Rating: PG-13
Disclaimer: Anything that is recognizable, does not belong to me.
Summary: When one of the RAW Diva's is attacked, it brings the unlikeliest group of people together.
Pairings: All worked out for plot purposes.
Thanks to: CenasNakedInMyBedWithMe, huntersgirl, Latisha C., aussiewrestlingfan and Losing Grip for the reviews!
Chapter 8
April 8, 2004- San Antonio, Texas.
Lita awoke that morning in a cold sweat. And perhaps it was due to her restless night or perhaps it was due to the situation in general. The fact that Nidia was her roomie for that night ...and was now in the hospital, didn't help matters any. All the same, the redheaded Diva could only hope that there would be no more appearances by this person who was hell bent on scaring the living daylights out of her. At any rate, the knock at the door was more than enough to startle the already shaken redhead, but she wasn't about to show it. She sucked in a sharp breath, counting backwards in her mind..telling herself that this would end.
"Li?" Dawn Marie beckoned from the other side of the door, "Li..honey, it's Dawn."
Lita roused herself from her thoughts, shaking her arms out. "I'll be right there."
Dawn frowned, she really hated to see her friend like this and it was bothering her that she couldn't do anything about it. "Hey.." The brunette Diva blinked, taking in the sight of the redhead as the door was swung open.
Lita's arms wrapped around herself, "Morning.."
Dawn raised a brow, gesturing to the group behind her. "Umm..we were gonna go get breakfast..then head over to the hospital to visit Dia. We're just waiting on you."
The redhead forced a smile, "I'm really not that hungry."
The brunette exchanged a worried look with Eddie and Rey. "Li honey, I know you're worried about Dia, but that's no reason to put your appetite on hold."
Lita shook her head, carefully sweeping her hair from her face. "Dawn, you don't get it..I'm not hungry. Just go on without me and I'll meet y'all at the hospital."
The Smackdown Diva pursed her lips, taking the redhead by the forearm. "Li?"
Lita pushed back the wince on her face, purposely avoiding the piercing eyes of Rob, Chris and Randy. "I'm fine Dawn.."
"No you're not." Randy spoke up from the back, "I told ya yesterday.."
Lita raised a warning brow, prying the brunette Diva's hand from her forearm.
"She got her arm stuck in the elevator..I told her she should've just gone to the hospital and gotten it checked, but.." Randy shrugged, "She wouldn't hear anything of it."
Dawn and Victoria rolled their eyes, on. Get dressed and at least humor us." The raven haired Diva raised a brow, "Please?"
Lita held up her hands in mock defeat. "Alright..just give me a few, okay? I'm not about to invite you all into my room so you can watch me get dressed." The redhead waited a moment before she shut the door.
"Something's not right," Dawn frowned, leaning back against the wall. "She's not acting like herself."
Victoria shrugged, "Well..given what's happened in the past 48 hours..I can understand why she'd be a little shaken up."
The brunette Diva nodded, "I'm not doubting that, but I just have the feeling she's leaving something out."
Chris huffed, "It's not like she would tell us anyway."
"But, we weren't with her at all times last night." Dawn turned questioning eyes to a now silent Randy Orton. "What happened?"
"Yeah," Rob spoke up then. "You took her back to the hotel..and I'm not buying that elevator story for a minute."
The Legend Killer debated for a moment, the thought of telling them that she hurt her arm falling off the bed crossing his mind..but given how Chris had acted last night; he figured that wouldn't be the best idea. "You'll have to ask her."
Chris opened his mouth to question that, when the hotel room door was swung open. "That was quick.." He remarked with a wry smirk to the redhead.
Lita rolled her eyes, placing her sunglasses on. "Yeah whatever..can we just go already?"
Dawn slowly nodded, "Sure..anyone have any preferences?"
Eddie was the first to speak up, Latino Heat recommending a place on the other side of the city. That resulted in the group at large splitting for seperate rental cars; Chris and Victoria leaving theirs behind to double with John and Dawn. Eddie ended up sharing with Rob and Rey; leaving Lita to hitch a ride with Randy. Needless to say, the entire car ride there, Randy kept his eyes on the road while Lita rested her head against the window. Neither seemed up for conversation..or one of them was just looking for a place to start. Whatever the case, silence reigned as they followed behind Rob, Rey and Eddie.
xxx
By the time the group had been seated; Lita now found herself sharing a four person booth with John, Dawn and Randy. To their right, Eddie, Rey and Rob while Victoria and Chris took up a booth to their left. And much as she had been during the ride over there, Lita remained silent. The only words emitting from the redhead were when the waitress asked for their orders. And while Dawn had prompted Lita to order more than just a cup of tea; Lita politely declined.
