Because There is Someone Like You
by Naomi

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Chapter 1 It was another heavenly serene summer morning in Harmony. All the kids were off school and out for the summer leaving their parents behind. Some of the people in Harmony were wicked and some were purely good. The small town was based on classes, superiority, and morality. And so our story begins...
"Good Morning Mrs. Crane!" greeted Theresa. She has been the secretary Ivy Crane for about a year now. She has been trying to keep her job at the Cranes' house, another at the hospital, and her school all in a balance. She also has her younger sister live with her last year at the same time she got her job at the Cranes'. She has been working a lot ever since she graduated high school. She needed the money to pay the college she's been attending to lately.
All her life she's been isolated from the typical life of a teenager. She didn't go on so many outings as most of her friends did, and she especially didn't wear brand clothes like her best friend Whitney. She was taught to dislike the Cranes' because of Luis' stories about them. But she can't help but be fascinated by their everyday life. She wanted her family to have a Crane life. She didn't want her mother to work anymore nor her brothers or sister who had came home a year ago. She wanted her family to have a life where money was no option.
"Why, Theresa, you're in such an awful good mood," replied Ivy. "Of course I am. My brother had just let me take a trip outside Harmony. He said that I can go with you to Paris to see the new fashion lines this season," she said excitedly.
"Well, that's wonderful Theresa, but I'm afraid I have bad news for you. My son Ethan has just announced his engagement to Gwen Hotchkiss, and I need to be there for him so I won't be here for a week. I would be flying to New York first thing in the morning, so I need your help with the packing today."
"Oh, I see," she replied sadly, "Umm, sure, of course I'll help you."
"Oh, I just hate to be the person who ruined your day. I really am sorry Theresa."
"Don't worry about it Mrs. Crane," she assured her, "I have some things to take care of in the hospital anyway."

In New York, Ethan Crane, the son of Ivy and Julian Crane, has just announced his engagement to his long time girlfriend, Gwen Hotchkiss. They danced the night away. All the married couples that were there seemed envious of the two. It was new love to them that was blooming in front of their eyes.
"Oh, Ethan," sighed Ivy, "Gwen, it's just makes me happy to see you to together happy."
"Why thank you Ivy," replied Gwen, "or should I say mother?"
"You tease, Gwen," changing the subject, "I'm so excited that you have planned your wedding. Where will it take place?"
"We don't know really. We don't even know when the wedding day will be," Gwen and Ethan laughed.
"Well, don't worry darlings, wherever and whenever it is, I'm sure that it would be a grand wedding and you to will be happy. And I know that's all that matters right now," said Ivy.
The next two weeks had passed. Gwen had dropped off Ethan in the airport.
His parents had left two days ago for other business arrangements. His father had a business deal that he needed his help with back in Harmony. This means that Ethan had to take his father's place while he was gone.
"Ethan, you'll be back soon for our wedding, right?" "Of course I will. You know how much I hate being away from you." He kisses her on the cheek, comforting her. "It would also be strange for me. I mean, I haven't been back in Harmony for about six years since I started law school… Hmm," he thought, "here's an idea, why don't you just go with me?" he asks.
"I'd rather not," she said pouting, "besides, I have an important client I have to be working with, and I wouldn't know anyone there. I wouldn't know what to do or where to go. Knowing you, you'll make lots of great friends there."
"What's that suppose to mean?"
"Oh, nothing, nothing at all. I just want to make sure that no one else would be in your mind except me when you come back home." Gwen giggled at the fact that Ethan might find someone new. Ethan, however, tried to force his laugh but you Gwen wasn't able to tell.
"Now, you know that will never happen!" he retorted.
"I know, it's just that this is the first time that we're actually together, and now you have to leave."
"I know." He hugs her to assure her that everything will be all right. A man in a navy blue suit taps Ethan behind his shoulders. He turns around, "I have to go now honey."
"Oh, okay. Call me once you get there!"

Ethan came home and rested in his grandfather's house. He made all his arrangements for his next meeting in the new main Crane & Crane building. Ethan was also having a bad day. When he had the maid iron his favorite suit, she actually burned it. Not only that, but his driver doesn't show up so he had to wait for hours to get a car. He is behindhand and enraged. It was a late afternoon at the Crane Mansion. Theresa was taking her last notes of all of Ivy's requests on the phone. Ivy was to stay in Florida with her husband for two whole months. Ivy informed Theresa that her son will be home and to make him feel like Harmony can be his home. Her trip concerned both the family and business. Theresa was very excited because it was payday for her. She drove to the Crane & Crane Main Industry Building to get her check. She wasn't able to get it from Ivy because she wasn't there. Theresa had just got out of her car when she noticed that she took two spaces of the parking. She sighed with embarrassment. She had only been driving for a month now. When she got to her car, she couldn't open her door after a while. As she was backing up, to correct her parking, there was another car that was about to pass by. The person in the other car was Ethan. Not seeing each other, they both collided into one another. Ethan and Theresa got out of the car immediately at the same time. "Do you know what you're doing?!" asked Ethan angrily.
"What I'm doing?? Couldn't you see that I was backing up? I have the right of way you know!" replied Theresa.
"Right of way?! You should've known where YOU were going! You were the one backing up!"
"Excuse me? I DID know what I was doing. Look, look at the damage that you did!!!"
"What damage can I do to your car? It's practically dented all over compared to mine."
"Does it look like I care? I mean at least you can do is pay for the damages YOU made!" pointing at the damaged lights.
Ethan gave in angrily. He rustled through his wallet, " I don't any cards at all what so ever. Do you happen to have a pen and paper with you?"
"Yea, right here." Theresa writes Ethan's license plate down without him knowing it.
"344-9433," replied Ethan. Look for my secretary, and she'll give the message back to me."
She repeats the numbers that were said to her. "WAIT!"
"What now?"
"I need your name, of course." There came a long pause. Ethan didn't know how to answer to this because he was thinking of his past incidents with stalkers' and so on. He was afraid to tell her his real name. He instead gave his younger brother's name and his mother's maiden name. "Well, hello…sir?"
"Yes, it's Andrew, Andrew Winthdrop."
"Andrew Winthdrop…" she repeats. "Oohh!!! Just you wait Andrew Winthdrop, just you wait," Theresa thought to herself.

Theresa drove back to her house with her trunk practically tucked in the back. The damages weren't pretty bad considering that it was a used car. She came home and was just glad that she was alive and well. Once she got inside she greeted her mom and her best friend Whitney. They have been the best of friends since they've were young. They met through they're parents long ago. They graduated high school together but now they go to different colleges. Nothing between them has never changed or will change. They still act like they are five years old.
"Theresa, what are you doing home so late?" Pilar asked.
"You would not believe this mamma but I got into a car accident."
"Oh my gosh Theresa! Are you all right." Pilar was trying to see if her daughter was badly hurt. She was checking if she had any broken bones.
"I'm okay mom, don't worry," pushing her away.
"What happened?" she asked worriedly.
"Some guy out of no where shows up and hits the back of my car. I was backing up and he didn't even have the consideration of stopping."
"You better go to the doctor and get a check up, mija. I really mean it Theresa. You could've badly gotten hurt."
"I'll take care of myself mamma."
"Okay, you better. I have to leave for work now. Bye Theresa, Whitney.
Take good care of yourself!"
"I will mamma." With that, she kisses her mom goodbye.

