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Subject: Sarah Companion: Recruitment Summary: Companion to the Sarah series; Someone tries to recruit Stephanie to the FBI, against her parent's wishes. Author's note: Thanks to Carol Gritton and Eleanore for the delightful character of Sarah, this wonderful series and for the opportunity to be a part of it. A special thank you to Carol for her excellent contributions to this story and to Eleanore for editing. Thanks to everyone who has responded to my stories, it is GREATLY appreciated and very encouraging. I am having a lot of fun with these and couldn't do it without your support. I hope you enjoy this. Stephanie was in her third year of college and while her major was in education, she had a minor in psychology. She had already published two articles in a small local paper detailing the psychological profiles of two criminals. Two murderers from well known cases in the DC area that had not yet been solved. These papers somehow found themselves on the desk of the bureau chief of the FBI. Stephanie L. Mulder. Mulder was a well known name already in the bureau and the chance of getting another one into the ranks was a tasty morsel in the chief's mouth. He chose Paxton for his baby face. He could pass for someone much younger. "Get close to her. Let's see if we can get her to work for us. But take it slow, her father is not a man to be taken lightly. He doesn't trust anyone and he'll have you checked out. We'll set something up as a cover for now. If she's as smart as her old man and her mother, we'll have ourselves the best agent we could hope for. And if she's as gullible as her old man, we can play it out for years. " The young man nodded, picked up the file and left. Paxton sat in his cubicle and read through the file. He learned that Mulder had been a rogue agent for a number of years, but that his success record was outstanding. He had an eidetic memory and could profile better than anyone. He had a way of becoming the villain, seeing into his mind, feeling what he felt. Scully, on the other hand was a strong 'by the book' agent. Well educated and excellent in her own field of forensic medicine. The young agent turned to the information on Stephanie Mulder. She was a beauty, it would be rather fun to get to know her. She was slightly on the short side, with brown hair and brown eyes. But she had the most beautiful smile he'd ever seen. Her eyes seemed to light up when she smiled. Yes, he was going to enjoy this. Smiling, he closed the folder, put it in his satchel and left the office. He had to register at the university. The professor seemed to go on forever and Stephanie was getting a little bored. She knew the topic quite well and he didn't seem to make it interesting enough to hold her attention. She yawned and noticed, out of the corner of her eye, someone staring at her. Stephanie blushed slightly, smiled and turned away. She'd had a few dates but didn't have much interest in the young men on campus. They just weren't mature enough for her. She wasn't into frat parties, beer busts and the likes. She wanted a nice, quiet, loving relationship with common interests. But the young man continued to stare. When he showed up in the second class in a row, she figured she'd have to talk to him or she'd never get any work done. He wasn't bad looking. A little older than she was, tall, dark hair, clean cut. Wonderful blue eyes and a nice smile. Stephanie was looking forward to having him approach her. When class was over, she took her time gathering her books and things, and slowly made her way to the hallway. He was waiting right outside the door. "Hi! Good class, huh?" He began. "Hi. Yeah, he's pretty good, keeps it interesting." She smiled at him. "I'm Gene Paxton, just transferred from UT." So that's where the accent was from. Texas. "Stephanie Mulder, nice to meet you." She shook his hand. "Do you need any help finding your way around?" "Yeah, that'd be great. This place is so big." He grinned. "I don't have any more classes today. Would you like to get some coffee or something?" "Thanks, but I've got a few things I have to do. Maybe some other time." Stephanie hoped there would be another time. She started to walk away when he called to her. "Do you think I could get your number? Maybe I could call you sometime?" "Sure, that'd be great." She pulled out a piece of paper and jotted down the phone number to her dorm room. She didn't have a room mate this year, but she thought one would be coming during the second semester. Handing him the paper, she said, "I'll see you later." Gene smiled and nodded, folding the paper, placing it in his pocket. Yeah. He'd see her later. Stephanie smiled most of the afternoon. She loved the idea of someone being "smitten" with her, although she didn't really know if he was. It was just the way he acted, like he couldn't take his eyes off her. She rather liked it. Sarah knew immediately that Stephanie had something on her mind when she walked in the door. Sarah invited Steph and Josh to dinner at her place on occasion to stay in touch. She missed her sibs now that she was married and not around as often. "What's up, Steph?" "Nothing, really, why?" She replied, not being able to hold a straight face. "Oh, please! I couldn't wipe that grin off your face no matter how hard I tried. Now tell your big sister, what gives?" Sarah sat across from her, her chin resting on her fists, waiting in anticipation. Steph grinned and rolled her eyes, slightly blushing. "Well, it's nothing, really. I met this guy today and I don't really know him, but he is kind of cute and I think he likes me. He followed me around all day and asked me out already." "You just met him today and he asked you out? Where are you going?" "Well, I didn't accept! But I gave him my number. Let's see how interested he really is first." Steph grinned again. "Come on, let's fix dinner. I'm sure Robin will be home soon and he'll be hungry." There were four messages waiting for Stephanie on her machine when she got back to the dorm. Three were from Gene. The fourth was from her mother. Stephanie was supposed to go home on Sunday for a family dinner. Gene had called the first time to say that he had really enjoyed talking with her. The second call was to say how much he appreciated her offer to help him find his way around campus and the third was to ask her out. It charmed her. Gene met Stephanie at the university coffee house the following afternoon and they hit it off quite well. "I'm an only child, my folks live in El Paso. I spent four years in the Navy and was recruited by the FBI right after. They've been paying for me to finish my education before I go on active duty. Law enforcement had always been a dream of mine. Do the right thing, you know?" He laughed. "I know it sounds hokey, but it's how I feel. I can't help it." "Hey, it doesn't sound hokey at all. My father was an FBI agent. It's admirable work." She nodded. "What is it that you want to do?" "Teach, I think. I've always wanted to work with kids and education is so slighted these days. I really want to make a difference." It was her turn to laugh. "Now that sounds hokey." They sat there for hours, talking, eating, till they finally had to leave because the shop was closing up for the night. Gene walked Steph back to her dorm room, making sure she got there safely. He stood in the hallway in front of the elevators looking more confident than he had earlier. "Thanks for a nice evening, Gene. I'll see you in class tomorrow?" "I'll be there." He leaned down and kissed her cheek. "I really