Sorry for taking so long in getting this to you, as I have said before, I am the Maid of Honor in my cousins wedding, and the bridal showers and parties are starting to start this month. Just trying to get everything ready before the big day! That, and my classes are getting close to finals and the work load is relentless.

But I must say this about Casie… things will get worse before they get better. But, believe me, they will get better! I promise! Everything will be all smiles shortly. Oh and I must inform you guys that the story is winding down to a close. I guestimate… 6, give or take, more chapters. So, here's my question to you. Would you want to see a trilogy made of Randy and Lora? It would definitely be a challenge, but I love writing on this story. So, let me know in the reviews how you feel. It's all up to you guys! If you don't let me know you want more, then I can't continue!

But, on with the story!

Chapter 32- Damaged Goods

Randy

Two weeks had passed since Lora and Casie returned on tour with the company. It had been two weeks since Casie had received the horrible news. And it also had been two weeks since anyone had acted like everything was normal. Between the four of us, tensions were high, and emotions ran rampant. John, I know, was extremely disappointed in the news that Casie basically could never have any children of her own. He never said anything about it, and denied he felt anything but relief for Casie's health. He threw himself into his work, and his workouts. I barely saw him, unless we were doing a scene together in the ring or backstage. But I could see it in his eyes. Even though I believe that he wasn't ready, he did want children that looked like him, that acted like him. And even though he wasn't ready, I knew it broke his heart to know that Casie had lost the baby, neither of them knew she was carrying. I wasn't ready when Lora told, but it took me all of ten seconds to realize that I didn't want to live without her, and that meant we would do anything together.

Casie had nearly gone into a comatose like state when she returned on the road with us. She still was bunking with on the bus, but if it wasn't for the mere fact that I could see her, I wouldn't think she was on board. John didn't know that she was this way. Whenever he came to check on her, or when she was with him, she acted semi-normal. But when John was gone, so was Casie. Lora tried to involve her in our conversations, as did I, but each attempt was only receive a nod, slight smile or just completely ignored. It got to the point that if we weren't on the road, I couldn't stand to be on the bus. I hated the silence. Or Casie's vacant stare. Her blue eyes that usually sparkled with her laughter, held none of its life. A cold slate blue stared back at you. Lora wasn't acting like herself. She was much quieter than normal, and I knew she was worrying non-stop. I could barely get anything out of her. Though I knew, she was trying to think of anything to make Casie feel better. And right now, I had no idea where any of the group were. It was Friday and we're at a house show in Richmond, Virginia. I sighed and flopped down on the couch in my dressing room. I wanted my best friends back, I wanted my wife back, as selfish as that sounds.

The only constant thing right now, was Keith. Just think about my three month old put a smile on my face. He was constantly full of laughter and smiles. The older he got, and the more he grew, the more he came to look either like Lora or myself. He definitely had my mouth, and my eyes and ears. No one could doubt that he was an Orton. But he was definitely a Pierce as well, with his red hair that thickened with each passing week, and Lora's nose. And the way his cheeks were rounded slightly, made me think of Lora's brother, Mark. Lora and Mark shared the same cheeks, and I could see Mark in Keith. I looked over at the door, being pulled from my thoughts, when I heard the soft squeak of the hinges.

"Hey you," Lora said, shutting the door behind her, and walking over to the couch, where I was sitting. I held my arms out for her, and she lowered herself down next to me. I pulled her tightly against my chest and sighed in content. In the past two weeks, it was rare that Lora visited me in my locker room. All of her spare time went to Casie, trying to snap her out of her funk. I felt Lora's fingers trace delicate designs across my chest and I smirked softly. "You ready for your match against Wade?"

I laughed softly at the disgusted look on her face. She'll never get over what he said, and will always hold a grudge against him. Not that I could blame her. If it hadn't been for Lora beating me to it, I would have pummeled Barrett to the point that he wouldn't have been able to compete any more. I rested my forehead against the side of Lora's head, "As long as John calls the match like he's supposed too."

"Have I mentioned how much I hate this story line?" she grumbled and I laughed at her softly. The whole "free or fired" plot going on with John right now was not making Lora happy. Because in the upcoming pay-per0view, John was the special guest referee in my title match against Barrett. And creative was keeping it hush-hush on John's position in the match. None of us knew if John was going to screw me over yet, and it was killing Lora. She huffed and her removed her hand from my chest. "Does Vince not know that the fans would turn on John if he screwed you?"

