The Cadet

Letters

SPOCK POV

I had dreaded my Advanced Calculus course all day, which was unusual for me. Most days I was indifferent, but because my students had demanded I do something called "Secret Santa", I was not particularly looking forward to this period.

Because of an odd number of students I had been subjected to place my name into the box as well. I was surprised still by the small, neatly wrapped box that sat at the corner of my desk. Someone had taken great care to make sure every line was straight and that the wrapping was even. As students filed in, I began my lesson, despite several protests about it being the last day before break.

I took particular notice that Evelyn had not only arrived early, but also payed special attention to her appearance. I had seen her wear makeup and dress nice before, but she had never looked so astonishing. The way her thick dark lashes brushed her cheeks that were covered in freckles as she narrowed her eyes at me never failed to capture my attention. And the way her regulation blue dress clung to her suggested that what she wore underneath was not Starfleet approved.

I had tried several times to push thoughts like these out of my head, but ever persistent Evelyn took nearly all control from me. Admittedly, she was attractive. However, her crass judgment and inexplicable hate for me made it evident that we would never get along.

"Alright, since none of you are paying attention I suspect we should move onto this 'Secret Santa' business." I said, sitting down at my desk and watching as they excitedly exchanged gifts. The student I had chosen received a new set of pens and inks, something very practical. I noticed Evelyn a small boxing figurine and some other more feminine items I didn't really care to know the names of. I glanced down at the box, a small more human part of me not wanting to damage the pristine wrapping. However, curiosity got the better of me, and I carefully undid the wrapping. The box underneath was shallow and plain, but what was inside nearly shocked me.

Two tickets to the opera I regularly attend for a showing of Madame Butterfly. A note beneath the tickets slipped out of the box.

I'm sorry.

I only knew one person who not only would have taken the time to perfectly wrap a present and use impeccable penmanship  but also get me something that I might I daresay enjoy. My eyes travelled upward to the half-Scot, a smirk tugging her glossed lips. Finally, my eyes met hers and never had I been so shaken by someone's look before.

EVELYN POV

"You have a safe trip and send lots of pictures, okay?" I said quickly, giving My'ya a hug.

I had helped her pack the night before and was now making sure she had everything she needed .

"I will, now stop preening and let me go, I'll miss my flight!" She said, giving me a light tap on my rear.

"You're sure you don't want me to go to the airport with you?" I asked again.

"No, mom, I think I'm quite capable on my own." She replied, rolling her eyes at me. "Bye hun, don't have too much fun while I'm gone!"

I chuckled, giving her a short wave, "I wouldn't dream of it!" I replied, watching with sadness as the door shut.

I didn't really want to be alone all this time, and sure I guess I could go home, it's only across the way, but I hadn't been home in a while and it didn't feel right. Bones had flown home, I imagine to finalize his divorce, but wouldn't be back until the beginning of term. I thought about Spock for a brief moment, but decided that it was better to leave that line uncrossed. We hadn't really spoken to one another, but it's only been a few days since end of term. I didn't know if he went to the opera alone or with someone, but I had gotten him two tickets regardless. I'm sure he'd prefer an empty box either way.

I looked up at the clock on the wall and realized it was near time when the mail would be delivered. I hopped up and put on some leggings, deciding against the booty shorts I often wore around the house. The walk to the commons building was short, but cold nonetheless. I smiled at the student who helped with the mailing system and gave her my name. She disappeared behind a wall, and came back with a small stack of envelopes. I thanked her and went on my merry way, reading each title on the envelopes. There was a confirmation of my continued scholarship and a post card from Alec in England. I smiled at the picture of the cityscape and tucked it behind the last envelope. My name was elegantly scrawled across the envelope, but it did not have a return address. I opened the letter, pulling out the small piece of paper inside.

Me too.

I knitted my brows at the paper, and tried to study the handwriting. Something else fell from the envelope, and when I looked down something fluttered in my stomach. A gold ticket trimmed with purple flowers. It was the other ticket to Madame Butterfly. There was something else written on the back of the paper.

I hope you have an evening gown. Meet me on platform 7 at 5:00 p.m. this Saturday evening. Don't be late.

I couldn't help the smile that spread across my lips. Of course I didn't have a gown or anything fancy enough for the opera, but a decidedly girlish part of me didn't care. Spock had actually requested I join him. I felt foolish for being so giddy, but something about the Vulcan made me throw caution in the wind.

I raced back to my dorm complex and went straight to room 134. I knocked lightly on the door, excitement bubbling in my stomach.

God, I feel like a child.

The door opened to Stella Winnans, the pretty redhead that Toby was crushing on. She never left for break, but was a known debutante in her younger years. She looked at me a little confused but smiled regardless.

"Evelyn, hi. I wasn't expecting you." She said sweetly, smoothing her hair down. "What can I do for you?"

"This is kind of a long shot and I know we aren't close or anything, but I am in desperate need of someone who can make me look like a girl on Saturday." I said, gesturing down to my attire which was decidedly boyish. "I'm going to the opera and I'm basically gutter trash so I don't know anything about how I should act, talk, what to wear, I-"

She placed a small slender hand over my mouth to silence me. Her blue green eyes were sparkling with joy, "You want me to give you a makeover?" She asked excitedly, a smile stretching across her face to show her perfect white teeth. It was a little unfair how gorgeous she was.

"Something like that, I also need to find a dress. I doubt my bloodstained boxing uniform is going to cut it." I said, giving her a pleading look. "I'd owe you a favor."

She shook her hair, her auburn curls rolling like waves across her shoulders. "I want to do this, I've wanted to for a while."

I looked at her confused, "You have?"

"Yes! You've got the most gorgeous hair and such nice complexion, it's the perfect canvas! I'll even lend you one of my dresses!" She said excitedly, jumping up and down. "I'm so excited!" She practically screamed.

"Thank you so much." I said, giving her a genuine smile.

Admittedly, I was relieved that she was exited about this. I could do some makeup, but not anything that actually made me look good.

I said goodbye and was instructed to come late morning so we could begin.

I can't believe my Calculus Professor turned me into a melting little girl, dying for acceptance.