THE CAGE
Part Seven – September 1, 2001
Disclaimer – this story is completely a work of fiction. All characters are owned by the WWF or are creations of the author. No infringement intended. Any likeness to characters or incidents described is purely coincidental.
"Jeff! You want an egg?"
Jeff Hardy sat on the recliner in his dad's living room, mindlessly surfing the channels. "Sure."
Matt Hardy sat on the dark green couch, also mindlessly staring at the television screen. Amy Dumas' head lay in his lap, his large hand stroking her thick mane of red hair. She yawned widely, eyelids fluttering, and stretched out all limbs like a cat. The trio had stayed up late last night, bar hopping in their hometown. Amy had consumed a tad too much alcohol and was not feeling very perky.
Gilbert Hardy glanced from out of the kitchen and into the living room. He shook his head hopelessly. "Thought you kids were done with the bar scene."
Jeff still flipped through the channels. "Matt forced me to go."
Matt smirked. "Nice try. I didn't make you drink those shooters."
"Well you bought them."
Matt's eyebrows furrowed in concentration. Amy noticed it and laughed. "Believe it Matthew. You did."
Matt shook his head. "Damn."
"Breakfast!"
Jeff hopped out of his chair and into the kitchen. Matt just about did the same when he remembered someone had her head in his lap. He gently nudged her to get up which prompted a moan. Matt smiled and kissed her on the forehead. "You want a Tylenol my little pisstank?"
Amy groaned again. "Shut up." Slowly, painfully, she got to her feet and trudged her way into the kitchen. Jeff had nearly devoured his entire breakfast by the time they got there.
"So," their father started off. "How was it last night?"
Jeff and Matt both simultaneously shrugged while Amy rolled her eyes at them. "Good, except these two studmuffins wouldn't stop picking up the chicks all night."
Matt nearly spit out his milk laughing. "Us? What about you and Mr. Rico Suave?"
Jeff started laughing underneath his breath, his shoulders shaking up and down with the movement of his contained laughter.
Amy looked defensive. "Can I help it if ugly men find me attractive?"
"Maybe he had his beer goggles on." Jeff suggested.
It took a moment of awkward thinking before Amy finally whacked him on the bicep. He got another thwack across the back of his head courtesy of his dad.
"Amy, feel free to slap my sons into shape anytime you like."
She poured herself some orange juice. "Oh believe me. I intend to."
Amy was in the kitchen, chatting with senior Hardy while drying the dishes for him. Matt and Jeff retreated to the living room, taking up their exact same positions as before breakfast. Jeff flipped through the channels again, not settling on any channel for more than 5 seconds at a time. He passed a sports channel.
"Whoa, whoa, whoa. Leave it there." Matt commanded.
The two brothers were staring at random football notes like it was the most fascinating material ever invented for the television screen. Every so often they would shake their heads in disgust, or let out a cheer for news on their favorite teams or players. The show went to a commercial break and the Hardy boys conversed intensely on what they had just witnessed. But when the show came back on, they immediately silenced themselves.
On the television was the infamous "Cage" footage. Matt's lips started to curl down in a frown, his eyes set with a grim look to them. Jeff watched the show with an odd mix of curiosity and shock. Amy came out of the kitchen, a sad look crossing her face upon seeing what was on the television. Mr. Hardy chose not to come out of the kitchen. He'd seen that damn footage enough times already.
It ended. Matt started to crack his knuckles. Jeff sat back in his chair. Amy returned to drying the dishes.
Matt stared at his younger brother, who seemed to be lost in thought. "Y'okay bro?"
Jeff shook his head slowly. "It's like, no matter how many times I see it, it doesn't make a difference." He turned to face his brother. "It doesn't feel like it was me. Every time I see it, I see a stranger up there."
Matt looked down at his feet. "You gonna be ready for Monday?"
Jeff shrugged. "Don't matter. I still don't remember anything."