Missed Chances
Chapter 1
*2000*
Clearing his throat, Paul Heyman looked around at all of the men and women in front of him. "Everyone, I'm sorry to have to tell you this but… we've been bought by the WWE."
Everyone let out a collective gasp of shock.
"What?!" Tommy Dreamer exclaimed, his mouth hung open in shock. Turning to his good friend Rob Szaktowski, he saw that Rob wore the same expression as him and many of their co-workers.
"Dude, I can't believe this." Rob finally spoke. "What's gonna happen to all of us?"
"Well, the WWE has been scouting some of you for a while. So, some of you might be in the WWE before you can hit the unemployment line." Paul explained, trying to keep the sadness out of his voice.
"What about the others?" Tommy asked.
"Well… we don't know. The WWE will offer contracts to those of you that they want. For the others, just hope that they come for you too."
"I can't believe this." A voice behind Rob and Tommy muttered. Turning around, they both saw Sabu (Terry Brunk).
"I know man." Rob consoled his friend.
"Guys." Paul called, attempting to get everyone's attention. "Guys!" He screeched again.
Everyone turned around, watching Paul intently.
"I just wanted to say a few things. I don't know who will get picked up for the WWE and who wont, but I want you all to know that each and every one of you deserve it. You've all worked your asses of here, in one of the toughest federations ever. In my book, you should all be picked up. But, we all know that wont happen. The WWE will take the biggest moneymakers from here, and people that they think can make them more money. Their business is all about money. I just want you all to know what a pleasure it's been to work with you. I truly do love all of you. Good luck in everything you do in the future. Hopefully, I'll meet up with some of you again. Goodbye."
As Paul finished up his speech, everyone was a little choked up. They were leaving their jobs, what they had loved doing for years, and stepping into an uncertain future.
"Rob, Rob?"
"Sorry Tommy." Rob apologized, shaking his head. "I was just…"
"Thinking?" Tommy finished.
"Yeah." Rob said with a nod. Turning his head, he scanned the room, looking at some of his friends. He gave Jazz (Charlene Moore) and her husband Redd Dog (Rodney Mack) small smiles. He would miss everyone; so many people had become like family to him. As he scanned the room, one person caught his eye.
She was sitting in the corner of the room, alone. She had always been a talkative person, hanging out with friends. Now she was alone, sad and alone. She looked so sad, like she could cry at any second.
"I'll be right back." Rob told Tommy, walking away at a brisk pace.
"Hey Rob." Danny Doring (Danny Morrison) greeted.
"Hey Danny." Rob replied, looking over Danny's shoulder at the dark haired woman, still alone in the corner of the room.
"I just… I just wanted to say bye."
"Don't say bye, we'll see each other again."
"Yeah… talk to you later, Rob."
"Bye Danny." As soon as Danny walked away, Rob quickened his pace and walked over to the women. "Um… hi."
Looking up, the woman met Rob's hazel eyes with tear-filled green ones. "Hi Rob."
"Are you okay?"
"Yeah, I'll be fine. It's just… this is all so sad. I'm gonna miss everyone."
"Me too. I can't believe all this. ECW was such a strong, talented company. WWE just has more money."
"Yeah." The woman agreed with a nod.
Nodding back, Rob turned his head, watching as many of his friends slowly made their way out of the building. Feeling a sinking feeling in his stomach, Rob knew it was really over. The ECW era was coming to an end. The company where he had had so much success was now closing up. Would he be taken to the WWE? Would they want him?
"Rob? Are you okay?"
"Huh? Oh yeah Dawn, I'm fine."
Dawn smiled at his assurance, not sure she believed him. "Well, I guess we should be going."
"Yeah." Rob agreed with a sigh. "Let me take your bags."
"Thanks." Dawn told him gratefully. "So…" She started as they walked out into the night. "Do you think you'll make it into the WWE?"
"I hope so. It's been a dream of mine for a long time." Rob explained. "What about you?"
"I wish, I don't really think they'll pick me up though."
"Why not?" Rob asked, curiosity growing.
"Well, here they never used me as more than a valet. Why would the WWE want more? And they have plenty of valets, they probably aren't looking for any more."
"Woah, they don't need valets, they need wrestlers. You could be a wrestler, it's just that no one here ever let you. Maybe WWE would give you a chance to really compete."
"I hope so."
Rob sighed. "I hope so too, Dawn, you deserve the chance."
Smiling, Dawn looked up, once again meeting his eyes. "Rob, why are you being so nice to me?"
Blushing, Rob looked away, not wanting Dawn to see his red face. The truth was that Rob had always had a little crush on Dawn, he just never told anyone, especially her. She was so out of his league, gorgeous, sweet, talented, everything he'd ever looked for in a woman.
"Rob, you there?" Dawn joked, waving a hand in Rob's face.
"What? Oh, sorry. I just… you deserve to be treated special. You shouldn't settle for anything else."
"Aw… Rob. Thank you."
"No problem." Rob replied, the blush coming to his cheeks again.
"Rob." Dawn quietly said, gazing up to meet his eyes.
Turning away quickly, Rob didn't want Dawn to see him blushing. He was supposed to be RVD, tough and arrogant, not caring what anyone thought. Not dependent on anyone. But then, why did Dawn have such a power over his emotions?
"Rob." Dawn repeated, directing his gaze back to her. "Are you okay?"
"Yeah." Rob replied, smiling. Feeling brave, he leaned down slowly, pressing a soft kiss on Dawn's lips. Pulling away, he couldn't help but grin, he had wanted to do that for so long.
"Rob."
"Yea…"
Rob couldn't help but gasp as he was cut of by Dawn pressing her lips to his, in yet another kiss. This time though, it was longer and more passionate than before.
"Wow." Rob breathed, trying to catch his breath.
"Yeah." Dawn agreed.
"Why did you…"
"Kiss you? Just an urge."
"Oh."
"Well… I have to go." Dawn admitted, the sad look coming back to her face.
"Ok, I'll talk to you later, I guess."
"Yeah, good luck in WWE, I know you'll make it."
"You'll make it too, I know it."
"Thanks." Smiling, Dawn started to walk away. "Bye Rob."
"Bye Dawn." Rob said with a wave. As he watched her get into her car, a feeling of regret came over her. He had finally done the one thing he had wanted to do for so long and now it couldn't go anywhere. He and Dawn were headed for two separate places. It was over.
A/N: Ook, that's chapter 1. It's a challenge from Brit. I hope you guys like it. More to come soon!
:)Nicole***
