Title: The Older I Get
Genre: Romance/Drama
Rating: M
Summary: The Hardy family is going thru hard times. Jessica is battling with Cancer and Jeff has to learn to put his family before wrestling. As Jeff and Jessica find themselves growing apart, they find out Tiffany has been killed and Jeff is a father…again. Nero rebels and Nicolette's biological father is fighting for custody. Sequel to Push Me, Pull You.
A/n: Yes, this is the sequel. Reading Push Me, Pull You is possibly needed for a back story. If ya don't, whatever that's fine. You may get a little confused but whatever. So, here it is…more drama. Ha!
Disclaimer: I don't own the WWE! Haha, nope. I own Jessica, Nero, Nicolette, Noah and Misty (HA! Take that chica!). I also don't own the songs; Like I Am by Rascal Flatts and I Loved Her First by Heartland.
Ages:
Jessica Ann Danvers-Hardy – 34 (October 8th)
Jeffery Nero Hardy – 35 (August 31st)
Misty Taylor Ronan-Anderson – 33 (May 23rd)
Ken Anderson – 38 (March 6th)
Nero Anthony Hardy –18 (June 28th)
Nicolette Azoura Danvers-Hardy – 7 (July 31st)
Noah Gilbert Hardy – 5 (November 23rd)
Chapter One: I Loved Her First
Set 7 years into the future.
August 4th, 2014.
Jeff Hardy smiled as he walked into his son's room. He yawned as he walked to the race car bed. The room was painted with race cars Jeff had did that for him a year ago when he fell in love with cars. He pulled the covers back and noticed that his son was no where to be found. Noah Gilbert Hardy was 5 years old, Jeff and Jessica were so happy when he was born. Especially Jeff, he had finally got a chance to be there for one of his biological children.
He knew that Noah had a fear of sleeping alone sometimes, so he didn't think anything of when he wasn't in his bed. Jeff than left the room. He walked down the hall to his older son's room. He knocked softly and heard a giggling coming from the room followed by a "Come in." So he did.
"Daddy!" Noah replied smiling as he stood and ran over to hug Jeff. Jeff wrapped his arms around his son.
"Hey, dad." Nero said, he was lying on his bed. Nicolette was lying next to Nero.
"Good morning, daddy." Nicolette called Jeff Daddy as he was the only father she knew. She flashed her million dollar smile, which showed off her dimples and pearly white teeth.
"Morning." Jeff walked over to the kids and sat Noah on the bed.
"What's up?" Nero asked, though he knew the speech that was going to happen next.
"Well, today is Misty's wedding and you all better be on your best behavior. Your mom is getting ready with Misty as she's the Matron of Honor."
"Dad, do you really think we'd do anything?" Nicolette batted her eyelashes smiling. Nicolette was sneaky and liked to cause trouble, which was a bad influence on Noah.
"I'll make sure nothing bad happens," Nero replied. "I promise, Aunt Mist deserves this."
"That's what I want to hear! You all get ready and don't forget your good clothes."
"Daddy, I'm hungry." Noah stood up.
"Want me to go get something?"
"Yeah, I'll get Noah and Nicolette into their baths."
Nero stood up. "Bagels it is."
Once Noah was led out of the room by Jeff, Nicolette turned to him. Her heart shaped face frowned, her blue eyes dull. She pushed her brown hair that went to her mid shoulders back. "I don't want bagels, Nero."
Nero smiled down at his little sister. "Than what do you want?"
"ICE CREAM!"
"Not happening, baby girl." Nero looked down at his bagel PJs. Nero stood at 6'2" and had an athletic build, he was training to become a wrestler, his blonde hair was cut short down to his neck and his green eyes had a sparkle of mischief.
"Can I come with you?" Nicolette plead.
"You have to get ready, but I'll tell you what. I'll buy you something other than bagels."
"A croissant?"
"You got it."
"Oh! Oh! Thanks, bro!" Nicolette hugged Nero and than rushed out of the room. Nero smiled before grabbing his car keys off of his dresser and leaving the house.
----
Jessica smiled as she looked over at her best friend who was getting married.
"This is going to be so perfect!" Jessica sung as she twirled around like if she was at a ball.
"I know, I've never been so more in love." Misty stood and looked at the clock it was only 9am. The wedding started at 12:30.
