Web We Weave - Chapter Two.
by Love4u
 
 

Chapter Two.

After telling Fox every thing that had truthfully taken place between he and his sister, Theresa and he decided to leave work and go to lunch. They had decided to dine at the country club, although Theresa had to admit she rarely went there. Most of the people who socialized there were bigoted and more snobbish than Rebecca, so she made it a point not to make herself a regular there, but at least let her face be shown every once in a while to show that she was not intimidated.

Sighing heavily, she fell back against her seat, and looked up at Fox. “So, do you think I stand a chance?” She asked. “I mean, against your sister, because I have to admit I am worried.”

Fox nodded his head as he brought his glass of water to his soft lips and drank from it then placed the glass back on the table. “I really am not sure Theresa,” He stated. “I mean I have to admit Savannah inherited more than the good looks of any Crane,” He smiled cockily at her, which gained him a small smile from her. “But she also picked up on the Crane way to manipulate and twist things around into fitting her needs.”

Theresa smirked. “It seems to be the Crane way of living.” She stated. “Fox, what am I going to do?” She asked. “I mean, your sister already has the upper hand, and she is with Ethan right now, for all I know she could be blowing me out of the water as we speak.”

Fox shook his head. “No, Theresa I doubt that.” He stated. “You see Savannah operates in a different way than others. Like a true Crane she likes to make her prey squirm before she devours it, but on the other hand she likes to make them wait a long time. Let them feel comfortable if you get my drift.”

Theresa nodded her head. “You sound like you’ve seen her in action before.” She stated.

Fox smirked. “Yea, are you kidding, more than once.” He stated. “Savannah is a ruthless business woman, a real cut throat. She handles most of the Crane business off shore which requires her to travel a lot and do business with many people.”

“Well I most certainly picked up on the cut throat part.” Theresa stated. “What I don’t get is why she picked my throat to cut.”

Fox shrugged. “Who knows, it could be a number of reasons.” He stated.

Theresa smirked bitterly. “You know it’s as if all the Crane women have made up their mind that I am some kind of terror and they are out to get me.” She stated. “I haven’t done a thing to your sister.”

“Mother.” Fox answered knowingly after taking another sip of water. “You toyed with her mother.”

Theresa frowned some. “Wait, you mean throwing Ivy out in the storm?” She asked. Fox nodded his head. “Well why would that bother you, you said that none of you were close to your mother.”

Fox shook his head smiling coyly. “No, no I said that I was not close to mother.” He stated. “You see Theresa, although she would never admit it, Ivy has a soft spot in her heart when it comes to Savannah. I think it’s because of the accident, and......”

“Wait, accident?” Theresa questioned. “What accident?”

Fox tensed some as Theresa brought up what was obviously an uncomfortable subject. “Look, don’t make this public knowledge,” He said scooting closer to her from across the table. “But when Savannah was 12 she was attacked and nearly raped.”

Theresa gasped some in shock and brought a hand to her heart. “Oh my God,” She stated. “That’s horrible.”

Fox nodded his head. “It really shook up the family, especially mother.” He stated. “And I guess that they had some sort of mother to first born daughter bond because Savannah had always been the only one of the Crane children mother tolerated. My other sister Victoria and I were two different subjects. We were wild and unruly. Don’t get me wrong, we were children, but I think because of Savannah’s accident she had to grow up faster than us and it made for some kind of bond between her and mother.” He sat back some. “After that they had a common bond. Mother would invite her to Christmas and dinners like that, but after her accident Savannah kind of tried her best to not be with the emotion and all. She wanted to be tough, and never vulnerable so no one could hurt her again. For a while, she cut herself off, and mother tired desperately to reach out to her. In fact those few years I believe were the only time mother did not swoon over Ethan and didn’t mind him being sent away for school’s and things like that, but eventually things got back to normal, Savannah opened up a little bit more. More to Bruce any way, her husband, and at Twenty One she got married and a few years ago they had their first child who Savannah adores.” He smiled some. “I think bad parenting was the only thing she didn’t pick up from the Cranes.”

Theresa lowered her hand into her lap. “That is sad.” She stated. “I could never imagine some thing like that happening to me or my sister, I would just die.”

“But remember you can never tell any one.” Fox stated. “Don’t even let on to Savannah you know because we were all sworn never to speak about it again after Savannah recovered, and if she found out I let an outsider in, especially one she considered her enemy, she would never forgive me.”

Theresa nodded her head. “I swear, I’ll never breathe a word of it. It’ll be like you never told me.”

