"Your homework is to write a list of twenty affirmations about yourself," Karissa said with a smile. "And it can do anything with your role as a mother, a Star Fleet officer, a friend or daughter. These have to be positive things about you. When I read it I want to know that I am learning about the 'you' that's inside."
The young woman looked at her and smiled. "Well, I don't know... I mean, what do I say?" she asked, unsure of this assignment to help her boost her self-esteem.
"Okay, here's some examples. 'I am loveable. I am smart. I am compassionate.' Does that help?" Karissa asked, her dark eyes, gazing at the young brunette in front of her with a softness in her eyes.
The young woman smiled and nodded. "Okay, I think I can... But I can't guarantee I can figure out twenty," she said in an unsure voice.
"Well, see if you can at least do ten. But I bet you can find more than that." Kassia smiled with a knowing glance.
The young woman nodded and got to her feet. "I'll try... Thanks, Karissa," she replied.
"I'll see you next week, Brenna."
Karissa walked her to the door as it slip opened.
"I'll be here," Brenna smiled and left.
Karissa watched the girl walk away only to see a man walking toward her. Her eyes sparkled as her smile brightened further.
"Dad!" she said as she went to him, embracing him warmly. "What are you doing here?"
"I thought I would see if you're free for lunch," he replied. "After all, it's not like I'm very far away from the hospital now, am I?"
Karissa laughed and took his hand. "It's good to see you here," she said. "Especially now. Sometimes I need a break."
"Was today's session particularly difficult?" he asked.
"Actually no. But there are days... Especially when I get called into the Emergency room. Those days can be trying," she said.
"I bet," he replied, taking his daughter's hand in his own. "So where should we eat?"
"Well, there's a little Greek place not far from here, if lemon chicken soup sounds good," Karissa smiled.
"And some Greek chicken, Feta cheese..."
"Okay, okay, Dad, you're making me hungry!" she laughed. "And we'll have plenty of time. I have at least two hours before my next appointment."
He smiled. "Good, then let's keep going," he replied.
It took them about 15 minutes to find Troy's Greek Restaurant. As soon as they entered, they were shown to a seat. Inside the walls were covered with a holo-image of a view from the top of a Greek island. It was spectacular. They ordered drinks and soon were sipping them to the sounds of birds chirping and the ocean surf in the distance.
"So how are you doing, since we haven't seen you in a couple of days," he smiled.
"I'm good... so is Will and the twins, though Will's working some really tough hours, but he doesn't really mind since he loves his job. Well, he doesn't like missing time with the twins though. But he doesn't work long hours all the time."
"Yes, the life of a doctor can be that way," he rather replied, as the waiter brought them a feta cheese appetizer.
As they ate, he surveyed her quietly.
"So what are you plans for the future?" he asked.
For a moment, she was stunned by the question. "What?"
"You know," he replied. "Speaking of Will... The future... What are your plans together?" he asked taking a small slab of the cheese with a piece flat bread and olives cucumbers.
Karissa put down her cheese and flatbread and looked at him. "I don't know, dad. Really. I haven't planned into the future."
"You have no thought on getting married? Making it official? Your living situation, I mean," he added watching her finally eat.
She was silent as she nibbled on the cheese.
"What is it?" he asked. "You do love him, don't you? I see it in you eyes when you're together. I feel it from you."
"Yes, I do," she said, "But I don't know if I'm ready to take such a big step as marriage, dad. I mean, even..." She grew quiet. "Even Ryan and I didn't marry..."
"But he was going to marry you, wasn't he?" her father said knowingly.
There was a soft pang in her heart. She nodded. "Eventually. We'd talked about it. I think he was waiting for the right moment. I found... I found a ring in his belongings when... I had to pack things up the first time. It was an engagement ring. There was also a song he had written for me with it." Her eyes misted. This was something she'd told no one before and because if it, she wasn't sure she'd ever be able to finally say 'I do' to anyone.
"Karissa, Ryan loved you with all his heart," he said softly. "I know that. I've heard you both talk. I've seen your photo album, and I know how much you two went through to finally find yourselves together. But you know he wouldn't want you hanging onto what was or could have been."
She sighed deeply. "I know. But I feel like... If I were to marry anyone, it would be wrong. I mean, if I should have married anyone, it should have been Ryan."
He reached across the table and took her hand. "But you love William too."
She nodded and smiled softly. "Yes... I do love him."
"Then you will need to find the ability within yourself to eventually reconcile the past and move into the future," he said.
She sighed. "I've made great strides over the last year, but..."
"I know," he reassured her. "But he'd want you to move on. Have this happiness you have and if it comes to marriage, as long as you were happy."
"I know," she replied. "I'll find my way through the forest. After all; I managed to find the path."
With that, Dr. Ryan Bentara smiled at her daughter. "I think you'll be just fine."
Karissa's smile grew.
Suddenly their soup arrived. Karissa immediate began sipping the lemony chicken soup.
"This is quite tasty," he said to her.
"Wait until you try the chicken," she smiled.
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