Review By: Gothic Spook "I'm not sure I'm ready to go back to the FBI." - Scully For those of you particuly following the Follmer/Reyes aspect of the series (like me) THIS IS THE EPISODE FOR YOU! Oh yeah you'll love it! Scully takes actions without think ahead in this episode for the safety of a young girl she meets. Read on for an episode full of joy, pain and LOVE! |
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Title: "Not What It Seems"
Written by: Kristi
Date: August 7, 2004; January 4, 17, 23, 2005
Air Date: February 7, 2005
Rating: PG
Series: FRVS - Episode #142
Spoilers: Past episodes of FRVS may be spoiled.
Feedback: We love it. There is a form at the bottom of this story that you can use to send us feedback. Thank you.
Archiving: "Fox & Rat" Virtual Series only!
Disclaimer: We do not own anyone. They belong to Chris Carter, Ten-Thirteen Productions, and 20th Century FOX Broadcasting.
Author's Note: The personalities of the characters within the world of "Fox & Rat" are not those you know from "The X-Files" television series. We have warped them and given them a common past, immature behavior and a sense of humor. Any horrid behavior should not be mimicked in your every day life.
Summary: Scully meets up with her sister, Melissa, only to suspect that Melissa's new boyfriend isn't what he seems to be. Events unfold that have Scully worried for the safety of a young girl.
FADE IN:
EXT. PARK – DAY
FALLS CHURCH, VA
FEBRUARY 5, SATURDAYDespite being a cold February day in Falls Church, Virginia, the park is filled with a group of young children playing in the freshly fallen snow.
Dana Scully and her older sister, Melissa, are preparing picnic tables in the covered area near the park’s playground. Luckily for them, the covered area also has heaters. Scully places colorful paper plates with “Happy Birthday” written on them around the table as Melissa carefully sets a birthday cake, with a hockey design on the frosting, at the head of the table.
MELISSA
I can’t believe how fast you
made it through Quanitco, Dana.Scully looks up and smiles at her sister.
SCULLY
It’s not that hard the
second time around.She laughs.
SCULLY (CON’T)
Besides, I had a lot of
support from my friends.
MELISSA
I don’t know how you
do it. (beat) There is
so much physical training.
SCULLY
It’s nothing. (beat) I’ve
been through a lot worse.Scully continues to set matching paper cups down on the table. She’d rather not talk about all the worse things she’s been through on such a happy day.
SCULLY
So, whose idea was it to have
a February birthday party outside?
MELISSA
Daniel’s. He’s in the pee-wee
hockey league, and there’s a
frozen pond just over that hill.Melissa indicates to a small hill behind the playground.
SCULLY
I hope I’m not expected to
watch over all those kids when
it’s time for ice skating. It’s
been ages since I’ve been skating.
I’ll probably fall and hurt myself.Scully laughs.
MELISSA
I don’t think you’ll have to
worry about that. (beat) Daniel’s
coach, Michael, is here.Melissa looks off in the direction of the playground and to a man who is watching all the kids play. Scully watches her sister, and knows that look in her eyes. She smiles to herself.
SCULLY
(reading into Melissa’s expression)
So, Melissa, are you dating anyone?Melissa looks in her direction with a smile.
MELISSA
I never could hide anything from
you, could I? (beat) Yes, I am.
And I’m sure you’ve already guessed
that it’s the hockey coach standing
over there.Melissa smiles. Scully stops placing cups on the picnic table.
SCULLY
Since when do you go to an ice rink?
MELISSA
Since I met him.
SCULLY
Do tell all.Scully smiles, it’s rare when a member of the Scully family knows about the other’s personal/love life. It took forever for her family to find out about her and Skinner when they were involved. And it took forever for them to find out they split.
MELISSA
Well, I was at this little café,
enjoying my morning coffee. This
was back in May, so the weather was
beautiful, and naturally I was outside.
There’s nothing like the morning air
in your lungs to help cleanse your soul.Scully slightly rolls her eyes at her sister. Melissa always gets off track when telling a story, especially when she goes into details about “cleansing the soul”. If only Monica could meet Melissa, there’s no doubt that they would hit it off great with all their spiritual, cleansing of the aura talk. Of course, John Doggett would have to be there.
MELISSA (CON’T)
Anyway, I’m enjoying my coffee
when all of a sudden this little
girl runs right into my table,
causing me to spill my drink all
over my new dress.
SCULLY
Oh no.
MELISSA
I’m not upset or anything, because
you know kids, they don’t mean to
do some of the things they do. And
this little girl just starts to cry.
And she’s crying so much that she can’t
even apologize to me, and I can tell she wants to.
SCULLY
Aww.
MELISSA
So this little girl’s dad comes
up to me and he’s non-stop apologetic.Scully freezes and gets a tense look on her face.
SCULLY
Missy, he’s not married is he?
MELISSA
(shocked)
No.
SCULLY
So Mr. Hockey Coach isn’t the father?
MELISSA
No, he is.
SCULLY
And he’s not married?
MELISSA
Are you going to let me
tell the story? I’ll explain.
SCULLY
Ok. Go ahead.Scully smiles, eager to know what Melissa’s gotten herself involved in.
MELISSA
All right. Where was I? Oh yes.
So this handsome man, who is her
father, is apologizing all over
the place like I’m going to flip
out and sue him because his adorable
little girl ran into my table and
I spilled coffee all over myself.
(beat) I keep trying to tell him that
it’s okay and that I’m fine. It’s no
big deal. But he insists that he make
it up to me and that he can at least
buy me another coffee. I agree because
this poor guy feels so bad. And not to
mention he’s very cute.
Scully smiles.
MELISSA
So he buys me another coffee and
we split and go our own separate ways.Melissa stops, as if it’s the end of the story. Scully waits for a slight moment, hoping she’ll continue on.
SCULLY
That’s it? How did you hook up?
MELISSA
Dana, you know I always tell
a full story.
Melissa slyly smiles.
SCULLY
Then go on.
