Life in the Hills 3
Chapter Fifty Two - High School Never Ends
After the dreadful drive through the 405, Randy and Stacy had finally made it to their old stomping grounds. The parking lot was pretty full until this point. Randy could already see familiar faces.
Stacy did one last mirror check and made sure she was ready to go. Both of them exited the vehicle and meet at the rear of the vehicle, as they gave one another a look. Randy quickly asked, "How do I look?"
Stacy pulled down on his black suit jacket. With her other hand, she lightly grazed his cheek and told him, "you still look like the same Randy Orton from 15 years ago. What about me?"
Stacy moved back for a moment to display her royal blue skater dress with her blonde curls resting neatly along her sides. Randy's expression had said it all, "you look beautiful," and with that, he took a hold of her hand and told her, "let's get going. Everyone is probably waiting for us."
The pair walked hand in hand toward their school entrance. Stacy was beginning to feel like she was actually a teenager heading back to school. She could still remember her locker for every year she was there and the table she would always have lunch at. So many amazing memories were created here but none could compare to the memories with Randy.
With her memories of Randy flooding her mind, a question had popped into her mind that she felt would be questioned tonight, "do you think people are going to be surprised that after 15 years, you and I are still together? And married with kids?"
He thought of the reputation he had in high school. He was a womanizer. Every week, it was a new girl he was with but it was not until Stacy that all of that changed. People may still think he is the person he was back in high school.
"Well, maybe. I'm not sure. After all, I did sleep with half the girls in our school so they may be a little surprise that someone managed to get me to settle down," admitted Randy while trying to hold in his chuckle. "But everyone has lasted that long, haven't they?"
"Wrong, Mr. Orton. We lasted the longest. Everyone had broken up for years but we stayed strong until Dawn obviously but we are the longest lasting couple out of our friends."
When he thought about it, Stacy had a point, "now that I think of it, your right."
"I'm right most of the time, Randy and if you paid attention, you would notice that."
"Alright, no need to get cocky. It seems like I may be rubbing onto you in a bad way," joked the former football player.
The two had reached the entrance of the school gym where tonight's festivities were scheduled to begin. There was a huge sign decked across the stage that read out "Welcome Back Wildcats!" The room was filled with blue and golden balloons. The music had slowly begun and when Stacy turned her body, she could see all of her friends already at the table. They were all sharing laughs and that's when Stacy really felt like she was back in high school – when she saw all of her friends.
The first person to notice them was Trish who was ecstatic to see the pair that she ran away from her group and straight to them, "ah! Randy! Stacy!"
"Trish!" Stacy welcomed the brunette into her arms.
Once their embrace was over, Trish moved onto Randy. "You guys are late! We've been waiting on for you for the past half and hour. Everyone is dying to see you!"
As Trish guided the pair over to the group, Randy and Stacy were ready for yet another night of memories.
As the music was lowered, the stage was free but was going to be occupied by Torrie who was in charge of speaking to the entire class prior to the start of the evening. Stephanie McMahon had asked her to speak since her father could not make it to the ceremony.
The very pregnant Torrie had made her way onto the stage where she could see so many of her fellow classmates. The spotlight had been centered onto her. Sure, she was nervous but than she saw the support coming from her friends who were sitting at a table not to far from her.
"Hello everyone and may I be the first to welcome all of you back to West Beverly High! Tonight is a very special night and I cannot even begin to explain how happy I am to see such familiar faces again. It has been 15 years since we we're once students here at West Beverly. Despite our departure, we took many of those fond memories with us. Tonight is the night where we can reconnect and create new memories."
"Many of us have come quiet the long way since our days at West Beverly like our own Dave Batista is the a renowned chef at The Roman in Las Vegas and Melina Perez, who has created her own successful jewelry line as well as Matt Hardy who has went on to establish his own record company, Hardy Boys records. Many of us have found a great path to success. So let's enjoy tonight – a night of memories, stories and dreams. Thank you Wildcats!"
A round of applause was given for Torrie as she exited the stage and the music started again. While coming down to the stage, she was greeted by her husband. "That was a killer speech – Me and the guys are heading down to the trophy case and see if we could possibly get our hands on that trophy we won."
"You go ahead," Torrie patted his back as he ran off with the guys. Torrie saw another blonde coming directly for her and it was none other than Ashley Massaro, who was looking glowing in black dress. "Hey Ash – did Matt leave with all the guys?"
Ashley pursed her lips together, "well, not exactly. He's too busy talking on his phone. He's been glued to that phone since we landed today and has not spent any time with anyone. He is going to regret this. I mean, it's his high school reunion."
Unaware of the real situation, Torrie responded like anyone else would, "I'm sure he'll almost be finished and then he can really enjoy the evening."
Ashley had something to tell Matt today however; she did not know how to approach it. How was she supposed to tell Matt that he was going to be a father? She figured she would talk to Torrie and see what she has to say. After all she is pregnant and just recently told John so she had to give good advice.
