The 'I Remember' Series
Story 1 – I Remember
Author's note(s): This time, Jericho knows that it's him in her memories, so in reality while talking to Stephanie, he will address the Steph in the past anonymously. E.g. 'that girl', etc. And a fair warning: this is gonna get angsty in time to come. I think.
Chapter 3 - My Turn Rating: R for a tad bit of language. Or is it PG-13?
It finally came back to him. He dated Stephanie MacMahon in sophomore year! No wonder, the way she described her house and all…He could picture it perfectly the way it was. And the way she was. Well, he would keep this whole thing a secret, just to hear what she had to say about him. Or rather the 'jock'. It was one day off for him since he didn't work on RAW anymore. All he had to do was to get a handful of insults and fling them at someone, which was what normally caused the feuds on Smackdown! to spark off. And he needed to work out more, since having a show less would contribute to laziness, which in turn led to fat. He really didn't like fat, especially on his own body. Then he thought of fat with Stephanie. He made a face and cringed. But all that was beside the point. The cafeteria he sat in was nice and quiet, with the exceptions of a few people that stared at him in surprise, or in something else. He didn't care.
"Hey. Fancy bumping into you all the time. What's up with the look on your face?" Stephanie asked.
"Nothing," he replied. * At least she wasn't fat last time in high school. * She sat down opposite of him. "I'm surprised you still follow the business around the world. Or North America at least."
"Hello? I need my job. Anyway, I think it's pretty sensible to follow your father on business trips to learn a few things. And see my fucking husband." She gritted her teeth slightly, looking at a spot on the table.
"Whoa, cool it Steph. I don't want any veins to pop." She fixated her eyes on him, her expression finally calming down. "I'm sorry."
"S'ok," he said. "Wanna hear my story?"
"Does it contain any sex? Because if you do, I don't want to know the details."
Chris shook his head. "…No. Not any from what I remember anyway."
"Okay, good. Continue."
~*~
What I can remember vividly was the girl I met two weeks (or so) ago. She was really rich and snotty at first, but we were friends anyway. I seemed to like her a lot as a friend, and I guess it was a crush. I don't know about now really. I have that feeling that I still do.
Stephanie marched out of class with a frown on her face. Chris chased out after her, carrying a mass of books stuffed untidily under his arms. "Hey, wait up."
"Wait?! You just volunteered me to play the role of Juliet in a stupid gay Shakespearean play."
"I'm sorry. How could I resist? You're so… Juliet."
It began in class where our teacher wanted us to do a play production for the school. It sucked, but I thought it would be great if she were up for the main.
"Romeo and Juliet, the remake," the teacher chirped with joy. Her hands made a frame from her fingers, visualising the play already taking place in it. "Now how about the role of Romeo?"
Heads were turned at people simultaneously, delivering smiles to each other to encourage them to take the role. There was a hand raised at the back of the class. There was teasing and taunting, cheering at the clique of punks at the back. "I'll do it," James voice projected to the teacher. He connected a brotherly fist with a guy who held out his hand. Chris never thought he would actually participate in this kind of a project.
"And now for Juliet," the teacher smiled again. The whole class was quiet, until Chris stepped on Stephanie's foot, hard. "AYE!" She jumped from her seat.
"Oh wonderful Miss MacMahon! Such enthusiasm you show! The class should follow your example."
"But Miss--="
"Hush now dear, settle down. We still have to select the other characters." Stephanie obeyed against her own will. She turned to have a gland at James, who gave her a playful wink. He was getting to her.
She sulked at getting her new role. "Why did you do that?!" she whispered in a harsh tone. Chris shrugged. "You NUMBNUT!" she softly cursed, "you'd better be doing something good." Immediately, he raised his hand.
"I'll be costume head."
Stephanie slapped her palm to her forehead, then made her hand into a fist and thudded it against the wooden table. He sniggered, as the teacher clapped her hands together, praising the class again. There was a strong sound of whispers in the room, and many people started to raise their hands to volunteer themselves a part, as well as discussing matters about the play.
"Costume design?!" she gruffly said, her whisper now a soft hoarse voice.
"You told me to do something useful, so I did!" he said frantically. "I can take your measurements---"
"What?" she exclaimed, her volume lowered by the noise of the rest of the class.
"OH. I didn't mean it that way! I mean, I can decide what corsets you'll wear! Oh wait, I mean I can decide what you wear!" he said alarmingly, his mind not able to catch up with his mouth. He needed to slap himself the get his words straight. The teacher sang for them to sit down and be quiet, settling the confirmation.
So I got her to do something like that. She didn't like it. It wasn't my fault though, right?
"I said I'm sorry," he said, his books finally a manageable stack in his arms. "Come on. I promise that you'll look like a princess."
"It's not about that. It's my oh-so-wonderful co-star. I just think that y'know… I don't know."
