Stay or leave
By: Laurie-Lee
Summary:
Theresa Lopez-Fitzgerald thought she would be free of her worst enemy Gwen Hotchkiss when she would be Mrs. Ethan Crane. Oh almighty God was she wrong! Gwen brought hell to her over and over again as she tried to split up the happy couple the past two years. Theresa endured everything, hanging to the hope she was receiving from her loving and devoted husband. But after receiving one final blow, she comes to a realization that might change everything…Author's note: I had this fanfiction written up since a long time ago... Just found the disc it was on back today. Keep in mind that I have a lot of ideas these days and that this story will have a different end but it'll be another story. A kind of parallel end...
Chapter 2: While waiting
Dr. Culvert's office
The doctor was reading Dr. Valdez's report on Theresa and comparing the results to the report he had, himself, done on his patient.
"This is all wrong! It's not normal that a good doctor like Romeo Valdez had come to results so much different than mine."
He got up and started to walk towards the door to warn Theresa that she would need to have more tests run on her when he heard a soft knock on the door.
"Yes, come in!"
"Hello Dr. Culvert. How are you doing on this lovely afternoon?"
"Miss Hotchkiss! I am surprised to see you here. What can I do for you?
"It's simple. Mrs. Crane, Theresa Crane, is your patient right?"
"Yes, as a matter of fact she is. Why?"
"Well, I want you to falsify your report just like Dr. Valdez did in Bermuda." And you'll destroy Theresa at the same time!
"What???" That girl is completely crazy!
"You heard right. I don't think I need to repeat myself."
"Dr. Valdez falsified his report?"
"Yes, on my order of course." The doctor frowned. So that explains why the results aren't the same.
"Why would you do that to a lovely young woman aspiring to life like Mrs. Crane?"
"Because she already destroyed my life and dreams. It's her turn to suffer just like I did! She deserves it."
"I'm sorry Miss Hotchkiss but I can't do what you ask me to do. I would dishonor my profession." And hurt two people that doesn't need that…
"I don't think you really have a choice Dr. Culvert because if you don't, your family might suffer the consequences."
"Excuse me?" Do you think you are scaring me?
"Please! Don't make me waste my saliva on such little matters. You perfectly understood what I just said. If I were you, I would do everything to protect my wife and children."
"Do you think you are scaring me Gwen? A pathetic young woman like you has nothing to threaten me or my family."
"Are you sure of that? Don't tell me that you would love to see these pictures fall into the hand of the tabloids…" snobbishly said Gwen, showing the doctor false pictures of him and Rebecca making love "…would you? It could very ruin your reputation and marriage. Personally, I don't think Mrs. Culvert would appreciate to see her faithful husband cheat on her with my mother."
"Suzan knows me too well to believe these made-up pictures." he replied, venom in his voice. Gwen's cheeks became crimson red and she threw the pictures in the trash near her feet.
"Alright then. What would she think if something tragic ever happened to Michelle or Justan huh?" That made Dr. Culvert react.
"You wouldn't!"
"Oh believe me, I would. I've already killed so I'm ready to go as far as to take the life or hurt one of your family member. Now, I don't think you would want that so will you falsify that report or not?" The doctor hesitated for a second but the thought of his daughter or son being hurt, even killed, pushed him to accept the falsification.
"Alright Miss Hotchkiss. The report will show that Mrs. Crane can't carry a child to term neither conceive and that she is not pregnant."
"Good. Have a good afternoon Dr. Culvert." And the blond exited the office, leaving a frightened man behind.
Dr. Culvert's office, waiting room
"So what did Dr. Culvert said?" asked Pilar Banning as her daughter sat beside her with Tamara.
"He didn't say much. He needs to read the report Dr. Valdez did and wait for the result of my pregnancy test."
"Miss Shandon, Dr. Cavannah will receive you in a little while. Follow me." Tamara got up and smiled to her cousin and aunt.
"I'll see you later." Once she was gone, Theresa turned to her mother who was frowning.
"What?"
"Why does she need to see a pregnancy specialist? Didn't she and Fox decided to wait until their wedding before having children?" Theresa smiled, knowing that her mother was worried about her niece too.
"Yes but she's not seeing a specialist for pregnancies. Dr. Cavannah is an expert in fertility."
