Author's Note: Huge thank-you as always to those who have taken the time to read, follow or favorite my work. Special thanks to Shamaness, Taker Always, Awesomeone21, and My time is now. I'm literally like a little kid on Christmas morning – when I find that I have new reviews.
Disclaimer: As always I own no rights to anything belonging to the WWE. The OC and story idea are completely mine.
Chapter 5
John laughed rich and deep. Reaching out he grabbed my wrist "Whoa slow down – relax would you?"
At my exasperated sigh he chuckled once more. "Paul was looking for you earlier. He mentioned that he was your ride to the next venue. I told him not to worry about it." It was then he gestured down the aisle to the hot pink suitcase sitting there. "I told him I would make sure you got there on time. So whattya say Ms. Mercedes you ready to hit the road with me tonight?"
Was I ready to hit the road with him – with the John Cena? I was just learning to once more stand on my own two feet. Yet here was this gorgeous man, with a killer smile and body to match asking me if I was ready to hit the road with him. How did I answer that? Was I prepared to answer that? As I opened my mouth to speak, all I could see was Jake's face in my mind. His dark eyes giving me that cold deathly glint; so very different from the deep baby blues eyes watching me now. Seeing his face was as good as throwing frigid water across my runaway thoughts and emotions. John and I barely knew each other. In all honesty he was probably just doing a favor for a friend. As much as I hated facing it my past would –should be over soon – soon but not now. Until I was free and sure on my feet – I had no damned business noticing this man or any others 'killer smile or body.' Just because I shouldn't didn't mean I didn't want to. Noting the confused smile he was giving me – I realized that I'd stood there silently gaping at him long enough. He like the others would learn soon enough what a screwed up scarred freak show I was – why lead him to that conclusion any sooner than necessary. "I would be honored to ride with you Mr. Cena." I replied with a large bright smile of my own. "Lead the way," I gestured down the aisle. Smiling brightly l followed hoping for a praying for my bright new journey and the road ahead.
John led me around towards the back of the arena – "to avoid any stragglers" his only explanation. As we reached the rear exit, he greeted the lone security guard before heading outside. With a final smile for the guard, I followed along behind. Aside from equipment trucks and trailers, John's bus was the only vehicle left in the back lot. To simply call it a bus seemed a gross understatement. His "bus" was far from what I imagine the average person imagines when they hear the word "bus." I knew from Uncle Paul and Randy that some of the superstars traveled by bus; this was far more than I ever imagined. Judging from the outside – on first appearances this bus was bigger and better than my last apartment. Even though the last few years had been hellish for me; I still hadn't spent them living under a rock. I knew John was the all American boy- scout poster child for the WWE. Who knew that an over grown boy-scout could make enough to afford this? From the outside alone – it looked like mega rock-star's dream come true. If the outside looked this good I could only imagine what the inside looked like.
An older man came around from the back of the bus just as we approached the door. "Hey Mack!" John called by way of greeting. I assumed the older man – this Mack was the driver of this miniature house on wheels.
"Great show tonight John – although that Shield is still damned annoying!" Mack replied before unlocking the door and letting us both inside. Stepping aboard the bus, John laughed "I know Mack…I know, but now that the Deadman's involved maybe things will change," he chuckled.
"Now there is one scary ass individual. I know that the whole "Undertaker" role is just his character and all but I tell you John; I still think that man is one crazy ass fucker." It was then that as if Mack suddenly realized that he and John were not alone. "My apologizes for the language ma'am," he began with the sweetest toothy smile.
"It's all good Mack," John replied "Mack allow me to introduce you to Mercedes. She's going to be traveling with us tonight. Mercedes this is Mack Cooper driver, comedian, wrestling critic, and all around decent guy."
"It's a pleasure to meet you Ms…." Mack began at a loss for a last name.
I smiled his sweet nature obvious. Since I was eight-teen years old I have legally used my mother's maiden name – Levesque tonight however that wasn't going to work. "Mercedes Dean," I replied using my father's last name for the first time in nearly ten years.
Smiling broad and warm Mack plunged on "It's a pleasure to meet you Ms. Dean."
"Please" I replied with what I hoped was the same warm smile "it's just Mercedes."
I couldn't help but notice the slightly off look that was passing between John and the man I was sure was not only his long term driver but friend as well. If I had known either man better – it might have been on the tip of my tongue to ask if everything was ok. Feeling suddenly a little out of place – I was glad when John broke the sudden silence "Mercedes here is working back stage with H as his new assistant. Tonight was her first official night on the job."
