Life in the Hills 3

Chapter Thirty Six - Aftershock Part II

There was no taking this back. Concealing her body with the shirt she once wore, Eve's orbs laid imprinted on Cody who was assembling the clothing that had hung over him. Eve had both her arms and legs crossed while her mind accepted that she had slept with Cody.

The only odd thing about the situation was she didn't feel bad, as she initially thought she would. Breath after breath, she wondered why she was thinking like this. Eve committed the worse deed possible – cheating on her boyfriend with his best friend. And why she didn't feel the guilt – that was something she didn't have an answer too.

With her free finger, she tugged the lock of hairs behind her ear and tried to keep a strong and confident content expression but much wasn't working. When he turned around, Cody and Eve's eyes met one another. His shirt slid over his body and soon after Eve found himself making his way toward him. He joined her beside the couch and his hand crawled forward and rested upon her lap. His lips made a funny shape when they pursed and he awaited for her to say something.

"Cody," Softly she spoke, "You can't say anything to anybody about this. You know as well as I know that this would crush Ted. I want to tell Ted but it's going to take some time. I just need to figure this whole thing out and once it's straight up, I'm going to tell him. I'm sorry I dragged you into this."

"This isn't your fault."

He felt the blame should be cast on him as well but she refused for that to happen, "No – if I hadn't been so open and told you everything none of this would have happened and we wouldn't be in this situation."

"I'm not going to let you blame yourself – that isn't the right thing to do. I did wrong as well. I'm supposed to begin a relationship with Kelly and I basically betrayed her. We both made our faults and it isn't right that we blame one another for this when clearly, we are both at fault. I'm going to tell Kelly, if I actually know how this situation is going to be handled. I have to see what she wants and if it's what I think it is, I'll be kicked to the curb."

"Don't give up – Kelly may really want to be with you and you just need to think about what is going to go on. You're going to be fine and you know, if you ever need some advice – you can come to be anytime. I miss having you around."

He smiled, "I missed you too."

Suddenly, a huge noise erupted through the hallway. Both individuals were startled. Cody quickly lifted his hand up and his eyes went to the door, as did Eve who were both very well surprised to see who was standing there.

"Eve, Cody? What the – you guys have been in here?"

Well, this would be surprising and somewhat awkward – that's when Maryse came in. Ted and Maryse remained still up against the door's side while Maryse and Eve shared a emotionless glance at one another. Eve rose to her feet and was greeted by a hug from Ted, "You found us – we can finally get out of here."

"We saw both your cars parked outside and we figured you guys were nearby and luckily we managed to get the door there unjammed and got in. What were you guys doing in here and how'd you get in here?"

"Well," Cody began, "She was looking for you and couldn't find you so she came into the locker room and the earthquake struck. Somehow, I managed to find her somewhere in this mess and we couldn't get out but damn, am I glad to see the two of you."

Though she was relieved to see Ted was alright, Eve grew extremely suspicious. Why in earth was Maryse with him? Her eyes traveled across the room, watching the blonde who was staring at her cell phone. She didn't want to propose the question right there but selected to remained silent for the moment until a much time to ask Ted.

In the midst of the silent, Maryse released a gasp as she read a message from her cell phone, "Nikki sent me a message. Dolph and Kelly are both at the hospital," As she placed the phone down, she looked at her friends, "We have to go."

"Is that even a question? Of course we'll go," When Cody said that, the four of them had come to an agreement and selected to visits their friends who were in peril. For Eve, she finally felt the unity she once shared with them, even with their differences.

"I'm just happy you're okay."

It was a set of words Dolph always heard – from his mother who called, his father who stopped by and now Nikki was spilling out the words as the two sat beside one another on a vacant hospital bed. The twin's hand would make its way over to Dolph, clutching it in the process.

"I was so worried about you but I'm so happy you're fine and if it wasn't for my courageous effort, you wouldn't be here," She had to slip in something to bring herself high and mighty, "All I care about is that your breathing, you have a pulse and you're with me."

"Is this the part I thank you for saving my life?" Asked the injured football player – he titled his body just a little but could already feel the sharp streaks of pain traveling through his body, "This is going to hurt a lot in the morning."

