Chapter 11
Julian gets into deeper trouble. Fox confronts Ivy.
When Julian, Eve, Whitney and Fox, got off of the elevator at Harmony Hospital, Fox was disgusted to see Simon Cowell, getting on to another elevator across the way. Simon did not appear to see him as the doors closed. Fox touched Whitney's arm.
'I'm going to check in on my mother. Let me know about any news on Teresa.'
Whitney, who had seen Simon as well, tried to stop him.
'Fox, just let it go.'
'Why? Whitney, I want to know the real reason why that creep has been hanging around here! Now, I'm going to go see my mother and get some answers out of her. Any news on Teresa, and you'll know where to find me.' Fox said firmly. Whitney nodded miserably. She knew her husband's tone and mood. Ivy would not be able to weasel out of any questions her son put to her.
Eve, meanwhile, touched Julian's arm. She had asked two of the servants to look after Little Ethan, Evan and Erin, but had been unable to find Lainie, the housekeeper hired after Alistair's stint. She was good with the kids.
'I'm going to go see who Teresa's doctor is. When Pilar, Luis and the others show up, point them down that hall, okay?' Eve asked.
Julian nodded, smiling at her.
'It will be alright. Teresa will be fine.'
'She didn't look fine, Julian, and I'm worried that she's still unconscious. I'd better go...oh, I want someone to look at you as well.'
'Darling, I'm fine.'
'Julian, I'm so happy you have your sight back. It's what we all prayed for. But I want to make sure that everything is alright now. So, once I find out what Teresa's condition is, I'll find someone to examine you, alright?'
Julian nodded, then kissed Eve, and she smiled gently at him, before rushing off to see about Teresa. Julian eyed Whitney, who had walked over to a waiting area and was sitting down. He then took out his cellphone. He dialed Rebecca's number. She picked up right away.
'Well?' she asked.
'Well, what?' Julian replied, his voice taking on a hard edge.
'Did the tramp die?'
'Rebecca, I have covered for you this time, but I do not appreciate your cavalier attitude! Shoving someone down a set of stairs, no matter how distasteful you find them to be, is not the smartest thing you can be doing right now. Especially with your trial coming up!'
'I'm sorry, Pookie, but the opportunity was there and I took it! Besides, I was trying to help you! At least you got the letter back, before Eve could see it.'
Julian froze! He then looked around. Whitney was thumbing through a magazine. Fox was nowhere in sight.
'I thought YOU had the letter, Rebecca! That's why I was calling...to tell you to shred it, burn it or whatever!'
'No, I don't have it! God! Maybe it's still in Teresa's money grubbing little hand?'
'No, Eve or the EMT's would've seen it then...but it could still be on the stairs somewhere. Alright, I've got to somehow make an excuse as to why I have to leave, then hightail it back home! I can't let Eve see that letter!'
Rebecca snorted!
'What was that for? Julian asked tiredly.
'It's an 'I told you so'! You were in such a hurry to leave your wife, and go off to God knows where to lick your wounds! When she finds out that you were just going to up and leave her, and the twins...'
'Rebecca! I was blind! I would've made Eve the worst husband, and the twins an absolutely worthless father. I know I was wrong, but I can see again and I want to put this whole thing behind me. Meaning I can't let Eve see that letter. We're in enough trouble as it is.'
'Well, we're still going to just deny everything, right?' Rebecca asked, her voice sounding mildly worried.
'Of course! I was blind at the time, and you weren't there. No one would believe Teresa over us....oh, I have to go! The Lopez-Fitzgeralds have arrived, including non-working Antonio. God knows what kind of abuse I'll have to put up with from them. Remember, mums the word!'
'Yes, I have to practice being a good girl for the trial.' Rebecca said cattily.
'Rebecca, this will be all worth it, if you can put even just one of the DiMera's away! Preferably Tony. I haven't seen much of him since he married Simone, but I have no doubt that when he sees my wife, out and about, he still makes goo-goo eyes at her! I have to go, talk to you later!'
'Yes, keep me posted!' Rebecca said, hanging up.
Julian hung up as well, then walked over to the waiting area, where Whitney was now talking to Pilar, Luis and Antonio. Julian briefly wondered where Miguel was? Then he wondered WHY he was wondering?! Maybe some of Eve's caring nature was beginning to rub off on him.
Luis was the first to see him. Antonio squinted at Julian in an unfriendly manner. Julian offered his hand for shaking.
'Pilar, Luis...Antonio...well, how lovely it is to see you all together...like a family...well, this is just a terrible thing that's happened.'
Luis walked up to him. Pilar pulled on his arm. Antonio spoke.
'Why don't you cut the crap Julian and confess!'
Julian raised a brow.
'Confess to what? By the way, where are you working these days?'
