| Part X |
| Pounding. Alex heard pounding when she woke up and she realized two things. She�d slept and the pounding wasn�t in her head for a change. Alex lifted her head from her knees blinking the sleep from her eyes. She was sitting on the floor against the bed facing the balcony, her knees to her chest. Alex remembered she couldn�t sleep in the bed. The room felt profoundly empty without 'Taker. The pounding continued making Alex realized someone was knocking on the door. She rose slowly to her feet, holding her head as the room spun slightly. She made her way to the door and opened it a crack only for it to be pushed all the way open. Alex had to stagger back or be hit by the door. �Rise and shine!� Jesse sang, as he entered pushing a room service card. �Jesse . . .� Alex began. �I know it�s a little early for you. But we�ve both got early flights.� Jesse continued. �Come on baby girl. I got some good stuff here. Come over here and eat.� Jesse instructed as he set up on the table in the corner. Alex stood there looking at him warily, before she spoke. �Today�s not a good day.� She said simply. She crossed the room to her bag to grab some clothes to change. Jesse stepped in front of her. �Alex, you need to eat.� Jesse stated quietly. �I don�t need a baby sitter. Tell who ever sent you I�m fine.� She snapped. �No one sent me.� Jesse objected. �Jesse!� she snapped. �Even YOU are not crazy enough to come in here this early unless you knew 'Taker wasn�t here!� she countered. She moved again toward the bathroom and Jesse took her arm lightly. She jerked her arm free and glared at him as Jesse put his hands up in mock surrender; �Whoa! Easy! Alex, I�m not here to argue with you. I can see where that got 'Taker. If you want to talk we will. But you need to eat.� Jesse asked. Taking her chin in his hand he looked at her intently, scrutinizing her face. �You need to sleep.� He stated matter-of-factly. Jesse walked back over to the table sat down and started eating. After a minute, he looked up at her. �Are you going to make me eat this by myself?� he asked. Alex stood there for a few more moments, just staring at him. Without looking up or to stop shoveling food in his mouth, �Don�t make me come over there and pick you up.� Jesse warned. �Dammit Mutt!� she gritted, calling him by the nickname she rarely used. Alex threw her clothes on the bed, walked over, and sat at the table. Grabbing a piece of toast, she took a bite, �Happy now?� she asked her mouth full. �Ecstatic.� He answered smiling, his mouth full as well. True to his word, Jesse didn�t push. He rambled on endlessly about his match the night before and the plans the booking committee had for him and X-Pac. Periodically he�d put different items on her plate, making sure she ate at least some of what he offered. When they were both finished, he piled the stuff back on the cart. �My work here is done. Hurry up and get dressed or you�ll miss your flight.� Jesse commented, as he wheeled the cart toward the door. �Jesse?� He turned and looked at her. �Thanks.� She said softly. He smiled and walked back over to her. �You need to sleep.� Jesse offered glibly, kissing her forehead. �You also need to figure out what�s wrong. Talk to him.� Jesse asked. Alex shook her head slightly, making the room spin before her eyes. �If I knew what to say.� She mumbled. �What?� he asked. �See you Friday.� She offered instead. Jesse just stared at her for a few minutes, before he turned and walked out the door. Alex changed and tried to pull herself together before going to see Kane. They had two days before the next show and miraculously neither Kane nor 'Taker had any appearances. Alex was fairly certain 'Taker had stayed with Kane the night before. She had no idea what she was going to say . . .to either of them. She grabber her things and walked over to Kane�s room. She knocked as she opened the door and she heard Kane in the shower. Alex walked over to the table; she took out paperwork she needed to give him. Kane came out of the bathroom and walked over to her. ~Morning Alex. He offered as he put his hand gently on her head. It was all Alex could do to hold herself together. �Morning.� She answered, trying to sound light. �Here are your tickets for your flights for this weekend.� She informed him as she handed over papers. ~Aren�t you coming home with us? Kane asked. Alex was momentarily stunned; she had assumed 'Taker had told Kane the previous nights events. �I . . . I have to get back to my apartment. I�ll be at the shows this weekend.� She answered. She jumped slightly when the door opened and 'Taker entered the room. Alex didn�t turn as she continued, �I�m catching a flight in about an hour with LaShana and Steve.� She mentioned casually. She heard 'Taker moving around the room gathering his things. Alex looked over and she saw Kane�s expression of confusion. Alex couldn�t seem to find the words to say anything to 'Taker; she couldn�t even look in his direction. Her headache was back and she could still feel 'Taker�s concern for her and it irritated her. �I�ll see you guys in a couple of days.� She finally said. Alex grabbed her bag and quickly walked toward the door. �Alex.� 'Taker called out. Alex stopped and felt her shoulders tense at his voice. She turned slowly to the bed where he was sitting. Alex purposely kept her expression blank. �Will you be all right by yourself?