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: M.. upped to be on the safe side as there's some stuff that's not so happy ahead.
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, Lilian, 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: All in the previous chapters.
-x-x-x-
The next morning, or later that morning for two of occupants in the house, everyone staying at the Dumas home was up and ready to leave for Tandem. Granted, some were half awake, Jeff nearly falling asleep standing up before Lita pinched his arm.. The man yelping slightly before waking up further. But, despite their somewhat late departure from the house, the group turned out to be the first in the parking lot…which wasn't really a good thing considering it was a little after 4:30 in the morning. Of course, once he realized what time it was, Jeff was more than ready to head back to the house.. Stating that they could go back, take a quick nap and be back in time…but, Trish and Lita stated that they couldn't do that since the house wasn't exactly close to Tandem. Added to that, more people were starting to arrive to the parking lot.. But, so far, there was no sign of Molly, Jillian or Ivory. And without those three present, no one would be going anywhere. So, while they waited for the arrival of everyone else, Lita and Trish found themselves discussing the dinner and dance planned for later that night. The two women were soon joined in that conversation by Dawn, Victoria, Lilian and Stephanie.. Ashley listening in before she was also actively participating. And while they chit chatted about the specifics of the dinner and dance, it seemed that the guys were sleeping.. Either in the cars that they had arrived on or leaning against the cars they had arrived in. Soon enough, however, the conversation and naps came to a stop as two buses pulled into the parking lot. Molly and Jillian exiting one while Ivory exited the other.
Molly sent the gathered a warm smile, "good morning everyone! As you can see, we've chartered two buses for the day. That way, we won't have to worry about taking separate cars everywhere."
Ivory made her way towards Lita, stopping within a foot of the redhead. "I hope you're ready to go.. We have a lot of ground to cover today."
Lita offered a weak smile, "I'm sure I'll be fine Ivory, just.. If I need a nap at some point? Don't worry."
Trish raised an eyebrow, "what time did you get to bed last night?"
"I didn't," the redhead stated with a yawn, "but, if it all comes down to it, I could just skip out on the dinner and the dance."
Dawn shook her head, "no way Li.. You weren't there for Prom, so you have to be there for the dance."
"Whatever," Lita swept her hair upwards into a ponytail. "I wasn't the only one who missed Prom and even if I had gone? I wouldn't have had a date."
Trish and Dawn exchanged a look at that, but said nothing…mainly because everyone who was going along for the day had arrived to the parking lot.
Jillian glanced down at the clipboard in her hand, then over the crowd…doing a quick head count before an actual roll call. The blond woman consulting quickly with Ivory before she spoke. "Hey Molls, why is that there's one extra person in the parking lot?"
Molly blinked, "extra person? I thought we had both sign up sheets filled last night."
"Well, Ash is coming with our group, 'cos she's with Matt." Lita pointed out first, "so who's the extra?"
Jillian frowned thoughtfully before gesturing to one of the taller men in the crowd. "Him over there… what's his name again.. Reggie, Roger.."
"Randy," the redhead supplied with a smirk, "as in Randy Orton.. Co-Captain of the football team all four years."
Molly nodded after a moment, "I see.. Do you two have a free spot on your list? I believe we do, but I'm not entirely sure."
Ivory shook her head, "John Cena took our last spot right before we left, remember? Otherwise, I'd say yeah.. Randy can come with us."
Molly smiled brightly, "no bother then. We have the space on our bus, I'll just let Randy know."
While she left to inform Randy about which group he would be going with, Ivory sent a questioning look to her co-leader for the day. "Li? Are you sure you're gonna be up to doing all the stuff we have planned?"
"I'll be fine, Ivory." Lita gave a nonchalant shrug, "I might have to sit out the river tubing thing though.. But, for the most part, I'll be fine."
Ivory nodded hesitantly, the two women taking their place in front of the tour bus they were using. "Well, if you change your mind.. Let me know alright?"
"I'll do that," the redhead promised, her gaze shifting over the crowd in the parking lot.. "So.. The dance tonight, are we required to show up with a date?"
"Not that I'm aware of, but, I think everyone will be." Ivory gestured shortly to the crowd, "between the married couples, those in relationships and whatever.. I'd say going stag isn't an option."
