Kimber looked at the man before her in surprise. How had he found her? She had told the girls not to tell.
She started to close the door when his hand shot out, grabbing it and easily keeping it open.
"We need to talk." he stated, his tone making it crystal clear that he wasn't going to go away.
"I can't talk to you." the reporter tried in vein to close the door, using both hands this time, "Please, just leave me alone!"
"Ah'm not goin' away, Kember. Not until you talk to me." he opened it easily and Kimber fell back a step.
She turned away, letting out a shaky sigh. It was all she could do to keep her tears at bay. She couldn't cry again. Not in front of him.
Sheamus stared at her and he felt anger and frustration begin to churn in his gut. He took hold of her shoulder and turned her around, glaring down at her.
"Ah can' believe you would turn yer back on us after everythin' we've been through." he went on when she opened her mouth, "We've come so far, Kember. How can you throw it all away?"
He released her, scrubbing his hands over his face. When he lowered them, his look was one of conviction, "Ah would never sleep with Natalya! Why would Ah do that when Ah had you?!"
"I, um, I think I'm going to go for awhile." Josh, long since forgotten, quickly excused himself and left the room.
Sheamus watched after him for a few moments before turning his attention back to the reporter. Her expression was one of sadness, her eyes cast to the ground.
"But you didn't have me." she murmured quietly, guilt tinting her words, "Maybe I was taking too long. Maybe you didn't want to wait any longer."
She had done it. Said what had been worrying her for so long now. She was so afraid to look at him, to see the possible truth in his eyes. She didn't know if she could take that.
Finally, at long last and after so much silence, she dared herself to peek up at him. What she saw surprised her. He didn't appear guilty or even in agreement with her words. No, in fact he looked down right livid.
Sheamus couldn't believe it. He couldn't believe she could actually think. . .
He had to turn away and close his eyes, mentally counting to ten. Nope, still angry. He had to do it again. Even then he could still feel his temper almost at a boil.
After counting to fifty-five the Irishman finally opened his eyes and turned back to her.
"Do ya really think Ah'm that shallow?" he asked, the words harsh, "That my head can be turned by a pretty face?"
"No, I just. . ." Kimber sighed and looked away, shaking her head, "Not that I would blame you. I know you've been patient with me. More than anyone else. More than I deserved.
"Seeing you with her, I just thought that maybe. . .maybe you had decided to be with a woman could show you how much she wanted you. A woman who could be with you without freezing up."
He suddenly reached for her, grabbing her face and turning her around to look deeply into her eyes. She stared up at him sadly, tears beginning to well up.
"Ah want you." he ground out heatedly, "Do ya understand that, Kember? You. Not Natalya. Not some other woman. You!"
He released her despite how how much he wanted to yank her to him and kiss her until they were both breathless.
"What did you expect me to think?!" Kimber demanded, her own anger coming to light, "I saw Natalya wearing only a sheet and a smile. I saw you, naked in bed. What was I supposed to do?!"
"You were supposed to believe in me! In us!" Sheamus roared, "When have Ah ever given you a reason to doubt me, Kember? When?!"
Kimber took a breath, unable to speak. Unable to find the words. The truth was, he hadn't. He had never done anything for her to doubt him. If anything, he had only given her reasons to trust him, to believe in him.
At that moment the sounds of her cell phone ringing filled the tension filled room. Sheamus watched her go to it, grunting in annoyance. Now wasn't the time.
Kimber wouldn't have answered it, except she recognized the ring tone as her brother's. It wasn't like him to call so late.
"Hello?" she asked wearily, awaiting what he had to say.
"Kim?" her brother's voice, trying to sound calm but laced with anxiety, greeted her, "Kim, Mom wanted me to call you. Kim. . .Dad's had an accident."
"'Accident'?" Kimber repeated, confused, "Is he. . .is he all right?"
"No. . .Kimmy, it's bad." Derek told her gravely, "He, uh, he was at the jobsite, checking out the new building they were working on. Something went wrong-faulty supports or something. The side of it collapsed and-and we're at the hospital now. They just took him into surgery. They were saying something about cranial trauma."
"Oh God." Kimber breathed, sinking onto the nearby bed. This wasn't real. This couldn't be happening.
Sheamus was by her side in a second. Kneeling down, he braced his hands on her thighs and stared intently into her eyes.
"What is it?" he demanded, searching her face.
"M-my dad." the reporter whispered tearfully, "There was an accident. He. . .He's in surgery right now."
She closed her eyes and shook her head, willing herself to stay calm.
