Chapter 10: Let Go by 12 Stones
A/N: Now, the drama begins.
…
I feel so alone again
I know that I need you
To help me make it through the night
And I pray
That you believe in me
You gave me my strength
To face another day alone
…
"Positive? What? Why? You don't think I can beat the Undertaker at Wrestlemania?" Randy asked, holding a white, fair-sized box.
Stacy gave him an unsure look, immediately breaking Randy's heart. "Well…" she started off.
Randy sighed. "Listen…do you think I can beat him?"
Stacy forced a smile and nodded her head. "Of course. I'm just little worried. That's all," she assured him.
At that moment, Randy's heart mended, giving Stacy a reassuring stroke on the shoulder. "Don't think too much about it, babe," he smiled. "And check it out…Undertaker thinks he delivered me a message on Smackdown last week, well I got a little message of my own. So I'm going to the ring right now and I'd be honored if you come with me. What do you say?"
Stacy hesitated, placing both her hands inside the pockets of her denim skirt while shaking her head.
"Stace, listen, it would mean a lot to me, okay? I could use your support. Come on," he told her, offering a hand. "I promise nothing bad is going to happen in that ring, trust me. I'll be right there with you."
Stacy stared at his offered hand while he flashed a gorgeous smile. "Okay," she said, taking his hand and letting him lead the way. They lovingly stared at each other's eyes while making their way to the ramp.
Randy's song, Burn In My Light, played as the fans hollered and gave such an outstanding ovation. Stacy wore a denim mini-skirt from Abercrombie and a black blouse from Alexander McQueen. Her long legs were covered in a knee-high pair of Prada boots and her hair was left down in its usual way. Randy meanwhile, was in a gray polo from Marks and Spencer, paired with dark slacks and leather shoes, both from Ralph Lauren.
He and Stacy walked hand in hand, stopping at the entrance to beam at the audience. Randy proudly gestured to his girlfriend as Stacy ducked her head shyly, smiling at him.
"We are back live here on Monday night RAW…a tremendous ovation for Randy Orton and Stacy Keibler!" JR spoke, watching the two.
"What's in the box?" King wondered, drooling over the infamous long-legged blonde.
They ambled down the ramp with Stacy first entering the ring her usual way. With a huge smirk on his face, Randy entered second, climbing the second rope of the ring post and posing in front of the whole crowd. After, he motioned for a microphone as he stood by Stacy and began to talk.
"Now I just wanna make one thing perfectly clear. Last week on Smackdown, when I slapped the Undertaker, it was not out of disrespect. It was to prove a point and that point was that I'm not intimidated. I won't back down and I refuse to be afraid. I refuse to be afraid," he emphasized. "Now despite what happened after the contract signing, my confidence is at an all-time high," he smirked. "See for yourself."
Taking the box from Stacy, she helped him in opening it, revealing a Randy Orton Legend Killer Tour t-shirt. On the back of the shirt were all the legends Randy had killed, including the Undertaker's name, which he was sure to beat at the grandest stage of them all.
"Now what we got here," he held the shirt for everyone to see, "is a Randy Orton Legend Killer t-shirt, and on the back of course, is the long, long list of all the legends I have defeated. But if you look close, there's one major addition. The Undertaker."
Half the audience booed while half of them cheered.
"Now Undertaker, obviously I don't plan on being a victim on your long list of victims destroyed but I do plan on you being on my list," he bragged. "Now come Wrestlemania, I'm gonna do whatever it takes, okay? Because I was meant to do it. I was meant to end your winning streak at Wrestlemania. If you think for one second that I am gonna fall victim like all your other victims, think again."
A video of Randy Orton then played, including the footage of him slapping the Undertaker during their contract signing. It showed short clips of all Randy's greatest achievements as well as all the legends he had killed with the RKO. Wrapping one arm around Stacy, he couldn't help but smile. He definitely had everything every guy wanted.
"Now Undertaker, with all do respect, in two weeks, your streak and your legend will be just like you. Dead!" he exclaimed. "Now that's something I had to say aloud for a long time. That's something I needed to say," he said before slowly turning to Stacy. "And now that I'm here. Now that I'm with you," he told the diva, "Stacy, there's something that I've been wanting to do for a very long time."
