Date sent: Wed, 04 Mar 1998 08:21:22 +0000 From: Chloe Durlem Subject: Surprise Surprise by Chloe Durlem mulderl@usa.net DISCLAIMER: They don't belong to me and never will. But Richard is mine-so there!!And so's Jess... Also, there are some refrences to Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream and Hershey's Chocolate and I don't know if I can use `em in this story, but if I can't, sorry. By the way, I love both products......even if it's scarce here in Australia!!! SUMMARY: Scully drops a major bomb on Mulder and he is not very pleased with it. RATING: A bit of Mulder-angst-probably PG-13 (language). Scully/other romance NOTE: Uh, I decided to write this cos I'm dead sick of movies that end all happy where the girl gets the guy and they all live happily ever after.....so here's my attempt at melancholy romance (does that even make sense ?)-enjoy!! NOTE 2: Dedicate to my fellow Lone Gun Chicks Lorne and Allie-you guys are the best. THANKS HEAPS GUYS!!!!!Also to my bigbro James-I think you're great!!!! NOTE 3: When I mentioned Pomeranian piece of shit I don't mean it against Pomerians-they really are quite cute :-) NOTE 4: I am an anti-shipper. I have nothing really against romancers, but the idea of Mulder and Scully together doesn't please me......so anyone who hates stories where Mulder and Scully DON'T get together, then DO NOT continue with this story. NOTE 5: Please e-mail me and tell me what you though. Flames will be used to cook my banana cream pie. All mail will be responded to ASAP-contact me at mulderl@usa.net NOTE 6: yeah, I'm running out of ideas for fanfiction, so if anyone has any ideas for me, PLEASE tell me.I'm getting desparate!!! Now, on withthe story (finally) Surprise Scully walked into the office feeling less than cheerful. Sure, she had had a great time the night before, but the effects of the bevrages she had consumed were taking their toll on her. Mulder noticed her hangover and decided to take it to his advantage, remembering the countless number of times she had teased him about his often drinking binges. "Ooooh, Scully. Someone get a bit of the al-chi-hol last night ?" he asked, bursting into a fit of giggles.Scully just glared at him, but her tone changed. She knew how to make him jealous. "Well, at least I had someone to go home to afterwards." Mulder was not hurt yet. "Oh, who, Queequeg ? That little pomeranian piece of shit ? Like you'd call that a `someone'. I'd call it a little pomerian piece of shit." "No, I went home to Richard." "Oh, who's Richard ? Another girly pet you have ?" Ooh. That was it. He had crossed the line, but she knew how to get him. "No. Richard's my fiancee." There. She had done it. She dropped the bomb. "Your kidding right ? I mean, you don't even have a boyfriend." he stuttered. "Well, for the past 9 months, I have had a boyfriend and last night, he proposed and I said yes.The wedding's scheduled for July. I should write myself a memo to send you an invitation, or will you be too busy watching your great selection of videos ?" Mulder was speechless for a second and looked really hurt. "I can't believe you had a boyfriend who proposed and didn't even tell me." Now he was really hurt. He was giving Scully that lost puppy dog look that broke her heart. "Oh come one Mulder, like you'd even care ?" "What the hell does that mean ?" "Look, forget I said anything.Let's just get to work, okay ?" "Sure, fine, whatever.I'm gonna get some coffee, and by the way, congratulations." he said, as he stomped out of the room. The only thought Scully had was `What the hell was that about ?' Scully walked into her living room, feeling a little self concious. She held her arms out and asked. "So, what do you think ?" Her mother gasped and put her hand over her mouth. Tears were brimming in her eyes and she was speechless for a few minutes. Scully's two sister-in-laws reacted in the same way. "Dana, honey, you look so gorgeous." her mother gasped. Scully was wearing the wedding dress her mother wore when she was married to Captain Scully. Dana looked beautiful.The bodice was tight fitting and beaded and the skirt was full and made of that netting stuff. There was a diamond tiara which complemented her beautiful red hair, which was curled and piled on her head. Scully felt a little silly. She hadn't worn anything this....girly since that moray taffeta dress she wore to her senior prom (which was complemented by Marcus' Kelly green cumerbund). Margaret got up and hugged Dana. "You know, you look even better than me when I wore that dress." "Mom, don't be silly.It would of looked fantastic on you.Now I'll take this off and we can go look at some cakes." Dana wasn't usually the one who would get exited