Title: Sarah 12. Visiting Granny
Author: Carol Gritton
Series: Sarah series
Disclaimer: Fox Mulder, Dana Scully etc., belong to Chris Carter, 1013 and Fox TV. They are used without permission and no infringement of copyright is intended. I do this for the love of it!
Rating: G
Classification: S, borderline MSR
Comments appreciated and gratefully received at the above address.

Summary: Mrs. Mulder invites Mulder and Sarah to visit.

Author's Note: My thanks to Juliette SK for inspiring me to write this piece.

The invitation had taken him by surprise. It had come during Sarah's weekly phone call to her Granny Mulder - his mother had asked if he and Sarah would like to come up for the weekend. Events had conspired against them since Mulder had taken Sarah up to Greenwich to introduce her to his mother - she'd had a long standing arrangement to spend Christmas with friends, Mulder and Scully had been caught up in a nasty case that precluded them taking any time off. This would be the first opportunity for Teena Mulder to see her new granddaughter since that fateful first visit.

"Are you still there, Fox?"

"I'm still here, Mom," he replied. He'd initiated the weekly phone calls after his mother had come to him and said that she wanted to be part of Sarah's life. "We'd love to come up and see you." Sarah was beside him, nodding enthusiastically.

"How about next weekend?" suggested Teena. "You could come up after Sarah finishes school on Friday."

"That'll be fine, Mom."

"Just let me know what time your flight gets in - there's no need to rent a car. I'll come and pick you both up."

"Oh, Mom, no - there's no need for that." He didn't want her over exerting herself, mindful that the after effects of her stroke still lingered. She tired easily, and he knew that she would need to conserve her energy to keep up with Sarah.

Teena knew exactly what her son was thinking. "Fox, I'm fine. You can't wrap me in cotton wool forever. Now, I'm coming to the airport to pick you up, and that's the end of it!"

"Yes, Mom." Mulder couldn't remember the last time his mother had been so assertive. He felt like a child again.

"So, you'll let me know what time you'll be arriving?" She wouldn't put it past him to "accidentally" forget to tell her, and to just turn up.

"Yeah - I'll call in a couple of days when I've arranged the flights."

"I'll be waiting for your call, Fox. Give my love to Sarah, and I'll see you both next Friday evening."

Mulder replaced the receiver and smiled. His mother was trying so hard after the initial meeting with Sarah had gone so disastrously wrong. Harsh words had been spoken on both sides, and he had been ready to cut his ties with his mother for good. At the last minute, she had come to him, anxious to mend fences, and declaring that she wanted to play a role in Sarah's life. She had seen an opportunity, through Sarah, to make good all the wrongs that had been done to Fox. She hadn't done right by him, but she could do right by Sarah. Sarah was a part of the son she loved, and, as Fox had informed her in no uncertain terms, if she rejected his daughter, she rejected him.

So every Friday evening, Sarah called her Granny Mulder, who listened patiently as the child related what she had been doing over the week, both at school and at home. That way, Mulder figured, his mother would feel that she had some involvement in her granddaughter's life even though she was far away. For her part, Teena looked forward to Sarah's calls - the child was a real live wire, and always amusing, whether intentionally or not. She had come to love the little girl and was looking forward to seeing her.

Mulder had the big map out again. Sarah sat beside him on the couch and they both pored over it.

"Can you remember where Greenwich is?" he asked.

Sarah studied the map for a while, then pointed.

"Very good!" said her father warmly. He gave her a hug for good measure. "And do you remember how we get there?"

"We have to fly, and then rent a car."

"That's right, only this time, Granny's going to drive to the airport and pick us up, so we won't need to rent a car."

"When are we going?" asked Sarah.

"Next Friday. I'll take the afternoon off work and pick you up from school. Then we'll go straight to the airport."

"How long will we stay?"

"Well, you have to be back in school the following Monday, and I'll have to be back at work, so I think we'll stay until the Sunday afternoon. That way we can be home early enough for you to have a bath and get your things ready for school the next day."

"Will we stay at Granny's house? Where will I sleep?"

"Yes, we'll stay at Granny's house, and you'll sleep in the guest room."

"Where will you sleep, Daddy? Does Granny have a guest room for you?"

Mulder smiled affectionately at her. "No, sweetheart. Granny's house is only small. I'll sleep on the couch."

"Like you do here."

"That's right, Sarah."

She looked up at him, her brow furrowed. "Daddy, why don't you sleep in a bed?" The subject had been puzzling Sarah for a while.

"We don't have enough room for another bed," he replied. "And I'm used to sleeping on the couch."

"But if you had a bed, there would be more room when I get in with you in the morning."

Mulder chuckled, and gave her a squeeze. Sarah loved to sneak in beside him of a morning for a cuddle. There was just enough room for her to snuggle under the blanket with him. He always made sure that his arm was secure around her - he didn't want her to slip off the edge and hurt herself.

"Why don't we get a bigger house, then you could have a big bed," suggested Sarah, making her father laugh. Sarah had never lived in an apartment until coming to live with him - she was used to having plenty of space.

"We will have a bigger house one day, but not yet. Then I'll have a bed, and there'll be plenty of room for you."

Friday soon came round, and it was an excited Sarah that Mulder collected from school that afternoon. He had told Scully of their plans, so that she didn't worry and think that something dreadful had befallen them. He was getting better at that, now that he had Sarah to consider too. He didn't want Scully to have to worry about Sarah as well as him.

The late afternoon flight was a busy one, with people going home for the weekend, or going off to their country retreats. In no time at all, they were arriving in Greenwich. Once they had deplaned, Sarah and her father made their way to the small arrivals area.

"There's Granny!" cried Sarah, and she was off, running across the concourse towards the smartly dressed, white haired lady.

"Sarah, wait!" cried Mulder, to no avail. He saw his daughter throw herself at the older woman.

"Granny!" Sarah was so excited, she almost knocked Teena Mulder off her feet.

"Oh, my goodness me - that's a big hug!" said Teena, with a wide smile as Sarah's small arms attempted to encircle her. She bent down to kiss the child's velvety cheek. "Now, where's that father of yours?"

"I'm right here," answered Mulder. He dropped the bag he was carrying and put his arms around his mother, kissing her cheek. "How are you, Mom?"

"I'm fine, Fox. Shall we go?"

They walked out to the parking lot together, Sarah holding her Granny's hand. It wasn't far to Teena's car, and when they reached it, Mulder stowed their bag in the trunk.

"Would you like me to drive, Mom?"

"Why? I'm perfectly capable, Fox. Stop fussing and get in!" In the back seat, Sarah was giggling. She thought it very amusing to hear her father being spoken to as if he were a child.

They were soon at the house. Mulder stood for a moment - he could count on one hand the number of times he'd stayed there. His visits had always been awkward affairs, sometimes ending in an angry exchange of words, as he attempted to understand what made his mother tick, and vice versa. They had been so close when he was young, but after Samantha had been taken, neither understood the other at all. They had grown so far apart, that Mulder had wondered if that yawning chasm could ever be bridged. Then she'd had the stroke, and everything that had gone before had been forgotten.

"Fox, are you going to stand there all day?" He started at the sound of his mother's voice.

"Come on, Daddy!" cried Sarah, running back to take his hand.

He smiled down at her. "Okay, I'm just coming."

Teena hung her coat on a hook, saying, "I'll put the kettle on while you take Sarah up and show her the bedroom."

"I can see to the kettle - why don't you take Sarah upstairs?" suggested Mulder.

"All right. I'll have lemon tea - the lemon slices are in the fridge."

"It's okay, Mom - I know where everything is!" Teena smiled affectionately at her son - it was so good to be able to talk to him without it descending into an argument. She had come close to losing him forever over her reaction to Sarah. Since then, things had improved slowly, and for the better.

"Come on, Granny - I want to see my room!" Sarah tugged impatiently on Teena's arm. She'd had enough of all the talk. She couldn't understand why adults spent so much time talking when there were more interesting things to do. Her grandmother smiled down at her, and ran a hand over her luxuriant locks.

