked.
"To carry on the Picard family name." Jean-Luc said, then he continued with sadness in his voice. "I am now the last in a long line of Picards."
"I think I understand." Beverly said. "I'm not a psychologist, but it sounds to me as if you're looking for a way to have immortality. To rebuild the vineyard and making the Picard wines would give you some form of immortality."
"Beverly." He said definsively. "Don't quit your day job. That is not the reason. I..." He paused then in total frustration he continues. "No, it's my way of staying in touch with my family. I think. I'm not sure."
Beverly knew he had a hard time with losing people, for it took him the longest time for him to get over the fact he did not kill Jack. Therefore, it took him even longer to admit he had feelings for her.
She sighs. "Jean-Luc, why don't we just stay here for as long as you want, today." She told him. "It could help some."
"No, I don't want to bore you on our honeymoon." He told her.
"If you don't take the time you need here, I have the
feeling that neither of us will be enjoying our honeymoon." She informed him. "I can't enjoy myself if you are miserable."
She walks some distance away from him to give him some privacy. She felt like they were visiting a grave site. Then she told herself, "In a way we are, because they died in the fire that was here."
She sat down in front of the shuttle craft and tried to keep an eye on Jean-Luc without him realizing that was what she was doing. He spent the better part of an hour standing alone in the vineyard or walking around the place, trying to get control of his feelings and remembering by himself. At times he spoke aloud as though he were in front of a tombstone, talking to his late family members.
Beverly was not too worried about such behaviour, because there were no bodies to buried. So, they were there, some where in the ashes that were recycling or had recycled into the ground.
"Remember you are dust and to dust you shall return." She thought to herself. "Well, that is a true saying, but it's a shame when family and friends don't have a body to say good bye to, because it has already turned to dust."
Then she scolded herself for thinking that such a statement,
regardless of how true it was, when Jean-Luc is so miserable. "Oh, if only I had not wanted to come to Paris, then he would not be having these feelings." She said to herself. Then she reminded herself that eventually one day they would surface anyway.
Jean-Luc finally walked over to where she sat. He was less
distraught than he was an hour ago, but still somewhat sadden. He sat beside her quietly for a moment, then spoke. "You know, Beverly, Robert and I had great times here." He told her.
She sat and listen to Jean-Luc as he talked of fond memories of his family. He told her the various games they had played and the fights they got into as children and even those as an adult. He spoke of his mother and father. The disagreement about not continuing with the family business. How he loved his parents and how they loved him and Robert. He talked about Robert's wife and how much of a wonderful woman she was. Then he finally, talked about Renee.
"Renee wanted to be like me and join Starfleet one
day." Picard told her. "Oh, but Robert was not going to hear of it and blamed me for his son's desire to join."
"And was it?" Beverly asked.
"Well, only by example." He admitted. "The last time I was here, Renee greeted me just up that road aways and walked with me the rest of the way. Said he was a captain of the great starship Enterprise D. My heart was so proud over his desire to take after his Uncle Jean-Luc." He smiled at this last.
Beverly sat and listen to his story. "I'm Captain Jean-Luc Picard." Jean-Luc said with a smile. "That's what he said his name was that day when he greeted me. He continued in this manner as we walked, talking about his so called adventures on the Enterprise D. My heart was filled with joy and pride at my nephew's ambition."
Beverly listened intently as Jean-Luc talked and watch his
spirits lift as he talked about his family. She felt she was
learning more about her new husband than she ever did in the
whole time she had known him. Which seemed like a lifetime.
"Sounds like he was one of the few children you actually tolerated." Beverly said.
"Oh, I adored Renee." Picard said with a smile.
"And I think he also thought very highly of me. We actually had fun together. I don't think, if it weren't for Renee, and Wesley too, mind you, that I would have liked any children or tolerated them for that matter. Your son and Renee are actually two children who helped me learn something about children and to not be so concerned about how I deal with them."
Beverly smiled at Jean-Luc's words. "And now you are a
step-father to one of those two young men." She said.
Jean-Luc's eyes widen. Then a broad smile grew across his face and he began to laugh.
Beverly smiled, but had no idea what she was smiling about except that Jean-Luc was laughing. She had no idea why he was laughing, but was glad to see his mood change. "What is so funny?"
Picard tried to get control of his laughter so he could talk. "I was just thinking earlier." He began and almost started laughing hard again. "That I would never have any children of my own. While Wesley is not really my son, I've always looked towards him as a son and now, as you said, I am a step-father. I can say I have a step-son."
