Disclaimer: Previous disclaimer still applies. As always, italics denotes flashback unless stated otherwise.Enjoy!


Chapter 7

A single tear slipped down Crystal's face as she sat on what she assumed was some kind of storage container. With Brooke asleep in her arms, she had a moment not to worry about keeping up appearances. Most of the TNA stars were in a meeting, what about, she had no idea, but it left her free to roam around until she found this secluded place. Her thought drifted back to the past week.

His hand clamped down on her shoulder preventing her from walking away. His once laughing blue eyes were darkened in anger. The smell of alcohol was strong on his breath just like the scent of perfume was on his clothes. Though the smell didn't match hers, she wouldn't dare call him on it. Crystal was unwilling to provoke his anger any more than it already was, especially, with only Brooke in the house with them. She stiffened upon the contact but didn't make a sound of fear. He had never hit her before and there had been a time when the idea of him ever doing such a thing would have made her laugh at the absurdity. Now, however, was a different story his anger was a constant in their relationship, almost as much as the drinking was now.

She was hard pressed to pinpoint the exact time when the changes occurred. At first he hadn't minded the time she'd spent with Brooke, of course Katie had been alive then, but after the funeral, he had become more possessive of her and her time. He started to resent the time she spent working, with friends, or even with her family. It was as if he wanted all her time and energy to be devoted solely to him. He hadn't liked her search for Petey, but had never really said anything about it. She had told him of her visit to Orlando as well as why she was heading back to Florida again so soon. She hadn't expected him to be so angry about it.

Of course, she had her guilt. She hadn't told him why she was leaving Monday instead of waiting till the next day. She felt bad for lying to him, but felt she had no choice. She simply told him the conference started so early in the morning it was just easier to go a day in advanced. She feared what he may do if she told him the truth. It seemed her conscious was always at war with her instincts around him lately. Once they had had an amazing relationship. Loving, fun, romantic, all the things she had ever wanted.

His harsh voice drew her from her thoughts. "I'm going with you. Don't think for a second you can hide what you're really doing from me."

Having heard this before, she didn't react knowing it would only serve to make him angrier. Instead, she simply said, "I have no problem with that. Tell you're boss you're leaving town and don't know when you'll be back. Don't forget to get your ticket."

"Don't get smart with me, Crystal." He pushed her back against the wall, moving closer to her. "Maybe I'll show up when you least expect it. Catch you in the act."

She tried to console herself with the fact that all couples argue, but lately that was falling short. She knew he had no right to accuse her of the things he did, but didn't dare say anything to him. Her first concern was Brooke. The thought of what he might do to her scared Crystal. She had tried to leave him, but he always managed to guilt her into taking him back. He had a way of making her feel she was too drastic in her decisions. That he was only looking out for her interests. She was stronger than this, but she had to think about the baby. She wouldn't put it past him to try to use Brooke to his advantage.

"I thought I was the only one to hide in the dark." A voice just to her left said, startling her from her thoughts.

Turning to see who it was, she was captivated by the stranger's eyes. They looked to be both haunted and filled with wisdom. As if he had lived many lives and retained the knowledge he had gained. His small smile was both sad and gentle. He looked at her with eyes that held strength and compassion. Crystal found herself unable to look away for a moment. His voice broke the spell he seemed to have cast on her.

"We were never formally introduced. I'm Scott Levy."

She shook his hand and introduced herself still not looking away from his eyes.

"So, what are you doing back here? I would have thought you'd be waiting for Petey in his locker room." Scott leaned against the wall, crossing his arms over his chest. He continued watching her curiously. It wasn't hard for him to tell she had something weighing heavily on her mind.

"I'm sorry, sir. I was just walking around and kind of lost my way. I didn't mean to intrude."

She started to stand up and leave him to his solitude when he set a hand on her shoulder. She stopped immediately but didn't turn around again. He felt her stiffen up at the contact but didn't comment on it. Instead he said, "I didn't mean you had to leave, I was only stating a thought. You're free to walk wherever you want to here. But I will advise you to knock on doors before you walk in."

