A/N: So the changes are not major as of right now, but it'll start becoming much more relevant as the chapters go along. Thank you so much for the support lovelies! I'm just so happy to be back on this site. I know I've been saying that numerous of times already, but I haven't been on here for so long! Thank you once again!
Chapter 3: The Meeting
- Bea's POV -
I sat on Gabriella's bed as I waited for the arrival of my brother's friends. I really don't know why my brother would bring them here. I've met them before on numerous occasions. Out of all of my brother's friends, John is the one I've known the longest and is the closest to me. I met him when my brother was still in OVW with Randy. We hit it off pretty quickly since John was not that hard to get along with. Besides that, he was Randy's best friend, so in a way, I felt that I had to get along with him. The others, I've met through a couple of parties my brother had or when he would bring them along. It's a miracle that I've never encountered Randy during any of those parties. But then again those parties were held for Gabriella.
I looked out the window and I still remember when I met Randy. We just moved to St. Louis and I was nervous since I was the new girl in school. My brother didn't move with us since he wanted to stay in California. Dave's thirteen years older than me, so when my parents decided to move away from Los Angeles, Dave was old enough to feed himself, hell, he already had his own family. I was against the idea to move to St. Louis, but I think after the day I met Randy in Junior High, I changed my mind.
It's funny because our love story was like out of a movie: best friends turned into lovers.
I honestly thought we would never be more than that. He always treated me like a little sister, but I never saw him as an older brother, I already had an older brother. I did have the biggest crush on him. Instead of distancing myself to assure I wouldn't fall for him, I became his best friend.
Why?
My logic at that time was that if I became his best friend, I wouldn't fall for him and find something to not like or it'll eventually fade as I begin to see him more as a friend. But of course, things always do not work in that way; I actually ended up falling for him harder, and amazing as it was, he fell for me too. Randy and I were together for six years. He's actually two years older than me. Not that much of an age difference, really, but my parents still had issues with it. Thankfully, they eventually learned to accept him and our relationship.
We've been through a lot together. I remembered when he left to join the Marines, I actually thought that would be the end of our relationship, but thank god it wasn't. We stayed strong through all the hardships. Through all the distance, cheating, arguing, and problems that came in a relationship, we stayed strong. But as strong as we stayed, the thing that broke us up was the thing that should have brought us closer together.
I watched as Gabriella continued to color in her coloring book. This little girl was easily entertained. As much as she liked socializing, she absolutely loved having time for herself.
I stood up and squatted beside her. "Baby, can you stop coloring for a little while? Mommy has to dress you up." I said to her as I placed my cell phone on her coloring table that was placed in the center of her room.
Gabriella put her red crayon down and stood up. I picked her up and sat her on her bed. I didn't really know what she should wear, but I figured the more comfortable the better.
"What do you want to wear Gabby?" I questioned her.
Gabriella was able to dress herself now. Though at times I made adjustments to her clothing, most of the time, she chose her clothes. She was, as she proclaims to everyone, a 'big girl' now.
For a moment, Gabriella looked up at the ceiling, before drifting her eyes back towards me. "Can I just wear my soft pants?"
Soft pants, she absolutely loves her sweats.
"Sure baby," I got the sweat pants out of her closet, placing it on her bed beside her.
Gabriella dressed herself before hopping off her bed and went back to coloring. I was about to exit the room when I heard her call out.
"Mommy, are we having a partwy?" Gabriella asked.
I looked up at Gabriella and smiled. "No sweetie, we're just going to have a little get together with Uncle Dave's friends."
Gabriella looked at me and stopped coloring. I made my way over to her, sitting on the floor beside her.
"What's wrong sweetie?" I asked her as I pushed back some of her hair away from her face.
"Nothing mommy, my hand just got tired," she smiled.
"Guess what baby? Daddy's coming." Maybe it wasn't a good idea to tell her, but I just feel that it would be better to prepare Gabriella, instead of having her come face to face with Randy for the first time without warning.
Gabriella's blue eyes turned slightly darker, anger immediately appearing on her face.
"Why? I don't want him here." Gabriella snobbishly replied.
"Gaby, don't say that." I scolded her. "Are you not happy? Daddy's finally coming to see you,"
"I don't care mommy, he wasn't here for my birthday. I don't like him." Gabriella replied practically putting her feet down about the whole situation.
I, of course told Gabriella who her father was, by showing her a picture of me and Randy. When she asked me why he wasn't here, I simply replied that he was working for her. I know that excuse wasn't that great, but it's not like Gabriella would understand if I told her the real reason.
