Well, well… everyone seemed to like Randy and his magic hands! =D the reviews blew up! Which I like to see! And it warms my heart to know that everyone is routing for John and Casie! In such troubling times, it's good to have hope!

Chapter 19- Home Is Where The Heart Is

I groaned, stretched, and rolled over in bed. The first thing I noticed was Randy was not beside me. The sheets still had the hint of his body heat lingering on them, so I knew he hadn't been missing long. I rubbed my hands rough over my eyes, forcefully removing more sleep, and sat up, the sheets pooling around my waist. It took me a few moments to realize why the muscles in my shoulders weren't nearly as tight, and I could barely feel the knot in my chest. But as soon as the bathroom door clicked open, and Randy walked into the room, framed by a wall of steam, I knew in an instant. And just like since last night, every time I laid on him, I thought of the titantron room, and what we did. Or what he did. The images just ran through my head, causing my body to react.

"Good morning," Randy said, his deep voice sending chills over my skin. He smiled down at me as he walked over to his suitcase. He carefully bent down, unzipping his bag, pulling out his clothes for the day.

"Morning," I replied, keeping my eyes trained on his back, watching the mucsles flex beneath the skin with each movement. Water was still beading up and rolling down his flesh. I had to close my eyes and take several deep breathes to get my heart under control. The sharp vibrations of my phone on the hard wood of the nightstand brought me back from my heated thoughts.

I rolled over to my side, reached across the bed, and grabbed my phone. "Hello?"

"Hey, Lora." It was Casie.

I ran my hand through my tangled hair, settling back down in bed. "How are you?"

"Fine. I'm with John right now," she said, sighing through the phone.

"Oh." My heart sank. Her voice told me what I didn't have to ask. I heard the torment and despair in her words. "Is he okay? Are ya'll okay?"

"Yeah, we're okay. But I don't know about him. He's hardly spoken ten words since I've told him."

"Well," I reasoned, "it is something to adjust too. You know that. It's like you said; he'll be scared to death at first, and then do everything he can for you." I was trying to think of right words to say to comfort her. I hoped that I was doing my job.

"Yeah, I guess. Well, anyways, I called because John is taking me back to North Carolina today," Casie said, the emotion dripping from her voice. "And I wanted to see you before we left."

My breath caught in my throat. I didn't know she was going to be leaving so soon. Today? I felt the quiver in my bottom lip betray my emotions. I thought for sure that I would get another week with her at least.

"Of course," I managed to mask my quivering voice, and smiled despite the fact we were on the phone. "I'll meet you in the lobby in thirty minutes." I hung the phone up after I heard her response, and dropped in on the bed.

I stood up, trying to regroup myself, and headed for my own suitcase. I denied the fact that my best friend was leaving was slowy tearing me up inside. I jumped when Randy's hand ran through my hair, brushing it out of my face.

"Was that Casie?" I heard the concern in his voice. I swallowed the lump that was lodged in my throat. I nodded, sifted through my clothes, not really seeing them. "I'm assuming she told John?"

I grabbed the first items my hands landed on and jumped to my feet, turning to face Randy. I didn't know when he slipped on his boxers and pants, but there he was, standing half-dressed in front of me. Something flickered in my mind that Randy had been completely naked just a few feet from me not minutes ago, and I wasn't even aware. But I was so far into my own head right now, that even Randy wasn't pulling me out. I took a deep breath and repeated what Casie had told me on the phone mere moments ago.

"Yes, she did. And, apparently he's not handling it so well. But he's taking her home today, and she wants to see me before they go," I said, trying to remain calm until I could escape to the relief of the shower. I brushed past Randy, avoiding those penetrating blue eyes casting that devastating look of concern towards me.

"Lora," Randy called, and I stopped short of the bathroom door, turning back towards him slowly. "Look at your clothes."

I threw him a confused glance. I wasn't in the mood for games. Looking down at the pile of garments I held in my arms, I sifted through them, trying to figure out what Randy was getting at. Then it hit me; all I had in my hands was a pair of grey pants and a pink skirt. I groaned and rubbed my hand over my face. I couldn't even think straight to pick out an outfit. How was I going to make it through the day? I shuffled back over to my case, throwing my mismatched outfit back down in frustration.