"Li?" Dawn Marie waved a hand in front of the redhead's face. "Helllloooo anybody in there?"
Lita blinked, "What?"
Dawn rolled her eyes, "I asked what are you doing for your birthday...for like the fifth time in a row. Li, what's going on?"
Lita shrugged, tracing the rim of her mug with her fingertip. "Nothing Dawn..I just didn't get much sleep."
"So..do you have any plans made? Big day isn't that far away.."
Lita pursed her lips, "I'm aware of that thanks..and no. I haven't given it much thought."
Dawn suddenly brightened...and Lita, John and Randy got weary. "Oooh! I've got the perfect idea! Why don't we celebrate your birthday and John's together!"
Lita raised a brow, "And this is a good idea on what planet?"
Dawn rolled her eyes, "Oh come on Li..it'll be so much fun! Think about it, we can get a beach house or rent a cabin or--"
"Or we can forget about this whole idea all together," Lita rolled her eyes, "I don't think so."
"Ohh come on..we didn't get to celebrate Chris's birthday together, or Eddie's birthday, or Rey's or Rob's." The brunette paused for thought, "Or mine either for that matter. Come on..it'll be fun!"
"Dawwwwnn." Lita whined, "I am not spending more than one night under the same roof as any of y'all."
"Then we'll go camping!" Chris declared from behind Dawn and John. "Or we can get an RV or something..we'll drag Benoit and Lillian along.."
Lita groaned, burying her face in her hands. "Count me out."
"Liiiiita." Dawn pleaded, pouting at the redhead. "Just this once."
"I recall those words leaving your mouth on more than one occasion," Lita started dryly. "And on each occasion, it ended in disaster. So no."
"Please."
"Oh no not you too.." Lita raised a brow as Rey and Eddie stuck their heads between herself and Randy. "I am not agreeing to this crazy idea..that's final."
"Li, just think about it..it'll be fun. We can just get away from it all." Dawn reached across the table, "Please."
Lita rolled her eyes, hazel orbs fixating on John Cena then. "What do you think of this? It's apparently your birthday they want to destroy too."
John raised a brow, opening his mouth to respond when an elbow connected sharply with his side.
"Of course he agrees!" Dawn stated as John gingerly rubbed his ribs. "So, what do you say?"
Lita sighed, resting her head back against the booth. "You are planning for and paying for everything..that is the only way you are getting me to agree."
Dawn squealed, clapping her hands together. "Deal!"
Lita sipped her tea, a sour look on her face..but at that moment, she just didn't have the strength to argue with Dawn. Granted, she was not looking forward to spending her birthday at the mercy of one of Dawn's crazy ideas..but that was the least of her worries. No sooner had she agreed, did Lita realize exactly what she had done. If this psychopath was still stalking her by that time..and Lita had a feeling he would be..than she had just put each and everyone who was going in danger. None the less, the redhead remained silent throughout the remainder of breakfast. First and foremost, she had to figure out a way to keep everyone else out of harms way.
xxx
When the group arrived to the hospital, Nidia had been moved to a regular room..and instead of having to wait to see her; the lot of them was allowed in. Again however, Randy declined..stating that it really wasn't his place to be there. Chris also declined and before the blonde Canadian made his retreat; the redhead warned him rather sharply to leave Randy alone. Chris was about to question why when Lita was subsequently dragged into the hospital room. And of those who went in to see Nidia, it became apparent that Rey, Dawn and Lita were the ones that Nidia was most interested in speaking with. That puzzled the others, but what really startled them was when Nidia requested a moment alone with Lita. As it were, the redheaded Diva now found herself in the chair next to the hospital bed; one of her hands gently grasping Nidia's.
"He..told me.." Nidia began, her voice raspy. "What he did to you.."
Lita raised a brow, "I'm sorry it had to happen to you.."
Nidia managed a shaky smile, "I'm alive right? And I'll live another day to step into the ring."
Lita ducked her head, a shaky smile of her own offered when her eyes fell on Nidia again. "Maybe we should've just stayed in."
Nidia shook her head, "No..that's what he wants...he wants us to be afraid."
A wry smirk formed on the redhead's face. "Well..he's doing a pretty good job of it."
Nidia frowned just slightly, "He won't stop...not until the job is done."
"What did he say?"
"He'll keep coming after you..after those around you.." Nidia's eyes fluttered shut, the Diva drawing in a breath, "Until you break."
Lita frowned, "Maybe I should just leave.."
"No.." Nidia's eyes opened, locking desperately with Lita's. "If you're alone..it'll just be over that much quicker."
