I just got massively inspired by a dream so you're in luck! Another update so soon, how pumped are you? Its a pretty long chapter as well :) I received 11 reviews for Chapter 25 in the small time frame I gave you that's pretty good! Thanks to those who reviewed! I really appreciate it, keep it up everyone! And as always, if you guys really like this story, feedback is the best way to let me know. The more you give, the sooner I update! And just to let you know, I have 27 on the go already so the more you review the faster it'll be posted! Disclaimer: I do not own John Cena or Randy Orton (Damnit) Or anything affiliated with the WWE. Vince owns all, superstars own themselves. I own the OC's and the ideas. Sue me and you will get negative dollar amounts in the form of a Student Line of Credit. Song Credits: -Why This Last Dance by Cauterize - Let This Go by Paramore ENJOY!
-You gave this place so much colour, I don't know why I did not see that before-
Empty hangers swung slightly in her now empty closet as Laleia packed her life up. Picture frames filled with memories were now wrapped in newspaper and placed delicately in cardboard boxes labeled 'Fragile'. The sound of her high heels echoed in her apartment so loudly it almost hurt her ears. She prayed all of her possessions she wasn't bringing along would be safe in the storage garage she had rented; they would be there for a long time in her opinion, since she didn't plan to come back to Boston anytime soon. While she was out finding herself, a close friend would be subletting her apartment. That also put her mind at ease and gave her a more secure feeling.
As she zipped up her black and white polka-dotted suitcase, her landline began to screech at her. Shaking her head, she took the Carrie Bradshaw approach and decided to just screen the call. She had a flow going with her packing and didn't feel like interrupting it for another pointless 'We hear you're leaving' phone conversation. Leaning against the wall, she contemplated what would be packed up next.
"I know you're there, Laleia.."
Her hand that was holding up her weight against the wall slipped and she stumbled at the sound of his voice. She walked over to the answering machine, crossed her arms over her chest and just stared at it.
"So we're back to eleventh grade again, you're gonna screen my calls, too?"
Laleia brought her knuckles above her birthstone ring to her lips attempting to curb her reactive smile. A small giggle rumbled in her throat as she thought about what he was referring to.
-Flashback-
The sound of a boy gagging was amplified through 17 year old Laleia Jamieson's living room television as she turned up the volume almost all the way. Her parents had gone out for the evening so she had full reign over the tv, which meant The Simpsons would trump Days of Our Lives this evening. Shovelling back some cookie-dough ice cream straight from the container, she chuckled at the antics of the Springfield family; anything to get her mind off of her so-called best friend. But just as that thought crossed her mind, the phone rang.
"Just go away," She muttered under her breath. Peering at the caller ID and snorted. Of course he was going to call her after she'd stormed out on him like that earlier in the day. It was his own fault really; Laleia had caught his current girlfriend Jasmine making out with one of the basketball stars at their school behind the library. Needless to say she was a little pissed off. She had never liked Jasmine before, and now she just wanted to kill her. About five minutes later Laleia walked away from the library, smirking as Jasmine dabbed at her swollen and bleeding lip. Jasmine, being the bitch that she was, ran to John and got him on Laleia's case. When Laleia tried to explain herself, he just blew her off. From the moment he refused to believe her, John got the silent treatment.
The answering machine beeped and a sigh came out of the speaker. Laleia turned down the television slightly and glared at the machine.
"Well, I obviously fucked up since I know for a fact you're home alone and not answering." She could picture John in her head, taking his hat off to rake a hand back through his crew cut then securing the cap back on.
"After I told the guys what happened, they told me that you were telling the truth. Figures you're the only one with the balls to tell me anything, since they knew and didn't say a word."
"What the fuck.." Laleia shook her head. She was always honest with John but expected more from his friends.
"You know something?" John chuckled into the phone, "what hurt more than to know my girl was cheating, was that you were looking out for me and I shut you out."
Sniffling, Laleia shoved another spoonful of ice cream into her mouth to prevent the tears that seemed inevitable. Part of her wanted to pick up the phone, but her head was telling her to still be mad and that he should have believed her in the first place.
"I'm sorry, Bambi," John's voice dripped with sadness. Laleia pouted and grabbed the phone. She felt he had suffered enough.
"John," she sighed, "you should have believed me."
"Ley?" John's voice perked up, "I know I should have, you have to believe how so-"
"J?" She cut him off after changing the channel.
"Yeah?"
"Hulk Hogan just signed with WCW."
There was a pause on the other end of the line, followed by a loud string of curse words and a click. Laleia smiled and turned off the phone. She walked to the door and unlocked it, knowing he'd be bursting through any minute. Laughing to herself, she sat back down and closed the container of ice cream.
