Title: How They Met 
Authors: XFWRITER & Goldenwolf88

Summary: Our favorite X-files group meets and lots of trouble, good
times, bad times and drama brew. Join the fab group as they meet and
get to know one another to defeat against the Government Conspiracies
together. Melissa Mulder gets introduced in this one.

Disclaimer: I don't own any of the X-files characters except Melissa
Mulder who is totally made up. Renee Knight belongs to Goldenwolf88.

Intro: 
How They Met is the story of our favorite group of the X-Files and
their many adventures. In comes Melissa Mulder, Mulder and Scully's
daughter. She was born not long after William . Melissa Mulder grew
up not having her father around. Mulder spent most of his life on the
run, running away from The Government and in search of his son,
William . If the Government caught Mulder with his family, they would
kill him and his family. So in order to protect his family, Mulder
stayed far away just to make sure his family stayed safe. Melissa
spent most of her years being raised by Scully and Frohike and the
Lone gunmen. Later on, she befriended Monica Reyes, Doggett, and
Renee Knight who is also a friend of the Lone Gunmen.

Meanwhile, Mulder comes back wanting a second chance to piece back
his family together despite the fact The Government wants him killed.
Before he leaves to go find William he gets Melissa's trust back .

**
Chapter 1 Drunk and lovin' it

The Gunmen entered the party they found Melissa Mulder drunk and
talking to a really cute guy who's name was Mike. The two looked
intense, Mike asked her "Wanna go upstairs? We could make out or
more!"

"Young Lady, it's past your curfew. Time to go," Frohike said
sternly. Langly was with him plus Byers. Byers at a party?! Melissa
blinked twice. She giggled and felt a bit tipsy "Dad, no can I stay a
bit longer?" she pleaded with her dad Melvin Frohike. Frohike had
given Byers the go ahead look.

Mike, who was apparently a bit drunk himself, went up to Byers "You
don't look so tough."

Langly rolled his eyes. Seriously? this punk was trying to pick a
fight? "ok, kid, don't make me do what my dad did to disobedient cows
on the farm, back away." Langly made a shooing motion with his hand,

"Come on, Melissa," Byers said completely ignoring Mike. Melissa
stumbled a bit; so Byers went and picked her up. "You're worse than
your mom," he laughed.

"So not!" mumbled Melissa. She vaguely heard Frohike shouting at
Langly to stop telling Mike cow horror stories and come on. Byers
just rolled his eyes and set Melissa in the back of the car. Byers
then got into the seat next to Melissa.

By the time Melissa was in the car, her whole world felt like it was
spinning. She couldn't believe the Lone gunmen came to the party and
she can't believe Byers had picked her up and carried her out.

But she still felt like she could party some more or at least make a
fool out of herself. "Come on guys! The night is still young, there's
some more fun things to do, like this!!!" she stood up tipsy and
showed her butt to the cars on the street and smiled her big smile.

Once she pulled her pants back up, Melissa laughed some more and
stumbled over and fell right into Byers arms. Melissa got several car
horns blew at her and a car full of guys beside them whistling.
Melissa grinned and tried to get up and do it again but then Byers
stopped her.

"She is so never leaving the house again!" Frohike exclaimed.

Byers wrapped his arms around Melissa. "It's quiet time," was all he
managed to say, as he was trying not to laugh. He talked to Melissa
for awhile hoping to calm her down, or at least put her to sleep with
a boring lecture on the dangers of alcohol.

Melissa much later, felt asleep in her room. When she awoke, she had
a terrible headache. She looked over at the alarm. She had slept
until eleven the next afternoon?

She heard voice's downstairs. The guys talking most likely. Then she
remembered what happened. How was she going to face them? Her Dad
would probably ground her, and she had probably made a total fool of
herself in front of Byers and Langly. So Melissa stayed upstairs in
bed her head continued to pound.

**
**

Chapter 2 A long Parental Talk.

Frohike was discussing with the guys whether he should tell Scully or
not. "That may just make it worse, Frohike." Said Langly. "I'm sure
she's embarrassed enough as it is... if she remembers anything."

"I agree. Telling Scully would be pointless," Byers chimed in.

"Well, what am I supposed to do then?" Frohike asked.

"Talk to her" replied Byers.

"Yeah, but don't be too harsh. She just did what all kids do... and
what you did about two months ago, right?" smirked Langly.

"I'm legal!" exclaimed Frohike as he climbed up the stairs.

After taking a few advils, and getting dressed and brushing her
teeth, Melissa was hungry, and she knew had to face her dad and the
guys soon anyway.

Melissa didn't even know how to explain to her dad how she even got
drunk. TO her, she was the new girl at her school went to a party,
and started out a few drinks. How she got passed two drinks, Melissa
didn't know. Quickly Melissa brushed her shoulder length red hair
then she heard a knock on the door. She went over to the door. "Who
is it?" she asked. "Melissa, it's me Dad." Melissa stood behind the
door hesitating.

