Disclaimer- If I could, I would over throw Vince and become the CEO of the
WWE. That would give me the right to say I own all the wrestlers in this
story. But until that happens I don't own crap. *sigh*
A/N- Okay just a reminder. We're gonna pretend there is no brand extension or GM's. Soooo, all the superstars are able to compete on all shows. Also, Stephanie's 'character' is divorced from Triple H, but never left the show, and she's still allied with Y2J. The Edge/Y2J feud that went on for like a day is featured in this. You'll see why. Bwahahahahahahaha!
Chapter 9
All Stephanie had wanted to do was sink into her comfy bed waiting for her at her hotel. But that wasn't going to happen any time soon. It was late afternoon on Tuesday, and there was much to do before the taping of Smackdown! There were meetings to go to, paperwork to be done, and of course she had to look over tonight's script which she had neglected to do the night before. After what seemed like the hundredth meeting of the day, Stephanie finally had time to take a lunch break at almost 3:30. Stephanie hurried to the arena's cafeteria, completely famished.
"Oh good they have salad." She said as she grabbed a plate from the food table and packed as much salad as possible on to it. "Now, where to sit?" she asked herself, looking around the partly empty room.
"Hey Steph, over here!" a voice called from across the room. Stephanie made her way to the table and sat down.
She placed her purse down next to her and crossed her legs. "Hi Adam! Why are you eating so late?" Stephanie greeted the blond as she started to dig into her salad, dousing it with dressing.
"Oh, I had to work out and stuff. Damn that's a lot of salad. I take it your hungry? So what about you; what brings you here this late?" He asked, then taking a bite of a chocolate chip cookie.
Stephanie rolled her eyes. "Oh yeah, like those are really healthy. At least salad is good for you." She joked indicated the cookies he continually shoved in his mouth. "Well I had meetings since we got here, and I had to do some unfinished paper work. Not to mention I haven't even looked at the script yet." She sighed sifting through her salad with the fork.
"Sounds incredibly fun. They really over work you." He said sympathetically. All Steph could do was give a weak smile and a nod.
She sighed, "That's what it is to be a McMahon. You work your ass off to give the people what they want. But, I love what I do even though it can be tiring. Anyway, is there something going on that I don't know about? Because, I've been getting a weird vibe from some of the wrestlers. I haven't had time to really talk to anyone all day, but every time I pass one of them I get a weird look. Do you know what's going on?" She questioned curiously, hoping she could get to the bottom of it.
"Well, um, you're not gonna like this. You see . . . um, uh . . ." Adam began, but nervously trailed off. Stephanie began to look impatient, tapping her foot against the tile floor, waiting for him to continue.
"Well go head, what is it?" She prodded with a hint of annoyance in her voice.
Adam took a nervous breath and folded his hands. "Okay, just don't kill the messenger. I guess some people saw you sneaking in my room last night, or coming out of my room this morning because there's some rumors going around that we're um, an item." He said preparing himself for an explosion. Adam just hoped she wouldn't blame him for this. He looked at Stephanie and she seemed to be turning a very bright shade of red. Adam braced himself.
"WHAT? They think we're together? That's completely insane!" She said, and then erupted into laughter. Adam was in shock. That wasn't supposed to happen, she was supposed to be really angry and he would calm her down. He sat there in awe as she cackled like a maniac nearly falling out of her seat.
"What the hell is so funny? This is a problem, not a joke." He informed her although he couldn't help but crack a smile. "And would you shut up, people are staring!" Adam told her although she continued to laugh her head off. "Okay it's not that funny." He sighed.
"Oh I can't breathe! Oxygen! My sides, oh my sides. I haven't laughed that hard in so long." Stephanie said trying to catch her breath, and holding her aching sides. Adam just glared at her.
"Really, may I ask why you find you and I being a serious couple hilarious?" Adam asked as Stephanie straightened herself out.
"Well, it's just that you've been such a good friend for so long and frankly you're not my type. I just think people can be so ignorant, you know?" She sighed eating a tomato. Adam nodded in response.
"I agree with you on everything you just said, but was it really that funny?" He asked her, pretending to look hurt.
"Not really, it's just once I start laughing about something I think is funny, I just can't stop. Sorry if I made you feel bad, even though you're a big fake and I know I didn't." She grinned as she finished off her salad and Adam did the same with his food.
"So, what should we do about this? We really should kill the rumors somehow." Adam said getting up from the table and stretching.
"Hmmmm . . . I'm not sure yet, but I'll think of something. Until then why don't we just deny it?" She suggested, getting up as well. They walked to the garbage and through away their trash then parted ways. Adam had decided that he should go look over the script and work out some more. Stephanie ran back to the room that was serving as her locker room/office and pulled out the copy of the script.
'Wow, I still can't believe people think Adam and I are together! That's so unbelievable, it's just hilarious. Well, I can understand how they would think that, but still it's none of their business! So what if I was in his room late at night? It's honestly nobodies business but ours. I wonder who started the rumors. It most likely wasn't Jason, or Adam would kill him, he knows better. Oh no, what is Matt going to think? Will he believe the rumors? Well it's not like it's going to matter because he's so wrapped up in the 'world of Amy.' And what the hell is that girl's problem? She hasn't been herself, at least towards me anyway. Did I do something to piss her off? I'll have to talk to her about it when I get a chance. If I ever get a chance with all this work I have to do. Come on Stephanie, get moving, the script won't read itself.' She thought, and let out a deep sigh.
Stephanie read through the script tiredly. "Hmmm . . . Hurricane is successfully defending his Cruiserweight Title against Chavo Guerrero. Then of team Buh Buh Ray Dudley and Spike Dudley challenging Christian and Lance Storm (the Un- Americans) for the Tag Team titles, with some help from Test the Un- Americans pick up the win." She said continuing to read the script. "Oh yay! Matt's going to win the Intercontinental belt from Benoit! He really deserves it. Oh, it's going to be a ladder match. I hope he doesn't hurt himself." She said nervously, yet excited all the same. Amy's going to win the Women's Title from Molly Holly. Good for her, she's worked hard for it." Steph smiled. Although Amy hadn't been the nicest person to her she couldn't help but feel happy for her.
She tapped her foot on the ground steadily as she trudged on reading the thick script. She let out a sigh of relief when she finally came to her part. A few months ago her character had allied with Y2J Chris Jericho. Everyone knew Stephanie's character was hated, but lately she had been getting some sympathy from fans. The writers had decided to make Jericho cruel towards Stephanie, always bossing her around, never letting her make her own decisions, even though she was the one who was helping him. Normally Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley wouldn't take this crap, but the writers wanted to change that and make her some vulnerable woman, who would do anything for Jericho. She personally wasn't very pleased with the way her character as going at the moment, but she decided to wait it out and see how the fans take it. They had seemed to actually like the softer side of Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley. Yet she was still a humongous bitch to Y2J's opponents, doing anything in her power to help him win.
