Ch 9 - May 1999
Undertaker was sitting in his locker room waiting for Raw to start when he heard a knock on the door.
"Come in," he said, surprised to see the door open and Bella walk in. "What are you doing here?" He immediately went to her, giving her a tight hug.
"I heard you're in a 6 man tag with Hunter. I figured it was a perfect opportunity to come see you and Hunter since I was already here letting Samantha spend time with Uncle Bill and his family," she said leaving out the part that she just needed to see him. She felt the familiar butterflies as he looked at her. "I also have to tell Hunter that Samantha has decided she wants to spend her summer here. I would rather tell him in person than over the phone. He was hoping she would travel with him and Chyna."
"She doesn't seem to like Chyna no matter what Hunter does. The last show Sami spent more time with Kane and me than with Chyna. She loves asking questions about the shows. She already seems to love the business like her dad," Taker said.
"She loves that you spoil her and humor her endless questions without getting annoyed like others do. She also adores when Jessica is around. You're very good with kids," she softly said sitting down.
"I'm good with other kids, just not my own. Jessica is upset because I won't buy her a car. I refuse to get her a car till she gets her grades up in school."
"She is 16, just give her time she'll get out of the stubborn phase eventually."
"Yeah right you never did and you're 25," Hunter said entering the room laughing.
"I'm not stubborn, I just like to do things my way," she smirked, making both men laugh.
"That is so very true," Hunter responded, giving her a hug. "I'm glad you're here. Is Sami with you?"
"No, she decided to go check out Disney world with Uncle Bill. He is letting her have some friends sleep over tonight. Next time she talks to you she wants to ask if she can spend the summer here. I wanted to give you the heads up," she said, seeing the disappointment in Hunter's eyes. It seemed like no matter what he tried to do something always messed up Samantha spending more time with Chyna and him. Samantha was always polite to Chyna but deep down Hunter could tell his daughter didn't like her. "I'm sorry Hunter."
"It's ok. It will give you the summer to travel or do whatever you like," Hunter said, trying to change the subject.
"I didn't think about that. I'm so used to spending summers with Samantha. I don't have any projects scheduled. I have to think of something to keep busy this summer," she said looking down at the floor feeling sad that Samantha was growing up so fast. It wouldn't be long till she was a teenager.
"I know what you're thinking and stop. Sami will always be your little girl. You have helped me so much in raising her. I see so much of you in her. I'll never be able to thank you enough," Hunter said as tears came to his eyes. "I couldn't have done any of this without you." Bella rose to him giving him a hug as Undertaker silently watched learning over the last few years how much Hunter relied on Bella to take care of Samantha. There were times he could tell Bella was exhausted handling all of Samantha's school responsibilities and running her to dance classes while trying to keep her own investment projects on track. He was always amazed she never complained, just vented about her long days when they would talk.
"We are family, I'll always have your back," she said, stepping away from him.
"I have to run to get ready for the match. I'lll see you two later," Hunter wiped his tears heading out of the room. Undertaker didn't say a word he just took Bella into his arms letting her bury her face in his chest as her tears flowed. She missed her parents endlessly and she hoped she was doing right with Samantha.
"It's ok baby girl. I understand what is going on in that pretty head of yours. You are doing amazing with Sami," he said, reminding her why she felt safe with him. He always understood her even when she didn't have the words.
"Thank you," she whispered looking up into his eyes. "You better get ready too," she went to pull away from him as he held tight pulling her closer.
"I always have time for you especially when I am pretty sure you need to feel safe for a little longer," he said smiling at all the times she had told him how safe he made her feel.
"You know me so well," she buried her face against his chest again, letting him comfort her. He sat back down gently pulling her onto his lap enjoying being with her too.
They didn't notice Vince McMahon watching them from the hallway. He had never seen the Undertaker have a weakness until that moment. Undertaker was so good at keeping in character even out of the ring that McMahon never saw him like that. An idea popped into his head as he headed off to find Hunter.
Undertaker came backstage after the match and tried not to break character when he saw Bella waiting talking to Edge and Christian. He was about to walk over to her when he overheard something that made his heart ache.
"Bella, I'm just going to ask and hope Hunter doesn't kill me. Would you like to have a drink tonight? A bunch of us are heading out after the show," Edge asked Bella, taking her by surprise.
"You don't have to worry about Hunter. Thank you for asking but I can't tonight," she said, making Taker breathe a sigh of relief.
"Maybe some other time?" Edge gave her a big smile.
"I will let you know," she said knowing she didn't want to have a drink with Edge or anyone else. She only had one man on her mind.
"Ok here is my number, feel free to call anytime. Have a nice night," Edge said, handing her a piece of paper before he walked off with Christian. Bella started to ball the paper up in her fist planning to toss it.
"Are you going to call him?" Taker's deep voice made her slightly jump as she turned, seeing a look on his handsome face she had never seen before. She thought for a moment, feeling her heart skip realizing he was jealous.
"Hmmm don't know," she said knowing she wouldn't call Edge but she wanted to see how Taker would react.
