Title: My Amendment

Author: Kristi

Rating: PG-13 (may be R later)

Summary: Three years after Theresa leaves Harmony because of Ethan, she must come back and face the ghosts she thought she'd left behind long ago.

Pairing: Theresa/Fox

Disclaimer: Nodda.

A/N: My first Passions fic, so, hopefully it will be good. I usually only write Dark Angel fics, and those familiar to that show know that its more of a dark series (like Buffy) So I will be challenging myself with this fic, but I'm all for it.

..................................................

Chapter One: Wasted Years

-

Theresa Lopez-Fitzgerald was busying herself around the house on an early Saturday morning. Ethan, who was about 5 now, came running into the kitchen - face covered with chocolate.

"Mommy, Scooby spilt chocolate all over your new carpet." Ethan said looking down at his shoes. She knew he was lying, because when he was, he could never manage to look her in the eyes.

"Ethan, don't blame it on the dog. Did you make a mess?" Ethan nodded his head furiously, still not looking at her. "Look at me." She scolded.

He looked up at her with his big brown eyes, the image reflecting hers when she was young and full of life. Now, things were much different. She was no longer the carefree, full of life, happy girl she once was.

Now she was just tired, weak, and empty.

Soon, Theresa found herself melt under his gaze. "Honey, its alright. Just wash up. We have to take you to Charlies today."

Ethan wrinkled his nose, "Not Charlie. Shes a mean old woman. Todays Saturday, you don't have work."

"I'm not supposed to have to work. But I'm behind on my sketches and Jasmine wants them by tomorrow morning. I'll be gone two hours tops. I promise." Ethan suppressed a fake sniffle, trying anything to talk her out of it. Theresa always couldn't stand to see him cry.

"Your not crying. I can tell." He looked up at her and pouted, "Fine then, I'll go to Charlie's. But if I happen to run away because she pushed me too far, its not my fault."

Theresa giggled, "Alright, I'll be sure to remember that. Come on." Theresa said leading him to the sink.

For a 5 year old, Ethan was smart for his age. His teacher, Mrs. Greenville, had considered bumping him up to first grade level, though he was only supposed to be in kindergarten.

Theresa considered it, but much to her dissapointment, Ethan threw a fit. When he found out he was completely devastated. Being the shy type, he really didn't like moving on to new, courageous things. Unlike Theresa was.

"There. All done, now lets go." Theresa said, dragging Ethan behind her. Ethan grunted in response.

-

After much complaining and pouting coming from Ethan, Theresa was now on her way to work. She was a fashion designer for Jasmine Inc., which was a highly successful company.

But yet, she hadn't felt complete serenity at her new surroundings. Often, she'd be unhappy at her position in life, feeling she hasn't accomplished what she came to New York to do. She left Harmony to conquer the world.

Driving down the busy streets of New York City in her brand new Toyota Camry, Theresa turned on the radio, turning it to her favorite station, Z 102.

A smile crossed her lips at the familiar voice playing through her car. It was Whitney. Much to Theresa's delight, Whitney and Chad had made it to Los Angeles together, and both were now very successful with their music careers. And better yet, they were in love.

And Whitney was the only one Theresa still talked to.

Sighing shakily, Theresa turned her car off and stepped out onto the busy street, arriving to work. She had to get her mind back on track if she wanted to finish her sketches. So she pushed the thoughts of her past in the back of her head and continued into the building.

"Hello Theresa. Anything I can get you?" Candace, the secretary asked walking into Theresa's office. Theresa shook her head, "Nope, I'm good. Thanks Candace."

She nodded and left the room quietly.

Concentrating on the paper in front of her, Theresa began to draw the first thing popping to her head. Jasmine, her boss, had ordered her to think of something fresh and new, and something to do with spring fashion.

And Theresa was a natural at spring colors. Even though, herself, needed a little color to her life at the moment.

Theresa smiled with satisfaction at her finishing product and set it aside. She always had a nag for fashion, and when one was done, she felt as if she could do 100 more.

About three hours later, Theresa had finished five sketches. More than enough for her boss. She smiled and walked to the front desk, "Could I speak to Jasmine?" She asked.

The lady on the other side of the desk shook her head, "Sorry Miss, she cannot be disturbed right now. She is in a very important meeting."

Theresa nodded, handing her a folder containing her sketches, "Make sure she gets those before tomorrow please."

The lady smiled, "Will do."

Walking out the door, Theresa climbed back into her car. It was almost noon.

