Title - Kid Stuff
Author - Donna
Email address - donnah@pop.uky.edu
URL - www.oocities.com/Area51/Quadrant/4571/
Rating - G
Category - Relationship
Spoilers - None
Keywords - Pre-X Files
Summary - How would they have reacted to each other then?
Feedback - Please, I think!!
Disclaimer - Mulder, Scully, the Lone Gunman and Skinner all
belong to Chris Carter,10-13 and Fox. No infringement
intended.
Kid Stuff
She was so glad to get out of that house. She felt
surrounded and smothered there. It wasn't at all like home, so
many kids. But that's why she was here. Aunt Cindy wasn't
well, so she was here to help out with the kids. It was just for
the summer, she could handle it. Mom was right, she probably
would do a better job than Melissa, she was more practical, and
Melissa did have that paying job to help with school costs.
It just wasn't the way she'd planned to spend her summer.
Three kids under five years old, all day, every day. No wonder
Aunt Cindy wasn't well. At least they fell asleep early, if she
could wear them out every day, then she could bathe them and
get them to bed by eight and have a little time to herself.
She sat on the swing, barely moving it with her foot. Okay,
she was feeling sorry for herself, but she was homesick and
Aunt Cindy wasn't anything like Mom. Too bad she'd always
taken Mom for granted, she was actually fairly cool for a mom.
Mom had lived through three kids under five, and four kids
under seven if you got technical. Oh please don't let Aunt Cindy
get pregnant again! Well, it wouldn't be her problem. Just for
the summer, then home and back to school.
"Whoa, a redhead."
She looked up startled. She hadn't been aware of how dark
it was getting; she shouldn't be here alone. There were four of
them that she could see. What the hell had she been thinking,
hanging around the park this late? Don't panic, Dana. Think!
A quick look behind her showed that the boys were all in
front of her, she didn't dare let them surround her. She rose
from the swing, poised to run. They were closer; her heart was
going to jump out of her chest. One of them was trying to get
around her, she turned slightly.
The leader came even closer, reaching out to touch her hair
where it was escaping the rubber band. She would not cry.
"Leave me alone." She drew herself up to her full 5 feet.
Fighting with Bill and Charlie should have taught her something.
She'd defend herself as best she could.
"Wild cat, huh?" His grip tightened in her hair.
"Leave her alone." The voice came from slightly behind her.
Everyone froze. She was able to turn her head slightly. Only
one boy, against four, but these guys seemed afraid. Who was
this guy?
"Hey, Fox. We weren't going to hurt her. She don't look like
no alien to us." A couple of the boys chuckled. The tall boy
stood there, no smile crossing his face.
"Let go of her." Her hair came free and she stepped back
away from the boy that had been holding her.
"Come on, guys, let the alien bounty hunter have her." The
four of them slunk off, the leader having saved face with his last
comment.
Dana turned and ran toward her aunt's house. "Wait!" She
heard him and stumbled, grabbing at the slide to keep on her
feet. She pressed her back against the ladder and watched him
approach.
He slowed to a walk and approached her cautiously,
stopping well back from her, his hands out from his side to show
her he was no threat. "Are you okay? Did they hurt you?"
She shook her head, not trusting her voice.
"Are you sure?"
"I'm fine." It wasn't true; she could hear her voice shake.
Her hands were shaking too.
"This isn't a good place to be after dark."
"I didn't realize how dark it was. I was thinking. . . " That was
stupid. He didn't care and she knew she sounded defensive.
"You're new in town." It wasn't a question.
"I'm visiting with my aunt and uncle for the summer. The
Richardson's, over on Poplar."
"Why don't I walk you home, just in case they come back?"
She hesitated; she didn't know him, not even his name. It
was as though he could read her mind. He stuffed his hands in
his jeans pockets and took yet another step back. "I'm Fox, Fox
Mulder."
"Dana Scully."
"I better get you home. It's getting dark fast." She nodded
and let go of the slide. He stepped beside her, leaving plenty of
space between them.
She was nervous, she didn't date yet and while she was
used to talking with her brothers, she hadn't spent much time
alone with older guys. Especially guys as good looking as this
one.
"Have you lived here long?"
"My whole life."
"That would be great. I mean living in one place. My Dad's
in the Navy so we move all the time."
"It's not really that great. Everyone knows you and your
business."
"Oh, I hadn't thought of that." She was quiet then, he had
sounded so sad she didn't know what to say. "Are. . . are you in
school here?"
"I graduated in May. I'll be leaving for university at the end of
summer."
"Wow, where are you going?"
"Oxford."
"Oxford? Like England?" God, she sounded so young, she
was embarrassing herself. Why couldn't she be cool like
Melissa?
