Chapter 36 Part 1:
Theresa was able to leave the hospital the next evening. Ethan was still there when she got home. He had decided to say his goodbyes to everyone once Theresa got home. That way he could see her one last time.
"Is Little Ethan awake?" Theresa asked Fox as they pulled in front of the mansion.
"Uh you know what? I'm not sure if Phyllis put him to bed yet."
"Oh I see."
"Theresa, Ethan is leaving today."
"I...I know. He told me. Did he leave already?"
"No, he wanted to say goodbye to you."
"Oh, well hopefully he'll be quick about it."
"Are you mad at him?" Fox questioned.
"No. Why should I be?"
"I don't know. It just sounds like you're mad at him for some reason."
"I'm just a little mad that he didn't tell me until the last minute that he was leaving. I don't really care where he lives, but he is my friend so I thought he would be nice enough to let me know ahead of time."
Fox was happy to hear that Theresa was angry with Ethan. Now only if they wouldn't keep in touch. Fox could take care of that easily.
"Well, let's go inside." Fox said.
"Okay. Wait, Fox." She said suddenly.
"Something wrong?"
"No," she pulled him close so she could give him a kiss. "I love you."
"I love you too!"
When they walked in they found tons of family and friends waiting to say goodbye to Ethan.
A man walked in after them and said to Ethan, "Everything is packed, Sir. Just come in the car when you're ready to leave."
"Thank you." Ethan said nicely.
"Well, thank you all for coming here to see me off. It means a lot to know that you're all supporting my decision to leave Harmony. Harmony will always have a special place in my heart along with all of you. I've had some of the best times of my life here and some of the worst times." He stared straight at Theresa when he said that last sentence. "But it's come time for me to explore the world. Or better yet New York. Your all welcomed to come out and visit me as soon as I get settled. So I better see some of you guys." He gave a little laugh. "Well, I better make this short so I can say goodbye to you all personally. So thanks for always being there for me." He concluded his farewell speech.
Theresa watched his every move. First he said goodbye to the Russell's and Chad.
"Bye, Whitney. I wish you and Chad the best of luck."
"Bye, Ethan." She gave him a hug and a kiss. "Be sure to call us once you get settled in. We'll visit you for sure."
"Yeah, man." Chad began, "You can always count on us for anything."
"Thanks, Chad. You've both been good friends."
Next he said goodbye to the Bennett's and to Grace.
"Bye, Dad. You know we haven't really had a lot of time to form a strong relationship. I just hope we can still do that."
"We will. Take care of yourself and write often."
"I will."
"Bye, son." Sam said.
"Bye, Grace."
"Oh bye, Ethan. I've made you a tomato soup cake so you'll have something to eat once you get there." Grace told him.
"Thank you so much. I'm sure it's gonna taste great."
"Bye, Jessica, Kay."
"Bye, Ethan." Kay said.
"Make sure you let me know how you're feeling. Alright?"
"Okay." She smiled.
"Ethan, make sure you keep in touch. And make sure you be safe." Jessica told him.
"I will, bye."
Next it was time to say goodbye to the Lopez-Fitzgerald's.
"Pilar, I can't thank you enough for what you've done for me." He said smiling for Pilar.
"Ethan, it's been a great pleasure to watch you grown into a fine young man. Be careful."
"I will, bye Pilar."
"Luis, it's been great knowing you."
"Yeah, it has. Take care of yourself."
"Alright I will. Luis, can you do me a favor?"
"Name it."
"Let me know how Theresa's doing. Keep an eye out for her."
"I will.
"See you around."
"Beth, take care of yourself and that baby you're caring."
"I will, Ethan. I hope you find someone special."
"Thanks."
"Miguel, man you better take good care of my sister."
"I will." He laughed. "Later, Ethan."
Finally the Cranes.
"Bye, Julian and thank you for giving my this job opportunity."
"No problem, Ethan. You're like my son. take care."
"Oh mom, don't cry. You'll see me soon. I promise."
"I know. Just be careful so no one hurts you."
"I know, mom."
"Fox, you take care of that special lady. You hear?" He tried to smile, but it wasn't happening.
"Oh I will." Fox kissed Theresa. He had to rub it in Ethan's face that he had won.
Theresa's eyes were closed as he talked with Fox. She could feel him in front of her now so she opened her eyes. He was standing in front of her.
"Bye, Theresa. Take care of Little Ethan and be sure to send me new pictures of him."
"I.....I will." She whispered softly.
He kissed her cheek and gave her a hug. Then he left. Theresa ran to her room and locked the door. She didn't want to see anyone. That night she cried herself to sleep.
That was a week ago. Theresa couldn't believe how quickly time went on after Ethan left. She still didn't come out of her room though.
