CH 7

It had been two weeks since the accident. During that time Samantha had been released from the hospital two days before her mother's funeral. She went with Jessica and Randy to the funeral keeping her distance from Shawn and Hunter. Samantha was still trying to deal with the fact that they had both lied to her about who her father was. She knew eventually she had to their reasons why she just wasn't ready yet. Her concentration was on saying goodbye to her Mom and supporting Jessica. Both girls cried their hearts out not believing they wouldn't have their mother in their lives anymore. Randy kept a close eye on both them till Shawn helped Samantha to the limo after the funeral. Shawn made Samantha promise to sit down with Hunter and him over the weekend so they could finally talk about everything.

Samantha didn't break her promise when Hunter invited Jessica and her to his home for the weekend she agreed. She hoped she would strong enough to deal with whatever Hunter and Shawn said.


Hunter was a bundled of nerves as he checked and rechecked the guest rooms making sure Jessica and Samantha would both have everything they needed.

"Sweetie relax," Stephanie caught his arm as he came out of Samantha's room. "They will be comfortable here. Come on let's go wait for them."

"Ok Steph," Hunter kissed her softly helping her down the stairs to the front porch. "Do you think Jesse is bringing Randy?" he asked as Stephanie slowly lowered herself into a rocker.

"I would count on it. Randy isn't going to let her come alone. He will want to be by her side in case she needs him," Stephanie had noticed how protective Randy was of his girlfriend at the funeral.

"I guess Jesse is lucky. Sami doesn't have someone to lean on," Hunter softly said knowing Samantha had broken up with her boyfriend over a year ago after she caught him cheating on her. Since that time she had gone on a few dates but not started any serious relationships.

"You and Shawn will help her through it," Stephanie motioned for Hunter to sit down. He was about to join her when he saw a limo coming through the gates at the end of their long driveway. "You should go greet them."

Hunter nodded in agreement hurrying down the stairs. He stopped on the last step when he saw the door open. He was surprised to see Dave Batista and John Cena.

"What are you two doing here?" Hunter asked surprised to see them.

"You invited us for a weekend of poker and relaxation. If it's a bad time we can leave," John said putting his bag back into the limo as Dave nodded in agreement.

"I'm sorry I forgot. Please stay we have plenty of room. I have other guests coming. I need to spend some time with them first then we can play poker. I'll probably need the distraction," Hunter felt bad sending them away.

"Distraction from what? Is something going on?" Dave asked Hunter. They had all been friends for the last few years and he had never seen Hunter so agitated.

"I'll explain later," Hunter walked away as another limo pulled up behind. John and Dave both turned watching as Randy got out helping a pretty blonde out. Randy held Jessica's hand tightly as Shawn got out giving Randy a disapproving look. Randy made sure Jessica was okay before turning his attention to Samantha.

"Sami, give me the crutches," Randy said as Samantha handed him her crutches. He was about to help her out when Hunter stopped him.

"Go ahead in, I'll help her," Hunter motioned for Randy, Jessica, and Shawn to go to the house.

"You okay with that Sami?" Randy asked as she slowly nodded okay. "If you change your mind just yell for me," Randy went to Jessica taking her hand.

"Randy, I'm going to need my crutches," Samantha called out as he and Jessica went up the stairs.

"No, you don't. I'll carry you," Hunter took her hand helping her to the edge of the seat.

"I'm not a baby, I can make it on my crutches," Samantha protested.

"I'm sure you can but I would feel better if you didn't. There are too many stairs. I'll carry you up," Hunter gently picked her up. Samantha was about to say something when she felt like someone was watching her. She looked over meeting John's curious blue eyes. Samantha could feel her cheeks turning a rosy red as Hunter carried her past John.

"Dave, do you know who that is?" John elbowed Dave pointing to Samantha.

"Yes, its Shawn's youngest daughter Samantha. The girl with Randy is Jessica, her older sister and Randy's soon to be wife," Dave filled John in as they walked up the stairs. "Haven't you seen them around the shows?"

