October 1st
2:00 pm
Scully sat in the waiting room as Rachel was seeing Elise, Doctor Reynolds, for her weekly checkup. There had been an emergency at the house, the water heater breaking down, which meant Skinner had to stay home and wait for the repairman. He had called Scully in a panic, asking her to take Rachel to the appointment, which she had been happy to do.
Flipping through an outdated magazine, she smiled as she thought of coming there many times when she had been pregnant. The smell of the room was so familiar, it caused tears to prick at her eyes. Letting out a breath, she wiped her eyes as she opened them, looking back at an article about a woman who blogged her entire pregnancy, a no holds barred journal.
Laughing as she read about gas and flatulence, she remembered the way Mulder had looked at her when she had farted loudly and then sighed in relief. His eyebrows had shot up and he had blinked rapidly.
"Yeah," she had said, rubbing her belly. "It might be a good idea to start standing downwind from me."
He had taken one step back and then thought better of it, coming closer and smiling as he had pulled her to him, her stomach bumping into his.
"I'll take my chances," he had teased with a smile, kissing her and rubbing her lower back, causing her to moan and drop her head onto his chest, his laughter rumbling beneath her forehead.
"Dana?" Rachel said, and Scully shook her head, clearing away her thoughts.
"All done then?" she asked with a smile, setting the magazine down.
"Yes. You okay?"
"I am." She chuckled as she stood up. "I was reading an article about gas and flatulence during pregnancy and it made me think of my own."
"Oh," Rachel laughed with a nod. "Yeah, mine is… well you know, you've heard it." They both laughed and headed toward the elevator, Rachel walking slower and breathing deeply.
"How'd it go?" Scully asked as they stepped inside the elevator.
"Same as last week," Rachel sighed. "Nearly three centimeters, everything looks good… best to keep them cooking inside as long as possible."
"True."
"But, Christ…" Rachel groaned, rubbing her very large stomach. "I can't wait to have them out. To meet them, see their faces, learn who they are, see who they take after… but more than that, I want to be able to sleep without getting up to pee numerous times during the night. Or eat without getting heartburn later. And the gas… god I won't miss that at all."
Scully laughed and reached out a hand, resting it on Rachel's stomach, feeling the babies moving around. She stared at her and smiled as she shook her head.
"They'll be here before you know it. I can't wait to see them either. I'm so happy you're in our lives. That we get to be a part of theirs and yours. They are going to be so loved."
"Goddamn you, Dana," Rachel whispered, wiping the tears from her eyes and frowning at her as Scully laughed softly. "It's not nice to make a huge pregnant woman cry."
"Not huge, just pregnant," Scully corrected her as the elevator stopped and the doors opened. Linking her arm with hers, they stepped out, Rachel rubbing her hand and nodding with a sigh.
3:15 pm
"I had planned to have a few different types of bottles to see which the babies preferred, but with the move and everything, I completely forgot," Rachel said, after they had enjoyed a quick late lunch.
"It's not a problem, we can stop at the baby store and see if they have what you wanted to find," Scully said with a smile, making a left and driving toward the shop.
Walking in a few minutes later, she once again thought of being pregnant, buying everything they needed before Faith was born. She walked around as Rachel went to search for the bottles, looking for a small gift for Faith.
It was close to her birthday, but she had been so good the past few weeks when things had been more hectic, helping with the move and running around from place to place. She did not want Faith to be raised to think that she would be rewarded with a gift for doing what was expected of her, but at the same time, Scully felt a surprise would not hurt her.
She found what she was looking for quite quickly, taking it from the shelf with a smile. It was a wicker picnic basket with a red and white checked material inside and draped over the sides, white lace trimming the edges. The lid was wicker, and would open on both sides like a proper basket once unwrapped.
Inside, according to the wrapper holding the basket shut, was a small red and white checked mat and wooden picnic essentials: plates and cups, utensils, milk and apple juice containers, fruits, a croissant, sandwich, and desserts. She knew Faith would love it, wanting to play picnic with them over and over, Mulder giving in happily every time.
