Chapter One
Choices
Theresa was sitting in her office at Crane. she hated her life more than when Alister was alive and around her, she wanted to see her daughter who she hadnt seen in three years. she came to a final conclusion. she called her lawyer and had him draw up transfer papers with certain demands in return for transfer of power.
meanwhile Ethan and Gwen were at the B&B with Jane playing with her. Collier had just let Gwen go but thankfully all Gwen's paychecks had been saved. they now had forty thousand dollars saved and she was expecting another fifteen hundred from her final pay.
Gwen: oh honey it's so nice to be able to relax with you and Jane no work to worry about.
Ethan: I know it is definitely nice.
Gwen: how about since it's such a nice day we pack Jane's things and go to the park?
Ethan: that's a great idea, I know Jane has been missing her friend Ashley so let me get her things ready.
Ethan leaves the room as Gwen's normal smile turns into a frown. looking at Jane Gwen knew the childs name should be Ashley as well. when she first found out the other childs name she did her best to seem like a normal mother and it worked. three or four days a week Jane and Ashley had playdates at the nearby park until Gwen got hired and sent her regrets to Ashley's mother who politely let her go. Gwen stroked Jane's dark hair wondering when exactly the blonde had darkened? maybe she had worked so much she just didn't notice it.
Jane smiled at Gwen and waved at her. Ethan came back with a loaded diaper bag and the stroller. Gwen went into their bathroom to change her dirty work clothes into something more appealing for her husband. dark blue jeans with a light yellow sweater and sneakers. she got Jane's jumper outfit which now didnt match her in any way. now Ethan and Gwen could definitely tell Jane was Theresa's child in every way. Ethan offered to change Jane but Gwen insisted the pink jumper outfit was fine and showed Jane was a girl.
Theresa decided to shove the pile of work aside and take Ethan Martin to the park. she called daycare and then went to get him. they got to the park within moments and Ethan Martin went off to play with a little girl he saw. Theresa saw the little girl had green eyes and red hair with pale skin and laughed when her son blushed at something the little girl had said. she sat on a bench watching only her son.
at that moment she saw her daughter run up to her and hug her calling her mommy! she immediately wrapped her arms around her little girl and kissed her cheek. she noticed Jane's hair was as dark as her own making her smile.
Theresa: hey baby girl, where's daddy?
Jane: there.
Theresa saw Ethan and Gwen locking lips not bothering to make sure Jane was still there.
Theresa: okay sweetie, why dont you go play with your big brother. I need to talk to daddy.
Jane: okay mommy.
as Jane ran to play with her big brother, Theresa walked right up to Ethan and Gwen clearing her throat. they broke apart and she could see the irritation in Gwen's eyes and shame in Ethan's.
Theresa: so where's my daughter?
Ethan: she's in the sandbox.
Theresa: no she's not. (smugly)
Ethan and Gwen begun to panic but Theresa spoke.
Theresa: she's over there playing with her big brother at the slide. how careless are you two?!
Gwen: we can do as we please Theresa, and Jane is none of your concern.
Theresa: if I hadn't been here, who would have watched her while you two were not paying attention?
Gwen: she's our daughter Theresa, we've been raising her just fine without your interference.
Theresa: well she came running to me calling me mommy as she should be.
Gwen: well that wont happen again.
Ethan: maybe we should go...
Theresa: why? Jane is playing with her brother why do you want to seperate them again?
Ethan: I dont want this to get ugly in front of either of the children Theresa.
Theresa: I am not doing a thing to make it ugly.
Ethan knew she had a point. Jane and Ethan Martin were siblings who loved each other dearly and if he seperated them it would make Jane cry for her brother again.
Ethan: alright she can stay and finish playing with Ethan Martin but I have to get her home soon.
Theresa: her home is with me and her brother.
with that Theresa walked away her head held high proud at herself. her children had not see each other since Ethan and Gwen forbade her from visiting her own daughter. that was three years ago but thankfully Mrs. Henderson was an old friend of hers who called her everytime she had Jane. over the years Jane learned from her caretaker Gwen was not her mommy, but Theresa was. immediately everyone noticed Gwen was not called mommy by her in six months but Jane would smile at Gwen.
