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Title: Sarah 17. Home Visit Summary: Sarah's first visit home since going to college doesn't go as smoothly as Mulder hoped, and there's a crisis for Stephanie. Author's Notes: My thanks to Patty, for 'fleshing out' the character of Stephanie, and to Elisabeth for the roses! The events in this story take place before those in "Stephanie and Josh," by Patty Hayes. "Sarah will be home tomorrow!" Josh Mulder danced around excitedly at the prospect of seeing his big sister again. He had missed her so much since she had left the family home to go to college. They had grown accustomed to her absence - even Mulder, who had dreaded her departure most of all. Like Josh, and the rest of the family, he was looking forward to having his daughter home again, if only for a couple of weeks. His happiness, however, was tinged with apprehension, for Sarah was bringing home a friend. A male friend. As soon as Scully had mentioned that Sarah was bringing this friend home with her, alarm bells had rung in Mulder's head. He hadn't been there when Sarah had called to ask permission to bring her friend with her, and he had grilled Scully relentlessly when she told him. He had fretted endlessly about the fact that Sarah hadn't mentioned this friend before in any of her phone calls home. "What about her studies, Scully? Sarah can't afford to be distracted, not this early on in the course! What she loses now, she'll never make up!" "Mulder, I'm sure Sarah isn't neglecting her studies! He's a friend, that's all!" But Mulder wasn't listening. "I don't want her to waste her life, Scully. Her future is so promising - I just don't want her to throw it all away." "She won't throw it all away. She's young, she needs to live a little as well as study. Sarah's a sensible girl, Mulder. I don't think you need to worry about her." "But what if she got in with the wrong crowd, Scully?" This had been one of Mulder's major worries before Sarah went off to college. "Has she mentioned this boy before? What do you know about him?" "Mulder, just listen to yourself!" Scully couldn't believe he was working himself up into such a stew. "Sarah may have mentioned Luke before, I can't remember. She talks about all her friends when she calls, you know that. He's not the first boy she's brought home, and he won't be the last!" Mulder didn't need reminding of the fact. Sarah had had her first boyfriend when she was fifteen. Up until then, she hadn't really shown any interest in the opposite sex - he recalled her seventh birthday party and the two small boys that had almost come to blows over who was going to sit beside Sarah at the table. Mulder had hoped then that it wasn't a portent of things to come. At the time, Sarah had been completely oblivious to the antics of the two little boys - as Scully had pointed out, there was only one man in Sarah's life and that was her father. But he knew that wouldn't be the case for ever. Since then, his pretty little girl had grown into a beautiful young woman, and one day, she would meet someone who would, he hoped, love her and care for her as he did. Another milestone on the road to the final separation. He just didn't want it to be yet. Mulder gave a sigh of resignation. As was always the case, he was getting way ahead of himself. Scully had grown used to their late night bedtime conversations. It was the only time that they were alone and able to talk privately, away from inquisitive ears. She studied the troubled countenance of her husband for a moment, then reached out and took his hand in hers. "That was a big sigh," she said softly, smiling up at him. "What was it for?" "Oh, you know, Scully," answered Mulder, with a small shrug of his shoulders and a half smile. When he next spoke, his voice was distant. "I never realized that letting go was going to be so difficult." Scully slipped her arms around him and laid her head on his shoulder. Mulder ran his fingers absently through her hair, then dropped a kiss on the crown of her head. "I guess it's the down side of being a parent," he said softly. "Children are like blank sheets of paper when they're born. You nurture them, you watch them grow, comfort them and dry their tears when they fall and hurt themselves, you teach them everything you know and then they leave you." "Do you regret having children, Mulder?" "God, no Scully. I've never regretted it, not for one moment. Our children have given me more happiness than I ever thought possible." He laced his fingers in hers. "It's just that no matter how many child care manuals you read, not one of them prepares you for the way you feel when it's time to let go." "Mulder, Sarah's just bringing home a friend... a friend that happens to be male. It doesn't mean that she's committed to him in any way, shape or form. You and I both know that the day will eventually come when she does meet someone special, but we'll deal with it when it happens, just as we dealt with her going to college. I know it's hard, Mulder, but we'll face it together, just as we always do." Mulder's arms closed around her and gave her a squeeze. "What would I do without you, Scully? You're the only sane and sensible one around here!" He smiled at her. Scully chuckled. "I dread to think, Mulder. The last time I left you alone, you and Josh managed to wreck the dishwasher between you!" "Well, how was I supposed to know that you used a special powder in it?" He gave her the puppy dog look. "You could have asked Stephanie," suggested Scully. "She wasn't here, remember? She was staying with your mother." "Well, you could always have tried reading the manual!" She knew he couldn't be bothered with that. Shoot first, then ask questions later, that was Mulder's M.O. when it came to anything electrical. Scully became serious again. "Mulder, Sarah's only going to be here for a couple of weeks. I want her homecoming to be a happy one." "So do I, Scully, so do I. We've all missed her, and it'll be good to have her home again." "Then stop fretting, Mulder. Sarah can read you like an open book, you know that. She'll know straight away that something's wrong. I don't want her spending her vacation worrying about you." He gave her another squeeze. "I'll be the model parent." "Just make sure you are!" warned Scully with a smile. "Or what, Scully?" He leered at her playfully. "I'll shoot you." Mulder truly believed that she would. Sarah let herself into the deserted house. Her parents would be at work, her siblings at school. Sarah's plans had changed unavoidably and she'd taken an earlier shuttle. She stood for a moment, savoring the silence and inhaling the scent of the house. Each home has its own unique scent, and the Mulder house always smelled fresh and clean, of potpourri and spices. Sarah took her belongings up to her bedroom. Nothing had changed - the bed was freshly made, ready for her return. A small bouquet of freesias in a plain glass vase sat on the desk - a homecoming gift from her father, no doubt. Sarah drank deeply of their beautiful scent, then proceeded to go from room to room, renewing her acquaintance with her family home. She entered her father's study, finding it as untidy as ever. Sarah smiled, running her fingers over the top edge of the desk - how she had missed the lively discussions they'd had in this room. This was her father's domain, his kingdom - this was where he ruled. You entered at your peril... no-one was allowed to touch a thing, and woe betide anyone who did. Sarah sat down in the antique captain's chair that Scully had presented to Mulder on his forty-fifth birthday. It was a private joke between her parents - her mother had once compared her father to Moby Dick's Captain Ahab. But her father had been delighted with the chair, as were Stephanie and Josh, who would argue as to whose turn it was to sit in it until Mulder had been forced to declare the chair out of bounds to anyone other than himself. Sarah's eyes wandered to the wall above the desk, and her father's collection of family photographs. In the middle was a wedding day study of him and Scully, and this was surrounded by photos of Sarah, Steph and Josh. They depicted the children at various ages and stages of development. She looked a little closer - there was one of Steph and their father that she'd never seen before. Her father looked so happy, and there was such an expression of adoration on Steph's little face... and there was Josh in his Little League kit, with their father looking on proudly. Sarah sighed - she had missed them all so much. Being at college was exciting, and she had made many new friends, but they were no substitute for her close and loving family. And she knew that her father had not stopped worrying about her, even though he tried to act normally whenever they spoke on the phone. However hard she tried, she would never convince him that she was okay, that he need not worry - it was the way her father was, and she loved him for it. Sarah thought that she ought to call her parents and let them know that she was already home. She tried to reach her father at the Bureau, but was informed that he was out of the office for the day. His cellphone number couldn't be reached either, so she tried her mother. "Could I speak to Dr. Scully, please?" At work, she was Dr. Scully - outside of it, she was Mrs. Mulder. Sarah heard the muffled sounds of people talking, then, "Hello? This is Dr. Scully." "Hi, Mom - it's me." "Sarah! Where are you calling from? Is everything okay?" "Everything's fine, Mom. I'm calling from home." "What are you doing there? We weren't expecting you and Luke until later." "Luke's grandmother has been taken ill, so he had to fly to Chicago. There wasn't time to tell you, and there was no point me hanging around, so