Out of My Hands - A Randy Orton Fanfic

[Annaya]

Chapter 20

The following Sunday night, in Italy


“How long are you going to stay there?” Ally asked.

She’s in Louis’ room, and he was doing some last minute packing for his trip. He and his father are supposed to leave in a few hours.

“Just a week, I think.” Louis said, “Do you think I should bring this tie?”

“You packed enough ties.” She said, “I’m not sure I can handle what your father asked me to do. Can’t you stay and do it instead?”

“Ally, it’s just an opening.” He said, “You will just be there to represent the family. You don’t have to talk business at all. You’ll be fine. Just enjoy. Have fun.”

Ally sighed, “That’s exactly it. You know I hate crowds.” She said, “Especially when I don’t even know anyone there.”

Louis smiled. He always thought it was endearing how she can be so shy.

“You’re not going to be alone. Simone will be there to assist you.” He said, “She can show you shops to buy a dress you can wear to the party.”

“It doesn’t matter what I’m wearing.” She said, “I won’t be there to please any of them...I just…I don’t want to disappoint your father.”

“I know. I know…” Louis said, taking her hand. “You are going to be fine. You have to believe in yourself. You can do this. If you’re in doubt about anything at all…you can call me. I will pick up no matter what time it is, alright?”

She nodded. She had no choice anyway. Besides, the Salvatores are treating her like family so she wants to repay them in any way she could.

The professor had asked Ally to see over the opening of the new branch in Paris. They already had a small office there, but the new one is just in the heart of the fashion capital and it is going to bring in bigger business.

The Salvatores run an advertising business in several fashion capitals of the world, except in Asia and America. But they are starting to break into the Asian market by opening an office in downtown Tokyo.

And although Jean Luc thought she had a real good eye for beauty and the skill to turn it into photographs, she had no interest in fashion and glamour photography.

She was more into landscapes and art, taking pictures that tells a story and evokes emotions, so to speak. Jean Luc thought it was a rare, that’s why he took interest in her in the first place.

It was a shame that Louis didn’t have interest in the art of photography either. But he made up for it for having the brains for the business.

“Alright, so we’re going now.” Louis said, as he was getting in the cab. “Simone will send you an email in the morning regarding your itinerary, and which hotel you’re going to stay at.”

“Okay.” She said, “Be safe.”

After the cab left, she sat at the front steps of the house for a while as if conditioning herself for being all by herself. She still just doesn’t like being alone. But she told herself that she needs to learn to cope with it.

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That Tuesday, after Smackdown taping



Randy was walking along a busy airport, by himself. He wondered where everyone was, since he flew in with some of the guys in the roster, but he doesn’t see any of them anywhere.

He didn’t have his bags either, but somehow he wasn’t worried about it. He continued walking around, walking past faceless people. It was all a blur to him. He felt like he’d been there before, yet it felt strange.

Suddenly, he saw somebody he thought he recognize from a few feet away, standing there in the middle of the crowd. He felt a sense of sadness and longing that was so strong, that it felt heavy in his chest. But somehow the feeling was familiar to him.

He approached cautiously, and the closer he got the more he was sure he knew it was.

“Ally…” He said, as he placed a careful hand on her shoulder.

She turned around and she looked the same as had last seen her, like she didn’t age at all. She was wearing the same dress, and the same head band as when she left—when he let her leave.

“What took you so long?” She asked.

“What do you mean?” He asked, “I-I don’t understand…”

“I’ve been waiting for you…all this time.” She said. “Waiting for you to call out my name…To take my hand and take me away. What took you so long?”

He understood then what she meant.

“I…I didn’t…” He tried to remember, to come up with the reason to appease her, but there was none. “I’m sorry.”

He took her hands into his and kissed them. “I’m here now. We can start over.”

She smiled. “Come with me.”

She took his hand and led him through the crowd, who seem to part as they tread on. He looked around and realized he was in Lambert Airport, in St. Louis.

He immediately assumed he was dreaming, since he was supposed to be on his way to Europe. So as scared as he was to prove to it, he squeezed her hand.

“Something wrong?” She looked up at him.

He could feel her hand in his and she felt real. He couldn’t believe it. He couldn’t believe that it was happening or that she’s right there with him, waiting for him all this time.

“Nothing.” He said, “Nothing at all.”

He doesn’t know how long it took, but the next thing he knew was they were parked on the hillside, overlooking the city, the place where he used to take her when they just want to be alone by themselves and watch the city lights and the stars in the sky.

She was standing at the edge of the cliff with her back towards him, with the wind gently blowing her hair. Somehow she looked different, taller and more womanly. He just decided it was because of the light—it was almost twilight, and it was getting dark.

He was standing by the car, leaning back on the hood of his car.

“What are we doing here?” He asked.

“I miss this place.” She said, softly. “I always liked coming here with you. It made me feel like we’re the only two people in the world and we own everything, even the stars…I felt like I’m right where I belong—with you.”