A smirk elevated to her lips, "How about I play nurse?"

The comment screamed sexual innuendos. His smile suddenly appeared clearer than before, "You want to nurse me?"

"Dolph, you better get your mind straight and stop taking everything in a sexual reference. I'm going to help you for the next few days – Anyways, I am you're girl."

The sound of that was a sweet melody into his ears. His girl. He finally got the chance to call her his girl and nothing else. Nikki was now with him and he had the chance to actually call her his girlfriend.

He finally got what he wanted with a price but it was all worth the price.

The hospital walls had confined her from moving around. Her eyes fluttered open and she was greeted by silence and air. She was in a hospital bed. The noise coming from outside was disturbing but even with the noise, she could think straight and she thought of one guy: Evan.

If you know somehow well enough, you'll know a thing a two about them. You may know about their favorite hobbies, pet peeves, favorite colors and what they love on their hotdog unless they are a vegetarian. Kelly knew a thing or two about Evan. One thing she knew was that he loved this small private beach, just ten minutes out of Beverly Hills and Kelly was there – hoping that maybe with all knowledge of the free spirit boy, she'd find him here.

Her silver car pulled into a parking spot, just with the sunset coming down and the tide beginning to climb up onto the shore. The next moment she was out and found a empty beach, with only the exception of a few surfers and a swimmer here and there. The closer she got to the edge of the cliff, she spotted someone not too far away; hands in pocket and that familiar dark hairstyle of his.

Her feet would make these small little footprints in the sand and it would lead a trail to who she was looking for. He didn't feel her coming nor see her as he stood there, gazing into the Pacific Ocean. Kelly came right beside him and didn't move a muscle until she decided to say something.

"I can see why you come here," He jumped. In his instant reaction, he faced her as she continued to speak, "This beach is just beautiful and really quiet and calm unlike those other ones back home."

Those lips of his pursed together and he nodded, "How'd you know I was here? Did you go to my house and ask my mom our something?"

"Well, for the past year and a half, I've learned a thing about you. I know you like baseball, You prefer mustard on your hamburger than ketchup and I know you love to come to this beach because it's the only beach that's close enough where you can actually her yourself think. I know the whole stereotype about Blondes being stupid but this blonde is an exception."

"Of course you aren't stupid; you're smart. You're also pretty damn good seeker in this whole game," Finally, he uttered a laugh, "And I guess you can say I'm a good hider too."

"Couldn't find you for weeks but as great of a hider you are, I'm just as a good seeker and whoever seeks something, will find it," A moment of silence emerged before she continued, "And that something I'm looking for is to talk to you."

His head, followed by his body made a ninety degree turn and those brown eyes of his locked onto hers, "So talk – it's what you came here to do."

It annoyed her by the way he was acting but obviously he wasn't in the right mind set or good mood, "I was hoping we can talk. That last time we talk – well, I can't say it went well because it didn't. It surely didn't."

"Have you come to open up that wound again? It was hard to sew it back up and I'm not going to get it opened up again," His heart was broken. He thought the moment he revealed it all to Kelly, that his heart was just going to break and it did. He never had a chance with her and it killed him that he knew that.

"Give me a chance to talk Evan. You didn't give me a chance then and now you're not giving me a chance."

"I gave you a chance and you took it. You took me and crushed me," His voice was getting louder in strength and darker in tone, "I'm not a rag doll that you can just toss around like nothing. I'm a human being just like you."

He didn't want to listen and it annoyed her. His arrogance and expectation wasn't helping the situation. The best thing to do was to blurt it out since Evan wasn't going to let her do it on his terms, "Just listen to me."

"I'm sick of listening."

She's had enough. Enough was certainly enough at this point.

"I feel the same way you do."

And at that moment, he stood there – frozen like a Popsicle and didn't move an inch. He wasn't sure if she said what he really though she had said. She likes me too? And with that he paused. A silence emerged between the two. It was awkward but necessary for Evan to take in the news. She did kind of just toss it onto her but hey, it was the only way to just get her to say something.