"I can't believe you and John are going to have another baby. How does that feel?"
Torrie curved her lips into a genuine smile. Having another child was such a blessing. She always imagined having three children. Three is such a good number, "I am really excited and so is John. I knew I wanted a big family and I feel like three is the perfect number."
"Well, there's a reason why I am asking you –"
"Oh, your pregnant?!" immediately she answered with the correct response.
Ashley was shocked by how quickly Torrie had gotten the answer, "Sh! Don't say it out loud. I don't want everyone to know yet and how the hell did you figure it out so damn quickly?!"
"I like to think it's this pregnant women's intuition but it's probably not but that's not important. I can't believe you are going to have a baby. You and Matt are going to be parents. He must be so excited."
"Well, that's the thing. I am so nervous about telling him and I don't know how I should tell him. How did you tell John?"
"Well, with Nathan I told him during a football game and he did not even pay attention to me. It wasn't till that night he actually knew. With Ella, he found the pregnancy test so that was pretty easy. With this one, we got into a fight and I ended up telling him. So if you tell him, don't do it during a football game and if you want him to find out himself, just leave your pregnancy test laying somewhere out in the open," chuckled the pregnant Blonde. "Ashley, all you got to do is just be honest and it will pay off. Matt loves Abby and he won't be upset that you two are having a baby."
What better way to just tell him straight forward? You get straight to the point and avoid the stalling. She knew down in her heart that Matt would not get upset. He would surely be excited to be a father. Ashley just needed to draw the courage and tell him the truth already.
"I hate when telling the truth is the only answer but I have to do it and I will do it. I mean you did it twice – it can't be that difficult?"
"You are going to be just fine. Just think about all the good things that may come from this. It's going to be okay."
That is a line that she has been trying to tell herself all evening and only time will tell to see if everything really will be okay.
Adam had disappeared for a little while and Lita was starting to get a little concerned as she was gossiping with Stacy and Trish. The guys had all disappeared for a second but they all came back with the exception of Adam. This kept Lita feeling very distraught for the evening and she was not focused onto the conversation.
"Do you think Michelle and Maria still hate us after all these years?" Trish was pondering on the thought of her former friends. It had been 15 years since they seen one another. Maybe the hatchet had gotten buried over the past few years. "We did some pretty mean stuff to each other."
"You only pushed her into a pool at prom – that's not that mean," said the leggy blonde as she sipped on her drink. "Wait, that picture is coming back into my mind."
"I remember junior year when Michelle and Maria were changing in the locker room, I took all of their clothes and threw them into the dumpster."
Trish and Stacy both turned to Lita with such an expression of shock. Trish began, "wait, that was you?! I always thought that was Victoria who did that."
"Why did you do it?" Stacy posed the question.
"They trashed my painting in art class so I thought this would be a funny repercussion. I think I might tell them tonight that it was me. I mean, we are supposed to be sharing good memories and that was a great one."
The girls laughed and with the time passing even more, Lita decided she would go search for Adam, "listen, I'll be right back. I want to go look for Adam."
The girls were fine with that choice and Lita when off into the hallways of West Beverly. She was feeling a bit overwhelmed as she walked through this halls. This just made her think about how quickly time has passed. Fifteen years just flashed right before her eyes. She was starting to feel old again.
But her life was perfect at the moment. She had a wonderful husband and son. It was certainly picture perfect. Just being here is making her feel very nostalgic. Time travels by ever so quickly. She remembered everything so vividly. She could still remember the sound her alarm would make in the morning. She ever remembered the stickers and posters she had in her locker.
Could she not just go back in time and experience it all? She wanted to experience it all over again even if it meant going through the bad times – it did not matter to her. She needed one last opportunity to see it all.
As she came to an intersection, she turned to the right headed down that way. The auditorium door was opened and Lita slipped her way through the door. It was in the auditorium where she found Adam sitting in a seat, staring at the stage.
Lita went down the rows until she came to the one Adam was sitting in. She called out to him, "hey you."
He turned his head around and smiled, "I was just going to head back to the party. I just wanted to come here for a little peace and quiet."
Lita walked through the seats and sat down in the seat beside Adam. "Everyone was looking for you," she sensed something was wrong. She could feel it. There was something that was bothering him and kept him distracted. As his wife, she was going to figure out what was wrong. "Is there something bothering you? You seem a little distracted."
Adam inhaled and released a deep and loud breath of air. If there was one person he could tell, it was her.
"I just feel a little down. I mean, I'm excited to be here with you and to see everyone is great but I kept help but think of the person I was back in high school. I was not a good person. If anything, I was a horrible person. The things I did – it makes me wonder how you could have ever forgiven me? I did not deserve you or anything like that. How did Matt and Jeff forgive me for what I did?"
