I hope everyone likes this chapter. This is probably the most emotional chapter in the story, next to when I first established that Alex was a self-harmer. I know it's long, but it won't disappoint. Read and review.
After the SmackDown tapings were finished and the trio made their way back to the hotel, Alex immediately called Matt and Jeff. She really wanted to get everyone together and be sure to let them know about her cutting issue soon because she didn't want everyone she loved and cared about to start scorning her as soon as they found out when the rest of the world would. Not soon after she made the call, Jeff answered after the phone rang for a few seconds.
"Alex? Oh thank God you called us. You mind telling what the hell it is that David Otunga means by you taking off your arm warmers if you lose to Mizanin? And why the hell did you start looking pale after he gave you that ultimatum?" Jeff asked, worry evident in his voice.
"It's just something I need to talk with you guys about. But I don't really feel comfortable doing it over the phone. Do you think it could wait until I make it back home tomorrow? It's something that everyone needs to hear." Alex said, slightly trembling.
"Sure thing sis. Are your new friends coming back here with you too? It's just so that we know whether or not to get the guest rooms ready." Jeff said.
"Yeah. I already asked them ahead of time, and they have no problem coming to stay at the Compound for a few days." Alex said.
"Cool. And don't worry. It'll probably be either me or Matt that picks you and your friends up from the airport so just be on the lookout for us. You should rest up so that way you can tell everyone what it is you need to get off your chest. And, like I said earlier, don't worry. Whatever it is you have to tell us won't make us hate you. As long as you admit it, we'll still love you no matter what." Jeff said.
Hearing one of her older brothers tell this had an already emotional Alex start to tear up. 'Wow. I'm being so stupid. How could I ever think that the people closest to me would ever think I was some kind of psychopath? If they've been willing and able to put up with my mental illnesses, then I should've known that they'd be able to take it if I told them about my scars and me cutting myself. I'm such an idiot.' Alex thought to herself.
"Alex? You still there?" Jeff asked, worriedly.
"Huh? Oh yeah. I was just thinking about something. I'll be sure to go to sleep soon. The sooner I can tell everyone about this, the better I'll feel." Alex said, tears running down her face.
"OK. I'll be going to sleep soon myself. Good night Lexi. I love you." Jeff said around a yawn.
"I love you too Jeffy. I'll see you all tomorrow." Alex said, ending the call.
Alex hadn't even realized she was crying until AJ and Kaitlyn came back to the room from the dining area and AJ looked at her, worry evident on her face, and asked her "Alex, are you feeling OK? Are you hurt or feeling sick?"
"Huh? Oh. I guess you could say I was feeling a little sick. I just got off the phone with one of my brothers and I started feeling a little homesick. Traveling's fun and all, but I really miss North Carolina right now." Alex said, wiping her face.
"I know the feeling. I really kinda miss my family back in New Jersey right now. But just think, tomorrow, you get to head back home for a few days and me and Kait finally get to meet your brothers. I'm so excited I don't think I'll be able to sleep at all tonight." AJ said happily.
"She's right you know. I can get why you must be the most homesick wrestler on the roster because you're so young Alex. Plus, with your brothers, you always had big pieces of North Carolina with you. So I'm with AJ. Tomorrow we get to go with you to your home, chill at your place, and meet some of the guys that have made the WWE awesome." Kaitlyn said excitedly.
"Yeah. I can already tell that you two will fit in quite nicely with everyone else in my crazy family." Alex said laughing. "Now I suggest we all catch some shut-eye so that we can make the flight."
"Good thinking." AJ and Kaitlyn said.
Once the trio of friends settled into their beds, AJ and Kaitlyn drifted off into a peaceful night's rest while Alex stared at the ceiling for a bit. 'I will tell them tomorrow. I will not chicken out when I finally tell my family the biggest secret I'm guarding. And I will accept how they treat me from then on, whether it's lovingly or not. This I swear!' Alex thought to herself before drifting off into her own peaceful sleep.
