Chapter 8

One week later, Haley Foster walked into her quarters, alone, after her shift. She would be meeting Data later for dinner, but he had work to do now in Engineering. She headed for her bedroom to change and shower. She took her time, wanting to be fresh for her evening with Data. Dressed and smelling of a fragrance she knew Data liked, Haley walked back out of her bedroom to get some tea, but something in the living room caught her eye. In the middle of her coffee table was a vase full of huge blood red roses.

“Where did you come from?” Haley found herself asking the bouquet. Coming closer, she saw there were three scrolls attached to the vase - one blue, one red and a larger yellow one.

She reached for the yellow one first, kneeling before the table to read. She immediately recognized Data’s precise handwriting on the scroll.

The contents were as follows: My dearest Haley, my friendship with you has always been a special and valued one. Now, with your help, I have learned just how much deeper a friendship can go. Regardless of the outcome, I will always cherish what we have shared. I now must ask you one more favor. Tied to the vase holding the roses before you are two additional scrolls, one red and one blue. This evening at 1930 hours when you come to the lounge, I ask you to bring with you the scroll that best describes your feelings for me. Perhaps this could be considered a final evaluation from my teacher in the lessons of love. If you bring the red, I will know I have succeeded adequately in my understanding of matters of the heart. If you bring the blue, I will know I still have much to learn. Yours, Data.

Confused, Haley reached for the blue scroll. Opening it, she read its contents. Holding it in her left hand, she pulled out the red. Scanning it quickly, she smiled. Coming back to a stand, she headed for the door, tossing the blue scroll to the floor as she went.

The lounge was teeming with people when Haley arrived but she could only see one person. Data had been sitting nervously at a table, waiting and worrying. When he saw Haley enter, he stood trying desperately to see which scroll she had with her. Haley walked quickly through the crowded room until she reached the man of her dreams. She wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him in for a passionate kiss, the red scroll dropping to the table.

“I love you, Haley.” Data stroked her cheek gently as he spoke before pulling her in for another kiss.

“I love you too, Data.” Haley’s voice was filled with happiness as tears of joy ran down her face.

 “You are my friend, my lover, my confidante, my teacher,” Data began. “You have enriched my life in more ways than I can describe. I have never been happier in my life and I want to share my life with you.”

“Oh Data, you mean everything to me. I can’t imagine my life without you,” Haley smiled.

“Then do not,” Data smiled, kissing her gently on the lips. “Marry me, Haley Foster.” Haley’s eyes went wide as she had not expected a proposal.

“Marry you?” she repeated. “Yes! Yes!”

They did not hear the cheers of congratulations from their friends who had witnessed the scene. They were both completely lost in the moment, in their kiss.