Title - Second Chances

Author - Henle Girl

Rating - PG

Category - Mulder/Scully Romance

Spoilers - Set sometime between Millenium and Sein Und Zeit

Summary - What's Mulder's connection to the victim of an apparent mugging?

Disclaimer - The characters don't belong to me.  I'm just borrowing them for my own therapeutic purposes.  They will be returned relatively unharmed to Chris Carter, or whoever wants to borrow them next, when I'm done.

Feedback:  PLEASE!!! [email protected]

 

 

Second Chances

 

She grabs the baby and runs out the door, leaving the bag behind.  She can always get another one.  Luckily, she had the foresight to leave the stroller out in the hallway.  It's one less thing she has to maneuver out of the apartment.  And right now, time is not something she has to spare.  The footsteps behind her get louder and she knows she's running out of time. 

 

Getting the baby settled into the stroller, she races out the building and down the sidewalk, praying she'll run into any one who can help her.  But the streets are still and quiet.  Not one other soul in sight.  She hears her pursuer get even closer and decides to try the building one block over on Hegal Place.  That area is a bit more populated than this street. 

 

She manages to reach the building just as a pair of hands grab her from behind.  She struggles to make it inside, but can't fight the man.  He's too strong.  He pulls her into the bushes just as a red-haired woman comes flying out of the building followed by a  tall, dark haired man.  If they were only few seconds sooner, the woman thinks to herself. 

 

She struggles with him some more, but he begins dispensing punches on her body wherever he can reach.  As the pain reaches an unbearable level, she manages to let out a shrill scream before one last blow renders her thankfully unconscious.

 

* * * * * * * * * *

 

Mulder watches in wide eyed shock as Scully paces madly across his living room.  But to his amusement, she seems to be more in shock than he is, although not by much.  Never in his wildest dreams did he picture what just happened.  Well, maybe in some of his wilder dreams, but that's exactly what they were - dreams.  Fantasies.  He never thought it would actually happen.  He never thought that his partner, Dana Scully, would literally jump him and proceed to give his tonsils the best workout they've ever had.

 

"I can't believe I just did that," she mutters over and over, her hands covering her eyes to block out the embarrassment.  But he can still see the redness in her cheeks and the tears leaking through her fingers.

 

"Scully, it's okay," he manages to say, hating to see her upset, but not wanting to further embarrass her.  It actually was more than okay with him.  He's been wanting to do that for years now.  But he'd never tell her that. 

 

"No, it's not okay," she cries.  "I was so out of line.  I'm so sorry."

 

"Sorry?" he asks as confusion is added to his shock.

 

"I didn't mean to . .  ."

 

"You didn't mean to?  You don't want this?" he asks, his shock and confusion now turning to disappointment.

 

She finally looks up and sees the look on his face.  It breaks her heart to know that she put it there.  She still can't believe she did this.  One minute they're sitting on the couch.  He leans over and strokes her face.  Or at least, that's what she thought.  In hindsight, he probably was just wiping some pizza sauce off of her cheek.  She tends to be a messy eater.  However innocent the gesture, she took it the wrong way and attacked him.  Just jumped into his lap and kissed him the way she always dreamed she could.

 

"Mulder we can't do this, regardless of what I want.  It would change too much.  I'm sorry.  I should go."  She grabs her bag and runs towards the door while he sits in shock, still processing what she just said.

 

"So you do want this," he says, trying to clarify.  He looks up and his confusion grows when he sees he's talking to an empty room.  He turns around to see her open the door. 

 

"Wait.  Where are you going?" he calls to her before remembering her saying something about leaving.  He seems to be two steps behind in this conversation. The door slams shut before he can make himself move from the spot he's been frozen to on the couch.

 

"Scully!" he yells as he chases her out the apartment.  He runs down the hall in time to see the elevator doors closing.  He quickly decides to go down the stairs, taking them two at a time until he reaches the bottom.  He makes it down just as she's exiting the building.  "Scully, wait!"

 

"Don't do this, Mulder," she cries as she reaches her car, realizing she won't be able to get in and leave before he gets to her.  She may as well face the music.  "It was a mistake.  I shouldn't have done that."

 

"Shouldn't have done what?  Kiss me?" he gasps, trying to catch his breath.  "You really think it was a mistake?"

 

"Don't you?"

 

"No."  He changes his tune when he gets one perfectly manicured eyebrow arched in his direction.  "Okay, maybe it was a mistake.  But not like what you think.  More like a misunderstanding.  Mixed signals."

 

"Mixed signals?" she asks.

 

"Actually, it was more like you were finally reading my signals correctly," he admits sheepishly, suddenly finding the ground incredibly interesting.

 

"You've been sending me signals?" she asks, a little bit of understanding finally dawning.  Could it be possible that he wanted her as much as she wanted him?  Is that what he's trying to say?  She begins to relax a little, realizing that perhaps she didn't make as big a fool of herself as she originally thought.

 

"Yeah.  See, I had a plan," he blushes.

 

"A plan?" she asks with a coy smile.  This ought to be good, she thinks to herself.  He actually seems kind of embarrassed.  "And what did this plan of yours entail, Mulder?"

 

"Well, it's more like a gradual seduction I've been working on that happens in different phases.  During year one of my plan . . . "

 

"Year one!" she laughs, unable to hold it in.  "Mulder, your plan has yearly phases?  I guess it's a good thing I kissed you when I did.  Or else we'd be eighty before we had any real fun."

 

"Yeah, you had to go and steal my thunder," he quips.  She giggles.  A delightful little laugh he's rarely had the pleasure of hearing.  It brings a smile to his face.

 

"You're so crazy," she gasps while trying to catch her breath from the giggle fit.

 

"Crazy about you," he says, his voice barely a whisper.  She looks up at him and sees that the look on his face has turned suddenly serious.

 

"Mulder," she sighs as he lifts both hands to gently caress her face.

 

"Shh," he admonishes, leaning more into her personal space.  "I think it's time I take back my thunder."

 

Before she can say another word, she finds her mouth otherwise occupied with Mulder's.  He kisses her gently, slowly moving his mouth against hers in a dance they seemed destined to do.  She always thought the kisses in the romantic movies were so unrealistic in their perfectness.  But she's finding now that they don't hold a candle to Mulder's kiss.  Perfect does not adequately describe this exquisitely delightful experience.  His lips mold to hers as if they were fashioned for this very purpose - to kiss her senseless.