A slight grin appeared on his face. "Yeah, the one in
England. I guess I'm looking forward to it. Leaving here, a
whole new start." He clammed up immediately, like he'd
revealed too much.
Silence took over again, but not an awkward silence. It was
as though he was used to the quiet and seemed to enjoy just
walking beside her. She wished again for more experience.
Was she making a fool of herself?
Too quickly she could see the house. Three houses away
he stopped. "Look, you're okay. I wouldn't mention this to your
aunt. It would only upset her."
"That's probably a good idea. Would you like to come in,
meet Aunt Cindy and. . ."
"No, that's okay. I wouldn't mention that I walked you home
either. Well, have a good summer, Dana." There was a strange
note to his voice. She should keep this encounter a secret?
Well, if she wasn't going to see him again. . .
She tried to keep her disappointment from her face and
voice. "You too. And thanks again for everything."
"I don't think those guys would really have bothered you, but
I'm glad I was there."
"Me too." She didn't realize how softly she'd said it. He
looked startled for a second, then motioned for her to go on.
"I'll wait here until you get inside."
"Okay. Maybe I'll see you around?" He nodded and she
turned and headed for the door, mentally kicking herself. If he
had wanted to see her around, he would have said something.
She turned just before opening the door and waved. He
returned the wave and headed back down the sidewalk the way
they had come.
"Dana! I was getting worried."
"I'm sorry Aunt Cindy. I didn't realize how dark it was getting.
But I was fine, I'll keep a closer eye in the future."
"Well, I'm just glad you're okay."
"She's fine, Cindy, you heard her. After she meets some
people her own age, she won't have to worry about being out
alone." Cindy shot her husband an angry look; Dana wasn't old
enough to date in her mind, only fifteen. She didn't need to be
hanging out with people her own age.
Dana decided to retreat to her room. Fox had been right, it
was a good thing she'd kept her mouth closed.
*****
The pool could have been fun. There were a lot of kids her
age here, but she had to keep an eye on the little kids. This
was going to be a long summer.
"Dana, that man's looking at you." Jennifer pulled at Dana's
arm.
"What? Where?" She turned and spotted Fox standing at
the side of the pool, and smiled. He's obviously been swimming
laps. She glanced down at the tiny racing suit he was wearing
and wondered at the knot that suddenly appeared in her
stomach. She refused to let the smile waver and he was
coming over! It was like he was drawn to her and now he had a
small smile on his face.
"Hi." She realized she was feeling shy, not at all her normal
self. What was it about him?
Jennifer was now hiding behind her but Tim was pulling on
her leg. "Who? Who?"
"Fox, I'd like you to meet my cousins. This is Jennifer, she's
five and these are the twins, Tim and Kim, they're almost three."
"Pleased to meet you." He solemnly held out his hand to
shake Jennifer's, then Tim's and finally Kim's hands. Jennifer
blushed and giggled, but the twins were fascinated that this man
had spoken to them. He sat down on his towel with them and
let the twins climb on him for awhile until they got bored and
decided to go back into the kiddie pool.
"Thanks. I think I'm getting boring."
"No problem. That's a lot of kids to be watching. You like
kids a lot?"
"Not as much as I used to." She admitted ruefully and he
smiled again. He had a beautiful smile, but most of the time
she'd seen him he looked kind of sad.
"You're getting some sun." He pointed to her nose.
"Damn. If you ever see a redhead with a tan, just know the
hair came from a bottle." She reached for the sunscreen again.
It was better when she watched the kids as they talked, some of
the red in her face was from that bathing suit and she knew it,
she just hoped he didn't.
"Uh, Dana? I think Kim needs you." She looked over to see
Kim holding herself, almost jumping up and down.
"Oh great." She muttered, "Kim, do you need to go potty?"
Kim nodded enthusiastically. Dana looked at the other kids,
she'd need to round them up and take them along.
"I'll be here. I can keep an eye on the other two, if you want."
"Oh that would be great. I haven't figured out all the logistics
of this job yet."
"You better hurry." She nodded and took Kim's hand,
hurrying her toward the bathhouse.
They made it in time and she redressed the little girl.
Coming out of the bathhouse she was struck by the fact that so
many people were watching Fox and the kids. Had anything
happened? All the mothers had their eye on him. She hurried
over; "Did they give you any trouble?"
"No, they were fine."
He had to have noticed the looks he was getting. What was
going on? She wasn't comfortable asking, so she decided to
shrug it off. The kids were fine and Kim hadn't wet her pants,
break it down to the essentials Dana.
He was standing, gathering his towel. "Guess I better be
going." She felt a stab of disappointment, which she quickly
dismissed. He was older; he wouldn't be interested in her. He
was just being friendly.
