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Just about the moment after her little camera spot with the Hardyz had come to an end, Amy rose from her seat on Matt's lap and fled from the room. She heard Matt call after her but ignored him. As she rushed out of there, she also heard Jeff telling his older brother to leave her be.
The redhead ran down the arena hallway, not quite sure where she was heading, but knowing only that she needed to get away and be alone for awhile. And then, as she finally grew tired, she ducked into what appeared to be a vacant room, her tears coming fast as she mentally replayed being the tenth and final draft pick for RAW...
Her back was pressed up against the door as she began to shake with soft sobs, her tears hot and scalding. And then, suddenly, she realized something - the sound of someone *else's* sobs seemed to be emanating from the darkened room.
In a haste, Amy reluctantly flipped on the overhead light, surprised to see Stephanie McMahon sitting on a small loveseat several feet away, the brunette looking miserable as she wearily raised her head to meet the other woman's equally tearful eyes.
"Stephanie?" The high-flying diva inched closer to the other girl, her heart going out to her despite her own misery.
The brunette shook her head, her eyes red-rimmed as she kept them down and glued to a spot on the floor before her.
"I just came from a little meeting with my father," she began. "I already know my fate after tonight..." She raised her blue gaze and met Amy's hazel eyes. "He's taking me off of TV for the next few months!"
The redhead blinked sadly as she eyed her friend.
"Oh, Steph... I'm so sorry..." She knew how much this had to be hurting the brunette, as she knew Stephanie loved being on TV. But most importantly, not being on the shows would mean she wouldn't see Chris as much as she'd been doing the last month and a half during their storyline together. Her heart went out to the brunette.
Stephanie sniffled, raising a partially crumpled tissue cluched in her left hand and blotted at her eyes and nose.
"I haven't broken the news to Chris yet," she revealed. "I don't know how this is going to affect him."
'*I* do...' Amy thought and sighed. This was not going to be good. She knew Chris was already in love with the young woman, so it could only crush him.
The tall brunette looked back at her and squinted slightly.
"Hey, why did *you* come in here to cry? You're still going to be on television..."
Amy raised a hand to her face, her tears having temporarily stopped when she'd realized she hadn't been alone in the room. She lowered her gaze sadly for a beat, then met the other diva's eyes.
"I... it's not that. I feel awful because... Well, we're gonna be on different shows now."
Stephanie prettily arched an eyebrow at her friend's words. Then, recognition setting in, she asked, "You mean you and Adam?"
"Yes... How did you know I was talking about him?"
The brunette gave a sad, sardonic little smile.
"Just a hunch... Look, Amy - take it from me and tell him how you really feel."
"What?" A look of alarm came into the redhead's face.
"It's so obvious you're in love with him," Stephanie elaborated. "I think you should tell him how you feel. Do it before it's too late." She didn't know why she'd chosen *those* words to use, but she didn't bother correcting herself at the same time.
The redhead sighed as she settled down to sit beside the other woman. If only she could find the strength and courage to do exactly as Stephanie suggested.