� he asked quietly, keeping his voice even. �I�ll be fine. It�s only a couple of days.� Alex answered; no matter how hard she tried, she couldn�t keep the chill out of her voice. �I�d feel better if you came home with us.� 'Taker began. When Alex only stared at him, �I want you to come home with us.� He stated firmly. �Well I�m not real concerned with what YOU want right now.� she snapped, as she shifted her bag from one shoulder to the other. ~Alex! Kane scolded. Alex couldn�t make herself look at him, �I�m going to miss my flight. I�ll see you later.� Alex walked out and to her credit she managed not to slam the door. She stood in the hallway leaning against the wall, fighting the nausea in her stomach. �Where the hell did that come from?� she asked herself. �He�s worried about you.� She admonished. Shaking her head, she pushed the voices to one side. Her headache was beating in time with her heartbeat again as she pushed herself off the wall and made her way down to the lobby. As Alex got off the elevator in the lobby she saw LaShana in deep concentration as she sat next to Steve and immediately knew she was talking to Kane. She sighed and made herself remain calm. Alex approached and Steve looked up at her and smiled, �Damn girl, you party last night?� He asked, rising from his chair. Alex laughed, to her regret, the sound echoing throughout her head. �No.� she answered, �Just a little tired.� They both turned as LaShana approached, �Morning.� LaShana said brightly. This immediately put Alex on the defensive. �We�re going to be late.� Alex began. �We need to go.� Alex adjusted her bags and started to move toward the door. �Hey! We finally got the pool repaired at the house; do you want to cover over and help us break it in?� LaShana asked. Alex bit back the sigh shaking her head, �I have a lot of paperwork to catch up on. I�ve let my stuff get behind.� She explained. On the way to the airport, Alex sat quietly and tried to make polite conversation. ~~*~~ ~What was that?! Kane demanded. 'Taker rose from the bed when he heard the knock. �Come in.� 'Taker mumbled to Jesse opening the door. �So what happen?� he asked. �I got her to eat a little.� Jesse began. �She looks like hell, but I think she slept.� he guessed. �You think?� 'Taker snapped. �She looked groggy, but the beds weren�t slept in.� Jesse explained. �Speaking of looking like hell.� Jesse commented. As he got a good look at 'Taker, Jesse thought he looked like someone who�d just lost his best friend. Then wanted to laugh at the thought, as it equally described Alex that morning at breakfast. He didn�t know what to think when he�d gotten the early morning phone call. But since it had been in regard to Alex he�d asked no questions and just done what he�d been asked. �Do I get an explanation now?� Kane asked, using his voice now that Jesse was in the room. 'Taker sighed heavily, �I tried to talk to her last night.� He said simply. Jesse scoffed, �You mean you demanded.� 'Taker rolled his shoulders as he glared at Jesse, but could offer no contradiction. �We argued." 'Taker began. �So what else is new?� Kane interrupted, still confused. �Taker shook his head, �She wasn�t making any sense. She shut down. She wouldn�t answer my questions. She�d barely look at me.� 'Taker tried to explain. �There�s something else.� Jesse guessed, seeing a look on 'Taker�s face. Both he and Kane watched 'Taker as he paced the room for a few minutes. �She hit me.� 'Taker stated. �She WHAT?!� Kane shouted. �Say that again.� Jesse asked, certain he hadn�t heard correctly. �We were arguing, she turned away from me, I took her arm. She whirled . . .and she hit me.� 'Taker explained. Kane and Jesse exchanged looks of shock. Jesse turned and examined 'Taker�s face. �Did she hurt you?� Jesse asked matter-of-factly. 'Taker laughed lightly despite the situation. Kane looked at Jesse like he�d lost his mind. Jesse shrugged, �Well Alex�s got a good arm.� 'Taker rubbed his jaw, �Yeah . . .she does.� He admitted. �Then what happen?� Kane asked. �Nothing.� 'Taker replied. �I left.� 'Taker sighed. �She just stared at me, I couldn�t read her. Even her eyes went blank.� 'Taker finished. �What ever it is that�s bothering her she doesn�t want us to know.� 'Taker continued looking at Kane. �Which is why I asked Jesse to go see her.� He explained. �Well?� Kane asked, looking at Jesse. Jesse leaned against the dresser, thinking before he answered. �She didn�t hit me.� He said glibly. 'Taker pinned him with a glare. �Okay, okay.� He began. �She just stared at me for a minute. She wasn�t going to cooperate at first. She knew someone had sent me.� he informed them, a knowing look directed at 'Taker. �After a few minutes I promised not to push, then she sat down and ate. She wouldn�t talk about anything.� He continued. "She wouldn�t talk much at all. But I did get her to eat some.� Jesse finished. 'Taker only nodded his head. �Do you think maybe it�s the head injury?� Jesse asked. �Or maybe Paul?� Kane guessed. �Has Paul approached her?� 'Taker snapped at Jesse. Jesse threw his hands up defensively, �No. Not that I know of or that she mentioned.� Jesse assured him. �I do know she hasn�t been alone. Except for last night.� He added belatedly. �Now what?