Title: Opening Up 

By: Megs 

Rating: PG 

Category: DRR, Barbara POV 

Summary: Barbara's thoughts as she walks away from the 
beach after "Release." 

Archive: Yes. 

Feedback: hobbit_kisser@hotmail.com 

Spoilers: "Release" 

Recommended Listening: How You Remind Me by Nickelback 

*** 

The box is in my hands. It's still warm from my 
ex-husband's hands, and as I turn to take one last 
look at the beach, I see him and Monica near the car. 

Their arms are around each other, and something tells 
me that this is more than just a friendly hug. I can 
tell John is crying. His face is buried in her dark 
hair, and she has her arms around his neck. 

I smile slightly and sigh, remembering what I'd said 
to Agent Scully. 

"He and Monica could have something, but he won't let 
her in." 

I think I'm staring at John letting her in. 

Maybe it takes something bad, something emotional and 
heart wrenching to let someone open up. 

I turn to my car, a small smile still touching my lips. 
I was glad John had someone, and I was glad he was 
finally starting to realize it. 

I started the engine and took one last look up where 
they stood. They had now pulled back, and were slowly 
leaning in again, to give each other a small, more than 
friendly comfort kiss.