Author's Note: In the summer of 2000 when Passions was still in its early stages, I absolutely adored the relationship between Ethan Crane and Theresa Lopez-Fitzgerald. I discovered the wonderful world of fanfiction and even had my own fanfiction site, and this story was born through my enthusiasm for this show, this couple, and storytelling. This is the first fanfic I ever wrote, and though there are aspects of the story that I am tempted to change in 2010, I won't because the original (flaws and all) holds a special place in my heart.
I previously posted The Most Carefully Laid Plans on my site, Once Upon a Time, as well as on Turtle Run and Coffeerooms. It is no longer in any of those places and hasn't been for quite awhile, though I do still get e-mails from people from time to time wondering where they can find a copy. So in celebration of the tenth anniversary of this story, I decided to post it here.
Obviously, I do not own the Passions characters found within the story, though the original characters are my own. Nor am I affiliated in any way with Passions. No money is being made from this story. Believe me-if I did control Passions, the show would've gone much differently.
Chapter Seven: "A Glimpse"
The water washed the sand between her toes. The cool waves breaking ashore were a welcome contrast to the heat of the sun. Theresa had always loved the ocean, but today she reveled in it. Dipping her hand into the waves, she marveled at how the ocean was soft, penetrable. Yet who could withstand its storms?
She closed her eyes and listened to the sounds around her; the waves crashing onto the beach, the sea gulls calling to each other anxiously, and the sound of children playing around her. The sunlight beat down on her skin, and she felt warmed by it. Nothing could touch her, harm her. She felt a perfect peace she hadn't felt in a long time.
She had so many plans for the future. Would she be a success? Or would the Cranes try to drive her out? Her peace was shattered at the thought. Nervously, she bit her lip and opened her eyes.
Whit would be there soon. There was no time for negative thoughts.
"Theresa?"
Theresa turned around, excitement showing on her face. "Whitney!" she squealed.
The two old friends embraced amidst squeals of delight.
"Let me look at you," Whitney instructed. She examined her old friend from head to toe. In appearance, Theresa had changed little since last time Whitney had seen her. She was still as stunning as ever with her long, thick dark hair and slender build. And, as ever, she looked completely fashionable in her sun-dress. "You are positively looking gorgeous!"
Theresa demured, "There's not much to look at, Whitney. But you are simply breathtaking." And it was true. Whitney Russell had always been a beautiful girl, but at times had an icy quality that detracted from her beauty. But not anymore. Whit looked positively radiant.
Whitney laughed. "We're so girly, going on about each other's looks!"
"As I recall, you were never into all of that. It was only tennis for you!"
"Times change," Whitney responded.
"Let's walk, and you can tell me about it," Theresa suggested.
Arm in arm, the two friends strolled down the beach. "For starters, I'm thinking about leaving the tennis circuit. Chad and I will be getting married soon, and I want to build up my physical therapy practice. I just don't think that I can handle it all. I don't think I want to handle it all, either."
Theresa wasn't surprised by Whitney's admission. After the last time she and Whitney had spoken, she had a feeling that this would be coming soon. "Have you talked to your father about it yet?"
Whitney grimaced. "Not in so many words. It was always his dream that his daughter be a world champion tennis player, though now he might have his hands full with another prospect." she said cryptically.
"What do you mean?"
"You know that my dad remarried about a year and a half ago. He and Cynthia are expecting a baby at the beginning of next year."
"Wow. How does that make you feel?" Theresa asked.
"Strange. Up until he remarried, I'd always hoped that he and my mom would get back together, you know?"
Theresa nodded. "But there are good things happening with you, too. I happen to know that for a fact," she said taking Whitney's left hand to look at the diamond ring.
Whitney smiled. "You knew all along, didn't you?"
"And you wouldn't listen for the longest time!" Theresa exclaimed. She then did her best Whitney impersonation. "'Theresa, you're wrong. There could never be anything between Chad Harris and me.' Just look at who is eating crow now!"
"Go ahead and gloat while you can. It almost didn't happen."
"I know. I know. Life is full of almosts, though."
"Not like ours. When my mom started to think that Chad could be her son, that put a definite halt to things." Whitney shivered at the thought. What a horrible time in their lives that had been. Her parents' marriage fell apart once Eve's affair with Julian Crane was exposed. And then the possibility that the man she loved was her brother? It was almost too much. Fortunately, DNA tests proved that Eve and Chad were not related. Still, that had left Chad with more questions.
