So so sorry this is beyond late. I've been going through a lot and I'm in the process of transitioning to a new job, so I ask that you all please bear with me. Writing this story is a lot harder than I thought it would be. Enjoy
"Can you tell?" she asked the Brit, turning from side to side in the black stretch lace shirt dress.
"Of course I can because I know it's there." Wade answered honestly as he watched her examine her form in the full length mirror hanging from the back of her bedroom door.
"Damn it." She cursed. She had hoped since the dress was layered that it would hide the small bump, but obviously she was wrong
"You look fine love, stop worrying."
"I just don't want everyone to know as soon as they see me, you know? I'd rather not be the center of attention."
Wade stood, coming to stand behind her in the mirror "I hate to be the break it to you, but you'll be the center of attention regardless. Everyone will be happy to see you. You're going to steal all the thunder away from the birthday boy."
The thought sent her nerves into a frenzy "Maybe I shouldn't go... I don't think it's a good idea after all."
"I don't think you can back out now. You already told Nikki you'd be there multiple times."
Yelena sighed, her hand finding the round of her middle, stroking it soothingly. He was right. She had talked to the Bella Twin numerous time in the past week to tie up a few loose ends for the party and just to make sure she would still be attending, to which she kept assuring that she would be present.
Up until just yesterday, when she had tried to bow out of the festivities.
"Why don't you want to come? Don't you miss everyone? I told John you were coming and his face lit up like a little kid, he was so excited." Nikki guilt-tripped
"That's kind of what I'm afraid of... Seeing everyone. The way I left wasn't the best, I haven't spoken to anyone since..."
"Yelena..." Nikki said sternly into the receiver "Are you afraid that Randy is going to be there?"
Randy. God, with everything going on these past few months, she honestly hadn't thought about the Viper once. She remembered how they had made up, promising to sit down and have lunch. She had been happy with the thought of them hanging out after their ugly breakup and if plans had worked out, where would they have been. Or better yet, what?
She didn't have time to dwell on the thought because the Nikki informed her that he wouldn't be there. She felt a sense of relief wash over, followed by a pang of sadness that The Viper would be absent from the party. A small part of her wished he would be there.
Wade placed his hands on her tense shoulders "We don't have to stay the whole day. We can leave whenever you want if you feel uncomfortable at any point in time." he said, massaging gently "That way, Nikki won't be able to say you didn't at least show up."
She leaned into him in defeat "Fine."
"One thing." he said, tugging her hair free from the elastic that held her ponytail in place. He was drowned in the smell of vanilla, which his nose welcomed a little too eagerly. His fingers ran through her onyx tresses, slightly skimming the curve of her jaw on its own accord "Better."
She let out a small hum and he snapped back into his proper senses.
They had come to the agreement that when awkward moments, much like the one that had just occurred happened,they wouldn't speak on it, just politely pretend that it hadn't happened.
"Are you ready to go?" he asked, offering her his hand
She took it before she could think twice "Let's just get this over with."
"Holy crap" she said aloud, taken aback by the size of John's million dollar mansion.
Wade opened the passenger door for her "Crazy isn't it?"
"Insane." She agreed, opening the back door of his truck to retrieve John's gift.
"Here, let me. You shouldn't be lifting that" Wade said, sliding the box from her hands.
Her heart thundered in her chest as they walked up the circle driveway to the front door. Music could be heard playing from the backyard along with the chattering of many voices.
Yelena wiped her palms on her dress, her nerves getting the better of her the closer they got.
Wade sent her a reassuring smile as he rang the doorbell.
The door swung open and there was the man of the hour.
"Well if it isn't the ghost of photography's past." John said, a boyish smile on his face, dimples flashing
She couldn't help but grin, throwing her arms around his massive form "Happy birthday John."
He returned her hug with a squeeze "I didn't think you'd actually show up. I'm glad you're here kid. We missed you."
"I missed you guys too." she told him in all honesty.
