From: Donna Honeycutt <donnah@donnas-stories.com>
Date: Thu, 11 Apr 2002 05:33:58 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: New Story - False Scr ipts 1/3
Source: direct

Reply To: donnah@donnas-stories.com

Title - False Scripts 1/3
Author - Donna
Email address - donnah@donnas-stories.com
URL - www.geocities.com/Area51/Quadrant/4571/
Rating - PG-13
Category - MSR, angst
Spoilers - None
Keywords - MSR, angst
Summary - They've hidden her well this time
Feedback - Please
Archive - Anywhere, just please keep my name and let 
me know so I can visit

Disclaimer - Mulder, Scully, the Lone Gunmen and 
Skinner all belong to Chris, 10-13 and Fox - Bless them 
for it!!  No infringement intended.


False Scripts -  1/3


He glanced at his watch again, then down at the phone.  
He was going to be late, but what else was new.  He 
picked up the receiver and dialed her number.  "Scully, 
pick up."  He listened to the third ring, then heard her 
machine kick in.  "Hey G-woman, You're running late.  
We have a meeting this morning.  Do not make me face 
Skinman alone.  I'm gonna call your cell, see if you had 
car trouble."

He hung up, straightened his jacket and left the office, 
pulling his own cell phone from his pocket.  Again he got 
her voice mail.  "Scully, it's me.  Call me."  He placed the 
phone back in his pocket and tapped on Skinner's door.

"Come."  Skinner looked up as he entered and then 
shifted to look behind him.  "Agent Scully?"

"I, uh, I haven't been able to reach her this morning."

Skinner frowned.  That didn't sound like Scully.  "Fine; 
let's get started.  You can bring her up to speed later."  
He opened a folder; ready to pick holes in the report in 
front of him when Mulder's cell phone rang.

Mulder didn't bother to even pretend to hesitate or 
apologize.  "Scully?"

"Fox, its Maggie Scully.  Is Dana there?"

"Mrs. Scully."  He looked up at Skinner and for the first 
time Skinner saw a distinct unease in his eyes.  "No, I 
haven't seen her this morning.  Do you need her?"

"I . . . I just wanted to hear her voice.  I've been thinking 
about her since I woke up this morning.  I think I'll drive 
over to her place; see if she overslept."

"Uh, no Mrs. Scully.  Why don't you let me do that?  I'll 
give you a call as soon as I see her."

"Fox?"

"She probably had car trouble on the way in.  This way I 
can take her route and make sure she's not stranded by 
the road without her phone.  Okay?"

"You'll have her call me?"  She didn't sound completely 
happy with the arrangements.

"Promise.  And I'll talk to you in a little while.  Don't 
worry."  He broke the connection and looked over at his 
boss.  "I need to go." 
 
"Her mother's concerned?"  Skinner was remembering 
how she had been when Scully had been taken before.  
The woman had known something was wrong and gone 
to Scully's apartment.  Now she had called Mulder's 
phone.

Mulder nodded, the sense of urgency he had been 
denying strong now.  He didn't have time for explanations 
or delays.

Skinner sighed.  "Call me.  I want to know what you find."  
He closed the file, dismissing the man physically.  He'd 
already left mentally anyway.

Mulder nodded, already half way out of the door.  He lost 
no time getting to his car.  He had scanned the garage; 
her car wasn't here.  He pulled out into traffic and made 
his way to her apartment.  She hadn't been in the 
breakdown lane or involved in any of the fender-benders 
he had seen.  When he finally pulled in sight of her 
apartment and spotted her car in its regular place, he 
didn't know whether to be relieved or even more anxious.

He forced himself not to race into her apartment, looking 
around with a watchful eye.  The knock brought no 
response and after a couple of tries, he slipped his key 
into the lock and let himself in.

He didn't know whether to be disturbed or relieved that 
the place was immaculate.  He looked in the kitchen, 
nothing out of place that he could see.  Her bathroom 
door was open and there was no moisture, the towels 
were dry, even the washcloth in the shower was dry.  Her 
bedroom door was closed and he found himself 
hesitating, his hand hovering just above the doorknob.  
He took a deep breath and opened it.

The bed was made, as though it had never been slept in.  
He moved to the closet, and opened it.  The suit she had 
worn yesterday was hanging there, the blouse in the 
laundry basket on the floor.

Okay, steady.  What was missing?  She hadn't left the 
place nude; not of her own free will.  He closed his eyes 
for an instant.  No, don't automatically think the worse.  
She could have changed into casual clothes and gone 
out with a friend, and . . . and decided to stay overnight?  
Well, it could happen; at least then she'd be safe, right?

Too bad he didn't have the knowledge of her casual 
wardrobe like he did of those officious suits she wore 
every day.  He looked through the closet anyway, being 
careful not to disturb anything.  The police would refuse 
to get involved at this point anyway, but anything he 
could find . . . 

Well, nothing that he could spot.  He moved back into the 
living room to give it a closer look.  His heart sank when 
he noticed her purse hanging on the back of the desk 
chair.  Her laptop was still in her briefcase, also sitting 
beside the desk.

Neither looked as though they had been touched since 
she sat them there when she came home last night.  He 
knew now at least that she had come home - the suit.

She had two messages on her machine.  He listened to 
them both, the first from him and the second from her 
mother.  Okay, but who had she spoken to last.  He 
pressed redial.  "This is Fox Mulder.  I'm not in, leave a 
message."

His eyes closed at that message.  Yes, she had called 
him shortly after he got in and they'd talked briefly about 
the meeting with Skinner this morning and, since they 
were off duty he had flirted a little.  She didn't seem to 
mind.  And while he couldn't admit it, he wasn't always 
joking.

He'd stalled long enough; he had to call her mother.  
Rather than use her phone, he pulled out his cell and 
dialed quickly.  "Hello?"

"Mrs. Scully, it's - "

"Fox.  Where's Dana?"

"She's not here, Mrs. Scully.  But there's no sign of any 
problem."

"What do you mean?"

"Well, there's no sign of a struggle."

"Fox, what aren't you saying?"

He sighed, "Her car is here and . . . and her purse."

"Oh Fox."

"Mrs. Scully, there is no indication that we should assume 
there's a problem."

"But you do think there is a problem."  It wasn't a 
question.  "Should we call the police?"

"They won't do anything for twenty-four hours, maybe not 
even then since we have no evidence that there's 
anything wrong.  She's an adult."

She waited a second, then, "What did her apartment 
manager say?"

"I haven't seen him."

"Then how did you get . . . Fox, do you have a key to 
Dana's apartment?"

"Uh, well, yes."

"Good.  You can let me in."  She sounded matter of fact.

"Are you coming over now?"

"Yes.  We have to see what's missing.  You and I both 
know Dana wouldn't be gone overnight without letting 
one of us know.  I'll be there shortly."

"I'm going to call some friends of mine to come over.  
They might be able to help us."

"Good.  I'll see you in a few minutes."  She hung up and 
he looked down at the phone in his hand.  He was a 
grown man, yet he felt decidedly uncomfortable that 
Scully's mother knew he had a key.  That was stupid, 
she'd had his key almost since the beginning - in order to 
feed the fish of course.  She'd given him her key when 
the cancer had ravished her.  It was just about the only 
sign she had ever shown of her growing weakness.

He shook that off, he didn't have time for that.  He quickly 
dialed the next number.  "Lone Gunmen."  Langly's voice 
pulled Mulder back to the present.

"It's Mulder.  Can you guys meet me at Scully's 
apartment?"

"Sure.  What's up?"

"I hope nothing, but I think I need your help."

"You okay, Mulder?"  Langly caught his tone then.

"Could you guys hurry?"

"We're on our way."  Langly broke the connection and 
Mulder took a deep breath.  One more call to make.

"Assistant Director Skinner please."

Skinner was on the phone immediately, "Mulder?  What's 
happening?"

"She's not here.  Her car is and her purse.  There's no 
evidence that anything's wrong - "

"But you think there is."

"Yeah, I do."

"Okay, what do you need?"  Skinner had been around 
Mulder long enough to trust those gut instincts.

"I've got the guys on their way.  We can't go through 
official channels, not yet anyway.  And I can't wait twenty-
four hours to see if they would do anything then." 

Skinner didn't bother to argue; the man was right.  "Yeah.  
Whatever you need from here, you've got it."

"Thanks.  I'll stay in touch."

He put the phone back in his pocket and that action took 
the wind from his sails.  Scully was missing; he knew it.  
And he didn't have a clue where to start.  Well, her 
mother had one idea, the manager.  He remembered the 
last time he'd held a conversation with the man.  She'd 
'disappeared' then too, but with Cancerman.

He still felt pain at her actions then.  She had trusted his 
worst enemy, but she had returned home safely.  In the 
long run, he had realized that was the most important 
thing.  Cancerman had lived his life deceiving people.

But that time she had left word for him, clues to let him 
know that she was in trouble.  At least then he had 
known she was alive.  Why the hell had he thought that?  
Scully wasn't dead, she was missing.

Mrs. Scully arrived at the apartment first and Mulder let 
her in.  Her expression asked all the questions.

"I haven't found anything, Mrs. Scully.  Why don't you 
check out her closet, see if you can figure out what's 
missing?"

She nodded and moved toward the room.  "Is it okay to 
touch anything?"

"Yes, in the closet.  I'm going to have the guys take prints 
around the furniture."  He followed her in.  "That's the suit 
she wore yesterday and the blouse.  I just don't know her 
after hours clothes as well."

Mrs. Scully nodded and started to go through the 
clothing.  While she was busy, he heard the knock at the 
door.  "I think it's my friends, I'll be right back."

She nodded, but continued looking.

He opened the door and the look on his face had Byers 
reach out and touch his shoulder.  "Mulder?"

"Scully's missing."

"No."  Frohike looked up at him.

Mulder stepped back and let them in.  "Her mother's 
here.  We're going through her closet to see what she 
might have taken with her."  He turned as he heard Mrs. 
Scully join them.  "Mrs. Scully, these are friends of 
Scully's and mine.  This is Ringo Langly, John Byers and 
Melvin Frohike."

She nodded to them; taken a little aback at their 
appearance, but if Fox trusted them to help find Dana 
that was all that mattered.

"Fox, I'm sorry, I don't buy her clothes any more, I don't 
have a clue what's missing.  I'm so sorry."

"It's okay Mrs. Scully.  It was a long shot anyway.  Let's 
let these guys go over the apartment."  He sighed and 
motioned for them to get started.  He moved to the 
bathroom.  He hadn't checked thoroughly in there.

They were all quiet, working carefully to find any clue.  
Mulder was back in the living room, headed for her desk 
when Frohike emerged from the bedroom.

"Okay, guys, she's wearing that green t-shirt, the one 
with the little cap sleeves and beadwork around the neck.  
It's got a scoop neck and I think the color is called sage."

Mulder turned to look at him, "Frohike, you're scaring 
me."

The man's face darkened, but he didn't back down.

"So what else, slacks, a skirt?"

"Those earth colored jeans."

Mulder shut his eyes and shook his head.

"You need a picture?"

"You have one?"  That brought his eyes open in a hurry.

"Can I use her computer?"

Mulder nodded and stepped aside.  The others had 
joined them now, but didn't say anything.

In moments, Frohike had a web page open.  He clicked a 
couple of times, then moved.  There on the screen was a 
picture of Scully in the green top he had described.  
Mulder finally turned from it and looked at him.  "You 
have a web page of pictures of Scully?  No, I don't think I 
want to know."

Frohike shrugged.

"Print it out."

"Fox, I need to call the boys.  Maybe she's been in 
contact with Bill or Charlie."

"Bill."  It slipped out before he could stop it.  He should at 
least have made his voice more . . . neutral.

"Fox, he is her brother."

"I'm sorry.  I . . . " 

"It's okay.  I know the two of you don't get along, but you 
both love Dana and we have to find her."

Mulder blinked at that, what had she said?  They both 
loved Dana?  She knew that?

Mrs. Scully smiled up at him gently, reading his face.  "It's 
not exactly a secret Fox.  I know you're going to find her."

Mulder didn't respond to that.  He didn't exactly feel up to 
the challenge right now.  It wasn't like he had a good 
record of finding the people he did love.

*****

He was debriefing Skinner, though he had little or nothing 
to report.  The guys had put her picture on the web with a 
toll free number and there had been a number of calls, 
but all had been bogus so far.  They were keeping it out 
there, in the meantime, he continued the slow 
investigation, which so far had been . . . slow.

The door to Skinner's office burst open and they spotted 
Angie on her feet.  Both men had turned to look.  The 
large man moved swiftly into the room and Mulder felt the 
pain in his jaw as he stumbled backward and onto the 
floor.

Skinner moved to grab the man then and pulled his arms 
behind him before he could strike Mulder again.  Other 
people were now pouring into the office, and someone 
pulled out a pair of cuffs.  Now that the man was secure, 
Skinner shoved him down on the couch.

"You okay, Mulder?"

One of the other agents helped Mulder to his feet, 
rubbing his jaw.  "Yeah.  Good to see you too Bill."

The larger man glared at him and Skinner looked over at 
his prisoner startled.  "Uh, thanks everyone, we have this 
under control."  He motioned for the others to leave with 
a jerk of his head.