I took an earlier flight." "You should have called me - I would have come out to collect you." "It's okay, I took a cab." "Don't let your father hear you say that - he'll think your allowance is too high!" Both Scully and Sarah chuckled. It wasn't meant maliciously - Sarah knew that her father was more than generous with her allowance. "It'll be good to have you home again," said Scully warmly. "We've all missed you so much. Your father's gone to Pittsburgh on a conference, but he should be back later. He didn't want to miss your homecoming." "Is there anything I can be doing for you, Mom? I'll put the laundry on in a while... would you like me to cook dinner for you tonight?" "No, that's okay, sweetheart. Your father plans to take us all out to dinner this evening - if he gets home in time!" Time was marching on. Mulder glanced anxiously at his watch. When would this windbag of a speaker shut up? He glanced at his watch again. If he left now, he could make the earlier shuttle... The lure of seeing Sarah again was too much, and Mulder gathered up his sheaf of handouts and shoved them unceremoniously into his briefcase. Then he took his coat and sneaked his way out of the room. Good job he'd sat in the back row. Rushing out of the conference center, he hailed the first cab he saw. Not until he was safely seated on the plane did Mulder allow himself a smile. Josh Mulder could hardly contain his excitement when Scully picked him up from school. She had managed to get off early, and now they were on their way to collect Stephanie. Scully hadn't told her son why she had come to pick him up from school - she wanted to surprise him and Stephanie with Sarah's early arrival. Stephanie was immediately worried at seeing her mother and Josh waiting at the school gates. "Mommy? Why are you here? Did something happen?" Scully chuckled softly, thinking that Stephanie's reaction could have come from Mulder. She was such a worrier, just like him. Scully stroked her daughter's thick, shoulder length bob. Mulder's hair. Same shade, same texture. Soft and silky. "No. Nothing's happened, sweetheart. I have a surprise for the two of you." "What?" asked Steph. She didn't go a lot on surprises. "You'll have to wait until we get home," answered her mother. "Now come on, into the car with you." Soft music greeted Scully, Steph and Josh when they arrived home. "Is Daddy back?" asked Steph, looking up at her mother. Mulder had left before the children were up that morning. "Is Granny Mulder here?" That from Josh. He always looked forward to her visits. "Why don't you take a look?" smiled Scully. Both children peeked warily around the door. They would recognize that long, dark hair anywhere. "Sarah!" Josh and Steph's combined cry drowned out the soft singing from Scully's old Enya CD. They both ran into the room and threw themselves at their older sister. Sarah laughed and hugged the pair of them. "We missed you!" cried Josh, hugging her again. "I missed you too, Josh," she answered. "Did you miss me?" asked Steph shyly. "Of course I did!" Sarah hugged her younger sister tightly. She looked over her shoulder to see Scully watching the happy scene. "Okay - now let me say hi to Mom." Sarah disentangled herself from her siblings and rose to hug her mother. As Sarah hugged her, Scully swore that the young girl was taller than ever. "Welcome home, Sarah. Let me look at you." Scully pushed Sarah away a little and ran her eyes over her. She was gratified to see that Sarah looked well, although she thought a little thinner than when she went away. But then Sarah had never had an hourglass figure. Her mother had been tall and slim, and what with Mulder's contribution to her genetic make-up, it wasn't surprising that she was long and lean. Scully's practiced medical eye could see that Sarah's hair and eyes were as lustrous and bright as ever. All things being equal, she was fine. Mulder couldn't get off the plane fast enough. He tore out of the gate, and hurried to his car, calling their favorite Italian restaurant via his cellphone on the way. Then he called Scully. "Where are you?" she asked. "At the airport. Is Sarah home yet?" "She's right here, Mulder." "Okay - I should be with you in about an hour. I booked the table at the restaurant for eight o'clock." "Sounds fine to me. We'll see you later. Drive safely." Scully knew she was wasting her breath - Mulder would break the speed limit if he thought it would get him to Sarah any faster. He almost entered their drive on two wheels. He grabbed his briefcase from the passenger seat, slammed the door and locked it, then headed for the front door. It opened as if by magic, and there stood Sarah. Mulder's breath caught in his throat, and he had to fight the tears that were threatening to well up in his eyes. "Sarah," he said softly. "Hi Dad." She gave him the most wonderful smile. He dropped his briefcase and enveloped her in his arms, drinking in her familiar fragrance. He took a deep breath and pulled away slightly. "Oh God - I've missed you." His hands held her face, and his eyes roamed over her, then he pulled her against him once more. He buried his face in her hair, his hands running gently over her back. "I missed you too, Dad," said Sarah softly. "We should close the door - we're letting all the heat out!" Mulder chuckled, and let her go, following her into the house. He took off his topcoat and hung it on a hanger, then went into the living room. He was surprised to see that Sarah's friend wasn't there. He had been steeling himself to meet the boy all day. "Where's Luke?" "His grandmother is ill. He had to join his family in Chicago." Mulder nodded. "Is it serious?" Sarah shrugged. "I don't know. Luke just got the call late last night. His Mom didn't say much - she was too distressed. I should have called and let you know - I'm sorry." "Hey, it's okay." He smiled and touched her cheek, then looked around, noting the absence of the rest of his family. "Where's everyone else?" "We're here, Daddy!" Steph and Josh came at him like a whirlwind, closely followed by Scully. She'd wanted to let him have a few moments with Sarah alone. The two young children threw themselves at him, both wanting to be hugged at the same time. "It's my turn to be first!" declared Josh. "No it isn't - you were first yesterday." That from Steph. "Steph's right, Josh - you had first hug yesterday," said Scully. "It's her turn today." "It's not fair!" Josh Mulder stamped his foot, and crossed his arms over his chest. He glared at his middle sister, his mouth pouting in a most familiar way. It was the only physical resemblance he had to his father - Josh was a proud owner of the Mulder pout. With a triumphant smile, Steph wrapped her arms around her father. She had watched him greet Sarah through the crack in the kitchen door. Steph had seen the way his eyes had lit up when he saw Sarah, and wondered whether Sarah's arrival back home would have any implications for the new closeness that she and her father had come to share recently. All her fears were dispelled as he lifted her and then kissed her. He squeezed her gently, then placed another kiss on her brow. "It's my turn now!" announced Josh, still glaring and pouting. "Come here then," said Mulder, trying not to laugh at his son's angry countenance. Josh jumped into his father's arms, throwing his arms around his neck. "Can Sarah come to Little League on Saturday?" he asked. "If she wants to. Why don't you ask her?" "Sarah, will you come to Little League?" Josh looked at his big sister expectantly. "Sure - I'd love to come." Sarah gave him a big smile, and Josh beamed back. "There - are you satisfied?" asked Mulder. He kissed Josh on the cheek, ruffled his soft hair affectionately, then placed him back on his feet. "Well, I'm going to grab a quick shower before we go out," said Sarah. "Okay, sweetheart. The table's booked for eight, so you've got plenty of time." When she reappeared, Sarah had changed into a pair of fine black woolen slacks and a red top. Mulder had always liked her in black and red - the colors suited her so well. She wore the minimum of makeup - a little blusher on her cheeks, some eye shadow and mascara to bring out her eyes, and the barest hint of lipstick. "Sweetheart, you look lovely." "Dad, you're biased," chuckled Sarah. "What if I am?" he grinned. "There's no law against it!" Oh, she looked so grown up, reflected Mulder. He'd be very surprised if some lucky man didn't snap her up. And if they didn't, he'd want to know why. Mulder kissed her forehead, and Sarah smiled. Even if she were dressed in sackcloth he'd say she looked lovely. "We'd better get going," he said, making note of the time on the carriage clock on the mantel. A wedding present from Margaret Scully. Mulder went out into the hall and called out to Steph and Josh. "Come on you two, we're ready to go!" "There's no need to shout so loud, Mulder," said Scully coming out of Steph's bedroom. "We're only down the hall, not on the street corner!" Steph trailed out behind her mother. "Is that dress new?" asked Mulder. "I haven't seen it before." "Do you like it, Daddy?" asked Steph. She picked up the edges of the skirt and did a little twirl for him. "You look like a princess!" he said, with a big smile on his face, and he noticed Steph blush slightly. They were still a little awkward with one another at times, but they were getting better. "All that's missing is that son of yours, Scully!" He gave her a sidelong glance and waited. He wasn't disappointed. Scully's hands rested on her hips, and she gave him her famous look. "How come he's always my son when..." At that moment, Josh appeared, taking the wind out of his mother's sails. "Well, now that we're all here, shall we go?" Mulder was pleased to have his whole