What Do I Have To Do?

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**SEQUEL TO WRITE ME A STORY**
Story By: Heather
Jeff and Anicee are happy together, but the pressures of him getting back in the ring and her writing career are taking it's toll on the couple when something unexpected happens. What do they have to do to prove their love?
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~Chapter One~
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Jeff glanced over at Anicee and grinned as he saw her concentrating with such force that she had her bottom lip between her teeth and her tongue stuck to her top one. The two were painting a room in the new house they had just bought together. It had taken him awhile, but he had managed to convince her to move in with him so they had splurged by buying a whole new one. He wrinkled his nose as he looked at her. She looked to be about twelve years old, dressed in overalls with a white tank top on underneath and her hair in a ponytail. Not wanting to get paint in her eyes, she had opted to wear her glasses instead of her usual contacts. That in itself made her look a lot younger than her almost 23 years.

Anicee on the other side of the room, was conducting a perusal of her own. She smiled slyly as she saw Jeff bend over and dip his paint brush into the bucket and then climb back on the ladder to get the top of the room. She gave a mischievous smile as she saw what he was wearing. Dressed in some old pants from his wrestling days that were so worn they were practically falling from his hips and a white wife beater that had definitely seen better days, he personified sex appeal.

Turning back around, she sighed. To say it was hot was an understatement. They didn’t have the air conditioner on in the room because they had to have the windows open to air out the paint. This being a hot, July night, sweat poured from Anicee’s brow. As she turned around to grab something to wipe her forehead off with, she caught a glimpse of Jeff. Instead of using a towel, he lifted the end of his shirt up to wipe his brow, exposing the lower portion of his well-toned stomach. Catching her looking at him, he grinned and placed his paint brush down on the ground. He smiled a sexy smile as he swaggered over to wear she stood before grabbing the paint brush she held in her hands.

“Jeff what are you going to do with that?” She asked as she placed her hands on his covered chest to push him away.

“Now, sweetheart, what makes you think I’m going to do something to you?” He asked as he tried to wrap his free arm around her waist.

“Because I know you.” She said squealing as he pulled her closer and ran the paint brush down the side of her arm.

“You little shit.” She yelled laughing as he continued to chase her around the room.

He laughed in a deep voice as she attempted to climb the ladder to escape his wrath.

“You forget, little one, that I am the master of the ladder.” He stated as he climbed up behind her and cornered her.

“Jeff please, that stuff doesn’t wash off easily.” She said as she placed her arms tightly around his neck as he lifted her down.

He laughed to himself when he saw the look in her eyes. It had been a little awkward when they had first decided to move in together. They had the normal deal with the space that each needed and the freedom that they were both used to, but they had worked their way through that. For their give and take he was proud. Not even married couples could compromise the way they had learned to do with each other.

“Have I told you lately how glad I am that I live with you?” He asked her as he leaned his forehead against hers and placed his hands on her side.

“You haven’t said it in the last hour or so, but I think I need to hear it again.” She said as she looked up at him.

“I love living with you, little one. I feel like I have some sort of constant when you are here...I feel...I feel whole.” He said as he grinned down at her.

She smiled back up at him before putting her hands in his hair and bringing him down for a kiss. He responded to her by placing his hands inside her overalls and tugging her closer to his body. He pulled with such force that he stumbled backwards laughing as she fell on top of him.

“Is it just me or is it hot in here?” He asked as he helped her up from their position.

“It’s hot in here baby. Oh it’s hot in here.” She said giving him a saucy smile before leaving the room.

Jeff looked after her, shaking his head as she left him alone.

***************

Jeff stepped out of the shower and placed a towel around his waist as he wrapped another one around his long hair. Rubbing off the steam that had collected on the mirror, he placed a dab of shaving cream in his palm and rubbed it over his whiskered chin.

As a trademark of sorts, Jeff had continued to keep the crazy beard shape he had adapted in his days of wrestling. It was as if he looked forward to the thirty minutes it took to do every day. In his mind it was a work of art and it always pissed him off when he would mess up and had to restart the whole thing over again. Humming to himself, he carefully turned the razor upside down so that the blade was facing his neck and began shaving.

Anicee peeked in and laughed. It never ceased to amaze her how long Jeff could take shaving his beard, yet he couldn’t stand to wait in traffic for five minutes at a stop light.

“What are you laughing at?” He asked barely moving his adams apple as he carefully shaved that part of his neck.

“Just the time and patience you take with your beard. It never ceases to amaze me.” She said as he rubbed the shaving cream off.

“Oh you love it and you know you do.” He teased as he took his hair out of the other towel and shook the water from it before combing it out.

“You’re right I do.” She said as she stepped up to him and put her arms around his still wet waist.

