It was brought to my attention by a reviewer to watch what happened when Raw went off air this past Monday, and it was so super sad. Randy limping and stuff back up the ramp. But it made me so very happy to hear all of the those people rooting for him! I just wanted to hug the disappointment and sadness out of his body.. –sigh-
Chapter 35- Requiem For A Dream
The near four drive from Miami to Orlando passed by rather quickly. John and Casie joined us on the road for the day. I watched John and Randy on the floor, as they played with Keith as he lay on his back on the play mat. I smiled softly, thinking over the day before. I was still in shock. John's character was actually fired. And while it wasn't anything closest to the truth, still knowing that John wouldn't be around the time, was depressing. It seemed as though, when Casie and I had worked our problems out, everything was on it's way back to normal. But the rug was pulled out from under me last night. Don't get me wrong, I was proud that Randy got to retain his title, but at what cost? John having to take an unwanted vacation, and the whole Universe believing he was really gone. I sighed, and looked over at Casie, who offered to cook lunch for us.
It warmed my heart to know that there was nothing in between me and her anymore. I loved her liked I loved Zoey. I watched as she chopped the lettuce up for the salad, and I couldn't help but think that she was a little timid in our group. She never used to be that way. I just hoped that it wasn't because she wasn't sure if she was still wanted. There would always be a place open for her in this group. In fact, we aren't ourselves without her. My attention was stolen when John stood from the floor and joined me on the couch.
"So, Justin told me that you did not enjoy the main event last night." I raised an eyebrow at him, telling him without words that his facts were correct. John chuckled softly, smiling at me, "I'm sorry. But I've just signed on to a movie and it requires a lot of my time. I'm not exactly sure how long the taping will go on, but I'm going to return when the time comes in style."
I rolled my eyes, laughing at some of the crazy ideas that ran through my head on how he could return. The funny thing was, no matter how extreme or scandalous, I could see John pulling each one. I looked back down at Randy, who had just placed the gold championship belt in front of Keith to play with. That boy loved shiny things. And he loved the belt. If there was ever a moment where he could see, he wouldn't leave Randy alone until he got it. He was the cutest thing. Even though he was so young, he was already sitting up on his own for at least five minutes at a time. Then, he would tilt over and play on his stomach. Right now, Keith was sitting up, his chunky little legs spread out in front of him, while cooing and patting at the shiny belt. I giggled softly, "He loves that thing."
Randy looked up at me, smiling proudly, "Of course. Why would he not? It's in his blood."
I stood from my seat and walked into the kitchen with Casie. But knowing full well that Randy could hear me, I stage-whispered to Casie, "I wonder what would have happened to him if we had a girl instead?"
Casie giggled at my words, but I heard Randy clear his throat, "She'd still be a part of this business. We do have the Diva's you know?"
Randy's attitude told me that he thought his answer was very smug, so I leaned against the counter to set him straight. "Oh really? You would be alright with your daughter, your little girl, being a Diva? Someone, who albeit are extremely talented, are mainly there for the male population's eyes? You would seriously allow her to flounce around the ring, in barely any clothing, leaving barely anything to the imagination?"
The look on Randy's face told me everything I needed to know. He would fight that decision tooth and nail. There was no way that he wanted to see his baby girl out there for eye candy. Casie coughed from behind me, and I tensed, forgetting what her occupation was. I looked at her apologetically, and she smirked. "You know, I should take offense to that, but I can't. We Diva's know that's pretty much what we are. And trust me, my father was not pleased when I told him what I wanted to do. But you have to also know, that little girls and woman watch the show as well. And some of them look to us as heroes and role models. Although, the thought of anyone believing Maryse as a role model is laughable."
We all joined in on her laughter, as she separated the salad ingredients into four different bowls. I took a bowl and set it on the table. Before I sat down, I returned to the refrigerator, grabbing a bottle for Keith and popping it in the microwave. When it beeped, I retrieved the bottle and walked over to gather Keith up in my arms. I headed back to the table, so that I could eat and feed him at the same time, but Randy stepped in front of me. He had his hands out stretched towards the baby. "Here, let me."