'None of your damned business!' Antonio snapped. He was tired of people in this town hinting that he never worked! He had had several jobs...just none of them had ever worked out. Right now he was stripping at a club on the edge of town, near the swamp, called 'Donkey's Bells'. If that ever got out...well...his family would die of shame!
'What happened, Whitney?' Pilar asked. She didn't want to hear anything from Julian.
'Fox and I came up from our cottage when we heard the ambulance. Mother just happened to be coming back from somewhere too. Julian was the only one who really knows anything, although...'
'Although what, Whitney?' Luis asked, eyeing Julian.
Whitney looked at Julian, who put an arm around her. She then spoke.
'Fox thinks that Alistair might have done this.' she said quietly.
'Alistair!' Pilar practically spat. Luis looked at Julian.
'I just realized you can see. How long has this 'miracle' been going on?'
Julian cleared his throat.
'I just got my eyesight back, when I heard Teresa scream. So the only thing I saw was her lying at the bottom of the stairs.'
'But you had to have heard footsteps or something?' Pilar asked.
'No...not a thing. I really think that poor Teresa tripped or something.'
'Oh please!' Antonio said with disgust. Luis pulled Antonio aside.
'Believe me, bro, I'm with you here. I'm not buying this cock and bull story Julian is trying to pass off. But why would he push Teresa down the stairs? I mean, they don't get along, but still...and Julian was blind.'
'Oh come on, Luis! We don't know that that bastard was ever blind!'
'Why would he fake something like that?' Luis asked.
'He's a Crane, Luis, he doesn't need a reason to be bastardly!'
'You're right. But still, it sounds like our best bet is to wait until our sister wakes up. Then she can tell us what happened.'
'If she wakes up!' Antonio said bitterly. He then hushed up as Pilar walked over. She looked angry.
'Don't talk like that! Of course Teresa is going to wake up! Look, Julian told me that Eve is with Teresa down that hallway there. Let's go and find out what's going on. Whitney said she would try and get ahold of Miguel and Sheridan for us.'
Luis and Antonio nodded, then gave Julian the evil eye, as they walked past him and Whitney, who was on her cell phone, trying to reach Miguel. His phone seemed to be turned off. She hung up, then walked over to Julian.
'I'm sorry, Julian.'
Julian smiled down at her.
'For what?'
'I'm sorry that people don't know the real you. I've always liked Luis and Antonio, but their attitude here really stinks! They're acting as if you pushed Teresa yourself!'
Julian felt slightly guilty, but reached out to touch her hand.
'Whitney, I'm used to it, really. It's alright.'
'No it isn't, Julian. I know that Teresa and you have your problems, but I know you would never do anything to her, not only because she's important to Fox and me, but because she's Little Ethan's mother.'
Julian just nodded, then hugged Whitney. His mind was swirling about, as he began to wonder just what he would say, when Teresa fingered Rebecca. Maybe he should acknowledge her presence in the house?
No! Julian decided to stick with his original plan and just deny everything. His thoughts then went back to that letter. He had to get back to the house!
Julian let go of Whitney.
'Listen dear, I'm going to run back to the house and get the twins. I don't feel their safe with just the servants, and if Alistair is the one that did this...'
Whitney nodded quickly.
'Go! You're right. I never even thought about it. And now would be the perfect time for him to try something...you know...with all of us gone like this.'
Actually, Julian hadn't thought of that! He gave her another hug.
'I'll be back.' he said. Whitney nodded, letting go of him. Julian walked towards the elevators and breathed a sigh of relief. Now, all he had to do was scoot back home and find that letter! Eve would never have forgiven him if he had just run off like that. He understood that now. He never wanted her to find out, just how cowardly he had almost been!
****
'Hello, Fox. My, it's nice to see you!' Ivy said, smiling brightly. 'I'm going home tomorrow...though I guess home will be my hotel again since...'
'No,' Fox said curtly, 'you're not coming home with Whitney and I. Also, I'm actually here because Teresa was in an accident at the mansion.'
Ivy eyed him.
'Why was Teresa in the mansion at all?'
'Never mind that. I wouldn't be here at all, except that the first person I saw when we got off the elevator, was that slimy, recording executive, Simon Cowell. I want to know why he's really here, Mother?'
Ivy coughed.
'Oh, excuse me. Fox, could you get me some water? There's pitcher right over there.'
Fox gave her a wary look, but turned away to get her her water. Ivy clenched her fists together. Damn that stupid Simon! If he was any kind of real man, he would fix this! The last thing she needed, was Ethan, Fox or any of her other children, knowing that she had an illegitimate child with Simon Cowell! That and what would Sam think of her then?!
'Here you go, Mother.' Fox said, handing her the glass.
'Thank you.' Ivy said demurely, then began to drink the whole glass down, to keep from talking. All the while, her mind was spinning! There had to be a way out of this! There just had to be!