The next morning, Alex, AJ, and Kaitlyn were wide awake at 8:05, getting ready for their flight to North Carolina. After they finished getting ready and checked out of the hotel, they departed for the airport. Once they boarded the plane, it took off and after flying for what seemed like minutes, the plane finally touched down in Raleigh. It took all Alex had to keep AJ and Kaitlyn from running off to try and find the Hardy Compound on their own and get lost in the backwoods of North Carolina. Alex was looking around for either Jeff or Matt until she saw her dad and two of her sisters, Skylar and Alyssia looking around for Alex as well.
"Sky, Lyssie! Over here!" Alex shouted, excitedly waving her arms to get her sisters' attention.
"Lexi!" Skylar and Alyssia shouted happily, running towards Alex while dodging the various other people.
The three sisters engaged in a group hug that involved lots of hugging, jumping, and happy squealing, all while AJ and Kaitlyn were excitedly whispering back and forth about seeing two of the other Hardys up close and personal.
"Kait. I think I'm seeing things, but I see two of the other Hardy kids." AJ said, whispering excitedly.
"You aren't AJ. Because I see them too. Oh my god! Oh my god! This is so awesome." Kaitlyn said whispering excitedly.
After finally being released from the group hug of two of her sisters, Alex finally took the time to introduce her sisters to AJ and Kaitlyn.
"Sky, Lyssie, this is AJ and Kaitlyn, or away from the ring, April and Celeste. AJ, Kaitlyn, these are two of my sisters, Skylar and Alyssia." Alex said, a bit breathlessly.
"Nice to meet you both. Thanks for keeping an eye out for our sister." Skylar said.
"Yeah. You both are two of our favorite wrestlers in the WWE now, even though you both are Divas." Alyssia said excitedly.
"Thanks a lot for that you guys. And if it goes without saying, we love watching you guys on the Hardy Show." AJ said smiling.
"Thanks a lot. Maybe you two can be guest stars on an episode in the future." Alex said smiling.
"Sounds awesome. Now let's get going. I'm ready to see the famous Hardy Compound." Kaitlyn said excitedly.
"Yeah. Good idea. Dad's over there probably thinking that we've all gone madder than we already are." Skylar said laughing.
"Yeah. Let's go. I'm ready to go see Daddy." Alex said happily.
As soon as Alex and the others went back to where Gilbert was waiting, Alex immediately hugged her dad, telling him that she had missed him a lot. After they broke their hug, the whole group made their way out to the car that Gilbert had driven to the airport. The whole drive back to the Hardy Compound was filled with excited talking, laughing, and playful shouting. In what seemed like virtually no time at all, Gilbert was pulling into the driveway of the Hardy Compound. As soon as everyone piled out of the car, AJ and Kaitlyn were immediately awestruck at the sheer spectacle of the place that Alex called home.
"Wow. It's even more beautiful to see in real life." AJ said.
"Totally. And just think. We get to stay here for the rest of the week too." Kaitlyn said excitedly.
Soon after they arrived, Matt, Jeff, and several of the other Hardys' friends and siblings came running to them.
"Alex!" they all shouted.
"Oh fuck!" Alex shouted, trying to run but failing as she was buried under a pile of her closest friends and siblings.
"We all missed you so much!" Matt said from the top of the dog pile on top of Alex.
"Thatsoundsfinebutcanyouallpl easegetthefuckoffofme?!" Alex said, her words muffled and a jumbled mess.
"What was that, baby sis?" Jeff asked.
"I think she wants us all to move because we're slowly crushing her to death." Shane said laughing.
"Aww hell! Then let's move!" Reby shouted, rolling off of Matt.
The whole welcoming party for Alex soon rolled off of her, revealing Alex looking confused and disheveled. Once everyone helped Alex get up from the ground, they proceeded to help her inside and lay her on the living room couch, all-the-while leaving AJ and Kaitlyn shocked and frozen.
"Well, that was certainly interesting to see." Kaitlyn said, after several minutes.