"I know and soon you'll be Mrs. Anderson…or do you prefer Kennedy." Jessica teased.
"Whichever is fine." She took a deep breath. "Love is in the air and I am surrounded in it."
"Well, throw a little love my way, won't cha?"
Misty motioned for Jessica to come sit on the bed. "You and Jeff still having problems?"
"Yes," Jessica and Jeff were getting into arguments about the smallest things lately. "Mist, I need to tell him something…but I don't know how."
"Well, what do you need to tell him?" she asked, concerned.
"Nothing, I just…nothing. Today is your day, not going to drown you in my problems."
"Well, you know I'm here."
Jessica smiled. "I know, and you know I'm here too."
A knock was heard on the girl's hotel room door.
"Who is it?" Jessica called.
"Me, bitch!"
Jessica giggled. "Sorry, don't know anyone by that name."
"Open up!" Misty laughed and walked over to open the door. "Steph!" she hugged her friend.
"Hey, you look so pretty!"
"I'm not even ready."
"Well, you need to get ready…you have to be over at the church in a few. Oh, and the photographers for the magazine are going to be there." Misty moved over to let Steph in.
"Good because if they weren't, Misty and myself have the right to fire them. This is cover page!" Jessica remarked going over to Steph and giving her a friendly hug. Jessica and Misty were co-editors of WWE Magazine in Stamford, Connecticut where they lived.
"Mickie, Victoria, Beth and Brooke will meet us all there." She was referring to Misty's other brides maids.
"Well, Steph…we have to take our baths."
"Okay, so I'll meet you ladies there then?"
"Yes, boss lady." Misty remarked rolling her eyes.
----
Jessica took a deep breath as she began to pace in the church.
Misty, who was getting her hair done by Marion, snapped at her friend. "I'm nervous enough without you pacing."
"Sorry." Jessica stopped pacing and walked to Misty, she sat in the chair across from him. "My kids better be looking nice or I will kick Jeff's ass."
Misty sighed. "Should've never married him."
"I love him!"
"Okay, then stop complaining. I still think you could've done better."
"It doesn't get any better than Jeff."
Misty shook her head.
"Ms. Ronan, please stop moving." The hair stylist said as she curled Misty's hair.
"Sorry." Misty blushed.
"Mist, I know you don't like Jeff."
"Like is an overstatement."
"Why? I mean, you were all for him when we were dating. What changed? When I was pregnant with Noah, you just…began to hate Jeff. Never told me why."
Misty was silent. "No reason. If I were you, I'd call Nero, make sure Noah and Nicolette is ready."
"Yeah, can't have your wedding without your flower girl, ring barer and Kennedy needs his Best man." Nicolette was going to be the flower girl while Noah was the ring barer and Nero the best man. Over the years he and Kennedy had gotten really close.
Misty smiled as Jessica walked away to use the phone. Misty looked down at her hands as a tear rolled down her face. She knew she hated Jeff for a reason, yet she couldn't bring herself to break her friend's heart.
Flashback, six years ago.
"You better not be late!" Misty smiled as she walked into the hotel.
"You know I won't, baby." The voice on the cell phone spoke.
Misty smiled as she came to the elevator. "Baby, I'm about to go to my hotel room."
"Alright, call me before you go to sleep."
"You know I will. Love you." Misty pressed the up button on the elevator.
"You too." She hung up just as the door opened. She walked in and pressed the button for floor 13.
"He is sooo good in bed!" the girl on the elevator explained to her friend.
"I bet, he's so sexy when he's in the ring."
"I know."
Misty rolled her eyes and figured by ring they meant a wrestler or something.
"He gave me the orgasm of my life."
"You're so lucky. I would love to bang Jeff Hardy!"
Misty's eyes widened. She turned to them. "You…had sex with Jeff Hardy?"
The girl looked at Misty disgusted. "Get out of my private conversation."
"Well, when you basically broadcast it to the whole elevator…I don't think you can say it's private."
"Whatever, if you must know. I'm meeting him tonight as well."
"If you must know, he has a son and a fiancé who's my best friend!" Misty screamed at the girl.
"I know, he's dating that Razor chick. I swear that child isn't his. You're friend is probably a whore."
