Part IX

"You let her go out with Dylan? Have you lost what little mind you have?"

Fox looked at Ethan who was angrier than he had ever seen him in the past. He stood in front of him with his hands resting on his hips. He was glaring at Fox and Fox was enjoying the moment. He would have wanted to be the one to stick it to Ethan, but Dylan would do the trick. Fox had to admit that he enjoyed watching Ethan right now.

"I don't hold Teresa on a leach, Ethan. She is free to do whatever she wants, whenever she wants. She is an adult."

"But she is with Dylan."

"She can take care of herself, Ethan. You need to give her more credit."

"What's the matter with you, Fox? You know what he is like, what he is capable of."

"What did you want me to do, Ethan? Tie her to our bed? That's an idea, next time maybe when her and I are in the mood for something more."

"Shut up, Fox! Shut up!"

Fox laughed at the face Ethan made. He knew he had pushed the right buttons. Ethan was upset and jealous and the mere mention that Teresa slept in the same bed as Fox usually sent him flying off the handle. Fox enjoyed it, every second of it.

"Besides, Teresa lived under the same roof as Gwen, Rebecca and Mother and if she survived them, she can survive Dylan."

"I cannot believe how oblivious you are to this Fox."

"I'm not oblivious to anything. Dylan happens to like Teresa, and I know that he won't do anything to her."

"Dylan likes himself, just like you happen to like yourself. If anything happens to her I will hold you personally responsible."

"Do you hold yourself responsible for the heartbreak you put her through. Ethan or is it justwhen other people do things that you hold them 'responsible'?"

"Gwen is waiting for me, I have to go see her."

"How is she doing?"

"Well, it's touch and go with the baby. She might go into labour anytime."

Fox had a sarcastic smile spread across his face.

"And yet, here you are berating me about your old flame. I guess I know where your priorities lie, Ethan."

"Whatever, Fox. You are nothing but a pest."

"At least, I can't say that I'm married to a woman I don't love and still dreaming of the woman of my life."

Ethan turned his heels and walked out of the door fuming. Fox was right, Ethan might have been married to Gwen, but the only woman in his heart, the only woman he loved was Teresa. It killed him that she was with Dylan, just like it killed him that she shared Fox's bed every night and just like it killed him to see that Fox, Teresa and little Ethan had bonded like a real little family. They were in his exclusive circle where no one else was admitted. They seemed to have a very strong family unit.

Many times, Ethan caught himself thinking what it would be like if he hadn't abandoned Teresa in her time of need. He hated himself for letting her down and he hated the fact that he didn't trust enough in her to see past the mistakes that she had made. She was such an idealist and believer in true love that she was willing to go the distance for it and that was her downfall. In Ethan's eyes, Teresa had become tainted with her lies and she had deceived him once too many. But he still loved her and he still wanted her, but she seemed closer to Fox than she had ever been to him, her ex-fiancé. Fox and Teresa seemed to share everything.

Many times, he had caught them holding hands or once at night, he had walked in their bedroom because of a noise he had heard and he had found Teresa sleeping with half of her body on top of Fox's and his arms around her holding her and they both had smiled on their faces that didn't seem to want to fade away. And Ethan had stood there for what seemed to be hours. He watched as the love of his life stirred in his half brother's arms and as she opened her eyes slowly and looked at the face next to her and how she simply kissed his cheek and repositioned her head on his shoulder and how her had ran the length of his chest before resting comfortably between his shoulder and his neck. He watched her as she closed her eyes and went back to sleep.

He remembered all too well the feeling of jealousy and hate he had felt towards his brother at that moment and how he had wished he was the one resting beside Teresa.

As Ethan marched himself in Gwen's hospital room, he couldn't help but resent her for having gotten pregnant. He knew he would love his child, but he also know that his life would be miserable without Teresa to share it with him.

*****

"Are you enjoying the evening, Teresa?"

"Yes, I am. Thank you!"

Dylan hadn't lied when he said to dress chic. This certainly was a high class restaurant and around her it was all glitter and glitz and she felt it was too much for a young woman who came from a small port of Maine. She was a simple woman and she didn't feel the need to be wowed and taken to a very expensive restaurant.

"This is rather impressive!"

"This is Los Angeles for you, glitz and glamour."

They were having dessert and Dylan couldn't take his eyes from Teresa. His face had dropped when he saw her walk towards him. She was wearing a silky black dress, strapless. It was simple, but elegant and sexy at the same time. It was a ¾ length and the sandals were stilettos with a strap that went around her ankle. Her hair was gathered in a ponytail that a gave her a look of innocence. She was the most beautiful woman there tonight and she lit up the place with a simple smile.

"So, beautiful Teresa..what would you like to do after dessert?"

"I was thinking about heading back to the Courtyard."