"It sure was. I guess Alex's family really misses her when she leaves out. I know I would." AJ said smiling. "Now let's head inside. I'm sure Alex might need some help in there."
Walking in the door of Alex's house, AJ and Kaitlyn were greeted by the sounds of Alex trying to calm her brothers and sisters down, along with Gilbert trying to re-establish some level of sanity in the house.
"Guys, I'm OK. I swear I am." Alex said, holding up her hands defensively.
"But are you sure? Because we could run you to the hospital and have a doctor check you out. You sure did get smushed by a lot of weight." Matt said worriedly.
"I'm fine. I mean I didn't get crushed to death so that technically means I'm fine." Alex said, waving her hands around.
"If you say so. Now I really think we should calm down before your new friends think we're a family of escaped mental patients." one of the other adopted Hardy kids, Ryuken, said.
"I'd say it's too late for that, but we've seen crazier people before." Kaitlyn said, laughing, causing the crowd in the living room to jump a little.
"Oh. There you two are. AJ, Kaitlyn, I feel the need to introduce you both to everyone else. This is Matt, Jeff, Shane, Shannon, Reby, Beth, Ryuken, Jiang-Tsai, Mokuba, Aelita, Alistair, and the little tyke Beth is holding is her and Jeff's daughter Ruby." Alex said, making all of the necessary introductions.
"Wow. You've got a pretty big family Alex. It's really awesome to meet you all. And thanks for allowing us to stay here until Monday." AJ said.
"No problem. And just know that whenever you two are here in North Carolina, just call or text us and we'll let you come crash with us." Matt said, smiling.
Later in the day, after AJ and Kaitlyn had gotten settled in at Alex's house, the duo spent the rest of the day playing around with the others until AJ was suddenly hit by a sudden realization. When she was in the middle of playing outside with the others, AJ pulled Alex aside and asked her "Isn't there something you forgot to do? Something relating to your arm warmers?"
Hearing AJ remind her of this had Alex freeze before saying "No I didn't forget. It's just that I was planning on telling everyone after we all rested up from playing. Just give me until then to get ready."
"OK. And don't worry about how we'll all react. We'll still be by your side no matter what." AJ said smiling.
"Thanks." Alex said, returning the smile.
Once everyone was done playing and they rested up, Jeff also reminded Alex about what it was she needed to tell everyone. Taking a deep breath, Alex stood up and walked to stand in front of the small group of her family and closest friends.
"OK. I'm sure all of you are wondering why it is that I wanted to have all of you gathered here today. The reason behind that is I wanted to admit that I'm a self-harmer. I've been cutting myself for the past few years." Alex said, tears already starting to form in her eyes.
At first no one in the room knew what to say. Everyone had looks on their faces that showed that they were trying to comprehend what it was that Alex had just admitted to them all. Then, Jeff was the first to actually say something.
"Is this true Lexi?" Jeff asked.
"Yes big brother. It is. Do you want to see the proof?" Alex said, a few tears already rolling down her face.
"Yes. Just to let us know that what you told us wasn't some horrible Punk." Jeff said.
With a shaky breath, Alex slowly took off her left arm warmer and then her right arm warmer, revealing to her family and friends the scars from the numerous times she cut herself. Standing from their places on the couch to walk up to her, Jeff and Matt each took one of Alex's arms, looked down at, and traced over the rows of scars she had given herself.
"Sis. Was this because of everything that Maryse and the other Divas kept saying to you all those years back?" Matt asked.
Alex nodded her head, then shook it. "Well, the thing is it did hurt something horrible when they kept saying things like I was fat or that I wasn't pretty enough to be a real Diva. But part of it also comes from when Dave and some of the other Superstars said that I'd never get to be on the same level they were on just because I was some dopey kid, to quote them. So I just started to take it out on myself that I couldn't reach their standards. It really hurt me, but I didn't want to go to Vince and just tell him that other members of the roster were being mean to me. Plus, I already had too many enemies. The last thing I wanted was to have even more members of the roster hate me." Alex said, tears freely flowing down her face.
