Who You Really Are - Chapter 9
by lillbugg
 
 
 
 

Kay and returned from her date with John absolutely glowing. She had enjoyed herself immensely, especially after she realized John was more nervous than she was. Kay walked into the house to find Migual and Pilar sitting in the living room. Brandon was on Miguel's lap. Pilar flashed a brilliant smile at Kay "How was your date dear?"

Kay smile back and said "It was nice. We had a good time." She looked at Miguel,hoping to see at least a twing of jealousy, but Miguel was laughing at Brandon sucking on his fingers. Kay felt a twinge of disappointment. She hadn't expected much from Miguel. He had made it very obvious he had no feelings towards her, not even friendship anymore, but she hadn't given up hope. She thought maybe if he and she and their son spent time together, lived under the same room even, that things would change, but he still looked at her with disgust, the way he did when he found out she was first pregnant. Kay sighed and turned to walk up the stairs to her room. Miguel liked to spend his time with Brandon without her. Before she walked up the stairs, she turned. "Oh yeah, before I forget, I asked John to come over and help me with Brandon and the twins, so that Luis, Sheridan, you and Miguel could all go to Theresa's dinner tomorrow." Pilar smiled even brighter. "OH Kay, thanks you! Luis and Sheridan haven't been out for so long. This little party might be just what they need." Kay smiled and walked up thee stairs.

Pilar watched her with a sad look on her face. She liked Kay, she always had. She had been Miguel's best friend growing up, but having her around lately had changed Miguel. He was now bitter, angry, and almost mean sometimes and he blamed it on Kay. He still stuck to his story that he had no idea it was her that night they had made love, and Pilar believed him, though she didn't know how it could be possible. Miguel loved his son very much, but having Kay living in  the house was turning out to be quite a trial, even though she helped out a lot. Pilar was secretly hoping that Kay would finally decide to move back with her parents. Then Miguel could get on with his life. Pilar smiled at her son and grandson playing together. She wished Theresa would spend the time with her son that Miguel spent with his. Pilar excused herself from the living room and went to go pick out a dress for the party the next day. Theresa said that she should come dressed in her best, for she had a big surprise that would change everything for the better. Pilar shuttered a little. She knew what that normally meant.
 

Chad picked up the phone on the first ring.
"Whitney?"
"No Chad, it's Theresa."
Chad's heartbeat sped.
"Yes?"
"I'm throwing a dinner party tomorrow at the Crane mansion and I would like you to come to it if you would."
"Sure Theresa! Is hHitney going to be there?"
"No, she still won't talk to me. I dont' understand why she's being so mean."
"I don't either. It's not like you did anything to her."
"Neither did you. Well, she'll come around. It's fate for you two to be together."
"Yeah, I know. I wish she'd come around faster though. The wait is killing me."
"Well, after my party, I'll help you get her back, okay."
"Thanks Theresa! You're the best."
Chad hung up the phone, smiling. He pictured Theresa in his mind. He couldn't wait for the party.
 

Gwen had stayed hidden in her quarters with Lil Ethan and Andrea most of the day. Theres had been bustling around and ordering people and things every which way and spending tons of Crane money. Gwen knew it was best just to stay out of the way of Theresa when she got like this. She was becoming intolerable around the house. She ordered Gwen around like she was one of her servants. Though Gwen never listened, she was lookign forward to moving out of the house as soon as possible. The only thingshe would really miss was Lil Ethan. She smiled as he crawled around the floor, scooting his little train set Gwen had bought him. He loved it and watching Thomas the Tank Engine everyday at 11 with Gwen and Andrea. Gwen sighed. She hated to leave him here with his mother who payed only the minimal amount of attention to him. Gwen hated to imagine what would happen to him once she and Ethan moved out. Ethan walked into the room, his arms behind his back and a bright smile on his face. "How's my girls?" He asked as he kissed a sleeping Andrea on her head. "Oh, tired" Gwen replied. "Phyliss agreed to watch both Lil Ethan and Andrea during the party tonight, though I still don't know why we're going." Ethan sighed. "We're going to save mother from Theresa. We both know Theresa wouldn't be doing this if she wasn't trying to prove something."
"Or had something up her sleeve" Gwen replied.
Ethan shrugged, which wasn't that effective, considering he still had his hands hidden behind his back. "You haven't asked me what I've been hiding." he said to her, trying hard not to smile. "Well, what are you hiding then?" Gwen asked. Ethan pulled two dozen red roses out from behind his back alongwith a velvet jewelry box. Gwen gasped. "What is this about?" Ethan placed the roses on the bed and sat next to Gwen, scooping a giggling Lil Ethan onto his lap. "I just wanted you to know hoe much I appreciate you and admire you for putting up with Theresa without tearing her hair out. I know how difficult it must be for you to live in the same house as her." Gwen stared. "WHat has gotten into you? You've never talked about her like this before."
"Well, I guess my eyes have just been opened lately, and I've realized what a precious gift I have with you as my wife. You are so special to me."
With that, he opened the jewelry box, diplaying a beautiful diamond necklace with matching earrings.
"These are for tonight, even though they don't come nearly close enough to the beautiful sparkle in your eyes."
Gwen's eyes filled with tears. She could not remember a time she had felt so wonderful and loved. "Oh Ethan! I don't know what to say!"
"Just say you love me" Ethan replied.
"Oh, I love you Ethan Winthrop!"
"And I love you Gwen" Ethan said, pulling her into a deep hug, and a kiss, which was difficult for a giggling Lil Ethan was pinned in between them.
 
 

Ivy, Fox and Julian sat at the eloborately decorated table, waiting for the rest of the guests to arrive. Ivy was doing a poor job of hiding the smirk that was on her face, and Fox was having a enqually hard time not bursting into laughter. "Good God, these decorations are tacky" said Ivy, as she surveyed the bows and ribbons that flowed like fountains from the ceiling and walls. Julian lifted his eyes to survey the damage. "You know, Ivy dear, there are times I really miss your decorative sense."
Ivy looked at himin surprise. Fox was also surprised. he had thought his father and mother hated each other, but there seemed to be something passing between them tonight suggesting the opposite. Fox couldn't wait until the big surprise came out tonight. He could not wait to get the little twit out of the Crane mansion. He knew Julian and Alistair would make sure that Lil Ethan stayed here. As much as he hated Theresa, Fox had developed quite the attachment for his little half brother. Gwen was raising him well. Of course, Gwen did everything well, he thought to himself. His eyes clouded a little as he watched Ethan and Gwen walking down the stairs, laughing and whispering to each other liek two newlyweds. Gwen looked beautiful in a tight red dress that showed off her figure, completely free of baby weight. Fox felt himself feeling jealous of Ethan, but only for a moment. Soon, he would be the sole heir of the Crane fortune and all would be right with the world.

Fox was not the only one that noticed how completely involved Gwen and Ethan were with each other. Theresa was hiding in an adjoining room. She glared at Gwen as she leaned on Ethan's arm, giggling freely at something he had whispered in her ear. Live it up Gwen, she thought to herself. For after tonight, Ethan will be mine again.