"Here," Randy said, kneeling down, pushing my hands away. "Let me help." And I watched as Randy's hands dug through my clothes. It felt odd to have him go through my personal things like this. Not that I minded him helping me, but it was just another reminder of how our relationship kept growing. He pulled out a white tank top, with lacy straps, and my black knee-length capris shorts. Heat rushed to my cheeks as he even added my white silky bra and matching panties to the top of the pile. Randy handed me the pile of matching clothes, and straightened up. I mimicked his movements and looked him in the eye. The concern was still there.

"Thank you," I whispered, smiling softly at him, which he returned in a light smirk. I brushed past him, again, and headed for the bathroom, finally able to get the shower my nerves so desperately needed.

oo

It wasn't long until Randy and I were stepping off of the elevator and entering the lobby of the hotel. My eyes found Casie right away. She was standing next to the window, her back to us, with her arms wrapped around herself. But then next to her, in a plump leather chair, was John. He had his elbows rested on his knees, and his hands linked behind his neck. His head was facing the ground, so I couldn't see his face. But I could tell by the way he was holding his shoulders that his usual pep was not in him. I grabbed Randy's left forearm for strength as we reached them.

"Hi," I said, watching Casie slowly turn towards us. If I thought that there were dark circles beginning to form on her when she had told us what was happening, it was nothing compared to purple stain under eyes now. She must have had coats of make-up on last night, because I don't think that could've happened overnight. They stood out even more on the extra pale skin of her face. The flush of her cheek that was usually there was startingly absent. But when she smiled, she was still my best friend. I let go of Randy's arm and rushed over to her, pulling her tight into my arms.

"Hey to you too," Casie laughed softly into my hair, hugging me back.

"I wish you didn't have go so soon," I complained, pulling away from her. Her blue eyes looked so sad. I knew it was killing her to leave. This was her life. Being on the road and performing for her fans was what she loved. "I'm going to miss you."

"Well, you guys will be passing through North Carolina next Friday," Casie said, a glimmer of light in her eye. "And a couple of Monday's from now Raw will be there as well. So, it's not we won't see each other."

I didn't know we had that many stops planned for one state so soon, but you wouldn't hear me complaining. Not this time, at least. I pulled her back into my arms for one last tight hug, before releasing her. I moved aside to let Randy say his good-byes. I turned around, my eyes landing on the hunched back of John. I walked slowly over to him. At first I hesitated, not if talking to him was a good idea, but I wanted to say good-bye to him as well. I laid a hand gently on his shoulder. I felt his muscles tense under my touch. I moved in front of him and knelt down, eye level.

But when he finally looked at me, I wished he hadn't. To see the heart break on the face of John Cena was devastating. The face that had the near permanent smile was purely broken. One look from him had my heart drop to the bottom of my stomach and tears springing to my eyes. There was no light in the blue eyes staring back at me. I could make out the faint red bloodshot lines that framed his pupils. I gathered that he hadn't slept at all last night.

"John?" I tested the waters. I didn't even know if he would speak to me.

"I don't understand," John whispered, his voice cracking. No telling when the last time he spoke. "I just don't understand it."

I shook my head. "Neither do I. It's a horrible thing. But like I told Casie, you can't give up. You let it win if you give up."

John gave a hollow laugh. "That's easy for you to say. You get to stay here, and get to go on like everything was normal."

Casie gasped from behind me and I heard Randy's angry hiss of breath. I blinked back my tears and tried to not let my temper get to me. He was just as upset about this situation as I was. He was letting his frustrations out on me; he was making me his scapegoat.

"You're wrong," I retorted. "You have no idea how wrong you are. I wish I had enough clout with Vince to sweet talk him into letting me go along with ya'll, but I'm not a major superstar wrestler. I don't get everything I want. Don't get me wrong, I'm glad you're going with Casie. I don't want her to be by herself. But don't you dare think that you are suffering alone in this."

I hadn't meant to snap on him, but something inside me told me that that was what was needed. I held my breath as I watched the aray of emotions filter across John's face: shock, indignance, anger. Finally, his features settled on shame. All the fight seemed to leave him. I breathed freely, looking John deep in the eye.

"I'm sorry," he mumbled. "I shouldn't have been so rude. I'm just scared."

"That makes two of us, John," I told him, as I placed my hand on his shoulder. "This isn't going to be easy. We don't need to be biting each other's heads off. Casie needs both of us."

John eased himself out of the leather chair, and held out his hand for me. I let him help me stand up, and he pulled him into a light hug. "We both love Casie. And we both are going to make sure she gets through this," he whispered to me.

