10



"I am not in love with Fox." Theresa said firmly. Theresa thought that her sister must've hit her head somewhere on her way back to the room.

"Okay, fine then, but," Paloma deliberately trailed off.

Theresa sat up. "But? There is no but."

"Oh, but there is. You see, you may not be in love with him, but he is special to you. Isn't he?" Paloma's brown eyes scrutinized Theresa.

"He was special~"

"He still is special." Paloma interrupted. "You may put up a front Theresa, but I can see through that façade."

"Okay, he was there for me every time I needed him. He was my rock- my source of comfort. He's done so much for me." Theresa said quietly.
"You see? He is special to you. You can't just let him go."

"But my friendship with him was all a lie. It was just an attempt to get closer to Whitney." Theresa said hugging a pillow tightly to her chest.

"Was it?" Paloma asked. "You honestly believe that Fox was only there for you because he was trying to get Whitney? I don't think so Theresa. If he really wanted to get closer to Whitney, he would not take the time to comfort you. Instead he'd find some excuse to be with Whitney. But no, when you needed him, he stayed and comforted you, didn't he?"

"Yes." Theresa mumbled.

"Think of everything Fox has done for you." Paloma replied.

"He's done a lot." Theresa admitted. "When CPS took little Ethan, Fox gave me a computer so that I'd be able to see him. Then, when I tried kidnapping Ethan Martin, Fox bailed me out of jail. He gave up his entire inheritance for me. Then, Fox found times to bring Little Ethan to me, and then when the judge made that final ruling~"

"He comforted you." Paloma finished.

"He did more than comfort. He gave me strength. He made me see that I could keep going and keep fighting."

"Fox did all those things because he cares about you Theresa. Your friendship with him isn't a lie. Don't throw it away."

"But he hurt me." Theresa replied.

"I know." Paloma said. "But how can he ever seek for forgiveness if you refuse to talk to him?"

Theresa remained silent and stared at her hands. "He is special to me, Paloma." She admitted quietly. "It's just that I felt so betrayed."

"Of course you did. I would've too if I were in your place."

"It was like a huge slap in the face when I found out he was in love with Whitney. First I lose the custody battle, then~ then I find out he's in love with my best friend."

Theresa sighed. "All these awful things just happened at once, and I just couldn't handle it."

"It's okay, Theresa. You were overwhelmed. But now, you have time to heal. I just wish you'd tell Mama where you are. Please, Theresa. Just tell her that you'll be staying with me for awhile until you can sort things out."

Theresa silently debated with herself. After a few minutes she reluctantly agreed. "Okay, okay, I'll call her."

"Good." Paloma said. "I'll give you some privacy."
Theresa dialed her mother's number and waited nervously for her to pick up.

"Hello?" Theresa heard her mother answer. Theresa froze. She couldn't bring herself to say anything.

"Hello?" Pilar said again. "Hello?"

Theresa took a deep breath.

"Hello? Who's there?"
"Mama?" Theresa finally said.