The sins of last year grew more as Unforgiven grew near. Only hours until the big event. I was looking forward to getting in the cage and beating the crap out of Amy. I still had to talk to Vince about getting my time off, and I really hoped he'd give it to me. The more I thought about it, the more I realized I needed it.
"Only hours away." Chris told me. He was in my room.
"I know. I'm feeling it." I smiled. "I still have to talk to Vince."
"Shouldn't have to worry about it. He'll give it to you."
"I'm going now, before I forget and chicken out."
I walked down the hallway to Vince's room. I knocked twice and he answered. I smiled and walked in. He shut the door and looked at me.
"What do you need?" He asked.
"A favor, a big favor." I answered. "I'm burned, I'm run down. I need time off, and not just a week. I was thinking of leaving after Unforgiven and coming back at No Mercy." Vince looked stunned. "I know it's a long time, and I know it's weird coming from me. But, for a year I have been pretty much nonstop. I don't know much of anything anymore and I need it."
"That is true." He said. He sat down. "You are the very best I have right now. And, it would be weird if you just left."
"I know. But, you can make it seem like I got hurt. This match tonight, it's not going to be an easy one."
"I'd have to think about it. Chris has off for a week. I'll give you my answer after Unforgiven."
"All right."
I sighed and walked down the hall. I told Chris I was leaving early, very early in fact. I took my car and left. The arena was only twenty minutes away. But there was hours to kill. I needed the time to myself, to think, and to really get into this match. With my actions on Smackdown still haunting me, I had to psych myself up. This wasn't any match. I was going in there with no game plan, nothing. All I had was my belt and an assumption that I'd win. I didn't know what the rules of this match were, actually I did, there were none. Anything was possible. And, that did make me worry some more.
I was parked on the side of a nearly vacant road. I wanted to go into the event with a clear mind, or a somewhat clear mind. It was impossible for me to have an actual clear mind. I tried to put together a match, some ideas I could use. It would be my last match before my vacation, if I was going to get it. I had to go out big.
I spent so much time on the side of the road, thinking and plotting and coming up with ways to win. I finally left the road side and went to the arena. Fans were lined up and I knew I had to put the act on. I couldn't let them know just how miserable I was. I signed autographs for the fans that were out there before I was rushed inside.
"Hey, Des." Marty, a stage hand said.
"Marty, how are ya?" I asked.
"I'm fine. Ring's set up, everything's going good."
"Good to hear." I replied, and walked on.
Stephanie was standing outside of the locker room. She saw me, waved, and came over to me. She hugged me and walked with me to the door. She didn't open it. She looked at me and said, "Paul's in there."
"Oh."
"Chris is in there too."
"Oh."
"I have no idea what they're talking about. But, it looks like Chris plans on sharing the locker room."
"Oh."
"Are you?"
"I don't know. Right now, Paul isn't on my mind. It's surviving this match."
"What number is it?"
"Six." I answered. "I have a while to go."
"Paul's eight, the main event."
"I have a promo to cut later. If I get ready and leave my shit in there, I can do fine in the halls."
"Are you sure?" She asked.
"Yeah, let me change and I'll leave." I answered.
She nodded and opened the door. When I went in, the room went silent. I don't think Chris and Paul were talking about me. I went in there, changed, put my things down and left with my belts. I walked around backstage.
"Destiny!" I turned around and saw Adam run to me. "How the hell are you?"
"All right." I answered. "You?"
"Can't complain. Got some match up tonight. Good luck."
"Thanks." I replied. "I have no idea what the hell's going to happen."
"How's things with Paul?"
"Ah, that's what you wanted."
"No, I'm just-"
"It's all right. I don't know. Things suck, a lot of things, everything."
"Why's that?" He asked.
"I don't know why. All I know is this, I'm trying to do right with my son and I'm losing a lot."
"Maybe this just wasn't meant to be. Have you thought of that? Lets face it, you and Matt aren't exactly peanut butter and jelly, if you get what I mean. He got you pregnant, anyone can. I don't mean you're a slut, I mean any guy can do it. Anyway, you're doing fine now. Matthew has both of his parents, all of us around him. He's growing up in a family, we're his family. He may not have a traditional family, but he's got something better." Adam explained. "You're mistaking this for love." I didn't say anything. "Trust me. I may not be the best at these kinds of things, but I do know what I'm talking about now."
He left me there to think about it. He was right, again. And, when Adam's right, he's really right. I sighed and sat down in a chair near the men's locker room. I had my Women's Title over my right knee and my Tag Team Title over my left knee. Michael Cole came up to me and tapped me on the shoulder.
"Ready for the interview?" He asked softly.
"Of course." I answered with a smile. Cole and I walked over to the promo/interview area.
"I'm here with Destiny, WWF Women's Champion and one half of the WWF Tag Team Champions." He started. "It's good to see you here at Unforgiven. Now, tonight you engaged in a blood thirsty battle inside a steel cage, the Women's Title on the line."
"Cole, that skanky, slutty, loss, bitch, Lita has been getting in my way time and time again. Each time, I've put her out. She hasn't been able to put her hands on my gold. Tonight, it'll be no different. I'm going to get extreme. Put that bitch out again. Deny her the shot at WWF gold. You're right, I am blood thirsty, and the only thing that can quench my thirst is the site of Lita's blood all over the ring. Oh, yes, Cole, it will be. "
"You sound, harsh." He said.
"Harsh? Of course I'm harsh."
"Don't you think you should give Lita the benefit of the doubt. Maybe, after tonight, put this behind you?"
"Are you on crack!? This will never be put behind me. I will make everyday of Lita's pathetic, miserable life a living hell." I replied. "And, once again, she'll meet the harsh reality that she sucks, that she will never own WWF gold, and as far as the fans are concerned, she can just wash away."
