Chapter 12
A few days later Amy is in Tampa, Florida. Alone. She feels bad for leaving Zach like that, especially after swallowing her fears & concerns & admitting her feelings but she knows that was John on that screen. He's alive, & she's going to find him.
The following Monday Amy walks into the bar John was working at, known as "Copeland's". She laughs to herself about the irony of it being owned by someone named Copeland as she walks in. It's busy, & it looks like it's packed full of wrestling fans because Monday Night Raw is on. Amy almost feels like beating herself for the timing because Zach's match is up, & it looks like her last minute replacement is Mickie James.
Amy walks up to the bar & sees a pretty young brunette serving drinks. She grabs the bartender's attention & asks, "Do you know Jason Rhodes?". The girl looks at her sternly & serves up a couple of beers & responds, "Who's asking, cuz if you're another damn reporter I'm gettin' security.". Amy puts her hand on the bar & points at it, asking, "Did he have a ring like this?". The girl looks at Amy silently, walks into the back & comes later with a pair of blondes before motioning for Amy to follow her.
"Who are you, & how do you know Jason?", she asks. Amy looks at her wedding ring for a moment with a sense of longing before answering, "I think, no, I know the man you call Jason is really my husband. His name is John, & he's the love of my life.". The woman looks at her & states, "So you're ACC then. He always wondered what that ring was, who it was that loved him.". Amy smiles slightly, she figured John lost his memory but it makes her happy to know that he knew he was loved, "Yeah. I'm Amy Christine Cena. So he did lose his memory then?", she asks calmly. The young girl stands up, getting off the wall she was leaning on & answers, "Yeah, he did. By the way I'm Mandy Hugginkiss.". Amy smiles & shakes the girl's hand before responding, "Nice to meet you Mandy. So do you know where he went?". Mandy shakes her head solemnly & answers, "No, last time I saw him he rescued my friend Claire from our house. It's been all over the news, that's why I figured you were another reporter tryin' to get a damn story. Honestly, when I saw your ring I figured you'd know, or have an idea.". Amy looks down, feeling disappointed & says, "No, that's why I came here. I saw a report on the news about it. I figured I'd get some help.". Mandy sighs, "Sorry, looks like we know all the same stuff now.". Amy smiles softly, trying to hide how hurt she is without making Mandy feel bad, "It's ok. Thanks for the help.", she states gratefully before leaving.
A slightly older man, with long, blonde hair tied back into a ponytail comes out & sees Mandy standing in the hallway. "What are you doing back here Mandy? It should still be busy out there.", he inquires. Mandy turns to face him & answers, "Yeah, it is Benny. I was just talkin' to this woman. She knows Jason, or John or whatever his name is. She was looking for him, said she was his wife.". Benny walks over to her & puts an affectionate hand on her shoulder, rubbing it gently. He smiles warmly & says, "I know it's hard on you girls, it's hard on me too. Jason was a good man, but he has his own life. I'm sure we'll see him again someday.". Mandy nods softly & smiles, "Thanks Benny. I'll go back now", she says. The alarm on Benny's watch goes off & he replies, "Wrestling's over. I'll go help you. I'm sure you'll need it.". Before they reach the door to the bar Mandy states, "Benny, you never told me why you hate wrestling so much. I know I haven't watched it that much, but it isn't that bad.". Benny looks at her coldly & responds, "Wrestling ruined my brother's life.", Mandy replies, "I didn't know you had a brother.". As Benny puts his hand on the doorknob he growls, "Yeah, his name was Adam, & some stupid bitch drove him crazy.".