Ch 6 December 1998
Bella arrived early at the Spokane arena in Washington hoping to have a chance to talk to Hunter alone about giving Samantha their mother's favorite gold chain as a Christmas gift. She made her way through the arena to his locker room. She was about to knock when she heard Hunter's raised voice.
"This isn't the time or place to talk about this, Sable. Why do you keep bringing this nonsense up? My parents have been gone for 7 years and you still insist on blaming them for your actions. They did everything to help you get over your addictions. When your parents turned their backs on you and kicked you out they gave you a place to stay and they got you help. They took care of you and you keep trashing their memory. I'm the idiot that keeps trying to help you," he loudly huffed.
"I'm not trashing their memory. I loved them too for all they did for me. I just don't understand why I can't remember those months I was in rehab after the incident with Angela. I've been going through therapy and even my counselor doesn't understand. I can't ask your parents. You're the only one I can ask," her voice was cracking from tears as she spoke. "Please help me remember those months Hunter."
"I will try but not now. We will talk over the break. I'm sorry you don't remember but you were off the rails during that time."
"I was nuts because you knocked up Angela while we were trying to work things out. You also know damn well the other reason I was out of control," Sable exclaimed.
"We are not talking about that. We have agreed to never talk about that," Hunter yelled, scaring Bella.
"Hunter, are you in here?" Bella knocked on the door slowly pushing it open making Hunter freeze and Sable stare at her in shock. "I'm sorry, am I interrupting something?"
"No, we were just talking about the show. I'll see you later Hunter," Sable frantically wiped at her tears hurrying out the room.
"What is going on?" Bella asked her brother, seeing how tense and upset he was.
"It's just past bullshit between me and her, nothing to worry about. It's my problem," he said looking at his watch. "You are here early, everything ok?"
"Yes everything is fine. Please tell me what is going on with you and Sable. I heard you mention Mom and Dad. I also heard Sable say she doesn't remember things," she searched her brother's eyes seeing nothing but anger.
"Bella, please respect this is my problem. There is no reason for you to have to deal with the past. I'm the one who made mistakes with Sable and I will deal with her," Hunter's tone was triggering Bella's anxiety as thoughts of the past and the arguments she overheard between her parents and Hunter over Sable flooded her mind. She remembered her Mom convincing her Dad to find Sable a place to stay after her parents kicked her out for her drinking and her other addictions. All their conversations were always so secretive whenever she came into the room all talk would stop.
"You're not alone, I'm here to help. I know you think I don't remember but I do remember all the arguments and issues with Sable. I remember the night she attacked Angela then Mom packing her things saying she needed to go get help. Sable was gone for months and the moment she came back all the turmoil started again. None of you would explain what was going on. What is the big secret that you and Sable are never supposed to talk about? I heard her mention that too," she softly said.
"There is no secret! Stay the hell out of this!" he snapped, making her jump. "I'm sorry Bella, I don't want to talk about this now. Mom, Dad and I always felt bad you heard all the fighting we didn't want you involved in the mess with Sable. I still don't want you involved," he apologized right away seeing how shaken she was.
"I'm involved whether you like it or not. Sable always does this to you. I don't know why you keep her around. She hurt our parents in so many ways and she keeps hurting you. You say you don't love her then why in the hell do you keep putting up with her," she snapped at him making him throw his hands up in frustration.
"Stay out of it Bella!" he yelled again, staring her down.
"Fine, I'm leaving. I'll call you tomorrow. Hopefully one day you'll let me in on the secret that is tearing you apart," Bella said not wanting to be around Hunter anymore. Hunter didn't try to stop her. He knew if he did it would only upset her more. He rubbed his face in frustration knowing the demons from the past were haunting Bella now.
Bella hurried through the hallways heading to her car.
"Hey Bella, are you ok?" Kane asked, coming around a corner seeing how shaken she was.
"Yes, I had an argument with Hunter. I'm going to have a few drinks at the hotel bar before I turn in for the night. I'm sorry I have to get out of here. Good night Kane," she tried to brush past him and he gently grabbed her arm. Kane didn't like the way she looked at all.
"I'm not wrestling tonight mind if I join you for a drink? Are you staying at the Marriott too?" he asked hoping she would agree.
"Yes I'm staying there. I don't like drinking alone. I would enjoy the company," she said.
