Title: Rolling Down Windows and Opening Doors (1/1)
Author: Jenni Kelly 
Rating: G
Classification: Vignette
Spoilers: none
Keywords: Mulder/Scully friendship
Summary: On another long car trip with Mulder, Scully has plenty of time for
contemplation...

DISCLAIMER: I do not own these characters.  They belong to Chris Carter, FOX
Broadcasting, and 1013 Productions.  No copyright infringement intended.

AUTHOR'S NOTE:  This little story came to me one day, and I had to write it
down, because I think it's just an interesting look into the mind of Dana
Scully!  Enjoy!

DEDICATION: To Jeff, who was awesome enough to post this on the LGM page, to
Lindsay, a recently discovered friend I hope to keep for a long time, and to
Raili, for some encouraging words and inspiring thoughts.




Rolling Down Windows and Opening Doors

     I hate these car rides, the ones made in the dead of night.  The road
stretches before us, bumpy and narrow, the turns coming unexpectedly out of
the dark.  Turns which Mulder takes at a breakneck speed.  He doesn't listen
as I warn him of the dangers of high speed driving with low visibility.  My
endless list of statistics and facts blow past him, right out the opened
window that welcomes in the chilly evening air.  I give up all hope he may
roll up the window, close my mouth, and lean back in my seat, eyes staring
out at the blackness that engulfs everything, that threatens to engulf us.
     I always feel alone driving with Mulder.  He is the one in control- from
the speed we travel at to the horrible 80's station we listen to at an
ear-splitting level on the radio.  I am left with nothing but my thoughts and
my feelings.  Countless hours spent contemplating, questioning, debating, and
worrying.  None of these things are topics that are new to me, but usually
when I am overcome with them, there is a new case file or a meeting with OPR
to keep me busy.  In the car, there are no distractions to prevent my mind
from wandering.
     Tonight, the subject of choice is the latest X-File.  Mulder hadn't
filled me in on the details, but from the brief outline he'd given me while
we were waiting in line at the car rental desk at the airport, it involves a
number of unexplainable murders in the quiet Maine town we were heading to.
     As I run this idea over and over in my head, knowing there is much left
to be discovered, I already know much of what this case will bring: Mulder
will propose an illogical and absurd theory about the deaths, I will step in
with my background in science and forensic pathology to prove him wrong, and
he will win the battle.  To the victor goes the spoils.  Some undiscovered
shred of evidence will come into view, proving his musings of aliens,
monsters, and things that go bump in the night.  The local law enforcement
will pat him on the back while rolling their eyes, and we will get back in
the car, Mulder driving, as always.
     This unchanging cycle wears at me.  I yearn for meaningful conversation
with the man I spend nearly every waking moment with.  We have achieved a
certain closeness since our paths crossed three years ago, bringing us to
unite on the same crusade, but I feel I know so little about Mulder.  I feel
I do not truly understand the man I call my partner, the man I pledge to
protect and give my life for.
     There is no way to break the chain.  I could try to strike up a
conversation, but the deafening music and the familiarity of the routine
stand guard at the locked door that leads to intimate talking and a deeper
friendship.  An door that is locked tight.
     Out of the corner of my eye, I watch curiously as Mulder reaches down
with his right hand and twists the volume knob all the way to the left.  The
loud music is replaced by blaring silence.
     "Hey, Scully?" he asks, glancing at me, then shifting his gaze back to
the road.
     "Yes?" I respond, with an odd feeling deep down inside of me.
     "Did you know that when I was little I had a dog?  His name was Blue.
He used to sleep at the foot of my be..."
     Mulder's words comfort me.  He, too, knows of the barrier that stood
between us, and he is brave enough to begin the struggle of tackling it.  He
does not fear to fail, and I know that if he does, he will start again.
Facing the same risk he has seen and been defeated by.  He is not be afraid.
He is ready, as am I.  I prepare myself for the endeavor.
     The road seems less threatening now, only mysterious.  A cloud moves
aside in the sky, allowing a piercing beam of moonlight to shine down upon
the land.  The moonshine creates shadows against the abandoned farmhouses and
garishly lit road signs that whiz past us.
     As Mulder talks, I lean my cheek against the window, the coolness of the
glass shocking my warm skin.  I smile, lean over, and grasp the lever that
controls the window.  Working the crank in two complete circles, I let myself
enjoy the air rushing past my face.  I'm glad I have rolled down the window.
Perhaps soon I will be able to open the door...

----------------------------------------------------------------

*-"Life is but a dream."-anonymous*

*-"To have friends, perchance to be loved, always and forever."- anonymous*

*-"Turns out not where, but who you were with, that really matters."-
anonymous*

Please send any comments to - Pinkeypie@aol.com.  I appreciate all feedback!

    Source: geocities.com/area51/zone/2095

               ( geocities.com/area51/zone)                   ( geocities.com/area51)