CHAPTER NINETEEN

KEITH

Waking up with Molly still asleep on his chest was a nice feeling. He stroked her hair gently. Slowly, she opened her eyes.

"Thanks," she mumbled.

"Anytime," Keith replied.

She ducked into his bathroom without another word. Keith made some coffee and had it ready when she came back out. He went to the bathroom and allowed her to caffeinate in private. When he came back out, Molly hugged him.

"I've got things to do... Impossible things," she told him. "I'll call you later, okay?"

He nodded. "Okay. If there's anything you need, I'm here," he promised.

"I know." She kissed his cheek before leaving his room.

Keith took a shower. He had barely finished getting dressed when someone started knocking on his door. He opened it and saw Claire standing on the other side.

"Where were you last night?" Claire demanded.

"Here," Keith said. "I'm sorry I didn't call, but-"

"I called you a billion times, but you never picked up!"

"My phone was on vibrate... There was just something I had to deal with last night. An emergency."

"An emergency that kept you from even checking on me?"

"Yeah... I'm sorry. I should have called. It's just, I had a hysterical girl on my hands and-"

"Trixie again?"

"No... Molly this time."

"Molly?! You blew me off for her?"

"She needed me, Claire. She was hurt."

"So call a fucking doctor! It's not your job to single-handedly save every single damsel in distress, Keith! You have a girlfriend!"

"Claire, it's not like that. Molly isn't some random stranger-"

"No, she's a slut who hates me because she wants you for herself!"

"Do not call her that! You're being ridiculous. Molly's my family."

"No, Keith, she's not. It was one thing when you blew me off for Trixie. That's your baby cousin who's pretty much never upset and her world fell apart. I get that. But Molly? That skank is not related to you and it's obvious she's jealous of me." Claire paused. "I don't want you hanging around with her anymore."

Keith blinked at her. Was she serious? He'd known Molly since he was five years old. He'd barely known Claire for ten minutes by comparison. "You don't get to make that call," he said firmly. "I love you, Claire, but I don't try to control who you hang out with, and you don't get to control that for me, either."

Claire looked stunned that he'd dared to tell her no. She regrouped. "Fine, but I don't trust her, Keith. So you'd better prove I can trust you."

"I've never cheated on you. I'm not that guy. That won't change."

Claire nodded. "Can we start over?"

"Sure."

"So, they are planning on keeping me around a little bit longer."

"That's great!"

"Yeah, I'm really excited... I'm going to work against Ginny for a few weeks. After that, they'll see how the fans are reacting and figure out how to proceed."

"I'm happy for you, Claire." He hugged her.

Claire smiled. "I'm just happy I get to spend more time with you."

"That's a perk, too," Keith agreed. He kissed her and tried to forget their earlier fight.

MOLLY

Molly was sitting in her hotel room trying to make her fingers dial the number she needed to call. She finally closed her eyes and pressed enter.

"Hello?" An annoyingly perky voice answered.

"Hey, Michelle," Molly forced herself to say calmly. "It's Molly."

"The mini Ambrose? Well, I haven't heard your voice in ages! How are you?" Long-retired WWE Diva Michelle McCool asked.

"Stressed... Is Mark around?"

"Sure. Hold on, I'll get him."

A minute later, the familiar voice of the Undertaker said, "What's going on, Molly?"

"Hi Mark..." She paused. Molly wasn't one for beating around the bush, but how was she supposed to tell him this? She decided to be blunt. "Over a decade ago, you dropped your pants for a ring rat, and that one night resulted in you siring my half-brother. Mazel tov."

Mark was silent for only a moment. "You're sure?" He finally asked without any real surprise in his voice. Mark had a lot of kids. What was one more? Molly figured that must be his logic.

"He could be your clone, Mark. Kid looks just like you."

"Where is he from?"

"Connecticut. His name's Mark, but he goes by Dillon... I don't know how old he is. He's a teenager."

"And he's your mother's?"

"Unfortunately... He seems like a good kid. They both do."

"Both?" Now he sounded nervous.

"Don't worry. Only one is yours. The little girl is a baby Uso... Which I haven't told them yet. My egg donor gets around."

"Is he happy where he is?"

"I don't think so... She has a hand problem, Mark. She used to hit me, and he admitted she hits him... The little one made a mess and he straight-up panicked."

She could practically hear Mark growling at that. "I'm getting on the next flight."

"Okay. I'll give you details when you get here." They hung up.