"Oh! But I thought that everything was alright with her and her ability to conceive…"
"Well, I'm not really supposed to tell you this Mama but Tamara got pregnant while we were in Bermuda but she lost the child she was carrying. And a home test showed her that she was having another baby three months ago but she again lost it."
"How far along was she?"
"Two months and a half both times as Dr. Russell said."
"So that's why she needs to see an expert? To know if she'll be able to carry a child to term?"
"Exactly…and also to see if the rape she suffered from more than two years and a half ago could influence her fertility."
"I understand and I hope that it won't. The poor girl doesn't need that."
"No she doesn't Mama. Neither does she deserve anything bad to happen to her. She went through so much already." Memories came flashing to her mind as she thought of everything Tamara had gone through all those years.
Flashback 1
Boston
Harvard University, Hillsboro Aisle Park
May 17th, 2002 (Two years and a half ago)
"You're crazy Fox, do you know that?" exclaimed Chabeli, Tamara's twin sister, half-laughing.
"I'm very well aware of it Belle. And I know you love me just like that." replied Fox, kissing her neck. Across them, Theresa was sitting between Ethan's legs, her back against his bare chest. He was playing with her hair while she just relaxed there. It was a pleasant afternoon for the senior students they were. The park was full of Harvard students in search of freshness since the blinding sun had been heating the region of Boston for a week now.
"Oh please guys! Get a room!" a masculine voice shouted from behind them.
"Shut up Chabbert! You're not better when you're with Meg." screamed Fox, continuing to kiss Chabeli.
"Well, at least I have the decency of keeping my shirt while you, on the other hand, don't." replied the black-haired man, sitting beside Ethan and Theresa.
"Don't tell me you would keep it on you with that heat! I know you too well to say that you would expose those pretty muscles of yours."
"You're right Theresa. I wouldn't. Not when you're around…" He shot a huge smile at her, making her roll her eyes.
"So, where's Megan?" asked Ethan, quite annoyed by the other guy. Jordan might be a friend of his and Fox's but he didn't like the way he acted around Theresa.
"She's gone to the mall with Angelina. Said something about a sundress."
"Must have been the dress we saw at the J.C. Penny store yesterday. It was on sale."
"How much did it cost?" asked Chabeli to Theresa from behind Fox's face.
"With the 40% discount, I think it was $22."
"No kidding! I'll tell that to Tamara when she gets here. She was actually searching for a sundress to wear at Jessica's party next week."
"Speaking of the lovely Tamara, where is she? I can't wait to show her how much I've improved my Italian."
"Don't you mean your physical appearance, namely your muscles Jordan?" teased Alyssa Kolsy, his ex-girlfriend.
"Ah Alyssa!!! You still got it mad for me huh?"
"In your dreams! Hey Theresa, do you happen to have your notes on Christian Dior with you?"
"Yes, they're in my bag."
"Well, could you lend them to me for tomorrow? I got the exam on that designer and I can't join Mark on his cellphone."
"That's what happen when you have a boyfriend out of the school's campus." said Jordan, writing something in his notebook. Alyssa sighed.
"Look Chabbert, why don't you go in Italy and see if I'm there."
"Alright. Just let me get them." replied Theresa, grabbing her bag and searching for her notes.
"Oh still the fiery beautiful girl I was in love with not too long ago! You haven't changed a bit." Alyssa kneeled beside her ex and looked at him right in the eyes.
"Do you know why I broke up with you Jordan? Huh? Because you were a total jerk who thinks only about himself, getting drunk or naked girls."
"Ouch! You cut me real deep baby." he replied, touching his heart. Alyssa just smiled.
"Here. Just bring them back to my room after your exam." Theresa gave the notebook to her friend and sat down between Ethan's legs again.
"Ok. You're the best T! Thanks. I got to go. See ya." A silence fell on the group after Alyssa departed. Feeling uncomfortable, Chabeli broke it.
"I wonder where my sister is. She said she would be here at 2:30."
"Well, seems to me that she's fifteen minutes late."
"We have noticed Jordan. Thanks."
Why don't you just get lost! Fox was very annoyed."Hey Eth, have you seen Brad in politics this morning?" asked Allan Walter, his partner in badminton, sitting beside Jordan.
"No, why?"
"Well, he wasn't in law history either." Ethan frowned.