"Knock, knock!"
"Go away!"
"Theresa, it's Fox."
"Oh I'm so sorry, honey. I don't want to talk to anyone but you." She opened the door for him to come in.
"Theresa, you have to get over him." He told her the truth.
"I'm not just crying over him."
"Then why are you crying?"
"Because of our baby. have you already forgotten?"
"No, but we will have other babies."
"I know."
"Here someone is here to see you."
"Who? I don't want to speak to anyone."
The woman walked in.
"Gwen, what are you doing here? I thought you and Hank were in Paris?"
"We were, but we heard Ethan was leaving so we came to say goodbye."
"Oh well, you're too late."
"No, were not."
"Huh?" Theresa was confused.
"We saw him last week."
"You did?"
"Yes."
"Did you talk to him, Gwen?"
"Yes, I did."
"He left because of me. Didn't he?"
"Yeah. You have a family and Fox to love, Theresa. You chose Fox not Ethan. You can't have two lovers. So Theresa forget about Ethan. I'm sure he's already forgotten about you."
"Yeah I guess you're right. It's just so hard to let go of someone you've loved for so long."
"Theresa, I know. I use to love Ethan too." Gwen laughed.
"Oh I forget! Our lives have changed so much since last year."
"I know. And they'll continue to change. You can't stop change."
"Gwen, you're a great friend."
"I know," she smiled. "I know. But you are too!"
Back in New York. Ethan is finally getting settled in.
"I wonder what Theresa's doing? How she's doing?" Ethan asked himself.
Ethan hardly knew anyone in New York. He started working next week at a place that was unfamiliar. He maybe met one neighbor of his that seemed nice. Most people seemed rather angry and private. That only made it harder for him to adjust to this new lifestyle.
"Wow! I only have three more boxes to unpack. I could have sworn that I had more than 10."
"Knock, knock!"
"Uh I'm coming!" He shouted. He wondered who that could be. He thought maybe for a moment that it could be Theresa. Maybe she had seen the truth. That she was always in love with Ethan.
"Hi!" He said cheerfully.
"Hi, I heard that someone was moving in here so I thought I'd bake a cake to make you feel welcomed." She said softly.
"Oh well thank you. That was very kind of you. Um.... why don't you come in and have a piece with me?" He suggested.
"Thank you."
They went and sat down in the kitchen.
"It seems like you have settles in pretty well." She said to make conversation while he cut the cake.
"Yeah, it's smaller than what I was use to growing up, but it will do. I need a change."
"Oh did you live in a big house while growing up?"
"You can sorta say that." He laughed a little. "Have you heard of the Cranes?"
"Who hasn't?"
"Well, I grew up as Ethan Crane, but I turned out to be my mother's first love's child."
"You're Ethan?" She asked excitedly. "Oh I'm sorry. I just never thought I'd meet you."
"What exactly do you mean?"
"Well, I must confess I always had a crush on you. I was so mad that you were engaged to that girl named Gwen."
"What about Theresa?"
"Oh that girl!" She rolled her eyes and gave a little laugh.
"What? What?" He laughed.
"People tell me that I look like her."
"You resemble her, but your prettier."
"Really?" She blushed.
"Yes, really."
"Would you like some coffee, Ethan?"
"Sure. I'm sorry what did you say your name was?"
"I didn't say." She said very sexually.
"Oh I see."
"It's Ava."
"It's nice to meet you, Ava." They shook hands.
"Nice to meet you too, Ethan." She smiled.
They sat and drank their coffee while keeping up an interesting conversation. Afterward Ava stayed and helped Ethan finish unpacking.
"Do you mind if I put on the radio?" She asked.
"Not at all."
She turned on her favorite station.
"Oh this is my favorite song!" She exclaimed.
"Well, then, turn it up." He told her.
"Alright!" She smiled.
If I don't need you then why am I crying on my bed?
If I don't need you then why does your name resound in my head?
If you're not for me then why does this distance maim my life?
If you're not for me then why do I dream of you as my wife?
"This song is so sad, but I love songs that can make you cry." She told him.
"Oh really?" He said absent mindedly. He was listening to the lyrics of the song. This was the same song he heard before leaving Harmony.
I don't know why you're so far away
But I know that this much is true
We'll make it through
And I hope you are the one I share my life with
And I wish that you could be the one I die with
And I pray in you're the one I build my home with
I hope I love you all my life
"Then again this song does show signs of hope. You know? That people can still be together in the end."
"Yeah, I know."
I don't want to run away but I can't take it, I don't understand
If I'm not made for you then why does my heart tell me that I am
Is there any way that I can stay in your arms?