"Well, I always knew it was fate that you and Chad would be together."
"Yeah. You did, didn't you?" Whitney agreed. "Well, Theresa, I don't know if I believe in fate, but there is something that I always believed would happen."
"What's that?"
Whitney stopped and looked at Theresa. "That you would be my maiden of honor at my wedding."
"Whit, I don't know what to say!"
"I do. Say yes!"
"Yes! I would love to!" Theresa replied gleefully. "Oh, I am so happy for you and Chad! I'm so happy that you found each other. I'm so happy that his club is becoming a success. And I'm so glad happy I get to share in your joy."
"I wouldn't have it any other way, Theresa."
Whitney felt as though a great load had been lifted off her shoulders. She hadn't been entirely certain how Theresa would react to her request. It hadn't been very long ago that Theresa was to be the bride and Whitney the maiden of honor. Whitney knew that when Chuck died in the car accident, it had nearly destroyed Theresa. It was a great relief that her friend stood before her now, resilient and seemingly at peace with her past.
The only hint of something amiss was the diamond ring that Theresa still wore. But who's to say how long the grieving process lasts? Whitney reminded herself. It's different for each person.
"I've missed you, you know," Whitney said.
"I know. And I've missed you, too. Six months is too long to go without seeing each other. I guess you can imagine how my family felt."
"What made you finally decide to come back to Harmony?"
"It was time. I've been gone so long, Whit, and I missed my friends and family. There was nothing worthwhile to keep me in New York."
Whitney was puzzled. "But what about your designer label?"
Theresa smiled. "You know me. I always have an idea up my sleeve. My label will go on."
"How Theresa?"
"I'm going to open up a store, here in Harmony. I already have a long clientele list, which includes some of the major department stores like Macy's and Harrod's, as well as a few socialites and starlets, so I won't be hurting for business."
"A store. Here in Harmony. I can't believe it! You always said you would do it, and now you are!"
"Yes, it's another dream that I am determined will become a reality. I just hope that no one tries to stop me."
"Do you mean the Cranes?" Whitney asked.
Theresa nodded. "I can't help but worry. My association with the Cranes didn't end well. I'm just not sure how they'll react."
Whitney thought for a moment. "Chad and Ethan have become pretty tight. I've gotten to know Ethan better, Theresa, and even after everything that happened, I just don't think he would do anything to ruin your business."
"To be honest with you, it's not Ethan I'm worried about it's Gwen. And Ivy, too. But mostly Gwen. I get the strangest feeling about her, Whit."
"Now you're starting to sound like Charity."
"I can't help it! It's just that every time I start to feel good about something, terrible things happen. First with Ethan. Then with Chuck. I just don't want anything bad to happen to my store."
Whitney took Theresa's hand. "Listen to me, Theresa. Don't look for trouble when there is none there. Nothing bad is going to happen! You are going to be a smashing success! People are going to be lined up around the street block to get into your store. Besides, what happened between you and Ethan took place five years ago. Don't you think the Cranes have better things to do than to try to exact revenge on you?"
Theresa looked at her friend, her eyes stormy. "Whitney, I wouldn't put anything past the Cranes anymore."
"They aren't all bad. There is Ethan, and he's a decent guy."
"Yes, he is," Theresa whispered. Her return to Harmony was bringing an onslaught of old memories... memories that she would rather forget.
Theresa's change in tone wasn't lost on her friend. "Have you seen him yet?" Whitney asked.
"Nope, and I don't plan to."
Whitney crossed her arms. "Harmony is not a large town, Theresa. You are eventually going to run into him."
Theresa forced a laugh. "I thought you would be pleased, Whitney. I'm not pining away for him anymore."
"I am glad, Theresa. I just want you to understand that eventually you are going to see Ethan, and you need to be prepared for the emotional baggage that is going to come along with that."
"I can't think about right that right now. If I do, I'll go crazy. I'll think about that tomorrow," Theresa replied in her best Southern impersonation.
"Ok, Scarlet. But don't say I didn't warn you."
"I will consider myself warned. So tell me more about this wedding."
Could it be? No, it was impossible. Last he'd heard, she was still in New York. His eyes had to be playing tricks on him. Yes, when standing on the pier, it was difficult to be certain of anyone off in the distance.
Still, the thought nagged him. He could almost swear he'd seen her. Nothing definitive; just a glimpse.
But that glimpse was enough to make him hope. . . . and curse himself for having hoped.
