TITLE: Worrying (#4 in The Road Back Series)

AUTHOR: Kelly Rowe

DISCLAIMER: The WWF and all characters belong to the almighty Vince McMahon and the WWFE.

RATING: PG-13 (swearing).

SUMMARY: Stephanie watches and waits for an opportunity.

TIMELINE: Raw and Smackdown - week of 29th April 2002.

SPOILERS: Survivor Series 2001 - Smackdown 5/02.

DISTRIBUTION: You want you can have it; just tell me where you put it.

As I watched Raw Monday night two important facts became clear to me. One was that after what Taker did I needed to make my move soon and two was Hogan looked gross with blood flowing down his face. Okay so the first point was infinitely more important, I did know that. I can also remember how my heart leaped into throat at the sight of Taker attacking Hogan. I was horrified. How dare Taker almost take away *my* chance to return?

I called Hogan's cell phone and left a get well message on his voice mail, after all I must maintain my caring Stephanie façade or he'll never believe that I am anything besides that slut that married and then tried to destroy Triple H. Okay everyone knows that's what I am... well except the slut part, Kurt and Chris don't count. I made Hunter and I should be able to destroy him if I want. And I *so* want too.

I tried to sleep, but couldn't. Images of Hogan's bloody body laying in the ring haunted me and I don't know why. Was it because I'd almost lost my one chance, or something more? I hope to hell that it's because I almost lost my chance and not *something*, because I don't want or need an involvement with another wrestler right now. Besides he's a lot older than I usually go for.

So when my phone rang at one o'clock in the morning and my heart sped up, it was just from the unexpected call and for no other reason. If I keep repeating that, it will be true. As I suspected it was Hogan.

"Hello Stephanie."

"Mr. Hogan. What can I do for you?" I asked in my sweet voice. Yes, I do have a sweet voice!

Hogan took a deep breath, obviously still in pain. "I just wanted to thank you for your concern."

"That's no problem. I couldn't believe that Taker could do that," I said. "How are you feeling?"

"Hurts like hell."

I could tell he wasn't exaggerating. "Well as long as your okay," I replied leading into hanging up.

"Actually, there was something else..."

"What?" I ask curiously. It's the first time in a while something besides my plan has interested me.

Hogan clears his throat, "Would you like to come to Smackdown? As my guest of course."

I am shocked into silence. What happened to his and Hunter's mutual admiration society? Had he stopped listening to my soon to be ex-husband and decided to form his own opinion.

"Sure," I answer.

"Great," Hogan says, "I'll send you the tickets."

"Bye."

"Goodbye Stephanie."

I hang up and do a happy dance. I am *finally* on my way back.

Thursday night soon came and I found myself firstly at an Angle family dinner. Apparently Kurt found out I was coming to Smackdown and since it was in Pittsburgh, he picked me up at the airport and brought me home for dinner. Not that it was bad or anything, I just felt like I was on display... as Kurt's new gal pal and it made me really uncomfortable. By the time it was time to head to the arena, I was *so* relieved. It's not that I don't care about Kurt, I really do, he's just not popular enough for my plan.

Before I know it we're at the arena and I'm using my ticket for entry. I can't say exactly what happened to Kurt, I figure he headed off round back to the employees entrance. I could feel in my bones, that if I played my cards right I'd soon be entering the building that way once again.

I watched match after match and grew impatient. Finally it was time for Hogan's title defence and I glued my eyes to his figure... for business purposes only. I could feel myself flinch everytime Jericho landed a blow and I felt my big chance slip away. Chris was going to kill Hogan and I was gonna have to move back home with my parents. Then as Chris went for the pin, Hunter stormed out. The truth is I haven't been that glad to see him in a very long time, even if he didn't physically interfere. I also had to applaud his genius by playing Taker's music and throwing Chris of guard allowing Hogan to keep the title.

I cheered as loud as I could and with the way my voice carried I know Hunter saw me there. Did he think I was cheering for him, or has he figured me out? He was always a little to perceptive when it came to me... well, except for the pregnancy thing, but that was his fault.

Now Smackdown was over I wasn't quite sure what was going to happen, since Hogan hadn't made any firm plans. I just sat there until the arena emptied and I heard footsteps. When I looked up there was Sarge with a note. I thanked him and took it, It was basically an apology from Hogan, who had been shanghaied by some of the guys into going out and celebrating. Now I really didn't have any plans, that's when I heard more footsteps. This time it was Kurt.

He took me back to my hotel and we had a snack and talked about old times. Eventually he took me up to my room and we relived some more old times. The truth is he's still here and for some unknown reason I feel guilty for this. Not because I'm still technically married to Hunter or anything. I just can't figure out why this seems so wrong now, when it never has before. I guess I'll figure it out eventually. I close my eyes and hope that sleep overtakes my mind soon.

The End