Stacy eyed him curiously as he slowly ambled towards her, taking her hand in his. He smiled at her as she smiled back, slowly nearing before dipping her head and capturing her lips in a zealous kiss. He filled her mouth with his tongue; tasting it as if it were wild strawberries. For a moment, it seemed as if all the noise the fans made were put to mute as Stacy practically melted in Randy's arms.
This was the first time they ever kissed in the middle of the ring in front of the live audience.
Pulling away, Randy couldn't help but grin at her. "Now obviously," he spoke. "Obviously I thrive on positive energy," he winked, making Stacy blush as she ducked her head coyly. "And that is just why I won't listen to all the critics. I won't listen to all the negativity. I have a message for everybody that thinks the Undertaker is going to defeat me. I have a message for everybody that thinks I'm gonna be a victim of the—"
Before he could even finish his sentence, the lights went dim and the sound of a familiar bell rung throughout the arena. Randy paled as the creepy sounds of the Undertaker's entrance filled the room. In a panic, he took hold of Stacy's hand to assure her she was safe with him.
"Randy…" came the Undertaker's daunting voice. "What's a matter, Randy? Are you afraid?"
Randy fumed, stomping around the ring. "Where the hell are you, Taker! Stop playing games! What the hell are you doing here on Raw!"
The Deadman chuckled, listening to Randy's voluble talk. "Thirteen, Randy. You'll be number 13."
Randy let go of Stacy's hand and took hold of the top ropes, shaking them to release his frustration. "Taker, where are you!" he demanded when all of a sudden, the lights went out. Everything was pitch black and Randy couldn't see a thing. He heard the Undertaker laugh again, irritating him even more. "You better watch out, Randy. You don't want the people you love to be involved," he finished before the lights went back on.
Randy turned around to check if Stacy was okay but to his horror, she was gone. "What the fuck," he muttered, raking his hand through his short, brown hair. "Undertaker!" he roared on the microphone, quickly sliding out of the ring. "Stacy has nothing to do with this! Leave her the fuck alone! Where the hell is she!" he demanded.
Halfway through the ramp, the big screen revealed the Undertaker, chuckling ominously at Randy. Below him, seated and tied up on a chair, was the poor Stacy Keibler, mouth gagged and tears streaming down her face. Randy almost pulled his hair out in frustration, falling on his knees and just about ready to beg the Deadman. "Taker, please. Don't do anything. She has nothing to do with this. Please," he implored, gripping the mic nervously and standing up.
Undertaker took a hand full of Stacy's hair, caressing his cheek with the lot and sniffing it. "Wrestlemania 21, Randy," he spoke. "Rest in peace."
And with that, he left Stacy to cry in her seat as Randy ran backstage to check every room where his girlfriend could be. Bumping into one of the staff, he asked in a rush, "Have you seen Stacy anywhere around here! You know where Taker took her!"
"I wouldn't know but why don't you check the basement?" the crewmember suggested.
Without delay, Randy ran towards the said room. Upon reaching it, he pushed the door open. A stench of old cardboards and rat poison emanated from the dark area and to the right, he heard a familiar voice crying.
"Stacy!" he exclaimed, running over to the diva and taking the gag out of her mouth.
"Randy!" she cried, tears still streaming down.
"Oh God, Stace," Randy said in relief, untying her from the chair and scooping her in his arms. "I'm so sorry. I didn't know this would happen. God, I'm gonna kill him," he muttered, rubbing his girlfriend's back in a soothing manner. "I'm so sorry," was all Randy could say, bringing Stacy out of the foul-smelling basement.
"Are you okay, babe?" he asked once they were back in his locker room. Stacy hiccupped, nodding her head in reply before taking a seat on the leather couch. "You want me to get you anything?" he offered, sitting beside her and holding her hand.
Shaking her head fervently, "Please don't leave me," came her faint reply.
Randy nodded his head, placing Stacy on his lap and running his fingers through her hair. "This won't happen again, trust me. The Undertaker's got a lot of mind games to play with me but I promise, this will NEVER ever happen again," he vowed, taking Stacy's hand and kissing her knuckles.
