*** I Wrote this story quite some time back. I have really changed a lot of
it over time, in both The Old Ways and Encounters ( which is finished by
the way.. just got my net access back) So this is what you might call a
repost. More like a total overhaul, although I left the first chapter pretty
much intact.***

***For those of you who remember this story ( or series) you know about
the angst therin ( not necessarily Mulder and Scully either but I'm not
giving that away) Bear with me, a few things have changed, Mulder and
Reily share something else.. that you never knew about ;)***

STANDARD DISCLAIMER: Mulder, Scully, Skinner, Cancer Man, etc.
Belong to Chris Carter, 10/13 productions and FOX. This is an injustice,
but I must deal with it. What's even worse is that it's not a campaign issue!
;)

THE OLD WAYS
By Jennifer Ethridge
pbfloyd@ix.netcom.com

Chapter 1: Wish You Were Here

10/22
     Scully,
          Feeling any better? I wonder when you'll be back. Wonder
when I'll be back. This case is taking longer than I thought. Seems
dial-a-temp doesn't work for the FBI. Oh well. Don't worry, I don't blame
you. Yet. If I have to spend one more day listening to this guy. Agent Sam
Reily, remember? He's been around for awhile, I hear his sister just got out
of Quantico. Actually, I think I've heard enough about his sister. I think I've
had to refuse three blind dates with her. I wonder what she would do if she
knew her brother was doing this. Well, gotta go and listen to more
"theories". Talk to you later. Get well.
                         Mulder

Dana Scully closed the letter and smiled. *Oh, poor Mulder.* She thought,
*his partner's higher up than he is*. She reached over and placed the letter
on her end-table. Mono really took the life out of you. She had been lying
in her bed for nearly two weeks now, and the future didn't look to bright
either. Her last blood test wasn't great. Worse, if that could be said. The
problem was that she never noticed the signs. She and Mulder had been
working hard lately, and she assumed the fatigue was related to that.
Eventually, Mulder insisted she see a doctor. Good advice, it seemed.
When the doctor couldn't find anything wrong he sent her to get blood
tests. They came back showing a strong case of Mono. The doctor said she
had to stay in bed until it passed, no buts about it. Skinner agreed totally,
and she found herself at home, alone, bored, and tired. The letter she had
received was comforting, someone knew she was alive. 

Well, he wasn't the only someone. Her sister, Melissa had come down and
was staying with Scully. Not because Scully really needed her, but the
company they shared then was wonderful. Long talks about everything, it
was like old times. She would have truly been enjoying herself, if she could
stop sleeping so damn much. It was beginning to drive her crazy, Melissa
thought it was funny. In the middle of an argument one day, Scully just fell
right asleep. She turned over in bed, thinking about Mulder. She missed
him. Well, he would be back soon, and then she would probably wish he
was gone. * Can't live with them.......*

10/26
     Scully, 
          I am sorry to say that Agent Reily had died. I'm more sorry
to say that it was his own fault. I know, bad thing to say, but he was too
reckless. You'd have thought that a few years in the bureau would do him
some good. I feel like I could have done *something*......... Anyway, how
are you? I miss the office. It's so hard to keep track of everything when
you're living out of a hotel, not motel, *the worst motel in the world* Well,
at least it has cable....
               See you Soon,
                    Mulder


10/30
     Scully,
          I thought I was coming home, I'm not. This is the strangest
thing of all. They're bringing Sam's *sister* in. I have no idea what goes
through their minds. I honestly don't want to know. Hope you're out of bed
and up and around or whatever .. you know what I mean.
                    Wish you Were Here,
                         Mulder
11/07
     Scully,
          I'm still here. So is she. Bye.
                    Mulder

Scully laughed out loud. It seemed that he and this girl weren't getting
along very well. She showed the letter to Melissa. She got the same
impression form it. Both talked for awhile and conjectured on what she
would be like. 

"Probably one of those know-it-all-'s, like her brother was."Melissa
scanned the short letter. "I bet he'll appreciate your comments from now on
Cat."

"He'd better."Scully frowned. "I want out of this bed."

"No, you have a test tomorrow. When we get the results of that, then *
maybe* you can get out."

"Good, I'm dying for Chinese."

11/11
     Scully,
          You are not going to believe this. *She* is so strange.
Today was her birthday. How did she spend it? Well, we had to drive to
the coast to talk to someone. On the way, she suddenly told me to stop. No
reason, Scully. She just ordered me to stop. She got out of the car and
walked down to the beach. Where she proceeded to just stand there and
*stare* out into the ocean for minutes. Then, without a word spoken, she
picked up a rock, threw it into the waves and came back to the car. That
was it. No explanation. Strange. I have to say one thing in her favor
though. She is *good*. She picked up on something even *you* never
would have. Smile!
                    Mulder


Empty cartons lay on the table. Scully and Melissa had finished off the last
box. In celebration of her tests coming back negative, Scully and her sister
ordered out Chinese. They both hesitated as they both glanced at the
fortune cookies dubiously. Melissa smiled and picked up hers first.
Breaking it open she read "You have great abilities, use tham
wisely...hmmm I'm afraid the great fortune teller doesn't know how to
spell."The two burst into laughter. Scully opened hers.

"Expect the Unexpected. Changes are upon you."

Melissa frowned. "What is that supposed to mean?"

"It means, oh dear sister, that first thing tomorrow, I'm calling Skinner and
telling him I'm coming back."

"That may not be such a good idea you know."

"Why? I'm all better now."She glanced sharply at her sister. "Yes I *am*
getting out of here, I'm all better. No arguments, sis."

"Who me?"

They laughed.


11/17
     Scully,
          Hope this finds you in good health. We wrapped up the case
today, and are on our way back. You have to meet Agent Reily. I don't
know, I think she has problems. Obviously since her brother just died, but
still, she seems to have no emotions whatsoever. Well, see you soon.
                         Mulder

"He's probably in love."Melissa smirked. 

"No, if he was in love, I'd be getting long descriptions about her. He hasn't
even told me her name. There's something strange here."She shook her
head. "I just wish I knew what."

"Well, at least he's coming home."

"Yeah, at least he is."She looked at the letter in her hand. She smiled. "All
of this, and no postcard."Melissa laughed.

"Lousy, isn't it?"

They erupted into laughter.
     
November 22
FBI Headquarters

Assistant Director Skinner stood up and greeted Mulder. "Good to have
you back."

"Good to be back sir."

"How was your drive back?"

Mulder smiled. "It would have been better if we had flown, but"he
shrugged his shoulders "that wasn't meant to be."He frowned, his brow
wrinkling slightly. "About Agent Reily..."

"Yes, a tragedy. You'll have to go to inquiry of course, but..."

Mulder shook his head. "No, I mean the *other* Agent Reily."

"Yes,  I wanted to speak with you about her. I'm tentatively signing her up
to your division."

"But Scully."

"..Is doing perfectly well where she is. Don't worry, I wouldn't *dream* of
splitting the two of you up. No, Agent Reily will only be working with you
on occasions. It's sort of a training period for her."

"Our division is *not* the place you a young, inexperienced agent. With all
respect, I'd advise her to be assigned to a different division. Something
more...."

"Real? Explanatory? I'm sorry Agent Mulder, but to coin a phrase, you're
*stuck with her*. It isn't under my jurisdiction to say otherwise."

"The powers that be?"

Skinner nodded.

Mulder , understood. He turned to go. 

"Agent Mulder, wait."Mulder turned. "Agent Scully told me to give this to
you."He handed Mulder an envelope. 

"Scully's back?"

Skinner smiled. "She was. I sent her home, as a safeguard. It's hard to keep
that woman away from work."

Mulder smiled knowingly. Taking the envelope with him, he walked into
his office. Sitting down at his desk, pushing various papers out of the way,
he opened the letter.

     Mulder,
          They won't let me come back to see you. So, you have to
come see me. Melissa's here, call me when you get back. We'll have dinner.
Italian sound good? Good, Italian it is.
                    Scully

Mulder smiled as he picked up the phone.
                    *
It was dark in the room, smoke filled it completely. Two figures sat in
conversation. A low voice was droning.

"... you want to climb the ladder here?"

"More than anything,"a lighter voice answered.

"Good, I'm giving you  a very interesting assignment. I believe you can do
an excellent job with it. Your performance so far has been exemplary."

"Thank you. So, what do I do?"

The two figures leaned closer, talking in whispers, lest anyone hear.

A cigarette was crushed in an ash tray. A figured walked out of the room
without a sound, closing the door softly behind them.
                    *
In an apartment across town, laughter was the dominant sound. 

"And then what?.."

"Then she was like 'what *is* this Agent Mulder..'

"Oh God."Scully was nearly doubled over. "What did you tell her?"

Melissa smiled. "That it was a part of your collection?"

A roll flew across the table.

Scully stood up. "Allright you two. Enough is enough. Mulder needs to go
home."

"Aw, do I have to?"He widened his eyes. "I'll sleep on the couch."

Scully shook her head. "I'm afraid that's impossible, Melissa's got the
couch."

"Who said it was impossible?"Mulder smiled, Melissa blushed, Scully
laughed. "Or, how about a big slumber party? Then we could tell ghost
stories and eat marshmallows and play truth or dare..."

"STOP IT!"Melissa nearly fell out of her chair, she was laughing so hard.
"Mulder, how much have you had to drink?"

"Not enough. Have any more beers, Scully?"

She sighed. "They're in the fridge. But you are going home Mulder you
*can* walk from here..."

In the morning, Scully nearly fell over her sister as she got out of bed.
Walking into the living room, she saw Mulder sleeping comfortably on the
couch. Feeling strangely refreshed and happy, she walked up to him. 

"Mulder...?"

No Answer.

She tried a little louder.

"Mulder?"

Snores answered her.

"MULDER"

Still nothing.

A glass of ice cold water was thrown on his face. He shot up.

"What the hell...."

Melissa stood behind Scully with a smile on her face. "That is what you get
for messing with me, Agent Mulder."He groaned. Scully turned around.

"What are you talking about?"She glanced quickly at Mulder, then
added"Or do I *want* to know?"

Both Melissa and Mulder laughed. She spoke first.

"Last thing I remember.. I was.."

Scully cut in. "No. Please, I don't want to know..."

"Oh, be quiet, anyway, last thing I remember was falling asleep on the
couch. But then I suddenly woke up to find myself on your floor. I have
*no* idea how I got there."

Mulder smiled, "Aliens."

The room was filled with shrieks as two more glasses of water were
thrown. 

End Chapter 1
*****


THE OLD WAYS
Chapter 2: Changes
By Jennifer Ethridge
pbfloyd@ix.netcom.com

     Agent Dana Scully glanced up from her desk. *Where is he?* She
thought, looking at Mulder's empty chair. His desk was a mess, as usual.
Papers strewn everywhere. She had once said she would throw everything
on his desk one day if he didn't clean it up. Mulder responded by placing a
long strip of electrical tape across the floor. Scully smiled fondly at the
memory.