Theresa cursed, "I was supposed to pick up Ethan an hour ago." She hurriedly got out onto the street and made her way towards Charlies.

-

Ethan was sitting at the kitchen table of Charlies house, tapping his fingers loudly. Charlie was watching a game show, and Ethan was desperately bored. Every time he tried to open his mouth, Charlie would snap at him, telling him that he was disturbing her.

Snapping out of his trance at the sound of a car pulling in, Ethan ran to the door impatiently. "Mom!" He yelled, excited to see her. Theresa stepped out of the car, "Hey little man."

He ran after her and jumped into the passenger side of the car. "Lets go." He whispered.

Charlie got up out of her chair and made her way over to Theresa, "Hi Charlie." Theresa said, trying to make small talk. Charlie raised her hand up as a signal to shut up, "Twenty bucks for taking care of the little runt."

Theresa smirked, "Didn't anyone ever teach you politeness or manners?" Theresa asked, sneering at the woman. "Nope, my parents could've cared less about teaching me obedience. Sorry doll, but unlike you, I didn't live the high life. More like high and dry. Now anyways cough up the cash."

Theresa snorted, "Heres your money." She said turning around and hopping in the car, driving off into the busy city.

-

"I cannot stand that woman!" Theresa said through gritted teeth after arriving home, throwing her purse on the table. "Told ya." Ethan mocked, "And you said only two hours!" He whined. "Sorry hun, I lost track of time."

"I think I'm going to take a nap." Ethan said yawning, climbing up the steps into his room. Ethan was unlike any other child, he was like an adult.

"I should check my messages." Theresa said to herself, walking into the kitchen. She pushed the button, noticing she had two unread messages.

"Hey wasup Theresa. Its me. So when we gonna hang and get our swerve on at the nearest club huh? You've been leaving me out here to dry the last week. Better call me back!"

Theresa smiled at the first message. It was her new good friend, Shannon. She met Shannon around the first day she went to New York. Shannon was talking to her right off the bat at a local diner and they became good friends. Shannon was like no one else, and thats what Theresa liked about her. She had a sweet side, and she had her wild side.

"Theresa Hi, its me, Charity. Me and Miguel are having our wedding here next month and we'd really love it if you came. You know the number, please call. We'd all really like to hear from you."

Theresa's smile faded at the next message. Charity? She and Miguel were finally getting married. That was great.

But she couldn't leave. She was content here, not like in Harmony. She knew if she went back she would just be back in that sea of love, forgetting her life and the responsibilities she needed to take care of. Also, she didn't think she could bear seeing Ethan and Gwen together. It made her sick to her stomach.

She sat on a nearby chair and sighed, what to do?

Theresa felt her stomach tear at her insides and closed her eyes, inhaling deeply. "Why me?" She asked. Theresa shook her head, "I don't know if I can go back. But if I don't, I know my family would hate me. I have to go. If I didn't, then I wouldn't be respectful to my family."

Theresa got up and silently went up to her room, in serious need to think.

..................................................

The next morning Theresa woke to find her son Ethan staring down at her with his big brown eyes. "Hey sweetie, whats the matter?"

"Are we going back to Harmony?" He asked excitedly. Theresa sighed exasperatedly, "How did you know?" She asked raising her eyebrow in suspicion.

"I heard the message." He grinned. Theresa stood up from the bed and walked downstairs, with a little Ethan bouncing down the steps following her eagerly.

"I think we are." She finally said sitting down at the table. Ethan smiled, "Yay! Lets go now mommy." He said getting up and pulling at her wrist.

Theresa laughed, "Were not leaving yet. I have an important meeting tomorrow with my boss, I can't miss it. And besides, the wedding isn't for another two weeks anyways."

Ethan shrugged, "But I wanna go now!" Theresa smiled and touched his cheek, "Just give me a couple days hun. We'll be out of New York before ya know it."

"Do I have to stay with Charlie again tomorrow?" He asked, wrinkling his nose in disgust. Theresa chuckled, "No, you don't. I'll just leave you with Shannon." Ethan smiled, "Finally!"

"Come on, we've got things to do today." Theresa said, motioning him to follow her upstairs. "Like what?" He asked curiously. "Cleaning."

He shook his head furiously, "No way. No cleaning for me."

Theresa looked at him sharply, her eyes boring into him. Ethan raised his hands in surrender, "Fine, okay geez. Just don't give me that look again."

Theresa wasn't only Ethans mother, but also his best friend. They would have so much fun in each others company that they didn't want to do anything else. And thats why it hurt her so much to leave him when she had to go to work.