He smiled and moaned a little when she placed her lips against his freshly shaven neck and gave him a quick kiss.

*****************

Anicee hung up the phone from talking with Jessica and laid back in the bed with a sigh. It was nearing one in the morning and she had been going all day. She glanced over at Jeff and smirked when she saw the sheet that was barely covering his body sans clothing. It had been a little different for her when they first started living together considering he slept in the nude. That was something she had had to get used to, but oh how she loved it now.

She groaned as she shut the light off and slid down against the cool satin of the sheets. Jeff placed an arm around her waist and drew her near as she snuggled against the warmth of his body.

“Good night Jeff, I love you.” She whispered as she placed a soft kiss on her forehead.

Groggily lifting his head from the pillow, he placed a tender kiss on her forehead and cupped her cheek in his palm as he pulled her closer.

“I love you too baby. Now go to sleep, we have a full day tomorrow.” He mumbled in a voice deepened by sleep as they each drifted off.
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~Chapter Two~
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Anicee stretched her legs out on the couch and pulled the blanket further up her legs that were only covered by a pair of denim shorts. She giggled a little as she heard Jeff singing ‘Livin La Vida Loca’ in the kitchen.

Sighing, she looked out the bay window that was situated in the living room. Wrinkling her nose, she gazed at the huge rain drops making puddles everywhere they fell. Today was one of those days when she just wanted to stay inside curled up to the man she loved and that was what she was about to do. They had started out the day wanting to get the rest of the room painted and some stuff done in the yard, but after waking up and finding out that a Tropical Depression had come a shore, they had decided to just laze around.

Jeff came bounding into the living room carrying a bowl of popcorn and two drinks. Holding onto the stuff carefully, he motioned for Anicee to sit forward as he placed his legs on either side of her body and brought her to lean against his chest.

“What are we watching?” He asked as he stuffed his face with popcorn.

“Well after debating for a great long while, I’ve decided that even though you claim this is not one of your favorite movies, we’re watching ‘Empire Records’. Oh and please keep the drooling to a minimum when Liv Tyler takes her shirt off.” She said as she leaned against him and started the movie.

************************************

Halfway through the movie Jeff busted out laughing and couldn’t stop.

“What’s wrong with you?” Anicee asked as she started to giggle too.

“I’ve never really realized how much Lucas reminds me of Matt.” He said giggling so hard that he had to set his drink down.

Anicee looked at him and started laughing too. It had never really occurred to her either, but now that he had said something she could totally see the resemblance.

“Well if Lucas reminds you of Matt then you are definitely a Mark candidate.” She said laughing when he gave her a pouty look.

“If it makes you feel any better baby, Liv Tyler doesn’t turn me on when she tries to seduce Rex Manning, but I can guarantee you I wouldn’t turn you down if you tried to do that to me.” He said as he lowered his head to give her a steamy kiss.

******************

As Anicee was taking the finished tape out of the VCR the phone rang.

“I’ll get it.” Jeff said as he reached over from where he sat and grabbed the phone from it’s cradle.

“Hello.”

“My I speak to Jeff Hardy?” The person on the other line asked.

“This is he.” “Jeff, this is Kennedy Todd, I am the doctor who diagnosed your condition. Do you remember me?” He asked as Jeff answered and shook his head yes.

“I am calling to inform you that there is a new treatment for this condition. There is now a corrective surgery that will reverse the shape of your spinal cord so that it will not be curved anymore, but will be straight instead.” He continued on as Jeff felt his mind swim with the news.

After talking to him for a few more moments, Jeff put the phone back in its cradle and sighed, running a hand through his hair.

“Who was that on the phone baby?” Anicee asked, coming up to sit on Jeff’s lap.

“The doctor who performed my surgery.” He said as he placed his head next to hers and kissed her on the temple.

“What did he have to say?”

“There is a new corrective surgery they are trying now that will completely take away the curve of my spine. It will make it straight again and that means I can wrestle.” He said as he looked up into her eyes. Anicee took a deep breath and averted his gaze. This was something she never thought would happen. It was always been assumed in her mind that nothing like this would happen. She had come to grips with the fact that Jeff would never be able to wrestle again and not to sound like a bad person, but she enjoyed life that way. She never had to worry about him breaking his neck in the ring.

“Baby?” He asked softly as he turned her chin to look her in the eyes.

“Is this something you want to do?” She asked as she situated herself a little closer to him.

“I can’t say that I DON’T want to do it.” He said as he shrugged his shoulders.

“I mean I realize the risks of a surgery like this. One wrong slip of a surgeon’s finger and I could be paralyzed for life, but I feel like this is something I have to do Ani. I don’t think I could live with myself without ever taking the chance to wrestle again.” He said in a quiet voice as he kissed her on the cheek.

