Note: Sorry for the delay with this chapter. I got a bit of writer's block for this one and I've also been hit by several new plot bunnies that don't want to leave me alone. I'm still not too happy with this chapter but I want to move on with the story. Thanks to everyone who's reviewed. You guy rocks. Please R & R.

Chapter 11

Maria hadn't seen much of Jeff for the past few days on account that he'd been spending some quality time with his brother at his house so they could film the latest episode of the Hardy show and they'd been working house shows for the last couple of nights. Being pregnant, Maria had been excused from house show duty and was only being used for television.

As she sat in the Diva's lock room backstage before this week's Smackdown tapings she looked at the script in disbelief, there had to be some sort of typing error because when she agreed to do the storyline with Jeff what she was currently reading wasn't part of the deal. She stood quickly, she had to find one of the writer's or someone to clear this mess up. As she opened the door she just about avoided bumping into Michelle McCool who looked less than impressed.

"Watch where you're going, fatty," Michelle said with a laugh.

"Sorry," Maria mumbled not even registering the fact that Michelle had just called her a hurtful name. The redhead continued on her way to the writer's office, as she rounded the corner, she saw Matt and Jeff coming in the opposite direction. "Jeff? Have you seen the script yet?"

Jeff shook his head, "Nope, we just got here." He paused for a moment and studied her face, "What's wrong?"

"They are … I mean they are making us … Get married," Maria eventually got the words out.

"What?" Jeff and Matt said at the same time.

"We're getting married on the show," Maria said. "Next month, in Vegas of all places." She screwed up her pretty face, "This sucks."

At her reaction Jeff made a face, "It's not that bad, I mean it could be a lot worse."

Maria shook her head, "I don't see how."

Matt looked at his brother and then across at Maria, "I'll leave you guys to it."

"Thanks man," Jeff said before turning his attention back to his best friends, "What's so bad about us getting married on the show?"

"I can't do it."

Jeff moved closer to her, "Why not?"

"I just can't." She went to move past him but he grabbed her arm and stopped her.

"Where are you going?" he asked.

"To get this script changed," Maria told him matter-of-factly.

Jeff reached up and touched her face gently with his free hand, "But why? I don't understand."

"I can't marry you on screen, Jeff." Maria closed her eyes, "I couldn't take it."

Jeff immediately released his hold of her, "What the fuck?"

The redhead opened her eyes again to find the man she was madly in love with looking very angry, "That didn't come out right, Jeff. I didn't mean it like that."

Jeff's face remained unchanged, "Then how did you mean it, Maria?"

"It wouldn't be real," was all Maria managed before tears started rolling down her face.

At this, Jeff's face finally softened, "You're not making any sense."

Maria sniffled, "I know, don't you think I know this?"

"Don't cry." He brushed a few tears away with his finger tips, "I hate it when you cry."

She took a deep breath, "There's something you should know … Maybe it will explain why I'm acting like a complete idiot but I don't want to tell you in the hallway. Is there somewhere we can go to talk in private?"

Jeff nodded, "I know just the place." He took hold of her hand and led her down the hallway. They had walked a few hundred metres when Jeff turned and went into one of the opened doors, "I saw this room a few minutes ago when we arrived."

Maria followed him inside and closed the door behind them. There was nothing in the room except five or six folding blue steel chairs, the redhead sat down on the closest one to the door and motioned for Jeff to do the same.

When Jeff had sat down, he took hold of Maria's hand and gave it a little squeeze, "Now what's this all about?"

"I'm in love with you Jeff."

"You're what?"

"In love with you. I have been for the past two years. I've tried not to be but I can't help it," Maria admitted.

Green eyes looked at her intently, "Why didn't you say something before?"

"You were dating Beth so it was pointless. And I was going to tell you after we slept together back in March, I had it all planned out and when I got to your hotel room, you told me you couldn't remember a thing about the night before and you and Beth had just got back together." Maria looked at him sadly, "That was a real kick in the balls."

Jeff lowered his head, "I'm real sorry about that Ria."

"I know you are Jeff but it doesn't change things, I can't go through with a fake wedding because it's never gonna be real."

Jeff raised his head again, "You don't know that … I told you I wasn't sure exactly how I felt about you. I do care for you a lot Maria, that's the truth."

"I know but how long is it going to be before you get back with Beth?"

"Me and Beth are finished this time."

Maria shook her head, "You say that now but what happens when she realises she's made a mistake and wants to you back? What happens to me again? I get my heart broken."

Jeff reached out and took hold of her hand, "That's not happening this time, I swear."

"You can't guarantee that Jeff."

The green eyed man dropped her hand and stood up, "Yeah I can and I know just how to do it too." He marched towards the door.

"Jeff? Where are you going?"

The multi-coloured haired man grinned at her, "I just need to get something, I'll be back soon. Cover for me."

Maria sighed as he disappeared, "Easier said than done, Nero. Easier said than done."

No sooner had the words left her mouth Jeff appeared again, "And don't be seeing anybody about getting the script changed."

"But why?" Maria asked.

"You'll see." With that he turned on his heels and left Maria alone again.

"Just what are you up to Jeff Hardy?"

It was forty minutes later and Jeff still hadn't appeared. Maria was starting to worry that maybe he wasn't coming back. She'd already covered for him twice when Stephanie had asked where he was and was running out of excuses, after all there was only so many times a person could be in the bathroom.

Maria cringed as she saw Stephanie approaching once more, "Hi Stephanie."

"Where's Jeff and please don't tell me he's in the bathroom again."

"He's …"

"I'm right here," Jeff said as he came up from behind.

"Good, my father wants to see you in his office in five minutes."

"Okay thanks Steph. I'll be there."

Stephanie nodded as she walked away.

"Where have you been?"

Jeff smiled at her, "I had to pick something up, it took longer than I thought."

The redhead made a face, "What was it?"

"You'll just gonna have to wait and find out, it's a surprise."

Maria frowned, "But I hate surprises."