Tuesday 13th September
''I think I'm going to hurl...''
Alexa was standing in the gorilla position with Jason, her eyes locked on a nearby monitor as she watched Adam make his way down to the ring.
''Don't be such a sissy. God, Judy's acting cooler than you.''
''Thanks for the sympathy, Jay.'' She murmured, glancing over to the curtain and finding he was right; Adam's mother was happily chatting away to Terry 'Rhyno' Gerin, showing no sign of nerves whatsoever.
The Canadian beside her rolled his eyes, bumping her with his shoulder. ''Seriously, you'll be fine. It's not like it's live, who cares?''
''I care, asshole.'' She bumped him back, a small smile on her face as she watched Adam address the crowd.
''I'm sure you guys are probably sick of seeing me by now...''
''Nah.'' Trish disagreed.
''I, uh, I don't know what an appreciation night is, I have to admit, I feel a little awkward and I feel a little weird and I feel a little shy... I, uh, I don't deserve all of this stuff... I just... uh... it's weird... Thank you! I mean, I appreciate it and all, but, I don't know what to say...''
''He's totally going to cry tonight.'' Jason laughed.
She glanced sideways at him, letting out a snort. ''Probably, I've got money on you getting weepy too.''
''You bet on my tears?''
''Sure did, Captain Charisma.'' She teased. ''Don't let me down.''
A 'Thank You Edge' chant started to echo through the arena, making goosebumps rise over her skin.
''Well, thank all of you. And thank you, Trish. Uh, I remember Trish coming up to me at an autograph session that I had, and she asked me; How do I do this thing? How do I get into the WWE? How do I become a wrestler?''
''How do I become you?'' Trish added with a grin.
''And I just thought... damn, she's hot! That's pretty much all I thought.''
''Yeah, you didn't really give me an answer, you just kind of stared at me!"
''Why do I have to wait 'til last? Wouldn't it make more sense to get me out-of-the-way first?'' Alexa asked as a stagehand brought over a microphone for Jason.
''We debated doing that but we thought, no offence, that it might kind of overshadow the rest of the night.''
''Dude, Bret-fucking-Hart's here, like anybody's going to be able to top that!"
Jason chuckled. ''That's true. But we figured that you were most likely to get the biggest response from the crowd... hence, you're last.''
''Fine.'' She grumbled.
They shared a quick hug before he walked over to the curtain to join Adam's mom and friends, ready for their cue.
The Edge tribute video package aired and the camera zoomed back onto the blonde, who was crying. Another 'THANK YOU EDGE' chant started up and his teary smile was caught by the camera.
''I don't know if you really want to get that close... uh, I didn't really know they were going to do that, so, sorry... I didn't plan on crying out here, damn it. Ah... I don't know what to say... I really don't.''
He was saved from having to say anything as Christian's entrance music hit, the man appearing at the top of the ramp a few seconds later.
''Just want to say something real quick; I know you've seen Edge and I bickering a little bit lately. But that's the thing that I respect most about Edge, and I think that he respects about me, that we're closer than friends... we're brothers. And we're completely one hundred percent honest with each other, all the time, whether we want to hear it or not. And that's the great thing about our relationship. That being said, I thought a great way to, uh, appreciate Edge, on Edge Appreciation Night, would be to round-up some people who are very close in his life... and I'd like to bring those people out right now. First and foremost, the cornerstone of Adam's life; the person that taught him the most about hard work... Adam, I have to call him Adam in this situation, I'm sorry, uh... he came from very humble beginnings and he's, uh, worked for every single thing that he has. You need to know that... But it was also because of this person, that worked her finger to the bone, two, three jobs at a time... to make sure that he realized his dream... Judy Copeland... Adam's mother... I'd like to bring her out here right now. So, Mrs. Copeland, come on out.''
The the older woman walk out onto the stage, giving Jason a one-armed hug. The audience started up a 'THANK YOU MOM' chant as Adam laughed from inside the ring. ''Yeah, thank you, mom!"