She felt terrible. Her Dad had seen her drunk. How did she get into
the bedroom anyway? Everything else was a blur after the guys brought
her home. Melissa sighed. She decided to open the door. She studied
her dad's expression. He wasn't angry at her. Instead, he had
disappointment written all across his face. And he looked at her with
concern. Melissa opened the door to let him in.

Frohike sat down at Melissa's desk chair "I'm not going to yell or
get angry. I just want to know why you did it. I thought that we'd
talked about this." her studied Melissa's face carefully. He assumed
her first hangover would be punishment enough, but he still needed to
talk to her.

Melissa looked at her Dad. It was true, he wasn't angry. At least
it'd be easier to talk to him and get things off her chest. "I did it
to fit in at School. I got tired of being miss goody too-shoes who
couldn't do no wrong. I wanted to show the kids that could be cool
and even daring. I didn't plan on getting drunk Daddy. It just kinda
happened. Some kid dared me to drink more and well, you know me I
don't pass up any dares," Melissa paused as if gathering up more of
her thoughts. "I just want to be liked in school Daddy. I'm tired of
having to sit with the geeks at the school table, and, well I'm tired
of looked like one." Melissa grew Quiet thinking she had said enough.

Frohike stood up and hugged Melissa. He was a geek, so was Langly and
Byers, but they didn't care what anyone thought. Difference between
guys and girls he guessed. "Melissa... the people at the geek table
did you call it? They're the ones that are your real friends. They
see you for who you are... but if you would still like to change
that... I know someone who can help you. She'd only about four years
older than you."

Melissa was excited and surprised. She didn't think her dad would be
this understanding. "It's not that I don't want to be their friend
anymore. I do. There the ones who were friendly to me when I came to
school. I'm still going to be friends with them. I just want to make
friends a lot more, and hopefully find a boyfriend." Her mind kept
drifting back to Mike the hottie she met at Kate's party.

She hugged her Dad back. She was grateful to have a Dad like him
always there for her when she needed to talk to him. He was such a
caring Dad always listening to her and rarely yelled at her. Melissa
considered him her real Dad even thought he wasn't her biological
father. "Thank you, Daddy!" Melissa said.

"That's good. You're welcome, sweetheart." Frohike hugged Melissa.
"The girl can help you, her name is Renee Knight. After all that's
happened to her, she needs a friend right now. I think that you two
will be good for each other. I'll get her to come over tomorrow and
give you some money for a new wardrobe, and whatever else you might
need."

After hugging him and thanking her dad again, Melissa joined the guys
for dinner that night. She felt slightly better from the advils, but
she still felt slightly hung over. Melissa wasn't getting drunk again
for a long time.

**
**

Chapter 3 Internet Hottie Chaos

After dinner, She went to use the internet on Langly's computer. What
she found was horrifying. They were doing polls a and votes on who
had the hottest butt. And her's was on there. The world's hottest
butt- Melissa Mulder. Melissa was so horrified she began shrieking.
"I can't believe this! My butt is online!" she didn't know that this
would send Langly and Byers rushing over to see it.

"Ugh! were you looking up porn on my computer again?" Langly asked,
joking trying to take some of Melissa's disgust away. Byers turned
red and then turned away. Going back to the kitchen so no one would
hear him laugh. He came back a few minutes later, and muttered
something like, "Well, I can see why it has the most votes." He
cleared his throat and said, "That is why you shouldn't moon people,
Mel."

Melissa was horrified. She had mooned some photographers right in
front of Langly and Byers, her father's friends?! Talk about
embarrassing! "I did what?! Don't tell me I mooned right in front of
you guys!"

One reason why she was so embarrassed was she had a thing for Byers.
She thought he was the cute one. But she didn't know that like her
being in love with him, Byers had a thing for her to.

Byers smiled. "Well, you were a little intoxicated!"

Langly smirked. "Should I get you a two a room? Ow!" he exclaimed as
both Byers and Melissa hit square in the head. The doorbell rang just
then, . "Get the door. I think its RENEE!" the three heard Frohike
yell from the guys workshop in the basement.

"Byers, you have to get the door," Langly said hiding behind Melissa.

Melissa watched as Byers went to answer the dolor. He seemed a bit
amused to have seen her butt online almost as if he enjoyed it to
much. But she could feel the attraction between them two getting
stronger.

**

Chapter 5 Meet Renee Knight

Melissa watched as a pretty young blonde with long curly hair entered
the hallway. She smiled at Melissa, and Melissa went into shy mode
once again. She got that way around people she didn't know until she
got to know them well. Melissa waited for her to speak first.

Langly still hid behind Melissa, odd seeing as he was the outgoing
one. Byers followed the blonde inside. "Hey," she said, her
silver-blue eyes shining. "I'm Renee, and I'm guessing you're
Melissa. I can see you hiding like a pansy, Langly." she added.

Melissa grinned. It was so rare to see her brother embarrassed!
Langly muttered something unintelligible and stalked downstairs.
Renee shook her head. "So! I know you don't like new people, but, um,
I'm pretty much crazy like Frohike and Byers here, so I think we'll
get along well."

