A/N: Hey everyone! Wanted to give you an early update since the previous one was pretty short! Things are starting to come along so I hope you guys like this next update. The next one should be out on Tuesday. I gotta study for an exam, so hopefully I'll have it out by the middle of next week! Thank you for the support! You guys are truly amazing!

Wanted to say thank you to a friend of mine because she keeps me going with this story. I'm really thankful to have her in the writing process of this story.

Hope you guys like the update and have an amazing rest of the week!

Five

Two weeks passed since Stephen left. Vanessa came in, but she left a few days after she got in since Chace had to report to work. Melody left the day after Vanessa, so for the first time in years, Emerson was left alone in her home. It was creepy at first, her overactive imagination was getting the best of her. Technically, it was her first time living alone and she slightly regretted getting a house. An apartment would have been a better choice, smaller, easier to control and keep track of things. But she was learning. It also helped that Shannon, Shane, Matt, and Jeff were over as much as they can be. She's been spending most of her days with the boys, which wasn't a bad thing, it was suggested by the doctor.

Her doctor's appointment was last week. The doctor's name was Eliza Hummel. Extremely nice lady, very easy to talk to, but then again, she was a therapist, Emerson figured they should be approachable. Her doctor in Texas was Eliza's mentor. The first session went smoothly, the doctor taught her that she had to let everything gradually happened, something she had already heard from her previous doctor. A visual was much better than verbal representation for her. Which was true, whenever her siblings would try to recall a memory for her, they would describe the scene perfectly and she definitely applauded their imagery, but it never really hit anything for her.

Eliza also suggested for her to spend more time with the Carolina boys. She did talk about them often and Eliza felt that they would be able to help her regain her memories more, since she grew up with them.

Emerson walked down her stairs, making her way towards the door. It was nine in the morning on a Saturday. She wasn't sure she knew anyone who would even want to come over this early. The Carolina boys usually got up after noon on their day off, they wouldn't actually come this early. At least, from what she remembered, that's how it used to be.

Opening the door she found Alexander on the other side. She squealed happily and launched herself at him. Alexander laughed, wrapping his arms around her, kissing the side of her head.

"Sorry I'm so late, I had some business to attend to," Alexander pulled away. His eyes landed at the inside of her home and nodded his head. "HGTV has you hooked, I'm not even surprised that you have an open concept, Lauren would be proud." He teased her, walking further in as she closed the door.

"Haha, very nice of you to tease me." She flicked him off. "I like the open concept and you know how happy I was to be able to design this and it looks amazing. The island counter is in the middle of the kitchen that doubles as a place where you can eat as well, it's fantastic." She beamed. "And, the best part is, they have a part in the counter that's wood so I can do some of my baking on there. It's fantastic."

"Nice to see that you didn't lose your passion for baking." Alexander sat on the couch, in her front living room. "So what's been going on, you haven't been calling me lately. I was starting to worry."

"Sorry," Emerson smiled sheepishly. "I've been working."

"Working? Where the hell are you working? I thought Stephen said that he was supporting you? That you didn't have to work till you were absolutely ready?" Alexander didn't speak to Stephen often, but when it concerned Emerson, he spoke to him at least twice a week for the last two years, just to assure himself that his best friend was well taken care of. Not like he was criticizing Stephen, but he could take better care of Emerson than her own brother could.

Emerson rolled her eyes. "Calm down, I am ready. Ready as I can ever be, you guys can't keep me in a bubble, hoping that I'll eventually remember everything then start working. I know you guys wouldn't let me work till I remember everything, but I can do this, I need to grow up some time." Emerson pointed out. "We have to face facts that I might not regain my memory and I need to move on with my life."

Alexander nodded his head. Emerson sat beside him, crossing one of her legs under the other.

"Where are you working then?"

"I work at Jeff's bakery, I didn't even know Jeff had a bakery, isn't that odd?"