Stephanie froze when she saw what was going to happen tonight. "Let's see, a match between Edge and Y2J. Oh that's nothing new. I'll be at ringside, of course. Wait a minute . . . Jericho's turning on me after the match? The writers never cleared that with me! Sure it was my idea for to Jericho turn on me, but I would like to be able to prepare myself for the Walls of Jericho. I could've stretched or something. Hold on I'm not going to get the Walls? Edge is coming to my rescue!" She vented in complete surprise. She took a deep breath then continued to read on curiously. "I'm going to thank Edge by doing WHAT? I've got to kiss Adam? In the middle of the ring? I wonder if he knows about this yet . . ." She wondered, knowing this wouldn't help her situation. Just then there was a knock at the door tearing her away from the script. "Come in."
Jeff bounced into the room happily and shot Steph a smile. "Hey. What's goin' on?" He greeted beaming. Steph gratefully put down the script, she really needed a break.
"Why hello Jeffery. What brings you here?" She said smiling as he took a seat on the leather couch next to her. "Have a seat." She joked, as he had already done so.
"Don't mind if I do." He laughed and Steph joined in seconds later. "Well I was bored and I haven't seen you in awhile so I decided to drop by." He answered, pulling out a bag of Skittles and starting to munch.
Stephanie smiled. "Jeff, you saw me just yesterday. Oh well no matter, I'm happy to take a quick break. Is there anything in particular you wanted?" She asked, gathering the papers around her and putting them on the coffee table in front of them. Steph then turned herself to face him, waiting for him to speak.
'Yeah, there's something. Is the gossip true about you and Adam? Are you guys together? Huh? Now come on Jeff, just ask her, it's Steph she won't bite your head off. Then again she doesn't take any crap either. If I don't ask her Matt'll kill me, he was the one who sent me here . . .' Jeff thought, struggling with himself to ask Stephanie that burning question that was on everyone's minds, especially Matt's. Jeff shook it off and decided to go for it. "Well actually-" He started to say, but never got to finish. Stephanie had jumped up from the couch, which startled him.
"Oh my god! Jeff what time is it?" She asked worriedly as she began to gather her things. Jeff was extremely confused, but shrugged and looked at his watch.
"Um, it's quarter to five. Why?" He asked confused as Stephanie grabbed her purse, the script, and bolted for the door. "Where are you going?" He called to her retreating figure.
"I was supposed to meet my Dad over fifteen minutes ago to go over the script! He's not a patient man!" She said hurriedly as she rushed down the halls to her father's office. Jeff got could've kicked himself for taking so long to ask her. Now he was going to hear it from Matt. Jeff shook his head and left Stephanie's locker room/office, heading to his own, hoping he wouldn't bump into Matt.
**********************
Matt had been wandering the halls of the Key Arena, in Seattle, Washington for what seemed like hours but in reality had only been a few short minutes. He had just come from a strenuous work out in the arena's gym (A/N- I'm not particularly sure if arena's have gyms but, they do now) and was exhausted. He was still in shock over all the rumors going on about Steph and Adam. He prayed that's all they were, rumors. Matt passed several dressing rooms until he reached his own. He stopped at the door and heard Amy and Jeff's voices inside. He didn't really feel like talking so he continued trudging through the long hallways of the arena.
Inside the Team Xtreme's locker room Jeff was seated on a stool where Amy usually did her makeup, and Amy was seated on the leather couch, her legs carelessly resting on the expensive coffee table in front of her. They had been expecting Matt, they hadn't seen him since the bus ride, and Jeff wasn't exactly counting the minutes until his arrival.
"What the hell is taking Matt so long? We gotta look over the script and strategize for our match. This isn't like him." Amy worried, with a hint of anger in her voice. Jeff glanced up from the Motocross magazine he'd been engrossed in for the past ten minutes.
"Huh? Did you say sumthin Aimes?" He asked in a monotone voice, flipping a page of the magazine. Amy was thoroughly annoyed. She didn't like to repeat herself, but she sighed and answered him.
"I said, what's taking Matt so long? We really need to scan over the script, and talk strategy before our match tonight. Are you getting any of this?" She asked as if he was a three year old.
"Uh huh." Jeff answered, not looking up from his mag. That did it. Amy would not be ignored. She swiftly got up from her seat on the couch and made her way across the room to Jeff. In one swift movement Amy grabbed the magazine out of Jeff's hands.
"Hey give it back! I was just reading about this awesome trick this guy did!" Jeff whined as he jumped off of the stool, and attempted to get the magazine back from Amy.
"I'm sure 'this guy' has a name. Sounds incredibly interesting. Puh- lease." Jeff flailed his arms around, moving in every direction to get it. Jeff was quick, but Amy was quicker. In one swift movement, Amy faked to her right, and then moved quickly to the left under Jeff's arm. She opened the door to the locker room and through the mag out, and down the hall, nearly hitting a stage hand who was passing by. "Uh, sorry dude!" She called after the grumbling man.
"Hey! You're mean!" Jeff pouted, as Amy doubled over in laughter. Jeff soon joined in, as it was all in fun. In the back of both their minds though, they were wondering when Matt would join them. "Well, let's just look over the script until he comes back. Then we can go over it with him and strategize." He suggested handing Amy the script. They moved over to they couch and sat down.
"I guess so. Okay, let's have a look." She said as she flipped open the huge pamphlet. "Hmmm, okay let's see, Shane is retaining his title." Amy informed Jeff, as she scanned through the script.
"Good for him, he's worked hard for that belt. Plus he's an awesome Cruiserweight. What else is going on?" Jeff asked her curiously. He attempted to read over her shoulder, but she kept telling him to 'quit it' due to the fact that it made her nervous.
"Um, oh you have a match against Eddie Guerrero, it's the third one. OH YES! This is wonderful! I'm finally going to win the Women's Championship back from Molly Holly tonight!" Amy squealed, then pulling Jeff in for a hug.
"Aimes, that's great! I'm so happy for you. You really do deserve that belt." Jeff congratulated, breaking the hug. "Tonight's gonna rock. Everyone in Team Xtreme wins tonight! That never happens, the writers are being generous." He exclaimed, taking the script from her now shaking hands. Amy was grinning from ear to ear, the belt ment the world to her. She had been working her ass off to get where she was, and finally, she would regain the title. "Matt's gonna be happy too. He's gonna win the IC title from Benoit. Wait till he hears the good news."
"I can't wait to tell him! He's gonna be so excited!" Amy exclaimed excitedly. She was so happy, she sounded like a child on Christmas morning. Jeff continued to scan the script, until he came to something that caught his eye. He read it over then glanced up at Amy with worry in his eyes.
"Uh oh." Jeff muttered as he stared at the script. He knew Matt wouldn't like this.
Amy looked at Jeff, confused. "What's wrong?" She asked, blankly looking up at him.
"Well, um, Edge and Stephanie McMahon are going to have a bit of a romance angle." He informed her, thinking of how Matt would take the news. Amy leaned over and read the part he had his index finger on.
When she was done, Amy leaned back and put her feet up on the coffee table. "Figures. Steph probably requested the angle so they wouldn't have to spend a second away from each other. I still can't believe she didn't tell me about her budding romance with Adam." She huffed, looking a bit angry.
"Now Amy, we don't necessarily know that's true. We've heard rumors, but they haven't been confirmed. Anyway, I think Steph would tell you. She tells you everything, and if she is with Adam, she'll tell you when she feels its right." Jeff rationalized. Amy let out a sigh. They continued to talk, waiting until Matt would come and join
them. Jeff wasn't exactly ecstatic about Matt's return, do to the news he would have to deliver.
