*This chapter is like a song-fic. The song I'm using is called "The Closest Thing" and it's by The Julianna Theory...it's a really great song. I'm warning you now, this chapter is long. Anyways, enjoy.*
You're the words that come out easy and I am speechless at best
Jericho sat in an uncomfortable plastic chair next to Stephanie's hospital bed. Some of the color was returning to her face. She had been out of surgery for about two hours. He hadn't let them take care of him until he could no longer be with her. He had a gash on his forehead and two broken ribs. Jeff Hardy had brought him some clothes to change into.
He hadn't moved since the doctors had moved Stephanie into the private room. Many people had stopped by to see how she was, but Jericho couldn't tell any of them how she was. Not until Stephanie knew.
He has failed her. He had vowed to protect her, but here she was in a hospital bed. He held her hand. How could he face her when she woke up?
your star it seems to shine above the rest
HHH sat in the hospital waiting room. He had hurt Stephanie. He had sworn since his feud with Kurt Angle that he would never be the one who physically hurt Stephanie. His heart had stopped when she had fallen from his arms.
He understood now why Stephanie had cheated on him with Jericho. He had been at her side since she had fallen. He refused to leave. The nurses knew better than to try. Hunter remembered all of the times he had let Stephanie come second...to getting the WWF championship, to getting revenge on Austin, to having as much power as any person could want. He realized now the prize he had thrown away.
HHH stood up and paced. Was Stephanie okay? Would she ever be the same again? He always loved when she smiled. It seemed to light up the whole room.
you're the face before the cameras the smile I'd like to earn
the closest thing to perfect in a Hollywood to burn
Vince McMahon sat in a limo outside the hospital his daughter was in. He had as good as disowned his son the day before and he knew he should be mad as hell at his daughter for endangering the Two-man Power Trip. But there were times you just couldn't do what you knew you should.
Vince picked up his cell phone and called the only number that came to his mind. "Linda?" Vince asked when his estranged wife answered the other line.
"I'm on my way Vince," Linda said. She was already on a plane from Connecticut, Shane was flying in from New York.
"Linda, I'm so sorry," Vince said. "I should have taken better care of her. Of all of you."
"We'll talk when I get there," Linda said, feeling pity for a man she never thought she would feel anything but anger toward ever again.
"Our baby," Vince whispered.
your the beauty that is deeper than eyes can merely see,
the closest thing to perfect but the farthest thing from me
Her brain felt fuzzy. It was wonderful. All she felt was this foggy, lazy feeling. She never wanted to surface from the wonderful, drugged feeling. She had been drugged only once before. But she didn't remember it feeling like this. She had almost decided she never wanted to go back to the real world. It was so confusing and hard.
But the warm hand holding hers was more wonderful than the fuzzy feeling. Chris, she thought happily. Chris was with her. Everything was perfect when Chris was with her. But Chris should be in a hospital bed somewhere. He had been hit so many times.
No! Stephanie thought to herself. She had fallen. In her mind she knew if she had just let Hunter take her out of the arena she would have been fine. She wanted to blame him, but she knew he was only trying to help her.
Chris would hate her. After she was better he would think she had purposely hurt herself. That she hadn't wanted to be with him. That the reason she told him she didn't want to get married again was because she didn't want him. All she wanted was him.
I'd love to be the shoulder that you cry on
and I'd love to be the friend you call when things are great
I'd love to be the shoulder that you cry on
and I'd love to be the friend you call when things are great
Jericho refused to lose Stephanie now. How many days had it been since he had vowed to make her fall in love with him? He knew now why it had been so important to him. He loved her. She was all he had ever needed. She shared a side of herself with him that no one else had ever known. She was caring, compassionate, and intelligent.
He would convince her that he deserved another chance. He would really take care of her this time. If he had to leave wrestling and take Stephanie with him, Jericho would never let her hurt again. They would be happy.
you're the dream that hasn't ended and I'm still anxious for rest
Stephanie saw herself and Chris happy. She wanted to believe that vision could come true. But she would never be happy with him unless she knew he would be safe. She hadn't been lying when she told Hunter it had been killing her to see Jericho so brutally attacked. She did not want to be the cause of Chris' pain.
