Chapter One:
Terri sighed and put o her white terrycloth robe, they were fortunate to
have
a week-off for Christmas. She was taking this time-off to her advantage.
In her home it was cold, and snow had fallen on the ground from the morning
before. She put-on her fireplace and sat-back to relax to think
about what her life has become. In business, they called her the
horny-little she-devil. She didn't pick the name, but she thought they
wouldn't give her any pushes in the future if she would have been picky
about her name. Sure, the other girls didn't agree with the name either,
but some of them did, and they believed she lived to the title. That is what
hurt Terri the most, they must think she was some cold, uninviting
person. They didn't understand that she was just acting in her character,
like they were. She just wants to be respected as much as they do.
The phone rang, jarring Terri out of her thoughts. She held
the phone in between her chin and shoulder,
"Hello?" She said, trying not to let her mood ruin her tone.
"Hi, honey," her mother answered.
"Hi, mom, what's going on?" Terri asked a little apprehensively.
She knew her grandmother was in the hospital, but sometimes she didn't know
if her mother called just because she wanted something.
"I was just wondering if you wanted to spend the week-end
with me since you had some time-off. We can do those 'girl-things'
together."
Terri's mother was never fond of the idea of her going into the
wrestling business, she wanted her to go into make-up artistry and put
make-up on the stars, not be one. Terri thought her mother didn't want
her to be better than her. She thought that was just a thought of
paranoia, but once her mother saw that she was happiest in this business,
she backed-off.
Terri always enjoyed acting and was in the drama clubs in high school.
Wrestling is different compared to the parts she had in high
school. But all were fun. Her mother thought she never kept her
feet on the ground', but now look where she is. She smiled.
"Sure, I'll come-up for the week-end."
"So, how are your friends doing?" Terri's
mom always wanted her to be popular like she was.
She thought being popular would make Terri happy, but
Terri was happy with the friends she had.
"I haven't met anyone else new yet," Terri
said reluctantly. She was a loner. With the few friends she had.
"How has work been going?" This question was asked innocently.
"Fine, same as usual. They haven't given me a push yet, and
I've been working my ass-off. Excuse my language mother, its just
frustrating sometimes."
"I'm sure they will give you a bigger push, soon.
You've shown a lot of potential, they should give you a bigger chance."
"You've been watching me?"
"Actually, I have. I find it a shame that
people think, fans rather, that my daughter acts the same-way when you're not
actually in the ring."
Her mother understood. "Me too mother, I feel the same-way. It
happens to most of the females, mother. But, I get it the worse." Terri
almost had tears in her eyes.
"Just remember how I taught you to protect yourself."
"I will."
"I guess, I will get-off the phone now. You know dinner."
"Yeah. So what time should I get to the house this week-end?"
"How about four or five?"
"I can be there by then, or a little before then."
"Good. So I'll talk to you later?"
"Yup. I love you mom." Terri said, meaning it.
Her mom was a pain in the butt, but she knew she loved her.
"Love you too Hun, do good tomorrow. I know you will.
And be careful."
"Bye, mom."
"Bye, Ter." (That was her nickname for her).
Chapter Two:
Terri took the two-hour plane ride to her mother's house, down in
Tampa, Florida by herself. It was kind of lonesome, but after getting her
luggage and getting her rental car, a red-jeep to be precise, she finally got
to her mother's house. After hugging her mother and greeting her, she
realized how much she missed her the trip was worth it.
"You must be tired, do you want anything to drink or eat?"
"Sure mom, just a little something."
"You should eat a little more Terri, you have-off now.
I bet you're enjoying it."
"Yes I am mother. Ok, but I'll just have a little more.
Still have to watch the figure you know, it's hard."
"Yes, I know Terri. So how was the trip? Where is Dakota?"
"The trip was fine, thanks. Dakota is with her grandparents
for the summer."
"Oh, O.K. I'm sure she's having a good- time there,"
her mother added when Terri looked like she missed her daughter.
