Chapter 53: A Warm Place

Chapter 53: A Warm Place

The next morning Stacy walked along the cold wet road drinking a cup of coffee she ordered on her way. Drinking the remains she tossed the foam cup in to some randoms garbage and walked to a house. Stopping infront of it Stacy looked at the address on the paper she held and looked at the number on the house knowing she had the right one. She looked at the house for a second then was startled by someone standing next to her. She sighed in relieve when she saw it was only Randy

''God you scared me. What are you doing here'' She asked

''John told me to make sure your ok. Well that and Torrie's up. So I had to leave the apartment.''

''Thanks I'm ok. I can look after myself''

''Really. Cause the two hospital visits says different. Why are you still helping her after yesterday'' He asked as she gave him a glare. He put his hand up in surrender ''Alright. I get it you know what she's going through'' He replied like he's heard it a million times ''What happened to her anyway'' Randy asked as they walked up to the house

''Her boyfriend beat her…more then once'' Stacy whispered then gave two quick knocks. They waited for a minute before footsteps were heard and the door opened surprising Stacy who was behind it ''David…ah hi''

''Hey Stac'' David greeted back non cheerily ''what brings you here'' He asked noticing Randy with a smug look as he draped a lazy arm over Stacy's shoulders

''Oh ah does Billy Kidman live here''

''Yeah why'' He answered suspiciously

''I came for his ex-girlfriends things'' Stacy answered as Billy popped up

''Hey who are you''

''This is Stacy and Randy. Friends of Torrie''

''I ain't her friend'' Randy corrected ''I'm only here for Stacy'' Everyone just looked at him for a moment

''They're here for her things''

''Oh ok then'' Billy replied a bit pissed Torrie was leaving him. He moved aside to let them in

''You didn't have come with me'' Stacy said as her and Randy were on their way back to the apartment with Torrie's things

''Bet your glad I did though. Otherwise you'd had to face David yourself''

''Thanks'' Then Stacy's phone went off ''Oh I gotta go. I promised Ashley I'd meet her at the café. Can you take these home'' She asked

''Yeah no prob'' Randy replied grabbing a bag off Stacy

''Thanks again. I'll see you later'' Stacy walked in the other direction as Randy went back to the apartment

At the apartment Randy walked through the door seeing John on one couch looked at the ceiling and Torrie on the other looking at her manicured nails. Both afraid to make any sudden movements. Randy could feel the tension they both created in the room

''Wow this isn't awkward at all'' Randy said sarcastically putting the bags down.

Torrie immediately got up and grabbed her bags saying a quick 'Thanks' before disappearing in Stacy's room

''So how was your day''

''How do you think'' John said bitterly as Randy stood back ''Sorry. It's just this isn't how I picture us living here. I thought it'd be so cool us hanging out all the time. Then Maria came along and I though it would be the three of us. Then Stacy showed up that's when I knew I'd lost you. And now with Torrie here and Maria not…the past two years have been one big roller-coaster ride'' John explained

''I know what you mean. How bout you take the night off. Go to a bar or something and I'll look after the girls''

''You just wanna spend time with Stacy'' John teased with a glum tone

''With Torrie here do you actually think I'll get even a micro mini second with Stacy'' Randy asked

''Probably not''

''See. Now go. Have fun'' Randy said practically pushing John out the door and walked into the kitchen.

A minute later Torrie came out. Randy realized that he'd have to hang around with Torrie aswell. And that's something he wasn't looking forward to. But to be with Stacy it was worth it

''Thanks again'' Torrie said nervously

''Whatever. Make sure you tell that to Stacy. It was her idea''

''Look I'm sorry about the other night''

''No you're not.'' Randy snapped quickly as Torrie gave him a look ''Your only saying that so you can manipulate Stacy into letting you stay here. If you did have somewhere else to stay you wouldn't give two fucks about being sorry. And for years you would be a bitch to me when I didn't do anything to you''

''You hurt ninety percent of my friends''