Fox nodded his head. “Good.” He stated. “Now, on a much more different note.” He sighed some. “Theresa maybe this is a sign.” He stated. “A sign for you to finally let go of Ethan and move on with....”

“No,” Theresa shook her head. “Never, I will never give up on Ethan because I know in my heart of hearts we belong together.”

“Well are you sure?” Fox asked. “Because from an outsiders opinion, and this is just my opinion. I would say you lost.” He watched as her face fell even more. “Theresa I’m sorry, but he is married now. Think about it, you know Ethan. He’s so moral and ethnically right, he would never leave his now pregnant wife no matter what any one offered him.”

“But he loves me Fox.” Theresa stated. “We were meant to be together. This isn’t the way things aren’t supposed to be.”

“Theresa......”

“No.” Theresa quickly cut him off. “No, Fox I will never give up on Ethan. I promise you that he will be mine again some day soon. He will leave Gwen and realize that I am the women he belongs with.”

Fox watched her sadly. “And what if that never happens?” He asked.

“Then I’ll just be single for the rest of my life.” Theresa said stubbornly. She could not help but notice his face fall at the statement. She knew he had feelings for her, and she hated that she could not return them, but she belonged with Ethan, that was her heart’s desire, and she was his. She just had to find a way to make him see that.

“We’d better get back to work.” Theresa spoke up. “Excuse me while I run to the ladies room and freshen up.” She said standing, and then walking off.

Fox watched her go, his face holding not so much a look of sadness but, determines. “You can live without Ethan Theresa.” He stated. “You just won’t. But I am as stubborn as you, and I swear that one day I will make you mine. No matter what the cost.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 

Gwen closed the file on her desk and yawned with exhaustion. “My God, these days seem to be getting longer and longer.” She said to herself. She stood and walked to the water pitcher in her office and poured her a cup. Almost, within five seconds she downed it and poured her one more, but did not drink from it until returning to her desk where she took a small sip. Her blue eyes scanned the desk looking for her next case until she came across it. With a heavy sigh she lifted it from under the other four cases she had been working on and laid it on top of them. “There, now it will be waiting for me first thing tomorrow.”

Their was a knock at the door and she looked up. “Come in.” She called.

The door opened an inside walked Sheridan Crane, wearing any thing but a pleasant look. “Hi Gwen,” She said softly.

Gwen frowned some. “I take it that look means that Antonio is still comatose.” She stated.

Sheridan nodded her head as she sat in the chair across from Gwen’s. “Yes.” She answered sadly. “I just don’t understand what is wrong, I mean Eve said that he would come around sooner than this.”

“Yes, Sheridan but she also said Antonio would be just as a child would be.” Gwen stated. “I mean, I don’t mean to get you down, but unless there is a miracle I would not expect much of a change from when he does come around.”

Sheridan nodded her head in understanding, but her mood remained the same. “I just still feel so responsible.” She stated. “And I know every one else feels that way.”

Gwen shook her head as she reached across the table and took Sheridan’s hand. “Sheridan that isn’t true.” She stated. “No one holds you responsible.”

“Well your saying that because you didn’t hear the things Pilar and Beth said to me the other night.” Sheridan stated sadly. “Both of them really let me have it.”

Gwen raised a suspicious eye brow at Sheridan. “Beth?” She questioned. “What did she have to say about this?”

Sheridan smirked some. “What didn’t she have to say.” She stated. “Besides making sure that I felt lower than low, and calling me a selfish bitch. But I deserved it.”

Gwen looked at Sheridan in shock. “Beth called you a bitch?” She asked appalled.

Sheridan shook her head. “Don’t look so surprised.” She stated. “Like I said I deserved it.” She let her head drop some. “That's exactly the way I acted it.”

Gwen said nothing for a moment, as she processed the news that Sheridan had just given her. After running some thing through her head, she finally spoke up. “Okay I’ll tell you what.” She stated. “I am going top cancel my appointments for the day, and you and I are going to go out and have lunch.” She stated.

Sheridan looked up at Gwen, a small smile playing on her lips. “Thanks Gwen.” She stated. “Your always there when I need you.”

Gwen smiled back at her supportively. “What are friends for.” She said as she sat back in her chair. “Listen, just give me a minute to clear all this up, and I’ll meet you out side.”

