"You've got to be kidding me! That's bullshit!" I yell. The referee hadn't noticed that Punk put his leg up on the rope. He had lost the match up between him and Sheamus. I know it's usually planned out, but tonight's wasn't. It was, as I like to call it, May The Best Man Win, kind of match. After the match, I left my seat and went backstage. Everyone knew who I was by 's been about two months since that trip, where my heart and mind were both confused. What happened was, I had to make a choice. The day before I got on the plane home I had to tell them. John was fine with it. After St. Louis, he and Tiffany started going out. He said he didn't want to tell me because he wasn't sure how I would react. He was right. I was shocked, a little hurt, but mostly happy for them both. I made sure to tell them that before Tiffany and I left. Then...there was Punk. He called me as soon as I had gotten home and comfy.
"Elizabeth,we need to..." he started
"No let me explain," I interupted him. And then I told him everything. From the time when I first met him, how I knew he was the one I truly wanted, after the two weeks I had spent with him and Cena. It took nearly an hour before I stopped talking.
"Wow...that's going to take some time process. How could you do that to us?" He asked, he sounded hurt.
"Oh Punk. I don't know! I was enjoying attention I was getting from you both. I didn't mean to hurt anyone. I wasn't used to it. After what Danny did...I didn't think..." I said, trailing didn't say anything for a few minuets. I realized that I had started crying quietly when he didn't say anything. "Phil please, say something. Anything." I wiped my face, "Please?"
I heard him sigh, "I understand. He didn't treat you like you should be treated. I like I said, I'll need time to process this. I'll call you when I can." Then he hung up. Normally I don't cry over guys, I didn't really cry over Danny, I was just really mad at him. But when Punk hung up on me, I lost it. I curled up in a ball on my couch and cried.
I was numb for weeks. My sister stayed with me to make sure I didn't try to do anything stupid. I went to work every day with a fake smile on my face. I couldn't let the kids see me depressed and upset. Then one day when I was at home on a day off, and before my sister left the phone rang. It was Punk. I have his ringtone as The Cult of Personality, his ring entrance song. Andi picked it up, "You have a LOT of explaining to do! You should see my sister!" She was furious! I hadn't seen her like this since Danny. I saw her walk over to the front door. I didn't care that she had my phone. I laid back down on the couch, not caring what was going to happen. Soon I heard footsteps, two pairs of footsteps. I sat up and saw Punk. I wiped my eyes, and tried to fix my hair a little bit. I giggled a little at myself, then stopped surprised at the sound of my own laugh.
I cleared my throat, "Philip, what are you doing here?" Andi came to my side, wrapping her arm around my shoulder. I saw him wave at me. I waved back, then sat back. I looked over at Andi, she shrugged and went back to glaring at him. "I...I...wanted to surprise you. And...talk to you," he said softly. Andi tightened her grip on me, "You...really think she wants to talk to you? After doing this to her?" I help up my hand, to make her stop talking. "Andi, go upstairs. I'll be fine. If I need you, I'll come flick the light. Thank you, really." I hugged her and she got up. As she walked past Punk she stared him down hard. With a huff, she was gone.
Punk sat down next to me. I moved to the other side of the couch. I pulled my knees to my chest. I looked up at him, and wiped my eyes. He reached over and wiped away a tear. I leaned into his hand. He rubbed his thumb oh my cheek, then moved a stray hair away from my face.
"Look...Lizzie, I care about you very much. What you did, wasn't cool. I know you care about me too, and wouldn't do anything to hurt anyone on purpose," he said, he was looking..confused, and not sure what else to say. I sat up a little
"I do care for you. Maybe more than just care. You're all I want. I'm sorry," I said. I started crying again. He pulled me close to him, stroking my hair, and comforting me. I leaned into more, snuggling into his chest. I heard Andi coming down the stairs, and into the living room. I looked up, she smiled at me, "If he turns you into a big, blubbering mess again. I'll kill him. Plain and simple." I got up and hugged my sister. I knew this was going to be exactly what I needed.
