From: Nina Date: 24 May 2006 21:13:22 -0700 Subject: [all-xf] Find the Future: Happy Mother's Day - My Sweet Boy Source: atxc Title: Happy Mother's Day - My Sweet Boy Author: xphilernj Email: starxphiler44@yahoo.com WEBSITES: https://donnilee.xf-redux.com/xphilernj/ and http://members.aol.com/xphilernj/fbiwhistleblower.html DISTRIBUTION: Please ask first! RATING: suitable for all readers CATEGORY: S KEYWORDS: AU, Mulder / Scully married, Mother's Day, Teena Mulder SPOILERS: All episodes up to Requiem and before Mulder's abduction. Then ventures off into an unknown future. SUMMARY: Not all memories are painful. DISCLAIMER: Fibbie - Sorry CC, we just couldn't help ourselves, but we will return them when we're good and ready. nj - Shhhh, don't tell anyone. We'll sneak them back in before midnight. (Maybe...) NOTES: This is in answer to a Mother's Day challenge at Simply Devoted. This is also, within the 'Find the Future' universe. Please forgive us. We will be getting this little universe straightened out and back on track soon. THANK YOU: To my best friend and co-conspirator, Fibbie. You have been a wonderful source of inspiration, a constant well of knowledge and understanding, and beta in times of need. Thank you so much for being there for me. * * * Teena Mulder's Cottage Culpeper, Virginia Saturday before Mother's Day May 2006 She had been going through the old trunk that Fox had thoughtfully placed at the foot of her bed when she moved into her cottage. There was something she needed to find. A memory tucked away amongst the old and new. She smiled when she successfully located the card given to her several years before. Gingerly she rose and ensconced herself within her most comfortable chair, pulling down the afghan her daughter-in-law had given to her as a gift and tucking it around her. With a smile of sweet rememberance she pulled the card from its envelope. * * * Teena Mulder's Residence Weekend Before Mother's Day May 1999 The last remnants of light faded away leaving behind only fragmented memories of the day. The dim afterglow surrounded her in a veil of quietude. The silence was interrupted only by the faint ticking of a clock or soft humming of the refrigerator. Teena Mulder sat perfectly still in her favorite chair that faced the picture window looking out into a world she had hidden from for so many years. She rarely ventured out of her self-made cocoon, except for the essentials of everyday living; no need for anything more. She reached out toward the small table beside her chair and gently picked up the cup of tea, bypassing the journal she always kept close. Teena took a careful sip of the hot and calming tea and then closed her eyes. She loved this time of day. If she listened quietly and calmly she could hear remnants of happier times. Peals of laughter, small feet running up and down the stairs, a young boy's gentle chastising, and an even younger girl's giggles. This was the time of day when old memories tended to comfort rather than hurt. Teena sipped her tea, then set the cup and saucer onto the table and picked up the journal. After her massive stroke she found an empty book and started recording her memories during the lengthy convalescence that followed. Her mind seemed wholly taken up with reminiscences of past gaiety as well the turmoil of those times lost long ago. She sighed as she now opened the book. She skimmed across page after page, smiling at some and tearing up over others. Teena shook her head as she came to the end, a lone tear trailing down her cheek. So much time had passed. So much lost. She closed the book, held it close and then rose and headed to the kitchen, depositing the cup and saucer in the sink. As she stood looking out the kitchen window, Teena nodded at an unspoken decision, turned and went to bed. * * * Teena stood before the quaint card shoppe and shivered as a cool breeze gently caressed her face. She held her head high, entered and slowly made her way to the multitude of greeting cards. Scanning the headings she quickly found the section she had wanted but frowned. Not finding what she was looking for, she shook her head. On the verge of giving up and simply leaving, she spotted an apparently unusual card section. Curious, she ventured over and read several before one caught her eye. On the front of the card, "My Sweet Boy" was written in delicate script above a single red rose. Teena opened the card and began to read. *You're a special part of my life, and you'll always have a special place in my heart. Happy Mother's Day and Happiness Always!