"Sweetie, wake up," Shane said waking me from my sleep. I slowly
opened my eyes as he kissed my forehead lightly. "Happy Valentine's Day!"
"Happy Valentine's Day," I said with a yawn. I sat up and he placed a plate of heart shaped French toast on my lap. "What's this?"
"Breakfast. I had room service bring it up," he said as he sat next to me to eat his own food. He flipped the tv on and watch cartoons on the Cartoon Network.
"Thank you."
"For what?"
"Breakfast. It was very sweet of you," I said kissing his cheek.
"That's because I'm made of Sugar," he smiled proudly.
"You sure are," I laughed.
"I have the whole day planned for us," he said.
"Oh?" I question curiously.
"Yep. First the movies. Then I'm taking you to the spa so you can get yourself all made up and pretty for our romantic dinner tonite. Stacy's gonna go with you. Then you two are gonna go shopping for a dress for dinner. Remember that it's fancy. I'll even be wearing a suit. Not a tux, but a suit! All on me and Andrew," he said. "Then we'll go to eat and come back here to, well, I think you know."
"Yeah, I think I have somewhat of an idea," I laughed. I walked into the bathroom and jumped in the shower. I pulled on a pair of baggy flare jeans and a blue babydoll t-shirt that said Angel on it in black letters. I pulled my hair into a messy ponytail and put on some foundation.
"Ready to go?" Shane asked pulling his leather coat on. I nodded with a smile as he helped me with my jacket.
We got into the car and drove to a nearby movie theater. After the movie we met up with Stacy and Andrew at the spa. I kissed Shane before walking in the building with Stacy.
"We don't get to spend much time together like this, do we?" she asked as we laid on tables to get massages.
"No, we don't. This is great though. I've never been to a spa before," I said.
"I go whenever I can. It's great to just be able to pamper yourself like this," she said.
"What else are we getting done?" I asked.
"Facials, hair, make-up, nails, and a foot massage," she answered.
"mmmmmm.." I moaned as a man worked on my back.
We relaxed and after about a half hour of our body massage we moved onto getting facials and our nails done. Stacy and I got to know each other better. She was a really cool person just not my Trish. She was and always would be my best friend. Our day at the spa ended at 4 and we were off to the mall to pick out dresses.
"So, what are you and Andrew doin tonite?" I asked as I looked through a rack of casual dresses.
"The same thing you and Shane are doing. Oh, you definitely will need something fancier," she said pushing me to a rack of longer dress.
"Ya know, my clothing style has changed so much. Like, it doesn't really bother me anymore to just throw on a skirt or dress. I used to hate it and always complain. It's amazing how our tastes and styles can change so much in a short amount of time," I said as I held up a knee length black sleeveless dress to myself.
"No, you don't want one like that. How bout this one?" she asked handing me a light purple dress that was knee length and spaghetti strapped.
"Purple's not really my thing," I said with a laugh as she put it back.
She was the first to find a dress. Hers was a pastel pink that was strapless. It went down to her thighs and had a trim of pink flowers at the bottom. She got a pair of black slip on shoes that had little flowers on them. After about an hour, I finally found my dress. It was black and went down to my knees where it triangled. It was spaghetti strapped with light blue flowers on them. My shoes were black strappy party platforms that had a 4 ½ inch heel. By the time we made it back to the hotel it was 6:30 and our dinner was at 7:00. I said goodbye to her and walked into mine and Shane's room. He was sitting on the bed watching tv, already to go. I changed quickly and added hairspray to my already loaded head. My hair was up in bun with stray chunks of hair that were in curls. What would be my bangs, if I had any, were in curls at the side of my face. I put in large silver hoops as Shane banged on the door.
"Just a sec!" I yelled. He didn't bother to wait and opened the door. He stood in the doorway and stared at me in awe.
"You look....wow," he said simply.
I turned to him and smiled as I said, "Thank you." I pushed him aside and sat on the bed to put on my shoes.
"Here, let me do that for you." Shane kneeled down next to my feet and slipped my shoes on my feet. He rubbed his hand up my leg slightly and I smiled. He rubbed my foot lightly and I giggled quietly. He looked up at me in curiosity and then grinned slightly. He brushed the bottom of my foot lightly and I curled my toes under as I began to laugh. He looked up at me devilishly and looked back at my foot letting out an evil laugh.
"Shane, I swear, if you even think about it, I'll kill ya!" I threatened.
"Think about what? I don't know what you're talking about," he said innocently.
"Bull shit. Come on, just put my shoe on," I smiled.
"Hmmmm...."
"Shane, don't you dare!" He smiled at me and continued to slip my shoe on.
"What did ya think I was gonna do?" he asked as he helped me with my jacket.
"Oh don't pull that shit with me. I know exactly what was goin on in that head of yours!" I slapped his shoulder playfully as we left the hotel.
"I have a reservation under the name Helms," Shane told the hostess as he held my hand tightly. We walked into the big dinning area that was filled with beautiful orchestra music, candles, and chandeliers. Shane pulled out my seat for me at the small round table we were seated at. In the middle of the table were two candles burning brightly. A bottle of wine sat off to the side and there was a red rose sitting on my plate. I picked it up and smiled as Shane sat down. "I called it in earlier."
"This place is beautiful," I said softly as Shane reached across the table to hold my hand. "But isn't this place rather expensive?"
"Honey, nothing is too expensive for you." He kissed the back of my hand lightly as the waiter came over and poured wine in our glasses. Shane ordered for me and the waiter walked away to put them in.
"I love you," I said with a never ending smile on my face.
"I love you too. I got you something," he said reaching into his jacket pocket. I tilted my head to look at him as he handed me a black velvet box.
"Oh Shane. You really shouldn't have gotten me anything. I don't deserve it," I said as I tried pushing it back at him.
"Casey, you are the love of my life. You deserve this and much much more. More than probably I'll be able to provide for you, but I'm goin to try and give you everything deserve," he replied pushing the box at me once again.
"Shane, you're all I need. I don't need anything else. And the truth is that I probably don't deserve you. You are just too good for me," I said as I lifted the top of the box up. "Oh my."
"Do you like it?" he asked curiously as I pulled out a silver heart locket.
"Shane, this, this is great. I love it! And you!" I said as he stood up and walked over to me. He leaned down and kissed my lips softly.
"Open it." I raised my eyebrows as I pried open the locket. On one side was a picture of Shane and on the other....Jeff.
"Shane, I don't know what to say." I held the locket in my hand, looking at the pictures. Shane reached around and clasped it around my neck. He closed it before walking back to his seat, touching my skin softly. "I understand the picture of you, but why Jeff?"
"If you don't want him in there you can change it. Personally, I wouldn't want freak boy in there either, but that's just me," he joked. I looked at him with a serious expression and he sighed. "Well, I just figured that we're the two most important men in your life. We both love you and we both know you love us."
"I do love you both. And you both are the most important people in my life. Not just men, but people in general. No one has ever cared for me like you and Jeff has," I said as he picked up his wine glass.
"Toast?" he questioned. I smiled and lifted my glass. "To life, family, friends, and love. Forever in love, for better and for worse." We clinked glasses and sipped the wine.
"This has been the best Valentine's Day of my life. Thank you," I said with a smile as we began to eat our meal.
