Cross My Heart | Fox Mulder |

..1..

-September 1st, 1978: 10:47 am-

"Jacob Flores?"

"Here."

"Molly Gordon?"

"Present."

"Kitten Harlow?"

The group of cheerleaders at the back of the class began to giggle at the name, chattering cattily amongst themselves. Some other students turned around in their seats, their eyes settling upon the new girl, who had begun to shift nervously in her seat. In stark contrast to the rest of the students clad in neutral-toned casual wear, Ms. Harlow adorned a brightly-colored Hawaiian print mid-length dress that made her stick out like a sore thumb. Exciting things rarely happened at Martha's Vineyard Regional High, so meeting a new and unusual student was likely to be the most notable event of their first day back from summer break.

"Um- sorry, ma'am," Kitten began, raising her hand shyly to get the teacher's attention. "If it's alright, I would rather be addressed by my middle name. Selene."

Mrs. Nowak nodded in understanding and made a quick mark on her paper. A silent glare cast over the attendance sheet by the teacher then silenced any further gossiping.  

"Mary Kieffer?" Mrs. Nowak continued.

"Here."

"Fox Mulder."

The class one again began to giggle and chatter. This time the chatter wasn't provoked by someone new and exciting, but instead, by a more familiar peer they all got a kick out of harassing.

"Spooky!" a square-headed jock by the name of Trent Stronkowski shouted, throwing a paper ball at Mulder.

Rolling his eyes, Fox grumbled, "I just go by Mulder."

"We're all well aware, Mr. Mulder," Mrs. Nowak scolded. "I am simply taking attendance."

The class continued on, finishing roll call and moving on to a review of the Honors English syllabus. After Mrs. Nowak had droned on for what seemed like hours going over the research project that would take them the entire year to complete, the bell for lunch finally rang, releasing the students like herded sheep into the cafeteria for grazing.

-September 1st, 1978: 11:52 am-

Selene held her lunch tray white-knuckled while gazing in awe around the room. For such a small school, this cafeteria was certainly packed. Not a single table remained empty. Selene gulped anxiously. She might actually, to her great misfortune, have to socialize and make new friends. Disgusting.

A small group of lettermen-clad jocks, led by wonder boy box-head Trent Stronkowski, sauntered past, all meowing at her tauntingly.

"Hey Kitten," a voice called to her from behind. Selene snapped toward the voice, finding none other than Fox Mulder. He was sat alone at a sad, wobbly looking table in the corner of the cafeteria. In one hand he held a soggy turkey sandwich, and the other he used to beckon Selene to him. "You can sit here if you like. Typically I take precautionary measures to strictly ensure that I sit alone, but for you, I think I could make an exception."

Selene shrugged. She approached the table, set her book bag down in a seat, and placed her tray opposite Mulder's. With a heavy sigh, she offered, "On one condition."

"Anything for you, Kitty girl."

"Never call me that ever again," Selene enunciated, leaning in threateningly, getting closer with every word. 

"Aw, come on. Why don't you like your name?"

"Because it makes me sound like a 5-dollar hooker and I would cost at least 20." Selene crossed her arms and glared at Mulder. "Why don't you like yours?"