Dallas , Texas

Christmas Morning

Harlee was awake before Mark and Julia , she helped herself to some instant coffee and relaxed on the couch . It was about 7 am and she decided to watch some early Hannah Barbara holiday specials that were airing on Cartoon Network . The show went to a commercial break and was soon followed by a Gap commercial that featured Alfonse amongst other models and it made her sick , she grabbed the remote control and changed the channel due to her disgust and shame . " Merry Christmas to me ….. not " she rolled her eyes and slammed the remote on the couch " Where is the food in this house " she placed her mug on the table and opened the refrigerator " Cinnamon buns , just what I like " she pulled out a plaster container that held her delightful treats and placed it on the table . " Harlee ? what are you doing awake so early ? " her aunt Julia wobbled into the kitchen with a pregnant belly " … Auntie ? " Harlee paused for a moment and took notice of her change " … Oh wow … oh my god " finding out about her aunt and uncle's successful attempt to make a baby lightened her mood a great deal " Oh my goodness congratulations ! I'm so happy for you guys " she ran into her aunt's arms and held her close " Merry Christmas Harlee ! and thank you for all of your blessings and kind words … it helped us be blessed . You are about to be a big sister sweetie ! " she held Harlee's cheeks and kissed her forehead " I don't even know what to say " she couldn't stop smiling and was suddenly a different person " Oh my girls are awake ! all three of you " Mark came into the hug in pure joy " Oh my god it's a girl ! I can't wait to meet her " Harlee jumped a bit " … Wow this is going to be a good Christmas after all " she slowly nodded. " Of course , why would you think otherwise ? " Mark shrugged . Harlee twisted her lip and swayed a bit , of course she wouldn't tell him about what happened and how she planned on leaving school because of the happy moment between the family " Oh … I didn't mean to day that " she shrugged " I don't know I just miss my family is all " she held her arms around the both of them " Can we open some presents now ? " Julia smiled " Of course … and ummm Harlee I think you should consider coming alone for the toy drive . It will give you an excuse to ride in my private jet , I wanna show off my beautiful niece " he seemed genuinely proud of her and she knew he would eventually learn of her departure from the university so she may as well take the time to get along with him " … I guess so … it will be nice to spend time with those kids " she nodded .

Pensacola , Florida

It was Christmas morning in the A'noai residence , Joe was glad to be in the presence of his family especially Jon and Joshua . They all sat in the sea of wrapping paper as Marilyn watched everyone discuss their gifts from afar , she knew that Harlee was right in Joe's reach recently and they missed each other . Marilyn was the only person Joe opened up to about Harlee and how much he missed her , although he had major distractions apart of him was still that 16 year old boy in love . Joe was an adult now and she couldn't coddle him forever , maybe he needed to reunite with her .

" Joe Joe did you get the present ? " Leary tumbled into his lap while playing with her barbie doll " You got me a present ? see I told you guys I was her favorite uncle " he taunted his two cousins " She's only nice to you because she feels sorry for you Joe " Jon laughed as he unboxed his Nintendo Wii " Yes I fixed the picture of your friend for you " she sang a bit and continued brushing her dolls hair " … My friend ? " he chuckled " Yeah it was a lady , it was broken so I fixed it " she poked his cheek and rested against his shoulder . Joe realized that she was talking about the envelope Alfonse handed to him in the kitchen " … I told you scribble on that Leary … " he said in a bit of discomfort " I know but she was so pretty … " she made herself more comfortable in his arms and Joe was a bit more suspicious as to what was in the envelope " Well where is the envelope cupcake ? " he asked . " I gave it to grandma to put under the tree " Joe slowly nodded and handed Leary over to Josh " Thanks little one , uncle appreciates it. While you are at it there is a big box waiting or you all the way in the back , help her out Josh " he kissed her cheek and headed into the kitchen .

Marilyn was preparing the turkey for dinner later that evening and was frustrated while doing so , she wanted Joe to see what Harlee had been up to but that one update could set him off and cause him to do careless things . " My poor baby … " she shook her head and began stuffing the turkey .

