~The next day~
Stephanie and Chris were getting ready to go to the arena. Vince had called and said that they should arrive early so that they wouldn't be seen before it was time to tell everyone. He was also having a car pick them up so that they didn't have to drive everywhere. Stephanie had already realized that Vince was trying to compensate for lost time, and was spoiling her rotten.
"I'm a little bit nervous about today," she said.
"Don't be. I promise everything will be fine."
"Are you sure? I mean, did people like me?"
"Everyone liked you, they couldn't help but like you. You were a great person, and as far as I can tell, you still are."
"Thanks," Stephanie said blushing at his comment.
"Where we go?" Regan asked
"We're going to the show," Stephanie explained.
"Yay, wefwing!"
They got their things ready and they left for the arena. Stephanie didn't know what was in store for her. She hadn't been to a show in two years, and she didn't even remember going to them before then. Everything was a mystery to her, and she didn't know if she would fit in with these people.
She knew Chris was happy she was alive and had come back. He had told her that he hadn't seen anyone in the two years she was gone. Oddly enough, though she couldn't remember she was married, Stephanie had never gone out with anyone either, not that many guys hadn't asked her, she just didn't feel right going out with anyone. She figured it was because her heart knew that Chris was somewhere out there, loving her, and she could never betray him.
What if she hadn't come back to try to remember? Would she be better off in the long run? Maybe she should've stayed dead, who knew if people would even want her alive again. But then she looked at Chris and Regan. Chris was tickling Regan and the child was laughing hysterically. No, it was better that she had come back, if only for them. But negative thoughts kept flowing through her brain.
Chris looked up from horsing around with Regan, and saw Stephanie staring blankly out the window. She looked so sad, and forlorn, and Chris wondered what was up with her. Ever since they had gotten in the car, she had seemed somewhat withdrawn.
He put Regan down on the seat and moved over to where Stephanie was sitting. He put his arm around her tentatively, not knowing if he could even give her comfort. To his surprise, but also relief, she scooted over on the seat, and rested her head on his shoulder.
"Stephanie, what's the matter?" Chris whispered softly.
"Nothing," she whispered back.
"I know that's not true, you don't remember, but I do know you better than anyone, so you might as well tell me what it really is."
"I just- I was wondering if I was better off not found."
"Why would you wonder that, that's not true, we're better off now?"
"But will people even still care, everyone's probably forgotten about me, they won't even remember me."
"How could anyone forget you, you're Stephanie McMahon-Jericho."
"Yes, but what if nobody cares?"
"You may not remember, but everyone remembers you Stephanie, and they all cared about you."
"But it seems like everyone's fine, and they don't need me...even you. I mean, look at you, you've raised Regan all by yourself, and you seemed happy, and now I'm back and I've thrown everything off. Maybe you're better off without me."
"Don't ever say that," Chris said seriously, looking down at her, "I will NEVER be better off without you ok, never. I was miserable for two years without you. Regan was the only reason I was happy, because in the back of my mind you were always lingering. I loved you Stephanie, I loved you more than anything. I was nothing without you Stephanie, nothing."
"You mean that?"
"Of course I mean that, there has never been any one thing I've wanted more in my life than you Stephanie. Without you I was incomplete," Chris said, a little sheepishly, not meaning to show her so much feeling.
"Thank you for reassuring me," she said leaning up to kiss his cheek. She did that a lot Chris realized, maybe she was in love with him after all.
"It's ok."
They arrived at the arena, and snuck Stephanie in as best they could. They walked into their private dressing room, and hung around until the meeting was scheduled to begin. Stephanie was pacing around nervously, unsure of what would happen. Chris and Regan sat watching her walk back and forth.
"I think I'm ready," Stephanie said.
"Then lets go, and shock everyone," Chris said getting up, and taking Regan's hand.
"Deep breaths, deep breaths," Stephanie said silently to herself. Chris turned to her, stopping her.
"Everything is going to be fine," he whispered, and before he could stop himself, he leaned in and kissed her gently. She kissed him back before he pulled away.
"I hope so," she said smiling softly at him. She liked him kissing her, she might have to get more of those.
They all walked down the hallway to where they knew the meeting was being held. It had already started, but Vince said they could wait a while before going inside. He wanted to tell everyone before he just brought Stephanie in.
