After dinner, Grace lead Taker through the kitchen. “You know the large, empty space, you gave me downstairs?” she asked, holding his hand, as they went to the stairs leading to the basement.

“Yes.” Taker smiled, not knowing what to expect.

“Well, I didn’t know what to do with it. Most of my furniture was my roommate’s, sep for my bed and a few things, which fit in the spare bedroom upstairs.” Grace began to explain.

“Grace, don’t think you have to set your things up in curtain corners of the house. You can put anything, anywhere. This is your home now.” Taker told her, almost feeling like a landlord, which made him feel low.

“I know, but there are curtain people who need to adjust to me, too.” she told him, with a smile. He knew what she meant, and smiled back at her. “Since the room was just re-modeled, I didn’t want to mess up the new carpet with my storage boxes. One great benefit, though, is that you put in a lock on the door.” Grace evilly grinned. Taker smiled back, as he waited for her to unlock the door. “Plus,” Grace added, “you added in a very cool bathroom, why ruin that?”

Grace opened the door and turned on the light. As Taker followed her in, she dimmed the light, and closed the door. “While moving in, the boys and I have been doing some extra gigs, and I bought a few things.” she told him.

“I see.” Taker nodded, looking around the room. Most of the walls were decorated in dark colored fabrics of velvet, silk, and satin martial. While his eyes followed the draped cloths, it lead him to a more gossamer mesh, which softly hid a silken covered floor bed. Taker’s ear twitched, as he began hearing soft music playing. He walked in a circle, soaking in Grace’s decorating talents, until he stopped cold. One a wall, across from the bedded area, hung something he only saw in a couple of adult movies he watched, when he was bored. He snorted a chuckle, when he saw a lowered chair which had feathered, or furred restraints on the arms and at the feet.

“Can you tell I went to Pete’s Play Things? Most of it is just for show.” Grace smiled, lighting up one of a few candles in the room. Taker just smiled, as he was a loss for words. He saw other items, which both intrigued him and made him blush. “I wanted this night to be special for us, since it’s our first, real night together.” she said, with a hug.

“It will be wonderful.” Taker hoarsely spoke in her ear.

“You must be tired, and feeling grungy. Why don’t you sit down, here..” Grace told him, as she lead him to a nice comfy seat one would find in their own home, “and I’ll draw a bath for you?”

Taker let the young woman pamper him, feeling groggy from his flight, and from the red whine he drank at dinner. Grace disappeared through a beaded certain, and soon water was heard pouring into a tub. Taker closed his eyes, and listened to the water, while he dosed. He faded in and out of conciseness, and dreamed of an angel flying around him. He dreamt that she took off his shirt, shoes, socks, and jeans. But it wasn’t until he felt a tugging sensation, that he felt his underwear pulling off his body, for real. He groaned, and frowned, as he felt a cool breeze on his naked body, and pride open his eyes. “My angel...” Taker mumbled, “I’m cold.”

Grace smiled at him, “Well, if you’re to tired to take a bath, then you’re too tired to...”

“NO! I’m not tired!” Taker shot up from the chair. Grace took his hand, and lead him to the bathroom.

Grace closed the door, behind her, as Taker stepped into the tub of hot water. It felt so good to him, it woke him up enough to notice that Grace was undressed, as well. “We’re bathing together...” Taker’s eyes danced at her, with eagerness.

“No, I had my bath. I’m going to bath you.” Grace told him, with a smile. Taker watched her, as she laid down a towel, and kneeled on it, outside of the tub. She took a wet bathing sponge, and poured a blue, soapy liquid onto it. She squeezed on the sponge, until it lathered to her liking. She then began to rub Taker’s back, “This is a special soap, not one of my female sweet soaps, so I hope you like it.” Taker moaned, enjoying the pampering, as he rolled his head in circles.

After a couple of seconds, he answered, “Smells nice. Tingles.”

“Yes, it’s massaging soap. It’s supposed to tingle. But it’s safe.” Grace explained. She moved down to his right arm, and lifted it to wash his ribs. She then, soaked the sponge, and massaged his chest. Taker kissed her, as she leaned over to wash his left side. “Enjoying yourself?” Grace asked, as she rinsed him off.

“Very much so.” Taker replied, kissing her again, “When do I get to bath you?” “Umm... later.” she laughed.

Grace re-soaped the sponge, and worked on his tired legs and feet. Music plaid, as Taker heard Grace begin to hum to it, while she washed him. “Did I ever tell you, you have a beautiful voice?” he asked, as Grace gently washed his hair. At that point, Grace sat on the end of the tub, legs on each side of Taker, and massaging his head. He barley laid on her tummy, soaking in the smell of the shampoo.

“Yes.” Grace whispered. She rinsed his hair and pulled the plug from the tub.

“I love you.” Taker whispered to her, as she watched him dry himself off.

“And I you.” Grace replied and left the bathroom.

Grace reached out her arms to Taker, after he dried his hair. Taker went to her, and asked, “Where did you disappear off to?”

“I had to set up the next stage for you.” she smiled, kissing his chest.

“Next stage?” Taker questioned. Grace licked her lips and shined her teeth at him.

“You look like you could use a massage.” She said, in a sexy voice. Taker gulped, hearing her words, and followed her out of the bathroom. Grace turned out the light, on her way out, and lead him to the middle of the room. There, laying on the floor, was a narrow, long, black leather mat, with a towel draped over it. Next to it, was a wire basket filled with bottles of different colored liquids.

“Ahh... my Christmas present to you.” Taker pointed at the bottles, as he remember giving Grace massage oils for their first Christmas holiday together. Grace never spoke a word, only pushed him down to the mat. Taker laid, stomach down, and closed his eyes. He remembered giving Grace a massage, at Christmas. He did all sorts of things with her, and almost took her virginity, too. But he caught himself before it happened. Now, now it was his turn! He felt Grace’s light touch, as she tied his hair in a ponytail, so the oils won’t damage his red locks. Taker adjusted his body, as he felt Grace straddled his lags. A cold stream of liquid poured down his spine, which made him shiver. Grace’s hands began to spread the oil over Taker’s back. She massaged the oil into his skin, while she started on his neck and shoulders. He gave a groan, at the strength of her small hands. She worked her magic, getting the kinks and stress out of his muscles. Slowly, she pushed, pulled, kneaded, and stroked her way down his back. She elbowed his knots out from his spine to his hips. Her fingers trailed, in circles, down to his buttocks, until every bit of the oil soaked into Taker’s flash.

