"This place is," Noah Bennett followed Theresa as she gave him the tour of
the Crane mansion. As they stopped inside the atrium, Noah took the liberty
of walking toward the tall windows that overlooked the Crane garden
outside. "I don't know. I can't really find the words."
Theresa watched in wonderment at the 'oohs' and 'aahs' that sporadically escaped Noah's mouth. She paused for a moment to survey the boy who had grown into a 'man' in what seemed like overnight.
It had been nearly three years since she had last seen him. She remembered as they said their goodbyes when Noah left for college on the West Coast. It was a day filled with excitement, for the fact that Noah was going to pursue his dream of becoming a doctor, and sadness, because Theresa knew that she was losing one of her best friends.
Barely two years apart, Noah and Theresa had been an inseparable pair since the two formed their friendship over a sand castle, nearly twenty years ago. Grace Bennett and Pilar took their children to the beach one sunny, summer afternoon, and, then six-year-old Noah, took it upon himself to teach Theresa the 'proper' way to build a sand castle. The rest of the day consisted of the pair hauling in buckets of wet sand and water from the ocean.
When the two had accomplished their feat, they beamed with pride only to have Luis and his friends stomp all over the masterpiece. Theresa broke down into tears and Noah wrapped his friend in his arms as he furrowed his brow at the older boys. As he dried his young friends tears, he pulled Theresa by the hand, back down the beach and told her that he would build her another sand castle, only this time it would be bigger and better. And it was.
From that moment on, Noah Bennett had been Theresa Lopez-Fitzgerald's favorite 'guy-friend'. He'd done his share of rescuing her from all kinds of clumsy almost-tragedies that Theresa was famous for getting herself into. There was the time that she spilled her lunch all over the six-grade boys, the time when Theresa came running over to the Bennett's home in tears because the older girls were making fun of her braces, the time when Noah 'rescued' her by going with her to the Freshman dance in high school, the time when Noah taught her how to drive a car, and even the times when he would get a phone call in the middle of the night as Theresa sobbed over the phone about something that 'then' Ethan Crane had done to cause pain in her heart.
Theresa sighed as she watched her friend from afar, and realized that this man was just 'too good to be true'. Though, after all, he WAS a Bennett, and they were full of the 'do-gooder' types. There was Hank, always being the voice of reason with her brother, Luis. Then there was Sam, who was the chief of Harmony's police and rescuer of all damsels in distress, then Ethan 'Mr-duty-over-love', and now Noah. But, Noah was different. To Theresa, Noah was possibly the only one who still remained a free-spirited person and at the same time someone who is moral and fair. But, maybe she was just being biased because he was such a great friend.
Theresa's reverie and thoughts were interrupted by a whiny voice that came in from behind her, followed by a more familiar voice trailing the previous.
"Ethan, I just don't think that you should have to be the one to go off on this business trip." Gwen Hotchkiss-Winthrop whined as she and her husband walked into the atrium. "I mean I AM pregnant and all! What if I need you for some emergency?"
"Gwen," Ethan walked in after his wife who was flailing her arms around her head. "It's just that I have to, it's my job."
"Your JOB" Gwen sneered, "don't get me started on that so-called- JOB of yours. If it wasn't for that conniving, deceiving, idiotic little tramp, Theresa."
"Theresa."
"That's what I said."
"No," Ethan grabbed his wife by the arms and spun her around to see Theresa standing in front of them. "Gwen. Theresa."
Gwen shot Theresa a look before stepping beside Ethan and taking his arm in her own as a sign of 'ownership'.
"We should probably get out of here and leave you two to your 'chat'" Theresa smiled.
"We?" Ethan looked around to see no one there with Theresa.
"You and the voices in your head?" Gwen laughed at her own little quip.
"Oh," Theresa turned but did not see Noah standing where he was a second before. She searched the room and found him to be out in the garden. "There he is."
"There WHO is?" Ethan's frame stood upright at the mention of a 'he' from Theresa's mouth.
"Noah."
"Noah?"
"Yeah, Noah." Theresa smiled.
