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/Cena(likely), Stacy/Randy(likely)
Notes: Nothing new to add at this time.. thank you all for your feedback and continual support!

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Chapter 36

April 19, 2004

While the group settled around the table downstairs chit chatted away, Dawn and Stephanie silently schemeing... the four still upstairs slept. And it was a good thing that they were still sleeping, or really that the group downstairs thought they were sleeping. Stephanie and Dawn wanted to wake up the four upstairs, for seperate reasons of course.. One of those reasons was so they could discuss the reality show in more detail and the other...well Eddie rather hoped that Dawn would just push those thoughts to the back of her mind and give Lita her space. Thankfully for the four upstairs, the group at the table believed that they were all sleeping...and to some extent that was true. At least two of them were still sleeping.. Nidia and Rey had woken up not long after Eddie had left the room. The brunette had woken up with mild pain in her ribs, but given the injury she had sustained...it was to be expected. And when Rey went to grab the bottle of pain relievers from the nightstand in the room, he found it was missing.. Odd, considering that they had placed the bottle there last night for purposes like this. A quick check around the bedroom yielded nothing...the luchador then heading over to the other guest room to see if they had a few painkillers to spare. Like Dawn and Jeff.. Rey was slightly surprised to see one John Cena sharing the bedspace with the redhead. But, unlike Dawn and Jeff...he didn't stand there for too long, instead waiting a few moments before approaching the bed. It was when he reached the bed, that he realized that only one of them was still asleep...hazel eyes blinking owlishly before Lita sent him a small smile in greeting. Quietly, Rey asked if she had any painkillers to spare...the redheaded Diva starting to move to find them when she was halted in mid movement. Blinking again, the Diva glanced down...taking note of the arms that latched her quite securely to her 'pillow' from the previous night. Rey sent her an amused look, while Lita mentioned something about the bottle of painkillers being on the floor next to the nightstand. It wasn't until Rey had the two painkillers in hand that another body appeared in the doorway, Eddie clearing his throat before he approached the three.

Rey offered an apologetic smile, "I told 'Dia I wouldn't be too long.. Her ribs were really starting to bother her."

Lita nodded, tucking a few loose strands of hair behind her ear. "Understood.. How did she sleep last night?"

The cruiserweight paused, a small frown soon appearing on his face. "She...well, she woke up screaming in the middle of the night. 'Dia had another nightmare, but, she didn't want to talk about it."

The redhead smiled wryly, "I can't say I'd want to talk about it either...but, if she does want to talk to someone.. I'm here for her."

"Just remember to take care of yourself too, Li.." Rey sent another smile to Eddie and the Diva, turning then to head back to the other guest room.

"Buonas díaz," Eddie leaned against the wall near the bed, "we heard you screaming last night, mamacita."

Lita shook her head, "it was just a nightmare Eddie. And as you can see, I'm fine."

Eddie nodded slightly, "I wasn't going to question that, Li-Li.. But, you should know that we worry about you."

"I know, Eddie.." a tiny yawn escaped her, the redhead starting to re-settle herself but stopping mid movement. "I take it everyone else is awake?"

He nodded in confirmation, "they're all downstairs...having coffee. We have to figure out when we're leaving.. Dave said he wanted to stick around but it all depends on if they really need him for tonight's show." A frown marred his face for a moment, "I think Stephanie said something about you an' Dia.. Maybe Dawn staying here though."

The Diva let out a bitter laugh, "trust me when I say.. I'd rather be traveling. Broken wrist or not, I want to be at RAW...or Smackdown, I don't really care at this point. I just want to be there instead of just sitting around at someone's house."

Eddie raised an eyebrow, "Li-li.. I know you want to be there, but it's not safe for you to be there.. And aside from that, you aren't cleared to travel yet and--"

"I know that Eddie, it's just...if I just sit around here or wherever I am?" Lita sighed, "all I'm going to do is think about what happened and why I'm not traveling.. Why I won't be able to wrestle and--"

"Mamacita," carefully, Eddie perched on a part of the bed that wasn't occupied...hard to find since there were already two bodies on a bed meant for one. "I don't know what you want me to tell you, but I'm gonna tell you what I would do, okay?.. I know you're upset about not being able to compete and I can't blame you for that.. You've already gone through a lot to get to where you are." The man paused, gauging her facial expression carefully, "but that doesn't mean you should seek out the negatives in this.. And if you keep thinking about what happened? I'm gonna have to check you into a mental institution because you'll only drive yourself crazy."

