This chapter takes up three weeks after the court hearing. A surprise comes for Gwen and Ethan. Also for Ivy and Rebecca. Will play around with history a little. Chad and Whitney aren't brother and sister. On with the story.
Chapter 3
"Pookie, do something" whined Rebecca, as she followed Julian into his study. Rebecca was furious about losing the custody hearing. She still didn't understand how Theresa got Alistair on her side. "There's nothing I can do, Rebecca," says Julian rubbing his temples, "Father has plans that he's not sharing." It had been a week of her constant whining and Julian was fed up. There was nothing he could do, what with Alistair on Theresa's side and all.
"Becs, there is nothing I can do," Julian starts, trying to not snap at the red-head. Huffing, Rebecca left the study to find her daughter and Ivy. She would just have to find a way to change Alistair's mind then. Rebecca was always of the mind that sex would bring a man to her way of thinking. Now was just the planning on how to get Alistair into her web so to speak. With renewed vigor, the red-head walked quickly away from the study in search of Gwen and Ivy.
That day, three weeks after the court hearing found Ethan in the room at the mansion that he claimed for an office. He still couldn't believe that Theresa won custody. She lied and tampered with the results, how could she have won? Alistair must have bribed the judge, thought an angry Ethan. Shaking himself from his thoughts, he refocused on the paperwork before him. Alistair was really riding him about his work. Watching every move Ethan made, just waiting for him to mess up, was what Ethan felt Alistair was doing. Digging back into his work, Ethan prayed that the new plans he and Gwen were implementing would work.
-Passions-
Theresa was at Crane Industries that day. She was working on sketches for the Fall line and going over paperwork. She was glad that the judge had ruled in her favor. Theresa didn't want Gwen around her children. That woman was unstable. Theresa was lost in her thoughts when she heard someone cough. Looking up she saw Fox standing in the doorway of her office.
Fox told Theresa's assistant that he would let himself into her office. Standing in the doorway, he noticed that she was seemingly lost in thought. Clearing his throat, Fox got Theresa's attention. Blushing Theresa asks, "Fox how long were you standing there?" "Not long," he replies. Coming fully into the room, Fox asks, "I was wondering if you had plans for lunch." "Not yet," she teases. "Why don't you get the kids and join me for lunch," asks Fox. "Okay, it's a date," says an excited Theresa. "Great, meet you guys at the Seascape in twenty minutes," replies a smiling Fox. Theresa is already calling her mother to tell her she is picking up Sarah and Ethan Martin to take them to lunch with Fox. They both leave. Fox on the phone with the restaurant to reserve a table and Theresa to pick up her children.
As they were leaving, a process server walked up to Theresa and handed her an envelope. Theresa reads it and is outraged. How dare they, thought Theresa. "What are those papers about Resa," asks a concerned Fox after seeing the anger on her face. "Ethan suing for the other frozen embryos and for custody of Sarah and Ethan Martin saying I'm unstable," she grinds out.
"What," asks a confused Fox, "How could they do that there is no evidence to that?" "I don't know" replies Theresa. "But what I do know is that they don't stand a chance," she says with conviction. "That's my Resa," says a confident Fox, confident that Theresa will prevail again against Ethan and Gwen. He never did see what Ethan saw in Gwen especially when he had Theresa. But his loss in Fox's gain. "So, you will call your attorney and explain everything to him and crush Ethan and Gwen once again. But for now, we will go to lunch with your beautiful children" says Fox. With that Theresa and Fox go and collect the children and go to the Seascape for lunch. Little did they know they would soon face a confrontation at the restaurant that would shape the coming court battle.