Taker dozed, feeling Grace move up, onto, his bottom. Grace picked up another bottle of oil, and poured some in her hands. She rubbed her palms together, and spread it over Taker’s triceps and biceps of his arms. After working on both his arms, she worked lower down on his thighs, calves, and feet. Once done, she climbed up to him. “Roll over, if you’re able to.” she whispered into his ear. Taker drowsily rolled over, as Grace stood, on her knees. Seeing her, in dominating fashion, made his heart pound. And when she sat down, her pelvis just an inch from his groin, made him twitch. Grace poured, yet more oil, onto the older man’s chest. She spread the oil over his pecks, rib cage, and stomach. Taker shook, from the mix of cold fluid and Grace’s tickling fingers moving on his flesh. His eyes gazed, hypnotically, into her face, while she worked the oil in. His whole body tingled, his head spinned, and his nostrils breathed in the scented oils, making him drunk. He almost wanted to touch her, “I want you, now.” he told her.

The next day, Taker asked Grace to go with him, on the road. The Deadman was getting geared to take the title. He, Kane, D-X, and Hunter were wrapped up in a warped story line. Hunter was trying his best to get Taker to forfeit his title shot, and hinted personal references, which made him steam. Taker thought that Paul Bearer was going to be the person D-X and Hunter were referring to, so did Paul. But he caught the flue, at the last minute, and couldn’t make his appearance. Come Monday Night Raw, the writers struggled to write a new script with Taker and D-X. Well, Taker was to fight Kane that night, so they left that part alone. But they had to find a way to work on Hunter and D-X’s interruption of the match. “Are you sure, you don’t know what’s going down?” Taker asked Hunter.

“Positive, Deadman. You’ll know, when I know.” Hunter replied, with a smile. Taker frowned at him, took Grace’s hand, and walked away. The couple went to his locker room, where the Deadman got ready for that night. He ordered a monitor to be put in the room. He had his suspicions something was going down, and didn’t want Grace caught in the cross fire. Just before he left the room, he kissed her and told her he loved her. Grace sat down and watched the screen.

Soon, she heard his music, and saw him walk down the ramp. There was a sudden knock at the door. Grace jumped, and got up from her seat. Not taking her eyes off the screen, she walked to the door. She opened it and briefly looked out. “You’re too late. Mark’s at ringside.” she said, as she saw Shane with Hunter and D-X in the hall.

“No, we’re right on time.” Hunter replied, as he and his friends charged in. Grace wasn’t quite sure what to do, as the men grabbed her. She began screaming, and thrashing, as they through a black cloth over her.

“Don’t struggle, Grace, it’ll be okay.” X-Pac told her, while he helped tie her up.

Taker and Kane were fighting each other in the ring. They were supposed to be interrupted by D-X, but time was running out. He looked to Ross and Jerry, but they singled they didn’t know what’s was going on. He looked at the Ref., but he told him and Kane to keep going. Worry plagued his thoughts Something was wrong, he could feel it. Taker hated not knowing what was going to come. But soon the lights flickered green, and D-X music blasted throughout the arena.

“Well, well, well...” Hunter shouted over his mic, “looks like we got a dead man a his brother, the crispy critter!” The crowed was split from laugher to boos, as D-X carried out a figure, struggling in a black bag. Taker had a feeling it was Grace, but it could also be an other woman just to piss him off. ‘Could Hunter be so sick to bring Grace out here?’ he thought, holding onto the top rope.

“You know, Deadman, I find it quite interesting that you don’t talk about yourself much. You know, your PERSONAL life!” Hunter spouted his words, as he paced the stage. “And I thought, maybe it’s cause he REALLY IS DEAD, under the sheets.” Taker’s pale face got bloody red, as he steamed. ‘Don’t you dare.’ he thought to himself. Hunter smiled, watching Taker’s face. “But then I’ve notice something, or someone, hanging around you lately.” he pointed to Taker, and then the figure. “And this someone, claims to be a virgin? Well, at first sight, I’d laugh at that, but them, being with you...” Hunter smiled, putting his arm around Grace, “I guess she’d have no choice, but to remain one. Of course, DEADMAN, a girl can only get joy out of fingering for only so long!” Hunter reached behind Grace, as Shane held her. He loosened the rope saying, “And that’s where I COME IN!”

Hunter, then jerked off the cloth to show Grace, crying, disheveled, and terrified. Hunter and D-X began to grope her, as Taker and Kane charged up the ramp. “Hold it!” Hunter shouted, as Shane picked Grace up. “You come any closer, and We’ll throw your slut off the stage!” Hunter sneered. X-Pac held Grace by the arms, while Dogg held her feet. She struggled, until she saw how far the floor was. She screamed out Taker’s name, as Shane, X-Pac and Dogg swung her from side to side. “Forfeit your title shot, DEADMAN! And I promise we won’t hurt her...” Hunter smirked, “much!” From the corner of Taker’s eye, he saw X-Pac bend down and lick one side of Grace’s cheek. That was the last straw and Taker wasn’t going to play!

But then, from out of no where, Big Show ran onto the stage. He slammed X-Pac on the metal flooring. Dogg ran to X-Pac’s aid, leaving Shane holding onto their victim. Taker and Kane rushed forward, surprising Hunter, as Show pushed Dogg off the stage. Shane wasn’t quite sure what to do, as Grace kicked and clawed her way free. One swift kick between his legs, and Shane was down, throwing the young woman near the edge of the stage. As she began to slip, Kane grabbed her arm, and pulled her up, while Taker threw Hunter off the other side of the stage. X-Pac, and Shane ran from the scene, with Show on their heels. Taker came to Grace’s aid, as she sat sobbingly on the metal flooring. Kane watched on, while Taker consoled her for a few moments, then helped her up, and off the stage. The crowed raved on, some thinking it real, others thinking it was the best and most realistic fight they’ve ever seen.

