The Great Escape

AN: Thank you to RKO.I.F, CrazyWWEFreakJNH, Cena-Wilson-Crazy, RandomlyAwsomer, Melissa Cristina, xTwistedxImperfectionx, Chain Gang Princess, Tjsparkles & justbornawsome for reviewing the last chapter.

Thanks very muchly :)

Chapter Fifteen – I Know You Want Me

THE GIRLS

Saturday morning rolled around slowly but surely for the girls, and three of the four were happy to wake up to the sunshine pouring through their open windows, the promise of a fantastic day ahead of them. Weekends were sacred for college students and free time away from study sessions were greatly appreciated, leaving them, predictably enough, looking forward to their activities today.

In Eve and Maria's room both were already up and ready to start their day. The Latina of the two was especially enthusiastic in her routine, as her boyfriend was finally coming to visit her from back home. The days leading up to this moment were, she had to admit, spent thinking cautiously about whether it was a good idea for their reunion to take place. While eager to see Matt, she was frightened to find out if things had changed significantly in their relationship.

But now – as she slipped her favourite bracelet onto her wrist – Eve was willing to bet she couldn't feel any happier.

A smile graced her roommate's features as she flicked her vibrant red curls behind her and said, "I'm really excited for you! Oh and Jeff too, but definitely you! Love's young dream back together again." A short pause offered a light sigh. "This is so romantic."

A giggle was shared. "Well I'm really excited to see him. We were talking on the phone yesterday for about an hour and I swear, I just felt...felt as though we're stronger as a couple now."

"Aww." Maria cooed as she picked up her cell phone. "If it's alright with you I'll stay long enough to say hello and then head off."

"Sure, that's okay. What are your plans?"

"I'm going to hang out with Michelle."

The brunette tried not to let her smile drop as she asked, "Again?"

"Yeah. You know, she's really been there for me recently and I think she's about to become another close friend of mine. I know you have your doubts about her but she's just so sweet. Give her a chance, k?"

Not wanting to argue over the matter, she managed a nod. "Sure."

But truth be told, she wasn't content with her best friend becoming close with Michelle. Jealousy was not, as predicted, the cause for her discomfort; no, she just had a bad feeling about the blonde that wouldn't go away.

Since the new friends had chatted, Maria had quickly returned to her old self, all smiles as she announced that she would no longer be bothered by immature, petty rumours. This was quite the turnaround, but she didn't seem to care anymore – she was happy for things to stay as they were.

"Where are Ash and Mickie? Weren't they supposed to meet us here so we could walk out together?"

"Well," the brunette rolled her eyes as she headed for the door, "Knowing them, Mickie is probably still trying to get the bitch up."

"Eve—"

The warning tone was noted. "Oh come on, she calls me one all the time. Now can we go and walk out front? I want to look out for Matt!"

A joyful atmosphere surrounded them when they made it to the main entrance; they clearly weren't the only ones in a good mood, as several other students passed them with bright smiles on their faces while they talked to their friends and family.

"Okay, hi. Here I am." A familiar bored tone echoed behind them. Both turned, spotting Ashley first and then Mickie catching up. "Can I go now?"

"Ash, c'mon!"

"No it's okay," shrugged Eve after the redhead's protest. "You don't get on with Matt and I'm not going to force you to stay – no matter how tempting the idea is."

"Thank the Lord. Okay, bye."

Mickie rolled her eyes as the blonde side-stepped her and then turned back to them. "She's heading to the library. Her laptop isn't working so she wants to use the computer up there to check this music website..."

"How interesting." Eve made a face. "Whatever. I'd prefer it if she wasn't here anyway."

For the new few minutes or so the three discussed their classes and how they were getting along with them. Great was the answer, especially for Mickie, who'd aced her second debate – this time against Chris – with utter confidence. She simply failed to leave out the lack of confidence she had about confronting Phil, and their so-called relationship...

"Hey ladies," a familiar tone interrupted their discussion of study sessions, "What's up?"

They all smiled at Adam, who looked just to be passing by, and Maria remarked, "We're just waiting for someone. How about you?"

"I'm just heading to the library – I've got a book to check out."

As Mickie opened her mouth, Eve pinched her arm, taking over. "I'm sure that'll be interesting for you."

"Uh, I guess so. See you later."

After he stumbled off, the redhead of the group turned to voice her disapproval, only to be caught off-guard by a shiny blue car pulling into the entrance way. "Oh my gosh!" She squealed in true Maria fashion. "Matt's here!"