"Did someone say my name?" Noah turned his head and looked into the room where he had left Theresa in her daydream. He knew better than to snap her out of one, for it could have repercussions, like getting an elbow in the stomach, so he left her there, but when he turned he saw that she had company in the room, and he began walking back when he heard his name called out.
"There you are." Theresa walked up to her friend and took him by the hand while leading him to the spot where Ethan and Gwen stood. "I believe you came here to meet someone?"
"Noah?" Ethan's eyes lit up at the sight of the other man.
"Ethan." Theresa stopped in front of Ethan. "This is Noah. Noah, this is your big brother, Ethan!"
The two men took a moment and looked each other up and down in interest. They were about the same height, same hair color, same pronounced jaw bone. Noah stuck his hand out to shake Ethan's and was surprised when Ethan pulled him into a hug.
"Noah!" Ethan laughed. "It's so good to finally meet you! I've been wondering when I would meet you in person! This is so great!"
"Yeah," Noah smiled as he stepped back and looked his brother in the eye, "I've been thinking the same thing. But, from what my parent's say about you, my sisters, AND my cousin, I feel like I already know you."
"Same here." Ethan smiled at his younger brother. Gwen cleared her throat at Ethan as to say 'please introduce me'. "Oh, my goodness. I'm so sorry, Noah this is Gwen, my wife."
"Pleasure to meet you." Noah shook her hand.
"The pleasure is all mine." Gwen smiled at the handsome Bennett son.
"So, when did you get in?" Ethan asked as he marveled that Noah was really in Harmony.
"Just last night, actually." Noah nodded. "About the same time that Paloma got here, we probably just missed each other's planes by minutes."
"Paloma?"
"Oh, Ethan, I'm sorry." Theresa sighed. "I had forgotten to tell you. My little sister came back the other night when she heard about Antonio. She's actually upstairs right now."
"Wow!" Ethan's eyes grew wide. "That's so great! So, you both are really back?"
"Looks like it." Noah smiled.
************************ MEANWHILE UPSTAIRS*************************
"Ugh, please." Fox took a seat on Theresa's bed and stared up at the smiling Paloma. "I always hated that nick name. It makes me sound so, so, normal."
"And, 'normal' is a BAD thing?" Paloma stood in front of Fox shaking her head.
"Wrong word choice, what I meant to say was," Fox started.
"Oh," Paloma scoffed. "I get it. What you meant to say was 'normal' in the sense that you were just one of US? A mere townsfolk?"
"Lo, you're putting words in my mouth."
"So, that's NOT what you meant?"
"Not exactly."
"Not exactly?"
"Well."
"Well?"
"I mean."
"What DO you mean?"
"Good god woman, will you let me finish my thought here?" Fox sighed and threw himself down on the bed in defeat.
"Listen, Nicky."
"Here we go again with the Nicky!" Fox cried out. "It's FOX!"
"There is no way I'm going to call you 'Fox'!" Paloma laughed as she watched him squirm at the nickname she gave him. "You are not worthy enough to have a nickname like Fox."
"Ouch, Lo." Fox put a hand to his heart. "That hurt."
Paloma shook her head at the man she remembered being the stubborn little brat from childhood. He was still the same person. Ever since they had been acquainted, Nicholas Crane always used his good-looks and charm to try and win over someone's affection, but there was no way in hell that she was going to allow him to think he could do that with her.
"Don't even, Nicky."
"What's with the 'ice queen' attitude, Lo?" Fox sat up and stared at the young woman. "As far back as we go, I'm surprised that you're not exuding joy to see your old pal!"
"Nicholas."
"Ugh, that's worse than 'Nicky'," Fox felt a chill go down his spine, he hated the name 'Nicholas' even more than he despised Paloma's pet name for him.
"Listen," Paloma stepped back. "You and I didn't exactly leave on the best of terms. As I recall, the day before I left, when I came with mama to work, I vividly remember you chasing me around the garden with mud-pies in your hands and hurling them at me!"
"Paloma, Paloma, Paloma." Fox stood and took her hands in his own. "Can't we let bygones just be bygones? That was so long ago, and I'd rather not be reminded of my childish antics."
"Why not? You're obviously still engrossed in your schemes and tricks now more than ever."
