Chapter 6
Whitney finds out about Chad. Julian makes a suggestion to Eve.
Fox awoke in his room at the Crane Apartments, very frustrated. For while he was thrilled that Whitney had come as far as she did in the competition, Whitney was required to room with two other girls in a hotel in Beverly Hills, where the other Idol contestants were staying. Thus, he had slept alone.
He yawned, and came out of his room in pajama pants. Fox was glad that Austin and Teresa weren't up yet. He wasn't in the mood to hide how much he despised Austin from Teresa, so early in the morning.
Fox also couldn't understand why it was taking Austin so long to make a move on the lovely Ms. Lopez-Fitzgerald. Probably because he was pathetic!
Fox yawned again, and opened the front door to pick up his paper. Maybe there was something about the competition in the paper.
Fox closed the door and walked over to the couch. He flopped down, put his feet up, and opened the paper. The urge to yawn again disappeared. He couldn't believe what he was seeing!
The headline read 'IDOL CONTESTANT'S EX-LOVER KILLS HIMSELF!'.
'Christ!' Fox hissed, reading the article. It was now public knowledge that Julian had not only got Chad to sign back over his fortune to him, but that there had been a 'mistake' at the DNA lab. Chad had apparently crashed a mercedes through the Crane mansion, in some sort of suicide attempt.
At least, Fox thought, Whitney didn't have to go through the humiliation of people saying she slept with her own brother! But still, he needed to get to her over at the hotel and tell her the news about Chad himself. Fox had a bad feeling it was too late already.
Fox clutched the paper and ran to Teresa's room. He knocked once, then threw open the door. Teresa was still asleep. Fox ran into the room, hopped on the bed, and shook Teresa awake!
Teresa sat up immediately, sniffing.
'What? What is it?'
He handed her the paper. Teresa yawned, rubbed one eye, then stared at the headline. She immediately stopped yawning!
'Chad is dead?! Jesus Christ! What the hell...'
She stopped and continued reading. She then looked at Chad and threw the paper at his chest!
'What???'
'What is this crap about how there was a 'mistake' made at the lab? There was no mistake, not if Julian is involved! Did you know about what your father was pulling on Chad?'
Fox jumped up off of the bed.
'Chad had no business accepting that inheritance from Alistair. We told him that it wasn't meant to be. My father would've paid him off handsomely to just go away.'
Teresa jumped up as well!
'Chad wanted parents, Fox! He killed himself because he was devastated that he'd been lied to!'
Teresa turned and picked up the paper again. Tears were beginning to form in her eyes.
'Good God! Dr. Russell is pregnant...it says here she was hurt when Chad crashed his car into the house! Fox, we have to get to Whitney!'
'If this is in the paper already, then it's probably too late!'
Teresa walked up to Fox.
'It may be too late to tell her the news, but we can be with her. She may have chosen to marry you, but, Chad was her first love. She's going to be devastated!'
Austin suddenly came yawning into the room. He cast a suspicious eye on Fox. What the hell was he doing in Teresa's room?
Teresa walked up to him.
'We have to get over to Whitney's hotel right away! Chad is dead!'
'What?!' Austin cried, instantly waking up. Fox picked up the paper and tossed it to him. Austin sat down on Teresa's bed and began to read. Teresa looked through her closet for something to wear.
After a couple of moments, Austin flung down the paper, then slowly stood up and faced Fox.
'Did you know Julian was lying about being Chad's real father?'
Fox cleared his throat.
'First of all, it doesn't say anywhere that my father lied. There was a mistake at the DNA lab. When my father came clean to Chad about it, he flipped out! What was my father supposed to do, lie to Chad? It wouldn't have been ethical!'
The phone in the outer room rang. Austin pointed a finger at Fox, then hurried out of Teresa's room to answer it.
Teresa found a blue tube top dress, then turned and looked at Fox.
'You'd better go and get dressed!'
Fox nodded. Teresa ran past him into her bathroom. Fox walked out of her bedroom, and loitered in the hallway, so he could eavesdrop on Austin's call.
****
'Mom, I'm fine!'
'Sweetie, just watch your back around Fox Crane!'
'Mom the paper said Chad killed himself and...'
'Austin don't be naive! Poor Chad just happened to kill himself AFTER he 'signed' away his fortune to Julian! You couldn't pay me to believe that he was that distraught after learning that pig was not his biological father! He should've been weeping for joy!'
Austin rubbed his eyes.
'What are you saying, Mom?'
'I'm saying that the police have not officially ruled it a suicide, honey! For all anyone knows, Julian could've killed Chad, or forged his signature, who knows!'
'Mom, don't you think that's a little far-fetched?'