     "My side, your side."Then he smiled, and sat back down. He hadn't
said a word for nearly a half an hour, then , for no reason at all, they had
both cracked up, laughing so hard they had a difficult time staying in their
chairs. Scully smirked as she recalled just how *many* times 'his side' crept
on over to 'her side'. Shaking her head, she turned back to work. After
being out sick, she had a lot of catching up to do. Engrossed in finishing an
examination report, she didn't notice Mulder enter until his shadow fell
across her desk.

     "Scully? I have someone here I'd like you to meet."Scully looked up
as a woman walked into the room. She was taller than Scully, and heels
brought her within an inch or two of Mulder. Her hair was a chestnut
brown, flowing over her shoulders. Her suit was dark blue, tailored.
Definitely expensive. * Oh, no.* She thought. * Either he's also the tour
guide here, or that's a significant other.* She frowned. * I don't know how
many times I've had to tell him 'no dates in the office'.*

     "Mulder,"she began in a low tone, "If Skinner ever found out about
this..."

     "He would probably laugh his head off."The woman spoke up,
Scully was startled at her bluntness. She pushed her hair off of her
shoulders and smiled. "I think I know what you're thinking, and I can
assure you,"she cast a glance at Mulder "I'm not his type."Scully couldn't
help but laugh at the look on Mulder's face. "I'm Agent Reily. Jessica."She
added her first name as an afterthought. Scully shook the offered hand. 

     *This* is the person he couldn't stand? She must have cut him off at
the first pass.* Scully was beginning to like this woman. She grinned
widely. "It's a pleasure to meet you. I'm sorry about your brother.."

     Agent Reily cut her off. "We weren't close."Mulder gave Scully
*the look *. Scully shook her head in frustration.

     *He's 'worried' about her? Why?* Scully couldn't figure it out. She
didn't want to at that moment. This girl seemed perfectly normal. Mulder
*should* have been chasing her around, not looking at her as if she were
the devil himself. Scully shivered. She would just have to talk to Mulder
later. Now, she turned to Reily.

     "So, Agent Reily, how did you enjoy working with Mulder?"

     Her face clouded slightly. "It was an... experience...I won't
forget."Then she smiled. "I don't know how you do it, Agent Scully."
     
     "Oh, I suppose I'll have to tell you over lunch someday."
     
     Reily nodded. "Sounds great."
     
     "Yeah, sounds all peachy-keen to me too. When do we eat?"Mulder
was resorting to humor- however bad- to mask his impatience and
discomfort. Agent Reily laughed. It was a melodic sound. A real laugh.
     
     "You know that you can't come, it wouldn't work."Reily was
looking at  Mulder strangely. "How could we talk about you with you right
there with us?"She smiled widely, showing a set of straight white teeth.
Scully noticed she had a slight gap as well.

     Mulder frowned. He wasn't sure if he honestly wanted her talking
about him under any circumstances. He watched her face as she smiled.
Her eyes became a strange color green when she was happy. Her whole
face seemed to light up. She was almost... he noticed he was staring.
     
     Scully noticed too. A twinge of jealousy ran through her, but was
quickly suppressed. She knew how she felt about Mulder , but lately she
had gotten a bit possessive. *just gonna have to stop that *. She mentally
shook her head.

     Mulder spoke. "Reily?"

     "Yes *Mulder *?"The question was innocent enough, yet Scully
detected a hint of malice in her voice. Mulder cringed as she said it.
Quickly though, he recovered. Scully saw the grim determination on his
face. He didn't like what he was about to say.

     "Welcome to the division."He blurted out the words and sighed as
if releasing himself from a curse.

     Scully was startled. "What?"

     Mulder glanced knowingly at Scully, nodding slightly. "Agent Reily
has been temporarily assigned to us."

     Reily was quick to add. "It's not permanent, I guess they just
figured that I'd be better off starting with you two, since my first case was
with Mulder."Scully got the feeling that Jessica Reily was extremely
uncomfortable here, and she noticed that most of it had to do with Mulder.
*What happened on that case?* She wondered.

     Just a week ago Mulder had returned from Seattle, Washington
after solving a case with a new recruit, Agent Reily. Actually, he had
started the case with a seasoned Agent Reily, Sam Reily. He died while
trying to show off his skills, Scully still hadn't heard the whole story yet and
she wasn't sure if she ever would. They had then sent in Jessica Reily, fresh
out of Quantico. After that the case was solved quickly. They returned just
as Scully was recovering from a bad case of Mono. That was a week ago,
and Scully hadn't since heard a word about Jessica Reily. Now she would
be working with her? Something didn't fit. 

     "Welcome to the crew."Scully surveyed the room. "Although I have
no idea where you're going to fit your desk. As you can see, space has been
allocated according to only two desks."Scully pointed to the tape on the
floor. 

     "Oh, I have an office down the hall"Reily waved her left hands
slightly, indicating the dark hallway beyone the door.

     *She has her own office* This suprised Scully. * She just gets out
of Quantico and she has her own office?* Mulder gave Scully a knowing
look and shook his head. 

     "Well, if you'd like, I could help you settle in.."

     "Oh, that's not necessary, really."

     Scully shook her head, auburn hair swinging. "No, I insist."She
smiled. "We can talk, at least."

     The two women left the room, and walked down the hallway to a
plain door. Opening it, Reily turned on a light. "it's not much but it's
home."She smiled slightly. Scully wondered if this touch of sarcasm was
what set Mulder off.

"And there's no place like home, is there?"Scully turned on the lights. Both
women looked at the room. Reily gulped.

"This is going to take longer than I thought."

"Well, you have to start somewhere, don't you?"

"I suppose so,"She faltered. "Um, Agent Scully..."

"Dana, or Scully, drop the agent part."

Reily smiled. "At least *someone* doesn't care."

Scully realized then what must have happened. She must have called him
Fox. That was a huge faux pas in  Mulder's book. Still, that wouldn't cause
him to alienate her totally and avoid her like the plague. "You called him
Fox?"

Reily smiled sheepishly. "On several occasions. He was just getting so
exasperating that I wanted to get on his nerves a bit. I have a terrible
temper, I'm afraid. After that, he would have rather seen me on the other
side of the Moon than here."She frowned. "Unfortunately, I can't make his
life any easier now, he's stuck with me, I'm afraid."

Scully smiled at the girl. She couldn't be older than twenty five, although
she seemed more mature than that. *She's young, she shouldn't be here... it
isn't safe...* another voice inside Scully's head spoke up <<We have no
choice in the matter here..>> Scully whipped her head up. She could have
*sworn* that was Reily's voice. But no, Reily hadn't spoken. Then who?
She cleared her thoughts and turned back to the new agent.

"Don't worry about Mulder, he'll get over it after awhile. I'm sure you'll do
great here."

"Sometimes I wonder.. but then, we have no choice in the mater , do
we?"Reily smiled as she walked over to a wall, hanging up a picture. 

"Deja vu."Whispered Scully.

 Mulder stood in the middle of the office, one foot on either side of the line.
He glanced down at the tape and sighed. The winds of change had blown
his way. He had a sinking feeling nothing would be the same. And as he
turned around to make his way to his desk, he heard a whisper behind him.

<<The winds carry new voices..listen..they hold the truth>>

Mulder turned back around.

No one was there.

End Chapter 2
*****************


Disclaimer; everyone (except Jessica Reily) belongs to the people at Fox,
Chris Carter, and 10/13 Productions. 

Lastly, some language that you wouldn't use in church.. PG-13

THE OLD WAYS
Chapter 3: Past Memories
By Jennifer Ehtridge

November 29
Washington D.C

Mulder awoke with a start. The nightmare had returned once again. He
looked at the clock. 2:56. This was the third time he had experienced it. In
the dream, he found himself in complete darkness, floating. Surrounding
him were whispers.
 
<<The winds have brought you here...>>

<< Change is the only constant..>>

<<Fox.....>>

It always ended the same way. When he heard his name, he woke up. The
worst part was that he heard *her* call it out. When Mulder opened his
eyes, he half expected her green eyes to be watching him. But the only
green he saw was the digital light from his alarm clock. Yet he *had* heard
that voice, just the same as she had sounded that day........


Forks, Washington
November 11
12:00 noon

"Fox......"
     
"Mulder."He corrected her *again*.

"Oh, yes, whatever. *Mulder*."The woman beside him smiled. "Where are
we going?"
     
"Somewhere near Aberdeen, I'm not sure where, exactly, those directions
that guy at the gas station gave us aren't the best. We're on 101 right?"
     
Agent Reily looked out the window at the passing signs. "Yes, well, at
least I think so. Yeah, there's one."She turned to him with a smile. "We're
on the right track...Fo.."

"Don't say it."

Reily laughed. Mulder cringed, her laugh was unnerving. He frowned and
gripped the wheel tighter. She was *too* exasperating! *That's what you
get from an inexperienced agent.* Then again, her brother was with the
FBI much longer, and he was no better. *Must run in the family.* He stole
a glance at her. Her face was partially  covered by her hair, she was gazing
out the window at the passing scenery. Mulder pulled his eyes back to the
road. They drove in silence for a while.

"Stop the car,"Agent Reily's voice startled him. "Please."

"What?..." He turned towards her frowning.

"Just do it, all right?"Reily turned to him. Mulder took a slow breath and
pulled the car off the road. Reily opened her door and walked across the
road without another word

Mulder didn't get out after her. * Probably just nature calling* He chuckled
to himself. That would be a good one to hold over her head. He turned to
see her walking. She wasn't going into the woods, no, instead, she was
walking towards the cliff. Slowly, she followed a path down to the beach.
Mulder got out of the car and called out to her.

"Reily, what are you doing?"No answer. Mulder began to follow her,
stopping when he got to the top of the cliff. He had heard stories of people
who for no reason walked into the ocean. It was almost a sense of vertigo
that caused it.  Most drowned themselves. The utter determination with
which she walked scared him slightly. When Reily got to the shore she
stopped. And stood still.

Moments passed. To Mulder it seemed like an eternity that she stood there,
gazing out to the ocean. Sometimes she would raise her head and gazed at
the sky. It was a strange sight. She turned around, picked up a rock and
threw it into the waves. Slowly, she made her way back up the cliff. Mulder
made his way back to the car.
     
He was waiting when she returned. She opened the door and sat down.
"Thank you." Her voice seemed haunted.

"No problem. What the hell were you doing out there anyway?"He couldn't
hold in his concern and frustration.

Reily hesitated. "Just... thinking."

"Thinking? Do you look to the sky for answers?"He couldn't help that
sarcastic comment from coming out. Reily was down there for what
seemed like forever, she had made him stop the car, urgently, and now all
she said was that she needed to think? 