"Crazy kid.."
-End Flashback-
"You put me through the ringer for that one, that's for sure."
Laleia smiled at the tone of his voice; smooth and soft, a comforting resonance which she could listen to forever.
"This actually works for me because there will be no way for you to refuse my request," John chuckled, "You're not running away without one last night with me."
Her breath caught in her throat. Her right hand shot out for the phone, then lingered above it. Slowly, it retreated back to her body as he continued.
"I'm taking you out on the town, dress warm, and remember you're in Boston. This is not a casual date by any means so get pretty for me, I expect nothing but your best before I lose you for-"
She heard his voice crack, knowing he couldn't will himself to spit out the word 'years'.
"I'll be there at 8:30, don't keep me waiting, beautiful."
Raising her head she looked at the clock. Her eyes widened as it was seven already. She kicked off her stilettos and ran to the bathroom to shower. As much as she felt this would make leaving that much harder, she couldn't turn him down.
A little over an hour later, she smoothed her hands down her vibrant blue dress. Her hair was in loose waves and framed her face. Her eyes were played up using dark mocha tones, making her cerulean orbs pop. Reaching behind her neck, she secured her half-heart necklace then adjusted it to her liking. Turning to look over her left shoulder, she bit her pale pink lips when she read the time on the clock. He would be there any minute.
"I feel as if I'm going to re-"
A knock rang through her empty front hall. She sighed and grabbed her long, cream colored trench coat.
"-gret this.."
As she opened the door, a blush rose to her cheeks and she gulped softly. Dressed in black dress pants and dress shoes, a light brown dress shirt rolled up at the sleeves, John leaned in her doorway with his coat slung over his shoulder and a crooked smile on his face.
"You did not disappoint, Ley." John murmured, pushing himself into an upright position. She did a turn and giggled softly as he let out a low whistle.
"You like?" She asked. John grinned and took her hand in his.
"I love." He placed her hand in the crook of his elbow after she locked up her apartment and led her out to a black Sedan waiting for them at the front steps.
"After you," he opened the door for her. She smiled and got inside. John shut her door and walked around the other side. Letting his hand loll on the handle for a moment, he licked his dry lips and let out a breath.
"Here goes nothing."
o0o0o0o0o0o
-Because I'll never let this go, but I can't find the words to tell you; I don't want to be alone-
Laughs erupted from the Boston Common. Laleia and John walked hand in hand down a stone walk-way reminiscing about their past and their evening.
"Please never let me be in public with you on a dance floor ever again." Laleia laughed. John feigned hurt, clutching his chest.
"What, you didn't enjoy The Shopping Cart?" He began to walk around her, beat boxing some music as he did the move.
"Oh please," Laleia held her gut, "no more, I think I've had enough!"
John chuckled and grasped her hand, twirling her into his arms. Laleia blinked slowly as he adjusted their arms and began swaying in a circle.
"Well, well, well," Laleia smiled as they danced to no music in the middle of the park, "you've been holding out on me."
"Guilty as charged," John whispered as he dipped her, wiggling his eyebrows. Laleia giggled as he pulled her up, then snuggled into his shoulder. His shoulder rumbled against her face as he began to hum. Then, he began to sing.
"Take my money, take my wallet, take my credit cards," John sang softly. Laleia's heart began to beat faster as he continued the Tim McGraw song.
"Here's the watch that my grandpa gave me, here's the key to my car, mister give it a whirl," John reached down and tilted her head up and looked her in the eyes.
"But please," he paused, and then whispered, "don't take the girl."
They stopped swaying as she sighed. She reached up and stroked his face. He didn't take his eyes off her.
"I'm leaving tomorrow, John." Laleia ran her fingers down his jaw line. He took her fingers in his hand gently.
"I wish you wouldn't." He leaned down into the crease of her neck and inhaled softly. Trailing up his shoulder, she scratched the back of his neck gently with her nails.
"Tell me why I shouldn't.."
John lifted his head and looked at her. She waited for his answer, studying his expression.
"Because, I.. I.." He stammered. Laleia's face began to light up. He was going to say it; those three words she'd been waiting for.
"Because I'll miss you."
The snow danced around them as Laleia pulled away. He didn't say it and was never going to say it.
"I'll miss you too, but I have to do this for myself."
Laleia turned on her heel and hailed a taxi. Turning, she looked back to see John still standing there, stunned. Sliding into the cab, she gave directions and shut the door behind her.
Song credit: Don't Take The Girl by Tim McGraw. Now it's your turn, tell me what you think! :)