"Derek," she stated when she got control of herself, "Derek, I'm on my way home. I'll be there as soon as I can."
"Let me know when you get in." her brother replied, "I'll come pick you up."
"Okay." Kimber took a shaky breath, "I love you."
"Love you, too, mud pie." he didn't tell her that their father would be all right. Kimber took that as a bad sign.
She hung up the phone and began to hurriedly go about the room, packing.
Sheamus slowly rose to his feet, watching her, feeling helpless. He saw the way her hands shook, the way she was fighting not to cry, and he felt something clench in his gut.
"Ah'll give you a ride to the airport." he stated quietly.
"No, no, that's all right." the reporter replied offhandedly as she hurriedly packed, "Thank you, though."
Sheamus came forward and gently took hold of her hands, turning her around to face him. She stared at his chest, not daring to look into his eyes. She knew if she did her precious control would break.
"Kember, let me drive you to the airport." he replied gently, "All right? Now finish gettin' packed and Ah'll call the airport and make the flight arrangements."
He released her, even though it killed him to do so, and turned to take out his cell phone. She stared at his back, touched by his depths of caring. She closed her eyes and sighed, willing herself to get back to the task at hand.
He eventually got off the phone as she put on her jacket and buttoned it up.
"Fortunately they were able to get you on their next flight to Denver." he told her as he watched her collect her purse and suitcase.
He reached over and took the bag from her, leading her from the hotel room, "It leaves in two hours."
"Thank you." Kimber murmured.
"And don' worry about the company." he informed her as they road the elevator to the ground floor, "Ah'll get in touch wit' Hunter and explain what's goin' on."
"Thank you." the reporter repeated, her thoughts a million miles away.
They reached his rental a short time later, quickly climbing in and heading towards the airport.
As Sheamus drove he kept glancing over at her. She was looking out the window, eyes narrowed in concern, hands fidgeting in her lap. He could see she was trying to keep it together, trying to put on a brave face, but he knew just how much of an effort it took.
He reached over, placing his large hand over her smaller ones. It was only then that she looked towards him cautiously.
"Yer Da'll be all right." he told her soothingly, "Ah'm sure of it."
Tears began to well up in her eyes. She bowed her head and nodded vehemently. She could only pray that he was right.
They reached the airport about forty minutes later. Sheamus continued to keep hold of her bag as they made their way to the counter and got Kimber's ticket.
As they walked towards the terminal the reporter sank into one of the seats. She stared at a lone wall, dejected.
What would she do if he. . .She closed her eyes, unable to finish the thought.
She propped her elbows up on her knees and buried her head in her hands. A few shaky breaths escaped her as she fought to hold onto her precious control.
Sheamus leaned over, rubbing her back. He closed his eyes and pressed a few kisses into the back of her head.
"He'll be all right." his voice, soft and tender, found it's way to her ears, "If he's half as stubborn as you, Ah know he'll be okay."
She slowly sat up and turned to him. Two tears trailed down her cheeks as she looked up at him in misery. He opened his arms and she fell into them. He pulled her into his lap, his arms tightening around her. Kimber gripped his strong shoulders, burying her face in his neck. Her body shook as she struggled not to collapse in tears.
"I don't know if I can do this." she whispered painfully against him.
Sheamus closed his eyes, aching for her.
"You can." he told her, voice filled with conviction, "Yer strong. Stronger than you realize. And so if yer Da. He'll be all right."
They stayed that way for Kimber didn't even know how long. He simply held her, silently offering the comfort of his big body. The truth was, she didn't know what she would have done had she not had his support.
At long last they announced that her flight was boarding. She slowly raised her head, eyes red but clear of tears. She reluctantly climbed off of his lap and they made their way towards the gate.
As they drew to a stop she turned and stared up at him. There was so much she wanted to tell him, but she knew there wasn't any time.
Sheamus didn't say a word. He simply wrapped his arms around her and pulled her into his chest. She practically clung to him, needing his strength so much at that moment.
After a few moments she pulled back, staring up at him sadly. He gave her a nod, silently assuring her she could do this. She sniffed and slowly turned, making her way through the tunnel.
He watched after her for a few moments before he turned away, scrubbing his hands over his face.
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Kimber sat in the hospital waiting room. It was late, or early, she really didn't know. Her father had gotten out of surgery awhile ago and was now in recovery.
The second she had gotten there her mother and brother had filled her in. It was just like Derek had said. An accident with the supports in the new building her father was working on. He and three others had been trapped inside when it came down. It had taken Fire and Emergency crews two and a half hours before they were able to get them out.
