In a matter of moments her life was pulled out from beneath her, causing her to fall helplessly to the floor with no one there to catch her. Fox had always been the one to catch her before she hit the floor, but this time he wasn't there, he could never be there again to save her as he had done so many times before. She was alone in this world with no one to be her prince in shinning armor. No one to ever save her from her fears, the world, and herself.
Never in her wildest dreams had Theresa ever imagined Fox would die so suddenly. Things just didn't add up in her mind, this causing her to feel angered and confused. The anger she felt towards life and God now ran through her veins. Fox was so young, too young to die. She just couldn't understand how God could take him away from her just as they were about to begin the rest of their lives together. It just didn't seem fair and she wanted an explanation from someone. She desperately wanted to know what kind of danger Fox was in. She knew it had something to do with his death, but she just wasn't sure.
Theresa sat in the passenger's seat of Fox's car, staring out the window absently, while Pilar drove. Silently Theresa sat, not moving an inch, only gazing out the window as though she was in some far off distant place. A place full of memories that they had made together, precious memories which she was never to experience again. Pilar glanced at Theresa who seemed a million miles away. She felt the pain that Theresa was feeling, she understood just how she felt. Sighing, Pilar turned her attention once again to the road before them knowing that today was just the beginning of the healing process.
Everywhere Theresa looked something reminded her of her love for him. Theresa loved everything about Fox, from his secret and mysterious ways to the soft touch of his lips as their passion ignited. In her eyes, he was perfect. As Pilar made the final turn to the funeral home, Theresa gazed enviously at a couple walking by holding hands. Tears began to slowly fill her brown eyes regretfully, but as she wiped away her tears with the back of her hand she smiled.
Staring at the love of his life as she laid there peacefully, a smile crept onto Fox's face. That smile on her face, the look of utter contentment, made all their little fights and words of hatred at those moments worth it. As Theresa rolled onto her side, Fox brushed a few strands of hair that fell covering her eyes to the side of her face. Theresa blushed as Fox continued to gaze at her in awe. Never had she felt so appreciated. Only Fox had evoked feelings inside Theresa that she never knew existed.
"What are you looking at?" She asked with a smile on her face.
"You, your beauty."
"And what are you thinking about?" She asked playfully with an impishly look to her.
"How lucky I am to have you. Theresa, no matter what you're wearing or how you look, you are the equivalent of all beauty in my eyes. On your worst days, I find something beautiful about you. I love to see you smile, and though it hurts to see you cry, your beauty can't hide behind your tears. Your bright, red nose and your swollen, red eyes bring a smile to my face every time. I know it sounds dumb, but I just can't help but smile whenever I'm around you, no matter if you're happy or sad because when I'm with you, my whole world is at peace and I can do anything."
Theresa snapped back to reality as she felt the car being parked. Looking around she saw that they had already arrived at the funeral home. Theresa was now starting to feel nervous and just wanted to run instead of facing the difficult task that laid before her. She didn't know how she was going to make it through the wake alone. She wished that everything would be done within one day instead of making it a long affair, but Julian and Ivy had requested it that way so their family and friends that lived far away could fly in time to make it.
Taking a deep breath, Theresa grabbed for the car door and slowly stepped outside. It was rather chilly outside for an autumn day, but it seemed to fit the atmosphere well. Pilar wrapped her arm around Theresa's shoulders for support as they reached the entrance. The man who ran things greeted them, asking which funeral they were there for. Room C, the man informed them, was where Fox's body was laid out. Stepping inside, Theresa could feel her heart beat increase and her breaths becoming more intense. As they stood before the entrance to room C they could hear a woman screaming in agony. Theresa was able to recognize the scream and she felt sorry for her. Ivy had just lost her son and although they had never gotten along well after the whole big ordeal with Ethan, Theresa could feel her pain. They could feel the loss of someone they both loved dearly.
"Therestia," Pilar said in a soothing voice, just the kind that she used around her children as they were growing up, "are you ready?"
"No," she said as the tears were slowly brimming in her eyes. "I don't know how I am going to get through this, but I have to. I owe it to Fox."
