Haunting Me

Rating: M.. for some harsh language, violence and content in later chapters.
Disclaimer:I don't own, I borrow. Any OC's that appear, are of course, mere figments of my imagination.
Summary: When one of the RAW Diva's is attacked, it brings the unlikeliest group of people together.
Pairings: Lillian/Chris Benoit, Ivory/HBK, Nidia/Rey, Victoria/Chris Jericho, Dawn/Eddie, Lita/Unsure, Stacy/Unsure
Notes: There will be a bit of something new in this chapter.. I'll be using a flashback method for a dream sequence so.. just letting you know now. It's short, experimental so to speak, if it works.. I'll use it more.. maybe.

-x-x-x-

Chapter 35

April 19, 2004

Whomever said that sleep could be dangerous, obviously knew what they were talking about. Or at least that was the case with one redheaded Diva. Lita had been more than okay when they had gotten to Stephanie's house. And even though she wouldn't admit, letting out her feelings...finally admitting how she really felt.. It had helped. To some extent anyway. On one hand, it made her feel even more vulnerable.. Admitting aloud -- and to herself -- that she felt lost. But, on the other hand, it had also made her a little bit more determined to protect herself. The redheaded Diva knew full well that she couldn't do this on her own.. and she was pretty sure that her friends wouldn't let her do this on her own anyway. But, how long would she have to do this? How much longer would she live in fear.. looking over her shoulder, constantly worrying about a figure clad in black creeping out of the shadows? Those thoughts ran through her mind like a broken record, intensifying her fear and her sense of loss. At least now, she felt a little bit safer...not being ... well, not being in New York City helped the situation greatly. Certainly, she wasn't at home, not that home was a safe place for her to be either.. She was in Stephanie McMahon's house...in one of the guest rooms to be more specific. But, that wasn't really bothering her. Jeff was right downstairs, John was also downstairs and Dawn was right next to her. Admittedly, Lita felt safe enough when she had first laid down on the bed...she was exhausted, the pain in her wrist was finally lessening, but the cuts on her cheek and arm were still stinging a bit. But, that wasn't really bothering her either. It was when she finally closed her eyes, thinking she would be able to sleep through this night without waking up a in a cold sweat...

- Lita's Dream -

It was happening again... Lita could see herself, walking down the street with Dawn and Nidia; the Diva trio getting a little cold on their trek to find a bathroom with no line. The redhead swore she was hearing footsteps behind them...but that wasn't too out of place, was it? They were in New York City on a Saturday night. Of course there would be people walking around. But this time, it was different. The footsteps behind them stopped when they reached their destination... Lita forcing the thought to the back of her mind, though ... as she looked in, she was screaming at herself to run.. To drag Dawn and Nidia back to the club, to get the guys and go back to the hotel. But, she hadn't done that.. she didn't say anything, didn't mention the paranoia that was running through her... didn't tell her friends that her gut instincts were telling her that something bad was going to happen.

And then it happened.

Before any of them could do a thing...it happened. Lita looked on helplessly as the dream versions of herself and Nidia were taken away...trying desperately to see Dawn's face, hoping and praying that she would get help.. If she had stayed.. If Dawn had stayed, things would've gotten worse. If only Lita had known how dangerous the situation was going to be... then maybe, just maybe... she and Nidia could've prevented some of the damage that had been dealt. Or maybe that would've made things worse.

And then it was happening.

She was in the alley again, not looking in anymore.. Lita could feel the hands gripping her shoulders harshly, her heartbeat racing wildly in her ears. Hazel eyes glanced to her side, the Diva trying to send a re-assuring smile to Nidia...but she failed miserably. How could she even think of doing such a thing when she had no hope? Somewhere in the back of her mind, Lita felt that this was the end.. This was where the line would be crossed. She and Nidia were at the mercy of these men.. for reasons unknown to them both. In vain, she tried to push the negative thoughts to the back of her mind, telling herself that Dawn had gotten away... that Dawn had gotten help..

And then the man with the knife smiled...

- End Dream -

Screaming, Lita shot up, her good hand fisting tightly in the comforter.. her forehead covered in sweat.. Hazel eyes wide with fright and brimming with tears. Her breathing uneven, her heartbeat racing once more in her ears. Her eyes screwed tightly shut, the redhead trying to force the images out of her mind...but they were still there. No matter how hard she tried, all she could see.. was the man clad in black, a knife in his hand and a sinister smile on his face. Lita's gaze snapped to the door when it was shouldered open.. her mouth opening to emit another scream before the lights were quickly turned on.. John Cena standing in the doorway. He was at her side almost instantly, arms banding around her, drawing her close to him. Lita buried her face on his shoulder, her body shaking with fright.. shoulders heaving as she cried.

