Chapter 2
Julian and Tony both scheme to keep Eve in their lives. Teresa confides in Whitney.
On Fox and Whitney's trek up to the Crane pool house, Whitney told Fox about Tony DiMera's visit to her mother's office.
'He's trying to take advantage of Mom and Julian's problems, I just know it!' she said.
Fox nodded.
'Yeah, there really is no reason for him to be living around here, unless it is so he can get close to your mother again. It's not like he has any friends or family living here.'
'And Simone,' Whitney continued, 'talks her head off about him! I didn't even know they knew one another! I don't like it. I don't like him.'
Fox stopped walking. Whitney looked up at him.
'What?' she asked.
'Whitney, this stress is not good for you. We're leaving tomorrow for the tryouts, and it is bad enough we will probably have to sleep outside just to make sure we get in.'
A funny look crossed Fox's face after he said this. He looked away. Whitney reached up and turned his face towards her.
'What is it, honey?'
Fox looked her in the eye.
'There was a time, where I could pull the 'Crane strings' and we could've just gotten an audition with Simon, Randy and Paula. Now we have to sleep outside like commoners.'
'Oh, Fox! That will be the fun of it!'
'Fun?'
'Yes! So when we do finally get to audition, we will have earned our place there! It will be fun, kind of like city camping or something.'
Fox shook his head and smiled.
'I love you, Whitney Russell.'
'And I love you, Fox Crane. Come on! Let's go see about maybe getting Teresa to come with us.'
'Ha! Fat chance of that!'
'Why do you say that?' Whitney asked, as they began walking towards the pool area.
'Because Teresa has never struck me as the 'sleeping bag type'. That and she needs to stay here and find out what the hell Austin is doing with my money!'
Whitney then stopped abruptly. Fox looked at her.
'What?'
'Have you asked Teresa to spy on Austin?'
'Well no, not yet, but...'
'No, Fox! Absolutely not!'
'Whitney! Teresa is not going to mind, she's our friend and she wants us to be happy.'
Whitney did not answer that directly. Fox's getting the Crane fortune back would make her happy, since it would make HIM happy. But she could care less either way.
'Honey, I don't want this relationship Teresa has with Austin, to get ruined in any way! This is the first man she has shown an iota of interest in since Ethan.
'Teresa is not in a 'relationship' with Reed. I know, because the two of us talk. She still loves Ethan.'
'I know that, Fox. But she's giving Austin more of a chance than she would any other man.'
Fox waved a hand dismissively!
'That's because they were kidnapped together! They'll always have a bond because of it.'
Whitney touched Fox's hand.
'Fox, I'm asking you not to involve Teresa in this thing. It's bad enough what's happened between my mother and your father.'
Fox became quiet. He couldn't disagree that the break up that had happened between his father and Dr. Russell was a bit sad. When Julian wasn't working Chad, he spent his time in the study, listening to CD's of Eve singing.
Teresa suddenly appeared before them. She was wearing a green bikini.
'Hey guys! I saw you from way over there. What are you two talking about?'
Fox looked from Teresa to Whitney. Whitney gave him a warning look. Fox cleared his throat.
'I think I'll go see how Austin's doing.' he answered, somewhat grumpily. He walked over by the pool. Austin was sitting up, putting suntan lotion on.
Teresa looked at Whitney.
'Were you two having a fight?'
Whitney smiled at her.
'It's nothing. He'll get over it.'
Whitney then peeked around Teresa and looked over at Austin. He and Fox were now talking.
'Austin is looking good today.' Whitney noted, smiling.
Teresa rolled her eyes.
'Whitney...'
'I'm sorry, Teresa! But I just can't help but wonder, why you're spending so much time with him, if you're not ready to move on from Ethan?'
Teresa took a deep breath, then looked back at Austin and Fox. She then looked at Whitney again.
'I'm worried about him, Whitney.'
Whitney frowned.
'What do you mean?'
'I mean, when you think about all of this, you know, how Alistair was just conveniently shot, then he just happened to drop all of this money in Austin and Chad's hands...I don't think that Alistair is dead.'
Whitney blinked hard!
'Whoa! Where did you get an idea like that?!'
'Because I know Alistair Crane! And I'm afraid that he just did all of this, just to tick off Fox and Julian. That one day, he's going to pop back up and snatch it all away from Austin. Chad's going to be hurt too, in more ways than one.'
Whitney never even had to explain Julian's revenge scheme to Teresa. Teresa hadn't believed him from the start. She knew her ex like a book! That and anyone that knew Eve Russell, knew that she would not just reject her own child! She obviously hadn't wanted to go along with Julian's scam.
Whitney reached out and touched Teresa's hair.
'Have you told Luis or Antonio of your suspicions?'
'No. They're both too worried about Mama. As am I.'
'Okay, but didn't Sam Bennett see the body? I'm sure Alistair's dead, Teresa.'
Teresa shook her head.
'I'm keeping an eye out.'
Whitney hugged her. She then let go of her.
'I want you to come with us tomorrow!'
Teresa looked surprised.
'To the 'American Idol' try-outs? I don't know...'
'Oh c'mon, Teresa! It will be fun! You can be my support system!'
'You have Fox for that.' Teresa reminded her.
'Then you can be his as well. He's really going through a hard time now. And it's been very hard for him to come up here and make nice with Austin. He still considers this his family home. But he's doing it for me, so that I can have a nice outing. Look, you need to get your mind off of your mother, and all of the crazy problems that come with living in Harmony. Say you'll come, Teresa!'
Teresa could not resist such a hard sell! She smiled and hugged Whitney.