Lita presed her lips into a thin line, "I get what you're saying and trust me.. the last thing I want to do is constantly think about this, but what else can I do? Nothing like this has ever happened to me and I.."

An eyebrow raised then, "and what Li-li?"

The Diva shook her head, "like I said last night.. I hate feeling so scared and vulnerable...I hate the fact that I've put Nidia in harms way, that other people are being drawn into a mess that I should be dealing with on my own and--"

Eddie tucked a few strands of hair back from her face, "mamacita...even you aren't invincible. I know you like to think it, but you aren't.. And you can only do so much. We're here to help you as much as you'll let us help you." Pausing a moment, he nodded down to the arms banded around the Diva's waist. "That's a good start.."

Lita rolled her eyes good naturedly, "please.. He was sleeping in the hallway.. Stephanie also came to check on me, he just got here first."

Eddie started to reply to that, but instead shut his mouth...not wanting to inadvertantly anger her. "I'm gonna head back downstairs, see what's going on today and when we're leaving.." Moving from the bed, he added: "I'll also keep Dawn and Stephanie away."

The redhead rolled her eyes once more, a soft sigh escaping her as hazel eyes fell on the 'pillow' she had been using.. A pillow that was now awake. "Morning.."

John blinked, removing one arm from her waist to rub the sleep from his eyes. "What was that 'bout Stephanie an' Dawn?"

Lita gave a half shrug, moving slowly until she was sitting. "I'm not too sure, but.. I have this feeling that it has to do with...well, falling asleep on you. We both know Dawn's that type of person to start scheming and meddling.. And Stephanie's likely to join her."

He nodded slightly, stretching his arms overhead as a yawn escaped him. "I wouldn't put it past either one of 'em.. Not that I mind 'em or whateva.. Jus' they can be.."

"A bit much?" Lita suggested with a wry smile, the Diva easily nodding her agreement. "They are.. And if it was just one of them, I might be able to deal with it easier, but both of them? No chance." Her nose wrinkled slightly, "but...with the rest of you leaving today, it's going to be just me, 'Dia, Dawn and Steph.. I'm not sure how long that'll be for, though I have a feeling that 'Dia and I are staying here until Stephanie sees fit.. Or until 'Dia can go home with Dave or something."

John raised an eyebrow, "an' what 'bout after that? I remember ya sayin' somethin' 'bout ya not bein' able ta go home.."

The Diva snorted softly, "and just leave myself open for an attack while I'm injured? I can't go home...I can't go to Jeff, because Jeff was there with me after it happened.. I don't want to be a permanent house guest to Stephanie.." Lita let out a sigh, drawing her knees up to her chest. "Just because some unknown, psychopathic stalkers have it in their minds to come after me...my whole life has been turned upside down and I can't do a damn thing about it." Her chin rested lightly on her knees, "and now I'm unloading my problems on you, which you probably don't want to hear right now and--"

He held up a hand, "now.. If I didn' want to listen to ya? I woulda said somethin' or I woulda left so I could use the bathroom.. Like I done told ya already.. I'm gonna be here for ya...that means listenin' to whatever it is you have to say.. I ain't sure what ya want me to say here an' I ain't gonna tell ya that everything is gonna be alright...'cos the way I see it? It ain't gonna be alright 'til them assholes are outta the picture."

She raised an eyebrow, "so what are you going to say? Everyone always has something to say and I doubt you're any different.." A tiny smirk curled at the corners of her mouth, "come to think of it.. you always have something to say."

