A/N- A while back I started a story called 'Second Chances' and then got bored with it. This is an edited version that follows along the same lines. The story is set the year Teresa loses custody of Ethan Martin to Ethan and Gwen. And because it suits the purposes of the story EM is still a toddler.
Chapter One
Harmony Courthouse
"Based on the evidence provided in this courtroom and after witnessing the defendant's appalling behavior, I have decided to grant custody of Ethan Martin Crane to Mr. and Mrs. Ethan Winthrop. The child will hereby be known as Ethan Winthrop Jr. This case is closed and the court is adjourned," Judge Reilly proclaimed in a loud booming voice.
"Nooooo, Ethan is my son. I won't let you have him," a hysterical Teresa cried.
Fox wrapped his arms around Teresa's shoulders and gently pried her away from the tow-headed toddler.
"Resa, you have to give him up, at least for now. But I promise you we will find a way to get him back," he whispered in her ear.
"Mommy, mommy" Ethan Martin cried, wrapping his chubby arms around his mother's legs and holding on for dear life.
"I'm your mommy now Ethan," a smirking Gwen replied and Ethan Martin began to wail even louder.
"No, I want my mommy," he cried and Teresa felt her heart break in two.
Knowing she had to put her son's welfare above her own pain she took a deep breath and ordered herself to calm down. Hysterics weren't going to help her get her child back.
"Sweetheart go with your Godfather. Mommy needs to talk to your aunt Gwen and to Uncle Fox," Teresa whispered to her son, wiping his tears and pressing a kiss on his fine blond hair.
When Ethan and EM had disappeared Teresa turned back to Gwen. Her rival's smirking countenance made Teresa want to claw her eyes out but she restrained herself for she knew that was exactly what Gwen wanted.
"You may have won for now Gwen but this isn't over. Ethan Martin is my child and as long as there is breath left in my body I will fight to get him back," Teresa warned her rival.
Gwen lifted a brow but her complacent grin only widened.
"Admit it Teresa. I've won. I have Ethan and I have your son and you don't have anything. No child, no home, no job. I have finally beaten you," Gwen gloated.
"What you have are my leftovers Gwen. You might be Ethan's wife but it's me he dreams about at night and the judge your mother bribed might have granted you custody of Ethan Martin but he will always be my flesh and blood. You and Rebecca have plotted and schemed to ruin my life and I'll admit you've succeeded, to a certain degree. But you'll never destroy me Gwen. Never. Because I'm a lot stronger than you think. So I wouldn't gloat too much if I were you because you never know when I'll turn the tables on you," Teresa replied.
"You're pretty pathetic you know. To accept being second best I mean. Second rate in Ethan's heart and second choice in my son's affections. Third, I'd say because he loves Fox more than he'll ever love you," she added before turning to walk away, a smiling Fox at her heels.
When they were in the corridor, Teresa's confident posture flattened like an airless balloon and she sank to the floor, heart wrenching sobs shaking her slender frame.
"Shhh, baby it's going to be alright," Fox replied, pulling Teresa into his arms and gently wiping her tears away.
"How Fox? Rebecca bribed Judge Reilly into granting custody to Ethan and Gwen and no other judge will override his decision. My son is going to grow up a Winthrop. God I hate them. I hate Rebecca and Gwen for what they've done to me and my family. Because of their sick, twisted need for revenge Mama and Miguel lost their jobs at the Cannery, Luis got suspended from the force, and we lost our home. Luis can't help Beth with Martin's hospital bills, Miguel had to drop out of school and Mama's health has declined. And none of that was enough for those two bitches. They still had to take my son away. Well, you know what Fox? I'm tired of playing nice. Nice hasn't gotten me anywhere. When we were at the Seascape the other night I begged Gwen on my hands and knees to return my son to me and to let the past go and she laughed in my face. It's time the Hotchkiss bitches got what's coming to them. I want them all to pay. Gwen and Rebecca for destroying my life and the lives of my family, Ethan for abandoning me when my son and I needed him most, and Julian for being a balless coward and letting Rebecca take my son away. When I'm done with them they are all going to wish they'd never been born," Teresa vowed, her dark eyes glinting with anger and a ruthless smile curving her lips.
Fox stared at her for a few seconds, a bit overwhelmed by her vehemence but if anyone had a right to be angry it was Teresa. Fate hadn't been kind to her and if revenge would help ease her mind then he had no problem helping her get what she wanted. It was high time his step-mother and his beloved step-sister got their comeuppance. And if Ethan and Julian got caught in the crossfire, it was no skin off his nose.
"Alright Teresa, if its revenge you want, its revenge you shall get," he promised.
A few feet away a tall, hefty man wearing a dark suit and smoking a Cuban cigar watched the couple through narrowed eyes.
"So the little kitten wants revenge? I never knew you had it in you to hate so deeply, Teresa. You will make a fine Crane, my dear. And accepting you in my family and molding you in my image will be my best revenge against your father, Teresita. Let the games begin," he murmured, dropping the cigar to the ground and stomping on it with his foot before turning to walk away.
