Author's Note: Special thanks to Taker Always, ParkAvenue, Mocha, SmashO7, My time is now, Lady Isadorra, Awesomeone21, and Guest for your awesome kind reviews. You guys totally rock!
Disclaimer: As always I own nothing remotely associated with WWE. I know nothing about John and Liz's marriage or what ultimately caused their divorce. Where John Cena is concerned, I am simply a half crazy in love fan-girl.
Chapter 9
(April 18th early morning)
(Mercedes P.O.V.)
I guess I'd been awake for nearly an hour, before I heard Aunt Stephanie head downstairs. I wanted to talk to her, but I was so comfy right that second I wasn't sure I was ready to leave the bed. After a while, the smell of fresh hot coffee drove me to get my butt up and moving. Soundlessly I slid from bed, grabbing my robe, and hello kitty slippers (a welcome home from the hospital gift from my cousins) I quickly and quietly made my way downstairs. Wandering around the all too familiar kitchen, I grabbed a large mug from the cabinet. Pouring me a cup, I smiled; Aunt Stephanie made the best coffee ever – hands down.
It felt great to be home, even if it was only for a couple of days. While it's true that I was awake before the crack of dawn. I am so grateful for the sleep I got last night. I certainly needed it. The bonus being that I didn't wake the girls or my Aunt up with my hysterical screaming. On top of that, there was the promise I'd made John. Even though we had only known each other a very short time – I appreciated his concern. It was a relief to have someone to talk to. Sure my family was always around to talk, but with John it was different. I didn't feel compelled to talk if I didn't want to. He and I could talk about nothing really. He just let me be me without all the baggage. Thinking about our previous conversation, he was right I needed to work on trusting him a little. I wanted this friendship to work. I just hoped that I didn't come to depend on him too much. This time had to be different. I just didn't want to lean on him too much. I needed to figure out to deal with this shit on my own. One of the doc's at the hospital told me prior to my release that I might want to consider talking to a professional at some point. I hate to admit it but maybe she was right. Pushing all thoughts of nightmares, doctors, and treatment from my mind I took my coffee and headed for the living room – in search of Aunt Stephanie. "Good Morning….I hope I didn't wake you!" she murmurs from her seat on the floor in front of the coffee table – her laptop up and running. If nothing else you had to admire Stephanie McMahon-Lévesque work ethics.
Sitting down the couch beside her I smiled, "It's all good, I've been awake for a while now."
Moving from the floor, she took a seat on the sofa. I can see the questions lurking in her eyes. I was awake early so she's immediately think nightmares. I smile in what I hope is a reassuring way, "No worries Aunt Steph – just awake no boogie man this time." I laugh a little.
"Ok good!" She smiles looking almost as relieved as I felt when I woke up this morning. If I know my aunt Steph she's thinking – her wheels are definitely spinning and she is choosing her words very carefully.
"Aunt Steph….about last night…" I began
"Mercedes I wanted to talk to you about…." She laughed realizing we were both thinking nearly the same thing. "Please" she said gesturing towards me "go on!"
Suddenly a little nervous, I wondered did I really want the answers to the questions I was about to ask. "I'm curious, last night you mentioned John changing. Changing how?"
"You know John was married before right?" Stephanie asked, choosing her words with great care.
"Yeah, it was all over the place when they split up. Why?" I replied definitely curious now. When Aunt Stephanie paused watching me; a curious expression painting her face I pushed a little "You said he changed – how?"
"Did I ever tell you that I was at John and Liz's wedding?" She asked with a whimsical yet somewhat sad expression masking her usually happy-go-lucky expression.
I usually enjoyed all of our conversations – regardless of what we talked about. This morning, I just wanted her to get to the point – quickly. I sat waiting as patiently as I could for her to go on. "John had been with the company nearly eight years by that point. At the time I thought he had never looked happier." Reaching for an old photo album laying on the coffee table, she flipped through the pages until finding what she was looking for. Laying the album across my lap, she pointed out what she wanted me to see. Standing together three men; my uncle Paul to the right, John in the center, and Randy Orton to the left. The traditional black tux with deep maroon tie looked amazing on John. Leaning in, Aunt Steph pointed out the photo right below it. John and Liz, I assumed dancing. In the second photo, it appeared John had removed the jacket, tie, vest, and the white button down shirt. He was dancing with Liz in a white t-shirt, black suit pants, and what appeared to be no shoes. I smiled a little giggle, the tux may have looked great on him, but the second photo was way more the John Cena I was getting to know. Stephanie gave voice to what I was thinking. "I told him the tux looked great on him, but he wasn't buying it. He told me later that if Liz would have approved he would have gotten married in his blue jean shorts, t-shirt, and ball cap."
