Chapter 5:

Haley entered the Mellon Arena in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania the following week, for their latest Monday Night RAW taping. Tonight, she was scheduled for a six Diva Tag Team match with Maria and Ashley, versus Melina, Jillian and Katie Lea. Meanwhile, Mickie James would take on Beth Phoenix to prove her victory over the Glamazon right before Backlash wasn't a fluke.

"Hey." Randy Orton fell in step beside her and lifted her gym bag onto his shoulder. "Where have you been stranger?"

"Sorry Randy, I went home for the rest of the week, for some much deserved time off from the house shows." Haley informed him. "How's it going?"

"Not too bad, but if Regal puts the lights out on my match again, I swear…" He trailed off, not finishing his threat.

"He'll start losing business soon enough." She assured him. "That will take him off his high horse, and suddenly McMahon won't be so pleased with him."

"I have to face CM Punk tonight." Randy rolled his eyes. "I should be focusing on Hunter only."

"Think of it as a prep match." Haley suggested, unsure how to handle the subject with Randy. On one hand, she'd be happy for one of her best friends to regain the title. In fact, she thought it was kind of cool that for the few weeks after Wrestlemania they had held championships together.

Yet, on the other hand, Hunter Hearst Helmsley was Haley's mentor and one of the reason's she even made it to Wrestlemania. He was a hero in her eyes, being there for her during a time when she had felt completely isolated. Not only that, but while Randy was an incredible athlete, there were still a couple things he could learn from the Game. Holding the title alongside Hunter seemed to be even more appropriate than with Randy.

"Oh, I definitely do. It's also a warning to Punk. When I regain my WWE Championship and he decides that the title he wants to cash in for, then he's in for a reality check." Randy nodded confidently. "Kind of like how you've been putting that Katie girl in her place."

"I'm just looking forward to the day when the Manazon is finally out of my hair." Haley rolled her eyes. "I'm so sick of her. I won this title fair and square at Wrestlemania. I retained it on a pinfall the next night. I was even nice enough to give her one more shot at Backlash and I pinned her again."

"Haley, as long as you hold that belt the she-man's going to be on your case." Randy chuckled.

"No way in Hell am I giving this belt up." She glanced down at the gold that she toted on her shoulder. "I worked too damn hard for it."

"Then I don't know what to tell you." The Legend Killer shrugged. "But hey, I have to go get ready for my match. Do you want to grab a drink with me after the show?"

"We'll see." She waved him off, continuing down the hallway. She probably wouldn't, just so she wouldn't offend Hunter. She was caught in the middle of her friends a lot at the moment, but when it came to Triple H, her loyalty would remain intact.

"Haley." A new, but familiar voice called out in greeting.

She looked up and smiled peculiarly at Ken Kennedy. "Hey Troublemaker, you're creating quite a fuss these days."

"Isn't that my specialty?" He smirked.

She laughed. "Still, this proverbial stone you've dropped has created a lot of ripples. It's more than just you who's feeling them."

"Ah, but that's the best kind of trouble." He shrugged. "You turn it up until it gets real loud."

"Funny." She shook her head, bemused. "You look good, Ken. Welcome back."

"Thanks, so do you." He eyed the belt on her shoulder. "Congratulations on winning your title, and the successful retaining of it."

"Thank you." She offered him a real smile. "This may be frowned upon, but I hope Regal gives in to the match. King Kennedy Kennedy sounds a heck of a lot more appealing than King Regal."

"Well duh." Kennedy rolled his eyes. "That's because I'm Misteeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeerrrrrrrrrr…KENNEDY!" He paused for dramatic effect. "KENNEDY!" He echoed.

She giggled appreciatively. "Right. Hey, I know this isn't part of your job description, but do me a favor and look out for Hunter out there. If you do, he'll watch your back in return. Plus, I need him around to keep me sane with all the crap that's going on around here."

Kennedy nodded. "Already planned on it. The Game and I have no history, no dislike, nor like of one another. Shouldn't be too hard to work with the guy."

"Well, regardless of your reasons, I appreciate it." She gave him a small wave. "I'll catch you around later. Good luck with Regal, and your match tonight."

"Yeah, I'll see you around." He gave her a slight salute. "Same to you too. Kick some ass out there."

"And that, is what I do best." She shot him a smirk over her shoulder, before making her way down the hallway to the locker room she'd be sharing with Chris.

One thing was certain, now that Kennedy was back; things were certainly going to be interesting around here again.