Theresa embraced a warm motherly hug from Pilar and opened the curtain that separated them from the others. Inside Theresa could see Ivy weeping as Julian was comforting her as though there was some kind of spark between the two still. Ivy's sobs could be heard clearer as Theresa slowly approached his casket. Until then she hadn't even looked at Fox's casket, she was trying to avoid it and to do so she looked over to Ethan who seemed to be taking things the hardest. Theresa felt the most sympathy towards him. Not only had Ethan just lost his wife the previous day, but now his only little brother had passed away. Theresa sniffed back her tears, trying to conceal them, but Ivy, Julian, and Ethan turned back to see her knowing that she was about to break. The others decided to leave the room for the moment, they wanted to give Theresa some time to herself. Theresa was thankful for this and smiled weakly as they passed by her. Ivy had never really approved of Fox's relationship with Theresa, but right now it didn't matter and she surprisingly didn't mind giving Theresa time with him alone.
Theresa tasted her bitter tears as she felt them tickle down her cheek to her lips. Not bothering to reach for a tissue, Theresa gentle brushed them aside as she took a step forward. She now stood directly in front of Fox's casket. Due to the extent of Fox's injuries from the fire, the Cranes had decided that it would be more appropriate if it wasn't an open casket wake. Theresa had been told that his body was so badly burnt that the only way to identify his body was by his dental records. Theresa could only think of his badly injured body as she stood before him weeping.
"Oh Fox," she sighed as another tear escaped her eye. Theresa guided her delicate fingers over the top of his cherry chestnut casket as more tears filled her eyes. All she could think about was the times they had shared as she stood before him. She couldn't help, but feel cheated out of a life with him. Only a little time remained before their wedding, the one Theresa had planned out every detail carefully herself. Theresa thought she knew what her future held for her, but now she didn't know. "What am I going to do without you?" She asked as she collapsed onto his casket. "I can't live without you!" As the others began to slowly fill back in, knowing her time was just about up Theresa brought her face forward and laid a gentle kiss upon his casket. Now becoming emotionally uncontrollable, Pilar helped pull Theresa away and back to a seat. There Theresa sat watching everyone say their final goodbyes, something Theresa just wasn't able to do yet.
As the night drew to an end, Theresa slowly went about her home, the one that they had shared together, walking about each room and turning off the lights in each as though she was somehow saying goodbye to him. This was the first night she had spent there by herself since Fox passed away. She wasn't sure how she could go on living in there when everywhere she looked reminded her of him. Theresa paused outside the bedroom door, hesitating walking in there alone. It just didn't feel right to her if she walked in there knowing that he would never come home and lay down beside her. Every night, no matter how late Fox came home, he always kissed her gently upon her forehead before doing anything else. She was his top priority and feeling his lips upon her skin let her know that he was home and everything would be okay.
With tears trickling down her cheeks, Theresa stepped forward and halted at the door, resting her head upon it. She couldn't move any further. His presence lingered throughout their room and stepping into their room meant that she would have to come face to face with her nightmare. Theresa knew she was strong, after everything that she went through she knew she was strong, but she knew that no amount of strength that she possessed could help her take that first step alone. The pace of her tears quickly increased, she could find no more air to breath, and as she gripped the door for support she suddenly found that she could stand on her own.
"Thank you," she said tasting her bittersweet tears as she looked up as though she knew he was watching over her.
Regaining her composure, Theresa now was able to take that first step she so dreaded. She gently brushed her fingertips along Fox's photo that sat upon her dresser. Tears quickly filled her eyes as she turned her head quickly not wanting to cry anymore. Theresa found herself standing before their bed with her fingers tightly wrapped around the cold, metal bars of the headboard. Feeling weak in the knees she thought she would collapse, but she stood her ground. She slowly sat down and reached for the shirt that he had changed out of just before leaving. As she brought the shirt to her face, Theresa inhaled his scent as the agony she was feeling deep down began to break her heart in two. Bringing her knees to her chest, Theresa curled up into a ball and let her tears come as they may. She didn't try to stop them figuring that there was no use. Her heart was broken and until it began to mend she would stay that way.
"Why?" she cried, "Why would you take away the only man I ever truly loved?" Pausing as she tried to choke back her tears she said, "Who will save me now?"
Before processing to the cemetery the next morning, the hearse paused outside the gates of the Crane mansion as a tribute to Fox. Not a single dry eye could be found anywhere. Fox may have not gotten along well with his family, but even so there was that family connection that not even the Crane's could not ignore.
"Theresita, are you sure you're feeling up to go to the cemetery?" Pilar asked her daughter, knowing that Theresa was determined to say goodbye properly.