And I walked away. My promo's to Amy weren't so hard to come up with. They were spoken from the heart. I walked down the hall now pumped up for the match. Each belt over a separate shoulder. I suddenly felt like The Undertaker walking down the hall getting ready for a match. I felt big and bad. I had no reason to.
As I passed the men's locker room, that's just who came out. Mark jumped, literally, in my way and I, literally, walked into him. He looked down at me and chuckled to himself. He took the Women's Title off my shoulder and put it around his.
"What do you think?" He asked, walking around in a circle, like a chick.
"Oh, yes, Mark, that belt was meant for you."
"How's your head?" He asked.
"All right, I guess." I answered. "I'll live."
"With the match you have lined up, you better." He put the title back on my shoulder. "Here."
I talked with Mark for a little while longer and then Amy appeared on the TV. Time for her promo. I sat there and watched, wanting to here what she had to say.
"Lita, tonight you have a shot to become the WWF Women's Champion." Coach said. "But, by seeing what Destiny said, how do you think your chances are?"
"Coach, please, Destiny is nothing. Women's Champ? So what. Tag Team Champion? So what. It takes more than gold to make a woman. And, Destiny has a lot to learn about the WWF." I was feeling quit adventurous and started walking to her. "I mean, seriously, she's going to get extreme on me?"
"Yeah, that's right." I told her.
"Uh, Destiny." Coach said.
"Tonight, Lita, once again you'll be embarrassed. Because, once again I'll kick your ass, miserably."
"Oh, but you're wrong. I've got this feeling that tonight is not your night."
"But tonight is yours." I told her. "I mean, I know someone is going to your hotel room. But, that's not the point. Tonight marks the fourteenth straight pay-per-view where I have kicked your ass. That's right, you haven't beaten me in thirteen straight pay-per-views. Tonight is number fourteen."
And, I walked away. I was feeling back in the game. My worries and problems of before were now gone. And, I was Destiny, the WWF Women's Champion and one half of the WWF Tag Team Champions. I was the character I had created. That was not a good sign for Amy.
I bounced around by the curtain before the match. Amy was on the otherside, looking at me. Adam was by my side, rubbing my back. The steel cage was being lowered. I watched, intensely as the cage lowered to the ground. I felt my stomach turn inside me. Lita's music hit first and she walked out. Then, my music hit. When I went through the curtain I knew things would be different after.
I stood in front of the cage, looking up at it, measuring up what was inside. The ref had the door opened and told me to get in. I handed my belts off and went in. We didn't engage at first. We eyed each other, and walked around each other. I made the first move. I dove at her, knocking her down. I started punching her, closed fists. She flipped me over and was on me and started hitting me. I kicked her up. I stood up and shook it off. I got her in a swinging neckbraker and got up on the turnbuckle. When Lita stood up, I jumped off doing a diving hurricanrana. Lita stood up and swept her legs under mine and took my knee out. She smelt blood and went for my knee.
I fought her off and made it to the ropes, pulling myself up. Lita ran at me and I ducked, sending her into the cage. I stumbled away from the ropes and fell on my ass. When I stood up I pulled her from between the ropes and cage and got her in the guillotine. She rolled over and I sat on her back and wrapped my arms around her neck. She bit me, hard and I had to let go. She hit me with a few good right hands and got me in the bulldog. She then tried to get out of the cage. I got her feet and sent her down, almost like a powerbomb.
When I picked her up, I decided to pay homage to the Deadman and got her set up for the Last Ride. Unfortunately for me, she reversed it and sent me flying over her back. I hit hard, and felt that sharp pain in my back that I hadn't felt in a year. I rolled over, pain and tears in my eyes. This wasn't a good thing. Lita started stomping on my back, making it worse. I pulled her feet and sent her falling face first to the canvas.
When I got up, I started throwing her into the cage, time after time. She could barely stand. But, somehow she managed to get me in a DDT. My back kept me down for a while. We both got up and the same time and I got her in a vicious Twist Of Fate. I went on the turnbuckle and did a Swanton and started to climb. As I reached the top, I felt hands push me down. Kurt Angle had made an appearance. He climbed into the ring and beat up me, yelling at Lita to get up and climb out. She got to the top, but Triple H was there and pie faced her off. The both of us were knocked silly. Triple H climbed down and got to Kurt. As the two men fought, I climbed to the top of the cage and performed a corkscrew moonsault taking everyone out. Triple H came too first and picked me up. Kurt was up next and hit Triple H from behind. Triple got up and got Kurt in the Pedigree. He then put me on his shoulders and helped me up the cage. When I got up on top. I looked down and the ring below, and Triple H, who looked up at me and smiled. I smiled back, raised my hands up and climbed down. When I hit the ground, I fell over. The ref handed me my belts and I raised them. Triple H opened the cage door and ran to me and lifted me up.
I wrapped my arms around him, blood pouring from my head. I didn't know if this was part of a story line, or if he was really out here for me. He was all smiles, as he lifted me up. Kurt was helping Amy up in the ring, yelling at us both.
When we got backstage, Paul didn't put me down. He continued to carry me to the locker room. No one was in there. He placed me down on a chair and stood there in front of me, still smiling from my victory. Naturally, I was confused as hell.
"Destiny." He said. "I'm sorry. You needed someone and I left you out in the dark. As your father, I should have been there for you. I guess I was just so worried and so nervous about you. I don't want anything bad to happen to you. I don't know what I'd do if something did. You never had it easy, and I just want things to go right for you. I don't want you jumping into anything. But, I always should have known you'd make the right choice. And, I want to be there for you, in everything you do."
"I shouldn't have been so harsh on you."
"You had every right. Stephanie and Chris talked to me. I overreacted. I love you, and I will walk you down that aisle."
"Paul." I jumped up, even though it hurt like hell, and wrapped my arms around him. "I love you, daddy."
"I love you too baby." I got off. "I am not done with Kurt."
"Don't. Don't let him ruin it." I told him. "Go out there and win. You got Steve, it's a guaranteed good match. Forget it right now."
