Chapter 8: The Past

~ Distance by Christina Perry~

"Please don't stand so close to me

I'm having trouble breathing.

I'm afraid of what you'll see right now.

I give you everything I am,

All my broken heart beats.

Until I know you'll understand.

And I will make sure to keep my distance,

Say "I love you" when you're not listening…"

A/N: So I am the worst ever. It has been SOOOO long and I am sorry all of you loyal readers. Thank you for your kind comments! Thank you all for believing in me and waiting so patiently for the next chapter to come out. I tried to make it a bit longer and add in some fun parts so I hope you enjoy. Please comment and feel free to message me.

The air was thick, so thick it was almost hard to breath. The humidity had helped apply what looked like the thin layer of sweat to everyone in the room. Even though summer had barely started, it still felt like August in late May. Unfortunately for Christie and her interviewers, they were all stuck in a small room on what seemed to be the hottest day of the year. The gentleman seated in the far left seat to Christie, his right, swatted at a mosquito before returning his attention back to Christie. The woman wore a hopeful smile, but she could tell from the look on his face that she didn't get the job.

"I'm sorry, but you just don't really fit the part although I do admit that you obviously have talent and a beautiful voice at that."

The three others in the room nodded in agreement and Christie's face fell.

"…but…" another member voiced causing Christie to avert her gaze over to him. "…we are looking for a composer to help with the Diva's entrance music." Christie's eye lit up immediately at those words and a broad grin appeared on her lips. Her stage fright had almost thwarted her plans yet again and suddenly there was hope.

"First we will need to send the tape of your audition to Jim and then we will call you to bring you out to New York."

"Wait… Jim? Like Jim Johnston?"

The men in suits all smiled at the girl as she mentioned the composer of WWE music.

"He works in New York?"

"Sometimes, he travels quite a bit and if he thinks you fit the bill you will also be traveling quite a bit."

The interview had ended with Christie shaking the hands of the four men before heading out to her rental car. It was a bright little red Fiat 500 automatic which she had picked out because it was 29-35 mpg. There was an excursion what was also up for rental, but the gas mileage was horrendous. Christie wasn't a tree hugger, but she was thrifty. Saving money was very important for someone paying their way through college not to mention attending WWE shows as often as humanly possible.

Christie pulled into a 'U' shaped drive way as the wire gate slowly screeched closed behind her. The little Fiat crawled to a stop and Christie pulled the emergency brake up before cutting the engine. Those hazel eyes darted around the very familiar scene. It was her Grammy and Papa's house and the scene before her caused her stomach to knot and tears to blur her vision. The yard that surrounded the house was over grown. The once beautiful vines on the side of the house had withered and still clung desperately to the bricks. She had expected it to be bad but this was far worse than she had imagined. The last time Christie had been to this house was 9 years ago and back then Grammy and Papa were still caring for the house. Now it was blatantly obvious that no one was caring for it at all.

After retrieving her bags from the car she made her way to the side door that once led to the garage that had been turned into a large living room. Everything was just how she remembered it. There was a thick layer of dust on everything, but the smell of old books and lavender was still very much there. A sad smile graced the woman's pink lips as she wandered further into what she had once called home. The place was desolate and she could practically feel the soul of the house call to her, crying, asking for some company. For a week she would comply gladly. She too missed this place and she could feel it missed her as well. Memories of her pit bull named Red stretched out in front of the French door basking in the sun light with a young Christie at the age of 4 curled up at his side. Even as a child she had been tiny. The dog dwarfed her and cared for her as if she were one of his own.

At some point Christie felt the tears rolling down her cheeks. She hadn't even realized when she had started to cry and a nervous giggle escaped the girl. With a sigh she continued to her old room. There were two beds and her younger sister's crib was still intact at the foot of what was her mother's bed. On the side table there was a little music box with a teddy bear on it. Another smile appeared on her lips as she set down her suit cases and lifted the little trinket into her hand. She gently blew the dust away from it then twisted the key. After a moment Fur Elise began to play. It was familiar tune which warmed the woman as she dropped down onto her bed. She gazed up at the wall where her dream catcher used to be and smiled. It was at her apartment back in Texas. After Papa passed away her mom brought it home along with the peridot ring that Grammy had made for her when she was born.

'Gonna Get Over You' by Sara Bareilles began to play as Christie basked in memories. The song lulled her away from her thoughts and brought her back to the present. She answered her phone and a very welcome Irish brogue sounded on the other line.

