Chapter three

Her eyes stared at the dull brown carpet in her bedroom. A frown sat on her small lips and she moved her hair from her face. Vision after vision had taken her over and she couldn’t control them. Miguel and Kay, Kay and Miguel, laughing together, talking together, everything was so blurry and yet to her it was so clear. Someone was trying to tell her something, if only she knew what.

“Charity, are you awake?” John’s voice spoke from the door. Charity looked up and saw him standing there.

“I’m always awake.” She grumbled.

“Mom, I mean Grace said you were upset.” He spoke. Kay had told everyone that John wasn’t Grace’s son soon after the birth of Jamie. When they questioned her, she demanded that they do another blood test, and this time it came back to prove her right. Grace still loved the boy, and refused to turn her back on him. She said he needed her, and Sam agreed.

“I’m fine John, it’s just these visions I’ve been having. They are very strange.”

“Strange how?”

“I see the past, but not just any past, the past Miguel shared with Kay. It was so much deeper than what I imagined. They connected on such a level, and it wasn’t just on Kay’s part.”

“They were best friends Charity. I’m sure its nothing to get upset about. Miguel is crazy about you.”

Charity nodded her head, “I suppose your right. They both say I shouldn’t worry. It’s just that I feel like I’m there living the relationship they shared and its really hard.”

“I’m so sorry to see you going through this Charity, you don’t deserve any kind of pain.” John spoke sitting down next to her. “You deserve to be happy.”

“John you’re so sweet.” Charity smiled.

“That means a lot coming from you.” John smiled. “Miguel is very lucky to have you.”

“I’m very lucky to have him as well.”

“Indeed love is such a rare thing to find. You have to hold on to your love Charity.” John smiled. “What you share with Miguel is something that doesn’t come along everyday.”

“Yeah you’re right John.” Charity nodded.

“Why don’t you relax and try to get some sleep. Maybe things will look better tomorrow.”

“I guess.” Charity shrugged. “Thanks for the talk John.”

“Anytime.”

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Theresa walked into the doctor’s office with her son on her hip. She let out a huff as she saw that there was only one seat left in the busy room. A pair of eyes looked up at her and she groaned. Gwen Hotchkiss was sitting next to the only empty seat. “Wonderful.” Theresa muttered under her breath as she walked over to take the seat next to Gwen and her daughter.

“Don’t worry I’m as happy as you are.” Gwen spoke looking over at Theresa.

“If someone leaves I’ll move.” Theresa frowned.

“Forget it, I suppose we can act like adults for a few moments.” Gwen sighed looking down at her sleeping daughter.

“She’s not sick is she?” Theresa questioned with concern.

Gwen started to speak but saw that Theresa was actually worried, “She’s been very fussy. Ethan Martin isn’t sick is he?”

“He had that horrible flu bug last week. The doctor wanted to see him again to make sure he was ok.”

“Oh, well I’m glad that’s all it is.” Gwen smiled.

“Gwen, your daughter is very beautiful.” Theresa spoke.

“I suppose your going to tell me she looks like Ethan.” Gwen quickly answered.

“Actually, she looks more like you.” Theresa smiled.

“Thank you.” Gwen spoke her eyes wide. “Ethan Martin is adorable as well. Is he walking yet?”

“He’s waddling.” Theresa giggled. “Its very cute.”

There was silence as the two women realized there wasn’t anything left to say. Gwen clung to her daughter still the nervous mother, watching as Theresa played with Ethan Martin. She was a natural with the child, and for a moment it shocked Gwen. Taking a deep breath she saw Theresa staring at her.

“Gwen are you ok?” The younger woman questioned.

“I’m fine.” Gwen answered quickly her voice high.

“Are you sure?”

“Do you care?” Gwen huffed. “I said I’m fine.”

“Forget I asked then.” Theresa snapped.

“You know, I called Ethan Thursday. Hanna was fussy and I thought seeing her daddy might help her, but of course he didn’t answer. I’m sure he was with you because when he finally came he spelled like cheap perfume.” Gwen spoke narrowing her eyes.