He hugged me again, kissed my cheek, and left the room. I sat down, smiling like all hell. Stephanie came in right after, as if she knew what was going on. She looked shocked, and confused. She sat down next to me and looked at me, "what happened?"
"Thank you." I smiled and hugged her.
"What did I do?" She asked.
"Just, thank you."
I got up and left. I walked down to the curtain to see Paul's match. I stood there, watching, smiling. I was in a lot of pain, so much pain, but this made it all better. As I was watching Paul's match, Vince came up behind me and told me he wanted to speak to me.
"I've come up with a decision." He told me once we got in his "office".
"And?" I asked.
"You know you are very valuable to me. I need you around." My stomach sank. "Without, it will be weird. But, seeing as since you are my very best, you can have your month."
"Thanks, McMahon." I smiled and left.
"So, that's why you were thanking me." Stephanie said when she saw me. "I just talked to Paul."
"Yes, that's why." I smiled. "I get my time."
"Good, you need it." She replied.
"I'm leaving, now." I told her. "I'm getting my things and leaving."
"Stick around."
"Nah, I need to get out. Start this vacation off right."
"All right. I'll call you. Remember, take it light. You don't need to be running around. You need the break." She hugged me and went inside her father's room. I went to the locker room to get my things.
"Hey boys." I said. "I'm leaving. I got my vacation time." Chris, Matt, and Paul were in the room.
"All right, baby." Paul said. He hugged me. "See you in a month."
"Later partner." Chris called from his bench. "Take it light. Clear your head."
Matt walked to me. "Call you."
I nodded. "See you all later."
I flung my bag over my shoulder and whistled as I walked down the hall. I waved to guys as I walked. I went to the back exit. I was really looking forward to this vacation, I needed it. When I left the arena, I looked back and sighed. A year and a half of work had just ended.
I threw my bag in the passengers seat. I didn't start the car right away. I sat in the drivers seat and looked straight a head. I actually thought about screwing this vacation and going back in there. But, I heard Stephanie's voice in the back of my head telling me to go. So, I started the car up, and drove off.
I didn't slow up when I left, I didn't try to stop, didn't try to turn around, and I didn't look in the rearview mirror. I knew if I did, I'd end up going back. I looked next to me, my things were all there, everything. My belts laid over my bags. They weren't glittering, they weren't glowing, they were laying there. A weird feeling came over me, and inside the entire car. I felt like I lost a part of me, and I did. But, I knew I'd be gaining a part of myself I lost so very long ago.
My decision to leave was pretty much a surprise, and I knew half that federation had no idea. Also, the fans had no idea. And, I did feel bad about leaving both on such a short notice and without warning. I just hoped that the guys in the back could come up with something to cover for me. On top of that, my son would not be with me. And, I felt extremely guilty about that. Part of me said, "turn around and get your son". Actually, all of me said that. But, once again, there was Stephanie's voice. And trust me, when you hear her voice a million times when you don't have to, you give in. I didn't want anyone to hate me for my decision to leave, and how I left, and everything that came along with it.
When I got to the airport, fans for the pay-per-view were there waiting to leave. And, then I showed up. I didn't want to get any more attention than needed. But, when you look like I do: blue hair, baggy black jeans, ripped T-shirt, and blue fishnet under it. Plus, having two World Wrestling Federation belts near you, it's very hard to not cause attention. And, that's just what happened.
The several fans that were there rushed over to me and started mobbing me. Airport security noticed, and turned this into the scene I didn't want. Three security men had to escort me to my plane. Once on it, I sat down and took a deep breath. I wasn't going to cry about leaving. I wasn't going to dwell on it. I finally felt like I needed the vacation.
The flight home was calming and realizing. I knew I wasn't going to a show and I knew what was waiting for me. It was weird, sure, different, of course, but it was a feeling I had missed.
No one knew, actually, hardly anyone knew. I really didn't want anyone to know either. I didn't want to make my month gone a big deal, something everyone had to know and make up for. As long as they could cover for me, that was just fine. No one had to make a project out of this, a big storyline. Oh, where's Destiny? Where did she run off to? No, it wasn't like this.
"Aren't you Destiny from the WWF?" A teenager asked me. He was sitting in the row next to me. These boys where looking at me the whole flight.
"Yes, I am." I answered.
"Thought so. I saw you get on, with those belts, and knew you were." He said. "No one will believe us when we tell them that Destiny was on our flight."
I turned me head the other way. I wasn't in the mood for anything.
"So, what are you doing on this flight anyway?" He asked.
"Nothing." I answered. "Going to New York."
"Oh, WWF New York thing? Wish I could go." He looked down. He looked as if he wanted me to invite him to this autograph thing. Which, never was.
I didn't want to talk to him, or anyone on the flight. I wanted to get home and crawl into bed and never get out again. The boys noticed my mood and didn't say anything more. When the plane landed, I offered to sign something and take pictures. I felt bad. I did that and walked off. I got my bags hailed a cab.
I got the cab to drive me to the train station and got on the first train out. On the train, no one noticed me. Just how I waned it. I got off at Penn Station and walked down 7th Ave to my apartment in The Dakota. I stood in front of it for a while before going in. When I got in a wave came over me. I slowly walked to my room and slowly opened the door. When I stepped inside, I felt like I could breath again. I had felt like I had been holding my breath for the past year and a half and was finally able to breath.
I put all of my things away and sat on the bed. My room hadn't changed since I was here last, everything was the same. I had pictures of me and the guys around my room. And I still had one picture of Jeff and I. I looked out the window of my bedroom and saw Central Park. I saw normal people doing normal things and leading, what appeared to be, normal lives. I didn't know normal. I didn't know what it meant or how it felt. I came here to New York to try and get that. I wanted normal. A normal life, what's that?
I didn't want to leave the apartment for the whole month. I did have every intention of staying right in my bedroom. I looked at the phone as it rung. I picked it up.