Stacy smiled a little, placing her head on Randy's chest. "I know. I love you, Randy."
Randy sighed, pulling Stacy in for a long, hard kiss. "I love you, too, Stace."
…
I need you now my friend
More than you know
When will we meet again
'Coz I can't let go of you
…
He laid in bed thinking about what had just occurred that night. The digital clock flashed 1:36 as he eyed the beautiful, sleeping blonde beside him. Biting his lower lip, he carefully stood up so as not to wake her. He walked over to the balcony of their hotel suite, opening the sliding glass door and letting the wind gust through. The moon was out in a crescent form and the stars were beaming dully in the night sky. He could hear the faint sound of crickets, accompanied by the rustling leaves of the trees caused by the wind's howls.
He contemplated on whether he was going to do it or not. He had been pondering on it for hours now. He knew that his opponent at Wrestlemania was ruthless. And what he dreaded at the start after becoming champion was now happening again. Only this time, it was worse. He was dealing with a mad man. A Deadman. He had a heart as cold as stone. He knew that he would do anything to hit his weak points. The pretty, sleeping form on the bed was definitely the weakest point he had.
Fighting the tears that were threatening to spill from his blue eyes, he sighed. He had to do it. It was the only way he could to keep her as safe as possible. With fists clenched, he was beginning to regret wanting to fight the Phenom at Wrestlemania, knowing now that it all led to this.
With a final heave, he went back inside the room and closed the glass door. Climbing back in bed, he placed an arm around Stacy Keibler, pressing a kiss on her forehead.
He was going to do it. And he would do it tomorrow.
…
This world brings me down again
I know that I need you
To help me make it through the night
And I know that you're the one for me
You gave me my strength
To face another day
And I know
…
Randy sat alone in his car, cellular phone in hand. It was late afternoon as he drove to a quiet place, leaving Stacy in their hotel room. She was showering when he had left a note, telling her to call him after she was done.
Now he waited for her to call; for his phone to ring so that he could answer it. While he was ruminating, his thoughts were interrupted by the sound of his mobile. "Hello?" he answered in a somewhat dead tone.
"Hey, Randy! Where are you?" came Stacy's perky voice.
"Listen, babe. I'm sorry I didn't tell you I was gonna leave. But I need to talk to you. It's really important," he said, clutching his phone tighter. His lips trembled as he heard her say, "Okay!"
She sounded so happy. And the last thing he wanted to do was ruin that. Ruin her.
"Stacy, we can't do this anymore."
Stacy held her phone closer to her ear. "What are you talking about, Randy?"
"Stace, I…I can't go on with everything and having to put…having to put you in danger. Taker…he's got no heart. He won't stop until I'm at the lowest of low. If I'm with you…If I'm with you, I'm gonna be putting you on the line. And I can't live with that. I can't live…knowing that Undertaker can just hurt you…or take you any minute my back is turned. I can't…I can't let him use you to get to me. I…I'm sorry, Stacy," he began sobbing uncontrollably. "I can't be with you," he said in hushed tone.
For a while, Stacy was silent. Neither talked as only Randy's continuous sobs could be heard. Finally, she spoke. "So this is a choice between your career and me, huh?" she questioned, her voice low and sad.
"No! It's not about it! If I could choose between my career and you, I'd instantly go for you! But it's not it, Stacy. Believe me, it's not it."
Stacy stayed silent, waiting for him to continue. Her heart shattered loud enough for Randy to hear as both of them cried silently. "Stacy, you mean the world to me. But it's too late for me to back down on this match. If I could, I would…just so I could be with you. But I can't. I really can't. If I do, the more I'm gonna get on Taker's nerves. The more he's gonna want to go for you. The more he's gonna want to hurt you. You know I can't live with that, Stace," Randy elucidated, banging his free fist on the steering wheel before raking it through his brown hair.
"So that's it? It's over?" Stacy tried sounding unaffected by it all; her voice remained calm but her insides were screaming in agony.
"Stace, baby, I'm so sorry. I don't want it to be this way. You know I don't," Randy cried, leaning back to shake his head.