I laughed "Yeah that's just what every bride wants to see her man in on their wedding day." Stephanie nodded her agreement with me, but said nothing else. I was obviously missing something I just didn't know what.
"Aunt Stephanie…you said last night that you worried some of his changes were for the worse. Worse how – what aren't you telling me?"
"I'm sorry Mercedes," she began thoughtfully. "Since the beginning there has always been something special about John. From the very beginning he really connected with fans; give that man a microphone and watch out." Her mind seemed to wonder for a moment maybe two before she spoke once more. "Early on I thought his marriage seemed to just make him happier. I would over hear him talking with your uncle or Randy about the plans he and Liz had for the future. Things were good for a long time and then suddenly…one day your uncle tells me that John's filing for divorce." Snapping her fingers quickly "just that quickly as if overnight."
Taking a deep breath I pushed forward, "I don't understand Aunt Stephanie. Did things at work change? Was he different backstage? Did he confide in you? I heard some of the rumors; saw the stories. Is that what you're talking about?" With that said, I reached for my coffee, waiting for an answer that made sense out of all of this.
Reaching for her coffee she took one…two deep sips as if gathering her words carefully. Stephanie groaned "No his job never suffered. He filled all of obligations to the best of his ability. He continued to be back-stage offering his assistance in any manner he could. The stories though they took their toll. Liz came out and accused him of being unfaithful to her. There were rumors about him and Mickie James if I remember correctly. I think…"
I interrupted her thought "Do you know…was he…I mean was he unfaithful to Liz?" I don't know why I needed to ask. It was honestly none of my business. Suddenly though the answer was very important to me.
"Only John and Liz know that for sure, but if I were to guess I would say no. The John Cena I know would not cheat on a woman he loved enough to marry. It's more than that." She continued almost absently. "John always had a certain light in his eyes; a sparkle as cliché as it may sound. Before the divorce was final it was gone. What he's found instead isn't the same lightness but something much darker maybe even a little colder." Looking at me she smiled, "Listen Mercedes, I know I probably shouldn't have brought any of this up. I just want you to be careful. You've been through so much already. I don't want to see you hurt again."
Leaning over I hugged my aunt tightly "I love you Aunt Steph and I appreciate your concern, but where just friends. I mean we barely know each other yet – so worries honest."
(April 21st, 2013 early morning)
The past couple of day's home with my aunt and the girls had been so good for me. Not only did I get a lot accomplished professionally – the down time with the girls had been just what I needed. Sometimes a child's laughter is the best medicine. My aunt and uncle were raising three amazing little ladies and I planned to enjoy every second that I got to spend with them.
A few days at home was all I needed, I was ready to get back out on the road. I needed to be out there working, finding my place, my rhythm. Grabbing my bags, I headed back downstairs – Aunt Steph and the girls were waiting to take me to the airport.
Sitting my suitcase on the curb along-side the car, I turned to my young cousins once more – smothering them with hugs and kisses. Collecting my bags I turned toward the main entrance, when I heard my aunt call out. Turning I saw her standing at the driver side door one hand on the open door the other resting on the roof of the car. I could tell she wanted to say something, but it was almost as if she were debating with herself. After a minute maybe two she called out "April twenty-third is his birthday!" Confusion must have been evident on my face; she smiled before speaking again, "you know just in case you wanted to do something – as friends of course!"
I smiled shaking my head before exclaiming "I love you too Aunt Stephanie," and with that I headed into the airport.
