Doing The Rounds

As the cab pulled away from the curb, Kalleasto McMahon breathed a little sigh of relief. Tia and Jason and Melly and Chris lived on the same street, but Kalli had decided she needed a breather before she faced the next barrage of questions and lectures. So she would go to the hotel and get Heidi, and then come back...

It wasn’t that she didn’t appreciate Adam’s concern for her, his sympathies, his friendship... But she had just about had enough Adam Copeland to last her a good year or two easy.

"Kalli," he whispered, "It would be so much easier for you if Matt loved Krissy and not you, wouldn't it? Then you could go back to Jeff and pretend that this never happened." He turned her slowly, taking hold of both her shoulders and looking into her eyes, "If you lie to yourself now, Kalli, you and Jeff will never be happy." He demanded gently, "Tell me what you want."

She had looked at him, hurt in her deep brown eyes. Though her face was silently querying him, she had known what he was going to say.

Spite had filled her eyes when her gaze locked in his at the moment, “So you can seize the moment and take Krissy from him forever?”

And though he could have lied, though he probably should have, they both knew that Kalli knew him far too well for that. “Exactly,” was all he had said before she turned, disgusted in someway, almost wanting to promise him in another.

Opening her eyes, she stared out the window at the street filtering by her. Her older sister was a lucky woman. She was loved with such passion, such conviction, and by two wonderful men.

But no matter how wonderful Adam may be, and no matter how strongly Kalli’s belief was that perhaps he really was the man for her sister, she could not do as he asked.

The McMahon Heiress looked up, her eyes meeting the reflection of the cab driver, his eyes locked on her in the mirror. “I’m sorry?” She stammered.

Her eyes crept to the window, again staring out into the street. She could already feel the makings of a new headache coming to her. The entire time she had been in Australia she had seemed to have one permanent headache, and the damn thing was certainly holding on with her return to the States. If she could just settle her rampaging emotions for five minutes she might rid herself of it permanently.

Jeff. Matt. Of all the crazy shit she could get herself into, she had to fall in love with two men. She had to fall in love...

For years now, she had believed with all her heart she could have a future with Jeff. That the two could co-exist in perfect harmony and live happily ever after. The chances of a future with Jeff now were slim at best.

God’s honest truth, she didn’t want to love Matt. But there didn’t seem to be a damn thing she could do about it. And though she longed for the comfort, the warm familiarity and stability of her relationship with Jeff...

Kalli crept over him slowly kissing up his chest before nibbling gently on his throat, perching above him, one knee on one side of his waist, the second at the other. She hovered above him like that, completely unmoving, her eyes locked on his for minutes.

Matt touched her face, her shoulders, her arms, her breasts, his hands gently caressing their way across her body, slowly, tantalizingly. He savoured every moment as though he would never get to love her like this again.

"Ssshhh," she cooed, a loving smile on her face, shaking her head softly. The action a silent plea for them to forget all else . A plea for them to have this moment.

Matt reached up, pressing his fingertips to the cheek he had injured earlier in the night with an angry, and misdirected fist. Shame flushed his face as he touched. How had he done this to her..?

The thought drifted away as she gently took his hand, kissing his fingertips adoringly, before taking both his hands and guiding them gently to her waist...

But her fingers crept to her cheek, the tips running over her almost completely healed bruise. Only the slightest tinge of darkness remained on her skin, almost all evidence of the night Matt’s hand had flown at her accidentally gone.

Every time he had touched her since the night they had stumbled together, her skin had burnt in shame, her guilt consuming her. She didn’t want it, down right dreaded it in fact...

Kalli opened her tear filled eyes, her gaze again meeting the driver’s in the rear vision mirror. He was an older fellow, maybe nearing 50, but he had a kind face. She tried for a level, and at least happy-ish sounding reply but only managed an empty, “I’m fine.”

“Yeah.” He motioned with one hand to the mirror, “That’s why you’re all upset like.” He sighed softly, “If you don’t mind me asking, Miss, are you having some man troubles? Because I see that a lot in here.”

He smiled at her, “No argument there, Miss.” He winked at her, “But if you don’t mind my saying so, women are a good deal of trouble too.”

But this man didn’t know her. Didn’t know anything about her in fact. She was certain that had he followed the WWF he would have mentioned it by now. And though the notion of telling a cab driver the weight of her worries seemed utterly insane...