For that second, that moment he had, he took it all in. For once, a girl – a girl who he liked – felt the same exact way. He didn't know how to feel. Sad or Happy? Angry or Greatful? It was a mix of emotions but Happiness was standing out.

Kelly had not an idea at all what she should do at the moment. She came closer to him and skimmed his cheek. Both gazing into their eyes and in an instant, something he'd be waiting for and something she'd wanted to do for a long time. As fast as the second past, Kelly took her smooth lips and pressed it against his. The moment itself was sweet and passionate.

As the two pulled away, they both took in this moment. Both relieved and satisfied, this moment was the ever perfect moment.

"Evan, I want this to work. I want a chance. I want a chance with you," She smiled, "I want to give this a shot. I finally want a normal relationship with a person I trust, a person I cherish and a person that cares about me just as much as I care about him."

And with that, Evan said, "I'll be him if you'll be mine," Her nodded set it all and they sealed it with another kiss. It appears to be true – good things come to those who wait.

And when she had finished thinking about him – she went on to somebody else who was just as close to her as Evan was: Cody.

The reflection of the moonlight against the sea hadn't looked so beautiful before. The cool breeze brought the necessity of having a warm sweater. Lucky for Kelly, Cody had a big West Beverly sweater in his car for safe keeping.

Was she a horrible person? Spending time outside the hospital wear her boyfriend is in exchange for spending time with someone you love just as much as your boyfriend? These questions didn't have an answer.

Not too far away from the Santa Monica pier, Cody and Kelly walked along the shore line with the busy Santa Monica Pier sticking out behind them. It's been a much quieter summer than usual. Eve had completely disappeared without a trace and Kelly really only had Cody here and Maryse and Nikki sometimes – but mostly Cody was there.

Walking side by side, Cody took Kelly's hand grasping it tightly. She liked it but then she realized she'd be betraying Evan. Come to think of it, these last past few weeks she been betraying him by kissing another boy, sleeping with another boy and now holding hands with another boy. Didn't make any sort of sense.

Kelly snapped her hand away and of course, Cody didn't take it very well, "Why'd you snap your hand away like that? What's the matter?"

"This – this is what's the matter. We're whats the matter ."

"I didn't see you complaining about this when we kiss and when we –"

"Don't," Kelly stopped him from completing his sentence, "I know but it's wrong. Cody, I have a boyfriend who's laying in a hospital bed and hopeful will come out of his coma. I'm a horrible person. This is like worse than cheating."

He'd lie if he didn't feel bad himself. Evan was practically his best friend and he sat here doing this to him. It was wrong. It wasn't right and he wasn't being a good friend but he nor Kelly could control their feelings for one another. If they felt this way, they can't stop it. It's like it's meant to be.

"I understand what you're going through. Evan's my best friend and I'm doing this to him – my own best friend? It bothers me too but you're worth it. You're worth it all. I wouldn't change a damn thing because that's how much you mean to me."

Kelly slowly turned toward Cody, looking him cold into the eyes, "You meant that? Do you really mean that?"

"I do – I could never tell you anything more true than that."

Looking right up his crystal eyes, she leaned forward placing a soft kiss right onto his lips. Cody took the Blonde right into her arms, firmly wrapping them around her waist and accepting her kiss. Their thoughts collided and only one thing was on each other's mind…

One another.

As her thoughts came to a close she had an even bigger decision on her hands – who did she really want to be with? Did she want to be with Cody or was Evan the person for her? She clearly didn't know and it did somewhat bother her that she couldn't grasp it. She couldn't really discover what she wanted and now fear grew that she may never find an answer to this question.

It was almost immediately afterward that not only did Evan come in but Cody as well – one behind each other and the two weren't exactly aware that they were in the same room as one another, until Evan turned around and found Cody standing before him.

Kelly didn't care but she wanted an answer – how did she end of here?

"What the hell happened to me? Why am I in the hospital?"

Evan could answer the question for her, "Well, there was an earthquake and suddenly in the middle of it, this car just lost control and struck you. The good news is that the doctor said you're going to make a full recovery and you've got nothing to worry about, but you will be in the hospital for a few days."