'Honey, when will you learn? Look, Victor wants to meet with you in Salem today! You get on the Crane jet and get back here. Julian and Fox are going to be coming after you next. And now that Julian has taken care of Chad, how much do you want to bet that Fox will try something underhanded as well with you!'
Austin was about to speak again, when he saw Fox out of the corner of his eye.
'I'll talk to you later, Mom. I have to go.'
'Austin! Be careful, and get back to Salem!'
'I will, goodbye.'
Austin hung up, then turned and faced Fox. Fox boldly walked into the room.
'Talking to mommy?' Fox asked snidely.
Austin rolled his tongue around in his mouth before answering.
'I need to take the plane back to Salem today. I'll send it back for the rest of you to use at your disposal.'
'Thanks. That's so kind of you to offer me my family's plane.'
Austin folded his arms.
'You still can't accept what happened, can you?'
Fox walked up to him.
'It didn't take a genius to figure out that while Alistair was getting back at my father and I, he seriously didn't mean for the likes of yourself, and Chad Harris to run Crane Industries. He despised idiots and non-whites, poor people, etc.'
'So I would fall under the idiot category, hey?'
Fox shrugged.
'You said it! Listen, I have to get dressed and go see Whitney. Let me issue you a warning: running off to see step-daddy dearest, isn't going to help you keep what was never yours in the first place.'
Austin glared at him.
'I'm not going to let you do to me, what you did to Chad.'
'What did I do to Chad? He signed his share over fair and square.'
'If it was so 'fair and square' as you put it, Chad wouldn't be dead.' Austin finished. He then moved past Fox, bumping him. Fox let it go and rolled his eyes. He then turned and walked back towards his room, slamming the door. He took out his cell phone and dialed Julian's number.
****
Julian was out on a terrace at the hospital, staring out at Harmony, when his cell rang. He moved away from a woman in a wheelchair to answer it.
'Hello?'
'Father, what the hell is going on there?'
Julian looked around him before speaking.
'A bloody tiring mess! Chad opened up my mail and found the papers. I admitted everything and he signed them anyway!'
'Are you kidding me? Why? You would think he would've known he could get more revenge by just keeping his share of our money?'
'Fox, he was so hurt...I don't think he cared about the money. He was just happy that he had parents...even for a brief while.'
'Father, you can't fall apart here...'
'I'm not falling apart, Fox! But I am concerned at how this is all affecting Eve.'
'Yeah! The paper said that the car hit her or something?'
'Good God! Journalists are such idiots! No, the mercedes neither touched myself or Eve, but the stress of seeing Chad dead, has put the babies in danger.'
'Babies? She's carrying twins or something?'
'Yes, and all of these questions surrounding Chad's death, are adding additional stress to her.'
'Does she blame you, Father? I mean, she never wanted to go along with this in the first place.'
Julian pursed her lips.
'She hasn't said much, to anyone really. She's mostly been sleeping. Last night, I had to hustle Simone, who is even more of a brat than ever, and Tony DiMera out of her room!'
'What the hell was DiMera doing there?' Fox asked.
'Trying to score points, what else?' Julian sniffed contemptuously.
'Father, I'm worried about how Whitney is going to take the news...specifically if she's going to blame me.'
Julian sighed deeply.
'Fox, I don't know what to tell you. Neither Eve or Whitney really approved of what we did to Chad. I'm sure we'll have to take some flack for it...you'll just have to see how she is.'
Fox said nothing. That was not reassuring.
'Alright, well I have to get to her. It's all over the papers here and they've linked Whitney with Chad.'
'Good God! Call me if you need any help with damage control. I'm going to the office to see what I can do from there.'
'Okay. Keep me updated. Goodbye, Father.'
'Goodbye, Fox.'
Julian hung up, then began walking back into the hospital. Sheridan stepped into his path.
'Oh, Sheridan! Thank you for coming!'
Sheridan hugged him. Julian held her for a long time. Sheridan finally broke off the embrace.
'How is Eve holding up?'
'She seems fine today.' Julian said, breathing in deeply.
'Julian, I need to know, was there really a mistake at the DNA lab, or did you lie to Chad about being his father?'
'Why are you asking?'
'Because, I can't help but think back to when Father's will was read, and how shortly after, Eve moved out of the house. Everyone thought she was just having a hard time accepting Chad as her son, because of the repercussions to Whitney. But now I have to wonder...'
'Well don't. I did not know. I wish I had. Then maybe Chad wouldn't have done this.'
Sheridan nodded. She had decided she was going to take her brother at his word. Unfortunately, Luis would not.
'Well I'm here for you. What do you need?' Sheridan asked.
Julian took her hands in his and held them.
'Just sit with Eve. Tell me if anything changes. Her family is here, but I doubt they'd have the common courtesy to keep me updated on what was going on with Eve, or the babies.'
