For a while after it had happened, Adam had wanted to confront Stephanie and possibly make a complaint to her father, but Amy had talked him out of it.

Neither of them had ever mentioned a word about Adam's "past" with the youngest McMahon.  Adam didn't think it important enough to mention, considering it had only been one date.  He also knew that, deep down, although she seemed to be fine with it, Amy still felt hurt that he'd never told her.

Although there hadn't been an escalation of the night Stephanie had attacked her, Amy still often mentally replayed her conversation that afternoon with Trish Stratus.

"She has this weird obsession with Adam..."

"-according to Stephanie, they dated at one time..."

"She completely resents you and accused you of 'stealing her man'."

"Amy, I'd watch my back if I were you - Stephanie McMahon is a woman with a lot of power - she can break you..."

Because of all the rumors flying around, Amy now felt confused about everything her friend had told her.  Everyone knew what had happened that last time the WWF had been in New York City - in a shocking turn of events, Stephanie had broken off her engagement to Paul Levesque.  It was said that she'd done this because she was really in love with Chris Irvine and had been seeing him on the side for almost a year.  Word of Paul punching Chris out in his hotel room in that Marriott Hotel had spread like wildfire.  Stacy Keibler and Andrew Martin, who had stayed in the room directly across from Chris', had heard every word shouted by Paul when he'd confronted Irvine.  About a month later, Chris and Stephanie were no longer hiding their relationship.  They informally "announced" it by going out and being seen together, sharing public displays of affection like holding hands and kissing.

Amy had been very surprised upon learning of Chris' relationship with Stephanie.  She'd thought that Paul and Steph would definitely stay together, especially after Paul had fallen in love with her while he'd still been with his longtime former girlfriend, Joanie Laurer.

Adam, however, wasn't surprised at all, at least not at Stephanie.  He knew what kind of girl she was.  As for Chris, he'd known intuitively that, when he had suddenly isolated himself from their group of friends, it must have had something to do with a woman.  Since Chris had never shared any information, Adam had known it had to be big.

He wasn't quite sure what to think of Chris and Stephanie as a couple.  He supposed he was happy for Chris, even though he didn't like or trust Stephanie McMahon, but they seemed to enjoy being together.

In any case, Adam was glad, even relieved, that the past several months had been uneventful where he and Amy were concerned.

Adam gazed down into Amy's eyes and smiled.  They were in a small nightclub in Miami, the latest WWF stopover.  They were on the dance floor and were bumping and grinding away like crazy to Disturb's "Stupify."  Nearby, Jeff Hardy and Trish were dancing as well.

Adam's brown eyes gleamed with love as he gazed upon Amy, who was laughing as she watched Jeff's crazy, gyrating antics.

"Hey, come here!" he said over the loudness of the music.  He pulled her to him and twirled her around.  Laughing, she looked up into his eyes as her back was pulled against Adam's front.

As the song faded away, Metallica's classic ballad "Nothing Else Matters" suddenly blared.  Some people left the dance floor to rest or drink or get a snack, but Adam and Amy remained.  Adam held her close, his hands on her waist, and they continued to dance.

"Have I told you how beautiful you look tonight?" he asked gazing her up and down appreciatively, a small grin playing on his full lips.  How great she looked in the low-cut black sleeveless mini-dress she was wearing, her red hair piled atop her head in a high ponytail.

"Not in the last five minutes, no," she replied with a soft chuckle.  Her hazel eyes twinkled.

"Well, then let me," Adam said with merriment.  "You are so beautiful, Amy...you look gorgeous tonight."

"You don't look so bad yourself," she said, smiling.  He was wearing a short-sleeved black shirt with the two top buttons undone and khakhis, his long, curly blond hair soft and shiny.  Amy thought he looked good enough to eat.

Adam continued to gazed deeply into her eyes a moment longer, then dipped his head to kiss her.  Amy kissed him back, her lips instantly parting to allow his warm, moist tongue entrance.  Adam slid his hands slightly, to her lower back, stopping when Amy wished he'd let them travel lower still.  So what if they were in a public place?  She couldn't wait to get back to their hotel room.

*

Stephanie and Chris stood just outside the club, which Steph noted was called "Paradise."  She really wasn't in the mood for a lot of noise and smoke, but Chris had wanted to come.

"Just a little while, babe," he said.  "We'll hang out for a little while, dance, have some drinks, and then we'll go back to the hotel, okay?"  He twined his fingers into her long brown hair, then let them gently caress her cheek.

"Okay," Stephanie said reluctantly.  In her mind, the sooner this was over, the better.  She knew that many of the wrestlers would be there.  She preferred to keep more of a low profile these days.  She knew they were all talking about her - about her personal life.  Those she had considered friends had since become distant and curt with her.  She knew every one of them was gossiping about her when she wasn't around - even though they all smiled to her face when she was.  The thought infuriated her.

As Stephanie entered the club, Chris beside her, her hand in his, she immediately regretted allowing Chris to talk her into coming.  A cloud of smoke from someone's cigarette circled her head, and she coughed and fanned the area with her free hand.  She could hardly see anything because of the combination of the smoke and the multiple bodies crowded before them.

Chris led her through a cleared path which gave them a direct view of the dance floor - and Stephanie suddenly wished she were still behind the mob near the door.

Her stomach feeling as if the bottom had dropped out of it, Stephanie let out an inaudible gasp of grave disappointment and despair.  In the center of the floor, dancing romantically close and kissing passionately, as if they were the only two people in the room, were Adam Copeland and Amy Dumas.  Steph noted how dangerously close Adam's hands were to touching Amy's buttocks.  As he kissed her, it was evident that he was truly in love with her.  This made Stephanie feel even worse.  She wished Adam were kissing her like that.

They seemed to be the center of attention as they stopped kissing but continued to dance.  A bunch of the wrestlers, mostly those who were the closest friends of the couple, cheered and clapped.  Adam and Amy appeared to be startled, even slightly embarrassed, but Stephanie heard Amy's throaty laugh when Jay Reso came up to them, patted Adam on the back and said something that must have been funny.

Stephanie was still focused on Adam and Amy, eyes unblinking, when Chris suddenly spoke to her.

"Steph?  Do you want something to drink?"

"Huh?"  She finally blinked, coming back to reality.  She glanced at him, and his clear blue eyes were focused on her face.  "Oh...no thanks."