"Well, it's like Eddie said earlier...an' I'm sorry if I was eavesdroppin' or some shit like that..but, he's right. The more you keep thinkin' 'bout this? It's just gonna drive you crazy. Them nightmares of yours ain't gonna get any better." Shrugging slightly, he continued: "I think ya should jus' try to look on the bright side or whateva.. You're gonna be on Smackdown wit Dawn, Eddie an' all them, you don't gotta deal with H for a good while, that reality show shit is supposed to be startin' soon an--"

"I get to hang out with you?" She suggested, hazel eyes sparkling with amusement. "I'll try to keep all of this in mind, it's just...it's like my life has been put on pause and I don't know when it'll go back to normal."

John smirked at that, "now.. I could be wrong here, but.. Is anyone's life normal? I know mine ain't...and quite honestly, workin' in the WWE? Things ain't ever normal."

Lita gave a slight nod at that, her legs uncurling before she swung them over the side of the bed. "Yeah.. that is true.." Quirking a tiny smile at him, she leaned forwards to kiss his cheek. "Thanks John...for listening and for being there last night."

Before he could reply to that, the Diva left the bedroom...the bathroom door closing behind her after she had stepped inside. And while she did need to use the bathroom, the redhead found herself standing at the sink.. Staring down her reflection. In the course of less then a month, her life had been turned upside down...and all at the hands of people that she didn't know. She didn't know why she was being targeted, she didn't know why they were also after Nidia.. Unfortunately, Lita didn't know when it was going to end or if anyone else was going to be a victim. The redhead presumed that anyone who was trying to help her and Nidia would potentially become a victim themselves. After all, Dave and Randy had been followed...and her friends from RAW had been followed. But, it hadn't gone beyond that...thankfully, Lita thought...not wishing this experience on anyone. Her jaw clenching tightly, Lita forced herself to forget about the most recent events... the reasons why she wouldn't be able to compete for the next three months.. Both Eddie and John had brought up a good point...if she continued to dwell on everything, it would only drive her crazy and her nightmares wouldn't get any better...they could just get worse. How exactly, she wasn't quite sure, but she didn't want to find out and she didn't want to know. It was enough for her that people she didn't know were able to get to her in such a way...reduce her to a state of nerves...to make her feel this vulnerable. And that, perhaps, was something that she hated as much as not being able to wrestle. Her walls had been chipped and she felt vulnerable, she felt afraid and she felt exposed.. But, she could always hope that the sense of vulnerability would go away.. She just didn't know how long it would take or if it was even possible. Maybe, the reality show would do her some good...provide the necessary distraction.. And maybe being on Smackdown with Dawn, Eddie, Rob, the Dudleyz...maybe that would also do her some good. Heaving a sigh, Lita stepped back from the sink, perching on the edge of the bathtub, her good hand running through her long hair...the tears she had been trying to keep back slowly trickling down her face.

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By the time Nidia, Rey, Lita and John made it downstairs.. Stephanie had started another pot of coffee while Eddie had managed to talk Dawn into taking a quick trip to the grocery store or to see if they could find a bakery to get breakfast. And since Dawn didn't know the neighborhood, Latino Heat had suggested that Stephanie go with her.. Leaving Jeff, Dave and Eddie to wait for the late sleepers in the kitchen. That, of course, had been strategy on Eddie's part...the man knowing full well that despite his previous warning... Dawn wouldn't be able to resist asking a few questions when Lita showed her face. Not that it wouldn't prevent Dawn from questioning the redhead entirely, just that at least for the time being.. Lita would have some peace. And from the looks of things, the way her face seemed scrubbed raw...it was a very good thing that Dawn wasn't there. Jeff had been the first to pick up on that, the Cameron native first informing the four that Dawn and Stephanie were seeking breakfast...and once they got back, they'd discuss the plans for later. Mostly, the Smackdown wrestlers had to be on the road or at least on a plane so they could be in Vancouver for the tapings. Dave, rather reluctantly, informed his sister that he had to be at the RAW taping that night, but once it was over.. He would be on his way back so they could go home. It wasn't until Stephanie and Dawn returned, and with bagels, pastries and donuts in their possession... that Nidia, Lita and Jeff finally figured out what they would be doing.. While Rey, Eddie and John would be flying out later that night or possibly tomorrow morning depending... Jeff, Lita, Nidia and Dawn would be staying with Stephanie. Or at least Nidia would be until Dave returned.. Leaving Jeff, Lita and Dawn to stay with the Smackdown G.M. And while Lita certainly appreciated Stephanie's hospitality, the thought of not being able to return home...at any point in the near future, was really starting to bother her.