Fox watched his mother drink the whole glass of water down. He then watched as she set the glass down on her tray.
'Okay.' Fox said.
'Okay what?' Ivy asked.
'Mother! Why was Simon here for so long? And is he coming back? What? Do you two have something going or what?'
'Fox, that water has made me need to use the bathroom, so if you'll excuse me...'
But Fox blocked her way!
'Why don't you try and hold it? Now, tell me what's going on, Mother.'
Ivy sighed. She guessed there was no way to avoid it. Besides, even if she did deny being Amanda's mother, someone, somewhere, would probably insist on a DNA test. Worse yet, when Simon spoke, people were stupid enough to listen. And from the way he spoke to her earlier, Ivy got the distinct impression that he planned on being upfront with their daughter. Damn!
'Mother?' Fox asked again, only this time, his voice grew louder.
'Okay, Fox! I haven't been completely upfront with you, or your brother and sisters.'
'What else is new?' Fox asked sarcastically.
'You know, you're not making this easy for me!'
'If you've lied again about something, and this lie involves Cowell, the man you conspired with to rape my wife, then no, I won't make it easy for you!'
'Oh for the last time, Fox, Simon didn't rape Whitney!'
'Only because she's a woman, Mother! Now damnit, Mother...'
'Don't you swear at me, Fox! Look, I get out of here tomorrow. I will ask Ethan and Gwen if we can meet at their house. Then I will tell you all about Simon and me.'
Fox felt sick at the use of the words. 'Simon and me'. God! If that sick mother^%$$4@ became his new step-father, he knew he would do more than hurl!
'Okay fine.' Fox answered. 'Just tell me what time Whitney and I should be there?'
'No, Fox. Just you. This is a family matter.'
'Whitney is family.'
'Well she's not enough family to hear this right now. So come alone.'
'Mother...'
'Fox, if you bring her, I swear you won't learn a thing!'
Fox threw up his hands!
'Fine! Fine! I'll come to Ethan and Gwen's house alone!'
Ivy smiled at him.
'Good boy. Now, if you will excuse me, I need to get into the bathroom. Give Whitney my love and I hope Teresa turns out to be alright.'
Fox did not answer, as his mother got out of her bed, and walked into her bathroom, closing the door. He then stared at the closed door.
He then began to wonder why his mother had so readily agreed to reveal her big secret with Simon? She never told the truth about anything! Fox wondered if Simon was blackmailing his mother about something...something that would become public knowledge soon anyway.
Fox shook his head. There was no use in speculating. He would find out tomorrow like Ethan and Gwen. Fox gave the bathroom door one last glance, before leaving his mother's room to go and check on Teresa.
****
Julian slipped back inside the mansion, then hurried over to the stairs that Teresa had been shoved down.
He saw nothing on the bottom stairs. Julian slowly began to walk up them, his heart sinking with each step, until he reached the top. Nothing!
He hurried into the twins' room. There was a little bed set up in there as well, and Little Ethan was asleep on it. Evan had pulled himself up in his crib and was peeking out. And Erin was...
Julian gasped! For sitting in a rocking chair, holding Erin, who was asleep, was none other than Alistair!
'Get your filthy hands off of my daughter!' Julian hissed between clenched teeth. He didn't want Evan to become alarmed by the tone of his voice, nor did he want Little Ethan to awaken.
'Oh, come now, Julian. I was just holding my little granddaughter. That Russell woman and you never invite me over. At this rate, none of these children will ever know dear Grandpa.'
'Put her down, now!' Julian demanded, raising his voice a little. Good God! Were their servants good for anything? Did they not have the common sense, God graced a caterpillar, to know not to let strangers in this house?!
It was as if Alistair was reading his mind. He stood up, still carrying Erin.
'Your servants are my servants, Julian. They know who really runs things.'
'You mean who used to! Give her to me!'
But Alistair turned away with Erin, and began bouncing her. That action caused her to awaken and stare into the eyes of evil. She began to cry!
Her crying caused Little Ethan to awaken. He soon began to whimper for his mother!
'My, my, son! You've really made a mess of things! Tell me, where is Little Ethan's mother? Did you and that red-headed booze hound you were married to, eventually take Teresa to the hospital?'
Julian rolled his eyes! God bless america! How did his father know every damned thing that didn't concern him?! How? Julian thought he had had all of the cameras, the man had kept in this house, pulled!
'Of course,' Alistair continued, ignoring Erin's crying and wiggling. 'I have to give it to Rebecca. That rape story she told was quite ingenious.'
'It wasn't a story, and I'm not going to ask you again to turn over my daughter!'
Alistair turned back to Julian.
'Drop the charges, boy, or I will be forced to use what I know about what happened to Teresa, as a bargaining chip for my own freedom with the authorities. And I don't want to have to say anything. I mean, Rebecca is the best chance this town has had yet, to rid us of those trashy DiMera's. I'd love to see her succeed. Of course, if Tony's lawyer ever found out, that his client's accuser, had shoved a defenseless woman down the stairs...oh...well... I doubt a jury would believe she was raped, either.'
