Probably gonna go up to Chapter 7 or 8 with this update.  I have about 21 Chapters written already but I don't want to post it all yet so I can stay ahead.

PART 5

THE NEXT DAY

Adam walked with Jay down a hallway in the Allstate Arena, where Smackdown was being held that night.  Adam noticed that Jay seemed a little down in the dumps, walking next to him in a complete silence.

"What's wrong with you?" Adam finally asked, unable to stand the unusually awkward silence anymore.

"Nothing," he automatically replied.  It was obvious to Adam that there was something wrong with his friend, and he was set on finding out just what it was.

"Don't give me that shit," he said before repeating his question.  "What's wrong?"

"NOTHING, Adam," was the reply.

"William Jason Reso…" he warned, using Jay's full name, which he learned from Britney and Amy could be very effective in making people talk.

"Damnit, you full named me!  You're so fucking persistent!  Okay, so I sat in a police station for an hour and a half with a black eye that I got from getting my ass kicked, defending the honor of two of my best friends, right in front of Stephanie!" Jay cried in one breath.

Adam looked at his best friend, a knowing smile forming on his face.  "What are you smiling at?" Jay asked, offended.

"Aww, Jay's embarrassed cause he got beat up and looked like a dork in front of his girlfriend!" Adam teased.

"How sixth grade are you acting, man?  I didn't even start the damn fight!  I wouldn't have even hit him if…"

"Okay, okay!  I'm sorry, I didn't realize you took this whole thing so seriously," Adam said, suddenly feeling bad about the comments he made.  He had to admit that when he heard that Brock picked a fight with Jay he was extremely pissed, but he was trying to lighten the subject up a little for his friend.

"Look man, I really am sorry.  If it makes you feel any better, Steph was really proud of you last night.  I bumped into her and all she could talk about was how you saved her from Brock," he finally said after an awkward silence.

"Yeah, well I only did it cause of the shit he was saying about Steph and Brit," Jay replied quietly, almost in a whisper.  He could instinctively predict what Adam's next statement would be.

"Wait, what did he say about Brit?" Adam questioned, and the smile began to form on Jay's face.  Adam had just heard that Brock had been bothering Stephanie, no one said anything about him talking about Britney.  Jay's eyes suddenly got a childish twinkle in them.

"Aww, Adam's upset cause Brock was making fun of his girlfriend!" he said, using the same tone Adam had a few minutes earlier.

"What?  No, I just… well, all right.  We both have crushes on the McMahon's," Adam answered, sounding a little flustered at first.

"I beg to differ dude.  While I have a crush on Stephanie, you are absolutely, positively in LOVE with Britney!" the shorter man said, amused.  When Adam didn't reply, Jay continued, "Alright, seriously Adam… when are you gonna suck it up and tell her already?!"

"You make it sound so easy," Adam said somberly.  "I don't take rejection well, you know that."  Jay knew what Adam meant.  When his previous engagement was broken off, it took him weeks to get over her, and even longer to seriously consider dating someone.

"Well then use that to ease into conversation about the subject.  Tell her what happened.  You already tell her everything else.  It'll at least let her know where you stand," Jay said, trying his best to be helpful.  Turning into the catering room, they bumped into Amy, Torrie, Stacy, and Trish.

"Hey guys!" they all said cheerily.  After saying hi, Adam pulled Amy to the side.

"Have you seen Brit anywhere?  I haven't seen her all day," he asked the redheaded diva.

She laughed softly, "Aww, Adam misses his girlfriend!"  Adam looked down at Amy, shaking his head.

"You sound like Jay.  Seriously though, have you seen her?  I just wanted to ask her what was wrong with her last night."

Amy eyed him curiously, "What do you mean?"

"At the police station, she ran to the bathroom and was there for like a half an hour.  Then she came back and told us to leave without her, that Steph was coming to pick her up," Adam told her.

"Oh.  Well, I called her earlier, but I got her voice mail.  I haven't seen her yet either, sorry," Amy replied.  "But anyway, I wonder how long Brock will be in jail.  I don't see anyone rushing out with money to help him out," Amy said smiling.