"Was he cute?" asked Whitney.
"Whitney???!!!"
"What? It's only right."
"What is? Violating my personal thoughts?" She gave a devilish look when she answered this question.
"I'm your best friend right? I can't help it if I'm curious. Besides, we've talked about deeper things than this."
"You're right," Theresa answered. "You're always right," she thought.
"Well, all I meant was that it was a waste."
"WHAT?" asked Theresa cluelessly yet her voice made an angry sound with a tiny hint of ice.
"I mean, think about it Theresa, he could've been the right one!" replied her Whitney.
"Sorry to burst your bubble my dear friend, but I don't think that's ever going to happen."
"Hmm-hmm…Well, you still haven't answered my question, was he cute or not?"
"Hmm, yes, I guess you can say that. He was quite tall. His hair was nice and his eyes had the nicest shade of blue. Did I mention he had nice hair?"
"So you are interested. He's exactly the description of your ideal man, so what's wrong with him?"
"Everything. He's got the looks, but that the guy needs some attitude adjustment. He's so spoiled and arrogant!" They both laugh at the idea of their past love and their new love. The idea of just being with a man tickled their imagination of what an ideal guy was to them. Theresa had Noah, and Whitney still has Chad. Whitney and Chad had been together for three months now. They're relationship has been rocky for the past weeks because of their family. Theresa had just broken up with Noah whom she had a three-year relationship with. It hurt her so bad to think about Noah again. He was the first man she ever trusted. He was also her first love. After their conversation, Whitney had left for tennis lessons with her father. Her dream of winning Wimbledon was still in her grasp and she would do anything to have the chance of having it in her arms for just a while. "Okay Whitney, I'll see you tomorrow."
"You betcha! You're still going to tell me what happened between you and that 'Andrew' guy," she laughed.

Paloma entered the room right after Whitney had left. She had only been living with her family in Harmony for about a week. She had stayed with her aunt in Mexico since she was not truly a Lopez-Fitzgerald. She entered the room crying, and went to hug her elder sister. "May," Theresa called out.
It was a nickname she made up for her younger sister, "what's wrong?"
She's been crying so much that she was gasping for air like she had drowned.
"T-T-To-o-d-d," she replied. Paloma and Todd had been seeing each other for a year since she came to Harmony. They've had a beautiful relationship.
Theirs was like 'Romeo & Juliet'. Their families get along, but it's their classes that won't approve of it.
"What about him?" asked Theresa.
"I saw him with another girl," cried Paloma. When Theresa heard this, her eyes became watery. She didn't know how to react although her family has had their heart broken by a Crane. Ever since Sheridan left, Luis has been angry towards everyone. She doesn't believe that there was nothing between them because she has never seen Luis act this way before. Not after that fake 'Martin Fitzgerald'. "He kissed her more passionately than he'd ever kiss me," she whispered.
She showed compassion to her sister. "Oh, May, don't worry about this so much. I mean you're still young, and I'm pretty sure that the right one for you will come along."
"I don't know if I can deal with this in a refine way."
"Don't worry about such things. I know you would handle this the best way you can. When you love, you open your heart, and sometimes you just have to let the good in with the bad."
"But I didn't know that it had to hurt this bad," she cried louder.
"I know May, I know. Let's just try to put this behind us and have a good time tonight. Remember, I promised you that I would take you out to the best restaurant here in her Harmony," Theresa said with enthusiasm.
"Thank you Theresa, I really needed that. But I think I should go up to my room now. I've had a bad day, and I have my whole life ahead to think about," she smiled.
"Okay, little sister. As long as you stop crying."
"You know," she said, "I should've listened to Luis about what he said about the Cranes'. If they're purpose here on earth is to hurt people, then why do they pick on the innocent?"
"I don't know honey, I don't know." Theresa really had no idea of how it's like to be hurt by a Crane emotionally. She was never involved with any of them except Ivy. "How can I face Ivy when I go to work tomorrow?" she thought to herself.

Chapter 2

It was another new morning for Theresa Lopez-Fitzgerald. She was suppose to work at the Crane mansion today. It would another typical day for her. "Same old town, same old bathroom, same old people. Nothing interesting ever happens to me. Whitney realized that she was falling for Chad. For goodness sakes, they're so much in love, and I don't think nothing can keep them apart. They make such a cute couple. And, OH, my brother. Oh, man, he's even younger than I am and he's found happiness with the right person. When will life change for me. When will HE come along to sweep me off my feet?" She was looking at the mirror and sighed to herself as she was thinking about all this.

She drove back to the building to get her paycheck after she finished her work for Mrs. Crane. She was so steamed up about what happened between him and that guy, "Andrew", that she had forgotten all about her paycheck. This whole week she was trying to reach him, but his secretary said that he wasn't there. Her next stop was her job at the hospital. As she was about to leave, she saw "Andrew". She followed him to his office like a prey waiting to attack its victim. He didn't notice at first but he soon realized it. Once he did, he began to walk away which just made Theresa even angrier. Ethan opened a door and went in. Theresa went in seconds after.
"Hey, Andrew Winthdrop!" she called out.
"Yes," he answered calmly.
"Andrew Winthdrop, how dare you try and walk away from this?" She holds up an envelope that she just happened to have.
"Yes? Is there a problem miss?" he questioned.
"Yea, actually there is. You see this?" still holding up the envelope, "I got this from your insurance company yesterday."
"I only filed a claim concerning the accident."
"Yea, and it's claiming me! I am not going to pay for the damages because it wasn't my fault! You know that I had the right of way! Don't you remember, I was backing up and you kept going straight? Remember, I was going this way and you were still going straight." She tried to make hand gestures of what happened that day of the accident. "If you weren't so stupid and a half, you would've known that I was backing up! And just because I'm a woman don't you dare think that you can get away with this so easily. There's nowhere in hell that I'm going let anyone treat me like this! Not you or any on else!" "Okay, then I guess the insurance company got it all wrong. I'll drop the charges."
"That's right, you better just do that!" There came a short pause between the two and the men in the bathroom. She began looking around and had just brought about that she was in the men's restroom and that they were all looking at her. "Tell them…" her voice quivered as she was looking down at the floor. "Tell them that I didn't mean to go in here. I thought that this was your office! I only came here because of you!"
Ethan gave a little snicker. "Will that be all, Ms-?" he smiled.
"Yea, that would be all. Thank you. Please, continue." When she had turned around to walk away, she bumps into a wall. "Ow!" She cried to herself. Everyone in the restroom gave a little snicker. She grabbed her long black hair to cover her red face from embarrassment.
"I was actually hoping for a name," Ethan whispered to himself.

Back in New York, Ethan had gone back to double check the wedding plans. It was just about two days since that incident in the bathroom. They entered a shop around the corner of Fifth Avenue to buy the dresses and order the food for the wedding. "You seem so tense, Ethan," said Gwen.
"Yea, well that's what happens if you have encounters with a psychopath," replied Ethan.
"Oh, dear, what happened?"
"I don't want to talk about it."
"Ethan! Gwen!" A man greeted the two couple. "Welcome! Would you like some coffee?"
"No, thanks," replied Gwen politely.
"Uh-uh."
"So what do you think Gwen? How do you want your wedding dress to be like?"
"Uumm…I haven't really decided yet. I was hoping that you can help me."
"I was thinking a cream dress with a dash of lavender roses as your bouquet, can you just imagine? And your hair could be shaped like a bird cage-"
"I want it simple," replied Ethan.
"Yes, yes, simple. That's just what I was going for."

