| Part I |
Journal Entry: Peace, five whole minutes of peace. No one looking at me like I�ll burst into tears or crack on sight. RIP and Leah got here a couple weeks ago. I know Kane sent for them. Storm and Kanike had to go back to work and I know he wants as many of my sisters around as possible. I guess I don�t mind. I�ve wanted to meet the rest of my sisters. I just wish it were under different circumstances. RIP and Jeff are so sweet together. Leah and Hunter, *giggle*; after what started as a polite conversation turned into a knock-down-drag-out screaming argument, then ended with them being inseparable. Kind of like spontaneous combustion; it works for them. She knows how to handle him. Hunter and Chyna having broken up a while back; they�re the strangest broken up couple I�ve ever seen. They still get along and are still friendly. I guess under ideal circumstance that�s the way it should be. But these are far from ideal circumstances. My sisters are helping, but I just don�t feel like dealing with it. I know they care, but it�s done. I�m so tired of dwelling. Paul is due back today and I know everyone is a bit nervous. I guess I am, but I just don�t care anymore. That night was so long ago. I know I�ll never forget; but I just want it to go away. I wish the entire subject would GO away. Jesse came by earlier. At least he tries to be subtle when he comes by to check on me. Some nonsense about X-Pac�s birthday - like I don�t know when X-Pac�s birthday is. I think I need to lie down. I�m getting a headache. Maybe I�ll be asleep when 'Taker comes back. He�s making me crazy; between missing Kanike and following me around like a shadow today . . . well, I know he�s being himself, but still. Mental note: respond to Lydia�s last email. ~~*~~ Alex walked in to the arena just behind Jericho. Tonight everyone was there to work over his or her matches for the weekend�s PPV. She had left the hotel in such a hurry; she had no idea how she would get there. She had walked out on a discussion with 'Taker before it became a full-blown argument. When she�d woken up he�d insisted that she not leave his sight tonight. Alex calmly explained to him that she had work to do and that would be impossible. Besides exactly what was she supposed to do when he went down to the ring? It annoyed her to no end when he treated her like a child. She had walked down to the lobby fully intent on catching a ride to the arena with who ever she ran into first. Chris had gladly offered to give her a ride. He kept her laughing and talking the whole way there. Which for her was a good change of pace from the previous few days. Alex was a little nervous, but she was trying to cover. It had been 3 months since she�d seen Paul. She knew this day was coming, but had put it out of her head. �Are you going to be okay?� Chris asked. She smiled and she turned to him �I�m fine.� she assured him. �Don�t you start too. I�ve had all I can handle with 'Taker dogging my ever step. So Paul is coming back today.� she shrugged. �The fans have missed him. We�re just going to have to learn to exist together.� �We�ve been friends too long, sweets. You don�t fool me.� Chris smirked. He put his hand on her arm and pulled her to him. �This can�t be easy for you,� he stated. She wrapped her hand around his arm as he hugged her. �You�re wasting your time,� came a voice, �You�ll never have her heart.� Alex felt herself being pulled closer as Chris� arm tightened around her. Chris looked over at Paul; �Green was never a good color on you, man.� Chris answered Paul. Paul walked toward them, a hard gleam in his eye. Alex felt his anger and Chris� protectiveness and started to get nervous. She reached out with her thoughts to feel Kane and 'Taker had arrived at the arena. *'Taker? Kane? I need you out here. She asked quickly. Alex causally stepped in front of Chris and felt the energy bouncing off him. �You would think being out so long would have taught you some manners.� she commented. �You and I are done. Do you really feel the need to re-hash this?� Chris� arm had slid around her waist and he held her tightly. �Chris, I can�t breath.� Alex whispered. Paul glared at Alex up and down, then addressing Chris �I thought you were a lot smarter than to get involved with such an immature tease.� Paul sneered. Alex felt herself spin as Chris moved her out of the way. Her head spun as she felt a pair of arms catch her. When she turned around she saw that Chris had launched himself at Paul and they were fighting. When she tried to intercede she felt the arms around her tighten. �No, no, baby girl.