After cleaning almost the whole house, Theresa collapsed on the couch, Ethan following her seconds later. "That was a work out." Theresa said taking a drink of water. "Yeah. And you said MY room was messy."

Theresa giggled, "I don't really notice my messes." Ethan snorted, "I noticed."

After much sarcasm between the two were shared, they decided to sit on the couch and watch Lilo and Stitch. They'd already watched it tons of times, but Ethan had a knack for Stitch.

They both fell asleep on the couch together not long after.

-

The morning sun tugged at Theresa's eyes early Monday morning. She stretched and opened her eyes, noticing that she and Ethan had fallen asleep last night.

Theresa cursed, noticing she should have been awake a half hour ago. "I got to get ready." She said tiredly, getting up and rushing to take a shower.

After she was done getting dressed, Theresa called Shannon and begged her to watch Ethan today. It had been a short notice and she hated asking last minute favors.

"Sure." Shannon said, "I'll be over in a flash." Theresa smiled through the phone, "Your a peach."

"I know, I know." She heard her say, then hung up the phone.

"Honey, I'm getting ready to go. Shannon should be over any minute." She heard him grunt a response. Five minutes later Shannon had arrived, and Theresa hurriedly made her way to work.

-

"So sorry I'm late." Theresa said sitting at her usual chair during their weekly meetings. "Ms. Lopez-Fitzgerald, so glad you could join." Jasmine had said.

Jasmine wasn't all that bad, she just got to boss her around. Now Theresa wasn't very big on stereotypes, but their was just something about Jasmine.

Walking into a room, all eyes would be on the blonde haired, blue eyed successful star. Theresa had only wished that someday, she too would be just like Jasmine. Have her own company.

"I liked your sketches Theresa. They were really good. Think you can get anymore to me?" She asked Theresa, snapping her out of her thoughts.

Theresa nodded, "I think." Jasmine raised an eyebrow, "I mean, yes, I can get some more to you." Jasmine nodded, "Good. Now, lets start on these new commercials. I'm thinking something classy, but yet very casual."

Jasmine had this way of hating it when people said 'I think'. And Theresa was bad at it, she couldn't go a day without saying the phrase. One time, she almost got fired from saying it too much in one day.

After the meeting was over, Theresa walked up to Jasmine. "Ms. Cox, may I speak to you in private please?" Theresa asked Jasmine politely. She nodded and walked into her office, motioning for Theresa to follow.

"I have to go back to home town, so I was hoping I could take my vacation. I was also hoping to leave tomorrow if I could."

Jasmine let her mind absorb the details that Theresa was giving her. "May I ask why you must leave?"

"Well my brother is getting married, and I can't miss it. I haven't seen my family for about three years, I figured it was about time to see them again."

Jasmine smiled, "I know how that is. My boyfriend travels all the time, so I hardly get to see him unless I go to him. My life is way too busy. But anyway, sure you can take your vacation. Just make sure I get those sketches before you leave."

Theresa nodded. Jasmine was a bitch to anyone else, but oddly, she liked Theresa. Probably because Theresa had a love for fashion, it reminded her of herself not long ago.

"Okay thank you Ms. Cox." Theresa said getting up from her seat. "Oh and Theresa?" Jasmine said to her. Theresa turned around, "Its Jasmine. Not Ms. Cox."

Theresa smiled, "I'll keep that in mind."

-

"I'm home." Theresa said walking into her large home. The place was quiet, not a sound coming from the whole house. A note was lying on the table and it read:

Theresa,

Me and Ethan went to get ice cream. Be back soon.

Shannon

Theresa smiled and walked into the living room, picking up the phone. Maybe she should call first, let them know she was coming.

She dialed the phone number and it started to ring. Feeling a little uneasy, Theresa quickly hung up the phone. Surprise was so much better.

..................................................

The next day flew by for Theresa. Ethan was out with Shannon again today, and she didn't have to work. She was packing her and Ethans clothes.

"I wonder how mamma's doing." Theresa said aloud. "Better hurry up so we can find out!" Ethan said from the doorway. She jumped, obviously surprised to see him.

"What are you doing home?" Theresa asked. "I told Shannon we were going back to Harmony today, so I had to get home."

Theresa smirked, "Were not leaving until tomorrow." She stated. Ethan pouted, "But I wanna leave today! Please? I wanna see grandma and Luis and Miguel."

Theresa chuckled, she wanted to see them too. She was just a little nervous. Like reading her thoughts, Ethan reached out and grabbed her hand, "Theirs nothing to be afraid of mom. Their our family."