"A whore? A whore! You fuck almost married men!" the elevator dinged for the 13 floor as it stopped. Misty looked at the girl and punched her in the face. She fell to the floor as Misty stepped out of the elevator. Instead of going to her room, she went to Jeff's.
She knocked on the door.
In no time, he answered. Misty gasped. He was standing in front of her…naked.
"Wow, Hardy. Kind of kinky….don't cha think?" Misty put her hand on his chest and pushed him out her way as she stepped into the room.
"Misty!" he replied as he tried to cover himself up.
Misty noticed his boxers on the floor and picked them off the floor with the tip of her fingers. Being careful to only touch the edge of them. She flanged them at Jeff.
"You have explaining to do." She replied turning away from Jeff so he could put his boxers on.
Once he finished, Misty turned around. Jeff was silent.
"You bastard! You heard me, explain! Now!" she yelled.
"I…Jess, she wasn't here…I needed sex."
"Buy a blow up doll!" a single tear fell out of Misty's eyes. "I hate you! How could you break my friend's heart? Doesn't she matter to you?"
"Misty, I love Jessica."
"Then how could you do something like this to her? You broke her heart…and she doesn't even know it yet."
"Look, don't tell Jess."
"Don't tell Jess…don't tell Jess!" Misty screamed, she walked to Jeff and punched him in the face. "She's going to know because I'm going to tell her."
"Misty, you can't…please, think about Nero. He needs his dad."
"Jessica and Nero are better off without you!" Misty glared as she took out her cell phone and dialed Jessica's number.
"Hello?" Jessica asked.
"Jess, I have to tell you something…in person."
"Misty…no" Jeff mouthed.
"Okay, we can do lunch in two days."
"Alright, that's good for me as well."
"Okay, because I have to tell you something. I want you to be the first to know."
"Really? Good or bad."
"No hints. Oh, have you seen Jeff? His cell is turned off."
"Yeah, I've seen him."
"Can you tell him to call me?"
Misty was silent. "Yeah, I can do that."
"Thanks, love you."
"You too, bye." Misty hung up.
"Misty, if you tell her…you'll be breaking her heart. She won't believe you. I'll never do it again, please!"
"I hate you. You are scum, don't you ever talk to me. Especially about Jessica or Nero." Misty shook her head as she left the room.
End Flashback
"All done, Ms. Ronan."
"Thanks," Misty smiled before walking to a mirror and looking at her hair. It was curly and went to her shoulders. Misty glanced back at Jessica who had laughed onto the receiver of her phone.
She didn't tell Jessica that Jeff had cheated because Jessica had told her she was pregnant. Jessica began to talk about how happy she was and hoped nothing would change it. When it came time for Misty to tell Jessica, she couldn't bring her self to do it. To break her friend's heart.
-----
Nero smiled as he stood in line at Bagel Jay's. He was on the phone with his mom.
"Yea, mom. I'll be ready, I'm just getting breakfast, I'll bring it home and then get dress and be at the church. Tell Mist, this day will be perfection. No, I didn't write my best man speech. I'll say it from the heart. No, mom…it will not have the word bagel in it." Nero was in front of the line and looked at the cashier. "Can I have a dozen bagels, and one croissant?" he asked. The girl, about 17 nodded to Nero.
"Is that all, Nero?" she asked.
Nero laughed. "Yea, that's all, Talia."
Talia smiled at Nero, she pushed back her blonde hair as she told him the price. He handed her the money and then the receipt was in his hand.
Nero moved to the side, and Talia did the same. She pointed to someone than to the register and they began to take the orders.
"So, Nero." Talia smiled. "Going to Misty's wedding today?"
"Of course, too bad you couldn't get off work."
"I know." She said. Talia and Nero lived around the corner from each other and were best friends. "Tell Misty, I'm sorry I can't make it."
"Talia!" someone yelled, Talia turned around and was handed a bag. She looked at the contents and then handed it to Nero.
"See you later, Nero." She leaned across the counter and gave Nero a hug.
"Bye, Tal." He kissed her cheek as he turned around and left, not seeing the blush that made her cheeks rosey.
----
Over an hour passed when Nero made his way into Kennedy's getting ready room. Nero had his suit in his arm, as he knocked on the door.