 

One by one her senses return to her and she breaks the kiss, suddenly remembering they are leaned up against her car putting on a very public display of affection.

 

"Mulder, we can't do this," she says, pulling out of his embrace.

 

"Why not?" he asks, fear starting to enter his heart.  Is she pulling away from him already?

 

"For one thing, we're in the middle of the street," she smiles.

 

"Oh," he realizes her point and his panic abates.  "Well, then.  How about we move this back inside to where it all started."  He leans in to kiss her again, only to be stopped again, her hand on his chest to form a barrier between them.

 

"That's probably not the best idea either.  I think I should go home."

 

"Scully . . . " he whines.

 

"It's not what you think," she smiles at him, tipping up on her toes to kiss him gently.  "I'm not running away from this, I promise.  I just need some time.  To think.  To let this . . . whatever it is between us . . . sink in.  Do you understand?"

 

"I guess so," he pouts.  She has to seriously resist the urge to nibble on that bottom lip, sticking out like a tempting piece of candy.

 

"Good.  I'll see you tomorrow.  Okay?"   At his nod, she pulls him into another kiss, just to say good night, she tells herself.  Except the 'good night' kiss quickly turns into a 'take me back inside your place' kiss and she has to force herself to break it off before she ends up dragging him inside. 

 

"Dangerous.  That's what your kisses are," she mumbles, desperately trying to catch her breath and still her racing heart.  "So very dan- . . . " 

 

She pauses as a sound penetrates her foggy brain.  It sounds like it's coming from the bushes beside Mulder's building.  She looks over and can barely make out a figure lurking in the shadows.

 

"Scully?  What is it?" Mulder asks.

 

"I think there's someone over there," she whispers.  "Did you hear that?"

 

"Hear wha . . ." he starts to ask before he's cut off by a blood curdling scream in the distance.

 

"That!  Someone's in trouble, Mulder," she says, reluctantly pushing away from him and grabbing her gun.  He does the same and they switch effortlessly back onto FBI mode, racing to where they heard the sound come from.  They see the shadows on the side of the building and approach carefully, trying to surprise whoever's lurking there.  Just as they get into position, a man leaps at them from behind the bushes, knocking Scully to the ground.

 

"Freeze!  FBI," Mulder yells at the man as he takes off down the street.  The man doesn't listen and continues down the street, forcing Mulder to follow on foot.   The man makes a few quick turns and loses Mulder, making it easy to evade capture.  Mulder takes one last look around for the man and, not finding him, decides to go back to check on Scully.  When he gets back to his building, he sees her huddled over a form.

 

"Scully?" he asks warily, staring down at the battered body next to his partner.

 

"A young African American female.  I think the man you chased must have attacked her.  She's been beaten and she's unconscious, but she's still alive," Scully reports.  "I just called 9-1-1.  They should be here any minute."

 

"She's so young," he sighs, feeling sorry for the girl.  "Can't be more than 17 years old.  What's she doing out here all alone?" he asks, not really expecting an answer.  He has to find out where she belongs.  No one should be alone at a time like this.  He looks around to see if he could find any of her belongings.  Possibly some ID to tell them who she is.  His heart crumbles even more when he sees an object laying in the distance.  He runs over to it and peeks inside, discovering that it's what he feared - a toppled over stroller.   "Scully!  Get over here quick."

 

"What is . . . oh my . . ." she gasps.  "It's a baby."  He moves aside and allows her to reach inside to check the baby out.  The baby lets out a loud cry and starts kicking furiously.  Scully cautiously picks it up.

 

"Is he okay?" Mulder asks.

 

"She," she says with a smile, holding the baby securely to her chest.  "The baby's a girl.  And besides for a few scratches, she seems fine."

 

Just then, the ambulance arrives and the paramedics load the woman into the back.

 

"Any ID on the victim?" the paramedic asks.

 

"We haven't found any," Mulder answers since Scully seems to be thoroughly focused on the baby.  "We interrupted what appears to be a mugging."

 

"Well she's lucky you got to her before whoever did this killed her.  How's the baby?"

 

"A little scratched, but she seems fine," Scully says.  "However, I think she should be checked out anyway."

 

"Okay, we'll take her then."  When the paramedic reaches for the baby, Scully finds herself wrapping her arms even tighter around her light bundle, unwilling to give her up. 

 

"I got her.  She just got settled.  I don't think she should be shifted around and upset again."  Scully looks pleadingly at Mulder for back up.

 

"Like she said.  We got the baby.  We'll drive right behind you and bring her with us," Mulder assures them.  "What hospital are you taking the woman to?"

 

"Northern Virginia Community Hospital," the paramedic relents, seeing that it would be near impossible getting the baby away from Scully.  "We better get moving and take the victim in."

 

"Okay, then," Mulder nods, looking around for Scully.  He sees that she's already across the street and getting settled into the car.  A feeling goes through him that he can't explain.  But he senses that somehow things are about to change.  For the better or worse, he doesn't know.  He just feels that the events of the night will change his life in a way that he can't even imagine. 

 

He gets into the car and stares at Scully and the baby for a minute before starting it.   The scene seems so right.  It's something he could get very used to seeing.  He's never really seen himself as a father before.  But ever since Emily, all that has changed.  He'd love children now.  As long as Scully would be their mother.  He smiles one last time at them before pulling out behind the ambulance.  

 

* * * * * * * * * *

 

Mulder hears the elevator's ding, signaling it's return to the floor.  Scully steps off empty handed, despite her claims of going to get coffee.  He smiles to himself, knowing where she really has been.  She's been keeping a watchful eye on the baby ever since they arrived at the hospital.

 

"How's the baby?" he asks her.

 

"How did you know I went to see her?"

 

"No coffee," he says, pointing to her hands.  "You said you were going to get some."

 

"Oh yeah," she smiles, sitting down in the empty chair next to him.   "The baby is fine.  I managed to get her in a room in the peds ward.  I had to do some fast talking, but I convinced the doctor it was for the best to keep her overnight for observation.  At least now, she can be here with her mother until we track down any other family.  Otherwise she would have been taken into protective services."

 

"Well, finding out who she is won't be so difficult anymore.  The cops found the mother's wallet at the scene.  Her name is Serena Bradford, age 19.  No information on the baby as of yet," he tells her.

 

"Has her family been notified?"

