It was a few days later, and things around the house were still tense. John pretty much took when I went to the hospital alone as if I chose Punk and Emma over him. Is it wrong if I did? Punk was freaking out and Emma-Lynn is an innocent little girl. I sat in the living room, flipping through channels when John walked into the room, on the phone.

"Yeah, I can't wait to see you too," whoever he was talking to on the other end said something and John replied, "Alright, love you too pops, bye."

The Cenation Leader hung up, and then looked at me, and I turned off the TV, and sat there with my arms crossed.

John finally spoke up,

"So, I was talking to Johnny-Fab, and I still have some time off left, so I told him that we'd come and see them. I figure leave tonight, fly up there and we'd be there by early tomorrow."

His dimples were shown and his blue eyes bright, most likely excited to go and see his family. I love the Cena family, and thankfully they too love me, but it pissed me off how John just went and agreed to something without telling me the idea first. This is weird, because usually I wouldn't mind. Getting up, I walked closer and tried to fight the urge to yell. God, what the hell is wrong with me?

"I can't John. Remember, I told you my parents were coming tomorrow, or were you too busy not listening?" His face immediately flashed with anger and I knew that things were about to get ugly, again. I figured since I had pretty much picked a fight, John would fight back.

Instead he gave me this sad look; a look of someone who just had their heart broken, and he said,

"I can't ever make you happy anymore, can I Taylor?"

John shook his head and walked away from me. I felt numb. I didn't want to hurt him, but no matter what I do, someone is going to get hurt. Nonetheless, his intentions were good, but I pushed him away, and made him seem like the bad guy. Not knowing what to do, I just sat on our bed as I watched him pack later that night. Even though he was just going to see his folks, it still felt like he was leaving, for good.

"Johnny," I whispered, "when are you going to be back?"

The man stopped what he was doing and just looked at me, and then sighed.

"In a few days, but maybe I'll just stay there until I have to get back on the road."

"What if, we spend time with our families, and then the two of us go somewhere?" John managed a slight smile, and I thought I had him.

Until he spoke up again,

"Maybe you should just take Punk. He's your new family right?"

Here it was; the truth behind John's problems lately. Well, I honestly can't say that I blame him.

"That's all this is about? The way you've been acting, the fighting, telling Punk what I knew. All this over you being jealous of the time I've been spending with Phil!"

His blue eyes clouded over with fury, and next thing I knew, a picture of us on the dresser was across the room, and broken; now that's a great metaphor. Fear raced through me, but I knew he wouldn't touch me.

"Johnny," placing my hand on his bicep, his breathing calmed down, "I love you okay? Why are you jealous over us?"

Closing up his suitcase, he kissed my cheek then walked away. Following him down the stairs, he stopped at the door, then turned around to face me, as I remained at the bottom of the steps. I used to be able to read him, but now we might as well be strangers.

"Because Taylor, it's become more than you just being a friend and helping them out! I don't know what happened, but you're not here anymore. Even when you are, your mind is miles away. Sometimes I wonder if your heart is too. I mean c'mon, you just referred to you and Punk, as 'us.' Did you not even notice that?"

"Honestly, I didn't. What do you want me to say John? What can make you just drop all of this?" I asked quietly but exasperated at the same time. He picked up his suitcase, and shrugged. Checking his watch, he opened the door, and getting ready to knock, were my parents. The older woman smiled, and then quickly frowned, obviously sensing that something was going on. Dad saw the luggage in John's hand and narrowed his eyes.

"Mom, Dad! I thought you wouldn't be here until tomorrow?" I questioned, noting their horrible timing.

The Game responded,

"We thought we'd surprise you. John, son, where are you going to exactly?" Dad directed his attention away from the upset daughter, and looked to my boyfriend for answers. I silently hoped that John wouldn't bring up what's happened.

"Hey Hunter, I'm just heading to see my family back in West Newbury for a bit. I promised my folks forgetting that you guys were coming over," he looked up at me, and I wanted so badly for things to be okay. Then I saw Punk. He wasn't anywhere near us, but when I closed my eyes, he was all I could see. Quickly my eyes opened again, and John continued, "So we decided this time I'd go alone." Walking back up the stairs, we kissed, so softly that it's almost like it didn't happen.