“I’m not gonna lie Jeff, this scares me. I don’t want you to ever wonder what may have happened either, but I don’t want you to be in pain for the rest of your life if someone messed up.”

“Whether you understand this or not sweetheart, I’m in pain every day. Wrestling is in my blood, it’s a part of ME. Just as you are a part of ME. I never thought I would be given the chance to fulfill my dreams again, but this man has called and given them back to me. This is no way means that I’m not happy with the way my life is right now because I love being with you, but I don’t want to spend the rest of my life wondering what if.” He said as he brought her head to his chest.

“Then if this is something you feel that you have to do, I’m behind you one hundred percent. Call the doctor back and make an appointment.” She said smiling at him when she saw the look of pure joy in his eyes.
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~Chapter Three~
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Anicee sat in the waiting room of Raleigh Hospital in North Carolina flanked by Matt and their father. She anxiously chewed on her fingernails as she awaited Jeff to be brought down from surgery. It had been tense in the waiting room for the last three hours as the surgeons performed surgery that they hoped would correct the problem. Not only was Jeff’s family there, but sitting on the other side of the waiting room across from them were, Amy Dumas, Shane Helms, and Jeff’s best friend Shannon Moore. They each wore expressions similar to Anicee’s.

Not being able to take it anymore, she got up silently and walked to the door before heading outside and leaning against the cool brick of the building. Her legs feeling like they would give out at anytime, she slid down to the ground and brought her knees to her chest. She took a deep breath as she placed her cheek on her knee and closed her eyes.

*******************

*Flashback*

Anicee and Jeff lay in bed, her arms wrapped around his waist and his arms wrapped around her shoulders. Jeff slowly stroked the hair that had fallen along her back and kissed her temple.

“I’m scared Jeff.” She whispered as she tightened the death grip she had on him.

“I know baby, so am I. We gotta look at this the right way though. If this doesn’t work, nothing is going to happen to me, but if this does, then I can go back to being who I was a year ago. Then I can show you what wrestling fans are all about. Not to mention I could support you, then it won’t be the other way around.” He chuckled as he tapped her on the nose.

“I just don’t want anything else to happen to you. You know how paranoid I get.” She said as she snuggled deeper into his embrace.

“It’s in God’s hands baby. What He wants will be done. Just know that I love you and always will.” He whispered as they drifted off to sleep.

****************

“Anicee!” A voice yelled from the doorway.

Her head shot up and she pulled herself up off the ground before running to the door. When she neared, she saw Matt smiling at her.

“He’s fine and he’s asking for you. They said the surgery went picture perfect. He will have some tough rehabilitation, but he will be as good as new faster than anyone could have imagined.” He said as he grabbed her hand and lead her into the hallway that lead to Jeff’s room.

She opened the door and smiled when she saw him already sitting up in bed with the help of a pillow. He opened his arms for her to come give him a hug and she happily dived into them, sighing when he pulled her close.

“Are you ok?” She asked running her hands over his body, wanting to make sure for herself.

“I’ve definitely felt better, but I’m going to be fine.” He said as he kissed her on the temple.

***************

*A Few Weeks Later*

Anicee groaned in frustration. She had been working with Jeff on getting rehabilitated enough to get back in the ring. It had definitely been a struggle with patience. On some days, he was the Jeff Hardy she knew, the one who would get in there and do anything that could make him better, he would live life to the extreme of any high it could be taken to. Other days however, he was like a three-year-old who just wanted to spite her and push her away.

Never in Jeff’s mind had he thought that rehabilitation would have been as hard as it was turning out to be. Having to learn to walk again was not something he cherished. He was a man and that meant not leaning on anyone for support. Never once had he seen his father lean on someone after his mother died and never once did he see Matt lean on someone when times got tough and he was going to be damned if he leaned on someone now.

Jeff grunted as he placed one foot in front of the other and lifted himself up by the arms as he tried to train himself to do the simplest movements again. The doctors had told him that once he had taught himself to walk again, everything else would be easy. It was just the initial shock and pain his body had to overcome.

Anicee stood at the end of the walk-way cheering him on. He had almost made it to her when his feet gave out under his weight and he collapsed.

“FUCK.” He yelled aloud as his hand smashed the floor.

Anicee ran over to him to help him back up. To her dismay, he pushed her away.

“Get away from me Anicee, I don’t need your help and I don’t want you here.” He said as he stubbornly tried to pick himself up off the floor.

Blinking back the tears that threatened to spill over onto her cheeks, Anicee looked at him in shock. She knew it was mostly the frustration and exhaustion talking, but it hurt nonetheless. Ignoring him, she once again tried to help him up and once again he pushed her away.