Chris led her to a small, deserted table against the wall.  As she sat down, she realized she still had a clear view of the dance floor - and of Adam and Amy, who were still slow-dancing very closely.  Stephanie's eyes trailed low, and she saw how tightly Adam seemed to be pressed against Amy.  She was sure he must be hard right now.  Lips parted, eyes unblinking, she wished one or both of them would part so she could be sure of Adam's condition.  Then again, she didn't want to know.

She suddenly became aware that Chris was walking away.  He'd actually spoken a moment before, but she hadn't been aware of it or of what he'd said.  Now, she rose quickly and caught up to him.

"Chris, wait!"

Chris realized that Stephanie was gripping his wrist.  He turned and saw an oddly pleading expression in her blue eyes.  Her face appeared slightly flushed.

"I think I'll have a drink after all..."

"Okay," he said.  "What should I get you?"

"Whatever you're having," Stephanie replied.  In her mind, it didn't matter as long as it was a good, strong drink that would numb her for the rest of the evening.  She really regretted being in this club.  Having to see the man she loved being so lovey dovey with Amy Dumas was sheer torture for her.  She hoped that Chris was getting a drink that would be strong enough to render her unconscious by the night's end.

"Sure thing, Steph," Chris said as those thoughts whirled through Stephanie's brain.  He suddenly pulled her against him with one arm around her waist and kissed her quickly but firmly on the lips.  "I'll be right back."

Stephanie returned to the table and sat down, facing forward in an attempt to block out the view of dance floor.  In her peripheral vision, she could still see Adam and Amy dancing.  She tried desperately to instead focus on Chris, who was over by the bar and slipping money on the counter to the bartender.

As Steph continued watching him, she squinted slightly.  With her eyes reduced to mere slits, she could almost believe that Chris was Adam.  Their hair was quite similar, they both had big beautiful eyes, even though they weren't the same color.  And, although Adam had five inches of height over Chris, it wasn't bad - she could almost believe that Chris Irvine was Adam Copeland...

"What's wrong?  Do you have a headache?" Chris' concerned voice questioned her, as he had returned.

Damn, his voice just ruined it, Stephanie thought, then realized her eyes were still squinted.  She opened them.

"No...no, I don't," she said lamely.  Then, a decent and believable explanation came to her.  "All the smoke in here made my eyes itchy."

"Oh...good, I'm glad it's not a headache," Chris said with a laugh as he sat down and set a glass before her.  "Because then you don't have that to use as an excuse later..."

Normally, Stephanie would have grinned at such a remark, but at the moment, she couldn't - not after seeing the two lovebirds.

"What kind of drink did you get?" she asked over the din.

"I got us both Long Island ice teas.  You said to get you whatever I was having."

"That's fine...thanks."  She raised the glass to her lips, not knowing what to expect, as she'd never had a Long Island ice tea before.

Upon taking the first sip, Stephanie sputtered and nearly choked, the hard liquor burning its way down her throat.  Usually a wine drinker, she wasn't used to such hard liquor.

"Are you okay?" Chris asked.  He looked concerned enough to burst out of his chair in a flash to perform C.P.R. on her.

Stephanie put one hand out toward him, palm out, and nodded.  "Yeah," she managed.  "God, that's pretty strong stuff."

"You'll get used to it."

Like a moth is attracted to a flame, Stephanie was drawn to the couple on whom she'd spied.  She turned her head back toward the dance floor but was surprised to see that Adam and Amy were no longer there.  Almost frantically, her eyes began to search the area until she spotted them standing by the bar.

She wished she hadn't.  Adam was standing casually, leaning against the edge of the bar, eyes glued to Amy's, an enamored expression on his face.  He was speaking to her, and whatever he'd said caused Amy to laugh.  Adam's free hand went to her bare arm, his fingers running tantalizingly up her milky flesh.  Amy suddenly rose up on her tiptoes and whispered something into Adam's ear.  Adam's arm went directly around her waist.  Amy then lowered back onto her heels.  Adam's face broke out into a huge grin, and Stephanie could only imagine what Amy must have said to him.

Steph suddenly became aware of Chris' hands gripping one of her own.  Her attention on the couple diverted, she turned her head and faced him.  He was gazing at her longingly.

"Drink up," he said with a smile.

Stephanie quickly turned back to where Adam and Amy were, only to find them now passionately kissing.  She seethed inside as she watched Amy's hands slide down to Adam's tight, firm, perfect ass.

*

Adam grinned at Amy and placed one hand on her cheek.  They were taking a breather by the bar, though neither of them was drinking.

He wanted to get out of there and knew that Amy did as well.  She'd just whispered into his ear that she wanted to go back to the hotel and have him all to herself.  She promised him a night he'd never forget, though every night with her was unforgettable.

Adam was thinking about what to get Amy for their eight-month anniversary.  He wanted to get her the perfect gift.  He gazed at her and his heart pounded.  He leaned closer to her and said, "Come on, let's get out of here."  His grin widened even more.

Amy smiled at him seductively, softly biting her lower lip.  She just wanted to get him back to their hotel room and have her way with him.  She put her hand in Adam's and followed him to the table across the club where Jay, Trish, Matt, Jeff, Andrew and Stacy were sitting.

"Hey, you guys," Adam said.  "See you later...we're gonna split."

"So early?" Jay asked, checking his watch as he held a drink in his right hand.  "It's only eleven-thirty.  We're off tomorrow, too."  Trish, who was sitting beside him, nudged him in the ribs with her elbow.

"Sorry, Jay...but Amy and I are out of here," Adam said with a laugh.  "We're tired."  He exchanged glances with Amy, who looked up at him and smiled.

"Sure...sure."  There were knowing smiles all around the table.

After everyone said goodnight, the pair left.  Amy was surprised there was no one around, as it was still quite early, but the street appeared to be deserted.  She was anxious to get to their rental car and just get right back to the hotel, but Adam stopped just outside of the club.

Amy gazed up at him inquisitively.  "What?"

Adam instantly pulled her to him, hands practically engulfing her narrow waist, and kissed her hard and passionately, his tongue spiraling around hers.  As she responded, kissing him back, he slid his hands up over the sides of her body.  His fingertips brushing briefly over the sides of her full breasts made Amy's breath catch in her throat.  Adam slid his hands up further to gently cradle her head.  He let his fingers slip into the soft hair that was pulled up and back in the ponytail she wore.

Adam softly groaned into Amy's mouth while he pressed his body tightly against hers.  He was already rock hard.  He slid his hands down to her buttocks, cupping them before he finally pulled back.  "I love you," he said, his eyes locked on Amy's.