"Again with the verbal assault." Fox frowned. "You're not even going to give me a chance to make it up to you?"
"Don't give me that look Crane." Paloma took her hands from his. "It's not going to work on me, never has."
"Very well, little lo," Fox threw his arms up and turned around. "I suppose I'll just have to do this the hard way."
"Meaning?"
"Meaning, be nice to you."
"Is that even possible?"
"Oh, how you doubt me!" Fox sighed. He was going to have to think extra hard and work even harder to win this woman's affections, but the thought of the chase made him want even more to pursue the feisty girl.
"I have every right to, Crane."
Paloma hid the little laughter that wanted to come out. She found it very amusing to see Nicky Crane be shut down. She knew full well, that being dismissed was not something that the rich young man was used to, and it brought so much pleasure to her that she had him in a rut. It wasn't that she enjoyed giving other's a hard time, it was just that she knew who Nicholas Foxworth Crane was, and she knew that his mind would be spinning if a woman didn't give in to his wiles. After all, he WAS rather handsome, okay, he was drop dead gorgeous. And Paloma knew that it would take a very strong-willed woman to not fall prey to his piercing brown eyes.
'And I'm a hell of a strong-willed woman', she thought to herself.
Fox sighed as he turned. He would somehow find a way to get under Paloma's skin. As soon as he remembered who she was, the memories of his childhood came flooding back. Sure, he gave her an awfully hard time when they were younger, but that's just what little boys do to little girls. And, sure, maybe he hasn't matured much since then, but the sight of this beautiful woman made him want to be a real man. But, he could see that his charm was not going to win this woman's heart. Paloma Lopez-Fitzgerald was the only one of his childhood 'friends', that Fox could remember, that would ever return for another day to play. Perhaps it was because she was subjected to playing with him by Pilar, but she could have easily chose to spend time watching the Crane security camera monitors with Larry the guard, but instead she came back to the Crane play room and back to playing with Fox. There was something in Paloma's eye that intrigued Fox. Even as a ten-year- old boy he was mesmerized by the younger girl's eyes. He couldn't pinpoint it exactly, not even ten years later, but he sure as hell would make every effort to figure her out.
'Every effort', Fox thought as he smiled at Paloma.
"As entertaining as this back and forth word tango was with you, little Lo, it seems I've worn out my welcome for today." Fox stood from the bed and stretched his arms above his head. "It's good to have you back."
"I'm sure it is, Nicky." Paloma shook her head at the older man and playfully punched him in the chest.
"Until next time then, Little Lo." Fox reached for Paloma's hand.
"IF there is a next time, Nicky." Paloma pulled her hand away.
"Ouch," Fox sighed. "Very well. I will leave you then to your nephew."
"Goodbye, Crane." Paloma shooed Fox from her sister's room, and rolled her eyes as he raised his eyebrows to her with a wink.
Fox stepped out of the room as Paloma closed the door behind her, and he lingered for a moment at her door. My god it felt good to have a conversation with a woman who didn't melt at his feet. As much as he adored the way he could woo a woman under his covers in a heartbeat, his heart leapt with joy that he had finally found someone who he had to 'work for'. It brought a sparkle to his eye and plan to his mind.
'Give it time, Crane.' Fox whispered to himself before walking down the hall, 'she'll come around.'
Paloma shut the door in the older man's face and sighed as she turned around. She couldn't remember the last time when she had such a spirited conversation with anyone. In all her years in Spain, she had not met a single person that annoyed her so much as the man that just left the room. In all honesty, as much as he irked her, there was something about the tall blonde that intrigued her even more. Fox carried himself like he knew everything and anything that the world had to offer, but it was more than obvious to Paloma that he was just a misguided child that was bred to think that he had more privilege to do whatever he wanted over anyone else. There was a vulnerable side to the Crane heir that Paloma could see as the two exchanged words. And, in time, she would set that vulnerable side free.
'I'm going to break him.' Paloma sighed. 'And when I do, I will reveal that little lost boy that's waiting to come out.'