She had to go back to Hunter. It was the only way to ensure Chris' safety. He had only been trying to protect her and he had become a victim. She could live with Hunter Hearst Helmsley. She thanked God it was Hunter and not Austin she was going back to. She knew Debra was confused and hurt by her husband's recent actions. It was too much for even Stephanie to stomach anymore.
Chris gripped her hand a little tighter. She loved him. Normally she would believe love could find a way. But what good was love when the person you love is dead?
your words they seem to hang above my head
you're the bud before the flower unfurls into full bloom captivating beauty but it may be all too soon
Hunter looked around the hospital waiting room. He never would have thought so many people would be worried about Stephanie. He thought he had alienated her from everyone but her father and himself. The Big Show was there, although he was still nursing injuries from Backlash. Debra was there, though Austin was nowhere to be found. Edge, Christian, Kurt Angle, and Chris Benoit were all there. Kurt and Benoit were actually getting along. Lita was sitting next to Debra, and Hunter absently wondered what she was doing there.
Vince and Linda McMahon rushed into the hospital waiting room together. Vince looked about 20 years older. Linda was trying hard to remain composed.
"How is she?" Linda asked Hunter.
"She's sleeping," Hunter said. "Jericho is in there with her."
"You know?" Vince asked.
Hunter nodded sadly. "I'm so sorry Vince. I never wanted to hurt her. I just didn't realize all I did was hurt her."
Vince embraced the young man who had become a son to him. "I know Hunter."
you're the song that writes a story but leaves a lot to read
the closest thing to perfect but the farthest thing from me
Shane had never felt so scared in his life. He couldn't reach the hospital his sister was in, his mom's cell phone was off, and the taxi driver did not seem to understand the word emergency. She had to be alright. His little sister had to be fine.
They had been best friends growing up, both fascinated by the wrestling world, certain they would enter and dominate it. But when they were kids they always thought they would still be best friends when they were sitting on top of the world. It had shocked him when he found out about Stephanie's affair with Jericho, but he had been happy for her.
He was scared to death that Stephanie would never know how much he loved her. That she would never know that he admired her more than any woman but their mother. Shane realized at that moment that he didn't need to just make amends with his sister, but with his father too. He had to to make sure Stephanie was happy.
I'd love to be the shoulder that you cry on
and I'd love to be the friend you call when things are great
I'd love to be the shoulder that you cry on
and I'd love to be the friend you call when things are great
Linda went to Shane as he came into the waiting room with Test. He had a dazed look in his eyes. He gratefully accepted her embrace. Linda was Shane's rock. Vince looked at his wife and son and wondered how he ever could have been such an idiot. Linda had always loved him and Shane had just been letting Vince know how horrible he had been behaving. Vince wasn't sure when he had stopped being a human being and had become a monster, but things had to change.
Shane turned to look at his father, his brown eyes pleading. Vince held out his arms and Shane nearly ran to hug his father.
"I love you son," Vince said. "I forgot for a while. But I love you."
Linda watched the exchange and smiled tearfully. One more person and they would be a family again. She knew her family and knew that they needed each other to remain strong and whole. Vince's eyes caught Linda's and she knew at that moment that he was ready to become the Vince she had fallen in love with again. She nodded slowly.
Lita watched the McMahon's and felt happy for Shane. She was the only one who knew how much he was torn up about his family. He turned and he saw her. She smiled shyly at him and he smiled gratefully back at her. Only Debra noticed the connection they seemed to have.
and like I really deserve a chance to sit across a table and tell you that I think you're wonderful
Hunter shook his head to himself. It was over now. He knew Steph belonged with her family. More than that, she belonged with Jericho. Jericho had never left her side, but he had never attacked Hunter. Hunter knew he would have killed Hunter if the positions had been reversed. He saw that Jericho was feeling pain, Stephanie's pain. Jericho really loved Stephanie.
