Chapter 10

Trish walked down the hall on her way to the trainer's office. She was having some issues with her knee and she wanted to get it checked out. She took a sip of her water as she rounded the corner, smacking directly into the tall blonde woman, knocking her onto the floor.

"Oh my God I am so sorry," she began, attempting to apologize. That was until she saw who it was.

Trish was about to tell her off for not watching where she was going but the look on her face broke her heart. She had tears running down her cheeks, her makeup was all smudged and her bottom lip was quivering. She was pitiful looking and there was just no way that she could walk away without at least attempting to help her. She wondered why she even cared because they were not exactly friends, possibly even enemies but that didn't change the way she felt. She supposed that Dave had a lot to do with her whole change in demeanor. He was literally her saving grace.

"What's wrong Stace," Trish questioned, her voice laced with concern.

Stacy wasn't sure if she heard her right. This was not the Trish Stratus that she knew. The only time they ever spoke to each other was when they were exchanging obscenities. Now here she was asking her if she was okay, even showing some compassion. Needless to say, she was more than a bit confused.

"I... umm...it's nothing Trish," Stacy attempted to lie but failed miserably.

"Bullshit Stace," Trish responded a bit more harshly than she had intended. "You aren't crying over nothing and I am not going anywhere until you tell me what is going on with you."

Stacy had a real problem trusting others. She eyed Trish warily not sure what she should do. After all, Trish was a member of Evolution. What if she didn't keep what she told her a secret. Then she would really be in serious trouble.

However, after pondering the situation for a minute or two, she had come to the conclusion that she would tell her what was going on in her life. I mean, she had to eventually confide in someone and to be honest, she really didn't have many friends. Not that she expected to all of a sudden become buddies with Trish but stranger things have happened. Plus for some strange reason, unbeknownst to her, she felt like she could trust her.

"Alright, I will tell you Trish," she said, her voice in barely a whisper. "But not here."

Stacy glanced in both directions, making sure the coast was clear. Then motioned for Trish to follow her. Trish didn't say another word, following behind.

Once they were in the diva locker room. Stacy walked around the room, checking all of the stalls and shower area, making sure that nobody was around.

Trish wasn't sure what she was so paranoid about but if anyone would understand, she certainly would. She was constantly looking over her shoulder when she was with Christian. She was always afraid that he was lurking somewhere in the bushes or behind a closed door listening.

That was when it dawned on her. Was Stacy a victim of abuse? The reality of the situation hit her like a ton of bricks. Either Stacy had another man on the side and he was abusing her or Randy Orton was the one doing it. She felt her throat tightening as she fought back a tear. Just knowing that somebody else was going through what she had gone through made Trish want to break down and cry.

Stacy entered the main area once again, satisfied that there truly was nobody in the locker room. She smiled weakly as she took a seat on one of the benches. Trish followed her lead, taking the seat next to her.

"So," Trish began. "I am all ears Stace. Why were you crying?"

As Trish focused all of her attention on the tall, blonde woman, she began to have second thoughts. Maybe this wasn't such a good idea. Trish seemed sincere enough but she still was friends with the man she was about to name as her abuser. Could she really risk it?

"Maybe this isn't such a good idea Trish," she said honestly. "I mean, we really aren't what you would call friends and I just..." Stacy buried her head in her hands, "I just don't know."

Trish knew all to well what that felt like. Not being able to trust anyone really sucked. She was so leery of Ric at first. She thought for sure that he was somehow working for Christian or had some ulterior motive. She knew that it would be hard to get the information out of the Baltimore native. Being on the other end was a whole new experience for her and she honestly didn't have a clue what she should do. She knew how it felt be the victim so she could sympathize with her there but she didn't want to say the wrong thing. All she knew was, she had to help her.

"Stace," Trish began again, gently placing her hand on Stacy's shoulder. Stacy flinched a bit, not expecting the sudden contact.

"Stace, I don't want to say the wrong thing here. I am really not used to this reaching out thing but I think I may have an idea what is wrong and I just want you to know that you can trust me," Trish stated candidly. "I promise I won't tell a soul."

Stacy thought about what Trish said. She did seem sincere enough and she wasn't sure how much more she could take. She was terrified of Randy and if Trish could help her, she was all for it.

"You see...well it's like this..."Stacy stammered. She let out a frustrated sigh while running her hands through her blonde locks.

"God why is this so hard," she asked, although it was more of a statement than anything.

"Go ahead honey, I am listening," Trish responded softly, squeezing her hand for support.

Stacy knew that if she continued to think about it, she was never going to tell her. She might as well just come right out and say it.

"Randy beats me."

Although Trish knew what she was going to say, it still didn't lessen the blow. Knowing that another diva in the locker room was going through everything that she had gone through, caused her blood to boil. What the hell was it that made men think that they could put their hands on their women any time they felt like it? They were human beings, not punching bags. You catch more flies with honey than vinegar. At least that is what her daddy always told her. A lot of good that did her though. All it got her was sexually assaulted by her stepfather and beaten by a man that thought he could rule her. Maybe if she grew a backbone, she wouldn't have gotten into those predicaments.