“I spent all day Thursday with little Ethan. He was still feeling bad and I wouldn’t leave his side.” Theresa spoke as her son relaxed his head on her shoulder. “My son comes first Gwen, I’m sure that’s hard for you to believe, but its true.”

“So Ethan wasn’t with you?” Gwen questioned confused.

“No. The only person I saw Thursday other than my mother was Fox. I don’t know what you smelled on Ethan, but it wasn’t my perfume.”

“Oh.”

“Yeah.” Theresa frowned. “Are you sure it was perfume?”

“Of course I’m sure.”

“Maybe he had been to see his mother.” Theresa suggested. “That stuff she wears is simply horrible.”

“I bought that for her.” Gwen frowned.

“Oh.”

“He really wasn’t with you was he?” Gwen questioned again seeing the confusion spread across Theresa’s face. “If Ethan wasn’t you, then there must be someone new.”

Theresa turned her head quickly “Excuse me? Ethan isn’t seeing anyone new!”

“Of course he’s not dear.” Gwen whispered. “He wants you.”

“Stop it Gwen, Ethan and I are going to be together. I know you still want him but it won’t happen.”

“Theresa, I left him.” Gwen smirked.

“Because he didn’t want you.” Theresa shot back.

“No, because he wasn’t worthy of my love. I left Ethan because I could no longer stand his idiotic ways Get your story straight Theresa.” Gwen shrugged, “And now it seems he’s playing you for the fool. Better you than me I suppose.”

“Ethan isn’t interested in anyone else. You smelled perfume on him, big deal. I’m sure it was nothing. You can try to ruin things for us, but its not going to work.”

“Theresa honey, I don’t have to try to ruin anything. If Ethan doesn’t ruin things by finding someone new, you’ll ruin it by lying. Some people never change, and you are two of them.”
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Kay slowly opened her door and peeked outside to see her uncle standing looking around the long hallway.

“Uncle Hank what are you doing?”

“Looking for chicks, there’s some hot little numbers in this place.” He smirked.

“Chicks? Let’s not get into that debate.” Kay frowned. “You know how I hate that word.”

“Sorry kiddo.” Hank frowned. “So wanta tell me why you called?” He asked as he walked in the apartment.

“Charity is doing some weird stuff again.” Kay sighed. “She’s seeing Miguel’s past.”

Hank’s eyes became large as he stared at Kay for a moment, “I don’t follow.”

“You never do.” Kay smirked. “I don’t know how to explain it. She’s seeing all these things that happened in Miguel’s past. Like she saw Miguel’s first kiss, and she saw him talking with Reese when he was younger.”

“And this is bothering you why?” Hank asked.

“Because I was his first kiss, and I was the girl he was talking about to Reese. Everything she’s seeing is about Miguel and me. It’s kinda freaky to think that Charity is having visions about things that are none of her business.”

“Yeah that is a little unsettling, but Kay there’s not anything that she could see that would harm her relationship with Miguel is there?” Hank questioned.

“I’m not sure.” Kay shrugged. “My past with Miguel is very complex, and you know as well that I do we spent a lot of time flirting with each other before she came to town.”

“Don’t remind me.” Hank spoke wrinkling his nose. “It wasn’t something a uncle wanted to see.”

“Yeah and it isn’t something Charity needs to see now.” Kay sighed. “But I’m not sure what to do. I mean I could sit down with her and talk about it or just lie to her about what she sees.”

“Lie? Kay you know what lying did for you.” Hank frowned.

“But Uncle Hank now it would be for good. I mean do I really want Charity to know all the things that Miguel and I have been through together? Maybe if I tell her the visions are wrong she’ll believe me. I just feel like these stupid visions are going to cause trouble between Charity and Miguel.”

“That has nothing to do with you Kay. Charity has to trust Miguel if she’s going to marry him.”

“But Uncle Hank the visions are about me too.” Kay sighed. “I made a promise to Jamie when he was born that I was going to let his daddy be happy. Miguel can’t be happy without Charity.”

“It’s not up to you. For the first time in you life Kay, you are going to have to step back and just let things happen. Let Miguel worry about Charity’s visions, you worry about your son.”