 

"She doesn't have any," Mulder frowns.  "She's all alone.  Just her and the baby."

 

"Agent Mulder."  Mulder looks up at the nurse standing just outside of Serena's room.  "The patient has regained consciousness."

 

"Thank you, Nurse," he says, standing up out of his chair.  He waits for Scully to rise and follows her into the room, leading her gently with hand on her lower back.

 

"Miss Bradford.  My name is Dana Scully," she explains.  "And this is my partner Fox Mulder.  We're with the FBI."

 

"Miss Bradford, can you tell us what happened?" Mulder asks, sitting down next to the young woman's bed.  He looks into her hazel eyes and is shaken at the compassion he feels for her.

 

"Samantha," she whispers.  "Where's Samantha?"

 

"What?" Mulder snaps before realizing how he sounds.  Hearing his sister's name still throws him most of the time.  But for some reason, this time seems different.  There's just something about this girl and he can't quite figure out what it is.

 

"Who's Samantha?" Scully asks, gently laying a hand on Mulder's shoulder to calm him.  "Is she the baby that was with you?"

 

Serena just nods.

 

"She's my daughter," she whispers.

 

"Your daughter is just fine," Mulder promises her.  "But you aren't.  You were beaten very badly tonight.  Can you tell us the man who attacked you?"

 

She nods again, this time allowing a few tears to fall.

 

"His name is Carl Pierce.  My fiancée, Remy Cooper, hired him to kill me," she says. 

 

"You know this for a fact?" Mulder asks.

 

"Yes.  He told me so when we were in the apartment.  That's why I started to run.  I just picked up the baby and got out of there as quickly as I could," she says, more tears falling to her cheek.  Mulder surprises them both by gently wiping them away.

 

"Miss Bradford, do you know why your fiancée hired Mr. Pierce to kill you?" Scully asks.

 

"He wanted my money," she says with a sigh.  "We first met a few years ago after my father died.  I was just 16 at the time, but he left me his entire fortune - enough to last me for five lifetimes."

 

"What about your mother or any other family?"

 

"I never knew my mother.  And my dad's only other family was a sister who died before I was born.  I was all he had.  He was all I had.  We took care of each other.  So after he died and they wanted to put me into foster care, I refused.  His lawyers somehow found a way for me to become emancipated.  I left home and hooked up with Remy.  I was young, but not stupid.  I made sure he didn't know about my money."

 

"No one's saying you're stupid at all," Mulder sympathizes, grabbing onto her hand and giving it a gentle squeeze.

 

"Anyway, about a year later I got pregnant and told Remy we had to get married.  He reluctantly agreed under the condition we move up here from Raleigh.  He had a cousin up here, Carl, and those two hooked up.  They started working on different . . . projects - not all of them entirely legal.  I knew Carl was bad news and warned Remy to stay away from him, but he didn't listen to me.  Eventually, I had to quit trying to look after him and focus on taking care of myself and the baby.  After the baby was born, she was really sick.  The hospital bills were high, more than Remy thought we could afford.  That's when I told him I had a little saved and could handle things.  But I still didn't let him know how much money I actually had.  Unfortunately, Carl found out and told Remy what I was worth.  After that, all he talked about was money.  So much so that I realized he didn't really love me and threatened to leave him.  That's when he sent Carl after me."

 

"Unfortunately, this Carl person got away," Mulder says.  "But with your statement, the police can start looking for him and your fiancée."

 

"His full name is Remington Cooper.  Carl lives here in Arlington.  Remy and I live in Tyson's Corner," she says with a yawn.  "Oh, excuse me."

 

"No problem.  It's been a long day.  We'll get out of your hair, Miss Bradford."

 

"Please, call me Serena," she begs.  "You two saved my life.  And to top it all off, you've been nicer to me than anyone has been in a really long time."

 

"Get some rest," Scully says with a smile, noting Mulder's reluctance to leave the girl's side.  "Let's get out of here, Mulder."

 

"Right," he says.  "We'll see you tomorrow, Serena.  Okay?"

 

"That'll be nice," Serena nods, her eyes beginning to drift shut.  Mulder follows Scully out into the hall.

 

"What's up with you, Mulder?" she asks, watching him suspiciously.

 

"What do you mean?"

 

"Don't you think you were laying the protective big brother act on a little thick in there?" she asks. 

 

"I couldn't help it, Scully.  She's so young and seems like she could use someone to look after her for awhile."

 

"She's cute too," Scully adds.

 

"Scully!  It's not like that," he stutters, stopping and staring at her when she starts to laugh.

 

"Relax.  I don't see you as some perverted cradle robber only looking to take advantage of that girl," she giggles.  "I realize you see her and think of your little sister.  And I agree with you.  We should do all we can until she gets back on her feet.  I think it's incredibly sweet of you to think of her."  She stands on her tip toes and presses a brief kiss to his lips. 

 

"Mmmm.  I think you're incredibly sweet too," he says with a leer, loving that he can say stuff like that to her now.  "Those lips of yours taste just like candy."

 

"Mulder," she blushes and rolls her eyes at him.  "Let's go.  We can come back early in the morning.  The doctors say she can probably go home tomorrow."

 

"Alright.  To your place, then," he tries her, but backs down when he gets 'the look' again.  "Okay, okay.  I give up tonight.  I'll go to my place, you'll go to your place."

 

She gives him a smile and shakes her head, turning around to walk down the hall.  He follows, his own smile on his face.  One of these days, Dana Scully, he thinks, one of these days he won't have to say good night.

 

* * * * * * * * * *

 

Serena holds her baby close to her chest as Mulder swings the door open for her.  After being released from the hospital, she was surprised at the agents' offer to escort her home to make sure she stays safe.  She appreciates the gesture more than she could ever tell them.  She feels safe and secure for the first time since her dad died.  There was just something about Agent Mulder.  Something familiar and comforting.

 

"Thank you, Fox," she says as he holds the door for her.  "You guys make yourselves at home.  I'm going to put Samantha down in her crib."

 

They smile and take a seat on the sofa while she leaves the room.

 

"So, *Fox*," Scully teases.

 

"Don't start, Scully.  While you were with the baby this morning, Serena started calling me that and I didn't correct her.  I really do hate my name, but it's okay when some people call me by it.  Like your mother.  And Serena.  You can too, if you want."