''You're looking a little nervous.''
Alexa started as an unexpected voice sounded, her eyes widened when she turned around. Bret 'The Hitman' Hart was standing right in front of her. ''Holy shitballs...''
His lips quirked in amusement. "Fan?"
''Yeah...'' She felt a blush start to work its way up her face. ''Sorry.''
''Don't be. It's always nice to meet fans.''
Her eyes flicked back to the screen where Jason had introduced some of Adam's old friends, and they were making their way down to the ring. Adam greeted each one with tight hug, the raw emotion clear to see on his face.
''Just real quick, I know I'm taking up a lot of time here. I just have one more thing to say to Edge, and that's... look, nobody knows more than me and I think we already heard you say it, that, you know, you're no comfortable with these kind of things... these kind of things they make Edge feel very uncomfortable, but there's a reason that every single person stayed here well after the show was over tonight. There's a reason that every single superstar back there is glued to the monitor. It's because Edge Appreciation Night is something that you're earned... it means the respect that your peers, the fans, not just here in Toronto, but all over the world, have for you... because of what you did inside this ring. The fact that you left it in this ring every single night, and you managed to stay the same, humble human being that you always were. The entire time you never changed. And I also want to say that... I mean, there's a lot more that I want to say but I'm just forgetting it right now, but... I just want to say that nobody appreciated you more than me. That I love you. That I know, without you, I wouldn't be standing here today. And the whether in the WWE or not, I will always be your biggest fan... I want you to know that.''
Alexa watched, tearing up herself, as Jason's voice started to break and the two men shared an emotional hug in the centre of the ring.
''That's my cue, guess I'll see you out there.'' Bret smiled before moving over to the curtain, joining Sweet Daddy Siki, who was waiting for him.
Trish stepped towards Adam in the ring, raising the microphone to her lips. ''And we have someone else we want to bring out. Another Canadian that showed us that we, as Canadians, can go out there and do it around the world... The best there is. The best there was and the best there ever will be! Bret Hart!"
The Hitman made his way down to the ring, alongside Sweet Daddy Siki, the crowd giving him a roaring ovation. Adam greeted Bret with a quick hug before wrapping his former trainer up in a longer one, the two men sharing a few words before Bret grabbed a microphone.
''I just want to say, I remember meeting Edge on the Dini Petty Show, so many years ago. He was just a little, skinny kid. And, uh, you know, I remember him very clearly that day and it doesn't surprise me at all when I look at you today and see all the things that you achieved, all the great accomplishments that you've made in this industry. You really raised the bar for so many of us. And you know, I remember Edge, he was so hungry and he really wanted it so bad... to be the great wrestler that he's become, just looking at you I know that you're a man who lived his dream. And, uh, look at him, ten times WWE World Champion, that says it all. That's, uh, hell, I can't even come close to that. Not even if you throw in WCW, I still can't claim ten World Titles. But, this is a very special night, it's a very special night for Canadian's, it's a very special night for wrestling fans all around the world, it's a special night for people from Toronto! This is what we've been waiting for. A chance to say thank you for everything you've done and thank you for all the leadership skills, and the hard work... I can't think of another wrestler that left it on the field or left it in the ring more than you did. You were, you were something to watch, but I know that this is not the end, I see great things coming for you down the road. And I just hope that somehow... I have a lot of experience having your career end on a bad note... I went through the same thing, but the truth is... the reason that you're not going to have any problems going through the future is because you've always been on the edge, that's why you are the edge, and that you always lived on the edge... but you have so much to say, so many things going for you that I don't have any doubts in my mind that this is just one more moment in a moment of greats, you're going to have greatness follow you for the rest of your life. I'll wrap it up on that note, uh, it's a pleasure to be here, it's a pleasure for me to bring the Sweet Daddy Siki here... he had a lot to do with Edge getting his start in the beginning of his career. When I met Edge and Christian, I kind of brought them up to Calgary and I started teaching them in my house and people say that I helped get your career started, but the truth is, you didn't need any help from me. You were going to make it all on your own. I think I told you that a long time ago. In saying that, you were always the best in class, you were always the best one in the whole bunch and I'm really proud of you and I think... I don't know what else to say to add onto that, but... you are the best there is, the best there was and the best there ever will be!"