Sheridan nodded her head, stood and exited Gwen’s office. After waiting a few moments, to make sure Sheridan would not come back in, Gwen picked up her phone and dialed her front office. “Yes, Peggy this is Gwen Winthrop.” She stated. “I need you to cancel my five o’clock some thing important has come up and I’ll be out for the rest of the day. Thank you.” She said hanging up. She sighed some. “First I’ll have lunch with Sheridan, and then me and little Beth Wallace are going to have a.....chat.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 

Ivy smiled down at the picture that Savannah had shown her of her husband and their daughter Danielle. After looking over the picture she looked up at her daughter. “She is getting so big,” Ivy stated. “It seems like only last year she was two years old.”

Savannah smiled. “Because she was two years old last year.” She stated. “She’ll be three in a week.”

“Oh well you must bring her down here,” Ivy stated. “I have missed the little one so much.”

Savannah only half smiled at the thought. “I’ll see what we can work out.” She stated.

Ethan, who had driven Savannah to the Bennett’s emerged from the kitchen with two glasses of water. “Here you are mother.” He said offering a glass to Ivy. “Savannah are you sure you don’t want any thing?” He asked.

Savannah shook her head no and smiled politely. She knew it was a terrible thing to say, and she didn’t want t o seem like a snob but she could not believe the size of the local homes in Harmony. They were so......small. She remembered when she was little she used to think they were just small mansions because as a child, and coming from such a well up bringing she did not know that people lived so confined, however the people who lived here sure seemed comfortable in it. She had already met Jessica Bennett and her cousin Charity, but she had to admit she was anxious to see two people. Kay Bennett, the girl who was said to have caused Charity’s wedding to come to a stop, and of course the love of her mothers life, Sam Bennett, just to get a peak.

“So, mother when was the last time any one heard from Victoria?” Savannah asked coming from her thoughts.

Ivy frowned a little. “Oh my word it’s been so long.” She stated. “Longer than you in fact. I think she sent a card in 97 of her and a friend.”

“97?” Savannah questioned. “That is almost ten years.” She stated.

Ivy nodded her head. “She has made herself strained.” She stated. “But at least she’s staying out of trouble unlike Nicholas.”

“Amen to that.” Ethan agreed.

“Oh come on, your being too hard on him.” Savannah stated.

Ethan smirked bitterly. “Yea, well I think his problem was that no one was hard on him to begin with. I mean you no disrespect mother, but Fox has run while all his life, and always had money to bail him out of his problems. He never learned the hard way because you are Julian were always managing to send him to other schools, or some how silence people. It was ridiculous.”

“Well Fox is just active..” Savannah said standing up for her brother. “Besides, he’s a Crane male. A mini Julian and Alistair in training. I mean, Look at father, he barely stays out of trouble himself. He managed to land himself three wives.”

Ivy rolled her eyes at the current fiasco surrounding Julian. “Speaking of which Ethan how are things going on my appeal?” She asked.

“Well mother I am trying, but as of this moment the decision still stands.” Ethan stated. “Theresa is still the legal Mrs. Crane.”

A look of disgust had befallen Ivy’s face at the very thought. “I still can not believe to this day that, that little bitch tramped her way into the mansion and took my rightful place then booted me out. Ugh! That little whore! I can not wait to see that she gets exactly what she deserves.”

“Mother, that’s enough.” Ethan stated. “Okay, Theresa is not a whore. She’s a victim of Julian’s lechery.”

Ivy looked up at Ethan as if he had gone mad. “Victim?” She questioned. “Oh yes some victim she is, constantly taunting me, kicking me out of my own home.” She looked to Savannah. “And please don’t get me started on how many times the girl has nearly killed me.”

Ethan rolled his eyes. “Mother you are just being melodramatic.” He stated. “Theresa would never harm you.”

“Oh she wouldn’t?” Ivy asked bitterly. “Well what would you call threatening me with a poker, or nearly causing my wheel to chair set on fire with me in it? Or trapping me in my room then forcing me to climb down stairs in an effort to tell you the truth which also resulted in me having a stroke.”

“Okay so she’s not perfect.” Ethan stated. “But she’s not the monster your making her out to be I wish you could see that.” He stated.

Ivy shook her head. “Never.” She stated. “I will never see Theresa for more than what she is. Which is a lying, evil, demented little bitch!”

Savannah smirked some and patted her mothers hand. “Okay mother you need to stay calm.” She stated. “Besides,” She said winking. “Good things come to those who wait.”

Ivy raised her eye brow curiously at Savannah as she caught on to the wink, but she also stayed quiet so as not to arose Ethan’s suspicion. “Mother Savannah is right.” Ethan spoke up. “Just be patient. Remember I promised you that I would get you back what you lost, but I never said it would be the quickest or easiest task in the world.”

Before any one else could say any thing, the front door opened and inside walked the man of the house Sam Bennett. “Oh Sam, hi.” Ivy said her mood suddenly cheerful.