Taker slammed open Vince’s temp office, back stage. “How dare you! How F**king dare you!” he shouted at his boss. Vince looked frightened, as Shane began to retaliate. “Not and word from you, BOY!” Taker pointed, and Shane slowly sat down.

“Taker, we didn’t have much choice.” Vince said, holding his hands up.

“Choice!?! Vince, Grace doesn’t work for you, you didn’t have the to right to use her like a prop.” Taker barked back. He grabbed hold of Vince’s collar, “If I find a bruise, a scratch, or anything, on Grace’s body, I won’t just file charges on Hunter and those bustards, but I’ll file them on you.”

“Mark, please..” Grace choked, putting her hands over his. Taker let Vince go, and stormed out of the room, with Grace following carefully behind him.

“Maybe I should stay home.” Grace whispered, sitting on their hotel bed, and letting Taker doctor her wounds.

“I think that’s best. Vince might try this again.” Taker mumbled, getting up and throwing away some used cotton balls.

“Maybe he thought, once I got out there, I’d have to work for him?” Grace said, sleepily. Taker sighed, turning to her. Her face was still puffy from crying, and her eyes were blood shot. He helped her lay down, and covered her with a sheet. “Well, that’s not going to happen.” he finally said, climbing in on the other side.

“Tomorrow, please thank Paul and Kane?” Grace whispered, just before kissing him.

“I will.” he replied, snuggling next to her. Both were soon fast asleep, as rain began to pour outside.

Just as she and the band took a break, she noticed Frank arguing with some guys at the front door. She walked toward them, and noticed who it was. “Let them in, Frank.” Grace said.

“But aren’t these the guys who...” Frank pointed at them.

“Yes, let them in.” Grace closed her eyes and nodded. “Mark isn’t here.” she added, turning from them. The phone rang, and Frank went to answer it.

“We know, wanted to see you.” Hunter said, following her. Grace stopped at the bar, and gathered some drinks on a tray.

“We’re closed, so you can’t buy any alcohol. Why do you want to see me?” she asked.

“We want to apologize for what happened.” Hunter explained, looking down at her.

Grace looked up at him, and the rest of D-X, “There’s no need.” She took the tray and carried it to her band members.

“Grace, Taker’s been a living hell on our asses. You got talk to him.” X-Pac belted out.

“And Vince. He’s the one who told us to take you out...ouch!” Road Dogg spilled out, as X-Pac pinched his side.

“Now Vince is pissed at us, for doing it.” X-Pac explained.

“That’s not my problem.” Grace said, walking back to them. “How would you feel, if Mark kidnapped one of your girlfriends, wives, or children, without you knowing it, and threatened to hurt them?” She squinted her eyes at them, “You wouldn’t like it at all.” The wrestlers bowed their heads, and thought for a brief moment. “Be glad I talked him out of pressing charges on your asses, and leave it at that.”

Just then, Frank hung up the phone. “Grace, that was your mom. She at the hospital.” he said with a worried voice.

“What happened?” Grace asked, feeling the blood rushing away from her face.

“Your niece fell down some stairs. She broke her arm, but Gelda says she’s fine. She tried to contact your sister, but can’t find her, and needs to clock in to work.” Frank explained.

“Okay, okay, I have to go. Are they in the emergency room?” Grace ran to get her jacket.

“Yeah...” Frank nodded.

“Mark is supposed to meet me here. Will you tell him?” she asked.

“Sure thing, sweety.” Just before leaving, she turned to her band and told them ‘sorry’, as they nodded her to hurry. The wrestlers stood there, not knowing if they should stay, or go.

Grace walked into the emergency room, and saw her mother and niece waiting for her. “Any sign of Amie?” she asked her mom.

“No, she could be out on a site. I tried paging her, but she hasn’t called back.” her mother answered.

Grace kneeled down to her hearing impared niece, and signed, “Want to go with me, Lesley?” Lesley signed back a ‘yes’, with her fist. “I’ll take her with me, and try to get a hold of Amie, mom. You go ahead and clock in.” Grace told her mother, as she helped Lesley to her feet.

“Yes, dear, I’m sorry I had to call you from work.” her mom said.

“It’s okay, mom.” Grace reassured her, then kissed her cheek. “Want to see Mark, Lesley?” Grace asked, in sign language, to her niece. Lesley smiled and nodded her head, as the two left the emergency room.

They drove back to the bar. Grace slowly pulled into the parking lot, and parked the car. She helped Lesley out of the passenger said, and both went into the front door. Lesley saw Taker first, and hobbled up to him, as quickly as she could. “Hello there.” Taker said, as he signed. Lesley smiled, brushing her hair from her tear streaked face. She signed to him, that she got a booboo, as Grace translated for her.

“She feel down the stairs at mom’s.” Grace told him. “You don’t mind having lunch with two girls do you?” she added.

“No, not when it’s Lesley.” Taker smiled, gently picking the five year old up.

“Did you know Hunter was hear?” Grace asked, as they headed for the door.

“Yes, they just left.” Taker grumbled.

“They apologized to me.” Grace told him, opening the back seat door, for Lesley.

“I know that, too.” Taker replied, helping the little girl with her seat belt. Both climbed in the front seat, of the car, and left for home.

“How’s Gelda?” Taker asked, after a long silence.

“Mom’s fine, just shaken up.” Grace answered, as she turned down the street.

“You know where Amie is?” he asked.

“Well, she’s been going out to some sites, and her pager doesn’t want to work half the time. When we get home, I’ll call her boss and let her know Lesley is with us.” Grace explained to him.

“Amie won’t like that.” Taker shook his head.

“Too bad, mom had to go to work. Better Les is with us at home, than me at the bar.” Grace licked her teeth, as she looked at her niece in the review mirror. Lesley was sound asleep, holding her arm up in a sling.