''Miss. Torres, you're up next.''
Alexa took the microphone from the man with a smile, quietly thanking him before taking in a deep breath and walking over to the curtain. Feeling a buzz come from the pocket of her jeans, she quickly pulled her phone out and opened up the message.
Knock 'em dead, sweetcheeks - Jon.
Her lips curled into a smile, wondering how he knew exactly what to say and when to say it to make her feel better. She slipped it back into her pocket and listened to Trish as she started her introduction.
''Now... there is one more person who wanted to come here and appreciate you today, Edge. Someone who you know very well... She managed to weasel her way into our backstage Canadian Club, despite only being half-Canadian... some of you fans here might remember her... Sierra!"
Headstrong by Trapt suddenly blasted through the speakers, sending the crowd into a frenzy. The cheers were deafening as Alexa stepped through the curtain, doubling in volumes when she appeared at the top of the ramp. Grinning, she threw her arm up in the air in acknowledgement of their support before making her way down to the ring.
As soon as she had climbed into the ring, she made a beeline for Adam, who pulled her into a tight hug. Stepping back, she laughed at his surprised grin and raised the microphone to her lips.
''Surprise!''
She wasn't able to say anything else, a SIERRA chant hitting the arena which was too loud for her to talk over. It eventually died down and Adam laughed, before glaring at her in mock-anger.
''Hey, stop stealing my thunder!"
''Sorry, thanks guys... but seriously, tonight's all about Adam and I just wanted to come here tonight to say a few words. Hopefully I won't bore you to death! Uh... I first met Adam way back in 2004, on my very first night on Raw. I was a huge Edge and Christian fan before coming to the WWE so I was super excited to meet him, and he didn't disappoint. I was also lucky enough to get to work with him quite a bit, which was amazing... I really learnt a lot and I loved every second of it... Now, there's no doubt about it, Adam's an amazing wrestler and performer, I don't need to tell you all that. But what you don't know... is that he's an even better friend. Adam and Jay became like the two, annoying older brothers that I never wanted... The three of us were constantly pulling pranks on each other backstage, which, I think, got on a lot of people's nerves... but it was all in good fun. So, I know that the way you've been forced to retire sucks... it really sucks... but my dad used to tell me that sometimes the bad things that happen in our lives, put us directly on the path to the best things that will ever happen to us... So, whatever you decide to do next, I think it's going to be just as awesome.''
She lowered the microphone, stepping into Adam's outstretched arms and wrapping him in a tight embrace. ''You're a sneaky bitch, why didn't you tell me you were coming?'' He whispered into her hair.
''And miss the look on your face, not a chance!"
After Alexa had said her piece, the entire roster had gone out to the ring, giving Adam a well-deserved standing ovation. After messing around with some of the superstars and hijacking a camera from the camera-man in the ring, Adam and Jason did one last five-second-pose before Adam made his way up the ramp with him mom. They did his classic rocker pose together at the top of the ramp before walking backstage, tears running down the man's face.
''I'm getting some serious déjà vu here...''
Alexa grinned as she looked around the room, the scene bringing back memories from her early years with the WWE. Adam, Jason, Trish and herself were all sitting around one of the empty locker rooms they had found in the arena. A lot of the production staff were still milling around, getting everything from the show packed up and loaded into the trailers. Most of the superstars had left; either heading to the airport to catch a flight home or back to the hotel.
''Totally... it's just like old times.'' Jason nodded, a nostalgic smile on his face.