Melissa only nodded and listened to what Renee said. "Nice to meet
you," said Melissa. "I'm only shy around new people and, I'm not
outgoing like Langly." Melissa decided she already liked Renee. The
girl had personality, and she seemed trustworthy.

"I'm ready if you are." said Melissa eager to get out of the house.
When the guys worked on the newspaper, Melissa often got bored. She
got to help out sometimes though like with spellchecking and
photography. Dressed in Jeans and a plain green blouse, Melissa was
ready to go.

Renee glanced at Langly. "He's outgoing? He's never really talked to
me...except to be rude." Langly smirked and tried to think of a
comeback, but being unable to, stalked down to help Frohike. "I think
he hates me." Renee said, stifling a laugh. With her long blonde
hair, blue eyes, and flawless skin, Renee appeared like she could be
a model, which was lucky because no one ever guessed what she really
did. She was dressed today in a black skirt, flat boots and a light
blue tank top, topped with leather jacket.

Renee led Melissa out to her car, a classic black 67 Impala. "Feel
free to pick a cd or mess with the radio. I'll listen to anything,"
she said as she opened Melissa's door and then got in the driver's
side. "Frohike didn't tell me much. What exactly are we looking for
today?"

Melissa fumbled around Renee's cd collection. "Oh, um just something
sexy but not to look like I'm some prostitute. I want to look Sexy
and cute and more of my age," she quickly added. TO some adults,
Melissa looked way younger than she was even though she was only
sixteen. Melissa thought Renee looked cool and like a model with what
she was wearing. Melissa had no idea at the moment she was an agent
of some service. But that day at the mall an incident would prove
that she was.

Melissa had a feeling that today would be proven interesting and at
the end of the day she'd have a trustworthy lifelong friendship with
Renee Knight. Melissa got out feeling the breeze against her. It was
a cool March afternoon. She hadn't been shopping since Christmas and
she didn't like shopping too much for she hated crowds of people.
Crowds made her uneasy. She had heard horror stories of incidents
happening in big crowds.

Whenever Melissa shopped, she always had someone with her. She
stepped beside Renee a little uneasy about going in. She wondered if
Renee sensed she was scared of crowds. Renee led Melissa to a small
boutique "I think for you we can do a classy kind of sexy. It'll make
you look older and plus, you won't look like a slut like most girls
your age seem to think sexy is." She glanced at Melissa. "Are you
crowd shy too?" she asked smiling.

Melissa nodded. "Yes. I've had crowd phobia since I was twelve. Once
I got lost in a crowed, and it took forever for Dad to find me. And
then I had an anxiety attack.." Melissa went through a rack full of
cute sexy dresses. She chose three: one white with pink roses, one
turquoise that showed her shoulders, and another peach dress.

"I'm going to try these on." She said walking towards the dressing
rooms. "I'll be out to model each one soon." She chirped. Renee
smiled. Melissa seemed like a sweet girl. Lord knew, she needed more
friends in her life. While Melissa tried on the dresses, Renee picked
out two outfits for herself. Once was a white skirt with an off the
shoulder black top that had a little white bow on the side of the
collar. The second was jeans with a red halter top. She figured they
could go and get matching shoes and jewelry somewhere else.

Melissa tried on more outfits. Altogether, she chose six outfits that
really suited her all of them in which Renee had picked out. After
trying on all the outfits, Melissa was hungry. Melissa liked Renee.
She could use a friend too. Melissa couldn't even remember when she
last had a friend that was a girl. Preschool maybe?

They went to the food court. And stopped by Burger King. Not
Melissa's favorite choice, but by lunchtime she was starving. As she
ate Melissa caught Renee glancing at her and checking her out. As
Melissa continued to munch on a cheeseburger, and her fries. "So,
Renee, tell me about yourself. What do you do for work, and your
hobbies?" Melissa asked. She figured it would be a good way to get to
know her by asking questions she hoped she wasn't being to nosy.

Renee laughed. "Where to begin?" she took a sip of her milkshake. "I
just left my job actually, and now, I'm writing Novels. My hobbies
are mainly writing and getting into trouble with the government,
which I guess is why Frohike and the guys like me so much. oops"
Renee stopped to pick up her purse, which dropped, and out of it
rolled a one carrot diamond ring set in white gold. Renee's face
expression instantly turned into a frown as she picked it up and
dropped it carelessly into her purse.

Melissa's eyebrows rose as she watched Renee drop a ring into her
purse. She didn't bother to ask what the ring was for figuring she
had asked enough questions already. "So, what is it that you did
before you began to write novels? Did you work for the government?"
Melissa dared to ask. Renee was an interesting person sweet to.
Melissa thought.

Renee glanced at Melissa. Then at the ring she put into her purse.
"It's a long story. TO make it short, yes, I did work for the
Government. I was in the Pentagon for five years before I switched
over to the President's Secret Service. It was there I met my
...fiancé' Eric." Renee stared off into space for a moment before
continuing .

"About a year ago, my brother mysteriously dies, and I figure out
that Eric had him killed off. That was when I ran into Frohike and
the rest is History. You're lucky to have such a great Family," said
Renee.

