Spirk (with a small dose of Pinto)

“Well be-bop-a-lula, she’s my baby
Be-bop-a-lula, I don’t mean maybe
Be-bop-a-lula, she’s my baby
Be-bop-a-lula, I don’t mean maybe
Be-bop-a-lula, she’s my baby doll
My baby doll, my baby doll”

“Please explain the meaning of these words.”

Jim stopped dancing around the kitchen to stare at the Vulcan boy who stood just outside the dance floor—er kitchen.

“Vanik. Spock let you in?”

Vanik hesitated before answering. “I obtained entry via Spock…yes.”

Jim nodded. “Nothing really. I mean it’s just a silly song. From a long time ago.”

“What are you doing, Jim?”

“Baking dinner rolls.”

The boy nodded. “That explains the delicious smell. What are we having?”

Jim laughed. “Sorry, kid. You can’t come this time. It’s an adult dinner. We’re having roasted chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans, and cheesecake.”

“And dinner rolls,” Vanik replied. “Very well. I understand there are times adults need to do things without the interference of minors. What is Uncle Spock eating?”

“A quinoa dish formed into the mold of a chicken.”

“You are jesting.”

“No, I swear.” Jim laughed again and held up his hands. “It’s going to be delicious. I think. Anyway. He’ll say it is.”

“Of that I am certain. He has finally learned his lesson not to say something that would threaten the very good thing he has going with you.”

“Did he say that?”

“Indeed.” Vanik paused. “Actually Father did and Uncle Spock agreed. Do you know what today is?”

“Uh.”

“June 01.”

“Right. Yes.”

“And the significance?”

“You got me there, Vanik. Your birthday?”

“Certainly not. My birthday is in the month of September. A month from July.”

Jim turned to look in the oven when his timer went off. “Yep. July follows June.”

“We have that time to decide what to do for the Christmas in July festivities.”

Jim straightened and looked over his shoulder. “Are we still doing that?”

“Why would we not?”

“Well. Aren’t you getting tired of it?”

“Hardly. I look forward to it each year.”

“Vanik.”

They both turned to see Spock standing behind the boy.

“Uncle Spock, I greet you.”

Jim frowned. “Did you just get in?”

“Yes.”

“I thought Vanik said you let him in.”

“I did not. Did you use my code again?” Spock shook his head. “It is time to change it again.”

“Anyway,” Vanik said loudly, after clearing his throat. “I believe, as Humans say, that is my cue to leave. Do not forget what we discussed.”

Jim watched the kid leave and then kissed Spock. “I greet you,” he said with a laugh and a wink.

“Mm. What did you discuss with my nephew?”

“Christmas in July. I think.”

Spock sighed. “Again?”

“Happens every year, babe. Happens every year.”