Disclaimer: I do not own the WWE or it's wrestlers, except for Arnie, Michael, Aunt Carrie, Uncle Wes, Adam and Lenae. The rest belong to Vince McMahon and his family.
The song, "I'm Already There," is by LoneStar and is not mine.
A special thanks to JoAnn for the hair coloring idea. :)
Chapter 12: Whisper in the Wind
"Rring, rring!" With a groan, Jeff turned over, squinting as the bright, early morning sun streamed through the filmy curtains leading to the patio. Blindly, he fumbled for the phone.
"Hello," he said gruffly.
"Hi Unca Jeffy!"
*Oh boy!* Flopping back onto his pillow, Jeff sighed. Nora lay curled up against his side, all bundled up in a blanket.
Nora looked up at Jeff questioningly and mouthed, "Who is it?"
"How come you sound out of breath?" Michael asked innocently.
Jeff could feel his face heating up, even as Nora's cool hand caressed his cheek in concern.
At a complete loss for words, Jeff stumbled. "I uh, I'm just a bit tired that's all."
"Oh no, Daddy said not to call until next week, but I figured you wouldn't mind. I was so excited, I could barely sleep, so I had to sneak out of bed to call you," he whispered conspiratorially. Jeff could just imagine Michael covering the mouthpiece with his hand, whispering with a mischievous twinkle in his eyes.
Jeff chuckled, "It's alright sport."
"Are you and Nora having fun on your vacation yet?" Michael asked innocently.
"Uh yeah, we are having lots of fun," Jeff said with a smirk, glancing down at a now blushing Nora. Affectionately, Jeff managed to brush a kiss against her forehead, just before she pulled the blanket over her head in embarrassment.
"Uh oh, I think I hear Mom's slippers padding on the tile floor, I'd better go, bye."
Just before the phone went dead, he heard Carrie and Wes exclaim simultaneously, "Michael, were you calling Jeff?! You were told expressly not to!.." Jeff chuckled and replaced the receiver in it's cradle.
Nora threw the covers off over her head, "Michael," she guessed.
Jeff shook his head and laughed, "The little imp! I have the feeling he will probably be spending a lot of time in his room for awhile."
"Just like we will be for the next few days?" Nora asked, almost shyly.
"I've created a monster!" Jeff exclaimed, slapping a hand to his forehead.
"In that case, kiss me Frankenstein," Nora demanded, looping her arms around his neck.
Jeff smiled against her lips, "What do ya say we finish what we started?"
2 weeks later:
"This is great," Nora said with a grin, as she watched Jeff's reflection carefully carve his trademark stubble.
"Ouch!" he cried, as blood trickled down his chin. "My razor is dull. Noorra," he accused, turning to look at her.
Backing away ever so slightly Nora looked at his menacing face-that had a tissue stuck on it. Before she could stop it, Nora let out a giggle, then she bubbled over in laughter.
"Well, I'm glad you find it so funny," Jeff muttered, turning back to the mirror.
"Alright, alright, I'm sorry. I promise never to use your razor again."
"Mm hmm, until you misplace yours again," Jeff stated knowingly.
"Hey, how'd you know what I was thinking?!" she exclaimed.
"Because, I know you. I've known you too long. You can't hide anything from - me!" he growled, turning around. He tackled Nora and started tickling her ferociously.
"Ahh, stop, you know I can't stand to be tickled for too long," Nora uttered, her sides heaving. Jeff released her.
"There's always more than one way to leave you breathless," he said with a devilish grin. Wrapping his arms around her, he pulled Nora in for a deep kiss.
Matt poked his head in the door, "Hey guys, the taxi's here," Matt finished quietly, then ducked his head out the door.
"I'm going to miss you," Nora sniffed, wrapping her arms around his neck.
"I know, as I you. I would almost decline this international tour if it weren't for.."
"The fact that you love wrestling so much," Nora finished for him with a small smile.
Jeff nodded and grinned cheekily, "You're the best!"
Nora grinned, an impish light in her eyes, "I know."
He slung his duffel bag over his shoulder and turned to go. Reaching the door, he turned the knob.
All of a sudden, he stopped and turned around. "I'm already there, take a look around, I'm the sunshine in your hair, I'm the shadow on the ground. I'm the whisper in the wind, " Jeff sang softly. And with that he was gone. Nora ran to the front door, just in time to see Jeff lean his long frame down to get into the cab. Quickly Nora turned away, biting her lip, as Matt gave Amy one last, lingering hug. "Now don't do anything that I wouldn't do," Matt whispered into her ear, a smile in his voice.
"Mm hmm, " Amy nodded, unable to speak. I, I don't know why I'm getting so weepy, it must be the hormones," Amy mumbled weakly.
Matt chuckled. "Take it easy on your mother little one," he whispered against Amy's stomach, patting it gently. Matt climbed into the cab after his brother, and in an instant the cab tore off down the street.
Amy and Nora sat in silence as they ate dinner. "Where do you think they are now?" Nora asked thoughtfully, as she picked at her pasta.
"I donk know, babye Germany," Amy answered, her mouth full of pasta.
Nora stared at her in horror. "Wow, you really are hungry!" she exclaimed in surprise.
Swallowing, Amy grinned, "Well, I am eating for two." As the night wore on, both women got ready for bed. With heavy hearts, the women got ready for bed, figuring their husbands had gotten too busy or rushed to call them, but as Nora climbed into bed, the phone rang.
"Hi," Jeff's voice came onto the phone.