Unfortunately for her father, he had been struck in the head and chest by fallen debris. He had suffered three broken ribs, but the worse was the cranial trauma. He had been in surgery for two hours while doctors fought to relieve the pressure and swelling.
A middle aged man with thinning white hair and a mustache, wearing scrubs, stepped into the waiting room. He scanned the room, calling out, "Gentry?"
Kimber, Derek and Elise quickly rose and hurried over to him.
"My husband?" Elise, face pale and drawn, asked anxiously, "Can I see him?"
"Mrs. Gentry, I'm Dr. Dawson," the doctor informed her, "I'll take you in to see your husband in a few minutes. But there are some things I need to prepare you for first."
Mrs. Gentry looked at Kimber and Derek before turning her attention back to the man, "The surgery went as well as could be expected. But I must inform you that the swelling to your husband's brain was worse then we first believed."
"What does that mean?" Kimber inquired, almost too frightened to ask the question, "Is my dad. . . what does that mean?"
"Right now, it means we're at a waiting game." Dr. Dawson informed them, "What we've done is administered medication to put him in a coma state. This way, not only does it keep Mr. Gentry from going into shock, but also gives his brain a chance to take a breather, as it were. The coma will help to decrease energy to certain area's of the brain, allowing blood to flow. And, hopefully, it will allow the swelling to reduce."
"So how long will he be in this coma?" Derek questioned.
"That all depends on how soon the swelling goes down." Dr. Dawson informed him, "Naturally, we'd like to bring him out of the coma as soon as possible. But, really, it all depends on him."
"Can I see him?" Elise asked.
"Of course." the doctor informed her, "I must warn you, it might be a little upsetting. Right now he's hooked up to a ventilator to help regulate his breathing."
"I don't care about that." Elise stated, "I just want to see Brian."
"Right this way." Dr. Dawson turned and led them down a few corridors and to Mr. Gentry's room.
The trio walked into Brian's room, all eyes falling to the man in the bed.
Kimber knew it would be bad, but she was unprepared for the out and out shock seeing him caused her.
All of her life her father had been her hero. She always had believed him to be big and strong. Practically made of steel. She had never even seen him sick.
But to see him now, face pale and drawn, tubes coming out of his nose and mouth, artificial respirator sitting beside his bed to help him breathe, it was almost too much for her to handle.
Elise approached the bed and took a seat in a nearby chair, reaching over to clasp his hand. She lovingly stroked it, her eyes tenderly looking upon his face. It was at that moment that Kimber realized just how strong her mother was. She could only hope to be that strong someday.
She came to her mother's side, reaching out to put a comforting hand on her arm. The older woman, eyes still on her husband, reached over and clasped her daughter's hand, giving it a squeeze.
She eventually looked up, taking note of how exhausted Kimber looked, "Derek, sweetie, why don't you take Kimber back to the cabin so she can get some rest."
"No." Kimber was adamant, "I'm staying here."
"Come on, mud pie." Derek placed a hand on her arm, "You've got to be beat."
"No." she turned to her brother, determined, "I'm staying."
Derek glanced over at his mother questioningly. She simply nodded her head, silently telling him to let it go.
"Okay." her brother stated, giving her a small smile, "Well I'm gonna go call Mary and give her an update."
He patted his sister's arm, kissed his mother on the cheek and placed a hand on his father's shoulder before turning and leaving the room.
"Do you want anything?" Kimber asked her mother, "Some coffee? Maybe something to eat?"
"No." Elsie murmured, eyes still on her husband, "No, I'm fine, sweetheart. If you want something to eat or drink go ahead."
"No, I'm okay." Kimber replied.
"Hey."
The reporter looked towards the door and suddenly tears came to her eyes. She hurried across the room, enveloping Cassidy in a hug.
"Hi." her best friend greeted her, the nurse's eyes going to the silent man in the bed.
Kimber pulled back, unable to put into words or thoughts how happy she was to see her.
"When did you get in?" Cass asked.
"Um," Kimber tried to think, "Almost an hour ago, I think."
"Cass, why don't you go with Kimber to get some coffee." Elise suggested.
Kimber started to protest but her mother added with a knowing look, "Kimberlynn, you look exhausted. Now go and get something to drink. Maybe something to eat, too."
The reporter sighed, knowing it was no use to try and argue. She simply nodded and allowed her friend to lead her from the room.
The pair began to walk down the quiet corridor, voices hushed.