" Hey mom ? " Joe stepped into the kitchen with one hand in his pocket " Joe … come right on in " she smiled and called him over " Hey mom … Leary said you had something of mine " he began adjusting his ponytail " … The envelope ? " she spoke slowly " Yeah …. I tried to get rid of it because Alfonse sent it to me … but Leary said there was a picture of a girl inside " he leaned up against the counter shaking his head . " Sweetheart … " she put the turkey aside and washed her hands " I need you to eliminate Alfonse intentions right now and think about the important things … " she wiped her hands and approached him " What do you mean mom ? " he was truly confused as to what was going on. " Joe … I was very hesitant at first … but you are my pride and joy .. your happiness means everything to me especially on Christmas " she smiled and reached inside of her apron " Again … think about the important things above anything else " she pinched his chin and smiled as she pulled out the envelope " Open it up " she took a step back to give him his own space and hoping he would take her advice to remain calm . Joe looked to his mother before opening up the envelope " What is this ? " there were dried up glue clumps on parts of the paper which he found slightly irritating but it wasn't enough to stop him from taking a proper look at the image " …. What " he stepped away from the counter in a bit of disbelief " No way … this is just another game of his " he handed his mother the photograph but she refused it " Joe … don't you recognize her ? isn't this what you wanted ? " she asked . " … Of course I do … but something is not right … no " he ran his hand down his face and felt his nerves get the best of him " So what ? you won't even try ? " she held her hand against his chest " Come on mom .. she won't even remember me …. and … god I just … " he raised his arm and took a seat at the table to put his head down " God she was right there … and he was there …. what if he did something to her ? " he slammed the table " Joe listen to me … stop worrying and go check on her … it's going to hurt at first but if you believe that she is the one for you … then I think it's worth looking into " she rested her head upon his " and don't worry I won't tell your father … you are an adult now … if you think she's worth fighting for … then fight for her " she kissed his cheek and left him be .

Pensacola , Florida

Children's Home Society of Florida

WWE formed a partnership with Children's Home Society of Florida to organize a memorable holiday event for families and their small children who were less fortunate. Several Superstars such as Rosey , Mark Henry , Vickie Guerrero and Rey Mysterio were scheduled to make an appearance .

Joe and Julissa had arrived early for their volunteer work , Leary had tagged along in order to spend Christmas with her father . " We are going to put alot of smiles on faces today , don't you think Joe ? " she placed a Christmas hat on his head " I suppose " he shrugged and appeared to be down " I appreciate you two being here , it means a great deal and I still get to spend time with members of my family " Matt approached them in his ring gear and his daughter on his hip " No problem bro , Jon and Josh will be here a little bit later " he nodded . Mark come through the door with his wife and the energy in the room changed drastically " Wow … " he looked over to Mark whom at also noticed him , they worked together and managed to stay professional but it was Joe whom Mark had his eyes on. " Hmph … " he smirked and kept it moving . " Wow … you didn't tell me that Mark was gonna be here man " he held the back of his neck " So ? who cares " he placed Leary on the ground so that he could talk to his brother " Just normal , it ain't about you it's about these little kids . You hear me ? " Matt slapped Joe's arm " … Right " he saluted and walked off with Julissa " You heard your brother Joe , just relax " she grabbed his arm and rested on his shoulder " It's going to be a good day … "

Harlee was a little late heading into the building , she had stopped to admire the holiday scenery and pick up gifts before going for her volunteer duties . With two shopping bags in hand Harlee entered the building looking somewhat lost because she didn't recognize anyone " We'll I'll figure it out " she smiled and felt something hugging the back of her legs " Oh my … " she gasped and discovered a small girl holding on to her " Oh .. oh dear … hello " she giggled " You are Joe's friend ! " she smiled and was truly the most adorable thing " … Oh .. " Harlee tried to play along " and who is that ? "