Molly didn't need to call the Usos. Johnny and Josh were both at the hotel with her. She went to Josh first and hoped he was the right brother. Josh had been divorced for years. If he was Randi's father, it wasn't a big deal. Johnny, however, was still married to Trinity. She might break up their marriage with this news. She suspected Gabe would never forgive her. Although she wouldn't have cared much before, Gabe had really grown on her. In fact, the entire New Legacy stable had become her family. It was strange how much she'd bonded with them, but it was hard not to love a bunch of goofballs who'd go all-out with karaoke just to make a broken girl smile. Trixie was already her best friend and Ginny... Well, she'd come to understand why Ginny always acted like such a bitch. The girl had issues, but she was gifted in the ring, and she was clearly a very strong person. Molly respected that and had begun to tolerate and even like the girl.

"What's up, Miss Molly?" Josh greeted her cheerfully. His brother, as it turned out, was also in his room.

"Okay... Here's the deal," Molly began. "One of you... Or maybe both of you, I have no idea... Someone slept with a ring rat about ten years ago."

Josh laughed. "Molly, you know you need to be more specific. I get around," he said casually.

"Her name was Katie."

"It doesn't ring a bell, but I don't always catch names..."

"You're gonna catch something else if you keep that up," Johnny said, shaking his head.

Molly described her mother. "She lived in Connecticut," she added.

Johnny fell oddly silent as Josh replied, "Still nothing. What's this about?"

"She's my egg donor, and when I showed up at her house, this bouncy little mess of black curls answered the door. She's a tiny Uso named Miranda."

Johnny nearly choked on the water he was drinking. "Uce? You okay?" Josh asked.

Damnit, Molly thought. It figures.

"I..." Johnny began. He paused. "About ten years ago, Trin and I hit a real bad patch... We separated for about three months. During that time, I slept with someone else... Just once. She was a die-hard fan, and I was depressed and she was talking me up and... It just kind of happened. It was a good thing, actually. Being with her made me realize I wanted Trinity and no one else, so I told Trin what happened and we worked through our shit... But the woman's name was Katie, and she was from Connecticut."

"Congratulations," Molly said dryly. "You have a daughter."

"Damn, Uce! I always thought it would be me in this situation," Josh said.

"Do you think your mom will let me see her?" Johnny asked.

"I doubt it," Molly replied. "But do it anyway. The bitch hits her kids."

Johnny sprang up. "What?" He demanded. "She's hitting my kid?"

"And Undertaker's son."

"Damn!" Josh said. "She gets around!"

Johnny whacked him on his arm. "That's her daughter. Have some tact!" He scolded Josh as he motioned toward Molly.

"No need. I have no attachment to her and it's the truth," Molly said. "But those kids... They're nice kids, guys. They're kind of cool. In another world, I think I would have liked to know them... And they're just kids. They shouldn't be terrified all the time."

"Uce, we gotta do something about this," Josh said.

Johnny nodded. "I need a damn good lawyer," he said.

"Mark's on his way. Maybe you guys can work together," Molly suggested.

After they agreed this was a good idea, Molly decided to go back to her room for a bit. She needed to get her thoughts together. Like all WWE personnel, she had a Twitter account, but like her father, she refused to use hers. Still, she saw a notification that made her stop.

It was cool meeting you yesterday. I'd like to talk more sometime. -D

It didn't take a genius to realize her brother had just tweeted her. Molly followed him just so he could message her, then messaged him.

Same. Here's my number. If shit gets bad, use it. -M.

She wasn't sure why she'd done that. She didn't want any part of her mother's life. The thing was, this kid was in danger, and for a reason she didn't quite understand, she felt compelled to help him.

CAYLA

Boot Camp was going well. She had decided to stay on for the duration. It almost kept her distracted from the fact that her daughter wasn't speaking to her... Almost. Trixie's silence left a void in Cayla that she hadn't felt in eighteen years.

She noticed Jordy standing off to the side of the Performance Center by himself. He looked upset. "Hey," she said gently. "Is everything alright?"

Jordy jumped. "Yeah... I mean... Not really," he admitted. "This place is just so intense... I want to be here so badly, but I know they're cutting people... This is it for me."

"You're twenty, Jordy. Even if you don't make the cut this time, you've got plenty of time to come back and impress them," Cayla said kindly. "You're very talented."

"You really think so?" He beamed at her. "I'm just working so hard, you know? I gave up everything to be here."

"Everything?"

"I quit my job. They wouldn't give me the time off. My girlfriend broke up with me because she says I'll never make it and I'm wasting my time."

