Life in the Hills 2
-Chapter 28
'When all is Revealed'
R&R

Another Day back at Batista's – Torrie was stuck at another shift. This job as of lately hasn't been doing her much as of well. The Boise native felt as if it was time to just move on and let this go. She really shouldn't be doing this because this wasn't making her very happy. She felt like she just had to do this – not that she wanted to do this. Her arms were crossed as she leaned on the counter, waiting for something to happen.

Carlito walked in with a grand old big smile. "What's up with him?" Thought Torrie as he saw him overly happy. She was happy with Carlito, I guess. It was nice to have him but she just felt like moving on and ending it all. But she needed something more than just a breakup. The girl needed more a reason to move on. She couldn't think of a damn thing. Maybe it will come.

Their relationship was much different then hers and Johns and she really didn't like that. Carlito is a great guy, don't get her wrong but she wanted something more and didn't see that with him. Actually, she can't even see him in his future. It was a mixture of no desire and no future with him. She wanted a man that she was going to see herself with and have that little spark and desire, similar to what she had with John.

And she had to admit; sometimes he never really treated her like his girlfriend. Times where there suppose to be together, he's off trying to find a new job and leaving her in the dust. Is that someone that Torrie could really see with herself for the long haul? I beg to differ.

He had approached Torrie with that smile that was hiding something for sure, "What are you so happy about? It's like you just won a lottery and your filthy rich. What's going on?"

"Remember that restaurant I applied for a position for, back about a couple weeks ago?" Torrie nodded, "Well, they just gave me a call and they've given me a position there as an assistant chef!"

"Oh my god that's great," Torrie leaned in and gave him a hug, congratulating him on this accomplishment, "I'm really proud of you. I hope you accepted but who's going to entertain me here?"

"Well there's more to it and you may not be too happy to hear this," He took a long pause as Torrie began to speculate, "There a chain of restaurants down the west coast but I didn't get the position here in Los Angeles. I got the job in San Francisco."

"Oakland, California?" Torrie was a bit stunned, "Oakland as in 500 miles away from here, right by San Francisco?"

"Yeah, that's the only San Francisco I know of," Carlito said, "But can you believe it, I got a job there and it's going to be amazing."

But what did this mean for Torrie and Carlito's relationship? It couldn't work like that and she didn't even want to bother. It was good that he was going to leave and embark on something different. She was really happy for him and a bit relieved. He deserved the best and she knew how much he truly wanted this. It was like when she get to open up her own store – she had this same exact feeling.

"So where does this leave us?" Torrie curiously asked.

"Well – I don't know if you're going to be okay with this but they offered me a place there and there's an extra room so I'd figure you would come along with me? I'm sure you could find a job and we can still be together."

"I don't know Carlito."

"Just imagine it. It's a place right off the bay – every morning you're going to see the golden gate bridge, travel down to Chinatown, ride on the trolley and all that good things. What'd you say?"

Torrie looked up, into his eyes before she was about to speak, "I like it here Carlito – I really don't want to leave. This is your dream. I know how much you talk about it and everything. You should go and I'll stay. I think it's for the best."

"Torrie, but I don't want to end us," He knew what was going to happen but didn't like it.

"You know, all good things have to come to an end sometimes," Torrie grasped his hand, "And there's only going to be much bigger things behind that next door you open. What we had, I loved it – but I want you to embark on this without me and you're going to be a star. Maybe one day I'll see you on the cooking channel."

"I think your right," Carlito was happy with his new life waiting for him but saw Torrie lacked that drive, "And I think you should too."

"I should what?"

"You should go on and open another door. You've been here and I can see you aren't that happy here so why don't you try and focus on something new. There's bound to be plenty of things waiting for you in the future but you have to go out there and get it yourself. They don't come to you."

The man with the afro was right. She needed to ditch this and move onto bigger and better things just like Carlito, "This job was only suppose to be temporary and I have put my life on hold. Maybe it's time I spread my wings."

"I'm going to spread my wings and head to San Francisco and it's time you do the same. Spread your wings and go for your dreams. Let nothing stop you."