`Cause I miss you, body and soul so strong that it takes my breath away
And I breathe you into my heart and pray for the strength to stand today
`Cause I love you, whether it's wrong or right
And though I can't be with you tonight
And know my heart is by your side
"Do you believe in fate, Ethan?"
"Fate? Ha I really don't believe in fate." He laughed trying to hide his pain.
"Oh I'm sorry." She apologized.
"It's okay."
I don't want to run away but I can't take it, I don't understand
If I'm not made for you then why does my heart tell me that I am
Is there any way that I can stay in your arms?
"Let's go for a walk!" He suggested. He needed to take his mind off of Theresa.
"Okay!" She was up for anything as long as she was with him. She was feeling a strong attraction for him. But she didn't know how he felt about her.
"So how do you like New York so far?" She asked him.
"I must confuse. You're the first person I've met that has been really nice to me."
"No kidding!" She laughed. "That's how it was when I first moved here. After a while people come out of their shells around you."
"Where did you grow up at?"
"All over the world. See my father was in the army," she began to explain, " and we moved all over. My brothers didn't mind moving, but I did. I wanted somewhere to belong. Have you ever felt like you didn't belong?"
"Well, yeah. Actually that's one of the reasons why I moved to New York."
"Was it because Fox married Theresa?"
"Boy you know me pretty well." He smiled.
"I just read the papers a lot."
"Careful!" He said as he opened his arms and blocked her from walking in a puddle of water.
She looked down and saw the puddle, "Thank you so much for not letting me get wet."
"No problem. Would you like to have some dinner tonight?" He asked very boldly.
"I'd love to!" Her eyes lit up like fireworks on the 4th of July.
"Great then it's a date. I'll pick you up at 70 p.m."
She looked at her watch and said, "Then we should be getting back because it's already 60 p.m. and I need to get ready."
"Okay. Where would you like to go for dinner?"
"Ummmm....I know the perfect place, but it's kinda fancy so make sure you wear something really nice."
"Okay, that's no problem. I have so many suits since I use to go to all those parties for the Cranes." He informed her. "Well I'm gonna stop and mail something so why don't you head home and I'll meet you at 70 p.m."
"Alright, sounds great." She kissed him and the cheek and left.
Ethan didn't really have to mail something, he just wanted to get Ava some pretty pink and yellow roses. While picking out the roses he ran into someone from the Crane Industries in Harmony.
"Ethan?" The man asked because he wasn't sure if it was him.
"Yes." He said before turning around. "Hey what are you doing here, Pat?"
"I'm here on vacation. How have you been?"
"Good."
"It looks like you're better than good."
"Huh? What do you mean?"
"Don't lie to me. You're in love." Pat smiled devilishly.
"No." Ethan denied it.
"Oh really? Then why do I see the look of love in your eyes? Why are you buying roses? Huh? Answer me that!" Pat was so confident that he was right. "Tell me who she is!"
Ethan just stared at him.
"Wait please tell me you're not still in love with Theresa. Are you?"
"No, I'm over Theresa."
"For good?" He questioned.
"Yes, for good. I realized that she's in love with Fox and that won't ever change."
"Sorry man."
"Don't be. I had to face reality sometime."
"I guess, so tell me who this lucky lady is?"
Ethan laughed and said, "There's no one."
"BS! Tell me who she is!" He really wanted to know.
"How long are you in town for?" Ethan wanted to change the subject.
"No, no, Ethan. Don't try to change the subject. Who is she? Come on, Ethan, trust me."
"Well how long are you in town for? Maybe you can meet her one day."
"I'm here all week long, but I have to take care of some things. Could we maybe get together tomorrow?"
"Uh yeah. That's fine with me."
"Alright, well I have to go." Pat said. "I'll give you my number and we you can give me a call."
"Okay. Thanks."
"Nice seeing you."
"Same here." Ethan said.
He paid for the roses and went home to change. While he was buttoning his shirt he was wondering if he was really falling for Ava.
"Even though she does remind me of Theresa, she's her own person." He told himself. "There's nothing wrong in loving someone besides Theresa, Ethan. Just admit it. You're falling for here."
After he was all dressed and ready to go he looked at himself one last time in the mirror.
"You look good. And I'm falling for Ava." He smiled. "I'm falling for Ava." He said again getting use to hearing that.
He was on time when he went for Ava.
"Wow! You look so beautiful." He said honestly.
"Well, thank you. You look very handsome yourself."
"These are for you." He said as he pulled the roses out from behind his back."
"Oh, Ethan, you didn't have to."
"I wanted to."
"Well thank you. They are so beautiful."
"Not as beautiful as you though."
She blushed.
"Shall we?"
"Of course." She said as she wrapped her arm around his'.
They had a wonderful time at dinner. The food was excellent and they enjoyed each other's company very much. They decided to take a walk through Central Park afterwards. Ava ran he hands up and down her shoulders because it became so cold suddenly.
