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Here's the next part enjoy and please review, it makes me so happy when I see your comments!!
Chapter 10 - Realisation
The night of Wrestlemania 20 in Madison Square Garden, New York was close and I was once again competing for the WWE Women's Championship against Victoria who had won the title back on Raw a few weeks before from Molly Holly.
John was facing the Big Show for the U.S Championship, Randy and Dave along with Ric were facing Mick Foley and the Rock and Steve was refereeing in a Interpromotional match: Goldberg Vs Brock Lesnar.
I hadn't seen John since I came back although I spoke to him everyday, my feelings for him were still in tact even though I was too chicken to tell him how I felt. Randy and Dave knew how much I liked John, like me they thought it was just a crush then I told them it wasn't and like the great friends they were they kept it secret for me, I hadn't told anyone else otherwise John would probably find out, I told those guys cause I needed someone to talk to, I needed to get it off my chest as it was eating me alive. I didn't tell Trish and Amy as I thought they would blab it everyone so instead I confided in Randy and Dave.
During Wrestlemania week we are usually in the city all week promoting the event, it's a hectic week to say the least, so after Raw on Monday me along with the entire Raw roster flew to New York, SmackDown was being taped as usual on the Tuesday night so the SmackDown roster was arriving a day later. John had promised me he was flying in on Wednesday afternoon, I was so looking forward to seeing him since I hadn't seen him since Survivor Series which was back in November and it was now March. And to top it off my feelings for John were about to change drastically….
On Tuesday, it was nearing 11 at night and I had just gotten settled in my hotel room in New York. Steve sent me a text earlier to let me know he got in safely and was heading to the bar if I wanted to join him, I text him back no, too tired before he said ok goodnight kiddo. I hauled my suitcase onto the bed just as my phone began to ring, I picked it up from the nightstand, flipping it open to answer not bothering to look at the screen to say who was calling.
"Hello" I answered beginning to open the zip on my suitcase with my spare hand
"Hey Emmie" the voice said on the other end, I smiled immediately knowing only one person calls me that name
"Hey Felix" I giggled and I heard him groan playfully at me calling him by his first middle name
"I told you not to call me that" he laughed
"You love it really" I laughed "So what's up?"
"Well I called cause I have some bad news" I heard his tone turn sad
"What is it?" I asked cautiously
"I'm not coming in tomorrow, there was some mess up with my flight and I'm not flying in till Thursday, someone has cover my appearances for me till I get to New York" he explained sounding pissed himself
"Oh man, John that sucks, I was looking forward to seeing I ain't seen you for nearly 4 fucking months" I replied angry, not at John but the airline for being so incompetent.
"I know babe, I'm pissed too, I've missed you so much" he said softly and I sighed deeply calming down
"Me too. Has anyone else had trouble or is it just you?" I asked more calmly knowing getting mad won't bring him here faster.
"Just me" I rolled my eyes
"Just your luck" I muttered loud enough for him to hear and I heard him sigh
"It's only one more day" he said reassuring me
"I know, sorry for getting mad" I apologised
"No worries"
"You gonna bunk with me when you finally get here?" I asked him, when both shows were in town instead of bunking with one of the other Divas I would always share with John just so I got to spend more time with him.
"You already know the answer to that" he told me
"Good, I'm gonna go John, I think I better go work out since I've not had chance yet today with travelling" I laughed softly
"Ok I'll leave you to it babe, see you Thursday" he replied more happy
"Counting down the hours and minutes, bye John" I said
"Bye Em" he said finally and I flip my phone shut.
I sighed heavily, throwing my phone on the bed and pulling out some black Nike shorts with a sports bra to match and a 'Austin 3:16' hoodie with the smoking skull on the back along with my sneakers from a different bag.
I changed quickly, wrapped a scrunchie round my wrist then grabbed my phone, ipod and key card before heading out the door and downstairs to hotel gym.
I peeped inside to see it completely deserted, I sighed happily not wanting to be bothered while walking over to the treadmill, I set it to the right speed and place my headphones in my ears picking some good work out tunes on my ipod placing it in the front pocket of the hoodie, I pulled my hair up into a high ponytail and I stepped on the treadmill and began to run pulling the hood over my head to drown out the world. I closed my eyes and concentrate on the music, I began to hum along to the harmony of the song.
