Chapter 12
*Pete/Kane*
Getting to Kane's room, Pete knocked.
Come on big guy, no fair freaking me out answer already. Pete thought nervously.
Bringing his hand back to knock again. Pete nearly hit Kane in the chest when the door suddenly opened.
"Honey I'm home." Pete said laughing.
Shaking his head, Kane stepped back and motioned Pete into the room.
"So how was your day? Did you eat, get some rest?" Pete asked.
Pete quit acting like I'm two. Kane thought, reaching out and giving Pete a push.
"Ok I get the point." Pete said laughing.
I don't think you do. The more you treat me like that the more you confuse me. Kane thought.
Taking a seat Pete sighed.
I have to tell him about seeing the doctor. Maybe then he'll really understand how serious this is. Pete thought.
Pete waited until Kane was comfortable and had the ice pack back on his neck.
"Now that you're nice and comfortable I have to ask you a favor." Pete said, already getting nervous about his reaction. "Please stay calm ok?"
He sounds more like J.J. every day. Kane thought. Has she been talking to him? Is that why he is acting just like she always did? What did he do?
Kane cocked his head and looked at the trainer then nodded.
"Well while I was out I stopped off at a treatment center." Pete said cautiously, taking an unconscious step away from him.
You what! Kane thought starting to get up.
"Please don't be mad. I'm really worried. I didn't tell him who you were or anything. I just needed some advice. I wanted to know if I could do anything more." Pete said, taking another step back when he saw the anger burning in Kane's eyes. "He was shocked that you were on your feet at all. When I told him I was leaving you alone to travel he actually called me on it. Said you shouldn't be without supervision in case you get worse."
How could he do that? He knows how I feel about doctors. What gives him the right to talk about me to others? If anyone finds out it'll be a target for sure. Kane thought feeling his anger begin to rise.
"Come on Kane I had to be sure I was doing everything I could." Pete said, trying to reason with Kane as he got to his feet. "I only wanted to help."
I can't believe it. He would go that far to help me to protect me. First sneaking me out of the arena. Then intentionally getting me suspended, and now this. Kane thought, confusion replacing anger, as he got closer to the trainer.
Oh shit, maybe I shouldn't have told him. Pete thought, swallowing his fear and making himself stand his ground. Wait a minute that's a look I've never seen before. If I didn't know better I'd think he was confused.
Walking past the trainer, Kane got to the desk and picked up some of the paper there. Then turning around he returned to the couch and took a seat.
What is going through that head of his? Pete wondered, as he watched him cross the room.
How do I ask this? I don't know the words that he'll understand. I have to know what the hell he's up to and why. Kane thought, as he stared at the blank page before him.
Pete stood watching him for a moment longer. Then he took a seat in the chair near him.
Why? Help freak? Friend Kane wrote finally.
"I'm not sure I understand the question, but I'll try to answer it anyway." Pete said after reading the note.
"First I object to the word freak. You have NEVER been a freak. You're scary at times but no different than anyone else. I told you before I consider you a friend. That's why I'm helping you. I always stand beside my friends." Pete said.
That answers the part about why he would help me. Again he sounds like J.J., telling me I'm no freak. They couldn't be more wrong on that count. But he didn't answer one question. Why would he want to be friends with a freak? Kane wondered.
Picking up the note Kane pointed to the two words he hoped would gain him the last answer.
"Why friend?" Pete said as Kane pointed to the words.
"Does it really matter why I'm your friend?" He asked.
Yes, I need to know what would make you want to be around me, when my own family only uses me. Kane thought.
Nodding, Kane waited for an answer.
How do I answer that without sounding like an idiot? Pete wondered.
"There's never a simple answer for that question. Hell I don't know why anyone is my friend. In your case I have to say when you first showed up I was scared of you like most people were." Pete said.
It figures he should have kept that attitude. Kane thought, tensing up and preparing to walk away.