The comment was not lost on her though. She turned to Mulder with a
frown.

"What? Did you think I was contacting the mother ship? Come on Mulder,
give me a break. We're going to be late."

"What gives you the right to tell me we're going to be late when
you're..."His temper was flaring.

"Please."She nearly whispered. "Let's just drop the subject Mulder, we will
be late if we don't go now."He could tell she was holding in anger as well.
He also noticed that when she was angry, she didn't make the  *mistake* of
calling him Fox. Reily turned her head away from Mulder and gazed once
again out her window.

"All right. But will you just tell me why?"

<<All in good time..>>

"No."The answer was somewhat forced.

They drove in silence the rest of the way.


Washington D.C
November 29

Mulder shook the memory from his head. That scene wasn't repeated again
during the case. He hardly even spoke to Agent Reily except when
discussing case facts. She never did tell him why they stopped. He didn't
think she was going to either.

Another thing about that drive unsettled him. When he asked her why, he
could have sworn he had heard her voice say 'all in good time'. But she
hadn't. When he asked her if she had, she just gave him a look that said 
*are you nuts?* But just yesterday, he had heard that same voice in his
office. Things were stranger by the minute. He was beginning to wonder if
perhaps Reily should be an x-file herself.

Mulder sat up. He should try the bed. Dragging himself out of the living
room, he headed for his bedroom. He stopped in the kitchen though, and
got a glass of water. He looked on the counter. There was a bottle of
sleeping pills the doctor had prescribed for him months ago. He had never
taken them , though. *Well, * he thought * Scully says they're ok.*  And
he did need to sleep. Mulder  took the pill and swallowed it. 

Later, lying in his bed, he thought about the voices. * What were they?*
They sounded like Reily, but not quite. It seemed distorted, somehow.
There was something strange about her, that was for sure, *but what?*

The question hung on his conscience as he drifted off to sleep. 

If there were any voices talking to him then, he couldn't hear.

November 30
7:00 am

'Brrriiing'

The alarm clock shocked Mulder awake. He was going to be late, again.

"Not good for your first week back, Mulder."He said to himself. He went
through his morning ritual, caught at one point, trying to decide what tie to
wear. He smiled, Scully would think he was insane. He realized how much
he had missed Scully while he was gone. 

Driving the short distance to the J. Edgar Hoover building, he thought
about the night that had passed. Finally he had gotten to sleep without
anymore nightmares. Yet still he didn't sleep right. When he woke up, his
covers had been thrown off the bed. He sighed as he hit traffic. It was
going to be a long day.

<< It's only the beginning....>>

He slammed on the brakes. "What the *hell* was that?!"He hit the steering
wheel. If this didn't stop soon, he *would* go mad. Either his imagination
was getting away from him, or his conscience was voicing it's opinions very
loudly, and in a female voice. 

Mulder was jerked back into reality as a horn honked behind him. He puled
onto E street and made his way to work.

Scully looked up as he walked into the office. "Mulder, you look terrible,
what's wrong?"

"Just didn't sleep well."Scully looked concerned.

"I'm remembering the *last* time you said that..."

"I'm ok, just had some nightmares."

"Want to talk about them?"She gave him an entreating smile.

"Not really."*what am I supposed to say, 'hey Scully, guess what? I think
Reily's talking to my mind, in my sleep' yeah, sure, and you *know* what
she'll think*

"All right, I guess, you sure?"

"Sure about what?"Agent Reily walked into the room. Mulder glanced up
at her. Once again, she was dressed in dark blue. Pants suit. Her hair was
pulled back from her face....

* Stop it Mulder... no wonder you've been dreaming of her.* he shook his
head. "Oh, nothing, just something Scully said."

"Oh,"she turned to Scully. "I cannot for the life of me get my computer
online. It keeps on asking for a password, which no one bothered to tell
me."

Scully laughed. "I had the same problem. You'll have to ask Skinner for
that."

"Oh, all right. Gotcha."She turned away, and walked towards the door.
"See you later then,"

"Good luck getting by his secretary."Scully called after her. She turned
back to Mulder, and watched his expression carefully.

Mulder watched her walk out * what was it about her that scared him?*

He nearly jumped as he was answered.

<<Whatever you want it to be..>>

               *

Jessica Reily typed the password into the computer. A chime sounded, and
'access granted' flashed across the screen. She got up out of her chair and
stood away from it. Gazing around her office, she sighed. She was in over
her head, once again.
     
"Me and my big mouth."

<<Don't feel sorry for yourself.>>

"Shut up."Reily gazed out into the distance, shaking her head.

<< It would have been fine if not for him>>

"Maybe,"she spoke into the air, "but still it would be wrong. I can't go on
like this."

<< You must.>>

Reily slammed her hand down on her desk, sending a paper flying.
"Damnit, why?"

<< Trust me>>

Reily sighed. "I've trusted you for too many years..."

<< You've had no choice..>>

 She laughed bitterly. "I know, that's the whole problem. I need something
else to believe in. I need ... oh, I don't know.."

<< Mulder? >>

"NO!"she lowered her voice. "No, not him."

<< How do you know he doesn't want..>>

She resisted the urge to kick the wastebasket, instead picking up the paper
that has flown off the desk. "I don't care what he wants, it's no of my
business. And if you have been reading him..."

<< Threats?>>

Reily balled up the paper and flung it forceful into the wastebasket. "Damn
you. Damn all of this. Damn me."She sat down and put her head down on
her desk.

<< Don't worry, I can help..>>

"I DON'T WANT YOUR HELP"Reily yelled. Her voice echoed off the
bare walls of the room. Tears were beginning to form. "Don't you see the
damage you've caused already? Just leave me alone."

<< You forget The Old Ways, you forget your past, you will ruin yourself
this was Jessica.. you know that>>

"I don't need you."

<< Very well.>>

Reily felt the air clear around her. *Good*.  She slumped down onto her
desk and cried unshed tears. * It would all end soon, she knew that. No
matter what, it would end.* 

And for now, that was all she had to hold on to.


End Chapter 3
*******

Ok, disclaimer: All characters that are normally seen on the X-Files are
property of Fox, Chris Carter, and 10/13 Productions. All characters not
on the show are mine, and I hold all rights to them. (EGO TRIP! ;) 

THE OLD WAYS
Chapter 4: To Whom It May Concern
By Jennifer Ehtridge
pbfloyd@ix.netcom.com

December 1
FBI Headquarters
Washington DC

Smoke filled the room. Someone coughed. "Could you just stop smoking
for one minute?"

"Why Agent Reily?, does it bother you?"The man sitting across the desk
from her smirked.

"Let's just say it damages my karma."She smiled slightly as the offending
item was snuffed out into an ash tray. "Now, what did you call me in here
for?"

"I need evidence."

"Heavens. I just settled in."She frowned. "Anyway, I haven't seen anything
unusual. Agents Mulder and Scully are perfectly normal."Again, she
coughed. "And they're a lot healthier than you, I'm sure."

He cleared his throat impatiently. "We aren't here to discuss my health."

"No?"Innocent eyes stared back at him.

"I want Mulder."

"Really?..."Reily could tell he was exasperated with her, but she was upset
too. "I never would have guessed...."

"Agent Reily!" She shut her mouth and listened. "I'm going to tell you this
once again. I need you to get anything and everything you can against
Mulder."

Reily frowned. "What do you have in mind?"

 He waved a hand carelessly. "You can use whatever method you'd like, I
don't care, all I want is something that is useful."

She shook her head. "Why do you want to get rid of him anyway?"

 The man frowned. "You're here to do your job, not ask questions. There
are things you don't need to  know about."

"Hell, I *want* to know, and I'm afraid just because I *shouldn't*
know...."

Impatient and frustrated, the man lit another cigarette. This time, Reily
didn't complain. She knew it was time for the jokes to end. Leaning
forward across the desk, he spoke in low tones.

"Agent Mulder has been prying too much lately. The answer to that
problem is to simply stop him."

"Why don't you just dismiss him then? I'm sure you could pull a few
strings.."She smirked inwardly. * He's probably tugging on the whole damn
rope.*

"I needn't give my reasons to you."

"Right, my job...."

"Yes."

Reily sat for a moment in silence, allowing it all to sink in. "And Scully?"

"Agent Scully is not a threat when away from Mulder. Don't worry about
her, yet. Here, these should help you."He pushed a few items across the
desk and leaned back.

Reily picked up a tape recorder from the desk, and took a piece of paper
with security access codes. She left the room, closing the door on the
smoky interior. Reily took a deep breath. Fresh air. She placed the recorder
and slip of paper in her purse, then strolled down the hallway.

          *

"I'm telling you Scully, I heard her say it."Mulder stood, leaning against his
desk. Frown lines creased his brow.

Scully, sitting at her desk, shook her head. "Mulder, sometimes our mind
*thinks* it hears, or even sees something. Perhaps what we *want* to
hear. What you *heard* most likely was caused by the nightmares. It's like
deja vu. You should know this Mulder."

"What about the day in Washington?"He addend the point hopefully.

Scully shrugged. "Your mind probably added that this morning."

 Mulder sighed. "I guess so, I'm just having a hard time concentrating,
that's all."

Scully laughed. "No wonder Mulder, look at her, she's attractive. Admit it,
you're intrigued."

"It's not that..."He shook his head.

"And she's a mystery. A big one. You know you can't resist that."

Mulder nodded, "Maybe that's it. I guess I'm just.... well... I guess it is all in
my head."

Agent Reily walked into the office, holding a folder. She walked across the
room and handed it to Scully. "All done."

"What's all done?"Mulder stared confused. Reily smiled.

"Scully just had me go back over a few case files. I jotted down some
notes. One of the cases was rather interesting."

That caught Mulder's attention. "Which one?"

"San Antonio. The ritual killings. Two girls were murdered, then mutilated,
the limbs and head placed in a cemetery."

"Other than being extremely gruesome, there was nothing strange about
that."Scully was frowning. * Oh, great, now I've got *two* of them seeing
aliens and ghosts around every corner.* Mulder spoke up, breaking her
sarcastic thoughts.

"I'd have to agree with Scully. There was nothing unusual about those
killings. Many satanic rituals are like that. They were just two girls
murdered by hateful people."

<< And is that acceptable?>>

"I disagree. This case was *not* a ritual killing. At least not one like
anything that's been seen before. No human could have killed them."

Both Mulder and Scully looked up sharply. "What?"Mulder was watching
Reily intently, Scully was frowning deeply. Reily pushed on. She turned to
Scully.

"In your report, you stated that the bodies had been dismembered,
correct?"

Scully nodded, not knowing where this was going. "That was the cause of
death, to put it simply... drawing and quartering."She closed her eyes. "the
loss of blood is what ultimately killed them. You don't live for very long
when someone is tearing you apart."She  suppressed a shudder at the
thought.

