From: Merry Brandybuck Date: Mon, 26 Apr 1999 14:19:30 -0700 Subject: NEW 155 Words: The Lesson MSR (post-Unnatual) Title: 155 Words: The Lesson Author: Merry Brandybuck Code: V, H Keywords: MSR, post-Unnatural Rating: G Disclaimer: Chris Carter, 1013 Productions, and Fox Entertainment have all. Me, I'm just a borrower. The Lesson By Merry Brandybuck "Mulder.... Mulder, can you hear me?" The voice is familiar, but is muffled and distant, like my ears are stuffed full of cotton. I try to open my eyes, and quickly abandon the idea as a lacerating pain shoots through my head. I try to speak instead, my mind forming the name that my instinct tells me belongs to the voice, and I am rewarded by another sharp pain, this time in my jaw. In fact, my entire head feels like it is trapped in an ancient torture device, slowly being squeezed dry. "Shhh, Mulder. Don't try to move speak. Your jaw is broken." Well, that explains that. "Mulder... Oh, Mulder. I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to... I wasn't thinking... Mulder, I never meant to hurt you." Several images seep through my foggy mind--my arms around Scully's small body, our hands fighting for space on the cool, hard length of the baseball bat, Scully shrugging me off, declaring her readiness to try on her own, the warning that never made past my lips. Don't swing yet Scully, wait till I'm out... "Mulder..." Her voice is husky, and I can almost see the moisture welling up in her eyes. I squeeze her hand, which probably has been entwined with mine for a while, and try to smile. I am quickly reminded that that is not a good idea. "For what it's worth, Mulder, that was the best birthday present I've ever had. Late or early." I sigh inwardly. I can now die a happy man. "And I'm not letting it go to waste, Mulder. I'm going to use all the park hours you've reserved for me. And the ball thrower and the ball-boy. I convinced Skinner to give me the lessons in your place. Did you know that he played right field when he was in college? When you get out of here, we can play a real game, just the two of us... Mulder? Mulder? Mulder!" The image, unfortunately, is now burned deeply into my brain as I seek the numbing darkness of unconsciousness-Skinner's hand on Scully's waist, whispering "I told you, Scully. It's your hips before your hands..." End Author's note: Sorry, people. I tried, I really did.