"Jeff? As in Jeff Hardy?" Alexander knew the name all too well. He couldn't even say he was surprised to hear it. When she lost her memory Alexander thought it would be a clean break from Jeff, that he wouldn't have to worry about dealing with Jeffrey Nero Hardy ever again, but he was still a thorn on his side. Emerson would remember things that her and Jeff used to do, thinking it was with him. Of course he would correct her, but he never told her who was with her, saying that he didn't know whom she was with at that time. It was fucked up; he couldn't even excuse himself. He never agreed with Stephen's idea of closing her friends off from North Carolina, but he couldn't make decisions for her.

And bakery? Alexander knew Jeff didn't own a bakery. He was certain the guy couldn't bake and if he was going to go in a business venture bakeries was the last thing Alexander thought he would be doing. Baking was Emerson's thing. Unless he was the one who bought Emerson's bakery.

"Yeah, it's crazy, Stephen told me that I was extremely close to him. The more I spend time with him, the more I can see why we became closer. He's a cool guy," Emerson smiled.

This was how it all started. Alexander felt like he was going through déjà vu. Emerson started seeing more of Jeff since she was living at Matt's and things just started to change. Alexander was never a fan of the change, but he was glad someone was taking care of Emerson. It wasn't surprising that Jeff was doing it once again.

"What's the name of the bakery?"

"Enigma, which is weird since they call Jeff the 'Charismatic Enigma'," Emerson laughed. "But yeah, I work as an apprentice to the baker. It's this woman named Mylene. She seems to know me well, she's the head baker at the place. It's amazing, I'm so happy. Amaya helps Jeff run the place, so it's like a family affair."

Alexander wasn't even surprised. He knew she would enjoy North Carolina. It's always been her home. If Stephen was going to let her go back by this year, he would have just grabbed her and brought her back. Contrary to popular belief, Alexander wanted her memory to come back. But if it didn't he'll help her build a new life. He's always been here for her and nothing was going to change that.

And he definitely wasn't surprise to hear that Jeff bought Emerson's bakery. Maybe he was just trying to make up for all the times he was an asshole to Emerson, he didn't know. But he was happy Emerson was getting her life together. She was a fighter, she knew how to fend for herself. Even though her siblings didn't think she should be alone, it was the best thing to happen to her.

"Amaya and Mylene, you knew them before, you're quite close to them," Alexander nodded his head. "I'm just glad you're getting organized."

"So am I," she beamed. "So, how long are you staying for?"

"I leave in two days, I need to get back to California, I just stopped by from my trip to New York."

"On Tuesday? That sucks, I won't be able to drop you off at the airport." She frowned. "I only work weekdays, I get the weekends off."

"Shouldn't you be working weekends? From what I can recall, Enigma was the busiest on the weekends." Alex replied. "No worries about the ride, I rented a car."

"Yeah, but I'm still starting off, so weekdays for now, they'll change my schedule as I improve." Emerson explained. "Ah, okay, good."

"So, why did Stephen cut you off?"

"I was just being a bitch, he wanted me to move back to Texas before he left and it was just pointless since I was settled here. We had a heart to heart; we're better now." Emerson assured him. "Stephen gave me a new account that I never saw till a week ago. Vanessa explained that it was profits from my old bakery that they stashed away. Since I was back to living in North Carolina while they're in other states, it was the right time to give me the money."

"Interesting," Alexander had to call Stephen, so many things were happening.

"How's Lauren?"

Lauren was Alexander's wife. Emerson was initially heartbroken to know that Alexander got married. It was when reality hit her that so much has changed since she was eighteen and she had to play catch up to everyone. She got along well with Lauren. Alexander's wife understood their relationship and had immense trust in both of them. She knew that Alexander wouldn't stray and Emerson wasn't that type of person.

"Good, pregnancy is really doing a number on both of us, but it's the best thing in the world." Alexander smiled.

"God, I can't believe you're married with a baby on the way. You're so grown up." Emerson teased, wiping her eyes.

Alexander laughed. "It's surreal, but it's the happiest I've been."

"I'm happy for you bestie, you deserve the world."

"Thanks Emmy."

"So, you want to grab some breakfast? I would cook, but we both know the best thing I can cook are scrambled eggs, though my pancakes are pretty fucking awesome." Emerson pouted. "Being an adult is so hard."

"Or we can go to the grocery store and I can make my famous mac and cheese for lunch?" Alexander offered.