"But that was only right at first. Little by little you showed that there was something in there besides rage. I wanted to know what it was. Then after what happened with X-Pac and that woman, I got mad. I couldn't believe they could treat you that way. I needed you to see that there were people who weren't like them. I knew then that if you'd have me I wanted to be your friend." Pete said, getting up and walking over to the bar suddenly embarrassed.
Pity? You are making less sense with every word Pete. Kane thought watching the trainer.
"Oh hell I'm sounding like an idiot. What I really mean to say is that you are not what you show to others. You don't deserve the shit people keep giving you. I give up. I can't explain why I believe you're my friend. Just like I can't explain why Seth gets on my nerves so bad. It's just the way it is. I'm sorry if that doesn't answer your question." Pete finished unable to turn around.
Can he really not answer that question? Kane wondered.
I need to see his face, see if he can't face me because he's laughing. Kane thought, getting up quietly.
What's he doing? Is he still there? Pete wondered, still feeling heat of his blush on his face.
Kane kept his eyes on Pete as he walked silently up behind him. Without warning he grabbed the trainer's shoulder and spun him around.
He's red? Kane thought, noting the color of the trainer's face. Is he embarrassed by what he said?
"I'm sorry Kane were you trying to get my attention?" Pete said, trying not to have a heart attack at suddenly being turned.
Even though I obviously surprised him he didn't show fear only surprise. Does he seriously not fear me? Could he maybe even trust me? Kane wondered, shocked at the revelation.
Pete looked up into the big man's face.
He still looks confused. Hell, without out his mask it's easier to tell what he's thinking. But I still can't figure him out. Pete thought.
Without the mask! Oh man he hasn't had that thing on around me since I got him back here. Pete suddenly realized.
Kane shook his head no, released Pete's arm and turned away.
Have to clear my head and try to figure this all out. Kane decided.
Grabbing his mask Kane headed for the door.
"Kane, where are you going? Please tell me you are not going to workout." Pete called out to him.
Despite what most people think I'm not a retard. I know when to let up. Kane thought, feeling a little angry with Pete being so overprotective.
Where is he going? Shit what do I do now? What did I say that pissed him off? Pete wondered suddenly confused.
*J.J./Rog/Sandy*
J.J. watched the guys put their tools away and head out. Just then Sandy came in.
"Oh my poor kitchen." Sandy cried.
"It'll be ok baby. They'll make it all better." Rog said laughing.
"Did you trade Maryanne for something in one of those bags?" J.J. asked Sandy jokingly, when she didn't see the younger woman.
"Of course not. I'd only do that to Roger." Sandy laughed. "Maryanne had to get home."
"Well on the bright side my sweet, at this rate it won't take them long to get done." Roger said wrapping his arms around Sandy.
"How long?" Sandy asked looking at the wreckage.
"Well if J.J. does as good a job as she did today a week and a half max." Roger said smiling at J.J.
"What? They actually let her swing the hammer?" Sandy said, laughing and turning toward J.J.
"Yeah, it was a blast." J.J. said
"Tony was very impressed. He hadn't expected her to do as much as she did." Roger said. "Our meek quiet little decorator took out about three feet of wall by herself."
"Really! I wish I could have seen that." Sandy said staring wide eyed at J.J.
"Well now that I'm six shades of red. I think I'm make good my escape. See you two tomorrow." J.J. said as she turned to go.
"Oh don't go J.J. I just got back." Sandy called out.
"Really Sandy I'm beat. I'll see you tomorrow." She replied.
*Roger/Sandy*
"Roger why didn't you encourage her to stay?" Sandy asked once J.J. was gone.
"I need to talk to you about her." Rog said.
"What about?" She asked.
"Well Tony was asking questions. He seems really interested in her. I tried again to dissuade him but he seems determined to make his move." Rog said.
"What do you mean again? He's expressed an interest before and you didn't tell me. Even thought you knew she has a broken heart." Sandy said.
"Firstly, we don't know she had a broken heart. Second if she did what better way to fix it than to move on to someone else." Rog said.
