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 everyone who reviewed the last chapter!
Notes: Ehgads! Almost a month since the last update, I'm sorry about that.. I just got a little side tracked.
Chapter 22
April 14, 2004
As planned, the impromptu house mates made their way to Six Flags Magic Mountain for the day. The red headed Diva spent most of her time with the three Dudleys, Jeff, Rob, Rey, Nidia and John. Near ironic, she felt, since they would be the people she would be around the most within the next two weeks. Save for Nidia and Jeff, but with the addition of Eddie and Dawn. Long waits in line for Lita, lead to plenty of time for her to evaluate her current situation. And in particular, the up coming roster switch. The main thing she wasn't looking forward to -save for the fact that she wouldn't be around some of her other close friends- was that she wouldn't be able to compete for the women's title. But, it wasn't like she wouldn't be able to wrestle occasionally.. Jackie was there along with Dawn. The redhead could only hope that Stephanie wouldn't subject her to bra and panties matches.. Or any other such wonderful crap. On the plus side of things, she wouldn't have to put up with Hunter or Bischoff. Lita also knew that Hunter wouldn't take the news of her roster switch well.. But, it really wasn't Hunter's business. Despite the fact that her opinion had mildly changed about Randy and Dave; where Hunter was concerned- there was no love lost. The red headed Diva might be able to tolerate two of Evolution's members, but that didn't mean she wanted to be in Evolution. Still though, it wasn't even getting away from that horrid prospect that brought her relief. Stupidly, she hoped the would be stalkers would disappear once she off RAW. Of course, there were no guarantees were that was concerned, but she could always hope it would happen.
"You're bein' awful quiet," Jeff raised an eyebrow, the two waiting in line for another roller coaster. "Somethin' botherin' ya?"
Lita's shoulders lifted slightly, "Nothing and everything, I guess."
He nudged her playfully, "Try me then.. What's goin' on in that pretty little head of yours, hmm?"
"A lot," she said quietly. "Some of what we talked about last night an' stuff from before." Lita regarded him curiously, "Has anything happened to you since that night?"
Jeff shook his head, "Nothin' at all, Li-Li.. I'm still waitin' to hear back from the police too."
She chewed on her lower lip, "Somehow I got this feeling they won't find much.. Or if they do, nothing that'll be really useful."
"Well, they can only do so much with what they have.." He grabbed her hand, "I think ya should tell 'em 'bout what's been goin' on at RAW."
Lita shook her head, "I don't want that much attention being drawn to this, Jeff. It just seems the more people that are involved, even remotely.."
"What of it?" He questioned softly, giving her hand a gentle squeeze. "Li-Li, come on.. We used to talk 'bout everythin' before."
She frowned, "It just seems that the more people that get involved, the more people are being followed. I mean, at first it was just me and Nidia.. But, then I found out a couple nights ago it happened to a few others."
Jeff nodded shortly, "Which is all the more reason I think ya should talk to the police 'bout it. Baby girl, I know you're worried an' all that, but-"
"I'll think about it.." Lita interrupted him softly. "I just don't wanna put anyone else at risk here."
He released her hand after another soft squeeze. "Have you at least let Stephanie know 'bout what's goin' on? Now, I'm not sayin' you should ask her to get the police involved, but.. You should let her know."
"I'll let her know," she quirked a tiny smile. "I'm not sure when, but I'll talk to her about it."
"Good," he grinned fully. "Now, with that all outta the way, what else ya thinkin' 'bout?"
Lita rolled her eyes good naturedly, "Oh.. the fact that it's my birthday. This time next year, I'll be the big 3-0."
Jeff rolled his eyes right back, "Yeah well.. That's still a year away. One more year to have fun, live life to it's fullest."
"I know that," the redhead let out a short sigh. "I just wonder what's gonna happen in the next few weeks."
He raised an eyebrow, "In all the years I've known ya.. I've never known ya to really be worried 'bout the future. It never made a difference if that future was two years or two weeks away."
Lita shrugged, "Well just all that's been going on.. I can't help but wonder about it."
"Fair enough," Jeff shrugged it off, the two inching slowly along with the rest of the line. "But, since you ain't on the road right now.. Why don' you jus' forget 'bout it? I mean, it's only for a day or two.."
She rolled her eyes, a smile on her face none the less. "I think I can do that."
"Hey Li," Nidia glanced back from her spot further up in the line. "Dawn wants to know what you want to do after dinner."
The Sanford resident rolled her eyes, "I don't see why she couldn't just wait until we were done with this.."
