Pretensioner *********** Part Five *********** Drowning victims aren't the only ones who see their lives flash before their eyes. I'm having that experience right now, along with the inability to breath. Whatever I'd expected when I saw Ellie last night, this wasn't it. I guess she really meant it when she told me she was 'in trouble'. "Pregnant?" I repeat. "How. . .when. . .?" My mouth drops open in shock. Christ, I hope Scully doesn't think. . . "Late summer, from what she's told me. Before she left home, she's certain about that." She shakes her head in sympathy. "That poor kid must have been in her first month when we met her. According to her calculations, and I am by no means accepting them as accurate, she's thirteen weeks now. That means Ellie is just entering the second trimester." Breathe, Mulder, breathe. "What about the father? Is it that why she was going to Oklahoma?" I remember how hopeful she'd seemed last September. Young, carefree, eager to embrace life and whatever it had to offer. It was hard to reconcile that young woman with the one who greeted me last night. Scully frowns as she leans forward, and a lock of hair fans over her cheek. Tossing her head, she tucks it behind her ear and continues. "It was just a summer romance. He was visiting family in her hometown, and apparently they 'hooked up', to quote Ellie. His name is Ricky, he's a selfish bastard, again her words, and she wants nothing to do with him." "So why did she come here? I mean, what does she think I can do for her?" I am truly puzzled by the whole situation. I'd only known her for twenty-four hours, and when we'd left Kansas she was happily settled in her new job. Though I'd given her my card, I certainly hadn't expected to ever hear from her again. Scully smiles at my bewildered stare, though she tries valiantly to suppress it. "You're not going to believe this, but she wanted to marry you. She thinks you'd make a terrific father." "What!" I sit up suddenly, almost pitching her off my lap and on to the floor. Her arms make a grab for my shirt and she manages to maintain her position. This time there is no attempt to stifle the grin that crosses her face. She releases my shirt to hug me. "Don't worry, we've talked it through, and she's already made calls to her mother and to the people she was staying with in Kansas." She kisses my cheek, and whispers to me. "I've taken the liberty of making a few calls of my own." "Who. . .who did you call?" I gasp as she kisses her way to my ear and nibbles lightly on the lobe. With one last kiss, she pushes herself upright. "We need to continue this conversation in the kitchen. I don't want to wake Ellie. Poor kid is exhausted. She barely finished her breakfast before she fell asleep. Besides, now I want you to eat something. Come on!" ****** Mulder's juggling the groceries and his keys when I open the door for him. "Perfect timing. I almost dropped the eggs." Pushing past me he rushes into the kitchen, hitting the table with the bags in the nick of time. Shrugging out of his jacket, he throws it over the back of the chair, and manages to ignore my pointed look. Sighing, I grab it and hang it up. "How's the head?" I reach out to touch his forehead, relieved when he doesn't flinch from my touch. He skin feels cool under my hand, and he smiles as I trail my fingers through his soft hair. "Better. I think the fresh air did some good." Leaning down, he kisses me softly. "I don't think I've thanked you properly for the TLC." "You'll get my bill." I tease, enjoying the rumble of his answering laughter. One more quick kiss, then he pulls away to concentrate on the waiting groceries. "Is everything under control?" He asks abruptly. We've started unpacking the bags and putting away the food. I nod, intent on opening the refrigerator without dropping the oranges and milk that I have cradled in my arms. "Good, because I called the airport, and the plane is on time. We have about an hour to get her ready. Where is Ellie, by the way? Oh, never mind." He realizes the shower is on. Hooking a chair, he plops into it with a sigh. He absently reaches for a bunch of grapes, breaking off a few and popping them into his mouth. "How is she?" "Mulder, I haven't washed those yet." Sighing in exasperation, I snatch the rest of the grapes from him, then step over to the sink to complete the job. "You haven't answered my question, either." He walks over to stand behind me, pressing my body into the counter as he reaches around to snag a few more of the grapes. I glance at him over my shoulder, biting my lip in uncertainty. "I'm not sure, Mulder. She seems okay. I don't think she'll run away again." I tilt my head forward, letting my hair fall over my face, effectively hiding my