"Let's go then! Have you got your bag?"

"Don't worry about that - I'll take it up later," said Mulder. He watched them go, Sarah holding onto her grandmother's hand and chattering nineteen to the dozen. He'd have to keep an eye on her and make sure that she didn't get too boisterous - he didn't want her to wear his mother out.

The little guest room was at the front of the house, and overlooked the quiet street. The small front garden was neatly kept - Teena had a man come in and see to it once a fortnight, just to keep the borders tidy and the lawn trimmed. She loved gardening, but had had to ease up after the stroke. She had, however, managed to plant some Spring bulbs, and the green tips were just about visible if you looked closely. Sarah looked around the room. The single bed was set against the far wall, and sported rose pink bedding. There was a small dresser, and a tiny closet. On the dresser stood a photo that Sarah recognized from home.

"That's Daddy and Samantha," said Sarah, pointing at the picture. "We have this picture at home."

Teena regarded her granddaughter in surprise. She had no idea that Fox had ever discussed Samantha with his daughter.

"Do you?" replied Teena. She didn't want to say anymore, not knowing what Fox had told the child about his missing sister. Seeing Sarah and the photograph side by side, the older woman was struck by just how much of a resemblance there was between Samantha and the child that would be her niece. She felt a wave of sadness at the thought that Samantha would never know her brother's child.

"So Sarah, do you think you'll like this room?" Sarah nodded enthusiastically, and her grandmother smiled. "Good. Now, I think we should go downstairs and see if your Daddy has finished making that tea!"

Mulder had forgotten just how good a cook his mother was as he tucked into her lamb casserole. Sarah seemed to like it too, and Teena felt gratified by the sight of the two of them enjoying her cooking. It was just the dish for a cold, late winter evening. Afterwards, Sarah and her father helped to clear the table. Mulder volunteered to do the dishes, so that his mother could spend some time with Sarah. After all, that was the purpose of their visit - to give her an opportunity to get to know her granddaughter a little better.

He could hear his daughter's voice through the kitchen door as she chatted away to her Granny, and he could hear his mother laughing as she listened to the little girl's tales. Eventually he joined them, settling himself beside Sarah on the couch. Immediately, she snuggled up against him, and as usual, his arm went around her, drawing her into a protective embrace. His kissed the top of her head, feeling the silky hair beneath his lips. Teena watched the two of them together - Fox was so loving, so natural with his daughter. She came to the conclusion that, despite the example that she and Bill had set, her son was a good father. Fox and Sarah plainly adored one another, it was obvious.

The evening passed by quickly. Mulder glanced at the carriage clock on the mantelshelf. It was nine thirty.

"Come on Sarah - it's time you went to bed."

"But Daddy - it's Friday, and I always stay up on Friday!" protested Sarah.

"And you have stayed up - it's nine thirty and you usually go to bed at nine on a Friday, don't you?"

"But Daddy, I want to talk to Granny!"

"You'll have all day to talk to Granny tomorrow," replied Mulder. "If you stay up any later, you'll be too tired in the morning. Now please go and put on your night things. I've laid them out on your bed, and Granny has put a glass and a towel in the bathroom for you so that you can clean your teeth."

"I don't want to go upstairs on my own," said Sarah, in a small voice. She was a little scared being that it was a strange house.

Mulder softened. "Okay - I'll come with you." Together they ascended the stairs and headed for the guest room.

"Do you need help to take off your sweater?" asked Mulder, seeing Sarah struggling.

"Yes please."

"Hands in the air, then." Sarah stuck her arms up into the air as requested, and Mulder pulled the pretty Fair Isle snowflake sweater over her head. "There we are!" Underneath, she wore a little lace trimmed, soft cotton camisole.

"Shall I take this off too, Daddy?"

"No - I think you should leave it on for tonight, just in case you get cold. Slip your pajamas on, then we'll go and clean your teeth."

"Can Granny come and read to me?" asked Sarah, as they made their way along the landing to the bathroom.

"I don't know Sarah - it's late and Granny might be tired."

"Please, Daddy." He looked down, and her big brown eyes beseeched him. He could deny her nothing when she looked at him in that way. Mulder sighed.

"All right - but just one story. Do you promise?"

"I promise, Daddy!" grinned Sarah.

Mulder humphed and said, "I'll ask Granny while you clean your teeth. Don't forget to make sure that you reach right to the back, just like I showed you!"

Mulder went back down the stairs. His mother turned as he came into the room.

"Sarah's asking for you - she would like you to read to her."

Teena looked back at him in surprise. "Me? I thought she liked you to read to her!"

"I guess it's the novelty thing," he shrugged. "Coming here - it's all new to her."

"Well, I'd love to read to her, Fox," said his mother warmly, and he suddenly recalled his own childhood and the times she had read to him in her soft, expressive voice. "You used to like it when I read to you, do you remember?"

He gave her a fond smile. "I was just thinking about it. You always made the story come alive."

Teena rose and patted his cheek. "Let's hope I can do the same for Sarah."

As if right on cue, they heard the child calling her grandmother.

"I guess I'd better not keep her waiting!" laughed Teena.

She found Sarah already in bed when she reached the guest room, the covers pulled up to her chin. Tucked in beside her was a scruffy piece of dark blue material. It obviously held some significance for the child, so she didn't question it - she'd find out from Fox later.

"Well, Sarah - what would you like me to read?" Teena sat herself on the bed.

"Daddy said I could only have a short story, so I chose this one." She handed her grandmother a book. It was Beatrix Potter's "Mrs. Tiggywinkle." Teena opened it, and began to read.

Sarah was asleep before Teena got halfway through the story. She looked so angelic and innocent lying there, but Teena knew from Fox that his daughter was far from angelic. She laughed softly, thinking back again to her son's childhood. Fox may have had the look of a choirboy, but he could be a devil at times. She put the book on the dresser, then leaned over to kiss Sarah goodnight.

Teena returned to the living room just as Fox came through with some tea.

"Is she asleep?" he asked, and his mother nodded. "I'll look in on her later. Did you finish the story?"

"No - she fell asleep halfway through."

"I thought as much." Mulder smiled. "She won't give in, even when she's almost dead on her feet! She's so stubborn!"

Teena Mulder said nothing, but just gave her son an all-knowing look. She finished her tea, placed the empty cup on an end table, then turned to her son.

"Fox, I didn't know that you had talked to Sarah about your sister."

"She saw the photos I have at home and asked who she was. I had to tell her, Mom - it's no big secret."

"What did you tell her?"

"That Sam lives far away, so we never see her. I didn't know what else to say." He looked down at his hands. "I didn't want to say that she was dead, because I don't believe that. Why do you ask?"

"Oh, I just want to make sure that we're both telling the same story should she ask."

A silence fell between them as they both thought about the missing member of their family.

Teena gave a soft chuckle as she thought about her granddaughter. "Sarah never stops, does she?"

Mulder gave a fond smile. "No. I found it difficult to keep up with her in the beginning. You wonder where they get all their energy from. She can be pretty boisterous, even for me! If she gets too much for you, then tell her, I won't mind. I did tell her that you needed to take things easy, but I expect it went in one ear and out the other! She's probably forgotten in her excitement at being here."

Teena nodded at that, then she said softly, "Tell me about Sarah's mother."

It was nearly midnight by the time Mulder and his mother retired to bed. He followed her up the stairs and kissed her goodnight before slipping in to check on his daughter. Sarah was fast asleep, curled up on her side, her cheek resting against the Knicks t-shirt. Fox leaned over, tenderly moving the hair away from her face before placing a kiss on her warm cheek. She stirred slightly at his touch, then settled again, letting out a sigh. He waited for a moment, then made his way to the landing closet and sorted out some spare bedding to make his night on the couch more comfortable.