family around him again. He raised his wine glass. "Let's drink a toast. To Sarah... welcome home, sweetheart." They raised their glasses, and he leaned across and kissed her cheek. "I'd like to propose a toast," said Sarah, lifting her glass. "To the Mulder family... especially Mom and Dad. The best family that anyone could ever have." Scully reached out and squeezed Mulder's hand. He looked as if he were about to cry. "Thank you, Sarah," said Scully softly. She knew that Sarah's toast would make her father very happy. He looked at the faces gathered around the table. From a nucleus of just two, himself and Sarah, the family now had five members, plus Granny Mulder. He was proud of every one of them. After a few days, the novelty of having Sarah home had worn off, and it was as if she had never been away. It was Sunday afternoon, and there was no-one in the house other than Mulder and Stephanie. Sarah had gone to visit some old school friends, and would be staying overnight, and Scully had gone to call on her mother, taking Josh with her. Mulder was in his study, busy at the computer. He could hear Steph practicing on her guitar, and he smiled - she was becoming very proficient. Sometimes Sarah would accompany her sister on the piano - Granny Mulder had sent her piano down knowing that Sarah would get more use out of it than she ever would. Where his sisters were musical, Josh was tone deaf. Mulder had tried to teach him to whistle, but he couldn't even do that in tune. The little boy was more interested in sport and the rough and tumble of boisterous games. He certainly kept his father on his toes. The study door was slightly ajar, but Steph still tapped on it softly before pushing it open and going into the room. "I made you a coffee, Daddy." She handed him the mug with its 'Number 1 Dad' motif on the front. "Thank you, sweetheart." He gave her a warm smile. Steph came and stood beside him, and his arm wrapped around her tiny waist. "What are you doing, Daddy?" "I'm just finishing this field report," he replied, the computer screen reflecting in his glasses. He took a mouthful of the coffee. It was perfect. "Umm - just how I like it." He gave her another smile, and Steph flushed a delicate shade of pink. She was thrilled with his praise. "I've nearly finished here, Steph. Would you like to do something in a while?" The little girl nodded enthusiastically. "Okay - you have a think about what we can do while I finish up here." Steph and her father sat in the ice cream parlor. She had an enormous chocolate nut sundae in front of her and she was doggedly working her way through it. She loved ice cream, and it was Mulder's pleasure to indulge her. The long handled spoon went into the tall sundae glass once more, and came out laden with the chocolate ice cream. Mulder smiled - Steph was enjoying every mouthful, and it pleased him to see her having fun. Most of the time she was such a serious little thing, but since her older sister had left home, Stephanie had blossomed. Mulder enjoyed every moment of the time they spent together. The realization that he didn't really know his second daughter had shamed him, and he'd vowed to spend more time with her, to get to know her. She wasn't a substitute for Sarah - the two girls were vastly different in outlook and temperament, and he was being constantly surprised by his younger daughter. She read voraciously - Steph was never without a book nearby, and they spent many a happy hour in the bookshop choosing, over refreshments, new books for her to read. Stephanie placed the spoon in the empty sundae glass and licked her lips. Mulder gave her a surprised look - he hadn't expected her to finish the ice cream. His look turned to a smile when he spotted her chocolaty mouth. "Here - let's clean you up a bit. If I take you home looking like that your mother will shoot me!" Steph chuckled as he took the little sachet off her saucer and tore it open. Taking out the moist tissue, he leaned across the table and tenderly wiped around her mouth. "There - that's better!" After a short rest, they made their way back to the car and home. "Come on Steph, rise and shine." Scully pulled back the drapes in her daughter's bedroom. Steph made no move to get up. Usually she was very prompt. Josh was the one they always had to drag out of bed. "Come on, sweetheart. What would you like for breakfast?" "I feel sick and my tummy hurts," said Steph in a small voice. Scully wasn't surprised at that, given the enormous sundae she'd eaten the day before, but she refrained from commenting. "Where does it hurt, Steph?" Scully drew back the bed covers. "Here." Stephanie pointed to her right side. "Now I'm not going to hurt you, I just want to have a look at you," said Scully, and she gently raised her daughter's nightgown then pressed her fingers to the warm flesh where Stephanie had indicated the pain. The child drew in a breath and gave a little whimper. "It hurts." "I'm sorry, sweetheart. I think you should stay at home today." Scully had to admit that her daughter didn't look too good. "I'll just go and talk to Daddy." Scully found her husband in the kitchen. She had a full day ahead and couldn't stay at home. She explained the situation to Mulder. "It's okay, Scully - I'll work from home today. I'll look after Stephanie." "But you looked after Josh when he was ill," answered Scully. "I just feel like I'm failing in my maternal duties." "That's not true and you know it. It's just easier for me to adapt at short notice. Now go and tell Stephanie what's happening." Scully went back into her daughter's room. She had placed a bowl by the side of the bed, in case Steph wanted to be sick, and redrawn the curtains to keep the room dark. Scully sat on the bed and smoothed Steph's hair back off her face, "Sweetie, Daddy's going to look after you today, okay?" The little girl nodded. "If you need anything, or you feel sick, you call him right away." Steph nodded again. Scully gave her what she hoped was a brave smile. "All right, sweetie - I have to go to work now, but I'll call later to see how you're doing." Another smile. "I love you, Steph." "Love you too, Mommy." Scully leaned over and kissed the child's forehead. Steph dozed for a while after her mother left. Mulder looked in from time to time, just to make sure she wasn't any worse. He was working at the computer when Steph called out to him. He went quickly to her room. "Daddy, I'm going to be sick." He lifted the bowl just in time as she vomited. Every heave made her side hurt even more. When she finished being sick, she lay back and cried softly. "Sshh - it's okay, baby. I'll get you some water to rinse your mouth out." He took the bowl with him and disposed of its contents down the toilet. When he returned, Mulder brought a cool face cloth with him to freshen her up. "Let's get you into a clean nightie, shall we?" Some of the vomit had soaked into the nightgown she was wearing. He went to her dresser and took a fresh gown, then helped her take off the soiled one. He slipped the clean gown over her head and body as far as he could. "Better?" he asked softly. "It still hurts, Daddy," she moaned. He had to admit that he'd never seen her look so awful. He sat with her until she nodded off again, then took the soiled nightgown and put it into the laundry hamper. He cleaned out the bowl and placed it back at her bedside - just in case. Scully called at lunch time. He hurried to answer the phone, not wanting it to wake Steph. "How is she, Mulder?" "Steph's been sick, but she's sleeping right now. She doesn't look at all well, Scully." "Well, let's see how it goes this afternoon - if she's no better this evening, I'll call Dr. Gordon." "Good idea," replied Mulder. "How are you holding up?" "I'm fine, Mulder." "I might have guessed you'd say that!" "I didn't disappoint you then!" "You never disappoint me, Scully," he answered softly. He heard a faint cry. "Oh, I gotta go. Steph's calling me. I'll talk to you later." He ran to his daughter's bedroom, just as she heaved again. He got the bowl up just in time. This time Steph looked decidedly grey, and she was sweaty and clammy to the touch. "Sweetheart, does it hurt?" "Yes." "More than it did earlier?" "Yes," whispered the little girl. "Okay... I'm going to take you to the hospital. I'll get you cleaned up first, and then we'll be on our way." Ten minutes later, wearing another clean nightgown, Mulder laid his daughter carefully on the back seat of his car, then drove quickly and carefully to the hospital. He parked as close as he could, then lifted her out - one arm around her shoulders, the other at the back of her knees. She was so light - there was nothing of her. Steph put her arms around his neck and they walked rapidly to the reception desk in the ER. "My daughter has a pain in her side and she's been vomiting," said Mulder to the young woman behind the desk. "Take a seat and someone will be with you shortly." "Dammit - my daughter's in pain! I want to..." "Daddy, I'm going to be sick again!" "Okay baby... just hang on..." Too late... Steph vomited all down her front and on her father's sweatshirt. "I'll get a doctor," said the receptionist hastily. "Thank you," answered Mulder, his tone heavy with sarcasm. "Appendicitis - looks like we caught it just in time." Dr. Barbara Hayes looked up at Mulder. "May I speak with you, Mr. Mulder?" They stepped beyond the curtains that were drawn around Steph. "We'll have to operate - if it's left any longer there's the chance that the appendix will perforate and that would be very serious. Has she eaten anything today?" "No," answered Mulder. "She's just had a little water each time she's been sick." "Good. We can operate straight away." "Do you mind if I break the news to her?" "Go ahead," said