Author's Note: I do not own Matt or Jeff Hardy, nor am I in any way affiliated with Titan Entertainment, WWE, or any of its subsidiaries. This story is strictly for entertainment purposes.

TRAGEDY

Chapter 3: Jealousy Stirs

Jeff and Kelly hadn't left Samantha's house all morning. Samantha and Kelly were sitting in the living room - Samantha staring motionless into the distance, while Kelly stared at her wondering what she could do for her friend. Samantha could hear Jeff's muted voice in the background; he was on the phone she thought but she wasn't really sure. The world around her was a blur of fuzzy images and the static of white noise. She was somewhat aware that the world around her was in motion, however she still could not focus. Samantha wasn't ready to concede that life must go on even without Matt. For five years he had been her entire life, being without him terrified her. She didn't know if she would be able to go on without him.

Jeff stepped into the doorway and looked at Samantha looking so sorrowful. It had taken a lot to get her up from the kitchen floor and move her to the couch in the living room. Though he thought the couch would be much more comfortable for her, Samantha had not permitted herself to relax long enough to sit back on the couch. She sat perched on the edge, only allowing the balls of her feet to rest against the floor as if she were ready to jump up at a moment's notice and run full out. Jeff wanted to hold her to him, squeeze her tightly until all her hurt was gone. His heart yearned to help relieve her pain.

He looked away and caught Kelly's eyes. She had been looking at him quite intently, trying to figure out his expressions. She felt a twinge in her heart and wondered what his thoughts for Samantha were. Kelly realized with a start the feelings stirring in her mind and brought her hands to her face abruptly, ashamed that such thoughts could surface at a time like this, when Samantha needed their support more than ever and Jeff was stepping up to console her. Besides, Jeff had never given her any cause for doubt she thought to herself, trying to push her feelings far into the depths.

Kelly stood up and started for the kitchen. She didn't want Jeff to question her behavior; she was too embarrassed. He wouldn't understand anyways - she didn't even understand it. She could use some more caffeine she thought, trying to give her any excuse to leave their presence. She kissed Jeff gently on his cheek as she passed him in the doorway and continued toward the kitchen.

Jeff looked after Kelly. He wondered how she was handling all this. She seemed to be all right, but he could swear he had seen a look of terror flash across her face a moment ago. He was there for her if she needed him; she knew that. He had always made sure Kelly knew she could be open with him. And maybe she wasn't all right, just putting on a brave face for her friend. He smiled slightly at this though. It made him love her all the more. Jeff looked back into the living room and a stream of sunlight caught his eye as the sun began to rise in the horizon and broke through the curtains. He could hear Samantha mumbling softly under her breath. He moved around the couch and sat beside her. As he got closer to her, Samantha's words became clear to him.

"It can't be, it's not true. Matt is fine. It's all one big mistake. This can't be happening." The words poured out of her at a frantic pace.

Jeff stared at her soft face in the new day's light. Her skin seemed to glow, and her tears left a glistening sparkle upon her face. The corners of her mouth were down-turned and her chin quivered slightly, marring her otherwise beautiful features. Her mind must be going a mile a minute he thought. Amazing, he thought, how gorgeous she was even now. Jeff moved closer beside Samantha on the couch, put his arm around her body and pulled her to him. Her voice grew louder and she began thrashing her arms about, fighting him as hard as she could. She gave in to her tears completely now. Jeff wanted to cry with her. But he continued to pull her close to him, squeezing her tightly with all his strength, whispering against her body that everything would be okay and to just give in and let it all out.

Gradually, Samantha stopped pushing Jeff and allowed him to hold her. Her body gave out and she succumbed to the release. Tears flowed down her face and her body shuddered as she struggled to breath. Jeff kissed her forehead and began rocking, hoping to calm her. Kelly had come back from the kitchen when she hear Samantha yelling, and stood motionless in the doorway, eyes fixed on the two of them. She began to cry for her friend and all the pain she must be feeling. The caring Jeff exhibited touched her heart. She knew he must be hurting too, but his first priority was Samantha. And somewhere in the depths was a twinge of jealousy. She tried to ignore that know in her stomach that told her she should be the one in his arms.