**********************
Stephanie stood outside Vince's office, readying herself to go in. The door was just the slightest bit ajar, and a low spoken voice could be heard inside. Stephanie took a step closer to the door, hoping she could find out who was talking. She didn't want to interrupt her father if he was with any talent or someone important. Steph leaned in closer, and realized that the voice was her father. There didn't seem to be anyone else in the room, he just seemed to be muttering to himself angrily. This wasn't like her father. He didn't just randomly start talking to himself, like some psycho. She tried as hard as she could to listen to his mumbling, she knew something must be wrong.
"I still can't believe this. They want one million to keep this quiet! It was all a mistake, a *huge* mistake. I thought I told Stacy to lock the door. I probably didn't give her a chance to, oh I can't believe this! My whole reputation is ruined if anyone finds out! And Stacy, her career could be ruined. I never should have done it, never! I love my family, my wife, I really do. So why did I do this? I don't know! I'm a pig, and I regret it. I had an affair with my twenty-three year old assistant! I didn't think anyone would find out, but someone did. Blackmail! Who would've thought that I Vince McMahon would ever be blackmailed, and stand for it for that matter. I must find out who this person is. The only thing I know is they walked in on Stacy and I one day a few weeks ago. I heard the door bang shut, and that was all. I can't notify the authorities, then everyone, and most of all Linda will find out. But this guy is asking for one million a month! I may be rich, but come on that's outrageous! The threatening letters, phone calls, every day I get them now reminding me to pay up. If they touch one hair on my family they're dead. But, it could be anyone. . ." He mumbled, trailing off. Stephanie had sunken to the ground outside of the office. She didn't know how long she'd been sitting there; she was too absorbed in her thoughts to notice she'd been there for over a half an hour. Luckily her father had yet to leave his office, or anyone to enter.
'This can't be happening! No way, I didn't hear any of that right. I'm dreaming. WAKE UP! Somebody pinch me! Ow, that hurt! Wait, I bet that was in the script. Phew, I knew it couldn't be true. Wait, I just read the script! That wasn't in it. This isn't happening. My dad had an affair with Stacy! She's younger than me! We even occasionally hang out. That's just disgusting. But why? Wasn't he happy with mom? They were always so in love, so happy. How could he do this to her, to us his family? And how could Stacy do that to me?! I thought we were friends, I trusted her. And the entire time she was having an affair with my father! All the times she told me she couldn't go out, she was making excuses to go have playtime with my 57 year old father! I'm furious at her, at him! He had the perfect life, and he went and ruin it to go screw some twinkie with a pair of legs. I still don't see why he would do such a thing. Now he's being blackmailed. He really did sound truly sorry in there, but was for the people he hurt or the money he's losing? He's going to try to keep this queit as long as he can. I can't let him find out that I know, but nothing will ever be the same.' Stephanie thought rapidly.
Stephanie couldn't move she just sat there shaking in shock. She couldn't bring herself to get up, and she knew she needed to or her cover would be blown. Foot steps could be heard coming down the hall. They were coming closer, closer. Stephanie didn't want anyone to see her like this. She wasn't crying, but she was still a mess. She was too shocked to cry, too angry. Soon the foot steps had halted to a stop right out side of McMahon's office. Stephanie looked up at the person with gloomy eyes and a stunned expression.
"Steph, what's wrong? Are you okay?" He asked, helping her up from the ground, his chocolate brown eyes filled with concern and worry. Stephanie flung her arms around Matt's neck and hugged him tightly. She buried her neck into his shoulder, and they stood there in the hall like that, neither wanting nor caring to break away.
"Matt . . ." was all Stephanie managed to whisper, pulling him even closer. He rubbed her back soothingly, as she shook with emotion.
'I hope Stephanie is okay. She doesn't usually act like this. She's not one to silently sit outside her father's office like that. I love her so much, if anyone hurt or I'll . . . Something *must* have happened. I don't have the heart to ask her if she and Adam are a couple right now. She's clearly upset, and questions pertaining to her love life won't help. Wow, this just feels so right, me holding her in my arms, so close. Her hair smells so good; its perfume scent is intoxicating. Mhhmmm, flowers, that's what it is. Wait Matt, concentrate. Try to calm her down don't sniff her hair! Go sit her down and talk to her, make her tell you what's wrong. Now go!' Matt thought, distractedly.
Matt pulled away a little and looked into Stephanie's blue eyes. They were filled with all different kinds of emotion. He could get lost in those eyes. "What's wrong hon? You know you can tell me anything. Come on; let's go some place where we can talk in private." He said, taking her hand and she reluctantly followed him down the hall to an empty locker room. Matt pushed open the heavy wooden door, not caring who the locker room belonged to.
"It's empty, so we can talk in here. Come on, have a seat." Matt said taking a seat on the leather couch, and patting the cushion next to him, hoping Steph would sit down. She sighed, and moved from the doorway and sat down next to Matt on the couch. "So Steph you gotta tell me what's wrong. What the hell was goin' on over there?" He asked after she had made herself comfortable.
"Matt, I don't think I should talk about this with anyone." Stephanie said in a low voice, replaying what she'd heard her father say over and over in her head. Steph made sure not to look directly at him, into his eyes. Those were her weak spot, his eyes. Every time she looked into them, she felt herself getting lost. They made her want to open up to him, tell him what's going on, what's she's feeling. Stephanie sighed, knowing if she even looked up at him; her secret would be a secret no more.
Matt noticed this and raised her head up with hand, cupping her chin. "Steph, please tell me what's going on. I hate to see you like this. Did anyone say or do anything to hurt you? Please Steph, look at me." He begged, and finally Stephanie raised her eyes to meet his. His eyes had a pleading look in them, like a puppy dog. They stayed silent for a few seconds, just gazing at each other, and then Stephanie broke the gaze and cracked a small smile.
"Okay I'll tell you Matt, but you have to swear you won't tell a soul. Not even Jeff, or ehm, Amy." Steph told him seriously. He nodded quietly, wondering what she would tell him next. "Well here it goes, and remember don't tell a soul, at least until I'm ready to tell someone. Anyway, I went to my father's office today, to go over the script as usual. When I got there the door was the slightest bit ajar, so I figured he was talking on the phone or with someone. Not wanting to disturb him I stayed outside, waiting until he was done. Then I noticed that he was the only one talking, and it didn't really seem like he was speaking to anyone else. Just kind of mumbling to himself." She paused, as Matt listened quietly awaiting what was coming next.
"He wasn't talking extremely soft, and I have excellent hearing so I could hear most of what he was saying perfectly. What he did say came quite as a shock. I'm furious with him, and frankly disgusted with him. He's hurt me and my family, destroyed his reputation, and the family name. You're probably wondering what he was talking about that hurt me so much?" Stephanie asked her face flushing an angry shade of red.
Matt had no idea what Vince would say or do to get Steph this upset. She was attempting to keep her cool, but anyone could tell that explosions were going off inside of her. "Um, yeah. Whatever he did I'm sure Mrs. McMahon will forgive him. She loves him so much." He said, but immediately wished he hadn't. Stephanie's eyes were blazing; she looked about read to strangle someone. "I'm sorry I didn't mean to-" he began to apologize, but Stephanie cut him off.