“Damnit Anicee I told you I can do this myself. I’m not a little baby who needs Mommy to watch over him. I didn’t need one when I was a little kid and I sure as hell don’t need one now.” He said in a menacing voice.

Anicee took a deep breath to remain calm and jerked his chin so that he was facing her, his green eyes clashing with hers.

“I’m going to say this one time and one time only so you better listen good Jeff. You can cry in front of me, you can yell at me, you can tell me you hate me, you can even tell me you don’t love me, but you are not going to push me away. No matter what you say or what you do, I am not leaving. I am going to help you through this and I am going to be here whether you like it or not. I don’t give a rat’s ass if you aren’t the ‘man’ you once were. If you would quit acting like a three year old fucking baby sometimes and allow someone to help you maybe this would go a little faster. You irk the hell out of me, but you are not going to push me away. I’m not going anywhere buddy so you may as well get used to it. I will give you five minutes to pull yourself together while I go get something to drink, but when I get back, you better be ready to work and not sulking like you are now. Just be happy you can walk.” She said as she got up and made her way out of the room in an angry huff.

Jeff looked at her retreating back wide-eyed. Never had she used such a tone with him.

“But you can’t say you didn’t deserve that Jeff.” He said aloud as he ran a hand through his hair and took a few deep breaths.

Five minutes later, Anicee returned looking better than before. She saw Jeff standing at the end, ready to begin his exercises again.

“Are you ready?” She asked as she took her place at the opposite end.

“Yes, I’m ready for us to do this together. Not just you and not just me, but together.” He said smiling at her.

She smiled back and motioned for him to start walking. With a new attitude, he forged on and before he knew it, he had reached the other side.

Anicee squealed as she jumped up and down, grabbing him in a tight hug.

“Thank you Ani, I needed someone to knock some sense into me and I’m glad you did. I love you baby. Even though I don’t always say it, I mean it everyday.” He said as he picked her up off the ground and kissed her on the cheek.
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~Chapter Four~
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Jeff awoke with a feeling of freshness as he stretched his hands above his head and got out of bed with a bounce to his step. Tonight in front of Raleigh, North Carolina, practically his home town, he was going to make his return to wrestling.

Anicee rolled over when she heard the shower kick on and propped herself up in bed. Tonight was going to be a new experience for her. She had never been to a live WWF event, she had hardly ever seen one on TV before her and Jeff had gotten together. Having gone to some Indy matches with Jeff to watch some of his friends, she kind of expected what was going to happen, but she also knew that this was a whole different story altogether.

**********************

Jeff stepped out of the shower and wrapped a towel around his waist before opening the door and stepping into the bedroom to decide what to wear. He made his way over to the closet, not even bothering looking at the bed because he figured Anicee was still sleeping peacefully.

Anicee watched him from her place on the bed and giggled when she saw him open the closet door and do a little jig. He whirled around and smiled when he saw her sitting there watching him.

“I thought you were asleep little one.” He said as he came over to the bed and placed a kiss on her lips.

“I was, but you woke me up when you went to the shower. Are you nervous?” She asked as he entwined their fingers together and rubbed her palm with his thumb.

“Yeah, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t, but it’s the good kind of nervousness. Like, I know what I’m going to do and I want to do it so bad, but I’m incredibly nervous because you’re going to be there, a lot of my friends, and my dad. That makes me nervous because I don’t want to fail for all of you.” He said as he lay back down next to her.

“You’re not gonna fail Jeff. No matter what you do tonight, you will be a winner because it takes guts to get back into that ring after what you went through and it took guts to go through that surgery and rehabilitation.” She said as she placed a kiss on his neck and went to take a shower herself.

************

Matt and Jeff arrived at the arena a few hours early. The both of them looked around, amazed at the site of all the signs that were made in their honor. When Jeff stepped out of Matt’s car, the applause that rippled through the parking lot was amazing. Jeff gave a genuine smile and hopped on top of the car. Once up there, he gave the gun signs and saluted the cheering crowd.

They each stopped to sign as many autographs as possible as they made their way through the back door. As Jeff stepped inside he was greeted by every Federation Superstar as they all quickly wished him well and welcomed him back. His closer friends stayed and spoke to him.

“It’s damn good to have ya back Jeff. You’re the only person I know that would do a Swanton off a ladder and I am honored that our match is against you guys tonight.” Adam Copeland stated as he made his way to his dressing room.