"Will you excuse me for a moment? Bathroom," Shane smiled as he left the table. I smiled as I watched him walk away. I continued to eat as my cell rang.
"Hello?"
"Hey baby," Jeff replied happily.
"Hey! Happy Valentine's Day!" I said excitedly.
"Thanks! You too! Did you get your gift from Shane yet?" he asked.
"Yeah!! I love the locket. It's beautiful. And I love that it has my two favorite people in it!" I said with a laugh.
"That's good to hear."
"Jeffy, come on back in here!" I heard Karen say in the background.
"Just a sec honey!" he yelled back.
"You'd better go, JEFFY!" I exclaimed coldly.
"Hey now, what was that for?" he asked. His tone changed, no longer was it an excited happy tone, but an upset almost angry one.
"Nothing. Just have fun with Karen," I said.
"I called for a reason you know," he said angrily.
"Oh?"
"Yeah, I wanted to know what you and Shane were doing tonite," he said softly.
"Jeffy!" Karen whined.
"We're out at dinner right now then goin back.....never mind," I said with a giggle.
"Oh, I see!"
"And you hot stuff?"
"Me? What about me?" he teased.
"Yeah, you! What are you and Miss Kare Bear doin tonite?"
"Kare Bear, I like that," Jeff replied softly.
"Jeffy!"
"Just a second Karen, damnit!" Jeff yelled.
"So, are you gonna tell me your plans or not?" I asked with the thoughts of trouble in paradise in my head. 'Maybe things aren't so good between him and Karen. That would make my life a hell of a lot better. Oh Jesus Case. What are you saying?! Dumbass.'
"Casey! CASEY?! Earth to raccoon girl!" Jeff exclaimed breaking through my thoughts.
"Hmmm?"
"Where the hell were you? It's like you were in a whole new dimension or something. I think you need to come back down to earth!" Jeff laughed.
"So, what are you doing tonite?"
"Girl, listen, I just told you. I'm not gonna go through all that shit again!"
"Fine, ya big baby!" I teased.
"Don't start," he laughed.
"JEFFY! Get your fuckin ass off the phone and come upstairs with me! OH!! And get that damn dog out of here!!! Jesus, I hate dogs!" Karen yelled.
"I guess I'd better go," Jeff sighed.
"Is she talking bout Liger? Hell she better be talking bout him cause if she's talking bout my Luna I'm gonna have to lay a Halo's Twist on her fucking ass!" I exclaimed angrily.
"Don't worry. It was about Liger. I'm gonna go now. Before she explodes."
"Alright. Have fun tonite."
"Yeah you too. BUT NOT TOO MUCH!!!"
"Damn, there goes those plans!" I laughed.
"Love ya kid."
"I love you too JEFFY!!" I teased.
"UGH! Bye," he said as I heard a large crash and the phone click off.
"Jeff?" Shane asked sitting down.
"Yeah. Took you long enough. I almost thought you were drowning or something!" I laughed.
"Yeah, long line. Those men's rooms can be a pain!"
"Oh bull shit!"
"Okay, so the guy handing out the towels intrigued me!"
"Yeah, okay. Now that, I would buy," I said with a wide smile.
"God, I love your eyes," Shane said staring at me.
"Oh? You do, do you?" I joked.
"I'm serious. Casey, your eyes are so, wild. One minute they're gray and the next they're this incredible blue color. Like they are now. They're so bright and light. It's amazing. It's like they hold excitement. It's almost like I can see your life in your eyes."
I lowered my head as I felt my face begin to get hot. I was blushing and I knew it. He got out of his seat and kneeled down next to me. He put my head in his hands and raised it so we were eye level. "Shane, come on. They're not amazing. Nothing about me is amazing," I said with a small smile.
"Casey, listen to me. You are beautiful. You are such a special person. I can honestly say that I'm a better person by knowing you and an even better person by being able to love you. I don't know why you have this thing in your head that tells you that you're not special or beautiful or wonderful or whatever, but I'm gonna get that out of there. Because you deserve to believe that you are." He kissed my lips lightly and smiled.
"Shane, you are the best thing to come into my life. Really you are. No one else has ever made me feel the way you make me feel. It's like I'm a queen or something," I said as he sat back down. He grabbed my hand and held it tightly across the table.
"Angel, you are my queen. You are queen of the angels. My job, hell, my purpose is to make you realize all this."
"I love you so much," I said as my eyes began to water.
"Baby, I love you too, but why are your eyes all watery? Why do you look like you're on the verge of tears?"
"I don't know. I honestly don't know," I said with a shrug as the waiter handed Shane the check.
"Let's get out of here," Shane said leaving cash on the table and grabbing my hand.
As we walked down the hall to our room, Shane began to get antsy. We stood in front of the door to our room and he covered my eyes with his hands. "Shane, what are you doing?"
"I want it to be a surprise!" he said excitedly. "Now, keep your eyes closed while I get things totally ready."
I heard the door creak open as I closed my eyes. I saw the faint flickering of lights and the sounds of quiet music playing. Shane pulled me into the room and I heard the door shut behind me before he said, "Okay, open your eyes."
"Oh my God," I said faintly as I looked around the room. Candles were lit all over the room, roses were all over, and rose petals were thrown all over the bed. Shane kneeled down in front of me and held my hand in his. I looked down at him and an instant fear leaped through my body. I felt myself tense up and my body start to shake as he held out a black velvet jewelry box.
"Now, the last time I did this, it didn't go as planned. I'm hoping it'll be different this time. Baby, we've been together for 6 months now and I think we're pretty in tune with each. I love you with everything I have. You mean the world to me. You are more than I could ever imagine and you keep getting more amazing as time goes by. Sometimes I have to pinch myself to make sure this isn't a dream because I just never thought a girl like you would ever come into my life. You are a dream come true. And it would be an honor if you would please consider marrying me." He opened the box and inside was a beautiful diamond placed on a platinum band.
"Shane, no. I can't marry you. I'm 19 years old. And I do love you with all my heart, but I'm not ready to marry you. I don't want to hurt you and I'm not gonna make the same mistake as last time. But I hope you can understand where I'm coming from right now. But please, Shane, if you still have these feelings, ask me again in the far future," I said as I saw a tear slip down his cheek. He closed the box and stood slowly. "Now that I have ruined this beautiful romantic nite."
"No, you haven't ruined it. Not at all. I guess I kinda expected that answer. But I was just really wishing you'd say yes. I totally understand. And I'm sure I'll always have these feeling for you. I didn't do the room this way just for this proposal. I did this for you. Now, I don't know how you lost it and don't wanna know, but I know when we did it, it was wrong. I didn't want our first time to be so, well, non romantic. This is how I always pictured it. So, I was kinda thinking that we could go back to that first nite we spent together and redo it the right way." He had a mile long smile on his face and all I could do was put my hand on the side of his face.
'I hurt you and this is how you react. You are too good to be true,' I thought as I smiled at him. He pulled me to the bed and we kissed passionately. He ran his hands down my body as we slowly undressed each other. His lips touched every part of my body and made me feel like I was in heaven. That nite, it was more than just sex. He was making love to me. It was special and something I had never felt with him before. 'Could he be the one? His he my rainbow? Am I making a big mistake by not marrying him now?' I thought as he held me tightly. I looked over at him and smiled as he snored his big heart out. I rested my head on his bare chest and he moved me into his body more.
