Chapter 12

Whitney opened her eyes after passing out from earlier. She viewed the room and noticed she was in a hospital. She sat up quickly, freaking out. “Where’s Fox?” She murmured.

Eve ambled in the cubicle and smiled kindly at her oldest daughter. “Whitney, honey, I see that you are up. Thank God you’re all right.” She stood far from her daughter, not knowing if it’s safe to be near her.

“Mom, it’s okay. You can come close to me.” Whitney gestured for her mother to come closer to her.

“Are you sure? I mean, I know you hate my guts right now and that’s fine, but you must know-”

“About that, Mom. When I was unconscious, I had a terrible dream about losing you … and I was crying at your funeral regretting not telling you I forgive you ad how sorry I was for taking it out on you. And I had a visit with an angel and she showed me that you were innocent in all of what happened between you and Mr. Crane. And it was Alistair Crane that had set up for your son’s disappearance.” A tear trickled down her cheek. “Mom, I’m so sorry for taking it out on you and hating you. I don’t hate you; I love you with all my heart and soul. I was hoping you’d still want to talk to me. I was wrong to hold a grudge against you. I’ve always looked up to you and you raised Simone and me well. Who am I to judge? Can you find it your heart to forgive me for I have found it in my heart to forgive you.”

Eve was in tears automatically, happy ones to be exact. “Yes, Whitney, I forgive you. I understand that you were angry and I-”

“There’s also something I want to set straight with you. I also realize your past has nothing to do with me. It all happened way before I was even thought of. Everything should be left in the past. We’re all human and we make mistakes.” Whitney intruded for a good cause.

“Oh, baby. All I want is for you to be happy. You know I did the best I could. And now I have the most wonderful present in the world, I have my baby back.” Eve squeezed her sweet girl without her permission.

Whitney smiled, returning the same gesture. “Mommy, I love you.”

“I love you too, baby.” Eve sniffled. “And don’t you forget it.”

“I won’t.” Whitney pulled back, wiping her mother’s tears. “Why am I here?”

“Fox and Chad had brought you here. They said when you came out of the room; you freaked out and fell to the ground. Did it have anything to do with Chad and Fox being in the same room?” Eve wondered.

“Mom, this is horrible! I can’t believe that Chad and Fox had come face to face! Just when my life has finally come together, Chad had to appear.” Whitney started whimpering.

“How does Chad know of Fox? And why were you there with Fox? Are you two involved?” Eve asked, suspecting.

“Yes, … well, no … I don’t know. Fox and I aren’t even in a relationship.” Whitney answered, frustrated.

“But you two are extremely close.” Eve indicated without expressing it forwardly.

“Yes, we’re having sex, due to my standard.” Whitney explained softly.

“Standard? What would that be, Whit? Fox seems to be fond of you. Why can’t you two get involved romantically?” Eve queried. And then the notion struck her, when she saw how silent Whitney became; she presumed it had to do with Chad. “Whitney, baby, you can’t penalize Fox just because of what occurred in your past. It wouldn’t be fair.” Eve gave her some motherly advice.

“But, Mom. Fox isn’t complaining. He likes to have sex with me …” she expressed openly.

“But surely you don’t want to only have a sexual relationship with him. Because you and I both know there’s more to love than just having sex.” Eve reminded her.

“True, but I’m comfortable with it and so is he.” Whitney remained stubborn with her decision.

“All right, sweetie, just make sure it doesn’t blow up in your face, because if you’re intending to have any kind of relationship with Fox, whether it’s friendship, sexual, or love, whatever, make sure it doesn’t blow up in your face. Because there’s nothing more worse than to not get to know the person you’re sharing your bed with.” Eve said, speaking from personal experience.

“Okay.” Whitney didn’t debate with her mother. She took heed and accepted every word Eve had told her. “Thanks, Mom.”

Eve grinned, “You’re welcome, baby.” She extended her arms to her daughter and made sure that she let her baby know that she is there for her no matter what.

Fox poked his head in, smiling at how well Whitney and her mother are getting along. “Ahem, is it a bad time for me to come in, or shall I come back later?” He smirked.

Whitney and Eve blinked at the young lad standing behind the door. And they both were beaming. “Fox, it’s okay, you can come in. There’s someone I haven’t properly introduced you to …” Whitney wiggled her fingers, bursting with excitement to hold his hand.

Fox strolled over to Whitney and Eve, wondering what’s going on. “Yes, Whit?”

“Fox, I want you to meet my mother, Eve.” Whitney introduced him to her.

“A pleasure to finally meet you …”

“You can call me Eve.” She insisted. “So, you’re the new guy in my baby’s life?” She questioned, impressed with Whitney’s selection.

“If you want to call it that, yes. I’m her special friend.” Fox uttered half sardonically and half ecstatically.

“He’s witty, I see. Well, it was nice meeting you, Fox. I have other patients to attend. Why don’t you and Whitney come over for dinner later on, if you have the time?” Eve offered.