* A sad but gentle smile graced her lips as she reached for the accompanying red envelope and then headed for the sales desk, satisfied that she had found what she was looking for. Granted, it was not lengthy with sentimental gibberish, but it was simple and expressed what she could not voice. Card in hand, she quickly got in her car and headed home. * * * Day before Mother's Day May 1999 The sun was setting on yet another day as Teena entered the living room, mail in hand. She gently laid it on the table next to her favorite chair and went into the kitchen to make her last cup of tea for the day. As she sat sipping her tea, she flipped through the assortment of envelopes, discarding several to the trash. Her hands began to shake as she came to a small red envelope, postmarked with a familiar address. Carefully setting her tea aside, she gently pried the envelope open, pulled out the card and smiled. On the front of the card, "My Dear Mom" was written in delicate script above a single rose. She reached up and wiped the tears that ran down her face. A folded sheet of paper floated from inside the card to her lap. She temporarily set it aside and began to read the inscription inside the card. *You're a special part of my life, and you'll always have a special place in my heart. Happy Mother's Day and Happiness Always! Love always and forever your son, Fox* Teena began to tremble as she opened the sheet of paper that accompanied the card. The familiar script brought another smile through the tears as she began to read. *Mom, I know it's been awhile since the last time we talked and for that I am truly sorry. There are so many things I wish I could say or do to make you understand. Even though we have drifted apart, I am still your son and you are still my mother. I do love you and my fervent wish is that you are happy and safe. Over the years, we have not seen eye to eye on many family issues. I have been less than understanding and a little more than intolerant. I have found myself without the proper words to convey how truly sorry I am. Please know and understand that I have seen and done too much not to come to the realization that you have suffered more than I could possibly know. I suppose, amongst the sense of this new understanding, we are more alike than we want to admit. Expressing our feelings and quelling our emotions, especially with those close to us, is nothing new to us and more than a hinderance. I hope the following will bring you comfort and maybe just a little undertanding of how I feel. You Gave Me Life Thinking of you, on this day, Wanting to send some love your way, It's hard to find the right words, But, there is something I must say. I am very grateful, To you, who gave me life, Who suffered much, birthing me, Who kept me safe from strife. Unselfishly, you made a choice, That I might find a better way, And while we were apart all those years, Still, there is something I must say. I love you unselfishly, too, And I am grateful that I've known you, I understand that you love me, And that you did, what you had to do. On this special day, I am sending you my love, My best hugs are there as well, Resting upon you like a dove. Your loving son, Fox* Teena read the letter again until the words began to blur through her tears. She gently replaced it between the fold of the card, running her fingers once again, across the red rose. Too much heartbreak, too much time had come between her and her son. It was time for another change. Hopefully, the change would be for the better. Making up her mind, she carefully rose from her chair, went to the phone, picked up the receiver and dialed the seldom called number. * * * Mulder's Apartment Alexandria, Virginia Saturday before Mother's Day May 1999 Dana Scully giggled behind Fox Mulder's back as he juggled the numerous bags of Chinese take-out in his effort to get them to the kitchen counter before dropping them. Once deposited safely, he turned to find Scully grinning with her hands full of his mail. He slowly walked toward her with a predatory gleam in his eyes and a quirky grin on his face. She shook her head and made a mad dash toward the living room, squealing as Mulder's arms circled her waist and he pulled her down onto the well-worn couch as the mail scattered haphazardly on the floor. They tussled about, kissing, tickling and laughing, until they were lying close on the leather couch and both gasping for breath. Scully ran her hand across his cheek, smiled and took a shuddering breath. "I love ya, you know." Mulder nodded, turned his head into her soft touch and kissed her palm. "Yeah, I love you too." He bent slightly and kissed her forehead before placing a sweet, gentle kiss on her lips. Scully sighed and extracted herself from his embrace, then bent to pick up the mail that was scattered across the floor. She turned and tossed it on his lap as she swung her legs off the couch, sat up and then headed toward the kitchen. "Hey Scully! Where ya going? I wasn't finished!" he asked. A smile tugged at the corner of his mouth when he saw the blush highlighting her pretty cheeks. "Dinner's getting cold, Mulder. I'll fix us a plate and bring it out while you go through your mail," she called over her shoulder as she ran her fingers through her hair trying to tame the tangled mess he'd made of it. Mulder watched as she disappeared into the little niche of a kitchen, sighing contentedly while thumbing through the assortment of junk mail, news letters and bills. A red envelope caught his eye and he pulled it from the heap, tossing the rest on the coffee table before him. He frowned as he read the return address, slowly opened the envelope, and pulled the enclosed card from within, a sad smile gracing his handsome face. Scully peaked around the kitchen's