Sheridan nodded and hugged him again. She hoped Julian would be a better father to these twins, than he had been to Little Ethan, Fox or his other children. But then again, Julian loved Eve. He hadn't loved Ivy or Teresa. Maybe that made all of the difference.
****
Eve awoke, then sat up gingerly. She had hoped the previous night had been nothing but a bad dream. Now she knew it wasn't.
She still wondered what all that commotion was about last night in here? Eve awoke to find Julian shoving Simone and Tony out of her room. She sighed. She wished Simone and Julian got along better.
Eve heard a noise near the door and looked over there. Tony peeked his head in.
'Can I come in?' he asked.
Eve nodded. Tony walked in with roses. She smiled.
'Those are a sight for sore eyes. Thank you, but you should leave. I don't know where Julian is right now, or when he will be back.'
'Well, I'll make it quick.' Tony answered, but he did pull up a chair. He didn't care if Julian found him there or not.
'How have you been?' he asked.
'Oh, Dr. Parks says everything seems okay, for now. I'm having twins.'
Tony's eyes widened!
'Is that why this pregnancy has been so hard for you?'
'Well, Dr. Parks didn't say that...but I'm sure it's one factor.'
'Actually, Eve, I was referring to what happened with Chad.'
Eve looked away. She then spoke, not making eye contact with Tony.
'It was so horrible! So horrible...I tried to tell him that I never said I was his mother...but he reminded me that I never told him WHY I wasn't his mother. The look he gave me...'
'You mean, you never told him exactly what Julian was up to?'
Eve looked at him again and nodded.
'Eve, you were caught between a rock and a hard place. To have told Chad what Julian was doing, would have been betraying the father of your child. You did what you could by not living in the mansion and playing out the charade.'
Eve sniffed.
'I know, but I dreamt about him all night. I should've done better by him.'
'Julian, should not have put you in this position in the first place.'
Eve sighed.
'Who am I to judge Julian? I've told so many lies and hurt so many people...I can't get mad at him.'
Tony raised a brow.
'Who else have you hurt, Eve?'
Julian, who had overheard the last part, entered the room. He cleared his throat loudly. Sheridan went off to call Luis and tell him she would be at the hospital with Eve.
Eve looked over at him. Tony slowly turned around and grinned at Julian. Julian ignored Tony and walked over to the other side of Eve's bed.
'How are you feeling?' he asked.
Eve nodded.
'Better. Tony was just coming by to see how I was...'
Her voice trailed off. No matter what she said, Eve knew it did not look good that he was here.
Tony stood up.
'I just brought Eve fresh flowers, to cheer her up. I think I'll be on my way now.'
Julian eyed the flowers, making a mental note to throw them away while Eve was asleep! It was also in the back of his mind to speak with John Hastings. He didn't like the bond that was forming between Simone and DiMera. It would hurt the girl and keep DiMera in their lives, in the long run. And Julian got the distinct impression, that that was the point.
Julian and Eve watched as Tony left. Eve looked up at Julian.
'Thank you for not going off of the deep end.'
Julian pulled up a chair and sat down.
'When do I go off 'the deep end' as you put it?'
Eve smiled at him weakly, but said nothing. Julian picked up her hand.
'I heard what you said to DiMera there. Thank you.'
Eve squeezed his hand.
'I meant it. I know you didn't want things to end this way. But I am worried about Whitney. She may be engaged to Fox, but I know my daughter, and Chad was her first love. She'll be devastated.'
'Fox will have to deal with that. He will help her get through this. I want to help you deal with our problems. We're having twins, Eve. I have never been happier.'
Eve gave him a full fledged smile. She could see that he was pleased. That made her happy.
'I can tell.' she said, letting go of his hand and touching his cheek.
'But, I'm worried about you...and what Chad's death is going to mean. I've already called the Crane lawyers. Neither Sam or Luis is going to bother you during this time.'
'Julian, the police have to account for his death.'
'And they will, just without bothering you. I don't want you re-living what happened. It isn't good for the babies. I can't believe he did that, Eve! If we had been in the hallway, there's no telling what might have happened to you!'
Eve continued to stroke his cheek.
'Now look who's getting upset.'
Julian shook his head. He reached up and removed her hand from his face.
'I'm serious, Eve. I want to run something by you.'
'Okay, what?'
'I want us to leave town, and come back when the babies are born.'
Eve squinted at him.
'Julian...I can't just leave my family and...oh, I don't know...'
'Eve, listen to me. Dr. Parks thinks avoiding stress is the key here. And things are not going to get better around here for a long while. And with DiMera lurking around here...I just think we need to get away.'