Nora grasped the phone tighter, "You guys made it there okay then?" she asked excitedly.
"Yep, we sure did. We are at the airport right now. Just wanted to let you know that we arrived here safe."
"I'm glad," Nora said softly.
"When you start to missing me, just sing or hum that song and know I'm already there," Jeff said softly.
Her heart warming, Nora answered, "I know."
"Good." Nora smiled, hearing the smile in Jeff's voice.
"We may be a thousand miles apart
But I'll be with you wherever you are."
Nora heard someone clearing their throat in the background.
"Matt?" Nora guessed, suppressing a chuckle.
"You bet, Mr. Impatient himself. Hey!" Jeff exclaimed as Matt wrapped his arm around his younger brother's neck in a mock headlock.
"Nora, would you mind putting Amy on," Jeff requested, breathing heavily.
Nora got up off the bed to go get Amy, but stopped short when she saw an elated Amy standing in the doorway.
"They arrived safely?" Amy asked excitedly.
Nora nodded, grinning, "Yes, Matt would like to talk to you."
Eagerly, Amy took the phone from Nora, "How many times have we told you guys not to wrestle in public," Amy joked, grinning widely. "I love you too," she whispered. Rolling her eyes, Amy responded, "I'm fine and so is the baby." She gripped the handset tighter in her hand, "You needn't worry so much."
As Nora watched Amy standing there, nearly two months pregnant, she found herself growing excited. *Oh, I can't wait to have children, Jeff's and mine,* she thought contentedly.
One month later:
"Only a month to go," Nora cried, nearly bouncing up and down with excitement, "and guess what Jeff told me last night?"
"That he is going to get a long vacation after his tour in Europe," Amy responded with a knowing grin.
"How'd you know?" Nora asked in surprise.
"Vince told Matt the same thing."
"Wow, that's - great!" Nora responded, the bottom dropping out of her voice.
"What's wrong?" Amy asked, curious.
"Well, it's just I'm going to miss having you guys around. We've been living together for a little over a month now and when Matt gets back I figure your house should be done by then."
Amy laughed nervously, "Well that's a good thing then, because I talked to the contractors yesterday and things are a little behind schedule, so he said it may be about another month yet.
Nora shrugged, "I know Jeff wouldn't mind at all and I don't have a problem with it. But how does Matt feel?"
"Well, he's a little agitated I think, but more disappointed than anything. He's just excited about moving into our own home, even more so than me, I'd wager," Amy replied with a smile.
Changing the subject, Amy looked at Nora, a serious look in her eyes, "I had serious doubts about the four of us living together, but it's turned out great, and I just want you to know it's been an honor being in your company."
Nora looked at Amy in surprise, "We have become good friends haven't we?"
Amy smiled, "I think so. Noticing how quiet and unsure of herself Nora seemed, Amy asked, "Is something wrong?"
"Well no, I was just wondering, what did you feel like after you became pregnant?"
Amy's eyes narrowed, "Nora, are you telling me that you're pregnant?"
Nora practically squealed, "I think so!"
Amy threw her arms around the petite blond, "That's wonderful!"
"I know it's been a month, but my cycle was due 2 weeks ago and I missed it. Plus, I've been feeling a little tired lately. Sometimes looking at lasagna and peanut butter pie makes me want to puke, even though those are some of my favorite foods!"
Amy wrinkled her nose, "Okay, you're are definitely pregnant. But do me a favor, don't mention those foods in the same sentence, because it tempts me to try those mixed together," Amy said, laughing.
"Ooh yuck! I'm not going to start developing cravings like that am I?!" Nora asked, horrified.
"Ya never know," Amy said, chuckling. "You just never know."
One week later:
"Can you just see the boys faces? They are going to be so surprised when they see us," Nora exclaimed, grinning.
"I know, and we have two wonderful Christmas surprises for them as well," Amy said exchanging a smile with Nora.
Nora did a double take for a second and looked at Amy in surprise, *I wonder what surprise Amy has for Matt..?* Smiling to herself, Nora thought, *Whatever it is, she wants to reserve it for Matt first.* Thinking of her own surprise for Jeff she smiled and nodded in understanding. She turned her head to look out the window at the rising sun, as the plane started it's ascent. "It's beautiful isn't it?" Nora asked.
"It sure is," Amy replied with a smile, "today is a brand new day. I wonder if that's what the sun would think-if it could." By the time they reached Brussels, the sun's rays were just beginning to fade.
Nora yawned, "I am so tired, aren't you?"
"Exhausted, but if I can just stay awake a little longer, to see the guys faces when they see us," Amy responded with a grin. A small frown marred her face, "Of course, I have an early flight for 7:00 a.m. tomorrow morning, The sun will barely be up."
"Why didn't you just ask Mr. Hardy to keep an eye on the house?" Nora asked curiously.
"Because, I know he is perfectly willing, but Penny is a big girl, and in her excitement, may accidentally hurt him when he goes to feed her, so I can't stay too long." As they approached the auditorium from the back entrance they were pleasantly surprised to see their old friend and security guard, Arnie.
"Hi girls, it's good to see you again. So what brings you to Germany?" he asked with a knowing smile.
"Our husbands of course!" they chorused, giving him a hug.
"Alright, you've convinced me, just don't tell Vince I let you in," he said with a wink.
Stephanie was the first to see the young women walking down the hall. "Nora, Amy, when did you get here?! It's so great to see you guys, how are you doing?" she asked, smiling.