-Passions-
The Seascape was an upscale restaurant in the town of Harmony. Theresa, Fox, and the children were shown to their table when they arrived at the restaurant. Sitting down, they gave their drink orders to their waitress and told her that they would need a minute for their orders. "So, Theresa, any ideas on how you're going to fight Ethan and Gwen," asks Fox once the waitress leaves to put in their drink orders. "I've talked to my lawyer before leaving Mama's, he said to come in tomorrow and discuss the papers. I will not let that nutjob be around my children. Ethan has already demonstrated that he cares less for the children's welfare," replies a frustrated Theresa.
Just as the waitress returned to take Fox and Theresa's lunch orders into the restaurant walked Ethan, Gwen, Rebecca, Ivy, and Julian. They stood beside the hostess station and waited to be seated. This caused Rebecca to become peeved. Soon they were escorted to their table, a few tables from Fox, Theresa, and the children. At first, the two groups didn't notice each other, Fox and Theresa too deep into their conversation to notice. They barely acknowledged the waitress taking their orders. The children also took up a lot of their attention. But, Gwen soon noticed them when looking around the restaurant. Stilling, this attracted the attention of the others at the table.
"Gwen, what's wrong," asks a concerned Ethan to his now distressed wife. Following her line of sight, Ethan sees what is causing her distress. Theresa. There with Fox and the children. The others at the table also look over and see the same sight. "Look at that Ethan, that slut is trying to weasel her way into another Crane man's bed. She's clearly unstable and a bad influence on the children," says an angry Gwen. Rebecca and Ivy echo Gwen's sentiments. Heaving a heavy sigh, Ethan says "Your right Gwen. We've served her with the papers today, the hearing is soon, and we will get our children. Theresa won't be allowed to them."
As this was going on at Ethan and Gwen's table, at Fox and Theresa's, Theresa felt the burning feeling of eyes on her. Turning her head, she spotted the group at the other table. "Oh great," mutters Theresa. Hearing Theresa mutter under her breath, Fox turns his head the same direction she is looking and spies the group at the other table.
"Oh, God, what are they doing here" mutters Fox under his breath as he eyes his mother, sister-in-law, and her mother at the opposite table. He thought to himself, what are they doing here. Please don't let them come over here. With that thought, he saw his sister-in-law start to rise. As soon as she started she was pulled back down in her chair by Ivy.
The sight of Theresa with the children insensed Gwen. Almost as soon as she started to rise she was pulled back down by Ivy. "You need to calm yourself, Gwen, don't make yourself look like a monster and Theresa the victim," said Ivy. Rebecca echoed the sentiment. They continued their meal all the while glaring in the direction of the other table.
Theresa was finally relieved when the women left the restaurant. After that Theresa, Fox and her children relaxed and had a nice meal, lingering over it. Eventually, they paid their bill, or at least Fox did, and they preceded back to Crane Industries, where the children went to daycare until Pilar pick them up at 2 pm.
-Passions-
The day passed with no more interference from Gwen, Ivy, Rebecca or Ethan. Though Gwen did call Ethan that she saw Theresa out with their children not even looking after them properly. Or that's what she said to Ethan. This made Ethan even madder at Theresa. He thought that it wasn't time for another to muscle into his children's lives. Not even his own half-brother. He also couldn't figure out if he was madder at Theresa or Fox.
At Theresa's house, her mother was watching the children having picked them up at Crane Daycare earlier that day. She hoped that her daughter hasn't gotten into anything that would cause her pain. Pilar knew that the war wasn't over. That Gwen, Ivy and Rebecca were not done with Theresa.
The children and Pilar continued to have a nice time when there was a knock at the door. Pilar goes to open it and there stood Alistair Crane himself. "May I come in," asked a nervous Alistair. "I just want to see the children," he states at the shocked silence that Pilar had stood in when she opened the door. "Of course," said a still shocked Pilar. She knew that Alistair was trying to change, and that Theresa said that he could come around the children.