It was late night in Harmony. Theresa had packed her things for tomorrow's event. She was to be invited to stay with Ivy Crane and Ethan whom she hasn't supposedly met. It was to be a formal banquet for a charity. Theresa had just left for home.
"Pilar!" Ethan exclaimed while hugging her.
"Ethan!" Pilar said with excitement. "How are things with you and Gwen?"
"Fine, just fine. And you?"
"Don't worry about little old me."
"Why shouldn't I be worried?"
"No reason," smiled Pilar.
"I'm here to see your daughter. We're suppose to go to the banquet tomorrow and I wanted to go over a few things with her since, well, she's not experienced with this sort of things. Where is she by the way?"
"Oh, you just missed her. It's really too bad. She wanted to meet you to."
"Like wise," he paused, "Pilar, your daughter knows the people in this town pretty well, right?" Pilar looked worried for while because of Ethan's tone of voice, but it soon past.
"Umm, yes. She's lived here for almost all her life, so I'm sure she knows the people here pretty well.
"Oh, okay. Thanks Pilar. We'll talk more tomorrow."
"Is there anything the matter Mr. Crane?"
"Oh no, nothing at all."
"Well, it's still good to see you. I'm so glad you're back." Pilar gave another hug to Ethan before she left.
"Yeah…me to." He tried to give a smile.

It was a bright Sunday morning. She was running late so she went to the Crane Mansion right after church. The servants greeted her as usual, and her mom.
"Where can I get my things for tonight mama?"
"How many times do I have to tell you to watch for your things. Your things are in Ethan's room."
"I'm sorry mom, I just…forgot."
"Hmm, well just don't make a habit of it Theresa."
"I won't mama," she replied.
Theresa ran up the stairs like a kid who was waiting on Christmas Day to open her present. It was her first real formal place to be in considering her class. The banquet was to be held at the Sea Scape. It was known as the most popular and expensive restaurant on the town. She was so excited about this night because she believes that tonight would change everything for her for good.
"Is anyone here?" she called.
"Oh, no. I forgot to tell Theresa that Ethan is home. Oh, well. They'll I'm sure that they'll get along just fine." No one seemed to have answered so she went in. She went to make sure that the doors were locked, but there was one that was already locked from the inside so that didn't really bother her as much. Right when she was unzipping her dress, Ethan walks in. He had just come out of the shower wet.
"YOU!" they both call out at the same time.

Chapter 3

"YOU!" they both call out at the same time. Ethan so shocked that when he tried to approach her, he slipped and fell headfirst to the ground. He tried to get up as soon as possible trying to cover up his pain. Theresa ran for cover because she was half-naked. She was only wearing her underwear, which was quite revealing for her young age. "What are you doing here?" demanded Ethan still holding his towel tightly which was about to slip at any moment.
"I was just about to ask you the same thing," Theresa replied.
Pilar heard the noise and reacted to it immediately. She ran upstairs and saw the two arguing.

"Your not Ethan Crane!" yelled Theresa. "Yes, I am."
"You said that your name was 'Andrew Winthdrop'."
Pilar interrupted, "That isn't his real name. You see Theresa, Ethan give out his fake names to strangers because, well, he might've thought that you were some kind of stalker or something else."
"I still don't understand mama."
"It means I'm Ethan Crane!" yelled Ethan.
"I REALLY don't have to take this from you, right now."
"Oh, you bet that you have to take this from me. You're at my house now, and you will show respect."
Theresa would've said something in return but it would just make things more complicated. If she would've said something, she could've lost her job at he Crane Mansion and embarrassed her mother. This means that her dream of becoming a fashion designer won't come true. "I think I should leave now," replied Theresa.
"Forgive me, Pilar for saying this, but yes, I think you should." Ethan looked at Pilar. She was like a mother to him. She thought of her as a parent rather than a housekeeper. Right after, Ethan stopped being sarcastic towards Theresa. "Theresa, you know that's not possible. Mrs. Crane asked you to accompany Ethan at the charity ball tonight and you agreed. Please. Just get along for tonight."
Theresa and Ethan's eyes were locked into each other. It felt like hours that they've been staring at one other. They were amazed by how deep they can look onto them. Finally Ethan gave in, "Okay Pilar. Just for tonight," still looking at Theresa.
"Thank you Ethan. I knew I could count on you." In the mean time she looked at Theresa and asked her, "Theresa, what about you?"
"I still don't know about this mama," she said while staring at Ethan like he's the most important thing in the world to her. She felt like crying, as her stomach was being ripped apart.
"Please Theresa. This would mean so much to Ivy. And maybe if you go tonight you'll meet designers there that can help you launch your fashion career."
Theresa thought about what her mother had uttered. It's true what she had said. The people there might help her get on the right track of becoming her dream as a famous designer, and she wasn't about to let Ethan Crane get in the way. "Alright mama, I'll do it." She finally agreed. "Just for tonight."
"Thank you Theresa. You won't regret this." Pilar left running to get the phone.
"I'm sure I will," Theresa whispered to herself.

"Theresa!" called Ethan. Theresa's heart sprung. He grabbed her arm before she could go, "This till doesn't explain the other run-in's we've had earlier."
"Oh-umm…uh…" jumbled Theresa. She tried to be calm and not embarrass her family and especially herself.
"Well, for example the car incident."
"Oh, that. Well, you see I was having a really bad day. I couldn't get my car to open or start," she gestured, " and I was unbelievably running late for my other job. It was like another BAD, BAD day. And I'm sure that you've experienced it too," she said with a sincere voice. Ethan nodded. "Okay, but what about the time you followed me into the men's restroom?"
"Umm, temporarily insanity?" replied Theresa. Ethan gave a little chuckle by this answer. "I hope you understand and except my forgiveness. I mean I-I-I'd do anything," she stuttered, "pedicure, manicure, free dinner, breakfast, lunch, anything!"
"I except," replied Ethan.
Theresa gave in a sigh. She didn't know what to say or how to react. "I don't know what to say."
"How about 'Thank you'!"
"Thank you!"
They looked at each other the way did they did earlier, but this time it was longer. It was like looking at yourself in the mirror, but instead of seeing yourself, you see the most beautiful and elegant person in the whole wide world. "You better get ready or we'll be late," Ethan broke out.
"Oh, yea, definitely! Have you seen my things in your room Ethan?" asked Theresa.
"If your things are in a Victoria Secret bag, then yeah, I believe that they're over there, somewhere."
Theresa grabbed her things and ran to Ivy's room to change. She couldn't believe what she saw, what she heard, and the way she acted. It was like a nightmare that you're not able to wake up from. Theresa's heart was beating loud and clamorous. She just put on her dress and make up carelessly. She was thinking what would happen tonight with Ethan rather than her future as a designer.
"Theresa?" Ethan called out. He came down with his black suit looking as sharp as ever.
"Yea? I'll be down in a sec." Theresa had just finished putting on her shoes. She came down the stairs looking as bright as ever. Her blue gown drifted in the back. It had just fit perfectly well for her comely figure.
Ethan's heart skipped a beat when he saw her. He felt like the wind had just been knocked out of him.
"Why, Theresa you look absolutely gorgeous!" exclaimed Pilar.
"Yea, I agree. You actually look like a woman for once," he teased.
Theresa gave a venomous look at Ethan. Once he saw this, he realized that he should back off for the night.