"I should and I just know how I should start it out," Torrie leaned in and gave Carlito one more kiss, "You call me when you get up there and tell me all about it," She ripped off her apron and tossed it onto the counter, "I have some business to do."

Torrie sprinted out of the kitchen leaving Carlito and maybe not seeing him ever again. Dave who was at the bar stood there paying some bills while Torrie came up to him. She looked right at him about to make a huge decision.

"Dave, can we talk?"

"Sure go ahead."

"Listen, thanks for giving me this job. I'm really grateful you did but I want to move on – maybe get an actually career going. It's time for me to go so I'm here to tell you that I quit," Torrie proudly said as she place her name tag on the counter, "Thank you for everything but it's time I spread my wings."

"You're not a bird."

"Oh Dave," Torrie giggled, "I'm going to miss working for you – just a little bit."

--

"This court is called into order."

On one side of the room was Matt Hardy, defending himself so he doesn't have to pay for any type of child support. On the other side, Ashley Massaro sat in the chair preparing for a battle of a lifetime. She ditched the hat and piercings for a dissent look. It was her time to shine and do something for her daughter. She looked over at Matt for the first time in about a month and could see the anger in his eyes.

"Now, Ashley's Laywer – Mr. Hopkins will proceed with his case."

Ashley's lawyer stepped forward and in front of the court, he began to speak, "Ms. Massaro has done absolutely wrong. She's a mother trying her best to provide for her young daughter as every parent would do for their children. Matthew Hardy on the other hand, is an irresponsible man, not responding to her call for help until now – when we finally discovered that Matt is Abby he refuses to come out and say he is not her guardian."

Mr. Hopkins pulled out the document stating that Matt's the father, "Here on this document, Matt had signed the birth certificate and hasn't paid up a dime of it and it's his responsibility to pay ever day back he owes Ms. Massaro and Abby."

Matt knew this wasn't going to be easy. None of this was going to be easy. Ashley stood up before the court and was about to lie to the whole court room, "Matt hasn't been giving me the money for me and my child to have a living. He's ruining my daughter's life but not doing anything for her of for me."

Matt just rolled his eyes as Ashley continued. His turn was coming but he needed a little more help but that person didn't show up – just yet.

He turned his head back and saw his brother, trying to support him during this real tough time. Jeff just got from Virginia and was seeing the pain his brother was going through and it didn't look nice at all. He knows what it's like for someone to betray you like that and what it could lead too. He couldn't really take this – seeing his brother like this and on top of that, Mickie's parents didn't like him and made him feel unwanted.

He stood up in the middle of the courtroom and walked out. It was like all coming back to him – all that pain he had endured was rushing back and he needed a remedy for it. As soon as he exited the courtroom, he whipped out his phone and dialed a telephone number.

It rang slowly and once someone picked up, he answered "I need to see you."

--

The hot water came crashing down on her body washing away the soap covering her body. The scent of orchards came oozing off her dark brown hair as she tasseled it around. Closing the hot water from coming out – she stepped out, quickly wrapping a white towel to dry herself up. The droplets came crashing down off her body onto the tiled floor, making it a bit slippery and unsafe for the brunette.

With her hair much dry, She came outside to see Dave getting all dressed up as it was now his time to leave. He buttoned up his shirt and smiled at Candice, "You're all clean now I guess?"

"Yeah – I have to go out with John tonight so I want to smell good and it's his last night before his big business trip to Italy. He's going to be gone for a whole two weeks giving us plenty of time to pack up and get the hell out of here," Candice on the bed holding on to her towel.

"And we're going to eliminate everything. Credit Card he paid for must go because if you use it – he'll track you with it and then we'll be in a bit of a bubble if he comes chasing after us," Dave didn't know where they were going but they were going to go somewhere.

"Where are we even going to go? I don't think staying in L.A is the brightest Idea. He's got people here and could find us much faster," She was worried about the fact that John had the power to do so many things.

"Well, somewhere tropical so I was thinking Aruba. Right of the north coast of South America and he wouldn't find us there," Dave announced, "And since I already booked the tickets and all, I would like to go there."

