Chapters 4 to 6: If These Walls Could Talk
Chapter 4:
Theresa rolled off of Ethan and propped herself on her elbow to look at him. He was still lying back, and out of breath. He opened his eyes and turned his head and saw his girlfriend smiling at him.
"Theresa, WHERE did you learn how to do that?" he asked still breathing heavily. Theresa flashed him a devilish grin.
"I told you my subscription to Cosmo would come in handy someday. You didn't believe me though." Ethan rolled onto his side and propped himself up on his elbow as well.
"I'm so sorry I ever doubted you because THAT was unbelievable." Ethan smiled widely at her and brushed a strand of hair away from her eyes.
"I thought we would enjoy that," she said as she leaned down to kiss his lips. "I love you Ethan."
"I love you so much, Theresa," he said as he gently ran his hand up and down her arm. Theresa sighed happily.
"Let's go get something to eat and take a walk. Then we can come back here and try out something new," she said wiggling her eyebrows. She saw Ethan's eyes light up and a huge grin on his face.
"God I love how your mind works, Theresa. Have I ever told you that?" She laughed lightly at him.
"C'mon, I'm hungry," she said as she sat up and found her clothes on the floor beside her.
"Okay, baby." Ethan followed suit and found his clothes as well. However, he was having a hard time since he was watching Theresa get dressed and thinking about what just happened between them. He shook it off as Theresa was waiting on him and he was anxious to return to his apartment and pick up where they left off.
Sheridan and Luis were heading towards the beach in his Jeep. It was a perfect evening in Harmony and Sheridan was trying to take it all in, reveling in feeling the breeze on her face and in her hair. She loved summer. Each season held special memories for her, but summer was by far and away her favorite. Her love for summer was about to increase tenfold because it was the season in which she would become Mrs. Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald. 'Mrs. Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald. Sheridan Lopez-Fitzgerald.' She couldn't get over how it sounded. She thought about how she used to mindlessly scribble that name on paper thinking how wonderful it would be to marry Luis. She smiled and sighed happily because in just a few short days, her dream would become a reality.
Luis glanced over at her and noticed how peaceful and happy she looked. He felt a smile playing on his own mouth as he thought about the wedding. Their wedding. At long last they would finally be husband and wife. Luis parked the car and turned off the engine. He turned to Sheridan who still had the happy, far away look on her face.
"We're here." Sheridan finally snapped out of it and turned her head. Luis grinned. "What were you thinking about that put that smile on your face?"
"Things." She smiled slyly as she stepped out of the Jeep and grabbed the blanket. Luis followed suit and exited the vehicle.
"And what might those things be, Sherry?" Luis asked curiously. Sheridan just playfully shrugged it off and proceeded to find a place to sit. When she found the place she liked, she spread the blanket out on the sand and seated herself. Luis sat down next to her and watched her as she stared out at the water, mesmerized by its beauty. Luis reached in the bag and handed her a sandwich.
"Thank you. I love the ocean Luis. Isn't it magnificent? I never get tired of seeing it. No matter how many times I have been to the beach, I'm still fascinated by its beauty."
"You've just described how it is every time I see you," Luis said sincerely. Sheridan smiled a bashful smile and looked at him. He always had something to say that would make her blush. He never ceased to amaze her.
They continued to talk and laugh as they ate their dinner and shared long looks. Even when words weren't spoken, their eyes communicated all that was necessary. When they finished eating their sandwiches, Luis told Sheridan to close her eyes.
"I have a surprise for you."
"You do? What is it?"
"Patience my dear." When her eyes were closed, he reached in the bag and pulled out some fresh strawberries, her favorite. "Okay, you can open them."
Sheridan opened her eyes and they sparkled with delight when she saw the strawberries. "Mmm, STRAWBERRIES! You think of everything don't you?"
Luis smiled at her excitement. "I try." He picked up one of the berries and held it out for her. She leaned in to take a bite and Luis teasingly pulled it back a little so she'd have to lean in closer. A coy smile played on her lips as she looked at Luis. Sheridan slowly leaned in closer to Luis and gently took a bite of the strawberry never removing her eyes from his. His lips turned up into a half smile watching her savor the bite. Luis ate the remainder of the berry as he looked at her. Sheridan motioned him closer with her finger. He leaned in closer to her and she kissed him sweetly on the lips.
