Tears in the Rain
Disclaimer: Vince owns the personas, people own themselves.. I own pocket lint and the story idea.
Spoilers: Nope… it's A/U.
Rating: PG-13 for now
Summary: A high school reunion answers questions and stirs up countless memories. When all is said and done, can they survive the aftermath? Or has the drama only just begun?
Characters: Lita, Trish, Victoria, Dawn, Lillian, Stacy; Jeff Hardy, John Cena, Batista, Randy, Chris Jericho, Tyson Tomko, Triple H and Christian. Many others will also be making an appearance, but, my main characters are the ones previously listed.
Notes: Thanks for the input! I'm going to go skip the sequel, pack in more flashbacks and long conversations to cover past events…which lays the basic foundation for what lies ahead I'm unsure if every chapter will be around this length, but this might be the average... . Anyway, the summary has been revised.. And I have nothing more to say.
-x-x-x-
Hunter Hearst Helmsley .. Or just Hunter or Helmsley depending on who you asked .. Didn't want to believe he was back in Waynesboro. His mother had insisted he come home for the reunion, going as far as buying the plane ticket he needed. A scowl settled on his features as he walked into the terminal, the blonde man hadn't been home since he had graduated from high school.. And he had wanted it to stay that way. Overlooking the fact that he had more or less ruled the school with an iron fist, time at Tandem had been nothing short of waste of time. Granted, he did look forward to the new flock of freshmen every year… always picking one or two to pick on more then the others. And of course he just had to have his flock of admiring groupies.. Being the captain of the football team helped him in that quest greatly. But that still didn't mean he wanted to be back home. He had tried to forget about high school and the numerous people he had grown up with.. They hadn't mattered much to him back then and they didn't matter that much to him now. But, still…if he had to find something good about coming back for the reason, the blonde man could easily find it. The one good thing about high school…and perhaps the only good thing about living in Waynesboro had a name: Stephanie Marie McMahon. But he hadn't talked to her since high school. A snort escaped him as he saw the Welcome to Waynesboro sign, opting to stop at the grocery store before heading home.
"Hunter?"
The blonde man in question turned, "Orton.. You haven't changed a bit."
Randy shrugged, ""Not too much I guess," he extended a hand to his one time friend. "How's life?"
Hunter shook his hand abruptly, "It's life man.. How about you?"
Randy sent a look down to his now bare ring finger on his left hand. "It's going.. Did you just get in today or what?"
"Yeah.." Hunter jammed his hands into his pants pockets. "I wasn't going to come ya know? But mom nagged me into it."
A smirk crossed Randy's face. "I'm here for the same reason.. My mom told me it would be a 'good opportunity to see my old friends'."
"A load of bullshit, isn't it?" Hunter shook his head. "If my folks weren't still living here.. I never would've come back… did you ever get that dream job of yours?"
"I'm getting there," Randy rolled his shoulders. "I guess you could say I'm starting fresh."
Hunter almost nodded, "There's nothing wrong with that.. My mom's always on my case to change my life or some other bullshit like that. I can't complain though, you know? I've got the perfect house, perfect car.. I'd say I'm doing pretty damn good."
Randy half nodded at that, "Yeah well.. I have to get back. So I'll see you around."
Hunter offered a nod in return, the blonde man returning to his original task.. Finding a descent bottle of water. He had just turned the corner, only to run into another one of his former classmates.
Stacy Keibler blinked, clutching the hand basket with both hands. "Hunter?" At his slightly confused look, she smiled. "I sat behind you nearly every year, ate lunch with you.." she made a gesture with her hand when he just shook his head. "Best friends with Torrie Wilson.. Stacy Keibler, remember?"
The blonde man frowned slightly, "Keibler…" he repeated the name carefully, trying to place her in his mind. "Cheerleader, right?"
"Captain," she stated proudly. "I lived like three houses down from you too, I can't believe you don't remember me."
"If it's any consolation, I've forgotten most of the people from Tandem."
The tall blonde shrugged, "I can't say I have.. I just haven't seen many people since. Except for Lita Dumas and Jeff Hardy."
"Oh? How are those two doing?" Hunter feigned interest, "are you three still living in the area or something?"