I smiled softly, and transferred him into Randy's arms. I moved past him to sit back down at the kitchen booth table. Moving all the way in, sitting next to the wall, I made room for Randy to sit next to me. John and Casie sat opposite of us, and as my eyes gazed over my husband and my son, I quickly cast a glance at Casie. I didn't want anything else to happen to make her miserable. And after she told how it felt to watch Randy perform his job in this family, I was always on guard for anything that might upset her. But now, I saw nothing but adoration in her eyes, whenever her gaze would travel to them. I smiled at my group, that was for the moment, in tact.
oo
With only two hours left for Raw, I walked with Randy to a meeting that Stephanie was holding for the superstars. As the door came into view, Randy removed his fingers from my hand to step ahead of me. I smirked softly at him as he held the door open for Keith and me. I found two seats, that looked as if John and Casie had saved for us. Readjusting Keith, to where his back was resting against my stomach, I got comfortable in the seat. I had quickly learned that if Keith knew there was something going on behind him, he wanted to be involved. It was amusing at how nosy he was. A smile pulled at my lips when I saw Stephanie enter the room. I hadn't seen her in months.
"Good afternoon everybody," she said, after rushing over to hold Keith for a moment. She had gushed about how big he was getting, how great I was looking and the effect he had on Randy. None of it was anything I hadn't heard before, but I still loved hearing it. I believe, if given the chance, I could talk about my family forever. But I knew that wasn't smart because I would drive everyone away with repetitive conversations. Keith let out a pretty good screech, seeing Randy's set of keys setting on the table in front of him. I made a quieting noise at him, popping in his blue pacifier. He still wouldn't stop squirming and I could sense he was about to start screaming. I sighed and handed him the keys. He was calm immediately, and jingled the metal keys together. I sent an apologetic look around the room. I received knowing nods and amused smiles in return. I assumed that everyone in here knew how it was to be a young parent at one point or another.
"Anyways, let's get down to business," Steph said, smiling at me quickly. And she began passing out the script for tonight's Raw. Most of it looked the same as the original one had. It had the same information about the King of the Ring three-hour Raw special next week. Sheamus would still defeat R-Truth to qualify for the special. Along with Ezekiel Jackson, Daniel Bryan and John Morrison. The SmackDown superstars that would be participating in the King of the Ring had yet to be decided. I thumbed through the papers, after Randy took Keith from me. Keith had got bored with the keys, and wanted his father. I subtly looked around the room, and a few of the superstars were watching Randy curiously. As if, it was new to them to see Randy behave this compassionately. Another reason I'm blessed to have Randy all to my own. I got to see a part of him that it was obvious no one else was used too. I cut my eyes over to Randy, who was barely paying attention to his script. He was bouncing Keith up and down on his knee, making him giggle through the pacifier. I smiled at the image, and flipped to the last page in the stapled papers. And received a shock.
"Stephanie, I have a question about the last page," I said, calling all the attention to me. Except for Randy, who was curious at what I was referring to, and slipped to the back. I heard his teeth clench together, before he just sighed.
"What about it?" she asked, too busy completing some paper work to fully look at me. I looked to Randy, urging him to speak on the matter. He ran a hand over his head in frustration.
"Since when do I have to defend the title again? Against the same person who has yet to get over me in the last two title defenses?" You could hear his soft anger, bubbling just below the surface. Stephanie finally looked up from her papers, to stare at Randy. If I wasn't mistake, she looked a little remorseful. I couldn't blame Randy for being upset, I was too. I hated Wade Barrett, and didn't think he deserved the title.
"I thought there was suppose to be like, I don't know, thirty days or something before the next title match?" I retorted, trying to see the sense in this mess. Stephanie looked at me, pleading me to understand.
"The decision is out of my hands. I'm just here to enforce the new changes," I rolled my eyes at her words. I knew it wasn't her fault. But it still didn't stop me from being upset about it. I just knew that there was some rule about how many days you had between each title defense. I huffed, and reached over and took Keith back in my arms. I looked back towards her.
"Are we done here?" Stephanie nodded and I stood from my seat. I didn't look back as I stormed from the room. I could feel Keith getting upset that he wasn't with his father any more, but if I knew Randy, he wouldn't be long after me. True to form, before I could turn the corner of the second corridor, a hand landed on my shoulder. I turned around to see Randy standing there. Keith saw him too, and immediately leaned out for him. A small smile flitted across his face at Keith's actions, as he took him into his arms. I sighed, closing my eyes, leaning up against the stone wall. "I'm sorry I got upset in there. I just don't think it's right for you to have to put the title on the line two days in a row."
"There's nothing we can do about it. It's ultimately Vince's decision. You have to learn to go with it," Randy said, his voice a little muffled because Keith kept patting his mouth every time he would speak. Seeing that, made me laugh. Despite everything, I still had my boys to cheer me up. And with a kiss to both, I watched as Randy walked away, taking Keith to the caregiver's room, then to get ready for the night. I took a deep breath, to steady myself, then headed off towards my room.