"Did you make it to Miami alright?"

"Of course… I am at my grandparents' house now. You're not in town are you?"

"I'm close enough. How long will you be in town?"

"I thought about staying for a week. I am going to visit some family tomorrow. Why?"

"Give me the address." Stephen demanded. "I'm coming to see you. It's a rare chance."

Christie beamed at nothing in particular and relished the warm bubbly sensation that began to consume her. She quickly gave him the address and they said their farewells. Afterwards the woman wandered around the house, her fingertips brushing over familiar objects. Her Grammy was a firm believer in spirits and Christie had always believed that Grammy was right, at least in this house. The walls seemed to whisper as Christie stopped to look at the painting of the woman in the red dress. The portrait was painted by Grammy a little after Christie had been born. What was odd about the painting was how the woman looked almost identical to herself. Long dark hair braided and draped over a shoulder with green eyes peering curiously down at Christie. The woman in the red dress wore no smile, but the look in her eyes seemed to question Christie.

A knock on the front door alarmed Christie. She jumped then pulled her transfixed gaze off of the painting. She wondered how long she had been starring up at the master piece, but quickly did away with the thought. The woman pulled the front door open to let Stephen into the foyer. His blue eyes scanned over his surroundings before he let his eyes fall upon the small woman. Her cheeks were still flushed from crying at each little thing that brought back a memory. A forced smile graced the woman's lips and Stephen bent down slightly to wrap his arms around her. He could see the pained look in her eyes. Christie was obviously feeling the loss more than ever being here, being home.

Christie's fingers clutched at his shirt as her face pressed into his chest. She gulped in a breath of relief as she allowed the loss to melt into the floor. Stephen, without saying a word, warmed her and brought a positive ray of light back into her. She could smell the soap he must have used that morning and she realized that she could stay like this forever wrapped up in his arms. A sigh escaped her as her body began to relax in the Irishman's embrace.

"It's alright sweetheart…" Stephen spoke after a moment. His breath was hot on her ear as leaned down to her to give Christie words of comfort. Christie tilted her head back to give him a thankful smile. Her eyes shone with repressed tears, cheeks were flushed and tear stained. Stephen's gaze softened on her, his arms tightened around her midsection and he leaned down.

His lips fell on hers in a sweet and gentle kiss. With one arm wrapped around her waist his other hand lifted to her neck, holding her to him. Christie's arms were wrapped around his neck and her hands found the back of his hat. She tugged it off and allowed delicate fingers slid through the soft red hair. The kiss grew more frantic; they pulled away from each other for a moment before allowing their lips to slant over each others' once again. Stephen's grip tightened on her which caused a whimper escape from Christie's lips.

Stephen's hands left her briefly which had Christie in a panic that he would pull away. Her arms constricted around his neck. Large, bruising hands reached down to grip her thighs. He lifted her with ease allowing Christie to wrap her legs around his waist. The Irishman backed Christie to the wall and pulled his lips away from hers. She was left gasping as his mouth dropped to her collar bone. Another whimper escaped her. Christie wanted her hands on him and now. She was reeling as he pushed her small frame into the wall, his mouth leaving a path of fire across sensitive flesh.

The Florida University fight song is what distracted both of them. They stilled for a moment before they realized it was a phone. Stephen let Christie down as she fumbled to reach into her pocket. She withdrew the now offensive device and answered.

"Hello?"

"Christie? It's Aunt Mary. I wanted to let you know that we are having a barbeque tonight and swimming. Uncle Chris would like to see you so please come over around 5 okay?"

"Absolutely. Will everyone be there?"

"Curtis, Lydia, Chris, Marlow, C.J., the twins and Sammie will be over."

"I can't wait! Does Marlow know I am coming?"

"Not yet."

"Good, keep it a secret. She is going to be beside herself when I walk in. Oh, would it be okay for me to bring a guest?"

"A guest? You just arrived in Miami today? Did you already meet someone?"

Christie let out a laugh her hazel gaze watching as Stephen rearranged himself before wandering around the front living room looking at the paintings and different decorations that were decades old.

"I didn't just meet him, we have been friends for awhile now and he is in the area as well."

"Oh, well I don't mind. Just know your Uncle Chris and Uncle Curtis might scare him off."

"Somehow I doubt that, but we'll see."

"Alright honey… I'll see you later this evening then. I will text you the address in case you don't have it already."