the doctor kindly. Mulder wasn't the first anxious parent she'd seen that day. He stepped back inside the curtained cubicle and sat on the bed. He took his daughter's hand in his. So small and delicate... Oh God, if anything happened to her... He couldn't think like that. Mulder put on a smile for Stephanie. "Sweetheart, the doctors are going to operate to take away the pain," he said softly. "Will it hurt?" she whispered. "For a little while, but then all the pain and sickness will be gone, and you'll feel better." "Will you come with me, Daddy?" "Of course I will, baby. I won't leave you, I promise." He leaned over and kissed her. As soon as she went into theatre, he'd call Scully. He hadn't had the chance earlier - everything had happened so fast. Mulder went with her as far as he could, then bent over and kissed her before she was taken into the OR. His eyes filled with tears as she disappeared from his sight. All he could do now was wait. Mulder pulled out his cellphone and dialed Scully's number. He had expected Steph to ask for her mother, but she hadn't, not once. "Scully." "It's me, I'm at the hospital. I had to bring Stephanie in. She has appendicitis Scully, and they're operating now." Scully was speechless for a moment. "Scully? You there? Are you..." "I'm okay Mulder. I'm on my way." As she drove, Scully asked herself over and over how she could have missed the signs. Reaching the floor where the OR was situated, she saw Mulder sitting with his head in his hands. She hurried towards him, tears springing into her eyes. Mulder looked up at the sound of heels echoing on the vinyl tiles, then stood up when he saw that it was his wife. "Oh God, Mulder..." "Sshh... it's okay Scully. Steph's going to be fine." They wrapped their arms around one another, and he held Scully while she cried. "I shouldn't have left her, Mulder... I should have known..." "It's not your fault, Scully. Dr. Hayes says it's easily missed." "That doesn't make me feel any better. I shouldn't have left her." She pulled away from him and sat down. Mulder sat beside her and took her hand. "What?" he asked softly. "I feel like I've failed my own daughter," answered Scully. Mulder pulled her against him. "That's not true, and you know it. It could have happened any time and there's nothing you could do to prevent it." Scully gave him a wan smile. He was right, of course. "Oh Mulder... your sweatshirt!" Scully pointed at the vomit stain on the front. He shrugged. "It's just a sweatshirt, Scully. It can be replaced." "But it's the one Steph and Josh gave you for Christmas!" "Scully, it can be replaced. Don't worry about it." He knew she was picking on something trivial to prevent her having to think about the crisis at hand. He looked at his watch. "I'd better make some phone calls." The first call went out to Margaret Scully, asking her to pick her grandson up from school. She would do that, then come straight down to the hospital with him. Next he called home, in the hope that Sarah was back from her overnight stay with her friends. She was, and she was shocked to hear the fate of her sister. Mulder asked her to bring a clean sweatshirt for him to change into when she came to the hospital. The last call was to his own mother. Even though there was nothing she could do, being so far away, she would want to know. Steph was wheeled out of the OR and into Recovery. Once Scully had explained that she was a medical doctor, the surgeon agreed that she and Mulder could wait with their daughter while she came round from the operation. According to the surgeon, the operation had been straightforward, and a complete success. "Daddy." Steph sounded so groggy. "Hi baby," replied Mulder softly, smoothing a hand over her hair. "It hurts." "I know, sweetheart." His heart went out to her. "It'll be sore for a couple of days, but then it will start to feel better. Hey - guess who else is here?" Scully floated into her daughter's field of vision. "Hi, sweetheart." Scully leaned over and kissed Steph's brow. She still looked poorly, and Scully could only wonder how much worse she must have looked when Mulder had brought her in. He slipped his arm around Scully and squeezed gently. She was taking this so hard. "I'd like to sit with her, Mulder," said Scully. "Is that okay?" "You don't even have to ask. I'll wait outside for the others to arrive." He leaned over and kissed his daughter first and then Scully, then headed for the waiting area. Margaret and Josh were the first to arrive. "Fox... Is Steph all right?" Margaret asked anxiously. "She's fine, Margaret. The operation was straightforward - they caught it just in time." "Thank God!" Margaret crossed herself. "Where's Dana?" "She's with Steph in Recovery." "What about Sarah?" "She's on her way. Can I get you a coffee or anything?" "No thank you, Fox. Maybe Josh might like something though." "Would you like a drink Josh?" Mulder smiled at his son. "Yes please. Daddy, is Steph going to die?" His little chin quivered as he looked up at his father. Mulder picked Josh up in his arms and held him tight. "No, Josh - Steph's going to be just fine. She's had an operation to make her feel better, and now she's asleep. She'll wake up in a few hours and then you can see her." Mulder was getting Josh a drink when Sarah hurried in. She was breathing hard, and stopped just long enough to kiss Granny Margaret and then her father. "How is she? I got here as soon as I could. Is Mom here?" "Yes, she's with Steph now. She's going to be fine. Did you bring that clean sweatshirt?" "Oh, yes... here you are." Sarah handed him the bag with the sweatshirt in. He promptly pulled the soiled one over his head and placed it in the bag, then slipped into the clean one. "That's better." Mulder ran his fingers through his hair to bring it to some semblance of order. "When will we be able to see her?" asked Sarah. Her father shook his head. "Hopefully she won't be in Recovery much longer, then they'll move her onto the ward." "I'm sorry I wasn't there, Dad." Sarah looked at him with a guilty expression. "There's nothing to be sorry about, sweetheart. You weren't to know that this was going to happen. It's just one of those things. It happens and you have to deal with it." Sarah shrugged. "But it was selfish of me to go off and stay with my friends. You all looked forward so much to me coming home, and I'm back five minutes and putting my friends first. The least I could do is to spend what little time I have with my family." Mulder drew her into his embrace. "Sweetheart, of course we looked forward to having you home again, but we don't expect you to stay tied to the house for every day of your vacation. It's still your home Sarah - you can come and go as you please." Scully came through the door and saw all of her family standing there, looking at her expectantly. "They're going to move Steph onto the ward now. We can see her once she's settled in." She looked at Mulder. "Steph's asking for you, Mulder." He followed Scully back into Recovery and stood beside Steph's bed. "Hi sweetheart. Mommy says they're going to move you, and then you can have visitors. Granny Margaret is here, and Sarah and Josh. We'll let you settle in and then we'll come and see you, okay?" Steph nodded sleepily. "Daddy?" "Yes, baby?" He had to lean really close to hear her. "I love you." "I love you too, Stephanie, very much." "Steph told me how well you looked after her," said Scully softly, as they took a break from their daughter's bedside. Margaret had taken Sarah and Josh home several hours ago. "It's what any father would do for their sick child, isn't it?" "Many men wouldn't do it, Mulder." "Then I must be one in a million, Scully." He smiled at her - that rakish smile that she knew so well. "Don't you think you're lucky to have me?" For the first time since she arrived at the hospital, Scully smiled. "I guess I am," she replied softly. They sat in silence for a while, then Mulder said, "You should go home and get some sleep. I'll stay here and keep Steph company." "No Mulder... I want to stay." "That's the guilt talking, Scully. You're exhausted - go home." Reluctantly, Scully acquiesced. "You'll call me if there's any change in her condition?" "Scully, just go, will you, before I have to shoot you?" She leaned down and kissed him. "Try and get some sleep yourself, Mulder. Call me first thing." "It'd be more than my life was worth not to," he grinned. Scully lay in the big bed that she and Mulder shared. She was exhausted, but sleep would not come. The bed felt strangely empty without her husband tossing and turning beside her, but that wasn't the reason for her sleeplessness. Her mind was whirling with guilt over Stephanie - firstly because she had put her work foremost and left her daughter when she was quite clearly unwell, and secondly because she had misread Stephanie's symptoms. Scully went hot and cold as she considered the possible consequences if Stephanie's condition hadn't been caught in time - she would never have forgiven herself if they had lost her. Scully rose, and made her way to Mulder's study. She switched on the desk lamp and sat in the captain's chair. Scully looked up, and her eyes came to rest on the photo of Mulder and Steph. She was thankful that Mulder had had the foresight to take Steph to the hospital. Again, the thought of losing her daughter came to the fore, and Scully started to shake. Dana, always the strong one... she didn't feel strong now. Scully felt as if she were going to fall to pieces, the guilt and anxiety weighing down heavily on her shoulders. Now she truly understood what it had felt like for Mulder every time they had faced a crisis with Sarah, in the days before they had their own children. Scully loved Sarah, loved her dearly, but