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 Twenty-Five: "Play the Game"

"Is it true, Ethan?" Gwen asked as she came into their bedroom.

Ethan looked up from his laptop computer, a look of concentration still etched on his features. "Hhhmmm?" he asked.

"I asked if it was true," Gwen replied smiling.

Ethan swallowed hard. What did Gwen think she knew? "Is what true?"

"That your brother is in town. What did you think I was talking about?"

Gwen couldn't help but notice the look of guilt that crossed Ethan's features. It made her wonder just what her husband thought she was talking about. She walked to where Ethan sat at his desk and stood behind him. Leaning over and putting her arms around him, she whispered in his ear, "Any other secrets I should know about?"

Ethan decided to play disingenuous. "Andrew's return wasn't intended as a secret. In fact, I didn't even know he was back until this afternoon."

"Pooh, Ethan. You aren't playing the game right," Gwen murmured.

"It's hard to play the game when you make up the rules as we go along," Ethan said standing and moving away from Gwen's grasp.

"I see you're still angry about our earlier conversation," Gwen noted.

"How did you expect me to feel?"

"Ethan, it's alright. I've forgiven you," Gwen replied.

"Oh, you've forgiven me? How kind of you, Gwen. Do you notice a pattern here? It just seems to me that when you get angry, you let everyone around you know it. But after you're done 'expressing' yourself, you expect other people to act as if nothing happened. Just because you're over it doesn't mean that I am."

Gwen ran her tongue over her lips. She stepped toward Ethan and ran her hands down the front of his shirt, resting them at his waist before tugging at his shirt and untucking it in the process.

"Gwen." His tone was one of warning.

"Sshhh," she replied as she deftly began to unbutton his shirt. Lightly, her fingers traced the contours of his chest and began to descend even lower.

Ethan grabbed her wrists as gently as he could but with enough force that he stopped her movements. "Enough."

Dejected, Gwen pulled away and turned her back to him. "Are you sure there's nothing else you want to tell me?" she asked.

"I've already said all I have to say."

"This is about Theresa, isn't it?"

"No, Gwen. It's about you and your insecurities."

"My insecurities," Gwen repeated. "Why Ethan? You've never given me any reason to feel secure. Whether you admit it or not, everything is about Theresa. Everything you think. Everything you do. I'm tired of it! I want the old Ethan Crane back! I want my husband back!"

"Gwen, I never went anywhere," Ethan replied quietly and gently.

She turned around to face him, tears streaming down her face. "I wish I could believe that. I truly do. But six years ago a stranger came into our lives; insinuated herself, really. And since then, things haven't been the same for us. I know you dream about her, Ethan. I've heard you call out her name in your sleep."

"Gwen, I..."

"No, let me finish. Ethan, I need to know that you love me. That you aren't going to fall for her tricks again. She used you! You know that beyond a shadow of a doubt! So why can't you believe in us?"

I still believe in you. The words seemed to come from nowhere, but they lingered in Ethan's mind.

"Ethan?" Gwen asked when he remained quiet.

"We've been together for most of our lives, Gwen. It's always been you and me, and it always will be."

"Then why do I feel as though there are three people in this marriage?"

"Let it go, Gwen," Ethan said gently as he took her hand in his.

"I...I want to, Ethan. I really do. I just don't know how," she said, her voice quivering.

Ethan sighed. After the way he'd been acting the last few weeks, she had every reason to be upset with him and even to wonder if something was going on between him and Theresa. And what had he done? He did nothing but make Gwen feel as though she was the one in the wrong for trying to fight for their marriage.

"God, I'm sorry Gwen. I don't know what's wrong with me!" He pulled her to him, and she rested her head against his chest. "Please listen to me. I trust you. I know you've always been completely honest with me. That is only one of the things I love about you. I could never be with someone who lies and manipulates. Don't you see? I could never be with Theresa. I admit that at one time, I had very strong feelings for her and even wondered if she and I...," his voice trailed off. He found his voice again. "But it was more the idea of Theresa than Theresa herself. I thought she was someone that she isn't."

Gwen bit her bottom lip and felt a momentary lapse of guilt and even fear. What she did ruined Theresa in Ethan's eyes and made him more determined to marry the woman he had been promised to. But she knew Ethan never would have married her if he knew the truth; if she had been truthful to her husband. If he ever found out, that would be the end. Gwen had no doubts.

Stop! her mind screamed. What is wrong with you? You're feeling guilty about Theresa? She was trying to steal Ethan away from you! She got what she deserved and she still deserves anything else you can dish out at her.

