A/N: After a tiring writer's block that resulted me in reading other fics
and going crazy, I've decided that this should be whatever I was to.
Meaning, it could switch POVs (Point of Views). I have brilliant stuff to
write. And, if ya don't like it, don't fucking read! Ok?
"Alexy! Did someone leave a message for me?" Naomi burst through the front door of her house, startling her brother. Alex broke the kiss he was sharing with his girlfriend.
"Don't scare me like that again, Nami! And yes, someone DID leave you a message. It's stuck to the fridge. His name was Steven Richards or something like that," Alex said, a hint of annoyance, in his voice.
"Thanks bro! Hi and bye Denise!" Naomi said and ran to the kitchen. The note was pinned on the fridge, just like Alex had said. The note simply said that Steven would pick her up tomorrow evening at 7 in Canada for a movie date.
"Cool! I can't wait to tell Trish!" she exclaimed. Then, she remembered the conversation she had with Jeff on the way here.
"Oh yeah, we're flying to Canada tomorrow for the next RAW. I have to tell Alex," she said to herself. Oh well, she would tell Alex tomorrow. She needed some sleep anyway. She opened her room door, took off her jacket and promptly fell onto her warm bed, closing her eyes and falling asleep.
The next morning, she woke up and the sunlight was streaming through her windows. The clock beside her bed read 7am.
"Holy shit!!" she shrieked. The plane to Canada that she and the other wrestlers were supposed to take was going to leave at 8am! Panicking, she ran into the bathroom and took a quick shower and brushed her teeth. After dragging her packed duffel bag out, she changed into a long-sleeved baby blue sweater and dark blue jeans. Jamming her feet in her sports shoes, she ran a comb through her hair and ran out of the door after writing a quick note for her brother. She hailed a cab and told the driver to wait while she got her keys, cell phone and other personal belongings, including her passport. The driver, who noticed that she was in a hurry, drove quickly to the airport. (Note: I don't know America very well, ok? 'Nuff said.)
When she arrived at the airport, she was relieved to see her friends still loitering about. She walked up to them and collapsed into a seat beside a curious Stacy Keibler.
"Did you run a marathon or something?" Stacy asked anxiously. Naomi looked at her wearily.
"Yeah, I ran a marathon. I am sooo tired!" Naomi groaned. Trish walked up to her, a look of concern crossing her face.
"Nami, are you all right?" Trish asked worriedly.
"I feel great! Like I've run a 100m race thrice!" Naomi said dryly.
"You don't look so good. Anyway, wanna get a drink with me? I was thinking of going to get a drink since the plane was delayed," Trish asked.
"Sure, I haven't eaten actually," Naomi admitted.
"Great! Then I could tell you about the flight seating arrangements later," Trish said and the two walked off. Jeff looked at the departing Naomi and Trish and sighed. He'd arrived at 7.45 am. A big record for him but he didn't know that Naomi hadn't arrived yet.
"I did it," a smug voice said beside Jeff.
"Did what?" Jeff turned to Steven Richards.
"I asked her out. Even though her brother was the one who answered the phone. But I'll doubt she'd say no. She's such a sweet girl," Steven smirked.
"What's your point?" Jeff asked suspiciously. Steven's grin grew wider.
"Oh you'll see. By that time, Miss Williams will never be the same again," Steven grinned again and sauntered off.
"Jeff? I didn't know you were this early," a voice asked from Jeff's behind, followed by a pop and a fizzy noise.
"I didn't know he was early either, until he asked me where you were," Trish's voice smirked.
"That must be a record. Hmm." Naomi said. Jeff felt the urge to tell Naomi about his conversation with Steven.
"Hey Nami, can I talk to you privately?" Jeff asked a little edgily. Naomi shrugged her consent.
"Nami, I don't think you should go out with Steven Richards," Jeff began. The girl raised an eyebrow.
"Why?" she asked. Jeff frowned, trying to put it into a nicer way.
"Look, I just don't feel something right about that guy, ok? He might be trying to hurt you. And I don't want that," Jeff sighed. Naomi looked at him and he winced. It was a very pained look.
"I get it now. You're jealous, aren't you? You're jealous of the fact that Steven Richards asked me out and you didn't. Fine, I'll do whatever I want, ok? You're not my brother or my father. Don't tell me what to do," Naomi shot and walked off, leaving Jeff to stare helplessly at her. He ran his fingers through his hair and sighed again. Sometimes, life was so depressing sometimes.
