"I'm so happy Reb's…I didn't know if you'd come back…" He sounded like he wanted to cry.
"I'm sorry I ran…" I choked out already welling up over the whole situation. I was finally getting my family.
"I want to go with you…I want a family now…"His face lit up as a single tear escaped him. Seeing CM Punk cry, wow…you don't see that everyday. I was hoping I wouldn't have to, even though they were happy tears I still felt a pang of guilt. But that could be because I'd done exactly what he asked me not to do, Talk to PJ.
Half an hour passed and we spoke about travel arrangements, Punk spoke things over with Paul (triple H) and he was given the plus one he'd asked for. Apparently it was champions bonus so we didn't have to persuade him a whole lot. Finally the flights were booked and the hotels were reserved. I was an official member of the extended WWE family. Punk left to find out if Kofi needed a ride to the hotel. I pulled out my phone and opened a new message to my auntie, Diana had threatened her to stay away from me but we still kept in touch via text. 'I'm free' was all it said and that's enough. I just hope Diana hasn't spoken to her first.
Kofi popped in for a second and we shared a secret look, agreeing not to tell Punk about PJ or the incident in the corridor. He came bouncing over to me and lifted me up before I had a chance to protest. He spun me around a few times before plonking me back on planet earth.
"Whoa!" he said breathing heavily from his little outburst.
"Glad to have you aboard Reb's!" he pulled me up again, put me over his shoulder and ran out of the room. All I could see was Punks feet running after us. I was trying to stop laughing when all of a sudden I was dropped feet first thankfully on concrete and the door to Punks rental car was being opened by an innocent looking Kofi while Punk trailed along behind chuckling to himself. I was so going to get Kofi back for kidnapping me.
"Ladies first." He said offering me his arm. I gave him evils best I could without laughing and he quickly took it back. I sat in the car for a moment before he jumped in next to me giving me puppy eyes and pouting, badly. I swear he's actually a 5 year old. I gave him another look that told him I'd forgiven him and he was all smiles. Punk got in the car and my plan was ready for action.
"Hey Punk, Is there another Pepsi in the glove box? I swear I saw Kofi take the last one…" Kofi sat bolt upright and I swear I'd never seen him move so fast.
"WHAT? Damn it Kofi you are so not borrowing my bat man comic anymore!" He yelled and I had to laugh at how seriously they were taking it and how childish they were acting. I put my hands behind my back, lent back and relaxed. Ahh revenge is sweet.
The journey to the airport was filled with stories about Punks family and life on the road. I did wander why whenever he spoke about his home life he only spoke of him and his sister but I didn't want to ruin the mood by asking too many questions. We arrived at the airport and just as I closed the car door I felt someone gather me up in a hug. I knew from the perfume that it was my auntie.
"Oh sweetheart I'm so glad you're safe." She let me go when a very pissed off Punk came into view. He put a protective arm around my shoulder and looked ready to kill until he saw the smile on my face.
"Punk, its fine. She's never hurt me." I felt his grip loosen as he relaxed slightly.
"Liz, this is Punk, he saved me from a house show, and he's met Diana and knows nearly everything…" I put my arms around Punk giving him a side hug. "He's my new family." I was smiling so much my cheeks were hurting.
"Well, Punk thank you for doing what I never could. You take care of her or I'll kill you myself." Her smile said she was joking but her eyes said she was serious. Punk didn't miss a beat.
"If I ever put her in danger then I don't deserve to live anyway." Squeezing me tighter I knew he meant it.
"Can we grab some lunch or do you have to leave?" I said hoping for a catch up.
"Best be off." She said. "Diana's been watching my house like the FBI an I don't want her catching on to where you're going." I looked at the floor feeling guilty.
"Hey, don't you dare." She told me as she pulled me into a hug of her own. "I wouldn't have it any other way." I was already crying in her shoulder like a child.
"I'll miss you. I'll never be able to repay you for all you've done for me."
"Darlin'…I could never do enough." She held me at arm's length and whipped my tears.
"Go. Start again and don't look back, have no regrets and know I'm thinking of you." She put my hand in Punks and I squeezed it like a life line.
"I'll keep in touch sweetheart." She said backing away to her car.
"I'll never forget you. I whispered only loud enough for Punk to hear. He rubbed my back as he led me to the entrance where Kofi was waiting with our bags. The plane ride was long but it was my turn to share. I told them stories about my auntie and uncle before we moved; it was a good thing to because I was petrified about my first time flying. Punk's arm was covered in tiny little dents where I squeezed it too hard and my nails went in. he didn't seem to mind as he and Kofi were too busy laughing at me being scared to land when there wasn't even any turbulence. An hour later I was being driven to my new home. Punks house in Chicago.
