Things
to remember:
- Whitney
and
-Antonio's
still alive! But he's not married to
- Little
Martin is born, he’s Luis and Sheridan’s child. Let’s pretend that Luis and
Sheridan are married okay? Beth never kidnapped
- Beth and
Antonio are dating.
- Miguel
and Kay have Maria, Miguel’s not completely over Charity yet, but he does have
feelings for Kay! (I love Charity, but I’m a Kay/Miguel fan!)
- Let’s say
that little Martin is a year old and Maria is two years old okay?
Disclaimer:
I do NOT own passions! If I did, I'd bring Fox and Theresa back together a
long, long, long time ago.
Hey
everybody! Well, this was by far my most favorite chapter to write! I think i
finally got some inspiration back after I saw this one commerical on T.V! Thank
god for that one song.... (laughs out loud) anyways, enjoy this chapter
everyone!
and of
course... please don't forget to review!
oh and by
the way.. this chapter takes place about a month after Theresa and Whitney had
their girl talk.
Dreams
of You
Chapter 11:
Christmas Magic
One
month later…
Christmas was
coming. Snow fell gently onto the quiet streets of Harmony. The shopping malls
were crowded with shoppers, everyone getting ready for the upcoming holiday.
Beth and
Antonio were taking a walk through the snowy park holding hands. Turning the
corner, they heard squeals and shrieking of happy laugher filling the air.
Curious, they stopped and looked around the snowy area, scanning for the happy
sound.
“Antonio
look!” Beth nudged Antonio, catching his attention and pointed to a particular
spot in the area of the park. Antonio observed the scene with interest.
Fox and
Theresa were running around, throwing snowballs at one another. Each had large
smiles on their faces. Nearby, there were two snowmen, newly made and it was
obvious that Fox and Theresa had created them.
Both Beth and
Antonio smiled. “You know,” Antonio commented, “I haven’t seen Theresa smile
and laugh in a long while.”
“Oh I know
what you mean,” Beth responded, “she was so devastated when her wedding to
Ethan failed.”
“Personally I
think Fox is a better match for her,” Antonio said.
Beth turned
and gave her boyfriend a surprised look. It was a well known fact that the two
oldest Lopez-Fitzgerald brothers had disapproved of Theresa’s association with
the Crane heir. “I thought you didn’t trust him. You and Luis gave Theresa a
huge lecture when he first came to town.”
“I know,” the
eldest Lopez-Fitzgerald paused, “but I can’t help but think he’s a better
person now. He’s changed.”
The pair
continued to watch Theresa and Fox have fun.
“You can see
he cares for Theresa,” Beth observed, when Theresa slipped on a patch of ice
and Fox rushed to her aid.
“You know,”
Antonio commented, “Luis, Miguel and I were talking last night about Fox.”
“Oh?” Beth
said, suddenly intrigued, “What were you guys saying?”
“Well,
Miguel’s already accepted the fact that Theresa’s gotten really close with Fox
and he’s even started to get to know him. Luis and I decided that we are going
to give Fox a chance.”
“You don’t
think he’s a playboy anymore?” Beth asked.
“It doesn’t
seem like it,” Antonio responded, as he watched Fox buy Theresa a cup of hot
chocolate from a nearby stand, “but if he ever hurts my little sister, I’ll
kill him.”
Beth laughed and
wrapped her arms around his waist. “The one thing I love about you
Lopez-Fitzgeralds is that you’re always so overprotective.”
Antonio smiled
down at Beth. “I love you.”
“And I love
you too.”
Theresa
took a sip of the hot chocolate that Fox had bought. “Ahhh,” she sighed
contentedly, “That tastes so good.”
Fox gave her a
look. “Of course it does. Chocolate is always good.”
Theresa
laughed. “That it does,” she agreed.
Fox grinned as
he watched Theresa drink her hot chocolate. “Today was fun wasn’t it?”
“Of course
Fox,” Theresa smiled back, “We always have fun together.”
There was a
comfortable pause between the two friends as they finished their hot chocolate.
Dumping their empty cups in a nearby trash can, the two began making their way
back towards the mansion.
Suddenly
Theresa spoke up. “So Fox, tell me, what do you have planned for Christmas?”
The tall
blonde man just shrugged. “Probably just stay in my room and read a book or
watch T.V. or something. You know Christmas isn’t that big with my family.”
