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: Quick update to tie in with the previous chapter... I wanted to get this out last night but.. I was beat from attending NYR. On a side.. It gave me some great ideas for one of my stories in progress.
-x-x-x-
- Flashback -
Late Summer of 1990
Just as they had done every summer, the first thing that Jeff, Matt, Trish, Victoria, John and Randy did was go to the pool when they returned from summer camp. Lita, of course, always went with them.. The three blonde females usually getting into swimming races. Even now, when they were all thirteen or going on thirteen in some cases.. They still went to the pool… meeting up first thing in the morning so they could get there when the pool opened. But this time around, one strawberry blonde was missing. That had come as a surprise to Trish and Jeff…since they had talked to Lita just last night. Not to mention they had discussed the annual trip to the pool on the way back from camp. Of course, Trish started to worry when Lita didn't show up by lunch.. And her worry only grew as the hours ticked on into the late afternoon. It didn't help matters any when they stopped by her house on the way back, Christie Dumas informing the worried group that Lita hadn't been home since breakfast. Lillian, Trish, Victoria, Jeff and Matt split up then.. Heading back to their own homes to see if their parents had seen the strawberry blonde. Dawn had talked John into helping them look for Lita….but she never expected for him to actually find her.
Heaving a sigh, Lita kicked at the nearest patch of grass by the creek. Hands coming up to her tear stained face. She really hated her mother's boyfriend. The teen hoped, that by coming here…further into the woods surrounding the pristine neighborhood, she'd have some solace and peace.. Up until now, she had that.
"Why the hell are you all the way out here?"
Lita made a face, wishing he was the last person to be here. "Why do you really care?"
"Because Dawn talked me into it," John stopped near a tree, "you got about fifteen people looking for you."
The then strawberry blonde slumped to the ground, bringing her knees to her chest. "Then they can look.. Because I'm not going home."
Baffled, he sat down next to her. "Why not? Your mom is worried sick…and even Billy is wondering where you've gone."
She shifted her attention purposely away. "And just why should I talk to you, huh? I'm not going home, that's all there is to it."
"Unless you feel like talking to those squirrels over there.." he rested his palms flat on the grass. "Look, I know I'm not your favorite person…and you aren't mine but--"
"Then just go away and leave me alone." Lita sniffled, wishing she had brought a sweatshirt in the backpack previously stuffed with snacks. "I'm not going home and I'm not talking to you."
"Then go to Trish's house."
She shook her head, "No.. if I go there, I have to pass by that place."
"Your house?" John raised an eyebrow, "what's bad so about that?"
"Just forget it Cena." Lita wrapped her arms around her legs, "just go away and don't tell anyone I'm here."
"Right, so if you freeze to death, I'll have a lot of explaining to do." He shook his head, the light jacket he was wearing dropped unceremoniously over her shoulders. "If you don't want to go home and you don't want to go Trish's house, then…"
"I can't go home with him there," she stated so quietly, "I just can't."
He watched her carefully, "With who there? Come on Lita, can you at least say more then a few words? It's starting to get cold and I'd really like to go home."
"I'm not stopping you," her voice never rose above a whisper, she shrugged the jacket off of her shoulders. "Just don't tell anyone else where I am."
Frowning, John set the jacket back over her shoulders, his one hand settling heavily. An eyebrow raised when she flinched, "don't tell me that hurt.."
"Maybe I don't like you touching me," she tried to keep her voice caustic, but.. "just forget it and go."
Blue eyes hardened slightly at the sight of her neck. "Now I know the two of us fought it out something fierce yesterday, but.." He knelt in front of her, "I wouldn't choke you."
She scrunched up her nose, turning her face in the other direction. "It's only from Billy.. He and I fight worse."
John shook his head, "So you're gonna tell me that your brother was able to wrap his hand around her forearm? And that he gave you that black eye?"
"Why aren't you gone yet?"
"Because, if something happens to you, it'll be on my ass." Shaking his head he added: "I won't say anything if that's what you're worried about."
Her mouth pressed into a thin line, a sharp breath inhaled before she started speaking: "Do you know why I missed the end of the year party at Trish's house? I fell down the stairs.. Or do you know why I missed that one field trip? Again.. I fell down the stairs. And yet, the gym teacher last year told me I have enough skill to be a gymnast. Every time I got in trouble for fighting at school, for bad grades because an assignment was turned in late.. For my uniform having gum on it.. My mom would ground me, but that started changing two years ago." Lita left it at that, not wanting to say anymore and hoping that he would just piece things together.