''No they hurt themselves. They all knew what I was like. They set themselves up to get hurt. And what gives you the right to have a go at me when you ended up hurting your own friends. Case one – John, Yous had a fight over something that had nothing to do with either of you. Then you go get yourself a boyfriend when you knew John liked you and throw it in his face. Key word here was 'Liked' and you blew it. Case two – Stacy, So what if she kept a little secret from you. You probably have lots of things you didn't tell her. Did you think that maybe she didn't tell you because she knew what you really thought of your other friends. Then you go around talking about her behind her back. John told me what you said before graduation. I've gotten to know her more over the past few weeks and she's the sweetest girl I know. She wouldn't hurt anyone on perpose. And she defiantly didn't deserve to be slapped the way you did. If anything she should slap you. Why Stacy let you stay here after you did that I do not know. But show her some gratitude cause if it were up to me and John you wouldn't even be here'' Randy concluded as Torrie just stared at him not knowing what to say

''Oh my god'' Torrie said softly ''Your in love with her. Aren't you''

''So what if I am. I have a heart you know''

''Could've fooled me.'' Torrie snorted ''No wonder why you were mad yesterday''

''Whatever. Don't tell her about this. Just show her some respect and try to fix things with John. Cause I know deep down you liked him aswell. It mightn't be too late'' Randy said walking off to his room as Torrie though about what he said then grabbed her coat and took a walk

At the café Ashley and Stacy sat at a table outside under the shelter so not to get wet from the rain and were talking about the events in their lives of the past few days. Out of all the girls in the group these two knew eachother the least. But after hanging out with the other girls they clicked and became friends.

''He still won't talk to me'' Ashley said saddened

''Let him think through it. Maybe he doesn't wanna say anything he'll regret. I know what's it's like to let your emotions take over your body, mind and voice. It's not good''

''Were you here when he found Adam and Amy''

''Yeah but I was still new here. Also I had my own life to distract me''

''Oh'' Ashley replied quietly then her phone when off. She grabbed it and smiled as she looked at it

''What is it'' Stacy asked seeing Ashley's reaction

''Let's talk'' Ashley red the message ''It's Matt. I gotta go'' She got up and put some money on the tray to pay for her drink. Stacy sat there for a minute when someone stood behind the chair Ashley was in

''Is any one using this'' The person asked

''No take…'' Stacy stopped when she saw who it was ''Andrew'' she said shocked and frightened

''Hey Stac''

''What're you doing here'' she asked with fear

''Don't be scared. I won't hurt you'' He replied sitting down

''Where have I heard that before'' she rolled her eyes with sarcasm

''I'm serious. When you slapped that restraining order on me I looked at what I did to you and got myself some help. So I saw psychiatrist and went to anger-management''

''So…your better now'' Stacy asked feeling a bit at ease

''Much better. How have you been lately''

''I'll tell you one thing. The drama never stops. I don't have anything going on right now but I knew someone's cooking something up. I'm just waiting'' Then Stacy filled him in on everything that's happened from the thing with Randy to leaving then returning even about her mother hitting on Randy ''And now Torrie's living with us and that's just causing more harm then good''

''Why can't you tell her to leave''

''Cause I know what it's like to be in her position. Her boyfriend was doing what you did to me'' Stacy replied as Andrew put his hands on hers

''Stac. I'm so sorry about that. I was a confused and lost teenager who didn't know what a good thing he had'' Stacy smiled at the comment and started to realize why she was with him in the first place.

''Well now I've learned to hate relationships. Now I know why Randy does what he does they cause nothing but trouble. Think I might turn gay'' Stacy thought aloud as Andrew chuckled

''I would have no problem with that. Just as long as you don't turn butch and cut your hair really short''

''I would never do that. I love my hair too much to chop it off'' She laughed as a roaring thunder hit ''I have to go. I'm late for a date'' Stacy said standing up

''With your boyfriend''

''No. I'm dating anyone for a while yet. I'm just having a girl's night. I'll see you around'' Stacy was about to walk off but he called out to her

''Wait'' He called ''Can I have you number. I'll be here for a bit so you can show me around or something'' Stacy gave him both numbers and walked away

A few streets away Torrie walked aimlessly along the side walk past some shops. As it rained she looked ahead and saw no shelter. Standing infront to the last shop that had a cover over it she looked back behind her and saw a bar/motel. Torrie figured she go in until the rain stops. She walked in and looked around and saw it was pretty mellow. Sitting on a barstool she ordered a non-alcohol beverage. As she took a few sips she heard some noises from the other end. Looking over she saw two men were about to have a fight and noticed that one of them was John. Torrie jumped off her chair and ran in between them before John did anything stupid

