A/N: Thanks to everyone who has reviewed so far. I really appreciate it. We are getting close to the end. There may be two or three more chapters after this one. I really appreciate you guys sticking with me. So enough with the rambling: On with the show! Reviews=LOVE
"Randy, wake up."
"I'm awake. Have you talked to John this morning?"
"No, I hope he shows up today."
"Don't worry, princess if he said he'll be here he will be. That's probably him at the door."
"John, I didn't think you were coming."
"Baby girl I told you I'd help and I brought coffee and bagels."
"Yummy, now we just have to wait for Randy to finish getting ready."
"Hurry up Orton."
"I'm ready. Let's go."
Randy realized as they were driving south down highway forty from Kansas City to St. Louis that this would be the shortest three hour car trip ever.
"Abs, what are you thinking about?"
"Huh? Oh, nothing. I'm excited about my new life."
"We're excited for you. My sister called and said all the furniture was delivered. She unwrapped it to make sure there was no damage and it is waiting for John and I to move it for you."
"Great. I'll treat you to dinner."
"It'll be the first meal in your new house."
"What? I can't cook for you guys. They delivered the fridge not the food."
"My mom went grocery shopping and filled your fridge. As a sort of welcome to St. Louis."
"Wow, your family is really going out of their way for me."
"Not really. It's no more than we would do for any other family member."
"That's a really nice thing to say."
"I'm not just saying it. My family thinks of you like one of our own."
"And baby girl you know you're the little sister the Cena brothers never had."
"Four brothers. Every girls dream."
"Randy, how close are we?"
"About an hour and a half away. Why?"
"No reason."
John leaned back against his seat and looked at his very best friends. He sensed that Randy was about to burst with the knowledge that he loved Abby. He hoped he would tell her before they left today. He would watch them and make himself scarce when Randy finally decided to tell her how he really feels.
"There's your building over there, Abs."
"Why are we passing it?"
"We have to pick up the key from Alana, then it's all yours."
"Oh, OK. Are we going to her office?"
"Yeah. They are in the office today but usually they are closed on Thursdays."
"Why?"
"I don't know as a favor to her employees."
"Sweet. You guys know I'll be free on Thursdays."
"I'll slip in here and get the key, I'll be right back."
"Wait Randy. We're coming to. I want to thank Alana for her help and I'm sure John want s to see her."
"You know that's right."
"Chill, Cena! That's my sister not some ring rat!"
"I know. It's just been a long time since I've seen her."
"That better be all it is man!"
"Come on boys! The sooner we get inside, the sooner we get my key."
Abby was very impressed with the office. It looked like something out of a decorating magazine. And her coworkers looked like they all had stylists. Abby was afraid she wouldn't fit in. Alana brought her the key.
"Here's your keys Abby."
"Keys? How many do I need?"
"One is to your actual apartment. Then there's your mailbox key. I put a key to the office on there and your car keys."
"Car keys? I don't have a car."
"It's one of mine. I don't want you to take the bus. It's dangerous. NO arguments!"
"Fine, but I don't like it."
"Oh and I put Randy's house keys on there also."
"Why'd you do that?"
"So that Abby can get your mail and water your plants."
"Alana, you can't just force that on somebody. You should have asked her first."
"Randy, I don't mind. It's no big deal. Let's go so I can get settled. Thank you very much Alana."
"Your welcome, hun. Bye big brother."
"Bye squirt. Let's go Cena."
"Bye, Alana. Maybe next time we'll have more time."
"Cena, NOW!"
Randy muttered about how much nerve John had flirting with his sister and right in front of him.
"Randy shut up before you miss the turn."
"Don't tell me to shut up. I asked you not to flirt with my sister."
"Is that what you're really mad about?"
"Of course it is. What else would I be mad about?"
"Randall, don't make me put you on blast."
"Whatever. You don't know what you're talking about!"
"Stop fighting. This is supposed to be fun. Let's go see my new place."
Randy didn't know how John knew what was going on in his head but he didn't like it. He was so mad at himself. If he was honest he knew his sister could do worst than John. The real reason for his anger was that he only had a few short hours left with Abigail and she still didn't know how he felt about her.
"Open the door Abs, let's see this place."
"Should we carry you over the threshold?"
"No, we're not married just let me in first."
"OK. After you princess."
"Wow! This is great."
"Yeah it is. It suits you. What room do you want to start in?"
"The living room, I guess."
"OK let's get started."
Abby had John and Randy arranging and rearranging furniture for four hours. When she was finally satisfied she urged them to the living room to watch TV while she fixed dinner. As she looked in her cupboards and refrigerator she silently thanked Randy's mother. She had gotten everything a girl would need to put together a kick ass meal.
"Damn, baby girl. That smells good. What is it?"
"It's mac&cheddar cheese with chicken and broccoli."
"Abs, where did you get that recipe?"
"Thirty minute meals, of course. Come and eat."
"Girl, this is delicious, you more than paid us for moving your furniture for four hours."
