"Casey, you're back," Jeff said smiling slightly. He let me into his
room which was cluttered with his stuff. "I'm happy to see you."
"I'm happy to see you too," I said hugging him tightly. "I heard about you and Trish."
"Shane?" he said as we sat on the edge of his messed up bed.
"Yeah. Are you okay?" I asked putting my hand on his. He slipped his hand out from under mine.
"Yeah, I'm doing okay. Thanks for asking," he said staring off into space.
"You're not okay, are you?" I asked tilting my head to the side. He sat there with that slight smile on his face staring at the wall. "Jeff!"
"What? I'm sorry," he said turning towards me.
"Jeff, what's wrong with you?" I asked with a worried expression.
"Nothing. I'm fine."
"No you're not. I know you and this is not you being fine!" I exclaimed.
"Case, fine, you win. I'm not okay. I'm sick of being alone. You don't know what it's like to be without that special someone." I let out a laugh and looked at him.
"I don't know what it's like?!" I exclaimed. "Jeff, I know more than anyone what it's like. I know what it's like to watch your best friend kissing her boyfriend and you not being able to do that. I know what it's like to not be held at nite when you need to be. Jeff, I know what it's like!"
"Casey, I'm in love with someone that doesn't love me. Do you know what that feels like?" he asked sharply.
"Yes, Jeff, I do know that feels like. It's hard and it hurts."
"Well, that's what I'm feeling right now."
"Why don't you tell this girl? Tell her you love her? You may be surprised at how she feels about you," I said.
"I can't. She's got a boyfriend. They're in love. They've dating for a couple months and I can already see that they may be getting married."
"After only a couple months?" "Yeah. They're so much in love. Really they are. It's completely obvious. And I can't do anything about it. Although I wish I could."
"I'm sorry Jeff. I really am. I wish I could help. I wish I could make things right for you!" I hugged him tightly, but he pushed me away. "I guess I'll go then. Bye Jeff."
I walked out the door, hurting from the rejection I had gotten from him. "Casey, if only you knew. If only I could tell you. Then you could do something. But I can't. I don't wanna be the one responsible for breaking up my two best friends. I don't want to hurt either of you!! That's how much I love you!" Jeff exclaimed as he laid down on the bed.
"Case, ready to go to the arena for the house show?" Shane asked walking out of our room with mine and his gear. I nodded and we were off to the arena.
"You've been kinda quiet," Shane said as we stood at the entrance to the ring. I stretched my arms and cracked my back before looking up at him.
"I'm sorry. Guess I don't have much to say tonite," I said softly as I waited for his music to go off. Jeff was already waiting for us in the ring since Shane and he would be tag partners. Marc and Matt stepped up behind us as Shane's music hit.
"And his partner, being accompanied by Mystic Angel. Weighing in at 215 lbs from Smithfield, North Carolina..THE HURRICANE!" We walked out waving to the crowd. Shane grabbed my hand as we walked to the ring. We got inside and we all hit fists for each other. Jeff and I looked at each other intensely while the Dudley's walked out. I slid out of the ring and watched on as Bubba controlled the match.
By the end of the match a table had been broken, Jeff was in pain, and not even the Hurricane's super powers could help them out. They had lost. Miserably. I got into the ring at the end of the match and kneeled down between Jeff and Shane. Both had gone through the table and were laying on the mat motionless. The three of us slowly got out of the ring and went backstage. I walked to the Diva's locker room and changed quickly. Without word to anyone, I left in a taxi for the hotel. Once I got in the room I laid on the bed in the silence and closed my eyes.
"OH GOD!! CASEY!! You're here. Thank you God!!" Shane exclaimed. I sat up and looked at him. "Why the hell didn't you tell me you were leaving? Hell, why didn't you tell someone you were leaving?!"
"I'm sorry. I just wanted to get out of there."
"Why?! What's wrong with you? Ever since you went to Trish and Jeff's room, you've been like this." Shane sat next to me and pulled me into him. I closed my eyes tightly and it was like everything suddenly released. My tears that I had been holding back all nite fell down my cheeks. I was shaking as I cried harder and harder. Shane pulled away and looked deep into my eyes. He quickly removed his hands from my shoulders and stood. My eyes followed him as he paced across the floor. "How could you do this?!"
I looked at him, speechless. I thought of everything he could be talking about and nothing came to mind. "How the hell could you do this?!" he said in a harsher tone. He stalked over to me and grabbed my arms roughly. "WHY?!"