One of his hands clenched and unclenched at his side, John had met the live in boyfriend once in 6th grade.. And that had been because he had needed help with his Latin homework.. They hadn't stayed at the house long, just long enough for Lita to grab her backpack…at the time John had wondered about that then, but now..
"Why haven't you said anything to your mom?"
"It won't do any good.. Because then he'll go after my mom or he'll go after Billy."
The conversation had stopped at that point, Lita not willing to say anymore. So he had just sat there with her until the stars started coming out. Of course, by that point, they were both hungry and it had also started to rain rather heavily. And since they only had one jacket between them and no umbrella, the two finally left the spot near the creek. It had taken them at least an hour to get back into Waynesboro, but that was due to her reluctance rather then any distance. And she still remained silent for the trip, then when she did speak, it was to swear him to absolute secrecy. The strawberry blonde hadn't gone home that night… nor had she gone to Trish's house. John's father had joined the mini search party for the missing teen.. Or so they found out when they entered the Cena's house. Carol Cena had taken one look at her, promptly stating that she should stay with them.. She had then called Christie Dumas, Lita pre-occupied with changing into dry clothes while the call had been made.
- End Flashback -
After that, their physical fights had pretty much come to a stop. That wasn't to say they still didn't fight with each other, but it had reduced to arguing, teasing and nit picking. As far as she could remember, John had kept that to himself.. To a point. The apparent news had leaked, however, right before they started 9th grade. And since she knew she hadn't said a word to anyone about it.. There was only one other person who could've told. It had angered Lita to the point where she wanted to yell and scream until she was blue in the face.. But it had also gotten rid of the live in boyfriend and things had started to change around the Dumas household. Lita could have friends over again and then…fall of their Junior year, her mom had started seeing Matt and Jeff's dad. There had been a few other times, that no one else knew about… no one but him or her. But as with the previous times, he had sworn secrecy and she had done the same when the situation was reversed. Somehow… things always got out where it concerned her. He would deny that he had said anything, but just as she had then, Lita wasn't sure if she believed it. How else could all of that gotten out when she didn't tell anyone else? Another part of it that perplexed her, she still couldn't figure out how in the hell John Cena went from being a confidant to being the bane of her existence in a split second.
"Li?" Jeff sent her a concerned look, lunch already over. "Lita.. Are you okay over there?"
The redhead nodded absently, "Yeah I'm fine.. Just thinking about the reunion. I've already seen most of the people I wanted to see already so.."
Stephanie shook her head, "But that still doesn't mean you shouldn't go to the reunion or the dance tomorrow night."
Lita shrugged, "It's not like I would be missing out on anything if I didn't go to the dance."
Ashley sent her a questioning look, "Didn't you go to you school dances?"
"Not usually.." the redhead moved back from the patio table. "When I did go, I left early.. Dances just weren't my thing."
Dawn frowned, "I thought you went to all of the dances Senior year though.. I remember dress shopping with you.."
"All but two," Trish answered for the redhead. "And that was the Homecoming dance and the Senior prom."
"Why--"
Lita picked up the empty pitchers from the table, "Long story Dawn.. I'm sure it'll come back to you eventually." She gathered the paper plates from the table, stacking them under one arm. Sparing a glance to Jeff as she paused at the backdoor, "I'm taking the dogs out for a walk."
Trish, Jeff, Matt, Dawn, Lillian and Victoria exchanged a look as she left.. The four women also moving from the table.
Ashley looked confused, "Did I say something wrong?"
Matt shook his head, "No.. Li just gets like this sometimes. Don't worry, alright?"
"She'll be alright, Ash.." Jeff gathered up the napkins, stuffing them into the used cups. "I'm guessing there are just a few things that are bothering her about the reunion."
Stephanie sent them an apologetic smile, "I should probably head to my dad's house.. If he's not there, I'm sure mom will be."
Jeff nodded, "We'll see y'all tonight then.. Thanks for stopping by."
Lillian was the first to speak when Lita returned to the living room. "Li? Is there something on your mind?"
Lita laughed without humor, "There's plenty, but that doesn't mean I want to talk about it right now." Holding up the leashes in her hand she continued: "I do have to take the dogs out."
"Then we'll come with you," Victoria extended a hand, asking without words for one of the leashes. "Even if you don't feel like talking, I'm sure Trish and Dawn do."
Lita rolled her eyes, taking a moment to hook leashes to collars. "Whatever.. Does anyone actually want to walk one of these loveable dogs?"