*************

Matt and Jeff stood in the tunnel, waiting for their names to be announced. The whole experience of the night had already given Jeff goose bumps numerous times. Never before had he realized how much he actually missed wrestling. When he heard their music hit, he looked over at Matt who smiled and started walking toward the opening. When they made their entrance, the crowd exploded. Jeff looked over the crowd and smiled a genuine smile when he saw everyone in the place giving the gun signs to the two. Never in his life had he heard a pop like this.

They made their way down the ramp and he looked to the left, his eyes searching for Anicee, Jessica, and his father. He saw the three and smiled before climbing in the ring and lifting himself up to the top rope. The explosion of applause only got louder. His smile was as big as anyone had ever seen it. Edge and Christian, their opponents, looked on in respect and also applauded.

Matt and Jeff had gained the upper-hand in the match and Matt did the Twist of Fate as Jeff climbed the ropes. You could feel the electricity coursing through everyone’s bodies as he pointed the guns toward his head and looked down at Matt who was encouraging him louder than anyone. With that, he executed a perfect Swanton Bomb and Matt got the pin. It was official The Hardy Boyz were back and in a very big way.

*****************

After the match, Edge and Christian hugged the two brothers and Jeff asked for the mic. He stood in the middle of the ring, next to Matt as the two looked at the huge crowd still giving them a standing ovation.

“I want to thank everyone for coming out tonight for this. I think I know just about everyone in this building.” Jeff said as everyone cheered and laughed.

“Now I got word before I came out for this match, that the biography that was written about me has reached #1. That means that probably everyone in this arena has the book. Am I right?” He asked as everyone cheered.

Anicee sat there in shock as the people around her that knew who she was, congratulated her. She had no clue that the book had hit #1 and Jeff announcing it like that had come as a huge shock and surprise to her. Jeff was looking at her and applauding her in the ring. A pin drop could be heard when he brought the mic back up to his lips.

“Now I would like to introduce you all to the very talented lady that wrote that book. As many of you know, she is not only the author, but she is also my girlfriend. So please give her a warm welcome, because after all, she is a best-selling author now.” He said laughing as she stuck her tongue out at him.

Matt grabbed the mic from his brother.

“No, Jeff let me introduce her. Please!!!” He whined as they fought for the mic while everyone looked on, laughing at their antics.

Jeff grabbed the mic from his brother and hit him on the head with it.

“She’s my girlfriend, I’ll introduce her. Anicee will you please stand up and come forward?” He asked as he got out of the ring and helped her over the barricade.

Everyone in the arena clapped as he got her in the ring and introduced her. Jeff put the mic up to her lips and told her to say hi.

“Hi everyone. I wanna thank everybody for buying the book. I really appreciate it.” She said as she waved.

Matt took the mic from the two and told everyone he loved them while Jeff took Anicee in his arms and placed a kiss on her lips while the crowd went crazy. The three linked arms as they headed back up the rampway.

Jeff turned around one more time and waved as he saluted the crowd. He went into the back with a feeling of accomplishment he hadn’t felt in a long time.
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~Chapter Five~
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Anicee placed her hair in a quick ponytail and sighed with frustration as she got back to the task at hand. She was packing for her week with Jeff. Since he had gone back to wrestling, they had worked out a system where she would travel with him every other week. This had been working so far because that gave her a week to do the book stuff, then she got to spend the week with Jeff, but even this arrangement was getting harder to keep up. The phone rang just as she was about to close her suitcase. Racing to answer it, she almost tripped over her own two feet.

“Hello?” She asked a bit breathless from her sprint.

“Hey little one.”

Anicee smiled when she heard Jeff’s voice on the other end of the phone line. It could always bring a smile to her face and this time was no exception.

“Hey yourself. Are you still gonna meet me at the airport?” She asked as she zipped up her bag and placed a hand on her hip.

“I’ll be right there waiting when you get off the flight. I can’t wait to see you. I feel like we haven’t spent time together in weeks.” He whispered.

Anicee sighed. It was true the two had both been really busy lately. She had been promoting the book and the fans were always wanting more of Jeff’s time. In all actuality they hadn’t spent time alone in almost a week and a half.

“I can’t wait to see you either. My flight leaves in an hour so I gotta get going. I’ll see you around 5. I love you.” She said as she grabbed her bag.

“I’ll see ya. I love you too.”

Smiling, she placed the cordless back on its cradle and headed out the door.

******************

In his hotel room, Jeff placed his phone back and laid down in the bed. Surprisingly, he had a few days on this road trip. He had decided to spend them with Anicee. Lately it had seemed like they weren’t spending time together at all. One was always doing something else while the other was on the other side of the nation. It was getting frustrating for him.

Matt entered the room and threw a shirt at Jeff.

“Hey what was that for?” Jeff asked as he sat up in bed.