The brunette nodded, "Yeah well.. It's Dawn and since we're in L.A. she really wants to-"
"Taste the night life," Lita finished with a knowing smirk. "Yeah I know.. And honestly? I'm not really sure. Dawn knows I'm not really one for club hopping until all hours of the night."
"We could always rent a few movies," Spike offered with a shrug of his shoulders. "Get some beer, order some pizza.."
Rob raised an eyebrow in question, "Dude.. In case ya forgot already, we're going out for dinner. What's the point of ordering pizza after?"
"Well duh," Bubba rolled his eyes at the Battle Creek native. "It'll more than likely be a long night, we.." he gestured between himself and Devon. "Always get a case of the late night munchies."
"Point," Rob conceded with a nod. "In all truth, Red.. I'd rather just do that than go club hopping. I might have the educated feet in the ring, but on that dance floor? I don't."
Lita shrugged, "I like the idea of staying in too so.. One of us can call Dawn back or we can let her wait until this ride is over."
The plans for later that night out of the way and the group in the line settled into private conversations. The Dudleys three discussed movies with Nidia and Rey, while Rob and Jeff conversed about comic books and cartoons. And for her part, Lita got into a friendly argument about music with John. Conversation continued to flow until they finally reached the roller coaster platform; the redhead taking the front car with Jeff and the brown haired wrestler. The Dudley trio situated themselves behind them, while Nidia, Rob and Rey took the second car. Once the ride was over, the nine met their counterparts to head off for more rides and food. Or food and then more rides. Whatever the case, after dinner plans were discussed and set in stone. Dawn conceding that, since it was Lita's birthday.. Her word should be final. As the diverse group split up to explore their lunch options; Lita found herself drifting back to her previous thoughts. The Sanford resident came to another conclusion...and that was telling her friends who were present what would be going on.
xxx
After lunch had been consumed, the group of seventeen set off for milder park fare. Their first stop was to the arcades, Stacy and Lillian walking away with three over sized teddy bears thanks to Edge and Chris Benoit. Nidia and Dawn were now toting large stuffed animals of their own, while Victoria won her own prize. Not to be out done in that area, Lita had also won a stuffed animal. But, as they were heading away from the arcade to another part of the park, the red headed Diva passed it on to a child. Victoria had followed suit, the two Diva's taking up the rear of the group as they traversed the park. A few minutes of walking later, lead them to a karaoke and music booth. Aside from being just a music booth, it was also a music video booth. The amused group learned that, for a reasonable fee, they could record a song of their choice. Subsequently, they split up into smaller groups before heading inside to record their music videos. Albeit, some went a little more reluctantly than others, but they went none the less. Finally, when the torture session known as making music videos was over, the group then trekked to an old Western style photo booth.
"What do you think?" Bubba queried as they looked over their wardrobe selections. "Should I go for Sheriff or outlaw?"
Eddie shrugged, picking up a fake bull whip. "I dunno essa.. You could either be Sheriff Dudley or part of the Dudley Gang."
Jeff grinned, the Cameron native currently sporting a cowboy hat. "I think I'm gonna be Jeffrey the Kid- Infamous Cattle Thief."
Chris Jericho chuckled, the blonde man also sporting a cowboy hat. "Well that's not really a far stretch.. the kid part anyway."
Chris Benoit snorted as he held up a fake shotgun. "That applies to you too, ya know.. But, I think I'll go for Sheriff."
The blonde man picked up a bandana. "Then I guess that makes me Wildcat Chris- Infamous Train Robber."
Rob shook his head, turning his attention away from the rack of trench coats. "It's a good thing McMahon isn't here to see all of this.."
"I think I'm gonna go with outlaw." Rey grinned to the group as he tied on a bandana. "Desperado Rey."
"Too bad they don't have swords or something." Edge mentioned from his spot near the props. "I could be a Colonel."
Devon grimaced, "Man I wouldn't want to see it.. You with a steel chair is dangerous enough."
Jeff raised an eyebrow as he tied on a bandana. "This coming from one of the Kings of Tables?"
While the Edge, John, Rob and Eddie tried to figure out their costumes, the Diva's perused their own wardrobe selections.
"Hmm.." Victoria scrunched up her nose. "I could be an outlaw, a sheriff.. Or a barmaid."
"I'm going with outlaw," Stacy picked out a cowboy hat and a bandana. "Calamity Stacy."