Reily nodded. "Yet there was evidence that the girls were already dead
when they were.. um.. you know..."Reily faltered slightly.

Mulder frowned. "What exactly are you saying?"

 Reily walked across the room and leaned on Scully's desk. "I noticed some
other things as well. There was severe internal bleeding in the digestive and
respiratory system. The brain itself looked as if it had imploded. Yet there
were no signs of poison, and I'm willing to count trauma out."

She glanced at Mulder. One eyebrow was raised. Regarding her strangely,
he spoke softly. "Psychic projections?"

She nodded slowly. "Exactly. Except there's one problem. *No one* could
possibly harness power like that. In energy, telepathy is the least energy
consuming. To actually throw force physically, as in self defense, is
extremely exhausting. But to actually cause that damage, inside the body..
to collapse the brain...."

"Wait a minute."Scully was squinting her eyes, in thought. "are you saying
that these murders were committed by a psychic?"

"A psycho psychic?"Mulder grinned at his own joke. The two women in
the office paid him no mind.

Reily nodded. "Yes."

Scully shook her head. "I'm sorry, but that doesn't exist."

<< Are you sure about that? >>

Scully lifted her head and quickly looked at Mulder.

"What?"

Reily was looking at Scully with concern. 

She spoke. "Is something wrong?"

"Yes. No, I mean, I could have sworn.... nevermind."Scully glanced back
down at her desk.

Reily looked at her for a moment. "You don't believe in psychics, do
you."It was phrased more as a statement than a question.

"There are a lot of things she doesn't believe. "Mulder walked across the
room. He stopped next to Reily. She had to look up to see his face. He was
*too* close. "How do you know about all of this?"Reily tried to avert her
eyes from Mulder's but failed miserably.

He held her gaze. Her face seemed to transform. Reily's lips parted as if to
speak, but she quickly looked away. "I suppose I just find it interesting."

<< Liar >>

Reily swung back to face Mulder. * Did he hear it? * No, his expression
was blank. Then it changed. His gaze held something different as he spoke.

"You know Reily, smoking is hazardous to your health."

* Oh shit.* Reily never thought that smell would follow her. * Stupid 
stupid  stupid * She felt herself begin to panic. *Play it off..*

"Really? Thanks for the advice."She walked out of the room, feeling
Mulder's gaze following every step. She silently cursed herself for her
foolishness. Turning the corner away from his stare it took all she had from
running into the safety of her office.
               *

When Mulder turned back around, he saw Scully sitting at her computer.
He waited as she typed. Then Scully turned back around to face him, her
expression grave.

"She doesn't smoke, Mulder."He nodded.

"I know."He was staring off into oblivion.

"Mulder, what's wrong?"

"Nothing, I'll just be a minute."He left the room.

Walking down the hallway, Mulder thought about what had just passed. He
had heard a voice say 'liar'. He knew it was directed at Reily, yet he had
heard it too. She had spun around when she heard it, probably to see if he
heard it too. Mulder had a hell of a time keeping a bland expression.

He stopped at a door. Knocked. Then opened the door. Reily was sitting at
her desk, gazing at her computer screen. She touched a few keys and the
screen went blank. 

Mulder coughed, leaning against the doorframe.

"Hi Mulder, come on in."

He walked in and sat down in a chair.

"I said come in, I didn't say make yourself at home."He checked to see if
she was joking, she was.

"Oh, forgive me."

She laughed at his expression. "All right, you're forgiven..."

<< Fox>>

"I said it was Mulder. I don't know how many times I'm going to have to
tell you this, *Jessica* ..."

"Whoa, wait a minute. I never said anything. I know it was kind of terrible
of me on that drive, but I swear, I won't do it again."

"Are you sure...?"

"What are you saying, that it just came out of nowhere?"Her words came
out a bit hastily.

Mulder frowned. "Something like that."He knew he was baiting her, and he
was doing something he shouldn't. He was enjoying every minute of it. "I
think it may have been a ghost."
She was sweating underneath that calm exterior, and he loved it.

"Oh really?"She raised an eyebrow.

"Yeah, although I have heard of some people possessed and.."

<< Stop it, NOW>>

Mulder was shocked. He looked at Reily. * Was that her?* He tilted his
head to ask the question. It was answered before he got a chance to open
his mouth.

<< No, it wasn't her. She doesn't have the power now.>>

Power? Now? Mulder wondered what that meant. He expected an answer.
To his dismay, he didn't get one. Reily noticed him staring at her.

"Mulder, what are you here for?"She tilted her head.

"What? Oh, I, um... I wanted to ask you a bit about the case you went
over. How is it possible for someone to do that with their mind?"

"I wouldn't know."She looked at him. "And honestly, I don't want to talk
about it."

Mulder put his feet up on her desk. "So, what *do* you want to talk
about?"She had a sarcastic remark on the tip of her tongue, but thought of
something else. She glanced down, where the recorder sat on her desk.
With a flip of a switch, she would be able to get anything he said. *now is
your chance, Jess* She flipped the switch without him seeing.

"Tell me everything you know."

He raised his eyebrows.

"Earthling."
     
He laughed. "Take me to your leader."Mulder watched as Reily smiled. 
"What do you want to know?"

Reily shrugged. "How about everything I *shouldn't* do here."* was it
going to be this easy?*

"I can tell you plenty of things , since I've done them all."
     
"Yeah, I heard you were a bit unorthodox."

"Oh, that's an understatement..."

They talked for a solid thirty minutes, then Mulder rose to go. "Better
check on Scully, you can't leave her alone for long, she starts to phase out."

Reily laughed. "Right, go check in on her."

"Reily?"

She looked up. "Yes?"

"Well, I guess I wanted you to know I've said a few things, that if they got
out, they may be used by the wrong people."

"Why did you tell me then?"

He paused before he walked out the door, asking himself the same
question. "Because I think I can trust you."Then he left. Reily watched the
door close behind him. His words echoed in her mind.

* Because I trust you,*

Reily sighed. "Bad choice Mulder."She flipped the switch and took out the
tape. This alone could be enough against him. She could take it to him right
now. Then she wouldn't have to endure any more smoky visits.  Reily
stared at the small tape, moving it about, watching the light catch on its
metallic surface.

<< Can you do that? Can you sacrifice him and his hopes?>>

"What are you talking about?"

<< Jessica, my child, can you not feel his pain, see his loss?>>

Reily sighed. "I only wish I could."

She placed the tape in her pocket. She would decide what to do with it
later. Now she had work to do, and a damned Guardian to deal with.

<< I heard that..>>

Reily smiled. "I know."

               *

Scully wasn't in the office when Mulder returned. Instead, she was in
Skinners office, involved in quite an exchange of words.

"Are you joking?"

"I'm sorry Agent Scully, but these are my orders. I wish I didn't have to
send you away at this time of the year, but other officials were asking for
you specifically."Skinner shrugged his shoulders in a
"what-can-I-do"gesture.

"What about Mulder?"Scully didn't like the sound of this.

"He's going to stay here, get Agent Reily acquainted with the job."

"I cannot believe this."She slumped in her seat.

Skinner leaned across the desk and took Scully's hand. "Dana, I'm sorry.
It'll only be until the middle of January. You were requested for a year. I
got it down to two months."

Scully put her head in her hands. "It sounds like a prison sentence."

Skinner smiled. "I'm not sure if I'd call Tampa a prison sentence."
                    *

Mulder waited for Scully to return. While sitting at his desk, he thought
about Jessica Reily. *What was it* He would have confided his life story to
her if he had just stayed a few minutes longer. Sighing, he glanced at the
poster on his wall. It read: I WANT TO BELIEVE.

After his time spent in the x-files, Mulder began to wonder just what he
wanted to believe in anymore.

<< What do you think?>>

He was startled. Not by the voice, which he had become quite used to by
now, but by Scully, walking into the office, her head hanging.

"Hey, don't slouch Scully, it makes you look short."

She looked up. "Mulder, I'm going away."

"Where?"He stood up, concerned.

"Tampa. I'll be gone for a month or two, I'm not sure."

Mulder frowned. "I don't get to come along?"

"Nope."Scully smiled. "You get to baby-sit."

"She's not *that* young.."He stopped midsentence, catching himself.
     
They both laughed after he said that.

"Oh God Mulder, is it safe to leave now?"

Mulder sobered up. "Scully it may be the safest thing you've ever done."

"Oh, stop it. If you get all paranoid on me again.."

"I'll behave."He smiled innocently.

"Promise?"

Mulder looked at her, then deadpanned.  "No, of course not."
               *

In her office Reily was looking over the personal files for Agent Fox
Mulder. There was a ton of information. She read it for a while, then came
to a part titled family: father dead, mother living somewhere north. Sister...
missing? 

"Is that what you were talking about?"

<<Yes>>

"Hmmm."She scrolled down a few more pages. *this is insane* she
thought, closing the file. * I have no right to do this*

She didn't. But that was what she had to do. 

It was her job.

And Agent Reily was not looking forward to it.

End Chapter 4
***************************************************


THE OLD WAYS
Chapter 5: Hauntings
By Jennifer Ethridge
pbfloyd@ix.netcom.com


December 7
FBI Headquarters
Washington D.C

Scully had been gone for a week now. Mulder sat at his desk with a large
pile of sunflower seeds, chewing. He began to throw another empty shell
on the floor when Agent Reily walked in.

 She walked in to the room and stopped. "I feel sorry for Scully. I don't
know how she stands it Mulder, this place is a mess."

"Well, her side of the room is still clean."Mulder shrugged and threw the
shell onto the floor.

Reily laughed. "You can tell whose side is whose."

"Whatcha been doing?"Mulder asked, unperturbed. 

Reily shrugged. "Nothing much. Skinner had me writing a few reports up.
That Johnson case is most definitely not paranormal or unusual in any way.
I don't even know why he gave it to me, it was so cut and dry."

Mulder smiled ruefully. "Get used to it. Most of the cases we get are
normal. However, the ones that are abnormal are.. well..."He waved his
arm about, searching for a word.

She smirked. "Abnormal?"

 "So I'm not feeling very verbal today."But it wasn't just that. He missed
Scully. He had been sitting in his office, doing absolutely nothing but stare
at Scully's desk. Well, that and think about the chestnut haired, green eyed
woman down the hall from him. Mulder shook his head.  He desperately
needed Scully then, to keep him out of trouble.

Reily grabbed a handful of seeds and sat down in a chair. "You know,"she
said, neatly cracking a seed between her teeth, "I could get used to
this."She threw the shell in the wastebasket, then looked at Mulder. He was
giving her a funny look. "What?"

"Hmm?"He hadn't heard her.

She threw a seed at him. "Mulder, you're spacing."

"Oh? I guess I'm just bored."

Reily nodded. "Yeah, nothing exciting seems to happen here."

