The return trip to Orlando from Canada for Jessa was - in a word - blissful. She and Petey made their constantly flirtatious relationship official on Christmas day and Jessa hadn't stopped smiling since. Petey's mother, like she assumed any mother would, had burst into tears of joy for them. Mitchell, his brother, jokingly took credit for the set-up, since he pointed out the mistletoe.
As for exchanging of gifts, Petey had given Jessa a delicate silver necklace with a clover shaped pendant with diamonds laid into it and a flower shaped charm inside the clover, also in diamonds. Jessa had nearly cried when she saw it. She had gotten him a very nice watch he'd hinted that he wanted, since she hadn't a clue beforehand what to get him.
They returned home to a days worth of rest, and were now headed back to the studio for iMPACT tapings. Neither had a match that night but Jessa was unsettled to find out that she'd be cutting a promo with Alex which would be her first step in sealing her fate in managing the Paparazzis. After hearing the news, Jessa headed out of the Team Canada lockeroom in search of Johnny. She found him in a room full of X-Division stars complaining about Chris Sabin's insistence of playing 311. Jessa had peeked into the room in passing and backpedaled upon seeing Johnny inside, but hesitated, noticing Alex on the other side of the room, trying to grapple the stereo remote away from Chris. Thankful he wasn't paying attention, Jessa breezed into the room, greeting who spoke to her before grabbing Johnny's attention and he got up to leave the room with her.
"Hey! Where'd you disappear to for the holiday? I couldn't find you anywhere. I got something for ya..."
"Johnny! You didn't have to do that!" Jessa swatted his shoulder. "Well, Petey and I went up to Windsor."
"Really! How was that?"
"It was nice. Really nice, actually. I got to meet his parents, his brother, his nephews - who are the most adorable little boys I've ever seen - it was just a nice calm Christmas. Something I haven't had in a while."
"That's good, sis, real good," Johnny pulled himself onto a spare equipment box. "I'm glad to hear it."
Jessa smiled and hopped up next to him. "Thanks. How was your holiday?"
"Pretty chill. Hung out with the family. Just being normal for a couple days, y'know?"
"Yeah. It's nice. Get anything good?"
"Don't even get me started! I think cos they don't see me for half the year they insist on spoiling me for the three days we do get to see each other," Johnny laughed. "How about you? Hey, and don't let me forget I've got something for ya."
Jessa nodded. "Um, yeah. Petey got me this necklace," She smiled as her fingers grazed it. "I seriously nearly cried when he handed it to me. Johnny, it's so gorgeous I almost didn't wear it today cos I'm afraid I'll break it or something."
"Damn! That is gorgeous! Petey did a good job."
"He did," Jessa smiled. "Well, anyhow, that's not it."
"Oh?"
"No. I... I'm not sure how to put this, John. ...Let's just say... I got... Petey."
"Please tell me that my brain is taking that really out of context..." Johnny shuddered.
"Johnny! Yes! It is completely taking that out of context! You, big brother, have a filthy, filthy mind. What I mean is! Petey asked me to be his girlfriend."
Johnny let out a sigh of relief. "Oh! Oh thank goodness! I thought you were gonna tell me something I really wasn't ready for. Anyway, congratulations, Jes! It's about damn time you two admitted you were perfect for each other and started dating."
"Johnny! Petey and I have been dating for three days. Calm down."
"Oh honey, you two have been dating for far longer than three days. You'll just admit to it now that you're official."
"Shut up," She laughed. "I've gotta get going soon... Alex and I are cutting a promo together tonight. Please tell me you'll be there."
"'Fraid not, pretty girl. I'm not included in the first stages of kidnapping you from Team Canada."
Jessa frowned. "Great. Just what I want. To be in a dead end hallway with Alex Shelley."
"Hey, I may not be in the promo but I won't be far away after my match. If he tries anything stupid, trust that I'll be on him faster than he can blink. Don't worry about that."
"Okay... thanks, Johnny."
"No problem," He grinned. "So I'm gonna go grab your present and let you get on your way. Give me a sec, okay?"
Jessa nodded as Johnny jumped down from his seat and headed back into the lockeroom. Feeling bad, she made a mental note to get him a very good birthday gift to make up for forgetting. He returned a moment later, a box in his hand, telling her to open it. Inside was a red jersey, the very same as Petey's except for having her ring name on the back - and of course, being sized to fit her.