"That's not very supportive of her. Don't worry, Jordy. The right girl will understand your passion for the business and will stand by your side proudly as you follow your dreams."

"You're so lucky, marrying Paige. She was born into this. She gets it."

"Yes, she does, and I'm the luckiest woman in the world." She smiled at him. "You'll find a love like that, Jordy. Just never give up on looking."

"My parents think I'm an idiot. They told me I'm not allowed to come crawling back when I fail. They won't let me be some free-loader..."

Cayla put a hand on his shoulder. "Hey... You haven't failed yet, and there's no reason to assume that you will. Your family's going to feel pretty bad about their words when you're famous and on TV right?"

"You're really optimistic."

"Sometimes... But more importantly, I see your potential, Jordy. You're a great guy and you're really talented. Don't let others crush your dreams. You can do this, and no matter what happens, Boot Camp isn't the end of the road. If you don't make it, go back to the indies. Work your butt off and show the world how amazing you are! The indies are where the best talent starts, and often finishes. If WWE is your dream, make them notice you. Be phenomenal. Don't do it to impress the guys in suits... Do it because you love it, and do it for the fans."

"You give really good pep talks."

"My sister and I did some of our best work on the indies. I'm incredibly proud of where we came from. It takes time to make it to WWE. Enjoy the journey for as long as you can."

He smiled. "Thanks, Cayla. I feel a lot better."

"I'm glad to hear it. If you ever need to talk, I'll listen."

He seemed much calmer as they headed inside together. He joined the other recruits while Cayla joined Corri.

"Hanging out with Jordy?" Corri asked.

"Yeah. He was having some issues," Cayla replied.

"He's a nice kid, but I'm worried... He's not as green as a few of the others, but I don't think he's going to make the cut."

"I hope you're wrong. Why the doubt?"

"He's not ready. He needs another few years to find himself before he can handle WWE life. Look at him. He's a toddler."

"He's twenty, not two," Cayla said as she shook his head. "There is something naive about him, though. I'd hate to see him get hurt. I tried explaining this isn't the be-all-end-all of his career, but I'm not sure he believed me."

"They never do at this age... There's more. I'm worried he's too young for this life, but Paul's just convinced the kid's not going anywhere. He suggested sending him to EVOLVE for some better training."

"Paul's being a jerk. His training is solid. He's well-taught. He just needs a little work in the confidence area."

"Like I said, he needs to grow up a little... If things don't change in a day or so, he won't make the cut."

Cayla was rooting for Jordy, but she knew her sister was right. He needed a little more life experience before he tried to become a WWE Superstar. Cayla also knew why her sister was reacting so strongly to this situation.

"He's not Nicky," Cayla said gently.

"I know... But we threw him to the wolves before he was ready and he started drinking, Cay. My straightedge baby boy is drinking because of all the pressure here, and I refuse to let that happen to someone else's kid," Corri said firmly. Cayla couldn't argue with her. Despite her reputation as a tough-as-nails trainer, Cayla knew her sister had everyone's best interests at heart. She genuinely loved all of the NXT wrestlers like they were her own children and she'd never do something she believed would endanger one of them. Unfortunately, that very likely meant not signing Jordy yet.

Cayla squeezed Corri's hand supportively before Corri took over the training session for the day.

MOLLY

When Mark arrived, you could feel it in the air, even without special effects. Molly rushed downstairs to meet him. Even after all these years, he'd hardly aged. His hair was white but he was in better shape than ever. She was suddenly hit with a memory of the first time she'd ever seen him.

The Undertaker was huge to a four-year-old, and she couldn't help but stare at him. Even at a signing, he radiated power. She reached out to touch him without realizing she was doing it.

"Dude! You're awesome, like death!" Molly had declared.

This was actually greeted with a surprised laugh from the Undertaker. He then turned his character up even more and had a long conversation with Molly she couldn't really remember as an adult. It had ended with him shaking her hand, annointing her his official sidekick for the rest of the autograph session, and Katie slipping hi m a piece of paper as she shamelessly flirted with him.

Her number, Molly remembered. Suddenly, the rest came flooding back to her. That night, Molly was locked in a closet while Katie did things she was too young to be overhearing with the Undertaker.

Holy shit, Molly thought. No wonder I'm so fucked up. I forgot about that...

Molly had scratched at the walls and even her own arms until they bled slightly in a desperate attempt to escape, but in the end, she'd curled up in a ball sobbing and passed out.

