An isolated world is what she had created for herself. Theresa didn't want to face the world, face anyone she knew, if she could not even say a simple word to them. The fact of the matter was that Theresa was scared, scared of what they would all think. She didn't want them to pity her because she didn't want to feel pathetic, but that was already too late. Slowly she began to feel worthless after her accident, and now that she spent her days questioning her life and her future, she began to feel even more worthless. Theresa was losing faith quickly and there was no one, not even her mother, could make her believe that things would work out in the end for her.
Theresa constantly wondered what everyone was saying about her though. Gossip had always been big among Harmony citizens and she was positive that she was the talk of the town for now. Her ill-fated love affair with Ethan certainly was the talk of the town for many months. For a while, everywhere she turned she could hear whispers and snares about her being said.
'Oh there goes that tramp whose trying to break up that lovely Crane couple.'
'It's immigrants like that who are taking away country men for themselves and leaving our fine, young women to be left alone.'
'How can she look herself in the mirror knowing that she's destroying a prefect marriage?'
Theresa listened to it all, and yet she kept her head high and walked as though she was the queen of England. Theresa respected herself and that would never change no matter what mistakes she made in life. With self respect and confidence, Theresa was able to bear all the hurtful words each and every day. Many, of course, may have disapproved of her actions because they didn't know her, but those who knew her well understood why Theresa did what she did. Her actions still weren't acceptable, but they were now understood, and Theresa needed people to understand her.
"Theresita," Pilar said as she slowly made her way through Theresa's messy room. Theresa had not cared what it looked like. It didn't matter, she wasn't expecting anyone and she wasn't impressing anyone so why should she care? "Whitney is downstairs."
She shrugged her shoulders coldly as she stared out of her window absently into the world she once knew. Theresa had not been out since the she came home from the hospital and that had already been two months. She rather liked being isolated from her family and friends, but she wasn't sure how long she could go on like that. Something inside of her yearned to be let outside.
"Can she come up and see you?"
Again she shrugged her shoulders. Pilar was at the end of her wits, not knowing how to help Theresa. She kenw she was hurting and that she was trying to adjust to her new way of life, but she also knew that Theresa wasn't trying. Pilar knew that nothing could be accomplished if Theresa stayed that way. Fed up with Theresa's attitude, Pilar closed the door behind her as she went downstairs to tell Whitney that Theresa wanted to be alone.
"She'll never start healing unless she starts trying," Pilar told Whitney.
"I know," she told her. "Theresa just needs to get back out there. You know, start living her life again."
"But how, Whitney? She's more vulnerable now that she can't speak. She can get hurt like that in this world."
"I've seen Theresa speak up for herself plenty of times before. I'm sure she can still do the same. She just needs time."
Pilar nodded her head, "I suppose so. We just have to show her how much we support her."
"Exactly!" Whitney exclaimed. "Now, I am going up there and getting her out of this house at least for tonight," she smiled determinedly.
"I hope so," Pilar told herself as Whitney went upstairs, "I just don't want Theresa to hurt herself anymore than she has."
Whitney knocked softly on Theresa's door, "Can I come in?"
Theresa knew who it was and didn't want to be seen like she was. She opened her mouth to tell her to go away, but reality hit her. Growing frustrated with herself Theresa jumped up and went to lock her door, but she was too late. Whitney had slipped in before she had reached the door. They stood before each other staring dead into each other's eyes, not saying a word. Whitney gained her focus back and began to look over Theresa. She felt sorry for her, and Theresa could feel it through her stares. Theresa suddenly turned her back towards Whitney and folded her arms as she waited to hear what Whitney wanted to say. Expecting another one of Whitney's lectures, Theresa was surprised to hear nothing. For five minutes Whitney spoke no lectures, asked no questions, gave no advice-nothing. Whitney made her way through all the clothes and objects on the floor to the bed and sat down there, continuing to stare at Theresa's back. Theresa starting to feel somewhat uncomfortable unfolded her arms and turned to face Whitney, who seemed to be smiling and dying to laugh. Theresa just looked at Whitney as though she lost her mind and started to smiled. Theresa, still with the smile on her face, mouthed the words 'Thank you' to Whitney as Whitney nodded her head.
"Honey, I know this is all very hard for you, but you can't just sit around her feeling sorry for youself. You have to go out and get some fresh air every now and then. And," she paused with an impish smile on her face, "that's why you are going our with Chad and me tonight." Theresa opened her mouth about to object, but Whitney covered her mouth with her hand. "No!" She laughed, "I'm taking you out with us and that's final. So," she said looking at her watch, "go get dressed and I'll pick you back up in about an hour. Okay?"