about this, but she was. Her mother was surprised by the sudden news, but she liked Richard and was pleased he would be her husband. But Margaret always kept a lingering hope for Fox.She knew it would be impossible for them to get together now. But there was nothing wrong with wishing. Scully walked into the office late on that Monday morning. She avoided Mulder's eyes, but when she saw how he looked, she was sure that he had spent most of the weekend in the office. She dug around in the bag until she found a crisp white envelope with Fox Mulder on the front. She handed it to him. "What's this ?" he asked. "Uh, it's a wedding invitation. It's scheduled for 2 weeks from now." "Kind of sudden isn't it ?" "Well, we want to go on our honey moon as soon as possible. We're going to the Carribean-Jamaica." "Oh." She began to head out of the office. "Where are you going?" "Um, to see Skinner. I'm inviting him to the wedding and I have to ask for leave for my honeymoom." "How long will you be gone ?" "A couple minutes." He smiled, the first time in a long time. "I mean, how long for the honeymoon." "Oh, a few weeks." And with that she left. Mulder opened the envelope and stared at the ivory crisp paper and the raised gold lettering. Mrs Margaret Scully requests the honour of your presence at the marriage of her daughter Dana Katherine Scully to Richard James Gibson on Sunday, the 23rd of November ninteen hundred and ninety eight at ten o'clock in the morning Ave Maria Catholic Church Annapolis , Maryland The invitations were so well done, it made him sick. He decided not to go. He knew it sounded petty and stupid, but he couldn't believe Scully was getting married. He pushed the thoughts out of his mind, threw the invitation in the rubbish bin and continued his work. Scully sat in the waiting room of Skinners office. She was thinking about Mulder and why he was acting like this. Could he be jealous ? No, they were friends, and that was it. Scully was disappointed he wasn't happy for her. She was drawn out of her thoughts when the receptionist told her she could go in and see Skinner. Skinner was sitting at his desk and Scully took a seat. "What's wrong Agent Scully ?" he asked. He sounded stressed. "Uh, sir, I just came to deliver this to you." He opened it and a small smile came to his face. "Scully, congratulations. I would love to come." "Thankyou, sir. Uh, I would also request three weeks leave after the 23rd for my honey moon." "Your request is granted, Agent Scully. Congratulations again, and good luck." Scully replied with a tight lipped smile. "Thankyou sir. Thankyou very much." she said, as she got up and left the office. She couldn't believe he was being so nice. But her happy mood was cut short when she walked back into the office. When scully walked in, Mulder just glared at her. "What's up Mulder ?" she asked, afraid of the answer. "Nothing. Oh, by the way, I can't come to the wedding." Scully's heart literally broke when he said this. She frowned. "Why....why not ?" she asked quickly, afraid she was going to choke up and cry if she talked longer. "I have plans with my mother." And on that note, he walked out of the office. Scully sat at his desk. What would she do ? She was going to ask Mulder to walk her down the aisle, since her father was dead. It would of made her so happy. Tears began to form when the phone rang. "Scully." "Agent Scully, there is a man here wanting to get to you, his name is Richard Gibson." It was Leroy, the guard from the foyer.She sniffed. "I'll be right up." Scully wiped her eyes and left the office. When she saw Richard standing with Leroy, she ran to him and hugged him. She felt ready to explode. "Hey, Dana. What's up ?" he asked, tenderly brushing a lock of her auburn hair off her face. "Nothin much. Why are you here ?" "Just though I'd come see my new bride." "Hey, you guys are getting married ?" Leroy asked. He had always been very kind to Scully. "Yeah. Two weeks." Scully said proudly. "You know, you're more than welcome to come. I'll get Dana to give you an invitation." Richard offered. This is what Scully loved about him-he always thought like her. "Hey, sure. Love to. Well, I'd better get back to work. They're always watching." he said as he nodded to the security camera. "See ya round, Richard." "Bye. Wow, Dana, you work with nice people." "Uh, yeah. Um, look, can we talk,in my office." "Wow, you have your own office ?" he asked.The didn't talk much about their work life. "Well, I share it with my partner." "Oh, right, Mulder isn't it ?" "Yeah." They headed down to the basement and went into the office. "And just on that note, I want to tell you that I did not decorate this room." Richard just laughed, walked