MELISSA
So we went our own separate ways.
(beat) A couple months later, in
August, I’m visiting a friend in
Seattle and she and her boyfriend
have tickets to some hockey game.
However, her boyfriend is feeling
sick and the last time he went to
a game, he almost got hit with a puck.
(beat) So I agree to go with her, even
though I’m not a big hockey fan. You
know, just for a fun thing to do that
I usually never do, right?
SCULLY
Yeah.
MELISSA
So while we’re there, I start to get
a headache from how loud the crowd is.
You know me and loud noises, I can only
tolerate them where it’s suppose to be
loud and as long as it’s not for a long
period of time. I’m just glad we weren’t
at a basketball game, you know how those
games go. One minute on the clock can last
a half hour. It’s insane how-
SCULLY
-Melissa, your story.
MELISSA
Sorry. (beat) Anyway, I excuse myself
from our seats just to get away for
a while. It’s not that I don’t like hockey,
it’s just the loud noise was starting to get
to me. (beat) So I leave to go buy a bottle of
water from one of those over priced vendors
arenas like to have around to suck all the cash
out of people, as if the tickets themselves
didn’t already do the job. (beat) I know you have
your doubts about how the world and universe work
in mysterious ways, but let me tell you, it was
fate that I went to Seattle, and that my friend’s
boyfriend got sick and couldn’t go to the
game because standing in the same small line at
the same vendor as me, was Michael, the same guy
who I met all the way across the country.
SCULLY
Sounds like fate to me.
MELISSA
It was. We hit it off great with
our second meeting. The first thing
I thought was how ironic it was to
fall for a man who lives all the
way across the country. However, it
turns out he was only in town
visiting a friend who happened to have
tickets to the same game too.
SCULLY
What about the little girl?
MELISSA
Clare? (beat) Well, Michael was going
through a divorce and it turns out
that his ex was a little on the flippy
side, so he gets full custody of her.
She’s a great little girl. (beat) She’s
the little blond building the snowman over there.Melissa indicates towards the little girl. Scully follows Melissa’s eyes and sees the young girl rolling a small ball of snow in the ground all on her own.
SCULLY
She looks cute.
MELISSA
She’s adorable, and the sweetest
little angel you’ll ever meet. (beat)
How about I go introduce you to her?
SCULLY
Sure.
MELISSA
(serious)
Ok, before we go do that, I have
to tell you something else.Melissa’s tone concerns Scully.
SCULLY
(worry)
What?
MELISSA
Michael and I are living together,
and Clare sees me as her mother. I
just wanted you to know that before
I introduced you to her so you wouldn’t
be confused as to why she calls me “mom”.Scully looks at her sister in shock.
SCULLY
Geez! What is with the Scully family
and not telling anyone anything? (beat)
I mean, you haven’t been with him long
at all. Don’t you think it’s a little
too soon to be moving in with the guy?
MELISSA
When you meet him, you’ll understand.Melissa smiles and walks away from Scully. Scully turns and watches her sister for a moment before following her. She lets out a sigh. This is very typical of the Scully family.
Scully follows Melissa to the little girl, Clare, as she continues to roll snow into large balls for a snowman.
MELISSA
Hey Clare.
CLARE
(excited)
Mommy, look what I’m making.Clare stands proudly in front of her large snowball.
MELISSA
That’s very good, honey. Did
you want some help?
CLARE
(overly confident)
Nope. I can do it all by myself.
Clare smiles big, and immediately starts to roll her snowball to make it bigger. Scully comes up.
MELISSA
Clare, honey, I’d like you to
meet my sister, Dana.Clare looks up at Scully as she continues to roll her snowball.
CLARE
Hi.
SCULLY
Hi. (beat) Are you making
Frosty The Snowman?
CLARE
Yeah. But I can’t take him
inside or else he’ll melt.Clare rolls the big snowball over to a smaller one and starts on another one.
MICHAEL (O.S.)
Missy!Melissa looks in his direction as he waves to her to come over to him.
MELISSA
(to Scully & Clare)
I’ll be right back.
CLARE
Okay, mommy.Melissa walks off and goes towards Michael. Scully watches her for a moment as Michael kisses her. Scully smiles, happy that Melissa is happy.
CLARE
Are you like my aunt?Scully looks over at Clare who has stopped rolling her snowball.
SCULLY
Not technically, but you can
call me your Aunt Dana if you want.Clare’s smile brings a smile to Scully’s face. In a way, Clare reminds Scully of when Jill was young. So much innocence is inside of her.
CLARE
I think my daddy is going
to make Melissa my mommy officially.
SCULLY
Really?
CLARE
Yep. (beat) I like her. She’s nice.
(beat) She reads me stories every
night before I go to bed.
SCULLY
Missy was always good at reading
and telling stories.
CLARE
Did she tell you stories?
SCULLY
When I was younger she did.
(beat) And she still does
at times now.
CLARE
Can you help me get the
snowballs on top of one another?
SCULLY
I’d love to.Scully smiles and goes over to the biggest snowball.
SCULLY
I think we should build him
right here, don’t you think?
CLARE
Yeah.Scully picks up the second largest snowball and sets it on top of the larger one.
CLARE
I want to put his head on.
But you’ll have to pick me
up because I’m small.
SCULLY
All right.Clare goes over and picks up the smallest snowball. Scully lifts her up so she can reach the top of the snowman’s body. Clare’s hands slip and the snowball hits her in the face.
CLARE
Ow!She drops the snowball to the ground. Scully gently puts her on the ground and turns her around to be face to face with her. Clare is covering her mouth.
SCULLY
Sweetie, are you all right?Clare doesn’t say anything and shakes her head “no”.
SCULLY
Can I see your face, Clare?
CLARE
(muffled by her hand)
No. It hurts.
SCULLY
I’m a doctor, I can help you.
Clare removes her hand from her mouth to reveal that she is bleeding.
SCULLY
Oh no. Here.Scully pulls out a tissue and gently dabs Clare’s mouth with it.