Terri's mom and Terri caught-up with stories about things
Dakota did in school, and Terri's mom told her about her job.
Terri's mother was also divorced. To Terri it seemed like her mom was
getting alone fine but at times it seemed like she was lonely. She
concentrated on her career as a salesperson.
After they talked her mother excused herself, to go to her room.
She told Terri she was going to read. Terri said goodnight and kissed her
mother goodnight and watched the interview with Joanie/Chyna on the UPN 9
News. That's right, she remembered it was after Smackdown! She saw Joanie
saying they didn't know what to do with Chyna, since she's done everything; she
was aspiring to Hollywood. Terri sighed, wishing
she could be as happy as Joanie was right now.
Chapter Three:
Terri's mom sat outside on her deck, trying to read her novel. She kept
getting distracted though�
*****************
Terri was practicing her lines for her drama department's play in high school.
"Danny!"
She imagined, Rick Hess, a co-star as Danny Zucko, who was pretty cute
like John Travolta was.
She imagined Danny answering her and being s happy to see her, as she
was to see him.
"We had a change of plans," she said laughing, as she imagined Danny
saying I thought you were moving.
Terri's mom knocked on the door (look-up name) , sighing
because Terri knew her mother knew already what she was doing.
"Yes mom?" Terri said, obviously hating to be interrupted when
practicing and not trying to sound too annoyed.
"What are you doing? Aren't you supposed to be doing your homework?"
"I did most of it at school and this is sort of homework, I'm the lead
in the high school musical. I'm also 18 mom."
"I know, I don't see what that has to do with anything,"
Terri rolled her eyes, "why aspire to be something you'll never be if you can
work-on what you are going to be?"
"Oh mom, you know I love acting, its so entertaining."
"Study more Terri, before your father comes home," Terri's
mom sighed thinking of her fights with Nash Runnels. "or� I'll tear-up that
script." Terri's mother hated being so hardcore,
but she wanted Terri to concentrate more on her studying.
***************
Terri's mother sighed, once more, bringing her back to reality, realizing she
was tired she went right to sleep.
*************
Chapter 4:
Terri walked around the downtown of Tampa, Florida.
It was so
peaceful seeing all the palm trees and the pretty buildings. She sighed,
realizing she liked being on vacation and didn't miss the business, a bit.
She also missed her daughter Dakota, who was staying with her grandmother.
Terri made a mental note to call Dakota when she got in that night.
Terri stood in front of one of the little window shops called Sea
Shells. Smiling, Terri thought Dakota would love a seashell from Florida.
She looked around and saw pens with shells in them, shelf rams and laughing,
Terri saw a lamp with shells inside it. Terri saw a beautiful Calico (which
wasn't too breakable) with an ocean scene of a beach, on the shell it said,
Tampa, Florida. Terri brought it and watched as the sales-woman, Lisa,
wrapped-it up, put it in a box with tissue paper and boxed-it.
"Thank-you," smiling more she took the bag and walked along
the road to look at more shops.
She rested at a local coffee shop.
Everyone who knew Terri knew she loved coffee.
She brought an iced-coffee and sat at the table
outside sipping-it. She felt a little lonely
watching couples pass or mothers with their children.
A man stood in front of her, holding an iced-coffee himself.
"Mind if I share this table with you?" He asked Terri.
Terri was a little nervous and apprehensive due to her past
experience with guys at work, but she smiled, "I don't mind," she managed
to get-out.
"What's your name?" He asked, trying to bring-up conversation.
"Terri Runnels," she said, inwardly hoping this man didn't see
her on TV. "And you?" She asked.
"Matthew," he smiled, "Matt Pearle."
"Nice to meet you," Terri said feeling like
she was back in high school again.
"On vacation?" Matt asked hoping she
wasn't and was a local.
Sighing because he didn't
recognize her a little apprehensive
she smiled and said she was.
"Would you like me to show you some sites?"
"That would be nice."
"Here, unfortunately,
I'm working now, but this is my number.
Mind if I ask you for
yours?"
