*Chapter Twenty Eight - Realizations*
"Yeah, so I was totally macking it and she said – "
"Hi, where can I get a copy of the semester schedule booklets? I can't find them anywhere."
D'Lo Brown faked a smile at Goldust and handed him one of the booklets. "If you need any more, point everyone to the library, okay?"
Goldust nodded and said, "Thanks!" He then linked arms with his boyfriend Shawn Stasiak, and they went out the door of the student center. The student information desk was right outside the cafeteria and the Turnbuckle, so it was a prime spot for seeing people on campus and hearing the latest gossip.
D'Lo turned back to his friend Mark Henry. The two freshmen had met in their Intro to Psychology class, and were already close. Mark sighed and said, "That Goldust guy…he's creepy."
D'Lo nodded. "Yeah, like I didn't know he was gay. I mean hell, he's always hanging onto that Shawn Stasiak guy."
"You should see them two back in the dorm. Everyone is usually hanging around in the TV room, and there they are in the corner, giggling about who knows what. They were totally made for each other," Mark explained, eyeing some newspapers nearby.
"For real!" D'Lo laughed as he shuffled some papers on his desk. "But yeah, that one girl up here…what's her name? Victoria…she's pretty hot!"
Mark's brown eyes went wide. "Man, there's a lot of hot chicks up here, yo. But the one I want is already taken."
"Stacy," they both said at once and started laughing.
"I know if the Rock ever breaks up with her, there's gonna be a long line of guys waiting to get with her." Mark said, looking towards the Turnbuckle.
Speaking of which, Stacy Keibler, the popular girl herself, was in the long line at the Turnbuckle. She was holding her ID card and a salad with ranch dressing. "This line is going on forever," she muttered more to herself than to Chris Jericho, who was next to her.
"Yeah really. The lines at dinner time are horrible and I ran out of Ramen noodles so I have no choice in the matter, really," Jericho sighed. "And I really need to yell at my girlfriend later because she's been gone all damn day and I haven't been able to get in touch with her."
Stacy turned to Jericho and smiled. "Who's your girlfriend, Steph?"
Jericho's eyes went wide. Damn, she knows, he thought as he clutched onto his ID card tighter. "Uh…yeah…how'd you know?" he asked nervously.
Stacy shrugged as the line moved up more. "Rocky knows everything." Jericho almost choked. What? Oh fuck, if he knows, then Shane O'Mac will soon know! Ahhhh!!!
Stacy looked at him. "You alright?"
Jericho nodded. "Yeah. I just wish I knew where my girlfriend was, that's all."
Stacy moved up in line and put her purchase down in front of the register. "She'll turn up. Maybe she's just having a bad day and just doesn't want to be bothered. I wouldn't be too worried."
"Yeah, you could be right, but I have the sneaking suspicion that something's up." Jericho replied.
Stacy handed the cashier her ID card and said to Jericho, "Seriously Chris, don't worry about it. She's been with you for how long? And if it's bugging you that much then talk to her about it." And with that, she took her food and waved goodbye.
Hmm, Stacy doesn't even know me, does she?, Jericho thought as he put his food in front of the register. Seriously though, I wonder why she decided to talk to me. She's known for talking to everyone on campus…wonder why she picked me, of all people? He paid for his food and looked at all the mean looks random guys were giving him. He glared back at them. You are all just jealous that Stacy talked to the highlight of the night! Jericho saw Stacy talking to the Rock in front of the information desk. Suddenly the Rock turned towards him and winked at him. Whoa, that was just way too weird, Jericho thought as he headed out the door and back to his apartment across campus. I hope Rocky doesn't say anything to Shane…I really hope so. He looked up at the sky, as it was getting progressively darker by the second. And it can't rain on me…I don't want my gorgeous hair ruined. He ran as fast as he could to his apartment.
"So Stacy, did you ever finish that assignment you had to do?" the Rock asked as they sat down at a table in front of the Turnbuckle. Stacy smiled and poked him in the ribs, making him cackle. "I'm guessing that's a yes."
