AN /
Thanks for the reviews guys you don't know how much it means to me! Here's the next chapter if you could continue to review and let me know your opinions that would be great once again it's written on my phone so bare with me and I apologise if there is any mistakes.
DISCLAIMER- I DONT OWN WWE CHARACTERS OR ANY LYRICS THAT MAY BE USED IN THIS STORY
With the video of Maryse admitting she was Trish's half-sister going viral, the big apple had come to a standstill. Paparazzi, bloggers, journalists and reporters of all kinds were going hectic. Everybody was trying to get an exclusive interview with the culprits involved.
Stephanie decided she would go and visit Trish at her office, she had been trying to contact the blonde CEO since the news had been made public but had no success. Stephanie knew how it looked to her best friend - she was in the video after all, she just needed a chance to explain herself.
As Stephanie stepped out of the black limousine that had transported her through the hectic streets of New York; she was surprised to see just how much effect the video had. The office block was crowded at the entrance, the gardens were filled with reporters and paparazzi all trying to get an inside scoop with the one and only Trish Stratus.
Stephanie squeezed and fought her way through the wild crowd as she came to the entrance, after arguing with security - she managed to squash herself into the front entrance making her way to Trish's office.
The brunette stormed straight past Melina's desk as Melina jumped out calling after the frantic Stephanie. "Steph… Steph… Steph!"
The brunette ignored Melina as she attempted to get in to Trish's office which was locked. "I know she's in there!"
"Stephanie calm down!" Melina begged as she ran over to the fiery brunette who was not taking no for an answer. The brunette was causing a scene in the workplace as employees of StratusFashion looked on. "Stephanie stop it she's not in there!"
For the first time since Stephanie arrived she finally acknowledge Melina and her words as she spinned around and poked her in the chest. "Well I know that you know where she is! You best tell me Melina I'm not playing games I need to speak to Trish."
A timid Melina stood and took the abuse from Stephanie as she tried to remain calm and avoid any confrontation with her. The rest of the employees looked on, some amused, some shocked yet all of them distracted.
Melina took a deep breathe as she prepared to face Stephanie. "She's not here Stephanie and you can't come into this office kicking and screaming and demanding to see the boss, if she wanted to see you then you would know where she was!"
Stephanie chuckled menacingly, she actually respected the fact Melina had attempted to stand up to her but she knew how intimidating she could be and planned to use that to her advantage. "Who the hell do you think you're talking too…"
Stephanie stepped closer to Melina causing the nervous and timid employee to gulp slightly as she was approached by her. "...you better tell me where she is or so help me god-"
Melina was a quiet and timid girl, she avoided confrontation at any costs but she knew Stephanie; if she spotted any weakness in her she wouldn't ever leave. Finding some courage from deep within her stomach, Melina stepped up to Stephanie. "What are you going to do Steph? She's not here and I don't know where she is, she's told me she won't be in until she can sort her head out… just give her some time without your presence adding drama like you always do."
Stephanie was took back by Melina's words and despite her stubborn nature, she knew Melina was right and that she didn't deserve to get bullied in front of everybody for Trish's whereabouts. The brunette let out a frustrated sigh and she stormed off, barging past Melina in the process.
Melina turned around to see the rest of StratusFashion employees staring, whispering and sniggering with each other regarding the events that had just happened. "Get back to work…" Melina announced timidly to which nobody listened.
Melina knew she needed to gain some control and she had to put her foot down if she was ever going to be taken seriously. Feeling the pressure of her new found promotion Melina knew she had to show people she wasn't the assistant anymore, she was the boss when the boss wasn't around.
"Get back to work now!" Melina's usual timid and soft voice was loud and boisterous, taking the floor by surprise. The chatter turned to silence as their heads turned from one another to the computer screen. An overwhelming sense of power came across Melina and a sense of pride that she had actually managed to control the employees in Trish's absence renewing her faith in her new found position.
-x-x-x-x-
The paparazzi were surrounding The Codebreaker just as much as Trish's penthouse and StratusFashion headquarters. The story had took New York by storm, one of the most powerful names in The Upper East Side had another heir? A secret love child? The media was eating it up.
Chris had attempted to call Trish but with no luck. She obviously didn't want to speak to anyone as her phone had been turned off and it was just going straight to voicemail. Chris was worried about his step sister, he knew they weren't on the best of terms right now and the last thing he wanted was for this to push her and Shane closer.
Maryse quickly learnt to be careful what you wish for, she had been stuck up in the presidential suite since the video went viral. Her father had fled once again from the states promising her he would contact her when it's all settled down and Maryse hadn't even manage to track down Trish to actually have a conversation with her.
As the two discussed in full detail the exact events that led up to the birthday gala. Chris rubbed the back of his head as he took in all of the information.
"So you used me to get to Trish…" Chris scoffed.
"C'mon Chris… if you were me you would've took the opportunity the same way I did." Maryse replied as the news continued playing in the background. "You used me to get to Stephanie…"
"You do realise you might've been the thing that pushes Trish over the edge…" Chris raised an eyebrow. "No pun intended."
"I didn't think it would come out like this!" Maryse exclaimed as she exhaled deeply not believing how much drama had come with her presence in New York. "I didn't know what to expect really… I just know I've always knew who my sister was and Trish never knew who I was…"
The knock on the door broke their conversation as Chris and Maryse both looked at each other, they were both as curious as each other to see who it was outside the presidential suite. It wouldn't be the paparazzi or journalists - they were on a strict no entry policy and the Codebreaker had been put on a bit of a lockdown which Ted Jericho wasn't to pleased about. He was pleased with the amount of publicity he was getting on the news and media for free; swings and roundabouts.