"Now, I've got some fantastic news," Vince told everyone, "We have a new person joining the roster."
Everyone started buzzing about whom it could be. Well, everyone except Kurt who already knew. But he was keeping his mouth shut. No one could think of anyone who had signed.
"Actually, this person used to be on the roster, but now their back," Vince said, only confusing everybody even more.
"The other day, I received some very shocking, but very happy news. Someone who I thought I would never see again came back. And they're here today, and I hope that you make them feel welcome. Everyone please welcome back...Stephanie McMahon-Jericho."
Everyone gasped as Stephanie walked nervously into the room, her hand clutching Chris's. Everyone gasped as they saw Stephanie, alive and, well, alive. Most people got out of their seats and rushed to her.
Stephanie was enveloped in a hug by HHH, whom she had become friends when they had the marriage storyline. And after that, most everyone hugged her, and told her how happy they were to see her. Stephanie smiled, recognizing most of them from the television, but not telling anyone about her condition.
"How are you alive?" Lita asked as everyone sat down again. Stephanie looked at Chris for a moment, and he nodded at her, silently telling her to proceed.
"I was never in a plane crash. I was attacked before I could get there. Chris found me a few weeks ago, but you see, I have amnesia," everyone seemed surprised, "We decided not to let anyone know, and to go our separate ways, but I decided to come back. I'm sorry I can't remember you all, but I hope that you'll accept me as I am now," Stephanie answered.
"Stephanie is trying to get her old life back, so she'll be back on the creative team on a probationary trial," Vince told everyone, "Now we have a show to do, so let's get ready."
Everyone started filing out, some of them hugging Stephanie again. Stephanie smiled the whole time. Without knowing it, she had missed being in the company.
Stephanie sat in the dressing room later, watching as Chris was on screen doing an interview. She smiled as she watched, seeing him at work was really fun. She couldn't help but think that he looked really gorgeous with his hair tied back like it was. As each second went by, she found herself more attracted to him. It might be her old feelings resurfacing, or she might just be falling in love with him all over again.
He had been so nice to her since she came back. She knew that he was still in love with her, or at least the former persona of her. But he still was so kind, and made sure that she was never in over her head. How could she help but fall for him?
Chris walked back to his locker room, and saw Stephanie watching as they filmed some other backstage segments. He smiled and sat down next to her. She looked over briefly to send him a grin, then went back to watching.
"So where's Regan?" she asked.
"Oh, she's off with Kurt, that's usually where she is during the shows."
"Oh, he seems like a nice guy."
"Yeah, he was your best friend, you know, before."
"I figured that," she said laughing.
"Just reminding you."
"I'm going to go get a water," she said, getting up, "Did you want me to get you anything?"
"No, thanks. Do you know where catering is?"
"I'll find it."
Stephanie left the room, and started walking to her right, hoping she was going in the right direction. She looked over her shoulder just to make sure it wasn't the other way, and smacked right into someone. She turned and saw she had run straight into Rob Van Dam.
"Sorry," she told him.
"It's ok. It's nice to see you're back Steph," Rob said smiling.
"Thanks, I guess it's glad to be back."
"So you can't remember anything?"
"No, not so much."
"That must suck big time."
"It did at first, but now I'm getting stuff back slowly but surely."
Chris thought for a moment, then decided that he would go find Stephanie, and go to catering with her. He walked outside and saw Stephanie talking with RVD just down the hallway. He felt a pang of jealousy go through him as he saw Stephanie smiling at the other man.
"I love your moves in the ring," Stephanie told him, smiling.
"You watched."
"Well, I have for the past couple of weeks. You can't help noticing your moves, they're so unique."
"I know," Rob said, tying his hair back as he prepared for his match.
"Oops, you forgot a strand," she said, grabbing a strand of hair that was hanging out.
"Thanks," he said smiling.
Chris stood there silently, frozen to his spot. He couldn't move even if he wanted to. His eyes were riveted to the scene playing out before him. Stephanie laughing and tucking RVD's hair behind his ear. She seemed to be happy talking to him, and she was obviously comfortable talking to him. It was then that reality hit him.
Even if he could remember loving her, Stephanie couldn't remember loving him, and that meant she could fall in love with someone else.
