Chapter 7
Theresa and Fox's comforting session was interrupted with Gwen's furious conversation with Ethan.
"Fox, do you hear that?" asked a troubled Theresa still nestled in Fox's arms.
"Yes, and frankly I don't give a damn about them. They're probably having marital issues and that's not our concern. So don't you fret." He said hoping Theresa would get her mind off of Gwen and Ethan.
Theresa could still hear Gwen's muffled angry voice through the walls of her room. She tried to ignore the sounds, but it still continued to trouble her. Theresa pulled away from Fox.
"What's wrong, Theresa?" asked Fox frowning.
"I'm sorry, Fox. I'm just..." Theresa's voice trailed off.
"Just what, Theresa? Talk to me. You know I'll listen." Fox inched closer to Theresa.
Theresa looked down. "I don't think you'd want to hear this."
Fox tilted Theresa's chin upward so that her eyes would meet his. "Yes, I do. Theresa I want to know what you have to say."
Theresa sighed. "It's just that..."
"C'mon Theresa, tell me." Fox prodded.
"Well, Fox. You know how I feel about Ethan right?"
Disappointed that the conversation would again be about his half-brother, Fox slowly said, "Yeah. You're still madly in love with him despite the fact that he is married to Gwen."
"Well, in a way, I'm not so sure that's true anymore."
"Are you telling me that you aren't still in love with my brother?" asked a surprise Fox. Hmm..working my game will be easier than I thought. Fox said silently.
"I've been thinking. Over and over again you've stressed that Ethan married Gwen. I've been having a hard time accepting that because I believed Ethan married Gwen only out of obligation."
"What do you believe now?" Fox asked.
"I believe that maybe I should follow the advice everyone's been giving me."
"And what would that be?"
"Move on." Theresa walked over to her bed and sat down.
"Move on, eh?" Fox walked over to her bed and sat beside her.
Theresa put her head in her hands. "Yeah. But I'm so confused, Fox. I've firmly believed that Ethan really loved me and that he would come back to me, but.."
"But...that isn't going to happen." Fox finished.
The words hit Theresa hard. She felt like she was on the verge of crying again. She paused before she spoke. "Well, that's what I've been thinking about. Ethan's lost to me forever, Fox. It's just so hard to accept."
"Because Ethan was your first love?"
"Exactly. Ethan was the only man that I have ever loved with all of my being. He's the only man I've ever been with."
"Well, Theresa. You're young. You're extremely beautiful. You should forget about Ethan. He's a fool for letting you go." Fox brushed a piece of hair that fell into her face and tucked it behind her ear. "I know that there is a man out there for you."
"That's what everyone says. You're just saying that to be nice." Theresa looked down.
"No, Theresa. I'm saying it because it's true."
Theresa looked up. "Fox, do you know what a wonderful man you are?"
Theresa's comment caught him off guard. There were very few women who could catch Fox Crane off guard. Unable to say anything Fox smiled instead.
Theresa smiled back. "You've been so wonderful to me Fox. You've listened to me when I've poured my heart out. You've been the nicest Crane I have ever met."
"Well, I figure there's got to be someone in this household who will treat you nice. Besides, you've been the nicest to me since I've gotten here."
"Well- except for that screaming fiasco I had when I found you in my bed. That wasn't very pleasant."
Fox laughed. "Well, that's okay. I scared you half to death anyway. I didn't know that my old digs was your room. But hey, no hard feelings here."
Theresa smiled. Fox is so much fun to be around. He makes me feel so much better after all I've been through.
The two stared at each other for awhile. Theresa was the first to look away. Troubling thoughts entered her mind again.
Immediately sensing something was bothering her Fox asked, "What's wrong Theresa? I saw the look that just crossed your face."
"It's just that there's so much on my mind right now-"
"Well maybe this will take your mind off of things" Fox leaned in and kissed Theresa softly.
Theresa's heart fluttered. Her eyes remained open during the kiss from the shock she felt. She pulled back.
"Fox, what was that for?"
"I just thought that you needed a distraction."
"Well- it was a nice distraction." Theresa said surprised by her comment.
"Good." Fox smiled.
"But Fox- I'm still your step-mother." Theresa said.
"In name only." Fox replied.
"You know, I've been thinking about that too."
"What?" asked Fox.
"The Crane name."
"What about it?"
"Well, if I am to move on, I can't be a married woman."
"True-But if you give up the Crane name you give up everything." Fox said.
"Not necessarily. You see, Julian would do anything to get rid of me."
"And-?"
"And- so I have a proposal he can't refuse."
"What would that be?" Fox asked eager to know what plan she was formulating.
"You'll see." Theresa smiled. She got up, and went towards the door.
"Where are you going?"
"Follow me." Theresa said as she disappeared out the door.