"No Matt, it wasn't you, it's my asshole father. He, he had an affair! If my mom ever finds out she'd be heartbroken. And if she ever forgave him for it I'd be furious with her." Matt stared at Steph in shock. He had had no idea she was going to say something like that. He was about to open his mouth to give her his sympathies, when she opened her mouth again to speak. "But he didn't have an affair with just anyone. Oh no, he had an affair with his twenty-three year old assistant Stacy Kiebler! Twenty- three! You'd think she'd have something better to do with her time than get in my father's pants! I still can't believe this! He threw his life away for that slutt. It's not like he loves her, he's most likely using her. I just never would've thought he'd hurt my mother like this, they were so in love, damnit." Stephanie vented in rage, getting up and started to pace. All Matt could do was sit there and blink every so often. He couldn't believe this. He honestly never would've thought Vince would cheat on Linda, especially with some one like Stacy. And it was a well known fact that Stacy didn't like Vince at all. She thought he was a filthy pig, yet she had slept with him? Does that make any sense?
"Oh Steph, I'm so sorry. I'd didn't know. We'll get you through this." Matt said, getting up and supportively placing an arm around her shoulder. 'I haven't even told him about the blackmailer yet. I just hope that my life isn't in any danger because of a mistake my father made. I like being in Matt's arms, it makes me feel safe like nothing can harm me, like some one cares, even though he loves Amy. I'm only his little sister, or good friend, nothing more. I never will be.' Stephanie thought, and sighed heavily.
"You haven't even heard the worst of it yet. Come on let's sit back down and I'll tell you." She said, as they both walked back to the couch and sat down.
"There's more? And it's worse than what you already told me? Wow, today has not been your day. But don't worry I'm here for you and I always will be." He said smiling briefly then turning to her so she could continue.
"Well, apparently some one found out that my father and Stacy were having an affair. The person has now decided to blackmail my father for one million a month. Now everyday he's been receiving threatening letters and phone calls saying he better pay up soon, or else. I have a feeling my life may be in danger also, but that that won't stop me from finding out who it is and taking them down. I know my father and he'll do anything to keep this quiet, he would die if my mother knew. That's why he hasn't been to the police, because then they'd know why he was being blackmailed. What I do know it is an employee of the WWE, it has to be. It can be anybody, and I have to be prepared to face that. Now I have to constantly watch my back." She concluded as Matt stared at her in shock, yet again.
"Are you serious? Wow. This is just too weird to be happening, but it is. All is I can say right now is don't trust anybody. Live by that phrase, cause your life may depend on it. Don't worry though, I'll be here for you, and if you decide to tell the others they'll be there for you too." He said, and then pulled her into a hug. Just then the door began to open, and a figure stepped inside, not noticing to two on the couch right away.
"What are you doing here, juniors? Stephanie? Matt? Helllllllo?" Chris said as the two on the couch broke apart and looked at him. They both seemed confused as to why he had just barged in, disturbing their in depth conversation. Chris stood in the doorway, arm crossed over his chest, and duffle back flung over his back. He tapped his foot impatiently waiting for an answer.
"What are you doing here Chris?" Matt asked, getting up from the couch and Stephanie did the same. Chris gave him an odd look but answered none the less.
"Dude, it's my dressing room. I gotta get ready the pre-show's gonna start in ten minutes! So do you guys mind?" He asked putting down his bag, opening it and sifting through it, obviously looking for something.
"Oh sorry Chris, we didn't know this room belonged to anyone. We'll be going. See you tonight." Stephanie said heading to the door, with Matt right behind her.
"Wait! Steph you do know that I'm turning on you tonight, right? I mean, are you ready for the Walls, and the kiss?" He asked wiggling his eyebrows.
"Huh? What kiss? You guys are splitting up? Somebody clue me in, please." Matt said, halting at the door. Chris looked at Matt strangely; will Stephanie gazed down at the carpet.
"Yeah, we are bro. Haven't you read the script?" Chris asked annoyed, as Matt shook his head unhappily. "Well I'm turning on Stephy dearest, but Edge is coming to her aid. And she's gonna pull a Trish Stratus, and reward him with a nice, wet, kiss right in the middle of the ring. Isn't that sweet of her?" He smiled, noticing Matt pale a little but decided it was nothing. There was an awkward silence in the room; no one seemed to want to break it. Stephanie kept her eyes on the ugly blue carpet, wishing she could just crawl in hole somewhere. It's not as if Matt actually cared about the kiss, he loved Amy. Or so she thought. She just didn't want Matt to know about her new onscreen romance with Edge, due to the rumors about her and Adam, and the fact that she was madly in love with him.
"That's just . . . I mean . . . wow." Was all Matt could say. He was pretty much speechless. When he had heard Chris say that, his heart had shattered into a million pieces. The story line had, in his mind just confirmed the rumors. Matt felt like kicking the trash can that stood next to him to help deal with his emotions, but decided against it. He shook it off and inched closer to the door and gripped the door knob with sweating palms.
"Now would you two please leave? I gotta get into my Y2J mode." Chris said smiling. He didn't prefer to talk to anyone before a match. It was like a ritual, he needed to be alone, in silence with his thoughts. Matt nodded and opened the door slowly.
"See ya Irvine." Matt said, forcing a small smile.
"That's King Irvine to you! I'm King of the World remember?! Oh, bye Steph see ya lata!" Chris said with a small wave. Stephanie finally looked up from the floor and also forced a smile on her face.
"Yeah see ya later Chris. And that's the Billion Dollar Princess to you. Don't forget that." She said making Chris chuckle, and to his surprise Matt cracked a smile. Seconds later Matt and Stephanie had left Chris's locker room, and were now on their way to their own.
"Well I guess this is where we part." Stephanie said bouncing on the balls of her feet. They were standing out side of the Team Xtreme locker room. Matt sighed and nodded.
"Guess so. Um, good luck tonight. Don't get hurt." He answered, and then turned to open the door.
"Thanks. Right back at ya. Oh and Matt congrats on the IC title win tonight." Stephanie said trying to keep the conversation alive. Just as he was about to reply, the door opened and an angry looking Amy appeared in the doorway. Both Matt and Steph turned to look at her, with nervous looks.
"Where the hell have you been Matt? Jeff and I have been waiting for you, for like hours!" She said with a hint of anger and annoyance in her voice. Matt sighed and turned to look at Steph.
"Well Steph, thanks and if you ever need to talk I'm here." Matt said, and then turned his gaze back to Amy. "I'm sorry Aimes; I didn't know I would be this long. But I'm here now so why don't we go over some last minute strategy and stuff?" He asked wearily, and Amy reluctantly nodded. She moved aside so he could enter the room.
"Well, um I guess I'll see you later, Matt. Bye Amy." Stephanie said, as Amy nodded and closed the door rather coldly.
'What is her problem with me? We're so called best friends. Well, there he goes, back to her. I don't know what I would've done if he hadn't of been there to console me. He cares. That's just one of the many things he does to that draws me to him. I really do love him. If only he could feel the same for me.' Stephanie thought yearningly, as she walked down the never ending hall to her locker room to get ready for the show.
A/N- Hey guys! I feel a lot better about this chapter. It took me awhile to write, but I think it's pretty good. Well you know what the secret is, it's not much but it'll do. Please Read & Review!!! Toodelz!!!