Melissa nodded in return finishing off some fries. "I know. They are
great guys. Even though they're not blood kin. To me they are still
family. Frohike took me in when mom took off when I was twelve. And
he and the guys have been there for me ever since. Langly is like the
big brother I've never had. And Byers well, I just wouldn't call him
a brother. He's more like a special friend.." Melissa immediately
blushed as she said this "And I uh think I'm in love with Byers but I
don't know if he feels the same."

Renee smiled. "I can find out for you if you want me to. At least you
don't think you may be falling for someone who hates you," she said,
thinking of a certain Ringo Langly. "I might as well join a convent,"
Renee finished rolling her eyes.

"Could you really? please? Also, I don't think Langly hates you. He
just has a really weird way of showing how he likes People." said
Melissa. Soon, the girls threw away their trash and continued
shopping. Once they were done, Melissa had three shopping bags full
of clothes and accessories. And Melissa had stepped out wearing the
white dress with roses on it, and had her makeover done. Melissa had
also got the makeup she needed.

On their way out the door, they heard startled screams and several
gunshots. Melissa and Renee paused near the balcony trying to see
what was going on. Just then, a mugger came out of a restaurant with
a gun. Melissa screamed as he grabbed her in a hostage position.
Melissa's heart pounded with fear.

**

Chapter 6 Dangerous Situation

Renee somehow managed to keep her cool. Edging discreetly closer, she
talked to the man. "What is it that you want?" she asked in a calm
soothing voice, as if she were talking to a child.

"Give me all the money that you have now or else the girl gets shot,"
the mugger sounded frantic.

By now Renee was right in front of Melissa and the mugger. "All
right. Whatever you want." Renee made a motion as though she was
going for her purse, but in a split second her position changed and
she kicked the gun out of the mugger's hand, careful not to kick
Melissa, and jumped to catch it in the air. She smiled at him. "Let
her go or else you'll be the one that gets shot."

The guy's eyes went wide, having no idea what just happened, He
pushed Melissa to the side and ran. Security appeared just then and
chased after him; one guard got the gun from Renee. "Are you ok?"
Renee asked Melissa.

" I think so," replied Melissa, her heart still pounding as she
leaned on the balcony railing.

Melissa tried to regain her composure and senses. Renee had just
saved her life and handled the situation well. She had to be some
sort of agent like her mom. Or was one before. Before she realized
it, the balcony railing gave away and Melissa began to tumble
shrieking. People from nearby continued to watch even after the
mugging incident. Melissa screamed some more. She hadn't expected the
railing to just give away. She looked at Renee helplessly as she
began to fall. The last bit of the railing slipped from her hand.

"Melissa!" Yelled Renee as she dove down and grabbed Melissa's hand.
Renee grunted as she pulled Melissa back up. "Jesus! Are you ok?"
Renee asked, her face full of concern.

Still trembling all over, Melissa appeared to be in shock. "I will be
once I'm out of here." she shuddered at the thought of nearly dieing
twice. She hugged Renee tightly wanting someone to hold her. She then
made a joke out of it. "You're not the only one who gets into
trouble." She then brought out her hand for Renee to shake. "Meet
Melissa Mulder. The Damsel in distress." Melissa used the term that
Langly used many times before. Melissa hoped they weren't returning
to her home anytime soon, she had to calm down first. If not, the
guys would see right through her that something happened.

**

Chapter 8 The new Makeover

When they arrived back at Frohike's, Melissa was a bit nervous. She
hoped the guys liked the new look. "Well, here goes nothing you think
they will like it?" Melissa asked Renee. Renee seemed to know the
guys better than her. Melissa opened the door knob.

The guys came from the workshop and Renee stepped to the side so that
they could see Melissa. Frohike had the typical look of a father
whose baby girl was growing up. Langly smiled at Melissa and told her
she looked great. Byers looked shocked... How was he ever going to
ask her out now? She was beautiful even before, but now she'd have
even more people falling at her feet!

"You, ah, wow," was all Byers could say as he blushed. Melissa
grinned. The guys finally got to see the new her. She liked how Byers
looked like he was about to fall at her feet. With her new look,
Melissa looked like that actress who played Buffy on the Buffy the
vampire slayer on tv. Her outfit was cute and didn't expose anything.
She loved how the Lone Gunmen looked at her. If she could make the
Lone Gunmen gawk at her, think of what she could do to an entire
school full of guys! But even if she had a bunch of guys after her at
school, her heart still longed for John Fitzgerald Byers. And right
now, Byers liked what he saw.

Later that night, Renee had run into Byers at a local cafe. They
drank and talked for awhile and then the two walked back to the
Gunmen HQ.

"Why don't you ask out Melissa, Byers? It's obvious that she feels
the same way you do!" Renee finally blurted out, frustrated.

Byers blushed. "You don't know that!"

Renee rolled her eyes "I'm a woman, John, I know everything." 

"You don't know that Langly is in love with you." 

"Sadly, I do know that. It's just not possible because of my
situation with how Langly acts towards me. Anyhow, we're not talking
about me here, we're talking about you."

The two were at the door now. Byers took his key and opened it "What
about Frohike and Scully? How do you think they will react?"

