It's 4 o'clock in the morning and I have class in a few hours. Apparently, I love busting my ass to get these chapters out for you guys. I hope you all enjoy! And as always, I would like to give a special thanks for those who reviewed: therealchamps, 1222mercedes1222, my time is now, GlamaHart32, awesomeone21, Cena's baby doll, Hi14 x, and Bingobaby.

"If I had known I wasn't going to have dinner alone, I would've bought more chicken."

John, who was absentmindedly strumming his fingers against the marble countertop , barely reacted to Alyssa's comment. He was too busy ruminating over Randy that he missed to notice Alyssa intently staring at him.

"John, are you okay?"

"Huh? What?" he snapped out of his daze and looked at her blankly.

There was complete silence.

"Are you sure you don't wanna help make dinner?"

John, getting up from the stool to stand beside her, smiled. He then leaned down and kissed her lips softly. Although this wasn't their first today, it still instantly sated his racing heartbeat. "I'd love to help. What do you want me to do?"

"Well," Alyssa pushed the plate full of bread crumbs in front of him then followed it with the plate of raw scrambled eggs. It sloshed over on the counter, but she ignored it. "First, stop thinking about whatever you're thinking about."

John's eyes shifted from the counter to her face. For a moment, he wasn't thinking about Randy or what he'd done or what he'd do to him. His mind was at a standstill.

"Second, dip a chicken breast into the eggs, coat it with bread crumbs, then fry. I'll go ahead and start making the sauce for the pasta."

She left his side to pull a pot from the lower cupboards and John immediately reverted to thoughts of Randy. When she returned, he was idly standing still.

"John-" Alyssa set the pot on the counter. The noisy contact of metal to marble wasn't enough to distract John from his bogged thoughts.

"I'm sorry." He turned to her, his eyes soft. "I'm just having a hard time processing all of this."

"I know you are, but we have each other again. That's all that matters." She reached up to cup his cheek, and he gladly let her cradle it. But when he still didn't say anything, she frowned. "What would make you feel better?"

"I want answers. I don't know." He shrugged and pulled away from her hand. The thumping in his chest was getting harder again. "How could that bastard do something to you then lie to my face about it? Why the hell-"

As soon as Alyssa's eyes fell to the floor, John immediately stopped talking. The anger cursing through him froze and was gradually replaced with a sense of guilt. He stared at her frown, willing himself to get it together. He then lifted her face up with his two fingers. "I'm sorry. This is probably why you didn't wanna tell me."

"No, John." She shook her head and tried to smile. "It'd be selfish of me to expect you to feel okay about what happened. You have the right to feel mad, and I cant deny you of those emotions. Don't worry about me. It's just, I don't know how to give you answers to those questions."

John leaned closer, amazed at how strong this woman was being. "It's not your job to, so please, don't feel responsible. Thank you, but I really don't wanna make it any harder on you."

"John, like I said, don't worry about me. I have you again and that's all that ever mattered."

His eyes lingered on hers and suddenly, he found himself smiling. He tucked some loose hair behind her ear before using his fingers to trace the contour of her jaw. The warmth from her skin was comforting. He'd been deprived of that feeling for awhile now so this was refreshing. He was always a better man whenever Alyssa was around. "I fuckin' missed you."

She giggled at his profanity. She'd always been drawn to the thuganomics in him. "I've missed you too, John."

He watched her bite her bottom lip. Despite the fact that she was crying just an hour ago, evident through the puffiness under her eyes, she looked like the happiest person on earth. Not a hint of sadness was present in her orbs, and John was convinced she was even more beautiful than the last time he saw her. "I think I still remember where your room is."

She narrowed her eyes, smiling deviously at him. "Did you just invite yourself, Cena?"

"I did," he smiled proudly. "Want me to take you there?"

When she responded by simply holding her smile, he gladly swept her off her feet and placed her over his shoulders. Suddenly, the quiet house was filled with her laughter. It traveled everywhere that he led her: out of the kitchen, through the living room, into the hallway.

She gasped for air in between giggles and tried to get some words out. "John! The food! What about the food?"

Ignoring her question, he barreled his way to the bedroom then set her down gently. The sheets were much softer than he expected and it was a pleasant surprise. Complete darkness enclosed them, but neither of them cared. All they cared about was each other.