(April 21st, 2013 early afternoon)
My plane landed right on time without delay. After picking up my rental, I headed straight for the hotel. As I sat at a red light, my fingers drumming in time with the radio inspiration struck. Reaching for my cell phone I dialed Randy. As the phone continued to ring I wasn't sure he would answer. It wasn't all that early, but I didn't know what his plans were for the day. I was expecting his voice mail to kick in when suddenly I heard the all too familiar deep timbre of his voice. "Randy its Mercedes" I began quickly.
"Hey baby-girl what's up?"
"You busy?" I asked "I want to bounce something off you – if you have a second."
"I'm at the gym with some of the guys, but I've always got time for you baby-girl what's going on?"
Taking a deep breath, I gave a moment's thought to finding the right words. I wanted this to be a friendly thing…I didn't want to sound like some crazy stalker fan-girl type right off the bat. "I heard that the twenty-third is Cena's birthday I thought maybe we should do something – you know to celebrate or whatever."
"Yeah that sounds good! You got anything particular in mind?" He replied swiftly. I could hear the smile in his words. I knew he would probably save the teasing and questions until we were face to face but for now I was just grateful that he was silent on the why's and how come's.
"No…not anything in particular…I figured you might have some idea…you certainly know him better than me; all that time on the road together and such."
"Are you coming back out on the road?" He asked with equal parts curiosity and concern.
"I'm almost to the hotel now. I'm hooking up with Uncle…" I stopped quickly back tracking praying he didn't notice "I'm hooking up with H in about an hour to go over anything I've missed plus Raw tomorrow night."
The deep rich laughter that came next wasn't really what I expected; it should have been a given considering I was talking to the apex predator and all. "I know the score baby-girl – no worries your secrets are safe with me."
I exhaled loudly, "I just…it's just that! It's complicated… I want… hell I don't know…"
He interrupted my little "Hey…Hey breathe baby girl. You don't have to explain anything to me I get it. You want to be accepted for you – not the familial ties. You're preaching to the choir here, son of Cowboy Bob Orton remember?"
"I get it Randy – and thanks!"
"No problem, Listen why don't we meet for dinner tonight. We can talk – catch up; maybe come up with a plan. Whattya say?"
"Sounds great, I assume were all at the same hotel right? I'll call you when I'm done meeting with H and we can meet up then."
"Sounds great baby-girl, talk to you later, love ya Cedes bye."
I smiled pulling into the hotel parking lot "love ya bye." I hated that damned nickname and Randy knew it – asshole I thought with a laugh. Randy and I had been ending our conversations with "love ya bye" almost since the first time we met. The last couple of years, we had drifted apart – my fault not his. When I let myself stop and think about all I'd really missed out on a lot the last two – two and half years. Well let's just say it was damned near overwhelming. Well no more I told myself, this is my life and from now on I'm going to live in my way on my terms.
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(John's P.O.V.)
When Randy texted and said he and Stephen (Sheamus) were headed to the gym with Matt (Zach Ryder) it was on the tip of my tongue to just answer back that I was busy. This afternoon was the first few hours of free time I'd had in days. I wasn't sure I was really up for company; some down time alone sounded really good. So what did I do instead? I texted back of course and said I'll meet you there.
Nearly forty-five minutes in and Matt was working on the machines across the room. Stephen I thought was working the heavy bags down the way to the left. Randy was working the weight bench – so I had agreed to spot for him. That was until his cell phone rang about five minutes ago. Normally when the four of us are at the gym together we ignore cell phones unless it's urgent. When he sat up to check the screen; I knew this was different. Even before he spoke I knew he was going to take this call. "Hey man" Randy spoke "I gotta take this…give me just a few ok?"
"Sure man no problem" I answered as I moved down the aisle just a ways looking for the heavier free weights. A few minutes later I walked back towards the free bench next to where Randy was seated, still obviously wrapped up in his phone call. Taking a seat, I started lifted weights losing myself in the customary sounds of gym activity going on all around me. I heard Randy ask "Are you coming back out on the road?" He asked with equal parts curiosity and concern. I figured he must be talking to his dad. Everyone knew that Cowboy Bob Orton still made the rounds on the independent circuit now and then – much to the dismay of his wife Elaine.