"So did you just hear about my dad?" Kimber questioned.
Cass shook her head, "No, I actually found out a couple of hours ago. I would have come sooner but-"
"Hey, don't explain." Kimber reached out and took her hand, giving it a squeeze, "I understand. I know you would have come sooner if you could."
"How is everyone holding up?" Cass asked as they stepped into the cafeteria.
"Surprisingly well." Kimber stated as she poured a cup of coffee, "Mom has been amazing. I've never seen anyone so strong.
"Derek is Derek." she added with a small smile, "Strong, silent type."
"What about you?"
Kimber looked out over the cafeteria and shrugged, "I'm doing all right."
They collected their coffee and began to make their way back.
"So is Sheamus here?" her best friend asked, "Or is he coming later?"
Kimber drew to a stop, everything in her going still.
"Um, no." she shook her head, eyes on the coffee cup in her hand, "No, no he's not coming."
"Are you okay?" Cass questioned her, "Did you two have a fight?"
Kimber tried to turn away before she could see, but instantly Cassidy noticed the tears beginning to well up in her best friend's eyes.
"Hey?" she took hold of the other woman's shoulders and turned around, "Hey, what's going on? What happened?"
"I. . ." Kimber closed her eyes and sighed, shaking her head.
She pulled away from Cass and walked over to a row of windows. She sat the coffee cup on the ledge before locking and unlocking her fingers. Cass came to stand beside her, looking over at her in confusion.
"Kimber, what is it?"
"I. . .I can't." Kimber threw her hands up into the air, "Now isn't the time to even think about it. Not with Dad. . ."
She bit her lip and closed her eyes, fighting not to cry. But a single tear made it past her defenses to slip through her lashes and down her cheek. She brushed it away and opened her eyes, the green depths looking lost and saddened.
"I, um," she cleared her throat and murmured, "I found Sheamus and Natalya together this morning in his room. She answered the door, wearing a sheet and he was laying in the bed, naked."
"Oh my gosh!" Cass breathed, stunned, "I can't believe it. What did you do? What did he do?"
"I couldn't take it." Kimber turned pain filled eyes to her, "I ran away. He. . .he tracked me down-I was staying with Josh-and he tried to get me to talk to him."
"I bet." her best friend scoffed, "I just can't believe it. I mean, I was so sure he was the one. We had a talk your last night here and, God, Kimber, he seemed to sweet. So caring. Jeez, I thought the guy was in love with you!"
"But here's the thing." Kimber interjected with a sigh as she looked out over the darkened hospital parking lot, "He thinks Natalya drugged him. He says he only had two beers last night and I know Sheamus. That's not near enough to make him black out."
"Drugged him?" Cass didn't look entirely convinced, "What do you think about that?"
"He looked out of it." Kimber murmured, eyes clouding over at the memory, "I didn't really see it then. Or, maybe, I didn't process it when I saw them this morning. But he did look confused and a little sluggish."
"Would Natalya do something like that?"
Kimber thought a few minutes, not sure how to answer. This was the same woman who had found a picture of her from her assault and showed it to an arena filled with people. Would she honestly be above drugging a man to get him into bed?
"I. . .I think she could." Kimber turned back to Cass and nodded, "I really think she could."
"My God." Cass ran her hands through her hair, "So what happened? What did you do when he tried to talk to you?"
"I locked myself in the bathroom and told him to leave." Kimber began to fidget with her hands, "I was just so stunned and hurt. I felt so betrayed. I couldn't see him then. Couldn't talk to him."
She looked out the window and sighed, "And then, tonight. . ."
"What happened tonight?" Cassidy demanded.
"Natalya came down to ringside and made this big, long spiel about how she and Sheamus had gotten back together." Kimber turned to her and explained, "And then here came Sheamus. Cass, I don't remember ever seeing him so angry before.
"He came down there and accused her of drugging him." Kimber flashed a sarcastic smile, "And, of course, Natalya denied it. Anyway, I had heard enough and I went down there. I was so embarrassed and hurt and angry, I told both of them to stop. That I didn't want to be a party to this anymore. I. . ."
She bowed her head when she felt the tears come to her eyes. Oh, the things she had said to him.
"I told him I didn't believe anything he said." she sniffed, wiping at her eyes, "I told him I didn't trust him anymore."
"What did Sheamus say?" Cass asked quietly.
Kimber shook her head and sighed, "Cass, he was so hurt! I know that had to hurt him. He, um. . .he blew up at me. Told me he couldn't believe I would turn my back on him after everything we had been through.