Gwen looked up at Ethan and wrapped her arms around his neck. "Show me, Ethan. Show me that you love me," she whispered huskily.

I still believe in you.

Ethan swallowed hard. After everything that had happened, why couldn't he get Theresa out of his mind? He was with the woman he loved his wife. Why did memories of Theresa keep resurfacing?

"Ethan?" Gwen questioned after seeing him pause.

He had to forget. He had to.

Saying nothing, his lips found hers.

As Theresa stepped out of her car, she smoothed her dress. Surprisingly, she was looking forward to seeing Drew. A small smile crept onto her face. He was so different from anyone she'd ever met. Something about him captivated her imagination.

Surveying her surroundings, it occurred to Theresa that it had been a long time since she'd been to the Harmony Country Club In fact, the last time she was there she was with Whitney, waiting for her friend to finish giving tennis lessons. They'd often felt out of place in such an establishment. Unfortunately, African-Americans and Latinos were not often welcomed with open arms, except as a quota or a statistic for the purpose of political correctness. Times were changing, though, and it made Theresa feel better.

Still, she knew there were people who didn't appreciate the changing times. Rebecca Hotchkiss, perhaps. Theresa shuddered when she thought of the visit she had from Gwen's mother the day before. Between the two of them, Theresa felt uneasy. She knew how the Hotchkiss women could be when backed into a corner. Though Theresa wasn't intentionally trying to cause trouble, she knew her appearance had set them on edge.

No more unpleasant thoughts, she promised herself as she approached the dining area. After being late the last time she planned to see Drew, Theresa made sure to arrive a few minutes early. Holding her head up high, she entered the column adorned restaurant. The maitre d' showed her to a table and seated her.

Theresa looked at her surroundings. She never doubted that she would return to the Harmony Country Club. Of course, at one time she had anticipated it would be because she was Ethan's wife.

A classical piece that Theresa recognized as Chopin's played in softly in the background.

As she looked around, she recognized several of the people from parties at the Crane Mansion that she had helped to organize. Would they recognize her? And if they did, would they acknowledge her?

No matter, she told herself. I have nothing to prove.

Theresa glanced down at her watch. It was almost 12:30. Drew should be there soon.

"Waiting for someone?"

Theresa looked up and her eyes widened. Gwen stood beside Theresa's chair, looking down at her with a strangely impassive countenance.

"As a matter of fact, I am. And he'll be here any moment," Theresa replied, her voice crisp and clipped.

A small smile broke onto Gwen's features. "May I join you until your friend arrives?" Gwen asked with amazing civility.

Theresa surveyed her companion's expression. Gwen didn't seem to be on a rampage that day, but Theresa still felt uneasy. She was beginning to learn that nothing Gwen or her mother did was entirely straightforward. Besides, the last thing she needed was to be reminded of Ethan again. She wanted to forget. Desperately.

"Actually, Gwen, I would prefer to wait alone," Theresa replied.

"Really, Theresa! You're going to make a scene if you don't invite me to sit with you."

Theresa hesitated, and Gwen took that as an acknowledgment to be seated. Pulling out a chair, she sat and leaned toward the dark-haired young woman.

In a soft, low voice, Gwen said, "To be quite honest, I'm glad I ran into you. I was hoping to have the opportunity to speak to you again."

"What is it this time? Now that you and your mother have given me a sound tongue lashing and made threats, what's to be next? Shall I be flogged?"

Gwen laughed lightly. "You're so spirited! But no, that's not what this is about. I simply realized that I have no idea about the woman you've become. I'm curious about you."

"Curious? I thought you already knew everything there was to know. After all, you came into my store making wild accusations. You seemed to think you had everything figured out."

"Can you ever forgive me?" Gwen asked reaching out and lightly touching Theresa's arm. "I behaved abominably!"

"Gwen, I never wanted us to be enemies," Theresa replied.

"I know. And I believe that now."

"You do?"

"Yes. I know you couldn't possibly be a threat to me. I spoke to Ethan last night and he told me that the thought of you and he together was absolutely ludicrous! Since we were little more than children, Ethan and I knew our lives would be spent with the other. Besides, he values trust and honesty so much and the sad fact is that he'll never trust you again."

Theresa swallowed hard upon hearing Gwen's words. It doesn't matter what Gwen says, she told herself. You don't care about Ethan. You don't care what he thinks. But she did care, as Gwen knew she would.

Theresa forced a smile. "I hope you and Ethan will be very happy together, Gwen."

"How sweet of you!" Gwen replied, her voice sugary.