Chris went to sit up of the chair opposite Maryse who was sat with her legs crossed on the king sized bed. The white haired female shook her head as she put a hand gently on Chris's chest as she decided she would answer the door. As she slowly and gently pulled the door closer to herself as she opened it, both were as shocked as each other to see Stephanie McMahon stood with a hand on her hip as she stormed into the presidential suite.
"You have some nerve coming here!" Maryse snarled. "It was you wasn't it that released the video to OverTheEdge!"
"Oh please if I wanted to release the video I would've took full credit for it." Stephanie scoffed as she flicked her wavy, long chestnut hair smugly. "I didn't come here to check on how El Jericho and the Incredible Barbie were holding up I need to see Trish and I thought she would be here considering she's not at her apartment or her office."
"She's ignoring my calls…" Jericho sighed.
"Do you think she's going to be okay? I guess it is a lot to take in, I've always knew about her she's the one that's been lied to…" Maryse replied breaking down the situation in her head and feeling incredible guilt for disrupting Trish's life. "Oh god this is all my fault."
"Yeah it is…" Stephanie smirked.
Chris darted a look at Stephanie, telling her to back off. "Don't listen to her Maryse this has just come up at a very bad time in Trish's life…"
"So you know about...?" Stephanie raised her curved and well shaped eyebrow in the direction of Chris.
He responded with an unenthusiastic nod.
"Know what?" Maryse frowned unable to figure out what Stephanie and Chris were talking about. "Maybe I can help?"
"You can't help you've done enough… Trish didn't need you in her life she already has a sister!" Stephanie hissed. "Jericho I'm going to find her are you coming with me or are you going to stay here with Whitey?"
Maryse looked at Chris with puppy dog eyes hoping that he would stay with her until this all blew over. In the whole of New York - Maryse had only one friend and if he was to leave her now it would sink in that she didn't have anyone in her life. Her divorce was underway, her mother didn't speak to her anymore, she had no real friends, her father came in and out of her life as he pleased, her half sister showed no interest in getting to know her. Chris was the only person she had left.
Stephanie looked at Chris with her eyebrows raised, did he really have a choice?
"Maryse I'm sorry I can't stay here I need to find Trish… I'll bring her back and you can talk to her and sort this out once and for all…" Chris gave Maryse a weak smile before he ran off with Stephanie.
Maryse couldn't help but feel disappointed - she understood Chris would want to find Trish and that wasn't her issue. It was that even after everything he went to find her with Stephanie - not once offering for the two of them to sneak off and find Trish together. It was clear where Maryse's place was in the Upper East Side; nowhere.
Stephanie and Chris galloped down The Codebreakers corridors together. Stephanie smiled smugly at Chris.
"We're going to have to sneak out the back without being noticed by the paparazzi…" Chris informed the brunette. He smiled sadly at her, he was happy she was here but sad because of the current events that had leased them to working together one more. "I hate to say it Steph… maybe you should call your brother… I mean you know about the… you know."
"Spawn of Satan growing inside Trish's stomach?" Stephanie replied sarcastically. "Yes I know and I very much do not approve."
"That makes two of us." Chris mumbled. "Maybe she's with him? It would make sense right?"
"Your really going to make me go and see my brother aren't you." Stephanie's disamused frown planted on her sour face as she rolled her eyes as Chris shrugged. "Fine let's go… everybody loves a family reunion right?"
-x-x-x-x-
Amy frantically packed all of her stuff back into her bag as she prepared yet again to find somewhere else to stay. The news that Adam had been the one to expose Trish's family drama was enough to make her see that Adam was not the kind hearted boy she once knew, he wanted power, fame, credit; maybe he just wanted revenge for all the times he was made to feel like he wasn't good enough just because he was from Brooklyn. He had lost all his morals and ethics when he opened OverTheEdge and Amy had finally realised that.
"Cmon Ames… you don't have to go!" Adam pleaded with the red head who was furiously throwing bits of clothing back into her backpack. "Why are you so bothered about Trish Stratus anyway? Why are you bothered about any of those superficial east siders?"
"You can't be serious!" Amy shook her head in disbelief at what Adam was saying. "You're wrecking people's lives! You're turning into the people you hated Adam, two wrongs don't make a right! You're not the Adam I knew growing up."
"You're not the Amy I knew…" Adam scoffed. "It's called growing up and you know that this company is my livelihood… we don't have trust funds and family businesses past down to us or the advantage of just being alive to make us money! We have to work for everything that we do!"
"How can you justify what you do as a living?" Amy shook her head as she continued to zip up her bag. "You do realise how stupid you sound right and we both know it's about more than your livelihood it's about revenge and your way into the social ladder."
"So they can mess with people's lives for free and it's not a crime but when I inform news for my company I'm the bad guy?" Adam chuckled in disbelief.
"It's not news it's gossip Adam…" Amy said matter-of-factly as she put her bag on her back. "You talk shit about people like a whining little bitch! You've changed and become obsessed with the upper east side and I can't sit here and pretend that I agree with your job because I don't and to be honest I don't agree with you anymore… I appreciate you putting me up but I can't be around you…"
"You're making a massive mistake Amy!" Adam exclaimed as the words cut deep into his ego, he wasn't about to let her walk out on him again. "You made the mistake to let me go once don't do it again…"
"I made the mistake of letting you in once and looks like I made it again." Amy spat back as she grabbed her straps of her backpack with her hands. "Goodbye Adam."