"That is what I figured Stace," she said honestly. "You have all the signs of being a battered woman. I ought to know because I am one, or was one. All I can say is, Thank God for Ric Flair and Dave Batista because I would still be in the very same predicament.

Stacy looked on in shock. She had no idea. Trish always seemed so cold and empty, like she didn't care about anyone. She would have never guessed in a million years that she was subjected to the same brutality that she was experiencing.

"I am so sorry Trish," she said sincerely. "I didn't know."

"Don't be sorry Stace," She waved her apology off. "Nobody knew, except for Ric and Dave. They are the ones that got me out of it. Now I must do the same for you."

Trish pulled Stacy into a tight embrace, allowing her to let out all the pent up frustration that she was feeling.

"We will get you out of this sweetie," she promised. "I won't let anything happen to you."

Meanwhile, back in the Evolution locker room, Dave, Ric and Hunter sat around shooting the shit before the night's events began. They had a good hour to spare before they had to get into their gear for their matches later on in the evening.

"So Dave," Ric began. "I do have to say it is about time you showed that pretty lady how you felt about her. I was really wondering if you were ever going to grow some balls."

Dave responded by tossing a peanut in Ric's direction. "Screw you, Ric. I was waiting for the right time."

"What until you guys were old and gray," Hunter chimed in. "Man, you need to be aggressive with the women like you are in the ring. You will get further that way."

Dave flipped Hunter off then popped a few more peanuts into his mouth. "I just didn't want to push her ya know? After everything that she has gone through, that is the last thing she needs is pressure from me."

"Well Big Man, after seeing the way you had her pinned up against the wall when we walked in, I would say that she was more than into you," Hunter stated truthfully. "She has been pining away for you since you took her under your wing."

Dave had to admit, she was really into him earlier. He couldn't wait to see her later on back at the hotel room. He did want to finish what they started before they were rudely interrupted but knew that they needed to take it slow. They just got a bit carried away earlier. Both of them had so much pent up sexual frustration that once it was unleashed, it basically had a mind of it's own.

"Yeah, we really do have something special going on." "I just don't want to screw it up before we even get started," he stated matter-of-factly. "I care about her too much."

Ric knew how much Dave cared about Trish and had he been her biological father, Dave would get his seal of approval. As a matter of fact, Dave would be the only one that he would think is good enough for her.

About that time, Randy Orton decided to make his presence known, walking through the door without any care in the world. He had been really distant lately and Hunter had just about enough of it. He was strolling in anytime he felt like, missing meetings and word around the locker room was that he had been out at the bars every night drinking heavily. Randy threw his bag on the floor, ignoring his Evolution cohorts as he headed off in the direction of the bathroom.

Hunter looked to Dave and Ric questionably, wondering if they knew what the hell was going on with the youngest member of the group. Each of them responded with a shrug, although Dave knew a bit more than he lead on. He was sure that Randy was into something serious. He had seen the signs before with his mom and he was pretty sure that Randy was doing drugs. The constant changes in his personality was what really tipped him off.

When Randy returned from the bathroom, he felt three sets of eyes boring into him. He felt his blood beginning to boil. They were definitely working his last nerve.

"Take a picture it lasts longer," he blurted out.

Hunter was the first to speak up. There was no way he was going to let the kid talk to him that way.

"You better realize who you are talking to," Hunter warned.

Hunter got up from his place on the couch, stalking over towards Randy.

"You know Randy, I have watched you walk around the joint for the past couple of weeks like you have a stick up your ass. You seriously need to get an attitude adjustment or you can find yourself a new set of friends," he stated furiously.

"I made you Randy and I can break you, just like that," he emphasized with a snap.

Randy nodded in response, afraid that Hunter would take his head off if he said anything further. He knew that he had to watch himself but he couldn't help but feeling angry all the time. What was he doing to himself and how was he going to get out of it?

At this point, Trish stormed into the locker room, a defiant look on her face. She hoped that she neve saw Randy Orton ever again because she was sure that if she did, well, she wouldn't be held responsible for what she did to him.

No sooner than that very thought crossed her mind, she locked eyes with the self proclaimed Legend Killer, steam practically coming out of her ears.

"Fuck You Orton," was followed by a resounding smack before she stormed off into the other room.

Hunter busted out laughing, the look on Randy's face priceless. He just got bitchslapped by a girl and it had to be the funniest thing he had seen in a very long time.

Dave of course, being concerned for his girlfriend, stalked off in the direction that she had headed. He had never seen her so angry before. Not once since he had known her had she ever gone off the handle like that. Whatever it was that Orton did, best friend or not, he had better hope and pray that he didn't hurt Trish in any way because he would have to deal with his fury.