"Better than average," Amy replied, practically glowing. Stephanie cocked her head in wonder, but she kept her suspicions to herself as Amy changed the subject.
"So how is Adam doing?"
"Great! He was a bit unsettled and nervous being around us at first. I think stretching his neck up, way up, to get a good look at his Dad, was a bit intimidating for him," Steph finished with a smile. "But he's having a blast, sitting in the front row with Lenae, cheering his Daddy on. Marissa is with them, loving every minute of it, especially since Shane is the referee," Stephanie said, grinning widely.
"Who is he fighting against?" Nora asked curiously.
"Andrew."
Hearing "The Game's" music play, Trish frowned as she came around the corner, nearly colliding with Amy.
"Trish!" she cried, reaching around her to give her a hug. "Wow, you're getting big!" Amy exclaimed.
"Don't I know it." She sighed ruefully, "My back is protesting even as we speak. I wish I was like Steph here, who is barely showing."
Steph protested good-naturedly, "Hey, my time will come you know."
"I know, I can't wait," Trish exclaimed, an impish gleam in her eyes.
"Daddy didn't win," Lenae claimed, crossing her arms over her chest as she rushed over to Trish.
"I know hon," Trish exclaimed soothingly, running a hand through her soft, blond hair, as Lenae clung tightly to her Mother's oversize waist.
"She loves Paul to death, but when it's against her Dad, she's very competitive," Steph quietly explained to Amy and Nora.
"Mum, may Adam and I play Mario Brothers on Jeff's play-station?"
"Yes, as long as you ask him first," Trish responded tiredly.
"Yes what?" Jeff asked, an easy smile on his face, as he came around the corner.
Lenae opened her mouth to speak but stopped when Jeff saw Nora.
Knowing now was not the time, the young girl stepped back. Shyly, waving bye to Amy and Nora, she took off down the hall, followed by Steph and Trish.
Jeff's eyes lit up as he twirled his beloved, finally crushing her to him.
"Not too hard," Nora said playfully, laughing softly in his ear. Jeff stepped back.
Cocking his head to the side, he eyed her quizzically, "Something is different about you, but what is.." Snapping his fingers, he exclaimed, "I know, your hair, you dyed it!" Amy laughed as Nora blushed, a slight pink tingeing her cheeks, indeed matching the hot pink streak subtly mixed in with her blond locks.
"It looks nice," Jeff commented, flattered that she would go to such a length to be like him.
Slightly disappointed that he didn't guess what her "real" surprise was, Nora answered quietly, "Amy helped me."
Jeff winked at Amy as he crossed the space between them to give her a warm hug, "She learned from the best," he stated proudly.
"Excuse me, I believe we assisted each other in our hair dying endeavors," Amy corrected him, arching a finely sculpted eye brow.
"Hey Jeff, come on, the match starts.." a voice called, rounding the corner. "Ames!" Tenderly, Matt pulled Amy to him, running his hands through her hair, "I missed you."
"As did I," Amy said. Placing her hands over his, she stared into his eyes, which were full of love.
"We'd better go," Matt said ruefully, "Our match is about to start. I know you can't watch from the arena, but if you go down the hall and make a left, you can watch our match from there."
Giving her one last, lingering kiss, Amy pressed her fingers to his lips as Matt turned to walk away.
Jeff wrapped his arms around Nora from behind, pressed a kiss into her hair and whispered into her ear, "I'm the sunshine in your hair, I'm the shadow on the ground. I'm the whisper in the wind." Giving her an extra squeeze Jeff reluctantly released her and walked down the hall, following Matt.
Nora watched nervously as Jeff climbed a top the turnbuckle. "I get nervous when Jeff does 'Whisper in the Wind," since he doesn't do the move that often anymore." Amy nodded mutely, her eyes glued to the screen.
Straightening up on the metal, locker room bench, Amy's eyes narrowed, "Jeff isn't just going to do 'Whisper in the Wind,' he's combining it with a reverse corkscrew Moonsault!"
"What?! I don't think I've ever seen him do that!"
"Most people don't get the privilege to. It's a very artistic move and Jeff performs it with perfection, but it is a very risky move that he hasn't performed in ages," Amy finished worriedly.
"What is he, crazy?" Nora questioned nervously.
"Do you really want me to answer that?" Amy asked bluntly, turning to face Nora.
"Jeff, what are you doing? Are you nuts?!" Matt cried out from across the ring. An awful feeling of dread washed over Matt as he watched Jeff leap backwards into the air. Jeff twisted his body to make contact with Farooq(Ron Simmons), but as his legs made contact with Farooq's chest, he heard a loud snap. For the first time, in a long, long time, Jeff was terrified. All he could feel was the pounding of his heart hammering against his ribs. With a sickening thud, he hit the mat as darkness swallowed him up. Matt jumped over the ropes, kneeling down next to Jeff.
"Jeff?" Matt called, slapping his cheek lightly. Nothing. Panicked, Matt felt for a pulse. It was a bit weak, but thankfully, there.
Fear reflecting in both Bradshaw and Farooq's eyes, Farooq raced out of the ring to get a paramedic. Running down the ramp, Nora and Amy climbed into the ring, only to be met by the deafening roar of the crowd, unaware that this was completely real.
"Jeff!" Nora screamed frantically, cradling his head in her lap. "Why did he do it?" Nora pleaded tearfully as she looked around at the others.