"No." She took the piece of paper from him,
"it's my mom's I'm staying with her," she explained as she wrote the number down.
"Ok, well, Terri, it was nice meeting you. I'm sure I'll
be hearing from you more," smiling, he turned with his coffee and walked.
Probably, back to his office. She stared after his shoulder-length bright in
the sun, blonde hair, and his man like figure. Remembering his blue eyes.
Maybe she wouldn't be so lonely after all.
Chapter 5:
Chapter Eight:
A little while after Terri got-up, the phone rang. She picked it up, and sat in
Indian-style on her bed.
"Hello?"
"Hi, mommy," the little voice said on the end of the line.
Terri smiled, "hi, honey, how are you sweetie?" She asked, though
excited
from hearing from
Dakota, she didn't want to seem like the overly excited mother type.
She talked to Dakota only a few days before, and missed her daughter, it
would be hard soon
because her vacation was ending in a few days and she would
also miss Matt as well. She
hated feeling torn between toward two worlds.
Both were important to her. Dakota's breathing
on the phone brought her comfort and out of her 'dreams.'
"How is your vacation honey?"
"It's really good mom, I miss you a lot, when are you
coming home again?"
"In three-days sweetie."
"Great. You know what's weird mom, I miss my school tutor."
Terri smiled, "that is weird, "well, we'll be back on the road
before you know it. We'll see
Debra, and Stephanie would you like that?"
"Yes, Mommy, I would. I miss you the most."
Terri smiled Dakota said the sweetest things.
"I miss you too sweetie." "I watched a movie last-night with Dustin."
"You did, what movie?"
"Alice in Wonderland."
"Did you like it?" Terri smiled at the choice of movie,
she felt like Alice in a big wonderland in a
way.
"It's a good movie, mommy. You remind me of Alice."
Terri gave a soft laugh.
"When are you coming home again, mom?"
"Three-days from now honey."
"OK. Do you mind if I talk to 0grandma?"
"No honey. Mom," Terri said, looking in the
hall for her mom. "Dakota wanted to talk to you."
"Oh. Thanks." Amy said and took the phone, "hi, honey,
how are you doing?"
Terri smiled still, giving her mom space and
looking at the family portraits in the hall. Amy
gave the phone back to her when she was done, smiling.
"Hello?" Terri said making sure Dakota was still there.
"Hi, mommy. When can I see grandma again?"
"Maybe, Thanksgiving." Terri said, having a good feeling.
"OK."
Terri knew Dakota was getting restless, so she
opted to get-off the phone now.
"Sweetie, I am going to get going now. Ok?"
"Ok. I can't wait to see you mommy."
"I can't wait to see you too, Dakota."
"OK, bye Mommy."
"Bye, Dakota. I love you, honey."
*****************************
Terri decided to go into town. As she was driving the song,
'Hero,' by Enrique Inglesias
came-on the radio, she blasted it and couldn't help but
think of Matt. She smiled, as she had an
idea, to go and get a cup of coffee for herself and Matt
and bring it by to him for him at his
work. After getting the coffee she found the courthouse
where he worked with no problems,
and found him too. His back was turned and he was
walking up the hallway.
"Matt," she called, not so loud, he turned around and smiled at her.
Surprised to see her there,
but happy. She smiled at him back, and walked towards him,
handing him the coffee.
"Hi," she said.
"Hi, how'd you know I needed a cup of coffee now?"
He asked her, kissing her lightly on the
cheek as a thank-you.
"You caught me on my break."
"Oh, that's nice, what case are you working for?"
"Just a minor P.I."
"Oh," she said a little curious to know that what that meant.
"Personal Injury."
"Oh."
He smiled, giving her another soft kiss. "Would you like to watch me in
action?" He asked,
smirking a little.
"Can I?" She asked, smirking right back.
"Sure, come on with me."
He walked closely with her, as she showed her
where to sit in the stands. She smiled as he
walked back up the aisle and sat next to his
client, watched, him defend his client and win the
case. Everyone filed out of the courtroom;
Terri was surprised as to how quick it lasted;
remembered it was a personal injury case.
