Wrestling With Love

Wrestling With Love
Written by Holly Custer
Copyright © 1999

Heidi Joy Wagner stopped at a souvenir stand in the lobby of the arena where the wrestling event was being held. Her interest in wrestling was due to the fact that her father and now her brother were involved in wrestling. Her father had been a wrestler before he died and her brother was a manager. He was managing his longtime friend Shawn Michaels. Shawn was one of the top contenders for the world championship. Heidi hoped he would win it.

Heidi was waiting to see Shawn. He had said he would meet her at the souvenir stand. Although he would probably end up swamped with fans. She smiled at the thought. They would find time to see each other. They had always had a special bond.

Heidi thought back to the time when she had last seen Shawn, She had only been fifteen at the time. Just a child, now she was grown up. She was nineteen. At fifteen, she had been a clumsy teenager with dull gray eyes and straight brown hair. She had braces on her teeth and had worn glasses. At the adult age of nineteen, her figure had filled out in all the right places. Her glasses had been replaced by contacts and her eyes had darkened to a vibrant gray-green. Her braces had been removed and her straight brown hair was still brown but it had been waved and had beautiful red highlights in it.

Heidi picked up a Shawn Micheals wrestling bear. How cute! She thought. Just like the real thing. She smiled to herself.

"Still got a thing for teddy bears, I see." A deep voice said behind her. Heidi turned and stared up at the handsome man who had unknowingly held her heart in his hands for four years. "I remember when you were just a kid you had every kind and color of teddy bear there was." Shawn grinned down into her lovely eyes. "It's been a long time, Heidi Joy. You've grown up in more ways than one, I see."

"Shawn." Was all that Heidi could say. Shawn was even more handsome than she remembered.

After the wrestling event, Shawn, Heidi and Heidi's brother, Aaron, went out to eat. Heidi couldn't keep her eyes off the man with the shoulder-length, dark blond hair and cobalt blue eyes. Shawn had grown even more handsome in the past four years. In fact, now, there was a distinct maturity about him that hadn't been there years earlier. It drew her to him.

"Heidi, Shawn asked you a question." Aaron said reprovingly.

"I'm sorry, Shawn." Heidi smiled apologetically.

"I was wondering if you were free tomorrow night."

"I haven't a thing to do." A smile lit up her pretty face. Shawn was asking her for a date; but then he suddenly dashed her high hopes.

"Great! My cousin is in town visiting. He's just about your age. I thought you might go out with him as a favor to me." Heidi's smile tightened, but she held on to it desperately. She looked down to hide her disappointment.

"All right, Shawn. Have him call me. Ummm.....I have to go. I have some things to do at home. It was nice to see you again. See you at home, Aaron." Heidi stood as she spoke. She gathered up her purse and Shawn Michaels bear and left.

At home, Heidi ran upstairs to her room. She closed the door and leaned against it hugging the stuffed bear. She let the tears slide down her cheeks. Shawn would never see her as a grown woman. She would always be his best friend's kid sister.

Several nights later, Heidi attended her karate class. Arriving at the school, Heidi received a surprise. Shawn Michaels was there to participate. Heidi soon discovered that Shawn was also a close friend of her instructor.

Heidi worked out with a vengeance. She was able to let off some steam. She felt great when class ended.

"I didn't know you had such a talent for the martial arts." Shawn said sitting down \ext to her as she tied her shoe laces.

"Thank you." She whispered. Her heart rate sped up at the closeness of his body.

"Can I drive you home, Heidi Joy?" Shawn asked placing his hand on her shoulder.

"N-no, thank you. I have my car. I-I really need to go." Her voice was shaking at the warm feelings that assailed her at his gentle touch. Heidi grabbed up her bag and ran from the school before the tears fell. She loved him and it was too much for her that he didn't feel the same.

Heidi fumbled clumsily with her keys as the tears blinded her eyes. Gently, a strong, warm hand closed over her smaller one. His gentleness caused her to burst into tears. She turned and was wrapped in the warm embrace that she had wanted to feel for so long. Slowly, her tears subsided.

"What's caused such a torrent of tears, little one?" Shawn asked holding her close to him. It surprised him to find that he was enjoying the feel of her next to him.

