Change in the Wind~*~ Chapter 7
by Faith81
 
 

Chapter 7

Julian dropped his head, “I knew father had been with many women, but this is hard for me to comprehend.”

“Julian she would never, no I can’t believe this.” Sheridan frowned.

Julian looked over at his sister, “It looks to be true, as twisted as this is Sheridan it appears that Miguel Lopez-Fitzgerald is actually our brother.”

“No! Pilar would have never cheated on Martin with our father. She wouldn’t do that, I just can’t believe it.”

“Sheridan, this test is no lie.” Julian frowned, “It appears to be quite real.” Shaking his head he dropped the file on the desk. “Miguel Lopez-Fitzgerald is our brother. That young punk that is always trying to kill me because of that twit of a sister of his, is my sibling.”

“This can not be happening.” Sheridan whispered. “Tell me this is not happening! Luis’s brother can’t be my brother too. It just doesn’t make sense, Miguel is a Fitzgerald, he has to be.”

“You know Sheridan, if this is true, you could use this against our father. He doesn’t want news like this to get out, it would be in your favor to keep the information and use it wisely.” Julian spoke with a smirk.

“No!” Sheridan answered quickly. “I will not do that Julian! If Miguel is our brother, he has a right to know that. Luis has a right to know as well, I won’t keep something like this from him.” She frowned. “I could never do that.”

“Sheridan surely you’re not going to go to someone with this information. Think about what it will do to everyone.”

Sheridan dropped her head, “I have another brother Julian, a brother with a good heart and a new son. I can’t ignore that.”

“You must ignore it Sheridan.”

“No, I’ll find something else to use against father, but I won’t use this and I won’t ignore it either.”

“Sheridan you’re not being reasonable.” Julian groaned, “What about what the press will think of this?”

“The media already knows the truth about father, besides this doesn’t have to get out to them.” She shrugged.
 

Julian smiled over at his sister. “Sheridan dear, I think its wonderful that you still have a naïve side to you, but honestly, something this big will get out. Think about it, father and his housekeeper had an affair that produced a child. Pilar was a married woman, she had children and a family, this is not going to look good for her. I’m sure our father did something terrible to get her into his bed, but the media will ruin her image. Do you really want that?”

“No.” Sheridan frowned, “But I don’t want to pretend like I never saw those papers. I have a brother Julian, a brother that has not been exposed to the Crane ways. He’s a loving and caring person, and I would like to get to know him better.”

“You still can, he’s Luis’s brother which means he is still going to be part of your life. Once you tell Antonio the truth, you’ll be free to be with Luis. Miguel’s child will still be part of your life. Do you really want to expose that young man to the Crane lifestyle? He doesn’t have to be hurt by the truth Sheridan.”

Sheridan shook her head, “So what do you want me to do Julian? Take this information to father and use it against him? I won’t do that; I won’t use this against him! There must be something else.”

Julian nodded his head, “We shall see. Why don’t you let me have a look at the computer, perhaps I can find something there.”

Sheridan smiled, “Thanks Julian.”

“Does that mean you won’t go to Miguel?” He questioned.

“I can’t make that promise, maybe I’ll go to Pilar first.” She thought, “It might be best that way.”

“Whatever you decided Sheridan, I won’t stand in your way.” Julian sighed. “Just be careful because whatever you do, it will change things.”

“I know Julian, and thank you, thank you for allowing me to this my way.”

____________________________________

Kay Bennett stood outside her sister’s bedroom door listening as Jessica giggled on the other side. She could see her sister on her bed, talking on the phone. There was a smile on her face as she talked to her friend about going to the mall, and a tiny giggle as she mentioned some guy they had saw there. She had promised Noah she would tell Jessica about his marriage, and then he would show up and surprise his parents with the news. She gently knocked on the door just as Jessica hung up the phone. She saw her sister look up at her and she smiled.

”What’s it like?” She questioned. “To still be a kid, I mean.” Kay spoke walking in the room decorated in posters of singers and actors.

Jessica gave her a look of confusion, “Is that a question or a insult?” Jessica asked.

“A question.” Kay laughed gently. “Being a kid isn’t a bad thing Jess.”

“I’m not a kid though, I’m seventeen.” She shrugged.

Kay nodded her head, “Just don’t try to grow up to fast sis. Life isn’t as easy as it looks.”