She smiled and gently bit her lip.  "I love you, too."  They stared at each other for a moment.  "Now let's go.  I want to get back to the hotel as soon as possible."

"So do I," Adam replied, grinning.  "You know how badly, too..."

*

Five minutes later, Stephanie looked up from her drink and glanced around the club, realizing that Adam and Amy were gone.  Although her heart sank, she was also relieved.  As much as she loved looking at Adam, she hated seeing him with Amy, especially when they looked so much in love.

Nonetheless, Steph wanted to finish up her drink and get out of there.  She felt there was no reason for her to be in this club in the first place.  As she turned back to Chris, she noted that he was already finished with his Long Island ice tea.  She threw her head back and quickly tossed down her own as if it were a vodka shot.

"Easy there, babe...you don't want to overdo it," Chris said.

It was too late, as she was already finished.  The alcohol was swiftly getting to Stephanie, and she felt the remainder of it burning its way down her gullet.  She giggled as she gazed at Chris.  Yes, with her eyes slightly squinted, and with his long, curly blond hair and blue eyes, she could almost believe he was Adam.  She clumsily got up off her chair and went close to him, tugging on his arm.

"Come on," she said, "dance with me, Chris!"

Chris looked her up and down, a slight smirk on his face, and stood up.  He took her hand and allowed her to lead him to the dance floor.

Stephanie gazed at him with a big grin on her face as she started dancing quickly to the fast music that was playing.  Although she felt slightly dizzy, she managed to keep steady and not fall over.  Before she knew what was happening, Chris' hands were on her waist and he pulled her tautly against him.  They moved rapidly, chests pressed together and groins achingly close, until they were mock dirty dancing.  They stayed that way for a few minutes before Chris took her hand and whipped her out at arm's length, then Steph ran back to him and leapt into his arms, her legs wrapping around his waist.  Since she was wearing a short mini-skirt, her butt was nearly exposed when she did this.

Chris expected Stephanie to come to her senses and jump back to her feet a second later, but she didn't.  Instead, she clung to him, and he realized her breathing had quickened.  Was it just the fast dancing, or was it something else?  As if reading his mind, Stephanie then told him.

"I want you, Chris," she said softly.  "Take me out of here and just take me."

His eyes fastened onto hers, Chris smiled and felt himself getting hard as she continued to press her groin against his.  He wrapped his arms around her waist and reluctantly set her back down on her feet.  She laughed as he pulled her by the hand toward the door to leave.

As Chris drove them back to the hotel, Stephanie kept her head turned toward the passenger's side window.  Her head was nearly spinning and her thoughts were back on Adam and Amy.  She wondered what they were doing but then realized she already knew.  She closed her eyes and imagined Adam all over her.  Instead of Chris bending her naked body over the bed, she saw Adam...

*

Adam and Amy were just at the door to their hotel room, both breathless with anticipation.  Adam used his key to open the door, and when they entered, he quickly shut it, and then he was all over Amy.  Backing her up against the door, he placed both hands against it on either side of her head and kissed her hard.  As she kissed him back, her hands gently playing with his long, soft blond hair, he pressed against her, not allowing even a centimeter to come between their bodies.  He moved his lips down to the left side of her neck and she moaned.

Amy held him tightly, savoring the feel of his lips, teeth, tongue and hot breath against her skin.  "Oh, God..."  She moved her hands down, underneath his shirt and ran them over his hard pecs and abs.  Adam grabbed her right hand and moved it lower, to something even harder.  Amy eagerly pulled down the zipper of his khakhis and fondled him.

Adam lifted his head from hers, his breathing heavy, and gazed down into her eyes.  She kept her eyes locked on his and unbuttoned his pants.  Adam leaned down to kiss her lips again, and while she kissed him back, he reached down and yanked her panties down from her hips.  Amy moved slightly, allowing them to fall to her ankles, and Adam placed one hand between her legs and rubbed her.  She was very wet.

Amy closed her eyes and clung to him.  She was so aroused that her need to have Adam inside of her was almost painful.  She began pulling his khakhis down, and as he stepped out of them, she pulled at his briefs as well.  "Adam," she moaned.  "Need you..."

Adam moved his now moist right hand up with his left under her dress to unhook her bra, then he lifted her dress up over her head, tossing it aside.  Amy quickly undid the buttons on his shirt, and he removed it and tossed it with the rest of their garments.  Afterward, he lifted her up in his arms, and, her legs wrapping around his waist, he again backed her up against the door, slamming his full length into her.

"Oh, God...Amy..." Adam moaned, closing his eyes.  He was afraid he would come too quickly, as he already felt like he was in heaven as he impaled her against the door.  In this position, she was so tight.

"Adam, Adam!  Keep doing that," she moaned.  She threw her head back slightly, brushing it against the door.  "Oh, God!  Go faster..."

Adam complied with her wishes and thrust faster and harder, causing Amy's head to bang against the door.  He felt rotten about that, not wanting to hurt her in any way and slowed down so it wouldn't happen again.  "Oh, baby, I'm sorry..."

Amy either didn't seem to mind, or her head banging against the door didn't hurt.  "Don't slow down, honey," she said breathlessly.  "Please, Adam," she nearly pleaded.

Adam thrust fast and hard again, but he tried to brace her enough so that her head wouldn't hit the door.  He wanted to give her only pleasure, no pain of any kind.  He succeeded, as a few short minutes later, Amy was nearly overcome by the intensity of her orgasm.

"Oh, God...Adam, I love you!" she cried between gasps.

Adam soon followed her, and he pressed her back tightly up against the door as he came, emptying himself into her.  "Amy...Amy!"  He had trouble catching his breath as he panted heavily with the intensity of his pleasure.  "Oh, God..."

Afterward, he gently set her back on her feet, running his fingers through her red hair, which she'd set loose from its ponytail before they'd gotten back to the hotel.  He lowered his face down to hers and touched her nose with his, then kissed her tenderly on the lips.  They were both still breathing heavily.

"I love you...My God...that was so amazing," Adam said.  He kissed the tip of Amy's nose, then her forehead.

"That it was," Amy said softly with a laugh.  "In fact, it may have been the best."

Adam's brown eyes sparkled as his face was lit up with a huge white grin.  "Oh, really?  Well, I bet I can top even that..."  He scooped her up into his arms and kissed her as he carried her to the bed.