"Someone did," Amy and Adam heard from behind them.  They turned to see Chris, with Drew and Benoit behind him.

"Who?" Adam asked rather loudly.

"I saw Levesque earlier and he was telling Eric Bischoff how 'McMahon busted Brock out'," Chris explained.

"Damnit, it was Vince!  I should have known he wouldn't let his personal ass kisser sit in jail," Adam said angrily.

"Uh guys?  I don't know much about this situation, but I'm willing to bet that is wasn't VINCE McMahon that paid Brock's bail," Drew said, suddenly realizing that something could be VERY wrong.

Cocking an eyebrow, Adam questioned, "What do you mean?"

"I-I… I got to the hotel at like, 2:30 and I saw… I saw Britney and Brock going up the stairs together," Drew blurted out, feeling very guilty about not investigating when he saw this.

"WHAT?!" Amy, Adam, and both Chris's cried, turning and looking at Drew.

"Why didn't you say something to me?!" Adam asked frantically.

"I'm sorry man!  I was kind of intoxicated.  I didn't make the connections till just now.  I had no idea he was even in jail until today!" Drew said, upset at himself for not telling Adam sooner.

Then Stephanie ran over to them, frantically pushing through the pack of Canadians until she reached Adam and Amy.  The brunette grabbed onto Adam's forearms, holding on for support as she stood, trying to catch her breath.

"Steph what's wrong?"  Adam asked, worried and concerned.  "I… have to tell you two something," she panted, gesturing to him and Amy.

"What is it?" Amy asked, looking worriedly at her friend.

Stephanie took a long, deep breath, and spoke, "Britney just called me and told me that her and Brock are getting back together."

LATER THAT NIGHT

Adam had just thrown all of his stuff into a gym bag and was prepared to head back to the hotel.  After the bomb Stephanie dropped on him earlier, he just wanted to go to sleep, knowing that in his dreams none of this shit would occur.  Britney and Brock together again?  The thought didn't settle well in Adam's stomach.  What a turn of events, he thought walking out of the locker room, not bothering to say goodbye to anyone.  Earlier on, he decided that he was going to take Jay's advice and tell Britney how he felt, only to have that hope crushed by Stephanie's announcement.  He couldn't believe that Britney would believe anything that Lesnar said.  Adam still hadn't figured out what happened the first time around, but he thought the encounter she had with Brock a few weeks ago was reason enough not to go back.  To his luck, he turned a corner and smacked right into Brock Lesnar.  No longer feeling the need to be friendly, Brock simply pushed through Adam.  Adam, on the other hand, had something to say, so he grabbed Brock by the arm.

"What in hell do you think you're doing?" Adam asked, glaring into the eyes of the man he absolutely hated.

"Uh, going to the locker room so I can get my stuff and leave," he offered, knowing deep down the answer Adam was really looking for.

"Don't play that dumb shit with me," Adam continued.  "What in hell do you think you're doing with Britney?"  Brock's glare turned into a cocky smile.

"Oh, you mean BESIDES going out with her?  I told you I'd get past you and take back what's MINE," he said.  Adam once again found his blood pressure rising.

"I certainly hope you don't talk to her like that," the Canadian said.  The Next Big Thing cut the little distance between them off, showing his size advantage.

"I'm not stupid, Copeland.  I know never to say what I REALLY feel, unless it's good.  As long as she doesn't get out of line, that is, which she WON'T."

"Well Brock, last I checked you weren't the judge of what is out of line for a 21 year old woman," Adam said, standing on his toes just a little to even out their heights.

"And last I checked, you weren't the judge of how I run a relationship!"  Adam ran a hand through his long hair, sighing loudly.

"Just tell me one thing.  Since it's quite obvious that you are not in love with her, why are you doing this?"  Adam sensed something was very wrong, and he knew Britney well enough to know that she wouldn't put herself in danger unless she felt it was absolutely necessary.