"Who is it?"
"Meeeeeeeeee." Nero sung.
"It's open." Kennedy laughed. Nero walked in. He noticed Sheryl (Kennedy's Mom) talking with her son. Nero smiled at her and then walked forward to hug her.
"Hello, Sheryl."
"Nero, baby." She broke then hug and kissed his cheek. "You look so handsome, why don't you go and put on your suit in that room." She pointed to another room in the room. Nero nodded to her and then went into the room with his suit.
-----
The wedding was nice, so far anyways. Everyone was in place, and now it was time for the bride to walk out. Everyone was on their feet as the music began to play.
Misty took a deep breathe as she linked arms with Mr. Danvers and they walked down the isle. Two years ago, Misty and her parents had got into a huge argument, and they hadn't talked since. Meaning, Misty didn't invite them to the wedding and she doubt that they knew she was getting married. Oh well, when you act like a jackass, that's expected. She was better than her parents and succeeding when they probably thought she'd fail. They wanted her to do something entirely different than she was now. And when they told her to leave Kennedy, that was the icing on the cake. She was so better than them, she didn't need them. She would survive without them, with the help of those she loved and those that loved her back. Truly loved her back.
Misty's long white wedding gown looked stunning with her pinned up curly hair. She stopped walking and smiled at Mr. Danvers. Their arms unlinked at Mr. Danvers nodded to the reverend.
After Mr. Dancers gave Misty away, the ceremony went on. Soon Misty and Ken said their vows, and then…it came time.
"I now pronounce you, Husband and Wife." The reverend smiled. "You may kiss the bride."
Misty and Kennedy smiled before leaning in and kissing each other with passion.
"WOOOOOOOOOOO!" Nero screamed, jumping up and down.
Jessica looked at her son and rolled her eyes. She then looked to where everyone was seating and looked to where Jeff was supposed to sit, he wasn't there. Jessica frowned but looked at Misty and Kennedy who were still kissing.
"Dudeeee!" Nero yelled. "He said kiss not make out!"
Once the kiss broke, Misty hugged Kennedy and looked at Nero, she stuck her tongue out at him.
----
Everyone crowded around the dace floor as Misty and Kennedy were dancing to their wedding song 'Like I Am' by Rascal Flatts. Misty loved the song and Kennedy agreed that it was how they felt. Jessica smiled at her friend as a tear fell down her cheek. She was so happy for her friend.
"Misty chose a good man, mom." Nero replied, putting his arm around her shoulder.
"I know, and Ken chose an amazing woman."
"He did." Nero nodded. "He truly did."
Once the song had ended, Mr. Danvers decided to dance with Misty. He smiled to her as he held out his hand, she smiled back and placed her hand in his. "I Loved Her First" by Heartland played.
"Shouldn't you be dancing to this song with Jess or Bella?" Misty asked as she danced with Mr. Danvers.
"You may not be my biological daughter, Misty. But you are a wonderful woman, you've been like a daughter to me in this time that I have known you."
"Thanks, because your family sure as hell feels like my family more than my real family does." A tear fell down Misty's face.
"Don't cry tears of sadness, Misty. Tears of joy is what should be coming down your face."
Misty was silent.
Jessica looked thru the crowed and then gasped as who she seen talking to Ken. Ken nodded to the man and shook his hand. The man then walked onto the dance floor.
Mr. Danvers stopped dancing with Misty, and Misty turned around.
How
could that beautiful women with you
Be the same freckle face kid
that I knew
The one that I read all those fairy tales to
And
tucked into bed all those nights
And I knew the first time I saw
you with her
It was only a matter of time
"Misty."
"Dad…" Misty smiled. "What are you doing here?"
"I love you Misty, and I want to be there, no matter what. Your mom and I created you, we can't control you. All we can do is love you unconditionally. Please, Misty. Dance with me?" He asked.
Misty looked at Mr. Danvers, he nodded to her.
She turned to her father and smiled. "Sure."
Misty looked to Jessica and nodded to her. Jessica walked to her daddy.
"Dad, would you dance with me?"
Mr. Danvers shook his head. "Only if Bella dances with us too."
"Of course." Jessica walked to Bella and took her hand, Bella walked with Jessica, and then hugged her dad. They began to dance. Soon, almost every father that was there was dancing with their daughters.