Carrying the picnic basket, she found Rachel a few aisles over debating between two different brands of bottles.
"Get both," Scully said with a shrug. "Easier to do it now than after the babies are born. You think you'll have time… but it's hard to pop out and get something, especially now."
"True. Okay, I'll get them both and then I'm ready. You?"
"Yeah," she said, showing her the gift for Faith.
"Aww, she's gonna love that. She's been so good these past few weeks, she deserves something special. Should I get her a little gift too?"
"No, that's okay," Scully said with a smile, rubbing Rachel's arm. "This is enough. Her birthday is coming up anyway so she'll get new things then."
"Yeah, we already have her gift. Walter wanted to be sure of that and yet I forgot bottles. We need to learn to be more organized." They both laughed as they walked to the register, Scully paying first as Rachel looked at the items on display near the till.
"You look near ready to go," the cashier said to Rachel, nodding at her belly.
"Getting there, yeah. Trying my hardest to make it another week, see if I can be one of the ones to get to full term with twins."
"Wow, congratulations! Two of each sex or one of each?"
"One of each," Rachel said with a nod and then she inhaled sharply. "Dana?"
"You okay?" Scully asked with a frown, a hand on Rachel's back.
"I think… oh… I think my… my water's breaking. I feel… it's… I…" She leaned forward and let out a whimper. "Can you… can you check?"
Scully looked down and saw there was a small puddle between Rachel's legs. Bending down, she lifted the hem of the dress Rachel was wearing and saw that the insides of her gray leggings were very wet, the puddle continuing to grow as the fluid dripped down.
"Yeah, your water's breaking, Rachel," Scully said as she stood up, rubbing her back again, and making eye contact with the cashier whose eyes were wide behind her gray mask with red hearts, but nodded in understanding before she walked away quickly. "It's okay, just stay here, stay still. I know it feels weird and like you're peeing yourself, but it will be okay. We'll get it sorted and then head to the hospital, because, Rachel, we're going to meet your babies today."
"Oh my God," she breathed and Scully smiled as Rachel looked at her, tears running down and dampening her purple mask. "I'm scared."
"I know you are, but it's going to be okay. Are you feeling alright? You haven't had any contractions?"
"I haven't felt any, I don't think. Oh God, I feel so bad that this is happening here. It's not stopping and it's gonna be a big mess."
"It's okay," the cashier said, putting paper towels down on the ground to absorb the puddle. "It's not the first time this has happened. Don't you worry about it one bit."
"I really am sorry," Rachel said, sniffling and shaking her head.
"Please don't apologize. Can I get you anything? Water or anything?"
"No. I'm fine. Well, maybe not fine, but… I'm so sorry."
"Rachel, it's okay. Step back a little okay?" Scully said, her hand guiding her back a couple of steps. "You still feel it coming?"
"Mm, not as much, but yes. Or maybe it's that it's so wet everywhere."
"It could be. Or it could be both. Let's just take a pause."
"Dana, I need to call Walter."
"And we will. Let's just focus on now and then we will."
"Okay." Scully rubbed her arms and forced her to look at her. "Dana, I didn't plan for this. I don't have anything with me. I don't…"
"Rachel, we have time. Skinner will bring your things, everything will be okay. Just take a deep breath." They both breathed together, Rachel's blue eyes on her own, Scully's hands moving to hold hers, nodding as she saw her relax as much as she could given the circumstances.
"I think it's stopped, but now I'm just wet everywhere."
"That's something we can take care of, no problem. You stay right here, I'll get the car ready." She squeezed Rachel's hands and then let go, taking their things and Rachel's purse to the car.
Opening the back, she took out the blanket kept in the back for impromptu picnics and also because old habits die hard, and it was always best to be prepared. Laying the blanket across the front seat, she readied it for Rachel to sit on as they drove to the hospital.
"Okay," she said, coming back into the shop, looking at Rachel. "Let's get going. We'll call everyone once we're there and we know exactly what's going on, okay? The hospital is only ten minutes from here, it won't be long."
