Typing away on her Macbook trying to finish her daughter's documents to be passed for pre-school enrollment, Quinn looks at her daughter who was on her iPad watching children's educational videos online while sipping on her cranberry juice.
Her Black hair contrasts her own blonde one as Dominique takes after her father. Sadly, the man does not know of her existence since Quinn left once she found out 5 years ago. She can still remember it clearly, it was when he won and unified the WWE championships in December of 2013. Quinn was in the crowd watching and felt a surge of happiness as Randy Orton won the match.
After a few minutes she went backstage looking for Randy to congratulate him and after a few minutes of searching she found him talking with the Undertaker who was congratulating the young man for his victory inside the locker room but the door was slightly ajar.
Quinn did not want to interrupt and waited just outside from her turn but what she heard made her take a few steps back. Her and Randy were not exclusively dating, they were just casually hooking up after they met each other at a bar 2 years ago in Missouri. She has no idea who he was back then and they just hit it off that night and the rest is history.
"Congratulations on making history, kid. You did really well and I hope everything is good with you and John." The Undertaker said and Randy chuckled while giving the taller man a hug. "Thanks man, me and John are great, no hard feelings. We even shook on it after the match" Randy replied.
"That's good to hear. Hey Hunter and Steph will be having a party in a few hours for all the roster, you can bring someone and have them tag along. I'll text you the address since they just changed it right before the 2nd match" Undertake offered and that made Randy nod. "Yeah man, sure I'll come! Will you be bringing Michelle as your plus one? I'm still thinking about who I will be bringing."
"Yeah the wife is coming. About that - you've done so much in your career Randy, have you ever thought about settling down? Getting married and having kids?" The question made Randy pause just as he was finishing up the laces on his sneakers. "Not really, I don't see myself with a family any time soon. Besides, I don't have anyone I want to settle down with. Having kids and a family just isn't for me I guess. I'd be damned if I have kids dude. I'm totally not prepared." Randy answers as he finishes the laces. "Yeah totally got you man. Everyone has their time. Well see you later Champ, drive safe."
Quinn didn't hear whatever there was after that. All she knows is that she is hurt by what Randy said. As much as she doesn't want to admit it, she already fell for the viper but was scared that she'll ruin whatever they have once she confesses her feelings so she kept it shut until now.
"I know what I must do now" she thought to herself as she walked away from the venue and left driving away. She only checked her phone once she finished showering and saw that Randy sent her a text - multiple texts at that.
"Were you able to finish the show? Didn't find you backstage."
"We're having a party near the venue, you wanna come?"
"I'm here at the place, pretty lit. Wish you were here tho. Want me to pick you up?"
"Since you're not answering, here is the address if you wanna come. I'll fetch you"
Quinn would be lying if she said she doesn't wanna see Randy. Heck she'll drive miles and miles away just to see him, be with him, be the one for him. But sadly she now knows how he truly feels and that he never even thought about them going somewhere deeper than what they have. Heaving a huge sigh, Quinn zoned out for a solid minute before her trance was broken by the sound of her phone ringing.
"Legend Killer" flashes on the screen. A contact name Randy set for himself on her phone after one of their 'nights'. Debating whether or not she'll answer, Quinn takes the call and is met by Randy's voice with loud music blasting from the background.
"Hey you weren't replying to my texts, where are you?"
"I'm at the hotel. Didn't feel so good so I went back. Sorry I wasn't able to reply earlier, I was packing my things since I have a flight in the morning" Quinn replied.
"So soon? I didn't even get to see you tonight. If you're not feeling well I can ditch this and come to you. Which hotel are you staying at?" Randy asked and Quinn forced herself to not be fooled by the trace of worry in his voice.
"Thank you Randy but that's okay. I just wanted to congratulate you champ and hope that you enjoy the night."
"Wait, are you going back to L.A? Maybe we can meet there? Or spend Christmas together in a few days. I'll fly down from Saint Louis to Brentwood" Randy offered and Quinn's heart skipped. Other circumstances she'd say yes without hesitation but now she is wary of Randy and his intentions. She knows this will not be for the long run.
"We'll see. Goodnight Randy" and drops the call.
Randy was confused as to why she would just end the call like that, sounding like she wants nothing to do with him at the moment. Randy looks at his phone and checks on their chat. No replies, she wouldn't tell him her hotel either but luckily he saw her location sharing is on and vowed to come later on after the party since he was dragged by his co-superstars to chug a few more glasses.
-Quinns P.O.V-
Tonight was supposed to be the night I tell him about my pregnancy but since he was not keen on the idea of having a family, I must do what is best for me and the baby, especially for Randy too. He still has his career ahead of him and I don't want to ruin that for him and strap him down and play daddy for the baby. I will happily raise the child by myself and will not bother him from this moment on.