"Thank you Aunt Mary. I love you."

"I love you too honey. Bye."

"Ciao."

Christie looked at the screen of her phone as it went blank, a content smile on her face. Her eyes then lifted to see the Celtic Warrior watching her. There was something in his gaze that was different. He looked hungry even. Christie swallowed nervously before bending to pick up his hat.

"Do you have a bathing suit with you by chance?" Christie asked as she reached up to placed Stephen's hat back on his head. She was too short and it was crooked. She let out a snort before she was over taken by a fit of giggles. It wasn't him she was laughing at, but herself and the whole situation with acting so familiar with a freaking superstar!

"I didn't think we would be swimmin'. Do we need to go to the store real quick?"

"It should be fine. I will see if my Uncle Curtis has something you can wear. He is a body builder. I'm sure he has something that might fit you." With that being said Christie pulled out her phone and sent a text to Uncle Curtis.

Christie had changed into her black string bikini and a pair of cut off jean shorts. She wore a sheer coral tank top and her hair was down in long waves. Stephen and Christie were walking up the side walk as the front door slammed open. A teenage girl with bronzed skin and long black hair stood in the door way with an irritated expression. She then stomped over to Christie and Stephen before wrapping her arms around Christie's neck.

"Could you seriously not tell me you were coming?! That is super rude. I cannot believe you! I should totally hate you, but I missed you so much."

Christie laughed as she let her arms wrap around the younger girl. Marlow looked a lot like Christie as far as face shape and body shape was concerned. Christie's skin was a couple shades lighter and her hair was also brown rather than black. Marlow had dark brown eyes that a boy could easily get lost in. Fortunately enough for Uncle Chris, that wasn't an issue yet as his baby girl warded off boys at all costs. Marlow was ambitious for a 16 year old girl. She was in the student council and she was in accelerated classes. Marlow was also involved in soccer with the school and club soccer. Boys were not something on her agenda… yet.

As the women separated Marlow noticed the man at Christie's side. Her brows lifted in what looked like surprise. Marlow's head turned to look back at Christie so fast that Christie was surprised the girl didn't give herself whiplash. The teenage girl's eyes were wide and a smirk was appearing on her lips. Christie rolled her eyes and began the introductions for the first time.

"Marlow this is Stephen, Stephen this is Marlow."

"Pleasure to meetcha girlie." Stephen spoke his Irish brogue think and she could have sworn she saw Marlow swoon.

"Alright… I think we should go ahead and do that little-bit several more times than grab a beer?" Christie suggested looking back up to the Irishman.

"Whatever you say sweetheart…" Stephen breathed out as his arm wrapped around her waist, pulling Christie into his side.

As the couple walked in they were bombarded with Christie's family. The Italian family was all hugs and kisses as the pair entered the threshold. Aunt Mary was the first to walk up to Christie and give her a warm hug giving a kiss on each cheek. Aunt Mary would then give Stephen a hug before looking back at Christie with a knowing grin on her lips. Aunt Lydia followed Aunt Mary's lead and did the same. Christie's cousins were next in line and they each took turns giving hugs to Christie and giving Stephen a shy greeting. Uncle Curtis was next and he sure looked gloomy. His gaze was on Stephen measuring the Irishman up. He thrust out a black pair of trunks to Stephen before giving his entire attention to his niece. He kissed her forehead and wrapped her up in his arms. He lifted her off the ground and shook her back and forth like a rag doll Christie laughing all the while. The man in his fifties set her back down and smiled at her. "I missed you a lot Chrissy bear." The woman smiled up at her uncle feeling like a child again. "I missed you too Uncle Curtis." Her uncle then looked back at Stephen and the frown returned. "Do anything stupid to her and get ready for the Italian mob to come after you." Christie snorted and Stephen acted polite and nodded. "Of course… I wouldn't dare hurt a hair on her head sir." With a grunt Uncle Curtis followed the rest of the party outside.

Only one person was left in the center of the living room staring at the two guests. Uncle Chris had a sad smile on his face as he walked up to the two. Christie felt the tears coming again. Her eyes stung as she squeezed her eyes shut. Christie had always been very close to Uncle Chris. He was her dad when she didn't have one and he always made her feel more loved than his sister could, Christie's mother. "Come here." Her uncle breathed out and Christie launched herself into his arms. The tears spilled over as Uncle Chris wrapped her up in a tight embrace.

"I missed you little one." Uncle Chris said into her hair.