*

Chris led Stephanie out of the rental car and into the hotel.  She appeared a bit wobbly with her drunkenness, so Chris supported her with an arm around her waist.

As they made their way out of the elevator on the fourth floor, Chris began to steer her toward their room, but Steph hesitated.

"What's the matter?"

"N-nothing," she said.  "I just want to make a quick stop to the soda machine."

"Here, let me..." Chris began, but Stephanie cut him off.

"No, Chris - you just go back to our room and make yourself comfortable.  I'll get my soda and be back before you know it."  She smiled and kissed him firmly on the lips, allowing her tongue to circle his lips before exploring the warm moistness of his mouth.

Chris kissed her back, then pulled away and smiled at her.  "Okay...see you in a few."  He patted her on the backside before heading to their room.

Stephanie walked down the hall to the vending machine and dug into her purse for some change.  She came up with three quarters and selected a Schwepp's Ginger Ale, then started walking back.

She suddenly came to room 418 and stopped in front of the door, staring at it as if she could see beyond to the inside of the room.  This was the one Adam and Amy were sharing.  Her eyes dropped to the floor in her sorrow, then when she was about to walk away, she suddenly heard sounds coming from within.

A sound very similar to a knock, but she realized that it wasn't a hand that had hit the door, as she suddenly heard Adam's voice.

"Oh, baby...I'm sorry..."

And then she heard Amy's voice, and she felt faint.

"Don't slow down, honey...Please, Adam..."

Stephanie parted her lips, eyes widening, and moved closer to the door.  She dared to actually press her ear against it, then was shocked as she realized that Adam and Amy were making love up against the opposite side of the door!  She could detect their movements and could hear all the sounds of ecstasy they were making.

Stephanie backed away from the door in horror and felt her eyes welling up full of scalding hot tears.  She held a hand up to her mouth as she tried to stifle a cry.  She stumbled away from room 418 and toward her own, but before she made it there, she sank down to the carpet and wept bitterly.  She stayed there for a good full ten minutes.

Chris, who had been wondering what was taking Steph so long to return from the soda machine, opened the door to their room to look for her.  He immediately saw her, as she was lying sprawled, face-down, on the floor, a few doors from their room.

At first, he thought she must have passed out, in a drunken stupor, but when he approached her, he realized she was softly crying.  Chris sank down to his knees, placing one hand on Stephanie's left shoulder, and the other on her long hair.

"What's wrong, Steph?  What's wrong?  Tell me..."

Stephanie looked up and met Chris' concerned eyes, a strangled sob escaping her lips.  Her tear-stained face felt hot and flushed.  She couldn't speak.

"Oh, Steph...what's the matter?"  Chris placed one hand under her chin.  When she didn't reply, he helped her to stand up.  He walked her to their room as she continued to cry.

When they were in the room, Chris shut the door and led Stephanie to the bed.  She curled up in a fetal position on her right side, her back to him.  He climbed in after her and spooned against her, his arm around her.  He gently caressed a lock of her dark hair while he questioned her again as to what was wrong.  She wouldn't answer him.

After a few minutes, her crying seemed to have eased a bit, and Chris stroked her hair away from her sweaty forehead.  "I knew you were going to overdo it with that drink," he said softly.

Stephanie blinked as she realized that Chris thought the reason she was crying was because she had drank too much.  Good, she thought, let him think that.  She didn't ever want him to know the truth, knowing it would both crush and infuriate him.  He would hate her if he knew that she'd been secretly in love with Adam for the past three years.

She turned over onto her back to face Chris.  He was leaning over her, gazing at her lovingly, his expression placid while his light blue eyes seemed to shimmer with strange lights.  She put her arms around his neck and held him down tightly against her, feeling the tears coming again.  She tried to choke them back.

Before she knew what was happening, Chris was kissing the cleavage that her bright pink halter top exposed.  Stephanie caught her breath in her throat and kissed him back when he moved his lips to hers.

They quickly undressed each other, and Chris kissed her right nipple as he entered her.  She gasped and clung to him, her tears threatening to break loose again.  Stephanie kept her eyes squinted, and when she looked at Chris, she envisioned Adam underneath her.

"I...love...you..." she moaned softly, and, though she meant those three words for Adam, it was Chris who heard them and responded to them.

"I love you, too, Stephanie McMahon..."

*

Early in the morning, Stephanie woke up, the sheets on the bed tangled between her legs and feet.  She reluctantly opened her eyes and wished she hadn't.

"Oh, God," she moaned softly.  Her head felt as if it were being split open by a sledgehammer.  She glanced down at herself and realized she was completely naked.  On the other side of the bed, Chris lay naked as well.  He appeared to be sound asleep.

"Oh, no!" she exclaimed as a sudden, sickening feeling came over her.  She tried in vain to rise from the bed and run to the bathroom, but her legs and feet were still tangled in the sheet, and she tumbled in a heap to the floor.

The sound of Stephanie's body hitting the floor was like a thud, and it woke Chris.  He opened his eyes in time to see her running, naked, to the bathroom.

"Steph?  You okay, babe?"

She didn't respond.  Chris rose from the bed and strode after her.  He made it just in time to see her bent over the toilet, purging herself of the previous night's "delights."

Chris stood beside her and laid a hand on her back, patting it gently.  "Aw, poor baby.  You'll feel better soon...I promise."

Stephanie felt awful.  She'd never had a hangover before in her life.  All she wanted to do was crawl back into the bed and wait for death.  Good thing they weren't scheduled to work or travel anywhere today.

*

Amy stirred restlessly.  She turned over onto her stomach and threw her arm over the other side of the bed.  When her hand touched only the sheet and blanket and didn't make contact with Adam's warm flesh, she lifted her head and opened her eyes.

Adam wasn't there.  Figuring he must be in the bathroom, Amy called out to him.  "Adam?"  When there was no answer, she rose from the bed, keeping the sheet wrapped around her, as the room was chilly from the air conditioning.  She walked to the bathroom but found it empty.

Amy wondered where Adam could be as she walked back to the bed.  She caught a glimpse of the time on the tiny portable clock they'd left on the nightstand.  She was surprised to note it was only a few minutes till noon.

As she got back into bed, she suddenly noticed the note laying on Adam's pillow.  She picked it up, smiling as she read her boyfriend's sweet words.