"Okay, first of all, my private life is none of your damn business.  For all you know, I could be completely in love with her!" Brock insisted.  In response Adam simply rolled his eyes.  "Anyway," Brock continued, "I'm doing this for two reasons. A, she's really hott, as I'm sure you've noticed.  And B, because I don't like you, and it's quite obvious that you two like each other.  Britney belongs to no one but me," he said, cocky smile resurfacing.  Disgusted, Adam was all but ready to smack the smug look off.

"You are an asshole," Adam spat out.

"Don't be so harsh, man.  You know you're only saying that cause you're jealous… and it eats you alive to know that I can pretty much do what I want to her and you can't do a damn thing about it," Brock replied calmly.  Adam was about to swing at him, as his fists were clenched, but a soft, feminine voice stopped him.

"Brock?  Are you ready to go?" Britney said, slowly approaching Lesnar.

At 6'5", he towered over Britney's 5'8" frame, not to mention the fact that she seemed to shrink away from him whenever he was near her.  Adam noticed that she wouldn't look at him, keeping her eyes trained on her boyfriend. Boyfriend, Adam thought.  What a fucking world.  Brock looked down at her, smiling as he ruffled her hair.  He appeared to genuinely care about her, but Adam knew he was faking.

"Yeah, I just have to go grab my stuff.  You just go wait by the Women's Locker Room," he told her, shooting a glare at Adam before walking past them.

Adam looked over at Britney, hating how she now seemed to be cowering away from him as well.  She nervously darted her eyes around, mainly at the walls, before focusing them at her feet.  Part of her wanted to fling herself into Adam's arms and explain everything and beg for his help.  But she knew that the idea wouldn't work out in the long run, so she wouldn't bother.  Finally, Adam broke the silence between the two.

"I can't think of a better way to say this, so I'll just say it.  What the fuck are you doing?" he asked, desperately wanting to know what would make her WANT to be with a man who had hurt her before and would hurt her again.

"Adam, I really can't talk now.  If I'm not by the Women's Locker Room when Brock gets back, he'll get really pissed," she answered, slowly backing away.

"Just tell me why," he pleaded, moving forward to maintain a small distance between them.

Looking down at her feet once more, she replied, "I… I have to.  I want to explain, I really do, but right now I'm just trying to keep Brock away from you guys so things like last night don't occur again."

Adam was confused, "What do you mean things like last night?"  He stopped awaiting an answer when he saw the tiny blonde's eyes widen.  Brock, carrying a large gym bag, was heading back their way.  Adam and Britney glanced at each other, and he could plainly see the fear in her eyes.  Suddenly, the glance was broken when Brock moved past him, yanking Britney roughly by the arm.  Adam shook his head, and then looked in the couple's direction.  Listening carefully, he heard Brock, still tightly gripping Britney's arm.

"I TOLD you to go to the locker room.  Nowhere in the statement did I tell you to go hang out with Adam.  I TOLD you NOT to hang out with him," he said fiercely.  Upon his statement, Britney looked back at Adam, distinctive eyes begging for help.

NEXT MONDAY

After enjoying a three-day break, the Superstar's were back on the road again.  Jeff and Chris were sitting in the Women's Locker Room, talking with Trish Stratus.  Glancing up to say hi to Lisa and Terri, who had just walked in the room, Chris smiled at Trish and his currently teal haired friend Jeff.  The only reason Chris agreed to join Jeff was because he knew Jeff was too shy to go alone.  He knew how his friend felt about the blonde.  Suddenly, the door opened and Adam walked in.

Laughing, Lisa threw a statement to the air, "Damn, they must have taken the 'Women's Locker Room' sign down!"

Ignoring her remark, Adam sat down next to his fellow Canadian.

"Hey Adam.  Before you ask, Britney's not here, and I haven't seen, heard from, or spoke to her yet today," Chris said smiling.

Not cracking a smile, Adam replied, "Actually, Chris, I was looking for Amy."

The shorter man raised an eyebrow, "Oh?  Don't tell me you've lost interest in Brit cause you're in love with Red now.  Damn, that's a little quick," he said jokingly.  But Adam, who had not been in the best of moods lately, did not see the humor.

