… … …

Title: Daddy Dearest 17/?

The four men were almost there when Edge's cell phone began to ring. He didn't recognize the number but picked it up, listening for a few moments.

The other 3 watched as all color drained from him face and he hung up, pulling a U turn in the middle of traffic. All men protested but Edge ignored them, pressing his foot on the gas.

"What's going on?" Shawn asked him. "Catelyn's back that way."

"Not anymore." Edge said.

"What's wrong?" Matt asked.

"They moved her. There were complications. That was the abortion clinic, she put me down as an emergency contact. It didn't sound too good." He admitted.

"What happened?" Matt asked.

"I don't know." Edge said, his hands tightening on the steering wheel. "They just told me there were complications."

Marty looked at him through the rear view mirror and knew that he knew what exactly was going on.

And he knew that it wasn't anything good.

… … …

"Why didn't we think of this before?"

"I know. Look at her, she's out like a light, we can do whatever we want."

She could hear them and a small part of her knew exactly what they were doing but her brain was too fuzzy and she couldn't speak.

She was screaming for them to stop in her mind but the words would not come out of her mouth.

She heard fabric ripping, she heard the guys moving and all of a sudden one of their faces came into view.

"Her eyes are still open."

"Yeah but it's not like she's going to remember this." The other guy answered, his face coming into view.

If she was capable of it, her eyes would've widened in horror at realizing who it was.

Instead their faces floated away and Catelyn felt pain stabbing through her.

Even though she knew it was useless, she tried to open her mouth surprised that this time it worked.

She began to scream.

… … …

Matt's eyes snapped to the direction of the scream they heard as soon as they entered.

"That was her." He whispered, his fists clenched as he took off down the hall.

"we don't know for sure." Marty said, grabbing Shawn's shoulder. "Talk to the nurse."

Shawn nodded, walking up to the nurse's station. "I'm looking for Catelyn Michaels?"

"Family?" The nurse asked, looking through her computer.

Shawn nodded. "I'm her father."

The nurse frowned. "I don't have anyone by that name here."

"Try Catelyn Freeborn." Edge said, pushing his way through Marty and Shawn to the desk.

"and you are?"

"her brother." He easily lied, "And this is her uncle." He pointed at Marty.

The nurse checked her computer once more before nodding. "She was just brought in, she's in emergency."

Shawn softly swore. "What's wrong with her?"

The nurse frowned. "You would have to go to emergency. She was just admitted."

The men followed her directions to find Matt yelling at the nurse there, demanding to see Catelyn. Edge rolled his eyes and walked up to him, pushing him back and talking softly with the nurse, when he was done, he shot a smirk at Matt before walking back to the other two men.

"What's going on?" Shawn asked.

"The abortion obviously didn't go as smoothly as hoped. She started hemorrhaging and they couldn't get it under control so they had to move her here."

"When can we see her?"

"As soon as they stabilize her. They said her husband can go in to see her."

"Husband?" Shawn asked.

"I suppose you said that was you." Matt snidely broke in.

Edge rolled his eyes. "no, you can go in now."

Matt's eyes widened in shock. "You mean-"

"Go." Edge said.

Matt didn't need anymore pushing as he followed the waiting nurse into the back, leaving Marty and Shawn staring at Edge in shock.

"what?" he asked.

The two men continued looking at him causing Edge to roll his eyes and move to the waiting room chairs to wait for more news.

Matt watched the doctors as they finished up on Catelyn.

The screaming had stopped long ago and she just laid there looking paler then anyone he had ever seen.

The blood was being cleaned up and new blood was being given to Catelyn through an IV. Never in any of his most violent matches had he seen that much blood loss. Never in his career had he ever seen that much and as he watched Catelyn on the bed, her eyelids fluttering, her face contorted in pain, her breathing shallow as new blood was pumped into her.

He wondered how close he had come to losing her.

"can I help you?" a doctor asked him.

"Is she.. will she be…?"