"Aruba?" The sound of a tropical island in the Caribbean sounded beautiful, "That place sounds amazing. It will get us away from all our problems."

"Aruba – just me, you and the beach. We've got nothing to worry about and could just enjoy our lives with each other. No more running around from JBL because he won't be able to find us but I guess our friends might be a little upset that we just decided to leave," Dave thought out loud, "But once we get there and invite them to come to our Villa – we won't be ble to get rid of them then."

Candice managed to chuckle, "I don't care – as long as I'm with you and nobody ruins our happily ever after I'll be happy."

"Speaking of the person who could ruin our happily ever after – where is he?"

"He's off doing some work. He shouldn't be back for a few hours or so."

"I wish we could leave earlier than this."

"I wish I could too Babe," Candice spoke, "But he's leaving Saturday, I want to get in order and Stacy has her baby shower this weekend and I want to be here for her since I'm probably never going to come back to this city ever again. We'll be out of his sigh before you know it."

But little did Candice know, JBL was closer to her then she thought. A camera – hidden one in fact was laid somewhere in the bedroom where Candice didn't notice. From the other side of that Camera, JBL was watching these two love birds and every moment the two of them were having together.

A disgusted looked on his face came up as he was watching this on his computer in the basement and Candice didn't even know he was there, watching their every move. He watched the two have intimate encounters and even knows about Candice's plan to leave him and flee the city.

That certainly wasn't going to happen, "Candice, you're crazy if you think you're going to escape from me. You're not going anywhere and neither is Dave."

He slowly leaned in and pulled out the drawer, to reveal a gun. He took it into his hand and stared at it, "The only place he's going is in a grave."

--

Matt had just pleaded his case and was waiting for a decision from the Judge. His plan hadn't still come into action. The person he had invited for some help still hadn't arrive and didn't know when they were going to come. He bit down on his lip in anticipation – because since he was basically losing the trial he needed something to prove to the Judge that he hadn't met Ashley until now and that he was never with her for the past three years which would make him fork away a lot of money to Ashley in the form of Child support.

Ashley could really feel like she's on the verge of winning. It was all about to come to an end and she was going to provide Abby with the best that she ever could. That's the reason why she came into this case and for nothing else. Matt was losing this case and the court was clearly on her side thanks to her story and her wonderful lawyer proceeding with her.

"Okay now if there are anymore proceedings following this, it's about time I've come to my decision about where this case is going to go," The Judge had announced much to Matt's dismay and Ashley's pleasure.

"If you just give me a minute, someone is going to come in and testify for me. Just another minute more Judge," Matt had begged the Judge for a little more time, "Just a few more minutes your honor."

"Where is this person of yours?"

"Right here," A loud voice yelled.

Everyone turned around and Ashley's jaw dropped. She couldn't believe who it was that Matt had brought. Someone she thought she'd never see in her life, "I can't believe she's her."

Matt's ex, Lita was standing before in the courtroom holding a file in her hand. About eight months pregnant and glowing. She was still the same Lita, just a little bit pregnant now. A confident smirk had came onto her face when she saw Matt extremely happy and Ashley extremely upset. She slowly approached the front of the courtroom, wobbling her way forward to the front of the courtroom, "I'm here to testify in honor of Matt Hardy. I'm his ex-girlfriend."

"And what may you provide for me Ms –"

"The Name is Amy Dumas but you can call me Lita," She smiled, "And me and Matt had been together for almost nine years," Lita handed him the folder of documents, "And Ashley stated that she and Matt had met 3 years ago when they did not. If Ashley did, she would have been in New York during the time when she had given birth but was not. Ashley was pregnant somewhere around the time of May of that year and gave birth that month but according to this receipt Matt was staying at a hotel of the month of May and June during a stay in New York so it's impossible that he could have signed it."

The Judge was overlooking the documents and noticed that it was right. How could he have signed it the date of Abby's birth if he was in New York during that time? It had clearly shown that Ashley was lying.