Turning his attention squarely on me Mack's smile practically beamed "Congratulations Ms. Mercedes! How do you like working for the WWE so far?"
"Thank-you Mack that's sweet of you. What can I say – you know how it is so far so good!" I replied with an easy giggle.
Mack nodded his agreement; something about the unexplained tension seemed to drain away just as quickly as it arose. Whatever passed between the two men seemed to resolve some once John explained my position within the company.
With a nod of the head to us both Mack made his way to his obvious spot on the bus. "Well then Ms. Mercedes – John let's get this show on the road."
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(John's P.O.V.)
I'd only been traveling by private bus for a couple of years know. From the beginning there had always been Mack; after a while it was like he was just part of the bus – a fixture if you will. He knew without me saying anything that this bus was special – that it was my rolling home. He'd been with me long enough to know that it was also my private space. Sure every now and then someone from the roster may ride with us for a while. A superstar or diva was one thing – my personal life never touched the bus – that's what hotel rooms were for. Although there was much about me that Mack didn't know and damned sure wouldn't understand; he wasn't a stupid man either. I could read the look on his face. I knew he was questioning who Mercedes was and why she was riding with us. Some would say that Mack's just a driver – an employee what explanation does he deserve. Me, well I don't roll like that; besides I couldn't have him thinking anything less of Mercedes because of me. 'Whoa…whoa…whoa' my mind screamed. 'Since when do you give a flying fuck what someone – Mack included thinks about some girl you just met?' That was a very good question – very good but still didn't mean I had any answers. Just one of many really good questions tonight that I had absolutely no answers for. "Just go with Cena!" I muttered to myself. With Mack behind the wheel, the only thing left was to give Mercedes the grand tour. Taking her suitcase I set it on the nearest sofa. Offering her a brief albeit sweet smile I asked "Allow me to give you the five cent tour?"
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(Mercedes P.O.V.)
Watching the all too brief sweet smile fade from his face I felt rooted in place. The sweet boyish smile stirred up the butterflies in my stomach in a way that I have experienced in I can't recall how long. Was he aware, did he know what that smile could do? The cynical hardened part of me screamed 'of course he does – he's John Cena. Got women throwing themselves at him every night.' The hopelessly naïve girly girl inside me wanted to think otherwise. After the shit storm of the last few years, I was probably entitled to be that bitter cynical woman; truth was I didn't want to. I wanted to be that girly girl once more – just a little less naïve this time. Smiling I gestured outward towards the rest of the bus, "This bus – five cents? You're under estimating yourself ." I told him with a chuckle. He gave me a brief glance in response – a look I didn't quite understand and then it was gone. Without warning he took my hand in his and began to lead me through his home away from home.
We started near the front door. Two captain's chairs with a small t.v. mounted in the corner above the door. Turning to our left his little tour officially began. There were two beautiful dark colored sofas – one on each side of the bus. To the right sat a large matching ottoman covered with a baby blue throw blanket. Near a window the sofa, ottoman, and throw blanket put in mind of curling up with a good book on a rainy day. A large flat panel TV sat within viewing distance. A small open cabinet below it revealing an X-Box and games plus what I was assuming were DVDS. Next stop the kitchen, with its small bench style dinette table, microwave, sink, small cook-top, cabinets, and what appeared to me to be a full size refrigerator. Gesturing towards the frig he smiled "there is plenty to eat and drink – please help yourself to whatever you find."
"Thank-you," I murmured as we continued our little journey. Opening a door to our right he pointed to the small but beautifully painted bathroom. Standing outside the bathroom in front of a beautiful carved oak door, I knew we had reached the "master suite" of this grand tour. Standing to my left throughout this little tour he never once released my hand; if anything standing outside his bedroom he almost held it tighter – almost. At first the look in his eyes seemed strange – almost out of place if you will. Then it occurred to me that maybe he was worried about sharing his private space with someone he had just met. Hell, I could completely understand if that were the case. He is a world-wide celebrity – who could blame the man if he had one or two hang-ups about his privacy. It was on the tip of my tongue to say as much – when he suddenly pushed the door open and walked me inside. I don't know what I expected. Whatever it was the sight before me wasn't it. The room before me was beautiful. Once or twice years ago, during his Legacy days, I had the chance to see the way Randy traveled. At that point, traveling with Randy was much like traveling with an overgrown frat boy; clothes everywhere, bed only half made, shoes tucked up here and there – no order to much of anything. Sure that was some years ago and things could have changed since then. Truth was though that no matter how many years pass I could never picture John letting this room look like that. The walls were a beautiful inviting creamy white – eggshell or something my mother would say. The queen size bed was covered with the most beautiful dark blue and yellow quilt I had ever seen. Reaching down I touched just the edges – feeling the smooth soft cotton fabric slip through my fingers. "Homemade?" I questioned almost in awe of the time and work that must have went into making something so beautiful. John nodded "my grandmother" he offered by way of comment.