"I've seen Jessica with Randy. I have definitely never seen Samantha I would have remembered her," John said as they entered the house and his attention instantly went to Samantha as Hunter put her down on a chair.

"John, I'm going to give you a piece of advice. Shawn is very protective of his daughters and Hunter also watches out for them like a hawk. I would steer clear of Samantha unless you want a world of trouble. If you don't believe me just ask Randy what he is going through since Shawn found out he is engaged to Jessica," Dave softly said not wanting anyone else to hear.

"I was just curious about her," John kept stealing glances at her.

"Curiosity is going to lead you into a world of trouble. Later we'll talk about her more. She was dating a coworker of ours up to a year ago," Dave whispered.

"Who?"

"Dave, John, come on we are going to have lunch," Hunter called to them breaking up the conversation. "Sami, you want help?" Hunter asked as Randy gave her the crutches.

"No, I'm fine I'll be right there," she was already upset about being carried in.

"Ok, take your time," Shawn said gently pushing Hunter down the hall before he could say another word to Samantha. The others followed except John. He pretended to be going through his bag. Samantha waited till they disappeared into the dining room before adjusting her crutches to get up. She didn't notice John on the other side of the staircase.

"Damn it when will this pain stop," she cursed from the aching in her leg and her back at even the slightest movement. She slowly got up. She lost her balance slightly sending one crutch crashing to the floor as she leaned on the other.

"I'll get that for you," John heard the noise standing up.

"Thanks John," Samantha nervously smiled. A broad smile crossed his lips as she said his name.

"No problem," he carefully handed her the crutch watching over her as she put it under her arm. "Have we met before?"

"No, I've seen you around the shows but we have never been introduced. I'm Samantha Michaels," she balanced herself extending her hand.

"It's very nice to meet you Samantha," John kissed her hand.

"Thank you again for your help," she couldn't help blushing as he didn't let her hand go right away.

"Anytime, are you ready for lunch?" he asked as she nodded yes. "I'll stay close by in case you need more help."

"That's very nice of you," she went down the hall with him close by her side. "Most days I can handle the pain but sometimes it wins."

"It hasn't been that long since your accident. It'll be a lot better in a few more weeks," John said as she paused for a moment getting her balance again. He looked into her eyes for a moment seeing a deep sadness. "I'm sorry about your Mom."

"Thank you, I really miss her," Samantha's voice cracked as the sadness filled her again as it did every time she thought of her Mom. "My life is spinning out of control. I'm so used to talking to my Mom when I feel like this. She always helped me get through those rough times. She had a way of giving me hope in the most chaotic situations," she hesitated for a minute wondering why she telling John her problems like she had known him for years instead of a few minutes. "I'm sorry I didn't mean to trouble you with my woes."

"Pleased don't be sorry. Are you close to your Dad and sister? Couldn't you talk to them?" John hesitated for a moment deciding to ask the next question even though Dave had said she was single, "Do you have a boyfriend to be your shoulder to cry on?"

"I'm not very close to my Dad right now," Samantha softly said hoping John wouldn't ask her why. "Jesse and I are very close but she has a lot going on right now with her upcoming wedding. I don't want to burden her with my troubles," Samantha quickly said.

"You didn't answer my last question about a boyfriend," John stepped in front of her looking down into her blue eyes.

"I haven't been in a relationship in about year," Samantha blushed seeing the wide smile cross John's face. "What is that smile for?"

"I'm smiling because part of my wish came true."

"What wish?" Samantha was very curious.

"Not telling, come on we are going to miss lunch," John started to turn away.

"You can't say something like that then walk away," Samantha tugged his arm.

"You really want to know my wish?" John smirked as she slowly nodded yes. "Meet me tonight and I'll tell you."

"Why can't you tell me now?"

"I want to see if the rest of my wish comes true. I'll jinx it if I tell you now. I promise tonight even if it doesn't come true I tell you. Is that fair?"

"Sounds fair enough, I'll look for you tonight," she smiled looking forward to a distraction from all chaos going on in her life.