I continued to run for what seemed about 15 minutes till I heard a loud bang over the music, I opened my eyes and look in the wall mirror that is set in front of the equipment to see a smiling John Cena hands on hips, wearing jeans and a hoodie with his sneakers, staring back at me from behind, I smiled in shock quickly shutting off the treadmill, pulling the headphones out my ears, pulling the hood down then turning round and heading straight into his arms holding him tight, arms wrapping round his neck as he lifts me up slightly.
"Hey" he chuckled in my ear, holding onto my waist just as tight
"Hey, what are doing here, you said on the phone.." I said still shocked to see him
"Surprise" he whispered in my ear
"You sneaky little bastard" I giggled in his hearing him laugh again
"I was at the airport, making my way here when I called you"
"Sneaky, wait how did you get here so fast, shouldn't be at the SmackDown taping?" I said pulling my head back to look at his face
"Well I was only an hour plane ride away and straight after my match and after a quick shower, I hopped on the first plane here to surprise you" he told me and I shook my head at his sweetness
"I missed you so much 4 months is too freakin' long" I said sincerely yet jokingly
"Defiantly" he says before pulling back from me more, arms still wrapped around each other, placing me back on the floor, he moves a bit of hair behind my ear from my face and looks into my blue eyes with his own blue orbs.
"What?" I asked him as he stares and he shakes his head
"Nothing, come on then let's see the damage" he said meaning my leg, he hadn't seen it since I got my bandages off. I sighed in protest letting go of him completely then sticking out the bottom part of my left leg.
"It's hideous" I said quietly as he bends down to his knees to take a closer look, he began to gently run his fingers up and down the pink scar that is about 4 inches long where the surgeons cut open to reattach my cartilage and ligaments. It was worse before but faded slightly over time.
"It's not that bad, great conversation starter" he smiled standing back up
"Yeah I can see it now, they sliced my leg open to reattach muscle and stuff to the bone, then stitched me back up again like a patch work quilt, yeah great topic to talk about over dinner John" I said sarcastically rolling my eyes
"Hey I was just trying to make you feel better" he defended himself before yawning in which I laughed at, poor thing must of be tired.
"Come on, let's get you upstairs and to bed mister" I said sternly pointing my finger at him yet smiling
"Yes mom" he chuckled as I linked my arm with his and we head out the gym picking up John's bag and suitcase on the way
"Enough of that please" I said sternly
"Sorry, not gonna finish your workout?" he asked as we walk through the door of the gym and to the elevator
"Nah, I'll do double time tomorrow" I shrugged
"What do you wanna do with the rest of the evening?" he asked me as I press the button for the right floor
"Movies?" I suggested
"Movies it is" he agreed
"Have you eaten yet?" I then asked
"Nah, you?"
"No, I could go for something"
"Room service?" he then suggested
"Sounds good" I smiled as the elevator doors open and we walk along the hallway.
We got my.. I mean our room, I let us in and drop the bag down near mine while John puts his suitcase over with mine, thinking like me and unpacking in the morning. I gave him a spare key card so he can come and go as he pleases as both of our schedules are different.
"Your bro arrived yet?" John asked placing the key card in his pocket for safe keeping.
"Yeah, he's at some bar a few blocks from here, I swear he's an alcoholic sometimes" I joked rolling my eyes
"He's Stone Cold, if anyone can drink, it's him, besides I've seen you drink Em and you're just as bad as he is" he laughed and I look back at him surprised
"True. Although I wouldn't like to see the state of his liver though, mine won't be as bad" I pointed out laughing heading over to my suitcase, opening it up and began to rummage though it. I dug through and found some pyjama bottoms and a spaghetti strap vest top along with some clean underwear.
"Just gonna take a shower, won't be long" I said walking past him not before kissing his cheek
"Ok. You want the usual?" he asked meaning food, I nodded before disappearing into the bathroom.
15 minutes later I emerge for the bathroom dressed in my pj's, hair down and brushed through yet still wet to see John on the bed now in some shorts and a t-shirt, tucking into his food watching TV.
"Could of waited" I joked sitting down next him and grabbing my meal tucking in.
"Not my fault you take too long" he stuck his tongue out at me
"I was gone for like 15 minutes at the most" I defended
"Whatever" he playfully rolled his eyes, I laughed as his child like behaviour
We sat and ate in silence for a few minutes watching TV just enjoying each other's company, I glanced over to him as he finishes eating to see he has a troubled look on his face so I call him up on it.