SCULLY
Can you hold this right there, so
we can sit you down and have a better look?Clare takes the tissue and nods her head. Scully leads her back to the picnic tables and sits her down on a bench. She looks around for Melissa and Michael, but they are busy watching the other kids. She turns her attention back to Clare.
SCULLY
Ok, can I have a look?Scully takes the tissue from Clare and gently wipes away blood to reveal a pretty nasty cut inside of her mouth on the gums.
CLARE
It hurts.Tears sting Clare’s eyes as Scully continues to examine the cut.
SCULLY
I know, sweetie, hold on.This cut doesn’t look like it could’ve come from the snowball falling on her face. The cut is deeper, and the snowball falling only opened a scar.
SCULLY
Clare, this is a pretty deep
cut. I’m going to get your father-
CLARE
-No, don’t!Clare takes the tissue and covers her mouth again. Scully stops, wondering why this little girl would be afraid of her father knowing about this cut.
CLARE
I’m okay now. Can I go play?Scully looks at her carefully. Clare’s quick denial that anything is wrong worries her. And the fact that Clare seems afraid to have her father know about this cut, worries her further.
Melissa and Michael come back to the covered area with all the other kids. The kids run to have a seat at the picnic tables so they can eat lunch and then dig into the cake.
MELISSA
(to Scully)
Is everything all right?
SCULLY
Clare-
CLARE
-Yes. Everything is fine.Clare takes the opportunity of all the kids going crazy for food to get into the mix and “forget” about what has just happened. She still covers her mouth with the tissue.
Melissa notices Scully’s concerned expression.
MELISSA
(concerned)
Dana?Scully doesn’t hear her sister. She’s concerned for Clare as she watches her sit at the picnic table and patiently wait for food. What if Clare’s father, Michael, is abusing her? That would make sense for Clare to want to deny anyone knowing about her bad cut. It would make sense why Melissa was already moving in with this guy. That’s typical of controlling/abusive men. They try to make the relationship seem like it will last forever. They’ll keep the women they are with in a relationship that has a commitment, and moving in is a big commitment.
Off of Scully’s concerned expression for Clare, and for Melissa’s well-being...
CUT TO:
INT. BRAD FOLLMER’S OFFICE – FBI HEADQUARTERS
Brad sits at his desk with the phone to his ear.
BRAD
(“hiding” anger)
No. (beat) No, those were
suppose to go out last week,
what do you mean they’re still
on top of your desk?Brad rubs his head in frustration. It’s a Saturday afternoon, and he’s stuck at work because Ted, the head of the Office of Professional Responsibility, has shown another month of irresponsibility.
BRAD
No. He needed them last week.There is a long beat of silence as Brad listens to Ted’s excuses. He rolls his eyes... a big roll of the eyes.
BRAD
(pissed off)
You know, it’s a wonder you
made it through Quantico. (beat)
Never mind, Ted. I’ll figure out
what to do about this on Monday.Brad angrily slams his phone down and lets out and irritated scream of frustration. Right about now, he could pull all of his hair right out of his head.
Brad has fallen behind this past week, having to take care of X-File cases, Scully getting through Quantico, Skinner needing his help with the Criminal Investigations Division, and making sure Kim Cook’s transfer came in all right. He’s had to reluctantly call her in this weekend so he can be on top of things by Monday to take care of the newest problem in OPR.
His phone rings and Brad glares at it.
BRAD
(irritated)
For the last time, Ted, I’ll
take care of it on Monday.
MONTGOMERY (FILTERED)
Mr. Follmer, this is Dr. Montgomery
from the Strughold Cancer Research
Facility in New York State.Brad freezes in place. He knows about the Strughold Facility in New York, and he recognizes the name “Montgomery”.
BRAD
(calm)
Yes?
MONTGOMERY
I’m calling on behalf of
your finacé, Monica Reyes.CUT TO:
INT. THE FACILITY – MONTGOMERY’S OFFICE
John Montgomery walks over to his office door and opens it. Outside, Brad Follmer waits eagerly.
MONTGOMERY
Brad Follmer?
BRAD
Yes.Montgomery extends his hand.
MONTGOMERY
I’m Dr. Montgomery. It’s nice to meet you.
Brad shakes his hand. He knows this man from the Brooklyn Bridge on Christmas Eve. He’s the one who took Monica away from him for the second time.
MONTGOMERY
Come in.Montgomery steps aside to allow Brad into his office. Brad enters cautiously. He’s suspicious of this situation, but his mind can’t help but know Monica is near and this man called him here because of her.
Brad takes a seat in front of Montgomery’s desk as Montgomery sits down.
BRAD
Where’s Monica?For almost a year he’s been wanting an answer to this question.
MONTGOMERY
She’s in recovery.Brad reflects back to the Bridge. Monica was in a wheelchair and her health looked questionable.
BRAD
What happened to her?
MONTGOMERY
I trust that you are a smart man,
which makes me believe that you
will understand the secrecy of what
I’m going to tell you.
Montgomery pauses for a moment to look Brad over to assure himself that he can trust him.
MONTGOMERY
Monica was entered into a testing
project against her will. At that time,
this facility was under the orders of
a man who did not care about the lives
of the test subjects. (beat) She was not
tested on until a few months ago. However,
for the safety of her life, and the life
of Dana Scully, her condition had to convince
other doctors that she was being tested.
BRAD
What kind of test?This news worries him.
MONTGOMERY
A test to find a vaccine
against a deadly alien virus.The room falls silent as Montgomery allows this information to set in.
MONTGOMERY
Ms. Scully never tested on Monica.
(beat) Are you aware of Monica’s
special ability?
BRAD
(unsure)
Ability?His mind is still back with “deadly alien virus”. Montgomery is hitting him with the full truth, and it’s a big bang.
MONTGOMERY
Her ability to sense the feelings of
others, to see future events, to
see things others can not, such as
ghosts or spirits.Brad tries to clear his head and think about before she disappeared. She was acting a little strange...
