July 4, 2010

"It was a long, long time ago."

"Mom said it was eleven years ago."

"That's a long, long time, by my count."

"Two years before I was born."

"I guess that makes you approaching old, buddy."

"Mature." The tone in which Will says this brings a big smile to Mulder's face. The boy is not only getting older; he's getting smarter. Lately it seems that every day there's a new word or idea coming forth.

"So, was mom giving you pointers for your date?"

"It's not a date."

"I beg your pardon. For your evening that includes the girl-not-your-mother-or-sister. The lovely Emma, I believe."

"She said that going to the game will be fun and that she's glad Emma can come with us. She said there's nothing more traditional to do on the Fourth of July than see a ball game and fireworks after. Then she told me about the time you taught her to hit a ball."

"Did she elaborate?" Mulder mentally counts the minutes until Will uses the word.

"She said you didn't think she'd get the hang of it, but she did."

"Not true. I was sure she'd hit one sooner or later, and actually, it was sooner as I recall. She knocked a couple way into the outfield."

"Was it a date?"

"I like to remember it that way."

"You were cute."

"What?"

"Mom said you were cute when you were teaching her to hit."

"I guess it was a date."

"Emma's really excited about the fireworks."

"Does she even like baseball?"

"She thinks it's okay."

"Sounds like your mom that night."

"You didn't have fireworks like we will tonight."

"No, not like tonight." Not at all, but they'd been spectacular. Mulder takes a break from the conversation for a few seconds.

"Care to elaborate?"

About two minutes, it had been. "We had some huge, bright stars in the sky. Their reflection in your mom's eyes was something to see."

"Mom had fun. More than ever, she said."

"Will, I hope Emma has a good time. I'm glad you wanted to invite her."

"She will. She likes you and Mom a lot."

"Time to get ourselves together to go. The ice chest needs packing."

"Don't forget the root beer."

"Never."

"I forgot one more thing Mom said." Will laughs.

"Must've been funny."

"Mr. Bat."

~ End ~

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This story is (c) Copyright 2010 by Christine Leigh. "The X-Files" and the characters of Mulder, Scully, and William are the property of the Fox Network and Ten-Thirteen Productions and are borrowed here without profit or intent for profit.