Disclaimer: The WWE and it's wrestlers are not mine. Vince and family have that honor.
If anyone would like to use this story, please ask me first, thanks. :)
Thanks everyone for your feedback on this story. I really appreciate it. I know this has been a long time coming on this chapter. Thanks for the wait!
Chapter 2: Welcome Back
"Jeff!" Nora screamed in delight, throwing her arms around his neck. "Easy, easy, I'm a sick, fragile patient remember," Jeff replied, laughing lightly.
Nora pulled back, stroking his cheek with the back of her hand, "I, I was hoping.. praying you would come back to me, to us," Nora answered, her voice cracking.
Eyeing Nora's well rounded stomach, Jeff replied dryly, "It seems there is something you failed to tell me."
"There are three things that I failed to tell you," Nora replied, an animated light in her eyes. "But for now, lets have Doctor Tapping take a look at you," Nora rushed on, her hand shaking in relief that he was awake.
As she pressed the call button for a nurse, once again, Jeff took her hand, "I love you." Seeing how visibly shaken Nora was, Jeff pulled her to him, gently forcing her head to his chest.
"I, I don't want to hurt you," Nora responded nervously, trying to force her head upward.
"You're not, I'm okay, really," Jeff insisted.
"I, I can scarcely believe it. I'm just trying to make sure that this isn't some kind of dream-that you really have come back," Nora replied, the love evident in her voice as she unconsciously traced her fingertips across his chest.
"Good, I'm pleased to see you're awake," Doctor Tapping replied, relief evident in her voice.
"Am I going to be okay Doc?" Jeff asked expectantly, attempting to sit up, as Nora quickly did the same.
"With plenty of exercise and therapy, I believe you'll be just fine," the doctor reassured him with a smile.
"Therapy?" Jeff asked, startled. "How long have I been out?"
Nora looked nervously at Jeff, then the doctor, only to have her eyes rest back on Jeff's confused face.
"A month," Doctor Tapping replied.
"A whole month!" he yelled.
"You need to calm down," the doctor reprimanded him gently, resting her hand on his arm. "Lying in bed all this time has atrophied all of your muscles, the most damage being done to the original points of injury: your neck and spine."
"When's the soonest I will be able to wrestle again?"
"Jeff, you can't.." Nora trailed off as Jeff stared at her, his face hard.
"Several months. Eight, maybe nine months-minimum."
Jeff sighed tiredly, "I'll go stir-crazy."
"And I'll worry," a distressed Nora muttered under her breath.
"May I speak to my wife in private please?" Jeff requested.
"Of course." Quietly, the doctor slipped out of the room.
Jeff comfortingly squeezed Nora's hand. "Let's not worry about my future right now," Jeff declared easily. Eager to ease her fears about his returning to the ring, Jeff wisely changed the subject.
"Let's talk about Amy, Matt and my upcoming niece or nephew," Jeff said, childish excitement in his voice. "Is Matt here?" Jeff asked hopefully, "I'd really like to see him."
Awkwardly, Nora answered, "Um, yeah, he's here." Uneasily, Jeff watched her leave the room. *Something's not right, I can feel it.*
Hesitantly, Matt opened the door. "Jeff?" he half-questioned.
"It's me, in the flesh," Jeff freely replied.
"Jeff," Matt's eyes misted over, "I was so afraid I had lost you."
Jeff had to coax Matt closer. "I'm not made of porcelain bro," he quipped, attempting to lighten the moment.
Not wasting another precious second, Matt wrapped his arms around Jeff. "I love you baby brother," he whispered, his voice husky with emotion. "Don't ever scare me like this again!" he scolded. Jeff hugged Matt back gratefully, then frowned..
"I didn't mean to," Jeff whispered in remorse.
Pulling back, Matt looked his brother over carefully with a critical eye. "I know you didn't. You just had everyone, me, extremely worried."
"How long have you been here?" Jeff asked.
"Almost the whole month, except for when Amy.." Matt didn't let himself finish the sentence. Watching Matt swallow hard, Jeff now knew for certain that something was terribly wrong.