"Is that for me?" he asked, gesturing to the box in Wade's hands
"Of course. I couldn't show up empty handed."
"Then I guess I could let you in." he said, standing aside
His house was incredible, beautifully designed and fit for a McMahon, who paid for it. He gave them a tour before leading them out the back where familiar faces were mingling, eating and swimming in the Olympic sized pool with a rock waterfall and slide. Kofi cannon-balled into the pool, drenching the bystanders in water.
Nikki was the first to spot her "Yelena!" she squealed in delight, getting up from her lounge chair to greet her, Brie on her heel
"This is where I leave you I'm afraid." Wade said
"What! You can't!" She objected
"I'm afraid I can't be glued to your side all afternoon, love. People will assume."
"I really hate you right now."
"I won't go far. Try to have fun." he told her, kissing the top of her head before dashing away.
"Oh my god, you're here!" Brie said, hugging her
She tried not to tense, keeping her lower half out of reach of the slender woman's body "I told you I was coming."
A whirlwind of people came at her like a chain reaction, hugging her, asking about her whereabouts. Mike almost walked right past her and she punched him in the arm, making him double take.
"Holy hell, shrimp! Where have you been?" he asked, snatching her up, spinning her in circles
She laughed, hugging him around the neck "You could say I've been in hiding. Is that Maryse over there?" she asked, spotting the French-Canadian beauty talking to Rosa.
"That would be the future ball and chain." He joked
"I'm going to go say hello." she told him. Sneaking up behind the Latina, she swatted her lightly on the behind, making her turn around in surprise. She looked great in know her sparkly red bikini, which made her slightly jealous.
"Hey! You actually showed up!"
"I couldn't miss John's birthday." she said "Hi Maryse. How are you?"
"I'm fine Hun. Good to see you again"." The blond asked, kissing her lightly on the cheek.
Rosa passed her glass to Yelena and she eyes it suspiciously "It's soda."
"So how do you feel? Seeing everyone?" Maryse asked
"Weird." Yelena told her, glancing around the crowd. She felt so aware of the eyes on her and it made her self conscious, like they knew she was hiding something.
She tried her best to be merry, smiling and conversing with her old friends. Everyone was more than welcoming and it wasn't about her. It was John's day.
She was doing a lap around the yard with Rosa when they crossed paths with Seth, Dean, and Roman
"Doll Face." Dean said in greeting, wolfing down a mini hotdog "You made it."
Roman ruffled her hair, planting a kiss on her cheek "How've you been Baby Girl?"
"I'm doing alright Ro. When did you guys get back in town?" She asked as Seth threw an arm around her shoulder. He was dripping wet, but she didn't mind.
"Early this morning. We couldn't miss Super Cena's big shebang." Seth said
"I just came for the free food. The guy went all out. My compliments to the chef. He hired a chef to man the grill, can you believe it?" Dean said, shoving another hotdog into his mouth
"You think that's something. Have you seen the fucking life size ice sculpture? That's enough Cena for one life time." Seth said
"Slow down Ambrose, it's not going to run off the damn plate!" Yelena warned, wiping the ketchup from the corner of his mouth
"You're a little too good at shoving things down your throat for my liking." Rosa said, grinning
Dean narrowed his eyes before shoving his plate at Ro, picking the Latina up and tossing her over his shoulder with lightning speed before she could object and marching her over to the pool, promptly throwing her in, dusting his hands at his handy work before rejoining them.
Roman handed him his plate and the Cincinnati native carried on feasting.
God, she missed her guys
They were catching up, Ambrose gushing over John's overly expensive Hummingbird cake
Yelena knew right away it was Nikki's doing. John would have been just fine with a simple chocolate cake.
"I could literally eat this for the rest of my life."
Roman hummed in agreement
"Fat asses. I hope you plan on making up for that in CrossFit tomorrow." Seth scolded
"Mmmhmm." Dean agreed absentmindedly
Yelena had just picked up her fork to see what the fuss was about when she felt someone shove past her. Seth, who was standing next to her, tried to catch her before she slammed into him, accidentally smashing the plate of cake all over her.