Theresa smiled, "Yeah, I guess your right." Then she paused, "Well, if we leave today, you better hurry up and get ready so we can get out of here."

Ethans face lit up at the sentence and he bolted in his room, trying to find anything that would fit into the car. Within minutes he was ready to go.

-

After long goodbyes to Shannon, Theresa and Ethan loaded themselves into the car and drove their way to Harmony. "So tell me momma, whats it like in Harmony again."

Theresa smiled, "Well, its full of genuine people. Mostly. And their is so much to do, and so much to see. Being their is like being at home. Your at peace, especially since your around the ones you care about."

Ethan smiled, "Sounds nice. Are we there yet?" He asked eagerly. Theresa laughed, "We still got a long way to go." The smile faded from his face and he slouched in his seat.

It was going to be a long journey.

-

After 8 hours of traveling, Theresa and Ethan had finally arrived in Harmony. Theresa had so many jitters in her stomach she was almost positive she would hurl.

"Were here." Theresa said, her voice shaky. Ethan noticed and held her hand, "Its okay mama. Everything will be great." She nodded, trying to believe him. But it didn't seem to help much.

Arriving at Pilars home, Theresa hesitantly got out of the car, followed by Ethan, who was jumping around like a hyper rabbit.

"Calm down and help me get the luggage." Theresa said grabbing the bags from the trunk. He obeyed and they were walking their way to the house, when the door burst open and Luis came running out.

"Theresa! Is that you?" Luis said smiling from ear to ear. She smiled, "Hey big brother." He smiled even more and hugged her tightly, swinging her around in the air.

Finally letting her go, Luis noticed the little boy standing at her side. "Ethan?" Luis asked, surprised. Ethan nodded his head vigorously, "Your uncle Luis aren't you?"

Luis smiled and hugged the child, "Yeah I am squirt. Now you two go inside, mom will be so happy to see you both." He said taking the luggage from Theresa.

She smiled and took Ethans hand, walking into the once familiar home. "Mama?" Theresa asked. She heard a noise coming from the kitchen, then saw Pilar open the kitchen door. "Yes?" She asked, looking around. Her eyes scanned the room, until they settled on the now fully grown Theresa.

Her eyes brimmed with tears, and a smile tugged at her lips. "Hi mama." Theresa said, not exactly sure how to handle the situation.

"Theresita?" She said, not exactly believing her eyes. Theresa nodded and Pilar ran towards her daughter. "Oh my, how have you been?" She asked, her hands around Theresa's face.

"Pretty good." She said, lying. Pilar scanned her face, "Theresa, I know you better." Theresa pulled away from her mothers grasp, sitting on a nearby couch.

"Where is everyone?" She asked changing the subject. "Oh I don't know. No one lives here anymore. But Miguel is discussing wedding plans with Charity."

"Thats nice." Theresa said, "Its good to hear that Miguel is settling down."

"Yes, and what about you Theresita? Is their a special someone?" Pilar asked, sitting down beside her. Theresa shook her head, "Nope." Feeling quite uneasy, Theresa got up off the couch and paced around the room.

"What is the matter?" Pilar asked her daughter. Theresa sighed, "I knew it would be like this. I would come back and you and everyone else would ask me how I was and then just bring up things I tried to forget a long time ago."

"No Theresa. You brought all of it on yourself. When you left, you left your family and your friends. You left because of Ethan, and you left the rest of us here, not even caring." Pilar said, her voice slightly higher than normal.

"I did care," Theresa spat, tears streaming down her face, "But I had to leave. Everyone was pressuring me. I had too much weight on my shoulders than I could handle. And I had to leave, because I couldn't stand the sight of another dissapointed face looking at me, and telling me what I could and what I couldn't do."

Ethan was standing in the corner of the room in a ball, covering his ears. Both noticed this, and Theresa walked over and hugged him. "I'm sorry baby."

"He hates it when I cry." Theresa said looking at her mother. The boy was exactly like her.

Standing up, Theresa ran a hand through her hair. "I think I'm going to go see Sheridan. Watch him for me?" She asked. Pilar nodded, and Theresa walked out the door.

"So Ethan, are you hungry?" Pilar asked, bending down to the little boy with tears falling down his face. Ethan wiped the tears from his eyes and smiled, "Can I have some chocolate pie? Mom says yours is really good, but hers isn't too good." He said wrinkling his nose. Pilar laughed, "Sure."