'Alright, alright. Maybe getting away from Harmony wouldn't be such a bad idea after all.'
Whitney hugged her back. Her thoughts jumped from the tryouts, to what Teresa had said about Alistair being alive. Maybe she should run the theory by Fox, Whitney thought. Because if there was any truth to it all, then Alistair had finally succeeded in 'death' with what he had had failed to do in life: separate her mother and Fox's father.
****
Julian walked back to the area in which he had left Chad, and was more than a bit annoyed to find him talking to, of all people, Liz!
'Well, well,' Julian purred, struggling to keep a civil tone. 'finally out of your cast?'
'Yes, no thanks to you.' Liz said in a nasty/nice way.
Julian folded his arms.
'How many times do I have to tell you, that I did not push you.'
'Yeah, right!'
'Okay, hold up!' Chad interrupted. He looked from Liz to Julian. He then settled on Julian.
'Father,'
Liz snorted! Chad looked at her.
'Is there something funny?' he asked, giving her a cool look.
Liz eyed Julian briefly, before giving Chad a somber look.
'No, Chad. There's nothing funny about any of this.'
'Liz, whether I like it or not, you're my aunt. I want our family to become closer. It would be nice, if you could put aside your animosity for my mother, and try and be a sister to her.'
Now Julian snorted!
'Chad, I need to speak to you about something, when you get the chance.' Julian said, ignoring Liz completely.
'Father, I'm serious about this. I think we need to make amends with Liz.'
Julian closed his eyes briefly, before opening them again. Yes, Liz was still standing before him, with that all knowing smirk! There was no way she could know that Eve and him were not really Chad's parents. Yet, Liz had this cheshire cat grin that just unnerved a person! He felt like kicking her in the face or something!
And because of what Liz put Eve through, Julian was going to have to put his foot down...as Chad's 'father'.
'Chad, there are no 'amends' to make with this woman. Liz here needs to apologize to your mother. She came here and told a pack of lies, that eventually contributed to your mother's near fatal accident. I would think about that, son, before you invite someone like her in your midst.'
Chad became quiet, then stared at Liz.
'My father is right, Liz. You'll have to make the first step. Call me when you're ready to join our family.'
Liz's mouth dropped open. Julian smirked at her, then began to walk off with Chad, when Liz called out to him.
'Julian, may I have a word with you?'
Julian rolled his eyes, but looked at Chad.
'Go on ahead to the boardroom. I'll be along in a minute.'
Chad gave them both looks, before walking off. Julian then faced Liz.
'What in God's creation, could we have to say to one another?' Julian asked, appalled.
Liz walked up to him.
'You know good and damned well that you are no more Chad's father, than I am your sister! I can be very persuasive, Julian. I think I should run my little theory past Chad!'
'I don't really give a damn what you think, much less if you breathe fresh air again!' Julian sniffed.
Liz's eyes widened!
'My, now that's true hatred, Julian.'
'It is.' Julian confirmed, smiling coldly. He then cruelly changed the subject.
'How is T.C. doing?'
Liz's smirk disappeared. Julian cocked an ear.
'I'm sorry, I didn't get that?'
'Go to hell, Julian!' Liz snapped and tried to turn and walk away. But Julian ran around her, then stopped, standing directly in front of her.
'Now dear, I was asking you a question. How is T.C.? Or don't you know?'
Liz sighed and crossed her arms.
'Okay! Just get it out of your system!'
Julian moved up close to her.
'Oh, you mean how it's poetic justice that T.C. hasn't looked your way, since he first set eyes on the lovely Alexandra Carver? Or how T.C. must feel everytime his hands brush up against her soft, supple skin? Did you know that I actually got the chance to kiss her neck, thought I thought she was Eve...anyway, just the smell of her probably makes T.C. sigh. Did he ever sigh over you, Liz?'
Liz slapped him hard! A couple of nurses looked over at them.
'You shut the hell up! I didn't do all I did just to lose him to some....some...'
'Much better looking woman?' Julian offered, rubbing his cheek.
Liz reached out to slap him again. Julian grabbed her wrist and twisted it painfully. She cried out.
'You listen to me: I don't care anything about your personal life. But you stay out of Eve and my affairs, do you understand me? Because despite the talk around here about who really controls the Crane purse strings, I can, and will, destroy you, if you so much as raise your voice to Eve or insert yourself in my personal business. Do we understand one another?'
Liz said nothing, telling Julian that she would rather he fracture her wrist, before she would agree to his demands.
'What the hell?!'
Julian let go of Liz abruptly, as Antonio came upon them. Liz ran into his arms.
'What the hell were you just doing now, Julian?!' Antonio barked, as he comforted a sobbing Liz.
Julian said nothing, but just glared at Antonio. Antonio broke off eye contact to look at Liz.
'Liz? Liz did he hurt you?'
Liz looked over at Julian. She then swiped at her eyes. She then looked at Antonio, shaking her head.
'That's not what it looked like, Liz! You've got a lot of damned nerve, Crane! First you break her leg, then...'
'Let's just go, Antonio.' Liz said quickly. The only thing Julian Crane had really hurt was her feelings.
T.C. was such a sore spot for her. And Antonio was about the only person who knew just how much. Especially in light of what happened the other day.
She had been at the supermarket, when she saw T.C. going down an aisle, throwing things into his cart and whistling. Liz had marveled from a distance, at how happy he looked. She also knew that it wasn't because of her, since she hadn't seen him in months.
Liz had quietly cursed Celeste. First, Celeste herself, ruins her life by marrying her father and shipping her off to boarding school. Now, her damned daughter steals the man she loves! It wasn't right and it wasn't fair!