enjoyed today, Stephanie." The doors opened and Steph got on the elevator, she waved to him as the doors closed, then leaned back and sighed. Over the next few months, Stephanie saw a lot of Gene. At first she was bothered by the way he was always there. He seemed to follow her everywhere, but then she became infatuated with him and she enjoyed him being around. It seemed he had almost every class she had, including swimming. It was the one sport she enjoyed and since you had to have a physical education credit, she chose swimming. Every morning she was in the pool before hours doing laps. Lately, he had joined her every morning. This morning was no different. "God, the water's cold this morning!" Steph exclaimed as she climbed out after doing only two laps. Gene had a towel ready for her and wrapped it around her shoulders. "I don't think they've turned on the heaters yet." He tightened the towel around her and pulled her to him. "I could warm you up." "I'm sure you could." Stephanie grinned and pulled away from him. They'd gotten a little heated in their necking, but that was as far as Stephanie wanted to take it for now. She wasn't ready to enter into a sexual relationship just yet. She told Gene this and it surprised her that it was all right with him. It made him that much more endearing in her eyes. "What are we going to do this weekend? A movie or something?" He asked. "I have dinner with the folks on Sunday, and I promised the girls I'd go shopping with them on Saturday. Sorry." Her face scrunched up in a pout. "You don't really need to go shopping do you? I mean, your friends, well, Steph, you don't need them when you have me." He smiled and grabbed the towel again, pulling her towards him. For a moment, Stephanie wasn't sure he was kidding. A flash of fear swept over her in her confusion. He did that a lot lately. Telling her what to do, what to wear, who to see. He took control of everything. A part of her liked it. Someone else being in charge for a change. Lying back and letting someone else do the driving, so to speak. But she was beginning to miss her freedom, her independence. She looked into his eyes and when he smiled, she forgot what was bothering her. Gene had a way of sweeping her off her feet. "Maybe I can swing an invitation for dinner. How about it, are you up to meeting the family?" Gene grinned. "Well, I think I can handle your family." "Let's hope so." Stephanie smiled as he leaned down to kiss her. "Mulder, this isn't the first time she's brought someone home and I'm sure it won't be the last. I don't think she's that serious about him." Scully stood behind his chair, leaning down, placing her hands on his shoulders. He patted her hand. "Yeah, well, I don't like it. How long has she been seeing this guy anyway? She should be concentrating on her studies, Scully." "Mulder, she has a 4.0 average, for God's sake. She's got your mind, you know. It's not going to upset her studies." Scully sighed. She was a bit concerned about this relationship, herself. Stephanie hadn't said a word about this fellow. She'd been elusive over the past couple of months, not coming over as often, never having time to talk even on the phone. "I don't know how long she's known him, Mulder. Trust your daughter, you taught her well." "Of course I trust her. It's just that she's still not sure what she wants to do with her life. It could be a very confusing time for her. Sarah had her mind made up before she started her first year. How can the two be so different, Scully?" "Look how much all three are different, Mulder." She hugged him from behind, placing her face next to his. "I'm going to tell her it's all right and you're going to behave yourself." "Yeah, yeah, yeah. Fine. Whatever." He pouted. Sunday came too soon for Mulder, who spent all morning brooding. His mood picked up when Sarah and Robin arrived and he fell into his old niche of conversation with his first daughter. But when Sarah started telling them how infatuated Stephanie was with this boy, his attitude took a turn. "When did she tell you?" "Actually the first day she met him. This is the longest she's dated anyone, I think she really likes this guy." Sarah told him. Then she noticed the look on his face. "Dad, you have to trust Stephanie. You know she doesn't take things at face value, if she likes this guy, then he must be all right." Mulder pondered what she had said, leaning back in his chair and felt a little better. "Yeah, I guess so." The door opened a few minutes later and he heard Stephanie call out. "Anyone home?" Mulder jumped up from the captain's chair. "We're in here, baby!" Sarah followed him out to the living room where Scully was already standing, shaking the young man's hand. He didn't like the look of this guy. He was too clean cut, too Eddie Haskell, he smelled of trouble. It was like a sixth sense with Mulder, and over the years he had learned to trust it. Stephanie introduced him next. "Gene this is my father, Fox Mulder. Dad, this is Gene Paxton." Gene took the man's hand firmly. "It's a real pleasure to meet you, sir. Stephanie has told me so much about you, it's a real honor. " Mulder eyed the young man cautiously, but still shook his hand and nodded. "Funny, she hasn't mentioned you at all." Scully elbowed him quickly as a red faced Stephanie introduced Sarah, Robin and Josh. Silence prevailed for a few moments before Scully announced dinner. She figured she needed to get them doing something, since nobody seemed to be talking. With Mulder at the head of the table and Scully at the far end, Stephanie sat to Mulder's right with Gene next to her. Sarah, Robin and Josh sat across from them. Mulder was obviously not a happy man. Stephanie was nervous and was beginning to regret bringing Gene along. "So Gene, tell me about yourself." Mulder asked. "Gene was in the Navy, Dad." "Stephanie." Gene spoke almost harshly. It attracted everyone's attention. "I think I can speak for myself." "I'm sorry, Gene." Stephanie turned pink from embarrassment. This didn't set well with anyone. Mulder, Scully, even Sarah gave the young man an evil eye. Mulder had to bite his tongue to keep from saying something. He clearly saw that Stephanie was embarrassed and didn't want to further it. But this was not good, not good at all. Gene talked almost nonstop for a while. Talking about his days in the Navy, his family in Texas, transferring to Washington to finish his last year at the university. Mulder wasn't buying it. It seemed too rehearsed. But he stayed cool. Stephanie, however, was getting hot under the collar. The third degree was uncalled for in her opinion and she tried to change the subject. "Dad, Gene will be working for the FBI after he graduates. They recruited him out of the Navy and are paying for his education." She thought it might impress him, since he too had been an agent. Mulder looked sharply over to Scully, then back to Gene. "Is that so?" "Yes sir." "What made you choose the FBI?" Scully asked. "The Navy instilled a strong sense of discipline and justice. I wanted a chance to distinguish myself. A place where I could maybe do some good." A sudden silence fell over the table. Even Sarah was a bit disturbed at how her father and mother were reacting, so she quickly changed the subject. The rest of the dinner went slowly for everyone. Josh took off early... he had friends to meet for a game of basketball. Sarah and Stephanie helped Scully clear away the dishes and clean the kitchen. "I don't like leaving Gene out there alone," Stephanie said in a low voice. "What's up with Dad, anyway? What, Mom? What is