CHAPTER 16: Just Right…

Shawn was lying down in bed, in deep thoughts when the opening of the door interrupted him. Rebecca entered the room quietly, and smiled at the patient. "Hey you…"

"Hi baby!"

"So how are you doing now? How'd the conversation with the best friend go?"

"I think it went well. I hope he's in a better state of mind now. You know… hoping that I've lifted his spirits somehow… and this kid right here (while pointing to self) is doing a-ok."

"Well that's good then… I think it's best that you keep resting. That'll mean a faster recovery, something that we all would want… so… rest now, I'll just fix some things around in here…" Rebecca said while fixing the blanket on Shawn.

Then the sudden ringing of Shawn's cell phone interrupted her. Rebecca picked up the phone, and saw the caller id that read: Randy Orton. "It's Randy."

"Huh? Maybe it's one of the kids… you answer it…"

Becca answered the call, then got to talk to Cam, and then she passed the phone along to Shawn. He was just calling to see how Shawn was.

After the conversation with his son, Shawn flipped the phone down and gave it back to his wife, and suddenly asked a question. "Uhm… wait. Uh… before I get to rest fully, uhm… do… do you have a minute?" Shawn debated to himself on how to tell his wife what he has been meaning to since he woke up.

Sitting down on the chair beside the bed, which was occupied by Paul just minutes ago, Rebecca got concerned. "Yeah… Sure… What's on your mind?"

"Uh… I just wanna tell you something…" With his left hand, Shawn held his wife's hands.

In a gentle voice, he began, "I… I would like to start by apologizing to you for what happened tonight. I know I promised you earlier that I would take good care of myself that nothing's gonna happen to me. But now, I'm here, lying in a hospital bed and you're here, watching over me. I know that when I fell from the cell, it freaked you out, and I'm sorry for that. I know you got scared too, somehow, and I'm also apologizing for that. I know it was hard for you to see that, and I didn't really want to hurt you with that. I didn't mean to… I didn't know… so, I'm sorry that I broke my promise to you…"

For reasons not clear to her, tears started to form in Rebecca's eyes. Maybe it was just because she felt that she was so fortunate to have a husband who claimed responsibility for his actions, even if in reality, it was not even his fault. It was nobody's fault; it was an accident. Kissing his hand, Rebecca replied, "Baby, you don't have to say sorry. It's not your fault. It's noone's fault. It was bound to happen. Don't blame yourself over this. It's okay…"

Wiping the tears away from his wife's face, Shawn continued, "I will still stick by that promise though, to always take care of myself when I'm out in the ring. But by the looks of it, I wouldn't have to keep that promise for the next week seeing that I would not be allowed to wrestle anyway…" The last part was definitely a joke.

Slightly chuckling, Rebecca shot back, "You bet your ass you should!"

"Okay… so… yeah… that's just it. So you could do whatever you're supposed to do now, and I'm gonna take my beauty rest now. In the business I work in, looks are as good, if not better, than talent. Just take a look at John…"

Slapping Shawn's arm, Becca said, "Meanie!!! You should really not spend so much time with Paul. You're turning out to be more and more like him!!! Don't do that… anyway, go rest now… good night. And if you ever need anything, I'll be here. If I'm asleep, wake me up, okay?" Then she planted a kiss on his forehead.

"Sure… Uh… would you lie with me for a bit?" He pouted, and in a baby-like voice, he continued, "Puuuhhlease…"

She patted his head, and agreed. "Okay, okay baby Shawn…" And she did.

"Oh yeah, and one more thing…"

"Hmm?"

"I love you."

"And I love you too Mr. Hickenbottom…"

Then Shawn slowly closed his eyes, and eventually fell asleep with Rebecca by his side. All of the pain he was feeling just a while ago seemed to suddenly vanish.

---

Paul entered the room and found Steph seemingly asleep. Well, maybe she was just resting. She was tired and a thousand more, and she really needed much rest. Paul decided to just allow her to sleep so he walked to the bed and kissed Steph's forehead, before supposedly fixing the things around then getting some sleep as well.