“I was just bringing you back from the ‘Land O Love’. You just talked to Anicee didn’t ya?” He asked as he had a seat next to his brother.

“Yup and she’s on her way right now. I miss her bro. These past few months have been hard, I had gotten used to having her around all the time. It was just her and I, now I have to share her with all these people and I’m jealous of the time they spend with her.” He said running his fingers through his hair.

“If you’re jealous then imagine her Jeff. You have tons of fans that always want a piece of you and will do anything to get that. You guys just have to figure out a way to have a relationship while the both of you are busy.” Matt said as he patted his brother on the shoulder.

“This is a piece of advice someone gave me one time. When you are away from the woman you love for a while, it makes the time you spend together more passionate and it counts more. Just remember that when you’re alone with her and you’ll always cherish it.” Matt said as he gave his brother a playful noogie.

“Enough of this serious talk. I gotta go dye my hair.” Jeff said as he got up and walked to the bathroom with Matt following to see what color it would be next.

********************

Anicee stepped off the plane and searched the waiting area for her boyfriend. From past experiences, she had learned that he would be standing in a corner trying to look inconspicuous. In their time together, they had found that was the easiest way not to be spotted by a fan.

Glancing over to the left, she grinned as she saw him standing in the corner with a yellow rose in his hand. She eagerly walked over and smiled as she placed her arms around his neck. Jeff placed his hands around her waist and looked down at her before giving her a soft kiss on the mouth.

“Interesting choice in hair colors this time baby.” She said as she ran her hands through Jeff’s now orange hair.

“Yeah well you know me, I had to get something to match that shirt.” He said as he grabbed her bag and placed his arm around her shoulders before they made their way out of the airport.

***************

*Later on that night*

The two sat on the balcony of their hotel room. Jeff laying on the lounge chair, she laying back against his chest. Jeff intwined their fingers and brushed the hair back from her forehead.

“I really miss you when you aren’t here Ani.” He said as he bent down, giving her a soft kiss.

“I miss you too Jeff.” She said as she moved her face a little to the side so that their lips could connect.

She turned around so that she was straddling his hips and linked her arms around his neck. “Jeff we need to talk about some stuff.” She said as she pulled away from their kiss.

“Go ahead and talk.” He said as he leaned his head back against the chair.

“The book company wants me to do a book tour. It would last for two months all around the country.” She said as she looked at him with wide eyes.

Jeff averted her eyes and licked his lips as he cleared his throat.

“That means two months of almost not seeing you at all doesn’t it?” He asked as he looked back at her.

“Yeah it does. I really wanna do this Jeff and I know that I’m going to miss you, but I need to make my mark on the writing world. You’ve made your mark on the wrestling world and I’ve stood behind you every step of the way. Please stand behind me in this.” She pleaded as she felt his hands travel up to her neck.

Jeff started massaging the sore muscles there as he sat back in thought. Finally after swallowing hard, he looked back at her.

“You’ve gotta do what you’ve gotta do and if that means going on this book tour then so be it. I just think we need to take some advice that was given to me lately and make our moments together count.” He said giving her a sexy grin before bringing her closer to his body and kissing her neck.

She giggled as she sat up a little straighter before pulling herself away from Jeff.

“Then let’s start making them count.” She teased as she ran inside the room with Jeff close behind.
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~Chapter Six~
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*A Couple of Months Later*

Jeff wandered in the door of their house and threw his bag on the floor before collapsing on the couch. He was tired. Plain and simple. Not to mention the fact he hated coming home to an empty house with a passion.

He rolled over and put a hand to his forehead, pressing the creases out. A tension headache had been gathering all day and what he wanted most at that moment was Anicee there in his arms. That would not be the case however, she would not be returning for another three days and by that time he would be back on the road.

Getting up, Jeff breathed a heavy sigh and headed toward their bedroom before grabbing a towel and stepping into a steaming hot shower. He placed a hand on the ceramic tiles of the wall and let his head droop forward while the water cascaded down his back. He smirked as he thought of a time he and Anicee had spent in a shower such as this, but that smirk was quickly replaced with a sad smile. Never in his life had he imagined the loneliness he would feel when he told her that it would be ok to embark on this book tour. Not even when his mother passed away did he feel this alone in the world.

**************

Anicee lay on her hotel bed writing in her journal. It had always been a favorite past time of hers to combat whatever she was feeling at the time. This time she felt homesick. Anicee ran a hand through her long hair as she continued writing.

*journal entry* may 2, 2000

never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined the people that have come out to see me on this book tour. It’s beyond my wildest dreams and fantasies. there is only one thing that is ruining this moment, and that is how much I miss jeff. When I left I knew that I would miss him, but never did I believe it would be this much.