"Strange. He never misses that class. It's his favorite."
"That's what I told myself. He would NEVER miss that class in a thousand years."
"Where the hell could he be? Jordan, do you have any idea?" asked Ethan.
"Hey, why do you ask me?"
"Because he's your friend idiot!" exclaimed Fox, throwing a pencil at him.
"Watch out with those pencils man! They cost me a lot!"
"Well, answer if you don't want them through your head."
Doesn't he have a brain or what?"I have no idea Ethan. Maybe he got a date."
"With whom? Who would be crazy enough to go on a date with him?"
"Why do you say that Belle?" asked Theresa, curious.
"Well, don't you know he has a dark past with girls?"
"What are you talking about?" She shifted in Fox's arms, quite uncomfortable.
"Well, I heard he had raped and beaten three girls in his high school years."
"Bulllllllllllllllllshit! It's a rumor. Brad never hurt a girl in his entire life. He can't even hurt a spider bugging him. How would you want him to beat a girl?" replied Jordan, shocked to hear that about his friend.
"But I heard it from a guy who was going to the same high school."
"Look Miss "I-believe-everything-the-others-say..."
"Don't you insult my girlfriend again Chabbert…" began Fox furiously but Jordan ignored him.
"…, I went to Durango High with him and as one of his best buddies, I can tell you that it's not true. Brad Waldner only had a date during all of his 5 years at DH and it was with my sister. So all of this women beating and raping thing, it's only a rumor. And if I ever catch the one who started it, I'll back him or her into a corner and believe me, that person will know what I think of it."
"Well, I'm going to go the cafeteria and grab me a Mountain Dew. Does anyone want anything?" asked Theresa, grabbing her wallet from her bag and getting up.
"Yeah, a Coca-Cola would be great." said Jordan, handing her a bill of $20.
"Nothing for me." added Allan, lost in his law notebook.
"I'll take a Gatorade. I don't care about the flavor. Just bring me some." replied Fox, giving her a bill of $5.
"And for you my love?" she asked, kneeling beside her lover.
"All I want is you back here in my arms as soon as possible." he teased her.
"Ethan, stop it. Be serious. Do you want anything to drink?"
"No thanks." He gave her a light kiss on the lips.
"Ok, Chabeli?" she asked as she was getting up.
"I'll come with you and decide there." They both started to walked towards the cafeteria. "So, between you and Ethan…it's serious?"
"Yes, very. Just look by yourself." Theresa extended her hand in front of her friend who gasped. A 20 carats ring with a big diamond reposed on her ring finger, shining.
"OMG! You two are engaged! Since when?"
"Yesterday. The new will be on the World Herald and on the TV news in two days. It's even going to be on National Television."
"Congratulations! You're so lucky!"
"Thanks and I know I'm lucky. I can't ask for a better husband."
"You'll invite me to the wedding right?"
"Of course…OH!!!!!" A strong hand grabbed her by the waist from behind while another one was placed on her mouth to prevent her from screaming.
What the hell!?!?!"I recommend you do not try to do anything or it will be worst. Now, I know it will maybe hurt but I'm sure you'll enjoy it just like Tamara did." She immediately recognized the voice.
Brad! He pushed her roughly on the wall and started to unbutton her shirt with his left hand still on her mouth. From where Brad was holding her, Theresa saw Tamara. She was lying naked on the floor, her hands and feet tied up together. A blindfold was around her mouth, preventing her too from screaming. Her eyes were big and looking directly at her, pleading to forgive her because she couldn't do a thing."Theresa?" she heard Chabeli ask from the other side of the bushes. "Theresa? Come on, it's not funny! Where are you?" Theresa desperately wanted to scream her friend that she was being aggressed and maybe would be raped but the strong hold Brad had on her body and mouth was preventing her to do so. OMG! Please, help!!!!!! Chabeli, in the bushes!!!! Brad is aggressing me! Please God!!! Help me!!! Her gaze fell upon the young man in front of her. He was now trying to untie her bra but couldn't.
"Damn!" he cursed before throwing her on the floor and applying a blindfold on her mouth. "There, it will be better. You know Theresa, you'll enjoy it. It will send you in cloud nine. If you don't try to fight with me that is. But I don't think you will considering that my friend here…" he pointed a knife near them "…can do a lot of damage to your gorgeous body. While saying that, he tied her hands up her head.