Sam smiled some. “Hi Ivy.” He stated. “Are you finding every thing alright?” He asked.

Ivy nodded her head. “Yes, Jessica was very helpful today.” She stated. “And I believe that Kay is on her way from Tabitha’s as we speak, Eve is in the kitchen she said she wanted to talk to her about...the baby.”

Sam nodded his head some tensely, for a second the only thought running through his head was ripping apart Miguel, and then for the first time, he noticed a pretty little blonde girl sitting on the couch besides Ethan. “Oh, I’m sorry, I didn’t realize you had company.”

Ivy frowned for a second, but the quickly remembered her daughter, and a smile fell on her face. “Oh Sam, how rude of me.” She stated. “This is my eldest daughter Savannah Lillian Crane.” She looked to Savannah. “Savannah, this is Ethan’s father, Sam Bennett.”

Savannah stood with a polite smile on her face, walked up to Sam and shook his hand. “Hi, it’s nice to meet you.” She stated.

Sam nodded his head. “Well like wise of course.” He stated. “Um, you came to visit your mother?” He asked.

Savannah nodded her head. “Yes, I heard things had been hard on her of late and I wanted to come see her.” She stated. “Seeing as I have missed so many other events in Harmony because of family, and work.”

“Oh, you're married?” Sam asked.

Savannah nodded her head. “Yes, my husband's name is Bruce, and our daughters name is Danielle.” She stated. “They stayed in New York while I came to visit.”

Sam smiled some. “New York ,huh?” He asked. “That’s a very busy city. What do you do there?” He asked.

“Well I don’t really live there, but we do have kind of like a get away house there.” Savannah stated. “I actually was handling some business there, but I got time off.”

Sam looked to Ivy impressed. “My Ivy, a business woman.” He said smiling. “Looks like you raised a good one here.”

Ivy smiled sadly. “As much as I wish I could take credit for her up bringing, I can’t.” She stated. “Besides Ethan most of my other children were taken care of by nannies and the staff. That is....one of the many things I regret in my marriage to Julian. Being an unfit mother.”

Savannah smiled as she went back to her mothers side. “Mother, you did your best.” She stated. “I know it was not an easy situation for you.”

Sam smiled at the two of them. “Ivy it sounds like you have a really caring daughter.” He stated. “Who is very lucky to have such a special mother.” Both women smiled as did Ethan. “So Savannah what is it you do that brought you to New York? Or you originally from Harmony?”

Savannah nodded her head. “Yes, I was born in Harmony, but I moved and started my life with my husband in California, that is where I really live, and I am one of the off shore executives for Crane Industries. I do a lot of travel, and handle business in the far away states, and some times even in other countries.”

Sam smirked. “Well I guess Julian and Alistair must be proud of that.” He stated.

Savannah shrugged. “Well they aren’t complaining.” She stated with a small laugh. She then sighed some. “But speaking f father I had better go and see him as well. I am a little tired from the plan ride.”

Ivy smiled sadly. “Well I hate to se you go so soon.” She stated.

Savannah stood and gathered her things. “Sorry mother,” She stated. “But maybe you could stop by the mansion later on, I plan to be there all day.”

Ivy smirked bitterly. “Please as if Theresa would let me in.” She stated. “She’d most likely have me shot on sight.”

Savannah smiled. “Aw, but you forget,” She stated. “I am a blood Crane, which means I out rank Theresa. I can have any guest, any time that I choose. If you get my drift”

Ivy’s smile grew even more. “Oh yes I do.” She stated. “Thank you Savannah.”

“Hey, you know what they say,” Savannah. “Birds of a feather and all.”

Ethan stood and picked up his jacket. “Savannah I’ll drop you off then I need to head back to work for an hour or so.” He stated.

Savannah nodded her head. “Thanks Ethan.” She stated. She turned to Sam and shook his head. “Chief Bennett, it was a pleasure.” She stated.

He smiled. “Please, call me Sam.” He stated.

Savannah smiled and nodded her head. ‘Okay Sam,’ She thought. ‘this time I let you ask the questions, but the next time we meet, I am going to grill you.’

The front door suddenly opened and Kay walked into the living room. “Kay, honey.” Sam said rushing to his daughter and embracing her. “Oh sweet heart I’ve missed you so much.”

Kay smirked some. “God Dad, I was just a few houses away.” She stated. “It’s not like I moved to Italy or some thing.”
 

“Still,” Sam said as they separated. “It just isn’t the same with out my baby girl around.”