"Damn it." She cursed turning, coming eye to eye with Alicia. She recognized the small blonde next to her as NXT rookie, Alexa Bliss.
"Oh, Yelena , I'm sorry!" she cooed
Yelena had the feeling that her apology was anything but genuine, judging by the fake smile on her face "It's... Okay."
Seth handed her a few napkins and she took them, cleaning as best she could. It was no use. The white frosting had already set in.
"Better go find Wade to take you home and change. You came here with him, right?"
Yelena could only laugh to herself. Of course. Rosa said this would happen. Obviously this was Alicia's childish way of making it known that she was none too happy about her showing up with her ex. As much as she wanted to stoop to the Diva's level, she held her composure
"Excuse me." she said
Making her was though the crowd, she found Nikki
"Hey! What happened to you?" she asked, looking at the frosting covered woman
"Alicia."
The Bella rolled her brown eyes "Come on. I'll let you borrow something of mine." she said, leading her into the house "Alicia can be such a child sometimes. I mean the guy dumped you over a text message. Stop embarrassing yourself even further."
"Nah, let her keep on. NXT will be her permanent home when she's not doing Smackdown takings."
Yelena hated to be so nasty, but she didn't appreciate the Diva's childishness. She had heard from a few of the higher ups that Alicia's attitude was what was holding her back and this just proves them right.
"How much would John charge me for rent if I move in here?" She was mesmerized by the small apartment that Nikki called a closet
Nikki just laughed, going through racks on top of racks of expensive designer clothes
Yelena picked up one of the red bottom shoes from a shelf "These haven't even hit stores yet, how the hell did you get these?" she asked jealously
"John knows people."
"Of course." she muttered
Nikki held up a cute royal blue romper "This would look fantastic on you."
Yelena snorted. Yeah it would, four months ago "It looks a bit small."
"Fine. What about... This?"
It was a maxi dress, but judging by the serious lack of material in the boob area that the Bella and her only could fill out, Yelena would do it no justice.
"How about something black?"
Black was her safest bet right now to at least try to disguise the bump in her middle
"You're no fun." the Diva pouted, pulling out a simple dark brown skater dress
"That perfect. Thank you." she said, accepting the hanger
"I'll meet you back downstairs."
Yelena stripped off her ruined dress, balling it up and setting it aside
She avoided the mirror as she stepped into the borrowed dress. It was halfway on when the door burst open
"Nicole! Bryan wanted to know if the cake was gluten free-" Brie paused with an audible gasp
Yelena tried to pull the rest of the dress up, but for some odd reason it wasn't budging.
And it was already too late. Brie had gotten an eye full.
"Oh my god, you're-"
"Please. Don't tell anyone." Yelena begged, still trying to cover herself. As embarrassed as she was, she felt a sense of relief that it was Brie and not someone else.
"Of course not. It's just... Wow, you know?This explains so much and... Do you need help?" Brie asked
"Um... Yeah, actually." Yelena giggled nervously
Brie examined the back of the dress, locating the small zipper and pulled it down
Yelena rolled her eyes "Duh."
Brie helped her get her arms through the thin straps before zipping it back up and threw her arms around the photographer, catching her way off guard
"You're pregnant!" Brie gushed happily
"I know." Yelena grinned
"I'm so happy for you, congratulations."
"Thanks Brie."
"Who all have you told?"
"Rosa, The Shield guys and Wade. And now you know. I'm trying to keep it quiet ."
"Well you're not going to do that in that dress." The twin shrugged out of the thin cover up she wore over her bikini top and shorts and handed it to her.
She slipped it on, thanking her kindly and they headed back downstairs
Chris lowered his aviators to shield his eyes from the bright Florida sun as he let himself into the backyard through the iron gate. Familiar faces greeted him left and right and he said his hellos.