Hunter asked Debra where Austin was and went to him. "Hey Austin," Hunter said in the smoking area.
"I quit these years ago," Austin said, flicking a cigarette. "You know I saved her life once? I can't believe I caused this to happen."
"You didn't," Hunter said. "We can't all blame ourselves. Things happen and life sucks. But I'm not going to try and get her back. I've caused her enough unhappiness."
"I don't think I could have helped you if I wanted to," Austin said. "I've all of a sudden become disgusted with what I've become."
"Me too," Hunter said. "I didn't deserve to have her as long as I did."
and I think you're something special
I guess this is my only chance to say I wish I knew you
"You mind if we come in?" Shane asked Jericho. He looked up with shadows in under his eyes. The pain he was feeling emanated off of him.
"Come in," Jericho said. "She'll need you all. You too Test."
Test smiled gratefully at Chris. True, he wasn't infatuated with Stephanie anymore, but she had been an important person in his life. She had to be okay. She had to know how many people cared for her and how many people wanted her to be a part of their life.
"You okay?" Shane asked Jericho. "I'll be better when she wakes up and forgives me."
"There's nothing to forgive," Linda told Jericho. "You did your best."
"I should have done better," Jericho told her.
because I'm sure you're wonderful if I'd get to know you
Stephanie's eyes fluttered open. Jericho was at her right side. Shane was standing next to her on her left. Her mom was sitting on the bed at her feet. Her dad was standing behind her mom. Test stood near the door.
"You're all here," Stephanie said. "I'm so glad."
"Honey, we have to tell you something," Linda said softly. She didn't want to cause her daughter any more pain, but the sooner she told her the better it would be.
"I lost the baby?" Stephanie asked, knowing in her heart that she was right. Her blue eyes filled with tears. "Oh Chris. I'm so sorry!"
"Hush," Jericho said. "You didn't do anything wrong sweetie."
Stephanie heard his words and realized she needed them. She needed him not to blame her for ruining his life. "I'm so sorry everyone. I love you all."
You're the words that come out easy and I am speechless at best
Jericho sat in an uncomfortable plastic chair next to Stephanie's hospital bed. Some of the color was returning to her face. She had been out of surgery for about two hours. He hadn't let them take care of him until he could no longer be with her. He had a gash on his forehead and two broken ribs. Jeff Hardy had brought him some clothes to change into.
He hadn't moved since the doctors had moved Stephanie into the private room. Many people had stopped by to see how she was, but Jericho couldn't tell any of them how she was. Not until Stephanie knew.
He has failed her. He had vowed to protect her, but here she was in a hospital bed. He held her hand. How could he face her when she woke up?
your star it seems to shine above the rest
HHH sat in the hospital waiting room. He had hurt Stephanie. He had sworn since his feud with Kurt Angle that he would never be the one who physically hurt Stephanie. His heart had stopped when she had fallen from his arms.
He understood now why Stephanie had cheated on him with Jericho. He had been at her side since she had fallen. He refused to leave. The nurses knew better than to try. Hunter remembered all of the times he had let Stephanie come second...to getting the WWF championship, to getting revenge on Austin, to having as much power as any person could want. He realized now the prize he had thrown away.
HHH stood up and paced. Was Stephanie okay? Would she ever be the same again? He always loved when she smiled. It seemed to light up the whole room.
you're the face before the cameras the smile I'd like to earn
the closest thing to perfect in a Hollywood to burn
Vince McMahon sat in a limo outside the hospital his daughter was in. He had as good as disowned his son the day before and he knew he should be mad as hell at his daughter for endangering the Two-man Power Trip. But there were times you just couldn't do what you knew you should.
Vince picked up his cell phone and called the only number that came to his mind. "Linda?" Vince asked when his estranged wife answered the other line.
"I'm on my way Vince," Linda said. She was already on a plane from Connecticut, Shane was flying in from New York.