“That’s because you do.” He affirmed. “You belong with me.”

She turned around and looked at him. The wind was blowing her hair over her face and he could barely see through. He saw the high school ring he gave her dangling on her necklace, and it made him smile.

“I want go home now, Randy.” She said, “Please take me home with you.”

“Okay.” He stood up, and walked around the car to open the door for her “My mom will be really happy to see you. She’d be so surprised…”

His voice trailed when he looked up to see her again and she was gone.

“Ally?” He called out, “Ally, where are you?”

His heart started beating faster when he couldn’t see her. “Come on, Ally, stop playing around…come out!” He said.

He walked over to the cliff, slowly, nervously, praying she didn’t fall over. When suddenly somebody grabbed him by the shoulder and turned him around.

And he woke up.


“You okay, man?” John asked him. They were still up in the air, inside the plane that’s taking them to Europe.

“Huh?” He opened his eyes, disoriented. “What’s going on?”

“I think you were dreaming, man.” Mark said, “You were talking in your sleep.”

“I was?”

“Yeah.” John said, laughing. “You keep repeating your ex-girlfriend’s name…Ally.”

"I see..." He said, seriously, his brows all knit together; trying to decipher what the dream was all about.

--------------------------------------------------------

Charles de Gaul Airport, Paris Wednesday 3:30PM


When the plane arrived in Paris, the roster was met with about a hundred fans waiting for them at the airport. It was pretty chaotic to say the least, people had signs and other merchandise that they want to get autographed.

Fortunately, the police had been alerted and the wrestlers were ushered into their bus safely.

They were taken to a hotel where they were going to stay for the duration of their shows in Paris. They were supposed to have two shows in the city that Thursday and Friday, before they go to Germany, Spain and Italy the following week.

Randy wasn’t exactly booked for any wrestling match, but Vince wanted him to come along to kind of ease him into the flow of things again.

They could always put him in a segment or some kind of run-in when they tape Smackdown the following week. At most, they could put him in a dark match.

When they got to the hotel, there were several fans waiting there as well, but not many as there were at the airport, which is fortunate because most of them were tired and wasn’t in the mood to entertain fans at all.

They all left after getting some autographs and pictures with each wrestler, as they come out of the bus.

Randy slept the whole flight, but it’s not the same as sleeping in a bed. So he wasn’t exactly thrilled to find out that they didn’t have a room reserved for him.

“What do you mean you don’t have a room for me?” Randy asked, “Everyone else had their room reserved by the company.”

“I know, sir.” The concierge said, “But there’s no reservations made specifically for you.”

“Maybe they forgot you were coming along for the tour.” Carlito said, “That’s why you have no room reservations.”

“Well, they should do something about it then!” Randy said.

He was rather pissed. His face was starting to get red as his temper started to build up. He was trying really hard to control himself.

The other guys tried to pacify him, which really didn’t help but make the concierge nervous.

“Can you check again, please?” He asked. “Come on, man! Look, I’m injured, I’m wearing a sling. You’re not gonna make me look for another hotel to stay at, are you?”

“I-I guess I could put you on another floor instead?” The concierge asked.

“Whatever, I don’t care.” Randy said, “Just…just give me a room so I can get a god damn rest. I’m f**king tired and I just want to lie down.”

“We have a vacant single room on the…fourteenth floor.” The concierge said, “It’s not as big as the other rooms, but it’s a corner room and has a good view of the city…”

“Fine. I’ll take it.” Randy muttered.

He’s just really tired and wanted to stretch out his back and lie down properly. “They better pay for this, because I’m not going to.”

“What is your name again?” The concierge asked.

“It’s Randy.” He said, “Randy Orton.”


Meanwhile…



Simone, Louis’ assistant, is at the same hotel lobby waiting for Ally so she was hurrying to get downstairs from her hotel room. Ally had just arrived in Paris by train that afternoon as well.

She was supposed to fly that morning, but she was bored at the Salvatore’s home so she decided to have the flight cancelled and traveled a day earlier.

She had always wanted to take a long train ride, and just go anywhere but she had not the opportunity to until then.

She found pleasure at the scenery outside the train as it goes through the hills, fields, and countryside. It reminded her of home, back in St. Louis, when she was much younger and everything was simple.

She was just talking with Louis on her cell phone, telling him how beautiful the countryside was during the train ride, and he was laughing at how excited she sounded like, when the phone in her room rang.

It was the concierge and they called to inform her that Simone was waiting for her at the lobby. So she just grabbed her purse, and put the rest of her stuff in the closet without unpacking them.

She went out of the room and headed to the elevator, pressed the button and waited for the car to come to her floor.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

“What floor are the other guys on?” Randy asked the bellboy, as they were in the elevator.

“Tenth floor, I think, sir.” The guy answered.

“So I’m four floors above. Great.” Randy said, tiredly. “No one else is on my floor?”

“No sir, no one else.” He said, “And you’re only three floors above. There is no thirteenth floor.”