"Okay," Rachel agreed with a nod, her hands holding her stomach. "Is it too late for a surrogate?" Scully laughed and came closer to her, putting her arm around her shoulders and leading her toward the door.
"Good luck!" the cashier called out, a bucket and mop now beside her, waving at them as Scully opened the door.
"Thank you. Again, I'm so sorry," Rachel said looking back at her.
"No worries. Go on, have those beautiful babies."
"Come on, let's go."
They got into the car, Rachel apologizing again as she sat down, taking off her mask and drawing in deep breaths. Scully hurried to the other side, got in and started the car.
"This is going to hurt a lot," Rachel whispered and Scully nodded as they began to drive away.
"As someone who didn't have a choice the first time and chose not to the second time, I would advise on getting the epidural."
"Christ, of course I'm getting the epidural. You think I'm insane?" Rachel nearly shouted and Scully laughed. But then Rachel reached for her hand and the laughter stopped. "I'm so nervous about this part. So nervous."
"As are all women. It's going to be okay. We're nearly there."
Rachel hummed with a nod, squeezing Scully's hand once before closing her eyes and taking deep calming breaths.
By the time they had arrived, Rachel had moaned and whimpered through one contraction, squeezing Scully's hand tight and letting go with worry etched across her face.
"You got this, Rachel," she whispered and unbuckled her seatbelt, telling her to stay put until she came back with a wheelchair.
4:00 pm
"Hello?"
"Skinner? It's Scully."
"Hey. How did everything go?"
"Well…" she chuckled as she glanced at Rachel, the nurses helping her to take off her clothes and put on a gown.
"Dana? What is it?"
"Rachel's water broke and we're at the hospital."
"WHAT?! Are you fucking joking? That's not funny."
"No, I'm not. That would be a terrible joke."
"Okay. I'm sorry. What… when?"
"About fifteen minutes ago. We were at the baby store, about ready to leave and it happened."
"And you're just calling me now?" She turned around and faced away from Rachel, keeping her tone quiet.
"I didn't want to stress her out or worry her anymore than was necessary. We waited it out and now I'm calling to tell you, now that we're in the hospital and we know what's happening. Didn't want to cause anyone any undue stress and worry." She heard him take a big breath in and let it out.
"You're right. I'm sorry." He took another deep breath and she smiled. "Is she okay? Can I talk to her?"
Scully turned around and saw that Rachel was sitting on the bed, the nurses now checking the monitor readings. Walking over to her, she smiled.
"Here she is."
"Walter? Oh, honey," was all she managed to get out before she started to cry and could only nod. Taking a deep breath, she closed her eyes and rubbed her stomach. "I've only had one contraction and I already fucking hate them. We should have had a surrogate, just like I told Dana." She laughed then and wiped her eyes. Scully rubbed her shoulder and Rachel gripped her hand.
"No, don't do that. He said he'd be there between 1-5 and it's only four now. He'll most likely be late and if you left now you'd miss him. I'm fine here and we need that water heater fixed. Yeah, we should have asked Mr. Kim. He would have had a new one installed by now. On his own, exactly." She laughed again and Scully smiled. "I know. But I don't think it's going to be in the next couple of hours. Oh, Elise is here, honey. Talk to Dana." The phone was handed back to her and Scully stepped away from the bed.
"Hey."
"Jesus Christ, Dana. This was not the plan," he said quietly and she chuckled softly.
"No, but it's what's happening. Listen, I'm gonna call Mulder, you get everything ready on your end, everything you need for the stay. The bags of things- clothes for you too- and the car seats. Get it all ready and Mulder will come over to relieve you and be there for the repairman. You can't not have hot water, for her or the babies, and god knows how long it would be before someone could come out again."
"Okay. Okay. That's a good idea. God, I feel like I can't think properly. As if everything is moving too fast."
"Completely understandable. You're about to become a father, Walter."
"Oh my God."
"Sit tight. I'll call you right back. Let you know what's going on."
"Okay. Thank you for being there with her."