I cried harder as I tried to get out of his grasp. He just seemed to squeeze tighter around my arms. "You and Jeff kissed, didn't you!?" he exclaimed with a sadistic look on his face. For the first time ever, I was afraid him. I shook my head and he let go of me. "You did. You kissed him."
"Shane, no. I didn't. I don't know why you think that, but I didn't. I swear to you!" I exclaimed as I stood. I walked towards him and went to put my hand on his arm, but he dodged me.
"I don't believe you. I don't believe you!!! Why would you do this to me?!" he screamed. I looked at the floor as tears streamed down my face. "You fucking said you loved me! What the hell is this Casey? What?!"
"Shane, I didn't. I wouldn't ever do that to you. I do love you. I love you so much."
"If you loved me, you wouldn't have kissed him."
"I didn't!" I screamed in anger. I looked into his eyes. Even through this argument they were soft. I knew mine had to be dark blue, to go along with my anger. His harsh facial expression changed into a soft understanding one. The tears came faster and faster as tears streamed down his face as well. "Fuck this. I'm gonna see if I can stay with Trish! Goodnite Shane!"
I ran out the door and down the hall to Trish's room. "What the hell did I just do? She really didn't kiss him!" Shane yelled to himself as sat on the edge of the bed. He placed his head in his hands and continued to cry.
I knocked on the door and there was no answer. I thought of the people on the roster and knew Nora wouldn't be around. She'd be at the gym. Stacy would be out with Andrew. Marc and Matt would probably be out with Rob, Booker, and others. The only one that I knew would be here was Jeff. I sighed and walked down to his room. I knocked on the door and waited a while.
"Casey?!" he exclaimed. Tears were still streaming down my face and he immediately brought me into his strong, safe arms. I let him hold me in the hallway while I cried on his shoulder. "Come on inside."
He pulled me into his room and shut the door. He sat me on the bed, still holding me tightly. He just held me as I cried on his shoulder. Minutes passed before he pulled away. I looked into his emerald green eyes as he wiped the tears off my face with his hand. "What's the matter?" he asked softly.
"Shane. Oh, Jeff, it was horrible. He was all excited to see that I was in the room and safe. And he asked me why I left and why I had been acting the way I have since I went to see you and Trish. He was holding me and I began crying, just like I am now. Then he pulled away and accused me of kissing you. Jeff, I was so scared. He grabbed my arms and squeezed so hard. I have never been afraid of him before. He was just crazy. He didn't believe me when I said I didn't. That I loved him to much to do that! But he wouldn't believe. I didn't know where else to go. I couldn't stay there. And so I went to Trish's room and she's not there. I thought of everyone else and knew they'd be out doing something. You were the only one that I knew would be here." Jeff pulled me into him again and caressed the back of my head.
"Shane would never hurt you. He would never hurt anyone. He does love you. I don't know why he would think that you would kiss me. But I'm sure he's over it by now. Why don't you go back to him?" Jeff said as I pulled away.
"Oh, this is just great. No one wants me! Fine! Maybe I should just fucking go back to my old life!" I yelled as I stood. I began to storm off to the door when Jeff grabbed my arm. "Let me go!" He shook his head as I began to cry harder. He pulled me to him and wrapped his arms around me as I struggled.
"I'll never let you go. NEVER!" he exclaimed as I gave up and let him hold me. He led me to the bed and we sat down together. "Casey, we want you. All of us. Me, Matt, Trish, Mark, Shane, EVERYONE! You don't need to ever go to your old life. I couldn't stand it if you left! You know that."
"I'm not so sure anymore. Today, when I was here to make sure you alright, you acted like you didn't even want me around. I don't know what I ever did, but that's how you were. You didn't want me touching you or anything! And then Shane, well, what am I supposed to do with that. He obviously doesn't trust me when it comes to you."
"Yeah, well, no one trusts us. That's why Tri....never mind. I don't know what it is about us that they just don't trust, but they don't. People see this connection that we have. I don't know what that connection is or why we can't see it or anything, but they see and seem to think that we have a thing for each other. Which we don't. I mean sure, I love you, but it's strictly as a brother and sister relationship."
"I keep telling everyone that, but they don't seem to believe me. I don't understand why we can't convince anyone that we are not in love with each other! Ya know, it kinda pisses me off and gets on my nerves. I'm so sick of people asking me why I'm with Shane and not you."