"Hey baby," her fellow actor flashed a smile. "Practice one part, say… Smooching?"
"…No." She used a finger against his chest to push him back. "Let's go Chris." He obeyed, trying to catch up.
"That's okay. Just wanted to tell you that you got it."
When she was sure that they weren't in his view anymore, she turned to face Chris. "You see the uncertainty? I mean, he could be okay. But.."
"Just kick him in the nuts if he does anything. No sweat."
"You realise that I have no vicious fangs or any paralysing venom to keep him immobilised, don't you?" she said.
"Well, it'd be worth a try."
"On you?"
"Oh NO! What kind of sick person are you?!"
"And you're telling me," she replied. She sighed and proceeded to her locker. Nowhere near Callow's, which was just great. "What's wrong with me? You're right y'know. I should just kick him and run away."
"Well, if you really don't like the idea of acting with him, then you could tell Miss Windell that--"
"It's okay," she assured, closing a line with her fingers, like a conductor would do to end the piece. "I think I'll be fine." Just then, Pryce had caught up with them.
"'Sup C." Chris raised a brow at his new nickname. She turned to Steph. "Are you nuts or something? I told you to be careful about him."
"I know, I know," she sighed, using a finger to curled her fallen lock from her forehead behind her ear. "Thanks to Mr Itchy foot here."
"I already said I was–"
"It's not that, you friggin' dumbass," Pryce said. "You don't know him anyway." She put an arm around her friend and brought her aside, making sure Chris couldn't hear. "Girl, you watch that back of yours. He's capable."
"Capable? What do you mean--- Oh come on Pryce, he wouldn't go that far. He's got enough to attract already," Steph rolled her eyes.
"Are you interested already?! 'Cause I know blondie's still got a little thing for ya…" Pryce teased. Steph looked at her incredulously. "Oh come on. Quit your role."
"And miss out the chance to be famous?" She paused. *Where did that come from…* "Whatever," she said, "I just suddenly feel like doing it. I'm stuck on it. Like a fly to sticky paper. Or something like that," she said, stopping each time she realised that her words didn't make sense.
"You're telling me you want it? I mean, are you nuts? One minute you're telling me that screwball over there was an idiot getting you into this and now, you're loving it?"
"I don't know Pryce. Suddenly you're coming up to tell me about Callow back there." She pointed her thumb to the direction. "What's the point Pryce?" Chris looked at the pair whose quarrels weren't getting so private anymore. "You talk about rape…Why are you doing this?" Stephanie's voice was strained and distressed. Thank god it wasn't high pitched, or Chris would have to bring earplugs the next day.
"HE DID IT OKAY?! I WAS RAPED BY THAT FUCKING RETARD YOU'RE GOING TO ACT WITH!!! ARE YOU HAPPY?!" Her face was glowing red, and Steph could feel the heat of her anger emanating from her body. Pryce brisked away quietly, leaving Steph a bit traumatised about the truth. The people around her were silent; some staring at the path Pryce had left from. Some jaws were dropped, and others resumed quietly with what they were doing before.
Chris stepped up. "W-we can talk on the way."
*
"I'm really confused myself. I don't want to do the role because I'll be feeling really absurd, being the only one to do it. That's totally uncool. But if I do make a good performance, I would be known for my talent, not my cash. You get me?" Chris had his hands in his pockets.
"Mmm," he replied. She didn't notice his inattentive attitude. "About the James guy," he began before she said anything else, "You like him?" Stephanie kept silent for a moment.
"Well, he's charming. He's a little playful, so, I guess, a little bit."
"Oh."
That 'oh' didn't sound very good. Disappointment? Surprise? She didn't know what he was thinking then.
"Look, it's only a little. I'll take care, don't worry."
Her sneakers squeaked as they landed on the wet grass. The sky was a misty white colour, with heavy milky grey clouds casting over the houses a few yards away from where they were walking. "Damn, it's going to rain. Come on." She walked even faster ahead. Back on dry pavement, her wet shoeprints from the grass left darkened spots behind.
"Are you always in a rush?" He struggled with his books. "Damn it I can't keep my walking pace like Charlie Brown!"
"Charlie Brown? Since when did you have the same walking pattern as him?" A low rumble of thunder was heard from probably a mile away. Then suddenly, a very light drizzle descended upon them, the tiny droplets increasing in size as they felt heavier every few moments. "Hurry up!" Steph shouted.
"Hurrying, hurrying," he replied, charging towards the doorstep. He thanks hard football and hockey training for his ability to charge. But the door opened, accidentally driving his shoulder into someone. There was a loud 'oof', then Stephanie came in.
"Who the hell are you?"
"He's a friend," Stephanie answered.
"Well, don't bother about the future in-laws. They're never home."
"Oh shut up Shane."
"This is your brother?" Chris asked. "Cool."