Trish noticed the sudden change in her friend. Naomi, from being cheerful earlier, looked a little bothered and irritated. After mustering up some courage, Trish went to talk to her friend.
"Hey Nami? Is everything all right?" Trish asked cautiously. Naomi looked at Trish and the blond was surprised to see tears forming in the brunette's eyes.
"You're crying?" Trish asked in a hushed voice. Naomi went wide-eyed and wiped the tears away.
"No! I had something in my eye! Everything's fine actually. Hey Trish, could I sit with you instead of with Jeff?" Naomi asked.
"Can I ask why?" Trish asked curiously.
"It's some personal business. Could I?" Naomi replied, looking at the floor. Trish knew something had happened between Jeff and Naomi. Maybe it was time for some girl talk.
"All right, I'll tell Eric and Jeff can sit with Rob," Trish smiled and went to tell Eric. The RAW GM gave his yes and changed the seating arrangement. "Ok people! Our plane has arrived! Let's go!" Eric announced. Every wrestler took out their passports and checked in at the counter. The plane was private and that explained the posh stuff in there. Everyone was deathly silent when they boarded the plane. Commotion only resumed after the plane took off.
"So, can you tell me what's going on? Because Jeff has been looking at our seat for the past few minutes," Trish said, shooting Jeff an annoyed look.
"He told me that Steven Richards is a no-good guy and that I shouldn't date him. He was being his assholic self. Of course, I didn't believe what he said. He's trying to destroy Steven," Naomi munched on chili-flavored potato chips. A moment later, she was drinking three cans of chilled Coke.
"I swear to never eat this flavor. AGAIN!" she said distastefully. Trish giggled. She could never get tired of swearing stuff.
"If you're bored, I suggest you listen to some music privately then," a familiar voice said. It was Matt Hyson.
"Oh shut up, here, take it," Naomi rolled her eyes and gave the chips to him. Matt grabbed the chips and went back to his seat.
"Trish, mind giving me info about your entrance music?" Naomi turned to her seat partner.
"Sure!" the blond launched into a full lengthy explanation about her music. Naomi listened intently.
"You did your music with Lil Kim? Wow, cool!" Naomi exclaimed when Trish finished. The blond nodded. After finishing her girl talk with Trish, Naomi plugged the earphones to her ears and listened to the music, and fell asleep.
"Hey Nami? Wake up, girl. We've reached our destination," Trish's voice awoke Naomi from her blissful slumber. Naomi sat up straight and looked at the others. They seemed to have just woke up from the expressions on their faces and the frizzled hair.
"And that was such a damned good dream too," Naomi grumbled noisily. Trish laughed.
"Yeah, you slept for 8 hours. That should be good," the blond Canadian smirked.
"Yeah, yeah, but I feel so energetic now. That should be good news," Naomi stood up and walked out of her seat to make her way to the bathroom. Jeff was desperate to catch her eye but she ignored him. She was mad at him anyway. At the bathroom, she stifled a loud laugh when she saw Stacy, Lisa Marie, Nora and Terri fighting over the mirror.
"What are you laughing at, kiddo?" Nora asked irritably.
"Sorry, it's just that when I see you two, it's like being in high school all over again. Fighting over mirrors? Wait for your turn!" Naomi snickered. She walked over to the sink and splashed her face with cold water. After wiping her face dry, she reapplied her rose pink lipstick.
"I'll see you all later," she waved and left. She walked back to her seat, still smiling, as she remembered the feud four divas had over one lousy mirror. Trish was still seated in her seat.
"We're going to land soon," Trish informed her as she sat back down.
"Really? That's great, I wanna hit the malls as soon as we've settled down," Naomi stretched her arms.
"Cool! I'll show you all the hot stores we have in Canada!" Trish went all excited. Naomi sighed.
"Oh all right, at least I brought an international credit card with me," she murmured. The plane finally landed.
"All right! Everybody, out now!!!" Eric ordered. Everyone stood up and there was a commotion as they rushed towards the exit excitedly. Naomi and Trish walked and reached the airport.
"Nami, I need to talk to you," a familiar voice muttered in her eye.
"Don't bug me now, Jeff," Naomi said, an exhausted tone in her usually cheery voice.