<< Just you wait>>

Mulder raised his eyebrows. Reily looked away. He frowned. "What was
that?"

 "What?"

Mulder shook his head. "I've been hearing voices, weird sounds."

Reily smiled slightly. "Mulder, are you feeling all right?"

He looked at her. She *still* wasn't going to tell him.

<< She can't >>

Mulder frowned. The phone rang, and Reily  jumped for it. 

"X-Files division, we deliver, can I take your order..."

Mulder watched, mouth hanging open as she spoke. * What does she think
she's doing?*

Reily frowned, nodded, said things like "uh huh,""I understand", "yes"etc..
Finally she said "goodbye".

Hanging up the phone, she said, "Skinner wants to see us."

 Mulder's jaw dropped. She acted that way with the Assistant Director?
"That's it?"

Reily grinned. "That, and he wants pepperoni with extra cheese."Mulder
couldn't help but laugh as they walked out of the room.
               *

"You wanted to see us sir?"Mulder asked.

"Yes, please, sit down."

Reily sat, Mulder remained standing. Skinner shrugged. "I have a case I'd
like you two to take a look at."He pushed a file across the desk. Reily
picked it up and read in silence for awhile.

She raised an eyebrow. "More ritual killings?"

Skinner nodded. "Much the same as a few others Agents Mulder and
Scully have investigated. There are many similarities."

Reily began reading a coroners report. "... severe bleeding of internal
organs, brain was severely damaged, no signs of toxins of any kind in blood
stream. Death concluded to be caused by severe trauma..."

She looked up at Mulder, then handed him the folder. "One victim's limbs
were arranged in a symbol form in cemetery.."

Reily spoke. "San Antonio?"

Mulder looked down again. "No, somewhere on the eastern shore... near
Ocean City, I think."

Skinner spoke up. "I want the two of you to drive out there and find out
what's going on. Arrangements have been made. You're expected sometime
tomorrow."

Mulder smiled. *Finally I can get out of here..* the smile quickly
disappeared.. * Oh, with her *
               *

Reily paced across her living room. She was forgetting something. She
glanced at her small suitcase. She had everything, but she still felt like she
was missing something. Frustrated, she walked towards her kitchen, and
opened her refrigerator. While moving the orange juice out of the way to
see if just one Pepsi can may lurk behind it, the phone rang. She jumped,
nearly hitting her head on the door. In two quick strides she crossed the
room and picked up the phone.

"Yes?"

"Reily?"

She smiled. "Oh, hi Mulder."

"What time do you want to leave in the morning?"He sounded rushed.

"When is the traffic best?"

"Well, it's off season, so not too many people will be going that way. Still,
the bridge gets pretty congested."

"So when's the best time to leave?"

"Depends, either very early or very late."

 She frowned. "I think I get the picture.... how early?"

"I'll pick you up at five."

Reily sighed. "AM?"

"Yep. I'd suggest you go get some beauty rest. I *do* have to drive with
you for a good three hours..."

Reily made a face at the receiver. "See you at five then."She hung up the
phone before he had a chance to say goodbye.

<< That was rude >>

Reily let out an exasperated sigh. "Oh, leave me alone."

<< No, you hurt his feelings >>

"What?"She looked up, exasperated. 

<< Like I said..>>

"You *have* been reading him!"

<< Well, maybe a little..>>

Reily flopped down on a red velvet armchair and stared at the ceiling.
"Sometimes I wish you would've just let me drown."

<< I couldn't have >>

Reily closed her eyes. "Why? You never save anyone else."

She could almost hear the sigh. << I've told you so many times..>>

"Right, I was the 'chosen one'."

<< You weren't even chosen. >>

 She rolled her eyes. "Oh, boost my self esteem why don't you."

<< You should apologize.>>

"Huh?"

<< * Mulder * >>

"Oh yeah, Mulder. I'm not going to call him back. And speaking of Mulder,
you've been *talking* to him too, haven't you?"

<< I can't help it. He's very verbal in his thoughts, very emotional. >>

"Mulder? Emotional?"Reily raised an eyebrow.

<< Jessica, why did I ever save you? >>

Reily smiled. "Heaven didn't want me, hell sure as anything wouldn't take
me.. You also forget, I had no choice in the matter."Her expression
changed. 

<< The Old Ways are indeed mysterious. >>
     
Reily smiled ruefully. "This coming from a Guardian."

<< Go to sleep >>

She yawned. "Right."
               *

Mulder stared at the phone. * What did I say? Must have been the crack
about the beauty sleep. Didn't know she was that sensitive.*

 Shrugging, he walked to his closet, pulling out two suits, jeans, sweaters,
and other sundry items. He threw the lot of it on his bed and began
packing.

Scully would know what to do. But she was gone, and he wasn't about to
call her now. If she were here, would he stop thinking about Reily? *
Doubt it * He and Scully were friends, one could even say best friends. But
they weren't lovers. He had had to face that fact a year ago. When he
almost lost her, he realized he loved her, but perhaps not enough to spend
the rest of his life with her. It was confusing even to him. Sometimes he
wondered 'what if'.

Now Reily. When he was least expecting it, she popped into his vision.
Literally and otherwise. There were strange things happening, and if Reily
wasn't the cause, she was the conduit. 

Mulder threw some socks into the suitcase. He needed to stop thinking
about Reily and start thinking  about packing, not to mention sleep. He was
joking with Reily, but he needed some beauty sleep too. After his packing
was done, he laid down in bed and closed his eyes. He knew he had to
sleep.

<< Good idea. >>

Mulder frowned and turned over. "I'm going crazy, aren't I?"

<< No >>

"Reily?"

<< Wrong Again >>

* Either I'm going crazy, dreaming, or I'm talking to a nothing *

<< You are a terrible guesser, and I took that last statement as offensive.
>>

"Who, no, *what* are you?"

<< Maybe another time, now, you need to sleep. >>

Mulder was about to protest when his head was filled with the sounds of
the soft, gentle crashing of the sea. His lids grew heavy. Mulder drifted off
to sleep, all thoughts of Jessica Reily erased from his mind.


End Chapter 5            
*************

Disclaimer in Chapter 1

THE OLD WAYS
Chapter 6: Prey
by Jennifer Ethridge
pbfloyd@ix.netcom.com

December 8
Georgetown 
4:00 AM
     
Reily heard her alarm and  pulled a pillow over her head to muffle the
sound.

<< Jessica >>

Unfortunately, there were *some* sounds you couldn't muffle.

<< Jessica, it's time to get up... >>

She mumbled, and burrowed further under the covers.

<< JESSICA >> The voice thundered in her head. Reily sat up. She was
not a morning person by any standards.

"All right all ready, I'm up,"she grumbled indignantly.

She dragged herself through the morning ritual of getting ready without a
thought. She walked over to her closet and picked out a comfortable suit.
It was black with pin stripes. She smiled fondly at the memories it invoked.

"Jess, you look like a mobster."

"Thanks Sam, love you too."

"It's the Godsister!"
     
"Ha ha ha , you're a riot."

"I know."

Never again would she have a conversation like that one ( much as she
hated them ) Sam was gone. The only part of her family she had felt any
true connection to. Dead.

Sometimes she wondered if she was indeed heartless. She hadn't mourned
him. They had grown apart the day she decided to follow in his footsteps
and join the FBI. She remembered it clearly. They were at home in
Columbia, walking through the back fields of their estate. 

"Sam?"

"Yes?"He turned to face her.
     
"I'm joining the FBI."

He stopped in his tracks. "What?"Casting a sideways glance at her he
continued, "you're joking."

"No, I'm not."

He had tried to talk her out of it. The reasons he gave ranged from the
logical ; "You just got your Masters, go for your Doctorate."To the
desperate; "Jessica, you don't know what you're getting into."

That could have been the best piece of advice she would ever hear. But it
was too late now. It was also the last time she had spoken to her brother in
person. Now, she was beginning to understand what he had said. Perhaps
she had gotten in over her head this time.

Dressed, she dragged her suitcase into the foyer. Placing it by the door, she
turned back around and picked up her coat. After a few minutes of pacing,
and making sure the coffee pot was turned off ( about six times ), she sat
down on a plush velvet couch. Growing impatient, she stood up and 
walked over to her stereo.

Reily glanced at her CD's. Picking out a few, she placed them into a small
black flip storage box. ..* this one, definitely, maybe, this one? No...*

Before she could choose any more, her doorbell chimed. It was Mulder.
She opened her door. "You're late."

He shrugged. "I got lost."

She smiled. "In Georgetown?"I thought this was one of the easiest areas to
find your way around."

 He grinned. "Not in the dark."He looked at her. "Nice suit."

Reily's eyes narrowed. "Not funny."

"I meant it."He saw her relax. "This your bag?"

She nodded. He smiled. "I guess we can go now."

She let him take her bag. Locking the door behind her, she walked down
the stone steps in front of her brick town house. Mulder closed the trunk of
the blue Taurus and came around to the passenger side. He opened the
door for her with a flourish. "Miss...?"

She laughed at his absurdities. "Why thank you, kind sir."She spoke in her
best southern accent. He laughed, and got in on the drivers side. 

Finally on I95, Mulder turned his gaze to Reily. "Tired?"

She nodded. "Very."She turned on the radio. Fooling around with the dial
she frowned. "Ugh! I hate weekday mornings, talk, talk, talk."

Mulder nodded to the CD holder on the floor by Reily's feet. "What's in
there?"

She picked it up and opened it. "Hmm, lemme see. Ok, your choice. I've
got U2, Enigma, Bowie, Stones, Loreena McKennitt, 3 Tenors, umm,"she
flipped by a few empty slots... "Sting, Elton John, Live, red Hot Chili
Peppers, Yanni.."

Mulder raised an eyebrow. "Quite a variety."

"I love music."She smiled wistfully. 

"My choice?"

She nodded.

"You choose."

Reily raised an eyebrow. "That's your choice?"

"Yes, my choice in the choosing is for you to choose."

Reily laughed and picked a CD out at random. She placed it into the player
and sat back as haunting sounds filtered through the speakers. 

"Enigma?"

"Mmm Hmm."

"Good choice."

Reily sighed closing her eyes.

Look into the mirror of your soul
Love and hate are all in one
Sacrifice turns to revenge, and believe me
You will see the face who says
I love you.... I'll kill you
But I'll love you forever....
               *

Soon they were crossing the Bay Bridge. Reily looked out the window at
the passing water. 

*Hey, you there?*

<< Of course.>> The voice sounded musical in her mind.

* What's up?*

<< Jessica, you never cease to amaze me with your expanding
vocabulary.>>
     
* Sorry, I'm just tired.*

<< It is all right. How is your trip going?>>

* I'm bored. *

<< So do something entertaining. >>

"Like what?"She didn't realize she had spoken out loud until Mulder turned
to face her. 