Theresa felt her smile falter a bit.

"So, I hear that you are going to be Whitney's maid of honor," Gwen supplied, changing the subject.

"Yes, I am. Chad and Whitney are destined to be together. I'm so glad they've finally made it. I...I always had faith that they would."

Gwen's expression changed somewhat. "Theresa, do be careful at the wedding. I would hate to see you embarrass yourself in front of everyone."

"What is that supposed to mean?"

"Just that I know it will be difficult for you to be at the altar. Constantly being reminded of what you've lost must be horrible. After all, Ethan didn't marry you five years ago. Chuck didn't marry you, though I suppose that really wasn't his fault. But you know the old adage: 'Always a bridesmaid, never a bride.'"

Theresa felt the blood drain from her face. How could Gwen be so cold as to use Chuck's death just to get back at her?

Standing quickly, she grabbed her glass of ice water and threw the contents onto Gwen's face. As the cold liquid hit her, Gwen shrieked. The conversations in the restaurant stopped as people looked over the two women.

"How clumsy of me," Theresa said quietly.

"You did that on purpose!"

The maitre d' approached Gwen and Theresa, rubbing his hands together nervously. "Is there a problem here?"

Gwen, with water dripping off her face and hair, glared at the man. "What do you think?"

Flustered, the man's face turned red. Gwen reached for the cloth napkin on the table and began to wipe away the water.

Theresa grabbed her purse. "Excuse me," she said to the man before starting to walk out of the restaurant. Her steps were quick and steady. She rounded the corner into the lobby and ran straight into Drew's arms.

"Perfect timing," he said with a grin, steadying her.

"I...I have to go," Theresa said, her voice quivering.

Drew looked down into Theresa's eyes and could see the tears pooling within, threatening to spill over. She looked back, and he watched where she glanced. It was all starting to make sense to him. He saw his sister-in-law, and though Drew could not hear what she was saying, the maitre d looked mighty uncomfortable. And was Gwen wet?

Drew looked back at Theresa and could feel her body begin to shiver. "You aren't going anywhere by yourself in your current state," he said. Surprisingly, Theresa did not argue with him.

He led her outside to his car and opened the passenger door for her. Numbly, she got in.

He asked her where she lived, and she quietly gave him her address. But other than that, she said nothing. Every minute or two, Drew glanced at her. He noticed that she was playing with the diamond ring on her left hand, her expression stony.

When he pulled into her driveway and stopped the car, he came around and opened the door. After a pause, she got out. Opening her purse, she felt for the keys to the house. Drew walked her to the door and watched as she tried to insert the key into the keyhole. Her hands were unsteady and she dropped the keys.

"Mierte," she cursed quietly as she kneeled to get the keys. The tears were still threatening to spill over.

Drew kneeled as well, and as they reached for the keys, their hands touched. "Allow me," he said. Taking the keys from her grasp, he unlocked the door and opened it. She walked in, and he followed.

"Why don't you sit down," he suggested. She did so, and he navigated his way through her house to the kitchen where he searched through the cupboards before finding a glass. Filling it with water, he went back to her and instructed her to take a sip.

Drew sat next to her and placed his hand on her shoulder. "Now, can you tell me what this is all about?" he asked soothingly.

She closed her eyes, tears finally spilling. "I have never hated anyone until now." She shook her head. "I can't believe I just said that. If my mother heard me, she would be fit to be tied."

Drew touched her face and wiped her tears. He remembered Pilar quite well, and knew that if she was there, she more than likely would reprimand her daughter for saying such a thing. Drew didn't hold such scruples, however. "It's just me, Theresa. You can say whatever you need to say. I won't judge you."

Theresa looked into Drew's turquoise eyes and felt foolish. She barely even knew the man. Why was she crying in front of him?

She stood and walked to the mantle of the fireplace and ran her fingers over the edge of a framed photo of Chuck. "I must seem like such a basket case to you! I'm sorry. I'm fine. Really I am."

"You're a terrible liar," Drew said.

Theresa smiled slightly and turned to look at him. "Now that's something I've never been told."

"There's a first time for everything," he replied glibly. "So tell me what happened at the country club that has you so upset."

Theresa hesitated. Should she really get into that with him? "It's a long story, and it goes farther back than just today."

Drew leaned back on the couch and stretched his arms out. "I have plenty of time," he replied.

"Why are you being so nice?" she asked.

"I should think it would be obvious," Drew replied.