� Her friend RoadDogg Jesse James gritted as he held on to her as she squirmed. �Jesse! Let go of me!� she demanded. �I have to stop them.� She exclaimed. As she said this Kane and �Taker came around the corner. It took them, Jim and Hunter to get between Paul and Chris. Alex stomped on Jesse�s foot to make him let her go. Alex ran toward Chris and Paul, she foolishly pushed herself between the two men. She leaned up against Chris and tried desperately to push him back. �Chris! Stop, please.� She pleaded. As she looked up at him to see his lip split. 'Taker stood back-to-back with Alex and glared at Paul. The refs were taking Paul down the hall. Alex saw IceWolf at the end of the hall and Leah was standing near Jesse as Hunter walked back to her. �That wasn�t very smart. Leah observed. �You could have been hurt. Ice scolded. Alex nodded at both but said nothing. Alex walked Chris to his dressing room with her arm around his waist. Taker and Kane followed behind them. ~Little girl, are you all right? Kane asked. Alex only nodded because she didn�t want any them to hear the emotions in her voice. ~I knew something like this would happen. 'Taker growled. ~I told . . .. *Don�t you dare say �I told you so�. She warned him. When she reached Chris� dressing room, 'Taker and Kane started to follow them in. Alex shook her head and kept them from entering as she closed the door. Alex walked over to Chris silently, grabbing a bottle of peroxide on her way. Chris silently jumped on the counter as Alex applied peroxide to a towel. As she placed it to his face, Chris yelped. �Oh! I�m sorry, did that hurt?� she asked sweetly. �You�re mad at me?� he asked in disbelief. �Gee? What gave you that idea?� she gritted as she threw the towel, walking away from him to pace. �He started it!� Chris protested. Alex stopped to look at him. �You really don�t want to know how ridiculous that sounds.� she replied. She walked back to stand in front of him. �Dammit Chris! You can�t do this every time Paul looks at me cross-eyed!� she exclaimed, her voice caught between anguish and anger. �I have a hard enough time trying to keep a hold on 'Taker and Kane.� �I won�t have him insulting you or making stupid comments.� Chris growled. She stood in front of him and took his face in her hands; she leaned forward, kissing his face lightly, careful of his lip. �I appreciate the thought. Really I do. But this isn�t your fight.� She insisted. �Paul�s opinions and his comments mean nothing to me.� She informed him. �I do care that my friends get hurt. Especially at what you seem to think is my honor.� She stated sarcastically, rolling her eyes; she put her hands on his shoulders. �You know, getting hurt is no picnic for me either.� He responded, running his hand along her arm, as Alex laughed at his statement. Chris ran his finger down the side of her cheek. �I just happen to think you�re worth it.� He answered. She stepped back, out of arms reach, a little taken back at the intimate gesture. �I�m not defenseless, you know.� Alex countered, crossing her arms. �It�s me he�s angry with.� She reminded him. �Did you ever think just seeing us walk in together was enough to make him crazy?� �Is that what you want to do? Make him jealous?� he asked seriously. Since it was such a rarity for both his tone and demeanor to turn serious, she knew he really wanted an answer. She took both his hands and took a deep breath. �I�m not into playing games; especially mind games. I don�t work like that. And more importantly, I wouldn�t use my friends that way.� She stated, and saw a look cross Chris� face. �That was rude. I didn�t mean it to come out that way.� She sighed, getting frustrated with herself. �Paul had a problem with understanding me. He thought he did and he thought he could handle it. Or he thought he could handle me. My friends are very important to me -both male and female� that is something he couldn�t understand. Kane and 'Taker are important to me. That�s something he couldn�t deal with.� Alex explained. �I won�t make those kinds of mistakes again. You�re my friend and I won�t do anything to jeopardize that.� She apologized. �You couldn�t get rid of me if you tried, sister.� he replied. To lighten her mood, he reached and started tickling her. They were tangled together �fighting� when Vince knocked on the door and entered. �Hey? Sorry to interrupt.� he said gruffly as he walked into the room. �I just wanted to see if you�re okay.� He stated looking at Alex, then at Chris to examine his face. Chris slid off the counter to stand near Alex. �I�m fine.