"Hello?" I asked.
"Hey baby." It was Paul.
"Miss me all ready?" I asked.
"Of course." He answered. "Miss us?"
"A few people, yes. But, not the company."
"Is this the same Destiny I know?"
"Yes, it is. Just a worn out one." I answered.
"I bet you are. You got less days off than I did."
"I know, it's horrible." I sighed.
"You deserve it." He told me. "Take this month off and do what you want."
"I plan on it."
Paul and I talked for a little while longer. He then had to go. It was late and we were tired. I went to bed that night with ever intention to relax and not worry about the World Wrestling Federation or anyone in it. If someone had asked me at that moment to go back, I don't think I would have. If they were to hand me my son, I'd take him and leave forever.
The following morning, I was feeling the match. My back and my knee killed me. I could barley walk. I set my bathtub up and sat in it. I had every intention on staying in that tub all day. But, the phone rang, and I went to get it.
"Hello?" I asked.
"Morning." Matt replied.
"Hey, thanks." I said. "I was in the tub. How's my baby?"
"Sleeping now." Matt answered. "He's doing fine, don't worry."
"I do worry. I should be with him."
"Destiny, you don't have to worry. He's got me, and the entire WWF around him."
The entire WWF around him. Going back to what Adam was saying. I was starting to believe him more. Maybe I was mistaking this for love, or a form of love. Matthew needed his family, he did. But, he also had it, and more. But, what would happen if something were to happen to Matt or myself? I was torn.
After I got off the phone with Matt I grabbed a jacket and went outside. I walked over to Central Park. I walked around thinking about what Adam told me, about what I wanted, about my son, my career, it all. I didn't know where I was going and what I was doing. Nothing made sense, I didn't even make sense.
My train of thought switched to Unforgiven. This past Unforgiven and what happened. A lot happened that put a lot on my emotions. But, it was Amy bringing Kurt Angle back into my life that killed me. I hadn't dealt with Kurt Angle since last year. We didn't talk to each other and hadn't ran into each other. I liked it that way. I knew now, that Kurt Angle would be in my life once more. I couldn't handle Kurt.
I had walked around the park for a few hours, a lot of hours. Nothing cleared out of my head. I was just as confused as when I came. But, that night, my emotions got hot. I had every intention to watch RAW that night. Both Chris and myself weren't there and I wanted to know what people were going to say about me not being there. I was sitting down when Lita's music hit. She came out, and as she walked out she pointed to the curtain. Kurt Angle came out with her. Both Lita and Kurt walked arm and arm down the ramp and into the ring.
"Last night, I was cheated out of a victory." Lita said. The fans were on her, knowing it wasn't true. "I mean, I had every reason to win that match. But still, that dumb bitch beat me. I don't understand it."
"Even after I helped!" Kurt cried. "Triple H, how dare you run down and try and interfere in Lita's match. Are you crazy!? We'll settle this tonight. A tag team elimination match. Me and lovely Lita here against you and Destiny. Your WWF Title and her Women's Title. What do you say?"
"Kurt, have you forgotten? Destiny isn't here." Lita said. I knew something was up. "And, she won't be here for a long time."
"Oh, that's right, how could I forget."
"It seems that little miss perfect couldn't handle the pressures of the road anymore." She laughed. "She couldn't handle a lot of things and she needed a little break. Was the WWF too rough for you Destiny? Aww, I am so sorry."
"I know, it's just so sad." Kurt replied. "But, I have some footage that will make you happy, Lita."
On the Titan Tron, the video playing after I left McMahon's room, before I left. Somehow, they got this on tape and played it for everyone. While I was in the locker room saying good bye and everything. You bed I was pissed off. I was livid. As the footage played, I called McMahon's cell. He swore he didn't know. Then, Stephanie's music hit and she walked out.
"You dumb slut." She yelled. "The only reason you didn't win was because you're not half the woman Destiny is. You could never be any of the woman Destiny is. Even with help, you couldn't win."
"Is that so?" Lita asked. "If she was some kind of woman, she could balance a career and motherhood." The crowd went silent. She was exposing it all. "I am right, aren't I Kurt? She should be able to."
"You know, Amy, I can't wait for the day Destiny puts you out for good. Look around, you have nothing. Absolutely nothing left. I've been counting down the days until you are run out with nothing left but that dirty thong you wear." Stephanie said, so seriously that it sent chills down my spine.
"Oh please, Stephanie." Kurt said. "Lita here can at least handle her career. Destiny's nothing but a cheating whore."
With that, Triple H's music hit. He walked to his wife. He didn't even bother to change. The look in his eyes were priceless. He burned through Amy and Kurt.
"Kurt, you punk." He said. "How dare you address my daughter that way. Now, normally, I'd be using words you never knew existed. But, out of respect for the men in suits backstage, I'll refrain." He took a deep breath. "I hear saying something about a challenge. I accept. But, this intergender tag match will be between you and that dirty whore and me and my wife. And, Kurt, if you can somehow put the 1-2-3 on me, this belt is yours."
He put his arm around Stephanie and walked out. I had nearly put a hole in the pillow in my couch. I was breathing heavy. I ran to the phone and called my travel agent.
"I need a ticket to Connecticut now." I yelled. "How fast can I get there?"
"I have a flight that leaves at midnight tonight. You should be there but at least one am."
"I'll take it."
There went my vacation, but I didn't care. I watched RAW pissed. The main event did calm me some. Kurt and Amy had no shot. Stephanie and Paul overpowered them. As the match ended, Test came down with a chair in hand. He took a swing at Paul and shoved Stephanie. It was a three on one pretty much. Soon, Matt ran down with, to my surprise, Jeff. They took down Kurt and Test. Stephanie took out Lita once more.
When RAW was over, I was ready to leave. Nothing was going to stop me from getting what I wanted. I had messed both Kurt and Amy up before. Now, now I was really angry. I couldn't think of anything else but revenge. I was going to get my revenge. I was going to make sure they'd never talk again. And, I planned on taking Amy out, just like Stephanie said.