"I'll take Othello," the raven haired woman reached for the leash, "he and I bonded last night.."
The redhead shrugged, handing the leash over. "Anyone else? I'd say take Brutus but he's attached to me so.."
"I'll take Scooby," Jeff spoke up from behind the five. "It's been awhile since I've taken him out anyway."
"We should probably get back to the B & B," Dave spoke up from his spot near Jeff. "Not that I doubt my cousins' ability, just that I know the abilities of Matthew and Julianne to drive a nun insane."
"We'll walk there with you," Lita decided with a half smile. "But we won't get anywhere just standing here."
Lillian shook her head, "It's alright Li.. We'll just see you all at the reunion later."
With Lita and Brutus leading the way, the small group left the house.. Matt, Ashley and John managed to catch up with Jeff and Scooby since they were at the back. Soon enough though, Ashley found her way towards the front and middle of the group, Dawn sending her a welcoming smile.
"Lita?" Ashley waited until the redhead glanced back, "I'm sorry if I brought up a sore issue or something.."
The redhead waved it off nonchalantly, "It's no biggie Ash.. I just wasn't as social as these two here," she gestured between Trish and Dawn. "I went to school sponsored functions either because they were mandatory or because I was participating. School dances didn't fall into either category."
Dawn rolled her eyes, "Maybe not, but that didn't stop you from coming to a few parties with us.. Like the one that was a week before the Homecoming weekend."
"I can't say I really remember that one."
Trish raised an eyebrow, "You can't or you don't?"
"I don't." Lita stared straight ahead, something obviously bothering her but.. "I'm taking Brutus up ahead.. Dog park."
Trish bit her lower lip, "Damn it.. Why won't she talk to anyone?" Puzzled, she glanced to Dawn. "Do you remember that party?"
"How could I not.." Dawn shrugged her shoulders, "it was one of the biggest parties of Senior year.. Tandem and either Charlottesville or Waynesboro High kids were there."
Jeff's forehead etched in confusion, "I can't remember much about that either and I know I went with y'all."
Dawn nodded, "It was us, Randy, Chris and Christian. The party took place at Hunter's parents summer house."
-x-x-x-
- Flashback -
Late Summer, Senior year, Back to School Bash
When Hunter Hearst Helmsley was telling people about the weekend party at his parent's summer house, the Tandem Friends Senior's had only expected to see fellow Tandem students. But when they had arrived at the already packed house, they saw more then a few unfamiliar faces.. Stephanie McMahon, Hunter's girlfriend at the time, informed them all that word had somehow leaked to Charlottesville High. But that hadn't concerned any of the Tandem students much. All it really meant was that there would be more people at the party. And really, Lita Dumas didn't know why she was even at the party, but Trish had been persistent that she attend. It was, as the blonde teen pointed out, the first party of the school year and thus it was one they couldn't miss. So, disregarding the fact that they did have to start working on an essay for History class that very weekend.. Lita had gone along. Granted, she had protested rather vocally about the prospect…and even more so when Trish decided to help her dress. Her protests continued when Trish put the tried and true buddy system in place… the strawberry blonde always finding herself stuck with Trish's annoying cousin.
"Hey look," Randy nodded to a corner of the house, "I see a whole bunch of kegs over there."
Lita raised an eyebrow, "Right.. And that would be a good thing because…? I just got my car so there is no way in hell that I'm toting back drunk people who might throw up."
Trish rolled her eyes, "Lighten up Li.. It's a party. Come on," she grabbed her friend's elbow, "let's go mingle with the Charlottesville kids."
Lita eyed her best friend suspiciously as they made their way over, "Don't tell me you're about to flirt with these guys right in front of your boyfriend."
"Who's flirting?" Trish shrugged it off nonchalantly, "I'm just going over here to introduce myself."
Dawn coughed from behind the two, "Well ya might want to re-think that Trish.. Randy doesn't look very happy."
"He'll live," Trish replied casually, "and besides.. Like I just told Li… all we're doing is introducing ourselves."
Trish had been half right on that.. Dawn, Victoria and Lita had just introduced themselves but, the blonde teen found herself chit chatting with the Charlottesville students almost all night.
Lita and Dawn watched idly from another corner, the brunette speaking first: "I honestly don't know what she's thinking.." her nose wrinkled slightly as one of the more drunk stumbled past. "She's been so damn pre-occupied with talking to those guys that she hasn't even noticed that Randy's not down here."