Alexa smirked over at him. ''Yeah, the only difference being everyone has a few more wrinkles.''
Adam snorted, giving her a quick once-over. ''Except you, you practically look the same as you did back when you first started.''
''Bitch.'' Trish joked.
''I still can't get used to you not being around, man.'' Jason said softly. ''It's really weird.''
The self-proclaimed Rated R Superstar sent him over a small smile. ''I know, dude... Lex will be back on the road with you soon, they you'll have her to annoy.''
''Yeah.'' She nodded, smiling over at her friend. ''Hopefully it'll be sooner rather than later.''
Their conversation was halted by a sharp knock at the door, followed by Darren poking his head in. ''Sorry to interrupt.''
Adam grinned. ''No problem, man, what's up?''
The Brit smiled, swinging the door opened to reveal a small group of superstars, all carrying several bottles of alcohol. ''The arena staff said that we could stay here as long as we like, so we thought we'd have a little send off for you...''
I miss you... sorry, that was my vagina.
''Who are you texting?''
Alexa quickly hid the message that she had just sent to Jon, planting an innocent smile on her face as she glanced up at Trish. ''Nobody...''
The Canadian narrowed her eyes and swiped the phone from the other woman's grasp, quickly opening up the message. ''Lex!" She cried, her eyes widening. ''Who's Jon?!"
She huffed and snatched the phone back, slipping it inside her pocket. ''Just a friend.''
''Who's just a friend?''
Trish smirked, shooting Beth a sideways look. ''Some guy called Jon who, I think, has regular access to Lex's lady parts.''
''Oh my God.'' Alexa flushed, feeling mortified as she buried her face in her hands.
''So I'm right?'' Trish asked, laughing as the two women took up seats beside her on the bench.
''Come on, spill.'' Beth encouraged.
Alexa sighed and glanced around.
Adam and Jason were in the corner of the room, surrounded by Zack 'Matt Cardona' Ryder, Ron 'R-Truth' Killings and Mike 'The Miz' Mizanin as they re-told some of their experiences. On the opposite side of the room, T.J. 'Tyson Kidd' Wilson, Stephen 'Sheamus' Farrelly, Stuart 'Wade Barrett' Bennett, Nattie 'Natalya' Neidhart and Darren were doing the same.
Happy that nobody would be able to overhear them, she turned to the two women. ''I met Jon down at FCW and we became really good friends. I guess somewhere along the way we started to like each other, but neither of us want a relationship.''
''So, you're doing the whole 'friends with benefits' deal?'' Beth quirked an eyebrow.
Trish shook her head, a concerned look spreading across her face. ''Lex, are you sure that's a good idea?''
''Probably not, but when has that ever stopped me.''
''Just be careful. Personally, I don't think that kind of thing ever works.''
Beth nodded in agreement. ''Yeah, the second that someone feels something more for the other person... everything starts getting messy.''
''I know, I-''
Her phone buzzed and she quickly yanked it out of her pocket, pulling up the message.
Let me know when you're back... I won't stop until your legs are shaking and your neighbors know my name...
Alexa bit her lip, feeling her cheeks heat up.
Trish let out a snort. ''I don't think I even want to know what that says.''
Beth laughed as the younger woman's face went bright red. ''I don't know, I'm kind of curious now, it's not like Lex to blush.''
A knock on the door cut through the room and her response died on her lips when she looked up and found Randy lurking in the doorway, staring right at her. ''Uh, sorry to interrupt guys. Can I steal you for a sec, Lex?''
Jason stood and moved into the centre of the room. ''Is now really the time, Randy?''
''It'll only take a second, I promise.''
''It's fine, Jay.'' Alexa sighed and reluctantly stood, stalking over to the doorway. ''I won't be long.'' Making sure to leave the door open slightly, she followed Randy out into the hallway, crossing her arms over her chest as she looked up at him expectantly. ''What do you want?''
