PART 16

2 WEEKS LATER

Britney knocked on the door to the locker room some of the guys were sharing.  Jay had called her earlier, saying he needed to speak with her about something in person.  Chris opened the door, ushering her in.

"Hey kid," he said, wrapping his arm around her shoulder.  "How are you?"

"Fine, 'kid'," she said smiling.

Ever since her whole "incident," Chris just hadn't teased her as much.  He became really careful about what he said, and was just altogether really… nice.  Although she thought it was cute that he was so cautious around her, she couldn't help but miss his old light-hearted nature.  As stupid as she thought it sounded, she liked being teased by the Canadian.

"Chris, lighten up.  I'm fine… I've told you a million times over, I'm okay.  Really," she told him.

Chris smiled sheepishly, "Sorry Brit.  I guess I just can't help thinking about it when I see you… you know.  I can't help but worry, you scared the shit out of me that day.  But you're right, you ARE okay, so I guess I'll just have to lighten up."

Britney nodded, saying hi to Matt, Jeff, Rob, Amy, and Shane Helms as she walked in and sat down.

"I guess they should switch the sign on the door to Men's locker room----- and Amy and Britney," Rob joked, patting Britney on the shoulder as she sat next to him.

The two divas laughed.  It was true… they were pretty much a fixture in the guys' locker room.

Amy laughed, "You'd think you would be happy about that, Robbie."  RVD nodded, "Oh I am, I just happen to think that you should change in here too, that's all… ouch, hey!"  He rubbed the back of his head where Britney had smacked him upon his comment.

"So guys, where's Jay?  He said he wanted to talk to me," the blonde McMahon asked.

"He's in the shower, he should be out in a minute or two," Matt answered as he laced up his boot.

"Unless you wanted to go in after him," Shane said jokingly, playful glint in his eye.  Jeff laughed at the look Britney sent Shane,

"Uh, wrong Canadian!"  Chris finished tying his boots and walked over to the group, sitting down.

"Speaking of Canadians, where's loverboy?" he asked, that playful gleam finally returning to his eyes.

"I'm not sure… he's here though," Britney answered, unable to keep the smile off her face at the thought of Adam.  Chris shook his head, laughing softly as he reached back to pull his hair up.

"Hey Brit," Jay's voice called as he emerged from the showers.

"Hey, what did you want to tell me?" she asked grinning.

"Why don't you wait outside, and I'll get dressed and meet you out there," he suggested, pulling his wet hair back into a ponytail.

Britney pouted playfully, "You mean I can't watch?"

"You really wouldn't be missing much," Rob chimed in his usual mellow demeanor.

"Very funny.  I personally find it very creepy that you know such information, don't you?" Jay replied, smiling.  "As for you, Ms. McMahon, you'd better let me dress in peace or I'll be forced to tell your boyfriend that you were staring at my body, even though mine IS 100 times sexier than his."

"Sure, Jay… keep dreaming," Amy said, laughing loudly.  The Canadian turned to face the redhead.

"You know what?  You two are just so mean!  You get out too, I'll find someone else who appreciates my amazing figure!" he said, pretending to be hurt.  As Britney stood, Amy rose behind her.  After saying goodbye, the two divas headed out the door.  As they exited, Amy stopped and turned.

"By the way Jason, I'm not leaving because you told me to.  I'm leaving to save you from embarrassment for when you drop that towel and I crack up at the sight of your little 'general'!" she said, running out the door before he could reply.

Outside the door, Amy said goodbye to her best friend.  "Hey, I got some stuff to do for the show, I'll catch you later."

"Alright, I'll see you in a little," Britney replied, watching the redhead disappear down the hall.  Moments later, Jay emerged from the locker room, now fully dressed.  Britney noticed that in the Canadian's hand was a tiny box----- a jewelry box.

"Aw, Mr. Reso, I'm flattered, but honestly, you don't have to bribe me with jewels to be your friend.  I'm sure I like you anyway," she said jokingly.

"We're quite the comedian today, aren't we Ms. McMahon?  Seriously though, the box is why I asked to see you.  I need your opinion," he told her honestly.  When she nodded, he continued, "See, today is me and Steph's five month mark, so I got this.  I'd ask Adam what he thought, but I figured you've got two things over him… one being that you're a woman and the other being that you're related to Stephanie.  Anyway, what do you think of this?"  He opened the box, revealing a beautiful gold bracelet with diamond studs.

"Wow," Britney breathed, marveling at the beautiful jewelry, which must have cost Jay a fortune.  Jay didn't know what to make of her reaction, so he questioned her.

"Well?  What do you think?  Is it too much?  Should I have gotten something better?  Will she like it?  Cause if you think she won't, tell me and I'll…"

"Dude, calm down!  It's beautiful, and Stephanie will LOVE it.  Trust me, she loves diamonds and gold, so I'd say you did well," she assured him.

"You think so?" Jay asked.  "Because I want to show her that I really love her…"

Britney put a hand to the Canadian's mouth, silencing him.  She looked at him, smiling replied, "I know so."