"Oh are you cold?" He inquired.
"A little, but it's okay." She said.
"No, here take my coat."
"Thank you." She said as he put his coat on her.
"Better?"
"Much better. You know, I haven't had such a great time since I left home when I was 18."
"Well I happy I could give you such a great time."
They walked for a little more before Ethan stopped her.
"Ava?" He stopped walking.
"Yes, Ethan?"
He didn't say anything. He moved in closer and kissed her softly on her lips. He pulled back so he wouldn't make her uncomfortable, but she pulled him back and kissed him passionately. Then Ethan walked her to her door.
"Would you like to go out tomorrow?" He asked her.
"I'd love to."
"Great, well I better get going."
"Wait...would you like to come in?" She asked him.
He thought about it for a while and said, "Sure."
That night Ava and Ethan slept together. He hesitated at first because he thought it was too soon. He had just lost Theresa, but he remembered she loved Fox and only Fox.
Back in harmony.
"Theresa, why don't we go out and take your mind off Ethan. Girls night out!" Gwen suggested.
"No, Gwen. I just need to be alone."
"Take it from me. Being alone is the last thing you want to do now."
"Gwen, I just need to think things through. Please understand."
"I understand perfectly well, but I just don't want you to become depressed. I mean why should you? You have Little Ethan and then there's Fox. He's so wonderful to you. I know you love him so much."
Images of Fox hurting her passed before her very eyes. She gave a little shiver.
"Are you cold?" Gwen asked.
"Huh? Oh no. I was just reminiscing."
"About what?"
"Nothing. It's not important."
"How are you cooping with the miscarriage?" Gwen was concerned about her friend and wanted to help her through this hard pain.
"Just forget it! Maybe it's a good thing that I lost the baby! My life is so nutsty right now, why not add a new baby to all of the problems we're having!" Theresa's attitude was coming through.
"What kind of problems are you having? Theresa, please tell me so I can help you." Gwen begged Theresa to tell her.
Theresa remembered that Fox had told her never to tell anyone what he was doing because he would hurt the one person she loved the most.....Little Ethan. Theresa knew he would do it too. So she shut her mouth.
"Gwen, just leave! I didn't ask you to come here anyway!" Theresa angrily shouted.
"I know when I'm not welcomed." She said as she picked up her purse and left the room.
Fox was standing outside by the door listening to their conversation. He was very happy to hear that Theresa said nothing about his treatment of her and that Gwen thought that nothing was wrong with their marriage. Gwen stopped to talk to Fox on her way out.
"How is she, Gwen?" He asked.
"She's just upset over losing the baby."
"Are you sure it's not because of Ethan leaving?"
"I'm sure. It's hard to lose a good friend, but to lose your own child, that's really tough."
"You're right. Thanks for talking to her. I really appreciate it."
"Yeah well I'm not so sure she appreciated it." Gwen began, "But if you ever need me to talk to her just give me a call. I'll be more than happy to talk to her."
"Wait aren't you going back to Paris?" Fox asked not really caring what Gwen did with her life.
"No, we've decided to stay in Harmony. That way I can help Theresa face this pain."
"You're an angel, Gwen." He kissed her on her cheek. "I have to get back to work, but thanks again."
As Gwen watched Fox walk away she said to herself, "Theresa, you're a lucky woman to have Fox."
At Miguel and Kay's house Miguel was trying to decide whether or not he was going to ask Kay to think about reconsidering adoption. He wanted to have this baby, but Kay didn't.
"Hey honey!" He said as he walked up to her, wrapped his arms around her, and kissed her on the lips.
"It's nice to see you too!" She laughed as she put her homework aside.
"You know, I've been thinking." Miguel began but was interrupted by Kay.
"Oh honey, you really shouldn't do that too much. You know your head hurts from thinking." She joked around.
"Very funny. Ha ha. But no I think we should have this baby. I'll love it as though it's our own."
Kay removed Miguel's arms, stood up, and said, "No, Miguel. You know how I feel. I want to go to college and get my teaching degree and I know you want to go to medical school. Tell me how can we do that and have a family? We can't."
"Kay, please at least consider keeping this child. You may regret giving him or her up one day. Please promise me that you'll at least give it a thought."
She looked deep into his beautiful brown eyes and saw that he really wanted her to think this over. She couldn't refuse him.
"Okay, I'll think about it." She smiled.
"Good." He kissed her lips softly. "So have you picked out a dress for next week?" He asked her along with many other wedding questions.
Spoilers*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Ethan and Ava accidentally bump into Pat!
Fox gets angry with Theresa! But does he hurt her?
Pilar learns the truth about Fox!
Much feedback is appreciated!!!
