Two chapters in two days…I'm totally inspired! Muppets on Raw tonight…SO EXCITED! The snow's already starting to melt…Fun while it lasted! Anyway…On with the depression! :(

November 20, 2000

I cried myself to sleep, never letting go of Hunter's hand. When I awoke the next morning, I was greeted to the same beeping and humming from the night before. Now I knew how Hunter felt when I miscarried, as I had slept in the exact same position he was in when I awoke that morning. Waiting for Hunter to wake up was gonna be easier said than done as I looked up at him. No matter how many times I saw him lying there, I couldn't get the image of the wires and the tubes out of my head...They were constant reminders of what Hunter had been through. Despite all that, he looked calm, making it hard to believe he was fighting for his life.

I sat there for the next few hours, afraid that if I left, something would happen. I watched TV…Changed my clothes…Even managed to throw some makeup on my gloomy face. After a while though…I needed to leave the room. I stood up from the chair as I carefully unlatched my hand from Hunter's, kissing his forehead gently. "I'll be right back." I said with a whisper before stepping out of the room. Sun was showing through the windows as I began to walk down the halls towards the waiting room. When I got there, the same Nurse from the night before was manning the reception desk. I looked at this young girl, who couldn't have been more than twenty. She looked like she had her whole life ahead of her…I could only imagine her story.

"Can I get you anything, Mrs. Helmsley?" She answered back, noticing I was staring at her.

I shook out of my trance, walking over to the counter so we were face to face. She looked a lot like me…Same blue eyes…Same brown hair…Only difference was her life wasn't as screwed up as mine. "What's your name?" I asked softly.

"Aurora." The young Nurse answered politely, "Aurora James."

I put my hands on the counter. "I wanted to apologize for my attitude last night…Not just to you…But you're other workers…"

"That's quite alright, Mrs. Helmsley." The nurse said as she interrupted me, a hint of a Southern accent coming out as she did so, "I can't even imagine the pain you're going through right now…I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy."

I nodded my head in acknowledgement before turning around, starting my journey back to Hunter's room. That's when the Nurse called me from behind. "There was a man here looking for your Husband's room about fifteen minutes ago."

I turned back around in sheer terror, thinking that Stone Cold had found out Hunter was alive and came to finish the job. I turned back to reception, shaking in fear. "What did he look like?"

The Nurse looked to the sky, as if it would magically give her the answer. For as sweet as she was…She didn't look very bright. "Six Two…Black hair…Brown eyes…Very cute…He said he was your Brother. I pointed him the way...I take it you haven't seen him."

I shook my head as I smiled softly, thanking the Nurse for her help before making my way back to Hunter's room. When I got there, I stood in the doorway, taking in what I was seeing. There was Shane, sitting in my chair…Talking to Hunter.

"You've gotta believe that you're gonna get better...You've got so much here waiting for you! You have Steph and...After everything she's been through…After everything Dad and I put her through…After losing the Baby…She can't lose you too!"

As Shane paused for a moment, running his fingers through his hair, it became aware to me that Shane had no idea that I was standing in the doorway. If he had…he would've stopped talking. Shane and Hunter were alike when it came to their personal feelings…They didn't let many people in. I stood in the doorway, leaning against the frame as I continued to listen to my Brother.

"You know you can't let Austin beat you, Hunter! I would never say this in front of Mom and Dad, but…I'm proud of what you did to Stone Cold…You saw an opportunity and took it! That took guts…The same guts that you used to break down my Sister's emotional walls…Though I guess the same could be said to her too!" I could see Shane look for any reaction. When he didn't get one…Shane looked lost, "Why do I even bother…You can't hear me!"

"Yes he can!" I said as I announced my presence in the doorway. Shane jumped at the sound of my voice as I walked into the room, taking my spot next to the chair, "Hunter can hear everything…I know it!" Shane nodded as he stood up, pulling me for a hug. I began to cry once more, letting the built up emotions come out, "You came!" I said with a whisper.

"Of course I did!" Shane said after we pulled apart, wiping away the tears with his thumbs. I took my seat back as Shane pulled up an extra chair next to me. I grabbed Hunter's hand once more, stroking my thumb against his knuckles, content with the peace.