From
the first breath she breathed
When she first smiled at me
I
knew the love of a father runs deep
Someday you might know what
I'm going through
When a miracle smiles up at you
I loved her
first
The song ended and a new song played.
Soon, it was time for the groom and bride to cut the cake, but before that could happen it was time for Nero's speech.
Nero was to give his speech first. He stood up and took his spoon and tapped it lightly on his wine glass (filled with Apple Juice because he couldn't drink wine). He looked to Misty and Kennedy. Kennedy had his arms around Misty's waist, as she leaned back onto his chest. They were watching Nero.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, if there is one thing I love more than bagels, it's my family." Nero spoke. He looked around the people trying to see if his father was there. Jeff wasn't. Nero was disappointed. "Misty and Kennedy, you see. They're apart of my family. When I first met Kennedy. I liked the guy, he was nice, respectful and brought me a few bagels. But, I began to see the love that Kennedy had for my Aunt Misty. A love that I never seen in anyone, not even my parents. Now, don't get me wrong mom and dad love each other. But, not as much as Misty and Kennedy love each other."
Jessica looked to Nero and knew it was true, she loved Jeff with all her heart, but she knew it wasn't enough. It'd never be enough. So, she would continue to be with him until it was.
"This is what true love is. Take a good look at it, you can't miss it." Nero spoke. "These two are so perfect for each other. They inspire me to have a good relationship and I hope I can meet someone like Misty, and that I can be someone like Ken. When Misty is hurt and crying, Ken comes running and does what ever he can to make it better. He doesn't care if he's in Japan performing, if he gets a call from Misty and she's crying, he's come back ASAP. Misty would do the same, if Ken needed anything, he'd go to Misty and she'd have it for him. Whatever it takes, their love is strong and will last and last and last until their darkest hour. This is what love is made of. This is love. Real, true, love." Nero spoke. "To Misty and Ken!" Nero spoke, he held out his glass and everyone took a sip of their wine (and apple juice).
Misty broke away from Ken and hugged Nero with tears in her eyes. "I love you."
"I love you too."
"Nero, you said it wouldn't have bagel in it."
"Well...it came from the heart. My heart just happens to be bagel shapped."
"Bagels have holes in them."
"Well," Misty spoke. "His hole is filled with cream cheese!"
"Yea, what she said."
Jessica laughed.
"Mist, time to cut the cake, babe." Kennedy spoke, coming to her. Misty smiled.
----
After putting Nicolette and Noah to bed, Jessica went to Nero's room to see him talking on the phone.
"Nero, don't stay up late." Jessica spoke.
"I'll call you back, Tal." Nero said as he hung up his cell phone.
"Mom."
"Yes?"
"Where was dad today? I wanted him to be there to see the speech."
"I know, I wanted him to be there too. Honestly, Nero. I don't know where he is."
"Is he okay?"
Jessica was silent.
"Or is the question…are we okay?"
"We?" she questioned.
"Are family. You and dad haven't been the same lately. You've been…I don't know, and dad he's always leaving and never there when we need him. Noah and Cole are too young to see the changes. But, I see them, mom."
"I don't know how we are, Nero. You dad and I will settle this soon and things will go back to normal."
"Don't force it, mom. The love just may not be there. Not anymore."
"That's what I'm afraid of, Nero."
"Me too, mom."
"Sweet dreams." Jessica spoke to her son as she turned and shut his room door.
"Wrestling dreams." Nero said as he picked up his cell phone and called Talia.
----
Almost an hour later, Jessica laid in her bed and look to the spot that Jeff was supposed to be in. But he wasn't there tonight. He was elsewhere. Tears fell down Jessica's face as she turned in her bed. She touched her hair, and ran her fingers down it as if she was stroking it. Soon, in about a month, she would be starting chemotherapy, and Jeff didn't even know. Misty, Nero, and her family they didn't know. She couldn't bring herself to tell them, but soon she'd have to. And like Jeff, her hair would disappear anytime during chemo. And she would be too sick to do anything but lay in the bed and be a shell of her former self.
----
A/N: Well, there you have it ladies and gents. Chapter One of the Sequel to Push Me, Pull You! REVIEW and tell me what you think.