Author's note: Hey there it's me again 'smile' with a brand new chapter... and slowly but surely we're nearing the end of the story... I hope you enjoy this chapter even though it didn't quite turn out the way I wanted it...'hugs all readers'

Sorry about the repost of the chapter but I had to correct something because I haven't realised that I'm not allowed to reply to reviews anymore… so sorry… enjoy the chappy nonetheless

Disclaimer: None of those characters belong to me except Alexi, her mother and Dr. Cormela... well she sort of belongs to me 'grin'

Chapter 23: Hidden emotions

Dave and John stopped dead in their tracks and watched in shock as they realised that Randy was indeed sitting on that bench and crying.

Batista looked at Cena and questioned: "What the hell happened?"
John sighed a little helplessly.
"Shawn said something he shouldn't and hurt Randy with that… he hurt him a lot. More than Shawn could've imagined."
Now Batista was even more confused.

"And what did he say?" He wanted to know. The Animal wanted to help Randy but he had the distinct feeling that something was very wrong here, something that wasn't supposed to be wrong. But Dave needed the whole truth to be able to help Randy.

Cena sighed again and told him: "He basically accused Randy that he only gets what he wants because he's good-looking and that he should stay away from Alexi."

Batista gasped. "What? But that doesn't sound like Shawn at all. We all know that Randy is everything but living from his good looks. And Shawn should know that best of all."
"I know… and I'm sure that he already regrets having said it. I could see it in his face… it's just that this whole situation is taking its toll on him too… but this was the wrong way to let his feelings out. Randy is the last person in this whole mess that deserves Shawn's anger. Now the only thing we can do is try to keep the damage as small as possible."
Batista nodded and then turned his head towards Randy again. The Legend Killer was still sitting on that bench and had his head buried in his hands.

"Come on. Let's go over and see what we can do." He told Cena and the current WWE-Champion nodded. The two walked the rest of the way over to the Legend Killer.

Randy obviously wasn't aware that the two were now standing right behind him. Only when John gently laid the hand on the young Orton's shoulder, Randy looked up. He wasn't crying anymore but his eyes were still red, making it obvious that he had been only a short time ago.

The first question that came to John's mind was if Randy was okay but when he looked at Randy he realised what a dumb question that would've been because it was evident that Randy wasn't.

So he just sat down on the bench beside Randy and motioned for Batista to do the same.

He also signalled the Animal to not say anything right now.

John by now knew how to deal with Randy in such a situation because he had been there way too often in the past for John's liking.

So the three sat in silence before Randy was the one to finally break it.

"Why John? Why did Shawn say that? I mean, did I do something to make Shawn think like this of me? I always thought that Shawn respected me… and well it may sound dumb but I thought he sees me as some sort of son… but I now know that I was wrong again… perhaps I'm just not that likable that someone could see me as their son." He whispered the hurt easily recognisable in his voice. Batista looked a little shocked. He knew that Randy sometimes had problems with his self-confidence but he had never known that Randy thought so little of himself.

He looked at John and the Dr. of Thuganomics had a look on his face, Dave had never seen before and he knew that he should stay out of this conversation, at least for now.

John had his hand still on Randy's shoulder.

"RKO you know that this is not true. Shawn thinks very highly of you and he has always been thinking of you as a son. He even told me so and more than once…" He replied. And it was indeed true. Shawn had told him that on one of the resent PPV's.

Randy looked at John, a glimmer of hope in his eyes but before John was sure that glimmer had been there it was replaced by expressionless eyes.

"It's nice for you to tell me that but there's no need to lie to me. I'm used to that feeling now. Even my own father doesn't think very highly of me so why should Shawn?"

If possible, Batista's eyes widened even more. He had always thought that Cowboy Bob Orton Jr and his son had a good relationship but obviously it wasn't like that.

I've to give Randy credit… he really is a good actor. Dave thought and looked at Randy.

"Randy, listen to me… what I just told you is true. Shawn really thinks of you like that. And just because your father is an asshole and can't see what a fine man you are doesn't mean that others can't." John said softly. Batista gasped at that.

Okay, there's something going on that I don't know about. I wonder what John knows about Cowboy Bob that other's don't….

John meanwhile looked at Randy with a sad smile on his face.

Good work Shawn… He cursed in his thoughts. Randy had finally gotten over the break-up with Stacey and was able to laugh and to love again and then Shawn came and destroyed it with one careless remark that he hadn't even meant to say.

