PART 21
VENGEANCE- JULY 21, 2002
Chris entered the arena where Vengeance was being held. It was still early, and hardly anyone was in the arena. Chris wanted to arrive early so he could rest a little before John Cena arrived so they could talk about their match. As he walked down the hallway, he spotted Stacy Keibler saying goodbye to Torrie Wilson. The leggy blonde turned and headed in his direction, smiling when she caught a glimpse of him.
"Hey Chris!" she said cheerily, causing him to grin. Her bubbly personality was a warm relief after a long trip to Detroit.
"Hey Stace, can you do me a huge favor?" he asked, reaching out to hug her.
"Sure, what is it?" she asked, laughing as she looked down at him. At 5'11 AND wearing about 4 inch heels, the diva towered over Chris's 5'9" form.
"Could you please tell me where Britney is? I know she said she was coming early," Y2J asked.
Stacy laughed again, "She's in the catering room. But I should warn you… she's with Adam… and they're alone."
"Oh dear. Well, you know how I love to interrupt things. Thanks Stace, I'll see you in a little," he said, grinning as they said goodbye and went in separate directions. The Canadian made his way around the corner and into the catering room.
He immediately spotted Adam and Britney, as they were the only two people in the room, as Stacy had told him. They were all the way in the back, sitting on the couch together, and as Chris walked closer, he could see that they were kissing. As Jericho approached the couple Adam shifted, turning his back to Chris and covering Britney's face with his as they continued to kiss deeply. Chris rolled his eyes… they had no idea he was even in there. He debated on whether or not he should interrupt. Noticing Adam slide his hand up her thigh, Chris made up his mind.
Clearing his throat loudly, he cut in, "Let's keep it PG kids." Both Adam and Britney jumped, and Britney shoved Adam off of her, cheeks reddening with embarrassment.
"How long have you been standing there?" Adam asked, eyeing his friend.
Chris laughed, "Long enough, Junior. Now, can I please steal your girlfriend before you two make my eyes bleed?" Adam sighed, kissing Britney on the forehead and standing up.
"Take care of her, you perve," Adam said, laughing as he strolled away. As much as he would have loved to stay right where he was with Britney, he had things to do for that night. He had actually asked Chris to stay with her so he could get everything done without her around.
"Hey honey," Chris said, wrapping his arm around her shoulder.
"Yes dear?" she asked, resting her head on his shoulder.
"How's my birthday girl doing?" he asked grinning.
She grinned back widely, "Well, I WAS doing quite fine, until SOMEONE interrupted."
"Well you know how I love to interrupt a good make-out session that could possibly turn into a sex scene that I don't want to see cause I'm lonely and my wife's all the way in Tampa. Wow, that was long. Seriously though, happy birthday. You're getting old," he told her.
"Thanks… but if 22 is old, how ancient does that make 32?" she joked as he smacked her playfully on the knee. His gaze softened as he reached down and pulled a gift bag out of his gym bag, which was resting on the floor in front of him. "Here, this is for you," he said, handing her the large bag.
"Aw, thanks Chris!" she squealed, accepting the gift. She pulled the card out, going to open the envelope, but Chris stopped her.
"Open the card last," he instructed. She nodded, reaching into the bag, and began to pull out gifts. There sure as hell were a lot of them… clothes, CDs, a few pairs of earrings.
"Jess picked out the clothes… and the earrings… and the CDs too, actually. You know I don't do rap. Okay, so she really picked out everything. But I paid for it all," he said, smiling proudly as she laughed at him.
"You mean you didn't pick out this adorable skirt for me?" she asked, pretending to be shocked.
"Okay, now do the card," he told her, watching her tear open the envelope. Britney gave Chris a puzzled look as she pulled out not one card, but two. He pointed to the one card, gesturing for her to open that one first. She found his behavior a little odd, but then again, he was Chris. He was always up to something. Opening the card, she quickly scanned it, and then read the bottom where it was signed,
"Happy Birthday Brit! Love, Jess. P.S. Chris wouldn't let me put my name on his card, but I DID pick out the stuff, so I think I deserve some credit. I can't wait to see you again. Anyway, I hope you like the stuff. Have a great day girl!"
"Aw, how sweet," Britney remarked, gazing fondly at the card. Chris's wife Jessica was a sweetheart, and the two women went shopping and hung out whenever they got the chance.
