*Chapter Twenty Four – It's Midterm Week!*

(Author's note: I felt I had to move time forward a bit at this point!)

In Cedar Hall 204, Jamie Noble was impatiently tapping his pencil. It was around 11:30 on a Wednesday morning in early October and already he wanted out of there. He looked to Matt Hardy, who was sitting next to him. "Matt, this test is gonna suck." Jamie whined.

Matt turned to him and whispered, "Hey man, don't be nervous. From what I heard, it's multiple choice."

Jamie groaned. "But math isn't my forte, man. I'm better at other stuff than this!" Matt shook his head. I know I'll do fine at least. I had one of the best SAT math scores back at my old high school, he thought as he watched his professor pass out his Advanced calculus test. As soon as Jamie got his, he winced.

Matt whispered to him, "Just take your time, man. Math isn't too hard if you think about it. And multiple choice is good because you know at least one of the answers has to be right."

Jamie growled. Like that's gonna help me, Matt, he thought. I'm dumb, so I have no idea why they even put me in this class! "That really helps. Ha. I'll talk to you later, after I fail this test." Matt sighed. Damn Jamie, always thinking negatively, he thought as he watched his professor pass out the rest of the tests.

Matt's thoughts drifted to a few weeks ago. I still can't believe I beat up 'Taker, he thought as he finally got his test. At least he's backed off from everyone in the room, and Jeff. But then again…what if he tries to fuck with other people? I'll have to ask Bubba and Shawn and see if they heard anything. I haven't heard from them in a while. Matt sighed and wrote his name on his test. I'll have to worry about that later, though. Doing good on this midterm is the most important thing to me right now. With that, he got to work.

Down the hall, Bubba Ray Dudley was trying to keep from choking Chavo Guerrero. Chavo was noisily tapping his pencil and it was annoying Bubba Ray to the point where he was going to slam him right through a table. I have a fucking headache and damn Chyna and Undertaker have been after me for the past few weeks, and Chavo just has to be tapping his damn pencil like that, Bubba Ray thought with an annoyed look on his face.

Chris Benoit, who was sitting next to Bubba Ray, looked over at him and asked, "You alright?" Bubba Ray growled. I'm far from fine, Benoit, he thought as he broke another pencil. Fucking Chyna has her damn demons after me or something. I shouldn't have told D-Von about the plan. But it had to be done. Spike…well…if he knows, then he knows. Benoit sighed. I guess that's a no, but I'll be damned if these two distract me during my test, he thought. Benoit said to Chavo, "Hey, cool it man. Some people are trying to concentrate."

Chavo put his hands up in defense. "It's okay, man. I'm just nervous. I tend to do that when I'm stressed out." Benoit smirked, and looked over to Bubba Ray, who gave him a silent thumbs-up. Good, now everyone will shut up and quit bitching, Benoit thought as he started on his test.

At this time, Lita was busy writing an essay in her Modernist Tradition class. She looked at her watch and at Billy Gunn, who occupied the space next to her at the table they were sharing. Damn, I sure hope she isn't hitting on me, Billy thought as he cracked his knuckles. Chuck wouldn't be too thrilled. We're already engaged, anyhow. Lita pushed her long red hair out of her face and thought, just a few more paragraphs to go. God, how I hate writing essays, but damn how I love to write! And besides, I need to get back to the room so I can sleep! She cracked her knuckles and continued to finish writing her essay. I haven't even called my mom since a few weeks ago. I don't need to talk to her if she's gonna be bitching me out all the time. And Cory, well…heh…God help him. She felt a few tears jump to her eyes. No, I am not gonna cry. Not here, not now, she thought as she tried to keep them in. I'm gonna cry in my room just like I have been doing whenever Trish and Jackie aren't around. Billy looked over at her real fast, then went back to writing. I hope she's okay, he thought. I hate to see a crying chick.

Across the room, Faarooq was hurriedly finishing up his essay. I must get this done, he thought, so I can go and eat! Oh yeah, and not worry about another test until two weeks from now. He smiled with satisfaction at the scribble that lay on his paper. I hope the professor can read this! He looked over at Lita and Billy Gunn and shook his head. I never knew that Billy was going for the chicks now, he thought as he flopped his essay on the professor's desk and cast a wary eye at him. What would Chuck think? Well, he better not fuck with Lita, anyway. She's cool. DAMN!