she was not Scully's flesh and blood... she had not carried her for nine months and given birth to her, as she had with Stephanie. For so long, Scully had been the stronger half of their partnership, both at work and in marriage - the sane one, able to cope with whatever came their way. Mulder was the worrier, fretting over the least little thing, but on this occasion he had been the strong one, the sane and coping one, and she was grateful to him for that. Scully felt tears well up in her eyes, and she let them fall - a mixture of guilt, anxiety, relief and thanks. Sarah saw the light on in her father's study and went to investigate. She found Scully crying softly. Sarah crouched down by the side of the chair and looked up into her mother's face. "Mom? Are you okay? Why are you sitting in here crying?" Scully looked down into her daughter's concerned face, and was immediately reminded of all the times Mulder had adopted the same position to speak to her. Even Sarah's expression and intonation were those of her father. "I couldn't sleep," replied Scully. "I was thinking about Steph." "She'll be fine, Mom," said Sarah softly. "Why don't you go back to bed? I'll make you a hot drink to help you to sleep." Scully cupped Sarah's cheek. "Perhaps you're right - I should go back to bed." She rose, and Sarah stood too. "Would you like a hot drink? I can warm some milk." Scully nodded. "Yes, I think I'd like that, Sarah." "Well, you go and lie down - I'll bring it along in a while." Scully was lying in bed when Sarah came through with the warm milk. She sat on the edge of the bed as Scully half sat up to drink the milk. "One of the things I used to love most when I was a child was coming into your bed in the morning," said Sarah. "Do you remember the time I found you and Dad in bed together, when you had the apartment?" Scully chuckled. "Yes, I remember." She took a sip of her milk. That had been a major turning point in her relationship with Sarah's father - he had asked her to marry him, in not so many words. Scully smiled - not for Mulder the traditional method of proposal. She could still see the disappointment on his face when she hadn't said 'yes' right away. Those days seemed so long ago and far away now. Scully finished her milk, handed Sarah the empty mug and slid beneath the covers. "Thank you for the milk, Sarah. I'll see you in the morning." "Night, Mom. Sleep well." Sarah leaned over and kissed Scully, then headed for the kitchen. A few days later, the patient returned home. She was a little wobbly on her feet, so Mulder had carried her in from the car. Josh and Sarah had made a huge 'Welcome home Steph' banner and that was the first thing the young girl set eyes on as Mulder carried her into the living room. Scully fussed around her daughter, making sure that she was comfortable and that she had everything she wanted. She had arranged to take a few days off to be with Steph, although Sarah was around and Margaret had offered to come and stay and look after her granddaughter. Scully had refused all offers of help with a polite 'No thank you.' It was the least she could do to ease her guilt. Mulder didn't even try to talk her out of it - she'd only remind him of all the times he'd done the same thing in respect of Sarah. So, he went back to work and let Scully get on with it. He knew he was better off out of it. Steph passed the time reading, or playing cards and board games with Sarah and Josh. Josh invariably threw a tantrum and refused to play any further because he lost more games than he won. They watched their favorite videos, and one afternoon, Scully, coming to investigate why it was so quiet, was surprised to find them all sitting on the couch, mesmerized by 'Bambi' - even Sarah's eyes were glued to the screen. It had always been one of her favorite films, and it hadn't lost its appeal even now. The children also spent time just talking - for Sarah it was an opportunity to catch up with what the other two had been doing in her absence. Steph told Sarah that she had been spending a lot of time with their father, making particular mention of their visit to the zoo. Josh had related, proudly, how their father had taken him to his workplace. "Did he?" smiled Sarah, recalling the first time that Mulder had taken her to the Bureau. She had been about Josh's age. Mulder and Sarah had walked hand in hand through the corridors of the Hoover building, and Sarah had been puzzled by the open-mouthed stares that they seemed to be attracting. Mulder had been oblivious to the staring and whispering - he had held his head high, he had nothing to be ashamed of. He was proud of his daughter, and didn't see why he should hide her away. Things were gradually returning to normal in the Mulder household after the worry of Stephanie's illness. Then came the phone call. Scully answered the ringing telephone. She was nearest - Sarah was out in the garden, watching Josh, who was perched on his father's shoulders, trying to shoot hoops. The young man's voice was pleasant, and he was very polite. Scully asked him to hold the line, then went in search of the person he sought. "Sarah - there's a phone call for you. It's Luke." She saw Mulder stop dead in his tracks as Sarah went to the phone. Scully went to his side, and they waited for Sarah to come back into the garden. They didn't have to wait long. Sarah was smiling as she said, "Luke will be arriving in Washington tomorrow. His grandmother is much better, so he's coming down for a few days." Scully glanced up at Mulder. It was impossible to read his emotions. "Sweetheart, I don't think it will be convenient to have Luke here, not with Steph still recuperating." "Oh, it's okay, Mom - Luke has family here. He'll be staying with an aunt and uncle." "You'll have to invite him over - we'd like to meet him." She looked pointedly at her husband. "Wouldn't we, Mulder?" "Oh yes," he replied. "Definitely." When Mulder arrived home from work the next day, he was surprised to find Sarah dressed ready to go out. "Going somewhere nice?" he asked with a smile. "Luke's taking me to the movies." She glanced at her watch. "He should be here in a minute. I'll introduce you to him." Mulder was gratified that at least the boy was coming to collect her - he didn't want her making the journey to and from town on her own. "Does he drive?" "He's borrowed his aunt's car. Oh, here he is!" A smile of pleasure blossomed on Sarah's face as she opened the front door. "Hi Luke!" "Hey, Sarah! How are things?" "Fine thanks. Do we have time for me to introduce you to my parents? They've been anxious to meet you." "Sure." Sarah led him into the living room. Mulder and Scully stood in front of the mantel. "Mom, Dad, this is Luke Anderson. Luke, this is my Mom and my Dad." The young man crossed the room in three long strides. He was certainly good looking, a shade taller than Mulder, with dark hair and beautiful dark chocolate brown eyes. Scully's trained investigator's eye took in the expensive cut of his clothes and his highly polished penny loafers. She smothered a smile, imagining the thoughts that were surging through Mulder's mind at that moment. She knew that as soon as they were out of the door, he would start in with what was wrong with Luke and why he wasn't suitable for his daughter. "I'm pleased to meet you, Ma'am, Sir." The young boy shook hands with Scully, then Mulder. "Welcome, Luke. We're very pleased to meet you," replied Scully. She turned to Sarah. "You'd better be going - you don't want to miss the start of the film. Have a good time." Scully watched them get into Luke's aunt's car - a red BMW convertible she noted - then closed the door. She caught sight of Mulder's sulky expression and started counting. "I hope he knows how to drive that thing," he said, the pout much in evidence. Scully had counted as far as four. "I'm sure he does." She linked her arm through his - it was time to smooth his ruffled feathers. "Come on, Mulder - dinner's almost ready." Further discussion was forgotten as the rest of the family sat down to eat. Scully waited until Steph and Josh were in bed before bringing up the subject of Luke. "Luke seems very nice," she said airily. Mulder scowled, and she swore she saw his lip curl. It was all she could do not to laugh. Scully curled up against him, her head resting on his shoulder. "Mulder? I said I thought Luke seemed very nice." "I heard you, Scully." His hand ran up and down her arm absently. "I guess he's okay if you like that sort of thing." "At least he was clean and tidy - what my Mom would call 'wholesome looking.'" "Yeah - that's what worries me!" "Well, I'll tell you Mulder - I'd much rather Sarah brought Luke home than someone that looked as if he needed a good wash and a change of clothes!" "You don't understand, Scully..." "On the contrary - I understand that no man will ever be good enough for your daughter, whether it be Sarah or Stephanie." Mulder's lips were pursed, and his thoughts were far away. "Scully... Do you think your father would have felt that way about me?" "I don't know, Mulder... probably, but then he wasn't the one that wanted to marry you - I was." He digested that for a bit. "Scully, I want Sarah and Stephanie to be happy, just like we've been happy. I want that more than anything." "I want that too, Mulder. That's why you have to let go of the reins a little - you have to let them make their own mistakes. It's the only way they'll learn. I know it's painful sometimes, and you want to protect them from all the hurt, but you can't protect them forever." Mulder sighed. He knew she was right, of course. Scully looked up at him and smiled. "I bet you were one of those clean cut boys once." "Ah, Scully - you've discovered my guilty secret at long last!" Mulder chuckled