"Like what what?"

Reily smiled. "Sorry I was just thinking out loud."

"About?"

"Nothing in particular. Actually, "she said, pressing stop on the player, "I
guess I just wanted a change of music."

Reily leaned back once again and closed her eyes, letting the music absorb.

A little death 
 Without mourning
No call
 And no warning
Baby...a dangerous idea
 That almost makes sense.

She sighed, reflecting.

Love is drowning
In a deep well
All the secrets
And no one to tell
Take the money
Honey 
Blindness

Reily felt Mulder's eyes on her, but didn't open her own for fear of what
she might find in his gaze.

Love is blindness
I don't want to see
Won't you wrap the night
Around me
Oh my love
Blindness
               *

Mulder and Reily arrived in town around nine o'clock. They found the
motel Skinner had written down. Pulling into the parking lot, Mulder
stopped the car, then looked at Reily's sleeping form.

"Reily?"When she didn't answer he reached over and shook her gently.
"Hey."

She jumped up with a start and a strangled cry. Wide eyed, she looked
around, only relaxing when she saw it was Mulder's hand on her arm.

"You okay?

She nodded.

"We're here."

"Oh."Reily glanced outside. *yes, we're here* She was having a hard time
waking up, again.

They got out of the car and went to check in. Mulder handed her a room
key and went to get the suitcases out of the car. Reily walked up a flight of
stairs and down an outside hallway. C21, C24, C29. She put the key into
the lock and opened the door.

Walking in, she dropped her purse on the floor and walked over to a small
table in front of the balcony. Opening the sliding door, she stepped out. It
wasn't ocean front, just view. But being so close to the water comforted
her. She absorbed the smell of the ocean for a moment, the turned back
inside. 

* Not bad* she thought looking around. Seeing another door she walked
over. It had a lock on it, which she undid. *Strange place for a closet.* She
opened it, and was a bit startled when she saw another door. *Heavens,
I've stepped through the looking glass* She laughed. Then jumped as the
other door opened, Mulder standing behind it.

"Agggh!"

Mulder laughed. "BOO!"Then he smiled. "I didn't know I looked that bad."

"Sorry, I guess I'm just a bit jumpy today. I haven't had enough coffee."She
stood back as Mulder walked into the room.

"Not bad.. hmm."

Reily gazed in to his room then laughed.  "Mulder, the rooms are exactly
the same."

"Are they?"he asked innocently, "Yes, I suppose you're right."

 She shook her head. "I guess we should tell the local police we're here."

Mulder walked back towards his room, and stopped by her. "Meet you out
in front in five minutes."

Reily locked the door behind him.
               *

A few hours later, Mulder and Reily were driving to the scene of the crime.
They pulled off onto a dirt road, where Reily spotted a sign. "There it
is,"she said pointing. The cemetery was overrun with weeds, and gave off
that errie feeling places like that gave people.

Mulder stepped out of the car and watched as Reily walked around the
headstones. He could tell she wasn't enjoying this. Neither was he. They
had talked to Officer Richards, who wasn't about to tell the FBI anything,
much less any good information about the case. Mulder frowned, what did
he expect anyway?

He turned his attention back to Reily. Her black suit gave off the
appearance of a mourner, trying to find the grave of a loved one. Only with
a gun. * Would she mourn me?* Mulder realized what he was thinking and
how morbid he was getting and shook his head. Graveyards did that to
him. Had ever since he was a child.

Reily walked around each stone, straining to feel *something *. She
frowned. * You could help a little you know.*

<< There are some things you must do on your own >>

Reily frowned. * This is one of them?*

<< No, I don't *want * to help on this one >>

* Thanks a lot. *

Reily then felt the Sight enter her. Smiling to herself, she concentrated on
the stones around her. So much death, so much sorrow. She walked
around a hedge, and stopped dead in her tracks.

The marble angel towered about five feet in the air. It would have been six
feet if the head wasn't lying on the ground. Looking down at it, she *saw*
the blood. Reily felt a wave of nausea wash over her.

<< I knew I shouldn't have done this >>

*No, I need to know what happened here.* She felt a 
strong gaze on her. "Mulder?"She turned around. Not Mulder.

A teenager stood by her. Reily began to speak when she *felt* his mind,
probing hers. Startled, she realized he was trying to read her. She slammed
down every protection she could think of to block him. As she was doing
that however, she caught a glimpse of what he was trying to do.

* What the hell...* He broke away from her gaze and ran. She followed.
"Stop, FBI. Come back here, damnit!"Then, as an afterthought., "Mulder!"
     
Reily ran hard, dodging headstones and shrubbery, but he was faster. She
tripped over a fallen headstone and fell.

"Shit."She turned over. He was gone. Reily tried to pull herself up, and
cried out in pain. Her ankle was twisted badly and it hurt like hell. She
mumbled various curses as she tried to stand. 

Mulder came running up. "Reily, what happened?"

"This guy was there and he..."She trailed off, he wouldn't believe her
anyway. "I fell."

"Can you get up?"he was looking at her with concern.

"Of course I can."She proceeded to then try and prove that bold statement.
However, as soon as she put weight on her right ankle, pain shot up her
leg. Mulder caught her before she fell.

"Are you going to be sensible and lean on me, or do I have to do the cave
man thing and carry you all the way back?"

"You wouldn't dare.."

 He raised an eyebrow."Wouldn't I?.."

She decided it would be a good idea not to push him any further. Leaning
on him, they made their way slowly back to the car. Mulder helped her sit
down. "Were taking you to a doctor. Make sure it's not broken."

Reily sighed and gazed out the window. * was he the killer?* If so, she and
Mulder were in serious danger. The car went over a bump and she winced.
Her ankle hurt very badly.

<< Don't worry yourself >>

* I wish it was that easy. *

<< I'll take care of it.>>

* Him? * She perked up.

Reily heard a chuckle. << I meant your ankle. Your on your own with him.
>>

* Why?*

<< He's Guarded.>>

Reily's eyes widened. * By you?*

<< No >>

* Then who?*

<< I'm not sure, perhaps Achilia? >>

Reily slouched. This was shaping up to be one of those 'abnormal' cases if
she had ever seen one.


End Chapter 6            
**************


THE OLD WAYS 
Chapter 7: The Chase
by Jennifer Ethridge
pbfloyd@ix.netcom.com

December 8
7:00 PM

Reily's ankle was indeed sprained. The doctor had wrapped it up and
instructed her to stay in bed for at least a day. She was planning more
along the lines of a few hours, but had forgotten about Mulder. Sitting on
her bed in a comfortable pair of sweats, watched Mulder come over
through the doors connecting their rooms.

"Hungry?"

She pouted grumpily. "No."

"Thirsty?"

She threw a pillow at him.
     
He threw it back. "Stay there, I'll be back. Pizza ok?"

"No meat."

"Do you like hot peppers?"

Reily smiled. *Now you're talking*  "Sure, sounds great."

"Although, If you're on a diet..."

Reily threw another pillow at the door as it closed. She smiled. Mulder
wasn't so bad after all. Then what she was really here for sunk in. It was so
easy to forget. She sighed.

<< Cheer up dear heart. >>

She shook her head. "Who *was* he?"

<< Trouble >>

"The murderer?"

<< I think so.>>

"What are we going to do?"

<< Arrest him>>

Reily frowned. "On what grounds? I can't simply say he's possessed."

<< No >>

"Oh , you're a lot of help."She reached over to the nightstand by her bed
and picked up the phone. She dialed a number, and waited.

"... County Police department, may I help you?..."

"Yes, I'd like to speak with Officer Richards please."

"Just a moment."

Reily sat in silence as she was put on hold. Finally, after what seemed like
an eternity, someone picked up the phone.

"Yes?"a gruff voice answered.

"Officer Richards? This is Agent Reily, I need your help."

"Really?"

"Yes. I have the names of the suspects, but not the descriptions."

"And?"

Reily made a childish face at the phone, wishing he could see her. "Do
you?"

"Of course."The man was truly exasperating.

"All right. Keith Francis."

The man on the other line sighed. "Nineteen years old. Tall, dark hair,
angular face. Blue eyes... Agent Reily, it would be much easier for both of
us if you came down here yourself."

"I'm afraid that's not possible."She continued. "However, I think you've
helped enough."

"No problem."His voice however, conveyed a different message.

"Oh, and one more thing. Can I have the address?"She wrote it down.
"Thank you."After hanging up the phone she gazed down at her leg.

"Wanna do something about this ankle?"

<< Don't you think that would be kind of obvious?>>

"I want to walk by tomorrow morning though."

<< Fine.>>

Mulder walked in the room. He couldn't believe it. She was still in bed.
"Pizza delivery."

Reily was staring at a pad in her hand. "Put it down on the table."

Mulder turned to her. "What is it?"

"That guy I saw in the cemetery?"

"Yeah?"
     
"He's a suspect."

"Got an address?"

 Reily held up the pad. 

"We'll go there first thing tomorrow."

"Why not now?"

Mulder shrugged. "You need to rest your ankle. I need to eat."He walked
back to the table "How many pieces?"

"Just three."

"Just three...."Mulder laughed.
               *
December 9
2:00 AM

Later that night Reily opened her eyes.

<< Jessica >>

 She groaned. "It's late, what the devil do you want?"

<< You need to go *Now* >>

Reily sat up. "What?"

<< The cemetery >>

"Damn."She jumped out of bed. Too late. Her ankle hit the floor hard.
"Ugh!"The pain shot up her leg again.

<< Let me. >> The pain eased away.

Mumbling thanks, Reily quickly threw on a pair of jeans and a sweater.
Then she opened the door connecting her room with Mulder's. She walked
in. "Mulder?"

Mumble "Mmhmmmb?"

"Mulder, "She walked over to his bed. "Wake up."He wasn't obliging. *
Can you do something here?*

<< MULDER >>

He shot up. "Whaaa?"he saw Reily and gave her a puzzled frown. She
reached over and turned on a lamp. He squinted against the light.

 She wasted no time. "Get up. He's at the cemetery. Meet me in my room
when you're decent."Reily turned around and walked back into her room.

Mulder jumped out of bed and threw on some clothes. He grabbed his gun
and ran over to Reily's room. Opening the door she had closed he called
"Ready."

 She was waiting by the front door. "Let's go."
               *


"Can't you drive any faster?"

"Reily, I'm pushing 70."

"Oh"

<< Hurry >>

*We are. What's the situation?*

<< They're still alive >>

Soon they reached the cemetery. Reily jumped out of the car. She ran
straight for the headstone she had been at earlier that day. Mulder was right
behind her. Turning that corner, she came upon them.

"Freeze!"she pointed her gun at Keith. He let the girl he held drop. Then he
turned to Reily, and smiled.

She let off the safety. His eyes widened.

<< Careful, Jessica.>>

He heard the warning too. Smirking, he looked at Mulder.