"Yeah, yeah. Now open mine," he said, pointing to his card. He must be really proud of it or something. Something's probably going to jump out at me. She was proved wrong when she opened the card to find a lengthy message written inside.
Britney,
It's your birthday!! PARTY TIME! Seriously though, I thought today would be a good day for me to be serious (gasp!) and tell you just what I think of you. From the day I met you, I was instantly hooked. You were an amazing, funny, intelligent girl… and at the time you were only 18. You were so smart, and so wise beyond your years, and that really drew me to you. Having a smart, funny, beautiful, easy-going girl in a business like this is a rarity, and I'm so glad that you decided to join the company after all. You and I have always had great times together, and we can always make each other smile. I know things have gotten a little weird over the past year with all the shit that's been happening with you, and that I tried to turn into someone I wasn't around you. I was afraid of where everything was going, but now I'm realizing I had no reason to be. You're still, four years and whole lot of shit later, the same girl that all of us fell in love with. As much as I hated seeing you hurt so much over the past year, it has definitely brought us closer, and I'm glad for that. You've honestly become one of my best friends. I feel like I can talk to you about anything, and hopefully you feel the same. I'd hope after all of our "incidents," you know that you can come to me. I think you proved that the night you came and stayed with me. As much as I was upset that you and Adam weren't talking, I was glad you came to me, glad to know that you trust me. And I'm so happy for you and Adam. You guys are gonna get married and be together forever and have like 60 kids! Ha ha, maybe not, but who knows? You have to move to Tampa, so that when me and Adam are fat, old and ugly, there can still be two blond Canadians and their gorgeous blonde wives. Anyway, I just want you to know that if there's ever ANYTHING you feel like you can't go to Adam or anyone with, I want you to come to me. I'm ALWAYS here for you. I know I may not be as cool as my wife, but I'm a good listener. I really do cherish our friendship, Brit. I want you to always, always remember that. I love ya kid, and Happy Birthday.
Love always,
Chris
Tears were sliding down her cheeks by the time she finished reading. That was probably the best gift Chris, or anyone, could have given her.
"Wow, Chris, I… oh, thank you so much," she said, moving into his embrace.
"Your very welcome. I meant every single word of it too. You're an amazing person, Brit, whether or not you choose to realize it. I love you like the little sister I never had," he told her, gently running his hand up and down her back. Britney sighed contentedly against him.
Sniffling a little, she gazed up at him, asking, "Does that mean I'm stuck with you forever?"
The response was, "Oh yes. Forever and ever and ever and… well, just forever. Unless I walk in on you guys a few more times… Adam might kill me before forever arrives." Britney said nothing, just enjoying being with one of her best friends. She was enjoying life for the moment, something she hadn't done is so long. She was finally beginning to get things.
"Forever," she thought out loud, and Chris wasn't sure if she meant to say it or not. "That has a nice ring to it."
LATER THAT NIGHT"Come on, your surprise is ready!" Adam called into the locker room Amy and Britney were sharing.
"Alright, I'm coming!" she said, stepping out and revealing one of the shirts and tops that Chris and Jess had given her. Adam couldn't keep his jaw from dropping at the sight of her.
"Wow, you look… absolutely beautiful," he said, eyeing her appreciatively.
"Um… thanks," she said, cheeks getting a little rosy. It was adorable, the way she got all embarrassed whenever he complimented her. Taking her hand in his, he led her down the hall, both of them waving as they saw John Cena walking down the hall in the other direction.
"So, are you ready to be surprised?" he asked, playful gleam lighting up his green eyes. Britney grinned, looking up at him.
"I hope so. This day has already been so perfect… and I've already gotten so many gifts," she commented.
It was true, the blonde had received a ton of gifts from everyone. Chris, Jay, Stephanie, Amy, the Hardys, Kurt, Mark, Vince, Benoit, John, and all the divas had bought her some kind of gift. Nearly everyone had gotten her at least a card, and Adam had given her a huge pile of gifts in the morning at the hotel. It was pretty overwhelming. The only thing that was missing was Shane, who told Britney that her gift was being sent to her. He called her in the morning and explained that he was overwhelmingly busy in Stamford and that there was just no way he could make it. It was a shame, but Britney understood the importance of her cousin getting all of his work done, especially the day of a pay-per-view. But now Adam said he had a surprise for her, on top of all the things he'd already given her. The couple turned into a room, where Britney saw Chris, Matt, Amy, Jeff, Trish, Jay, Kurt… and one HUGE box.
