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A/N: Wow, over 100 reviews already! You guys are the best, and I want to thank everyone who has taken the time to read, review, alert or favorite A New Family. I truly appreciate it!
Several hours after turning in her Psychology paper, Brittany boarded a plane headed for St. Louis. As she got comfortable in her seat, she felt a little nervous. The thought of riding in an airplane by herself frightened her a little bit.
As the plane began to take off, Brittany's mind wondered to meeting Matt's family. She didn't want to admit it, but did feel a little nervous in meeting them. The thought of backing out at the last second crossed her mind, but knew that wouldn't be fair. After all, Matt had met her grandparents, dad and step-mom asking no questions. Maybe it was because she had really liked Matt, and wanted his family to like her as well. Brittany's brain wracked with worry and questions, and soon she fell asleep-still wondering.
Within hours, the plane landed safely in St. Louis and as Brittany walked into the airport to head toward baggage, a familiar figure stood in front of her. Even though he was masked with a St. Louis Cardinals ball cap and hoodie, Brittany instantly recognized him.
"Matt!" she squealed as she jumped into his arms.
"Hey babe."
"What are you doing here? I didn't think you would be able to pick me up!" she exclaimed as they headed toward baggage claim.
"I had the night off, and I couldn't think of anything better than picking up my beautiful girlfriend from the airport," Matt said as he grabbed one of Brittany's suitcases.
Brittany grabbed the other. "Your sweet," she blushed.
After grabbing Brittany's suitcases, she and Matt walked toward the parking area and immediately started loading Matt's car once it came into view. "So, how was your flight?"
"It was ok, nothing special," Brittany shrugged. "I just kept thinking a lot, so I ended up falling asleep. I pretty much slept the entire flight."
"Can I ask what you were thinking about?"
"I guess I'm just a little nervous about meeting your family. I really want them to like me."
Matt smirked as he grabbed Brittany's hand, and gently squeezed it. "Babe, they are going to love you. You don't have anything to worry about."
Brittany sighed as she nodded, knowing there was no use in pressing the subject further. "Ok, if you say so," she smiled.
"I do say so," Matt smiled. "By the way, are you sure you want to stay at some hotel? You know that you are more than welcome to stay at my apartment."
"Matt, I don't want to put you out. I am perfectly fine in staying at a hotel," she said.
"How would you put me out? The apartment is very spacious, and plus it has two bedrooms. If you like, you can stay in the spare bedroom with no ulterior motive. And I will even offer a hot breakfast tomorrow and Wednesday morning," he winked.
Brittany raised an eyebrow as she glanced toward her boyfriend, and could see the sincerity on his face. She ultimately nodded. "Alright. If your sure, I will stay."
"Great," Matt replied, kissing his girlfriend's hand.
Matt and Brittany continued a comfortable conversation as they drove another 20 minutes to Matt's apartment complex. He lived on the bottom floor, and once he un-locked the front door, Brittany was impressed. The apartment was spacious, and it didn't look like a guy's apartment. Brittany wondered if he had help in the decorating.
"Well, what do you think?" Matt asked as he closed the front door again and locked it.
"Wow, I'm impressed," Brittany replied. "Did you do all the decorating?" she asked curiously.
Matt laughed out loud. "No, I'm not good at decorating. But I do have certain things I like, and while I've been gone over the last couple of years, my mom has helped me get things, etc. If it wasn't for her, I'm sure this would definitely look like a bachelor's apartment."
Brittany giggled as she nodded. "I think that's cute your mom helped you," she teased.
"Haha come on," he said, grabbing a hold of her hand. "I will show you to your room."
They walked down a hallway and then Matt stopped in front of an open doorway. "Here you go," he said as he turned on the light.
Brittany looked around the spacious room, taking in the brown and blue comforter set on the queen sized bed, and giggled at an ironing table in the corner of the room and trophy case in the opposite corner-filled with Matt's memories from his independent ring days.
"Not only is it the spare bedroom, but it has multiple purposes," he smiled as he set a suitcase down on the floor. "So…is there anything else you need?"
Smiling, Brittany inched forward and pecked Matt's lips. "No I don't think so," she said as she looped her arms around his neck for a hug. "Thanks again for letting me stay."