Stephanie and Chris were getting ready to go to the arena. Vince had called and said that they should arrive early so that they wouldn't be seen before it was time to tell everyone. He was also having a car pick them up so that they didn't have to drive everywhere. Stephanie had already realized that Vince was trying to compensate for lost time, and was spoiling her rotten.
"I'm a little bit nervous about today," she said.
"Don't be. I promise everything will be fine."
"Are you sure? I mean, did people like me?"
"Everyone liked you, they couldn't help but like you. You were a great person, and as far as I can tell, you still are."
"Thanks," Stephanie said blushing at his comment.
"Where we go?" Regan asked
"We're going to the show," Stephanie explained.
"Yay, wefwing!"
They got their things ready and they left for the arena. Stephanie didn't know what was in store for her. She hadn't been to a show in two years, and she didn't even remember going to them before then. Everything was a mystery to her, and she didn't know if she would fit in with these people.
She knew Chris was happy she was alive and had come back. He had told her that he hadn't seen anyone in the two years she was gone. Oddly enough, though she couldn't remember she was married, Stephanie had never gone out with anyone either, not that many guys hadn't asked her, she just didn't feel right going out with anyone. She figured it was because her heart knew that Chris was somewhere out there, loving her, and she could never betray him.
What if she hadn't come back to try to remember? Would she be better off in the long run? Maybe she should've stayed dead, who knew if people would even want her alive again. But then she looked at Chris and Regan. Chris was tickling Regan and the child was laughing hysterically. No, it was better that she had come back, if only for them. But negative thoughts kept flowing through her brain.
Chris looked up from horsing around with Regan, and saw Stephanie staring blankly out the window. She looked so sad, and forlorn, and Chris wondered what was up with her. Ever since they had gotten in the car, she had seemed somewhat withdrawn.
He put Regan down on the seat and moved over to where Stephanie was sitting. He put his arm around her tentatively, not knowing if he could even give her comfort. To his surprise, but also relief, she scooted over on the seat, and rested her head on his shoulder.
"Stephanie, what's the matter?" Chris whispered softly.
"Nothing," she whispered back.
"I know that's not true, you don't remember, but I do know you better than anyone, so you might as well tell me what it really is."
"I just- I was wondering if I was better off not found."
"Why would you wonder that, that's not true, we're better off now?"
"But will people even still care, everyone's probably forgotten about me, they won't even remember me."
"How could anyone forget you, you're Stephanie McMahon-Jericho."
"Yes, but what if nobody cares?"
"You may not remember, but everyone remembers you Stephanie, and they all cared about you."
"But it seems like everyone's fine, and they don't need me...even you. I mean, look at you, you've raised Regan all by yourself, and you seemed happy, and now I'm back and I've thrown everything off. Maybe you're better off without me."
"Don't ever say that," Chris said seriously, looking down at her, "I will NEVER be better off without you ok, never. I was miserable for two years without you. Regan was the only reason I was happy, because in the back of my mind you were always lingering. I loved you Stephanie, I loved you more than anything. I was nothing without you Stephanie, nothing."
"You mean that?"
"Of course I mean that, there has never been any one thing I've wanted more in my life than you Stephanie. Without you I was incomplete," Chris said, a little sheepishly, not meaning to show her so much feeling.
"Thank you for reassuring me," she said leaning up to kiss his cheek. She did that a lot Chris realized, maybe she was in love with him after all.
"It's ok."
They arrived at the arena, and snuck Stephanie in as best they could. They walked into their private dressing room, and hung around until the meeting was scheduled to begin. Stephanie was pacing around nervously, unsure of what would happen. Chris and Regan sat watching her walk back and forth.
"I think I'm ready," Stephanie said.
"Then lets go, and shock everyone," Chris said getting up, and taking Regan's hand.
"Deep breaths, deep breaths," Stephanie said silently to herself. Chris turned to her, stopping her.
"Everything is going to be fine," he whispered, and before he could stop himself, he leaned in and kissed her gently. She kissed him back before he pulled away.
"I hope so," she said smiling softly at him. She liked him kissing her, she might have to get more of those.
They all walked down the hallway to where they knew the meeting was being held. It had already started, but Vince said they could wait a while before going inside. He wanted to tell everyone before he just brought Stephanie in.