It was something I was trying to avoid, it's hard to explain to a child why their father isn't there. I did the best I could by making up lies, which was horrible on my part, but it was the best I could come up with. By the time Gabriella turned four years old she got tired of waiting. Can't say I blame her, but I didn't want her to hate Randy. Then again she is a child; I'm sure once she sees Randy her hatred will be gone. Even though she did not have a liking towards her father, every time I see Gabriella's eyes, it reminded me of his. I see Randy in her more than I see me. It sucks, but I guess it's bearable. At least no one will doubt me when I tell him or her she's Randy Orton's child.
I was torn away from my thoughts when I heard Gabriella ask me a question. "Can we invite Uncle Erick!?" Gabriella looked up at me with those captivating blue eyes.
I shook my head. "I don't think so baby." I glanced at the time. "Uncle Erick just got home from work, I'm sure he's exhausted."
"I want Uncle Erick to come! Uncle Dave's friends are coming! He's Uncle Dave's friend!" Gabriella stubbornly replied, Randy's personality was definitely showing. "I rather have him here than that guy!"
Before I can say anything the doorbell rang. Gabriella looked at me and grabbed my phone, which was rested on the table where she was coloring. I raised an eyebrow and followed my daughter. She amazingly knew how to use my phone. Well at least how to hold a number down. She held the number 3 down and put the phone on her ear.
"Uncle Erick!" Gabriella exclaimed.
- End POV -
Dave opened the door for their visitors. It took some time for all of them to get through the door since they had a lot of baggage with them. Good thing they rented an SUV or they're stuff wouldn't have fit in one car. Melina immediately jumped into Dave's arms and gave him a kiss. The other guys just made the usual disgusted noise when they saw the pair kiss. The guys looked around and noticed it was only Dave that was in front of them.
"Where's your sister at man?" a grinning John asked.
"John, how many more times does my sister have to turn your ass down?" Dave asked.
Randy looked at them uncomfortably. He thought the guys were just pulling his leg, but she really did live with Dave. Dave looked at Randy and gave him a small encouraging smile. Randy smiled back and looked around. He was nervous to see his daughter. After what they said about her hating him, he didn't really know how to react once he saw her.
"You're so hilarious big guy. I'm not looking for her because of that. I want to see Gabriella. I got presents for her." John replied lifting up a bag that contained all of Gabriella's presents. "But the thought of dating your sister doesn't seem that bad."
Dave smiled and pointed upstairs. "They're upstairs. Bea went to go change her clothes. Kid is pretty calm right now, but I'm sure as soon as she sees all of you then she'll be in excitement mode. Well at least the four of you coming." He smiled sympathetically at Randy. "And about you dating my sister, don't even hope for it." They laughed at Dave's statement.
Before anyone else could say anything they heard a door open and a long tone. They heard a soft laughter and saw Gabriella walking right beside the railing with Bea right behind her shaking her head.
Bea looked at her daughter and couldn't believe this. She just smiled and walked closely behind her daughter. They were on top of the staircase, not noticing the people that arrived right below them.
"Guess what Uncle Erick? My other uncles are here!" Gabriella informed him happily.
"Gabriella give mommy the phone." Bea said as she tried to reach for her phone.
Gabriella moved away from Beatrice and continued talking. "Can you come here Uncle Erick?! Me and mommy really want to see you!" Gabriella paused and took a deep breath. "You're Uncle Dave's friend! You should be here too! You can meet my other uncles too!"
Gabriella accidentally pressed the speaker button. Erick's voice was now echoing through the threshold.
"I don't think so baby girl; I just got back from work." Erick replied before letting out a huge sigh.
"Pwease! Mommy said she'd give you cookies and um," she looked over at her mother. "What else can you give him mommy?"
Bea laughed at this. Gabriella was very close to Bea's best friend Erick. He was like a second father to her. He was there for Beatrice throughout her whole pregnancy. When Gabriella was born Bea stayed with Erick for a while since her brother was on the road. Even though he was like a second father, she always made it clear for Gabriella that Erick wasn't her father. That's why she had a picture of her and Randy to clear it up for her daughter.
"Bea, you know your kid really knows how to persuade a guy. Just a suggestion though, she should upgrade it to money." Erick replied knowing he was on speaker. "Though a kiss would be a nice addition to the cookies, unless cookies had another meaning."
"She learned from the best and thankfully, I'm not the best at manipulation. And about the money, well didn't you tell me they grew on trees? Why won't you do what you do best and climb those trees monkey boy." Bea said getting the phone from Gabriella. "And watch what you say in front of my daughter, Erick."
"Yeah whatever, anyway you better start making the cookies, chocolate chip is my favorite, just in case you've forgotten." Erick chuckled. "She didn't even understand what I said. You have no worries pretty girl."
"Oh you mean your dog treats? Sure Erick, I'll get your dog treats for you. You want the one the helps keep your breath fresh?" Bea teased making Erick laugh, along with their audience downstairs.
"Oh someone has jokes tonight, I'll be there in twenty minutes." Erick answered.