~Mandi~
Theresa was able to leave the hospital the next evening. Ethan was still there when she got home. He had decided to say his goodbyes to everyone once Theresa got home. That way he could see her one last time.
"Is Little Ethan awake?" Theresa asked Fox as they pulled in front of the mansion.
"Uh you know what? I'm not sure if Phyllis put him to bed yet."
"Oh I see."
"Theresa, Ethan is leaving today."
"I...I know. He told me. Did he leave already?"
"No, he wanted to say goodbye to you."
"Oh, well hopefully he'll be quick about it."
"Are you mad at him?" Fox questioned.
"No. Why should I be?"
"I don't know. It just sounds like you're mad at him for some reason."
"I'm just a little mad that he didn't tell me until the last minute that he was leaving. I don't really care where he lives, but he is my friend so I thought he would be nice enough to let me know ahead of time."
Fox was happy to hear that Theresa was angry with Ethan. Now only if they wouldn't keep in touch. Fox could take care of that easily.
"Well, let's go inside." Fox said.
"Okay. Wait, Fox." She said suddenly.
"Something wrong?"
"No," she pulled him close so she could give him a kiss. "I love you."
"I love you too!"
When they walked in they found tons of family and friends waiting to say goodbye to Ethan.
A man walked in after them and said to Ethan, "Everything is packed, Sir. Just come in the car when you're ready to leave."
"Thank you." Ethan said nicely.
"Well, thank you all for coming here to see me off. It means a lot to know that you're all supporting my decision to leave Harmony. Harmony will always have a special place in my heart along with all of you. I've had some of the best times of my life here and some of the worst times." He stared straight at Theresa when he said that last sentence. "But it's come time for me to explore the world. Or better yet New York. Your all welcomed to come out and visit me as soon as I get settled. So I better see some of you guys." He gave a little laugh. "Well, I better make this short so I can say goodbye to you all personally. So thanks for always being there for me." He concluded his farewell speech.
Theresa watched his every move. First he said goodbye to the Russell's and Chad.
"Bye, Whitney. I wish you and Chad the best of luck."
"Bye, Ethan." She gave him a hug and a kiss. "Be sure to call us once you get settled in. We'll visit you for sure."
"Yeah, man." Chad began, "You can always count on us for anything."
"Thanks, Chad. You've both been good friends."
Next he said goodbye to the Bennett's and to Grace.
"Bye, Dad. You know we haven't really had a lot of time to form a strong relationship. I just hope we can still do that."
"We will. Take care of yourself and write often."
"I will."
"Bye, son." Sam said.
"Bye, Grace."
"Oh bye, Ethan. I've made you a tomato soup cake so you'll have something to eat once you get there." Grace told him.
"Thank you so much. I'm sure it's gonna taste great."
"Bye, Jessica, Kay."
"Bye, Ethan." Kay said.
"Make sure you let me know how you're feeling. Alright?"
"Okay." She smiled.
"Ethan, make sure you keep in touch. And make sure you be safe." Jessica told him.
"I will, bye."
Next it was time to say goodbye to the Lopez-Fitzgerald's.
"Pilar, I can't thank you enough for what you've done for me." He said smiling for Pilar.
"Ethan, it's been a great pleasure to watch you grown into a fine young man. Be careful."
"I will, bye Pilar."
"Luis, it's been great knowing you."
"Yeah, it has. Take care of yourself."
"Alright I will. Luis, can you do me a favor?"
"Name it."
"Let me know how Theresa's doing. Keep an eye out for her."
"I will.
"See you around."
"Beth, take care of yourself and that baby you're caring."
"I will, Ethan. I hope you find someone special."
"Thanks."
"Miguel, man you better take good care of my sister."
"I will." He laughed. "Later, Ethan."
Finally the Cranes.
"Bye, Julian and thank you for giving my this job opportunity."
"No problem, Ethan. You're like my son. take care."
"Oh mom, don't cry. You'll see me soon. I promise."
"I know. Just be careful so no one hurts you."
"I know, mom."
"Fox, you take care of that special lady. You hear?" He tried to smile, but it wasn't happening.
"Oh I will." Fox kissed Theresa. He had to rub it in Ethan's face that he had won.
Theresa's eyes were closed as he talked with Fox. She could feel him in front of her now so she opened her eyes. He was standing in front of her.
"Bye, Theresa. Take care of Little Ethan and be sure to send me new pictures of him."
"I.....I will." She whispered softly.
He kissed her cheek and gave her a hug. Then he left. Theresa ran to her room and locked the door. She didn't want to see anyone. That night she cried herself to sleep.
That was a week ago. Theresa couldn't believe how quickly time went on after Ethan left. She still didn't come out of her room though.
"Knock, knock!"