"Mmmmmm, mmmmmm, mmmmmmm!" she yelled, to signify that she wouldn't do anything. OH please God, someone, help me!!!! That psycho-freak is going to take my virginity away!!!! Ethan, Fox, anyone!!! Theresa's thoughts were going a hundred mile by seconds. In an instant, she felt freshness caress her breasts and she knew Brad had gotten rid of her bra. She again looked at him and noticed that he was removing her shorts. Oh almighty God! He's really going to rape me! She unconsciously moved a little to the left causing him to roughly immobilize her to the floor, hurting her tender ankle at the same time. A cry of pain escaped her lips as tears fell down her cheeks causing him to curse again. Tamara looked helplessly at her friend, wishing to be able to do something.
"Damn you bitch! I told you to don't move!" As he yelled silently at her, his hands removed her panties, leaving her completely naked. He stopped for a moment, desire in his eyes. "You might be a bitch but you're a goddess! What a body you have!!!"
"Theresa? Theresa, honey?" she head Ethan scream. "You are sure that you were around here the last time you saw her?"
"Yes Ethan. Theresa and I were walking here when she disappeared. I continued talking and I asked her a question. When I didn't received an answer, I turned around and she wasn't there anymore."
"She can't be far Eth if Belle affirms having seeing her here." As Fox was saying that, Tamara hit a branch of the bushes that surprised Fox on the other side. "Hey! That branch moved. There's something or someone on the other side." Ethan, Jordan, Allan, Fox and Chabeli cut the branches and gasped at the sight in front of them.
"YOU SON-OF-A-BITCH!!!!" yelled Ethan before throwing himself at Brad, quickly followed by Allan. While the two boys were beating up the rapist, Chabeli and Jordan kneeled at Tamara's side and started to untie her hands and feet. Fox did the same with Theresa, grabbing Brad's clothes and putting them on his friend's naked body.
"It's alright T, we're here." he said, taking her in his arms.
"Fox, I really thought he was going to rape me…" she cried against his chest.
"I SWEAR BRAD, YOU'LL NEVER RAPE ANOTHER WOMAN EVER AGAIN! I'LL KILL YOU FOR EVER DARING TO TOUCH THERESA OR TAMARA FOR THAT MATTER!" she heard Ethan yell before loosing consciousness.
End of flashback 1, flashback 2
Harmony
St-Margaret's Mary cemetery
January 16th, 2003
"Oh Dearly beloved, it's time now to pay our last respects to Chabeli Melinda Shandon who will now and forever repose in peace. And as dust, she was born and will return…" Theresa listened to Father Lonigan's speech as the coffin of her cousin was lifted into the frozen ground. Beside her stood her new husband, Ethan, Fox and Tamara, who was crying softly.
"It's not fair… It's just not fair…" she heard Allan cry behind her. In the past months, Chabeli and Fox had broken up since he had fallen in love with Tamara and Allan had became her boyfriend. But as things were becoming serious for the young couple, Belle had been ran down by a drunken driver and had died of her injuries. "Why? Why does that driver had to take the road drunk that day? WHY?" I don't know Allan. I just don't know…
"She's in a better place now Allan." she heard Jordan say
. Chabbert, you always have to say the wrong thing to the wrong person huh? Just GET LOST!!! She watched as the gravediggers filled Chabeli's grave with earth and tried to stay strong for Tamara."Come on Honey. We should get back home. It's not so good for the baby to be outside by this cold temperature."
"No, Ethan , I want to stay with Tamara and Allan."
"Listen to your husband Theresa. You need your rest. For both you and your unborn child. I'll be fine with Fox."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes."
End of flashback 2, flashback 3
Harmony
Shandon residence
September 2003
"He couldn't continue this way Tamara. He was destroying himself." said Maria Lopez-Carlisle to her daughter as she was hugging her tenderly. David, her older brother, had just been discovered by her, hanging from the ceiling in his bedroom.
"It doesn't mean he had to hang himself. He had so much to live for. His daughter Samantha, Carly, us!"
"But he still put an end to his life and there's nothing we can do for him now except give him a proper funeral."