They arrived at the banquet an hour later. The traffic had caused them to be late, and be the center of the attention once they got there. The paparazzi were all around them once they arrived. Everyone kept asking question about Theresa. She was obviously the center of the attention for she had the most elegant dress and she attended with a Crane. Ethan explained that she was her mother's personal secretary whom is attending as him as his date. Once they heard that they grew wild and demanded answers. They all believe that she was having an affair with Ethan Crane. They thought that she was the new woman in his life.

The next morning, Whitney had visited Theresa and required giving her the gossip of yesterday's news. "Good morning, Mrs. Fitzgerald, is Theresa awake yet? She's suppose to go with me to the country club."
"Umm, I'm not sure Whitney, but I think she is. She came home quite early than I expected last night," replied Pilar.
"Oh really?" Pilar nodded, "Okay, thank you."
Theresa just got out of the shower and started to fix her hair right when Whitney came in. "So what really happened last night. I heard that you and that Ethan guy really hit it off last night."
"Oh, we hit it off all right. The guy was a jerk! Remember the guy I told you about?-That 'Andrew guy'…"
"Hmm…Yea! Why what happened?"
"Well, it just turned out that his real name is Ethan Crane. You know Ivy's son whom I was suppose to be happy to show around the town. Well, last night he insulted me in front of my own mother."
"Oh, my gosh! This is what you think for trying to be so tough." "Don't start with me. I don't even know how I can get around him for a day.
We're suppose to work together. I won't be able to handle this, Whitney! We practically hate each other's guts."
"Boy, you're in a tough spot."
"Tell me about it," replied Theresa sadly.
"Oh, Theresa I'm so sorry that you had a bad time last night." She hugged Theresa comforting her, as a friend should.
"That's all right now. At least I won't have to stand and listen to him jabber about all day."

Theresa got ready to help Whitney with her lessons at the country club for only a little while. She was frightful to go at first because of the event that happened last night. Everyone who attends at the country club was sure to be there last night. "I don't know what to do Whitney. I don't know how long he'll be staying here in Harmony."
"Well, don't worry about this Theresa." She pulled Theresa beside her. "See, no one's looking at you differently."
"Theresa!" called out a man. Theresa turned around and was shocked.
"Theresa!" he called out again.
"Yes," she replied calmly.
"Since you've been here in Harmony longer, I'm sure you know people here very well."
"Yes, that's true."
"Well, I'm looking for a tennis instructor," he takes out a paper, "Whitney Russell."
"Right here!" Whitney called out. "What is it exactly you're looking for?"
"My mother told me that I can get lessons from you. You see my fiancée's father plays tennis quite well, and I promised him a game and-"
Whitney interrupts, "You need my help to at least kick butt."
"Something like that. Yea, I guess."
"I think I should go now, I really need to go and see your mom," said Theresa.
"Well, tell her that I have a new student and that I might be home late."
"Okay, Whitney. Bye. Ethan." With that, Theresa left looking for Mrs. Russell. She wanted to ask her if she could get a ride from her to the hospital.

"Mrs. Russell!" called out Theresa.
"Theresa, so glad to see you. Will you be at work today?"
"That's what I wanted to discuss to you about. I wanted to know if I can get a ride to work."
"No problem, I was just on my way there, come on I'll take you!"
Ethan is getting a tennis lesson from Whitney. She teaches him how to do an accurate backhand and forehand.
"I want you to end your hand here after you strike the ball," informed Whitney.
"Okay, like this?"
"Perfect!" replied Whitney. "Here comes a ball!"
Ethan ran after the ball, "OW!!!" he screamed out.
"Oh, no! Ethan, are you okay?" Whitney ran towards him checking if he was all right.
"Ah! No, please don't try t move it. I think I broke it."
"Umm…Well, we have to get you to the hospital. They can help you there because I don't have my first aid kit with me. Here, let me help you up."
"Thank, you," said Ethan.
"I'll make sure that my mother takes good care of you!" she smiled.

Ethan and Whitney arrived in the hospital an hour later. "Oh, Theresa, I need your help with a brand new patient," inquired Mrs. Russell. "Sure, who's the next victim?" Theresa teased.
"Oh, Theresa, you know that your patients' always love you.
There's a new patient in," she looks at her clipboard, "305, in the west wing."
"Okay, that's in Aida's room, I'll go and check him out later."
"Thank you Theresa. I really appreciate this. Tell him that I'll be back.
I'm too busy to keep up with all these patients'!"
"You're welcome Mrs. Russell." Dr. Russell just left for an operation that she was obligated to go to.

"Theresa!" one of the nurses called out.
"Oh, hey, Margarita," exclaimed Theresa.
"Have you seen the new patient today at room 305?" "No, why?"
"Well, you should see him. He's a god!"
"Marg! I never heard you talk about any guy like this before." "Well, he's different. He's so…handsome, and oh, what bulging biceps!"
Theresa was in laughing shock. She didn't know how to react to her friends comment. "Well, I'm sure he's like any ordinary guy, once he's tired of you, he'll leave you."
"That's all right. I don't mind having him for one second," turning her focus on the ceiling. "Those eyes, well, you could just look at them forever. He looks a bit older but I can see him with you." "Uh-huh, well, you should stop talking about this guy as if he were a saint."
"I'm telling you Theresa, you will like the guy. I mean, who wouldn't?"
With that, Theresa left to see her last patient. She was just too tired to argue any longer. "Theresa, my friend, one day, HE will show up and sweep you off your feet," she said not Theresa being able to hear it.