'Fine! Fine, whatever! Give Erin to me!'
Alistair smiled, then handed Erin over to Julian. Instantly, the child began to calm down. Evan was quiet during this whole thing, but, still peeked between the crib bars. Little Ethan was beginning to squall.
'I'll expect you to take care of making me a free man, today, Julian.' he said, and walked past his son and towards the doorway of the room. Julian held Erin tightly.
'I's alright, sweetheart! Yes! The bad man is gone and he will never harm Daddy's princess again! No! No, he won't!'
'Oh, and one more thing,' Alistair interrupted, totally repulsed by his son's coddling of that brat. 'Your wife has that letter. Do what I asked of you by tonight, Julian. Otherwise, you'll have to explain more than just that letter, to that Russell woman.'
Alistair then turned and left. Julian held Erin tightly and closed his eyes. How was he going to explain letting Alistair off on his attempted murder of their babies?! Was Rebecca's hide worth all of this?!
And Good Lord! Eve must've picked up that damned letter in the ensuing confusion. She was worried about Teresa, so chances were, she had not opened it yet. Julian had to make sure he got to the hospital and stopped her from reading it.
Julian looked over at Little Ethan.
'Come on, son. Let's get you up and ready. All of us are going to go to the hospital.' Julian said. He wasn't taking any chances on walking in something like this, ever again!
****
'Eve, Dr. Parks hasn't told us a thing about Teresa. Did she say anything to you?' Pilar asked her.
'Yes, Eve, why is my sister still unconscious?' Luis asked worriedly.
Eve rubbed Luis's arm.
'They're just stabilizing her now. She will wake up. And when she does, she can tell us what happened.'
'Come on, Eve! We know what happened.' Antonio hinted at, his tone surly.
Eve tilted her head.
'I don't know what you mean, Antonio.'
'Antonio doesn't mean anything, Eve.' Pilar said, giving her son a warning look.
'I think he does.' Eve said, walking over to him. They were all standing outside of Teresa's room. They could see her in there, being worked on by other doctors.
'What's wrong, Antonio?' Eve asked.
Antonio looked at his mother and brother. Luis shook his head slightly, but Antonio decided to forge ahead.
'I don't think Julian is being upfront about what happened, Eve. I don't think my sister tripped. I'm sorry if that hurts you.'
'Oh Antonio!' Eve cried out. 'I know Julian has a murky past with all of you. But he would never hurt Teresa. I think we're all being quick to assign blame here. Let's just wait and see what Teresa says, okay?'
'And if she says that Julian pushed her down the stairs?' Luis asked, eyeing her. Pilar stared at Eve as well.
'She won't.'
'But if she does?' Pilar joined in.
Before Eve was forced to answer, Dr. Parks came out of the room.
'Teresa is waking up now.' she said.
Pilar, Luis and Antonio hurried in. Eve did not. How could they think that Julian would do something so horrendous?! Of course he did not push Teresa down the stairs!
But, what if he had accidentally bumped her, while he was blind? Eve had accepted the fact, long ago, that Julian was just not upfront about things that could possibly send him to jail. Eve realized she would just have to be firm, and ask him about what happened herself.
Suddenly, Eve heard a scream coming from Teresa's room! Eve hurried in there, then stopped short.
'What is it? What's happened?' Eve asked, quite stressed by this whole thing.
Teresa began to sob!
'I can't feel my legs...what's happening...I can't feel my legs...'
Eve backed away! Oh God! Why did these things keep happening?!
'Teresa? Teresa it will be alright! It's probably just temporary...but you need to tell us if you fell down the stairs...or were you pushed?' Luis asked gently.
'Oh God!' Teresa cried out. Pilar began to cry. Antonio began to pace angrily. Eve decided she couldn't stand it anymore! She had to know for sure that Julian was not involved in this!
'Teresa? Teresa did Julian do this to you? Did he accidentally knock you down the stairs?' Eve asked.
'Accidentally?!' Antonio almost howled. 'Don't put words in my sister's mouth, Eve!'
'I'm not! But if this was an accident, I want to know just as much as you do! Teresa?'
Teresa stopped crying long enough to speak.
'No, Julian didn't do this! Rebecca Hotchkiss pushed me...all because of that letter!'
Pilar, Luis, Antonio and Eve looked at one another in confusion. Eve spoke.
'Letter? What letter, honey?' Eve asked.
'It had your name on it...oh God...just tell me I'm not paralyzed for good! Oh God!'
Eve turned away, then opened up her purse. Teresa had to be talking about that strange envelope she has found lying at the bottom of the steps! Eve pulled it out of her purse, then began to open it.