She pulled back slightly. "I love you," she whispered as she brushed her hand lightly over his cheek.
"I love you too," he said in a husky whisper.
Sheridan kissed him again and then Luis pulled her onto his lap and wrapped his arms around her so they could watch the sunset. She leaned back against him and sat in awe of the gorgeous scene on the horizon that was before them. Her mind began to wander while watching the sunset. She thought about a lot of special times that she shared with Luis, but one day in particular was sticking out in her mind. She smiled as she remembered their trip to Boston.
**Flashback**
Sheridan had surprised Luis with tickets to a Red Sox game and they decided to make a weekend out of it. They were both really happy to be getting away from Harmony to spend some time together. They had been extremely busy at work recently, and the time away from everything was exactly what they needed.
Luis and Sheridan had found their seats at the ball park and were happily watching the game. "You know what Luis? I never liked baseball until I met you. Now I think I'm just as big of a fan as you are," she said happily.
Luis looked over at her and gave her a cute smile. "I'm glad you came around," he said teasing. Sheridan just stuck her tongue out at him playfully and he laughed.
Around the sixth inning, Sheridan's stomach was growling loudly. "Luis, will you go get me a hot dog? Pretty please? I'm starving."
"Sure baby. Do you want anything else?"
"Surprise me," she said with a grin and then turned her head back to watch the game.
"Okay. I'll be right back."
While he was gone, an older lady sitting next to Sheridan decided to strike up some conversation.
"Is that your boyfriend?" Sheridan turned her head and smiled widely.
"Yes, yes he is." The woman nodded her head knowingly.
"He sure is nice to look at isn't he deary?"
Sheridan nodded her head excitedly. "Mmm hmm! He most certainly is." They continued to talk and Sheridan didn't notice when Luis returned.
"Ahem," Luis cleared his throat loudly. Sheridan turned her head and smiled at her boyfriend. "Here's your hotdog."
"Thanks. Luis, this is Mary. We were just chatting while you were away." Luis stuck out his hand to shake Mary's.
"Very nice to meet you Mary," Luis said as he sat down in his seat.
Sheridan finished her hotdog and turned to Luis who was munching on Cracker Jacks. "So, what else did you bring me?"
"Oh, I got these. Do you like Cracker Jacks?" he asked knowing full well she loved them.
"Luis, you know I love those," she whined. Luis chuckled at her.
"I know, I was just teasing. Hold out your hands and I'll pour you some."
Sheridan did as she was told and Luis poured some in her hands. She noticed something fall out of the box and figured it was the prize. "Hey, I got the prize!" She found it and fished it out of the treat. When she saw what it was, her eyes shot open wide and her mouth fell slightly open. She was holding the most beautiful diamond ring she'd ever seen. Luis smiled upon seeing her reaction.
"Luis," she said turning towards him. She could hardly speak. Luis pointed towards the scoreboard and Sheridan looked in that direction. When she did, she saw 'Sheridan, will you marry me?' She felt her eyes begin to water and she was speechless. She turned back to Luis who was now on bended knee looking up at her with his gorgeous brown eyes and smiling nervously.
"How 'bout it Sherry? Will you be my wife?" Sheridan smiled widely as a few happy tears escaped her eyes.
"What do you think?" she said as she wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him. Luis stood up and wrapped his arms around her and hugged her tight.
Luis broke the kiss and looked at her. "Is that a yes?" he asked playfully.
"Yes Luis! I want nothing more than to be your wife," she said before she kissed him again.
Luis pulled back so he could put the ring on her finger. He eased the diamond onto her finger and she held it up in admiration. "Luis, it's beautiful. I love it. And I love you more than anything in this world."
Luis felt his heart melt. "I love you so much, Sheridan." He wrapped her in another hug and kissed her.
Everyone around them began clapping and cheering.
**End Flashback**
Sheridan laughed lightly at the memory and had a happy look on her face. "What were you just thinking about?" Luis asked curiously.
"I was thinking about the day you asked me to marry you." She felt him wrap his arms tighter around her and drawing her closer to his body. "That was the happiest day of my life so far."
Luis kissed the top of her head. "Mine too…best decision I ever made."
Sheridan found his hand and locked her fingers with his. Her eyelids were getting heavy and soon she gave into sleep. Luis just held her for the longest time just watching her. He couldn't wait until Saturday.
To Be Continued...