As I slowly began to wake, I had to look around the room to make sure it wasn't a dream. It was all too good to be real. Setting on my chest was the locket Shane had given me. I opened it smiled as I looked the pictures. I loved both of them so much. One was my wonderful boyfriend and the other was.....well, my brother I suppose. These days I'm not quite sure. But Valentine's Day did clear about a lot of things that I had floating around in my head. Shane was just so gentle with me last nite and it was a wonderful experience that you only have once. Or at least that's what I thought.
"Hello?" I said as I answered my ringing cell phone. Shane turned on his side with a groan and I just rolled my eyes with a light chuckle.
"Girl, I have the best news ever!"
"Amy? What's up?" I asked as I sat up in the bed. I pulled the sheet up over me as I stood, walking into the bathroom.
"You will not believe what happened to me last nite!" she exclaimed with excitement in her voice.
"And you won't believe what happened to me!" I laughed.
"You go first."
"Shane asked me to marry him again," I said.
"Oh no. Is he okay? Are you okay? You broke up with him again didn't you?" she questioned.
"No, everyone is just great! But I'm not marrying him anytime soon," I laughed. "I just couldn't believe he would ask me again like that!"
"Yeah, well he does love you completely!"
"Okay, now onto you."
"Well, something similar happened to me last nite!"
"Oh?"
"MATT AND I ARE GETTING MARRIED!!!" she screamed.
"WHAT?!!!" I screamed back in excitement.
"He asked me to marry him last nite and I said yes!!!"
"OH MY GOD!! THAT'S SO AWESOME!!!" I exclaimed as Shane burst into the bathroom. His hair was messed up and his eyes were barely open. He held a blanket around his waist loosely as he stood in the doorway.
"SHHH!!" he exclaimed as I let out a laugh. He shut the door as he walked back out.
"Woke up sleeping beauty?" Amy joked.
"Woke up a sleeping something!" I laughed.
"Casey, you can't tell anyone. We wanna tell people. Okay?"
"Of course. I totally understand! My lips are sealed," I said happily.
"Casey!! Babe!! Can you believe I finally asked her?" Matt exclaimed. I could tell from his voice that his smile was from ear to ear.
"It's about time there Matt!" I laughed.
"I know, I'm so happy!"
"You deserve to be!"
"So? What about you and Shane?"
"What do you mean?"
"Case, I know all about him asking you again. He asked me to get him the ring," Matt said.
"Oh, well, I turned him down, but not like last time. Everything is fine. You don't have to worry about anything. I didn't screw anything up this time!" I laughed.
"That's good to hear babe. Listen, I gotta go. Gotta go see that brother of mine!"
"Ummm...yeah, he had Karen over last nite. Is it really bad if I want to kill her?" I asked.
"No, I don't think so as long as it's okay for me to feel the same way," Matt laughed. "I'll talk to you soon, kiddo."
"Love ya Matt."
"Love you too!"
I walked out of the bathroom and Shane was laying on the bed with his face buried in the pillows. I laid down on his back and he let out a sigh of content. I smiled as I pulled the sheet over me and fell back to sleep.
"Ummm...Case, baby, you gonna get up today? We have to go get Jeff and Amy from the airport in an hour," Shane said touching my shoulder lightly.
"What time is it?" I asked with a yawn.
"About 4:30," he smiled.
"In the afternoon?!" I exclaimed sitting up.
"Yeah, babe. In the afternoon," he laughed as he sat next to me. "We had a really special nite last nite. Or at least I thought it was special."
"Oh Shane, it was special. Very special," I said quietly. He rubbed my shoulders softly as he kissed my neck.
"I can't believe I love someone this much," he said.
"Me either," I said softly tilting my head to the side and closing my eyes as I took in his smell. "SHANE! Stop, I have to get ready. They land in what? An hour?"
"Yeah, true. Better get in that shower," he said removing his hands from my body. I smiled as I stood up and walked into the bathroom. I closed the door over, leaving it open a crack, and jumped in the warm shower. Shane had walked in the bathroom a couple times to fix his hair, wash his face, etc, but I knew he just wanted to see me in the shower. I pulled on a pair of baggy black jeans, a tight blue tank top that I cut into a midriff, and my boots. I threw my Yankees hat on and put my glasses on before we got in the car and left for the airport.
"Shane, could you get me a mocha frap?" I asked sweetly as we walked by a Starbucks in the airport.
"Yeah, sure. Go wait for them and I'll be right back. You want a Tall right?" he asked walking into the shop to wait on the long line. I nodded with a smile and walked to the waiting area for Jeff and Amy's gate. I sat in one of the seats and yawned as I watched people walk by me. I watch one particular family. There was a mother, a father, a daughter about 16 years old, a son about 14 years old, and another daughter about 12 years old. They all seemed to be playing a card game together and having a good time. They were definitely a tight family and I just wished that my family had been like that.
"Oh Case, what the hell are you saying. Your family is like that!!!" I spoke aloud.
"Are you Angel?" a little voice said to me. I looked in front of me and a little girl about 8 years old stood in front of me.
"Yeah, that would be me sweetie," I said softly.
"Can I have your autograph? You're my hero!" she said excitedly as she held out a notebook and marker. I smiled at her and took them both.
"I've never been someone's hero before. What's your name?"
"Lindsey," she replied with a giggle. I chuckled as I signed a page of her notebook. I closed it and handed it back to her. "Can I have a picture too?!"
"Of course! I would love to be in a picture with someone as polite and kind as you!" I said as she grabbed my hand. She led me over to the family I had been watching and pulled on her mother's t-shirt.
"Lindsey, sweetheart, what is it?" she asked in a caring tone.
"Mommy, look who I found! It's Angel! The wrestler!" she said excitedly as her mother looked up at me. I smiled at her and held out my hand.
"Well, Angel, nice to meet you," her mother said politely.
"Nice to meet you as well. Lindsey wanted a picture with me, is that okay?" I asked.
"Oh yes!! She would love that! She's such a big fan of yours!" her mother laughed.
"Personally, I like Jeff hardy better," the older of the children said.
"No way Meg! Chris Benoit is the best!" the boy argued.
"The Hurricane is so cute!!!" the other girl said.
"Yeah, they're all really great guys," I laughed.
"Wow! You're Angel! You're so hot!" the boy said standing up.
"Ummm....thank you," I said in embarrassment.
"Jamie!" they're father exclaimed.
"Sorry, that was rude of me," he apologized as his face grew red.
"That's okay. Really, I don't mind. I've kinda gotten used to hearing that!" I joked as I nudged his shoulder lightly.
"Can we do a family type picture?" they're father asked.
"Of course. It would be my pleasure," I replied as he took a camera out of a book bag and handed it off to who he thought was a stranger. I squinted at the coffee carrying stranger and realized that it was Shane. I shook my head as he winked at me. I stood between the parents and held Lindsey in my arms. The other children gathered around as best as they could and Shane took the picture.
"There ya go," Shane said with a smile as he handed back the camera and handed me my coffee.
"Thanks Sugar," I said before taking a sip.