"Fun fun," Lita quipped dryly, the redhead starting to say more when Dawn and Trish approached. "What did I miss now?"
Dawn beamed, "Jeff just asked Trish to the dance tonight--"
"And Lance just asked Dawn." Trish finished for her cousin, "which means, you and Vicki are the only ones without dates."
Lita smirked, "then we'll go with each other, problem solved.. Everyone's happy." She took the clipboard from Ivory, "now if y'all would excuse me.. I'm gonna go chat with our bus driver."
Dawn rolled her eyes at the redhead's retreating back, "Trish.. I think we have a mission today. We need to find Vicki a date so Li can't use some lame excuse about going alone to the dance."
Ivory shook her head at the two women, "it's so comforting…in an odd, twisted way, to see that some things really never change. I declare, the two of you seemed to make it your life goal during high school to play matchmaker for everyone at school."
Victoria nodded, the dark haired woman not too far away. "They did.. Either through blind dates or numerous 'suggestions'. You should just be thankful that you weren't one of their really close friends.. Because then? They really turned up their efforts." Quirking a smile, she tossed her hair over her shoulder, taking one of the middle seats on the bus.
Ivory turned her attention to Trish and Dawn, "if y'all want to, you can go ahead and board now. Just gonna do a quick head count, no need for roll call since I recognize most everyone."
At that, the two women shrugged… entering the bus to see Lita sitting across the aisle from Victoria. "So.." Trish began as she seated herself behind Lita, "since we have some time between the last event for today and the dinner.. Salon trip?"
Lita shook her head, "the salon's have all been booked, Trish.. Trust me, I overheard Stacy whining about it earlier. We'll have better luck just getting everyone ready at the house."
Dawn shrugged as she seated herself behind Victoria, "whatever.. I just want to make sure that we all have enough time to get ready. And that my dress wasn't horribly wrinkled from the flight here.." She sent a suspicious look to the redhead, "you do have a dress.. Don't you?"
"Yes," Lita replied testily, "I picked it up last month and it's formal enough for the dance, but informal enough to keep me comfortable."
Trish raised an eyebrow as the bus slowly started to fill. "What does it look like?"
Lita rolled her eyes, "you'll find out when I put it on tonight."
-x-x-x-
When Ivory boarded the bus, the brunette informed the driver that they were ready to go.. The other bus taking off just before they did, though they did end up going in separate directions. And thanks to some careful strategizing on Dawn and Trish's parts.. Lita found herself sitting next to John, while Victoria was sitting next to Chris Jericho. And while Trish and Dawn wanted to question the redhead more about the dress and the dance…Lita slept. Which really wasn't much of a surprise since she hadn't gotten any sleep last night, but.. That didn't mean that they didn't want their questions answered. A quick glance over to Victoria, and the conspiring pair realized that she was also asleep.. Though, they knew she hadn't been up all night, it did put a slight dent in their plans hassle their friends. Still, the two conspiring knew they'd get their answers one way or the other… just that now wasn't the time. So, instead, Dawn and Trish talked to each other…and to the people they were sharing the row with. The brunette was currently sharing her row with Lance while the blonde was sharing her row with Jeff.. The green eyed man giving Lance directions to the Dumas house. And once Lance had the necessary directions, the four launched into their own conversation about high school and what they were currently doing. . The conversation continuing until they reached the ATV trails in Amherst.
Jeff raised an eyebrow at his step-sister, "I don't think Li'll be joining us.. She's out like a light an' so is her pillow."
Trish glanced between the sleeping pair, then across the aisle. "Well, they won't be alone.. Vicki and Chris are still asleep." Smiling wickedly, the blond woman brought out her camera. "They just look so peaceful.."
"I want copies," Dawn stated once Trish had taken the pictures. "But, we should get going.. I think we're the last ones on the bus."
"We are," Lance confirmed with a nod, "I believe Ms. Moretti is motioning for us to exit the bus."
Trish and Dawn shrugged in unison, the four soon exiting the bus to join the rest of the tour group.
Ivory tugged a baseball hat on to her head, "well.. It's a good thing that the trails doesn't require team leaders.."