Skinner watched Mulder sink into the chair in front of his 
desk.  "This is Bill Scully?"

Mulder nodded.

"Okay, you want to explain why you've assaulted my 
agent?"

"What needs an explanation? Once again the SOB has 
put her in danger."

"How?  He's the one looking for her."

"She wouldn't need 'looking for' if it wasn't for him.  Just 
look at his record, it's priceless - he gets her kidnapped, 
she's returned near death, when she could have 
transferred out somehow he talks her into staying and 
Melissa is killed in her apartment by one of his enemies.  
Then she gets cancer - "

"Which he found a way to put in remission." 

"Come on, even you don't believe that Skinner."  Mulder's 
face was completely impassive; he didn't even blink as 
the man spat out his accusations.  "She finds out 
because of all this she's sterile and now . . . now she's 
missing again.  Why the hell would you even let him look 
for her?  There's no telling what kind of damage he could 
do if he did find her."

"That's enough."  Skinner straightened up and turned to 
Mulder.  "You want to file charges?"

Mulder gave a sad chuckle and shook his head.  "Just 
send him home.  Mrs. Scully needs him."

"I want you out of my office.  If I find you have obstructed 
Agent Mulder's work in any way, I will file charges against 
you personally.  Do you have any questions?"

"No sir."  His eyes had narrowed and he said it 
sardonically.

"Get out.  If we have any news about your sister's 
whereabouts, I will inform you.  Otherwise, stay out of our 
way."

He yanked the man up from the couch and turned him so 
that he could remove the cuffs.  Bill rubbed his wrists and 
moved toward the door.

"If we find her this time, you can sure as hell believe I will 
make certain you never get near her again.  Hear me 
Mulder, because it's the truth."

He slammed the door behind him.  Mulder still hadn't 
moved.

"Mulder?"  Skinner moved over to him and put his hand 
on the younger man's shoulder.  "Mulder, ignore him.  
He's upset."

"He has every right to be.  He's right; he's right about all 
of it.  Just another reason to find her, so she can get 
away."  He looked up at Skinner.

"Go get cleaned up Mulder.  We'll talk later."  He didn't 
know what else to say.

*****

"Come on Sweetheart, open your eyes.  You can do it.  
For me, Carrie."  She could hear the voice, but he must 
be talking to someone else.  She felt the pressure of his 
hand on hers.  "Carrie, try, open your eyes."

Who was Carrie?  She struggled to open her eyes and 
found herself looking into the concerned blue eyes of the 
man bending over her.

"Carrie.  I knew you could."  He pressed his lips against 
her forehead.

"Car . . . " Her throat was dry, it sounded more like a 
croak.  They both turned as the door opened.

"Well, it's very good to see you awake Mrs. Madison."  
The man in the lab coat advanced to the bed and took 
her hand from the blue-eyed man.

"Why don't you let me do a quick exam here, Mike, then 
I'll let you back in."

Mike?  The man's name was Mike and hers seemed to 
be Carrie Madison.  The doctor held a glass with a straw, 
so that she could wet her throat.

The doctor was taking her pulse, then shining a light in 
her eyes.  "Hello, I'm Dr. Panzier.  Tell me how you're 
feeling.  Are you in any pain?"

"A little, I have a headache."

"I'm not surprised.  You've been unconscious for several 
days due to a trauma to the head because of a car 
accident."

"A car . . . am I going to be okay?"

"I believe so.  You have a broken wrist," he held up her 
arm in a cast, "but it should heal well and now that you're 
awake . . . "

"I, I don't remember."

"That's not unusual.  You've been unconscious for 
several days.  You're bound to be a little confused.  I 
don't want you to be concerned.  We'll run some tests 
later, for now I just want you to rest, let Mike be with you.  
He's been very concerned."

She nodded and winced.

"I'll get you something for that, but I don't want to give 
you enough to put you to sleep."

She managed a smile then.

"You just lie still, I'll send Mike back in and if you feel up 
to it, we'll get you a liquid diet for dinner."

"Thanks, that would be fine."

Dr. Panzier let himself out and in a couple of minutes 
Mike reappeared.

She looked him over carefully, he was blond, blue eyed, 
about 5'10" and on the stocky side, though she could tell 
he worked out.  They had called her Mrs. Madison.  His 
look of concern hadn't gone away.

"He says you're doing very well, but that you don't 
remember the accident."

Well, that wasn't what she had meant, she didn't 
remember anything, but that was a place to start.  "Could 
you tell me about it?"

"Are you sure you want to hear?"  He pulled the chair 
back up beside her and took her good hand.

"I need to, please."
 
"Okay, but when you get tired, you have to promise to tell 
me."

She felt a little better when he said that and smiled.  He 
nodded.

"You had gone shopping and to lunch with Lori - "

"Lori?"

"Lori Silverstein, she's your best friend."

"Was she hurt?"

"No, no Honey, you had dropped her off at her house and 
about two blocks later, a drunk driver barreled through 
the intersection and plowed into the passenger side of 
the car.  You had on your seatbelt and the airbag 
deployed.  You hit your head on the frame of the window 
and we think your wrist was bent, so when the airbag 
went off . . . anyway, you're awake now.  I've been very 
worried."

"Was the other driver hurt?"

"He was killed."

"Oh."  She looked down at her wrist again.

"And it doesn't really matter, but your car was totaled.  
They had to cut you out of it.  I didn't get here until you 
were already in surgery."

"Surgery?"

"On your wrist.  They were just keeping an eye on your 
head injury.  They wanted to wait.  That was real hard, 
but apparently it was the right thing."  He smiled at her 
again and saw her try to stifle a yawn.

"Okay, enough.  You need to rest now.  I'll sit right here 
until you fall asleep."

She nodded, her eyes already drifting close.  She felt him 
take her hand again and let herself relax.

*****

She was in a long hallway.  It seemed familiar but she 
couldn't place it.  At the far end was a tall man, dark hair, 
well built.  He had his back to her and was walking away.  
For some reason it was as though she knew him, so she 
tried to move faster.  She couldn't move and he was 
getting farther and farther away from her.  She tried to 
yell, but no sound came.

She woke with a start and it took a minute to orient 
herself.  It was a dream, one of those horrible dreams 
where you can't move except in slow motion.  She shook 
her head, just a dream.

*****

Mike pulled up in front of the house.  She just sat there, 
stunned.  This was where she lived?  It was huge.  She 
knew without looking there was a pool out back.  Did that 
mean she was remembering or that she'd seen too many 
movies?

He opened her door and took her hand.  "Look familiar?"

She shook her head and let him help her from the car.  
"Is it as big as it looks?"

He smiled, "We do a lot of entertaining, it's the business 
you know.  You're an incredible hostess."

"I am?"  She sounded a little overwhelmed.

"Well don't worry about it for now.  I'm not going to let you 
tax yourself until I'm sure you're back up to par.  Come 
on, I'll take you to our room."  

She followed him inside.  It was definitely Southern 
California chic, and from what she could see, very 
expensive.  

He led her into a bedroom and she stopped in surprise.  
"This is our room?"

"We like to spend a lot of time here, so we designed it 
spaciously."

An understatement, but she let it go.  The room was at 
least seventeen feet square.  There was a king size bed 
that was nearly dwarfed by the room.  There was also a 
large sitting area on one side, but what held her attention 
was the glass wall that opened out to the pool area.

"Would you like to rest in here or out by the pool?"

"Uh, in here I think."

"Okay, the bathroom is over there.  I'll get Maria to make 
you a snack."

"Maria?"

"Oh, now that is someone you don't know.  I've hired her 
to keep the house and be with you during the day while 
I'm at work.  The regular cleaning service will be coming 
in as always, she'll just be fixing your meals and anything 
else you need."

"You didn't need to do - "

"Of course I did.  You didn't think I was just going to let 
you be alone while I'm at work?  Go ahead, get 
comfortable."  He left her then and she moved toward the 
door he indicated.

Again she was stopped by the sheer size of everything.  
The bathroom had a jacuzzi tub large enough for three 
and a super-size shower in addition to a makeup area 
and the double sinks.  At the far end was another door, 
so she moved forward and opened it.

It was a walk in closet, which was even larger than the 
bathroom itself.  She just stood in the doorway, looking at 
all of the clothing.

"Did you find what you needed?"

She jumped slightly; she hadn't heard Mike return.

"Sorry, Sweetheart, I didn't mean to startle you."

"I have so many clothes."

He laughed, "I'll remind you of that next time you decide 
to go shopping.  Your lingerie and night things are over 
there."

"Oh, thanks."  He seemed to sense her unease, and 
returned to the bedroom.  She moved over to the built-in 
drawers he had indicated and in the third drawer found a 
pair of dark green silk pajamas.  She looked back toward 
the bathroom, but decided to remain in the closet.  There 
was plenty of room to dress in there.  She closed the 
door softly.

Once she had on the pajamas, she moved back into the 
bathing area.  She caught a glimpse of herself in the 
mirror and stopped.  She ran a hand through her hair 
again.  She had no memory of it, but she didn't think this 
was the way she wore it.  It was so short and curly.  It 
didn't look bad, of course with the bandage it would look 
a little strange, but . . . different.

When she emerged, he smiled at her.  They both looked 
over at the tap on the door.  A young Hispanic woman 
entered carrying a tray.

"Mrs. Madison?  I brought you some tea."

"Thank you."  She saw that Mike had turned down her 
side of the bed for her.  It was obviously her side from the 
stuff cluttered on the bedside table.  She smiled her 
thanks and let him help her into the bed.  Maria 
approached the bed and placed the tray on a table.  She 
handed the cup and saucer to Carrie and stepped back.

"Thank you Maria.  I'll let you know when I'm ready to 
leave."

She nodded, looking down, then left the room.

"Are you going to work?"

"I really need to for a little while."

"I didn't mean to complain.  You've been with me for 
days; I was just wondering where you were going.  What 
would you like for dinner?"

"Surprise me.  I'm just so glad to have you home, I'd be 
happy with a cheese sandwich and canned tomato soup."

"You know that sounds good.  We'll come up with 
something."

He leaned in and kissed her lightly on the cheek.  "Don't 
overdo."  He let himself out and she sank down into the 
soft, expensive feeling sheets.

It didn't take her long to drift off, but she had only been 
asleep about half an hour when she jerked awake.  It was 
the dream again.  She had it every time she fell asleep 
now, but she had mentioned it to no one.  The tall man 
with the dark hair.  Why couldn't he hear her yell for him?  
He wouldn't turn and she felt like she was slogging 
through mire.  Who was he?

Sleep was gone now, so she rose, wrapped her robe 
around her and walked over to the sliding glass doors.  
She slid them open and stepped outside.  The area was 
beautifully landscaped.  This was obviously where they 
did a lot of entertaining.  There was a wet bar and a large 
hot tub.  She moved over to the pool house and looked 
through the window.  It was as nicely decorated as the 
house.  Mike had obviously spared no expense.  He must 
do very well with his films.

As she turned, Maria stepped out from the kitchen.  "Mrs. 
Madison, I thought you were asleep.  Can I get you 
anything?"

Carrie smiled at her, "No, I'm fine."  She walked toward 
her.  "How long have you been here?"

"Oh, just a couple of days.  Senor Madison hired me 
when he knew you were coming home."

"That was very sweet of him.  Do you like the house?  Is 
the kitchen okay?"

"The kitchen is wonderful.  I'm not that familiar with the 
rest of the house.  It's so large, I'm afraid I'll get lost."

Carrie laughed lightly at that.  "Well, why don't we go 
exploring together.  That way we can make sure we find 
our way back."

Maria giggled, her eyes shining.  "I guess Mr. Madison 
didn't tell you, but I've forgotten some things due to this 
bump on the head."  She touched the small bandage she 
still wore.  "I don't know my way around the house 
either."

They moved inside and toward the far end of the house.  
The room that was obviously the office caught her 
attention.  All of the computer equipment was state of the 
art.  There were three phone lines coming into the house 
and pictures of Mike with several celebrities that Maria 
pointed out to her.

It surprised her a little that there were no pictures of her, 
but it was his office.

They continued their tour and were both giggling when 
they returned to the kitchen.

"I cannot believe I live like this.  Mike says we entertain a 
lot."

Maria's eyes opened wide.  "Will you want me to cook for 
- "

"I wouldn't worry about it.  Mike said he wouldn't rush me 
and I would think we would use caterers anyway.  I 
certainly don't know if I know how to cook for something 
like that either."

Maria smiled at her new employer.  She seemed like she 
would be fun and she was certainly being nice.  Maria 
was startled when Carrie joined her in the kitchen to help 
with dinner.

They talked about Mike mostly, Maria's impressions of 
him.  That felt a little funny, to be talking to a wife about 
her husband, when neither of them really knew him, but 
they got comfortable with each other.

When Mike got home, they ate in the dining room, and 
she asked him more questions about her life.  He was 
very open, though the news he was giving her seemed 
dismal to her.

He gave her the bad news that her parents had passed 
away while she was in college.  She hadn't graduated 
after that.  It wasn't due to money he assured her, she 
just hadn't wanted to continue.  She had no brothers or 
sisters and when he had met her, she had completely 
swept him off his feet.  He had pursued her until she had 
agreed to marry him, nearly three years ago.