"Well, it seems you've stopped crying and I don't really feel like sleeping right now. Do you wanna go swimming?" I smiled and nodded.
"Too bad I didn't bring my bathing suit though. I'll just have to stick my feet in there," I said as we rode the elevator down.
"No, you are goin in with me. We'll be the only ones in there. We always are. You'll just have to strip down...." he said as we walked into the pool area. It was warm and steamy from the hot tubs and heated pool.
"You just wanna see me in my underwear!" I joked.
"Yeah baby!! WAHOO!" he exclaimed as he winked at me. I laughed and slapped his shoulder playfully. "Come on, let's get in there!" He began taking off he shirt and slipped out of his jeans, revealing a pair of dark blue boxer shorts.
"I can not believe you are goin in there like that," I said with a smile.
"Why? I mean, I could go in naked, but I thought that would look bad if someone happened to walk in," Jeff said before he divided in. He popped out of the water and smiled. "Come on. Get your ass in here before I have to get out and throw you in, fully clothed!"
I laughed and began to take my clothes off. I sighed and walked to the edge of the deep end. I smiled and turned around to do a back flip into the water. I popped up and looked around for Jeff. I started to panic when I couldn't find him. Then, all of a sudden, I was pulled under the water. I struggled as I slowly opened my eyes to see a flash of black and purple go by me. I popped up, gasping for air, and quickly swam to him. He laughed as he started to swim away from me. I caught up to him and jumped on his back. He stood up in the swallow end and carried me on his back up the steps. We sat in the hot tub and relaxed.
"Chris, grab Jeff's clothes and I'll get Casey's," Paul whispered to Chris Irvine. Chris nodded and quietly snuck into the pool area. They grabbed our clothes and ran out the door just as we climbed out.
"Dude, they're so gonna kill us!" Chris said.
"Oh well! This is gonna go down in the history of pranks for us!" Paul exclaimed as they sat in the lobby holding our clothes.
"No one can beat us when it comes to pulling pranks. Poor Casey has no clue what she's up against. Jeff will know instantly though. Especially after he died the tips of my hair red that nite! Man that pissed me off. It's a good thing it went over well with people!"
"No, man. It didn't. You look like a freak!" Paul laughed. Chris threw some clothes at Paul and he threw them back at Chris.
"Jeff, where's our clothes?" I asked as we climbed out of the hot tub.
"What do you mean? We put them on the chairs," Jeff replied looking around for them.
"Jeff, they're not here. What the hell did you do with them?!" I exclaimed.
"What makes you think I did something with them? I haven't left your side the whole time!" Jeff yelled.
"Well, then where the hell did they go?!" I yelled back.
"PAUL AND CHRIS!!!!" Jeff yelled. I looked at him curiously and he grabbed my hand. "Come on. The kings of practical jokes stole our clothes."
"Excuse me, but I am so totally not goin out there like this!!" I exclaimed crossing my arms.
"You want your clothes?" Jeff asked. I nodded. "Then you'll be coming with me!"
"How do you know they have our clothes?" I asked as he pulled me along after him. We dripped a trail of water as we walked towards the lobby.
"They like to play pranks on everyone. And I'm figuring this is your first time and a pay back for me dyeing the tips of Chris's hair red."
"That's your fault?!" I exclaimed.
"Yeah, but I didn't think he would keep and that people would go along with it!" he said as we found them in the lobby looking innocent. We stood in front of them with our arms crossed.
"Ummmm....I think you two forgot to get dressed," Paul said seriously.
"Yeah, clothes are welcomed here. PLEASE!" Chris said with a wince. "Actually, Case, you can walk around like that any time, but Hardy, put some damn clothes on!" "Chris, Paul, give us back our clothes!" Jeff demanded.
"Why would we have your clothes?" Paul asked.
"Because you two have decided that you are the kings of pranks. And this is just something you two would do to us!" Jeff said.
"Yeah, so could you guys please give us back our clothes? We're cold," I asked politely.
"Well, since you put it that way....no! Cause we don't have em!" Chris said.
"Guys, seriously, this is cruel. Look at me. I'm in a soaked blue bra and purple panties! Please give me my clothes!" I asked roughly. Paul smiled and handed me my shirt and jeans. "Thank you so much."
"Hey! What about me?!" Jeff exclaimed looking at the three of us.
"Sorry Jeff, but you're on your own with this one." I smiled as I pulled my clothes on. I sat next to Paul and he put his arm around my shoulders.