"Oh my God!!! You're Shane Helms!! You're the Hurricane!" one of the girls announced.
"Guilty!" Shane joked slipping his arm around my waist.
"Can I have your autograph?" she asked excitedly as she ripped the notebook and marker out of Lindsey's hands.
"Sure, anything for a fan as beautiful as you," Shane grinned as he put his autograph under mine to Lindsey.
"Thank you so much," I said as I kissed Lindsey's cheek.
"No, thank you!" she said in a quite sweet voice. Shane and I walked away towards the gate as people walked out the doors into the terminal.
"That had to have been the cutest little girl!" I said with a smile.
"Yeah she was pretty adorable. That whole family was really nice," Shane replied as I saw a blue and purple haired man walking towards us with a red headed woman with a glowing white light around her.
"Jeff!" I cried as I ran into his arms.
"Hey baby! How you doin?" he asked as he set me back on the floor. He kissed my cheek as I looked into his eyes that were covered by sunglasses.
"Hey, take those off so I can look into your green eyes!" I laughed as I took them off to reveal a black and blue right eye. It was puffy and a little swollen. I stepped back as I covered my open mouth. I touched his face lightly as he winced a little in pain. "What the hell happened?"
"Nothing, never mind. I'm perfectly fine. Don't worry about me," he said taking his glasses back and walking past me to Shane.
"Dude?" Shane said.
"No man, don't start!" Jeff said walking past him and slipping his glasses on.
"Well, girl! Let's see it!" I said excitedly turning to Amy with a big smile on my face. She held out her hand to show off her teardrop diamond on a shiny gold band.
"Isn't it beautiful?" she asked.
"It is. I love it!" I said hugging her tightly. "Congratulations!"
"Thanks!" she said with a smile. "Casey, I know we've only known each other for about 7 months, but I think we're like sisters right?"
"Yeah, of course!" I said excitedly.
"Well, I'm glad to hear that. Cause I was hoping you'd be my maid of honor?" she asked shyly.
"Are you serious?! You want me to be your maid of honor?!" I asked happily.
"Yeah, if you want to be that is," she said with an unsure smile.
"Oh my God!! I would love to!!" I said hugging her tightly once again.
"Really? Cause you don't have to say yes if you don't want to be."
"No, I so totally want to be." She smiled at me before grabbing my hand and leading me to Shane.
"This is the best girl ever. Love her unconditionally!" Amy said kissing Shane's cheek.
"Ames, I already do," Shane said taking my hand.
The ride back to the hotel was quiet. I wanted to bring up Jeff's eye, but I didn't want him mad at me, so I stayed quiet. Amy was too busy thinking of things for the wedding. At the hotel Jeff rushed up to his room and the three of us went into the little hotel restaurant.
"I can't believe you're getting married Amy," Shane said with a smile.
"Yeah, neither can I, but I'm so totally happy!" she said with a smile.
"So totally?" Shane questioned with a laugh.
"Yeah....why?"
"You and Case have been hanging out way too much! That's one of her lovely sayings!" Shane laughed.
"Yeah, it is. Maybe I should copyright it!" I joked.
"Oh please don't! I wouldn't be able to pay for the wedding!" Amy laughed.
"How did Jeff react when he heard the news?" I asked.
"Oh, he was ecstatic! He's just as excited as we are!" Amy laughed.
"Ames, truthfully, what happened to his eye?" I asked.
"I don't know, he's been wearing his sunglasses the whole time and never said anything. To be honest with you, I didn't even know there was a bruise under there," Amy responded. I sighed as I watched a man walk into the restaurant. He wore old raggy jeans and a North Carolina tar heels' jersey. He had a baseball cap on and sunglasses. I saw his blue hair coming out underneath it. I shook my head as he was seated a table by himself.
"I'll be right back," I said walking over to the guy. "Why don't you come sit with us?"
"I didn't know you all were here," he replied.
"Jeff, you looked right at us. What's goin on?" I asked sitting down next to him.
"Nothing," he responded.
"Nothing my ass! You're not eating with us, you're wearing sunglasses every place you go, and you're not really talking to me. Please tell me what battering ram hit you," I pleaded.
"Karen," he said quietly.
"What? I didn't hear you right. I thought you just said Karen!" I laughed as I thought about the petit woman punching him. I looked at him as he took off the sunglasses.
"I did say Karen. We got into a fight last nite once I got off the phone with you and she punched me," he explained as I looked at him shocked. "Don't look so shocked. You did the same thing to me!"
"True. I don't understand why she would hit you though, I guess," I said. "What were you fighting about?"
"You mainly. She was pissed cause I didn't get off the phone with her sooner. Definitely not happy! I just told her to chill and that I just missed talking to you and stuff. She did not like that. Thought I didn't want to spend time with her. That you're more important and some crap. I mean, sure you're important, but I'm dating Karen, ya know?"
"Yeah, so she punched you over me?" I questioned with a smile.
"Pretty much!" he laughed.
"You broke up with her, right?" I asked hopefully.
"No. Never crossed my mind. I really like her Case. I know you don't like her. Or Matt. Or really anyone else, but I do. I'm not gonna just break up with her over one stupid fight," he answered.
"But she hit you!" I argued.
"I know, but she apologized and everything. No real harm done," he said with a smile.
"Jeff, you don't need that shit. How do you know she's not gonna do it again?"
"I don't. But if and when she does, that's when I'LL deal with it. You don't have to worry about anything but being with Shane and your responsibilities to Amy as her maid of honor!"
"Sorry that I care!" I said as I stormed off to sit back with Shane and Amy.
"Casey! Come on! Don't be like that!" Jeff yelled. I looked back at him and shook my head. I rolled my eyes as he put his sunglasses back on and I sat down next to Shane.
"Who was that?" Shane asked curiously.
"Jeff. Karen gave him the black eye," I said.
"Why?!" Amy exclaimed.
"They were fighting over me and him talking on the phone last nite I guess. I don't really understand it either, but oh well. Not my problem as he told me!" I exclaimed angrily.
"Did they break up? Please tell me he got some sense into his head and dumped her," Amy pleaded.
"Sorry Ames, but he's still senseless," I replied.
"Damn it! God, I hate that girl. She really is a bitch. Matt and I had lunch with them yesterday and I just wanted to smack her. She had Jeff running all over the place for things. It was really pissing me off!" Amy said.
"Yeah, well he likes her. He's not gonna give that up. You know how he is when it comes to girlfriends," Shane said.
"Yeah, completely and totally stupid!" Amy replied.
"I just hate to see him hurting like that, ya know? God, why did she do that to him?" I said.
"I don't know baby. See they can't always pin abuse on us men. It's sometimes the women too!" Shane said.
"Yeah, I know. But why can't he see that it's abuse?" I asked.
"Cause he's blinded by whatever she may be giving off. Give it time, he'll eventually see her for what she really is!" Amy said.
"A bitch in disguise!" the three of us said together. We burst out laughing and Jeff whipped his head around to look at us. We stopped laughing and he turned back around. I looked at Amy and we started laughing again.
"We really do need to take some time off from each other," Amy laughed.
"Yeah, no kidding! We really are starting to act alike!" I said laughing with her.
"You two amaze me!" Shane said as he rolled his eyes at us.