Due to the cancelation of his gig in Albany, Georgia, here he was, back in town. The least he could do was show his face, chat with a few friends, drop off John's gift, and leave.
A server passed by with a glass of champagne and he gladly helped himself.
"Look what the cat dragged in."
Chris turned, coming face to face with the man of the hour and his lady "Hey. Happy birthday man!" He gave the Boston native a bro hug and kisses Nichole's cheek before she abruptly excused herself
"We didn't know you were coming. You never RSVPed."
"I got the memo a few days too late, but I figured I'd stop by."
"Well you know we're glad to have you." John told him "How long are you in town?"
"A few weeks. I think I'll be spending them at home. I'm not as young as I use to be."
"Tell me about it." John laughed
"I'll probably go say hello to a few people and be on my way."
"Stick around for a while. You never know who you'll run into. Good seeing ya."
"Likewise.."
He found Alberto, Sheamus and Ziggler, along with the Usos lounging by the pool and they chatted over a few cold ones
"So amigo when is the next return?" Alberto asked
"I'm not sure. Vince is dying to have me back. The man has left countless messages. I just... Don't know if I'm up for it."
"Whataya mean 'Not up fer it?'" Sheamus asked in his thick Irish accent "Ye getting rusty on us Jericho?"
"Did he really just ask me that bullshit?" Chris asked Jey
"I heard him say your momma." Jimmy instigated with a grin
"We'll never know until ye finally step foot in the ring with me old man." the Irishman said with a shrug
Chris grinned. When would these rookies learn? The brute was always itching to fight, which he liked about him, but he didn't not want to go toe to toe with Y2J
Before he could retort, Alberto nudged him, gesturing to his left.
Two blondes walked by and the men shushed as they did, appreciating the fine view
Chris shook his head at them "Have some respect you ass clowns, that was Flair's daughter."
He knew Charlotte since she was thirteen years old, the biggest tomboy with a mouth full of braces.
"We know that! It wasn't her we were looking at."
"Did you see the legs on that blonde?" Jey asked
Of course he did. They weren't hard to miss "Who is she?" Chris asked
"Lana. She came in with Rusev." Dolph informed
"The lucky bastard." Alberto said, eyes still glued to the Ravishing Russian's backside
"Nope, I'm will not take part in this, Trin will skin my balls and make it into a doggy bag for Cameron's little rat." Jimmy said, covering his eyes "And aren't you married?"
"Happily. There's no shame in looking."
"Sucks to be you." Dolph said "A body like that is meant to be more than looked at."
The Mexican Aristocrat only smirked "For her, I'll make an exception. I'd love to see just how strong those legs of hers are."
"Do you kiss your wife with that mouth?"
They hadn't noticed when Summer Rae and Alicia joined in on their conversation
"Oh Summer, go away!" Jey said, rolling his eyes "The big boys are talking."
"Don't you have some salsa dancing with Fandango you could be doing?" Jimmy said
"Or practicing your splits before he gets better at it than you are?" Jey chimed in as he and his twin started dancing, imitating the blonde and her partner
That got a crack of of Chris. Those two always kept him laughing
"Haha." Summer said with a roll of her eyes "Oh that's funny, is it Jericho?"
"Yeah, actually it is." he said, sipping his bear "My Dancing with the Stars run was better than the crap he does."
"So Chris, have you seen your little girlfriend yet?" Alicia asked, her face smug
"I'm sorry, my what now?" Chris asked
"Oh you didn't know?" Summer said
Chris cocked his head "Know what?"
Alicia turned to Summer with a grin "Aw, he has no clue, does he?"
"I'm surprised your buddies didn't tell you!"
"Tell me what exactly?" he asked, growing annoyed by their petty little game
"Oh my god. You seriously don't have a clue."
"Can we stop acting like children and tell me what the hell I don't know?" He mimicked in a girly voice
"Yelena is here." Alicia finally told him
His first instinct was to call her bluff "Bullshit, no she's not."