"Adam, everyone was a different person back in high school –"
"Lita, I was this drug addicted teenager and I got you involved into it somehow. How could I have ever done something like that to you? How could you get that strength to look past what I did and be with me today?"
Lita and Adam shared a very difficult past. There were plenty of regrets they had about it. Adam took Lita's life onto a downward spiral but despite the horrible events, the two seemed to be destined for one another. Nothing had turned out in the way anyone planned but things happen for a reason and this may very well be one of them.
"We all have regrets and we all have made mistakes but what matters most is what you do after those mistakes are made. You made a mistake and you learned a lot from it. You have changed as a person – a better person," explained the fiery redhead. "I don't want you to feel like this because in the end of the day, I fell in love with you – not high school Adam."
Adam turned his cheek over to his wife, who was smiling. "But how you were able to forgive me?"
"Even with everything that happened back in high school, I always knew that was not the real you. The drugs took control of your life and made you the person you are. I think I forgave you right away – you just did not know it. Life is too short to be mad at others and it is best to forgive and move on. It is just not worth it. Plus, a lot of people forgave me for some of the awful things I did so I do not see why I cannot forgive someone else?"
Lita was making a lot of sense to Adam. Her words just were reassuring. It was just what he needed to hear after this all.
"You just know the right words to say," Adam looked back onto the stage and Lita soon followed. She gently began to rest her head onto his shoulder as the two stared into the distant, seeing all that they have been through together.
Stacy rolled through her text messages where she received one from her mother. She mentioned that she had just put the kids to bed. Stacy could rest easy that her mother was watching the kids and enjoy the rest of the reunion with everyone else.
It was certainly lovely to see everyone all over again. The warm memories flooded her mind when she got to see old classmates and teachers all over again.
"Stacy, darling!"
That may all change now.
Following the cheery voice, Stacy was certainly surprised with who she was about to see come face-to-face it and boy was it a long time since the two have seen one another but after all, this was a reunion. You were bound to see some familiar faces; both good and bad.
Her red hair curls bounced up and down with each step she took. Her revealing black dress tightly hugged her body and her smile shined bright like a diamond. Maria Kanellis was back and coming face to face with a person she shared quiet the past with. These two did not share the best history – in fact, they hated each other but maybe they got over it all?
"Maria – I did not know you would be here," Stacy wanted to grit her teeth at the mere sight of Maria. After all the two have been through with one another, the past does not seem to just remain them. "You look –"
"Amazing, right?" The bubbly redhead finished the sentence for her. "You may have wanted to say beautiful because that does work very well." She had not changed a single bit. Still the same girl she knew from 15 years ago. "You look okay too. How are you doing?"
If there were a pool right behind her, I would have pushed her. "I am doing pretty good and I can assume that you are doing well too?"
"Where do I begin with me? Well, I did some modeling after high school then got my business degree and started my own shoe line, by the way. You should definitely try them. They may do some justice to those large feet of yours," as she went on, Stacy's fist was clutching into a fist. "And I was living out in New York for a year but I came back a few weeks ago. So what have you been up to? I'm sure you're so busy.
"Nope, I'm just a mom. I have twins – a boy and a girl. There five years old."
"Oh my god, that is amazing!"
The fakeness shined through Maria's voice and it nagged at Stacy a lot. "Yeah, I am a busy mom. It's not an easy job but I love it."
"And you're still married?" Maria pointed out when she saw her wedding ring. "I think half our graduating class is divorced but it looks like you are still happily married. Don't worry – I'm not mad that you did not invite me but who is it?"
"Randy – Randy is my husband."
This was when Maria did not look too pleased. " Randy? As in Randy Orton? You two are still together, after 15 years?"
Stacy smiled proudly. Despite the extravagant life Maria was living, there was one thing that she lacked in – getting a husband. Even those ones who are divorced – at least they were married. "Believe it or not, Randy and I are not one of those in our graduating class who are not divorced. We've been married for almost 6 years."
Maria scowled at the blonde and her happiness over the years however she had not been able to participate in any of that yet.
Stacy found this the perfect time to rub it in the redhead's face when she did not see an engagement ring on her finger, "Yeah, married for 6 years but I'm sure you are in some long term committed relationship. I mean, your 33 years old. I am sure you're with the guy your going to spend the rest of your life with, right?"
Stacy hit Maria hard. That is what you get when you try to rub your glory in someone's face. Just because you may have this fancy car or this beautiful business does not mean you have everything when the one thing you want is the real thing that is missing.
"Stacy, I have to go say hi to someone over there. It was a pleasure speaking with you. I wish you and Randy nothing but the best," beamed the redhead as she walked right by the blonde, infuriated by her response. Stacy turned around and watched her go and hoped that was the last time she would have to run into that redhead.
Just as she turned back around, she felt the embrace of two large hands approach her waist. She knew who it was once she felt the kiss against her cheek. "Sorry I disappeared for a second. The guys and I were reliving some of the glory days."
