Chapter 12: Chapter 12

… … …

"You amazed me today." Matt said as she sat on the table, waiting for the trainer.

"I did?" Catelyn asked.

He nodded. "You stood up for yourself, and you tore her down, that was incredible."

She shook her head. "I've had enough of her crap. It's ridiculous."

"And you're right, I don't need some stupid match for me to decide who to love."

Her cheeks tinged pink as she realized what she had said. "I didn't mean to imply- What I meant-"

He quieted her with a finger to her lip. "I do, you know."

"Do what?" She asked.

"Love you." He whispered, leaning in to kiss her.

She inhaled sharply as he moved closer. "I love you too."

Their lips met and Matt moved closer to deepen the kiss. Catelyn pulled back.

"Ow, ow, ow. That bitch hurt my face."

Matt chuckled, leaning his forehead against hers as he traced the bruise forming around her eye. "I'll make up for it later." He promised.

… … …

Rebecca glared up at her husband as he stood there with a sheepish smile on his face.

"honey, what a surprise. Where are the kids?"

"They're here, some of the Divas got a hold of them."

"What's wrong.?"

"Perhaps I should ask you that. Anything you want to tell me perhaps."

"About what?" He asked, running his hand across the back of his neck in a nervous gesture.

Becca lifted an eyebrow as she stared at him. When she didn't say anything, he let out the breath he was holding.

"How much do you already know?"

"When were you planning on telling me about her?"

"When did you find out?"

"Shawn?"

He sighed. "Look I didn't know how to tell you. I had no idea until she showed up here and I didn't want to say anything until I was sure she was mine."

"What are you talking about?" Becca asked.

Shawn stopped. "what were you talking about?"

"Sending your poor assistant out for a match so you can keep your title shot?"

"Oh. Crap."

"Yes, start talking."

Shawn began to stutter as he tried to figure out what exactly to say and tell her now that he had messed that up. But as he mumbled his way through it, he heard Becca begin to giggle. He looked up, seeing she was trying to stifle it behind her hand.

"I ever tell you how cute you are all flustered like that?"

He looked at her in puzzlement.

"I know, Shawn. I've known since she showed up on TV."

"How?"

"She looks like you. And when you told me her name I did a little investigating. Her mother? Wow."

"Why didn't you say anything?"

"I really had no clue if you knew or not so I was waiting for you to say something."

"And you're not mad? Wait you talked to Elizabeth?"

"She's a B-I-T-C-H."

Shawn smiled. "I could've told you that. But how are you not mad?"

She took his face between her hands, placing a light kiss on his mouth. "I'm no stranger to your past. I know what you were like then and I may not be happy about it but it's who you were and it's made you the man you are now."

Shawn smiled lovingly at his wife, wondering for the umpteenth time how he had gotten so lucky.

"So when do I get to meet her?"

Shawn hugged her, "she should be getting checked out by the trainer. I'm sorry for not telling you."

"We'll sit down and talk about all this later, and trust me you will get quite the earful then. Right now, I kind of want to meet her."

Shawn led her down the hall to the trainers and they entered the room, clearing his throat when they came upon Catelyn and Matt forehead to forehead, his hand caressing her cheek as they stared at each other. Upon the throat clearing, the two broke apart, looking sheepishly at him.

"Catelyn, I want you to meet someone."

The young women's eyes widened in panic, causing Becca to laugh as she moved forward and held out a hand

"Don't worry, I don't bite. I'm Becca, Shawn's wife."

Catelyn warily took the hand as she shot Shawn a look, who just gave her a big grin in return.

"Becca, I want you to meet Catelyn, my daughter."

Catelyn pulled away as though she had been burned as she continued to look at Becca her eyes still wide.

"Catelyn, sweetie, I already know. I even talked to your mother."

At this, Catelyn made a face. "Oh boy, first I'm not like her and secondly, my condolences."

"Yes, that was pretty much how I felt too. Listen, I was thinking, us four and the kids could go out to dinner, maybe get to know each other a bit more."