Liz had decided to hurry and check-out. Her first instinct had been to go up to T.C., and ask him how he had been, etc., etc..
But somewhere along the line, Liz's courage failed her. Because as the weeks went by, something deep down inside told Liz that T.C. was not coming back to her. This Lexie Carver bitch, had stolen her man!
So, Liz has gotten in line and began setting her things on the checkout counter. When it was her turn, and she ran her debit card, Liz found that it didn't work...nor did any of her other credit cards! And she didn't have any cash on her at all.
Now, times had been a bit hard. She had spent all of the money Alistair had paid her with, upgrading the Blue Note(even though Julian had paid to rebuild the place after her damned sister burned it down, he only covered the bare essentials), on clothes, and a new car, etc.. But, Liz had few customers at the club, something she suspected was due to word of mouth. And the rest of the money just seemed to dwindle away into nothing.
So, needless to say, she had let some bills slide, and her bank account was a bit low. It had been one of the lowest moments in Liz's life, as she told the clerk she would be back, and could the store hold her items? The clerk had nodded, and Liz left the line. But it was what she saw as she turned back to look at the clerk, that hurt her the most.
The clerk had already called for some teenage boy to come and re-stock her items! And the lowest blow of all? T.C. had been two people behind her, and had overheard everything! He had been laughing at her!
Liz had then limped out of the store and waited for the bus, since her injury prevented her from driving. She sat on the bench at the stop, wondering why she was even still in Harmony?
'Liz? Are you alright?'
Liz looked up at Antonio. She had not told him about the supermarket incident.
'I'm fine, Antonio. Would you take me home, please?' she asked.
Antonio glared at Julian, who rolled his eyes at both of them, then walked off. Antonio looked down at her.
'Why didn't you call me? I would've picked you up and driven you over here.'
Liz let go of him.
'Because I didn't want to impose, Antonio. I know you have your hands full with Pilar and all. Have you heard from her yet?'
Antonio sighed and shook his head. Liz rubbed his arm.
'If you're mother found your father, then maybe they're having a reunion of sorts.'
'Oh come on, Liz! '
'Well, what are you thinking is going on? What? That Pilar has killed him or something?'
'Would you be surprised? Whatever my father's story is, he left us! The not knowing has been hell. I just want to know that my mother is alright emotionally. She shouldn't be going through this alone.'
Liz thought for a moment.
'Okay. Maybe you should talk to that man she works for? Over at the FBI?'
'We have. But he just clams up. I mean, Stefano DiMera gave my mother this information! My mother is probably on a wild goose chase! It's cruel!'
Liz put her arms around him. What Antonio did not know, was that the Pilar Lopez-Fitzgerald she had dealt with recently, was no lightweight. She could handle herself against Stefano DiMera, Alistair Crane and whatever type of man Martin Fitzgerald had become, since he left his family.
****
Julian found Chad in the hospital boardroom, talking with Pippa Huston, one of hospital's oldest board members.
'You don't look much like Julian.' she noted, eyeing him through her glasses.
'I guess I take after my mother, Mrs. Huston.' Chad answered politely.
'Call me Pippa, dear. If you're going to be taking your father's place on this board, we might as well be on a first name basis.'
'Alright, Pippa.' Chad smiled.
Julian cleared his throat.
'Hello Pippa dear.' he murmured, bussing her cheek warily.
'Julian, it is amazing the good that can come out of so much misfortune.'
Julian didn't really have the time to hear what she meant by that. He smiled at her.
'Pippa, could you excuse us? I have something I need to discuss with my son.'
Pippa eyed him, then Chad, as if she were still looking for a resemblance. She then walked off without comment. Chad looked at Julian.
'What is it, Father?'
Julian took a deep breath.
'I just found out that your mother put in for a transfer. I think you should use your power here to keep that from happening.'
Chad just stared at Julian.
'Why?'
Julian eyed the boy.
'Because Eve is your mother, and if you want to have any kind of relationship with her, she needs to stay here.'
'I disagree. You were the one that said that this whole thing has been overwhelming for her. Maybe this is just her way of clearing her head.'
Julian rubbed his hands together. This was not going as planned! He then tried another approach.
'Chad, Tony DiMera has been trying to get close to your mother again.'
Chad suddenly looked ill at ease. It was the look Julian was hoping for.
'You've seen him around, Mother?' Chad asked.
'Just now.' Julian confirmed. 'And it is no accident that he moved in so close to us. He expected Eve to be living with us. It is bad enough that she's living in an apartment, unprotected, but he as much as told me that he plans on pursuing her again. Now, forget my own, petty jealousies, son. If Eve leaves Harmony, it will be easier for your poor mother to end up in his clutches again. And believe me son, it will probably be my some manner of force.'
Chad nodded quickly. Julian could see that he was disturbed by the prospect of DiMera being in the picture again.
'What should I do?' Chad asked him.
Julian put a hand on his shoulder.
'Find out what hospital your mother is transferring to, then get them to rescind their offer.' Julian suggested. Chad nodded.
'I can do that. In fact, I'll get on it now.'
Julian nodded approvingly, as Chad left the boardroom. He then turned away.
Julian had decided that while he liked Chad, he was going to have to speed things up. He was going to get his old friend, Bruce, to get his own lawyers to prepare the necessary papers, returning the Crane fortune to himself and Fox. And he would get Chad to sign them...the old fashioned way.
'Hold on, Eve darling.' he muttered, rubbing his hands together again. 'This will all be over soon, and then we'll be together for good.'