 

"Thanks for the gesture, but that's okay.  You're my Mulder.  And that's what you're going to stay."  She leans over and kisses him.  Mulder pulls her closer and deepens the kiss, almost making her forget they were guests in someone else's home.  They jump apart when they hear someone behind them clearing their throat.

 

"Sorry," Mulder blushes.

 

"No problem," Serena smiles, a wiggling Samantha matching it with a slobbery grin of her own.  "But when I said to make yourselves at home, I didn't realize you two would start making out on my couch."

 

"I thought you were putting her down," Mulder says, gesturing to the baby.

 

"I was, but I missed her so much last night.  I didn't want to let her out of my sight just yet."  She gives the baby a little kiss on the cheek before continuing.  "Anything could have happened to her.  If you two hadn't rescued me . . . "

 

"You don't have to worry about that anymore," Scully says.  "We told you this morning that the police were able to pick up Carl late last night.  Unfortunately it was too late for Remy.  Carl had already killed him.  The police caught him red handed."

 

"I know I should feel sad that my baby's father is dead.  And I am sorry.  It's such a waste.  They talk about black on black crime in the news.  But this is worse.  They were family.  It's a shame, really.  But I should have known the kinds of people both of them were and gotten away before it was too late.  It almost was."  She starts to cry, her small frame shaking from the force of her tears.  The baby, seeing her mother so distraught, starts to cry as well.  Mulder stands up to get her while Scully goes to comfort Serena.  Within seconds, both have calmed down.

 

"You're pretty good at that, Fox," Serena sniffs, wiping her face dry.  "She must really like you.  She doesn't usually go to strangers."

 

The baby pokes around his face and he gives out a fake cry when she pulls at his nose, causing the baby to giggle.

 

"I'm no stranger.  I'm Uncle Fox, isn't that right Sami?" he asks the baby before realizing what he's doing and turns to Serena.  "Is it okay that I call her that?  It's what I used to call my little sister."

 

"It's fine," Serena smiles.  "You don't call your sister that anymore?  She got too old for nicknames?"

 

"No, she's gone," he says quietly, gently rocking the baby back and forth in her arms until her eyes start to drift shut.  "She disappeared when we were kids.  We never found her."

 

"I'm sorry, Fox," Serena apologizes.  "I didn't know."

 

"It's okay.  You couldn't have known."  Both women watch Mulder disappear into the back room to lay down the now sleeping infant.

 

"Is he really okay?" Serena whispers once he's out of sight.

 

"You remind him a lot of her," Scully explains.  "Your situation and all.  But it's helped him to be able to help you, if that makes any sense."

 

"Believe me, I'm grateful for the help.  I don't want to sound too needy or clingy, but you guys are the best friends I've made in awhile.   I really don't know what the future holds for me and Samantha, but I sincerely hope you and Fox stay a part of our lives, Dana."

 

"That's sweet, Serena," Scully says, giving the young woman a hug.  "We care about the two of you.  But with Mulder, it's something else.  There's just something about you he's connecting with."

 

"Dana, he's hot and all, but not my type," Serena says quickly.  "I'm not trying to . . ."

 

"No, that's not what I'm saying," Scully laughs.  "Mulder and I have known each other for a long time.  But it's only just recently we've even . . . kissed.  I mean, *really* kissed.  There was this one thing on New Years, but it was very friendly.  Innocent."

 

"You're kidding me.  No wonder you two can barely keep you hands off of each other," Serena giggles.

 

"Anyway, I'd normally be very insecure right about now. You're a very beautiful woman, Serena," Scully admits.  "And Mulder has taken a keen interest in you.  But I can see that it's all innocent.  He feels if he can take care of you, it'll kind of make up for not being able to take care of his sister."

 

"Well, you two have wasted enough time on me today.  You need to go home and show your man a good time," Serena grins.  Both women break out into a fit of giggles.

 

"Not laughing at me, I hope," Mulder says when he comes out the room.

 

"Wouldn't dream of it, Fox," Serena says, shooting Scully a knowing glance.

 

"Yeah, Mulder.  It's nothing.  Just girl talk," Scully smiles.

 

"Boy, I'm tired all of a sudden," Serena says, giving a fake yawn and

exaggerated stretch.  "I think I'm going to crash with Samantha.  Why don't you two get out of here and go have some fun."

 

"Sounds like a good idea to me," Scully readily agrees.  Mulder looks at them both suspiciously before nodding and walking to the door.  Scully and Serena follow him.

 

"I know you two are up to something, but I'm going to let you keep your little secret for now."  He leans down and kisses Serena on the forehead.  "Take care of yourself, Kid."

 

He grabs Scully's hand, still amazed that he can without risking her shooting him, and walks her down the hall.  She's the most important thing to him and he's so grateful that he can finally show her all she means to him.  He wonders what she and Serena were giggling about.  A little nervous, in fact, about what she may have planned.  But, if the wicked gleam in her eyes is any indication, he knows he'll have a good time finding out.

 

"So, Scully.  What were you two laughing about?" he asks once they reach the car. 

 

"Nothing bad, I promise," she says, smiling at his nosiness.  "Serena realized that hanging around with her wasn't giving us much . . . quality time.  She told me to - and I quote - go home and show my man a good time."

 

"Ooh, am I 'your man', Scully?" he leers, wagging his eyebrows at her.  "And are you going to show me a really, really good time?"

 

"In your dreams, Mulder," she says, trying to suppress a shudder.  The things that man's voice can do to her ought to be considered illegal.

 

"Every night, Scully," he grins as he pulls the car out into traffic.  They ride in a comfortable silence for awhile until a phone rings.

 

"That's you," she says, pulling out her own phone and not seeing a number on the display.  He pulls his out and answers it, saying a few short sentences to the caller on the other end before hanging it up.

 

"That was Skinner.  He has a case for us," he says, sounding somewhat disappointed.  He was looking forward to that 'quality time' Scully hinted at.  Maybe next time, he thinks to himself.  He hears her own disappointed sigh and is strangely comforted.  At least he's not alone in his frustration.  He reaches across the console between them and grabs her hand, giving it a gentle squeeze, a silent promise of what's to come.

 

* * * * * * * * * *

 

They get back into town a week later after solving the case.  A case, once again, of a teenager with an unhappy home life.  The supposedly abducted girl was found in a car with her boyfriend on the way to Chicago.  Mulder was disappointed that no aliens were involved, but happy nonetheless she was found safe.