Chapter 3 and half
I was in the back, near the entrance waiting for Punk. He finally came back, and pulled me into a big hug. He kissed the top of my head. I pushed back, "Ugh you're sweaty!" I giggled. He smiled at me. "Well, alright. I'll go shower and we can leave for the night. Be sure to stop by Cena's room. Tiffany is here tonight." I squealed, and quickly hugged him. "I'll be back in your locker room when I'm done talking to her." He kissed me as I left. I walked up the hallway the only sound was my heels clicking on the floor. I turned around to look at Punk, he was watching me walk away, his head cocked to the side, with goofy smile on his face. Oh Tiffany can wait, I thought. I quickly made my way back to Phil. He scooped me up in his arms and made his way to his locker room. "So...dick before chicks then?" He said kissing me. I snuggled into his chest, "Hmm...my boyfriend or my best friend? Well I can see her anytime, I only see you when you're off for a couple of weeks or when you're in the Midwest." Phil beamed at me. "That's my girl." He put me down. I had to steady myself. I was wearing brand new black ankle boots, with a new dark blue sweater dress,with black stockings, my hair was in a loose ponytail, laying on one side. Eve and Aj had taken me on a shopping trip last week. I was in training to be Punk's manager, after Paul Heyman left. So of course I had to look my best. After Punk and I got together, he begged me to quit my nanny job so I could be him. I told him I'd wait on that, but would still do the required training. So at least once or twice a week, Paul comes over and tells me what I need to do and know about being a manager for the WWE. And of course Eve called in on the lessons, as well as Vikki Guerrero. So all in all, I was in good hands.
We walked into his locker room, he set his belt on the couch, and sat down. He smiled his goofy smile and patted the spot next to him. I sat next to him, not sure of what to do next. We've only been together for a month and half. And most of that, we were hardly alone. This might be the first we've been alone since the night at my house. I felt his arm on my back, rubbing it a little. I relaxed into his touch, sitting back so he could put his arm around me. This is perfect, I thought. It was kind of an awkward silence. Which was weird, because when we're around our friends we never shut up!
I looked up at him, "I think that reff was totally blind tonight! You're foot was clearly on the rope!" He laughed. A good sign, he too was finally relaxing. Punk looked down at me, "Yeah I know, but hey what can ya do about it? He was too focused on the match. Oh and by the way, you look great tonight." He leaned down and kissed me. I kissed him back putting my arms around his neck and pulling myself closer to him. His fingers were trailing up and down my back in slow, sweet circles. I shiver a little, pulling myself closer to him. I break the kiss and pull back. Punk looked at me with that sexy goofy smile I love, "Is...everything okay babe?" I giggle a little, feeling my face turning red. He gently brushed his fingers down the side of my face. I start to blush even harder. He smiles again and kisses the top of my head. I clear my throat, "Well I thought you were going to take a shower?" He suddenly looks down as if realizing he's still in his rig attire, and laughs, "Oh right. Yeah I'll do that then we can leave. Do you mind stepping out for a few?" I nod, getting up. Before I take a step to leave, he pulls me back down so I'm laying across his lap, his face inches from mine. I giggle a little, then lean up to kiss him. He pulls me closer to him, kissing me back. After a few minuets, I break our kiss, "Go! Shower! You smell like sweat!" I tease him as I get back up. Punk slumps down, looking defeated," Fine. Go out and wait, I'll be done shortly."
While I was waiting for Punk, I noticed a camera guy following Paul Heyman down the hallway. Oh shit! I'm not supposed to be introduced yet! I quickly walk around the corner and wait for them to pass by. Strangely, Paul rounds the corner where I was at. I groan. I'm not camera appropriate! I start to flatten my hair quickly, looking in my clutch for a mirror. I apply some lip gloss, and look at myself in the mirror. I sigh, it'll have to do. By the time I was done Paul had found me. I was going through my lines in my head, hoping I didn't mess up. I was still shocked though I thought this wasn't supposed to happen til next week! I'm not ready for this! I start to hyperventilate. I quickly calm down when Paul walks up to me.
"Ah good! Elizabeth I've found you!" Paul says, faking the cheeriness in his voice, as he was supposed to. But not until next week.
"Paul! It's nice to see you! How are things?" I say, mocking his fake cheeriness as well.
"Elizabeth, do you mind if we go somewhere and talk?" he places his arm on my shoulder leading me away.
I try to get away from his grip, as it said in the script, but his grip on me tightens, I slump defeated, "Yes alright. But I have to wait for Punk..."
"That doesn't matter right now. We've got to talk more about you being a manager, " He says leading me away from the camera. As we walk off, we pretened to be deep in conversation. Finally the camera guy yells, "Cut! That was great! See ya guys next week!"
Then he walks away. Paul and I walk back towards Punk's locker room where's he's outside waiting. He's wearing loose jeans that hang so sexy off his hips, a white t-shirt with a black long sleeved shirt under it, and bright red converse. I ran into his arms. He pulls me into a tight hug, then looks at Paul suspiciously, "You had her on camera didn't you? That wasn't supposed to happen til next week!"