"It was good seeing you again. Maybe we'll run into each
other here again."
"Yeah, I swim Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays here."
He seemed reluctant to leave, maybe. . . forget it Dana, you're
not Melissa.
"Sounds like a good schedule. We're going to the library
tomorrow morning. They have the storyteller every Wednesday
morning."
He smiled with just that hint of sadness. "Well, have fun.
Bye guys, hope I see you here again." Jenny dipped her head,
but Tim waved and at the last minute Kim ran over and hugged
his legs. He looked stunned, but managed to put his hand on
her head. "Thanks, Sweetie. See you later."
He turned then and was gone. Why had the baby's hug
undone him so? What was the story here? There had to be
one.
*****
She had everyone settled at the library. Even Tim was
paying attention, at least for the moment. He did like being read
to, but he liked running around even more if it took too long.
Dana took a seat at the little yellow table behind the crowd and
to the side. They could see her if they needed her and she
could let her thoughts drift a little.
"Hi."
She looked up and up to see Fox standing beside her. She
felt an instantaneous surge of pure pleasure. He had come to
see her. The pool was just a coincidence, they'd run into each
other by accident. But he had known she was coming here and
when. He had come to see her.
"Hi. I'd offer you a seat, but I don't think you could fit into it."
He smiled, "I think you're right. Do you have to stay right
here?"
"No, just in the library."
"Think we could sit in some adult chairs, while we're waiting
for them?"
"Yeah, I think that's possible." She got Jenny's attention and
motioned that she would be at another table. Jenny nodded,
smiled shyly at Fox and turned back to the story.
"A big fan of Beatrice Potter?"
"Me? I can take her or leave her." She grinned
"What do you like to read?"
"Mostly biographies, but lately I found some thrillers that
were kind of good."
"Whose?"
"Robin Cook, I like his medical thrillers and his research.
Haven't read many others."
"Any science fiction?"
"Never tried any, you like it?"
"Yeah, I bet you could get into the Foundation Trilogy by
Asimov. It's a classic." She smiled again, she couldn't help it
when she was with him and he was excited about this. She
would be reading Asimov before the day was over.
He was easy to talk to, and he really seemed interested in
talking to her and listening to her as well. She decided not to
care that he was older and could be with friends his own age,
just to enjoy his company which was wonderful.
She couldn't believe it when the kids ran up to them. Had it
really been an hour? It felt like just minutes since they'd sat
down.
"Park, Dana! Park!" Tim had hold of her leg.
"Guess where I promised we'd go after story time."
Fox smiled at the kids jumping around them now. "Could
you use any help?"
"I'd love some, if you're not busy." He rose and only
hesitated a moment when Kim raised her arms to be lifted by
him. They piled the kids in the stroller, got Jenny on her bike
with the training wheels and headed for the park.
For the first time since she'd arrived, Dana hated to take the
kids home for their nap, but it was obvious they needed one.
They had played their hardest and were already drooping and
hadn't even had lunch.
*****
It had become almost habit for Fox to show up wherever she
and the kids were playing each morning, the pool, the library, or
the park. The kids had become used to his presence and
enjoyed playing with him and of course Dana was more than
thrilled that this man was interested in her.
She saw Fox wince as Tim climbed up on him. "Are you
okay?" She sent the kids over to the sandbox to play.
"Yeah, I'm fine." He wouldn't look her in the eye.
"Fox, what happened? Did you hurt yourself?" He wasn't
fine, and he was leaving his shirt on. He never did that when
they were outside.
"I fell."
"Let me see." She reached for his t-shirt, and he caught her
hand. She blushed as she realized what she was doing. She
couldn't treat him like one of the kids and she certainly had no
business trying to take his shirt off. He was watching her,
following her thought processes exactly.
He exhaled and tugged his shirt off. She gasped. He'd
obviously been beaten. She couldn't stop herself from reaching
out. He backed away. "It's okay, Dana."
"Tell me what happened! Oh please, it wasn't those guys
from the other night?"
"No. Those guys are cowards, don't worry. . . " He saw her
eyes and closed his own. He finally took a deep breath. "My
Dad got a little too drunk last night."
"Oh Fox." She reached out again. This time he didn't draw
away. "Does this happen often?"
"Not as often as it used to. I think he's afraid I can take him
now." Still that hint of defeat in his voice, he didn't think he
could.
"Did you?" This was so far outside of her experience. Her
father had never hit her, not even the boys. Their punishments
were so trivial compared to this.
"What's the point? I'll be leaving in a few weeks and we'll be
out of each other's hair, probably forever. I'm just ready to go, I
don't need an assault charge on my record."
She wanted to say she was sorry, but he didn't want to hear
that. "I'm really glad you came here today."