She spoke quietly, “I’ve been in a relationship with this guy... This guy I really love... So much.” Instinctively she started fidgeting with the ring on her left index finger. “But... It turns out, much to my surprise, I happen to be in love with my best friend too. My best friend,” she sighed, “Who happens to be my boyfriend’s brother and my sister’s boyfriend.”

She shrugged, “I have no idea.” Nestling deeper into the seat, she told him weakly, not truly even thinking about the words that escaped her, “I can’t choose. I love Jeff so much. But Matt... He’s always been there for me.” Kalli shook her head, pained, “He’s the only person who’s ever been there for me like that.” Looking down to the ring she toyed with she asked, dread in her voice, “How do I decide between the man I thought my forever was with and the person I am closest to in all the world?”

He nodded, “Let me tell you something, Miss. When I was 18 years old, I married the woman I believed in my heart was my forever. I loved her so deeply.” He paused a moment and then went on, “We were married for 12 years.”

“I came home one day and she had packed all her bags. She told me she wasn’t happy. That she hadn’t been happy in years. And then she left me.” He shook his head, “Broke my damn heart and I pinned for her for fucking years.” He blushed at his use of the English language, “Begging your pardon.”

Grinning he told her, “Five years ago, I met a woman in a Supermarket. Ran over her foot with one of those damn shopping trolleys as a matter of fact.” His grin seemed to broaden, “I married her six months later, and you know what, Miss? For the first time in my life, I can honestly say I know what love is.”

The cab driver chuckled, “Nah, not really.” His chuckle grew into a hearty laugh, “Dammit, I’ve never even been married! Can’t stand the idea of being stuck with a whiney, naggy woman all my life.” Kalli threw him a mock, offended look and he offered a, “No offence, Miss.”

“Sometimes, Miss, we think we’re on to a winner. We think this is it, this is what we want for the rest of our lives and no matter how hard it gets and how unhappy we become, we hold on because we’re comfortable with it. We’re used of that feeling.” He shrugged, “But first in ain’t always best dressed. Sometimes it takes something new to show us that the old is just that...” He looked at her seriously, “Are you with me?”

He sighed, “Listen, Miss. It’s like this. This guy you’ve been with, you love him, right?” She nodded, “And you think you want to be with him forever?” She nodded again and he asked, more serious than ever, “Then why did you describe this other fella as the person you are closest to in all the world?”

“Here we are.” He said, the cab pulling to a halt. Kalli only aware they had arrive at the hotel when the driver switched off the meter and turned to look over the seat at her. “That’s thirty dollars.” He winked at her again, “The advice is free.”

“No,” she managed a smile despite the hurt that still hung inside her, “Thankyou.” She touched his arm lightly where it hung lazily over the back of his seat. “Take it easy.”

Red tinged Kalli’s cheeks. He knew who she was after all. Fear racked her voice, she could just see the tabloids now, “Listen...”

“It’s okay, Miss McMahon,” he smiled, “Your secret is safe with me.” He grinned, “I’ve always liked you McMahon girls best.”

Her blush deepened and she said again, sincerity in her voice, “Thanks...” She looked to him, her voice soft, “I didn’t even get your name.”

“Anytime, Miss McMahon.” The friendly handshake ended and the girl moved back out of the car, closing over the door. He wound his window down a little and then said, “Remember, just because it’s new, it don’t make it wrong.” And with that, he flashed her another warm smile and drove away.

Heidi climbed out of the cab, waiting patiently for her sister to step out behind her. “I can’t believe I finally get to meet Melly and Chris properly!” She couldn’t keep the excitement from her voice, “Chris Jericho. I’m going to see Chris Jericho!”

Her younger sister blushed, “Yeah... I might.” But still she hopped from foot to foot waiting for Kalli to pay the cab driver.

“I swear,” Kalli told her as she stepped onto the curb, “All I seem to have done this last day is catch cabs everywhere.”

Of course, none of the rides she had taken were as interesting as the one she had taken earlier in the day when she had decided to go back to the hotel and pick up Heidi before heading off to see Melly and Chris, and then later Tiara and Jason, for the day. As if her life wasn’t confusing enough, now she had complete strangers giving her love advice...

“Listen, Miss. It’s like this. This guy you’ve been with, you love him, right?” She nodded, “And you think you want to be with him forever?” She nodded again and he asked, more serious than ever, “Then why did you describe this other fella as the person you are closest to in all the world?”