Alistair quietly entered the cozy home. He noticed the difference between the mansion and this lovely home. He slowly went in the living room and saw Ethan Martin and little Sarah playing on the carpet. Alistair joined them. Ethan Martin recognize him immediately. "Granpa," shouted the excited little boy. Ethan Martin crawled into his arms and gave him a big hug. He knew who his grandfather was as Alistair asked to be in the boy's life since he was Sarah's age. Theresa told Alistair that he was welcome to visit the child anytime he wanted. When she got custody of her daughter, visits to Sarah were included.
Alistair and Pilar played with the children. Pilar could see the change in Alistair's demeanor at once. He had a spark in his eyes, previously only reserved for the grandchildren he had. To include Sarah in that was a massive step, signaling a change in the once ruthless man.
-Passions-
While Alistair played with the children, Theresa was finishing her day when she got a call from her attorney. He asked to possibly come in after she finished her work to discuss the custody case that was up coming. She agreed to that. Just as she was preparing to leave and go to the lawyer's office, in walked Fox.
"Hey Resa, I was wondering if you and I could have dinner together tonight," a suddenly nervous Fox. Theresa thought it was cute that he seemed nervous and let him squirm for a few minutes. "I'd love to but have to meet my lawyer first, is that okay", replied Theresa. "Sure, I'll even go with you, alright," stated a relieved Fox. "Sure," said a confident Theresa.
They leave and arrive at Micheal's office and discuss the papers. He also told them that Rebecca and Gwen as well as Ivy still haven't paid their contempt citations. This will cause them trouble in the long run as they had a week to pay it. Likely they will be arrested at the hearing for the appeal. Also they seem to be judge shopping, which was frowned upon.
Theresa and Fox left Michael's office confident that they would be considered fairly. They then went to dinner and had a good time. It ended early, Fox understood, Theresa wanted to spend some time with her children before they went to bed.
While this was going on, at the mansion, Ivy, Rebecca and Gwen are served with a summons for contempt of court. Alistair was watching what the Crane money was being spent on. He flat out refused to allow Rebecca to spend any Crane money on the contempt citations. She knew that her, Gwen and Ivy would likely be arrested for this when they went to court.
Rebecca tells them she has a plan to have the hearing for the contempt and custody be heard at the same time. Gwen isn't thrilled about it but if it meant getting her children than so be it. As all this was going on Ethan walked in and told them that Rebecca's plan had work. Ethan arranged to have both heard before the same judge at the same hearing.
Though Ethan and Gwen had done nothing to help themselves look like better parents then Theresa. Julian arrives shortly after this and wonders if Alistair isn't behind all the success that Theresa's been having in court lately. This makes it all wonder if that is possible. The women had to suppress a shudder, like someone walking over their grave. It would be one short week til the hearing. Gwen was confident that she would walk out the victor not Theresa.
The week passed quickly. Now it was a time for the hearing. Both sides were confident that they would be the victor. Gwen and Ethan have, or so they thought, gathered evidence that they were the better parents.
At the hearing, which was at 9:30 am that Friday morning, the skies were gray and stormy. Gwen took it as an omen that Theresa was going to lose. Though she did have a feeling that there would be a heartache for her today. Ethan came in the room they shared at the Crane mansion. Noticing his wife's demeanor, Ethan said with great care, "You okay honey?" Turning around, Gwen replied to her husband, "Just thinking about the hearing today." "Don't worry there is no way that we will lose. The worst is that we have to share custody with Theresa. But I know it won't come to that," says a confident Ethan as he finishes getting dressed. He then tells Gwen that she should finish getting ready and check the rooms for the children are done. She does so the whole time telling herself that they would walk out as parents to two beautiful children. They, Rebecca and Ivy as well as Julian meet in the front parlor and depart for the courthouse.
At Theresa's house a similar scene was playing out. Theresa was just finishing up getting herself ready as well as her children. They would be with Pilar while Theresa was at the courthouse. She bids her mother goodbye with a hug and kisses each of her children and leaves for the courthouse. Arriving 15 minutes before the gang from the mansion. Alistair is there to support Theresa. He has not only a feeling but a foreboding, that Theresa would be successful in this hearing. Judge Evelyn Saunders would be hearing the case. He also had plans for her attorney and the gang from the mansion as well. It was time for new blood at Crane.