"Of course. Give me five minutes."
"Okay."
She hung up and looked at Rachel who was now being examined, her eyes closed and hands gripping the bed rails. Stepping into the bathroom in the room, she closed the door and called Mulder.
"Hey, hon. What's the word?"
"Well… the word is, the babies are on their way."
"What?" he asked with an incredulous chuckle and she repeated the story to him. "Okay. What can we do?"
"You and Faith are going to go to the house and relieve Skinner and I'll stay here until he arrives. Then I'll come to you and we can stay there until we hear from them, just in case they need anything from the house, one of us can bring it over."
"Good idea. I'll pack a bag for all of us and we'll head over. Grey will be okay, I'll just keep her in, but I'll bring Bella with us, just in case we stay the night. Should be ready to leave in about ten minutes."
"Okay. I'll let him know you should be there in about... forty five minutes."
"Yeah, sounds about right."
"Okay."
"Hey."
"Yes?"
"I love you." She smiled and let out a sigh.
"Love you too. Now get going, double check he has the basics: his ID, the car seats, changes of clothes… you know what's needed in this situation."
"Got it, boss. See you soon, hon."
"Yeah, soon."
Hanging up, she called Skinner and told him the plan. He agreed, thanking her again, and said he would be ready to leave as soon as they arrived.
She walked out of the bathroom and found Rachel alone lying in the bed, breathing deeply with her eyes closed. She opened them when Scully touched her shoulder and immediately they filled with tears.
"Hey, it's okay. What did Elise say?"
"Four centimeters. I haven't had another contraction yet, but she said it should start soon."
"Alright. Mulder, Faith, and Bella are leaving for your house in a few minutes, as soon as he packs a couple of bags. Once they arrive, Walter will then be on his way here and then I will go to your house. We'll wait there tonight in case you need anything and one of us can bring it on over."
"Thank you, Dana." She shook her head and wiped her eyes. "I don't know what I would have done without you there today. You kept me calm and focused. Thank you."
"You're welcome. Did they say if you could walk around in here or outside of the room to get things moving along? Or would you rather be resting as you wait for Skinner… Walter?"
"I think I would like to walk, if it's possible, but stay in here, just to be safer. If you can help me up and get me situated, I would appreciate it."
5:15 pm
"Yeah… I really hate these contractions," Rachel groaned, as she bent over the bed, Scully standing beside her and rubbing her back. "I thought my period ones were bad, but fucking hell it hurts."
"I wish I could say it gets easier, but that would be a lie."
"Fantastic. When can I get the epidural again?"
"Soon, but not quite yet. Your contractions are about every twenty minutes. Once the more active labor starts, you can have it."
"God, Dana…"
The door opened and they both looked up to see Skinner standing there, his hands full of bags and his eyes wide above the mask he wore.
"Oh Jesus," he said, walking further into the room, setting down the bags, and taking off his mask. "Honey…" He pulled Rachel to him, hugging her and whispering that he was sorry it had taken so long.
"Water heater okay?" she asked and he scoffed a laugh, pulling back to look at her.
"Seriously?"
"Yes."
"He wasn't there yet when I left, the bastard. Mulder will sort it. What's going on here?"
"I've had five contractions and I hate them. I hate them so much."
"I'm sure. What else? Anything?" He looked at both of them and Scully smiled.
"Her contractions are about every fifteen to twenty minutes, Elise hasn't been back to check on dilation yet, but should be soon once her contractions become closer together. She can also then get the epidural."
"Thank fuck," Rachel muttered, walking past them and pacing the room with her hands on her back. Scully smiled and nodded, raising her eyebrows at Skinner.
"Now, as much as I would like to stay, I do have to go before I am kicked out. Hopefully it will be over soon and you'll be holding those two in your arms instead of inside of your body."
"I sure hope so because this part… this part I really don't like."
"No, it's definitely not enjoyable. But soon you… we will all meet them."
"Yeah," Rachel said with a smile. "Thank you so much… for everything. You go and we'll, well Walter anyway, will let you know what's happening."