"He's not my boyfriend, idiot. He's my study partner," she said. Chris hopped straight back up. "So buddy, let's go upstairs!" She said sarcastically, faking her enthusiasm clearly.
"Right on partner!" Chris grinned, playing along.
"Well, just no sex. The bed bangs the walls and it's disturbing downstairs. You're underage too." Stephanie's cheeks burned red. Chris just grinned harder.
"Hey, I'm still as pure as I am okay? And for the record, you should be the one being quiet, sex or not." She stomped up the stairs in complete embarrassment.
"Someone's got their hormones charged," Chris teased. She slapped him in the chest with the back of her hand. "Ow, that hurt."
"Well, it's supposed to. Who told you to have such a big mouth?"
Still he grinned, right until he entered her room. "Stop that. It's weird," Steph said, looking at his smile.
"I'm just grinning about how you blush at the mention of hmm, let me see… Sex?"
"Hey! You… I…" She sighed defeatedly, her face a fierce blush.
"So who do you think of?…" he put a finger to his chin and tapped. "Hmm, maybe---"
"EWW! Oh yuck you sick freak!" She grabbed a pillow a slammed it against his head. "How could you think of such things?" He frowned and nursed a sore temple.
"I'm a guy. Go figure," he replied. "Okay, let's get on. How's Pryce now?"
"I don't know. I didn't know about anything like that. God, I screwed up real badly today…" She gave a big sigh. "James is pretty decent you know…"
"What? You call 'wanna rehearse a smooch' decent?"
"He was just teasing."
"So? You actually resort to extreme violence when I do it."
She frowned. "It's different with you."
"In a good---"
"Not in a good way." She rolled her eyes. "Boys," she muttered.
"Boy?! I'm a man dammit." He paused. "Really?"
"Yes, really. But I like boys. Men are so boring sometimes." She reached out for her textbook and flipped it open. She then grabbed a pen and prepared to ask away.
*
A day later, she was up for the very first day of rehearsal for the play. It was the actors, a few students, and the teacher.
"Looking good." Chris chewed his lip.
"Thanks," she replied, her eyes returning to the script. She softly recited to herself, trying to roughly add in the stage directions as well.
"Where's Callow?" Chris asked. "Thought he was your acting buddy."
"He's in the football field." Stephanie's hand holding the papers dropped to her side. "Could you go get his ass here to rehearse?" she said. "For me?"
"Yeah. Sure." He dropped his bad on the wooden chair and walked out of the hall. He brisked to the connecting corridor to the school hallway, to the two red wooden doors that had two horizontal blue shades pulled down. Chris pushed open the doors, the sunlight pouring in and the heat hitting his face. He squinted. James was throwing the ball to someone, in full football attire, but without the helmet. Chris frowned, taking steps to the green grass.
"Hey! Callow!" he shouted. James turned his head then got rammed down by his fellow team-mates. They piled on top of each other one by one, hearing exclamations and 'oof's whenever anyone added to the human pile. As soon as all of them retreated, James got up.
"What?" he yelled back. Chris huffed, then ran a few meters ahead.
"Stephanie wants you to go rehearse with her."
"Well TELL HER I'm BUSY."
"…Get there NOW." The sun shone brighter, the heat threatening to set everything on the field on fire.
James threw down the ball. "Alright! Alright." He ran to the locker room, then in a minute or so he appeared, dressed in his usual leather pants, jacket, white tee and that purple bandanna he always wore.
*He must be nuts wearing a jacket in this weather. *
"Ah, pfft." He pushed Chris aside. "She can wait."
"Hey, treat her with respect."
"What are you? Her husband?" James had stopped in his tracks.
"No, but I know that I can protect her from creeps like you."
James held his arms apart. "Well I'm not doing anything. Yet." Chris frowned.
"Don't you dare." James was still in the same position as if he were expecting an embrace, his lips pursed together. Chris suddenly felt something hit him. He had the NERVE to spit in his face. Upon impact, his eyes closed, his expression a very slight frown, even a bit of worry on his face. James backed away with defiance then turned his back.
Chris wiped off his face, flicking he saliva on his fingers off. He wiped whatever that was left on a nearby wall. *Asshole. * He followed the path of James, leaving the back door to the front of the school field open. He was too annoyed with James to bother closing it, even if he was a very considerate boy. *Who the hell does this guy think he is? Definitely NOT the king of the highschool. *
When he did reach the auditorium, James was already sucking up to Steph. Complimenting her, whispering sweet nothings in her ear…
"Oh Chris, you won't believe what James told me. He's got that really radical black Peugeot…"
Her voice then trailed off to nothing.
*Even Steph is so hooked to him. What kind of suck up, stuck up, jerk is this guy? I mean maybe you've got the looks, the car, but COME ON, don't tell me that you're gonna use them to take advantage on poor Steph---"
"Chris? CHRIS?! Are you listening to me?" she asked.