"Oh –"

An awkward silence appeared. It just consisted of stares coming from one another. Cody then finally spoke, "I'm glad you're okay Kelly. I'm just going to go get a drink and I'll be back."

And then Cody left. Once he disappeared, Evan came walking over to Kelly who was beginning to close her eyes and fall back into a deep sleep. As her eyes shut, her last glimpse was of Evan pulling a seat up beside her bed and sitting right beside her.

For Tiffany, this night was certainly a crazy night full of just about everything. The hospital finally started to calm down a little bit as the night went on. A peak at her cell phone, she could see the missed calls and the time had finally reached 2:00am – it was getting late. She descended down the hallway and thought about the events of the night. The earthquake, Jack's heartfelt apology and Kelly's accident – this was certainly a night she'd never forget.

Just as she turned the around the hallway, she bumped into a familiar face, "Oh Jack – sorry, I wasn't paying any attention on where I was going. I'm sorry."

"It's fine," He smiled, "Where are you off too?"

"I was just going to head home. My parents have been calling and it's only getting later and later. I better get home because they're going to call the police wondering if I'm dead or not."

"I'll drive you," The invitation was sweet, "I was supposed to take you home anyway so why don't I just take you home?"

"Are you sure?"

"I'm completely positive. It doesn't bother me or anything so let's a get a move on," He guided her down the hallway, toward the exit, "I want to make sure you get home safety and don't get stuck in some aftershock. I can't lose you Tiffany."

His comment created a smile to elevate across her lips. Jack was officially a changed person – nothing else must be said. Jack Swagger had a warm heart and Tiffany could now finally see that."

The raindrops filled the window of Stacy's apartment. Another night of rain, similar to every other night in Seattle and like every night, Stacy suffered from her usual insomnia. She couldn't sleep to put it in its easiest form and getting some sort of rest was always a challenge every single night. Turning her body, she faced the window and pondered as she did every night while her children slept quietly next door.

She grew upset. She wasn't getting any rest or anything anytime soon. Launching her arm forward, she pulled the television remote and turned it on. Nothing was on as she flipped through the channels. Nothing was certainly going on – that was until she stopped at one channel.

The news reporter was in Los Angeles. The text on the bottom of the screen read out that an earthquake had occurred in the vicinity. The reporter, who seemed extremely worried, went on with her report.

"I'm live on the corner of Sunset and Cahuenga where the earthquake had hit the hardest. Areas in and around the Hollywood and Beverly Hills area were deeply impacted by the natural disaster. Countless people are feared dead while many have been rushed to local hospitals, which are now completed full over capacity. This has been the worst quake to hit the city in years and it's expected that this could cost the city millions of dollars in clean up. As the night continues, Channel four news will stay and keep everyone updated on what's going on –"

"Oh my god –"

Her response was certainly appropriate for the situation. She began to worry, thinking about her friends that were there and finally someone came back into her mind after so long. Randy was on her mind. Rising up from her bed she slowly began to wonder if he was okay or if he was hurt. As much as she didn't want to do this, she choose to do something different instead of contacting him directly.

Picking up her phone, she scrolled down and selected Torrie's name. As the dial tone began, Stacy pulled it up to her ear and waited to hear Torrie's voice.

"Hello?"

The frill voice that belonged to Torrie foreshadowed that something wasn't well. Gathering the strength, she spoke, "Torrie, it's Stacy. I hear something happened; there was an earthquake down there. Is that true?"

It felt sweet to hear Stacy's sweet and how concerned she sounded. Torrie knew why exactly she called, "This huge earthquake came through and oh my god – this was just the worse. We're all fine but Stacy, I have some bad news."

Bad news? Mrs. Cena wasn't much of the bearer of bad news but by the sound of it, Stacy was growing more and more concern. This wasn't going to be good at all – she knew that.

"Torrie, tell me what happened?"

It was now or never, "Randy got seriously hurt," There she said it and at the moment, Stacy's eyes grew much watery than usually and took in the information that was given to her, "We were at my home when the earthquake happened and Randy got seriously hurt. We don't know what's going on but it's really serious. He's in surgery now and they're asking for you."