"Girlfriend?"

"Wife." He replied, remembering edge's lie, and knowing that was probably the only reason he was let in.

"Your wife will be just fine. Complications sometimes happen. Up to 14 % of abortions can cause hemorrhaging the only difficulty with Catelyn is we couldn't get it under control and she was losing too much blood for us to keep up."

"And now?" Matt croaked out.

"we have it under control and we are replenishing her blood. She just needs rest and time to heal."

Matt nodded, his eyes never leaving Catelyn.

"You can go see her now." The doctor assured him before walking away.

Matt hesitantly entered the room, moving to Catelyn's side and taking her hand in his. She looked so frail now, dark shadows under her eyes, her eyelids fluttering against her cheek as she let out a small gasp. He smoothed her hair back, placing a kiss upon her forehead.

"I'm so sorry sweetie." He whispered.

She sighed, her face relaxing as she settled into a peaceful slumber and Matt was comforted knowing whatever had plagued her was now gone. Now it was up to him to fix what was wrong. Edge had been right, if only he had taken the time to listen to her before wildly accusing her. Maybe this could've been avoided.

Yet he knew how stubborn his Catelyn was. Yes, in his mind, she was still his Catelyn. If she wanted to do something she would do it, everyone be damned. But perhaps this never would have been an issue if he had only listened to her.

If anything else had happened to her, it would have been his fault.

He was having a hard enough time dealing with the guilt as it was.

… … …

She swiped the back of her hand across her mouth, willing herself to not vomit again. Just as soon as the thought crossed her mind, she fell once more to her knees, vomiting into the grass at the side of the road. When she was done she fell forward on one hand, reaching into her pocket and pulling out her phone, hitting the speed dial on it.

"I need you to come get me." She moaned when the other side was picked up. "I'm…." She stopped and looked around; she had no clue where she was. "I don't know where I am."

The voice on the other side yammered on and she closed her eyes with a sigh, putting her fingers to her forehead. Her head hurt, she couldn't think and having a voice yell in her ear wasn't helping. She closed the phone with a loud resounding click and tossed it aside.

Immediately it began to ring again and she picked it up.

"I don't fucking know where I am." She screamed into the phone before throwing it far from her. She could hear it smash to pieces as it hit the pavement but she couldn't bring herself to care.

THINK. She silently yelled at herself.

And as she did it all came rushing back. Her attackers. The drinks they kept giving her. Being carried out of the club, the back alley, her clothes ripping. Everything.

She began to sob and then someone grabbed her hand. She looked up to see Matt staring at her and she began to cry harder.

"I'm so sorry." He whispered kneeling next to her and brushing her hair back.

"You hate me." She brokenly whispered.

"Never."

"Why are you here? You haven't happened yet."

"Because I love you."

"You left me." She sobbed.

"And I shouldn't have."

"But you still did and I needed you. Look what happened to me."

He took off his shirt and helped her put it on. "I didn't know and I'm sorry. I'm more sorry then you'll ever know."

"I remember." She whispered. "I remember it all."

"Then let me be there to help you." He placed a kiss on her forehead and smoothed back her hair and she clung to him. Clung to him as though she would never let go because a part of her knew this was just that, a dream, when she woke up he wouldn't be there, and she would be alone again.

"Why won't she wake up?" A frustrated Matt asked.

It had been 3 days and while Catelyn didn't look as pale or sickly, she had yet to wake up, haunted by her nightmares. But sometimes, she seemed to be dreaming something nice as a peaceful look would settle over her features.

But to Matt that wasn't good enough. He needed her awake and well.

With him.

"I know this isn't real." She whispered.

"Then why do you stay?" He asked.

"Because you'll be gone if I don't."

"Do you know that for a fact?"

She shook her head and looked away from him. "I know that you weren't there when I needed you. And if this is the only time you'll be there why do I want to leave?"

"Because you don't belong here." He whispered. "You know that you must leave."