The next morning, Mulder was woken by the sound of his mother pottering about in the kitchen. The aroma of fresh coffee wafted around him, and he threw back his covers and made his way out to join her.

"Hi, Mom," he said, with that first-thing-in-the-morning-hoarseness.

"Fox! Did I wake you? I tried to be quiet. Did you sleep well?" Teena cast her eyes over her son, who was clad in sweat pants and a t-shirt, his large feet bare.

"Fine thanks. Is that coffee ready?" Mulder scratched his head, sending his hair in more directions than ever.

She handed him a mug full of the strong black liquid, at the same time telling him that he should put something on his feet. He rolled his eyes at her, and she laughed.

"What's so funny?" asked Mulder.

"Do you remember when you were young and you used to pull faces? I always told you that you would stay that way if the wind changed direction."

Mulder chuckled at the memory, and wondered why adults always came out with such ridiculous things. No doubt he'd be saying the same thing to Sarah one day. He placed his half empty mug on the counter, telling his mother that he was going up to see if Sarah was awake.

He came back five minutes later, carrying his daughter. She had her legs wrapped around his waist and her arms around his neck. He was whispering something softly in her ear.

"Morning Granny," she said, rubbing her eyes.

"Good morning, Sarah. Did you sleep well?"

"Yes, thank you. What's for breakfast?"

Teena chuckled. "Well, I'll tell you what I've got and you can choose. I have croissants, toast, cereal, oatmeal or pancakes. What do you think you would like best?"

"What are crust ants?" she asked, and her father tried not to laugh.

"Croissants, Sarah - it's a French word. We've had them before - they are shaped like a new moon, and we have them with butter and strawberry jam."

Sarah nodded - she remembered now. She turned to her Granny. "Do you have strawberry jam?"

"Yes, I do. Is that what you would like - croissants and jam?"

"Yes please. Can I have them warm?"

"Of course you can," replied Teena. "What would you like to drink?"

"Tea please, but I want Daddy to make it. I only like Daddy's tea."

"Sarah likes her tea with lots of milk, don't you?" Mulder regarded her affectionately, and the little girl nodded.

Fox strode along the landing, toweling his hair dry. He popped his head around the door to the guest room to see Sarah struggling with her sweat shirt.

"How are you doing?" he asked.

"I can't get my head through the hole, Daddy - it's too small!"

"You mean your head's too big!" chuckled Mulder. "It's all that hair - maybe we should cut some off!"

"No!" cried Sarah in horror. "You mustn't cut my hair!"

"It's all right, sweetheart, I'm kidding, but I think your hair could do with a trim. It's getting a little untidy at the ends. When we get home, I'll ask Dana if she can recommend a good hairdresser." He pulled the sweatshirt down over her head. "There - how's that? Put your arms in - that's right. Where's your brush?"

He proceeded to brush her thick hair, then arranged it over her shoulders. "Let me look at you."

Sarah gave him a twirl.

"Very pretty. Come and give me a hug." Mulder held his arms open and she went to him. His arms closed around her, and he gave her a squeeze. He nuzzled her hair, and savored the feel of her in his arms.

"I love you, Sarah," Mulder said softly.

"I love you too, Daddy." And her little hands squeezed his neck.

Leaving Sarah watching her favorite Saturday morning cartoon show on the TV, Mulder went out to the kitchen to make fresh coffee. His mother was busy at the counter.

"What's this?" he asked, pointing to a large rib of beef sitting on the counter in a roasting pan.

"Well Fox, what does it look like? It's tonight's dinner. I thought I'd get it ready now to save time later."

"Oh Mom, there was no need for that! I was going to take us out to eat!"

"That was very thoughtful of you, dear, but I really want to do this. It's been a long time since I cooked for anyone other than myself." Teena looked her son up and down. "Besides, you look as if you need feeding up!"

Mulder laughed. What was it with mothers? He'd often heard the same comment from Mrs. Scully. "Mom, I'm eating just fine!"

"And what about Sarah?"

"She eats like a horse," he answered.

"I wonder where she gets that from?" said his mother, raising her eyebrows and peering at him.

Mulder returned to the living room, whereupon he sat down on the couch, his mug of hot coffee in his hand. No sooner had he sat down than Sarah launched herself at the couch, landing beside her father on her knees and almost knocking the coffee out of his grasp.

"SARAH!" Mulder's tone was loud and sharp, and an angry expression settled on his face. "I've told you before about jumping on the furniture - you're not to do it! I have hot coffee here and it could have burned you!"

Her dark eyes filled with tears and her chin quivered.

"I'm sorry, Daddy - I forgot," she said in a small voice. A tear ran down each cheek. He hated to see her cry, especially when he was the cause of her tears. He fished a clean and pressed handkerchief out of his pocket.

"Here, dry your eyes and blow your nose." His tone was softer now, but he was still annoyed by her careless and reckless behavior. "Better?"

Sarah nodded. She didn't like it when her father got angry and shouted at her.

"I'm sorry, Daddy," she repeated.

"I know you are, Sarah. There's no harm done this time, so we won't mention it again. All I would ask is that you try and remember for next time, okay?"

"Okay, Daddy."

Mulder gave her a smile. "That's my girl," he said warmly.

Bored with the TV, Sarah decided to go exploring. Her grandmother was busy talking to a friend on the phone, and Mulder had gone on an errand for his mother. The little girl climbed the stairs. At the top she paused, and seeing her grandmother's bedroom door open a crack, she pushed it and walked in. Granny's room was bright and airy, with a double bed covered by a cream quilt. The top of the dresser was covered with photographs of Fox and Samantha, each frame highly polished and gleaming. Sarah stopped to examine the photos with the natural curiosity of a child. Many of the photos of Samantha were the originals of those that her father had at home, but there were some that Sarah had not seen before. One in particular caught her eye - in it, Samantha was holding a doll. Sarah looked around, and sitting on the rattan chair in the corner was the selfsame doll. She walked over and picked it up. It was similar to the one that her grandmother had given her for Christmas, except that the clothing was now faded. This doll had long auburn hair that hung in braids, one over each shoulder. Sarah put the doll under her arm and turned her attention the ottoman beneath the window. Maybe it contained clothes that she could use for dressing up.

At home, Sarah had a little wooden chest that contained an old cocktail dress of her mother's and a few old clothes that Scully had given her for dressing up. One minute she could put on the cocktail dress and the glass bead necklace that her father had given her and be a princess, the next she could be a smart FBI agent in one of Scully's old suits. Scully had also given Sarah some unwanted clip-on earrings and some diamante slides for her hair. It tickled Mulder to see his daughter glide into the room, dressed in all this finery, playing the part of princess up to the hilt, complete with an imperious manner. He suspected that was something Sarah had inherited from her mother - Annie's manner had, at times, bordered on the imperious, although it had never been directed at him.

Sarah lifted the lid of the ottoman and peered inside. There were clothes in there, but not for dressing up. These were little girl's clothes, not much different to her own. Sarah reached in, and lifted out a pretty embroidered cardigan. It smelled of flowers, and then she saw the scented sachet tucked inside it. Maybe Granny had made the cardigan as a present for her. Sarah reached in again and brought out a little plaid pinafore dress. She placed it on the floor beside the cardigan. Before long, Sarah was surrounded by a several different items of clothing. All were sweetly scented with the perfume of roses. Sarah delved further into the ottoman and found more photographs of Samantha. If she'd looked closely enough, she would have seen that in some of them, Sam was wearing the clothes she had found in the chest. Sarah sat on the floor amidst these mysterious items. There was nothing to dress up in after all.

Teena Mulder replaced the telephone handset, and looked around for her granddaughter. She couldn't find her, so called out to her.

"Sarah, where are you dear?"

"Up here, Granny," came the reply. Teena surmised that maybe she had gone up to the bathroom, or to get something from the guest room. She climbed the stairs, and stopped dead on reaching the top. Her bedroom door was open and she could hear Sarah talking. Teena walked in and found her granddaughter sitting cross legged on the floor, chattering away to the doll and surrounded by Samantha's things.