He let go of me, and went to Casie. My heart fluttered when she kissed him softly on the cheek. While watching John gather their luggage together, I felt the warmth of Randy's arm slide down my back, and around my waist. I leaned into his chest for support. It was harder than I would've thought to stand back and watch Casie as she just walked away. But just as John opened the door for her to walk through; she turned around, meeting my eye. I smiled softly, giving her a light wave in good-bye. She smiled bravely at me, and disappeared through the door.

oo

The saying "Life goes on" had never revovled around my life so much than in the past few days. Trying to act like everything was okay, when all that ran through my head was concern for my best friend. It was Friday, and I was sitting alone in my titantron room, loading superstar's music for the non-televised event in New Orleans. John had returned earlier today, but I hadn't had a chance to talk to him, and I assumed that that was where my boyfriend was right now. After all, John was Randy's best friend. He was equally as worried about him, as I was about Casie. I sighed, covering my head in my hands.

"May I come in?" a voice said, causing me to nearly jump out of my skin. I spun in my chair, locking eyes with Adam. My heart was still pounding in my ears. He smiled down at me, and walked into the room.

"Why do you always want to scare the life out of me?" I whined, covering my heart with my hand. I heard his soft laughter.

"I wouldn't think of it, no matter how funny your reactions are." I rolled my eyes at him, and turned back to my work. It wasn't until now that I remembered that I hadn't loaded his music. He must have the night off. "I heard about Casie. I'm sorry."

I tensed. I thought that for one second maybe life would play out like normal, but I thought wrong. I didn't know what to say back. Because saying "It's fine" or "It's okay" would have been my normal out, but I couldn't just shun Casie's problems to the side like that. But, luckliy, Adam could read my body language, and he backpeddled.

"Oh hey, I can understand if you don't want to talk about it," he said, trailing off a little awkwardly. I racked my brain for something to say. Anything to break the huge iceburg that had entered the room. "I guess you're wishing I was Christian, again, right about now, huh?"

Again, Adam came to the rescue. I felt the tug at the corners of my lips, and soon I was smiling. It wasn't long after that, Adam had me laughing. And, oh, did it feel good to laugh. To feel free of the inner turmoil for a few minutes. I heard a throat clear and my eyes darted to the doorway. Randy stood, leaning against the door frame, watching us with an amusing stare.

"What's so funny?"

"Only fact that Lora perfers Christian over me," Adam said, lacing hurt in his words. I covered my mouth to try and stem the laughter, but it was useless. The look on Adam's face was just too much. He had his bottom lip jutted out, and his eyes were so wide; he looked like the cat off of the ogre movie.

"Well," Randy said, crossing the room, to run a hand over my shoulder, "the girl has taste."

Adam sobered up, and rubbed his chin, "Then, what is she doing with you?"

Randy laughed, "I still haven't figured that out yet."

And for one second, I wondered. What if he really thought that? How ludicrious could he be to think that he wasn't good enough? I looked up at him, meeting his eye, and rasied an eyebrow. And it was when he looked away from me, without smiling, that I knew that, at least, a little part of him, thought that. I was flabbergasted. Had I not proved that I needed him? Had I not shown what he does to me? Apparently not enough. I thought I was going to be the one to have these types of problems. Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought that Randal Keith Orton would need reassurance. He hid it so well.

But if that's what he needed, then that's what he would get. I would go to the ends of the Earth to prove that no other man can do to me what he does. That no other man means to me what he does. That no other man has ever meant anything to me like what he does.

"Hello? Earth to Lora!" Adam said, waving a hand in front of my face. I shook my head, blinking several times. I didn't realize I had spaced out. I looked between Randy's smirk and Adam's crazy stare.

"Oh, sorry. What?" I stuttered, trying to focus back on reality. My epiphany had majorly disrupted my train of thought.

"I said that I was going to head to the locker room," Adam said, standing up. I laughed softly to myself, imagining what I must look like to them, a fool, and waved good-bye to Adam. I turned back to my work, not really focusing on it. My mind was still reeling over Randy. I didn't notice when Randy replaced Adam in the chair beside me, and we both watched as I got the event started. It was several minutes later before either of us said anything. Finally, Randy broke the silence.

"So, you know we are going to Memphis, Tennessee tomorrow morning, right?" he asked. I looked over at him in confusion. Of course I knew. We had to get up at five-thirty in the morning, something I wasn't too thrilled about. I nodded. "But our show isn't until Sunday evening. So that gives tomorrow night off."