expression. "Hey, look at me." He turns me around, gently placing a finger under my chin. Searching my face, he gives me a half-smile that doesn't quite reach his eyes. "What's really wrong, Scully?" I surprise him by leaning forward and wrapping my arms around his waist. "I don't know, Mulder, I honestly don't. I guess. . .maybe I just envy her a little," I sigh resignedly. Those words are muffled as I press my face into his shoulder. I can feel the lump in my throat, and I swallow hard, fighting back the tears that threaten to escape. "I'm sorry, Scully." He speaks the words into my hair, pressing a soft kiss there. This man has sacrificed so much to be with me. The knowledge that he will never have the children he so richly deserves weighs heavily on me, and I wonder, just for a second, if I am being fair to him. He shudders, tightening his arms imperceptibly, trying so hard to make me feel secure. I look up at him, worried at what I might see as I meet his eyes. I couldn't stand his pity. But the eyes that stare back at me hold only love. "I'll be okay, Mulder. I can handle this, if you're with me." Standing on tiptoe, I kiss him warmly, my hand caressing his cheek. "You're going to have a hell of a time getting rid of me," he whispers against my palm before pressing a kiss into its center. I take a deep breath and exhale slowly. A slight smile crosses my face as I duck out of his embrace. Over at the stove, I lift the lid from a saucepan, checking on the contents. The room fills with the aroma of egg drop soup, left over from last night's impromptu feast. I stir the thick broth and turn off the gas before replacing the lid. "There's soup, Mulder, if you want a bowl. Just make sure you leave some for Ellie." "I'm not hungry, Scully." He wanders aimlessly around the kitchen, looking into cabinets, peering into the refrigerator, generally making a nuisance of himself. He's too wired to stay still, full of nervous energy and more than a little impatient to get this over with. I pat his arm comfortingly. "I'll see if Ellie needs anything. Why don't you try to relax?" I push him in the direction of the living room. Turning, I smile as I hear the rhythmic bouncing of a basketball echo down the hall. In the bathroom, Ellie is waiting for me. Her eyes are still a bit red and swollen from her earlier tears. She looks so sad, and so lonely. I hesitate, wondering if I should tell her about the arrangements we've made, but decide against it. Glancing at my watch, I realize we have less than an hour to prepare. She'll know, soon enough. "Are you about finished, Ellie?" She nods, staring at her reflection. There's a dazed look in her eyes that tells me she really doesn't see herself. Touching her arm, I gently tug her around to face me. "Come on, let's go into the bedroom." Unresisting, she silently follows me down the hall. Choosing clothes for her isn't easy. She didn't pack much of a selection. Finally, I settle on a black skirt and improvise by pulling a soft, olive green sweater of Mulder's from the closet for her to wear with it. She puts on the clothes I hand her without comment. Now, for her hair. I brush it out, and secure it with two clips I found in her case. It looks wonderful, and much more natural than the teased and plastered with hairspray style she normally wears. Combined with the more subtle makeup I've persuaded her to try, she actually looks her age. There's a sweet, vulnerable air about her. I think she's pleased with the results. "You need to eat, Ellie. I have some soup ready for you." She opens her mouth to argue, but I think the determined look in my eyes stop her. Like a child, I lead her to the kitchen, and despite her earlier reluctance, she digs into it with real hunger. I feel a real sense of accomplishment when she finally finish a whole bowl. She's sitting on the couch now, quiet and aloof, oblivious to the tense atmosphere. Thank God for that, because Mulder is pacing the room like a caged animal. His footsteps sound like jungle drums, warning of impending disaster. I can only hope they're wrong. A knock at the door startles me. Mulder's eyes flash to mine, and he nervously pushes his sleeves back before striding to the door. I realize I'm holding my breath, and I exhale slowly as I look over at Ellie. She is still unaware of the situation. In fact, she doesn't seem to notice that a fourth person has just entered the room. Mulder hesitantly clears his throat. "Uh, we have company, Scully." The man standing next to him is in his late twenties, dressed in an ill-fitting suit and carrying a scuffed black suitcase. Though not as tall as Mulder, he's more muscular. His dark hair is slicked back, and shy brown eyes look out of a pale face that seems more careworn