As the conversation continued I was a little surprised. "I know the score baby-girl – no worries your secrets are safe with me." Randy voice was firm but comforting as he spoke to whoever was on the other end of that phone. Everyone in the locker room was familiar with Randy's reputation as a real lady killer. I couldn't remember him mentioning a 'special' woman in his life lately; and I know Randy he wouldn't interrupt his workout for a ring-rat. No this girl whoever she was – she was special.
Standing from the bench I moved down just a bit to pick up a different set of weights. When I returned the conversation was obviously wrapping up. "No problem," Randy smiled "Listen why we don't meet for dinner tonight. We can talk – catch up; maybe come up with a plan. Whattya say?" So this girl was local? Mmm very interesting indeed, I wondered if Stephen or Matt knew anything about this girl. My best friend had definitely been holding out on me lately. I heard Randy laugh rich and deep before he ended the call "Sounds great baby-girl, talk to you later, love ya Cedes bye."
"Cedes?Cedes?" I damn near dropped a thirty pound dumb-bell on my right foot. Setting the weights on the floor, I wondered could he have really been talking about Mercedes…my Mercedes. Standing from the bench, I cursed silently figuring myself seven kinds a chump. Glancing at my best friend I watched in silence as he slipped his cell back into his pocket. A big goofy ass grin continued to mask his usually serious face. "How could I have been so foolish?" I wondered almost painfully. I knew that night I saw her outside H's office that there was a history there – an unfinished history from the looks of things. The noises of the gym seemed to wash away as H's words played back in my head "Relax Killer they know each other from my Legacy days." H wanted someone to look after her so damned bad – he could ask Randy to fucking do it. I was done! No way in hell I was stepping in the middle of whatever past or present crap they were sorting through. I should have known better than to think about chasing anything with a girl who had no clue about my score.
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(Mercedes P.O.V.)
(Monday April 22nd, twenty minutes before the start of Raw.)
I was grateful when Celeste (Diva – Kaitlyn) stopped by the office looking for HHH. I felt like I had checked my cell phone for easy at least the hundredth time in the last twenty minutes. I'd texted John a couple of hours ago really just to say hello – with still no response. Standing just outside the office talking with Celeste, I nearly jumped when I heard my cell phone beep with the incoming text. "John" my mind screamed. Apparently Aurora, Murray, and Vaughan wouldn't go to bed without saying good night. I smiled as I texted back sending them hugs and kisses with wishes for sweet dreams. While I was always tickled to talk to "baby cousins" I was disappointed that it wasn't John. I guess I did a lousy job covering that disappointment. I was a little taken aback when Celeste asked if everything was ok. How the hell was I supposed to answer that? Searching a honest if not somewhat evasive answer I was surprised but grateful when I saw Randy heading in the other direction. "Excuse me for just second Celeste I need to catch up with Randy for just a second."
Celeste smiled "I gotta get ready for the show - I'll catch up with you later before the show ends." She replied as I headed after Randy and her off towards the ladies locker room.
"Hey Randy…Wait up!" I called out racing off down the hall to catch up. Already wearing his wrestling trunks he completed his look with the new black and white Viper t-shirt. "Hey baby-girl" he smiled gesturing towards my ever present clipboard "it's good to see you back at work."
I laughed "I think he was managing just fine without me, but nonetheless it's real good to be back on the road. I just wanted to say thanks again for dinner and the great idea. I picked up the cake earlier….double chocolate fudge with German…" I stopped noticing the strange way Randy was glancing over my right shoulder. Without turning around I instantly knew John was approaching. Standing nearly in the middle of the aisle way, there was no way he didn't see us standing there; yet he walked on by as if we were invisible. Surprised I reached out grabbing his wrist softly "Hey John…where you headed in such a hurry?"
Slowly he turned facing Randy and me. I didn't immediately realize that I was still holding his wrist, but he did. He looked down at my hand on his – disturbed the only word I think of to describe his eyes. Slowly so as not to draw attention to the situation he took a step back – effectively removing his wrist from my grasp. "What's that all about" I wondered. I watched his face as he started talking – his darting around the hall successfully looking at anything and everything except Randy and I.
"Hey guys – sorry about that" he calmly replied – to calmly if you asked me. "Busy night around here – you know how it is. I should really get down to the locker room – still got things to do before the show. I'll catch you around guys after the show – maybe." And with that he was off and running down the hall towards the men's locker room.