"Oh my god, that sounds amazing. Mind if I shower?"

"You want me to join you?"

"Ew, perv, no," Emerson stood up. "Make yourself at home, I should be quick."

"Okay, take your time," Alexander waved Emerson off.

Alexander stood up and decided to tour the house while Emerson showered. It was a spacious house, maybe a little too big for Emerson since she was alone. But it wasn't such a bad thing. An apartment would be far too small. This house was perfect for her.

When he was making his way down the stairs, the doorbell rang. He made his way to the door and opened it, not surprised to see who was on the other side.

"Well, well, well, if it isn't Jeffery Nero Hardy," Alexander greeted.

"Can't even say I'm surprised to see you here, what took you so long? Satan locked you up in a cage for being too much of a douche? Did you outdouche Satan again?" Jeff questioned, a smirk gracing his lips.

"Well, he needed a replacement for you, so just for a bit." Alexander returned his smirk. "So, why are you here?"

"I was going to ask Emerson if she wanted to go to my brother's for a barbeque. Where is she?" Jeff looked around behind Alexander.

"She's upstairs showering, you can come in if you want," Alexander moved aside.

Jeff walked in and sat down on the couch in the living room. Alexander followed and sat on the love chair that was facing the couch.

"So Hardy, heard you're clean now." Alexander opened the conversation.

"Not like it's any of your business, but yes I am," Jeff crossed his arms over his chest. It was really bugging him that Alexander was here at Emerson's, but he had to reason with himself that Alexander was no longer available. He knew that Alexander got married, Emerson attended the wedding and Jeff purposely chose to miss it. Though, he did rejoice knowing that Alexander wouldn't be that much of a pain. But it's like their relationship never changed. Alexander was married, yet he was still as close as ever to Emerson. It certainly didn't help that his wife was close to Emerson as well.

"That's good man, at least you got your life together after Emerson left. Maybe the best thing to happen for both of you." Alexander knew he was being a dick with that comment, but this was their relationship or lack thereof. "So, you bought her bakery?"

"Yes I did," Jeff nodded his head, choosing to ignore his statement regarding their breakup. "Why? Pissed off that you didn't think of that?"

"No, I wouldn't be able to manage that bakery, I'm glad you got it." Alexander surprised himself with his nice words towards Jeff, but he knew he was capable of being nice to Jeff.

Initially, Alexander never had a problem with Jeff. He was treating his best friend right, definitely making her happy. But when the emails from Emerson started coming about Jeff's drug use and how worried she was for him, things started changing. Jeff was a great guy when he was sober, but when he was high, it was different. He's witnessed it before, Jeff had confronted him when he was on a drug binge and they've gotten into altercations. Alexander had a history with drug addicts, his older brother was one and he died of an overdose. It drove his mom to the brink of insanity and for that, he was never able to forgive his older brother.

Seeing Jeff going down that same path, dragging Emerson with him, it upset him to no end. He didn't want to see Emerson down that same path, for her to become like his mother. That's why he tried to get her out of that relationship, but for once in their whole friendship, she didn't listen to him. Anything that had to do with Jeff Hardy, Emerson was not listening to him. It made him upset. Emerson always listened to him, no matter what. But Jeff came and she had another person to count on. He was jealous of Jeff because he brought the best out of Emerson. As bad as Jeff was for her, he was really good for her too.

Jeff nodded his head, not replying to Alexander's words.

"And I'm guessing that the mysterious new bank account she has is from you as well?"

"Yep,"

"What do you expect out of all of this Jeff?"

"Nothing, just helping her out."

"No ulterior motives?"

"I don't see why that would concern you."

"You know why it would concern me."

"I actually don't."

The two men stared at one another, waiting for one of them to flinch. They sat for five minutes in silence, just waiting. Emerson eventually came down the stairs and was surprised to see Jeff.

"Jeff! Hey!" She greeted.

"Hey!" He stood up and walked over to her, enveloping her into his arms.

She giggled and wrapped her arms around him. "Haven't seen you in a while, did you just get back from Florida?"