Her large heart sunk into her chest as the grim words had been announced and now she had a reason to worry. He was hurt. What she had to expect out of this? She didn't know but feared this wasn't going to go too well. Pulling herself together, Stacy proceeded to ask more questions.

"He's hurt and their asking for me? Wait, why are they asking for me?"

The rasping voice of Torrie's wasn't providing much comfort. Torrie closed her eyes and when she had released her eyelids, tears streamed down, "The doctors don't know what's wrong with him but he sustained a serious head injury and their worried that he may be incapacitated permanently. They need to you come down here because you're in charge of what happens – Randy left you in charge of that decision. He should be out of surgery soon and you need to get down here – as soon as you can!"

Her arm couldn't keep the phone up and her hand quickly came crashing down which held her phone, "Stacy? Are you there? Stacy?"

She didn't respond.

She shut her phone off and her hands crashed into her face. The waterworks began as did thoughts of Randy emerge.

"I believe, that the bride and Groom have written their own special vows," The priest presented as Stacy was scheduled to begin, by taking out her small piece of paper, with her vows.

"Randy, When I look at you, I feel my heart thump just like it was when I first met you, back in Mrs. Collins seventh grade class. I love you more than anything. My Life would be nothing complete without someone with a heart of gold like yours. You're the air I breathe and you're the one person that keeps me going in life. I want to spend my whole Life with you and there's no one better to spend it with, then my Best friend. Randy, you're my everything. Your all I ever wanted and more and I love you more than anything in this world and Nothing can or ever will change that," Stacy placed the paper down as she smiled at Randy.

"Randy, Your turn."

Randy didn't write anything down. It was all written down in his mind, "Stacy, You are my strive in life. You keep me going in Life. Without you, I would be nothing. Your smile brightens my day, your kindness keeps me strong and your loving and caring attitude makes me more in love with you than ever. I want to be everything. I will be all that you want. I will be your best friend. I will be the man of your dreams and I will be your husband. I will hold onto your hand as we walk on this journey of life together, not looking back but looking forward to it all, not forgetting the words I say on this day. I could never leave a day without you. You're all that I want and your everything I'll ever need," Randy smiled at his Bride. He was in love.

"Let us continued the vows," The priest said, "Do you Randy take Stacy to be your wife – to live together after God's ordinance – in the holy estate of matrimony? Will you love her, comfort her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health, for richer, for poorer, for better, for worse, in sadness and in joy, to cherish and continually bestow upon her your heart's deepest devotion, forsaking all others, keep yourself only unto her as long as you both shall live?"

"I do."

"Do you Stacy take Randy to be your husband – to live together after God's ordinance – in the holy estate of matrimony? Will you love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health, for richer, for poorer, for better, for worse, in sadness and in joy, to cherish and continually bestow upon him your heart's deepest devotion, forsaking all others, keep yourself only unto him as long as you both shall live?"

"I do."

"It is now time for the rings," The priest said as John handed Randy the ring as Torrie did the same for Stacy, "Randy, in placing this ring on Stacy's finger, repeat after me: Stacy, you are now consecrated to me as my wife from this day forward and I give you this ring as the pledge of my love and as the symbol of our unity and with this ring, I thee wed."

"Stacy, you are now consecrated to me as my wife from this day forward and I give you this ring as the pledge of my love and as the symbol of our unity and with this ring, I thee wed," Randy stated with a smile, as he slide on the Gold ring onto Stacy's finger.

"Stacy, in placing this ring on Randy's finger, repeat after me: Randy, you are now consecrate to me as my husband from this day forward and I give you this ring as the pledge of my love and as the symbol of our unity and with this ring, I thee wed," Said the Priest.

"Randy, you are now consecrate to me as my husband from this day forward and I give you this ring as the pledge of my love and as the symbol of our unity and with this ring, I thee wed," Said Stacy, as she slide the ring onto Randy's finger.

"And so, by the power vested in me by the State of California and Almighty God, I now pronounce you man and wife – and may your days be good and long upon the earth, You May kiss the Bride!" The Priest Announced.