Stacy nodded, "They're both teaching from what I know.. I see Lita around once in awhile but we don't talk to each other much.. I mean we're both so busy with our jobs and whatever, but she looks pretty good.."
"Do you talk to Stephanie at all?"
Stacy shook her head, "I haven't talked to her since graduation.. I think Lillian might have kept in touch with her.. Possibly Lita."
Hunter nodded, "I see.. I'm just curious, you know? Wondering what everyone else has been up to."
The tall blonde nodded, "Yeah well.. That's what the reunion is for right?"
"Hmm.. I moved out of the state so.." Hunter tried to mask the boredom he felt. "What have you been up to since Tandem?"
Stacy bit her lower lip, purposely hiding her left hand. "Not too much.. I'm a dance teacher now… over at the Miller School. I'm hoping to back to school though, maybe teach at the college level." An eyebrow raised just slightly, "what have you been up to Hunter?"
"I'm a lawyer.. Working on becoming an assistant to the D.A." He offered a short lived smile to the blonde woman, "I should probably get going though.. My mom was expecting me an hour ago."
Stacy nodded, "I'll see you tonight at the dinner then.. Take care, Hunter!"
-x-x-x-
Hunter mustered a smile in return, finally making his way further into the store to pick up his bottled water. And it was odd, he hadn't remembered Stacy at all .. Or he was just to pre-occupied with wondering about someone else. Hunter brushed it off to not giving a damn at all, a slight shake of his head as he reached for the desired brand of bottled water. He was starting to regret coming back to Waynesboro.. Even if it was only for the weekend for the stupid reunion. Hunter already knew his place in life and that was to succeed in whatever he did. Everyone else could do whatever they wanted, as long as they didn't interfere.. That was how it had been growing up, so it wouldn't be any different now. But that didn't prevent him from thinking back to one semester of high school…and the summer that followed it. All of the girls in their class had gone away for the Spring semester.. Supposedly returning before school went on summer vacation..
- Flashback -
Late Winter, Freshman Year, Tandem Friends School; Assembly
Freshman year really sucked.
That was the general consensus of all of the students in the assembly hall.. All fifty of them to be exact. From the jocks to the geeks, from the preps to those goth freaks.. They could all agree on that one thing. Everything else was up for questioning, but freshmen year in general sucked. The only freshmen who hadn't suffered at the hands of the upperclassmen were the one's who had siblings as upperclassmen. And in their small class, that was only one person.. John Cena. The protection he had garnered, extended to his two cousins and one other person… leaving everyone else to fend for themselves. But as much as freshmen year had sucked already, it was about to get worse. They had already gone through the Fall trimester, had taken the finals to end Winter trimester. Now they were handing out the awards for best grades, best exam marks, attendance…blah, blah, blah.. The collective of freshmen sighed as the freshmen dean of students -- Mr. Heyman -- rambled on and on. Of course, they might have been out of there already if two of the students in the first row -- designated for those with the last names A to E -- hadn't started fighting with each other. The two in question were currently isolated in their own corner of the assembly hall, Headmaster McMahon sitting behind them.
"If I could have your undivided attention please," Dean Heyman cleared his throat. "Now that we've acknowledge the class achievements for the Winter term, it's time to discuss the annual Spring trip. Last year, the boys of the freshmen class spent the Spring term studying in Europe. This year, the freshmen girls will be spending their Spring term studying in South America."
"That's not very fair," one of the jocks.. John Layfield piped up from the third row. "Why can't the school send the whole class?"
"Because," Molly Greenwald spoke up from her spot in the second row, "Dean Heyman just said it was the boys that went last year.. It would only be fair if the girls went this year."
Dean Heyman nodded in confirmation, "That is correct Ms. Greenwald. Over next summer there will be a two week trip for the entire class, but that's not until the next summer.. The sophomore Dean, Ms. Young, will discuss this further with you when the time arrives."
Headmaster McMahon stood from his spot in the corner, "A packet will be sent home with you today, please don't lose this as it contains all of the necessary information for your parents. You will report to the East parking lot on Saturday morning, after which you will be taken to the airport in Richmond."
Trish sent a look down the row to her cousin, "A whole term away? I can't wait.."
Dawn nodded her agreement, "And in South America too.. Tropical places, hot guys, terrific tans.."