Amy,

Just went out for awhile with Jay.  Something important came up.  I'll bring us back some brunch.  See you later.  I love you,

Adam

Amy held the note tightly and brushed the paper up against her chin.  She felt like the luckiest girl in the world to have Adam Copeland.  He was the sweetest guy she'd ever known.

A moment later, she put the note down and gathered up some clothing for the day.  She wanted to be showered, shampooed and dressed for Adam when he returned.

*

"Amy?"  Fifteen minutes later, Adam stepped into their hotel room and saw that the bed was empty and unmade.  She was awake, but was she there?  He got his answer when the door to the bathroom suddenly opened and she stepped out.

"Good morning," she said to him with a small smile.

He met her eyes and grinned widely.  "You mean good afternoon."

Amy noticed that Adam had one hand behind his back.  "What's that?" she asked, gesturing.  "Whatcha got there?"

"Oh, this?"  He glanced at his left hand, the one that was not behind his back but at his side.  "I got us some brunch - toast and eggs and sausage."  He put the white paper bag down on the nightstand.

"No...I meant that," Amy laughed, pointing to his other side.  "What's behind your back?"

Adam feigned innocence.  "Oh, you mean this?"  He brought his right arm forward and handed her a bouquet of pink sweetheart roses.  "They're for you."

"Aww, Adam...how sweet!  Thank you," Amy said as she took the flowers.  She smelled one of them.  "Mmm...you weren't really out with Jay after all, were you?"  She stepped closer and hugged him.

Adam hugged her back.  "Actually, I was...he got Trish some roses as well...and he helped me with something..."  He reached into the pocket of his black jeans and pulled out a small gold box.

Amy looked at the box and then up into his eyes in surprise.  "What's that?"

Adam handed it to her and said, "Open it...I know it's only our eight-month anniversary and not our one-year anniversary, but I wanted to get you this..."

Amy put down the bouquet and focused on the box.  As she opened it, her breath caught in her throat.  "Oh, Adam..."

"...Amy, these past eight months with you have been magical.  This is just my way of saying I love you, and I love being with you."

Amy held up a delicate gold chain, at the end of which a small gold locket in the shape of a heart dangled.  She fingered the jewelry carefully, marvelling at the beautiful engravings on it.  "Adam..."  She felt her eyes tearing up and thought she would start bawling at any moment.  "Thank you."

"Open it," Adam said, a twinkle in his clear green-brown eyes.  He moved to her side and took the chain from her.  Opening the locket, he held it up so that she could see the tiny photograph inside.  It was a picture of the two of them.  "And look at this," he said, turning the locket over.  Aside from the designs that were engraved on the front, the back read "Adam Loves Amy" in a fancy script lettering.

Amy was completely taken aback.  She was suddenly at a loss for words as her eyes filled up some more.  Adam undid the tiny clasp on the chain and stood behind her.  "Let's put this on you," he said softly.  She held her hair up from the back of her neck and felt his warm breath lingering on her nape for a moment.

"There," Adam said.  He moved so that he was standing in front of her again.  He gazed at her, his eyes moving from the necklace to her eyes, and smiled.  "It's perfect."

Amy's tears spilled finally over her cheeks as she gently touched the locket with her right hand.  She was so surprised, and her heart was bursting with love for this precious man.  "Adam...I love you," she cried, allowing herself to fall into his strong arms.  She hugged him tightly and never wanted to let go.

Adam held her tightly and rubbed his cheek against her damp red hair.  He inhaled deeply and savored the smell of her honeysuckle shampoo.  "I love you, too, Ames."  He held her slightly back for a moment and gazed at her, gently brushing away her tears with his fingers, then lowered his head to her lips and kissed her.

*

Three weeks later, Atlanta, Georgia...

Adam was in the locker room following his RAW match against Rob Van Dam, swathed in a towel, as he had just finished showering.  He was searching through his duffel bag for a particular shirt but couldn't find it.

"Don't tell me I lost it," he muttered.  "Hey, Jay!" he called, looking over his shoulder.

Jay, who had gone into the shower after he got out, called back.  "What?!"

"Did you see my black shirt?!"

"Can you be more specific?!  You have a lot of black shirts!" Jay shouted back to his best friend.

Adam stepped closer to the door.  "You know, the one I was wearing at that club in Miami a few weeks ago!" he called back.

"Huh?  Oh...no, I haven't seen it!  Sorry, dude!"

"Damn!" Adam said.  "That's one of my favorite shirts, and it's missing!"  He resignedly selected a black pullover instead and started getting dressed.  A moment later, he heard a knock on the door.

Adam went over to the door and opened it, hiding behind it because he was only partially dressed.  He peeked his head out and saw it was only Amy.  She smiled at him.

"You ready yet?"

"No, I'm still getting dressed."

"Mmm...sounds good to me," she said with a chuckle, stepping into the room.  Adam shut the door behind her, and she dropped her bag to the floor and put her arms around him.  "You look so inviting," she said, reaching down to fondle his buttocks.

"Not now, baby," Adam said reluctantly as he ran his hands up and down her back.  "Jay is here..."

"He is?  I don't see him," she murmured.

"He's in the shower right now.  And come to think of it, you'd better get out of here, because he probably won't be decent when he gets out.  I'll meet you right outside."  He picked up her bag, handed it to her and steered her to the door.

"Aw, Adam..."  Amy's face became a mask of a pout.

"I'll be right out - I promise," Adam said with a grin, kissing her quickly on the lips.

*

Amy checked her watch.  It was still early, only ten after nine, as Adam's match had taken place a little after eight-thirty.  She herself hadn't had a match in a few weeks and she was actually glad.  She hadn't been feeling well lately.

She set her tote bag down in front of the locker room in which Adam and Jay were esconced and stepped over to the buffet area, which was only a few feet away.  There was fruit set out on one table, beverages on another, and, of all things, donuts from Dunkin' Donuts, set on another.  She headed straight for that table, grabbing a Boston Creme donut, and, as she took a bite out of it, she realized she needed a drink to go along with it.  Grabbing a paper plate to set her treat down on, she poured herself a cup of skim milk.  Afterward, she sat down in the corner of the room to enjoy her donut.  As she began chatting with Andrew Martin, who had just stepped into the room, she didn't notice Stephanie McMahon walking throught the hallway, toward Adam's locker room.

*

Stephanie slipped past the buffet area unnoticed by its only two inhabitants and stopped just outside of the locker room she knew Adam was using for the night.  She glanced down and saw a tote bag, which she recognized as Amy's.

