Chapter 55: Smackdown: Homecoming Party's Just Begun

After John, Nicole, Tina, Brittany, and Jeff Hardy left the airport and all settled at Nicole's apartment, Tina, Brittany, and Jeff went to the arena and John and Nicole went to Nicole's parents' house.

They got out of her red corvette and when John and Nicole arrived at the door, Nicole rang the doorbell. A minute later, Danielle opened the door.

"Nicole," Danielle said.

"Hi, mom," Nicole said as she and her mom hugged each other.

"Hi, John."

"Hey, Danni," John said as he hugged Danielle and pulled away.

"Well, come in. Come in."

John and Nicole went inside and the two and Danielle went to the living room where Andrew was sitting on the couch.

"Hi, Nicole," Andrew said getting up from the couch.

"Hi, dad," Nicole said as she hugged Andrew and pulled away.

"Hey, John, how's it going?"

"It's going good," John said.

"Well, how about you and I go outside and talk?"

"Sure."

John kissed Nicole on the cheek and he and Andrew walked to the backyard. Then Nicole and Danielle sat on the couch.

"So, Nicole," Danielle said, "I know that one of the reasons you came here was to talk about the bridal shower and I've been going through some stuff to see what kind of shower you want."

"Okay," Nicole said as Danielle took some papers and catalogs off the coffee table.

"Okay, so the shower will be here and Amy, Trish, Delancey, Sam, Rochelle, and Ashley will help out, correct?"

"Yes, I'll talk to them when I get to the arena."

"Okay, are you thinking about some sort of theme you want?"

"Just a miscellaneous shower, I mean, anything goes with just a buffet table."

"Okay and when and what time should we have the shower?"

"How about a week before the wedding because the schedule in the WWE next month is crazy with Survivor Series at the end. And the time, how about 6:00pm because many girls will be catching a plane to here?"

"Okay, and speaking of the girls, who are you going to invite besides the bridesmaids?"

"Well, I could invite Rochelle's mom, Janet, Delancey's mom, Chantelle, Tina, her mom, Michelle, Brittany, her mom, Olivia, and her sister, Alexis, Torrie, Maria, Candice, Layla, Lillian, and maybe John's mom, Carol."

"You think that will be okay with John?"

"Yeah, I mean, I wouldn't want John to have this wedding without his mom being there and I've met her a few times. I know it was hard for John when his parents got divorced, but when he said his mother was a saint, that really made me felt good and I can't have her miss the wedding and my bridal shower."

"Yeah, I think we should invite her too. You know, I've never met her before."

"Well, the bridal shower is the perfect day for it."

"So, I guess we got the first things of the bridal shower covered although we need to invite more guests."

"Yes."

"So the decorations and the food, we have plenty of time for that."

"Yes."

"Okay, let's see what the men are doing."

"Let's."

Nicole and Danielle got off the couch and walked outside to the patio where John and Andrew were sitting at.

"Hello, boys," Nicole said as she and Danielle walked over to the men.

"Well, hello," Andrew said.

"What were you boys talking about?" Danielle said.

"The bachelor party," John said.

"Where's it gonna be at?" Nicole said.

"Boston, of course, we're talking watching the basketball game and shooting some pool...and of course, no strippers."

"They're better not be or else, my dad will make you do 1,000 push-ups."

"Don't worry, Nicole," Andrew said. "I'll keep my eye on him."

"Um, John, can I talk to you for a minute?"

"Yeah," John said as he got off the chair.

Then he and Nicole walked inside the house.

"What's on your mind?" John said.

"Well, my mom and I were talking about the bridal shower and I was wondering if I could invite your mom to come, with your permission."

"Baby, of course my mom can come."

"Cool. Um, my mom and your mom haven't met before and I thought the bridal shower would be the perfect time for it. I know your parents are divorced and I would like them both to see you marrying me. Plus, you've always said your mom is a saint and that makes me feel good everytime I think of you saying it because you're a saint too."

"Hey, she put her hard work into raising five boys and yeah, I try to be a saint as well. I want this day to be special not only for you and me, but for my parents as well."

Nicole smiled and she and John hugged each other.

