Chapter 6: Uncovered
Same night..

Julian pulled into the Lopez-Fitzgerald driveway, turned off the car and stormed
into the house, slamming the door behind him. "Pilar! PILAR!!" He yelled, standing at
the bottom of the stairs. Pilar flew down the stairs. She thought that something was
wrong with one of her girls. When she got to the bottom of the stairs, and saw who it
was, she sighed, frustrated.

Pilar stood on the bottom step, with her arms crossed, over her chest. "What the
hell do you want, Julian?" she asked, annoyed. Julian ignored her and walked into the
kitchen. He sat down at the table and waited for Pilar. She walked into the kitchen and
put some water on the stove, for tea.

"Alright Julian spill. What are you doing here?" Pilar asked, sitting down next to
him. Julian just stared at her, "What do you think is wrong with me? Theresa is
working at the mansion! She’s falling in love with Ethan! AND I know that he feels the
same way! That’s what’s wrong! How could you let her do this! WORK at the
MANSION! Date ETHAN! Did you bump that thick head of yours?" he said,
sarcastically.

Pilar shook her head, "Ivy needed someone to work for her, and Theresita needed
a job. WE NEED the MONEY! We aren’t rich! You selfish old bastard! Me and my
daughters need that money! We have bills to pay! Our DADDY doesn’t do it for us!"
she hollered, getting more angry by the minute.

"I’m sorry Pilar. I didn’t even think about that. Please forgive me." Julian
pleaded, too ashamed to meet her fiery gaze. She sighed heavily, "Don’t worry about it.
How could you? I never let you help out. Soon Theresa will be in college too, and I
don’t know how I’m going to afford it." Pilar said, standing up and pulling the kettle off
the stove.

"Pilar what happened to us? We used to be so close. We loved each other. How
did this happen?" Julian asked, staring intently at the table cloth. Pilar felt hot tears
threatening to spill down her face. "You met Ivy that’s what happened. You left me high
and dry. You turned your back on me. You married Ivy even though you knew that she
was pregnant with another man’s baby. I still don’t see how you could do that, but I’ve
grown to except it." She said, setting two mugs off hot tea on the table.

"I don’t know how many times that I have to apologize for that. I couldn’t fight
father! He would of killed you! He’s despicable. But even so, I love Ethan like he is my
own, and I don’t want him to date Theresa. It’s just not right." Julian said, sipping his
tea.

"Julian this is none of YOUR business. SO BACK OFF! Why do you even care?
Leave us alone! Just leave Julian! Just the sight of you, it makes my skin crawl! Please
leave! Don’t talk to me, AND don’t talk to Theresa. She’s never been any of your
concern, and she isn’t now. Leave her and Ethan alone. They’re both so happy. Just
leave them alone." Pilar said, angrily, pushing Julian towards the door. She was glad
that the foyer was dark, because the tears were falling down her face. And the last person
in the world that she wanted to see her cry was Julian Crane.

Pilar opened the door. Julian walked half-way through it then turned around. He
reached up and whipped tears away from Pilar’s face. "You both have always been and
always will be my concern. Pilar I love you. And I love our daughter too." he said,
walking away. Pilar closed the door and leaned back against it, sobbing uncontrollably.

Chapter 7: Pain and Pride

Theresa, Whitney, and Chad waited patiently for Ethan to pick Theresa up for their date. The three of them sat on the Russel’s couch, talking little. Luis had already came and picked Sheridan up for their date. He had made plans to take her to the opera. And had a evening dress delivered to Whitney’s house for Sheridan.

An hour rolled by and still no Ethan. Theresa went from being worried to being angry. She got up off the couch and headed up the stairs for bed. She was half-way up, when the front door flew open and a bloody and bruised Ethan fell through the door.

"A...man.....hit...hard...head...bat...hurts..." Ethan mumbled, fighting to keep his eyes open. He needed to tell Theresa and Whitney what was said, but he couldn’t. His head felt like a bomb had gone off inside it. He couldn’t stand any longer. He fell fast and hard.

His head made a sick thud as it hit the foyer floor. Theresa rushed down the stairs, followed by Chad and Whitney running over to them. Theresa pulled Ethan’s head into her lap, brushing his blood splattered hair off his face. "CALL 911! NOW!" she screamed.

Ethan looked up at her. She was crying softly, whispering soothing words in his ear. "Ethan it’s going to be alright. Everything is going to be alright. Please look at me. Don’t close your eyes. Concentrate on my face." Theresa demanded, holding his face between her hands. Ethan reached up and touched her face. Then blacked out.

two hours later-

Theresa waited for some kind of news on Ethan. They were taking forever. Whitney and Chad had went down to the cafertieria for some coffee, and some food, for the three of them. Ivy was out of town, but Julian was there. He was sitting a couple seats away from her. She saw him look at her from time to time. She hadn’t felt comfortable around him since her first day at the mansion, when he had broke his glass on the floor.

Theresa wondered when a doctor was going to come out and tell them what was going on. She had enough waiting. She got out of her chair and walked over to the receptionist desk. "Excuse me but I have been sitting here for two hours waiting for some word on my boyfriend, Ethan’s condition. No one has informed me of how he is. And I want to know right now." she demanded, getting angry.