"What's up? You look like you've got something on your mind" I asked seriously placing my plate on the table beside the bed
"Been thinking lately" he replied looking ahead
"About what?" I asked shutting off the TV with the remote
"Everything, my family, my career, what I had to give up to get here" he said still not looking at me
"Like?" I pressed. I didn't mean to be so nosey, I just want him to talk to me and tell me what's on his mind
"You know a relationship, a fiancée and a future marriage" he said turning his head and looking straight into my eyes
"I see, well I gave someone up too" I told him
"You did? You never told me that" he asked surprised
"Only my family knows and I consider you my family so if you wanna hear it.."
"Sure" he said moving to get more comfortable
"Well his name was Chris, he was my high school sweetheart, we started dating during senior year, he was perfect to me, tall, handsome, brown hair, brown eyes great smile, was nicely built not as big as you, maybe smaller than Randy, played on the football team, he was sweet, kind and smart treated me like a princess, I wasn't sure what I had done to deserve a guy like him" I smiled remembering our time together
"Don't talk like that but he does sound perfect" John smiled
"He was, I erm lost my virginity to him, after our senior prom, he was my first, even though we both knew it was coming to an end" I said a little embarrassed
"Oh, why was it coming to an end?" he then asked
"Cause he got a scholarship here in New York at NYU and I wanted to train to become a wrestler, it would become lost distance and I don't think I could of handled that, it broke my heart but it had to be done, we both knew what the deal was after graduation but sleeping together was the perfect way to say goodbye" I replied sadly looking down at my hands resting in my lap.
"Have you seen him since?" he asked as I lift my head back up returning my eyes to look at him
"No, he came here to The Big Apple and I began training in Connecticut so now you know I understand that you had to do what you had to do John, I know how you feel you actually gave up more than I did, you're not the only one who gave someone up to do this job and I'm sure if Liz knew how much this means to you and if she loved you, she's probably forgiven you by now" I told him sincerely, when we became friends John told me all about Liz and what happened between them.
"I'm not so sure about that, she was pretty pissed I chose this instead of her" he laughed slightly
"I am, you had to follow your dreams, better than living in regret wondering if you had just taken a chance to do something that made you happy"
"You know you're very wise for a 23 year old" he laughed softly easing the tension and lightening the mood
"Hey I'm nearly 24 remember" I laughed before sighing looking down at my lap "Everyone thinks I'm a cold hearted rattlesnake cause that's what they see on TV, I have feelings too, I've had my heart broken like everyone else" I continued sadly felling my self confidence go out the window at this point and my insecurities setting in. I was not sure why I brought that up and why it mattered to the topic in hand, I guess I put it down to confidence with the opposite sex as sometimes I guess I feel like I'll never have someone special in my life cause a guy doesn't wanna date a girl that can probably kick his ass!
"No one thinks you're cold hearted, it's part of a character, a character you created and that's apart of you although she's an extension of you. I don't think you're cold hearted in fact you're the most sweetest, kindest, warm hearted human being I've ever met" he told me taking hold my hand and squeezing it gently
"Really?" I asked surprised looking back up and he nodded in reply "You're just saying that" I said and he shakes his head no "So you don't just see me as Stone Cold's sister?"
"No, you're so much more than that, you're my best friend. Hey if someone had told me a few years ago in OVW that I was gonna come to the WWE and become best friends with Emma Austin, the sister of one of my favourite wrestlers ever, I would of told them they were out of their fucking minds" he joked and I smile
"Thanks, don't get me wrong I love my brother and am so proud of him, I'm love all my brothers, it's just hard living up to his name, everyone thinks I'm living in his shadow" I said feeling the pressure of my career, my comeback and continuing the Austin legacy come over me.
"I can imagine" he replied softly
"Sorry" I said suddenly feeling guilty
"What for?"
"You were meant to tell me about your problems and we ended up talking about me" I replied guiltily
"It's ok, I'm fine really, you make me feel better anyway" he smiled brightly
"Liar" I began to laugh
"No really, I'm just being stupid thinking about what might have been, things happen for a reason" he said more serious.