She laughed slightly, feeling more at ease, and sat back down. "Why are you out here? I thought there was a meeting going on…"

Scott grinned down at her. "That ended about thirty minutes ago. I came here to prepare for my match, get into my character I guess you could say. I didn't expect to find anyone else back here, though it is a good place to think, dark and quiet. There are also a few people that are good to talk to, should something be on you're mind."

He studied her face while he spoke. Her fatigue was clear as was the conflict and sadness in her eyes. He knew of the situation she now found herself in could easily explain the emotions she showed. But, somehow, Scott felt that there was more to it, as if she hid the cause of her pain. There was something more to the story that Petey had made them aware of, but judging from this woman's eyes, she hadn't shared the information with anyone. She was holding something in, and he could see the effects it was having on her. Though he wasn't about to pry into her life, he could at least be an ear for her if she needed it.

Scott could see the hesitance in her as she opened her mouth to reply to him. "That's good to know, Mr. Levy, but how many would want to listen to a complete stranger?"

"It's Scott," he smiled at her. "And you may be surprised at the number of people that are pulling for you and Petey to make this work. We want you to make this work for yourselves and for Brooke."

"What do you mean make it work for ourselves?"

"Simple, if you two can't work this out now, while Brooke is still too young to remember, then more than likely she'll grow up without one of you in her life. And that's not fair to any of you, but you and Petey have to figure out what's going on first and foremost. But you're not going to find any answers hiding back here."

Crystal lowered her head knowing he was right. It was in essence the same thing Mike had told her before dropping her off at the airport earlier. She couldn't see forcing Petey out of his daughter's life, but at the same time, she would never give her up. It was something she had been struggling with. She had thought of relocating to Florida since that's where Petey was and it would mean less traveling for all involved. Her business was freelance, so she wouldn't loose customers. It was an idea worth thinking farther on. Despite talking to Petey at least once a day for the past week, she still felt as if she hardly knew him. There was no need to jump the gun. She could decide that at another time.

"I know," she said softly. "It's just… hard, I guess. More so than I thought it would be. I want her to have a normal life, but I want her father to be a part of it, and I don't know how to balance it all..."

She was cut off by the sound of voices coming towards them. Both looked down the hallway to see who the newcomers were.

"Man I can't believe this! After four years, they're just going to disband AMW, then what happens to the tag division? It leaves them with what… four teams at most? What the hell are they thinking?" The voice of one very irate James Storm was easy to pick out even with the distance that was between the two groups.

Crystal couldn't make out the other person yet, but she saw whomever it was rub his face with both hands, saying. "They're taking Chris off TV, meaning no feud with you except through Petey. This is getting ridiculous."

James' gave out a sarcastic laugh as the continued to move closer to where Scott and Crystal sat. "Since when have Chris and I needed someone else to fight our battles? How the hell do they get the fans will buy this stuff?"

"I don't know, man. This has got to stop; Dixie is really pushing it this time. Judging from the talks, Chase and I won't be getting any air time either. No one seemed really happy with the direction of the storylines right now." Andy sighed and leaned up against the wall just seven feet away from her.

She wanted to call out to them, not let them think she was eavesdropping, but something held her back. She could see the anger and frustration seeping from both. Having dealt with Tony in that exact same mood, she was reluctant to draw attention to herself and Brooke. Especially since these two men were more than capable of inflicting serious damage if they so chose. Instead she tried to scoot back into the shadows more.

What she hadn't counted on was Brooke choosing that exact moment to start waking up, alerting the James and Andy that they weren't alone. Instinctively, Crystal stiffened, waiting to see what would happen next. She felt rather than saw Scott take a step closer to her side, ready to defuse the tension.

Two eyes were locked upon hers' and didn't seem to be moving. Swallowing hard she attempted to apologize, even though it had been unintentional.

"I'm sorry; I wasn't trying to listen in. It's just Scott and I was talking…" She jumped down from the storage crate with Scott's help before stepping backwards as her voice trailed off.

James and Andy shared a look before turning back to the much smaller woman before them.

"Whoa, calm down. There's nothing to apologize for. Andy and I were simply letting off steam from the meeting. We didn't mean to startle you."