"And by fans, you mean yourself, right?" I smirked at her. She gave me a guilty look before smacking my shoulder.

"While, John off camera is my best friend, if John on camera turned his back on you, that would mean that he turned his back on the whole company. And besides, being fired in a plot isn't the same as being fired behind the scenes. It's not really being fired. More like a break."

"Is this your logic from being a fan or being involved in the company?" I teased her. She had a response for everything that involved a plot line. She had her reasonings, and her facts to back her up. And from her wording, I knew it came from when she was just a simple fan, instead of being included in the company. Lora rolled her eyes, and I earned another smack from her. She leaned over, kissing me softly, before standing up. I knew she was having to go back to work, but I would much rather her stay with me. I tried so hard to take her mind off the problems circling us when she was with me. It was my job, as her husband, to make her happy.

"Oh, hi Phil!" Lora said, as she opened the door to my locker room. Phil Brooks was standing on the other side, his arm out-stretched because he was just about to knock on the door. He let his hand fall, and smiled at Lora.

"Good evening, Mrs. Orton," he said slyly. Lora flipped her hair righteously, smirking at Phil. I smiled to myself, thinking that the two of them had hit it off so well. I was glad for that. I knew Lora was sad and that she missed Adam. We all did. It wasn't the same without him there. But, Phil brought a whole new element to the table. In a way, he was like Adam. But where Adam liked to tease Lora, Phil was a smart-ass. Making comments that forced Lora to retort. I knew it was all in good nature, because Lora would always smile through their banter.

"Yes, and you better not forget it," Lora said, making a point of flashing her rings in his face. I couldn't help but feel a little proud and smug that she bragged about me. Lora stepped to the side and let him walk into the room. Phil huffed and sent Lora a stare that was meant as distaste, but I saw the amusement in his eyes.

"How could I forget? You never shut up about it," he shot back at her. I choked back my laughter in my throat, not wanting to break up this moment. Lora smiled softly at smile, in a very condescending way. And as she began to speak, it was like she was trying to explain something to small child that needed an explanation.

"Aw Phil. I'm sorry that I make you jealous that I get to sleep with someone of your dreams." And with that, she sauntered out of the room. I was momentarily caught up in the exagerated way she swished her hips, until Phil's laughter broke my concentration. I turned an amused smile in his direction as he sat down on the couch next to me.

"She's a keeper, that one," he said, and gestured towards the door that Lora had just walked out of. My chest hurt with the size my heart had just swelled. Not that I needed reassurance from my friends about my life with Lora, but it was beyond amazing that they approved of her. And accepted her. Just more proof that we belonged together.

"Well, I'm glad you approve," I rolled my eyes at him. Phil laughed at me and I continued, "Otherwise, I would have had to divorce her."

Phil scratched his chin for a moment before shaking his head, "In that case, I think she's totally wrong for you. Did you see that top she was wearing? Totally the wrong shade of blue, compared to your eyes."

I raised an eyebrow at him, fighting a smirk, "Okay, so I'm going to ignore the eye comment. But you just got finished saying that she was a keeper."

"Yes, I did, but if you divorce her, that leaves the game open for me."

I punched his arm against his laughter. I felt myself lighten with the jokes that Phil and I threw around. Even though I knew he was just playing around, I decided to have a little fun with him. "Sorry dude, her type is not idiotic asshole."

And without missing a beat, Phil came back. "And she's with you why then?"

I opened my mouth to retort, and I knew he was right. I had plenty of moments where I was an idiotic asshole. And many of them with Lora. Why she was still with me, was a mystery. Not that I would ever question her decision. She could stay with me as long as she wanted too. I would never push her away. I looked over at Phil, smiling slightly, "You have a point."

"I know I do. Just know this, I'm always in the shadows. Waiting. For a moment that you mess up and she no longer wants an asshole for a husband."

I rolled my eyes, "That's charming and everything, but even if Lora and I decided to break it off, I would never date you. Two idiotic assholes in one relationship wouldn't work."

Phil couldn't hold it back any longer, and doubled over in laughter. I joined him, feeling for the first time in two weeks that things were normal and that I wasn't stuck in the middle of a rock and hard place. And right now, after having a pleasant visit from my wife and now my friend, I felt much better about this situation. It didn't seem so daunting. He left soon after and I went to the waiting area for my match. I wasn't the only one that decided to be early. John was there, in his referee shirt and jean shorts. He looked ready and prepared. And to the untrained eye, he seemed nothing but focused. But I've known him longer than most. I knew when something was bothering him. I walked over to him, sitting down on a technical crate next to him.