“I can’t help it! Jericho is my favourite and I only got to see him for five seconds that night at the hospital!” She starting bouncing around on the spot again, “I’m so excited.”

“Then play it cool.” She locked an arm around her sisters at the two headed up to the front door. “Remember, he’s really just a regular guy.” She gave her a stern look, “And his real name is not Jericho.”

“Bitch.” Heidi muttered as they came to a halt at the front door. Kalli knocked on the door and though Heidi was making an obvious effort to stay calm, Kalli could see she was just about fit to burst.

In fact, it had been in a way. She hadn’t seen Melly or Chris since Destiny was a day old and Melly had still been in the Hospital in Connecticut. Thanksgiving had been a disaster, and in truth, Kalli wasn’t sure what kind of reception she was about to get...

Melly's jaw dropped as she laid eyes on her sister. "Kalli...what in the hell are you doing here?" It had seemed like forever since she had last talked to Kalli. She wasn't sure if she was happy to see her or not after everything she had done.

"In town? I didn't even know you were back in the country." Melly held the door open a little wider. "Come in...I guess." Melly eyed Kalli warily as she stepped through the door. The last time they had met it hadn't been on the best of terms. Her eyes fell onto Heidi and she gave her a tiny smile.

Chris walked into the room at that moment and was taken aback to his sister-in-law standing in the middle of the room. "Kalli! You’re back?" He asked in surprise, moving towards her to give her a hug. Despite the problems his wife had with her sister, the two of them had always gotten along very well.

"Hey, Chris." She wrapped her arms around her brother-in-law, hugging him tightly, grateful for the warmth in his greeting. He could hear the smile in her voice as she asked, "And how does it feel to be the Undisputed WWF Champion?"

Behind them, still standing near Melly, Heidi froze, her eyes locked on him. Despite herself, she was star struck, and she was hanging on to every word that escaped the WWF Superstar's lips.

Melly glanced over to Heidi, noticing her reaction to her husband. An amused smirk played at her lips as she watched the poor girl frozen in place. "Chris," Melly said, moving over to him and taking his hand. "Have you met Heidi yet?"

Kalli grinned at the expression on Heidi’s face. The girl held out an incredibly shaking hand, her cheeks crimson, evidently trying to speak but completely unable to. “You’ll have to excuse her, Chris.” The McMahon Heiress giggled, “Chris Jericho is her favourite WWF Superstar.”

"It's okay Heidi, he's mine too." Melly laughed, looking at the blushing girl in front of her. She wrapped her arm around Chris's waist possessively, as if to prove that he was all hers.

The young Australian blushed, trying to pull herself together while she shot daggers at her older sister, “It’s so nice to finally meet the two of you properly. Kalli talks about you both so much.”

"We've heard a lot about you too." Chris smiled, chuckling softly at her nervousness. He gave a glance at Kalli and then down at his wife. He knew they had a lot to talk about. "Have you met Destiny yet, Heidi? She's upstairs sleeping. I could take you up there to see her if you want."

"Sure." He grinned. "Maybe I'll even let you hold the littlest Jerichoholic. Come on." He said, moving away from his wife and heading towards the stairs.

Melly pulled him back to her quickly, kissing him square on the lips. Chris looked down at her, smirking. "Jealous?" He whispered. Melly glared at him playfully as she pushed him away. He laughed softly, then led Heidi up the stairs so she could meet Destiny. Once they were gone Melly looked over to Kalli. "So, how have you been?"

Wanting to lie, desperate to cover her hurt with an empty ‘good’ and nothing more, Kalli sighed. Starting this conversation with a lie would do neither girl any favours. She told her sister as little as possible, but as honestly as she could, “Alive.” She asked warmly, “You?”

"I've been great." Melly smiled. She took her sister’s arm and led her into the living room. "Sit down. We have a lot to talk about."

Sighing, Kalli followed her, taking a seat beside her. She had dreaded those words. We have a lot to talk about. But she knew it was true. She and Melly hadn’t talked, not really, for a very, very long time and it had to stop. If they didn’t start communicating again soon, then...

"What in the hell were you thinking, sleeping with Matt?" She asked her bluntly, the question that had been on her mind since she had first heard of the incident. "I mean, I've always had a feeling there was something more to your relationship but... God...he was with Krissy, your sister!"