"…I'm going home." Stephanie let out a silent "Wha—", while Chris stuffed whatever he could in his bag and lifted the strap over his shoulder. The rest of his books he carried by hand.
"But you said---"
"II changed my mind. I'm going home."
"But Chris…" she started. He walked away.
I was angry, what could I say? I didn't know I liked her so much I guess at the time, I felt really ignored. Like a spare tyre.
Chris walked home in silence. But it just wasn't the same in his head. There was a constant frown on his face. He shoved his hands in his jacket pockets and followed the sidewalk.
*Steph isn't my type. I mean she's rich... She has got brains, even if she's in my class, she's… Yeah, and she's absolutely GORGEOUS. Beautiful. You can't just call her PRETTY. There I go, ranting about her! Why can't I stop?
*I know that I CAN'T be in love with her. Could I? No, no Chris. You can't. You KNOW it. You know that she likes Callow. It's only right for you to let her do what she wants. You don't control her life. Besides, you've only known her two weeks. Fine. Two and a half.
*But it's like I've known her all my life. She's told me everything. She doesn't have anything to hide. WE have nothing to hide.
*Oh my God. I really am in love with her! *
He stopped dead in his tracks. He needed to tell someone. Oh! His best friend Conor O' Brian. His place wasn't far from his own house. They didn't talk as much as they used to, ever since… Steph came into the picture and his nest fiend had a girlfriend.
Once he was at his doorstep, he rang the bell. The door swung open. "Chris?"
"Yo Con. I got… I HAVE to tell you something."
"Uh… Sure." He opened the door fully. "Come on in."
"I'm not interrupting anything, am I?"
"Nah." Conor turned off the television. "Chillin' out. Miss Levenand didn't give us anything to do today."
"Miss Brighton. You know no one escapes from the wrath of homework from her."
"Yeah." He sat on a beanbag chair in the middle of the room of the chairs and sofas. "You wanted to tell me?"
"Oh, um… Conor, you won't believe it dude."
"Don't call me dude."
"I know, but…"
"Tell me when you're ready." Conor popped a crisp into his mouth.
"…I'm in love Con."
"WHAT?!" He grinned. "With MacMahon, eh?"
"Yeah. Totally," he grinned too. "Is it that obvious?" Conor just kept grinning. Then suddenly Chris face fell. "…But she likes someone else."
"Bummer." Conor gestured for Chris to come over.
"Yeah?"
"All I can say is that you've only known her for two week. I suppose you haven't told her how you feel." Chris opened his mouth to say something, but Conor held up a finger to stop him. "It's too early to tell."
"…But---"
"Chris, get a hold of yourself first. Know her like the back of your hand, THEN you'll be able to really see if she's the one for you."
"I know everything I need to know."
Conor frowned. "You know the little details? You know her waistline?"
"That's not necessary you know."
"Oh but it is," he said quickly. "Belinda is 5'9". Her waistline's twenty-seven. Her favourite colour's pink, she loves burritos and hates chips, because she finds them disgustingly oily. Her dad works in an automobile company. He loves chocolate chips and hates cockroaches. He's got 4 other brothers, and one of them is a fraternity brother. And I know she loves me. How? She tells me. With affection. She looks me straight in the eyes and says it." The room was silent. "The point is, I know all these little details because I am constantly listening to her. You listen when you love, don't you?" Chris stared blankly at him. "I'm not making any sense am I?"
"Well, a little. Thanks anyway man."
"You know, it doesn't mean that you can't chase her still." He thought for awhile. "How much do you think she likes your so called 'competition'?"
"Well… She's not TOTALLY head over heels with him. I guess that's good."
"Chris, give it some thought."
Chris' face brightened. "So," he said, taking some space on the beanbag chair. "Whatcha watching?"
"Simpsons."
"Cool." Conor grabbed the remote from the carpet.
~*~
Stephanie frowned. "Then?"
"Then, I'll tell you some other time again," he said.
"Hey! That's not fair! You're supposed to tell me what you did!"
"Since when was anything fair?" It was about forty-five minutes of sharing with her side of the story. He would love to leave her hanging.
"C'mon…"
"Oh, look at the time…" He stood up. "Buh-bye."
"HEY!---" Chris gave a big grin and left in a hurry.
"Oh damn him." She sipped her coffee.
***
A/N: How was I? I'm sorry, I love to ask that question. Grr, if only I had more time on the computer… Maybe I'd update more. Will James be of real competition of Chris? Will Miss Brighton stop giving excessive homework? Will Stephanie realise that it's always been Chris in her memories? Well, if you wanna find out you'll have to wait. And I MEAN prepared to wait. Smoochy POWER!!! Love, ~^*Pearl*^~
PS, remember to drop a review…