I started the show off, watching wrestlers come and go, fight and win or fight and lose. I watched as John gave his "good-bye" speech to the CeNation. When he started to cry about his brother's daughter, his niece, and his mother's birthday, I felt my own self getting emotional, just because he was. That was one thing John knew how to do. To captivate an audience. He had that irresistible charm that very few was immune too. And when he asked for the "Let's go Cena" chants from the women and children and the "Cena Sucks" chants from the boys eighteen years and older, I couldn't help but laughter. It was so true, and I loved how John knew exactly who his fanbase was. But after John left the ring, more matches came. I was in the middle of sending someone out to the ring, when a knock came to my door. I turned my head and smiled. John let himself in, returning my smile. He sat down in a chair next to me. "Working hard, or hardly working, huh?"
I rolled my eyes at him, smirking his way. "Have I mentioned how much I hate this 'fired' thing?"
John laughed and draped his heavy arm around my shoulder. "I know, but wouldn't you rather see my face in the movies?"
I couldn't help but laugh at John's put on vanity. I did enjoy the movies he's been in, I had to admit. But it just wouldn't be the same without him traveling with us everywhere. I sighed and watched as Casie, being "Tamara", ran down the ring to tag with Melina against Maryse and Tamina. And seeing my best friend on the screen, brought something to my attention.
"John, can I talk to you about Casie?" John looked a little surprised, but nodded in consent. And I told him. Everything. From Casie's fears about him leaving her, to her doubts that he'd want to stick around. John's face went from surprised to ashamed, to down right upset.
"She thinks that I wouldn't want her anymore because she can't have any children? What did you say to her?"
"I told her that she was being foolish, and that you would never leave her, after everything you two have been through. She seemed to accept that, but I can see it in her eyes. The fear and insecurities," I said, turning my chair to fully face him. "I think she needs to hear it from you. But don't mention that we've had this talk."
John nodded and left the room in a hurry. I knew Casie was always on his mind, and he hated to think about her upset or hurting. And if I knew John, I could bet that Casie wouldn't have these fears for much longer. John would make right anything that's wrong.
oo
I huffed angrily, as I prepared Randy's music. His match was less than five minutes away. But as annoyed with this situation as I was, I couldn't not do my job. I would give anything to just not play his music, and together, we go back to the bus. But no, I couldn't do that. I loved my work, and I knew Randy did too. No matter what they throw at him, he'll do pretty much anything just to remain in the squared circle. I grimaced and pressed the button, hearing "Voices" by Rev Theory echo throughout the arena. I did crack a smile when all of the fans jumped to their feet, screaming for him. I had to believe that his face turn last year, really put him over with the crowd. But my moment of happiness did not last. Because before Randy could even get down the ramp, men were rushing out behind him. Men in black shirts with "N"s outlined in yellow. I cursed loudly, remembering this was not in the script. Nexus was not supposed to interfere. And as they followed through with their attack on Randy, I knew when something wasn't right. When the cowards in black fled, Randy couldn't stand up on his own. Several trainers surrounded him, helping him up.
I turned around and looked at David. He nodded to me without having to say anything. I practically ran from my room and to the medic station. Everything I passed was a blur, and I think I bumped into several people. I wasn't paying attention. I just wanted to get to Randy. I reached him within minutes. He was sitting on a massage table, with people in black polos stretching at his knee. Barrett wasn't far away, with a smug look faintly on his face. He didn't notice me as he toed his way over to Randy. "How's the knee, there Orton?"
Randy's face contorted in anger at his words. No one noticed my arrival. I moved to stand right behind Barrett, and softly taped him on the shoulder. He turned around, the smirk still on his face. Until he saw me. He looked down, the enjoyment slowly falling from his face. I noticed when he tried to move his hand, subtly to cover the front of his wrestling trunks. It was mildly entertaining, but I was still seeing red from the Nexus attack, and Barrett's words. I closed my eyes tightly, speaking through clenched teeth, "Wade, I swear, if you do not get away from my husband, I'm going to shove my foot so far up your ass, you'll be tasting leather soles for weeks."
He took a step back, and I could feel the tension around everyone. All except Randy. Through his pain, he was enjoying the sight. Barrett looked back at me, trying to intimidate me. Little did he know that it wasn't working. "You can't touch me. The WWE has a policy—"
I cut him off, "That no superstar signed to our company can lay a hand on another in a violent manner if not scripted by creative," I finished reciting the policy for him. His eyes widen slightly at my knowledge of such. "And, if you haven't noticed, I'm not a Diva, nor am I signed as a superstar. And unless you really want to push me, I suggest you go have a nice little chat with Jake Hager."