"IF Melissa, a daughter to them both, and you a best friend to them
both, are happy, I honestly don't think that they'll care."

"What about the age difference? What'll people say?"

Renee gave him a blank look. "John, when have you ever cared about
what people think?" Age is just a number and you know it. You're just
making excuses because you're nervous!"

Byers sat down on the couch, his head in his hands. "Yeah, I know. I
am nervous, extremely. I guess I'm scared of rejection."

"You'll never get anywhere feeling like that! Melissa likes you and
you like her. It's not that complex!" Byers snorted "You know what?
Fine. If you ask out Melissa, then I'll ... I'll ... Renee pondered
for a minute. "I'll ask out Langly. And we'll both get over our
rejection phobia together. Ok?"

Byers smiled. "Fine. I'll ask her tomorrow. But if she says no...
I'll do something drastic!"

"John, You've never done a dramatic thing in your life.

**

Chapter 9 she said yes Chapter

Melissa decided to take a break from studying. She was hungry so she
thought a nice frozen cup of yogurt Ice-cream sounded great before
supper. Tiptoeing don the stairs, she heard Byers and Renee come in
and talking. Melissa decided not to go down just yet. She decided to
snoop instead. She caught most of the conversation Byers liked her
back! Everything was true what Renee had said. Byers was just shy and
scared of rejection. Melissa had to smile.

Pretending she wasn't spying on them, Melissa acted as if she was
just now coming down the stairs. She walked passed them talking, and
into the kitchen. Melissa got a strawberry-banana frozen yogurt cup
and began to eat it. Most of the time Melissa was too nervous to eat
around Byers. She didn't know why. Maybe it was the cute handsome
looks and stared he would often give her at the supper table. Which
made her want to melt.

She knew that there was something more between them. More than just a
crush, attraction, chemistry, and friendship. Was the reason why she
often felt butterflies was because she was madly in love with him?
Melissa believed so. Her and Byers almost kissed a few times but each
time her dad or Langly entered the room. Melissa snapped out of her
thoughts when two hands grabbed her around the waist startling her.
Thinking it was Langly, Melissa shrieked "Langly! Your not suppose to
do that!" she turned and was face to face and inches from his lips.
Byers not Langly was standing before her.

Melissa then blushed. "Byers, Its a surprise to see you, I uh,
thought you were Langly." she then turned a lovely shade of crimson
red. "

I'm not Langly," a voice whispered in her ear. The hands let her go.
"And I'm a little upset that you think I am!" Byers laughed as
Melissa turned around startled. "What are you doing for dinner
tomorrow? I was thinking that we could go to the new Seafood place
that opened up downtown." Byers felt himself blushing and was
suddenly glad that it was dark in the kitchen.

Melissa felt herself suddenly blink. John Byers was asking her out?
And he was the one who grabbed her and not Langly? Very Impulsive.
"Sounds great. I'd love to go" she hoped it was what he wanted to
hear. Melissa didn't have any other plans. "I'm free tomorrow for
dinner. It's a date" she said smiling. She was glad he finally asked
her out. Wait til Renee heard about this! Renee was going to spend
the night tomorrow night.

Byers grinned. "Great, I'll uh, see you at Supper." Byers finally got
his blushing under control as he practically waltzed up the stairs.
This was great! Now where was Renee? He searched for awhile and
eventually found her in the basement, uploading some photos for the
Gunmen's next issue. "I did my part of the deal. How did you ?"

"Um..." started Renee.

"You didn't do it, did you?!"

"I tried," shrugged Renee.

"You... Tried?"

"Long story! Renee said, as she laid her head down on the desk. Byers
saw that this was going to take awhile. He figured that he could get
Melissa to help him set up Renee and Langly.

**

Chapter 10 Deal or no Deal?

The next afternoon Melissa got ready for her first date with Byers.
She wore the light pink flowery knee length dress she bought with
white sandals. She wore very little makeup. Unlike most girls,
Melissa didn't like a whole lot of makeup. She was happy with just
blush and lip-gloss. She went downstairs and waited for Byers. Byers
had decided to forget his usual suit. He wore slacks and a button up
blue shirt that matched his eyes. "Ready to go?" he asked he escorted
Melissa to his car, and being ever the gentleman, opened and closed
her door. He drove downtown, directly to Joe's the new seafood
restaurant.

The two had a great time. The date lasted a few house. When Byers
brought Melissa home, it was obvious he wanted to kiss her, however,
he only kissed her on the cheek. "See you tomorrow," he said,
blushing and practically flew upstairs. Melissa had a great time with
Byer, The two of them had a lot in common. And enjoyed one another's
company. The only thing that bugged Melissa a tad was Byer's
hesitance for wanting to kiss her. He only kissed her on the cheek.
It was after all a first date Melissa thought, maybe he'd kiss her
next time.

She found Renee waiting for all the juicy gossip. Blushing, she told
her everything including the kiss on the cheek. "I was kinda hoping
he'd kiss me on the lips. I get the feeling he doesn't like me
romantically." Melissa said sighing. She hated that she couldn't be
satisfied. Oh well, It was part of being woman right?"