The receptioinist just stared at her, like she was from another planet. "Well I’m sorry, Miss. But I can’t release any information to you. ONLY to family members. And your not a family member. So why don’t you go back over there and have a seat." the woman suggested, annoyed that this girl would come over here and bother her.

Theresa was furious, "Listen you old bag! Your going to tell me how he is, or I’m going to come across that desk and snatch that Dolly Parton wig off your damn head! I’m gonna shove that clipboard so far up your a-" she fumed, but Julian, who had been watching the whole scene, cut her off. "I’m family. I’m the boy’s father, and I too have been waiting for some information on my son, and have got none. I demand that you tell me how he is!" he vented.

The woman just smirked, "And who do you think you are talking to me like that? I’ll have you both thrown out of this hospital. Now go sit down." she demanded, happy with herself. "Well I hate to break this to you, BUT, I am Julian CRANE. And if any one is going to be thrown out of this hospital, dear heart, it’s going to be you. Now get off your ass and go see how my son is. OR I’ll have your butt fired." he said, enjoying how all the blood drained out of her face.

The woman nodded, and scurried away. Leaving Theresa and Julian standing next to each other. "That was great how you put her in check. I wish I could do something like that." Theresa said, shyly, walking back to her seat. Julian followed her, and sat down in the seat beside her. "Well, I think that you were doing a fine job yourself. Just like your mother." he stated with pride.

"Well, I need to learn how to control my temper. I mean I can lose it from time to time like everyone else, but I have a tendencey to get quite vulgar and aggressive. I think that I get it from my mother.... Wait a minute did you just say that I act like my mama? How do you know her so well? I know that she works for you, but I don’t think that she would lose her temper like that on the job. How do you know her like that?" Theresa asked, curiously.

Julian realized what a slip he had made. How was he going to explain this to her? He didn’t want to tell her about him and her mother. But he knew that just like his beautiful, wonderful Pilar, that Theresa was stubborn as an ox. He sat there not saying anything. While Theresa stared at him, waiting for some kind of answer.

"I know your mother well because we used to-" Julian started, planning to just tell her, but Sheridan and Luis ran into the room, cutting him off. "What the hell is going on?" Luis demanded, looking at Theresa and Julian. Theresa stood up and went into her sister’s arms, crying on her shoulder.

"Someone attacked Ethan, on the way to the Russel’s house. We’ve been sitting here for like two hours waiting for some news on him, but they’re being really hush hush about him." Julian said, laying a comforting hand on Luis shoulder.

Luis brushed Julian’s hand off his shoulder, and strode over to the receptionist’s desk. He rang the bell impatiently. Soon the rude woman was back, and before she could say anything, Luis started in on her.

"Listen you round, lazy bitch! I want to know how Ethan Crane is right now! If you don’t tell me than I’m going to sick my girlfriend and Ethan’s on you! Then your going to lose your job! That way you won’t get to just sit behind this desk and file your stubby nails! Now get off you keister and tell me how my brother is right now!!!" Luis yelled, leaning into the woman’s startled face.

Sheridan rushed over to him. "Sorry ma’am, he’s just a little on edge. Now would you please go see how Ethan is?" she asked, quietly, putting her hand on Luis’s shoulder. She knew now wasn’t the time to get all dreamy, but she couldn’t help the rush she got when Luis had said that she was his girlfriend.

"Right away." the woman said, shuffling out of the room. Luis reached up and grabbed Sheridan’s hand and gave it a sqeeze, "Thank you, Sheri. I don’t mean to lose my temper, but I hate people who work in hospitals, that just sit at their desk and do nothing." He said, apoligeticlly.

Sheridan smiled at him, "Don’t you worry about it. Let’s go get something to drink. Come on, Crane. Move it!" She said, standing and taking his hand in hers. "You got it Fitz, let’s go." he said, returning her smile.

Theresa jumped up when the doctor came into the waiting room. " What’s going on? How’s Ethan? Is he going to be ok?" she asked in a rush. The doctor nodded, then smiled at her and Julian. "Yes. He has a mild concussion, some scrapes and bruies, but other then that he will be fine. Would either of you like to see him? He’s still out of it, but just to see for yourself." the doctor said.

Theresa nodded and raced down the hall to Ethan’s room. Julian was hot on her trail. They both sat down in the chairs facing Ethan’s bed. Theresa leaned forward and took his hand. "I think that I’m falling in love with you Ethan. I wish that you could hear me. But don’t worry I’ll tell you again, when you wake up. But I better go. So that I can come back bright and early tomorrow morning." she said, standing up and lightly kissing Ethan’s lips.

Julian watched his daughter intently. He felt terrible for the two of them. Yes, Ethan wasn’t really a Crane, and he knew that. But what would he think when he found out that Theresa was? Would he hate her? Would he hate Julian or Ivy? Only God knew the answer to that one.

"Bye, Julian. Oh and if he wakes up, please tell him that I’ll be back early in the morning. I really appericate you sticking up for me tonight. Please don’t forget to tell him that for me." Theresa said, she leaned down and kissed his cheek lightly, then smiled. Julian watched his daughter leave. "I’m so sorry, Theresa. This is all my fault." he murmured.