"Only hours away." Chris told me. He was in my room.
"I know. I'm feeling it." I smiled. "I still have to talk to Vince."
"Shouldn't have to worry about it. He'll give it to you."
"I'm going now, before I forget and chicken out."
I walked down the hallway to Vince's room. I knocked twice and he answered. I smiled and walked in. He shut the door and looked at me.
"What do you need?" He asked.
"A favor, a big favor." I answered. "I'm burned, I'm run down. I need time off, and not just a week. I was thinking of leaving after Unforgiven and coming back at No Mercy." Vince looked stunned. "I know it's a long time, and I know it's weird coming from me. But, for a year I have been pretty much nonstop. I don't know much of anything anymore and I need it."
"That is true." He said. He sat down. "You are the very best I have right now. And, it would be weird if you just left."
"I know. But, you can make it seem like I got hurt. This match tonight, it's not going to be an easy one."
"I'd have to think about it. Chris has off for a week. I'll give you my answer after Unforgiven."
"All right."
I sighed and walked down the hall. I told Chris I was leaving early, very early in fact. I took my car and left. The arena was only twenty minutes away. But there was hours to kill. I needed the time to myself, to think, and to really get into this match. With my actions on Smackdown still haunting me, I had to psych myself up. This wasn't any match. I was going in there with no game plan, nothing. All I had was my belt and an assumption that I'd win. I didn't know what the rules of this match were, actually I did, there were none. Anything was possible. And, that did make me worry some more.
I was parked on the side of a nearly vacant road. I wanted to go into the event with a clear mind, or a somewhat clear mind. It was impossible for me to have an actual clear mind. I tried to put together a match, some ideas I could use. It would be my last match before my vacation, if I was going to get it. I had to go out big.
I spent so much time on the side of the road, thinking and plotting and coming up with ways to win. I finally left the road side and went to the arena. Fans were lined up and I knew I had to put the act on. I couldn't let them know just how miserable I was. I signed autographs for the fans that were out there before I was rushed inside.
"Hey, Des." Marty, a stage hand said.
"Marty, how are ya?" I asked.
"I'm fine. Ring's set up, everything's going good."
"Good to hear." I replied, and walked on.
Stephanie was standing outside of the locker room. She saw me, waved, and came over to me. She hugged me and walked with me to the door. She didn't open it. She looked at me and said, "Paul's in there."
"Oh."
"Chris is in there too."
"Oh."
"I have no idea what they're talking about. But, it looks like Chris plans on sharing the locker room."
"Oh."
"Are you?"
"I don't know. Right now, Paul isn't on my mind. It's surviving this match."
"What number is it?"
"Six." I answered. "I have a while to go."
"Paul's eight, the main event."
"I have a promo to cut later. If I get ready and leave my shit in there, I can do fine in the halls."
"Are you sure?" She asked.
"Yeah, let me change and I'll leave." I answered.
She nodded and opened the door. When I went in, the room went silent. I don't think Chris and Paul were talking about me. I went in there, changed, put my things down and left with my belts. I walked around backstage.
"Destiny!" I turned around and saw Adam run to me. "How the hell are you?"
"All right." I answered. "You?"
"Can't complain. Got some match up tonight. Good luck."
"Thanks." I replied. "I have no idea what the hell's going to happen."
"How's things with Paul?"
"Ah, that's what you wanted."
"No, I'm just-"
"It's all right. I don't know. Things suck, a lot of things, everything."
"Why's that?" He asked.
"I don't know why. All I know is this, I'm trying to do right with my son and I'm losing a lot."
"Maybe this just wasn't meant to be. Have you thought of that? Lets face it, you and Matt aren't exactly peanut butter and jelly, if you get what I mean. He got you pregnant, anyone can. I don't mean you're a slut, I mean any guy can do it. Anyway, you're doing fine now. Matthew has both of his parents, all of us around him. He's growing up in a family, we're his family. He may not have a traditional family, but he's got something better." Adam explained. "You're mistaking this for love." I didn't say anything. "Trust me. I may not be the best at these kinds of things, but I do know what I'm talking about now."
He left me there to think about it. He was right, again. And, when Adam's right, he's really right. I sighed and sat down in a chair near the men's locker room. I had my Women's Title over my right knee and my Tag Team Title over my left knee. Michael Cole came up to me and tapped me on the shoulder.
"Ready for the interview?" He asked softly.
"Of course." I answered with a smile. Cole and I walked over to the promo/interview area.
"I'm here with Destiny, WWF Women's Champion and one half of the WWF Tag Team Champions." He started. "It's good to see you here at Unforgiven. Now, tonight you engaged in a blood thirsty battle inside a steel cage, the Women's Title on the line."
"Cole, that skanky, slutty, loss, bitch, Lita has been getting in my way time and time again. Each time, I've put her out. She hasn't been able to put her hands on my gold. Tonight, it'll be no different. I'm going to get extreme. Put that bitch out again. Deny her the shot at WWF gold. You're right, I am blood thirsty, and the only thing that can quench my thirst is the site of Lita's blood all over the ring. Oh, yes, Cole, it will be. "
"You sound, harsh." He said.
"Harsh? Of course I'm harsh."
"Don't you think you should give Lita the benefit of the doubt. Maybe, after tonight, put this behind you?"
"Are you on crack!? This will never be put behind me. I will make everyday of Lita's pathetic, miserable life a living hell." I replied. "And, once again, she'll meet the harsh reality that she sucks, that she will never own WWF gold, and as far as the fans are concerned, she can just wash away."
And I walked away. My promo's to Amy weren't so hard to come up with. They were spoken from the heart. I walked down the hall now pumped up for the match. Each belt over a separate shoulder. I suddenly felt like The Undertaker walking down the hall getting ready for a match. I felt big and bad. I had no reason to.