John leaned down to kiss her as she frantically unfastened the buttons on his shirt. When she freed him of it, she wrapped her legs around his torso, bringing him even closer. He willingly indulged the softness of her skin and her sweet lavender scent. The heat in between them was amplifying. The only sounds in the room was their ragged breathing and the small moans permeating Alyssa's throat. John's touch was driving her crazy and her center was continuing to heat as he snaked his hand to completely undress her.

"I love you," he mumbled against her lips. "I'm about to show you I never stopped."

Alyssa felt herself sink deeper onto the mattress. Her muscles were liquefying. She was losing her breath, but she knew this man was going to sate every single thing she's ever wanted.

So far, this was already going better than their first time.

Alyssa stretched her arms over her head and chuckled. "Ah, nothing like coming back to work early."

The sterile smell and dull paint in the arena wasn't making her feel welcome at all. Thankfully, the man beside her was enough to spruce some excitement. After all, he was the sole reason for her early return. John had asked her to come on the road with him, and despite having two more days off work, she said yes. The two couldn't possibly keep away from each other.

"Thank you for coming, baby." John's eyes gleamed. Having her around made a significant difference in his otherwise banal routine.

Instead of replying verbally, she simply winked at him.

John patted the cold plastic he sat on. "Come sit next to me."

She scrunched her nose and shook her head. "We've been sitting the past few hours. I need some circulation. Besides, I should probably find Vince and let him know I'm here."

John frowned. "I take you to work and you leave me as soon as you get the chance?"

"Oh, John, don't be so dramatic." Alyssa playfully rolled her eyes. "Besides, you gotta leave for your match soon. I'll be back before you know it."

"Okay but make it soon. I miss you already."

"Yes sir!" she answered energetically, a big smile on her face. She leaned down to kiss him and as soon as their lips made contact, Alyssa heard someone call out her name. She stood straight in response and looked to where the voice came from.

About ten feet away was a pale Randy.

Before Alyssa was able to process his presence, John was already on his feet. Both of his hands automatically formed fists.

"You guys are going out?" Randy asked. Other than the crinkle in between his eyebrows, there was no trace of emotion on his face.

John opened his mouth to talk, but Alyssa beat him to an answer.

"It's really none of your business," she said, her voice firm.

Hurt registered on Randy's face, but it disappeared as soon as he blinked. He was realizing just how little shock he felt about all this. He should've known. It was obvious. They were obvious.

Randy's eyes stayed on Alyssa even as she looked away to look at John. The both of them began to walk away without even bothering to give Randy a second glance. And for some reason, for him, this felt even worse than when Sam walked away from him.

There was more bounce in her step, and Alyssa knew this was all because of John. She smiled as she distanced herself further and further away from Vince McMahon's office. Their talk went well; it wasn't as strenuous as usual by a mile. He simply acknowledged her return but said there was no work for her to do until later. Surely, Alyssa wasn't complaining. This meant that she'd have more quality time with John.

She hummed along the hallway of the arena but stopped when a pair of high heels started clicking behind her. Curious, she turned her head and was met by an unfamiliar brunette.

"Oh, hi!" The brown haired woman walked up to her and smiled.

"Hey, do I know you?" Alyssa fully faced the stranger.

"Oh, no. My name's Stacy. I'm new around here; I just got hired a few days ago."

"Oh, really?" Alyssa titled her head at an angle. She wasn't aware the WWE was looking for a new employee. "Well, congratulations, Stacy. It's nice to meet you."

The brunette held a proud smile. "Nice to meet you too. And your name is?"

"Alyssa."

"Alyssa," Stacy repeated. She held out her hand, forcing Alyssa to step closer to reach her. As they shook hands, she noticed her waxy complexion. Stacy had on too much perfume and her lip liner extended beyond their natural lines.

As soon as Alyssa was able to retreat her hand, she crossed her arms and watched as her new claimed coworker sauntered down the hallway. There was something off about her, but she just couldn't put her finger on it.

Before Alyssa was able to mull over it some more, someone else appeared in her peripheral view. She didn't have to look directly to know who it was. The buzz cut, the slenderness, and the tattoos said it all. It was Randy.

Not knowing what else to do, she turned her heel and bolted straight to another direction.

