Chapter 4
Kane
Once he heard the doors shut he turned around. Leaning back against the wall of the elevator he waited, watching the numbers flash. As it approached his floor he took a deep breath and straightened to his full height.
I must show only strength. He told himself.
When the doors opened he looked left and right at the room numbers then headed right. Entering his room he tossed his duffel on the bed. Then he saw the note on his pillow.
Unfolding the paper he saw.
Room 1010 NOW!
No doubt from Vince, he's the only one who knew I'd be here today. He thought, wishing he had a little more time before he had to see Vince.
He stood steeling himself for a moment. He then headed to the appointed room. Knocking, he waited, with his fists clenched. The door flew open and he was face to face with Vince.
"Get your sorry ass in here and sit down!" Vince yelled, his face reddening.
Kane walked in and took a seat.
No matter what, you can't lose your temper. You must remain calm. He repeated to himself as Vince paced.
"What the hell is wrong with you? Mr. Hansen called me. He was understandably upset. He said you went nuts and threatened some fans. Are you INSANE? Those fans are the ones who make ratings. Without ratings you don't have a JOB! You can't wrestle so I send you out to do some PR, sign some autographs, and be seen. You can't even do that right! It's not hard; Sit at a table and SIGN YOUR NAME! If I could, I'd fire you right now. But I can't because you have a contract." Vince paused, and took a drink. Pacing in front of Kane he continued.
"If you want to act like an idiot I guess I have no choice but to treat you like one. You obviously can't be trusted out there among normal people, so you'll come back on the road where I can watch you. You will sit backstage and watch, AND YOU WILL NOT CAUSE PROBLEMS! If you do then I'll have someone baby-sitting you. Do I make myself CLEAR?" Vince yelled his displeasure obvious.
Kane nodded.
"Don't you have anything to say for yourself? Anything at all?" He asked getting in Kane's face.
Kane didn't move or say a word.
After a moment Vince yelled, "Fine, then get the hell out of here!"
Bossman will pay in blood for this mistake. Kane told himself as he left.
J.J.
J.J. sat watching the wrestlers' mill about signing autographs for a while longer then headed upstairs to her room.
They don't have much to do today except the autograph session later this afternoon. She realized looking at her agenda.
She decided she'd relax with some music till then.
I want to see them handling large groups of fans. She thought.
Kane
Kane went back toward his room. He was stepping out of the elevator when he heard them.
"Hey everyone, keep your distance. We wouldn't want Vince to think we were abusing his pet freak." Kane heard.
Turning he saw DX lounging around an open doorway to his right. They were between him and his room. Turning toward them he headed toward his room.
"Oh, no! He's coming this way, we'd better get inside." Chyna cried in mock terror. "After all if he'll attack fans, there's no telling what the psychotic freak will do."
Just ignore them and go to your room. You'll get your chance at them soon enough. He said to himself.
Kane continued on to his room, watching them warily. Reaching his room and closed the door, then closing his eyes and leaning back onto its cool surface.
Finally! Silence! He thought.
J.J.
Arriving after the session began J.J. was lounging in a relatively quiet corner. She was snapping pictures and fit right in with the hordes of fans.
Looking around she spotted Kane. He was sitting well away from everyone else, with security standing on either side.
I wonder what that is all about. She thought.
He was sitting very stiffly, and carefully making no quick movements. While she was watching she saw why.
While handing a picture back to a little boy his pen began rolling off the table. Moving quickly he snatched it. Even while he was drawing his hand back security was all over him, grabbing and trying to restrain him.
What the hell is going on? She wondered.
Kane
This is embarrassing. I can't believe Vince didn't just leave me back at the hotel. Instead he dragged me here, surrounding me with security like a criminal.
Seeing the pen rolling toward the edge of the table he grabbed it.
What the hell? He thought, as security began restraining him. The Pen, I was just getting the pen. What are they doing? What do they think I am some kind of animal?
J.J.
Holding back her laughter, she watched Kane trying to let the officers know what he'd been doing.