He shifted uncomfortably before finally meeting her eyes. ''Firstly, I just wanted to apologize for what happened the last time we saw each other... I didn't mean for you to get hurt, if I knew you were behind me, I would never have-''
''What about before that, huh?'' She interjected angrily. ''You know, when you had me pinned up against the wall? Did you mean to do that?''
''I know it's not an excuse, but I'd had a lot to drink... I don't know what came over me. I'm sorry.''
''Fine.'' She shrugged. ''Is that all?''
He sighed, letting out a huff of frustration. ''You're never going to forgive me, are you?''
''You know what, maybe we should stay friends...''
''Really?''
''No! Go fuck yourself!'' An incredulous snort escaped her lips. ''After everything you did to me, you actually expect me to forgive you? Were you dropped on your head as an infant, or were you just born stupid?''
''Listen, Lex-''
''No. You listen.'' She demanded, her eyes gleaming with angry tears. ''I loved you and I thought you loved me. You didn't even have the fucking balls to tell me yourself, I had to find out through the dirt sheets. You completely fucked me over, Randy. Do you have any idea how it feels? Knowing that you aren't even worth the truth from the one person you trust most in the world? It fucking killed me...''
''I'm sorry.''
She ignored him, everything that she had been feeling the past few years coming pouring out of her mouth. ''And I've even been defending you! Everyone said that because of you, my head wasn't in the match that night and blamed you for my accident. But I stuck up for you... even though, deep down, there's a little part of me that agrees with them.''
''You think I don't know that! I've blamed myself ever since it happened! You don't know how hard it was, having to watch you go through that, knowing I couldn't be there for you.''
''I don't know how hard it was?! You've got a fucking nerve. If you cared so much, where were you? Huh? Nothing was stopping you from visiting me. I didn't get so much as a fucking phone call to see how I was.''
''I didn't think you'd want to hear from me.''
''Well, you were wrong. Even after everything you'd done, I still loved you... but you turned your back on me... and when you didn't call or visit, it just made it so much easier for me to move on. You too, apparently, since you got married and all... How is Samantha?''
His eyes flashed dangerously. ''Lex, don't.''
''Don't what? Don't bring your wife into it? I hope she knows what she's letting herself in for... the cheating, the alcohol...the drugs... does she know about that?'' She stood her ground as he stepped towards her, the muscles in his jaw clenching angrily. ''I stuck by you through everything... fuck, the amount of times I covered for you with Vince because you were too high to go out and have your match... if it wasn't for me, you would have been fired years ago.''
''That's all in the past. I'm clean now, have been for a while.''
''Good, and for the sake of your daughter, I really hope it stays that way.'' Alexa told him honestly. ''But that doesn't magically fix everything between us.''
''I know that.''
''You know, I used to think that I needed you... but I finally realized the only person I ever needed was myself.''
''Lex-''
''And, just so you know, the only reason I haven't answered any questions about us in interviews, is because of her... When she grows up, and can read all about you on the internet or whatever... I don't want to be the one responsible for her finding out what her father's really like.''
Alexa's stormy eyes remained locked on his for a few seconds before she went to step around him, planning on heading back to the locker room. His arm reached out and grabbed onto her upper arm, halting her movement and she let out a heavy sigh.
''Let go, Randy.'' She spoke softly.
''I just... don't want us to leave things like this.''
''You don't get to decide. Now, either you let go of my arm, or I'll do what I've been dying to do for the past three years.''
''Please, Lex-''
Alexa soon found herself standing over Randy, in a scene almost identical to the one at the club several nights ago. As soon as he knee had connected with his groin, he had released her arm and dropped straight to the ground, cupping himself as his face screwed up in pain.
''Uh... everything okay?''
She looked up, finding Adam's concerned face peering around the door frame. ''Yeah.'' Her eyes moved down to the man on the floor. ''I think we're done here.''