"Matthew, Why did you sign these documents?" The Judge asked Matt, "Didn't you read the fine print to make sure everything was alright?"

"Well, I was told I would only be marked down as a Guardian for Abby and nothing more," He turned to Ashley who was at the verge of tears now, "And I trusted that the person was telling me the truth and nothing false. Obviously, I was wrong."

"Well, based on the proof," The Judge was about to make his decision, "Since Matthew you did sign it and you had only known Ashley for a few months – I hereby declare that you must only pay child support for the months you had known Ashley of one thousand dollars but you shall remain the guardian of Abby as you stated before that you'd like too but not have to pay anything else to Ashley Massaro."

He was free. Matt was free from his case and he finally had a reason to smile. He only owed Ashley about one thousand dollars and that's it. He was free to do what he want and one thing was not to see Ashley anymore.

Lita walked over came up to him and congratulated him, "I'm so happy you don't have to pay anything. What she was doing was wrong and I'm glad you won."

"I know," Matt smiled, "And you even kept those receipts from when I went far away? I'd never think something like that would save my ass one day. Thanks for bringing that up," Matt thanked the redhead.

"Well, It's the least I could do with everything we've been through and I don't want to see you hurt anymore," Lita hugged him again, "And I was coming up for Stacy's baby shower too so I thought I'd kill two birds with one stone."

"Wonderful."

As they pulled away, Lita noticed Ashley was upset. Her head was on top of the desk. She kind of did feel bad but she did get what's coming to her for lying. Matt noticed her too and did feel bad – but what goes around comes around and it certainly came around.

Ashley was defeated. She had lost it all and let down the one thing that was most important for her in life – her young daughter now had to live a horrible life with no good income nor a good mother. Tears came crashing down her cheeks and she sobbed lightly.

She just got up from her seat and took a good look at Matt and Lita – happy as can be and she on the other hand was miserable and had nothing to look forward too. She couldn't give her daughter the life she had deserved.

Without taking another look, she sped out of the courtroom in shame. She had failed.

--

Sitting on the bar stool, Torrie was finishing up the margarita she made for herself. I guess you could call the margarita a celebration? She quit her job and was going to go find something that better suited her and she had ended it with Carlito, hoping to look for something that was maybe really going to go somewhere other than nowhere.

Though there wasn't much to celebrate since Trish is still mad at her and she was going to face her this Saturday at Stacy's baby shower – whether they liked it or not.

But in through the door came John who just finished his shift had work. A smile came around his face when he saw Torrie, "What's with the margarita? What are we celebrating today?"

"Well," Torrie raised her glass slightly above the counter top, "I'm celebrating some new freedom you can say. A new sense of life or some crap like that."

"What happened?"

"Well, I first ended it with Carlito and then I decided to quit my job so here I am, unemployed and I'm supposed to be looking for another job but that obviously isn't happen as I am here sipping on my margarita," Torrie sipped on it and let out a refreshing sigh.

"Why'd you quit and break up with Carlito?" John leaned on the counter across from her.

"I didn't see any future with him. Like I couldn't see me marrying him, I couldn't see us taking a next big step and plus he got this new job and he wanted me to go with him but I was like no way. So I ended it all, I guess on good terms with him. I hope it all turns out well."

"It should and don't worry. I'm sure you'll get back into the dating game and all. They need competition like you in their Torrie. And you'll find a job; people would kill to have you and all."

"I sure hope so," Torrie scarped down her drink, "But enough of my boring and depressing crap – what's with you? How are you and Michelle doing? Is she treating you well because I'll go over there and kick her ass if she's not."

John chuckled as he pushed the glass away from Torrie, "No more drinking for you and we're fine. I mean we are both good and I like having her and all. It's steady for now and we'll see where it goes."

"She's very lucky to have you – I can speak from experience," Torrie placed her hand on her chest, losing a bit of balance eventually crashing down to the floor.

"Torrie, you okay?!" John quickly asked as he rushed to her side, "Does anything hurt?"

"I am fine – I just need to lay down on the couch or something. Do you mind taking me to my bedroom?" Torrie asked.