"Me too." He slipped his t-shirt back on and rose. He held
out his hand to help her to her feet. She didn't let go when she
was up, holding his hand as they walked over to the kids.
*****
"Dana, I have some questions for you." Cindy stood over
her; the kids had left the table. Well now she'd find out why
Cindy had been so pissed off all evening. "Is it true that you
have been spending time with Fox Mulder?"
Dana glanced over at Uncle Charlie. He was surprised too,
but seemed more annoyed at Cindy than her.
"Well, yes. I mean we've run into him at the pool and the
library. He went with us to the park." She wasn't about to
mention that first meeting. "The kids really enjoy playing with
him, and he's real good. . . "
"You've let the kids be around him?!" Her voice had risen at
least an octave. "Charles!"
"Now calm down, Cindy. The kids are fine; Dana's obviously
been very good with them.
"I don't want that boy around my children."
Dana looked over at Charlie, her brow furrowed. What was
Aunt Cindy so upset about? Charlie looked at her sympathetically.
"Dana. . . " He began.
"You will not have anything to do with that boy, Dana! I don't
want him around you or the children. Do you hear me?"
"But why!" Dana finally found her voice. "What do you think
he's done?"
"He murdered his sister! They never even found the body!"
Dana gasped and turned to Charlie. It couldn't be true.
That's why everyone had been staring at him at the pool. Oh
god, and she'd put him in that position by helping her out.
"Cindy! Get a grip. He was never charged, no one knows
what happened to that little girl."
"Everyone says. . . "
"Everyone doesn't know. There was no evidence. . . "
"His fingerprints were on his father's gun!"
"Which hadn't been fired. Enough Cindy! Drop this." He
caught sight of Dana's strained face. Cindy shoved back her
chair and stalked from the room.
"Uncle Charlie, please. Fox has never done anything. . . Did
they investigate his father? I mean he beats Fox, maybe he. . . "
"How did you hear about that?" He hadn't been aware there
was actual physical abuse. It made him ache inside for this boy
he had never given much thought to previously.
"I saw what he did to Fox. And Fox didn't fight back, he just
took it. He wouldn't hurt anyone."
"Let me talk to your aunt. Don't make any changes yet.
You're doing a great job with the kids. Cindy's just nervous."
Dana was really getting tired of that excuse.
After she had cleaned the kitchen, since Cindy had not
returned, Dana went out to the backyard and sat at the picnic
table. The moon was only a sliver tonight and the stars were
out, but she really didn't see them. Why would anyone think
such things about Fox? He was the most sensitive, intelligent
man she had ever met. There was no way he could have done
anything to harm his sister. These people hadn't seen him with
the kids, hadn't seen him put himself in possible danger to
protect her when he didn't even know her.
She didn't hear him approach, but felt his presence as he
stood watching her.
"Dana are you okay?" She looked over and saw him,
worried about her without even knowing why. She stood and
they walked over to the sandbox, at the far end of the yard, near
the fence. In the growing darkness they couldn't be seen.
"I'm fine, I. . . Aunt Cindy found out I've been seeing you,
and. . . " She watched Fox's expression go carefully passive.
No hurt would show through that face.
"Fox, talk to me. Please tell me what happened to your
sister."
He rose abruptly and she scrambled to her feet, her hand on
his arm. "Please don't go. I want to help."
"She's not going to let you spend any time with me, so it
doesn't matter."
"It matters to me. And I will see you. Uncle Charlie is
working on her for me. Please Fox."
He slumped back down on the grass. "I don't know what
happened to my sister. I just don't know."
"Tell me what you do know. Let me help."
"No one can help. It's why I'm so anxious to leave this place.
Go where no one knows me. No one thinks I killed. . . "
"Fox." She took his hand, "I know you didn't hurt your sister."
"How could you know, I don't even know."
"You couldn't. You just couldn't. Talk to me."
"She was my responsibility. I was in charge that night. Our
parents were next door at the neighbors. The power went out
and she screamed. I woke up in the hospital two weeks later."
"Hospital? Were you hurt?"
"I don't know. The doctors said whatever happened was so
horrible I blocked it out. Nobody's going to change your aunt's
mind about me. You shouldn't even be out here."
"I wouldn't be for anyone else."
He didn't have an answer for that; he couldn't even form a
response.
"How long ago was this?"
"Six years."
"And you can't remember anything?"
"Sometimes, at night, I dream about it. There's something
there, but it doesn't seem human and I see her floating, but I
can't move. I wake up with my heart pounding, covered in
sweat. I don't know if I still cry out. No one comes if I do."
"I would." He'd been looking at the ground during his
recitation, now he looked up at her startled. "I'd come, if you
needed me." She had her hand on his arm.