"Well, I didn't quite mean it as you would be replacing
anyone." Beverly said.
"Oh, no!" Jean-Luc said. "I wouldn't dream of
replacing Jack, but I know now, that I can be a very good friend to Wesley."
"You always have been." She then admitted. "And Wesley did and still does look up to you as a father figure."
"Aw, Beverly." Jean-Luc said turning to face her.
"How can I ever thank you for putting up with me today? I know I have been terrible and probably ruined our honeymoon at least for today."
"Seeing your spirits brighten is enough thanks for me." Beverly said.
Jean-Luc smiled, then leaned toward her and kissed her.
"Beverly, I love you." He said with a smile.
Beverly smiled back at him and said, "I love you too. If I didn't, I would not have put up with you all day today."
"I am so glad you did." Picard smiled. "You've been a lot of help to me, just by being here with me."
"I'm glad." She said, still smiling at him.
"What time do you suppose it is?" Jean-Luc asked.
"I'd say it's late afternoon." She replied. "I can check the shuttles chronometer if you'd like."
"No." He replied. "We should get back anyway. By the way, have I ever told you how wonderful you are?"
Beverly smiled and said, "Yes, you have. Many times
over."
They both stood and boarded the shuttle. Jean-Luc started the engine and they headed back to their motel in Paris.
Chapter Four
It was their fourth day in Paris and as promised, Jean-Luc took her to the Louvre. Beverly was awed by the size of the museum and how much there was to see. Even Jean-Luc's oral report on the Renaissance and King Louis XIV did not bore her
like she was afraid it would if he went on and on about something that fascinated him. She enjoyed him telling her every thing he knew on the subject.
Besides the Renaissance they saw various other works of art, but the exhibit they spent the most time observing was the Renaissance. It fascinated both of them.
Later, that night Jean-Luc took her to the Palais Garnier to see "Giselle". Since it was not far from where they were staying they walked over to the Garnier. As they walked Beverly was still awed by the Paris night.
"Is Paris always so well lit at night?" She asked.
"Well, there is a reason why it is called the City of
Lights." Jean-Luc said. "So yes, it is fairly well lit most every night."
"It's just so beautiful!" She exclaimed. "I don't think I could ever tire of it."
"Oh, if you lived here you may not even notice it after a while." Picard stated.
"I don't know about that." Beverly replied.
They reached the Garnier and enter the theatre area to watch the performance of "Giselle". As they were waiting for it to start, Jean-Luc began translating the program for her.
"Jean-Luc."
"Yes."
"You really don't have to do this." She informed him. "After all, I do know what a Pas de Duex is and the story of "Giselle"."
"Oh, yes." Jean-Luc said with a smile. "I forget, you are the Dancing Doctor."
"You would have to bring that up." She said, playfully poking him in the ribs.
"I'm sorry." He said, still grinning. "I just
could not resist that one."
As Gisselle started, Beverly and Jean-Luc suddenly got quiet and watched the dancers. In the middle of the ballet Beverly commented on it.
"Such magnificant choreography." She stated in a
whisper.
"Yes." Jean-Luc agreed, trying to keep his voice low, also. "The Garnier generally has the best
entertainers."
"Even the orchestra is wonderful." Beverly added.
"Glad you are enjoying it." Jean-Luc smiled.
They watched the rest of the ballet in silence and when the
ballet ended, everyone stood and applauded. The traditional
bouquet of roses was given to the Prima Ballarinia and all the
dancers bowed to the audience.
Jean-Luc and Beverly departed chatting away about the ballet as they walked back to the hotel, as well as other things about Paris.
"Jean-Luc." Beverly said with a smile. "That was really enjoyable."
"I'm glad the Dancing Doctor enjoyed herself." Jean-Luc said, smiling back at her.
"Enough with the Dancing Doctor already!" She
exclaimed, still smiling. "I thought I had finally lived that down. I guess I was wrong."
"Actually, Bev." Jean-Luc began. "I've always
enjoyed your dancing. I was sorry when you tried to give it up over a silly name. You were exceptional yourself."
"You're just trying to flatter me." She replied.