As I passed the men's locker room, that's just who came out. Mark jumped, literally, in my way and I, literally, walked into him. He looked down at me and chuckled to himself. He took the Women's Title off my shoulder and put it around his.
"What do you think?" He asked, walking around in a circle, like a chick.
"Oh, yes, Mark, that belt was meant for you."
"How's your head?" He asked.
"All right, I guess." I answered. "I'll live."
"With the match you have lined up, you better." He put the title back on my shoulder. "Here."
I talked with Mark for a little while longer and then Amy appeared on the TV. Time for her promo. I sat there and watched, wanting to here what she had to say.
"Lita, tonight you have a shot to become the WWF Women's Champion." Coach said. "But, by seeing what Destiny said, how do you think your chances are?"
"Coach, please, Destiny is nothing. Women's Champ? So what. Tag Team Champion? So what. It takes more than gold to make a woman. And, Destiny has a lot to learn about the WWF." I was feeling quit adventurous and started walking to her. "I mean, seriously, she's going to get extreme on me?"
"Yeah, that's right." I told her.
"Uh, Destiny." Coach said.
"Tonight, Lita, once again you'll be embarrassed. Because, once again I'll kick your ass, miserably."
"Oh, but you're wrong. I've got this feeling that tonight is not your night."
"But tonight is yours." I told her. "I mean, I know someone is going to your hotel room. But, that's not the point. Tonight marks the fourteenth straight pay-per-view where I have kicked your ass. That's right, you haven't beaten me in thirteen straight pay-per-views. Tonight is number fourteen."
And, I walked away. I was feeling back in the game. My worries and problems of before were now gone. And, I was Destiny, the WWF Women's Champion and one half of the WWF Tag Team Champions. I was the character I had created. That was not a good sign for Amy.
I bounced around by the curtain before the match. Amy was on the otherside, looking at me. Adam was by my side, rubbing my back. The steel cage was being lowered. I watched, intensely as the cage lowered to the ground. I felt my stomach turn inside me. Lita's music hit first and she walked out. Then, my music hit. When I went through the curtain I knew things would be different after.
I stood in front of the cage, looking up at it, measuring up what was inside. The ref had the door opened and told me to get in. I handed my belts off and went in. We didn't engage at first. We eyed each other, and walked around each other. I made the first move. I dove at her, knocking her down. I started punching her, closed fists. She flipped me over and was on me and started hitting me. I kicked her up. I stood up and shook it off. I got her in a swinging neckbraker and got up on the turnbuckle. When Lita stood up, I jumped off doing a diving hurricanrana. Lita stood up and swept her legs under mine and took my knee out. She smelt blood and went for my knee.
I fought her off and made it to the ropes, pulling myself up. Lita ran at me and I ducked, sending her into the cage. I stumbled away from the ropes and fell on my ass. When I stood up I pulled her from between the ropes and cage and got her in the guillotine. She rolled over and I sat on her back and wrapped my arms around her neck. She bit me, hard and I had to let go. She hit me with a few good right hands and got me in the bulldog. She then tried to get out of the cage. I got her feet and sent her down, almost like a powerbomb.
When I picked her up, I decided to pay homage to the Deadman and got her set up for the Last Ride. Unfortunately for me, she reversed it and sent me flying over her back. I hit hard, and felt that sharp pain in my back that I hadn't felt in a year. I rolled over, pain and tears in my eyes. This wasn't a good thing. Lita started stomping on my back, making it worse. I pulled her feet and sent her falling face first to the canvas.
When I got up, I started throwing her into the cage, time after time. She could barely stand. But, somehow she managed to get me in a DDT. My back kept me down for a while. We both got up and the same time and I got her in a vicious Twist Of Fate. I went on the turnbuckle and did a Swanton and started to climb. As I reached the top, I felt hands push me down. Kurt Angle had made an appearance. He climbed into the ring and beat up me, yelling at Lita to get up and climb out. She got to the top, but Triple H was there and pie faced her off. The both of us were knocked silly. Triple H climbed down and got to Kurt. As the two men fought, I climbed to the top of the cage and performed a corkscrew moonsault taking everyone out. Triple H came too first and picked me up. Kurt was up next and hit Triple H from behind. Triple got up and got Kurt in the Pedigree. He then put me on his shoulders and helped me up the cage. When I got up on top. I looked down and the ring below, and Triple H, who looked up at me and smiled. I smiled back, raised my hands up and climbed down. When I hit the ground, I fell over. The ref handed me my belts and I raised them. Triple H opened the cage door and ran to me and lifted me up.
I wrapped my arms around him, blood pouring from my head. I didn't know if this was part of a story line, or if he was really out here for me. He was all smiles, as he lifted me up. Kurt was helping Amy up in the ring, yelling at us both.
When we got backstage, Paul didn't put me down. He continued to carry me to the locker room. No one was in there. He placed me down on a chair and stood there in front of me, still smiling from my victory. Naturally, I was confused as hell.
"Destiny." He said. "I'm sorry. You needed someone and I left you out in the dark. As your father, I should have been there for you. I guess I was just so worried and so nervous about you. I don't want anything bad to happen to you. I don't know what I'd do if something did. You never had it easy, and I just want things to go right for you. I don't want you jumping into anything. But, I always should have known you'd make the right choice. And, I want to be there for you, in everything you do."
"I shouldn't have been so harsh on you."
"You had every right. Stephanie and Chris talked to me. I overreacted. I love you, and I will walk you down that aisle."
"Paul." I jumped up, even though it hurt like hell, and wrapped my arms around him. "I love you, daddy."
"I love you too baby." I got off. "I am not done with Kurt."
"Don't. Don't let him ruin it." I told him. "Go out there and win. You got Steve, it's a guaranteed good match. Forget it right now."
He hugged me again, kissed my cheek, and left the room. I sat down, smiling like all hell. Stephanie came in right after, as if she knew what was going on. She looked shocked, and confused. She sat down next to me and looked at me, "what happened?"