it?" "Honey, it's just that you haven't mentioned this guy at all to us. It's just not getting us off to a proper start. Be patient." Scully was placing the dishes in the dishwasher. "Steph, why didn't you tell us about Gene? I mean, you've been seeing him for, what, four months?" Scully's face showed her concern. "I don't know, Mom." Stephanie sighed and leaned up against the counter. "I guess I had a feeling Dad wouldn't like him." "Doesn't that tell you something?" "What do you mean?" She asked her mother. "I mean, if you didn't feel good enough about him to have your Dad meet him, maybe you don't feel good enough about him for yourself." "You too, Mom?" Steph was so disappointed. She tossed the dish towel on the counter in defeat. "I'm going to rescue Gene." Sulking, she walked away. "Mom? Are you all right?" Sarah asked. "I'm fine, Sarah." It had been years since she'd said those words and not meant them. Then she smiled and grabbed her daughter's arm. "Come on, let's go rescue your father." It seemed Gene was being put under the inquisitor's light and Steph was getting more and more frustrated. She decided to call it a day. "I think it's time we left." She stated flatly as she stood. "I've got an early class tomorrow and I still have to finish a paper for it. " She went to the hall to get her purse and their jackets. Gene helped her with her coat, then turned to Mulder and held out his hand. "It's been a pleasure, sir. I appreciate the invitation. With my family so far away, it was nice to spend an afternoon with Stephanie's family." Then he turned to Scully. "Ma'am, thank you for a great meal. It was like I was home again." A broad smile crossed his face. Scully nodded and held onto Mulder's arm. "It's been nice having you here." Mulder stepped toward Stephanie and she lowered her head and turned away quickly. His heart dropped. He didn't know if he was more angry or more hurt. The pain he suddenly felt told him it was not anger. Scully called to her as they headed out the door. "Call me, Steph i." Stephanie nodded and waved, but she didn't reply. Mulder watched them from the window, Stephanie holding Gene's hand as they walked to the car. Mulder turned away, obvious anger and pain in his face. Sarah had never seen her parents so disturbed. After glancing at Robin, she followed Mulder into the den. Scully sat quietly in the living room. "Dad? What's going on? I've never seen you like this." He sighed as he sat in the captain's chair. "Sarah, it's too complicated to explain right now and I'm not in the right frame of mind to discuss it." "Dad, he seems like a nice enough guy, but more than that, Stephanie is a smart girl, she'll be all right." "I don't know, Sarah, I just don't know." Mulder sat back and stared past Sarah. "Didn't you hear the way he spoke to her?" His voice raised on the question. "Sarah, I think it's time we headed on out." Robin stood at the doorway. She looked to Mulder and back to Robin. "I'll be there in a minute." She went over and sat on the desk next to her father's chair. "Hey." Mulder looked up at her. She was so beautiful, so smart. And she always knew just how to cheer him up. "She didn't even say good bye. " Mulder's voice was like a lost little boy. He took a deep breath and smiled at Sarah. "I'm fine, honey. Go on home. I'm really glad you came today." Sarah hopped down and put her arms around his neck. "I love you, Daddy. Try not to worry so much. She's just going through a stage." He heard Scully saying her good byes and waited for her to come to him. Only she didn't come. Mulder went searching and found her sitting in the bay window in the breakfast area. She drew her legs up to make room for him to sit across from her. "I'm sorry I made such an ass of myself, Scully." She nodded, not really hearing him. "Mulder." He continued. "I just don't have a good feeling about this guy and he seems to have such an influence over Stephanie, I feel so helpless." "I know, honey." Scully sighed. "I don't like the fact that she didn't tell us about him, but we have to give him a chance." "He's too old for her first of all, and I find it very coincidental that he's being backed by the government, don't you?" She shook her head, but didn't reply. "He just seemed a little too perfect to me. What is it about guys name Gene, anyway? Steph doesn't seem to have much luck with them." He thought back to his daughter's schooldays and an unfortunate incident with another boy name Gene. Luckily, Josh had been on hand to defend his sister that time, and she had been especially grateful for that. Mulder stared at Scully, but she just stared at the scene outside. "Are you mad at me?" "No, Mulder, of course not." She sighed. "It's just that there's obviously something wrong and Stephanie won't talk to us and that bothers me. I hate to see her this way. Didn't you notice how reserved she was all afternoon? She didn't even say good bye." "I noticed." His head lowered. "Maybe I'll ask Sarah to go have a talk with her tomorrow evening. Do you think it'll work?" "I don't think Sarah would be right for this, Mulder." Scully looked up at him. "I think I'll ask Josh to see if she's all right." "That's a good idea." He got up and started to walk out. "Where are you going?" She called out to him. "To make a few phone calls. I want to check this guy out." "Mulder! You can't do this. You can't do this to your daughter. She'll never forgive you, you know." She was on her feet, following him into the study. "She's mad enough as it is." He had the phone in his hand when she placed her finger on the disconnect button of the handset. "Can you at least do it so she won't find out?" He smiled at her. A woman after his own heart. Josh waited for Steph in the lobby of the dorm hall. He had called Steph the next evening and asked to come over on the premise that he wanted to talk about classes as he'd be going to college the next year and wanted the "low down" on this campus. He had seen how upset his mother was and he'd seen how his dad was walking around the house in a depressed frame of mind. "Hi, Josh!" Stephanie ran up and put her arms around his neck. He was so much taller than she and seemed almost older than her years. "What do you want to see first?" "Well, how about the coffee house, I want to see how many girls go there." He grinned. "You would!" Stephanie pointed out a few areas on their way to the campus cafe. After they had settled in with a couple of cokes and fries, Josh decided to poke around. "Steph i, what's up with you lately? Mom and Dad are worried about you." "Is that why you're here? Because if it is, you can go back home right now, Josh." Her tone was soft and low. "Steph, don't get your panties in a wad!" He grinned. "Listen, you want the truth, fine, I'm a little worried too. I mean you were acting really strange on Sunday." When she didn't answer, he continued. "You have to understand how Dad thinks. He misses you, they both do. You left home and you didn't really have to, I mean school is just a few miles away." "I moved so that I could be out on my own, Josh. I'm twenty for goodness sakes, I wanted a little freedom. Is that so wrong? I can't stay there forever." "I know, but like I said, you have to understand what they feel. Sarah's gone and you know me, I'm never home either. You were always there, Steph. You were the sane one in the group and you and Mom were really tight. Now she feels a bit deserted and so does Dad. They feel alone in the house now." "I realize that. I just don't .... " Tears welled up in her eyes as she sighed, chewing her lower lip, just like her