“I would love to, that’s if it’s all right with Whit.” Fox murmured, gazing at Whitney tenderly.

“That’s fine with me.” Whitney responded, seeing no problem with her mother’s invitation.

“Great, how about six?” Eve searched for approval through Fox and Whitney’s eyes.

“Six is great.” They replied simultaneously.

“Fantastic. See you two then. Eve waved at them and decamped from the room.

“Fox …” Whitney grinned.

“Whitney …” Fox plopped onto the bed, snuggling next to her.

“Fox, before I passed out who were you talking to at the door?” She interlaced her small fingers with his large.

“Chad … although, I must say something about him does remind me of someone I know. Whitney, how do you know of him?” Fox pumped.

“Why do you think I know him?” Whitney inquired, fretting.

“Because the look on your face, you act like you had seen a ghost. Is that why you had passed out? You know of him, don’t you, Whit?” Fox interrogated with a hint of jealously.

“Fox, really there is no need to be jealous. I must have gone on an empty stomach ever since from last night … that’s why I passed out.” A lie from her head came out so easily from her mouth. She don’t know why she just fibbed to him, but a part of her feels that she is not ready to reveal the names just yet.

“Whitney, I may not know you that long … but I can tell when you’re keeping something from me. Is there anything you would like to tell me?” Fox scrutinized her dark orbs meticulously.

“Whitney! Oh, thank heavens you’re all right! Your mother told me that you were here, and I had to come and see you!” Theresa rushed in after she had peeped through the door when laying her eyes on Fox and Whitney.

“Theresa?” Whitney was stunned to see her overly exuberant friend.

“Yes, … are you okay?” Theresa probed, gazed at her with worry.

“I’m okay now that he is here.” Whitney traced her eyes over to Fox, squeezing his hand tightly.

“Oh, you have a boyfriend?” Theresa grilled suspiciously.

“Well, I …”

“Yes, I am her boyfriend. And you are?” Fox’s lips had spread into a wide, sneaky grin.

Theresa squinted her eyes at him furiously. “Theresa … Whitney’s best friend, true blue friend, I might add.”

“It’s a pleasure to finally meet you.” Fox greeted warmly.

“I didn’t know you two were that serious?” Theresa gawked at them surprisingly.

“Oh, we’re extremely serious.” Fox slithered his arm around Whitney’s waist.

Whitney stared at him like he was high on narcotics. “Yes, we are.” She whispered in lost thought.

“Well, maybe you and Fox should hang out with Ethan and me.” Theresa suggested.

“Maybe …” Whitney remarked hesitatingly.

“Oh, don’t be shy, Whit … we love to take you on your offer, Theresa. How nice of you.” He plastered a faux grin on his face.

“Yes, how nice of me indeed.” Theresa whispered.

“Whitney, I came as soon as I could. Mom told me what happened.” Simone ran over to Whitney, enfolding her.

“I’m fine, Simone.” Whitney giggled.

“Fox, why don’t we leave Whitney and Simone alone? I’m sure they want to have sister-sister time.” Theresa implied.

“You’re right. Whit, baby, see you later, all right?” He landed a big one on her lips.

“Okay. I hope you two have fun getting to know each other better.” Whitney waved at them.

Simone’s mouth fell to the floor after Fox and Theresa had left. “Are you nuts? Are you trusting Fox to be alone with Theresa?”

“Yes, Simone, why are you saying it like that? Is there something you know that I don’t?” Whitney investigated cautiously.

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“Well, Fox, I see you’re trying to prove your point that you are moving on without me. May I ask why? And why with my best friend?” Theresa glowered.

“You two are friends? Gosh, I had no idea.” Fox uttered sarcastically, making a face.

“Fox, don’t tell me you’re still holding a grudge.” Theresa pouted.

“Theresa, how do you think I’m supposed to feel after you told me you’re going back to Ethan the night we had made love?!” Fox questioned, grumbling.

“Well, Fox, things change! But you had no business stabbing me in the back by hooking up with my friend!” She snarled.

“Aw, come on, Theresa. I am a free man! I can do whatever I please; surely you must know I don’t take orders from anyone. I am very fond of Whitney.” His eyes grew darker with vengeance and sensuality.

“But, she can’t give it to you like I can at night …” Theresa rubbed his chin ardently.

“Theresa, I’m not going to go there … I am faithful to Whitney.” He moved her hand off of his visage.

“Pul-lease …” Theresa scoffed. “Don’t make me laugh, Fox. You weren’t all that faithful to me!” Theresa growled.

“Only because you kept having your cake and eating it too. Need I remind you that I had to play left field, too?” Fox mumbled sharply.

“No need to play me on the left field, the only reason why I forgave you and took you back because you had your heart broken by her.”

“Only because I know you weren’t right. Theresa, I was not going to leave my options closed while you were seeing me and Ethan at the same time.” Fox pointed out.

