Chapter 14

Audrey sat on Fox's bed and gazed around the room. Commotion outside caught her attention.

"What's going on?" she wondered. Audrey followed the sounds of arguing and found a group of people in the hallway. Julian and a young woman were arguing about a child. Audrey recognized the woman as Theresa Lopez-Fitzgerald. She had read about her in the tabloids.

"Fox," Audrey called as the group of people rushed by. "What's happened?"

"Sorry-Audrey, but something's come up. We're going to the hospital."

"Is someone ill?" She asked concerned.

"No, I'll explain later." Fox said.

"I'm coming with you." Audrey said.

"Theresa- we're all done here. I've taken a sample of DNA from your son and from Julian. You should get your results in a week." Eve Russell said.

"Thank you Dr. Russell." Theresa said distractedly. She was overwhelmed with worry. What if Julian is the father? I'll lose my son.

"Theresa, honey. Maybe I should give you something that will help you sleep." Eve offered. I'm concerned about you too."

"That would be fine. I will need something to help me sleep." Theresa said gratefully.

"Okay. I'll write a prescription. I've got to check on some other patients. I'll be back. Hang in there Theresa." Eve squeezed Theresa's shoulder in support.

"All right. Thank you." Theresa held her son close to her. "I can't lose you." She said. Tears began to form in her eyes.

"Theresita." Pilar said softly.

"Mama- how did you know I was here?" Theresa asked.

"Word-of-mouth. Is it true what they say mija?" Concern was evident in Pilar's eyes.

"I'm afraid so, mama. I can't lose my son! I just can't!" Sobs overwhelmed Theresa.

"Shhh- it will be all right." Pilar held her daughter and grandson close.

"Mama" Antonio, Miguel, and Luis entered the room.

"We just heard" Miguel said. "I'm sorry sis." Miguel sat down beside his sister.

"Yeah- we all are." Said Antonio. He and Luis hugged their sister.

"I can't believe it was all a joke." Theresa choked on tears.

"I'll kill Bruce." Luis said through clenched teeth.

"Luis don't. Please don't say things like that. We have enough trouble already." Pilar reprimanded.

"I can't help it mama. Look at what that asshole did to our family!" Luis said loudly.

"Shh"  Pilar said. "We'll get through this. We'll get through this."

I hope so. Theresa thought. Please God, don't let them take my baby from me.

Ethan, Fox, Audrey, Julian, and Bruce were standing in the waiting room of the local hospital.

Ethan paced around nervously. What if little Ethan is mine? He asked himself. What am I going to do then?

Fox was asking himself the same question. What if Ethan is the father of Theresa's kid?

"Hey," Audrey said. "You all right? You seemed troubled."

"Um yeah. I'm fine." Fox lied.

"So- you gonna explain this whole fiasco to me?" Audrey asked.

"Yeah- you might want to sit down." Fox sighed. "It's a pretty lengthy story."

"Ethan."

Ethan looked up. Gwen stood before him. He had trouble reading her eyes.

"How'd you know I was here?" he asked.

"That's not important." She said.

"You're still mad at me?" Ethan asked.

"You could say that. I'm annoyed with you too." She added.

"Oh." Ethan said.

"Oh? Is that ALL you can say to me?" Gwen asked.

"I'm sorry?" Ethan offered.

"Are you asking or telling me?"

"Gwen stop it." Ethan said irritably.

"No- Ethan. Look, I left the room while you were gawking at Theresa and Fox. You didn't even notice! Ethan you PROMISED me that you would give me and the baby a hundred and ten percent. The fact is you LIED."

"Gwen-"

"No, Ethan. I don't want to hear it. I'm TIRED of all of this okay? I've packed my stuff. I'm moving out."

"You're leaving me?" Ethan asked.

"Yes, Ethan. It's high time that I left you. Why should I stay and remain second to Theresa? It's been that way for a long time and I know it's never going to change."

"But the baby-"

"You'll have visitation rights and such. "

"Do I have any more say in the matter?" Ethan asked.

"No. I'm leaving tonight. Goodbye Ethan."

"Gwen- please."

"Goodbye. It's over Ethan. We're through." Gwen left the hospital with tears stinging her eyes.

Ethan sat down and rubbed his temples. He was getting a major headache.