Chapter 5

Theresa sobbed on her bed. She let the tears flow freely down her cheeks soaking her pillows in the process. It hurt her inside. Ethan's interruption had caused her to lose that security and protection she felt in Fox's arms. It felt good to her to be held by him.

What's wrong with me? I'm so confused.  Theresa thought.

Her cries subsided slowly. She gradually gained control of her emotions. I need to think about this Theresa said silently to herself. She walked over to the window and looked out. It was a beautiful day. The sun shone gloriously upon the little town that was blanketed in snow. Memories of the past immediately engulfed Theresa's mind. She relived the days that made her wish that she could turn back time.

She reminisced about the days she and Ethan used to stroll through the town holding hands and feeling so much in love. "What happened to us Ethan?" she asked softly. The answer to Theresa's question flew into her thoughts. The tabloid, you went to Bermuda, you got pregnant by Julian. Since then your life has been a dismal onward trek that left you alone. Ethan is lost to you forever.

"No!" Theresa said aloud. It can't be, she thought to herself. "Ethan still loves me." she said quietly. Despite her many attempts to convince herself that love still existed between her and Ethan, doubt still clouded her thoughts. He's with Gwen now. She's having his child. He's lost to you forever. Theresa bowed her head and let the tears fall once again.

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"See about what?" asked Gwen prompting her husband to answer her. She could already tell that he was upset about something.

"Nothing." Ethan mumbled. He sighed. If only it were nothing.

"Ethan, honey. What's wrong? Why are you upset?" Gwen's face was masked with concern.

"I'm not upset." Ethan said plainly.

"Yes, you are. Don't try fooling me Ethan Winthrop. I have known you for so long and I can tell when you're really upset." When Ethan didn't respond Gwen said, "Tell me, Ethan. I'm your wife." Her eyes searched his for an answer.

"You're right, Gwen. I am upset, but I don't want to talk about it right now okay?" Ethan began to walk down the hall.

"Ethan, where are you going?" asked Gwen.

"Somewhere." Ethan replied as he disappeared around the corner.

"Hmph. Some way to treat his wife." Gwen crossed her arms and frowned in thought.  He always seems to do that when- Realization hit Gwen hard. Damn. "It's Theresa." she said aloud in disbelief.

"Always, Theresa!" Gwen cried aloud in the empty hallway.  "Damnit I am his wife who is having his child. This time I am going to set Ethan straight. He married me not that bitch Theresa." Gwen left in a hurried pursuit to find her husband.

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 Fox felt triumphant. "One point for me, nada for Ethan." he said satisfied with himself.

I sure pushed his buttons, he thought grinning. He walked back to Theresa's room to check on her. She must be still crying her eyes out he thought after hearing sobs coming from her room. Poor Theresa. Fox shook his head sadly.

He slowly opened her bedroom door and quietly entered the room. "Theresa?" he called out softly. Entering the room, Fox's eyes gradually became accustomed to the darkened room. Then he saw her before him looking distraught and ready to collapse. Fox immediately knew what to do. He walked over to Theresa and put his arms around her.

Once again Theresa felt protected. She continued to cry in Fox's arms. She let out all her pain and frustrations. Theresa and Fox stood there for what seemed like hours.

"Fox?" Theresa said faintly after managing to control her voice.

"Yeah?" Fox answered looking down at her.

Theresa pulled away a little so that she was able to look into his eyes. She paused before she spoke again. "Fox, would you just hold me?  Please? Don't let go, okay?" She snuggled back into his arms.

"Don't worry." Fox whispered. "I am never going to let you go."