"Come on Ames, lets go do some wedding planning!" I said taking her hand and pulling her along with me.
"Happy Valentine's Day," I said with a yawn. I sat up and he placed a plate of heart shaped French toast on my lap. "What's this?"
"Breakfast. I had room service bring it up," he said as he sat next to me to eat his own food. He flipped the tv on and watch cartoons on the Cartoon Network.
"Thank you."
"For what?"
"Breakfast. It was very sweet of you," I said kissing his cheek.
"That's because I'm made of Sugar," he smiled proudly.
"You sure are," I laughed.
"I have the whole day planned for us," he said.
"Oh?" I question curiously.
"Yep. First the movies. Then I'm taking you to the spa so you can get yourself all made up and pretty for our romantic dinner tonite. Stacy's gonna go with you. Then you two are gonna go shopping for a dress for dinner. Remember that it's fancy. I'll even be wearing a suit. Not a tux, but a suit! All on me and Andrew," he said. "Then we'll go to eat and come back here to, well, I think you know."
"Yeah, I think I have somewhat of an idea," I laughed. I walked into the bathroom and jumped in the shower. I pulled on a pair of baggy flare jeans and a blue babydoll t-shirt that said Angel on it in black letters. I pulled my hair into a messy ponytail and put on some foundation.
"Ready to go?" Shane asked pulling his leather coat on. I nodded with a smile as he helped me with my jacket.
We got into the car and drove to a nearby movie theater. After the movie we met up with Stacy and Andrew at the spa. I kissed Shane before walking in the building with Stacy.
"We don't get to spend much time together like this, do we?" she asked as we laid on tables to get massages.
"No, we don't. This is great though. I've never been to a spa before," I said.
"I go whenever I can. It's great to just be able to pamper yourself like this," she said.
"What else are we getting done?" I asked.
"Facials, hair, make-up, nails, and a foot massage," she answered.
"mmmmmm.." I moaned as a man worked on my back.
We relaxed and after about a half hour of our body massage we moved onto getting facials and our nails done. Stacy and I got to know each other better. She was a really cool person just not my Trish. She was and always would be my best friend. Our day at the spa ended at 4 and we were off to the mall to pick out dresses.
"So, what are you and Andrew doin tonite?" I asked as I looked through a rack of casual dresses.
"The same thing you and Shane are doing. Oh, you definitely will need something fancier," she said pushing me to a rack of longer dress.
"Ya know, my clothing style has changed so much. Like, it doesn't really bother me anymore to just throw on a skirt or dress. I used to hate it and always complain. It's amazing how our tastes and styles can change so much in a short amount of time," I said as I held up a knee length black sleeveless dress to myself.
"No, you don't want one like that. How bout this one?" she asked handing me a light purple dress that was knee length and spaghetti strapped.
"Purple's not really my thing," I said with a laugh as she put it back.
She was the first to find a dress. Hers was a pastel pink that was strapless. It went down to her thighs and had a trim of pink flowers at the bottom. She got a pair of black slip on shoes that had little flowers on them. After about an hour, I finally found my dress. It was black and went down to my knees where it triangled. It was spaghetti strapped with light blue flowers on them. My shoes were black strappy party platforms that had a 4 ½ inch heel. By the time we made it back to the hotel it was 6:30 and our dinner was at 7:00. I said goodbye to her and walked into mine and Shane's room. He was sitting on the bed watching tv, already to go. I changed quickly and added hairspray to my already loaded head. My hair was up in bun with stray chunks of hair that were in curls. What would be my bangs, if I had any, were in curls at the side of my face. I put in large silver hoops as Shane banged on the door.
"Just a sec!" I yelled. He didn't bother to wait and opened the door. He stood in the doorway and stared at me in awe.
"You look....wow," he said simply.
I turned to him and smiled as I said, "Thank you." I pushed him aside and sat on the bed to put on my shoes.
"Here, let me do that for you." Shane kneeled down next to my feet and slipped my shoes on my feet. He rubbed his hand up my leg slightly and I smiled. He rubbed my foot lightly and I giggled quietly. He looked up at me in curiosity and then grinned slightly. He brushed the bottom of my foot lightly and I curled my toes under as I began to laugh. He looked up at me devilishly and looked back at my foot letting out an evil laugh.
"Shane, I swear, if you even think about it, I'll kill ya!" I threatened.
"Think about what? I don't know what you're talking about," he said innocently.
"Bull shit. Come on, just put my shoe on," I smiled.
"Hmmmm...."
"Shane, don't you dare!" He smiled at me and continued to slip my shoe on.
"What did ya think I was gonna do?" he asked as he helped me with my jacket.
"Oh don't pull that shit with me. I know exactly what was goin on in that head of yours!" I slapped his shoulder playfully as we left the hotel.
"I have a reservation under the name Helms," Shane told the hostess as he held my hand tightly. We walked into the big dinning area that was filled with beautiful orchestra music, candles, and chandeliers. Shane pulled out my seat for me at the small round table we were seated at. In the middle of the table were two candles burning brightly. A bottle of wine sat off to the side and there was a red rose sitting on my plate. I picked it up and smiled as Shane sat down. "I called it in earlier."
"This place is beautiful," I said softly as Shane reached across the table to hold my hand. "But isn't this place rather expensive?"
"Honey, nothing is too expensive for you." He kissed the back of my hand lightly as the waiter came over and poured wine in our glasses. Shane ordered for me and the waiter walked away to put them in.
"I love you," I said with a never ending smile on my face.
"I love you too. I got you something," he said reaching into his jacket pocket. I tilted my head to look at him as he handed me a black velvet box.
"Oh Shane. You really shouldn't have gotten me anything. I don't deserve it," I said as I tried pushing it back at him.
"Casey, you are the love of my life. You deserve this and much much more. More than probably I'll be able to provide for you, but I'm goin to try and give you everything deserve," he replied pushing the box at me once again.
"Shane, you're all I need. I don't need anything else. And the truth is that I probably don't deserve you. You are just too good for me," I said as I lifted the top of the box up. "Oh my."
"Do you like it?" he asked curiously as I pulled out a silver heart locket.
"Shane, this, this is great. I love it! And you!" I said as he stood up and walked over to me. He leaned down and kissed my lips softly.
"Open it." I raised my eyebrows as I pried open the locket. On one side was a picture of Shane and on the other....Jeff.
"Shane, I don't know what to say." I held the locket in my hand, looking at the pictures. Shane reached around and clasped it around my neck. He closed it before walking back to his seat, touching my skin softly. "I understand the picture of you, but why Jeff?"
"If you don't want him in there you can change it. Personally, I wouldn't want freak boy in there either, but that's just me," he joked. I looked at him with a serious expression and he sighed. "Well, I just figured that we're the two most important men in your life. We both love you and we both know you love us."
"I do love you both. And you both are the most important people in my life. Not just men, but people in general. No one has ever cared for me like you and Jeff has," I said as he picked up his wine glass.
"Toast?" he questioned. I smiled and lifted my glass. "To life, family, friends, and love. Forever in love, for better and for worse." We clinked glasses and sipped the wine.
"This has been the best Valentine's Day of my life. Thank you," I said with a smile as we began to eat our meal.
