Chapter 11

Randy and Stacy entered their new hotel room in New York City, where RAW was airing live this week, simply throwing down their bags on the floor. It was around two o'clock in the afternoon and nearly a week since Stacy had been in the hospital. Since then, many adjustments were made in her life. She was traveling with Randy now, with whom she felt much more secure. Stacy could hardly express her gratefulness to Randy because what he'd done for her probably saved her life in the long run. During this week she'd spent with him, Stacy had gotten to know the wrestler better and also put more trust in him. He was always polite, always put her first. He virtually treated Stacy as if she were made of glass could shatter into millions of pieces within seconds. She knew he meant well and cared for her tremendously, but sometimes it just got a little overwhelming, even for her.

The one thing that hadn't changed, though, was all the traveling both of them did. It was difficult being in a different city and a different hotel room just about every single night. It was even tougher not being able to call any of these places 'home.' Stacy was amazed by how much meaning one word could have, and how a person might never fully understand its significance until it's basically gone. On the other hand, the blonde had become quite accustomed to it by now. Living out of a suitcase was a job in itself, but a skill she'd mastered long ago.

Stacy bent down and unzipped her bag, shuffling around in search of a magazine she'd bought earlier. Once she got a hold of it, the blonde situated herself on her bed and flipped through the pages to find something that seemed appealing to her.

"Stace, I'm going to take a quick shower. I'll be out in a bit," Randy announced as he walked into the bathroom and shut the door.

As soon as Stacy heard the shower turn on, someone knocked at the door. At first, the brisk sound caught her by surprise and shocked her a little. Hesitantly, she placed the magazine down on top of the comforter and tiptoed to the door. Cautiously, she reached for the knob, turning it gradually and opening the door no more than a crack. Stacy peered out into the hallway only to be greeted by the bellhop who held a humongous bouquet of flowers.

Realizing it was pretty much safe to open the door, Stacy did so and glared at the bellhop, nearly ready to burst with curiosity.

"I have a delivery here for a miss," the boy paused to take a quick glance at the card, "Miss Stacy Keibler."

"Oh, that'd be me," Stacy replied as she was handed the flowers. "Thank you," she said and closed the door using her foot, obviously, since her hands were clearly full.

"Wow, they're so gorgeous," the young woman breathed as she put the aromatic tulips in a vase with cold water. 'I wonder who sent them…' she thought to herself as her fingers ran over the soft, pink petals, and just took her time to admire the dazzling sight before her.

Stacy finally caught a glimpse of the card and impatiently snatched it. A smile danced on her face as she allowed her curiosity to get the best of her.

As soon as she read the appalling words, Stacy regretted the joy she'd felt when she had received the flowers and immediately closed the card. She completely froze, her blood ran cold, and it was almost as if time had stopped. The Diva hoped and prayed this was just some figment of her imagination; unfortunately, it turned out things wouldn't be that simple. Stacy opened the card once again, facing the reality of what was written inside.

Pooh Bear,

I miss you, sweetie. Come back home.

Love,
Scott

Only one person had ever called her "pooh bear" and, coincidentally, that happened to be someone she wanted out of her life.

Or so she thought. Stacy shook her head, refusing to believe the words she'd read.

"Those flowers are pretty, Stacy. Who are they from?" Randy, wearing new, clean clothes, inquired as he walked out of the bathroom, destroying the uneasy silence.

"Um," was all Stacy could manage to mutter while she watched Randy grasp the tiny card in his hand. She couldn't bear to see him read it, so she focused her eyesight on the beige carpet.

"Is this some kind of joke?" happened to be Randy's next question, once again directed at the confused Diva. "Stacy?" Her eyes snapped back in his direction at the mention of her name as he calmly asked, "You're not going to fall for this, are you? You know he's just trying to make you go back to him so he can hurt you again. Stacy, you've done incredibly well without him, don't let him do this to you again. Are you thinking of going back?"

"No, I… I mean… he…" Stacy mumbled, not knowing what sort of answer to give.

"Stacy! You can't be serious!" Randy yelled in response to her incoherent reaction.

"Randy, look, I just need to figure out a few things," she said quietly in fear of starting a fight.

"I'll be back later," he said decisively through gritted teeth, grabbing his car keys and slamming the door behind him.

At the present moment, Stacy had no idea what to do, what to think. She tried to lie down on her bed and read the magazine she'd pulled out earlier, but it was useless. So many questions buzzed around her head that demanded answers - answers she had yet to obtain.

Maybe it'd been the jet lag finally catching up with her or it's possible that she'd just been tired, because not even ten minutes had passed before Stacy found herself drifting off into a peaceful sleep. She finally received a break from all the thinking, worrying, and arguing.

A loud, sudden ringing awoke Stacy from her slumber. Thinking it might just go away, she tried to go back to sleep, but the familiar chime was persistent. Eventually, the blonde realized it was her cell phone as she got off the bed in search of the evil object that disturbed her nap. Once she grabbed it out of her purse, Stacy flipped the phone open.

"Hello?" she answered in a rather sleepy and grumpy tone.

"Hey, it's Randy," replied the voice on the opposite end of the line.

"What do you want? Did you call to yell at me some more?" Stacy snapped, immediately feeling awake.

"Look, Stace, I called to apologize. What I did was way out of line, and I realize this. I'm sorry about everything that went on earlier," Randy conveyed sincerely.

"Okay, but you take a minute to listen to me. I am a grown woman and I think I can take care of myself. I can take responsibility for my own actions; don't let anyone tell you otherwise," she protested defensively.

"I know that, you're right. I just want what's best for you… I'd hate to see you hurt again," Randy paused for a second, letting his words sink in. "That's why as my apology I'd like to take you out tonight."

"Honey, that's not necessary, really. I mean, I understand the reason behind your reaction and you had every right to react the way you did. Of course, you do need to learn that I'm old enough now to make my own decisions."

Randy let out a slight laugh. "Just wear something a little fancier than usual and I'll be there to pick you up at seven. See you then," were his last words before he hung up.

Stacy could hardly believe what he was doing. No, it certainly wasn't required, but she knew that was one of the sweetest things anyone had done for her.

'Whoa, wait a second. He's coming to get me at seven?' she thought to herself as she glanced at her watch. 'It's six o'clock already! I slept almost four whole hours. Oh my god, I have to hurry up and get ready!'

Author's Note: Yes, it's finally here! Lol, I finally got the chapter written and I hope you guys enjoyed it. I might have a little more time on my hands in the upcoming week, so hopefully I can get the next chapter up… about a week from now. Wish me luck! (Oh yeah, and please review:-D)