Kay smiled some. “I missed you too.” She said sincerely. No matter the war between her mother and the rest of the family, she knew that her father would always be there for her when she needed him, and for that she was truly thank full. Her eyes then suddenly fell on the girl she had never seen before. She cocked an eye brow. “I’m sorry, do I know you.” She stated.

“You don’t.” Savannah stated. “But I am Savannah Crane, eldest of Julian and Ivy. I just got in to town and stopped by t o see my mother.”

Kay nodded her head some as she studied Savannah. “You just look a lot like your mother.” She stated. “I guess that’s why I thought I knew you.”

Savannah smiled. “I get that a lot.” She stated. “You must be Kay.” She stated.

Kay nodded her head. “Yea I must be,” She said smiling some. “So, you from out of town?”

Savannah nodded her head. “California.” She answered. “But, we’ve already been down that road, and I have to run. Sorry to cut this meeting short.”

Kay shook her head. “No problem.” She stated. She then frowned again. “I’m sorry, forgive me for starring but you....you just really look familiar.” She stated. “Like I have seen you before.”

Savannah shrugged. “I couldn’t guess where.” She stated. “But it was nice meeting you.”

Kay nodded her head and forced herself to stop starring at Savannah. ‘Why do I get the feeling that I know that girl?’ She thought to herself as she watched Savannah, followed by Ethan leave the house. For the moment she forced the thought back, but made a mental note to check up on it later.

“So Kay,” Ivy called her from her thoughts. “How are you feeling?” She asked trying to sound as sweet possible.

Kay looked down at Ivy, her face holding a some what devious smirk. “Just fine.” She stated. “Listen Ivy I want to apologize for the other night when I accused you of working with David. I was as you can imagine totally out of it and not to aware of what I was saying.”

Ivy tried her best to hide the surprise on her face. “Oh....um....it was nothing.” She lied. “You were going through a lot.” She stated.

Kay nodded her head. “But still, it was no excuse for my behavior.” She stated. “Can you ever forgive me?” She asked.

Ivy looked at her, her eyes narrowing just a slight bit but she played along. “Of course.” She answered. “No harm done right?”

Kay nodded her head. “Right.” She answered. She then looked at her father. “Dad, would you please go tell Dr. Russell I am here?” She asked.

Sam nodded his head. “Of course, sweetheart.” He said a little confused at the turn of events but still obliging his daughter.

The second Sam was out of eye and ear shot Ivy looked up at Kay. “Alright you little devil, what are you up to?” She asked.

Kay smiled. “Now Ivy, why would I be up to something?” She asked. “After all I am just an innocent young girl.”

“Oh please, innocent?” Ivy stated. “You make Hitler look like Mother Goose. Now what kind of game are you playing.”

Kay shrugged. “Oh alright, you got me.” She said sitting besides Ivy smiling. “Alright Ivy while I was gone I had some thinking to do, and I came to the conclusion I won’t expose you and David.”

Ivy smirked. “What kind of fool do you play me for Kay?” She asked.

Kay shook her head. “No, I mean it.” She stated. “Why expose you, when I can use you?” She asked. “Use you to get every thing I want.”

Ivy raised a perfectly arched eye brow. “And what is it that you want dear?” She asked sarcastically.

“Three things. “Kay stated. “One, revenge on my mom, which I know you won’t have a problem with. Two, finally disposing of Charity, and no I don’t mean killing her.”

Ivy pretended to not catch on, but inside was silently relieved. “And number three?” Ivy asked.

Kay’s expression softened. “Number three is you helping me get the love of my life, Miguel.” She informed.

Ivy sighed heavily. “And just how do you expect that I make those things happen?” She asked.

Kay smiled. “Your a Crane or you not?” She asked. “You used your resources to get David.”

Ivy nodded her head. “True but that was when I was in the mansion, and not flat broke.” She stated. “I am now out of the mansion and with out a scent to my name.”

Kay smiled deviously. “Believe me I have a plan to change that.” She stated. “Just trust me Ivy, like I said I had thinking time, and I have thought about every aspect. My plan will work, if you or willing to cooperate. But if not...I just may have to see that Ethan, nor Dad ever speak to you again. And you know I can.” She stuck her hand out. “So, is it a deal?” She asked.

Ivy, still with her eye brow arched studied the young girl for a moment. She then shook her head. “I swear,” She said suddenly. “Your like a mini Theresa.” She hesitated for a moment, then sighed heavily. “Deal.” She said shaking the girls hand, however neither of them knew, that they had just made a deal, that would eventually never leave their lives the same after that day.