Theresa's tears did the talking as they gently slid down her cheeks. Nodding her head, Theresa bit her lip and looked up, allowing the tears now to fall from the corners of her eyes. She tightly closed her eyes as she felt the coldness of her tears linger along her face. It hurt, the stingingness though didn't compare to the emotional pain those tears brought.
'I'll live another day, I'll have another chance at happiness just like Fox would have wanted, but it doesn't matter because I'll never find another Fox... and without him...I'm incomplete.'
Theresa sat silently before Fox's casket as everyone surrounding her paid their final respects to the man she loved more than life it self. She sat pale and emotionless, determined not to cry anymore, holding the single white rose for which she would lay upon his casket when she would need to say her final goodbye. She could feel their kisses being laid upon her cheeks, and she could hear their condolences ringing far off in her ears, but the only thing she did was sit there like she was stone cold. As the people's voices drifted farther away, Theresa was able to look around and find herself alone. She sighed with relief knowing that she didn't have to put on an act any longer. Now she was able to cry without a single soul to see her pain.
"Oh Fox," she said quietly as she stood beside him. "I don't know what to say. I've never been in a situation like this. You know, I stayed up late the last few nights just trying to figure out what I need to say, but no matter how hard I tried to think of something, nothing came. I could only feel the void that now lives in a part of my heart. After having some time to myself I've realized that even though our time together was cut short, you'll always be a part of my life no matter where I go or what I do. I am who I am today because you loved me. You opened my eyes to a world that didn't have to have Ethan being the center. I learned how to live without him, and now I have to live without you too. I don't really know what my future holds anymore, but no matter what happens I know you are always going to be with me. I'm so sorry, baby," Theresa said as she kissed the white rose softly before laying it upon the casket. "Goodbye," she fought to say through her tears, "goodbye, Fox."
Turning around quickly, Theresa bumped into a man's arms with tears streaming down her face. She didn't know what was more embarrassing, bumping into a stranger's arms or having someone see her cry. "I'm terribly sorry," she apologized with her eyes locked to the ground.
"That's quite alright," he said in a soft soothing voice which sounded a bit familiar. "Are you okay?"
"I'll be fi..." Theresa lost the words as she raised her eyes to meet the man's beautiful green eyes. The man just smiled back weakly as he saw that she was obviously in a lot of pain. "Do I know you?" She asked as her eyes seemed to dance with curiosity of who this man standing before her was.
"No," he laughed, "but I know you. Please, don't look at me as though I'm a stalker of some sort because I'm really not. Dylan Banning's the name." At that moment the light bulb went on in Theresa's head, it all made sense now. Fox had mentioned many times before of his close friend Dylan, Theresa had even spoken to him when their announced their engagement. "I'm Fox's friend from school."
"I know," she smiled as she nodded her head very delicately. "Fox has told me all about you. I'm glad you came today."
"I am too. I was in total disbelief when Julian called and told me the horrible news. I'm very sorry for your loss."
"Thank you," she said softly. "Well, I need to get back home to take care of some things. Maybe we can have lunch or something before you return home. It would be nice to get to know one of Fox's partner's in crime."
"I'd like that," he smiled. "Take care of yourself until then."
As Theresa headed back to the car she noticed that she didn't feel like mourning so much anymore. It seemed as though the dark, gloomy cloud that had hung above her head now felt lifted, and now she felt like she could go on smiling once again. Something came over Theresa and she suddenly turned around and called out, "Dylan!"
Dylan, who was headed to his car as well, turned around surprised to see Theresa coming towards him. Dylan could never have imagined how beautiful Theresa was from Fox's description. Fox emphasized that Theresa was a beautiful person on both the inside and outside, but Dylan didn't realize that Fox was telling the complete truth. Fox and Dylan didn't exactly share the same the same taste in women. Fox liked the wild girls who would do anything for a good time while Dylan liked the girls who could be wild if they choose to, but now it seemed as though they both agreed on Theresa.
"I thought you had some business to take car of," Dylan shouted as the wind rustled through his golden brown locks.
"I do, but I wanted to know if you would like to help...that is if you aren't busy. I mean, I wouldn't want to intrude on any of your plans," Theresa finished as she was beginning to feel like a fool. She didn't know what she was thinking inviting Dylan over when only a few moments earlier she wanted to be alone.
"Actually I was just planning on going back to my hotel room."