"Of course." She smiled even wider. "I'm just glad I finished it when I did because now I'll be able to get some extra hours at work."
"Oh yeah. You have a job still," the Rock muttered. He was sort of jealous of the fact that she was spending a lot of time at work and less time at his place.
"Yep. I'm Old Navy's best worker." Stacy replied. At least that's what Ray always tells me, she thought as she picked at her salad some more. Ray was her manager at the store, and even though she sometimes felt uncomfortable there, she stuck around because she got enough hours to get a decent paycheck.
"Don't you want to take a break from there, though? You've been working almost every weekend since the end of September." The Rock explained as he got up and hugged her from behind. "Come on, you want a break…"
Stacy pushed him away gently. "I'm trying to earn as much as I can, Rocky. I need to pay off my credit card and my insurance, and my cell – "
The Rock whispered in her ear, "I understand, but can you at least call off this once?"
Stacy smirked, knowing full well what he wanted. "I already called off next weekend. It's Homecoming weekend, remember?"
"Oh shit, that's right! And all the action is gonna happen later on at my house…wooohoo!" I definitely need to make plans for that, he thought as he sat back down next to his girlfriend. I'm thinking candles, lube, chocolate, strawberries…
From afar, Jackie and Linda were observing the two. Of course, Jackie did it willingly, but Linda could care less. "Seriously, Jackie, look how happy they are. You need to fucking give him up. You know you won't win. I'm telling you this because I care and I don't want you hurt."
Jackie smirked, putting on some bright red lipstick and looking into her mirror. "I never say never."
Linda groaned. Well you gotta stop thinking that for at least this situation, she thought as she saw Sean O'Haire walk by. I gotta get her hooked up with him. If only she would quit being stubborn as hell and leave Rocky and Stacy alone! Suddenly, an evil smile appeared on her lips. Wait a second…the Homecoming dance is next weekend, and…perfect!
Jackie looked at herself in her mirror and put it back in her purple purse. Linda, meanwhile, was keeping tabs on where Sean was in order to execute the plan she had just thought out in her head. "It's time. Let's go." Jackie smiled as she dragged Linda towards where the Rock and Stacy were sitting. Yep, it's time, indeed, thought Linda as they neared their table.
The Rock saw them and groaned, "Oh God, here she comes." Stacy sighed unhappily. Whatever that little whore does, she's never gonna break us up, she thought as she chewed on some more of her salad. And it's high time that she realizes that. It's bad enough I have to put up with her at cheerleading practice.
"Hi Rocky!" Jackie giggled. The Rock smiled halfheartedly back and nudged Stacy to do the same.
"Hi Jackie." Stacy said in the fakest voice she could say. "Are you going to ask me about practice or about when the next time Rocky is free?"
Jackie's eyes went wide when she said that. "What?" Oh God, I sense a catfight coming on, Linda thought as she looked towards Sean at the Turnbuckle. I need to think fucking fast!
Stacy narrowed her eyes. I'm sick of her fucking games, she thought angrily. "You heard me. He doesn't like you, dear - he likes me. He's with me. And he fucks only…me." A few people turned and heard the tone in Stacy's voice. They knew something was up. Linda noticed this and tried to think of a way to get Sean over before the whole situation turned into a catastrophe. I'm not gonna put up with them two fighting at cheerleading practices either, so it's up to me to stop it, she thought.
Jackie growled and gave Stacy an icy smile. "I'm well aware of that." She moved over to the Rock and began tousling his hair, making Stacy cringe and the Rock narrow his eyes. "But he's so adorable and sexy and I want him to be mine."
No one touches my man except for me, Stacy thought to herself as she got up from the table. What gives you the right to just flirt with him in front of my face, hmmm? She was about ready to push Jackie when Linda yelled out of nowhere, "Sean! Hey! Come here!"
Sean O'Haire looked at Linda in confusion and ran over. He noticed the weird looks on the faces of people around him and asked, "Yeah?" He got even more nervous as he saw WWE U.'s power couple staring at him in the face. I don't…understand what the hell is going on, he thought. And I have a feeling everyone in the damn room is staring right at me.