 

"I just don't understand it.  I would never have run away from home.  I loved my father too much," Serena says, pausing to take a sip of her iced tea.  She had invited Mulder and Scully over for dinner as soon as they had gotten back into town.  "Living on your own at that age is not all it's cracked up to be.  I fortunately had plenty of resources to help me.  But I've only just recently started feeling like I can truly handle being on my own.  And that's only because of you two."

 

"Well, luckily we found her," Scully says.  "A lot of kids aren't that lucky."

 

Right then, Samantha makes her presence known by letting out a loud cry, startling the adults.

 

"Someone sounds wet and cranky," Serena cringes.  "Excuse me please."

 

"Don't worry about it.  I'll get her," Mulder offers.

 

"You sure?"  At his nod, Serena tells him where to find the diapers and wipes and sends him on his way.

 

"I don't mean to pry, but I just have to say this, Dana.  Fox seems like he'd make a wonderful father.  He's unbelievable with Samantha.  You two ever thought about having kids?  Or is it too soon in the relationship to be thinking about those kinds of things?"

 

"I'd love children, Serena.  They're just not in the cards," Scully says sadly.  "It's a long story, one that I promise I'll tell you later, but the short version is that I've been told that I'm barren."

 

"I'm sorry," Serena apologizes.  "Getting pregnant was the last thing I expected, or even wanted, but it happened so easily for me.  But now that she's here, I couldn't imagine my life without my baby.  And now I realized how much more blessed I am to have her."

 

"You are blessed.  And it makes me feel good to know that you appreciate the gift that she truly is.  But it's nice being Aunt Dana as well.  I can take her home, spoil her rotten, and bring her back to you to deal with," Scully laughs.

 

"That is if you can get her from Fox.  Those two seemed to be joined at the hip," Serena says, giggling along with her.

 

"What is it with you two?" Mulder asks, a dry and happy Samantha perched in his arms.  "I step out of the room for a second and come back to find you two laughing at me . . . again."

 

"Just warning Dana that my daughter is about to steal you right from under her nose."

 

"Hey now.  My angel is no thief, are you, Sami?  Even though she stole my heart, she's still my perfect, sweet little Sami," he says in an annoyingly high pitched baby voice that sends Samantha into a fit of giggles.

 

"He never coos at me like that," Scully says dryly.

 

"Oh, I love you too, Honey," Mulder says, winking at her.  "But not like my Sami here."  He blows kisses on the baby's belly and her laughter starts anew.

 

The women roll their eyes and leave Mulder playing with the baby while they clear away the dinner dishes and make coffee.  When they come back, the baby is laying on Mulder's chest, asleep, while he silently flips through the stations on TV. 

 

"Let me put her to bed," Serena says, gently lifting her tiny child.  She takes the baby in the room and returns a few minutes later, silently shutting the door behind her.

 

"Fox, that little girl seriously adores you," she says, stretching out on the sofa, letting Mulder and Scully have the love seat all to themselves.  "Her father never spent much time with her, so I think she's loving this attention from you."

 

"Well, I love giving it to her," Mulder blushes.  "She's a great kid.  And she has a great mother."

 

"No, you and Dana are the great ones.  I don't know what I did to deserve having the two of you in my life.  And I really don't understand how it happened so quickly.  I don't usually let people in.  But it seems like the two of you were already there.  From the moment we met."

 

"We're glad to be here," Scully says with a smile.  "I know it won't be easy for Samantha to grow up without a parent."

 

"Like I said, Remy wasn't really around all that much.  So not much will change now that he's gone.  And I think it'll be different for her growing up without her father than it was for me growing up without my mother.  She won't constantly wonder who he is or what he looks like or why he didn't want her.  I thought those questions everyday.  Every woman I passed on the street, I wondered if she was my mother.  I wondered if I cried too much as a baby and made her leave me."

 

"It wasn't your fault," Mulder interrupts her.  "When your mother left you, it was her loss.  She won't ever get to see the wonderful and beautiful young woman you have become."

 

"Maybe she will," Serena mumbles to herself, but Mulder and Scully hear anyway.

 

"What do you mean by that, Serena?" Scully asks.

 

"I mean, what if I can . . . find her?" she asks almost shyly.

 

"Is that what you want?  Because we can help you," Mulder tells her.

 

"Really?"  They both nod and she lets out a relieved sigh.  "I know there was a reason she didn't want me.  So I'm not going to get my hopes up about some fantasy reunion between us. But I think I have the right to look her in the eyes and ask her why."

 

"If you tell us what you know about her, then we can run some stuff tomorrow when we get to work," Scully suggests.

 

"I don't know much about her," Serena admits.  "I don't know her name or where she lives or anything.  All I know is that she was my aunt's best friend growing up.  My father didn't talk about her too much."

 

"That's not much to go on," Mulder says, trying not to disappoint her too much.  "Is her name on your birth certificate?  Or maybe we can check the hospital where you were born."

 

"Some children have unknown father listed on their birth certificate.  Mine says unknown mother," Serena says with a little mirthless chuckle.  "And I wasn't born in a hospital.  Like I said, my father had money.  They arranged for a midwife to deliver me at our estate.  Then my father's private physician handled filling out my birth certificate.  My mother's name isn't on it."

 

"How about your aunt?  Maybe we can see if any of her other friends are still alive and might know your birth mother," Scully says.

 

"It's worth a try," Serena shrugs.  "My aunt's name was Clara Westin.  She was my dad's half sister, they shared the same mother.  Aunt Clara was born in Connecticut where her mother worked for a white man, who fathered Clara.   She was a very beautiful baby with fair skin and straight hair.  Her father wanted to keep her, and since his wife couldn't have children, she agreed to raise Clara.  But she ordered her husband to send away Clara's mother.  So my grandmother left, took my father and settled in Raleigh.  They lived there for about ten years and when my father was about 13 years old, my grandmother died.  Clara's father felt guilty and took my father in as kind of a ward, so Clara and my father were able to grow up together after all."

 

"Did your aunt ever marry, or is Westin the name we should look under?" Mulder asks.

 

"She married several times," Serena says, rolling her eyes.  "She ended up living in Martha's Vineyard with her last husband, George Roland.  They both died in a house fire there."