"Go away!"
"Theresa, it's Fox."
"Oh I'm so sorry, honey. I don't want to talk to anyone but you." She opened the door for him to come in.
"Theresa, you have to get over him." He told her the truth.
"I'm not just crying over him."
"Then why are you crying?"
"Because of our baby. have you already forgotten?"
"No, but we will have other babies."
"I know."
"Here someone is here to see you."
"Who? I don't want to speak to anyone."
The woman walked in.
"Gwen, what are you doing here? I thought you and Hank were in Paris?"
"We were, but we heard Ethan was leaving so we came to say goodbye."
"Oh well, you're too late."
"No, were not."
"Huh?" Theresa was confused.
"We saw him last week."
"You did?"
"Yes."
"Did you talk to him, Gwen?"
"Yes, I did."
"He left because of me. Didn't he?"
"Yeah. You have a family and Fox to love, Theresa. You chose Fox not Ethan. You can't have two lovers. So Theresa forget about Ethan. I'm sure he's already forgotten about you."
"Yeah I guess you're right. It's just so hard to let go of someone you've loved for so long."
"Theresa, I know. I use to love Ethan too." Gwen laughed.
"Oh I forget! Our lives have changed so much since last year."
"I know. And they'll continue to change. You can't stop change."
"Gwen, you're a great friend."
"I know," she smiled. "I know. But you are too!"
Back in New York. Ethan is finally getting settled in.
"I wonder what Theresa's doing? How she's doing?" Ethan asked himself.
Ethan hardly knew anyone in New York. He started working next week at a place that was unfamiliar. He maybe met one neighbor of his that seemed nice. Most people seemed rather angry and private. That only made it harder for him to adjust to this new lifestyle.
"Wow! I only have three more boxes to unpack. I could have sworn that I had more than 10."
"Knock, knock!"
"Uh I'm coming!" He shouted. He wondered who that could be. He thought maybe for a moment that it could be Theresa. Maybe she had seen the truth. That she was always in love with Ethan.
"Hi!" He said cheerfully.
"Hi, I heard that someone was moving in here so I thought I'd bake a cake to make you feel welcomed." She said softly.
"Oh well thank you. That was very kind of you. Um.... why don't you come in and have a piece with me?" He suggested.
"Thank you."
They went and sat down in the kitchen.
"It seems like you have settles in pretty well." She said to make conversation while he cut the cake.
"Yeah, it's smaller than what I was use to growing up, but it will do. I need a change."
"Oh did you live in a big house while growing up?"
"You can sorta say that." He laughed a little. "Have you heard of the Cranes?"
"Who hasn't?"
"Well, I grew up as Ethan Crane, but I turned out to be my mother's first love's child."
"You're Ethan?" She asked excitedly. "Oh I'm sorry. I just never thought I'd meet you."
"What exactly do you mean?"
"Well, I must confess I always had a crush on you. I was so mad that you were engaged to that girl named Gwen."
"What about Theresa?"
"Oh that girl!" She rolled her eyes and gave a little laugh.
"What? What?" He laughed.
"People tell me that I look like her."
"You resemble her, but your prettier."
"Really?" She blushed.
"Yes, really."
"Would you like some coffee, Ethan?"
"Sure. I'm sorry what did you say your name was?"
"I didn't say." She said very sexually.
"Oh I see."
"It's Ava."
"It's nice to meet you, Ava." They shook hands.
"Nice to meet you too, Ethan." She smiled.
They sat and drank their coffee while keeping up an interesting conversation. Afterward Ava stayed and helped Ethan finish unpacking.
"Do you mind if I put on the radio?" She asked.
"Not at all."
She turned on her favorite station.
"Oh this is my favorite song!" She exclaimed.
"Well, then, turn it up." He told her.
"Alright!" She smiled.
If I don't need you then why am I crying on my bed?
If I don't need you then why does your name resound in my head?
If you're not for me then why does this distance maim my life?
If you're not for me then why do I dream of you as my wife?
"This song is so sad, but I love songs that can make you cry." She told him.
"Oh really?" He said absent mindedly. He was listening to the lyrics of the song. This was the same song he heard before leaving Harmony.
I don't know why you're so far away
But I know that this much is true
We'll make it through
And I hope you are the one I share my life with
And I wish that you could be the one I die with
And I pray in you're the one I build my home with
I hope I love you all my life
"Then again this song does show signs of hope. You know? That people can still be together in the end."
"Yeah, I know."
I don't want to run away but I can't take it, I don't understand
If I'm not made for you then why does my heart tell me that I am
Is there any way that I can stay in your arms?
`Cause I miss you, body and soul so strong that it takes my breath away
And I breathe you into my heart and pray for the strength to stand today
`Cause I love you, whether it's wrong or right
And though I can't be with you tonight
And know my heart is by your side
"Do you believe in fate, Ethan?"