Theresa just shook her head no as she moved away from Whitney and glanced out her window.
"Theresa, don't be afraid."
Theresa just looked at Whitney, she understood that she didn't know what she was going through. Instead of trying to talk, which she was now starting to accept slowly, she grabbed the notepad and pen from her desk and began to write something.
'Whit, you don't understand. All day long I've been staring out my window and what do you think I saw? I saw so many people walk by and each person I tried to figure out their secret, the secret we all hide deep inside. You know, the one we sometimes don't even know ourselves. But as I was watching the people pass, two teenagers around Miguel's age passed by. Whit, it reminded me of him. I would have never been hurt if it wasn't for my silly obsession with him. Don't you see, love is dangerous and I've been burnt by it. I can't go out into that world with the scars still visible to everyone.'
"Theresa, I'm not asking you to fall in love [i]tonight[/i]," she laughed. "I just want you to go out, dance and have a good time. That's all."
'Are you sure that's all?'
"Positive! Would I ever lie to you?"
Theresa thought about it and knew that Whitney would never lie to her. They were best friends, had been for so long, and Whitney had never lied to her before so why should she now?
'Did you say you'll be here in an hour?' She wrote as a smile crept onto her face.
"Yes! Now, go get ready!"
"You look beautiful!" Whitney remarked as Theresa stepped into the car. "Oh! Do you have your notepad? Just in case of course."
Theresa nodded her head as she tried to relax in the backseat. She was both nervous and excited about tonight for some reason. While she was getting ready for tonight this feeling, not exactly weird, but a different feeling came over her as though tonight was the beginning of the rest of her life.
"Here we are," Chad said as they pulled around to the back entrance of the club.
"Chad has to be the dj here tonight, so that's why I thought we could hang out together."
Theresa understood and nodded her head. She gazed around to see all the young people so vibrant surrounding her, she felt sort of out of place and wanted to escape, but Whitney took her hand and they went it. The music was loud and the club was full with all these people that Theresa had never knew existed in Harmony. All the energy around her put her into a better mood and she smiled as she and Whitney hit the dance floor.
"Charles, send her a free drink, her a free drink, and," he said as his eyes skimmed through the crowd of people on the dance floor, "My oh my! Who is that young, beautiful lady?"
"Who, Mr. Crane?"
"That girl," he pointed as he stood up.
"I've never seen her before, Sir."
"Hmmm...well I'll just have to get to know her. Something about her is just so captivating."
"Something about her is just so captivating," Dylan mocked as he watched Fox foolishly. "Fox, must I knock some sense into you? We use and dispose of women, not hold onto them."
"I know, I know, Dylan. I'm just saying she might be good for a ride."
"Sure," he laughed. "I'll be back," Dylan said as he answered his phone, "I have to take this call."
"Looks like you have an admirer," Whitney informed Theresa. Theresa glanced over to the man who was watching her and had to admit to herself that he was handsome, that she could not deny. "Go over to him." Theresa just gave Whitney this look as though she was stupid. How was she able to talk to him? She though that she would just scare him away.
Fox couldn't stop staring at that woman. She captivated him in every sense and he needed to speak with her. Approaching her he smiled and said, "Hi, I'm Fox."
"I'm Whitney, and this is Theresa," Whitney said as she pulled Theresa, who was hiding behind her, out.
"Do I know you?" Fox asked Theresa. She shook her head no as he went on talking. All she could do was nod as he went on talking about himself, the club, and her beauty. Whitney excused herself as Fox seemed to be absored in their conversation. Theresa wanted to get away from him, but that seemed impossible with the way he talked. "Can I buy you a drink?" Theresa nodded her head and went back to staying silent.
"Fox, there you are!" Dylan shouted as he approached them.
"Uh Dylan, this is Theresa. Theresa, this is my good friend Dylan Banning."
"Nice to meet you," Dylan said as he kissed her hand. "Umm..I'm sorry, but can you give Fox and me a minute?"
Theresa nodded and took herself to the ladies bathroom to freshen up. Theresa could have left just then, like she wanted to, but she wanted to stay. She liked Fox for some reason and wanted to get to know him more. Dylan, on the other hand, she didn't care for too much. Something about him made her teeth cringe.
"Theresa! There you are!" Whitney said bumping into her.
"I have to get home right now! There's something wrong, but stay here and I'll pick you back up later."