softly. "I think I was more the gangly bookworm when I was Luke's age!" "Now don't be modest, Mulder - I bet you had all the girls running after you!" "Yeah, right - most of them wouldn't be seen dead with a six foot beanpole with a mouth full of metal!" "You wore a brace? You never told me!" "Would it have made a difference if I had?" "Well..." She looked up at him from beneath her lashes, then laughed at his stricken expression. "Of course not, Mulder. I'd still love you, brace and all!" "I'm so gratified to hear it, Scully. You know, I hated that damned brace. I thought it had ruined my chances with the opposite sex forever!" He grinned at her, then sighed. "Were we ever that young, Scully?" "Well, I was... I don't know about you, though!" "Cheeky!" He pulled her against him, silencing her laughter with a kiss. Sarah let herself in quietly. It was late, but the light was on in the study. As she hung her coat on a hook by the door, Mulder came out into the hall. "Did you have a good time?" he asked softly. There was no need to wake the whole house with their conversation. "Yes thanks. You didn't have to wait up, Dad." Mulder fiddled with his glasses and shrugged. "I had some work to finish..." He trailed off. She could see right through him. "Am I that transparent?" he asked ruefully. Sarah smiled and nodded. She put her arms around him and hugged him. "Don't ever change, Dad - I love you just the way you are." "I love you too, Sarah." They exchanged kisses, then Sarah picked up her purse. "Night, Dad." "Goodnight, sweetheart." Mulder was fed up. "Where's Sarah?" he had asked, when he came home from work a few nights later. "She's gone out with Luke," answered Scully, as she placed his dinner on the table. It was late, and Steph and Josh were already in bed. "For a change," he mumbled, rolling his eyes. He had so been looking forward to spending time with Sarah and talking with her during this vacation, but what with Steph's illness and now Luke on the scene, there hadn't been a single opportunity for them to be together. He'd missed the chats they used to have together, the philosophical and ethical discussions that had gone on long into the night. "That's three nights in a row." "To be honest, I hadn't been counting," said Scully, sitting down to her own meal. She had fed the children earlier, opting to eat her meal with Mulder so that they could talk. She was tired and she didn't particularly want to have a bedtime conversation that night. "Where have they gone this time?" "The ballet. Luke's aunt and uncle had tickets for "Swan Lake" that they couldn't use, so rather than waste them, they offered them to Luke." "How kind." Mulder's tone was full of sarcasm. Scully banged her fork down on her plate. She wasn't really in the mood to deal with this right now. All she wanted to do was eat her meal and go to bed. "Mulder, just what is the matter with you? You should be pleased that Sarah is getting out and about, that she's made new friends." "I am, Scully, but has it occurred to you that I might want to spend some time with my daughter? Is that too much to ask?" Scully softened, seeing the look in his eyes. His eyes had always been the window to his true feelings. "Tell me what's really worrying you," she said softly, placing her hand over his and squeezing gently. Mulder sighed. "I'm frightened that she won't have time for me anymore. She's got this new life, these new friends... why would she want to spend time with me when she can be out having fun with people her own age?" "Because you're her father and she loves you." Her heart went out to him. He always took these things so personally. "It's unfortunate that this vacation hasn't turned out as we all hoped, but that's no-one's fault. Everything has conspired against us - Steph's illness, you working late most nights, me being run off my feet at Quantico. We haven't really had the opportunity to sit down as a family and just talk. I want to hear all of Sarah's news as much as you do - I miss her too, Mulder." His arm went around her. "Yeah, I know you do. And I shouldn't be so selfish, I know, but I love her, Scully. It's not a crime to love your child and want to spend time with them, is it?" "No, Mulder - it isn't. And you shouldn't really begrudge Sarah these nights out - she's been good enough to sit with Steph all day for the last few days." Scully removed herself from his embrace and stood up. "Come on, let's go to bed. I'm not really hungry anyway." Mulder nodded. He could listen out for Sarah just as easily from his bed. "E-mail roses, Scully... He sent her e-mail roses!" Mulder leaned against the kitchen counter while Scully poured out two mugs of fresh coffee. She handed one to him, then took hers to the table and sat down. The message had come in Mulder's home e-mail that morning - there had been nothing in the subject line, so he had opened the message to find that it was for Sarah. By then, he'd already seen the three little symbolic roses at the end of the message. He quickly closed the envelope again and left a note for Sarah to say that she had post. "What does it mean, Scully?" "I think it means we should ask him to join us for Sunday dinner." She saw Mulder about to protest. "I think the least we can do is to get to know the boy. They're obviously fond of one another, judging by the amount of time they've been spending together. I think it's wise to know who her friends are. Apart from that, it's the polite thing to do after all the things he has done for Sarah this week." Mulder knew that she was right, and he nodded his agreement. He still intended to get to the bottom of the e-mail roses, however. "Did you check your post?" he asked Sarah later that morning. She had just come out of the shower after taking a short morning run. Usually Mulder would have accompanied her, but he had to run Josh over to a friend's for the day. "No, not yet," Sarah replied. "I'll do it now." Mulder followed her into the study, and fiddled about with some papers while she read the message. He could see the screen, but couldn't read the words on it without his glasses. He moved closer, and pointed to the screen, his eyes narrowed so that he could focus. "What are they?" he asked, feigning ignorance. "They're supposed to signify roses," answered Sarah. To his surprise, she flushed a delicate shade of pink. "The message is from Luke." "Oh." Mulder tried to sound disinterested, and turned back to his papers, but Sarah wasn't fooled. "It's okay, Dad - he sends them to all of us when he e-mails us. It's just the way he is. It doesn't mean anything." "You don't have to explain anything to me, sweetheart. I was just curious." "Do you mean to tell me you never sent e-mail roses to Mom? Shame on you, Dad!" Sarah grinned at him, then stood up and hugged him. "What was that for?" asked Mulder in surprise. "For caring," she replied softly. Once more she'd confounded him, and made him feel silly over the fears he had expressed to Scully a few nights previously. Mulder returned her hug. "I'll never stop caring about you, Sarah," he said, kissing her cheek. The invitation to Sunday dinner issued and accepted, Scully laid down the ground rules for the event to her husband. He listened patiently, nodding and making what he hoped were all the right noises. Scully eyed him - he didn't fool her for a minute with his placatory noises. "Mulder, so help me, if you embarrass Sarah, I'll..." "What?" he grinned. "You'll shoot me?" Scully pulled a sour face. "Is that it? Can I go now?" He felt as if he'd just been given a dressing down by the school principal. "There's one last thing," said Scully. "And what would that be? Don't breathe at the table?" Scully ignored his facetious remark. "Don't even think about pulling the 'cleaning your gun at the kitchen table' trick." She remembered the first time he had done that - it had also been the last. Scully had torn him off such a strip - she had wiped the floor with him. It all came flooding back as if it were yesterday. It was another occasion when Sarah had brought a boy home to meet them. She had been sixteen at the time, and still at school. The boy's name was Charlie, and they had been in the same class. It had been another Sunday dinner invitation. Sarah and Charlie had walked into the kitchen - Mulder had been sitting at the big farmhouse table, casually cleaning his service weapon. Mulder had looked up, smiled, and said, "Hi." He saw the color drain from the boy's face, and he almost fainted. Afterwards, they couldn't decide if it was the shock of seeing Mulder with the gun, or the fact that, at the time, he had sported a black eye and a cut lip. "A suspect resisted arrest," explained Mulder. Another smile. "He looks worse than I do." Scully had glared at her husband - she knew he was doing it to intimidate the boy, even though he denied it vehemently. She had gone berserk, accusing him of being territorial, of putting on some big macho father act. The atmosphere between them had been decidedly cool for a while after that. They hadn't seen Charlie again either. She knew that Mulder wanted to protect Sarah, and she supported him in that, but he had to let her have friends, and if that included friends of the opposite sex, then so be it. Sarah went to a co-ed school, so it was inevitable that she would mix with boys. She interacted easily with both boys and girls, and that was the way Scully wanted it, but sometimes she felt she had an uphill struggle on her hands with Mulder's attitude. Scully could understand his thinking to a certain extent - Mulder still thought of Sarah as the vulnerable little girl that had come to live with him at six years of age, the little girl that needed to be protected. He just went overboard now and again, acting like some Victorian