Narrowing his eyes, Jeff stared at Matt. "Okay, spill. Something else has happened, what is it?"
Matt ran a hand through his hair, as once again tears blurred his vision. "Jeff, I, I'm so glad you are still here. I told Amy I didn't know what I would have done if you didn't pull through."
Jeff regarded Matt in contemplative surprise. "I thought you would be the one person to bear up for sure. I always figured you to be the strong one Matt."
Matt shook his head, "I wouldn't have gotten this far if it wasn't for Dad and Amy," he trailed off.
"Yes you would have," Jeff declared with soft assurance. Crossing his arms over his chest, Jeff gently asked, "Now what's really going on?"
Matt offered a tiny smile, "You always could tell when I was hiding something."
"Haven't fooled me yet," Jeff dryly quipped.
"Amy, I.." Matt bowed his head, unable to continue.
Greatly concerned, Jeff asked, "What, what's happened,?!"
"We lost the baby Jeff," Matt replied quietly, unable to look up.
Jeff's eyes widened in horror. "Oh Matt, I'm so sorry!" Jeff exclaimed. Leaning forward, he enveloped Matt in an embrace, at expense to his back.
Almost instantly, Matt could feel Jeff tightly clench.
Matt released Jeff, asking fearfully, "Jeff, what's wrong? Do you need the doctor?" Hurriedly, Matt reached for Jeff's call button. Jeff grasped Matt's wrist. "N, no," Jeff's voice trembled. "It just hurt-back spasms," he quickly explained through clenched teeth. Matt frowned, knowing that was the end of the topic, for now. "Matt, you have no reason to feel ashamed or guilty about losing the baby," Jeff firmly expressed, changing the subject.
"But if I would have been there with Amy that night.." Matt trailed off in despair.
Jeff started to lean forward, then thought better of it. "What happened that night Matt?"
"Amy had to catch a flight back the night you were on the operating table.?" he rasped, his throat suddenly dry.
Listless, Matt continued, "But when Amy reached our house, their was a gas leak and despite the fact that Penny saved her life, Amy lost the baby." Jeff's face paled, his heart plummeting into his stomach. All the words that refused to come out registered on his face. "Oh no, Amy is fine, physically," Matt reassured Jeff. "But, everything is different," Matt weakly finished.
Softly, a young nurse opened the door, "I'm sorry Mr. Hardy, but visiting hours are over for the evening. You may visit Mr. Hardy again, starting at 8:00 a.m. sharp, tomorrow morning."
"Get some sleep Jeff. I'll see you in the morning," Matt said softly. Holding tightly to Matt's hand, Jeff nodded.
Early the next morning:
Jeff looked up in surprise as Dad and Amy came into the room. He had last seen his Father shed tears when his Mother passed away, years ago. Yet Jeff couldn't help but marvel as Gilbert Hardy clung tightly to his youngest child, tears stinging his eyes. Raw emotion in his voice, he whispered, "I love you son."
"I love you too Dad," Jeff replied, his own voice growing emotional.
Jeff was appalled at Amy's appearance as she reached out to hug him. Deftly, he struggled to keep his emotions in check as he reached out to touch her face. "How are you doing Amy-Girl?" he tenderly inquired.
"Better than you," she responded softly. Jeff almost smiled at her attempt at humor. Nonetheless, he didn't miss the sad smile on her lips, the dark circles under her eyes and her hollow cheeks. Jeff's heart ached for both Matt and Amy. *She's fighting depression while he's fighting guilt, and it is beginning to take a toll on their relationship.* Jeff was worried about her, but decided now was not the time to bring up the subject, unless she was going to bring it up on her own. *Not directly of course,* he thought mischievously to himself.
"Physically, you are doing better than me," he countered, looking her squarely in the eyes.
Amy's shoulders slumped, "Matt told you didn't he?"
Catching the spark of anger in her eyes, Jeff hastily responded, "Yes, but at my insistence." Before she could argue further, Jeff continued, "Oh come on Amy, I can read Matt like a book and you are a close second. Talk to me," he pleaded.