"You're not fucking funny," he said, dryly but also loudly.  His very audible comment caused Terri, Lisa, Trish, and Jeff to look up at him.

"Sorry man.  What's up your ass?" Chris asked, growing concerned.

"Just the fact that someone like YOU has the audacity to say that I lose interest too quickly," Adam said, dry sarcasm dripping from his tone again.

"Alright Adam, that's enough," Jeff said quietly, upset at the expression on his tall friend's face.  His expression was sulking even more than it was last week.

Adam lowered his head before speaking, "I'm sorry Chris.  I… I just don't know how much more of this I can take.  It just isn't fair."

Sighing as he glanced at Trish, Jeff asked, "I understand that, but then why do you need to see Amy?"

Reaching back to pull the rubber band out of his hair, the tall Canadian responded, "Just to talk I guess.  And I was hoping that since Britney's not allowed to hang out with me, she'd at least call Amy or something."  Chris raised another eyebrow, confused at what the taller man meant.

"What do you mean?  Who said she couldn't… oh."  He stopped talking when he concluded that it must have been Brock Lesnar who told Britney she could not hang out with Adam.

"I don't get it," Jeff said.  "If Brock's doing all this shit to her, why is she with him?"

"I don't know!  She told me she HAD to, to prevent stuff like Jay and Brock's fight from happening again.  I guess she feels like she has to protect us," Adam said, much more quietly.

"I think she's the one who need protection.  And I'll be damned if we just sit by and WATCH this happen," Jericho said, his expression now matching Adam's.

"You don't know how much I WANT to help!  But how can I help her if I can't even SEE her!  I'm not giving up her though, never.  I swear, when I finally do get my hands on Brock Lesnar, I WILL beat him within an inch of his life," Adam said wistfully.  Adam felt a hand on his shoulder, and as he looked up, his glance met Terri's.  He wasn't even aware she was still in the room.

"You know, you really are the sweetest man I've ever met," the She Devil said smiling.

"That's because I love her," he told her.

"I can see that," the older woman continued, "but honey, you can't go around picking fights with people because she's not with you."  Chris could tell by the look on his face that Adam wished Terri would just stay out of his business.  He also knew that even at his most fragile, Adam could NEVER yell at a woman.  It was how growing up with a single mom taught him to be.  He was just brought up that way.

"It's BECAUSE the man she IS with is an abusive bastard," Adam defended himself, struggling to keep his composure.

"Woah, what?!" Terri and Lisa, who was also still in the room, gasped.

"Adam, I know what's going on is scary for you, but there's really nothing he's done that you could call abuse," Lisa said, making sure to be sensitive to Adam's feelings.

"Oh really?  How about telling her she isn't ALLOWED to hang out with certain people?  And if you want physical abuse, how about slapping her, throwing glass objects at her, or literally DRAGGING her out of an arena?!" Adam shot.

"Wow, we didn't know… oh my god," Lisa said, putting a hand over her mouth.  "I'm so sorry Adam," Terri said softly.  Neither of the two women were aware of the situation, and were shocked by what they had just heard.

"It's okay.  You know what the worst part is, though?  I know that if I could just get some time alone with her, I could her out of there.  If I could just TALK to her…" he trailed off.  Suddenly, a quiet voice spoke up.

"Maybe I could talk to her for you," Trish suggested, somewhat timidly.  When Adam looked at her desperately, she continued, "I-I mean Brock wouldn't care if she was with me.  I could relay whatever you want me to, unless you think it's too personal."

"You'd do that for me?" Adam asked, hopeful gaze apparent for the first time.

The diva smiled genuinely, "Of course I would.  It would be well worth it if it works."  For the first time in days, Adam's lips curved up in a small smile as he leaned over and wrapped Trish in a tight hug.

Whispering in her ear, he quietly said, "Thank you so much.  You have no idea what this means to me."

Her smile broadened, "You're very welcome."  Jeff grinned at Trish, marveling at how sweet of her it was to help Britney and Adam.

"Alright, not to break up this hallmark moment, but I'm starving.  Let's go get some food," Chris said, causing everyone to laugh a little.  They all agreed as they stood up and prepared to leave.  Before exiting the room, Jeff grabbed Trish's arm.