"He. . ." the reporter took a deep breath, trying to find the strength to tell the next part, "He also said he knew the real reason why I was pulling away."
"Which was what according to him?" her best friend asked her gently.
"He said I was afraid." Kimber closed her eyes and replied softly, "He said we were getting closer and that that scared me."
She laughed humorlessly, "He wasn't too far off the mark. I. . ."
She looked down at her hands and admitted quietly, "I am afraid. I knew it wouldn't be long until we headed for the bedroom and I. . .the idea of it frightened me. It still does. I just can't help but worry about what will happen if we get there."
She rolled her eyes and sighed, "Not that we ever will get there. Not now."
Cass reached over and gave her hug, "So you believe him."
Kimber pulled back and nodded, "I do. I really do. I know him, Cass. Now that I've had time to take a step back and look at things objectively. . .He would never sleep with Natalya willingly. I believe him when he said he was drugged."
"Oh, sweetie, did you tell him that?" her best friend inquired.
Kimber shook her head, "No. No, I wasn't willing to admit the truth to myself. I told him he was wrong. That I wasn't afraid. That I was pulling away because I thought he had slept with Natalya. And then I left. Well. . .I started to."
"Started to?" Cass repeated, confused, "What do you mean?"
"I, um. . ." Kimber again looked out over the lot, "I got halfway up the ramp when Sheamus told me he loved me."
"Oh, wow." Cass breathed.
"Oh, wow." Kimber agreed with a bittersweet smile, "When he said that I froze. I didn't know what to think. How to feel. He came up the ramp and he took me in his arms, told me he loved me again and then he kissed me."
Cass looked at her expectantly, "So then what happened?"
"I got scared." Kimber admitted bitterly, "I got scared and ran away. Josh and I checked into another hotel after the show. I didn't want to see him."
"And so that's how you two left things?" Cass surmised.
"Not quite." Kimber gave her a weak smile, "Sheamus really should change his name to Sherlock because he managed to track me down. Where we had it out yet again."
"The guy doesn't give up, huh?" Cass stated with a gentle smile.
"It's not in his nature." Kimber replied, "But, um, then I got the call from Derek about my dad and I had to leave."
She felt fresh tears come to her eyes, "Cass, he refused to leave my side. He drove me to the airport, stayed with me in the terminal. He kept trying to reassure me that Dad would be all right. He even. . .he even held me and left me cry on his shoulder."
Now it was Cass' turn to wipe away her tears, "Oh my gosh. Kimber, you can't let this guy go."
"I think it's too late." the reporter confess painfully, "I think I've already lost him."
"I don't think so." Cass told her best friend, "I really don't. I think you guys need some time apart. You have to deal with your dad. But when he's okay you need to call up that big, handsome Irishman and beg his forgiveness. And tell him you love him, okay. Because if you don't I might Brogue Kick you."
The two friends laughed and Kimber nodded. Cass reached over and gave her hug before they turned and headed back to Brian's room.
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Sheamus closed his eyes and took a few, deep cleansing breaths. When he opened his eyes he was once again focused and set. He raised the barbell off the stand and began to do a series of reps.
Each time he raised and lowered the bar he could feel his muscles strain and burn. Maybe he was doing more than he should have, but he didn't care. He had too much going on inside of him and he needed an outlet to get it out.
It was early, only about six in the morning-he had been in the hotel gym since five-and he was trying to make his way through his workout.
But his mind wasn't fully on it. Instead, it was back at last night with Kimber. He could still see her frightened and sad face. Could still feel her shaking in his arms.
More than anything he had wanted to go with her but he knew it was impossible. He couldn't leave mid tour and besides, he knew she wouldn't have allowed him to. Not with everything still up in the air between them.
It was all for the best, he knew. She needed to concentrate fully on her father and he doubted she could do that with him there.
Still, he wanted to be there to offer his support.
He eventually sat the barbell down and reached over, grabbing his bottle of water. As he took a healthy swig of it John entered the gym.
His eyes landed on the Irishman and he quickly approached, nodding, "How's it going, man?"
Sheamus gave him a look and John raised his hands, taking a step back, "Clearly not good."
"I heard about Kimber." Cena stated as Sheamus walked over to a set of dumbbells.
He watched as the Celtic Warrior picked them up and began to furiously raise and lower them.
"How's her dad doing?" the former champion asked.
"Don' know." Sheamus muttered as he continued to work out, "She hasn' called anyone wit' an update."