"Will you excuse me for a moment? Bathroom," Shane smiled as he left the table. I smiled as I watched him walk away. I continued to eat as my cell rang.
"Hello?"
"Hey baby," Jeff replied happily.
"Hey! Happy Valentine's Day!" I said excitedly.
"Thanks! You too! Did you get your gift from Shane yet?" he asked.
"Yeah!! I love the locket. It's beautiful. And I love that it has my two favorite people in it!" I said with a laugh.
"That's good to hear."
"Jeffy, come on back in here!" I heard Karen say in the background.
"Just a sec honey!" he yelled back.
"You'd better go, JEFFY!" I exclaimed coldly.
"Hey now, what was that for?" he asked. His tone changed, no longer was it an excited happy tone, but an upset almost angry one.
"Nothing. Just have fun with Karen," I said.
"I called for a reason you know," he said angrily.
"Oh?"
"Yeah, I wanted to know what you and Shane were doing tonite," he said softly.
"Jeffy!" Karen whined.
"We're out at dinner right now then goin back.....never mind," I said with a giggle.
"Oh, I see!"
"And you hot stuff?"
"Me? What about me?" he teased.
"Yeah, you! What are you and Miss Kare Bear doin tonite?"
"Kare Bear, I like that," Jeff replied softly.
"Jeffy!"
"Just a second Karen, damnit!" Jeff yelled.
"So, are you gonna tell me your plans or not?" I asked with the thoughts of trouble in paradise in my head. 'Maybe things aren't so good between him and Karen. That would make my life a hell of a lot better. Oh Jesus Case. What are you saying?! Dumbass.'
"Casey! CASEY?! Earth to raccoon girl!" Jeff exclaimed breaking through my thoughts.
"Hmmm?"
"Where the hell were you? It's like you were in a whole new dimension or something. I think you need to come back down to earth!" Jeff laughed.
"So, what are you doing tonite?"
"Girl, listen, I just told you. I'm not gonna go through all that shit again!"
"Fine, ya big baby!" I teased.
"Don't start," he laughed.
"JEFFY! Get your fuckin ass off the phone and come upstairs with me! OH!! And get that damn dog out of here!!! Jesus, I hate dogs!" Karen yelled.
"I guess I'd better go," Jeff sighed.
"Is she talking bout Liger? Hell she better be talking bout him cause if she's talking bout my Luna I'm gonna have to lay a Halo's Twist on her fucking ass!" I exclaimed angrily.
"Don't worry. It was about Liger. I'm gonna go now. Before she explodes."
"Alright. Have fun tonite."
"Yeah you too. BUT NOT TOO MUCH!!!"
"Damn, there goes those plans!" I laughed.
"Love ya kid."
"I love you too JEFFY!!" I teased.
"UGH! Bye," he said as I heard a large crash and the phone click off.
"Jeff?" Shane asked sitting down.
"Yeah. Took you long enough. I almost thought you were drowning or something!" I laughed.
"Yeah, long line. Those men's rooms can be a pain!"
"Oh bull shit!"
"Okay, so the guy handing out the towels intrigued me!"
"Yeah, okay. Now that, I would buy," I said with a wide smile.
"God, I love your eyes," Shane said staring at me.
"Oh? You do, do you?" I joked.
"I'm serious. Casey, your eyes are so, wild. One minute they're gray and the next they're this incredible blue color. Like they are now. They're so bright and light. It's amazing. It's like they hold excitement. It's almost like I can see your life in your eyes."
I lowered my head as I felt my face begin to get hot. I was blushing and I knew it. He got out of his seat and kneeled down next to me. He put my head in his hands and raised it so we were eye level. "Shane, come on. They're not amazing. Nothing about me is amazing," I said with a small smile.
"Casey, listen to me. You are beautiful. You are such a special person. I can honestly say that I'm a better person by knowing you and an even better person by being able to love you. I don't know why you have this thing in your head that tells you that you're not special or beautiful or wonderful or whatever, but I'm gonna get that out of there. Because you deserve to believe that you are." He kissed my lips lightly and smiled.
"Shane, you are the best thing to come into my life. Really you are. No one else has ever made me feel the way you make me feel. It's like I'm a queen or something," I said as he sat back down. He grabbed my hand and held it tightly across the table.
"Angel, you are my queen. You are queen of the angels. My job, hell, my purpose is to make you realize all this."
"I love you so much," I said as my eyes began to water.
"Baby, I love you too, but why are your eyes all watery? Why do you look like you're on the verge of tears?"
"I don't know. I honestly don't know," I said with a shrug as the waiter handed Shane the check.
"Let's get out of here," Shane said leaving cash on the table and grabbing my hand.
As we walked down the hall to our room, Shane began to get antsy. We stood in front of the door to our room and he covered my eyes with his hands. "Shane, what are you doing?"
"I want it to be a surprise!" he said excitedly. "Now, keep your eyes closed while I get things totally ready."
I heard the door creak open as I closed my eyes. I saw the faint flickering of lights and the sounds of quiet music playing. Shane pulled me into the room and I heard the door shut behind me before he said, "Okay, open your eyes."
"Oh my God," I said faintly as I looked around the room. Candles were lit all over the room, roses were all over, and rose petals were thrown all over the bed. Shane kneeled down in front of me and held my hand in his. I looked down at him and an instant fear leaped through my body. I felt myself tense up and my body start to shake as he held out a black velvet jewelry box.
"Now, the last time I did this, it didn't go as planned. I'm hoping it'll be different this time. Baby, we've been together for 6 months now and I think we're pretty in tune with each. I love you with everything I have. You mean the world to me. You are more than I could ever imagine and you keep getting more amazing as time goes by. Sometimes I have to pinch myself to make sure this isn't a dream because I just never thought a girl like you would ever come into my life. You are a dream come true. And it would be an honor if you would please consider marrying me." He opened the box and inside was a beautiful diamond placed on a platinum band.
"Shane, no. I can't marry you. I'm 19 years old. And I do love you with all my heart, but I'm not ready to marry you. I don't want to hurt you and I'm not gonna make the same mistake as last time. But I hope you can understand where I'm coming from right now. But please, Shane, if you still have these feelings, ask me again in the far future," I said as I saw a tear slip down his cheek. He closed the box and stood slowly. "Now that I have ruined this beautiful romantic nite."
"No, you haven't ruined it. Not at all. I guess I kinda expected that answer. But I was just really wishing you'd say yes. I totally understand. And I'm sure I'll always have these feeling for you. I didn't do the room this way just for this proposal. I did this for you. Now, I don't know how you lost it and don't wanna know, but I know when we did it, it was wrong. I didn't want our first time to be so, well, non romantic. This is how I always pictured it. So, I was kinda thinking that we could go back to that first nite we spent together and redo it the right way." He had a mile long smile on his face and all I could do was put my hand on the side of his face.
'I hurt you and this is how you react. You are too good to be true,' I thought as I smiled at him. He pulled me to the bed and we kissed passionately. He ran his hands down my body as we slowly undressed each other. His lips touched every part of my body and made me feel like I was in heaven. That nite, it was more than just sex. He was making love to me. It was special and something I had never felt with him before. 'Could he be the one? His he my rainbow? Am I making a big mistake by not marrying him now?' I thought as he held me tightly. I looked over at him and smiled as he snored his big heart out. I rested my head on his bare chest and he moved me into his body more.