"He's just shy, I promise. Byers is... Well, he likes you a lot
Melissa, and the rest is for him to tell you. Not me." The two girls
sat up and talked for awhile; each enjoying finally being able to
have some real girl talk.

The next morning found Renee unable to sleep. She walked down to the
kitchen and ran into Byers. They began talking about the date. "You
still haven't asked out Langly?" Byers said, smirking. "John I was
completely joking about the whole deal thing! I was attempting to
make you see reason since you're no relationship retarded. I tried to
give you a push in the right direction and it worked! You've finally
started to come out of your shell."

**

Chapter 11 A slight Problem

"I guess... you and Langly still need to work out things though," he
said chuckling slightly. "What if I decide not to go on any more
dates until you do? what then?" Byers asked, completely joking.

"That's not funny, Byers," Renee felt her cell phone vibrate and
worriedly glance at it. She sighed.

Melissa silently made her way into the kitchen. Her anger was rising
by the minute. She had heard most of what Byers and Renee was saying
starting from when Renee said pushing John in the right direction and
something about a deal being made. Then she heard Byers say he aught
to not go on anymore dates. She suddenly spoke up.

"That's right, it's not funny," she said to them. Then glancing at
Byers. "If you don't want to date anymore, fine. I can't believe you
two made a deal behind my back!" Looking hurt, Melissa waited for
them to say something.

"You pick a really bad time to come into a conversation," Renee said
sighing.

"Melissa! The whole deal thing was a joke! All Renee was trying to
do was get me off my butt and give me the courage to ask you out. I
honestly don't see what you're so upset about. Even if there was a
deal, it was that I ask you out and Renee ask Langly out so that
everyone would win. What's the harm in that?" Byers asked,
incredulous.

Melissa thought it was horrible that they made a joke out of a deal,
a joke out of her! Her eyes then burned with anger and she continued
talking. "Renee trying to help you ask me out is one thing and that's
fine. I feel like I've been played! So you two think I'm some kind if
a joke?! think again! I'm a person with feelings! And you guys could
get someone to date you without playing some stupid deal games!" by
now Melissa's eyes were on fire with anger and she was shrieking. It
was clear she was so mad that she wasn't going to listen to anyone
seriously. She bit her lip to keep tears from falling. "I expected
better out of the two of you."

"Oh, good lord," muttered Renee. She stood up. "Look, Melissa, I
don't know what to tell you, but you're easily one of the best
friends I think I've ever had. I would never intentionally hurt you.
You should know that. I'm sorry you're upset. I wish I could stay to
talk this out but," Renee paused as her cell started to go off. "I
have to go. None of you may see me for awhile. I just want you to
know before I go that I would never hurt you... Byers wouldn't
either." Renee's phone vibrated again, and with tears in her eyes she
hugged Melissa and went out of the house, not noticing she dropped
her cell phone outside. Byers looked worried for his friend, but all
of his attention was turned to Melissa. He was completely bewildered
as to why she was this upset. He tried to apologize but he just ended
up stuttering.

At that point, Langly came in, hearing all the noise. "What's going
on?" he demanded. He then saw how upset his little sister looked.
"Melissa? What's up?" Langly asked in a softened tone and went over
to hug her. Melissa couldn't believe it. She blew up at her friends
and felt bad about it. But still, no right for them to make a deal
out of things!

She was so upset she couldn't speak to Byers right now. "I need to be
alone for now," Melissa told him and let Langly hug her and the tears
came even when Byers was still in the room. Melissa told Langly what
she overheard and how she had gotten mad about it. She began to sob
uncontrollably, Melissa felt all alone. Like she just lost two of her
best friends possibly for good. Then suddenly, Melissa got a headache
feeling sick to her stomach.

Langly hugged Melissa and then went to a cabinet in the kitchen,
noticing something else was going on with her. He came back with the
universal cure for everything-- Ice Cream "Will this make you feel
better?" he asked, trying to get a smile out of Melissa. He brought
her to her room and sat down beside her while Melissa calmed down.
Langly knew one thing, he was going to have a word or two with Byers.
After Melissa stopped crying, Langly exited the room, telling her he
would be back in a few minutes. Renee, where ever she was, was on her
laptop, quickly writing an email to Melissa. Her mailing address was
The email read:

Melissa-

This is Renee. For your safety and mine, please don't email me back.
It's too risky. I didn't want to leave on bad terms, and I surely
don't want to lose you as a friend. I think all three of us are in
the wrong here, me for joking about a deal, when there wasn't really
one, and a sensitive issue like this, Byers for thinking I was
serious, and you for not listening to us, and realizing that we
wouldn't hurt you at least not intentionally. Your definitely not a
joke to either of us; Langly isn't either. I'm a little upset that
you would think that. However, I think the entire thing is a big
misunderstanding. At any rate, I'm sorry that your feelings were
hurt, and I'm sorry that I can't be there right now. I pray I'll get
to see you all soon. In the mean time, I want you to cheer up, and
try not to be too hard on John. oh, and you may want to eat some
chocolate- I noticed some period symptoms while I was there. So maybe
you're a little emotional? That's what always helps me at that time
of month! Hope to talk soon,

Renee

Renee sighed, reading over the email. She doubted she would be able
to return anytime soon. She sent it just in time as a handsome man
with dark hair came up to her and grabbed her wrist. "Come on, let's
go," he said in a gruff voice. The two walked out, him smiling and
her looking angry, to a waiting limo outside.

