13



Fox fidgeted nervously as the plane made its landing in Mexico. Just as he had initially intended, Fox's planned his trip secretly. No one except him and the pilot who flew the Crane jet knew of his journey. Because of the many resources available at his fingertips, Fox was able to arrange a quick flight to Mexico. He was also able to bribe the pilot into silence with a generous bonus taken furtively out of the other Crane accounts. Fox learned early on in his life that money could be used in so many ways. He carelessly spent the money that was available to him, but he was not careless when he decided to spend his Crane inheritance for Theresa's bail.

Spending all of his inheritance to save Theresa was the biggest sacrifice Fox had ever made in his life, and Fox never doubted his intentions. Once he heard that Theresa was in prison, he immediately knew what he had to do. It was a strange feeling having absolutely no inheritance, but the grateful look in Theresa's eyes made it all worthwhile.

Once the plane landed, Fox strode quickly through the terminal. As he walked, the only sound Fox could distinguish was the rapid beating of his heart against his chest. He met the driver who would take him to Theresa, and quickly entered the car. Fox's frayed nerves made him feel edgy, and he tapped the passenger side window incessantly on the ride to Theresa's aunt and uncle's home.

Fox and Theresa had a genuine relationship, and Fox had never been as close with anyone as he was with Theresa. They shared many things in common and were honest with one another. Well, they were honest most of the time with each other, but of course Fox hid his supposed "love" with Whitney. In the end it blew up in his face. Theresa's agonized expression haunted Fox constantly. He hated knowing that he was the cause of even more pain. It was bad enough that Theresa lost custody of her child that she loved dearly.

Once he reached his final destination, Fox got out of the car. With unsteady legs, Fox inched towards the front door. He wiped his palms against the sides of his pants and cleared his throat. Fox took a deep breath before knocking firmly on the door. He waited anxiously for someone to answer.

The door opened and revealed a spitting image of Theresa. Fox stepped back in surprise as he looked at the young woman. "Paloma?" Fox immediately said. "Do I know you?" She asked in bafflement.

"I'm Fox." He said simply.

"Oh" Paloma said covering her mouth with her hand. "Oh my," She said flustered. "You-you aren't supposed to be here." She said hastily as she looked quickly behind her. "Oh my God- Theresa's- oh no, she's going to be- oh no," Paloma said disbelievingly.

"What?" Fox asked in confusion. Paloma's statement was inscrutable. However, Fox sensed that Paloma meant that Theresa would not be happy that he was here. Deep down Fox hoped that some part of Theresa would want to see him.

Paloma could not believe that Fox was standing on the front doorstep. Then again, she could understand why he was there in Mexico. It was blatantly clear. Fox deeply cared for Theresa, and he desperately wanted to see her. The only problem was that there was a chance that
Theresa would refuse to see him. "Theresa isn't really up to seeing anyone from Harmony," Paloma said quietly.

"I-I know, but please, you have to let me see her." Fox pleaded. His deep brown eyes implored Paloma even further.

Paloma sighed. "Fine." She relented halfheartedly.

"Thank you." Fox said gratefully as he walked inside. Paloma crossed her arms and frowned. "Don't blame me if she refuses to see you. Follow me."

Fox walked behind Paloma as she turned to go down the hallway. "This is it," Fox thought. He was nervous and excited at the same time. Fox felt the jumpiness returning. His skin was the only thing keeping him from bouncing all over the place.

"She's in her room." Paloma whispered. "Good luck."

"Thanks." Fox said as he took a deep breath. "Okay, I can do this." Fox mumbled. As he went to knock on the door, it opened. He heard her gasp in shock. Unable to utter a word, Fox stared at Theresa with his mouth half-open.

Theresa finally broke the silence between them. "Oh my God," she said shakily. "Oh my God."