"Linda, I'm so sorry," Vince said. "I should have taken better care of her. Of all of you."
"We'll talk when I get there," Linda said, feeling pity for a man she never thought she would feel anything but anger toward ever again.
"Our baby," Vince whispered.
your the beauty that is deeper than eyes can merely see,
the closest thing to perfect but the farthest thing from me
Her brain felt fuzzy. It was wonderful. All she felt was this foggy, lazy feeling. She never wanted to surface from the wonderful, drugged feeling. She had been drugged only once before. But she didn't remember it feeling like this. She had almost decided she never wanted to go back to the real world. It was so confusing and hard.
But the warm hand holding hers was more wonderful than the fuzzy feeling. Chris, she thought happily. Chris was with her. Everything was perfect when Chris was with her. But Chris should be in a hospital bed somewhere. He had been hit so many times.
No! Stephanie thought to herself. She had fallen. In her mind she knew if she had just let Hunter take her out of the arena she would have been fine. She wanted to blame him, but she knew he was only trying to help her.
Chris would hate her. After she was better he would think she had purposely hurt herself. That she hadn't wanted to be with him. That the reason she told him she didn't want to get married again was because she didn't want him. All she wanted was him.
I'd love to be the shoulder that you cry on
and I'd love to be the friend you call when things are great
I'd love to be the shoulder that you cry on
and I'd love to be the friend you call when things are great
Jericho refused to lose Stephanie now. How many days had it been since he had vowed to make her fall in love with him? He knew now why it had been so important to him. He loved her. She was all he had ever needed. She shared a side of herself with him that no one else had ever known. She was caring, compassionate, and intelligent.
He would convince her that he deserved another chance. He would really take care of her this time. If he had to leave wrestling and take Stephanie with him, Jericho would never let her hurt again. They would be happy.
you're the dream that hasn't ended and I'm still anxious for rest
Stephanie saw herself and Chris happy. She wanted to believe that vision could come true. But she would never be happy with him unless she knew he would be safe. She hadn't been lying when she told Hunter it had been killing her to see Jericho so brutally attacked. She did not want to be the cause of Chris' pain.
She had to go back to Hunter. It was the only way to ensure Chris' safety. He had only been trying to protect her and he had become a victim. She could live with Hunter Hearst Helmsley. She thanked God it was Hunter and not Austin she was going back to. She knew Debra was confused and hurt by her husband's recent actions. It was too much for even Stephanie to stomach anymore.
Chris gripped her hand a little tighter. She loved him. Normally she would believe love could find a way. But what good was love when the person you love is dead?
your words they seem to hang above my head
you're the bud before the flower unfurls into full bloom captivating beauty but it may be all too soon
Hunter looked around the hospital waiting room. He never would have thought so many people would be worried about Stephanie. He thought he had alienated her from everyone but her father and himself. The Big Show was there, although he was still nursing injuries from Backlash. Debra was there, though Austin was nowhere to be found. Edge, Christian, Kurt Angle, and Chris Benoit were all there. Kurt and Benoit were actually getting along. Lita was sitting next to Debra, and Hunter absently wondered what she was doing there.
Vince and Linda McMahon rushed into the hospital waiting room together. Vince looked about 20 years older. Linda was trying hard to remain composed.
"How is she?" Linda asked Hunter.
"She's sleeping," Hunter said. "Jericho is in there with her."
"You know?" Vince asked.
Hunter nodded sadly. "I'm so sorry Vince. I never wanted to hurt her. I just didn't realize all I did was hurt her."
Vince embraced the young man who had become a son to him. "I know Hunter."
you're the song that writes a story but leaves a lot to read
the closest thing to perfect but the farthest thing from me
Shane had never felt so scared in his life. He couldn't reach the hospital his sister was in, his mom's cell phone was off, and the taxi driver did not seem to understand the word emergency. She had to be alright. His little sister had to be fine.