Moving as much as they'd let him he tried to show them the pen. Watching the scene she realized how embarrassing this must be for him.
Understanding at last and releasing him, one officer whispers into his ear. Kane was nodding to show he understood.
I wonder what he told Kane. Whatever it was he's sitting even more stiff now. He really seems pissed. She thought, amazed that he was being treated like that.
With the session coming to a close J.J. headed back to the hotel.
I wonder if I'll be able to get the gym to myself for a good workout. She thought hopefully.
Reaching the gym she saw that it was empty. Moving from one piece of equipment to another she was enjoying the high she got from the exertion. Her weight routine complete she stretched a bit.
Turning toward the treadmill, she saw him standing there. She couldn't tell if he was watching her or just looking at the equipment. His hair was hanging in waves across his face. Deciding to ignore him she continued to the treadmill. Beginning with a fast walk she worked up to a well-paced run. Looking at him in the mirror she saw that he was looking at the equipment.
Figures, she thought. He probably misses it. I know I do when I can't get to the gym regularly.
Kane
I need to get out of here. He thought. Just sitting here is driving me crazy.
Walking out of the room, he headed for the elevators. He was happy to see the hallway empty.
They're probably all out clubbing. He decided.
Without thinking about it, he found himself standing in the doorway to the gym. Looking in he could feel a smile tugging at his lips.
I wish I could get in there. It's been so long. He thought wistfully.
Shifting his gaze, his eyes traveled from one machine to another, remembering the feel of them. Seeing her for the first time, her intensity was surprising.
Man, she really knows what she's doing. Look at her go. The only woman I've seen that intense with training was Chyna, But what's with the sunglasses? He wondered intrigued.
Seeing her looking he turned away, continuing to watch from the corner of his eye.
I can't stand being this close but not be able to do it. He thought, beginning to get antsy.
Turning around, Kane walked through the lobby to the bar. Looking around quickly as he entered. Finding a dark corner he sat down and signaled the waitress.
Ordering a coffee he sat quietly. He enjoyed the music and the laughter echoing around him.
I should head up, I've got to be well rested and looking good if I'm going to convince the trainer I'm fit. He decided.
J.J.
Finishing her run and turning around she was glad to see the doorway empty. Wiping her face with a towel while heading upstairs she smiled to herself, looking forward to a hot shower and a good meal.
Turning right from the elevator a burst of laughter from the room on her right surprised her.
"Oh come on Chyna, let him up. He's sorry already."
"No way not till the little punk apologizes."
"X-Pac you better say you're sorry or she's gonna break you in half."
Smiling she opened her door.
Well it looks like that bunch is the same in and out of the ring. She thought.
Showering she hummed to herself. As she was drying off there was a knock on the door. Throwing on a robe and her sunglasses she opened it.
Settling down to eat she inhaled deeply.
Smells good, she thought. I'm starved.
Kane
Arriving early and heading toward the training room, he checked his pockets.
I hope it's not Pete; he'll make me talk for sure. He thought, clutching his voice box.
Entering the room he saw Pete checking the supplies.
"Can I help you with something Kane?" Pete asks turning around.
Kane nods.
"Well?" Pete says sitting down.
Raising the box to his throat Kane takes a deep breath and says, "Need to train."
"I don't know you've only been out of the hospital two weeks. It's probably too soon." The trainer replied.
"Feel fine." Kane said
"Well, I guess it couldn't hurt to check you over." Pete said with a smile.
Taking some x-rays and looking him over took about an hour. Finally finishing Kane sat waiting for Pete's decision.
"Well, I'll have to talk to Vince, but you might be able to start some LIGHT training. I mean it when I say light. If you push too hard you'll only end up out longer." Pete cautioned.
I don't care if it's light. I'd kill for a workout. Kane thought and smiled behind his mask.
Leaving the training room he began walking aimlessly around the arena. Only the setup crew was around so it was nice and quiet.
Later I won't be able to hear myself think. He thought, remembering how loud it could be.
