Chapter 7
The moon had grown much brighter over the course of one single night. The casting of it's zeal for the dark kept it playful and excited. A few birds from time to time would cast its body over the brightly lit moon, letting its shadow dance upon the ground.
The stars came out to play with the moon and together, they shined brightly as a whole.
In the Scully residence, two other living souls slept through the peaceful night. All was quiet and dark. The only noise heard was from the refrigerator, who hummed to the tune of its own voice.
Scully laid silent in her bed. Her mind played flashes of beautiful dreams to keep her preoccupied until the rise of the sun. A smile crept upon her face, to show that one of the several moments in the dream was of a good thought. Her head laid deep within the pillow, as her blanket covered her from the shoulders down. The trim of her pajama collar gently rubbed against her soft, untouched neck. All was good in her bedroom, as it should have been.
Outside the fortress of playful discovery, lied another wondrous soul, about to embark on a great journey of her own. Dreams, that is.
There laid Fiona, quiet as a mouse. Although the sound of water flooded from her dream to her mind, nothing surfaced.
Fiona's head laid still and soft against the antique pillow that Scully provided. Her body was tilted to her right side. And this let her left arm drape over her body and hang over the couch. Her soft, light eyelids were smooth across her eyes.
She was in heaven. Her dreamland. But are all dreams peaceful? No. Some of us are stuck with the imprecation of evil and death. 'Tis true, Fiona is one of us when it comes to those situations. In fact, it's nothing but. Her dreams, all of her dreams are nothing more but nightmares that a poor child must suffer with. The forlorn of the life that was so sadly taken away by a force of the unknown. And to this day, she does not shed a tear of pity. Only of the feared and inevitable.
Though in her mind, they trouble her, her body, face and spirit never show a sign. She looks so peaceful, and yet, she isn't.
So throughout the dark, sparkled night, two young souls slept soundlessly. And as their hearts dreamed together for once, one can only think of where this new friendship may go.
The mid-mourning arose to the fresh scent of flowers and cooing Blue Jays. The Moon began to fade into the baby blue colored sky. And all the while, it still shined its color white.
At the time of 6 am, Scully had awoken from her Snow White sleep. Truth be told, she did not wish to wake up. But hey, life is tough sometimes.
Making her way out from her bed, she carefully placed on her slippers that matched her PJ's and tiredly walked to the kitchen. She yawned softly, putting her hand over her mouth. Her slippers skidded across her floor, making slipper footsteps throughout the house.
Scully made her way inside the living room, where Fiona was sleeping. However, she wasn't sleeping at all. Scully directed her eyes to the couch and remembered. She had a guest in her home. It had been a while since someone slept over. The last person who slept over was...well, you can guess...it was Mulder.
Scully was completely taken by surprise. Not only was Fiona, a stranger, in her house, but also, she was up at this early mourning hour.
Fiona sat quietly. Her notebook was at hand, as well as the pencil. She was silently drawing the things that made her smile. And one of them was her family. Her left leg crossed over her right, holding the notebook at an angle. She sat up, her head faced down at the notebook. It was almost surgery in Fiona's eyes. Every aspect was meant to be perfect. If she wasn't mean to be perfect, then her drawing was.
Scully stopped walking and stared in Fiona's direction. She hesitated. What was she to say? She had to say something. The problem was, if she said something to Fiona, chances are that she would get something she never expected.
"Fi-Fiona?" Scully asked, her voice seemed tired.
Fiona recognized her voice. She stopped her drawing and gently turned her head.
"Oh, hello, Scully," Fiona smiled. "How are you this mourning?"
"Tired," She sighed. She hesitated again, slowly making her way to the couch. When she arrived there, she remained standing. "May I ask, why are you up at 6 am?"
"I always wake up at 6," Replied Fiona. "It has been a tradition of mine since I was a child."
"Uh...huh...," Scully tried to follow, but truth be told, her mind was still in bed.
Scully really did want Fiona to be asleep at the time. If Fiona was in bed, Scully could just leave a note saying that she went to work, and that would be that. Ah, but fate has its changes. Now, Scully had to make a choice. A rough one. But she hesitated on the question again, like so much other stuff.
"I, um," Scully spoke up. "I have to get ready for work."
"I assume so," Fiona agreed. "It would not be wise of you to go to work in pink flannel pajamas. Many of your colleagues would have a field day with you."
"I suppose so," Scully smiled. She then turned to the kitchen, and back at Fiona. Fiona turned her head back her notebook and continue to draw.
Scully began to walk over to her lovely kitchen. Her savior lied within the cupboards. Her precious coffee. But it seemed as if someone already knew it.
"I made coffee for you," Fiona called to her. "You have no need to make it."
Scully stopped dead in her tracks. She saw the freshly brewed coffee sitting there, untouched. She tilted her head, eyes now awake.
Scully turned back to the living room. "Fiona, how did you know I drank coffee?"
Fiona turned her head in response. "Oh, my, Scully. Believe in me, I have always known you to drink it. You, as tired as you are now, have to drink it to be awake for a job such as yours."
