Disclaimer: Usual disclaimers apply.
Title: Hearts And Minds
Chapter: 4
Pairing/s: Cena/Maria, Cena/Lita (Amy), Randy/Lita (Amy)
Rating: PG-13, bound to go up.
Summary: When things go from pretty bad to worse between John and Maria, Lita just tries to be a good friend without letting her feelings get in the way.
Author's Notes: Thank you so much to everybody who's been reading and reviewing my fic, I'm really very glad:D This fic is relatively short, and it doesn't really advance the story much. What basically happens in here is something you can all assume already from the moment "JOHN CENA IS INJURED" entered the picture. But it does set up a pairing some more, so that's the grunt of the chapter. Hope y'all still like it though! PS RANDY ORTON'S BACK ON RAW AND NOW HE AND JOHN ARE ON THE SAME SHOW YIIIIIIIIIIIIZPLZ.
HEARTS AND MINDS
CHAPTER 4
"Come in," John calls to whoever is knocking on his door.
"Oh good, you're awake," says Vince McMahon as he enters the room, his pregnant daughter in tow.
"Mr McMahon," John greets, "And Stephanie too. This is a pleasant surprise. When're you due, Steph?"
"Any day now," Stephanie replies with a smile, hands unconsciously going to her baby bump, "But we didn't come here to talk about us."
"That's right," Vince adds, "John, we heard you're clearing out in a few days."
"Yes sir," John replies with a smile and a nod, "I get out Friday, to be exact."
Vince nods thoughtfully. "Good, good, that's good to hear," he says, "Of course, you'll not be medically cleared to get back in the ring right away."
John shakes his head no. "I've got a pretty banged up elbow," he informs The Boss, "And the doctor's just told me I've got a very minor fracture in my left fibula, so he wants me in a wheelchair for a while. But hey, if there's something you want me to do, anything at all, promos, creative, whatever, you know how this soldier rolls, ain't no broken elbow or fractured freakin' fibula that's gon' hold me down."
"Unfortunately, John," Vince says, "I'm afraid your injuries are gonna 'hold you down' this time around. Not that I don't appreciate your dedication to and passion for the business and the company, I do, but we've decided we can't risk one of our biggest draws being hurt any further."
"S-so what are you saying?" John asks in a hushed tone, "I'm being shelved?"
"It happens to the best of us, John, I can assure you," Vince replies, "Besides, it won't be for too long. A month, maybe, at most two. If you want to be back sooner, I would suggest you take this time out to do as much rehab as you can on your injuries, or at least get enough rest. You tell us when you're ready to come back to work."
"With all due respect, Vince," John protests as politely as he can manage, "I'll be ready as soon as I'm outta this joint, I'm just-"
"My answer is NO, Mr Cena," Vince interrupts sternly, "And that's final. You're a great asset to this company, John, and Lord knows you're a great guy, you've got lots of friends in the company, and we almost lost you last Sunday. I don't want you straining yourself unnecessarily until you're medically cleared to start training again. And that's my final word. Now if you'll excuse, I have to go the Smackdown! Taping. Good evening to you both." And with that, the Chairman begins to leave.
"I'm really sorry, John," Stephanie says with a half-apologetic, half-sympathetic smile, "I know you're totally bummed about this, and I wish there was something I could do, but you know…It's DAD. He's The Boss."
"I know, I know," answers John with a disappointed shrug.
"Take Daddy's suggestion and rest up is my friendly advice," Stephanie continues, "Rest up, and start training again, but only as soon as you're allowed to. You'll be back in the ring in no time." She gives him a wave and follows after her father.
An awkward silence hangs in the air above and around John and Amy after the McMahons leave.
"Hey," Amy begins tentatively, "It's not so bad."
John remains silent, glaring straight at the wall in front of him.
"…Maria's being shelved too," Amy tells him, "I don't know for how long. She got the call this morning. She seemed fine with it, I guess she was expecting it. At least you've got this time together. Trust me, you'll be wanting it."
John gives her a look of incomprehension. "What do you mean?" he asks her.
Amy realizes she almost slipped. "Nothing," she says, trying to cover up, "Just…you know, I know what it's like to be out of action with an injury for a long time. It can get lonely."
"Oh," John replies, accepting her explanation. He then sighs, disappointed, frustrated, and cursing the day fate decided to play games with him.
"Look, I know you're tired of hearing me say this, but," Amy says, standing and collecting her things, "Everything's gonna be okay. You're gonna be just fine. Listen, I've got to go, I promised a friend I'd drop by when I could. Randy's on the way, he'll take over for a while. I'll be back tomorrow morning, I promise. Play nice, okay? Don't talk to strangers."
"Randy's stranger than me, does he count?" John asks with a laugh.
"There, that's better," Amy says, smiling, "I'll see you tomorrow." She squeezes him gently on the arm before making for the door.
"Hey Amy," calls John just as Amy reaches the door, "For what it's worth…Thanks. I know it's not been easy being here with me, babysitting me and all that…Thank you for all your help."
Amy only nods in reply before leaving through the door. As soon as the door clicks closed behind her, she puts her forehead and a palm to the door, and says a quiet prayer, asking her guardian angels to watch over her ward for her until she comes back.
END CHAPTER 4
CHAPTER 5 COMING SOON.