"I know how much you keep saying you liked Petey's so I figured you'd like it."
Jessa beamed and hugged him tight. "Thank you, Johnny! It's so perfect! How'd you know what size to get?"
"...Christy."
"Thank you. I really love it. In fact, I'll wear it tonight!"
---
Following Johnny Devine's match with Sonjay Dutt, the all familiar Paparazzi Productions logo appeared on the big screen, followed immediately by a odd close-up of blonde hair. The camera swiveled around and showed a clearer shot of Alex Shelley and Team Canada's resident troublemaking vixen Jace.
"What do you want, Shelley?" She asked sourly.
"Oh don't sound so suspicious. I've got an offer for you that you can't refuse."
"Really? Try me."
"I want you to come work with me."
"No."
"Hear me out! I mean, come on. What are you really doing with that whole Team Canada thing? Puttering around in their shadows? I mean look at you. You had this killer match last week and kicked Traci's ass and what are they talking about? Not that, I assure you. You're a star, kid."
"I'm perfectly fine where I am in Team Canada, Alex. And you have no idea what you're talking about. Plus, hasn't Petey beaten you in... oh every match you two have had together? Tag team or otherwise?" Jace smirked at him.
Alex cleared his throat, offended. "I can take Petey Williams any day of the week! The punk is lucky, that's all!"
"Luck doesn't have anything to do with it, Shelley. Petey will kick your ass up and down the iMPACT Zone. And if you even so much as think to lay a finger on me again, there's a Canadian Destroyer in your very near future."
"Y'know, you're kinda cute when you try to be intimidating."
"Go screw yourself, Shelley."
"What, don't believe me?"
"Never have, never will." Jace said, crossing her arms defensively.
"Then how about we make a little wager?"
"What do you have to wager? You've got nothing I want."
"Oh see, but I've got nothing to lose, and everything to gain. Petey has something that I want."
"That's right. Your word is already so tainted no one will believe it, so what do you have to lose?"
"Here's my offer, dollface. Victory Road. Me and Petey, he wins, you get to keep your place under Team Canada. I win... you come with the Paparazzis."
"Are you kidding me? You're joking, right? Why would you want me?"
"Well look at you. You're an asset, you're a troublemaker. And if I do say so myself," Alex stepped closer to her, touching her hair. "You're a pretty damn good looking distraction."
Jace smacked his hand away. "No. Absolutely not going to happen."
"Oh? And why not? Is that a lack of faith in Petey? Don't think he can beat me?"
"I know he can beat you."
"Then what's the problem?"
"I don't like you. And you're a cheater."
"So are you."
"No, Shelley. No deal."
"Fine, fine. Man would I hate to be in Petey's shoes. His own girlfriend lacking faith in him..."
"Don't twist my words!" Jace shouted.
"Oh, touchy. C'mon. What have you got to lose, huh? If you think your boy is that good, take my deal. If you think he can defend you proper, do it. It's just one word, baby. I mean unless you think you could beat me. I don't hit girls but I'd be glad to let you pin me..."
"You're slime."
"C'mon! I promise, you'll get the exposure you want being one of us. We're equal opportunity Paparazzis. I'd do you and me a lot of good. But it's up to you and if you really believe that crap you're feeding me about Petey Williams. The answer is simple, it's on your shoulders."
Jace scoffed, turning as if she were to walk away causing Alex to smirk. He grabbed her shoulder, leaning down to her ear, whispering something. Jace whipped around, looking furious and shoved him back.
"Fine! I can't wait for Victory Road, Alex Shelley! Petey is going to kick your ass from here to the great white north and your little plan is gonna fall apart right in front of your eyes! And I'll be right there, cheering Petey on and ready to walk away with my man and you can go scamper off with your tail between your legs because you've failed miserably."
Jace gave him one last shove and turned on her heel, walking away, leaving Alex with a satisfied smirk on his face.
"Well how about that, DW. We've seen this battle going on between Petey Williams and Alex Shelley for the past few weeks and now Alex has even gotten into Jace's head and got her to accept a match with... well herself on the line!"
"I'm not too sure how good of an idea that was on her part. We all know Alex Shelley as the man behind the Paparazzi Cam but we never knew he was that type of mastermind."
"Well let's look at who he's put his services to use for, Don. James Mitchell, Jeff Jarrett, I suppose he's learned from the best."
"A real student of the game, indeed."