"Listen…you know homecoming is next weekend, right?" Linda said as she pointed to Jackie. Stacy just nodded at her, as did the Rock. I'm enjoying the show, so I feel that I shouldn't contribute anything, the Rock thought in amusement.
"Yes," Sean said warily, looking at Linda suspiciously. Jackie was giving him a weird look.
"Then why don't you two get together then?" Linda asked. She knew for a fact that Sean had wanted to get to know her friend better. Thank you, Randy Orton for clearing up those rumors for me in the dorm, she thought as she noticed the anger on her friend's face.
Jackie's mouth was open in shock. Whoa, whoa, I'm not going down without a fight, she thought as she saw Stacy ready to push her into the table. "Linda, you did not just – "
"She did. You need to quit acting like a fucking five year old and realize what is truly going on." Stacy growled.
Jackie sniffed. I can't believe it…my only true friend up here betrayed me, she thought as tears welled up in her eyes. Linda saw this and waited for everyone to quit staring at the spectacle.
"Listen, we're only doing this because we're worried about you. It's nothing against you at all. Honest." Linda explained, hugging Jackie only to be pushed away.
"Get off of me, bitch! I now know who my true friends are…and that is no one." Jackie sighed as she struggled to stay standing. All I want to do is sink into a hole and die right now, she thought as more tears flowed down her cheeks.
The Rock looked at the hurt in Linda's eyes and felt he had to say something. He turned to Jackie, who was a crying, pouting mess. "Jackie, listen to me. You needed to be told what was going on. We're not trying to embarrass you or anything." He reached for her and she collapsed in his arms. Man, now that I think about it, I acted like such an idiot. I bet everyone hates me now, Jackie thought as she hugged him tighter. Stacy shook her head. Eh, let her get one hug from him…but that's it, she thought. She better not get used to that.
"You don't hate me, do you?" Jackie sniffed, her tears soaking the Rock's red shirt.
The Rock was tempted to say yes, but he said, "Not at all…but if you kept up with this flirting in front of me and Stacy, then yes. You need to promise me not to break us up anymore." I know you better than that Rocky, come on, Stacy thought in surprise. I can't believe how lenient you're being. But, she is a youngin, and most youngins are stupid…
Sean looked at the Rock and motioned for him to let Jackie go. I want her probably more than any of you do, he thought as he saw the hurt look on Jackie's face. And I'm sure she's not gonna want to be in a relationship for a while because of this happening. Or it might be a distant memory come next week. I don't know.
"How about me and you go and get some ice cream, Jackie?" Sean asked in a gentle voice. Jackie looked at him with tear-stained eyes. Guess he's the only friend I have right now, and I hardly even know him, she thought sadly.
"Let's go. I don't think I'm wanted here right now." With that she grabbed her jacket, glared at the Rock, Linda, and Stacy, and left.
After she was gone, everyone in the Turnbuckle area applauded. "Thanks, Linda. I appreciated that." Stacy told her cheerleading teammate.
Linda shrugged. "It wasn't a big deal. I just wish she would realize that Rocky is yours and Shane is well…not to be gone out with."
The Rock raised his eyebrow. "Why, do you want Shane O?" He laughed when he saw the annoyed look on her face. "I'm just kidding. Why don't you sit here with us and chat awhile? We can see if we can figure out how to get Jackie off of my ass."
Once Linda realized that her insane friend was out of eyesight and earshot, she sat down and said, "Alright, let's go. I don't want her hating me forever."
****
(Back at the nature preserve…)
"Can I open my eyes yet?" Steph asked impatiently.
Matt nodded as he moved his hands away. "Yes."
Steph opened them and gasped at the sight that lay before her. She and Matt were near the edge of a grassy cliff overlooking a lake. The lake was a dark blue in color, since the sun was not out anymore. There were pine trees and various other trees circling the lake and it looked like it was straight out of a resort out in the country. However the dark clouds from before loomed overhead.
"Oh God, Matt…it's beautiful."
He nodded, taking in the sight as well. "Yes. I've come up here whenever I couldn't think or whenever I didn't want to deal with anyone at school." He looked at her. "It's my secret spot."