"Typical man." Sandy groaned. "That isn't the answer Roger. She loves whoever it is. It's not that simple."
"Whatever! I said I tried to talk him out of it. I just wanted you to know in case she comes to you about it." Rog said.
"Roger, what did you tell him?" Sandy asked.
"I said she was very independent and not his type." Roger said.
"So you challenged him. Good job Roger." Sandy said sounding exasperated.
"She's a big girl. She'll handle him." Roger said. "I shouldn't have said anything to you."
"I'm sorry, I shouldn't give you grief. You were trying to help her." Sandy said smiling and taking him in a large hug.
"Are you done picking on me now?" Rog whispered in her ear.
"Yes dear. So what are we going to do for dinner?" She asked.
"I have plans for us don't you worry. I am not so uncouth that I would not be sure that my woman ate properly, even if the kitchen is in pieces." Roger said, bending to kiss Sandy's neck.
"Your woman?" Sandy asked, tilting her head to give him better access.
"Do you object to being called that?" Roger asked looking into her eyes.
"No." Sandy said, as he took her hand and began to lead her to the stairs.
*J.J.*
Getting back to the hotel, J.J. went directly to the gym.
I probably should have changed into sweats. But these are pretty loose so I guess they'll do. J.J. thought, as she began her usual routine.
As she worked, J.J. let her mind wander through the past few weeks.
I've been away for more than a month now. But it still feels like it was yesterday that he left the room. Damn, when is it going to start hurting less? J.J. wondered, tugging her pants up higher.
He was so angry when he left. I still don't know how he could have just walked out like that. I would have at least let him explain, no matter what I found out about him. I would have listened, if for no other reason than because I love him. J.J. thought feeling her eyes fill with tears.
She turned to begin the last of her workout. J.J. closed her eyes for a moment trying to get some control. When she finally had it she continued. But she couldn't shake the track her mind was on.
He couldn't even really look at me afterward. Even those few times when we did run into each other. If I could have just…Oh hell it's done. No matter how many ifs I play it isn't going to change. J.J. thought, as she finished the last of her usual routine.
Then she turned and saw the punching bag.
It always works for him. Maybe that is how to ease the pain. J.J. thought, walking toward the large hanging leather bag.
She stood and stared at it for a moment. Then drew back her hand and punched it.
That hurts. She thought. He must concentrate on the pain to block out what he's upset about. I wonder if that will work for me?
Drawing her hand back again, J.J. punched the bag. She did it several more times, until her hands were killing her.
I don't think I like that method of escape. How can he do that until his hands bleed like they did? How could he not have known he was hurting himself? J.J. wondered, remembering the day he'd turned his hands into a bloody mess.
Looking at the bag again, J.J. shook her head.
I think I'll stick to running. J.J. thought, heading over to the treadmill.
Starting it up, J.J. stepped onto the belt. Then little by little she turned it up until she was running at a good clip. Before long she was completely zoned out.
*Kane*
Stepping out into the lobby, Kane looked around.
Place is pretty empty so early. He thought, looking at the clock.
Going out the front door he turned right and just started walking.
When did things get so complicated? It started off so simple. I listen to father and I get to hurt the man who destroyed my life. I get to make Mark pay. But now it's all screwed up. Father is gone. Mark is playing some new game and I don't know the rules yet. Kane thought.
Then there's Hunter. His game is pretty clear. Get everyone and anyone to kick my ass whenever they can get their hands on me. I wonder how he's gotten these guys to go at me. None of them have anything to gain from attacking me, unless they like pain. No Hunter has something to do with their attacks. Only question is, how did he convince them to do it? Kane wondered.
A neon light caught his eye. Looking over he saw a small bar.
That looks like just the place for me to sit and think. Wouldn't want to exert myself too much walking around. What I'd really like to do is get my hands on a punching bag. Kane thought as he entered the bar.
Moving to a darkened corner, he waited for the waitress.