She should have known that would be the first thing her sister asked, but still she was caught off guard. “Melly...” She struggled.

Melly instantly felt bad, she could see the pain her sister was in and although it was self-inflicted she still couldn't help but have sympathy for her. Melly had made a lot of mistakes in her lifetime as well. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have just asked you like that."

Her sister shook her head, “No. It’s okay. I should expect...” She murmured meekly, “I shouldn’t expect anything different, Mel. I did the wrong this. I just...” She paused, how could she ever explain her heart?

Not wanting to re-experience the pain she had felt earlier that day when Adam had forced her, once and for all, to face the answer to that very question, Kalli covered weakly, “It’s not that simple.”

Melly rolled her eyes at Kalli's lame response. It was an easy question. Either she loved him or she didn't. "Are you in love with him?" She asked again, knowing she wouldn't let the subject drop until she had an answer.

Her eyes suddenly downcast, again instinctively reaching for the ring she so loved to toy with in moments like these, Kalli whispered, breathing deeply, “Melly, you don’t understand.”

She sighed, Kalli was in love with Matt. She didn't have to give her an answer, she knew. "You do love him, don't you?" She shook her head, her long blonde hair swinging back and forth. "He's with Krissy again...Lord knows why she took him back. What are you going to do?"

“I don’t know, Mel.” It was a struggle to keep her voice from cracking, tears, not just of pain and guilt, but of frustration, threatening to unleash themselves upon her. She was tired of feeling like she didn’t know what came next, because she had to know. She had to figure it out eventually, right?

Finally breaking, the first tear spilling onto her cheek, Kalli confessed weakly, “I don’t know... I don’t know anymore...”

"Matt doesn't belong with Krissy. She belongs with Adam. And...I can't believe I'm saying this but...I think you belong with Matt. I see something between you two that I've never seen with Krissy and Matt or you and Jeff. I think maybe you picked the wrong Hardy boy to be with." She took a deep breath, scarcely able to believe that she had actually said that Matt belonged with Kalli. Her hatred for him was such that she had always thought he deserved to live a long pitiful life completely alone. Yet, there was always something about Matt and Kalli. Something that made her hate him just a little less when he was with Kalli.

Struggling past her tears, Kalli nodded softly, “Krissy belongs with Adam, I get that now.” She looked deep into her sister’s eyes, “But Jeff...” She added near inaudibly, “And Matt would never love me the way he loves Krissy.” She whispered, guilt flooding her voice, “It’s my fault he lost her before, Melly... It’s always my fault... I always come between them... He could never love someone who took Krissy away from him.”

"You didn't take Krissy away from him. When Matt slept with you, he made a choice. The choice that he's been fighting with for years since he met you. Your the one he really loves, everyone can see it. Matt loves you in a way he could never love Krissy." Her voice was soft, her words were true. She wasn't just saying these things because she was desperate to get Krissy away from Matt. She really and truly meant it.

“Melly,” Kalli whispered, near collapsing, afraid the tears were about to take her completely, just as they had that morning in Adam’s kitchen. “He left me. The morning after we... We...” But she couldn’t say it aloud, struggling on, “He kissed me and he said goodbye and he left me.”

"He's confused. Everyone has drummed it into his mind so much that he belongs with Krissy that he doesn't know what to do. You have to make him see that you’re the one. You need to talk to him Kalli."

Then things between she and Jeff might be over forever. And, though she longed to know what life could be like with her best and closest friend, she wasn’t sure how she would ever let go of Jeff... How did you let go of the very thing you had always believed you loved most in the world?

"Kalli, I know you don't want to hear this but maybe Jeff isn't the right one. Maybe you don't really love him as much as you think. You love the thought of being with him, more than you actually love him. It's kind of the same thing with Krissy and Matt. You've had it drummed into your head for so long that you belong with Jeff that your scared of thinking of life without him in it." Melly explained, wondering if her words would even have an effect on the broken girl in front of her.

“But it feels so... So real, Melly... So amazing... When I look into the future, all I see is Jeff. All I want is Jeff,” she sobbed, “I don’t want to want Matt. Oh God, I don’t... I never meant for this to happen. I know no one believes me, but...” She sobbed again, giving herself over to her hurt.

Melly wrapped her arms around her gently, letting her sob onto her shoulder. "Oh Kalli." She whispered. "It'll be okay. Everything will be okay. Whatever is meant to be, will be. Just give it time." She knew her words would provide little comfort but she didn't know what else to say.