Linda Miles, meanwhile, was at lunch, proud that she had gotten through her first week of midterms ever in one piece. She nodded to Jackie Gayda, who was busily chomping on her salad and said, "So, how was the psychology test? You think you did alright?"

Jackie shrugged. "Eh, as long as I get a C, I'll be happy."

Linda laughed. "Surely you think you did better than that!" Jackie waved her hand and cast a weary eye at the Rock, who was a few tables away. I will never forgive that bastard, she thought with malice. She saw that Stacy was by his side, of course, having an animated conversation with Torrie and Edge. Jackie blinked. Edge? She hangs with Edge, too? Fuck, who doesn't she hang with on this campus?!

Linda waved her hand. "Earth to Jackie. You okay?"

Jackie groaned and motioned to the Rock and Stacy. "I'm still trying to get over asshole over there and his bitch."

Linda shook her head. "You deserve better anyhow. I mean, really, do you want someone as experienced as him?" Jackie's eyes went wide. Linda shoved some tomato soup in her mouth and snickered, "You can so tell by how he walks – like he owns this place…he probably does."

Jackie pushed her tray away from her. "Well that's because he kinda does own this place..." Just then, Jackie caught notice of Sean O'Haire, another freshman that lived in her dorm. He nodded at her and put his stuff down.

"You two gonna still be here in a few?" he asked, moving his finger.

Linda shrugged. "Where the hell else am I gonna go? I'm done with midterms."

Sean clicked his tongue at her. "Lucky you. I have a few more to go." With that, he got in the long lunch line.

Linda said to Jackie, "Ya know, I think he wants you."

Jackie shook her head and replied, "He's hot, but I want Rocky or Shane." Linda groaned and leaned back in her chair. Damn, will this girl ever learn?, she thought. I sure in the hell hope so. I mean, I know that all Rocky and Shane do is make fun of her since they can't stand her. It's so obvious.

(A few days later…)

It was finally Friday of Midterm Week, and people were gearing up to go to parties and get drunk, or basically just finally relax after the long, hard week. Shawn Michaels, Triple H, and Jeff Hardy were in their apartment around 7, just hanging out and doing nothing. Jeff was busy focusing on his poetry, while Shawn and Triple H were talking about who they liked at the moment.

Shawn looked at Jeff and said, "So Jeff, anyone up here catch your eye yet?" Jeff blinked, as he was not expecting to be asked any question pertaining to who he liked. Uhhhh, he thought, I'd rather not go there. I don't need a chick.

"Nope. Not yet. I don't need a chick."

Triple H laughed. "Jeffro, come on, of course you need a chick! Besides, Rocky's throwing his End-of-Midterm Week party later on tonight, and we're dragging you there and finding you one!"

Shawn held his hand up. "Listen, Hunter, the boy has a good point. Maybe he actually wants to do good this semester."

Jeff looked at Shawn incredulously. "What's wrong with that?"

Shawn smiled. "Nothing is, it's just that…well…you tend to stick with your work and not do anything fun. Especially lately. Where's your extremeness, your 'live for the moment' mantra you claim to follow?"

Triple H shook his head. "Jeff, Jeff, Jeff, what will we do with you?" Jeff shut his notebook. "Matt always told me that he was the smarter one out of you two anyway…" Triple H chuckled.

Jeff glared at him. "That doesn't mean anything, Trips. I'm smart, but in other ways."

Shawn patted Jeff on the back and sat next to him. "It's okay, Jeff. Hunter tends to piss people off easily."

Triple H smirked at Shawn. "Thanks. No, really." He leaned back in his chair and said, "So yeah, Jeff, I'd say you like Torrie, from what's been going on here the past few weeks."

Jeff tried his hardest not to blush. Ever since he and Torrie had opened their "hair salon" in the apartment, people all over campus were flocking to see what was up. Basically, the apartment had turned into the most happening place on campus within a matter of weeks.

"Yeah, I think he does." Shawn giggled, watching Jeff squirming around on the couch.

Triple H laughed. "I knew it! You want her!"

Shawn yelled at Triple H, "Now Hunter, don't be scaring the poor boy."

Jeff, who tried to hide his annoyance, said, "So what if I like her? That doesn't mean I want to be with her. There's a big difference." Shawn laughed inwardly at Jeff's rare display of cockiness. I'd say Hunter is rubbing off on him a little, he thought.