"Nami! Hurry it up! If ya want to shop, get your fricking ass here right now!" Trish called from wherever she was.
"Listen Jeff, whatever it is, hold it up until later, ok? Until our match, I wanna shop on with Trish so if you could just leave," Naomi said briskly and walked over to Trish. Jeff cursed under his breath. He thought that maybe Naomi had cool off during the trip but she was still distant to him. If not cold than just now.
"It means I Love You," he recalled the last few words Naomi had told him before she got into the car. Maybe she didn't love him like a boyfriend, maybe, just a friend. It happens sometimes. Sighing, he walked with Rob to the hotel.
"You look down in the dumps, bud. Did some girl dump you?" Rob asked curiously. Jeff sighed again and ran his fingers through his purple-dyed hair. (A/N: O_o I seem to sigh lately, don't I?)
"Yeah, but in a weird kind of way," Jeff said as he took out the keys to his room.
"Man, she's one little fiery chica, that I can add but she's sweet. You just have to look for her softest spot," Rob advised before disappearing into his own room. Jeff closed his room door and locked it and lied on his bed. Maybe Rob was saying was true. Naomi had been so uptight lately. And what did Richards mean by that smirk on his face? Then, his cell phone rang. He glanced at the number. It was Naomi's cell phone number! Why was Naomi calling him right now?!
"Hello?" he said into the phone cautiously.
"Jeff? Oh Jeff, it's you! Thank goodness I caught up with you! Listen, could you meet me in my room right now? It's 222 and we're going to the gym afterwards to train," Naomi said hurriedly.
"Huh? Okay, but don't talk too fast," Jeff said, an amused tone in his voice.
"Oh, and okay, well, Trish and I went shopping. You won't believe the stuff we found there! Anyway, talk to you later, ok? See ya!" and with that, she hung up. Jeff switched off the cell phone abruptly. Naomi wanted to talk to him? Things were getting weirder every moment. Nevertheless, he walked to Naomi's room and knocked on the door. The door opened a crack and Naomi poked her head out.
"Jeff? Oh yeah, hi, um, just a minute. I'm getting dressed," Naomi closed the door again. Jeff could faintly hear a rustle in the room. And Naomi opened the door again.
"Sorry to keep you waiting," she said breathlessly, as though she'd just ran a long race. Jeff nodded and walked into the room. The room was a little messy with clothes strewn all over the floor.
"What did you want to talk to me about?" Jeff asked, sitting on the bed. Naomi looked a little guilty.
"It's about, well, us," she said hesitantly. Jeff raised an eyebrow.
"Us? Ok, what's wrong with us?" Jeff asked. Naomi sat beside him.
"Well, I realized that we've become to get closer lately, ya know. Behind the scenes? I thought that maybe-," she could continue but Jeff cut her off with a kiss. It startled her completely but she returned the kiss and grabbed the back of his head. Damn! I knew she wanted me! Jeff said as the couple rolled on the bed. Then, Naomi pushed him away.
"I can't, Jeff," she said.
"Can't what?" Jeff asked her suspiciously.
"I can't have a relationship with you! I mean, we don't have a storyline for it anyway!" Naomi became frustrated again.
"But this stuff is behind character," Jeff said pleadingly. Naomi looked at him somewhat icily.
"Well, but it could affect the character, right? I'm not taking any risks until I'm ready," she said stiffly. Jeff sighed and walked behind her, encircling his arms around her slim waist. He kissed the back of her neck tenderly.
"Ok, if you wanna go slow, I understand perfectly. But, don't forget that I'm always here for you. I'm going to pack my bag for our match later. Get ready and I'll pick you up, ok?" Jeff nuzzled her neck and left her room. The minute he left, Naomi broke down and cried. Jeff was so nice to her and she couldn't tell him the biggest secret ever. Her cell phone rang.
"Well, have you told the bastard?" a harsh voice snarled at her as soon as she answered the phone.
"No!" she choked out, unable to control her tears. The man at the other side of the line growled.
"Well you better tell him because I'm gonna getcha in two weeks. I'll be there for you, baby," the man growled again and hung up. Naomi collapsed into more tears and flung herself onto the bed. How could she tell Jeff now? The room now was filled with Naomi's heartbreaking sobs.