over to Scully and kissed her on the mouth. "So, what did you want to talk about ?" Micael asked. Scully looked to the floor. "It's, it's my partner." "What, Mulder ? What's wrong ? Did he do anything to you ?" he asked definsiveley. "No, no. God, no. He's not coming to the wedding. And he was going to walk me down the aisle. You know ? My dad's dead and I was going to ask him, but he was so cold about it, I got scared....and now, I'll have no one." Scully was on the verge of tears and she never did. Richard opened his arms and hugged her, ending it with a passionate kiss. He looked her in the eye. "Look, if Mulder won't do it, I'll ask my father. He'd be only too happy to have the honour. I'll call him tonight and we'll talk about it later." Richard paused to look at his watch. "Ooh, my lunch hour ends in about 2 minutes. I'd better go. I'll see you tonight, okay ?" Scully nodded and smiled at him. But inside, she felt like crap. Scully didnt't see Mulder again until just before she went home. As she was going out, he was coming in. "Where have you been, Mulder ?" she asked. "I went to investigate something-a case of mine." Mulder replied without any feeling whatso ever. "Oh. Which one ?" "One you haven't heard of." "Well, were you planning on telling me when you were going to let me in on the case so I could investigate it with you ?Or were you going to ditch me and not tell me about it like you usually do ?" Scully asked testily. She realised how awful she must of sounded and bit her lip. "Look, you'd better get used to the fact that when you're married, you won't be as dedicated as you think-you have.....what's his name.......Matthew....." "Richard." Scully corrected. "Richard whatever to look after. You know, if I were you, I'd quit the FBI altogether." "You know what, maybe I will." "Yeah, get some job as a god damn secretary.....hey, maybe Richards-then you could fuck him and you wouldn't get fired." That was it. That kind of comment made Scully so angry-not sad, but angry. Sure, there was that nip of sadness that hit her just before the mad rage came. But she held it. "Yes, well, at least I go for things I know I can have." Mulder sat there, unable for a comeback. "At least I don't go galavanting across the whole fucking country for my sister.I accept my sister is gone, but you are just too god damned stubborn. She'll never return. She was never abducted by aliens. She was probably kidnapped or ran away-god knows having a shitty older brother like you would make anyone want to kill them selves. I mean, it's so god damn fucking childish Mulder-give it up." And with that, she left the office and burst into tears in the elevator. How could she have said something that awful. Meanwhile, Mulder was in the office, still sitting there, stunned from what she had said.But instead of hashing anything out about it, he simply got up, left the office and headed for the nearest bar. Scully cried all the way home. Her tears stinging her eyes, making her blind and nearly causing several accidents.She drove to her apartement where Richard was waiting. He had moved in a week ago and he was waiting on the couch for her, watching a baseball game.When he saw the state Dana was in, he switched of the TV and hurried over to her where she colapsed in a fit of tears into his arms. He soothed her and stroked her hair, until he led her to the couch to talk. "Dana, honey, what happened ?" "I said some awful, awful things to Mulder. Too awful, I can't believe I said them. He was so hurt." "Dana, I'm sure he didn't take them offensiveley.You were angry and had every right to be. If he's your friend, he'd be happy for you." "Yeah. I guess. But I was so horrible, but he made me so...." Scully was interuptted by a knock at her door. Scully scampered into the bedroom to get changed, listening for who was at the door. At first, there was confusion in Richards voice, then anger. Scully rushed out to see who it was. Mulder. He was standing....no.....swaying in the doorway. He was dead drunk. Scully could smell the tequila on him from across the room. "Scul-leeeee. You little BITCH.....you abandoned me.....and I loved you....." he drawled, staggering over to her. Scully was frightened.Richard walked up to Mulder, but Mulder responded by punching him out. Scully gasped as she saw Richard fall on the floor, concious but a little dazed. She went forward to help him, but Mulder stopped her. "Where are you go-going ? You should come with me...and I could show you a go-good time." His hand went to her breast and she pushed it away. "Oh, co-come on Scul-leee. I've got to be better than that gender bending loser or that stupid .....loser who made you get that tattoo....come on, let's