Steph looked down at the ground. "Why are you sharing it with me? I'm just a McMahon, Matt, nothing special."
Matt shook his head. "That's not true." God she looks so beautiful right now, he thought as he watched the wind make Steph's hair like a light brown flame. But I know I can't have her since Jericho wouldn't let me hear the end of it.
Steph walked a bit more towards the edge of the cliff and stood there for a minute. "It's so great out here, though. The wind is blowing and you can see the lake, and – " She started to wobble. Oh shit, she's gonna fall into the lake if I don't act fast, he thought as he raced to catch her. Matt gripped her waist tightly and she smiled sheepishly at him. She's so innocent, he thought, like a child. He sighed as he pulled her closer to the land. Like Jeff.
"Watch where you're going. If you ended up falling in there, I don't know what I would have done." His voice cracked. Or what Jericho and Shane would have done to me, he thought.
"I really scared you, didn't I?" Steph asked quietly, noticing the sound of thunder in the distance.
Matt nodded. "Yeah." They gazed at each other for a few seconds, trying to figure out what was going on between them. The loud sound of thunder knocked them out of their intense gaze. "Listen, maybe we should head back…before Jericho starts questioning us both." And before he wants to really kick my ass, he thought in fear.
Steph rolled her eyes. Oh yeah, that's right, I'm still with Jericho, she thought. But then again, why do I feel more protected with Matt? "Yeah, I guess we better. Plus the storm's about ready to hit."
"God forbid I get caught in another storm," Matt muttered as they made their way down the hill, with his arm still around her waist. Once they got back to the truck, he realized this and stuttered, "I did it again…I'm sorry."
Steph got in the passenger side of the car and put her hand down on top of Matt's without thinking. "It's okay. I actually…kinda liked it." At least he knows how to treat a woman, she thought with glee. Too bad Jericho couldn't take any lessons from him.
Matt smiled nervously, noticing the sexual tension between them. He started the car and didn't really say anything back. Shit, we're both attracted to each other but I can't have her. It's looking like it's gonna be a repeat of what happened between Hurricane, Molly, and I last year. Why oh why do I always want the women I can't have? There gotta be a way to stop it, he thought as they ended up on the main road.
Steph noticed the tension too and tried to figure out what to say to her friend. This is just too weird though, she thought. I mean, we have a lot of the same views on stuff, and we get along amazingly well. I know Shane wouldn't have a problem if I went out with Matt instead of Jericho. But then again, I can't help who I like. "Matt…" she managed to get out.
"Yeah?" he asked, barely audible. They were at a red light, and he noticed a few raindrops on the windshield.
Steph blushed. "Do you think…that there is maybe something between us?"
Matt gulped. Oh God, she just had to ask that, he thought as his heart started to race. It's like she read my fucking mind. I hate when girls do that to me. The red light turned green and he ended up driving a few miles over the speed limit. "Uhm, but what about Jericho?"
Steph growled. "I'm saying if he wasn't in the picture, Matt. Would there be anything between us? Because I know that there's tension here and I know damn well that you know that too."
Matt stayed silent for a few minutes. I know she's right, too, he thought in defeat. But I can't tell her that. Gotta protect my pride. They were about 3 miles from Waters Grove when the storm hit. Shit, now I can't see, he thought as he turned on the windshield wipers. Hope this helps.
"Matt?" Steph asked again, with a bit of worry in her voice.
He sighed. "Listen, Steph, I don't want to come between you and Jericho. And I know that there's tension between us but we need to really be careful because you're still in a relationship. I'm not, and I haven't been in one for a while now."
Steph pouted as the lightning flickered in the black sky. "But Matt, I've come to a realization just now." The rain poured harder.
Matt gulped. "And what's that?" Oh God, please don't let it be something that I don't want to hear, he thought. Please God, cooperate with me here.
Steph sighed and noticed the fear in his voice. I don't think he wants to like me, she thought as she twirled her hair around her finger. And I know he doesn't want me to like him. "I'll tell you later…I can't seem to get it out of me."
