What Happens Now?

Feeling his hand close around hers, Theresa closes her eyes, letting the emotions take over her. God, how I've missed this. She thinks to herself, slowly looking toward Ethan.

Holding her hand in his own, Ethan looks at the only woman he could ever love. Why did I hurt Theresa so much? Will she ever forgive me? "Theresa…"

"Ethan…" They both say at the same time, causing them to laugh slightly.

"You first." He says.

Taking a deep breath, Theresa sighs. "I'm sorry."

"No, you have nothing to be sorry about. God, I'm the idiot. I should have believed you all this time about everything. Can you ever forgive me?"

"I should be asking YOU that question, Ethan. I don't know how you could want to be with me. All I've done is hurt you. You didn't want to be kept alive, and I kept you alive. Not for selfish reasons, but for your family."

"Theresa.."

"I was letting you go, I was! I swear…"

"Theresa, stop. We've been over this. I forgive you."

Looking away for a moment, Theresa composes herself, and hears herself say the words in her heart. "I don't…I don't want to give you up…"

Clasping her hand tighter, Ethan makes Theresa look at him. "Don't. Don't give up on me…on us….not when we have a future together…"

"We…we can't….I'm married….to Alistair….remember?" Theresa says miserably.

"We're going to fight that marriage tooth and nail. I will help you get out of it, I promise. We belong together, Theresa, and I'm sorry it took me this long to figure it out."

Opening his arms, Theresa wastes no time in wrapping her body around Ethan's, feeling content and loved all at once.

Kissing the top of her head, Ethan sighs. "God, I love you, Theresa."

"I love you too, Ethan. Always."

Hearing a knock on the door, Ethan and Theresa look up to find Sam standing in the doorway.

"Am I interrupting?"

"Not at all, dad, come in."

"I have some news that I thought you both should hear."

"What is it, Chief Bennett?"

"Well, as you are both aware, the FBI has been keeping track of Alistair's doings for a long time. It has come to our attention that he has been arrested tonight on charges of smuggling drugs into the United States. You're free, Theresa."

Looking from Sam to Ethan, Theresa can't believe her ears. "I'm free?"

"Yes. Alistair was arrested by the FBI who were posing as drug smugglers. He will be charged with so many crimes, from murder to drug charges, and rape as well, for raping Katherine numerous times."

Taking a deep breath, Theresa makes a confession. "Chief Bennett, Alistair…he…ummm…he raped me as well."

Shocked at her confession, Sam quickly takes down a statement, nodding his head. "This will put him away for a long time, I guarantee it. I'm so sorry, Theresa."

Feeling Ethan squeeze her hand, Theresa smiles slightly. "It's over now. It's finally over."

Coming Up

A new beginning