Theresa and Whitney were sitting on Whitney’s bed, preparing to read some more of Gwen’s journal. Whitney had convinced Theresa that reading the journal would be a nice distration. Theresa reluctantly agreed, even though she was worried sick about Ethan. Whitney promised that she would go with Theresa to the hospital in the morning.

"Well let’s get cracking." Whitney said, opening the journal.

Whitney was so startled that she dropped the book onto the floor. Theresa gasped. "I can’t believe it either! No wonder they don’t look alike! Miguel doesn’t look like Luis or Ethan either, what if he was adopted too? Poor Luis! I would totally die if I found out that the people who had raised me weren’t my real parents! Could you imagine? Jeez..." she said, reaching for the journal again.

"I wonder what else is in here." Theresa whispered, and started to read aloud.

Journal Entry : Feburary 14, 1997

Today was a good day. It was Valentines Day! Luis got me three dozen white roses, four dozen pink roses, and seven dozen red roses. I have no idea what I’m going to do with all of the flowers. I’ll probaly take some down to the hospital. There are some poor people down there who haven’t had any vistiors or anything.

Theresa closed the book, and set it down on the table. Whitney really wanted to change the subject, so she started to ask questions about Theresa’s family and her old home. "Theresa, I still can’t get over the fact that you and Sheridan are sisters! I mean you two look nothing alike. She must take after your dad’s side of the family." Whitney said, looking at a picture of Theresa and Sheridan, a picture that was in Theresa’s wallet.

Theresa looked away. Whitney noticed, "Did I say something wrong?" she asked, putting her hand over Theresa’s. "Well the truth is, me and Sheridan are only half sisters. She’s my dad’s daughter from his first marrigage. His first wife died giving birth. Daddy raised Sheridan by himself for like two years, then he met Mama, they got married and here I am." Theresa said, smiling.

"Theresa I had no idea. Why does Sheridan live with you guys then?" Whitney asked curiously. Theresa smiled, "She hates Daddy. Mama has raised her since before she could remember, so she basically thinks of her as her own mama. Besides, Daddy had Mama adopt Sheridan when they first got married, you know without that whole step mother, step daughter mess. It works better this way." she explained.

Whitney smiled at her, "I wish that I had a brother or sister. It’d be nice. I’m glad that you and Sheridan get along so well. It’s refreshing. Not to change the subject or anything, but I’m starving! Let’s get something to eat." she said, jumping to her feet.

Theresa got up too, "I think that’s a great idea. Let’s go!" she said, chasing Whitney down the stairs.

Chapter 9: In Love and In Danger

Rated: PG-13

Disclaimer: I don't own these characters, they belong to JER and NBC

Theresa sat quietly at Ethan's bedside. She couldn't wait for him to wake up. She stared at the clock on the wall. Theresa leaned over and kissed Ethan's cheek, softly. His eyes fluttered open, and he looked at her. "Hi beautiful. Your a sight for sore eyes, you know?" Ethan said, smiling at her. Theresa laughed, "I think that your delirous! How are you feeling?" she asked. Ethan smiled, "As good as can be expected, I guess." he said, tightening his grip on her small hand.

"Your too much. I'm glad that your alright. What the hell happened to you anyway?" Theresa asked. "Theresa there's something going on. Some guy hit me in the back of the head with a bat, I think. He said something about you and Whitney and Sheridan. I just can't remeber what it was. But it couldn't have been good. I want you to be careful, and warn Sheridan and Whitney to do the same. I don't know what I would do if something happened to you. Promise me that you'll be extra caustious." Ethan said, seriously.

"I promise. Don't worry everything is going to be alright. But Ethan I have something important to tell you. I know that this is kind of soon and all, but I can't help it. Ethan I think that I'm falling in love with you. You probaly think that I'm a fool, huh?" Theresa said, embarrassed. Ethan smiled at her, "Theresa I don't think that your a fool, because I feel the same way. I love you Theresa Lopez-Fitzgerald. I can't help it, either. Your too much, too." he said, staring at her intently. Theresa was shocked. Ethan is falling in love with me? I can't believe it!, she thought.

"I love you too, Ethan. I can't help it, and I don't want to." Theresa said, leaning down and kissing him on the lips.

~*~*~

Julian was scared. Terrifed. He had heard everything that Theresa and Ethan had to say. He knew that Ethan and Theresa weren't blood related or anything, but Theresa was his real daughter, and Ethan was his step son. He didn't want them to be a couple. It wasn't right. Even if it wasn't thier fault. He quietly walked down the hospital corrider, with his head down. He wasn't watching where he was going, and he ran right into someone.

"Oh, I'm sorry I wasn't watching where I was going." Julian said, looking at the man. The man just nodded, and walked away. Julian watched him go. "Rude little jerk! Here I am trying to be pleasant and he is rude!" he mumbled. Julian left the hospital and headed over to Pilar's house.

~*~*~

He couldn't believe that he ran into Julian Crane. 'Thank God he didn't regonize me! I would've been toast!' he thought, watching Theresa and Ethan through the small window in the door. 'He should have died! I whacked him good! He's going to ruin everything that I worked so hard for!! I wonder where Sheridan and Whitney are? Maybe I can knock them off, and then go after Theresa. I'll have to think about it.' he thought, angerily.