After an hour at Nicole's parents' house, John and Nicole went to the arena and Nicole, along with Baby, was in the catering room talking to Amy on her cell phone.

"Okay, mom and I gone over the guest list and we still need to invite some more people and we have to figure out what food we're going to have at the shower," Nicole said.

"Well, how about just your typical finger food?" Amy said. "You know, chicken wings, cheese, crackers, fruit, little slices of meat, and maybe those little wrap sandwiches."

Amy said.

"Yeah, that sounds good. What about something to drink?"

"Maybe mom and I could make some punch."

"Okay, that's fine."

"You know what else I was thinking? Maybe I could get you, myself, and the bridesmaids these tank tops says, 'Bride,' 'Bridesmaid,' and 'Maid of Honor' to wear on your wedding day."

"You mean those tank tops I've been seeing on those bridal shop websites?"

"Yep."

"Yeah, that'll be cool. That way everyone will those who's wedding day it will be and who's marrying John Cena."

"Yeah."

"Okay, mom will figure out the decorations and what about the invitations? Who's gonna handle those?"

"Maybe you could. I mean, I know there's party stores that have bridal shower invitations and you won't have the hassle of mom and me trying to get them to give to you."

"Yeah, that's right."

"By the way, is John having his bachelor party?"

"Yes, he is. It's gonna be in Boston and dad is coming along."

"Good, that way he can keep an eye on John."

"Yeah, and did I tell you what I was doing tomorrow?"

"No, what?"

"I'm going to throw the first pitch at Game 4 of the World Series tomorrow."

"Oh, my God. Nicole, that's amazing. You've always talked about doing that and now your dream is finally coming true."

"Hey, I'm happy and I'm happy that our Cardinals are in the World Series. If they beat the Detroit Tigers, that will be so good for my health."

"You know, I just thought of something. Didn't the Boston Red Sox beat the Cardinals two years ago?"

"Amy, why did you bring that up?"

"Because John happens to be from Boston and you and him both know about that particular pasttime."

"Well, John and I agreed to call it even because we're not gonna let something silly as the 2004 World Series ruin our relationship.

"Okay, okay. Well, I guess I'll talk to you before the game."

"Alright, take care, little sis."

"Bye."

"Bye."

Then Nicole ended the call.

Then she carried Baby and went out of the catering room and walked down the hallway until she reached the Women's Locker Room and went inside. Delancey, Rochelle, Ashley, Tina, Brittany, and Layla were there.

"Hey, ladies," Nicole said.

"Hey, Nicole," Delancey, Rochelle, Ashley, and Layla said as Nicole walked over to them.

"Hey, Baby," Layla said petting Baby's head.

"So, Delancey, Rochelle, and Ashley," Nicole said, "I was talking with my sister Amy and the bridal shower is gonna be held a week before the wedding and it will start at 6:00pm."

"Alright, cool," Ashley said.

"And my mom, she's gonna take care of the food and decorations, but she's got plenty of time for that."

"Alright, that's fine," Rochelle said.

"By the way, Layla, how would you like to come to the bridal shower since you're already invited to the wedding?"

"Oh, my God, you don't mind?" Layla said.

"Hell, no. I would love for you to come."

"Thank you."

"You're welcome. And Tina and Brittany, I was wondering if I could invite Michelle, Olivia, and Alexis as well."

"Yeah, sure," Brittany said. "I don't mind."

"I guess my mom could come as well," Tina said.

"Cool," Nicole said.

"So, Nicole," Ashley said, "Tina and Brittany told us that you're throwing the first pitch at the World Series tomorrow."

"Oh, yes. Oh, my God. I'm just totally excited for that because my Cardinals are in the World Series and throwing the first pitch has been a dream of mine for a long time. I can't wait."

"By the way, what is with Kevin Federline?" Delancey said. "I mean, yeah, he got FU'ed last week and now this week, he slaps John and almost got his ass kicked. What's up with that?"

"Look, I love Britney Spears and all, but Kevin, he should know never to piss off my fiancé. And again, why would he want to hang out with Johnny Nitro and Melina of all people?"

"Because he's stupid and he should know that Nitro and Melina are trouble," Rochelle said. "I'm speaking from experience, you know."