"Then why did she show up here with my ex?" Alicia asked
Chris quickly shot that down "She quit months ago." There was no damn way she could be here without him knowing. Someone would have told him by now.
But why did the thought of it make him antsy?
"She's here. I just saw her a little while ago with the Shield guys." Summer told him, glancing around "She's around here somewhere."
Chris's eyes darted around. There had to be at least a hundred people here, there was no way-
"There she is!" Alicia said
Chris's head snapped to the direction the Diva was pointing in. A familiar figure was talking to the same blonde, Lana, her back to him. He almost missed it, about to turn and let Alicia have it for lying to him
And then she turned around.
He almost didn't recognize the woman who invaded his every thought. She looked different. Her hair was black instead of its natural brown. Her face was a little fuller, her skin more golden than he remembered. She flashed a shy smile. God, how that smile haunted him
He never thought he'd see this day, that he would run into her again after all this time. A million and one different thoughts ran though his brain, but only a few were clear: She was beautiful. And she was real, standing just across the yard from him and he still couldn't believe it.
Until those beautiful green eyes met his.
It was as if time stood still. He saw the surprise all over her face. It probably looked a lot like his did. He removed his sunglasses, his brain finally allowing his body to move, his feet moving, his eyes never leaving her.
Chris
She was like a deer caught in headlights. She watched in horror as he removed his sunglasses, his eyes filled with recognition.
It was like a chill had went down her spine, the feeling of eyes watching her and she had turned, finding him in a crowd of over a hundred people almost instantly.
And he was coming straight at her.
It only took a millisecond for her to turn tail and flee through the crowd of people
"Yelena!"
She didn't look back. She walked briskly, pushing and shoving everyone and everything out of her way. Spying the glass door that Nikki had led her through earlier, she slid it open, almost tripping over the entrance way step, sliding the glass closed. Her back against the wall, she closed her eyes, panting, trying to catch her breath.
Her chest restricted painfully, a sick feeling in the pit of her stomach. This wasn't happening. This couldn't be happening to her. She should have went with her right mind and stayed in the safety of her home. How could she have thought for a moment of gat today wouldn't end in disaster? This was a fucking nightmare
Peeking her head ever so slightly, she looked out the glass. He was standing just outside, his head searching left and right and she almost literally threw herself out of view, her heart hammering.
Wracking her brain on her next move, she navigated through the giant maze of a house, fearful that every corner she turned, he would be right there. She located the front door, slipping out silently and stealing down the stairs. With everyone enjoying the party out back, no one would see her leave. She made it to Wade's truck, wanting to jump for joy when she realized it was unlocked, opting to climb into the back seat. Thanks to the tinted windows, no one would be able to see her hiding.
She turned her purse over on the seat, locating her cellphone and dialed Wade's number.
"Hello?" he answered after the second ring
"Wade." she said, her voice shaky
"What's wrong love?" he asked when he heard the time in her voice
"He's there. Chris is there." she said, wiping a stray tear, feeling like an over emotional wreck
"Shit. Where are you?"
"I'm in the truck. I couldn't... He saw me and... I ran. I couldn't face him."
"I'm on my way out to you. Alicia's been stalking me since I walked through the door."
"I'm sorry. I know this is your first time seeing everyone in a while. I don't mean to ruin the party for you. I shouldn't have come" she said guiltily
"Believe me when I say it's no problem at all. I think it's safe to say the party is over."
She could see him coming out of the front door and climbed awkwardly into the front seat with his help "Get us out of here."
"My pleasure."
Uh oh! Yelena's been spotted! Again I'm really sorry I haven't been posting chapter lately, but I don't have as much time on my hands as I use to, but I'm trying my best here. Thanks for reading. PLEASE DONT FORGET TO REVIEW!
p.s~ I think its time for a new username. I'll be changing it soon, so make sure you all follow and favorite this story to make sure you get the update alerts!