Setting her jaw, Amy returned his fierce gaze. "Trying to work through it." Jeff shook his head slightly. Jeff saw that stubborn glint in her eyes, he knew better. Suddenly, a large shadow filled the room as Vince McMahon walked over to Jeff's hospital bed. Grateful for the interruption, Amy breathed a sigh of relief as she and Mr. Hardy took a step back from Jeff.
Gruffly he said, "I'm glad to see you're awake young man."
"Mr. McMahon," Jeff gulped nervously. Gingerly, Vince shook hands with the still fragile younger Hardy.
"Don't expect the WWE to be put on hold for you."
"I realize that sir, I.."
"But, do expect a place on the roster for your return," Vince added with a smile.
Jeff beamed, "Thank you sir, I'm glad, very glad."
Vince turned to leave, "Get well soon son," he added softly with a wink.
"I plan on it Mr. McMahon, I plan on it," he proclaimed.
Amy leaned down to give Jeff a kiss on the cheek. "Get well soon big brother." Managing her patented 1000 watt smile, she grasped his hand. "We'll see you in the morning." *It's nice to see her smile,* Jeff thought, as he watched her leave, not realizing just how much he had missed her child-like, warm smile until now.
The next few days seemed to go buy in a blur as visitor after visitor stopped by to see him, many of whom were wrestlers. Therefore, Jeff was quite glad to see two more well known faces walk up to his bed. Stephanie leaned down and kissed him on the cheek.
"How are you feeling?" she asked.
"Been better, but it feels wonderful to breathe," Jeff emphasized, smiling.
"We were worried about you for awhile there," Paul casually stated. "Welcome back," he said softly, gently squeezing his shoulder.
"Thanks, it's good to be back."
Jeff smiled, "So, how is the pregnancy coming?"
"We can feel it when she kicks," Paul proudly spoke up, tenderly resting his hand on Stephanie's growing belly.
Jeff arched an eyebrow, "A girl?"
Excitedly, they nodded.
"That's great. I'm happy for you guys."
"It seems you have quite a bundle of your own on the way," Paul said with a grin.
"Yes, it seems so," Jeff replied with a thoughtful smile, his eyes following Nora as she walked into the room.
Clearing her voice, Stephanie looked at her watch, "Uh, maybe we had better leave. Visiting hours are over in a few minutes."
"Oh, hey guys, don't leave. Sorry about that. I hadn't meant to zone out for ya." Stephanie hugged Jeff goodbye. "You need your rest. I'm sure you have plenty to think about as well. We will have plenty of time to talk later."
Paul grasped his hand, "Steph's right buddy. Just take it easy and get well soon, ya hear."
"Will do," Jeff answered, smiling.
Trish, Andrew, Al and Chris stepped into the room as Stephanie and Paul left. "I know we only have a few minutes, but I'm so glad to see you're awake," a considerably larger Trish stated worriedly, pushing Jeff's hair away from his forehead.
"I've missed seeing you in the ring, partner," Andrew spoke up fondly, grasping his hand.
"Same here."
"How is the pregnancy coming along Trish?" Jeff asked.
"Getting bigger by the minute," she laughed.
"Hey Chris, how is Melanie doing?"
"She's at home. She wanted to come, but there have been a few complications with the twins, so she is on bed rest," Chris hesitantly answered.
"This early in the pregnancy?" Nora questioned. As soon as she opened her mouth, she regretted it. All too well, she new it was never too early, unconsciously rubbing her own full stomach.
Easing her fears, Jeff reached for Nora's hand, "I'm sorry to hear that. Let her know we are thinking of her and I hope everything we'll be okay," Jeff responded genuinely.
"Thanks, I'll be sure to tell her."
Al was the last to leave. Grinning mischievously, Al gave Jeff a hug and whispered into his ear, "What does everybody want.. Jeff!" Straightening up, Al said seriously, "Take care Jeff. I expect to see you in the ring soon."
With tears in his eyes, Jeff responded, "Thanks Al."
Spike came in just as Al exited. "Jeff, I'm so glad you are awake!" He gave Jeff a big bear hug.