"Now, Punk calm down. Did you not get the text from Stephanie?" Paul asked.
Punk grabbed his phone, scrolling through it, "Oh yea. I guess I just forgot. Lizzie, did you check yours?"
I look in my clutch for my phone. Once I found it I scrolled through the messages, and sure enough there was a message from Stephanie, U have camera time 2nite. DONT 4GET! Oh wow she pulled out the shouty caps. Oh she's gonna be mad when she finds out I was so unprepared. Well if she finds out. I thought I was okay tonight. Punk put his arms my waist, pulling me into him. He nuzzled my neck, making me giggle. Paul stood there looking very impatient. After Punk and I were done flirting and laughing, we settle down. Punk pulls me into him again. "Fine, what is Paul?" He asks resting his head on my mine, holding both my hands in front of us.
"Punk if she's going to be your manager, you'll have to cut the puppy love on camera. Otherwise the fans won't buy it," Paul said.
"Paul, sweetie, I don't have any manager lessons until next week. Please let me spend a few hours with my boyfriend," I say smiling sweetly.
Paul sighed loudly and rolled his eyes, "Fine. I'll see you next week."
"And on that note, Paul we're out of here!" Punk said as he grabbed my hand, leading me out of the building. I laughed the whole time he was pulling me away.
"You're my hero, Mr. Brooks!" I said in a with a horrible fake southern accent. Punk laughed, and pulled me in for a kiss, "Anytime Miss Snyder." I could feel the heat from my face emitting as he looked down at me. Then I started into a fit of giggles. Why does he have this effect on me? I've never felt so much love and admiration from someone before. It was different, wonderful. Danny was always so distant, it seemed like he didn't care. My subconscious was tapping her foot, looking down her pointy nose, Don't think about him right now! You've got a wonderful man in front of you, don't let 'Danny' make a hostile take over now! She was right. I shook my head a little to clear my thoughts. I couldn't let him come back into my mind now, not while I'm with Punk. He's the best thing to ever happen to me. I let out a content sigh and follow Punk to his car. In the all time I've known Punk, I have never once seen what kind of car he drives. I always thought of him as a classic car kind of guy. Like a 1978 Camaro or something. I was wrong. He led me to a dark blue Jaguar XKR-S. A brand new one from the looks of it. The gear head me suddenly burst out, "Oh my god! Really? Wow! V8 and everything?" I had to see what was under the hood. Punk laughed, "Smart, beautiful and knows cars. How did I get lucky?" I giggle as he goes into the car and pops the hood. I let out a long whistle, "Damn! Look at all this! Can't wait until I can afford one. Ooh I'd be racing the streets like a mad-woman! Ooh baby! Start it up! Please?" I look at him from behind the hood. He started it up. The engine roared to life, then began to purr. A sudden shiver ran down my spine. Oooh I love the sound. I laughed at myself. "Ooh, baby! This car is...sexy!" I laugh, looking at the look his face, "What? I love it!" Punk starts to laugh, "Haha oh Elizabeth just when I think I have you figured out." I laugh with him, grabbing my sides. After our laughing fit, we got in the car and left.
"No! NO! NO! Elizabeth if you want to be a good manager, you have do what I tell you!" Paul Heyman yelled at me again, for like the tenth time that day. I sighed, and slouched in my chair rubbing my temples.
"Paul I know! Okay? I know! Be mean, but nice. Appease the to audience, play Little Miss Tough Girl, get in the officials faces when something isn't right. Stand tall and proud, be fierce, strong, and nice when it matters. Why do I have to keep doing this?" I say with a loud sigh.
Paul starts to pace the room again. He put his hands in the air, then clapped them together, "Well fine it seems that my time here today was a complete waste! You're still not ready! Can't you see that?" I stare at him, anger starting to swell up and emit off of me in waves. Oh this man was frustrating! Ugh! Now I understand why no one wants him as their manager! Ooh Philip is going to hear about this the next time I saw him! I raise my hand in defeat. I get up again, and walk to the middle of the room where I was standing, "Fine...fine!" Paul stands there with arms crossed looking pleased.