“Oh, right…thirteen is bad luck.” He rolled his eyes. He was never the superstitious kind of guy.

“Here we are.” The guy said as they reached his floor.

-------------------------------------------------------------

“Come on! Open!” Ally muttered under her breath. “What’s taking so long?”

The lift was on the 11th floor already but then it suddenly skipped her floor and went straight to 14th floor without opening.

“Seriously? What’s wrong with this thing?” She threw her head back, and pushed the button again.

The lift doesn’t open if you pushed the down button on its way up when there are people going to higher floor levels. That’s why it passed the twelfth floor going to the fourteenth without opening.

Otherwise, Randy and Ally would’ve seen each other already since they are in the same hotel.

“Ah! Finally!” She exclaimed when the lift opened and she got on.

When she got to the lobby, she went to the front desk to ask where Simone was. She has never met her before so she doesn’t know what she looked like.

She noticed there was some kind of commotion in the lobby, like there were a bit too many people than when she first arrived, but it was Paris after all. She figured some celebrity was in the hotel.

--------------------------------------------------------------------

Later that day...


After Simone introduced Ally to the rest of the staff at the agency, and met with the event planner to discuss some details of the upcoming launch of the branch there.

They discussed the guests list with her, and she was rather surprised at the big names she saw. She didn’t figure it was such a big deal, until then, hence she got more anxious about the whole thing.

She was never really much for big parties or events, especially when she doesn’t really know anyone there. She tends to shy away or sit in a corner.

Even if Simone, who’s been really nice to her, will be there, it wouldn’t suffice to make her comfortable.

After the meetings, Simone offered to treat her to dinner, but she declined. She felt like she was there to babysit her, and she didn’t want to bother her too much.

Besides, she wanted to see the Eiffel tower and take pictures. So she asked Simone to take her back to the hotel instead.



Meanwhile…



Randy was going to go out with a few guys to explore the city after a couple of hours’ rest. Hotel food was expensive, and the company doesn’t exactly pay for that, so they decided to get dinner somewhere else.

The guys went up to his room to get him, but he wasn’t quite ready yet so they just hang out there for a few minutes and admired the view outside which was pretty awesome.

He had a view of the Eiffel Tower and the city’s skyline. There weren’t really that many high rise buildings, so not much distracted from the view.

The sky itself was beautiful as well, with the Sun setting in the horizon; it had hues of purple blue and red.

Randy on the other hand, had too much on his mind to actually enjoy the view. Other than he was still injured and a little tired from the flight, he was still pretty shaken up by the dream he had while on the plane.

He was never a superstitious kind of person, but he just couldn’t get it out of his head, like maybe it means something.

But for the meantime, he needs to forget it and have fun with the other guys, because the next day is when the work begins—well, for some of them.

So after he got dressed up, they left his room and went down to the lobby.

They were a pretty loud bunch, talking and laughing with each other non-stop, discussing where they were going to go after they get dinner.

Mark suggested they hit the club scene, since Paris is called the city of lights, after all. Carlito wanted to go up the Eiffel tower though, but they shot that down.

“Dude, you don’t go see the Eiffel tower with a bunch of other dudes!” John said, “That’s gay.”

“F*ck you man.” Carlito said, “It’s a tourist spot, everyone wants to go there.”

“In the morning, yeah.” Mark said, “But seriously, dude, you go up there at this time, you’re gonna see lovers left and right, and then there’s us?”

“Fine, let’s take a vote! All those in favor of going to the Eiffel tower say aye!” Carlito said, raising his hand as they stepped out of the elevator.

Nobody said aye, and they laughed at him.

“Sorry, man. Majority wins.” Randy said, patting his head to mock him.

Carlito flicked his hand and they play fought with him all the way to the revolving door.

Mark and John had already gotten out, and Randy and Carlito were following closely behind, when suddenly, Randy stopped so he got hit on the jaw a bit hard.

He didn’t seem to mind though as his eyes were nailed on the person on the opposite side of the revolving door.

“Oops, sorry!” Carlito said.

Randy just ignored him though, for on the other side was Ally, staring back at him.

She was talking with Louis on her phone regarding what the event planner had discussed with her on her way in, when she glanced over at the two guys horsing around on the other side of the door and suddenly saw Randy and it drove her dead on her track.

She couldn’t be mistaken, she knew it was him. And he was staring right back at her.

She got out of the door and stepped into the lobby, but couldn’t move any farther. Her heartbeat was racing, and she couldn’t think properly.

Was she dreaming? Was it real? Was it really him she saw?

Randy and Carlito got out of the door as well, but Randy was staring back inside. His mind was running and couldn't figure out what to do.

Was it just his imagination? Was it really her he saw?

“Hey, you okay man?” Carlito asked.

“What’d you do to him?” John asked him.

“Nothing! I hit him on the chin, it wasn’t even hard.” Carlito said.

“Hey, man, are you okay? What’s the matter?” Mark asked.