"Oh," she said not knowing what else to say. Theresa was slowly finding herself unable to speak around Dylan.
"What exactly do you need my help with?" Curiosity swept through his dirty, immature mind.
"It's nothing hard really. I'm going to give some of Fox's things away to charity and such and I thought maybe you would like a few things. You know, for memories."
"Oh yeah, that's a great idea. I'd love to help you out."
"Great, well, just follow my car. It's only a few minutes from here."
"You have a very lovely apartment," Dylan commented as he handed Theresa his black, leather jacket.
"Thank you. The bedroom is this way," she said as she lead the way.
Dylan's roaming eyes couldn't help but glance over at Theresa's lower backside as she walked before him. He felt guilty about it though. Here he was checking out his best friend's fiancee while Fox lay 6 feet under while trying to protect Theresa from his mistakes. Dylan knew about Fox's affair and at first he understood, but now he couldn't see why Fox would do something so low to the woman he loved. Just then Dylan felt angry at Fox for cheating on Theresa, but that all faded away as Dylan stepped into Fox's bedroom.
Theresa stood off in a little corner trying to conceal her tears from Dylan as he picked up an old baseball off from Fox's desk. Theresa didn't know anything about that old ball, just that it had some kind of sentimental value to Fox. Dylan obviously knew something about it because he was smiling as he looked over the old ball. "Did Fox ever tell you about this?" Theresa shook her head no as a smile crept upon her face. "I didn't think so," he sighed. "It was the beginning of 5th grade when we took a trip to Fenway Park. Julian got us the special treatment which included going into the locker room. Fox and I were so excited, I mean we were going to meet the whole Red Sox team. I remember we were both so excited to meet Carolton Fisk and Roger Clemens. See at that time Fox and I were into baseball, we were both playing in little leagues, and meeting these guys we thought we were going to be able to improve overnight just like that," he laughed. "Of course that didn't happen though. The next day we got some of the kids around here together and organized a game. It was the bottom of the 9th and the score was four to five, we were trailing by just one. There was Soupy on first..."
"Soupy?" Theresa asked interrupting him.
"Yeah," he laughed. "he was a kid from our class. We called him Soupy because he smelled like Campbells soup." Theresa laughed as Dylan went on with his story. "So Soupy was on first and there were two outs. Who else should be up to bat, but Fox. Let me remind you that this had been one of Fox's worst days at the plate. I was considering letting someone else bat, but Fox came up to me and said, 'Dylan, I know I can win this game. Just let me bat. I promise you I'll win this game with a swing of my bat.' So I had nothing else to do but let him bat. So as Fox comes up to the plate the other team starts saying how they got this game in the bag. Fox is now more determined than ever to win this game. The first pitch is throwing and bam! Homerun right into the church while a wedding was going on! Fox may have won the game, but he did have to face his parents later that night and explain how he hit a baseball into the church."
"I remember Fox saying something about hitting a baseball in church one day when he first returned to Harmony. I can't believe he did it...but Fox was an amazing person, he could do anything," she sighed. A sudden mood change swept through Theresa at that very moment. No longer was she able to smile. The memory of Fox of ran through her mind, constantly reminding her that she was never to see him or touch him ever again. "He won't ever wear this shirt again," she said as she ripped one of his shirts from the closet, "he won't take any more pictures," she said as she threw it against the wall, "and he won't ever lay in his own bed ever again!" she cried as she began to throw all the pillows and covers to the side. Dylan ran and grabbed Theresa from behind as he tried to keep her from doing any more damage. "Leave me go!" She cried out in agony as though she was being torn from limb to limb. "Let me be!"
"Theresa, stop this. This isn't right," he said trying to make her see what she was doing was wrong. Dylan really didn't know how to handle such a delicate situation such as the one he found himself in at that moment. Dylan barely knew Theresa so what right had he to try and comfort her, after all Dylan didn't want to make her feel as though he was making her uncomfortable.
"Not right!?!" She fired back at him, "Fox dying wasn't right, but it happened!" Theresa and Dylan now stood before each other, both of their hearts pounding, but each wanting something different. Dylan though couldn't go on fighting his feelings any longer. As he gently wrapped his arms around her, Dylan pulled Theresa close to him and tried to kiss her passionately, but she fought to keep him away. "You bastard!" She shouted as she laid her hand print across his face. "Your best friend was just buried. How can you disrespect him like that? Get out of here."