His gaze made Theresa feel as if he could see into her soul. It made her feel warm and uneasy at the same time. "I...I...wow. Um, if you knew about me, you probably wouldn't be here right now. I don't exactly have the greatest reputation in this town at least with the country club set."

Drew did know, yet he was curious about Theresa's side of the story. Though he had not been able to attend Ethan and Gwen's wedding, he remembered the rumors that circulated around that time, as well as Gwen's rancor when she spoke of Theresa the next time Drew came to Harmony. And he remembered Ethan's solemness. Though Ethan wouldn't admit it, Drew remembered thinking that his brother made a mistake in marrying Gwen. He'd known all along that his brother wasn't perfect, but others were just then starting to figure it out. His image was tarnished from the whole fiasco, though Drew had to admit that Ethan emerged a stronger, more focused person.

"You can't take that too much to heart, Theresa. That crowd is fickle."

"I don't care. Not exactly. I guess I'm just amazed at how things that happened a long time ago can still have repercussions. Mama always tried to warn me that there would be consequences for my actions, but I never listened to her. I should have listened...," her voice trailed off.

"Tell me about what happened, Theresa."

"Do you know the Crane family?"

"You could say that," Drew replied guardedly.

"When I was younger, Mama used to work for the Cranes. She would come home and tell me stories about Ethan; how he was a sad little boy, but how he had a heart of gold. I imagined that someday we would meet and fall in love, and his sadness would go away.

"When I grew older, I took a job with Mrs. Crane as her personal secretary, and I did get to know Ethan...and we did eventually fall in love. But he was never mine to love. He was engaged to another woman, who soon became suspicious of me. I was afraid; afraid of what she would do, and I made up a lie about having a boyfriend. Pretty silly, huh?"

"But you didn't have a boyfriend?"

"No, and Gwen kept demanding to meet him. One night, I was prepared to tell Ethan and Gwen the truth, but Whitney intervened. She saw an old tennis friend, and had him pretend to be my boyfriend. His name was Chuck Wilson."

"So that's how you met Chuck."

"Yes, but at the time, I only had eyes for Ethan. How foolish I was! Once Gwen met Chuck, she apologized to me for thinking I was trying to sabotage her relationship. I felt terrible but relieved at the same time. I wasn't actively trying to ruin her relationship. I just felt this amazing connection between Ethan and me. I knew that if we could spend time together, he would come to realize that marrying Gwen was a mistake...that it was more about family obligation than what his heart desired."

"The Cranes and Hotchkisses planned Ethan and Gwen's wedding from the time they were children," Drew commented.

"How did you know?" Theresa asked.

Covering, Drew replied, "Everyone in my family's circle knew about it. It was quite the coup for the Hotchkiss family."

"Of course."

"So once you and Ethan began spending time together, you fell in love?"

"Yes. It was ironic, actually. I had put together a portfolio of what my dream wedding would be like, complete with flower arrangements and dress designs. When Gwen caught sight of it, she assumed it was for her wedding to Ethan. I was eventually roped into being their wedding planner, and I couldn't refuse. If I did, Gwen would know that my feelings for Ethan went beyond friendship. I was planning the wedding of the man I loved, but it was to another woman! I sound horrible, don't I? No wonder Gwen and her mother have gone out of their way to try to make my life miserable."

"I think we've all been caught up in situations that were beyond our control at one time or another," Drew supplied.

"You're being generous. I was a heel. I justified my actions and lies with the idea that fate was on my side. I should've had more courage, and I should have been more honest. Those lies were what caught up with me, and the fallout was enormous. Ethan felt betrayed, and I don't blame him," she said.

"What happened?"

"I...I don't want to talk about it."

"So Ethan married Gwen even though he loved you."

"Yes. It was hard. Very hard. But I wouldn't trade that time with Ethan for anything. He taught me a lot about myself, and that was the summer I grew up. I finally got the stars out of my eyes so that I could see what was around me...other opportunities, other dreams. I moved to New York to pursue my fashion career. That's when I met Chuck again."

"And this time there was no Ethan to cloud your vision."

"Exactly. I've never known anyone like Chuck. He brought out the best in me; he made me want to be a better person. But I could be silly with him, too. He was always daring me to try new things, to be adventurous. Yet he had this amazing tenderness about him. The little things about him amazed me, I suppose. I remember one day we were at the grocery store, and a little girl was by herself and crying. It turns out that she had lost her mother. So Chuck comforted her, told a silly joke that made her laugh, and we helped her find her mother. He was wonderful with children."

"It must have been difficult for you when he passed away."