"I'm not as strong as everyone thinks I am."

His fingers moved to her chin, moving her head to meet his eyes. "You are only as strong as you think you are."

She stared deeply into his eyes, leaning forward to kiss him. "I don't love Edge."

"I know."

She sighed. "No you don't. I know that. I know that here, therefore you know that but out there you don't."

He gave a faint smile. "I might surprise you."

She sighed. "you're trying to tell me it's time, aren't you?"

"I can't decide that for you. Perhaps you're trying to tell yourself?"

She laughed. "So if you're just in my head and acting all smart, does that mean, I'm actually this smart?"

He smiled, placing a soft chaste kiss on her lips.

"I love you."

"I'm going to remember it all when I wake up. I don't know if I can do it."

"Close your eyes." He whispered.

Her lower lip trembled but she obliged.

Then there was only darkness

"She's waking."

That was the first sounds Catelyn heard as she slowly became conscious.

"Finally." Another voice said.

"Catelyn can you hear me?"

She knew that voice, it was her father's and she groaned in answer, her eyes slowly opening, before closing against the harsh light.

"Daddy?" she whispered, her voice hoarse from lack of use.

"I'm right here sweetheart."

She slowly opened her eyes again, her eyes blinking rapidly.

"what… what happened?" She asked, finally focusing on the faces above her. She made out her dad, Marty, Edge, and finally Matt. "Why are you all here?"

But even as she asked them, everything came back to her. The abortion, the hemorrhaging, the dream, and reliving what had happened to her before her mom had sent her away. And just like that she remembered everything about that night and she couldn't hold back the strangled sob that escaped from her throat. Immediately, the men surrounded her, asking her what was wrong, if anything hurt.

Only Edge stood back, a knowing look on his face as he gave a slight nod. "You remember, don't you Little One?"

She shook her head as she began to sob harder and Shawn wrapped his arms around her, pulling her to him in an attempt to block her from the pain, even though he knew he couldn't. This was his little girl and she was hurting and he would do anything he could to stop the pain. If only he knew how.

"Catelyn?"

She looked up at the sound of Matt's voice. "Why are you here?" she choked out in between sobs.

"I just-"

"get out."

"Catelyn, look-"

"No Matt. Right now, I need you to be gone."

"Catelyn, look, I know what-"

"Just get out." She finally screeched sending herself into a coughing fit.

Matt made to speak more but Shawn stopped him with a look.

"Later." He said.

Matt didn't look happy but he obliged, sending one last pleading look to Catelyn, who was too busy coughing to notice.

"Are you okay, Catelyn?" Shawn asked, after he helped her drink some water.

"No." She replied with a pout.

"The Doctor is on her way to see you. Do you need anything?" He tried again.

"Yes, to be alone."

"Don't you want someone with you?"

"No." Her answer was short and clipped.

"You can't shut us out." Marty said, speaking for the first time. "I know you need time to come to terms but shutting us out won't help."

Catelyn sighed and closed her eyes, willing the tears to not start up again. She reopened her eyes, ready to tell them to leave again when the Doctor entered.

"Catelyn, good to see you're awake. How do you feel?" She asked

"Like crap." Catelyn muttered.

"She remembers everything that happened." Shawn informed the Doctor, who looked up in surprise at the information.

"Everything?" The doctor asked.

"Everything leading up to the pregnancy." Shawn confirmed.

Catelyn glared at him.

The doctor sighed. "Her files were sent over from the hospital she was at after the attack and I did read it over. It's why I was given her case." She studied Catelyn as she checked her vitals.

"What?" Catelyn finally snapped.

The Doctor nodded. "Gentlemen, I'm going to have to ask you to leave as I need to run a few more tests in private."

Ignoring their protests, she shooed them out, turning to face Catelyn who was glaring at her.

"Catelyn, there was a reason your case was handed to me. I specialize in these types of cases as they need to be handled delicately."

"Abortions?" Catelyn asked in confusion.