He did a few more reps. Each time the weights went up and down he felt a little more of his anger come to light. Soon his teeth were grit and his breathing grew labored.
John noticed his rising temper and instantly jumped forward, trying to defuse it, "Hey, buddy, lets go take a walk or something?"
Sheamus angrily tossed the dumbbells onto their stand and turned away, raking his hands through his hair. He closed his eyes and struggling to get the fury he felt under control.
"I understand that you're angry-" John began.
Sheamus lowered his hands and turned back to him, practically snarling, "Ah'm passed angry, fella."
He began to pace the length of the floor, "Ah don' understand how Natalya managed to do it. Ah only had two drinks. Ah kept my eye on both of them."
John shrugged, "Maybe she had help."
Sheamus drew to a stop and shook his head, "Ah didn' see Rosa or Alicia anywhere around. Hell, Ah don' even remember seein' Natalya after Ah sent her away that night. . ."
Something clicked in his mind. Of course. He should have known.
"The bartender." he muttered.
John blinked in surprise, "You sure?"
The Irishman turned to him and began to smirk, "Who else could it be, fella? He was the only one servin' me drinks. For all Ah know, Natalya paid him off."
"So let's go talk to the guy." John stated.
"All right." Sheamus nodded, set, "Let me get changed and then we'll go."
He got showered and changed in record time. Soon the two of them were racing down the highway back towards their last show location. The reached it in about three hours and made their way towards the club.
John parked the car and the pair quickly climbed out, heading to the club. Though it was only nine-thirty, Sheamus prayed they were open.
As luck would have it, they were. The two wrestlers walked in, taking note of the employees as they started to get the club ready for that night.
"Excuse me," a young woman, pretty with red hair, approached them, "I'm sorry, but we're not open yet."
John flashed his world famous smile, "Yeah, we know. Actually, we were kind of hoping to talk to one of your bartenders. He was working here Monday night. About 11 o'clock."
"Tall, short dark brown hair. Goatee." Sheamus described him.
"Carl." the young woman nodded, "That would be Carl. But he called in sick today. Is there something I can help you with?"
"Actually we need to speak to Carl." John went on, "You see, my friend here, well. . ."
He clapped Sheamus on the back and started laughing. Sheamus slowly joined in, not sure where the other man was going with this.
John leaned in and confided, "You see, Carl was hoping that Sheamus here would surprise his girlfriend for her birthday-she's a huge fan. Sheamus didn't think he would be able to, what with our hectic schedule, but we had an opening and the big fella decided to come on down."
"Oh!" the redhead's eyes widened, "How sweet! I had no idea it was Tami's birthday."
"Yeah." Sheamus quickly jumped in, flashing a grin of his own, "It was yesterday, from what, uh, Carl told me. Ah figured a belated surprise is better than no surprise at all."
"Oh, of course." the woman nodded, "Well, like I said, he called in sick today. But I don't think he'd object to you popping in at his apartment. I'll just go get his address."
She hurried off and Sheamus turned to John, serious.
"Thank you." he stated, shaking the other man's hand.
"No problem." John grinned, "If I can help get you two crazy kids back together, I'm all for it."
She returned a short time later, Carl's address in hand. Sheamus had taken it with thanks and he and John hopped back in the car and took off.
They reached the bartender's apartment a short time later. They stepped up to the door and John placed a hand on the Irishman's shoulder.
"Better let me handle this." Cena stated with a smirk, "The last thing the guy needs is a 6'6", 270 lbs. pissed off Celtic Warrior threatening him."
Sheamus let out a sigh and nodded, reluctantly agreeing. John was right. It wouldn't do him any good if he lost his famous temper.
He leaned against the wall beside the apartment door and nodded, signaling for John to knock.
John turned back to the door and knocked. Both men paused, listening for sounds of movement inside. When none came he did it again.
Still there was nothing.
Cena arched an eyebrow at Sheamus, who shrugged his massive shoulders.
"Hello?" John called out as he pounded on the door, "Carl, are you home?"
"He's not there."
The two wrestlers turned to see an old man standing the doorway of the apartment next door. He took off his glasses and wiped them, giving the men a once over.
"He's not?" John instantly flashed his trademark smile, "That's strange. We'd heard Carl called in sick to work and we just wanted to make sure he was all right."
"I don't know anything about that." the old man stated, "I just know I saw him tearing out of his apartment late Monday night. Said something about going on an 'impromptu vacation'. Sounded like a load of malarkey to me, but it doesn't surprise me with that one."
"A bit of a hooligan, is he?" Sheamus inquired.