They were now in the town of Waters Grove, heading back to campus. Matt closed his eyes at the next red light. "Steph…tell me. It's not good to keep anything inside."
She felt the tension between them rise to a higher point as she saw Matt's profile in the dark. Oh God, I really need to keep from jumping his ass, she thought guiltily. I'm still with Jericho. I can't do this to him. He'd be so crushed.
The rain continued to pour down and the thunder continued to rumble as they pulled into a convenience store parking lot a few miles from campus. "Steph, tell me. Come on." Matt pleaded as he parked the truck. He leaned back in his seat, watching the lightning flash in the dark sky ahead.
Steph unbuckled her seatbelt and breathed a bit heavier. I'm so gonna regret this, she thought as she moved closer to Matt. But he's so hot and I need to do something or my hormones are gonna never forgive me. Well maybe they will.
Matt put his arm around her and whispered, "I'm waiting." Steph immediately felt her skin turn hot. What the hell am I doing?, she thought as she leaned into his warm body. I have a boyfriend already…I can't do this to him. But I can't resist. She sat up and faced him, looking into his dark eyes dead-on. From the look she gave him, Matt could tell it was something serious…that she couldn't explain it with words. It's the look Molly gave me before she told me she couldn't hurt Shane anymore, he thought as he shifted in his seat. And it's the look she gave me before…
I can't take it anymore, Steph thought as she leaned closer to Matt. With her right hand, she stroked his cheek and her heart jumped at his surprised sigh. With her last ounce of strength, she put her other hand around his neck and pulled him closer. Matt pulled her onto his lap without a word and gave her a hungry look. They leaned closer to each other and the electric impulses ran through their bodies as their lips touched. At first the kiss was slow and innocent but soon it turned intense. Matt was turned on by Steph's moans and she smiled once she realized this. Oh God, this is so wonderful, Matt thought, enjoying it for all it was worth. She kisses like a fucking pro! Matt moved his hands to her shirt but she stopped him.
"Matt," Steph said, trying to catch her breath, "I've realized that I want to be with you instead of Jericho."
He nodded, trying to catch his breath as well. "I can…feel that." He touched her lips with his finger and smiled. "He's so gonna kick my ass for stealing you from him."
Steph shook her head and moved further up on his lap. "He won't. Don't worry. I won't let him." She rested her head on his chest. "Maybe we should go back to campus."
Matt sighed. "Yeah…we should." He looked at the thunderstorm still happening outside. "I really don't want to go out in that rain though. How about you spend the night at my apartment?"
Steph raised her eyebrow. "Wouldn't that be weird though? I mean, Jericho's gonna see me walk in with you, and he's gonna want to – "
He put his arm around her even tighter and replied, "Listen. I'll just tell him that you called me and wanted to stay over with him. Okay? He won't suspect a thing." At least I hope not, Matt thought as he leaned back in the seat, taking Steph with him.
Steph hugged him tightly and nodded. "Okay. But first we need to stop at my dorm and get a few – "
Matt interrupted her mid sentence and kissed her again, this time more passionate. Steph responded in kind and after a few minutes, tried to catch her breath again. "Damn Matt, can you be any more intense? Wow."
He pulled her close and whispered in her ear, "I'm the best, what can I say?"
Steph giggled and moved back over to the passenger side of the truck. She turned serious for a moment. "Should we forget that what just happened…even happened? Or is it just our hormones?"
Matt put on his seatbelt and started the truck again. "I think it's more. But we need to hang out a few more times to see – "
Steph said, "Matt, listen, those kisses proved that there is definitely something between us. Just admit it."
Matt sighed in defeat, but smiled like he hadn't in a long time. "Yes. There is. And I'd like you to be my girlfriend but you have to break up with Jericho first."
"That's not gonna be easy, you know." Steph sighed as they pulled out of the parking lot.
Matt nodded. And it's not gonna be easy to deal with Lita hating me, either, he thought. I still like her a lot…probably even more than I like Steph…but she'll never know. "I know. Trust me, I know."
****
End of Chapter Twenty Eight…