A/N: Well, how'd ya liked it? I'm having a writer's block so I can't really type properly. But, WHAT IS NAOMI'S SECRET? Who was that man on the phone? So many unanswered questions!
"Alexy! Did someone leave a message for me?" Naomi burst through the front door of her house, startling her brother. Alex broke the kiss he was sharing with his girlfriend.
"Don't scare me like that again, Nami! And yes, someone DID leave you a message. It's stuck to the fridge. His name was Steven Richards or something like that," Alex said, a hint of annoyance, in his voice.
"Thanks bro! Hi and bye Denise!" Naomi said and ran to the kitchen. The note was pinned on the fridge, just like Alex had said. The note simply said that Steven would pick her up tomorrow evening at 7 in Canada for a movie date.
"Cool! I can't wait to tell Trish!" she exclaimed. Then, she remembered the conversation she had with Jeff on the way here.
"Oh yeah, we're flying to Canada tomorrow for the next RAW. I have to tell Alex," she said to herself. Oh well, she would tell Alex tomorrow. She needed some sleep anyway. She opened her room door, took off her jacket and promptly fell onto her warm bed, closing her eyes and falling asleep.
The next morning, she woke up and the sunlight was streaming through her windows. The clock beside her bed read 7am.
"Holy shit!!" she shrieked. The plane to Canada that she and the other wrestlers were supposed to take was going to leave at 8am! Panicking, she ran into the bathroom and took a quick shower and brushed her teeth. After dragging her packed duffel bag out, she changed into a long-sleeved baby blue sweater and dark blue jeans. Jamming her feet in her sports shoes, she ran a comb through her hair and ran out of the door after writing a quick note for her brother. She hailed a cab and told the driver to wait while she got her keys, cell phone and other personal belongings, including her passport. The driver, who noticed that she was in a hurry, drove quickly to the airport. (Note: I don't know America very well, ok? 'Nuff said.)
When she arrived at the airport, she was relieved to see her friends still loitering about. She walked up to them and collapsed into a seat beside a curious Stacy Keibler.
"Did you run a marathon or something?" Stacy asked anxiously. Naomi looked at her wearily.
"Yeah, I ran a marathon. I am sooo tired!" Naomi groaned. Trish walked up to her, a look of concern crossing her face.
"Nami, are you all right?" Trish asked worriedly.
"I feel great! Like I've run a 100m race thrice!" Naomi said dryly.
"You don't look so good. Anyway, wanna get a drink with me? I was thinking of going to get a drink since the plane was delayed," Trish asked.
"Sure, I haven't eaten actually," Naomi admitted.
"Great! Then I could tell you about the flight seating arrangements later," Trish said and the two walked off. Jeff looked at the departing Naomi and Trish and sighed. He'd arrived at 7.45 am. A big record for him but he didn't know that Naomi hadn't arrived yet.
"I did it," a smug voice said beside Jeff.
"Did what?" Jeff turned to Steven Richards.
"I asked her out. Even though her brother was the one who answered the phone. But I'll doubt she'd say no. She's such a sweet girl," Steven smirked.
"What's your point?" Jeff asked suspiciously. Steven's grin grew wider.
"Oh you'll see. By that time, Miss Williams will never be the same again," Steven grinned again and sauntered off.
"Jeff? I didn't know you were this early," a voice asked from Jeff's behind, followed by a pop and a fizzy noise.
"I didn't know he was early either, until he asked me where you were," Trish's voice smirked.
"That must be a record. Hmm." Naomi said. Jeff felt the urge to tell Naomi about his conversation with Steven.
"Hey Nami, can I talk to you privately?" Jeff asked a little edgily. Naomi shrugged her consent.
"Nami, I don't think you should go out with Steven Richards," Jeff began. The girl raised an eyebrow.
"Why?" she asked. Jeff frowned, trying to put it into a nicer way.
"Look, I just don't feel something right about that guy, ok? He might be trying to hurt you. And I don't want that," Jeff sighed. Naomi looked at him and he winced. It was a very pained look.
"I get it now. You're jealous, aren't you? You're jealous of the fact that Steven Richards asked me out and you didn't. Fine, I'll do whatever I want, ok? You're not my brother or my father. Don't tell me what to do," Naomi shot and walked off, leaving Jeff to stare helplessly at her. He ran his fingers through his hair and sighed again. Sometimes, life was so depressing sometimes.
