Disclaimer: I only own Leila and Suzie.
A/N: Happy New Year everyone! Well, I'm back with yet another update. Thanks to all those who read and reviewed, you guys rock! Continue to rock by reviewing. Now to the good stuff. There is no Leila in this chapter, but don't worry you'll be reading her story by chapter 23. This chapter is where the boys get their letters from her. And then the next chapter is going to be their full reactions. I think that's about it. Oh, before I forget, the letters are in italicized writing. Also a big thank you to HardyxGirl for betaing for me!! You're the best. As always enjoy & review.
Shane's Point of View
I woke up pretty late the next morning. Okay so that is a big lie. When I woke up it wasn't morning, it was two in the afternoon. I usually don't sleep that long, but damn it felt good to sleep in very late, considering WWE's grueling schedule.
Throwing on a t-shirt, I headed downstairs. My day at home started like any other day. Or at least I thought it did until I stepped on something cool. Confused as fuck, I looked down to see that I had stepped on a key. My heart began to race when I saw it wasn't any key, it was Leila's key.
How do I know this? When Jeff and Leila fought about his drug use, I made her a key in case if she ever wanted to get away from everyone, she can just come and hang out by me. That was why I made the key.
But it was hers because I had the key made in pink. Why? So she could decipher the difference between all her keys. You see Leila had many keys. She had the key to her house back in Florida (before she moved here of course), the keys to her parent's house, a key to Matt's house, a key to Jeff's house (well, when it was still standing), a key to Shannon's house, Shannon's tattoo shop (when it opened), hell, she even had a key to Gil's house, and not to mention her car keys too.
Anyway, I'm getting off track here. It was when I went to pick up the key that I noticed an envelope taped to my door. I instantly recognized the handwriting to be Leila's. With shaky hands, I pulled the envelope off the door and then practically tore the letter out so that I could read it.
Dear Shane,
I know that I promised you that I would stay and work through things. But the truth of the matter is I couldn't. It was beginning to be too much for me to handle. Not only that, this isn't something that I want to bring my unborn child into. My unborn child doesn't deserve to pay or suffer for the mistakes of their mother and father. None of this is the baby's fault.
Please don't be mad at me. I know I broke my promise to you, and for that I am truly sorry, so don't doubt that for one second. But here is a promise that I will keep: the baby and I will be safe, and we'll both be happy.
Don't worry about me, I'm in good hands. But please don't look for me, you won't find me. However, two things are for sure; I will be back, and I will periodically let you know how I'm doing. Please don't be scared. I'll be okay.
Shane, from the bottom of my heart, I want to say thank you. You were there for me whenever I needed you. You took the role of the big brother that I never had. Thank you. And from the bottom of my heart, I love you.
Just one more thing before I go. Please, I'm begging you, please keep an eye on both Matt and Jeff for me. More so Jeff than anybody. Beth being back doesn't sit right with me, and I sense some trouble. So please, just look after him. Just know, I'm not doing this because I hate you or everybody else. I'm doing this because I love everybody. And when it comes down to it, I'll always love Jeff way more than I should. Then again, you've always known that.
Love, Leila
By the time I was done, I had tears streaking my face. I was sad, hurt, and pissed. One thing I knew for sure; someone was going to get their ass beat.
Shannon's Point of View
Today started off like any Thursday generally would. I slept in late due to the fact that Tony opens up the shop on Thursdays. So that was in the norm for the day. However, the face of my day would change once I walked into the shop that afternoon.
"Hey Tony. How's today looking?" I asked as I hopped up onto the counter to sit.
"Looks great. We have a ton of appointments scheduled for today. I have three. Alex has four. Sara has two, and Shannon you have four. Also, Suzie called, she said she needed to talk to you about something." He said as he continued to look through the book. "I told her you'd call her as soon as you got in."
I nodded and looked down to the ground so that he wouldn't see that I was blushing. "Sounds like a good day." I replied as I pulled adjusted my hat. "Did she say why she called?"
"It is a good day." He said agreeing with me. "She didn't say much, except that it was important." Tony replied. "And one more thing, before I forget. This was taped to the door this morning. Its something for you."
Confused, I took the envelope from him. Who the hell would leave me a letter? Everyone knows to text or call me. Nobody ever left letters anymore. It was 2009 for the love of God. Can people get with the program? Yeah right, this coming from me. I'm the most technologically retarded person to walk the planet. So, thinking about it a little better, the letter wasn't such a bad idea. A little old school, but not bad at all.
As soon as I looked down, I instantly recognized the handwriting. It was Leila's writing. My heart began to pound. Dreading what she wrote, I went into my office. Once I had a little privacy, I carefully took the letter out and started reading it.