BRAD
Before she went missing, she was
having painful headaches. (beat)
She even said she saw a young boy
who died over ten years ago.Montgomery nods.
MONTGOMERY
That’s exactly what I’m talking
about. (beat) When she was brought
here, we attempted to erase her memory
so she could return home. However, her
brain rejected the serum and we only
had two options: kill her or enter
her into The Project.Brad takes it in and nods his head.
BRAD
You said that you tested on her.
What did that do to her?He asks the questions, but is afraid to hear the answer as his mind races to the worst scenario.
MONTGOMERY
I’ve conducted years of research
on psychic ability, and have found
that there is a cure for the virus
inside of them.Brad listens, hoping Montgomery does not have bad news about Monica.
BRAD
(worried)
What do you mean: “inside of them”?
MONTGOMERY
Inside the brain. (beat) Her brain.Brad stares at him intensely, not liking what he’s hearing.
MONTGOMERY
(after a beat)
I had to take a small portion of
her brain to further my study. (beat)
She’s fine. (beat) However, there
are a few side effects.Anger boils inside of Brad. This man had no right to do this to Monica.
MONTGOMERY (CON’T)
Her visions and senses have increased.
Her mind has become wide open.
BRAD
Meaning?
MONTGOMERY
Without medication, she will be
constantly tormented by visions
of the future, unexplained phenomenon
like spirits and anything else that
can enter into her ability. (beat)
She’s on medication right now and
recovering fine.Brad nods his head. He’s not happy with this man for hurting Monica, but things could be worse.
BRAD
What does this medication do?
MONTGOMERY
It must be given to her every
four hours. It regulates her
brain to stop the flow of... her ability.
BRAD
Side effects?
MONTGOMERY
Forgetfulness, temporary long-term
and short-term memory loss. Headaches.
Insomnia. Mood swings. Paranoia. Fatigue...Brad nods his head and sighs. There is no way this medication can be 100% good for her.
MONTGOMERY
(after a beat)
I’m sure you were also aware of her
condition when she first came here.
BRAD
Yes. She was pregnant. (beat)
Dana told me what happened.Montgomery nods.
MONTGOMERY
She will still be able to have
children. (beat) Needless to say,
she has become extremely depressed
because of what happened. She has
even attempted suicide.Brad takes a deep breath, holding back his emotions. It hurts him to hear about all the shit she has endured, and continues to endure. She doesn’t deserve any of this.
BRAD
So if you’re telling me this,
does that mean Monica is being
released from this place?Brad looks Montgomery in the eyes, hoping to hear good news.
MONTGOMERY
Under the conditions that she and
you do not expose this facility or
The Project. (beat) Our work here is
extremely important to the human race.
As far as the public knows, we are
conducting cancer research.Brad nods his head.
MONTGOMERY
I have told you everything because
I believe it will help you understand
what Monica has been through so you’ll
be able to help her when she is released.
BRAD
When will she be able to leave?
MONTGOMERY
I’d like to keep her here so I can
monitor her recovery. We have a great
rehabilitation program to help her
recover physically. We have therapist
for mental recovery as well. Although
most of her mental recover will happen
outside of the facility and at home.
BRAD
So how long?
MONTGOMERY
About a month.Brad nods his head.
BRAD
When can I see her?
MONTGOMERY
Right now.Montgomery opens a desk drawer and hands Brad a small box. Brad takes it.
BRAD
What’s this?
MONTGOMERY
Something you might want
to give back to Monica.CUT TO:
INT. MONICA’S HOSPITAL ROOM – RECOVERY WARD
Monica Reyes sits up in her hospital bed with a blank expression on her face. She’s wrapped herself up in a warm pink blanket. Her tired eyes blankly stare out the window and up to the beautiful blue sky.
A young nurse is in her room, bringing Monica a meal.
NURSE AVERY
(concern)
Monica, the doctor really
needs you to eat this.Monica doesn’t even acknowledge the nurse and continues to stare out the window. Her appetite is non-existent. Montgomery has ordered the nurse to hook Monica up to an IV so she can get nutrients if she refuses to eat.
Avery lets out a small sigh. She doesn’t want to do this to Monica, but she has to. The poor girl has been poked by needles enough anyway, but she has to do it. She gets Monica hooked up to the IV.
NURSE AVERY
It’s a beautiful day today, isn’t it?
She smiles, hoping to get Monica to talk.
MONICA
(quiet)
It’s nice to see the sun again.Avery smiles. Monica looks over in her direction.
MONICA
Could you bring me some ice?
NURSE AVERY
Sure.Avery gives her a warm smile, and Monica weakly smiles back. Avery leaves and Monica turns her gaze back to the window.
She shuts her heavy eyes knowing she needs rest. She fears sleeping now because of reoccurring nightmares of everything she’s been through in the past eleven months. Nightmares of the day Scully and Montgomery forced an abortion on her constantly haunt her. When she wakes up from sleep she forgets that she is in the recovery ward and feels as if she’s still in her isolated cell. She has nightmares of when Montgomery tested on her. Nightmares of the pain she went through during that time. Nightmares of being alone and cold, hunger and thirst in her dark cell.
Sleep prevents her from forgetting what has happened to her.
There is a soft knock on her door. Monica slowly looks over and sees Brad standing in the doorway. Monica’s jaw slightly drops open. He’s the last person she ever expected to see.
Brad smiles when he sees her and enters her room. He makes his way over to Monica’s bed.
BRAD
(soft)
Hey...Monica’s eyes light up with life as she realizes that her eyes are not playing tricks on her. For the first time in a long time, she smiles a sincere smile.
MONICA
(happy/surprised)
Brad...Brad sits on the side of her bed and smiles at her. Monica immediately sits up and wraps her weak arms around him. She didn’t even know she had the strength to sit up until he came.
She is weak. Brad can tell that much as he holds her fragile body close to him. Tears fill his eyes as he feels how torn apart and how weak her spirit has become. He can sense that her spirit has been driven out of her. He feels how weak her body has become, and how this she is. She is obviously not eating well at all. She feels weightless in his arms.