Finding himself looking down at the arena floor he was surprised. He took a seat in the balcony and looking down at the crew scurrying around.
I've never actually watched the setup. I guess it's as good a way as any other to waste some time. He thought relaxing.
Settling back and putting his feet up, Kane enjoyed watching them build the ring. He began unconsciously tapping his hand to the music from below.
Vince
Knocking then opening the door, Pete entered Vince's office.
"What's up Pete? Somebody hurt?" Vince asked.
"No, Kane came to see me. He wants to start training." Pete replied.
"Is he ready?" Vince said, sounding skeptical.
"Well, he's looking better that I'd expected he would after only a couple weeks. I think if he goes easy he could start a light training routine."
"Fine, but make sure he knows the meaning of LIGHT workout." Vince said sternly.
"No problem. I'll spell it out for him." Pete replied.
J.J.
Damn, why did I have to oversleep today, on a show day no less? She thought hurriedly.
Running into the arena she stashed her camera. Then grabbing a cup of coffee she decided to play hooky a little longer while she drank it.
No one will miss me. It's not like I'm really part of the setup team or anything. She thought needing to wake up a little more.
Heading for the second tier of the bleachers she was startled to see Kane there. He looked so relaxed.
Oh, I can't resist this. She thought, putting down her coffee and slipping away to get her camera.
Quietly moving back up to the second tier, quite a ways from Kane, she was glad to see he was still there. They had turned up the music on the arena floor. Kane was tapping his hand to the beat on the armrest.
Damn, I'm glad I brought the whole bag. Without the telephoto lens he'd see me for sure. She thought.
Carefully focusing on him she began to shoot. Going in tight for a shot she saw his eyes for the first time.
He has one blue eye and one hazel? I thought that was just a contact for the show, but he wouldn't be wearing it today if it was. Guess it's another reminder of the fire.
Watching him through the lens she took several more shots, then snapping the lens cap in place quietly left the balcony.
Stashing the camera bag again, she began working with the crew.
Kane
Snapping out of his reverie and realizing he'd been there awhile, Kane rose to leave.
Turning toward the doorway, he saw a cup of coffee sitting on the floor in the aisle. Bending down to pick it up he noticed it was still warm.
I know this wasn't here earlier. It's still warm someone was here. Who? How long did they stand there behind me? He thought, concerned that he'd been so unaware.
Carrying the coffee with him, he left the balcony. Kane stopped tossing the cup as he entered the training room to look for Pete.
Taking a seat he waited for Pete to tell him Vince's answer.
"Kane you know the deal. You want something from me? ASK." Pete said.
"Vince's answer." Kane said, after a moment.
"He said to make sure you knew the meaning of a LIGHT workout." Pete replied.
Kane cocked his head.
"You have a question?" Pete said looking at Kane.
Damn it, I know he thinks he's helping me by making me talk but I wish he'd knock it off already. It isn't helping. Kane thought with aggravation.
"What Vince mean?" Kane said slowly.
"He wants me to explain exactly what you can and cannot do. For me to keep a close eye on you to be sure you don't go too far." Pete said.
Kane nodded.
Pete smiled. "Ok you win that one." He paused, and then continued. "I want you to start with a quarter of your normal weight on each apparatus. If you bench 250 then start with about 75. Come back and see me in a week, and we'll see if you are ready for more." He paused looking at Kane. "I really should be there when you work out, at least initially. But I know you wouldn't like that, so I'm going to trust you. Don't push too hard, start with quarter weight and if it hurts STOP."
Kane nodded.
"Not this time." He said. "Tell me what you are supposed to be doing. I need to be sure you were listening."
"Quarter weight, stop pain, see week." He said very slowly.
"Thank you, and Kane I mean it, don't push." Pete said, looking sternly at Kane.
Kane nodded and left. He could barely keep himself from going right to the gym.
Can't, have to be here and dressed. Besides I can't let them see me so weak. He reminded himself.
J.J.