LATE THAT NIGHT

Britney and Adam lie in bed, relaxing and watching TV after the show that night.  They had rented the movie Seven after Adam almost had a heart attack when Britney revealed that she had never seen it.  Although she didn't really like horror or suspense movies, she was already jumpy enough as it was, she put a brave face on for him.  She just made sure to cling really tightly to him during the more "thrilling" scenes.  He certainly didn't seem to mind, only pulling her closer when she buried her face in his shoulder.  After the movie had ended, Adam switched the TV off and pulled Britney to him.

"So did you see what Jay got Stephanie?" she asked as Adam kissed her cheek and his fingers lazily grazed her arm.

"Yeah, it was… nice," he said nonchalantly as he moved even closer than he was before.

"Nice?  Did you see that thing?" she asked, shocked at his reaction.

"Well, yeah.  It was really beautiful and probably cost him a hell of a lot of money, too.  Diamonds are nice.  It's just if it was me, I'd have more than just a diamond bracelet in mind," he said in a hushed tone, nuzzling her neck.

"Oh, and what would that be?" she asked grinning.

"Hmm… I can't tell you, cause then it wouldn't be a surprise if I gave it to you.  I'll have to out do Jay on our five month anniversary, you know," he said, planting tiny little kisses along her neck and jaw line.

Britney laughed, "Oh, but I think Jay will still 'give it' to Stephanie anyway."  "Oh shut up," Adam said as he moved over, hovering over top of her and pulling her in for a kiss.

She sighed against him as the kiss slowly deepened.  Suddenly, out of nowhere, her mind flooded with memories, specifically ones with Brock.  She closed her eyes tightly as she felt Adam's hands begin to roam, praying that when she opened them, it would still be Adam who was with her.  As their kiss continued, Britney did her best to ignore the flashback.  She just couldn't shake the image of Brock pinning her down and using all his strength to keep her there while he had his way with her.  When she felt Adam pressing his body against hers, she realized that she couldn't do it.  Adam backed off when he felt two tiny hands pressing against his chest.  At first he hadn't even noticed it, as he was too caught up in what was happening, but when she pushed more forcefully, he stopped what he was doing.

"What's wrong?" he asked, concerned as she pushed him off of her.  Shaking her head, she slid out and sat up, resting her back against the headboard.

"I-I can't…  I can't do this Adam.  I'm really sorry.  I… I don't know what's wrong with me," she said shamefully.  Adam reached out to touch her arm, worried when he noticed her flinch slightly.

"Hey, it's okay.  I'll stop baby… it's okay," he told her.  She still wouldn't look at him.

He started again, "I don't want you to feel like you have to rush into anything you're not ready for."  She glanced down at him, sending him a look he could only read as confusion.  It was like she expected him to angry with her.

"Are you… are you sure you're okay?  I didn't mean to scare you," the tall Canadian told her sympathetically.

Britney shook her head, "No, no… it's nothing you did.  I just… I, uh… I just had a really weird flashback," she admitted.  She decided that she might as well just tell him straight out what had made her want to stop.

"Of what?  Of you and Brock?" he asked.  He couldn't imagine anyone else that could have possibly interrupted her thoughts in a moment like that… the stupid bastard.

"Yeah… I'm really sorry Adam.  I WANT to feel comfortable with you. It's just harder that I thought it would be.  I don't want you to think it's anything you did, though, because you've honestly been the best thing to happen to me in, well… ever," she told him honestly.  Adam couldn't help but feel a twinge of pride after hearing that.  She really did care, and he really did mean a lot to her.  It was definitely a good feeling.  He sat up, leaning against the headboard as well, wrapping his arm around her as she continued.  "But if you ever decide you want to leave… please don't do it because of this.  It might take me some time, but eventually I WILL be ready, and I really want you to be the one I'm with when I am.  I won't ask much from you, I swear, but please, just don't leave.  Wait for me," she begged.  Adam couldn't believe how pleading her tone was.  Like I would ever leave someone I've waited forever to get.  The thought was absolutely absurd.

"Honey, I just got you.  What makes you think I'd want to lose you?  Like it or not, you're stuck with me for a while," he told her smiling.  Sighing, she rested her head on his bare shoulder as his arm slid down around her waist.

"So you'll wait," she said, closing her eyes contentedly.

Adam grinned, "Forever and a day."

AROUND 3 A.M.

Adam and Britney were sleeping peacefully as a gentle breeze silently flowed through an open window.  All of a sudden, there was a loud knock at the door.  Adam, who had always been a light sleeper, jumped at the thumping noise.  "What the hell?" he called, opening his eyes to the dark room.  He looked over at the clock on the nightstand by the bed.  Three in the morning… oh boy, this better be REAL good.  The Canadian looked down at Britney, who was still deeply asleep in his arms.  She seemed to be the opposite of him in this case.  She must not of heard the knocking at all.  He debated not even getting up to answer the door at all, but the knocking only got louder and more desperate sounding.  Adam groaned, but reminded himself that a few months back it was Britney who went to him in the middle of the night, and she had just gotten a severe ass kicking.  No one would bang on my door at three in the morning unless it was something really important, he told himself.  Sighing, he reluctantly unhooked his arm from around Britney and stood up.  Pulling on a pair of sweatpants, he headed to the door, leaving his sleeping girlfriend alone in the bedroom.