"Theresa, I'm sor..."
"Get out!" she cried as she picked up the old baseball from the desk and shot it across the room at his head. "Out! Get out!"
Mandi
Never in her wildest dreams had Theresa ever imagined Fox would die so suddenly. Things just didn't add up in her mind, this causing her to feel angered and confused. The anger she felt towards life and God now ran through her veins. Fox was so young, too young to die. She just couldn't understand how God could take him away from her just as they were about to begin the rest of their lives together. It just didn't seem fair and she wanted an explanation from someone. She desperately wanted to know what kind of danger Fox was in. She knew it had something to do with his death, but she just wasn't sure.
Theresa sat in the passenger's seat of Fox's car, staring out the window absently, while Pilar drove. Silently Theresa sat, not moving an inch, only gazing out the window as though she was in some far off distant place. A place full of memories that they had made together, precious memories which she was never to experience again. Pilar glanced at Theresa who seemed a million miles away. She felt the pain that Theresa was feeling, she understood just how she felt. Sighing, Pilar turned her attention once again to the road before them knowing that today was just the beginning of the healing process.
Everywhere Theresa looked something reminded her of her love for him. Theresa loved everything about Fox, from his secret and mysterious ways to the soft touch of his lips as their passion ignited. In her eyes, he was perfect. As Pilar made the final turn to the funeral home, Theresa gazed enviously at a couple walking by holding hands. Tears began to slowly fill her brown eyes regretfully, but as she wiped away her tears with the back of her hand she smiled.
Staring at the love of his life as she laid there peacefully, a smile crept onto Fox's face. That smile on her face, the look of utter contentment, made all their little fights and words of hatred at those moments worth it. As Theresa rolled onto her side, Fox brushed a few strands of hair that fell covering her eyes to the side of her face. Theresa blushed as Fox continued to gaze at her in awe. Never had she felt so appreciated. Only Fox had evoked feelings inside Theresa that she never knew existed.
"What are you looking at?" She asked with a smile on her face.
"You, your beauty."
"And what are you thinking about?" She asked playfully with an impishly look to her.
"How lucky I am to have you. Theresa, no matter what you're wearing or how you look, you are the equivalent of all beauty in my eyes. On your worst days, I find something beautiful about you. I love to see you smile, and though it hurts to see you cry, your beauty can't hide behind your tears. Your bright, red nose and your swollen, red eyes bring a smile to my face every time. I know it sounds dumb, but I just can't help but smile whenever I'm around you, no matter if you're happy or sad because when I'm with you, my whole world is at peace and I can do anything."
Theresa snapped back to reality as she felt the car being parked. Looking around she saw that they had already arrived at the funeral home. Theresa was now starting to feel nervous and just wanted to run instead of facing the difficult task that laid before her. She didn't know how she was going to make it through the wake alone. She wished that everything would be done within one day instead of making it a long affair, but Julian and Ivy had requested it that way so their family and friends that lived far away could fly in time to make it.
Taking a deep breath, Theresa grabbed for the car door and slowly stepped outside. It was rather chilly outside for an autumn day, but it seemed to fit the atmosphere well. Pilar wrapped her arm around Theresa's shoulders for support as they reached the entrance. The man who ran things greeted them, asking which funeral they were there for. Room C, the man informed them, was where Fox's body was laid out. Stepping inside, Theresa could feel her heart beat increase and her breaths becoming more intense. As they stood before the entrance to room C they could hear a woman screaming in agony. Theresa was able to recognize the scream and she felt sorry for her. Ivy had just lost her son and although they had never gotten along well after the whole big ordeal with Ethan, Theresa could feel her pain. They could feel the loss of someone they both loved dearly.
"Therestia," Pilar said in a soothing voice, just the kind that she used around her children as they were growing up, "are you ready?"
"No," she said as the tears were slowly brimming in her eyes. "I don't know how I am going to get through this, but I have to. I owe it to Fox."