He saw that she was shaken by this knowledge of 
herself, and encouraged her to go on to bed early.  He 
came with her and held her until she drifted off, though 
he didn't attempt more than a goodnight kiss.  She found 
herself grateful and relieved at his sensitivity.

She was depressed at the news.  No family, that was a 
blow.  It had occurred to her that the man in her dream 
might be family.  Whoever he was, if he really existed, 
seemed important.  

When she woke from the dream that night, Mike wasn't in 
the bed.  Instead of craving his comfort, she was relieved 
that he hadn't witnessed her dream.

Maybe when her memory returned, she'd feel differently, 
but for now she just wasn't ready to turn to him for that 
kind of comfort.  She hid the fact that she was pleased he 
had already left for work when she woke the next 
morning.

She found herself in the office, booting up the computer.  
She had found Mike's password on a card in his 
wheeldex, and wondered why she had thought to look 
there, and how she knew to 'surf the web', but enjoyed 
the feeling of independence it gave her.

She settled into her life, visiting with Maria while Mike 
was at work, helping her in the kitchen and using the 
computer to try to remember pieces of her life.

*****

He slipped into the bed and moved closer.  She stiffened 
immediately.  Yes they had been sharing the bed every 
night but he had made no move toward her so far.  

"Mi . . . Mike, please."

"Carrie, the doctor's given you a clean bill of health.  I'll 
be careful of your arm."

"I . . . I know but - "

"Do you have a headache?"

"That sounds too much like a cliche, but . . . "

"I'm sorry, Carrie, it's just that I've missed you.  Okay, I 
won't press tonight, but I really do want to be with you 
and soon."

"I know Mike.  I'm sure I'll feel better tomorrow."

"Good, I haven't gone this long since high school."  He 
smiled at her and she attempted to smile back.  She 
wasn't lying about the headache now.

Why did she fear having sex with her husband?  He'd 
been wonderful to her, but the thoughts of having sex 
with him . . . she rolled over, her back to him and tried to 
relax.

She woke in the night from the dream again.  Mike wasn't 
in the bed; he was probably watching a movie 
somewhere.  It was a long time before she got back to 
sleep.

*****

She was closer, and it was as though he heard her, 
maybe.  He actually started to turn toward her.

She woke with a jerk, "Mu - "

She sank back against the pillow.  What?  What had she 
started to say?  Was it a name?  Mu - what would that 
become, Morris, Murray, it wasn't Mike.  That was the 
only thing she was sure of.

*****

Again he wasn't there when she woke in the morning, but 
he had obviously joined her sometime, his side of the bed 
was mussed.

Then she remembered the difference in the dream this 
time.  The tall man had heard her; he had turned toward 
her, or started to.  Dreams didn't work this way, did they?  
This had to be someone she knew.

She felt a renewed purpose to find out something about 
herself.  She'd drifted long enough.  But where to start?  

She headed for the kitchen, "Maria, is Mike gone?"

"Yes ma'am.  Are you ready for your yogurt and fruit this 
morning?"

"Uh, actually I'm not really hungry right now.  Listen, does 
Mike know how much time I spend on the computer?"

"No ma'am.  I don't tell him what you do around here.  I 
mean, he asks if you've had a good day, but he never 
asks for specifics.  Why would he?"

"No reason.  I guess I'm just ready to know more about 
me."

Maria smiled, "Can I help?"

"I don't know.  I think maybe I'll get back on the 
computer."

"You go ahead.  I'll fix you something you can eat in 
there.  Don't worry, it'll be light."  

Carrie chuckled; Maria had picked up on her preferences 
in no time.  She headed toward the den.  She booted up 
the computer, but for some reason, she didn't want to 
use Mike's account today.  She should be able to sign up 
for her own address on his account, if she could figure 
out how to do it.

It was actually quite simple, the machine walking her 
through the steps.  She only paused when it asked for 
her password, what should she use?  Then she was 
typing, as though this question had been asked and 
answered a long time ago.  TRUSTNO1.  Where had that 
come from?  Had she had an account before?  If so she 
didn't remember it.  But it seemed . . . right somehow, if a 
trifle paranoid.

Okay, what did she know?  Mike had told her she had 
attended UCLA.  Even if she hadn't graduated, she 
should be on the alumni rolls somewhere.  

She pulled up the website and started searching.  
According to her driver's license her maiden name was 
Summers.  But there was nothing under the name of 
Carrie Summers or Carrie Madison.  That was kind of 
strange, but maybe they didn't put the names in unless 
you did graduate or gave money.  She'd been told she 
hadn't done the first and didn't have a clue if she'd ever 
made a donation.

What else?  Where else could she look?  Maybe the 
DMV, see if she had attended under another name.  Mike 
had been married before; there were the two kids, John 
and Susan.  Maybe Summers was also a married name 
or she'd attended while married the first time.

She fed her driver's license number into the machine and 
was surprised when it came up, record not found.  Maybe 
she was doing something wrong.  She stood and walked 
to the door, "Maria?"

The woman came out of the kitchen immediately.  "Yes 
ma'am?"

"Do you have a driver's license?"

"No ma'am.  I can't drive.  Do you need me to have 
something delivered?"

"No, no everything's fine.  I was just trying to figure out 
how to do something on the computer.  Thanks."  She 
turned back.

The screen saver had come up, so she brushed the 
mouse.  All of those ads had come up now.  Annoying, 
and there were always so many layers of them.  She got 
rid of the first three before stopping just before deleting 
the next.  That woman, she looked . . . she looked like 
her.  The hair was different; it was longer and more, more 
severe.  That was a nice top she was wearing, the 
beadwork around the neck was attractive.  This was 
ridiculous.  She moved again to delete the ad but couldn't 
do it. 

For some reason she wanted to look at the picture again.  
Without thinking she hit print screen.  Once the picture 
and information on it had come out of the printer, she 
deleted it and for some reason pulled up a screen of 
baby names.

She really didn't realize what she was doing until she 
pulled up the M's.  Then it hit her; she was looking for 
names with the Mu sound, checking to see if anything 
was familiar.

It was a dream, Carrie.  But she pulled the page from the 
printer and folded it without looking at it again.

*****

She wandered into the kitchen.  Maria looked up and 
smiled.  "Maria, I need to ask you a question, but you're 
going to think I'm crazy."

"Senora, no!  I would never think that."  She protested 
immediately.

Carrie smiled at the show of loyalty, then looked down 
again at the folded paper in her hand.  She opened it and 
after a second's hesitation, handed it to Maria.  "Does 
she look like me?"

Maria's eyes opened wide, "She . . . she could be your 
sister, Mrs. M.  Do you know her?"

Carrie smiled sadly and shook her head.  

"Where did you get this?"

"It was on the internet.  See, there's an 800 number to 
call and an email address."

"Are you going to contact them?"

"I . . . I want to but . . ."

"Why are you afraid?"

"Do I seem frightened?

Maria nodded quietly.

"I guess I am.  To see what looked like my face on the 
computer, and not remember anything before this wreck . 
. . I guess it threw me."  She sank into the chair at the 
table.  "I do need to contact these people."  She 
straightened her shoulders, "but I can't do it from here.  I 
don't want to hurt Mike and I don't know who these 
people are.  I can't have them tracing the call back here."

Maria looked a little surprised at that, but kept quiet.  
Carrie sat thinking for a minute, then looked up.  "Do you 
need anything from the market?"

"Not really, they delivered our order here yesterday."

"But I bet you could use some really fresh cilantro."  She 
winked at Maria.

Maria smiled, "Well, now that you mention it . . . "

"Good.  I'm going to call you a cab.  And while you're at 
the market, could I ask you to make a phone call for me?"

"I'd be happy to.  What should I say?"

"Well, don't give them your name or mine.  And don't tell 
them where you're calling from.  Use a pay phone.  Find 
out why they're looking for her, how long she's been 
gone, that kind of thing.  Do you mind, Maria?"

"No Mrs. M, it will be fun, like a mystery novel."  She 
smiled broadly.

"Good, let's get you that cab."  

Maria placed the call and Carrie searched up all of the 
loose change she could find for the pay phone.  If she 
didn't want to place the call here, she certainly didn't 
want to put it on a calling card.

She stopped suddenly, why would she know this?  Why 
would she think about calls being traced, and calling 
cards?  What kind of amnesia did she have?  She even 
knew the capital of California, why didn't she know her 
husband, or herself?

"The cab is on the way Senora.  Are . . . are you okay?"

Carrie looked up, "Yes, just thinking.  Listen; let's copy 
down the phone number on some scratch paper rather 
than you taking this picture with you.  I wouldn't want 
anyone to see you with it."

"Mrs. M, do you think something's wrong?"

"I don't know.  I don't want to.  But I've been out of the 
hospital for over a week now and no one has called, no 
one has come to see me.  Mike says I have no family, 
that my parents were killed in a plane crash before we 
were married, but . . . it just seems a little isolated.  Why 
are there no pictures of me?"

"I was thinking that yesterday."  Maria said softly.

Carrie looked up surprised.  "Thank you Maria.  You've 
been a very good friend."

The younger woman blushed.

*****


False Scripts -  2/3



"Yes?"

"Uh, hello.  Is this the number that was looking for the 
red-headed woman?"

"Yes it is.  Do you think you've seen her?"

"She looks enough like my employer to be her sister."

"Oh, your employer.  Have you been with her for a long 
time?"  He didn't sound bored exactly, but tired, as 
though he had listened to a lot of phone calls.

"Oh no, Senor.  I was just hired a couple of weeks ago to 
look after her, after the automobile accident."

"Accident?  Is . . . is she okay?"  He sounded like she had 
piqued his interest a little.

"Yes, she should have the cast off of her arm in a couple 
of weeks.  The only problem is she can't remember 
things."

Maria could actually feel the tension leap over the phone.  
"She . . . she's suffering from memory loss?"

"Yes, that is why she asked for me to call you, and find 
out why you are looking for this woman."

"Your employer, may I speak with her?"

"She asked me to call you from a phone booth, so that 
you could not trace the call.  She does not want her 
husband to know she is doing this."

"She's married?"

"Well, yes, I think so.  It was her husband who hired me 
while she was in the hospital."

"Could you tell me where you are?  I could come to you, 
meet with your employer, just to see - "

"I cannot tell you that.  I would have to ask her if it was 
okay."

"Yes, please, please go to her and ask if I could come.  
I'd meet her in a public place, she doesn't need to worry 
about being alone with me or anything."

"You sound very excited."

"I am, if she is Scully, her family and I . . . we very much 
want to make sure she's okay."

"Scully?  That doesn't sound like a woman's name."  
Maria questioned.

"I know, its . . .it's what I call her.  And she calls me 
Mulder."

"Are you her novio?  I mean, I don't want my mistress to 
be hurt.  Why did she run away?"

"She didn't.  Listen to me, I think she was taken and that 
may be why she doesn't remember.  She might have 
been hurt.  Look, I just want to see her.  You come with 
her, protect her, but please ask her if she will meet me."

"I . . . I will do that."

"And call me back.  Even if she says no, I . . . just don't 
leave me hanging.  If she refuses to go any further . . . 
please call me back."

"I promise."  Then she broke the connection.  Now she 
was really confused.  Mr. Madison had been very good to 
Mrs. M and nice enough to her.  Would he have 
kidnapped his wife?  This man didn't sound like a 
detective or anything, he sounded like he was in love with 
the missing woman.  What would that mean?

She ducked into the store and purchased the spice she 
was using as her excuse, in case Mr. Madison was home 
when she arrived.  

Fortunately he wasn't, but Carrie was waiting impatiently 
just inside of the door.  "Maria?  What happened?"

"Oh, Mrs. M.   It was not what I expected to happen.  The 
man on the phone, he was missing his lover.   When he 
heard that I had only known you a couple of weeks and 
that you had amnesia he was very excited.  He wants to 
come out here and meet you."

"Did you tell him where I was?"
 
"No ma'am.  He begged me to let him come and talk to 
you and asked if you would meet him in a public place, 
with me as protection, and for me to call him back 
whatever your answer."

"Why is the woman in the picture missing?"

"Oh, he said she was kidnapped!  That's why he's so 
worried.  And he said he called her 'Scully'.  Does that 
sound familiar?"

Her brow was furrowed, "Scully?  I . . . I don't know.  
Maria, should I meet him?"  She sounded very unsure of 
herself then, and Maria reached out her hand to touch 
her but instead, hugged her to her breast.

"Mrs. M, we don't have to decide tonight.  Please don't 
work yourself into a state.  Sleep on this, that's what my 
mama always told us."

Carrie nodded.  Scully?  What kind of a name was that?  
She was startled back to the present when the phone 
rang.

"Madison residence.  Hello, Mr. Madison.  Yes, she's 
right here."  Maria brought the phone over to Carrie, and 
covered the mouthpiece.  "Are you okay?"

Carrie managed to smile and took the phone.  "Mike?  Is 
everything okay?"

"Yes and no, Sweetheart.  I just fell into a big meeting 
that could mean a lot of funding for some projects I have 
in the pipeline, but it means I won't be home until late.  
Do you mind?"