"Now, I've got some fantastic news," Vince told everyone, "We have a new person joining the roster."
Everyone started buzzing about whom it could be. Well, everyone except Kurt who already knew. But he was keeping his mouth shut. No one could think of anyone who had signed.
"Actually, this person used to be on the roster, but now their back," Vince said, only confusing everybody even more.
"The other day, I received some very shocking, but very happy news. Someone who I thought I would never see again came back. And they're here today, and I hope that you make them feel welcome. Everyone please welcome back...Stephanie McMahon-Jericho."
Everyone gasped as Stephanie walked nervously into the room, her hand clutching Chris's. Everyone gasped as they saw Stephanie, alive and, well, alive. Most people got out of their seats and rushed to her.
Stephanie was enveloped in a hug by HHH, whom she had become friends when they had the marriage storyline. And after that, most everyone hugged her, and told her how happy they were to see her. Stephanie smiled, recognizing most of them from the television, but not telling anyone about her condition.
"How are you alive?" Lita asked as everyone sat down again. Stephanie looked at Chris for a moment, and he nodded at her, silently telling her to proceed.
"I was never in a plane crash. I was attacked before I could get there. Chris found me a few weeks ago, but you see, I have amnesia," everyone seemed surprised, "We decided not to let anyone know, and to go our separate ways, but I decided to come back. I'm sorry I can't remember you all, but I hope that you'll accept me as I am now," Stephanie answered.
"Stephanie is trying to get her old life back, so she'll be back on the creative team on a probationary trial," Vince told everyone, "Now we have a show to do, so let's get ready."
Everyone started filing out, some of them hugging Stephanie again. Stephanie smiled the whole time. Without knowing it, she had missed being in the company.
Stephanie sat in the dressing room later, watching as Chris was on screen doing an interview. She smiled as she watched, seeing him at work was really fun. She couldn't help but think that he looked really gorgeous with his hair tied back like it was. As each second went by, she found herself more attracted to him. It might be her old feelings resurfacing, or she might just be falling in love with him all over again.
He had been so nice to her since she came back. She knew that he was still in love with her, or at least the former persona of her. But he still was so kind, and made sure that she was never in over her head. How could she help but fall for him?
Chris walked back to his locker room, and saw Stephanie watching as they filmed some other backstage segments. He smiled and sat down next to her. She looked over briefly to send him a grin, then went back to watching.
"So where's Regan?" she asked.
"Oh, she's off with Kurt, that's usually where she is during the shows."
"Oh, he seems like a nice guy."
"Yeah, he was your best friend, you know, before."
"I figured that," she said laughing.
"Just reminding you."
"I'm going to go get a water," she said, getting up, "Did you want me to get you anything?"
"No, thanks. Do you know where catering is?"
"I'll find it."
Stephanie left the room, and started walking to her right, hoping she was going in the right direction. She looked over her shoulder just to make sure it wasn't the other way, and smacked right into someone. She turned and saw she had run straight into Rob Van Dam.
"Sorry," she told him.
"It's ok. It's nice to see you're back Steph," Rob said smiling.
"Thanks, I guess it's glad to be back."
"So you can't remember anything?"
"No, not so much."
"That must suck big time."
"It did at first, but now I'm getting stuff back slowly but surely."
Chris thought for a moment, then decided that he would go find Stephanie, and go to catering with her. He walked outside and saw Stephanie talking with RVD just down the hallway. He felt a pang of jealousy go through him as he saw Stephanie smiling at the other man.
"I love your moves in the ring," Stephanie told him, smiling.
"You watched."
"Well, I have for the past couple of weeks. You can't help noticing your moves, they're so unique."
"I know," Rob said, tying his hair back as he prepared for his match.
"Oops, you forgot a strand," she said, grabbing a strand of hair that was hanging out.
"Thanks," he said smiling.
Chris stood there silently, frozen to his spot. He couldn't move even if he wanted to. His eyes were riveted to the scene playing out before him. Stephanie laughing and tucking RVD's hair behind his ear. She seemed to be happy talking to him, and she was obviously comfortable talking to him. It was then that reality hit him.
Even if he could remember loving her, Stephanie couldn't remember loving him, and that meant she could fall in love with someone else.