Bea laughed. "You're coming?"
"Of course, I can never say no to the little princess." Erick replied.
"You and Dave both need to learn how to say no to her." Bea shook her head. "See you later, pretty boy."
Bea hanged up on Erick. She shook her head and laughed. She went down to Gabriella's level and smiled at her.
"Your Uncle Erick is coming in twenty minutes. Aren't you a little persuader?" Bea asked making Gabriella smile proudly.
Dave coughed and Bea turned her head towards them. As soon as she turned her head her eyes immediately met with Randy's. Gabriella reached for Bea's hand and started tugging on it. Bea slowly got up and walked down the stairs. They immediately noticed Bea's behavior and looked at each other. They really didn't know how she would react if Randy was there. They weren't expecting such a calm reaction and her walking towards them.
"You know we won't bite." John joked as Beatrice guardedly walked towards them.
Bea laughed and shook her head. As soon as they reached the bottom step Gabriella ran to John. He accepted her with open arms and lifted her up.
"Hey princess, missed me? I got some presents for you!" John said making Gabriella smile.
"Hey, don't hog her John! Let her give some love to Uncle Adam too!" Adam said walking towards John.
"Hey, screw both of you, let her come to Uncle Jeff." Jeff fought with Adam and John.
"You two aren't her favorite uncle so back off and watch your mouth Hardy." John replied moving Gabriella away from Adam and Jeff's reach.
Randy looked at Gabriella and there was no denying it. You would be dumb if you couldn't see the resemblance between the two. The same dark brown hair, those blue eyes, and that smile, it wasn't like Bea's, her smile was like his. He looked over at Bea and she was still as beautiful and if it's possible way more beautiful than before.
"Mommy! Uncle John got me a movie!" Gabriella said happily as she held up a DVD.
Bea shook her head and finally broke her eye contact with Randy. "John you bought her a DVD about your career? For what? She's not going to want to watch your lame career."
John put a hand on his chest and rolled his eyes. "I'm hurt that you would even insult me like that. Gabriella is lucky I delivered it to her myself."
"Wow, I bet she is." Bea replied playfully smacking John on the arm.
Bea laughed and shook her head. She hugged all three of the guys. When it got to Randy she just nodded her head at him and turned back to the other guys. Gabriella was looking at her bag of presents while Bea was standing right behind her.
"You know what, I'm upset now. You gave all the guys some acknowledgements, even Randy, yet you forget about me?" Melina asked, playfully pouting.
Bea laughed and shook her head. She came over to Melina and gave her a hug.
"It's really good to see you." Bea said as she pulled away.
"I know it's because you're too busy for us little people." Melina replied making Bea giggle.
"Right, I'm busy? Yeah, whatever you say sweetie." Bea's schedule was a bit out there, but it was nothing like the WWE wrestlers' crazy schedule.
There was silence for a brief moment until Gabriella broke it.
"Mommy! Uncle Adam gave me a Stitch doll!" Gabriella exclaimed as she looked over the presents that has been given to her.
Bea smiled and thanked Adam. He grinned and gave her a thumb up.
"So you ready to stay with us for this long weekend?" Bea questioned.
"Home cook meals for the whole weekend? I'm more than ready!" Jeff replied rubbing his stomach.
Randy hit him up the head and said. "I swear you and your food."
"John, Randy, why won't you two put your stuff upstairs. Jeff, Adam, put your stuff in the rooms down here. When you're all good then just come back down and we can start eating?" Dave suggested.
Randy and John nodded their heads and brought their stuff upstairs. Adam and Jeff headed for the rooms downstairs and placed their stuff at the room they usually go to. Dave helped Melina put her stuff in his bedroom. Bea noticed how Gabriella hugged all the guys except Randy.
'Wow he really does hate him.' Bea frowned.
Gabriella went beside her mom and tugged on her arm. Bea looked down at her and smiled. She picked her up and Gabriella put her head on Bea's shoulder.
"What's wrong baby?" Bea asked as she walked over to the living room.
"I don't want Randy here." Gabriella answered.
Beatrice looked at her daughter shocked. She never expected for her to say that. She knew Gabriella was mad at her father, but she thought if she saw him she would be happy. You know how little kids are, one minute they hate you, the next you're the sun of their world. This was just shocking to her.
"Why do you say that baby?"
"He never came for my partwies why come now?"
Bea looked at her daughter and gave her a small smile, "Because he was busy before baby, he had other things to do for you."
She hated lying to her daughter, but she couldn't live with the fact her daughter hates her father. That was something she didn't want. Even though Gabriella had the right to hate him, it just wasn't right.