"Come on guys. Please. I look like a freak!" Jeff exclaimed.
"Dude, you always looked like a freak, Mr. Skittles!" Paul said.
"Hey man! Don't knock the hair!" I said.
"Sorry, you look good with your hair like that!" Paul said kissing my cheek.
"Thank you." I smiled as Jeff glared at us.
"Come on. Dudes, I'm like frozen!"
"Alright guys. Give him back his clothes. I feel bad for him!" I said standing next to Jeff. He slipped his arm around my waist and kissed my cheek.
"Thank you!" he said as Chris handed him his clothes. He pulled them on quickly and he took my hand. We rode the elevator up to his room. "Are you tired?"
"No, I've got some energy, why?" I asked.
"What do ya wanna do?" Jeff asked as we flopped down on his bed together. I looked at my finger nails and smiled.
"Well, I do need to do my nails. Look at them. The polish is coming off," I said as he took my hand to examine my nail polish. "What colors?" he asked standing up. He opened up a small case and looked through it. "Purple, black, white, blue, what?"
"Ummmmmm.....how about all four and through in a green too!?" I said with a smile. He nodded and pulled them all out. He took out some nail polish remover and grabbed a tissue. After taking off all the old polish he began to apply a color to each finger. When he was done, I examined each finger and smiled. "Thanks. From now on, I'm coming to you to do my nails. I think you do a better job than I do!"
"Yeah well, I've had a lot of practice!" Jeff said as I laughed.
"Yeah, well, so have I and I haven't done them this well!"
"What can I say? I'm a natural!" He smiled and I laughed harder. "I guess you're feeling better?"
"Yep, I think I am. Thank you. You really have turned this nite around." I kissed his cheek softly as he sat next to me.
"Movie?" he asked reaching over me for the remote.
"Yeah, sure. What else are we gonna do at 3:00 in the morning?" I asked with a laugh.
About 10 minutes into End of Days we fell asleep. I had my head resting on his lap and he was uncomfortably leaning up against the head board of the bed. I woke up and stretched forgetting that I had fallen asleep on him. His eyes fluttered open and he looked at me. I smiled and he smiled back.
"Sorry, didn't mean to wake you," I said.
"That's okay," he said through a yawn. "We had an eventful nite, didn't we?"
"Yeah we did. I had a lot of fun. Even the whole deal with Chris and Paul was fun!" I said with a laugh.
"Yeah because you got your clothes back without many problems!"
"Yeah, true!" I said with a laugh. "I guess I should go brave Shane, huh?"
"Probably. He may be getting worried about you, since it is 3 in the afternoon!"
"Yeah. I'll see ya later. Love ya, Jeff," I said as I walked out the door.
"I love you too," he said with a sigh.
"Casey, where have you been!? Trish said that you never went to her room!" Shane exclaimed as I walked into the room.
"I know. Sorry," I said as calmly as possible.
"So, where'd you go?" he asked softly.
"I know this is gonna make everything that you yelled at me about last nite seem true, but I was in Jeff's room. Let me explain before you fly off the handle. Trish wasn't in her room when I went there and I knew everyone else would be out, so Jeff was the only one that came to my mind that would be in his room."
"I see," Shane said.
"You see? That's all you have to say? You're not gonna yell at me?" I asked shocked.
"Nope. I know I was wrong last nite and I apologize."
"I forgive you. Just next time listen to me before you jump to conclusions?" I said as we sat on the bed.
"Yeah, I will." He kissed my lips softly and yawned. "I hardly got any sleep last nite. I was so upset and worried about you. I see Jeff did your nails. Good isn't he?!"
"Yeah, he's great," I said softly. "Ya know, he really helped me out a lot last nite. When you couldn't or wouldn't I should say."
"Case, I'm sorry. You already said you forgave me. Why do we have to go over this again?" Shane argued.
"I'm not going over it again. I'm not saying anything about it. And I do forgive you!" I said.
"Oh, sorry that I just jumped all over you again. Damn, I'm being an asshole lately."
"I just wanna tell you that you really scared me last nite. I was honestly afraid of you!" I said.
"Why? What did I do that was so scary?" he asked.
"Shane, you were crazy. You grabbed me tightly and wouldn't let go. You hurt me. You really did. It just scared me cause I didn't think you could or would get like that."
"I didn't mean to hurt you. I guess I was just trying to make a point."
"Yeah, well, it's okay. I'm fine. No harm done. Just please don't do it again?" I said.