Eve said nothing for the longest moment. She couldn't lie. It would help if she could just forget about everything that went with living in Harmony.
'Where did you have in mind that we go?' Eve asked.
Julian breathed a sigh of relief.
'Someplace in the Midwest, I'll find us somewhere, not to worry. Depending on how Whitney does in the 'American Idol' thing, I would give Fox the responsibility of looking after our half of the Crane fortune. That would mean his coming back here and assuming my place at Crane Industries.'
'I don't want to do anything that might disrupt Whitney and Fox's relationship.'
'Neither do I, darling! Believe me, if it might cause an iota of trouble, I'll find someone else to step in. The important thing is you, the babies, and us.'
Eve stared at him a moment, then nodded. Julian leaned over to kiss her cheek.
'Good! Now, I have to leave you to do some damage control. So, I've called Sheridan in. She will stay here with you.'
'You didn't have to do that! Sheridan has a busy enough schedule as it is!'
'She wants to help us, Eve. We don't have that many people in our corner, as it is. Besides, you two will be sisters-in-law very soon. You can get to know all of the Crane family's secrets.'
Eve smiled as Julian kissed her on the cheek again, then left the room. Crane family secrets? Those were something she didn't want to know anymore about! For once upon a time, she was one!
****
BEVERLY HILLS HOTEL
Paula Abdul held Whitney has she sobbed. The producers had asked to see her early that morning. They were the ones that broke the news to her about Chad's death.
Paula rubbed her back.
'Honey, I am so sorry.'
Whitney sniffed. Paula handed her a kleenex.
'I don't think I can go on in this competition!' Whitney squeaked, blowing her nose.
'Well, honey, that's up to you. But you told me that Chad was a big believer in your singing, didn't you?'
Whitney's mind went back to that day in Bermuda, when Chad had snidely told her that her singing wasn't that good!
'I guess.' Whitney answered dully.
'Do you think that he'd want you to give up your dreams?'
'Paula, this isn't just about an old boyfriend being dead! I knew he wasn't my brother and I tried to tell him that! But he didn't want to listen! And he didn't want to listen because he thought I was squashing his dreams! All he ever wanted, was to know where he came from! He must've been more devastated than anyone realized!'
Whitney began to bawl again. Paula was beginning to get upset herself! She didn't understand all that Whitney was telling her, but it sounded like there was more to this Chad Harris's death, than was being reported!
She looked behind her and saw Simon Cowell standing in a doorway. He met Paula's eyes and walked in.
'Paula, her fiancee and friends are here. Could you go and get him? Maybe escort them back here?'
'Why don't you do it?' Paula asked. She didn't want to leave Whitney alone with this unfeeling parasite! There was no telling what rude things he might say!
'Just go, Paula. I would like to speak to Whitney, alone.'
Paula shook her head and stood up. She walked up to him.
'If I find out you've said anything to upset her any further...'
'You'll what? Do you really think I would be that thoughtless? Never mind! Don't answer that! I'm hurt and appalled that you would think that!'
'You can be as hurt and appalled as you like, Simon. I'm just saying, don't make her feel any worse than she already does.'
Paula then walked out. Simon walked over to Whitney and sat down next to her. Whitney sniffed, suddenly feeling uncomfortable.
'How are you holding up?' he asked, reaching out to stroke her hair. Whitney stiffened up.
'I've had better days. Look, I was telling Paula that maybe I should leave the competition. I mean, I don't want to embarrass the competition with my scandal.'
'Nonsense! And it is not 'your scandal'. There was no way you could have known any of this was going to happen.'
Simon stopped touching Whitney's hair. Whitney was relieved.
'I think you have what it takes to go far in this competition. I overheard what Paula was saying to you. I would think that this Chad, fellow, wherever he is now, would be vastly disappointed in you, if you dropped out now.'
Whitney looked at Simon. He had almost sounded sincere.
'Do you really think so?'
Simon nodded, and reached out to stroke her arm now. His touch raised the hair on the back of Whitney's neck. But, she assumed that Simon Cowell was just a touchy-feely type of man. Whitney decided to just let him rub on her.
'Ah, here comes your fiancee...what is his name again?'
'Fox, Fox Crane.'
Whitney stood up and turned to see Fox, Teresa and Austin hurrying towards her. Whitney ran into Fox's arms. She began to cry again. Fox held her tightly, while his eyes met Cowell's. Simon smiled at him.
Fox had witnessed that arm-stroking thing Cowell was doing to Whitney! He didn't like Cowell(who did?) and he especially didn't appreciate him taking advantage of Whitney when she was this vulnerable! Fox stroked her hair. Teresa reached out and touched Whitney's hair as well.
Austin turned away. He would now have to deal with Julian Crane, one on one.