“Yeah…uhh…I’m fine.” Randy said, just snapping out of the initial shock. “You guys go ahead, I’ll catch up with you later.” He said, before hurrying back inside the hotel.

The guys were confused and just stood there for a couple of seconds before John decided to follow Randy and see what’s up.

He went through the revolving door, but came right back out with a huge smile on his face.

“What’s going on?” Mark asked.

“Nothing.” John said, still smiling his dimpled smile. “I don’t think Randy’s coming with us. Let’s go.”


Inside, Randy and Ally was standing in front of each other. They just stared at each other, disbelieving what was already in front of their eyes.

Not a word was spoken. It was like the whole place went quiet and there was nobody else, and no other sound but the sound of their heart beats, letting it speak for the two of them.

"..and all I can do, is sit and let the air speak for you!

Cause when words meets heartbeats,
baby come on! You know its not even fair!
And a first round knocked down, baby the floor,
you know I'm already there...

When the Sun sets high, and the Moon is low...
oh, cause when words meet heartbeats,
baby you'll know..."

[Annaya]

Chapter 21

I’m wandering
I’m crawling
I’m two steps away from falling
Just can’t seem to get around

“Randy…?” She said. Her voice almost a whisper.

But he was close enough to hear her. Her voice sounded familiar, yet different and it sent a sudden disbelief that shot through him when he heard it.

He couldn’t believe it. It can’t be possible, he thought. He was just dreaming of her in the plane.

“Ally…” He said, almost breathlessly.

“It is you…” She said, in equal surprise.

For a few moments, or maybe longer—they didn’t know nor do they care, they just stood there and stared at each other without saying a word. It was like they were the only two people in the lobby. Nothing and no one else existed.

Randy just felt like a wave of emotions washed over him. He missed her so much he couldn’t even articulate how he was feeling. It’s like his heart just wanted to burst out of his chest. He wanted to grab her and hold her tight, just to make sure he wasn’t dreaming.

On the other hand, Ally couldn’t believe it either. But it wasn’t just the longing that has awash her whole being. She did miss him, but there was still that pain in her heart from when they went their separate ways.

She thought she had forgotten about him, her feelings for him. She thought that pain was all buried in the depths of her heart and psyche, but it all just suddenly exploded to the surface.

She felt like all the walls she’s built around herself throughout the years suddenly came crashing down and it didn’t even make a sound. She couldn’t even make a sound.

But then a small voice inside her told her to, screamed at her, to compose herself. That she was not a child anymore. It reminded her how far she’s come and her defenses shot right back up.

“Small world, huh?” She said, flashing a smile. “I never thought we’d see each other here…of all places!”

In a split second, Ally just switched from being the shy girl he knew to this confident woman standing in front of him. Her smile lit up her whole face and her eyes were as bright as ever. His heart couldn’t help but jump.

“Yeah…neither did I…” He said. Her reaction was kind of a letdown for him. He thought she would at least be a little more excited, but instead she was very casual. “Who woulda thought?”

“So, what are you doing here?” She asked.

“Umm…the tour is on show…I mean the show is on tour.” He shook his head at himself, for stammering too much. “I mean, we’re on tour doing wrestling shows. That’s why I’m here.”

“Ah! I see…Relax…” She touched his arm when she noticed he was stammering. “It’s not like you to be so nervous.”

“I’m not nervous.” He said, grabbing her hand before she could withdraw it. “I just really missed you so much.”

She turned her eyes away and put her head down, instinctively. It was something she does that Randy knows very well. And he knew then, that the confident and bubbly personality she was showing is just a façade. He didn’t want to make her uncomfortable, so he let her hand go.

“Sorry.” He said.

Ally tried to regain her composure back, but it was obvious as she took a deep breath before she put her act back on.

“Forget about it.” She said, “Say, you were with your friends, weren’t you?”

Randy turned around and saw that the guys already left without him,—which is exactly what he wanted at that moment.

“Well…Looks like they already left.” He said, scratching his head. “We were about to get dinner…Uh, Say, maybe you’d like to join me? We could catch up…”

Ally thought about it for a few seconds. The fact is she was still hurt about what happened between the two of them—how they ended up. But she wanted to show him, as she has showed everyone else that she has moved on. That she was stronger now.

Randy was about to take his offer back, feeling her hesitation.

“Hey, no pressure…you know, I’m not gonna force…”

“Yes, why not?” She said. “I’m kind of hungry myself…and I’d love to catch up.”

Randy smiled, “Great! So…uh, shall we go? I don’t exactly know how to go around yet though…”

“That’s okay. We can get let lost together...” She said, before she realized what she said. Then it was her turn to stammer. “I mean…the city’s beautiful…it would be fun to walk around...see the sights.” She rolled her eyes at herself, “Of course see the sights! What else are you gonna do with the sights but see them?” She said under her breath.

Randy stifled his smile because he didn’t want her to notice. “So, let’s go then?”

“Yeah, just ah…let me get something from my room first.” She said, “Wait for me here?”