Reily slanted her eyes. "Don't even *think* about it."

 His voice dripped malice. "I don't think you can stop me."

He had a point. Unless she killed him instantly, he could be Saved. She
wasn't sure if her shot was good enough.

<< Your mind..>>

* What?*

<< Use it.. I'll help you..>>

*But I don't know..*

She heard Mulder gasp in pain behind her.

 That shocked her into action. "No!"She pulled the trigger, and at the same
time focused all her energy on Keith. He screamed. Then, as Reily heard
Mulder drop behind her, she felt Keith's energy focus in on her. She was
losing ground.

<< Here >>

Energy began to rush into her. * Thank you. *

<< Any time dear heart >>

Reily let the energy build up in her, until she couldn't hold any more.
Focusing all her attention on Keith, she let it go. He screamed in agony,
and fell. Reily, exhausted, walked over to him. Blood poured our from his
mouth and nose.

<< It is done.>>

*He's gone?*

<< Yes >>

She sighed, then picked up the phone and dialed 911. When she hung up,
she made her way over to the two girls. One was in terrible shock, curled in
fetus position, but unharmed. The other...

<< It's too late. >>

"No."Reily kneeled down and looked at the girl Keith had been holding.
Her face held a wide-eyed  shocked expression, and blood was trickling out
of her mouth. Reily hung her head. "Can't you do anything?"she whispered.

<< For her, no. But I can make the other forget.>>

"Is that a good idea?"There would be no way to get a statement. But, if she
stayed like this, she could end up in an asylum. Reily didn't want that. "Do
it."She closed the young woman's eyes then got up, and walked over to
where Mulder was lying on the ground. * Oh, please, no..*

He groaned as she stood beside him. "Mulder?"She kneeled down. He was
bleeding. "No, oh heavens, no."

"Reily?" His breaths came raggedly.

"Yes, I'm here. Hold on there, help's coming."* Do something, please. *

<< Your job would be completed. >>

* I don't want him dead!*

<< I understand. I only wish things could turn out differently. >>

* What?* But she wasn't answered. Reily heard the sirens and got up. It
was over, for now.
               *
December 10
Maryland

Reily drove on the way home. Mulder had been silent, playing with the
CD's, constantly changing them. Finally, as they were once again crossing
the Bay Bridge, Mulder turned to her. 

"What happened back there?"

"What do you mean, you don't remember anything?"

"No. I remember everything."He sighed. "Reily, Keith didn't die of a
gunshot wound."

She kept her eyes on the road. "No."

"Who killed him?"

*Should I tell him, would he even believe me?*She shook her head.

"I don't know."It was true, in a way. She had never used power like that,
didn't know how. And yet she had, like it was the oldest thing in the world. 

<< It is >>

*But I can't do that. *

<< That is the way The Old Ways work >>

* Yes, but..*

<< Not now.. >>
     
Mulder was looking at her. "Your ankle, it was fine when we went to the
cemetery."

 Reily shrugged. "The doctor exaggerated a bit on the extent of the
damage."

"You forget Reily, you couldn't *walk*.  I saw how swollen it was."

She smiled ruefully as she remembered a conversation in that smoky room.
"Mulder, there are things you are better off not knowing."

He frowned. "Are you saying you're not going to tell me?"

"No."She smiled.

<< Not yet, give her time. >>

Mulder smirked. "All right, I won't pick on you. But won't you tell your
friend to stop talking to me, she's getting annoying."

 Reily sputtered. "I don't know what you're talking about."

"Of course you don't."

The drive the rest of the way was silent, save for the constant change of
music, and Mulder's quiet chuckling.

End Chapter 8
**************


THE OLD WAYS
Chapter 9: Celebrations
December 18
6:00 PM

Mulder walked in the door to his apartment. He had attempted to stop by
the mall, but ended up passing, there was too much traffic. He would have
to find something later. He came home to more television, maybe a movie
of the week. Great way to spend your evenings.

<< I can think of worse things >>

"You know, I'm beginning to become slightly annoyed."

<< Jessica says that all the time >>

"Well, that's one thing we have... wait. I can't believe this. I *am* talking to
a nothing."

<< That was demeaning Fox >>

"Mulder."
     
<< You called me a *nothing* >>

"Well, I can't see you."

<< So ? >>

"So..."he sighed "So I feel like an idiot talking to myself."

<< And you want to believe...>>

Sighing, Mulder walked over to his computer. There were three messages.
One was from Scully. 

     Mulder,
 Not busy over here. You? Well, this case is a bit slow. And I don't like my
new partner. No fair. I think you like yours too much.
               Later-
               Scully

Mulder smiled. Scully could still keep him in line from miles away. He
supposed  his last message did involve Reily a bit much. Oh well. He
looked at the other two messages. Same unfamiliar address. No subject. He
clicked on the first one. All it said was 'Sorry'. Confused, he clicked on the
second:

     Spooky,
Strange nickname. Where did it come from, I wonder. Anyway, I just
wanted to say I'm sorry about today. Sometimes, ok, a lot of the time, I
speak before I think. Am I forgiven? <G>
          Reily

He smiled as he hit the reply key. All he typed was :
               NO <VBG>

He pressed send.

<< You both can be so unfeeling >>

Mulder sighed as he smiled.
               *

December 24
Georgetown
3:00 PM

Reily eyed the gift on the table. Why had she even bought it? * Because
you're insane.*

<< I like to look at the more romantic aspects of it>>

"You would."

<< Anyway, you look lovely >>

Reily felt like a fool. She had spent the better part of three hours getting
ready, and for what? She shook her head, soft curls bouncing. This was
sad.

<< I think it's.... he's coming..>>

"No, not yet."

<< Yep, he's here. >>

The doorbell rang.

"I hate it when you're right."

<< I always am >>

Mulder stood at the door, cold. The weatherman had said there was a good
chance of snow this Christmas, but then, they said that *every* year.  He
rang the bell again. Where *was* she? He was about to knock.

<< She's coming>>

Mulder smiled, and waited. He never would have thought a month ago he
would be talking to a noth..

<< Don't even >>

* Sorry, Thetis. *

<< That's better..>>

He watched the door open. And stopped breathing. She was, well, she was
beautiful, for lack of a better word. Noticing he was probably turning blue
in the face, he took a breath.  "Hello Reily."

She smiled. "Mulder."She stepped back and let him enter. Then, closing the
door, she led the way upstairs. "I just need to load up the car and we can
go."He followed her up the stairs. Admiring her. Her dress was black,
flowing, clinging in all the right places. It was so simple, and yet.... *
Mulder, you are a sad story.*

There were about five or six large bags filled with wrapped gifts in the
living room. After that, there were an assorted number of larger ones piled
on top of one another. Finally they had Reily's car full. Stopping back in the
house, Reily picked up her keys and purse. 

"Ok, let's go."

Mulder helped her put on her cape. It was black also, satin and velvet. He
figured her driving there was a pretty good idea. He could watch her this
way. They walked out the door.

Reily almost wished Mulder would drive. She would have to keep her eyes
on the road. That was going to prove to be difficult, he was gorgeous. The
tux looked perfect on him. * Remember Reily, remember why you're here.*
She frowned. * The hell with it, I'm going to have fun* She looked at
Mulder as they walked out of the house. That smoke covered idiot could
go to hell for all she cared. She smiled. That sure felt good.

It wasn't until they were driving up I95 that Reily realized she had
forgotten Mulder's present. It was still sitting on the table in her room. She
slapped the steering wheel. "Damn."

Mulder looked at her with concern. "What's wrong?"

She smiled ruefully. "Well, I'm afraid you won't get your present until we
leave."

"Why?"

"It's at home."She pulled off onto the exit ramp for Rt. 32. He was grinning
again.

"Oh, well, I guess it's only fair I save yours too."

* He got me something?* She smiled. "Let's skip the party."

Laughing, he shook his head. "Oh no. I'm dying to meet your family..."he
turned to her  ".. not to mention Christopher."

Reily gave him a don't-even-think-about-it look. He just smiled. Reily
pulled the car off onto a road, passing fields and old plantation houses.
Mulder's eyes widened slightly at the size of some of the houses. They
widened even wider when she pulled into a long driveway, to probably the
biggest estate on that road. "This is your house?"

She smiled. "No, this is my *family's* house."Reily parked the car on the
side. Mulder turned to look at her, she was shaking slightly.

"Cold?"

"No, just nervous."

"Well, I may not be the kind of man you want to take home to mother but
still..."

Reily laughed. "No, I think she's going to *love* you."

"So?"

"That's what I'm afraid of."With that enigmatic statement, she opened the
car door and stepped out. Mulder did the same and they walked to the
trunk. Opening it, she pulled out a bag. "Grab one."He did "Marshall will
get the rest."She smiled. Mulder followed her to the front door. She
stopped. "I don't know if I can do this."

"You'll live."Mulder placed his hand on her shoulder and squeezed. She
relaxed slightly and rang the bell. Marshall opened the door, and smiled.

"Jessica!"Mulder watched as the butler and Reily embraced. Then she
stepped back, smiling.

"The rest of the bags are in the Celica."She handed him the keys. He
nodded and walked past them to the car. Reily had a difficult time walking
into the house. She was thankful for Mulder's presence. Taking a deep
breath, Reily stepped over the threshold.

It was bright inside, the chandelier in the foyer ablaze with light. The whole
family was there. Reily smiled as she watched all those familiar faces
mingling. Her three youngest cousins found her first. The three boys came
running towards her with shouts of 'Jessica' and 'What did you bring me?'.
Laughing she met their hugs. Turning and taking Mulder's bag she
addressed Andrew. "Here, you guys put these gifts under the tree,
okay?"They ran off, laughing and fighting betwixt themselves.

Mulder smiled as he watched Reily; she was literally aglow with happiness.
He watched her face, suddenly her smile disappeared. He looked up to see
a statuesque woman walking towards them with a young handsome man on
her arm. * Her mother?*

She walked up. "Jessica, darling, how are you?"

"Hi mom,"Reily hugged her mother stiffly, the stepped back. She held her
hand out to the man. "Christopher."He smiled widely and took her hand. 

"Jessica, it's been so long."

"Yes, well,"she pulled her hand away. "It's good to see you too."Reily
turned to Mulder. "Mom, Chris, I'd like you to meet um, Mulder."

He smiled at her attempt at politeness by not using his first name. "It's a
pleasure to meet you Mrs. Reily."

"Please, call me Rebecca, Mr. Mulder."She frowned slightly. "Forgive me,
but I don't know what to call you."

He smiled "Mulder is fine."

She smiled. "Ah, like Heathcliff, I suppose. A man of mystery Jessica, very
interesting. Well, come along Christopher, there are more people to
greet."They walked off just in time, for Reily was beginning to turn very
pink. * Well, at least she didn't say anything about my dress.*

Mulder smiled at her. "Chris wasn't so bad."She turned to him.