But as if he was Prince Charming and she was Sleeping Beauty, with that kiss, she slowly opened her eyes and smiled, when she saw that he was there. In a soft voice, she decided to let her presence be known. "Hey!"

"Oh! Hi! I'm sorry… didn't mean to wake you… go… go ahead and rest. You really need it. I'll just fix some things around here then I'm gonna go rest too…"

"Hmmm… that's interesting when it's you who makes a mess at home. You won't even put out the trash." Steph decided to tease him.

"Steph…" His voice was a warning like one. "Don't start this now… you need to rest."

"But I won't, unless you come and rest with me."

"I will… once I get this done."

She teased him more. "Then I won't be resting till then."

For some reason, Paul was beginning to feel irritated already. Normally, he won't and instead would "play" and joke around with Stephanie. With the long list of facts he has about Steph that would really come out as strong arguments, he wins all of these "arguments", except when it was just Steph's day and she was able to make it a draw. But tonight, he didn't want to play and joke around. He was too tired and worn out; he just wanted to get some rest as soon as possible. But more importantly, Stephanie was sick and she needed to get some rest… now."

"Stephanie…" his voice was now sterner. And looking at her straight to the eye, he continued, "I'm not kidding… go to sleep. Now."

It didn't take long before Steph realized that he was really not in the mood, so she just dropped the teasing and give in to Paul's wish. She decided to just lie there and try to fall into slumber. She may not be able to fall asleep yet, but at least she was already "resting". Then in a sheepish voice, she looked down and said, "I'm sorry…"

Realizing his "mistake", Paul went up to her, stroked her hair, and in a now much gentle voice said: "Baby, I'm sorry too… I didn't mean to raise my voice… I… I…"

"No… it's okay. It was not your fault. I should have listened…"

"Okay, okay… how about we forget this thing happened as it seems that we have called it quits already anyway… how's that?"

She smiled at him and replied, "Good."

"I… I… just have a question if that's okay with you…" Steph asked, now more timidly.

"Yeah? What?"

"Have you talked to the doctor yet?" Steph seemed scared asking that question.

Pulling the seat nearest to him, Paul sat beside his wife's bedside. This was going to be a long, serious conversation. He just could feel it. "Actually, I… I have."

"And?"

"Well… I'm supposed to just tell you this tomorrow when you're all rested and tire-free… but since you asked, I might as well tell you…"

In a now shaky voice, Steph once again asked, "What did he say?" Tears were now starting to form in her eyes. In all honesty, she was scared. She was really, really scared. She cannot even imagine the thought of having to leave everyone. No, she can't do that. She can't leave her family—her parents, her brother, her best friend who became more and more like a sister to her everyday, her nephews, and more importantly, her daughter and Paul. There was no way that she would leave them…

Seeing a vulnerable Steph almost breaking down in front of him, Paul took her hand, stood up, sat beside her in the bed and embraced her into a hug.

Paul tried his best to comfort and calm Steph down. "Hey, come' on now… don't cry… don't, because I'ma sure to follow… I'm sure we don't want a nurse suddenly enter and see that. Or else my image goes down the drain…"

While continuously caressing her hair, Paul continued, "Baby, it's okay… you'll be fine… the doctor said that they're gonna have you examined again tomorrow, and then schedule you for surgery as soon as possible. Maybe even as soon as this Wednesday. And before you know it, you're already well. Okay? So, see? There's nothing to worry about… baby, you'll be fine." Then he kissed her on her temple.

As if she were a lost kid, Steph looked at Paul with still wet eyes and asked, "You… you won't leave me right?" Oh, how she looked so innocent!

Paul let out a slight chuckle. She was just so cute! "Of course not! Baby, I will be with you every step of the way. What makes you think I'll leave you, huh?"

"I don't know… maybe… maybe you don't love me anymore. Especially after you've found out that I… I'm sick…"

"We're done with that conversation already, right? We have discussed that already… I told you, I wouldn't leave you. I promised you, I'd be here beside you. Have I ever broken a promise to you?"

"Yeah… you said you'll take out the trash the other day. Yet, it was I who did it…"

"Well… except that…" Paul was thankful that Steph was now a bit okay, now making jokes and once again getting the best of him. "I said I was sorry… I can't help it… I was too tired. Working out then doing paper work then working you all in one day is pretty much tiring, you know!" Then they both laughed.