It was the moment the two were waiting for the whole day. Randy and Stacy locked lips, for the first time as Husband and Wife. Stacy wrapped her arms around Randy, deepening the kiss. Their Kiss as Husband and Wife. The Crowd stood up and began to clap.

The flashback ended and her mind returned to reality. It took her that much to realize that she was still in love with him. What she was doing almost a thousand miles away from her one true love, she didn't know. He was hurt and now she may never be able to let him know how she truly feels and would never get the chance to tell him. She needed to do that. She needed to see him.

And most importantly – he needed to be okay.

The feeling of the hot coffee in her hands felt refreshing. Like the diva she was, Maryse strutted down the empty hallway of the hospital. Tonight was certainly a long and enduring night. So much had happened that certainly changed everything. The break up with Mike was brutal and Ted's appearance at her home was shocking. Her heart finally began to discover what she wanted. It was only one person she desired to have and at the moment, she couldn't do anything about it. He was happy and with another girl. She wasn't going to ruin that, as much as she would have probably done but something changed in Maryse. What it was, she didn't know but it was a benefit and not a negative.

Continuing her way down, an empty seat made its presence and she filled the gap with her body. Taking the coffee up to her lips, she accepted the scent of the coffee into her senses and sighed afterwards. Sipping on the hot but delicious liquid, she felt it travel down her throat. A sigh was released.

Hearing a set of footsteps, Maryse turned over to her right and found a familiar face walking over to her. Nikki Bella, "What are you doing here all along? Dolph's is getting discharged and we're all going to leave now. Kelly's only staying overnight for a little bit longer but she'll be okay."

"I just wanted to be alone for a little while, that's all."

"Is there something wrong? I feel like something is bothering you and you're not really telling me what's going on. Fess up, Maryse."

Nikki always knew. She didn't know why but it must be that whole best friend thing, "I'm just a little sad."

"Why are you sad?"

" – I suppose it has something to do with me still being in love with Ted, even though he has moved on. It's not much of a big deal," Her sarcasm wasn't working much, even as she continued on, "Nikki, I don't know what's wrong with me. I'm still so in love with him and I know I can't have him, though if I tricked my way into it I would get what I want but I don't want to. Why am I like this?"

"Sounds to me that you Maryse – you're turning into a selfless human being, instead of being selfish; it's not a bad thing."

"I hate my life right now. Here I am, in love with a man who is with someone else. Why must my life be this complicated? Why must life so damn unfair?" The anger and frustrated built inside of her caused the blonde to send her coffee cup slamming into the wall.

As for Nikki, she did her duty and stood by her friend's side. Nikki accompanied the blonde and embraced her with a hug, "It's going to be okay – it's all going to be okay."

Who was Nikki to even promise such a thing when she herself didn't know what the days had planned for her but that's what a friend's job was. It was to keep her calm and reassured.

In the distance, a body remained glued up onto the wall and he too began to grow guilt over this. She was still in love with him and he had some news for her: he was still in love with her.

As Ted walk off into the distance, he found a familiar face waiting for him down the hallway. The sweet and reassuring was soothing. As he came forward, he was greeted by a hug and a peck onto the lips.

"You seem a little sad? Is everything alright?" Asked Eve, the concerned girlfriend, "Are you okay?"

He couldn't just explain to her what was going on just like that but selected a different route. Standing up strong and mighty, he managed to smile, "Yeah, everything's fine."

"Should we head home?"

For that moment, he paused and didn't say anything. All he could do was think and he knew what he had to do. He wanted to make everything right. He wanted to be happy. He didn't want to lie anymore. Ted DiBiase had a tough task on his hands now – even worse than this earthquake.

A/N: And Finally, a conclusion to this all.
So many questions continued to be left unanswered but they will be.
Personally, not my best chapter but i hope you all enjoy and Sorry for the wait - went away for a little while.
And there was so much snow today that it was a perfect chance to write up this chapter :)
Please review & take care :) xx

Next chapter - Stacy makes her return to Beverly Hills & Ted makes a very important decision.