****
Eve stepped off of the curb and into the parking lot, and almost got run down by a car! She stood there for several seconds, as the enormity of what had almost happened, hit her. She had been so tired, that she never even looked.
Tony, who was a few paces behind her, saw the whole thing. He rushed up to her and turned her around. Eve jumped!
'Tony?'
'Eve, let me drive you home.'
Eve began to shake her head.
'I'm fine.'
'No, you are not. You didn't even see that car...you just stepped out in front of it, as if you wanted to get hit!'
Eve said nothing. He was right. She hadn't seen it. What else would she not see on the drive home? Animals? Or worse yet, some child?
'Alright, fine.'
Tony smiled.
'Good. I'll send someone for your car. My car is this way.'
Tony steered her towards his own vehicle, over in the visitor's parking lot. He let her in the passenger's side, then closed the door. He hurried around to the driver's side, giddy with joy. Now, he could see what the inside of Eve's apartment looked like!
But when he got in, Tony found that Eve's head was laying back against the seat. She was asleep. Tony looked over at her.
Something was wrong with her! What was it that he had overheard her tell Julian, back in her office? Something about, 'having to make real decisions now'. Were these decisions health related? Was she ill? So ill that she didn't have time to be bothered with Julian, or any other man?
Tony turned on the engine, and made the decision to take her back to his estate. He would deal with her anger later. It was his hope, that much like before, she would not want to leave.
****
Eve awoke to the sound of rain hitting a window. She sat up, feeling somewhat refreshed. She then sat up straighter. Where the hell was she?!
It was as she looked around at the dark decor, that Eve realized the bedroom looked oddly like the one she had had when she lived at the DiMera mansion in Salem. Then, everything came flooding back: her encounter with Julian that afternoon, and Tony's offer to drive her home. She was in Tony's house!
Eve stood up and walked over to one of the windows. She peered out. She could see the Crane mansion from her window. She shook her head, looked around for her purse, then walked over to the bedroom door.
Somehow, Eve had been surprised to find it unlocked. She opened the door and then made her way downstairs, through a myriad of hallways, and staircases that went up, not down.
When Eve reached the bottom of the stairs, she could see Tony sitting in a room, in front of a fireplace. His back was to her. She walked into the room.
Hearing her footsteps, Tony set aside the paperwork he was looking at. He smiled at her.
'You look much better.'
Eve took a deep breath.
'I feel much better. Now, I have to be getting home.'
Tony just stared at her.
'Now, Tony! I'm not in the mood to play any games!'
Tony smiled.
'You're beautiful when you're angry.'
'Tony!'
'Why are you transferring to another hospital? Is it to get away from Julian?'
Eve clamped her lips shut. How did he find that out?!
Eve came all the way into the room. She didn't want to give Tony any false hope about the two of them. They could never be together. Too much had happened.
'Tony, I'm pregnant. Pregnant with Julian's child.'
Tony said nothing. He was of course, devastated. But he said nothing.
'And,' Eve continued, not caring if she exposed Julian's scheme to get his fortune back. 'I don't think Julian is going to be there for me. I don't want to go through this pregnancy lying to someone about being their mother and all of the crap that goes with the Crane fortune. I never wanted it. I just wanted Julian. He wants the fortune and me.'
Tony eyed her. He then stood up.
'And it is your impression that if he had to choose, it would be his money over you? Correct?'
Eve sighed.
'I don't even know why I'm telling you this.'
Tony walked up to her and put his hands on her shoulders.
'You're telling me this, because you can't tell it to the father of your child. Eve, running away is not the answer.'
'I'm not running! I don't know why everyone keeps saying that! I just need to be by myself. I need to focus on this baby.'
Tony's eyes swept over her.
'This pregnancy is taking a lot out of you, isn't it?'
Eve turned away.
'It has been harder than the others. I just can't deal with all that goes along with being pregnant, and schemes and lies. I've lived that way all of my life. There are things that I have done, that I still haven't atoned for. I just don't want anymore. Now, I have to get home.'
Tony nodded quickly.
'I'll drive you myself, Eve. I wasn't trying to trick you, but you fell asleep as soon as you got into my car. I just didn't have the heart to wake you, and ask you for instructions as to how to get to your apartment.'
Eve looked down. That seemed probable.
Tony's hands slid off of her shoulders.
'Please, let me be here for you, as a friend, during this time?'
Eve sighed again.
'I don't know, Tony...'
'Let me prove to you that I am the good man you once knew and loved?'
'I never loved you, Tony.'
Tony raised a brow.
'Never? Then I didn't hear you tell me you loved me, that night of our dinner?'
Eve looked him up and down.
'I thought you were unconscious!'
'Not the entire time.' he said softly.
Eve was distinctly uncomfortable.
'I loved the man I thought you were.'
Tony decided to leave it at that. He smiled at her.
'Let me get my car keys, and then we'll be on our way.'
Eve nodded, her eyes sweeping over the decor. Tony left the room, then stopped to pause in the hallway.
Granted, the pregnancy angle was a little unexpected, but that did not mean he was out of the game. Julian Crane had allowed a serious rift to develop between himself and Eve. It was also clear that Eve was leaving town because she didn't want Julian to even know she was pregnant. It couldn't get any worse than that.
Tony realized it was in his best interests to let her leave town. He would then 'pop in' every now and then to check up on her. But his true intention was show her the man she did once love. Eve would still become his Countess, but, she would just bring another man's child to their union. Tony shrugged. He liked children. And he would be more than happy, to raise Julian Crane's child as if he or she, were his very own.