**

Chapter 12 Byers and Langly fight.

Meanwhile, Langly had found Byers. "What the Hell were you
thinking?!" he demanded. "You should have known that Melissa is a
little sensitive right now, man!" Langly blinked , realizing he had
been hanging out with Melissa and Scully too much. He shook his head,
clearing away the thought. "And you just STOOD there while she was
crying? What's up with that?" demanded Langly as he shoved Byers.

"Excuse me?! How is any of this your business?" yelled Byers as he
shoved Langly back. "I never meant to hurt Melissa and you of all
people should know that and I'm going to do everything in my power to
make it up to her!" the two exchanged a few words, and a few more
punches.

Frohike entered the kitchen and forced them apart. "Byers? Langly?
Did you two know you were fighting each other?" he blinked as each
man stalked to a different side of the house. Frohike sighed and
headed upstairs to talk to Melissa.

Melissa had been glad when Langly got her favorite Ice-cream out. It
was Rocky Road chocolate with caramel . She ate a bowlful Langly was
right, it cheered her right up. Melissa then realized she must have
overreacted and misunderstood Renee and Byers. Now, she felt awful
for yelling at them, Langly had been great to her and understood her
feelings. And he knew just what to do when a woman felt lousy on her
period.

Melissa got out her laptop to check her email. And read Renee's
message. Why did Renee leave so suddenly? Melissa hoped she was
alright. After reading the email Melissa felt worse about blowing up
at Renee and Byers. she had to agree with Renee on everything. It was
a simple misunderstanding. And the words she said she regretted that
she said them she was to upset at the time. Melissa was printing up
the email Renee sent to her just as Frohike entered the room. At
least Renee still wanted to be her friend. Melissa was scared she had
lost both her and Byers.

"So, I , uh, just broke up a fight between Byers and Langly. I heard
your name yelled. Are you all right?" Frohike asked. He and Melissa
talked about it for a long time. Frohike seemed to know all the right
things to say and also gave her some advice. "But, you know, Byers
feels horrible and is in his room right now figuring out a plan to
get you back. Why don't you wait and see what he comes up with?"
Frohike winked, it was just like him to come up with a sly plan.
Melissa had to laugh and smile.

As Frohike said, Byers was indeed in his room figuring out a plan.
Melissa would get a big surprise at School tomorrow. And maybe even
before then. Byers was pleased with himself for his romantic plans.
Now what would he do if it didn't work? Melissa was a bit relieved.
Okay she was relieved a lot. At least Byers wasn't going to give up
on her any time soon and that meant so much to her. That night,
Melissa joined her dad for Supper. She noticed the Guys were still in
their rooms.

Melissa laid in bed that night. She was hoping she didn't ruin things
between her and Byers . They had such a good time together the other
night, Melissa didn't want to lose what they had over a stupid
misunderstanding. He must really love her enough to want to win her
back. Melissa was a bit startled when Langly entered the room he had
come to check on her.

Langly read over the letter. "I'll see if I can trace this," he said,
his eyes clouding over. "Something seems off. But, I'm sure she's
fine." Langly talked to Melissa awhile and left shortly after.

**

chapter 13 Making amends

The next morning Melissa went downstairs to see strawberry pancakes
and sausage links waiting for her on the table along with a sweet
apology card from Byers; however, Byers was still at his apartment,
seeing as Melissa couldn't find him anywhere in the house. Soon after
she ate, she heard Langly honking his horn to take her to school.

On her way to Langly's car, Melissa spotted something silver and
shiny in the grass. Bending over for a closer look, she noticed it
was Renee's cell. Weird, she thought. Renee hardly leaves without it.
Picking up the Cell in her hands, Melissa read the text messages
inside.

Why aren't you returning my calls? then another one:

You're late... you do know what'll happen if you stand me up." and a
few more threatening ones like that in her message box.

Feeling dread coming over her, Melissa realized Renee was indeed in
trouble. It seemed like this fiancé' of hers was dangerous. Gathering
up her books, she got in the car and showed Langly the phone and all
the messages.

"I believe she's in trouble, Langly," she said biting her lip.

That day, Melissa wore a blue navy skirt, with leaves on it, and a
white silk top complete with sweater.

Langly rolled his eyes. "That girl is more trouble than she's worth.
Whatever it is, I'm sure that she can get herself out of it. No need
for us to get involved." He placed the cell phone in his cup holder,
apparently just going to leave it there. It was very strange for
Langly not to want to help someone.

Melissa sighed. There was no point in arguing with her brother.
Sometime after School this afternoon, she would go to Renee's. If she
had to, Melissa would help find her friend alone. She said goodbye to
Langly then exited the car without saying much and went into the
school building.