"You." Heidi's eyes widened as the word slipped from her lips. She couldn't believe she had spoken the truth so candidly. At least now it was spoken. She saw that Shawn was startled.

"Let's go talk." Shawn said somewhat stunned.

They went to the local Denny's and sat down at a table in a quiet corner. They both ordered cokes to drink.

"Now, can you tell me what I've done to cause you to cry like you did?" Shawn sat back and waited patiently for her to speak.

"Well, I thought that after four years you might look at me differently, but nothing has changed. I thought maybe that we could go out or something. I'm still Aaron's kid sister to you. I've grown up, Shawn! I'm not that little girl you remember from four years ago." Heidi paused and took a deep breath. "I love you and I was hoping things might be different. Now, you know the truth." Heidi sat quietly waiting for Shawn's words of rebuke or, even worse, his laughter.

Shawn mulled over Heidi's words. He looked at her for a long moment. He tried to see her differently. He noted the slender, womanly figure; the delicate profile and the way she carried herself. He realized that she was right. She was no longer a child. She was a beautiful, intelligent, young woman. Maybe it would be worth it to get to know her better. He wouldn't make any promises. Shawn felt a spark of interest start to kindle. He leaned over and tipped her chin up with a lean finger.

"Would you like to take in a movie tomorrow night?"

"I don't want your pity-----" Heidi was quickly silenced by the hurt look in Shawn's vivid blue eyes.

"There's no pity, Heidi Joy. You know me better than that. I just happen to think you are right. I would like to get to know you better. We need to be up front with one another though. First of all, I can't promise that I will fall in love with you. Second of all, I can promise that we will always be the best of friends, no matter what happens. Okay?"

"All right and I would love to take in a movie." Heidi smiled. She held out her hand in a gesture of friendship. Instead, Shawn leaned over and kissed her on the lips.

Shawn followed Heidi home. He walked with her to the door. She turned to him with a shy smile.

"Thanks for not laughing."

"I would never laugh at a person's true feelings. I would never laugh at you. You're a very special lady. Good-night." Shawn turned to leave.

"Shawn." He turned back. Heidi reached up and kissed him lightly on the lips. He kissed her back. They smiled at each other and he left.

The next evening, Shawn picked Heidi up at seven. He watched as she walked gracefully down the stairs. She was wearing snug, but not immodest, blue jeans. A charcoal gray sweater was pulled over a pink blouse. On her feet she wore pink socks and brown, penny loafers both were equipped with a penny . Her shiny, brown hair was pulled back from her face with a pink and gray bow. She was young, fresh and lovely.

"You look lovely tonight." Shawn said holding the car door open for her.

"Thank you." Heidi said. She admired the masculine picture he made in his snug jeans, open-necked polo shirt and cowboy boots.

Shawn surprised Heidi by taking her to see THE AMERICAN PRESIDENT with Michael Douglas and Annette Bening. She was equally surprised and delighted when during the movie he reached over and clasped her hand in his. He held on to it throughout the movie. In fact, he stole several kisses as they watched.

After they left the theater, they went for a walk in the park. When they stood next to Shawn's car, he pulled her into his arms.

"Heidi, my joy. I think I'm falling in love with you." He murmured as he nuzzled his face in her soft, fragrant hair.

"This is only our first date, Shawn." Heidi answered looking up into his handsome face. Shawn gave no answer. He only knew that he loved being with her. He pulled her close and they kissed passionately.

A couple of days later, Shawn and Heidi went for a drive. Heidi was rather quiet. Shawn kept glancing over at her as they rode along. Finally, he spoke. "Heidi, is there something wrong? You're awfully quiet this afternoon."

"I need to talk to you." She paused. "The other night, I was nothing but your friend's kid sister, now you say you are falling in love with me. Why such a drastic change all of a sudden?" Heidi turned troubled gray eyes to the face of the handsome wrestler she loved.

"Well, I took a good look at you. You're a beautiful, desirable, caring, young woman. Spending time with you has only deepened my caring and love for you. I love being with you." He pulled the car over and turned off the engine. "I'm getting to know you now. I want us to try and build a relationship. What do you say?"

Heidi answered by leaning over and kissing him. He pulled her on to his lap and wrapped his arms around her. When they broke the kiss, Heidi laid her head on his broad shoulder. They would make it work, she just knew it.