Dawn chuckled from her spot near the dresses. "I think I'll pick barmaid. Some of these dresses are a heck of a lot better than what the wardrobe department has."
"Maybe," Lita conceded as she picked up a fake bullwhip. "I know the props are better."
"Yeah," The raven haired Diva grinned as she picked up a fake shotgun. "I think I'll go with outlaw too.. The Black Widow."
"Sheriff Garcia sounds pretty nice, if I do say so myself." Lillian picked out a trenchcoat. "Now, to just find a pair of boots.."
"Am I the only one picking barmaid?" Dawn glanced between Lita and Nidia. "Come on, please? One of you join me."
The redhead snorted, as she picked out a cowboy hat. "I don't think so honey.. Regular dresses and I don't mix to begin with."
Nidia rolled her eyes good naturedly. "I'll be a barmaid with you, Dawn.." She set down the cowboy hat in her hands. "If only to keep you from whining."
The New Jersey native stuck out her tongue, thrusting a dress from the rack at her friend. "Thank you ever so much 'Dia."
Once the Divas were set and ready, the group re-convened to have their pictures taken.
Rob chuckled, "I guess we have more aspiring outlaws than sheriffs among us."
"Well, that's just because some of us don't mix with authority." Lita shrugged, "Why aspire to be like something you can't really stand?"
"True," Rob conceded with a nod. "So who are you then? We have Wildcat Chris, Jeffrey the Kid, Desperado Rey, The Dudley Gang.." He motioned to himself, "And you're looking at Renegade Rob."
Lita rolled her eyes. "I actually have no nickname.. But, we have Calamity Stacy, Barmaid Dawn, Barmaid Nidia, Sheriff Garcia and The Black Widow over here."
"A woman after my own heart," Eddie joked good naturedly to the blonde ring announcer. "Hey Benoit.. We have one more on the sheriff's side."
"You could be Sharpshooter Lita." Chris Jericho suggested with shrug. "Or.. You could be Lita the Hellcat."
The Sanford resident shook her head. "Or I could just not use a nickname.. Ever think of that?"
Before Chris could retort, their photographer interrupted to arrange them accordingly. First, the group of outlaws had their picture taken, followed by the three Sheriffs and the two barmaids. Next up, a shot of the outlaws and the Sheriffs with a group shot of everyone for their final picture. It took them awhile afterwards to re-dress and to collect their photographs; each Diva taking a copy of each picture. And once that was all out of the way, the group at large split up again to head for the rides. Once again, Lita found herself waiting in line with Jeff, Rob, the Dudley trio, Rey, Nidia and John. The other half of the group was not far off though, the lot of them planning to hit a few more rides before they left the park. By the time they had accomplished that, it was nearing 5:00, Dawn deciding that now would be a good time to head back to the house to get changed for dinner. On the way back, Lita prayed that the well meaning brunette would let her pick out her own clothing.
xxx
Thirty minutes later and Lita found herself at the mercy of Dawn and Stacy. The two Divas insisting that the redhead along with Victoria, allow them to do their hair and makeup. A good five minutes of arguing followed, but in the end.. Lita and Victoria relented. Perhaps that was due to the fact, that Dawn and Stacy had left their wardrobes alone.. But, whatever the case they were now in the bathroom with makeup kits and hair accessories in front of them. It took another fifteen minutes for that task, Lita arguing good naturedly with Dawn about her hair. Finally though, they came to an agreement.. Dawn curling Lita's red locks just enough to get a wavy effect. The brunette also placed a few decorative hair clips in to match the redhead's chosen outfit. And while Dawn, Lillian and Stacy were all sporting dresses of varying lengths and colors; Victoria, Nidia and Lita had opted for pants. But, where Nidia was sporting a tube top and a button down shirt, Victoria had opted for a long sleeved shirt. Lita had selected a dark red halter top for herself, along with a sheer black button down shirt to go with it.
"You'd think that you all could move just a little bit faster we aren't on the road." Chris Jericho began as the Divas finally entered the living room. "But noooo.. Instead you take just as long, if not longer."
Victoria and Lita rolled their eyes in unison, thumbing back to Dawn and Stacy. "Blame them," the raven haired Diva stated. "And her," she gestured to the Diva beside her. "If they don't argue about clothes.. They argue about hair."
"Speaking of that," Dawn raised an eyebrow as she scrutinized the guys. "Jeff and John- ditch the hats. Rob? Please, just this once.. Leave your hair down."
"Ha!" Chris Jericho smiled triumphantly to Chris Benoit. "I told you she'd do it.. Pay up."