corner and watched Mulder as he ran his fingers across the card. She had seen it when she pulled it from the mailbox in the lobby and knew who it was from. She only hoped that it would not send him into another bout of depression. She knew of the complicated relationship he held with his mother and prayed that the fragile hold he currently had on happiness would not disintegrate before her eyes. Scully hung back, holding her breath, as he opened the card. A single tear dropped from his lashes and trailed down his suddenly pale visage, immediately followed by more. Scully could no longer stand by and watch him spiral down and took a step into the living room, but then, just as suddenly, a genuine smile broke out across his face and she breathed a sigh of relief. Slowly and quietly she walked toward him, sat close to him and wound her arm through his, leaning her head against his shoulder. Not wanting to break the silence, Scully simply took the card from him when he passed it to her. She noticed that a letter was still clutched in his hands. Scully turned her attention to the card. On the front of the card in delicate script, "My Sweet Boy" was written above a single red rose. She opened the card and read the inscription inside. Scully slowly closed the card and looked up to see a steady stream of tears along with a sweet expression on Mulder's face. After he had read it several times, he simply handed the letter to Scully and then wrapped his arms around her tightly, pulling her to him, her back to his chest as she perused the letter. *My Dearest Fox, I actually don't know how or where to start. I do want you to know that I love you dearly. I know we haven't kept in touch like we should have and for my part, I am truly sorry. I find myself sitting and wondering where it all went wrong. I know we've had our differences over the years and have seemed to come to an impasse of sorts over so many painful family issues. For that, I only blame myself. Since the stroke, I've tried to keep what few memories I do have in a journal. Going back over them now, I am reminded of so much time lost between us. It is a situation I hope that, God willing, can be still rectified. Fox, you have always held your feelings close to your heart, but your emotions radiate through your beautiful eyes. I suppose we're alike more than even we want to admit. My constant prayers, hopes and dreams are that you are truly happy and safe, and that you find that special someone to share your life with. I suspect you already have. I love you with all my heart and always have, My Sweet Boy. Be happy, Fox, Your Mother* Scully carefully folded the letter and slipped it back into the card and then slid both back into the envelope. She leaned her head sideways and looked up into Mulder's eyes. "What do you want to do?" she asked quietly. A shrug was his only answer as he pressed his lips to her forehead. "Do you want to go see your Mother tomorrow?" she asked. "I'm not ... I don't know ..." he stuttered and then drew in a deep breath, slowly released it and shook his head. "I want to believe, Scully. I have tried so many times with my Mom and failed," he paused and looked down at her gentle smile. "What?" he asked with a puzzled expression. "Mulder, the times that I've known you to go see her have always been during some kind of major crisis. I don't doubt that you and she had good intentions, but those were not the best of times for a mother and son bonding session," she gently chided. He sighed and spoke softly. "I know you're right, as always," a chuckle punctuated his words. "Scully ... would you mind going with me? I mean, you don't have to ..." his words trailed off with a sense of uncertainty of how she might react to his simple request. "Mom's in San Diego with Bill, Charlie and their families until Monday," she said, looking down and entwining her hands with his, which were still wrapped around her waist and resting on her stomach. "I will, if you really want me to," she replied, her words just above a whisper. His arms tightened around her and his breath came out in a rush, ruffling the soft strands of her hair, tickling her cheek gently and sending a familiar shiver up her back. She smiled and looked back at him over her shoulder. The sweet expression of relief on his face was too much and she leaned her head back, placing a kiss on his chin. "You go call her, Mulder, to let her know we'll be arriving sometime tomorrow, while I go heat up our dinner." He nodded as she untangled herself from his embrace and headed for the kitchen, disappearing around the corner. Just as he reached for the phone, it rang, startling him and causing him to jump. Mulder reached for the receiver and picked it up. "Hello" "Fox?" "Mom? Is everything okay? Are you all right?" he questioned in a rush of concerned words. His mother seldom called and only then when there was unpleasant new. "Yes, dear. I'm just fine. I ... " her voice trailed off uncertainly. Mulder frowned and turned to see Scully standing in the doorway. "What is it Mom?" he whispered into the phone. Scully walked toward him, placed the plates of take-out on the coffee table and then moved