"Thank you." I smiled and hugged her.
"What did I do?" She asked.
"Just, thank you."
I got up and left. I walked down to the curtain to see Paul's match. I stood there, watching, smiling. I was in a lot of pain, so much pain, but this made it all better. As I was watching Paul's match, Vince came up behind me and told me he wanted to speak to me.
"I've come up with a decision." He told me once we got in his "office".
"And?" I asked.
"You know you are very valuable to me. I need you around." My stomach sank. "Without, it will be weird. But, seeing as since you are my very best, you can have your month."
"Thanks, McMahon." I smiled and left.
"So, that's why you were thanking me." Stephanie said when she saw me. "I just talked to Paul."
"Yes, that's why." I smiled. "I get my time."
"Good, you need it." She replied.
"I'm leaving, now." I told her. "I'm getting my things and leaving."
"Stick around."
"Nah, I need to get out. Start this vacation off right."
"All right. I'll call you. Remember, take it light. You don't need to be running around. You need the break." She hugged me and went inside her father's room. I went to the locker room to get my things.
"Hey boys." I said. "I'm leaving. I got my vacation time." Chris, Matt, and Paul were in the room.
"All right, baby." Paul said. He hugged me. "See you in a month."
"Later partner." Chris called from his bench. "Take it light. Clear your head."
Matt walked to me. "Call you."
I nodded. "See you all later."
I flung my bag over my shoulder and whistled as I walked down the hall. I waved to guys as I walked. I went to the back exit. I was really looking forward to this vacation, I needed it. When I left the arena, I looked back and sighed. A year and a half of work had just ended.
I threw my bag in the passengers seat. I didn't start the car right away. I sat in the drivers seat and looked straight a head. I actually thought about screwing this vacation and going back in there. But, I heard Stephanie's voice in the back of my head telling me to go. So, I started the car up, and drove off.
I didn't slow up when I left, I didn't try to stop, didn't try to turn around, and I didn't look in the rearview mirror. I knew if I did, I'd end up going back. I looked next to me, my things were all there, everything. My belts laid over my bags. They weren't glittering, they weren't glowing, they were laying there. A weird feeling came over me, and inside the entire car. I felt like I lost a part of me, and I did. But, I knew I'd be gaining a part of myself I lost so very long ago.
My decision to leave was pretty much a surprise, and I knew half that federation had no idea. Also, the fans had no idea. And, I did feel bad about leaving both on such a short notice and without warning. I just hoped that the guys in the back could come up with something to cover for me. On top of that, my son would not be with me. And, I felt extremely guilty about that. Part of me said, "turn around and get your son". Actually, all of me said that. But, once again, there was Stephanie's voice. And trust me, when you hear her voice a million times when you don't have to, you give in. I didn't want anyone to hate me for my decision to leave, and how I left, and everything that came along with it.
When I got to the airport, fans for the pay-per-view were there waiting to leave. And, then I showed up. I didn't want to get any more attention than needed. But, when you look like I do: blue hair, baggy black jeans, ripped T-shirt, and blue fishnet under it. Plus, having two World Wrestling Federation belts near you, it's very hard to not cause attention. And, that's just what happened.
The several fans that were there rushed over to me and started mobbing me. Airport security noticed, and turned this into the scene I didn't want. Three security men had to escort me to my plane. Once on it, I sat down and took a deep breath. I wasn't going to cry about leaving. I wasn't going to dwell on it. I finally felt like I needed the vacation.
The flight home was calming and realizing. I knew I wasn't going to a show and I knew what was waiting for me. It was weird, sure, different, of course, but it was a feeling I had missed.
No one knew, actually, hardly anyone knew. I really didn't want anyone to know either. I didn't want to make my month gone a big deal, something everyone had to know and make up for. As long as they could cover for me, that was just fine. No one had to make a project out of this, a big storyline. Oh, where's Destiny? Where did she run off to? No, it wasn't like this.
"Aren't you Destiny from the WWF?" A teenager asked me. He was sitting in the row next to me. These boys where looking at me the whole flight.
"Yes, I am." I answered.
"Thought so. I saw you get on, with those belts, and knew you were." He said. "No one will believe us when we tell them that Destiny was on our flight."
I turned me head the other way. I wasn't in the mood for anything.
"So, what are you doing on this flight anyway?" He asked.
"Nothing." I answered. "Going to New York."
"Oh, WWF New York thing? Wish I could go." He looked down. He looked as if he wanted me to invite him to this autograph thing. Which, never was.
I didn't want to talk to him, or anyone on the flight. I wanted to get home and crawl into bed and never get out again. The boys noticed my mood and didn't say anything more. When the plane landed, I offered to sign something and take pictures. I felt bad. I did that and walked off. I got my bags hailed a cab.
I got the cab to drive me to the train station and got on the first train out. On the train, no one noticed me. Just how I waned it. I got off at Penn Station and walked down 7th Ave to my apartment in The Dakota. I stood in front of it for a while before going in. When I got in a wave came over me. I slowly walked to my room and slowly opened the door. When I stepped inside, I felt like I could breath again. I had felt like I had been holding my breath for the past year and a half and was finally able to breath.
I put all of my things away and sat on the bed. My room hadn't changed since I was here last, everything was the same. I had pictures of me and the guys around my room. And I still had one picture of Jeff and I. I looked out the window of my bedroom and saw Central Park. I saw normal people doing normal things and leading, what appeared to be, normal lives. I didn't know normal. I didn't know what it meant or how it felt. I came here to New York to try and get that. I wanted normal. A normal life, what's that?
I didn't want to leave the apartment for the whole month. I did have every intention of staying right in my bedroom. I looked at the phone as it rung. I picked it up.
"Hello?" I asked.
"Hey baby." It was Paul.
"Miss me all ready?" I asked.
