18



"Ethan was just leaving," Theresa said in a heartless manner that obviously had a wounding impact on Ethan. He stood there still holding his already reddening cheek and stared at Theresa in shock. He could not believe that a woman he still loved would treat him in such a manner. He was even more baffled by the fact that Theresa did not seem to care that he had indeed helped her in the custody battle by paying for her fees.

"Bye Ethan." Theresa said indifferently.

"I didn't come all the way out here just to turn back around and head home." Ethan said quietly. "Theresa, please don't be like this."

"Goodbye Ethan." Theresa repeated more loudly and more firmly. She detested the sight of Ethan so much that she wanted him to leave as quickly as possible.

Ethan shook his head in disbelief. "You've changed Theresa." He said quietly. "I don't even know who you are anymore."

"I feel the same way about you Ethan." Theresa retorted.

"He's no good for you." Ethan said. "But whatever. You won't listen to me." He threw his hands in the air signifying his decision to give up the argument. "But," Ethan added, "Don't come crying to me when Fox breaks your heart again. He's done it once, and I'll bet you it's going to happen again. Just wait and see."

Theresa narrowed her eyes as the anger within her boiled. "You think you know Fox, but in actuality you don't."

Ethan shrugged. "We'll see about that. Goodbye Theresa." Ethan left quickly and slammed the door behind him. The hard-hearted Theresa that had faced Ethan quickly dissolved into a more vulnerable and confused Theresa. Once the door slammed, Theresa felt her legs tremble. She reached out for the table for support. Fox came up quietly behind her and easily steadied her by placing his strong hands on her waist. "Are you all right?" He asked softly in Theresa's ear.

Theresa took slow breaths as she tried to keep her composure. "I-I'll be fine." She stammered. Fox kept his hands around her waist as Theresa tried to calm herself down. Once her head cleared, Theresa walked over to the couch and sat down. She looked at Fox anxiously.

"Fox?" She said with a tone tinged with fear mingled with nervousness.

"What is it, Theresa?" Fox asked as he took a seat beside Theresa. He reached out and took her small hand in his.

"Before Ethan interrupted~" Theresa paused as she searched for the right words.

"Yeah?" Fox said prompting Theresa to continue.

"I- I said that I~" Theresa swallowed- unable to go on.

"You think you're in love with me." Fox finished for her. He watched her anxiously waiting for her to continue.

Theresa nodded unable to say anything more. Instead she looked into Fox's eyes and hoped that he would see her sincerity and the love that she harbored for him.

Opportunity was staring Fox straight in the eyes. For a long time Theresa had been consumed with his half-brother, but now her attention was diverted to him. The initial reason why Fox chose to pursue Whitney and not Theresa was the simple fact that Theresa was still in love with Ethan. Now that Theresa was showing signs of wanting nothing to do with Ethan Winthrop, Fox found the idea of pursuing a relationship with Theresa popping into his head and remaining a constant thought that he could not shake.
"But what about Whitney?" Part of him argued. After all, Whitney was still his girlfriend.

"Fox? Theresa whispered as she watched him with an almost frightened look. Butterflies fluttered crazily in her stomach as she waited for his response. Theresa was yet again wearing her heart on her sleeve. "Please say something." She pleaded.

"I-I'm confused." Fox admitted. Fox did not want to disguise his feelings. Their relationship had become strained the last time Fox had hid anything from Theresa.

"Confused?" Theresa repeated.

Fox nodded. "I mean, I admit Theresa- I have before- that I am attracted to you."

"But could you ever consider me more than just a friend?" Theresa asked.

Fox paused a moment to collect his thoughts. Theresa was driven insane with his short silence. She waited impatiently for his response.

"I- I have before, Theresa. But, for a long time you were all about Ethan this, and Ethan that. It was kind of a turn off actually."

"That's understandable." Theresa replied. "But Fox, do you think you could ever consider me more than just a friend now?"

"Honestly?" Fox said. "Yeah."

Hope lifted Theresa's spirits. A chance that he harbored feelings for her made Theresa almost jump for joy. However, Fox was still with Whitney, and the only way he could be with Theresa was if he ended his relationship with her best friend. Theresa was not sure if Fox would break up with a woman he claimed to possess true love for. Then again, Fox did say that he would end his relationship with Whitney if Theresa came home to Harmony with him. Theresa concluded that if Fox really loved Whitney, he would not have suggested leaving her in exchange for Theresa to return home.

"But what about Whitney?" Theresa asked warily. She figured that she may as well put the issue out in the open rather than deal with it later.

"Technically I'm still with her." Fox replied.

"Yeah," Theresa said slowly.

Silence came between them, but neither noticed since they were more preoccupied with the plethora of thoughts running in their minds. Suddenly they both looked at each other and said each other's names simultaneously.

"Fox-,"

"Theresa-,"

"You go ahead," They said at the same time. Fox and Theresa both laughed. "Uh- ladies first," Fox offered.

Theresa gave him a small smile. "No, it's okay, you go."

Fox cleared his throat. "Okay," He said preparing himself. "Uh- well, I think that before we can ever be more than friends we need to fix our friendship. I'm sure you've noticed it seems kind of strained, and I hate that things are so awkward and uncomfortable between us. Maybe it is best if you stayed her awhile and thought things through while I return to Harmony to do some thinking of my own. When you return, which will hopefully be soon, we can get together and ultimately decide where to go from there."

Theresa nodded slowly. "Maybe that is best."

"All right then. So, I'll just go~" Fox turned and walked to the door. Theresa followed quietly her mind still racing.

Fox reached for Theresa's hands. "Don't stay away too long." He said quietly.

"I'll stay as long as it takes for me to think things through- hopefully it won't be too long." Theresa replied.

"I'll be waiting for you, Theresa." He said. "Don't be surprised if I check up on you. I'll miss getting to see your beautiful face everyday."

Theresa bent her head as she blushed a deep crimson. "Fox," She said smiling.

"Goodbye, beautiful," Fox whispered. "I'll be waiting for you."

Long after Fox was gone Theresa leaned against the door as his words lingered on her mind. "I'll be waiting for you…."

~*~

btw…thank you sooo much for the reviews! I can't express how much I appreciate the feedback!