Julian gets into deeper trouble. Fox confronts Ivy.
When Julian, Eve, Whitney and Fox, got off of the elevator at Harmony Hospital, Fox was disgusted to see Simon Cowell, getting on to another elevator across the way. Simon did not appear to see him as the doors closed. Fox touched Whitney's arm.
'I'm going to check in on my mother. Let me know about any news on Teresa.'
Whitney, who had seen Simon as well, tried to stop him.
'Fox, just let it go.'
'Why? Whitney, I want to know the real reason why that creep has been hanging around here! Now, I'm going to go see my mother and get some answers out of her. Any news on Teresa, and you'll know where to find me.' Fox said firmly. Whitney nodded miserably. She knew her husband's tone and mood. Ivy would not be able to weasel out of any questions her son put to her.
Eve, meanwhile, touched Julian's arm. She had asked two of the servants to look after Little Ethan, Evan and Erin, but had been unable to find Lainie, the housekeeper hired after Alistair's stint. She was good with the kids.
'I'm going to go see who Teresa's doctor is. When Pilar, Luis and the others show up, point them down that hall, okay?' Eve asked.
Julian nodded, smiling at her.
'It will be alright. Teresa will be fine.'
'She didn't look fine, Julian, and I'm worried that she's still unconscious. I'd better go...oh, I want someone to look at you as well.'
'Darling, I'm fine.'
'Julian, I'm so happy you have your sight back. It's what we all prayed for. But I want to make sure that everything is alright now. So, once I find out what Teresa's condition is, I'll find someone to examine you, alright?'
Julian nodded, then kissed Eve, and she smiled gently at him, before rushing off to see about Teresa. Julian eyed Whitney, who had walked over to a waiting area and was sitting down. He then took out his cellphone. He dialed Rebecca's number. She picked up right away.
'Well?' she asked.
'Well, what?' Julian replied, his voice taking on a hard edge.
'Did the tramp die?'
'Rebecca, I have covered for you this time, but I do not appreciate your cavalier attitude! Shoving someone down a set of stairs, no matter how distasteful you find them to be, is not the smartest thing you can be doing right now. Especially with your trial coming up!'
'I'm sorry, Pookie, but the opportunity was there and I took it! Besides, I was trying to help you! At least you got the letter back, before Eve could see it.'
Julian froze! He then looked around. Whitney was thumbing through a magazine. Fox was nowhere in sight.
'I thought YOU had the letter, Rebecca! That's why I was calling...to tell you to shred it, burn it or whatever!'
'No, I don't have it! God! Maybe it's still in Teresa's money grubbing little hand?'
'No, Eve or the EMT's would've seen it then...but it could still be on the stairs somewhere. Alright, I've got to somehow make an excuse as to why I have to leave, then hightail it back home! I can't let Eve see that letter!'
Rebecca snorted!
'What was that for? Julian asked tiredly.
'It's an 'I told you so'! You were in such a hurry to leave your wife, and go off to God knows where to lick your wounds! When she finds out that you were just going to up and leave her, and the twins...'
'Rebecca! I was blind! I would've made Eve the worst husband, and the twins an absolutely worthless father. I know I was wrong, but I can see again and I want to put this whole thing behind me. Meaning I can't let Eve see that letter. We're in enough trouble as it is.'
'Well, we're still going to just deny everything, right?' Rebecca asked, her voice sounding mildly worried.
'Of course! I was blind at the time, and you weren't there. No one would believe Teresa over us....oh, I have to go! The Lopez-Fitzgeralds have arrived, including non-working Antonio. God knows what kind of abuse I'll have to put up with from them. Remember, mums the word!'
'Yes, I have to practice being a good girl for the trial.' Rebecca said cattily.
'Rebecca, this will be all worth it, if you can put even just one of the DiMera's away! Preferably Tony. I haven't seen much of him since he married Simone, but I have no doubt that when he sees my wife, out and about, he still makes goo-goo eyes at her! I have to go, talk to you later!'
'Yes, keep me posted!' Rebecca said, hanging up.
Julian hung up as well, then walked over to the waiting area, where Whitney was now talking to Pilar, Luis and Antonio. Julian briefly wondered where Miguel was? Then he wondered WHY he was wondering?! Maybe some of Eve's caring nature was beginning to rub off on him.
Luis was the first to see him. Antonio squinted at Julian in an unfriendly manner. Julian offered his hand for shaking.
'Pilar, Luis...Antonio...well, how lovely it is to see you all together...like a family...well, this is just a terrible thing that's happened.'
Luis walked up to him. Pilar pulled on his arm. Antonio spoke.
'Why don't you cut the crap Julian and confess!'
Julian raised a brow.
'Confess to what? By the way, where are you working these days?'