"You okay, Molly?" Mark asked.

"Huh? Oh, um..." Molly shrugged.

"What is it?"

"I just remembered I was sort of... well... there when you hooked up with the bitch. Don't feel bad. I'm sure you had no idea."

He stared at her. "Are you serious?"

"She locked me in the closet. I'm guessing the music was so loud you didn't hear me trying to break out of there." She shook her head. "I was there for Dillon's conception. Ew."

"Jesus Christ, Molly! I never would have-"

"I know." She kissed his cheek. "You're not that guy. She's just that big of a whore. You couldn't have known."

"I should have known."

"Mark, although you are as awesome as your character, you're not completely omnipotent... Close, but not quite. It's okay."

"It's far from it. So how do we make her pay for it?"

"Oh, I got her back." Molly grinned to herself as she remembered her mother's cry of shock the next day at breakfast when Molly suddenly jammed her fork into her mother's arm.

Mark seemed to know exactly what she'd done as a smile curved across his lips. Sometime later that week, Katie had abandoned Molly, and she wondered if the fork had been the last straw. If so, the fork had saved her from God knew how much further abuse.

"We have to liberate the kids, Mark," Molly said. "They deserve better."

"Well, duh," a voice Molly hadn't heard in years said pleasantly from out of nowhere. "That's why I'm here."

Molly actually gasped at the sight of someone who hadn't worked for WWE in a very long time. "Sellie?" She asked.

"Come here, Kid." Sellie opened her arms and Molly immediately hugged her. Sellie had once been the McMahons' top lawyer. She specialized in custody cases, but handled just about anything because she never lost a case. Sellie had quit years ago in favor of saving her soul and using her skills to help abused kids, but one of her last cases for WWE had been getting Dean full custody of Molly.

"Did you think I didn't have a plan?" Mark asked.

"Bitch going down?" Molly asked Sellie.

"Bitch is definitely going down," Sellie confirmed.

"But you don't work for the McMahons anymore."

"Nope. I work for whoever I damn well please, but when the Undertaker calls, you don't ignore it, and where there are abused kids, I'll always help."

Suddenly, Molly was certain things were about to change for the better. Then, her phone rang. She didn't recognize the caller ID but it was a Connecticut number, so she picked it up.

"Hello?" She asked.

"Molly?" A tiny voice asked.

Shit. If the midget's calling, something's wrong, Molly thought.

"Randi?" She asked.

"Uh-huh... I hope it's okay I called you. Mom's really mad at Dillon. I got sick and threw up and she was mad I made a mess and she tried to hit me but Dillon stopped her arm so she hit him and he hit her and then she got really mad and she hit him again and he hit his head on the wall and there's blood and I'm scared and-"

Randi spoke so quickly, Molly could barely keep up with her. "Kid, slow down. Are you okay?"

"Uh-huh."

"Is Dillon?"

"I don't know. His head's cut and-"

Molly heard someone take the phone from the kid. "Seriously? You called Molly?" The voice asked. Molly was relieved because it sounded like Dillon. "Molly, I'm sorry she bothered you-"

"Are you okay, Dillon?" Molly asked.

"I'm fine. It's not a big deal. She shouldn't have bugged you-"

"Dillon, it is a big deal. She said you're bleeding-"

Now the phone was taken from Molly. She would have protested, but rage radiated from Mark as he held the phone to his ear. "Hello, Dillon," he said cautiously. "I want you and your sister to lock yourselves in your bedroom. I know you don't know me, but I can tell you know who I am. I'm coming to pick you both up. I promise that bitch won't lay so much as a finger on you ever again. Just keep the door locked until I get there." He paused. Finally, he nodded. "Hang on. I'm on my way." Mark hung up the phone. He looked at Sellie. "Ready?" He asked.

"Always," Sellie said. She looked at Molly. "Are you coming?"

"Absolutely," Molly said. "Let's go."

"Molly, have you told Dean about any of this?" Mark asked.

"Not yet," Molly admitted.

"It's time. Sellie, grab Johnny or Josh, whoever the father is-"

"Johnny," Molly clarified.

"Johnny. He should be here for his daughter. Molly, get in touch with Dean, then lead me to the house. This ends. Now."

Molly didn't dare tell him no right now. Mark was always impressive, but this was even more true when he was angry, and knowing Katie had hidden his son and mistreated him had left Mark more furious than Molly had ever seen him. Whatever happened next, the siblings she'd never suspected she had would be safe. That was the most important thing. The rest could be worked out later.