"I'm sorry Nora, I had know idea he was going to pull a stunt like that," Matt said angrily. "Come on Jeff, wake up," Matt demanded, his voice rough with emotion as he grasped his brother's hand tightly.
Jeff opened his eyes painfully, "I, I can't feel my legs," he whispered hoarsely, then slipped into unconsciousness.
Jeff was wheeled through the emergency room doors, a distraught Nora, Matt and Amy looking on, as they watched the paramedics rush to get him in for an MRI. Barely able to sign the forms the nurse gave her, Nora's hand shook as she moved to sit down, the thin stack of papers in clasped tightly in her grasp. Gently taking her arm, Matt guided her to a cushioned orange chair.
Matt's thoughts whirled around inside his head as he sat staring abruptly ahead, *I can't believe this is happening, not Jeff!*
Amy sat in shock at his side. *Jeff's always made it through all kinds of scrapes, but this..*
"He's going to be alright, Jeff won't leave us," Amy whispered into Matt's ear, looping her arm through his.
"I, I can't do it," Nora nearly sobbed as she laid the papers down in her lap.
"Here hon," Amy replied gently, "I can help you fill out some of the information."
35 minutes later:
The doctor came out, his white lab coat swishing behind him.
"Nora Hardy?" he asked, looking up from his clipboard.
"I am," she gulped, "Mrs. Hardy." Any other time, she would have beamed inwardly at the words, but now she didn't feel as if she even had the inner strength to emit just a smile.
"Your husband has a herniated disk." At her slightly confused look, he re-phrased the statement. "A disk along his spine slipped out of place. The slipped disk has put an undue amount of pressure on his spinal cord. Did he lose consciousness at any time or complain of numbness or loss of feeling anywhere?" He asked, skimming the forms her and Amy had filled out.
Matt stood up, "He did blank out for a second, but then he opened his eyes and said, he couldn't feel his legs."
The physician pursed his lips in tight line. "That's what I was afraid of. It's cutting off the nerve sensations to his legs and major organs in the upper body. We need to prep him for surgery, the longer he stays in this state of paralysis, the better the chance of it becoming permanent."
Nora felt as if the air was being sucked from her lungs. She didn't know how she found the strength to speak, but her next words came out clear and strong, "Do it. I have already filled out the papers regarding risk of injury or complications to the patient. Just do what you must," Nora commanded, raising her chin up.
"You do realize some of the complications that can arise are.." he paused, "cardiac arrest, blood clot to the brain, coma.."
"I know, I know, but his life will be lost doctor if you don't try," Nora responded passionately.
The doctor smiled briefly, "You are one strong woman. I see why he has at least one reason to pull through."
45 minutes later:
The Doctor emerged through a different set of emergency room doors-and his mouth dropped open wide at the amount of people that had grown in the small fourth floor waiting room.
"Is he alright?" Matt asked anxiously as Nora, Amy, Stephanie, Paul, Trish, Andrew, Adam, Lenae, Spike, Steve Austin, Debra, Al Snow, Chris Benoit and Vince McMahon himself trailed behind the original threesome.
"My goodness," the doctor replied in astonishment, his slight Scottish brogue coming out, "are all of you his family?"
"You might say that," Al answered with a slight smile.
"He pulled through the surgery and is breathing on his own. The pressure has been taken off his spine. Now we just have to wait and see."
Realizing he wasn't out of the woods yet, Nora's face turned chalky white. Afraid she would faint right there, Austin quickly wrapped an arm around her shoulders.
"Can I, may I, see him?" Nora requested softly.
"Right now he is still unconscious, and I'm afraid the next several hours are critical. His body needs time to recover from all the trauma he has been through."
6:30 a.m.:
Amy reached out to give Nora a weepy yet warm hug. "Jeff is a fighter, he will make it," she stated firmly.
"I'll be back as soon as I can," Matt said, giving Nora's shoulder a squeeze. "Let me know the instant there is any change in Jeff," Matt called to her as the doctor led Nora into Jeff's room.
Shakily, Nora walked into the white-walled room. Nora almost laughed, thinking what Jeff's reaction would be to the lack of color in the room, *Some purple, maybe blue hues would be nice,* he would say with cocky grin. Nora took Jeff's limp hand, as she silently took in the tubes surrounding his frail body. "Jeff, I can't believe this is happening, this.." she spread her arms to encompass the room's appearance, "isn't you. Please pull through. I, I should have told you about the child, I mean children growing inside me," she said, her voice breaking as the tears started to fall. Pushing back a lock of his blue hair, Nora leaned in towards him, "Three children, all of whom I promise I will let you name, okay, two of our wee ones, if you'll just come back to me. I need you." Seeing the worried faces of her friends and family out in the waiting room, she said, "They need you too, please don't leave us." Brushing a lock of blue hair off his forehead, she kissed him softly. Straightening up, Nora thought back to what seemed only minutes ago. She could almost feel Jeff's arms around her as he whispered into her ear: *'I'm the sunshine in your hair, I'm the shadow on the ground. I'm the whisper in the wind.'*
Nora eyes snapped open as she heard a high-pitched whine ring in her ears. Her mouth opened in horror as Jeff's heart monitor went flat-line!
Instantly, she felt the pressure of many hands and arms shoving her out of the way until she found herself staring through a pane of clear plexi-glass.
"No!" Nora wailed. Numb, she watched intently as numerous medical professionals desperately tried to restore life to Jeffrey Nero Hardy.