"Yeah."

"You think he'll come back next week?" Ashley said.

"I highly doubt it," Layla said.

Then the girls laughed.

Later, Smackdown was on and Dave was quietly psyching himself up with Rochelle helping him. Then John, Nicole, Tina, and Brittany went inside.

"What's up, man?" John said. "It's Friday Night Smackdown, it's your territory. I just know tonight's gonna be big. I just wanna say, no beef, I got your back."

John held out his hand but Dave didn't shake it.

"What's that?" Dave asked. "That's the sappiest thing I ever heard. Who are you? I mean, John Cena, the 'You can't see me." Doctor of Thuganomics."

"Listen, you want real?" John said.

"Real."

"I'll give you real. Word around this locker room is that you've been sandbagging since you been back from your injury. They say you 'lost your fire.' Look at me. I am the stupid son-of-a-bitch that will go out there and fight Booker T and the Big Show myself. Why? Because I gotta do it at Cyber Sunday anyway. Refused to be stopped! I don't care if it's one guy, two guys, refused to be stopped! Them fireworks, that music, they don't mean a damn thing. What I want from you tonight is step in that ring with that look in your eye that I got right now. I'm going out there to war!"

"You wanna go to the war?"

"Hell yeah!"

"You wanna go to war?"

"And I'll be fighting with you!"

"Let's do it."

"Hell yeah!"

"Come on!"

John and Dave shook hands and hugged each other along with the girls and they went their separate ways.

Then, back at the arena, Chavo's entrance theme played and he came out from the curtain with Vickie following him. Then the two walked down the ramp and got into the ring. Then Chavo asked for a microphone and said,

"You're looking at a man and you're looking at a family that finally has peace in their lives and are able to move on." The crowd then chanted "You suck." "I suck? No, I don't suck. I'm a Guerrero and Guerreros don't suck. We finally have peace because Rey Mysterio is no longer around and he's no longer around because I put an end to his career and not only I put an end to his career, I crushed his leg and made him say, 'I quit.' And I want to see him say, 'I quit' again. Roll the footage from last Smackdown." Then the Titantron showed the 'I quit' match from last Sunday. "You can boo all you want because you're exactly like Rey Mysterio, selfish, because none of you wanted my family move on with their lives. Well, we're moving on and we're moving because of this." Then the Titantron showed the 'I quit' match again. "Rey Mysterio was trying to steal the Guerrero name, trying to make a career out of the Guerrero legacy. That's why I had to do this." Then the Titantron showed the 'I quit' match again. "I could watch that all day long because that was the exact moment my family became whole again. Again." Then the Titantron showed the 'I quit' match again. "Again."

Then Chris Benoit's entrance played and he came out from the curtain. He walked down the aisle and went into the ring but Chavo and Vickie leave the ring from the other side and were walking around the ring and up the aisle without even looking at or acknowledging Chris. As Chavo and Vickie were about to reach the back, Chavo was hit in the head with a chair and Delancey came out with it with Nicole and Rochelle following her.

Nicole was wearing a St. Louis Cardinal T-shirt custom made and designed into a short-sleeved women's size with her left shoulder exposed, a red pleated miniskirt, red suede boots, and her hair in pigtails with red bows. Delancey was a wearing a black midriff halter top, a red plaid miniskirt with large black trim, and black boots. Rochelle was wearing a tan belted jacket (with a bra underneath) with fur trim, tan pleated miniskirt with fur trim, white stockings, and tan suede upper rabbit hair trim boots

Vickie was on the ground after being knocked by Chavo and she begged for mercy as she got up, ran down the aisle, and got into the ring with Chris still standing there. Nicole, Delancey, and Rochelle got into the ring and surrounded Vickie along with Chris. Then Delancey stepped forward and slapped Vickie. Then she picked Vickie by the hair and Nicole kicked Vickie in the gut. Then Nicole picked up Vickie and landed the FU in the middle of the ring. Then Rochelle picked Vickie up and threw her out of the ring. Chavo then ran to Vickie, picked her up, and ran to the back with Chris chasing after him.