“Kay is everything ok?” Jessica frowned, “You’re acting weirder than normal.”

“Nothing’s wrong.” Kay spoke sitting down on Jessica’s bed. “I just remember a time when I thought becoming an adult would be the best thing ever. I just hope you enjoy your teenage years.”

“Yeah um ok then.” Jessica spoke still confused by her sister’s actions. “So what’s going on? You never come to my room unless you want to talk.”

“Well I’ll just cut right to it.” Kay sighed, “Noah’s back in town.”

“Noah’s back?” Jessica shrieked. “Why hasn’t he come by?”

“Not so loud.” Kay whispered, “I’m getting to that. He came by my apartment this morning, and he brought someone.”

“A girl?” Jessica questioned. “Noah brought a girlfriend by?”

“No, he brought his wife.” Kay smirked. “Our big brother got married and forgot to tell us.”

“Married?” Jessica yelled. “You have to be joking.”

“No joke.” Kay laughed, “She’s very pretty, and she’s southern. Her name is Brenna and she moved to Boston from Tennessee. They seem in love Jess, Noah is totally crazy about this woman.”

“Whoa, this is big. I can’t believe it. Why hasn’t he told anyone? Mom is going to loose her mind.”

“That’s why I’m telling you. We have to be there for Noah today when he comes. He is really nervous about telling mom and dad, so he was hoping we’d be there to support him.”

“I don’t know, I’m kind of mad he didn’t tell us.” Jessica frowned.

“He’s Noah, that’s what Noah does. Jessica our family is trying to connect again, and we need to be there for our brother.”

“Fine, as long as he’s happy.”

“He’s very happy, and he’s moving back to Harmony.” Kay grinned.

“Oh my gosh, your kidding me! That’s so great.”

Kay smiled, “Our family will be ok but we have to work together.”

Jessica nodded her head, “Yeah, I’d like that.”

“Noah should be here soon, think I should have a camera ready for when he gives mom the news?” Kay questioned with a wicked grin.

“Kay that’s so mean.” Jessica spoke with a giggle, “But there’s a camera in my desk draw if you’re interested.”

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Reese Durkee stood on the Lopez-Fitzgerald porch listening as his best friend rambled on about the dream he had had the night before.

“So what’s going on with me Reese? Am I loosing it?”

Reese thought for a moment and frowned, “What happened to you last night Miguel? Anything that might bring on a dream like that?”

“That doesn’t matter.” Miguel muttered sticking his hands in his pockets.

Reese rolled his eyes, “You’re hiding something Miguel, but for the moment I’ll ignore it. As for the dream, I could consult my book on dreams about this but I don’t think I need to. You say Kay was there in a sexy revealing red night gown, did that seem odd to you?”

Miguel glared at Reese, “No, it seemed kind of hot though.” He smirked.

“And Charity was there bundled in a white house coat? You did say she had it pulled around herself correct?”

“Yeah, one of those big housecoats, what about it?” Miguel asked.

Reese sat down on the porch step and groaned, “Miguel, think about it. You see Charity as pure and untouchable, but Kay is sexy and desirable. In the dream the sexy red nightgown was a symbol of that. She was bold and flirty in red of all colors and Charity was quite and weak in the purest color there is. Basically you have the hots for Kay man.”

“No, I can’t.” Miguel frowned. “It was just a dream.”

“I believe there is no such thing as just a dream.” Reese spoke, “Our dreams tell us about our innermost thoughts, the ones we refuse to think about or speak of. Kay told you what you already know about her, that she does indeed know you. Charity is a very naïve person Miguel, this dream, it was just a reflection of your reality.” Reese shrugged. Looking up at Miguel he smirked, “Now would you like to tell me what happened last night with you and Kay?”

Miguel’s eyes dropped to the ground, “Yeah, well I might have kissed her.” He muttered.

“Did you just say you kissed Kay last night?” Reese questioned. “Miguel, how did that happen?”

Miguel ran his hand through his hair, “We were just hanging out like old times, and I don’t know, I just did it. I don’t want to get into this now but it was just intense. She made me leave and when I came back outside she had made some sort of plans with Fox Crane.”

“And where was Charity?” Reese asked. “At home planning your wedding?”