Dear Shannon,
Before I say anything else, let me please just say that I'm sorry. If it weren't for me, we wouldn't be so divided. Instead of you reading this right now, we could all be joking around, drinking, and just hanging out. But that was taken away when Matt hit Jeff and they started fighting because of me. So I'm sorry for the rift that I caused between all of us. And more importantly, I'm sorry for leaving like this. Obviously, I'm sorry for way too much, but I can't help but feel like this is all because of me.
By the time you get this, I will be gone. And no this isn't a suicide note, its just a temporary goodbye note. But mark my words Shan, I'll be coming back home one day (yeah, I still consider Cameron home). So there's no need to worry about if I'll come back, its just a matter of when.
Speaking of worrying, don't worry about me. I'll be somewhere that is safe for both me and the baby. I'll be somewhere where we'll both be happy. A place where I won't have to worry about seeing Jeff with Beth. And just seeing Matt in his sulking mood. Honestly, I miss the old Matt. But who doesn't?
I know that you're going to be mad, and I know that you're going to think I'm selfish. But please don't, at least hear me out before you decide on anything. I had to leave because I couldn't take the stress anymore. It just became too much. When I made the decision to leave, I wasn't thinking of myself. I was thinking of the baby, and I was thinking of everyone else. I needed to leave for the baby's sake because he or she doesn't deserve to be brought into this situation. And for everyone else because by my leaving, everyone will be able to work things out and everything will be back to normal.
So please don't be mad. Take care of yourself. Maybe even ask that cute girl Suzie from Chicago out. We all know you like her. And please keep an eye out on everyone. And when I get back, get ready to tattoo me.
Love, Leila
I had to reread the letter at least ten times before I realized what was going on. And by the time I had finally understood what she did and what she meant, I was literally heartbroken.
Gil's Point of View
The next morning, I woke up still curious as to why Leila and Jeff had fought. Now I usually wouldn't care, but this time, things felt different. There was more to this. Something was missing, I could feel it. I was tempted to wake up Jeff and ask him, but I decided against it. If he wanted to tell me, then he would.
Pushing the feelings I was having aside, I began my day. After all, I couldn't dwell on anything. Dwelling on things didn't make things any easier or any better for that matter. So for now, I would just have to take things as they come. And if you think about it, that's what life is really about.
Grabbing my things, I headed out of the house to do the things that I usually don't do when I had to work. For one, there were things that I needed to fix in and around the house. Now was a good time to do this things. It would keep my mind off of a lot.
A few hours later, I was finally done with my odd jobs around the house. I swear, my boys are never, ever filming another episode of The Hardy Show here again. I learned my lesson. Sadly, it was the hard way. But I learned it nevertheless.
Grabbing the mail, I headed into the house. It was the usual bills and junk mail until one particular piece of my mail caught my attention. Putting all of the other mail aside, I opened the letter that I would soon discover was from Leila. How did I know it was from her? She was the only person that I know who writes in all lowercase letters.
Dear Gil,
This is the second note it had to write to you. There is a point to this, I promise you that. But there is a reason for a second note. There were a lot of things that I planned on telling you yesterday. However, I never got the chance. My plan yesterday was to say what I needed to say to you. But before I could, I ran into Jeff, and we got into a huge fight. I don't think you heard anything because you didn't question me when I entered your house. Thinking about it now, I really should have told you face to face. I wish I had. But instead I ended up thanking you and apologizing to you (even though I really am sorry and thankful).
Enough with the beating around the bush. I'm pregnant. Now before you get excited, there's more. I'm not sure as to who the father is. Either Matt is the father, or Jeff is the father. Obviously, I'm not entirely sure. Okay, I'm not sure at all.
Gil, please believe me when I say I wish I could have told you this in person. Like I said, it would have been better. Although telling you in person maybe have been awkward. Hell, even writing it is awkward. I really can't explain this too well, but I truly hope you understand. If not, I completely understand. I would ask for your forgiveness, but there's more. However, I'm sure that forgiveness is going to be the last thing on your mind.
As you are reading this, I won't be in Cameron anymore, I'll be in a completely different place. A lot has been going on. More than you know, and more than myself or anyone else wants to tell you. Anyway, it came to be so much for me that I felt like I couldn't breathe. My only choice was to leave without saying a word, or to give a clue as to where I would be.