"It's fine, Randy," she said, her voice still serene. "Thanks for being one of the best things that ever happened in my life."
With a click, Randy Orton, for the first time in his life, truly broke down crying as he slammed his phone shut. Back in the hotel room, Stacy did the same, grabbing the remote control of the TV and hurling it all the way to the other side. She cried hysterically, packing her clothes and making a run for Trish and Lita's room.
…
I need you now my friend
More than you know
When will we meet again
'Coz I can't let go
I can't let go
…
His eyes were glazed as he sat still, staring far into space. His body was ready for his match against Batista but his heart and mind told otherwise. Earlier on, his best friend, John Cena, had called him to check if he was okay but just a faint mumbling of incoherent words told the Doctor that his best friend was anything but.
Checking the time, he headed out of his locker room, hoping he wouldn't bump into a certain long-legged diva for he knew he would breakdown for the umpteenth time. It had only been a week and already, he missed her. He missed her cute little PEP talks before his matches; her sweet surprises and her perky voice; her hugs, kisses and her little gifts; the way she laughed and sang along to every music in the radio; the way she screamed his name every night; the way she blushed each time he told her how beautiful she was. He missed holding her hand and whispering in her ear. He missed slapping her butt playfully just to get her to glare at him. He missed her shopping sprees and her faint I Love You's. To sum it all up, he longed for her. He needed her.
Shit, Randy thought, shaking his head to get him to concentrate on his upcoming match. The more he thought about these things, the more he was likely to breakdown.
Just the name Stacy Keibler already made him want to turn back time.
…
As time passes by I find
Things never seem to change
When I feel alone
You bring me back to you
…
"You wanna go get some ice cream, Stace?" Trish asked, placing a short arm around the taller diva's shoulders.
Her eyes were still a bit swollen and one could only guess why. She wore no make-up and her hair was just tied up in a ponytail. Clad in only a pair of Levis jeans, white Havaiianas, a tank top, and a hoodie jacket from Juicy Couture, Stacy smiled gratefully, shaking her head. "I'm fine, Trish. But thanks."
Her voice seemed so distant; the once radiance in her face replaced by a melancholic, tedious one.
"Listen, we'll order pizza once we head back to our room. Pizza just the way you like it," Lita said, patting Stacy's hand.
She forced a smile, nodding her head. "Thanks, Li."
…
Randy hissed; his face contorted in pain. Something in his shoulder had snapped after the Batista bomb and currently, the pain was like hell for him. Of course, nothing compared to the hell his heart was feeling. Walking back to his locker room, he wondered what Stacy would've done if she found him in that state.
He smiled slightly. He knew she would massage him, tell him it was okay and that she'd bring him to the doctor to have it checked.
Unfortunately, the only checking Randy needed as of the moment was reality. He had to face the fact that there was no longer a Stacy in his life and he would have to deal with things the old way. Only problem was…he didn't remember the old way.
What have I done? Randy asked himself, sitting on the couch and placing his head on his hands. I think I just ruined my life, he thought, wanting to smack himself that instant.
…
And I need you now my friend
More than you know
When will we meet again
'Coz I can't let go of you
No I can't let go
…
It had been two weeks after his loss at Wrestlemania and Randy was now busy sulking in the corner of his room in his home in St. Louis, watching TV. His shoulder was bandaged and he was only wearing a pair of boxers while an episode of the OC replayed. Somehow, it reminded him of his ex-girlfriend and although it was a bad idea (knowing it wasn't alleviating him getting over her at all), he couldn't help it. His luck just ran out after the doctors told him he would have to take a leave for about four months, all because of his stupid shoulder injury, which Batista had caused.
Of course, at that moment, he wished Stacy Keibler was with him to make him feel better.
Heaving an annoyed sigh, he walked over to the bed and laid down. His match with the Undertaker was done. He was far from wrestling in the ring. He had just lost the only girlfriend in his life he loved more than life and he was a complete mess. What could he do now?
Stacy Keibler. Stacy Keibler. Stacy Keibler. Stacy Keibler.
The name kept replaying itself in his head. Why couldn't he just let her go?