They had been best friends growing up, both fascinated by the wrestling world, certain they would enter and dominate it. But when they were kids they always thought they would still be best friends when they were sitting on top of the world. It had shocked him when he found out about Stephanie's affair with Jericho, but he had been happy for her.
He was scared to death that Stephanie would never know how much he loved her. That she would never know that he admired her more than any woman but their mother. Shane realized at that moment that he didn't need to just make amends with his sister, but with his father too. He had to to make sure Stephanie was happy.
I'd love to be the shoulder that you cry on
and I'd love to be the friend you call when things are great
I'd love to be the shoulder that you cry on
and I'd love to be the friend you call when things are great
Linda went to Shane as he came into the waiting room with Test. He had a dazed look in his eyes. He gratefully accepted her embrace. Linda was Shane's rock. Vince looked at his wife and son and wondered how he ever could have been such an idiot. Linda had always loved him and Shane had just been letting Vince know how horrible he had been behaving. Vince wasn't sure when he had stopped being a human being and had become a monster, but things had to change.
Shane turned to look at his father, his brown eyes pleading. Vince held out his arms and Shane nearly ran to hug his father.
"I love you son," Vince said. "I forgot for a while. But I love you."
Linda watched the exchange and smiled tearfully. One more person and they would be a family again. She knew her family and knew that they needed each other to remain strong and whole. Vince's eyes caught Linda's and she knew at that moment that he was ready to become the Vince she had fallen in love with again. She nodded slowly.
Lita watched the McMahon's and felt happy for Shane. She was the only one who knew how much he was torn up about his family. He turned and he saw her. She smiled shyly at him and he smiled gratefully back at her. Only Debra noticed the connection they seemed to have.
and like I really deserve a chance to sit across a table and tell you that I think you're wonderful
Hunter shook his head to himself. It was over now. He knew Steph belonged with her family. More than that, she belonged with Jericho. Jericho had never left her side, but he had never attacked Hunter. Hunter knew he would have killed Hunter if the positions had been reversed. He saw that Jericho was feeling pain, Stephanie's pain. Jericho really loved Stephanie.
Hunter asked Debra where Austin was and went to him. "Hey Austin," Hunter said in the smoking area.
"I quit these years ago," Austin said, flicking a cigarette. "You know I saved her life once? I can't believe I caused this to happen."
"You didn't," Hunter said. "We can't all blame ourselves. Things happen and life sucks. But I'm not going to try and get her back. I've caused her enough unhappiness."
"I don't think I could have helped you if I wanted to," Austin said. "I've all of a sudden become disgusted with what I've become."
"Me too," Hunter said. "I didn't deserve to have her as long as I did."
and I think you're something special
I guess this is my only chance to say I wish I knew you
"You mind if we come in?" Shane asked Jericho. He looked up with shadows in under his eyes. The pain he was feeling emanated off of him.
"Come in," Jericho said. "She'll need you all. You too Test."
Test smiled gratefully at Chris. True, he wasn't infatuated with Stephanie anymore, but she had been an important person in his life. She had to be okay. She had to know how many people cared for her and how many people wanted her to be a part of their life.
"You okay?" Shane asked Jericho. "I'll be better when she wakes up and forgives me."
"There's nothing to forgive," Linda told Jericho. "You did your best."
"I should have done better," Jericho told her.
because I'm sure you're wonderful if I'd get to know you
Stephanie's eyes fluttered open. Jericho was at her right side. Shane was standing next to her on her left. Her mom was sitting on the bed at her feet. Her dad was standing behind her mom. Test stood near the door.
"You're all here," Stephanie said. "I'm so glad."
"Honey, we have to tell you something," Linda said softly. She didn't want to cause her daughter any more pain, but the sooner she told her the better it would be.
"I lost the baby?" Stephanie asked, knowing in her heart that she was right. Her blue eyes filled with tears. "Oh Chris. I'm so sorry!"
"Hush," Jericho said. "You didn't do anything wrong sweetie."
Stephanie heard his words and realized she needed them. She needed him not to blame her for ruining his life. "I'm so sorry everyone. I love you all."