Theresa embraced a warm motherly hug from Pilar and opened the curtain that separated them from the others. Inside Theresa could see Ivy weeping as Julian was comforting her as though there was some kind of spark between the two still. Ivy's sobs could be heard clearer as Theresa slowly approached his casket. Until then she hadn't even looked at Fox's casket, she was trying to avoid it and to do so she looked over to Ethan who seemed to be taking things the hardest. Theresa felt the most sympathy towards him. Not only had Ethan just lost his wife the previous day, but now his only little brother had passed away. Theresa sniffed back her tears, trying to conceal them, but Ivy, Julian, and Ethan turned back to see her knowing that she was about to break. The others decided to leave the room for the moment, they wanted to give Theresa some time to herself. Theresa was thankful for this and smiled weakly as they passed by her. Ivy had never really approved of Fox's relationship with Theresa, but right now it didn't matter and she surprisingly didn't mind giving Theresa time with him alone.
Theresa tasted her bitter tears as she felt them tickle down her cheek to her lips. Not bothering to reach for a tissue, Theresa gentle brushed them aside as she took a step forward. She now stood directly in front of Fox's casket. Due to the extent of Fox's injuries from the fire, the Cranes had decided that it would be more appropriate if it wasn't an open casket wake. Theresa had been told that his body was so badly burnt that the only way to identify his body was by his dental records. Theresa could only think of his badly injured body as she stood before him weeping.
"Oh Fox," she sighed as another tear escaped her eye. Theresa guided her delicate fingers over the top of his cherry chestnut casket as more tears filled her eyes. All she could think about was the times they had shared as she stood before him. She couldn't help, but feel cheated out of a life with him. Only a little time remained before their wedding, the one Theresa had planned out every detail carefully herself. Theresa thought she knew what her future held for her, but now she didn't know. "What am I going to do without you?" She asked as she collapsed onto his casket. "I can't live without you!" As the others began to slowly fill back in, knowing her time was just about up Theresa brought her face forward and laid a gentle kiss upon his casket. Now becoming emotionally uncontrollable, Pilar helped pull Theresa away and back to a seat. There Theresa sat watching everyone say their final goodbyes, something Theresa just wasn't able to do yet.
As the night drew to an end, Theresa slowly went about her home, the one that they had shared together, walking about each room and turning off the lights in each as though she was somehow saying goodbye to him. This was the first night she had spent there by herself since Fox passed away. She wasn't sure how she could go on living in there when everywhere she looked reminded her of him. Theresa paused outside the bedroom door, hesitating walking in there alone. It just didn't feel right to her if she walked in there knowing that he would never come home and lay down beside her. Every night, no matter how late Fox came home, he always kissed her gently upon her forehead before doing anything else. She was his top priority and feeling his lips upon her skin let her know that he was home and everything would be okay.
With tears trickling down her cheeks, Theresa stepped forward and halted at the door, resting her head upon it. She couldn't move any further. His presence lingered throughout their room and stepping into their room meant that she would have to come face to face with her nightmare. Theresa knew she was strong, after everything that she went through she knew she was strong, but she knew that no amount of strength that she possessed could help her take that first step alone. The pace of her tears quickly increased, she could find no more air to breath, and as she gripped the door for support she suddenly found that she could stand on her own.
"Thank you," she said tasting her bittersweet tears as she looked up as though she knew he was watching over her.
Regaining her composure, Theresa now was able to take that first step she so dreaded. She gently brushed her fingertips along Fox's photo that sat upon her dresser. Tears quickly filled her eyes as she turned her head quickly not wanting to cry anymore. Theresa found herself standing before their bed with her fingers tightly wrapped around the cold, metal bars of the headboard. Feeling weak in the knees she thought she would collapse, but she stood her ground. She slowly sat down and reached for the shirt that he had changed out of just before leaving. As she brought the shirt to her face, Theresa inhaled his scent as the agony she was feeling deep down began to break her heart in two. Bringing her knees to her chest, Theresa curled up into a ball and let her tears come as they may. She didn't try to stop them figuring that there was no use. Her heart was broken and until it began to mend she would stay that way.
"Why?" she cried, "Why would you take away the only man I ever truly loved?" Pausing as she tried to choke back her tears she said, "Who will save me now?"
Before processing to the cemetery the next morning, the hearse paused outside the gates of the Crane mansion as a tribute to Fox. Not a single dry eye could be found anywhere. Fox may have not gotten along well with his family, but even so there was that family connection that not even the Crane's could not ignore.
"Theresita, are you sure you're feeling up to go to the cemetery?" Pilar asked her daughter, knowing that Theresa was determined to say goodbye properly.
Theresa's tears did the talking as they gently slid down her cheeks. Nodding her head, Theresa bit her lip and looked up, allowing the tears now to fall from the corners of her eyes. She tightly closed her eyes as she felt the coldness of her tears linger along her face. It hurt, the stingingness though didn't compare to the emotional pain those tears brought.