“Umm…why don’t I just go with you?” He asked.

Deep inside his head, he just didn’t want to let her out of his sight again, in case this was another dream. But it showed in his eyes—the longing, the apprehension and worry—they were all present in his soft, crystal blue eyes. And she couldn’t bear to say no.

“Okay.” She said.

So they headed towards the elevator together, but not daring to get closer to each other, for fear of what and how they might feel if they do. They stood at the opposite sides of the lift, as far away from each other as possible.

But neither of them could deny to themselves that there was some kind of power, a force drawing them to each other.

I’m heavy
I’m weary
Not thinking clearly
I just can’t seem to find solid ground
Since you’ve been around

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Downstairs…


“Where’s Orton?” Hunter asked Dave (Batista) as he arrived. He had just flown in on the family jet, along with the McMahons.

“You just missed him.” Dave said, “Saw him go up the lift with a girl.”

“Already?” Hunter said, in a mix of disbelief and pride. “Attaboy!” He laughed.



A few blocks away…


“What happened with Orton?” Carlito asked, “Why did we leave him?”

“He saw an old friend that he probably would love to spend some time with rather than spend time with us.” John said. “They have a lot of catching up to do, leave it at that.”

“Is it a girl?” Mark asked, “I saw him staring at that cute girl on the way out.”

“Ehh….Yeah, it is.” John said.

“Nice!” Carlito and Mark said simultaneously.



A couple more blocks away

Around the corner from the hotel, Simone was in her car by the red light when she suddenly remembered something.

She had forgotten to hand Ally the dress that Louis had her buy for her. It was still in the trunk of her car. So she turned to the next corner to circle around the block to get back to the hotel.

She couldn’t park close enough to the entrance though because there were buses lined up in the front. She parked several meters from the entrance and kept her car running and went back to the hotel.

She was on her way to the concierge to make a call to Ally’s room, but she noticed Ally get out of the elevator. She was going to call her attention when she saw a man follow her out of the elevator, carrying her coat.

They were talking cozily, and it was very noticeable that there was something between them with their body language and the way they looked at each other.

She had assumed that Ally and Louis were in some kind of a serious relationship, or at least on their way to one so the scene made her quite curious and intrigued.

Simone decided not to call Ally’s attention and just went to the front desk to leave the dress there.

-------------------------------------------------------------

“What about there?” Randy asked, nodding in the direction of an expensive restaurant. “It looks like a nice place.”

“Randy, that’s a four star restaurant.” Ally said, “And you need reservations to eat there.”

“We could try! Maybe someone cancelled or something.” He said.

She smiled, “You don’t have to impress me, you know.” She said.

“Who said I was trying to?” He asked, looking at her. “I’m just really hungry I could eat anything and anywhere.”

“Anywhere?” She stopped and said with her eyebrows raised.

“Anywhere.” He said, looking at her face softly.

“Well…” She looked away. “I have an idea! Let’s go!”

She took a couple of steps before she realized he wasn’t following her, so she turned around and found him staring at her. His eyes were mellow, just like he used to stare at her when they were younger, when they were in love.

And just like before, it had the same effect as it always have with her. She walked back towards him.

“Something wrong?” She asked.

The wind blew around them and made her hair cover her face. She put her hand up to keep her hair in place at the same time Randy reached over to do the same thing. She put her hand down slowly, and allowed him to brush her hair off her face.

“No. Nothing at all.” He said.

He tucked her hair behind her ears. His fingers touched her cheek, making her sigh and close her eyes. His touch was warm against the cold air of the evening, and it made her slightly tremble.

He could smell her sweet perfume washing through his senses, making him want to hold her more, and kiss her. He kept staring at her, at her face, to her sweet tender cherry lips.

It felt like time moved slowly, seconds felt like minutes and both of them wanted it to last forever. She opened her eyes, and looked at him. For a while it was as if her defenses were taken down.

She looked at him lovingly, the same way she always does before, as he remembered. He leaned in closer to her, treading carefully, for a kiss.

I’m running
I’m hiding
But you’ll never find me
Cuz I’ve always felt lost in a crowd

“No…” She whispered, turning away. “I can’t do this.”

It was harder for her, much heavier in her chest to say it than he could ever know.

“I’m sorry.” He said. “I shouldn’t have…”

“Forget it.” She shook her head. She took a deep breath before she looked at him again, with her walls back up. “Let’s just get some take out. Eiffel tower’s just a couple of blocks away. Let’s do like a picnic under it. I want to take pictures. If we hurry, we won’t miss the fireworks.”

He breathed in relief. At least she didn’t just leave him there, he figured. He really wanted to stay with her as long as he could. He told himself he wasn’t going to try anything again.

“Yeah, okay.” He said, trying to smile. “That works for me.”

“Good!” She said, putting her camera up and surprising him with a shot. “Come on, we gotta hurry!” She grabbed his hand and took him away with her.