"While you were reliving your glory days, I relived a nightmare."
"What happened?"
"Maria happened."
Randy was even a little shocked. He had not seen Maria in years and the couple never shared such a thoughtful past with one another so he could understand why Stacy was upset like that, "so, is there anything different about her? Is she still the same old Maria?"
Stacy took a deep breath and smirked, "the same old Maria you and I still know. She mentioned to me that a lot of people in our class has gotten divorced or broken up."
When Stacy heard that, it just reminded her how lucky she was to be in a strong relationship with someone she loves ever so much. She broke Randy's hold and turned to face him, "I just want to tell you how much I love you and that none of the most amazing things would have happened to me if it was not for you. I am so lucky to be with you till this day."
"And you can count on me that there are only many more days to come for the two of us."
This reunion could not go any slower than it already is for Ashley, that is who had something quiet large on her chest to tell Matt. Personally, she did not want this to be the place where this happens. The blonde imagined this differently. She imagined this intimate, private moment playing out somewhere secluded and special.
As she listened to Trish, her mind was beginning to race. Thoughts of Matt's reactions clogged her mind – some of which were good while some of it was bad. He could run off and be upset or he could be the happiest person in the world. She would not find that out until it happened.
"So Chris and I put a bid for our dream house but it got declined because they took someone else's offer from another couple. I could not even believe it," Trish expressed her disapproval over her dream house slipping through her grips. "But we are still looking."
"It's definitely hard. It took us months before Jeff and I found the right house," Mickie felt sympathy for her friend's struggle.
"But I'm sure we'll find a house – I just hope it is soon."
Ashley interrupted the conversation when she spotted Matt entering the room, "Oh there's Matt. I just want to go and talk to him for a moment."
As Ashley went forward, Mickie pulled her back and asked, "you're going to do it now?"
When Mickie asked her the question, she knew what she had to do. She smiled and nodded to the brunette, "Yeah, I'm finally going to tell him."
The two ladies were pleased with Ashley's decision, grinning like crazy as the blonde went off. Matt was typing a message up on his phone as Ashley began to approach him. As he looked at his screen, Matt did not seem pleased whatsoever. As he looked up, he could see Ashley coming his way.
"You know, if you want something done right, you have to do it yourself. I do not believe these people could mess this up," growled the music producer. "Sorry babe, I know I promised I would not be using this a lot this weekend but I cannot help it. Some of this work needs to get done."
Ashley felt a little undetermined at the moment but that certainly changed when she got to speak, "can we go out in the hall in private? I'd like to speak with you."
His first thought – what did he do wrong? Even as Ashley dragged him out to the hallway, he thought of everything this could be about. Immediately, he thought that she was upset with him over something. Could it be that he is making this trip very work related? He was about to find out.
"What's going on? Is everything okay?"
"Everything is fine," said Ashley as she took a hold of his hands. "I just have something to tell you."
He did not enjoy any of the stalling and just asked, "Just spit it out because this is driving me insane."
Now or never, Ash. Ashley head in her breath for a brief second and gently pushed out the air from her system. "Okay, I think I should just say it and not beat around the bush. There's no way to just explain it because it will make sense right when I say it." Enough stalling – even she was getting impatient with herself. Her palms felt sweaty and her leg was fidgeting. "Okay, here it goes Matt – I am pregnant."
She expected the awkward silence and the shocked expression when she uttered the words. He did not seem upset stunned but she could not read it out. Just as she was about speak, he beat it to her.
"You're pregnant? We are having a baby? We are going to be parents?" So many questions frightened the young women but that would soon change as a smile was placed over his lips. "We're having a baby!"
Matt wrapped his arms around Ashley in a warm embrace. This would be a feeling he would harbor forever. The opportunity to be a father was something he expected to have one day but this was a surprise. Raising Abby is a blessing and now he and Ashley were going to become parents to a baby. This was better than any reunion he has been too.
"I am so happy that you are happy. I was so nervous to tell you. I did not know how you were going to react but I can't describe how it feels to see a smile on your face."
"Hey, hey! This is the greatest thing you could have ever told me. This is possibly the greatest thing you could ever give me – our own child. I mean, I love raising Abby and being a father to her and it makes me even more excited that I get to do it all over again and making our family even bigger."
She felt like a fool now. Her worrisome thoughts were bogus and silly. Deep down inside, she should have trusted herself and trusted Matt.
"I cannot wait to have this baby with you. You make such an amazing father for Abby and I know you will be an amazing one to this one."
It was a sweet moment between the two that was disturbed by a phone call. Matt's phone, which has had a history of ringing, was blaring off the hook. He pulled it out and here Ashley thought he would answer it. The sound came to a close and when she looked up, Matt removed the battery and slid both pieces into his pocket.
"I am getting sick of hearing that."