Sarah turned, smiled, and held up the doll.

"Granny, look what I fou..." The words and the smile died as she saw the older woman's white face. Her voice, like her expression, was angry.

"What do you think you're doing? Put that back! You have no business being in here!"

Teena snatched the doll out of Sarah's hands. For the second time that day, Sarah's eyes filled with tears and her bottom lip trembled. She didn't understand what she was supposed to have done, or why her Granny was so angry. The tears fell and Sarah cried.

Mulder let himself into the house. Hearing the commotion, he dropped everything on the hall table and took the stairs two at a time, bursting into his mother's room.

"What's going on?" he asked, as Sarah ran to him. He lifted her into his arms as he studied his mother's angry countenance.

"She had no right to come in here!" blazed Teena. "No right!"

Mulder's eyes took in the items of clothing on the floor. He recognized them as his sister's.

"Mom, I'm sure Sarah didn't mean any harm." He laid a hand on his mother's arm and she shrugged it off. He decided his best course of action was to take Sarah downstairs and see to her first, then try to find out what his daughter had done to upset her grandmother so.

"Mom, I'll be back in a moment, okay? Then you can tell me what this is all about."

"Come on, sweetheart, dry your eyes. Just for me, huh?" Mulder delved once again into his pocket for the handkerchief. Sarah dabbed at her eyes, but her tears showed no sign of abating.

"Do you want to tell me what happened?" her father asked softly. His forehead rested against hers, and he stroked her back with his free hand.

"I went into Granny's room. I wanted to see what was in there."

As was only natural, figured Mulder.

"So you went into Granny's room. Then what did you do?"

"I looked at all the pictures on her dresser. Then I saw the doll on the chair so I picked it up. And I opened the box to see if there were any dressing up things in there."

A fresh wave of sobs accompanied Sarah's confession. Mulder pulled her closer.

"Sshh - it's okay, Sarah. What happened then?"

"I was playing with the doll and then Granny came in and shouted at me." More loud sobs. He let her cry for a bit longer, then gave her the handkerchief again.

"Why did Granny shout at me?" asked Sarah tearfully.

"Well, we talked about this before, Sarah. Do you remember when I said that you should always ask before you touch things that don't belong to you?" Sarah gave him a tearful nod. "Granny was angry because you touched things that weren't yours without asking first."

"But she was on the telephone," pointed out Sarah.

"That doesn't alter the fact that you should have asked first," said Mulder gently, caressing her hair. "You wouldn't like it if someone went into your room and touched your things without permission, would you?" Sarah shook her head.

"So, are we agreed that next time you'll ask first?"

"Yes, Daddy," answered a contrite Sarah.

"Good." Her father gave her a kiss. "Now, how about a smile? You're so much prettier when you smile!"

Mulder tickled her lightly under the chin in an effort to coax a smile from her.

"Stop it, Daddy! You're tickling me!" Sarah hunched her shoulders, forcing her chin down onto her chest.

"Not until you give me a smile! I know you've got one hiding there somewhere!"

Sarah rewarded him with a lovely smile.

"That's much better!" he said, in a warm voice. "Now, I'm going to go up and see how Granny is. Will you be all right for a while? Why don't you do some coloring in?"

"All right, Daddy. Will you be quick?"

"As quick as I can, okay?"

Sarah nodded, slipped off his lap and got out her coloring book and pens.

Mulder climbed the stairs, dreading a repeat of their last visit. It had all been going so well until now. He reached his mother's room and tapped gently on the door.

"Mom?" he said softly. He nudged the door open and went into the room, pushing the door to behind him. His mother lay on the bed and she had been crying. Sam's clothes still lay on the floor where Sarah had left them. Mulder bent down and started to pick them up.

"Don't touch them!" cried his mother sharply. "Just leave them alone."

"Whatever you say, Mom," said Mulder, putting the little cardigan back where he'd found it. Teena waited tensely for another verbal onslaught from her son, but to her surprise, he sat down beside her and took her hand.

"Mom - you okay?" he asked softly.

"I'm fine, Fox - I just need to lie down for a while."

"Do you want to tell me what happened?" Again the soft tone.

He saw the tears well up in her blue eyes, then trickle down onto the pillow.

"I came in and found Sarah sitting on the floor with Samantha's doll and all her things around her... I guess it was just too much for me... I shouted at her..." Teena knew that her reaction to Sarah's "crime" was all out of proportion. "I didn't mean to upset her, Fox. When I saw her with the doll... I've never let anyone touch any of those things since..." She trailed off.

"Sarah wasn't to know that, Mom. She thought there might be some things she could use for dressing up. She was just being inquisitive."

"I know, Fox. I over reacted when I walked in and saw her there. It was like seeing a ghost. It was like seeing your sister." She was quiet for a moment, the tears shimmering in her eyes. "I'm trying, Fox - I'm trying very hard. When I said I wanted to be part of Sarah's life I meant it."

"I know, Mom." He reached out and tenderly pushed an errant lock from her brow. She looked so vulnerable and lost lying there, then he recalled Scully's words before their previous visit. She had told him that his mother was stronger than he thought.

"Fox?" His mother's voice cut across his thoughts.

"Yes?"

"Are you angry with me?" She had to know.

Mulder smiled down at her. "No - I'm not angry with you." Then his tone became even more gentle. "Mom, you have to get over this. You can't go through life punishing Sarah every time she does something that reminds you of Sam. It's not fair on her."

Teena raised herself up onto her elbows so that she could look her son in the face.

"Don't tell me what I should be doing, Fox," she retorted bitterly. "What do you think I've been doing for the last twenty three years? A day doesn't go by when I don't think of your sister. Seeing Sarah just makes it so much harder."

"But she's not Samantha, Mom. Sarah's her own person."

His mother sighed, and lay down again. "I know, Fox," she said softly.

He patted her hand. "I'll leave you now - try and get some sleep. I'll look in on you later."

"What about lunch?"

Mulder smiled at her. "I'm a big boy now - I can rustle up some grilled sandwiches or something. Don't worry, we won't go hungry!" He leaned over and kissed her brow, then quietly left the room.

It was impossible for Teena to rest. She lay on the bed, staring at the ceiling. She could only feel profound regret for shouting at her granddaughter. Fox had been right - Sarah wasn't to know that Samantha's things had such sentimental value. To her they were just playthings. She hadn't delved into the ottoman with the intention of upsetting her Granny. Maybe it would help if she talked to Sarah about Samantha. With that thought, Teena closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep.

"Is Granny all right?" Sarah asked her father over grilled cheese and ham sandwiches.

"She's fine, sweetheart. She's having a lie down for a while, so we should try to be quiet."

"Is she still angry with me?"

"No, Sarah. Granny's very sorry that she shouted at you - she knows you were upset." He watched her for a moment. "I've got an idea - shall we buy Granny some flowers to say 'sorry'?"

"Can I choose them?"

"If you like."

"Can we go now?" Sarah had one leg off the chair in readiness.

"Finish your lunch first - slowly!"

Fox took his mother's car keys off the hook by the front door, then closed the door quietly behind him. With Sarah strapped in beside him, they drove the short distance into town to the florist. Mulder, as good as his word, let Sarah choose the blooms for her peace offering. Once the florist had wrapped them and tied them with a pretty bow, they headed back to the house.

The noise of the front door closing woke Teena from a restless sleep.

"Fox? Is that you?"

Mulder took the stairs two at a time. "It's okay, Mom. We just popped out for five minutes. How are you feeling? Would you like a cup of tea?"

"Yes please, dear." She made to get up.

"No - you stay there for a while." Mulder helped her to sit up, plumping the pillows behind her. "I'll bring your tea up."

"Fox..."

He silenced her with a look that defied her to argue. Teena gave in gracefully.

"Thank you," she said softly, with tired smile.