Theresa left to see her next patient in the west wing. Theresa was about to see her last patient, Aida. She liked visiting her last because she would always make her laugh after a bad day. "Aida! How are you?" "Oh, Theresa! It's always so good to see you. I've been trying to reach the other nurses, but they won't reply."
"Well, what's the matter?" asked Theresa worriedly.
"The television won't work. I'm trying to watch 'State Fair'. And I can't get the new patient to help. He's been sleeping longer than I have in my life."
"Oh, Aida, you're too much of a musical fan. Well, don't you worry, I'm right here," she said while fixing her pillow. "It's just good that you didn't wake the new patient. I hear he's been making quite a fuss here in the hospital." Aida laughed when she heard this. She remembered her love that died ten years ago. She knew what Theresa was talking. She had to agree that the patient was quite handsome. Throughout this laughter, Aida still kept this deep sadness in her heart. She didn't want to show anyone that she's hurt for she's always have been known as a strong, and an independent woman.
"Theresa, can you sing 'It Might As Well Be Spring' for me?"
"You know very well Aida that I can't sing."
"Oh, you fibber. I remember the school play you were in. You were so adorable, and, oh, your voice was majestic."
"I can't believe you still remember that," replied Theresa.
"Oh, honey I remember a lot of things that happened in Harmony and things that shouldn't have happened. And a little warning child, people here in Harmony aren't as innocent as they look."
"Oh," Theresa tried to keep an interested look in her face. She knew that the old woman was just jabbering about past lives in Harmony. She's old and her memory isn't as well as it used to be. All she could do was smile and play along.
"Please Theresa, just sing a song for me before I go to sleep. I'm basically missing the good part in the movie because the television won't work!"
"All right Aida, just this once." Aida had a great smile in her face, which also made Theresa smile even greater. She had not seen Aida smile for a long time since her son died five years after her husband. "Now how does it go," she thought.
And she sung, 'I'm as restless as a willow in a windstorm.
I'm as jumpy as a puppet on a string. I'd say that I have spring fever
But I know it isn't spring
I am starry eyed & vaguely discontented
Like a nightingale without a song to sing
Oh, why should I have spring fever when it isn't even spring
I keep wishing I were somewhere else
Walking down a strange new street, Hearing words that I have never heard from
a boy I've yet to meet
I'm as busy as a spider spinning daydreams
I'm as giddy as a baby on a swing
I haven't seen a croaker or a rose bud or a robin on the wing,
But I feel so gay in a melon Colin way that it might as well be spring
It might as well be spring.'
Theresa kept singing like an angel while tucking Aida in. Ethan woke up and watched from a far listening to her divine, magnificent voice. He didn't know how to keep his feelings from others. He especially couldn't handle what he's feeling now. He tries to impair his feelings towards others because he doesn't want to get hurt. More importantly, he doesn't want to be embarrassed. 'CLAP! CLAP! CLAP!' That's all Theresa heard in the room. She couldn't see the person clapping because there was a curtain that separated the patients from each other. She tried to see who it was by pulling the curtain apart. "Who's there?" She gasped when she saw who it was. She held her stomach in before she can collapse. "Oh, no. Tell me this isn't happening," she whispered to herself.

Chapter 4

"Why, I never knew you had such a nice voice, Theresa," he said with a sarcastic remark.
"I'll take that as a compliment, Ethan."
"Take it however you like, but this still doesn't explain why we keep running in to each other lately."
"You're telling me! I thought that I saw the last of you already." "Well it's obviously not happening," replied Ethan. "It really doesn't matter anyway because mother made it clear that you and I are to be working together on a project she believes you're good at."
"What's that," asked Theresa.
"Sketching. You know, designing dresses, stuff like that."
"Oh, I see. And who am I suppose to sketch these 'designs' for?"
"My fiancée," replied Ethan.
Somewhere in Theresa's heart ached. She had never felt this way before. She has never felt this kind of anger and love at the same time for one man. "I guess I can do it. But you'll have to forgive me if it'll take a while. I have school and two other jobs that I have to handle so I have to work on it at home. Won't I be working with your fiancée on this, or at least your mom?"
"Well, my fiancée is really busy with her other work, and well, you won't be working with my mom yet because she obviously she won't be back next month. And she told me that I have you as my assistant while the wedding is being planned. I actually need you more as my assistant because there are just too many things that are needed to be taken care of. " Ethan gave a little smirk to this. He couldn't possibly be in the same room with Theresa for more than a minute without tantalizing her. It was the only way he knew how to keep his mind focus on one thing. He dawdled for a while since Theresa didn't seem to have had paid attention to a word he said. "What are you doing here? Don't tell me that you're the nurse that they sent me?"
"Well, I'm actually here for Aida and a new patient who seemed to have a broken ankle. Have you seen him?"
Ethan sighed when he heard this. "So you get to be my assistant and my nurse. That's an unlikely combination."
"Tell me about it," replied Theresa. "This is just great! I get to be a mom to this kid and still go to school. I can't take care of him in the hospital. He won't allow it, I won't allow it! This is not what I meant by interesting," Theresa thought to herself. "Umm, okay," changing the subject, "when do I start this sketching thing for your wife?"
"Well, how about now?"
"Can't I do it later on? I mean I have to take care of Aida and you at the same time."
"You are taking care of me by handling what I had just asked you to do."