“She wasn’t feeling well, she’s been having these freaky visions about my past. Seeing me talking about Kay or with Kay, I don’t know its just all so complicated.”

“I thought things were finally going right for you and Charity?”

Miguel paced on the porch glancing in the house for a moment to see his mother rocking his son. “Things were going great. I was making all these wedding plans, and Kay she’s been so good about it. She really wants to see Charity happy now. She just wants things to be peaceful for Jamie. I mean I know that I love Charity; she’s a great girl you know? But I have this history with Kay, and now I have a son with her.”

“Do you think Kay still has feelings for you?”

Miguel frowned, “Kay doesn’t want to have feelings for me. She wants to be friends, and she wants me to marry Charity. She talked to Fox Crane for a few seconds and agreed to go out with him. I know she wants to push me away because she things it the best thing for everyone.”

Reese could see the pain in his best friend’s eyes. Miguel was confused about his feelings, so confused that he had no idea how deep his feelings for Kay was. Charity had always been a sweet girl, but her innocence would be her downfall in the end. It scared Reese to think of what it would do to Charity if Miguel ended her, yet at the same time he hated to think of Miguel staying with someone he didn’t love. “You need to take some time Miguel. You have to figure things out because there is no way you can marry Charity now. You share something with Kay, and it can’t be denied.”

“I shared a kiss, a very hot kiss, but that’s not a base for a whole relationship. Can’t I just blame it on being a guy?” He questioned his voice becoming almost desperate.

“You could, but you’re not that kind of guy.” Reese chuckled. “Sorry man, this is something you’re feeling with your heart.”

“Miguel, Kay just called.” Pilar spoke as she opened the door. “She wants you to bring Jamie by her parents home instead of her apartment today.”

“Thanks Mama.” Miguel nodded. “I guess I should get Jamie ready.”

Pilar smiled, “I can do that Miguel, it’s not a problem.”

“Are you sure Mama?”

“Yes Miguel, enjoy your visit with Reese.”

“Thanks Mama.” Miguel spoke turning back to Reese. “So now I have to go over to the Bennett house and face Kay and Charity, want to trade lives for a few hours?” He joked.

“As tempting as that is, I think I’ll pass.” Reese smiled. “Good luck Miguel.”

“Thanks man, believe me, I’ll need it.”

___________________________________________

Theresa Lopez-Fitzgerald smiled as Chad welcomed her into his apartment. She was holding a very fussy baby on her hip, but her son didn’t stop her from being happy. “Is Whit around?” She questioned sitting little Ethan down in the middle of the floor with a few of his toys. “I really need to talk to her.”

“Sorry girl, Whit just left, said she had something to take care of.” Chad spoke looking down at Ethan Martin with a smile. “The cute keeps getting cuter.”

“He does doesn’t he?” Theresa laughed. “I really wanted to talk to Whit, Ethan has been acting very odd lately. I’m starting to think he’s mad at me.”

“Why would Ethan be mad at you?” He questioned. “I thought you two were getting back on track?”

“Yeah that’s what I thought too.” Theresa frowned. “I don’t know maybe I should just back off a little.”

Chad smirked, “Pushing a bit hard are ya girl?”

“Maybe a little.” She spoke sitting down in a chair next to where her son was playing. “I don’t know Chad I just want this to work out so bad. I mean I thought this was finally our time.”

“I’m sure Ethan has a lot on his plate right now. Give it a little time Theresa.”

“Yeah, maybe you’re right.” She nodded. “So tell me how’s things with Whitney? She’s been acting a little weird too lately. Maybe I’m scaring everyone away.”

Chad saw confusion in Theresa’s big brown eyes and frowned. He knew Theresa was very head strong. He understood that when she wanted something she threw herself in to it. For someone who wasn’t as driven he could understand why they would be annoyed, but it had never bothered him. He was just as driven, determined to make music and have a life with the woman he loved. “Whit’s just stressed Theresa, the thing with her dad, its got her down. Things have been tough for her lately. She’s even been pushing me aside a little.”

“And that doesn’t worry you?” Theresa questioned scooping her son up in her lap before he could get to the coffee table and the vase he had been eyeing. There was something going on with Whitney, she knew it and Chad knew it. She just had no idea what that something was.

“I’m sure she’s just upset about family stuff.” Chad shrugged. “You know Whit, she holds it all in.”