"Your welcome," he replied.
After saying their good nights, Matt retreated to his bedroom and changed into his sleeveless t-shirt and pajama pants. He sighed as he pulled the covers back and climbed into bed. What he really wanted was for Brittany to be by his side right now instead of the spare room. He wanted his arms around her, holding her tight. As Matt rolled on to his side, he knew it took every ounce of strength for him to leave that room, and leave Brittany alone. Matt knew he was ready for that next step, but wasn't so sure about his girlfriend. He then looked over his shoulder at the empty spot next to him. He really hoped Brittany would take it over one day.
Sometime during the night, a thunder storm started brewing in St. Louis. Brittany had been tossing and turning all night, and once she heard the first clap of thunder, she flinched underneath the comforter. Brittany had never been a fan of thunderstorms, especially when lightning was involved. She tried burying her head under another pillow, but that didn't help either. Finally, she gently opened her bedroom door, being careful to not wake up Matt and walked toward the kitchen. Maybe a drink of water or something would calm her down.
Brittany opened up Matt's refrigerator, and saw a couple of bottles of water. As she grabbed one, thunder clapped again, and she accidentally dropped the water bottle.
As Brittany bent down to retrieve it, she heard another door open. "Brittany?" he called, seeing the brunette woman jump once again. "Babe, are you ok?"
"You just startled me, that's all," she lightly smiled. "I hope I didn't wake you."
"Nah, I was already half way up anyway. What are you doing up?"
"I just don't like thunderstorms, never really have. So, I thought getting something to drink might calm me down. I may even turn on the tv…that is if it won't wake you up."
"No, it's fine," Matt replied. "Do you want some company?"
"You go back to bed. I don't want to keep you up, Matt. You have a show tomorrow night," Brittany replied.
Matt nodded as Brittany curled up in the corner of the couch and started flipping channels. They both heard thunder again, and Matt instantly notice Brittany slightly jump at the loud noise. "I have an idea," he finally said, disappearing from the room.
Brittany watched in wonder as to what he was doing, and within moments he came back into view with his comforter and phone in hand. He sat at the other end of the couch, and Brittany wondered what exactly he was doing on his phone. Matt looked up and smiled toward her.
"I'm setting an alarm on my phone. That way, I can still get up on time and not leave you out here by yourself," he said. Once he set the phone on the coffee table, he opened his arms, offering Brittany the chance to lay with him. Brittany pursed her lips for a moment, and without hesitation, got comfortable with Matt under the cover. They both heard thunder once again and saw a flash of lightening, causing Brittany to jump again. But, Matt tightened his arms around her, instantly making her feel comfortable. And within moments, Matt and Brittany fell asleep in each other's arms.
As they drove to the arena the next afternoon, Matt couldn't help but think about the previous night. Obviously nothing happened, but it still felt right holding her. It was as if Brittany's body just molded into his, and truthfully, he didn't want morning to come.
"Matt, are you ok?"
He snapped back into reality, and smiled toward his girlfriend in the passenger seat. "Yeah everything is fine."
"By the way, thank you for last night," Brittany said, almost shy like.
"Your welcome. You don't have to thank me for anything."
She shrugged. "I know, but I hope you didn't think I sounded like a baby because I don't like thunderstorms."
"Brit, we all have things we are scared of, and no I don't think you're a baby for not liking thunderstorms. Did something happen to cause you to not like them?"
"Well, my mom died in a car accident while it was raining heavily, so I don't know if that's the reason or not. I just never have. I don't like driving in them either."
"That sounds like a good reason to me," Matt said as he pulled into the arena parking lot and parked the car.
"So, when is your family going to be here?" Brittany asked.
"They'll be here like before the show starts," he replied as they walked into the arena. "Neither one could get off work, otherwise they probably would have been here earlier."
Brittany nodded as they ran into Matt's friend, Matt Hardy. She was personally thankful that she had a little time, and grew more nervous and anxious by the second.
All afternoon, Matt and Brittany hung out, talking with friends and ate an early dinner in catering. They were walking back to the locker room when Matt heard a voice behind him.
"Matt!"
He turned around and smiled. Brittany also turned around, and smiled as she watched Matt walk toward the people.