'None of your damned business!' Antonio snapped. He was tired of people in this town hinting that he never worked! He had had several jobs...just none of them had ever worked out. Right now he was stripping at a club on the edge of town, near the swamp, called 'Donkey's Bells'. If that ever got out...well...his family would die of shame!
'What happened, Whitney?' Pilar asked. She didn't want to hear anything from Julian.
'Fox and I came up from our cottage when we heard the ambulance. Mother just happened to be coming back from somewhere too. Julian was the only one who really knows anything, although...'
'Although what, Whitney?' Luis asked, eyeing Julian.
Whitney looked at Julian, who put an arm around her. She then spoke.
'Fox thinks that Alistair might have done this.' she said quietly.
'Alistair!' Pilar practically spat. Luis looked at Julian.
'I just realized you can see. How long has this 'miracle' been going on?'
Julian cleared his throat.
'I just got my eyesight back, when I heard Teresa scream. So the only thing I saw was her lying at the bottom of the stairs.'
'But you had to have heard footsteps or something?' Pilar asked.
'No...not a thing. I really think that poor Teresa tripped or something.'
'Oh please!' Antonio said with disgust. Luis pulled Antonio aside.
'Believe me, bro, I'm with you here. I'm not buying this cock and bull story Julian is trying to pass off. But why would he push Teresa down the stairs? I mean, they don't get along, but still...and Julian was blind.'
'Oh come on, Luis! We don't know that that bastard was ever blind!'
'Why would he fake something like that?' Luis asked.
'He's a Crane, Luis, he doesn't need a reason to be bastardly!'
'You're right. But still, it sounds like our best bet is to wait until our sister wakes up. Then she can tell us what happened.'
'If she wakes up!' Antonio said bitterly. He then hushed up as Pilar walked over. She looked angry.
'Don't talk like that! Of course Teresa is going to wake up! Look, Julian told me that Eve is with Teresa down that hallway there. Let's go and find out what's going on. Whitney said she would try and get ahold of Miguel and Sheridan for us.'
Luis and Antonio nodded, then gave Julian the evil eye, as they walked past him and Whitney, who was on her cell phone, trying to reach Miguel. His phone seemed to be turned off. She hung up, then walked over to Julian.
'I'm sorry, Julian.'
Julian smiled down at her.
'For what?'
'I'm sorry that people don't know the real you. I've always liked Luis and Antonio, but their attitude here really stinks! They're acting as if you pushed Teresa yourself!'
Julian felt slightly guilty, but reached out to touch her hand.
'Whitney, I'm used to it, really. It's alright.'
'No it isn't, Julian. I know that Teresa and you have your problems, but I know you would never do anything to her, not only because she's important to Fox and me, but because she's Little Ethan's mother.'
Julian just nodded, then hugged Whitney. His mind was swirling about, as he began to wonder just what he would say, when Teresa fingered Rebecca. Maybe he should acknowledge her presence in the house?
No! Julian decided to stick with his original plan and just deny everything. His thoughts then went back to that letter. He had to get back to the house!
Julian let go of Whitney.
'Listen dear, I'm going to run back to the house and get the twins. I don't feel their safe with just the servants, and if Alistair is the one that did this...'
Whitney nodded quickly.
'Go! You're right. I never even thought about it. And now would be the perfect time for him to try something...you know...with all of us gone like this.'
Actually, Julian hadn't thought of that! He gave her another hug.
'I'll be back.' he said. Whitney nodded, letting go of him. Julian walked towards the elevators and breathed a sigh of relief. Now, all he had to do was scoot back home and find that letter! Eve would never have forgiven him if he had just run off like that. He understood that now. He never wanted her to find out, just how cowardly he had almost been!
****
'Hello, Fox. My, it's nice to see you!' Ivy said, smiling brightly. 'I'm going home tomorrow...though I guess home will be my hotel again since...'
'No,' Fox said curtly, 'you're not coming home with Whitney and I. Also, I'm actually here because Teresa was in an accident at the mansion.'
Ivy eyed him.
'Why was Teresa in the mansion at all?'
'Never mind that. I wouldn't be here at all, except that the first person I saw when we got off the elevator, was that slimy, recording executive, Simon Cowell. I want to know why he's really here, Mother?'
Ivy coughed.
'Oh, excuse me. Fox, could you get me some water? There's pitcher right over there.'
Fox gave her a wary look, but turned away to get her her water. Ivy clenched her fists together. Damn that stupid Simon! If he was any kind of real man, he would fix this! The last thing she needed, was Ethan, Fox or any of her other children, knowing that she had an illegitimate child with Simon Cowell! That and what would Sam think of her then?!
'Here you go, Mother.' Fox said, handing her the glass.
'Thank you.' Ivy said demurely, then began to drink the whole glass down, to keep from talking. All the while, her mind was spinning! There had to be a way out of this! There just had to be!