Julian and Tony both scheme to keep Eve in their lives. Teresa confides in Whitney.
On Fox and Whitney's trek up to the Crane pool house, Whitney told Fox about Tony DiMera's visit to her mother's office.
'He's trying to take advantage of Mom and Julian's problems, I just know it!' she said.
Fox nodded.
'Yeah, there really is no reason for him to be living around here, unless it is so he can get close to your mother again. It's not like he has any friends or family living here.'
'And Simone,' Whitney continued, 'talks her head off about him! I didn't even know they knew one another! I don't like it. I don't like him.'
Fox stopped walking. Whitney looked up at him.
'What?' she asked.
'Whitney, this stress is not good for you. We're leaving tomorrow for the tryouts, and it is bad enough we will probably have to sleep outside just to make sure we get in.'
A funny look crossed Fox's face after he said this. He looked away. Whitney reached up and turned his face towards her.
'What is it, honey?'
Fox looked her in the eye.
'There was a time, where I could pull the 'Crane strings' and we could've just gotten an audition with Simon, Randy and Paula. Now we have to sleep outside like commoners.'
'Oh, Fox! That will be the fun of it!'
'Fun?'
'Yes! So when we do finally get to audition, we will have earned our place there! It will be fun, kind of like city camping or something.'
Fox shook his head and smiled.
'I love you, Whitney Russell.'
'And I love you, Fox Crane. Come on! Let's go see about maybe getting Teresa to come with us.'
'Ha! Fat chance of that!'
'Why do you say that?' Whitney asked, as they began walking towards the pool area.
'Because Teresa has never struck me as the 'sleeping bag type'. That and she needs to stay here and find out what the hell Austin is doing with my money!'
Whitney then stopped abruptly. Fox looked at her.
'What?'
'Have you asked Teresa to spy on Austin?'
'Well no, not yet, but...'
'No, Fox! Absolutely not!'
'Whitney! Teresa is not going to mind, she's our friend and she wants us to be happy.'
Whitney did not answer that directly. Fox's getting the Crane fortune back would make her happy, since it would make HIM happy. But she could care less either way.
'Honey, I don't want this relationship Teresa has with Austin, to get ruined in any way! This is the first man she has shown an iota of interest in since Ethan.
'Teresa is not in a 'relationship' with Reed. I know, because the two of us talk. She still loves Ethan.'
'I know that, Fox. But she's giving Austin more of a chance than she would any other man.'
Fox waved a hand dismissively!
'That's because they were kidnapped together! They'll always have a bond because of it.'
Whitney touched Fox's hand.
'Fox, I'm asking you not to involve Teresa in this thing. It's bad enough what's happened between my mother and your father.'
Fox became quiet. He couldn't disagree that the break up that had happened between his father and Dr. Russell was a bit sad. When Julian wasn't working Chad, he spent his time in the study, listening to CD's of Eve singing.
Teresa suddenly appeared before them. She was wearing a green bikini.
'Hey guys! I saw you from way over there. What are you two talking about?'
Fox looked from Teresa to Whitney. Whitney gave him a warning look. Fox cleared his throat.
'I think I'll go see how Austin's doing.' he answered, somewhat grumpily. He walked over by the pool. Austin was sitting up, putting suntan lotion on.
Teresa looked at Whitney.
'Were you two having a fight?'
Whitney smiled at her.
'It's nothing. He'll get over it.'
Whitney then peeked around Teresa and looked over at Austin. He and Fox were now talking.
'Austin is looking good today.' Whitney noted, smiling.
Teresa rolled her eyes.
'Whitney...'
'I'm sorry, Teresa! But I just can't help but wonder, why you're spending so much time with him, if you're not ready to move on from Ethan?'
Teresa took a deep breath, then looked back at Austin and Fox. She then looked at Whitney again.
'I'm worried about him, Whitney.'
Whitney frowned.
'What do you mean?'
'I mean, when you think about all of this, you know, how Alistair was just conveniently shot, then he just happened to drop all of this money in Austin and Chad's hands...I don't think that Alistair is dead.'
Whitney blinked hard!
'Whoa! Where did you get an idea like that?!'
'Because I know Alistair Crane! And I'm afraid that he just did all of this, just to tick off Fox and Julian. That one day, he's going to pop back up and snatch it all away from Austin. Chad's going to be hurt too, in more ways than one.'
Whitney never even had to explain Julian's revenge scheme to Teresa. Teresa hadn't believed him from the start. She knew her ex like a book! That and anyone that knew Eve Russell, knew that she would not just reject her own child! She obviously hadn't wanted to go along with Julian's scam.
Whitney reached out and touched Teresa's hair.
'Have you told Luis or Antonio of your suspicions?'
'No. They're both too worried about Mama. As am I.'
'Okay, but didn't Sam Bennett see the body? I'm sure Alistair's dead, Teresa.'
Teresa shook her head.
'I'm keeping an eye out.'
Whitney hugged her. She then let go of her.
'I want you to come with us tomorrow!'
Teresa looked surprised.
'To the 'American Idol' try-outs? I don't know...'
'Oh c'mon, Teresa! It will be fun! You can be my support system!'
'You have Fox for that.' Teresa reminded her.
'Then you can be his as well. He's really going through a hard time now. And it's been very hard for him to come up here and make nice with Austin. He still considers this his family home. But he's doing it for me, so that I can have a nice outing. Look, you need to get your mind off of your mother, and all of the crazy problems that come with living in Harmony. Say you'll come, Teresa!'
Teresa could not resist such a hard sell! She smiled and hugged Whitney.