to stand in front of him. "I ... would you ... " another sigh and then she continued. "Fox ... I was wondering if you wouldn't mind coming to see me tomorrow. That is if you don't already have plans." "Sure, Mom. I'd love to. Scully and I were just talking about making a trip out there," he smiled down at Scully and she returned it ten-fold. "Wonderful! Oh, please tell Miss Scully that she is more than welcome to join us. I would love to see her too. Could you both be here around noon? I'll have something ready for when you arrive," she gushed with genuine excitement. Mulder chuckled and replied, "We'll both be there about noon, Mom." "Good, good. Well, then, I better go. There is much to be done before you arrive," she paused and then, "Fox." "Yeah, Mom?" "I love you, my sweet boy. I look forward to seeing you both," she said quietly. Mulder's voice quivered as he replied, "I love you too, Mom. See you then. Bye." "Bye, Fox." The line went dead and he gently replaced the receiver and stood there for a few moments with his hand on the phone. When Mulder turned back to Scully, a genuinely happy grin spread across his face. She stepped into his outstretched arms and they stood silent for a moment, hugging each other. She gave him one final squeeze and then grabbed his hand. "Mulder, Come on lets eat. I'm starving." He simply nodded and followed her to the couch. They sat in companiable silence, both lost within their own thoughts. "I love you, you know," he whispered after a few minutes. "Yeah. I love you, too." Scully reached over and squeezed his arm in reassurance. "Everything is going to be all right. You believe that, don't you, Mulder?" *I love you, my sweet boy,* echoed through his mind and he smiled brightly. "I want to believe." * * * Teena's Cottage May 2006 She started at the call from young William as he bound up the steps to her door. She smiled and wiped the tears that had fallen, unnoticed. Teena quickly rose and opened the door to find a very excited young man and Dana's mother, Maggie Scully, who her grandson referred to as "Memaw", standing behind the screen door. "Gramma, gramma. We comed to tell you sumpin!" William said excitedly, bouncing on his heels. Maggie grinned at Teena and shrugged her shoulders. "Oh my!! Well come in and tell me, William!" she said with just as much glee as she pushed the screen door open. After they entered, Teena went back to her chair, sat down and waited for his news. Teena watched as William looked up at his Memaw as if waiting for her approval. When Maggie nodded he turned back to her and with an exaggerated breath he spoke. "Moma and Daddy said to ... to ..." a frown settled between his brow, stomped his foot and huffed irritably, then looked up at his Memaw again. Maggie bent down and whispered in his ear and a grin appeared on his face. "Oh yeah. Moma and Daddy said to invite you to comed our house for dinner tomawro," he frowned again. "Did I say that right, Memaw?" "Yes. You did very good, Will," Maggie replied and ruffled his hair which elicited quite a few giggles. "Are you gonna comed over tomawro, Gramma?" he questioned as he sidled up next to her chair, his little hand resting on her knee. Maggie smiled behind the hand she held across her mouth as Teena made a show of considering her grandson's request. "Well, let me see. Tommorrow. Hmmm ... I don't know," she considered thoughtfully as she tapped a finger to her chin, watching as her grandson shuffled excitedly from foot to foot. William couldn't stand it any longer and grabbed his Gramma's hand and looked at her with earnest, carefree eyes. "Peeeeze, Gramma! You gotta come! It's Moma's Day and ... and ... well you just gotta," he pleaded innocently. "Oh, well, how could I refuse such a sweet invitaton from my favorite grandson? Of course, Gramma will be there," she said as she gently stroked his cheek. "Yes!! Tank you, Gramma," he said excitedly and launched himself into her arms, hugging her as tight as his little arms could. "I love you, Gramma!" She hugged him back just as tightly and glanced up at Maggie with tear-filled eyes. "Oh, my sweet boy, I love you, too," she whispered in his ear and with one last squeeze, released him. Maggie smiled at Teena, nodded her head and then took William's hand and left. Teena once again picked up the card and ran her fingers across the front. "My sweet boys," she whispered with a contented sigh. Teena leaned back in her chair, closed her eyes and smiled. ~end, for now~ The two card inscriptons were taken from AngelWinks Heavenly Post Card Shoppe without permission and with only the best of intentions. The poem 'You Gave Me Life' is by Max the Poet. The other is unknown. Beautiful e-mail cards and inscriptions can be found at: http://angelwinks.net/PostCardPageIndex.html My only wish for Mother's Day is that each and everyone is as blessed as I am with the support of family and friends. Fibbie and I hope that you have enjoyed our little series, as disjointed as it might be, so far. We are trying to get this one back on track as quickly as we can. If you feel that it's worth the effort, please let us know. starxphiler44@yahoo.com FBIWhistleblower@aol.com