"I'm not little anymore Uncle Chris."

"You'll always be little to me. Now, let me look at you. It's been years."

He held Christie back at arm's length and at that time Christie could see how much he had aged. He was in his late forties now and the corners of his eyes and mouth were wrinkled. His hair was now like salt and pepper and he looked impossibly tired.

"You grew up so well my little girl. You became a woman before I could even blink."

"It's okay, at least you don't have to change my diapers anymore." Christie said with a laugh. Uncle Chris nodded then looked over to Stephen.

"Oh, Uncle Chris, this is Stephen. Stephen, this is my Uncle Chris."

The two men silently extended their hands to give each other a firm handshake.

"Alright you two, I don't want to keep you standing in the foyer forever. Everything is going on outback."

The three of them moved through the house and to the back porch. The porch was covered with a wooden cross hatched top which would not save you from rain; put would provide protection from the blistering sun. The pool was large and almost everyone was already in it with the exception of Aunt Lydia and Uncle Curtis. Lydia sat in a lawn chair reading quietly to herself while Uncle Curtis began to work on burgers and hotdogs. Uncle Chris and Stephen disappeared back into the house and Christie went for the outside fridge. She grabbed a bottle of Dos Equis and took a seat waiting for Stephen to come back out.

"Christie! Are you getting in the pool?" called one of the twins. The twins were identical twin boys with the exception, one was chubby and the other had a lean build. They were both already freshman in high school which blew Christie's mind. Time really did fly as you got older.

"Yeah, I'm just waiting on my friend."

"Sweet! We are gonna play volleyball when you get in! Get ready to lose!" The boys laughed together and she smirked.

"Alright… we'll see you two. I will have you know I am a former self-proclaimed pool volleyball champion."

"That doesn't mean anything at all!" The other twin called over.

"You'll see…"

Christie's attention was drawn away by the sound of the sliding door opening and closing. She looked back over her shoulder and smiled when she made eye contact with Stephen. He was barefoot in black trunks and he looked amazing. Each muscle was so clearly defined in person. She stood and grabbed the bottle of sunscreen off of the table.

"Don't even act like you don't need it." She said as she poured the baby sunscreen into her hand. She bought this for this trip because it made her skin soft rather than sticky and it had a high SPF. It would be perfect for his milky skin as well.

"I won't argue sweetheart. Go to town." He laughed as his blue gaze watched her as she placed both palms on his chest. She let her hands slid slowly over each muscle and scolded herself for doing so. Her lower abdomen clenched as her body grew hot again. Christie made sure to cover each inch of him before peeling off her tank top and shorts. She wasn't perfect by any means, but her body was feminine. Her body was very much like an hour glass with her large breasts, average sized waist, and a booty that a man could actually grab. Her stomach was mostly flat except for that one trouble spot. Even with her discrepancies Stephen looked at her like she was a piece of meat. Uncle Curtis was obviously aware and threw a wet paper towel at the back of Stephen's head.

"I hope the water is cold so you can cool off kid or else we will be having some issues."

Aunt Lydia perked up and watched silently for a moment while Christie began to fend for Stephen and Stephen just held up his hands with an apologetic smile.

"You're a man right? Surely you understand how difficult it could be to look away from something as beautiful as her."

"I…. uh…." Christie stuttered her eyes looking away from Uncle Curtis to look back at Stephen. He thought she was beautiful. Little did he know, in her head fireworks were being set off, someone was playing a violin, and her inner self was dancing whilst hugging herself.

"Curtis… leave him alone. He obviously won't do anything stupid with her. Get a clue." Lydia finally spoke out against her brother. Curtis frowned, gave Stephen one more warning glare before going back to cooking.

"I'm sorry about that…" Christie said as the two made their way to the pool. "I was the first grand-baby born and Uncle Curtis and Uncle Chris were very protective of me. I guess Uncle Curtis isn't ready to see me with a man yet even if we aren't an item."

"You have a point…"

His words stung somehow. She spoke the truth and he only acknowledged it as such, but the fact that they weren't an item was still upsetting. Christie couldn't let it bother her though. He was giving her the time of day and meeting her family and he kissed her like that earlier in the day that had her nearly on her knees begging for more.

The two finally joined everyone in the pool and the games began…

A/N: Cliff hanger? I think yes. I need to add some conflict to this story so expect some craziness to go down in the next couple of chapters. Again, thank you for your patience and thank you for reading! ~Brittany