Theresa wanted to leave with Whitney, but Whitney would hear of no such thing so Theresa was stuck there. As Theresa made her way back to the table she overheard Fox and Dylan talking.
"She doesn't talk much," Dylan said.
"I'll give her something to scream about," Fox laughed with Dylan. Fox saw Dylan stop laughing suddenly and turned around to see Theresa standing there with fire burning in her eyes. Grabbing her drink, Theresa threw it into his face and ran out of the club. She knew it was against her better judgment to stay.
"Theresa, wait!" Fox called out after her.
As Theresa ran she tripped over a rock that sent her falling to the ground. She laid on the ground in tears and in a badly ripped dress. She knew he was approaching and didn't want him to see her cry, but she couldn't stop the tears. All the tears she had been holding in from the fear of getting to close to another man were coming out and it was impossible to stop them.
"Theresa, are you okay?" He asked as he helped her up. "Listen, I'm sorry," he said when she didn't respond. "I sometimes have to act differently around my friends. It's not right, I know, but it's hard for me if I don't. I'm so sorry. Will you please forgive me?"
Theresa's tears began to slowly stop, but she didn't shake or nod her head. This angered Fox in a way and he let her know.
"Will you please say something! Here I am trying to tell you I am sorry and you stay there not saying a thing!"
A fresh batch of tears filled her eyes as she took out her pen and notepad.
'I can't speak.'
"What do you mean?" He asked becoming a bit confused.
'I was in a bad car accident that damaged my vocal cords. I can't speak ever again.'
"I'm sorry," he said now feeling guilty. "I'm sorry, I didn't know."
'It's not your fault. It's mine, I should have told you.'
"Listen, can I make up what just happened to you. I know we don't know each other that well and I know you probably don't trust me that much, but can I take you home?"
'I don't know,' Theresa hesitated
"Please?"
'Fine,' she gave in.
Theresa noticed that they weren't going the right way and she became alarmed. She wanted to get out and Fox saw that she was getting jumpy.
"Don't worry. I just need to stop at my house and get something. You can stay in the car, don't worry," he laughed.
Theresa felt a little better, but as they pulled up in front of Ethan's old home she wondered what was going on.
"I'll only be a second," he told her.
'Oh my God! Fox and Ethan are related! I have to get out of here before anyone recognizes me!'
With her ankle being sprained from her fall, Theresa ran the best she could. Fox was about to get into his car when he noticed that she was gone. Looking around anxiously he saw her running.
"Theresa!" he called, but she kept running. It suddenly hit him there, he knew Theresa only as..."Lady Sorrow."
Theresa constantly wondered what everyone was saying about her though. Gossip had always been big among Harmony citizens and she was positive that she was the talk of the town for now. Her ill-fated love affair with Ethan certainly was the talk of the town for many months. For a while, everywhere she turned she could hear whispers and snares about her being said.
'Oh there goes that tramp whose trying to break up that lovely Crane couple.'
'It's immigrants like that who are taking away country men for themselves and leaving our fine, young women to be left alone.'
'How can she look herself in the mirror knowing that she's destroying a prefect marriage?'
Theresa listened to it all, and yet she kept her head high and walked as though she was the queen of England. Theresa respected herself and that would never change no matter what mistakes she made in life. With self respect and confidence, Theresa was able to bear all the hurtful words each and every day. Many, of course, may have disapproved of her actions because they didn't know her, but those who knew her well understood why Theresa did what she did. Her actions still weren't acceptable, but they were now understood, and Theresa needed people to understand her.
"Theresita," Pilar said as she slowly made her way through Theresa's messy room. Theresa had not cared what it looked like. It didn't matter, she wasn't expecting anyone and she wasn't impressing anyone so why should she care? "Whitney is downstairs."
She shrugged her shoulders coldly as she stared out of her window absently into the world she once knew. Theresa had not been out since the she came home from the hospital and that had already been two months. She rather liked being isolated from her family and friends, but she wasn't sure how long she could go on like that. Something inside of her yearned to be let outside.
"Can she come up and see you?"
Again she shrugged her shoulders. Pilar was at the end of her wits, not knowing how to help Theresa. She kenw she was hurting and that she was trying to adjust to her new way of life, but she also knew that Theresa wasn't trying. Pilar knew that nothing could be accomplished if Theresa stayed that way. Fed up with Theresa's attitude, Pilar closed the door behind her as she went downstairs to tell Whitney that Theresa wanted to be alone.
"She'll never start healing unless she starts trying," Pilar told Whitney.
"I know," she told her. "Theresa just needs to get back out there. You know, start living her life again."