"Have you eaten anything?" Shane asked as he disturbed the silence, already knowing the answer.

"I'm not hungry Shane!" I said defiantly, continuing to look at Hunter, not taking my hand away from his.

"I don't care if you're hungry or not…You have to! You know Hunter's gonna be pissed if he finds out you didn't eat!"

I turned to face Shane with a death glare. "That's blackmail!" I quipped.

"Then get the lawyers on the phone! If blackmailing you means I get something in your system…Then I did my job!" Shane quipped back.

I smiled softly at Shane's concern. Despite him doing the whole "Older Brother." thing…I had to admit I was thankful he was there looking after me. Just as I was about to answer back, Hunter's doctor, as well the Nurse from earlier entered the room. Shane and I stood up at their arrival.

"We're just going to take your Husband for some tests…There's no need to be afraid." The doctor said with a smile as he walked across towards the bed.

"What tests…Is Hunter okay?" I asked with fear in my voice.

"He's fine…We're just gonna take your Husband up to Neurology to see if any of the swelling has gone down." The doctor said with reassurance.

I nodded softly as Shane took my hand, squeezing it gently. I was grateful for the comfort as the doctor and nurse wheeled Hunter out of the room. Before he left, the doctor turned back around to face me. "We'll be back in couple of hours…If you want…You can get something to eat while you wait?"

I nodded and continued to watch as Hunter was wheeled out of the room and down the corridor, not even wanting to let Hunter out of my sight. I grinned before turning back to Shane, smacking him on the arm.

"Ow…What was that for?" Shane yelled, grabbing where I hit him.

"Did you pay him off?" I asked.

Shane chuckled when he realized what I was talking about. "No…But the doctor made a good point."

I moaned as I nodded my head in agreement, knowing Shane had a point. "Fine…Let's go get something to eat! It's a hell of a lot better than waiting around worrying about Hunter!" I looked up at Shane, holding back the tears that wanted to fall, "What if he doesn't get any better…What am I gonna do?" I asked with a whisper.

Shane pulled me in for a hug, holding me tight into his embrace. "Steph…Hunter's gonna make it…You'll see. Now…Let's go get something to eat." Shane said as we pulled apart, walking out the room towards the cafeteria.

Shane and I stayed away from Hunter's room into the evening, as Shane was insistent in keeping my chin up anyway he could. When we returned…The doctor and the nurse greeted Shane and I with good news.

"The swelling in your Husband's brain has gone down considerably…I may be able to take out the ventilator later on tonight." The doctor said softly. I smiled with joy as tears began to well up once more. I was finally hearing the news I had been praying for…The swelling was going down…Hunter was gonna be fine…Hunter was coming back to me. I listened closely as the doctor continued, "I've stopped the medication, meaning that your Husband's no longer in a coma. However…It'll take some time for it to leave his system, which is why I'm not removing his ventilator just yet. I will continue to watch his blood levels and once the medication has worn off…The ventilator will be removed and your Husband can breathe on his own."

"Does that mean he'll wake up soon?" Shane asked softly.

"I hope so."

"How soon?" I asked, clearly nervous.

"…I don't know. Your Husband never regained consciousness after the car flipped…Which means I can't be sure he'll wake up once the medication wears off." The doctor said with a sigh.

"But he'll wake up…Right?" I asked as I felt fear beginning to build up.

"I can't give you any guarantees. What I can say is that your Husband's chances are good. The swelling has gone down and from what I can see…There isn't any further trauma .On top of that, your Husband appears to be in amazing condition, so…I'll get him off the ventilator and see where to go from there. Meanwhile, your Husband's back in his room if you'd like to see him." The doctor said softly before turning around to walk down the corridor.

I stared down at the floor, thinking about what I just told. I was so happy when the doctor said Hunter could be taken off the ventilator… But life isn't as simple as that…It never is. I was emotionally, physically, and mentally exhausted…I didn't know if I could take anymore. I was a mess...A mess that was fed up with getting excited just for the real world to step in and take that excitement away.