"I'm already there, I'm the beating of your heart, I'm the moonlight shining down. I'm the whisper in the wind and I'll be there till the end. Can you feel the love that we share, oh I'm already there."
The song, "I'm Already There," is by LoneStar and is not mine.
A special thanks to JoAnn for the hair coloring idea. :)
Chapter 12: Whisper in the Wind
"Rring, rring!" With a groan, Jeff turned over, squinting as the bright, early morning sun streamed through the filmy curtains leading to the patio. Blindly, he fumbled for the phone.
"Hello," he said gruffly.
"Hi Unca Jeffy!"
*Oh boy!* Flopping back onto his pillow, Jeff sighed. Nora lay curled up against his side, all bundled up in a blanket.
Nora looked up at Jeff questioningly and mouthed, "Who is it?"
"How come you sound out of breath?" Michael asked innocently.
Jeff could feel his face heating up, even as Nora's cool hand caressed his cheek in concern.
At a complete loss for words, Jeff stumbled. "I uh, I'm just a bit tired that's all."
"Oh no, Daddy said not to call until next week, but I figured you wouldn't mind. I was so excited, I could barely sleep, so I had to sneak out of bed to call you," he whispered conspiratorially. Jeff could just imagine Michael covering the mouthpiece with his hand, whispering with a mischievous twinkle in his eyes.
Jeff chuckled, "It's alright sport."
"Are you and Nora having fun on your vacation yet?" Michael asked innocently.
"Uh yeah, we are having lots of fun," Jeff said with a smirk, glancing down at a now blushing Nora. Affectionately, Jeff managed to brush a kiss against her forehead, just before she pulled the blanket over her head in embarrassment.
"Uh oh, I think I hear Mom's slippers padding on the tile floor, I'd better go, bye."
Just before the phone went dead, he heard Carrie and Wes exclaim simultaneously, "Michael, were you calling Jeff?! You were told expressly not to!.." Jeff chuckled and replaced the receiver in it's cradle.
Nora threw the covers off over her head, "Michael," she guessed.
Jeff shook his head and laughed, "The little imp! I have the feeling he will probably be spending a lot of time in his room for awhile."
"Just like we will be for the next few days?" Nora asked, almost shyly.
"I've created a monster!" Jeff exclaimed, slapping a hand to his forehead.
"In that case, kiss me Frankenstein," Nora demanded, looping her arms around his neck.
Jeff smiled against her lips, "What do ya say we finish what we started?"
2 weeks later:
"This is great," Nora said with a grin, as she watched Jeff's reflection carefully carve his trademark stubble.
"Ouch!" he cried, as blood trickled down his chin. "My razor is dull. Noorra," he accused, turning to look at her.
Backing away ever so slightly Nora looked at his menacing face-that had a tissue stuck on it. Before she could stop it, Nora let out a giggle, then she bubbled over in laughter.
"Well, I'm glad you find it so funny," Jeff muttered, turning back to the mirror.
"Alright, alright, I'm sorry. I promise never to use your razor again."
"Mm hmm, until you misplace yours again," Jeff stated knowingly.
"Hey, how'd you know what I was thinking?!" she exclaimed.
"Because, I know you. I've known you too long. You can't hide anything from - me!" he growled, turning around. He tackled Nora and started tickling her ferociously.
"Ahh, stop, you know I can't stand to be tickled for too long," Nora uttered, her sides heaving. Jeff released her.
"There's always more than one way to leave you breathless," he said with a devilish grin. Wrapping his arms around her, he pulled Nora in for a deep kiss.
Matt poked his head in the door, "Hey guys, the taxi's here," Matt finished quietly, then ducked his head out the door.
"I'm going to miss you," Nora sniffed, wrapping her arms around his neck.
"I know, as I you. I would almost decline this international tour if it weren't for.."
"The fact that you love wrestling so much," Nora finished for him with a small smile.
Jeff nodded and grinned cheekily, "You're the best!"
Nora grinned, an impish light in her eyes, "I know."
He slung his duffel bag over his shoulder and turned to go. Reaching the door, he turned the knob.
All of a sudden, he stopped and turned around. "I'm already there, take a look around, I'm the sunshine in your hair, I'm the shadow on the ground. I'm the whisper in the wind, " Jeff sang softly. And with that he was gone. Nora ran to the front door, just in time to see Jeff lean his long frame down to get into the cab. Quickly Nora turned away, biting her lip, as Matt gave Amy one last, lingering hug. "Now don't do anything that I wouldn't do," Matt whispered into her ear, a smile in his voice.
"Mm hmm, " Amy nodded, unable to speak. I, I don't know why I'm getting so weepy, it must be the hormones," Amy mumbled weakly.
Matt chuckled. "Take it easy on your mother little one," he whispered against Amy's stomach, patting it gently. Matt climbed into the cab after his brother, and in an instant the cab tore off down the street.
Amy and Nora sat in silence as they ate dinner. "Where do you think they are now?" Nora asked thoughtfully, as she picked at her pasta.
"I donk know, babye Germany," Amy answered, her mouth full of pasta.
Nora stared at her in horror. "Wow, you really are hungry!" she exclaimed in surprise.
Swallowing, Amy grinned, "Well, I am eating for two." As the night wore on, both women got ready for bed. With heavy hearts, the women got ready for bed, figuring their husbands had gotten too busy or rushed to call them, but as Nora climbed into bed, the phone rang.
"Hi," Jeff's voice came onto the phone.
Nora grasped the phone tighter, "You guys made it there okay then?" she asked excitedly.