Mulder returned five minutes later with the tea, and Sarah in tow. They had agreed that she should wait outside the door for just a moment while he had a quick word with his mother.

"Fox, is Sarah all right?"

"She's fine, Mom. In fact, she wanted to come in and speak to you herself."

"Well, where is she?"

"I'll get her." He went to the door and beckoned his daughter in. She was lost behind the huge bouquet of flowers.

"Granny Mulder - these are for you, to say sorry.' Daddy let me choose them myself." Sarah handed the flowers to the older woman. Teena's eyes filled once more with tears.

"I'm sorry too, Sarah. I shouldn't have shouted at you like that." She buried her nose amongst the blooms. "They're beautiful, sweetheart. Come up here so that I can give you a hug."

There was no hesitation from the little girl as she climbed up onto her Granny's bed, and into her Granny's arms. Teena hugged her little body close, feeling her warmth, smelling her fragrance. Fox had been right - Sarah was her own person.

Harmony reigned once more. Teena was busy in the kitchen, preparing to put the rib of beef on to roast. Mulder was peeling potatoes, while Sarah washed the vegetables under the tap.

Putting his knife down, Mulder sidled over to his mother and slipped an arm around her shoulders. Teena Mulder knew that tactic from old - he was after something. She waited.

"Are you going to serve Yorkshire Pudding and horseradish sauce with that?" He had developed a taste for the traditional English accompaniments to roast beef while at Oxford.

"I am," replied his mother. When did she ever not serve it thus?

"Good," beamed Mulder. Satisfied, he returned to his potatoes, leaving his mother shaking her head and smiling.

The meat in the oven and the vegetables prepared, they retired to the living room with freshly brewed tea all round. Mulder settled himself lengthways on the couch to watch the sports channel. Teena had taken an armchair, and Sarah sat on the floor at her feet.

"When I stayed with Auntie Margaret, we made gingerbread men," Sarah informed her grandmother matter-of-factly.

"Did you? I bet that was fun. Who's Auntie Margaret?"

"Dana's mommy. She looked after me when Daddy and Dana had to go away."

Teena looked across at her son for further explanation.

"Scully and I had to go out of town on a case recently," he explained. "I didn't have anyone who could take Sarah overnight, so Scully suggested her Mom. It worked out well all around."

Teena suddenly regretted that she lived so far away from Fox - she would have liked to have had the opportunity to look after her granddaughter. Maybe she could have Sarah to stay during the school vacation.

"I did finger painting, too," said Sarah. "I painted a picture for Daddy to hang on his office wall."

"Sounds like you had a good time at Auntie Margaret's," replied Teena, wondering what skills she possessed that could be imparted to her granddaughter. Then she remembered the box full of remnants in the basement. Teena had kept all the offcuts of fabric from the days when she used to do patchwork and embroidery.

"Sarah, how would you like to make a picture out of material?"

The child nodded enthusiastically. "How do you do that?" she asked.

"Well, you need some paper or card, and you stick different colored pieces of material on the card to make a picture. It's called a collage. Would you like to do that?"

"Can I do it now?" asked the little girl.

Teena chuckled at such eagerness. "Well, we can start now, and finish it after dinner. Shall we go down into the basement and find the things we need?"

Sarah looked momentarily hesitant, and she cast her eyes over in her father's direction. He was nice and comfortable on the couch, watching the game. She didn't want to go down into the basement without him. Sarah remembered the basement at the house she had lived in with her mother - it had been dark and creepy, even though there was a light down there. She was always afraid that something would happen to her mother and she would be left down there, and no-one would ever find her.

"Sarah? Shall we go down to the basement?" Teena asked her again.

"I want Daddy to come," said the little girl, looking at him hopefully. "Will you come down to the basement, Daddy?"

"You'll be fine with Granny, sweetheart," said Mulder. He had no idea that she was afraid, and he was quite comfortable where he was.

"Please Daddy." One look at his daughter's face told him that he'd better go with her.

"Okay - just let me put on my sneakers."

All three of them trooped down to the basement. Everything was stored neatly in boxes and bags, and it was relatively clean down there. Mulder cast his eyes around - there was stuff stored here that went back years. It was like a treasure trove of long forgotten memories.

"Mom, you ought to get rid of some of this stuff." Half of what he could see had come from his father's house.

"I know, Fox, but I haven't the time or the energy to even start clearing out."

"I'll help you - next time we come up, we'll make a start." He lifted up a box of old Christmas decorations and smiled. Dipping into it, he brought out a hand made decoration. It was made from paper mache, and looked a little worse for wear. Mulder handled it carefully. He had made it at school when he was no more than Sarah's age, and he was surprised that his mother still had it.

"Fox? We're ready to go back upstairs." His mother's voice interrupted his train of thought. "What's that you've got there?"

He held up the decoration, and she smiled. "I'm surprised you've still got it," he said.

"I've kept everything that you and your sister ever made." He looked at her in astonishment. "Don't look so surprised, dear - I treasured each and every one of those things that you made." She couldn't bear to part with them - each one had been made and given with love. He put the box back on the shelf and followed Sarah and his mother back up the steps, switching off the light when he reached the top.

"Now, let's see what we have in here." Teena up-ended the bag of remnants and they fell onto the kitchen table. Sarah darted to retrieve the few pieces that had fallen to the floor.

"Thank you, dear," smiled her Granny, and she started sorting through the various fabrics. "What sort of picture would you like to make, Sarah?"

"I don't know, Granny." Sarah looked at all the different pieces of material, hoping to find some inspiration.

"Well, while you're thinking about it, I'll ask your father to run into town and get some card and glue."

By the time Mulder returned from his errand, Sarah had decided that she was going to make a vase of flowers standing in a window.

"Just like your flowers, Granny," she informed the older woman.

"That's a good idea, Sarah - I think that will look very pretty. You sort out the colors you want to use, and I'll just put the potatoes on to boil." By the time Teena had done that, Sarah had decided on her chosen colors.

"Shall we start by making the window?" Sarah nodded, and her grandmother proceeded to cut some long, thin strips of white fabric. She placed them on the card to show Sarah what it would look like, then the little girl spread some glue on the fabric and stuck it to the card.

"How about some curtains?" suggested Granny. "Do you think that's a good idea?" Sarah nodded enthusiastically, and chose some deep blue material for the curtains. "I think some tiebacks in a contrasting color would look good on those curtains. Shall I show you?" Teena chose a paler blue to illustrate the tiebacks. "What do you think about that, Sarah?"

"I like it," replied the child, and she proceeded to stick the curtains and their tiebacks to the card.

She chose a patterned fabric for the vase, then started to cut out strips of green fabric to make the flower stems and leaves. After that, Sarah and her Granny started to cut out lots of different colored pieces of fabric to make the flowers. As there were so many, they would have to do the flowers after dinner.

Teena glanced at the kitchen clock. It was time to prepare the batter for the Yorkshire pudding.

"Can I help, Granny?" asked Sarah. "Daddy lets me help when he cooks."

"I don't see why not," answered her grandmother cheerfully. "I think we'd better find you an apron first - we don't want to spoil your lovely sweatshirt."

"My Granny Page gave me this for Christmas," said Sarah proudly. "Granny Page is old. She's older than you. Daddy said you weren't so old."

Teena's eyes crinkled in amusement.

Sarah was still going on. "Granny Page can't see very well, and she can't walk very far. I love Granny Page. I love Daddy, and Dana. I love you, too."

"And I love you, Sarah," answered Teena, tying an apron under the child's arms. She turned her round to face her. "You're a very special little girl." Then she gave Sarah a hug and a kiss.

Under her grandmother's watchful eye, Sarah stirred the batter mixture with a wooden spoon. "Are we going to have pancakes for dinner?" she asked.

"No sweetheart - this is a special batter mix that goes with meat."

Sarah didn't look to sure about that.

"It's all right Sarah - you don't have to have any if you don't want to. Now, we have to let it stand for a while before it goes into the oven. Shall we go and see what your Daddy's doing?"