"But how, Whitney? She's more vulnerable now that she can't speak. She can get hurt like that in this world."
"I've seen Theresa speak up for herself plenty of times before. I'm sure she can still do the same. She just needs time."
Pilar nodded her head, "I suppose so. We just have to show her how much we support her."
"Exactly!" Whitney exclaimed. "Now, I am going up there and getting her out of this house at least for tonight," she smiled determinedly.
"I hope so," Pilar told herself as Whitney went upstairs, "I just don't want Theresa to hurt herself anymore than she has."
Whitney knocked softly on Theresa's door, "Can I come in?"
Theresa knew who it was and didn't want to be seen like she was. She opened her mouth to tell her to go away, but reality hit her. Growing frustrated with herself Theresa jumped up and went to lock her door, but she was too late. Whitney had slipped in before she had reached the door. They stood before each other staring dead into each other's eyes, not saying a word. Whitney gained her focus back and began to look over Theresa. She felt sorry for her, and Theresa could feel it through her stares. Theresa suddenly turned her back towards Whitney and folded her arms as she waited to hear what Whitney wanted to say. Expecting another one of Whitney's lectures, Theresa was surprised to hear nothing. For five minutes Whitney spoke no lectures, asked no questions, gave no advice-nothing. Whitney made her way through all the clothes and objects on the floor to the bed and sat down there, continuing to stare at Theresa's back. Theresa starting to feel somewhat uncomfortable unfolded her arms and turned to face Whitney, who seemed to be smiling and dying to laugh. Theresa just looked at Whitney as though she lost her mind and started to smiled. Theresa, still with the smile on her face, mouthed the words 'Thank you' to Whitney as Whitney nodded her head.
"Honey, I know this is all very hard for you, but you can't just sit around her feeling sorry for youself. You have to go out and get some fresh air every now and then. And," she paused with an impish smile on her face, "that's why you are going our with Chad and me tonight." Theresa opened her mouth about to object, but Whitney covered her mouth with her hand. "No!" She laughed, "I'm taking you out with us and that's final. So," she said looking at her watch, "go get dressed and I'll pick you back up in about an hour. Okay?"
Theresa just shook her head no as she moved away from Whitney and glanced out her window.
"Theresa, don't be afraid."
Theresa just looked at Whitney, she understood that she didn't know what she was going through. Instead of trying to talk, which she was now starting to accept slowly, she grabbed the notepad and pen from her desk and began to write something.
'Whit, you don't understand. All day long I've been staring out my window and what do you think I saw? I saw so many people walk by and each person I tried to figure out their secret, the secret we all hide deep inside. You know, the one we sometimes don't even know ourselves. But as I was watching the people pass, two teenagers around Miguel's age passed by. Whit, it reminded me of him. I would have never been hurt if it wasn't for my silly obsession with him. Don't you see, love is dangerous and I've been burnt by it. I can't go out into that world with the scars still visible to everyone.'
"Theresa, I'm not asking you to fall in love [i]tonight[/i]," she laughed. "I just want you to go out, dance and have a good time. That's all."
'Are you sure that's all?'
"Positive! Would I ever lie to you?"
Theresa thought about it and knew that Whitney would never lie to her. They were best friends, had been for so long, and Whitney had never lied to her before so why should she now?
'Did you say you'll be here in an hour?' She wrote as a smile crept onto her face.
"Yes! Now, go get ready!"
"You look beautiful!" Whitney remarked as Theresa stepped into the car. "Oh! Do you have your notepad? Just in case of course."
Theresa nodded her head as she tried to relax in the backseat. She was both nervous and excited about tonight for some reason. While she was getting ready for tonight this feeling, not exactly weird, but a different feeling came over her as though tonight was the beginning of the rest of her life.
"Here we are," Chad said as they pulled around to the back entrance of the club.
"Chad has to be the dj here tonight, so that's why I thought we could hang out together."
Theresa understood and nodded her head. She gazed around to see all the young people so vibrant surrounding her, she felt sort of out of place and wanted to escape, but Whitney took her hand and they went it. The music was loud and the club was full with all these people that Theresa had never knew existed in Harmony. All the energy around her put her into a better mood and she smiled as she and Whitney hit the dance floor.
"Charles, send her a free drink, her a free drink, and," he said as his eyes skimmed through the crowd of people on the dance floor, "My oh my! Who is that young, beautiful lady?"
"Who, Mr. Crane?"
"That girl," he pointed as he stood up.
"I've never seen her before, Sir."