"Yep, we sure did. We are at the airport right now. Just wanted to let you know that we arrived here safe."
"I'm glad," Nora said softly.
"When you start to missing me, just sing or hum that song and know I'm already there," Jeff said softly.
Her heart warming, Nora answered, "I know."
"Good." Nora smiled, hearing the smile in Jeff's voice.
"We may be a thousand miles apart
But I'll be with you wherever you are."
Nora heard someone clearing their throat in the background.
"Matt?" Nora guessed, suppressing a chuckle.
"You bet, Mr. Impatient himself. Hey!" Jeff exclaimed as Matt wrapped his arm around his younger brother's neck in a mock headlock.
"Nora, would you mind putting Amy on," Jeff requested, breathing heavily.
Nora got up off the bed to go get Amy, but stopped short when she saw an elated Amy standing in the doorway.
"They arrived safely?" Amy asked excitedly.
Nora nodded, grinning, "Yes, Matt would like to talk to you."
Eagerly, Amy took the phone from Nora, "How many times have we told you guys not to wrestle in public," Amy joked, grinning widely. "I love you too," she whispered. Rolling her eyes, Amy responded, "I'm fine and so is the baby." She gripped the handset tighter in her hand, "You needn't worry so much."
As Nora watched Amy standing there, nearly two months pregnant, she found herself growing excited. *Oh, I can't wait to have children, Jeff's and mine,* she thought contentedly.
One month later:
"Only a month to go," Nora cried, nearly bouncing up and down with excitement, "and guess what Jeff told me last night?"
"That he is going to get a long vacation after his tour in Europe," Amy responded with a knowing grin.
"How'd you know?" Nora asked in surprise.
"Vince told Matt the same thing."
"Wow, that's - great!" Nora responded, the bottom dropping out of her voice.
"What's wrong?" Amy asked, curious.
"Well, it's just I'm going to miss having you guys around. We've been living together for a little over a month now and when Matt gets back I figure your house should be done by then."
Amy laughed nervously, "Well that's a good thing then, because I talked to the contractors yesterday and things are a little behind schedule, so he said it may be about another month yet.
Nora shrugged, "I know Jeff wouldn't mind at all and I don't have a problem with it. But how does Matt feel?"
"Well, he's a little agitated I think, but more disappointed than anything. He's just excited about moving into our own home, even more so than me, I'd wager," Amy replied with a smile.
Changing the subject, Amy looked at Nora, a serious look in her eyes, "I had serious doubts about the four of us living together, but it's turned out great, and I just want you to know it's been an honor being in your company."
Nora looked at Amy in surprise, "We have become good friends haven't we?"
Amy smiled, "I think so. Noticing how quiet and unsure of herself Nora seemed, Amy asked, "Is something wrong?"
"Well no, I was just wondering, what did you feel like after you became pregnant?"
Amy's eyes narrowed, "Nora, are you telling me that you're pregnant?"
Nora practically squealed, "I think so!"
Amy threw her arms around the petite blond, "That's wonderful!"
"I know it's been a month, but my cycle was due 2 weeks ago and I missed it. Plus, I've been feeling a little tired lately. Sometimes looking at lasagna and peanut butter pie makes me want to puke, even though those are some of my favorite foods!"
Amy wrinkled her nose, "Okay, you're are definitely pregnant. But do me a favor, don't mention those foods in the same sentence, because it tempts me to try those mixed together," Amy said, laughing.
"Ooh yuck! I'm not going to start developing cravings like that am I?!" Nora asked, horrified.
"Ya never know," Amy said, chuckling. "You just never know."
One week later:
"Can you just see the boys faces? They are going to be so surprised when they see us," Nora exclaimed, grinning.
"I know, and we have two wonderful Christmas surprises for them as well," Amy said exchanging a smile with Nora.
Nora did a double take for a second and looked at Amy in surprise, *I wonder what surprise Amy has for Matt..?* Smiling to herself, Nora thought, *Whatever it is, she wants to reserve it for Matt first.* Thinking of her own surprise for Jeff she smiled and nodded in understanding. She turned her head to look out the window at the rising sun, as the plane started it's ascent. "It's beautiful isn't it?" Nora asked.
"It sure is," Amy replied with a smile, "today is a brand new day. I wonder if that's what the sun would think-if it could." By the time they reached Brussels, the sun's rays were just beginning to fade.
Nora yawned, "I am so tired, aren't you?"
"Exhausted, but if I can just stay awake a little longer, to see the guys faces when they see us," Amy responded with a grin. A small frown marred her face, "Of course, I have an early flight for 7:00 a.m. tomorrow morning, The sun will barely be up."
"Why didn't you just ask Mr. Hardy to keep an eye on the house?" Nora asked curiously.
"Because, I know he is perfectly willing, but Penny is a big girl, and in her excitement, may accidentally hurt him when he goes to feed her, so I can't stay too long." As they approached the auditorium from the back entrance they were pleasantly surprised to see their old friend and security guard, Arnie.
"Hi girls, it's good to see you again. So what brings you to Germany?" he asked with a knowing smile.
"Our husbands of course!" they chorused, giving him a hug.
"Alright, you've convinced me, just don't tell Vince I let you in," he said with a wink.
Stephanie was the first to see the young women walking down the hall. "Nora, Amy, when did you get here?! It's so great to see you guys, how are you doing?" she asked, smiling.
"Better than average," Amy replied, practically glowing. Stephanie cocked her head in wonder, but she kept her suspicions to herself as Amy changed the subject.