Several days later, Shawn invited Heidi to come with him to his next wrestling match. He asked her to walk with him down to the ring. Heidi was excited at the prospect of being so closely involved with Shawn's work. Her father and brother had always contended that a woman didn't belong anywhere near a wrestling ring. She agreed willingly.

Shawn picked Heidi up the afternoon of the wrestling event. They stopped for a light lunch and relaxed for a while. Soon, it was time to go on to the arena. They took their things from the car and walked into the building and to the dressing rooms.

In Shawn's dressing room, Aaron was waiting impatiently. He appeared startled to see Heidi with Shawn.

"What are you doing here, Heidi?" Aaron asked with a sneer in his voice. Heidi looked up at him in surprise, She took a step back at the harshness in his voice.

"Shawn asked me to be at ringside with him tonight. Do you have a problem with that?" Heidi was puzzled at Aaron's overbearing attitude. He certainly was not pleased that she was there.

"I don't want you to get hurt. You can get into real trouble at ringside." Aaron said almost soundly like he felt obligated to be brotherly.

"Heidi, can take care of herself, Aaron. I wouldn't have let her come if I didn't think she could handle it." Aaron looked as if he could care less. He didn't say another word. He left at that point.

Shortly, Shawn tucked Heidi's hand into the crook of his arm. He smiled at her encouragingly and patted the slim hand that lay on his muscular arm. Heidi smiled back. She reached up and kissed him warmly.

"They're going to love you, Heidi, my joy. You look stunning."

"Thank you, kind sir, but it only matters to me that you love me." Was Heidi's \par answer. Shawn looked down into her face. He leaned down and kissed her lovingly. They stepped through the curtain as Shawn's music swelled to its climax. The applause and yelling was deafening. Shawn was a definite fan favorite. Heidi was proud to be at his side.

Shawn entered the ring. He held the ropes for Heidi as she climbed into the ring. After a few moments the referee motioned to the wrestlers. Heidi went to leave the ring, but Shawn stopped her. He pulled her to him and kissed her on the lips. The crowd roared with approval. Heidi blushed as she left the ring.

Heidi watched intently as Shawn and his opponent wrestled. She was so intent that she didn't hear the crowd react to the tall wrestler striding purposefully down the aisle towards her. She let out a startled cry when she was grabbed from behind and dragged back down the aisle. She struggled as best as she could, but it was to no avail. This huge wrestler didn't seem to feel any of her blows.

"Shawn!" She cried as she was pulled further and further away from him. He turned and saw Heidi disappear through the curtain over the shoulder of a monster wrestler. He jumped from the ring with an angry growl. He was angry because this was not part of the show. He raced down the aisle at full speed.

Heidi was shoved into a small dressing room and pushed down roughly on to a hard couch. She was scared but she put up a brave front.

"What do you want with me?" Heidi exclaimed. She looked up into the face of her abductor. She gasped in surprise and shock. It was Aaron, her brother. "Aaron? Why am I here?"

"It's a publicity stunt." He avoided her eyes. Heidi knew that he was lying. There was something more than just a stunt going on here. She was going to find out.....somehow.

At that moment, Shawn came bursting through the door. He headed straight for Heidi. A very large, muscular wrestler stepped in front of him. Shawn decided to take a cautious approach.

"Are you all right, love?"

"I'm fine."

"Good, because whoever is pulling this stupid prank is going to pay. This is not funny-----Aaron?!"

"You were saying, Shawn?" Aaron paused. He had a smug grin on his face and his arms were crossed over his chest.

"Are you behind all of this?"

"You bet. You see, Shawn, I've had just about enough of your high-handedness. I have worked my tail off making you the popular wrestler you are. I'm the one who made you what you are. What have I gotten? Nothing! Not one single thing! Not from you! Not from anyone!" At that point, Shawn was attacked from behind. Minutes later, after fighting for all he was worth, he lay half-conscious on the floor. Aaron stood over him with the baseball bat that had knocked out Shawn .

Heidi sat on the couch staring incredulously at her brother. She couldn't believe all of this was happening. She watched as Aaron motioned to two of his thugs to drag Shawn away. At that moment, another two wrestlers came hurtling through the door.