"Good, I just need to grab my stuff then we can head out," he motioned for her to follow him to the locker room. "I'll be right back." Kane went into the locker room taking out his cell calling his brother.
"Hey are you still in Spokane?" Kane asked the moment Taker answered.
"Yes, my flight got delayed. I'm running around picking up a few more Christmas gifts. Why are you asking if I'm still here?"
"Bella needs you. She said something happened between Hunter and her. I convinced her to have a drink with me at the hotel bar. Do you think you can meet up with us?"
"Of course, I'll be back there as soon as I can. Thank you for looking out for her. I'll see you two soon," Taker hung up. Kane went back into the hallway motioning for Bella.
Kane was relieved when he saw Undertaker walk into the bar. Bella had already had a few shots and finished a rum and coke trying to quiet all the emotions she was feeling. Kane had tried to get her to slow down but she wasn't listening.
"Hey what a surprise running into you two here. Mind if I join?" Undertaker asked stunning Bella. She couldn't believe he was there when she talked to him earlier he was heading home for Christmas. She thought he was on a plane and wouldn't be reachable for a few hours.
"Grab a seat," Kane said as Taker sat down in the chair next to Bella.
"I thought you were heading home?" Bella softly asked.
"My flight got delayed. Are you ok? You look upset," he looked into her tear filled eyes seeing waves of emotions.
"I'll be ok, I just need a few more drinks than I'll be able to sleep and forget about tonight," she said as the waitress brought her a long island iced tea and a vodka shot. "Order anything you want, it's my treat. I'll be right back," Bella excused herself heading to the ladies room.
"How much has she had to drink?" Undertaker asked, watching her protectively as she walked away swaying slightly.
"She had 3 tequila shots and a rum and coke. She is trying to drown something. She won't tell me what is wrong. She keeps talking about Christmas stuff," Kane filled Undertaker in. "I'm glad you're here now. Hopefully she will talk to you. I think when she gets back I'm going to call it a night."
"Thank you for watching out for her. She will eventually tell me. I've never seen her this upset. I know Christmas is a very hard time for her because of her losing her parents shortly before Christmas. She has already been stressing about making sure Samantha has a great Christmas. Whatever happened between her and Hunter must have triggered her even more. She never drinks this much."
"I tried to get her to space out the drinks but she said she could handle it."
"She can be very stubborn. I'll take care of her no worries," Taker said as Bella headed back their way.
"Bella, thank you for the drinks. I'm going to turn in for the night. I hope you have a good Christmas," Kane said standing up as she approached.
"No problem. Thank you for keeping me company. Have a merry christmas," she said as he hugged her and kissed her cheek. "I'll call you tomorrow Taker," Kane patted his brother's shoulder on his way out leaving Taker and Bella alone. Bella sat back down taking a long sip of the tea feeling Taker watching her.
"How about after your drinks we head back to your room or mine, so we can talk about what happened tonight?" he asked, moving closer to her.
"We can do that. I'll grab a few drinks for the room too," she said, downing the shot feeling the alcohol sting her throat.
"Bella, talking to me is worlds better for you then drowning the demons with booze. Trust me you will quiet them for tonight but tomorrow morning they will be right back with vengeance," Taker took her hand in his. "I will help you battle whatever is haunting you right now."
"I don't want to burden you. I'll be ok," she said, looking away from him.
"Stop the tough act," he gently grabbed her chin making her look at him. "It's no burden ever helping you. Come on, let's get out of here." She nodded ok knowing there was no point in arguing with him. She finished half the drink motioning for the waitress to close out her tab. "Thank you for not being stubborn." he leaned over whispering in her ear, sending amazing sensations through her. She felt the goosebumps rising instantly on her skin.
"I already upset Hunter and poor Kane had to babysit me. The last thing I want to do is be a problem for you too tonight," she said, making him laugh.
"Darling, spending time with you makes my night better," he squeezed her hand. "Come on," he stood up, pulling her chair out for her. She went to stand up finally feeling all the alcohol starting to work as her legs felt wobbly. Taker instantly put his arm around her guiding her out of the bar.
"Sorry I'm going to be a problem," she said, feeling dizzy for a moment leaning against him.
"Relax Bella," Taker said, picking her up cradling in his arms carrying her into the elevator.
"You can drop me at my room."