There were two very small end-tables, one on each side of the bed. To the left of the bed I noted a small white and green coffee cup that read simply "#1 Uncle" it was the typical gift one expected from a small child. I remembered reading somewhere that John came from a large family of brothers. One of them must have kids I thought. Turning away from the bed, I noted the cabinet/closet combination, the flat panel TV. with dvd player and the large wicker basket sitting on the floor filled to overflow with various movies, and sports dvds. Turning around I was going to comment on his movie collection, when I noticed he was taking over his dog tags. I watched in complete silence as he removed his tags and placed them inside the small coffee cup. As I watched, a part of me felt as if I were intruding on a private moment. I mean you didn't have to be a huge fan of wrestling or the WWE to know how important wearing those tags to the ring every night was to John. Not wanting to get caught staring yet again, I searched for something to break the unique tension I was suddenly feeling. "That's some movie/sports dvd collection you have going on here."
Turning John laughed "Yeah and there's more in the other room too. I guess when you spend as much time on the road as I do – well you need a hobby."
"I get it!" I smiled.
"Listen" John began slowly almost uncomfortably "it's late and I don't know what your schedule looks like tomorrow, but when you're ready feel free to crash in here tonight. I'll take the sofa in the other room."
Something about his words lingered in my mind. It wasn't that he was being a gentleman about everything – that didn't surprise me. There was something more; something I once again couldn't quite put my finger on. "Are you sure? I mean I'd be fine with the sofa. I don't want to kick you out of your own space or anything."
"It's all good" came his only reply.
Looking just past the bedroom itself I could see the full bathroom just on the other side. The shower, from what I could see looked absolutely divine. The thought of getting out of these boots, a hot shower, and more comfortable clothes had me yawning before I was even aware.
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(John's P.O.V.)
'Holding her hand Cena – really that's a good idea? What are you fifteen? This is just a bus – albeit a really nice bus; it's still just a bus.' I chastised myself. As we walked along the bus, the bus starting up and leaving the parking lot the only real sounds. I wanted her thoughts. I wanted to know what she was thinking. As we entered my bedroom, for an instant I had her thoughts. As she looked at the old quilt spread across my bed – I didn't have to wonder. Only a blind man could have missed the way she looked it – such appreciation crossing her face. A few moments later, when she noticed the larger bathroom on the other side of the bed – complete with large shower I had her thoughts again. When she yawned I smiled. "Take the room Mercedes! Get a hot shower and some rest I'll be right outside if you need anything."
Covering a second yawn, she apologized "I'm sorry I guess I didn't realize how tired I was."
"I am the last one you have to explain anything to – been doing this ten years. I get it – the pace takes a little getting used to that's all." I said as I once more took her hand in mine giving it a gentle squeeze. "Listen why don't you head for the shower. There should be some towels in the cabinet under the sink. I'll grab your bag and leave it here at the end of the bed."
"If you're sure," she replied a touch of weary lacing her words. Coming around to stand behind her, I placed my hands on her shoulders and leaning in on her right I whispered "Go" before giving her a gentle push towards the bathroom.
As I headed for the door, I heard her giggle (a sound that ran straight through me) "I'm going I'm going no need to be so pushy."
"Women" I muttered with a smirk as I grabbed her suitcase from the other room. Walking back into the bedroom, I made it a point to avoid the bathroom entrance. As this bathroom was directly off from my bedroom there wasn't exactly an "official" door. I could hear the shower already running. Scrubbing a hand across my face, I groaned, I was a step or two off tonight; and moving a step or two to the left would leave me with a mental image of my shower and the girl in it that I didn't think I would survive tonight. So being the big "boy-scout" I am I grabbed and extra blanket and pillow from the cabinet and headed quietly back out of the room.