“True.” Taker quietly spoke. Grace pulled into their driveway, and turned off the car.

Taker helped bring Lesley, while Grace searched for the house key. “She sleeps heavy.” Taker commented, smiling down at the girl.

“Must be the pain killers they gave her.” Grace mumbled, as she walked into the house.

Once lunch was prepared, Lesley woke up and sat on Taker’s lap, as they ate. Soon after, Amie came in and took Lesley home, without a thank you. “Friendly girl.” Taker snickered, as he watched her drive off.

“Yeah, well...” Grace groaned, walking back to the living room.

“What’s wrong with her?” Taker asked, “Am I not good enough for her little sister?” He sat down next to Grace, as she laid her head on his chest.

“I don’t work at a REAL job, and my boyfriend is a wrestler.” she told him. “Plus I drive a bike, and most of my friends are bikers.”

“Wait, wasn’t your dad a biker?” Taker asked.

“Yes, but she tries to block it out.” Grace sighed, hugging her man close. “When do you have to be at the arena?” She asked.

“Not for another four hours.” he replied.

“Ahh...” Grace grunted, “want to take a nap?”

“Not really.” he mumbled, caressing her hair.

“Want to get laid?” she asked.

Taker belted out a laugh, “You read my mind.”

Grace heard the phone ring, as she came from the garage. She quickly rushed to it, and answered, “Hello?”

“Grace, it’s me.” Taker said, as static lightly popped in the background of the call.

“Hi, me.” Grace laughed, and sat down at the kitchen table.

Taker laughed at her, “I’m on the plane, now. I should be home soon.” he told her.

“I missed you.” she whispered to him over the receiver.

“I missed you, too. I got a surprise for you.” Taker sang back.

“What?” Grace smiled, knowing Taker’s kinky sense of humor.

“You’ll see when I get home. You going to the bar?” he asked.

“Yes, I was getting my bike ready to leave, when I heard the phone.” she replied.

“How’s it running?” he asked.

“Great! I took it out this morning, and road it around. Your friend did a nice job on it.” Grace told him.

“That’s good to hear. Just be careful riding it into town.” his fatherly voice groaned.

“Mark, I was practically born on a motor cycle. Don’t worry about me.” Grace’s voice cracked, like a teenager wanting to drive dad’s car.

“I trust you, but not other drivers. They assume hit a biker, than watch where they’re going.” Taker explained to her.

Grace sighed and rolled her eyes, “I’ll be fine, and I’ll see you tonight.”

“Okay, love you.” he whispered.

“Loves!” Grace sang, then hung up the phone.

Grace road down the highway, at normal speed. She glimpsed at her mirrors, and watched her path, as cars buzzed passed her. She loved her bike. It gave her a sense of power and strength, as she drove the purple and black Harley. It was custom made for her, a gift by Taker, after her other motor cycle kicked the bucket. A phoenix was painted on the sides, with the name ‘Lil Ded Ladi’. The wind blew over her, as it sang in her helmet. The sun was shining, to her left, as she pulled onto an in town road. She watched the cars, and the street lights, as she went under them. She glanced at her speedometer, to make sure she was going the speed limit, and studied the road carefully. Two more lights, and she’d be at the bar. The light was green, at the last cross roads. She passed through...

From out of nowhere, a truck ran its red light... full speed... Grace and her cycle slammed on the front of the truck. As if in slow motion, Grace felt her body crushing against the windshield, then flying up in the sky, as the truck kept going. She bounced off the roof, and soared high above, before crashing onto another car, and then the pavement.

Taker rushed down the hallway, of the hospital. He asked a ward-clerk, which room Grace was staying in, but after he told her he wasn’t family, she wouldn’t tell him where she was. “Mark?” a shaky voice spoke from behind him. Taker turned to see a short plump woman with a tear streaked face standing behind him. She looked like Grace, but older, and with grayer hair.

“Gelda?” Taker gasped, grabbing Grace’s mother in his arms. He rocked her, as they stood in the hall, until Gelda gathered her composer.

“She’s in a coma.” she sniffed, “She has a broken arm, both legs broke...” She lead him to her daughter’s room, as Taker listened to her. “Some of her ribs are broken and fractured. She just got back from emergency surgery, ten minutes ago.” Gelda began to sob, as she saw her baby girl laying in the bed, with tubs, IV's, and blood bags connected to her.

Taker walked around the bed, staring at Grace’s sleeping form. She didn’t look like the sweet young thing he met months ago. She was puffed up from fluids, and swelling from her injuries. Her face was bruised and scraped, and her head was bandaged up, as well as, the rest of her. “Why is she in a coma?” Taker choked, not wanting to believe this was his love.

“She hit her head so hard, it crushed the helmet around her scull.” Gelda told him, “They have to wait for the swelling to go down, before they can operate. Plus, she’s too weak from the other surgeries.” Taker nodded, not turning his eyes away from the body. “Mark? You want some coffee?” Gelda asked him.

“No thanks, Gelda.” he replied, sitting down in a chair, next to the bed. He took Grace’s hand into his, watching her unemotional face.

“Okay,” Gelda stuttered a sigh, “I’m going to go put your name on the visitor’s list, and try to catch the doctor.”

“Gelda, if there is anything I can do, I’ll do it. Don’t worry about her medical bills. Okay?” Taker told her. Gelda bit her lip, and nodded, as she left the room. Taker staid in the room until the night nurse kicked him out.

Taker didn’t sleep that night. He helped Gelda call family and friends, before he went home. Home... it was dead quiet, and black, as he sat in the living room. Resting his head in his hands, he saw Grace’s fragile body laying in the hospital bed. ‘Should he call anyone from work?’ ‘Vince?’ ‘Paul?’ ‘Kane.’ Taker leaned over and grabbed the phone. The lights lit up as he dialed. It took three rings before someone answered. “Hey, little bro.” Taker said, trying to hold in his emotion. It didn’t take long for him to explode, as he told his on screen brother about the accident. Kane tried to console him, over the phone, but felt it wasn’t working. Since he lived two hours away from Taker, he told him he’d be there before dawn. Taker hung up the phone, and set up one of his spare bedrooms.