I smiled. He was stalling. So cute. "Randy, your point?"

He smirked at me. "My point is, well, my parents just recently moved back into that area, and wanted to see me, so they asked me to come visit them tomorrow night."

I had to work hard not to frown. I didn't like the idea of spending the night alone in a hotel by myself, but I wasn't about to ask Randy to give up a night with his parents, when he sees them so rarely. That would be utterly selfish of me. Instead, I smiled through my disappointment.

"That sounds like fun. Maybe John and I can find something to do…" I trailed off, hoping that I didn't sound as pathetic as I felt.

I heard Randy sigh. "No, Lora. I don't think you understand. I want you to come with me."

Well, that changes things a bit, I thought. Randy wanted me to meet his parents? The tension in my shoulders was back with a vengence. But then, there was the other side of me, the part that was soaring. He wanted me to meet his parents. I didn't know wheither to be frightened or happy. Both feelings were battling it out within my body.

"Will you?" Randy's deep voice intruded my thoughts, bringing me back to my reality. I was beginning to lose it, always getting caught up in my thoughts.

I looked into Randy's bright blue eyes, and what I saw took my breath away. There was hope there, but that was nothing new. I had seen that in his eyes several times. I saw a tinge of passion that I began to notice never fully left his eyes. That suited me just fine. But there was something new, or something that I never really paid attention too. A trace amount of doubt swirled in his eyes, as if he was unsure of hisself. And I immediately felt to blame. Because I had no doubt of my feelings for him, and I knew the uncertainty he habored was nothing to do with me. His doubt was for himself. Something that I would soon fix.

"Of course, I will," I said, leaning over to caputre his lips softly.

oo

I pulled the visor down and flipped open the mirror in the rental car as Randy drove in the streets of Tennessee, to a small town of Bartlett. I pulled at my eyes, wishing I didn't look so tired. I grabbed my purse out of the floorboard, and fished around for my compact of powder. I soothed over the oily spots under my eyes, on my nose and my forehead. The plane ride from New Orleans to Memphis did not help my appearance, or my nerves. I was about to meet the two people that brought the man next to me into this world, and that was important to me, and my body choose this day to go haywire. Again, I retreated back to my purse, looking for my tube of lipstick. Once I had applied the color on my lips, I turned my head side to side, appraising my work.

"None of that's going to work," Randy said from the driver seat. My head snapped to his, jaw falling open. But he smiling softly at me, switching hands on the wheel, reaching over, and took my hand. "It's not going to make you any more beautiful than you already are."

Heat and blood rushed to my cheeks. My heart soared into my throat. I squeezed his hand, not trusting myself to speak. I wondered if he knew what his words did to me. Nearly two months had gone by, and the Randy that sat next to me, was not the Randy I knew. I had totally misjudged him. And, how many people knew of this other Randy? I smiled as I thought that the list had to be small in numbers, and I felt priviledged to be apart of it.

"I thought your family lived in Knoxville?" I asked, as I read a sign that said we just entered Bartlett.

"Some of my aunts and uncles do, and I was actually born there, but my grandparents lived here. This is where my Dad grew up. A few years back, he got the notion that he wanted to get back to his roots, and since it was just him and my Mom in the house, they moved here. But Becky, Nathan and I still live in Missouri. It's kind of like being left at home while the parents are out on a date," he smiled at me.

I listened intently. It wasn't everyday that I got a lesson in Randy's past. It intrigued me. I was like a sponge, I wanted to know everything. I wanted to know what made him who he was, and the people behind him. But I didn't have the nerve to push untested waters. So, I just let what would, come to me.

Then the car started to slow down, and my breathing started to pick up. I watched as Randy switched on the turn signal and moved the car on to a long dirt road. The car jolted a little on the small bumps and holes in the way of the tires. I smiled to myself, being reminded of home. I let my eyes roam over the scenery around me. I was used to seeing countryside like this, being from the south myself. And I appreciated its natural beauty. Its untouched glory of rolling hills and pure green pastures and clean skies. And Randy's parents' land was no different. The road was fenced off by a long stretch of white-pickets on either side, framing the drive-way.

"I've been trying to talk them into paving the drive-way," Randy complained, as car jolted on an extra deep hole, "but Dad is being stubborn."