Sarah bounded into the living room and clambered onto the couch beside her father, who was still engrossed in the sport.

"Daddy, I helped Granny make batter for dinner. It's not for pancakes - it's a special batter for meat."

"Is that so?" Mulder looked at her as if it was the most interesting thing he'd ever heard. He smiled at her indulgently and reached out, drawing her into his lap, where she settled contentedly. Teena watched as his hand stroked Sarah's arm absently and his lips brushed against her hair. They looked so comfortable and at ease, oblivious to anyone else in their own private world.

"Granny, can I set the table? I know how to do it - Daddy showed me at Christmas." Sarah's big brown eyes looked into her grandmother's blue ones. The child had her father's eyes. Teena found her granddaughter's eyes just as difficult to resist as her son's.

"If you like. I'll show you where everything is, and while you're doing that, I'll put the vegetables on."

Sarah soon had three sets of cutlery sorted out and she carried them over to the table. "Granny, do you have a cloth?"

"What for, sweetheart?"

"So that I can polish the knives and forks. That's what I did at Christmas."

Teena found a clean tea towel and Sarah proceeded to polish the cutlery before setting each place.

"We need glasses, Granny. We always have a drink with our dinner. I have juice, and Daddy has water. Sometimes I have water, too."

Teena duly found three glasses, and Sarah placed one at each setting. She watched the child bustling about with the utmost efficiency.

"You know Sarah, Samantha liked to help me in the kitchen. She liked to help with the cooking and setting the table."

"What about Daddy?" asked Sarah, making herself comfortable at the table.

Teena chuckled. "Now the only time your Daddy ever came into the kitchen was to get something to eat! He was always hungry!"

"Didn't he help you, Granny?"

"Not in the kitchen, sweetheart. Daddy used to wash the car, or cut the grass and sweep up the leaves for me when your Grandfather was away."

"Do I have a Grandfather?" asked Sarah eagerly. "Where is he?"

"He died, sweetheart."

"When did he die?" Sarah's voice trembled a little. Teena wasn't sure that it was her place to be telling Sarah this.

"When did who die?" Mulder strolled into the kitchen.

Sarah turned and looked him straight in the eye. "My Grandpa. You never told me I had a Grandpa, Daddy."

Mulder looked at his mother, who gave him an apologetic look back. He beckoned her into the other room.

"I'm sorry, Fox. I was telling Sarah about your sister helping me in the kitchen when she was young. Sarah asked if you ever helped, and I said that you used to cut the grass and sweep up the leaves when your father was away. It just went on from there."

Mulder shrugged. "I guess she would have found out some day," he sighed. "Might as well be now."

Mother and son headed back into the kitchen. Sarah was still sitting at the table, playing with a fork.

"Daddy, I want to know about my Grandpa."

Mulder pulled a chair round and settled himself beside her, his arm along the back of her chair.

"Sweetheart, your Grandpa died two years ago. He was sick - he hadn't been well for a little while." There was no need to tell the child the truth.

"Was he sick like Mommy?" Sarah's voice trembled again. "Did Grandpa go to hospital to die?"

Mulder put his arm around his daughter's shoulders. "No Sarah, Grandpa died at home. I was there when he died."

"Did you cry when your Daddy died? I cried when Mommy died, didn't I?"

"Yes, you did sweetheart. I know it was very sad for you. It was sad for me too, and it was sad when my Daddy died. I cried when he died." The memories came flooding back and Mulder felt tears prick the backs of his eyelids.

"Daddy?" Sarah was looking up at him, her eyebrows peaking with concern, her small hand resting on his forearm.

"What is it, sweetheart?"

"Are you sad now?"

"Just a little," answered her father with a reassuring smile, "but it's nothing for you to worry about. Now, what did Granny tell you about me when I was a boy?"

They sat down to dinner a while later.

"This looks delicious, Mom," said Mulder, giving her a smile. Sarah had agreed to taste a small portion of the batter pudding, and found that she quite liked it. Mulder cut up her meat and potatoes, and she tucked in as if she hadn't eaten in a week.

"Can I have some of that, Daddy?" Sarah pointed to the horseradish sauce on the side of his plate.

"I don't think you'd like it, sweetheart. It's very hot, and it makes your eyes water."

"Can I try just a little bit?"

"All right, but just a very small bit." Mulder took her knife and barely dipped the tip of it into the horseradish. Then he spread the sauce onto a small piece of meat. Sarah speared the meat with her fork, transferring it to her mouth. The look on her little face was priceless, and Mulder wished that he had a camera to capture her reaction.

"Daddy! It's hot! It's burning me!" Mulder got up and tore off a paper towel from the roll on the counter.

"Here - spit it out," he said, and she did just that. Mulder threw the paper towel into the trash. "Have some juice to take the taste away." Sarah took a large drink from her glass of tropical fruit juice.

"Better?" asked her father, and Sarah nodded. Dinner was completed without further ado.

After a short rest, to let dinner settle, Sarah was raring to go again. She was standing beside her grandmother, her head tilted endearingly to one side.

"Granny, can we finish the collage now?"

"Sweetheart, let Granny rest a while longer," said Mulder. "There's plenty of time to finish your picture."

"It's all right, Fox - I'm feeling fine." His mother rose out of her chair.

"Mom..."

She rested one hand on his shoulder and the other on top of his head, feeling his soft hair beneath her fingers. "I appreciate your concern, Fox, but I'm fine."

He turned his head to look up at her. "I worry about you," he said softly.

"There's no need for you to worry about me - you have Sarah to think of now." She dropped a kiss on top of his head. "Come on Sarah - let's finish your picture."

After much painstaking work, the collage was finished.

"Now we have to leave it so that the glue can dry," explained Sarah's Granny.

"How long will that take?" asked the little girl.

"Oh, I think we should leave it overnight - that way we can be sure that the glue is dry. We don't want any if these beautiful flowers to come off, do we?"

Sarah shook her head. "What are we going to do now?"

"Well, I think we should go next door and keep your Daddy company for a while."

"What's that?"

Sarah heard the unmistakable sound of a piano. At a momentary loss for something to do, Mulder had seated himself at his mother's piano. With one hand resting on the top, he had opened the lid and run his fingers over the keys. He struck a few odd notes, played a few chords.

"It sounds like your Daddy's at the piano," said Granny. With that, Sarah dashed in to join him.

She appeared at his side, an eager expression on her face. "Can I try?"

Mulder smiled at her. "You'd better come up here then." He shifted a little, then lifted her up to sit beside him on the stool. Sarah let her fingers run over the keys, then pressed down hard. The noise made her giggle.

"Play something, Daddy!" she squealed.

"Okay." He flexed his fingers, then waggled them in her face, making her giggle again. He placed his fingers on the ivory keys - they felt cool to the touch and memories of childhood piano lessons crowded into his mind. He'd hated the lessons, but now he wished he had persevered.

"Let's see - what shall I play?" he mused aloud. "I know - what about this?"

Then his fingers hit the keys, producing a rusty version of "Chopsticks." Sarah laughed with delight as he hit the wrong notes, making a discordant sound.

"Fox, that is awful! You can play much better than that!" said his mother.

"Sam was always the better player," replied Mulder, still banging away on the keyboard, much to his daughter's amusement.

"I want to play the piano! Can you show me how, Daddy? Can we get a piano when we get home?"

"We'll see, Sarah. We don't have room for a piano, but if you are really interested, then maybe you could have some lessons." She already took part in several activities, like her dancing, and Mulder didn't want to start paying out good money for something that might be a five minute wonder.

"Oh please, Daddy!" She tugged on his sleeve, and gave him the big eyes that he found so difficult to say 'no' to. He resisted the temptation to give in - Sarah had to learn that money didn't grow on trees, and that she couldn't have everything that she wanted.

