Bee Stung Lips

Sara B. July 05

Scully excused herself to take a phone call from Jennings, leaving Mulder alone with the ninety-seven year old Howard Strand.  Mr. Strand watched Scully’s retreating backside and his face belied his favorable opinion of her.  Mulder was clearly amused.  Suddenly the elderly gentleman slapped Mulder’s arm. “What is wrong with you boy?”

Mulder moved back out of the man’s reach. “What?”

“In my day we would have said she was a tomato I think now you young ones say ‘she’s all that and a bag of chips.’  So I repeat, what is wrong with you boy?”

Mulder stammered but nothing came out.  The two men watched Scully as she turned toward them.  She was startled to find them looking at her and actually turned to see who or what was behind her that was so interesting.  This tickled the flirtatious Howard Stand and when she looked at them questioningly he blew her a kiss which earned him a generous smile.  Mulder heard the old man sigh.  “Bee stung lips,” he sighed again, “always was a sucker for bee stung lips and hers are as pretty as I have ever seen.”  He cocked his head to the side.  “Beautiful face, brilliant mind and so many curves a man would never tire of them.  What more could anyone want?  Hell, I bet she cooks too, she looks like the type.  That woman is what dreams are made of.  I only met one other like her and I married her as fast as she’d let me.  Didn’t want anyone jumping my claim.”

Scully came back and she told them that Jennings needed them back at the command post so they made their goodbyes.  “Ms. Scully, let me just say that meeting you has been a joy.  You have brought a little warmth in this old man’s heart.”  He then pulled her hand so she moved closer and said in a stage whisper, “and if this one doesn’t do something soon, I have a great grand son who needs a good woman.”

Scully returned with, “I might just have to take you up on that.  I’m not getting any younger.”  She gave him a gentle kiss on his lips and Mulder’s jaw dropped.

They were driving back to the control center when Mulder finally had to ask.  “What was that back there Scully?  The ‘taking him up on his offer’ and kissing him, what was that all about?”

“He was sweet and it was nice to have his open admiration.  I’ll bet I reminded him of someone.  I don’t know, I guess I just felt like it.  He made me feel special.”

Mulder wasn’t sure what to make of her comment.  “He made you feel special?  He was ogling you.”

“No, he didn’t ogle, Frohike ogles.  Ogling is creepy, Howard . . .”

“Howard?”

“Yes, Howard, he made me feel admired.  It reminded me of how Ahab looked at my mom.  Admiration tinged with a little naughtiness but respectful.”  Scully was speaking wistfully, “I wish younger men learned how to do that.”

They arrived at the control center and work curtailed any further conversation on the subject.

That night, Mulder drove them back to their hotel.  They had their usual adjoining rooms and the connecting door was left ajar.  Mulder entered her room without knocking and watched her for a minute without her knowing. 

Scully turned and caught Mulder watching her. She walked over to him reached up and pulled his head down, caressed his cheek and whispered, “just like that.  Maybe I don’t need to take Howard up on his offer.”  She moved back a little and gave him a gentle kiss on his lips. 

Scully pulled back but Mulder quickly encircled her waist not letting her go, “always was a sucker for bee stung lips.”  He leaned in and kissed her again. 

End

Sara B.