Lita frowned, setting down the muffin she had been nibbling. "Steph.. I don't want to sound ungrateful or anything like that, but.. I want to go home at some point. Not to stay overnight, just to go home so I can get a few things...make sure my dog is taken care of.."

Stephanie nodded slowly, "well.. How about after the Smackdown tapings...before the next set of house shows start? I'm pretty sure Dawn will need to go home, refresh her wardrobe and such.."

"And after that?" The redhead pushed her muffin away, "I can't stay here forever...or for however long you were thinking of letting me stay and that's if you were going to.. I just.. I feel like a prisoner."

Stephanie bit her lower lip, "then what do you want to do? Li, there's only so much that can be done or that you can do right now.. A lot of that depends on when you're cleared to travel. I mean, if you were cleared then figuring out where you could stay wouldn't be such a big deal. You could stay with me or Dawn between tapings and house shows...and you could hang around backstage with everyone."

Dawn cleared her throat, wiping at the corners of her mouth before she spoke: "You had said that reality show wasn't far from starting, right? And that you wanted to wait until both Lita and Nidia were cleared to travel.."

"Yes, that's correct.. I have to speak with my father, my mother and Shane first though."

Dawn nodded, "but we don't know when they'll be cleared.. For Nidia, it's a matter of the pain subsiding and with Li.. Who knows, she could be cleared as soon as next week."

Stephanie raised an eyebrow in question, "just what are you trying to suggest? That I have Li traveling regardless? Or that I have her staying on her own?.. I mean, no offense Li, but.. I can't take that kind of risk and sleep easy...and it's not about you being an employee, it's about you being my friend."

"But, once she's cleared.. she can at least do appearances and stuff right? It might take her a little bit longer to sign autographs and whatever but--"

"And she is sitting right here," Lita interrupted tiredly. "I wouldn't mind doing appearances and like Dawn said, it might take me a bit longer to sign autographs but I broke my left wrist...and I'm right handed. It wouldn't be that big of a deal."

Stephanie's forehead furrowed slightly, "I could have you start a promotional tour of sorts.. for the reality show idea...I'd just need to find someone else to go with you that isn't needed on television right now." The brunette quirked an eyebrow, "what would you say to traveling with the Undertaker for a week or two to promote the show? It's a possibility that, when people who are needed for television and house shows...I can add them on, but for the most part it would just be you and the Undertaker."

Lita half shrugged, "I can't say I'd mind...I haven't worked with him too much since the rosters split, but he's always been pretty nice to me...the whole chokeslamming incident aside."

"I'll check and see if Kane is needed a lot over the next few weeks, if he's not.. then it will be yourself, Kane and the Undertaker." Stephanie rested her forearms on the table, "and between tapings and house shows.. I'll send a few others...like Dawn, Eddie, John, Randy.."

"I can deal with that.." Lita rested her hands on the table, her cast nearly knocking over her coffee cup in the process. "But what about this stupid thing?"

Stephanie shrugged, "if it all comes down to it.. have the fans sign your cast. That thing looks pretty plain right now anyway.."

Lita rolled her eyes, "I meant.. it's kinda hard for me to take a bath with this dumb thing, ya know.. Little things?"

The Smackdown G.M. waved that off easily, "problem solved... I'll travel with you. I promise I won't hover over you, I won't mother you...and I'll only help you when you ask me to."

Lita arched an eyebrow, "and when the reality shows starts?"

Stephanie smiled wryly, "I can't make any promises for Lil or Vicki, but I'll back off.. I won't be on the actual show anyway..so...nothing to worry about there."

Dawn held up her hands in defense when the redhead's attention shifted to her. "I'll keep my distance...and help you when you ask for help, alright?"

Lita nodded solemnly, "I'm holding you to that Dawn Marie.. I know you mean well and I know you care but...you can be--"

"A bit much, I know.." Dawn smiled sheepishly, "I can't help that.. You're one of my best friends and it's just my right to act a little pushy now and then.."