Then Rochelle picked up the microphone and said,

"You know, for the past week, I have been filled with anger and I am fed up with Chavo and Vickie. The truth is, Rey is not a quitter and neither am I. Chavo and Vickie, you do suck and I am sick and tired of you two saying the same crap of Rey stealing the Guerrero name and legacy; I'm sick of it and it looks like Chris Benoit is sick of it as well. That's why Delancey Scott and I are gonna be in Chris Benoit's corner from now on and Chavo, I cannot wait for the Rabid Wolverine to make your sorry ass tap out."

Then Rochelle gave the microphone to Delancey.

"Now that's done," Delancey said, "let's get to the lighter side and introduce St. Louis' hometown sweetheart, the WWE Women's Champion, Nicole Mitchell."

Then Delancey gave the microphone to Nicole.

"Let me just say, damn, it feels great to be home in St. Louis!" Nicole said raising her left arm in the air. "Are we gonna win the World Series this year?" The crowd said "Yes!" "Are we gonna win the World Series this year? Are we gonna win the World Series this year? I can just feel it in the air because we're gonna win our 10th, count it, 10th World Series championship this year and that's why I'm wearing my gear full in red. Do you remember what happened the last time I was home? Well, it was on RAW and to refresh your memory, here it is." Then the Titantron played Nicole's pre-engagement party back in April. "If you thought that was hot, it's gonna get even hotter when my fiancé, the WWE Champion John Cena will team up with the Animal, Batista, in the biggest tag team match in Smackdown history against the World Heavyweight Champion King Booker and the ECW World Champion the Big Show. And one more thing, for the past two weeks, one so-called trendsetter has been having beef with my fiancé…...and his name is Kevin Federline. I mean, one minute, he's hanging out with two of the biggest clowns of the RAW roster, Johnny Nitro and Melina, and then the next minute, he gets the FU. And then the following week, K-Fed comes back hoping for paycheck and what does he do? He slaps John Cena in the face. But look who got the payback for John. Check it out." Then the Titantron played Nicole slapping Kevin and walking away. "You see, K-Fed didn't have the nuts to hit me because he knows better not to hit a woman, right, K-Fed? And then he's got the Big Show and King Booker to beat up on John and there he was, up the ramp, laughing his ass off. Ha, ha, ha, you got the last laugh, K-Fed, good for you. I still think your album is gonna suck. Why? Because you hung out with the wrong people and pissed off the wrong man. You know, I've never done this before and John has taught me and gave me pointers. I'm gonna tell a little story and it goes a little something like this."

There once was a kid who loved to talk a lot of smack

He thinks he's better than John Cena, but John and I, personally, thinks he's whack

The kid thinks he's the king of talking trash

Until two weeks ago, he bumped heads with a Marine who kicks a lot of ass

He can't run, he can't hide, it doesn't even matter if he's rapping

Because if he thinks about showing up on RAW next Monday, his bitch ass will be tapping

Nicole dropped the microphone and she, Delancey, and Rochelle raised their arms in the air. Then the girls went up on the turnbuckles and raised their arms in the air as Smackdown went to a commercial break.

Later, it was time for the tag team match which was John and Dave versus King Booker and the Big Show.

Booker was already in the ring with Queen Sharmell and then the Big Show's entrance theme played and he came out from the curtain. He walked down the ramp and got into the ring. The Big Show stared at King Booker and then John's entrance theme played and he came out from the curtain with Nicole, Tina, and Brittany following him. Tina was wearing a red tube dress with a studded bustline and adjustable neck piece attached by three spaghetti straps in front, black stockings, and her hair curled. Brittany was wearing a black sheer mesh open halter top with red bralette, black pants, and her hair straight. The four walked down the ramp and John got into the ring with the girls standing at ringside. Then Dave's entrance theme played and he came out from the curtain with Rochelle following him. Dave did his thing with the pyro and Rochelle kneeled in front of him. Rochelle stood back up and she and Dave walked down the ramp and Dave got into the ring with Rochelle standing at ringside with the Chain Gang Divas. John took off his "Chain Gang" camo baseball cap and "Chain Gang: Assault Battalion" t-shirt and threw them to the crowd. Then the Big Show, Dave, and Sharmell left the ring as the referee called for the bell.