Amidst all of the confusion and melee, Heidi ran to where Shawn lay. She helped him to his feet when she saw that he was fully conscious. Most of his weight was on Heidi's slender shoulders, but she didn't seem to notice. They had just reached the door when Heidi thought she heard the hammer of a gun being pulled back. Slowly, she turned and saw Aaron holding a revolver. He had his sights set steadily on Shawn. Everything seemed to start moving in slow motion. Heidi watched as Aaron pulled the trigger. Without any thought, she stepped in front of Shawn as the bullet sped from its chamber. Heidi was thrown back against Shawn as the bullet impacted with her left shoulder. They both fell to the floor.

For several seconds, all was silent and still. Suddenly, security came barreling through the door. They took Aaron and his thugs into custody when some of the wrestlers explained what had happened. Heidi was laying on the floor with her hand pressed to her left shoulder. Shawn was kneeling next to her.

"It's all right, honey. The ambulance is coming and everything will be fine." Shawn murmured. He pressed a towel that someone had given him to the bullet wound. Shawn paid little attention when two security guards and Aaron in handcuffs left the room. He was concentrating on Heidi. He held her hand as the paramedics rolled her out to the ambulance.

At the hospital, Heidi was rolled into the emergency room. She cried when they wouldn't allow Shawn to go in with her. She calmed when Shawn told her that she would be fine and he wouldn't let anything or anyone hurt her.

Heidi was soon assigned a hospital bed in a private room. She was drowsy from the drugs they gave her, but she refused to sleep until she saw Shawn.

"Hey, beautiful! How's my best girl?" Shawn asked tenderly as he came into the room. Heidi turned her head towards him as she heard his familiar voice. Her face lit up when her gray-green eyes locked with his blue ones. "The nurses are telling me that you aren't cooperating with them. What's this all about, honey?" Shawn sat down on the edge of her bed and clasped her good hand in one of his.

I'm sorry. I just wanted to see you. I'll be good now, I promise. Will I get to go home soon?" Shawn had a hard time understanding some of her words because they were being slurred by the medications.

"They want to keep you here for a few days to see how you are doing. Now, you need to get some sleep. I love you, Heidi Joy." Shawn whispered as he saw her eyelids slowly close. He waited a few minutes before he got up and left.

Two days later, Heidi was discharged from the hospital. Shawn picked her up and took her home. When they walked into the house, Heidi noticed how quiet it was. She turned to Shawn and buried her face in his chest. He put his arms around her protectively.

"I can't stay here, Shawn. Too many memories. Take me to the nearest motel and I'll stay there." Heidi said wiping tears from her face.

"You'll stay with me. I have an extra bedroom that's not being used. What say we get some of your stuff and take it over to my place? I'll be able to take care of you over there. Here, you'll be all alone. Besides, I don't think I could stand leaving you here or anywhere else for that matter." Heidi looked up at the handsome wrestler with adoration in her gray eyes. She nodded her head in agreement. It would be nice to have someone care for her. For so long she had taken care of Aaron. Now he was gone and would be for many years.

Later that evening, Shawn made dinner for the two of them. He put out his best plates and put candles on the table. It was a lovely sight when Heidi came down to dinner. She was speechless. They ate in companionable silence. As Heidi started to clear the table, Shawn stopped her. He put his hand on her waist and drew her to him. She nestled in the comfort of his strong arms.

"Heidi, my joy, I have something I wish to ask of you. Would you come sit down, please?"\

"Of course, Shawn. Is there something wrong?"

"Not at all, my love." Shawn smiled.

"Good. What do you want to ask of me?"

"Heidi, will you marry me?" Shawn blurted out.

"Oh, Shawn!" Heidi was stunned. She hadn't expected this. Yet, it was everything that she had ever wanted from the handsome man. To be at his side for always. Never to be left alone. To be his helpmate, his best friend and his lover. This was all she had ever desired.

"Heidi, are you going to give me an answer?" Shawn asked anxiety evident in his deep voice.

"Oh, Shawn!" She repeated. "Of course I'll marry you! It's all I ever wanted!" She fell into his arms and they embraced. Their lips met in a loving, passionate kiss. Their love would endure for all eternity.

THE END