father. Stephanie cleared her throat and took another deep breath. "What's really going on?" Josh reached across the table and touched her face. Stephanie had always been the quiet one. She didn't easily reveal herself to anyone and was finding it hard now to talk to Josh. She wanted to, she really did, but didn't know how. "Josh, I guess I'm having second thoughts about what I want to do. I've been approached about a new career possibility and I've been thinking about it and to be honest I just don't know what I want to do. I'm confused and I don't feel like Mom and Dad will understand. I feel alone, too." "Well, you're not alone, silly!" He laughed. "Steph, you always have me if you don't feel you can go to anyone else. But you can go to Mom and Dad. They're going to love you no matter what. And you know Sarah and Robin are there also." "I know and I appreciate it. I guess it's something I have to work out on my own. Maybe I'll come over tomorrow and talk to Mom and Dad. " She raised her head and revealed her large puppy dog eyes. A child's voice came from within. "Are they mad at me?" "No, of course not. They're just worried about you. I think it's a good idea. Do you want me to tell them you're coming over?" "No, I'll call tomorrow. Is this the real reason you're here?" She smiled. "No, I volunteered to check out the action for the guys." A wry grin broke out across his face. The next afternoon, Stephanie rang the bell at her parents' home. Mulder opened the door. "Steph?" He stepped back to allow her entry. "Why did you ring the bell? Why didn't you come on in?" She smiled slightly and shrugged her shoulders. "I don't really live here anymore." Steph looked at her father and saw the pained look cross his face. "I'm sorry, Dad, I didn't mean it that way. I guess I'm not starting out on the right foot." Stephanie dropped her purse on the hall table and walked into the living room, her hands in the back pockets of her jeans. Mulder followed her in, not quite knowing what to do or say. She was so grown up. He didn't feel like he could even hug her anymore. She reached out to a photograph of her and her Dad that was sitting on the mantel and smiled as tears came to her eyes. I need a hug, Dad. She couldn't say it. The wall that had been between them when she was young had sprung up again. "So how's it going? Are you doing all right? School good? Do you need any money?" Mulder asked, still standing in the doorway. Her back was to him and he thought he saw her shudder slightly. Before she turned around, Steph took a shuddering breath and composed herself. "No, I don't need any money, Dad, everything's fine. Grades are perfect. As usual." The last came out a bit sarcastically. Then she smiled. "Where's Mom?" "She'll be home in a little while, had an errand to run and then she was going to stop by the store on her way back. Do you want something to drink?" Why was he so nervous, this was his daughter for goodness sake. Stephanie followed him and sat at the kitchen island as he poured a couple of cokes. "Listen, Dad. I wanted to talk to you about something. It's been on my mind for a while and I think I've made a decision." Mulder perked up. He wanted to be there for his daughter and now she was finally coming to him for advice. Steph had always been her own person, but she had a tendency to be a bit of a follower and he worried about it. He never knew what she was thinking, what she really wanted in life. "Sure, baby, fire away." He smiled. "I've been thinking about joining the FBI." She watched the smile fade and Steph closed her eyes. When she opened them the look on his face was something she'd never seen before. He'd gone pale and his eyes had no life in them. "No, you're not," he stated flatly, harshly, the fire returning to his eyes. Stephanie blinked. She wasn't sure she'd heard right. "What?" "I said, no." Mulder's anger was rising. "You are not joining the FBI. I won't allow it." He walked out of the room. Stephanie stood there, dumbfounded, her mouth hanging open. She was never one to defy her parents, she did what she was told. Always. She never argued. She might not have liked it, but she did it anyway. But not this time. Enough was enough, and Steph was tired of people telling her what to do. She hadn't actually made up her mind, but suddenly it seemed the decision had been made. Stephanie followed him into the study. "What do mean, you won't allow it?" Her face was red and her voice was rising as well. "You heard me. You don't know what you're saying. 'He' talked you into this. And I won't allow it." Mulder promptly sat at his desk. "You don't have any say in it!" she shouted at him. His eyes widened. Stephanie had never spoken to him that way. In fact, he'd never heard her speak that way to anyone. It felt like a knife in his heart, a slap in his face. "Don't talk to me in that tone of voice, young lady." "This is my life! And I'm going to do what I feel is right for me!" She began to pace, her hands gesturing wildly. "And you don't have a say in it!" Mulder jumped to his feet. "You're not doing it. Damn it, Stephanie Louise, you don't understand, you can't." Tears suddenly streamed down her face as she stood there silent. Her eyes were wide with fear and anger and shame and pain. Stephanie opened her mouth to speak, but it wouldn't come. Her shoulders slumped and she slowly turned to leave. Mulder ran after her, grabbing her shoulders, turning her around. "Stephanie, honey, please listen to me." Tears welled in his eyes as well. He'd almost made it. Almost made it through life with his children safe and now he was scared. Why couldn't he keep them under a protective umbrella, where no one could get to them? He'd been so sure for so long and now it felt as if it were falling apart again. The reason he had left the bureau was to keep his family safe. He did work for them on occasion doing behavioral profiles, but even that, he hadn't done in a long while. Stephanie started to pull away. She'd never been able to talk to her father. She could rely on her mother most of the time, but for some reason she didn't feel as close to her father as she did to her mother and certainly not as close as Sarah was. "Trust me on this, Steph i, please, it's for your own good." He pleaded with her. "I can't do this. I have to get out of here," she whispered. "No, please." He put his arms around her and held her. "Let the wall down, baby." Mulder whispered. Her body shook with sobs as she finally put her arms around his waist, holding tightly. She was even smaller than Scully and felt like a small child in his arms. Steph sat beside her father on the sofa. They'd managed to clear the air a little, but there were still a lot of unanswered questions going through Mulder's mind, some of which he suspected he'd never get an answer to. She was so closed off sometimes, even to Scully. "Honey, why didn't you tell us about Gene before?" he asked. Stephanie couldn't believe her father had asked her that. He still couldn't see. She took a breath... if she didn't answer, he would only keep on. "Because I knew how you'd react, and I was proved right." "Stephanie... I only want the best for you, for all of you..." He didn't get the chance to finish. "This isn't about 'all of us', it's about you and me. You embarrassed me, Dad... you embarrassed me in front of someone I care about, in front of the whole family. But most of all, you embarrassed yourself!" Stephanie's voice had risen to a shout once more, and she was up on her feet. She would never live down the humiliation of that Sunday. Gene had been very quiet about it