Disclaimer: I do not own the characters of Stephanie McMahon and Dawn Marie. They are the property of the actresses and the WWE. I am but your humble servant Vince, don't send the dogs after me.
Facade
CHAPTER ONE
I stared at my reflection in the mirror, gearing myself up for another show. Fierce blue eyes stared back at me, my upper lip twisted into a snarl, a look that my ex-husband lovingly referred to as my "game face".
* I am Stephanie McMahon. I am the general manager of SmackDown! and a valuable asset to my father's company, even if he fails to realize that fact. My show will eclipse Bischoff's in the ratings and I will remain the dominant female in the WWE.* my familiar mantra filled my head as I built up my confidence.
My left arm throbbed painfully, breaking my thoughts. Reaching up with my right hand, I gently rolled down the damp pressure cuff, whimpering as the blood rushed through the unused limb. Since I had the lymph nodes removed in my left armpit, I was forced to wear that bloody cuff every time I boarded an airplane. I used to wish for a job with less commuting; now I just wished for a healthier body.
Thinking about that last surgery, my eyes wandered to my left breast. Automatically, I went to trace the scar above my nipple, just visible above the white hotel towel I am wearing. *I am in remission. The cancer is gone. * I reminded myself as old fears, memories of the day I found the lump flooded my brain. I shivered, and then pushed the weakness away. There was a time and a place for self pity, and now was not that time.
Dropping my towel, I went about dressing for the show, pulling out clothes that I like to call "sexy-professional hybrid." Even with my full coverage bra, I struggled to fasten the middle buttons on my blue dress shirt, my breasts causing the fabric to strain. With a sigh, I pulled up my gray miniskirt, slipped into my heels and stood in front of the mirror again to apply some makeup.
Satisfied, I step back from the mirror, running a hand through my hair. I notice that the messy strands are nearly chin length, and I wonder how much longer it will be until it is fully grown in. Pinning what little hair I had back, I reach for the wig on the vanity and tape it into place. Numerous scuffles with Sable over the past few weeks made me truly appreciate wig tape; it held even when I was dragged by the hair during our matches.
A knock on the door startled me. Rushing to the door, I peered through the peep-hole and see my only friend on the other side. Breathing a sigh of relief, I opened the door quickly. "You scared me half to death! All my stuff is still out!" I gesture to my wig stand and tape, clearly visible on the vanity.
Walking in, Dawn Marie gave me a quick hug, then went to sit on the bed. "Sorry Steph, I came to tell you that our limo is here to take us to the show."
Worriedly, I turned back to the mirror. "Do I look alright? Can you see anything?"
A line creased her brow as she stood back up and moved before me. Her deep brown eyes examined my hairline, and a hand crept up to smooth a few stray bangs back into place. I watched her face intently, looking for any signs of disapproval. She was the only Diva I trusted, the only person in the WWE that knew about the cancer and the only one that I could ever stand before, completely vulnerable. Her brow smoothed out and a grin pulled at her lips. "You look perfect as always. All I can see is Stephanie McMahon, GM and all around badass."
I laughed at her remarks, feeling my confidence rise again. "Why thank you, Ms. Wilson." Her nose wrinkled at the name, and I couldn't help but laugh some more. "Come on, we better get going. I have a ton of paperwork to do before I announce tonight's matches."
"Yes, Ms. McMahon," she grumbled good naturedly, walking towards the door. Checking the mirror one more time, I found myself to look perfect, just like she said. *It is a necessary evil,* I think to myself as I followed Dawn out of my hotel room and down the hall, *the implants, the wigs, they maintain my image of power.*
Little did anyone know that the image was the only thing keeping me from crumbling inside.
END CHAPTER ONE