"Good! Now, can we continue?" Paul starts to go on and on about what I need to look like, how I need to act (stuff I already know), what is and isn't appropriate to wear, (telling me what I had on last week was appropriate, I needed to buy more dresses like that), and finally, something he wanted to tell me with Punk around. I rolled my eyes, putting my hands on my hips, tapping my foot, with my arms across my chest. I was starting to get impatient. I wanted to go! I had dinner plans with my sister. I wanted to go! But nooo Paul insisted on keeping me here, locked up in my house, looking fabulous, while my sister was possibly having a good time. I paced the room while he sat there all smug, flappin' his jaws like he was actually telling me somethine useful. I mean he was but I was tired of hearing it! There wasn't any point. My brain is going to explode if he keeps talking.
"Paul c'mon! You've been here all daaaaay. Please can we take a break?" I ask when he finally stops talking. I look at him with my best puppy eyes. He stares at me, with one eyebrow raised, as if trying to read what I was thinking.
"Please Paul? I was supposed to meet my sister an hour ago!" I say, tapping my foot impaitently. He finally gives in
"Fine. Go. But we'll continue this tomorrow. Is it alright if I stay here tonight?" he says
"Yea sure. The guest bedroom is downstairs. It's the room off of the living room. And THANK YOU! I'll be back sometime tonight! BYE!" I say as I run down the stairs. Free! I was free! I grabbed my purse off one of the chairs in the kitchen and ran out of the door. I checked my phone. It was nearly 9 pm. Ugh! My sister isn't going to be happy. I've never been late for a girls night. I texted her really quick when I got into my car, and then left.
I met my sister at the usual spot, an arcade called 1984. We always meet there before we do anything else. I hadn't realized how cold it was outside until I walked to the arcade. I shivered. Ugh, I knew I should have grabbed a jacket or something. I hate cold weather! But it comes with it being fall. I shrugged, laughing at myself. Right no one can hear my thoughts, only me. I laughed again, and started looking around for Andi. I find her at the snack bar. I go up to her, putting my hands over her eyes, "Guess who?" She turns around and hugs me tightly.
"Andi! You act like you haven't seen me in like a year!" I say, laughing, hugging her back. I pull her back,"It's only been a couple of weeks. Are you okay?" She smiles at me.
"Yea everything's fine. I just missed you is are you?" I look at my sister, something is wrong and she's not telling me. I shrug and start to tell her all about today's lesson, when I'll have camera time, how things were with Punk. Andi sat there, listening. I finally stopped talking. I glanced over at her. She was playing with the hem of her shirt, then started tapping her fingers on the counter in front of us.
"Andi, what's wrong?" I reach over, rubbing her knuckles with my thumb. She squeezed my hand, then smiled sadly.
"I...wasn't supposed to tell you this, because it'll interfere with your career, and Mom doesn't want you get fired," she says, looking down. My heart starts to race, my thoughts going wild. I calm down my breathing, then take my sisters hand in mine.
"Andi, sweetie, what is it?" I ask
She pulls her hand out of mine and starts to play with the hem of her shirt again. Then she starts sobbing. I help her up and take her to the bathroom of the arcade. When she sits down, I grab some paper towels, and start to wipe off her face, mostly under her eyes. She calms herself down, then looks up at me with sad eyes.
"Daddy...is...sick. Really sick! He's been in the hospital, while you've been doing your manager lessons! Mom didn't want to tell you because she knew you'd put everything you've worked so hard for on hold. She doesn't want you to. She does want you to see Daddy before leaving though. We all thought he'd be out by now," Andi stops talking, and starts crying harder. While I was working my ass off, I could have been with our dad! I lower myself to her level, and pull her into a hug. We both sat there for a while, crying and holding each other. We were interrupted by someone banging on the door, "Open the door! Geez how long does it take for girls to powder their noses?!" Whoever this guy was, he sounded pissed. Andi and I got up and checked ourselves in the mirror. We giggled a little bit, then walked out the door. The guy standing there was really cute. He started eyeing both of us, then a wicked smile spread across his face, "Oh ladies, I'm sorry, please continue whatever you were doing." I guess he noticed that our faced were flushed from crying. Then it hit me! Ugh! That perv! I smiled sweetly at him as we walked away.
"Andi, thank you for telling me that. Does Mom really think I'll just stop what I'm doing to be with you guys?" I ask as we walk out the door. The cool air felt wonderful on my face. I ran my fingers in my long hair trying to figure out what was going on.
"Yes she 's so proud of you! I think secretly she wants you to. I mean you really weren't there when Grandma and Grandpa passed away, and I know that wasn't your fault, Mom and Dad both know that too. I...I just don't know. Can we go back to your house? I don't think I can stand another night at the hospital," she says, holding her sides as we walk to my car.