"Hmph!"

Then Paul decided to turn to serious mode. Looking at her, he said, "But you know what, baby, have I told you that I haven't loved you more than I do now?"

"You do?"

"Yes, I do. And I'll keep all the promises I told you the day we officially said 'I do'."

"Well, I love you too. And I'm grateful for each day, that I wake up to be lying next to you."

Then in a cocky manner ala Randy Orton, Paul said, "Well, you better… I mean, who wouldn't, right?" This earned him a slap in the arm. "Ouch! What was that for?"

"Stop hanging around Orton much, will ya?"

"So now you're the one deciding on whom I should be friends with too? You did that with girl friends, now you're doing it with my guy friends too? Hmph!"

"Of course… and I know you love me too much, anyway!"

"And I love you, too. Now good night, and rest well…"

Then with those pleading baby blue eyes, Stephanie said, "Would you stay here with me for a while?"

"Sure thing…"

The couple shared a kiss and Steph went to sleep, knowing full well that with Paul by her side tonight and in life, there was nothing to worry about.

---

Marissa was trying her best to feel comfortable to be able to get some sleep. She has been lying down in bed for the past half hour, and despite being so tired already, she still couldn't get any sleep. She wondered whether there was even a member of the McMahon family who is or will be able to sleep tonight. She doubted it.

Her thoughts were proven true when she turned around and saw Shane just staring at the ceiling. He was evidently in deep thoughts, and he didn't show any sign of sleeping any time soon. She watched her husband for a few more seconds, and then decided to finally get his attention. She felt that Shane needed someone to talk to because there was something inside of her telling her that Shane hasn't released his emotions completely yet. She just did that a while ago, and he was there for her. Now, she's going to do the same for him.

"Shane?"

Slightly surprised to hear his name, Shane looked at his wife. "Can't sleep either?" Then he went back to what he was previously doing, staring at the ceiling.

"Yeah… tried to, just can't. And you? What's on your mind?"

"Just thinking…"

"Care to share? Come' on… you haven't really talked much with what has happened…"

Not removing his eyes from the ceiling, he tried to reassure her that he was okay. "I'm… I'm fine… you don't have to worry about me… try getting some sleep again. You need it…"

But Rissa wasn't just about to give up. She has been married to him for ten years already, and they have been together for more than fifteen years. She knew that he could be stubborn at times, and that was even something about him that she loved. "Shane…"

"Seriously… I'm fine…"

Then in a pleading voice, Marissa said, "Hey, look… it's okay to let whatever is in (placing a hand on his chest, on his heart) there come out. Baby, come' on you can tell me… in times like this, we need each other. Please don't shun me out…" She didn't want it to come out that way, but she was tired already, and couldn't think straight anymore.

Shane looked at his wife once again, and saw that she was already pleading with him. He also saw the hurt in her eyes and her voice, that she felt he was shunning her out of his life. So he had no choice, but to tell her. Damn! Marissa really knew him all too well, sometimes, she knew him more than he did himself.

"Just thinking about Steph. She… she just looked so… so… vulnerable, so innocent. Then she's trying to come out strong with all these, when I know deep down, she's scared. That's how she is, you know… trying to put on this strong façade, as an escape to reality… I'm just scared that something might happen to her. She's my only sister! I couldn't understand why this is even happening to her. I… I…" Then he could no longer continue because he was already choking up.

Rissa sat up, stroked his hair, and tried her best to comfort him. "Baby, you know that she will be fine. She may be this façade-creating person, but you know she's a fighter. She's a McMahon for god's sake! She's gonna fight until the end, especially when she knows that there are a lot of things and people to fight for. She won't leave you, or us, 'cause she's not that mean. She's only slightly evil."

"But you can never tell… if fate takes her, it takes her."

"First off, I can tell. I can feel it. And you too, can, if you believe. Keep believing baby, and she will be fine. And fate won't take her… no way… we won't allow that to happen. Fate's gonna get killed by Paul and your dad when that happens… Honey, just hang in there. Keep believing and hoping… she's gonna get well. Soon."