The old man snickered up at him, "You can say that. Rude. Always blaring his music at all hours of the night. Even steals my newspaper from time-to-time."
John pulled out a piece of paper and a pen, quickly scribbling something down, "Can you give us a call when he gets back?"
The old man took it, scrutinizing the pair.
"You're not friends of his, are ya?" he asked with a smirk.
"No." Sheamus muttered, "We're not."
"All right then." the old man grinned, "I'll be happy to call you the second I see him."
Without a word the Irishman turned and headed back towards the rental car. John thanked the neighbor and hurried after him.
"Hey." he called out, "You okay?"
Sheamus came to stand by the passenger side, fists clenched. Eyes narrowed, he glared out over the neighborhood.
"How am Ah gonna prove that Natalya set me up?" he turned angry eyes to his friend, "That bastard was me only shot."
"Hey, you still have a shot." John tried to reassure him, "Look, that old guy will call us the second Carl comes back. All right? So don't worry."
Sheamus scrubbed a hand over his face and nodded. The pair climbed back into the car and soon John was heading off down the road.
They drove in silence for several moments, each alone with his thoughts.
"So, uh. . ." John glanced sideways at the Celtic Warrior, "Are you going to go see Kimber?"
Sheamus continued to look out the window, brows knit. He thought a few moments before shaking his head.
"It's not a good idea." he stated quietly, "She has too much to deal wit' right now. She doesn' need me there . Besides, Ah don' even know if she wants to see me."
"I think she would." John interjected, "Look, I know you two are going through a rough patch right now-"
Sheamus scoffed at that but the former WWE champion went on, "Okay, more than a rough patch. But still, I think she'd appreciate having your support."
The Irishman continued to stare out the window, watching the scenery rush by. He would have agreed with Cena except he kept hearing Kimber's words repeat again and again in his head.
"She doesn' trust me." he turned to the other man, equal parts anger and hurt flaring in his blue eyes, "She told me so, herself. So if you think she wants anythin' to do wit' me right now, fella, yer mistaken."
John wanted to say something, anything, to try and encourage his friend. But it was clear that Sheamus wasn't in the mood to hear it. So he found he could do nothing but drive.
Sheamus continued to stare out the window. There was more to it than that. More than he was letting on. The truth was, he was hurt by her accusations. Hurt that she could believe the worst of him so quickly. He thought she knew him better than that. Certainly thought she knew what kind of man he truly was.
Maybe he was wrong about her. Maybe what he thought they had wasn't as strong as he wanted to believe. Maybe he had been seeing things that weren't there.
Maybe what he wanted right now was to find that gobshite, Carl, and bury his fist in the fella's face. Repeatedly.
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Kimber sat on the couch, staring out the window. The wooded area surrounding the cabin looked picturesque. The pine trees were coated in snow, as well as the ground. The perfect scenery for Christmas, which was today.
Mr. McMahon had been more than understanding when Sheamus and Hunter had explained her situation. He had allowed her to take as much time off as she needed.
Because they were taping a series of shows to air over the coming week, giving the Superstars, Divas and crew a chance to spend the holidays with their families, he had told her to just take her holiday vacation a little earlier. Kimber had thanked him profusely, so grateful.
She turned around, looking out over the living room. It was decorated for the season with twinkling lights, garland and pinecones. The tree, standing six and a half feet tall, was a multitude of color, exuding warm and cheer. Dozens upon dozens of colorfully wrapped presents laid beneath.
The only present Kimber wanted, though, was for her father to wake up. If she could have that she would never ask for another thing for as long as she lived.
Her mother came out of the kitchen at that moment, wrapped in a robe and holding two steaming mugs of coffee. Kimber gave her a bittersweet smile and crossed over to her. She took one of the mugs and gave her mother a kiss on the cheek.
"Merry Christmas, sweetheart." Elise said lovingly.
"Merry Christmas, Mom." Kimber repeated, but the words didn't have much feeling behind them.
Elsie reached out and hugged her daughter tightly. Kimber blinked back tears, fighting not to break down. She had to be strong for her mother.
"So, um, when are we going to the hospital to see Dad?" she asked as she pulled back.
"Visiting hours aren't for two hours." Elise informed her, "I was thinking of having Derek, Mary and Dylan come over first. Maybe give Dylan his presents. Then we could all go over to the hospital together."
"Okay." Kimber nodded, offering a small smile, "Sounds like a good idea."
It was at that moment that the phone rang. Elise gave her daughter a small smile and turned, walking back into the kitchen.