Theresa looked down at the floor. "It was," she said simply. "With Ethan, I knew I had lost him, but I at least had the knowledge that he was out there somewhere living life to the fullest. Even if we weren't living out our dreams, he was out there. When Chuck died in the accident, I felt as though part of me died, too. At first, I didn't want to believe it was true. I was convinced that he was going to walk through the door one day and tell me it had all been a terrible mistake. But that day never came. All the dreams we shared...gone. All the plans we made...gone. Of course, you know what they say about plans. Even the most carefully laid plans can go awry.

"I still miss Chuck so much, and what happened today really brought that fact home for me." Theresa shook her head and tears fell down her cheeks. "God help me, but I hate her."

"What happened today has something to do with Chuck?" Drew asked standing. He took Theresa's hands and led her back to the couch.

Theresa sighed as she sank down next to him. "Yes and no. After Chuck died, I had nothing to keep me in New York. I considered returning to Harmony to live for about a year before I actually took the plunge. I knew there would be complications, but I never imagined some of them. I just wanted to be close to my family and my friends. Of course, Gwen and her mother are convinced that it's all about Ethan; that I am trying to get my claws into him. They couldn't be further from the truth, but I guess I understand why they think the way they do. What I can't understand are their methods."

Drew chuckled. "Rebecca Hotchkiss is notorious for her gutsy moves. Few people dare to stand up to her. I hear she's as cold and calculating as they come."

"Like Mother, like daughter, I assure you. Gwen approached me while I was waiting for you to arrive. She said she wanted to talk to me; that she was curious about the person I've become. It seemed strange to me, but she sounded so sincere. We eventually started to talk about my best friend's wedding which is coming up soon. Her whole demeanor changed, Drew. It was unreal. She...she said she knew how uncomfortable it would be for me to be standing at the altar considering everything that had happened with Ethan...and with Chuck. She made a crack about always being the bridesmaid and never the bride. I was stunned. I threw water in her face and left. I just couldn't believe that she would make light of Chuck's death; that she would use that to try to hurt me! I should've known better!"

Damn, that was cold! Drew thought. Still, he wasn't surprised. He'd known Gwen for a long time; for most his life, really. He didn't think she was a bad person, but she doggedly sought to protect her own interests at any cost. If it meant stomping on Theresa's feelings, Drew knew Gwen would do it. Theresa talked about being a liar, but Drew knew that if it came to keeping Ethan, Gwen would lie, too. Hell, she probably already had.

Ethan is a fool, he thought. As Drew studied Theresa, he couldn't help but think that Ethan had thrown away a good thing. And for what? An unhappy marriage? Ethan certainly didn't appear very happy when Drew saw him yesterday; nor did he look happy when Drew came back to Harmony shortly after the wedding those years ago. No wonder Gwen is afraid! And she's using Chuck's death as a way to reopen Theresa wounds to head off what she considers to be any threats to her marriage.

"I really, really miss Chuck. I wish so much that he had never died in that accident! I wish that we were starting our family. I wish that I could someday look into the eyes of our children and see aspects of him staring back at me. I even wish that I could just have one more day with him. Just one more. How much more I would appreciate it! But it's never going to happen."

Drew wrapped his arms around Theresa and held her as she cried. Gently, he stroked her hair until her crying subsided to sniffles.

"Theresa, I wish I could take it all away. I really do," he said softly.

"I didn't mean to unload all of this on you," she said quietly a few minutes later.

"Don't apologize. I'm your friend, and I hope you know that. I can't even imagine what it must have been like to go through all you have and to be reminded in such a callous way, but I've also never imagined anyone could have so much fortitude. I wish I would've seen you throw that water in Gwen's face."

A small smile crept onto Theresa's features despite her angst. "It was rather priceless," she supplied.

"That's the spirit. She's afraid, Theresa. Regardless of whether she should be, she is. Desperate people do desperate things. She should never have said what she did, but it was her defense mechanism."

"That's just it, Drew. She doesn't have to be afraid. I'm not the type of woman to go after a married man!"

"Perhaps she is concerned that Ethan would go after you," Drew suggested.

"No. It wouldn't happen. Ethan's too honorable."

Drew almost choked. "It's strange what desire will make people do," he replied. "A person's ideals will go right out the window."

"Not Ethan. And not me. I've never ...," Theresa started but then broke off.

"Never what?"

"Nothing. Don't worry about it. Just trust me when I say that I'm not going to be pursuing a relationship with Ethan."

"But you will be pursuing other relationships?"

"Rebuilding the bonds with my friends and family members is important to me."

"That's not what I meant. Theresa, let someone else in. Let me in."