Adam stood defeated as he watched the redhead leave with her backpack and slam the door behind her. He always knew Amy would hurt him, that's why he never wanted to tell her how he felt about her. This time it was different - this wasn't about her and Matt, she left because she genuinely didn't like his character anymore. He couldn't understand why she was so mad or why she continued to stick up for the people that used to look down their noses at Brooklyn kids; he thought she would be happy for him. His company had been given some real exposure and his views were through the roof. Why couldn't she just be happy for him? He was finally getting somewhere after working for years to get his company upto this level.
Amy on the other hand had no idea what to do next. She knew she couldn't make it on her own, her money would be ran out soon, her parents had long deserted Brooklyn as she had found out the last time she tried to go back to her family home and she had cut her nose off when she had JBL and Jillian's. She sat underground as she waited for the subway - her destination was still unknown.
An overwhelming sense of paranoia came over the red head as she began to feel somebody burn holes into her skin. The red head turned her head to scan the surrounding area - she couldn't see anybody but she knew there something not right.
As the platform began to empty, call it an intuition or a calling but something triggered Amy to get herself out of the subway. As she began to walk back up, she still couldn't shake the urge that something was terribly wrong. Deciding to avoid public transport, Amy threw her black hoodie over her head to cover the red, placing a pair of sunglasses over her eyes and dispersed into the crowded streets of New York - unaware that she was being followed.
-x-x-x-x-
Stephanie hated the fact she had to go to see her brother. She tried to avoid him by all costs, it's typical for brother and sisters to get annoyed and fall out but their relationship was completely different. They hated each other. Shane was the apple of his parents eyes, Stephanie was the pain in her parents back side. They were McMahons - groomed to act and behave in a certain way. Stephanie developed socialite status in her teen years and that was the nail in the McMahon coffin. Truth betold her parents never believed she had what it takes to run a business or represent the McMahons and they never hesitated in letting her know how much of a disappointment she was to them. Stephanie had learned to accept that but tried to avoid her family by any costs, the fact she had to go into the lair of the beast now was enough to make even her stomach turn.
Stephanie and Chris looked up at the her parents hotel - The Crown Jewel. The Jericho's and The McMahon's were rivals in everything, Vince would open a club, Ted would open a club. Ted would open a restaurant, Vince would open a restaurant. The Crown Jewels biggest competition was no different, it's biggest rival was Jericho Co's The Codebreaker. Stephanie was about to walk into her families hotel with the son of her father's rival, it was a recipe for disaster.
"You ready?" Chris asked as he noticed the tension in Stephanie's body language, she didn't show fear but you could see how uncomfortable the brunette was as she eyed up her family's hotel. It had been so long since had stepped anywhere near The Crown Jewel. "I know this is asking a lot of you…"
"It's for Trish… we need to find her." Stephanie cut off Chris as she planted a sincere smile on her lips. "I can handle my family…"
Chris raised an eyebrow at the brunette who let out a soft chuckle, the two made eye contact and despite what Stephanie what saying; Chris saw the vulnerability in her eyes. She was nervous. She wouldn't admit it but he could see right through her stubborn exterior. Chris gently squeezed the brunette's soft hand in which she just let him. The two held each other's hands for a few seconds before they let each other go and cautiously entered into the unknown.
Stephanie and Chris stepped slowly into the magnificent lobby. The two were out of their comfort zone, Chris would one day be McMahon Corporations main competition and Stephanie had been thrown to one side. They didn't belong on McMahon premises.
As the two walked through the lobby, Shane made his way out of the elevator with perfect timing. Stephanie could feel a huge amount of overwhelming emotions every single time she came into contact with her brother. She knew that wouldn't get her anywhere not this time.
Shane chuckled maliciously as he approached Chris and Stephanie. "If it isn't the star crossed lovers in the flesh and blood…"
"We are not here to argue we're worried about Trish where is she?" Chris spoke as he noticed the irritation begin to rise in Stephanie.
"Yeah we figured with the recent news you would have already had her GPS installed so you can track her every move." Stephanie hit back as she placed a hand confidently on her hip.
"I have spoke to the mother of my child." Shane smiled proudly as Chris and Stephanie rolled their eyes.
"So you know where she is?" Chris asked.
"Maybe…" Shane smirked, loving the power that was in his hands. "Maybe not…"
"Will you stop playing this is serious!" Stephanie hissed, her patience was wearing thin and Shane just increasingly antogonised his little sister and he loved every second of it.
"Well has it entered your mind that she doesn't want to speak to you?" Shane grinned as he continued to play his games.
"Has it entered your mind that Trish wishes you weren't going to be the father of her child?" Stephanie spat back as Shane's body tensed and his nostrils began to flare. She had obviously struck a nerve but she had gone past the point of caring. She knew coming here was a bad idea and didn't know why she thought for a second that her older brother would help her in any way, shape or form. "He's not going to tell us anything Jericho, he hasn't got a clue where she is he's just playing mind games let's just go…"
Stephanie was right. Shane didn't know where Trish was but he wasn't going to let them know that, he wanted to seem like he and Trish were united once again which was far from the truth.
"Why don't you stay for a while… wait for mom and dad to see you here with the enemy, they will be thrilled to see that they made the right decision…" Shane hissed, his tone cunning, sly and full of bitterness. "Sluts and business don't mix."