Trish noticed the sudden change in her friend. Naomi, from being cheerful earlier, looked a little bothered and irritated. After mustering up some courage, Trish went to talk to her friend.
"Hey Nami? Is everything all right?" Trish asked cautiously. Naomi looked at Trish and the blond was surprised to see tears forming in the brunette's eyes.
"You're crying?" Trish asked in a hushed voice. Naomi went wide-eyed and wiped the tears away.
"No! I had something in my eye! Everything's fine actually. Hey Trish, could I sit with you instead of with Jeff?" Naomi asked.
"Can I ask why?" Trish asked curiously.
"It's some personal business. Could I?" Naomi replied, looking at the floor. Trish knew something had happened between Jeff and Naomi. Maybe it was time for some girl talk.
"All right, I'll tell Eric and Jeff can sit with Rob," Trish smiled and went to tell Eric. The RAW GM gave his yes and changed the seating arrangement. "Ok people! Our plane has arrived! Let's go!" Eric announced. Every wrestler took out their passports and checked in at the counter. The plane was private and that explained the posh stuff in there. Everyone was deathly silent when they boarded the plane. Commotion only resumed after the plane took off.
"So, can you tell me what's going on? Because Jeff has been looking at our seat for the past few minutes," Trish said, shooting Jeff an annoyed look.
"He told me that Steven Richards is a no-good guy and that I shouldn't date him. He was being his assholic self. Of course, I didn't believe what he said. He's trying to destroy Steven," Naomi munched on chili-flavored potato chips. A moment later, she was drinking three cans of chilled Coke.
"I swear to never eat this flavor. AGAIN!" she said distastefully. Trish giggled. She could never get tired of swearing stuff.
"If you're bored, I suggest you listen to some music privately then," a familiar voice said. It was Matt Hyson.
"Oh shut up, here, take it," Naomi rolled her eyes and gave the chips to him. Matt grabbed the chips and went back to his seat.
"Trish, mind giving me info about your entrance music?" Naomi turned to her seat partner.
"Sure!" the blond launched into a full lengthy explanation about her music. Naomi listened intently.
"You did your music with Lil Kim? Wow, cool!" Naomi exclaimed when Trish finished. The blond nodded. After finishing her girl talk with Trish, Naomi plugged the earphones to her ears and listened to the music, and fell asleep.
"Hey Nami? Wake up, girl. We've reached our destination," Trish's voice awoke Naomi from her blissful slumber. Naomi sat up straight and looked at the others. They seemed to have just woke up from the expressions on their faces and the frizzled hair.
"And that was such a damned good dream too," Naomi grumbled noisily. Trish laughed.
"Yeah, you slept for 8 hours. That should be good," the blond Canadian smirked.
"Yeah, yeah, but I feel so energetic now. That should be good news," Naomi stood up and walked out of her seat to make her way to the bathroom. Jeff was desperate to catch her eye but she ignored him. She was mad at him anyway. At the bathroom, she stifled a loud laugh when she saw Stacy, Lisa Marie, Nora and Terri fighting over the mirror.
"What are you laughing at, kiddo?" Nora asked irritably.
"Sorry, it's just that when I see you two, it's like being in high school all over again. Fighting over mirrors? Wait for your turn!" Naomi snickered. She walked over to the sink and splashed her face with cold water. After wiping her face dry, she reapplied her rose pink lipstick.
"I'll see you all later," she waved and left. She walked back to her seat, still smiling, as she remembered the feud four divas had over one lousy mirror. Trish was still seated in her seat.
"We're going to land soon," Trish informed her as she sat back down.
"Really? That's great, I wanna hit the malls as soon as we've settled down," Naomi stretched her arms.
"Cool! I'll show you all the hot stores we have in Canada!" Trish went all excited. Naomi sighed.
"Oh all right, at least I brought an international credit card with me," she murmured. The plane finally landed.
"All right! Everybody, out now!!!" Eric ordered. Everyone stood up and there was a commotion as they rushed towards the exit excitedly. Naomi and Trish walked and reached the airport.
"Nami, I need to talk to you," a familiar voice muttered in her eye.
"Don't bug me now, Jeff," Naomi said, an exhausted tone in her usually cheery voice.
"Nami! Hurry it up! If ya want to shop, get your fricking ass here right now!" Trish called from wherever she was.
