A/N: Thank you ChainGangHottieWithKillerLeg s, therealchamps and DashingsDestiny for the reviews. I apologize for the spelling and grammar mistakes. English isn't my first language. I hopre you enjoy the new chapter.
Merry Christmas! ;)
Insidious
Chapter Four - Little Lies
Taking out of her purse a cell phone, Candice Michelle looked for Mickie's number. In a second, she dialled it and waited for an answer. Since the end of the newest Raw house-show, the WWE Diva had been waiting for Mickie to show up. She was standing inside the empty women locker-room, waiting for a sign of the petite brunette.
Candice didn't mind being alone, but tonight it was different. When she was getting back to the locker-room to change clothes, she had the feeling someone was watching her. Her brain could only be playing tricks on her. It seemed she needed a good night of sleep. She couldn't wait for her day off.
- Where are you? - Candice asked as soon as Mickie answered the call. - I thought we would return to the hotel together. I have been waiting for you!
- I'm sorry, but I heard Trish saying that she and Randy were going to meet John at a bar. After my failed attempt, this is my new opportunity.
As soon as Mickie realized John didn't want to be romantically linked with her, this nonsense would be over. The former Women's champion needed to open her eyes and forget such fantasy.
Candice couldn't say she wasn't mad for Mickie leaving without saying a word. No one in her place would enjoy the situation. Nevertheless, she didn't share her displeasure. Perhaps it was because tonight the younger women would understand that her dreams and wishes would never be more than that. She would open her eyes once for all.
The petite brunette was a dear friend; however, it was better if she comprehended that John wanted nothing with her - he didn't want a relationship with any Diva, for love of God - sooner than later. Only then she would move on with her life.
- I'm going to my hotel room then. I need a good night of sleep because my brain is playing tricks on me. You won't believe who I think I saw today. - She didn't believe it either. Her imagination was mocking her. After all, one minute that person was in the middle of the crowd and the next minute she vanished in the air.
- I'm so sorry, Candice - Mickie apologized one more time. She had completely forgotten that they were supposed to meet.
- It's okay, we can talk tomorrow. Have fun tonight. - With those words, Candice hung up the call. She grabbed her trolley bag, ready to leave and have a long and restful night of sleep.
At that moment, the lights turned off. The spooky darkness surrounded the Diva. The sound of steps echoed through the room. Her mind was playing tricks again. Without taking a second more, Candice sauntered to the door. If she wasn't careful, she would trip and maybe fall.
She heard voices coming from the backstage area when approached from the only exit door. It seemed she wasn't the only person who was still in the building. But most likely she was the only one who was left in the dark. Today clearly wasn't her day.
The Diva placed her hand on the door-knob, ready to leave the locker-room once for all. She rolled the knob and then pulled it to finally open the door. However, before she could put her feet out of the room a hand covered her mouth, preventing her from screaming for help. The shadow in the darkness dragged her back into the empty and murky locker-room. Before Candice could do something to defend herself, the attacker sliced her throat with a sharp knife. A river of blood unhurriedly fell from the woman's neck, staining her clothes; staining the cold and white floor.
Slowly the door closed itself without making a sound. No one noticed that Candice Michelle had just been murdered.
John took a sip of his drink and looked around the space one more time. He wasn't having as much fun as it was expected. He would be a lot better in his bedroom than in this bar. Why was he even there?
Randy and Trish wanted to make sure the Massachusetts native didn't spend too much time alone as Torrie's second anniversary approached and convinced him - well, they pretty much obligated him - to meet them at a bar near the hotel they were staying for the next couple of nights. Of course, neither of the two love-birds had showed up yet.
- Hi, John - Mickie said, taking a seat near the blue-eyed man. Her presence was unexpected. And, it was very welcome. - It's a surprise seeing you here.
- Mickie. - He drank another gulp of his cold drink. Otherwise, the woman sat at his side, this was a night he didn't feel like to be social. Tomorrow was the anniversary of Torrie's dead. It was never a good day.
