So here's the second part to my Christmas story. Thank you all so much for
the wonderful feedback-it meant the world to me. "Where Are You
Christmas?" belongs to Faith Hill and everyone you recognize belongs to
themselves. Enjoy!
*~*~*~*~*
Just from looking around the backstage area of the Smackdown show, anybody could tell spirits were high and everybody was in the Christmas spirit. Lights and garland hung from the ceiling and someone went around to every room and decorated the doorknob with a small wreath. Santa hats were the most commonly seen article of clothing and the occasional 'ho ho ho' could be heard from just around the corner or down the hall. Today was the last taping of the Thursday night show before the superstars of the WWE were sent on vacation until the beginning of next year and everyone was seen getting along or, if they were by themselves, with at least a smile on his of her face.
There were usually a few exceptions. The Jewish people, for one, would mumble around about the lack of decoration for Hanukkah before some one happily came up and reminded them about the Menorah in the lounge and dradels on all the tables in the cafeteria. There were also some people, newer and lower down on the roster, who would complain about having to work the day before Christmas Eve, everyone else knew better. But this year, there was one person in particular that nobody believed could ever be out of the Christmas spirit.
"Dawn! Hey Dawn, wait up, I need to talk to you!"
The brown haired diva heard her name being called and promptly turned, smiling when she saw who it was. "Hey Brock, what's up?"
He shook his head. "Nothing. I was actually just wondering if you've seen or heard from Steph today."
Dawn looked around and then motioned him closer. "Actually I did see her today and she was looking really depressed; her whole look was really un- Stephanie if you ask me. What's wrong with her?"
Brock shrugged. "Nobody back here knows. Some of the guys and girls have tried going up to talk to her but she's not even allowing them in. It's almost like she decided to just barricade herself in her office."
"I'm sure she's going to be fine." Dawn decided after a moment's consideration. "We shouldn't worry too much, she's a pretty strong woman. She can handle anything."
*~*
Where are you Christmas
Why can't I find you
Why have you gone away
*~*
Under normal circumstances Dawn Marie was right, Stephanie McMahon can handle anything. Unfortunately, this was not one of those normal circumstances and she definitely couldn't handle this.
"Mom, so where'd you say you were going for Christmas?" Stephanie asked into the phone. She rested her elbow on the desk and propped up her chin in her hand while waiting for the response.
"I was kind of thinking about spending the few days with Shane, Marissa, and Abigal." Linda replied.
"Why?" Stephanie asked bluntly.
"Why what?"
"Why would you want to go all the way over there when me, you, and Daddy could just spend it together at home. Shane has his own family now Mom, he's a big boy. And you don't even like Marissa."
Linda sighed. "First off, I like her fine, it's you that has a problem with the girl. And second, I highly doubt your father is going to be there. He's spent the last three weeks at the offices trying to get things with the WWE going again and I'm almost positive he's planning a vacation for him and Miss Mero."
"He's spending the holidays with that slut?" Stephanie spat out. "Why wasn't I informed of this?"
"I just told you." Linda reminded her.
Stephanie was quiet and then shook her head as the reality of the situation began to sink in. "So then Vince is going on vacation and you're going to Shane's where I'm definitely not welcomed. Where am I supposed to go?"
"Honey you can go anywhere you want in the world." Linda said, trying to reassure her daughter. "I'm sorry things worked out like this and I do hope things go back to normal next year. I have to go right now but I'll call you later to see what your plans are going to be. I love you."
"I love you too." Stephanie answered numbly, dropping the phone back onto the desk. She looked up when she heard knocking on the door and saw John Cena and Edge push open the door and look in cautiously.
"Steph can we talk to you?" Edge asked softly. She stared at them both with blank eyes and he started to get uncomfortable. "Are you alright?"
She shook her head to try and clear the thoughts from it. "My mom is spending the holiday with my brother, whose wife doesn't like me and my dad is spending Christmas in Barbados with his Barbie doll Sable. I'm just peachy." She replied sarcastically.
"We'll get going and leave you alone then. Bye Steph." John consoled, grabbing Edge's arm and pulling him out of the room before he had a chance to argue.
*~*
Where is the laughter
You used to bring me
Why can't I hear music play?