A month passed during this mishap. She had been taking care of Ethan for two weeks when he was in the hospital. Theresa hadn't heard from Ethan after he was released because he went back to New York right after. Theresa knew he was bound for home around this time so she went to get her paycheck as quietly as possible. As she was about to leave, her car breaks down on her. She needed to get under the hood to check what the problem was. While she was doing this, Ethan came down to go to his car. Turns out that another car had already blocked his way so he won't be able to get out. Luckily, he sees Theresa's car. She didn't notice him approaching her, but once she did, she closed the hood and sneaked around the car so Ethan won't see her. "Theresa," he called out. "I haven't seen you for a while. I thought we were suppose to work on the wedding. Gwen gave me some of the ideas she wants to use, and well she's just sad to be missing out on this." "Umm, yea, me too," she said.
"Are you going or doing anything later on?"
"No…why?"
"I was actually wondering if you'd like to have lunch with me. I don't like to eat alone except when I'm in my office."
"I don't think that would be possible, I mean look at me, I haven't even gotten the chance to get cleaned. It wouldn't be appropriate," she was reluctant to say. "And I have to warn you that the air condition doesn't work," she had said because maybe he would back away. It was surely a hot day for Harmony, and her ac didn't work whatsoever.
"You have ac in your car?"
"Of course! It's just doesn't work right now," she said with an unusual posture.
"Oh, well who cares? I just want to get out of here and eat. I'm starving, and I've had a terrible day today. So, let's go, let's go, let's go!" Theresa rushed to open the door for Ethan. She was a little self-conscious about her car. She drove Ethan to "Picianos". She assured him that it was a great pace to be and fun. It was an Italian restaurant that served buffets. They enter the restaurant that seemed to be filled with kids running around. As soon as they sat down, everything was smooth sailing. They got along so well that you could see the spark between them from miles away. "You're a great sister, aren't you? I mean you have two jobs and school to support your family," said Ethan.
"I guess you can say that. I mean I love my family. They've been there for me through thick and thin." Ethan had a face of admiration towards Theresa. He was esteemed about her love for her family.
"How has it like living in a small town like Harmony," asked Ethan.
"It's great. I love it because you know the people here. I mean that it's good that it's a small town because we know who the people are. The name itself says it all, 'Harmony'. I mean I know that Harmony has its contrast. First of all, the people. I mean, I've seen they're faces all my life and sometimes it isn't as exciting as it was before. You live the same life you've lived for so long. I guess the better word for it BORING, you know? I'm a girl who loves adventure. I like to be where the wind takes me. You know what I mean?"
"Yes, actually I do. And I admire your thinking."
"Why thank you, Ethan. I think that's the first real compliment I'll be getting from you for a while," they both laughed. "How about your life? How is like living in a big city? It must be exciting. I mean seeing people of different back rounds everyday. Hearing what they have to say about life."
"Let's just say that my life is not as colorful like yours is. And, the city, well, by looking at me says it all I guess." He looks at Theresa for a moment. He was memorizing her face. It was the way her cheekbones were lined, and the way her eyes would blink ever so delicately. Theresa ate very quickly and plentiful. As soon as she got out of the restaurant she belched as loud as she can.
"Ethan," she gasped for air, "you drive." She gave a sickening look, which also made Ethan feel a little nascious.
"This is what you get for eating too much." Ethan had opened the door for Theresa to daydream in the car. She dreamt about Ethan inside the car bending down to kiss her. She was still in her kissing position while Ethan watches her curiously. "Theresa? Theresa?" Theresa opened her eyes quickly and sat properly. She took her hand to touch her lips. It felt so real, yet imaginative. She couldn't believe herself that she would dream about Ethan Crane.
"Huh?" she finally answered.
"Well you looked like you were out of it for a while."
"Oh, well, I didn't notice."
"Listen, I was wondering if you'd like to go out with me another time?"
"Why?"
"I don't know, why?"
"Okay, sure why not," not looking at Ethan. He gave a little chuckle to this.
"So just call me anytime if you ever want to go out."
"Yea, okay."
Ethan was waiting for Theresa to call but he gets a call from his fiancée instead. "Ethan, how are you honey?" asked Gwen.
"Gwen?" He said it slowly.
"Hello, honey. I just called to ask you when you'll be back."
"You know that I have an important job I have to take care of. I promise it won't take any longer. I just really have to finish this."
"Okay, honey. It's just that I miss you already, and we still haven't even gone through the wedding rehearsals yet. Just be home as soon as you can. I miss you so much already!" she exclaimed.
"Yea, yea, me too," he sighed.
"Okay, I'll talk to you again, bye."
"Bye," he said quietly. When Gwen hung up the phone, she knew something was wrong. Ethan's tone of voice had definitely changed, but she didn't pay as much attention to it as she should have.
The next morning, Ethan walked around in his front yard without any shoes on. He was walking on grass carrying a phone. He was deciding whether to wait for Theresa's call or should he make the first move.
'RING! RING! RING!' Theresa ran to the phone and had left it ringing three times. She didn't want to seem desperate even though she was almost wrestling the phone out of her sister's hand.
"Hello," she said with a quiet and calm voice.
"Theresa!" he finally blurted out.
"Yes, who's this?" Theresa tried to keep her cool when she knew perfectly well who was on the line.
"It's Ethan," he said.
"Oh, Ethan, how are you?"
"Fine, fine. Umm, I was wondering if you were doing anything later on.
That's if you're not doing anything."
"Umm, not really," she exaggerated.
"Okay, so do you want to go out? I know a real great place where we can go.
I think you might like it."
"Okay, sure, why not!" Theresa exclaimed. She ran upstairs looking for a dress to wear. She decided to go in jeans since she didn't want to look too frenzied over him. He came over to pick her up at 7. They ate at Tony Roma's. Somehow, Ethan knew that it was one of her favorite places, which also happened to be his also. After the large feast they had, they went straight to a bar. I t was a kareoke bar. Theresa had insisted Ethan to go.
They entered the bar. Everyone was looking at Ethan because he was dressed in a suit for an unproper place.
They drank and shot pool. They carried on conversations for so long. It really didn't matter what they were talking about; it was just the company that made them happy. Ethan, on the other hand, had never felt this way before because he'd only been with one woman almost all his life. He couldn't fight off this feeling. He had to know what it was that made him feel this way.
"Why don't we go sing, come on it'll be fun! I promise!"
Theresa suggested.
"Okay, I want to hear you sing again. I really like it," said Ethan.
"Oh, well that's too bad. You won't be hearing me tonight cause I'll be hearing you," replied Theresa.
Ethan spat out his drink, "WHAT?"
"You're gonna sing for this lovely audience."
"Oh, no I'm not. No way, no how!!!"
"Okay ladies and gentlemen," said the bartender, "I was just informed that there is a new young man who is just dying to get up her and sing for us. His name is Ethan Crane! Let's give him around of applause ladies and gentlemen." The bartender halted for a moment. He just realized that he was standing next to Ethan Crane. "Wait a minute," he blurted out, "You're not ETHAN CRANE, are you?" He exaggerated on his name.
"Actually, I am."
"What are you doing I a crummy place like this?"
"Actually," he pointed at Theresa, "a friend of mine invited me to sing along in your little tavern."
"Oh, please, sir, sing away. Whatever you wish." Ethan and Theresa burst out laughing. They didn't know that he was going to be treated like a king in a joint like that. Besides, the bar wouldn't have anything that Ethan would want, except for one…Theresa Lopez-Fitzgerald.
"Okay, I'd like to sing….what do you have?"
"We have Andy Williams, if that's what you prefer."
"Put it on!" Ethan demanded. He didn't know who the guy was exactly but he had an idea.
"Moon River is the song Mr. Crane."
"Good, I know that one, almost." He sounded drunk while he was carrying on this conversation with the bartender. He waited for the song to begin, and then he sung. "Moon river…" The audience cheered and booed. Ethan definitely didn't sound like a nightingale, which, of course, made Theresa laugh recklessly.

The night was over and Ethan drove Theresa home. She had invited him to stay for a while. They talked the night away in her dining room laughing, and crying all at the same time. Neither of them had ever felt this kind of emotion out of someone else.

The next day, Theresa was to work for Ethan. She had waited on his office for some important papers that needed to be signed. She waited impatiently because Ethan had an important meeting that his dad asked him to go. "Oh, Theresa, I didn't know that you were going to be in my office so early after last night," he teased.
"Well, this is what I do for a living. I can't very well be late for an important meeting that my boss still hasn't gone to," she hinted. Ethan looked at Theresa curiously, "Oh, no! How long have they had the meeting?"
"Hmm, about 15 minutes ago," she said as she grabbed Ethan's coat. They rushed into the office like stampedes of elephants were after them.
"Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. Please forgive me for the little delay, I'm sure that everyone here has had their problems." Theresa sighed; it was to be a long meeting after all. "How was that? I know I gave them what they wanted. The presentation went quite well than I expected."
"Oh, yes, quite well," she said sarcastically.
"What's that suppose to mean?"
"Nothing. It's just that I think that they would've loved you more if you weren't late and that if you were more persistent. You should've been more firm about what you were talking about."
"And who are you to tell me this?" he said as he approached her.
"You heard what I said," she replied firmly.
"Oh yea?"
"Yea. As a matter of fact-"
"Oh!" Ethan yelled out.
"Oh, no, Ethan."
"I think it's my ankle again."
She bent down to grab a hold of Ethan's ankle, "Hold on, don't move." Ethan looked at her. She was touching him gently just the way he liked it. "Is that okay, Ethan?"
"Umm," he broke out of his concentration, "yea, thanks!"
"Well, it is your ankle. It's still not stable so I suggest that you don't walk on it for a while,"
"Wow. My assistant and nurse."
"Well, ain't that the truth," she laughed. They were once again caught in their little daydreams of each other. They were falling in love with out even knowing it.
He cleared his throat, "Umm, where are the designs that you did so far?"
"Oh, they're right here." She pulled them out of her portfolio that contained sketches of Ethan's wedding.
"Thanks," he said. He was looking at the sketches with amazement.
"So what? Do you like?" she asked worriedly.
"Uh, this is amazing Theresa. I mean, how could you put so much effort in this with such little time?"
"There's really no secret to this. I only like to this for fun. And maybe one day, I can make a living out of it."
"Well, I know for a fact that you would make a great designer."
"Thanks!" Without expectations, they hugged each other. They didn't notice how long it took them to part.
"No problem. Now I can show this to Gwen." Ethan paused when he said this. He had forgotten all about Gwen, and so did Theresa. They both felt awkward towards each other.
"Of course you do," she laughed off, "I mean what fiancée wouldn't want to see her own wedding?"
"No one," he replied sadly.
"Yea, well, I have your ticket for New York tomorrow morning."
"Thanks."
"No problem. What are secretaries good for, right?" she smiled.
"Yea, right."
"Well, I should be going. I'll see you when you come back." Ethan didn't say anything back. Theresa just left and leaned towards the door.
She regretted ever meeting Ethan. She could never fall in love with a man like him, how could she ever doubt that?