"Never. You have my word!" He kissed my cheek and held me close to him.
"I'm happy to see you too," I said hugging him tightly. "I heard about you and Trish."
"Shane?" he said as we sat on the edge of his messed up bed.
"Yeah. Are you okay?" I asked putting my hand on his. He slipped his hand out from under mine.
"Yeah, I'm doing okay. Thanks for asking," he said staring off into space.
"You're not okay, are you?" I asked tilting my head to the side. He sat there with that slight smile on his face staring at the wall. "Jeff!"
"What? I'm sorry," he said turning towards me.
"Jeff, what's wrong with you?" I asked with a worried expression.
"Nothing. I'm fine."
"No you're not. I know you and this is not you being fine!" I exclaimed.
"Case, fine, you win. I'm not okay. I'm sick of being alone. You don't know what it's like to be without that special someone." I let out a laugh and looked at him.
"I don't know what it's like?!" I exclaimed. "Jeff, I know more than anyone what it's like. I know what it's like to watch your best friend kissing her boyfriend and you not being able to do that. I know what it's like to not be held at nite when you need to be. Jeff, I know what it's like!"
"Casey, I'm in love with someone that doesn't love me. Do you know what that feels like?" he asked sharply.
"Yes, Jeff, I do know that feels like. It's hard and it hurts."
"Well, that's what I'm feeling right now."
"Why don't you tell this girl? Tell her you love her? You may be surprised at how she feels about you," I said.
"I can't. She's got a boyfriend. They're in love. They've dating for a couple months and I can already see that they may be getting married."
"After only a couple months?" "Yeah. They're so much in love. Really they are. It's completely obvious. And I can't do anything about it. Although I wish I could."
"I'm sorry Jeff. I really am. I wish I could help. I wish I could make things right for you!" I hugged him tightly, but he pushed me away. "I guess I'll go then. Bye Jeff."
I walked out the door, hurting from the rejection I had gotten from him. "Casey, if only you knew. If only I could tell you. Then you could do something. But I can't. I don't wanna be the one responsible for breaking up my two best friends. I don't want to hurt either of you!! That's how much I love you!" Jeff exclaimed as he laid down on the bed.
"Case, ready to go to the arena for the house show?" Shane asked walking out of our room with mine and his gear. I nodded and we were off to the arena.
"You've been kinda quiet," Shane said as we stood at the entrance to the ring. I stretched my arms and cracked my back before looking up at him.
"I'm sorry. Guess I don't have much to say tonite," I said softly as I waited for his music to go off. Jeff was already waiting for us in the ring since Shane and he would be tag partners. Marc and Matt stepped up behind us as Shane's music hit.
"And his partner, being accompanied by Mystic Angel. Weighing in at 215 lbs from Smithfield, North Carolina..THE HURRICANE!" We walked out waving to the crowd. Shane grabbed my hand as we walked to the ring. We got inside and we all hit fists for each other. Jeff and I looked at each other intensely while the Dudley's walked out. I slid out of the ring and watched on as Bubba controlled the match.
By the end of the match a table had been broken, Jeff was in pain, and not even the Hurricane's super powers could help them out. They had lost. Miserably. I got into the ring at the end of the match and kneeled down between Jeff and Shane. Both had gone through the table and were laying on the mat motionless. The three of us slowly got out of the ring and went backstage. I walked to the Diva's locker room and changed quickly. Without word to anyone, I left in a taxi for the hotel. Once I got in the room I laid on the bed in the silence and closed my eyes.
"OH GOD!! CASEY!! You're here. Thank you God!!" Shane exclaimed. I sat up and looked at him. "Why the hell didn't you tell me you were leaving? Hell, why didn't you tell someone you were leaving?!"
"I'm sorry. I just wanted to get out of there."
"Why?! What's wrong with you? Ever since you went to Trish and Jeff's room, you've been like this." Shane sat next to me and pulled me into him. I closed my eyes tightly and it was like everything suddenly released. My tears that I had been holding back all nite fell down my cheeks. I was shaking as I cried harder and harder. Shane pulled away and looked deep into my eyes. He quickly removed his hands from my shoulders and stood. My eyes followed him as he paced across the floor. "How could you do this?!"
I looked at him, speechless. I thought of everything he could be talking about and nothing came to mind. "How the hell could you do this?!" he said in a harsher tone. He stalked over to me and grabbed my arms roughly. "WHY?!"