go to bed....."Scully kept backing away. She shut her eyes , hoping it would all go away, when the door came crashing down and the police came in, arresting Mulder and dragging him out of the apartement, screaming. Richard got up and went over to Scully, who was worried about Mulder. "What will they do to him ?" "Relax. I know them They'll just throw him in the drunk tank for the night then release him. No records....come on, it's okay." Scully was still shocked. What would he say the next morning ? Days before the wedding, everything was tense in the office. Mulder and Scully rarely spoke. Mulder knew what he had said and done that night and Scully knew he remembered. Scully had taken a couple of days off before the big day for rehersals and final arrangements. She was nervous. What if Mulder showed up and ruined everything ? She pushed the negative thoughts to the back of her mind and still though about why Mulder was acting like this. The morning of the wedding was beautiful . A light snow was falling and everything was so clean and perfect. Richards father, Michael would walk Scully down the aisle. He had been more than happy to, since he would never get the chance for his own daughters-his only girl had died when she was 4 in a car accident. Margaret would be the Matron-of-Honour, Scully's godson Trent would be the ring bearer and her brother's son would be the page boy and their daughters the flower girls. As for bridesmaids, Scully chose her sister in laws and Trent's mother, Mary. She would of loved for Missy to be there. When they were young,they would take the cookie dough upto their room and discuss wedding plans. Dana, always the tomboy, vowed to never get married. Missy said she would and that Dana would be her bridesmaid. Dana said that if she herself ever got married, Missy would be her bridesmaid. Scully thought about these things when she was in the chapel backroom, looking at her reflection in the mirror. In a few mintues, she was handed a bouquet of white roses and shown to the wedding train. She took Michaels arm and stared up at him. Both their eyes were brimming with tears. Scully heard the music start andbegan to walk down the aisle. She heard gasps and people commenting on how beauiful she looked. She spotted Skinner and his wife and smiled at them, Skinner returning the smile with a wink. The ceremoney went smoothly, without any hitches. Scully was nervous when the priest asked "If anyone here should have any problem with these two wonderful people joining together in holy matrimony, speak now or forever hold your peace." Scully was afraid Mulder would come in, but he didn't. Scully cried during the vows, but at the end, there wasn't a dry eye in the church. At the reception, Scully was walking around when Skinner bumped into her. "Oh, sir. I was hoping to talk to you." "Of course Scully what is it ?" "I.....I want to leave the FBI." Skinner was shocked for a moment. "May I ask why, Agent Scully ?." "Well, I want to start a family. I feel that that would be impossible if I stayed at the Bureau." "Agent Scully, I understand. Have you told Agent Mulder that ?" he asked, Scully avoiding his gaze. "No, sir. I don't think he would react positively." "I know, but he has the right to be informed, by you." "Yes. You're right. Thankyou. I'll have my resignation on your desk as soon as possible." "Thankyou, Scully." he said gently. He took her hands for a brief second, then she walked away, confused but happy. Days after the wedding were spent writing out thankyou cards, finding places for all the gifts they received and packing for their holiday. Scully tendered her resignation and was officially not in the FBI. Skinner said he would let Mulder know. Margaret took the knews quite well, just smiling and saying that whatever Dana wanted, she wanted too. Scully hadn't talked to Mulder since he had been drunk that night and had tried to make advances towards her. She had felt lost without him.......he was her best friend and she hadn't talked to him in ages.Richard noticed Scully's solemness around the house. "Dana, honey, is something troubling you ?" he asked one night when they were in bed. "It's just Mulder.I haven't talked to him in ages and I really miss him. I haven't seen him since we were in the office together and even that didn't go to well. I don't know if he's even okay ." The worry was evident in her voice, and Richard felt sorry for her.He hated seeing her like this. "Dana, you know you can always go see him. We still have a fw days until our trip......why don't you go and visit him." "You know what, maybe I will. Thanks, Richie." He smiled and kissed her. "Any time." A few hours later, Scully was standing outside