Catelyn stared at her in amazement, "You don't hate me?"

The older woman shook her head. "Why should I? You've done nothing in all this."

She smiled at her and grabbed Matt's hand. "and he can come too?"

"Of course. Shall we?"

Catelyn nodded as Matt helped her off the table and they followed her father and his wife down the hall.

… … …

"What happened to your face?"

Catelyn looked down at her half-brother with a small smile on her face. "I got into a fight."

"Does it hurt?"

She shook her head. "Not really."

"Do you wrestle like Daddy does?"

Catelyn shook her head. "No, but someone wanted to wrestle me and that is when this happened."

"Who was it?"

"Ashley."

Cameron shook his head. "I don't like her anymore."

"Smart kid." Matt muttered from her other side. She nudged him playfully in the ribs and the two giggled.

"Are you really my sister?" Cameron asked.

Catelyn glanced at Rebecca and Shawn who both nodded before she turned back to the boy.

"I'm your half-sister."

"But you look whole."

Catelyn giggled again. "What that means is we have the same Daddy, but a different Mommy."

"Where's your mommy?"

"Who cares." Catelyn said, making a face, then realizing she was talking to an impressionable boy, covered herself up. "What I mean is she's at home I guess."

Cameron nodded, his face looking very serious at what she was telling him.

"Cameron, why don't you finish your dinner?" Becca suggested before he could ask any more questions.

He began to eat, all the while staring at his new half-sister. Cheyenne, across from her, kept shooting shy glances at her before looking away. Not quite 4 and the little girl already reminded her lots of herself at that age. Not only that but the resemblance to her… reaching into her purse, she pulled out a picture, handing it to Shawn.

"This is you?" he asked.

She nodded. "Who does it look like?"

Shawn looked at the picture than at his youngest daughter, shaking his head in disbelief before passing it to Becca who gasped when looking at it.

"She looks just like you."

"I know." Catelyn replied. "I didn't start looking like my mom until I was older."

Becca handed the picture back to her and shook her head. "Catelyn, I hope you know, I have nothing against you in all this. I understand you had no idea Shawn was your father until recently and after talking to your Mother…" She trailed off, uncertain how to bring up just how horrible Elizabeth had been. That woman had done everything in her power to pit her against Shawn and to make her resent Catelyn but she was just not like that. She had never been one to judge someone based on someone else's opinion and the fact that her own Mother could say such horrible things about her, Becca ended up feeling sympathy for the girl more than anything else.

"And I want you to know that I'm sorry I just kind of showed up like this and I really hope I don't cause problems between you guys. Mother is very manipulative, she played us all, I'm sure."

Becca smiled warmly at her. "You have nothing to worry about. I know this must be a difficult time for you but I would love to get the chance to know you more and perhaps you can come home with Shawn one day."

Catelyn stared at her in amazement. "You really mean it?"

Becca nodded and beside her, Matt squeezed her hand, happy at the look on his girlfriend's face. If anyone deserved to be happy, it was her.

… … …

Fingers lightly brushed through her hair, waking her from a peaceful slumber. She yawned and turned over, a smile gracing her features as she caught sight of Matt.

"Morning Sunshine." He whispered, kissing the tip of her nose.

She giggled and moved to sit up as she did so. Immediately nausea rose inside her and she stood, making a mad dash to the bathroom. Matt followed after her and when he tried to enter, she kicked the door shut with her foot. Moments later he could hear her retching.

"Catelyn, let me in."

"No." She moaned. "Go away, I'm sick."

"What's wrong?"

"I don't know, stomach flu. Now go away."

"I'm not leaving you, I'll wait out here until you're done."

"Clothes please?"

He went and grabbed her some clothes, knocking on the door and holding them out to her as one hand snaked out and snatched them from him before closing the door again. With a sigh, he sat down on the bed and waited for her to reemerge, which she did 10 minutes later and flopping down onto the bed.

"I'm dying." She moaned.

He rolled over onto one elbow above her. "I highly doubt that, I think you're just a bit sick."