Glancing around, making sure no one was in sight, she dug into the bag.  She tried to make as little sound as possible and prayed that the locker room door wouldn't suddenly open.

Stephanie's hand closed on something that felt like a credit card.  She pulled it out and discovered that it was in fact a hotel room key.  She glanced at it for a second before sneaking it into a pocket of her black slacks, then, a smile crossing her face, she straightened up and snuck away.

*

Adam stepped through the door to his locker room, expecting to see Amy standing there, and nearly tripped.  He glanced down and saw her bag lying directly in the doorway.  He reached down to pick it up, then went out into the hall.

"Amy?  Amy!"

"I'm in here, Adam," she called.  He realized her voice was coming from the room in which the buffet had been set out.

"What are you doing?" he asked when he saw her munching on a donut in the corner.  "I thought we were going out to dinner...Hey, Drew," he said, smiling and nodding at Andrew, who was standing by the fruit table.

"We are," Amy said, licking the chocolate off her fingers one-by-one.  "I just had a little craving that I couldn't fight.  Don't worry - one little donut won't spoil my appetite."  She stood up and came over to him, then stood on her tiptoes and kissed him on the cheek.  "Of course I have an appetite on your birthday."  She smiled as she took her bag from him.

Adam smiled.  "Okay then...we should be going now.  Later, Drew!"

"Later, Adam..."

As Adam and Amy were leaving, Amy turned back to Andrew and exchanged knowing glances with him.  They shared a secret smile.

*

Stephanie sat backstage in a deserted locker room that nobody but her was using.  She opened up her suitcase and took something out of it.  She held the soft fabric up against her cheek, savoring the sensation of it against her skin.

She closed her eyes as she moved the material against her nose.  She inhaled deeply, enjoying the way it smelled - the scent was purely man - Adam, to be exact, as it was his shirt she was holding.  It was the short-sleeved black button-down shirt he'd been searching for while in the locker room earlier.

She'd snuck into Adam and Jay's locker room when she knew they weren't there earlier that night.  Adam had been in the ring for his match at the time, and Jay had been with Trish, whom he'd started dating a couple of months earlier.  It had been the perfect time.

She'd deliberately chosen this particular shirt to snatch from his bag.  She knew it was one of his favorites, and he'd worn it a couple of days before.  When she lifted it and smelled it, she knew that he hadn't washed it, as it was still clean and smelled of an intoxicating combination of Adam's cologne and of Adam himself...

*

"I'm missing a shirt," Adam told Amy as she steered their rental car around Atlanta.  She'd insisted on driving that night.

"Really?  Which one?" she asked, tossing her red hair off her face with her left hand while driving with her right.

"The black one I wore to the club - that night."  Amy met his eyes, and Adam's face broke out into a broad grin as he recalled that night in Miami and the four times of incredible sex they'd had in that single night.  It was a night he was extremely proud of, as any red-blooded male would be.  Amy smiled slyly with the memory of the night in question.

Adam's smile slowly faded.  "But seriously, Ames...I'm upset that I can't find that shirt.  You know how much I love that one!"

"Maybe you left it at the hotel," she suggested.

"No...I know I packed it in my duffel bag and brought it to the arena with me tonight.  I did that deliberately so I could wear it tonight."

"I'm sure it'll turn up," Amy replied confidently.  "If not, we'll get you another one."

Adam sulked a bit and was silent for a moment.  After a while, he said, "Are you sure you know where you're going?"  They'd been driving around in what seemed like circles for the past twenty minutes.  Adam checked his watch.

"Yes, of course.  We're going right...there," she said, pointing to the small restaurant that sat on the corner of the street she'd just drove up.

Adam peered out the window.  It was a tiny Italian place that looked to be a family-style restaurant.  He'd never been there before, in all the times the WWF had been to Atlanta.  "Why did it take us so long to find this place?" he questioned, realizing they'd passed it by a good four or five times.

"I don't know what you're talking about, Adam...I knew exactly where this place was," Amy said innocently.

He laughed.  "Leave it to a woman to do the driving...and you think us guys are bad with asking for directions!"

"Hey!"  Amy playfully smacked him on the shoulder as she put the car in park.  "I knew where I was going!  Now, come on, birthday boy!"

They got out of the car and walked hand-in-hand up the short walk to the door of the small restaurant.  A hostess greeted them, and Amy smiled and said, "Reservation for Dumas."

"Ah, yes," the woman said with a smile.  "Come right this way..."  She led them around a corner to the main dining area.  Adam realized the restaurant was a little bigger than he'd thought after all.

All of a sudden, he got a huge surprise when a group of people shouted, "Surprise!"  He looked around and saw Jay, Trish, Matt, Jeff, Andrew, Stacy, and some other friends - Matt Bloom, Glen Jacobs, Scott Taylor, Mark Lamonica, Devon Hughes, Nora Greenwald, and Jackie Moore, seated at a group of tables in the middle of the room.  They all started saying happy birthday to him.

"Oh, jeez...you guys!" Adam exclaimed.  He was truly surprised.  "And you," he said, turning toward Amy and giving her hand a gentle squeeze.  "You had me completely fooled!"  He raised a hand up to her cheek and kissed her, and laughing, she kissed him back.  Their friends all applauded and laughed.

"Hey, over here, Adam," Jay called, waving him over.  "You're at the head of the table, and we saved a seat for your lady right here, too."

"Thanks, Jay."  Adam led Amy over to the opposite end of the table.  He sat down at the head of the table, and Amy sat at his left side while Jay was at his right.  He turned to Amy.  "No wonder you kept driving in circles!"

*

Stephanie and Chris were back in their hotel room, relaxing after Chris' match, which was one of the last for the evening.  She felt depressed.  She knew that it was Adam's birthday and also knew that she and Chris had not been invited.  Rather, Chris would have been invited, but Adam and Amy's friends were not her friends.  They didn't want her there.

None of them wanted anything to do with her and she knew it.  Even Trish, who had been somewhat of a friend to her for a few months, had turned against her.  The petite blond had all but stopped even acknowledging her once she'd started seeing Adam's best friend, Jay Reso.  Actually, that wasn't true.  Trish had stopped associating with her since the night she'd attacked Amy and Trish had confronted her about it.

Stephanie didn't care.  She didn't need them - any of them.  They were all worthless trash, anyway.  All of them except for Adam.  Adam...

