Chapter 8
I know this is short, but I hope you guys like it! Please send feedback!!!
Theresa, Fox, and Charity had been on the road for the past couple of days and were anxiously waiting for their arrival to Los Angeles. When they had entered California, Fox had told Theresa and Charity that he had a friend in Los Angeles who had already agreed to let them stay with him until they found a place of their own. Everything seemed perfect except for one thing, well actually two things. Fox and Theresa. Charity had been traveling with them for about a week and the sexual tension between the two was starting to make her feel unbelievably uncomfortable. At first it been funny to watch both Fox and Theresa squirm in each other's presence, but eventually both of them kept coming to her to talk about their feelings for the other and neither were willing to make a move. Charity, who had realized long ago that patience wasn't one of her strong qualities, decided that if neither of them were going make a move, she'd do it for them. Coming to that conclusion, Charity leaned forward to put her plan into motion.
"Fox, how close are we to your friend's house?" Charity asked.
"About twenty minutes, why?" he asked
"Good, pull over at the convenience store over there," Charity said pointing to the store up the street. After Fox had parked in the parking lot of the car, Charity started talking.
"Okay, now I have heard both of you come to me to talk about how much you care about each other as more than friends," Charity started.
"Charity!!" Theresa and Fox exclaimed, partly embarrassed that Charity was openly giving away their secrets and partly hoping that this would bring them closer together.
"Let me finish," Charity said. "Now, it has become very obvious that you, Fox, have strong feelings for Theresa. It has also become obvious that you, Theresa, care about Fox deeply. However, what is not obvious is why neither one of you have told the other how you feel. So this is what we're all going to do- I'm going to go in the store and buy the latest soap opera magazine. You two are going to talk and come clean about ALL of your feelings for each other. And when I come back, you two are going to tell me that you are officially a couple and then we're going to get back on the road. Okay? Good," Charity said and without waiting for an answer she got out of the jeep and headed towards the store leaving Fox and Theresa alone in the car.
"So." Fox said.
"So." Theresa added, unsure of what to say.
"Theresa," "Fox," Theresa and Fox said at the same time. They laughed before Theresa told Fox to go first.
"Look, Theresa, I care about you, a lot. And I know that you're probably still hung up on Ethan but he's married and he's expecting a child and it doesn't look like you guys will ever be able to be together. I just, I just don't want you to spend your life pining over something that can never be," Fox said waiting for Theresa's reply.
"I understand how you feel Fox and I've already decided to give up on Ethan, but he was still my first love and I can't just forget him," Theresa said looking up at Fox. Upon seeing the sad look that crossed his face, she quickly continued talking. "But like I said, I gave up on him and I was hoping to move on.with you," she said.
Fox looked at Theresa, clearly surprised by what she was saying, "Are you sure? Because as much as I care about you, I can't be in a relationship where I have to constantly feel like I'm being compared to my half-brother."
"Yes, I am sure, and I'd never compare you to Ethan, boyfriend or no boyfriend," Theresa said.
"So I'm your boyfriend," Fox said with a small grin.
"Yeah," Theresa replied. "I like the sound of that, but we have to take things slowly. I don't want to rush into anything and end up with nothing but regrets when it's all said and done. Is that okay with you?" Theresa asked.
"Yes, of course it is. We'll go as slow as you need," Fox replied, still not believing that Theresa was actually becoming his girlfriend.
"Great, that's all I ask," Theresa said and with that she leaned forward preparing to kiss Fox. 'Oh my God, she's going to kiss me' Fox thought. Before he could prepare himself, Theresa's lips were already touching his. It started lightly, but pretty soon Theresa opened her mouth and allowed Fox access. Fox slid his tongue into Theresa's mouth and continued to kiss her passionately. 'Fire. That's what his kisses feel like. It makes you feel like you're on fire and never want it to be put out.' Theresa thought as Fox continued to kiss her. Pretty soon the need for air become to great and Fox and Theresa pulled away from each other, both breathing hard and heavily.
"That was.that was.wow," Fox said unable to form a complete sentence.
"I know, I can't even begin to explain how good that felt," Theresa said still trying to control her breathing.
"So was that what you call 'taking things slowly?'" Fox asked with a smirk once he could finally speak coherently.
"I was just sealing it with a kiss, no big deal," Theresa said, not wanting to admit that she'd been longing to kiss for a long time.
"Sure, whatever, you just couldn't resist me," Fox said smugly.
"Shut up," Theresa said lightheartedly as Charity made her way back to the jeep.
"So, did you guys do what I asked you to?" Charity said as she settled herself in the backseat.