"I know you would." He whispered it. He was staring into
her eyes; the intensity was almost frightening - would have
been with anyone else. He made himself look away. "I better
get home." He rose and pulled her up beside him. "Thank you,
Dana. No one's listened to me for a long time." He leaned
down and brushed a quick kiss across her lips. "Let me know if
you want to see me."
She nodded mutely. Her first kiss, and it had been perfect.
Absolutely perfect.
*****
Uncle Charlie had gone to bat for her and mowed down Aunt
Cindy's objections to her seeing Fox. She had not taken it well,
and treated Dana with even more distrust than she had before.
This continued to puzzle Dana, why would a woman who felt
that way about her want her watching her children? But Cindy
took less and less time with the kids every day, declaring her
nerves were on edge and she needed the quiet.
Dana found herself actually relieved when Uncle Charlie took
her aside and told her that Cindy would be "going away" for a
few days to rest and get herself together. Euphemisms Dana
recognized immediately for what they were - Aunt Cindy
needed the rest cure again. Leaving, of course, Uncle Charlie
and now her, to handle everything until her nerves were better.
*****
She barely heard the doorbell over the crash of thunder.
She hurried to the door. Who would be out in this? Had Uncle
Charlie forgotten his key?
"Fox! Get inside." She pulled him in and together they
shoved the door closed. "What are you doing out in this
weather?"
"It's going to be a bad storm, and you said your uncle would
be late tonight."
"Yeah, he's gone to settle Aunt Cindy at the hospital. You
didn't walk did you?" She looked out the window.
"No, I parked a few houses down. You don't want the
neighbors to know I'm here when your aunt and uncle are
gone."
He was right, but she hated it for him. She'd thought living
on base was confining. Thunder crashed again and all three
kids raced into the foyer, scared and crying.
"It's okay, guys. Look who came to look after us."
"Mudder!" Tim launched himself at him. Fox bent down and
all three of them were in his arms.
"Why don't we go into the den, it'll be more comfortable."
Dana reached for Jenny's hand and the lights went out. The
kids, amazingly, went silent. "Fox?" Oh god, what was this
doing to him? He'd come to help her and now he was thrown
into his own personal nightmare. She put her hand on his arm,
more concerned for him than the kids. "Fox, take the twins.'
She lifted Kim into his arms. She had to get him to focus on
now, to move. "There are candles in the kitchen. Come on."
He was stiff, but he was moving, the twins in his arms with
their arms around his neck. Dana held tightly to Jenny, enlisting
her aid, making her feel like one of the adults.
It worked, Jenny calmed down and helped Dana locate the
candles and matches. Then they all moved to the den. Fox
was less drawn, moving more smoothly.
"Hey, you guys want to sleep on the couch tonight?"
"Yeah!" A chorus of delight rose, almost drowning out the
sound of the storm outside.
"I'll go get your blankets, you stay here with Fox." She
looked over to see if he was okay with that. He nodded and
joined the kids on the couch, allowing them to crowd around
him. Dana took a candle and hurriedly gathered up blankets,
pillows and favorite sleep animals.
Scully joined the crowd on the couch and everyone
scrunched down to listen to Dana tell Goldie Locks and the
Three Bears one more time. The lightening hadn't slowed
down, but the thunder seemed less fearsome now that they
were settled together.
Kim was already drifting off, draped across Fox's lap, with
Jenny not far behind. Tim fought it for another ten minutes or
so, then all three were snoring little baby snores.
Fox lifted them into more comfortable positions, then pulled
Dana to her feet.
"Are you okay, Fox?"
"Great hero I am. I come over to check on you and the kids,
and you end up taking care of me."
"Hardly. You were great with the kids, I'm so glad you were
here. They calmed down right away and look how secure they
felt. We all felt better with you here, especially me."
He squeezed her hand and led her to the smaller sofa.
"Won't your parents be worried about you out in this?"
"They probably won't notice. Mom was in her valium daze
and Dad was on his third scotch. It was probably better to get
out." Dana said nothing, he didn't want sympathy, he was just
stating facts.
An especially loud crash of thunder sounded overhead and
Dana moved a little closer to him. The kids murmured but didn't
wake. He put his arm around her and it felt so natural. At his
urging she began telling him about her family and the different
places they had lived. He never got tired of that. He'd made a
vow never to return to this place anyway.
They both jumped at the next crash. "Oh Fox, did that hit the
house?"
"I don't think so, stay here with the kids. I'll be right back."
"Be careful." She whispered after him. He was back in no
time.
"Two doors down, they lost that big tree in the front. I still
think this is the best room to be in. We've got the kids right here
where we can grab them if we need to. Just sit back down and
talk to me."