John knew from experience that it would take a while for Randy to trust Shawn completely again and he hoped that HBK would be patient enough to accept that.

Randy looked a little calmer than before and John knew that Randy knew deep down in his heart that what John had said was true but he had a heart time to make his brain believe it too.

A small smiled made its way on the Legend Killer's face and he looked at John and Batista, who smiled back.

"So you think everything works out for me and Lexi?"

John had nearly laughed out loud at that but he knew this wasn't the right time or the right place to do that, so he just nodded.

"Of course RKO, you two love each other and that's all that counts. And it won't take long now and Alexandria can finally see you for the first time…" Cena replied.

Randy wasn't so sure about that but he didn't want to disappoint Batista and John so he said, with a smile on his face: "Well if you're the one to say that, then I have to believe you, because you're the one with the doctor title."
Batista and John laughed at that. Even though Randy was far from being okay but things were looking much better than they had a few minutes ago. At least there weren't anymore secrets and it couldn't get worse but only better. It would take time but eventually things would look much better in a few days or weeks.

Suddenly Randy turned to John, a questioning expression in his eyes.

"JC, can you do me a favour?" He questioned.

John grinned a little. Randy didn't ask for a favour very often but when he did it was something important for the young man.

"Of course… just tell me what you want and I'll see what I can do."

"Umm… well I know you have some pretty good contacts in the music business."
"Yeah I have…" Ever since John had recorded his last CD, he had met a lot of people, but he wondered where Randy was going with that.

"Do you think you could organise two tickets with backstage passes for the Metallica concert next week?"

John looked at Randy incredulously. "I don't know but I can try. Care to tell me why you want two tickets with backstage passes?"

Randy blushed a little

"Well I asked Lexi to come to a concert with me… I'd buy the tickets myself but I have no idea for which concert I'll get them… and well I wanted to surprise Alexandria with them after the operation. So will ya help me?" he asked a little embarrassed.

John's smile grew even wider.

"Of course I'll help you…" With that he took out his cell phone and stood up from the bench and walked a little away from the other two men to have the call in privacy.

Randy and Batista watched him in silence.

Then the Animal spoke up: "So you feel better now?"

It was a simple question but Randy had no simple answer for it. He felt indeed a little better to know that John and Batista were there for him no matter what and that Shawn probably hadn't meant what he'd said before. But still there was the hurt that HBK had actually said something like that. At least there were no secrets anymore and they could all start to work things out and when he thought back he realised that Marissa hadn't really looked like she was objecting to his and Alexandria's relationship.

He rubbed his forehead for a second and then answered honestly: "A little… thanks to you and John. But there's still much that confuses and hurts me."
Dave nodded. "I can't really say I know how you feel because I've never been in such a situation but I want to tell you that I'll always be here for you if you need someone to talk to."

"I'll second that Rands… I'm always here for you too…" John added, having just finished his phone call, walking back to his two friends.

Randy smiled a little. "You're really good friends… and I know I haven't exactly been fun to be around the last days and I really appreciate that you're still here."
John and Dave grinned. "Not a problem." Dave assured.

Randy nodded and then turned his attention to John.

"So? Did you get the tickets?"
The smile on John's face told Randy the answer before Cena actually voiced it.

"Yeah… it took all my charms but I was successful. My manager will send them to me. They will be here tomorrow."
"You're the best…" Randy exclaimed, resisting the urge to hug Cena because that would be a little inappropriate, so he just shook the other man's hand forcefully.

"What do you think guys, should we go back now?" Batista questioned and after a short glance at his watch John nodded. It had been nearly an hour and the surgery should be over soon.

"Do you think you're ready to face Shawn?" He questioned and looked at Randy.

"I'm not sure, but I will go back in there because I promised Lexi I'd be there when she wakes up. My personal problems with Shawn have to wait." The Legend Killer explained, standing up and straightening his shoulders.

"But I want to go to the restroom before I face Shawn again…" He said.

John nodded, he was sure he knew why Randy wanted to go to the restroom.

He could really need some time to freshen up a little.

So the three made their way back into the hospital where the others were waiting for news on Alexandria. Randy vanished into the bathroom while John and Batista walked over to Chris, Shawn and Marissa. Shawn immediately looked up with question in his eyes.

John smiled a little at the older man.

"You need to give him time Shawn… but I guess it will work out." He answered the unspoken question in the older man's eyes.

Shawn, Marissa and Chris were sitting in the slightly uncomfortable plastic chairs and stared at the clock on the wall opposite to them like hypnotised.