A/N- Okay just a reminder. We're gonna pretend there is no brand extension or GM's. Soooo, all the superstars are able to compete on all shows. Also, Stephanie's 'character' is divorced from Triple H, but never left the show, and she's still allied with Y2J. The Edge/Y2J feud that went on for like a day is featured in this. You'll see why. Bwahahahahahahaha!
Chapter 9
All Stephanie had wanted to do was sink into her comfy bed waiting for her at her hotel. But that wasn't going to happen any time soon. It was late afternoon on Tuesday, and there was much to do before the taping of Smackdown! There were meetings to go to, paperwork to be done, and of course she had to look over tonight's script which she had neglected to do the night before. After what seemed like the hundredth meeting of the day, Stephanie finally had time to take a lunch break at almost 3:30. Stephanie hurried to the arena's cafeteria, completely famished.
"Oh good they have salad." She said as she grabbed a plate from the food table and packed as much salad as possible on to it. "Now, where to sit?" she asked herself, looking around the partly empty room.
"Hey Steph, over here!" a voice called from across the room. Stephanie made her way to the table and sat down.
She placed her purse down next to her and crossed her legs. "Hi Adam! Why are you eating so late?" Stephanie greeted the blond as she started to dig into her salad, dousing it with dressing.
"Oh, I had to work out and stuff. Damn that's a lot of salad. I take it your hungry? So what about you; what brings you here this late?" He asked, then taking a bite of a chocolate chip cookie.
Stephanie rolled her eyes. "Oh yeah, like those are really healthy. At least salad is good for you." She joked indicated the cookies he continually shoved in his mouth. "Well I had meetings since we got here, and I had to do some unfinished paper work. Not to mention I haven't even looked at the script yet." She sighed sifting through her salad with the fork.
"Sounds incredibly fun. They really over work you." He said sympathetically. All Steph could do was give a weak smile and a nod.
She sighed, "That's what it is to be a McMahon. You work your ass off to give the people what they want. But, I love what I do even though it can be tiring. Anyway, is there something going on that I don't know about? Because, I've been getting a weird vibe from some of the wrestlers. I haven't had time to really talk to anyone all day, but every time I pass one of them I get a weird look. Do you know what's going on?" She questioned curiously, hoping she could get to the bottom of it.
"Well, um, you're not gonna like this. You see . . . um, uh . . ." Adam began, but nervously trailed off. Stephanie began to look impatient, tapping her foot against the tile floor, waiting for him to continue.
"Well go head, what is it?" She prodded with a hint of annoyance in her voice.
Adam took a nervous breath and folded his hands. "Okay, just don't kill the messenger. I guess some people saw you sneaking in my room last night, or coming out of my room this morning because there's some rumors going around that we're um, an item." He said preparing himself for an explosion. Adam just hoped she wouldn't blame him for this. He looked at Stephanie and she seemed to be turning a very bright shade of red. Adam braced himself.
"WHAT? They think we're together? That's completely insane!" She said, and then erupted into laughter. Adam was in shock. That wasn't supposed to happen, she was supposed to be really angry and he would calm her down. He sat there in awe as she cackled like a maniac nearly falling out of her seat.
"What the hell is so funny? This is a problem, not a joke." He informed her although he couldn't help but crack a smile. "And would you shut up, people are staring!" Adam told her although she continued to laugh her head off. "Okay it's not that funny." He sighed.
"Oh I can't breathe! Oxygen! My sides, oh my sides. I haven't laughed that hard in so long." Stephanie said trying to catch her breath, and holding her aching sides. Adam just glared at her.
"Really, may I ask why you find you and I being a serious couple hilarious?" Adam asked as Stephanie straightened herself out.
"Well, it's just that you've been such a good friend for so long and frankly you're not my type. I just think people can be so ignorant, you know?" She sighed eating a tomato. Adam nodded in response.
"I agree with you on everything you just said, but was it really that funny?" He asked her, pretending to look hurt.
"Not really, it's just once I start laughing about something I think is funny, I just can't stop. Sorry if I made you feel bad, even though you're a big fake and I know I didn't." She grinned as she finished off her salad and Adam did the same with his food.
"So, what should we do about this? We really should kill the rumors somehow." Adam said getting up from the table and stretching.
"Hmmmm . . . I'm not sure yet, but I'll think of something. Until then why don't we just deny it?" She suggested, getting up as well. They walked to the garbage and through away their trash then parted ways. Adam had decided that he should go look over the script and work out some more. Stephanie ran back to the room that was serving as her locker room/office and pulled out the copy of the script.
'Wow, I still can't believe people think Adam and I are together! That's so unbelievable, it's just hilarious. Well, I can understand how they would think that, but still it's none of their business! So what if I was in his room late at night? It's honestly nobodies business but ours. I wonder who started the rumors. It most likely wasn't Jason, or Adam would kill him, he knows better. Oh no, what is Matt going to think? Will he believe the rumors? Well it's not like it's going to matter because he's so wrapped up in the 'world of Amy.' And what the hell is that girl's problem? She hasn't been herself, at least towards me anyway. Did I do something to piss her off? I'll have to talk to her about it when I get a chance. If I ever get a chance with all this work I have to do. Come on Stephanie, get moving, the script won't read itself.' She thought, and let out a deep sigh.
Stephanie read through the script tiredly. "Hmmm . . . Hurricane is successfully defending his Cruiserweight Title against Chavo Guerrero. Then of team Buh Buh Ray Dudley and Spike Dudley challenging Christian and Lance Storm (the Un- Americans) for the Tag Team titles, with some help from Test the Un- Americans pick up the win." She said continuing to read the script. "Oh yay! Matt's going to win the Intercontinental belt from Benoit! He really deserves it. Oh, it's going to be a ladder match. I hope he doesn't hurt himself." She said nervously, yet excited all the same. Amy's going to win the Women's Title from Molly Holly. Good for her, she's worked hard for it." Steph smiled. Although Amy hadn't been the nicest person to her she couldn't help but feel happy for her.
She tapped her foot on the ground steadily as she trudged on reading the thick script. She let out a sigh of relief when she finally came to her part. A few months ago her character had allied with Y2J Chris Jericho. Everyone knew Stephanie's character was hated, but lately she had been getting some sympathy from fans. The writers had decided to make Jericho cruel towards Stephanie, always bossing her around, never letting her make her own decisions, even though she was the one who was helping him. Normally Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley wouldn't take this crap, but the writers wanted to change that and make her some vulnerable woman, who would do anything for Jericho. She personally wasn't very pleased with the way her character as going at the moment, but she decided to wait it out and see how the fans take it. They had seemed to actually like the softer side of Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley. Yet she was still a humongous bitch to Y2J's opponents, doing anything in her power to help him win.
Stephanie froze when she saw what was going to happen tonight. "Let's see, a match between Edge and Y2J. Oh that's nothing new. I'll be at ringside, of course. Wait a minute . . . Jericho's turning on me after the match? The writers never cleared that with me! Sure it was my idea for to Jericho turn on me, but I would like to be able to prepare myself for the Walls of Jericho. I could've stretched or something. Hold on I'm not going to get the Walls? Edge is coming to my rescue!" She vented in complete surprise. She took a deep breath then continued to read on curiously. "I'm going to thank Edge by doing WHAT? I've got to kiss Adam? In the middle of the ring? I wonder if he knows about this yet . . ." She wondered, knowing this wouldn't help her situation. Just then there was a knock at the door tearing her away from the script. "Come in."