Sniffling, Lita pulled away after a long moment. "How--"

John nodded absently to the door, "me and Dave decided to sleep in the hallway.. He said he wanted to be closer to his sister, so.. I figured why not join him."

Confused by his honest reply, the redhead blinked. "Why?"

Shrugging slightly, John smoothed back a few strands of hair from her forehead. "I was kinda worried.. ya didn't sleep so good last night, so.. I didn' think tonight would be any different." A tiny smile touched his face, "an' 'sides which.. I told ya earlier, I was gonna be there for ya, right?"

"That can't be very comfortable," she told him quietly. "Sleeping in the hallway?"

"Well, Jeff's sleepin' in the bathtub.. no more room left in the hallway with D sleeping there." He shrugged again, "you want me to get him for ya?"

Lita's shoulders lifted in a marginal shrug, the Diva relaxing a little bit. "I think.. I'll be okay." She paused, chewing at her lower lip before she spoke again. "Could you...get me water?"

The U.S. Champion nodded easily, "not a problem.. An' you're sure you don't want Jeff?"

The Diva shook her head, drawing her knees awkwardly to her chest. "Just the water.. I don't want to worry Jeff.."

John raised an eyebrow at that, the wrestler pretty certain that Jeff wouldn't be bothered in the slightest but...instead of commenting on it, he moved from the bed, grabbing the glass that Stephanie had left on the nightstand before he exited the room.

Stephanie yawned broadly, knocking softly on the door before she let herself in. "Li? Do you--"

"Just a bad dream," the redhead informed her quietly, her chin coming to rest on the top of her knees. "I'll be okay Steph.."

The brunette eyed her friend skeptically, "are you sure honey? I can get Jeff or do you want something to drink or--"

John coughed from the doorway, holding up the glass of water in his hand. "I already asked her if she wanted Jeff an' she said no.. But, she did ask for some water."

Stephanie blinked at that, unable to mask the surprise in her eyes. "Alright.." she stepped aside so John could bring the water to the redhead, "well.. if you need anything, I'm right down the hall.."

The West Newbury native nodded easily, "I think we'll be alright.. ain't like I haven't done this already."

The Smackdown G.M. nodded, figuring that John had been the one to take care of the redhead...why she didn't quite know, since she had never really pinpointed the outspoken wrestler as the type to be so...gentle or protective of someone.

"Sorry for waking you, Steph.."

Stephanie smiled, more so at the pair on the bed...specifically the way they were sitting. "No apologies needed, Li.. You're a guest, it's my job to be an attentive hostess." That said, she turned...not wanting to intrude any further, a smirk replacing the smile on her face as she went back to her bedroom.

Carefully, he eased the redhead back, the empty glass of water set on the nightstand. "I guess you was really thirsty, huh?"

Lita gave a tiny shrug of her shoulders, "guess so.." She turned her body slightly so she was leaning against him more, "could you...I mean, you don't have to.. but--"

John sent her a questioning look, "could I what?"

"Will you stay with me?"

He sent her a smile, "I can do that." John helped her adjust her position, the two soon laying side by side. "You comfortable? Arm alright?"

Lita yawned, nodding slightly before her eyes closed; the redhead using his chest for a temporary pillow. Idly, John watched her.. waiting until he heard her even breating that indiciated she was asleep.. His eyes closing shortly afterwards. And unbeknownst to the two, Stephanie watched from the doorway.. the brunette honestly surprised at how John was acting towards the redhead...more so at how Lita was acting towards him. She knew from experience that it was hard to gain Lita's trust.. but, Stephanie figured that since John had been there for her, perhaps the redheaded Diva had made an exception. What was even more surprising to her, was that she wasn't asking for Jeff.. Stephanie knew how close the two were, starting from before they had joined the WWE. Their friendship had only strengthened, though now.. she supposed it would be a little strained since Jeff was no longer an employee of the WWE. But still, if anyone, Stephanie would've thought that Jeff would have been the first person that Lita would've asked for. Perhaps it was the circumstances of the situation.. John had been there while Jeff hadn't.. And it had been plainly clear that Lita, for whatever reasons, trusted the U.S. Champion. It was also apparent the Smackdown G.M., that John was concerned about the redheaded Diva's well being...and to some extent, he cared for her. But, it wasn't like she could ask either person about it...seeing as how they were both asleep. Shaking her head, Stephanie shut the door, narrowly avoiding tripping over Dave Batista's sleeping form as she stepped into the hallway. Somehow, the covers he had been using had fallen off; Stephanie bending slightly so she could place them back on the sleeping man. She had to bite her lip to keep herself from laughing when he started mumbling in his sleep, the Smackdown G.M. soon making her way back to her bedroom as originally intended.