"Fate? Ha I really don't believe in fate." He laughed trying to hide his pain.
"Oh I'm sorry." She apologized.
"It's okay."
I don't want to run away but I can't take it, I don't understand
If I'm not made for you then why does my heart tell me that I am
Is there any way that I can stay in your arms?
"Let's go for a walk!" He suggested. He needed to take his mind off of Theresa.
"Okay!" She was up for anything as long as she was with him. She was feeling a strong attraction for him. But she didn't know how he felt about her.
"So how do you like New York so far?" She asked him.
"I must confuse. You're the first person I've met that has been really nice to me."
"No kidding!" She laughed. "That's how it was when I first moved here. After a while people come out of their shells around you."
"Where did you grow up at?"
"All over the world. See my father was in the army," she began to explain, " and we moved all over. My brothers didn't mind moving, but I did. I wanted somewhere to belong. Have you ever felt like you didn't belong?"
"Well, yeah. Actually that's one of the reasons why I moved to New York."
"Was it because Fox married Theresa?"
"Boy you know me pretty well." He smiled.
"I just read the papers a lot."
"Careful!" He said as he opened his arms and blocked her from walking in a puddle of water.
She looked down and saw the puddle, "Thank you so much for not letting me get wet."
"No problem. Would you like to have some dinner tonight?" He asked very boldly.
"I'd love to!" Her eyes lit up like fireworks on the 4th of July.
"Great then it's a date. I'll pick you up at 70 p.m."
She looked at her watch and said, "Then we should be getting back because it's already 60 p.m. and I need to get ready."
"Okay. Where would you like to go for dinner?"
"Ummmm....I know the perfect place, but it's kinda fancy so make sure you wear something really nice."
"Okay, that's no problem. I have so many suits since I use to go to all those parties for the Cranes." He informed her. "Well I'm gonna stop and mail something so why don't you head home and I'll meet you at 70 p.m."
"Alright, sounds great." She kissed him and the cheek and left.
Ethan didn't really have to mail something, he just wanted to get Ava some pretty pink and yellow roses. While picking out the roses he ran into someone from the Crane Industries in Harmony.
"Ethan?" The man asked because he wasn't sure if it was him.
"Yes." He said before turning around. "Hey what are you doing here, Pat?"
"I'm here on vacation. How have you been?"
"Good."
"It looks like you're better than good."
"Huh? What do you mean?"
"Don't lie to me. You're in love." Pat smiled devilishly.
"No." Ethan denied it.
"Oh really? Then why do I see the look of love in your eyes? Why are you buying roses? Huh? Answer me that!" Pat was so confident that he was right. "Tell me who she is!"
Ethan just stared at him.
"Wait please tell me you're not still in love with Theresa. Are you?"
"No, I'm over Theresa."
"For good?" He questioned.
"Yes, for good. I realized that she's in love with Fox and that won't ever change."
"Sorry man."
"Don't be. I had to face reality sometime."
"I guess, so tell me who this lucky lady is?"
Ethan laughed and said, "There's no one."
"BS! Tell me who she is!" He really wanted to know.
"How long are you in town for?" Ethan wanted to change the subject.
"No, no, Ethan. Don't try to change the subject. Who is she? Come on, Ethan, trust me."
"Well how long are you in town for? Maybe you can meet her one day."
"I'm here all week long, but I have to take care of some things. Could we maybe get together tomorrow?"
"Uh yeah. That's fine with me."
"Alright, well I have to go." Pat said. "I'll give you my number and we you can give me a call."
"Okay. Thanks."
"Nice seeing you."
"Same here." Ethan said.
He paid for the roses and went home to change. While he was buttoning his shirt he was wondering if he was really falling for Ava.
"Even though she does remind me of Theresa, she's her own person." He told himself. "There's nothing wrong in loving someone besides Theresa, Ethan. Just admit it. You're falling for here."
After he was all dressed and ready to go he looked at himself one last time in the mirror.
"You look good. And I'm falling for Ava." He smiled. "I'm falling for Ava." He said again getting use to hearing that.
He was on time when he went for Ava.
"Wow! You look so beautiful." He said honestly.
"Well, thank you. You look very handsome yourself."
"These are for you." He said as he pulled the roses out from behind his back."
"Oh, Ethan, you didn't have to."
"I wanted to."
"Well thank you. They are so beautiful."
"Not as beautiful as you though."
She blushed.
"Shall we?"
"Of course." She said as she wrapped her arm around his'.
They had a wonderful time at dinner. The food was excellent and they enjoyed each other's company very much. They decided to take a walk through Central Park afterwards. Ava ran he hands up and down her shoulders because it became so cold suddenly.