I cried harder as I tried to get out of his grasp. He just seemed to squeeze tighter around my arms. "You and Jeff kissed, didn't you!?" he exclaimed with a sadistic look on his face. For the first time ever, I was afraid him. I shook my head and he let go of me. "You did. You kissed him."
"Shane, no. I didn't. I don't know why you think that, but I didn't. I swear to you!" I exclaimed as I stood. I walked towards him and went to put my hand on his arm, but he dodged me.
"I don't believe you. I don't believe you!!! Why would you do this to me?!" he screamed. I looked at the floor as tears streamed down my face. "You fucking said you loved me! What the hell is this Casey? What?!"
"Shane, I didn't. I wouldn't ever do that to you. I do love you. I love you so much."
"If you loved me, you wouldn't have kissed him."
"I didn't!" I screamed in anger. I looked into his eyes. Even through this argument they were soft. I knew mine had to be dark blue, to go along with my anger. His harsh facial expression changed into a soft understanding one. The tears came faster and faster as tears streamed down his face as well. "Fuck this. I'm gonna see if I can stay with Trish! Goodnite Shane!"
I ran out the door and down the hall to Trish's room. "What the hell did I just do? She really didn't kiss him!" Shane yelled to himself as sat on the edge of the bed. He placed his head in his hands and continued to cry.
I knocked on the door and there was no answer. I thought of the people on the roster and knew Nora wouldn't be around. She'd be at the gym. Stacy would be out with Andrew. Marc and Matt would probably be out with Rob, Booker, and others. The only one that I knew would be here was Jeff. I sighed and walked down to his room. I knocked on the door and waited a while.
"Casey?!" he exclaimed. Tears were still streaming down my face and he immediately brought me into his strong, safe arms. I let him hold me in the hallway while I cried on his shoulder. "Come on inside."
He pulled me into his room and shut the door. He sat me on the bed, still holding me tightly. He just held me as I cried on his shoulder. Minutes passed before he pulled away. I looked into his emerald green eyes as he wiped the tears off my face with his hand. "What's the matter?" he asked softly.
"Shane. Oh, Jeff, it was horrible. He was all excited to see that I was in the room and safe. And he asked me why I left and why I had been acting the way I have since I went to see you and Trish. He was holding me and I began crying, just like I am now. Then he pulled away and accused me of kissing you. Jeff, I was so scared. He grabbed my arms and squeezed so hard. I have never been afraid of him before. He was just crazy. He didn't believe me when I said I didn't. That I loved him to much to do that! But he wouldn't believe. I didn't know where else to go. I couldn't stay there. And so I went to Trish's room and she's not there. I thought of everyone else and knew they'd be out doing something. You were the only one that I knew would be here." Jeff pulled me into him again and caressed the back of my head.
"Shane would never hurt you. He would never hurt anyone. He does love you. I don't know why he would think that you would kiss me. But I'm sure he's over it by now. Why don't you go back to him?" Jeff said as I pulled away.
"Oh, this is just great. No one wants me! Fine! Maybe I should just fucking go back to my old life!" I yelled as I stood. I began to storm off to the door when Jeff grabbed my arm. "Let me go!" He shook his head as I began to cry harder. He pulled me to him and wrapped his arms around me as I struggled.
"I'll never let you go. NEVER!" he exclaimed as I gave up and let him hold me. He led me to the bed and we sat down together. "Casey, we want you. All of us. Me, Matt, Trish, Mark, Shane, EVERYONE! You don't need to ever go to your old life. I couldn't stand it if you left! You know that."
"I'm not so sure anymore. Today, when I was here to make sure you alright, you acted like you didn't even want me around. I don't know what I ever did, but that's how you were. You didn't want me touching you or anything! And then Shane, well, what am I supposed to do with that. He obviously doesn't trust me when it comes to you."
"Yeah, well, no one trusts us. That's why Tri....never mind. I don't know what it is about us that they just don't trust, but they don't. People see this connection that we have. I don't know what that connection is or why we can't see it or anything, but they see and seem to think that we have a thing for each other. Which we don't. I mean sure, I love you, but it's strictly as a brother and sister relationship."
"I keep telling everyone that, but they don't seem to believe me. I don't understand why we can't convince anyone that we are not in love with each other! Ya know, it kinda pisses me off and gets on my nerves. I'm so sick of people asking me why I'm with Shane and not you."
"Well, it seems you've stopped crying and I don't really feel like sleeping right now. Do you wanna go swimming?" I smiled and nodded.