She closed her eyes in relief.  She was too confused to 
sit across a table from him tonight anyway.  "Mike it 
sounds very exciting, no I'll be fine.  Maria and I will have 
a little dinner and I'll see you in the morning.  Please 
don't worry about me."

"Can't stop Sweetheart.  Thanks for letting me off of the 
hook."

"You be careful driving if you're really late."

"I will and I'll try not to disturb you when I get in.  Love 
you!" and he was off the phone before she had to reply.  
She sank into the nearest chair and handed Maria the 
phone.

"Are you okay Mrs. M?"

"Yes, just a little relieved.  Mike won't be home until late 
tonight, so I won't have to pretend there's nothing on my 
mind."

"And right now there shouldn't be.  You just got out of the 
hospital and you're still not yourself.  I'm going to run you 
a bath and when you get out I'll have your dinner ready.  
Come on now."

Carrie smiled up at the young woman and let her lift her 
from the chair.  She felt very coddled suddenly and it 
brought unexpected tears to her eyes.

"Oh Mrs. M did I hurt you?"  Concern colored Maria's 
voice.

"No, not at all.  You've made me feel very good.  While 
you were gone I realized what I had asked you to do and 
. . . "

"I was happy to do it Mrs. M.  And whoever this man is 
looking for, I hope he finds her.   He loves her very 
much."

"He told you that?"  Carrie looked at her curiously.

"He didn't have to."  She led her mistress back to the 
master suite.

*****

"Carrie?  Sweetheart, I'm sorry to wake you so early."

"Mike?  What time did you get in?"  She was rubbing her 
eyes, trying to focus.

"It was after midnight.  I didn't want to disturb you, but 
I've got to go out of town for a couple of days.  I shouldn't 
be away more than three."

"Oh, where do you have to go?"

"New York.  I have to talk to some money people.  I wish 
I could take you with me, but it's going to be meeting 
after meeting.  I know you'd love to shop, but I'm not sure 
you're up for it yet."

She managed to smile, "You're probably right.  Maybe I 
can go next time?"

He smiled brightly.  "Count on it.  We'll see a show and I'll 
spend lots of time with you."

"That would be wonderful.  Don't worry about me; Maria 
takes very good care of me."

"I still hate to leave you.  I'll be back as soon as I can."

"Are you leaving right now?"

"Yes, the cab should be here any minute.  Go back to 
sleep."  He gave her a quick kiss and left.  Carrie waited 
a few minutes then came from her room.

"Maria?"

"Mrs. M?  Are you okay?"

"I'm fine.  Is Mike gone?"

"Oh, yes.  They just drove off.  I don't think I can catch 
them."  She turned anyway.

"Maria, its okay.  I, uh, I want you to call the number 
back.  Mike is going to be out of town, so if this man is 
going to come here, it needs to be now."

"Mrs. M, are you really sure?"

"Something's wrong Maria.  No visitors, no friends, I don't 
remember who I am - it's just not right.  This man may 
not know me, but I have to find out what's going on."

After a moment, Maria nodded.  "I understand.  Where do 
you want to meet him?"

"I don't know.  I don't remember any place I would 
normally go.  Maybe that's a good thing.  I wouldn't want 
anyone that knows Mike to see me.  What do you think?"

Maria thought for a minute.  "There's a little library in the 
strip mall where I got the cilantro last night."

"A library."  She nodded, "I don't think Mike's friends 
would spend a lot of time there.  Let's go."

"You want to go with me?"

"Yes.  I have a driver's license.  If you can direct me . . .?"

"Oh, si.  You remember how to drive?"  She looked a little 
fearful.

"I think so.  I'll go around the driveway a couple of times."  
She grinned and Maria rolled her eyes.

******

"Hello?"  The man seemed a lot more alert than when he 
answered yesterday.

"It's me."  Maria spoke softly.

"Thank you.  Thank you for calling me back.  What did 
she say?" 

"She wants to meet with you.  Can you come to Los 
Angeles?"

"I'll be there today.  Where?"

Maria gave him the address of the small branch library.  
"Do you think you can find it?"

"I'll find it.  What . . . can you give me a name?"

Maria hesitated, but Mrs. M had said yes.  "Carrie 
Madison, Mrs. Michael Madison.  You won't hurt my 
lady?"

"No.  I swear I won't hurt your mistress.  If she's not . . . if 
she's not my Scully, I'll still try to help her."

Maria couldn't help but believe him.  He sounded so . . . 
so anxious.

"Let me give you my cell phone number.  You can always 
reach me at this number.  What . . . what should I call 
you?"

"Oh, I am Maria."

"Maria, thank you.  You won't be sorry.  I need to go, so I 
can get a flight.  I know I can't call you back, I'm not 
asking, but don't give up on me.  I'll take the first flight I 
can get."

"Si, Senor.  We will be there."  She hung up then and 
returned to the car.

*****

This was the dream.  She hadn't realized it when she 
arrived at the library; at least she hadn't consciously 
realized it.  But this was it.  She made her way cautiously 
down the row of books and spotted the tall man at the 
end of the aisle.  It was him; it was the man in the dream.  
Her steps faltered and Maria took her arm.

"Mrs. M?"

"I'm, I'm okay."  

He turned when he heard her voice.  His eyes widened 
and he took a step toward her.  "Scully."  It was a whisper 
and even then his voice broke.

Maria stepped in front of her mistress, her expression 
fierce as though protecting her young.

The man's hands came out to the side, to show he meant 
no harm.  "Scully, it's me, it's Mulder."

"Mu . . . Mulder?"  That was the name she had been 
trying to say in her dream.  She didn't remember it, but it 
felt right on her tongue.

"Could we . . . could we talk?  Here, with people around.  
I don't want to scare you."

"I'm . . . I'm not scared."

He kind of smiled then, "You're not?"

She shook her head. "I keep dreaming about you, but I 
couldn't remember your name."

"Do you remember me now?"

"No.  But I feel like I recognize you.  Does that make 
sense?"

"For us it does."  He looked down at her wrist, "Are you 
okay?"

She smiled then; he was honestly concerned, whoever 
he was.  "I'm fine."

"I've always hated that phrase."  She looked confused; 
"You use it when you want me to back off."

"That's not what I mean.  I really do feel fine.  The 
headaches are mostly gone and my wrist doesn't hurt."

"You've had headaches?"   His hand touched her hair; it 
seemed involuntary on his part.

"Mrs. M."  Maria interrupted, "You don't know this man."

"Maria, it's okay."  Carrie turned to look at her and smiled 
gently.  "I know it's okay."

"Maria, you're the woman who called me."  He reached 
into his pocket then and withdrew his ID.  "I'm Fox 
Mulder, I'm an FBI agent."  He held out another badge, 
"and this one's yours."

"FBI?"  Carrie asked.

"Would you sit with me, talk for just a little while."

Maria watched her and even though she knew her 
mistress didn't know this man, this was the most 
comfortable she had seen her since they had met.

"Maria, it will be all right.  I'm not leaving, but he and I 
have to talk."

After a moment, Maria nodded.  "I will be able to hear 
you."  She glanced down at her watch.  "Thirty minutes."

Carrie nodded, "Thanks Maria."  She turned toward the 
tall man and he led her toward a table in the rear of the 
library, his hand lightly on her back.

He held the chair for her, then sat slightly across from 
her.  "Scully, I . . . I can't believe I've found you."  He 
started to reach for her hand.  He stopped himself, but 
couldn't stop looking at her.  "Your hair's never been this 
short before, or as curly."  She touched it self-
consciously.

"Mu . . . Mulder, who are we?  Am I your wife?  Lover?  
What?"

"Uh, not exactly.  We . . . we're partners. At the FBI."

"Partners?"  She frowned slightly and shook her head.  
"We're just partners?"

"No, we're not just anything.  I guess the best word would 
be lovers."

She blushed lightly, "But we work together?"

"Yes, for years."

"Then why am I here?  Why don't I remember you?  This 
wreck . . . I - " 

"Scully, I don't think you were in a wreck.  You were 
kidnapped from your apartment.  You came home from 
work, changed clothes and then disappeared.  I went to 
your apartment the next morning. I found the clothes you 
had worn the day before but your apartment was 
immaculate.  I don't think you were taken there, maybe 
you took out the trash, I don't know.  You're been gone a 
little over five weeks.  I've been . . . I've been frantic.  
Your mother is going out of her mind - "

"My . . . my mother?  I have family?"

"God, Scully, I'm sorry.  Let's start at the beginning."  He 
tried to relax, taking a deep breath.  "You live in 
Washington, DC.  You've been with me at the Bureau for 
seven years.  Your mother's in DC too.  Your father 
passed away about six years ago from a heart attack.  
You have an older brother, Bill."

She looked confused at his expression then, and the way 
he touched his jaw.  "Is he . . . is there a problem?"

"He and I have 'issues', mostly regarding you.  You also 
have a younger brother, Charlie.  I haven't met him.  You 
had a sister, Melissa, but she's gone now too."

"Dead?"

He nodded, "She . . . she was murdered."

She gasped and he did take her hand then.  "I'm sorry.  
Maybe this is too much too fast."

She shook her head; "I need to know."

He nodded; that sounded like his Scully.  "I've been 
looking for you ever since.  I didn't know where to start.  
The guys put your picture on the web.  When your friend 
called me, said you couldn't remember, I knew . . . I knew 
I had to check it out personally."

"Why can't I remember?"

"It was done to you.  They've wiped your memories.  I 
just hope it's not permanent."

"What else have I forgotten?"

"Well, you're an MD.  That's one of the reasons the 
Bureau recruited you."

"I'm a doctor?"

"A forensic pathologist.  You do autopsies, find evidence 
to help solve crimes."

"I don't remember that at all.  The only thing I've 
remembered . . . "

"You said you dreamed of me?"

She nodded again.  "I . . . I thought it was here.  That 
makes no sense but it was the same dream over and 
over since I woke up in the hospital.  You were in front of 
me, with your back to me and I tried to call out to you, but 
I couldn't get your name out, just the sound 'Mu'.  I even 
looked up boy's names on the Internet to see what 
names might sound familiar.  It was one of those dreams 
where you can't move, where everything impedes your 
movements.  It couldn't have been here, but it was a dark 
corridor and you wouldn't turn to look at me."

His hand squeezed hers.  "You had this dream even in 
the hospital?"

She nodded.

"Come home with me.  We'll find out what they did to you 
and make you well.  You'll remember your family and 
your work, and . . . and me."

She looked down at her watch.  "Our thirty minutes is 
over.  I need to get back to the house."

"No, Scully, don't go.  He's not your husband, this man 
you're living with.  He's part of the conspiracy that took 
you from me."

"Why?  Why would anyone do this?  That's what I don't 
understand."

"It's part of our work.  We . . . we've been investigating a 
conspiracy.  We've worked on it for years and I guess we 
got too close.  They decided that if they separated us . . . 
I don't know.  I can't prove that to you, but it's the truth.  I 
do know that.  You've just met me, you've got no reason 
to trust me, but Scully I'd never hurt you."

"Mike has been very good to me."

"Mike?"

"The man . . . the man that says he's my husband."

"Has he," Mulder swallowed, "Has he touched you?"

Her eyes widened at that question.

"Scully, he's not your husband.  If . . . if he's touched you 
it's rape.  You don't even know this man.  Scully?"

"He hasn't . . . I mean we've shared the bed every night 
but . . . but he hasn't . . . I mean . . . "

She watched Mulder close his eyes in relief.  "I don't want 
you to go home to him."

"He won't be home until tomorrow at the earliest.  He 
won't know."

"You shouldn't be alone with him.  I need to get you out 
of there."

Maria appeared at the table then, "Mrs. M, we've got to 
get home."

Scully looked torn then, what was the right thing?  She 
couldn't leave tonight; she couldn't just disappear.  But if 
her family thought she had been kidnapped.  The 
headache growing now was not faked.  She winced and 
rubbed her forehead.

"Scully?"

"It's okay, I just . . . I don't know what to do."

"Do you believe me?"

She nodded, "It explains why no one has called or come 
to see me.  Maria's the only person I've seen since I left 
the hospital except for Mike.  He's mentioned friends, but 
they all seem to be in the film industry like him, and 
they're out of town or on location.  I've been isolated.  
Maria is new to the household, I haven't seen the 
cleaning crew."

"Mrs. M, what are we going to do?"

Scully squared her shoulders.  "We're going back to the 
house.  I don't want to make Mike suspicious if he calls 
and I'm not there.  Mulder, where are you staying?"

"I . . . I haven't gotten a room.  I didn't know what I was 
going to find."

"Maria, he could stay in the pool house, couldn't he?  I 
mean Mike never goes out there."

"Mrs. M?  You want to bring this man to your home?"

"He's my partner.  You saw my badge.  Please Maria, we 
have to do this."  She took Maria's hand then and Maria 
knew she couldn't refuse this woman.

"How do we get him to the pool house?"

Scully and Mulder both smiled then.  "He can follow us, 
see the layout, then leave.   He can park around the 
corner and come back through the rear of the property.  
No one will see him."

Mulder sobered then, "Do you think the house is under 
surveillance?  Bugged?"

Scully's eyes widened again.  "Would they do that?"