Once again, she got whistles and guys coming up to her. Melissa
ignored them and went to History Class. She didn't want any guy from
High School. She just wanted Byers back. Melissa longed to see him.
Once she got to class, Melissa found a bouquet of pink and red roses
in it. And a small note card saying Love always, Byers. Melissa
thought that was sweet. She found more bouquet of roses in her next
classes too all included notes with different messages like I love
you, sorry, and can't wait to see you again. And one even said please
forgive me. Melissa had to grin at each one. By the end of the day
she had 8 12 dozen bouquet of roses from Byers.

Suddenly an announcement came over the speaker. "Will Melissa Mulder
please come to the principal's office?" Melissa cringed. What did she
do now? Taking the roses with her, Melissa went to the principal's
office. She walked in the principal had his back turned. "Yes?"
Melissa asked. "You wanted to see me, Sir?"

Byers swiveled around in the principal's chair. "So am I forgiven or
do I need to send you more flowers and make you dinner?" he asked,
smiling slightly, Frohike had called him earlier in the day and told
him to just go up to the School and surprise Melissa.

"How did you get in here, John?"

"Your Principal is a Lone Gunman subscriber. He let me in. Come on,"
Byers said as he gently took Melissa by the hand, hoping she wouldn't
pull away.

Melissa didn't pull away She once again got swept off her feet by
Byers. His charm and good looks was enough to overwhelm her. The
flowers, notecard, and breakfast were enough to make up for
everything. Melissa was glad he came to her school she was a bit
afraid he wouldn't want to see her again.

"You're forgiven. I think I've got enough flowers for one day,
Although that dinner sounds tempting," she said with a smile. "John,
I'm sorry I went off on you and Renee like I did. I should have
listened to both of you. I felt terrible the rest of the day after
that. The reason why I got so upset... I was on my period. And I
guess I just got too emotional. I'm surprised that you'd even want to
see me again."

Byers just smiled "I kind of figured that was the problem. I should
have been more understanding. I've been around you, your mom and
Renee enough to know what's it's like." He was so glad that
everything was just a misunderstanding, and that Melissa still wanted
to see him. Byers then took Melissa out to an empty track field where
he had a picnic lunch for her. "The Principal said I couldn't take
you off Campus, so I guess this'll have to do." Byers and Melissa
talked for awhile, and when the bell rang for school to let out, they
walked to his car. Byers drove Melissa back to Frohike's house. "Hay,
before we go in I have something to tell you."

"What?" asked Melissa curiously.

"Just this," Byers replied as he leaned in and kissed her softly on
the lips.

**

Chapter 14 Renee In trouble?

Melissa was surprised . She hadn't been expecting that one. She
kissed him back wanting the moment to last longer. She put her arms
around his neck and leaned closer to him. He was wearing a scented
cologne that drove her nuts (in a good way)but she liked it. Their
kiss was powerful and Melissa felt sparks. If that was what you
called it. she couldn't believe it. John Byers just laid a big kiss
on her! Wait until Renee heard this! She had been right, John would
have kissed her in his own good time. Melissa just had to give him a
chance.

Byers pulled away from the kiss after a long time, smiling. "Melissa
Mulder, will you do me the great honor of being my girlfriend? "
Byers knew he was being corny but he didn't care, he knew Melissa
would like it. Melissa just laughed and accepted. She couldn't
remember being happier. The two walked into the back of the house,
holding hands.

"Took you guys long enough," Langly said, grinning when he saw them.
Apparently he and Byers had made up sometime while Melissa was in
school.

"Shut up," laughed Melissa trying to sound serious. "Where's Dad?"

"He's in the basement working on the next issue as far as I know. I
think he's on the phone or something. I thought I heard him talking
to someone a few minutes ago," replied Langly.

"Well, let's go down to see him, I'm sure he'll want to hear the
happy news." Said Melissa squeezing Byer's hand lightly.

The three walked down to the Lone gunmen's headquarters. What Melissa
and the guys saw made them stop short on the stairs. Renee looked
terrible as she stood before them. She was telling Frohike she
couldn't see them anymore. When they got a good look at Renee, she
had a black eye, bruises, and cuts on her chest. Melissa was shocked.
Why was Renee telling them this? She had come down to tell Renee she
wasn't mad at her anymore. And didn't Renee said she didn't want to
lose her best friend? Melissa was confused she couldn't understand
what was going on with her friend. But they deserved an explanation.
Melissa started to think that Renee shouldn't hang around her
fiancée' anymore. Melissa only hoped that the guys would agree with
her to..

Renee was crying, she hadn't noticed that Byers, Melissa, and Langly
had walked into the basement. Frohike was bewildered, but he still
pulled her into a long hug. "Renee, I don't understand... why don't
you just leave him?"

Her voice was breaking as she replied, "Don't you think I want to?" I
thought I had finally gotten away from him, but then he somehow found
out that I met up with you guys, and how much I ended up caring for
all of you. Frohike, he's going to kill you, all of you, if I don't
stay with him. I have only two hour before he comes looking for me.
This is the first place he'll come."