"Hey man, you ready for tonight?" I asked him, getting his attention. When he looked at me, I could see the pain in his eyes. And it hurt me to know that my best friend was in so much pain. I hated the thought. But for my benefit, he smiled at me.

"Yea, I'm going to call it down the middle, and raise your hand as planned." He chuckled softly, and joined me on the crate. He sighed heavily and stared at his hands clamped together in front of him. "How's Lora doing? I haven't seen much of her lately."

"Well, besides being worried about her best friend, she's good. I know she misses you," I said, knowing I was speaking the truth. John was her friend before we decided to be a couple. I know she loves him and it hurts her to not spend time with him.

"I know how she feels," John said miserably. If I could, I would give anything to have my family, John and Casie included, to get back to where we were before. It was taking a toll on everyone.

"We are all worried about Casie," I said, not wanting to push him to talk about something that he didn't want to, but wanted to know how he was dealing at the same time. I chanced a glance in his direction, and he was staring straight ahead of him, at nothing in particular. But I know what he was seeing. I could almost feel Casie's presence in the small room with us. She was always on his mind. "Have you talked to her about it?"

"She won't let me," he sighed, and ran his fingers over the short hair on his head. He was clearly frustrated. "Every time I bring it up, or anything to do with her health, babies or anything, she'll change the subject on me. The most I've gotten from her was 'I'm fine'. Which I know is not true. I can see that. I know that her act in front of me is just that, an act. She puts on for me, so that I can't see how much pain she really is in."

But before I could open my mouth to try and say something that would hopefully comfort him, Barrett walked into the room, and as soon as I looked him, I heard his music cued. I sighed, knowing that my time with John was over. Frustrated, I shook my head to clear my thoughts, and tried to get into character. I did my job, and defeated Barrett, even though his Nexus buddies were ringside. John, as soon as the match was over, rolled from the ring and left the arena. I glared at his back as the Viper should, but I really hated seeing him so depressed.

I showered and changed into my jeans and t-shirt, and met Lora at her room. Silently, we walked to our bus. I almost dreaded the night on the bus, because I knew that Casie was there, and I knew that she wasn't going to be any better tonight. I hated to think of the night ahead of me, full of attempted conversations and awkward silence. And as I helped Lora up the stares, and I already decided to leave Lora to work with Casie, and just take Keith to our bedroom and spend some time with him. Being with my son sounded so much better than trying to talk to Casie when she was like this. Lora left my side, immediately joining Casie on the couch. I sighed and took Keith into the back bedroom, setting him down on the bed. I shut the door behind me and joined my son on the bed. I could hear mumbled voices from the living room, but I wasn't sure, if it was the TV or the two girls. Instead, I focused all of my attention on Keith.

Since Lora and I had come to the conclusion that Keith was a very smart baby, we didn't pass up a chance to teach him anything. And right now, we were keeping it simple, and going with body parts. I would say the name first, and then touch the part I had just said. I went through it with him every night. From "face" to "feet". Usually Lora was here with me, helping, but I could understand her distraction as of late. I was half-way through, working on his stomach, when Keith hiccuped. I paused all actions as I stared at him. Keith himself looked startled by this latest noise. I waited for him to go again, and sure enough, within ten seconds, another one came. And as soon as Keith figured out that this didn't hurt him, and only made a funny noise, he feel into a stream of giggles. And his laughter was contagious. Every time he would hiccup, and would collapse into laughter. That went of for I couldn't tell you how long.

But soon Keith got fussy, and his hiccups were gone, no longer there to amuse him. I left him on the bed, and headed towards the kitchen, going to warm him up a bottle of milk Lora had prepared earlier that day. I still had the smile on my face as I entered the kitchen. I looked over and saw Lora and Casie sitting next to each other. Lora looked more frustrated, and Casie hadn't changed. I bit back a sigh and riffled through the kitchen.

"Casie, please, talk to me!" Lora begged, pulling on her friend's hand. I hated listening in, but there wasn't anything I could do about it. I just tried to hurry up and find the bottle in the refrigerator.

"Lora, how many times do I have to tell you, I'm fine," Casie said, her voice raspy from lack of use. I knew that it was bold face lie that Casie just said, but it wasn't my place to interfere. I kept my mouth shut, and finally found the bottle.