Taker’s mind wondered, trying to figure out what happened to Grace, on the road. Gelda told him, the police said the driver that hit her was passed out at the wheel, but wouldn’t say why, until a report was filed. Even though she was hit so hard, and thrown so far, there was a good chance she’ll survive from wearing her helmet. But if the swelling didn’t go down, and she won’t wake up from the coma, she might not make it. Or be brain damaged for the rest of her life. Tears rolled down Taker’s cheeks, as he laid on the couch, with his arm resting on his forehead. The dead silence was soon interrupted by the ring of the door bell. Taker got up, and looked at the clock. ‘4:37 a. m.’ He stumbled to the door, and let Kane in from the dark purple of night. Without a word, he showed his little bro to his room. Both were tired, and numb from the current event. They quietly went to bed, hoping things would turn to normal in the morning.

The next day, Taker visited Grace. There was no change in the coma, but she was stable, and her brain surgery went better than expected. Gelda had stepped out of the room, to talk to one of the nurses when Grace’s sister walked in. “What are you doing here?” Amie asked him.

Taker slowly turned his head, “Your mother put me on the visitor’s list.” Amie rolled her eyes, while walking to the opposite side of the bed. She stared down at her little sister, then bent down to kiss her.

“They had to cut her hair.” Amie mumbled with a frown, then added, “She loved her hair.”

Taker nodded, with a sigh, as he held Grace’s hand. He listened to the heart monitor, as Amie shuffled around on the other side of the room. “How’s Les’ arm?” he asked, trying to be civil. Grace’s breathing inhaled and exhaled with help of her oxygen machine.

“It’s healing just fine, thank you.” Amie replied. She sat down, in a chair, and stared into space. Taker wanted to ask her why she was visiting, if she was acting this cold, but decided not to. He gently kissed Grace’s hand, careful not to move her IV, and softly kissed her forehead.

“I’ll let you visit. I have a friend waiting for me in the waiting room.” he told her, then left the room.

“Are you leaving, Mark?” Gelda asked, catching him in the hallway.

“No, mam, Amie came in, and I thought she’d like to spend some time with Grace.” Taker told her. “And I have a friend in the waiting room...”

Gelda nodded, as she touched his arm. She could see the tears in his eyes, whaling up, “You go take a break. You’ve been here all day. Go have some lunch.”

“What does the nurse say?” Taker asked her, putting his hands in his pockets.

Gelda looked at the floor, then back up at him. Her tiger green eyes peered out from her eye glasses, “If she doesn’t come out of the coma, it could damage her for life, or it could kill her.”

Taker soaked in the woman’s words. He pulled her to him, trying to be strong for her sake. “Gelda, if anything needs to be done... if she needs special help... you can set her up at home.” his voice went hoarse. Taker took in a deep breath, fighting off his emotions. “Gelda, if she needs special care, if you want to, you can move everything she needs in, even your things... that is.. if you want to?”

Gelda looked up at the tall red head, tears falling from her face. “You’re a good boy.” she sniffed, “She loves you so much.”

Taker found Kane sitting in the waiting room. No one else was in the room, but for an elderly woman knitting in the corner. Kane looked up, and moved down the straight back couch, so Taker could sit down beside him. “Any change?” Kane asked, in a husky voice.

“No. They had to shave her head, so they could operate on her brain injury. But she is stabilized.” Taker told him, staring down at his black boots.

“Any word on the guy that hit her?” Taker’s little brother asked.

“Well, he wasn’t drunk.” Taker half smiled, “He was in the middle of a heart attack, went unconscious. Which is why he ran the red light.”

“What’s going to happen? Are they going to press charges?” Kane frowned, watching Taker’s tears roll down his cheeks.

“Gelda didn’t say.” he replied, wiping his face clean and scratching his growing beard.

Kane sat, in silence, wanting to do more for his friend/brother. But all he could do was sit and be there for the big guy. He sighed, finally, and broke the quietness of the room, “You going to call Vince and the others?”

Taker shook his head, “I don’t know, Vince might want to write this in as a story.”

“Vince is not that cold, Mark.” Kane scolded, “Why don’t I call him, and some of the guys. I know Mick will want to know, and Chyna loves Grace. Dennis will want to know, and Bradshaw, so will Farooq...” Kane stopped naming names, and waited for Taker to tell him to go hell, but he never did. He knew Taker was thinking of someone. “You want to call Paul?” Kane questioned, putting his hand on the Deaman’s shoulder. Taker licked his lips, and closed his eyes, as he nodded.

Soon, Taker found Grace’s mother, and told her he was going home for a while. Gelda told him to get some rest, and have a bite to eat, and not to worry. She promised to call him, if there was change, before he came back. Taker hugged the short plump woman, and headed home.

Kane helped call some of the men and women Taker and he worked with, mostly ones who met, or knew Grace. While Taker tried to get some rest, Kane made an early supper, since he knew Taker would go back to the hospital. Vince granted Taker a few days off, to settle his mind, and be with Grace and her family. Taker wouldn’t have to come back til the following Raw and Smackdown tapings, that Monday and Tuesday. It was more a relief to Kane, because he knew Taker would try to work when he need not to. ‘Stubborn!’

Taker tried to eat supper, but mostly plaid with it. “Mark, Grace would yell at you, if she saw you not eating.” Kane told him, eating his meal. Taker smiled, knowing the younger man was telling the truth. Grace made sure he ate, had his necessities when he went to work, and practically organized his house, so he could find things he thought he lost.

“I’m going back to the hospital. Gelda called and said they’re going to move Grace to the coma unit.” he mumbled, taking a bite of his food.

Kane nodded, “You want me to take you?”

“No, you’ve done enough. If you want to go home, it’s fine with me.” Taker told him.

“No, I’ll stay one more night, then head out in the morning. I want to make sure you’ll be okay.” Kane told him. Both finished their meal, and Taker left the house, while Kane washed the dishes.