They ended up buying all sorts of food like macarons, viennoise, crepes and cheeses along the stalls lined up in the street. They also went to a liquor store where Ally bought a bottle of wine, before they headed to the grounds below the Eiffel tower.

They found a spot with a good view of the tower, and there weren’t a lot of people either since it was a Wednesday. They got there in time for the tower lights to be lit up, and she watched in amazement at how beautiful it was.

She stared at it, fascinated, that she didn’t notice Randy was staring at her too. The twinkling lights from the tower reflected in her eyes, making them seem to sparkle like diamonds that put the stars in the sky to shame.

“Oh, I have to take pictures!” She dug in her bag, took her camera out and started snapping pictures of the tower.

Randy remembered when she used to take pictures of them whenever they go for drives back in St. Louis when they were younger. She always liked taking pictures. She would take pictures of random things she would see, like butterflies floating around, grasses being blown by the wind, and the city lights when they go to the cliff overlooking the town.

And sometimes, she would take pictures of him, or the two of them together.

“You know, I’ve always wanted to come here.” Ally said, not ever taking her eyes off the tower. “Ever since I was little, I’ve dreamed of this…And to think I’ve been here in Europe for almost two years...” She sighed, “Have you ever seen anything so beautiful?”

“Yeah…I have.” He said, “I’m looking at her right now.”

She turned to him then, her cheeks growing warm as she felt herself blush. He sat up and inched closer to her, leaning over. He was almost sure she would be more receptive, given the romantic feel of the whole setting.

But then she raised her camera to his face and snapped a picture, with the flash blinding him momentarily. She didn’t mean to do it, but that was the first thing she thought of just to deflect him.

“Oops!” She said, biting her lower lip in regret.

“That…was not nice.” Randy said. His eyes closed tightly trying to wear the effects down.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to!” She said, giggling.

“Oh, now you’re laughing at me?” He said, in mock anger, grabbing her arm. “You think it’s funny, huh?” He took her camera and put it on his other side where she can’t reach it.

He squinted his eyes, and he had the smallest little smirk on his lips.

“Randy! No!” She said. She knows what that look means, all too well. “Don’t do it!”

But he didn’t listen, and started tickling her sides. She tried to stand up and get away, but he pulled her down and wrapped his arms around her waist, and she ended up sitting on his lap. She kept squirming, and trying to get away from him but he wouldn’t let go.

“Stop, please! Randy, stop!” She said, laughing still. “People are starting to stare!”

“Promise not to run?” He asked, laughing.

“Promise.” She said.

“Okay.” He took his hands off her and let her slid down to the grass beside him.

They were silent for a while—she, of embarrassment; and he, trying to stifle his laughter. But in all honesty, she kind of missed that about their relationship.

It was almost just like before, when they were younger, when they would tickle and play-wrestle each other. They were really just kids in love back then.

She took the box of macarons out from the paper bag and started eating them anxiously.

“Hey, come on, relax.” Randy said, putting his arm around her shoulder and rubbing her arm. “We’re just having a little fun, forget about them. Where’s that wine you got?”

He reached for the paper bag and took out the bottle of wine.

“Here it is!”

He took out a couple of plastic cups and poured some wine in them, and gave her one. She finished it in one swig to his surprise. He was even more surprised when she took the bottle and poured herself another one and finished that as well.

“Okay…Now, I’m relaxed.” She said after a few seconds. “Want a croissant?” She took out the croissant and gave it to him. “You were hungry, right?”

He took the bread, but didn’t eat it immediately and just kept looking at her. She finally noticed him after a while.

“Eat!” She told him, “You were heading out to dinner, so you must be hungry. Eat something!”

He laughed, “Yes, ma’am.”

“Why are you laughing?” She asked.

“Nothing, I’m just…happy.” He said. He took a bite of the croissant and chewed emphatically. “It’s good!” He said, curling his lips, still chewing.


She shook her head and rolled her eyes at him, when suddenly the first firework zoomed up the sky from the tower and lit up the now dark sky. He glanced at her, trying to be inconspicuous, and saw how enchanted she was at it.

When the fireworks display was almost over, he laid down on the grass and just stared at the sky. He kind of always secretly loved it when she would fuss over him before, and he was indeed happy that she was still the same in that way.

But then he thought perhaps that was really just how she is and it’s not because she cares about him.

They left a few minutes after the fireworks show was over, after they’ve eaten everything and drank all the wine they bought. It was a fairly small bottle so they weren’t drunk.

Ally wanted to walk around and take pictures of everything, and he just wanted to spend as much time as he could with her so he went along.

They were having fun with each other’s company, so much so that it was almost like they didn’t spend the last couple of years apart—or that they the last time they saw each other was the most painful thing either of them had had to endure.

For anyone who would look, from the outside, they just look like a couple in love, having the time of their lives and enjoying the city.


It was around eleven in the evening when the two of them ended up in a café, as they were both tired and hungry. While there, Ally asked him about his job, and other stuff like how he got injured, and how they were planning to make him a heel—an “obnoxious, self-absorbed third generation superstar” as he described it.