Ashley grinned and ran back into his arms, pulling the Hardy brother into a sweet kiss. This was it. Their lives were transforming right before their eyes. The two were entering an even bigger chapter of their lives.
Jeff and Mickie opened the door to the hallway when they found the pair in the embrace. Jeff asked, "Guys, what is going on?"
Ashley turned to the pair and placed her hand on her stomach, "We're having a baby!"
Torrie planted a disgusted look on her face as she paced through the yearbook and noticed so many photographs featuring some unfortunate choices in fashion. Since creating her own fashion line, she came to realize the many dos and don'ts that come with it. Her high school – specifically senior year – was one big don't.
She could feel a heavy arm come across her shoulder and gently rested on her. It was her husband; John who seemed curious over what Torrie was looking at, "our old yearbook. I don't think I have seen it since we graduated. It's in one of those boxes that you probably missed labeled so for all I know, it is probably in the box labeled toys."
Torrie rolled her eyes, "a pregnant women comes with her issues and it is the husband's job to deal with it. As for the yearbook, I was just looking at some of the clothes I wore. They look disgusting. I bet none of these people thought I would go on to open a fashion line that I eventually gave away to my good friend who turned it into an even bigger success than it was before but I traded that all away to be with someone I love –"
John interpreted this conversation as sweet coming from his wife so like any normal human being; he responded with a nice comment, "that's very nice of you to say Tor."
"Why was I such an idiot?"
"Okay, so that is not what you meant."
"John, I am still happy and I would not change a single thing. I just wonder sometimes, you know. Like, how different my life would be if Chris and I never moved here? I would have never met you and we would not be together."
This was definitely a question that was getting John to think. What if things had worked out differently? Despite his thoughts, he could have not been happier with where he was right now.
"It is kind of crazy but I have not thought about it that much."
"You had to have thought about it at least once? Like, what if you never came to the airport and tried to stop me from going to Sydney? You and I may have never gotten married," and then Torrie thought of an interesting one that would certainly get John's mind moving. "What if you never dumped Michelle? You may have still been with her – maybe even married."
"Okay, hold on," this was a line he was not going to cross. John and Michelle dated years ago and with how much Michelle drove him crazy, there was no chance that would have happened. "Tor, trust me – that would have never happened. Michelle would have drove me crazy."
"She's your ex."
"So what if you had married Carlito?" Two can play at this game, "you and Carlito would be having babies with little afros."
Torrie showed off a horrific facial expression, "please do not say that."
"I will when you stop mentioning Michelle."
"I knew I heard my name."
Torrie and John both froze when the two heard the ever so familiar voice. The conversation came to a close when they turned their heads and saw Michelle McCool standing right before them. The blonde bombshell was glowing – not just in her one shoulder black dress but the pregnant belly she had on display. Michelle was with child and both Torrie and John were a little surprised.
"My little ears drifted me over here when I heard Michelle a few times and seeing that I am the only person with that name in our graduating class, I assumed it was me," her little devious smirk rested on her face. "John, Torrie, so nice to see the two of you."
"It is great to see you two, Michelle," John first answered before acknowledging the baby bump present. "And congratulations – you're going to have a baby?'
"Thank you, this is my first little one and I am due this fall and I should congratulate the two of you as well – I remember you always told me that you wanted a big family, John."
"This is our third, actually. We already have a boy and a girl, Nathan and Ella," Torrie chirped right in and in addition to the bump, she noticed Michelle was married. "Married too? That must be one lucky guy."
"His name is Mark and we got married last year," answered Michelle. "But John, you look remarkably handsome. You certainly have not changed a bit since we dated – maybe a bit cuter than five years ago. Can you even believe you and I used to date?"
Torrie hooked up to John's arm and pinched his arm. Torrie knows how to show she is angry but pregnant Torrie is a whole another story. She was digging into his flesh and John tried his hardest to keep himself composed.
"Yeah that was quiet something," he didn't know what to say and the pain in his arm was not helping.
"So you two are having another child? Do you know if it is a boy or a girl? I am having a girl."
"John and I decided we want it to be a surprise."
Michelle instantly thought on an idea that she loved however the couple may feel differently about it, "I hope you have a boy because we could get our children to date and maybe even married! We could be a family. This is great – we would be like in-laws!"
"Oh my god, that sounds amazing!" Sarcasm rolled off her tongue. That was something she could not see happening nor would be happening.
"Yeah, why not?"
"Oh, my husband is calling me. Listen, it was so nice seeing the two of you. I am really happy to see the two of you are still together and having a baby. Great seeing you – we'll see you at the engagement party, will we?" Michelle gave off a sweet laugh as walked by them.
"Bye Michelle," the two said in unison with two fake smiles plastered. Torrie released John from her grip and John was free from any pain.
"I cannot believe her."