He had thought that maybe if he killed Ethan, then Theresa and her friends would be vunerable, and it would be easier to bump them off. But I guess that wasn't the case. He stormed down the hall towards the elevator. He needed to get home and think of a new plan.

~*~*~

Kay and Miguel pulled up to the hospital. They quickly got out and ran in. After finding out what room Ethan was in, they hurried to his room. Startled by Kay and Miguel, Ethan and Theresa pulled out of their passionate kiss. "Ethan we were so worried! What the hell happened to you?" Miguel asked worried. Ethan laughed at him, "I'm fine. I got my beautiful girlfriend beside me, and I couldn't be happier. Theresa, this is Miguel and his girlfriend, Kay Standish, Miguel, Kay this is the lovely Theresa. She just moved here a couple weeks ago." Ethan said, introducing his brother and his girlfriend to his Theresa.

"Nice to meet you, Theresa." Kay said, smiling. Theresa smiled at her, "Likewise, same to you Miguel." she said, then sat down next to Ethan. "That's just like Ethan. To be in the hospital, with a huge gash on his thick skull and only think about his girlfriend. What do you think, Kay?" Miguel teased, winking at Theresa and Ethan.

Kay smacked him, "Oh shut up! I wish that you were that sweet to me. If something like this ever happened to you, you'd be bawling the whole time! Don't listen to him, you guys, he has no romantic side. But I've learned to live with it." she said, smiling. Miguel looked hurt, "Oh that's not true! Just the other day, I brought you flowers!" he said, nodding his head. Kay laughed, "Yeah you brought me flowers all right. You went and picked my mother's daisies out of the yard, and tore up the flower bed!" she exclaimed.

Theresa laughed, and so did Ethan. "Ethan, do you want me to go get you something to drink? Are you hungry?" Theresa asked, when Ethan started coughing. He smiled at her, "I am thristy. But I don't want you to leave! Miguel.....can you do me a favor?" Ethan asked. Miguel and Kay laughed, "We'll be right back!"

Theresa sat down in her chair, facing Ethan. "When are we going to be able to bust you out of here?" she asked. "I don't know. Let's find out." Ethan said, pushing the button on the nighttable, to alert the nurse. "It'll take them forever to get here. I'll go. Don't worry I'll be right back." Theresa said, standing up, and walking toward the door. "You better! I'm lost without out you!" Ethan called, smiling. Theresa laughed, and blew him a kiss.

Theresa walked down the hall to the nurses station. No one was there. So she walked down the hall a bit, looking for someone, who could help her. She got into the elevator. Theresa was just going to go to Eve's office. Her and TC had gotten back today, so she should be there. The elevator door started to close, when a strong arm came between the doors, stopping them. A tall man, with a blue baseball cap, that heavily shadowed his face, walked on to the elevator, and stood next to Theresa.

Theresa immedately felt uncomfortable. She couldn't see the man's face, but she could feel him staring at her. "Sir? Do I know you from somewhere?" she asked. The man laughed softly, "No, but I know you. I see you all the time." he replied. Theresa was curious, "Well I think that I would have noticed you, if you see me so often. Where have you seen me, sir?" she asked.

The man inched closer to her, again, his whispery laugh escaped his lips, "I have seen you in my dreams. I dream about you." he said, coming closer, causing Theresa to back up into the wall. "I'm sorry sir, but-" she started, but was cut off, by the lights flickering, and the elevator jumping, and groaning, stopping in between floors. 'Oh my God! I'm stuck in this elevator with this crazy man!' Theresa thought.

~*~*~

Finally. Finally. He had her right where he wanted her. And no one could stop him. And Theresa had no where to run.

~*~*~

Theresa couldn't believe what was happening to her. She backed up against the elevator wall, and stared at the young man, frighten. "Listen, I don't know you, or what your talking about. Just please leave me alone." Theresa pleaded. The man laughed, and pulled his ball cap off. Theresa stared at him, he was about six feet tall, with thick blond hair, and wide shoulders. He wore glasses, possibly fake. He laughed at her, "I ain't just going to hurt you, dear.

I'm afraid that I'm going to have to kill you." he said, looking her up and down. Theresa shuddered, "You don't have to do that. I've never even met you before! I don't even know you!" she screamed.

"That's what you think! It's all your fault! All of it! You and all those other girls have destroyed my life! I can't sleep! Or eat! Nothing! IT'S ALL YOUR FAULT!!!' the man screamed. Theresa jumped back, "Your fucking crazy! Some one let me out of here! Please! HELP ME!!!" Theresa screamed. The man laughed at her again, "Your just wasting your time, my lovely Theresa. I'm going to take care of what needs to be done! I'm going to kill you!" He yelled back.

"Listen you piece of shit! You better leave me the hell alone! Someone will come looking for me! Who the hell are you anyway!? Did you just escape from the mental ward or something? Forget to take your Prozac? Back off! Leave me alone!" Theresa screamed, rage sweeping over her body. The man was about to say somethng, but stopped when the elevator started to move. Theresa almost fell over, when the elevator jumped. The man fell over and hit his head on the rail, knocking him unconious.