“…with a body of a Greek god statue.” He added.

“Really? Is that like how they described you or you just made that part up?” She asked, sarcastically.

“What? Come on, look at me!” He said, “Everybody who looks at me, especially in my gear, would think that.”

“Well, okay…I’ll give you that, but you do know the Greek god statues don’t have a big…you know.” She said, laughing.

“Oh…well, I have that advantage over those statues.” He smirked, “You should know.”

“Right.” She said, rolling her eyes.

I’m sinking
I’m drowning
I’m so afraid of losing
My head’s been spinning round and round
Since you’ve been around

But then she started to feel awkward with their topic, so she started to tinker with her camera. They both looked at the pictures on the small screen, and she was making fun of the funny ones of him pretending to be a statue, when he got pretty quiet. She turned to him and saw him staring at her.

“You got quiet…Are you okay?” She asked. “You must be tired…we should…”

She didn’t finish what she was going to say because he just went and kissed her. He had wanted to do it ever since he saw her earlier that evening in the hotel lobby, and he’d been trying to keep the urge down.

But it was such a beautiful night and the atmosphere was so romantic that he couldn’t hold out anymore.

It surprised her, and for the first few seconds she sat there stunned but then closed her eyes and let him. She didn’t realize how much she had missed his kiss, his lips, his mouth and his gentle caress until then, that she started to respond.

But then as quickly as she that, she let go of his kiss.

“What’s wrong?” He asked.

“I…wanna go...” She stammered. “I wanna go home…I mean, go back…to the hotel.”

“Right!” He said, thinking she wanted to go with him. “We can stay in my room.”

“No. Randy…that’s not…I wanna go to my room.” She stood up, “Alone.” She said, before walking towards the side walk.

“Oh…”

Randy followed her and they got on a cab. He opened the door for her to get in the backseat, but she opted to sit at the passenger seat to the driver’s surprise.

Randy wanted to talk, to ask her what was wrong, why she suddenly was acting that way, but he doubts she would talk. She wouldn’t even look at him and just stared out the window.

He doesn’t understand how it all went down like it did. He was sure she was starting to warm up to him, and he was absolutely sure she responded to his kiss.

He blames himself, but at the same time he couldn’t say he regretted what he did because at the time, it was what he wanted and it felt right.

I’m foolish and crazy
I just think that maybe I gotta things to figure out
I’m winning
I’m losing
I’m afraid of never choosing this heart of mine, so beaten down
Before you came around

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

[Annaya]

Chapter 22

Stay with me,
Baby stay with me,
Tonight,
Don't leave me alone...
Walk with me,
Come and walk with me,
To the edge of all,
we've ever known.


Ally and Randy didn’t get to talk even after they got to the hotel. Randy tried to talk to her in the elevator on the way up, but she still didn’t want to talk.

He wasn’t about to let her go without talking about it though, so when they reached her floor, she grabbed her as the elevator door opened, and hit the stop button.

“What the hell is your problem?” She asked, pushing him away. “Let me go!”

“No! We’re going to talk about this like grown-ups!” He said, “Seriously, what are you trying to do to me? You’ve been sending me all sorts of mixed signals all night!”

“I’m sorry if that’s how you feel…” She said, “I’m just…”

“What the hell are you trying to do to me?” Randy said, interrupting her. “If you’re mad about me kissing you, I’m sorry! I just missed you so much, I couldn’t help it anymore. But damn, you kissed me back and don’t you deny it! Damn it, Ally! You’re making my f**king head spin with this crap! I don’t understand any of this! Just tell me what’s on your mind!”

“I don’t know, okay? I don’t understand it either.” She burst out crying. “I’m confused too! Ever since I saw you this evening at the lobby, I’ve been fighting these feelings I have! And every minute that I’m spending with you, they get stronger and it’s harder to fight it!”

“Why do you have to fight it?” He asked.

“Because it’s breaking down every defense I’ve built around myself! You’re breaking them all down! I thought I’d forgotten about you and all my feelings for you, but when you showed up, it all just came rushing back in! It’s overwhelming and it’s scary! It’s scary because it’s so strong…and I…I can’t…I shouldn’t be here…”

She stopped then and covered her face, retreating to a corner and sat there as she cried. He was a little bit shocked at what she said, and if he was being honest with himself he was even more confused now than before.

But if there was one thing he was sure of, it was that he loves her.

She shows me everything she used to know,
Picture frames,
and country roads,
When the days were long,
And the world was small.
She stood by as it fell apart.
Seperate rooms and broken hearts.
But I wont be the one to let you go.

He walked towards her, and kneeled in front of her on one knee. “You don’t have to be scared…” He said.

“Yes, I do.” She said, looking up at him. Her eyes were a mess as her mascara had already smeared, and her voice sounded so full of pain.

“You want to know why? Because everyone I ever loved walked away from me and I’m the one who’s always left with nothing." She said, "Everybody I ever loved left…including you.”