Back in New York, Ethan waits for Gwen at her house. He has been trying to call Theresa, but instead he gets a busy signal because she is calling him at the same time. "Where are you Th-"
"I'm right here, honey," replied Gwen excitedly.
"Gwen," he said surprised. She had almost heard him say Theresa's name aloud.
"Who else would it be? I hope that you weren't waiting too long."
"No, actually I just got home."
"Good, because I have made a special evening just for the two of us."
"And what's the occasion for?" he teased. "Oh, you'll see…"
The next morning, Ethan and Gwen go out to the beach. They had a hammock all ready for them. "What did you do while I was gone," asked Ethan.
"Oh, nothing. Same old same old," she replied sadly. "What about you, how was your work?"
"Okay."
"Did they give you a hard time?"
"No, but enough about my work, what about you?"
"Nothing, I just went out shopping with the maids. And I have a new client that I have to meet tomorrow after you leave." Ethan just grew quiet.
He wasn't at all paying attention to what Gwen saying. He was thinking about his time with the most incredible woman he's ever met.
"Theresa, Theresa, calm down. He'll be here any minute."
"You're right. Absolutely right!"
"Is Theresa alright?" asked Chad.
"Yea, she's just nervous about this guy whom she's suppose to introduce to us?"
"Oh, gotcha," he replied.
Theresa waited impatiently for him to arrive. They had said that they would meet at 7 p.m. and it was already 8. She fiddled around with her hair and fingers out of exasperation.
"Ethan," she called out. "I'm so glad you made it."
"I am so sorry, Theresa. I got stuck in traffic."
"Um, Theresa," interrupted Whitney, "are you gonna introduce us?"
"Oh, yes, of course," Theresa replied. "Ethan, I want you to meet Chad, Whitney's boyfriend. And, of course, you know Whitney."
"Hi, nice to meet you. Whitney, it's good to see you again."
"Like wise," she replied.

Their dinner ended with beautiful ballroom dancing. The two couples got along so well, and perfectly.
"We should be getting back home. I have a big midterm to study for tomorrow," said Whitney.
"Oh," said Theresa sadly, "well, I'll see you at the hospital. Bye Chad."
With that, Theresa gave her best friend a hug goodbye. "Well, I guess it's just the two of us Ethan. What do you want to do?"
"It doesn't matter. I'm basically happy when I'm with you." Theresa and Ethan blushed.
"Me too, Ethan," she smiled. They headed home restlessly. They had a memorable evening that would last them their whole lives. But it was a night that was to end when really, it was a night of the beginning for everything.

Chapter 5

The next day, Theresa goes to the Crane’s mansion to surprise Ethan. Meanwhile, Gwen is also on her way to see him. Theresa waits impatiently for Ethan to answer the doorbell. Just as she was about to ring it the second time, Gwen comes along.
“Hi, are you Theresa?” asked Gwen.
“Um, yes. Do I know you?” asked Theresa curiously.
“No, but Ethan must’ve mentioned my name here and there. I’m Gwen, Ethan’s fiancé.”
Theresa’s heart broke all over again. She knew about Gwen being engaged to Ethan, but had forgotten about it. She didn’t know how to respond to this.
“Theresa?” called Gwen.
“Yes, Gwen, right. Ethan mentioned you. He wanted me, to um,” she caught her breath, “design a wedding dress for you.”
“Yes, that’s right,” Gwen nodded. “Why don’t we go in. I mean I feel awkward discussing about this outside, do you mind?”
“No! No, not at all.” Theresa and Gwen come inside the house both to surprise Ethan.
“Well, don’t say anything, but I came here to surprise Ethan. It was more of his parents’ idea though. He hasn’t been able to let go of his job here. Last time he came home, he only stayed for a day, and I didn’t even get a chance to see him,” she laughed. “Ethan has been caught with his job lately here Harmony, but I think that there’s something else that’s been keeping him here.”
“What’s that?” Theresa asked nervously.
“I don’t know,” Gwen said sadly. “I thought it was something else, but to think that Ethan will have an affair, well that’s just laughable.”
Theresa also laughed at the situation. But it was more of a forced laugh because she knew why he had been away for so long.
“Theresa, can I see the ideas you have for the wedding?”
“Yea, sure, I have them right here,” she sighed.
“Wow! These are amazing! How were you able to do this in such little time?”
Theresa just shrugged her shoulders not saying a word. She just kept looking at Gwen by the corner of her eye. She kept comparing herself to Gwen; the way she dressed and talked. It was obvious that Theresa was jealous. She looked at herself with despise, thinking how she could ever open her heart to a man like Ethan Crane and how Ethan can ever fall for a girl like her. They are both form two different worlds that can never come together.
“So do you like them?” she broke her silence.
“Absolutely! Thank goodness that Ivy recommended you.”
“Yea, thank goodness,” she said with a sarcastic remark, which Gwen didn’t notice.
Ethan walked down the stairs when he heard talking. He stopped all of the sudden when he saw Gwen and Theresa together. He stood frozen on the stairs dazed and confused.
“ETHAN!” Gwen finally called out. “Surprise!”
“Gwen!” he also called out.
“Why do you look so shocked?”
“No reason. I’m just glad to see you. I missed you.”
“Oh you have?” Ethan nodded, not wanting to see Theresa’s reaction.

Theresa sneaked her way out not wanting to bother the couple. She started walking home crying. She knew that Ethan and her were just friends, but she also knew that there was something else that might have evolved into something beautiful between them. That something beautiful is just friendship. “I should’ve just listened to my instincts! Why me? Why now?” she asked herself. “I should’ve learned form my brother’s mistake, and my sister,” she cried.

When she arrived home, Whitney was there waiting for her. They were suppose to go out for ice cream to celebrate because they had just both aced their tests.
“Theresa, oh my gosh. What happened?”
“Ethan Crane! That’s what!”
“Oh, Theresa. You knew perfectly well that there was nothing there to begin with.”
“I know Whitney, but why does it hurt?”
“What exactly happened?”
“I was going to surprise Ethan today since we didn’t spend as much time as we wanted to last night. And Gwen showed up.”
“Oh Theresa,” Whitney said, “you knew that he was engaged to Gwen.”
“I know, I know” Theresa sobbed, “I’m just so upset for making a fool of myself for no apparent reason.”