"Sure," John managed to pick Torrie up bridal style and walked in her bedroom and gently laid her on her bed, "There you go. How do you feel now?"

"Better," Torrie answered, "I think next time I make margaritas – I'm going to cut down on the tequila. Instead of half the bottle, I'll stick to a few drops of it."

"You know, There were many times in High School where I had to deal with your drunk ass," John began to reminisce a little bit, "Do you remember prom night at Trish's after party? You got hammered that you embarrassed me a little bit."

Beverly Hills Prom night
Lovegame. Lady GaGa's infamous song was now Blasting through the speakers as 3am drew closer. Torrie was dancing, with a drink in her hand and singing to the song as other around her laughed and joined in with her.

"Let's have some Fun, This beat is sick. I want to take a ride on your disco stick. Whoo!" Torrie shouted as she danced to the music.

"She's a good dance, John." Matt complimented as he, along with Lita watched Torrie dance. It was quiet amusing.

"This is the last time she's drinking when I'm here." John looked down, shaking his head.

"It's not that bad." Lita said. John gave her a blank Look. "Okay, Well maybe it is Bad?"

"Maybe?"

"Okay, it is. Just go over there and tell her to relax." Lita said.

"Grab some bread and water and try to scarf it down her throat. That usually works." Matt suggested.

"Tried it. She spit it out and threw it at me." John admitted as Lita and Matt laughed.

"Just go get her to relax." Lita encouraged. "Sit her down."

"I'll give it a shot." John walked over to the intoxicated blonde who continued to dance and sing to the music.

"Let's play a Love Game, Play a love game, Do you want Love? Or you want Fame?!" She screeched as she swayed her hips. She looked over and smiled when she saw John. "John!!!" She shouted as she ran into his arms.

"Tor, Don't you want to go relax or something for a little?" John offered.

"Noooo!" Torrie shouted. "You know what I want to do?"

"Sit down and try to sober up?"

"No, Silly!" She slap his shoulder in a friendly way. "I want to play a Love game, With you."

"Tor, Not here."

"No, I want to play a Love Game!" She demanded.

"How about Later?"

"But I want to ride on your Disco Stick!!" She said as she started to laugh. "That's right everyone, I want to ride John Cena's Disco Stick! It's a Very BIG disco Stick" She announced to the crowd of fellow students , causing some to laugh. She broke into little giggles.

John turned beet red. "Oh God, Torrie. What Am I going to do with you?"

"Let's go!" She grabbed his hand and dragged him into the house. She pulled him by the tie, as she lead him upstairs with a seductive look on her face. John kind of couldn't resist. He was getting turned own. Torrie pulled John into one of Trish's many Bedrooms. As soon as the door closed, the two's lips immediately met. They exchanged tongues as John pushed her against the wall. The Kiss was passionate and full of fire. Torrie liked it when John took control. Torrie removed John's jacket, followed by Tie and she began to unbutton his shirt. John slowly unzipped the back of her dress.

Before they could go anywhere, Torrie stopped for a second. "What's wrong?" John asked.

Torrie caught her breath. She went to the door and locked it. "Just don't want no interruptions."

Torrie smirked and returned to making out with John. She slowly pushed him toward the bed until she finally pushed him onto it and smiled once more, before jumping on to the handsome boy, to have one wild night.

"You may have gotten really drunk but it was fun at the end of it all," John smiled, "Do you even remember anything from that night?"

"Trish's party was such a blur for me. I swear, you're lucky that I could have counted the fingers on my hand that night," Torrie started to giggle, "But I had fun and I know you did too. Especially once I got you upstairs."

"You announced to the world that my 'disco stick' was very big," John reminded her, "And now the graduating class of 2009 knows I have one so thanks."

"You should be happy I said that. All the girls wanted some of you but they couldn't because I had you so take that desperate girls of West Beverly. I got him and you didn't," Torrie did a little victory dance on her bed while still laying down, "I sound like an idiot right about now."

"But I love this idiot, so it's okay."