He raised his eyebrow and motioned to Triple H. "We'll see about that, Jeff." Jeff sighed. Why can't they back off?, he thought as he leaned back on the couch. I just wanted to keep that to myself…Torrie doesn't need to know…I mean, I don't like her that much…okay, so I do.

Jeff saw Triple H heading toward the phone and yelled, "What are you doing?!"

Triple H smirked. "I'm calling Torrie and getting her down here. We are going to Rocky's in a few hours, ya know. I'd advise you and Edge whenever he gets back here to get ready."

Jeff's green eyes went wide. "No! Don't do that, I mean…I'm sure she's busy and stuff…"

Shawn cut him off. "Jeff, relax, bro. We're not out to get you. We just need to see you two interact with each other so we know what to do to get you two together." Jeff sighed. Shit, I've been had, he thought as he examined a lock of his faded dark red hair. Fuck. Well, I can't back down from this.

About ten minutes later, a very quiet Jeff was watching Torrie intently. God she is so beautiful, he thought, burying himself in the sparkly red tube top and low cut black jeans she was wearing. Jeff was trying to bury himself in the poetry that he was writing, but it wasn't working. Grrrr, fucking hormones, he thought as he scribbled a few words. I should talk to Matt about this. He'd know what to do!

Shawn saw this and said, "So Torrie, what do you think of Jeff?" Jeff squeaked. He did not just say what I thought he just said! Oh my God. Jeff tried to figure out how to get back to his room without everyone seeing him do it. Hmmm, if I just move 50 degrees to the left and move at 3 miles per hour…nah, that's not gonna work. Fuck, Jeff thought, pushing his faded hair away from his damp forehead.

Torrie twirled her long blonde hair around her fingers and replied, "Well, I think of Jeff as my little brother. And a good business partner, as well." Jeff frowned. Well, at least she didn't say she hated my guts, he thought as he shifted his position on the couch. Triple H noted the sort-of-pissed off look on Jeff's face and thought, okay. Two goals. One, get Shawn with Nidia. Two, get Jeff with Torrie. And three, get a woman for myself.

Shawn continued to talk to Torrie and said, "So yeah, I know someone that really really really likes you." Jeff's green eyes went wide in anger. Don't say it, Shawn, he thought, closing his notebook with a thud. Don't even go there! Just then, there was a knock at the door. Triple H got up to get it – it was Shannon Moore and Edge, who had just gotten back from the grocery store. Edge took one look at Jeff and knew he was in trouble.

He nudged Shannon, who looked surprised to see Torrie. "Torrie, what's up cuz?" Triple H and Shawn's eyes widened in surprise.

"Wait a sec, let me get this straight – you're her cousin?!" Shawn asked, still not believing what had just been said.

Shannon nodded as he hugged Torrie like it was no big deal. "Yep." He smiled at everyone.

"I had no idea you were living in the same building, Shan." Torrie laughed as Shannon sat on the couch next to Jeff, who gave him a pained look as if to say, "Get me the fuck outta here."

Triple H pointed out, "Torrie and Shannon even have the same smile!"

Shannon laughed to himself. Eh, we sorta do, he thought, looking back at Jeff. "You okay, man?" he whispered.

Jeff put his head in his hands and whined, "No."

Edge patted him on the back. "Don't worry, we'll get them off your back."

Jeff whined and almost whispered, "But Torrie…I like her…and now I look all…" Shannon's eyes went wide. Whoa, he likes Torrie? This is too weird, he thought as he looked at his cousin. She's my cousin! I couldn't imagine seeing her in that way! That's just whoa!

Triple H looked at the threesome on the couch and said, "Yeah, we're heading to Rocky's in about an hour or so if you all wanna get ready, go do it." Shannon nodded silently as he pulled Jeff off the couch.

Edge nodded to Triple H and said, "Yeah, we'll do that." The three headed back to Edge's room.

****

Jeff was taking deep breaths, with his head up to the ceiling. Edge was leaning against the door, trying to figure out what the hell to say to his roommate. "What the fuck were they doing?! What were they trying to do to me, make me look like an idiot in front of her?!" Jeff demanded, pushing his blue Stratocoaster to the side of his bed.