'Alright, alright. Maybe getting away from Harmony wouldn't be such a bad idea after all.'
Whitney hugged her back. Her thoughts jumped from the tryouts, to what Teresa had said about Alistair being alive. Maybe she should run the theory by Fox, Whitney thought. Because if there was any truth to it all, then Alistair had finally succeeded in 'death' with what he had had failed to do in life: separate her mother and Fox's father.
****
Julian walked back to the area in which he had left Chad, and was more than a bit annoyed to find him talking to, of all people, Liz!
'Well, well,' Julian purred, struggling to keep a civil tone. 'finally out of your cast?'
'Yes, no thanks to you.' Liz said in a nasty/nice way.
Julian folded his arms.
'How many times do I have to tell you, that I did not push you.'
'Yeah, right!'
'Okay, hold up!' Chad interrupted. He looked from Liz to Julian. He then settled on Julian.
'Father,'
Liz snorted! Chad looked at her.
'Is there something funny?' he asked, giving her a cool look.
Liz eyed Julian briefly, before giving Chad a somber look.
'No, Chad. There's nothing funny about any of this.'
'Liz, whether I like it or not, you're my aunt. I want our family to become closer. It would be nice, if you could put aside your animosity for my mother, and try and be a sister to her.'
Now Julian snorted!
'Chad, I need to speak to you about something, when you get the chance.' Julian said, ignoring Liz completely.
'Father, I'm serious about this. I think we need to make amends with Liz.'
Julian closed his eyes briefly, before opening them again. Yes, Liz was still standing before him, with that all knowing smirk! There was no way she could know that Eve and him were not really Chad's parents. Yet, Liz had this cheshire cat grin that just unnerved a person! He felt like kicking her in the face or something!
And because of what Liz put Eve through, Julian was going to have to put his foot down...as Chad's 'father'.
'Chad, there are no 'amends' to make with this woman. Liz here needs to apologize to your mother. She came here and told a pack of lies, that eventually contributed to your mother's near fatal accident. I would think about that, son, before you invite someone like her in your midst.'
Chad became quiet, then stared at Liz.
'My father is right, Liz. You'll have to make the first step. Call me when you're ready to join our family.'
Liz's mouth dropped open. Julian smirked at her, then began to walk off with Chad, when Liz called out to him.
'Julian, may I have a word with you?'
Julian rolled his eyes, but looked at Chad.
'Go on ahead to the boardroom. I'll be along in a minute.'
Chad gave them both looks, before walking off. Julian then faced Liz.
'What in God's creation, could we have to say to one another?' Julian asked, appalled.
Liz walked up to him.
'You know good and damned well that you are no more Chad's father, than I am your sister! I can be very persuasive, Julian. I think I should run my little theory past Chad!'
'I don't really give a damn what you think, much less if you breathe fresh air again!' Julian sniffed.
Liz's eyes widened!
'My, now that's true hatred, Julian.'
'It is.' Julian confirmed, smiling coldly. He then cruelly changed the subject.
'How is T.C. doing?'
Liz's smirk disappeared. Julian cocked an ear.
'I'm sorry, I didn't get that?'
'Go to hell, Julian!' Liz snapped and tried to turn and walk away. But Julian ran around her, then stopped, standing directly in front of her.
'Now dear, I was asking you a question. How is T.C.? Or don't you know?'
Liz sighed and crossed her arms.
'Okay! Just get it out of your system!'
Julian moved up close to her.
'Oh, you mean how it's poetic justice that T.C. hasn't looked your way, since he first set eyes on the lovely Alexandra Carver? Or how T.C. must feel everytime his hands brush up against her soft, supple skin? Did you know that I actually got the chance to kiss her neck, thought I thought she was Eve...anyway, just the smell of her probably makes T.C. sigh. Did he ever sigh over you, Liz?'
Liz slapped him hard! A couple of nurses looked over at them.
'You shut the hell up! I didn't do all I did just to lose him to some....some...'
'Much better looking woman?' Julian offered, rubbing his cheek.
Liz reached out to slap him again. Julian grabbed her wrist and twisted it painfully. She cried out.
'You listen to me: I don't care anything about your personal life. But you stay out of Eve and my affairs, do you understand me? Because despite the talk around here about who really controls the Crane purse strings, I can, and will, destroy you, if you so much as raise your voice to Eve or insert yourself in my personal business. Do we understand one another?'
Liz said nothing, telling Julian that she would rather he fracture her wrist, before she would agree to his demands.
'What the hell?!'
Julian let go of Liz abruptly, as Antonio came upon them. Liz ran into his arms.
'What the hell were you just doing now, Julian?!' Antonio barked, as he comforted a sobbing Liz.
Julian said nothing, but just glared at Antonio. Antonio broke off eye contact to look at Liz.
'Liz? Liz did he hurt you?'
Liz looked over at Julian. She then swiped at her eyes. She then looked at Antonio, shaking her head.
'That's not what it looked like, Liz! You've got a lot of damned nerve, Crane! First you break her leg, then...'
'Let's just go, Antonio.' Liz said quickly. The only thing Julian Crane had really hurt was her feelings.
T.C. was such a sore spot for her. And Antonio was about the only person who knew just how much. Especially in light of what happened the other day.
She had been at the supermarket, when she saw T.C. going down an aisle, throwing things into his cart and whistling. Liz had marveled from a distance, at how happy he looked. She also knew that it wasn't because of her, since she hadn't seen him in months.
Liz had quietly cursed Celeste. First, Celeste herself, ruins her life by marrying her father and shipping her off to boarding school. Now, her damned daughter steals the man she loves! It wasn't right and it wasn't fair!