And with that, I put both of my hands on his chest, and shoved with everything I had. It took him off guard, and he fell backwards into a steel crate. He glared at me, before disappearing through the curtain. I shook my head with anger, but walked over to Randy. He was smiling softly at me. "I think I've had a bad influence on you."
"Oh shut up," I said quietly, and gingerly touched his knee. The trainers had his kneepad pulled down out of the way. He winced slightly at my soft touch. I sighed and looked back up at him. "Does it hurt terribly?"
"I've had worse," Randy said, and I knew that was true. But, still, it didn't take away the fact that Randy was hurting right now. I hated the thought of him in pain. I wanted to take it all away. I'd rather be the one with a tweaked knee. "I'm still going to compete."
"Somehow, I knew you were going to say that," I smirked softly, knowing his fierce attitude when it came to the title. I cupped his face softly, staring pleadingly into his eyes. "And there's nothing I can say to make you change your mind?" When Randy didn't say anything, and just sent a soft smile my way. "Yeah, I know."
Randy hopped off the crate easily, with the help of the trainers. I replaced his spot on the crate and watched the monitor as Randy joined Wade out in the ring. It wasn't so bad, I thought, as Randy held his own for pretty much the whole match. I couldn't stand to see the look of pain on his face. "How's he holding up?"
I turned at the voice, seeing Mike Mizanin standing next to me. His little lackey, Alex Riley, was next to him. I eyed him suspiciously, in his ring attire and holding that dreaded red briefcase. "What are you doing here, Mike?"
He cocked an eyebrow at me, and I wanted to slap his face. "Why? I just got a call from Vince. I get to cash this in tonight."
I stood there, gaping at him. Surely I didn't here what I thought I heard. But I looked around me, and no one seemed surprised to see him there. A stage hand that worked over entrances for the wrestlers was even talking to him. Telling him when his entrance was. My heart pounded in my ears as I felt my temperature rise. "You have got to be kidding me?"
My voice was loud and everyone turned to stare at me. Mike was giving me a smug look, that reminded me of Barrett. Which did not help my anger. One brave soul spoke up to me. "What's the matter, Mrs. Orton?"
"The matter? Since when is this horse mouth cashing in his championship mouth?" I fumed. Mike looked at me with shock and anger, but I couldn't stop. I was so angry. I pointed out to the ring. "Does he even know it? Yeah, I didn't think so," I muttered loudly, knowing everyone to could hear me, though they weren't looking at me anymore.
"Lora, maybe we should go back to the bus?" I heard a female voice say, and I turned to see Casie walking towards me. I stomped my foot in anger. I wasn't not going to go anywhere. But before I could say anything else, someone called Mike over, to tell him to get ready. And I don't know what happened to me. I couldn't breath because I was so angry. And it didn't help that Mike turned around to gloat.
"I'll see you shortly. You know, after I've stolen the title from your husband," he said slyly. Everything went black for me, and I grabbed the first thing in my reach. I slung my arm back and threw it as hard as I could in his direction. When the fog finally cleared in my eyes, I saw Mike kneeling on the floor holding the back of his head. Several faces were amused, some were angry,but I didn't care. On the floor was a microphone, with the black padding removed. I looked at Mike, as he moved his hand. There on the back of his neck, was the metal pattern of the microphone indented in his skin. I smiled, very pleased with myself. He turned to glare at me, before he was pushed into the waiting area. I turned to see Casie giving me an amused stare.
"You know, that didn't solve anything?" I knew she was right. I shouldn't have done that.
"Yeah, it did. It made me feel better," I laughed and together we sat down to watch Randy have the title stolen from him. It was hard to watch.I must have angered Mike, because he was being extra vicious to Randy. Slamming his knee into things, wrapping it around the ring post. I thought I was going to be literally sick watching Randy be tortured. I was actually relieved when Mike got the pin. Because Randy's physical torture was over. Mike returned back through the waiting area and walked right past me, but not leaving until he made sure I saw him with the title. I rolled my eyes at him, and jogged into the waiting area. I peeped out into the arena, seeing Randy just now getting to his feet. The look on his face said it all. He was furious that he was no longer the champion. My hand covered my heart at the utterly sad and disappointed look on his face. But, the crowd began to grow louder and louder. And I finally managed to understand what they were saying. They were chanting Randy's name. I smiled, getting goosebumps all over my body as I watched my husband leave the arena with ringing chants of praise.
Happy Thanksgiving! I finished this chapter in a rush, so there might be a few typos, but a chapter is better than nothing! I wanted to give you all a Thanksgiving present, but I appreciate all of your support! And I'm thankful for you all!
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