As I slowly began to wake, I had to look around the room to make sure it wasn't a dream. It was all too good to be real. Setting on my chest was the locket Shane had given me. I opened it smiled as I looked the pictures. I loved both of them so much. One was my wonderful boyfriend and the other was.....well, my brother I suppose. These days I'm not quite sure. But Valentine's Day did clear about a lot of things that I had floating around in my head. Shane was just so gentle with me last nite and it was a wonderful experience that you only have once. Or at least that's what I thought.
"Hello?" I said as I answered my ringing cell phone. Shane turned on his side with a groan and I just rolled my eyes with a light chuckle.
"Girl, I have the best news ever!"
"Amy? What's up?" I asked as I sat up in the bed. I pulled the sheet up over me as I stood, walking into the bathroom.
"You will not believe what happened to me last nite!" she exclaimed with excitement in her voice.
"And you won't believe what happened to me!" I laughed.
"You go first."
"Shane asked me to marry him again," I said.
"Oh no. Is he okay? Are you okay? You broke up with him again didn't you?" she questioned.
"No, everyone is just great! But I'm not marrying him anytime soon," I laughed. "I just couldn't believe he would ask me again like that!"
"Yeah, well he does love you completely!"
"Okay, now onto you."
"Well, something similar happened to me last nite!"
"Oh?"
"MATT AND I ARE GETTING MARRIED!!!" she screamed.
"WHAT?!!!" I screamed back in excitement.
"He asked me to marry him last nite and I said yes!!!"
"OH MY GOD!! THAT'S SO AWESOME!!!" I exclaimed as Shane burst into the bathroom. His hair was messed up and his eyes were barely open. He held a blanket around his waist loosely as he stood in the doorway.
"SHHH!!" he exclaimed as I let out a laugh. He shut the door as he walked back out.
"Woke up sleeping beauty?" Amy joked.
"Woke up a sleeping something!" I laughed.
"Casey, you can't tell anyone. We wanna tell people. Okay?"
"Of course. I totally understand! My lips are sealed," I said happily.
"Casey!! Babe!! Can you believe I finally asked her?" Matt exclaimed. I could tell from his voice that his smile was from ear to ear.
"It's about time there Matt!" I laughed.
"I know, I'm so happy!"
"You deserve to be!"
"So? What about you and Shane?"
"What do you mean?"
"Case, I know all about him asking you again. He asked me to get him the ring," Matt said.
"Oh, well, I turned him down, but not like last time. Everything is fine. You don't have to worry about anything. I didn't screw anything up this time!" I laughed.
"That's good to hear babe. Listen, I gotta go. Gotta go see that brother of mine!"
"Ummm...yeah, he had Karen over last nite. Is it really bad if I want to kill her?" I asked.
"No, I don't think so as long as it's okay for me to feel the same way," Matt laughed. "I'll talk to you soon, kiddo."
"Love ya Matt."
"Love you too!"
I walked out of the bathroom and Shane was laying on the bed with his face buried in the pillows. I laid down on his back and he let out a sigh of content. I smiled as I pulled the sheet over me and fell back to sleep.
"Ummm...Case, baby, you gonna get up today? We have to go get Jeff and Amy from the airport in an hour," Shane said touching my shoulder lightly.
"What time is it?" I asked with a yawn.
"About 4:30," he smiled.
"In the afternoon?!" I exclaimed sitting up.
"Yeah, babe. In the afternoon," he laughed as he sat next to me. "We had a really special nite last nite. Or at least I thought it was special."
"Oh Shane, it was special. Very special," I said quietly. He rubbed my shoulders softly as he kissed my neck.
"I can't believe I love someone this much," he said.
"Me either," I said softly tilting my head to the side and closing my eyes as I took in his smell. "SHANE! Stop, I have to get ready. They land in what? An hour?"
"Yeah, true. Better get in that shower," he said removing his hands from my body. I smiled as I stood up and walked into the bathroom. I closed the door over, leaving it open a crack, and jumped in the warm shower. Shane had walked in the bathroom a couple times to fix his hair, wash his face, etc, but I knew he just wanted to see me in the shower. I pulled on a pair of baggy black jeans, a tight blue tank top that I cut into a midriff, and my boots. I threw my Yankees hat on and put my glasses on before we got in the car and left for the airport.
"Shane, could you get me a mocha frap?" I asked sweetly as we walked by a Starbucks in the airport.
"Yeah, sure. Go wait for them and I'll be right back. You want a Tall right?" he asked walking into the shop to wait on the long line. I nodded with a smile and walked to the waiting area for Jeff and Amy's gate. I sat in one of the seats and yawned as I watched people walk by me. I watch one particular family. There was a mother, a father, a daughter about 16 years old, a son about 14 years old, and another daughter about 12 years old. They all seemed to be playing a card game together and having a good time. They were definitely a tight family and I just wished that my family had been like that.
"Oh Case, what the hell are you saying. Your family is like that!!!" I spoke aloud.
"Are you Angel?" a little voice said to me. I looked in front of me and a little girl about 8 years old stood in front of me.
"Yeah, that would be me sweetie," I said softly.
"Can I have your autograph? You're my hero!" she said excitedly as she held out a notebook and marker. I smiled at her and took them both.
"I've never been someone's hero before. What's your name?"
"Lindsey," she replied with a giggle. I chuckled as I signed a page of her notebook. I closed it and handed it back to her. "Can I have a picture too?!"
"Of course! I would love to be in a picture with someone as polite and kind as you!" I said as she grabbed my hand. She led me over to the family I had been watching and pulled on her mother's t-shirt.
"Lindsey, sweetheart, what is it?" she asked in a caring tone.
"Mommy, look who I found! It's Angel! The wrestler!" she said excitedly as her mother looked up at me. I smiled at her and held out my hand.
"Well, Angel, nice to meet you," her mother said politely.
"Nice to meet you as well. Lindsey wanted a picture with me, is that okay?" I asked.
"Oh yes!! She would love that! She's such a big fan of yours!" her mother laughed.
"Personally, I like Jeff hardy better," the older of the children said.
"No way Meg! Chris Benoit is the best!" the boy argued.
"The Hurricane is so cute!!!" the other girl said.
"Yeah, they're all really great guys," I laughed.
"Wow! You're Angel! You're so hot!" the boy said standing up.
"Ummm....thank you," I said in embarrassment.
"Jamie!" they're father exclaimed.
"Sorry, that was rude of me," he apologized as his face grew red.
"That's okay. Really, I don't mind. I've kinda gotten used to hearing that!" I joked as I nudged his shoulder lightly.
"Can we do a family type picture?" they're father asked.
"Of course. It would be my pleasure," I replied as he took a camera out of a book bag and handed it off to who he thought was a stranger. I squinted at the coffee carrying stranger and realized that it was Shane. I shook my head as he winked at me. I stood between the parents and held Lindsey in my arms. The other children gathered around as best as they could and Shane took the picture.
"There ya go," Shane said with a smile as he handed back the camera and handed me my coffee.
"Thanks Sugar," I said before taking a sip.
"Oh my God!!! You're Shane Helms!! You're the Hurricane!" one of the girls announced.