Whitney finds out about Chad. Julian makes a suggestion to Eve.
Fox awoke in his room at the Crane Apartments, very frustrated. For while he was thrilled that Whitney had come as far as she did in the competition, Whitney was required to room with two other girls in a hotel in Beverly Hills, where the other Idol contestants were staying. Thus, he had slept alone.
He yawned, and came out of his room in pajama pants. Fox was glad that Austin and Teresa weren't up yet. He wasn't in the mood to hide how much he despised Austin from Teresa, so early in the morning.
Fox also couldn't understand why it was taking Austin so long to make a move on the lovely Ms. Lopez-Fitzgerald. Probably because he was pathetic!
Fox yawned again, and opened the front door to pick up his paper. Maybe there was something about the competition in the paper.
Fox closed the door and walked over to the couch. He flopped down, put his feet up, and opened the paper. The urge to yawn again disappeared. He couldn't believe what he was seeing!
The headline read 'IDOL CONTESTANT'S EX-LOVER KILLS HIMSELF!'.
'Christ!' Fox hissed, reading the article. It was now public knowledge that Julian had not only got Chad to sign back over his fortune to him, but that there had been a 'mistake' at the DNA lab. Chad had apparently crashed a mercedes through the Crane mansion, in some sort of suicide attempt.
At least, Fox thought, Whitney didn't have to go through the humiliation of people saying she slept with her own brother! But still, he needed to get to her over at the hotel and tell her the news about Chad himself. Fox had a bad feeling it was too late already.
Fox clutched the paper and ran to Teresa's room. He knocked once, then threw open the door. Teresa was still asleep. Fox ran into the room, hopped on the bed, and shook Teresa awake!
Teresa sat up immediately, sniffing.
'What? What is it?'
He handed her the paper. Teresa yawned, rubbed one eye, then stared at the headline. She immediately stopped yawning!
'Chad is dead?! Jesus Christ! What the hell...'
She stopped and continued reading. She then looked at Chad and threw the paper at his chest!
'What???'
'What is this crap about how there was a 'mistake' made at the lab? There was no mistake, not if Julian is involved! Did you know about what your father was pulling on Chad?'
Fox jumped up off of the bed.
'Chad had no business accepting that inheritance from Alistair. We told him that it wasn't meant to be. My father would've paid him off handsomely to just go away.'
Teresa jumped up as well!
'Chad wanted parents, Fox! He killed himself because he was devastated that he'd been lied to!'
Teresa turned and picked up the paper again. Tears were beginning to form in her eyes.
'Good God! Dr. Russell is pregnant...it says here she was hurt when Chad crashed his car into the house! Fox, we have to get to Whitney!'
'If this is in the paper already, then it's probably too late!'
Teresa walked up to Fox.
'It may be too late to tell her the news, but we can be with her. She may have chosen to marry you, but, Chad was her first love. She's going to be devastated!'
Austin suddenly came yawning into the room. He cast a suspicious eye on Fox. What the hell was he doing in Teresa's room?
Teresa walked up to him.
'We have to get over to Whitney's hotel right away! Chad is dead!'
'What?!' Austin cried, instantly waking up. Fox picked up the paper and tossed it to him. Austin sat down on Teresa's bed and began to read. Teresa looked through her closet for something to wear.
After a couple of moments, Austin flung down the paper, then slowly stood up and faced Fox.
'Did you know Julian was lying about being Chad's real father?'
Fox cleared his throat.
'First of all, it doesn't say anywhere that my father lied. There was a mistake at the DNA lab. When my father came clean to Chad about it, he flipped out! What was my father supposed to do, lie to Chad? It wouldn't have been ethical!'
The phone in the outer room rang. Austin pointed a finger at Fox, then hurried out of Teresa's room to answer it.
Teresa found a blue tube top dress, then turned and looked at Fox.
'You'd better go and get dressed!'
Fox nodded. Teresa ran past him into her bathroom. Fox walked out of her bedroom, and loitered in the hallway, so he could eavesdrop on Austin's call.
****
'Mom, I'm fine!'
'Sweetie, just watch your back around Fox Crane!'
'Mom the paper said Chad killed himself and...'
'Austin don't be naive! Poor Chad just happened to kill himself AFTER he 'signed' away his fortune to Julian! You couldn't pay me to believe that he was that distraught after learning that pig was not his biological father! He should've been weeping for joy!'
Austin rubbed his eyes.
'What are you saying, Mom?'
'I'm saying that the police have not officially ruled it a suicide, honey! For all anyone knows, Julian could've killed Chad, or forged his signature, who knows!'
'Mom, don't you think that's a little far-fetched?'