I'm a sucky person for running. My parents didn't raise me to runaway. But in this case I did. There wasn't much else for me to do. For that I suck. However, in all my suckish cowardice, there are a few promises that I want to make and keep. Gil, I promise you that your grandchild will be apart of your life. When? I don't know when I'll be back, but you will be there for my child. More so than my own family. I'm getting off track here. Also, mixed into that promise is my return. Its up to you on whether or not you forgive me. And if you do, I won't understand, but I'll appreciate it. If you don't forgive me, then I won't blame you.
I've said it once and I'll say it again. I'm sorry that Matt and Jeff are fighting. The rift in your family (including Shane and Shannon, lets face it, they're family too), is my fault. Despite what everyone tells me, I know that it is my fault. I'm sorry for leaving like this. And I'm sorry that I took your grandchild with me. Also, I'm sorry for whatever problems this is going to cause. You don't deserve this at all.
Like I told you yesterday, I really do appreciate everything you have ever done for me or said to me. It makes me feel good to know that one day soon my child will get to call you grandpa. It warms my heart. Especially since I see you as more of my family as I do my own. You obviously know what the deal with my parents is, so there's no need to go into that. But like I said, it warms my heart to know my baby will have you as their grandfather. I'm sure that he or sure will grow to love and appreciate you more than the rest of us do.
I'm jumping around in this letter, I know, but its hard to keep my emotions in check. You're probably thinking that I'm selfish, and I agree. But there is more than me involved. There is more than one child's warfare at stake, my leaving was for the best. It will definitely solve a lot of things. Despite what you or anyone else thinks.
I know that I don't have to say this. But I will anyway. Please take care of the boys. They're going to need someone there, now more than ever. But you knew that already.
In closing, from the bottom of my heart, I apologize for everything that has happened and that will happen. And I appreciate everything. There are going to be many more times where I'm going to say this to you. God bless.
Love, Leila
By the time I was done, I had tears in my eyes. I was angry and depressed. But more importantly, I was hurt.
Matt's Point of View
Sometime during the night, my phone went off signaling that I had a text message. But because I was too lazy to reach over and check my phone, I left the message unread.
However, I just checked it now, and I'm confused as fuck. Something wasn't right here. No duh, anybody with eyes could see that. I reread the text message just to make sure that I was seeing right.
'Hey Matt, be at my house at 3:00. Go through the kitchen door, the key is under the plant. Then from the kitchen go to the living room. There's something on the table for you. -Leila.'
After reading the message about ninety more times, I got ready and then headed to her house. She never told me what door to use. Something was wrong. That I knew for sure.
Jeff's Point of View
The next morning, well afternoon rather, I woke up feeling fine. For the first time in a long time, I had slept perfectly fine. Throwing on my clothes from yesterday, I grabbed my phone and headed downstairs to the kitchen for some breakfast, er, lunch.
As I walked into the kitchen, I was checking my phone. I had nothing except a text from Leila. I smirked as I saw her name. Sighing, I opened the message.
'Hey Jeff, be at my house at 3:00. Use the front door, the key is under the mat. From there, go to the living room. I have something waiting for you on the table. -Leila'
I scoffed out loud. What more could she possibly want? I know for a fact that we said all we needed to say to each other yesterday. There nothing left to say. At least until the baby is born, then there would be more to talk about.
"What is it son?"
I jumped a little bit. For the first time since I got into the kitchen, I noticed my dad sitting at the kitchen table. A completely unreadable look glued to his face. There's my red flag. Something is definitely wrong. And its bad if its bothering him too.
"Leila wants me at her house by three."
"Go."
"I'm not going."
"Go!" He replied sternly.
For the second time that day, I jumped back. He was never like this. And if he was, there was something bothering him. Knowing better than to question him, I grabbed my phone and keys and headed on over to Leila's house. This had better be good.
Omniscient Point of View
Just like he had been directed, Matt went through the kitchen door. Now that he was actually in the house, he knew for a fact that something was wrong. The house was empty, the lack of lights tipped him off. However, he was going to shout for Leila anyway. But before he could, he heard another voice. A familiar voice.
"Leila!"
Matt walked into the living room. And just like he thought, Jeff was there. Instantly, he tensed up and his anger awakened. He wasn't expecting Jeff to be there. Jeff wasn't supposed to be there. But by now, it was obvious to him that Leila had done this on purpose. She set them up.
"What are you doing here?" Matt questioned rather rudely.
"I could ask you the same thing." The younger Hardy retorted.
"So?"
"So what?"
"Why are you here?"
"Leila sent me a text." Jeff replied as he shook his phone in front of Matt's face. "You?"
"Same."
"Do you know where Leila is?"
"Not a clue."
"Useless." Jeff muttered. But then he turned back to Matt and spoke clearly this time. "You look down here, I'll look upstairs."