 

"You're kidding?  I remember when that happened," Mulder says.  "I had just graduated high school and was spending a month with my father before going over to England to start the summer session at Oxford.  I remember because my mom came for the funeral.  She knew them.  Actually, everyone knew them.  The were a very visible couple."

 

"So it's possible your mom can help?" Serena asks hopefully.

 

"Maybe," Mulder is hesitant.  "She's not entirely . . . reliable.  Not her memory, anyway.  She had a stroke a few years back and doesn't remember stuff clearly anymore."

 

"Is there anything else you can give us?" Scully asks.  "Do you think your dad had a picture hidden away?  Have you ever seen her?  Do you have any idea what she looks like?"

 

"I went through all of my dad's stuff after he died.  I didn't find any pictures of anyone I didn't know.  And as far as I know, I've never seen her.  I think she's a white woman, though.  I . . . "  she pauses and starts to pull at her bottom lip, just like Scully's seen Mulder do on many occasions when he's trying to figure something out, so she assumes the girl may be remembering something.

 

"What is it, Serena?" she asks, trying to gently coax her memory.

 

"Just a dream I've had all my life.  A dream where I've met my mother.  In my dream, I see a white woman with dark hair, but I can't distinguish any of her features.  My dad is also there.  I can see him clearly.  And there was another man there, but I could never see his face - until recently.  In my dream, this man sort of rescues me from something.  I was crying and he took me and calmed me down."

 

"You said you could never see him clearly until recently.  What's changed?"

 

"This past week when I've had the dream, I could see him.  He's you, Fox.  I guess I picture you as my savior and have imported you into my dreams.  Other than that aspect of it, the dream seems almost real at times."

 

"Maybe it's not a dream.  Maybe it is real," Mulder says.  "Do you remember anything else about this woman?  About this dream?"

 

"Not much," she says, shaking her head.

 

"Alright, do something for me."  His voice changes to a soothing tone and Scully recognizes his 'psychologist' mode.  "Take my hand and relax.  Take deep breaths and try to put yourself into the dream."

 

"Are you trying to hypnotize me, Fox.  Because I'm not . . ."

 

"Just relax," he says again.  "Open your mind a little more to the memory.  Tell me what you see."

 

She closes her eyes and he can feel the tension drain from her body.  She takes a few deep breaths and finally starts to talk. 

 

"I'm young," she starts.  "Probably 4 or 5 years old.  My dad and I drive up to this house.  I'm wearing my best church dress and the black shoes that pinch my toes, but I don't complain because I know that I'm dressed up to meet my mom.  We walk to the house and knock on the door.  When she opens the door, she seems surprised, but recovers and asks my dad what do we want.  I don't remember what he says, but she ends up letting us in, a bit reluctantly it seems."

 

"Can you see what she looks like, Serena?" Mulder asks her.  She pauses and starts pulling at her lip again, trying to picture it in her head, but ends up shaking her head no.  "Okay, so what happened once you were in the house?"

 

"I'm not sure.  I wasn't really listening.  I looked around a lot and my eyes caught on a doll sitting on the shelf.  I wanted to play with her, so I went over there and tried to get it.  The woman got very angry.  Said it belonged to her daughter and she took it from me.  I started to cry and she started to yell at my father.  Asking him why he brought me here and saying that we should leave.  Just then, someone else walked into the house.  That other man I remember seeing.  He looked at the woman and then he looked at my father, but didn't say anything.  He just picked me up and took me outside.  He held me until I stopped crying and then gave me something out of his pocket.  It wasn't gum or candy or anything sweet.  It was salty, like a nut or something I think.  He made funny faces at me and made me laugh while my dad and that lady were in the house yelling at each other.  Finally, my dad came out.  We got in the car and left.  And that's when I wake up."

 

"That's a pretty vivid, dream," Scully comments.  "Do you think it could be a memory, Mulder?  Mulder?  Mulder?"  She touches his arms to get his attention, seeing that he's completely zoned out.

 

"What?" he says finally when he notices her hand on his arm.

 

"I was asking if you think the dream could be a memory," she says, staring curiously at the strange look on his face.  It's definitely the panic face, yet she can't think of a reason for him to be making it.  "Are you okay?  You look a bit . . . off."

 

"I'm fine," he snaps, shaking Scully's hand from his arm and standing up.  "We should go, Scully.  We got an early day ahead of us tomorrow.  We should take Serena's advice and make a trip up to see my mom in the morning.  The more I think about it, the more I think she'll be able to help us.  Serena, we'll pick up you and Samantha at seven.  Do you think you'll be ready?"

 

"Sure," she says, kind of confused at his sudden attitude change.  "What is this about Fox?"

 

"Just seeing if we can find out what happened all those years ago.  Trying to see why a mother would give up her child."  He reaches out and pulls Serena into his arms, giving her a long hug.  "We'll see you in the morning."

 

Scully looks at her and shrugs her shoulders, not able to explain Mulder's strange behavior either.  She gives the woman a quick hug before leaving with Mulder.  Something definitely happened in there.  Something that affected him deeply.

 

"Mulder," she says quietly once they reach the car.  "What was that all about?  What happened back there?"

 

"Everything, Scully," he sighs.  "I don't know how to explain it, really."

 

"You felt something, didn't you?" she guesses.  "Ever since last week, I've noticed a weird connection between you and Serena.  But tonight, somehow you actually felt what she was feeling.  Like you had become her or something."

 

"Not exactly," he says with a small grin.  "Although, the fact that you'd jump to such an extreme possibility is turning me on more than a little right now, Scully." 

 

His little quip makes her laugh.

 

"And as much as I'd like to think that I've converted you, that's not what happened.  There's a far simpler explanation," he says.  "It was more than me *feeling* what she was feeling.  I *knew* what she was feeling.  And the reason I knew what she was feeling is because . . . well, because I was there, Scully.  I was the other man in the dream.  It was my mother her father was arguing with.  I was the one who took the little girl outside and took care of her until she stopped crying.  It was a sunflower seed I gave her.  I guess I was in the habit of carrying them around in my pockets, even back then."

 

"Mulder, what are you saying?"

 

"I'm not sure, exactly," he sighs.  "All I know is that for some reason, Serena and her dad were at that house that day with my mom.  That part is true.  It's not just some dream Serena keeps having.  It's a genuine memory. And the only reason I can think of why they'd be there is because . . ."

 

"Because what, Mulder?"