Scully nodded in response. "Yeah, huh."
Fiona smiled at her and then back at her notebook. Her right hand was moving back to it's original pace. All was clear in her mind.
However, Scully wasn't. She had grown quite attached to Fiona, for just a girl who is staying for a few days. One of the reasons Scully accepted to take Fiona was because she wanted something to raise. After loosing Emily and William, it became clear that she just can't have a child. She seemed to be cursed, by a life she willingly choose. Now, having Fiona in her life for a few days made her realize what she was missing in the world.
She always wanted children, even if they were to grow up and become mean, attitude droned teenagers. But to her eyes, that was the best part. To watch her children grow into something she made them be. Her finest dream was once her finest reality.
Staring off into Fiona's direction, it was the first decision in a long time that Scully had a motherly instinct. Was she to leave Fiona alone while she went to work? Fiona was 15 and was way for intelligent than most kids her age. She was a teenager, and with her knowledge, she was completely responsible for herself. It doesn't take a lot to keep Fiona preoccupied.
But then again, was Scully really so sure to just leave Fiona? Even though Fiona would just spend her day sitting by, and drawing, one must think of the alternate options.
And Scully made a decision that doesn't even seem right. But out of assurance for Fiona's safety, she made the right one.
"Fiona?" Scully asked, coming into the room with a cup of coffee in hand.
Fiona turned her head to the right and made pure eye contact with her. "Yes?"
"Get dressed," Scully replied.
Fiona threw her a confused look. "Why? Do you not have work today?"
"Oh, I do," Replied Scully.
"Then why am I getting dressed?"
"Because," Scully sighed. "You're coming with me."
Fiona's eyes widened. She knew that the FBI would not allow her to come with her to the J. Edgar Hoover Building. To risk her job for a girl that she barely knew. It was just insane.
"Scully, I," Fiona stopped to think. Why was she doing this for her? "Scully, I believe that you are making a mistake. Surely, I cannot come with. Your job could be at stake."
"I realize that, Fiona," Scully told her, taking a sip of her coffee. "But I'm not too worried about it."
"How can that be? They will see me, and they will fire you. I cannot come with. I care for your job. It is the only job you have ever known. With the people you have always loved. I will not risk your job."
"Oh, don't worry," Scully assured her. "Mulder and my office is in the basement. If we just sneak you into the basement, you will be fine."
"Then, that would mean that I have to stay down there, yes?"
"Yes," Scully nodded.
"How will you get me down there?"
"Well, we did get you an outfit that looks a lot like mine. Perhaps if you wear that, and if we apply a little makeup to your pretty face, I think that could help you look a lot older."
Fiona couldn't help but giggle. "You have the motherly instinct. Believe in me, my Mother used to do the same thing. She had a lot of sneaky ways of getting into things. It explains my sly ways."
"Oh, yeah? What'd she do?"
"Well, for instance," Fiona began. "When I was younger, she would take me to a movie or two. I believe I was five or six at the time. But sometimes, she would not have the money. So, she would walk up to the ticket stubber and say 'Oh, my child lost her sock in the theater. Would you mind if I went and got it?' Every time, the ticket stubber would allow her access. We would go in and come out about 3 and a half hours later. My Father always knew she did this. And it made him laugh. My mother would tell him 'Honey, I'm going to take Fiona to the movies.' His sarcastic reply would be 'Do you need any money?' She would laugh and say 'Nope'. Sometimes, my Father would come along, just to make it more believable. To this day, I laugh."
Scully laughed. "You know, I never thought of that. I can guarantee you one thing; if you told that story to Mulder, he'd actually do it."
Both laughed for a few more moments. It was amazing that something so long in the past could bring two friendly souls together. Scully needed this connection...more than she thought.
It was clear, by both Fiona and Scully, that the only real option was to go together. Fiona did her best to stay rational for Scully. She kept explaining on the way to work that it's completely insane and that she is going to loose her job. Still, Scully ignored her plea and continued on with her plan.
The day was still young, as the clock in the front lobby struck nine am. It was truly a sight to see. There, they walked, together, side by side each other. Scully was off to the left. Her pretty, navy blue blazer was worn, which brought out the color of her eyes. A white top, like usual. Her reddish hair was combed and straight, in no perfect form. She walked so perfect and still. So straight...like her hair.
Beside her was yet another beautiful face. Fiona. She looked so older and more mature. Her dark black hair, that is usually put up was so straight and placed down. Her hair reached almost down to her waist. Just a few inches shorter. Her eyes, though black and suspicious, gave off a sudden charm of love, beauty and faith with every glance. She smiled passionately, but never showing her teeth. Not that there was anything wrong with them, she just hated showing her teeth. Her lips were softly colored red. Thanks to Scully, who accidentally got the wrong shade of red. Luckily for her, she found it in her bedroom and knew it was prefect for Fiona's lips. She too walked perfectly straight. Her thin body was gently curved and tall. She was wearing the matching blazer, which fit her body so well. In her hands, was her greatest treasure. Her notebook. By the way she looked, she could pass off as s 23 or 24 year old. And that's a great thing for a teenager. Fiona could pull it off, but she never would. Maybe the conscious plays a huge part when it comes to her rights and wrongs.