Lita shook her head, "But if I stay..everyone around me is going to suffer..and I can't let that happen."
Nidia sighed, "You just have to be careful Lita...keep your circle small."
Lita nodded slowly, "I already do that anyway."
"There are people who care..people who will keep you safe." Nidia's head turned, her eyes falling on the group outside the hospital room before they turned back to Lita. "People who will keep me safe."
"I just wish it would end already.." Lita whispered then, her voice sounding all but broken. "I hate living in fear."
"We'll get through this, mi amiga." Nidia squeezed Lita's hand very gently, her head turning once more..this time her eyes falling on Rey, Randy and Dawn. "We'll get through this."
Lita followed her gaze, her eyes also taking in the sight of Victoria, Chris, John, Eddie and Rob not far off. "Should I go get Rey?"
Nidia smiled softly, turning her head back to Lita. "After Dawn..I'm sure she's worried sick."
Lita rolled her eyes, pushing back from the bed. "She means well..nuestra hermana grande." our big sister.
Nidia nodded in agreement, releasing Lita's hand. "Sea seguro mi amiga." Stay safe my friend.
Lita smiled, sweeping her hair from her face as she exited the hospital room. "Dawn? You're up."
xxx
The brunette squeezed Rey's shoulders before she nodded, making her way inside the hospital room. And just as the door shut, Lita was wrapped into a gentle hug by the cruiserweight. When Lita questioned why, Rey's simple reply was for watching over Nidia. At that Lita smiled, gently ruffling Rey's hair before she took a seat with Chris, Victoria and Randy.
A hand fell awkwardly on Lita's shoulder, hazel orbs turning questioningly to the owner of said hand. "What?"
Randy shrugged, "Is she going to be okay?"
Lita nodded just slightly, "Yeah..she's just shaken up."
Randy nodded shortly, a brow raising at the redhead. "Are you going to be okay?"
Lita's shoulders lifted ever so slightly. "After I get about..two days worth of sleep..I should be right back to my charming self."
Randy smirked, "I think we all could use a few day's rest."
"Li?" Victoria peered over Chris, a brow raising at the redhead. "You're not going home by yourself..are you?"
"No Vikki, I was thinking of inviting everyone over for a sleepover." Lita rolled her eyes, sweeping her hair from her face. "I'll be fine for two nights alone."
"Well really only one night," Chris stated then, a masked glare sent to Randy before he turned his attention back to the redhead. "We've gotta be back on the road Friday."
"Shit," Randy muttered then, removing his hand from the redhead's shoulder to rake it through his hair. "H is gonna kill me."
"Oh?" Chris seemingly perked. "Do tell why?"
Randy glared openly at the blonde Canadian, "Because I was supposed to be meeting them all yesterday."
"Tsk tsk.." Chris shook his head, shaking his finger admonishingly. "Randall you really must put your priorities in order."
Randy rolled his eyes, opening his mouth to retort..but instead he stood. "If you would excuse me." The Legend Killer stood then, making his way down the hall and to the elevator. From what they could see, he had by that point, removed his cellphone.
"Chris." Lita hissed at the blonde Canadian. "Why don't you just leave him alone?"
Chris raised a brow, "Why are you being so defensive...over him?"
"That's not the point Chris." Lita shook her head, resting her forearms gingerly on her thighs. "Just leave him alone."
"I think it makes a difference when you've never been able to stand him." Chris peered curiously at the redheaded Diva. "Come to think of it..since his date with Stacy, you've been nothing but nice to him."
"Chris, just shut up."
"No.." Chris crossed his arms, "I think your jealous."
Lita rolled her eyes, glaring witheringly at the blonde man. "That is the stupidest thing you have ever said."
"Oh?" Chris raised a brow, "Then why are you so quick to defend him? Usually you'd be right there with me."
Lita pursed her lips, "Maybe because Randy has been there for me the past few days. Maybe because Randy's been there to listen.." The redheaded Diva expelled a soft sigh. "Is that so wrong?"
"Given your track record with Evolution?" Chris hissed out rather tightly. "Yes, it is wrong."
"Chris just give it up. There is nothing going on between me and Randy Orton..and nothing is going to happen between me and Randy Orton." Lita stood then, shaking her head once more at Chris. "If you would excuse me..I need to use the restroom."
Chris scowled, watching the redheaded Diva walk away and further disappear into the ladies room. It wasn't that he didn't want to believe his friend..more like he didn't trust Randy Orton at all. The fact that Randy had been around the past two days only fueled his suspicions..on top of the fact that Randy was a part of Evolution. People like them weren't meant to be trusted and as far as Chris was concerned, Randy Orton was no exception.