Mulder's apartement, contemplating whether or not to go in. She must of stood there for about 15 minutes before she finally sought out the courage to knock. After a few moments, he flung the door open and Scully jumped open at the quick movement. Mulder narrowed his eyes. "Hi, Mulder." "Hey.What are you doing here ?" he asked. Suddenly, Scully had to think up an excuse. "I, uh, I came to...uh.....to uh.....to return your key. We're not partners anymore and well, why should I have a key to you place ?" His eyes narrowed. "What do you mean `we're not partners' ?" "Well, I quit the Bureau. I told you I would." "But, why ?" he asked, giving her the lost little boy look. Mulder looked so hurt, but Scully ignored it, thinking about all the pain he put her through. "Mulder, I want to have children. I want to have a life...." "Oh, so I musn't have a life since I work at the FBI ?" he asked angrily. "No, it's not what I meant.....I meant...." "What did you mean ?" "I meant..... I want to start a family. I'm not getting and younger. I feel it's time for me to move on.The X-Files have caused me pain, and ....well......I'd like it to be a period in my life that I just forgot about." That really crushed him.But anger soon took over. "Well, if that's all you have to say, then go. As far as I'm concerned, we're strangers now, And I don't like strangers in my apartement." Scully got the message and left, dropping something by the door. Mulder picked it up and stared at it. It was the keychain he had given her for her birthday. Years passed and Dana forgot about Mulder altogether. Dana and Richard moved to a Washington DC residential area and bought a beautiful 2 storey house, with 5 bedroom, 3 bathrooms, a pool and a nice garden. Dana gave birth to a girl, Jessica and was pregnant with another one. At 4 months, Scully felt ready to burst. She couldn't believe hs had another 5 to go, although she didn't get very big when she was pregnant with Jessica. It was winter now,4 1/2 years after Dana had left the Bureau. She hadn't seen or heard from Mulder since then. Jessica was nearly five and was cute, inheriting Dana's blue eyes and red hair. She walked hand in hand with her mother as they went to do the grocery shopping. It wasn't that busy, which was good, as Dana hated waiting in ques. As she was leaving, she bumped into a man rather hard and she was about to yell at him about watching where he was going. As she looked up at him, she recognised his face. It was Mulder. For a moment, neither of them knew what to say. "Mulder......hi." she stammered. His face had chnged, but not too mcuh. He still had that boyish curiosity he possessed, but he was a little taller and a little chubbier. Dana on the other hand, looked perfect, same hair, same eyes. "Uh, hi." Mulder noticed the little girl standing beside Dana. "Oh, Mulder, this is my daughter Jessica. Jessica, this is my....friend, Mulder." she said. Jessica extended her hand and shook his. "Is Mulder your first name or your last ? Do you have a first name ? I know Mac Gyver and that's his only name ? Is Mulder your only name ?" she rabbled on in 5-year-old talk. Mulder smiled, but didn't reply. Dana laughed and bent her head. "Jess, Mr Mulder just prefers to be called by his last name." "Why what's his first name ?" she asked. "It's Fox." Mulder said, taking Dana by surprise. "I like it." declared Jessica. Mulder smiled again. "Uh, Jess, why don't you go and get us some Hershey Bars.......Fox and I need to talk for a bit." "Can I get some Cookies and Cream too ?" "Yeah, whatever." And with that, Jess scooted off to the confectionary section There was an extremely uncomfortable silence, but thatnkfully, Mulder broke it. "Your daughter is really beautiful, Scully." Mulder said. "Uh, she looks alot like you." "Thanks....um....so how are you ? How've you been ?" "Oh, you know. The X-Files was shut down. I was re-assigned to Violent Crimes." he said. Scully felt like shit. "Oh, uh, sorry. Really, I am.Um, how's your mother ?" Dana asked, hoping to lighten the converation a little. "Oh, she died last winter." Then again, maybe bringing Mulder's mother up would not be a good idea. "I'm so sorry Fox. I'm sorry I didn't know." "Yeah, it was only me and the priest at the funeral.It was too cold for a funeral, and no-one could be bothered to turn up." he said, shrugging his shoulders. But before Scully could make Mulder feel any worse than he did, Jess walked up with an armful of food. There was Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream (about 5 flavours) and loads of Hershey Bars, including about 10 bars of Cookies and Cream. "Jess, I told you you could get a few......not to feed an army."Dana said laughing. "But