'I'll live another day, I'll have another chance at happiness just like Fox would have wanted, but it doesn't matter because I'll never find another Fox... and without him...I'm incomplete.'
Theresa sat silently before Fox's casket as everyone surrounding her paid their final respects to the man she loved more than life it self. She sat pale and emotionless, determined not to cry anymore, holding the single white rose for which she would lay upon his casket when she would need to say her final goodbye. She could feel their kisses being laid upon her cheeks, and she could hear their condolences ringing far off in her ears, but the only thing she did was sit there like she was stone cold. As the people's voices drifted farther away, Theresa was able to look around and find herself alone. She sighed with relief knowing that she didn't have to put on an act any longer. Now she was able to cry without a single soul to see her pain.
"Oh Fox," she said quietly as she stood beside him. "I don't know what to say. I've never been in a situation like this. You know, I stayed up late the last few nights just trying to figure out what I need to say, but no matter how hard I tried to think of something, nothing came. I could only feel the void that now lives in a part of my heart. After having some time to myself I've realized that even though our time together was cut short, you'll always be a part of my life no matter where I go or what I do. I am who I am today because you loved me. You opened my eyes to a world that didn't have to have Ethan being the center. I learned how to live without him, and now I have to live without you too. I don't really know what my future holds anymore, but no matter what happens I know you are always going to be with me. I'm so sorry, baby," Theresa said as she kissed the white rose softly before laying it upon the casket. "Goodbye," she fought to say through her tears, "goodbye, Fox."
Turning around quickly, Theresa bumped into a man's arms with tears streaming down her face. She didn't know what was more embarrassing, bumping into a stranger's arms or having someone see her cry. "I'm terribly sorry," she apologized with her eyes locked to the ground.
"That's quite alright," he said in a soft soothing voice which sounded a bit familiar. "Are you okay?"
"I'll be fi..." Theresa lost the words as she raised her eyes to meet the man's beautiful green eyes. The man just smiled back weakly as he saw that she was obviously in a lot of pain. "Do I know you?" She asked as her eyes seemed to dance with curiosity of who this man standing before her was.
"No," he laughed, "but I know you. Please, don't look at me as though I'm a stalker of some sort because I'm really not. Dylan Banning's the name." At that moment the light bulb went on in Theresa's head, it all made sense now. Fox had mentioned many times before of his close friend Dylan, Theresa had even spoken to him when their announced their engagement. "I'm Fox's friend from school."
"I know," she smiled as she nodded her head very delicately. "Fox has told me all about you. I'm glad you came today."
"I am too. I was in total disbelief when Julian called and told me the horrible news. I'm very sorry for your loss."
"Thank you," she said softly. "Well, I need to get back home to take care of some things. Maybe we can have lunch or something before you return home. It would be nice to get to know one of Fox's partner's in crime."
"I'd like that," he smiled. "Take care of yourself until then."
As Theresa headed back to the car she noticed that she didn't feel like mourning so much anymore. It seemed as though the dark, gloomy cloud that had hung above her head now felt lifted, and now she felt like she could go on smiling once again. Something came over Theresa and she suddenly turned around and called out, "Dylan!"
Dylan, who was headed to his car as well, turned around surprised to see Theresa coming towards him. Dylan could never have imagined how beautiful Theresa was from Fox's description. Fox emphasized that Theresa was a beautiful person on both the inside and outside, but Dylan didn't realize that Fox was telling the complete truth. Fox and Dylan didn't exactly share the same the same taste in women. Fox liked the wild girls who would do anything for a good time while Dylan liked the girls who could be wild if they choose to, but now it seemed as though they both agreed on Theresa.
"I thought you had some business to take car of," Dylan shouted as the wind rustled through his golden brown locks.
"I do, but I wanted to know if you would like to help...that is if you aren't busy. I mean, I wouldn't want to intrude on any of your plans," Theresa finished as she was beginning to feel like a fool. She didn't know what she was thinking inviting Dylan over when only a few moments earlier she wanted to be alone.
"Actually I was just planning on going back to my hotel room."
"Oh," she said not knowing what else to say. Theresa was slowly finding herself unable to speak around Dylan.
"What exactly do you need my help with?" Curiosity swept through his dirty, immature mind.