Back in the Crane mansion, Ethan sat on the sofa nervously. “Your parents are concerned about you spending your time at work,” said Gwen.
“Oh, they’re always like that,” he replied.
“Yes, but so am I. We haven’t even attended the wedding rehearsals. And the wedding is just next week!”
“WHAT?”
“Just joking, Ethan,” she paused. “Is there anything wrong?” asked Gwen.
“No nothing,” he replied.
She looked at him curiously, “Are you having doubts?”
“Why do you ask that Gwen?”
“All I want to be is your wife and raise your children.”
“I know,” replied Ethan, “that’s why I’m marrying you.”
“Why?” she asked.
“Why, what?”
“Why are we getting married?”
“Because I know that you would be a good wife and mother. Isn’t that what you want?”
“No! I want to have a quiet and comfortable life with you. But most importantly, I want to be your love, your passion, your everything!”
“I know! Getting married to you is my commitment and I’m going to stick to that.”
“I don’t want to be a commitment. I want our marriage to be for love! Don’t you understand?”
“Of course I do. That’s why we’re getting married.”
“Who are you fooling? Me or yourself?” she paused. “You still have time to back out on this.” With that she left to New York.

“Theresa,” he left in her message, “please call me back once you hear this message. We need to talk.”
The next day, it was another surprise visit to Ethan. His parents came home.
“Ethan,” Ivy said, “What happened between you two? Does this have anything to do with Theresa?”
“How do you know about Theresa?”
“Please, Ethan don’t say that nothing is going on between you two. We have cameras all over our house!” exclaimed Julian. “And we also have reliable servants here.”
“Ethan, can’t you just talk this over with Gwen?”
“Ethan, your mother is right, for the first time. You should talk this over with Gwen. I’d hate to lose such important people to the Crane business.”
“Julian! This isn’t about business; this is about our sons’ future! Can’t you think about someone else besides yourself?”
“No,” Julian replied, “unfortunately not.”
“Ethan,” Ivy said, “Just go back to Gwen and figure this whole thing out. It’s meant to be.”
“Haven’t I’ve been a good son, mom?”
“What does this have to do with anything?”
“I’ve only failed you once! Not bad, huh? I have done everything you asked me to do because I love you. I went to law school for you, and gave up my dream of becoming a writer.” “Ethan-,” Ivy interrupted.
“No, mom, let me finish. I want you to have this. It’s a file leaving all my claims and my rights. I had my attorney fill it out. I had already signed it and I just need your signature.”
“I never wanted or ever will cut you out of this family,” said Julian.
“Ethan,” Ivy interrupted, “Don’t you dare do anything foolish! If you think of going back to Theresa, she will only bring trouble to this family. You two are completely different people! It can never work out! Go back to Gwen.”
“Well, Theresa means so much to me that I’m giving up everything for her.” Ethan left giving his mother a kiss good bye. He goes back to his office to do all of his final arrangements. Afterwards, he decides to call Gwen and talk to her.
“Gwen,” he sighed, “we need to talk.”

Theresa is sitting outside her house thinking about Ethan. She tries and figures out how everything began with them and how it ended.

“Theresa,” her mother called out.

“Mamma!”

“Well, you’ve been in the dump lately. I know its Ethan, huh?” She sighed, “Yea.”

“Are you all right?”

“No,” she mourned. “I just can’t understand the fact that it hurt so much in here.”

“Theresa, when you love, you let the bad in with the good,” Pilar explained. “You understand, miha?”

“Yea…but I wasn’t even in love with the guy.”

“Oh, but you were. You should’ve seen yourself, and the way you looked and talked to him. And you should’ve also seen the way he looked at you. Theresa”, she says. “I’ve known you and Ethan since you were babies. I know for a fact that he didn’t mean to hurt you like this. Besides, you should’ve expected this. If you and Ethan were ever to get together, well, Ivy would’ve stop at nothing to destroy you. And I mean this in a good way, I would rather have you like this than Ivy hurting you.”

“But Ivy doesn’t seem that harmful,” she laughed.

“Oh, you don’t know her well enough. She can strike at you with a venom so death demising that you don’t even know what had hit you.”

“You’re right, mamma,” giving her a hug. “I guess I should go back to work at the hospital. Aida must be sad that she can’t get her television to work.”

“Okay, Theresa,” Pilar smiled. “Come home early. I’ll make something extra special for you.”

Just as Theresa was about to leave, Ethan arrives. “Theresa!” he called out. Theresa turns around nervously.

“Ethan, how are you?” acting like nothing ever happened.

“I was wondering if you got my messages?”

“I did. I was just, um, busy with work and, uh, school.”

“Oh, yea! Totally understandable!” It was silent for a moment. They stood in front of each other not knowing what to do or to say.

“What are you doing here?” Theresa said.

“I came to visit you.”

“How come your not in New York? I thought that you were suppose to leave yesterday.”

“It got cancelled.”

“How’s Gwen?” she broke out.

Ethan halted realizing that Theresa was there that night when Gwen visited him. “She’s fine,” he said rubbing his hands together.

“Then what are you doing here?” she said walking away.

Ethan followed her inside her house trying to talk to her. He had realized that Theresa might have feelings for him. “You’re the one that I love.”

Theresa took a deep breath, “You’re just confused.”

“If I love that person, I shouldn’t be confused.”

“Well, it’s easy to be confused about everything. You should go back home, you’re just wasting your time here.”

“But I don’t want to go home. I want to stay here and be with you.”

“Ethan, look at me, look at you,” she gestured, “look at my house, my family. Can’t you see that we’re just two different people? There can never be anything between us. Ever!”

“That’s not true and you know it!”

“Ethan, “aren’t you embarrassed?”

“Of what?”

“Of me! My family!”

“I don’t care anything about that. Don’t you see that I’m head over heals in love with you? Goodness sakes, Theresa! I can’t even see straight and think straight when I’m around you.” “That will pass.”

“No it won’t and I don’t want it to pass! You’re the one that I think about every morning when I get up, and you’re the one I think of last when I go to sleep. You’re the one that I want, and I’ll ever want.”

“You don’t know what you’re saying,” holding her stomach in.

“Of course I do!” exclaimed Ethan.

“Ethan, stop wasting your time. You’ll get anywhere with me.” “NO! I can’t stop this feeling I have for you! Theresa, don’t you see? Everything in my life has been planned for me, but you! You were never in my plan. I never planned to fall in love with you.”

Theresa stood in a trauma. She didn’t know what to say, but she knew that she had to get out of Ethan’s sight. “What? Are you gonna try and sweet talk your way out of this, Ethan? You just can’t say the words ‘I love you’ to a person and expect them to fall helplessly on their knees and say that you’re able to figure out this by continental relationship with our families and back round being totally different. I mean, what do you expect from me?” she said.

“Nothing,” he said finally giving up. “Look Theresa, I just came here to tell you that…I love you. It’s always been you Theresa, and I don’t expect anything back. I don’t expect you to fall helplessly on your knees and cry hysterically. I just want you to think over about what I said. Please, for my sake and yours.”

“You know, this hurts so much, Ethan,” placing her hand on her heart like it was about to burst. “Your family has brought nothing but pain and suffering for my family!” cried Theresa. “And I really hate this because no matter how much I try to hate you… I end up loving you more and more.” Theresa stood still crying as Ethan walked up to her slowly to try and comfort her.

Ethan was shocked when he heard this. He then started caressing her face in a tenderly manner, and kissing her lips ever so gently and passionately. He hadn’t expected so much in return. It was Theresa’s love that made him realized the true meaning of love and heartache.

As they stood in the backyard of Theresa’s house, they chatted amongst each other at night just talking about how their future will be once they get married. It was another beginning for them, and this time, it was to be happy and the best and the happiest.

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