Chris noticed with a glance at Marissa and Shawn that the two were whispering with each other, holding hands and smiling.

Jericho couldn't help but smile a little too.

It was obvious that the two had still feelings for each other and Chris tried to imagine what would've happened if Marissa and Shawn had stayed together twenty years ago, raising Alexi together.

I could kill this damn Sid Eudy. Why did he have to screw up all that? Couldn't he see that the two loved each other deeply and even though they were very young at that time they were ready to have and raise a child… Y2J thought with anger.

He then turned his attention to the clock again, noticing that only five minutes had passed since he had looked at it the last time.

Oh I hate waiting… He cursed in his mind, feeling drawn back to the time when he had to make that cursed phone call to Marissa to tell her that her daughter was in hospital after an accident.

He could still remember the tears in Marissa's eyes when she had asked him what had happened and what was wrong with Alexi. Chris had hated the fact that he hadn't been able to tell Marissa what was wrong since had no idea how Alexandria was. The three hours he and Marissa had spent in that waiting room, awaiting news on Alexi, had seemed like an eternity.

At least today he knew what was wrong and that Alexi wasn't in a critical or life threatening condition.

His thoughts were interrupted when suddenly Batista and John walked down the hallway towards them.

Chris immediately tensed when he realised that Randy wasn't with them but to judge by the look on John's and Batista's face, they had been able to stop Randy from doing something stupid.

I need to calm down and wait what the two have to say. Chris told himself in his thoughts, forcing himself to stay calm.

Shawn didn't try to conceal his guilt and concern and looked at Cena but before he could ask the question that came to his mind, John already answered it: "You need to give him time Shawn… but I guess it will work out."

HBK sighed in relief.

"You sure?" He asked again, just to be completely sure.

"Absolutely sure. So any news on Alexandria?" John questioned, sitting down in another chair.

"No, not so far… but according to Martha the surgery should be over soon..." Chris started.

"If there aren't any complications… " Marissa said shakily and rubbed her hand over her face.

Shawn quickly laid an arm around the woman's shoulder.

"Shh Marissa… don't worry everything ill be okay." He told her, trying to reassure the woman.

Chris was about to say something to calm Marissa down but he stopped when he saw Randy walking down the hall towards them.

The young Orton looked way better than before in the park John noticed with satisfaction.

He sat back, holding in a breath, wondering what would happen next.

I swear if Shawn says one wrong thing this time I'm going to knock him out and then stop Randy from jumping down the next bridge. Or better first I stop Randy from doing something stupid and then come back to beat the shit out of Shawn. He thought, only half serious because he knew that Shawn wouldn't say anything wrong this time.

Batista had similar thoughts going on, even though he didn't think that it would be necessary for him or John to step in because the look on Shawn's face told Dave that the Heartbreak Kid would do anything but hurt Randy this time.

The Legend Killer hesitated a little before closing the rest of the distance between himself and the others. He ran a hand through his hair and looked at HBK and Marissa.

He thought about something to say but he couldn't think of anything. It wasn't really necessary because as soon as he was near enough, Shawn stood up from his chair and walked over so that he was standing right in front of Randy and before the younger man could say anything, he blurted out: "I'm so sorry Rands… I never wanted to hurt you… and I wasn't serious about you staying away from Alexandria. I know that I really don't have the right to tell you to stay away from Alexandria since I'm biologically her father but haven't been there for her for twenty years.

It's just that I always wanted kids and now that I have a grown up daughter I have no idea how to react to that. I mean I never meant to hurt you Rands. You have been the closest thing to a son I've ever had and I don't want to destroy that relationship just because I said something I didn't mean. I know it's a lot to ask but do you think you can forgive me? I mean your friendship is really important to me."

Randy was too stunned to interrupt Shawn's speech. And even after the older man was finished the young Orton had no idea what to say. HBK had just told him his deepest feelings and Randy felt a lot better to hear that Shawn seemed to really think of him as a son but still Shawn's words had hurt a lot and Randy couldn't let go of it that easily. He had been hurt too often in the past to be able to forget and trust again so quickly.
But it was at least a start that Shawn had told him how he was feeling without Randy having to say something.

So he ran a hand through his hair again and smiled a little.