John and Booker locked up in the middle of the ring and tussled and finally John is backed into the corner. Booker looks to break then goes to hit John but it's blocked and John comes out with right hands. John grabs Booker, Irish whips him, and gives him a hip toss and straight into an attempted pin but only for a two count. John makes the tag to Dave and he comes in and pounds on Booker.

Booker is caught in the corner but thumbs the eye of Dave allowing him to take advantage. He puts Dave in the corner and chops at him before whipping him to the opposite corner. Dave bounces out and clotheslines Booker as he's coming in. Dave gets a two count on Booker and then tags in John again. John kicks at Booker then whips him across the ropes but drops his head and Booker, hanging onto the ropes, kicks John in the face and then follows up with a clothesline. Booker lines up John for a back kick but John ducks it and comes back with a right hand felling Booker. John slams the head of Booker into the turnbuckle then he whips him hard into the opposite corner. As Booker comes from the corner, he's met by a kick to the midsection and John gives him a suplex and then covers again but only for the two count. John makes the tag to Dave and both men whip Booker across the ring and collect him with back elbows. Then John and Dave then clothesline Booker over the top ropes and onto the floor and then face off at Big Show. Dave gets out of the ring and drags Booker back into the ring. Then Dave stomps away at Booker and then chokes him with the boot using the ropes as leverage.

Dave delivers a suplex then and an attempted cover for the two count. Dave tags John and John comes in and gives Booker a big right hand to the side. John slams the head of Booker into the turnbuckle and then whips him across to the opposite corner. Booker manages to elbow John though as he charges in and finally manages to make the tag to Big Show! Big Show steps over the ropes and John and him face off. John and Big Show mouth off at each other before John takes to him with some right hands to the head but Big Show just pushes him into the corner. Big Show comes after him but John ducks out of the corner but straight into a right hand by Booker and then a clothesline by Big Show. Big Show picks up John and gives him a headbutt and Big Show puts John up against the ropes and gives him the slap to the chest. John can't make a tag to Dave as Big Show grabs him and gives him a nice suplex. Big Show pushes John into his corner and makes the tag to Booker.

Booker comes and kicks at John then delivers a back kick to him and Booker covers John but only for a two count. John tries to make the tag to Dave but is given a kick to the midsection to stop that. Booker then runs at Dave knocking him down on the apron and Dave tries to come in but is stopped by the referee allowing Booker to drag John back to his corner and make the tag to Big Show. John gets a chop to the chest by the Big Show and then gets a headbutt. Big Show then just walks over John and Booker slaps the back of Big Show and comes in and Big Show didn't look too happy at that. Booker whips John across the ring but John ducks it and gives Booker a desperation clothesline and both men are on the canvas. The referee begins a count but John manages to get to his knees but just can't make a tag to Dave as Booker hangs onto his leg.

Booker then gives Dave a cheap shot on the apron and the referee is there again stopping Dave from coming in which gives Booker a moment to regain control and he throws John through the ropes and onto the floor. Big Show wanders over at the behest of Booker and kicks John in the gut before throwing him back into the ring for Booker. Booker goes for the cover but Dave comes in and breaks it up with a boot. John manages to get to his feet and both him and Booker trade blows until Booker uses a thumb to the eye again. He gives John an Irish whip and a clothesline and John again manages to mount some offence and tries to whip Booker into the corner but it's reversed and Booker grabs John in a sleeper hold as he comes out of the ropes. John desperately tries to make the tag to Dave but Booker drags him to the middle of the ring, still with the sleeper hold..

Out of desperation, John picks up Booker and slams him and both men are down for the count again. Booker manages to get to his knees first and goes to make the tag to Big Show but Big Show doesn't accept it. Booker tries again and Big Show steps down from the apron and John is still flat in the ring and Booker is just shocked. Sharmell and Booker both are pleading to make the tag but Big Show makes a sign and it's retribution from last Monday and John finally makes the tag to Dave! Dave comes into the ring and he's smiling and Dave unleashes with some big right hands as Big Show is slowly walking away from the ring. Dave whips Booker and gives him a clothesline, and then another! Dave whips Booker into the corner and follows up with another clothesline! Dave delivers a number of shoulder blocks and then gives him a big power slam!