Lots of cold liquids. Have to follow Pete's orders. Kane thought, as he watched the young lady walk his way. A little anesthetic wouldn't hurt either.
"What'll it be?" She asked, popping her gum as she talked.
Kane raised his hand and pointed to the order pad in her pocket.
"What?" She asked staring at him.
Shaking his head in exasperation, he mimed writing.
"You want me to write it down? First you gotta ask for something buddy." She said sounding as if he were wasting her time.
Oh this one is really bright. Kane thought, again motioning writing.
"Listen jerk, when you're done playing games give me a call. I got other customers." She said turning to walk away.
Jerk, hell I'm not the one too stupid to realize what is being asked. Kane thought, amazed that she'd talk to him that way.
Kane shook his head and got up. He walked up to the bar and picked up a napkin. He waited for the waitress to walk by again. When she did, he snatched the pen from her hair.
"What the hell? You again. What is your problem?" She shouted drawing the attention of the bartender.
Beer shot jack. Keep coming. Kane wrote then held the note out to her.
Taking the note she stared at the big man in front of her.
"Uh, sure." She said once she'd read the napkin. "But what were you pointing at?"
Kane rolled his eyes and tapped her order pad, even as he handed her back her pen.
Then he turned and walked back to his table at the back.
"Max what was that all about?" The bartender asked.
"Nothing Mason, I didn't realize he needed to write his order down. I kinda gave him grief over it." She said shaking her head in disbelief.
"You gave that monster shit?" Mason said, his eyes wide with amazement.
"I had no idea he was huge." Max said.
"The mask would have given me a clue to not piss him off." Mason said. "You really know how to pick them don't you?"
"He was sitting in the dark, I didn't see the mask." Max said.
"Beer and a shot." Max told him without taking her eyes off Kane.
Why does she keep staring at me? What are they saying? Kane wondered, trying to decide whether to just leave.
Just then he saw the woman get his order.
"This rounds on me. Least I can do after giving you such a hard time. I didn't understand." Max said hoping to appease the big man.
Shaking his head no, Kane pulled out some money and handed it to her.
"Really, it's on me." She repeated.
Repeating the gesture again he dropped the money on her tray. Then waved her emphatically away.
"I get it." She muttered as she walked back to the bar.
Kane sat there sipping his beer. The cold frothy beverage began easing the ache in his throat. The shot however didn't have the desired numbing effect.
Things just keep getting more and more confusing. First J.J. turns out not to be the person who she pretended. I have to wonder how much of what she said were lies and how much was truth. How could she profess to care for me and keep that a secret? But oh the things she showed me. She actually made me feel normal for a while. I half wish I had never met her or had that. It was so much simpler to be what I am before she gave me a taste of what others have. That will surely pass with time; at least I hope it will. I'll never let it happen again, NEVER. Kane thought, as he continued to drink his beer.
The waitress brought him another round.
Better, the shot is having its effect now. My throat feels better. Kane thought.
Pete is beginning to sound entirely too much like her. Is he talking to her behind my back? If he is what are then talking about? And why? Kane wondered.
He's confusing the hell out of me. He says he once feared me but now is my friend. How can that happen? How can he care about someone who scares him? Why is he trying so hard to make sure I'm all right? It's not like Vince would care if I dropped dead in his ring. Hell it would probably boost his ratings. He'd love it. Could J.J. be the one making him do it? Are they together on this? Kane wondered.
This whole mess is giving me a headache and I haven't even gotten to the question of what X-Pac is up to. Shit! I'm in too deep and no way to get any answers. Kane thought feeling overwhelmed.
They keep coming from every direction. Hunter, Mark, the Ministry, X-Pac, Pete and who knows which of the other talent Hunter has going for me. On top of that there is J.J. and the pain the dreams of her are causing me. Then there's Vince and Shane. I have no idea what they know about Hunter and my brother's plans. Or how much they're helping them complete them. Now I'm out with an injury, which everyone thinks is a suspension. Kane thought, beginning to feel the alcohol.
