I was There

Disclaimer: I own no one recognizable.

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Somehow, I was always there for Trish. Every time she needed someone, I was there.

Before I met her, she had fallen in love with John Cena. I never liked him.

Every three months, he would leave her. He would use tired clichés.

I need my space.

It's not you, it's me.

I need room to breathe.

Let's just be friends.

We're not on the same page.

I think we should see other people.

After she met me, I was the one who would comfort her tears. I was the one who told her he didn't deserve her. Every month, she would come close to leaving him.

Then, he would come back.

Eventually, they got engaged. I almost refused to attend her wedding. After all, I knew she would just get hurt. I hated to admit it but I knew it was true.

She managed to convince me to attend her wedding. It wasn't that difficult. She took me out for a cup of coffee, and said 'I want you there, Rand. You're my best friend, and I won't be able to properly enjoy my wedding day if you're not there,'

During the Bridal saga, I fell in love with Christy Hemme. Red hair and blue eyes, she was gorgeous.

Trish listened to me babble. Every time I mentioned Christy, Trish would glance away as if she was a curse.

I couldn't figure it out. Trish had John. I had Christy. I could have sworn she would be happy because both of us were in relationships. I was happy, because it meant I could finally get Trish off of my mind.

On the night of her wedding, I almost didn't go. I DID NOT want to see my best friend hurt. I loved her more than words would ever describe. I simply didn't want to see her commit herself to a man who didn't deserve the love she gave him.

The only reason I did go was simple.

Christy wanted me to go. She wouldn't take no for an answer. I remember her exact words.

Trish is liable to not go through with the ceremony if you aren't there.

Chris, she's making a big mistake! He's only going to hurt her.

You know that. I know that. Let her have happiness before her world comes crashing down.

As much as I hated to admit it, Christy was right. Trish should have her happiness before things came crashing down.

I sat on the Bride's side. I did it with dignity and grace. I could tell Christy was grateful. She had been worried I would make a scene.

I can honestly say I've never seen Trish look more beautiful.

Just after the wedding, John left again. She called me in the middle of the night, crying hysterically.

Randy!

Trish, what time is it?

Two-thirty AM. Did I wake you?

Um, yeah.

Is that Christy?

You woke her, too.

Apologize for me. I didn't mean to wake her.

I will. What's wrong?

John left again!

Why?

He said he needed space. He said it was him, not me.

Trisha!

What?

He's up to his old tricks again.

Don't remind me!

I haven't spoken to Trish in months. Since then, Christy and I have become parents. We have a beautiful baby girl, Amara Jade. Speaking of babies, I got a birth announcement in the mail not so long ago.

Amaya Jade Cena

6 lbs, 4 oz

23 inches long

I don't consider it a coincidence that our daughters have almost identical names. After all, we were always on an almost telepathic basis. I could tell what she was thinking. She could tell what I was thinking.

I last saw her with him. She told me she was moving, and didn't know where she was going. Personally, I don't believe that. Who am I to argue?

I'll call you when we get settled.

She never called me. I have no clue where she is. Her cell phone's been shut off.

I loved her first.

He never loved her.

I know this, simply because I was there.

THE END