Dave stalks Booker as Big Show was just looking on from the ramp. Dave gives Booker a spinebuster then calls John into the ring. John gives Booker the "You can't see me" followed by the Five Knuckle Shuffle. John then leaves the ring and Dave lands the Batista Bomb and covers for the win.

Nicole, Tina, Brittany, and Rochelle get into the ring as Dave and John hug in the ring. Then the girls hugged the men and John and Dave went up on the turnbuckles raising their arms in the air. They got back down and John and Dave then lifted Nicole and Rochelle on their shoulders. Nicole and Rochelle raised their arms in the air and Tina and Brittany posed in front of John and Dave as Smackdown came to a close.

After Smackdown was over, everyone including Dave, Rochelle, Bobby, and Delancey went to Nicole's apartment and Nicole was getting pizza from the pizza man at her doorway. Then Nicole walked over to the living room were everyone was at.

"Alright, everyone," Nicole said as she sat the pizza down on the coffee table, "come and get it."

Then everyone grabbed a slice and Nicole sat next to John.

"So what is everyone doing for Halloween?" Nicole said.

"Well, you know Dave and I are hanging with you and John in Florida," Rochelle said.

"And Bobby is staying with me in L.A. and we're hanging with Tina, her boyfriend, Brittany, and Jeff at this costume party at a club," Delancey said.

"That sounds like fun," John said.

"So what is everyone gonna be for Halloween?" Bobby said.

"Well, I'm thinking about being a fairy," Tina said.

"Well, I wanna be a punk fairy for Halloween," Brittany said.

"A punk fairy?" Tina and Jeff said.

"Brittany, you're pretty and sweet and all," Jeff said, "but a punk fairy?"

"Hey, what more could you ask for?" Brittany said.

"Well, I think I wanna be Xena: Warrior Princess for Halloween," Rochelle said. "I hope that costume is not too hard to find."

"What were you for Halloween last year, Rochelle?" Tina said.

"I was Marilyn Monroe."

"Yeah and a sexy one too," Dave said. "Too bad I couldn't find a fan to blow her skirt up."

"Dave!"

Then everyone laughed.

"Well, I'm either gonna be a French maid or Catwoman since Candice Michelle stole my idea last year for the costume contest," Nicole said.

"You think RAW's gonna have another one Monday night?" Delancey said.

"I don't know, but I hope it happens."

A couple of hours later, Bobby, Delancey, Dave, and Rochelle left and John, Nicole, Tina, Brittany, and Jeff got ready for bed. After Nicole checked on Tina, Brittany, and Jeff, she went to her bedroom and climbed into bed next to John.

"Well, your Cardinals won," John said.

"Cool," Nicole said, "then tomorrow will be just as exciting as tonight was."

"Yeah. Um, Nicole, there's something I have to ask you."

"What?"

"Well, when I watched the Insider last week and Victoria Recano asked you if you felt an attraction to me the day we met at Survivor Series last year and you felt a little bad doing that, did you really mean it?"

Nicole shook her head.

"Yeah," Nicole said. "I mean, my attraction to you was eating me up inside, I just couldn't help it. I mean, part of me also told me to stop being with Randy and I didn't wanna believe that until……" Nicole starts to cry a little, "……until that night two weeks before Wrestlemania."

"I'm sorry," John said. "It's just that I had no idea that you had feelings for me from the night we met two years ago and……well, I found you attractive as well, but I didn't want to get in the way."

"I guess we were connected somehow, like we're both telepathic."

"Well, we were and I feel even more connected to you because……I love you and with everything I worked so hard for, the only thing I wanted most was for someone to share some more wonderful moments with me and that someone was you."

"Well, you changed my life for the better and I love you for it."

Then John planted a kiss on Nicole's lips.

"You know," John said, "this may be our last night together in your apartment before you get to move in with me in Tampa."

"Yeah," Nicole said. "I might have to start packing next month when I have a day off."

"Yeah."

"But what about my car? Do I have to drive all the way to Tampa, Florida along with my stuff?"

"We'll have a talk about that later."

"Yeah."

Then John and Nicole turned off the lamps and fell asleep.