"God, Tor – my arm. Shit, you stuck your nails in so deep. I think I am bleeding a little," John looked over his arm and was happy to see the bleeding was minimal."
"Flirting with you right in front of me? You're my husband, you're the father to my children – does that woman have any self control?" Those were the hormones getting a little out of control.
"Torrie, relax. She was just being nice."
Torrie was not amused and she showed it. "Oh John, you look so handsome and you are even cuter than you were 5 years ago," mimicked the pregnant mother-to-be.
"Okay, so she was really nice."
Torrie offered an eye roll, "She was flirting with you like crazy. If that was not obvious, I do not know what is."
"Your just jealous because I got a little attention from someone else. I think I've still got it."
"John, you don't –" And she froze. There was a feeling that was hitting her belly. It was nothing that was bad but something that felt so amazing. Torrie moved her hand down her stomach and could feel her child beating their feet to her stomach. "John, you have to feel this. The baby is kicking – John, the baby is kicking!"
Immediately, John's hand joined Torrie's hand on her belly and he could feel the kicks coming through. He gently turned his head toward Torrie and smiled, "That's our baby kicking away. I cannot believe it."
As the two enjoyed this extraordinary moment, the two looked into one another's eyes and realized that despite their thoughts and differences, nothing had made them happier than the life the two had started with one another, where it has lead to and where it will take them.
The evening was slowly winding down but Chris Jericho knew he had to do one more thing before he could close this night off: visit the football field.
This very football field was where the Wildcats won the championship. Chris was part of that very team and helped his team get the well-deserved victory. That night not only was a victory for the team but shared another different milestone.
"You know what happened here over 15 years ago?" said Chris as Trish and he walked hand and hand with one another on the field. "Well, not right in this exact spot – it was in the locker room. Let me reword that – do you know what happened in the locker room 15 years ago but I can't go there and say it so the field will have to do?"
The brunette giggled at her husband, "Please tell me, Chris."
"You and I had our first kiss – it was right after we won the game and you came inside and we had our first kiss."
Wow, he actually remembers. Trish was always surprised with Chris's ability to remember such significant events and she could not believe he remembered the spot where they had their first kiss, "I cannot even believe you remember that. You forget where you put the remote but you manage to remember that. Till this day, you cease to amaze me."
"Do you remember that game at all?"
"Of course I do," said the former cheerleader. "I remember you caught one of the touchdowns and I cheered my ass off that game. I mean, I really cheered my ass off. I wonder if I can still do a cheer?"
"Give me a W, Give me an I," Chris mimicked the brunette's little cheers and he was slapped on the shoulder by Trish in response. "Hey, was that necessary?" responded the blonde, rubbing his arm.
"You're being a little jerk about my cheerleading days. You thought that was easy? All the flips and the pyramids I had to do. Everyone thinks cheerleading is easy but that is not the whole story. Dedication goes into all of that," the brunette defended her cheerleading abilities. "And if it wasn't for us, you guys would have never won!"
He rolled his eyes, "I did not see you get onto the field. I bet you cannot even throw a football, Trish."
Was that a challenge she smells? Trish was always the competitive kind of person and could enjoy this little contest Chris was throwing her way. She could smell the competition, "Is this a challenge I see coming my way? Is Chris Jericho going to challenge me to a game of football?"
Sure, the idea sounded crazy but as Chris thought about it for a little bit longer, he knew this would be fun. "Why not? How about this – we'll have a match and we'll pick our teams. How does that sound?"
The idea tempted her like the devil, "I like what your working with, Chris. Torrie and Ashley cannot play so we'll get the rest of our friends to join in on the fun. Oh, I think you have made a huge mistake, Mr. Jericho."
Chris smirked, "I hope you know what you're going up against? I was named the MVP of our varsity team that year and I still got it, Trish. I mean, your going to have your hands full with me. Are you sure this is something you want to do?"
She could not believe how much Chris was putting her down like this. Did he not expect anything from his wife? Did he find her this weak? He was definitely in for a surprise.
"Since you think I'm such a wimp, how about we raise the stakes? Why not place a little bet? If you win, I'll buy you courtside tickets to the Lakers game – heck, even season tickets," the stakes were raised. "But If I win,"
"Hold on, you picked what I would get if I win and I think it's only fair that I get to pick what you win?" Trish nodded to Chris's proposal. "If you win, I will give you this," Chris pulled a piece of paper out of his suit pocket.
"A piece of paper? I'm willing to give you season tickets to the Lakers and I am going to get a piece of paper? This is great to know, Chris. I'll be sure to think about this when your birthday comes around."
"Trust me, this paper is a hell of a lot more worth than that. This paper has a lot of significance and it involves you. So if you want to find out, you'll agree to the bet."
As much as she did not like all the mystery behind this, what if that paper was really important? Trish got suddenly interested in finding out what was in the paper and there would be only one way she would find out what the contents of that were.