when she tried to explain and defend her father's actions. She wasn't sure what he felt, but those actions didn't sit well with Stephanie. She didn't think she would ever forgive her father. "I'm your father, damn it... I care about you. I think I have a right to know about the sort of person you're bringing into my house!" Mulder also stood now, his hands clenching and unclenching in anger. "You can't control me, Dad... I'm twenty years old, I'm not a child any more!" Tears poured down Stephanie's cheeks. "God, Stephanie... I don't want to control you... Is that what you think I'm doing?" "You don't understand me... you never have! I want to be able to choose my own friends, my own career... I don't want you running my life for me!" "Hey!" Scully was standing in the doorway with Josh behind her. "What the hell's going on here?" Stephanie ran her hand through her hair and walked to the other side of the room, the other hand in her back pocket. Mulder didn't reply either, he watched Stephanie walk away, as she always had. "Hey Dad, can you help me out back for a minute?" Josh broke the silence. "Josh, I don't think ... " He began before Scully interrupted. "Go ahead, Mulder." With a nod of her head she indicated that it was time for a break. She waited till they were out the door before she spoke to Stephanie. "Stephanie, I don't ever want to hear you speak to your father like that again." Scully was calm and collected and matter of fact as she took a seat on the sofa. "Now do you want to tell me what that was all about?" Steph sighed and faced her mother, her face red from embarrassment, her eyes still wet from crying. "I want to live my own life, Mom." "And you want to do it without your family?" "No! I don't know, I mean ... " She sighed and sat next to Scully. "I was interested in something and he just flew off the handle, forbidding me to do it." "That doesn't sound like your father. What was it?" Stephanie paused, she had a feeling it wouldn't go over any better with her mother. "I told him I was thinking about joining the FBI." She waited for the other shoe to fall. Scully frowned and nodded. Out back, Josh closed the door and picked up the basketball that lay just beyond the garden. He set one up and slammed it through the hoop, then tossed it to Mulder. "What did you want, Josh?" Mulder asked. "I just thought you needed a minute. Maybe shoot a few hoops, sort of play off a little stress." A broad smile broke out on his face. Mulder chuckled. His son never ceased to amaze him. "When did you become the diplomat?" Mulder tossed the ball through the net. "Dad, I know this might not be the time, but did I ever tell you about Jimmy Hooks?" They took turns making shots. "Nope, who's Jimmy?" "He's a friend, we play basketball together. It's just him and his folks. He had an older brother. Left home a couple of years ago." He missed the shot and Mulder picked up the ball. "Had an argument with his dad over nothing, really." Mulder made the shot and Josh had the ball. He stopped and turned to his Dad. "They haven't heard from him since. They don't know if he's dead or alive." Mulder stared at him. His son. So young, yet possibly the smartest young man he knew. "What are you trying to say, Josh?" "I don't want the same thing to happen between you and Steph. Whatever is bothering her, it's something we need to help her figure out. Maybe we need to back off a little." He shot and made the basket. Mulder let the ball bounce away as he stared at Josh again. Josh, every bit as tall as he was and right now a hell of a lot smarter. He smiled and put his arm around Josh's shoulders. "My boy." He shook his head as he grinned. "I'm glad you have your mother's common sense, you know that?" "Of course." Josh grinned back. "He just said no, that I couldn't do it. Period. Why?" Stephanie asked. "What's so wrong? I mean you worked there. Dad worked there." Scully stood and paced a few steps, wondering what to say. She and Mulder hadn't said anything to the kids about what they'd gone through all those years ago. "Honey, there are things that happened in the past that we don't want to happen to you. There were times when I thought I'd lost your father and there were times he thought he'd lost me." Scully sat back down and placed her hand on Steph i's. "It wasn't always the criminals that we feared, Stephanie." Seeing the surprised look she explained further. "There were... how do I say this?" She chuckled. "Even now it sounds so ludicrous. There were people, people in the government, that conspired to deceive your father and I. They wanted to hurt us and they used us against each other. And we've always been afraid that they would hurt you and Sarah and Josh to get to us." "And you think Gene is doing the same thing?" It was so incredible to Stephanie. "I don't know, honey, I don't know him. But I trust your father. And believe it or not, I trust you. You'll have to decide on whether you can trust Gene. Do you?" Before she had the chance to answer, the phone rang. Josh hit the back door, yelling. "I'll get it." Mulder followed him inside. "It's probably Cathy, we have a date tomorrow," Josh said, grinning. He answered it in the kitchen, just inside the back door. Mulder started to go into the living room, but Josh called him back. "Dad. It's some guy named Frohike." Scully heard Josh and turned back to Steph. "I want to hear this call, I'll be right back. Will you stay here?" "Yes, Mom, I'll be here." Steph smiled slightly and looked up at her with her father's sad eyes. Josh went into the living room and plopped down beside her. "Hey sis." A wide grin greeted her. She smiled back at him. "You're so damned easy going. How do you do it?" He shrugged his shoulders. "It's easy. I never take anything seriously." Stephanie laughed for the first time in days. Mulder hung up the phone and turned to Scully. "I was right, Scully." Mulder's words were bitter. "Mr. Gene Paxton is not who he appears to be." He moved to the kitchen doorway to see Stephanie sitting on the sofa talking to Josh. She was smiling and he suddenly felt a cloud lift. "Who is he, Mulder?" Mulder walked back over to Scully, standing close, whispering, looking down into her worried face. "Frohike says he's definitely Bureau, but he's a part of a special force. He was never in the Navy, he's from Louisiana, not Texas, and he's thirty two years old. Frohike says he's heard of this special force. They investigate political assassinations, only he says they're more involved in committing them." Scully closed her eyes and sighed. "So what do they want with Stephanie?" "Well, believe it or not, Frohike even found out why he was pursuing her. Damn, even after all these years, he can still come through for us." Mulder grinned. "They want another Mulder... one they feel they can manipulate. Just another nail in my coffin." Scully nodded, chewing on her lower lip, pondering what to do with this information. "We can't tell her." "What? We have to." His voice raised and Scully shushed him. He brought it to a whisper again. "She's our daughter, we have to protect her from this." "Mulder, listen, I think she needs to find out for herself. I think she's close already. I'm getting a definite negative reaction regarding Gene. If we tell her these things, she'll ask him, he'll deny it and she'll think we're out just to break them up. We could push her right to him." She made sense, but Mulder didn't like it. He didn't like it at all. He wanted to go beat the crap out of this punk. And in the mood he was in right then, he could have done it easily... even with the age