"Gosh Mama! Am I the only one to really feel something in this family? Ever since we lost Belle, you don't seem to realize what's going on around you! Neither does John! Your husband hasn't shed a tear for Chabeli's death even though he's been raising us ever since Dad died. He just seemed to take it well. And now that David's gone, maybe he will celebrate! What do I have to do to make you realize that there's a world around you that worries for your sanity and mine?" Ethan, Fox and Theresa watched from aside as Tamara was finally letting go of all her anger.
"Tamara, I know that you're angry at David for killing himself or me for not caring enough about you but you shall respect me and your mother still."
"JUST GO TO HELL JOHN! YOU'VE BEEN BRAINWASHING MY MOTHER FROM THE DAY MY FATHER DIED AND NOW YOU'VE TRANSFORMED HER LIKE THIS FEELINGSLESS MONSTER! I HATE YOU!!!"
"Young girl, I would ask a little respect from you. Maria dear, come with me in your bed. It's time for your nap."
"GET THE HELL AWAY FROM MY HER!" yelled Tamara, stepping between her mother and John. "You will not take mama anywhere."
"Move aside young girl! Maria needs to rest and I will put her in bed even if I have to run you down first." coldly replied the elder man.
"I meant what I said. My mother won't be taken anywhere but to the hospital where she'll heal from your brainwash and manipulations."
"If you don't move, you will regret it."
"You won't do a thing John because you are under arrest. Put your hand upon your head right now!" yelled the chief of police Sam Bennett, aiming a gun at the man. As quick as an eagle, John grabbed Tamara and protected himself with her.
"No!!!!!! Tamara!" screamed Theresa, trying to run to her.
"Theresa, calm down! Tam is gonna be alright. Luis is behind John."
"Fire chief and you'll hurt my stepdaughter."
"I don't think so!" said Luis before knocking the man down. Immediately, Theresa ran to her friend and hugged her.
"Are you alright?"
"Yes T, I am now."
End of flashback 3, flashback 4
Bermuda
Brightman Hotel
July 2004
Theresa awoke as she heard some fast breathing coming from the bathroom. Mmmm, what is going on? She looked at the alarm clock on her night table and noticed it was 3 AM. She looked over her cousin's bed and realized that Tamara wasn't there.
"OW!!!" Something must be wrong with her baby. She got up as fast as a very pregnant woman could and walked to the bathroom's door. Knocking, she tried to open it without success.
"Tamara? Is there something wrong?"
"Yes. It hurts! My stomach hurts! Arghhhhh!" That scream totally awoke Theresa. Oh no! She's miscarrying!
"Tam, open the door!" Once she heard the lock being released, she entered, turned on the light and gasped at the sight. There stood Tamara in her pajama, bleeding.
"T, is it normal that there's blood?"
"No, it isn't. You're losing your baby."
"What?" mumbled Tamara, trying to breathe normally.
"You're having a miscarriage. I'm going to call Fox and Ethan."
"Quick please! ARRRRRRRRGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHH!"
End of flashback 4, flashback 5
Harmony
Crane Mansion
October 2003
"Hey Tam! I'm happy to see…" she stopped as she saw the teary face of her friend. "What is going on?"
"Oh T, I'm cursed!" cried Tamara as she fell in her cousin's arms, sobbing.
"What? Why?"
"I miscarried my baby again…" Immediately, Theresa felt uncomfortable.
"You lost your… Oh my God Tam, I'm so sorry."
"Why is it happening to me? Why?"
"Shtttttttt, shhttttttt! It's alright. It's going to be ok."
End of flashback 5
"Theresita! Mija!" Pilar's voice brought Theresa back.
"Huh?"
"Nurse Parker has been calling your name for quite some time now."
"I'm sorry." The nurse smiled at her. "I was thinking."
"Thinking about your beautiful unborn baby?"
"It's not even sure Jasmine."
"Well, I have a feeling that you are. Anyway, Dr. Culvert told me to bring you in his office. He will be there in a while."
"Alright." she said, getting up.
"Do you want me to go with you Theresa?"
"No Mama. I'll be ok by myself. Stay here. Ethan and Fox should arrive soon." With that, she followed the nurse to the office.
A/N: text means the person is thinking. Text means flashbacks.
Hope you're liking this story so far. REVIEWS would be much appreciated. Laurie-Lee