J.J. was walking down the hall when she saw Kane leaving the training room. His mind was obviously elsewhere. Watching him she smiled. He seemed to have more bounce to his step than she'd seen in him before.
Wonder what's with him? Whatever it is seems to have lightened his mood some. J.J. thought, glad to see is body language less intense.
"J.J." she heard. Turning around she saw Shane. "My father wants to see you."
"Ok, where's his office?" J.J. replied.
"I'll take you. I'm heading that way anyway." Shane said.
Well, I guess he's noticed I haven't been ringside with a camera. She thought, following Shane down the hall.
Entering Vince's office and taking a seat she while waited for him to get off the phone.
"OK, J.J. what's happing? I haven't seen you with your camera. What are you waiting for?" Vince asked.
"It's simple." She said. "I'm getting the lay of the land. Planning how to get the shots you want."
"You're planning shots without a camera? What if you see something you want to shoot?" He asked looking confused.
"My camera is here. Right now though, I'm mainly working on being invisible." She said with smile.
"Oh, that you'll have to explain," Vince said almost laughing.
"It's easier to get candid shots if people don't realize you are there. I've been getting people used to seeing me everywhere so they stop noticing me." She replied.
"Won't they start noticing you, when you start carrying your camera?" Shane asked.
"They might. If they do then I'll have to find another way." J.J. answered.
"Ok, so how long till you'll have some shots for me?" Vince asked.
"I don't expect to long." Rising to leave she asked, "Anything else?"
"No that will do it for now?" Vince said dismissing her.
Walking into the hallway, she headed down to the arena floor to pick up where she left off.
Show time and she was finding a seat near the commentator's table to watch.
Watching the matches was a blast, especially now that she could hear JR and Jerry's comments.
Seeing DX interfering in three of the Ministry's matches, she knew their feud was being stepped up a notch.
Kane
Finding a small room to watch the show alone wasn't hard. Settling in, he opening a bottle of water he put his feet up. Sitting there, he suddenly remembered the coffee cup he'd found in the balcony.
Who was up there? Why did they sneak away and leave the coffee cup behind? I'll have to keep my eyes open and see if anything else like that happens. I can't afford to let people sneak up on me like that. He reminded himself.
Just as the show starting they showed JR and Jerry's location. Sitting behind them was a woman in sunglasses. She looked completely out of place.
Sitting there listening to the cheers and chants of the crowd he remembered the feeling of stepping through that curtain. Watching the matches, he itched to be out there. He wanted the ring, the action.
Most of all I want Payback. He thought with a smile.
Smiling behind his mask as DX interfered in three of the Ministry's matches.
If they keep that up I won't have to destroy them, the Ministry will do it first. He thought.
J.J.
Leaving the arena, J.J. couldn't wait to get back and develop the shots she'd taken. Reaching her room she setup the bathroom as a makeshift darkroom. Setting the first batch in the primer she ordered dinner. Eating while she worked, she was pleased with the results.
They are probably not the kind of shots Vince was thinking of, but I like them. She thought smiling at what they revealed.
Finishing up she was wired and decided a workout would help her sleep. Glancing at the clock she realized it was midnight.
Good she thought I'll have the place to myself. She thought with a laugh.
Kane
Leaving the arena, Kane was looking forward to getting to the gym.
I'll have to go late so there'll be no one around. Don't want anyone to see me before I am at a hundred percent. He thought.
Setting the plates at half his normal weight and sitting down into the leg press he began working his quads. Straightening his legs against the weight, he felt pain spread up his chest and around to his back. Gritting his teeth he continued to work.
Moving slowly from machine to machine, he paused, often gently massaging the sore muscles in his sides, back and chest between reps.
Finishing his curls he could feel the sweat rolling freely down his chest and back under his shirt. His hair hanging in wet strands in front of his face and sticking to his neck. He began setting the plates on the bar for his bench press sets.
Stretching and trying to loosen the painful muscles in his sides and back he thought,
I knew I could handle half weight no way I'm doing quarter. He thought, ignoring the loud protests of his muscles.
J.J.