"Easy fellow, I'm no spring chicken!" Jeff laughed. "I hear a certain young man is planning on asking a certain young woman for her hand in marriage."
"Who told you?" Spike demanded.
"Well, I.. actually, you," Jeff answered, surprised at his words.
"You heard me?" Spike asked in astonishment.
"I, I can't really explain it somehow, but yeah, I guess I did."
"In that case, will you be my best man?" Spike asked, beaming. Jeff opened his mouth to answer, when the Doctor stepped into the room.
"I'm afraid that is all the visitors you will have tonight Mr. Hardy," she said with a smile. Spike pulled Jeff into a gentle hug and smiled congenially, "I'll expect an answer when you are feeling better."
Jeff grinned. "Count on it." As Spike closed the door behind him, Jeff turned toward the doctor and asked, "When will I be able to start physical therapy?" Frowning, Nora looked back and forth between the doctor and Jeff.
"Nearly anytime, but next week would be the best time for you to start. Right now, it is important your body's senses adjust to being alert."
Jeff frowned. Impatient to get back in the ring, he responded, "I'm looking forward to the challenge."
Late that night:
"Amy, how long are we supposed to keep this up?" Matt asked, exasperated.
"Keep what up?" she asked lightly, as they climbed into the hotel room bed.
"Everything, like you're okay, that we're okay."
"Everything's fine!" she snapped at him.
Amy hugged her pillow tightly, her chest constricting.
"Red, we need to start moving on," he sighed, resting his head against her bare back.
"Move on! I'm glad you feel that way!" she snapped. "We.. I am responsible for the death of our child. Why risk having another one, only to have our baby die?!"
"Amy, it's not that I don't care. We are both hurting, but not letting go is.." he searched for the right words, "even more destructive."
Matt felt rather than heard, Amy bury her face in the pillow. He sighed, his own heart saddened by the tears that Amy was doing her best to muffle.
His worst fears had come true, she blamed herself and him. *I wonder which one of us she blames more,* he thought bitterly. "It's just as well, maybe you need some time to yourself. Without me anyway," Matt mumbled. "Tomorrow morning, I am leaving to catch the first flight bound for Connecticut."
If anyone would like to use this story, please ask me first, thanks. :)
Thanks everyone for your feedback on this story. I really appreciate it. I know this has been a long time coming on this chapter. Thanks for the wait!
Chapter 2: Welcome Back
"Jeff!" Nora screamed in delight, throwing her arms around his neck. "Easy, easy, I'm a sick, fragile patient remember," Jeff replied, laughing lightly.
Nora pulled back, stroking his cheek with the back of her hand, "I, I was hoping.. praying you would come back to me, to us," Nora answered, her voice cracking.
Eyeing Nora's well rounded stomach, Jeff replied dryly, "It seems there is something you failed to tell me."
"There are three things that I failed to tell you," Nora replied, an animated light in her eyes. "But for now, lets have Doctor Tapping take a look at you," Nora rushed on, her hand shaking in relief that he was awake.
As she pressed the call button for a nurse, once again, Jeff took her hand, "I love you." Seeing how visibly shaken Nora was, Jeff pulled her to him, gently forcing her head to his chest.
"I, I don't want to hurt you," Nora responded nervously, trying to force her head upward.
"You're not, I'm okay, really," Jeff insisted.
"I, I can scarcely believe it. I'm just trying to make sure that this isn't some kind of dream-that you really have come back," Nora replied, the love evident in her voice as she unconsciously traced her fingertips across his chest.
"Good, I'm pleased to see you're awake," Doctor Tapping replied, relief evident in her voice.
"Am I going to be okay Doc?" Jeff asked expectantly, attempting to sit up, as Nora quickly did the same.
"With plenty of exercise and therapy, I believe you'll be just fine," the doctor reassured him with a smile.
"Therapy?" Jeff asked, startled. "How long have I been out?"
Nora looked nervously at Jeff, then the doctor, only to have her eyes rest back on Jeff's confused face.
"A month," Doctor Tapping replied.
"A whole month!" he yelled.
"You need to calm down," the doctor reprimanded him gently, resting her hand on his arm. "Lying in bed all this time has atrophied all of your muscles, the most damage being done to the original points of injury: your neck and spine."