Fox watched his mother drink the whole glass of water down. He then watched as she set the glass down on her tray.
'Okay.' Fox said.
'Okay what?' Ivy asked.
'Mother! Why was Simon here for so long? And is he coming back? What? Do you two have something going or what?'
'Fox, that water has made me need to use the bathroom, so if you'll excuse me...'
But Fox blocked her way!
'Why don't you try and hold it? Now, tell me what's going on, Mother.'
Ivy sighed. She guessed there was no way to avoid it. Besides, even if she did deny being Amanda's mother, someone, somewhere, would probably insist on a DNA test. Worse yet, when Simon spoke, people were stupid enough to listen. And from the way he spoke to her earlier, Ivy got the distinct impression that he planned on being upfront with their daughter. Damn!
'Mother?' Fox asked again, only this time, his voice grew louder.
'Okay, Fox! I haven't been completely upfront with you, or your brother and sisters.'
'What else is new?' Fox asked sarcastically.
'You know, you're not making this easy for me!'
'If you've lied again about something, and this lie involves Cowell, the man you conspired with to rape my wife, then no, I won't make it easy for you!'
'Oh for the last time, Fox, Simon didn't rape Whitney!'
'Only because she's a woman, Mother! Now damnit, Mother...'
'Don't you swear at me, Fox! Look, I get out of here tomorrow. I will ask Ethan and Gwen if we can meet at their house. Then I will tell you all about Simon and me.'
Fox felt sick at the use of the words. 'Simon and me'. God! If that sick mother^%$$4@ became his new step-father, he knew he would do more than hurl!
'Okay fine.' Fox answered. 'Just tell me what time Whitney and I should be there?'
'No, Fox. Just you. This is a family matter.'
'Whitney is family.'
'Well she's not enough family to hear this right now. So come alone.'
'Mother...'
'Fox, if you bring her, I swear you won't learn a thing!'
Fox threw up his hands!
'Fine! Fine! I'll come to Ethan and Gwen's house alone!'
Ivy smiled at him.
'Good boy. Now, if you will excuse me, I need to get into the bathroom. Give Whitney my love and I hope Teresa turns out to be alright.'
Fox did not answer, as his mother got out of her bed, and walked into her bathroom, closing the door. He then stared at the closed door.
He then began to wonder why his mother had so readily agreed to reveal her big secret with Simon? She never told the truth about anything! Fox wondered if Simon was blackmailing his mother about something...something that would become public knowledge soon anyway.
Fox shook his head. There was no use in speculating. He would find out tomorrow like Ethan and Gwen. Fox gave the bathroom door one last glance, before leaving his mother's room to go and check on Teresa.
****
Julian slipped back inside the mansion, then hurried over to the stairs that Teresa had been shoved down.
He saw nothing on the bottom stairs. Julian slowly began to walk up them, his heart sinking with each step, until he reached the top. Nothing!
He hurried into the twins' room. There was a little bed set up in there as well, and Little Ethan was asleep on it. Evan had pulled himself up in his crib and was peeking out. And Erin was...
Julian gasped! For sitting in a rocking chair, holding Erin, who was asleep, was none other than Alistair!
'Get your filthy hands off of my daughter!' Julian hissed between clenched teeth. He didn't want Evan to become alarmed by the tone of his voice, nor did he want Little Ethan to awaken.
'Oh, come now, Julian. I was just holding my little granddaughter. That Russell woman and you never invite me over. At this rate, none of these children will ever know dear Grandpa.'
'Put her down, now!' Julian demanded, raising his voice a little. Good God! Were their servants good for anything? Did they not have the common sense, God graced a caterpillar, to know not to let strangers in this house?!
It was as if Alistair was reading his mind. He stood up, still carrying Erin.
'Your servants are my servants, Julian. They know who really runs things.'
'You mean who used to! Give her to me!'
But Alistair turned away with Erin, and began bouncing her. That action caused her to awaken and stare into the eyes of evil. She began to cry!
Her crying caused Little Ethan to awaken. He soon began to whimper for his mother!
'My, my, son! You've really made a mess of things! Tell me, where is Little Ethan's mother? Did you and that red-headed booze hound you were married to, eventually take Teresa to the hospital?'
Julian rolled his eyes! God bless america! How did his father know every damned thing that didn't concern him?! How? Julian thought he had had all of the cameras, the man had kept in this house, pulled!
'Of course,' Alistair continued, ignoring Erin's crying and wiggling. 'I have to give it to Rebecca. That rape story she told was quite ingenious.'
'It wasn't a story, and I'm not going to ask you again to turn over my daughter!'
Alistair turned back to Julian.
'Drop the charges, boy, or I will be forced to use what I know about what happened to Teresa, as a bargaining chip for my own freedom with the authorities. And I don't want to have to say anything. I mean, Rebecca is the best chance this town has had yet, to rid us of those trashy DiMera's. I'd love to see her succeed. Of course, if Tony's lawyer ever found out, that his client's accuser, had shoved a defenseless woman down the stairs...oh...well... I doubt a jury would believe she was raped, either.'
