12



Theresa felt a range of differing emotions surge through her as she listened to her young son's voice. He sounded so near, yet he was thousands of miles away. Ethan Martin was growing up into an inquisitive and observant child. The insightfulness he displayed at his young age astounded the adults around him, yet Ethan Martin still had moments where his child-like naiveté reminded everyone that he still was very young and that he still had so much to learn about the world around him.

Ethan Martin chattered away excitedly on the phone. Theresa listened diligently and laughed at her son's eagerness to tell her everything.

"Oh Mommy, did I tell you?" Ethan Martin said suddenly. "I made cookies today!"

"You did?" Theresa replied smiling. "All by yourself?" She said trying to sound impressed.

"Uh-huh. Well, Grandma helped a little." Ethan Martin said. "I want you to taste them, but you can't because you're not here." He said sadly.

Theresa's heart felt like it shattered into even more tinier pieces. "Once I come back home, you can make another batch of cookies, and I'll taste them then."

"When are you coming home?" Ethan Martin asked.

"I don't know honey. I hope I can get home really soon, but right now Mommy needs some time to think."

"But how can Fox fix your heart if you're not here?" Ethan Martin asked innocently. "You said he could fix your heart for you, remember?"

Theresa sighed. "I said he could try, sweetie, but Mommy needs some time to herself for now. Do you understand?" She asked gently.

Little Ethan frowned. "I guess." He mumbled. "Just promise you'll come home and see me. I want to make you cookies."

"I promise." Theresa said tearfully. "I love you."

"Love you too, Mommy." Ethan Martin said. "Here's Grandma."

Theresa wiped away the watery streaks left by the tears that pooled in her eyes. Hearing Ethan Martin's voice made her regret leaving Harmony, but then she reminded herself that he was no longer in her custody. The pessimistic side of her allowed the harsh reality to be slapped into her again.

"Theresita?" Pilar said quietly.

"Yes Mama." Theresa replied equally quiet in tone.

"Where are you?" Pilar asked.

"With Paloma, and Tia Maria, and Tio Francisco." Theresa replied.

"How long will you be there?" Pilar asked.

"For as long as it takes." Theresa answered. "I don't know how long it will be before I return to Harmony, but I intend to stay where I am until I'm ready to come home."

Pilar sighed. "Okay," She said.

"But I don't want anyone from Harmony coming here." Theresa requested. "Not now anyway."

Pilar immediately thought of Fox who was anxious to get to Theresa as quickly as possible. "All right, Theresa." "But I wouldn't be surprised if Fox gets there today or tomorrow." She thought to herself.

"Thank you Mama." Theresa said gratefully. "I have to go now, but I'll call from time to time."

"Good," Pilar said. "You take care of yourself okay?"

"I will. I love you Mama,"

"I love you too. Send everyone my love." When Pilar hung up Fox and Ethan were staring at her intensely. "Well?" Ethan spoke up. "Is she all right?"

"She's safe." Pilar replied. "As in to how she really is~ well, she's still hurting. All she needs is time, and I don't think either one of you should go down there now. She requested that no one from Harmony see her."

"But~" Fox protested.

"Fox, I know you desperately wish to see her, but she isn't ready to face you or anyone else here for that matter. Give her some space. Give her time."

"But what am I supposed to do? Sit around and wait for her to be ready to see me?" Fox exclaimed frustratingly.

"How about you get a job." Ethan snapped.

"Was I talking to you?" Fox asked irritated.

"Gentlemen." Pilar said reprimanding. "Stop! Please."

"Sorry." Ethan mumbled. "Look, I'll respect Theresa's wishes and give her the space she wants. I can't account for the other one though." Ethan said nodding his head towards his half-brother.

Fox rolled his eyes. "I-I really want to talk to her." He admitted to Pilar. "You know that,"

"Fox, please, just give Theresa time. She'll come around." Pilar said softly.

Fox bit his lower lip as he contemplated his choices- Leave Theresa alone, or go to her. There was only one choice that stood out in his mind, and Fox had every intention of finding some way to accomplish it. Fox was determined to get to Theresa, and if he had to he was going to do it in secret.

~*~