Looking
shocked, Theresa asked, “You mean you’re going to spend Christmas alone?”
“Probably.”
Falling
silent, Theresa thought of all the wonderful Christmas’s that she had spent
with her family over the years. Shaking her head, Theresa pulled on Fox’s arm.
“You’re not going to spend Christmas alone. Not if I have anything to say about
it.”
His eyebrow
rose, “And just what am I going to do on Christmas?”
“Spend it with
me and my family of course!”
Now it was
Fox’s turn to look shocked. “Uh, Theresa? Maybe that’s not such a great idea.”
“Why not?”
“Well, I don’t
really belong.. do you know what I mean?”
Waving off
Fox’s excuse Theresa responded, “So what? You know mama adores you. And you’re
becoming great friends with Miguel!
Fox pretended
to think for a moment. “Your brothers?” he replied sarcastically.
Theresa
laughed. “Aww.. Fox are you afraid of my big brothers? You don’t have anything
to worry about. I think they’re getting used to the idea of us being friends.
Looking
doubtful and hopeful at the same time, he asked, “Are you sure it’ll be okay
for me to spend Christmas with you and your family?”
Giving him a
bright smile, the petite girl enthusiastically replied, “Of course! Whitney and
her family will stop by at some point during the evening – they always do. So
do the Bennetts, it’s always fun around Christmas!”
Still looking
unsure, Fox just shrugged. “Okay.. Thanks for the invite Theresa.”
“It’s nothing
Fox. Christmas is a time to spend with friends and family. There’s no way I’m
letting you spend Christmas alone!”
Fox grinned.
This would probably be the first real Christmas he’d ever have.
Alone
in his room later that night, Fox thought about how his day went. Despite some
uncertain things, Fox was actually looking forward to spending Christmas with
Theresa and her family. It would be nice to feel included for a change. Over
the past month, he had spent more and more time with Theresa and he knew he had
become a better person. He knew he had changed for the better.
Out of the
corner of his eye, he noticed two framed photos on his desk. He got off the bed
and headed for the frames. Picking up the first one, he looked over the
photograph. He, Theresa, Whitney and
Picking up the
second photograph, Fox smiled at it fondly. It was taken the same day they were
hanging out with Whitney and
He had picked
up Theresa, taking her by surprise and had thrown her into a mountain of snow.
Theresa had sat back up and began chasing him – all the while laughing. Somehow
she had just managed to jump on his back when Whitney called for their
attention and once they looked over she had snapped the picture with her
camera– taking them both by surprise.
It was
surprising just how much he cared about her. Fox never really had anyone to
care about before. It was a nice feeling caring about someone, and having that
someone care about you too.
He was
becoming very excited to spend Christmas with the Lopez-Fitzgeralds. ‘Hmm,
what to get them for Christmas though?’ he wondered, ‘can’t just show up
without a gift, that would be rude.’
Suddenly, an
idea came to him. Fox rushed towards his phone and began dialing.
Christmas
Day proved to be busy for everyone. Luis, Antonio, and Miguel were running
around trying to make sure they had everything ready for the night. Pilar, Beth
and Sheridan were busy in the kitchen cooking up a storm for dinner that night.
Kay was also in the kitchen, but she was busy keeping Maria and baby Martin
entertained.
Theresa walked
into the kitchen and after greeting everyone, began helping Beth chop up the
vegetables. “So Theresa,” Beth began, starting up a conversation, “Where’s Fox?
I thought he’d stop by here with you today. These days it seems as if you two
are attached to the hip.”
“Oh he’s
coming later,” Theresa answered vaguely, “He said he had something to pick up.
Something about surprising the family.”
“Surprising
the family?”
Theresa
shrugged. “Don’t ask me, I don’t know anything. I tried getting it out of him,
but he wouldn’t tell me.”
“You certainly
are spending a lot of time with him aren’t you mijo?” Pilar asked from where
she was standing.
“Yeah, you’re
always together around town,” Kay chimed in, “always smiling too.”
“Fox is fun to
hang out with,” Theresa responded, “He makes me laugh.”
“He always did
know make things fun,”
Theresa was
about to respond, but Luis’s loud voice distracted them.
“Hey is anyone
here? We could use some help here you know!”