"So how is Adam doing?"
"Great! He was a bit unsettled and nervous being around us at first. I think stretching his neck up, way up, to get a good look at his Dad, was a bit intimidating for him," Steph finished with a smile. "But he's having a blast, sitting in the front row with Lenae, cheering his Daddy on. Marissa is with them, loving every minute of it, especially since Shane is the referee," Stephanie said, grinning widely.
"Who is he fighting against?" Nora asked curiously.
"Andrew."
Hearing "The Game's" music play, Trish frowned as she came around the corner, nearly colliding with Amy.
"Trish!" she cried, reaching around her to give her a hug. "Wow, you're getting big!" Amy exclaimed.
"Don't I know it." She sighed ruefully, "My back is protesting even as we speak. I wish I was like Steph here, who is barely showing."
Steph protested good-naturedly, "Hey, my time will come you know."
"I know, I can't wait," Trish exclaimed, an impish gleam in her eyes.
"Daddy didn't win," Lenae claimed, crossing her arms over her chest as she rushed over to Trish.
"I know hon," Trish exclaimed soothingly, running a hand through her soft, blond hair, as Lenae clung tightly to her Mother's oversize waist.
"She loves Paul to death, but when it's against her Dad, she's very competitive," Steph quietly explained to Amy and Nora.
"Mum, may Adam and I play Mario Brothers on Jeff's play-station?"
"Yes, as long as you ask him first," Trish responded tiredly.
"Yes what?" Jeff asked, an easy smile on his face, as he came around the corner.
Lenae opened her mouth to speak but stopped when Jeff saw Nora.
Knowing now was not the time, the young girl stepped back. Shyly, waving bye to Amy and Nora, she took off down the hall, followed by Steph and Trish.
Jeff's eyes lit up as he twirled his beloved, finally crushing her to him.
"Not too hard," Nora said playfully, laughing softly in his ear. Jeff stepped back.
Cocking his head to the side, he eyed her quizzically, "Something is different about you, but what is.." Snapping his fingers, he exclaimed, "I know, your hair, you dyed it!" Amy laughed as Nora blushed, a slight pink tingeing her cheeks, indeed matching the hot pink streak subtly mixed in with her blond locks.
"It looks nice," Jeff commented, flattered that she would go to such a length to be like him.
Slightly disappointed that he didn't guess what her "real" surprise was, Nora answered quietly, "Amy helped me."
Jeff winked at Amy as he crossed the space between them to give her a warm hug, "She learned from the best," he stated proudly.
"Excuse me, I believe we assisted each other in our hair dying endeavors," Amy corrected him, arching a finely sculpted eye brow.
"Hey Jeff, come on, the match starts.." a voice called, rounding the corner. "Ames!" Tenderly, Matt pulled Amy to him, running his hands through her hair, "I missed you."
"As did I," Amy said. Placing her hands over his, she stared into his eyes, which were full of love.
"We'd better go," Matt said ruefully, "Our match is about to start. I know you can't watch from the arena, but if you go down the hall and make a left, you can watch our match from there."
Giving her one last, lingering kiss, Amy pressed her fingers to his lips as Matt turned to walk away.
Jeff wrapped his arms around Nora from behind, pressed a kiss into her hair and whispered into her ear, "I'm the sunshine in your hair, I'm the shadow on the ground. I'm the whisper in the wind." Giving her an extra squeeze Jeff reluctantly released her and walked down the hall, following Matt.
Nora watched nervously as Jeff climbed a top the turnbuckle. "I get nervous when Jeff does 'Whisper in the Wind," since he doesn't do the move that often anymore." Amy nodded mutely, her eyes glued to the screen.
Straightening up on the metal, locker room bench, Amy's eyes narrowed, "Jeff isn't just going to do 'Whisper in the Wind,' he's combining it with a reverse corkscrew Moonsault!"
"What?! I don't think I've ever seen him do that!"
"Most people don't get the privilege to. It's a very artistic move and Jeff performs it with perfection, but it is a very risky move that he hasn't performed in ages," Amy finished worriedly.
"What is he, crazy?" Nora questioned nervously.
"Do you really want me to answer that?" Amy asked bluntly, turning to face Nora.
"Jeff, what are you doing? Are you nuts?!" Matt cried out from across the ring. An awful feeling of dread washed over Matt as he watched Jeff leap backwards into the air. Jeff twisted his body to make contact with Farooq(Ron Simmons), but as his legs made contact with Farooq's chest, he heard a loud snap. For the first time, in a long, long time, Jeff was terrified. All he could feel was the pounding of his heart hammering against his ribs. With a sickening thud, he hit the mat as darkness swallowed him up. Matt jumped over the ropes, kneeling down next to Jeff.
"Jeff?" Matt called, slapping his cheek lightly. Nothing. Panicked, Matt felt for a pulse. It was a bit weak, but thankfully, there.
Fear reflecting in both Bradshaw and Farooq's eyes, Farooq raced out of the ring to get a paramedic. Running down the ramp, Nora and Amy climbed into the ring, only to be met by the deafening roar of the crowd, unaware that this was completely real.
"Jeff!" Nora screamed frantically, cradling his head in her lap. "Why did he do it?" Nora pleaded tearfully as she looked around at the others.
"I'm sorry Nora, I had know idea he was going to pull a stunt like that," Matt said angrily. "Come on Jeff, wake up," Matt demanded, his voice rough with emotion as he grasped his brother's hand tightly.
