"Hey Michael? Are you almost ready?"
"Yeah, I'll be ready in a second grandma."
"Well I have something I wanted to talk to you about before the limo gets here." Five minutes later Michael came into the living room. He was wearing some jeans and the brown HBK shirt that had the flames on it. He was also sporting a new pair on sun glasses. "Don't you look cute!" Margaret squealed rubbing the top of Michael's golden hair.
"Aw grandma," he groaned.
"Anyway, have a seat Michael. So how do you feel right now?"
"About what grandma?"
"Well, you're going to Mania to see your old dad perform."
"Oh that's simple grand. I am super excited! I can't wait to see dad…Oh, and Miss Kim! It's going to be awesome!"
"Yeah…so um…there's really no easy way to…" Margaret looked toward the window that faced the ocean. How do I explain this?
"Grandma, are you alright?" Michael asked.
"Oh…I'm alright hun," she said quickly waving an arm at him. "Now enough about me. Let's talk about you."
"Alright. What is it grandma?"
"Well dear, I wanted to talk to you about…your parents," she said sincerely.
"What about them?"
"Well…as you know, early tomorrow morning you and I are boarding a plane for San Antonio. I am going to be visiting for a few weeks."
"That's great grandma! That way all of us can watch wrestling together! Miss Kim is supposed to come visit us sometime too so even if mama don't wanna watch then that's ok because…"
"Slow down Michael," she said with a small chuckle. "Now then, we need to talk about something very important. Things…may not be…the same when you get home honey."
"What do you mean?"
"Well…I don't know if you've noticed but your mom and dad have been arguing a lot lately."
"Yeah I know," he said sadly.
"And Michael you have to understand this—just because people argue doesn't mean that they don't care for one another."
"I know but…sometimes I do wonder whether or not mama actually loves dad."
"I'm sure she loves your dad very much sweetie. They just have…a difference of opinion that's all." She caressed Michael's cheek before turning away. How can I tell him this? I just don't know…
"Grandma?"
"Yes sweetie?"
"Is…is mom and dad getting a divorce?" Margaret stared at him for a good minute, mouth wide with shock.
"Uh…well…"
"Grandma, I'm not stupid you know. Mama was really upset with dad the other day and I just…I know something is wrong."
"Oh sweetie. Your grandma has no idea what's about to happen," she replied sadly.
"Grandma, why are you crying?"
"Oh, nothing sweetie. Just…just promise me this alright?"
"Okay," he answered under his breath. He was now staring at the floor.
"Look at me sweetie. Both of your parents love you very much. No matter what happens you'll always be a family and you will always come first ok?"
"Ok." Margaret pulled him into a hug just as the limo pulled into the yard.
"Go on son and have fun!"
"Ok. See you later grandma!" he yelled running excitedly out the door.
"See you later love." Oh I hope everything is alright. I just can't bear to see the family torn apart again.
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"This is so exciting!" Brittney exclaimed as they rode to the stadium.
"I know. I can't believe we're riding in a limo once again."
"So are you sitting with little Michael?"
"Well, I hope so. He's so adorable and I just couldn't bear to see him disappointed. He is so sweet and I'm sure he'd rather have him mother but…"
"Hey, you're here. She's not. Kudos to you."
"Yeah, I guess…Oh we're here!" They pulled up outside the Citrus Bowl to a mountain of ecstatic wrestling fans. "This…is…going to be great!"
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Seconds later they were entering through the back of the arena. They were led by the limo driver who said their names had been added to the backstage list.
"So I wonder where…"
"BRITTNEY! KIM!" They turned to see Jeff coming their way.
"Aw, Jeff! It's so good to see you!" Kim cried pulling Jeff into a hug. He kissed her cheek and kissed Brittney's cheek as well.
"Matt told me to keep a look out for the both of you. Well, I would show you to your seats but I think Shawn is waiting to see you," he said with a grin. "Oh, well I hate to speak and run but I need to find my bro and tell him you both made it ok. Plus our match is up first so ladies," he bowed, "I'll catch you later."
"Later," Brittney exclaimed. They walked along weaving in and out of the backstage workers way who didn't seem to notice them. "Gee, some people are so rude."
"Well I mean they do have the hardest job ever. They have to make sure every exciting moment gets captured…not to mention Vince would fire them in a second if something were to go horribly wrong."
"Yeah, well they could still be a little more…"
"Friendly," a voice added. They turned around to see Shawn standing there. He was already suited up in all black and green, looking flashy as ever.
"Shawn!" Kim instantly threw her arms around him and he returned the warm embrace.
"You have no idea how badly I want to kiss you right now," he whispered. She laughed as she felt a tug on her shirt. She looked down to see Michael standing next to her grinning from ear to ear.
"Michael! How are you buddy?"
"I'm pumped! Look at my dad. Doesn't he look cool?" he asked excitedly.
"Well, cool isn't exactly the word I'd use," Brittney said aimlessly. "More like, your dad's a total hottie!"
"Ewe gross," Michael groaned. They all laughed before Matt came around the corner.
"I thought I heard a familiar voice," he said smiling at them.
"Matt!" Brittney ran and gave him a hug.
"You look stunning," he said staring at her wondrously. She was wearing some tight bleached blue jeans and a yellow halter. The Hardyz pendent that she was sporting brought Matt's eyes straight to her little bit of cleavage that was showing. Her long blonde hair was hanging down her back nicely, highlighting her skin perfectly.
"I think I could say the same thing about you," she said grinning.
"Uh, so have you guys seen my brother?" Matt asked. "I have been looking all over for him. He knows our match is up first tonight. There's no time to be fooling around."
"Yeah, we saw him about five minutes ago. He said that he was going to look for you." Matt frowned as the others stared at him curiously.
"You guys have a great time tonight. Enjoy the show. I'll catch you guys afterwards." He smiled once more at Brittney before taking off. Damn it! Where is he?
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"Jeff please…you shouldn't be in here!" Melina hissed."But I wanted to see you before the match," he pleaded, running his fingers through her curly hair.
"Oh Jeff, that's sweet but you know I haven't…I mean if Nitro…"
"What are you going to do Melina? Are you absolutely sure you want to call off the wedding?"
"I'm positive. It's not…the same anymore. I…I've liked you for a long time Jeff and I…there's no turning back now," she said quickly looking away.
"Melina, look at me, are you…why won't you look…" Jeff lifted her face and noticed that she had a swollen jaw.
"Who did this to you?" he asked softly.
"It's nothing…I uh…when Mickey and I were…just go," she cried pushing him out of MNM's locker room. He stared at her curiously once more before running off. That bastard…If I find out that he hurt her…Jeff ran off to find Matt. It was curtain time and the clock was ticking.