*~*
Gathering all the important papers off of her desk, Stephanie looked around the office one more time to make sure nothing was left on when she was suddenly struck with an idea. It was so simple-why hadn't she thought of it before? She dropped her bag on the desk and rushed out of the room, trying to hurry and not looked excited at the same time.
_______
"What do you mean you're not going to be here for Christmas?"
Hunter shrugged and looked at her apologetically. "J.R. wants me to do some overseas work and I agreed to it since I didn't have anything planned for Christmas anyway."
Stephanie's lower lip trembled. "I thought we'd spend it together. We've been going out for two years, silly of me to think something like that." She said bitterly.
"Sweetie I'm sorry." He tried. "You can come over to the UK with me. I could use some company." He trailed off suggestively.
"Then get a dog." Stephanie snapped, turning on her heel and stomping down the hall, furious with herself for getting into that vulnerable position and then furious at everyone else around her for trying to ruin HER Christmas.
My world is changing I'm rearranging Does that mean Christmas changes too?
Stephanie stood at the door to her house, her fingers frozen as she fumbled for the right key. She could hear the phone ringing from inside and of course the more the hurried, the worse the situation got. She finally just stopped and, taking a deep breath, very calmly slid the key into the lock and turned it, pushing open the door.
The phone was still ringing as she dropped her bag and nearly tripped over her Yorkshire terrier, Abigail, who had decided she wasn't going to move for anything, as she rushed towards the phone. She (ungracefully) dove onto the couch and snatched it up before it could stop.
"Hello?" She answered, trying to catch her breath.
"Steph sweetie it's Dad. How are you?" Vince asked, his voice coming in and out of range.
"Where are you?" Stephanie asked instead of answering his question. "You sound like you're on a plane. Dad please don't tell me you're really going on vacation with her over Christmas. You should be spending the time here with your family but instead-"
"Do you think I called you so you would have the chance to lecture me?" Vince interrupted, sounding a little less then amused.
Stephanie put her hands on her hips, despite the fact he couldn't see her anyway. "I'm sorry, am I being a bad daughter? News flash Vince, you're not exactly the next father of the year candidate yourself. How could you leave the country with that blonde slut who is so obviously using you for your money?"
"What I do is my business." He said impatiently. "Now if that's all you're going to say, I need to be leaving."
Stephanie sighed. "Dad, that's not-" She heard a click signifying he had cut her off and she stared at the phone in her hand with her mouth opened. "Fine, I don't care! I don't need any of you!" She screamed, throwing the phone on the floor and watching in satisfaction as it crashed into pieces. Abigail went scurrying off into the kitchen where it was safe and Stephanie stared after her, sinking down onto the couch.
And then she did something she never did unless she was trying to get something to go her way-Stephanie McMahon cried. And she kept crying until the clock above the TV read 3am, because then she fell asleep.
*~*
Where are you Christmas
Do you remember
The one you used to know
*~*
She woke up after what felt like the worst night of her life and looked around, trying to figure out where she was. It took until she was sitting up straight and looked around curiously to figure out she was still in her living room where she fell asleep the night before amidst a pile of pillows and blankets.
Reaching across the table, she grabbed the remote and turned on the TV, settling back down into her self-made nest. The first thing she saw flash across the screen was the proclamation of 'Merry Christmas Eve' and she scowled. There was nothing merry about it.
*~*
I'm not the same one
See what the time's done
Is that why you have let me go
*~*
That same night, Stephanie sat cross-legged in front of the huge picture window facing the backyard and just stared outside. She was in her favorite pair of dark green flannel pajamas and matching slippers with Abigail sleeping next to her with a matching bow in her hair.
The snow was drifting down outside where it gathered on the deck chairs she never brought in and she sighed deeply, taking a sip of hot chocolate from her mug.
She was supposed to be surrounded by her family with a fire going in the fireplace and terrific smells coming from the kitchen. A few years ago, Shane would be bouncing around in anticipation of the presents even though he was already in his twenties and her parents were still supposed to love each other-now they all went their separate ways leaving her behind grasping onto the past like it was a life preserver.
Probably the most depressing of all was that there wasn't even a Christmas tree set up in her living room. The presents she got from her talent and family in the mail were in a pile on one end of her couch and a few cards were taped to the wall.