Theresa placed
down the knife she was holding and dried her hands. “Coming!” she called,
heading towards the front door, with Kay following.
Beth exchanged
a look with both Pilar and Sheridan. “You think she’s fallen in love with Fox?”
Sheridan
shrugged. “No idea. Let’s hope so.”
Pilar nodded,
“Yes, they seem to suit each other well.”
Beth gave a
little laugh. “Who would’ve ever thought? The playboy and the hopeless
romantic!”
Fox
could hear happy singing inside the Lopez-Fitzgerald house as he made his way
up the sidewalk. Behind him, a short petite figure followed him up the steps.
Looking behind him, Fox smiled encouragingly. “Don’t be nervous. Trust me,
they’re all dying to see you, I just know it.”
Raising his
arm, he paused before knocking on the door. “Now you wait till I give you the
signal okay?”
The figure
nodded and hid behind some bushes.
Ringing the
door bell, it was a few moments before the door swung open to reveal a grinning
Theresa. “Hey Fox! It’s about time!” Theresa said enthusiastically before
glancing around, “Where’s your surprise?”
“Hello to you
too Theresa,” Fox responded, then he turned and motioned to the hooded figure,
“This is your surprise.”
The hooded
figure came forward and Theresa looked puzzled. “Fox, who is this?”
“How about you
let us in and find out?” he suggested.
Theresa
stepped aside and let them passed through. Shutting the door, she went to get
everyone’s attention.
“Hey guys!
Fox’s here with our surprise!”
Fox gulped
under Antonio and Luis’s glares. A glance at Pilar and Theresa made him feel
better – their smiles were warm and inviting. He cleared his throat nervously.
“Um, hi everybody,” there was a pause, and Fox fidgeted, it was highly unusual
for him to feel so uncomfortable, “Um, since you all were so kind to let me
spend Christmas with you, I thought I would bring someone home since you’ve
missed her so much.” He turned and indicated the figure to step forward. “Merry
Christmas.”
The hooded
figure stepped forward and slowly lowered her hood. The Lopez-Fitzgeralds all
stood around stunned. All of a sudden all five Lopez-Fitzgeralds rushed
forward. “PALOMA!” And soon a big family hug was formed.
Fox crossed
the room and stood next to Sheridan, watching the happy family reunion. “It was
really nice of you to do this Fox,” Sheridan commented quietly. Fox shrugged.
“I figured it would be the best Christmas present for them. It wasn’t like that
for us growing up.” Sheridan nodded. She knew all too well how lonely the
holidays were, most of the Cranes didn’t care about holidays, they mainly cared
about wealth and power.
Pilar came up
to Fox, there were tears in her eyes and she hugged Fox tightly. “Thank you Fox
for bringing my baby girl home.”
Fox hugged the
shorter woman back, “Merry Christmas Pilar.”
Miguel,
Antonio and Luis all stepped forward to also thank him for bringing their
youngest sister home. Then Theresa gave him the biggest hug. Fox didn’t realize
it, but his heart was pounding rapidly.
“I can’t
believe you did this Fox!” Theresa squealed excitedly, “This is the best
Christmas ever!” She stood on her tip toes and despite her short frame, managed
to kiss Fox on the cheek, and then rushed off to do some sisterly bonding with
Paloma.
Fox raised his
hand to his cheek and watched Theresa in wonder. He smiled seeing how happy she
looked. He watched her for a moment before heading over towards baby Martin and
Maria. Squatting down to play with the children, Fox noted that his cheek was
still tingling from Theresa’s kiss.
Theresa
was sitting on the couch with Paloma; both girls were giggling and were
enthusiastically chatting. It seemed like they had been sitting there for
hours, chatting up a storm, catching up with one another.
“So,” Theresa
paused, “tell me how Fox brought you here!”
“He called Tia
Maria, and asked if I wanted to come home,” Paloma replied, “And I did, so he
sent me a plane ticket.”
“How long are
you staying?”
“He said he’d
take me home on the Crane jet anytime I wanted,” Paloma replied, “maybe two
weeks?”
“No!” Theresa
protested, “Paloma you just came home! You have to stay for good! Please?”
Paloma
laughed, “I’ve already talked it over with Tia Maria, I am going to stay for
two weeks, and then go back to Mexico and finish up my semester there and pack
and then move back here.”
“Yay!” Theresa
cheered.