"These people want us apart.  I don't know what they 
would do if . . . we can't let them know I've found you, not 
yet."

She nodded slowly.  "This is very dangerous isn't it?"

"Yes."

"For you?"

He shrugged, "As long as you don't remember anything, 
you're probably safe.  But even if you don't come back to 
me, I can't do that to your mother, or Bill."

"Why wouldn't I come back to you?"

He swallowed, "We need to get you back to the house 
before he gets there."

Maria nodded, relieved and looked around.  "We need to 
get home.

Carrie stood, but seemed reluctant to leave his presence.  
"I'll be right behind you Scully.  I'm not letting you be 
taken from me again."  For just an instant she thought he 
was going to kiss her and she wondered how she would 
react to that, but he leaned back slightly.  She turned and 
followed Maria from the library.

He followed her, but not as closely as she would have 
liked.  He obviously knew more about these things than 
she remembered, but she didn't want to lose him.  When 
he drove on past her driveway, she couldn't explain the 
empty feeling.

She pulled the car into the garage and shut the door 
behind them.  She took a deep breath and looked over at 
Maria.  "Well, I've done it now, haven't I?"

"You need to be careful Mrs. M; he's in love with you."

Carrie blinked at her, but didn't dispute the words.  She 
had felt it too.

Carrie moved through the house to the pool to wait for 
him.  She couldn't sit still, pacing between the hot tub and 
the bar.  When this strange man pushed his way through 
the bushes at the back of the property, she hurried 
toward him, and let him fold her against his body.

"It's going to be okay, Scully."

She nodded, a little embarrassed at her reaction to 
seeing him.  He saw that and took her good hand to lead 
her back to the pool, making no comment.

Once there he stopped to look around a little.  "Damn, 
Scully.  You may not want to come back with me."

"Why?"

"You don't live like this on a G-woman's salary."

"Maybe that's part of why it feels so unfamiliar."  She 
looked up at the house itself again.  "Come on in."

"Maybe I better not.  If there are any listening devices, 
they won't work as well out here.  Why don't you show 
me the pool house?"

She nodded and gave him the tour.  He was chuckling 
when it was over, "Damn Scully, I might just move out 
here and live with you.  My apartment's going to look 
awfully shabby after this."

"I bet it feels homier."

"Well, your place does.  Mine's more frat house-like."  He 
grinned.

They were interrupted when Maria came out carrying a 
tray.  "I thought you might be hungry.  What would you 
like to drink?"

"Uh, do you have iced tea?"

Maria smiled then and nodded, secretly relieved he 
hadn't asked for alcohol.  She still had to protect Mrs. M.

They sat by the pool in the gathering dusk, eating, not 
asking questions, just enjoying the company.  In a few 
minutes he noted that even with the cast on her wrist, 
she seemed able to use her right hand with no problems.

"Scully, does your wrist feel broken?"

She looked up confused, "It's not given me any problems.  
Why?"

"I don't think it's broken."

"What?"

"I don't think your wrist is broken.  Scully, let me take off 
the cast."

"What?"  She looked at him curiously.

"They've left you alone a lot for what they've done.  I 
can't believe you're not being watched somehow."

"What does that have to do with my cast?

"It's just a feeling.  Please?"

She nodded and he picked up the small knife that Maria 
had brought with the fruit.

He had just started cutting when Maria returned and saw 
him with the knife in his hand.  "No!  Get away from her!"  
She rushed to the table and Mulder backed up quickly, 
laying the knife on the table.

"Maria, Maria please.  He's not trying to hurt me.  He was 
cutting off my cast."

"Why?  Your wrist hasn't had time to heal, Senora."

"Maria," Mulder spoke quietly, "I don't think her wrist was 
ever broken.  I think we need to see why she's wearing 
that cast.  Why don't you remove it?  Then you'll know 
I'm not trying to hurt her."

Maria looked back and forth between the two, and when 
Carrie nodded, took a deep breath.  To Mulder's relief 
she picked up the knife.  There was a frown on her face, 
but she carefully began scoring the outside of the cast.

It didn't take long, and Maria finally looked up at Mulder.  
"Can you help me break it?"

He nodded and moved closer.  Between the two of them 
they gently broke through the rest of the cast and started 
to peel it back.

"Ow!"  Carrie jerked her hand.  

"What?"  Mulder stopped instantly.

"Feels like a needle."  She reached in herself and broke 
the rest of the cast away.  He saw her face pale and he 
reached for her.  "Oh my god, it's a . . . it's a catheter."

Mulder looked down at the tiny tube, dripping a solution 
from the bottle molded inside of the cast.  Then his eyes 
met hers.

"What is this?"  Her voice was shaking.
 
"I think this is part of what's keeping you from 
remembering."

"Take it out.  Mulder, take it out!"  She was starting to 
shake now at the implications of what she was seeing.  
Maria had sunk into the chair next to her, unable to 
speak.

"Just relax, Scully.  Take it easy."  He gently pulled the 
tiny tube from her arm and picked up the cast.  After a 
close examination, he looked up again.  "That's not all."  
He laid the cast back on the table and pointed to the 
electronic device along side of the implanted bottle of 
solution.

"What?"

"A homing beacon.  This is why you were given such a 
loose leash.  They would track wherever you went.  I 
don't think we've damaged it."

"Smash it.  Get rid of it!"

He moved it out of the way.  "Scully, Maria, listen to me.  
We can't damage it; we can't let them know we found it.  
I've got to get the two of you out of here, and we need to 
leave this thing here so they won't be looking for us, at 
least for awhile."

"I . . . I will need to leave as well?"  Maria looked even 
more frightened suddenly.

"I think you'd be safer."

"I . . . I can't . . . " Her eyes widened in horror.  "You're 
federales!"

"Maria."  Carrie took her hand.  "Are you here illegally?"

"How could I . . . how could I forget!"

"Maria, you've been a big help to me.  You called me, 
you told me where to find Scully.  I can help you now.  
You'll be legal very shortly.  We've got to get you away 
from here.  Get both of you away from here.  You believe 
me now, don't you?"  Mulder's look encompassed both of 
the women.

Carrie nodded, "Maria?"

"Mrs. M - "

"My name is Scully, Maria.  I want you to come to DC 
with us.  You're the only friend I've had."

"Scully."  Maria nodded, then turned to Mulder.  "What do 
we have to do?"

Mulder smiled then and Scully saw his shoulders relax.  
"Okay.  I have a flight back to DC in the morning.  I want 
you to take that flight, Maria."

"How will you and M . . . Scully get home?"

"It's better if you not know.  I'll have my friends meet you 
at the airport.  They'll keep you safe."  He chuckled, "And 
make you legal before you know it."

"You need to pack, Maria.  Come with me.  Mulder, why 
don't you get settled in the pool house?"

Maria followed Scully into her bedroom.  "My things are in 
my room."

"We wear the same size.  I want you to pick out 
everything you need and want from in here.  Use this 
suitcase."

"I can't take your things."

"They're not my things.  They're part of this charade to 
make me think I'm someone I'm not.  I want you to help 
yourself.  Personally, I think this would look fabulous on 
you."  She held up an outfit and watched the smile grow 
on Maria's face.

Once Scully had convinced Maria to take a great deal 
more than she had ever considered, Scully herself began 
packing.  She turned suddenly, "Maria, we're going to 
need some cash.  What did Mike leave in the way of 
household money?"

"Oh, so much money!  There is over $1,000 in the kitchen 
desk drawer in case of emergency.  He showed me, but I 
have used less than $50."

"I'm sure you've been very responsible.  I wonder if he's 
stashed any more anywhere in the house?  Why don't 
you bring me what you know about while I pack, and then 
we'll look around for more."

Maria smiled then, "You are not anything like what I 
expected to work for when I came here.  I think maybe 
your hus . . . Mr. Madison hired me because I was illegal 
and wouldn't contact anyone.  He underestimated you."

"Thank you."  Scully felt unexpected tears in her eyes.  
Maria gave her a quick hug.

"Now Scully, you pack the rest of these beautiful clothes 
and I'll go look for money."

Scully turned back to the closet.  Maria was right, they 
needed to get their act together.

Very quickly Maria was back with an envelope.  "Mrs . . 
.Scully, I just remembered, the cleaning crew comes 
tomorrow."

Scully's eyes grew wide.  "We need to tell . . . " Maria 
nodded and they both moved toward the glass doors to 
the pool.

He moved quickly toward Scully at the look of panic on 
her face.  "What?  Is he coming home?"

"No, nothing like that.  The cleaning crew comes once a 
week.  They'll be here tomorrow."

"That could be good.  What time do they get here?"

"They were here at 7:30 last time.  You were still in the 
hospital."  Maria turned to Scully.

"Okay.  My flight's scheduled at 10 a.m.  You'll be here to 
let them in, then around 8:30, call for a cab and have 
them take you to the same shopping center, where we 
met.  Dismiss the cab and I'll take you to the airport.  We 
need to put your things in the car tonight."

Maria nodded, "Oh, the money."  She handed the 
envelope to Scully.

"My god, there's nearly $1500 here."  Scully looked up at 
Maria.   
"This was the household account?"

"Yes ma'am.  I haven't looked anywhere else."

Mulder looked up from the envelope.  "Scully, it's not 
going to be like this when you get home."  

She grinned at him and his heart clutched.  She was so 
beautiful and he'd found her, safe.

"You, uh, you're going to want to keep these people away 
from your closet.  We'll have to fix the cast so it looks 
undamaged, too.  Do you have a scarf you can use as a 
sling?"

"I have enough scarves to outline a small country. Maria 
and I will fix up something.  We'll look for more cash too."

"The more the better, we don't want to use any credit 
cards.  Let me know when I can take your things down to 
the car Maria."

She nodded and the two women returned to the house.  
Scully looked back once, feeling his eyes on her and 
gave him a shy smile.

They found another $1200 in various places around the 
house.  Scully insisted that Maria take the $1200.  Scully 
was convinced that she'd never get to sleep that night, 
but her eyes closed as soon as she lay down, as though 
she felt safe for the first time since she'd awakened in the 
hospital.

She was up at six the next morning.  She showered and 
dressed, then she and Maria fixed the cast and Maria tied 
one her scarves around her neck to hold everything in 
place.

When the crew arrived, Maria let them in.  Scully was 
'working' in her closet, making piles of used clothing to 
give to Goodwill, so the lady cleaned the bathroom then 
moved on to the bedroom.  Scully kept a close eye to 
make sure they stayed away from her depleted closet.

It was strange when the taxi arrived to take Maria.  
Neither woman dared show emotion.  Maria was only 
supposed to be going to the store, but they did squeeze 
hands, and Scully whispered one last reassurance that 
Mulder's friends would look after her.

Scully felt truly alone once the cab pulled out of the 
driveway.  Mulder had slipped out the back before 
anyone arrived, and she was stunned at how deeply she 
felt the lack of him.  That was absurd, for all intents and 
purposes, she had just met him last night.  But even with 
no memories, she knew that wasn't true.

After the crew left, she stepped outside.  Almost 
immediately Mulder appeared at the far side of the pool.  
She was moving toward him before she even realized it.

He held her close, and if she was a little disappointed 
that he didn't kiss her, she put it down to making her feel 
comfortable.

"Ready to go?"

"Yes.  Maria talked to Mike before she left.  Did she tell 
you?"

"No, she was pretty nervous."  Mulder admitted.

Scully nodded, 'She was okay, wasn't she?"

"I think it helped when she changed at the airport.  She 
seemed to put on sophistication with the clothes.  She'll 
be okay, and the guys will take good care of her, I 
promise."

Scully smiled.  "Anyway, she told Mike I was in the tub.  I 
tried to call him back, when I knew he'd be in his 
meeting."  She shrugged, "I didn't want to talk to him."

"You'll have to check the machine remotely very often.  If 
he comes back early . . . "

"I know.  Where do you think we should put the cast?"

"The bedroom, under the bed where no one will see it 
when they walk in the room.  They'll find it, but hopefully 
we'll be out of reach by then.  You sure you don't mind 
using your cash?"

"It's not mine.  Using it to get away seems right."

He nodded and headed for the pool house to pick up her 
luggage.  She moved through the house, turning on 
lights, locking up and positioning the cast in the center of 
space under her bed.  Mike would have trouble reaching 
it - he'd never fit under the bed.

When she was sure everything was ready, she picked up 
the phone and dialed Mike's New York number.  "Mike, 
hi.  I'm sorry I missed you earlier."

"Maria said you were bathing."

"Yes, I can't go in the pool with this cast, and I just 
wanted to feel weightless for a little while.  When are you 
coming home?"

"Hopefully tomorrow night, but it will probably be late.  
You might be asleep.  Mine if I wake you?"

"Uh, no.  I think that would be a good idea.  It's . . . it's 
time."  She kept her voice steady, but Mulder was 
watching her closely.  "Yeah, okay.  Be careful.  Yeah, 
me too."  She broke the connection and closed her eyes.  
Mulder took the receiver from her hand and replaced it.

"You okay?"

She nodded and after a moment opened her eyes and 
looked at him.  "He'll be home late tomorrow.  He's 
looking forward to us being . . . together."

"Looks like you got out just in time."