"Oh are you cold?" He inquired.
"A little, but it's okay." She said.
"No, here take my coat."
"Thank you." She said as he put his coat on her.
"Better?"
"Much better. You know, I haven't had such a great time since I left home when I was 18."
"Well I happy I could give you such a great time."
They walked for a little more before Ethan stopped her.
"Ava?" He stopped walking.
"Yes, Ethan?"
He didn't say anything. He moved in closer and kissed her softly on her lips. He pulled back so he wouldn't make her uncomfortable, but she pulled him back and kissed him passionately. Then Ethan walked her to her door.
"Would you like to go out tomorrow?" He asked her.
"I'd love to."
"Great, well I better get going."
"Wait...would you like to come in?" She asked him.
He thought about it for a while and said, "Sure."
That night Ava and Ethan slept together. He hesitated at first because he thought it was too soon. He had just lost Theresa, but he remembered she loved Fox and only Fox.
Back in harmony.
"Theresa, why don't we go out and take your mind off Ethan. Girls night out!" Gwen suggested.
"No, Gwen. I just need to be alone."
"Take it from me. Being alone is the last thing you want to do now."
"Gwen, I just need to think things through. Please understand."
"I understand perfectly well, but I just don't want you to become depressed. I mean why should you? You have Little Ethan and then there's Fox. He's so wonderful to you. I know you love him so much."
Images of Fox hurting her passed before her very eyes. She gave a little shiver.
"Are you cold?" Gwen asked.
"Huh? Oh no. I was just reminiscing."
"About what?"
"Nothing. It's not important."
"How are you cooping with the miscarriage?" Gwen was concerned about her friend and wanted to help her through this hard pain.
"Just forget it! Maybe it's a good thing that I lost the baby! My life is so nutsty right now, why not add a new baby to all of the problems we're having!" Theresa's attitude was coming through.
"What kind of problems are you having? Theresa, please tell me so I can help you." Gwen begged Theresa to tell her.
Theresa remembered that Fox had told her never to tell anyone what he was doing because he would hurt the one person she loved the most.....Little Ethan. Theresa knew he would do it too. So she shut her mouth.
"Gwen, just leave! I didn't ask you to come here anyway!" Theresa angrily shouted.
"I know when I'm not welcomed." She said as she picked up her purse and left the room.
Fox was standing outside by the door listening to their conversation. He was very happy to hear that Theresa said nothing about his treatment of her and that Gwen thought that nothing was wrong with their marriage. Gwen stopped to talk to Fox on her way out.
"How is she, Gwen?" He asked.
"She's just upset over losing the baby."
"Are you sure it's not because of Ethan leaving?"
"I'm sure. It's hard to lose a good friend, but to lose your own child, that's really tough."
"You're right. Thanks for talking to her. I really appreciate it."
"Yeah well I'm not so sure she appreciated it." Gwen began, "But if you ever need me to talk to her just give me a call. I'll be more than happy to talk to her."
"Wait aren't you going back to Paris?" Fox asked not really caring what Gwen did with her life.
"No, we've decided to stay in Harmony. That way I can help Theresa face this pain."
"You're an angel, Gwen." He kissed her on her cheek. "I have to get back to work, but thanks again."
As Gwen watched Fox walk away she said to herself, "Theresa, you're a lucky woman to have Fox."
At Miguel and Kay's house Miguel was trying to decide whether or not he was going to ask Kay to think about reconsidering adoption. He wanted to have this baby, but Kay didn't.
"Hey honey!" He said as he walked up to her, wrapped his arms around her, and kissed her on the lips.
"It's nice to see you too!" She laughed as she put her homework aside.
"You know, I've been thinking." Miguel began but was interrupted by Kay.
"Oh honey, you really shouldn't do that too much. You know your head hurts from thinking." She joked around.
"Very funny. Ha ha. But no I think we should have this baby. I'll love it as though it's our own."
Kay removed Miguel's arms, stood up, and said, "No, Miguel. You know how I feel. I want to go to college and get my teaching degree and I know you want to go to medical school. Tell me how can we do that and have a family? We can't."
"Kay, please at least consider keeping this child. You may regret giving him or her up one day. Please promise me that you'll at least give it a thought."
She looked deep into his beautiful brown eyes and saw that he really wanted her to think this over. She couldn't refuse him.
"Okay, I'll think about it." She smiled.
"Good." He kissed her lips softly. "So have you picked out a dress for next week?" He asked her along with many other wedding questions.
Spoilers*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Ethan and Ava accidentally bump into Pat!
Fox gets angry with Theresa! But does he hurt her?
Pilar learns the truth about Fox!
Much feedback is appreciated!!!
~Mandi~