Part 5
"Are you sure you have the right place?" Lorena asked as she and Luciana walked up the steps to a house, painted white on the outside with green shutters around the windows.
"I'm sure. But this doesn't look like a place Larisa would live in. She was always so down to earth and casual." Luciana explained.
"You're right. But I doubt she'd stay in this big house all by herself. Maybe she has a roommate or two."
"I don't know. Only one way to find out."
Luciana rang the doorbell. Soon, Shane McMahon answered the door.
"Can I help you?"
"You're Shane McMahon!" Luciana exclaimed.
"Last time I checked, I was, yes."
"We're looking for Larisa. Does she live here?"
"Ah, she told me she was expecting company. Come on in."
He held the door open for the twins. They walked inside and looked around.
"This is a nice place." Luciana said.
"Thank you." Shane replied.
"Are you Larisa's roommate?" Lorena asked.
"Actually, I'm her cousin."
"Cousin?" Luciana asked, surprised. "She never mentioned that she was related to the McMahons."
"Well, we like to keep our relatives under wraps for the most part. We have so many people claiming to be related to us that we have to ask our real relatives to keep our family connection private."
"Ah, I see."
Shane led them to the living room. "Go ahead and have a seat. I'll let Larisa know you're here."
"Thank you."
He went upstairs to a room and knocked on the door.
"Larisa? You have company."
"They're here already? I'll be down in a minute!" She called.
"OK." Shane replied.
Soon, Larisa opened the door and looked out.
"Shane? How do I look?"
"You look good. Why do you ask?"
"I haven't been feeling all that great lately, and I don't know why."
"Another headache?" She nodded. "Well, you have an appointment with the doctor in a couple of days. Until then, we just have to make you comfortable."
"OK."
"Can you make it on your own?"
"Yeah, the headache is gone for now. I think I'll be good."
"All right. Just be careful."
"I will."
Shane watched his cousin walk down the stairs slowly.
'Poor Larisa...' He thought to himself. 'She's been through so much over the past year. Losing her dad, and having to move out here...I hope her health issues aren't serious.'
Lorena and Luciana were gabbing in the living room when Larisa came down.
"Larisa!" Luciana said excitedly as she got up and hugged her old friend.
"Luciana!" She replied. "Lorena, it so good to see you, too."
"Same here."
"So how is the training going?" She asked Luciana.
"It's been going well. I've been practicing every moment I get."
"I keep telling her she's going to do fine at her tryout, but she's still so nervous." Lorena added.
"Fine isn't good enough for WWE, Lorie! I have to be near perfect."
"You shouldn't put so much pressure on yourself, Luciana." Larisa stated.
"I know, but I just want to stand out from the crowd. Those talent scouts are tough."
"But you can be tougher. Just focus on putting on a good match. You'll be great. I have faith in you."
"Thanks, Larisa."
The ladies gabbed for a while longer until Larisa heard a car door close outside.
"Oh, that must be my fiancee."
"Fiancee?" Luciana questioned curiously. "You're engaged?"
"Yes, and he's the sweetest guy."
"Can we meet him?"
"Of course! He should be coming in any second."
Just then, the door opened and in stepped...
"The Undertaker?!" Lorena gasped.
"None other." He replied.
"Hi, baby." Larisa said as she went over and kissed him. "I'd like to introduce you to my friends from high school, Lorena and Luciana."
"Pleasure to meet you." He said as he shook their hands.
"How was your workout?" Larisa asked.
"It was great, as always. I feel myself getting stronger every day. I can't wait to get back in the ring."
"Taker's been sidelined with an injury that's had him out for over a year now." Larisa explained. "He only recently was able to start working out again."
"Yes. I couldn't have gotten through this year without Larisa by my side."
"Well, we're both happy that she's found someone as kind and caring as you." Luciana stated.
"Thanks."
"Well, we really should get going, but we must do this again sometime."
"Definitely!" Larisa exclaimed. "We'll be in touch, right?"
"Of course." Lorena answered. "Maybe you and I could double date?"
"I'd love to."
The group said their goodbyes, then Luciana and Lorena left.
"Well, that was great to see Larisa again, and she looks so happy." Lorena said.
"I think that Taker's been good for her, and vice versa." Luciana added.
"I'm already looking forward to our double date. I hope she likes Dean."
"Don't worry. I'm sure she will."
Inside, Taker and Larisa walked up the stairs to her room.
"How are you feeling?" Taker asked her.
"I'm feeling pretty good right now. It was pretty nice to actually have friends visit me."
"I think it would be good to see them around more often."
"I agree. Now if only I could just-" Suddenly Larisa put her hands to her head.
"What is it? Another headache?"
"Yeah, I don't know what's going on with me lately, but I...I..." Larisa collapsed right into Taker's arms.
"Larisa!" Taker said, alarmed. "Wake up, darling. Come on..." He tried to rouse her, but couldn't. He looked around, then picked her up and carried her to her room. He laid her down gently.
"Rest now, little one. You've had quite the day with your friends. I'll see you soon."
He walked out of her room and encountered Shane.
"What happened to Larisa?" Shane asked.
"She's fallen victim to another headache." Taker answered.
"Oh, no!"
"Don't worry. I put her to bed. She should be fine in a little while."
"Oh, good. Taker, about those two women that were here today..."
"Yes?"
"I've got a strange feeling about them."
"What do you mean?"
"I think they could be the key to...you know."
"Ah, I see. Thank you for telling me."
"I'll keep an eye on them. They could be very vital to us in the future."
