VI


"What does it say?" Dylan asked as he peered over Fox's shoulders. He glanced at the neat writing on the paper and vainly tried to make out the words. However, he was still too far away and was unable to distinguish the words on the page.

"Do you mind?" Fox said appearing irritated. "I believe it is my name that is on this letter, so I should read it." Fox folded the paper again and gave his friend a look of irritation.

Dylan rolled his eyes. "Well, duh, of course you should read it."

"I meant I should read it alone." Fox replied.

"And I think I should at least get a glimpse of it." Dylan complained. "Aw, c'mon Fox."

Fox held up the letter and flipped it to reveal the front and back. "A glimpse?" Fox asked. "All right, here's a glimpse of the front," Fox turned over the paper, "And a glimpse of the back."

"Haha, you're so hilarious. "You should really think about becoming a comedian." Dylan said sarcastically.

Fox shook his head and walked to the other side of the room. He was about to open the letter when Dylan appeared at his side. 'Damnit, Dylan! Can I please read my letter?"

"I just wanted to tell you to remember that I saved your ass. So, I expect at least a synopsis of the letter."

"Fine, now go away," Fox murmured as he focused his attention back to the papers in his hand.

Dearest Fox,

"Um, Fox?" Dylan interrupted again.

"What now?" Fox asked annoyed. "I can't even get past the greeting."

"This little guy here, is, well, I think he needs to be-uh- changed." Dylan grimaced as he held Ethan Martin an arm's length away. Little Ethan giggled. "You can probably smell him from a mile away." Dylan said as he turned his head away.

Fox rolled his eyes. "You've never changed a diaper before?"

"No," Dylan said slowly. "I've never had to be around kids so how would I know how to change a diaper?"

"It's not that hard," Fox replied.

"That's easy for you to say," Dylan retorted. "What if he~" Dylan's voice trailed off.

"What if he what?" Fox asked exasperated.

"What if he starts peeing or something while I'm changing him?"

Fox burst out laughing. "You've got to be kidding me."

"I'm serious." Dylan said with a sincere look on his face. "I don't think I'd like getting hit in the face with baby urine, and I know you wouldn't either. You know how baby boys are. They know what they're doing. They know how to aim."

"How would you know? I thought you said you were never around kids much." Fox asked.

"I'm not. I just recall this one time I went out with a woman who had a baby son. Right before our date she said she had to change her son's diaper. I happened to go over to where she was changing him. The little punk smiled up at me, aimed, and peed right in my face."

Fox burst into laughter. "He probably didn't want you hitting on his mama."

"Still, what if Little E. does the same thing? I've already had one bad experience. I don't need to relive a bad experience. I mean, it could scar me for life."

"So can a beating," Fox looked threateningly at Dylan.

Dylan sighed. "I'm being serious. I don't want my face washed with pee." Dylan wrinkled his nose.

"Then wear goggles." Fox smirked.

"Where the hell am I supposed to get goggles?" Dylan asked.

Fox closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "Just change the damn diaper." Fox tried to say calmly.

Dylan sighed. "Fine." He mumbled. "You owe me though,"

"Yeah yeah yeah." Fox said as he settled down to begin reading the letter.

Dearest Fox,

It's been ages since I last heard from you! I've missed your sweet e-mails. I smile every time I think about them. Anyhow, when I hadn't heard from you, I wondered what had happened. I feared that perhaps you had forgotten about me and Paris. Don't you ever think about
Paris sometimes? Remember the sights and smells of the Paris streets? Honestly, Fox dear, Paris hasn't been the same without you. I miss you darling. I haven't been able to stop thinking about you lately. You see, I've found myself dreaming of all the times we were together. I know that we had originally agreed on making no attachments to each other, but Fox, I can't help it. I think I'm in love with you.

Fox stopped reading the letter. "Just great," He said sarcastically. He stopped reading the letter and recalled a conversation he had with her.

"Do you think you could ever love me, Fox?" Audrey asked him as they sat outside in a French bistro.

"Love?" Fox scoffed. "Sorry doll, but I don't know about that."

Audrey pouted. "Why?"

"I've never really loved anyone. I don't see any reason to start now. 'Sides, you know how I feel about attachments."

"Ouch." Audrey replied. "So cold hearted."


"Luckily I found someone with love strong enough to bring warmth to my heart." Fox thought to himself. "Theresa" He lovingly whispered. Theresa's name lingered on his lips as he continued to read the letter. Fox couldn't help but feel guilty. "This letter is getting burned once I'm through with it."

I know this may come as a shock, but I couldn't help myself Fox. I know you told me once that you wouldn't love me, but that can change. Don't you think you could ever find a place for me in your heart? Do you think you can ever return my love?

"Sorry," Fox mumbled. "I'm taken."

I desperately wish to see you Fox. I want to feel your strong arms around me again. I want to kiss your lips. I just want you. Won't you come and visit me? Won't you visit Paris?

"Can't." Fox said aloud.

You promised me that you'd return to Paris. Fox felt as if he could hear Audrey's complaining tone. He could even envision her standing with her hands frustratingly placed on her hips. Audrey was a beautiful woman with her long golden hair and her bright blue eyes, but Fox didn't really feel anything but lust towards her.

I want to see you to tell you all the things I've written in the next few pages. But I have to settle for telling you how I feel through this letter. It all started when I received that first e-mail after you had long left. Fox, I admit, when I read your e-mail I felt a rush of feelings. It was so overwhelming.

"Huh," Fox said aloud.

I know it may sound silly.

"You got that right." Fox mumbled.

It was just simply letter, but I couldn't help but wonder. Fox, what would've happen if we had kept pursuing a relationship? What if we had gotten married?

"We would've gotten a divorce two years later." Fox thought to himself. "I don't love you, Audrey."

I love you, Fox. I feel as though you were the only one who understand me, and I feel like I was the only person who really understood you.

"Not true," Fox thought shaking his head. "You didn't understand me. Theresa does."

Please think about what I've said, Fox. I really believe there is potential for a wonderful relationship again. We just have to give it a chance. All my heart, Audrey G.

Fox balled up the letter in his hand and sighed. "Even if I wasn't with Theresa now, I wouldn't go back to Audrey. I wouldn't go back to any of the women in my past. I have a new future and it's with Theresa." Fox threw the balled up letter into the trashcan and went into Ethan Martin's room. He saw Dylan trying to attempt to swab little Ethan's bottom. He laughed and shook his head. "You are pitiful."

"Then you do it." Dylan said handing the box of baby wipes to Fox.

Fox took the box and headed to the changing table. "Watch a pro," Fox said as he began to clean up little Ethan. Once he was finished Dylan frowned. "I don't know how you can do it."

"Do what?" Fox asked as he picked up Little Ethan.

"Be a father."

"It's certainly different from anything I've ever experienced, but to tell you the truth Dylan, it's the second greatest thing in the world."

"What's the first?" Dylan asked curiously.

"Being married to a woman you love with your heart and soul."

~*~