"Of course," I say when we get to it, "Are you okay to drive? Or do I need to send someone to get your car later?"
She wipes her eyes with her sleeve and takes a big deep breath, "I'm fine. You go on ahead. I need to call Mom to let her know where I'll be tonight." She hugs me then walks over to her little Tracker. She needs a safer car, I thought. I start the car and drive off into the night. Oh Paul isn't going to like this. Andi was right, I am going to put all of what I want on hold. My dad is more important than money. I grab my phone from the pocket of my jeans and scroll down to Punk's number. It's not that late I thought, he'll be awake. The line rang and rang, then went to voice mail. I left a quick message explaining what was going on, and telling him to call back. It was odd, he always answers when I call. I wonder what he's doing? Then I remembered, he was supposed to be comint to see me soon, and would be there when I got home. Shit shit shit! I totally forgot! What with Paul Heyman up my ass about stuff I already know, Andi dropping all of this on me. I could actually use a night in arms.
When pulled into the driveway, I noticed that there were four cars there. I knew three of them, but the fourth was one I had never seen before. It didn't look like Punk's car. He's got that beautiful Jaguar, this one was a remodled 1966 Mustang. But what was it doing at my house? I shrugged as I got out of my car, and walked to my house. Before I could even get my house key ready, my sister comes rushing outside, grabbing my hand, practically dragging me inside. Paul must be bugging her. I laugh quietly to myself. Once inside she quickly pushes me up the stairs, so I don't have time to see who else is here. We get to the top of the stairs and then she leaves. What was that all about? I wonder. I shrug and walk to the other side of my room where my bed is. I flop down and hear an, "Oof!" I jump up nearly screaming, then smile when I see who it is. I jump into his waiting arms, snuggleing close to him. Punk lifts my chin and plants a sweet, sweet kiss on my lips. I eagerly kiss him back.
"Someone's happy to see me," he says grinning.
I blush a deep scarlet, and giggle,"I've missed you!" I lean up and quickly kiss him again. Then I get up, pacing the room a little, "Paul called you didn't he?" I realize by then I'm furious. How dare he go behind my back! I start to calm down a little when it hits me that Punk was supposed to come over this week, although he wasn't supposed to be here until tomorrow, Saturday at the latest. I stop pacing, I'm over thinking again. I sigh. Whatever I should just be happy that my boyfriend is here. I look over at Punk, he looks very confused. I just smile sweetly and sit on his lap, wrapping my arms around his neck.
"Is...everything okay up in that pretty little head of yours?" Punk says, running his fingers in my hair. I nod, replying with a kiss. I feel him smile against my lips. He pulls me down so we're both in the bed now. I'm laying on top of him. I see him grin sheepishly. I put my hands on his chest and sit up, "Ooh no baby, not tonight. Not with my sister and Paul here. You're crazy." Punk sits up. I have to adjust my self a little, so I put my legs on either side of his hips. He leans in and puts his forehead against mine. He's so close our noses are touching. He looks into my deeply, as if looking inside of me. I bite my lip gently, and look away blushing. Punk runs his fingers in my hair, then moves his arms around my waist, resting his hands on my lower back. The moment is so...charged. I wrap my arms around his neck, locking my fingers at the back of his neck. I love being so close to him. It's only been a couple of months, yet I feel myself falling totally and completly in love with him.
He sighs and puts his head against mine again, "Alright, not tonight. I've a feeling that you're going to want to spend the night in my arms." He lets out a light laugh. I join in with him, "I want nothing more than that. Paul has been riding me all week!" He gently brushes a lock of hair away from my face, "So I've heard. He says you're not ready. Are you?"
I sigh, "I am ready! I've been ready! I just don't understand why he doesn't see it. What am I not good enough to be your manager?" Punk laughs, he just laughs, like a gut busting laugh. I try to get up, but he holds me in place. I glare at him, not breaking eye contact at all. He smiles that crooked smile that I love. I give in, and lean against his chest. "Baby, if you say you're ready, than you are. Don't let him hold you back. You have camera time next week. Hunter has made sure of that," he says, quiet enough for me to hear. I nod slowly, agreeing with him. Of course he's right! My subconscious snides, tapping her foot. I give her a mental shove, Shut up! Go...read a book! I smile with satisfaction,"All right. I'm right he's wrong! Yes!" We both laugh falling back on the bed, he lays next to me pulling me in arms. I'm not sure how late it is, but soon I drift to sleep.