"I love you John," I whispered. Then with a nod and goodbye, he was off. He didn't say 'I love you' back to me. Trying to hide the pain and confliction in my heart, I shrugged it off, and then lead my parents to the guest room. Once they put their things down, I immediately was in my dad's arms. Not crying; my tear ducts are all out of tears. Mom stood by, and I pulled away then hugged her. Before I pulled away, Mom whispered,

"I expect you to fill me in on the details."

I laughed, but deep down, I was hurting. Everyone's lives were moving on, and I'm just stuck. A few minutes later, I got a text from Punk asking if I could watch Emma tonight; he had a date. Holding it my pain, I told him I would.

Apparently I was really out of it later that night during dinner. So out of it, I didn't see that my dad had left to go somewhere, leaving just me and Mom. She pulled the dining table chair next to mine, and spoke softly,

"Taylor, honey are you okay?" In that moment, with her voice so soft and nurturing, it felt okay to admit things weren't okay. That it was normal and okay to be weak and just want things to get better; to finally cry, and admit that I'm not strong. I never have been.

"No," I began crying.

She sighed,

"Is it about John?"

"No! No, well at least that's not the only thing. I just feel so guilty." She looked at me confused and I explained of how I knew about Hope and her condition. How I felt miserable that I just let her die. Then, with tears in her eyes, she asked about John and Punk.

"What happened before we showed up Taylor?"

"We fought, again. He accused me of not loving him anymore. That he doesn't own my heart anymore."

She nodded, and then knew what I meant. After a moment she spoke again,

"You love him don't you? Punk I mean."

"I liked him a long time ago. Then Hope came and fell for him, when John was single again. I always wanted John and didn't realize how Punk and I felt about each other, so Hope and Punk got together. I love John, but how can I look him in the eyes and tell him I love someone else too? How can I be in love with Punk and want him when he was always Hope's? How is it fair that everyone's moving on with their lives and Hope can't? Why can't it be me who died?" I couldn't believe I said that out loud; admitted all of the things I've been holding in. It's almost been six months; I guess that's a lot to hold in.

"Taylor, don't ever say that it's you who should be dead, and Hope's death isn't your fault either. Honey, you shouldn't stop living because Hope did. She'd want you to be happy, regardless of whom with. I loved her like another daughter, and don't get me wrong I miss her too. But all things, whether they make you the happiest person on the planet or hurt like hell, happen for a reason. Maybe, John's not the one for you. "

"But what if I'm the one for him?"

"Girlie, he hasn't done anything to show you that he wants you forever."

"Neither has Punk though, Mom." I added, still feeling the need to defend John.

"Right, but he can't, can he? As far as he's concerned, you're still John's. Taylor, you need to stop punishing yourself. I saw the text and Phil's going on a date tonight, right?" She continued without confirmation from me, knowing she was right. "I know that upset you, but he needs to know it too. You obviously love them both, but don't let Hope be your excuse. You have to stop hiding from your heart sooner or later."

"What if I just want him because he has a family? Something I want. I mean, that could just be why."

"Princess, if that's the case, you would've figured that out long ago. You're smart enough, and Phil wouldn't have pursued you had he thought that."

I took in all she said and knew she was right. It was crazy how well she really knew me, and I was fortunate enough to have a mom and best friend at times. We sat there and I knew I'd have to make a decision. I loved them both, but in a way, loved one more. Sighing I checked the time; 7:30. Standing up, I looked back down at her.

"Thank you. I would continue this, but I have a little girl to go baby sit. Shalene has to head back home for work. Love you, and if dad comes home before me, let him know."

She nodded, and with a goodbye, I was headed back to Punk's.

Meanwhile, Hunter went to find Punk. The older man found him walking around the park, in the dark, with a fiery redhead. Punk felt a presence and looked up, to meet a grim looking Triple H. Then he thought of Taylor, and knew that this date with Lita was a mistake. Soon the two were face to face. Why would Hunter be here? Punk wondered, and when then he opened his mouth,

"Is Taylor okay?" The redhead narrowed her eyes at him, and knew that she was just a distraction. Not if she had it her way.