father. She knew he would never change, that they would go through exactly the same with Stephanie. Josh had to be protected too, but more so the girls - that was the way Mulder saw it. Scully saw it more as reinforcing stereotypes - of girls being seen as the weaker sex, needing the protection of a man while the boys could look after themselves. They knew that Josh could look after himself - he'd gotten into a few scrapes in his time, defending the honor of his sister Stephanie. Coming back to the present, she looked up at her husband. "So, Mulder - can I rely on you not to pull that stunt?" "The thought never even crossed my mind, Scully," came the smooth answer. There was no standing on ceremony at the Mulder house, but even so, Luke Anderson turned up in smart but casual, and expensive looking, attire. Sarah reintroduced him to her parents, and then he met her brother and sister for the first time. He carried a large bouquet of ruby red chrysanthemums, which he proffered to Scully. "Are these for me?" she asked, her eyes wide. "Yes," replied Luke shyly. "They come from my aunt's garden." "They're beautiful, Luke!" Scully looked as pleased as punch. "Please thank her for me, won't you?" "Yes, Ma'am." Scully bade them go into the living room, while she headed for the kitchen to check on the roast and put her flowers into water. She was closely followed by Mulder, who could only think about how smooth an operator the boy was. "He's such a nice boy," sighed Scully, as she arranged the large blooms in a vase. They would look very nice on the hall table. "There's no need to go overboard just because he gave you some flowers!" commented Mulder. "Well, you haven't brought me any recently!" Scully retorted. "He didn't have to bring anything - he's being polite. It shows good breeding, Mulder." "Now you make him sound like a dog!" "Mulder, isn't it preferable that Sarah bring home someone well-mannered and polite, rather than some uncouth boy that sprawls all over the furniture and grunts when you speak to him?" "I suppose so," he answered grudgingly. He sighed. "I know I'm a pain in the ass, Scully..." "Damn right you are!" she smiled. Then she came over to him and gave him a hug. "But I wouldn't have you any other way. I know it's hard, Mulder, but it's only for a few hours." He returned her smile, and kissed her forehead, wondering, as he did every day, how she had put up with him all these years. "Thank you, Mrs. Mulder." Luke took the bowl of vegetables from Scully and helped himself. Mulder looked at her and smiled - he knew she still got a kick from being addressed as 'Mrs. Mulder,' even after twelve years of marriage. He sat at one end of the table, and Scully sat at the other. On one side sat Sarah and Josh, on the other were Luke and Steph. "So, Luke - could you tell us a little bit about yourself?" asked Mulder. "Sarah hasn't really told us much about you. What with one thing and another, we haven't seen much of her since she came home." Seeing that Luke had a mouthful of food, Sarah spoke on his behalf. "Luke's family own Anderson Publishing." Scully noted that Mulder looked suitably impressed, even though he tried to remain inscrutable. Anderson Publishing had been in existence for at least one hundred years, and published everything from popular novels to academic tomes. "Any relation to Senator Patrick Anderson?" asked Mulder. "Yes sir - he's my uncle," answered Luke. "It's him that I've been staying with." Mulder nodded - that figured. Senator Anderson was, as far as Mulder was concerned, one of the good guys. "And what are you studying?" "Politics. I'd like to go into politics when I graduate." That figured too. Scully looked down the table at Mulder - she knew his thoughts about politicians, most of which she shared. She prayed that he kept those thoughts to himself. "You follow sport at all, Luke?" Another question from Mulder. "Yes sir - I play basketball." "Which team do you follow?" "The Knicks." Mulder beamed. "Well, there's a coincidence - so do I!" Dinner proceeded smoothly after that, with Mulder and Luke discussing the finer points of several old Knicks games. For dessert, Scully produced a blueberry pie. "Blueberry pie - my favorite!" announced Josh. "Can I have a big piece?" Scully rolled her eyes. While he had inherited her looks, Josh was his father in every other way, from his capacity for food to his sense of humor and the antics he got up to. "Did you eat all your vegetables?" she asked, knowing full well that he had. Josh nodded vigorously. "Okay - you can have a big piece." Then she proceeded to cut the pie and serve it. They had it with ice cream - a rich, creamy vanilla that Scully bought from a specialist gelataria. To her amazement, Josh's pie disappeared in no time. He'd done well, eating a fairly substantial dinner and a portion of pie. As with Mulder, she wondered where the little boy put it all, but then he was very active, always tearing around the place like a tornado. She recalled the time he had gone to stay with his Granny Mulder for a few days - she had been exhausted by the end of it. She had christened him 'Hurricane Josh,' because he just tore through the house, from front to back, in a blur. Mulder's mother adored her grandson - he reminded her of Fox when he was a boy. Always up to mischief, getting into scrapes - just like his father before him. And of course, Josh just loved to listen to his Granny's tales about his father as a boy. "Would you like to see my trading cards?" Josh addressed Luke across the table. "What sort of trading cards are they?" asked Luke. "Baseball," answered the young boy. "Sure." Luke gave Josh a smile. The little boy made to leave the table. "Not so fast, young man," said Mulder. "We haven't finished yet. Stephanie is still eating, and we're going to have coffee now." "That's okay, Mulder," said Scully. "We can have coffee next door. It'll be more comfortable anyway." After half an hour, Sarah rose from the couch. "I'd better rescue Luke from Josh," she said with a smile. When she reached her brother's little bedroom, she heard him proudly telling Luke how he'd scored the most runs in one of his Little League games. Sarah recalled the day well - their father had been so proud and so full of his son's achievement. As a treat, they'd all gone out to dinner, with Josh choosing the venue - being his father's son, he chose pizza. Sarah tapped on the door, then put her head round. Josh and Luke both sat on the bed, with the little boy's trading card albums spread in between them. "Hey - you want some coffee?" She directed the question at Luke. "Sure." "But we haven't finished looking at the trading cards yet!" protested Josh. "Well, Josh, Luke is a guest and it's not very polite for you to monopolize him." "What does that mean?" He looked up at his big sister with wide eyes. How come she knew all these long words? As far as Josh was concerned, Sarah knew everything. Apart from their father, of course, who also knew everything, or so he was always telling Josh. "It means that you shouldn't keep him all to yourself. Mom invited Luke to meet the whole family." "Well, can I finish showing you next time?" asked the boy. "I'd like that," answered Luke. They rejoined the others in the living room. The conversation ranged over a number of topics. Sarah explained how she and Luke had met when her roommate, Caron, had suggested that she do some illustrations for a piece in the Harvard magazine. Luke was a member of the committee that produced the magazine. Somehow they had just seemed to hit it off. Although he wasn't exactly interrogating the boy, Mulder had his methods of finding out what he wanted to know. And despite himself, he did find himself warming towards Luke. He seemed sincere and genuine, and he had a good, solid family background behind him. Stephanie felt a bit shy being left on her own, albeit only momentarily, with Luke. She looked up at him from beneath her lashes, and he smiled. He was very handsome, and so tall - not unlike their father. "Sarah tells me that you've been ill recently," said Luke. "I had to have my appendix out," replied the little girl. "Daddy had to take me to the hospital." "That's tough. I had my appendix out when I was fourteen." Luke looked around the room, and caught sight of Steph's guitar standing beside the piano. "Who plays the guitar?" he asked. "I do," answered Steph proudly, and with a smile. "I've been having lessons since I was six." "Then you must play really well. I had some lessons once, but I was all fingers and thumbs." This made the young girl giggle. "Do you think you could show me how to play?" "Okay," agreed Stephanie. Luke brought the guitar to her, and they sat close together on the couch. She showed him how to hold the instrument correctly, and explained the various notes. All her explanations were punctuated by 'Uh huh's' and 'I see's' as Luke followed what she was saying. Outside the door, Mulder recognized flirting when he heard it. So, young Luke Anderson thought he could get two Mulders for the price of one! He could hear his younger daughter giggling - the suspense was killing him. He walked back into the living room to see Steph placing Luke's fingers on the strings of her guitar. The young girl looked up, and seeing her father there, she blushed. "I was showing Luke how to play the guitar," she explained. "So I see," answered Mulder. "Is he any good?" "I haven't got the fingers for it," said Luke, before Steph could reply. "You need long, slim fingers, like Stephanie's." He was holding the little girl's hand in such a way that her fingers were displayed. Stephanie blushed, and bowed her head. Soon it was time for Luke to depart. He thanked Mulder and Scully for inviting him, and shook everyone's hands. "I'll