"This early?"

Teresa felt bad. Dylan had been such a gentleman and he had been so sweet to her.

"Well the babysitter cannot stay beyond 10:30 tonight, so I have to go home to my baby boy."

"I see, let me get the tab and I will drive you home. Maybe we can sit and talk?"

"I.not tonight, I have to get up early tomorrow. I'm supposed to go to the studio with Chad and Whitney."

"Alright, Teresa. If you don't want to spend time with me, then you have to tell me. I life you a lot, but if it's Fox you want to be with, then I need to know."

Teresa knew she was caught and she didn't dare look at Dylan. She knew she had hurt his feelings.

"I knew you would rather be with Fox than me."

She finally looked up.

"I never meant to hurt you. The thing is Fox asked me for dinner tonight and since I couldn't I told him that I would make it up to him."

"You are always with him, you even sleep in his bed."

"And how does that bother you?"

"It doesn't, I'm just saying."

He knew he had crossed the line. He looked straight into Teresa's eyes and saw the anger starting to pierce through them. He paid the cheque and got up.

"Let's go, let me drive you home."

She nodded and they both walked out the restaurant and drove silently all the way to the Courtyard. Dylan pulled over and waited.

"Except for what happened at the end, I did have a good time with you, Dylan and I am glad I got to know you better."

"Are you sure about that?"

"Of course I am. Have a good night, Dylan and thanks again."

"You are welcome Teresa."

She got out of the car and he saw that she was inside the building before he drove off.

*****

Teresa walked inside the building and came face to face with Fox.

"So, how was it?"

"It was alright, I guess. I wish it was you I was out with."

Fox looked at Teresa and smiled.

"And how was your evening?"

"Uneventful and boring. I wish you were bored right along with me."

She laughed at his remark.

"What about that mystery woman of yours, how are things on that end?"

"It's a dead end, besides I met someone who is just amazing and who takes my breath away. But it seems like I have a lot of competition."

"Oh, I see, she must be pretty special then if she has more than one suitor."

"She is beyond special, Teresa.she is in a class of her own. And she is everything that I want."

Teresa couldn't help but feel a little disappointment as Fox opened the building's door for her and they both got out. It was a very warm night and they walked beside each other as they went down to the beach slowly.

"I put little E to bed before I can down, the sitter is with him."

"Thank you Fox. He really loves you, you know."

"The feeling is mutual. He is terrific and such a little sweet boy. I cannot wait to play basketball with him someday."

Teresa had a smile and looked at Fox who seemed preoccupied all of a sudden.

"What is it, Fox? What's the matter?"

"I've been debating whether I should tell you about this, but I think it's better that you know. Gwen was in labour and she had a c-section."

They both sat in the sand. Teresa was still wearing the dress she had put on to go out with Dylan. however, the sandals were sitting beside her.

"I see, how is she and the baby?"

"From what I've been told, Gwen is doing well, but it doesn't look very well for the baby. If you want me to drive you to the hospital, then we can go back."

"No, I don't want to go."

"Are you sure?"

"You know, Fox, I realized something. Maybe the past is just an anchor holding us back, maybe you have to let go of what you are to become what you will be. I've let go of Ethan. He was my safety and what I knew, but someone else has given it to me and he doesn't hold me back. He lets me be who I am. Fox, I want to let go of the past so that I can have a future."

He looked at her puzzled.

"Someone else?"

Fox's phone rang and he picked up as Teresa looked on. The conversation didn't last long, he hung up.

"Ethan and Gwen's baby didn't make it."

Teresa felt a huge lump form in her throat. She felt sad.

"I almost lost my son when he was born and I agonized over it. I can't imagine what Gwen must be going through right now."

"Neither can I."

"Fox, why do people die?"

They both stared at the ocean and Fox finally looked at Teresa.

"To make life important and worthwhile I guess."

"But why does an innocent baby who didn't have the chance at anything have to go like this?"

"Maybe it's to remind us that there is a purpose for everything."

"I see."

She leaned her head on his shoulder and he wrapped an arm around her.

"I never cared about anyone as much as I care about you, Teresa."

"Neither have I. The times and the moments that I spend with you are always the best, Fox. You are special to me."

"So are you, Teresa."

They started into each others' eyes and lips brushed against each other in a small peck. Fox got up, took Teresa's hands in his pulling her with him. He leaned in and gave her a kiss on her lips and they smiled at each other.

"What do you say we call it a night?"

"I think we should head back."

Teresa picked up her sandals and took Fox's hand. Their fingers intertwined as they both walked back to the Courtyard. From time to time, Teresa would look up at Fox or he would look down on her.

At a distance, standing near his car, Dylan was watching them. He threw his cigarette to the ground in anger, got in his car and drove off. He didn't like what he saw at all.