***********************************************************************
*A/N* This Chapter is being posted in "parts", for I didn't want it to be incredibly LONG that it would be boring, so this is PART I. Stay tuned for PART II which will be posted SOON!! =)
Theresa watched in wonderment at the 'oohs' and 'aahs' that sporadically escaped Noah's mouth. She paused for a moment to survey the boy who had grown into a 'man' in what seemed like overnight.
It had been nearly three years since she had last seen him. She remembered as they said their goodbyes when Noah left for college on the West Coast. It was a day filled with excitement, for the fact that Noah was going to pursue his dream of becoming a doctor, and sadness, because Theresa knew that she was losing one of her best friends.
Barely two years apart, Noah and Theresa had been an inseparable pair since the two formed their friendship over a sand castle, nearly twenty years ago. Grace Bennett and Pilar took their children to the beach one sunny, summer afternoon, and, then six-year-old Noah, took it upon himself to teach Theresa the 'proper' way to build a sand castle. The rest of the day consisted of the pair hauling in buckets of wet sand and water from the ocean.
When the two had accomplished their feat, they beamed with pride only to have Luis and his friends stomp all over the masterpiece. Theresa broke down into tears and Noah wrapped his friend in his arms as he furrowed his brow at the older boys. As he dried his young friends tears, he pulled Theresa by the hand, back down the beach and told her that he would build her another sand castle, only this time it would be bigger and better. And it was.
From that moment on, Noah Bennett had been Theresa Lopez-Fitzgerald's favorite 'guy-friend'. He'd done his share of rescuing her from all kinds of clumsy almost-tragedies that Theresa was famous for getting herself into. There was the time that she spilled her lunch all over the six-grade boys, the time when Theresa came running over to the Bennett's home in tears because the older girls were making fun of her braces, the time when Noah 'rescued' her by going with her to the Freshman dance in high school, the time when Noah taught her how to drive a car, and even the times when he would get a phone call in the middle of the night as Theresa sobbed over the phone about something that 'then' Ethan Crane had done to cause pain in her heart.
Theresa sighed as she watched her friend from afar, and realized that this man was just 'too good to be true'. Though, after all, he WAS a Bennett, and they were full of the 'do-gooder' types. There was Hank, always being the voice of reason with her brother, Luis. Then there was Sam, who was the chief of Harmony's police and rescuer of all damsels in distress, then Ethan 'Mr-duty-over-love', and now Noah. But, Noah was different. To Theresa, Noah was possibly the only one who still remained a free-spirited person and at the same time someone who is moral and fair. But, maybe she was just being biased because he was such a great friend.
Theresa's reverie and thoughts were interrupted by a whiny voice that came in from behind her, followed by a more familiar voice trailing the previous.
"Ethan, I just don't think that you should have to be the one to go off on this business trip." Gwen Hotchkiss-Winthrop whined as she and her husband walked into the atrium. "I mean I AM pregnant and all! What if I need you for some emergency?"
"Gwen," Ethan walked in after his wife who was flailing her arms around her head. "It's just that I have to, it's my job."
"Your JOB" Gwen sneered, "don't get me started on that so-called- JOB of yours. If it wasn't for that conniving, deceiving, idiotic little tramp, Theresa."
"Theresa."
"That's what I said."
"No," Ethan grabbed his wife by the arms and spun her around to see Theresa standing in front of them. "Gwen. Theresa."
Gwen shot Theresa a look before stepping beside Ethan and taking his arm in her own as a sign of 'ownership'.
"We should probably get out of here and leave you two to your 'chat'" Theresa smiled.
"We?" Ethan looked around to see no one there with Theresa.
"You and the voices in your head?" Gwen laughed at her own little quip.
"Oh," Theresa turned but did not see Noah standing where he was a second before. She searched the room and found him to be out in the garden. "There he is."
"There WHO is?" Ethan's frame stood upright at the mention of a 'he' from Theresa's mouth.
"Noah."
"Noah?"
"Yeah, Noah." Theresa smiled.
"Did someone say my name?" Noah turned his head and looked into the room where he had left Theresa in her daydream. He knew better than to snap her out of one, for it could have repercussions, like getting an elbow in the stomach, so he left her there, but when he turned he saw that she had company in the room, and he began walking back when he heard his name called out.