- May I ask why do you look so worried? Did something wrong happen? - She had a clue about the reason that his state of spirit was so low. But if she could make him open up, then maybe - just maybe - she would have the opportunity she was eager for.
- No, it is everything fine. - It was a slightly lie, but Mickie wasn't the person with whom he would enjoy talking about his troubled thoughts. He rarely spoke about Torrie and this woman wouldn't be his choice if he ever felt like to.
It seemed he wasn't going to open up. She should have chosen another topic of conversation. To bring up Torrie was always a bad idea, but she had to give it an opportunity. Two years had spent and it would only make John feel better if he spoke.
- Are you going to the wedding? - It was a stupid question. Mickie was aware of it. Of course, he would attend the wedding. John and Randy were very close friends. The two men had been friends since they started their WWE career.
- I must go - the blue-eyed man answered. Wasn't he the best man? He had to be there. - Randy would kill me if I didn't go to the wedding. I'm his best man.
Not only Randy would murder him as Trish would do the same - perhaps, Trish would be the only one murdering him for ruining her perfect day.
He wasn't in his best mood, but the wedding would be good to make him forget Torrie's death for a brief moment. Surrounded by many people, his brain wouldn't attack him with dark thoughts every single second.
- I'm surprised he invited you to be the best man. You can make his life a hell sometimes.
- He can make my life a hell sometimes as well. - A smile was etched across his face. Randy could annoy him, but they were friends; good friends indeed. He was there for him when Torrie passed away.
Some progress had been done. He was smiling and they had a theme to discuss about. Unfortunately, Mickie's plan went downhill with Randy and Trish's arrival. The conversation between the two co-workers was interrupted by the couple. The perfect opportunity had been lost.
The smile vanished from her the brunette's lips. When she had the opportunity to stay alone with John and to make him see her under a different light - she wanted him to see her as more than a co-worker; as more than a friend - the happy couple had to show up and to sit beside them.
- Good evening - Randy said. His eyes swerved from John to Mickie and then back to his friend. John was clueless about how Mickie felt towards him. Of course, he had been oblivious to it until the day Trish told him. His fiancée was wondering if it wouldn't be good for John to try to move on and indicated Mickie as a potential candidate because the girl only had eyes for him.
- I thought you wouldn't show up anymore. - As he didn't want to be murdered by Trish for being late, John arrived on time even though he would much prefer to be inside his bedroom alone watching television.
- I had to make a call - Trish replied in her defence and turned to Randy. - I spoke with Stacy a few minutes ago. She asked me to meet her at the hotel room tomorrow.
The younger blonde wanted to meet Trish before she had to face everyone else. Without hesitation, Trish accepted the request. She understood the reason of such request.
Hearing the woman's name, John almost choked on his drink. Did he hear the name correctly or was his mind playing tricks? Was his conscience making him feel guilty one more time?
He couldn't avoid it. The last person he wanted to face on Earth was Stacy. Not when the day he lost Torrie was so close; not when the funeral's day was so close. He couldn't face her and Torrie's tragedy on the same day. Not after what happened between them.
- Excuse me. - Rising up from his stool bench, the wrestler walked away from his friends, from the noises of the bar.
Noticing the way John reacted, Randy followed him. He quickly found the other standing outside the bar.
- What is going on?
As it already was late night, the street was almost empty. Only two or three people could be seen walking in middle of the dark at the moment. The environment was hardly illuminated by street lamps.
- Nothing. - He walked from a side to another. Perhaps his reaction wasn't the best. He wasn't dealing with the situation as he should. - Are you sure she is coming?
- I presume the "she" is Stacy. Yes, Trish called and it seems she accepted. Look, I understand that she must remind you of Torrie and what went through. But why are you acting like that? You never blamed her.
At least, John said out loud that he didn't blame her. It didn't mean he didn't think differently. People usually don't confess all their thoughts and they clearly don't tell the truth every single time.
He stopped walking from a side to another. He never blamed her and he wouldn't start doing it now. He blamed the person who attacked them.