-x-x-x-

The next morning, Jeff and Dawn ran into each other in the hallway.. both heading for the bedroom that had been assigned to Lita. While Dawn had heard the redhead, Nidia's nightmare had prevented her from going straight away. And once the brunette had assured herself that Nidia would be alright, the redhead had quieted considerably. Jeff, on the other hand, had been told that Lita would be fine.. The Cameron native finding out when the bathroom door had opened, John stepping inside with a glass. And while the pair in the hallway was certain that Lita was more than okay by now, they wanted to see for themselves. Carefully, Dawn pushed the door open, not wanting to waken Lita if she was still sleeping...her jaw dropping slightly when she took in the sight that met her eyes. And when she didn't move, Jeff tapped her shoulder, brushing past her when she still wouldn't move.. an eyebrow raising as he stood beside her. Obviously, they expected to see Lita asleep...this had been the room that Stephanie had told her she could stay in. The surprise, of course, was the sight of one John Cena, sleeping quite peacefully next to the redhead. Shaking her head, Dawn stepped back...indicating for Jeff to join her in the hallway once more. Eddie stumbled out of the other guest room moments after, letting the Woodbridge native know that Rey and Nidia were still sleeping; the younger man having stayed up most of the night to watch over the still shaken Diva. Before Dawn could reply to that, however, Jeff's stomach started to growl.. the four making their way towards the stairs.. Lead mostly by the smell of fresh coffee. They saw Stephanie leaning against a counter, while Dave was seated at the small table in the kitchen...steaming mugs cupped in their respective hands. The brunette offered them a welcoming smile as they approached, her coffee mug set down momentairly so she could retrieve coffee cups for the trio. After those had been handed over, Stephanie resumed her previous spot against the counter, informing them that there was creamer in the fridge while the sugar was already on the table.

Dawn set her coffee cup aside for a moment, the Diva currently sitting next to Eddie and across from Dave. "So.."

Stephanie sent them all a smile, "did everyone sleep well?"

Eddie lifted his shoulders in a marginal shrug, "I slept okay, mamacita.. 'Dia woke up in the middle of the night though.."

Jeff rolled his head from side to side. "I got a crick in my neck, but.. that's from sleepin' in the bathtub. I slept alright though."

Stephanie raised an eyebrow at that, "and why were you sleeping in the bathtub? I thought you were going to sleep in the living room."

"Well that one there," he nodded over to Dave, "said he was gonna sleep in the hallway upstairs to be closer to Nidia. John followed after him an' well, I didn' feel like sleeping down there by myself."

Eddie quirked an eyebrow, "so how'd you end up the bathtub, holmes?"

The Cameron native rolled his eyes, "there wasn't any more room in the hallway. Dave parked himself near one guest room an' John was near the other one."

Dawn smirked slightly, "more like John is now sleeping in one of the guest rooms...I'd really like to know how that happened."

Stephanie took a sip of her coffee, cupping the mug as she spoke. "Well, last night.. Li woke up screaming.. I went down to check on her, but someone else beat me to it. She asked him to stay with her, so I'm guessing that's how he ended up in there."

Eddie sent his girlfriend a warning look, "now mama, I know it's tempting.. but.. Li-Li is going through enough... she doesn't need you asking her twenty questions when she wakes up."

The Woodbridge native rolled her eyes, hair smoothed back from her face. "I wasn't going to ask her twenty questions...maybe three or four, but not twenty."

"You know what I meant, Dawn.. Li is going through enough right now."

Dawn nodded easily, "I know that Eddie.. and she's going to need help and support from her friends. That's all I'm going to do.."

Stephanie exchanged a look with Dawn, twin mischevious looks in their eyes. "That's right.. we all need to be there for Lita and Nidia.. I just find it interesting that she--"

"Now, now you two.." Jeff sent a pointed look between the two schemeing brunettes. "I know the temptation is there, I won't lie...I'm pretty tempted myself but.. Let's just let her alone, alright? If somethin' happens, it happens.."

The Smackdown G.M. grinned innocently, "I have all intentions of staying out of it, Jeff.. Honestly, I won't interfere in any way."

Dave cleared his throat, his cup of coffee long since drained. "What's going to happen when 'Dia and Lita get back to the rosters? Are they going to valet right away or are they not going to be involved in anything?"

Stephanie pursed her lips in thought, manicured nails tapping idly against the sides of her coffee mug. "Well, that all depends on how they're healing is progressing.. Their health comes first, of course, so once they're medically cleared.. It all depends on what else is going on."