It wasn't long before Randy's voice and footsteps followed her. "Al, wait."

She took a few more steps hoping he'd give up and go away. But after years of knowing him, she'd gotten well acquainted with his persistence. So, she faced him head on. She was ready to get this over with. She turned so fast, she nearly got a whiplash. "What, Randy?"

"You and John are going out?"

Alyssa narrowed her eyes. She couldn't decide if the pounding in her ears or his question was more annoying. "What the hell does that have anything to do with you?"

"He's been sleeping around. Did you know that? He can't be doing that if you guys are really going out."

Her lips formed a tighter hyphen. Not only was this conversation an annoyance, it was starting to hurt, too. Randy salted a wound she didn't even know she had. But she wasn't going to let him know that. "Randy, this is really none of your business."

"Why, are you just another one of those girls?"

"Leave me-"

"Alyssa, he's just gonna hurt you!" he blurted out. Frustration bled deep into his voice. To say he was more deeply affected than her was an understatement.

"You don't know that," she replied steadily. Calmly. Definitely.

"And you don't either."

"I'm aware of the risk involved, okay? You have enough shit on going to be concerned about me, anyway. So please, do us both a favor and just back the fuck off." Alyssa walked away before the mounting anger got the best of her. She didn't bother looking back. And thankfully, Randy didn't stretch their departure by tailing her again. He simply let it be, and that's exactly what she was planning to do. Never again would Randy Orton control her.

Alyssa felt like a little kid peeking early at her Christmas presents. A shirtless John Cena was in front of her; it was impossible not to stare. Who could blame her? The man was built, his skin was flawless, and not to mention, his face was definitely not bad to look at.

She was sitting on the toilet with the cover down and across from her was John's bare back. He was facing the mirror for his nightly shave and the way his muscles flexed with every move was driving her crazy. The fancy upholstery, the chandelier, and the broadway lights in their hotel bathroom was barely making an impression. Her eyes were far too marinated in John to notice anything else.

"Enjoying the view back there?" John smirked. He was getting ready to rinse when he noticed, through the mirror, a pair of eyes on him.

"Oh, yes. Yes, I am."

John's shook his head disapprovingly before bending lower to splash himself with water. If it wasn't for all the foam on his face, he would've set her on the bathroom counter and had his way with her. No doubt. Fortunately, the noise from the faucet and the cold water to his face was enough to deter him from his carnal wishes. At least, for a little bit.

John turned off the running water before patting his face dry. Right when he turned, a ringing sound emitted in the distance. The both of them exchanged looks.

"That's yours," Alyssa stated, instantly recognizing his ringtone. "Want me to get it while you finish your manly duties?"

John tossed the towel and shrugged. "You don't have to, baby."

"I will. It could be important. Who knows, you might have another last minute Make-A-Wish Foundation meeting."

John watched as Alyssa got up and walked out of the room. He, too, enjoyed the view. She was in her dusty rose silk nightgown and the white lace trim was making it even harder to look away.

Alyssa shook her head once she was completely out of his view. Even without eye contact, his gaze burned deep into her. To deviate from trance, she focused on looking for his phone. When it didn't appear to be on any of fixture surfaces, she searched for his jean shorts. It hung over a swivel chair. She reached into his oversized pocket, the fabric dwarfing her hand in comparison, and pulled out its contents.

In her hands ended up to be more than what she bargained for. There was some coldness from his dog tags, as well as from the metal from his phone, but more alarming was the crumpled up piece of paper. She straightened it out, unable to fully eliminate its creases, and read the name Candy. Underneath appeared to be her phone number and a small note that said: I had a lot of fun teaching you new tricks last night. Can't wait to do it again. Call me.

Alyssa ran through the implications. Last night, John was with her. That quickly eliminated the chances of this note being recent. It must have been from before he came back to her.

But, even with that assurance, Randy's words began to echo. He's been sleeping around.

This was tangible evidence. He has been sleeping around. Alyssa crumpled up the piece of paper and shook her head. He was sleeping around. He wasn't anymore. He was with her now. Her and only her.

She was sure of this but even that didn't keep her from remembering the very moment she caught her first boyfriend cheating on her. Finding this note in John's pocket was too much of a resemblance.

Hunger was extremely difficult for Alyssa to endure and the fact that her own boyfriend deserted her for 'a few minutes', that magically was turning into over an hour, was making her head boil.