“So your advice is to do nothing?” Kay asked with a sigh. “I still don’t understand why she’s seeing the past it makes no sense. Miguel and I were best friends we told her that. We just didn’t tell her that we were very flirty friends. So now she gets to see it all?”

“Look kiddo I can’t explain anything about Charity to you. She’s a good kid, but she’s different. Usually her visions mean something, so maybe this is happening for a reason. You just need to stop worrying about it and let whatever happens happen.”

“Yes sir.” Kay grinned. “So would you like to see Jamie while you’re here? Or maybe set up the crib and furniture I bought for his room?” Kay teased.

“See the kid of course. Become your handy man? Keep dreaming.” Hank laughed.

“Uncle Hank thanks for the advice.” Kay smiled. “I knew you’d know just what to say.”

“That’s what I’m here for kiddo.” Hank nodded hugging Kay. “And I’m always going to be here.”

“That’s good to know.” Kay smiled. “Really good to know.”

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Fox Crane smirked as he watched his half-brother shoot baskets at the Country Club. He wasn’t sure why the man was still allowed there now that he was non-Crane but Ethan was there just the same. He couldn’t help but chuckle as Ethan missed yet another shot. If he wasn’t there for a reason he could really have fun with his annoying brother.

“Ethan what a surprise to see you here.” Fox spoke as his brother turned around not realizing the basketball he had just shot had bounced off the board. “Watch out.” Fox spoke to late as the ball smacked Ethan in the back of the head.

Ethan rubbed the back of his head and looked up at Fox with a frown. “What do you want?”

“Wow that was a nice way to speak to your favorite brother.” Fox smirked.

“I don’t have time for this Fox, just tell me what you want.”

“Well I was hoping you could give me a little information.”

“Information?” Ethan asked still rubbing the back of his head. “Why would I give you anything?”

Fox ignored his brother and picked up the ball. Aiming he watched as it swished into the goal. “We’re brothers, brothers are suppose to share. Not that you knew anything about that when we were growing up. Mother gave you everything while the rest of us just took care of ourselves.”

“I see you’re still bitter.” Ethan smirked.

“And I see your still as childish as ever.” Fox shrugged. “Now as I was saying I need information. Information about one of your lovely half-sisters. What can you tell me about Kay Bennett?”

Ethan glared over at Fox, “I can tell you that she’s off limits to you.” He spoke with a growl. “She has been through a lot and you’re the last person she needs anywhere around her.”

“Theresa tells me she’s single.” Fox spoke ignoring Ethan’s words. “It’s quite a shame she’s a real beauty.”

“Forget it Fox. Kay would never have you.” Ethan spoke crossing his arms. “Besides when did you becoming interested in women with children?”

“I’m interested in all women Ethan.” Fox smirked.

“So why the questions about Kay?”

Fox shrugged his shoulders. “I saw a picture and I liked her looks. Theresa warned me against even looking at Kay so of course that intrigued me.”

“You can’t handle Kay.” Ethan spoke his words bitter. “And why are you still spending so much time with Theresa?”

“Because she can never find you anymore.” Fox shot back. “She says you’re busy with your daughter, but I think there’s more to it.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Ethan spoke shifting his eyes.

“Remember when you were seventeen Eth? Remember when Gwen thought you were spending all your time with your friends? You weren’t with your friends then, you were with that little redhead that was a grade behind you. You acted very strange then and now is no different.” Fox frowned shoving his hands in his pockets.

“You have no idea what you’re talking about.” Ethan snapped.

“Maybe I should have a talk with Theresa and then go visit your little sister.” Fox spoke with a sigh. “What do you think about that big brother?”

“Leave Theresa and Kay alone.” Ethan warned.

“I don’t take orders from you.” Fox informed him stepping forward. “I will see who I want to see and I dare you to try to stop me.”

“Fox please.” Ethan spoke his voice softening suddenly. “I may not be close to Kay but I know she’s been through a lot lately. Don’t mess with her, she doesn’t deserve to be hurt by another man.”

“And Theresa doesn’t deserve to be hurt by you but I have a feeling that she’s going to be.” Fox frowned. “You know I’ll never understand what Theresa sees in you. At least Gwen had enough sense to finally move on.” Shaking his head Fox turned and left his brother alone on the basketball court.