Grinning at the beautiful woman, he whispered to her, "You're really sweet, you know that?"  Looking up at the slightly taller man, she returned the grin.

"So are you," she said, smiling once more before taking his arm and leading him out the door with the others.

IN THE CATERING ROOM

After the six Superstars found the catering room, Lisa and Terri joined Nora, Jacqueline, and some of the other guys at a table.  The remaining four spotted Mark, Drew, Stacy, Benoit, and Matt at another table and walked over to them.  Sitting down, they all greeted each other.

Looking around at his surroundings, Chris said, "Wow, it's really like a cafeteria in here.  You know, all the little cliques sitting together.  I feel all high school-ish."  Eyeing the room after his remark, Mark had to agree with him, but couldn't resist cracking a joke, just for the fact that it was Jericho who had said it.

"Alright, lets let Jerky have his moment.  We all know that no one liked him in high school.  No one wanted to sit with him in lunch, so this is probably a new feeling," the Dead Man said, cracking a smile.

Chris shot him an offended look, "Well, Marky, lets not get upset just because tables were not yet INVENTED while you were in high school!"

"If you two don't shut up, I'll put both of ya'll THROUGH a table!" Matt spoke up jokingly.

Adam laughed along with everyone until he noticed Amy walking into the room.  He smiled and waved her over, but his smile faded when he saw her expression.  She looked really distraught, fisting a hand into the hem of her black t-shirt as she walked toward him.  As she neared him, he noticed her eyes were a little puffy, like she had been crying.  Only a little, but still crying, and he wanted to know why.

"What's wrong?" Adam asked, grabbing her hand and gently squeezing.  At this time Matt, who was sitting next to Adam, turned around to see his girlfriend behind him.

Jumping up and wrapping an arm around her, he asked the redhead the same question, "What's wrong, baby?"  Glancing back and forth between her boyfriend and Adam, she sighed loudly.

"Adam, Bischoff wants you in his office," she said, eyes focusing on the floor.  Adam stood, brushing off his clothes before asking her, "Does this have anything to do with why you're so upset?"

"Well… just go, please," Amy pleaded, and Adam nodded.  He patted the redhead on her tattoo covered shoulder, leaving her standing there, curling into Matt's arms.

ERIC BISCHOFF'S OFFICE

Adam slowly walked to the room Eric Bischoff was using as an office for Raw that night.  Ever since the former WCW President signed on, Vince McMahon had put creative control of Raw in his hands, and Smackdown in Stephanie's, with him overseeing each show.  Being around Eric made Adam uneasy normally, and even more so since he'd seen Amy.  Pushing the door open, he saw the dark haired man sitting at his desk looking through some papers.

"Hey Edge," he said, "have a seat."

Before Adam sat down, he heard a sniffle coming from behind him.  Spinning on his heel, he saw Stephanie sitting on a couch, tears in her eyes and a crumpled tissue in her hand.  Instead of sitting in the chair Bischoff directed him too, he went over and sat next to Stephanie.

Putting an arm around, he asked the brunette, "Steph?  Honey, what's wrong?"

"This one was in here when Jim Ross was giving me an injury report, and she burst into tears when Britney's name was mentioned," Eric answered for her.  Adam's head shot up at the GM's remark.

"What do you…"

"AND…" Bischoff continued, completely ignoring Adam.  "She told Lita when I brought her in here to get the Heat script, and SHE teared up too!  But SHE also managed to tell me that I should inform you.  I was hoping you could tell me what in hell is going on."  Adam looked at Stephanie once more before returning his gaze to Bischoff.

"What do you mean her injury?  She was fine last week!" Adam said, hopeful that he was jumping to conclusions, but he knew he wasn't.

"Ross told me that she couldn't wrestle tonight because she cracked 4 or 5 ribs over the weekend," he replied calmly, ruffling through more papers.  Oh no, Adam thought, he's starting already.

"Steph, you don't think… he did this do you?" he asked, already knowing her answer, just not wanting to hear it.