Lita half shrugged, "Well unless you feel like dragging her away? I don't know if there's much we can do about it." She made a face when someone bumped into her, "I think I'm going to find a quieter place… and then the bathroom."
Dawn nodded in return, watching as Lita pushed her way through the throng of people downstairs to head upstairs.
"Well at least it's quieter up here.." she paused at the top of the stairs, tugging in vain on the hem of the mini-skirt that Trish had stuffed her in. "Now.. To find that bathroom.."
Lita made a face as she walked down the hallway, the sounds of sex emitting loudly from two of the rooms she passed. And just when she thought she found the door to the bathroom, another sight caught her eye. Clearly, she recognized Randy Orton… but who in the hell was that blonde chick with him? Sighing slightly, she made a mental note to tell Trish to check the upstairs, her search for the bathroom resuming.
"Hey Lita…" Adam Copeland quite slurred in greeting, "there's a really great view of the lake from this bedroom."
"That's really nice," she replied absently. "Do you know where the bathroom is?"
The tall blonde teen shrugged, "Can't say I do.." reaching out, he grabbed her forearm rather roughly. "Come see this view with me."
Lita scoffed, trying to wrench her arm free. "I really don't feel like doing anything that remotely involves you, Copeland."
"What's the rush?" He yanked her closer to him, "come on Lita.."
She slapped at his hand, her nose wrinkling in disgust at the smell of beer in his breath. "Let go of me you jerk." Lita winced when he tightened the hold, "Adam.. Let go of me, that hurts!"
"Not until you see this view," he let her arm go, long enough to wrap his arm around her waist. "You know you want me, Lita."
"Like hell I do.. Get off me!"
Ignoring her, Adam kissed her roughly, the strawberry blonde teen jerking back harshly.
"Let go of me, damn it!"
Whatever Adam was going to say or do next was stopped, another body intervening on Lita's behalf. Granted, Lita wasn't sure when she had ever been thankful for John Cena's presence, but she'd question that later.
"I could be wrong here," John crossed his arms over his chest, "but I really don't think she wants to go anywhere with you."
Adam turned, facing John, with Lita separating them. "Take a number Cena, it's my turn now."
John's eyes darkened, "I don't need to take a damn number, Copeland. Get the fuck off of her."
Adam smirked suddenly, "Then why don't you let me borrow her for one night. Better yet, we could make this a threesome.. I'm sure she'd enjoy it."
"I don't share," John told him flatly, "let go of her before I kick your ass again."
"So protective," the blonde teen sneered, one of his hands gripping Lita's hip. "She must be good if you're getting this worked up."
John only smiled, one hand flying upwards to punch the taller teen in the face. Adam stumbled backwards, releasing Lita when she stomped down on his foot. Another sharp blow to the gut sent him flying back against the door, Adam slumping down to the carpeting.
Lita soon found herself standing behind John, the brown haired teen leaving Adam with a few choice words to remember.
"If you come near her again, I'll re-arrange your fucking face." He glanced back to Lita, "you okay?"
"I'm fine.. I just need to use the bathroom…then I want to get the hell out of here."
"Bathroom's right over there," John nodded to the door at the end of the hallway. "But if you're worried 'bout him doing something? I wouldn't worry, because I think he just passed out."
Lita shrugged, "Whatever.. This party is starting to get to me anyway so.." An eyebrow raised, "how'd you know I was up here?"
"Victoria said something about you needing to use the bathroom." John leaned back against the wall, "and I had overheard Adam talking shit about how we going to get you upstairs." At her perplexed look, he added: "There's really only two reasons people go upstairs… bathroom or sex."
Lita nodded slowly, "well.. Thanks. I probably could've handled him on my own, but thanks.. " She trailed off at that, Lita finally using the bathroom before she and John returned downstairs.
- End Flashback -
Later that night, Lita and everyone else at the party, learned that the blonde chick with Randy had been none other then Stacy Keibler. And of course, Lita had just started enjoying the party when Trish stormed downstairs.. Quite demanding that they leave the party now. The rest of the night; Lita, Dawn and Victoria had done their best to console their heartbroken friend. Then, on Monday, Adam started spreading his most recent string of rumors about how he had walked in on John and Lita. That hadn't settled well with either of the aforementioned pair.. John holding true to his promise from the party. Adam had gotten his nose broken and John had gotten banned from the Homecoming dance. Lita skipped the dance on her own accord…which had somehow lead to Adam spreading another rumor. That time around, both Lita and John had gotten a bit of retribution on the blonde teen.. The two getting suspended for their combined efforts.