"You and I both know that it not true," Lora said, stubbornness in her voice. I bit back a smirk at Lora's tone, knowing that she was slowly losing her temper, no matter how hard she tried to keep it in check. She hated being shut out by other people. I closed the door to the refrigerator and walked over to the microwave.

"Please Lora, I don't want to talk about it, okay?" Casie said, doing a little begging of her own. I chanced a glance in her direction. She looked broken sitting there on the couch. Her hair in a messy ponytail, an over-sized shirt of John's around her body and hole-y sweatpants. "What's done is done."

Lora huffed and stood up from her seat to pace the room. I watched her as I placed the bottle in the microwave, shutting the door behind it. She ran her fingers through her long red hair roughly, and turned on the spot to face Casie. "Casie, I'm trying here. I hate to see you like this. You and John hardly talk to each other, and when you do, it's lies about how well you're doing. He can see right through you act, Casie. He knows you are in pain. But you won't let him help you. You won't let anyone help you. And I don't know why."

I saw something flicker in Casie's eyes, and she stood up abruptly from the couch. I heard the beeping of the microwave, and I retrieved the bottle. And I should have left the kitchen then, knowing something unpleasant was about to happen. I could feel it in the atmosphere in the room. But I couldn't. I couldn't move one step. I was stuck there, glued to the spot, watching everything go down like a car accident.

"You want to know why?" Casie asked, her voice so quiet, her words were almost missed. Lora nodded furiously, thinking Casie was about to finally open up to her. Casie walked around the coffee table and got a foot away from Lora, staring her in the eye. I had to hand it to Lora, she didn't shy away. By now, it was obvious Casie was angry, and Lora wasn't backing down either. "Fine, I'll let you in. Two weeks ago, I was told, in so many words, that not only had I just lost a child and a fallopian tube, that my chances to healthy childbirth were slim to none. And for a while, as I thought about it, there was a moment where I thought I was going to be okay with it. But having to stay here, on this damn bus, changed everything."

"What are you saying?" Lora asked, astonishment in her words, and I couldn't help but feel the same way. What had we done to her? We had been nothing but nice and accommodating this whole time, and now to find out Casie resents it. It was shocking to say the least.

"What I'm saying is, I hate it here. Sitting on this couch, say in and day out, watching the perfect and happy family," she spat out, and for the first time, Lora took a step back. She tried to back away from the resentment and hatefulness of Casie's words. "I'm surrounded by nothing but happy Orton's and it makes me sick. Did you ever think that I might not be comfortable staying here? You seem to want to care about me, but that thought didn't cross your mind?"

I was stunned. Never in all the years had I known Casie, had I ever heard such angry coming from her, towards someone who it supposed to be a friend. Many mixed emotions ran through my body, but before I could sort any of them out, Lora was moving. I heard the faint sound of my son crying out from the bedroom, and I guessed that Lora did too. She turned on the spot and walked towards me. I could see the pain and hurt on her face, and it angered me. She snatched the bottle from my hands, and turned around to face Casie again. "Well, if you are so unhappy here, consider this your last night on this bus."

And she all but ran into the bedroom. I stared at the closed door for a minute, and turned back to Casie. She hadn't moved and was still staring off in anger. I quickly moved towards around the kitchen and into the living room. She looked up at me defiantly. I took a deep breath to try and calm my temper. I opened my eyes and stared down at Casie. "I know that you are hurting right now. I know that it must be hell for you. But you should be ashamed of yourself," Casie tried to interrupt, but I held up my hand. "No, let me finish, because when I am done, you are off this bus. Lora has done nothing to you, but try to make you comfortable, and help you get through this situation. And what do you do to repay her? Yell at her and try to make her feel guilty for having things that you don't. While I can see you position, Lora is my wife. What upsets her, upsets me. And I do not appreciate the words you just had to say about my family. You better take a step back, and look at the bigger picture, because if you keep pushing people away, then you will have no one."

And with that, I led her off the bus. Right now, I didn't care where she went. She was a big girl and would find a place to stay, I was sure of it. All I cared about right now was Lora. I locked the bus and hurried to the bedroom. I opened the door and saw Lora sitting on the bed, holding Keith in her arms. He was fretting while he drank his bottle. And I knew why he was upset in an instant. I heard the soft sniffles coming from her direction. I moved across the room and sat next to her on the bed. She leaned into me and I wrapped my arms around her tightly.

"She hates me, Randy."

Well, not such a happy chapter! I hated writing that, because Lora and Casie have never had a fight. But, oh well.. What's done is done, as Casie said. Please review and leave me comments on if you want a trilogy!

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