Gabriella looked at Bea and sighed. She put her head on Bea's shoulders. Bea knew her daughter was upset. Bea stood up and still held Gabriella in her arms. But this time Gabriella was facing front since Bea whispered to her she'll give her a cookie. She was talking to Gabriella and accidentally bumped into Randy. Randy was slightly pushed back by the collision and so was Bea, which almost made her drop Gabriella. She looked at her daughter, who had her hand on her forehead and started to cry. Randy was startled and looked at Gabriella who was rubbing her forehead.
"Oh gosh baby, are you okay?" Bea asked as she rubbed Gabriella's forehead.
Gabriella shook her head no and held her forehead. Bea automatically went to the kitchen, went to the fridge, grabbed an ice pack, and placed it on her forehead.
"I am so sorry, I wasn't looking where I was going." Randy apologized as he followed Bea.
"It's okay, I wasn't looking either Randy." Bea replied giving him a small smile.
Bea turned to her daughter and hugged her. "Feeling better?"
Gabriella smiled, giving her the infamous Randy Orton smile and nodded her head.
"Thank you mommy you always know how to make me fweel bettwa!" Gabriella replied.
Bea smiled and looked over at Randy who followed them inside the kitchen. He was about to say something when the rest of guys walked in the kitchen. They all looked at the scene before them and immediately noticed Bea holding an ice pack on Gabriella's head.
"What happened to Gabriella?" Dave asked as he walked over to check on her.
"Randy and I bumped into each other and Gabriella bumped into Randy's hard chest." Bea teased.
"Not my fault you weren't paying attention where you were going, like always." Randy replied joking as well.
Gabriella put the ice pack down and crawled over to the cookie jar. Beatrice saw her and took the cookie jar. The guys looked at her wondering why she did that. Jeff was about to grab it from Beatrice so he can give Gabriella a cookie, but then Gabriella interrupted him.
"Mommy!" Gabriella whined.
"No Gaby, you're going to spoil your dinner." Bea replied firmly.
"Uncle Dave gave me one earlier. He always gives me one when I get hurt. And you told me you'll give me one!" Gabriella said crossing her arms and pouting.
"Dear God you look just like your Uncle John when he wants something." Bea paused and turned to John and winked at him. "You'll get one after dinner."
Gabriella looked away from her mother getting a little upset she didn't get her cookie. She was soon over it when she heard the bell rang.
"Mommy! It's Uncle Erick!" Gabriella exclaimed with joy.
"What is up with this Uncle Erick thing? Should we be jealous?" John joked crossing his arms across his chest.
"I think we should be Johnny." Adam replied giving John a pat on the back.
"Hey man, what have I said about the Johnny thing?" John asked Adam as Bea walked towards the front door.
Beatrice laughed and headed to the door. She opened the door and found Erick standing there with some plastic bags.
"I never said you were going to sleep over." Beatrice said with a raised eyebrow.
"As much as you want me too, these aren't clothes. Your brother told me to buy some sodas and ice cream." Erick replied as he headed for the kitchen.
He was startled to find some of the wrestlers in the kitchen. He was especially startled by Randy's presence. He glared at Randy and this didn't go unnoticed by the others. They didn't want to say anything since Gabriella was in the room. He put the plastic bags on the island counter. He took out the ice cream and put it on the freezer. As soon as he turned around Gabriella jumped on him.
"Woah Gaby, you might hurt yourself." Melina said worrying for Gabriella's safety. "Already turning into Uncle Jeff."
"It's okay Auntie Mel! Uncle Erick is strong like Uncle John so he can catch me." Gabriella replied with a big smile.
Beatrice looked at the men in her kitchen and shook her head. She laughed and patted Erick's back.
"Gabriella, don't praise your Uncle Erick, he might get big headed." Bea joked. "Besides we both know that your Uncle John is way bigger than your Uncle Erick."
"He's way bigger? You sure about that?" Erick smirked. "That's not what you were saying last night."
"Erick," Bea smacked him. "And I don't sleep with boys like you."
"Okay, we'll see what your tone will be later tonight." Erick replied winking at Bea.
Bea shook her head and laughed, "You know what, I don't want to hurt your pride, I'll just stay quiet."
"Yeah, whatever, you know you just don't have any comebacks."
"Uncle Erick! Let's play soccer!" Gabriella interrupted the banter between the two.
"Soccer? Seriously Erick out of all the sports, soccer?" Dave asked as he took out some steaks from the freezer.
"Soccer is not that bad," Jeff said. "It looks pretty brutal, running 45 minutes straight up and down a field. I give props to whoever can do that."
"Thank you Jeff, unlike Dave, you are not a hater." Erick replied. "Besides that he's just mad because his niece loves me more than she loves him."
Erick smirked at Dave and walked out to the back yard. Dave looked at Bea and shook his head.
"You just had to let him corrupt Gaby's mind." Dave said making Bea laugh.
She watched as Dave exited through the glass doors. The others followed him. Bea looked on from the kitchen and she just knew it was going to be a long night.