"You have no idea. That went pretty well actually."

He smiled. "So, when do I get to meet the rest of the family?"


End Chapter 9
**************

From pbfloyd@ix.netcom.com Mon Sep 30 14:34:06 1996
*Disclaimer in Chapter 1*

THE OLD WAYS 
Chapter 10: Remembrance
by Jennifer Ethridge
pbfloyd@ix.netcom.com

After dinner, the family moved into the grand room. It should have been a
ball room, but it was furnished like a living room. A large tree trimmed in
Victorian style dominated one corner. Under it was a mountain of presents,
the most Mulder had ever seen in one spot. 

Reily walked up to her cousin, Michelle. The young girl was about twelve,
and was staring at Mulder with so much open admiration, she had to smile.
Reily knew how she felt. "Hey Micki, want to help sort the gifts?"Michelle
tore her eyes away from Mulder and smiled sheepishly.

"Sure."

It took about ten minutes to get all the presents distributed. Finally,
everyone had their own pile and Mrs. Reily stood up. "Ok kids, go ahead."

The children began to tear into their gifts, followed closely by the
adults. Reily just looked at her pile for a moment, then picked up a box.
Mulder watched as she read the card attached to it. She frowned, then
looked up at Mulder. "It's from Sam. He always did his Christmas shopping
early."Mulder saw the pain in her eyes, and took the package from her.

"Open it later."She nodded and smiled. Mulder noticed that about half of
the gifts she was getting were antique books. He picked up one,
Shakespeare. "You collect these?"

"Yes."She opened one volume. "Agh! This is an original Keats!"She
jumped up and ran over to one of her aunts, almost knocking her over with
a hug. She returned, holding the book close. Then she opened the last
package. It was from her Irish grandfather. Opening it, she smiled widely.
Mulder's eyes widened.

"Oh heavens,"A dress. Dark green satin with cream lace. "what in the
world?"Cut in an old-fashioned style, yet obviously new. Reily fingered
the material, then walked over to her grandfather. Kissing him, she said
'thank you'. There were tears in her eyes, and Mulder wondered why. The
old man smiled widely and hugged her.

"Lassie, that dress has been yours for centuries."Seeing Mulder's
confused expression he continued. "At home in Ireland, we have a group of
portraits. One in particular, which is a few centuries old, features a lass
that is the spitting image of Jessica. Exact same dress too."

Mulder smiled at the pair. Then Mrs. Reily came back over, this time with
her husband. "Jessica."Reily turned around, smiling. Her mother held out a
box. "Well, your father and I wanted to give you something special this
year."Reily took it from them. Opening the box, she gasped. 

"Oh."Mulder also experienced a quick intake of breath. Sparkling, nestled
in black velvet, was a diamond and gold necklace. Gorgeous in its
intricacies, it shone brilliantly.  Reily attempted to put it on, but she
was having a difficult time closing the clasp. Laughing, Mulder took it
from her.

"Butterfingers."He closed the clasp for her. Then smiled. "That wasn't
so hard, was it?"She didn't pay any attention to him, she was engrossed in
the necklace. Her father smiled at Mulder and mouthed 'women'. 

 It was early, only seven o clock. Before anyone sent the children to bed,
they asked what they wanted to do. After knocking down a few off -the -
wall suggestions, most coming from Andrew, they decided on carols. Mrs.
Reily walked over to a baby grand piano and sat down, motioning for her
daughter to come over. Reily walked slowly over, shaking her head the
whole time.

"Please dear."

Reily smiled. "I don't know."She was looking at Mulder. Her mother saw
that glance and smiled. 

"Mulder, have you ever heard my daughter sing?"

He shook his head. "No mam, I haven't."

"That explains it. It seems she's suddenly shy."There was a spattering of
laughter. Reily blushed. Mulder found himself smiling.

"Go on, I promise not to laugh."

Reily made a face at him, then nodded to her mother. Silence filled the
room. The opening notes of Silent Night filled the silence, and Reily took
a breath. * here goes nothing *

"Silent Night, holy night....."

Mulder was stunned, her voice was gorgeous. Clear and rich at the same
time. He looked at Reily and realized there was so much he didn't know
about her, so much he was finding himself wondering about. She finished
the song, to applause. Smiling, she took her turn at the piano. The kids got
up to sing.

An hour later, the singing stopped, and everyone began talking. Mulder
walked over to the piano, where Reily sat. "Good singing."

She smiled. "Thanks."

"Um, Reily,"

"What?"

He never got to finish that sentence, for Andrew came running over,
screaming at the top of his lungs.

"IT'S SNOWING!"

At first, Reily was just as excited, then she glanced outside. It was
snowing all right, hard. "Mom?"Her mother walked up. "We have to go."

"Nonsense, well put you two up for the night."Reily saw Mulder about to
accept and gave him ' the look '. He smiled.

"I'm afraid I need to get home."Mrs. Reily shrugged and sent for Marshall
to load up Reily's car. They said goodbye to everyone and walked out. It
was nearly a blizzard out there. Mulder looked up. "I think maybe we
should stay."

Reily opened the car door. "I drive fast."

"That happens to scare me."He got into the car, and made sure to buckle
his safety belt.

Reily smiled. "Besides, don't you want your gift?"

Mulder chuckled. "In that case, step on it!"
               *

Reily didn't drive as fast as she normally did, however. The normal time it
took to get from Columbia to Georgetown was about forty five minutes.
Even driving I95, it took them two hours to get back. The snow had
started to come down even harder, mixed a bit with ice. Mulder turned the
radio on. The announcer said that the Washington Metro area was
expecting a foot by the time this storm would pass.

"Ugh!"The car began to swerve. Mulder watched as Reily let it spin out,
her expression calm. Once the car came to a halt, unharmed, she turned it
around the right way, and kept on driving. Mulder admired her guts. Soon
after that, they arrived at her house, and pulled up the drive way into the
garage, with some difficulty. The car was finally in, and Reily cut the
engine. She relaxed with a sigh. "We made it."

Mulder was thinking the same thing, but all he said was, "Want to take the
gifts inside?"

They took them in the door connecting the garage with her foyer. After
they
had finished, Mulder just stood for a moment. "Well, I guess I'll go now."
Reily looked at him,  shocked , and laughed.

"Are you kidding? I'm not letting you leave in *that*"she pointed
outside. Mulder glanced at her strangely.

"What?"

"You can stay in the guest room. My brother used to stay here when I first
moved in, he always left some clothes. You should be able to fit into
something."She started up the stairs.

"You don't have to do this Reily."

She got to the top of the stairs. "I know, I could just let you go kill
yourself out there."Her expression was unfathomable. He began to follow
her up the stairs. "No shoes. I want to keep a white carpet a little while
longer."

 "Yes, o great...lassie."He laughed, shrugged off his shoes, and went up
the stairs, taking two or three at a time.

Walking into the living room, he saw Reily emerging from her room. She
was carrying a box. She walked over to Mulder and held it out to him. He
took it and unwrapped the paper. In it he found a new recorder. He smiled.
How did she know? His old one had just broken and he didn't remember
telling anyone. * Wait a minute, she asked *you* didn't she?*

<< No, she was going to get something else, I stopped her.>>

* Thank you.*

<< All the same, the second gift, I had nothing to do with. Jessica can be
quite stubborn sometimes.>>

He looked under the recorder. Lying there was a tie. He half expected it to
be one with little Christmas trees or Rudolph or something, but it wasn't.
Different hues of blue and gray were swirled together. He smiled. He
wasn't quite sure which one he liked better. "Thank you so much."

Reily smiled. "Want hot chocolate or coffee?"Mulder sighed.

"Chocolate. If I have any coffee, I'll never get to sleep."

Reily walked into the kitchen and put some water on to boil. Walking back
into the living room, she found Mulder holding a box. "Is that for me?"He
nodded and handed it to her. She took it from him with trembling hands.
Why was she nervous? It was only a gift. She pulled off the green paper
slowly.  She looked at the long white box. Opening it, she was silent. Then
she found her voice. "It's gorgeous."

A silver necklace. Simple design, Celtic. Reily thought a moment. "The key
of life design. I've forgotten what it means though. Grandfather would kill
me."She looked up at Mulder.

"It symbolizes the path between the worlds, the connection between them."
Reily looked back down to it, then handed Mulder the box. As he stood
staring at it, wondering why she gave it back to him, as she unclasped the
diamond necklace. She took the box back from him, picking up the
necklace with trembling hands. Once again, she couldn't close the clasp.
She looked at Mulder. 

"You're not very good with these, are you."He took the necklace from her,
and closed the clasp, perhaps leaving his fingers on it a moment too long. 
He turned her around. "Well, I think it's you."

Reily smiled, "and I think that you are.."TWEET! The tea kettle was
whistling up a storm. Reily walked into the kitchen and made the hot
chocolate. Mulder walked over to her stereo. 

"Got any Christmas CDs?"

"Just press play. There's about ten of them in the changer."He did, then
sat down on the couch. 

They sat, drinking chocolate, and talked about all sorts of things, except
each other. Mulder felt extremely comfortable there, and it scared him. He
stared at his empty cup for a moment, then sighed. "I need to sleep."

"Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't.."

Mulder quickly spoke up. "Oh, no, I never meant anything against you, I'm
just beginning to fade, and I know I'll start talking gibberish if I stay
up any longer."

Reily smiled. "I'll show you your room."She led him up a second set of
stairs to a hallway. Then they stopped at a door.  "You should find
something in the closet. Good night."And she was gone, walking back
down the hall way. Mulder smiled. Then he set to finding something to
wear.

Reily walked back down the stairs. Entering her living room, she turned off
the music. She began to walk to her bedroom when she remembered her
gift from Sam. She ran downstairs and grabbed the wrapped box. Back in
her living room, she sat down. Slowly she unwrapped the box. Opening it,
she smiled. It was a sweater. Black and white. Tears began to form in her
eyes. She had always loved that sweater, many times he had found it
missing, only to see it then on Jessica. There was a card with it.

Jess,
     Well, I couldn't think of anything to get you, since I haven't spoken
to you in awhile, so I figured to give you something you've always wanted.
It was yours anyway, I should have known I couldn't keep it from you.  I
really miss our talks, ( and pranks) Maybe we can get together someday. I
love you little sister. Don't ever forget that.
                    Sam

     Reily let the tears flow. Sobs engulfed her. Finally, all the pain
flowed through her. She hugged the sweater, and waited for the tears to
dry up.  After an hour of sitting there, she got up, and walked into her
room. She changed for bed, and placed the sweater in the closet. Crawling
into bed, she noticed she was still wearing the necklace Mulder gave her.
She had so many things to think about.

     She sat up for awhile, just staring into the dark.
               
************************************************

end part 10