"Asked us? More like commanded us," Fox replied.
"Asked, commanded, same difference. Anyway did you do it?" Charity asked.
"Yes, Charity. Theresa and I have decided to give our relationship a try, so congratulations, you plan worked," Fox replied.
"I still can't believe you did that," Theresa said still not believing Charity's method of getting them to talk.
"Yeah, well I told you I wasn't a patient person," Charity replied. "Besides, if I hadn't you two would still be walking on eggshells around each other."
"True, I guess we owe you a thank you, don't we?" Theresa said.
"Aw, don't worry about it. Seeing you two together and happy is good enough for me. Besides you guys basically let me tag along with you all the way to California, I think I should be thanking you two."
"Don't worry about it, it's been fun having you on this trip. It's like having a little sister," Theresa said.
"Ditto," Fox added.
"Thanks guys, anyway we better get back on the road so that your friend doesn't worry about us," Charity said.
With that said, Fox pulled back into the road and headed toward his friend's house. After twenty minutes they pulled into a mansion surrounded by trees and security guards.
"Damn, who's your friend, the president?" Charity asked, amazed at the magnitude of the mansion.
"I know, this mansion is even bigger than the Crane mansion," Theresa said, equally amazed.
"That's Brady for you. When he does something, he does it all the way. Well, come on ladies, let's go see him," Fox said getting out of the jeep and heading toward the front door. Before he could ring the doorbell, the door was pulled open and all three of them were greeted with the sight of a tall, blond headed male dressed in a white wife beater and blue jeans.
"Well it's about time you got here, I was beginning to think you guys got lost or something," Fox's friend said while letting them into his house.
"Sorry about that, we had to make a spontaneous stop at a store," Fox said looking pointedly at Charity. "Anyway, let me introduce you guys. Ladies, this is my old friend from boarding school, Brady Black," Fox said.
"You're.you're Brady Black!" Charity said still shocked at who she was looking at.
"Yes I am," Brady replied with a smirk.
"No, but you're the Brady Black. As in one of the most famous young actors in Hollywood," Theresa said, also star struck by Brady.
"Yes that would be me," Brady said as he laughed at Theresa and Charity's reactions.
"OH MY GOD!!!" Charity shrieked causing all three of them to wince and grab their ears. She quickly grabbed Brady into a hug, squeezing the life out of him. "I love your work so much, I can't believe I'm meeting you. Can I have an autograph?" Charity said all in one breath.
"First of all, he'd kind of have to breathe in order to give you an autograph, so you might want to let him go," Fox said, amused by Charity's reaction. After Charity released Brady, Fox continued. "Next, seeing as how you're going to be living with him until the three of us find a house of our own, I don't think you really need an autograph," he said trying to refrain from laughing at Charity embarrassed face.
"Sorry, I just can't believe I'm meeting you. And you," Charity said looking at Fox, "I can't believe you didn't tell me that you knew Brady Black and that we were going to be living with him."
"Well now you know," Fox said nonchalantly. "Anyway, back to the introductions, Brady as you've already seen, this is Charity Standish," Fox said pointing to Charity. After they exchanged pleasantries, Fox turned to Theresa and took her hand in his. "And this is my girlfriend Theresa Lopez- Fitzgerald."
"Nice to meet you, Theresa. Fox has talked a lot about you, but he never told me you two were dating," Brady said, shaking Theresa's hand.
"Well that's because it just became official," Theresa said, still surprised that Fox talked about her to Brady before they even started dating. "It's very nice to meet you Brady, and although I didn't attack you like Charity, I do love your work and the movies that you star in," Theresa said.
"Thanks, both of you, that's really nice of you. Now, how about I show you guys to your rooms," Brady replied before leading them all upstairs to their rooms.
A few hours later, Fox, Theresa, and Charity were all settled down in each of their rooms. After eating dinner, Fox and Theresa decided to cruise around LA, leaving Charity and Brady alone in the mansion.
After realizing that he was completely bored, Brady headed up to Charity's hoping to get to know her better. 'After all, she was kinda cute' he thought. When Brady reached her room door, he heard her singing along to a song on the radio. What caught his attention was how beautiful her voice sounded. 'Like an angel' he thought. Brady knocked on her door and waited for her reply before entering her room.
"I heard you sing, you have an amazing voice," Brady said as he settled himself on her bed.
"Thank you," Charity replied. "When I was younger, my mother and I used to sing together every night. She told me that she met my father while singing at a bar and she knew that he was 'the one' so I always said that I would grow up and become a singer so that I could meet the love of my life," Charity said, wondering why she was spilling her guts to Brady when she never even told these things to Miguel.