Brad gently kisses the top of her head and Monica tightens her hold on him the best she can. She starts to cry, finally able to let her emotions break out. She’s held them in for too long, and now, with Brad here, she feels she has someone she can trust. Someone who can protect her and know her pain. She sobs in his arms for a few minutes until her body is physically exhausted.
Brad gently strokes her head as she calms down. Tears fall down his face as he feels the surface of her pain. Monica pulls away from him and wipes her tears away. She smiles at him. At this moment, she’s never felt this much happiness in all her life. Another tear falls from her eye. She doesn’t bother to wipe it away and neither does Brad. This assures her that it is all right to cry and to let out the emotions and pain she has bottled up inside of her.
Brad takes hold of Monica’s cold hand and gently kisses it. He smiles at her as she looks him over.
Monica’s eyes absorb his image. He’s never looked more handsome than how he looks in this moment. He wears a blue work shirt with long sleeves and the top button casually undone. His tie has been removed, giving him a very casual look.
Monica smiles at him as she places a hand on his chest, moving it up to his broad shoulder and down his strong arm. He seems stronger now than how she remembers. She looks into his soft hazel eyes, allowing memories from before to enter her mind. His hair looks soft in the natural light, and she remembers how much she misses running her fingers through it. She misses his gentle lips against her skin, but she’s not sure she’s ready for that kind of contact.
MONICA
I love this shirt.She smiles at him, trying not to cry again. He smiles back at her. It has been too long since she’s seen his irresistible smiles. Her heart warms inside.
Brad looks down at his shirt.
BRAD
(smiling)
You bought it for me.
MONICA
I did?She doesn’t remember, but will take his word for it.
MONICA
I forget things sometime. (beat)
Dr. Montgomery said I would.She looks down, wishing she didn’t have to be medicated.
BRAD
He told me. (beat) It’s all right.
I’ll help you remember.He smiles at her to reassure her that he’s going to help her through this.
Brad digs into his pocket and retrieves the little box Montgomery gave to him. He opens it and pulls out the engagement ring he gave to Monica in Paris.
BRAD
Dr. Montgomery gave this to
me to give back to you.Tears come to Monica’s eyes as she extends her weak hand for Brad to place the ring back on it. Monica looks down as he places the ring back on her hand. It hangs loose on her finger from all the weight she has lost. She smiles as a tear falls down her face.
MONICA
I thought I’d never see it again.She gently leans into his chest and stars down at the ring. Brad wraps his arms around her. Monica gets a strange look on her face as she suddenly realizes something.
MONICA
Wait... why are you in a
work shirt when it’s a Saturday?
(beat) It is Saturday, right?Brad laughs a little.
BRAD
Yes, it’s Saturday. (beat)
There was some things at work
that needed to be done.
MONICA
Oh.Monica smiles and leans into him, happy to be back in his arms and finally able to temporarily forget about the hell she’s been living for the past eleven months.
CUT TO:
INT. BRAD FOLLMER’S OUTER OFFICE – 1 P.M.
Kim Cook enters the outer office. She is carrying a small box with some personal items and she sets it down on a new desk. Her transfer from being Skinner’s secretary to Brad’s has finally gone through, but not without a little trouble with the paperwork because Skinner lost it.
Kim goes over to the office door and knocks. The door opens, and to her surprise, Fox Mulder is in Brad’s office.
KIM COOK
(confused)
Agent Mulder?
MULDER
I know what you’re thinking,
but Brad’s not tied up in a closet.
KIM COOK
Good. Is he here? I just wanted
to let him know I’m here and need
to know what he needs help with.Mulder holds up a piece of paper.
MULDER
(re: paper)
He needs the stack of files on your
desk to be filed away in the filing
cabinets behind your desk. Then, we
need to get some paperwork delivered
to the Director ASAP because they were
supposed to be signed by her last week
and sent to the Department of Justice.
KIM COOK
All right. (beat) One question.
MULDER
Shoot.
KIM COOK
Why are you here?
MULDER
He had to go out of town for
an emergency and he has temporarily
put me in charge until he returns
in a couple of days.Kim looks at him with shock.
KIM COOK
He did?
MULDER
Yes. (beat) I’m a little nervous
so I’m glad you are here. (beat)
I’ve never done any sitting in for
an Assistant Director work before in
my life. I need to make sure Scully’s
paperwork is sitting on the Deputy Director’s
and The Director’s desks by Monday and
have everything in order, or else it
will be a longer process for Scully to
get back into the FBI. (beat) I’ve
never done this kind of stuff before,
but for some reason he thinks I am the
best qualified to sit in for him. (beat)
I don’t know where he got it.
Kim smiles. Who would’ve thought Brad would put Fox Mulder in charge while he’s gone.
KIM COOK
Don’t worry, Agent Mulder. I worked
for Skinner when he was an A.D. of this
division, so I literally did all of
this kind of work for him.Mulder smiles and relaxes. He’s very thankful Kim is here.
KIM COOK
Okay, so let’s do what needs to be
done so we don’t have him fall even
more behind. (beat) Did you know he
was helping A.D. Skinner with CID work?
MULDER
(shocked)
He was?
KIM COOK
Yeah. He told me that that’s the
reason he’s fallen behind. And then
there was the “Ted Issue” today in OPR
which has made everything fall behind in the Bureau.
MULDER
I still don’t know why he
didn’t get that promotion to OPR.Mulder shakes his head. It’s such a pity because he knows Brad could do great things by cleaning house in OPR. Maybe even Alex Krycek could clean up.
MULDER
Anyway, we have a lot to do.
So let’s get to work.
KIM COOK
All right.
Kim gives him a warm smiles and head over to her new desk to start filing. Mulder goes back to Brad’s desk and looks at the notes Brad left him. He grabs a pen and a file folder and writes on it, doing exactly as Brad has instructed. Mulder smiles to himself as he gets to do A.D. work. It’s not that hard, so far.
