"What did the doctor say?" Marissa asked as Stephanie came out to the car. She smiled. "Everything is healthy and normal, as far as he can tell so far. I just need to lower my stress levels."

"Did you tell him about Vince?"

"No, just that my father wasn't exactly supportive of my pregnancy. He laughed and said that as soon as he sees his grandchild he'll melt. I reminded him that this was Vince McMahon we were talking about." Stephanie repeated the conversation. Marissa frowned. "Then what did he say?"

"He wished me luck." Steph sighed. Marissa rolled her eyes. "Ignore him. Vince'll come round, especially once he sees the - what is you keep saying? - the little miss. What makes you so sure it's a girl?"

"Mother's instinct. I guess I should start thinking of a name right? And buying stuff.." Stephanie trailed off. She'd managed not to think about Chris, but as her pregnacy progressed it was getting harder and harder. Especially now, since the baby had become so active at night. Now, more than ever, Steph wished she'd listened to Chris and gone around to stay with Lydia and Integra.

Staring out the window, her eyes filled with tears as she thought about how different things would've been. Lydia would've flipped at the news - she loves kids and had never made any secret about her desire for a large family. Integra would have been ecstatic for them. As for Chris... her stomach constricted as she remembered the conversation the night Lydia & Christain had a serious fight because Lydia had had a pregnancy scare.

She played with the promise ring she'd taken to wearing on the ring finger of her left hand. It gave a small amount of comfort and for some reason, Stephanie believed that Chris knew that something big was happening. She also believed that they would be together again one day and that was the main reason she was keeping their baby.

~~~~

"You're not keeping this baby!"

"You have no rights in this!" Stephanie shouted back. "This is my body and my baby and my choice!"

"You're still a child!" Vince yelled, hitting the desk with his fist. "It's simply a case of children having children! And what's more - you’re my child."

"That's what it's all about isn't it?" Steph laughed bitterly. "It's not that your concerned about me or your grand-daughter, it's about what will possibly happen to your reputation when word gets out that little Stephanie's having a baby out of wedlock!"

Vince looked away from Stephanie, in a gesture that confirmed the truth behind her words. She felt a hot surge of anger.

"You don't get it do you? This is not about you! This is about me and my baby. It's about a human life. It's about emotion and understanding - oh why am I bothering? It's not as though you'd know what either of those were about." Stephanie sneered and turned to walk out of the room. Vince grabbed her by the shoulder. "Where the hell do you think your going?"

"I'm not going to hang around and listen to this bullshit. I walked out on a situation that I didn't like before and survived. This time, I know I have somewhere to go to and someone to help me out."

"Do you really think he'd take you back now?" Vince asked incredulously. "Honestly Stephanie, you left him with no warning, no explanation, haven't been in contact with him, it's enough to make anyone's heart freeze over. After putting him through emotional hell, you'd suddenly rock up, five months pregnant with a child he can't even be certain is his?"

"I hate you. I thought I hated you before, but that was nothing compared to how much I hate you now. You destroyed the most precious thing in the world to me, because of your stupid ego and pride and now you want to take away this away from me? Fuck that, I'm leaving."

"You're walking out on this conversation?"

"No, I'm walking out of this house. Our agreement is off. I'm going and you can contact Bischoff and tell him to bury Chris's career. I'm leaving."

"Stephanie are you insane?" Shane asked 10 minutes later as he watched Stephanie packing her things. "Shane, I can't stay here. I'm not giving my baby up for adoption and Vince won't accept any other answer. I've got some friends who I think will take me in until I can get on my feet."

"Who? The hookers?" Shane scoffed. "Sis, think about it. You know what girls are like. And from what I've heard about these two, they're fiercely loyal. I know it wasn't your fault, but you must've hurt Chris very badly. Are they going to forgive you for that? And don't forget you've got no money. Dad's worked it so that you’re provided for, but have no money of your own."

"I'll find a job." She answered stubbornly. Shane sighed "Nobody's gonna employ a pregnant woman. Especially not a single one."

"You're siding with him on this aren't you?" Stephanie looked at Shane suspiciously. He rolled his eyes. "I'm just thinking of my niece or nephew. You can't live on the streets now your pregnant. If you leave, then Dad will track you down. You know that right?"

"I don't care Shane. I really don't. He can't make me do a goddamned thing."

"But he will make life hell for you and your child. No matter where you go or what you do." Shane hesitated. "And Vince usually gets what he wants. Just remember that."

Stephanie paused and looked at Shane. "What the hell are you implying?"

"I have to go Steph. Take care." He hugged her tightly. "Take care of the little one."

"SHANE!" It was too late, he was gone. Stephanie felt a strange chill settle over her as she wondered about the meaning of Shane's words.