"It's nothing hard really. I'm going to give some of Fox's things away to charity and such and I thought maybe you would like a few things. You know, for memories."
"Oh yeah, that's a great idea. I'd love to help you out."
"Great, well, just follow my car. It's only a few minutes from here."
"You have a very lovely apartment," Dylan commented as he handed Theresa his black, leather jacket.
"Thank you. The bedroom is this way," she said as she lead the way.
Dylan's roaming eyes couldn't help but glance over at Theresa's lower backside as she walked before him. He felt guilty about it though. Here he was checking out his best friend's fiancee while Fox lay 6 feet under while trying to protect Theresa from his mistakes. Dylan knew about Fox's affair and at first he understood, but now he couldn't see why Fox would do something so low to the woman he loved. Just then Dylan felt angry at Fox for cheating on Theresa, but that all faded away as Dylan stepped into Fox's bedroom.
Theresa stood off in a little corner trying to conceal her tears from Dylan as he picked up an old baseball off from Fox's desk. Theresa didn't know anything about that old ball, just that it had some kind of sentimental value to Fox. Dylan obviously knew something about it because he was smiling as he looked over the old ball. "Did Fox ever tell you about this?" Theresa shook her head no as a smile crept upon her face. "I didn't think so," he sighed. "It was the beginning of 5th grade when we took a trip to Fenway Park. Julian got us the special treatment which included going into the locker room. Fox and I were so excited, I mean we were going to meet the whole Red Sox team. I remember we were both so excited to meet Carolton Fisk and Roger Clemens. See at that time Fox and I were into baseball, we were both playing in little leagues, and meeting these guys we thought we were going to be able to improve overnight just like that," he laughed. "Of course that didn't happen though. The next day we got some of the kids around here together and organized a game. It was the bottom of the 9th and the score was four to five, we were trailing by just one. There was Soupy on first..."
"Soupy?" Theresa asked interrupting him.
"Yeah," he laughed. "he was a kid from our class. We called him Soupy because he smelled like Campbells soup." Theresa laughed as Dylan went on with his story. "So Soupy was on first and there were two outs. Who else should be up to bat, but Fox. Let me remind you that this had been one of Fox's worst days at the plate. I was considering letting someone else bat, but Fox came up to me and said, 'Dylan, I know I can win this game. Just let me bat. I promise you I'll win this game with a swing of my bat.' So I had nothing else to do but let him bat. So as Fox comes up to the plate the other team starts saying how they got this game in the bag. Fox is now more determined than ever to win this game. The first pitch is throwing and bam! Homerun right into the church while a wedding was going on! Fox may have won the game, but he did have to face his parents later that night and explain how he hit a baseball into the church."
"I remember Fox saying something about hitting a baseball in church one day when he first returned to Harmony. I can't believe he did it...but Fox was an amazing person, he could do anything," she sighed. A sudden mood change swept through Theresa at that very moment. No longer was she able to smile. The memory of Fox of ran through her mind, constantly reminding her that she was never to see him or touch him ever again. "He won't ever wear this shirt again," she said as she ripped one of his shirts from the closet, "he won't take any more pictures," she said as she threw it against the wall, "and he won't ever lay in his own bed ever again!" she cried as she began to throw all the pillows and covers to the side. Dylan ran and grabbed Theresa from behind as he tried to keep her from doing any more damage. "Leave me go!" She cried out in agony as though she was being torn from limb to limb. "Let me be!"
"Theresa, stop this. This isn't right," he said trying to make her see what she was doing was wrong. Dylan really didn't know how to handle such a delicate situation such as the one he found himself in at that moment. Dylan barely knew Theresa so what right had he to try and comfort her, after all Dylan didn't want to make her feel as though he was making her uncomfortable.
"Not right!?!" She fired back at him, "Fox dying wasn't right, but it happened!" Theresa and Dylan now stood before each other, both of their hearts pounding, but each wanting something different. Dylan though couldn't go on fighting his feelings any longer. As he gently wrapped his arms around her, Dylan pulled Theresa close to him and tried to kiss her passionately, but she fought to keep him away. "You bastard!" She shouted as she laid her hand print across his face. "Your best friend was just buried. How can you disrespect him like that? Get out of here."
"Theresa, I'm sor..."
"Get out!" she cried as she picked up the old baseball from the desk and shot it across the room at his head. "Out! Get out!"
Mandi