"Listen Jeff, whatever it is, hold it up until later, ok? Until our match, I wanna shop on with Trish so if you could just leave," Naomi said briskly and walked over to Trish. Jeff cursed under his breath. He thought that maybe Naomi had cool off during the trip but she was still distant to him. If not cold than just now.
"It means I Love You," he recalled the last few words Naomi had told him before she got into the car. Maybe she didn't love him like a boyfriend, maybe, just a friend. It happens sometimes. Sighing, he walked with Rob to the hotel.
"You look down in the dumps, bud. Did some girl dump you?" Rob asked curiously. Jeff sighed again and ran his fingers through his purple-dyed hair. (A/N: O_o I seem to sigh lately, don't I?)
"Yeah, but in a weird kind of way," Jeff said as he took out the keys to his room.
"Man, she's one little fiery chica, that I can add but she's sweet. You just have to look for her softest spot," Rob advised before disappearing into his own room. Jeff closed his room door and locked it and lied on his bed. Maybe Rob was saying was true. Naomi had been so uptight lately. And what did Richards mean by that smirk on his face? Then, his cell phone rang. He glanced at the number. It was Naomi's cell phone number! Why was Naomi calling him right now?!
"Hello?" he said into the phone cautiously.
"Jeff? Oh Jeff, it's you! Thank goodness I caught up with you! Listen, could you meet me in my room right now? It's 222 and we're going to the gym afterwards to train," Naomi said hurriedly.
"Huh? Okay, but don't talk too fast," Jeff said, an amused tone in his voice.
"Oh, and okay, well, Trish and I went shopping. You won't believe the stuff we found there! Anyway, talk to you later, ok? See ya!" and with that, she hung up. Jeff switched off the cell phone abruptly. Naomi wanted to talk to him? Things were getting weirder every moment. Nevertheless, he walked to Naomi's room and knocked on the door. The door opened a crack and Naomi poked her head out.
"Jeff? Oh yeah, hi, um, just a minute. I'm getting dressed," Naomi closed the door again. Jeff could faintly hear a rustle in the room. And Naomi opened the door again.
"Sorry to keep you waiting," she said breathlessly, as though she'd just ran a long race. Jeff nodded and walked into the room. The room was a little messy with clothes strewn all over the floor.
"What did you want to talk to me about?" Jeff asked, sitting on the bed. Naomi looked a little guilty.
"It's about, well, us," she said hesitantly. Jeff raised an eyebrow.
"Us? Ok, what's wrong with us?" Jeff asked. Naomi sat beside him.
"Well, I realized that we've become to get closer lately, ya know. Behind the scenes? I thought that maybe-," she could continue but Jeff cut her off with a kiss. It startled her completely but she returned the kiss and grabbed the back of his head. Damn! I knew she wanted me! Jeff said as the couple rolled on the bed. Then, Naomi pushed him away.
"I can't, Jeff," she said.
"Can't what?" Jeff asked her suspiciously.
"I can't have a relationship with you! I mean, we don't have a storyline for it anyway!" Naomi became frustrated again.
"But this stuff is behind character," Jeff said pleadingly. Naomi looked at him somewhat icily.
"Well, but it could affect the character, right? I'm not taking any risks until I'm ready," she said stiffly. Jeff sighed and walked behind her, encircling his arms around her slim waist. He kissed the back of her neck tenderly.
"Ok, if you wanna go slow, I understand perfectly. But, don't forget that I'm always here for you. I'm going to pack my bag for our match later. Get ready and I'll pick you up, ok?" Jeff nuzzled her neck and left her room. The minute he left, Naomi broke down and cried. Jeff was so nice to her and she couldn't tell him the biggest secret ever. Her cell phone rang.
"Well, have you told the bastard?" a harsh voice snarled at her as soon as she answered the phone.
"No!" she choked out, unable to control her tears. The man at the other side of the line growled.
"Well you better tell him because I'm gonna getcha in two weeks. I'll be there for you, baby," the man growled again and hung up. Naomi collapsed into more tears and flung herself onto the bed. How could she tell Jeff now? The room now was filled with Naomi's heartbreaking sobs.
A/N: Well, how'd ya liked it? I'm having a writer's block so I can't really type properly. But, WHAT IS NAOMI'S SECRET? Who was that man on the phone? So many unanswered questions!