"I just certainly hope so…"

"We all do." Then Rissa gave him a kiss, and lay down on the bed too, now with their arms around each other.

"I surely won't know how to live without you."

"Haha… well I'm sure someone else would do a fine job being there for you if I weren't born."

"And that would be?"

"Hmmm… someone like… Candice Michelle or Lita?"

"Someone's a little jealous…" Shane teased her referring to his character's extra closeness with the mentioned divas in the past episodes of Raw. It wasn't his fault that those girls flirted with him.

"Excuse me…"

"Tell me… you jealous of those divas?"

"And why would I be jealous of them? Is there a reason for me to be jealous?"

"What if I tell you that when Candice flirted with me, I liked every second of it? What if I tell you that I enjoyed John's comment about a one night stand with Lita, and have actually considered that thought?" He teased her more. He was amused by what was happening at the moment. Actually, this is a normal scene for them. They were a very open couple, and that was probably one of the reasons why their marriage lasted for ten years.

"Oh well then… have fun!" Then Marissa removed his arms off her, and turned to her side, as if she was mad.

Shane didn't buy any of that and continued to tease her more. "Or is it because you're insecure? Huh?"

She faced him once again, now with a fake angry face and voice. "And what is for me to be insecure about? I may not look as hot as they do, but for your information, I have done something they haven't, which is to give birth to two boys, who happen to be your kids, too!"

"Are you sure about that?"

"Uh!!! Yeah… I forgot to tell you… they're not yours. Declan is Shawn's, and Kenyon's Randy's. So there! Happy now?" It was now her turn to do the teasing. Shawn and Randy were the two superstars whom she found to be the best looking, although she hasn't really done anything about it. It was just plain admiration, which both guys weren't aware of but Shane sure did. She told him.

"Ah! So you're turning the tables now huh! Seriously, would I believe you about the Shawn part? Shawn's way nice to do that. And Randy? He may be a playboy, but you and Randy? Eeeeww!!! He knows better…"

"Meanie!!!! For the next months or so, go find someone else to cook you food, 'cause I surely won't do that for you. And don't expect to be getting any anymore, 'cause you surely wouldn't get any!"

"Well, if that's the case, I guess Candice and Lita will come in handy."

"Ahhhhh!!! I hate you!" Then she turned back to her side, deciding not to talk to him anymore.

"Hey, hey, look, I'm sorry… was just kidding… come' on… are you gonna ignore me forever? Baby, come' on…"

She did not bulge. That's when he decided to see close-up what she was up to. Shane hugged her from behind, and saw that she was just staring at something across. She seemed to not be in a joking mood anymore. Furthermore, she was in tears!

"Oh my… baby, hey, what's wrong? I… I was just kidding… you know that. I wouldn't

do that to you… of course not! I love you too much to do that to you… Baby…"

Then he moved her and made her face him.

Wiping the tears from her eyes, Shane made a mental note/curse to himself. Idiot! He hated seeing his wife cry, and now, she was! And it's his fault!

"Hey… I'm sorry… I didn't mean to…"

She finally replied, which was a huge relief for him. "It's okay. I didn't mean to cry too. I don't know what happened to me…"

"Maybe it's just because of today… you're stressed out. So, let's just… let's just get some rest okay. We'll all be fine. You said so yourself. And honey, you have never lied."

"Yeah… let's get some sleep… and uh… I… I love you, too."

They laid together, arms around each other, believing that everything will just be fine.

---

Shawn, Rebecca, Paul, Stephanie, Shane and Marissa ended the night at least on a more positive note. Despite everything that has happened today, sickness, accidents, injuries, revelations, tears, doubts, questions, with each other, in each other's presence, they knew everything would be okay. They have a strong feeling that there would be nothing to worry about any longer. They have high hopes that they would come out victorious from this.

Ironically, without their respective kids around them, the couples still felt well. This was how things started anyway. And that would how things are back to someday. No Cameron, no Cheyenne, no Declan, no Kenyon, no Aurora. They would all grow up and live with their own families. It will be just them, with their respective spouses, continuing on with life. Tonight, that was how things were, and everything seemed to be just right.