Trish smiled wryly, "we would've woken her up but.. She's not a morning person…or waking person, whatever."
"I know," Ivory replied with a smirk, "I can recall quite well, the one time I was next to Li….the ski trip, I think it was. My room was right next to hers and when she got woken up, she had a fit."
Jeff whistled, trying to look innocent as two accusing looks were sent his way. "What? I was just payin' her back.. She did the same to me the first night we were there."
Dawn raised an eyebrow, "so explain here.. Jeffrey, what exactly happened?"
"Snow and ice cubes, of course." He shrugged when Dawn and Trish rolled their eyes, "you asked, didn't ya? All I did was told ya what I did to her."
Ivory shook her head, "anyway.. Li and I were supposed to meet with the managers when we got here so.. I'll be back in a bit. Make yourselves comfortable, but don't get into trouble."
Jeff snorted, "like I'd cause trouble now.."
Trish raised an eyebrow at that, "Jeffrey Nero Hardy, don't you even try to play innocent now. We might not be in high school anymore, but that really doesn't amount to much."
And he blinked at that, "just what are you trying to say, huh? You haven't really been around me that much, ya don't know what trouble I've gotten into.. If I've gotten into any trouble."
"Because, some things and some people, just don't change that much." The blond woman gestured between them and then to Dawn and Lance. "Sure, we're older, but.. Have we really changed?"
Dawn shrugged a touch, tucking a few strands of loose hair behind her ears. "Well.. I can honestly say I'm not where I pictured myself after grad.. I always thought I'd have a family or at least be married….or engaged. But, I own my own house, have a pretty successful job.."
Trish turned a questioning gaze to Lance, "and you? I admit, I didn't really talk to you and I didn't really know you but.."
Lance nodded after a moment, "I would say that my goals have been met, my expectations for post-high school have been satisfied.. Though, I confess, there are a few things I still wish to do." And when Trish made a gesture for him to elaborate, he did so.. "I should like to travel, perhaps return to Italy for an extended vacation."
"And what about you, hmm?" Dawn arched an eyebrow at her cousin, "I knew of some of your life goals, but I've never heard if they were actually reached.."
Trish pressed her lips into a thin line, threading a hand through her hair before replying: "Well.. I'm in the middle of finishing up my masters degree for clinical psychology. I have my own apartment, but I don't own.. I rent. I'm not sure if I'll stay in that area or not.." She forced a smile, shifting the attention to Jeff. "And what about you?"
The green eyed man shrugged, "truth be told, I never thought I'd stay in Waynesboro, but…it's working out just fine, ya know? Staying with Li in the old house.. And teaching of all things, I didn't think I'd do that either but.. I'm happy with where I'm at."
"Which is what matters the most," Trish pointed out quickly, "I think Li and I wrote down our life goals.. Or one of those silly letters to your future self. I'll have to see if she still has them."
-x-x-x-
Before Dawn could question the slight change in mood of the blond woman, Ivory returned with one of the managers of the trails.. Informing the group that they would be heading out now. But, before they set off, the brunette checked the tour bus to see if either sleeping pair had woken up.. Victoria and Chris just waking while Lita and John were still fast asleep. Ivory managed to coax Victoria and Chris off the bus, letting the two know that they were about to start their time at the trails. And while they set off, Trish thought back to their senior year at Tandem…her relationship with Randy had been pretty much over but.. The year hadn't been as bad as she had thought it would..
- Flashback -
Senior Prom
Trish frowned at her reflection.. Her dress was perfect, her hair was perfect, her make up was perfect, she was nominee for Prom queen but…she had no date. Her cousin Dawn had a date, Lilian had a date, Victoria had a date and Lita.. Well, Lita claimed that she couldn't go to prom because of her ankle. But, the strawberry blonde teen always seemed to have an excuse to get out of going to a dance…and the prom wouldn't be any exception to that. Still, that wasn't the point… the point was, that she.. Trish Stratus, was without a date for the Senior Prom. And not only that, but her ex-boyfriend for most of high school was going with Stacy Keibler.. And that hurt her more than she would ever care to admit.. But, before she could think further on that, a knock at her bedroom door caught her attention.
"Patricia Anne.. Your cousin Dawn, Lilian and that Victoria girl are here."