Several weeks passed. No change in Grace’s coma, but her bones mended well, and her casts were removed. She still breathed with an oxygen tube, and IV's still gave her fluids. Taker held her hand, as he listened to her heart monitor, and the oxygen pump, as she breathed. Her hair grew back as brown fuzz, and the scares from the operation began to hide in the scalp. Taker had brought in a radio, and turned it on when he visited. He read up on coma patients and learned some people responded to things they loved, be it music, reading to them, talking to them, and so on. He watched her face, making her hand caress his cheek. “Feel that, Grace? You’ve been begging me to grow a bread. Chicks dig it.” he half chuckled. Grace’s arm twitched, as her fingers tried to squeeze Taker’s hand.

Taker’s breath stopped cold. His face flushed, as he felt electricity flow through his body in waves. Hairs, on the back of his neck, stood on end. “Grace?” he whispered. Just then, Gelda and Amie walked into the room.

“Mark?” Gelda gave the man a puzzled look, once she saw the expression on his face.

“She squeezed my hand.” Taker looked up to see Grace’s mom coming near him. She gave a sigh, and laid her hand on Grace’s knee, as she looked at her daughter’s motionless face. “What’s wrong?” Taker asked.

“Coma patients tend to have muscle spasms from time to time.” Gelda explained. Taker’s heart pounded, knowing that Gelda’s nursing experience over powered his own knowledge. Softly, Gelda brushed the man’s red hair from his face, and squeezed his shoulder. “Mark, I know you’re hopeful of her recovering. And it’s okay. She has been progressing with her injuries... She always was a fighter.” Gelda choked at her last words.

Taker stood up, and gave Grace’s mother his seat. Amie looked on, watching the wrestler handle her mother. She thought he’d leave Grace by now. But if she ever recovered from this, maybe he’d leave once he found Grace a vegetable, or not know him.

Taker smiled, briefly, at Amie just before he left the room. Amie smiled back, then sat down, on the other side of her sister’s bed. “I have to go work, mom. You going to be okay?” she asked.

“Yes, I’m fine. I’ll take a cab to the garage, and pick up my car, this afternoon. You have a nice day, sweety.” Gelda replied, tucking the covers around Grace, then opening a bag by her feet. She took out a thick brown book, and turned down the radio. Amie stood up, kissed her sister on the forehead, and left. Gelda began to read to Grace, some of her favorite poems. She hoped Grace could hear her, as she read.

Twenty minutes passed, and Taker came back into the room. He handed Gelda a cold drink, and walked around to the other side of the bed. “Thank you, dear.” Gelda smiled, sipping her drink.

“What happened to Amie?” Taker asked her.

“She had to go to work.” Gelda replied, putting the book away. Taker crossed his legs, and watched Gelda work with Grace’s arm. She moved the arm from side to side, and bent from the elbow and back.

“What are you doing?” he asked.

“I’m strengthening the muscles. She’s stiff from being in that cast. I’ve scheduled a physical therapist to come in and work with her. So don’t be shocked to see a man working on her.” Gelda smiled, faintly. “Our best therapist is John. I’ll introduce you when I get the word.”

Taker nodded, “Okay, I promise I won’t beat him up.”

Both lightly laughed, as Taker stood up. He set down his drink, on the table, and took Grace’s free hand. He rubbed her fuzzy head, watching her face. Her bruises and scrapes were healing nicely, but she still looked unreal with the oxygen tube covering her mouth. Taker bent down to kiss her forehead, when Gelda excused herself to go to the restroom. Taker closed his eyes, and whispered his love for her, while he planted more kisses on her head and cheeks. He planted one more kiss, in the middle of her forehead. “I love you.” he mumbled, rising up from her. But when he opened his eyes, he found hers open as well.

“Gelda? Gelda!” Taker shouted, not taking his eyes from Grace. He shouted for a nurse, as Gelda came from the hospital bathroom.

“What’s the matter?” she asked, as a nurse came in.

“Her eyes are open... she opened her eyes!” Taker told her.

“Calm down, Sir, please!” The nurse shouted.

Gelda took Taker to one corner of the room, “Shh.. it’s okay.”

“Is she waking up? Or is it her spasms?” he asked her, wide eyed. Gelda gave him a look that made him disappointed.

“Most coma patients can open their eyes. It doesn’t mean much, but we do need faith, Mark.” she told him.

“But two spasms in one day?” he looked at her, tears filling up in his eyes.

Taker sat in his locker room. He was dressed and ready to go out to the ring. All he could think about was Grace. Grace filled his mind every where he went, and what ever he did. The crowd roared outside, as the last match ended. But a sudden knock at the door made him come back to his senses. “Show time, Deadman!” A voice called from behind the door. Taker slowly stood up, and took one more look in the mirror. He’d been crying again. He quickly gabbed a bottle of water, took in a deep breath, and poured the water over his head. It was a simple ritual he’d always done, since he became The Undertaker.

The lights went down, the deadly theme music came on, lights flashed, and Taker’s mind went blank. He heard nothing, saw nothing, felt nothing, as he marched down the ramp. He was Champion, but was supposed to lose the belt that night on Raw. He was fighting the Rock, but never heard the trash talk the younger man spouted out minutes before. Taker climbed the ropes, made his stance, and took the belt off from around his waist. He glared at his dark haired opponent. The cold stare sent chills down the Rock’s spine. Taker hadn’t been himself since Grace’s accident. He wouldn’t talk to anyone on the road, nor say a word when it was time for him and his opponents worked on their pre-match set ups. It was like Taker was The Undertaker, both in and out of the ring. This frightened a lot of people, back stage, who knew him. The Rock gulped, hoping no one would notice his nervousness. Taker stalked him, for a moment, but it seemed forever to Rocky. Quickly, the Rock made his move, putting a sleeper hold on the bigger man. But soon, found himself wrapped around one of the ring posts instead. Before he could recover, Taker pulled him out from the corner, and began to pick up the pace. The crowd didn’t know whether to cheer for the champ, or Rocky. Taker’s blind rage over powered his concern for his fellow wrestler.