 

"I don't know how this is even possible, Scully.  I don't even know why I'm even thinking it.  But I think they were there to see my mom . . . because she's Serena's mom too."

 

* * * * * * * * * *

 

Serena sits in the back next to where Samantha is strapped into her car seat.  She stares at the back of Mulder and Scully's heads for awhile, wondering how to approach them with what's on her mind.  There's been a tense silence hanging in the car since they picked her up earlier that morning.  She didn't really notice before since she was pretty worried about what information they might or might not find out from Mulder's mother.  But now the tension is palpable.  Mulder's knuckles are white from gripping the steering wheel so hard.  There's definitely something bothering him, Serena concludes.  She decides the best approach to find out what that something is is to be direct.

 

"There's something going on that you guys haven't told me," she says, watching them both carefully for any reaction they may make.  She notices them both tense even more, impossible as it may seem.  "What's going on?"

 

"My mother and I have never had the best of relationships," Mulder explains to her.  "I'm always a little tense when I have to see her."

 

She watches the glances between the two of them and can practically see the silent conversation flowing back and forth.  She knows Mulder enough to know that he's telling the truth about his relationship with his mother.  But she also knows that's not the true reason behind his stress.  She decides to let it go for now.  She has her own worries to deal with.  Any minute now, she's going to meet a woman who may very well be able to tell her about her mother.

 

The car slows as it reaches the residential area of the small town.  After a few turns, Mulder pulls into the driveway of a house that seems vaguely familiar to Serena. But as she looks around, she notices that a lot of the houses are similar.  That's probably why she feels as if she's seen the house before.  Because she has.  Two blocks up and across the street, but in a sage color.

 

"Here we are," Mulder says, letting out a deep breath.  He tugs on his bottom lip for a few moments before turning around to face Serena. "Why don't you let Scully stay in the car and watch Samantha while we go in.  I told you that my mom's mind isn't as sharp as it used to be.  I think the baby might be a distraction we don't need."

 

"Okay," Serena nods, suddenly feeling the same nervousness plaguing Mulder at the moment.  She watches him get out the car and approach her side and realizes that there's no turning back.

 

"Hey.  Are you okay with this?" Mulder asks her, noticing her reticence.

 

"I need to do this, Fox," she barely whispers.  She takes a deep breath and steps out of the car, taking his waiting hand.  He gives it a gentle squeeze, but he doesn't let it go.  It's very comforting and she smiles inwardly at how well he seems to know exactly what she needs.

 

They walk up the steps to the house and Serena waits on the porch as Mulder opens the door.

 

"Mom," she hears him call.  "It's Fox.  Are you home?"

 

Mulder turns around and sees Serena still on the porch and pulls her inside.  Just then, his mother comes down the stairs, pausing at the bottom when she sees Mulder and his guest.

 

"Fox.  What a surprise," she says, moving in tentatively for an awkward hug with her son.  "What are you doing here?  And who's your friend?"

 

"She's actually the reason why I'm here, Mom," he says.  "I want to introduce you to someone.  This is Serena Bradford."

 

The look on Teena Mulder's face says it all.  To say she's shocked would be an understatement.  Mulder has to grab onto the woman and lead her to the sofa as her legs give out from under her.

 

"Oh, my goodness.  Fox, is your mom okay?" Serena asks with some concern. "Should I go out and get Dana to check on her?"

 

"I'm find, Child," Mrs. Mulder rasps as she looks accusingly at her son.  "Why did you bring her here, Fox?"

 

"We needed answers," he says through a tear clogged throat.  "And seeing your reaction, I think we have the answer to the biggest question we came here to ask."

 

"What are you talking about, Fox?" Serena asks.  "You think your mom can tell my about my . . . "

 

"I'm almost certain she can, Serena," he says, interrupting her.  "I'm pretty sure my mom can tell you all about your mom.  Because I'm pretty sure they're one in the same."

 

"What?" Serena gasps, not believing what she's hearing.  She finds herself staring incredulously at the older woman on the sofa.  "How can this be?  Fox how can I be your sister and you not even know  . . . but you *did* know, didn't you?" she realizes.  "That's why you got all weird on me last night.  And why you were so quiet on the trip up here."

 

"I sort of guessed it," he nods.  "But I still needed my mother to confirm it.  So how about it, Mom?  How about you tell me the truth about something for once in my life.  I think you owe it to both of us."

 

"Fox, this young woman is not my daughter," Mrs. Mulder says, not looking either of them in the eye.  "She can't be.  Just look at her.  She looks nothing like us.  She's . . ."

 

"Black," Serena finishes for her.  "As a matter of fact, I am.  Is that why you didn't want me?  Why you gave me away?  Because I wouldn't be able to blend in?  Because I'd stick out like a sore thumb!" she screams.

 

"You were so pale when you were born.  And you had the brightest blue eyes and a headful of curly hair," Mrs. Mulder starts.  "I thought that maybe you'd stay that way.  And I'd be able to take you home with me.  But after a few weeks, you started to get darker.  Your eyes changed to the hazel they are now.  And I knew there would be no way you could pass for my child."

 

"But I was your child," Serena yells, bursting into tears.  "I am your child."

 

"Shh," Mulder says, holding the sobbing girl in his arms.  Right now he feels nothing but disgust for his mother, but knows he cannot allow his anger to be unleashed just yet.  There were still questions that needed answers.

 

"Mom, why don't you start from the beginning.  Tell us how this all happened."  He takes Serena over to another couch and sits with her, keeping an arm around her for support.

 

"Start with how you knew my father, James Bradford," Serena sniffs.

 

"My best friend growing up was a girl named Clara Westin," Mrs. Mulder starts, realizing she didn't have much other choice than to tell them her story.

 

"My aunt," Serena interjects.

 

"That's right," Mrs. Mulder nods.  "Your father's sister.  He came to live with Clara's family when Clara and I were young, maybe 9 or 10 years old.  He was just barely a teenager himself."

 

"That was after my grandmother died." 

 

Teena Mulder just nods before continuing with her story.

 

"His mother's death affected him deeply.  Jimmy was a very quiet and shy boy, but very sweet, considerate and well mannered.  I found myself . . . smitten with him, for lack of a better word.  I remembered telling my mother stories about what it would be like to marry him when I grew up.  But she told me that I would never be able to marry a boy like him.  That's just not how the world worked.  She said that people like him were our cooks and servants, but that we couldn't be friends with them or marry them.  I didn't really understand her since Clara was his sister, yet she was my best friend.  My mother said that Clara was acceptable since she looked like us.  Anyway, years passed and Clara and I ended up being sent away to the same boarding school.  By the time we got back, Jimmy had already left for college.  I never saw him again until Clara's funeral." 