Edge sighed. "Well, that's their way of helping you out." Jeff growled. Yeah, a real nice way to help me out, he thought, pushing his hands through his faded dark red and bright yellow striped hair. Shannon, who was leaning on the wall, thought, I know what to do to get Jeff out of this!

"Hey Jeff, let's dye your hair again. I'll even help you pick colors!" Edge patted Shannon on the back. Thank you, Shannon, for getting Jeff out of his funk, at least for a little while, Edge thought.

Jeff grinned evilly at the both of them, completely forgetting about Torrie, Triple H, and Shawn in the front room. "How about blue and green?"

Edge looked at his watch. "But we have to do it in an hour…can you do it?"

Jeff waved his hand. "Man, I'm an expert on dyeing my hair. I think I can!" With that, the three raced to Edge and Jeff's bathroom and quickly shut the door.

(Later that night, at the Rock's house…)

The party was hopping, and Jay Z's "H to the Izzo" was blasting on the stereo. Jay Z, thought Christopher Nowinski as he wrinkled his nose in disgust. That's just wrong. He looked around at the chaos surrounding him and William Regal, his roommate, made his way through the crowd to hand him another beer. "Thanks, Regal."

"You're welcome, Christopher. Now where were we? Ah yes, how badly the election of a few weeks ago went. You know bloody well that Val Venis and I should've won. It's a travesty, let me tell you."

Nowinski nodded. "I agree. I totally agree." He popped the tab on his beer and took a quick sip. He nodded. "Not bad."

Regal chugged some more of his beer and smiled. "Yes, that bloody election was rigged. We should've gotten it."

Nowinski told him, "Well, it was the student body voting, and ya know, I guess they didn't want you two to win. I voted for you two, of course."

Regal smiled and took another sip of his beer. "Yes, but it wasn't enough. I'm curious to see how Benoit and Guerrero run this school."

Nowinski gestured to his left, where they were standing a mere 5 feet away. "Speaking of..."

Regal laughed. "Now, now, I don't need to yell at them or anything. I just think that Val and I could've done better, that's all." Nowinski caught Eddie Guerrero's eye and motioned for him to come over with Chris Benoit.

"What's up, holmes?" Eddie asked, slapping Nowinski five.

"We wanted to talk politics with you two. Have you two really done anything about our school since you've been elected?"

Benoit nodded. "We've tried to start a fund with the ten cents per paper policy, and we've also tried to negotiate with the people that run the cafeteria the hours that the cafeteria is open."

Regal took another sip of his beer and said, "Impressive. But I could give you a lot more ideas."

Benoit smiled his toothless grin. "Nah, that's okay. Eddie and I can think of stuff. Thanks, though. We're gonna go and run around a bit. See you later."

Nowinski nodded and said, "Okay, bye then."

Regal turned to him and said, "They don't know a damn thing. I'm telling you."

Nowinski took a sip of his beer and said, "Regal, I wouldn't judge them just yet. You might be surprised."

In the kitchen, Stone Cold, Bubba Ray Dudley, Kane, and D-Von were bonding over beer and talking about the "plan" of Undertaker and Chyna. "Yeah, a very reputable source told me that Shane O'Mac is next." Stone Cold began, drinking some of his Budweiser.

D-Von squinted. "What? Why him?"

Bubba Ray sighed. "I'm one of the sacrifices. I've been getting some weird marks on my body." Kane and Stone Cold looked at each other in worry.

"Let us see." Kane demanded. Bubba Ray sighed and took off his shirt. D-Von blinked because he could not believe what he was seeing – there was a bunch of tiny red bull's eyes around the top part of his back and his sides. Kane blinked wildly. "Oh God, that's not a good thing."

Bubba Ray drank some of his beer and asked shakily, "What does it mean?"

Kane sighed. "Well, the more time goes on, the more weak you will get…you'll get to just before the point of dying."

Bubba growled in anger. "I'm only 22…I cannot die!"

Kane said, "I know, I know, but I used to dabble in the same stuff that they're doing to you. Hell, Brock even did, for a little while. If we're able to find a copy of the antidote book, we'd be safe. But we have no idea where to find it."

Stone Cold took another sip of his beer and said, "Antidote book? They actually have an antidote for that stuff?"

Kane nodded. "Yes, Steve, but it is very hard to find. It'd take a miracle to find it."