� she assured Vince. �I don�t know what else to do to him.� Vince explained. �He just got back and he�s asking for trouble again.� �Whatever you do make sure I�m not part of the equation. He and I have to learn to exist together.� Alex explained. �I think after today, it will go away. He�s just trying to see if he can get to me.� Alex informed Vince. �And I won�t let him.� she stated firmly. Vince smiled, glad that the attitude he knew was still intact. �Okay. I�ll let it go this time.� Vince informed them. Looking at Chris, �Take care of her. Don�t let him get to her.� He instructed. Before Chris could answer, Alex groaned. �Okay, I�m still in the room here. Please address me.� ~~*~~ They all made it through the night without incident. As she was walking toward the parking lot Alex ran into Jesse. She walked up behind him and poked him in his side. He jumped as he turned around to greet her. �Hey!� he smiled at her. �Hey yourself. I wanted to ask about your foot.� She teased. Jesse frowned and pretended to be limping. �It hurts. I may never recover.� He whimpered. She giggled, as he couldn�t keep a straight face. �I just wanted to say thanks for earlier. I know you were just looking out for me.� �It wasn�t very smart to get between them like that.� Jesse scolded, wagging his finger. Alex sighed, �I know, I know, but I couldn�t let Chris and Paul go at each other like that.� Alex explained. �Well, I wasn�t sure what to think when I saw you dancing toward me.� Jesse started. �Dancing?� she asked confused. �Yeah. That�s what it looked like. Hunter, Leah and I turned the corner just a Paul was walking over to you guys. I knew it might get a little tense, so we decided to stick around. Next thing I know you�re pirouetting your way over to me.� Jesse explained. Alex laughed as she remembered. �I guess that�s probably what it looked like.� She conceded. Jesse put his hand up and swiveled his hips. �You know, me and you have to test that out sometime.� He suggested. Alex laughed again as she shook her head; �I don�t think so. If that�s any indication,� she gestured toward him; �you�re a horrible dancer.� �Hey!� Jesse exclaimed, wounded. �I�ll have you know I�m a terrific dancer!� he exclaimed and grabbed her around the waist. Jesse and Alex gracefully danced in a small circle while he sang for several minutes until Kane and 'Taker walked up. Then, couple by couple, her sisters with their men appeared, forming a small audience. As the last couple approached Jesse spun her in a circle then dipped her. �Ta da!� He announced, as everyone applauded. �See?� Jesse announced smugly, �They think I�m a good dancer.� �You have an excellent partner.� 'Taker suggested, as everyone laughed. Alex looked over, as Jesse set her up straight, to see Chris approach. Chris smiled and walked over to Alex casually. �Do you need a ride back to the hotel?� he asked. �No, I�m all right. 'Taker and I worked it out. He�s just being himself. It�s hard to be,� she stated rolling her eyes and smiling, �or stay angry with him when he�s like that.� Alex walked out of the arena with her sisters and the guys a few feet behind them. She was walking toward the car with Kane, 'Taker, and Chris. After Paul, Alex had gone back to sharing rooms with 'Taker. She had always been comfortable around him and he liked being able to watch over her. Alex said good night to Ice, Jim, Steve and LaShana as they walked to Steve�s truck. RIP, Jeff, Leah, Hunter, and Jesse had come over together and she waved goodnight to them as well. When they got to their car, she paused to say goodnight to Chris. �You going to be all right?� Chris asked. �I�m fine.� She assured him. �I�m not going to break and I�m not going to let him get to me.� She stated. Kane and 'Taker discreetly got in the car to wait for her. �I wish you wouldn�t let him get to you either.� She stated. �That not a subject either of us is going to agree on anytime soon. So let�s just drop it for tonight.� Chris acknowledged. As he finished he slipped his hand around her waist to pull her close. He held her so tightly and so intimately Alex became flustered. ~Whenever you�re ready, little girl. 'Taker stated. Alex pulled back from Chris and hung her head and groaned. *Do you mind? She asked irritably. �I hate when he does that.� Chris mumbled, although he�d only heard 'Taker make a growling noise, not what he�d said. She smiled �I�ll talk to him.� Chris opened the car door for her to get in. Alex got in and as she turned to take the door handle, Chris leaned in and kissed her full on the lips surprising her. �Night guys.