difference. "Scully, let me talk to her alone. I need to clear the air with her." "All right, Mulder. Be patient, we'll have our daughter back soon, I promise." "I hope you're right." He smiled. "In the meantime, you should have a talk with your son. I think he'll surprise you." Both Josh and Stephanie stood when their parents came back into the room. "Steph, what say you and I go for a little drive? Just to talk." Mulder asked. Stephanie was still embarrassed at having spoken to her father the way she had and couldn't look him in the eye. "All right." She nodded and went over to pick up her purse. She hugged her mother tightly and whispered. "Thanks, Mom." Mulder winked at Josh and opened the door for Stephanie. They were both silent as they drove in circles. Mulder turning corners onto suburban streets that led nowhere. He kept glancing over at her. She sat with her head lowered, looking out the window. "Steph i, I'm sorry. I love you and I never wanted to hurt you." He reached over and slipped a couple of fingers into her hand. She took his hand and squeezed. "I'm sorry too, Daddy. I shouldn't have talked to you like that. I love you, too." Before she knew it, they were at a familiar shopping center and Mulder had turned into a parking lot in front of "their" ice cream parlor. Mulder saw Stephanie smile. "How about a couple of scoops?" Stephanie looked at him and smiled with such love in her eyes. "You always knew how to bribe me, didn't you." He leaned over and kissed her cheek, his hand on the side of her face. "You were always the easiest." They got a table and Stephanie ordered her usual two scoops of chocolate chip, Mulder had his chocolate and vanilla. "Stephanie, when you first got home, you said something that's still bothering me. You said you didn't really live there anymore. What did you mean by that?" She shrugged her shoulders and shook her head. "I don't know, Dad. I guess I feel that I don't belong there anymore. I know that's crazy and I'm not sure why I feel that way, but I do. Even you said it, Dad." "What did I say?" He frowned. "You said you had a right to know what sort of person I was bringing into 'your' home." Mulder nodded. "I guess I was angry, and I was wrong." He smiled. "Stephanie, your mother and I are your home. It doesn't matter what house or place we're in, 'we' are your home. And we'll always be there for you... always." He paused to eat a spoonful of ice cream. "Do you remember when you were eight and I took Sarah to college? You thought I wasn't coming back. I told you then that you kids and your mother are my life. I couldn't survive without all of you. And I told you I'd always be there for you." "I remember, Daddy." Stephanie looked down. "God, I love it when you call me that." He smiled. Stephanie grinned and Mulder reached out and caressed her face. "I love you Steph, I always will. We'll have our differences, but even though we are different people, we are enough alike that we will always be able to work out the differences. I don't ever want to lose you." Steph had tears in her eyes as she placed her hand over his and whispered, "You won't Daddy. You never will." They were silent again as they finished the ice cream, and it was an uncomfortable silence for Mulder. He still had so much he wanted to say to her, but he didn't want to risk their fragile peace. He had promised Scully that he wouldn't tell Stephanie what they had found out about Gene, but he hadn't promised to stay off the subject of Gene in general. "We seem to be on a roll. Do you think we can talk some more?" he asked as he held the door open for her. They left the ice cream parlor and walked along the front of the stores in the small shopping center. "Sure, why not." She smiled and took his hand. They walked hand in hand. "Steph i, you said that I've never understood you. Do you really believe that?" Stephanie sighed as she thought about it. "That's a hard one, Dad. Yes, part of me believes it. I know you love me and want the best for me, but I don't think you've ever really understood what I'm about." Mulder pondered the statement as he nodded, his brow furrowed in deep thought. "Ok, let me see just how well I know my daughter," he said, a wry grin slowly appearing. "I must warn you, I will be brutally honest." "Oh, God." Stephanie took a deep breath. "Well, you're quick thinking, very intelligent, but you tend to downplay it. You also downplay the fact that you're a beautiful young woman, because you don't see yourself as that. You don't want to bring attention to yourself. Always in the background, never in the foreground. Your self esteem is not what it should be. You try to see only the good in everyone and when they let you down, you see it as your fault, never theirs. And even though you want to believe in people, you find it hard to trust very many." He dropped her hand and put his arm around her shoulders, pulling her close. "How am I doing so far?" "I'm not sure yet." She replied in a sarcastic tone. "You like kids, you like helping them, helping people in general. It's a must that everyone be happy around you or you've done something wrong. You want to be liked but fear that you aren't. Reserved, yet always smiling, the facade always in place. You're highly creative but you haven't found the right niche yet, the thing that totally satisfies you. You see the world as both a bright light that's calling and as a dark mystery that remains elusive and is to be feared. Should I continue?" He leaned in against her as they walked. "No, thank you very much!" Stephanie stopped and faced him, her hands touching his chest. "All right... you know me. But do you understand me?" She became serious. "I know I have good qualities and I know I have faults. Some of them are harder to admit to than others. But Dad... I can't talk to you about... " Words failed her as she turned away and sat down on a bench in front of a shoe store, running her hand through her hair. "You can talk to me about anything, Steph. Anything." Mulder sat next to her. "I can't, because I can't even think it myself. Because it'll come off sounding like it's your fault and I know, I truly know, it's not." Her voice was a whisper and tears appeared in her eyes as a slight smile tried to form. "It's mine." She finished, barely making a sound. How could she tell him that while she knew she was loved, she never quite felt good enough to be his daughter? Never felt quite accepted. Oh God. The realization hit him. He really hadn't understood. He held her face in his hands and searched her eyes... and found a deep sadness and a need. A craving for understanding and acceptance. A fear of being alone and a need to feel happy. How long ago had he felt the very same things? Up until Sarah had come into his life... and Scully. Then finally her and Josh. Mulder put his arm over her shoulder and pulled her into the crook of his arm. He might not have understood before, but he understood now. "Have you tried talking to someone?" "No, but I've thought about it." Her voice was still just a whisper. Like she was afraid of saying anything out loud. Steph was glad he was next to her, she didn't feel she could face him right then. He nodded. "I think your Mom has a couple of colleagues that could probably recommend someone. Can I ask her for you?" "Yeah, that'd be okay." Taking a deep breath, she pulled away from him, leaning forward and placing her elbows on her knees. She felt her father's touch... gentle circular motions on her back. The sun felt so good, so cleansing to her. "Look, Dad, I didn't mean to get into all of this with you. I'm