“Unlike me, who lets the whole world know my problems?” Theresa joked. “Sometimes I think I’d rather be like Whitney. She would never do the things I’ve done.”

“Whit is one of a kind.” Chad smiled. “She’s brought so much into my life.”

“We’re lucky to have her.” Theresa agreed. “She’s the one person I know I can always count on. She’s always been there for me, ya know? I just want her to be happy, and I know right now she’s dealing with something big.”

“I want to help her Theresa, but I don’t really know what its like to even have parents.” Chad frowned. “Her problems with Coach are something I’ve never had to deal with.”

“Just be there.” Theresa smiled, “Be there and love her. Whit will get through this, Chad, she will.”

---------------------------------------------------------------------
Whitney Russell entered the small apartment Ethan lived in and let out a nervous frown. Today she would tell him it was over, she would end it all so everyone would be happy.

Ethan’s eyes sparkled down at her as he took her hand and led her into the living room. “I’m so glad you stopped by. It’s been a while since we’ve talked.”

“Ethan, I can’t stay long. Chad is at home waiting on me, and I want to get back there.”

“Whitney is something wrong?” Ethan questioned reaching out to touch Whitney. She jerked back and dropped her head. “Whitney?”

“We can’t do this anymore Ethan!” She spoke taking a step back. “This thing, it was a mistake and it has to end now.”

“Whitney, I know this is confusing.” Ethan sighed.

“I won’t hurt my best friend or Chad another day.” Whitney frowned. “If they found out it would kill them. Theresa is the one person I have always been able to count on. We’ve always been there for each other and I can’t do this to her. Do you know what it would do to that girl if she found out what happened? Do you know what it would do to Chad?”

“It would hurt them.” Ethan nodded, “And the last thing I want to do is hurt them. I care about Theresa, I care deeply about her.”

“And she’s in love with you Ethan.” Whitney whispered. “She has always been in love with you and I knew that. I can’t do this anymore Ethan, I can’t see you again.”

“Whitney wait.” Ethan frowned. “You don’t mean that.”

Whitney shook her head, “Yes Ethan, I mean it, I can’t hurt two people who love me that much. Chad would do anything to make me happy, and I do love him Ethan, I love him and I’ve been so wrong.”

“But this thing we have, its special.”

“Its wrong.” Whitney repeated. “You’ve said it yourself, you love Theresa. You love her and I love Chad. This thing is twisted and it’s going to hurt two people who don’t deserve it.”

“This is not twisted. This is about two people who understand each other.” Ethan tried.

“Then we should have remained friends.” Whitney answered back wiping tears from her eyes. “I’m sorry Ethan, I have to go. Chad wants to go out tonight, its been so long.”

“So that’s it?” Ethan questioned. “You’re just going to go?”

“This hurts Ethan, it hurts so bad but its what I have to do. I have to walk away now while I still can. I have to do it before Chad or Theresa find out. This is the right thing Ethan, please just trust me.” She turned away quickly so he couldn’t see the new tears that had started.

“I’ve never had a friend like you Whitney.” Ethan called out. “You understand me.”

“Ethan.” She frowned. “The friendship should have just stayed a friendship. Now, now it’s all different. I can’t trust myself around you, not to be alone.” She choked. “It’s just best if we leave things alone.” She refused to look back as she opened the front door. She never said goodbye as she stepped outside leaving Ethan alone as the door slammed behind her.

Taking a deep breath he stared at the door, wondering if he should go after Whitney. There was a part of him that wanted to but he didn’t. Instead he just stared at the door she had walked out of confused and hurt. A soft knock on the door suddenly brought a smile back to his face though. Quickly he raced over to the door and opened it speaking before he glanced to see who was standing there. “Whitney you came back.”

“No Ethan, Whitney just rushed off in tears.” The sound of his ex-wife took him by surprise as he lifted his eyes to see Gwen standing smirking at him. “Well Ethan, looks like you’ve been a very busy man.” Gwen spoke crossing her arms. “Seems you’ve lost the last few brain cells I gave you credit for. Whitney Russell? Ethan what were you thinking?”

______________________________________________________

Kay grabbed her brother by the arm dragging him into the house. His wife followed behind him chuckling at her husband. “Relax the parents are gone for awhile.” She spoke shaking her head. “You might as well come in.”