"You know what I can't wait for Shane…" Stephanie chuckled arrogantly. "I can't wait for the day you finally get what is coming to you, I will have the last laugh."
"I'm the one who is gonna be laughing Steph… I'm the sole heir to the McMahon corporations, I have the woman of my dreams having my baby… life is good for Shane O'Mac." Shane grinned, a spine chilling grin which showed his true colours.
"She may be having your baby but you will never have her heart." Stephanie replied bluntly.
Shane's ice cold exterior cracked into a million pieces as the words Stephanie said to her brother, triggered a million bottled up emotions. He saw red.
"You dirty little slut you watch your fucking mouth!" Shane snarled as he stormed over to Stephanie gripping her by her neck causing the young brunette to gasp as his grip tightened.
As if on instinct Chris used the whole of his body weight as he took a heavy swing at the boy wonder and his fist collided straight with his jaw causing him to release his grip on Stephanie.
"Are you okay?" Chris asked as Stephanie struggled to catch her breathe while Chris hovered over her helping her to regain her balance on her feet. Stephanie nodded slightly as she was unable to speak.
"Security!!! Security!!! Get them out of here!!!" Shane screamed through the hotel as a group of security guards rushed through the lobby gripping Stephanie and Chris.
The security guards grabbed Chris and Stephanie roughly as they both screamed for them to stop grabbing them.
Out of nowhere Hunter appeared as he noticed the commotion. "Stand down men!"
"What are you doing Hunter I want them escorted of the premises!" Shane snarled, annoyed with Hunters interference.
"They will be escorted out of the premises Mr McMahon but that doesn't mean you can allow my men to throw them around!" Hunter hit back. "Now let me personally escort you both out of here…"
"I'll be telling my father about this!" Shane stormed off like a child as Hunter rolled his eyes and gently escorted Stephanie and Chris off of the premises.
The three stood by the entrance of the hotel as Hunter noticed bruising around Stephanie's neck. "Are you okay Steph?"
"Steph?" Chris scoffed. "Do you know this caveman?"
"Shut up Jericho… Hunter is a…" Stephanie began to think about the word she would used to describe Hunter as he had saved her ass twice now. "Friend."
"Are you sure you are okay?" Hunter asked as he gave Stephanie his full attention which didn't go unnoticed by Chris.
Stephanie smiled and nodded at Hunter. "Yeah I am but I won't be for long when my parents find out what happened…"
"Don't worry I'll be telling your parents exactly what went down." Hunter ensured the brunette as he placed his hand gently on her shoulder. "It was nice bumping into you once again Miss McMahon."
Hunter and Steph smiled at each other before Hunter left to go back into the Crown Jewel. Stephanie continued to smile unconsciously as she watched her saviour walk away. Chris couldn't help but feel jealous - he noticed the way Hunter looked and acted with Stephanie; he liked her. This didn't sit well with the Jericho boy as he threw his arms defensively around his chest.
"What a creep!" Chris frowned as he began to mock Hunter. "It was nice bumping into you once again Miss McMahon… per-lease."
"He just saved us from getting an ass whipping from my fathers security team you do realise they could be classed as lethal weapons and were lucky to be standing right?" Stephanie raised an eyebrow as she noticed Chris' jealousy.
"I'm pretty sure I'm the one who punched Shane for you…" Chris muttered as they made their way to the limousine with no further clues to Trish's where abouts.
"You've wanted to punch my brother for years…" Stephanie chuckled. "Are we really doing this right now? We still have no idea where Trish is!"
"It's like junior year all over again… remember when she broke up with John Cena for the final time and we searched for hours for her…" Chris reminisced about his high school years, chuckling. "The first time we actually joined forces."
"Oh my god I think I know where she is!" Stephanie exclaimed as she pushed Chris in the limousine. Chris raised an eyebrow in confusion.
"I don't get it…" Chris scratched his head as he tried to figure out where Stephanie believed their best friend was. "Last time she was with Jeff…"
"Exactly!" Stephanie exclaimed.
-x-x-x-x-
After Ric's recents words with Jeff - he was really attempting to give his full effort and concentration in his time in rehab. He had become more sociable with the rest of the addicts and was becoming more involved in the groups meditation, yoga classes and therapy sessions. His judgement of rehab had been completely wiped and he was giving himself a real chance to turn his life around.
Jeff sat with a few of the other addicts - Mick's efforts at befriending Jeff were finally paying off and the two had begun a genuine friendship with one another, learning from each other and Mick had even began to give Jeff some pretty good advice in all aspects of the young rockstars life.
He had begun to get to know the rest of the addicts - Paul Hayman, a former business tycoon who had lost everything, ended up on the streets and became an addict.
Steve Austin, a redneck alcoholic who was forced to rehab by the courts for drink driving, if he didn't complete rehab then he would be locked up for many years. He accidentally killed a couple while drinking under the influence.
Debra Marshall, she was similar to Jeff. A former pop singer who had it all from a young age but never had genuine support around her which led her crazy lifestyle to get the best off of her.
They were the people in his group therapy sessions and despite what Jeff previously thought they weren't all bad to be around. Mick was dopey and a bit slow but a very caring person. Paul was a bit eccentric and loud but he was very welcoming. Steve swore and cussed a lot but if you was to get in a fight he would be the first person there to back you up. Debra was a bit of a hot mess but she was trying to change a lifetime of habits. Jeff hadn't really gave any of them a chance before but he was glad he was finally beginning to open up.