Soon, Rocky found himself fighting the champ outside the ring. They took turns giving chair shots to each other, slammed each other in the ring posts and steal steps, and even fought in the crowd. At one point, Rocky found himself picked up and catapulted into the announcers table. Normally, Taker would wait a few seconds for the other wrestlers to recover, but not tonight. Taker grabbed a near by steal step, and hammered Rocky with it, almost knocking him out completely. Taker then grabbed the younger man, and shoved him in the ring. He choke slammed Rocky, not once, but twice. J. R. and Jerry fumbled through their papers, as the tried to announce the calls. The Ref. didn’t quite know what was going on, but kept the match going.

Soon, Rocky caught Taker off guard. He kicked him in the chest, and shoved his head in the mat. He then turned Taker over, and began to do his elbow drop. Rocky bounced from rope to rope, until he found his mark, but as he pounced his elbow hit the mat, not Taker’s heart. Before Rock could counter, Taker lifted him up, and gave him a tombstone he’d never forget. The Ref. counted, slow, but had to count three and ring the bell. Rocky found himself alone in the ring, as he woke up. The crowd was going wild, as Taker marched back up the ramp.

People pounded on Taker’s locker room door, as he ransacked the place. He threw chairs, broke mirrors and tables, and dented in lockers, as his rage continued to over power him. But soon, he grew weak, and few to the floor. His sobbings kept him from hearing the door being unlocked, and people coming in. Kane knelt near him, as others stood around the trashed room. They stared, in awe, as Kane consoled the upset man. Rocky, angry at first that he lost, turned and left the scene. He didn’t care he lost any more.

“I miss her...” Taker whimpered, “I want her back... the damn belt means nothing to me, if I can’t share it with her...”

Kane placed a consoling hand on Taker’s back, as he looked up at the boss. “I’ll pay for the damage.” he whispered.

Vince nodded, biting his lip. “All right, everyone, clear out! Excitement’s over.” Taker heard Vince say. People grumbled, and shook their heads. They felt bad for the guy, but didn’t know what to do, or say.

“Come on, man. You got get a grip! She’s not dead! She has a chance, and is fighting for her life. If she knew...” Kane stop, mid sentence as Taker’s cold green eyes peered up at him. “Mark, it wasn’t your fault. You have to live for her, now.” Kane whispered, before getting up. Taker wiped his face, with his hands, and stood up. He grabbed his bag, and went into the shower room. Kane helped a janitor clean up some of the mess, then went to his locker room, next door.

Taker walked into the hospital room, and found an unusual surprise. Grace’s oxygen tube was no longer covering her face. Taker set some flowers, he was carrying, down on a table, and looked around the room. “Oh!” Gelda shrieked, coming from the bathroom, “you frightened me. I didn’t hear you come in.”

“I’m sorry,” Taker smiled faintly, “is she... awake?”

“No, but she’s breathing on her on now.” Gelda told him, as she gave him a huge hug.

“Since when?” Taker asked.

“She choked out the tube last night. That’s a very good sign, Mark.” Gelda smiled, leading him to a chair. “I was reading her one of her favorite stories. But I have to go clock in, would you like to read to her?” ,p> “Sure.” Taker said, as the older woman placed a book in his hands.

“I was reading ‘Beauty and the Beast’ to her. It was her favorite when she younger. It’s the old original version, so I’m sure you can stand reading it to her. I just started chapter two.” Gelda told him. Taker stared at Grace, as he sat down. Her mouth was red, and her lips were chapped from the tube and tape, but she was still beautiful to him.

“Thanks, Gelda, I think I’ll like it.” he finally smiled. Gelda picked up her things, and kissed her daughter good bye. Taker began to read, hoping Grace could hear him and know the sound of his voice.

Taker read some pages, and looked up to watch his sleeping beauty. Her eyes were open, but she made no sound, nor movement. Taker scooted the chair up closer to her, and read more pages. Every other chapter, Taker looked up to watch Graces eyes. Sometimes, he felt that she was listening to him. Her eyes stared out in front of her, not looking at him, but he knew she was in there somewhere. Taker marked the page he was on, and got up from his seat. He carefully let down one of the bed side bars, and sat down beside her. “Grace?” he mumbled. “You have to wake up sometime.” he told her, lifting an index finger and brushing it along side her left cheek. Grace’s eyes stared passed him, as she quietly breathed on her own. “I went crazy last night. You would have been so upset with me.” Taker huffed a laugh. “Well, I guess I should get back to reading, huh?”

Soon, he was finished the story, as he began to get a little hoarse. “Ah, afternoon, Sir.” a man happily spoke, as he came into the room.

“Hi, John.” Taker replied, as he stood up.

“I heard she can breath on her own now. That’s very good sign.” John smiled and nodded, as he removed Grace’s blankets from her legs. “Oh, good, she got her joggers on. I guess she’s ready for me!”

Taker half frowned at the man’s cheerful mood, “Um.. I’m going to go get a cold drink. I’ll be back later.”

“Okay dokay!” John sang, lifting Grace’s right leg and bending it at the knee. Taker watched the man work for a moment, not wanting to leave Grace. But John’s personality gave Taker a notion that he wouldn’t try anything with her. He quietly left to find a coke machine.

Taker came back, twenty minutes later, to find John gone. Grace was recovered, and her eyes were closed. Taker crept up to the side of the bed. He picked up the old story book, and sat down on the bed. He read down the Table of Contents, and found a title that caught his eye. “Sleeping Beauty.” Taker whispered. “Grace, want to hear ‘Sleeping Beauty’?” he asked. He looked at her, hoping and waiting she’d say something. But when he gave a out a big sigh, Grace opened her eyes. Taker cocked his head, “You’re in there. I know you are.” He gently leaned down and kissed her. Taker read the new story, as time passed and night settled in.