The bailiff called the case and introduced the judge. "Be seated, my name is Judge Evelyn Saunders and this is a court of law. Any objections will be through your attorneys and there will be no outbursts. If you insist on making a scene then you will be ejected from the court room. Understand." After getting the agreement from both sides she allowed Ethan to go first and present any new evidence that he might have.
"Your honor, I have the evidence that Ms. Lopez-FitzGerald has change some how the results of the DNA test." As soon as this comes out of Ethan's mouth, Michaels objected. With proof that the lab that did the test did not have any interference from either side, it was sustained. Then Ethan went on to say that Theresa was neglectful of the children. This too was objected to and was sustained.
That was all besides his witnesses that Ethan had. Then it was Michaels turn. He showed how the Winthrops did nothing for the children. That their fathers didn't even provide child support. His client, though she was loathe to, wanted the parental rights of the fathers to be terminated. She couldn't be dragged into court every week to new allegations of neglect and the such. She needed to give her children some stability. Theresa knew that Gwen, Ivy and Rebecca would try and try to take her children from her. Also that his client would like to have restraining orders against them all. With that Michaels prepared for the witness part of the hearing.
Allowing Ethan to go first this time as well, Ethan called his wife to the stand. It was a disaster. When Michaels got to question her, he brought up her conviction on identity theft and the unstable behavior that he had proof that she demonstrated at the mansion. Through the security footage and the worker's sworn statements, Gwen look a little psycho to the judge. After that it was repeated for all of Ethan's other witnesses, namely Julian, who was drunk, Rebecca who put on the theatrics, and his mother, Ivy, who was made to look like a backstabber.
Ethan rested, then it was Michaels turn. He started it with calling the representative of the DNA lab that no one interfered with the test. Next it was Theresa who was questioned about how she provides for the children and what childcare she had in place. Ethan who cross-examined her and try to paint her in a bad light had backfired. Then a surprise witness was Sam Bennett. He told the court he did not believe that his son and daughter-in-law were fit to be parents. Then Michaels called a big witness again as he called Alistair. Who told the courts that Theresa was a great mother and that her mother's job now was to exclusively to look after her grandchildren. He wanted his grandson and his sister to be well looked after. Ethan didn't even try to question Alistair. Soon both sides rested and had no more evidence to present.
Saunders retired to make her decision. Both sides mingled in court while waiting for the decision. Saunders told them it would be a half hour probably for her to make the decision. So neither side went far. Gwen gloated that she would walk out of there with custody of both children. Theresa said nothing at this and just kept up small talk with Sam and Alistair. Soon the decision was in. The bailiff called the room to order, it had only been 15 minutes.
Saunders came back into the room, her face unreadable. She then went on to say, "After considering all the evidence from both sides, while Mr. Winthrop and your wife love these children, and Mr. Crane does for his child. I can't in good conscious give custody to either of you. Neither of you have demonstrated that you can provide any sort of stable environment for the children. With that said, I find that the children will remain in their mother's sole custody. Also, find that the parental rights you and Mr. Crane have to the minor children are to be severed and terminated. I also find that restraining orders are to be placed on you, your wife, her mother, your mother and Mr. Julian Crane. So, ordered, Ms. Lopez-FitzGerald I hope that you never have to see the inside of a custody hearing again. Court dismissed."
With that she hit her gavel and dismissed both parties. Theresa and hers left quickly amid the ruckus that was being raised on Ethan's side of the aisle. While leaving Alistair asked Sam to join them for lunch with the children. He agreed, though he was still skeptical of Alistair's motives, he wanted to see his granddaughter and the boy he consider like a grandson to him. With that they left to join Pilar at the Lopez-FitzGerald's home.