"We'll see," he said again. Sarah seemed satisfied with that, and he let out a breath. Not so long ago, that little scene would have ended in a temper tantrum from Sarah, and left her father feeling like the worst parent on the planet. He was relieved that those days appeared to be behind them now, and Sarah was her normal self once more.

Mulder went out into the kitchen to make tea, leaving his mother and Sarah sitting together on the couch. He could hear them talking softly. Sarah had asked her Granny about Samantha.

"Samantha was just like you," said Granny softly, caressing Sarah's long locks. "She had long, dark hair, and big brown eyes. She liked to play the piano, and ride her bike. I used to read her stories at bedtime, or sometimes she liked your Daddy to do it."

"Did you read to Daddy?"

"Yes, I did, when he was a little boy. Do you know what his favorite story was?" Sarah shook her head.

"Your Daddy's favorite story was 'Pinocchio'." Mulder listened outside the door, the childhood memories flooding back.

He came through with the teas, to hear his mother telling Sarah about the time he'd fallen into the creek. The little girl was looking up at her Granny wide eyed.

"Your Daddy had been swinging on a rope that was attached to a big tree on the bank. The rope had become worn with so much use, and as he swung on it, it snapped and he fell into the water."

"Daddy!" exclaimed Sarah. "Did you hurt yourself?"

"No, sweetheart," replied Mulder, recalling that the only thing he'd hurt had been his pride. "But I did get very wet! Granny wasn't very pleased when I came home soaking wet!"

"Not only that, Fox - you were covered in mud!" added his mother. Sarah giggled to think if her father getting into such a scrape.

"Tell me more, Granny!" she entreated.

"In a minute, Sarah - let Granny drink her tea first," said Mulder. "While you're waiting for yours to cool, you can run upstairs and get into your nightclothes."

"Come with me, Daddy." Sarah still wasn't too sure about going upstairs on her own at night.

Mulder followed her to the guest room and helped her to get out of her day clothes. She slipped on her pajamas, then her dressing gown, which Mulder tied comfortably around her waist.

"Can I stay up till ten, Daddy?"

"Well, I don't know about that, Sarah," answered her father.

"Please, Daddy - it might be a long time before we see Granny again!"

"You think so?"

Sarah nodded, her expression serious, her small hands resting on his knees. "Please?"

Mulder smiled. "All right - just this once!" Sarah threw her hands around his neck and hugged him.

They returned downstairs to finish their tea, and to more stories of Mulder's childhood. Teena had to steer clear of the more hairy tales, not wanting to put ideas into Sarah's head. Soon Sarah had crept into her father's lap - a sure sign that she was tired.

"I think it's bedtime, Sarah," said Mulder softly, gently moving her hair away from her face.

"Is it ten o'clock yet?" she asked sleepily.

"It's past ten, sweetheart. I'm putting you to bed now."

"I want Granny to finish the story."

"Which story is that, Sarah?"

"The one she was reading last night," came the reply. Mulder didn't think that Sarah would stay awake that long.

He was right - she brushed her teeth and Mulder put her into bed. As soon as her head hit the pillow, she was asleep. He smiled, and dropped a kiss on her cheek, then returned downstairs. He collected the dirty mugs and took them out to the kitchen, where he found his mother looking at Sarah's collage.

"Sarah's very artistic," noted Teena. "Look at the way she's used the color in this collage."

Mulder joined her to examine the picture and smiled.

"Sarah loves painting and drawing," he said. "I have a wall full of her efforts at work. Did I tell you that she and her school friends wrote a play and performed it at school? She goes to dancing classes... I don't know where she gets it from - certainly not from me, and her mother's background was in the sciences."

"Samantha always loved to draw and paint, do you remember, Fox?"

Mulder nodded. He had excelled academically, while his sister had the artistic streak.

"Do you encourage her in these pursuits?"

"Yes - but I also stress that being able to read and write and do Math is important, too."

"I'm sure Sarah knows that - she's very bright. Just don't push her too hard, Fox. Let her enjoy her childhood." Pushing his daughter was the last thing he'd do - he recalled the pressure his father had put on him to do well. He never wanted Sarah to have those worries.

"Fox, if Sarah is serious about playing the piano, I'd like to pay for the lessons."

"Mom, I can't let you do that. I can provide for whatever Sarah needs." He was proud of that fact. His mother put her hand on his arm.

"Fox, I'd like to do this. It's my gift to Sarah. I can't do much else for her, being so far away. If, in a few weeks, she's still interested in learning the piano, arrange for lessons and I'll pay for them. Will you think about it?"

Mulder nodded. He knew that his mother was eager to do things for her granddaughter. "Okay - I'll think about it."

"Good," smiled Teena. "Now, I'm off to bed. I'll see you in the morning, Fox." She reached up and kissed his cheek. "Goodnight, dear."

"Night, Mom."

It was barely light when Sarah woke up. She got out of bed, and headed for the bathroom. Granny had very thoughtfully left the landing light on for just that purpose. When she'd finished in there, she made her way down the stairs. Mulder had left the living room door ajar in case she called out to him in the night. Sarah pushed it open, walked over to the couch and slid beneath the blanket with her father. He was asleep, snoring softly, his mouth slightly open. Sarah burrowed into his warmth, closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep.

Mulder woke to a face full of hair and a familiar scent. A small body was curled against his own. Sarah. He peered over her - she was asleep, her long lashes almost resting on her pink cheeks. He smiled, and closed his eyes again.

Teena Mulder came downstairs - all was quiet. She'd popped her head around Sarah's door and found the bed empty, so figured that the child had come down to the living room. Teena had expected to hear the sound of her son and granddaughter talking, or the TV, but there was silence. She glided into the living room, and did a double take at the two dark heads lying together on the couch. Mulder and Sarah were both fast asleep. Teena smiled and went into the kitchen to start the coffee.

It was nearly nine thirty by the time the two sleepyheads surfaced. Mulder had woken to find his daughter curled into a ball, her back curved against his chest. He lay there for a while, not wanting to disturb her. Sarah slowly roused, turning to him for a cuddle and Mulder wrapped his arms around her and just held her. He spoke to her softly, lovingly. He'd come to love this morning ritual as much as the quiet time they spent together in the evening before she went to bed.

The smell of coffee lured Mulder into the kitchen. He appeared with Sarah at his side, holding his hand, and announced that as it was late, he was going to cook brunch. With a mug of coffee at his side, Mulder set to. While he made brunch, Sarah and her Granny finished "Mrs. Tiggywinkle."

"Come and get it!" Mulder's voice floated out of the kitchen. Sarah and her Granny went into the kitchen and sat themselves at the table. Mulder snaffled a rasher of the crisp bacon as he carried it to the table.

"Well, tuck in!" he commanded. He'd scrambled the eggs, grilled some sausages as well as the bacon. He'd found hash browns in the freezer and done them in the oven. There was juice, and toast with preserves. Fresh coffee for himself and his mother, and milky tea for Sarah. The child loved brunch, and tucked in with relish. She had a bit of everything, which pleased her father because they wouldn't be eating again until they got back to Washington later that afternoon.

Sarah came into the living room and handed her father the locket he had given her for Christmas.

"Can you put this on for me, Daddy?" He fastened it for her, and she gave him a hug for his trouble.

"That's a pretty necklace," commented her Granny. "Can I see it?"

"It's a locket," Sarah informed the older woman. "Daddy gave it to me for Christmas. You can open it and it has a picture of Mommy in it." She stood in front of her Granny, and Teena carefully opened it, her eyes coming to rest on the miniature painting of Annie.

"Daddy said that I can put another picture in here. Look at the back, Granny - you can see my initials."

"It's very nice, Sarah. You must take good care of it, and keep it in a safe place."

"I do, Granny. Daddy looks after it for me. I only wear it for special occasions."

Teena looked at her son. Did he deem this visit a special occasion'?

"Sarah wanted to bring it up to show you," he explained.

"That was very thoughtful of you, dear." Teena gave her granddaughter the warmest of smiles.

