1Chapter Five:

Stacy flipped her hair as she moved through the crowded hallways in an attempt to find Trish Stratus before the show began. The leggy blonde had been searching for her best friend most of the evening but she was no where to be found. Stacy had been gone a year and she suddenly realized how out of place she felt. She let out a shaky sigh as she dropped onto a nearby box, running her fingers through her hair. All Mr. McMahon wanted for her this evening was for her to get in some extra training..it wasn't that hard really. But she needed to find Trish first. Stacy hid her face in her hands..she figured coming back into the company would be easy. But she suddenly felt anxious.

"Stacy, there you are!" Trish called out, jogging over to where her friend was sitting. "You said you needed me..here I am." Stacy reached out her hand.

"I'm going to get in some extra training and since you're going to an autograph signing later, I want to get the keycard from you." Trish handed her the card and excused herself to get ready for her match. Stacy went the opposite direction towards the gym. She was hoping maybe somebody she knew would be there..but the last thing she wanted was to see Randy Orton. He had his back to the door, a large weight in his firm hand. His olive skin was shimmering in the light, the sweat running off of his body. Stacy sucked in her breath, turning on her heel to exit the gym.

"Where do you think you're going, huh?" She cursed under her breath as she poked her head out of the door, locking her eyes on Dave Batista.

"Aren't you supposed to be getting ready for the show?" Dave smirked at the leggy blonde.

"I am ready. Just heading to the locker room and I couldn't help but see you.." He looked inside the gym and chuckled. "Get in there..pay no attention to Randy. Look, I'll see you later, okay?" Stacy watched as his large figure disappeared around the corner. She growled under her breath. She did not want to go in there and face Randy but..she knew she had to. Stacy crept inside and let the door click behind her, hoping he would somehow not notice her, no matter how strange that sounded. Randy turned around and looked her over, blinking repeatedly as if he were seeing things.

"Stacy? What're you doing here?" he asked, wiping sweat off of his brow.

"I'm back with the company, didn't you hear?" Stacy replied tartly, trying her best to keep her eyes fixed firmly on the ground. Randy leaned against the treadmill as he watched her lace up her workout boots.

"No. I didn't actually. I was wondering when you'd come back to us." Stacy finally fixated her gaze on his handsome features, a gentle flush rising in her cheeks.

"Well, here I am.." Randy nodded his head before he turned his back to her, heading back in the direction of the weights he'd been previously working with. She watched him out of the corner of her eye. What the hell was up with him? He'd usually be trying to talk with her. Not that she wanted him to be anywhere near her..nope, not one bit. But Stacy felt a twinge of annoyance when Randy exited the room, sending only a wave in her direction. The leggy blonde stared after the door for what seemed like hours. She furrowed her brow in confusion..this was not the Randy Orton she knew. Why wasn't he trying to talk to her? Stacy stepped off of the machine and shook her head violently, tugging at the ponytail that held up her hair. She needed to chill out..after all, she didn't need Randy. She wasn't here for him..

xxxxx

The evening's activity had died down, the streaming lines of eager fans finally fading into nothing, which brought a sigh of relief from Trish's lips. Her hand was cramped, her head was pounding and all she wanted to do was go to sleep. But the fact that Dave Batista had convinced her to go get something to eat with him didn't help. Was he always hungry or something? The grumpy blonde collapsed in the car, sending a tired glare over to the man beside her.

"Why do I always find myself going somewhere with you, when I'd rather be asleep?" Dave chuckled under his breath, shrugging his large shoulders.

"You tell me." Trish groaned as she tossed her head back, covering her eyes with her small hands, attempting to keep the bright city lights out of her eyes. She had one of the most painful headache she'd ever felt and the fact that she was feeling carsick didn't help. Dave drove slowly in silence, all the while keeping his eyes focused on the road. Trish let out a deep sigh as her stomach growled in hunger. "Okay, I am hungry," she laughed.

"Are you feeling okay? You look really pale," Dave stated, worry shadowing his face. Trish tossed her hair over her shoulder and shrugged.