"Okay, you have yourself a deal Chris," Trish put out her hand, requesting a handshake. Chris looked his wife in the eyes and smirked before accepting her hand with his. "May the best man or woman win."
"I got the text from Trish a couple minutes ago to go and meet them all on the football field," Candice had her phone opened, reading off the text message she received from Trish just a short time ago. "I wonder what she is talking about."
Dave was simply trying to adjust his tie as he and Candice just finished some "business" up. Candice pulled her dress strap back as the two were making their way outside.
"As for what happened in the closet back there," someone had to say it and Dave thought it was best if he would.
"That is was amazing and we should definitely try that again?" Candice finished the sentence Dave wanted to end and he could have not thought of a better answer.
"Exactly. Now I know why Randy and Stacy were always in there."
The two approached the field and saw their group of friends huddled in a group and the questions sprang through their minds wondering what they were all called down here for. Trish spotted the pair at the corner of her eye, "Would you guys walk a little bit faster? We've been waiting for you." She whined. "What was taking you so long?"
"We were busy," Dave quickly answered the question. "What's this all about? What did you bring us down her for?"
Chris stepped in the middle to make the announcement. "Okay, Trish and I made a little bet and we want to settle this with a classic game of football and you guys are going to be our teammates. We want to do a 6-on-6 game and Trish and I are captains. Whoever gets 5 touchdowns first, wins."
"Hold on just a second," Randy made the interruption and he had every reason too. "What the hell is this all about? We're in the middle of our high school reunion and you want us to play a game of football. Why though?"
Trish was going to answer that question without a single issues, "It is to prove to my husband that I can beat him in something he may be so good at. If he thinks he can beat me, he is sadly mistaken."
"Basically Randy, to put it as quickly as possible – I am going to destroy Trish is my very own game," The cocky Chris was making Trish fume.
"Well, that counts me out," Torrie was relieved to know she would not have to be a part of this game and immediately took a seat on the bench beside her. "Such a shame though."
Ashley would soon join her on the sidelines, "you can count me out too. That is going to make two pregnant women on the sidelines."
Jeff Hardy was not keen on the idea seeing that he was never the athletic type of person and was going to try and get himself out of this, "I don't know guys. I suck at football and I would not be any good at it."
"I'll do it," Mickie answered quiet quickly. The rainbow haired warrior was a bit surprised by Mickie's quick response. "I use to play football all the time when I was a kid and if I don't say so myself, I am pretty damn good at it."
"I had no idea that this was in you," responded Jeff.
"There are lots of things you do not know about me, Jeff."
Trish chimed right into the conversation, "who else is in? John, Randy, Dave, Adam? You were all on the football team – this could be your chance to relieve your glory days? Come on – this will be fun."
"Lita and Stacy, we need you too! We'll mix the teams up and have some fun with this," Chris tried one last attempt on getting everyone onboard with the idea and was pleased to see everyone nodding along to his answer thought everyone was not exactly on board but the idea did seem fun. "Great, everyone is onboard! Let's pick teams and since I am such a gentleman, I am going to let my wife pick first."
"Wrong move, Chris. You cannot be a gentleman on the field but my first pick is John."
As the teams were being assembled, Torrie and Ashley watched on and Torrie brought up a very valid point. "Wait, who am I supposed to root for? John is on Trish's team and then Chris is on the other. I have to root her for someone."
"Have you even thought about why they are doing this? Where the hell did this come from?" Ashley had so many questions regarding this little game but was willing to suck it up to watch these people tear us apart.
"Candice, come on over!" Trish called over to be the final participant of the team along with John, Dave, Jeff and Lita.
Chris was stuck with the only player left – Stacy. He motioned Stacy to come on over, "alright Stacy, let's do this."
The teams were now set. Trish has John, Dave, Lita, Jeff and Candice while Chris has randy, Adam, Matt, Mickie and Stacy.
"You do not even sound the least bit excited to be on your team and you picked me last. Heck, I was not even picked. I am the pity pick. The one that just goes along because she has no choice."
Chris chuckled, "No your not, Stace. You are a valuable asset to this team." Of course, he lied to the young girl because he could not admit that she was right.
As the blonde dragged her feet, Trish pulled out a box containing a bunch of old West Beverly jerseys, "My team will take the blue and yours will take the yellow," Trish told her adversary.
"Bring it on Trish," Mr. Jericho unleashed one last attempt to intimidate his wife.
"You're in for it now, hubby."
This was it. This was the end of the line of the game. It was tie – 4 to 4 – both teams were playing long and hard. Trish's team had the ball and this could be the moment where they win this whole game. Trish had a lot going for this game. Her pride and dignity lied over this next play. John was the quarterback and the play was about to begin.
"Hike!"