Getting up, he dropped some cash on the table and headed for the door.
This was a waste of time. I still have no answers. I was sure that if I thought about it I could at the very least understand Pete's motivation. But I don't understand it now any more than I did when I left him in that hotel room. Kane realized with aggravation.
*Pete*
Pete watched Kane walk out.
Jeez man, I wish you wouldn't do that. If he's angry with me he should just tell me not walk away. Now what do I do? If I follow him and he sees me he'll be even more upset. If I don't and something happens to him I won't forgive myself. Pete thought.
No, I can't chance it. I'll have to stay here and hope for the best. He decided at last.
Pete paced for a while then sat down to try to watch TV.
What are those? He wondered seeing the two tapes on top of the VCR.
I know he didn't go out and rent movies. Maybe they're the real reason he's so upset. Pete thought as he picked them up.
There's only one way for me to find out. Pete thought feeling guilty as he slipped the first one in the VCR.
Sitting back, he watched completely confused at what he was seeing.
That looks like X-Pac, but why does the camera look granny and slightly out of focus. Vince would never stand for such sloppy filming. He thought.
What the hell? Undertaker just took out X-Pac? Is this that day he was found unconscious outside the arena? Pete wondered. If so then how did it get on film? Why did Undertaker turn toward the camera and how did Kane get this tape? Pete asked himself, as he rewound the tape to watch it again.
After watching it again, he pulled that tape out and put in the other.
Oh this is just the other night. Pete thought, as he watched Kane's match with Sheik and Slaughter.
Pete watched cringing every time one of them got near Kane's throat.
How could Kane not have passed out there? Sheik has his hands on his neck in that camel clutch. Why didn't the ref stop it? Pete wondered.
He was amazed to see Kane power out of the move despite his obvious distress.
I don't know how no one else has seen the trouble he's having. Or do they just not know him well enough to see a difference. Pete wondered. Would it have been missed if it were someone else? But then again someone else would have come to see us it they were hurt.
Damn it Kane! Why do you have to be this way? Pete thought, as he watched the match end.
Why did he look over to the left? Did he see or hear something? Pete wondered.
He rewound the tape and replayed just that part.
I think I saw something over there. But who or what was it? Pete thought, allowing the tape to continue.
He flinched when IRS attacked Kane from the right.
Damn that must have been the last straw. Pete thought, as he saw IRS' foot partly connected with Kane's throat.
He watched the big man stagger to his feet and begin to go after his attacker. But then turn away when IRS made a run for it.
How is he even standing at that point? He has got to be fighting for air. Pete thought.
He stopped the tape and let their meeting backstage replay in his mind.
That must have been why he grabbed me. He was probably only half conscious from lack of oxygen. Shit! I should have stopped him then. Pete berated himself.
Pete went to hit the rewind button but hit fast-forward accidentally.
What's this? He wondered, when he saw the angle change.
He rewound it a bit and watched the attack from a new angle.
There was someone there and Mideon grabbed him? Was that Virgil? Pete wondered. What is going on here? I thought Kane and the Undertaker were through. If that's the case why is Undertaker helping Kane. Pete thought beginning to feel confused at the contradiction between actions and attitude.
Is this why he was so quick to get upset? Is he as confused by all this as I am? Or did Undertaker leave these so Kane would know what he'd done for him? Pete thought.
He made sure to rewind both tapes and put them back as they were.
I think that's how I found them. Pete thought hopefully.
Is this how it always is for him; alone and trying to figure out who's going to screw with him next? If it is then no wonder he's so unwilling to trust anyone. Pete thought.
Pete felt himself growing angry that everyone treated Kane this way.
I don't know even a fraction of what his life was like as a child or is really like now. I wish he'd stop fighting me so much and let me help him. He has to realize that I'm on his side. But if he knew I was still keeping J.J. informed he would never believe that. I really think those two belong together no matter what their fight was about. Pete thought pacing around the hotel room one more time.