"I have one hell of a migraine but I'll live." They stopped at a small, quiet diner to grab a quick bite before they called it a night. Dave ordered the food for Trish while she went to get a booth and relax, something she really needed. She sat alone in a dim corner, staring across the room at Dave, her dark eyes studying every inch of his body. She pretended that the ache in her heart wasn't there when she eyed his wedding ring..she found herself staring at the gold band more and more each day. Trish chewed down on her lip, turning her eyes to her lap when he caught her staring over at him. Great..he'd caught her eyeing him all the time.

"Here you are," Dave said, placing the tray of hot food in front of the blonde, taking his place across from her. Trish ate in silence before she turned her head back up to look into his face, a slight flush in her cheeks.

"So..you never told me what Angie thought of me.." Dave narrowed his dark eyes in surprise, this topic not being one the fiesty blonde usually brought up.

"What brought this on?" he asked. Trish shifted in her seat gently.

"I just thought of it." Dave played with his food, unaware that Trish was frowning at him. Silence seemed to hang thickly over the table as she continued to eye him.

"She..liked you, I guess..Angie has some insecurity, you know.." he trailed off, dropping his fork loudly against the plate before him.

"I see." Trish suddenly, and for an unknown reason, lost her appetite. She slid her salad far away from her and leaned her head against the back of the booth, wishing she was in her bed.

"Don't take it personal, Trish.." Dave said, leaning forward to flash her a sweet smile, one that made her feel dizzy. Too many thoughts were consuming her mind, too many emotions eating at her insides.

"I don't. When have I ever been offended by someone else's opinion?" she snorted, smirking in spite of it all.

"Never.." Dave said quietly, a strange smile lingering on his lips. Trish sighed into her hands, trying her best to wipe the look of distress off of her face. Dave pushed his food to the side and stood up, tossing a wad of money onto the table. "Let's get out of here." Trish slowly got up from where she was seated and followed him, out into the warm night air and into his Mercedes. She wondered why he suddenly rushed to leave..he wasn't even done his food. Something must be on his mind since he looked so troubled. But trying to read him was a mystery that she didn't dare attempt. Trish tried so hard to pretend like she wasn't watching him but she knew very well that he was aware. But the fact was, she was pretty sure she caught him watching her, as well...

xxxxx

Stacy pushed her way through the crowded hallways after RAW, her hazel eyes watchful for any sign of her friends. She was supposed to be going out for some drinks with Trish and Lita but there was no sign whatsoever of the two. So, she forced her long, tired legs to carry her outside, so she could get some fresh air and hopefully find one of her friends. The air was thick with humidity and Stacy found it hard to catch her breath. There was not a cloud or star in the evening sky and the moon shining down, made it bright as day. It would've been a beautiful sight expect for one thing..if she hadn't of caught Randy Orton talking to Christy Hemme. Stacy fumed as she stared over in the direction of the two, her hazel eyes narrowing as she eyed the redhead. Why this bothered her, she didn't know, but the sight of him talking to that annoying Diva, made her feel sick.

"Stace! God, I've been searchin' everywhere for you!" Lita called out, the beautiful redhead making her way over to where Stacy sat. She made herself comfortable beside the leggy blonde.

"Makes me sick.." Stacy spat, venom thick in her voice. Lita followed her eyes and found out what her friend was looking at, a soft snort rising from her lips.

"Who, Randy? Or Christy?"

"Both of them! I come back after a year and I have to sit here and witness.." Stacy shut her mouth abruptly. She was so not about to say what she was thinking, for it was far from the truth.

"I was pretty sure you told me you missed wrestling and entertaining but maybe I misheard," Lita said, smirking. Stacy arose from her spot on the sidewalk, pointing a threatening finger at the woman beside her.

"I did not come back for Randy! Jesus, why does everybody think that?" Lita took Stacy's arm in her hand and patted it, a knowing smile on her face.

"Because you're always bitching about him, you know? If you really didn't intend to come back and somehow be with Randy, you're giving the totally opposite impression." Stacy yanked away from the redhead and sneered, a jolt of anger rising in her chest. How dare she think that!

"Why don't you mind your own business?" Stacy growled. Lita raised her hands in defeat, backing away slowly from the leggy blonde.