"Too bad I didn't bring my bathing suit though. I'll just have to stick my feet in there," I said as we rode the elevator down.
"No, you are goin in with me. We'll be the only ones in there. We always are. You'll just have to strip down...." he said as we walked into the pool area. It was warm and steamy from the hot tubs and heated pool.
"You just wanna see me in my underwear!" I joked.
"Yeah baby!! WAHOO!" he exclaimed as he winked at me. I laughed and slapped his shoulder playfully. "Come on, let's get in there!" He began taking off he shirt and slipped out of his jeans, revealing a pair of dark blue boxer shorts.
"I can not believe you are goin in there like that," I said with a smile.
"Why? I mean, I could go in naked, but I thought that would look bad if someone happened to walk in," Jeff said before he divided in. He popped out of the water and smiled. "Come on. Get your ass in here before I have to get out and throw you in, fully clothed!"
I laughed and began to take my clothes off. I sighed and walked to the edge of the deep end. I smiled and turned around to do a back flip into the water. I popped up and looked around for Jeff. I started to panic when I couldn't find him. Then, all of a sudden, I was pulled under the water. I struggled as I slowly opened my eyes to see a flash of black and purple go by me. I popped up, gasping for air, and quickly swam to him. He laughed as he started to swim away from me. I caught up to him and jumped on his back. He stood up in the swallow end and carried me on his back up the steps. We sat in the hot tub and relaxed.
"Chris, grab Jeff's clothes and I'll get Casey's," Paul whispered to Chris Irvine. Chris nodded and quietly snuck into the pool area. They grabbed our clothes and ran out the door just as we climbed out.
"Dude, they're so gonna kill us!" Chris said.
"Oh well! This is gonna go down in the history of pranks for us!" Paul exclaimed as they sat in the lobby holding our clothes.
"No one can beat us when it comes to pulling pranks. Poor Casey has no clue what she's up against. Jeff will know instantly though. Especially after he died the tips of my hair red that nite! Man that pissed me off. It's a good thing it went over well with people!"
"No, man. It didn't. You look like a freak!" Paul laughed. Chris threw some clothes at Paul and he threw them back at Chris.
"Jeff, where's our clothes?" I asked as we climbed out of the hot tub.
"What do you mean? We put them on the chairs," Jeff replied looking around for them.
"Jeff, they're not here. What the hell did you do with them?!" I exclaimed.
"What makes you think I did something with them? I haven't left your side the whole time!" Jeff yelled.
"Well, then where the hell did they go?!" I yelled back.
"PAUL AND CHRIS!!!!" Jeff yelled. I looked at him curiously and he grabbed my hand. "Come on. The kings of practical jokes stole our clothes."
"Excuse me, but I am so totally not goin out there like this!!" I exclaimed crossing my arms.
"You want your clothes?" Jeff asked. I nodded. "Then you'll be coming with me!"
"How do you know they have our clothes?" I asked as he pulled me along after him. We dripped a trail of water as we walked towards the lobby.
"They like to play pranks on everyone. And I'm figuring this is your first time and a pay back for me dyeing the tips of Chris's hair red."
"That's your fault?!" I exclaimed.
"Yeah, but I didn't think he would keep and that people would go along with it!" he said as we found them in the lobby looking innocent. We stood in front of them with our arms crossed.
"Ummmm....I think you two forgot to get dressed," Paul said seriously.
"Yeah, clothes are welcomed here. PLEASE!" Chris said with a wince. "Actually, Case, you can walk around like that any time, but Hardy, put some damn clothes on!" "Chris, Paul, give us back our clothes!" Jeff demanded.
"Why would we have your clothes?" Paul asked.
"Because you two have decided that you are the kings of pranks. And this is just something you two would do to us!" Jeff said.
"Yeah, so could you guys please give us back our clothes? We're cold," I asked politely.
"Well, since you put it that way....no! Cause we don't have em!" Chris said.
"Guys, seriously, this is cruel. Look at me. I'm in a soaked blue bra and purple panties! Please give me my clothes!" I asked roughly. Paul smiled and handed me my shirt and jeans. "Thank you so much."
"Hey! What about me?!" Jeff exclaimed looking at the three of us.
"Sorry Jeff, but you're on your own with this one." I smiled as I pulled my clothes on. I sat next to Paul and he put his arm around my shoulders.
"Come on guys. Please. I look like a freak!" Jeff exclaimed.