"Abortions, yes, but mainly as a result from sexual assault."

Catelyn pressed her lips together, setting them into a thin line.

"Unfortunately, you're not the first woman to go through this. Fortunately because of that, there are many support groups out there."

"I don't need a support group." Catelyn snapped, staring down at her hands.

"Talking usually helps."

"I don't need to talk about anything." Her voice had risen a little but she still stared down at her hands which were now interlocked as she fought to keep her temper in check.

The doctor sighed. "I'm not going to force you that's not what we do. But I want to make sure that you know these options are available. What you went through was no doubt traumatic. Having to remember it and relive it now after what's happened, more so. Do you remember everything now, Catelyn?"

"Get out." She whispered.

"I know this is hard to talk about but-"

"I said get out." Catelyn screeched. "I don't want to talk about it. I don't want some stupid support group, I want you to leave me alone."

By this time, Shawn, Marty and Edge had pushed their way back into the room, worried after hearing Catelyn's yelling. Shawn pushed past the Doctor and grabbed Catelyn, who pushed him away, wrapping her arms around herself. Shawn looked confused btu the Doctor nodded in understanding, turning to talk to Shawn.

"Most sexual assault victims don't like to be touched after it's happened."

"No you stupid cow, I'm mad at him. Now get the fuck out of my room." Catelyn snapped.

"Catelyn." Shawn snapped.

"You heard the lady." Edge said with a smirk, moving to stand in front of the Doctor. "She wants you gone."

"I understand Catelyn, I'll come talk to you later." The doctor left and Shawn turned once more to Catelyn.

"what do you mean you're mad at me?"

"Just go away." Catelyn muttered, looking away.

Marty motioned to Shawn, who stepped over to him and they moved towards the door.

"Just let me talk to her." Marty said.

"I don't get what's going on."

"She's confused, hurt, probably feeling a hell of a lot of different things right now. But she's hurt, mainly by yours and Matt's way of dealing with all this."

"I was never mad, I tried to find her, she never gave me a chance." Shawn protested.

"I know." Marty said with a sigh. "Just let me explain, okay."

Shawn finally nodded and with a worried glance at Catelyn left the room.

Marty turned back to the girl on the hospital bed, not at all surprised to see Edge perched beside her, an arm wrapped around her.

He didn't quite understand their… relationship. He knew for a fact that Edge was one of the most hated men in the locker room. He only talked to Randy but had heard that even their partnership had now ended, all over the girl currently beside him. No one had bothered to ask Edge to explain their relationship either while Catelyn had been unconscious but that didn't stop him from wondering from time to time what exactly his intentions were.

But as he stood and watched the two of them softly talking, he didn't feel nervous about Edge's presence there. He had watched the younger man's protectiveness and worrying over the past little while. He had seen Edge, first hand, help them when Catelyn had made her decision, plus had seen him come up with the proper stories to get information on her, and get Matt into see her. He could feel the protective vibe coming from where Edge sat now and knew the man would do whatever possible to help Catelyn and make everything a little easier.

"how long have I been out for?" Catelyn asked softly, leaning into Edge's side.

"Long enough." Edge replied. "Don't ever do that again."

"Oh right, I forgot, I planned it that way." She sarcastically replied.

He chuckled, placing a kiss on her temple. "Is this a good time to say I told you so?"

She shook her head. "No, you're much better off waiting until I'm stronger so I can punch you in the face when you do."

"You don't scare me Little One." He said with another chuckle.

She rolled her eyes, turning her head to look at Marty.

"Where did he go?" She asked, referring to Shawn.

"Outside with Matt."

She scowled.

"they both care about you and are worried." Marty stated.

She closed her eyes with a sigh. "I know, okay? I know that but right now I need to stay mad. What they did hurt me, a lot. And if I can remain angry, I won't have to feel anything else."

"In Shawn's defense, he was never mad or anything, you never gave him a chance to explain." Edge said.