"What happened to your father?" Brady asked.
"I never really knew him. My mom told me that she loved him and that she had no doubts that he loved her but for some unknown reason to me, she never told him about me. I was actually hoping to start a search for him, but I'm still contemplating that," Charity replied.
"I see, so what happened to singing?" Brady asked.
"I don't know. I guess after my mom died, singing reminded me too much of her so I stopped all together. I still love it though," Charity replied.
"Well if you want, I could introduce you to my friend Alex Whitman. He's a music producer and he owns the record label, Crashdown Records, you might have heard of it."
"Of course I've heard of it!" Charity exclaimed not believing that Brady actually knew one of the biggest music producers out there. "I can't believe you know him!"
"We actually met at a music award show that his girlfriend, Isabel, and her group mates, Maria and Tess, were performing at. The four of them, along with Maria and Tess's boyfriends actually live up the street from me. I could introduce you guys and if he likes you, he'll probably sign you to his label," Brady said.
"Wow, I can't believe this is happening! This is going to be so cool; I'll actually be able to sing like my mother always wanted me to. Thank you so much!" Charity exclaimed, grabbing Brady in a hug.
"No problem," Brady replied before turning on Charity's television and watching movies with her well into the next morning.
Meanwhile.
"So what are you going to do now that we're in California?" Fox asked Theresa as he concentrated on the road.
"I'm not sure, I was hoping try fashion again. At one point I loved it and I let a lot of things sidetrack me from it, but now's the perfect opportunity to get back on track," Theresa replied.
"Sounds good, I could help you get started with an office and other important things," Fox replied.
"That'd be really helpful, but I don't want you to feel like you have to this pay for everything. I really want to be able to do this by myself so I know that I accomplished something great in my life," Theresa replied.
"You'll do great, and I'll be right there by your side through it all," Fox said taking Theresa's hand and bring it to his lips.
"I know you will, and I can't thank you enough for it."
"Well then it's a good thing you don't need to. I'd do anything for you," Fox said.
"And I'd do the same for you," Theresa said before leaning back in her seat and allowing Fox to drive them back to Brady's house.
Next Chapter - The next chapter is going to jump ahead to 7 months from now and deal with the people in California and in Harmony.
I know this is short, but I hope you guys like it! Please send feedback!!!
Theresa, Fox, and Charity had been on the road for the past couple of days and were anxiously waiting for their arrival to Los Angeles. When they had entered California, Fox had told Theresa and Charity that he had a friend in Los Angeles who had already agreed to let them stay with him until they found a place of their own. Everything seemed perfect except for one thing, well actually two things. Fox and Theresa. Charity had been traveling with them for about a week and the sexual tension between the two was starting to make her feel unbelievably uncomfortable. At first it been funny to watch both Fox and Theresa squirm in each other's presence, but eventually both of them kept coming to her to talk about their feelings for the other and neither were willing to make a move. Charity, who had realized long ago that patience wasn't one of her strong qualities, decided that if neither of them were going make a move, she'd do it for them. Coming to that conclusion, Charity leaned forward to put her plan into motion.
"Fox, how close are we to your friend's house?" Charity asked.
"About twenty minutes, why?" he asked
"Good, pull over at the convenience store over there," Charity said pointing to the store up the street. After Fox had parked in the parking lot of the car, Charity started talking.
"Okay, now I have heard both of you come to me to talk about how much you care about each other as more than friends," Charity started.
"Charity!!" Theresa and Fox exclaimed, partly embarrassed that Charity was openly giving away their secrets and partly hoping that this would bring them closer together.
"Let me finish," Charity said. "Now, it has become very obvious that you, Fox, have strong feelings for Theresa. It has also become obvious that you, Theresa, care about Fox deeply. However, what is not obvious is why neither one of you have told the other how you feel. So this is what we're all going to do- I'm going to go in the store and buy the latest soap opera magazine. You two are going to talk and come clean about ALL of your feelings for each other. And when I come back, you two are going to tell me that you are officially a couple and then we're going to get back on the road. Okay? Good," Charity said and without waiting for an answer she got out of the jeep and headed towards the store leaving Fox and Theresa alone in the car.
"So." Fox said.
"So." Theresa added, unsure of what to say.
"Theresa," "Fox," Theresa and Fox said at the same time. They laughed before Theresa told Fox to go first.
"Look, Theresa, I care about you, a lot. And I know that you're probably still hung up on Ethan but he's married and he's expecting a child and it doesn't look like you guys will ever be able to be together. I just, I just don't want you to spend your life pining over something that can never be," Fox said waiting for Theresa's reply.