''Out of the way girlie. This punk needs to be taught a lesson'' The man threatened

''I'm a friend of his. I know what he's like. He didn't mean anything he's just drunk'' Torrie stated knowing it was probably John's fault he was about to fight some random

''I've got my eye on you boy'' the man said walking away as Torrie dragged John to her seat

''You show up at my friend's party, my door step and now your at my bar. Why can't you leave me alone'' John asked drowsily as she sat him down

''I just saved your ass getting kicked''

''It's always about you isn't it. I don't need you help. Tor, the only one who needs help is you'' John snapped

''Just because you broke up with your girlfriend doesn't mean you can take it out on me ok'' Torrie retorted. John shut his mouth knowing she was right ''I didn't know this was your bar. I was walking when it started raining. So I came in here.''

''Sorry'' John mumbled

''Should think so'' Torrie stated as a moment of silence followed ''I don't always make everything about me. Do I''

''You made this conversation about you''

''I'm sorry about the other night. And I'm sorry about the fight we had. I was being stubborn, and hypocritical and selfish and uh…Throw another word at me''

''A bitch'' John shrugged as Torrie looked at him surprised ''What. You wanted a word''

''Fine, a bitch. And not telling you about Billy. I know I should've told you but…I didn't what to see the look on you face''

''And what look would that be''

''Hurt…torn apart. Cause we were best friends and I didn't tell you. But while yous go to your campus I ended up with a guy who in the end hurt me as much as I hurt you'' Torrie sat silent as she wait for his reaction, but he just sat there

''See, it's about you again'' He joked as she laughed a little.

But they were cut off but loud crashing noises on the roof. Nearly everyone in the bar looked outside and saw hail dropping from the sky. The bar tender turned on the radio as the reporter said there was a hailstorm and probably won't be over until the morning

''Looks like we'll be booking rooms.'' One bartender said

''I'll get the book'' the other one said as he grabbed a book and took motel orders

At the Hardy's house Jeff was sitting outside on the porch watching the rain while drawing in his sketchbook. He was so into his own world he didn't notice Ashley until she waved a hand infront of him to get attention

''Oh hey Ash. Been there long''

''About a minute'' She shrugged ''watcha drawing'' Ashley leaned over to see but Jeff put the book to his chest so she couldn't see

''N-nothing'' Jeff stuttered. Ashley just shrugged and sat down

''What's with the box'' Ashley asked, as she looked through a box infront of her

''Just some stuff I'm sending away''

''This says 'Trish''' Ashley stated reading one of those personalized shirts ''whose Trish''

''My ex-girlfriend'' Jeff stated the obvious as she just looked at him ''You know the girl who stopped me from Candice''

''The blond one'' She asked unsurely

''We have a lot of blondes''

''The short one with the biggies''

''That's the one. So what brings you here''

''Matt asked me to come''

''Really'' Jeff said surprised

''Do you know if he's here''

''Yeah I think he's inside somewhere''

''Thanks'' Ashley smiled as she got up and went to go inside. But the stopped and looked at Jeff ''aren't you coming in''

''In a minute. Shane and Shannon's inside so I'm just getting some quiet time…in a storm'' He said the last part confused but shook it off

''Ok'' Ashley turned back and walked inside and saw the two boys sitting on the floor in the living room

''Hey Ashley'' The greeted as they saw her

''Hey is Matt here''

''In he's room'' Ashley smiled at them before going to Matt's room

''Damn. How do those boys get the hot chicks? I mean first Trish then Candice and now Ashley'' Shannon asked

'''What about Amy'' Shane asked

''Eh…she's ok but I'm talking about a PLAYBOY COVERGIRL'' Just then Jeff came back in

''Jeff how do you do it'' Shane asked

''Do what''

''Get hot girls to talk to you''

''I don't know what you mean''

''Your ex is a covergirl. How'd you do it''

''I've been friends with Candice for years. And she's not exactly me e…''