She stuck her tongue out at him. "If I die, I'm coming back to haunt your ass."

"Something tells me you'll survive. You want to stay in today? I'll tell Shawn you're sick."

She shook her head. "No, He has a signing today and an appearance, he needs me there."

He smiled down at her. "You've come a long way, you know that."

She shrugged. "You don't know the half of it. I'm surprised we didn't kill each other the first little bit. I was by far the biggest brat in the world."

He laughed. "I remember that."

"You're not supposed to agree." She said with a pout. "What are you doing today?"

"Following you around."

"Bringing my boyfriend to work, what more can I ask for?"

"I can think of something."

He leaned in but suddenly she pushed him away, making another mad dash for the bathroom. He sat up with a sigh as he waited again for her to finish.

… … …

"You don't look too hot." Shawn said when Catelyn emerged from the elevator.

"I'm sick. Matt should be here in a few minutes. Cameron and Cheyenne weren't sick by chance, were they?"

He shook his head. "I don't think so, Becca never said anything, I'll tell her to keep an eye on them when she calls later."

"They're very cute." Catelyn said with a small smile.

"I think you're saying that cause Cheyenne looks likes you." Shawn teasingly said

"well I was a cute child. There's no denying it."

He smiled. "I'm sorry I missed that. I'm sorry I didn't even know. But to be honest, I wouldn't have been a great dad. I haven't had the best past."

Catelyn shrugged. "What's happened, happened. There's nothing we can do now."

Shawn nodded. "I'm glad you finally got to meet them though."

"What, now that you know I am who I say I am?"

"You sprung out of nowhere, kid, what was I supposed to think?"

"She's really nice, I like her. Them too."

"I'm glad. I was worried but she surprised me as well. She's not too fond of my past but like she explained to me, it wasn't your fault. Why penalize you for that."

"You ready?" Matt asked, coming up behind them, a ball cap and sunglasses on.

Shawn nodded and led the way out to the limo that was waiting for them. The drive was mainly silent. Catelyn whimpering every time they hit a bump. When they reached the location, she stood outside, taking in deep breaths of air.

"are you going to be okay?" Shawn asked.

"Yes, I'll be fine."

They went inside and Catelyn stood back with Matt as Shawn went to the table to sign the autographs.

"People will freak if they knew you were here too." She murmured to Matt.

"Then let's not tell them, I'm enjoying my time with you."

About half an hour in, Shawn called her over and when she stepped up to him, he told her that the fan wanted a picture with the two of them.

"Why me?" She asked.

"Because I hate Ashley." The fan replied.

She hid a smirk as she stood beside the fan and the picture was snapped.

"please. Please I beg of you, kick her ass. I know it's a lingerie pillow fight but please kick her ass."

Catelyn laughed. "I'll do my best."

The next fan came up and as Catelyn went to leave, they also asked for her picture and autograph. She looked at Shawn, wondering what the hell was going on and he shrugged.

"You've been on TV, they're starting to know you."

She shook her head in disbelief, sitting in the chair that was produced next to him. She looked back at Matt who was holding back a smile at the incredulous look on her face.

For the next couple of hours, she sat beside Shawn, getting pictures taken and signing some autographs. When the line was done, she turned to Shawn.

"This is getting way, way too weird for me."

Shawn grinned. "But you handled it like a pro, let's go get some food."

Matt came and joined them, grabbing a dazed Catelyn's hand and leading her back to the limo. What exactly had she gotten herself into?

… … …

When Catelyn arrived at the next taping with Shawn, it was reminiscent of Ashley's return, in that everyone was looking at them funny and whispering.

"Don't tell me another ex girlfriends of Matt has shown up."

Shawn frowned looking just as confused as her. "I don't know but suddenly I don't have a good feeling about this."

"Yeah, me neither."

They walked by Randy Orton who was looking down at some paper a big smirk on his face that grew as he looked up at them as they walked by. Some guys she didn't recognize but knew that they were wrestlers were staring at them both in wide eyed wonderment.