John grumbled, tugging on his hat as he addressed the brunette. "You already got me wearin' a dress shirt.. Why can't I wear my hat?"
"Well duh," Dawn rolled her eyes. "We're going out for dinner.. Plus, this is a celebratory occasion."
"Please, just agree with her." Devon pleaded from his spot near the door. "Some of us are getting hungry."
The West Newbury native scowled, but took the hat off none the less. "I still don' see why I can't wear my hat."
"Dawn.." Lita sent the brunette a curious look. "Just where did you make these reservations and please tell me you didn't mention my birthday."
Dawn smiled innocently, "Of course I didn't.. As for the chosen venue, I got us reservations at this beach side place."
"Can we just go?" Bubba sent the group at large a look. "I'm getting hungry and at this rate, we should just order pizza and skip the dinner."
It took them a good five minutes to work out the car arrangements, but once that was settled the group was on their way.
"Not bad.." Lita stated as they entered the oceanfront establishment. "Not bad at all.."
Dawn beamed, "See? Now why couldn't you just trust me."
The redhead snorted, "I'll trust you, so long as no singing waitstaff approach with a birthday cake.. I'm telling you now Dawn, if that happens.. You're wearing the birthday cake."
"Touchy," Dawn held up her hands in defense. "For your information, I was hoping to just have birthday cake back at the house.. Or is the a no cake affair?"
"We're having cake." Jeff spoke up before Lita could say otherwise. "An' ice cream too."
Dawn only shurgged, making her way over to the hostess. "I made reservations for a party of seventeen.."
The hostess nodded in confirmation, gathering an armful of menus. "Right this way please.. We have a table for you overlooking the ocean."
"I feel underdressed," Lita muttered under her breath as they followed the hostess. "Dawn- how much is this gonna cost?"
"Li, chill.. It's a special occasion, we're allowed to splurge once in awhile." The brunette smiled when they reached the table. "And besides, the birthday girl eats free."
"Who's birthday?" The hostess queried as the group seated themselves.
"Hers," Dawn motioned the redhead, seating herself across from her. "We also have another one celebrating a birthday in two days."
The hostess nodded, "I'll mention that to the kitchen and we'll see what we can do." She smiled warmly, "Your waiter will be with you shortly, and in the meantime.. Here's the wine list for tonight." She set down another menu, nodding to the group before she departed.
John raised an eyebrow from his spot, "Two days? Dawn.. My birthday ain't for another nine."
"I know that," Dawn replied breezily as she opened the menu in front of her. "But they don't have to know that, do they? And besides.. It gets us two free meals."
Chris Benoit shook his head, "And there's Eddie's influence shining through."
Eddie wiped away a fake tear, "My hard work is paying off, mamacita- I am proud."
Lita shook her head, hazel eyes flashing sympathetically to the brown haired wrestler to her left. "Look at it this way- at least we don't have to go through with that stupid birthday weekend."
"True," John shrugged as he scanned the menu. "Might as well get their money's worth then, right?"
Victoria let out a low whistle, "For the prices of the entree's we might as well just stick to appetizers."
Chris Jericho nodded, "We can do that or one of two other things."
"And that is?"
"We split meals or we beg those two," He nodded between John and Lita. "For scraps."
The raven haired Diva rolled her eyes, "I think I'll just stick to ordering appetizers."
Along with Victoria; Chris Jericho, Rob and the Dudley's three ordered appetizers. Dawn, Eddie, Stacy, Edge, Chris Benoit, Lillian, Nidia and Rey split meals while Jeff ordered appetizers and picked off of Lita's plate. And while John and Lita did get their meals free, they didn't get away completely free. Just as the plates were being cleared and the waiter returned to take their orders for dessert, a slew of waiters and waitresses approached with a birthday cake. Lita sent Dawn a look that meant imminent death as the cake was set between herself and John. But, there was a bright side to the cake as it meant they wouldn't have to pay the high price for desserts. Still though, the two 'birthday people' had to endure a serenade by the waitstaff and the group of friends. Throughout the course of dinner, Lita debated on how to tell the RAW side of things about her move. But, everytime she found a window of opportunity, it was quickly shut. Despite that, Lita felt it would be best to tell them all before the night was over. Especially since tomorrow was Thursday and her segment on Smackdown would be made public. With that in mind, Lita resolved to tell her friends when they were watching movies. She felt they would take the news better then Triple H would.. But then she decided she really didn't care how Triple H would take it.