fine really." Mulder chuckled. "What?" She turned and looked back at him. "That's exactly what your mother used to say to me when she wasn't really fine." Stephanie sighed again and leaned back into her father's arm again. "Dad, I'm not joining the Bureau." Mulder closed his eyes, sighed deeply and said a silent thank you. "I don't want to look a gift horse in the mouth, but is this your decision, or are you doing it to please me?" She felt his body move as he took a deep sigh. "It's my decision. I guess I never really wanted to. In a way, I thought it would please you. Crazy, huh?" Steph smiled. "No, Steph, it's not crazy. We all want approval from our parents. I can't tell you how many times I wanted to please my father and never felt like I did." He stroked her arm as he thought about the times he had stood before his father with his head hung low, feeling like a failure. He'd never talked about his father before to any of his children. Granny Mulder had told them some fond memories, but Mulder had never spoken of him, so it surprised Stephanie now to hear how casually he admitted to feeling inadequate before his father. "For what it's worth, I understand now why you were so adamant against it." Mulder nodded, his hand still gently caressing her arm. "Steph, how well do you know Gene?" She shrugged her shoulders slightly. "In what sense, Dad?" He didn't want to know if she'd been intimate with him. Mulder didn't like this guy, he wanted him out of his daughter's life. If it was a deeper relationship, if this guy had taken advantage of his little girl, he might not be responsible for his actions. "In your life, you'll meet a lot of people. Some you'll be able to trust and some you won't. You have to choose carefully because those that betray you might be your closest friends." He hesitated. He was about to break a promise to Scully. "I don't think Gene is who he says he is." Mulder turned to look at her. "I know you'll be angry and I promised your mother I wouldn't tell you what I'd done, but I trust you and I respect you and I have to be honest with you, Steph. I know I should've butted out, but I had Gene checked out." He waited for a response. Stephanie's brow furrowed, but she didn't say anything, she waited for him to continue. "I believe the information I received, but it might be wrong. I want you to find out more about him before you get too close. I've seen how you've changed since he's been in the picture and I don't like it. I think he's bad for you. I don't want to see you hurt and I think he's dragging you down. I'd rather you hate me for the rest of my life than for you to be hurt. Can you understand that?" Stephanie nodded. "Yes. I can." He saw the concern and fear in her eyes. "If you need me, or Mom, it's your home too. Come home, we'll be there. I won't say anything else about it. I trust you, I trust you to know what you're getting into." He had to make her know that he really did trust her. It was Paxton he didn't trust. The ball was passed. He knew she'd take it and run with it. She was, after all, his daughter. He took her hand and pulled her up. "We'd better get back." Stephanie drove back to the dorm after they returned from their outing. Her father wouldn't tell her what he'd found out about Gene, but somehow, deep down, she knew it was bad. She made a trip to the registrar's office first thing. Stephanie had a friend who was earning her way through school with a part time job in the office. Joann pulled Paxton's file. It was against school policy, but Stephanie was her best friend and she didn't want to see her get hurt. Besides, if someone was lying on their enrollment applications, they would be tossed out of school. Joann passed the copies to Stephanie. Joann also had a contact in the navy... an old boyfriend of hers. He was a lieutenant stationed in Washington and, coincidentally, worked in payroll. Joann was sure he would be able to find out if Gene was ever in the Navy. Stephanie sat in her dorm room and read over them slowly, wondering if anyone ever checked these things out. El Paso. The form listed several places in El Paso. His parents name and address, the high school he attended there. The branch of service, but nothing there as far as commanding officer or even the rank he held. She picked up her phone and dialed his parents' number first. She didn't know what she would say if they answered, but she didn't have to worry about that as a recording answered. The number was no longer in service. Stephanie dialed again, to make she'd dialed correctly to begin with. The same message responded. Information didn't have a listing in El Paso for the Paxton's either. A dread crept up her spine. Somehow, even though she believed and trusted her father, it surprised her that she could be taken so easily. She got the number to the high school next and called the enrollment office. Stephanie used the premise that she was putting together a reunion and they were more than happy to help. They would fax the list of all graduates for the year Gene had listed as his last year. She called Joann next to make sure she got the list for her. By late afternoon, Stephanie had all the information she needed inside a folder. He wasn't from El Paso, he'd never been in the Navy. She didn't know who he was, but she guessed he was already an active agent in the Bureau as well. Posing as his sister, she called the FBI and asked to speak with Agent Paxton. He was out on assignment, but they'd be more than happy to take a message. Tears fell and for a couple of hours, she just sat in her dorm room and cried. Gene had left a message on her door shortly after lunch but Steph wasn't ready to talk to him. The phone rang constantly but she ignored it too. The machine answered. Gene called twice and her mother once. After the first few calls, she cut off the machine as well, not wanting to hear his voice. But she had to confront him, so that night she found him in his apartment. "Where have you been? I've been trying to reach you all day. It's late, I was worried." He planted a kiss on her cheek. "I was at my parents' home. My home," she corrected herself. "I had things to do." "What's the matter, you look upset?" She shook her head. "I'm fine." Smiling slightly. How to begin? He had lied to her? She just didn't want to believe it. He meant something to her. How could he have lied to her, manipulated her? Gene sat next to her on the sofa, his arm around her shoulders. Steph looked around the apartment. She'd never noticed before how well furnished it was for a college student whose parents weren't well off. She asked for something to drink and Gene got up to fix it. Steph drifted around the room, casually looking through the things on his desk. "What are looking for?" Gene asked when he came back into the room. "Nothing, just bored." Gene walked up behind her and sat the glass of wine on the desk, then put his arms around her waist. "Well, I have an idea for something we can do." He nuzzled her neck, kissing the back of her neck, her earlobe, her shoulder. He felt her sigh and took it to mean that she was enjoying his attention. And truth be known, she did like the attention. She wanted to forget the past couple of days, think of nothing. He turned her around and put his arms around her, kissing her deeply. For a moment, Stephanie wanted to let go... to lose control... to give in to the feelings. His hands roamed over her body and the sensations were becoming overwhelming. He pulled away and took her hand, staring into her eyes as he led her to the sofa and pulled her down next to him. She