"Hmmm maybe later for now you're going to stay with me," he carried her out of the elevator to his room unlocking the door. He gently put her down on the sofa. "I'll be right back just stay here," Taker said, going into the other room to grab water for her. Bella deeply sighed, not liking he told her to stay. She tried to stand up feeling the room start to spin the moment she did. Suddenly she felt strong arms go around her holding her tight. "Bella, I told you to stay put," Taker sat down pulling her onto his lap. "Guess I'm going to have to hold you the rest of the night so you behave."
"You can not boss me around. I can make it to my room to crash," she said, making him smirk.
"Yeah right you won't make it to the door so get comfy and crash on me," he leaned back keeping a hold of her.
"I can't handle this right now," she said, feeling all the butterflies he gave her going crazy and the alcohol had made her strength to hold back on her words disappear.
"Handle what?" he asked, searching her eyes.
"You're driving me crazy."
"How am I doing that?"
"Just you being near me and touching me drives me wild. It's a painful tease wanting you but can't have you. Look at the goosebumps you give me," she showed him her arms covered in them.
"Do you want me to apologize?" He smiled, caressing her arms giving her a sexy smile.
"No, I wish things were different. I wish we could explore all these amazing feelings but we can't. I wish I could finally kiss you and see what it feels like instead of dreaming about it. I love the dreams but lately I want them to become reality which may never happen," she pouted deeply, sighing. "Honestly, it doesn't matter how much I want you right now. I can't act on those feelings because I don't take birth control pills anymore. They made me feel terrible. A baby would definitely be a very very big complication for us. I shouldn't even say there is no us no matter how much I wish there was. We have to behave and behaving is starting to suck. There have been so many times lately I didn't want to behave. I have to keep reminding myself you have become my best friend and I can't lose you by misbehaving and complicating things," she rambled on like she had been given truth serum.
"Bella, I'm sorry for the way things are. You are not going to lose me silly girl. We are having similar issues but right now isn't the time to have a talk about us," he ran his fingers through her hair wondering if once she sobered up she would remember what she was saying. "How about for now you cuddle up against me and get some sleep. I'll take care of you."
"I can take care of …," she started to protest then suddenly went quiet as she started to feel sick as her stomach turned sour. Taker reacted quickly seeing her start to turn green. He rushed her to the bathroom just in time. He held her hair back as her bad decision of drinking way too much came back to haunt her. "I'm so sorry I really screwed up. I just wanted to stop the memories racing through my head," she whispered, feeling embarrassed that he had to deal with her right now.
"Bella, stop, it's ok. Stay right here I'm going to grab you a shirt to change into," Taker caressed her face before heading into the bedroom coming back with one of his shirts. He stayed close to her as she splashed water on her face and rinsed her mouth out.
"Are you ok?" he asked, rubbing her back.
"No, I feel lousy and my thoughts are all jumbled," she answered, feeling out of it.
"Darling, let's get you changed then you're staying with me tonight," he said hoping she would let him help. "Can I help?"
"Yes, again I'm sorry."
"Bella, stop apologizing please," he kissed her forehead. Her cheeks turned a rosy red as he helped her take her shirt off leaving her in a lacy black bra for a moment. He tried to not let his eyes wander. He was battling his desire from taking control as he helped her slide his shirt on. His shirt was so big on her it was like a dress. She held onto him sliding her jeans off. He gently picked her up carrying her into the bedroom laying her down on the bed.
"Thank you Mark," she said as he covered her with a blanket. "Are you going to stay with me?"
"Do you want me to stay with you? I can sleep on the couch," he asked, trying to ignore the thoughts running through his mind that it was a bad idea to spend the night with her. He was having dreams just like her of taking their relationship further and the temptation of being that close to her was going to be torture.
"Please stay with me," she softly whispered, fighting the sleepy feeling overtaking her.
"Ok darling, I'll be right back," he said going back into the other room turning off the lights. He checked on her again before going to change into shorts. He climbed into bed next to her, happy to see she was almost asleep. He was pleasantly surprised when she moved close to him resting her head on his chest wrapping her arm around his waist. He happily sighed, enjoying the moment with her. He ran his fingers through her long hair and she sleepily looked up at him.
"Good night baby girl," he said, kissing her forehead.
"Good night Mark, I love you," she whispered, making his heart explode at her words. He didn't know what to say or do at the moment. He took a deep breath letting his heart take over.
"I love you too Bella," he said, seeing a smile across her lips as she drifted off into sleep on his chest. He held her close knowing in the morning she probably wouldn't remember what she had said but he would always remember.