As soon as the doors opened Theresa ran off the elevator. "Help Me! Help Me!" she screamed, running down the hospital corridor. Nurses, doctors, and patients came running, to see what was going on. Eve heard the screams and ran out of a hospital room. "Theresa Theresa! What's going on?" she asked, grabbing Theresa by the shoulders. "There's a man...in the elevator! He was going to kill me! He got knocked out when the elevator lurch! He's still in there!" Theresa screamed, pointing down the hallway.

Eve yelled for secruity, and ran to the elevator. Theresa was hot on her trail. Eve stopped when they got to the elevator, and turned to look at Theresa. "Honey, there's no one in here. The elevator's empty." Eve said. Theresa gasped, and looked into the elevator. "He was there! I swear! Where did he go? He could be anywhere!" Theresa screamed. Eve wrapped her arms around her daughter's friend's shoulders, and led her down the hall. "Don't worry honey, we have secruity camera's in the elevators. I'm sure that we got it all on tape. Come on." Eve said.

~*~*~

Later on that night, Theresa ly in bed, staring at the ceiling. "I can't believe this! He just got away! He could be anywhere!" she thought. Theresa jumped out of bed, and walked over to her dresser and pulled out Gwen's journal. She flipped to the next entry, determined to find out who was trying to kill her, and who killed this poor girl named, Gwen.

Theresa closed the journal, and set it down. What she really needed was a Harmony High yearbook. 'I think that I saw one down in the basement, in some boxes.' she thought. But the thought of going down into the basement,disturbed her. She walked out of the room, and down the hall to Sheridan's room. She knocked on the door, then walked in. Theresa laughed, when she saw, Luis and Sheridan kissing. Luis had climbed up the tree next to Sheridan's window, and was kissig her goodnight. Theresa cleared her throat, and the two broke the kiss.

They both turned bright red. "Hi Theresa. I was just going. Call you tomorrow, Sheri." Luis said, climbing out the window. Sheridan turned and looked at her sister. "Isn't he romantic?" Theresa laughed, "Yeah he's romantic alright. But I don't want to talk about that. I need you to help me." she said, sitting down next to Sheridan on the bed.

Sheridan turned to look at her sister, "What's up?" she asked. "Well I need to go look in the basement, for a Harmony High yearbook. I remeber putting one down there, when we first moved in. The Hotchkiss family left it behind when they moved. I want to look through it, and see if that guy from today, is in there. So come on! Let's go!" Theresa said, jumping up from the bed, and taking Sheridan's hand.

Sheridan frowned. She didn't want to go in the basement either. But her sister was right. Some one was after her baby sister, and they needed to find out who it was. Sheridan sighed, and followed Theresa out of her room.

Chapter 11: Wierd dreams and a friendly visitor

Rated: PG-13

Disclaimer: I don't own 'em!

Theresa and Sheridan walked down into the basement, and started sorting through boxes. They found more pictures of Gwen and Luis, old clothes, scrapbooks, family photo albums, and a couple of yearbooks. Theresa and Sheridan hauled the yearbooks, scrapbooks, and family photo albums back up the stairs, and into Theresa's room. Sheridan and Theresa laid the stuff down on the floor and began sifting through all of it.

Sheridan picked up one of the yearbooks and started flipping through it. "What year is that?" Theresa asked. Sheridan looked at her sister over the top of the dusty old book, "'97. Are you ready to look at this?" Sheridan asked. Theresa nodded, "Give me that thing! We got some investigating to do." she said, reaching for the yearbook. Theresa and Sheridan sat next to each other on the floor, and opened the book.

The first thing that caught thier eye was the little notes that people had wrote on the inside cover. Theresa started reading them aloud:

The rest of the entries were about the same, except two.

Sheridan laughed at Luis's entry, Theresa hushed her sister and continued to read:

Theresa was shocked. Who the hell was that man? Why did he kill Gwen? All these thoughts were running through Theresa's head. Sheridan tapped her sister on the arm, "Are you alright?' she asked. Theresa nodded, "Yeah I'm fine. Come on let's look at some of these pictures." she said, turning the page in the yearbook. Sheridan and Theresa skimmed through the photos, until they came to the class pictures.

"Theresa do you see him anywhere?' Sheridan asked, looking down at the book in Theresa's lap. She shook her head, "Not yet. But Sheridan I think that the guy was wearing some kind of disguise or something. He didn't look right for some reason. I don't know I can't explain it." Theresa said, closing the book and tossing it aside. "Come on. Let's get some rest." she said, standing up. Sheridan did the same, hugged her sister and went to her room.

Theresa flopped down on her bed, and fell asleep. She fell into a fitful sleep, full of some strange dreams.

Gwen walked to her locker, and began pulling her books out. She saw her yearbook and grabbed it. She wanted to read Luis's entry one more time. She skimmed down the page and spotted a new one. 'Who could have signed my yearbook? It's been in my locker all day?' she thought. Gwen read the new entry, she was startled by what it said, that she dropped the heavy book on the floor. She bent down to pick it up, when Luis came up to her.

Theresa sat up with a start, "Ahhhhhh! Help me! Help me!" she screamed. Then her eyes registered to the blackness, and she realized that it was just a dream. She felt bad when she heard her mother and sister's pounding footsteps in the hallway. Her door swung open and Pilar and Sheridan rushed to Theresa's side. "Mijhi? Are you alright?" Pilar asked, worried. Theresa nodded, then tried to smile. "Yes. I'm sorry. It was just a bad dream. Sorry for waking you Mama. Go on, and go back to sleep." Theresa said, but motioned for Sheridan to stay.