She glanced down beside her on the bed and realized that Chris was fast asleep.  They'd been watching TV together, and he'd been exhausted after his match, since it had been against The Undertaker.  An irresistible urge suddenly overtook Stephanie.  She silently got off the bed and slipped into her shoes, quietly leaving the room.

She made her way down the hall and went up the stairwell to the third floor of the hotel.  Taking out the card key that still resided in her pocket, she glanced at the hotel room number and smiled.  Room 345.

Glancing around like a thief in the night, Stephanie let herself into the room, knowing full well that nobody was there.  She'd overheard all about Adam's surprise birthday party at this restaurant somewhere in the city.

Shutting the door behind her, she flipped on the light switch and glanced around the room.  She just wanted to get a look at the room in which Adam was currently residing.  Her face broke out into a grin as she surveyed the area.  She saw his bags laid out on the floor near the bed and realized that the room smelled vaguely like his cologne.

When her eyes spotted Amy's stuff, her smile disappeared and was replaced by a scowl. Why can't that woman just get lost? she wondered bitterly.  She truly hated Amy's guts.  Maybe she should write another "attack" in the script and beat that bitch senseless again.  The smile returned to Stephanie's face as she envisioned such an act.

She spent another five minutes just standing there by the door before leaving and returning to her own room, and to Chris.

*

When he and Amy returned to their hotel room later that night, Adam's arms were full of gifts his friends had given him.  A few of the smaller ones were in his duffel bag and in Amy's tote bag.  Amy fished in her bag for her room key but couldn't seem to find it.

"That's strange," she said.  "I can't find my key."

"Hmm..." Adam said thoughtfully.  "...first my shirt, now your room key.  Well, I know I've got mine.  Hold on."  He set his packages down on the floor in front of him and put a hand in a pocket of his jacket.  "Voile!"  With a smile, he opened the door.

Amy instantly went to the bed and began taking things out of her bag.  She put all of the gifts for Adam she had in there aside, then searched around.  "I know I had it," she said, puzzled.  "How can I have lost it?"

"Don't worry, I'm sure it'll turn up," Adam said, using the very familiar words she'd said to him earlier that night when he'd complained about his missing shirt.  "Or else we'll have to pay a fee for a missing key - I guess.  Don't worry about it."

Dropping his coat on the back of a chair, he approached the bed and positioned himself over her.  She gazed up at him and put her arms up, instantly encircling his neck.  Adam lay down on the bed half-on top of her and half-beside her and kissed her deeply and passionately.

Amy kissed him back fervently, her body instantly warming up with the heat of him.  She felt him hardening against her thigh and reached down to stroke him.

Adam sighed with pleasure and reached down to undo his zipper, freeing himself.  Amy pulled back to gaze down and then back up into his eyes.  She bit her lips with anticipation, patting the bed at her right side, and Adam fell onto it.

Amy turned around to face him again and slowly crawled to him, unbuttoning his jeans, and she straddled him and kissed him, rubbing against him as she did so.  Adam groaned and ran his fingers through her long, thick red hair.

"Amy..."  His breathing quickened as she pulled down his jeans and briefs and then bent over to take him into her mouth.  What a great birthday, he thought, realizing that during his last one, he had not had Amy as his girlfriend.  He loved her so much.

*

Hours later, while Adam slept soundly beside her, his arm thrown over her, Amy lay awake.  She'd slept fitfully for most of the night, as her mind was working overtime.

She was worried.  Something was going on, something she didn't want to think about right now, but she knew she had no choice.  She had to face the music and deal with the consequences, and the sooner, the better.  But what about her career?

She sighed.  In the morning, she would deal with things.  In the meantime, all she could do was sleep - if that blessed privilege would return to her.

*

After ten-thirty that morning, when Adam went into the bathroom for his shower, Amy slipped into a pair of cargo pants, a pullover top and her shoes, then grabbed her wallet, jacket and Adam's room key.  She would only be gone a few minutes, as she was only going directly across the street from the hotel.  Adam wouldn't even know she was gone, as he was famous for his long showers.  All the better, because she didn't want him to know she was going out.

*

Stephanie McMahon stood in the doorway to the stairwell of the third floor of the hotel and watched in disgust as Amy disappeared into the elevator.  Good.  Amy was gone and Chris was still asleep.  What perfect timing.  She made her way stealthily to the door to room 345, taking out the key she'd swiped from Amy's bag the previous night.

She tiptoed barefooted into the room, quietly shutting the door behind her.  All she wore was a short, black satin robe, her hair all loose and cascading in curls down her back.

The room was empty, the king-sized bed a mess.  The shower was running in the bathroom, and Stephanie smiled to herself.  Now, she would make her big move.

She tiptoed to the bathroom door, which was closed, and tried the knob, holding her breath.  The door was unlocked.  She entered the small room, steam billowing around her.  He was right there - in the shower.  Quiet as a mouse, Stephanie untied her robe, letting it fall gently to the floor.  Afterward, she carefully pushed back one corner of the cloth shower curtain and peered inside.

Her eyes widened at the sight of him.  Adam was even more beautiful in the nude than she'd imagined.  His body was taut and muscular and couldn't have been more perfect if Michaelangelo had sculpted it.  Though she could only see him from the back, she knew his front must be equally as gorgeous, perhaps more so.

A grin spreading across her guilty face, Stephanie stepped into the shower behind Adam.  At the moment, he was soaping up his muscular chest and didn't seem to be aware of her.

"What took you so long?" he asked, his back still to her.  She was wrong - he was aware of her, after all.  She didn't respond but dared to press her body up against his, her nipples instantly hardening against his back.

"Mmm...I'm glad you decided to join me, baby."

Stephanie still didn't speak, but she allowed her hands to caress Adam's washboard stomach.  She opened her mouth, a sigh nearly escaping her.  Oh, God...  She supressed the urge to cry out.  She dared to move her head ever so slightly to get a peek at the front of his body and nearly gasped.  He appeared to have a full erection, and he must have had at least nine inches!  Stephanie wanted to feel that inside of her.  Oh, God...

Feeling particularly brave because Adam still hadn't realized she was not Amy, Stephanie moved her left hand until it was grasping his penis.  Her breath caught in her throat as she felt his hardness.  God, he was so hard!

"Oh, that feels good," Adam said softly as her hand began moving up and down.

"I can make you feel really good," she said in a throaty voice.

Adam spun around sharply as he suddenly realized it was not Amy in the shower with him.  His eyes went wide as he took in the sight of a naked and wet Stephanie McMahon standing behind him.