I miss the stupid things. The way he always pushes my hair away from my face, the way he whistles in the shower, the way he holds my hand before I go to sleep at night, the deepness of his voice in the morning, the sexy way he walks out of the shower that I know is for my eyes only, the way he holds me close to him and whispers he loves me. I miss all of that. I always knew that I wanted to do this for a living, but I never realized that it would come at such an expense.

I never believed anyone when they said their world revolved around another person. I always thought them needy, but now I know and understand exactly what they mean. I am physically hurting without him here. My heart aches for him in a way it’s never ached before and I’m not sure what to do. Do I call off this book tour and run for his arms? Or do I just tough it out and prove to myself that I can live without him for a few weeks? Does that make me less of a woman if I run straight back to him?

Anicee set her pen down and looked to the ceiling. The tears were gathering in her eyes and she was trying so hard to prevent them from falling, but inevitably they would come.

***********************

Anicee sat up in bed later that night, hearing the phone ringing shrilly.

Who the hell is that? She thought as she picked it up and said a quick hello.

“I miss you and I love you, please come home.” Jeff’s voice pleaded on the other end.

Anicee’s heart melted and the ever present tears gathered. Her heart went out to him and she felt the same way, but there was something inside of her that was telling her she needed to stay and finish what she needed to do to succeed.

“I miss you too and I love you more, but I can’t come home right now.” She said into the phone as she pulled the covers tighter under her chin.

“Why not? Why not just for one night while I’m here so I can hold you and show you how much I care about you?” He asked in a child’s voice.

“Jeff you know I love you and care about you more than anyone else in this world, but I have to do this. I have to prove to myself that I am strong enough of a person to make it on my own.” She said in a pleading voice as she wrapped the telephone cord around her fingers.

“So, I’m not all you want. Is that what you’re trying to say Ani, I’m not good enough for you?” He asked in a louder voice.

Anicee began getting angry. He was putting words in her mouth and not giving her the chance to respond. He was on a tangent and there was no way for her to get him to stop.

“Jeff, would you stop being selfish for one minute here. I let you go out and do you’re wrestling career. Let me have my own.” She said firmly.

“You don’t have to do anything Ani. You could sit at home and do nothing and everything would still be ok and we could be together.” He said in a soft voice.

“No, it wouldn’t be ok because I wouldn’t be happy.” She said in a whisper.

Jeff sat shocked on the other end. He had just offered her the life of luxury and she turned him down cold. To him that was a slap in the face, not only to his personal views, but his manhood.

“So you can’t be happy with just you and I together?”

“Jeff, you’re tired and grouchy, I’m tired and grouchy, we need to stop this before we both say things we don’t mean.” She said as she sat up in bed again.

“Ok then, we’ll talk when we’re both in the same house for more than five minutes.” He said in a smart ass way.

“Jeff, I’m not doing this with you. I’ll see you in a few days. I love you.”

Anicee sat there to complete silence. It was obvious Jeff was throwing a temper tantrum, but she wasn’t going to stand for this.

“Don’t you dare do it Jeff. You can ignore me, give me the silent treatment, be pissed off. I don’t care, but you better not once try to act like you don’t love me and not say it back.” She said in a hurt voice.

Jeff sighed on the other end knowing that what he had done was wrong.

“You’re right. I’m sorry little one. I love you too and I’ll see you in a few days.” He said as he hung up and went into a restless sleep.

****************************

Anicee had just arrived and cursed when she realized she had missed Jeff...again. He was right, this was starting to get ridiculous. As she walked into the kitchen she spotted a note.

Ani,

I waited as long as I could, but they said you’re plane had been delayed. I’ll see you this weekend. I know we both will be there. We can catch up and spend some time together.

Love, Jeff

Anicee smiled and held the note close to her chest. As she was making her way to their bedroom the phone began ringing. Thinking it was Jeff, she sprinted and answered it in record time.

“Hello.” She said breathless.

“May I speak to Anicee Cochran please?” The authoritative voice asked on the other end.

“This is she. How may I help you?” She asked getting a horrible feeling.

“This is the Richmond police, you’re brother has been shot. We need you here immediately.”

Anicee dropped the phone and picked up the bag she had so carefully placed down before as she ran out the front door of the house.
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~Chapter Seven~
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Anicee sat on the plane willing it to take off faster. She had gotten to the airport in record time and had somehow managed to get a flight that was just about to take off. So many questions were going around in her head.

Was he ok? Where was Jessica? What had happened? Anicee gritted her teeth and leaned her head back against the seat. This was all a complete mess. Why did it have to be happening now her mind screamed. She got her cell phone out and called the one person she needed to calm her down. Jeff. It kept ringing and no one answered.