Pilar kissed Theresa's cheek, then left the room. Sheridan sat down on Theresa's bed, waiting for her to say something. "Sheridan, I just had the strangest dream! It was like I was inside Gwen's head! I saw her die! I was there! I dreamt it! What is this supposed to mean?" Theresa exclaimed. Sheridan stared at her sister, "Honey I think that your just stressed. You couldn't have seen what happened to Gwen in your dream! It's not possible." She said, trying to calm her sister.

Theresa slid a smile on her face. She didn't believe her sister. She knew that she was right. "Your right Sheridan. I'm just stressed." she said. Sheridan smiled relieved, "Well now that your alright. I'm going to bed. Love you, sis." she said, and leaned over and kissed Theresa's cheek. "I love you, too. See you in the morning." Theresa said, then snuggled into her bed. 'This is going to be so hard to figure out. But I'm not giving up.' she thought.

Theresa looked at the cieling, then whispered, "Gwen if your trying to tell me something. I'm listening. I'll figure this out. My life, and my sister, and friends life depends on it." Theresa closed her eyes and fell asleep, never noticing the small glow of light figure in the corner of her room, smiling at her. "Don't worry, Theresa. I'll help you. I won't let anything destroy My Luis's happiness." Gwen whispered, then vanished into thin air.

Theresa walked into the hospital, Sunday morning. Eve approached her before she walked into Ethan's room. "Hi Theresa. I just wanted to tell you that we saw the survielance tape from the elevator, and we have a picture of the man who tried to attack you. I printed you out a picture, so that you can show it to your family, so that if they see him, they can alert the police." Eve said, handing Theresa a small picture. Theresa didn't want to look at it. So she stuffed it into her pocket, thanked Eve, then walked into Ethan's room.

"Hi honey, sleep well?" Theresa asked, sitting in the chair across from Ethan's bed. Ethan smiled at her, "I slept alright. But I want to go home. Eve said that I could leave today. I've been waiting for you. Are you ready to help bust me out of here?" he asked. Theresa returned his smile, "I drove Mama's car here. It's not a limo, but I think that it will get us to point A to point B. Hurry up and get dressed, then I'll take you out to breakfast." she said, standing up and placing a kiss on Ethan's cheek. Theresa walked out of the room and sat down in a chair next to the door.

Five minutes later, Ethan emerged. "I'm ready. Let's move out." he said, taking Theresa's hand and leading her down the hallway to the nurse's station. Ethan sighed out, then led Theresa to the elevator. Theresa frowned, and backed away. "Ethan can we please take the stairs. I don't think that I can get on this elevator." she said, tightening her grip on Ethan's hand. Ethan pulled Theresa into his arms and kissed her, "If you want. But you don't have to be afraid. I won't let anything happen to you." he said. Theresa pulled back, "You know what? Your right. Let's take the elevator." she said, pulling him into the elevator.

Theresa and Ethan walked out of the hospital and got into the car. Theresa drove to her house and into her driveway. Ethan turned and looked at her. "I thought that we were going to Denny's for breakfast?" he asked. Theresa looked at him, "I know sweetie, but Mama wanted to see you, and so does Sheridan. Don't worry it'll only take a minute." she said, getting out of the car. Ethan followed her to the house, and opened the front door for her.

"SURPRISE!" everyone yelled, when Ethan opened the door. Ethan gasped, and looked at Theresa, who was smiling happily. "You guys did all this for me? Thank you!" he said, kissing Theresa's cheek. Ethan and Theresa walked into the house. Everyone was there: Sheridan, Luis, Chad, Whitney, Pilar, Sam, Julian, Ivy, Miguel, Kay, Kay's cousin Charity, and some other people from school. Ethan greeted and thanked everyone.

After a couple more hours, Ethan said that he was tired. "Well I guess it's time to go home. I love you, Theresa. I'll call you later." Ethan said, kissing her lightly on the lips. The two turned bright red when they heard the people around them ooohing and awwwing. Ivy and Julian left with Ethan, and the other guests started filing out. Sheridan, Whitney, Theresa, and Pilar starting cleaning up the mess. Finally, they were done. The four women plopped down on the couch, exhausted.

"The next time we throw a party, let's hire a cleaning crew! I'm exhausted!" Pilar said, resting her feet on the coffee table. Theresa Sheridan and Whitney laughed, then quickly agreed. "I don't know about you guys but I'm starving! Let's order a pizza!" Whitney suggested. "Let's do it!" the others said. Whitney jumped from the couch and grabbed the phone. Forty-five minutes later, the four women were eating hot pepporoni pizza. "This is so good. What a wonderful idea." Sheridan said, biting into her slice.

"Well I think that I'm going to head out now. I'll see you in the morning Theresa. School awaits." Whitney said, walking to the door. "Bye Whit see you tomorrow!" Theresa called. "Mama, Sheridan what do you guys say, we veg out the rest of the day, and watch that Lifetime Movie Marathon? We already have the house cleaned, we should all relax." Theresa said. Sherian and Pilar agreed. The rest of the day was spent watching the drama unfolding on the Lifetime: Television for Women.