" My uncle ! come on come on " she pulled at her jeans and tried to pull her along , it was confusing but the young one was too adorable to resist " Umm okay … " she couldn't stop giggling until someone called out to Leary " Leary ! " Julissa shouted out " What did your uncle tell you about talking to strangers ? " she rushed over and grabbed Leary " It's really fine ma'am … she was not a bother " Harlee giggled and pulled her hair behind her ear , she noticed the young woman giving her a strange look and tried to end the awkwardness " She is … just very friendly is all " Julissa nodded " Well again sorry for the inconvenience " she waved and took Leary by her hand . Harlee didn't think much of it despite the amount of awkward , she went on about her business and was stopped by one of Mark's coworkers " Is that Harlee all grown up ? " it was an older man who could have been easily been mistaken for a seasoned texas redneck " … I am Harlee … and …. " she didn't want to come across as rude " It's me Michael ! I remember when you were just a small girl , but time has been good to you my dear " he held his buckle and admired her in a way that made her slightly uncomfortable " Ah yes … Michael Hayes ? it's good to see you again " she waved " Still such a doll I see , Mark told me that you would be here volunteering so you can head to the back with the rest of the crew and you will be helping to gift wrap . There are plenty of refreshments there for you all … help yourself " he winked " Will do , thank you sir " she waved and kept on her way.

She made it to the back room and placed her bags down , there had only been like 2 people inside and one was a taller caucasian dude who could have been slightly older than her " Hey ma'am , are you volunteering as well ? " he stood up and approached her " That I am " she swayed and did not take notice of the man admiring her bust area in her plaid dress " Well … we are glad to be working with you , would you like a glass of egg nog and a home made brownie ? " he offered " … I don't see why not ? I'll be getting plenty of paper cuts anyway" she smiled back " I was hoping for some real food but can't complain can I ? " she helped herself to some treats and tried to make nice with the other crew members . " Hey you go to Chicago U don't you ? I think I saw you on television interviewing one of the students … and you guys pulled an upset " he raised his glass " … That's right , I have to say it was quite the event " she shrugged " That it was , that A'naoi dude may as well go fishing will Bill Buckner … but I won't say that too loud because his brother is here " the other gentleman donning a buzz cut chimed in. Harlee became red thinking about him , she felt terrible about his loss but she couldn't keep his face out of her head " I'm sure that he will be fine .. " she forced a smile " Well , cheers to you be apart of something epic madame " she giggled a bit due to their flattery " Cheers … and then we have to wrap these gifts you guys " she smiled and touched glasses .

30 minutes had passed and the event was underway , the small children everywhere were happy to interact with their favorite athletes . Mark although gaining practice for his own fatherhood kept a close eye on Joe for his own spiteful reasons . Julissa and Joe played elves while Matt dressed as a half way Santa Claus " I hope that Leary doesn't get jealous of this " Joe whispered into his brother's ear . " Oh please she's over there having fun with some of the other little girls … and by the way Joe can you go to the back room and grab some more gifts ? " he asked .

"Sure no problem , I'll be right back " he touched his shoulder before taking off.

Joe noticed the door was open and went inside " I hope this is the right room … " there were still several unwrapped gifts and he noticed a young woman wresting on the couch . I appeared that she had dozed off while in the middle of wrapping a gift " What the … I hope she's okay … " he gathered a few boxes before deciding to see if she was actually okay . " Hmmm " he placed the boxes to the ground and slowly approached her , Joe kneeled down and placed his hand on her shoulder " Excuse me ma'am … " he moved her shoulder around and got no reaction " … Are you okay ? " she wasn't responding but he could hear her breathing . Joe didn't want to take a chance and took her by her shoulders to lift her " Easy …. I got you " once in his arms he turned her face to him and he became pale .

" …. Oh my god … " at first he couldn't believe it but everything made sense considering Mark was at the event " Harlee … shit … wake up " he held her jawbone and began to panic " Come on .. wake up … it's me Joe … I know you can hear me " he shouted out and began to shake her " Little lady … please " her arms slowly began to move and he heard light moans coming from her " Come on … " there was so much fear in his heart and it was as if he had seen a ghost . Harlee slowly opened her eyes and Joe felt like there was hope that she heard him calling out to her " It's okay … you are safe " he held her by her waist as she appeared to be in shock as she looked into his eyes " … My hero … " she wandered her hands around his jaw bone as he continued to watch her , he was in so much shock that they were face to face after several years that he couldn't find the words " …. What a babe .. " she giggled and grabbed hold of his neck " Come on Harlee we have to get you …. " he was cut off by a lope sided kiss to his lips from her.