Changing in the smaller second bath, I quickly headed for the sofa. Grabbing the remote I began to surf through all that late night TV had to offer. I was through the channel guide two and half times before I realized that my mind was more focused on the sounds coming from the bathroom than the television set. I sighed as I heard the water shut off. Maybe now we would both get some sleep.
Two hours later I still wide awake. Barely moving, I sat as if rooted to the same spot all night; an old cop drama played softly in the back ground. The lights in the bedroom had long since gone out. I watched as Mack maneuvered the big bus down the highway; with the promise that he would wake me if he became tired. 'What the hell' I muttered this was usually my favorite time of night – when everything was still and quiet. I usually got the best sleep this time of night – so why wasn't I sleeping? I'll tell you why – because my mind was filled with the only woman to ever share my space here – to sleep in that bed.
Alone with my thoughts was not where I wanted to be this night. This is ridiculous I thought, she and I just met; how can she be this wrapped up in my thoughts already? I kept telling myself she's a friend of a friend – hell she's more just a friend. I knew beyond any doubt that H would surely have my balls if I fucked this up. Despite all that, I couldn't help but wonder what my 'only' house guest was wearing to bed?
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(Mercedes P.O.V.)
John was right a shower was just what I needed. Hot water pulsing down over my tired body was just what the doctor ordered. Wrapping up in a towel I found under the sink, I padded quietly out to the bedroom. I smiled my suitcase and shoulder bag – left right at the foot of the bed. Sitting on the edge of the bed, I dug around in my bag for my lotion. As I spread lotion on my arms and legs my mind wandered to John. He had been nothing but a complete gentleman all evening. Yet there was definitely something about him that I couldn't quite put my finger on. I've never been a die-hard wrestling fan. I'm not one of those who watches every single weekly event or pay per view. With that said, over the years I have seen my fair share of RAW or Smack-down events. Plus you would be amazed at what you can learn about the business if you hang around my aunt and uncle long enough. I knew a lot of people considered John not only the face of the WWE but also the company's biggest boy-scout. After tonight I couldn't argue with that. He had been a very gracious – almost sweet host. So why couldn't I just accept what I was seeing at face value? Why did my mind keep telling me that there was something more – something just below the surface. I couldn't afford to be distracted like this. I wanted this job. I wanted – needed to be successful. Besides all that there was still Jake to worry about. He was still out there somewhere. Until that issue was resolved I wasn't truly free – so what business did I have wondering about possibilities with another man. "NONE" my mind screamed! That didn't stop my mind from wondering if I was the first woman to sleep in this bed or just one in a long line.
Standing I hung the towel back in the bathroom. Changing into a deep pink tank top and matching cotton shorts I slipped into bed. For a moment I worried that my wondering thoughts would keep sleep away. Thankfully I didn't have to worry long as the excitement of the day finally caught up with me. I honestly think I was asleep before my head hit the pillow. I'm guessing I slept good for an hour maybe a little more when the dreams came. I was back inside his truck. He was once more driving way to fast. It was all so life like. I could even smell the alcohol on his breath as he screamed at me. Some part of me knew it was all a dream that it wasn't real but that didn't stop the fear raising up inside me. I heard him screaming "What the fuck were you thinking?" All of this just before the truck crashed and I woke up screaming.
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(John's P.O.V.)
The motion of the bus – the drone of the TV finally lulled me into a fitful sleep. Just as I was getting comfortable – I heard it. Powerful agonizing screams coming screams coming from my bedroom. Jerking up off the sofa, my gaze met Mack's in the rearview. "Just keep us moving," I told Mack "I'll go check on our guest."
Rushing towards the bedroom I hurried inside. When you wake up to terrified screams I would think your mind should be prepared for anything – that's not true. I would have been better prepared to handle blood and guts than what I actually saw. What I saw hit me like a two ton sucker punch to the gut; Mercedes sitting in the middle of my bed knees drawn to her chest clutching my pillow softly sobbing.
Author's Note: Well here we are four thousand plus words later at the end of another chapter. Once again thank you to everyone who is reading, reviewing, adding to favorites, or following this little tale. I'm enjoying the challenge of the details / p.o.v's with this story. So please as always….thoughts, comments, suggestions, love it / hate it all are welcome in the box below.