"I understand how you feel Fox and I've already decided to give up on Ethan, but he was still my first love and I can't just forget him," Theresa said looking up at Fox. Upon seeing the sad look that crossed his face, she quickly continued talking. "But like I said, I gave up on him and I was hoping to move on.with you," she said.
Fox looked at Theresa, clearly surprised by what she was saying, "Are you sure? Because as much as I care about you, I can't be in a relationship where I have to constantly feel like I'm being compared to my half-brother."
"Yes, I am sure, and I'd never compare you to Ethan, boyfriend or no boyfriend," Theresa said.
"So I'm your boyfriend," Fox said with a small grin.
"Yeah," Theresa replied. "I like the sound of that, but we have to take things slowly. I don't want to rush into anything and end up with nothing but regrets when it's all said and done. Is that okay with you?" Theresa asked.
"Yes, of course it is. We'll go as slow as you need," Fox replied, still not believing that Theresa was actually becoming his girlfriend.
"Great, that's all I ask," Theresa said and with that she leaned forward preparing to kiss Fox. 'Oh my God, she's going to kiss me' Fox thought. Before he could prepare himself, Theresa's lips were already touching his. It started lightly, but pretty soon Theresa opened her mouth and allowed Fox access. Fox slid his tongue into Theresa's mouth and continued to kiss her passionately. 'Fire. That's what his kisses feel like. It makes you feel like you're on fire and never want it to be put out.' Theresa thought as Fox continued to kiss her. Pretty soon the need for air become to great and Fox and Theresa pulled away from each other, both breathing hard and heavily.
"That was.that was.wow," Fox said unable to form a complete sentence.
"I know, I can't even begin to explain how good that felt," Theresa said still trying to control her breathing.
"So was that what you call 'taking things slowly?'" Fox asked with a smirk once he could finally speak coherently.
"I was just sealing it with a kiss, no big deal," Theresa said, not wanting to admit that she'd been longing to kiss for a long time.
"Sure, whatever, you just couldn't resist me," Fox said smugly.
"Shut up," Theresa said lightheartedly as Charity made her way back to the jeep.
"So, did you guys do what I asked you to?" Charity said as she settled herself in the backseat.
"Asked us? More like commanded us," Fox replied.
"Asked, commanded, same difference. Anyway did you do it?" Charity asked.
"Yes, Charity. Theresa and I have decided to give our relationship a try, so congratulations, you plan worked," Fox replied.
"I still can't believe you did that," Theresa said still not believing Charity's method of getting them to talk.
"Yeah, well I told you I wasn't a patient person," Charity replied. "Besides, if I hadn't you two would still be walking on eggshells around each other."
"True, I guess we owe you a thank you, don't we?" Theresa said.
"Aw, don't worry about it. Seeing you two together and happy is good enough for me. Besides you guys basically let me tag along with you all the way to California, I think I should be thanking you two."
"Don't worry about it, it's been fun having you on this trip. It's like having a little sister," Theresa said.
"Ditto," Fox added.
"Thanks guys, anyway we better get back on the road so that your friend doesn't worry about us," Charity said.
With that said, Fox pulled back into the road and headed toward his friend's house. After twenty minutes they pulled into a mansion surrounded by trees and security guards.
"Damn, who's your friend, the president?" Charity asked, amazed at the magnitude of the mansion.
"I know, this mansion is even bigger than the Crane mansion," Theresa said, equally amazed.
"That's Brady for you. When he does something, he does it all the way. Well, come on ladies, let's go see him," Fox said getting out of the jeep and heading toward the front door. Before he could ring the doorbell, the door was pulled open and all three of them were greeted with the sight of a tall, blond headed male dressed in a white wife beater and blue jeans.
"Well it's about time you got here, I was beginning to think you guys got lost or something," Fox's friend said while letting them into his house.
"Sorry about that, we had to make a spontaneous stop at a store," Fox said looking pointedly at Charity. "Anyway, let me introduce you guys. Ladies, this is my old friend from boarding school, Brady Black," Fox said.
"You're.you're Brady Black!" Charity said still shocked at who she was looking at.
"Yes I am," Brady replied with a smirk.
"No, but you're the Brady Black. As in one of the most famous young actors in Hollywood," Theresa said, also star struck by Brady.
"Yes that would be me," Brady said as he laughed at Theresa and Charity's reactions.