"Oh don't!" I exclaimed. Randy looked over at me, raising an eyebrow. "I love a dirt road. I was actually kind of heartbroken when we paved ours." Randy smirked at me, and turned back to the road.

I followed his stare, and had to stifle a gasp. There, snuggled up against the vase woods, was the house. But the word house didn't seem to fit. I had seen hotels that weren't as nice as this. It stood two stories tall, and made of red brick. The black shingled-roof had several chimneys, indicating several fireplaces inside the house. Windows interupted the brick at even intervals, white-paned, and stood out starkly in the very center of the house, two windows curved outwards, or bay windows, surrounding the front door. A greek-style awning and columns shielded the front porch steps. There were large, square stepping stones, in a jagged pattern, leading away from the porch. The house took my breath away.

Randy pulled up neatly in front of the door, turning the engine off. I still hadn't moved. I didn't know if I could at this point. People with an immaculate house like this are going to think that I am a lunatic. I jumped slightly when my door opened. Looking up, Randy stood in front of me, framed by the rays of the sun. I hadn't even noticed him leaving the car. He held his hand out for me. I tried to stop my shaking as I placed my hand in his. I let Randy lead me up on to the steps, and I took a deep breath as he reached for the knob, turned and pushed the door out of his way.

If the outside was supposed to be any indication for the inside, I was wrong. It was totally the opposite. I was expecting stone floors, white walls, drafty rooms and the air of aristocracy. The first room we walked into was the living room. My shoes tapped on the beautiful hardwood floor. I ran my eyes over the black leather couch and matching recliners. In the middle of the room was a gorgeous area rug of colors red, gold and black. The first thing I noticed was the TV was turned on, and was playing TV Land. It was on of the newest, up-to-date HiDef flat screens that mounted on the wall, and hung right about one of the fireplaces, that attached to a chimney on the roof. The next thing I noticed was the vast amount of pictures. There were pictures everywhere. Hanging the on the walls, sitting on the side tables, on the coffee table, on the mantle of the fireplace. I could just make out Randy on several of them. I made a note to look at these when I had time. The walls were painted a soft brown color that oddly enough soothed my ciaotic nerves. I turned on the spot, letting my eyes take in my surroundings. Finally, I looked to Randy. He was smiling softly at me.

"Not as scary as you thought, right?" Randy said, wrapping his arm around me. I shook my head, leaning into him. I could hear the soft thump of his heart beat, and I closed my eyes, smiling lightly.

"Randy! Is that you?" I jumped out of his arms so fast that I nearly fell barkwards over the couch. I heard his soft laughter as he steadied me with one hand. I stood up straight, and combed my fingers through my hair, and watched as Randy's mother came through a doorway, just beyond a mahogany set of stairs.

His mother had short blonde hair that was fading to grey and cut right beneath her chin. She was a very petite woman, in size, but I gaged that she was taller than me, or she would be if I wasn't wearing heels. And I could tell, by looking at her, where Randy got his nose from. As soon as she saw her son, her face lit up, and I had to smile, because her demeanor just exsumed kindness. It was contagious. I noticed that Randy also got his dimples from her as well.

"Hey Mom," Randy said, pulling her into a hug. I watched the smile spread on his lips. I was glad I was here to witness this. To be apart of something this special. Randy released her, and turned to me. "Mom, I want you meet Lora, my girlfriend. Lora, this is my mom, Elaine."

She looked at me, and I had an odd feeling that I was being appraised. I resisted the urge to adjust my hair, and shuffle my feet. Finally, unable to stand the stillness, I stepped closer and went to hold my hand out to shake hers, but was surprised when I was engulfed in a hug. And it wasn't just any other hug. It was tight, motherly hug. A type of hug that I haven't received in a long time. I closed my eyes, and hugged her back, relishing in the fact that I had one parent's approval. Just one more. She pulled away, still holding on to my shoulders.

"Lora, dear, you're more lovely in person," Mrs. Orton exclaimed, and I cast a glance at Randy, who shrugged his shoulders and looked away guiltily. Somehow, it was weird and wonderful to know that Randy had been talking to his mother about me.

"Thank you, Mrs. Orton," I said, sending a pray to the heavens that my voice didn't crack. She laughed softly, hooking my arm with hers, and with her son's and pulled us towards the kitchen.

"Manners as well. But, honey, please, 'Mrs. Orton' makes me feel like Randy's grandmother. You can call me Elaine, if you like?"