"Yeah, not too long ago, I was going to invite you to Matt's, he's having a barbecue. Homecoming of some sorts." Jeff looked at Alexander. "He can come too."

"Um," Emerson looked at Alexander who shrugged. "Sure, that sounds like a great plan."

"Of course it is," Alexander mumbled.

"I'll see you two there," Jeff kissed her cheek, her cheeks turning pink when he did. "Alexander."

"Jeffrey."

Jeff left, leaving the two looking at one another.

"We can still make your mac and cheese? We can bring it over there?" Emerson suggested.

"No, it's ten in the morning, we have some time to kill, let me get a nap in." Alexander stood up. "Besides, my mac and cheese is just for you and my wife, no one else is allowed to taste such deliciousness."

Emerson laughed. "Greedy."

"A little, but you two are my girls, I'll do anything for you."

Alexander parked next to Matt's car, turning the engine off. He looked over at Emerson who was holding her Tupperware full of cookies that she baked while he slept. It wasn't a secret that Emerson was a horrible cook, but when it came to baking, she was amazing. He was one of the first ones she ever baked for; the person she first baked for was Jeff. No bitterness, he just wasn't used to being second on the totem pole.

"Why do you look nervous?" Alex questioned.

"Is it bad that I'm hoping it's just the guys? As in Shane, Shannon, Matt and Jeff? Their friends are nice, but I'm still adjusting, you know me." Emerson gave him a small smile. She had a minor case of anxiety when it came to meeting new people. It always made her nervous, not knowing if she would make friends or whatever it was. Emerson was a nice girl, easy to approach, but she would overthink interactions and tried to keep to herself, fearing she wouldn't be able to make friends. Alexander had approached her first, she was playing by herself at the playground and it didn't sit well with him. He was ten, he was surprised he even knew what he did or didn't like, but he introduced himself and she just gave him this big smile and he's been with her since.

"No, you did fine the last time Shannon had a barbecue, you'll be fine." Alexander assured her. "Besides, I'm here, nothing will happen and I'm sure the boys will be there for you."

Emerson nodded her head before they slid out of the car and walked towards Matt's front door. Before they could ring the doorbell, Matt popped out at the side of the house.

"You've never used it before, why would you use it now?" Matt teased Emerson.

"I wasn't that bad," she defended, playfully glaring at him.

"No, of course not," Matt rolled his eyes. "Come on kiddies, food is ready, you guys took a while. It's five in the afternoon."

"Jeff didn't exactly tell us a time," Alexander replied as they made their way over to Matt.

"All day thing, so come on in," Matt handed Alexander the beer that he held in his left hand. "I got some Redds Apple ale for you, it's in the cooler by the grill." He told Emerson as he led them to the back.

"I brought cookies." Emerson informed him.

Matt turned around and grabbed the container from her. "No one else is allowed to have some, I've missed your cookies so I'm not sharing." Emerson laughed and shook her head as they started walking again.

The usual suspects were there and a few people that she met in Shannon's home. They all greeted them and they waved. She was going to introduce Alexander, but it seemed that everyone knew each other. They must have met when she lost her memory because she doesn't even remember meeting them when she was eighteen. She never really hung out with Shannon and the guys when they had their barbeques. An invitation as always extended, but mostly her older brother went to their parties. The times she was able to hang out with Matt, Jeff, Shannon and Shane was when they would just randomly come over to the house and lounge around. Those were fun times, playing Playstation or Nintendo 64, kicking their ass in those games. At times she thought they would let her win, but their complains made her think otherwise.

"You okay?" Jeff's voice broke her away from her memories.

She nodded her head. "Yeah, just remembered all the times I kicked your asses playing Mario Kart."

Jeff laughed. "Whatever, we let you win, at least I did." No he didn't, he genuinely tried, but Emerson was extremely good at the game. Besides, she had all the time in the world. Playing video games was hardly in their agenda when they were traveling.

"I mean, if you say so," Emerson shrugged. "If it helps your ego, then by all means, take the victory."

Emerson was a shit talker, she was competitive. It was nice to see coming from Emerson and Jeff definitely used her competitiveness to his advantaged. She hated losing. She wasn't a sore loser, she was reasonable as she got older, but she made sure she wont, no matter what it took.

