Chapter 9

The Sole Survivor's Beauty

Journalists from the WWE were calling Heyman all day. When asked about the WWE champion's condition, Heyman defensively answered that despite having broken ribs and coughing up blood all day, his client would defend his title at the PPV. However, Paul stated that he wouldn't show up for the Smackdown house show that night.

Meanwhile inside the locker room, Melanie was grabbing a tissue box for Brock. He wouldn't stop coughing. The tissues he held in his hands were blood stained.

"You need to take it easy tonight Brock. You'll need all of your energy for Survivor Series." Melanie said handing him a tissue. Brock grabbed the tissue as he gazed into the TV screen, where Big Show was bragging about how he destroyed Brock last week, calling Brock out. He had been attacking Brock in and out of the ring. He was trying hard not to loose his cool. He had to listen to Melanie.

" What's the matter Brock? Too busy having your girlfriend cleaning up after you?" Big Show said laughing. "When I beat you this Sunday, you'll be too crippled to take care of her." He paused looking down at himself. " But since I'm a giving man, I will gladly take care of your beautiful manager, and show her what she's been missing." Brock shot out of his seat and proceeded down the hallway when Paul Heyman attempted to block his path.

" If you don't get away from this guy now, I can't protect you!" Heyman exhorted. "I'm pleading with you… put your pride aside! Enough is enough! He's going to rip you limb from limb!" Brock arched over, holding his ribs as Melanie caught up to him and led him back to the locker room. Brock told Melanie about his discussion with Paul about him not being able to beat the Big Show.

"Listen Brock." Melanie began. " I admit, beating Big Show on Sunday isn't going to be easy. But it's definitely not impossible, especially for you." She said helping him settle down on the couch.

"You may not beat him today or tomorrow," Melanie paused. Did she dare tell him her thoughts? " You may not even be able to beat him at Survivor Series." She said sadly. She took his hands in her own.

"But I know you can do it. You can beat him. When you do it, is up to you." Brock smiled. She was the only one in the building that believed he had a chance. Melanie drove Brock back to his hotel room. Heyman secretly stayed behind and approached Big Show's locker room where he was just about to leave.

" Mr. Show, I understand as a business man what kind of competitor you are. You have beaten WWE icons like The Rock, Undertaker and Hulk Hogan…in his prime I might add." Paul said respectfully. " And Brock's injuries are all a testament of what you can do. All I'm asking for is a little professional courtesy here, just to back off until Survivor Series." Show pause for a moment before replying,

"You know, the best thing Brock Lesnar has going for him is you Paul. You are the brains behind the brawn." Big Show said as he slammed the door shut.

" You know Mel, you would look great if you would just get rid of those ugly glasses." Stephanie said. Melanie shot her a dirty look.

"Shut up Steph, you'll wake Brock up. He really needs to rest for tonight." Mel whispered. She looked at the clock. It was still early in the morning. In about 12 hours, Brock would be facing Big Show for the WWE title.

"I'm just saying." Stephanie whispered. " You could look incredible for tonight." Melanie shrugged.

"Why would I have to look incredible for tonight? I'm not doing anything special. Tonight is going to be Brock's night." She said. Stephanie glanced at the ground.

"That's not entirely true Mel." She said crossing her legs. " See, Saliva was supposed to sing the theme song of Survivor Series live. Something's come up and they cancelled for tonight." She said. Melanie tilted her head to the side. What does this have to do with her? "Mel, I want you to perform live tonight inside Eric Bischoff's precious Elimination Chamber." Steph said smiling. Melanie gasped.

"What!" She cried. Brock stirred in his bed as Stephanie shushed her.

" Mel, what's the big deal? You wrote the song anyway and you've got a terrific voice." Melanie began to breathe heavily. She hadn't performed in ages. How was she going to sing in front of thousands in a sold out arena. And not just any arena. Madison Square Garden. And the millions watching at home…

"I can't do it Steph. I can't sing tonight." Mel said softly. After much persuasion Melanie agreed to perform.

"Great. Now let's get you a make over so that…" Stephanie began

"What? No Steph, I can't go. I have to stay here with Brock until he wakes up. Then I have to spend some time going over the match with him. We have to prepare." Melanie said.

" Oh come on Mel. He's not going to mind. He might even like the idea of you changing your look. I still think he likes you." She said teasingly. "You can really catch his attention." Melanie sighed as she finished her note to Brock. She left it on the nightstand and headed out the door with a very energized Stephanie.

Brock,

Sorry to leave you like this, but Stephanie just told me that I would be performing tonight at Survivor Series. Went to go take care of business. Back ASAP to go over match. Meet me at the MSG gym

Love your executive manager

Your Friend,

Melanie

Brock stood there reading the note over and over. She knew how important this day was! His title was on the line and she went out with her girlfriend? Brock grabbed his title and headed over to the arena gym at Madison Square Garden.

Brock had been waiting for nearly fifteen minutes when Stephanie arrived at the arena.

"Stephanie!" Brock called. "Where's Melanie? She was supposed to meet me here 16 minutes ago!" Stephanie turned around. She had a big smile on her face.

"Don't worry Brock, she's definitely coming." And with that, Stephanie went into her office and left the door slightly open.

" Brock… I am SO sorry I'm late. I'll make it up to you." Said a voice behind Brock. He recognized it as Melanie's tone of voice.

"Well, well, it's about time! Where have you…" Brock began as her turned around.

Melanie's glasses were gone, revealing her big blue eyes. She had on a small trace of make up. For the first time since Brock had met her, her hair was down and her golden red hair shimmered. She was no longer wearing her typical t-shirt and jeans. She was wearing a laced white dress, revealing her long legs.

"I know Brock, I'm sorry. It's just that the band cancelled on us and Stephanie wanted to give me a make over so I don't look like crap when I perform. I wanted to say no but she insisted! We'll get to work right away." Melanie said franticly. Brock continued to stare at her. Melanie sensed that and asked for his opinion. He began to stammer.

" You look… different." He said plainly. Melanie slumped.

"I knew this was a mistake. I should have just kept my jeans and top! I look like a hooker!" She said sadly. Brock grabbed her arm before she could leave to change.

"No, wait, Mel. That's not what said. I mean that in a good way. I was just, surprised. You look completely different." He said reassuringly. Melanie sighed.

"This isn't me. This is Stephanie's sick vision of me. She wants me to be noticed more. I'm not very good at that. I'd rather just be… invisible." Brock brought his body closer to Melanie's. Mel felt slightly tense.

"Melanie. You look… amazing." Brock said caringly. "Please, don't change anything. Stephanie was just trying to give you more confidence with you changing your look and by going out there and singing. Your searching for yourself, and that starts tonight." He paused. Then added, " For both of us." Melanie smiled. She knew she could always rely on Brock to make her feel good. She touched his hand and headed toward the dressing room to shower and change.

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