"Why do you get to look upstairs? You wanna fuck her, huh? Well tough, she's my girl." Matt said through gritted teeth as he stepped up to Jeff. "So back off."
"I don't have time for this." Jeff replied. "I'll look down here and you look upstairs. The sooner we find her, the faster we can find out why we're here."
Stepping back, Matt nodded. Walking away from Jeff, he started to head upstairs to go and look for Leila, while Jeff looked downstairs. They searched for ten minutes, and they found no sign of her.
Jeff had just walked into the living room, when Matt stormed in. "Where is Leila? Where did you put her? Jeff, where's my girl?"
"I didn't put her anywhere, she's not a toy dumb ass." Jeff snapped. "And stop saying 'your girl'. I know you're dating, so there's no need to be so possessive."
Matt stepped back. He and Leila weren't dating. Jeff was badly misinformed. But Matt didn't correct Jeff. He'd be stupid if he did. In fact, he just went along with it.
"She's my girl. How does it feel to know that she picked me, that she's in my bed, that she loves me? After all, we know she picked the right brother."
Jeff's temper got the best of him, and before he knew it, him and Matt were fighting and rolling around the floor. Punches were being thrown left and right. They were hitting each other and various objects that Leila had around the house.
"You're a son of bitch Matt! She was mine first! Don't you understand that I love her?" Jeff shouted as they continued to fight.
"Tough! She loves me!" Matt yelled back as he punched Jeff in the face once more.
"Oh yeah, then where is she? If you love her so much, then tell me genius, where is she?" Jeff questioned as he pushed Matt. He pushed Matt with so much force, that he flipped over the table, and miraculously landed on the couch. Surprisingly, the wooden table only flipped over but didn't break.
At that moment, the two brothers stopped fighting. First, it was to catch their breath. But then, it was when they heard keys and something else fall to the ground.
Moving the table aside, Matt and Jeff saw three envelopes, car keys, and a cell phone on the floor. While Jeff was setting the table upright, Matt grabbed the items. He set the keys, phone, and T-Mobile envelope on the table. Then he gave Jeff the envelope that was addressed to him.
Sitting down, both Hardy boys began to read their letters.
Matt's Point of View
I nervously opened the envelope. Judging by the things that were on the table, I knew that she was gone. I just wasn't sure if she was gone forever or if it was a temporary thing. God I hope its only temporary.
Dear Matt,
I know that you weren't expecting this, in fact no one was, but I'm gone. And no, not in the sense that I'm no longer breathing. But rather in the sense that I'm living somewhere else.
Leaving, especially while pregnant with what could be your child, is wrong. It was a selfish and bitchy thing to do. But I wasn't left with much choice. With everything going on, it was hard for me to deal. But I couldn't handle you and Jeff fighting anymore. Its my fault. And neither I, nor the baby could be in Cameron until you two worked things out. So I guess me leaving wasn't completely selfish, huh?
Please don't be mad. Despite what you think, this was the right thing to do. But, I do know that I one day will be back. When, I'm not sure, but I will be back. We both know that there is a lot that has to be said and done. But that's all for later. All I hope for now is that we could all look at this one day and laugh. Maybe make it become a very, and I mean very distant memory.
But there is one thing that I really need to mention. I just want this all out in the open. This is something that will give us a lot to think about. Matt please know that it hurts me to say this through a letter, or to say it all, but I have to. I wish to do this any other way, but I can't. I love you Matt. But not the way that you think. Matt, I love you, but only as a friend. On the night of the Royal Rumble (hard to believe it was only two months ago), I was confused. I had confused myself. I was feeling lust, not love. And if you look at it closely Matt, then you'll see that you too, confused your feelings for lust. Just please think about that.
I plan on keeping myself and the baby happy, safe, and healthy. But there's a few things that I want you to do for me. Its something you're doing more for you than for me. This is important, so listen, er, read carefully.
Please, please, please make amends with Jeff. Aside from your dad, he's all you have. It'll take time to fix things, but at the end of the day, he's still your brother, as we all know, blood is thicker than water. No matter what, he's always going to be your brother, and you can't change that. Fix things, because I know that you know it's the right thing to do. And one more thing, please take care of Jeff, you're the only person that he'll listen to sometimes.
Last but not least, I'm sorry Matt. Yes Matt, I'm apologizing to you. If it weren't for me, then none of this would be happening. I'm truly sorry for everything. Maybe one day all will be forgiven, but until then, we'll have to wait.
Love, Leila
I felt like the biggest douche bag ever. This is my fault, not hers. I'm the one that fucked up.