She cuddled in next to him and they continued to talk, until
she felt him moving closer to her face. His lips brushed her hair
and suddenly she couldn't think of anything to say. She trusted
him and didn't want him to stop, but she didn't know what to say
or do.
"Dana?" She smiled at him and realized her arms had gone
around his waist. When did she do that? "Can I kiss you?" She
gave a little nod, almost imperceptible, and he kissed her lips
gently, then a little more firmly when he realized she was
responding.
"Have you ever kissed anyone before?" She shook her
head, still not trusting her voice. "You're a quick study." She
blushed and looked down. His finger on her chin caused her to
look into his eyes again.
"I don't think I can stay here after you leave. I can't believe
how close I feel to you, I haven't. . . I haven't had someone in
my life that I care about for so long." He glanced over at the
kids and she realized she could read his face as though it were
an open book. He wanted this, a family of his own, a place he
belonged with no questions, and her. He wanted her to be part
of that. For the first time she felt anger at her youth. Was this
what Missy kept railing about, being too young all the time?
He stood suddenly and turned away from her. "Maybe I
ought to be leaving, the storm's letting up a little."
"I don't want you to go." Her knowledge of her own brothers
came to mind and she blushed, but he had his back to her and
couldn't see anyway. "I. . . I really do want you to stay."
"Why don't you go over and be with the kids."
She had risen from the sofa and stood just behind him. He
startled when she put her hand on his arm. "It's okay Fox, I
trust you." Now he was blushing, she smiled softly. "Just sit
here with me. It's okay."
He allowed her to lead him back to the sofa and they sat, not
talking, just listening to the storm and being together. He
realized shortly that she had fallen asleep against him. He
waited until he was sure she was fully asleep, then picked her
up and carried her to the larger couch with the kids. He then
retreated back to his own seat and sat there watching her.
What was he doing? She was only fifteen, but she seemed
much older, older than him sometimes.
*****
Charlie wiped his feet and tried the light switch as he entered
the front door. Power was still out; it had been a hell of a storm.
He glanced into the family room as he took off his coat and
smiled. Dana was on the couch, almost completely covered by
kids. They must have slept there; a movement on the other side
of the room caught his eye. Fox Mulder, asleep in the chair.
Charlie's eyes immediately returned to Dana, she was fully
clothed except for her shoes, as was he. He relaxed again, Fox
had stayed over because of the weather. Nothing had
happened.
Fox woke to see Charlie standing in the doorway. He sprang
to his feet. "Sir, I was here because of the storm. The kids
were scared and. . . "
Dana was awake now and watching them, not moving. How
had she gotten to the couch? Hadn't she been. . . oh. She
didn't want the kids to wake up for this.
"I know that Fox." He stepped toward the young man and
put out his hand. "Thanks for looking after Dana and the kids."
Fox couldn't quite hide the flinch, but held out his own hand
and shook Charlie's. Dana's eyes misted over. He'd been
expecting a fist, had been reconciled to it. She wanted to throw
her arms around Uncle Charlie and thank him for understanding
the situation. She would do that later, when Fox wasn't
watching.
Tim woke and seeing his Dad jumped up and ran over.
"Mudder's here! He lookted after us."
"Yes and he did a good job, didn't he." Tim nodded
enthusiastically. Charlie turned to Fox, "What did he call you?"
"His version of Mulder. I don't really like Fox, so I was
teaching him to call me just Mulder."
Charlie nodded, and put Tim back down. "Why don't you
wake up your sisters and we'll all go get some donuts. With the
power out that's about the best we can do. Okay?"
"I better be getting home." Fox moved toward the door.
"I was including you in the donuts. Just a thank you." Fox's
mouth opened slightly and Dana had to turn away from the
surprise in his eyes. Otherwise she would have cried. Uncle
Charlie was being so great, just like Mom.
To cover the moment, Charlie walked over to Dana. "Sorry I
couldn't get home last night. The roads were impassable and
the phones are out. Was everything okay?"
"Yes. Everything was fine. Fox was here when the lights
went out, so the kids weren't scared. They were asleep when
the tree fell, so they missed that."
"It was some storm. I hope Cindy doesn't hear about it,
since I can't call and reassure her." He seemed to lose some
height, just talking about her. "Well, let's get a move on."
Dana shooed the kids upstairs and Charlie turned to Fox.
"I'll deny I ever said this, but I hope you find someone just like
Dana when you're old enough."
Fox's eyes widened, how did he know? Was he that
transparent? Charlie only smiled, patted him on the shoulder
and went to change. Fox sunk back down on the sofa.