than befitting someone his age. This, then, is Randy Stevens. I rise and walk over to where they stand in the doorway. "Hi. Dana Scully. It's nice to finally meet you." I hold out my hand. "Yes, ma'am. Pleased to meet you, too." Reaching out, he accepts the hand I've offered, his grasp firm. But his eyes are on Ellie. He's devouring her with his glance, and it's obvious he loves her. Ellie is oblivious to his presence. She's still in her own little world, where nothing can touch or hurt her. Sitting back down beside her, I reach for her hand. "Ellie, someone's here to see you." She looks up, catching sight of our visitor, and the transformation is amazing. Her once dull eyes sparkle with pleasure, and her pale face colors charmingly. "Randy." She whispers his name, but there is no mistaking the joy in her tone. He walks over and kneels before her. Grabbing her free hand, he squeezes it between his. They don't speak, they just look at one another. And all of a sudden she's in his arms, he's holding her tightly and kissing her. They certainly don't need an audience for this. I get up and pull Mulder into the bedroom with me, closing the door. "Do you think it'll be okay?" His nervous whisper is full of doubt, and it's almost funny. Mulder, the skeptic. Who would have thought it? I smile in reassurance. "I think so. You know, Mulder, we're not the only ones that have this non-verbal communication thing going. They seem to be doing all right in that respect, too." "Yeah, they do." He smiles, pulling me into his arms. "So, how soon can we get rid of them?" Nuzzling into his neck, I kiss the pulse throbbing there. "Let's give them a little time. I've made hotel reservations for them and. . ." He pulls back to look at me questioningly. "Separate rooms, Mulder. Where they decide to sleep is no one's business but their own. Now, where were we?" Snuggling back into his arms, I attempt to pick up where I left off, but he holds me off. "Ah, who's paying for this? I mean, I'm more than willing to help them out. . ." I have to bite my cheek to keep the laughter inside. Trust Mulder to think of money at a time like this. "It's under control, Mulder. We can talk about it later, okay?" "Okay." He pulls me close again. Smiling, I find that sweet spot on his neck and continue my sampling. . . A little later, a soft knock interrupts us. My face is flushed, and I hurriedly straighten and tuck as Mulder walks slowly to the door. Ellie and Randy are framed in the opening, the dim light from the other room creating an aura around them, bathing them in its idyllic glow. Randy's arm is wrapped protectively about her, and her features hold a look of such joy that my throat tightens. They look so right together that I can't imagine their story having anything but a happy ending. "Sorry to bother you folks, but we wanted to say thank you before we go. Ellie and me, we appreciate all you've done for us." He looks over at Ellie, and his grin speaks volumes. Turning back to us, he shuffles his feet uncomfortably. He's a man of few words, and the obligation he feels he owes us weighs heavily upon his broad shoulders. "We'd best be on our way. Thanks again, for getting us the rooms and all. We owe everything to you. God bless you both." Handshakes and hugs are exchanged, and then they're gone. For a minute, the silence seems unnatural. So much has happened in the past thirty-six hours. Suddenly I'm exhausted. Leaning back against Mulder, I gaze up at him with sleepy eyes. "I could use a nap. How about you?" "Scully, are you coming on to me?" His feigned expression of shock makes me laugh. "Shut up, Mulder." Turning, I wrap my arms around his neck. "You talk too much." Standing on tiptoe, I kiss him. . . Ellie phoned from the hotel. They're flying back to Kansas in the morning, and plan to be married as soon as possible. He's turned out to be one of those rare men who can see past the facade to the woman underneath. He loves Ellie, just as she is, and wants to be a father to her baby. It's what she wants, too. I like happy endings, and can't help wondering what the future holds for Mulder and me. I'm not so foolish as to think it will be that way for us -- the fairy tale with the obligatory happily ever after tacked on. There are too many shadows touching our lives. But despite all the odds, like Randy and Ellie, we found each other. I like to think that means something, too. As a matter of fact, I'm counting on it. ************** The End Diana Battis -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Feedback is appreciated -- E-mail All4Mulder@aol.com -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Back to the Series Page -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Back to main fic page