Theresa walked outside and hopped into her car, "Hey Luis." Theresa called to her brother, who was fixing an old car, "Yeah?" He asked walking over to her.

"Is Sheridan at the cottage?" She asked him. Luis smiled, "Yeah she should be. If she's not then she is probably roaming around town with the baby."

Gavin, Luis and Sheridans baby, was born not long before Theresa left. Ethan and Gwen also had a child, it was a girl and they named her Audrey. She looked exactly like Ethan, but with the golden locks of hair like Gwen.

Theresa smiled, "How is little Gavin?" She asked. Luis grinned, "He's doing great, being 3 and all, well you know how hectic that is so I don't have to explain it to you." Theresa chuckled, "Yeah, been there, done that. Well, I guess I will see you later."

"Bye Theresa." Luis said waving goodbye, watching her car drive out of sight.

Arriving at the cottage, Theresa hopped out of the car and walked into the house. "Sheridan, you home?" Theresa yelled inside the empty house.

She heard footsteps walking towards her and was stunned at the familiar face she had left years ago.

"Theresa?" Fox asked, his voice shaky. Theresa smiled warmly, "Hello Nicholas." She said giving him a bear hug. He gladly returned it and buried his face into her hair.

"I've missed you." He confessed. Theresa looked up at the handsome gentleman. He was wearing glasses, but other than that, he looked exactly the same.

"I was looking for Sheridan." She said, eyes scanning around the room. Disappointment shattered his perfect face, but he hid it well.

"She went out. I was just watching Gavin for her. Being the nice person I am, I've been babysitting the little twirp." Theresa grinned, "Now that is no way to be talking about little Gavin." He shrugged, "Yeah but he deserves it. I think I lost most of my hair due to him always yanking on it."

Theresa laughed, her eyes filled with the happiness it had lost years ago. "I've missed this." Fox said smiling, briefly touching her arm.

"What?" She asked. "You, smiling and being so cheerful. Its better than everyone being so gloomy all the time. It gets boring."

Theresa smiled, "I bet." Fox nodded and sat down, "So how is little Ethan?" He asked.

She took a seat beside him and inhaled deeply, "He's doing good. He's five now, and in kindergarten. And he's about the smartest 5 year old I've ever met." Fox chuckled, "I guess he takes after his mom huh?"

Theresa blushed. "Wait, did I just make you blush?" Fox said bemused. He grinned, "I did. Now how could I ever get Theresa Lopez-Fitzgerald to blush? Guess you've changed Resa."

She smiled at his nickname for her, oh how she had missed that. "You know," Theresa said softly, "I can't believe I've been gone this long. Everyone has grown up and changed so much. Well, except for you."

"Hey, I've grown up. I'm not as irresponsible, and grandfather actually trusts me a little bit more. If thats even possible."

"I know Fox, I was just kidding." Theresa said. Their was a pause.

"You know, its not like Ethan was the only person you walked out on." Fox whispered, barely audible for her to hear.

She looked at him with sadness in her eyes, "I know that now." She said, "I just wished I could have changed the way things happened. Then maybe my life wouldn't be so screwed up now."

Silence filled through the room. "So are you seeing anyone? And your in love perhaps?" Theresa said nudging him in the side. Fox shrugged, "I have went on a few dates, but lets just say they didn't go as I expected. And god forbid me being in love. Never will that happen."

"I don't know about that Fox. You'll meet your match, just wait and see." She said staring into the pools of his dark brown eyes, reflecting hers. Electricity bolted through her, a feeling she once had when she was in love, but it was faded and old now.

Suddenly looking away, Theresa stood up "Well Fox, I think I should go. Mama is waiting for me. When Sheridan gets here, tell her I stopped by okay?"

Fox nodded, "Bye Theresa." He said softly, watching her walk out the door. He sighed and laid his head back against the chair.

He had lost his best friend years ago, and now she was back. But yet, he felt something else there besides friendly feelings, he just had to figure out exactly what that was.

..................................................

A/N: So? Good? Bad? Leave a review and let me know. Oh and since I have NO clue where exactly Harmony is located, I'm just going to pretend that its somewhere in the United States because I'm most familiar with it. But don't worry, it doesn't really matter. You won't notice.

And just to let you know: Their will be no bashing of Gwen or Ethan or anyone else in this story. If I slip and happen to bash someone, well, oops. So you really have nothing to worry about if you don't like bashing stories. But if the thought of Gwen or Ethan being beaten to a pulp intrigues you, well, sorry. I wouldn't mind either, hehe. But I really don't have that in mind for this story.

R&R PLEASE.