Someone just like Dana. No, Dana herself. He was crazy;
she was fifteen years old and hadn't even dated yet. That sent
a tightening through his stomach. He would be out of the
country and Dana would be growing up, meeting guys, dating,
falling in love. He shook his head. Penpals, oh god. Would
she even write to him, maybe at first, but then she'd meet
someone. He had his head down, contemplating the worst and
didn't hear her come back.
"Fox?" She put her hand on his head, smoothing down his
hair. "Are you okay?"
"Yeah, yeah, I'm fine."
"No you're not. Did Uncle Charlie say anything. . . ?"
"Your Uncle's great. No." He looked up at her standing so
close to him and stood to be even closer to her, "I was just
thinking about when I'm in England and you're here in the
States."
"Fox, you will write to me, won't you? Tell me everything
you're doing and who you're meeting. Even the beautiful
women."
That startled him, she was worried about women he might
meet? That finally caused a small smile on his face. "Are you
going to tell me about all the guys you're dating?"
"If it ever happens, I guess. If they don't see Melissa first
when they come over."
"If you're really worried about that, you're crazy." His eyes
weren't smiling, he was totally serious. She could hear her
Charlie coming down the steps, so she hurriedly brushed a kiss
across his lips.
"Thanks." She dropped back down flatfooted and went to
find the kids. His fingers went to his lips, as though to hold the
kiss closer to him.
Her last few days flew by. Fox spent all of his time at the
house with her and the kids. Cindy's mother would be coming
in for a few days to watch the kids until school started, and
Dana wanted to make sure the house was perfect so that
neither Cindy nor her mother could find fault with how she was
running the place. She would find Fox standing off to the side,
watching her and smiling, occasionally saluting before heading
for his assigned task. Uncle Charlie had made sure that the
neighbors had seen Fox there, eating with the family and
playing in the backyard with the kids. He even invited a few
friends over for a barbecue as a going away party for Dana and
made sure they knew Fox Mulder was a friend of his.
Fox was totally overwhelmed at this and Dana had to keep
an eye on him to make sure he mingled and enjoyed himself.
She turned to get Tim another handful of carrots when she saw
her.
"Mom!" Dana ran across the lawn toward a woman that was
obviously a female version of Charles, and quite a bit more
attractive. "What are you doing here?" They were hugging
each other like, well, like they hadn't seen each other all
summer. What would it be like to have a mother like that?
Dana was pulling her across the yard toward him. What
should he say to her? These other people didn't matter, but
Mrs. Scully. . .
"So you're Fox Mulder. I'm so pleased to finally meet you.
Dana has told me so many good things about you."
Fox was struck dumb. She'd told her mother about him? No
one had ever. . . god, where was his voice? "Mrs., uh Mrs.
Scully."
She was smiling at him, then she brushed a kiss across his
cheek. "We'll talk later." And was gone to find her brother and
check on her nieces and nephew.
"You okay?" Dana took his hand.
"Smooth, aren't I? I didn't know she was coming."
"I didn't either. It's so good to see her. I guess she came to
get me, so I won't have to ride home alone on the bus."
He stiffened, "You won't be leaving earlier, will you?"
"No, someone has to be with the kids. I'm sure she's talked
all this out with Uncle Charlie. Don't worry, Fox. I won't leave
until they drag me off."
"Dessert everyone, come on over!" Charlie called across the
yard. Everyone headed back to the patio, where he let Jenny
carry out a cake, decorated with the words, "Thanks Dana!"
"Oh it's beautiful guys! But I should be thanking you. It was
my best summer ever." She turned and caught Fox's eye. Her
mother watched the communication, though unspoken, between
them. So it was like that. Dana was so young. Well they
couldn't be together right now anyway. If it were as real as it
looked, they'd find each other again. She'd only been a year
older than Dana was now when she met Bill, and that was the
best thing that had ever happened to her.
"We have another dessert, before we cut into this one." Mrs.
Scully called out, helping the twins carry out the second cake,
which said, "Congratulations Fox - Look Out Oxford!"
Fox thought his knees were going to give out on him. No
one had ever done anything like this for him. He hadn't even
had a birthday cake since. . . then Dana had her arms around
him, hugging him. "Its okay, Fox. We just wanted to show you
how special you are." She whispered in his ear, knowing she
was half supporting him.
"Go with me, Dana." He whispered back, knowing it was an
impossibility, but needing her to know how he felt.
"I want to, Fox. But I will be here when you get back. Come
on, cut your cake. These people want to congratulate you."
He reluctantly stepped back from her and allowed the other
people at the party to approach them. He tried to quell the
thought that these people had known him forever and never
treated him like this before. They never would have if not for
Dana. She was everything to him. Exactly how long would it
take him to get his degree and come home to her? She'd be 18
in three years, would she be old enough then? Would they be
old enough to be together forever then? She should go to
school, but he'd manage that. Slow down Fox, her mother's
watching you. Don't let her get the wrong idea. He wasn't after
Dana like that. He just wanted to be with her, forever.