Jeff bounced into the room happily and shot Steph a smile. "Hey. What's goin' on?" He greeted beaming. Steph gratefully put down the script, she really needed a break.
"Why hello Jeffery. What brings you here?" She said smiling as he took a seat on the leather couch next to her. "Have a seat." She joked, as he had already done so.
"Don't mind if I do." He laughed and Steph joined in seconds later. "Well I was bored and I haven't seen you in awhile so I decided to drop by." He answered, pulling out a bag of Skittles and starting to munch.
Stephanie smiled. "Jeff, you saw me just yesterday. Oh well no matter, I'm happy to take a quick break. Is there anything in particular you wanted?" She asked, gathering the papers around her and putting them on the coffee table in front of them. Steph then turned herself to face him, waiting for him to speak.
'Yeah, there's something. Is the gossip true about you and Adam? Are you guys together? Huh? Now come on Jeff, just ask her, it's Steph she won't bite your head off. Then again she doesn't take any crap either. If I don't ask her Matt'll kill me, he was the one who sent me here . . .' Jeff thought, struggling with himself to ask Stephanie that burning question that was on everyone's minds, especially Matt's. Jeff shook it off and decided to go for it. "Well actually-" He started to say, but never got to finish. Stephanie had jumped up from the couch, which startled him.
"Oh my god! Jeff what time is it?" She asked worriedly as she began to gather her things. Jeff was extremely confused, but shrugged and looked at his watch.
"Um, it's quarter to five. Why?" He asked confused as Stephanie grabbed her purse, the script, and bolted for the door. "Where are you going?" He called to her retreating figure.
"I was supposed to meet my Dad over fifteen minutes ago to go over the script! He's not a patient man!" She said hurriedly as she rushed down the halls to her father's office. Jeff got could've kicked himself for taking so long to ask her. Now he was going to hear it from Matt. Jeff shook his head and left Stephanie's locker room/office, heading to his own, hoping he wouldn't bump into Matt.
**********************
Matt had been wandering the halls of the Key Arena, in Seattle, Washington for what seemed like hours but in reality had only been a few short minutes. He had just come from a strenuous work out in the arena's gym (A/N- I'm not particularly sure if arena's have gyms but, they do now) and was exhausted. He was still in shock over all the rumors going on about Steph and Adam. He prayed that's all they were, rumors. Matt passed several dressing rooms until he reached his own. He stopped at the door and heard Amy and Jeff's voices inside. He didn't really feel like talking so he continued trudging through the long hallways of the arena.
Inside the Team Xtreme's locker room Jeff was seated on a stool where Amy usually did her makeup, and Amy was seated on the leather couch, her legs carelessly resting on the expensive coffee table in front of her. They had been expecting Matt, they hadn't seen him since the bus ride, and Jeff wasn't exactly counting the minutes until his arrival.
"What the hell is taking Matt so long? We gotta look over the script and strategize for our match. This isn't like him." Amy worried, with a hint of anger in her voice. Jeff glanced up from the Motocross magazine he'd been engrossed in for the past ten minutes.
"Huh? Did you say sumthin Aimes?" He asked in a monotone voice, flipping a page of the magazine. Amy was thoroughly annoyed. She didn't like to repeat herself, but she sighed and answered him.
"I said, what's taking Matt so long? We really need to scan over the script, and talk strategy before our match tonight. Are you getting any of this?" She asked as if he was a three year old.
"Uh huh." Jeff answered, not looking up from his mag. That did it. Amy would not be ignored. She swiftly got up from her seat on the couch and made her way across the room to Jeff. In one swift movement Amy grabbed the magazine out of Jeff's hands.
"Hey give it back! I was just reading about this awesome trick this guy did!" Jeff whined as he jumped off of the stool, and attempted to get the magazine back from Amy.
"I'm sure 'this guy' has a name. Sounds incredibly interesting. Puh- lease." Jeff flailed his arms around, moving in every direction to get it. Jeff was quick, but Amy was quicker. In one swift movement, Amy faked to her right, and then moved quickly to the left under Jeff's arm. She opened the door to the locker room and through the mag out, and down the hall, nearly hitting a stage hand who was passing by. "Uh, sorry dude!" She called after the grumbling man.
"Hey! You're mean!" Jeff pouted, as Amy doubled over in laughter. Jeff soon joined in, as it was all in fun. In the back of both their minds though, they were wondering when Matt would join them. "Well, let's just look over the script until he comes back. Then we can go over it with him and strategize." He suggested handing Amy the script. They moved over to they couch and sat down.
"I guess so. Okay, let's have a look." She said as she flipped open the huge pamphlet. "Hmmm, okay let's see, Shane is retaining his title." Amy informed Jeff, as she scanned through the script.
"Good for him, he's worked hard for that belt. Plus he's an awesome Cruiserweight. What else is going on?" Jeff asked her curiously. He attempted to read over her shoulder, but she kept telling him to 'quit it' due to the fact that it made her nervous.
"Um, oh you have a match against Eddie Guerrero, it's the third one. OH YES! This is wonderful! I'm finally going to win the Women's Championship back from Molly Holly tonight!" Amy squealed, then pulling Jeff in for a hug.
"Aimes, that's great! I'm so happy for you. You really do deserve that belt." Jeff congratulated, breaking the hug. "Tonight's gonna rock. Everyone in Team Xtreme wins tonight! That never happens, the writers are being generous." He exclaimed, taking the script from her now shaking hands. Amy was grinning from ear to ear, the belt ment the world to her. She had been working her ass off to get where she was, and finally, she would regain the title. "Matt's gonna be happy too. He's gonna win the IC title from Benoit. Wait till he hears the good news."
"I can't wait to tell him! He's gonna be so excited!" Amy exclaimed excitedly. She was so happy, she sounded like a child on Christmas morning. Jeff continued to scan the script, until he came to something that caught his eye. He read it over then glanced up at Amy with worry in his eyes.
"Uh oh." Jeff muttered as he stared at the script. He knew Matt wouldn't like this.
Amy looked at Jeff, confused. "What's wrong?" She asked, blankly looking up at him.
"Well, um, Edge and Stephanie McMahon are going to have a bit of a romance angle." He informed her, thinking of how Matt would take the news. Amy leaned over and read the part he had his index finger on.
When she was done, Amy leaned back and put her feet up on the coffee table. "Figures. Steph probably requested the angle so they wouldn't have to spend a second away from each other. I still can't believe she didn't tell me about her budding romance with Adam." She huffed, looking a bit angry.
"Now Amy, we don't necessarily know that's true. We've heard rumors, but they haven't been confirmed. Anyway, I think Steph would tell you. She tells you everything, and if she is with Adam, she'll tell you when she feels its right." Jeff rationalized. Amy let out a sigh. They continued to talk, waiting until Matt would come and join
them. Jeff wasn't exactly ecstatic about Matt's return, do to the news he would have to deliver.