J.J. was surprised to see someone in the gym at this late hour. Approaching the door she peeked in.
Kane? Is he even cleared for this? He only got out of the hospital two weeks ago? She wondered.
Watching him for a moment she saw him moving slowly and obviously painfully as he setup the bar for the bench press.
He probably wouldn't appreciate me catching him off guard. But I really need a run. She told herself.
She stood watching a moment more. Then she opened the door with her back to the room, and pretending to call out a goodnight to someone.
That should give him a good enough warning that I'm coming in. She thought smiling she hoped it worked.
She smiled and turned around. Nodding silently to Kane as she entered, she turned heading directly for the treadmill. Then doing some stretches before starting the machine. She paused watching Kane in the mirror as he settled onto the bench.
Beginning with a brisk walk, she slowly increased the pace. Soon she was jogging along at a good clip.
Continuing to watch Kane as he went through his reps at the bench press, she could see he was struggling. He was soaking wet and his breaths were coming in shallow rapid gasps. The bar was rising more slowly with every press. She began to worry that he would hurt himself.
He really should have a spotter at that amount of weight. She thought to herself.
Just as the thought was crossing her mind she noticed that the bar had stopped moving. He was holding it halfway between his chest and the holding rack. She could see him straining. The muscles in his neck and arms corded with tension. The bar wobbles a bit then sinking closer to his chest. Then bar rises a bit closer to the rack a moment later.
Kane
Setting the last plate in place he stretched again, and ran his hand gently across his sore chest.
Goodnight, yeah I'll see you tomorrow. He heard.
Kane straightened and turned halfway to the door.
Who's that? He wondered watching someone back into the room.
When she turned around he thought. I've seen her before, where?
Settling onto the bench he began. Lifting the bar out of the rack the pain was immediate. Gritting his teeth he lowered the bar and pushed it back up. Repeating this again and again the pain grew.
Where have I seen her? He wondered, trying to take his mind off the pain that was tearing through his chest. That's it he remembered the lobby, the arena and even sitting behind the commentator's table tonight. Who is she?
Straining hard now, he was trying to complete his third set of ten. It was getting harder to move the bar and to breathe.
Push damn it Push! Kane yelled at himself.
The bar was barely moving. He felt it sink closer to his chest. Closing his eyes he strained harder. Pushing with everything he had, the pain ripping through his body. Squeezing his eyes shut he kept pushing.
Suddenly, it began to move.
This ain't me. He thought, opening his eyes.
She was standing above him, helping him rack the bar. Looking up at her he was surprised to see her smiling.
J.J.
Shit, she thought, stepping off the treadmill; he's in trouble.
Moving quickly she crossed the room. Straddling the top of the bench she grasped the bar and lifted, helping him rack the weight.
Opening his eyes, she jumped back embarrassed about her position. She felt her lips curl into a smile.
Need a spot? She asked, shrugging her shoulders.
J.J. could swear she saw his shoulders shake with laughter.
Not knowing what else to say, she walked back over to the treadmill. Stopping the track she stepped back on and then hit resume.
Glancing into the mirror she saw him sitting up. He was just sitting there, head cocked to one side staring.
What is he doing? She wondered. Continuing to run she tried to ignore him.
Kane
What? Need a spot? It's a little late for that question. He laughed.
Sitting up he watched her begin running again, his head unconsciously cocked to one side.
Does she work for Vince? Is she the one he has Watching me? He wondered.
Getting up and glancing at her one more time before leaving, then heading upstairs.
Reaching his room, he allowed himself to relax, leaning back against the door with a sigh. Then finally he began undressing on the way to the bathroom.
A shower, hot, that's exactly what I need. He thought, hoping to ease his pain that racked body.
He stood resting his head against the shower wall the water beating on his back. Then feeling more relaxed he crawled into bed with a sigh.
J.J.
Damn, she thought. Now he's going to remember me for sure. He's also going to be pissed with me about jumping in without asking first. She thought.