He stayed late to help clean up and somehow found himself
alone in the kitchen with Mrs. Scully while Dana put the kids to
bed. He didn't even feel manipulated. She was as easy to talk
with as Dana. He found himself talking to her, really talking. He
even answered questions about his parents. If she still thought
Dana was too young when he got back, maybe she'd adopt him.
He had to smile at that thought. Mrs. Scully watched him. That
was the first time she'd seen the sadness leave his eyes when
Dana wasn't in the room.
She liked this boy instinctively. It wasn't just her trust of
Dana's judgment, though that helped. They both turned as
Dana entered the kitchen. She was looking at them, trying to
decide if Fox was okay.
"Don't worry, Dana. I didn't dissect him. See? Whole and
intact."
Dana blushed. Okay, she was a little overprotective of him,
she admitted it. Fox watched the by-play with amusement.
They really enjoyed each other. They were friends. That was
so wild. The only negative thing about Mrs. Scully was that she
had come to take her away. A cloud settled over him at the
thought.
"Well, I guess I better be getting home." It was the last thing
he wanted to do, but he had to leave sometime. Even sleeping
on the couch wouldn't be appreciated now. Besides he needed
to begin his own packing, he'd spent so much time here getting
everything ready for the kid's grandmother, he'd let his own stuff
slide. He was leaving and it would be okay, she was too.
Mrs. Scully said nothing as Dana walked him to the car and
was gone for several minutes. She trusted her girls and now
she knew she could trust Fox as well. Not that she minded that
he would be out of the country for a few years, but. . .
*****
"You brought her back? Aw, Mom, we thought we were rid
of her for good." Bill, Jr. punched her arm, but Charlie tossed
his arm over her other shoulder and swung her out of their older
brother's way.
"When you get taller than me?" Dana looked up at her "little"
brother. "This is getting ridiculous!"
Her father waded through the assorted family and took Dana
into a bear hug. "You were gone too long Starbuck. Nobody
gets you next summer, understand?"
"Aye aye, Ahab."
"Was it too much for you?"
"No. It wasn't too much." Her father saw her eyes mist over
and glanced at his wife. She shook her head and he knew
she'd bring him up to date later.
"Hey, Dana. You got a letter today from Massachusetts.
Have you got a boyfriend?" Melissa dangled the letter just out
of reach.
Dana lunged for her and grabbed the letter. No return
address, just the initials FWM in the corner. Without a word to
anyone she left the kitchen and headed for her room. Mrs.
Scully's look forbade anyone to follow her.
She fell on her bed and opened the letter with trembling
hands.
"Dana, You haven't even left yet and I already miss you so
much I can't stand it. You've become part of me and the
thought of not being able to see you and only being able to talk
through letters is truly painful to me.
"Until you, I had written off the entire human race. I couldn't
tell you this to your face, but that night in the park you only think
I saved you. What you don't know is that you saved me. I'd
gone there to kill myself that night. My father's gun was in my
pocket the whole time - the one everyone thought I used on
Samantha. I had decided that Oxford would be no better than
here, and that my past would follow me there. I admit I had
some help reaching that conclusion. My father was drinking that
night too.
"But you were there and you needed me. There's no one
else in the whole town that would have needed me. You were
meant to be there that night, to save me. After talking with you,
walking you to your uncle's house, it just wasn't as dark as it
had been. When I got home, Dad had passed out, so there was
no more abuse from him and I was able to slip the gun back into
its hiding place without anyone ever knowing.
"No one did until this minute. In some cultures you would
own part of me. You should know that you do, and anything I
accomplish from now on is yours. I just hope that when I finally
get back to you, you'll still want it and me.
"I moved my reservations up, I can't stay here without you.
I'll be leaving the day after you do, so I'll probably be in England
when you get this letter. I'll send you my address as soon as I
get in a dorm. Going early I may mess up their plans, but I don't
really care.
"Think about me Dana, like I'm thinking about you right now.
I'll pester your uncle until he gets the film developed from your
party and have that with me always. Please tell me everything
you're doing, what's happening with your family, everything. I'll
pretend that they're my family too and people at school won't
think I'm so very odd to not have anyone who cares about me
back home.
"If I don't stop now, I might never stop. I love you, Dana, and
I miss you."
Fox
She didn't hear her mother tap on her door a little while later,
so she wasn't aware of her presence at first. Then she was in
her mother's arms, being comforted as he never had been.
That made her cry all the harder while Mrs. Scully rocked her
and murmured to her comforting words that could provide no
comfort. Only time could bring them together again, if it was
meant to be.
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