"I didn't want to sleep with him; the thoughts of sleeping 
with him were actually frightening."  She looked up, "I 
guess I . . . it's a good thing my real lover showed up in 
time."

"Scully, we, uh, we haven't ever actually been lovers."

"But you said . . . never?"

He shook his head.

"Are you gay?"

"No!"  

She pulled back slightly at his vehemence.  "Am I?"

"No."

"I don't . . . "

"We've just been taking it slow."

"You said we've been together for seven years."

"Damn slow."

His mournful look startled a laugh out of her and he gave 
her a half grin.  "So if I were to make a move on you 
tonight . . . "

"I'd have to fight you off."

"Why?"

He grew serious then, "Because when we do get 
together, I want you to know who I am."

"When?  Not if?"

"Yeah, when."

She nodded then and turned toward the small bathroom.  
Once she shut the door, he sank onto the bed.  If she 
made a move on him tonight . . . 

*****

False Scripts -  3/3


She was more aware now, as though she'd been in a 
daze since waking up in the hospital.  The chemicals 
were wearing off, possibly gone by now.  They were in 
Texas and Mulder hadn't seen anyone following them.  
She was able to watch now too, but she was 
disappointed that her memories still had not returned.

She looked up as he came from the bathroom, ready for 
bed.  "Your choice of movies is pretty limited tonight."

He sighed, "Not another chick flick."

Her eyebrow rose and he couldn't suppress his grin at 
the familiar gesture.  Surely she'd remember him soon.  
That would be good, wouldn't it?

"Watch whatever you want, Mulder.  I'm going on to 
sleep."

"The TV won't keep you awake?"

"Not tonight."  She yawned and snuggled down into the 
bed.

"You're okay?"

"Um, yeah.  Just sleepy."

"Think it's the medication?"

"It could be."  She yawned again, then looked up at him.  
"I feel okay, really."

"You'll tell me, if you don't?"

"I promise Mulder."  She smiled at him and her eyes 
drifted close.

She'd been right, there was nothing on TV.  He finally 
turned it off, then flipped off the light and slipped down 
into the sheets.  Her even breathing was relaxing and 
stimulating at the same time.  They had never spent this 
kind of time together before and to his mild surprise, 
living with her had been good, even fun.  Maybe when 
she remembered what a jerk he was that would change, 
but for now, hopefully, he could make points with her.

He was finally starting to drift off when he felt her tense 
up.  Her breathing grew rapid and she stirred in her bed.  
He rose from his own bed and took the step to take him 
to hers.  "Scully?"

She wasn't crying out, just restless and . . . and maybe 
scared.  "Scully, wake up."

"Mulder!"  She jerked awake to find him leaning over her 
and relaxed back against the pillows.

"Bad dream?"

"Well, strange anyway."  She scooted over to give him 
room to sit beside her.

"Tell me."

"I think I was Snow White."  She gave him a half smile.

"A bunch of little men vying for your attention?  I've told 
you too much about Frohike."

She laughed then and relaxed another notch.  "No, I 
wasn't dreaming about dwarfs.  I was in a glass coffin, 
but it was standing up instead of lying down and it was so 
cold."  She felt him stiffen beside her.

"Mulder?"

He sighed, "That wasn't a dream.  It was a resurfacing 
memory."

"A memory?  I was in a glass coffin?"

He sighed and leaned back against the headboard, 
pulling her close to him.  He didn't have on a t-shirt, but 
she was fully covered in her pajamas and besides, she 
didn't seem to mind like his old Scully would have.

"Scully, this isn't the first time they've taken you from me.  
In fact, I'm beginning to lose count.  If I had known how 
good you had it in LA, and your mother wasn't so 
worried, I might have tried to let you go this time."

"Mulder?"

"No, I'm kidding.  I can't let you go."  He cleared his throat 
and looked away.  "You were infected with a virus and 
taken to a facility in the Antarctic.  I found you there, in a 
glass . . . okay coffin fits, with tubes and instruments 
sticking out of you.  I gave you an injection that killed the 
virus and then we had to escape."

"Didn't Prince Charming just open up the coffin and give 
her a kiss?"

"I was afraid you'd slap me if I tried that."  

She gave him a small smile and shook her head.  "I have 
a lot to remember, don't I?"

He nodded, afraid to speak.  After a minute he started to 
rise, "Maybe you can sleep now."

"Could you stay here?"

"Uh, Scully, I'm not - "  

"I won't hurt you.  Just . . . just be close for a little while?"

"Yeah, sure."  I can do that, it's Scully and if she needs . . 
. He reclined in the bed and settled her against him.  

"You'll keep the boogey man away?"

"I'll try."  He said it lightly, but in his mind was wondering 
if he was the boogey man in her case.

She was quiet so long he thought she'd drift back off, 
then she spoke, "Mulder, tell me a story."

"A story?"  He gave a nervous laugh.

"Yes.  Tell me how we met."

He hesitated for a moment, then, "You were a gift."

"What?  Did I pop out of a cake?"

He chuckled then, "No.  You were assigned to me.  
Actually you were assigned to spy on me and shut me 
down."

"Excuse me?"  She looked up to see his face, but he 
pressed her back into the crook of his shoulder.

"It was the biggest mistake they ever made.  They didn't 
count on your intelligence or your integrity.  You made 
the work legitimate."

"I did?"

"Yes.  You didn't let me get away with anything.  You 
documented and substantiated and sucked every clue 
dry.  I really had to work for it, but that was good.  I could 
make the crazy leaps and you could - and sometimes 
couldn't - prove what happened.  But they had to listen to 
you.  They hated it, but you proved it."

"You make it sound like 'they' are in the FBI too."

"It's a big conspiracy."

"Are you serious?"  She felt him nod, but he didn't speak.  
She snuggled up to him, her hand resting on his chest 
and he closed his eyes.  This was a bad idea.

"Mulder, how many times have they taken me?"

"Don't.  Scully, please."

"Maybe it doesn't matter.  Apparently you always find 
me."

He took a deep breath, and felt her hand move against 
his skin.  "But this was the last time."

"You . . . you're not going to look for me anymore?"

"There's not going to be a need.  I'm not giving them a 
reason to take you again."

"How's that?"

"When we get back to DC, you're transferring away from 
me."

Her hand gripped his chest for an instant.  "You don't 
want me?  Mulder, my memories might still come back."

"That's not necessarily a good thing Scully."

She pulled away from him then and he instinctively pulled 
her back, then realized what he had done and released 
her.  "Sorry."

"Are you?"

"Scully - "

"It's okay.  I shouldn't have thrown myself at you.  Why 
don't you go on back to your bed."

He swallowed and after looking at her for a long moment, 
rose from the bed.  "I'm sorry Scully."

She nodded and rolled over, her back toward him.  He 
closed his eyes, pain overtaking him.  He crawled back 
into his own bed and lay there.  He lay there all night, 
eyes closed but nowhere near sleep.  He wasn't sure she 
got much sleep either, but they didn't speak again that 
night.

At dawn, he finally rose from the bed and headed for the 
shower.  She had made a pot of coffee when he 
emerged, dressed.  She took her own cup into the 
bathroom, moving around him silently.

He sank into the chair, defeated.  Maybe it would have 
been better if he hadn't found her.  No!  He shook his 
head, they had her, they'd taken her again.  The man 
she'd thought was her husband was part of the 
conspiracy.  He'd have raped her - eventually.  No man 
was going to hurt her, not if he could prevent it.

He crushed the styrofoam cup in his hand, the rest of his 
coffee scalding his hand and spilling on the table.  He 
leapt to his feet, shaking the hot liquid from his hand, 
stifling an oath.  Okay, she was in the shower; he could 
slip in and pour cold water on this hand.  She hadn't 
locked the door, so he opened it cautiously.  Yeah, the 
shower curtain was drawn.  He moved toward the sink 
and turned on the cold water.

Dumb move.  The water in the shower turned scalding 
and Scully jerked the shower curtain open and jumped 
from the tub.  Mulder looked up into the mirror and saw 
her nude body.

He turned quickly.  "Scully, I'm sorry!  I . . . I burnt my 
hand, and . . . "

Mulder realized that neither of them had reached for a 
towel to cover her.  She just stood there staring at him.  
His eyes dropped and he moved out of the bathroom.  
She still hadn't spoken.

He sank down onto his bed and closed his eyes.  Bad 
idea, her nude, wet body was before him.  He heard the 
bathroom door open and turned toward her.  She was 
dressed, her hair slicked back.

"Scully, I'm sorry."

"You've never seen me nude before?"

"It's not . . . that's not it."

"So you have seen me nude before."

"Yes, in the Antarctic."

"In my glass coffin."

"Scully, they'll never stop coming after you if you stay 
with me.  Bill was right."

"Bill?  My brother?"

Mulder nodded.  "He came to see me when he found out 
you were gone.  He explained things, very succinctly."

"What did he say?"

"It was more of a right to the jaw.  I thought he'd broken it 
for a minute."

"He hit you?"

Mulder shrugged.  She sank into the chair he'd vacated 
when he'd spilt the coffee.  "I need to remember."

"We should get going."

Scully nodded wearily and pushed herself out of the 
chair.  He started to speak again, but stopped.  What 
could he say?  Instead he picked up his suitcase and 
followed her out to the car.

The ride was made in tense silence but he didn't know 
how to repair it.  He'd hurt her and she didn't even know 
why.  Finally he did speak, though he didn't look at her.  
"How about some breakfast?"

"I'm not hungry.  You can get some if you want."

"I'm . . . I'm not really hungry either."  Silence descended 
again.  Twice he reached for the radio, but stopped 
himself.  Mostly he kept slowing down to compensate for 
his foot growing heavier with the tension.

Finally he pulled off of the highway and into a fast food 
place.

"Why are we . . . " Then she stopped, whatever he 
wanted.

"We didn't have breakfast, we should eat something."

She hesitated for a moment, "Just get me a salad."

He rolled his eyes, but did as she bade and ordered 
himself the triple burger with large fries.

He pulled back out onto the highway after unwrapping his 
food.  They ate in silence; well he did, she picked at the 
salad in the little plastic box but he couldn't see that any 
of it was missing.  Then he watched her close the box 
and look out the window again.

He crumpled up the paper from his meal and forced 
himself to look forward, she didn't want him looking at 
her.  

He actually kept himself from looking over toward her for 
almost five minutes.  When he did, he spotted a tear 
escape her eye.  She brushed it away and didn't seem to 
notice him.

That made up his mind, he pulled over at the next motel 
they came to.  She grabbed the armrest as he made his 
abrupt turn and looked over at him.

"What are you doing?"

"We've traveled far enough today."

"What are you talking about?  It's barely lunch time."

"I didn't get much sleep last night, I don't think you did 
either.  Let's just write this day off."

She didn't say anything, so he pulled into the parking lot 
and got out.  He came back shortly with a key, and she 
got out as well.  She lifted her suitcase out when he 
opened the trunk and waited to follow him to a room.

His heart sank at her distance, but he didn't have a clue 
how to fix it.

She placed her suitcase beside the nearest bed, then 
headed for the bathroom.  When she emerged she 
moved toward the bed she had chosen and sank down 
on it.  "So, what, we nap?"

"Well, yeah.  Maybe we'll feel better."

"I feel fine."

His eyes closed at those words and she saw his 
shoulders slump.  She felt a frisson of guilt but didn't say 
anything, turning away from him and reclining on the bed.

She heard him take over the bathroom and his 
bedsprings squeak as he stretched out.

He had been right about her not sleeping last night.  She 
closed her eyes and let herself drift off.

It took him longer, though he was dead tired.  Her even 
breathing finally lulled him off.

When she screamed his name, he came awake instantly 
and was moving toward her as she reached for him.  He 
held her tightly as she fought her way back to 
consciousness.

"Scully, Scully wake up.  It's just a dream.  Come on, 
Mulder's here."  He brushed the hair from her face and 
kissed her forehead.

"Mu . . . Mulder?"  She was clutching at him, still shaking 
from whatever had disturbed her sleep.

"It was just a dream, Scully.  You're okay.  Can you tell 
me what happened?"  

Her grip tightened.  "It . . . there was a drill.  It was 
coming toward my . . . my stomach.  I couldn't move, 
something was holding me in place.  Is that . . . is that a 
memory too?"

He caressed her hair and she burrowed into his neck.  "It 
might be.  The first time . . . the first time they took you, 
there were tests."

"Tests?"

"Scully, why don't you try to sleep now."

She pulled away from him then.  

"Scully, no.  Please let me hold you.  Just try to sleep for 
a little while and . . . and I promise when you wake up, 
when you wake up I'll tell you everything.  Then, if you 
want I'll find you some other way home."

"Other way?"

"You might not want me around.  Hell, you probably won't 
want me around.  So for now, let me hold you.  Just try to 
sleep."

"You'll tell me everything?"

He nodded but the look on his face almost brought tears 
to her eyes.  He turned her away from him and spooned 
around her.  She wanted to ask more questions, but he 
was in no shape to answer any.

She pressed herself back into his chest and his arms 
tightened involuntarily around her.  Even knowing how 
upset he was, she felt safer just being this close to him.

Maria had said he loved her.  She hadn't had the nerve to 
bring that up, but she could feel it in the way he was 
holding her now.