''But how did you get her to talk to you''

''Through Trish''

''Yeah and why was Trish with you''

''She said because my look was different…well that and she was fighting with Amy. So Trish wanted to piss her off by dating her boyfriend's brother – Me''

''So any single girls in your group'' Shannon asked for the first time since Jeff walked in

''Ah…' Jeff breathed out as he sat on the couch ''Most of the girls in my group have a lot of baggage…or they have boyfriends. But how bout yous got to the party and you might meet some randoms''

''Ok'' They both said

At the same time down the hall Ashley nervously knocked on Matt's door and waited for a reply. She didn't really want to be there incase it ended what they had but the curiosity made her. After hearing Matt yell for her to go in Ashley took a deep break and twisted the handle then walked in to see Matt sitting on his bed. He watched her as she nervously walked over to the bed and sat down leaving a mega gap between them. They sat in silence the only noise heard was the rain and thunder

''I'm sor…'' Ashley started but was quickly cut off

''Ash…I should've let you speak before making assumptions. Dave told me what happened and…''

''Oh god. You didn't do anything stupid did you''

''One thing you gotta give Adam credit for is that he's smart. He ended up back in Canada with Amy in Atlanta. So I didn't get a chance to do anything.''

''I'm gonna kill Dave''

''No you wont. I can understand how hard it could be to tell me something like that. I know you weren't gonna tell me anyway. That's when Dave comes in handy. He's a good guy. And he doesn't just help others to get something out of it. He doesn't help you girls just to get in your pants. Anyway look how can we make this work if there's things you can't tell me''

''You didn't tell me about Amy'' Ashley shot back as Matt stayed quiet for a moment

''Point taken but that was before we even met. The thing with Adam happened while we were dating.''

''I'm sorry. What more can I say. I can't go back and stop it from happening. If I could I would''

''So we agree to tell eachother everything from now on''

''Yeah but what does that mean for us'' Ashley asked then Matt pulled her in for a kiss

''Does that answer your question'' He smiled as they kissed again

''Do you mind if…can I stay the night. Candice went to Milwaukee so she's not home''

''Yeah sure''

Then the electricity went out and all they could here was Jeff cursing. Matt and Ashley just chuckled to eachother before walking out to the living room

At the apartment Randy was watching TV. The harder and faster the hail came down the louder he turned the TV up. When suddenly everything went off, the TV, the lights, the fridge. Everything. Luckily for Randy he's always prepared. So he went to his room got a portable CD player and some battery operated speakers and set them up. Then walked in the bathroom, got some candles and matches from the kitchen then place them all over the apartment except John and Stacy's bedrooms.

Back at the motel John sat on the floor leaned up against the wall looking at the rain through the window. Torrie was doing the same but sat on the couch across from him. Although the noises filled the room, the silence was killing her.

''So…'' She trailed off thinking of something to say ''Randy really likes Stacy, huh''

''Yea…how do you know''

''He told me earlier. Well actually he basically shouted it to me.''

''He told you'' John asked in disbelief

''Yeah''

''He actually told someone he hates before telling Stacy'' He asked mainly to himself

''How long has he''

''I only found out he when we moved in the apartment. So I guess since before she left''

''I take it Stacy doesn't know''

''Not yet. Why do you care anyway''

''I know I may not be the biggest fan when it comes to Randy. But we had a talk earlier and he was going on about how I hurt her. The way he stuck up for her and the look in his eyes said that he really likes her and wouldn't hurt her…again''

''He didn't mean to hurt her the first time. And he's learned from that after seeing Stacy with some other guy'' John replied then Torrie stood up

''Stand up'' She demanded more then asked

''Why''

''Just do it'' John shrugged as he got up and Torrie walked over to him. Then surprised him with a hug

''What was that for'' John asked as they pulled away but still stood close

''Well you said Randy learned from seeing Stacy with another guy. So I guess I learned from seeing you with another girl''

''You do realize that you only saw the ending of my relationship with Maria''

''I know but just the thought of it'' Torrie replied as they leaned in closer and closer. As they were less then inches apart John moved away as Torrie looked hurt

''Tor I can't. We both just got out of relationships. It's too soon''