"There you are." Theresa walked up to her friend and took him by the hand while leading him to the spot where Ethan and Gwen stood. "I believe you came here to meet someone?"
"Noah?" Ethan's eyes lit up at the sight of the other man.
"Ethan." Theresa stopped in front of Ethan. "This is Noah. Noah, this is your big brother, Ethan!"
The two men took a moment and looked each other up and down in interest. They were about the same height, same hair color, same pronounced jaw bone. Noah stuck his hand out to shake Ethan's and was surprised when Ethan pulled him into a hug.
"Noah!" Ethan laughed. "It's so good to finally meet you! I've been wondering when I would meet you in person! This is so great!"
"Yeah," Noah smiled as he stepped back and looked his brother in the eye, "I've been thinking the same thing. But, from what my parent's say about you, my sisters, AND my cousin, I feel like I already know you."
"Same here." Ethan smiled at his younger brother. Gwen cleared her throat at Ethan as to say 'please introduce me'. "Oh, my goodness. I'm so sorry, Noah this is Gwen, my wife."
"Pleasure to meet you." Noah shook her hand.
"The pleasure is all mine." Gwen smiled at the handsome Bennett son.
"So, when did you get in?" Ethan asked as he marveled that Noah was really in Harmony.
"Just last night, actually." Noah nodded. "About the same time that Paloma got here, we probably just missed each other's planes by minutes."
"Paloma?"
"Oh, Ethan, I'm sorry." Theresa sighed. "I had forgotten to tell you. My little sister came back the other night when she heard about Antonio. She's actually upstairs right now."
"Wow!" Ethan's eyes grew wide. "That's so great! So, you both are really back?"
"Looks like it." Noah smiled.
************************ MEANWHILE UPSTAIRS*************************
"Ugh, please." Fox took a seat on Theresa's bed and stared up at the smiling Paloma. "I always hated that nick name. It makes me sound so, so, normal."
"And, 'normal' is a BAD thing?" Paloma stood in front of Fox shaking her head.
"Wrong word choice, what I meant to say was," Fox started.
"Oh," Paloma scoffed. "I get it. What you meant to say was 'normal' in the sense that you were just one of US? A mere townsfolk?"
"Lo, you're putting words in my mouth."
"So, that's NOT what you meant?"
"Not exactly."
"Not exactly?"
"Well."
"Well?"
"I mean."
"What DO you mean?"
"Good god woman, will you let me finish my thought here?" Fox sighed and threw himself down on the bed in defeat.
"Listen, Nicky."
"Here we go again with the Nicky!" Fox cried out. "It's FOX!"
"There is no way I'm going to call you 'Fox'!" Paloma laughed as she watched him squirm at the nickname she gave him. "You are not worthy enough to have a nickname like Fox."
"Ouch, Lo." Fox put a hand to his heart. "That hurt."
Paloma shook her head at the man she remembered being the stubborn little brat from childhood. He was still the same person. Ever since they had been acquainted, Nicholas Crane always used his good-looks and charm to try and win over someone's affection, but there was no way in hell that she was going to allow him to think he could do that with her.
"Don't even, Nicky."
"What's with the 'ice queen' attitude, Lo?" Fox sat up and stared at the young woman. "As far back as we go, I'm surprised that you're not exuding joy to see your old pal!"
"Nicholas."
"Ugh, that's worse than 'Nicky'," Fox felt a chill go down his spine, he hated the name 'Nicholas' even more than he despised Paloma's pet name for him.
"Listen," Paloma stepped back. "You and I didn't exactly leave on the best of terms. As I recall, the day before I left, when I came with mama to work, I vividly remember you chasing me around the garden with mud-pies in your hands and hurling them at me!"
"Paloma, Paloma, Paloma." Fox stood and took her hands in his own. "Can't we let bygones just be bygones? That was so long ago, and I'd rather not be reminded of my childish antics."
"Why not? You're obviously still engrossed in your schemes and tricks now more than ever."
"Again with the verbal assault." Fox frowned. "You're not even going to give me a chance to make it up to you?"