Mommy, you have to eat well to feed the baby too." Jess said. Dana cringed. She was hoping that wouldn't come up again. "You're pregnant again ?" Mulder asked. "Uh,yeah. I'm due in about 5 months." Dana said, hoping Mulder would take the news well. "Oh, well.....uh........congratulations. Look I'd better go. See ya." he said as he left. Dana stood there, stunned and in a daze, until Jess started to tugg on her coat sleeve. Dana peered down on her. "Mommy, can we go ? The ice cream will melt." Dana just smiled, paid for her groceries and left the store. Dana was exhausted when she got home.Her feet hurt and her encounter with Mulder had made her depressed.It was Sunday, and in a way, Dana was glad Jess was going to kindergarden tomorrow. Sometimes, Jess was a handful, but Dana loved her so much. She loved picking her up from school and hearing about the day. Jess had great artistic talent for a 5 year old and often painted pictures that littered the family fridge at their home. The Monday when Jess was at school, Dana spent reading, doing some sewing, watching TV and eating plenty of ice cream and cholcolate. When the clock ticked to 3 PM, Dana drove to the school. As she walked into the Kindergarden classroom, she couldn't see Jess. Dana caught the eye of Marcia, Jess' teacher from across the room. Marcia and her husband lived a few doors down from Dana, Jess and Richard, and they had been very welcoming. "Well, how are you Dana ? How's the baby ?" she asked, pressing her hand on Dana's stomach. "Fine. Where's Jess ?" "Didn't you know ?" "Know what ?" Dana began to panick. "A man came by to pick up Jessica. He said he was a friend of yours and he took Jess about 15 minutes ago." Dana was so scared. "What did he look like ?" "He was tall, brown hair, hazel eyes, dressed in a suit. I think his name was......uh.......Mulder.....I don't know, he didn't speak clearly. What's wrong Dana ?" But Dana didn't answer, but ran out of the building as fast as she could. Dana jumped into the car and raced to their house. She rang Richard on her cell phone. "Hello, Richard Gibson ?" "Richard, someone's taken Jess." she said, not having the nerves to say that it could of been Mulder. "Oh My God. I'll be home soon." and with that, he hung up. Dana was in such turmoil, she nearly crashed into a tree. When she got home, she ran upstairs, screaming Jess' name.She saw that some of Jess' clothes were gone, and her favourite teddy bear was missing as well. Dana just sat on the bed and started to sob. She had no one to hold until Richard arrived home and hugged her for as long as she could cry. "Mr Mulder, when are we gonna get there ?" Jess whined. They had only been in the car for 15 minutes, driving around. Mulder didn't want to leave DC. "In a second Jess. Just sit tight, okay ?" Mulder told her. She looked scared and looked out of the window. "Are you sure Mommy said it was okay for me to come ? Mommy usually tells me about this." "Look,it's fine. You trust me don't you ?" he asked, coldly. Jess got the message and shut up. They drove around for about 10 more minutes, then stopped at a nice hotel. Jess sat outside while Mulder organised the room. The clerk had seen the little girl and smiled. "Is she your daughter ?" she asked. "No." he said seriously. " It's my sister." Dana's house was littered with police, asking questions. Dana was tired and dirty, but worried to death about Jess. She had told the police that she thought it was Mulder, and they went to his house, but there was no sign. Richard was stressed too, tears in his eyes when the police asked him about the possibility of Jess running away. "Mrs Gibson, does the suspect have a cell phone you could reach him on ?" Dana nodded and pointed to the phone. "Okay, we're gonna attach a tracer to it and I want you to hold him on as long as possible." Dana nodded again to the police officer and went over to the phone. With shaking hands, she dialed his number. Jess was watching the TV and Mulder was eating pizza when his cell phone rang. Jess jusmped slightly. "What's that ?" she asked. "My cell phone. Your mommy has one doesn't she ?" Jess nodded and went on watching the TV. "Mulder ?" he answered. "Mulder, it's Dana. Look, where's Jess. I know you have her." Dana yelled. "Dana, I don't have Jess." "Bull shit you don't Mulder, I can hear the Tv, she's watching Bugs Bunny, that's her favourite." she yelled. "That's Sam's favourite." Mulder said sadly. " She's watching it now." Dana was scared. She knew what was going to happen. "Mulder," she asked quietly. "Who's the little girl there with you ?" "It's Sam, Scully.She's back." "Mulder, what does she look like ?" Dana asked, calmer than before. "She has long black hair