"Uh-huh…" she choked out, fresh tears filling her brown eyes.  "Alright, who the hell is the HE we're talking about?!" Bischoff demanded, starting to get angry.

"Brock Lesnar," Adam said, gritting his teeth angrily.  The rage was beginning to build up in his system, and if he didn't think it would put Britney in worse condition in the long run, he'd hunt Lesnar down and beat him senseless.

"Nice try, pal," Bischoff snorted.  "But Brock, as well as Vince, have already warned me that you were looking to get him in trouble."

"What?!" Adam cried, looking at Stephanie, who appeared to be just as shocked at Eric's comments as he felt.

"Brock Lesnar came to me, saying Vince McMahon himself told him to warn me that you were out to get him, so I should be prepared," Bischoff continued proudly.

Oh my god, how dense is this guy?  Adam thought, staring in disbelief as he replied, "And you believed him?  And you don't find it odd that his girlfriend just HAPPENS to crack her ribs, while he's the only one around?  AFTER he told you I was after him?"  Eric hesitated for a moment, trying to take in all Adam just told him.  Since when was Britney McMahon Brock Lesnar's girlfriend?

"Well, Edge, I…"

"Adam," Stephanie cut him off.  "His name is Adam, Eric."

"Yeah, Adam, Edge, WHATEVER.  Look, all I'm saying is…"

"No Eric, not whatever.  My name is Adam and you better start calling me by it," the Canadian insisted, standing up and glaring at the dark haired man.

"Alright, ADAM, all I'm saying is that couples fight.  Even if what you said is true, it's not my place to step in, even if she gets hurt as a result," Bischoff stated, slowly backing away from the other man.

Stephanie winced as he said this.  Adam was a very easygoing guy, but from what he had shown her, and what she had heard from Jay and Britney, that when put in the right situation the tall Canadian had a hell of a temper.  She saw the look on Adam's face, a cross of anger and disbelief, as he stormed over to Bischoff.  He knew what he was doing was wrong and could get him in a LOT of trouble, but he didn't give a damn.  Grabbing the Raw boss by the throat, he pushed him up against the wall, lifting the smaller man up so that his feet were almost completely elevated from the floor.

"Listen up, you little prick," he threatened, voice almost in a growl.  "Couples fighting is one thing.  Boyfriend breaking girlfriend's ribs is a COMPLETELY different story!  You are just as much of a pussy as Brock is… no, you're worse.  You are obligated to protect your Superstars, and I'm sorry, Uncle Eric, but you're doing a lousy fucking job!" he yelled before pivoting and storming out of the room.

"Damn crazy punk," Eric muttered as he rubbed his throat, unaware of the tiny brunette still on his couch.

"You may be right about that Eric," she said, causing him to jump.  "Adam IS crazy, but it's because he loves Britney and cares about her enough to help.  Enough to do some pretty crazy shit.  If you knew what love was you'd understand why he's so crazy right now."

"Stephanie, I…"

"You may be right about Adam being crazy," Stephanie repeated, heading for the door.  As she went to pull the door shut behind her, she finished, "But HE was right about you being a pussy."

IN THE TRAINING ROOM

Britney straightened up in her chair as a trainer finished taping up her ribs, which she had now learned were virtually all cracked.  She should have known better than to question Brock on why she couldn't hang out with Adam and Jay anymore.  She had to do her best to swallow the tears as he verbally berated her before yanking her by the hair and shoving her down the stairs.  She knew instinctively not to cry, past experiences with him had taught her that the hard way.  And of course, as always, Brock ran right to her afterward, apologizing profusely.  She could only remember a little of what he said, but one statement clearly stuck in her head.

"I didn't mean it baby, but all guys hit their girlfriends every once in awhile.  Even Adam would if you said… well if something like this happened."

For the life of her, Britney just couldn't picture Adam Copeland hitting a woman.  It wasn't till the door opened and Trish joined that she realized she had been alone.

"Hey Brit," Trish said smiling.  "They told me I'd find you in here.  How are your ribs feeling?"  Britney eyed the other diva for a moment.

"Who told you I was in here?" she wondered out loud.