**********************
Stephanie stood outside Vince's office, readying herself to go in. The door was just the slightest bit ajar, and a low spoken voice could be heard inside. Stephanie took a step closer to the door, hoping she could find out who was talking. She didn't want to interrupt her father if he was with any talent or someone important. Steph leaned in closer, and realized that the voice was her father. There didn't seem to be anyone else in the room, he just seemed to be muttering to himself angrily. This wasn't like her father. He didn't just randomly start talking to himself, like some psycho. She tried as hard as she could to listen to his mumbling, she knew something must be wrong.
"I still can't believe this. They want one million to keep this quiet! It was all a mistake, a *huge* mistake. I thought I told Stacy to lock the door. I probably didn't give her a chance to, oh I can't believe this! My whole reputation is ruined if anyone finds out! And Stacy, her career could be ruined. I never should have done it, never! I love my family, my wife, I really do. So why did I do this? I don't know! I'm a pig, and I regret it. I had an affair with my twenty-three year old assistant! I didn't think anyone would find out, but someone did. Blackmail! Who would've thought that I Vince McMahon would ever be blackmailed, and stand for it for that matter. I must find out who this person is. The only thing I know is they walked in on Stacy and I one day a few weeks ago. I heard the door bang shut, and that was all. I can't notify the authorities, then everyone, and most of all Linda will find out. But this guy is asking for one million a month! I may be rich, but come on that's outrageous! The threatening letters, phone calls, every day I get them now reminding me to pay up. If they touch one hair on my family they're dead. But, it could be anyone. . ." He mumbled, trailing off. Stephanie had sunken to the ground outside of the office. She didn't know how long she'd been sitting there; she was too absorbed in her thoughts to notice she'd been there for over a half an hour. Luckily her father had yet to leave his office, or anyone to enter.
'This can't be happening! No way, I didn't hear any of that right. I'm dreaming. WAKE UP! Somebody pinch me! Ow, that hurt! Wait, I bet that was in the script. Phew, I knew it couldn't be true. Wait, I just read the script! That wasn't in it. This isn't happening. My dad had an affair with Stacy! She's younger than me! We even occasionally hang out. That's just disgusting. But why? Wasn't he happy with mom? They were always so in love, so happy. How could he do this to her, to us his family? And how could Stacy do that to me?! I thought we were friends, I trusted her. And the entire time she was having an affair with my father! All the times she told me she couldn't go out, she was making excuses to go have playtime with my 57 year old father! I'm furious at her, at him! He had the perfect life, and he went and ruin it to go screw some twinkie with a pair of legs. I still don't see why he would do such a thing. Now he's being blackmailed. He really did sound truly sorry in there, but was for the people he hurt or the money he's losing? He's going to try to keep this queit as long as he can. I can't let him find out that I know, but nothing will ever be the same.' Stephanie thought rapidly.
Stephanie couldn't move she just sat there shaking in shock. She couldn't bring herself to get up, and she knew she needed to or her cover would be blown. Foot steps could be heard coming down the hall. They were coming closer, closer. Stephanie didn't want anyone to see her like this. She wasn't crying, but she was still a mess. She was too shocked to cry, too angry. Soon the foot steps had halted to a stop right out side of McMahon's office. Stephanie looked up at the person with gloomy eyes and a stunned expression.
"Steph, what's wrong? Are you okay?" He asked, helping her up from the ground, his chocolate brown eyes filled with concern and worry. Stephanie flung her arms around Matt's neck and hugged him tightly. She buried her neck into his shoulder, and they stood there in the hall like that, neither wanting nor caring to break away.
"Matt . . ." was all Stephanie managed to whisper, pulling him even closer. He rubbed her back soothingly, as she shook with emotion.
'I hope Stephanie is okay. She doesn't usually act like this. She's not one to silently sit outside her father's office like that. I love her so much, if anyone hurt or I'll . . . Something *must* have happened. I don't have the heart to ask her if she and Adam are a couple right now. She's clearly upset, and questions pertaining to her love life won't help. Wow, this just feels so right, me holding her in my arms, so close. Her hair smells so good; its perfume scent is intoxicating. Mhhmmm, flowers, that's what it is. Wait Matt, concentrate. Try to calm her down don't sniff her hair! Go sit her down and talk to her, make her tell you what's wrong. Now go!' Matt thought, distractedly.
Matt pulled away a little and looked into Stephanie's blue eyes. They were filled with all different kinds of emotion. He could get lost in those eyes. "What's wrong hon? You know you can tell me anything. Come on; let's go some place where we can talk in private." He said, taking her hand and she reluctantly followed him down the hall to an empty locker room. Matt pushed open the heavy wooden door, not caring who the locker room belonged to.
"It's empty, so we can talk in here. Come on, have a seat." Matt said taking a seat on the leather couch, and patting the cushion next to him, hoping Steph would sit down. She sighed, and moved from the doorway and sat down next to Matt on the couch. "So Steph you gotta tell me what's wrong. What the hell was goin' on over there?" He asked after she had made herself comfortable.
"Matt, I don't think I should talk about this with anyone." Stephanie said in a low voice, replaying what she'd heard her father say over and over in her head. Steph made sure not to look directly at him, into his eyes. Those were her weak spot, his eyes. Every time she looked into them, she felt herself getting lost. They made her want to open up to him, tell him what's going on, what's she's feeling. Stephanie sighed, knowing if she even looked up at him; her secret would be a secret no more.
Matt noticed this and raised her head up with hand, cupping her chin. "Steph, please tell me what's going on. I hate to see you like this. Did anyone say or do anything to hurt you? Please Steph, look at me." He begged, and finally Stephanie raised her eyes to meet his. His eyes had a pleading look in them, like a puppy dog. They stayed silent for a few seconds, just gazing at each other, and then Stephanie broke the gaze and cracked a small smile.
"Okay I'll tell you Matt, but you have to swear you won't tell a soul. Not even Jeff, or ehm, Amy." Steph told him seriously. He nodded quietly, wondering what she would tell him next. "Well here it goes, and remember don't tell a soul, at least until I'm ready to tell someone. Anyway, I went to my father's office today, to go over the script as usual. When I got there the door was the slightest bit ajar, so I figured he was talking on the phone or with someone. Not wanting to disturb him I stayed outside, waiting until he was done. Then I noticed that he was the only one talking, and it didn't really seem like he was speaking to anyone else. Just kind of mumbling to himself." She paused, as Matt listened quietly awaiting what was coming next.
"He wasn't talking extremely soft, and I have excellent hearing so I could hear most of what he was saying perfectly. What he did say came quite as a shock. I'm furious with him, and frankly disgusted with him. He's hurt me and my family, destroyed his reputation, and the family name. You're probably wondering what he was talking about that hurt me so much?" Stephanie asked her face flushing an angry shade of red.
Matt had no idea what Vince would say or do to get Steph this upset. She was attempting to keep her cool, but anyone could tell that explosions were going off inside of her. "Um, yeah. Whatever he did I'm sure Mrs. McMahon will forgive him. She loves him so much." He said, but immediately wished he hadn't. Stephanie's eyes were blazing; she looked about read to strangle someone. "I'm sorry I didn't mean to-" he began to apologize, but Stephanie cut him off.