She found herself relaxing back into sleep and he felt her 
give in to it.  He pressed his lips into her hair as though 
telling her goodbye, then allowed his own eyes to close 
again.

When he woke several hours later, she had turned in his 
arms and was watching him sleep, but had made no 
move away from him.

"Uh, Scully."

"You seemed to sleep well."

"I did.  You must have too, I didn't hear any more 
screams."

Her face colored slightly, but she smiled.  "I had . . . good 
dreams."

He looked at her slightly startled.  "Good, huh?"

"You said you'd talk to me."

"Yeah, I did."  He moved slightly away from her.

"Mulder, please.  I need to know."

"You do.  I know."  He seemed to be memorizing her 
face.

"Mulder?"

"I'm going to miss you."

"You were the one that wanted me gone."

He sighed, "You want to hear the whole thing."

"Whatever you can remember."  She tried to smile at that.

"I've never forgotten a moment I've spent with you."

Her smile faded at that.  "Maria said . . . nothing, go 
ahead, tell me my life story."

*****

She was still on the bed, propped up against the 
headboard.  Mulder was sprawled across the foot of the 
bed.  He was slightly hoarse; he'd been talking for over 
two hours, practically non-stop.  

She had cried at times, her look of disbelief at others had 
stabbed at him, but he continued.  At least she knew the 
truth now, and she'd understand why she needed to be 
away from him.

He ran down finally and shrugged.  "Want me to call you 
a cab?"

She ignored the attempt at humor.

"Why me?  If all of this is true, why me?"

"It started out, the first abduction, to punish me.  They 
had separated us, tried to keep us from working together 
so that the work would go back to what it had been 
before you.  But I wouldn't let you go.  I . . . I kept calling 
you for help with information or to get your input.  Maybe 
if I had left you out of things . . . I didn't."  He shrugged.  

"I was told you were returned as a . . . as a kind of 
reward.  The problem was that, while you were gone, 
they used you.  You became part of the conspiracy.  
They put the implant in you, they harvested your ova, 
then when the cancer nearly killed you, you used the 
second implant."  He sighed. 

"Mulder, why do you think that leaving you would keep 
me safe now?"

He blinked at that, "Well . . . "

"It sounds to me like these 'people' whoever they are, are 
after me.  At this point it doesn't seem to matter how it 
started, what's important is that you care enough about 
me to try to protect me."

He sat up then and stared at her.  She laughed a little 
nervously, "Am I missing something?"   

"You . . . you always come at me from a direction I don't 
see coming."

"Is that good?"

He sighed, "Yeah, that's good."

"But you don't want me for a partner, even if all of my 
memories do return?"

He shook his head.

Her face fell.  "I see.  Maybe you should call me that 
cab."

"That's not  . . . I need to think about what you said.  I 
need . . . I want to finish this trip together.  You're, damn 
it Scully, you're important, you're fucking essential to 
me."

"Essential?"

He nodded.  "I think that's the reason Maria was watching 
me so closely.  She . . . she picked up on - "

"She told me you were in love with me."

That rendered him speechless for a moment.  "How did 
she . . . how did she know?"

"I think she heard it in your voice."

"Maybe we should get separate rooms the rest of the 
trip."

"Why?"

He closed his eyes then; "You're killing me here."

"Sounds like it's your turn to be tortured."

His eyes flew open then, to see the grin on her face.  
"You're evil."

She gave him a sly smile and watched his eyes dilate; 
though she didn't comment on it.  When she started to 
rise from the bed, his hand shot out to touch her leg.

"What?"

"Mulder, we've had our nap, and our talk, there's still time 
to put some more miles behind us."

He shook his head; "We deserve a day off.  What would 
you like to do?"

"You mean, just hang out?"

"Don't we deserve it?  We could go to the movies or . . . "

"We see movies every night.  What about a picnic, 
outside, not in the car."

A smile grew on his face.  "Yeah, that's a great idea."

She sat enjoying his smile, knowing instinctively that 
such a smile was rare.

They found a park and ate chicken and potato salad on a 
blanket, then sat talking of inconsequential things until 
dusk brought the bugs out.  It was the most enjoyable 
day he could remember.  If she did leave him, at least he 
had this to hold on to.  It was better than old times, there 
was no trace of the ice queen in her, she was loving and 
sexy and warm.  It was killing him.

When they made their way back to the motel room she 
seemed relaxed and completely comfortable with him.  
He, however, felt like he was the one who hadn't read the 
script.  For now they were partners, and he had to hold 
onto that.  Yes, she had thrown a wrench into his thinking 
with her comment.  Would they leave her alone if she 
weren't with him now?  Or had she become the focus 
because of all the tests?  Would she be safer with him or 
without him?

Her hand on his arm startled him.  "Mulder?  What are 
you thinking?"

He shook his head.  She sighed, "Okay, I feel like I have 
grass in my hair, I'm going to take a quick shower."  Her 
hand trailed down his arm and she moved away from 
him.  He had the strongest urge to pull her back to him 
but curbed it.

He heard the water cut on and that caused him to come 
back to the present.  He slipped off his shoes and pulled 
the t-shirt over his head.  He pulled his suitcase onto his 
bed and opened it.

He hadn't realized the shower had cut off, but he heard 
the bathroom door open and turned toward it.  Scully 
stood in front of him, clad only in a towel.

"Scully?"

"You said 'when' we do this you wanted me to know who 
you are.  I know you now.  You're the man in my life; 
you're the man I've spent the last seven years with, the 
man that's gone through hell and back with me, and for 
me, several times.  Mulder, make love with me."

His eyes were wide and for a second there, he wasn't 
sure he even remembered how.

"Scully, I - " His voice cut off as the towel dropped to the 
floor.

"You said you'd seen me nude before."  She stepped 
closer to him.  She noted the change in his breathing and 
the fact that his eyes were now totally green.  Her hand 
rested lightly on his bare chest and he shuddered.

She glanced down and bit her lips at his obvious arousal.

"Mulder, do you want me?"

"Oh god."  It was a groan.

"I want you Mulder, I need you."

He pulled her against him then and whatever he 
murmured into her hair was lost.  He moved them toward 
her bed and lay her down gently, stretching out beside 
her.

His hands were caressing her, exploring her, but his eyes 
never left her face as though waiting for her to pull back 
this undeserved prize.

"Mulder, I'm not going anywhere."

"I want to believe."

"You can, Mulder.  I'm right here."  Her hands pulled his 
face down to her and she captured his lips with her own.

What little resistance he had imagined he still had was 
gone.  He was tasting her, his Scully and she wanted 
him, she'd instigated this.

He could feel her hands at his waistband and shifted to 
give her full access.  She smiled her thanks and his jeans 
landed by the bed, followed immediately by his boxers.

"Scully -  "

"Don't you dare ask me if I'm sure."

His eyes smiled at that, his lips too busy.

*****

He collapsed partially atop her.  Never, he had never 
experienced anything like this, like her.  Seven years of 
foreplay had honed his senses, and apparently she liked 
what he had learned.  She was still quivering against him 
from her last orgasm, too spent to do more than clutch at 
his chest.

He managed to pull the covers up over them and pull her 
tight against him as they both drifted into oblivion.  

He was aware when she stirred against him.  "Scully?"

"Mulder, I . . . " Her hand came up to her head.

He sat up then, "Scully?  Are you . . . Scully what's 
wrong?"

"My head."

"You're . . . you're supposed to say that before - " Her 
moan wiped all traces of mirth from his body.

She was clutching at her head now with both hands, her 
eyes tightly closed.

"Okay, Scully, I'm taking you to the emergency room.  
Can you hear me?"  He took the small motion of her head 
as a nod and was out of bed, yanking on his jeans.  He 
pulled on his discarded t-shirt and tossed her clothes 
aside to find her robe.  He wrapped her in it and had her 
in his arms.

They'd passed a hospital while looking for the park this 
afternoon.  He lay her gently in the backseat and took off 
for it.

Her moans grew weaker as they got closer and his speed 
increased.  He more stopped the car than parked, but he 
didn't care.  He had her in his arms again and raced 
inside.  "I need some help!  Her head, a migraine or a 
stroke or something - "

They had her on a gurney and moved her into a cubicle 
quickly.  The nurse tried to lead him to the desk.  "I have 
to be with her."

"Let them examine her, you can't do anything right now 
and you don't want to get in their way."

He glanced toward the cubicle and while she knew he 
wasn't convinced, he managed to stay where he stood.  

"Sir, do you think you could fill out these forms?  Just to 
keep busy until they call you in."

She was trying to be nice and sensitive, so he pulled out 
the ID that the guys had sent them to see if they had 
thought to give them insurance.  They had, and he began 
filling out the paperwork, glancing over at the curtain 
every couple of moments.

He was on his feet when he saw some additional 
equipment rolled into her area.  

"Sir!  Please."  But she couldn't catch him.  He was in the 
cubicle in seconds and the doctors looked up.

"We need you to wait outside sir."

"What are you doing?"

The man closest to her head looked over at a younger 
man.  The younger man nodded and put his hand on 
Mulder's shoulder.

"Please, tell me what you're doing to her."

"Yes sir, let's just step out here, out of the way."  Mulder 
took a long look at her lying on the gurney.  There was an 
IV now and oxygen.  

He followed the man finally, after another tug on his arm.  
"Are you a doctor?"

"Intern.  You've got the chief resident in there looking at 
her now.  The piece of equipment that was just brought in 
is a portable CAT scan.  We need to rule out a stroke or 
an aneurysm.  With her vitals, that doesn't seem to be 
the problem, but we can't take any chances."

Mulder nodded.  "When can I see her?"

"Give us a little more time."

"Is she awake?"

"No, she was unconscious when I arrived."

"She was in a lot of pain."

The intern nodded.  "What else?  We need to know 
everything we can about her medical history and what 
was happening just before this episode."

"We, uh, we were in bed.  We . . . she was fine.  We're on 
vacation and we had spent the day resting, we had a 
picnic at a park near here.  We ate the same thing."

Mulder could see the young man thinking.  "No history of 
migraines?"

"No, never.  She, uh . . . " His face went dead white and 
the intern grabbed his arm.

"Sir?  Are you okay?"

"She had . . . she had cancer.  She's been in remission 
for a couple of years."

"Where, what kind of cancer?"

"It was a . . . a nasopharyngeal mass."

"It went into remission?"  He sounded more than a little 
surprised.  The intern looked toward the cubicle.  "I need 
to give this information to the doctor in charge.  Please, 
just have a seat.  I promise you that as soon as we know 
anything, we'll talk to you.  Just stay here, where we can 
find you.  Okay?"  The anguish in this man's eyes was 
impossible for the young doctor to miss and he found his 
hand on the man's shoulder again.  He squeezed it 
reassuringly and turned back to the patient.

Mulder lost all track of time, staring at the curtains that 
hid her from his view.  When they did finally move aside, 
it took him a moment to react, not quite believing it.

Then he was on his feet, moving toward them.  "Mr. 
Hale."  The older of the two doctors extended his hand to 
shake.  "Why don't we step over here?"

"She's not . . . she's - "

"She's unconscious, but her vitals are steady.  We're 
going to admit her and keep a close eye on her."

"Is it the cancer?"

"We haven't been able to find any evidence of it with the 
tests we've run so far.  That's one of the reasons we 
want to keep her here.  There are other tests that we'd 
like to run.  I've called our chief neurologist and he's on 
his way.  As soon as we get her settled in a room, you 
can see her."

He nodded.  His relief that she was still alive had taken 
his voice.  He saw her being wheeled from the area and 
followed immediately.  He watched them settle her into a 
bed on the third floor and sank into the chair at her side.

He didn't move away from her side until an older man 
came in with the two doctors he had met in the ER.  "Mr. 
Hale, this is Dr. Weston, he's head of neurology."

Mulder shook his hand.  "She hasn't woken up."

"Mr. Hale, I know how concerned you are, but if you 
could just give me a little time with my patient, I hope to 
have some answers for you."

Mulder looked over at the intern, who nodded.  He took a 
deep breath and stepped into the hall.

About twenty minutes later, the door opened.  Mulder's 
pacing took him back to the room in two steps.  "Dr. 
Weston?"

"You go on back in son.  We're going to analyze this 
information and get back to you as soon as possible."

"Don't you know anything now?"  Mulder hated this 
helpless feeling.

"She has not had a stoke; she does not have an 
aneurysm.  She has slipped into a coma and we are 
attempting to determine the cause.  Have you thought of 
anything else?"

The medication she'd been on - he needed to call the 
guys, see if they had analyzed the substance that Maria 
had taken to them.

"A coma?"

"That's not necessarily a bad thing right now, Mr. Hale.  If 
you'll excuse me."  He nodded once more to Mulder and 
moved toward the elevator.  Without another word, he 
returned to her side and took her hand in his.

*****

The medication from her cast did not raise any red flags 
with the doctors here, although they were curious as to 
why such medication had been prescribed.  He didn't 
even attempt to give an explanation for it, stating only 
that he hadn't been aware she was taking it until a few 
days ago.  That much was true.  