"Oh man Lexi, we had no clue. Why didn't you just tell us about this? We would've taken care of them for you." Matt said.
"Because I knew you two weren't always gonna be there in case I needed someone to help me. So I decided to take care of the problem myself. And yes, it meant me getting on the bad sides of lots of people on the roster. But to some people that doesn't matter. They accept me and love me for who I am and that's all that's mattered for the past few years." Alex said.
"I totally get what you mean. It's like when I hit my own rough patch and I didn't want any of you guys to find out. I guess as a family we still need to build trust in each other." Jeff said. "In the future, next time something like this happens to you, just come talk to anyone of us. You know we'll always hear each other out."
"Totally. We can just try to work to a sensible solution instead of you trying to go all 'Jack the Ripper' on yourself." Matt said, hugging Alex, with Alex returning the hug.
Pulling away from Matt, Alex looked to see AJ and Kaitlyn rising from their seats and coming towards her. As soon as they came to a stop in front of Alex, she took a deep breath and before she could say anything, Kaitlyn and AJ pulled her into a hug. When they pulled back, Alex could see they were both fighting back tears.
"Guys? Are you two feeling OK?" Alex asked, looking up at her newest friends.
"Alex. The fact that this is the evil idea that Miz and his lackeys had in mind makes us both furious. This is something that's really in the best interest of the person who does it, not the people out to make said person's life hell." Kaitlyn said.
"She's so right. Usually self-harmers just need time and a really good support network to help them open up about it. And since you already have that here, including me and Kait, then you're already a lot closer to getting over your cutting problem than lots of other self-harmers." AJ said.
"You mean, you guys all accept me? Even though i cut myself like some sort of crazy person?" Alex asked, looking around the room at the faces of the people she loved the most in the whole world.
"Sure. I mean, scars or no scars, that doesn't change who you are on the inside. And that's an awesome little sister." Beth said, still sitting and holding Ruby.
Hearing her family and friends each tell her that they would love her no matter what caused Alex to blush furiously and smile widely. "Thanks everyone. Now, if nobody'll be too grossed out by it, I'd like to leave my arm warmers off for the rest of our time home. I never really get to take them off unless I'm showering." She said, while making her way to the kitchen. "Now that it's gotten late, let's all eat dinner and then gather in the living room and watch 'White Chicks'. I just know how much Matty and Jeffy love that movie."
"Sure thing. Come on guys. Let's all go eat now and we can probably fit in watching 'Corpse Bride'." Jeff said, following Alex, everyone else following suit.
As soon as everyone had gathered at the table and was eating and talking about various random topics, Alex suddenly thought 'Everyone took it so well. Just like Ron and Phil and the others I told two years took it. I never really stepped back and thought about it, but I've got a pretty awesome life and family. I guess that's why so many other kids look up to me, even though I'm just a few years older or younger than they are. Now I honestly can't wait for Monday. RAW's gonna be shot here, SmackDown is too, and I get to have some fun kicking Mikey's ass. Even if he wins and I have to take off my arm warmers and reveal to the world that I'm a self-harmer, I don't care anymore. I'm now comfortable with it all, as are my family members and all of my friends.'
Now that Alex finally let it out that she cuts herself and her family & friends all reacted differently than she expected, she's finally getting the faith and confidence in herself to take off her arm warmers willingly and hopefully. The big questions now are: Will Miz beat Alex come Monday? And how will the WWE Universe react once they see that the anti-Diva that they all know and love cuts herself? Stay tuned for chapter 9. =)
Many thanks and much love to the people that review, follow, and favorite this story as well as my other ones. Special shout-out to Foldintothenight, fuckyeahvodkaandchocolates, and AgentNeonVenom13. These are three of the coolest writers I've had the privilege of talking to and bouncing ideas off of for my own stories. And to those of you still reading this note, stop right now and go read their stories, especially AgentNeonVenom13's saga, Harley Adams, Vampire Slayer.