"Now and then?" Lita snorted in disbelief, "honey...you do this more then just 'now and then'.."

Dawn rolled her eyes, a mock look of hurt settling on her pretty features afterwards. "Li, you wound me.. but, I'll be good."

Dave cleared his throat once the women were apparently done.. "So, travel arrangements out of here? And back to here in my case?"

Stephanie pushed a few loose tendrils of hair behind her ears, "you'll fly out after lunch.. it shouldn't take too long for you to get there and Shane should be there so you won't have to deal with Bischoff directly. As for getting back? I'll handle that or Shane will handle that." Turning her attention to the Smackdown wrestlers, she continued: "Where it concerns you all... You can fly out tonight or tomorrow morning but .. Either way, you have to be in Vancouver for the tapings."

Eddie nodded, "I'd like to stay here until tomorrow.." Winking, he added, "it isn't often that the mamacita's invite me to a sleepover."

Stephanie rolled her eyes at that, turning her attention to John and Rey.."well? You two are more than welcome to stay but if you want to leave, that's fine.."

"Boss lady, you jus' said I didn' have to be nowhere until the tapings tomorrow.." John shrugged, "so I'm stayin' here until tomorrow."

Rey nodded his agreement, "what he said.. I like this break thing."

Stephanie shook her finger in mock warning, "just don't get too used to this.. While the reality show might be considered a vacation from the normally hectic schedule, it's not a vacation.. It's still part of WWE programming." Sliding a glance over to Jeff, she went on.. "I take you're staying until Li is?"

Jeff shrugged, leaning back a bit in his chair. "Might was well, ya know? I'm still a free man."

Stephanie smiled brightly, "good.. Then you can come with us when we go shopping tomorrow."

Lita groaned, "shopping? Stephanie.. I'm not cleared to travel.. I think that includes marathon shopping trips."

"Lighten up," Stephanie exchanged a grin with Dawn, "it's just some clothes shopping...bikinis, dresses and the like.."

"Count me out.."

"But Li.." Dawn sent her friend a winning smile, "it'll be fun! Just us girls, we'll get a wheelchair for 'Dia so she can come with us..girls shopping trip... and Jeff to carry the bags, but it'll be fun!"

Lita sent a pleading look to the Smackdown wrestlers, "take me with you.. I don't care if I'm cleared to travel or not...just take me with you."

"Oh, I have a better idea.." Stephanie glanced between the Smackdown wrestlers, "if you all come with us today.. we have more people to carry bags."

While Stephanie and Dawn discussed the shopping trip for that afternoon, the others bemoaned their poor fate.. Dave telling them to have fun without him. Not that he really wanted to leave his sister, but...he didn't want to be dragged along on a shopping trip either. And judging by the wary looks on the faces of Eddie, Lita and John...a shopping trip with Stephanie and Dawn just seemed like more trouble than it was worth. But, the shopping trip...at least in the minds of the two consipring, would be another way to get Lita and Nidia's minds off of recent events. Granted, retail therapy was a bit more costly but.. for their purposes...it worked. At any rate, with all of their afternoon plans seemingly set...the superstars left the breakfast table to head for different parts of the house. Some using the brief grace period to get dressed while others used their grace period to park themselves in front of the television in the living room.. Lita still using the argument that she wasn't cleared to travel...and marathon shopping trips were included in the travel category. Jeff tried to use that as his excuse out...stating that someone had to stay with Lita just to be on the safe side. But, neither Stephanie or Dawn would hear anything of it.. Informing the trio on the couch to get dressed. And once they had gotten dressed, the first order of business was getting Dave to the airport... the rest of them heading out for lunch before they went shopping.. Rather reluctantly on some parts of course, but with only one vehicle...and that one vehicle being the company limo...they had no other choice in the matter. So, while Eddie, Lita, John, Jeff, Rey and Nidia parked themselves in the mall arcade.. Stephanie and Dawn went shopping.. returning occasionally with more bags containing various pieces of clothing, shoes or assorted swimwear. The Diva pair decided to continue on shopping until Nidia and Lita stated they needed a nap...the group heading back to the parking lot... Eddie, Jeff, John and Rey loaded down with bags.