*J.J./Pete*
Getting back upstairs J.J. showered then forced herself to order room service. When it arrived she picked at it for a while without actually eating very much.
She finally gave up and put the tray outside the door. Then she sat back and tried to relax watching TV.
This isn't working. She realized when she couldn't follow the story.
She got up and searched her bag for a book. Then she sat back down and tried to read.
She grew frustrated after she'd read several pages but couldn't remember one of them.
I can't wait any longer. Maybe if I know he's ok I'll be able to concentrate on something else. J.J. thought, as she walked to the phone.
"Pete." J.J. said when the phone was answered.
"Yeah J.J." Pete said sounding distracted.
His voice doesn't sound right. J.J. realized, as soon as she heard it.
"Did I call at a bad time? Is he there with you?" J.J. asked.
"No, and he's not here." Pete replied.
I wish I knew where he was. Pete thought.
"You don't sound right what's going on." J.J. said.
"Just thinking, nothing serious." Pete said. "How are you doing?"
"I'm fine. I'm calling to see how Kane is." She replied.
"I figured that. He's doing a little better. I've managed to get him suspended so he can heal without anyone knowing he was hurt. I think the ice is helping to bring down the swelling because he seems to be breathing marginally better." Pete said.
"That's good news. How did you get him suspended?" J.J. asked.
Pete explained the way things had happened.
"I can't believe you did that." J.J. said.
"Had to do something. He wanted to punch Vince to get the time off." Pete said.
"Oh I can just imagine how that would have gone." J.J. said laughing.
"Would have been fun to watch." Pete said.
He still isn't really with me here. J.J. thought.
"If the news is good why do you sound so distracted." J.J. asked.
"Well, I really pissed him off tonight. I was worried that I wasn't doing enough to help him. So while I was out today I went by a treatment center. The doctor couldn't believe what he was seeing. He was even more shocked to find out the patient was up and walking around." Pete said.
I can't believe he'd do that. It must be more serious than he's telling me. J.J. thought.
"So did he give you any advice?" J.J. asked.
"Yeah, that I should get him to a hospital." Pete said with a small sad chuckle.
"Well that isn't going to happen is it?" J.J. said.
"No, I told him there was no way that could happen. He wasn't pleased to hear that. He was more pissed when I told him I had to leave him alone." Pete said, sounding upset.
Just like the dream, he's alone when he needs someone most. J.J. thought.
"Is there anything else you can do?" J.J. asked.
"No, I tried to get him to travel anyway or stay with my wife but he flat out refuses. I have to go J.J., I can't lose the pay." He replied. "You could always come watch over him."
"Pete, let that go. He would only get really pissed if I showed up. That wouldn't be good for him either." J.J. said sounding up set.
"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said that. I'm worried about him. Best idea I could come up with was to call him every day or so to check in." Pete said.
"Did you convince him to actually answer the phone?" J.J. said sounding amazed.
"Took some doing, but he'll answer. I'm not sure that will be enough. I'm afraid he'll push to hard." Pete replied.
"Yeah you sound it. You said you pissed him off. What happened?" J.J. asked.
"I told him about the doctor." He said.
"You told him?" J.J. said, surprised that he'd do that.
"Yeah I didn't want to take the chance that he would find out another way. I couldn't take the thought that he'd feel betrayed." Pete said.
"Hey I'm not faulting you. I would have done the same thing. Its what I should have done with everything." J.J. said.
"Vince seemed really pissed when he suspended him, so it will probably be two weeks. If we're lucky it'll be longer. I don't know how long this will take to heal." Pete said still sounding worried.
"Oh, it's more serious than you're letting on isn't it." J.J. asked softly.
"It's really serious." Pete said. "I could call you after I talk to him if you'd give me a number where I can reach you."
Maybe she'll finally give me a number is she's worried enough. Pete thought.
"I can't do that. I'll call Pete. I couldn't stand it if I didn't know." J.J. whispered.
I can't chance that Kane will find out I've been talking to him or find the number. J.J. thought.