There was nothing like a moment of peace and quiet to ensure a relaxing Saturday morning in front of a computer screen. Unfortunately, Miss. Massaro was not being granted this, and scowled as the guys a row behind her laughed at something on their own monitor both loudly and immaturely.

Stop remembering how to break someone's nose. Stop remembering how to kill someone. Right now. You'll only end up with a prison sentence.

Clutching the mouse in a death grip, her knuckles pale and white, Ashley tried to focus on her mission instead of the anger building up inside of her. She was here to order a treat for herself, not to end up in court for attempted murder. Thankfully, as the site flashed up in front of her, the mood shifted.

Ever since she was a little girl – or eleven at the very least – she had discovered her love for genuine rock music. With her parents arguing on a daily basis over the smallest thing, her brother ignoring the whole scene, and her feeling as though she just didn't fit in with the other kids at school, she'd needed an escape from it all. The form soon came in wonderful lyrics from guitar Gods, and she found herself relying on these bands to voice the opinion she didn't dare to speak.

Now, years later, she was a music enthusiast and intent on discovering new talent to quench her thirst. As she clicked on the subtitle 'New Releases' and scanned the album titles, she realized she was now happy in herself, and all because of one particular band.

"The Used? Nice. I listened to an album preview a couple of weeks ago and the record sounds promising." She turned, her smile dropping as Adam's widened into a grin. "Hey Ashley."

"Satan." She acknowledged him grimly, turning back to the screen. She wouldn't allow him to bring her down...even though he was annoying her so much just by standing behind her seat. "Is there something you wanted?"

He chuckled lightly, leaning forward to whisper into her ear, "I think you know what I want, baby."

She ignored the tingling sensation travelling downwards at their close proximity and uttered uncomfortably, "God, you're so disgusting."

"Nope, just incredibly turned on."

Determined to keep her gaze on the Purchase Now button, she used her free hand to shove him away. "How about you go away now and I don't break your neck?"

"You're so cute." The Canadian teased but backed off all the same. "I only came to find a book anyway."

He finally left her in peace and she was relieved for the absence. But little did she know of the small bomb he'd just placed in her mind...

10, 9, 8...

She grinned as she purchased the CD and sat back in her seat. Now she had something to look forward to, at least.

7, 6, 5, 4...

And she would certainly find pleasure listening to the new tunes when Eve went off into one of her rants about something completely stupid and unimportant.

3, 2, 1...

Her grin dropped almost immediately. A moment later, she had logged off from her account and risen from her seat, scanning the book aisle until she found the guy she was looking for.

Bingo.

Fighting the urge to roll her eyes, she walked up and tapped him on the shoulder. He turned, saw her and gave the most fake look of confusion she'd ever seen. She sighed; clearly she would have to speak first. "You don't read," she pointed out dutifully.

"Really? That's news to me!"

Okay, he was really annoying her now. "I mean you can but you choose not to. You told me that yourself. So what do you possibly want to check out from here?"

"You remember me saying that from our date?"

"You mean the blackmail plan?" At his knowing smirk, she shrugged awkwardly. "In-between kicking your ass at being awesome, I can recall you'd said something like that."

He laughed, returning to the view of the neatly-stacked books in front of him. "Yeah, well, this is just something extra for Sociology."

"Fascinating." She drawled and made to leave.

But she was to be surprised when he tested his strength and seized her arm with one hand, dragging her back towards him. She barely had time to say Boo before he'd enclosed her in the small space, pressing his hands on either side of the bookcase, and his body against hers.

She tried to speak, but couldn't without sounding so unlike her. "What are you doing?"

Pleased to hear her talk so breathily, he fought the urge to smirk. "When," he said instead, "are you going to admit you're into me?"

For a moment her no-bullshit attitude completely left her body. She found herself reacting to his sensual touch and glancing down to his lips mischievously. His breath lightly blew her blonde locks, travelling to the tender part of her earlobe and making her want to...

Precisely 1.6 seconds later, she widened her eyes, shoving him away. "God, just get over yourself!" She exclaimed.

Adam watched as she stalked away, smirking as he shouted after her, "Now how can I when you keep referring to me as the Lord?"

Chuckling at the librarian's glare of disapproval, he turned back to the books, now in a much better mood than before. He had to give Eve Torres credit – this certainly had been an interesting visit.

Despite keeping Matt Hardy as her little secret, Eve was now more than willing to introduce him to people as the love of her life to just about everyone she knew. She'd grabbed his hand tightly, listening to the sweet sound of his well-remembered chuckles as she pulled him through the crowds to show him around.