The play has begun. John was received the ball and was now aiming for his target. He scanned the field. Dave was blocked and so was Jeff. He could not get a clear pass to Lita or Candice. There was only one possible person that he could pass this to – Trish – who was open with no one blocking her. John decides he is going to risk it. He passes the ball over and the team members all watch as the ball travels through the air.
As the ball swings through the air, Chris notices the direction the ball is going to and stops covering Dave. Just as he is about to do that, the ball lands in Trish's hands and she runs down the field and scores the touchdown for her team. Chris looks on disappointed. Trish's team comes over and the group celebrates as a team and is soon joined by the rest of the team, Torrie and Ashley.
"What did I hear before this that I couldn't throw a football? In your face, Chris!" She mocked him right in his face and was enjoying this. She savored the moment. "And do not come up with any excuses that your knee was bothering you or the moonlight was in your eyes."
Chris was a man of his word and his wife had gotten the best of him – this time. "Alright, alright. You won, Trish. You're a pretty damn good football player."
"Now that I am filthy and feel totally disgusted with myself," Candice brought up as she looked at her friends. "Don't tell me this game was all for nothing and just to prove yourself to each other?"
"Was anything at stake instead of just pride?" added Mickie who dusted some dirt off her shoulders.
"Well, I told Chris if he won, I would buy him season tickets to the Lakers."
"Ouch!" Dave cringed at the horrible news. "Man, I don't know what's worse – losing your pride or losing season tickets to the Lakers?"
"And what did you bet?" asked Adam, "I don't know what could top that so –"
Chris pulled out the piece of paper that was part of the agreement of the matchup, "this piece of paper."
The group looked very dumbfounded by the revelation of the bets. Randy, of course, had something to say about this, "that paper better be made out of gold or something."
"What's in the paper?" questioned Stacy.
Chris handed it to Trish and said, "Trish will tell you when she opens it."
She accepted the paper that was folded up. She looked over at Chris before she began to unravel the note and even her friends were so intrigued by the contents of the note – after all, they were dragged into a football game to help determine the winner?
As Trish pulled the note apart, she could see the black words written all over it. Her eyes traced the entire page, reading it's contents and her mouth was beginning to drop.
"Well, what is it Trish? What does it say?" Lita pushed her friend to tell everyone what the note was about.
"Oh my god," she began her sentence. "You got us the house? You got us the house that we wanted?" Her eyes went straight up to her husband, who began to smile. "Oh my god! We got the house, we got the house!" Trish jumped into the air with excitement as she began to figure something else out. "That must mean you were the other bidder! You were the other person putting in the bid."
Chris had to come to terms, "I knew our offer was not going to be good enough so I put in a second offer that was a little more than our asking price but the realtor knew how much we loved that house and decided to accept the new offer."
This could not really be happening, right? Trish was waiting to wake up from this dream but this was no dream – this was a glimpse of reality. Her heart was set on that home – her dream home where she could live and raise her family.
"You really did that?"
"Well, I know how much you wanted it. You loved it, the kids loved it so I knew I had to get that house."
Trish came up and embraced her husband with open arms, "this is amazing. You do not know how happy this has made me. You make me so happy and I cannot even express how grateful I am for this. I don't think I could ever repay you." Trish whispered the message into Chris's ear.
Chris knew exactly how to make her happy and this was it. He was the man of her dreams for a reason and she was beyond excited to begin a new life here in Beverly Hills with her family.
"Well, if we want to take about repaying someone – I would really like those season tickets, if that option is still on the table?"
She chuckled in his ear and said, "Nice try but we've got a huge house that we must pay for first. After that is taken care of, I will be happy to get those tickets for you."
As the two turned back to face their friends, they were greeted with smiles. John approached them and said, "We're really happy for the two of you and I think we should celebrate with some food – I wonder where should we go?" He asked the question when it should not be a question at all.
"There's a diner off Wilshire Boulevard that is awesome," Ashley commented but the group had given her an odd stare. "Why is everyone giving me a dirty look?"
"Honey, you have much to learn about us. There is only one place where we go to," Matt came to the defense of his love.
"And what's that?"
And as a whole, they said, "The Peach Pit."
As the former students started getting along on their way, they looked back at their countless memories at West Beverly High. This place felt like a home away from home for them. They knew that wherever they go in life, they will always have this place and they will always care a piece of West Bev with them. They will be wildcats forever.
School is not merely a place to learn. It is a place where one develops friendships that can last for decades, a place where memories are born, a place where love blossomed but most important of all, it was a place that will remain in their hearts forever.
A/N: This was definitely a difficult chapter to get out which explains all the time it took. I had finished a majority of it but I changed a few things up explaining the delays. The next chapter is completed but I'll post it as I make some corrections but there is only 3 more chapters left! I was contemplating adding an additional chapter but I am not sure yet. If does happen, it will be a chapter before the final chapter so we'll see. Stay well everyone and thanks for reading/reviewing!
Next Chapter - While it may be graduation day for some, it's moving day for others..