Bubba Ray whined and said, "So wait, I'm gonna die?"

Kane sighed. "We'll try our best to not let you or the other sacrifices die, but no guarantees."

D-Von slammed his fist on the table in anger. "They cannot get away with this!"

Stone Cold nodded in agreement. "Don't worry, we'll think of something." Bubba Ray thought to himself, Wow, I'm only 22 and I could be dead in months…Christ.

****

On the back porch, Lita, Matt Hardy, Trish Stratus, Brock Lesnar, Hurricane, Edge, Jeff Hardy, and Shannon Moore were hanging out. The pothead crew decided to stay inside since it was "too cold" for them.

"So, how do you think you all did on midterms?" Brock asked, taking a swig of his Budweiser.

Trish laughed. "Man, I think I blew my Women in History midterm. I hate that class."

Lita interjected, "Yeah, but Tommy –"

Trish said, "Shhh!"

Edge raised his eyebrow. "Tommy Dreamer's in that class with you? Then how can you hate it?" Unbeknownst to Trish, word about the two had gotten around. Trish's eyes went wide and turned to Lita.

"You told, didn't you?"

Lita put her Smirnoff Ice down and put her hands up in defense. "I didn't say a damn thing."

Trish looked around at the guys indignantly. "Who told?!" Brock snickered.

Matt glared at him. "Shh."

Jeff piped up and said, "Trish, if you didn't know, most of the WWE University campus is a rumor mill waiting to overflow." Everyone gave him weird looks.

"Didn't you…just dye your hair another color?" Hurricane asked in confusion.

Matt laughed. "Shane, you and I have known him for our whole lives, pretty much. You know how bored he gets."

eff shrugged and ran his hands through his newly dyed blue and green hair. "I actually like it…it took me 20 minutes, too. Ask Edge and Shannon, they were there."

Edge blinked and said, "But yeah, Trish, Jeff is right. I'd say everyone knowing you want Tommy actually works in your favor."

Trish blinked. "It does?"

Edge nodded. "Ohhhh yeah. Now you won't have to prove anything to anyone since most people already assume you're together."

Lita nodded and took another sip of her Smirnoff Ice. "You have a point there, Edge. Nice one."

Edge pulled her close and hugged her. "Thanks." Matt narrowed his eyes in jealousy. Lay off my woman, he thought as he took a sip of his Yuengling.

Just then, Torrie opened the back door really fast and said, "Hey, we're all going to play a huge game of Truth or Dare if you are all willing to join in." Lita and Trish giggled in glee.

"How many people are playing?" Trish asked.

Torrie shrugged. "I'd say half of the people here. So yeah, quite a lot of people."

"Dude, I'm so there!" Edge announced as he and Jeff got up willingly. Yeah, especially if Edge dares Torrie to kiss me, Jeff thought dreamily. He hit himself. Shit, did I just think that? Yes I did. Fuck! I definitely need to talk to Matt about this!!

Matt caught the confused look on his brother's face and asked, "Jeffro, you okay man?"

Jeff sighed and said, "You and me need to have a nice long brotherly talk later, okay?"

Matt laughed and said, "Okay."

Torrie looked at Hurricane, Shannon, and Brock expectantly. "Aren't you 3 gonna join in, too?"

Hurricane waved his hand. "Nah, Truth or Dare isn't my thing." Matt and Edge smiled evilly at each other. We'll change that real fast, Edge thought.

"Come on, Shane, you never have fun in your life. You're always trying to be careful about everything you do. Why can't you just have fun for once?" Matt asked. Hurricane sighed. Fine, fine, he thought. I just have a feeling I will regret this.

"Matthew, I better not regret this. I'm only doing this because you're my very best friend."

Matt giggled in glee. "Yay!"

Edge and Jeff pulled Shannon and Brock up from the steps. "You two are coming, too!"

Brock groaned. "I'm gonna regret this in the morning."

Lita laughed and said, "We all are, but hey, it's the end of Midterms week, so who cares?"

Jeff nodded in agreement. "Damn straight. Live for the moment." Matt smiled in pride. Ah yes, Jeff, you are now learning what it is like to be extreme, he thought as the group made their way to the living room to join the others. Little did they all know what they were going to get themselves into…

****

End of Chapter Twenty Four…