Ethan could tell something was different between Gwen and Jane six months ago. Jane all of a sudden quit calling Gwen mommy and would just smile and nod at the blonde woman when she was supposed to reply. he knew something was off in his little girl. she lately seemed depressed and when Theresa's name was mentioned Jane would perk up.
Gwen wondered how Jane even knew to call Theresa mommy. as furious as she was she could not help but wonder if Theresa was sneaking around seeing Jane but there was no way possible, was there? she knew they had set there waiting for Jane for over an hour.
Theresa set there wondering what to do now. both of her children were finally together and it made her smile as Gwen behind her frowned in hatred. Theresa wished she could take both her children away from this cursed town forever and never look back. hopefully her plan would work and Ethan would fall right where she needed him.
Jane came running up not to her father but to Theresa, her real mother.
Jane: mommy can I go with you and bubby?
Theresa: I dont know baby let's ask daddy and auntie Gwen first okay and see what daddy says first.
taking her daughters hand she led both her children to where Ethan and Gwen were standing now.
Jane: daddy I wanna go with mommy pease?
Gwen: no baby, we need to go...
Ethan: of course you can. if your mommy is okay with keeping you all weekend.
Jane: can I mommy?
Theresa: of course baby girl! go with your brother to my car okay sweetheart?
Jane: okay mommy. bye daddy bye aunt gwen.
hearing herself be called aunt gwen made Gwen even more furious. she was the one who was raising Jane, not Theresa. how dare Theresa think she gets the title of mommy. Gwen went after Jane as Ethan spoke with Theresa quickly.
Ethan: she's lactose intolerant and hates corn.
Theresa: I already knew those things Ethan.
Ethan: just making sure.
Gwen and Jane
Gwen: remember you can come home anytime you want just call me or daddy okay my angel?
Jane: okay auntie Gwen. I go with mommy.
Gwen: I'm your mommy remember baby?
Jane: no you not silly.
Gwen: I am your only mommy baby girl and I love you more than anything in this world.
Ethan and Theresa were walking up to the jeep.
Gwen: daddy and I will be there to get you sunday okay my little girl?
Jane: okay.
Theresa: come on Jane, abuela Pilar is making dinner tonight, you want to see your abuela?
Jane: yes yes yes mommy.
it infuriated Gwen even more as Jane was put in the jeep beside Ethan Martin. Jane's car seat had been moved from Gwen's car to Theresa's. Theresa shut the car door and faced Ethan and Gwen.
Theresa: alright see you two sunday night.
Gwen: more like sunday morning.
Ethan: Gwen please...
Gwen: please what Ethan?! how in the hell does Jane even know Theresa because if I remember correctly she was denied visitation when Jane was a year old. how in the world is it Jane is calling her mommy and she hasnt even seen her in over two years.
Theresa: maybe with you and your mother constantly badmouthing me, ethan defending me she put two and two together, figured out I am her REAL mother.
Gwen: impossible she's only three.
Theresa: well she is highly intelligent like I was at her age. when I was two I already could tie my shoes.
Theresa left before Gwen or Ethan could say anything more because she was too happy. her daughter was with her and that's all she needed. she went straight to her mothers where everyone was extatic to see thier little Jane. Ethan played big brother nicely as Jane played with Maria outside. Pilar was told what happened and was happy to have her other granddaughter back home where she really belonged.
Pilar: when does she go back to them?
Theresa: sunday evening.
Pilar: so you have visitation now?
Theresa: no. like Gwen would ever let me be near my own daughter. Jane asked her father and he let her stay the weekend with me.
Pilar: I imagine Gwen was against it.
Theresa: oh yeah. she was pretty determined to take Jane back home with her but Ethan said yes.
Pilar: you know Gwen will use this time to make sure you and Jane do not spend anymore time together and she wont stop there.
Theresa: I don't give enough credit to Jane mama, she's smarter than she lets on. she knows Gwen isn't her mother and it's like she knows something.
Pilar: you don't think Gwen would hurt her?
Theresa: it would be on if I found a single bruise on Jane's delicate skin. I would have Ethan and Gwen in court faster than you could blink.