Scully led Fiona to the security line. A young guard, whom Scully knew well stood by for the lookout. He turned his face in her direction.
"Hello, Agent Scully," The guard greeted.
"Hey, Bob," Scully greeted back.
"Who's the lady?" The guard asked with a grin.
"This is Fiona," Scully introduced.
"Well, hello, Fiona."
"Hello, sir," Fiona nodded.
The guard turned back to Scully. "Does she have clearance?"
Scully cleared her throat. "Yes, she's with me."
"Now, you know, Scully. I've gotta check everyone," The guard told her. Scully's heart began to race. Were Fiona's words really a reality? Fiona stared at him, looking deep into his eyes. The guard turned to Fiona. Fiona just smiled and blinked.
"Come on, Bob," Scully said. "This is ME you're talking to."
"But," The guard couldn't take his eyes of Fiona's radiant beauty. "I'll let her pass."
Scully sighed quietly. "Thanks, Bob."
"No problem, Agent Scully," The guard said smoothly.
Scully led Fiona from the security. Fiona smiled at the guard and followed Scully. The guard, still with his grin, turned around and watched Fiona walk out.
"Hmmm," Scully said, confused.
"What is it?" Fiona asked.
"I wonder why Bob let you in without a search."
"Maybe because he wanted me to go in without a search," Fiona smiled.
Scully rolled her eyes with her smile. "Maybe."
Fiona followed Scully down the main stairwell, down to the secret hideout that Mulder and Scully called 'their office'. Neither said a word. The sound of clicking shoes echoed in the stairwell. Each step was taken softly. Neither was in a rush for yet another day at the office.
Mulder sat in his desk. He laid back, and aimed up. A pencil was at hand. He slowly narrowed one of his eyes. He aimed and threw. The pencil flew up and high. He hit the ceiling and it stayed there.
His concentration was sadly taken away by the arrival of Scully and Fiona. The door opened. Scully appeared first through the door.
Mulder turned to her and sat up. "Scully."
Scully said nothing. She looked at him for a split second. She stood off to the side and held open the door. Fiona walked through. Mulder noticed her walking through. He immediately showed a concern face to Scully, who didn't notice.
Fiona gave Mulder a smile. "Hello Mulder."
"Uh, hi, Fiona," Mulder hesitated.
Mulder gave her a quick smile, but changed his face expression once he got Scully's attention.
"Scully," Mulder said rather seriously.
"Yes?" She asked, not realizing how serious he was.
"Can we step outside for a second?"
"You can talk here," Fiona recommended.
"Great! Scully, may I ask, why did you bring Fiona here?" He turned to Fiona. "No offense."
"Oh, trust me, Mulder," Fiona told him. "I have tried several times to leave me be. I have told her of the dangers of my presence. And yet, I am here."
Mulder looked over at Scully. "Scully?"
Scully sighed. "I wanted to bring her here."
"Scully-"
"Mulder, I don't want to hear it," She sighed once more.
Mulder bit his lower lip. He really wanted to ask her what she was thinking. And of course, what do you think he said? Because of Fiona, he did.
"What were you thinking?" Mulder asked her.
Fiona couldn't help but smile to herself. She knew if Scully wouldn't listen to her, then she'd HAVE to listen to Mulder.
"Look, Mulder," Scully looked into his eyes. "I just didn't want to leave her alone."
"Well, what if someone sees her? And besides, this isn't William were talking about," Mulder pointed out. "Fiona is 15. She's a teenager. Most average teenagers would rather be home alone."
"But Mulder, she is no average teenager."
A moment of reflection. Either that, or a really long pause. In either case, they both thought about how non-average Fiona really is.
They both turned to her. Fiona smiled politely, but also nervously. She kept her cool and pressed onward.
"Alright, Mulder. I have a meeting with Skinner in about..." She glanced at her new watch that her Mother got her for Valentine's Day. "...5 minutes. I have to head out. So, you get to bond with Fiona."
Scully started to head out. Mulder, very hesitant, finally spoke up.
"But, uh, Scully. I don't know what to do with a teenager," He clearly said it in front of a teenager.
"Oh, Mulder, it'll be easy for you," Scully replied, walking out. She stuck her head in one last time. "Because you still ARE a teenager."
With that, she shut the door behind her. She gave a soft giggle and proceeded to Skinner's office. That left Fiona and Mulder together. He didn't know what to say. He tried his luck before, and he said something he wasn't really planning on saying...the truth.
Fiona stood there, quiet and soundless. Her notebook in hand, she gripped it tightly, to dissolve the worried pains she was feeling.
Mulder looked over at her, and Fiona met his eyes. For the next half hour or so, they were stuck...together.
By the way, if you haven't seen the picture of Fiona yet, go up to my name. 'The Zodiac Princess'. I have a cover, just to help you with the view of Fiona.