"Hold on, I'm coming," he called, yawning as he made his way to the door.  He reached the door, unlocked it and pulled it open.

"Oh my God… Steph, what happened?" Adam asked as his mouth dropped open.  The brunette had tears running down her cheeks, and when Adam gaze dropped lower, he saw blood dripping off her hand.

Stephanie tried to answer, "I… I-I… oh God, Adam, I-"

"Never mind that, just get in here," the blonde man cut her off, leading her into the room.  He took her over to the couch, pulling her down next to him.  He grabbed her wrist and pulled it towards him.  It was almost completely covered in blood, so Adam had no clue as to where the cut or cuts were.  He stared at her momentarily, and then pulled her into his arms.  He thought deeply about what could have possibly happened to her.  He doubted with all his heart and mind that Jay could ever do something like that to her.  But then again, the world, especially the WWE world, was a fucked up place.  And if it was true that Jay did it, well, Adam didn't know what he would do.  Sure, Jay was his best friend, but Stephanie was his friend too, not to mention his girlfriend's cousin.  He would kill him.

"Steph, honey, what happened?  And who did this to you?  Was it Jay?  If it was, Steph, tell me and I swear I'll kick the shit out of him.  I'll kill him… I'll-"

"It wasn't Jay.  It… it wasn't anybody.  Adam, I… I did this to myself," Stephanie interrupted, lowering her head shamefully.  Adam's eyes widened----- she did it to herself?  He wasn't sure of how to handle it, or if he even could handle it.

"Jesus, Stephanie… why?  Why the hell would you do that?" he asked, his tone coming out a little harsher than he would have liked.  She pushed away from him, fresh tears filling her eyes as she stared at him helplessly.

She hesitated, and then responded, "I… I didn't mean to.  I was just so fucking mad, Adam.  Jay and I had this huge fight, a really stupid one… and he just pissed me off so much that I just… I punched out a mirror.  He threw me out… he told me I had to leave cause he didn't want to see me.  I just got so pissed… I couldn't help it, I was just so angry."  Adam shook his head solemnly.  Damn, these McMahon girls sure know how to get emotional. The Canadian cursed himself immediately for his thoughts.  'Of course they're emotional dipshit, think of all they've been through.   He thought long and hard, trying to find the right words to say before speaking.

"Okay… how about this?  I'll clean up your hand and bandage it and everything.  Then I'll go wake Brit so she can come talk to you while I go hunt down Jay and we can find out what the hell happened," he offered sincerely.

Stephanie slowly nodded, "A-alright, thank you."  About fifteen minutes later, Adam had cleaned up the Smackdown boss's wound and made his way out the door, leaving Britney and Stephanie on the couch.  After she watched the door close behind her boyfriend, she turned to face her cousin.  Britney noticed that she was not wearing the bracelet that Jay had shown her earlier in the day.

"So," she started, "what did you and Jay fight about?"

Stephanie sighed, "It was insane.  You won't believe it, but here goes.  We were having our little anniversary thing, and it was going really well… until Jay opened my gift.  I should have known.  The wrapping… it… wasn't right.  I should have known it had been screwed with."

"What do you mean?" Britney asked curiously.  Stephanie sighed again, running her uninjured hand through her hair.

"Someone, I'm pretty positive I know who, screwed with my gift.  When Jay saw it, he thought it was some kind of cruel joke I was playing on him.  He's so defensive and paranoid… I think he thought I'd actually been planning it for our whole relationship.  He got really mad and just flipped.  He wouldn't stop screaming, saying how he thought I was different and he was so wrong about me.  He just would NOT shut up… and you know how I get.  I got really defensive and started yelling right back at him.  I couldn't believe he ACTUALLY thought I would do something like that to him.  I guess I do kind of understand now, though.  But anyway, we had a shouting match, and he told me I should find somewhere else to stay tonight… so I punched the nearest object.  Just so happens that the nearest object was a mirror," she explained.  Her crying had since ceased, but a few tears still glistened in her eyes.  The blonde McMahon eyed her cousin for a moment.

"That's all believable to me Steph.  Trust me, nothing that happens to either of us surprises me anymore.  I guess after all we've been through, it shouldn't.  Anyway, you said it was crazy… what's so crazy about it?  What was in the gift?" she asked curiously.

She would have asked who Stephanie thought placed it there as well, but Britney figured she could guess by what it was.  Things like this were usually very symbolic.  Stephanie laughed ruefully.  She swallowed hard, eyeing her cousin intently before answering.

"Inside the gift was a picture of me and Paul… one that had the words 'NEVER FORGET' written on it."

TBC

You could see my pathetic attempt to inject humor into the story somewhere.  Hopefully someone enjoyed it.  LOL, I just didn't want the WHOLE story to be so serious and gloomy.  Anyway, as always, reviews are greatly appreciated!