"Dude, you always looked like a freak, Mr. Skittles!" Paul said.
"Hey man! Don't knock the hair!" I said.
"Sorry, you look good with your hair like that!" Paul said kissing my cheek.
"Thank you." I smiled as Jeff glared at us.
"Come on. Dudes, I'm like frozen!"
"Alright guys. Give him back his clothes. I feel bad for him!" I said standing next to Jeff. He slipped his arm around my waist and kissed my cheek.
"Thank you!" he said as Chris handed him his clothes. He pulled them on quickly and he took my hand. We rode the elevator up to his room. "Are you tired?"
"No, I've got some energy, why?" I asked.
"What do ya wanna do?" Jeff asked as we flopped down on his bed together. I looked at my finger nails and smiled.
"Well, I do need to do my nails. Look at them. The polish is coming off," I said as he took my hand to examine my nail polish. "What colors?" he asked standing up. He opened up a small case and looked through it. "Purple, black, white, blue, what?"
"Ummmmmm.....how about all four and through in a green too!?" I said with a smile. He nodded and pulled them all out. He took out some nail polish remover and grabbed a tissue. After taking off all the old polish he began to apply a color to each finger. When he was done, I examined each finger and smiled. "Thanks. From now on, I'm coming to you to do my nails. I think you do a better job than I do!"
"Yeah well, I've had a lot of practice!" Jeff said as I laughed.
"Yeah, well, so have I and I haven't done them this well!"
"What can I say? I'm a natural!" He smiled and I laughed harder. "I guess you're feeling better?"
"Yep, I think I am. Thank you. You really have turned this nite around." I kissed his cheek softly as he sat next to me.
"Movie?" he asked reaching over me for the remote.
"Yeah, sure. What else are we gonna do at 3:00 in the morning?" I asked with a laugh.
About 10 minutes into End of Days we fell asleep. I had my head resting on his lap and he was uncomfortably leaning up against the head board of the bed. I woke up and stretched forgetting that I had fallen asleep on him. His eyes fluttered open and he looked at me. I smiled and he smiled back.
"Sorry, didn't mean to wake you," I said.
"That's okay," he said through a yawn. "We had an eventful nite, didn't we?"
"Yeah we did. I had a lot of fun. Even the whole deal with Chris and Paul was fun!" I said with a laugh.
"Yeah because you got your clothes back without many problems!"
"Yeah, true!" I said with a laugh. "I guess I should go brave Shane, huh?"
"Probably. He may be getting worried about you, since it is 3 in the afternoon!"
"Yeah. I'll see ya later. Love ya, Jeff," I said as I walked out the door.
"I love you too," he said with a sigh.
"Casey, where have you been!? Trish said that you never went to her room!" Shane exclaimed as I walked into the room.
"I know. Sorry," I said as calmly as possible.
"So, where'd you go?" he asked softly.
"I know this is gonna make everything that you yelled at me about last nite seem true, but I was in Jeff's room. Let me explain before you fly off the handle. Trish wasn't in her room when I went there and I knew everyone else would be out, so Jeff was the only one that came to my mind that would be in his room."
"I see," Shane said.
"You see? That's all you have to say? You're not gonna yell at me?" I asked shocked.
"Nope. I know I was wrong last nite and I apologize."
"I forgive you. Just next time listen to me before you jump to conclusions?" I said as we sat on the bed.
"Yeah, I will." He kissed my lips softly and yawned. "I hardly got any sleep last nite. I was so upset and worried about you. I see Jeff did your nails. Good isn't he?!"
"Yeah, he's great," I said softly. "Ya know, he really helped me out a lot last nite. When you couldn't or wouldn't I should say."
"Case, I'm sorry. You already said you forgave me. Why do we have to go over this again?" Shane argued.
"I'm not going over it again. I'm not saying anything about it. And I do forgive you!" I said.
"Oh, sorry that I just jumped all over you again. Damn, I'm being an asshole lately."
"I just wanna tell you that you really scared me last nite. I was honestly afraid of you!" I said.
"Why? What did I do that was so scary?" he asked.
"Shane, you were crazy. You grabbed me tightly and wouldn't let go. You hurt me. You really did. It just scared me cause I didn't think you could or would get like that."
"I didn't mean to hurt you. I guess I was just trying to make a point."
"Yeah, well, it's okay. I'm fine. No harm done. Just please don't do it again?" I said.
"Never. You have my word!" He kissed my cheek and held me close to him.