The next day, Taker sat near Grace’s bed. He’d been there most of the morning, talking to Gelda and the doctors about bringing her home. He set up the den for her, with a hospital bed, mobile tray, and a wheel chair, plus other necessities needed to care for her. Gelda planned to take time off from working on her station, to stay home and care for her baby girl, as long as needed. All was going according to plan, as Taker was telling Grace she was going home soon. He held her hand, and stared into her non-focusing eyes. “I love you, baby.” he said, kissing her hand. Grace’s eyes twinkled in the pale lighting of the hospital room. “I know your in there. I know you’re going to wake up and get better.” Taker smiled, fighting back the tears. His hand slowly reached up to her hair. He gently stroked her short bangs, listening to her breath. “You’re hair’s growing back nicely. Short cut looks good on you.” his voice half moaned. Taker stood up, leaned over her, and kissed her softly.

“What do you think you’re doing?” Amie shot out, as she charged into the room.

“Kissing my girlfriend.” Taker told her, standing straight up.

“You can’t take her home! You have no idea what you’re doing!” she shouted, pointing at him.

“I can afford to take care of her, Amie. And it’s cheaper to keep her home. I love her.” Taker said, calmly, trying desperately not to get angry.

“What do you know about love?” Amie argued, gripping the bed bar. “You think you can just waltz in, and.. and.. and just throw your money in my family’s face? You go off,” she shouted, making quotes in the air with her fingers, “ ‘on tour’, and beat people up, while we sit here and watch her waste away!”

Taker began to glare at Amie, as she shouted and shook the bed. He didn’t quite know what to say. He wasn’t sure what brought this on, though he knew Amie never liked him, and seemed cold shouldered to her sister.

“Amie, why do you visitor her?” Taker finally asked.

“Huh?” Amie gaped at him, with open mouth.

“You asked me what I knew about love. Love isn’t being cold to people, especially your own sibling.” he explained to her. “Do you visit, hoping Grace will wake up, or just to make your mother happy?” Amie couldn’t look at him anymore. Her eyes wandered around the room, settling on Grace’s face. “Amie, I love her with all my heart. I think about her everyday, no matter what I do. Hell, I miss her so much, it got to my work. Nothing ever gets to my work!” he told her, plainly.

“What are you going to do, if she wakes up, and doesn’t know you anymore?” Amie asked. “What if she never wakes up?”

Taker looked down at his love, “It doesn’t matter. I want her well, and she’s not going to get better, if she stays here.

“Mark, look at her! You can’t take care of her. She’s brain damaged, and needs to go to a home... Not Yours!”

Just then, someone cleared their throat. Both Taker and Amie turned to the door, as Gelda stood before them. “Could you two keep it down. I could hear you all the way down the hall.” she told them. “I have to go pick Les up.” Amie’s eyes rolled, as she stormed out the room.

“She doesn’t think I love Grace. Why is she like this? Why does she hate me?” Taker asked Gelda, as she came closer to him.

Gelda sighed, still angry the two were fighting over Grace’s bed. “Mark, Amie has always been difficult.” Gelda replied, stroking her daughter’s leg. “Since their father died, Amie’s stopped being herself. She use to be so sweet, loving, and...” Gelda stopped, as she walked around to bed, “Well, times change, people change.”

Taker tried to read between the lines. “I’m sorry we upset you.” he told her.

“Well, don’t worry about Amie. I’ll talk to her tonight. Why don’t you go grab some lunch?” Gelda said, changing the subject. Taker nodded, kissed Grace, and left the room.

That afternoon, Taker asked the nurse if he could hold Grace while her sheets were being changed. The nurse was hesitant at first, but agreed. She helped him maneuver Grace, so her IV’s wouldn’t be harmed, and called for the house keeper. Taker held her, as he sat in a chair, while the house keeper changed the bed sheets. “She’s pretty.” The house keeper told him, as she moved around the bed.

Taker looked up and smiled at the dark skinned woman, “Yes, she is.”

“She your sister? Wife?” The house keeper asked.

“My girlfriend.” Taker replied, quietly. The house keeper nodded, “Ahh.. well, she sure is pretty.”

“Thank you.” Taker said, watching the woman leave the room. “You hear that, Grace? People think your pretty.” he whispered into her ear.

Just then, the nurse came back into the room. “Well, we have fresh clean sheets for her to lay in. You ready to put her back?” The nurse asked.

“Um.. could I hold her for a little longer?” Taker asked.

The nurse studied the man, and her patient, “Well, okay, here’s the nurses button. If you get tired of holding her, push the button.”

“Thank you.” Taker said, taking the cord with the red button at the tip. The nurse quickly left, as Taker looked at the bundle in his lap. “We’ll be fine, won’t we?” he ask the sleeping young woman. Taker maneuvered Grace’s head, so he could look into her face better. “Grace, you’ll be coming home soon. I have a special room made for you, and your mom will stay with us until you get better. We just need to wait for the doctor’s okay.” he told her. “Your mother helped me pick out some curtains for the picture window, and I put a television in the room, so you watch it.” Taker caressed Grace’s neck and scalp, and he smiled.

Soon, Grace’s eyes slowly opened. Taker’s smile widened, as he looked into her vacant eyes. “You like that?” he asked her. Grace’s arm tightened around Taker’s neck. “More spasms?” Taker grinned, biting his tongue. “You got a strong arm there. Has John been doing something extra to exercise it?” Taker tried his best to make a joke. Suddenly, he was caught off guard, when he saw Grace’s eyes blink. “Grace?” Taker hoarsely gasped. He watched Grace’s face, as her eyes moved around in theirs sockets. She studied his face, until her eyes met his. Taker could see her pupils focus and adjusted as she stared into his. Taker’s breathing shortened, as everything in his life stopped. “Grace, you awake?” he asked. Grace moaned, deep in her throat, trying to lift her hand up to Taker’s face. Taker gingerly held her hand up, as to not hurt her IV, as he helped her touch his beard and cheek. “Do you know me, Grace?” he asked her. Grace weakly closed her eyes, as she moaned. The words didn’t come, but she opened her eyes and nuzzled his jaw. “I’ll take that as a, ‘yes’.” He chuckled.