Kimber sipped from her mug as she wandered back over to the window. She let out a sigh as she stared out over the woodlands.
She couldn't help but think of Sheamus. Was he back in Ireland, spending the holidays with his family? She sincerely hoped so; she knew how homesick he got from time-to-time.
In the week that she had been there she hadn't called him. Hadn't called anyone, really. She wanted to think that it was because she was so consumed with her father and his recovery. And that was partially true.
But not completely. Because part of her, deep down inside, was afraid.
What could she say to him? How could she tell him how wrong she was? And who was to say he would even want to listen to her. She hadn't exactly made it easy for him. Heck, in the first sign of trouble she had turned her back on him. How could he ever forgive her for that?
"Kimber!"
At her mother's startled cry Kimber quickly bolted towards the kitchen. Heart pounding, dread welling up in her chest, the reporter hurried into the doorway.
Oh God, her father. . .
She came to a stop, watching as her mother absently put the phone back on the hook. Her eyes were vacant, her mouth slightly open in surprise.
"Mom?" Kimber asked, voice shaking somewhat.
At that moment she began to beg, to pray to every deity she could think of to please spare her father. To please let him be all right.
"That was the hospital." Elise turned tear filled eyes to her daughter, "Brian's awake."
"What?" Kimber wasn't sure she had heard her mother correctly.
Elise began to laugh, "He's awake! He woke up about an hour ago. They said he's still groggy and, of course, he's not one hundred percent, but he's awake. They said we can see him as soon as visiting hours start."
Kimber, breathing heavily, looked around the kitchen in disbelief. She turned to her mother and began to grin, tears coming to her eyes. Her mother was also crying in happiness. The two women hurried to one another, embracing, laughing and crying.
The reporter closed her eyes, Thank you, God. Thank you!
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Exactly two hour later Kimber, Elise and Derek were at the hospital. The three sat around Brian's bed, watching over the older man.
Kimber couldn't believe it. He looked a little older, given what he had gone through. And he was still pale. But he was awake. And, most importantly, the doctors said his vitals were good. It would take months for him to get back to the man he once was, but the fact remained that he could come back.
And she knew that he could do it. He was so strong, her father. She knew he would overcome anything he had to.
He couldn't speak, and there were times when he would slip back to sleep. But the nurses assured them that was natural.
Kimber didn't care. He could sleep for as long as he needed. She knew that he would wake up again and that was all that mattered to her.
During one such time he had opened his eyes and looked over at her. She felt him squeeze her hand and it was all she could do not to cry in joy.
Her father was awake and he had returned to them. It truly was a Christmas miracle.
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Sheamus, hands in the pockets of his jeans, wandered around his home in Tampa. He came to the balcony and stepped out, looking out over the sunny, Florida landscape.
A far cry from Ireland.
A wave of homesickness came over him, as it often did during the holidays. He missed his family terribly but he knew he'd see them next week when the WWE went on their European tour.
Inhaling, he turned and made his way back into the house. His wanderings took him to the dinning room and his eyes landed on the modest Christmas tree set up in the corner of the room. Orchestrated by his housekeeper, Mrs. Poole, he supposed with a small smile.
There weren't any presents under it, though. Sheamus had all of them packed away, ready to take on his trip.
Well, almost all of them.
His eyes traveled to the dining table where one, tiny and wrapped in a white paper with a red bow, sat.
Almost of their own volition, his feet carried him over to it. He reached over and gently picked it up, handling it with the utmost care.
He turned it around and around in his large hands, his fingers traveling over the red bow.
His eyes filled with sadness and he set it down, turning his back on it. He scrubbed his hands over his face, at a loss.
He wondered how Kimber was doing. Last he had heard from Layla her father was still in a coma. And while the doctors were hopeful, Kimber was still terribly frightened.
He had called the Gentry house, once, a few days ago. The conversation between himself and the reporter had been awkward to say the least. She had told him pretty much the same thing she had told Layla. She had kept it short, wishing him a Merry Christmas and a safe holiday and then she had gone.
He sighed and once again prowled the house. He wanted to be there for her. More than anything, he wanted to see her, hold her, give her his support.
But obviously she had made her choice.
She didn't want him.
He found himself outside, making his way over to the boat dock. His hands returned to the pockets of his jeans and he stared out over the ocean.
His eyes began to narrow, his angry slowly coming back to him.
He would make Natalya pay for this. He might have lost the owman he loved, but the woman who had caused it wasn't going to get off easily.
Not by any means. . .