They walked towards his car. "Where are you headed to now?" Matt asked her.
"No where in particular," she replied, a little nervous.
"Do you want to go for a drive, then dinner?"
"Sure, I just want to tell my mother not to expect
me in tonight," she said trying to give an
innocent smile. Matt waited a few minutes while
she talked to her mother on the phone, she
walked back to him and he opened the door for her.
He thought she looked great in her purple
Sundress, sandals, and her make-up naturally done. He kissed her as
she got in the car�.
************************
Terri and Matt talked for hours that night, in the car and at dinner.
She was starting to feel like she knew Matt all her life.
She was very comfortable with him, and trusted him too.
Trusting is something that didn't come naturally for her.
They went to see, 'Girls Riding in the Car With Boys,' which they
both loved, and talked for hours on the beach, just walking.
The night ended too soon as Matt drove her home, and kissed her
a long kiss goodnight until she reluctantly went back in her house,
and went to bed.
Chapter 9:
Matt came to Terri's house in a solemn mood.
He had brought her a dozen red roses, her favorite flowers to
surprise her; he knew they wouldn't replace seeing each other's company.
Terri's mom opened the door-"Terri," she called gesturing for Matt to come
in the foyer. "Matt's here," she said again, smiling at him.
He smiled back at her as they both waited for Terri to finish
packing and come downstairs.
Back in her room, Terri made sure she packed everything she needed
and looked at a picture of Dakota, and a most recent picture of Matt,
that were on her desk. She missed her daughter tremendously and now,
once she would be back on the road again, she would soon be missing Matt.
She sighed, packed his picture, closed everything up and went downstairs
with her luggage.
"Hey," she said, talking to her mother about last minute things;
kissing and hugging her good-bye. Matt led her outside, hand in hand,
and surprising her when he took-out the flowers he was hiding behind
his back. She gasped and kissed him softly to show him her appreciation.
She was already missing him and wished she would have just concentrated
on her work. Though she wouldn't give up being with him for anything.
They were quiet on the car trip to the airport, until they
were walking to her gate.
"Do you know the next time you'll have-off?"
"Thanksgiving and Christmas," she told him, "we
rarely have-off otherwise. We travel 360 days out of the year."
She said sighing, not trying to think how long she'd be without him.
"Well, we can call or write each other at least twice a week, and we'll
call each other three times a week."
"OK. I'll miss you," she told him, tears
in her eyes, holding him close to her.
She smiled until they announced her flight,
he kissed her on the forehead, and she told him
it was an experience she'll never forget. He squeezed
her and she went to catch her flight. Terri slept most
of the way to North Carolina where RAW was to be held.
Chapter 10:
Terri smiled at Jeff as he walked in the familiar coliseum
hallway toward her. She knew he liked having shows in his
hometown; at the same time he missed his home more when they
were in N.C. Terri, though, had always intrigued been intrigued by
Jeff. So, he was a little younger than her but they were cool with
each other since she first met him in the business. She couldn't but
help but think she felt more independent without Matt, when she was on
her own at the shows. She was in her own place, with her own family.
Of course she was closer to a few more of her peers and friends, than
others.
"Hey, Terri," welcome back, how was your vacation?" He gave her a
big hug. "It was good thanks. I needed the time-off. Were you off?"
"No, unfortunately, Matt and I had to go to a few of the house shows."
"Oh." Terri said, sort of hoping she would have been asked to do a show;
then felt better when she thought of meeting Matt. She smiled.
"That's cool. I'm sure you're happy to be in your hometown."
"Yes, I am. Well, sorry, Terr, I have to get ready for my match
in awhile."
"It's ok, nice seeing you again," Terri said trying not to be full
of nostalgia as she walked toward her locker room She sort of missed working
with Jeff. Raven was cool because he was like her in a way.
Jeff was more outgoing and wild. He made her feel younger than she really
was. She wasn't that old, but still�Most importantly, he respected her.
