Running Away

After a few days at the hospital, Theresa has been released, and is on her way to the Crane mansion with Gwen and Ethan.

"I can't thank you both enough for letting me live at the mansion." Theresa says.

"Well, Theresa, we just want our baby to be healthy. That's the top priority." Ethan says as he looks at Theresa through the rearview mirror.

"God, I love that woman still...god help me.." He thinks to himself as he continues driving.

"Well, again, I appreciate what you both are doing for me."

"Not for you, Theresa, for our baby." Gwen reminds her as she looks straight into Theresa's eyes. "And then maybe you can forget that Ethan is my husband, and will never be yours again!" She thinks to herself.

When they finally arrive at the mansion, Ethan, Gwen and Theresa are inside the house. "Well, if it's alright, I'd like to go kiss my son goodnight?" Theresa says as she starts to head to the stairs.

"That's not necessary, Theresa." Ethan says.

"Well, maybe you're right. I mean, I shouldn't disturb his sleep."

"That's not it, Theresa."

"Well, then what is it?"

"Mommy!"

Theresa looks up at the staircase, and sees her son running down the stairs toward her.

Grabbing him in her arms, Theresa can feel the tears flow. "Oh my baby. Mommy missed you so much."

Turning to Gwen and Ethan, Theresa mouths a thank you. Gwen looks on with some hatred in her eyes.

"Honey, please, you agreed to this." Ethan whispers in her ear.

"I know, Ethan. It's just going to take some getting used to." Gwen replies.

"Theresa, would you like to put little Ethan to bed?" Ethan asks.

"Yes, I'd love to."

While Little Ethan, Ethan and Theresa go upstairs, Gwen thinks to herself. "Thank god mother isn't here; otherwise she'd be taking a fit!"

Watching Little Ethan sleep, Theresa smiles at her baby. "Thank you, Ethan. Thank you for bringing me here to stay with my son."

"You're welcome. He is a wonderful little boy, you've done so well raising him." Ethan notices that Theresa becomes quiet as she thinks of how she hasn't raised him in the last year.

"Theresa, I'm sorry. I didn't mean..."

"No, it's alright, Ethan. I'll have my child back one day..." One day as in tonight.

"I hope so, Theresa. Well, I should go to bed. Goodnight."

"Goodnight, Ethan."

Once Ethan leaves the bedroom, Theresa stares at her little boy. "Oh, Little Ethan. If you only knew how much I love you. That's why I have to do what I have to do. I have to get you out of here if it's the last thing I do."

Late into the night, Theresa wakes up in her bed. "It's time. I have to get my son out of here." Slowly making her way to Little Ethan's room, she checks to make sure everyone is asleep. Once in his room, she packs a bag with little Ethan's clothes, and toys. Throwing it out the window, onto the grounds, Theresa quickly goes to her son, and wakes him up.

"Little Ethan, you have to wake up."

"Mommy?"

"Shh. Yes, baby. We have to go. Come on now, we have to be really quiet, and we have to get out of the house."

"Okay, mommy."

"That's my good boy. Come on."

Walking down the stairs slowly, Theresa attempts not to make any noise so that Gwen and Ethan do not hear her. Getting to the first floor, she sighs in relief, as she knows that she is close to leaving.

Bringing little Ethan to the back entrance of the mansion, she quickly disengages the alarm, and thinks, "It's a good thing I lived here long enough to do this." And then exits the house with her son.

Grabbing the bag she threw out the window, she takes Little Ethan's hand and takes him with her as they get into Fox's car.

"Fox, I can't thank you enough for doing this for me."

"It's nothing, Theresa, are you ready?"

"Yeah, let's go!"

Once they drive off, Theresa confides to Fox her plan: I'm never coming back to harmony. I'm going to Castleton to raise my children. I won't let Gwen win this. Fox, I still can't believe you're helping me, even after all the hurt I've put you through."

"Theresa, you learn to move on. You knew that I had a dream woman in my mind when we started dating. I'm sorry that we didn't work out, I really am. But you're just my best friend."

"And you're mine."

Squeezing his hand, Theresa sighs in relief when she sees the "Welcome to Castleton" sign. I'm free!" she thinks to herself.

"Where to, Theresa?"

"I made a reservation at the Castleton Inn. I'll be staying there until I figure out my next plan."

Once they arrive at the hotel, Fox unloads the car with Theresa's things. Looking at her, he takes her into his arms for a hug. "Let me know if you ever need anything, okay?"

"Yeah, I will. Thank you again, Fox." She kisses his cheek softly.

"No problem, Theresa. And don't worry, your secret is safe with me."

Theresa then goes into the hotel room, and watches her little boy sleep.

"I finally can be with you now, my baby boy. You and me, and your sister or brother. We can make it. I promise you we will make it."

coming up

Ethan and Gwen discover Theresa's disappearance

Ethan and Theresa reflect on what she's done

Please RR