"Why don't you go and see Hunter, Steph…The doctor said you could." Shane said softly, putting a hand on my shoulder.

I sniffed as I thought about going back to that room…Knowing how Hunter wasn't out of the woods. "No…Why don't you go? I just need…" Before I could respond, I looked at the clock on the wall…"7:30pm …November 20, 2000." it read…That's when it hit me of what I had to do. "Orlando's an hour and a half away…If I leave now…I make it by nine." I said to myself as I turned back to Shane, "…Some air. Is your limo still in the parking lot?" I asked with a hand extended.

Shane didn't know why I needed his limo, but in that moment…He would've done anything to make me not think about how hurt Hunter was. Shane pulled out his phone, calling down to his driver. A few moments later, he hung up, giving me the okay. "Where are you going?" Shane asked softly.

I didn't answer back at first as I held onto the keys with all I had, turning around to walk towards the exit. Then…Just as the elevators opened… I managed to form two words. "To Raw!" I answered, not turning around.

Like I predicted, I was in the Orlando an hour and a half later. Raw was just about to start and whether anyone liked it or not, I was still making my return. I got looks of all kinds as I made my way from the limo towards the backstage area. Some were sympathetic…But for the most part…It was gloating I saw. As I walked up to the Gorilla position, they were playing the highlights of Survivor Series the night before on the television screen…Glorifying what Stone Cold had done to Hunter. As I made it down to the ring and grabbed the mic…I honestly had no idea what I was gonna say.

"It is truly a miracle that my Husband, Hunter, is alive…After what Austin did to HHH last night at Survivor Series! I mean…Austin rammed Hunter's car…Jacked it up some forty feet in the air…And then just dumped the car, crashing to the pavement!" I began, holding back tears.

As I talked, the crowd was booing at me, happy that Hunter had gotten hurt. I could only manage what they would have done if they knew the whole story. I decided to continued, not making the situation about the fans. "The car flipped in midair…It landed on its roof…The roof was all crunched in…The car was totaled! I thank God that HHH even survived!"

The fans harassment continued as they began to call me "Slut.", just like they always did. "I would be at HHH's bedside right now if I didn't decide to come to this arena tonight and speak on Hunter's behalf to all of you! Okay…I know a lot of you don't like my Husband, HHH…But after what Austin did last night…I know that you are all deeply concerned for his physical condition!"

I really didn't care if the fans were concerned…Hunter had me and that's all he needed. I knew I had to lie as I went on. If I told the whole truth…I wouldn't make it through my speech. "Miraculously, Hunter didn't suffer one broken bone…But he does have severe contusions and deep lacerations…Not to mention all the mental trauma! The doctor has HHH under medical care…Maybe even until Thanksgiving!"

Before I could continue, the fans jeering reached an all-time low as they began to chant Stone Cold's name. I couldn't believe what I was hearing...These people had no morals! I managed to pick up where I left off. "This thing between Hunter and Stone Cold has got to end …And it's got to end right now! Hunter and I regret the things we've done…And we want to publicly apologize to Stone Cold Steve Austin…And to all of you! I know…I don't expect you to believe us! I mean…Why should you?"

I started to think about the last few weeks and what had happened at Survivor Series, letting my emotions finally doing the talking instead of my head. "Quite frankly…The stakes are just too high now…I nearly lost my Husband last night!" It was then I decided to reveal Hunter and I's big secret…Knowing full well Shane and the rest of the family would probably be watching, "But speaking of life…And about miracles…I want to let you know where I've been the last few weeks! Hunter and I have been trying to discover the miracle of life…Together! I'm not talking about our marriage, or even relationships, but…I'm talking about family…HHH and I are trying to have a baby!"

The crowd was heartless as I stood there, having told the whole world what I didn't want a soul to know. By wasn't talking to them now…I was talking to the man that tried to kill my Husband! "So, Steve...I'm begging you to come out here and accept HHH and my apology…On behalf on my future family!"