"Woah, that box is like… three times my size," she commented, staring in awe at the huge thing. Even though she was a considerably rich girl, she was just as excited to receive new gifts as anyone else.
"Wait… do you guys ALL know what's in this?" she asked, eyeing her friends suspiciously.
"Maybe," Kurt said, grinning widely.
"We just want to see the look on your face when you open it!" Amy said, laughing as she rested her head on Matt's shoulder.
"In other words… we know and you don't!" Jay said in a sing-songy voice.
"Alright kids, knock it off. Open the damn gift already!" Adam said, nudging her over to the large box. He couldn't keep that stupid grin off of his face… he was really proud of what he'd done. Britney stared at the gift for a moment before tearing at the wrapping paper. When she came to a cardboard box, she peeled the packaging tape off. She opened the side of the box, which was almost an inch taller than she was.
"Hey baby girl."
"SHANE!" she yelled ecstatically, jumping into his arms. Her cousin picked her up off the floor, swinging her around before placing her back on the floor.
"Happy birthday!" he said, winking at Adam as he pulled her in for another hug.
"Thank you! I thought you were like, incredibly busy!" she said.
"I am. Which is why I can only stay for about a ½ hour. I just couldn't miss my baby cousin's birthday," he told her sincerely. The two embraced for a long moment before Chris cut in on yet another hallmark moment.
"Aww, how cute. I think I might puke," he said, rolling his eyes jokingly.
"Oh, go away assclown," Shane said, letting go of Britney.
"How the hell did you guys wrap the box after he was in it?" Britney asked everyone.
"Confidential information," Matt said.
"Yeah," Jeff added. "If we told you, we'd have to kill you."
"Alright, we've got a ½ hour… let's make the most of it," Adam said.
About 45 minutes later, Britney and Shane had said their goodbyes and Shane was back off to Stamford. The room was now empty, with people off getting ready for their matches. The only people left were Britney and Jay. Britney didn't have a match on the card, and Jay never got ready until the last minute.
"So, are you ready for your match?" she asked as they sat back on the couch.
"Of course, Ms. McMahon. You know how I love to kick your boyfriends pretty little ass!" he replied grinning.
"Ha, ha. Very funny, Mr. Reso. Although I do agree that my boyfriend has a pretty little ass, I think my uncle told me that you wouldn't be doing anything. Lance is the one pinning my boyfriend, not YOU," she said, grinning triumphantly.
"Yeah, well… so what?" he muttered, sticking his tongue out at her.
"So anyway, what do you think of your birthday so far?" he asked curiously. Her grin widened.
"It's been great… absolutely perfect. I don't think I've ever had such a great birthday before," she replied happily.
Jay grinned as well, "That's wonderful. You still have one more surprise left, though." Britney eyed him questioningly… he had to know. He was Adam's best friend, so Adam must have at least told him.
"Jay, you know what it is! Ooh, tell me please!! Or just give me a hint or a clue or SOMETHING!" she begged, tugging on his arm.
Sending her a shocked look, he gasped, "Ms. McMahon, I'm shocked! How could you even THINK I'd expel such information to you! How could you think I'd just TELL you my best friend's secrets?"
Britney sighed, "Because you love me?"
"This is true," he said, laughing as he saw her eyes widen hopefully. It was going to be fun torturing her. "But not enough… I'm still not telling," he said sternly, crossing his arms in the process.
"But Jay…"
"No but Jays. If I told you, there'd be no surprise, and then I'D get in trouble cause I'm the only one who knew so I'm the only one who could tell you! If YOU loved ME, you wouldn't do such a thing," he informed her knowingly.
"Oh fine. I guess I'll just have to be surprised… I hate you Jay," she said, giving up the hopeless battle.
Sighing, Jay put his arm around her, drawing her close. "No you don't. Happy birthday Ms. McMahon," he whispered, tickling her ear with his warm breath. She smiled.
"Thank you Mr. Reso. It definitely has been one hell of a happy birthday."
LATE THAT NIGHT"Adam, I don't believe you did that…thank you so much," Britney said as they headed towards their hotel room hand in hand.
"You're welcome, but it was really nothing," he said, flashing her a proud grin.