"Guilty!" Shane joked slipping his arm around my waist.
"Can I have your autograph?" she asked excitedly as she ripped the notebook and marker out of Lindsey's hands.
"Sure, anything for a fan as beautiful as you," Shane grinned as he put his autograph under mine to Lindsey.
"Thank you so much," I said as I kissed Lindsey's cheek.
"No, thank you!" she said in a quite sweet voice. Shane and I walked away towards the gate as people walked out the doors into the terminal.
"That had to have been the cutest little girl!" I said with a smile.
"Yeah she was pretty adorable. That whole family was really nice," Shane replied as I saw a blue and purple haired man walking towards us with a red headed woman with a glowing white light around her.
"Jeff!" I cried as I ran into his arms.
"Hey baby! How you doin?" he asked as he set me back on the floor. He kissed my cheek as I looked into his eyes that were covered by sunglasses.
"Hey, take those off so I can look into your green eyes!" I laughed as I took them off to reveal a black and blue right eye. It was puffy and a little swollen. I stepped back as I covered my open mouth. I touched his face lightly as he winced a little in pain. "What the hell happened?"
"Nothing, never mind. I'm perfectly fine. Don't worry about me," he said taking his glasses back and walking past me to Shane.
"Dude?" Shane said.
"No man, don't start!" Jeff said walking past him and slipping his glasses on.
"Well, girl! Let's see it!" I said excitedly turning to Amy with a big smile on my face. She held out her hand to show off her teardrop diamond on a shiny gold band.
"Isn't it beautiful?" she asked.
"It is. I love it!" I said hugging her tightly. "Congratulations!"
"Thanks!" she said with a smile. "Casey, I know we've only known each other for about 7 months, but I think we're like sisters right?"
"Yeah, of course!" I said excitedly.
"Well, I'm glad to hear that. Cause I was hoping you'd be my maid of honor?" she asked shyly.
"Are you serious?! You want me to be your maid of honor?!" I asked happily.
"Yeah, if you want to be that is," she said with an unsure smile.
"Oh my God!! I would love to!!" I said hugging her tightly once again.
"Really? Cause you don't have to say yes if you don't want to be."
"No, I so totally want to be." She smiled at me before grabbing my hand and leading me to Shane.
"This is the best girl ever. Love her unconditionally!" Amy said kissing Shane's cheek.
"Ames, I already do," Shane said taking my hand.
The ride back to the hotel was quiet. I wanted to bring up Jeff's eye, but I didn't want him mad at me, so I stayed quiet. Amy was too busy thinking of things for the wedding. At the hotel Jeff rushed up to his room and the three of us went into the little hotel restaurant.
"I can't believe you're getting married Amy," Shane said with a smile.
"Yeah, neither can I, but I'm so totally happy!" she said with a smile.
"So totally?" Shane questioned with a laugh.
"Yeah....why?"
"You and Case have been hanging out way too much! That's one of her lovely sayings!" Shane laughed.
"Yeah, it is. Maybe I should copyright it!" I joked.
"Oh please don't! I wouldn't be able to pay for the wedding!" Amy laughed.
"How did Jeff react when he heard the news?" I asked.
"Oh, he was ecstatic! He's just as excited as we are!" Amy laughed.
"Ames, truthfully, what happened to his eye?" I asked.
"I don't know, he's been wearing his sunglasses the whole time and never said anything. To be honest with you, I didn't even know there was a bruise under there," Amy responded. I sighed as I watched a man walk into the restaurant. He wore old raggy jeans and a North Carolina tar heels' jersey. He had a baseball cap on and sunglasses. I saw his blue hair coming out underneath it. I shook my head as he was seated a table by himself.
"I'll be right back," I said walking over to the guy. "Why don't you come sit with us?"
"I didn't know you all were here," he replied.
"Jeff, you looked right at us. What's goin on?" I asked sitting down next to him.
"Nothing," he responded.
"Nothing my ass! You're not eating with us, you're wearing sunglasses every place you go, and you're not really talking to me. Please tell me what battering ram hit you," I pleaded.
"Karen," he said quietly.
"What? I didn't hear you right. I thought you just said Karen!" I laughed as I thought about the petit woman punching him. I looked at him as he took off the sunglasses.
"I did say Karen. We got into a fight last nite once I got off the phone with you and she punched me," he explained as I looked at him shocked. "Don't look so shocked. You did the same thing to me!"
"True. I don't understand why she would hit you though, I guess," I said. "What were you fighting about?"
"You mainly. She was pissed cause I didn't get off the phone with her sooner. Definitely not happy! I just told her to chill and that I just missed talking to you and stuff. She did not like that. Thought I didn't want to spend time with her. That you're more important and some crap. I mean, sure you're important, but I'm dating Karen, ya know?"
"Yeah, so she punched you over me?" I questioned with a smile.
"Pretty much!" he laughed.
"You broke up with her, right?" I asked hopefully.
"No. Never crossed my mind. I really like her Case. I know you don't like her. Or Matt. Or really anyone else, but I do. I'm not gonna just break up with her over one stupid fight," he answered.
"But she hit you!" I argued.
"I know, but she apologized and everything. No real harm done," he said with a smile.
"Jeff, you don't need that shit. How do you know she's not gonna do it again?"
"I don't. But if and when she does, that's when I'LL deal with it. You don't have to worry about anything but being with Shane and your responsibilities to Amy as her maid of honor!"
"Sorry that I care!" I said as I stormed off to sit back with Shane and Amy.
"Casey! Come on! Don't be like that!" Jeff yelled. I looked back at him and shook my head. I rolled my eyes as he put his sunglasses back on and I sat down next to Shane.
"Who was that?" Shane asked curiously.
"Jeff. Karen gave him the black eye," I said.
"Why?!" Amy exclaimed.
"They were fighting over me and him talking on the phone last nite I guess. I don't really understand it either, but oh well. Not my problem as he told me!" I exclaimed angrily.
"Did they break up? Please tell me he got some sense into his head and dumped her," Amy pleaded.
"Sorry Ames, but he's still senseless," I replied.
"Damn it! God, I hate that girl. She really is a bitch. Matt and I had lunch with them yesterday and I just wanted to smack her. She had Jeff running all over the place for things. It was really pissing me off!" Amy said.
"Yeah, well he likes her. He's not gonna give that up. You know how he is when it comes to girlfriends," Shane said.
"Yeah, completely and totally stupid!" Amy replied.
"I just hate to see him hurting like that, ya know? God, why did she do that to him?" I said.
"I don't know baby. See they can't always pin abuse on us men. It's sometimes the women too!" Shane said.
"Yeah, I know. But why can't he see that it's abuse?" I asked.
"Cause he's blinded by whatever she may be giving off. Give it time, he'll eventually see her for what she really is!" Amy said.
"A bitch in disguise!" the three of us said together. We burst out laughing and Jeff whipped his head around to look at us. We stopped laughing and he turned back around. I looked at Amy and we started laughing again.
"We really do need to take some time off from each other," Amy laughed.
"Yeah, no kidding! We really are starting to act alike!" I said laughing with her.
"You two amaze me!" Shane said as he rolled his eyes at us.
"Come on Ames, lets go do some wedding planning!" I said taking her hand and pulling her along with me.