"Here goes nothing," she said quietly.
"Mom, dad, Chad, this is Brittany. Brit, this is my dad Michael, my mom Terri and my brother Chad. Guys, this is Brittany," he beamed.
Everyone exchanged hellos, and as they continued to talk, Matt could tell his family took an instant liking to Brittany. He was personally thankful for that.
"So, Brittany, what do you do?" Michael asked.
"I am actually still in college and about to graduate with my Masters degree," she replied. "I actually graduate here in a couple of weeks."
"That's wonderful," Terri replied. "That is such a huge accomplishment."
"Thank you," Brittany smiled.
"Listen, I need to go get ready for the show," Matt said as he pulled out his wallet. "Here are your four tickets to tonight's show, and we can meet back here afterwards."
"Ok sounds great son," Michael said. "We'll see you after while."
"Cool," Matt replied as he watched his parents, brother and girlfriend start to walk off. "Hey Brit, come here for a second."
Brittany excused herself and walked back toward Matt. "What's up?"
"I told you there was nothing to worry about," he smiled as he pressed his forehead to hers.
She returned his smile. "Your family is really great."
Matt nodded in agreement. "Yeah they are. Have fun tonight, ok?"
"I will," she replied as Matt leaned down and quickly kissed her.
Michael, Terri, Chad and Brittany took their places in the front row, and the show soon started. When Matt's music hit, they all stood up with everyone else in the arena, and as he walked down the ramp, Matt could still see everyone getting along. He was really glad.
Matt climbed into the ring as he waited for his opponent, Chavo Guerrero. He pretended to scan the audience but looked over toward his girlfriend and family, and lovingly pointed toward Brittany.
The match soon began, and as Matt took a hard hit, Brittany watched the woman sitting next to her flinch. "I don't care how many times they practice and train, I still say that has to hurt," Terri commented.
Brittany nodded. "I totally agree."
Just then, Matt gained control of the match and everyone watched in awe as he executed the Shooting Star Press. He then pinned Chavo. 1...2...3!
"Here is your winner…Evan Bourne!" Tony Chimel boomed into the microphone.
Brittany and the Korklan family stayed to watch the rest of the show while Matt went to the back to change clothes and shower. Once they did make it backstage, they found the locker room once again and knocked, just in case Matt wasn't completely dressed.
"Come on in," he called.
When they walked through the door, Evan was pulling his polo shirt over his head and was already showered. "So, what did you guys think?"
"Great show," Chad said.
"Yeah, you looked great out there son," Michael added.
After Matt got his things packed, he headed out with the rest of the group for a late dinner. They went to a local restaurant, and everyone enjoyed the quiet atmosphere. Terri watched her younger son as he interacted with Brittany, and could tell he really liked her.
"Well Brittany, hopefully we can all meet up again soon," Michael said after dinner was over and everyone was saying their good byes in the parking lot.
"Yes I agree. And it was nice meeting all of you," she said as she hugged Terri and then Michael.
"If we don't talk before hand, congratulations on your graduation," Chad added.
"Aw, thank you."
The next morning, Matt reluctantly drove Brittany to the airport. Neither had really said anything during the drive, as both were sad she was leaving. "I'm going to miss you," Brittany finally said as they stopped in front of her gate.
Matt nodded as he tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "I'm going to miss you too. Thanks for coming to visit me."
"Your welcome, and your family is great!"
He then pulled Brittany into a bear hug, and within moments, both heard words over the intercom neither wanted to hear.
Flight 204 to Houston now boarding…
"You know, this distance between us is really starting to suck," Matt smirked.
"Yeah I agree," Brittany said as she looked up toward her boyfriend. He then leaned down and placed a loving kiss on her lips. "I guess I better get going," she said once the kiss was broken.
Matt nodded. "I don't want you to miss the plane. Will you call me when you land?"
"Yeah, definitely," she replied as she broke their embrace and started walking away. Brittany then looked over her shoulder and slightly smiled as she waved good bye. Matt returned her smile as he also waved.
"Bye Brit," he sighed. It was right then a sudden realization hit him. "I love you," he said quietly. Now, if only he could tell her that face to face.