The taller man shook his head,

"No Phil. I need to talk to you; now."

The Straight Edge superstar had no clue what it was about, but he looked over at the girl,

"Amy, I think you should head home."

"But Punk," she protested, "our date isn't over yet."

"Lita, you need to go. I have something important to do, and you aren't it. I'm sorry, but this isn't going to work out." With a huff, Lita was on her way. Plus, Hunter is an intimidating dude when he's on a mission. After she left, the two pro wrestlers were walking around the park, silent until Hunter spoke up.

"I didn't mean to interrupt your date son, but I needed a word with you."

Phil nodded, knowing what it was about.

"It's fine. How'd you find me?"

Triple H laughed as if it was a dumb question.

"Taylor always said you'd come here to think. Speaking of Taylor, what have you done to my little girl?" He accused in a gruff voice. The Chicago born man sat down on the bench, and soon Hunter followed suit. Phil knew that he'd get questioned sooner or later. John told him the story when Hunter came to visit after Taylor first moved in with him. The Game is a nice guy, just not when his daughter is involved. Everyone in the WWE knew that if you ever messed with her, you'd answer to him.

"Hunter, I'm not going to lie. I'm not going to beat around the bush. I love your daughter. I always have. She wants John so I'm trying to move on the best I can. I haven't done anything to her."

"Letting her go, and loving her are the only things I can think of. Listen, I'm not going to bullshit you. She loves you too. She loves John. I however, always liked you and Tay together better than her and Cena." He didn't know what to think when Taylor's dad said that. He figured John would be the ideal match for his daughter; most parents would turn away at the site of Punk.

"Why? He's Super Cena."

He turned around and finally faced Punk. Not in many years has the younger man ever been this nervous. Not even when he proposed to Hope; after she hinted at a ring the twentieth time.

"You remind me a lot of me, when it was just Taylor and me. It isn't about me; Taylor will be with whomever she wants. The point is, I think you could love her more than John. He's practically married to his work. He can't give her his all, and she deserves better than that. Don't get me wrong, I like Cena, I do. I just think that he isn't the one for her."

Finally, Punk thought, someone who agrees with me.

"Well, thanks. But man, she's Hope's best friend. I couldn't do that to her."

"Sometimes," the man began, choosing words carefully, "you have to do what will make you happy, and to hell with everyone else. You both need to stop using another person as an excuse to hide and run from how you feel. Go be with her, but don't be a little girl and run from it. Grow a pair." On a second note he added, "Oh, and this stays between us. Taylor doesn't like me meddling in her love life. I'm just here when she's making a huge ass mistake."

The two men laughed and caught up for a few minutes. Then, Punk left and went home to Taylor and Emma-Lynn; his home.

I lay Emma-Lynn down for bed. After hours of watching Scooby-Doo, and keeping her preoccupied, she was finally passed out. As she opened her eyes, I didn't see Hope as much as I used to. Her eyes were beginning to get darker, and turn to hazel; like Punk's.

"M….momma." She giggled then fell back asleep like she never woke up in the first place. My heart thudded in my chest. She called me momma. Yet I'm not. However, I don't feel like correcting her. I'm so sick and tired of trying to force things to be a certain way. It's about time to just let things play out. That's always how I used to be…before. Anyway, I headed back downstairs and began picking up Emma's toys. Then the door opened and I saw Punk. I looked at him, then looked away. I tried to get images of him and Lita out of my head. How'd I know it was her? Mickie texted me after Lita texted her complaining that Punk kicked her to the curb after my Dad showed up. Thank God Dad left him in one piece.

"What, no welcome home?" His voice made me shiver. I turned around to face him.

"No. Now how was your date with the redheaded whore?" He smirked and I rolled my eyes.

"What," he began as he followed me further into the living room, "are you jealous? Because I'm pretty sure I heard jealousy in that voice of yours."

Turning around, his arms were crossed. He was clad in a pair of jeans and his grey 'Best in the World' shirt; so much for incognito. Narrowing my eyes, I shot back,

"No, but I do have a problem with watching your daughter while you're out fucking some bitch!" I didn't realize how angry I was until I said it. Anger flashed through his face, and I headed toward the door. That is until he grabbed my arm and whirled me around to face him.