About ten o'clock, everyone went upstairs for bed. Theresa slipped into her room and put on her jammies. She climbed in bed, and fell asleep. Theresa jumped when the phone rang a couple hours later. She quickly picked it up, "Hello?" she said. "Hi Theresa. This is Eve Russell. I was wondering if Whitney was over there with you. She never came home." Eve said, trying not to cry. Theresa felt panic sweep over her body, she tightly held the phone, "No, Mrs. Russell she's not here. She left a couple hours after the party. I think that it was seven o'clock. She might be with Chad." she replied, grasping for straws.

"No. Chad's here. Oh Theresa where could she be! I'm so worried!" Eve said, sobbing. Theresa felt the tears spring to the corners of her eyes. "I'll be right there." she said, then hung up the phone. Theresa ran out of her room and down the hall to Sheridan's. "Sheridan! Sheridan wake up! " she nearly yelled. Sheridan's eyes fluttered open, "What's going on Theresa?" she asked, half awake. "Whitney's missing! Come on! We have to find her!" Theresa screamed. Sheridan jumped out of bed and grabbed her car keys. Then she looked down at her clothes. "Theresa, go change your clothes and tell Mama what's going on. I'll be out in a minute." Sheridan said, pushing Theresa to the door.

Theresa ran back to her room, and threw on Adidas jogging pants and a matching sweatshirt, and pulled her hair into a high ponytail. She wanted to be comfortable, because come Hell or high water, she was going to find Whitney. Theresa ran down the hall to her mother's room, she quickly explained what was going on, and went to go get Sheridan. Sheridan walked out of her dressed much like Theresa. "Luis and Ethan are going to meet us at the Russell's, come on." she said, pulling Theresa out of the house and into her car.

Sheridan brought her car to a stop in front of the Russell's and her and Theresa climbed out. They both sprinted to the front door and knocked. Eve answered, tears streaming down her face, "The police found Whitney. It doesn't look good."

Chapter 13: Already Dead

Theresa stood in the doorway of the Russell's house, with Sheridan behind her. "Oh God! What happened?" she cried aloud. Eve pulled the sisters into the house. "She was found outside of the Country Club. She was bleeding, and bruised. I don't know if I can handle this...." Eve sobbed. TC rushed over to her and led her to the couch. "We were just getting ready to drive to the hospital. Are you two coming with us?" TC asked. Theresa and Sheridan nodded. Theresa glanced across the room, and saw Chad standing in the corner, crying. She ran to him, "It's going to be alright, Chad. Come on we have to get to the hospital." she said, pulling him towards the door. Sheridan looked at the Russell's, "We will meet you at the hospital." she said, and followed Theresa and Chad to the car.

Sheridan drove like crazy, making it to the hospital in record time. The trio ran into the lobby and waited for Eve and TC to show up. After what seemed like hours, but really only a few minutes, the couple arrived. They all got in the elevator and went to ICU. Eve told them that only one person could go in at a time. Eve and her husband went in together. Ten minutes later, they emerged and motioned someone to go in. Theresa pulled Chad from his chair and walked him into the room, closing the door on her way out.

Chad was like a shell of his former self, as he gazed down at his beautiful Whitney. He prayed that she'd pull through this. He didn't think he could live without her. He knelt down beside her bed, and laid his head on the edge of the bed, crying softly. He gasped when he felt a hand on the top of his head, he quickly looked up. Whitney was looking at him, tears in her eyes. "Whitney! Your awake! Oh my God! I can't believe it!" he exclaimed. Whitney smiled, "Trying to get rid of me were you? Well it's not going to work. Your stuck with me for the rest of your life. I would never leave you Chad. I love you." she said, simply. Chad laughed, "Well I hate to break this to you, dear, but your stuck with me, too. And I love you more than words can say." he said, leaning over and kissing her cheek.

"I had better go tell your parents that your awake. Theresa and Sheridan are out there too. I know that they really want to see you. I'll send them in after your parents and doctor have a look at you. I love you." he said, walking out of the room. Chad approached the Russell's and smiled at them, "I have some wonderful news. Whitney is awake, and smiling and talking. God I love that woman." he said the last part to himself, but Eve heard him. She jumped up and hugged him, "I know that you do. Now get out the way! I need to see my little girl!" she said, happily, as she and TC practically ran into Whitney's room.

Chad turned to Theresa and Sheridan, who were both crying and smiling at the same time. "My baby is A OK! I think that I'm the luckiest man in the whole world." he stated, smiling broadly.

~*~*~

'Why won't these people die already!' He thought pacing the hospital lobby. He changed his disguise of course. He knew that he couldn't just waltze around, now that Theresa had blown his cover. He got into the elevator and went to the ICU floor. He knew what he had to do. And he needed to do it quickly. He walked out of the elevator and glanced down the hall and saw Theresa and Sheridan talking to Chad. He smiled when he saw Sheridan stand up and walk toward him. He had a feeling he knew where she was going so he hurried ahead of her. And hid in the restroom.