It just felt so good to see him again. Her heart had lurched when his handsome features had focused on her, and she knew in that very moment that any doubts about him were scratched out now.

"I missed you." She sighed lightly when they reached her dorm room and all was quiet. She was now happy for Maria to spend some time with Michelle, as it allowed them some privacy. "How are things over the other side?"

"The same as usual. It was a little weird going back to work though after you left."

"Oh really. Why's that?"

"Well you weren't there at my lunch break, barging in with a magazine and scoffing at the celebrities in it for their bad fashion choices." A soft smile curved her lips, brightening his. "And then Jeff wasn't there to scoff at you for buying crap like that."

"Oh, Jeff!" The brunette's eyes widened. "I'm so selfish – I've been hogging you for all of today, you must want to see him!"

"I do but don't worry about it. He said he'd see me tonight before I left for the hotel. Jeff's busy."

"Too busy to see his brother?"

"Ah, well actually," he chuckled, "He's taking Candice out for the day. Apparently she's a little mad at him...over some rumour concerning Maria? Anyway, he's got some making up to do."

"Right." She nodded.

The conversation hadn't ended at all but Eve felt it was necessary to keep her mouth shut as she merely stared at him. He was here with her, right here. And it felt amazing.

"Are you alright?" He raised an eyebrow, fighting a smirk. "I thought college was supposed to make people smarter."

Clearly he was referring to her dazed look and she hit him on the shoulder before wrapping her arms around him. "I love you, Matt." She spoke truthfully. "And you have no idea how much I missed you."

A weary sigh escaped from his lips as he raised a hand to wipe away one of her many stubborn curls. "I love you, too." He uttered, wrapping his arms around her waist and pulling her closer for a kiss.

She pressed her mouth against his willingly, thinking in that very moment: he's the one. This was how she felt around him, in love and happier than she could ever possibly imagine to be. Was it possible to feel this emotionally attached to someone? She didn't know and she didn't care; she was more than in love with him.

It wasn't long until the couple discovered her bed and she, pulling him down with her, failed to remember the size of it in comparison to the one in her bedroom. An innocent giggle slipped from her swollen lips as he fell off the edge, but she soon joined him on the floor, lying on top of him as they once again become close with another.

So involved in the passion of the moment, both were oblivious to the half-open door widening and someone stepping inside. In fact, they were only aware when someone coughed awkwardly, and then attempted to leave.

But it was too late for a disappearance as Eve's head snapped to the entrance and she found herself meeting a good friend of hers. Staring at his back, she was embarrassed as she uttered his name. "Miz."

Mike turned, offering the tiniest of smiles as he glanced in-between her and the guy underneath her. He rubbed his hand across the back of his neck as they got up and straightened themselves out. "I didn't mean to interrupt anything. I was just, uh, dropping this off."

Her heart racing – from the surprise or the fact it was him, she did not know – the Latina glanced down to his hand, only to find him waving a few coloured papers in his hand. Of course. She'd told him to stop by to drop off some of the coursework they were both working on. How could she be so stupid as to forget?

"Thank you."

"No problem," he nodded and turned to Matt, "Hey, I'm Mike."

"Matt." The Hardy Boy nodded in return, and then raised an eyebrow. "She just called you Miz though."

"Oh, right. Well that's because..." He paused for a moment, glancing over to her. She looked away, seemingly unable to catch his eye. Clearly the same thought was running through their minds. "Because we're friends," he caught up, pained to find how horrible it was to say this. "We've got a couple of classes together. You must be..."

He trailed off, but Matt picked right up. "The boyfriend, yeah. Would you do a favour for me? Look out for this one – she can be a firecracker at times." He laughed.

With the guy unaware of the awkward moment, Eve attempted to join in, smacking him on the arm. "Don't pay any attention to him. I'm really not."

"Okay." Mike attempted a chuckle and backed away. "Well I won't disturb you any longer, but it was nice to meet you. See you in class, Eve."

"Sure."

After he left, Matt turned to her, shrugging slightly. "He seems nice."

"Yes, he is." She answered. Too nice to be hurt like this. Because deep down she just knew it; she had a connection with The Miz. Still, she tried her best to ignore it now, searching for the happiness she felt prior to his arrival. "So...where were we?"

She found his lips again and was able – only just – to forget about her troubles and enjoy her boyfriend's presence again.

So there's the next chapter. Please review :)

Up next is Ashley's chapter.