'Fine! Fine, whatever! Give Erin to me!'
Alistair smiled, then handed Erin over to Julian. Instantly, the child began to calm down. Evan was quiet during this whole thing, but, still peeked between the crib bars. Little Ethan was beginning to squall.
'I'll expect you to take care of making me a free man, today, Julian.' he said, and walked past his son and towards the doorway of the room. Julian held Erin tightly.
'I's alright, sweetheart! Yes! The bad man is gone and he will never harm Daddy's princess again! No! No, he won't!'
'Oh, and one more thing,' Alistair interrupted, totally repulsed by his son's coddling of that brat. 'Your wife has that letter. Do what I asked of you by tonight, Julian. Otherwise, you'll have to explain more than just that letter, to that Russell woman.'
Alistair then turned and left. Julian held Erin tightly and closed his eyes. How was he going to explain letting Alistair off on his attempted murder of their babies?! Was Rebecca's hide worth all of this?!
And Good Lord! Eve must've picked up that damned letter in the ensuing confusion. She was worried about Teresa, so chances were, she had not opened it yet. Julian had to make sure he got to the hospital and stopped her from reading it.
Julian looked over at Little Ethan.
'Come on, son. Let's get you up and ready. All of us are going to go to the hospital.' Julian said. He wasn't taking any chances on walking in something like this, ever again!
****
'Eve, Dr. Parks hasn't told us a thing about Teresa. Did she say anything to you?' Pilar asked her.
'Yes, Eve, why is my sister still unconscious?' Luis asked worriedly.
Eve rubbed Luis's arm.
'They're just stabilizing her now. She will wake up. And when she does, she can tell us what happened.'
'Come on, Eve! We know what happened.' Antonio hinted at, his tone surly.
Eve tilted her head.
'I don't know what you mean, Antonio.'
'Antonio doesn't mean anything, Eve.' Pilar said, giving her son a warning look.
'I think he does.' Eve said, walking over to him. They were all standing outside of Teresa's room. They could see her in there, being worked on by other doctors.
'What's wrong, Antonio?' Eve asked.
Antonio looked at his mother and brother. Luis shook his head slightly, but Antonio decided to forge ahead.
'I don't think Julian is being upfront about what happened, Eve. I don't think my sister tripped. I'm sorry if that hurts you.'
'Oh Antonio!' Eve cried out. 'I know Julian has a murky past with all of you. But he would never hurt Teresa. I think we're all being quick to assign blame here. Let's just wait and see what Teresa says, okay?'
'And if she says that Julian pushed her down the stairs?' Luis asked, eyeing her. Pilar stared at Eve as well.
'She won't.'
'But if she does?' Pilar joined in.
Before Eve was forced to answer, Dr. Parks came out of the room.
'Teresa is waking up now.' she said.
Pilar, Luis and Antonio hurried in. Eve did not. How could they think that Julian would do something so horrendous?! Of course he did not push Teresa down the stairs!
But, what if he had accidentally bumped her, while he was blind? Eve had accepted the fact, long ago, that Julian was just not upfront about things that could possibly send him to jail. Eve realized she would just have to be firm, and ask him about what happened herself.
Suddenly, Eve heard a scream coming from Teresa's room! Eve hurried in there, then stopped short.
'What is it? What's happened?' Eve asked, quite stressed by this whole thing.
Teresa began to sob!
'I can't feel my legs...what's happening...I can't feel my legs...'
Eve backed away! Oh God! Why did these things keep happening?!
'Teresa? Teresa it will be alright! It's probably just temporary...but you need to tell us if you fell down the stairs...or were you pushed?' Luis asked gently.
'Oh God!' Teresa cried out. Pilar began to cry. Antonio began to pace angrily. Eve decided she couldn't stand it anymore! She had to know for sure that Julian was not involved in this!
'Teresa? Teresa did Julian do this to you? Did he accidentally knock you down the stairs?' Eve asked.
'Accidentally?!' Antonio almost howled. 'Don't put words in my sister's mouth, Eve!'
'I'm not! But if this was an accident, I want to know just as much as you do! Teresa?'
Teresa stopped crying long enough to speak.
'No, Julian didn't do this! Rebecca Hotchkiss pushed me...all because of that letter!'
Pilar, Luis, Antonio and Eve looked at one another in confusion. Eve spoke.
'Letter? What letter, honey?' Eve asked.
'It had your name on it...oh God...just tell me I'm not paralyzed for good! Oh God!'
Eve turned away, then opened up her purse. Teresa had to be talking about that strange envelope she has found lying at the bottom of the steps! Eve pulled it out of her purse, then began to open it.