"I'll be right back, you guys!" Sheridan called, and walked into the ladies room. She walked into the nearest stall, and closed and latched the door. Sheridan closed the lid on the toliet and sat there with her head in her hands. She didn't need to go to the bathroom, she just needed a moment to herself. She whiped at her face, to brush her tears aside. She stood up, and unlatched the door, and pushed on it. But it wouldn't open. "Oh crap! I wonder what's blocking this thing." she thought aloud. Sheridan pushed on it harder, and it still wouldn't budge.

Sheridan was getting ready to just climb over the top of her stall and get out of there. She didn't like closed in spaces. But the lights went out, throwing the room into darkness. Sheridan gasped and waited for her eyes to adjust. She knew something wasn't right, but she didn't know what.

"Sheridan...Sheridan." a voice called, bouncing off the tiles in the room, amplifing the sound. Sheridan felt chills up and down her spine, and she backed up into the door of the stall. "Who is that? Theresa is that you!?" she demanded harshly. She jumped when she heard movement in the stall on her right. "No, I'm not Theresa." the voice replied, loudly. Sheridan wanted to curl up into a ball and close her eyes, and pray that this was some kind of nightmare. But she knew that wasn't the case at all. Abandoning, all her pride, Sheridan dropped to the floor and began crawling under the stall, and managed to slid her body into the stall on her left. She knew that she was covered in grim, and the smell of her clothes was enough to make anyone sick.

Sheridan didn't know what to do. This little bastard has me trapped in a nasty stanky bathroom! I can't get out of here! He could be on the other side of the door! she thought. Sheridan thought someone would come looking for her by now, but that problay wasn't such a good idea either. Oh God! What if Theresa walks in here looking for me! He'll hurt her or kill her! I have to get out of here! she thought frantically. Sheridan held her breath and shimmed under the door of the stall she was in, and stood up slowly. She walked quietly towards the door. She sighed with relief when her hand closed onto the doorhandle. She smiled to herself as she pulled the door open, Forget you buddy, I'm outta here. she thought smugly.

Strong hands reached through the darkness and closed around Sheridan's throat, jerking her back into the dark room. Sheridan started swinging her arms and kicking her legs, but it did no good. Sheridan opened her mouth to scream, but a cold, strong hand clamped her mouth closed. The dark figure pulled her back into a stall and kicked the door closed. "I'm going to take my hand off of your mouth, and if you scream I'm going to kill you." the voice whispered. Sheridan felt panic take hold of her slowly nodded her head. "Good girl." he whispered. Sheridan felt the hand move away from her mouth, and she took a shaky breath.

Sheridan felt herself being pulled out of the stall, and toward the bathroom door. "Sheridan, your coming with me. If you try to run or scream, then I'm going to slit your throat." he whispered, and pulled a butterfly knife from his belt loop. Sheridan nodded, and he pulled her out of the bathroom. He glanced down the hall, and saw Theresa and Chad sitting in the waiting room, talking quietly. He hurried down the hall way, with Sheridan pulled back against him. He pushed her into the empty elevator, and the doors closed behind them.

~*~*~

Theresa glanced at her watch and frowned. What's taking Sheridan so long? she thought. "Chad I'm going to look for Sheridan, I'll be right back." she said, standing up, and walking toward the ladies room. Theresa pushed the door open and flipped on the light. Why would Sheridan be sitting here in the dark? What the hell is going on?

Theresa walked over to the empty stalls and was confused when she didn't see Sheridan. "Where the hell is she?" she thought aloud. Theresa looked down the rows of stalls and noticed that a chair was propped against one of them. She pulled the chair away and opened the stall. Empty. What is going on? Theresa felt fear sweeping through her body. She backed out of the stall and looked down. She gasped when she saw the leather strap of Sheridan's purse snaking out from behind the toliet. She reached down and picked it up.

Theresa ran out of the bathroom and down the hall to Chad. "Chad Chad! Something has happened to Sheridan! I went into the ladies room, and the lights were off. I thought that was kinda wierd since I know Sheridan wouldn't sit in the dark. Then I saw this chair propped up against one of the stall doors, so I moved it and went in, and I found Sheridan's purse on the floor. Something happened to her I know it! We have to find her!" Theresa paniced, grabbing Chad's arm.

"Alright calm down. Let's go talk to one of the security guards. Maybe they have her on tape, going somewhere." Chad said, calmly.

Theresa and Chad ran to the security guard, and told him what was going on. He rewound the tape that was filming the hallway, until Theresa told him to stop. They watched a man walk into the ladies room, then moments later Sheridan walked in. Nothing happened for a couple of minutes, until they saw Sheridan start opening the door, then it closing quickly before she could walk out. Theresa felt her head spin when she saw her sister being escorted out of the bathroom, by the man, and then pushed into an elevator.

Theresa whirled around on the over wieght security guard, "You saw this happen and didn't do anythin about it! That man is problay going to kill my sister, because your a fat lazy bastard!" she screamed. The guard flinched. He didn't want to tell that, when all that happened he wasn't exactly awake. Chad reached for his cell phone and called the cops.

Theresa sat quietly crying until the police got there. Sam Bennett approached Theresa, after he saw the survielance tape, "We're doing everything we can at this point. We informed your parents and they will be here shortly. Are you alright?" he asked concerned. Theresa didn't look at him, "It's no use. My sister is already dead." she replied tears slipping down her cheeks. "Thanks to that lazy guard. My sister is dead. He killed her already. And he's not done with us yet."