He suddenly stopped, grabbed her gently by the arm and turned to her. "No, Beverly. I mean it. I really did enjoy watching you dance. It disappointed me when you gave it up all because you were called the Dancing Doctor, but yet, you didn't give up the acting. It's all one in the same and you are good at both. I'm not just saying that because I'm your husband, who is deeply in love with you, either."
All Beverly could do was smile. She had no idea what to say.
"I only hope you give dancing another go again in some play you present." He said. "I, for one, would like to see you dance again."
"Well, when I direct the play "Singing In the
Rain" you'll be the first to know." Beverly stated. It was not with anger or frustration, but a mere statement.
Jean-Luc released her and they started walking again. "Good. I'll be looking forward to it." He replied.
As they walked it started rainy. First softly and then harder. "Well, speak of the devil!" Jean-Luc exclaimed. Then he smiled and playfully added, "How about a preview of that play?"
Beverly turned around and looked at Jean-Luc with his playful grin. "You're not serious are you?" She asked stunned.
"Oh, yes." He replied, still smiling. "Don't let my grin fool you."
"Jean-Luc, are you nuts?" She exclaimed. "There are people who would think I've gone crazy and we are getting soaked as I speak."
"Not if I danced with you." He replied playfully.
"They may think of us as two lovers, who are crazy in
love."
"I'm soaked and you're insane!" She replied and started walking back to the hotel.
Jean-Luc rushed up to her. "Beverly, I don't usually cut loose like this, as you well know, but will you dance with me?"
"And to what music in this rain?" She said, gesturing towards the sky with one hand.
"Pick a song."
"You are insane!"
"Maybe." He said with a smile. "But I'm insanely in love and I want to cut loose in the City of Love. With you of course."
Beverly smiled at what he said. "I never could say no to you."
Then she grabbed his hand with her hand and placed the other over his shoulder. Jean-Luc placed one arm around her waist pulled her in close to him. "Is that why you married me?" He said, still in a playful mood.
"Yes and no." She replied with a smile. "I said yes, because I am so much in love with you, so therefore I could not say no."
"I see." He said and then kissed her before he
continued to dance with her.
"So, what are we dancing to?" She asked.
"Moonlit Senada." He replied. "In B flat. Very flat."
"But there's no moon out with this rain." She said with a chuckle.
"Well, it's something, unless you want to hum a few bars of Singing in the Rain."
"You'd have to do some fancy steppin' to dance to that and I don't think you're up to that." She said smiling from ear to ear.
Then she started to shiver from the cool air and rain mixed
together. Jean-Luc felt her shiver and said, "Maybe you're right. Maybe we should hurry and get you back to the hotel, before you freeze."
"I'm not that cold." She said, not wanting to leave his warm arms. "I'll be fine."
He felt her shiver again. "No." He said releasing her. "We need to get back."
"Well, so much for the insanity." She said softly.
"I was rather enjoying it. Cold and all."
When they arrived in their room, Jean-Luc turns to the shivering Beverly and says, "I want you to take a nice hot shower and get warm."
"Oh, is that your prescription for the chills?" She playfully asked while shivering.
"Yes, now go before I carry you in there and place you in the hot shower myself."
"Oh, now you want to play doctor." She said with a
playful grin. "It might be rather fun to have you do just that."
"Oh, really?" Now Jean-Luc was smiling.
"Really." She challenged.
"Well, then." He walks over and scoops her wet body up, then carries her into the bathroom. Beverly laughs all the way.
He puts her down gently and starts the shower. Then he turns to her. She was still shivering, but not quite as much as she was when they were out in the rain. He then picks her up again, steps into the shower with her and stands her in the shower.
"Jean-Luc, we still have our clothes on!" She exclaimed with laughter.
"So, they're already wet." He replies. "Besides, who says we are going to leave them on?"
He then kisses her and slowly removes the wet clothing from her. Then when he had remove all her clothes he starts to remove his own.
"Allow me." Beverly responded and starts to seductively remove his, kissing every part of his body as she removes his clothing.
When they were both unclothed, Jean-Luc starts kissing her neck and says, "Are you ready for me to finish warming you up?"
Beverly moans out, "Oh, yes!"
They started to make passionate foreplay in the shower and when they had tired of the water they dried each other off. Jean-Luc then carries her to bed and pulls the sheet and blanket over her.
"Aren't you going to finish what you started?" Beverly asked.
"Oh, yes!" He replied as her crawled under the bedding with her. Then he leans over her and kisses her and proceeds to finish what he had started before they got into the shower.