Just as I finished my speech, Stone Cold came out to the ring…And he didn't look like he was gonna accept any apologies. What I didn't know is how far from over Austin was with Hunter. Stone Cold went on a rampage, saying it was a miracle he didn't give me a stunner right then and there. Then, Austin talked about how much he enjoyed dropping Hunter from the forklift and was only sorry he didn't get to do it repeatedly. Stone Cold went so far as to say that he was sorry Hunter was in the hospital and not the morgue!

I began crying at the thought of Hunter dead, but it was what he said about Hunter and I having a baby that sent me over the edge. "When I drive up to the hospital on that day…I will offer my condolences… I will look down at that little incubator and see a fifteen pound nose on that little bastard!"

By this point, I started to sob uncontrollably, fleeing the ring in tears as I ran straight to the back, not even taking the ramp back. I ran as fast as I could as I got back into the limo, crying all the way back.

It was almost eleven by the time I returned to the hospital. My footsteps were gentle as I walked the dimly lit corridor towards Hunter's room, still trying to digest the news I received on the way back from Orlando. As I was in the ring, Shane left me a voice mail on my cell phone… Hunter was off the ventilator. This was encouraging, according to the doctor; Hunter was breathing on his own and this was a huge step in the right direction. As happy as I was…I knew it meant nothing if Hunter didn't wake up. Still…After the night I had…Hearing news like that definitely lifted my spirits…All that was left was to see it for myself.

I pressed my hand against the door and pushed it open, walking in. The moon lit the dark room beautifully…But that wasn't the first thing I noticed…It was silence. There was the machine watching his vitals, but other than that, Hunter was no longer hooked up to those worrying machines.

I moved closer to the bed, wanting to smile with all I had. Now that the ventilator had been removed, Hunter looked like…Hunter. I brought my hand up to Hunter's face, gently caressing his cheek. "Come on baby…It's time for you to wake up." I said with a whisper, hoping Hunter would listen, sad when he didn't. Deep down I knew there would be no response…At least not right away.

I pulled out the chair that I had been sitting on just twelve hours earlier, grabbing onto Hunter's hand. I refused to believe Hunter would never wake up. I just had to be patient…And Hunter would come back to me. I wasn't sitting for very long before I heard a knock on the door. I turned around, expecting to see Shane…Instead I got something even better.

"So…When we're you guys planning on telling us about a baby…When you were in labor?"

I smiled back at the sight before me. Marissa, in all her glory, was leaning on the doorframe. I stood up as I shook my head, watching Marissa walk through the door with Shane behind her. I pulled Marissa in for a hug, not wanting to let her go. "When did you get here?" I asked, tears starting to fall.

"Ironically…My flight landed just as you left the hospital! I called Shane to pick me up…He said he couldn't…I asked why…You get the picture! I would've come sooner, but…Let's just say your Mother's being your Mother!" Marissa said with a laugh, before turning the conversation to serious, "How's Hunter?"

"He's breathing on his own, which is good…I just want him to wake up so badly!" I said with a sigh.

"He will, Steph." Shane said softly.

I nodded in agreement as the three of us walked over to the bed. I took my seat once more, while Shane took the one next to me, Marissa choosing to sit in his lap.

"He looks a hell of a lot better now that the ventilator's been removed…It's almost like he's asleep." Shane said.

"Yeah he does." Marissa chimed in.

I was full of love as I held Hunter's hand. "If that's the case…We're gonna be here awhile. You know Hunter…The only thing that can wake him up is..." Then I remembered what that one thing was, "…Never mind." I said with a small smile.

Shane and Marissa began to laugh, as I did I. Suddenly…A familiar and wonderful feeling came across the palm of my hand. I thought I was dreaming…Until it got stronger. I stopped laughing, freezing in my spot.

"Steph…What's wrong?" Shane asked , noticing my shocked expression.

I looked at Shane and Marissa before I softly smiled. "He moved his fingers…Hunter moved his fingers."

I know I cut some of the Austin/Stephanie confrontation, but it just made sense that way. I did explain it from Steph's point of view, though! Notice the name of the Nurse...Keep it in mind! One more chapter…I think Hunter will wake up in the next one…Maybe!