Only a few guys did, Raven, Matt, Jeff and now her Matt. Jeff always had
certain flair to him. Terri sighed as she got ready to go out with Raven.
************************************
After the show Terri met with Raven at the bar where all the guys and
her diva friends planned to meet to celebrate. It was the show before the PPV
this month, and they all went to celebrate on the job well done. She sat and
talked to Raven about her vacation. He looked at her,
and she looked back at him, "you seem a lot happier since you met Matt."
Taking a sip of her wine, she sighed, "yes I am." She said.
"I'm happy for you." Raven told her.
"Thanks."
They hugged, while they did, Sean Waltman was in the corner bar,
"Terri and Raven sitting in a tree K-I-S-S-I-N-G, first comes love, then
comes.."
Terri felt uneasy about Sean; he was obviously drunk, and
advancing towards them making a huge scene in the bar.
"Terri in the baby carriage.."
Raven stood-up he was about to hit Sean, when Terri stopped
him, and Jean-Paul, held Sean back.
"What's your problem man," Jean-Paul asked him.
Trying to get him to leave and dragging him out of the bar,
apologizing to Terri as he left. At this point all eyes were on Terri,
blushing and embarrassed she ran from the bar. Raven went after her
to make sure she was ok.
Terri was crying, and her back was to Raven.
"Terri? Are you ok?" Raven knew something was wrong.
"Why is it that, every time I find happiness, someone
always has to take it away from me?" She said crying in
his arms. "No one took it away from you, Sean must be going through
something, or something. Don't listen to him, you were so happy talking
about Matt." Terri smiled a little, "yeah, I guess I was." She replied.
Raven held her until he sensed she was feeling better and they
both left to walk to his car where he dropped her off at her hotel.
Terri was sitting on her hotel room deck trying to think
things out, after showering, and crying. She hated how people,
even her peers thought that she was a slut when she wasn't.
It was her character; it especially hurt when people she
worked with didn't realize that it wasn't her either. She
finally earned respect from someone, and even some love
from Matt; now she felt worse because she was dwelling on
this event and being away from Matt. A minute later
the phone rang, jarring her from her thoughts.
"Hello?" Terri said, bringing the phone out with her
on the deck.
"Hi, I was just thinking of you so I decided to
give you a call and see how you were doing."
Terri started to feel tears going down her
cheeks again once more, she felt better just hearing Matt's voice on
the phone, "actually I could be doing better, but
I feel better now that you called."
"Oh? What happened?" Matt asked, really concerned.
"Well, we were at the bar celebrating tonight's show.
I was talking to you know, Raven, my partner. I told him
about Florida and how much happier I was after I met you;
he said I seemed happier to him too." She smiled.
"Well, just then, one of my four obnoxious co-workers
was drunk and started to taunt Raven and me, so much
that I was embarrassed and ran out of the bar.
Raven tried to start something with him; Hunter held him
back and I'm glad he did. Raven brought me here afterwards."
"I'm so sorry to hear about that Ter. The guy must have
been having problems or something, he was drunk."
"Yeah�it was his personality too. Him and his
friends act like that all the time, like they're five."
She laughed, feeling better.
"I got you to laugh." Matt told her.
"Matt?"
"Yeah?"
She took a deep breath to relax herself,
it was hard for her to say but she said, "I think I love you."
"Ter?"
"Yes?"
"I think I love you too."
Chapter 11:
The next morning, Terri went to Vince's hotel. She called
him asking to speak to him and he said she could, knowing
it had to be important. Terri never complained. She knocked on his door
when she arrived. Not too surprised, he and Linda were already up, in a
casual dress. Linda greeted her and excused herself while Vince sat
on a chair and gestured for her to sit-down also.
"Thank-you for taking the time to speak to me,
Vince, I know you're busy." She said.
"You're welcome, Terri. What can I do for you?"
"Well, Vince, I never thought I'd say this but I don't
think my place is in the Federation anymore."