"Calm down! I was just saying that you need to figure out what you really want..Jesus, don't kill me." Stacy watched as Lita shook her head and walked away, the chains on her pants rattling behind her. She knew that the redhead was right..even she herself had no real idea why all this Randy ignoring her and Randy talking to Christy shit annoyed her. But for right now, all she wanted to do was drink. Stacy quickly followed in the direction of Lita, who was only halfway ahead of her. She joined the redhead in a waiting limo.

"Sorry for being so bitchy..I'm just confused that's all.." A sympathetic smile was flashed at the leggy blonde. She hated for people to feel sorry for her..that annoyed her even more. But the bar was practically empty, which made the Diva quite happy. She hated to drink, she really did. But Stacy came to the conclusion that it was her only way of finding sanity tonight..

Stacy awoke in the morning in an unfamiliar room and a headache from hell. She had no idea where she was nor had she any clue of what happend the night before. Stacy rose to her feet and crept through the hallway, as if someone were gonna jump out at her any second and kill her.

"You're awake!" Stacy whipped around, her eyes locking on Trish Stratus.

"Fuck, what happend last night?" The Canadian laughed quietly, motioning for the leggy beauty to follow her into the kitchen. She poured both of them large cups of steaming coffee and sat down at the island in the middle of the cooking area.

"You got plastered..I'm sure you feel the effects!" Trish laughed. Stacy rolled her eyes bitterly, silently cursing her fellow blonde.

"No, really? I just look like shit for no reason!" The last thing Stacy wanted to be was a bitch but her actions weren't taken seriously by Trish. Silence fell over the two as they drank in comfortable silence, both distracted by their own thoughts. Trish, however, was more of lost..totally oblivious to the fact that Stacy was rambling on about what she planned to do today while they were near in New York. "Trish! Hello?"

"Girl, I'm sorry. I can't keep my mind straight..what's up?" Stacy's face melted into a slight smile, catching the distress in the doe brown eyes of her friend.

"I should be asking you that.." Trish feared to hear this statement..never would Stacy judge her on anything but it seemed so wrong to express her feelings for a married man.

"I'm..just..lost, Stace. To tell you the truth, I don't want to talk about it." Trish excused herself from the table to go take a shower. Stacy stared after her in wonder and hurt, which arose a feeling of guilt from inside of her. Trish let her problems slide away with the hot water running down her body, closing her eyes as she tossed her head back and allowed the water to caress her face. All this pretending to not feel anything, pretending that Angie didn't bother her, that she didn't envy the dark beauty was more than Trish Stratus could swallow..and that was saying a lot.

xxxxx

Randy Orton threw his head back and expelled a deep sigh, wishing with everything that she would look at him. Jesus, he'd been playing it cool for too long, pretending like he couldn't give a shit less if Stacy Keibler was back. But inside, he was screaming with joy. Sure he had his share of secrets..that secret being Torrie. Why they still had a "relationship" was beyond him..but she still owed him. Randy shook away the cobweb of thoughts and stood up, brushing past Stacy as if she were nothing but a mere pole. He smirked to himself to see the way she sneered at him..she never ceased to make him smile when it came to playing with her. Randy wanted to see how much she really wanted him before he made a move..after all, Stacy claimed to hate his guts..

MEANWHILE

Stacy watched Randy as he turned around a corner, moments after brushing past her, totally ignoring her existence. The Baltimore native was getting sick of all this..it was like torture to see him act like this. But how dare she even think of needing him to pay attention..that was the last thing she wanted.

Stacy threw back another shot, the alcohol burning all the way down into her stomach. Great..she was becoming an alcoholic. What the hell was she thinking? But not like she knew that answer.

"Is this seat taken?" Randy asked into her ear, aware at the tensing of her body once she recognized his voice.

"No but don't you dare sit the--" He flashed her a smile when he plopped into the leather seat. She glared at him outwardly, inwardly her heart was pounding in excitement. Randy ordered a beer before he turned back to his former lover.

"What's with the scowl?" he asked, chuckling.