CUT TO:
INT. CHILDREN’S NATIONAL MEDICAL CENTER – FALLS CHURCH, VA
Melissa and Dana are sitting quietly in the waiting room. Michael is pacing near the doorway, waiting to hear from the doctors about the cut in Clare’s mouth.
Scully watches him carefully. The cut in Clare’s mouth had scarred over before the snowball fell and broke it open. How did she get the scar, and why didn’t her father know about it sooner? Sure, right now Michael is putting on the “worried father” look by pacing by the doorway with a concerned look on his face, but Scully isn’t sure it is sincere.
SCULLY
(quiet; to Melissa)
Missy?
MELISSA
Yeah?
SCULLY
Do you trust him?
MELISSA
Michael?Scully nods her head.
MELISSA
Of course, I do. (beat) Why?
SCULLY
I just think it’s a little strange
that he didn’t notice the cut in
Clare’s mouth sooner. I mean, I had
to point it out to him. I just think
it’s a little suspicious.Melissa looks at her for a moment.
MELISSA
(quiet)
What are you saying, Dana?
SCULLY
What if... he’s the one hurting her?
MELISSA
No, he’s not like that at all.
He’s a great father.
SCULLY
I just see traits in him that
mirror that of a controlling or
abusive father. (beat) I’m not
just worried for Clare, I’m
worried for you too, Melissa.
MELISSA
He’s not like that Dana. He’s
a great guy and would never
harm Clare ever. He loves her.
SCULLY
I’m just worried, okay? (beat)
I mean, you haven’t known him
very long at all. People can date
for years and never know the other’s
true self until they are in too deep
by marriage, you know? (beat) I mean,
you’re already living with him and you
only started dating him in August. (beat)
That’s about six months, Melissa. (beat)
I just think it’s too suspicious of him.
MELISSA
I see where you are coming from, Dana.
But you don’t know him like I do. (beat)
It’s not like we started living together
the day after we hooked up or anything.
(beat) It’s only been two months.
Clare’s doctor enters the waiting room and approaches Michael. Scully and Melissa stop their conversation and watch as the doctor talks to him quietly. He truly does look worried, but the doctor brings some news that is welcoming and he relaxes. The doctor continues and his expression changes to more worry and he nods his head. The doctor leaves and Michael comes over to Melissa and Scully. He sits down next to Melissa.
MICHAEL
The doctor says they’ve stitched
her up and she’s going to be fine.
MELISSA
That’s good.
MICHAEL
However, he said that as a precaution
they took some photos of her since the
cut looked intentional and found some
bruising that was on her back. (beat)
A fist mark was found.Tears well up in his eyes. He’s at a complete loss as to how this could’ve happened to Clare.
MELISSA
You mean someone hit her?
MICHAEL
A few times apparently.He sits there with a numb expression. How could he had not seen this or known about it until now?
Scully watches him, not sure if she believes him. Controlling/abusive men usually try to get people to like them so when something like what’s just been found out about Clare happens, everyone will say “oh no, he never could’ve done that.”
MELISSA
Do you know who would’ve done this?
MICHAEL
I have no idea.He shakes his head.
A nurse comes into the waiting room, holding Clare’s hand.
NURSE
Mr. Levinson?Michael looks up and sees the nurse with his daughter. He stands up.
NURSE
She’s all ready to go.
MICHAEL
Thank you.The nurse smiles and hands Clare over to him. He kneels down to be face to face with her.
MICHAEL
Are you all right?
CLARE
Yeah. But I can’t eat
hard candy so I should
probably have apple sauce
tonight because it hurts.
MICHAEL
Anything you want, sweetie.He smiles and Clare wraps her arms around him and he picks her up.
MICHAEL
(to Melissa)
I think we should call it a day.Melissa nods in agreement.
CLARE
Can we get ice cream?
MICHAEL
Not right now.Melissa grabs her coat and stands up. Scully follows.
SCULLY
I should probably be getting home.
I still have some unpacking to do
at my new apartment.
MELISSA
All right. I’ll see you later then.
SCULLY
Okay.
MICHAEL
It was nice meeting you, Dana.Michael extends a free hand and shakes Dana’s hand.
SCULLY
Nice to meet you too.She smiles at him, then moves so she can see Clare.
SCULLY
It was nice meeting you too, Clare.
CLARE
Yes it was, Auntie Dana.Scully smiles and turns to Melissa.
SCULLY
See you around.
MELISSA
Let me know if you need
any help unpacking.
SCULLY
All right. Bye.Scully leaves the hospital and goes outside to her car.
She gets inside her car and sits for a moment. She’s still not sure about this Michael guy. She starts her car and pulls out of the parking lot.
CUT TO:
INT. JOHN DOGGETT’S HOUSE – LIVING ROOM
The house is quiet. So quiet that you can hear only the ticking of the clock.
John Doggett sits in his chair reading a book. Buddy sits in front of him, watching him, waiting for something interesting to happen. Doggett turns a page in the book he’s reading and Buddy’s tail wags once.
Buddy’s ears perk up when he hears the sound of a car pulling up in the driveway. The car stops and Buddy stands up on all fours. The car door can be heard shutting and footsteps approach John’s front door. Buddy starts to bark wildly as he runs to the door.
John looks up from his book and over to Buddy who is scratching at the door. He slowly stands up and walks over, just as there is a soft knock on the front door.
Doggett moves Buddy away from the door and opens it to find Scully.
DOGGETT
(surprised)
Hey. I thought you were
helping your sister out
at that birthday party.
He steps aside to allow her in.
SCULLY
I did.Doggett can read her expression. She’s concerned about something.
DOGGETT
(worried)
What is it?
SCULLY
It’s Melissa. (beat) Actually the
guy she’s seeing. His little girl
had a bad cut in her mouth, and I
think her father is abusing her, but
Melissa doesn’t see it and denies
that he could hurt her too.