Trish rolled her eyes at the door, "mom.. Vicki is a really sweet girl, I don't know why you don't like her."
Her mother paused before stepping inside, "I'm not doubting you sweetheart.." She smiled at her daughter's reflection, "Jeffrey is also here."
Trish turned around at that, "is Li with him?"
"No honey, and when I called your Aunt Carol.. She said John was missing.. Left the house with no real explanation as to where he was going." The older woman clasped her hands in front of her, "now why don't you get downstairs.. I'd like to get pictures of you all before you leave."
"Yes mom.." Trish plastered a smile on, grabbing her shawl and purse before exiting the bedroom.
Dawn smiled as her cousin descended, "you look gorgeous Trishy."
The blond teen grinned, "not looking so bad yourself Dawnie."
Victoria shifted uncomfortably, the dark haired teen currently standing between Chris and Lilian. "Can we go yet?"
Trish shook her head, "no.. my mom wants to get pictures before we leave.." She frowned as she glanced between Kurt, Matt and Jeff, "I wish Li was here.."
Jeff stepped forwards, holding out a wrist corsage to her. "Li sprained her ankle and I'm not lying because she was laying on the couch, with her ankle propped up when me and Matt left."
"Well still, it just doesn't feel right without her here.." She smiled none the less, extending her arm so Jeff could slip the corsage over her hand. "Thank you."
Jeff winked, "the Prom queen just wouldn't look right without a corsage."
Trish rolled her eyes good naturedly, "I actually have to win that first.."
"My, y'all have gotten so big.."
"Aunt Alison, we're all 18.." Dawn slanted a glance towards Jeff, "or we all will be soon enough."
"Oh I know sweetie, it's just.." Alison Stratus set a hand on the mantle, "just look at these pictures here.. And look at you all now."
Trish let out a soft sigh, "mom.. If you don't get the pictures taken, we'll miss Prom."
Her mother shook her head, bringing the camera to eye level while she motioned for the group of teens to stand in front of the fireplace. And once she had used up the roll of film, the teens were on their way to the prom.
Dawn sighed slightly as they stood outside, "you know Trish.. It really doesn't feel right without Li here. I know we'll see her on Monday, plus her mom's wedding next weekend but.. This is the Senior prom."
"I know Dawn," Trish draped her shawl over her shoulders, "but.. She's not here and this time, she has a legitimate excuse so.. Maybe we can stop by after Prom is over."
Victoria grimaced, "we have to get through Prom first.. Just keep me away from Torrie, Stacy and the rest of blonde ambition…or we'll have our very own re-enactment of Carrie."
To that, Dawn and Trish rolled their eyes.. The group of teens finally making their way inside. Their first stop was to drop off their tickets, showing that they were in fact Tandem students and had paid for their meal…the next stop being the photo area. And while that went peacefully enough, Trish nearly lost it when Randy and Stacy walked by.. Dawn having to hold her cousin back from doing anything to the tall blonde teen girl. Dinner and most of Prom actually went well for them.. Until they announced the court.. Trish taking her place up front with Stacy, Torrie and Lilian…the two friends chuckling when they heard Lita's name announced…her nomination thanks to her future step-brothers.
- End Flashback -
As the memory started to fade, a smile found it's way to Trish's face.. Granted, she hadn't won but Lilian had…and neither Torrie or Stacy had been very happy about that. And just as they had discussed, the limo had stopped at the Dumas house so they could visit with Lita and so they could drop off her bouquet from being a member of the Prom court.. Christie Dumas informing the bunch that the redhead had left a little after 9:00. That information had peaked their curiosity a little.. That curiosity heightened considerably when Lita's mother let them know that the strawberry blonde hadn't gone off alone. To the combined delight of Trish and Dawn, they found out that their cousin was with Lita.. But, instead of going off to look for them, they ended up going back to Trish's house. By the time Monday rolled around, Trish and Dawn had put the Prom weekend to the back of their minds…but not entirely by choice. Rather, it was because of preparations for commencement from Tandem and finishing touches for the Senior Class talent show and the Senior projects presentation. Before she could reminisce any further on Senior year though, their time at the trails ended.. The group heading back to the bus so they could head to the next stop.