"Don't give me that look Crane." Paloma took her hands from his. "It's not going to work on me, never has."
"Very well, little lo," Fox threw his arms up and turned around. "I suppose I'll just have to do this the hard way."
"Meaning?"
"Meaning, be nice to you."
"Is that even possible?"
"Oh, how you doubt me!" Fox sighed. He was going to have to think extra hard and work even harder to win this woman's affections, but the thought of the chase made him want even more to pursue the feisty girl.
"I have every right to, Crane."
Paloma hid the little laughter that wanted to come out. She found it very amusing to see Nicky Crane be shut down. She knew full well, that being dismissed was not something that the rich young man was used to, and it brought so much pleasure to her that she had him in a rut. It wasn't that she enjoyed giving other's a hard time, it was just that she knew who Nicholas Foxworth Crane was, and she knew that his mind would be spinning if a woman didn't give in to his wiles. After all, he WAS rather handsome, okay, he was drop dead gorgeous. And Paloma knew that it would take a very strong-willed woman to not fall prey to his piercing brown eyes.
'And I'm a hell of a strong-willed woman', she thought to herself.
Fox sighed as he turned. He would somehow find a way to get under Paloma's skin. As soon as he remembered who she was, the memories of his childhood came flooding back. Sure, he gave her an awfully hard time when they were younger, but that's just what little boys do to little girls. And, sure, maybe he hasn't matured much since then, but the sight of this beautiful woman made him want to be a real man. But, he could see that his charm was not going to win this woman's heart. Paloma Lopez-Fitzgerald was the only one of his childhood 'friends', that Fox could remember, that would ever return for another day to play. Perhaps it was because she was subjected to playing with him by Pilar, but she could have easily chose to spend time watching the Crane security camera monitors with Larry the guard, but instead she came back to the Crane play room and back to playing with Fox. There was something in Paloma's eye that intrigued Fox. Even as a ten-year- old boy he was mesmerized by the younger girl's eyes. He couldn't pinpoint it exactly, not even ten years later, but he sure as hell would make every effort to figure her out.
'Every effort', Fox thought as he smiled at Paloma.
"As entertaining as this back and forth word tango was with you, little Lo, it seems I've worn out my welcome for today." Fox stood from the bed and stretched his arms above his head. "It's good to have you back."
"I'm sure it is, Nicky." Paloma shook her head at the older man and playfully punched him in the chest.
"Until next time then, Little Lo." Fox reached for Paloma's hand.
"IF there is a next time, Nicky." Paloma pulled her hand away.
"Ouch," Fox sighed. "Very well. I will leave you then to your nephew."
"Goodbye, Crane." Paloma shooed Fox from her sister's room, and rolled her eyes as he raised his eyebrows to her with a wink.
Fox stepped out of the room as Paloma closed the door behind her, and he lingered for a moment at her door. My god it felt good to have a conversation with a woman who didn't melt at his feet. As much as he adored the way he could woo a woman under his covers in a heartbeat, his heart leapt with joy that he had finally found someone who he had to 'work for'. It brought a sparkle to his eye and plan to his mind.
'Give it time, Crane.' Fox whispered to himself before walking down the hall, 'she'll come around.'
Paloma shut the door in the older man's face and sighed as she turned around. She couldn't remember the last time when she had such a spirited conversation with anyone. In all her years in Spain, she had not met a single person that annoyed her so much as the man that just left the room. In all honesty, as much as he irked her, there was something about the tall blonde that intrigued her even more. Fox carried himself like he knew everything and anything that the world had to offer, but it was more than obvious to Paloma that he was just a misguided child that was bred to think that he had more privilege to do whatever he wanted over anyone else. There was a vulnerable side to the Crane heir that Paloma could see as the two exchanged words. And, in time, she would set that vulnerable side free.
'I'm going to break him.' Paloma sighed. 'And when I do, I will reveal that little lost boy that's waiting to come out.'
***********************************************************************
*A/N* This Chapter is being posted in "parts", for I didn't want it to be incredibly LONG that it would be boring, so this is PART I. Stay tuned for PART II which will be posted SOON!! =)