---
"Hey! Jessa. Come back here."
The blonde quickened her stride, attempting to ignore Alex's voice calling behind her. He caught up to her in a few quick strides and grabbed her by the arm, struggling to pull her down another empty hallway.
"Get off of me, Alex!"
"Don't be so difficult! I just wanna talk to you."
"Yeah, right! It's never just talking with you, Alex! Don't touch me, get off!"
"Ugh, you are such a faithless little whore! Shut up and listen."
Alex pushed her against the wall, pinning her there with his weight. Jessa struggled to pull away, nearly putting herself in tears with the effort. Alex sighed loudly.
"If you'd stop, this would be a lot easier."
"What do you want, Alex?"
"I just wanted to give you something," He pulled something suspiciously lacy out of his back pocket. "I was cleaning out my car, and I thought you might want these. Merry Christmas, dollface."
Alex unfurled what was in his hand, twirling the lacy garment around his index finger. Jessa gaped and snatched them from him, shoving him away.
"You're a pig, Alex! You're disgusting!"
"Hey, you're the one that left panties in my car, God knows how long they've been there..."
"Go to hell!"
Jessa glared at him and turned to leave but Alex caught her by the arm again, pulling her back. He leaned down close to her.
"Don't think I don't know, dollface. I could hear everything you told Johnny. Honestly, I hope you're happy. Ain't it sweet?"
Jessa held her breath, trying not to cry, seeming to sense it, Alex smirked.
"By the way. You smell like a dude. You and Petey going at it already? Not wasting any time, huh? You made me wait at least six months."
Sputtering her breath out, Jessa shoved Alex in the chest, tears falling down her cheeks.
"You asshole!"
Jessa pushed past Alex and all but dashed out of the hallway, making a beeline towards the Team Canada lockeroom. She passed Johnny on the way, seeing her hurry, he didn't stop to ask her what was wrong, but followed her. Jessa swung the door to the lockeroom open, rushing past Coach D'Amore straight to Petey. Johnny stood against the door frame but D'Amore waved him in, telling him to shut the door.
Petey nearly fell backwards with the collision of Jessa's body against his but he wrapped his arms around her, concerned for the sound of her tears and confused at the cause. Her left hand was clutched so tightly it made her entire arm shake.
"Jessie, what's wrong hon? What happened?"
"I hate him! I hate him, Petey!" She sobbed. "Please make it stop."
Petey frowned, guiding her to the couch, her whole body had started shaking.
"Who, princess? What happened?" D'Amore sat next to them.
"Alex!" Jessa cried, pulling back from Petey. She unclenched her fist and tossed the garment in her hand to the floor. "He said he found those in his car and that they belong to me and maybe I'd want them back. Merry Christmas, he says! Just make it stop."
Jessa buried her face in Petey's chest. He felt helpless and angry at the same time. Johnny's face turned red with swelling rage and Petey had a hard time keeping his anger subdued while he tried to comfort his shaking girlfriend. He stroked her hair, while Coach D'Amore, anger apparent, silently left the room. The slam of the door made Jessa jump and Johnny quickly sank into the open space to her other side. Jessa lifted her head from Petey's chest, wiping her face with her palms. She pushed herself into motion wordlessly and strode to the bathroom, shutting the door softly behind her. Petey heard a long-suppressed sob followed by the sound of running water. Petey tipped his head back, resting it on the back of the couch, his face hot and red with anger, fists clenched in an attempt to push down his will to punch something, or someone.
Johnny hopped to his feet, the unsettling tension making him restless. He paced back and forth behind Petey, wringing his hands and shaking his head.
"I'm gonna kill that kid." Johnny muttered.
"You and me both." Petey all but snarled, teeth clenched.
"Do me a favor, Sunday and knock him one good for me."
"My pleasure."
Johnny stopped pacing and Petey stood at the sound of the bathroom door opening and Jessa stepped out quietly, head bowed. Petey willed the angry stress from his limbs, hoping to make them soft enough to embrace her. Before he approached, Jessa brushed past him, picking up the discarded garment from the floor. She put all her strength into ripping it in half, turning her face red with the effort. Fabric shredded in her hands and the tearing sound relieved her of a small amount of tension. Disgusted and angered, Jessa dropped the into the nearest trashcan. Lifting her face to the two men for the first time since returning from the bathroom, her cheeks were flushed and stained with mascara and tears.
"I hate him."