Kalli sobbed for what felt like minutes before hr cries eventually started to soften, “Melly...” she whispered, “Tell me what to do, please. I don’t know what to do.”

"Kalli..." Melly began, trailing off. She sighed, pulling away from her and looking into her eyes. "I can't tell you what to do. Only you know what you really want to do. If you want to be with Matt, then tell him. Go talk to him. And if you want to be with Jeff, then go to Cameron and be with him. I'm sorry but...I can't tell you who to be with."

Weakly, Kalli whispered, “I don’t know how to choose and even if I did... Matt is with Krissy and Jeff would probably never take me back anyway...”

"Don't be so sure. You'd be surprised at how quickly things can change." Melly smiled softly. "Actually, I'm sure nothing surprises you anymore."

“There are things that would surprise me,” the broken girl explained meekly, “Jeff ever contemplating taking me back...” She said, tinges of hope in her voice, “Matt even wanting me...” She shook her head, “I hate this. I hate all of this. I’m so tired of hurting.”

"I know you do. I'm sorry, I really am. I hate seeing you like this." She rubbed her back gently. "But things will get better. I know they will. Besides, they can't really get much worse."

The slightly older of the two girls gasped, “Melly!” She slapped her sister’s arm gently, “Damn you, don’t say that! You’ll fucking jinx me!!!”

Melly giggled softly. "Sorry. But honestly, I really think everything will work itself out in the end. Don't worry Kalli, things seem really bad right now but it won't last forever."

Using the sleeve of her jumper to wipe the teas that coated her face, Kalli sniffled, “I hope not.” She sighed, “God... I’m sorry... I just... I cry at the drop of a hat these days.”

Melly smiled, smoothing the unruly hair away from Kalli's face. "It's okay. I know how that is. So, where are you going to stay?"

Melting under Melly’s touch, grateful for the display of affection from her sister, she told her, “At a hotel, just across town.”

"It's really no trouble. It'd be nice if you could stay, even if it’s only for a couple of days. I've missed you." The two had grown apart over the years, much of it due to the fact of Matt and Krissy's relationship. Spending some time with her sister again would be nice.

Melly laughed, giving her sister a helpless shrug. "What can I say? I was hormonal. And yes I'm sure I want you to stay. Besides, it's about time you got to know your niece."

“Kallikins!!! OH MY GOD!!!” Tiara practically leapt through the door when she opened it to find her friend standing before her, her arms immediately flying around the girl’s neck and yanking her against her in an adoring hug. “You’re back!!! You’re finally back!!!”

A voice came from behind them, “A whole week too long, thankyou very much.” Kalli and Tiara broke away from each other as Jason appeared behind his fiancee, his face locked on Kalli’s. “Welcome back, Kalli.” He stepped forward, hugging her tightly. She returned his hug affectionately. “We were worried you weren’t gonna come back.”

Pulling away from him slightly, the girl grinned, “Like I could stay away from you guys.” She motioned back through the door to where Heidi stood on the doorstep, asking cheekily. “You guys remember Heidi, don’t you?”

“Aww, shucks Tia.” Heidi hugged her back, stepping inside behind Tiara when she motioned her in, stepping up to give Jason a hug, “It’s so good to see you both again.” She looked to Tiara, “Man you have got to get on Kalli’s ass. She was so slack that week we were back in Australia.”

“Hey, I train every freaking day, I’m allowed a week off...” She realized what she and Heidi had just said and she looked to Jason, her cheeks brightening, “Uh...”

The WWF Superstar beside them shook his head, “Like she could hide those bruises from me forever, Kalli.” He grabbed the McMahon and yanked her into another hug, messing up her hair, “What the hell were you doing to her?”

“I try!!!” Tiara exclaimed playfully, a smile touching her face at the little scene she was privy too. “Damn, Kalli. It really is good to have you home.”

Kalli smiled, looking over at Heidi, pleased to see the girl wearing a matching smile. “Thanks, Tia.” She looked back to Tiara, then to Jason, “So... Exactly what does a girl gotta do to get a cup of coffee in this place?”

Tiara slapped a hand over Jason’s mouth before the last of the sentence could escape, sensing by his tone that the last of his words would no doubt be lewd. “Come on, girls. This way.” She beckoned to Kalli and Heidi and the two girls followed her through the house to the kitchen. “Sit down,” she pointed to the table and then moved over to start making some coffee, “When did you guys get back?”