"I won't tell you that your words didn't hurt Shawn, because they did hurt… they did hurt a lot. And I can't just forget them now… but I will forgive you for saying them but it won't happen today or tomorrow. It will take some time before I can look at you as a father again… but I can at least tell you that we will be okay… I can't tell exactly when but we will be okay…" Randy told Shawn what he was feeling.

HBK nodded. This was more than he had expected and he swore to himself that he would make it up to Randy and Alexi.

And no matter what it may take I will get my family back. He promised himself.

John, Chris, Batista and Marissa sighed in relief. This had gone far better than they had expected.

Shawn sat down in the plastic chair again with Marissa beside him who immediately grabbed his hand, squeezed it gently and smiled. John, Dave and Y2J had already sat down and had started to talk softly with each other.

Randy leaned against the wall opposite to the five and closed his eyes for a second.

He couldn't sit down. He was way too nervous.

Shawn smiled a little. Things were really looking better even though they were far from okay.

Martha released a deep breath after she had exited the operation room. The operation had gone according to plan, but she couldn't help having a bad feeling about all that had happened in the past two hours. Alexi had been really upset when Dr. Cormela had come to get her for the operation when she should be delighted and happy that she would be able to see again soon.

Oh well… that's none of my business unless it interferes with Alexandria's recovery… She thought while changing from her sterile attire for the operation into the more comfortable clothes she wore when on duty.

When she was done, she quickly ate a little and then she thought it was about time to tell Alexandria's family that the surgery was over and that Alexandria would be waking up in about an hour. Normally she did that immediately after she left the operation room but since Alexandria's condition was far from life threatening, so she had taken her time to refresh herself. When she walked down the hall she immediately noticed that the man who had been with Alexandria and Randy was gone. Instead another wrestler had arrived at the hospital and was now talking to Chris Jericho and John Cena.

Martha quickly recognised the man as Dave Batista.

She was a little surprised to see him here too but on the other hand if Alexandria and Chris were such good friends it should be only normal that Alexi knew and was friends with other wrestlers too.

Dr. Cormela pushed all thoughts about that into the back of her mind because they weren't her concern right now.

Jericho, John, Shawn, Marissa and Dave were so lost in their thoughts and their conversation that they didn't even notice her walking over to them. Randy still had his eyes closed and was miles away with his thoughts.

"Mrs. Reed…" Martha said to alert the others to her presence.

She got an immediate reaction. Randy's eyes snapped open and he took a step towards the young doctor. Shawn and Marissa sprung up from their chairs, still holding hands and Batista, Cena and Y2J stopped their conversation and looked at her expectantly.

"Is my baby okay? Was the operation a success?" Marissa asked before Martha had the chance to say anything else. Dr. Cormela put a small smile on her face.

"Well… the surgery went according to plan and there were no complications. She's still unconscious because of the medicine but she'll come around in about an hour.

If the operation was a success… well as you were told there's still a slight chance that she won't be able to see again but I'm optimistic that when her eyes have adjusted to the new situation and the swelling has gone down, Alexandria will be able to see as good as she could before the accident… but we have to wait at least another day before we can say for sure." Martha explained the most important details.

Marissa nodded a small smile on her face. "Thanks Dr. Cormela, I'm sure you've done your best." She replied, seeing that Martha was a little intimidated by all the people around her, studying her closely.

Indeed Martha's smile brightened a bit.

"If you want you can go in and see her now… you can of course stay with her until she wakes up but I need one of you to call me when she wakes up because I've to check on her and ask her a few questions…" Dr. Cormela explained and looked at all present to indicate that it was really necessary to get her when Alexi woke up. When Randy and the others nodded Martha told them: "So if you wanna see her, she's down the hall the second room on the left. You can't miss it. But please don't go in all at once. It will only scare her when she wakes up and the room feels crowded. And now if you'd excuse me I've other patients that needs my attention but if you need something just call for me. I'm on duty until ten o'clock at night."
"Thanks Dr. Cormela…" Marissa said and shook the young woman's hand forcefully.

Martha smiled blushed a little and quickly excused herself. She needed to get away from all of them especially Chris Jericho because she felt strange when he was so near her. So she walked down the hall, wondering once again what was going on with Alexandria and all these people because she had clearly felt the tension between all of them

Oh well… it's none of my business… She tried to tell herself, even though she had to admit that she'd like Chris to be her business.

Whoa… where did that thought come from?

Dr. Cormela shook her head a little, trying to push all thoughts of Alexandria's case out of her head and heading for her next patient.

to be continued... if you want me too after my poor try at being sensible and sentimental... 'sheepish grin'