They never discussed what happened between them. They simple acted as it had never happened and tried to forget it. He cheated on his dead girlfriend with her best friend. It isn't easy to forget something like that.
- I still don't blame her. - He stopped moving from a side to another. His fingers ran through his short hair. The truth was more complicated than it seemed. - This situation is just odd. I haven't seen her in two years.
John wasn't the only who hadn't seen her in two years. Randy himself haven't seen her in two years. Although Trish and Stacy spoke often, the two hadn't met each other in two years.
- I'm pretty sure that seeing her again won't be as uncomfortable as you think it will be. I guess it would be weird if she was an ex-girlfriend or if you had slept with her.
The attempt to make a joke didn't work out as well as Randy expected. By John's expression, he had touched a sensitive subject. The silence filled the air. Second by second, the third-generation wrestler realized what had happened.
After a few moments without saying a word, the taller man broke the silence. He was having a hard time concealing his friend's revelation. He didn't know how to react and the words just ran from his mouth.
- You must be fucking joking with me. Are you serious? When did it happen?
It was the moment to use a poker-face and pretend he didn't know about what Randy was talking with indignation spread all over his voice. Unfortunately, John wasn't able to do it. The dirty little secret was out of the grave.
- It's nothing of your business. - Randy already knew too much. He wasn't supposed to know about what happened between him and Stacy. And, he clearly wasn't going to find out when and where he and the blonde got involved.
- Then how did it happen? There is plenty fish in the sea. How the hell did you end up with her?
- Randy, you have nothing to do with this. It happened once and I'm not proud of it. - He put extra emphasis on the word "once". He didn't want anyone to think he and Stacy may have more than a stupid one-time thing.
- Your girlfriend dies and you sleep with her best friend? You have sex with the same best friend that saw her dying. What the hell was inside your head?
And, there was the reason he had never told Randy or anyone else about what happened between him and Stacy. Not only because he wanted the situation to be forgotten - he desperately wanted to remove the memory from his mind - but also not to be judged.
He knew his actions were wrong and he didn't need someone else to tell him that on and on. His conscience already was doing the work and it was doing it very well.
- That's a great question. - A question for which he still didn't have an answer yet. To be truthful, he believed he would never have an answer. Did he really want to know what was going on inside his head? - Just don't tell anyone, okay?
Last thing he wished was this story to be spread. It was a secret that he intended to keep secret - even though he may have confessed the truth to his friend.
- You don't have to worry, Cena. I'm not going to tell anyone. - Not even Trish would hear about it. - Your secret is safe with me.
- Thanks. - Without another word, the older man strolled into the bar again. If Randy opened his mouth, he would kill him.
Left alone, Randy heard a spooky sound. It caught him off guard. The wrestler turned his body around and saw a trash can rolling through the dark alley. It was probably an animal.
By now Trish should be wondering where he was. Without paying attention to the trash can, Randy returned to the bar.
Trish stood on front of the bedroom door, waiting to be received. She had already knocked at the door and was counting the seconds for Stacy to open it.
The petite blonde looked from a side to another. The hall was desert - it was a bit creepy in her opinion. Stacy couldn't have chosen a more private hotel to staying in. Since the attack, the younger woman had been shoving everyone away and this hotel reflected her dislike for the humanity.
Hearing steps from the inside of the room, Trish pulled up a smile. The door was opened and the two women faced each other. Stacy Keibler still looked the same outside. However, her expression revealed that she was still grieving. A few demons still haunted her.
- It's so great seeing you again - Trish exclaimed, wrapping her arms around Stacy's body.
The physic contact caught off guard the younger blonde, who did her best to relax. Since accepting the invitation, she had been more jumpy than never. She had to take sleeping pills before entering in the plane or she would need to receive medical assistance if she hadn't to.
- Thank you for meeting me here - Stacy said, breaking the hug. Her lips formed a little smile; a true smile. Although she was too close of her past, she couldn't stop feeling content for seeing a familiar and friendly face after all the time she kept herself away.