'Honey, when will you learn? Look, Victor wants to meet with you in Salem today! You get on the Crane jet and get back here. Julian and Fox are going to be coming after you next. And now that Julian has taken care of Chad, how much do you want to bet that Fox will try something underhanded as well with you!'
Austin was about to speak again, when he saw Fox out of the corner of his eye.
'I'll talk to you later, Mom. I have to go.'
'Austin! Be careful, and get back to Salem!'
'I will, goodbye.'
Austin hung up, then turned and faced Fox. Fox boldly walked into the room.
'Talking to mommy?' Fox asked snidely.
Austin rolled his tongue around in his mouth before answering.
'I need to take the plane back to Salem today. I'll send it back for the rest of you to use at your disposal.'
'Thanks. That's so kind of you to offer me my family's plane.'
Austin folded his arms.
'You still can't accept what happened, can you?'
Fox walked up to him.
'It didn't take a genius to figure out that while Alistair was getting back at my father and I, he seriously didn't mean for the likes of yourself, and Chad Harris to run Crane Industries. He despised idiots and non-whites, poor people, etc.'
'So I would fall under the idiot category, hey?'
Fox shrugged.
'You said it! Listen, I have to get dressed and go see Whitney. Let me issue you a warning: running off to see step-daddy dearest, isn't going to help you keep what was never yours in the first place.'
Austin glared at him.
'I'm not going to let you do to me, what you did to Chad.'
'What did I do to Chad? He signed his share over fair and square.'
'If it was so 'fair and square' as you put it, Chad wouldn't be dead.' Austin finished. He then moved past Fox, bumping him. Fox let it go and rolled his eyes. He then turned and walked back towards his room, slamming the door. He took out his cell phone and dialed Julian's number.
****
Julian was out on a terrace at the hospital, staring out at Harmony, when his cell rang. He moved away from a woman in a wheelchair to answer it.
'Hello?'
'Father, what the hell is going on there?'
Julian looked around him before speaking.
'A bloody tiring mess! Chad opened up my mail and found the papers. I admitted everything and he signed them anyway!'
'Are you kidding me? Why? You would think he would've known he could get more revenge by just keeping his share of our money?'
'Fox, he was so hurt...I don't think he cared about the money. He was just happy that he had parents...even for a brief while.'
'Father, you can't fall apart here...'
'I'm not falling apart, Fox! But I am concerned at how this is all affecting Eve.'
'Yeah! The paper said that the car hit her or something?'
'Good God! Journalists are such idiots! No, the mercedes neither touched myself or Eve, but the stress of seeing Chad dead, has put the babies in danger.'
'Babies? She's carrying twins or something?'
'Yes, and all of these questions surrounding Chad's death, are adding additional stress to her.'
'Does she blame you, Father? I mean, she never wanted to go along with this in the first place.'
Julian pursed her lips.
'She hasn't said much, to anyone really. She's mostly been sleeping. Last night, I had to hustle Simone, who is even more of a brat than ever, and Tony DiMera out of her room!'
'What the hell was DiMera doing there?' Fox asked.
'Trying to score points, what else?' Julian sniffed contemptuously.
'Father, I'm worried about how Whitney is going to take the news...specifically if she's going to blame me.'
Julian sighed deeply.
'Fox, I don't know what to tell you. Neither Eve or Whitney really approved of what we did to Chad. I'm sure we'll have to take some flack for it...you'll just have to see how she is.'
Fox said nothing. That was not reassuring.
'Alright, well I have to get to her. It's all over the papers here and they've linked Whitney with Chad.'
'Good God! Call me if you need any help with damage control. I'm going to the office to see what I can do from there.'
'Okay. Keep me updated. Goodbye, Father.'
'Goodbye, Fox.'
Julian hung up, then began walking back into the hospital. Sheridan stepped into his path.
'Oh, Sheridan! Thank you for coming!'
Sheridan hugged him. Julian held her for a long time. Sheridan finally broke off the embrace.
'How is Eve holding up?'
'She seems fine today.' Julian said, breathing in deeply.
'Julian, I need to know, was there really a mistake at the DNA lab, or did you lie to Chad about being his father?'
'Why are you asking?'
'Because, I can't help but think back to when Father's will was read, and how shortly after, Eve moved out of the house. Everyone thought she was just having a hard time accepting Chad as her son, because of the repercussions to Whitney. But now I have to wonder...'
'Well don't. I did not know. I wish I had. Then maybe Chad wouldn't have done this.'
Sheridan nodded. She had decided she was going to take her brother at his word. Unfortunately, Luis would not.
'Well I'm here for you. What do you need?' Sheridan asked.
Julian took her hands in his and held them.
'Just sit with Eve. Tell me if anything changes. Her family is here, but I doubt they'd have the common courtesy to keep me updated on what was going on with Eve, or the babies.'
