Chapter 1
June 20th
It's not something I do on purpose, you have to believe me. I put up with him coming to our Christmas events, even to our family traditions, but now, now it's gone too far.
At first it was easy to put up with, it was only once a year or so, nothing too difficult. But after awhile, it became an often thing. I know this may sound stupid of me, or even selfish, I know I should be happy for my sister, but it's not easy.
Since Dad's gone, and Mulder's gotten Melissa killed I'm most worried about mom. Charlie and his wife are never around, and Tara, me and the baby don't come by often either. And Dana always seems to be out of the state, Mulder whisking her off some place or another.
And it's not like I haven't heard what kind of cases they work on. Even being in the army I know about the x-files, I know "spooky's" reputation all too well. But like I said, my main concern is mom. She's the one who, no matter how angry she gets, never says much of anything, she's always the one making everyone else happy- even if it means hurting herself.
Mom is the greatest person I know, and I can't help but think that Mulder's presence in Dana's life is what's making matters worse. Like I said, Charlie is never around to notice, and Dana is always preoccupied. Being the eldest male in the family, I find it my duty to take care of mom, it's what dad would have wanted. So, knowing mom will invite Mulder to our 4th of July get-together, I'll have to devise some sort of plan for which I can execute on that date. I don't have much against Mulder, I just think it's time he was out of our lives, especially mom's… especially Dana's.
July 3rd
Well tomorrow is the big day. The day I've been painstakingly avoiding. I'm not exactly sure how well things will go tomorrow, and that idea of a plan never seemed to quite get put together. All I know is that if something goes wrong, if Mulder says anything or mom seems the slightest bit upset I'll have to depend on my army skills to do what I need. I don't plan on shooting Mulder or hitting him, as much as I'd like to, but I know I probably will end up doing one of those by the end of the day.
I'm glad Charlie will be there, he'll understand, unlike my wife who I knew not to discuss this with. Charlie's never met Mulder, only heard about him from mom, but he'll understand once I have a minute to inform him on the truth.
I don't want to think of myself as a bad person, coming up with a plan, threatening to hit Mulder- I'm just trying to do what's best for my family. Family has always been important to every Scully- especially Dana- who's lost some of her family spirit because of Mulder.
All I know right now is that whatever does happen tomorrow I can speak in the name of the Scully family. I know things wont probably go as smoothly as I hope- but hoping is better then thinking about the worst that could happen. And what is the worst that could happen? Scully being upset, maybe, for a little bit, or mom having to admit her dislike for Mulder… those are things that can be helped and solved by family. And family alone.
July 4th 12:15
I hate to admit it but I think Tara can tell I'm stressed. She can always tell. She knows that Mulder intimidates me, that he bugs the hell out of me. But she hasn't said anything yet.
After I'd got the baby and baby things packed, along with what we were supposed to bring for food, we headed over to the park. It really wasn't too far away- only an hour and a half or so. Tara and the baby both slept most the way- I love Tara. I've said it to her many times, I've thought it many more, but I'd truly be lost without her. And ever since she's had Matthew my life's felt more complete then ever. Sometimes I feel bad about it though- while my life feels so complete I know mom's feels so empty.
Once we got to the park Tara carried Matthew and I collected what I could of the food. I knew I'd have to take two trips if Charlie hadn't appeared behind me. It was great to see my brother and after a brother-type-of-hug he carried the b-b-q to 'our spot'.
It was obvious mom had studied the park and found the best place she thought. We set out a few blankets, the Scully's liked their space, and Charlie helped me get the b-b-q on its feet.
I had pretty much forgotten about Dana, and Mulder, while I relaxed on the blanket with Matthew. He was playing with some sort of toy duck that Tara had picked out for Christmas for him. I played a small game of tug-of-war then diverted my attention to Tara.
She was sitting with mom, I couldn't really tell what they were talking about. But I figured, since they were busy and Dana wasn't there yet- It'd be a great opportunity to talk to Charlie.
I stood up, carrying Matthew over to mom, then nodded for Charlie to follow me. We walked a ways, not speaking for a while. Once I knew for sure that there was no way mom or Tara could even suspect what we were talking about I stopped dead in my tracks and turned to my brother.
I began slowly, trying to form the correct words, I didn't want to come off too strong- like I'd been thinking about talking to him since June, even though that was indeed the case.
"You know Dana's going to be here…" Charlie nodded at me like it was obvious, I continued, "and you know she's bringing along her partner." Charlie again nodded.
"I know mom has talked to you about Mulder, her partner, but I doubt she's told you the complete truth…" Charlie seemed interested now. I continued my plea, hoping he'd take my side and understand. He did.
But Charlie wasn't a one sided type of guy; "I understand your concern for sis, but I haven't met her partner yet," he continued carefully, "I'm sure you know more then I do about him, since you've been there for Dana more then me, but let me have the chance of making my own observation of this Mulder."
I agreed, it was an agreeable statement. I would have said the same. So I nodded and thanked him for listening, and reminded him that it wasn't too late to be there for Dana, even if he felt he was no longer expected to have as much concern for her. I'd always been closer to Dana.
It seemed that my timing had been most correct, like always. Just as we had reached our blanket and settled down again, Dana and Mulder appeared with food and another blanket.
Mom was the first up of course, she threw her arms around Dana and even shared a welcoming hug with Mulder. Tara hugged Dana, and did the same for Mulder. I spotted Charlie go up to Mulder with a handshake, and I made sure to give Dana my big-brother hug, like I always had. I didn't feel the need to greet Mulder.
TBC