That they could find no trace of the cancer had been 
tremendously good news.  The fact that the coma 
continued kept him from fully enjoying it though.  He had 
barely left her side, only to grab a quick bite and stretch 
his legs.  He hadn't told the guys what was going on, just 
getting what information they could give him.  He knew 
that Maria had arrived safely, but he'd gotten off the 
phone quickly.

He jerked awake in the chair next to her bed, knowing 
instantly where he was.  He stood to work the kinks out of 
his neck and back.  He couldn't get any rest; he dozed 
occasionally, but it brought him no relief.

He didn't mean to, but the memories of their . . . he 
groaned.  One night, they had finally truly become lovers 
in every sense of the word and it had caused this.  She'd 
slipped away from him, if not physically, then at least 
mentally.  Once again her life was threatened and it was 
his fault.  

He could have resisted her.  He should have resisted her.  
He had for years, the pull of her was always there but 
he'd handled it.  Then she'd seemed to want him and it 
had thrown him into a space he had never seen coming.

Well, this settled it.  If she . . . if she lived, she was going 
to transfer out, if he had anything to do with it, she'd 
leave the Bureau.  He was not going to allow her to stay.  
Her argument that they were after her now was flawed.  
He hadn't taken the time to analyze it completely, but if 
she was away from him she'd be safer and he was going 
to give her that.

He stood over the bed then, and took her hand into his.  
"Scully, I know you can hear me.  I'm not sure what's 
happening to you, but I know it's because we're together.  
So listen to me, I'm setting you free.  I won't work with 
you anymore; I want you to go back to medicine.  I'm 
sure as soon as I'm out of your life your memories will all 
return.  Like I said before, when you do remember you 
won't want to be with me anyway, so I'm just saving you 
a little time.  You're out, out of the X-Files, out of the 
Bureau . . . out of my life.  Your . . . Bill will be so thrilled 
you won't have any time to miss me."  

He let his finger trail down the side of her face.  The rest 
of his life looked very dark and bleak, but he couldn't let 
this happen to her again.  He'd never forget their one 
night together; it would have to get him through however 
long he was forced to live.

"Come on, you need to wake up Scully, so that I can turn 
you over to your family and . . . and disappear."

His eyes were jolted from her face when the alarms went 
off.  The heart monitor behind her went flat line and he 
heard a commotion in the hall.

The trauma team burst in with a cart and Mulder was 
moved, politely but firmly toward the door.  A demand 
from the nurse drew the attention of the man trying to get 
him out and he was able to evade him and move into the 
far corner.

His own body jerked as they sent electricity through her 
chest.  The thin green line was still flat and his fear was 
beginning to overcome him.  He could hear the orders 
they were shouting, but he didn't fully understand them.

"We're losing her!"

Those words he understood.  They shocked her yet 
again and he cried out her name.  Several members of 
the team turned at the pain in his voice.  "I've got a 
pulse!"

Mulder had to grab hold of the chair to stay on his feet.  
"Scully."  He whispered it this time.  This was the woman 
he had just told to get out of his life?  Oh yeah, he could 
live with that.

Some of the team were moving out now.  One of them 
turned to the other, "What did he yell?  It sounded like 
'scully'.  Isn't her name Lora?"

The second woman shrugged.  "Whatever it was, I 
thought we were going to be measuring her for a coffin."

Mulder closed his eyes at those words.  

"Mr. Hale?  Your wife seems to be stable now.  We'll 
keep a very close eye of her.  Why don't you go get some 
coffee, or something to eat?"

"No.  I'm not leaving her.  Thank you anyway."  His eyes 
were riveted on her face again and after a moment, the 
two remaining nurses looked at each other, then left him 
alone with her.

Measure her for a coffin.  The nurses thought . . . she'd 
dreamed she was in a glass coffin.  What was it she had 
said, 'Didn't Prince Charming just open up the coffin and 
give her a kiss?'

He found himself leaning over her, his lips pressing into 
hers.  "Scully."

He couldn't even move as her eyes flickered and opened 
for an instant.  "Mulder."  She breathed, then relaxed, 
after finding his hand and taking hold of it.

He pressed the call button with his free hand and a nurse 
appeared almost immediately.  "She's . . . she's waking 
up.  You need to find Dr. Weston."

The nurse looked down at her, at the grip she now had 
on his hand, and nodded.

Again he refused to leave, but stayed in the far corner of 
the room as they examined her.  Dr. Weston spoke with 
her briefly and promised to check back in a little while, 
when she was more awake.

She looked over at Mulder when they were alone again.  
"Did he call me Lora?"

"Yes, Lora Hale, that's how you're listed here.  Rest 
now."

"What happened, Mulder?  Why am I in the hospital?"

"What do you remember?"

She seemed to look inward then for a moment.  "We 
were at the motel, we'd spent the day resting, then we 
went back and . . . " her face softened just a bit, "and I 
found out what an incredible lover you are."

He blinked at that.  "You have a funny way of showing it, 
going into a coma afterward."  She heard the anguish in 
his voice, if not his words.

"Maybe I just came that hard."

He gave an ironic grin.  "Yeah, right."

"Mulder," she reached for his hand, "I remember."

"What?  What do you remember?"

"You, the X-Files, the work, us.  I woke up in your arms 
and . . . and it was all coming back.  It was too much all 
at once.  But it would have been worse if you hadn't 
warned me, if you hadn't been holding me."

His mouth fell open slightly.  "I . . . I made it . . . better?"

"Like you always do."

He couldn't even stutter at that.

"I had my dream.  You know the one, where you're in the 
hall and you have your back to me?  You turned finally.  
And . . . and you sent me away.  You said you wouldn't 
work with me any more.  You looked so . . . so distant.  
Then I was moving away from you.  Remember how hard 
it had been to move toward you, how I couldn't seem to 
make my feet move forward?  Well, when you rejected 
me I started moving away from you.  It wasn't on my own; 
I was being sucked away from you.  I had no control but I 
was fighting it, I didn't want to go."

"Scully - "

"We've just found each other Mulder.  After all these 
years, I feel like we've just begun.  I know it was a dream, 
but you moved toward me finally and . . . and you kissed 
me.  I . . . I felt like Snow White all over again."

His eyes widened, when had she gotten into his mind?  
"Scully, Scully rest now.  Dr. Weston will want to examine 
you in a little while."

She nodded, "Will you be here?"

"No where else, Scully."  

She smiled and let her eyes drift closed. 

***** 

"Mr. Hale, Mrs. Hale, I'm very pleased with your 
progress.  I just wish I had a clear idea of what 
happened."

"I'd really like to get out of here, Dr. Weston.  What if you 
copy my records so that I can give them to my regular 
doctor?  I'd also like the name of a specialist that you 
would recommend in the Chicago area.  I know I'll need 
further testing."

"I can take care of that.  I'm reluctant to release you with 
as few answers as we've found."

"If she needs to stay - " Mulder started.

"George, please.  You know we need to get home."  Her 
eyes pinned him.

"I'll get the paperwork started."

"Doctor, do you think we should fly home, get her back 
under a doctor's care as soon as possible."

"Actually, I'd prefer that she not fly.  The altitude and air 
pressure might be detrimental."

Mulder nodded slowly.

"Well, I'll see you shortly."  Dr. Weston left them alone.

"Mulder?  Do you not want to be alone with me?  Are you 
afraid I'll seduce you again?"

"Scully - "

"Well, that's what it feels like.  I think you ought to go get 
our things, check out of the motel and pick me up here.  
We can put a little distance between us and this city, just 
in case, and then you should probably put me back to 
bed."

He looked up quickly and saw the twinkle in her eye.  
She wasn't like the Scully he'd known all these years.

"I'm not sure I know you."

"Mulder, maybe the Ice Queen just needed a good - "

"Scully!" 

"What, that thought never occurred to you?  Plenty of 
other people seemed to think it."

"Other people didn't know you."

"And you did?"

"Ever since you did the strip tease in my room in 
Oregon."

Her cheeks colored slightly at that.  "You know that 
wasn't my intention that night."

"I know."  He grew serious then, "What you wanted was 
even more important to me.  You wanted reassurance, 
comfort.  No woman had ever asked me for those things 
before.  Scully, how are we going to handle this?"

"We'll figure it out, like we have everything else since we 
met."

He gave a semi-amused huff then and kissed her.  "Stay 
put.  I'll be back with our things in a little while."  He 
squeezed her hand and reluctantly left her side.

He packed quickly and returned, bringing her something 
to change into.  While she changed, he got her release 
papers and checked again with the doctor about 
removing her from the hospital.

"George."  She came up behind them and laid a hand on 
Mulder's arm.  "Let's go home."

He looked slightly abashed at being caught, and the 
doctor smiled indulgently.  "I think it's a wise precaution 
to let a doctor near your home have your records, and of 
course I'd be happy to speak to whomever you choose.  
There are several names in the file, three that I have 
consulted with previously.  I know how frightening this 
episode was for you, but I don't think the drive will be 
harmful.  Just don't push yourself."

"She won't."  Was Mulder's reply before Scully had a 
chance.

"Let's go home."  She repeated and Mulder nodded.

The nursed arrived with a wheelchair, and Scully didn't 
bother to comment that it was unnecessary.

He settled her in the car, buckling her in himself before 
getting in and starting the engine.  She shook her head at 
him, but didn't seem truly upset.  He realized she had 
smiled a lot since she'd awakened.  It was nice.  He 
pulled out into traffic, and shortly onto the highway.

She pulled out a map.  "Oklahoma?"

He shook his head, "I don't want you to ride that far 
today."

"Can't wait to get me back in bed?"

He actually blushed at that, but didn't speak, just taking 
her hand.

"You need both hands to drive."

"I like touching you."

"Both hands on the wheel, G-man."

He reluctantly let go, but when her hand came to rest on 
his upper thigh, he nearly drove into a ditch.

"God, Scully, don't -  "

"I thought you liked touching."

"Have I created a monster?"

"I tell you, the Ice Queen just needed - "

"Scully."  He took her hand and placed it in her own lap.  
"I'll drive for a couple of hours, then find a place for 
tonight."

"Only a couple of hours, okay?"

"If you think that's too much -  " 

"I guess I can wait that long."

He looked back over at her, and watched as she licked 
her lower lip.  Scully?  Okay, in order to be safe on the 
road, no looking at her and no touching.  He faced 
forward again and increased their speed.  Scully smiled.

*****

He was as good as his word, pulling into a motor court 
that looked brand new almost two hours to the minute.  
He parked near the lobby and cut the engine.  Before he 
could move, her hand was on his thigh again, even 
higher than before and she squeezed slightly.

His reaction was predicable and immediate.   "Scully."  
She smiled as the word trailed off into a groan and she 
saw his reaction.

He took several deep breaths.  "How am I supposed to 
go in there like this?"

"Good point.  I don't want the person behind the counter 
to jump you."

"It might be a man."

"Your point?"

He grinned then.  "Think you could keep your hands to 
yourself for just a little bit?"

"I could try, but I've had so many really great fantasies 
about this."

He gaped at her then.  "We may be sitting out here for 
hours."

"Don't you have a book bag or notebook or something?"

He actually laughed.

*****

He wasn't laughing now, looking at her through heavy 
eyes, sprawled bonelessly atop him, her legs wrapped 
around one of his.

"You okay Scully?"

"Anymore more okay and I'd spontaneously combust."

He grinned then, "You did seem to enjoy yourself."

"Damn Mulder, I've never come three times."

"That you remember."

"That's something I wouldn't have forgotten.  So, where 
do we go from here?"  She tightened her legs around his 
thigh.

He kissed her forehead, "Well, we could get married."

Her head jerked up, "What?"

"I guess that wasn't very romantic."

"Don't . . . that's not . .. Mulder, what about our work?"

"They don't have to know everything.  I, I guess you'd 
want to tell your mother, but there's no one for me to tell.  
Would it be a bad thing to be Mrs. Spooky for real?"

She lay her head on his chest, her cheek rubbing his 
chest hair lightly.

"Should I take that as a yes?"

She looked up again.  "You're serious."

"Deadly."

Her eyes widened.  "Mulder, you don't have to make an 
honest woman out of me."

"Why not?  You've made an honest man out of me."

He watched tears form in her eyes.  God, he'd blown it.  
What had he been thinking?

"Why do you want to marry me?"

"I . . . I want to belong to you and have you belong to 
me."

"That's already true."

"Is it?"  He was sitting up now, looking down at her.  She 
searched his face.  He was so . . . he needed her.  What 
had he said, 'fucking essential'?  Did he understand that 
it was the same for her?

She smiled then and he felt his heart clutch.  "We're both 
crazy to even consider this."  He didn't speak; he seemed 
to be holding his breath.  "Of course, that's not exactly 
new news."

"Scully?"

"We're discussing this during post-coital bliss, not always 
a good time for serious discussions."

He smiled at that.  What a Scully statement.  "Post-coital, 
yeah.  Bliss, hell yes.  For six years there's been no one 
else.  You said that last night.  It's true for me too, 
Scully."

"For six years . . . I . . . yes."  She said it simply.  "You're 
supposed to kiss me now."

The smile that broke out on his face took her breath 
away.  He followed her advice then and took possession 
of her lips.

There was a hell of a lot to work out, not the least of 
which was her family, but this felt right.  They were on the 
same page at the same time.  Yeah, this was right - no 
more false scripts.


Fin