He shook as head at her, but he moved on. Something told him Kalli would have done little more than hide herself, and her pain away as long as possible while she had been away. “And where are you staying?”

“Melly’s,” Heidi beckoned back across the street. “Just until Sunday morning. We’re flying out to Connecticut for Krissy’s birthday. Are you guys flying out too?”

“Like we’d miss it!” Tiara exclaimed, mock horrified. She looked over at Kalli, not at all surprised to see Kalli’s face had fallen at the mention of Krissy. She sighed, “Does Krissy know you’re back yet?” Kalli shook her head, “Kalli! You should call her.”

Tiara shook her head, “Oh no you won’t.” She moved over to the table, grabbing Kalli’s arm and dragging her to her feet, ignoring the girl’s indignant, ‘Hey! Tia!’ she lead her across the house and into the bedroom, pushing her inside and pointing to the phone by the bed. “Call now.”

The McMahon Heiress sighed. “All right, all right.” She picked up the phone, dialling Krissy’s number. When it started to ring she said, “It’s ringing.” Tia simply sniffed in response.

Krissy took a deep breath. Even a call from her sister could not spoil her mood today. "Kalleasto, I had thought you would call after you watched RAW. Did you watch it?"

“Yeah,” she knew her sister was going to be most displeased that she had simply flown back to America with out so much as a word about what she was doing. She took a deep breath and then blurted out, “I’m in America, Kris.”

"Florida?" She asked, her breath catching in her throat. Though her sister lived in Florida as well as several of their friends, her mind immediately settled on Adam. "What are you doing in Florida?"

"Adam?" She asked, her heart beating faster. Without thinking, she blurted, "You came to see Adam? Wasn't Matt enough for you? Must you make Adam love you, too?"

"No, just my boyfriends!" Krissy dove her hand through her hair. "Damn it, we can't do this. As much as I'd love to rip you to shreds, Matt and Jeff are more important. But I would appreciate it if you could find the decency to stay away from my Adam."

Kalli's blood was about ready to boil, "I'm so pleased to see you're so very dedicated to Matt once again, Krissy. What's the matter? Not content with just the one guy so you're going to run between two again?"

Krissy blanched. She hadn't meant to say that. He wasn't hers. Not anymore. "I didn't mean it that way," she said softer than before. "I love Matt. We're trying to work things out."

Kalli's face fell but she managed a sincere sounding, "I'm glad, although.." She said softly, "The reason I came here, Krissy, it was to apologize to Adam... For everything..." She chose her words carefully, "And I know no matter how I say this, you're going to take it the wrong way, but..."

Krissy was silent. She didn't know what to say. Kalli had always been her biggest supporter where Matt had been concerned. "You love him, don't you?"

"No, you don't have to answer that. I already know. I think I've always known." She sighed. "I'm not giving him up though. Not as long as he wants me."

Hating how much those words cut at her heart, Kalli told her gently, “It doesn’t matter, Krissy. It’s never mattered. All I’m saying is...” She whispered, “Adam loves you.”

"Kalli.." She didn't know what to say, so she dodged the bullet the only way she knew how. "I've found my daughter, Kalli, she will be the one that comes first with me now. She has to."

Surprised, Kalli mused aloud, "Wow... That was fast... I'm glad." She shook her head though, her determination holding strong. "And Krissy? If you can't promise me that Matt is first in your heart, promise me that you'll never, ever put Adam before Matt in any way, shape or form ever again."

"Adam is the father of my child, I can't promise there will never be times that he doesn't come before Matt for that simple fact alone. Matt knows that." She sighed heavily. "You're very determined to protect him though, aren't you?"

She sighed, she could feel her temper flaring. Better to get while the going was good. "Kris... I have to go..." She paused and then said, "But think about it. It's not just about whether Matt can give you what you need anymore. What you give him back, that counts too. Don't make him share you with Adam again. Please. It's not fair."

"I hear you, Kalli. I'm not sure about your motives anymore, but I hear you." She knew Kalli was right, but how would she ever spend a lifetime without Adam in it? With her carrying his child, it was impossible.

Krissy nodded. "I will, Kalli. And I'm sure that I will see you soon." She paused. "And if you see Adam.." She hesitated. "Nothing. Never mind. I'll see you soon, Kalli."