I found out I was pregnant 2 weeks ago but I couldn't bring myself to tell him yet since he was focused on the upcoming match and even though we were very active in THAT department, thankfully he never caught me having my morning sickness or any other side effects of early pregnancy. I was already 8 weeks pregnant during the TLC pay per view and I still have 7 months ahead of me.
I vowed that after I leave the plane and went home, I would change my number and other accounts for him not to be able to contact me anymore. Randy is a bachelor and he intends on staying that way. It'll be a torture for him to be a dad at this point.
After I got home, I thought about how lucky I am to be blessed to have a baby on the way since all I do is work and be available for Randy. Thankfully I never gave him my address. All he knows is that I'm living in Brentwood, Los Angeles. I do commission work for companies as a programmer and sometimes I teach at the Santa Monica College online as an I.T instructor so I have a lump sum saved up for a good life for our baby.
After 3 months of no contact with Randy I can finally say that I am alright. I am okay and I will prevail. Soon after that Dominique was born and the rest is history.
I do think about Randy and letting him know but it's as if the world won't give me courage since I can just blast it on his face "Hey there you have a daughter. By the way long time no see"
Seeing him on TV and online is hard. Afterall, he is one of the best in the business. I am up to date with his career and I am truly happy for him since this is his passion and he deserves all the great things he has right now.
/
Dominique was looking at me, or so I thought she was looking at me but she was actually looking behind me as she stopped giggling. I turned back and saw John.
John Cena. Randy Orton's best friend. Standing right behind me with a questioning look on his face.
/
Author's P.O.V
John wasn't quite sure if it was Quinn he saw since the name caught his attention earlier when the barista called her name and she picked up her drink. From what John could distinguish her hair was longer but still the same color. He also noticed that there was a child across from her who was busy on her iPad. John pondered whether or not he should go up and talk to her. Afterall, she is his bestfriend's former partner. John knew all about the two of them as he was very close to the viper but just like Randy, John has not seen the lady in over 5 years. After a few minutes of thinking and a shot of espresso later, John walked over to their table and the little girl was the first one to notice his presence.
Quinn turned his way and was slightly shocked as to why he was standing a few feet from their table. He was the first one to break the silence.
"Hey Quinn" John gave a little wave and she chuckled nervously since she thought if John is here and so must be Randy. She peered behind the man and around the cafe but no sign of her daughter's father. John seems to notice her actions and assures the woman he is alone.
"Don't worry he is not with me. I just heard your name being called earlier and I wasn't so sure if it was really you but yeah - nice to see you Quinn" Quinn offered him the vacant seat on their table and John took it with a thank you.
"Hey John. Good to see you're doing great. I see you guys all the time on TV and online. Business is looking good as usual." Quinn starts and John makes sure to glance at the child next to him who returns to her iPad leaving the two adults to talk.
"I could say the same to you. You look great Quinn. I also see you have a little one." He motioned towards Dominique. Quinn snaps her fingers and the child looks at her mom. "Honey this is an old friend of mom, why don't you say hi to uncle John?"
Dominique smiles at the stranger with the approval of her mom. "Hello Uncle John, I'm Dominique" the child ushers. "Great to meet you little one. How old are you?"
"I'm four uncle John" the child answers and John took note of the age as well as the facial features of the child.
Quinn was nervous John would catch on but thankfully he was not asking questions about Dominique. "She seems like a great kid. Well mannered too. Can't believe you're married. Must be a great life."
"I don't have a daddy Uncle John, Mommy is both my mom and dad since she said she has enough love for me that's why I'm here" Quinn nearly facepalmed at her daughter's surprising answer. "Baby, why don't you play outside for a bit? Your one hour screen time is up already" The child nods and turns off her gadget and heads outside. Quinn was left with John who was smiling at her.
"I am sorry if I'm prying but I'm glad to see you doin well raising Dominique on your own. Just be hard huh?" John takes a bite of his croissant and Quinn sighs. "It has been hard but I managed and now I have her. Wouldn't change it for anything"
"Totally got you there. I think it's very brave of you to face this head on. So you live around here?"
"Yeah, just around the village. I did plan to move out when I had her but all clients and majority of my work is conveniently here so I stayed" Quinn answers while packing her MacBook and Dominique's things. "I would love to stay and chat John but I have to take her to the daycare as I need to meet up with a client for a few hours"
"I can come with you Quinn, I'm just about to head out" John offered and she wanted to decline but the smile on John's face was powerful and she couldn't say no.
After dropping Dominique and Quinn left to meet a client, John fished out his phone after he got in his car. Looking at the picture he snapped of the two of them, earlier he thought about sending the picture of Dominique and Quinn to Randy.
John still remembers how wrecked Randy was when Quinn left without any word. He stopped training with him and even to the point that Randy was not attending rehearsals and show planning. It took at least half a year before they fully regained the viper to his natural glory but John can still see him check the contact on his phone from time to time.