"Why is that?" Vince asked gently, he knew
it was tough for any superstar to tell him this.
"Because when I was on vacation I met someone,
who was just a friend at first; now I really trust him. I feel ready to go
back to Florida with my daughter and live there. Maybe not with him, yet
since we're not married but we may be someday; I just feel like I want to
settle-down."
Vince nodded understanding. He was sorry to see Terri,
one of his loyal and talented divas leave, but if it was what she really
wanted..
"Well, Terri, I understand, and you know you'll always
have a place here."
She smiled again.
"Thank-you Vince."
"I'll have your paperwork ready for you to leave this
afternoon, so you could go."
"Thank-you."
Vince gestured for Terri to give him a hug, she did.
"Thank you for supporting me," she told him a tear in her eye.
"Your welcome, Ter."
"Linda?" Vince called.
"Yes?" She said walking in the room in a sweater and khakis.
"Terri will be leaving to settle down in Florida today."
"Oh, it would be a shame to lose you Terri, but I wish you all the
happiness in the world." Linda told her giving Terri a hug as well.
"Thank you Linda," Terri bid her farewells and said he'd be
expecting his call waiting for her paper work. Terri cried in the car,
she was happy with someone she finally felt respected and loved her; at the
same time the McMahon's were like parents to her-Shane and Stephanie were like
her brother and sister. She made a mental note to call them. First, she
called Dakota.
"Hi, sweetie. Guess what?" She told her daughter.
"What?" Her daughter said in her little voice.
"Mommy's coming home."
"Now?"
Terri smiled, "yes, now and for good."
"You're not going to be on TV anymore Mommy?"
Terri smiled, a tear still in her eyes, "no sweetie
I'll be home for good with you."
Terri heard the phone drop she smiled,
"that's great Mommy!" Dakota said. "When will you be home?"
"Tonight. I'll come to see you when I get in."
"OK, Mommy, and I love you."
"I love you too," Terri said smiling.
She went to take a walk on the beach and a quick shower.
The phone was ringing when she got out; she picked it up,
"hello?" Terri said.
"Terri, this is Vince, I have your paperwork ready."
"OK. I'll be there in ten to fifteen minutes."
"OK."
Terri got ready and packed in twelve minutes.
She drove to Vince's hotel in about four. She knocked on the door and
Vince opened it. They sat in the same places as before and, this time
Terri signing papers for her release. She took a deep breathe and signed
the paper and hugged Vince for a long-time, and Linda as well. Stephanie
and Shane were there to see her off as well. She thanked them, took her
papers with her and left, softly closing the doors behind her. She went in
the car not even calling Matt; she was going to call him and surprise him in
Florida, after she stopped by to get Dakota. She drove singing along
to music. A whole day of driving, she was finally home.
Chapter 12:
Terri woke from a wonderful sleep, she almost felt as if she had just passed a horrible nightmare. It felt good�not
being called such horrific words, like slut.
�Mommy!� Dakota said running into Terri�s room, jarring her
from her thoughts.
�Hi, sugar,� Terri said, smiling as her daughter hugged her.
Terri suddenly smelled the smell of eggs coming from
the kitchen. Surprised, she took Dakota�s hand,
after putting on her robe, and walked downstairs. She saw her
mother cooking breakfast for the both of them.
She hugged her and thanked her, and felt a real sense of
belonging, sitting-down with her mother
and daughter for breakfast, that morning.
A little while later, when things were cleared,
Terri and Dakota were on the couch watching Sesame Street, the
phone rang.
�Terri, it�s Matt,� her mother said, a secretive smile on her face.
Terri knew her mother must have called Matt already to tell him that she
was home last night, when she was too
tired too. Smiling she answered, �hello..�
�Oh, hi Matt. Yes, I assumed my mother called you last night.
Yes, I.. instead of talking on the phone can we talk
in person?�
�Sure. I�ll see you in an hour. Love you too,� Terri said, smiling,
feeling right saying that now.
tbc...
Part Two