"When's the soonest I will be able to wrestle again?"
"Jeff, you can't.." Nora trailed off as Jeff stared at her, his face hard.
"Several months. Eight, maybe nine months-minimum."
Jeff sighed tiredly, "I'll go stir-crazy."
"And I'll worry," a distressed Nora muttered under her breath.
"May I speak to my wife in private please?" Jeff requested.
"Of course." Quietly, the doctor slipped out of the room.
Jeff comfortingly squeezed Nora's hand. "Let's not worry about my future right now," Jeff declared easily. Eager to ease her fears about his returning to the ring, Jeff wisely changed the subject.
"Let's talk about Amy, Matt and my upcoming niece or nephew," Jeff said, childish excitement in his voice. "Is Matt here?" Jeff asked hopefully, "I'd really like to see him."
Awkwardly, Nora answered, "Um, yeah, he's here." Uneasily, Jeff watched her leave the room. *Something's not right, I can feel it.*
Hesitantly, Matt opened the door. "Jeff?" he half-questioned.
"It's me, in the flesh," Jeff freely replied.
"Jeff," Matt's eyes misted over, "I was so afraid I had lost you."
Jeff had to coax Matt closer. "I'm not made of porcelain bro," he quipped, attempting to lighten the moment.
Not wasting another precious second, Matt wrapped his arms around Jeff. "I love you baby brother," he whispered, his voice husky with emotion. "Don't ever scare me like this again!" he scolded. Jeff hugged Matt back gratefully, then frowned..
"I didn't mean to," Jeff whispered in remorse.
Pulling back, Matt looked his brother over carefully with a critical eye. "I know you didn't. You just had everyone, me, extremely worried."
"How long have you been here?" Jeff asked.
"Almost the whole month, except for when Amy.." Matt didn't let himself finish the sentence. Watching Matt swallow hard, Jeff now knew for certain that something was terribly wrong.
Narrowing his eyes, Jeff stared at Matt. "Okay, spill. Something else has happened, what is it?"
Matt ran a hand through his hair, as once again tears blurred his vision. "Jeff, I, I'm so glad you are still here. I told Amy I didn't know what I would have done if you didn't pull through."
Jeff regarded Matt in contemplative surprise. "I thought you would be the one person to bear up for sure. I always figured you to be the strong one Matt."
Matt shook his head, "I wouldn't have gotten this far if it wasn't for Dad and Amy," he trailed off.
"Yes you would have," Jeff declared with soft assurance. Crossing his arms over his chest, Jeff gently asked, "Now what's really going on?"
Matt offered a tiny smile, "You always could tell when I was hiding something."
"Haven't fooled me yet," Jeff dryly quipped.
"Amy, I.." Matt bowed his head, unable to continue.
Greatly concerned, Jeff asked, "What, what's happened,?!"
"We lost the baby Jeff," Matt replied quietly, unable to look up.
Jeff's eyes widened in horror. "Oh Matt, I'm so sorry!" Jeff exclaimed. Leaning forward, he enveloped Matt in an embrace, at expense to his back.
Almost instantly, Matt could feel Jeff tightly clench.
Matt released Jeff, asking fearfully, "Jeff, what's wrong? Do you need the doctor?" Hurriedly, Matt reached for Jeff's call button. Jeff grasped Matt's wrist. "N, no," Jeff's voice trembled. "It just hurt-back spasms," he quickly explained through clenched teeth. Matt frowned, knowing that was the end of the topic, for now. "Matt, you have no reason to feel ashamed or guilty about losing the baby," Jeff firmly expressed, changing the subject.
"But if I would have been there with Amy that night.." Matt trailed off in despair.
Jeff started to lean forward, then thought better of it. "What happened that night Matt?"
"Amy had to catch a flight back the night you were on the operating table.?" he rasped, his throat suddenly dry.
Listless, Matt continued, "But when Amy reached our house, their was a gas leak and despite the fact that Penny saved her life, Amy lost the baby." Jeff's face paled, his heart plummeting into his stomach. All the words that refused to come out registered on his face. "Oh no, Amy is fine, physically," Matt reassured Jeff. "But, everything is different," Matt weakly finished.