Sheridan nodded and hugged him again. She hoped Julian would be a better father to these twins, than he had been to Little Ethan, Fox or his other children. But then again, Julian loved Eve. He hadn't loved Ivy or Teresa. Maybe that made all of the difference.
****
Eve awoke, then sat up gingerly. She had hoped the previous night had been nothing but a bad dream. Now she knew it wasn't.
She still wondered what all that commotion was about last night in here? Eve awoke to find Julian shoving Simone and Tony out of her room. She sighed. She wished Simone and Julian got along better.
Eve heard a noise near the door and looked over there. Tony peeked his head in.
'Can I come in?' he asked.
Eve nodded. Tony walked in with roses. She smiled.
'Those are a sight for sore eyes. Thank you, but you should leave. I don't know where Julian is right now, or when he will be back.'
'Well, I'll make it quick.' Tony answered, but he did pull up a chair. He didn't care if Julian found him there or not.
'How have you been?' he asked.
'Oh, Dr. Parks says everything seems okay, for now. I'm having twins.'
Tony's eyes widened!
'Is that why this pregnancy has been so hard for you?'
'Well, Dr. Parks didn't say that...but I'm sure it's one factor.'
'Actually, Eve, I was referring to what happened with Chad.'
Eve looked away. She then spoke, not making eye contact with Tony.
'It was so horrible! So horrible...I tried to tell him that I never said I was his mother...but he reminded me that I never told him WHY I wasn't his mother. The look he gave me...'
'You mean, you never told him exactly what Julian was up to?'
Eve looked at him again and nodded.
'Eve, you were caught between a rock and a hard place. To have told Chad what Julian was doing, would have been betraying the father of your child. You did what you could by not living in the mansion and playing out the charade.'
Eve sniffed.
'I know, but I dreamt about him all night. I should've done better by him.'
'Julian, should not have put you in this position in the first place.'
Eve sighed.
'Who am I to judge Julian? I've told so many lies and hurt so many people...I can't get mad at him.'
Tony raised a brow.
'Who else have you hurt, Eve?'
Julian, who had overheard the last part, entered the room. He cleared his throat loudly. Sheridan went off to call Luis and tell him she would be at the hospital with Eve.
Eve looked over at him. Tony slowly turned around and grinned at Julian. Julian ignored Tony and walked over to the other side of Eve's bed.
'How are you feeling?' he asked.
Eve nodded.
'Better. Tony was just coming by to see how I was...'
Her voice trailed off. No matter what she said, Eve knew it did not look good that he was here.
Tony stood up.
'I just brought Eve fresh flowers, to cheer her up. I think I'll be on my way now.'
Julian eyed the flowers, making a mental note to throw them away while Eve was asleep! It was also in the back of his mind to speak with John Hastings. He didn't like the bond that was forming between Simone and DiMera. It would hurt the girl and keep DiMera in their lives, in the long run. And Julian got the distinct impression, that that was the point.
Julian and Eve watched as Tony left. Eve looked up at Julian.
'Thank you for not going off of the deep end.'
Julian pulled up a chair and sat down.
'When do I go off 'the deep end' as you put it?'
Eve smiled at him weakly, but said nothing. Julian picked up her hand.
'I heard what you said to DiMera there. Thank you.'
Eve squeezed his hand.
'I meant it. I know you didn't want things to end this way. But I am worried about Whitney. She may be engaged to Fox, but I know my daughter, and Chad was her first love. She'll be devastated.'
'Fox will have to deal with that. He will help her get through this. I want to help you deal with our problems. We're having twins, Eve. I have never been happier.'
Eve gave him a full fledged smile. She could see that he was pleased. That made her happy.
'I can tell.' she said, letting go of his hand and touching his cheek.
'But, I'm worried about you...and what Chad's death is going to mean. I've already called the Crane lawyers. Neither Sam or Luis is going to bother you during this time.'
'Julian, the police have to account for his death.'
'And they will, just without bothering you. I don't want you re-living what happened. It isn't good for the babies. I can't believe he did that, Eve! If we had been in the hallway, there's no telling what might have happened to you!'
Eve continued to stroke his cheek.
'Now look who's getting upset.'
Julian shook his head. He reached up and removed her hand from his face.
'I'm serious, Eve. I want to run something by you.'
'Okay, what?'
'I want us to leave town, and come back when the babies are born.'
Eve squinted at him.
'Julian...I can't just leave my family and...oh, I don't know...'
'Eve, listen to me. Dr. Parks thinks avoiding stress is the key here. And things are not going to get better around here for a long while. And with DiMera lurking around here...I just think we need to get away.'