see Luke to the car," said Sarah. "All right, but put a coat on - it's cold out there," replied Scully. Luke's car, or rather his aunt's car, was parked in the curb. Both Mulder and Scully's cars took up most of their drive, and Mulder, being Mulder, was too lazy to park his in the garage. "I might need it in a hurry," was his excuse. Sarah and Luke faced one another. "So," said Sarah. "So," answered Luke. "I hope you had a good time. I'm sorry if Dad gave you the third degree. He gets a little over protective sometimes. He means well... he just worries about me." "S'okay. When you're a boy, you get used to it!" Sarah laughed. "Well... just as long as you didn't mind." "Not at all. You have a great family, Sarah." "Thanks - I think so. Dad has his moments, but he wouldn't be my Dad otherwise!" "How come your parents don't call one another by their first names?" "They never have done - I asked Mom once why, and she said that Dad was just more comfortable with it. It goes back to the time they started working together - I guess they never got out of the habit. It's like a term of endearment now - I just can't imagine them calling one another by their proper names. It wouldn't seem right after all this time." Sarah could count on one hand the number of times one had called the other by his or her given name. Luke took a breath. "Well, I'd better be making a move." He moved closer, and put his arms around Sarah. He hugged her gently, then touched his lips to hers. Mulder, passing by the front window in the living room, did a double take as he caught sight of Sarah and Luke, illuminated as they were by a street lamp. Unable to help himself, he watched in fascination as Sarah and Luke exchanged another hug and a kiss. "Mulder, what are you doing?" The sound of Scully's voice made him jump out of his skin. "Nothing," he replied, in a way that implied he was doing something. "You're spying on Sarah and Luke, aren't you?" "How can you say such a thing, Scully?" He gave her the wounded puppy dog look. Scully clucked. "Come away from there! Let the poor girl have some privacy!" "But Scully..." "But Scully nothing. Out!" By the time he'd finished arguing the toss with her, Luke had driven off and Sarah was back inside the house. "That didn't hurt as much as you thought, did it Mulder?" asked Scully, as they lay in bed that night. "I guess not," he admitted grudgingly. Scully chuckled, and slid her arms around him. "Actually, I thought it went rather well." Mulder's hand ran lightly up and down her arm. "It was okay." "Stephanie and Josh seemed very taken with Luke - it was nice of him to spend a little time with each of them." "He was flirting with Stephanie," said Mulder, in a voice loaded with disapproval. "Well, Steph liked it. You didn't see her eyes shining as she told me all about it." Mulder snorted. "Well, I hope it's a long time before we have any boys knocking on the door for her!" Scully laughed. "You know, you disappointed me, Mulder. I was waiting for you to challenge Luke to a little one on one when he mentioned the basketball." "Well, there you are, Scully. I'm not known for my predictability..." This time Scully snorted. "... and besides, I didn't want to thrash the living daylights out of him!" Seeing his tongue firmly lodged in his cheek, and his face covered by a wide grin, Scully nudged him in the ribs and laughed. Sarah's visit was drawing to a close, and Mulder and Scully had managed to take some time off at long last. It was nice for the whole family to be together again and to just relax after the fraught event of Steph's illness, and Mulder and Scully's recent hectic work schedules. The little girl was making a nice recovery, and would soon be back at school. They had even managed to have a day out together, and it had been very enjoyable. Mulder had been in his element, with his whole family around him. But the hour of Sarah's departure was moving ever closer, and with it, Scully noticed, Mulder seemed to draw into himself. He was never going to find it easy, saying goodbye, and she just had to let him deal with it in his own way. Sarah wandered into the kitchen. She was dressed in jeans, a thin cotton turtle necked top and an Arran sweater over the top of that. "Have you seen Dad?" she asked. Scully looked up from what she was doing and pointed out of the kitchen window. "What's he doing out there?" Her father was sitting on the garden swing. "Thinking," replied Scully. "You know your father, Sarah - he likes to be alone now and again." Sarah walked across the frozen lawn, her breath billowing out in clouds in front of her. Her father looked up and smiled. "Hey," he said softly. "Hey yourself," replied Sarah. She wrapped her arms around herself. "What are you doing out here, Dad? Why don't you come in out of the cold?" "Oh, I'm okay. I just wanted to be on my own for a while." "I'll leave you to it, then." She half turned to go. "No, Sarah, don't go. I wanted to talk to you anyway." "What about?" Mulder shrugged. "This and that. We haven't really had the chance to talk since you came home." He cast a critical eye over his daughter. She looked slimmer than he remembered, as if she had lost weight. The finely chiseled cheekbones that she had inherited from him seeming more prominent than ever. "You need feeding up, young lady!" he remarked. Sarah rolled her eyes. "Dad! You sound just like Granny Margaret!" He chuckled. "I do, don't I?" They laughed together, then Sarah pointed to his face. "I've been meaning to tell you... I like your new glasses." "Don't you think they make me look very dashing and debonair?" asked Mulder. "Well, actually..." Sarah studied the little round, gold frames. "... I was thinking more along the lines of the absent minded professor!" "Just remind me - when am I due to review your allowance?" Another shared moment of amusement, and then there was a short silence. "Luke's a nice boy," said Mulder eventually. "So... what's the score between you?" "We're friends, Dad. There's a whole group of us that goes around together." "So he's not special?" Sarah smiled. "We've been out a few times... so I guess he is sort of special." This was not what Mulder wanted to hear. "Sarah, don't make the mistake of settling down too young. You should live a little before you get married... see some of the world... don't throw it all away for the sake of one man." Sarah walked around behind him and slid her arms around his neck, so that her cheek rested against the top of his head. "Dad, you don't need to worry. I'm not going to throw it all away, or settle down young. I want to see the world, I want to get my doctorate before I even think of marriage. I'm very fond of Luke, and he's great company, but I'm not in love with him." Mulder's hands came up and rested on her forearms. He smiled - Sarah was a chip off the old block, on both sides, with her single mindedness. "It's good that you have these goals, Sarah, and I have no doubt that you will achieve them. Just try to have a little fun on the way." "I have fun, Dad - it's not all work and no play," she said with a smile. "And Luke and I are just good friends." "Just good friends, huh? That's how your Mom and I started out. Now look at us - a mortgage, three kids, greying hair..." Sarah laughed at her father's wry grin. She remembered an occasion when she had asked Scully if she and her father were boyfriend and girlfriend, and her reply had been that they were good friends. "Oh, Dad - you've loved every minute of it! I know you wouldn't have things any other way!" "You know me too well, Sarah," he grinned. Then he became serious. "I'm sorry, sweetheart. I know I shouldn't pry. You're entitled to live your life how you want to - it's just that I worry about you." "Is that why you're sitting out here, freezing to death? I know you worry about me, Dad, but you shouldn't. I'm okay, really." "I guess you are," said Mulder softly. "You're very precious to me, Sarah, and I love you very much - that's why I worry about you. When you have children of your own, you'll understand." "I love you too, Dad." Sarah kissed his cheek. "Now can we go in? It's freezing out here!" Mulder laughed. "Okay - I'll even make you a hot chocolate. How about that?" "You're on!" With that they walked back to the house, arm in arm. Mulder paused outside Sarah's room on his way from the bathroom to his bedroom. It looked like he wasn't the only one that kept late hours. He tapped softly on the door, then pushed it open when he didn't get a reply. He smiled - Sarah had fallen asleep over her books, the desk lamp shining over her, bathing her in a pool of light and highlighting the subtle natural tints in her hair. He padded into the room, and crouched down beside her at the desk. "Sarah." He shook her shoulder gently - he didn't want to startle her. "Sarah. Sweetheart, wake up." She roused slowly, disoriented, squinting against the light. "Uh? Dad? What time is it?" Sarah rubbed her eyes. "It's nearly two in the morning," he answered softly. "I was just on my way to bed when I saw your light on." "I must have fallen asleep while reading. I was just doing some preparation for my next class." Mulder could well remember studying into the early hours of the morning, but then he could never sleep anyway. He'd had to do something to fill the long, dark hours. "Hmm - well, don't overdo it," said Mulder. "I won't," smiled Sarah tiredly. "You go to bed, Dad. I'll be okay." Her father nodded. "Okay. Goodnight, sweetheart." He leaned down and kissed the top of her head. "Night, Dad." Half an hour later, he popped his head around Sarah's door... just to check. She was in bed, and fast asleep. He smiled - he had no need to worry, Sarah would be fine. The End
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