A/N: I apologize for not updating often. However, here is the next chapter. Enjoy!
Chapter Nine
While Fox's mind whirled with questions as he stared at Theresa in complete disbelief, his ears buzzed with Theresa's suggestion "Space?" He said in bafflement as it repeated endlessly like a circled mantra in his mind. "Please tell me you're joking, Theresa." Fox pleaded, holding out an outstretched hand as he took a step towards her. He already regretted the brief separation they experienced when they were both completely consumed with hapless relationships, and the last thing that Fox wanted was another separation from the one woman who seemed to understand him better than anyone else he had come across. He intently watched her movements and saw the fear brimming in her eyes. Fox noted each clue as his eyes swept over Theresa and led him to believe that she spoke impulsively out of fear.
With her posture as stiff and eyes as wide as a stunned deer in the headlights, Theresa could not conceal the fear and uncertainty her face evoked. Utter trepidation, a force with the capability of making her nerves and emotions go completely haywire, drove her words. Fox Crane proved on many occasions to be unlike any other man Theresa had encountered in her life. He elicited new feelings that were strong enough to make Theresa feel backed into a corner, vulnerable to new possibilities of happiness or disappointment. Blindly walking an unknown path in itself was frightening, and Fox Crane proved to be the culprit of these terrifyingly exciting emotions Theresa experienced.
"Theresa?" Fox said softly as he cautiously stepped closer. "Say something."
Folding her arms across her chest to minimize the trembling nervousness in the tips of her fingers, Theresa turned her back towards Fox as she struggled to keep her composure. "I've already said what I wanted to say." Theresa said trying to swallow the lump of guilt lodged in her throat. Closing her eyes, Theresa firmly emphasized her next words. "We need space."
"Unbelievable!" Fox exclaimed as threw his hands in the exasperatingly. "Theresa, if you really mean that, then you should at least have the decency to look me in the face and tell me." Heart pounding against his chest, Fox took a deep breath as he waited for Theresa to respond.
Silently encouraging herself to turn around, Theresa opened her eyes. While counting down from ten in her mind, Theresa gradually built up courage to spin around slowly. Lifting her head and locking her eyes with Fox's disappointed gaze immediately made her stomach churn. "I just think it's best if we took some time apart." Theresa said lifting her chin and readjusting her folded arms.
Shaking his head Fox placed his hands on his hips. "Why do you get to make the decisions about our relationship? How come you already came to the conclusion that we need space, and I don't have a say?"
Each question laced with accusation dented the wall Theresa manifested in order to mask her emotions. However, Theresa's persistent stubbornness seeped through to fill the cracks. "Fine," Theresa said as the fear in her eyes was replaced with her progressing temper. "You know how I feel. Let's hear what you think."
"I think it's ridiculous for you to suggest we need space." Fox responding unhesitatingly as he tried to organize the thoughts swimming in his head. "The last thing we both need is to deal with our problems alone."
"Fox," Theresa began.
"No, let me finish." Fox interjected as he folded his arms across his chest. "I think you're being a complete hypocrite right now."
"Excuse me?" Theresa said raising her eyebrows and placing her arms by her side.
"You heard me." Fox said reproached as his own frustration fueled his own temper. "First you tell me earlier in the night that we shouldn't be alone, and what are you telling me now? We need space? Ha!" Fox scoffed as he paced around the room. "I don't get it, Theresa. What the hell do you want?" Fox asked as he gestured with outstretched arms.
Clenching her teeth, Theresa narrowed her eyes. "I'll tell you what I want," She said in a low tone. "I want you to leave."
"No," Fox refused defiantly. "I'm not leaving until you give me the real reason why you suggested we need space."
"What are you talking about?" Theresa asked turning away again.
Sighing, Fox brought his hand to his forehead and began to attempt to massage his impending headache away. "You're unbelievable," he replied. "Sometimes I don't know whether to kiss you or shake sense into you. But you know what? I think you're scared. I think you're afraid, and that's why you're trying to distance yourself from me."
Every word Fox spoke sunk into Theresa's heart as she struggled to maintain the front she created. "You don't know what you're talking about," Theresa muttered.
"On the contrary, Theresa. I do know what I'm talking about." Fox replied confidently. "And," He pointed towards her. "You know I'm right." There was truth intertwined in Fox's words, for he developed a knack in knowing exactly how Theresa was feeling through her mannerisms or the look flashing in her eyes. It was this gut feeling that allowed Fox to know what to do. Whether it be distancing himself, or enveloping her in his embrace, Fox knew exactly what Theresa needed. He also knew that Theresa could put up a front well when she was determined to cloak her feelings with her stubborn shroud. Spending so much time with her proved to be an adventurous learning experience- one that Fox was not ready to end.
"No," Theresa said shaking her head firmly. "You think you know, but you don't." The words Theresa spoke conflicted with the thoughts pounding in her head- thoughts that conveyed the contradiction of everything she spoke aloud, thoughts of confirmation that Fox was indeed right. He knew her too well, and though she hated to admit it-
It scared her.
"Believe what you want, Theresa." Fox said quietly. "But I know what's going on in that pretty little head of yours, and you probably know what's going on in mine." No woman Fox encountered in his brief time spent as a ladies man had ever known him as well as Theresa did. The realization was frighteningly thrilling and something Fox desired to explore further. "If you want space," Fox continued slowly. "Then fine, I'll give you space." Though Fox was half-heartedly complying to Theresa's request, he figured that the "space" Theresa suggested would help her put things into persepective.
"Really?" Theresa asked surprised as she turned around to look at Fox.
"Yeah, really." Fox replied shrugging. "I obviously won't be able to break through that stubborn wall of yours, so I'll back off for now. But" Fox said quickly. "Be assured, I am determined to get through to you. I'm not giving up on you Theresa Lopez-Fitzgerald. We've been through too much already."
As Theresa contemplated his words, she nodded. "You're right," Theresa agreed softly. "We have been through a lot."
"Amazing." Fox said wryly as he found his shoes and proceeded to put them on. "The lady actually agrees with me!"
Rolling her eyes Theresa offered Fox a small smile. "Savor the moment, because it won't happen often."
Chuckling Fox stroked his chin. "I wouldn't be so sure about that." He said as he stood up and walked towards the door. "Goodbye Miss Lopez-Fitzgerald." He said turning slightly to bow dramatically. "I truly enjoyed the pleasure of your company last night, and though I'll miss you during this brief period of space that you've requested, I know you'll miss me too." He replied winking as he opened the door. "You know where I am if you need me," Fox said finally before shutting the door behind him.
Sighing heavily, Theresa sank onto the couch in exhaustion. "He knows me so well" Theresa muttered as she buried her head into one of the pillows. "He's right," She thought to herself as the memories of the previous night replayed in her mind.
"I am scared."