Stephanie shook her head at the thought and picked herself up off the ground. She scooped Abigail up with one hand, went into the kitchen and set her mug in the sink, and settled back down onto the couch, pulling a blanket over herself. She turned the TV on and put it onto some Christmas movie on the Lifetime channel.
"Merry Christmas Stephanie. You're all by yourself."
*~*
If there is love in your heart and your mind
You will feel like Christmas all the time
*~*
"Vince what are you doing here?" Linda asked in surprise as she pulled in besides her husband's car in the driveway.
"I felt guilty." He answered truthfully. "I talked to Stephanie last night and hung up on her so I decided to forgo the cruise and come back up here to spend Christmas with her. What about you? I thought you were spending the time with Shane and his family."
Linda sighed. "That's exactly it. Shane does have a family and Stephanie doesn't yet. She still needs us and I just forgot about it."
They walked up the steps together and Linda unlocked the front door with her keys. "Stephanie?" She called out quietly. There was no answer and they went into the living room where they found their daughter curled up on the couch fast asleep. She sat next to her on the couch and rested a hand on her leg.
Stephanie stirred and opened her eyes. "What are you guys doing here?" She yawned, sitting up.
"It's Christmas and we wanted to spend it with you." Vince answered.
"Really?" She said with a tired smile. "What about Barbados?"
He laughed. "I can go there any time. Christmas only comes once a year."
"Come on now." Linda instructed happily. "We need to make it feel like Christmas in here. I'll go start breakfast and Vince you come on and get a fire started. Steph, you stay right where you are and just relax."
"I guess so." Stephanie smiled, sitting back against the couch and resisting the urge to smirk. She knew her parents would drop whatever they had planned and come and spend the time with her if she just acted right. She was still their little girl and nothing would ever change it, no matter what the holiday.
Oh yeah, it was good to be Stephanie McMahon, especially on Christmas.
*~*
I feel you Christmas
I know I've found you
You never fade away
*~*~*~*~*
I hope this chapter was as good as the last one and make sure to let me know! I'm trying my hardest to get the rest of these chapters out by Christmas and it will be done! I still have stories about Stacy Kiebler/Test, Edge/his wife, Sable, and Lillian Garcia. So keep a look out for those in the coming weeks!
*~*~*~*~*
Just from looking around the backstage area of the Smackdown show, anybody could tell spirits were high and everybody was in the Christmas spirit. Lights and garland hung from the ceiling and someone went around to every room and decorated the doorknob with a small wreath. Santa hats were the most commonly seen article of clothing and the occasional 'ho ho ho' could be heard from just around the corner or down the hall. Today was the last taping of the Thursday night show before the superstars of the WWE were sent on vacation until the beginning of next year and everyone was seen getting along or, if they were by themselves, with at least a smile on his of her face.
There were usually a few exceptions. The Jewish people, for one, would mumble around about the lack of decoration for Hanukkah before some one happily came up and reminded them about the Menorah in the lounge and dradels on all the tables in the cafeteria. There were also some people, newer and lower down on the roster, who would complain about having to work the day before Christmas Eve, everyone else knew better. But this year, there was one person in particular that nobody believed could ever be out of the Christmas spirit.
"Dawn! Hey Dawn, wait up, I need to talk to you!"
The brown haired diva heard her name being called and promptly turned, smiling when she saw who it was. "Hey Brock, what's up?"
He shook his head. "Nothing. I was actually just wondering if you've seen or heard from Steph today."
Dawn looked around and then motioned him closer. "Actually I did see her today and she was looking really depressed; her whole look was really un- Stephanie if you ask me. What's wrong with her?"
Brock shrugged. "Nobody back here knows. Some of the guys and girls have tried going up to talk to her but she's not even allowing them in. It's almost like she decided to just barricade herself in her office."
"I'm sure she's going to be fine." Dawn decided after a moment's consideration. "We shouldn't worry too much, she's a pretty strong woman. She can handle anything."
*~*
Where are you Christmas
Why can't I find you
Why have you gone away
*~*
Under normal circumstances Dawn Marie was right, Stephanie McMahon can handle anything. Unfortunately, this was not one of those normal circumstances and she definitely couldn't handle this.