"Well, Adam sent me, but Brock told me you were here," she replied nonchalantly.  Seeing the way Britney's eyes shoot wide open at the mention of her boyfriend and Adam in the same sentence, she quickly added, "He doesn't suspect a thing Brit.  I played ditz around him and said I heard you tripped and he bought it."

Breathing a sigh of relief, Britney turned to face her friend, "Good."  Trish explained to her what happened during her short meeting with Brock Lesnar.

"Excuse me, Brock?" Trish asked, smiling brightly as she stepped up to the giant man.

"Hey Trish, what can I do for ya?" he asked.

"I was wondering if you could tell me where Britney was, I want to see how her ribs are," the blonde told him innocently.

"How did you hear about Britney getting hurt?" Brock asked, suddenly nervous about what may have been going around.  Trish knew she couldn't tell him that Adam had told her outside of Eric's office.  Definitely not as "blonde" as she was acting, Trish devised an idea quickly.

"JR told me she fell down the stairs or something, and I figured since you're her boyfriend you'd know where she was!" she said cheerily, being sure to add in a few extra giggles for good measure.

Suddenly breaking into a smile, Brock answered, "Oh okay.  She's in the trainer's room right now.  I'm sure she'd love to see you, you know, after her accident and everything."

Shaking her hand, Brock chuckled to himself.  Bitch doesn't suspect a damn thing.  Smiling as she walked away, Trish laughed as well.  Little did Lesnar know, but she had been thinking the same damn thing.

"So, so Brock doesn't know Adam sent you?" Britney asked, her tone calming down a bit.

"Not at all," Trish answered smiling, then her expression grew serious.  "I really appreciate you trying to help everybody, but honestly Brit, YOU'RE the one who needs protection," Trish said softly.

Nervously looking at her feet, Britney replied, "I-I can take care of myself.  I don't NEED protection."  Trish sighed as she looked at the other blonde next to her.  She hated how her friend had been reduced from a strong, individual woman, to a cowering little girl, all at the hands of a man who was supposed to love her.  She almost seemed to be afraid of Trish, which really unnerved the Toronto native.

Seeing that Trish was not responding, Britney continued, "So, why DID Adam send you anyway?"  Trish half smiled at the glimmer of hope in Britney's eyes as she mentioned the Canadian's name.

"Because he heard about your ribs.  Because he's concerned about you.  Because he loves you," Trish listed, prepared to list more if necessary.  Adam wore his emotions on his sleeve, so Trish knew everything he felt for her.

"Sure he does," Britney said, sarcasm apparent in her tone.

"Britney, he's madly in love with you!  And I know you love him too, I see the way you guys look at each other.  All you have to do is leave Brock and Adam promises he won't let you get hurt again…"

"ADAM can't help me this time Trish!  And you're right, I DO love Adam, but I care about Brock too.  Besides, if I DID pack up and leave, Adam wouldn't be able to stop Brock.  I BELONG to him, okay?  Just tell Adam I'm fine and that this whole thing is my fault.  I shouldn't have questioned Brock in the first place," Britney said, the last statement almost inaudible.

Trish could not believe her ears.  "I BELONG to him, okay?"  How could she possibly believe all the things he told her?  Judging by her ribs, I'd say he beats it into her, Trish thought to herself.  Finally deciding there was nothing she could say, she put an arm around Britney's shoulder as tears filled both of their eyes.

"We'll figure something out honey, don't worry," Trish said soothingly.  After a few moments, Britney shrugged out from Trish's arm and headed for the door.  As she was about to turn the handle, she heard Trish speak again.  "I don't like the way he treats you Brit.  But I have a feeling it'll all work out.  Anyway, I know you're not supposed to see Adam, but he told me to tell you that if you ever need him, just call.  He said he doesn't care where you are or what time it is, just call if you're in trouble, okay?"

Before the door shut all the way, Trish heard her friend's hopeful words, "Okay.  Thanks Trish."  Breathing a sigh of relief, Trish thought about their conversation.  She hoped to God that if Britney was ever in trouble, she would take her advice.