''I understand…So bed arrangements. Do we shear or what'' Torrie asked trying to keep a positive mind

''Well I ain't sleeping on that couch and I highly doubt you 'Miss Prim and Proper' will either'' John replied as they walked over to the bed. Torrie got in first and took her clothes off under the covers keeping her underwear on. John just stripped to his boxes out side the bed and hopped in. They both laid with their backs to eachother

''Hey Tor'' John called

''Hmm'' John stayed silent trying to figure out what to say

''I'm glad you came back''

''Same''

''Gee this is great'' Ashley said sarcastically ''I can't even see what I'm doing''

The five of them sat on the floor at the coffee table in the living room trying to play manopoly using candles as light

''Hey you wanted to come over in a storm to make up with Matt'' Jeff shrugged

''I didn't know the storm would be this bad''

''Ah-ha'' Shane yelled in victory as he stood up and jumps up and down ''I won''

''Dude we just started'' Shannon laughed

''What''

''We're playing manopoly. Not first one around the board gets a victory dance''

Shane put his head down in shame and sat back on the floor. Matt grabbed the bowl that was in the middle of the table and went in the kitchen to refill it as Shane and Shannon got up for more drinks leaving Jeff and Ashley. As the silence lingered Ashley was reading a magazine as Jeff looked at the surroundings around him

''So…How's Candice doin''

''She's ok. But still a bit upset so she's taking a break for a bit'' Ashley answered as Jeff just nodded slowly. Ashley sighed heavily as she put the magazine on the floor ''Jeff if you like her so much why not ask her out. Nothings stopping you''

''Don't you think it's a bit soon''

''No. She broke up with her boyfriend only a few days before yous first got together. Then last time you hooked up she was still with Punk. That should mean something cause yous always end up with eachother. No matter what''

''But it seems that there always something to keep us away. Trish, Punk. What's next''

''There's nothing stopping you now'' Ashley said quickly before the others came in and continued the game

Back at the apartment Randy sat in the couch under candlelight listening to the CD player and reading…well trying to read. He heard a thud from outside but shrugged it off. Then the door opened and Stacy came in drenched

''Hey'' Randy greeted as he sat up

''Ow'' Stacy groaned

''What happened''

''I ran into the wall'' Stacy replied Randy couldn't help but to laugh a little. She shot him a look ''it's not funny. I couldn't see''

She smiled trying to act serious as she sat next to him. Stacy smelt air looking around the room and saw the candles everywhere

''You know if I had just come home to a boyfriend this would've been so romantic'' Stacy noted as Randy's smile dropped

''Weren't you supposed to be with the girls'' He asked changing the subject

''Yeah but because of the storm we canceled it. Where's the others''

''John's gone out for the night and Torrie's gone somewhere'' He answered unsurely for Torrie

''Gone where''

''Don't know.''

''Oh god. What happened? What did you say to make her to run away? We should be looking for her'' Stacy stood up but Randy grabbed her hand and pulled her back down closer to him

''Stac she's fine. She's probably with Candice or Mickie or someone'' Randy replied as the song change on the CD player to 'A Warm Place' By Nine Inch Nails

''Oh'' Stacy said calming down. A long silence followed as they sat there listening to the instrumental song

Randy looked at Stacy and realized this was his time. He knew there would be no interruptions from anyone. Stacy was looking at her hands in her lap. Randy softly put his hand under her chin and made her look at him. Stacy smiled

''What. Do I have something on my face''

''No. Stac I…'' Randy paused for a moment then leaned in and kissed her. Stacy was surprised at first but then settled. She realized what was happening and pulled away

''I'm sorry, Randy. I can't. Not now'' Stacy said apologetically

''What's wrong''

''I'm not ready for another relationship yet.'' Stacy replied as he put his head down ''I'm sorry. And I like what we have now. I don't wanna ruin that''

''You don't wanna ruin it for something better''

''No I don't wanna ruin it for something that might not last as long as we think.'' Stacy corrected as they sat in silence

''Ok then'' Stacy replied softly ''I'm going to bed'' She got up and walked towards her room. She turned and saw him laying on his side with his back to her ''Goodnight'' She said with hope he'd forgive her

A grumble was all she got. Stacy turned away sad and went to bed