"Nothing my ass!" she cried. "It was amazing… like something out of a fairy tale or something." She recalled what had happened with they arrived at the place where her surprise was
Earlier that night"Okay, we're here now, let me walk you to the right spot," Adam said, jumping out of the car and heading to the passenger seat. Opening the door, he took her hand and helped her out, checking to see that the blindfold he'd placed on her was still in place.
Noticing her shiver slightly, he questioned her, "Are you okay?"
She nodded, "Yeah, I'm just a little cold."
Adam eyed his girlfriend for a moment. He understood why she was cold… she was wearing a tiny tank top and a short skirt. Even though it was late July, it was an especially cool night in Detroit. Upon her answer, Adam slid his jacket off, wrapping it around her. He kept his arm around her shoulders as he led her to the designated spot. They walked for awhile, so far that Britney wondered if the Canadian was walking her in circles.
"Babe, we've been walking for a really long time. Are you sure you know where we're going?" she said, wondering what in hell he was up to.
"We're almost there sweetheart, I promise," he assured her. Adam had led his girlfriend way into a secluded area of a city park that was right on the lake. Finally, they reached the spot.
After checking to make sure everything was still right, Adam said to Britney, "Alright, we're here. You can take the blindfold off." Cautiously sliding off the blindfold, Britney gasped.
"Oh my God, Adam… what is this?" she asked, amazed. There was a blanket resting on a small hill, with a little basket and two wine glasses sitting on top. The lake, which was about fifty feet away, shimmered under the moonlight… and the 100 some candles that lined up to the bank.
"Well, I wanted to do something special for you," the blonde man told her. "So I tried to think of all the things that make you calm and happy. I know you love nighttime, that's why we're here now. I know you love the ocean, but we're in Detroit, so I made a compromise with the lake. I know you like wine, and I know you love candles. I figured this way I could pile all the things you love into one night."
"And you managed to squeeze yourself into this picture too," she commented, still smiling widely.
"Of course," he said laughing.
"Wow… this is wonderful, Adam. Thank you so much," she said in disbelief. I must be the luckiest girl in the world, she thought as Adam led her over and sat them down on the blanket.
"Adam?" Britney said, snuggling up close to him, enjoying the scent of his cologne. "Not to ruin the mood or anything, but is this legal? I mean, we're not going to get, like, arrested if we're seen here are we?"
Adam laughed, "Actually, the first guy I talked to wasn't too thrilled with the idea, but his boss, a park manager I guess, recognized me. A few autographs later and I was staking out the land." Britney nodded, impressed.
She remained silent, savoring the scenery and the company. The two of them sat for a long while in complete silence, enjoying every moment of it. Finally, Britney spoke again, "I just want to thank you again, for everything. Between all the gifts, Shane coming to see me, and now this… it's been perfect. This has been the best birthday I've ever had…thank you so much, for everything. I-I… I didn't deserve all this."
Adam grinned brightly, "Yes you do. You deserve everything I've ever given you. I don't think you realize how much I love you, or how I just want you to be so happy. I don't want to lose you, so I'll do anything and everything in my power to make you want to stay."
"Like I'd ever leave," Britney replied. The thought alone scared the shit out of her. "I owe you my life," she continued. "You've always been there to pick me up when I fall, which happens quite a lot. You saved me from all the shit I was going through, and you protect me from it when it starts to come back. I-I… I owe you everything. One day, I'm gonna give it all back Adam, I swear. I'm now sure how or when, but I'll do it."
"But you do give it all back…every single day. I get to wake up next to you, share stuff with you that no one else knows, see sides of you that no one else gets to see. All that means the world to me. I love you, and I love being with you," he told her honestly. Britney gazed up at him. I love you, I love you, I love you. The thought replayed over and over again in her mind, but she still couldn't say it. No matter how much it was drilled into her brain, it wasn't registering in her mouth. She knew he understood though, and THAT meant the world to her.
As he kissed her softly, she responded, "I wish Stephanie didn't already take the name Billion Dollar Princess, cause I definitely feel like one right now."
Adam laughed, "Screw the Billion Dollar Princess. You're MY Princess." The Canadian smiled as his girlfriend brought her kips up to his to meet for a kiss.
Alright, here's the next chapter. PLEASE, please, PLEASE, let me know what you think. I really like getting reviews on this story!