"And actual school work," Victoria reminded the pair. "This is for school not play."
The brunette stuck out her tongue, "Big deal… it's still one term away from Tandem, plus it means we'll be away from boring old Waynesboro."
Trish nodded over to the two in the corner, "If they aren't careful, they'll get in-school or detention again. Look, they're still fighting over there."
"The term will end approximately one week before finals for the girls.. At which time you will return to Tandem." Dean Heyman sent a look around the hall, "your supervisors for this term will be Assistant Dean Long and Assistant Headmaster Ross.. The rest of the information regarding the term is in the packets."
The freshmen were dismissed after that, the all but two heading to the cafeteria for lunch. John and Lita, on the other hand, followed slowly behind Headmaster McMahon.. The two discovering that they had the sheer privilege of dining with the Headmaster. And true to Trish's prediction, the two did end up with an additional punishment in the form of detention after school. Despite their numerous academic achievements both Winter and Fall term, the two just couldn't keep out of trouble. But, the Spring term would be at least be trouble free…since the freshmen girls were going away. The problem with that, was that nearly every freshmen boy was bored. It seemed that each had their reasons behind their apparent boredom.. Even with all of the opportunities that were presented by the Freshmen teaching staff.
Things had just gotten more interesting when the girls returned for the summer.
As usual they were all attending the same summer camp or at the very least, their parents would be vacationing in the same area. In the cases of Hunter, Shane, Stephanie, Torrie and Stacy, they would all be vacationing at Virginia Beach, while Randy, Trish, Dawn, John, Lita, Lillian, Dave and Victoria were all of to summer camp. Of course the term away had given the girls further opportunity to bond; the five females near ignoring the guys for the first week of camp. Granted, they had missed having the guys around…though a few wouldn't admit they had. The term in South America had been nothing short of exciting and awe inspiring.. But without the guys…sometimes it was just downright boring. Had they asked, the guys would've been in agreement. Even with the time apart, things soon drifted back to the way they were.. John and Lita picking up right where they left off with their petty arguing, Trish being indecisive about dating Randy while Victoria and Dawn did their best to mediate or dispense advice. Meanwhile, the group at the beach had their own set of 'problems'.. Shane advising his sister to not date Hunter, while Torrie helped Stacy figure out a way to get Randy to like her.
And then summer was over…they all returned to Tandem for another unpredictable year.
- End Flashback -
-x-x-x-
For most of the morning, Lita had gone out of her way to avoid one of her house guests. Of course, it was for reasons that only she knew.. And when Trish, Jeff and Matt tried to question her, she clammed up or changed the subject. As such, preparations for lunch had been almost tense.. Lita occupying herself with cleaning out cages in the basement, hand washing the dishes that the dogs and cats used and fluffing the cat beds. Ashley and Victoria assisted the redhead in that task, while Trish accompanied Jeff to the grocery store. That left Dawn, Matt and John with nothing better to do.. The three going their separate ways to explore the property. It wasn't until Lillian got to the house that Lita broke out of her quiet mood.. The redhead raising an eyebrow in surprise at the two extra guests with the blonde woman. Tyson had stayed at the bed and breakfast to watch Lillian's children, Dave and Lillian grateful for the opportunity to be child free.
"I hope you don't mind.." Lillian began as she, Dave and the two new guests stood on the porch. "But they were staying at the Bed and Breakfast and.. Well.."
Lita shook her head, "Of course I don't mind.." Hazel eyes shifted to the two newcomers. "Stephanie McMahon and Kurt Angle.. How are you two doing?"
"We're doing well," Stephanie replied first, the brunette stepping forwards to hug the redhead tightly. "How've you been Lita?"
Lita half shrugged, "I can't complain, ya know? I'm teaching at Tandem but right now we're on break." She gestured for the four to come inside, "Jeff's out back getting everything ready and I think everyone else is just spread around somewhere."
Kurt hugged her awkwardly, "I can't believe you're still in Waynesboro.. And teaching at Tandem?"
Lita smiled wryly, "It's a lot different when you're teaching.. Personally, I love it…it's a great school."
Stephanie grinned, "I can't believe my dad didn't tell me.. He's retiring this year.."