Moving aside, Stacy allowed the bride enter in her bedroom. A rolling-suitcase was placed on the corner of the room and it was locked. If it wasn't for the bag, someone would believe the room wasn't occupied.
Trish twisted her body around and the two women were looking at each other. There was a lot to say, yet no one was sure of what to articulate.
- Congratulations on your wedding. - Stacy pointed with her hazel eyes to Trish's engagement ring. The groom didn't look at expenses when he bought it. - I must confess I never thought Randy would get married.
- Why does everyone keep telling me that? - The first person who told her it was John. However, she didn't mind. After all, John and Randy seemed to have fun mocking each other as two little kids would do. Lately, she started listening to it coming from other's mouths.
Only a person who didn't know Randy wouldn't say it. She had come to know Randy a lot better when they were put in a storyline together. Two years ago, she reminded that the wrestler has a strong opinion about marriage. And, it wasn't a positive one. Hadn't Trish ever heard about it? Perhaps it was better to avoid the question. Her last wish was to bring problems to Randy's side.
- So, where is the groom?
- He went to park the car. It isn't easy to find a place here. - As well as it wasn't easy to find the hotel itself. Not even after Stacy giving the exact location. - Why didn't you stay at the same hotel than us?
She didn't want to have an overwhelming reunion with the past and staying in that hotel meant seeing too many familiar faces. Also, the previous day she felt she was being watched when she left the airport. She was certain that was being paranoid. She preferred to stay in a small place that no one knew about.
- So, how have you been? It has been a long time since someone saw you. You are looking great, by the way.
The younger blonde showed a shy smile. The lies had begun. At least, it was a lie with good intentions. Trish was just trying to create a casual conversation between them. Hopefully, she wouldn't bring up the past.
Stacy wasn't looking as great as Trish intended her to believe to. She was aware of it thanks to the mirrors. Even with the make-up, the dark circles under her eyes were visible. After accepting the wedding invitation, the Maryland native hadn't had a long night of sleep. The previous night she had only slept a two of hours because of the anxiety and another dreadful nightmare - they were becoming worse lately. She didn't know what to do to stop them.
A knock on the door prevent the difficult chit-chat to go further. The words weren't easy to speak and more tricky of finding.
- It must be Randy. - The petit blonde walked to the front door and then opened it. The wrestler walked into the room and pulled up a smile as soon as he saw Stacy. It was clear as crystal that the couple was doing their best effort to make her feel welcome.
It was weird having two people from her past sharing the space with her. After quitting WWE, she never thought that one day she would be reunited with those that she once called "friends" - and it seemed they were still her friends after all the time they spent apart.
- It's good to see you. How have you been? It has been a while since we met. - Randy tried not to mention for how long he haven't seen her. His experience with John taught him it. It would be the same thing as mentioning Torrie's death.
By the expressions and the time it was taken to choose the words, it was clear as crystal too that they were still treating her with pity. If people wanted to help her feel better, they would have to stop with it. She was still alive. The victim was Torrie; it wasn't her. They should save their pity for those who died.
- It's great to see you again too - Stacy replied, ignoring the questions.
- Can you help me convince Stacy to move to a better hotel? She could stay in the same we all are.
Randy wanted to support his soon-to-be-wife's idea, but then he remembered his conversation with John outside the bar. If John was having troubles with the fact that he would meet Stacy, then the Baltimore native should be feeling the same. As John, she surely wanted to circumvent the meeting for a bit longer.
- Please, Stacy? There are a lot of people who would like seeing you again. - Trish was doing her best to convince her.
And would she want to see them again? She hadn't been the most social person in the last years. Being surrounded by many people sharing a few words and laughs hadn't been something she had done in a while.
The blonde coyly took a string of hair behind her ear. Why has life to be so difficult? Why did it need to be so hard to face her fears? Why couldn't she mourn and move on as so many people did?
It was time to stop avoiding the tragedy she was running from. Torrie's death anniversary was a painful day to get through and perhaps with the company of friendly people, she wouldn't feel as depressed as she felt last year. And, let's face it, sooner or later she would have to meet John Cena again.