"Of course." He answered. "Miss us?"
"A few people, yes. But, not the company."
"Is this the same Destiny I know?"
"Yes, it is. Just a worn out one." I answered.
"I bet you are. You got less days off than I did."
"I know, it's horrible." I sighed.
"You deserve it." He told me. "Take this month off and do what you want."
"I plan on it."
Paul and I talked for a little while longer. He then had to go. It was late and we were tired. I went to bed that night with ever intention to relax and not worry about the World Wrestling Federation or anyone in it. If someone had asked me at that moment to go back, I don't think I would have. If they were to hand me my son, I'd take him and leave forever.
The following morning, I was feeling the match. My back and my knee killed me. I could barley walk. I set my bathtub up and sat in it. I had every intention on staying in that tub all day. But, the phone rang, and I went to get it.
"Hello?" I asked.
"Morning." Matt replied.
"Hey, thanks." I said. "I was in the tub. How's my baby?"
"Sleeping now." Matt answered. "He's doing fine, don't worry."
"I do worry. I should be with him."
"Destiny, you don't have to worry. He's got me, and the entire WWF around him."
The entire WWF around him. Going back to what Adam was saying. I was starting to believe him more. Maybe I was mistaking this for love, or a form of love. Matthew needed his family, he did. But, he also had it, and more. But, what would happen if something were to happen to Matt or myself? I was torn.
After I got off the phone with Matt I grabbed a jacket and went outside. I walked over to Central Park. I walked around thinking about what Adam told me, about what I wanted, about my son, my career, it all. I didn't know where I was going and what I was doing. Nothing made sense, I didn't even make sense.
My train of thought switched to Unforgiven. This past Unforgiven and what happened. A lot happened that put a lot on my emotions. But, it was Amy bringing Kurt Angle back into my life that killed me. I hadn't dealt with Kurt Angle since last year. We didn't talk to each other and hadn't ran into each other. I liked it that way. I knew now, that Kurt Angle would be in my life once more. I couldn't handle Kurt.
I had walked around the park for a few hours, a lot of hours. Nothing cleared out of my head. I was just as confused as when I came. But, that night, my emotions got hot. I had every intention to watch RAW that night. Both Chris and myself weren't there and I wanted to know what people were going to say about me not being there. I was sitting down when Lita's music hit. She came out, and as she walked out she pointed to the curtain. Kurt Angle came out with her. Both Lita and Kurt walked arm and arm down the ramp and into the ring.
"Last night, I was cheated out of a victory." Lita said. The fans were on her, knowing it wasn't true. "I mean, I had every reason to win that match. But still, that dumb bitch beat me. I don't understand it."
"Even after I helped!" Kurt cried. "Triple H, how dare you run down and try and interfere in Lita's match. Are you crazy!? We'll settle this tonight. A tag team elimination match. Me and lovely Lita here against you and Destiny. Your WWF Title and her Women's Title. What do you say?"
"Kurt, have you forgotten? Destiny isn't here." Lita said. I knew something was up. "And, she won't be here for a long time."
"Oh, that's right, how could I forget."
"It seems that little miss perfect couldn't handle the pressures of the road anymore." She laughed. "She couldn't handle a lot of things and she needed a little break. Was the WWF too rough for you Destiny? Aww, I am so sorry."
"I know, it's just so sad." Kurt replied. "But, I have some footage that will make you happy, Lita."
On the Titan Tron, the video playing after I left McMahon's room, before I left. Somehow, they got this on tape and played it for everyone. While I was in the locker room saying good bye and everything. You bed I was pissed off. I was livid. As the footage played, I called McMahon's cell. He swore he didn't know. Then, Stephanie's music hit and she walked out.
"You dumb slut." She yelled. "The only reason you didn't win was because you're not half the woman Destiny is. You could never be any of the woman Destiny is. Even with help, you couldn't win."
"Is that so?" Lita asked. "If she was some kind of woman, she could balance a career and motherhood." The crowd went silent. She was exposing it all. "I am right, aren't I Kurt? She should be able to."
"You know, Amy, I can't wait for the day Destiny puts you out for good. Look around, you have nothing. Absolutely nothing left. I've been counting down the days until you are run out with nothing left but that dirty thong you wear." Stephanie said, so seriously that it sent chills down my spine.
"Oh please, Stephanie." Kurt said. "Lita here can at least handle her career. Destiny's nothing but a cheating whore."
With that, Triple H's music hit. He walked to his wife. He didn't even bother to change. The look in his eyes were priceless. He burned through Amy and Kurt.
"Kurt, you punk." He said. "How dare you address my daughter that way. Now, normally, I'd be using words you never knew existed. But, out of respect for the men in suits backstage, I'll refrain." He took a deep breath. "I hear saying something about a challenge. I accept. But, this intergender tag match will be between you and that dirty whore and me and my wife. And, Kurt, if you can somehow put the 1-2-3 on me, this belt is yours."
He put his arm around Stephanie and walked out. I had nearly put a hole in the pillow in my couch. I was breathing heavy. I ran to the phone and called my travel agent.
"I need a ticket to Connecticut now." I yelled. "How fast can I get there?"
"I have a flight that leaves at midnight tonight. You should be there but at least one am."
"I'll take it."
There went my vacation, but I didn't care. I watched RAW pissed. The main event did calm me some. Kurt and Amy had no shot. Stephanie and Paul overpowered them. As the match ended, Test came down with a chair in hand. He took a swing at Paul and shoved Stephanie. It was a three on one pretty much. Soon, Matt ran down with, to my surprise, Jeff. They took down Kurt and Test. Stephanie took out Lita once more.
When RAW was over, I was ready to leave. Nothing was going to stop me from getting what I wanted. I had messed both Kurt and Amy up before. Now, now I was really angry. I couldn't think of anything else but revenge. I was going to get my revenge. I was going to make sure they'd never talk again. And, I planned on taking Amy out, just like Stephanie said.