� he offered glibly and closed the door. Alex touched her fingers to her lips as she glanced at 'Taker in the front seat. She noticed that his jaw was clenched and he was doing his best not to speak. As they made their way to the hotel, Alex could feel the tension and it made her jumpy. On the way to their room, he finally spoke. �Little girl, is this really something . . .� he started. �I don�t want to discuss this with you.� She interrupted, waving her hand dismissively. Kane followed them into the room, knowing he would only end up playing referee to their tempers. �We need to discuss this . . .� 'Taker tried again. �No, WE don�t.� she stated, her back to him as she leaned on the dresser. �I won�t discuss . . .� �Little girl,� 'Taker said again, interrupting her objections, �Do you really want to get involved with someone so soon?� Alex sighed heavily, resigned that 'Taker wasn�t going to let the subject go. �What happen is over.� Alex stressed, turning to glare at him. �If I decide to date and when is up to me.� She stated firmly. �Chris and I are just friends. He kissed me just now because he knew it would annoy you.� She laughed. �And it worked.� ~Alex, I think 'Taker is just . . . Kane started. �I know.� She acknowledged, looking at Kane then, �But aren�t you taking this big brother thing a little far?� she asked looking back at 'Taker and crossing her arms defiantly. �I decide who I date and when.� She informed him. �And we all know how well your last boyfriend turned out.� 'Taker growled. Alex felt her jaw clench and for a moment she wasn�t certain she could breath. She stood there staring wide-eyed at 'Taker with her nails digging into her arms. When her heart started to beat again, she spoke, �I think you need to leave.� She managed her voice thick. �Alex, I didn�t mean . . .� 'Taker tried. �Now.� she whispered, as she turned her back to him. Kane took 'Taker�s arm and lead him from the room. Alex stood there after the door closed, trying to make herself breathe regularly. Then she leaned against the dresser and tried to keep her temper. Her stomach started to pitch violently and she barely made it to the bathroom before she threw up. She leaned against the bathroom sink with her head in her hands for a moment until she felt her stomach calm. She walked out into the room and stood there silently waiting for her temper to cool off, only letting a few tears fall. She went out to the patio, sat down and stared at the stars. Before she knew it she was asleep. Alex was dreaming when she felt something brush her cheek. She turned her head and tried to brush it away. Then she felt something tapping her head. She sighed, tried to wake up, and sniffed. She woke she looking directly into a white rose. She jerked startled. Past the flower was �Taker. He sat in a chair positioned facing her. Alex looked into his emerald green eyes. She saw and felt his sorrow and realized she didn�t have the heart to be angry with him. �The color of peace.� He ran the flower down her nose and offered it to her. She hesitated only a second before taking it. �Little girl, you know I didn�t mean to hurt you when I said that. I worry, I don�t like seeing you hurt.� �Really?� she asked, �It�s loads of fun for me.� She snapped before she could stop herself. She sighed heavily and frustrated for letting her temper get away from her again. �Why do the men in my life want to treat me like glass?� she asked quietly. �Chris wants to fight my battles, and you would love to put me in a tower, if you could.� She informed him. �He�s smarter than he looks.� 'Taker mumbled. Alex turned to glare at him and he squirmed under her scrutiny. �Little girl, you are a bride. Just as you are Kane and I�s protector, we are yours. All of yours. We won�t sit idly by while someone hurts you.� �Then you and Kane, above everyone else, should know better. You guys don�t pick pushovers. I�m fine.� Alex sighed and reached for his hand. �I don�t like being angry with you.� she whispered. 'Taker pulled on her hand until she sat up. She put her arms around him and her head on his chest. 'Taker reached down to hug her. �I know what happened brings out your protective mode. I�m really okay. Nothing is going to happen.� she started. �And since it becomes more and more apparent everyday I can�t keep a damn thing from you.� She smiled, looking up at him. Alex had realized long ago that although she was one of Kane�s bride, her connection to 'Taker was very strong. He often knew her mind and heart before she did. �Yes, right now Chris is my friend. I won�t pretend or lie to you by saying I don�t know he wants more. But I haven�t figured out how I feel about him. I also know I�m not ready for anything right now.