Chapter 5:
Sheridan was awakened by the sound of
music blaring from her alarm clock Monday morning. She fumbled around
to find the snooze button and hit it several times. She rolled over
and saw Luis still sleeping. She didn't really remember coming home
from the beach last night. She woke up briefly as Luis was putting her
pajamas on her. 'He's the greatest.' Sheridan scooted her body close
to Luis and wrapped her arm around him. He instinctively rolled over
in his sleep and draped an arm around her as well. She knew she needed
to get up and get ready for work, but she didn't want to. She hated
Mondays, but she tried to tell herself that she only had to work for
three more days until her vacation. She also didn't want to get up
because she knew she wouldn't see much of Luis this week as he was
working nights at the station for the next three days. She sighed
heavily and reluctantly pulled herself away from Luis carefully so she
wouldn't wake him.
After she showered and got dressed for work, she sat down on the bed
next to Luis. He was still sleeping, and she didn't want to wake him.
She leaned down and kissed him gently on the lips. She felt him kiss
back and she saw his eyes flutter when she sat up. "Hey," shewhispered.
"Hey," he whispered groggily through closed eyes.
"I didn't mean to wake you."
"That's okay. Are you leaving for work?"
"Yeah. I just wanted to kiss you before I left."
"Mmm. I'm glad. Have a good day," he said with a yawn. "I'll call
you before I go in."
"Okay. Wake me up when you get back. I love you." She kissed him
quickly again and stood up to leave.
"Love you." Luis tugged the blankets up and rolled over gripping the
pillow. Sheridan smiled at him and left for work.
Theresa woke up and felt an arm wrapped securely around her. She
rolled over and saw Ethan sleeping. She blinked her eyes to adjust to
the light. She realized that it was morning and looked at the clock.
It was 8:30. She sat straight up in bed and shook Ethan.
"Ethan! Ethan wake up." She was looking for her clothes on the floor
and furiously trying to put them on.
Ethan woke up to Theresa yelling. "Theresa, what's wrong? Why are you
yelling?" he asked sitting up rubbing his eyes.
"It's 8:30 in the morning! That's what's wrong. We fell asleep last
night. Mama is going to freak if she finds out that I stayed the night
here. Now get up!" Theresa found her sandals and slipped them on.
She was looking for clothes for Ethan to wear and threw them at him.
Ethan hated the fact that Theresa couldn't just stay the night. It was
much easier during the school year because she lived on campus and they
didn't have to sneak around so much. He finished getting dressed and
found his keys and followed Theresa who was already out the door.
While they were driving to Theresa's house, he decided to bring up the
topic of telling Pilar the truth. "Theresa, why can't we just talk
your mother into letting you stay at my apartment? She has to know…"
he was cut off by his girlfriend.
"Ethan we've had this conversation already!" she snapped. "You know
how she feels about us staying together. She's overprotective. I'm
just glad that Luis doesn't stay there a majority of the time, or else
we'd really be screwed."
"I just hate lying to her. Doesn't she know what goes on between us?"
"No. She definitely would have said something to me if she knew."
"Theresa, don't you think you're mature enough to tell her the truth?"
"Excuse me?" she asked angrily.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean that the way it came out."
"Yes you did." She turned away from him and looked out the window.
He knew he shouldn't have said anything, and he didn't mean it the way
it came out. He also knew there was no point in arguing with her right
now…she had definitely inherited the Lopez-Fitzgerald temper. They
rode in silence the rest of the way to her house. When the car stopped
she jumped out.
"Bye," she said curtly and slammed the door. Ethan watched her run to
the house. He put his head down on the steering wheel and sighed in
frustration. He sped away from Theresa's house to get ready forwork.
Theresa quietly entered the house in hopes that if her mother was still
at home, she could sneak back to her room without being seen. She
didn't see anyone in the living room, so she thought she was safe. She
was tip toeing her way to her room and was almost home free.
"Theresa Lopez-Fitzgerald, WHERE have you been?" an angry Pilarasked.
Theresa shut her eyes. "Damn," she muttered under her breath and
slowly turned around to face the music.
To Be Continued...
Chapter 6:
" Hi Mama," Theresa said nervously. She
saw that her mother was furious.
"Theresa, I have been worried sick about you. Where have youbeen?"
Theresa took a deep breath. "Ethan's," she said quietly looking down
at her feet. Pilar shut her eyes and sighed loudly.