"Mom, so where'd you say you were going for Christmas?" Stephanie asked into the phone. She rested her elbow on the desk and propped up her chin in her hand while waiting for the response.
"I was kind of thinking about spending the few days with Shane, Marissa, and Abigal." Linda replied.
"Why?" Stephanie asked bluntly.
"Why what?"
"Why would you want to go all the way over there when me, you, and Daddy could just spend it together at home. Shane has his own family now Mom, he's a big boy. And you don't even like Marissa."
Linda sighed. "First off, I like her fine, it's you that has a problem with the girl. And second, I highly doubt your father is going to be there. He's spent the last three weeks at the offices trying to get things with the WWE going again and I'm almost positive he's planning a vacation for him and Miss Mero."
"He's spending the holidays with that slut?" Stephanie spat out. "Why wasn't I informed of this?"
"I just told you." Linda reminded her.
Stephanie was quiet and then shook her head as the reality of the situation began to sink in. "So then Vince is going on vacation and you're going to Shane's where I'm definitely not welcomed. Where am I supposed to go?"
"Honey you can go anywhere you want in the world." Linda said, trying to reassure her daughter. "I'm sorry things worked out like this and I do hope things go back to normal next year. I have to go right now but I'll call you later to see what your plans are going to be. I love you."
"I love you too." Stephanie answered numbly, dropping the phone back onto the desk. She looked up when she heard knocking on the door and saw John Cena and Edge push open the door and look in cautiously.
"Steph can we talk to you?" Edge asked softly. She stared at them both with blank eyes and he started to get uncomfortable. "Are you alright?"
She shook her head to try and clear the thoughts from it. "My mom is spending the holiday with my brother, whose wife doesn't like me and my dad is spending Christmas in Barbados with his Barbie doll Sable. I'm just peachy." She replied sarcastically.
"We'll get going and leave you alone then. Bye Steph." John consoled, grabbing Edge's arm and pulling him out of the room before he had a chance to argue.
*~*
Where is the laughter
You used to bring me
Why can't I hear music play?
*~*
Gathering all the important papers off of her desk, Stephanie looked around the office one more time to make sure nothing was left on when she was suddenly struck with an idea. It was so simple-why hadn't she thought of it before? She dropped her bag on the desk and rushed out of the room, trying to hurry and not looked excited at the same time.
_______
"What do you mean you're not going to be here for Christmas?"
Hunter shrugged and looked at her apologetically. "J.R. wants me to do some overseas work and I agreed to it since I didn't have anything planned for Christmas anyway."
Stephanie's lower lip trembled. "I thought we'd spend it together. We've been going out for two years, silly of me to think something like that." She said bitterly.
"Sweetie I'm sorry." He tried. "You can come over to the UK with me. I could use some company." He trailed off suggestively.
"Then get a dog." Stephanie snapped, turning on her heel and stomping down the hall, furious with herself for getting into that vulnerable position and then furious at everyone else around her for trying to ruin HER Christmas.
My world is changing I'm rearranging Does that mean Christmas changes too?
Stephanie stood at the door to her house, her fingers frozen as she fumbled for the right key. She could hear the phone ringing from inside and of course the more the hurried, the worse the situation got. She finally just stopped and, taking a deep breath, very calmly slid the key into the lock and turned it, pushing open the door.
The phone was still ringing as she dropped her bag and nearly tripped over her Yorkshire terrier, Abigail, who had decided she wasn't going to move for anything, as she rushed towards the phone. She (ungracefully) dove onto the couch and snatched it up before it could stop.
"Hello?" She answered, trying to catch her breath.
"Steph sweetie it's Dad. How are you?" Vince asked, his voice coming in and out of range.
"Where are you?" Stephanie asked instead of answering his question. "You sound like you're on a plane. Dad please don't tell me you're really going on vacation with her over Christmas. You should be spending the time here with your family but instead-"
"Do you think I called you so you would have the chance to lecture me?" Vince interrupted, sounding a little less then amused.
Stephanie put her hands on her hips, despite the fact he couldn't see her anyway. "I'm sorry, am I being a bad daughter? News flash Vince, you're not exactly the next father of the year candidate yourself. How could you leave the country with that blonde slut who is so obviously using you for your money?"
"What I do is my business." He said impatiently. "Now if that's all you're going to say, I need to be leaving."