"Be back after I buy a binder my ass," she hissed.

She was in his room, and it didn't help that there was absolutely no food in his house. At the age of seventeen, she was unlike many of her schoolmates and was without a license. She didn't even have her permit yet.

The faint drizzle outside had regretfully turned into heavy rain. She could hear the water sloshing relentlessly against the iron roofs, providing her no sense of comfort whatsoever. She was stuck. And hungry. And alone.

"Where the hell are you?" she groaned at her absent boyfriend. She refused to give him a call; she couldn't dare being sent to voice mail for the tenth time.

She looked around his room and noticed the pieces of discarded clothing on the floor, random papers, controllers, and several days old plates. She was surprised she hadn't noticed the stench sooner. She was truly in a male's bedroom. So, to distract herself from the hunger and annoyance erupting inside of her, she got up and decided to clean up. She always fancied clean rooms and since this seemed to be her extended confinement place by default, she figured she might as well do herself the favor.

She started by scooping everything off the floor. She stacked the wrinkled pieces of paper on top of each other and set it on his desk. Then, she tackled his controllers and thanked God for wireless. This eased her right into folding his clothes. It was the part most familiar to her considering she worked for retail.

She was mindlessly folding his shirts, boxers, and sweaters. Then, she picked up a pair of his jeans and noticed a big bulge where his pockets were sewn in. Hovering her hand over the course denim, she slipped her hand into the slit and removed the items from his pocket. She figured he forgot they were there and would want to see them. Among the variety of objects she pulled out, one item in particular stood out.

Her eyes furrowed at the piece of paper at hand. She read the writing but it took much longer for the words to register in her head. She read it twice, three times, four times. Even after the fifth time, she still couldn't believe what it said: Hey babe. You are the most amazing boyfriend ever. Thank you for the flowers. Purple's my favorite color, but I see you already knew that.

It was signed by Melanie.

Melanie.

Alyssa's vision began to blur at the sight of that name. Melanie was his supposed cousin. And the purple roses she caught him with yesterday was for his supposed cousin.

Alyssa looked up in horror as the door flew wide open. Her boyfriend walked in, with no binder in hand, and she knew immediately where he'd been and who he'd been with. Melanie.

"Baby, who was it?"

Alyssa found herself looking up simultaneously with the visions of her seventeen year old self. She simply stared, unable to bring herself back into the present fast enough.

John made his way towards her, but before he got to see, she slickly shoved the piece of paper back into his shorts.

"Oh, um, I don't know. But they left you a text message." Alyssa slid the phone onto his hand in the hopes that it'd distract him from her shaken state.

She watched him study the screen.

"How much were there in the three weeks we spent apart?" The words were out before she could stop them.

John looked up, faint light bouncing on his face from the cell phone screen. He epitomized a statue.

Alyssa blinked and her silence told John that he needed to speak up.

"Uh…just…just to make sure we're on the same page, are we talking about the women?"

Alyssa silently nodded her head.

John looked away nervously. He wasn't bothering to count; he just didn't know what to say.

Alyssa nodded her head again and shifted her weight on one foot. "That many, huh?"

"But none of them made me feel the way you do," John answered right away.

Alyssa smiled. It took a lot more effort than she expected. "I believe you. I was just wondering how many there were."

John shrugged. "It doesn't matter. None of them mattered. It was just to pass time- kinda like walking around the mall and seeing all the things for sale. You never really remember what was there unless it was something you were specifically looking for. Or something you specifically wanted. And for me, that's always been you."

A smile of satisfaction formed Alyssa's features. "Nice analogy you made there, John."

"I love you, Alyssa. I mean it." He tossed the phone on the bed to free his hands, which allowed him to nurse her cheeks with his large thumbs.

She welcomed the warmth of his touch and looked deeply into his eyes. Her heart was fluttering. "I love you, too."

And as those words escaped her lips, Alyssa hoped and prayed that with John, there would be no Melanie.

I hope the flashback brought a little more insight into Alyssa's past. There's more where that came from. What'd you guys think? Please let me know. Feedback is ALWAYS appreciated. It'll only take a few seconds to type, and it'll for sure leave a smile on my face to last the whole day. Heeeey! Haha. Until next time!