"I know," Lita motioned to the grouping of chairs and couches in the living room. "I think it's between Assistant Headmaster Ross and Assistant Headmaster Hogan.. I know Dean Bischoff also wants the job but.."
Stephanie grimaced, "I'd pick Ross.. I think he knows the school better."
Lita nodded her agreement, preparing to say more when Matt, Ashley, Trish and Dawn entered the living room.
"Kurt and Stephanie!" Trish made her way over quickly, a hug bestowed to them both. "How have you two been?"
Stephanie smiled, "I'm doing great.. I just got a promotion last week. I'm the new C.E.O of Marketing."
Dawn beamed, a hug given to Stephanie while she replied: "That's great news, Steph." Her attention shifted shortly to Kurt, "and what are you up to these days?"
"I actually work at the same company with Stephanie.. But I'm in accounting."
Victoria entered the living room soon after, "Hey you two.. I thought I recognized those voices." She hugged Stephanie, squeezing Kurt's shoulder before she flopped into one of the seats. "Did Shane come with you two?"
Stephanie shook her head, "Shane's arriving in an hour or two.. We were supposed to pick him up from the airport, but I think dad is taking care of that instead."
"Then are y'all staying for lunch?" Jeff stuck his head into the living room, "we're only having sandwiches, salad and ice cream and trust me, there's plenty to around."
"Sure, that sounds great." Stephanie sent him a smile, her attention shifting soon to Ashley. "I don't think I remember you.. I'm Stephanie McMahon."
The blonde woman extended a hand, "I'm Ashley Massaro,.. Matt's girlfriend."
"I'm Kurt Angle," he extended a hand to the blonde, "pleased to meet you." Blue eyes looked surprised as they fell on the figure standing near the stairs. "John Cena.. How the hell are you?"
John shrugged as he walked further into the living room. "I'm living… and that's good enough."
Lita bristled slightly, "I'm just going to give Jeff a hand.. Make sure the tables set.."
Trish frowned at the redhead's retreating back, moving quickly to corner her in the kitchen. "Obviously I don't know what happened earlier.. But what's going on with you?"
The redhead made a face, "What do you mean? there's nothing wrong with me Trish."
The blonde scoffed in disbelief, "I don't buy that for a minute.. You're avoiding John like the plague."
"And this surprises you why?" Lita shook her head, the refrigerator door yanked open sharply. "Face it Trish, we didn't get along growing up, why would now be any different?"
"Because you're adults," Trish replied so simply. "Honestly Li, don't you think it's about time you dropped this stupid grudge?"
Lita set down a pitcher of iced tea on the counter. "I'll let it go, when I'm ready to let it go.. Sorry to disappoint you dear, but that time isn't now."
"Why?" She asked her quietly, halting the redhead's actions when she reached for a pitcher of water. "Can you at least tell me that?"
The redhead sighed, "I just have my reasons.. And since lunch is ready, I don't have the time to explain." Grabbing the two pitchers she shrugged, "just leave it alone."
Trish frowned, "Then can you at least do me one favor…just one and I promise I'll leave it alone."
Hazel eyes held hazel, one wary while the other was perplexed… Lita finally nodding.
The blonde crossed her arms loosely over her chest, "Talk to him…sort whatever there is to sort out.. For my sake and for Jeff's sake because the two of you are driving us both nuts."
Lita sighed heavily, but nodded nonetheless.. Trish giving her a hand with putting ice cubes into the two pitchers. Jeff passed the two in the kitchen, the green eyed man currently leading the small party outdoors. And while Lita had certainly agreed to at least talk to John.. That didn't mean she had to do it right away. Talking to him meant facing a lot of the things that she had tried to bury…not that he had been involved directly in all cases. Just that he had always been present when she was near rock bottom or at rock bottom. Of the people she had grown up with, he had been the one consistent to see her at her worst. How it had happened that way, the redhead wasn't quite sure.. But those were times she was trying to forget… things that she hadn't really discussed with Trish, Victoria, Lillian or Dawn.. Or even Jeff or Matt for that matter. Those times had also been the rare few when they hadn't been at each other's throats.. And it had all started completely by accident.
A/N: Sorry for the slight cliffy here, but. . I'm writing the next chapter now and I will hope to have it posted soon.