--

Back at home, Matt felt very worried free. Nothing to worry about. His life was back to normal and there was finally not a problem in sight for this Hardy Brother and hopefully we can keep it this way for good. Lita came out of the bathroom and leaned down on the couch as she looked up at Matt, "Something wrong Matt?"

"Well, I feel a little bad about Ashley. She really doesn't have enough to support Abby as much so I do feel bad more for Abby then for Ashley," Matt spoke from his heart, "I do wish there was a way to help her."

"Don't. Matt, your such a nice guy and this is how you get played. People take advantage of how kind you are and they get screw in the end," Lita told him, "Promise me you won't go and search for her or anything like that?"

"I won't but I feel bad for Abby. I wish I could help her."

"I do too sweetie. She's living in a horrible situation," Lita said, "Maybe the real father will step up soon and give the two of them the proper life they deserved."

"I hope so," Matt answered as a knock came up at the door, "I think that's the pizza I order. I'll go grab it."

Matt got up from the couch and headed up to the door. When he opened it, he expected a Pizza delivery boy but a young girl That young girl was Abby with a suitcase behind her and her pink book bag on her shoulders, "Abby, What are you doing here? Where's your mom?"

"She left me here and told me to give you this," Abby handed Matt a letter concealed in an envelope. He opened it up and began to read it to himself.

Dear Matt,
Sorry to just do this to you after everything but I want you to take Abby for me. Your legally her guardian. I'm sorry for everything that I did too you. All the pain I caused – the grief I brought. I never meant to do this to you but I wanted to do it for Abby. With where I live and what I do, I can never provide Abby with the life she deserves. I never got a chance to do what I ever wanted to do so I want Abby to have everything I never got a chance to do and I thought that could happen if I had some more money and that's why I did what I did. I should have never done it since now I lost your trust and friendship. I've tried this on so many other guys but it never worked until you showed up. You really did help me and Abby through some tough times. Now, I can't help Abby anymore. From the time I've spent with you, I've come to trust you and see that you really love Abby and that's why I want you to take her. She sometimes even calls you Dad which just shows you how much she loves her. Please take care of my Baby and make sure she's safe. I'm counting on you.

-Ashley

Matt dropped the letter and took Abby by her hand, "Come on in sweetie," Matt didn't know what to do. He couldn't just let Ashley abandon her daughter just like this on him. She deserves a mother but for now he's going to take her in and look for Ashley first thing in the morning.

Downstairs, Ashley stood there watching her daughter be taken in by Matt. It was the right thing for Ashley to let her be with Matt. He would provide her with the proper life that she just couldn't give to her daughter. She trusted him knowing that after all the two had been through, he'd help Abby out for her sake.

Tears collapsed down her cheeks as she entered her car. Turning the ignition on, she drove down the street. Passing by a couple of blocks, visions of Abby came up and it reminded her that she may never see her daughter ever again. Lost in the confusion of her daughter, Ashley crossed on the intersection when she wasn't supposed to.

On her left side, a speeding bus came and crashed into the rear end of Ashley's car spinning it about 180 degrees. Her tires screeched and her car windows were shattered and Ashley's head laid above the stirring wheel, as it seemed the woman was left for dead.


A/N: So, What did you all think? Thanks to Ainat, DenaDiva, xTwistedxImperfectionx, xXxBooxXx, Jorrieprincess, lily, and Esha Napoleon for the wonderful reviews. It means so Much to me.
I'm extremely happy with the result of this chapter. Didn't feel sloppy or too rushed so i'm happy.
I got over 200 reviews! That's another thing to be really happy about and i wish i'd get more reviews :) So please review if you have a chance.
So Lita's back! For this chapter and probably the next one or two - not sure yet.
Next chapter is probably going to be full of drama and issues and we all like that. LOL!
I should update this story once more before i return to school which is wednesday :( It sucks that i'm going back so it might mean a little less updates.
But i'll find time to write. Also a New poll is up concerning stories i have planned for the future!
Also, Check out Someday if you like the Jeff/Mickie pairing in this story!
Thanks for reading guys and..
PLEASE REVIEW! :)