"You asking for a beating?" Jeff questioned.

Emerson laughed. "Are you, Hardy?"

Jeff saw the glint of mischief in her eyes and it made him smile. God he missed her. "We'll see this up, I think Matt still has his Nintendo around." Jeff smirked. "But if you know how to play the Wii, then we can totally use that."

"Whatever the console is, I'll kick your ass." She confidently told him.

"We'll see, we'll see," he replied. "How's work been?"

"Amazing," she beamed. "I've always liked baking, but to actually do it as a job, it's really fun. I'm not as good as Amaya, but I'm learning. It's hard designing the cakes itself, but making the designs are incredibly fun."

He felt like he was talking to twenty-three year old Emerson and her experiments with baking. When he was on the road and she was finishing school, she baked often. He was her taste tester and he definitely didn't mind. There was something about her baked goods. And he wasn't biased, Enigma had loads of customer coming in, raving about her product. Sure the start was slow, but by word of mouth she was able to get more customers. The joy baking brought to her, it helped her ease the stress from school, from their relationship, it was such a good thing for her, but he never really realized till now.

"You've always been a great designer, unique." He commented.

"Thanks Jeff, I really can't thank you enough for giving me this opportunity." She took his hand in hers and softly squeezed his hand. "Thank you for trusting me enough to work at your bakery. I'll try not to let you down."

"Hey, don't do that, you got this. It's always been your passion, just wanted to give you a chance to do what you love." He kissed the back of her hand and she blushed. Jeff was never this friendly with her. She's seen it with other girls, maybe not Amy, but not with her. They must have been really close and it made her feel horrible that she didn't remember their friendship.

"I'm sorry," she said to him.

"What? Why?" Jeff gave her a confused look.

"I talked to Stephen, about us and it seems like you took really good care of me when he left North Carolina. You and Matt I mean," she looked down, fidgeting with her fingers before looking back up. "I'm sorry I forgot our friendship, I'm sorry that whatever we went through I don't remember, but you have to believe I'm trying and if not, we can always start again."

Jeff smiled and nodded his head. "Hey, stop thinking about us alright? What matters, is that you're okay, we'll work on it. Just relax."

She nodded her head and returned his smile. Taking her hands from his, she walked away and went over to Alexander who was talking to Shannon. Jeff watched as Alexander placed his arm around her shoulders, pulling her in and giving her a kiss on the side of the head. God, when he made progress with her he feels like he didn't make much progress when he sees her with Alexander. This how they've always been, he should be used to it and he shouldn't be threatened, Alexander was married. He was being an idiot. He shouldn't make assumptions again it was what led to trouble between him and Emerson in the first place.

Emerson sat in between Shannon and Jeff, watching Alexander and Matt battle it out in beer pong. She brought her red solo cup to her lips and took a sip of the beer and leaned on Jeff. He looked over at her and lifted his arm so she can cuddle up to his side. Emerson was friendly when she had some drinks. Nothing malicious, but she was just very cuddly when she had a bit to drink.

"Emmy, why didn't you bake me cookies? Matt is hogging it all," Shannon pouted, leaning on Emerson as well. Jeff pushed his head away causing Emerson to laugh.

"Since Jeff is being mean to you, just come over tomorrow, I'll bake you some cookies." Emerson flashed him a smile.

"Hey! What? I want some," Jeff looked down at her just as she looked up at him.

"I don't know, pushing Shannon, not nice Nero," Emerson stuck her tongue out at him.

Jeff laughed. "Whatever, I'll still crash the party tomorrow, I'll help you bake." He turned back to the game to watch Matt sink a ball in one of Alex's cups. It was two to six, Matt with the upper hand. "You should help your cousin Shannon."

Alexander was Shannon's younger cousin. They weren't the best of friends, but they got along enough. Shannon was much closer to Alexander's older brother who passed away. But after Alexander's older brother passed away, Shannon took it upon himself to look out for Alexander.

"Not even Shannon can help Alex, he's a lost case," Emerson teased.