"Call or text. We'll be up and waiting."
Scully hugged them both and gathered her things. Putting her mask on, she walked to the door, turning around before opening it. Smiling, she saw them standing together, his hands on her stomach, their foreheads touching as they swayed slowly and whispered softly. Opening the door, her eyes slightly wet, she left the room.
11:30 pm
Scully checked her phone again, but no new texts had come in the last few minutes. Sighing, she put it in her pocket, and picked up the bowl of popcorn and walked into the living room. The picnic basket she had surprised Faith with, was sitting on the coffee table from the picnic she and Mulder had while Scully took a quick shower before they ate dinner.
Faith was now sleeping on the large chair in Rachel's office, the back cushion taken off and the sides of it acting as a crib, assuring she would not fall off. She had been unsure of sleeping there, asking for her bed, but Mulder had been aware of how she would take the change and packed accordingly.
He brought her blankets, stuffed alien, and the night light he bought for her a few months ago: a fox with a baby fox curled up beneath. The tail of the fox moved to project stars and clouds onto the wall, while nature sounds or music played softly. The baby fox lit up and could be taken off the stand, allowing Faith to hold it, talking to it as she fell asleep.
It was adorable and she loved it, Mulder beaming with happiness, explaining to her that it was him and Faith, the daddy fox and his baby fox. Every nap and bedtime, she asked for her 'foxy light.' She may have been confused at first as to why she was sleeping in the big chair, but she felt at home with her foxy light lit up beside her and her alien in her arms.
Now, she had been asleep for three hours and the last time they had heard from Skinner had been a text around 9:30, telling them Rachel was getting ready to start pushing. Nothing had been sent since and they were waiting, hoping it would be soon.
"Anything?" Mulder asked, taking the popcorn from her as she sat and took her phone out of her pocket.
"No, not yet. Should be soon, but you know how it is in that moment."
"I do indeed," he said, glancing toward the office with a smile.
"We will know when we know," she said, putting her head on his shoulder and reaching for a handful of popcorn as she watched the movie on the television.
The sound of two loud dings woke her, lifting her head from Mulder's shoulder as he snored softly beside her. Blinking her eyes, she saw the clock above the television read 12:35. Frowning, she stretched and moaned, before her eyes widened and she reached for her phone.
Touching the screen, she saw there were seven messages from Skinner. Smiling, she nudged Mulder and he hummed, clearing his throat.
"Sorry, was I snoring?" he mumbled, shifting a bit and then, beginning to breathe deeply again.
"Mulder, wake up. I have messages from Skinner."
"Hmm… what?" He sat up and turned bleary eyes to her. "What is it?"
"Let's see." She typed in her passcode and opened her messages, scrolling to see the first message.
Jacob Charles
11:48
October 1st
5.5 pounds
A picture came next of a sleeping baby wrapped in a hospital blanket with a blue cap on his head.
"Oh my god, he's so adorable. Look at him." She zoomed in on the picture, looking over his features, exclaiming over each wrinkle and fold. When she had been satisfied, she went to the next message.
Elizabeth Grace
12:08
October 2nd
5 pounds
"Twins with different birthdays?" Mulder asked with a chuckle. "Well, that I was not expecting, but I like it."
"It's definitely unique and gives them their own day."
A picture was next. A baby wrapped in the same hospital blanket, a pink cap on her head, but she was awake, staring at the camera with big blue eyes.
"Oh my goodness. Look at her. So cute." Again she zoomed in, looking at all her features, shaking her head at the sweetness of her face.
The next two messages were pictures of the two of them together in the bassinet, and one of all of them that a nurse must have taken. Rachel was sweaty and exhausted, but tears shone in her eyes and her smile was radiant.
The last message was a note dictated by Rachel and written by Skinner.
'That was the hardest fucking thing I have ever done in my life. I thought I was going to split in two.
Little Miss Lizzie Beth taking her time allowed me that first moment with Jakey Boy, not rushing to push again so quickly. I wonder if that will continue to be their nature: him rushing to meet the day, just like his father, and her choosing to appreciate a lie in, just like her mother.