Jane, Ethan and Maria came running in ready for dinner. during the meal nobody spoke spanish knowing Jane had not been taught it like Maria and Ethan. however Jane had been stubborn enough they relented and was currently teaching her the heritage language of her family.
meanwhile Ethan was trying to sleep but Gwen was still up looking at Jane's bed. it was their first night without Jane and Ethan kinda liked it. he was thinking about letting Jane stay at Theresa's every weekend if he could get a full nights rest. tonight however Gwen was still upset he allowed 'thier' daughter to stay the weekend with Theresa, blah, blah, blah. he turned over and went to sleep not worried about Jane one bit.
meanwhile Theresa had just finished putting her daughter to bed in her new room. it was huge compared to the room she shared with Ethan and Gwen. the walls were a sapphire blue and her bed was a queen size with white and sapphire blue bed sheets. the comforter was simple and matched the walla. she had enough toys to keep her busy for hours if not days. her room also had it's own potty and sink. Theresa didnt want a bath tub put in because Jane was only three. instead Theresa had her daughters room connected to her own like Ethans on the other side of her. Jane kept telling her she wanted to live with her. Theresa wondered if the papers were done and hoped Ethan would be alone when he picked Jane up.
the next morning Theresa decided to take the kids to the zoo and then to lunch. their entire saturday had been amazing cementing her and Jane's love for each other as mother and daughter. Jane was having a great time until bedtime.
Theresa: baby girl whats wrong?
Jane: I haf go home morrow with daddy.
Theresa: I know baby but maybe daddy will let you come over every weekend with mommy.
Jane: can I mommy?
Theresa: I will ask daddy okay?
that night Jane had snuck into Theresa's room and cuddled with her mommy all night. the next morning true to her words Gwen was at the door. Theresa saw Ethan parking the car and waited until he caught up to Gwen before letting them in. Jane had saw Gwen and ran for her room not wanting to leave her mommy.
Ethan: how was the weekend?
Theresa: great, she went to the zoo and we did alot of stuff together this weekend. she loves being here.
Gwen: well it's time for our daughter to come home with us so where is she?
Theresa: she ran up to her room as soon as she saw you pull up. I dont think she wants to leave.
Gwen: it doesnt matter, she's coming home with her father and I where she belongs.
Theresa: yeah you keep believe that, Ethan may I have a word with you in private about Jane?
Gwen: absolutely not...
Ethan: of course. let's go.
Theresa asked the guards to make sure Gwen didn't leave the livingroom until she returned. she and Ethan made thier way to her study. the papers were on her desk ready for signiture. she had hidden a nice amount of money away since she had been married to Alister and after a few years the amount was enough for her children to live comfortably until they died. Theresa locked the door behind her knowing if the servants needed her they would knock.
Ethan: alright let's talk about Jane.
Theresa: I want her back in my custody.
Ethan: the court awarded custody to me and Gwen you know that Theresa.
Theresa: yeah I also know two of your witnesses lied on the stand and I can prove it.
Ethan: what are you talking about?
Theresa: mama and Dr. Russell lied on the stand to help Gwen get off for almost murdering me.
Ethan: I wont do it.
Theresa: I have something to give you and your bitch of a wife in return.
Ethan: what?
Theresa: Crane Industries. you CEO and Julian will remain Co-CEO until you see fit. Gwen will be by your side as it should have been in the beginning.
Ethan: you would give up all the money and power in exchange for custody of our daughter?
Theresa: oh no there are conditions. I recieve SOLE custody and I get to leave Harmony without anyone causing me trouble when I do leave.
Ethan: what about Julian? he won't let his son go that easily especially if he doesn't get Crane.
Theresa: see when Julian and I talked last week he signed over every right he had to MY son. of course getting him beyond drunk had to happen first.
Ethan: if you leave he will come after you.
Theresa: that's another condition. you have him as your Co-CEO and keep him as busy as possible.
Ethan: you've really thought this through.
Theresa: so what's your answer? keep custody of our Jane or take over as CEO of your birthright at Crane.
Ethan could still only be shocked. he had to think about this. what would Gwen say if he does give up his rights to Jane in exchange for the entire Crane Foundation? would Gwen willingly let go of Jane just for money and power? a child she had been raising and loving as if she were her own child?
Ethan: how long do I get to think about this?
Theresa: the offer is null and void within twenty minutes Ethan so think fast.