"Almost five but who's counting."
"I'm just glad you like it."
"We do. Got any dessert?"
"Yeah, Randy's mom left a pie."
"Sweet. Can I have a slice please?"
"Sure. Randy do you want a piece?"
"Yeah thanks."
They sat at the table eating in silence. They all knew that after desert there was nothing keeping them together. John knows that he has to figure out how to give Randy and Abigail some alone time. This is Randy's last opportunity to tell her how he feels and John wants to help him.
"Hey baby girl, I'll do the dishes."
"I'll help."
"No thanks Randy. I got this."
"It's OK man, I'll help you."
Randy helps John carry the dishes to the kitchen.
"Orton, go back out there. I got this covered. This is your chance to tell her how you feel."
"I don't know what to say."
"Tell her exactly how you feel."
"OK, thanks man."
"Don't worry, I'll stay out here."
Randy went back into the other room and sat down beside Abby.
"Finished already?"
"Uh no. John said he didn't need any help."
"Oh. What time do you have to be in Oklahoma City."
"By two no later than two thirty. Why? You trying to get rid of us?"
"No, never. I was just wondering."
"Oh, are you excited about your new job?"
"Yeah, I hope I do a good job."
"I'm sure you will."
"I don't know. You're sister was so generous in even offering me a job. I don't want to disappoint her."
"You won't Abs. I believe in you."
"Thanks Randy. I appreciate that."
"I mean it."
"I know you do. You're the first person to ever believe in me. You always supported me. Even after you learned my deepest darkest secret."
"Abs, there is something I've been wanting to tell you since your birthday. I just didn't know how."
"Oh my god Randy please don't. I don't think I could stand it."
"What are you talking about?"
"I knew you were disgusted by me, because of what Brad did. I don't know why I thought you could look at me any other way."
"Whoa Abs, slow down. You got it all wrong. That's not what I wanted to tell you. I know you said you needed to work out your feelings and I couldn't help. Only I can't walk out of here and not tell you how I feel."
"Feel?"
"Yes, you said that you didn't know if your feelings were real or not. I know that mine are very real and they get stronger everyday. Abs, I love you. I'm not telling you this to upset you or make you feel guilty. I just want you to know how I feel."
"Randy, you can't mean that. We've been around each other all day everyday for months. After we've been apart for awhile you will realize it was proximity and not real affection that caused your confession."
"No, Abs. You're wrong but I guess you have to come to the realization on your own. Just like you have to realize we are supposed to be together. But it's OK I'll wait."
Abby didn't know what to say. A part of her wanted to hurl herself into Randy's arms and beg him to never let her go. Then there was the part of her that always won these arguments. That part of her says that Randy is caught up in an emotional delusion. The part that tells her that Randy will forget her in a month. That she is better off if she cuts herself off now because it will hurt more if she waits. She doesn't even want to entertain the notion of her and Randy together. She doesn't believe Randy could love her because deep down she believes what Brad always told her. She doesn't believe in her heart that anyone can love her. She believes that Brad is the only one who could love her. The fact that Randy has never lied to her doesn't enter her mind. When good things start to happen, her self doubt kicks in.
"Randy, I...I think you should leave. You're only making this harder than it has to be."
"No, I'm not. It's hard to say good-bye to people you love."
"Stop saying that. Just do me a favor OK."
"Anything."
"Leave. Don't call. We need a break from each other. I need you to know what I know."
"And what is it that you know?"
"That our feelings have may more to do with proximity than real emotions. I'm sure you'll realize that after we've been apart."
"Denying you love me won't change anything. It will only make us both miserable."
"Nobody's going to be miserable. I'll be so busy settling in that I won't have time to miss you."
"Keep telling yourself that. Wait until something happens and you want someone to tell. I know who you'll want to tell."
"Really, who?"
"Me, because you're the first person I want to tell everything to and I know I'm not alone in this thing whatever it is."
"Randy, you need to stop pushing me. It's obvious neither of us is going to change the others mind, so let's just drop it."
"Fine, but I am going to call you. Even if you don't see our relationship the way I do you have to agree that we're best friends."
"I do."
"Good and you can't expect me not to talk to my best friend."
"OK but right now it's time for you to leave."
"OK. John, let's go."
"Time to go already?"
"Yeah, say good bye so we can get out of here."
"Come here and give me a hug."
"Bye, John. Thanks for everything."
"No thanks needed. Stop acting like we'll never see each other again."
"I'm not but it'll be different not seeing each other every day."
"Well then forget the job and awesome apartment and stay on the road."
"Thanks for the offer but I think I'm going to like it here."
"OK. I'll call you later."
"Bye guys. Take care."
"Bye Abs. Call me if you need me."
"Randy, I officially relieve you of your babysitting duties. I'm fine, don't worry about me. Go back to work. Have fun. Date, since you haven't dated since you took me in."
"How can you tell me to date? I don't want to date. I am not going to date. I am going to wait."
"Randy please just go. I'll call you. John, get him out of here."