DOGGETT
Oh.He wasn’t expecting this.
DOGGETT
What exactly happened?
SCULLY
I was helping this little girl
build a snowman and she dropped
the smallest snowball on her face
and she started to bleed from the
mouth. (beat) She had a bad cut in
her mouth that I’ve only seen with
blunt force trauma, but it was old
enough to have scarred over and not
show any bruising. (beat) Then when
we were at the hospital, the doctors
checked her over and found some old
bruises on her back with a camera.
A fist print was found, and I suspect
the father of doing this to her.
DOGGETT
How old is the girl?
SCULLY
Missy said she’s five and a half.
DOGGETT
Without hard evidence that the
father did this, there’s not
much we can do about it.
SCULLY
I know. I just think we should
do something. (beat) I want to
confront him about it, and I
would like you there with me when
I do it. I don’t know what this
guy is capable of.
DOGGETT
It really isn’t FBI jurisdiction.
SCULLY
I’m not doing this as FBI, I’m
doing this as someone who cares.Scully sits down on his couch.
SCULLY
My sister is dating this man,
and if he’s hurting his daughter
there’s no telling what he could
do to Melissa. (beat) She’s been
dating him for six months and already
lives with him. I just see traits in
him that I’ve seen with abusive men.Scully looks down. She knows all too well the horrors of being with a man who is abusive, and she doesn’t want Melissa to go through anything she’s had to deal with.
Doggett nods his head, seeing where she’s coming from.
DOGGETT
All right. When do you want
to go talk to this guy?
SCULLY
Later tonight after Clare
is in bed or something. I
don’t know.
DOGGETT
Okay.He sits down on the couch next to her.
DOGGETT
Are you all right?
SCULLY
I don’t know. (beat) All of this
is hard for me, you know? (beat)
I don’t want Missy hurt like I’ve been hurt.Scully shuts her eyes, holding back tears as she remembers all that she’s been through. She leans onto John’s chest and relaxes her muscles. He slowly and gently holds her in his arms and kisses the top of her head.
Doggett doesn’t know all that has happened to her, and he knows she’s afraid to talk about it. He wants to be there for her, and he’ll be there for her tonight to get to the bottom of this whole thing about her sister.
TIME CUT TO:
EXT. MICHAEL LEVINSON’S HOUSE – 9:05 P.M.
Doggett’s truck pulls up in front of the house. Doggett puts the car into park and he and Scully get out.
The outside of the house is lit by a porch light, and there is a light in a downstairs window is on. Doggett and Scully go up to the front door and knock quietly. A few moments later, Michael opens the door.
MICHAEL
(surprised)
Dana, hi.
SCULLY
Hi. May we come in?She’s got an “all business” attitude about her. Michael steps aside to let Scully and Doggett in. He smiles politely at John, but he’s not sure who he is.
SCULLY
Is Melissa here?
MICHAEL
Yeah, she’s upstairs with Clare.He gives a small glance at John, wondering about him. John has a very stern look on his face.
Michael extends his hand to John.
MICHAEL
Hi, I’m Michael.John strongly shakes his hand.
MICHAEL
And you are?
DOGGETT
John Doggett.
MICHAEL
Are you and Dana together?
SCULLY
(strong)
I need to talk to you
about something.Michael looks over at her.
MICHAEL
All right, come on inside.He leads John and Dana into the living room and turns off the television.
MICHAEL
Have a seat.He indicates the couch and John and Dana sit down.
MICHAEL
Would you like anything to drink?
SCULLY
No thank you, I’m fine.
MICHAEL
(to Doggett)
You?
DOGGETT
I’m all right.
MICHAEL
Okay.Michael smiles and sits down in a chair.
MICHAEL
Is everything all right?
SCULLY
I don’t know, that’s why I’m here.Michael seems a bit nervous. Perhaps he is guilty of abusing his daughter.
MICHAEL
This is about Melissa and I, isn’t it?
SCULLY
Not exactly. It’s more about
you and your daughter.She looks at him sternly for a moment before she continues.
SCULLY
I have a theory about what
could’ve happened to Clare.Michael listens, knowing that she’s a trained Federal Agent.
SCULLY (CON’T)
I think you did this to her.She’s very to the point with him. Michael looks at her in shock. This was the last thing he expected to hear from her.
MICHAEL
(shock)
Me? You think I would hurt Clare?
SCULLY
How could you not notice
that she had that scar unless
you were intentionally ignoring
it so it couldn’t be brought to
anyone else’s attention.
MICHAEL
I would never... How can
you say that I could do
something that horrible to
my little girl?This truly hurts him to hear Scully say this about him. Doggett watches him carefully for any signs that Scully’s theory is right.
MICHAEL
Clare is everything to me. And
the notion that anyone could even
think of hurting her- I... All
I want to do is find out who
did this to her and have them punished.Melissa comes down the stairs and enters the living room. She looks at Michael and sees Dana, and can sense that there is tension in the room.
MELISSA
(serious)
I had a talk with Clare.Michael looks up at her with worry. Melissa takes a seat.
MELISSA
She told me how she got the
cut in her mouth.All the attention is on Melissa.
MELISSA
She said someone named Bubba Joe
hit her when she was at the ice rink.Melissa looks at Michael, who has a pensive look on his face. As if he remembers something that didn’t seem like anything at the time until now.
DOGGETT
Mr. Levinson, do you know that name?Michael slowly nods his head.
MICHAEL
Yeah, Joe Klein, his nickname is
“Bubba Joe.” (beat) A month ago
I had to bench his son for throwing
a punch at another player during a
game. I got a lot of hell for that.
(beat) I ended up cutting his kid from
the team because of his attitude and
violence towards the other kids. (beat)
Joe... he uh... said that one day he’d
get me back for that.Michael looks down.
MICHAEL
Why didn’t she tell me?
MELISSA
Clare was scared. (beat) She said
Bubba Joe threatened her and you
if she told anyone about this.
MICHAEL
What did he do to her?