“Are you sure they’re not here?” Noah questioned glaring down at his sister.

“Would I lie to you?” Kay grinned. Seeing the look Noah gave her she rolled her eyes, “Ok, so I would, but I’m telling the truth about this.”

“This house is beautiful.” Brenna commented looking around. “So homey.”

“Yeah, I still preferred the one that got sucked into the ground though.” Kay shrugged. “Had a lot of memories in that one.”

“Sucked into the ground?” Brenna questioned arching a eyebrow.

“You know what, forget I said anything.” Kay spoke shaking her head. “Weird things happen in Harmony.”

“So who is home?” Noah questioned.

“Jess and Charity. I told Jess about you two, she agreed to try to keep the tension down. Charity’s been dealing with some stuff so she’s in her room resting.” Kay explained as she sat down on the sofa.

“I’m interested in meeting Charity.” Noah chuckled. “From everything you’ve told me about her, it should be an experience.”

“I’m actually worried about her. She’s been seeing the past, Miguel’s past.” Kay frowned trying to force images of Miguel kissing her out of her mind.

“Miguel is your son’s dad right?” Brenna questioned. “Noah tried to explain it all to me, but some times it’s hard to get names right.”

“Yeah, Miggs is Jamie’s dad.” Kay nodded. “He’s a good man, he adores Jamie.”

“You say he’s a good man, but I don’t see it.” Noah spoke his voice hostile. “He had a child with you 3 months ago but he’s running to a church with Charity at anytime. That’s not a good man, that’s a boy who’s been playing with cousins.”

“No Noah, you don’t know the story.” Kay spoke sitting up, “You have no idea what has been going on. If anyone is to blame for anything, I’m the one that wanted Miguel. He’s going to marry Charity because they love each other. Please don’t make a issue of it.”

“He should have done the right thing.” Noah muttered.

“What’s the right thing?” Kay questioned. “Marrying me when he loved Charity? How would that have helped anyone? It would have just led to a divorce and confusion for Jamie.”

“It would have been the stand up thing to do.”

“Noah please let it go.” Kay sighed. “Miguel has a lot to deal with right now, besides I’ve moved on.” Seeing her brother’s curious eyes she finished her sentence. “Fox Crane asked me out, and I think I’m going to go out with him. So you see, things are working out.”

“Crane?” Noah grunted. “Oh that’s wonderful sis.”

“Noah.” Kay warned.

“Noah, your sister is an adult with a child. Babe you’ve gotta let go a little.” Brenna whispered in his ear.

“But he’s a Crane.” Noah whined. “Julian Crane’s son.”

“And you’re a overprotective brother that needs to learn with to leave things alone.” Brenna chuckled. “Nothing good can come out of you stickin’ your nose where it ain’t go no business being.”

“Kay! Kay are you here?” A voice called as the back door slammed shut.

“In here mom.” Kay spoke looking over at Noah.

“Oh good, I bought Jamie the cutest outfit today.” Grace laughed walking into the living room. “You’re dad will bring it in with the rest of my stuff.” Looking up Grace’s laugh stop as her son rose from the chair he had been sitting in.

“Hi mom.” Noah smiled. “Miss me?”

Kay was the only person who had noticed Jessica quietly walk down the stairs to watch the ‘show’.

“Noah?” Grace cried. “Noah you’re home.”

Noah met his mother in the middle of the room and hugged her tightly. “Good to see you too mom.” He laughed.

“Noah?” Sam’s voice called out. “Son!”

“Hey dad.” Noah smiled, “Been awhile hasn’t it.”

“I can’t believe you’re home son, we’ve missed you so much.” Grace cried. “It’s so great to have my family all together.”

Noah motioned for Brenna to come to where he stood and wrapped a protective arm around her waist, “Mom, dad there’s someone I want you to meet.”

Grace looked up at Sam, who was eyeing each of his children. “Why do I feel like something is going on?” He questioned as Kay tried to hide her smile.

“Because something is.” Noah smiled nervously. “I came home for two reasons, one is because I’ve decided to move back to Harmony, the other is because of the woman standing beside of me.”

“Noah what’s going on? Would you please tell us?”

“Mom, dad I want you to meet Brenna Bennett, my wife.”
 
 
 

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