 

"That was the year I graduated high school and left for England," Mulder adds.

 

"We were both so distraught over Clara's death and with you being gone, Fox, I was lonely.  Jimmy and I sought comfort from each other," she admits.  "I didn't realize I was pregnant for a few months.  It was almost Thanksgiving by this time.  Three weeks later, Fox had come home for Christmas break.  I was starting to show a little, but nothing a big sweater couldn't hide.  But I knew that I wouldn't be able to hide the rest of my pregnancy.  So when Fox boarded his plane to return to England, I boarded a plane for Raleigh and spent the rest of my pregnancy with your father, Serena."

 

"You told me the New England winters had become too harsh for you to deal with, Mom.  You said that's why you were going south.  I always wondered why it was the only winter you left," Mulder says, shaking his head at yet another lie his mother told him.

 

"How long were you in Raleigh?" Serena asks.

 

"I stayed about 6 weeks after you were born.  By then, you were getting your . . . color, and I knew I couldn't take you back with me.  I left you there with your father, knowing he'd be able to take very good care of you.  He had made his fortune by then, so I knew you'd have the best life possible with anything you could ever ask for."

 

"Except for a mother," Serena whispers.

 

Mrs. Mulder ignores that comment and continues.

 

"Everything was fine for awhile.  I managed to push away the pain of losing two daughters and moved on with my life.  Fox had graduated college by then and was back in the states to start with the FBI.  He was visiting me that day."

 

"The day my father brought me to see you," Serena says.

 

"Yes.  I never expected that.  I never expected to see you again.  I don't know why Jimmy brought you.  He shouldn't have done that," Mrs. Mulder sighs.

 

"That visit has haunted me my whole life," Serena says. "I thought it was just a dream."

 

"You were barely five. How could you remember?"

 

"I don't know," Serena shrugs.  "But I do.  I remember it as being the day my mother rejected me.  And everyday after that, I had to wonder why she didn't want me.  Why she'd just throw me away.  Why I wasn't worthy enough for her love.  But I realize I was mistaken.  I'm not the unworthy one.  You are.  If you can't see past color and love no matter what, then that's your loss.  You lost out on loving my dad for that reason and now you've lost out on loving me."

 

She finishes her tirade and runs out the house.  Mulder stands and starts to go after her, but turns to his mother with eyes full of anger.

 

"I don't understand you, Mom," he says with his quiet ire simmering beneath the surface.  "After Samantha . . . we were all so lost.  Serena could never replace her, but she could have helped heal us if you let her.  She could have been our second chance at love.  But you gave her away, just like you let Dad give Samantha away."

 

"Fox, I was 40 years old and divorced.  People would have talked.  Not only about me being pregnant and unmarried, but also about . . . her."

 

"That 'her' has a name.  She is your daughter, Serena.  My sister," Mulder yells.  "And I won't be ashamed of her.  I am, however, ashamed of you."

 

With that, he turns and leaves the house, letting the door slam behind them.  Scully and Serena are standing outside the car and jump when the noise he makes startles them.

 

"I'm sorry about all that," he apologizes to Serena, pulling her into his arms.  "I'm so sorry."

 

"I know," she nods.  "It's going to be okay.  You know I wasn't expecting much from her.  I'm still hurt and angry and disappointed, but I do have something to thank her for."

 

"What?" he asks curiously.

 

"For you," Serena smiles.  "She gave me you.  I have a brother to love me and look out for me.  Even if she doesn't care, I think you do."

 

"I do care, Serena," he swears.  "From the moment I saw you, I knew you'd be a part of my life forever, even though I didn't understand what I was feeling.  But now I understand that I felt what I did for you because we're bonded.  You're my sister and I'm so lucky to have you in my life.  I hope you can accept me as your brother.  I won't let my mother's warped way of thinking influence me the way her mother's did.  That cycle stops here.  I refuse to allow mistakes from the past make me miss out on my chance to love you like I should have been able to do all my life."

 

They hug again, squeezing each other tightly as if trying to make up for all the hugs they've missed in the past.  They don't worry about where they are or how long they stand there.  They just enjoy the sensation of holding and being held by a loved one.  After a few silent moments, the baby lets out a screech, as if she's protesting the lack of attention towards her.  All the adults laugh at her impatience.

 

"I don't know about you guys, but I think Sami is ready to get out of here," Scully says, still laughing.

 

"She's right," Serena says.  "Let's go.  I got my answers.  There's nothing left for me here."  She reaches her arms out and takes Samantha from Scully and steps into the car. 

 

"You okay, Mulder?" Scully asks him, wrapping her arms around his waist.

 

"I'm good now," he smiles, bending down to press a kiss to her lips.  "I have you.  I have a sister and a niece.  What more could I ask for?"

 

"How about some of that 'quality time' I've been promising you," she says seductively, her voice dropping to a deep alto that makes his toes curl.

 

"Ooh, G-woman, you know me so well," he chuckles.  He captures her lips in another kiss, taking time to thoroughly massage each crevice of her mouth.  Soft whimpers escape her throat and he pushes her away while he's still able to.

 

"These kisses are going to be the death of me, yet," she gasps, a dreamy grin crossing her face.  "This mouth of yours should be considered a lethal weapon."

 

"Don't die on me now," he grins, unable to resist stealing another kiss.  "Not before we get to the real fun."

 

"Then let's get out of here," she says breathlessly, pulling herself from his embrace and getting into the car.

 

He laughs out loud at her order. Didn't the woman know he'd follow her anywhere?  He loves her.  And has loved her for a long time.  One of these days he'll get around to telling her.  But for right now, he's just grateful that he's able to love again.  Samantha's disappearance left his heart a wreck.  But thanks to Scully and his newfound sister, the pieces were being reconstructed to a whole bigger and better than before.  Not everyone gets a second chance at love.  Mulder's one of the lucky ones who did.  And he doesn't intend on wasting it.

 

The End.

 

Thanks for reading.  Let me know what you thought:  [email protected].  This might be an interesting universe to return to in the future if I get the chance or enough interested readers to do so :-) (hint hint) 

 

 

 

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