"Yeah they do" I said quietly looking at him, I continued to stare at him for few minutes probably looking like an idiot, I couldn't help looking into those gorgeous blue eyes I get lost in them. I kept looking deeper and then that's when it hit me like a tonne of bricks. My head was screaming "Oh my God!" although my heart was telling me that what if felt was right.
"You know I consider you family too right?" he said after a few minutes of staring and I nodded lost for words after my realisation "And I appreciate you telling me about him"
"I trust you, it's nice to actually tell someone else besides my family, feels better to get it off my chest, I'm not as open about personal stuff like some people, I only tells the ones I care about" I said finding my voice again.
"Come here" he whispered pulling me into a bear hug, I felt him squeeze me so tight I thought I was gonna suffocate.
"We should get some sleep, big week ahead" I said in his ear, he pulled away a smile still on his face
"Yep, I've got US Championship to win and you've got the Women's Championship to win on Sunday" he chuckled and I stretched out my arms smiling. John then gets up and lifts his shirt over his head before tossing it onto the floor. My eyes couldn't help looking over his muscular body, I'm sure I could feel myself blush even though I've seen him like this thousands of times. He climbed back into bed pulling the covers over us and pulled me with him to lie down, his arms securely holding onto me, my head resting on his shoulder with his resting on top of mine, my left arm draping over his waist and our legs tangled together. Anyone that didn't know us would probably think we were a couple, how I wish that was true!
"Goodnight Ems" I heard him whisper
"Goodnight Johnny" I whispered closing my eyes, my heart racing and my head spinning: I was in love with John.
****
The next morning I woke up to find I was alone in bed and John had left me a note telling me he headed off to the gym. I sighed deeply covering my face with both of my hands not believing what I discovered the night before.
"Shit shit shit shit" I cursed to myself, this can't be happening I think to myself.
I got up and take a quick shower hoping to feel better to some degree, I dressed in some jeans and a black tank top, I blow dried and straightened my hair and brushing my teeth before I threw on my sneakers and grabbed my key card and cell along with some cash and head downstairs for some breakfast. My schedule was pretty clear that day except for a radio interview later in the afternoon so I was free for most of the day to think things over.
I headed downstairs and into the hotel restaurant to see Dave and Randy sitting opposite each other already having breakfast and chatting between them, I smiled to myself and walk over to their table.
"Hey guys" I chirped causing them to stop their conversation and look up at me
"Morning Em" Dave smiled before sipping on his coffee
"Morning sweetie" Randy said munching on some food
"Don't mind if I join you do you?" I asked sweetly looking between them for an answer
"Course not" Randy said as I take the seat next to him. I looked over to my right to see my brother on his own reading a newspaper while drinking coffee.
"You ok Em? You look a little out of it" Dave asked once again taking a sip of his coffee studying my face, was I that obvious?
"I'm in love with John" I blurted out immediately and Dave nearly choked on the hot liquid that's in his mouth, I heard Randy drop his fork as it clatters on the plate.
"What?" they both asked together looking at me in surprise. I covered my face with my hands for the second time today, resting my elbows on the table
"I know, I'm so screwed, I'm in love with my best friend" I mumbled underneath my hands
"When? How?" Randy asked shocked
"Last night and I don't know how, at first I put it down to not seeing him for months and I just missed him but it's not that, it's more" I said taking my hands away from my face
"So he's here already?" Dave asked
"Yeah, I'll tell you about that later" I waved my hand
"Ok so what happened?" Randy asked softly wrapping an arm around my waist for comfort
"Well we were just talking about some personal stuff and I looked at him like I've never looked at him before, I know I had feelings for him but it's developed into love, I don't know what to do" I said sadly knowing things are messed up.
"Don't worry Em, things like this happen all the time, best friends falling for each other" Dave advised
"That's the thing Dave, I don't think he feels the same way, he sees me as a friend and nothing else"
"You don't know that for sure, maybe it's time to tell him how you feel. You were scared to tell him before because you thought it was a crush then it became more when you started to fall for him and now you're in love with him, if that's not a good reason to tell him, nothing is. What's the worst that could happen?" Randy piped in and I looked at him
"He could laugh in my face Rands and things could get awkward and I could lose him completely which is the last thing I want to happen." I said and he nods understanding
"For one I don't think John would laugh at you, he's not like that, he thinks the world of you and I can see your point about the awkward thing. It's your decision Em and if you decide not to tell him we understand and like everything else Randy and I will keep this to ourselves" Dave said supportively reaching over the table and taking hold of my rubbing the back of it with his thumb
"Thanks guys, I appreciate it" I smiled slightly before leaning against Randy for a quick side hug.