The big man nodded slowly, "any specifics on that? I mean, I know you can't determine everything down to details, but...can you at least give me a general idea of what'll happen for 'Dia?"

"And you?" Stephanie suggested with a hint of a smile. "As I've said before, you'll be on your own for a good while.. Once 'Dia is cleared, I'll have her valet for Rey, quite possibly have Rey, Nidia, Dawn and Eddie form a loose alliance." Shrugging slightly, she continued: "At some point, you'll either tag with Rey or Eddie."

Dawn raised an eyebrow in question, "and what about until then? I thought you had said something about them staying in the house but.. if they're going to be alone--"

Quickly, the Smackdown G.M. shook her head. "I wouldn't put them in there alone, trust me on that.. Everyone selected will be moving in around the same time. So, really, the show can't start until they're both cleared to travel.. I'm hoping that gives a decent amount of time to get the house ready...figure out rooming arrangements and such."

Eddie sent a questioning look her way, "about that.. Mamacita, I was wondering.. with the people you've chosen.. How many bedrooms will there be? What do we do about food?"

"Number of people will be between ten and twelve, possibly fourteen." Stephanie paused to tuck an errant strand of hair behind her ear, "I'm not exactly sure as to the number of bedrooms, but there will be at least five. Where food is concerned, you all will have groceries supplied, cooking duties depend on if you want to use part of your household budget to hire a chef or if you all feel like doing it yourselves."

Dawn chuckled softly, "I'm thinking hiring a chef will be our safest bet.. But, what's this about a budget?"

Stephanie shrugged, "well your budget will be for things like phone bills, cable bills...basic necessities that aren't food."

Dave raised an eyebrow then, "so what about bedding and that sort of thing? And can we bring any personal belongings like C.D. players?"

The Smackdown G.M. nodded, "bedding will be provided, but if you can also bring your own.. You'll also have to do your own laundry, or you can use budget money to bring your clothing to the dry cleaners. As for personal belongings.. I'll have a list sent out of what's allowed and what is not allowed."

"And transportation? I'm guessing we won't be able to bring our cars to this place.." A small smirk touched the corners of Dawn's mouth, "unless you have a huge garage or something like that."

Stephanie rolled her eyes goodnaturedly, "well if we were putting you all up in penthouses or something in New York City, than maybe you'd have access to a parking garage but.. You'll either be on a ranch or in a suburban house... Transportation will be provided though, vans or mini-vans plus one extra vehicle."

Eddie nodded, "and house shows and all of that? If you're taking this many people into this house, I wouldn't think your father would be too happy about all of us missing house shows."

Stephanie nodded her agreement to that. "Correct.. You'll all be on for one house show, possibly two per weekend. Autograph signings and other appearances have been re-scheduled."

Dawn quirked an eyebrow at that, "so will everyone in the house be appearing at the same places or something?"

Stephanie smiled, "you'll find out. I promise, once I talk to dad and mom, I'll have more details for you. I'll try to get a schedule done, but I don't know if things have been planned that far in advance."

Hesitantly, the Woodbridge native nodde in reply, wanting to know more but fully realizing that not all of the details were set in stone. The reality show had only been an idea on paper until last night anyway.. And now, it seemed that it was yet another project for the McMahon's. One that could send them here and there and would turn all of their lives upside down. But, in the case of Lita and Nidia, it would also provide for a distraction and for a lot of security. Not just with the house security, but also being with their friends...and two of the biggest men in the company. Of course, how they would all get along remained to be seen...but with the varied mix of personalities, Dawn reasoned that it would be nothing short of interesting. And while the brunette Diva certainly had her doubts and reservations about the idea, she was still willing to give it a chance. Also weighing on Dawn's mind, was how comfortable Lita and Nidia would be when they were cleared to travel. Granted, they wouldn't be alone at all times, but given what the two had gone through recently...and the way they were being persued almost relentlessly; Dawn could only hope that the worst of it had passed. Somehow though, she couldn't help the feeling that the they had only reached the tip of the proverbial iceberg.. And if that was the case, she didn't want to know what else was awaiting them on the horizon. What had happened in New York City had been enough, as far as Dawn was concerned, and she was fairly certain that not only Lita and Nidia would agree...but Eddie, Rey, Dave and John as well. Speaking of one outspoken U.S. Champion...Stephanie may have promised to not interfere, but Dawn knew that the Smackdown G.M. wouldn't be able to resist any window of opportunity.. Dawn making a mental note to speak with her later about the plan that was brewing in the back of her mind.