"Theresita, what have I told about staying at Ethan's?"
"I know Mama. I'm sorry, we fell asleep." Theresa eyed her mother
nervously trying to gauge her reaction.
"I don't believe you."
"Mama! Why can't I just stay over there? We have been together for
almost a year and half already," Theresa pleaded.
"You know why. I said no. You are too young to be sleeping at your
boyfriend's house."
"Get serious mama! I've been having sex with Ethan for over a year."
Theresa's eyes opened wide upon hearing her revelation to her mother.
After observing the look of complete shock on her mother's face, she
felt terrible. "Mama…"
"Save it Theresa. I'm already late for work. We will continue this
discussion later." With that said, Pilar walked out the door.
Theresa put her head in her hands and walked back to her room. She
knew she'd be late for work if she didn't get ready soon, so she headed
for the shower. 'What have I done?'
Sheridan was sitting at her desk in her big office. After making the
decision to cut herself from all things Crane, she took the trust fund
her mother set up for her and opened her own PR firm. Things started
out slowly, but she had become rather successful considering she built
this firm from the ground up.
She had a lot of work to do before she left for two and half weeks, but
she was having a hard time concentrating. She couldn't focus on the
files in front of her, so she decided to catch up on her e-mails and
phone messages. She turned on her computer and let it boot up while
she began making phone calls. She turned towards her computer and was
scrolling down to see if there were any messages of great importance.
She saw one at the bottom from Officer Lopez-Fitzgerald. She smiled
and clicked on it to see what he had to say.
Sherry,
Good morning, beautiful. I had a great time at the beach with you last
night. I hope you have a great day. I love you!
Ponch
P.S. 6 days and counting! :-)
'You're so sweet Luis.' She clicked the reply button and decided to
return the favor.
Ponch,
Hey officer. Thank you for my message. You're so thoughtful and
sweet…I think that's why I love you so much. I had a wonderful time at
the beach last night as well. Sorry I fell asleep so early, and thanks
for putting me to bed by the way. I'm swamped at work, yet I can think
of nothing except you and SATURDAY!! Well, I really should pretend to
be working, so I'll talk to you later. Have a great day at the Brass!
Don't forget to wake me up when you get home. Love you.
Sheridan
Sheridan clicked send and looked at her watch. It was 10:30 already
and she hadn't done a thing except answer e-mails and phone calls. It
was going to be a long day.
Theresa was looking over some new designs that her boss handed her
earlier in the day. She was interning this summer for a prominent
designer, and it was an outstanding opportunity for her. Normally she
loved work and couldn't wait to get up in the morning, but all she
wanted to do today was go home and hide under her covers and shut the
world out. She kept thinking about the fights she had with her loved
ones this morning. 'First Ethan, then Mama. This day sucks.' She was
appalled by the information she blurted out rather bluntly to her
mother this morning. She knew she was in for it when she got home
today. 'Oh well. Maybe it's time to lay all of my cards out on the
table. Hopefully that will repair some of the damage that was caused
today.' Theresa stared at the phone and pondered calling Ethan to
apologize, but she was still mad. She knew he was right, but she was
still upset. It was different for Ethan. He's 27 and doesn't have to
answer to anyone. Sometimes he didn't understand that she was still 19
and she couldn't just do as she pleased while she lived with her
mother. It was really frustrating sometimes, and she was sick of
it…sick of the lying, sick of the fighting.
She needed to talk to someone about it or else the problem was going to
fester inside of her all day long, and that wasn't going to help the
situation. She decided to e-mail Sheridan to see if she was free to
meet her for lunch.
Sheridan was working on some files when she heard her computer beep.
She turned to it and saw she had new mail from Theresa.
Sheridan,
SOS! I had a fight with Ethan AND Mama this morning! Bad situation.
I told Mama EVERYTHING and it's going to hit the fan tonight. Can you
meet for lunch so we can talk? If not I understand. Let me know!
Love,
Theresa
"Yikes!" Sheridan said aloud to no one in particular.
Theresa,
Help is on the way. Meet me at the Book Café at noon!
Love,
Sheridan
Theresa got her reply. "Thank God!" She looked at the clock and saw
she still had 45 minutes of work before lunch. She groaned loudly and
put her head down on the desk and pounded it lightly.
To Be Continued...
