XX.

Darkness was the only thing she saw for the past two weeks, while the voices of loved ones she cared for the most were the only sounds she could hear. Slowly, her mind and body were drifting farther away from each other despite her desperate attempts to cling on. Her body, unable to survive very long without her mind, gradually wasted away. Day by day, her thoughts became more muddled and almost undistinguishable to her due to the medication running through her system. She tried to make sense of the things that people at her bedside would tell her. At times, all the words became jumbled and incoherent, but overall she could understand what people were saying to her. The only thing that she could do was to listen.

~*~



Fox learned a hard lesson during those two unbearable weeks. He had to face the fact that life still went on, even though you wished time could stay still. 365 days, 24 hours, 60 minutes, 60 seconds, it didn't matter how slowly the days passed by you. Life still continued whether you liked it or not. For two weeks, Fox stayed at Theresa's bedside, talking to her. Whitney and Chad came often to the hospital and usually brought Fox a change of clothes. Fox had practically inhabited Theresa's hospital room. Sometimes, Fox would find himself staring at Theresa's frail figure, hoping for a flicker of change. No matter how long Fox stared at Theresa, she remained motionless.

~*~


Pilar and Little Ethan were invited to stay at Fox's apartment. Fox gave up his room, for he felt he could not take the memories that it held of him with Theresa. When Fox did go to the apartment, he crashed on the couch. Gwen had been released from the hospital, but she was still in a precarious condition. The doctor ordered bed rest, and sternly informed Ethan to keep his wife as calm as possible. Ethan proceeded to find him and Gwen another place to stay. He succeeded in doing so, and did not dare mention Theresa's name in Gwen's presence. Eventually Gwen found out about Theresa's accident. She felt somewhat sorry for Theresa, however; Gwen felt that she could not let go of the grudge she held towards her. Ethan would occasionally sneak out of the house late at night to visit Theresa in the hospital. He too talked to Theresa about various things and watched her face for any signs of life. Pilar often walked in when Fox or Ethan were talking quietly to Theresa. She watched sadly as both men tried everything to get Theresa to awaken, but their efforts never seemed to work.

~*~



Little Ethan would always reach out to his mother whenever he was carried into her hospital room. His eyes held a frustrated gaze when his mother did not open her eyes. He would often let out a wail, hoping his mother would soon awake and comfort him. The little soul wondered why his mother was ignoring him. As the days passed, Little Ethan's tantrums worsened. He sometimes pumped his little arms up and down angrily. Other times he cried for hours. Pilar tiredly cared for her grandson, but she could not provide the one thing he wanted the most: his mother.

Fox wanted Theresa too. He wanted her to come back to him. Fox felt as though he were going insane from the wait. "Hey, Theresa," Fox said quietly as he sat down to

The heart monitor beeped continuously in a monotonous rhythm.

"I was just thinking about when we danced at the Marina." Fox smiled. "Remember that?" Theresa remained still.

Fox sighed. "You're an amazing dancer, Theresa. That night, I fought the urge to kiss you again." Fox stroked Theresa's cheek. The bruises on her body were visible, but less noticeable. Fox leaned down and planted a soft kiss on Theresa's lips. He looked at her and sighed. "I wish that Prince Charming stuff would work." Fox admitted, chuckling softly. "If only a kiss from your true love could really awaken you from your deep sleep." Fox sighed as he rubbed his neck.

~*~



"If only it were that simple," she thinks to herself as she listens to the man beside her. She wishes that she could see his face and lose herself in his intense gaze. She wishes for the comfort of his strong arms. She desperately wants to hold him close to her, to feel his warm breath on her neck. Memories from her past, and hopes for the future skim through her mind like a confusing movie. Faces and places run through her mind. She feels as if the world around her is swirling around like a merry go-round. Dizziness overcomes her. She feels disoriented. Panicking from confusion, she slips.

~*~



"Her heart stopped." The doctor said tiredly. "Luckily, we were able to revive her." Fox let out a long, shaky breath. "So she's still alive?"

"Yes," Dr. Livingston admitted. "However,"

Fox groaned. "However, what?"

"I hate to say this, son, but she's~ she doesn't seem to be making any improvements."

Fox nodded as he clenched his jaw to keep from crying.

"Her brain's functioning to an extent, but even if she does wake up~"

Fox dreaded to hear the next words. "I'm afraid that Theresa might not be the same person she was before the accident. She may be a totally different person." Dr. Livingston explained.

Fox's heart sank as he bent his head down. "Do you believe she'll wake up?"

Dr. Livingston averted his gaze. No matter how many times he had given the same speech, Dr. Livingston still found it difficult to say. "She's not showing any signs that she will wake up." He said softly.

Fox covered his face in his hands in desolation. He could taste his salty tears as the tiny droplets ran down his cheeks. "She's not going to wake up?" He asked as his voice wobbled.

"I'm sorry, Fox." The doctor said sadly. "But, maybe you and the others should prepare for the possibility that Theresa may not make it another week."

Fox wept freely as the words stung him directly in the heart. Sorrow washed over him as Fox faced reality. His Theresa was slipping away from him. "There has to be something we can do." Fox said desperately.

"I'm afraid not." The doctor replied softly. "Her injuries are just so severe," The doctor's voice trailed off.

"She's in pain, isn't she?" Fox asked grinding his teeth together.

"She won't feel much pain due to all the meds we've given her. She's really knocked out cold." Dr. Livingston replied.

"So, there's a possibility the meds are keeping her from waking up?" Fox asked.

"It's a slight possibility, but honestly Fox, if you don't want Theresa to suffer, then she needs to receive those meds. Otherwise, she'll be in agonizing pain."

Fox closed his eyes for a few moments. "What do we do then?"

"Theresa's barely hanging on as it is. I can continue to have her on life support for the next week or so, and I can continue to give her medication for the pain. We can monitor closely to see if she will make any improvements."

Fox hated to ask the next question. He struggled to get the words out. "And- if she~" Fox's voice broke. "Uh, what if she~" Fox closed his eyes, unable to go on.

Dr. Livingston already knew where Fox was headed. "If she doesn't wake up, then I'll be forced to suggest that she is to be taken off life support. From that point on, the decision will be left to you and her loved ones on whether to cut life support or not."

"No," Fox moaned. "This can't be happening."

"I'm sorry again." Dr. Livingston said sadly. "But there's just nothing we can do."

Fox's Adams apple bobbed in his throat. He wiped his eyes and stroked his forehead.

"What if we don't want to take her off life support?" Fox asked.

"Then the hospital will comply with your wishes, however; if she doesn't make any improvements, there's a greater chance she'll remain comatose until her body gives out." Dr. Livingston replied gently.

Fox covered his face with his hands. He hated the thought of never being able to see Theresa smile again, to see her eyes light up, to watch her caring for her son, to hold her body tight against him, to feel her beside him, to hold her hand, to feel her kiss him. Fox sunk in his chair. Dr. Livingston sat quietly, watching Fox let out his grief.

"I'm sorry," Dr. Livingston repeated.

Fox took a deep breath. Sobs frequently interrupted his speech. I- I- I know you tried, Doc. But j-j-j-ust the thought of l-losing her," Fox's lower lip quivered. "I-It's unbearable."

"Would you like for me to explain this to the others?" Dr. Livingston said as he referred to Pilar, and Theresa's other friends.

"I-I-I can do it." Fox said sadly.

"Very well." Dr. Livingston replied.

~*~



She scrambles desperately for the surface, and feels as if she's holding on to the very edge… "I'm not letting go," She thinks determinedly, but her strength is diminishing. She will not be able to hold on for much longer.