"Yes, ma'am," I said, and then thought about it for a second. "Er, Elaine." I heard Randy chuckle softly from the other side of his mother. If I could have elbowed him in the stomach, I would have. Instead, I comprimised by throwing him a glare over his mother's head.

She lead us through the kitchen, and I only caught glimpses of the granite slabs atop deep, polished wooded cabinets, and the state of the art appliances. I smiled at the stainless steel refrigerator covered in magnitized pictures, a notepad, and several other decorative magnets. Elaine led us out through a set of french doors to a grand patio. Immediately, the most delicious smell hit my senses like a wrecking ball. The patio was floored with greying stone, and curved outward from the house. My eyes landing on a handsome set of patio furniture; the table was made out of redwood with matching chairs, with the feet carved in high fashion. The chairs were cushioned in plush crimson pillows, setting off the red. The table was big enough to seat at least six people. But my eyes were drawn instantly to the blue mass stretched out before me. I instantly had an urge to take off and run and jump into the massive pool in front of me. I hadn't been swimming in what had seemed like forever. I raked my eyes from the diving board, along the sides, to the stone steps leading out of the pool, the longing to just stick my feet in growing ever greater. I forced myself to look away, and to find the source of that inticing aroma. There, built right into the side of the house, was a giant grill. I bit back a laugh, thinking what my father would do to have something like that. And standing at that grill, I assumed, was Randy's father, WWE Hall of Fame member, "Cowboy" Bob Orton.

He was definitely taller than me, but not as tall as his son. He had slightly greying light brown hair, and it was trimmed up around his neck, but curled up lightly on the top of his head. He was a big man, his muscles still holding over from his days in the ring. I swallowed the knot in my throat and braced myself. Just one more, I kept must have heard our footsteps, because he turned on the spot. There was no doubt that he was Randy's father. Randy had his eyes and his smile. Those piercing blue eyes startled me coming from a man that wasn't Randy, but were identical to his. I watched as Randy broke away from his mother, so he could walk to his dad and give him a tight hug. Again, I was grateful for being able to witness this side of Randy.

But before Randy could even introduce me, Bob said, "So, you're this mysterious Lora?"

I cast a glance at Randy, before meeting his father's eye and nodded. "Yes sir."

"Well, it's good to finally place the pretty face with the name. Make yourself at home. Lunch'll be ready soon. Anything you need, you're welcome to it," he said, wrapping an arm lightly around my shoulder. I smiled softly.

Randy came over to me, replacing his father's arm around my shoulder. I looked around for his mother, but she must have gone back to the kitchen. The hard part was over. The actual meeting was what I was worried about. I was sure that I could get along with just anyone, after I met them once. And I was so grateful that his parents seemed to approve so easily of me.

Randy squeezed my shoulders, "Care for a tour? Or would you wheither go for a swim?"

He had noticed my longing for the pool. I spun in his arms, looking up at him. He laughed lightly at my eager expression. But it wasn't two seconds after he mentioned it, that I realized that I had packed no bathing suit. At all. I didn't think that there would be any time for swimming with my job. I saw Randy frown down at me. Something that I never want to seem him do.

"What's wrong?" he said, rubbing his thumb across my bottom lip. I hadn't realized I was pouting. I stepped away from him a little, remembering his dad wasn't but maybe ten feet from us.

"I don't have a bathing suit." Randy laughed, grabbing my hand, and began to pull me into the house.

"Don't worry. My sister leaves a few here, just in case she forgets hers."

Twenty minutes later, I stood in front of the mirror, pulling at the fabric, trying to make it look more decent. It was snug in all the wrong places. There were five bathing suits in the drawer, and this one seemed to be the best one of them all. The green bikini top was more or less a bra. But I've had bras that covered better than this. And the matching bottoms had stings tying on the sides. I was debating wheither or not to even go for a swim now. I jumped when I heard a knock the door.

"Lora, what's taking so long?" Randy's muffled voice drifted through the door.

"Um," I said, spinning around in front of the mirror, "I don't know about this Randy."

I heard the door click open, and I contemplated running to the bathroom. I was as good as naked. But I stood still, and watched as Randy came into the room in a shirt and swimming trunks. I squashed the surprised feeling when he was actually in swimming shorts, and not anything similar to what he wrestles in. But when Randy stopped in his tracks, staring at me like I was a fascinating three-car pileup on some highway, I began to feel vulnerable. I figdetted with my hair, and became intrigued with the ceiling.