Randy up to this day still calls the number of Quinn on his phone but it was obvious that it was no longer in service. Yeah Randy got together with girls here and there but his light was diminished when Quinn left. As much as John hates to admit it, he feels for his friend hence why he unknowingly hit the send button saying 'You'll never guess who I just ran into'. Randy was quick to view the message and replied 'Santa Claus? Seriously John you know I ain't good at guessing'
Sending the photo of Quinn from afar without Dominique in the picture, John waited for his friend's reply.
There was none. Only a read icon. He then forwarded the picture of both Quinn and Dominique at the daycare.
Randy, who was on his couch watching something on his TV stood up when John sent the second picture. He stared at the photo and zoomed in on the face of Quinn, his Quinn. His Quinn who left without any explanation. Randy gave up finding her as he said 'If one does not want to be found, another shouldn't bother.' Staring for the longest time at Quinn, his vision drifted to the child next to her who was waving at Quinn.
"You saw Quinn? And who is that with her? How?" Randy tried to sound not too excited but was still holding his breath. He stared at the little girl again with a smile that mimicked his own and he started getting cold feet and shaky hands. Breathing heavily and releasing it all as he waited for John's reply he was getting antsy. He needed answers. After all these years of wondering what she looks like and how she was doing, his best friend was the one who found her and it was not planned either.
"Yeah it's Quinn, that's Dominique - her daughter. Sadly she isn't married and she is raising her daughter alone. She seems to be doing well." The reply was not enough for Randy and shortly after - John hears his phone ring.
"WHERE DID YOU SAW HER?" Randy screamed over the phone.
"Chill. I saw her at a cafe in Brentwood, Los Angeles. I got to meet the litt;e kid as well. Dominique."
"Did she say anything about me?" Randy asked and John turned down his expectations with a simple no.
John could hear him sigh over the other line and he felt bad for his best friend. He knows Randy is too prideful to admit he wants to know more but was defeated at his anwer.
"Don't worry, I can give you the address where we left her daughter at. It's a daycare center and Quinn had to meet a client. She mentioned she leaves Dominique there every other day between 1PM to 4PM since she has presentations to give to clients"
"Thank you John. I'll be there as soon as I get my hands on a plane ticket" Randy declared and started opening his laptop for the next available flight to California.
"Hey, once you see her try not to scare her or startle the kid. And don't get any funny ideas or jump into conclusions okay? I know you're abrupt with decisions but just try to play it smooth. I wish you all the very best my friend. It's been a long time coming."
/
Randy booked a flight for tomorrow morning. A one way flight to California that would roughly take him at least 30 hours. Sighing as he thought about the gruesome flight, Randy stopped and questioned himself why he was so keen on seeing her.
'She left you.' Randy thought to himself but shook his head as he continued packing his stuff. 'Last chance to see her'. He convinced himself and zipped up his luggage which contained about at least a week's worth of clothes until he needed to go back and fly to the next state where he is needed for work.
The plane ride was unbearable for Randy since he was used to flying with his co-superstars and not alone on business class but hey, things could be worse right?
While the man was on his flight, unbeknownst to Quinn who was reading a bedtime story to Dominique, the viper was coming for her.
"Mommy? If Snow white has a prince charming does it mean I would also have mine?" The innocence of kids surely is a wonder. Quinn kissed her daughter's forehead. "Yes princess, you will have your own prince charming but that will be at the right time. When you get older you'll meet him but for now we should have you focus on your school next month then after that you need to focus on your studies and do well so you won't have a hard life in the future like Mommy. Okay?"
Dominique took her mother's face in her hands and smiled. "Mommy is doing awesome and Domi is happy with mommy." Quinn hugs her daughter as she rubs her back. After tucking her in, one more question was asked by the child.
"Was my daddy your prince charming mommy?" Quinn looked uneasy but tried to answer her daughter as best as she could.
"Yes baby. Your daddy was a prince charming but sometimes prince charmings are not meant to stay for long. They just give mommies like me blessings. And the blessing your daddy gave me is you. After daddy gave me my Dominique his task was complete and had to go but then mommy is here with Domi and promised to take care of the blessing forever and ever"
Dominique seems to be satisfied with the answer and whispers an "I love you mommy" before Quinn leaves her room and goes back to her own.
As Quinn was finishing a project for a client, her phone rang and it was a notification on Instagram by Randy Orton. Quinn made a dummy account to follow his socials just to have that feeling of him being near because as much as she didn't want to admit it - she misses him from time to time.
It was a picture of a cocktail glass in front of an airplane window with the simple caption of a plane emoji and some coconut trees. 'Must be for work' she thought as she closed her phone. Not thinking too much of it she closed her MacBook and went to sleep without even knowing Randy was coming to see her.