� 'Taker asked looking at Kane. �LaShana wasn�t able to convince Alex to stay with her and Steve. I don�t like that she�s alone. But she�s blocking both of us. I hesitate to push her.� Kane explained. �But I don�t know what else to do.� Jesse looked between both men and was at a lost at the look on their faces. �So you�re just going to leave her alone?� Jesse asked in disbelieve. �If we go,� Kane gestured between he and 'Taker, �she�ll only shut down again. If you go, she�ll know we sent you.� Kane explained. �I�m going to talk to Storm and the rest of the girls, to see if maybe she�s talked to them. I�ll make sure LaShana checks on her without being too obvious.� Kane informed them. �It�s all we can do until we�re all together again.� ~~*~~ When Alex, Steve and LaShana approached the gate to their plane they ran into Chris, Matt, Jeff, and RIP. Alex bit her tongue as she felt the tears in her eyes. Her head felt like it was in a vice, she wasn�t sure how much longer she could hold herself together. She smiled and spoke only when spoken too. As they all boarded Alex found her seat. Grateful to discover she was close to her sisters� but far enough for solitude. She sat quietly praying they would take off soon. She was staring mindlessly out the window when she felt someone sit down beside her. �Hey you.� Alex turned and looked. �Hi Chris.� She offered softly. �You okay? You sick or something?� he asked as he looked at her face closely. Alex grit her teeth to feel his concern and pulled on a tight smile. �I�m fine. Just a little tired.� She turned back to the window. �Good thing we have a couple of days; you don�t looks so good.� Chris mentioned. �Is that an attempt at flirting?" Alex asked. �You�re losing your touch.� �Ouch!� Chris exclaimed, his hand on his chest. Alex just wanted to break; she couldn�t figure out what she was doing or why. �I�m sorry.� She apologized softly. �I�m just a little testy. Not a lot of sleep.� Chris only nodded and smiled. �Maybe after you get some sleep we could . . .� �Chris, if you don�t mind I�m just going to try to sleep.� Alex mentioned, not paying attention to what he was saying. �Yeah, sure.� Chris answered. �I�ll wake you when we land.� Alex nodded and turned her head back toward the window and closed her eyes. Alex blissfully was able to sleep; unfortunately, the flight was much too short. As the plane descended Jericho woke Alex shaking her gently. Everyone moved out to get his or her luggage. Alex noticed RIP and LaShana talking in hushed whispered. Alex walked over to the group forcing herself to hold her temper. �I�ll see you guys Friday.� Alex stated loudly. She grabbed her last bag and walked toward the parking garage. When she got to the parking garage, as she stood next to her truck Alex thought she would just crumble on the spot. She looked down to see one of the tires had gone flat. �What else is going to go wrong?� she thought dropping her bag. �Do you want a ride?� Alex whirled around ready to snap at one of her sisters. Her stance relaxed slightly when she discovered it was Matt and Chris. �Where�s RIP and Jeff?� Alex asked suspiciously. �They�re having dinner with LaShana and Steve.� Chris answered. �They didn�t invite you guys?� Alex asked. �Oh yeah, watching those four play kissy face all night is my idea of entertaining.� Matt answered wryly. Alex smiled slightly. �Come on, we can�t just leave you here.� Chris stated laughing lightly as he took her bag. When Alex still didn�t move Matt slid his arm around her waist walking her toward Jericho�s car. Throwing Chris a confused look when Alex leaned against him slightly as they walked. �You alright?� Matt asked quietly. It took all she had but Alex could only nodded. �You both at the Tower?� she asked. �Yeah.� Jericho answered. �I finally got an apartment there last month.� Alex walked between them and when they reached the car Alex got in the backseat. When they approached the Tower, Jericho pulled up to the front door to let Matt out. �I�ll catch up with you later man.� Jericho called to Matt as Matt pulled his bag from the trunk. �Why . . .� Alex began as she got in the passenger seat. �He didn�t want to say anything in front of Jeff, but he took a hard hit last night.� Chris explained. Alex sat up straighter, grateful to think of something else. Then felt ashamed for being so self-absorbed that she hadn�t felt Matt�s pain. �Are you sure he�s all right?� Alex asked worriedly. �He�s hurting but he�s on his way to the doctor.� Jericho assured her. Alex nodded and turned to stare out the window. When they pulled up to Alex's apartment, Chris retrieved her bag from the trunk and turned to walk her up. Alex reached to take her bag from him, but Jericho reached out and touched her cheek. �You sure you�re okay?� he asked. Alex jerked her head away, �I�m fine.� Her mind wouldn�t focus on the mixture of emotions coming from him, so she focused on the one. What she interpreted as pity; which put her on edge. �I just need to get some sleep. I�m tired.� She admitted. Chris only stared at her a moment, �Can I call you later to check on you?� he asked quietly. �I don�t need to be checked on.� She snapped. �I�ll be fine.� Alex snatched her bag from him and stalked toward her apartment. She didn�t see the look of confusion on Chris� face. |