had a lost look to her, like her mind was millions of miles away, but she wasn't resisting. Her mind was a million miles away... thinking about wanting to just be. Not having to worry about anything or anyone. To have control of something and be able to walk away without regret. Gene softly kissed her again, his hands moving over her arms. He whispered in her ear. "I love you, Stephanie." It wasn't the first time he'd told her, but it was the first time she didn't believe him. Her father's voice came into her head. He is not who he appears to be. Find out more about him. Stephanie pulled away from Gene and stood up. She walked to the desk, picked up the glass of wine and took a sip. Then she turned to him, a confused look upon his face. "Who are you, Gene? Is that even your real name?" Suddenly everything her father said to her made sense. He'd been right. "Steph, what are you talking about?" He stood and walked toward her, his eyes avoiding hers. She said nothing; she chose to let him hang himself. When she didn't answer, he continued. "Who have you been talking to?" Then it hit him. "Your father. What did he tell you about me?" He stood closer to her and met her gaze, seeing the tears in her eyes. "What did you want from me?" she asked bitterly. "Why do you want to hurt my father so badly that you had to use me to do it?" Steph took another sip as a tear fell down her cheek. Then she whispered. "I loved you. I really believed you loved me." She set the glass down and started to walk away. Gene grabbed her arm. "Wait. You can't believe anything he said, Steph. He just wants to control you. I told you that already." "Stop it, Gene." Steph opened her purse, pulled out the papers that she'd shoved in it and threw them at him. "I know it all. How could you do something like this? How can you sleep at night?" She didn't wait for an answer; Steph went for the door. Standing with the door open, she struggled to take his key off her key ring. Then she tossed it toward him and left. Gene watched her walk out and when the door slammed shut, he headed for the phone. Stephanie had peeled out a moment later, angry and hurt. She wasn't sure how she got there, but she found herself sitting in her parents' driveway. She sat for a moment... with the car still running, still in drive, her foot on the brake... trying to catch her breath. Tears began to fall heavily as her body began to shake. She placed her face in her hands and sobbed. Fifteen minutes later, Stephanie jumped when her car door opened. "Steph, are you all right?" Josh asked. He was coming home from a date and had found her sitting there. "Come on in, Steph." He reached for her. She didn't say anything to him as he led her to the front door. It was late and her parents had gone to bed; the house was dark. Josh closed the door between the kitchen and living room so they could talk in private. Steph had quieted and sat at the kitchen island with a cup of coffee that Josh had fixed. "I'm sorry, I don't really want this, it'll only make me more jumpy and I need to sleep." "You want to talk about it, Sis?" He looked scared for her. She smiled at him. "No, not now. Thanks though. Why don't you go to bed. I'm going to sack out on the couch for tonight." "Your room is made up, why not sleep there?" "It is? I thought Mom turned it into an office." "They changed their minds. You know how they are." He grinned. She sniffled and nodded. "Okay. I'm going to bed." She climbed down and followed him to the door. Before he made it through, she tugged on the back of his shirt. "Josh?" He turned. "Yeah." Josh stood a good head taller than Steph and when she wrapped her arms around him, he rested his chin on her head. "Thanks." He hugged her, rocking slightly. "Sure. Any time." Josh patted her back. "Get some sleep." Mulder's eyes slowly opened and looked at the clock. It was a little after three in the morning. He closed his eyes and was drifting back to sleep when he heard a noise. It was a whimpering noise, faint, but definite. He slipped out of bed as quietly as he could and stepped out into the hall. Josh was the only one there besides he and Scully. Had Josh brought someone home? Mulder continued down the hall until he came to Steph's room. She was home, and he could hear her crying. Cautiously, he opened the door. "Stephanie?" "I'm okay, Dad. I'm sorry I woke you, go back to bed." She rolled over to face the door. She couldn't see him in the dark. "Are you all right?" He came to her bedside and sat on the edge. Stephanie whispered. "You were right, Daddy." The tears fell harder. "Oh, baby, I'm sorry." He touched the side of her face, wiping away the tears with his thumb. Steph sat up and put her arms around his neck. Her body was wracked with deeps sobs as she let it all go. His heart ached for her. He held her tightly, rocking her, letting her know it was all right. Finally she took a deep shuddering breath. "I'm all right now. We'll talk about it in the morning. Go back to bed. Please. I didn't want to wake you." He put his lips to her forehead and gingerly kissed her. "Try to get some sleep." He stood up and leaned down, pulling the blanket up around her neck, tucking her in like he used to when she was little. "I love you," he whispered. "What's going on?" Scully asked when Mulder climbed back into bed. "Stephanie's home. She's pretty upset. She knows about Paxton." Scully snuggled up against him, putting her arm across his chest. "It's better she found out now, Mulder. We can help her. It'll take time, but she'll get over him." "I know, Scully. I just hate seeing her that way." His fingertips caressed her arm. "Me too, Mulder. Me too." The next month was hard for Stephanie. She took a couple of weeks off from school and stayed at the house. Scully gave Stephanie the name of a psychologist that she could make an appointment with to talk about her problems. They noticed a difference almost immediately. Scully knew that her daughter's problems couldn't be fixed in just a couple of weeks, but sometimes just the fact that you had someone outside the family to talk to could make a world of difference. Being around Josh and her parents was good for Stephanie. They got to know each other again. She and Scully spent time together, shopping, talking. Her father took her to the zoo as he'd done so many years ago. And Josh set her up on a couple of blind double dates, which she swore she'd get him back for. All the tension that had been festering was gone. They were a family again. Then one day Stephanie walked into the house, shouting excitedly, "Mom? Dad? Anyone home?" "We're in here, honey," Scully called out from the kitchen. Steph was all smiles as she sat her purse on the counter, waving a piece of paper in her hand. "I got it! I can't believe they accepted me. I got it!" "What is it? Don't make us guess." Mulder grinned as he hugged his daughter. "It's an internship at Harding elementary. For next year. I'll assist in teaching while I finish my last two years, then I pass the final and get my teaching certificate." It warmed their hearts to see her wide smile. Mulder smiled inwardly. He had his daughter back. They'd gone through so much over the past few months. He'd almost lost her for good, but he was getting a second chance. Sitting back, he watched her speak excitedly about the internship, his soul about to burst with pride. He reveled in her excitement. It suddenly occurred to him that no matter what life threw at her... and it would be hard... she could deal with it. She would be all right. The End
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