Red Fireworks - Chapter 2

"Hi, Dana!"

Scully greeted Charlie's wife, Laura, and her two year old niece, Michaela.

"Charlie and Tommy are still in the car. Tommy got a little car sick on the drive over, and Charlie is cleaning up. He told me not to knock, but I couldn't just walk in..."

Scully smiled at her sister-in-law and took the baby from her. She saw her brother heading up the driveway with Tommy, her five year old nephew.

"Hi, Charlie! How're you doing Tommy?" Scully greeted the two of them with kisses and hugs.

"I don't feel good, Aunt Dane," Tommy said, holding his tummy.

Scully looked at the boy sympathetically. "You just need a little air and some kisses from Grandma. After that you'll feel better. Why don't you go in and see you? She's been waiting for you...cooking up good stuff for her favorite Tommy."

Tommy obeyed, walkig in the door, and Scully stood with Charlie and the baby.

"Is that Doctor Dana's official cure for motion sickness?" Charlie kidded her.

"Of course!" She smiled, playing with Michaela in her arms.

"Seriously though, how's work and everything?"

"Its good Charlie. I've been really content with it lately."

"How's Mulder? Did he come today?" Charlie asked, looking in the door.

"No...he wouldn't come, even knowing that our favorite big brother isn't coming..." Scully's voice trailed off.

"Aw, Dane, I'm sure he wants to. He probably just feels awkward, adding into soemone else's family, though we all want him here. He needs to feel that he isn't out of place, and he can't, really..."

"Because of Bill!" Scully finished, angrily. "If he weren't so pig-headed about everything, ALL the time," she said, then calmed down, not wanting to yell at Charlie. "then maybe Mulder would be here."

Charlie looked at her, feeling sorry for her. "I'm sorry he didn't come. Maybe we can get him out here for Thanksgiving or Christmas," Charlie said, leading Scully into the house.

"There's my little angel!" Maggie chirped, taking the Michaela from Scully's arms.

Tommy bounded up to his Aunt, his energy fully returned.

"You were right Auntie Dane! I feel all better now!" He gave her leg a big hug, and Scully smiled.

Laura winked at her. "Tommy, you think you feel good enough to go for a swim?"

She was answered with an enthusiastic "YES!!!!!"

Laura took the baby from Maggie and Charlie caught Tommy and hauled him up in his arms.

"You coming, Dane?" He asked as he started up the stairs.

Scully thought about how nice the water would feel and quickly agreed. She went to the bedroom that had served as hers and Melissa's to change.