"Hmmm...well I'll just have to get to know her. Something about her is just so captivating."
"Something about her is just so captivating," Dylan mocked as he watched Fox foolishly. "Fox, must I knock some sense into you? We use and dispose of women, not hold onto them."
"I know, I know, Dylan. I'm just saying she might be good for a ride."
"Sure," he laughed. "I'll be back," Dylan said as he answered his phone, "I have to take this call."
"Looks like you have an admirer," Whitney informed Theresa. Theresa glanced over to the man who was watching her and had to admit to herself that he was handsome, that she could not deny. "Go over to him." Theresa just gave Whitney this look as though she was stupid. How was she able to talk to him? She though that she would just scare him away.
Fox couldn't stop staring at that woman. She captivated him in every sense and he needed to speak with her. Approaching her he smiled and said, "Hi, I'm Fox."
"I'm Whitney, and this is Theresa," Whitney said as she pulled Theresa, who was hiding behind her, out.
"Do I know you?" Fox asked Theresa. She shook her head no as he went on talking. All she could do was nod as he went on talking about himself, the club, and her beauty. Whitney excused herself as Fox seemed to be absored in their conversation. Theresa wanted to get away from him, but that seemed impossible with the way he talked. "Can I buy you a drink?" Theresa nodded her head and went back to staying silent.
"Fox, there you are!" Dylan shouted as he approached them.
"Uh Dylan, this is Theresa. Theresa, this is my good friend Dylan Banning."
"Nice to meet you," Dylan said as he kissed her hand. "Umm..I'm sorry, but can you give Fox and me a minute?"
Theresa nodded and took herself to the ladies bathroom to freshen up. Theresa could have left just then, like she wanted to, but she wanted to stay. She liked Fox for some reason and wanted to get to know him more. Dylan, on the other hand, she didn't care for too much. Something about him made her teeth cringe.
"Theresa! There you are!" Whitney said bumping into her.
"I have to get home right now! There's something wrong, but stay here and I'll pick you back up later."
Theresa wanted to leave with Whitney, but Whitney would hear of no such thing so Theresa was stuck there. As Theresa made her way back to the table she overheard Fox and Dylan talking.
"She doesn't talk much," Dylan said.
"I'll give her something to scream about," Fox laughed with Dylan. Fox saw Dylan stop laughing suddenly and turned around to see Theresa standing there with fire burning in her eyes. Grabbing her drink, Theresa threw it into his face and ran out of the club. She knew it was against her better judgment to stay.
"Theresa, wait!" Fox called out after her.
As Theresa ran she tripped over a rock that sent her falling to the ground. She laid on the ground in tears and in a badly ripped dress. She knew he was approaching and didn't want him to see her cry, but she couldn't stop the tears. All the tears she had been holding in from the fear of getting to close to another man were coming out and it was impossible to stop them.
"Theresa, are you okay?" He asked as he helped her up. "Listen, I'm sorry," he said when she didn't respond. "I sometimes have to act differently around my friends. It's not right, I know, but it's hard for me if I don't. I'm so sorry. Will you please forgive me?"
Theresa's tears began to slowly stop, but she didn't shake or nod her head. This angered Fox in a way and he let her know.
"Will you please say something! Here I am trying to tell you I am sorry and you stay there not saying a thing!"
A fresh batch of tears filled her eyes as she took out her pen and notepad.
'I can't speak.'
"What do you mean?" He asked becoming a bit confused.
'I was in a bad car accident that damaged my vocal cords. I can't speak ever again.'
"I'm sorry," he said now feeling guilty. "I'm sorry, I didn't know."
'It's not your fault. It's mine, I should have told you.'
"Listen, can I make up what just happened to you. I know we don't know each other that well and I know you probably don't trust me that much, but can I take you home?"
'I don't know,' Theresa hesitated
"Please?"
'Fine,' she gave in.
Theresa noticed that they weren't going the right way and she became alarmed. She wanted to get out and Fox saw that she was getting jumpy.
"Don't worry. I just need to stop at my house and get something. You can stay in the car, don't worry," he laughed.
Theresa felt a little better, but as they pulled up in front of Ethan's old home she wondered what was going on.
"I'll only be a second," he told her.
'Oh my God! Fox and Ethan are related! I have to get out of here before anyone recognizes me!'
With her ankle being sprained from her fall, Theresa ran the best she could. Fox was about to get into his car when he noticed that she was gone. Looking around anxiously he saw her running.
"Theresa!" he called, but she kept running. It suddenly hit him there, he knew Theresa only as..."Lady Sorrow."