The southern drawl of The Cowboy held no anger when he talked to her. She stared intently at them both for a moment before nodding and taking a single step closer.

After talking for a few moments, she excused herself to go find Petey. He was her reason for being here and so far they had yet to see him. She headed back the way she'd came and hoped it was the right way. She was turning her forth corner in her journey, not recognizing anything when she bumped into someone. Before she could tighten her grip on Brooke, who was still half asleep in her arms, she felt the person grab her, steadying her.

"We have got to stop meeting like this." The amused voice of Chase Stevens said from above her.

Smiling up at him, she was put at ease immediately. It was hard not to be when he had that wicked grin on his face, his eyes shining with laugher.

"Yes we do, I think I'm going to get a bell to put around you so I know when you're coming."

His grin widened. "Admit it, you just want to be wherever I am to see me. It's ok, I understand."

She rolled her eyes and replied negatively. She laughed as he clutched his chest comically as if she'd wounded him. She had met a lot of Petey's coworkers the last time she was here, but it was impossible to forget this one. Both of The Naturals had made her feel welcome at once. Even with the yelling she had heard from Andy. After he was aware of her presence, he and James had both calmed down.

"Seriously, though, are you two alright?"

"Yes, we're fine. Thanks Chase."

Nodding, he decided to walk with her to her destination. Falling into step with her, they walked for a few moments in silence. Glancing down at her, he watched her movements. She seemed agitated by something.

"Are you really ok? You seem tense about something."

Crystal smiled at the concern in his voice as she replied. "Yes, I'm fine. I just witnessed two of your friends letting off steam, and it kind of scared me."

"Ah, let me guess, Andy and James about the storylines?" Nodding she looked at him quizzically. "None of us are all that happy about what's going to happen in the next few months. And they have the hottest tempers here, but they would never hurt either of you."

She gave him a weak smile before slightly changing the subject. "Why aren't you upset about it? I thought anyone I came in contact with would be in a bad mood."

He threw his left arm around her shoulders as he replied. "I was, but I just decided to get rid of my anger in a more… constructive way than my partner and friend." He showed her his hands before continuing. "There's a punching bag in the warm up area that is a little worse for wear. Just don't tell anyone what you heard. No one's suppose to know yet."


"Hey, I haven't seen you all night." Crystal said as she entered the locker room.

Petey smiled at her. "I know, I feel bad about that. I asked you to come here, and then I spend no time with either of you."

She waved off his concerns. "Don't worry about it, you come here to work. I understand."

He sat on the bench across from her and watched his daughter play. When she saw he was there, her face broke into a wide toothless grin and he couldn't help but smile back at her. She laughed and clapped her hands as he sat in the floor with her. Petey grinned as he saw Crystal down on the floor with them. Time passed amicably as they entertained Brooke. After having Petey take the ball she was trying to chew on away she looked at him and said, "Da-da."

Petey and Crystal sat in stunned silence for a moment, just watching Brooke. Looking to the other adult in the room, Petey said softly. "Wow."

Crystal's voice was barely a whisper when she responded. "I… didn't expect that."

Seeing his daughter still watching him, Petey picked her up and said. "Yes, Brooke, Daddy's here."

Crystal watched as he cuddled the child closer to him. The emotion was impossible to miss on his face. A tear slipped down her from her green eyes as she watched. Suddenly, her choice seemed so much easier. Taking a deep breath, she started to talk.

"Petey, I wanted to ask you how you felt about Brooke and I moving closer to you."

He was stunned but then he started to smile. As his smile grew larger, he started to laugh. Finally he spoke.

"I would love that."

They smiled at each other before Brooke demanded attention by pulling on Petey's nose. Laughing, they sat on the floor of Petey's locker room playing with her until he was needed for his part of the tapings.


A/N: Well, there's the next chapter. And as promised, longer than the last. LOL This would have been up yesterday, but I lost all the work I'd done on it when my computer froze up. So tell me what you think and as always constructive criticism is apperciated.

Thank you to everyone that has reviewed so far. Though I seem to have lost reviewers. :(