Theresa wanted to smile. the one thing Ethan wanted more than anything in this world was Crane Industries. it was what he had been groomed for since he was born and what he wanted for his entire life. she knew he would take the deal because he was as greedy as any other Crane. she knew he would want to speak to Gwen on the matter but she gave him a time limit.
Ethan: I want to talk to Gwen about this first.
Theresa: I only have twenty minutes no four hours Ethan this is between her real parents.
Ethan: okay give me some time to look over the contract first and then I will decide.
Theresa had a contract made that suited only Ethan, whereas she had the REAL contract in her drawer ready to be slipped out. everything was almost the same but she had a few minor details added. Ethan and Gwen could never come after her and her children, Gwen had to stay far away from Jane and the best part Theresa could come back at any time and reclaim Crane if everything was going to hell. Ethan read over the first contract liking what he saw so he spoke.
Ethan: and it's all legit?
Theresa: yes it's all there. so do we have an agreement Ethan? I get Jane and you get Crane.
Ethan: would I still be able to see Jane?
Theresa: of course, unlike you I will never deny my own daughter the right to see her father whereas her father denied her mother the right to see her.
Ethan: that's not fair.
Theresa: no it wasn't fair what you did to me. sign or walk out the door.
Ethan was between a rock and a cliff. he would get to see Jane whenever he wanted it was all right there. he would be a fool to pass up an offer like this.
Ethan: alright I will sign.
Theresa: alright go unlock the door please I think one of the maids was trying to get my attention.
as Ethan unlocked the door and looked out Theresa switched the contracts without Ethan noticing. he walked back over to her and took the pen from her hand signing and initialing where she instructed. Theresa smiled, she had her baby girl back and planned to leave tonight.
Ethan: I don't know what I am gonna tell Gwen, she's going to be furious.
Theresa: personally I don't care. tell her Jane is staying one more night so I can leave tonight with them.
Ethan: tonight? why can't you wait so I can say goodbye to our daughter?
Theresa: as soon as Gwen finds out, she's gonna to be harrassing me and I dont feel like being harrassed or anything first thing in the morning by Gwen and Rebecca.
Ethan: I wonder how Jane is going to handle this when she gets older?
Theresa: Jane will be fine. let's go.
Ethan followed Theresa back to the livingroom to find Jane nowhere in sight. Theresa was thankful and whispered to the maid to get Jane and hide her in the servants quarters until she sent word. quickly the maid left doing as told.
Gwen: well what happened honey?
Ethan: Theresa and I talked and Jane is staying for a week with her since she doesn't want to leave.
Gwen: Ethan she can't! she has daycare tomorrow and we planned a camping trip this week too.
Ethan: it can be put off a little bit, Jane wants to stay with Theresa so we talked and I agreed.
Gwen: Ethan you have to work tomorrow until six remember? no big deal I will come get her myself.
Ethan: come on let's go home we have some things to talk about anyway.
huffing Gwen let Ethan lead her out of the mansion without the child claimed on a daily basis. Theresa sent word for the maid to return Jane to her room and pack her daughters things quickly. she sent another maid to pack her things and her sons things as quickly as they could. she already had a judge sign off on it through her lawyer and everything was legal now. she had bought an RV awhile back and had it hidden away. she planned to take her children and her mother away from Harmony.
Theresa got behind the drivers seat as her mama and children got comfortable at the table. Theresa took off out of Harmony forever. she had all her money in an account under an assumed name so she could drop her real name for now. her son already was using his gameboy while her daughter was playing with her new Dora computer. Pilar was trying not to fall asleep. a few miles out Theresa stopped and put her children in thier bunk beds and went to tell her mama to go to sleep up top. Pilar fell asleep quickly as did Ethan and Jane. Theresa got back behind the wheel and continued to drive south.
meanwhile Gwen had just found out she and Ethan were taking over Crane and was overjoyed! now she would be married to the man running Crane Industries and back into the social circle for the rich. Gwen was born rich and was extatic to be treated like the rich girl she was. she was ready to pack her things and throw it in Theresa's face thinking Julian had gotten Crane back somehow. however as she finished packing hers, Ethan's and Janes things Ethan said something that made her drop Jane's suitcase.
Ethan: I traded Jane for Crane Industries.