12.

"Maybe we should go get that drink now?" suggested the doctor, putting an arm around Tammy's trembling shoulders.

"Maybe just some water." she agreed weakly.

"Okay, lets go to my office then."

The doctor led the way and, making sure Tammy sat down and sipped the glass of water, she looked at her carefully.

"How far along are you?" she questioned.

"Three months."

"Hmmm. And how are you feeling?"

Tammy raised an eyebrow, "Great!" she said sarcastically, but she quickly looked away and sighed. "I'm sorry, I knew what you meant but ......"

"Don't worry." reassured the doctor sympathetically, "I know what you must be going through. But this stress, in your condition ....."

"I know. And I appreciate the concern, but right now it can't be avoided."

The doctor nodded, "But if you begin to feel any physical problems, you let me know immediately. Is there anyone we call for you - someone to give you a bit of moral support?"

Tammy shook her head, "My parents are out of the country, on holiday ....."

"What about Terry's family? They should be notified ....."

"I don't know how to contact them and Terry probably wouldn't want you to - they basically abandoned him years ago. Long story and even I don't know a lot of it." Tammy informed her. "But wait a minute - there is someone you should probably call. He won't be able to get here, but he'll need to know."

"Who's that?"

"Vince McMahon - Terry's boss. He's the owner of the World Wrestling Federation; Terry's a pro wrestler."

"No wonder he's such a strong guy. I'm afraid I don't watch it myself, but I thought I heard one of the other staff say they recognised him."

"Well, Vince is in Japan doing promotional stuff with the company - that's where Terry was - but he'll want to know."

Suddenly, they were interrupted by a loud beeping sound which made Tammy jump.

"Sorry." the doctor began to explain, "Pager - these things are curses." She glanced at the tiny device and frowned. "I've got to go - you can stay here until I come back ....."

"Can't I see Terry again?"

The doctor considered for a moment and nodded, "We'll go see if you can see him for a few minutes before the police are allowed in. Come on."

*****

Doctor Matthews made Tammy wait outside the door while she went to check with her collegues that it was okay for her to see Terry. Tammy waited anxiously in the corridor, pacing back and forth, until the doctor returned.

"You can see him, but only for a little while." the doctor said from the doorway, "And if you have a contact number for Mr. McMahon, I'll make sure he's informed of the situation."

Tammy produced her wallet from a pocket of her pants and searched for the piece of paper which Terry had given her with all the contact numbers she could possibly need. Relieved to find he had included Vince's number, she gave the piece of paper to the doctor who then ushered her into the room. Tammy hurried to Terry's side and then looked up at the doctor in shock.

"But ..... but he looked ..... he's worse, isn't he?" she whispered.

The doctor nodded gravely, taking her to one side, out of Terry's earshot. "I'm afraid the strain is taking its toll, but we're doing everything we can."

Tammy took a deep steadying breath and returned to the chair beside Terry's bed, looking down at him with a pained expression. He was now much paler and his breathing, even with the mask, was very shallow. His eyes were closed, but he was murmuring occasionally in pain. Tammy took his hand again, her thumb tracing small circles on the back. Unsure whether he could hear her or not, she spoke anyway in a low tone.

"Terry, you have to fight this, you don't have any other option. You can't leave me ..... you can't leave US. You're going to get better and things are going to be so good - we're going to be a family, all three of us, forever. So, don't let this beat you; not now, not ever." She gripped his fingers tightly and paused, trying to find the words to tell him how much he meant to her. "I love you." she said simply, those three little words saying everything she needed to say.

After a few minutes, Doctor Matthews looked into the room.

"We were able to reach Mr. McMahon, he's going to call shortly to speak to you but he gave a message - it'll probably mean something to you." she said, before referring to the note she had with her. "He's greatly saddened by the news and wishes he could be here, but Shane and ..... um, Steph, I think it was, have been dealing with any business over here and they're on their way. He also said he was sending orders for a car to pick up Amy ..... Dumas? She'll be coming straight here. He also told me to tell you all their prayers are with you both."

Grateful tears shone in Tammy's eyes; she knew that Vince could be strict and more than a little obsessed with the business side of things, but when it came to his wrestlers, his heart was in the right place.

"Amy's coming here?"

"It seems so - is she a friend?"

"She's one of my best friends, she's a wrestler too." explained Tammy.

"And Shane and Steph?"

"Vince's son and daughter, they're friends too."

"Well, I'm glad you'll have some support." smiled the doctor, "Now, I'll leave you for a few minutes more, okay?"

Tammy turned her attention back to Terry and managed a little smile, "Hear that, Terry? Everyone's thinking about you, they all want you to get better."

For a moment there was no response and Tammy did not really expected one. She sighed and in spite of the good news that her friend was coming, her heart sank again. She folded her arms on the edge of the bed and layed her head on top of them, closing her eyes for a moment. However, just then Terry opened his eyes slowly, his gaze roving round the room and finally lighting on Tammy. Although it took a lot of effort, he reached out and ran a hand over her silky hair, making her start and look up.

"Terry!" she exclaimed, "You're awake!"

He merely gave her the briefest of nods and motioned for her to come closer. She sat up and leaned closer so that she could hear him, even through the oxygen mask.

"Y-You ..... okay?" he managed weakly.

Tammy had to smile; that was so typical of Terry, always concerned about her no matter what state he was in himself.

"I'm fine, but I'd be a lot better if we could just go home." she answered, kissing his forehead, "Now, shh, you should rest."

"You ..... t-too."

She nodded and laid her head back down on her arms, feeling him stroke her hair again. Tammy didn't know it, but the doctor peeked into the room again; however, she knew that her patient's condition had degenerated and would not allow the police to question him and instead left them alone together.

*****