I love them so much already, I can't imagine my life without them. They are perfect in every aspect. Every contraction, every time I wanted to stop pushing but kept going, every moment I wanted to scream that I couldn't do it anymore, was worth it to hold them in my arms. I can't believe I had ten and a half pounds of baby inside of my body.
They are the most beautiful creatures I have ever seen.'
Scully had tears running down her cheeks as she finished reading and she took a ragged breath, hoping to stop them. She was so happy for them. Looking back at the first family photo, both of them grinning as they each held a baby, she shook her head and smiled through her tears.
Congratulations Mom and Dad, she typed out. They are both so beautiful. Get some rest, both of you. Everything here is okay, let us know if you need anything at all. We will see you soon.
"They are in for a hell of a time, but I know they will be wonderful at it."
"Yes," Scully said, looking at all the pictures one more time. "Yes they will."
October 4th
12:30 pm
"You got it all done?"
"Yup! Two extra boxes of diapers and wipes are stacked up in the second bedroom closet and the changing table is fully stocked. They're all set."
"Good. They should be here any minute."
The others would be coming over later, but they had arrived early to bring the cake and see to any last details that needed doing.
The front door opened and they all turned to see Skinner walking in with both car seats, Rachel coming in behind them. He smiled when he saw them, turning to look at Rachel who beamed happily.
"Unco! You here! Raycho! Hi! Ohhhhh…" Faith said as she ran toward them and stopped at the sight of the babies. Looking back and forth, she stared at them and then looked at Skinner. "Two babies, Unco. Raycho have two babies."
"Yes, sweet Faith. I did have two babies," Rachel said with a soft chuckle. "They were in my tummy and now they are out. Remember when you felt them in my tummy?"
"The babies move on my fingers," she said and wiggled her fingers to show them what she meant.
"They sure did."
"I hold the babies? Please, Unco? Hold the babies now?" Faith looked up at him, clapping her hands excitedly, and he smiled.
"Yes, you can hold them. Go sit on the couch and you can hold them, okay?"
"Yes. Mama, I hold the babies on the couch." She ran over and scrambled up to get on the couch and they all followed, Rachel taking Scully's hand and squeezing.
Skinner set the car seats onto the floor and grabbed two couch pillows, creating an extra bit of height and cushion on each side of Faith for her to hold them easier. Smiling and kissing her forehead, he then bent to unbuckle the babies. Taking Jacob out, he handed him to Scully, who breathed in his scent and smiled as she looked at him. He took out Elizabeth, a pink headband with a small bow on her head, and held her as he stood up.
"I ready to hold the babies, Unco," Faith said, holding out her arms. They all chuckled and Skinner helped her to hold Elizabeth properly before he took Jacob from Scully and did the same, both of them now held in Faith's little arms.
Three phones came out to take pictures as Skinner knelt in front of her to help if it was needed. But they needn't have worried about her, Faith was completely taken with them. She was slow and gentle, smiling as she kissed their heads.
"Hi babies. You so tiny. I holding you. Raycho had two babies. The babies move on my fingers. Now I holding you. I love you babies."
Tears filled Scully's eyes and she heard Rachel sniffling as she wiped her own eyes.
"Oh my god." She heard Mulder breathe, shaking his head as he caught her eye, his phone recording every second of it.
When they started to fuss and then began to cry a little, she shushed them softly, kissing their heads again as every adult in the room looked on in adoration.
"No crying, tiny babies. It's okay. I right here," she said softly, her head between their two small ones.
As she looked up at those crowding around her, she smiled a dazzling smile. Their cameras clicked and captured the image that then filled a frame in Rachel's office, beside the couch, the twins' nursery, and Faith's bedroom.
A picture of a happy little girl, her hair in two braids, pieces of it coming loose around her face. With her blue eyes big and shining, she held the two babies who had moved beneath her small fingers when they were in her beloved 'Raycho's' tummy, and who she had been waiting so long to hold and love.