Jeff's Point of View
I grabbed the envelope from Matt and sat down on the couch next to him. Opening the envelope, I pulled the letter out. I took a deep breath, and then I started to read the most painful thing that I will ever have to read in my life.
Dear Thumper,
First things first, this is a rewrite of your first letter. There were a lot of things that I needed to add. In advance, my feelings are going to be all over the place, so please don't be scared or confused. You'll pretty much get the idea of what I'm trying to say.
By the time you get this, I'll already be safe and sound at my new home. I'm safe, as is the baby. Leaving is probably the worst thing that I could do, and it makes me look selfish. I know it does, but my intentions are good. After Matt turned on you at the Royal Rumble, we all grew apart. Don't say we didn't, because we did. Maybe my leaving will also help us grow together again.
But that's not my only reason for leaving. Things were beginning to get to be too much. You and Matt are fighting, the two of us are fighting, Beth is making things worse. Shane and Shannon are trying to keep it together. And your dad, well your dad, he's taking things as they come. I'm getting off track here. Let me get to the point. Each day that I was home, I felt like I was stressing out and losing my sanity. It was best for my health and the baby's health. We can't argue on that point, now can we?
See, like I said earlier, my intentions are good. But you're probably wondering why I'm not telling you or anyone else where I am. Its simple really, I just don't want to be found. When I'm ready and when I get myself straightened out, I will come back. I do promise you that Jeff.
There's a lot more I need to say, so I suggest you sit back and get ready for a long read. I have a lot on my mind, and I want you to know this. Maybe, just maybe, we can sit down like adults and talk things out and not just leave everything at a general level.
For one, I really do hope that you are the baby's father. Each time that I think about you being the father of the baby, I smile and my heart warms. Despite what has happened, there's a part of me that hopes we can be a real family one day. Maybe I just want this so bad because deep down inside, I know that I still love you.
Matt and I are not dating. Whoever told you that lied. And whoever told them that was badly misinformed. Matt and are not and never will be dating. I was only with Matt a few times and each time my feelings were lust not love. I love Matt, but I only love him as a friend. If this doesn't make you believe me when I say that we're not dating, then I don't know what will.
Beth. She is your girlfriend. You've moved on and I accept that. She is also pregnant, that I also accept. But just because I accept it, doesn't mean that I like her. Our kids may or may not be siblings (depends on if you're the father of my baby), and for the sake of the kids, we all have to come to an agreement. I hate that this could happen, but we really have no other choice.
Jeff, I'm hurt. I've cracked under pressure. Even though I accept that you moved on, I'm still hurt. I'm hurt that you went to Beth before we even got started. I thought you loved me, and that we could work things out. But that never happened. But despite the fact that we never worked things out, I know that you love me. I can see it in your eyes, just like you could see it in mine. Also, it helps because I know that you are reading this, and that alone proves that you either love me or still care. Or maybe even both.
Yesterday we said some really hurtful things. And we may or may not have meant those things. I'm confused as to what I should say about our fight. We have kind of a love hate thing going on. I'm sure that even you aren't sure as to what our relationship is, and about our whole fight in general. There are a lot of things that we need to work out. And hopefully one day we will.
I know that I have no right to ask you for anything, but its more for you than it is for me. Actually its not for me at all. But please for you, only for you, please work things out with Matt. Aside from your dad, Matt is the only other person in this world that you have. Aside from me, sometimes the only person he'll listen to is you. Matt and you are close, fix things, you won't regret it. I promise you that.
As for me, you'll figure that out as the days pass by. And whatever you figure out will be fine by me. I have no say in anything. The only thing I could do is accept it, hate it, but still I could still accept it.
I left you and Matt my house keys. Just hold onto it. There is no need to check on the house, but if you ever need to be alone, feel free to hang out at my house. My car keys are there too. Just hold onto those. And if anyone can, just turn the car on every other day. I also left a blank check there. You are send it to T-Mobile. I have to pay a bill and a cancellation fee, when that comes in, just fill in the amount, and send it out. I know that's a lot to ask, especially now, but please do it.
The last thing in front of you is my phone. Seeing as that I canceled my account, I don't need the phone anymore. I don't want to be found, and I can't talk to you. I can't hear your voice, it'll hurt too much..for the both of us.
Just know this, I love you Thumper. I always have and I always will. I guess you could say that it was love at first sight. You'll always be in my heart, no matter what. Please be careful. I'm sorry for everything. I love you.
Love, Sugar
My heart was racing by the time I was done. I felt like the air was sucked out of the room. I was having a hard time breathing. This couldn't be happening. Quickly, I read the letter again, and I was proved wrong. It was happening. What have we done?