"Ok, but I really wish you would. I would feel better if I had some backup here." Pete said.
"I'm here Pete." J.J. said, just before hanging up.
*Kane/Pete*
"Yeah you're here. But I can't reach you." Pete muttered, when he heard her hang up.
Pete started pacing alternately muttering about stubborn women and how incredibly stubborn Kane was.
"They belong together if any two people ever did. But do they see it NO. He walks away and she's too stubborn to chase him. If they would just get together for five minutes…" Pete muttered as he paced.
He stopped his tirade short when he heard a loud bang on the door.
Kane? Pete thought going to the door.
He opened it to find Kane leaning on the door jam trying to use the key.
"Get in here Kane. You've had me worried sick." Pete said.
Shut up! Enough. Kane thought, reaching out for Pete
"I was beginning to think…" Pete started but was cut off when Kane reached out and covered his mouth.
What's he doing? Pete wondered.
Kane released Pete and walked into the main room. Pete turned around to see Kane writing.
Good at least he's going to tell me what the hell is going on around here. Pete thought, moving to take a seat near him.
Not my keeper don't need keeper. Kane wrote.
"What are you talking about? I'm not trying to be your keeper." Pete said after reading the note.
Yes trying. Kane thought.
Getting up Kane shook his head no and then turned his back on Pete.
"Kane where were you? What happened to make you act like this?" Pete asked.
Kane didn't turn around. Didn't move.
"Kane talk to me. Please don't turn your back on me like this. I don't understand." Pete said stepping closer to the giant.
Not retard handle myself. Kane thought staring.
"Kane you've been drinking. Let's talk about this in the morning. I have to leave for the airport at ten. We can talk over breakfast." Pete said.
Sleep isn't going to change it. I'm capable of taking care of myself. Don't need a keeper. Kane thought angrily.
Reaching out Pete grabbed Kane's arm.
Back off! Kane thought.
Kane spun around and shoved Pete away. The action threw Kane off balance and he stumbled backward.
"Ok, I get it. Leave you alone." Pete said getting up.
*J.J.*
Crawling into bed, J.J. stared at the ceiling.
I should have given Pete my number. What would happen if Pete needed me to help? What if Kane needed me? J.J. thought feeling her anxiety rise.
"Yeah, I'll get a cell. Then he can reach me but still won't know where I am?" J.J. said to herself.
Lying back down, J.J. rolled over and tried to sleep.
*****Dreaming*****
J.J. stared into the fire, watching the flames jump and dance.
A fake fire? Who'd have thought it? When he gave it to me I couldn't believe it. J.J. thought, as she pulled her knees up.
It makes sense though. Kane hates fire; I could never have a real one. J.J. thought.
Just then she felt the couch she was leaning on move. She felt Kane's large hands kneading her shoulders.
She could feel the slight tremor in them, even though he tried to hide it.
"Baby if this bothers you why did you get the tape for me?" J.J. asked feeling confused.
"You like." He said, the harsh sound of his mechanical voice tearing at J.J.'s heart.
It's fire that made his voice like that. J.J. was reminded.
"But I don't like anything that makes you uncomfortable baby." J.J. said, reaching out and turning off the faux flames.
Reaching up to touch his hand, J.J. could feel him begin to relax and even hear his breathing even out.
Standing up, J.J. turned to face him.
"Baby, no matter what happens. I only want the best for you. I want you to be happy, safe and most of all to feel loved." J.J. said.
Kane turned his gaze to her and she saw him smile.
J.J. reached out to cup his cheek, but her hand went right through him. Even as she watched, he began to fade away. Until she was staring at an empty couch where he'd been moments before.
"Kane?" J.J. said. "How did you do that? Baby where are you?"
She began searching the room. But soon found that the effort was wasted. He was nowhere to be found.
"NOOOO!" J.J. screamed falling to her knees.
***End Dream***
J.J. woke with a start to someone pounding on the wall.
"Sorry." She called out, embarrassed to have disturbed her neighbors.