Watching his retreating figure I wondered out loud, "What the hell was that all about?" I could see it in Randy's eyes he knew something or saw something that I didn't "What the hell are you smiling about Orton?"
"Nothing….nothing at all" he replied with a smirk that had become nearly legendary. "Listen" he began that annoying smile never once slipping from his expression "I need to get down to creative for a quick meeting before the show starts." Giving me a tight albeit brief hug he whispered "I assume the whole cake idea is ok with H. I'll catch up before the end of the show to help with the cake, but I ain't singing no damned Happy birthday; I don't give a damned if it is John or not."
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(John's P.O.V.)
As I slammed into the locker room – I prayed to find it empty. Gratefully it was as I took a seat on the bench in front of a row of lockers. "What the hell Cena?" I questioned myself angrily. "You need to get the fuck over this high school bull-shit. She belongs to another man – get used to it." Standing from the bench I looked at my reflection in the mirror. With an irritated sigh I noticed the time "here we go – show-time" I thought as I exited the locker room. Five minutes later I'd forced my head to get in the game – when my music hit "the champ was in the house."
Given the way I was feeling, I expected three hours of live television to feel like an eternity. Thankfully, all things considered Raw ended relatively quickly. Sooner than I expected I was standing in the ring enjoying the cheers and boos of the crowd following a verbal showdown against Ryback. I was just about to slid through the ropes and head back to the locker room when I noticed several superstars and diva's crowding around the top of the entrance ramp. Clearing away from the entrance I was shocked to see Mercedes standing in the thick of them holding what appeared to be a large chocolate cake in both hands. Closely behind her stood Randy and H smiling like cats that just swallowed the proverbial canaries. Making her way quickly and quietly towards the ring; Mercedes looked really young, shy, and nearly ready to bolt as she made her way ringside. I watched as H and Randy along with several others followed her to the ring. H and Randy climbed the ring steps first. I barely noticed Randy slipping between the steps and taking the cake from Mercedes hands. Ever the gentleman, H helped Mercedes slip through the ropes - bringing her to stand between himself and Randy. I smiled as several of my friends among the roster entered the ring behind them. As HHH began to speak – I was left to wonder when he'd asked for a microphone. "As I'm sure many of the WWE Universe is aware – tomorrow is the Champ here's birthday. So in honor of such a momentous occasion – are we ready guys?" Before another word was spoken, there was singing. Mercedes, HHH, various superstars, divas, the WWE universe, hell even Cole, Bradshaw, and the King were singing – everyone but the Viper himself. As the song drifted to the end, Mercedes approached me slowly almost timid and shy the large chocolate cake held in both hands. I didn't want to – I wanted to stay pissy and cranky, but watching her come closer; I was softening faster than ice cream on a hot July day. As she stopped in front of me, I looked down at the cake. If I had to guess I would say double chocolate fudge with German chocolate frosting; the words Happy Birthday Champ spelled out across the top. What a minute – the words were pink. She had them use pink fucking frosting. I smiled in spite of myself. Looking up at her I smiled. I knew by morning my next move would have people speculating all over the damned world by morning – ask me if at that I moment I gave a shit. "Thank-you" I whispered as I leaned in careful of the cake and placed a quick brief kiss against her right cheek. "It wasn't all my idea," she responded quickly "I got the idea from Orton," she replied with a big happy if some-what goofy grin.
She got the idea from Orton. She got the idea from Orton. She got the damned idea from Orton my mind chastised over and over again. You got your righteous boxers in a twist all over this "relationship" between her and Orton and they were planning your damned birthday all along!" Sometimes that damned voice in my head – yeah well I wish I could defeat it as easily as I need an opponent in the squares circle. With a familiar laugh, I could hear that same voice chuckling "Good luck champ – I'm thinking your good and truly screwed." Ah hell screw my inner voice what the hell did that bastard know anyway.
Author's Note: This chapter was more fun and frustrating than I really expected. But hey at 4,500+ words what can I expect. I hope that you all continue to read, review, and enjoy. As always good, bad, or indifferent leave it in the box below. As always XOXOXOX – OZ