Alexander shot her a look and flicked her off causing Emerson to laugh. She laid her head against Jeff's shoulder, watching the game. Jeff took out his phone and opened the camera application. He wasn't much for pictures, but he needed a new one with Emerson.

"Emmy, smile," Jeff position the phone in front of them.

Emerson looked over to the camera. "Cheese!" The smile that appeared on Emerson's face made Jeff chuckle. He snapped the picture and smiled. Her head still lied on his shoulder, her piercing greenish-hazel eyes lighting up as she smiled at him. This was going to be his wallpaper. They were friends; it's innocent.

"You look cute," Jeff told her as he proceeds to make it his wallpaper.

"Send it to me," Emerson took out her phone. "You don't look so bad, we look good."

"Yeah, yeah we do," Jeff knew she didn't mean what he meant, but still. They did look good together.

"You know, I was watching some of your old videos from WWE and you know who you look really good with? Candice Michelle."

Jeff froze. Wait, what? What parallel universe did he enter? He couldn't believe Emerson was mentioning Candice, of all the Divas he's been tried to be paired with, Candice was the one she mentioned? Why not Trish? She was pretty cool with Trish, did she not remember that? It would be the woman he cheated on her with, the woman that basically broke up their relationship.

"Why not Trish?"

"I mean, I like you with Trish, but if I were to ship you with someone, Candice would be nice. I guess I never saw you ending up with Trish cause I always liked her with Jericho," she shrugged. "Maybe Maria? She was pretty too. It's really crazy how much wrestling I've missed out on, you even became WWE Champion, insane."

Emerson was so ecstatic for him when he won his championships. Whatever it was, Emerson always cheered him on.

Candice.

This was fifty shades of fucked up.

Emerson slightly opened her eyes before closing it once again, letting out a groan. She could feel the sunlight hitting her eye. It was far too early. She wanted more sleep. Turning away from the window she buried herself deeper under the covers, she feels a slight shaking beside her. A pair of arms pulled her closer and she felt a kiss on the top of her head. It only meant one thing; Jeff was home. She wrapped her arms around him, taking in his scent. Smiling against his chest, all she wanted to do was stay like this the whole day. It was Wednesday, her day off from the bakery.

"Babe, it's almost noon," Jeff informed her.

"Too early," she mumbled into his chest.

He laughed. "Babe, come on, I'm starving, let's make some pancakes."

"No," she held on tighter. "Can you just eat later? I need some cuddle time."

"Babe, we can do that all day, let's eat first then we can lounge in bed the whole fucking day." Jeff pulled away from her, standing up.

"When did you get here?" Emerson asked, remaining under the covers.

"Around two?"

"Late night flights must be fun,"

"Not so bad, I just wanted to get home to you." Jeff pulled her to a kneeling position. He stood at the side of their bed pulling Emerson towards him. "I was surprised to see you sleeping, tiring day?"

"You don't even know," Emerson sighed, wrapping her arm around Jeff. "I missed you."

Jeff smirked and leaned in to give Emerson a kiss. She pulled away and shook her head.

"I haven't brushed my teeth, I have like awful morning breath." Emerson covered her mouth.

"Emmy, come on, I haven't seen you for like two weeks, let me have a kiss." Jeff moved her hand and captured her lips with his. Emerson sighed, one of her hands grabbing Jeff's muscle shirt while the other was on his cheek. He pulled away, giving her pecks on her lips. "I missed you too baby."

"Better," she whispered against his lips. Pulling him for another kiss, she began tugging him towards the bed.

Jeff chuckled and pulled away. "Honestly, we can get down to business later. I'm hungry."

Emerson laughed. "Alright, fine, but you're cooking."

"Anything for my girl."

Emerson shot up, looking around her room. She could see the faint hint of blue under her blinds. It must have been six in the morning. Taking out her phone from under her pillow and found that it was six fifteen in the morning. That was definitely an odd dream. It felt too real. Why would she even dream about Jeff in that setting? Was it cause she cuddled up to him yesterday? Was it the picture? Was it because she felt this pull towards Jeff even though she's not sure where it's coming from? It was weird. She lied back down, closing her eyes once more.

Sleep, she just needed more sleep.