“Okay, so we both did each other wrong. But you know what we had was undeniable.” Theresa purred, nuzzling her head on his chest.

“Theresa …” Fox retaliated warily.

“No, Fox, I’m not going to let you go … and I don’t care if you are seeing Whitney … I want you to see me tonight … after you have dinner at her mother’s place.” Theresa proposed, rubbing his face.

“How did you know?” Fox was astonished by Theresa’s knowledge of his whereabouts for tonight.

“I have my ways … Ethan is at the office … and I can give you what you need.” Theresa massaged his bulge just the way he liked it.

“Let’s not get naughty, Theresa, we’re in the hospital.” Fox warned her with a hint of flirtation.

“Fox, you know …”

“Hey, Fox, I didn’t know you were here.”

“Stephen?” Fox was snapped out of his close encounter with Theresa.

“Hey, man, don’t stand there like you don’t know me. Hey, Theresa.” Stephen traded a transitory smile at her.

“Hey, Stephen. I have to go, Fox. Don’t forget what I said.” Theresa kissed his lips purposely in front of Stephen and fled from the site.

Fox had this dizzy smile dancing on his mouth coyly as Stephen’s bottom lip was hanging to the second level of Hell. “Dude, don’t let her get to you …” he lectured him.

“What? I have no idea of what you’re talking about, Stephen.” Fox played off, not knowing what his buddy was ranting about.

“You’re thinking about hitting it, aren’t you?” Stephan could read Fox all too well.

“I didn’t say I would.” Fox brushed off his new accusation.

“No, player. I saw that look prancing in our eyes. You have this fetish for Theresa. She had whopped you repeatedly with her kitty cat. You gotta let this so call drive of yours to screw her go. You’re involved with that lovely girl Whitney.”

“Who said Whitney and I are involved? Whitney is my friend with benefits.” He chuckled deviously.

“She already gave it up?” Stephen was stunned by Fox’s latest announcement.

“Oh, yeah … it wasn’t hard to get to her …”

“There’s a but … I can feel it coming, Fox, so you might as well be out with it.” Stephen rolled his eyes in boredom.

“Aw, come on Steve, you make it sound like I am always up to something.” Fox chortled dryly.

“When there is a day you haven’t, Fox? Seriously, if you are having feelings for Whitney, then now’s the time for you to pull the plug on your dirty scheme and hook up with her for good.” Stephen forewarned.

“And what? Get played again? I don’t think so. I’ve been played twice in my life … and if Whitney doesn’t want a serious relationship with me, then I’m not going to waste my time waiting on her to make a decision. Besides, she’s comfortable with bedding me just like I am with her.” Fox forced himself to beam inevitably.

“It’s inevitable. When will you ever let love come into your heart?” Stephen soughed heavily.

“The day I get my revenge on the two women who had destroyed my pride!” Fox roared.

“All right, calm down …” Stephen muttered.

“Calm down? I am calm. Why are you here anyway?” Fox frowned quickly. “Since when do you step into a hospital?”

“Ever since I’ve found out that Megan is pregnant.” Stephen admitted.

“Say what?” Fox smirked. “You’re going to be a father?”

“From the looks of it. And I always thought you would become a father before me.” Stephen vented sardonically.

“I always knew you would be a father before me. Pay up, Steve, you lost, and I won!” He rejoiced like a kid on Christmas.

“Here.” Stephen handed him the check reluctantly.

“Thanks, buddy.” Fox was pleased with the zeroes hanging at the end of the firs number.

“Wanna go out for a drink? Stephen marveled.

“No, I can’t ... I have to see how Whitney is doing.” Fox declined.

“All right … and don’t be a stranger.” Stephen embraced him with a brotherly hug and absconded quickly.

“Time to see my friend.” Fox exhaled and interrupted Whitney and Simone’s conversation. “Hey, did I walk in on something?”

“No, not really, Fox. I was just about to leave. See you later, Whit.” Simone scurried out of there before she had to answer Whitney’s query.

“Simone!” Whitney called out, but it was too late Simone had already left.

“Sorry.” Fox apologized, treading closer to Whitney.

“It’s okay … I want to get out of here, …” Whitney started to mope.

“We can, if we get your mother’s okay.” Fox smoothed his hands over her hair.

“Great, I can’t wait to get out of here.” She rested her head on Fox’s shoulder as he contemplated about tonight’s event.

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“Hey, Simone, how is Whitney?” Chad demanded to know.

“Hey, Chad.” Simone embraced him. “Whitney is awake.” She notified him.

“Good, I will go see her.” Chad was about to part, but Simone halted him.

“Not so fast, … you can see her later tonight at dinner.”

“Simone,” Chad grunted.

“Chad, please, leave Whitney in peace.” Simone begged him.

“All right.” Chad mumbled. “I guess I’ll see her then.”

“Good. See you around six.” Simone beamed kindly and walked out of the hospital along with Chad.