Disclaimers, etc in Chapter 1/?
Chapter 6
Month Six babytime
If you worked in the FBI and didnt know that Dana Scully
was pregnant, then you were living under a rock. A very big rock.
I got so many congratulations that I was sick of smiling and
saying "thank you." I could not longer hide the fact I
was pregnant; I was now it the smaller maternity clothes, but
definitely gaining weight. I heard the rumors going around, that
Fox Mulder had finally planted the seed into Dana
Scully, and for once wasnt upset about them. They were
right, but I wasnt about the spill the beans unless someone
directly asked. And I hadnt met anyone brave enough yet.
Until I ran into Walter Skinner.
I dont why I was near his office, perhaps it was something
about paperwork and such, but I nearly bumped into to him, coming
very close to losing the stack of papers I held in my hand.
"Im sorry, Agent Scully," he said as I
straightened the papers I had. I felt his glance fall down toward
my stomach. "I heard about your
addition.
Congratulations."
"Thank you, sir," I said, smiling.
"Scully you dont have to call me sir anymore, Im
not your boss," he replied with a smile. "I suppose
that you and the father are very happy."
I noticed how he said "the father" like he wanted to
say more. "Yes, we are."
"Sharon and I were happy when were expecting our first,
too."
I frowned. I had no idea the Skinner had any children. "You
have children, sir."
He shook his head. "The baby was stillborn. We never did get
the courage to try again."
"Im sorry."
"Thats okay, Im sure that you and Mulder will
have the best of luck-" He stopped when he realized he had
said "Mulder." He paused. "I didnt mean
that-, well, what I meant was, aw, hell, is he?"
"You mean Mulder, sir?"
He nodded. "For the sake of the FBI."
"Yes, but for now its our secret. If anyone else wants
to know, they ask themselves."
He smiled. "See how many will do that," he said as he
walked away.
Three days later Mulder and I received a delivery. A high chair
courtesy of a Walter Skinner.
Mulder was stunned; I just smiled.
Go figure.
Our job had been mundane; background checks had never been very
interesting to begin with. I found Mulders Doom™
tournaments more interesting than the paperwork that piled up on
my desk. There was one good thing about background checks,
though. Mulder hadnt had a work related injury in months,
well, with the exception of the boating accident about nine
months(or was it ten?) back, but you really couldnt call
that work related. It was more like one-of-Mulders-half-assed-jaunts
related. Since this baby thing, I have noticed that he seems to
be becoming a little more careful. Is Fox Mulder actually
thinking first and using good judgement?
Nah. Has to be my imagination.
Today was Tuesday, a beautifully clear day in the beginning of
July. Mulder and I had stopped by my mothers for Fourth of
July last weekend, and Mulder had avoided my also visiting
brother Bill at all costs. Surprisingly, there was no bloodshed.
Bill and Mulder both behaved, like civilized me, an occurrence I
truly believed would never happen. Never say never, I guess.
Im surprised at how normal my life has become lately.
Nothing strange has happened, and Im almost afraid to say
that I miss that. I never pictured myself falling in love with my
partner, having a child, and having a
well, a normal
life. Something tells me that this cant be happening. Im
almost expecting someone to rain on my parade. I find myself
looking over my shoulder, always trying to find the catch. After
all that has happened to me, there has to be a catch. Right?
I just dont know anymore. One day at a time, I take it. One
day at a time. I cant go wrong with that.
6 months, three
weeks babytime
Well, another uneventful three weeks have passed. The baby is
fine, I couldnt be better, and Mulder has used every curse
in the book (plus he invented some of his own) trying to put up a
crib yesterday.
Were living in my two bedroom apartment; hes now
given up the lease on his, something that definitely signifies
commitment. I still dont have a ring on my finger, marriage
hasnt even been discussed. However, it has been placed on
the table. Neither of us is in a rush, though. We love each
other, but marriage? I think this baby may be old enough to
participate in the wedding if we continue at our rate.
But what is marriage, but a slip of paper and a joint tax return?
Union of two people in the face of God, Dana.
Oh, yeah, theres that.
My mom already has a guest list. Its only a matter of time
before she starts dropping stronger hints.
Oh well, I have bigger things to think about now. Like names.
Names are a big argument between Mulder and I. We both have lists
and they do not meet anywhere.
Both lists hang on the refrigerator, with various cross outs and
new entries.
Mulders boy name of the week: Andrew.
Mine: Sean.
His girls name: Elizabeth.
Mine: Anne.
At least were in favor of old-fashioned, normal names. We
just have to agree. Were both stubborn; neither wants to
sacrifice either name.
He suggested Elizabeth Anne for the girls name. I said why
not Anne Elizabeth.
One of us has to comprise.
Well, we have about two months to try.
Lets hope this baby does not decide to come early.
6 months, three
weeks, and three days babytime
The due is approaching. _Very_ slowly. My ankles are swelling and
the Washington, DC July heat is not letting up. At least Im
delivering in September, when its cooler.
Yet, with our weather pattern, who knows?
I had a meeting with Kersh today. His reasons werent
specified; something about my maternity leave. Mulder bid me a
small "have fun" without looking up from his computer
screen. He is becoming something of a computer junkie lately.
Just as I was leaving, he looked up.
"Ill go pick up lunch," he promised. I nodded in
agreement and went to wait for my appointment.
It was after sitting outside of Kershs office for 48
minutes (I was counting) that I was beginning to get a bit
annoyed. My stomach was rumbling, and I could feel the baby
having a kicking frenzy inside of my stomach. No more 11 a.m.
meetings.
I glanced up at Kershs secretary for about the millionth
time, ready to tear her apart of she said "Im sure it
will be any minute" another time.
I was jolted out of my secretary attacking thoughts by the ring
my cell phone.
Geez, Mulder, whats so hard about picking up lunch? Youve
done it before.
I found my phone and answered it, "What, Mulder?"
instead of my usual "Scully."
"Is this Dana Scully?"
That definitely wasnt Mulder. Suddenly I got a bad feeling
in the pit of my stomach. The babys kicking stopped;
perhaps it sensed something too. I had read something about how
babies can channel into your emotions.
"Yes, whos calling?" Please tell me that youre
asking me to renew my subscription to "The New Times."
"My name is Tina Parks, and Im a nurse at Washington
General-"
Oh, God, dont say it.
"and we have a Fox Mulder here. According to the
information we found on him, youre his next-of-kin. Is that
correct?"
That bad feeling is the pit of my stomach made its way to
my throat. "Yes, whats happened?" Calm, I have to
remain calm. I always remain calm.
"Mr. Mulder has been is car accident and-"
"How bad?" The words were out of my mouth before I
could even think; before I could even breathe. Just let him be
okay. I heard the woman pause, something I knew was a bad sign.
"I wont lie to you, Ms. Scully. I think you should get
down here right away. He was sideswiped, well actually according
to the police-" She paused again, I knew she was considering
whether or not to share information with me that the police
should tell me themselves. I heard my own breathing hitch. This
was just happening.
"he was most likely-, most likely run off the road. I think
you should get down here as soon as possible."
I couldnt speak. I heard the line disconnect, but I just
sat there with the phone in my hand, not moving, not doing much
of anything. Finally I let the phone drop to my lap with a gentle
thud, my stomach taking its fall. I didnt even notice.
Run. Off. The Road. The catch, this was the catch.
But why not me? Im the one with the precious cargo. Unless
they are going to start one family member at a time.
I feel a pang in my stomach. This cant be happening. This
just cant be happening.
I can feel the gaze of Kershs secretary.
"Are you all right, Agent Scully?"
That question couldnt be further from the truth.
End Chapter 6/?
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