Finishing her run and heading upstairs, then showering quickly. J.J. crawled into bed her hair still wet. She quickly fell asleep almost immediately.
She was tossing violently in the bed, small whimpers of fear escaping her lips. Then she began curling up tightly into a fetal position, shaking and crying rolling suddenly onto her back tears rolling down her cheeks. Her head rolling from side to side, crying out loudly she sat up. With another sharp cry waking her at last. J.J. sat trembling on the bed.
Kane
Kane snapped awake.
What was that?
Listening intently he heard a sharp cry of NO!
Who was that? Does someone need help? He wondered, trying to locate the direction of the sound.
Hearing nothing more Kane laid back, drifting quickly back to sleep.
J.J.
Staring at the wall, she tried to slow her breathing, eventually getting it to return to normal.
I hope I didn't wake anyone, she thought. That would be embarrassing.
She was trying to clear the images of her nightmare from her mind. J.J. sat through the night listening to a variety of music.
Heading down early for breakfast, she brought her cameras intending on getting some shots before her flight.
Sitting alone in the hotel restaurant she asked the waitress where she should go. Thinking about what she'd see so far she knew that she was almost ready to get to the real reason she was here.
I'll watch one more event, and then get to work. That will help me get a better feel for the guys. Then I can start the layout shots he wants.
Finishing her meal she headed out to shoot. Alternately walking and taking cabs she went to some of the recommended places. The waitress wasn't wrong and she got some great shots. After shooting several rolls of film she started heading back. Picking up her bags and loading the rental then heading to the airport.
I'll be one of the last to arrive this time, but the time was well spent. She thought, not upset by it.
Kane
Kane woke slowly, stretching his sore muscles.
Oh that feels good. There is nothing better than a good workout and solid night's sleep. He though feeling his lips tug up in an unconscious smile.
Looking at the clock he realized he'd slept later than he had in a long time. Rising slowly he headed for the shower.
Good thing I booked a later flight, I forgot to set the alarm. He thought with a smile.
Ordering a large breakfast then dressing. He sat down flipping through the channels. Eating with enthusiasm he thought again about his spotter from last night.
If she works for Vince she must be new or she'd have kept her distance like everyone else does. That is unless her job is to watch me. I wouldn't put that past Vince for a second. Kane decided.
Finishing and leaning back he relaxed for a few minutes. Then checking the rooms one last time he left.
J.J.
Boarding the plane J.J. settled into her seat. She saw Kane walking towards her down the aisle. Thinking quickly she pulled a magazine up in front of her face. He took his seat across the aisle and a couple rows back. He was sitting next to a little girl. The mother watched him closely; seemingly shocked by his size and the mask.
Watching with a smile J.J. saw the little girl instantly begin to chatter. J.J. couldn't hear what she was saying but she was smiling away. She seemed oblivious to her mother's fear of Kane.
Trying to hold back a laugh J.J. brought the magazine back up in front of her face.
The little girl kept going even during takeoff. Trying to get the little girls attention her mother said, Anna, leave the man alone. But Anna kept going.
She continued, saying something else to Kane and he nodded. She kept talking and Kane would shake his head yes or no to answer her endless questions.
On and on Anna went. In an effort to distract her little girl, Anna's mom brought out a bag of toys, handing her some coloring books and crayons.
J.J. nearly busted a gut, when she looked over a next and saw Kane coloring. Reaching into her bag she brought out a camera and took a few shots.
Oh, this is just too good, she thought.
Then quickly she moved putting away the camera in case he looked her way.
Looking back over a little later she saw Anna pulling a couple of Barbie dolls out of the bag.
Oh, she's not going to get him to play Barbie, no way. She thought.
Sure enough, a minute later Kane was sitting there holding a Barbie. He wasn't playing, but he was holding it.
This is priceless, J.J. thought pulling out the camera once again. Taking a few shots then putting it away.
Finally Anna began to play alone. Looking back next she saw that both mom and Anna were asleep. Mom was leaning against the window and Anna was halfway in Kane's lap.