"No Matt, it wasn't you, it's my asshole father. He, he had an affair! If my mom ever finds out she'd be heartbroken. And if she ever forgave him for it I'd be furious with her." Matt stared at Steph in shock. He had had no idea she was going to say something like that. He was about to open his mouth to give her his sympathies, when she opened her mouth again to speak. "But he didn't have an affair with just anyone. Oh no, he had an affair with his twenty-three year old assistant Stacy Kiebler! Twenty- three! You'd think she'd have something better to do with her time than get in my father's pants! I still can't believe this! He threw his life away for that slutt. It's not like he loves her, he's most likely using her. I just never would've thought he'd hurt my mother like this, they were so in love, damnit." Stephanie vented in rage, getting up and started to pace. All Matt could do was sit there and blink every so often. He couldn't believe this. He honestly never would've thought Vince would cheat on Linda, especially with some one like Stacy. And it was a well known fact that Stacy didn't like Vince at all. She thought he was a filthy pig, yet she had slept with him? Does that make any sense?
"Oh Steph, I'm so sorry. I'd didn't know. We'll get you through this." Matt said, getting up and supportively placing an arm around her shoulder. 'I haven't even told him about the blackmailer yet. I just hope that my life isn't in any danger because of a mistake my father made. I like being in Matt's arms, it makes me feel safe like nothing can harm me, like some one cares, even though he loves Amy. I'm only his little sister, or good friend, nothing more. I never will be.' Stephanie thought, and sighed heavily.
"You haven't even heard the worst of it yet. Come on let's sit back down and I'll tell you." She said, as they both walked back to the couch and sat down.
"There's more? And it's worse than what you already told me? Wow, today has not been your day. But don't worry I'm here for you and I always will be." He said smiling briefly then turning to her so she could continue.
"Well, apparently some one found out that my father and Stacy were having an affair. The person has now decided to blackmail my father for one million a month. Now everyday he's been receiving threatening letters and phone calls saying he better pay up soon, or else. I have a feeling my life may be in danger also, but that that won't stop me from finding out who it is and taking them down. I know my father and he'll do anything to keep this quiet, he would die if my mother knew. That's why he hasn't been to the police, because then they'd know why he was being blackmailed. What I do know it is an employee of the WWE, it has to be. It can be anybody, and I have to be prepared to face that. Now I have to constantly watch my back." She concluded as Matt stared at her in shock, yet again.
"Are you serious? Wow. This is just too weird to be happening, but it is. All is I can say right now is don't trust anybody. Live by that phrase, cause your life may depend on it. Don't worry though, I'll be here for you, and if you decide to tell the others they'll be there for you too." He said, and then pulled her into a hug. Just then the door began to open, and a figure stepped inside, not noticing to two on the couch right away.
"What are you doing here, juniors? Stephanie? Matt? Helllllllo?" Chris said as the two on the couch broke apart and looked at him. They both seemed confused as to why he had just barged in, disturbing their in depth conversation. Chris stood in the doorway, arm crossed over his chest, and duffle back flung over his back. He tapped his foot impatiently waiting for an answer.
"What are you doing here Chris?" Matt asked, getting up from the couch and Stephanie did the same. Chris gave him an odd look but answered none the less.
"Dude, it's my dressing room. I gotta get ready the pre-show's gonna start in ten minutes! So do you guys mind?" He asked putting down his bag, opening it and sifting through it, obviously looking for something.
"Oh sorry Chris, we didn't know this room belonged to anyone. We'll be going. See you tonight." Stephanie said heading to the door, with Matt right behind her.
"Wait! Steph you do know that I'm turning on you tonight, right? I mean, are you ready for the Walls, and the kiss?" He asked wiggling his eyebrows.
"Huh? What kiss? You guys are splitting up? Somebody clue me in, please." Matt said, halting at the door. Chris looked at Matt strangely; will Stephanie gazed down at the carpet.
"Yeah, we are bro. Haven't you read the script?" Chris asked annoyed, as Matt shook his head unhappily. "Well I'm turning on Stephy dearest, but Edge is coming to her aid. And she's gonna pull a Trish Stratus, and reward him with a nice, wet, kiss right in the middle of the ring. Isn't that sweet of her?" He smiled, noticing Matt pale a little but decided it was nothing. There was an awkward silence in the room; no one seemed to want to break it. Stephanie kept her eyes on the ugly blue carpet, wishing she could just crawl in hole somewhere. It's not as if Matt actually cared about the kiss, he loved Amy. Or so she thought. She just didn't want Matt to know about her new onscreen romance with Edge, due to the rumors about her and Adam, and the fact that she was madly in love with him.
"That's just . . . I mean . . . wow." Was all Matt could say. He was pretty much speechless. When he had heard Chris say that, his heart had shattered into a million pieces. The story line had, in his mind just confirmed the rumors. Matt felt like kicking the trash can that stood next to him to help deal with his emotions, but decided against it. He shook it off and inched closer to the door and gripped the door knob with sweating palms.
"Now would you two please leave? I gotta get into my Y2J mode." Chris said smiling. He didn't prefer to talk to anyone before a match. It was like a ritual, he needed to be alone, in silence with his thoughts. Matt nodded and opened the door slowly.
"See ya Irvine." Matt said, forcing a small smile.
"That's King Irvine to you! I'm King of the World remember?! Oh, bye Steph see ya lata!" Chris said with a small wave. Stephanie finally looked up from the floor and also forced a smile on her face.
"Yeah see ya later Chris. And that's the Billion Dollar Princess to you. Don't forget that." She said making Chris chuckle, and to his surprise Matt cracked a smile. Seconds later Matt and Stephanie had left Chris's locker room, and were now on their way to their own.
"Well I guess this is where we part." Stephanie said bouncing on the balls of her feet. They were standing out side of the Team Xtreme locker room. Matt sighed and nodded.
"Guess so. Um, good luck tonight. Don't get hurt." He answered, and then turned to open the door.
"Thanks. Right back at ya. Oh and Matt congrats on the IC title win tonight." Stephanie said trying to keep the conversation alive. Just as he was about to reply, the door opened and an angry looking Amy appeared in the doorway. Both Matt and Steph turned to look at her, with nervous looks.
"Where the hell have you been Matt? Jeff and I have been waiting for you, for like hours!" She said with a hint of anger and annoyance in her voice. Matt sighed and turned to look at Steph.
"Well Steph, thanks and if you ever need to talk I'm here." Matt said, and then turned his gaze back to Amy. "I'm sorry Aimes; I didn't know I would be this long. But I'm here now so why don't we go over some last minute strategy and stuff?" He asked wearily, and Amy reluctantly nodded. She moved aside so he could enter the room.
"Well, um I guess I'll see you later, Matt. Bye Amy." Stephanie said, as Amy nodded and closed the door rather coldly.
'What is her problem with me? We're so called best friends. Well, there he goes, back to her. I don't know what I would've done if he hadn't of been there to console me. He cares. That's just one of the many things he does to that draws me to him. I really do love him. If only he could feel the same for me.' Stephanie thought yearningly, as she walked down the never ending hall to her locker room to get ready for the show.
A/N- Hey guys! I feel a lot better about this chapter. It took me awhile to write, but I think it's pretty good. Well you know what the secret is, it's not much but it'll do. Please Read & Review!!! Toodelz!!!