The group was sat in the garden of the rehabilition centre as they enjoyed some free time, the sun was shining and it was a nice day to get some fresh air. Jeff was beginning to realise it wasn't that bad and began to see the benefits of being in rehab.
"You know that son of a bitch Ric, he's not bad for a measly mouthed bastard…" Steve exclaimed.
"He's just so darn sweet…" Debra smiled as she ageeed with Steve. "Now I know it's not under the best circumstances but you have all made this experience so much better…"
"When we all get out we're going to have keep in contact. We should make a group chat…" Mick said hopefully as he grinned showing his missing teeth. "Y'know that way we can all keep motivating each other to stay clean."
"Or it means if one of us goes off the rails again at least there will be a group of people to join us." Paul chuckled.
"Group chat?" Steve chuckled. "What the fuck are we fourteen year old girls, do you want me to send you a selfie while I'm at it… send you some food porn so you know what I'm eating for breakfast… fucking group chat… I like you bastards but damn group chat… what the fuck do I look like? A fairy?"
"That's actually politically incorrect term to use Steve." Mick frowned. "It's just we could help each other stay motivated…"
"Well Mick I think that's a fantastic idea." Debra smiled. "Don't listen to Steve he's just pulling your leg."
"I want to pull your leg Ms Marshall…" Steve winked at Debra who just rolled her eyes playfully at him. "You ever been told you got a nice pair of pins and a great set of puppies."
"You two are cute…" Paul teased. "You will be having little hill billy babies before you know it… a few domnestic abuse charges… I can see it already."
Debra and Steve had grown quite close over the course of their rehabilitation and their flirting was becoming very noticeable from the rest of the group. In a weird way - they were perfect for each other.
"Rockstar…" Debra called out to Jeff changing the subject quickly. "Why don't you speak much honey?"
"He's a tortured artist Debra…" Paul cackled. "It's what makes him so mysterious… a man of few words…"
Jeff shrugged off the comments with a little chuckle. "You all speak enough I don't think you need my input on anything…"
"That son of a bitch Paul speaks enough… he loves the sound of his own mousy voice." Steve joked as he stuck his middle finger up at Paul.
"Says the redneck hill billy who don't know how to say a sentence without a curse word." Paul joked back returning the middle finger back to Steve.
"Boys will be boys…" Debra rolled her eyes as she let out a soft chuckle.
Jeff had begun to hang around his fellow addicts more often and stop isolating himself but it was baby steps. He wasn't the most talkative person at the best of times but his presence alone was a huge step for him. Mick was probably the only one of his group who realised the big difference with Jeff's behaviour since his chat with Ric.
"Mr Hardy… will you come with me?" Ric appeared out of nowhere and tapped the blue haired man on his shoulder.
"What's he done now?" Paul jeered. "Has he been hiding a 6pack under his bed…"
"That son of a bitch!" Steve cackled. "Where the hell was my invite."
"Does your mouth ever ache from all the shit you guys talk?" Mick chuckled. "Leave the kid alone."
"Hey we're just fucking with him!" Steve exclaimed. "It means he's a part of the group if he's receiving some stick of us…"
Jeff remained silent as he secretly chuckled to himself. He did find the group very entertaining to say the least but he wasn't quite ready to get in on the roasting just yet - he would much prefer to observe.
Jeff followed Ric as they exited the garden. "What's up Ric?"
"You know we might keep you here if we keep getting these generous donations for your visits." Ric chuckled as he they walked into the visiting room. Jeff was confused who could it be?
The blue haired addict sat in the visiting room as Ric walked to get the surprise guests. Jeff couldn't hide his shock when Chris Jericho and Stephanie McMahon had turned up.
The last time Jeff spoke to Chris - it didn't end well. The two were once classed as good friends but it had been a while since they could call each other that. Stephanie had always hated Jeff - nothing personal. Stephanie hated everyone.
"You have twenty minutes… be quick… I don't want the rest of the group to find out I'm giving special treatment." Ric chuckled. "I'd never hear the end of it off of dumb and dumber."
Ric left the old acquaintances in the room together as Jeff sat in shock as to what could possess these two to come and visit him. He had been exiled by all of Trish's friends and family after the whole VegasGate saga.
"Well don't look so happy to see us Jeffrey!" Stephanie smiled as she broke the ice, the tension was high in the room.
"Am I missing something?" Jeff chuckled. "To what do I owe the pleasure…"
"Haven't you heard!?" Chris exclaimed.
Jeff raised an eyebrow at his former friend. "Don't know if you've realised but I'm kind of in rehab I don't really know what's going on in the world of Manhattan's elite."
Chris and Stephanie looked at each other, both on the same page as they realised this wasn't where Trish was. Jeff noticed the subliminal looks that were being exchanged between the two as his curiosity grew.
"Okay what's going on first Trish makes a guest appearance in my life and then you two!" Jeff exclaimed as his brows arched in confusion.
"Wait Trish was here? How long ago?" Stephanie gasped hoping he would be able to solve the whereabouts of Trish Stratus.
"Friday night… what's wrong? Is she okay?" Jeff asked as he began to worry about the safety of his ex girlfriend. "What's going on!"
"She never told me…" Chris said to Stephanie as they both eyeballed each other.
"Me either…" Stephanie replied to Chris completely ignoring Jeff's questions.
"Hello?" Jeff sang as he tried to catch the attention of Trish's best friends. "Does somebody want to fucking explain what's going on?"