Kane would occasionally touch her hair, or brush his fingers down her cheek.
Well they say kids are the best judges of character. She thought snapping a few more pictures. J.J. thought, watching him with her.
Kane
Walking up the aisle he saw he'd be sitting next to a little girl.
Oh man, he thought. I hope I don't scare her. The last kid I sat near wouldn't stop crying.
Settling into his seat he looked at the mom.
Well it looks like I scare mom. She looks like she expects me to murder her and eat the kid for lunch. He thought, trying not to be offended.
Locking his belt, Kane felt a tug on his sleeve.' im Anna, I is four years old.' She said, holding up four fingers. 'Boy, you is real big. She turned to her mother, Mommy, he even bigger dan daddy. Is dat cause he eated more vegibles?'
Kane smiled behind his mask.
Guess I don't have to worry about her crying the whole flight. He thought feeling more relaxed.
'Anna, leave the man alone.' Her mom said, but it was useless.
'Hows come you wear a mask?' Anna's mom looked stricken.
What do I do? How can I answer that? He wondered getting a little nervous.
'Is you playing dress up?' Anna asked.
Good now I don't have to answer. He thought, as he nodded.
'Can I play too? Do you gots more?' She asked.
Shaking his head no, he thought, I hope she don't get upset now.
On and on she went. He quickly lost track of the conversation as she jumped from one subject to another. Anna's mom bent down and picked up a bag of toys.
Here Anna, why don't you color? She said, handing her some books and crayons.
Good, he thought. That'll keep her busy. Letting his mind drift till a little, he felt a tug on his sleeve.
Looking down at her she said, 'I like to color. Do you?' She asked looking at him, earnestly waiting for an answer.
Color? He looked at the book she was holding out. I don't remember ever doing that when I was a kid. Taking the book he leafed through the pages.
'I don't do good stayin in da lines. I bets you do.' Kane just looked at her.
Reaching out she took the book from his hand. Flipping through the pages till she was satisfied.' You should do dis one.' She said, handing him back the book.
Do what with this one? He wondered.
Watching her picking a color from the box and begin scribbling inside the picture, filling it in with color.
'Come on,' she said. 'Color'
Shrugging, he reached forward and pulled a color from the box.
Why am I doing this? He wondered, as he began to fill in the picture.
Kane felt her bumping the bag against his arm. She was digging through the contents, intent on finding something.
Well I guess she's done with this. He thought, as he gathered the scattered crayons and closed the books.
Looking around the plane, he felt her tugging his sleeve once again. Turning he saw her holding identical blonde dolls. She thrust one toward him.
What does she expect me to do with that thing? He wondered.
Anna continued pushing the doll into his hand.
She isn't giving up on this. He thought, finally taking the doll.
Holding the doll and watching as she danced her doll around and around the one he held. She chattered away as if making her doll talk.
He shook his head no. Anna pouted for a moment then began chattering away. Finally taking the doll from Kane's hand she began to play alone. Letting his mind drift a bit he smiled listening to her endless chatter.
Realizing it was quiet he looked down and found Anna sleeping. Her head and shoulders were in his lap.
So sweet, he thought brushing her cheek. Soft, as he touched her hair. Putting his head back he closed his eyes.
I can't believe she got me to play dolls He thought, letting a smile spread behind his mask.
Finally reaching Boston, the landing woke Anna and her mom. Gathering their things she prepared them to disembark. Kane stood to let the ladies out. Standing in the aisle in front of him Anna grabbed his hand.
'Come on, we gots to go dis way to get off.' She said, laughing and tugging on his hand.
Kane shrugged and followed the little one toward the door. Looking back to be sure mom was close by, she was.
Getting to the gate Kane took Anna's hand and gave it to mom, waving goodbye.
'Kane! Wow, it's Kane!' Two boys rushed forward. Can we have your autograph?
Taking the offered scraps of paper, he signed before handing them back. Watching as Anna and her mom walked into the crowd.
Well that was an interesting flight. He thought.
Shrugging he headed to baggage claim.