MELISSA
She didn’t want to talk about it.This is a red flag alert for Scully.
SCULLY
Would you mind if I went
up and talk to her? To see
if maybe she can talk to me
about what happened to her.
MICHAEL
Sure.Scully nods her head and stands up, heading up the stairs and to Clare’s room.
INT. CLARE’S BEDROOM – CON’T
Clare is in her bed, holding a stuffed bunny in her arms. Scully cracks the door open, allowing light from the hallway to fall on Clare’s face. Clare doesn’t roll over to avoid confrontation, rather, she just looks Scully in the eyes. Scully smiles when she sees her.
SCULLY
Did I wake you?
CLARE
No.
SCULLY
May I come in?
CLARE
Sure.Scully sits at the edge of Clare’s bed and turns on a lamp. Clare sits up in her bed to be able to look at Scully in the eyes.
CLARE
Did Missy send you up?
SCULLY
No, I came up on my own.
CLARE
But because of what Missy
said downstairs, right?
SCULLY
Yes. (beat) Do you still
not want to talk about it?
CLARE
I don’t know.She looks down at her stuffed bunny and fumbles around with it. Scully watches her.
CLARE
I don’t like Bubba Joe.
SCULLY
Do you want to talk about him?
CLARE
He hit me.
SCULLY
He hit you?Clare nods her head.
SCULLY
Is that all he did?
CLARE
No.Clare doesn’t look up at Scully and continues to fumble around with her stuffed bunny.
CLARE
He said that if I told anyone
he was going to hurt Daddy.
SCULLY
That’s why you didn’t tell anyone?
CLARE
Uh-huh.
SCULLY
Did he hit you once?
CLARE
A couple times. A week ago he did.
(beat) That’s how my mouth got cut.
He hit me that hard.Clare starts to cry.
SCULLY
Clare, we’re going to help you
get through this, all right?Clare looks up at Scully.
SCULLY
No one’s going to get hurt anymore, okay?
CLARE
Do you promise? Promise to make
the bad man go away?
SCULLY
I promise to do my best to
make sure you and your daddy
will be all right.
CLARE
Are you a police woman and going
to put him in a cage with all the
other bad guys?
SCULLY
I’ll see what I can do about it.Clare quickly hugs Scully.
CLARE
Is my daddy mad at me?
SCULLY
No, he’s not mad at you.Scully holds Clare in her arms. She’ll make sure to do everything she can to get this guy.
TIME CUT TO:
EXT. MOUNT VERNON ICE ARENA – ALEXANDRIA, VA - DAY
FEBRUARY 6, SUNDAY
Doggett and Scully stand in front of the ice arena, watching as police officers exit the building with Joe “Bubba Joe” Klein in custody. Standing with them is Michael, who makes direct eye contact with Joe Klein who gives him a nasty glare with revenge screaming inside of him. They all turn to continue watching the police officers as they get Klein into their car and drive away.
Michael lets out a heavy sigh of relief knowing that a man like that is off the streets. He turns to face Doggett and Scully.
MICHAEL
I don’t know what I
would’ve done without
your help. (beat) Thank you.
DOGGETT
It’s our job. (beat) And I
wouldn’t worry about him for
a while. He’s got multiple child
abuse complaints against him.Michael nods his head, relieved to hear that he’ll be going away.
MICHAEL
I guess this goes to show that
you never really know a person.
Or what they are capable of, you
know? (beat) I’m glad Clare was
able to talk to someone, even if
it wasn’t me. I don’t even want to
think about what could’ve happened
to her if she never told you or Missy.Scully nods her head, feeling a little bad for accusing him of hurting Clare. But as he just said, you never really know a person.
SCULLY
We’re glad we could help.
MICHAEL
I wish we could’ve met under
better circumstances. Maybe
we could all go out sometime
and get to know each other better.
SCULLY
Sure. (beat) Maybe in a little
while. I start back at the FBI
officially tomorrow morning, so
who knows what will be going on then.
MICHAEL
Yeah. Good luck with that too.
I really admire what you guys do.Scully smiles.
SCULLY
You should be getting back home.
Clare was worried about you coming
here when they brought him in. You
should let her know you’re all right.
MICHAEL
Yeah. (beat) I’ll see you around.He nods and heads back to his car in the parking lot.
Scully lets out a sigh. Doggett looks over at her.
DOGGETT
What are you thinking?
SCULLY
How I’m not sure I’m ready
to go back to the FBI.This catches Doggett off guard.
DOGGETT
Why’s that?
SCULLY
I took this case very personally.
I immediately thought Michael was
the bad guy in all of this and didn’t
even think of the possibility that
someone outside of family could hurt Clare.
DOGGETT
I think you handled this very well, Dana.Scully looks up at him. Where does he get that from?
DOGGETT (CON’T)
In most cases it’s the parents
who hurt their children. Rare is
it that it’s someone not even related
who barely has contact with the child.
(beat) You got to the bottom of it, and
now a guilty man is being charged with
multiple charges of child abuse. Not
only to Clare, but to his own son.
SCULLY
Thanks for the words of wisdom, John.Scully smiles at him.
DOGGETT
And you know, if at any time
you don’t feel comfortable in
the field, Brad can always assign
you to office work until you feel
you're ready for the field.
SCULLY
I know.They start to walk back to John’s truck.
SCULLY
By the way, do you know who
my new partner will be?
DOGGETT
I’m not sure. I’m sure Brad
wouldn’t put you with Mulder
or Krycek, but he has been
known to do odd things lately.
SCULLY
He has? Like what?
DOGGETT
Well, you know I had to get locals
in on this situation to bring Klein
in... well, I call Brad’s office and
Kim tells me he’s not in, but Agent
Mulder is sitting in for him while
he’s out of town.Scully looks at him surprised.
DOGGETT
(re: her look)
I know.
SCULLY
(shocked)
And all of this happened without a problem?
DOGGETT
Yeah...Off their looks of wondering if Brad has been drugged, we...
FADE OUT:
THE END.
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