“Come on Jeff. Please pick up the phone.” She said as it kept ringing.

Feeling frustrated, she slammed the phone off and attempted it again. This time the phone was turned off.

Letting the tears finally flow she wrapped her arms around her stomach and started rocking herself back and forth.

****************

Jeff sat in his hotel room with Matt talking about the match they were about to have. As they were planning a major spot, Jeff’s cell phone started ringing.

“Aren’t you gonna answer that? It could be Ani.” Matt asked as they continued planning it out.

Jeff shrugged his shoulders.

“We aren’t connecting lately Matt. I don’t know what it is, but we aren’t connecting. She was supposed to meet me before I left on my flight but she didn’t. Right now I’m afraid I may say something I don’t mean if that is her.” Jeff said as he shut the cell phone off and continued talking to Matt.

*****************

Anicee arrived at the airport and immediately rented a car that would take her to the hospital. On the drive over, she kept telling herself that everything would be ok and that it would all work out.

As she parked the car in the hospital parking lot, her hands began to shake and her teeth began to chatter. She frantically tried to take deep breaths, trying to pull herself together and calm down.

“Come on Anicee. He doesn’t need to see you like this and neither does Jessica.” She said as she stepped out and headed to the entrance.

****************

At the front desk, she was told what floor her brother was on and told that his condition was now stable. She stepped off the elevator she had hopped on and was greeted by two uniformed officers.

“Anicee Cochran?” They asked as she looked up at them both.

“Yes, that’s me. What happened to my brother?” She asked as they lead her to a seat in the lobby.

“Well ma’am. From what we can understand, you’re brother, Adrian, was coming back from taking a young lady out on a date. His ex-wife, Tara was sitting in the driveway, waiting for him to come home. As he stepped out of his car, she stepped out of hers and an argument insued. We aren’t exactly sure what it was about at this time, but during the altercation, she pulled a gun. The scratches on his arm and hers make it appear there was a fight for the gun, at that time the little girl, Jessica ran out to see what the noise was. Apparently she yelled, scaring Tara, and she pulled the trigger, hitting your brother in the right lung. Jessica, then called to the neighbor who was watching her and they called the police. Tara was standing over the body with the gun in her hand when we arrived.” The officer said as he placed a comforting hand on her shoulder.

Anicee sat back and let out a long sigh. In her mind, she was so angry with Tara, she had wreaked so much havoc on their lives already and here she was doing it again. Feeling the tears coming, she let them fall, not caring who saw. Then something dawned on her.

“Are you telling me Jessica saw her mother shoot her father?” She asked as she brought her hands up to cup her mouth.

“Yes ma’am that’s what we are saying. Right now she’s in a little shock and she’s being treated, but she’s a strong little girl so she should pull through just fine.”

Once again Anicee bit her tongue to prevent the biting marks she wanted to express to her ex sister-in-law.

“My God, if Tara wasn’t already in jail. I would kill her myself.” She said as she went in search of her niece.

******************

Jessica was situated in a hospital bed having her vitals taken when her aunt walked in. At the first site they had of each other, Jessica jumped up and ran into her arms. Anicee scooped her up and held the little girl close as she sobbed into her shoulder.

“Ani, mommy shot daddy and I couldn’t do anything to stop it. It’s my fault.” She said as she clung to Anicee’s neck and continued sobbing away.

Anicee’s heart broke as she heard Jessica sobbing and vowed to hurt her mother if it was the last thing she did. Carrying her over to the bed, she sat down with Anicee still in her arms. Pulling her back, Anicee smoothed the young girl’s hair back and cupped her cheeks. “Jessica sweetie, you did nothing wrong. Your mother and father have a lot of things going on right now that have nothing to do with you and you are being caught in the middle. Please don’t ever think this was your fault.” Anicee tried to explain as she kissed the little girl on the forehead.

“But, I didn’t stop Mommy. I saw the gun in her hand and screamed. That made her shoot Daddy.” She said as the tears streamed down her face.

“Sweetie, your Mommy has a lot of problems right now. They are things you can’t control or help. Your Daddy doesn’t blame you, he wants to make sure you’re ok. That’s why he was fighting Mommy. He loves you and so do I.” She said as the little girl began to calm down.

“Now why don’t you lay down here and I’ll lay down with you. Try to get some sleep. You want to look good when you see Daddy don’t you?” Anicee asked as she lay the small body next to hers and placed her arms around the girl.

Just as she felt Jessica drift off to sleep, the door to the hospital room opened and a doctor stepped in.

“Ms. Cochran, you’re brother is awake and is asking to see you.” He said as she gently pried herself from Jessica’s grip and went to see her brother.
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