"What the fuck are you doing in here?!" he shouted.  He grabbed ahold of the shower curtain, modestly trying to cover himself up.  "Get out!!!"

Stephanie stared at him, her feelings hurt.  "You said you liked what I was doing..."

"Get the fuck out of here - now!  I don't know how the hell you got in here, but at the moment, I don't really care to know."

"But Amy's not here - don't you see?  It's okay, Adam.  She's not here right now," Stephanie said in an almost pleading tone.

"GET OUT!!!  Amy's not here?  Then get the fuck out before she gets back!"  He quickly stepped out of the shower and grabbed a towel, instantly swathing it around his hips.  He grabbed another, then went back to the shower and grasped Stephanie by her upper arm, forcing her out of it.  He angrily shoved the other towel at her and said, "Dry off, put on your clothes and get out of here, goddamn it!"

Stephanie pouted and stared at him with hurt eyes while she wrapped the towel around herself.  She stood there and gazed at him reproachfully as he appeared to get angrier by the second.

"What the fuck is wrong with you, Stephanie?  Have you completely lost your mind?!"  Adam shook his head as he realized that what Amy had reported Trish telling her months ago was in fact true - Stephanie obviously had some sick obsession with him to pull a stunt like this.

Stephanie didn't say anything but just stared at him with large, sad-looking blue eyes.

All of a sudden, Adam became aware of the bathroom door being opened, and to his horror, Amy was standing there in the doorway.  His heart sank at the expression in her eyes as she took in the scene.  Her eyes scanned Stephanie from head-to-toe, then shifted over to him.

"What the hell is this?  What the hell is going on here?!" she screamed.  Her shocked eyes met Adam's.

Adam quickly grabbed his robe and slipped into it.  "This is NOT what it looks like, Amy...I know this looks really bad, but it is not-"

"Spare me all your lies, Adam Copeland!!!" she shouted.  "You make me sick!"  She turned around and fled.

Adam shoved past Stephanie and ran after Amy.  "Amy, wait!  Amy!!!"

*

Amy ran down the hall, unable to contain her tears any longer.  She felt as if her world were collapsing.  She ignored Adam's calls and ran straight for room 367, knocking and calling frantically.  "Let me in, please!" she cried.

In seconds, the door was opened, and Amy rushed inside and threw herself into the arms of Jay Reso.  As he shut the door and held tightly to her, she let loose and wept uncontrollably.  "Oh, my God!"

Jay stroked her hair softly and turned his head to exchange concerned and confused glances with Trish Stratus, who was seated on the edge of the bed.  "What's the matter, Amy?  What is it?"

"Oh, Jay...I..."  Overcome by another fit of sobs, she couldn't finish her sentence.  She suddenly looked past Jay's shoulder and saw Trish standing right behind him, a look of concern on her face.  "Oh, Trish!"  She reached one hand out to her.

"What happened?" Trish said softly, reaching one hand out to Amy.

Before Amy could respond, there was a series of knocks at the door.

"Amy!  Amy!  Please talk to me!  Please?!"  It was Adam.

Jay looked about to open the door to let him in, but Amy stopped him.  "No!  Don't let him in.  Please, Jay.  Please!"

Realizing just how distraught Amy was, Jay resignedly slipped the chain lock in place, and only then did he open the door a crack.  He hated himself for doing this, but he didn't want to upset Amy any further.

"Hold on, Adam," he said, peeking out at him, "Amy doesn't want to see you right now."

"Come on, Jay!  Let me in!" Adam demanded.  He looked desperate and upset.

"Sorry, but I can't do that right now - not right now..."

"Jay!" Adam yelled sharply.  He looked at Jay furiously and lifted a hand, seeming ready to shove his way through the door, through the chain.  Jay pushed it shut and locked it before he could attempt to do so.  He felt like shit doing such a thing to his best friend, but first he had to find out what had happened.  He listened to Adam ranting and raving outside the door for a moment before storming off.

Amy was sitting on the bed beside Trish, holding onto one of her hands while Trish smoothed away some strands of her hair off her face.  She squeezed her eyes shut and more tears fell on her cheeks.

"What's the matter, Amy?  What happened?  Tell me..."

"Oh, God...I...It feels like a horrible nightmare!"

Jay came over to stand in front of the women.  "What happened?" he asked her.  A thought crossed his mind, but he realized how ludicrous it was - Adam would never hit a woman.

"I went out for awhile," Amy began, taking deep breaths to control her crying.  "And when I came back, I found him getting out of the shower with...with Stephanie McMahon!  He's cheating on me with her!"  She started weeping uncontrollably again.

"Oh, my God!" Trish exclaimed.

Amy covered her mouth with one hand and lay her head down on Trish's lap.  "What am I going to do?" she cried.  "I love Adam..."

While Trish stroked Amy's hair, Jay spoke up.  "I don't believe it," he said.  "Adam and Stephanie?  That doesn't add up."

"But she saw it with her own two eyes, Jay," Trish said, looking up at him.

"Adam can't stand Stephanie McMahon," Jay said matter-of-factly.

"Oh, sure - take his side," Trish said with a smirk of disapproval.  "You men sure stick together, don't you?"

"Trish, listen to me," Jay insisted.  "I know for a fact that Adam would never touch Stephanie.  And I don't believe that he would cheat on Amy, period.  Amy, he loves you more than anything."

Amy lifted her head and stared at him.

"He loves you more than anything, and he wouldn't hurt you like that.  I know there's got to be a logical explanation."

Amy shook her head, fresh tears coming to her eyes.  "Oh, God..." she looked down at the small paper bag she still held tightly in her left hand.  "...Trish, I need to speak to you privately."  She emphasized that last word.

"Sure, Amy."  Trish glanced at Jay meaningfully.

"Does that mean you ladies want me to get lost?"

"Only for a little while," Trish said with a shrug.  "Why don't you go talk to Adam?" she suggested.

"All right, I'll go and do that," Jay said.  He grabbed his hotel key and glanced at them one more time before slipping out of the room.

When he was gone, Amy gazed at Trish plaintively.  "Oh, Trish...I don't know what I'm going to do."  She bit her lip nervously.  "I had to go out to the drug store across the street and get...this..."  She gestured toward the bag.

"What's in it?"

Amy closed her eyes and took out the contents of the small paper bag, then, opening her eyes and meeting her friend's, she calmly said, "Trish...I think I may be pregnant."