Kalli nodded knowingly to herself, but she said nothing more. "And hey... Give me luv to your little girl. I hope it all goes well." She blew a near silent kiss into the phone, almost hoping Krissy wouldn't hear it. "Bye, Kris."

“Hand over my niece or the Teddy Bear gets it.” Kalli held up the stuffed toy before her younger sister, her fingers a perfect imitation of the Hardy's guns as she poked them against the fluffy bear’s ear.

Heidi giggled, still cooing gently to the baby girl she held in her arms. “Kalli, you’re going to traumatise Destiny if you keep threatening her toys with violence.”

Putting the Teddy Bear back onto the toy box, Kalli told her sister playfully, “Well if you didn’t hog all the cuddling I wouldn’t have to resort to such drastic measures.” She moved over to Heidi, who gave her a warm smile as she gently handed the little girl over. “There we go,” she cooed softly. “There’s my little girl.” She leant down, placing a light kiss on Destiny’s forehead. When she pulled back to see her niece smiling up at her, a warm flush touched her cheeks, a little burst of excitement breaking inside her.

She wouldn’t admit it aloud, but Kalli McMahon was feeling her first tinges of cluckiness ever. The feeling was strange, perhaps even a bit unsettling at best...

After all, children were not something she had ever really wanted. She just couldn’t see herself as a mother, and in the entire time she and Jeff had been together, children, and marriage even, had never been things they had discussed. It seemed strange now. How was it that they had both been so very determined that they were forever yet important things like marriage and children and eventually maybe even settling down to live in one place for longer than five minutes... Those things had never really been discussed.

In fact, technically, Kalli and Jeff had never really moved in together. She had merely followed him home one week. And then the next week she had done the same thing, and the week after the same thing again... Slowly more of her things started appearing in his house and those little feminine touches started spreading. It had never been planned; it was more a natural progression.

It was weird in a way, but Kalli wondered if she and Jeff had become creatures of habit. They travelled around with the WWF, fussed over each other, adored each other, went home, he rode around on his bikes and worked with Shannon on his music while she trained for hours on end and worked on this story or that.

She shook her head slightly. She wouldn’t do this. She wouldn’t butcher her memories of how wonderful her life had been with Jeff in it just so she could feel better about hurting him...

Smiling sweetly, her voice a wave of excitement, Heidi told her, “Man, Kalli, you should see Chris with her! He’s great!” She shook her head a little, “I never saw him as a Father until today, and it was amazing. He’s so loving and so attentive. He’s nothing like I imagined him yet he certainly didn’t disappoint.”

“Yeah,” Kalli sat down in one of the armchairs in the room, resting Destiny in her lap, gently playing with her tiny hands, still smiling at the little girl. “Chris is a great guy.”

“Isn’t he?” Heidi was still grinning when she sat down beside her sister, sighing wistfully, “We talked the whole time we were up here and he was so nice to me, Kalli. He was just so damn nice! He kept asking me questions and he seemed so interested in what I was saying.”

Destiny giggled and Kalli couldn’t help but share it, leaning forward to rub her nose gently against her nieces as she told her sister, “Of course he’s interested. You’re my little sister, Heidi. And he’s going to be seeing a lot more of you...”

But Heidi wasn’t listening to her, her words continuing to rush out, her voice filled with joy; “He wanted to know what it was like to live in Australia and oh my God... Just everything...”

Kalli looked up, her eyes locked on her sister’s face. She was startled by the look of affection dancing in her sister’s eyes. Warning bells sounded in her head, “Heidi...”

“Oh didn’t you just?” Heidi went to speak but the McMahon Heiress spoke over her, “I’m warning you, Heidi. Keep that in check.”

But her older sister’s voice was tight, “I mean it.” She turned her attentions back to Destiny. “Whaddaya say baby girl? Wanna go say hey to Mommy and Daddy?” With that she got up, heading toward the door, leaving Heidi to stare out after her.

As she head downstairs to where she knew Chris and Melly were waiting for them in the kitchen, she sighed softly. Things in her family were complicated enough...

But that look in her eyes? That look had scared her. Kalli knew better than anyone what it was like to love someone and not have that emotion returned...

She whispered to Destiny, “This is one crush you and me are gonna nip in the ass real fast, baby girl.” The little girl smiled at her, and Kalli was melting again. “Dammit, girl. You’re gonna have me wanting twenty kids before the night is over...”