Stephanie looked at Chris who stared back at Stephanie before both of the young billionaires looked at the rockstar.
"Why did she come and see you?" Stephanie raised an eyebrow in confusion. "Did she tell you about the baby?"
"Yeah she told me everything…" Jeff sighed as he looked down at his trainers. "I'm guessing you already knew…"
"Nah man I just found out… she didn't even tell me she was pregnant… she probably knew my reaction to having the spawn of Satan growing inside her… no offence Steph…" Chris said matter-of-factly as he shrugged.
"Non taken…" Stephanie smiled. "My brother is Satan so you really are not lying…"
"What are you both going on about?" Jeff was confused as he replied to them both, he pondered on what the two were discussing before it hit him like a tonne of bricks. "Trish is pregnant with Shane?"
"Duh…" Stephanie scoffed. "You just told me she told you…"
Chris' eyes widened as he realised what Trish had admitted to Jeff and that it wasn't that she was pregnant with Shane's child; she aborted Jeff's.
"No she told me she was pregnant with my child!" Jeff exclaimed as he couldn't believe what he was hearing. "That's why she told me! She's having a baby to Shane! I can't fucking believe this!"
"What do you mean she was never pregnant with your child!" Stephanie frowned. "She would've told me tell him he's crazy Jericho! The drugs really have got to his head!"
Chris stayed silent as Stephanie looked between himself and Jeff. Her mouth dropped to the floor.
"You knew didn't you Jericho!" Jeff hissed. "You never told me!"
"You weren't fit to be a father and you still aren't that's why you're in rehab Hardy!" Chris hissed back as the conversation began to grow heated.
"I've already had this talk with Trish and she's made me quite aware she would rather kill my child than have me as her baby father!" Jeff shouted as he slammed his hand against the table next to him. "I don't need to hear it from you as well… what is wrong with you all? I'm trying to better myself and you all just come around here to remind me how much of a shit person I am? I've lost Trish, I've lost my baby what more do you wanna take from me? My peace of mind?"
"That's not why we have come!" Chris yelled back at Jeff. "We thought Trish might have come here!"
"Why would she want to be anywhere near me?!" Jeff shouted back at Chris.
"Because she's going through a whole lot of shit right now and despite everything you've been through you're probably the only person she wants to be with right now!" Stephanie raised her voice as she got between the verbal war between Jeff and Chris.
"I highly doubt that… she's not here anyway so you can go…" Jeff sighed as he relaxed back into his chair, his hands rested on his forehead as he attempted to digest the news that the love of his life was having another man's baby.
"She's having a shit time at the moment Hardy…" Chris sighed as his tone began to even out and the hostility disappeared. "She's just found out she's been lied to her whole life… she's got a half sister…"
"Who Chris Jericho himself has been laying in the sheets with…" Stephanie informed judgementally with a snarl on her lips.
"Irrelevant…" Chris replied back to Steph before looking at Jeff who looked helpless. "We came here because when her life fell apart and she broke up with John Cena she was with you… now if she's not with you and she's not at her apartment…"
"She's not at work or my brothers…" Stephanie joined in, informing Jeff that Trish was really off the radar.
"You know her better than anyone.:. Even better than us…" Chris said as he tried to pick Jeff's brain to find the location of his step sister.
"Debatable…" Stephanie muttered as Chris shot her a 'not now' look.
"Where do you think she'll be?" Chris asked. "We're running out of places and we're worried as to how she'll be dealing with this news… she's not been feeling herself for a while and we just want her to know we're on her side…"
"Have you tried JBL's?" Jeff quickly replied.
Stephanie and Chris looked at each other as if a lightbulb went off together at the same time.
"No we haven't!" Stephanie smiled gleefully. "Why didn't we think of that! Thanks for your time Jeffrey I hope you don't resort to crack again…"
"It was cocaine Steph…" Chris sighed.
"Yeah crack… cocaine… heroin… drugs are drugs right?" Stephanie shrugged. "Stay clean and stay mean Jeffrey… Cmon Jericho we have got a fake blonde to go and find!"
Stephanie darted out of the rehabilitation centre leaving two old friends alone for the first time in years. Chris looked at Jeff who couldn't hide the look of concern on his face - Trish had so much on her plate and he told her she was dead to him. He couldn't help but feel guilt and worry over his ex.
"It's good to see you trying to change Hardy." Chris smiled as he extended his hand, offering a truce between himself and the rockstar.
Jeff looked at Chris then looked at the hand being offered him, he silently shook the hand - ending any bad blood between the two young males.
"I'm sorry about everything…" Chris continued. "I'm sorry about Trish… despite everything I always thought you two were endgame…"
Jeff nodded still silent, his emotions running wild - he wanted to scream, shout, cry, punch a wall. He couldn't and he wouldn't embarrass himself. He needed to learn to control his emotions and deal with them healthily.
"You'll always have her heart… you know that right." Chris asked as Jeff turned his head to look at the billionaire.
"And she will always have mine…" Jeff smiled sadly. "Goodbye Jericho…"
Chris nodded knowingly with Jeff before he walked out of the rehabilitation centre. It was the first time Chris had seen Jeff in years and he couldn't help but feel sorry for him. He knew Jeff had messed up and made more mistakes than anyone but Chris knew Jeff wasn't a bad guy. Messed up? Yeah. Deep down underneath the angst, the pain, the trauma and the tortured soul he was portrayed to be was a scared guy not in touch with his emotions. A guy who let his addictions to drug ruin everything - then the guilt hit Chris. He was the first person to introduce Jeff Hardy to drugs; was this his fault? Was he the reason that Jeff and Trish fell apart? Maybe… maybe not. All he knew is if he never offered Jeff the cocaine… maybe… just maybe… things might have turned out different for his step sister and her ex.