"You should. He is close to your age. You two probably have a lot in common," Taker let his jealous side completely take over. "You should go catch up with him. I wouldn't want to keep you from him. You guys can go have a drink tonight, don't worry about me."
"Whoa what has gotten into you?"she asked, not used to him acting this way.
"Nothing, I have to go," he said, starting to walk away from her.
"Bullshit, what is wrong?" she called him out knowing he was upset.
"Just drop it and go have fun," he said, unable to control the jealousness he was feeling.
"I won't drop it. Why won't you …." She was stopped mid question by Hunter running up to them.
"Guys, Vince wants to talk to us. He has an idea that I'm cool with if you two are good with it. Come on," Hunter motioned for them to follow him.
"Ok I'm coming," Bella stared at Undertaker for a moment trying to get her emotions under control. "You and I are not done, we are going to have a talk later," she said softly just for Taker to hear as they followed Hunter.
"Why waste time talking to me when you can go have a drink with Edge," he coldly said.
"You're being a jealous fool right now Mark," she said, tugging his arm making him stop. "I don't know what is going through your head but I thought after 3 years you would know me better. What are you afraid of?" He didn't say a word, just stared at her trying to control his worst fear that she would start dating someone and their friendship would change. She didn't like the sour look on his face. "Fine, you don't want to say what you're thinking. I'm pretty sure your jealous mind is filled with thoughts that I'm going to start dating someone and forget you. I want you to think about something else. Over the last 3 years every chance I get I talk to you or spend time with you," she paused, staring into eyes. "What if you're the only man in my life that I think about 24 by 7. Maybe you want me to date Edge so you're free from me." As the words left her lips Taker's eyes filled with sadness as he realized he didn't want to ever be free from her.
"Damn it Bella don't say things like that you mean the world to me," he shook his head in frustration wishing they were alone.
"Trying to encourage me to spend time with another man hurts. You've never hurt my feelings before. Mark, we really need to talk," she softly said, fighting the tears coming to her eyes.
"Are you two ok?" Hunter stopped outside Vince's door staring at them, not used to seeing such tension between the two of them. He wasn't sure what was going on between Taker and Bella over the last few years but he could tell there was something strong between them. He was at first hesitant about Bella spending so much time with Taker but the more he was around them and saw the way Taker looked at Bella he knew he could trust Taker with her.
"I'm good, my thoughts are clear. I don't know about him," she gave Taker one last hurt look before throwing the paper in the trash on her way to join Hunter.
"Let's get this over and done with," Taker deeply sighed knowing he had just hurt her deeply which is the last thing he ever wanted to do.
"Hey guys I will be quick. I have a favor to ask. I don't need an answer right now on what I'm about to pitch so don't feel pressured to answer now," Vince said as they entered the room. Hunter motioned for Bella to sit down in the chair. She shook her head no standing next to Hunter with her back to Taker. She felt Taker staring at her but she refused to look back at him.
"As you all know Undertaker has the ministry storyline going right now and the failed attempt to marry Stephanie. I'm still figuring out some details so I may change things. I would like to have Undertaker marry Bella as a storyline that will go on for a few months. Obviously it will involve Hunter and might bring the Rock or Austin into it," Vince came up to Bella. "One thing I'm sure of is I want you to become Undertaker's dark bride. You will accompany Paul Bearer and him to the ring. I would consider it a huge favor if you agree to this and I would like to start in a few weeks maybe sooner," Vince said beaming with pride about his new idea as Bella nervously swallowed, taking a few steps back into Taker. Taker forgot all about his jealous moment and put his hand on her back trying to calm her.
"Mr. McMahon, I don't know if I can do that. I'm not outgoing like my brother. I don't think I can handle the pressure. Also I'm not going to walk around almost naked like Debra, Terry and Sable do," she said looking at Hunter seeing he completely agreed with her on that. "This is Hunter's passion not mine."
"Bella, we will go over everything with you and you don't have to dress like those ladies do. You will basically be a valet to Taker. As you have seen Mark keeps in character in and out of the ring. I would expect the same of you which means you will be traveling with him. We want the fans to believe you are his dark bride that he has taken your soul," Vince wickedly smiled.
"I'm sure she can do that. Down the line she could take a more active role maybe even have her own storyline. I have shown her moves before. Taker, Chyna, and I could train her," Hunter excitedly said, loving the idea of having Bella working with them.
"What about Sami? I can't travel like you," she said, feeling her stomach going sour.
"Bella, there is no pressure, you can just do this storyline and leave. If the fans like you, we can figure out how to keep you around and make sure it doesn't turn Samantha's world upside down," Vince said, looking from her to Taker. "Taker, what do you think?"
"It's her call. I'm fine working with her. I'll train her and do whatever I need to if she wants to do it," Taker said, feeling Bella lean back against him more. "I think it's best right now we let her think about it and she can let us know."
"Yes, that's best. I need some time to think. Thank you Mr. McMahon for the opportunity," she said quickly exiting the room feeling like she couldn't breathe.
"Hey Bella, are you ok?" Hunter caught up to her. "I thought you would be cool with this. I didn't think it would upset you. I'm sorry."