"You're so annoying!" Stacy spat. Great..just the way to get back with him, insult him. Wait..no way in hell did she just think that! She turned back to him, her heart aching at the frown on his face.

"What the hell is up with you?" Randy got up from his seat, snatching up his beer before walking away from Stacy, who watched after him with a frown. What was wrong with her? Why did she find herself being so rude to Randy when she really wanted to talk with him? She quickly threw aside her drinks and followed after him. Where did he go? Stacy held onto the railing as she made her way slowly down the steps into the parking lot. Randy was on his way towards a parked limo.

"Randy!" But he didn't turn around, panic rising in Stacy's chest. She didn't want him to leave on such a bad note! Her long legs trembled under her as she watched the limo drive away..she truly hated herself at this moment..

xxxxx

Torrie stood out in the warm morning air, her brown eyes studying the budding flowers before her. Guilt was eating at her..she could hardly eat or sleep. She couldn't live like this any longer. Torrie buried her face in her trembling hands, soft tears welling in her eyes. She couldn't believe that Stacy was back in the company. After everything that had happend between the once best friends. Thinking of facing the long legged blonde was what made her stomach churn in uneasiness. That was the last thing she'd ever, ever want to do. But sooner or later, Torrie knew that she'd come face to face with Stacy Keibler...

John Cena wiped the sleeve of his sweatshirt firmly across his forehead. He wasn't quite sure how long he'd been running but he was aware of the aching in his chest. It would be wise for him to sit down and take a rest but that wasn't on his mind. John pounded his feet against the cement with all his might, closing his eyes as he tried to suck in a violent and much needed breath. His heart was pounding against his chest with a speed that he'd never felt..but if he stopped running, he'd break down into either fits of anger or unwanted tears. John couldn't let himself do that..he would not let this ruin his life. Stacy couldn't do that to him anymore. So he'd had feelings for her since last year, big deal. And it didn't matter that she hadn't talked to him in over three months..another thing he wouldn't let destroy him, no matter what.

xxxxx

If Stacy only knew how much these two people were thinking of her, it would be a surprise. She hadn't thought about Torrie or John in forever..the only things on her mind were her training and Randy Orton. She hadn't seen him in over three days and the fact that he'd left on such a bad note was killing her. Her blonde hair was swiftly tossed over her shoulder as she flopped down on the couch in her hotel room. She'd love to take a nap right now. Maybe that could somehow clear her mind. But Stacy knew she wouldn't be able to rest..not until she made things right with Randy. Why she cared so dearly came as a surprise..she'd spent so long pushing him away and now that she'd returned to the place that had caused her so much grief, Stacy could no longer ignore him. It struck her two days ago that she did still love him, that she'd never quite let him go. But there was something else that she was sure she was forgetting..

"Stacy Marie Keibler!" Trish Stratus burst into the hotel room, her face lit up with a gentle smile. Stacy giggled as she pushed her thoughts into the back of her mind at the sight of the beautiful blonde.

"Trish, did you enjoy your days off?" The Canadian snorted as she took a seat beside her friend, her attention locked fully on the television.

"Hell yeah! I'm looking forward to this Sunday though! Vengeance!" Stacy frowned as she blinked rapidly. Shit, she'd forgotten about the PPV..just great.

"Damn! I knew there was something I was forgetting." Trish sighed as she looked around the room. The leggy blonde focused on her friend's anxious face, her eyebrows raising in wonder. Trish hardly worried about anything..so what was up?

"Stacy, I saw Randy today," Trish whispered softly. Stacy's face went blank at the mention of his name. She must've somehow read her mind, Trish had a tendency to do that.

"..And?" Stacy asked, butterflies in her stomach as she locked eyes with the blonde beside her.

"It's not important, Stace." The leggy diva watched in surprise as Trish flashed her a fake smile and stood up, heading towards her bags at the door. Stacy pushed up from the couch and grabbed Trish's arm, sharply stopping her in her tracks.

"You tell me, now!" Stacy spat, a glare twinkling in her soft eyes.

"I saw him with someone, okay?"

"Who?" Trish got extremely quiet and looked to the floor.

"Torrie Wilson, that's who."