"What's wrong again?" But I heard the gruff tone in his voice. I knew what my appearance was doing to him. I sighed and ran my hands through my hair.

"I am not going out in front of your parents dressed like this," I said, motioning to the barely there bikini. Randy smirked, and crossed the room slowly, and with determination.

"I see no problem with it," he whispered, nuzzling my ear. My heart pounded and soared high from his approval. I bit back my smile. I pushed him away slightly.

"That's exactly why I'm not going out like this. I want your parents to like me, Randy, not think that I'm easy."

Randy looked down at me, staring into my eyes with those bright blue eyes that he shared with his father. Then he smiled softly, and took off his shirt. I looked at him in confusion, until he began to dress me in it. Once he had pulled both of my arms through the sleeves, he pulled me back to him.

"Better?" he asked. I looked into the mirror, and was happy to see that his shirt covered everything that I thought needed to be covered the first time I was meeting his parents. I smiled at him, lifting up on my toes, and brushed my lips against his. Before he could try and deepen the kiss, I pulled away, grabbing his hand and led him back towards the pool.

Once back outside, I saw that Elaine and his father were sitting at the table, and they both smiled at us as we made our way to the pool. When we neared the water, Randy turned the tables on me. He began to pull and drag me. I laughed and fought against him. We were nearing the edge of the pool now.

"Wait! Randy, wait!" I screamed, between my laughter. He pulled me tight against him, my hands resting against his chest. I kissed him softly, ignoring the embarrassment that his parents could see us from here. I felt his arms loosen around my waist and took my shot. I gathered all my energy, and shoved with all my might against Randy's chest. Our lips broke apart as Randy lost his footing, and began to tumble backwards. I watched the shocked look pass over his face before he disappeared under the water. I backed away from the edge quickly, holding my sides, bent over in laughter. I heard the water break as Randy broke the surface. He had a mock look of anger on his face.

"Lora Jade!" Uh oh. I knew I was in trouble now. I giggled as he waded to the steps, and I inched my way to other side of the pool, and soon he was chasing me. But I was no match for his speed. Wet arms clamped around my waist, and I knew I was caught. He spun me around, staring down at me, humor in his eyes.

"I want to try something, and when I tell you to jump, you jump, okay?" Randy asked. I cocked my head to the side, puzzled, but excited at the same time. I nodded and let him position me, facing the pool. He walked behind me, and I waited. Soon, the splashing sounds of Randy's wet feet running towards me met my ears.

"Jump!" I heard him yell, and everything happened all at once. I bent my knees and jumped, but as soon as I did, I felt his arm come around my neck, and it tugged me forward. Then it felt like we were flying through the air. The next thing I knew, we splashed into the water, and I went face first. I had about a millisecond to catch a breath and blow threw my nose so the water wouldn't race into my brain through my nostriles. I felt Randy's arm release me and he swam away. And it was while I was getting my bearrings at the bottom of the pool, I realized that I had just been "RKO'd". I came up for air, brushing the wet hair out of my face. I spun around in the pool, and saw Randy was floating on his back, smirking at no one inparticular.

"I can't believe you just 'RKO'd' me!" I said, splashing water in his direction. Randy laughed and pulled me close, lowering his lips to my ear.

"Yes, but you can't tell me that you didn't totally enjoy it," his voice slithered down my back. It was times like this that I didn't see how he had issues about what he meant to me. I shivered against him, and he received the answer he wanted.

"Kids!" Elaine called. "Bob's finished cooking lunch, so come eat before it gets cold. The pool will still be there when you get done!"

I heard Randy laugh to himself, "Something's will never change."

I smiled at him, and let him take my hand and we headed over to the table.

A/N

Thanks for reading! Long chapter this time! I want to be RKO'd into a pool, preferably by someone who knows how to do it… preferably by randy.. lol anyways. REVIEW please! I'm caught up now!

As for Bartlett, Tennessee… I made it up. So don't take a road trip there, hoping Randy is visiting his parents.. lol!

Eisac Namhort, Duchan Mandic, Christina89, JoolR, Dreamin'BIG, AshleyBabe86, SuperStar89, Viper-Desi, KimmieCena, Xandman216, Thiala, Barnsley Gal 09, roknpstergrl, miamitravel, and southerncharm21 for the love! =D