"You don't have to be sorry. I just can't think straight right now," she said, not believing what she had just been offered.
"Relax, you have time to think about it. Do you want to go back to the hotel and maybe get a drink?" Hunter asked.
"I just want to go back to the hotel," she said, needing to calm her nerves.
"Bella, it's going to be ok," Hunter gave her a hug. "We will talk on the ride back to the hotel. Taker, have a good night."
"I'll talk to you tomorrow," Bella glanced at Taker for a moment and he saw all the turmoil in her blue eyes.
"If you need to talk tonight just call anytime," Taker said, wishing she wasn't leaving with Hunter.
"Ok, I will. Good night," she softly said, feeling the draw to stay with him but she knew she had to talk to Hunter.
"Good night Bella," Taker watched her go hoping she would call him.
"Hey, are you ok? You look very troubled," Kane patted Taker's shoulder.
"I have a lot on my mind. Edge gave Bella his number. I got upset and said things to Bella I didn't mean. Also Vince wants Bella in a storyline with Hunter and me starting soon. He wants her to be my dark bride," Taker filled his brother in.
"I would think you would be happy about that. I can tell you adore her," Kane said as they started to walk to where their cars were. "Also I understand getting upset about Edge hitting on her."
"She is just a friend."
"Yeah right, you haven't even given a moment of attention to another woman since Bella came into your life. You have never introduced any woman into Jessica's life till Bella. I've asked Hunter and she is the same way you're the only man in her life. Your jealous outburst proves your feelings are stronger than friendship for you. There is more between you even a blind person could feel the sparks when you two are together. That chemistry will make you two working together go very well. Do you want to work with her?"
"Of course I do, I just don't want to complicate her life. The night she fought with Hunter and drank too much she told me she loved me. You don't know what hearing that did to my heart. I told her I loved her too but she doesn't remember," Taker deeply sighed, turning to look at his little brother. "It's been getting harder and harder to not cross the line with her. If she takes the job and we are together pretending to be a couple I'm worried about keeping control of my feelings. Even if she doesn't take the job, I don't think I can stop my feelings for her."
"I know you don't want my advice but I think it's time you both stop controlling your feelings. She loves you and you love her so let whatever happens happen. Maybe you two are meant to be together and you're both just being stubborn about it. You deserve to be happy and you can't hide Bella makes you very happy. From what I've seen being around you two, you make her very happy too. You are both complicating one another's lives by not just letting the feelings free," Kane said, throwing his stuff into his rental car.
"I need to talk to her," Taker said, hoping she would call him after she was done talking to Hunter.
"Let your heart do the talking, not your stubborn head. I hope it all works out. I wouldn't mind having Bella as a sister in law one day. She would be a good stepmom to Jesse," Kane grinned, making Taker shake his head. "Have a good night."
"Good night," Taker said, opening his own car trying to deal with all the thoughts going through his head.
Hunter hated seeing how troubled Bella was. He watched her nervously fidget as they drove back to the hotel.
"I'm sorry Bella," Hunter broke the silence. "I got excited at the thought of you working with me. I was being selfish too."
"How are you being selfish?" she asked.
"Well if you do Vince a favor it helps me out too. It's tough trying to get good storylines and ring time. What are you thinking right now?" Hunter asked as they slowed at a light.
"There is just so much going through my mind like what about Samantha. She isn't used to both of us traveling. I know we have a nanny she likes now that will stay with her anytime," she tried to get her thoughts out but there was one worry she wasn't sure she should share with her brother.
"It's more than Samantha worrying you. You are worried about working with Taker," Hunter said, making her feel like he was reading her mind. "I'm not blind Bella, you have feelings for Taker. I give you two credit for keeping it a friendship for the last few years when there is more between you two."
"I don't know what will happen if I take this job. Look at you and Chyna. You started working together and it turned into a relationship. You're not upset that I have strong feelings for him? You don't care about the age difference anymore?"
"Bella, I just want you to be happy like I'm happy with Chyna. Taker is a good guy. The way he looks at you and takes care of you means alot to me. He is also great with Sami. She thinks the world of Kane and him," he said, making her smile as she thought of all the times Kane and Taker went out of their ways to make Samantha happy.
"Kane and I have spoken often about Taker and you. We see the way you both fight so hard to not let anything happen. You are both only interested in one another so why keep fighting the feelings. Maybe just push the fear away and let the feelings free. I think you need to honestly talk to Taker even if you don't take the job you two need to talk about your feelings," Hunter said as she nodded in agreement.
"We also need to talk to Samantha. I can't make a decision without hearing what she thinks."
"Tomorrow we will go to talk to her. Will you be able to get some rest tonight?" he asked as they pulled up to the hotel.
"Yes, I'm emotionally exhausted going to go crash," she said, hoping she could fall asleep.
"If you need me just call. I'm going to go meet up with Chyna and a few other people to have a few drinks. I'll call you tomorrow and we can go talk to Sami," he leaned over hugging her. "Good night Bella."
"Good night Hunter," she exited the car heading into the hotel. Hunter watched till she was inside. His own mind was filled with lots of thoughts especially how disappointed Vince would be if she didn't take the job.