� Pushing 'Taker lightly. �And you are doing you�re best to scare him away.� she stated. �Let me handle Chris, okay. If and when I need your help, you know I�ll ask.� She assured him. 'Taker laughed and replied, �No you wouldn�t.� �True,� Alex smiled in return, �but since you usually know anyway, I don�t have to.� Alex rose from the chair and headed inside. �I have to do this myself.� She stated simply. �I hate when you say that.� 'Taker growled. �I can�t seem to tell you �no�.� ~~*~~ The next morning Alex opened the door to Kane�s room and was not surprised to see Storm sitting at the table. �Hey!� she greeted her, �When did you get in?� �I was waiting for you guys when you got here last night.� Storm replied crossing the room to hug her. Alex rolled her eyes, thankful that Storm missed her latest temper tantrum. �Kane told me what happen last night.� She started as they walked in to the room; �Do you want to talk about it?� �Paul�s back, no big deal. 'Taker is just being over-zealous to say the least.� Alex informed her. �NO! I mean Chris. Since when does he leap to your defense?� Storm asked, grinning wickedly. �You�ve been holding out on me. Spill it.� Alex felt her cheeks flush. She wouldn�t look directly at Storm so she couldn�t see. �He�s being as weird as the rest of them. Kane, 'Taker, Jesse, X-Pac . . .I have a �shadow� everywhere I go.� She informed Storm. �You�d think my life was in danger or something.� Looking meaningfully at Storm, to see the shadow cross her face. Storm waved her hand, �From what Kane said, Chris fought with Paul last night because Paul came after you.� Storm continued. �Not really. Paul is doing anything he can to aggravate me. Which was fine, �cause he doesn�t bother me. But apparently it sent Chris into a fit. I asked him to let me handle it. Then of course it didn�t help for 'Taker to go into big brother mode.� Alex added. �Yes,� Storm nodded. �Kane said something about him putting his foot in his mouth.� Alex laughed and briefly told her what 'Taker had said. Storm walked up behind Alex and put her arms around her shoulders. �You know he didn�t mean it like that.� She stated. Alex nodded, �I know . . . but does he really think I needed to hear that? Especially after what happen with Chris?� Alex asked. Storm shook her head, �He was speaking from his heart. He�s worried . . . all of us are. Paul hurt you . . .� she started. Alex moved from her embrace, �I�m getting tired of re-hashing this.� Alex stated heatedly. �I�m tired of everyone thinking I�m about to break.� She exclaimed. �I�m fine. I won�t have anyone fighting my battles and I won�t be told what to do.� Alex said emphatically. �Don�t get you anger with Chris mixed up with your anger at 'Taker.� Storm warned. �Why not!? Right now both of them are treating me like an imbecile. Chris wants to fight for my honor.� She stated sarcastically, rolling her eyes. �'Taker.� Alex continued, throwing her hands up. �I think 'Taker would prefer if I never dated again.� �Actually I know he would.� Storm stated, trying not to smile. Alex turned to look at her. She rolled her eyes, �Don�t make me laugh when I�m trying to be angry.� She, tried not to smile. �You and Chris need to work this out yourselves.� Moving across the room to stand in front of her Storm took Alex�s hand in hers. �But I wouldn�t be your sister if I didn�t ask you to watch yourself around Paul.� Storm hugged her. �Yes, 'Taker is being a Neanderthal but try not to be too angry with him.� Storm asked. �Speaking of Neanderthal, how did Kane take the news?� Alex asked, changing the subject. When Storm didn�t answer, she took Storm�s arm and turned her to see her face. The realization dawning on her, �You didn�t tell him?!� Alex exclaimed. Storm shook her head, �He thinks I�m just here for the PPV.� Alex bit her bottom lip and shook her head. �What?� Storm asked. �Not for long he won�t. I told LaShana, Leah, RIP and Ice they had to tell the guys today. I told 'Taker this morning about the court appearance. Kane and 'Taker went to the gym together this morning, 'Taker is bound to . . .� Alex started. Before she could finish, the door flew open and they both jumped and saw a very agitated Kane stalk in. �Oh hell.� Alex groaned. 'Taker followed close behind obviously confused as to what was going on. ~When were you planning on telling me Tori has been threatening your life?! Kane demanded of Storm. |
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