Paloma laughed
but then hesitated in asking. “Umm, Theresa..” she trailed off.
“What is it?”
Theresa asked.
“Umm.. well..
just what is going on between you and Fox Crane?”
At her little
sister’s innocent question, Theresa paused. Just what was going on between her
and Fox? They had hit it off pretty well when they had first met and soon she
had found herself a new friend. Granted, he was her best friend (after Whitney
that is!). He understood her like no one else ever did and supported in
everything she did. It was amazing how close they quickly became, and now
Theresa couldn’t imagine her life without him.
But what her
feelings for Fox exactly? There were times when she felt just a close
friendship for him, and other times he made her heart pound like crazy.
Realizing that Paloma was still waiting for an answer, Theresa blushed and
quickly responded, “Something going on? I don’t know what you’re talking about.
We’re just very close friends.”
Paloma though
didn’t look convinced. “Only friends?”
“Only
friends,” Theresa confirmed.
Still
suspicious, the youngest Lopez-Fitzgerald looked across the room at the Crane
heir. “Are you sure Theresa?”
“Of course.”
Paloma still
didn’t look convinced. ‘I think my big sister loves this man,’ she
thought, then her eyes brightened, ‘I can help match them up! It’ll be so
much fun!’ Smiling brightly, Paloma pressed, “Si, he is a very good looking
man Theresa.”
“That he is
Paloma, that he is,” Theresa laughed, “I can’t argue with you there.”
Paloma leaned
back against the couch and observed her older sister as Theresa gazed fondly at
Fox. ‘Si, Theresa definitely has feelings for Fox Crane.’
Dinner
had been delicious. Fox sat contentedly on the couch just watching everyone sit
around the living room in front of the warm glowing fire place chatting amongst
themselves.
The Russells
and the Bennetts had shown up before dinner like Theresa had told him they
would. And then everyone sat down to dinner. Never before had he had such a
fine cooked meal (the finest foods all over the world couldn't compare to
Pilar's cooking!), and never before had he felt so included. Like he belonged
to a real family.
Fox especially
enjoyed watching everyone open up their presents later on in the evening
andseeing their faces light up with delight. He was even surprised to have
received some presents as well. Granted, he had only received three packages
but he cherished them all the same. Sheridan had given him a cook book. It
touched Fox that his aunt had realized his interest in cooking – no one in his
family ever had before. From Pilar, he had received her best homemade
chocolates. Upon opening the box, Fox immediately ate one; Pilar’s chocolates
were to die for!
But the best
gift of all had been from Theresa.
When he had lifted
the lid of the box and looked inside Fox felt his breath catch. Inside, was a
nice white sweater and a black scarf that Theresa had obviously knitted
herself. On top those items, laid a blank journal. He had opened the journal
and read the inscription that Theresa had written on the first page.
Fox –
We’ve
become great friends these past two months and I’m so glad to have met you.
While I’m glad we tell each other all our secrets, sometimes it’s better to
write them down on paper before telling the other person. When I was at the
store, I saw this journal and immediately thought of you. Hopefully you can
find some use for it?
Merry
Christmas Fox!
-Theresa
Fox had a
feeling that the sweater would become his favorite shirt from now on, and he
had already wrapped the scarf around his neck. He lightly ran his fingers over
the journal, and suddenly he couldn't wait to get home later that night and
write the very first entry about his best Christmas ever. Theresa's present had
been the best gift he had ever received. It wasn't expensive, it wasn't flashy,
but it came from Theresa's heart and to Fox that was what made it so special.
He had given
Theresa a simple necklace with a simple gem in it. When he had first seen it
being displayed at the mall, he knew it just screamed “THERESA!” and he just
had to buy it for her. When she had opened the small box, he knew he had made
the right choice. She had given him the largest hug and had immediately started
wearing the necklace.
From where he
sat on the couch, Fox watched Theresa playing with Maria across the living
room. Her long dark hair hung loosely around her shoulders, the necklace
glinting softly in the fire light. The room was colored in a warm glow from the
fire place, and Theresa noticed him watching her and smiled her beautiful smile
at him. Fox smiled back, feeling his heart thudding loudly and rapidly.
It was at that
exact moment he fell in love with Theresa Lopez-Fitzgerald.
Review!! I really want to know what you guys think of this chapter!