Homecoming

[leonard_mccoy]

Prompt: Homecoming
Muse: Leonard McCoy
Fandom: Star Trek
Word Count: 355
Disclaimer: Leonard McCoy and Star Trek do not belong to me, I only play in their sandbox for fun, not profit.

 

    I hesitated before stepping on the hover-bus that would take me to the suburb outside of Atlanta where Jocelyn had relocated to. I felt like an intruder. Although I had kept in frequent contact via sub-space communications with Joanna since our five year mission began, I had not been back to Earth during that entire time. Five years was a long time, especially for a child. She had been a mere toddler when I left, four years old and now she would be nine. A young lady almost.

    Jocelyn had not restricted my contact with her over the past five years, but she had been surprised by my call from San Francisco. She had not been all that welcoming and informed me that they would be leaving on a vacation soon and I would only have a few days to visit with Joanna. I protested, but she was quick to remind me that she had full custody. I was angry, but I wasn't going to let the short time I would see Joanna be colored by that anger. That anger was for Jocelyn's actions.

    The joy at seeing my baby girl after so long was tempered by my doubts though as I stepped off the hover-bus and made my way to their home. Jocelyn had moved on, there was a new man in her and Joanna's life. A man that Joanna liked and accepted. Was it right for me to intrude now? Should I just stay in the background? Simply just remain as a series of sub-space communications in Joanna's life and stand aside for someone who was there physically? Someone who could attend father-daughter dances with her, could frighten off suitors when the time came?

    "DADDY!"

    The shout stopped me in my tracks as I had turned to walk back to the bus stop. The joy in her voice made me hate myself for thinking of leaving. "Joanna," I whispered, immediately ashamed of the tears in my eyes as I picked her up and held her close. She had grown and was a lot bigger than I remembered, but I bore the weight easily.