I finally ordered some breakfast and ate with the guys, they try to keep my mind off John by laughing and joking and diverting the conversation to Wrestlemania and how excited they are as it's the first one they are competing at and the fact they are taking on Dwayne and Mick.
After finishing my breakfast, I looked back over to my right.
"I'm gonna go and say hi to my brother so I'll catch you both later" I said getting up from my seat.
"Ok Ems, see you later" Dave said and I kissed his cheek
"Bye Em, your secret's safe" Randy winked and I smiled kissing his cheek also before I walked over to the table where my brother is eating all alone.
"Morning Steveo" I said as I approached the table, he looked up as he hears the voice
"Hey kiddo, you ok?" he said as I sit down opposite him
"Yeah thanks" I sighed
"You sure? You look a little distracted" he pointed outs taking a drink of his juice. God he knows me so well!
"I'm fine really" I lied sighing again
"I see John's here already" he said and I looked at him with furrowed eyebrows
"How do you know that?" I asked surprised he knew
"I bumped into him this morning on his way to the gym, told me he surprised you, he's a good guy" he said before eating whatever it was on his fork
"He's the best" I frowned
"Come on Emma tell me what's bothering you" he never calls me Emma unless it's serious.
"Nothing honestly just thinking about Sunday, I mean technically this is my main comeback match" I lied again, I'm not gonna tell him about my not so existent love life.
"You'll do great, I know I've never really told you this before but I'm so proud of you. You came here following in my footsteps and when I left you came into your own, winning gold and kicking ass then getting hurt as bad you did, you battled through that too to come back with a hell of a vengeance" he told me with a serious tone to his voice, I looked back at him expressionless.
I looked down at my hands resting on the table almost embarrassed of my big brother telling me he's proud of me when I should be happy.
"Emma" I heard him say and I lifted my head up again my gaze going back to him "I understand if you don't want to tell me but what ever it is that's bugging you, I'm sure you can battle through that too" he continued
"It's not that I don't want to tell you it's just something you don't really discuss with your big brother that's all"
"I knew something else was up with you, you know you can tell me anything. I'm here for you but I understand if you don't want to tell me, maybe you will in time" he said sincerely, he can be a big softie at times. I nodded my head in understanding.
"Yeah maybe I will, look I gotta get going, I'll see you later" I said giving my excuses standing up from my seat. I just needed time to sort my head first before I let Steve in on this.
"Ok, dinner tonight? Invite John along too, my treat" he smiled which I return
"Sure, will do, love ya" I said leaning down and kissing his cheek
"Love you too." he smiles "3:16" he then said holding out his clenched fist
"3:16" I smiled bumping his fist with my own, it's kinda something we started doing when I came to the company to show we were a team in and out of the ring using the 3:16 from Austin 3:16. I give him a quick wave before heading out the restaurant and back to my room.
On the way I thought about what Steve said "What ever it is that's bugging you, I'm sure you can battle through that too" he was right I had to battle through and hide my feelings otherwise John and I could get hurt, I hated it cause maybe Randy was right also, maybe I should tell him how I feel but it's too risky to even think about. I decided to keep it bottled up inside and get on with my life and career while continuing to have John as just my friend, considering my other feelings I was happy with that cause at least he was still in my life.
Sunday came and John won his first piece of gold by beating the Big Show with the F-U and getting the pin to become the new U.S Champion.
Dave and Randy along with Ric Flair as part of Evolution took on and defeated The Rock 'n' Sock Connection.
Steve referred the match between Goldberg and Lesnar and after Goldberg got the pin winning the match Steve executed 2 Stone Cold Stunners on both guys much to the crowd's delight and celebrated with beer in the ring after wards in true Stone Cold fashion.
And finally I beat Victoria with a submission hold similar to the cross face and won my 6th WWE Women's championship so it was great night all round. Of course John, Randy and Dave took me out to celebrate all of our victories now that 3 of us were champions 2 of us new champs as Randy didn't win his that night, only John and I did. I also had to remind them that 3 of us had Raw the next night so not much celebrating for us!