"No. I'm not letting you leave this time. I'm not John, Taylor. You argue with me, and I'll argue right back, if not more. I won't let it slide and walk away with my tail tucked between my legs!" How dare he say something like that about John?

"John has nothing to do with this! This about us Punk! Okay?" He looked taken back, and I closed my eyes, took a deep breath, and then continued. "John left today to go see his folks. Before he did, he said he didn't think that he had my heart anymore. He has some of it, but not like before; before you happened to me." I opened my eyes, and couldn't read his face. I backed up, until I was at the first stair up to the upper part of the house. "It started out as a promise but-"

"But what Taylor?" He asks, stepping closer.

I sighed,

"But it became so much more. Dammit Punk! I fell in love with you. I love you and I am so sick and tired of trying not to love you. I know there's other people involved, but I'm sick of hiding from what my heart keeps saying. It's saying it wants you. I'm tired of lying anymore. Phillip Brooks, I love you and I'm afraid it may never go away."

In an instant, Punk's lips were on mine feverishly. I didn't fight and I didn't plan on ever again. He pulled away and his eyes bore into mine,

"Don't let them. I love you Taylor Calaway. I'm not letting you go, and I'm so fucking done with not being able to kiss you, and touch you. I need you so bad right now."

He said huskily as he ground his bulge into my center. I let out a moan in agreement, and hoisting me up and carrying me into his bedroom. Slamming me against the wall, he began sucking and biting on my neck as I busied myself with taking off his shirt, then our lips were locked once again. Our tongues fought for dominance, and neither of us wanted to give in. Then he let me go, and began taking off all my clothes, but left me in my bra and panties. He kissed down my neck, and then landed on my stomach, leaving butterfly kisses. I pulled him up, then took off his belt, grinning mischievously all the while.

Once he was down to a pair of plaid blue boxers, he picked me up then laid me down on his unmade bed. Getting up on my elbows, I smiled at him, then things slowed down. Caressing all of me, he took off my remaining garments, and then peeled off his boxers. Crawling up my body, he settled in between my legs.

"You're so beautiful Taylor. I don't want to hurt you." He whispered into the flesh of my neck. I pulled away then looked into his hazel eyes and I got lost. Yet, found myself not wanting to find my way out.

"No, you won't," I whispered then kissed him. Eagerly he kissed back, and then slowly thrusted his way in. I gasped at the action, but quickly the discomfort washed away. As we moved in sync, he laced our hands together above my head. He left hickies on my neck, I'm sure. I pulled away my hands, then scratched at his back as he thrusted deeper and faster into me. His other hand went onto my back, holding my body closer to him.

"P….Punk," I gasped, "I'm going to-"

"Shit, Taylor."

Several minutes later, we laid there all wet and sweaty. His fingers were running through my matted hair, and Punk kissed my forehead. Smiling into his chest, I felt okay, and not too guilty. Does that make me a horrible person?

"Stop thinking T, I can't hear my thoughts." I laughed looking up at him,

"I don't want to hear your thoughts. But no, you don't regret that, do you?"

I could hear him shaking his head,

"No. I regret not doing that sooner. Now go to sleep."

"What if Emmie wakes up?" I asked yawning.

"Then, I have her. Don't worry; I can take care of a baby, smart one." I rolled my eyes, then spoke again,

"She called me momma today." I held my breath, fearing his reaction. He could get pissed and scream, be happy, or just not care. I'm not sure which I was hoping for.

"How'd that make you feel, because personally, I'm okay with it. She'll know that her biological mom is Hope. Obviously, but I mean you kind of are a mom figure."

I tried to hide my tears, but Punk saw and wiped them away, furrowing his eyebrows. I shook my head, letting him know I was okay. Then kissing him one last time, I rolled over.

"I love you Punk."

"We love you too Taylor."

Punk then pulled me closer to his chest, and wrapped a tattooed arm around me, pulled my body closer to his. With one last glance at the baby monitor, I fell asleep, before my guilt set in. Still, for the first night in a long time, I felt full. I felt needed, and loved. I felt like I had a….family.