Liz had decided to hurry and check-out. Her first instinct had been to go up to T.C., and ask him how he had been, etc., etc..
But somewhere along the line, Liz's courage failed her. Because as the weeks went by, something deep down inside told Liz that T.C. was not coming back to her. This Lexie Carver bitch, had stolen her man!
So, Liz has gotten in line and began setting her things on the checkout counter. When it was her turn, and she ran her debit card, Liz found that it didn't work...nor did any of her other credit cards! And she didn't have any cash on her at all.
Now, times had been a bit hard. She had spent all of the money Alistair had paid her with, upgrading the Blue Note(even though Julian had paid to rebuild the place after her damned sister burned it down, he only covered the bare essentials), on clothes, and a new car, etc.. But, Liz had few customers at the club, something she suspected was due to word of mouth. And the rest of the money just seemed to dwindle away into nothing.
So, needless to say, she had let some bills slide, and her bank account was a bit low. It had been one of the lowest moments in Liz's life, as she told the clerk she would be back, and could the store hold her items? The clerk had nodded, and Liz left the line. But it was what she saw as she turned back to look at the clerk, that hurt her the most.
The clerk had already called for some teenage boy to come and re-stock her items! And the lowest blow of all? T.C. had been two people behind her, and had overheard everything! He had been laughing at her!
Liz had then limped out of the store and waited for the bus, since her injury prevented her from driving. She sat on the bench at the stop, wondering why she was even still in Harmony?
'Liz? Are you alright?'
Liz looked up at Antonio. She had not told him about the supermarket incident.
'I'm fine, Antonio. Would you take me home, please?' she asked.
Antonio glared at Julian, who rolled his eyes at both of them, then walked off. Antonio looked down at her.
'Why didn't you call me? I would've picked you up and driven you over here.'
Liz let go of him.
'Because I didn't want to impose, Antonio. I know you have your hands full with Pilar and all. Have you heard from her yet?'
Antonio sighed and shook his head. Liz rubbed his arm.
'If you're mother found your father, then maybe they're having a reunion of sorts.'
'Oh come on, Liz! '
'Well, what are you thinking is going on? What? That Pilar has killed him or something?'
'Would you be surprised? Whatever my father's story is, he left us! The not knowing has been hell. I just want to know that my mother is alright emotionally. She shouldn't be going through this alone.'
Liz thought for a moment.
'Okay. Maybe you should talk to that man she works for? Over at the FBI?'
'We have. But he just clams up. I mean, Stefano DiMera gave my mother this information! My mother is probably on a wild goose chase! It's cruel!'
Liz put her arms around him. What Antonio did not know, was that the Pilar Lopez-Fitzgerald she had dealt with recently, was no lightweight. She could handle herself against Stefano DiMera, Alistair Crane and whatever type of man Martin Fitzgerald had become, since he left his family.
****
Julian found Chad in the hospital boardroom, talking with Pippa Huston, one of hospital's oldest board members.
'You don't look much like Julian.' she noted, eyeing him through her glasses.
'I guess I take after my mother, Mrs. Huston.' Chad answered politely.
'Call me Pippa, dear. If you're going to be taking your father's place on this board, we might as well be on a first name basis.'
'Alright, Pippa.' Chad smiled.
Julian cleared his throat.
'Hello Pippa dear.' he murmured, bussing her cheek warily.
'Julian, it is amazing the good that can come out of so much misfortune.'
Julian didn't really have the time to hear what she meant by that. He smiled at her.
'Pippa, could you excuse us? I have something I need to discuss with my son.'
Pippa eyed him, then Chad, as if she were still looking for a resemblance. She then walked off without comment. Chad looked at Julian.
'What is it, Father?'
Julian took a deep breath.
'I just found out that your mother put in for a transfer. I think you should use your power here to keep that from happening.'
Chad just stared at Julian.
'Why?'
Julian eyed the boy.
'Because Eve is your mother, and if you want to have any kind of relationship with her, she needs to stay here.'
'I disagree. You were the one that said that this whole thing has been overwhelming for her. Maybe this is just her way of clearing her head.'
Julian rubbed his hands together. This was not going as planned! He then tried another approach.
'Chad, Tony DiMera has been trying to get close to your mother again.'
Chad suddenly looked ill at ease. It was the look Julian was hoping for.
'You've seen him around, Mother?' Chad asked.
'Just now.' Julian confirmed. 'And it is no accident that he moved in so close to us. He expected Eve to be living with us. It is bad enough that she's living in an apartment, unprotected, but he as much as told me that he plans on pursuing her again. Now, forget my own, petty jealousies, son. If Eve leaves Harmony, it will be easier for your poor mother to end up in his clutches again. And believe me son, it will probably be my some manner of force.'
Chad nodded quickly. Julian could see that he was disturbed by the prospect of DiMera being in the picture again.
'What should I do?' Chad asked him.
Julian put a hand on his shoulder.
'Find out what hospital your mother is transferring to, then get them to rescind their offer.' Julian suggested. Chad nodded.
'I can do that. In fact, I'll get on it now.'
Julian nodded approvingly, as Chad left the boardroom. He then turned away.
Julian had decided that while he liked Chad, he was going to have to speed things up. He was going to get his old friend, Bruce, to get his own lawyers to prepare the necessary papers, returning the Crane fortune to himself and Fox. And he would get Chad to sign them...the old fashioned way.
'Hold on, Eve darling.' he muttered, rubbing his hands together again. 'This will all be over soon, and then we'll be together for good.'