Softly, a young nurse opened the door, "I'm sorry Mr. Hardy, but visiting hours are over for the evening. You may visit Mr. Hardy again, starting at 8:00 a.m. sharp, tomorrow morning."
"Get some sleep Jeff. I'll see you in the morning," Matt said softly. Holding tightly to Matt's hand, Jeff nodded.
Early the next morning:
Jeff looked up in surprise as Dad and Amy came into the room. He had last seen his Father shed tears when his Mother passed away, years ago. Yet Jeff couldn't help but marvel as Gilbert Hardy clung tightly to his youngest child, tears stinging his eyes. Raw emotion in his voice, he whispered, "I love you son."
"I love you too Dad," Jeff replied, his own voice growing emotional.
Jeff was appalled at Amy's appearance as she reached out to hug him. Deftly, he struggled to keep his emotions in check as he reached out to touch her face. "How are you doing Amy-Girl?" he tenderly inquired.
"Better than you," she responded softly. Jeff almost smiled at her attempt at humor. Nonetheless, he didn't miss the sad smile on her lips, the dark circles under her eyes and her hollow cheeks. Jeff's heart ached for both Matt and Amy. *She's fighting depression while he's fighting guilt, and it is beginning to take a toll on their relationship.* Jeff was worried about her, but decided now was not the time to bring up the subject, unless she was going to bring it up on her own. *Not directly of course,* he thought mischievously to himself.
"Physically, you are doing better than me," he countered, looking her squarely in the eyes.
Amy's shoulders slumped, "Matt told you didn't he?"
Catching the spark of anger in her eyes, Jeff hastily responded, "Yes, but at my insistence." Before she could argue further, Jeff continued, "Oh come on Amy, I can read Matt like a book and you are a close second. Talk to me," he pleaded.
Setting her jaw, Amy returned his fierce gaze. "Trying to work through it." Jeff shook his head slightly. Jeff saw that stubborn glint in her eyes, he knew better. Suddenly, a large shadow filled the room as Vince McMahon walked over to Jeff's hospital bed. Grateful for the interruption, Amy breathed a sigh of relief as she and Mr. Hardy took a step back from Jeff.
Gruffly he said, "I'm glad to see you're awake young man."
"Mr. McMahon," Jeff gulped nervously. Gingerly, Vince shook hands with the still fragile younger Hardy.
"Don't expect the WWE to be put on hold for you."
"I realize that sir, I.."
"But, do expect a place on the roster for your return," Vince added with a smile.
Jeff beamed, "Thank you sir, I'm glad, very glad."
Vince turned to leave, "Get well soon son," he added softly with a wink.
"I plan on it Mr. McMahon, I plan on it," he proclaimed.
Amy leaned down to give Jeff a kiss on the cheek. "Get well soon big brother." Managing her patented 1000 watt smile, she grasped his hand. "We'll see you in the morning." *It's nice to see her smile,* Jeff thought, as he watched her leave, not realizing just how much he had missed her child-like, warm smile until now.
The next few days seemed to go buy in a blur as visitor after visitor stopped by to see him, many of whom were wrestlers. Therefore, Jeff was quite glad to see two more well known faces walk up to his bed. Stephanie leaned down and kissed him on the cheek.
"How are you feeling?" she asked.
"Been better, but it feels wonderful to breathe," Jeff emphasized, smiling.
"We were worried about you for awhile there," Paul casually stated. "Welcome back," he said softly, gently squeezing his shoulder.
"Thanks, it's good to be back."
Jeff smiled, "So, how is the pregnancy coming?"
"We can feel it when she kicks," Paul proudly spoke up, tenderly resting his hand on Stephanie's growing belly.
Jeff arched an eyebrow, "A girl?"
Excitedly, they nodded.
"That's great. I'm happy for you guys."
"It seems you have quite a bundle of your own on the way," Paul said with a grin.
"Yes, it seems so," Jeff replied with a thoughtful smile, his eyes following Nora as she walked into the room.