"I don't like this." Catelyn whispered as Shawn led the way to his locker room.

"Just stay close and ignore everyone, okay?"

When they reached his locker room, Matt and Jeff were there, a frown on Jeff's face as he read a piece of paper and a look of worry on Matt's.

"You know what's going on, don't you." Catelyn said.

Jeff held the piece of paper out to them, looking perplexed as he looked between Catelyn and Shawn.

"It's about us?" Shawn asked.

He nodded and Catelyn grabbed the paper.

"I swear if it's something else about me and you and sleeping together I will throw up and punch whoever wrote it in the throat."

"No. That's not it." Matt said quietly.

Shawn ushered them all into his room where Catelyn began to read quietly, her frown deepening as she did so. When she was done, she crumpled it up and threw it across the room, stomping past them all and into the bathroom, slamming the door behind her.

Shawn moved to follow her, but stopped, reaching down to pick up the paper and smoothing it out.

Assistant, Daughter, or Fraud?

The newest addition to the WWE, who isn't even under contract to them, but hired by one of the Superstars isn't who she appears to be. To the fans, the outside world, and the whole WWE locker room, Catelyn Freeborn is Shawn Michaels assistant. The 21 year old Diva was hired to look after his day to day things, or so everyone's been told. Found out recently, Catelyn believes herself to be Michaels daughter, the result of a tryst from his wild Midnight Rocker days. With partner Marty Jannetty, Michaels rocketed to the top in wrestling and partied until the early morning, creating havoc and leaving behind women wherever he went. One such being Catelyn's mother.

Elizabeth Freeborn describes Catelyn as a difficult child, one with a very active imagination. 'Her real father left us when she was just a baby. Catelyn grew up very bitter towards him and would spend hours make believing that someone else was her father. One time I had mentioned that I had met Shawn Michaels and she took it from there. I didn't realize she still held onto that notion all these years later and when she screwed up here to the point where she was an embarrassment for her whole family, she ran away. I didn't know where she went until someone mentioned they had seen her on Raw. I knew then she had tricked that poor man into believing he was her father. I have no hard feelings towards Shawn. We had fun and we both went on with our lives but what Catelyn is doing is wrong. I've begged her to come home but she ignores all my calls.'

So who is Catelyn Freeborn really? Is she just Shawn Michaels assistant as everyone believes? His daughter, that her mom claims she has made up? Or is she a fraud, looking for a free ride?

Shawn crumpled up the paper too, looking at Matt and Jeff before shaking his head and following after his daughter. He entered not bothering to knock.

"This is complete and utter bullshit." She cried.

He didn't bother correcting her language because he agreed. "I'm sorry this happened."

"You don't- You don't believe her, do you? Do you think I'm making this up?"

"If you asked me that when you first got here, maybe. But I've gotten to know you, I'm not going to deny that you look like me, and I mean you and Cheyenne were identical when you were her age. You're a good kid, with a good head on your shoulders and I know you're not making this up."

She looked up at him in wonderment. "For real?"

He nodded. "You can trust me Catelyn. Whatever happened, whatever happens, I'm here to help you. We'll get through this."

"Even if it means proving to the entire world you are my dad?"

"I'll do it, and we can be sure to shove it down your mom's throat."

"I don't ever want to go back there." She whispered.

"Then don't. You have a new life now and you have a new home, with me."

She jumped up and into his arms, throwing her arms around his neck. "Thank you." She whispered. "I don't know how to ever repay you."

"Don't. Catelyn, you don't have to worry about repaying me. I missed out on a lot not knowing you while you were growing up. We both have a lot of lost time to make up for."

She kissed him on the cheek and pulled away. "Thank you. For everything."

He nodded. "You're welcome. You ready to face them all and show them it doesn't bother us?"

She smiled. "They'll think it'll pull us apart but we'll show them." She opened the door and went back into the locker room, stopping at who was waiting for them.

None other than Vince McMahon.

"Crap." Catelyn said.

… …. …

… … …