Catelyn turned to glare at him. "Since when did you start defending him?"

"Since I've decided you're being unreasonable."

"And I suppose you'll start sticking up for Matt now?" She asked with a scowl.

"Nah, you can stay mad at him as long as you want. He's an asshole."

She gave a mock sigh of relief. "And here I thought for a moment I had woken up in an alternate reality where you were actually a decent person."

"Sorry to burst your bubble." He replied with a smirk. "So are you going to talk to your dad."

"Yeah." She replied.

"Matt?" He asked.

"No."

"Good."

"well that was easier than I expected." Marty said with a shrug. "Should I go get him?"

Catelyn sighed. "Fine, I'll talk to him, just don't let that stupid doctor back in here."

Marty motioned for Edge to follow and the two left, leaving Catelyn alone. She knew she was being difficult and unfair but somehow she couldn't help it. Really, she couldn't. She didn't mean to act this way but as soon as she remembered everything, it was like a part of her had closed down and she was an auto-pilot, protecting herself at all costs.

"Sweetie?"

She looked up as Shawn entered the room. "Dad." She whispered, a tear trickling down her cheek.

"Please don't cry Baby girl." He whispered, rushing up to her and gathering her up in his arms.

"I'm sorry."

"Don't be. You have nothing to be sorry about, I'm sorry you got hurt. Tell me what to do and I'll make it better."

She sighed against him. He'd do anything to make the hurt go away but he couldn't, it wasn't that easy. She really wished it was.

"I'll be fine, don't worry about me, I just want to get out of here."

"As soon as you're allowed, I'll take you home. Becca's worried about you."

"I'm sorry I ran."

"Don't be, we're just glad you're safe and we just want you home, with us. We'll get through this."

"I'll be fine." She whispered, although the words sounded hollow to her own ears.

… … …

"What on earth is that?" Catelyn asked as Shawn wheeled her out of the room.

Edge grinned at her as he fanned out a stack of pamphlets, causing Catelyn to groan.

"You've got to be kidding me."

He put on a look of mock seriousness as he stared down at me. "It's important that you learn to heal Catelyn."

She held her hand out for the pamphlets and when he handed them to her, she looked down at the titles, before rolling her eyes and dumping them in the nearest garbage can.

"All better." She replied with a smile.

Edge laughed while Shawn frowned but didn't say anything. He knew better than to push Catelyn on this. Saying anything would make her clam up and become defensive. But if he gave her a bit of time, perhaps she would get some help. As much as she said she was fine, he knew that no one could come through something like that unscathed.

"where's Becca?" Catelyn asked.

"Bringing the car around." Shawn answered. He had to go back to for the TV tapings so Becca had flown out to take Catelyn back to their place so she could relax and recuperate.

When they got outside, Edge leaned down and hugged Catelyn. "Good-bye Little One. I'm only a phone call away, don't be a stranger."

She hugged him back not wanting to let him go. "Come visit me?"

"You're not coming back?" He asked.

She shrugged.

"I still need an assistant." Shawn casually replied.

Again she shrugged, avoiding both their eyes, "We'll see how I feel."

Becca pulled up and got out, bending down to give Catelyn a big hug.

"I'm so glad you're safe. I was so worried about you."

Catelyn didn't say anything, but she did give Becca a look of disbelief causing the older woman to shake her head. Did this poor girl not know what it was like to have someone care and worry about you? Becca seethed once again at thinking about Catelyn having to grow up with that horrific woman.

After Shawn and Edge helped her into the car, ignoring her protests that she was able to move just fine, her and Becca set out for the airport.

"I meant what I said back there." Becca quietly announced. "And I'm going to ignore that look you gave me too. I blame your so called mother for that."

"What look?" Catelyn asked.

"The one of disbelief. People do care about you."

"I know." The younger girl said, looking out the window.

"You know, you just don't fully believe it, do you?"

She shrugged, not turning away from the window and they were silent the rest of the ride to the airport.

… …