Part 14

It was Wrestlemania weekend and Taker was at the gym, working out. He was getting ready for his match against Big Show and A-Train the next day. He'd had time to think since his confrontation with Stephanie. He couldn't believe she'd put his relationship with the woman he loved on the line. There was no way he could mention it to Xandra without her getting suspicious. He was seeing her later that night...possibly for the last time. He had to win, for her, for their love.

Stephanie and Xandra were at the arena, going over the schedule their father had given them for the next day.

"I'm counting on you to be extra prepared for anything and everything tomorrow. Do you think you can handle it?" Stephanie asked her sister.

"I'm a McMahon. I know I can." Xandra replied.

"Great. Xandra..."

"Yeah?"

"How's your relationship with Taker going?"

"I couldn't be happier. He's nothing but good to me. Why? Has he mentioned something to you?"

"No, nothing like that. It's just that..."

"What?"

"Sorry. I'm just a concerned sister. That's all."

"Stephanie, he's wonderful. We love each other's company and I know he'd never hurt me. Besides, I love him and he loves me. Isn't that a good relationship?"

"Yes, but I-"

"Look, I get the concern. It's cool. But I'm a grown woman now. I think I can trust my own judgment when it comes to men, and Taker is one of the best out there. He's the best for me, at least."

Stephanie knew she had promised that she wouldn't mention her rape to her sister unless Taker lost at Wrestlemania. But she wanted to just get it out there and be done with it. But she was a woman of her word.

"Xandra..."

"Yeah?"

"Just be careful. That's all I'm saying. I just don't want you to make the same mistakes I made."

"I know what I'm doing. And I wouldn't call them mistakes. Just...lessons. They taught you what you do and don't want in a relationship. Granted, I'm new at relationships, but I know that I want what Mom and Dad have someday. If it's with Taker, fine. If it's not, that's fine too. I just know that right now, Taker's who I want to be with."

"I know...and I'm sorry."

"For what?"

"Being a little overprotective. You've always been responsible and loyal. I just can't believe that my little sister's in love...and happy."

"I want that for you too. I hope you find a man that makes you happy someday."

"Thanks. But my focus right now is on running Smackdown to the best ability I can. But someday...maybe love will be in the cards for me. For now, I want you to be happy. And if Taker makes you happy, then I'm OK with it."

"Thanks, sis. I'm glad you understand." Xandra said as she hugged Stephanie.

"No problem." Stephanie said. 'Xandra, if you only knew...I can't tell you now, but someday...I will tell you everything.'