-x-x-x-x-
Trish sat in JBL's townhouse - She had nowhere else to go. She knew nobody would have placed her there, why would she run to her ex-boyfriends uncles? It made her feel safe. Took her back to a time where everything was simpler - sure she had her issues but as a young seventeen year old girl she still had hope that one day her life would be perfect, she would get the happy ending she always dreamed about with the man of her dreams. She would come to JBL's house when she argued with John or her mother and she would sit and talk to Jeff for hours and hours about everything and anything and somehow he would always make her feel better. He would make her feel special. Lately Trish wasn't feeling special, she was feeling drained and lost and with the recent events of the Upper East Side; she was more lost than ever.
Not only did she not know who she was anymore, she began to question her whole existence. Why would her father cheat on her mother? Why would he cut her out of his life after the divorce? Why wouldn't he tell her she had a half-sister?
Her whole life had been full of questions recently and she was sick of trying to find answers - trying to piece together the meaning of her life. She came to JBL's and he opened her with open arms as he promised not to ask her questions and allowed her to just be at peace for the first time in months possibly years.
"Are you sure you don't want my famous hot cocoa?" Jillian asked Trish who was fully merged into the sofa and hadn't moved since her arrival. "I think it's just what the doctor ordered…"
"No honestly!" Trish smiled sadly.
"Well I'll make you one and if you change your mind at least you have the option…" Jillian smiled back at the depressed blonde as she finished squirting cream on the top of the hot cocoa placing six mini marshmallows on top and placing it next to her.
"Thank you…" Trish said softly as she looked at hot cocoa and decided to enjoy it.
"So Trish… are you going to speak to your sister?" JBL asked. "I know you don't want to talk about it but it's a pretty huge thing to avoid…"
"What do I say to her JBL?" Trish sighed. "I can't pretend like I'm happy to find out about her… I mean my whole life I've been lied too… my mom is looking like a saint compared to my dad which is ringing all sorts of alarm bells… I just don't know how I act like I'm okay with it…"
"You don't have to be okay with it Trish I just think you need to deal with it…" JBL spoke his words of wisdom which always seemed to make everyone feel slightly better than before. "You're more than welcome to stay here but you shouldn't be avoiding your situation…"
Trish looked at JBL, her hormones all over the place as she adjusted to the pregnancy life. She couldn't help but burst into tears. "My life is a mess! I just feel so lost!"
Jillian quickly moved to Trish's side embracing her in a tight hug.
JBL sighed as he tried to think of the right things to say as he was interrupted by a rhythmic knock on his front door. Confusion arising across all of their faces as they wondered who would be visiting them.
He stood up from the opposite sofa and walked straight to the front door as he was surprised to see Chris and Stephanie standing there, he opened the door wider so that Trish could see that they had found her.
"What are you doing here!" Trish shouted. "How did you find me!"
"Jeffrey told us to try here and lon behold here you are!" Stephanie chuckled. "You've not made it easy Stratus I will give you credit where credit is due but c'mon time to face the music."
"Don't you dare come in here and tell me I need to face the music Steph!" Trish exclaimed. "You knew! You knew that I had a half sister and you didn't think to tell me!"
"It's not like that…" Stephanie sighed.
"So what is it like… I found out on the news that I had a sister and my father had been lying to me my whole entire life… and you knew Steph!" Trish cried.
"I was waiting for Maryse to tell you!" Stephanie attempted to explain herself but had no luck.
"What's happened between us Steph! You're supposed to be my best friend and recently you've felt like my biggest enemy!" Trish cried frantically. "How am I supposed to trust you when you don't tell me something as important as this!"
"It seems like we haven't been able to trust each other for years since you never told me about the baby you were carrying to Jeff Hardy." Stephanie shot back. Regretting her words straight away.
"You fucking told her!" Trish screamed at Chris.
"No-" Chris attempted to explain but was cut off before he had a chance to go any further.
"I can't believe this… I can't believe any of you!" Trish grabbed her purse of the table as she threw her coat over her.
"Trish the stress isn't going to help the baby." Stephanie said as she attempted to calm down her ecstatic best friend, hormones and emotions running wild.
"Don't act like you care about my baby!" Trish scoffed.
"It's my niece of course I care!" Stephanie called after Trish who was already half way out of the door. "Trish please don't walk away let us be there for you…"
Trish ignored the calls of her best friend as they watched her storm off down the avenue. Chris didn't know what to say all he knew was Trish was hurting and nobody could talk to her. Maybe someone could talk to her but he wasn't able to. The only person who would be able to get through to her in a state like this was the one person locked away for a month.
JBL and Jillian sat in shock as the two watched the secrets roll out of the tongues of the young adults; speechless to what they had just witnessed.
"Does somebody want to fill me in?" JBL asked as Stephanie and Chris looked at one another before sighing at JBL.
-x-x-x-x-
Hunter sat in Vince's office at The Crown Jewel. He sat in one chair while Shane sat in the chair parallel, both men were facing Vince who replayed the video footage from the disruption in the lobby.
"Does somebody want to tell me what the fuck went on in my lobby!!!" Vince screamed as banged both hands against the desk which echoed throughout the office.