It was nearing the time when they would have to take their leave. Mulder had gone up to the guest room to pack their bag, leaving Sarah having a last go at the piano. His mother followed him up to make sure that he didn't forget anything. She watched as he folded Sarah's clothes carefully and placed them in the bag.

"I'm glad you came up, Fox. I can't tell you how much that means to me." Teena picked up one of her granddaughter's little sweaters, folded it and smoothed it with her hand. She had a fond smile on her face. "Sarah's very precious to you, isn't she?"

Mulder had an embarrassed smile on his face. He was unaccustomed to having this sort of conversation with his mother.

"Yes, she is. She means everything to me - I don't know what I'd do if anything happened to her." His voice faltered slightly. It was a possibility he dared not think about. "Can you understand that, Mom?"

His mother nodded. She understood only too well.

"Fox, I know I haven't always been the perfect mother to you, but I can still remember what it's like to be a new parent. It must have been hard for you, for both of you, to adjust to the situation. I just want to say that I think you've done a wonderful job in the most difficult of circumstances. I'll always be there for you, Fox - I want you to know that. Maybe it's a bit late in the day, but I want to help you in any way that I can. It's the least I can do after..."

Mulder took his mother's hands in his. "Mom, the fact that the three of us are here in this house today is enough. That means more to me than anything. You're my family - you and Sarah, and I love you both very much."

"I'm so proud of you, Fox." Teena's blue eyes shimmered with tears. "I've wanted to tell you that for a long time."

Mulder smiled and put a hand to his mother's cheek. "Mom..."

She covered his hand with her own. "Just be as proud of Sarah as I am of you."

"I am," said Mulder softly. "It's a big responsibility, isn't it - being a parent?"

Teena smiled. "Yes, it is, but you're doing really well, Fox. You should love her and cherish her, and enjoy these years with her - they only come once. Sarah will be grown up before you know it." Then they sealed their new found closeness with a hug and a kiss.

Their conversation was cut short by Sarah calling up the stairs for her father. He came down, followed by his mother, and placed their bag in the hall near the front door.

"We'll be going soon - is there anything else you need to pack? What about your collage?"

Sarah ran back into the living room. Her grandmother had retrieved the now dry collage from the kitchen and the child brought it out with her.

"I want Granny to have it," said Sarah. "You'll have pretty flowers to look at all the time then."

Her grandmother was overcome. She crouched down so that she was at eye level with the child.

"It's lovely, Sarah. I'll keep it in my bedroom, so I can see it every morning when I wake up."

Then she gave the little girl a hug and a kiss.

Sarah and her father were ready to board the plane. It was time to say 'goodbye' to Granny. Teena crouched down and Sarah put her arms around her. The older woman held her tight, her eyes closed, trying to make the moment last.

"You take care Sarah," she said softly, her blue eyes glistening. She was going to miss the little girl - it had been so good to hear music and laughter in the house once more. "Come and see me again soon."

"I will, Granny." Sarah looked up at her father. "Granny could come and see us next time, couldn't she, Daddy?"

"If she wants to." He looked at his mother.

"I'd like that, Fox," said Teena softly. "Well, whatever we decide, don't stay away too long. You know you can come up whenever you want to."

"Thanks, Mom." Mulder embraced her warmly, kissing her cheek. "Well, we'd better go. Are you ready, Sarah?"

The little girl nodded. Mulder turned to his mother again. "Take care, Mom. I'll call you when we get home."

Teena Mulder's last view of her son and granddaughter was of them walking hand in hand through the departure gate.

Mulder pulled up outside their apartment, and parked behind a very familiar car.

"I think we have a visitor," he said with a smile.

"Who is it, Daddy?" There was an excited edge to her voice.

"You'll have to wait and see!" His eyes twinkled merrily.

Scully placed the casserole on Mulder's kitchen counter. She took a sheet of his printer paper and started to write the re-heating instructions. Then she heard the key in the door. Scully went through into the living room just as Mulder and Sarah came through the door.

"Dana!" Sarah ran to Scully, throwing her arms around her.

"Hello, sweetheart," laughed Scully warmly. "Did you have a good time at Granny's?"

"Yes thank you. Dana, did you know that Daddy can play the piano? I'm going to have lessons so that I can play too, then when we move to the big house, I can have my own piano!" Scully looked askance at Mulder, who gave her an "I'll explain later" look. Just as well - this was something that she was dying to hear about.

Mulder was both surprised and pleased to find Scully there.

"So, Scully - to what do we owe the pleasure of this visit?" He knew that she would be coming by to feed the fish, but he hadn't expected to find her here at this hour.

"I made a casserole. I thought you both might want something hot to eat later."

"Thanks Scully. That was very thoughtful, wasn't it Sarah?" He addressed his daughter, but his eyes held Scully's. "Sarah, why don't you take the bag into the bedroom for me?"

"Okay, Daddy." The little girl hauled the small overnight bag off to the bedroom.

"Do you want to show me this casserole, Scully?" Mulder's voice was low and seductive. Scully felt her knees go weak. Not trusting herself to speak, she merely nodded.

She led the way to the kitchen. Once out there, Mulder's arm slid around her shoulders.

"I missed you," he said softly.

"Did you?" Her eyes met his.

"Yes." The reply was lost as his lips met hers. It wasn't a full blooded French kiss, but it was a kiss, and Scully was happy to settle for that. For the second time within minutes, her knees felt weak, and she held on to Mulder for support. He chuckled softly and slid his arms around her, and just held her. His warmth and affection had taken Scully by surprise. It had felt good, like sweet, blessed rain after a long drought.

"Can I have a hug too?" Sarah had joined them in the kitchen.

"Of course!" Mulder made a space for Sarah and she slipped one arm around Scully and the other around her father. Then they all enjoyed a communal hug.

"This looks delicious, Scully," said Mulder, sniffing the creamy chicken casserole. "Why don't you join us? There's plenty here."

"Well, I really should be getting back..." Scully's voice died as she caught the two pairs of warm and loving brown eyes that looked back at her expectantly. How could she not stay?

"Okay - I'd love to."

"Good. I think we'll have this with pasta. What do you think, Sarah?"

The child nodded. "Can I choose?"

"Okay." Mulder went to the cupboard and opened it. "We have shells or spirals - which one would you prefer?"

"Spirals!" cried Sarah.

"Spirals it is then!" laughed Mulder.

Time marched on. Sarah sat in her father's lap, freshly bathed - by Scully - and clad in her night clothes.

"Bed for you, miss!" Mulder swept his daughter up in his arms.

"But Daddy, I haven't seen Dana for ages!" protested Sarah.

"Not since last Thursday at least!" he chuckled. "You had a very late night last night, and you have school tomorrow. I don't want you waking up grouchy in the morning, or falling asleep in class. Now say goodnight to Dana."

Scully clasped the warm, sweet smelling body against her.

"Goodnight, Sarah. Sweet dreams." She kissed the child's soft cheek.

"Night Dana."

She watched, smiling fondly, as Mulder carried his precious cargo to her bed, the pair of them laughing and giggling at something private.

He came back a little later to a welcome cup of coffee.

"So how did the visit go?" asked Scully.

"Fine. There was a tense moment, but we managed to sort it out." Then he explained about Sarah finding Samantha's things.

"And what's all this about Sarah having a piano, and you moving to a big house?"

Mulder laughed softly. "She wants piano lessons. I said I'd see - I want to wait a while, see if she's still interested in a week or two. If she is, my Mom has offered to pay for the lessons. As to Sarah having her own piano, I have no idea where that came from!"

"And what about this big house?"

"That's another of Sarah's ideas. She thinks we should move somewhere bigger, then I can have a bed. That way she reckons there'll be more room for her when she joins me for a cuddle in the morning."

"And what did you tell her?"

"I told her that we would have a bigger house one day, but not yet."

Scully took a mouthful of coffee and digested Mulder's comments, wondering if she figured anywhere in these plans.

The End