in two braids. She's wearing a flanneletted night dress." Dana thought for one split second it was another girl. But she heard a laugh in the background and it was undeniably Jess'. "Fox, are you going to hurt her ?" Dana choked out. "Maybe. She won't let me watch the Magician tonight, but I'll get her back by beating her at Stratego." Oh crap, he's reliving the whole night. Dana looked at the tracer monitor.It was nearly complete. Just a few more seconds. "Fox, are you scared ?" she asked. "Not really." he replied in a voice sounding much younger then his own. " Mom and Dad are next door at the Gallbrands playing bridge and they'll be home soon." The trace was finally complete. "Look, Fox, honey, I'll be there in a few minutes. Sit tight and ......look after Sam, okay ?" "'kay." Then he hung up. "He's calling from a Motel not far from here.Let's move now. Mrs Gibson ? I want to put you in a bulletproof vest and send you in. Judging by the sound of his mental state, you may be the only one who can get through to him." the police officer said. Dana smiled and nodded, looking over at Richard, who winked at her before she headed out the door. Mulder turned the TV off. The show was over and Jess was still awake. "Uh, Mr Mulder." "Call me Fox." "Uh Mr. Fox, when is my mommy gonna come get me ?" "She's next door, playing bridge. She and daddy are gonna be home soon." Mulder said. What he said was confusing for Jess as it would be for any 5 year old.What was bridge ? It was something you crossed to get over water, and if her mommy and daddy were next door, why didn't they come see her ?There was no bridge as Jess recalled. "Now why don't we go to sleep ?" he said. She crawled up next to him and hugged him. She didn't know why, but she did know he was scaring her, and avoiding him would make it worse. The police car pulled up quietly outside the motel and Dana went to the reception with another cop. "Excuse me m'am, has this man walked in here tonight ?" he asked, showing a photo of Mulder. "Yes, a few hours ago. He was with a little girl. Pretty little flower. She had bright red hair and beautiful blue eyes. He said she was his litttle sister, although I supected the age difference was strange." The old lady shrugged and smiled. " They went into room 11, right across the way." "Thankyou." they both said. The clerk handed them a key. After a few final adjustements, Dana walked up to the door and opened it. Mulder was sitting on the bed with Jess wrapped around him. Dana ran over to her. "Jess." she said. Mulder suddenly woke and pointed a gun at Dana. She was shocked. Jess woke up. "Mommy!" she scream and tried to run from him, but he grabbed her tightly around the waist. She squeeled and tried to kick him, but her attempts made little difference. "Sam, stop squirming." he told her. "Fox, drop the gun. It's not Sam." she said. "No. I won't let you take her away again." he said with childlike demands. "Fox, I'm not going to take her away. I just want to.....check on her. She might be hurt." Dana pleaded. Jess was crying and tears were rolling down Mulder's face. "They said they would return her, that she would come back, but she didn't. THEY LIED!!!" he screamed. Dana was getting scared. She could hear Jess whimpering and sobbing. "Fox, she'll come back, but this isn't Sam. Don't kill her." she said. Mulder dropped Jess on the floor and she went flying out the door. "Then maybe, I'll kill you. Maybe you took her away and you lied to me." he said, taking the safety catch off the gun. A tear rolled down her face. She would have to lie. "Fox, don't kill me. I.....I am Samantha." For a few seconds, Dana wondered if it was the right thing to do. Mudler lowered the gun and smiled. "Sam ?" She nodded. Then he backed away and sat on the bed. " Sam, come sleep with me, like we did before." Dana had to go along with it, and soon, he was asleep and they were wrapped in each others arms. When she knew he was fast asleep, the got out of the grip and walked outside, bursting into tears as the police men ambushed the hotel room and when she heard Mulder screaming. Jess ran up to Dana and hugged her, the Richard, until they were one, small happy family. EPILOGUE: Years passed like minutes. Dana and Richards second child was born healthy and it was a little boy they named William. Dana then had a second daughter, she named Samantha. When all the children went to school, Dana began teaching seconday science at the high school a few blocks off. Richard was promoted to director of the company. Dana tries to visit Fox occasionally, although she has been denied access into the Green Valley Mental Institution a number of times........ Did ya like it ? Hate it ? E-mail me......