"Dad I can explain-" Shane began to speak.
"I don't want to hear it from you!" Vince hissed. "Hunter in your opinion what occurred before!"
Shane frowned as his father went straight to questioning Hunter and a scowl stayed permanently on his sour face.
"Well Mr McMahon… there was a commotion…" Hunter began to explain.
"Oh really I didn't realise that…" Vince replied sarcastically, his tone was belittling and patronising as his eyes burned holes through Hunter. "So what was the commotion about…"
"Your daughter Stephanie turned up-" Hunter began to explain once more before being cut off once again.
"With Chris Jericho may I add!" Shane piped up once more attempting to sway his father onto his side - he knew Hunter was one of his father's most trusted employees and that didn't work in his favour
"Yes she turned up with Chris Jericho but in my opinion she wasn't starting trouble… it was regarding her friend Trish Stratus…" Hunter explained before being cut off once again.
"Trish Stratus? That blonde bimbo?" Vince hissed. "I told you she was trouble Shane and you didn't want to listen!"
"Don't talk about her like that!" Shane hissed back at his father. "That's the mother of my child!"
"You got her pregnant? Have you lost your mind Shane!" Vince howled as he banged the desk once again. "Calm down Vince… calm down… I'll deal with you in a minute Shane… get out of my office while I speak to Hunter…"
Shane sulked as he childishly threw his arms around his chest and stormed out of his father's office.
"So what was the Jericho boy and my unloyal daughter doing here Hunter! This is bad… it was a public fiasco and I need to know how I can sort it out…" Vince huffed as he fell back into his recliner chair and put his hands together signalling for Hunter to explain. "Is this to do with the scandal of the Stratus name?"
"Yes in my opinion Stephanie and the Jericho boy didn't come to start a fight… your son began to get violent with Stephanie which resulted in the Jericho boy defending her… your son was acting on emotion and didn't think about where he was or how it would reflect on you sir…" Hunter replied calmly.
"So do you know what made Shane lose his shit?" Vince continued to interrogate Hunter, he tried to piece the pieces of the jigsaw together and wanted to know what could be so important that Shane would potentially create a new scandal for the world to see.
"I'm not sure it was something that was said between them… I was watching on the cameras but didn't hear what was actually said." Hunter explained.
"Probably something about that Stratus girl… Shane is thinking with his dick and not with his head… thank you Hunter… if you could call my son in it would be much appreciated." Vince nodded at Hunter.
Hunter picked himself up of the chair as he left Vince's office, Shane eyeballing him as Hunter smirked.
"Daddy wants you Simba…" Hunter smirked as Shane scowled at his father's employee.
Shane stormed back in with a chip on his shoulder as he confidently sat back on the chair opposite his father. "Dad I know what it looks like but Stephanie and her big mouth just got me so mad and then the cheek of her bringing that Jericho boy… she was going on about my relationship with Trish-"
Vince hearing Shane's words caused his blood to boil as he circled his son like a vulture and slapping him on the back of his head.
"You listen to me!" Vince screamed. "You ever humiliate this family again by letting your emotions get the better of you and I promise you son it will be the last thing you ever do! You let me deal with your sister and as for your girlfriend I hope you know what you are doing! You bring anymore shame to this family and I swear to god you will be lying in a ditch in the middle of Nevada! Got it!"
"I got it…" Shane mumbled.
"Good!" Vince howled. "Please prove to me you weren't a waste of sperm like your uncontrollable sister… we taught you the way of business… you better not let your emotions get the better of you Shane!"
Shane sat silently, the words of his father were harsh but it was nothing he hadn't heard before. Shane respects his father - there wasn't anything to disrespect. He was powerful, respected, well educated but he had a temper; a temper Shane had felt the wrath of one too many times.
-x-x-x-x-
Amy had been wandering aimlessly around Manhattan all day - she didn't know where to go or what to do. She was scared - scared to be in New York but also scared to leave. She had felt like she had been being watched all day and decided to stay in a public area to make herself feel more comfortable. It was no use - she was being followed.
Suddenly as she sat in Central Park - the atmosphere changed. The mood shifted. The red head couldn't help but feel something sinister was in the air. She looked around as she felt eyes burn into her, she was alone, nobody was around and she was isolated and secluded. A gut wrenching intuition told her to move; she didn't argue, she picked her stuff up as she began to run away.
As she ran away from where she had been seating she felt a whack on the back of her head, a man in a balaclava attacked the red head. She tried to fight back but it was no use, he overpowered her. His hands tightened around her slender neck as she struggled to catch her breathe.
She began to think that this was it. This was the end.
Out of nowhere she felt his grip loosen as she noticed him drop to the floor and rub the back of his head. She was still disoriented and struggled to catch sight of her saviour. As she began to regain her consciousness and awareness she noticed the man who had hit her run away, this time however his arms revealed as she noticed familiar tattoos. He had found her. He knew where she was. He knew she was in New York. She had no hope.
"Amy!" The voice snapped Amy back into reality as her panic began to set in. "It's okay Amy… he's gone!"
Amy looked up to find Trish stood in front of her, a brick in one hand and the culprits hooded jacket in the other. Amy burst into tears as she began to shake in fear on the floor. Trish hugged her as she tried to soothe her and calm her nerves.
"It's okay Amy… we're going to go back to mine… you'll be safe there…" Trish hushed as she soothed the sobbing redhead.
"I'm not safe anywhere…" Amy cried.