Jeff opened his eyes painfully, "I, I can't feel my legs," he whispered hoarsely, then slipped into unconsciousness.
Jeff was wheeled through the emergency room doors, a distraught Nora, Matt and Amy looking on, as they watched the paramedics rush to get him in for an MRI. Barely able to sign the forms the nurse gave her, Nora's hand shook as she moved to sit down, the thin stack of papers in clasped tightly in her grasp. Gently taking her arm, Matt guided her to a cushioned orange chair.
Matt's thoughts whirled around inside his head as he sat staring abruptly ahead, *I can't believe this is happening, not Jeff!*
Amy sat in shock at his side. *Jeff's always made it through all kinds of scrapes, but this..*
"He's going to be alright, Jeff won't leave us," Amy whispered into Matt's ear, looping her arm through his.
"I, I can't do it," Nora nearly sobbed as she laid the papers down in her lap.
"Here hon," Amy replied gently, "I can help you fill out some of the information."
35 minutes later:
The doctor came out, his white lab coat swishing behind him.
"Nora Hardy?" he asked, looking up from his clipboard.
"I am," she gulped, "Mrs. Hardy." Any other time, she would have beamed inwardly at the words, but now she didn't feel as if she even had the inner strength to emit just a smile.
"Your husband has a herniated disk." At her slightly confused look, he re-phrased the statement. "A disk along his spine slipped out of place. The slipped disk has put an undue amount of pressure on his spinal cord. Did he lose consciousness at any time or complain of numbness or loss of feeling anywhere?" He asked, skimming the forms her and Amy had filled out.
Matt stood up, "He did blank out for a second, but then he opened his eyes and said, he couldn't feel his legs."
The physician pursed his lips in tight line. "That's what I was afraid of. It's cutting off the nerve sensations to his legs and major organs in the upper body. We need to prep him for surgery, the longer he stays in this state of paralysis, the better the chance of it becoming permanent."
Nora felt as if the air was being sucked from her lungs. She didn't know how she found the strength to speak, but her next words came out clear and strong, "Do it. I have already filled out the papers regarding risk of injury or complications to the patient. Just do what you must," Nora commanded, raising her chin up.
"You do realize some of the complications that can arise are.." he paused, "cardiac arrest, blood clot to the brain, coma.."
"I know, I know, but his life will be lost doctor if you don't try," Nora responded passionately.
The doctor smiled briefly, "You are one strong woman. I see why he has at least one reason to pull through."
45 minutes later:
The Doctor emerged through a different set of emergency room doors-and his mouth dropped open wide at the amount of people that had grown in the small fourth floor waiting room.
"Is he alright?" Matt asked anxiously as Nora, Amy, Stephanie, Paul, Trish, Andrew, Adam, Lenae, Spike, Steve Austin, Debra, Al Snow, Chris Benoit and Vince McMahon himself trailed behind the original threesome.
"My goodness," the doctor replied in astonishment, his slight Scottish brogue coming out, "are all of you his family?"
"You might say that," Al answered with a slight smile.
"He pulled through the surgery and is breathing on his own. The pressure has been taken off his spine. Now we just have to wait and see."
Realizing he wasn't out of the woods yet, Nora's face turned chalky white. Afraid she would faint right there, Austin quickly wrapped an arm around her shoulders.
"Can I, may I, see him?" Nora requested softly.
"Right now he is still unconscious, and I'm afraid the next several hours are critical. His body needs time to recover from all the trauma he has been through."
6:30 a.m.:
Amy reached out to give Nora a weepy yet warm hug. "Jeff is a fighter, he will make it," she stated firmly.
"I'll be back as soon as I can," Matt said, giving Nora's shoulder a squeeze. "Let me know the instant there is any change in Jeff," Matt called to her as the doctor led Nora into Jeff's room.
Shakily, Nora walked into the white-walled room. Nora almost laughed, thinking what Jeff's reaction would be to the lack of color in the room, *Some purple, maybe blue hues would be nice,* he would say with cocky grin. Nora took Jeff's limp hand, as she silently took in the tubes surrounding his frail body. "Jeff, I can't believe this is happening, this.." she spread her arms to encompass the room's appearance, "isn't you. Please pull through. I, I should have told you about the child, I mean children growing inside me," she said, her voice breaking as the tears started to fall. Pushing back a lock of his blue hair, Nora leaned in towards him, "Three children, all of whom I promise I will let you name, okay, two of our wee ones, if you'll just come back to me. I need you." Seeing the worried faces of her friends and family out in the waiting room, she said, "They need you too, please don't leave us." Brushing a lock of blue hair off his forehead, she kissed him softly. Straightening up, Nora thought back to what seemed only minutes ago. She could almost feel Jeff's arms around her as he whispered into her ear: *'I'm the sunshine in your hair, I'm the shadow on the ground. I'm the whisper in the wind.'*
Nora eyes snapped open as she heard a high-pitched whine ring in her ears. Her mouth opened in horror as Jeff's heart monitor went flat-line!
Instantly, she felt the pressure of many hands and arms shoving her out of the way until she found herself staring through a pane of clear plexi-glass.
"No!" Nora wailed. Numb, she watched intently as numerous medical professionals desperately tried to restore life to Jeffrey Nero Hardy.
"I'm already there, I'm the beating of your heart, I'm the moonlight shining down. I'm the whisper in the wind and I'll be there till the end. Can you feel the love that we share, oh I'm already there."