Clearing her voice, Stephanie looked at her watch, "Uh, maybe we had better leave. Visiting hours are over in a few minutes."
"Oh, hey guys, don't leave. Sorry about that. I hadn't meant to zone out for ya." Stephanie hugged Jeff goodbye. "You need your rest. I'm sure you have plenty to think about as well. We will have plenty of time to talk later."
Paul grasped his hand, "Steph's right buddy. Just take it easy and get well soon, ya hear."
"Will do," Jeff answered, smiling.
Trish, Andrew, Al and Chris stepped into the room as Stephanie and Paul left. "I know we only have a few minutes, but I'm so glad to see you're awake," a considerably larger Trish stated worriedly, pushing Jeff's hair away from his forehead.
"I've missed seeing you in the ring, partner," Andrew spoke up fondly, grasping his hand.
"Same here."
"How is the pregnancy coming along Trish?" Jeff asked.
"Getting bigger by the minute," she laughed.
"Hey Chris, how is Melanie doing?"
"She's at home. She wanted to come, but there have been a few complications with the twins, so she is on bed rest," Chris hesitantly answered.
"This early in the pregnancy?" Nora questioned. As soon as she opened her mouth, she regretted it. All too well, she new it was never too early, unconsciously rubbing her own full stomach.
Easing her fears, Jeff reached for Nora's hand, "I'm sorry to hear that. Let her know we are thinking of her and I hope everything we'll be okay," Jeff responded genuinely.
"Thanks, I'll be sure to tell her."
Al was the last to leave. Grinning mischievously, Al gave Jeff a hug and whispered into his ear, "What does everybody want.. Jeff!" Straightening up, Al said seriously, "Take care Jeff. I expect to see you in the ring soon."
With tears in his eyes, Jeff responded, "Thanks Al."
Spike came in just as Al exited. "Jeff, I'm so glad you are awake!" He gave Jeff a big bear hug.
"Easy fellow, I'm no spring chicken!" Jeff laughed. "I hear a certain young man is planning on asking a certain young woman for her hand in marriage."
"Who told you?" Spike demanded.
"Well, I.. actually, you," Jeff answered, surprised at his words.
"You heard me?" Spike asked in astonishment.
"I, I can't really explain it somehow, but yeah, I guess I did."
"In that case, will you be my best man?" Spike asked, beaming. Jeff opened his mouth to answer, when the Doctor stepped into the room.
"I'm afraid that is all the visitors you will have tonight Mr. Hardy," she said with a smile. Spike pulled Jeff into a gentle hug and smiled congenially, "I'll expect an answer when you are feeling better."
Jeff grinned. "Count on it." As Spike closed the door behind him, Jeff turned toward the doctor and asked, "When will I be able to start physical therapy?" Frowning, Nora looked back and forth between the doctor and Jeff.
"Nearly anytime, but next week would be the best time for you to start. Right now, it is important your body's senses adjust to being alert."
Jeff frowned. Impatient to get back in the ring, he responded, "I'm looking forward to the challenge."
Late that night:
"Amy, how long are we supposed to keep this up?" Matt asked, exasperated.
"Keep what up?" she asked lightly, as they climbed into the hotel room bed.
"Everything, like you're okay, that we're okay."
"Everything's fine!" she snapped at him.
Amy hugged her pillow tightly, her chest constricting.
"Red, we need to start moving on," he sighed, resting his head against her bare back.
"Move on! I'm glad you feel that way!" she snapped. "We.. I am responsible for the death of our child. Why risk having another one, only to have our baby die?!"
"Amy, it's not that I don't care. We are both hurting, but not letting go is.." he searched for the right words, "even more destructive."
Matt felt rather than heard, Amy bury her face in the pillow. He sighed, his own heart saddened by the tears that Amy was doing her best to muffle.
His worst fears had come true, she blamed herself and him. *I wonder which one of us she blames more,* he thought bitterly. "It's just as well, maybe you need some time to yourself. Without me anyway," Matt mumbled. "Tomorrow morning, I am leaving to catch the first flight bound for Connecticut."