Eve said nothing for the longest moment. She couldn't lie. It would help if she could just forget about everything that went with living in Harmony.
'Where did you have in mind that we go?' Eve asked.
Julian breathed a sigh of relief.
'Someplace in the Midwest, I'll find us somewhere, not to worry. Depending on how Whitney does in the 'American Idol' thing, I would give Fox the responsibility of looking after our half of the Crane fortune. That would mean his coming back here and assuming my place at Crane Industries.'
'I don't want to do anything that might disrupt Whitney and Fox's relationship.'
'Neither do I, darling! Believe me, if it might cause an iota of trouble, I'll find someone else to step in. The important thing is you, the babies, and us.'
Eve stared at him a moment, then nodded. Julian leaned over to kiss her cheek.
'Good! Now, I have to leave you to do some damage control. So, I've called Sheridan in. She will stay here with you.'
'You didn't have to do that! Sheridan has a busy enough schedule as it is!'
'She wants to help us, Eve. We don't have that many people in our corner, as it is. Besides, you two will be sisters-in-law very soon. You can get to know all of the Crane family's secrets.'
Eve smiled as Julian kissed her on the cheek again, then left the room. Crane family secrets? Those were something she didn't want to know anymore about! For once upon a time, she was one!
****
BEVERLY HILLS HOTEL
Paula Abdul held Whitney has she sobbed. The producers had asked to see her early that morning. They were the ones that broke the news to her about Chad's death.
Paula rubbed her back.
'Honey, I am so sorry.'
Whitney sniffed. Paula handed her a kleenex.
'I don't think I can go on in this competition!' Whitney squeaked, blowing her nose.
'Well, honey, that's up to you. But you told me that Chad was a big believer in your singing, didn't you?'
Whitney's mind went back to that day in Bermuda, when Chad had snidely told her that her singing wasn't that good!
'I guess.' Whitney answered dully.
'Do you think that he'd want you to give up your dreams?'
'Paula, this isn't just about an old boyfriend being dead! I knew he wasn't my brother and I tried to tell him that! But he didn't want to listen! And he didn't want to listen because he thought I was squashing his dreams! All he ever wanted, was to know where he came from! He must've been more devastated than anyone realized!'
Whitney began to bawl again. Paula was beginning to get upset herself! She didn't understand all that Whitney was telling her, but it sounded like there was more to this Chad Harris's death, than was being reported!
She looked behind her and saw Simon Cowell standing in a doorway. He met Paula's eyes and walked in.
'Paula, her fiancee and friends are here. Could you go and get him? Maybe escort them back here?'
'Why don't you do it?' Paula asked. She didn't want to leave Whitney alone with this unfeeling parasite! There was no telling what rude things he might say!
'Just go, Paula. I would like to speak to Whitney, alone.'
Paula shook her head and stood up. She walked up to him.
'If I find out you've said anything to upset her any further...'
'You'll what? Do you really think I would be that thoughtless? Never mind! Don't answer that! I'm hurt and appalled that you would think that!'
'You can be as hurt and appalled as you like, Simon. I'm just saying, don't make her feel any worse than she already does.'
Paula then walked out. Simon walked over to Whitney and sat down next to her. Whitney sniffed, suddenly feeling uncomfortable.
'How are you holding up?' he asked, reaching out to stroke her hair. Whitney stiffened up.
'I've had better days. Look, I was telling Paula that maybe I should leave the competition. I mean, I don't want to embarrass the competition with my scandal.'
'Nonsense! And it is not 'your scandal'. There was no way you could have known any of this was going to happen.'
Simon stopped touching Whitney's hair. Whitney was relieved.
'I think you have what it takes to go far in this competition. I overheard what Paula was saying to you. I would think that this Chad, fellow, wherever he is now, would be vastly disappointed in you, if you dropped out now.'
Whitney looked at Simon. He had almost sounded sincere.
'Do you really think so?'
Simon nodded, and reached out to stroke her arm now. His touch raised the hair on the back of Whitney's neck. But, she assumed that Simon Cowell was just a touchy-feely type of man. Whitney decided to just let him rub on her.
'Ah, here comes your fiancee...what is his name again?'
'Fox, Fox Crane.'
Whitney stood up and turned to see Fox, Teresa and Austin hurrying towards her. Whitney ran into Fox's arms. She began to cry again. Fox held her tightly, while his eyes met Cowell's. Simon smiled at him.
Fox had witnessed that arm-stroking thing Cowell was doing to Whitney! He didn't like Cowell(who did?) and he especially didn't appreciate him taking advantage of Whitney when she was this vulnerable! Fox stroked her hair. Teresa reached out and touched Whitney's hair as well.
Austin turned away. He would now have to deal with Julian Crane, one on one.