****
Eve stepped off of the curb and into the parking lot, and almost got run down by a car! She stood there for several seconds, as the enormity of what had almost happened, hit her. She had been so tired, that she never even looked.
Tony, who was a few paces behind her, saw the whole thing. He rushed up to her and turned her around. Eve jumped!
'Tony?'
'Eve, let me drive you home.'
Eve began to shake her head.
'I'm fine.'
'No, you are not. You didn't even see that car...you just stepped out in front of it, as if you wanted to get hit!'
Eve said nothing. He was right. She hadn't seen it. What else would she not see on the drive home? Animals? Or worse yet, some child?
'Alright, fine.'
Tony smiled.
'Good. I'll send someone for your car. My car is this way.'
Tony steered her towards his own vehicle, over in the visitor's parking lot. He let her in the passenger's side, then closed the door. He hurried around to the driver's side, giddy with joy. Now, he could see what the inside of Eve's apartment looked like!
But when he got in, Tony found that Eve's head was laying back against the seat. She was asleep. Tony looked over at her.
Something was wrong with her! What was it that he had overheard her tell Julian, back in her office? Something about, 'having to make real decisions now'. Were these decisions health related? Was she ill? So ill that she didn't have time to be bothered with Julian, or any other man?
Tony turned on the engine, and made the decision to take her back to his estate. He would deal with her anger later. It was his hope, that much like before, she would not want to leave.
****
Eve awoke to the sound of rain hitting a window. She sat up, feeling somewhat refreshed. She then sat up straighter. Where the hell was she?!
It was as she looked around at the dark decor, that Eve realized the bedroom looked oddly like the one she had had when she lived at the DiMera mansion in Salem. Then, everything came flooding back: her encounter with Julian that afternoon, and Tony's offer to drive her home. She was in Tony's house!
Eve stood up and walked over to one of the windows. She peered out. She could see the Crane mansion from her window. She shook her head, looked around for her purse, then walked over to the bedroom door.
Somehow, Eve had been surprised to find it unlocked. She opened the door and then made her way downstairs, through a myriad of hallways, and staircases that went up, not down.
When Eve reached the bottom of the stairs, she could see Tony sitting in a room, in front of a fireplace. His back was to her. She walked into the room.
Hearing her footsteps, Tony set aside the paperwork he was looking at. He smiled at her.
'You look much better.'
Eve took a deep breath.
'I feel much better. Now, I have to be getting home.'
Tony just stared at her.
'Now, Tony! I'm not in the mood to play any games!'
Tony smiled.
'You're beautiful when you're angry.'
'Tony!'
'Why are you transferring to another hospital? Is it to get away from Julian?'
Eve clamped her lips shut. How did he find that out?!
Eve came all the way into the room. She didn't want to give Tony any false hope about the two of them. They could never be together. Too much had happened.
'Tony, I'm pregnant. Pregnant with Julian's child.'
Tony said nothing. He was of course, devastated. But he said nothing.
'And,' Eve continued, not caring if she exposed Julian's scheme to get his fortune back. 'I don't think Julian is going to be there for me. I don't want to go through this pregnancy lying to someone about being their mother and all of the crap that goes with the Crane fortune. I never wanted it. I just wanted Julian. He wants the fortune and me.'
Tony eyed her. He then stood up.
'And it is your impression that if he had to choose, it would be his money over you? Correct?'
Eve sighed.
'I don't even know why I'm telling you this.'
Tony walked up to her and put his hands on her shoulders.
'You're telling me this, because you can't tell it to the father of your child. Eve, running away is not the answer.'
'I'm not running! I don't know why everyone keeps saying that! I just need to be by myself. I need to focus on this baby.'
Tony's eyes swept over her.
'This pregnancy is taking a lot out of you, isn't it?'
Eve turned away.
'It has been harder than the others. I just can't deal with all that goes along with being pregnant, and schemes and lies. I've lived that way all of my life. There are things that I have done, that I still haven't atoned for. I just don't want anymore. Now, I have to get home.'
Tony nodded quickly.
'I'll drive you myself, Eve. I wasn't trying to trick you, but you fell asleep as soon as you got into my car. I just didn't have the heart to wake you, and ask you for instructions as to how to get to your apartment.'
Eve looked down. That seemed probable.
Tony's hands slid off of her shoulders.
'Please, let me be here for you, as a friend, during this time?'
Eve sighed again.
'I don't know, Tony...'
'Let me prove to you that I am the good man you once knew and loved?'
'I never loved you, Tony.'
Tony raised a brow.
'Never? Then I didn't hear you tell me you loved me, that night of our dinner?'
Eve looked him up and down.
'I thought you were unconscious!'
'Not the entire time.' he said softly.
Eve was distinctly uncomfortable.
'I loved the man I thought you were.'
Tony decided to leave it at that. He smiled at her.
'Let me get my car keys, and then we'll be on our way.'
Eve nodded, her eyes sweeping over the decor. Tony left the room, then stopped to pause in the hallway.
Granted, the pregnancy angle was a little unexpected, but that did not mean he was out of the game. Julian Crane had allowed a serious rift to develop between himself and Eve. It was also clear that Eve was leaving town because she didn't want Julian to even know she was pregnant. It couldn't get any worse than that.
Tony realized it was in his best interests to let her leave town. He would then 'pop in' every now and then to check up on her. But his true intention was show her the man she did once love. Eve would still become his Countess, but, she would just bring another man's child to their union. Tony shrugged. He liked children. And he would be more than happy, to raise Julian Crane's child as if he or she, were his very own.