Stephanie sighed. "Dad, that's not-" She heard a click signifying he had cut her off and she stared at the phone in her hand with her mouth opened. "Fine, I don't care! I don't need any of you!" She screamed, throwing the phone on the floor and watching in satisfaction as it crashed into pieces. Abigail went scurrying off into the kitchen where it was safe and Stephanie stared after her, sinking down onto the couch.
And then she did something she never did unless she was trying to get something to go her way-Stephanie McMahon cried. And she kept crying until the clock above the TV read 3am, because then she fell asleep.
*~*
Where are you Christmas
Do you remember
The one you used to know
*~*
She woke up after what felt like the worst night of her life and looked around, trying to figure out where she was. It took until she was sitting up straight and looked around curiously to figure out she was still in her living room where she fell asleep the night before amidst a pile of pillows and blankets.
Reaching across the table, she grabbed the remote and turned on the TV, settling back down into her self-made nest. The first thing she saw flash across the screen was the proclamation of 'Merry Christmas Eve' and she scowled. There was nothing merry about it.
*~*
I'm not the same one
See what the time's done
Is that why you have let me go
*~*
That same night, Stephanie sat cross-legged in front of the huge picture window facing the backyard and just stared outside. She was in her favorite pair of dark green flannel pajamas and matching slippers with Abigail sleeping next to her with a matching bow in her hair.
The snow was drifting down outside where it gathered on the deck chairs she never brought in and she sighed deeply, taking a sip of hot chocolate from her mug.
She was supposed to be surrounded by her family with a fire going in the fireplace and terrific smells coming from the kitchen. A few years ago, Shane would be bouncing around in anticipation of the presents even though he was already in his twenties and her parents were still supposed to love each other-now they all went their separate ways leaving her behind grasping onto the past like it was a life preserver.
Probably the most depressing of all was that there wasn't even a Christmas tree set up in her living room. The presents she got from her talent and family in the mail were in a pile on one end of her couch and a few cards were taped to the wall.
Stephanie shook her head at the thought and picked herself up off the ground. She scooped Abigail up with one hand, went into the kitchen and set her mug in the sink, and settled back down onto the couch, pulling a blanket over herself. She turned the TV on and put it onto some Christmas movie on the Lifetime channel.
"Merry Christmas Stephanie. You're all by yourself."
*~*
If there is love in your heart and your mind
You will feel like Christmas all the time
*~*
"Vince what are you doing here?" Linda asked in surprise as she pulled in besides her husband's car in the driveway.
"I felt guilty." He answered truthfully. "I talked to Stephanie last night and hung up on her so I decided to forgo the cruise and come back up here to spend Christmas with her. What about you? I thought you were spending the time with Shane and his family."
Linda sighed. "That's exactly it. Shane does have a family and Stephanie doesn't yet. She still needs us and I just forgot about it."
They walked up the steps together and Linda unlocked the front door with her keys. "Stephanie?" She called out quietly. There was no answer and they went into the living room where they found their daughter curled up on the couch fast asleep. She sat next to her on the couch and rested a hand on her leg.
Stephanie stirred and opened her eyes. "What are you guys doing here?" She yawned, sitting up.
"It's Christmas and we wanted to spend it with you." Vince answered.
"Really?" She said with a tired smile. "What about Barbados?"
He laughed. "I can go there any time. Christmas only comes once a year."
"Come on now." Linda instructed happily. "We need to make it feel like Christmas in here. I'll go start breakfast and Vince you come on and get a fire started. Steph, you stay right where you are and just relax."
"I guess so." Stephanie smiled, sitting back against the couch and resisting the urge to smirk. She knew her parents would drop whatever they had planned and come and spend the time with her if she just acted right. She was still their little girl and nothing would ever change it, no matter what the holiday.
Oh yeah, it was good to be Stephanie McMahon, especially on Christmas.
*~*
I feel you Christmas
I know I've found you
You never fade away
*~*~*~*~*
I hope this chapter was as good as the last one and make sure to let me know! I'm trying my hardest to get the rest of these chapters out by Christmas and it will be done! I still have stories about Stacy Kiebler/Test, Edge/his wife, Sable, and Lillian Garcia. So keep a look out for those in the coming weeks!