"OH MY GOD!!!" Charity shrieked causing all three of them to wince and grab their ears. She quickly grabbed Brady into a hug, squeezing the life out of him. "I love your work so much, I can't believe I'm meeting you. Can I have an autograph?" Charity said all in one breath.
"First of all, he'd kind of have to breathe in order to give you an autograph, so you might want to let him go," Fox said, amused by Charity's reaction. After Charity released Brady, Fox continued. "Next, seeing as how you're going to be living with him until the three of us find a house of our own, I don't think you really need an autograph," he said trying to refrain from laughing at Charity embarrassed face.
"Sorry, I just can't believe I'm meeting you. And you," Charity said looking at Fox, "I can't believe you didn't tell me that you knew Brady Black and that we were going to be living with him."
"Well now you know," Fox said nonchalantly. "Anyway, back to the introductions, Brady as you've already seen, this is Charity Standish," Fox said pointing to Charity. After they exchanged pleasantries, Fox turned to Theresa and took her hand in his. "And this is my girlfriend Theresa Lopez- Fitzgerald."
"Nice to meet you, Theresa. Fox has talked a lot about you, but he never told me you two were dating," Brady said, shaking Theresa's hand.
"Well that's because it just became official," Theresa said, still surprised that Fox talked about her to Brady before they even started dating. "It's very nice to meet you Brady, and although I didn't attack you like Charity, I do love your work and the movies that you star in," Theresa said.
"Thanks, both of you, that's really nice of you. Now, how about I show you guys to your rooms," Brady replied before leading them all upstairs to their rooms.
A few hours later, Fox, Theresa, and Charity were all settled down in each of their rooms. After eating dinner, Fox and Theresa decided to cruise around LA, leaving Charity and Brady alone in the mansion.
After realizing that he was completely bored, Brady headed up to Charity's hoping to get to know her better. 'After all, she was kinda cute' he thought. When Brady reached her room door, he heard her singing along to a song on the radio. What caught his attention was how beautiful her voice sounded. 'Like an angel' he thought. Brady knocked on her door and waited for her reply before entering her room.
"I heard you sing, you have an amazing voice," Brady said as he settled himself on her bed.
"Thank you," Charity replied. "When I was younger, my mother and I used to sing together every night. She told me that she met my father while singing at a bar and she knew that he was 'the one' so I always said that I would grow up and become a singer so that I could meet the love of my life," Charity said, wondering why she was spilling her guts to Brady when she never even told these things to Miguel.
"What happened to your father?" Brady asked.
"I never really knew him. My mom told me that she loved him and that she had no doubts that he loved her but for some unknown reason to me, she never told him about me. I was actually hoping to start a search for him, but I'm still contemplating that," Charity replied.
"I see, so what happened to singing?" Brady asked.
"I don't know. I guess after my mom died, singing reminded me too much of her so I stopped all together. I still love it though," Charity replied.
"Well if you want, I could introduce you to my friend Alex Whitman. He's a music producer and he owns the record label, Crashdown Records, you might have heard of it."
"Of course I've heard of it!" Charity exclaimed not believing that Brady actually knew one of the biggest music producers out there. "I can't believe you know him!"
"We actually met at a music award show that his girlfriend, Isabel, and her group mates, Maria and Tess, were performing at. The four of them, along with Maria and Tess's boyfriends actually live up the street from me. I could introduce you guys and if he likes you, he'll probably sign you to his label," Brady said.
"Wow, I can't believe this is happening! This is going to be so cool; I'll actually be able to sing like my mother always wanted me to. Thank you so much!" Charity exclaimed, grabbing Brady in a hug.
"No problem," Brady replied before turning on Charity's television and watching movies with her well into the next morning.
Meanwhile.
"So what are you going to do now that we're in California?" Fox asked Theresa as he concentrated on the road.
"I'm not sure, I was hoping try fashion again. At one point I loved it and I let a lot of things sidetrack me from it, but now's the perfect opportunity to get back on track," Theresa replied.
"Sounds good, I could help you get started with an office and other important things," Fox replied.
"That'd be really helpful, but I don't want you to feel like you have to this pay for everything. I really want to be able to do this by myself so I know that I accomplished something great in my life," Theresa replied.
"You'll do great, and I'll be right there by your side through it all," Fox said taking Theresa's hand and bring it to his lips.
"I know you will, and I can't thank you enough for it."
"Well then it's a good thing you don't need to. I'd do anything for you," Fox said.
"And I'd do the same for you," Theresa said before leaning back in her seat and allowing Fox to drive them back to Brady's house.
Next Chapter - The next chapter is going to jump ahead to 7 months from now and deal with the people in California and in Harmony.