XV



Fox got out of the car and took Little Ethan out of his car seat. Little Ethan giggled and smiled at Fox. "Sorry buddy, but I've got to bring you home because I'm going to work longer hours at the office."

Little Ethan frowned in response. "But," Fox said. "Your mommy is going to be home soon." The frown disappeared from Ethan Martin's face. Fox smiled and carried him inside the house. He went upstairs to Ethan Martin's room and set him down for a nap. Little Ethan curled under his blankets and held his favorite stuffed bear close.

Fox looked down at Little Ethan in awe. "Fatherhood is amazing," He thought to himself. "I know one thing," Fox whispered. "I'm going to be the best father I can be." He promised Little Ethan. "You won't be ignored like I was. You're going to get all the attention I can give you. I resent my own father for not being able to show me any love or compassion. 'Course, my father still happens to be your father." Fox frowned. "So technically I'm your big step-brother. That's so weird." He thought. "It's like a soap opera or something."

When Fox heard car doors slam, he went quickly downstairs and opened the front door. Chad and Whitney waved as they walked up to the house. Fox waved back. "Hey, I wasn't expecting you guys."

"We decided to stop by." Chad replied while reaching for Whitney's hand. Whitney smiled. "Is Theresa around?"

"She's not home yet, but she will be shortly."

Another car arrived in the driveway. Fox, nor Chad, nor Whitney recognized the car. They all recognized the passenger, but only Whitney knew the driver. Fox held a quizzical look as he watched Theresa being helped up by Justin Hammond. "Who is he?" Fox thought as jealousy slightly stirred within him. Justin looked up and locked gazes with Fox. Silent words were exchanged between them before Fox looked at Theresa.

~*~



The car ride to Theresa's home was silent. Theresa stared out of the window on her side of the car while Justin glanced her way every so often. Theresa looked at Justin. "Do you think we could put some music on or something?"

Justin motioned his right hand to the stereo. "Help yourself." He said. Justin gave Theresa sidelong glance and returned his eyes to the road ahead of him.

Theresa turned the dial and browsed through various stations. When she found the one she listened to often, Theresa sat back and let the words of Streisand take over her senses.

"Streisand hm?" Justin replied. "You like her?"

"She has an amazing voice. She's legendary." Theresa replied quietly as Streisand serenaded them.

"Do you sing?" Justin asked.

"A little." Theresa admitted.

Justin nodded and quietly listened to Streisand's soothing voice.

They say there's a universal plan
For every woman, for every man
I do believe there's a higher power
But in our darkest hour it's hard to understand
So we start to question, start to doubt
We lose faith in what life's all about


Justin found himself thinking of his lost wife. Emotion welded in his chest as he tried his best to hide his emotions. Memories of Lindsay rushed through his mind. He remembered the first day he met Lindsay. He remembered how strikingly beautiful she was basking in the sunlight at the park. She had been burying herself in a book. Justin had watched her quietly from a distance. He admired how the sun made her silky hair shine. He remembered that a slight breeze had playfully tousled her hair. He recalled the desire he felt to touch her hair to see if it was really as soft as it appeared. And her eyes. Justin knew that if she had locked gazes with him, he wouldn't be able to look away. There was so much intensity in her dark brown gaze.

Why did the right road take the wrong turn
Why did our heart break, why'd we get burned
Just like the seasons there are reasons for the path we take
There are no mistakes
Just lessons to be learned


Justin remembered the rocky first year of his marriage to Lindsay. They were still both young and naïve in some aspects, but they had gotten through it. They had gotten through by trying their best to stick together. They shared love, frustrations, anger, and compassion. They shared everything.

Don't give up, keep on looking deep inside
Let your heartbeat be your guide
Because there's a gift, for those who keep believing
You'll find what you've been needing is right before your eyes
You'll hold the answer in your hands
Then you'll know, you'll finally understand


"I still don't understand." Justin thought miserably. "Why my wife? Why my Lindsay?" He thought desolately. Tears blurred his vision. He slowed his speed. Theresa gazed at him anxiously.

Why did the right road take a wrong turn
Why did our heart break, why'd we get burned
Just like the seasons there are reasons for the path we take
There are no mistakes
Just lessons to be learned
.

"I learned my lesson the hard way," Justin thoughts sadly. "I learned not to take too much for granted because there's always a chance it will be taken away. Just like my Lindsay was taken away from me." Tears slipped out of the corners of Justin eyes. He wiped them away quickly hoping that Theresa didn't notice, but Theresa did notice. She looked at him and scrutinized him with her intense gaze. Justin took a deep breath and clenched his jaw. His knuckles turned white from clutching the wheel tightly.

"Are you all right?" Theresa asked softly.

No matter how many times you stumble or fall
The greatest lesson is loving yourself through it all


"Professor Hammond?" Theresa asked again. "Justin?" She said.

Why did the right road take a wrong turn
Why did our heart break, why'd we get burned
Just like the seasons, there are reasons for the path we take
There are no mistakes
Just lessons
Lessons to be learned


"We're here." Justin said as the car stopped. Theresa looked at Justin with concern. "Are you all right?"

Justin got out of the car not responding to Theresa and walked to her side. He opened the door and helped her out. She looked at him with quizzical eyes. "Justin?" She said softly. "What's bothering you?"

Justin didn't answer. Instead his gaze remained fixed on the front door. Theresa glanced up. "Fox." She whispered. "Oh please don't assume anything Fox." Theresa thought worriedly.

~*~