He looked at her eyes and understood everything. She was broken and no matter how she tried to fix herself and be okay from the outside, inside, the cuts were still as fresh as when it all shattered for her.

He understood why she was scared, why she wanted to fight. It’s because she doesn’t want to get hurt again. But he was hurt by all of it too.

“But I didn’t leave you.” He said, “You left me…remember? I was hurt too, for a long time. It was the most painful thing I’ve ever had to endure.”

He tipped her chin up so she would look at him. His eyes were moist as tears bid to start forming in them. He was looking at her, with the most tender crystal blue eyes she had ever seen.

“But I’m not scared. You want to know why?” He continued, “Because I always knew I’d see you again. And I promised myself that when I do...that I won’t ever let you go ever again.” He held out his hand to her, hoping, praying she would put her faith in him. “Stay with me.”



For one long minute that almost felt like eternity, time seemed to stand still as he waited for her to do or say something. And then it came…

“I’m sorry.” She said, with her eyes closed, and tears brimming in her eyes. “I should go…”

The next few moments, he felt like the earth was shaking underneath his feet and he couldn’t find the strength to move. It’s like the whole weight of the world fell upon his shoulders and it was crushing him, relentlessly, into a million pieces.

It took a lot of effort for him to get up, but even as he did, he couldn’t hold himself to stand up for too long and he had to lean on the wall.

She looked at him, if only for a second, and saw a blank expression on his face. But his eyes said it all, and it hurt her more than she thought possible.

She couldn’t stare at him much longer. It was breaking her heart to do so. So she gathered all her strength and stood up and pressed the dial.

The lift opened on her floor and she ran off.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Meanwhile, in Tokyo, Louis had been trying to call Ally all morning but her phone had died without her knowledge that evening while she was out with Randy.

He had already called Simone to ask how the meeting went, and she has told him that everything was set for the opening.
But he wanted to talk to Ally. He was going to tell her that they were going to have to extend their stay there for a few days.

Other than that, he wanted to hear her voice because he misses her. But he was getting worried when she wasn’t picking her phone up and he kept getting her voice mail, so he decided to call the hotel and asked to be connected to her room.

“I’m sorry, monsieur; nobody is picking up the phone in the room.” The hotel phone operator, a woman, said.

“Could you try again?” Louis said.

He thought it wasn’t like her to still be out that late, especially by herself, in a city she’s not familiar with. She may be adventurous sometimes, and would want to explore, but she wasn’t likely to be wandering at night.

“Monsieur, we have tried five times.” She said, “Nobody is in the room.”

“Well, she can’t still be out.” He said.

“Perhaps the lady is already asleep then and doesn’t want to be disturbed so she turned the phone off.” She said. “I certainly wouldn’t want to be taking calls at this hour of the night.” She added under her breath, although Louis still heard her.

“Alright, I guess I’ll call again in the morning.” He sighed.

“That would be best, monsieur.” The woman said.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

9:00 AM The next morning, in Randy’s room…

For the first time in several weeks, Randy had actually slept well. His injured shoulder had been bothersome especially, so he hasn’t been able to get a good sleep since he got the surgery. But with all that had happened the night before, the emotional and physical toll it had on him, he had a really deep sleep.

He was awoken by a bird chirping by the window, but he wasn’t going to get up until he realized was alone. He sat up with a jolt, thinking, wondering if it all could have been a dream.

His heart began to sink, when suddenly the bathroom door opened, and out came the realization of his dreams. It was Ally, and she wearing his shirt and basketball shorts he wore to bed.

Somehow, she couldn’t be more beautiful to him.

“Good morning, Stretch!” She said, playfully, jumping on the bed next to him. “Hope you don’t mind I borrowed some of your clothes. How’s your shoulder?”

“It’s okay.” He frowned, “Stretch? No one’s called me that in years.”

“I know. Don’t frown!” She smiled, squeezing his cheeks as she climbed on top of him, sitting on his lap, legs astride. “You know I never really knew why they called you ‘Stretch’.”

“I don’t know.” He laughed, “I was tall, and I had long arms…so I guess that’s it.”

“Hmm…are you sure?” She bit her lower lip, smiling mischievously. “Cause I have other ideas…”

She sounded like she was purring, with the way she talked, crawling over closer to him.

“Oh, and what are those?” He said, wrapping his good arm around her waist.

She leaned over and whispered something in his ear, running her fingertips slowly from his chest down to his lower abs, where the duvet was covering him. She was about to let her fingers slip down under the duvet when somebody knocked on the door.

“Oh, come on!” He groaned. “Who the f**k is that?

“I don’t know, but you better get it.” She kissed him on the lips and got off of him, which made him groan again out of frustration.

She went inside the bathroom again, and tossed him a robe to wear. He got up and put it on before opening the door. It was John, Carlito and Mark, and Randy was not happy to see them.

“What the f**k are you guys doing here?” He asked.

“Good morning to you, too, Sunshine!” John said, stepping inside even though Randy didn’t let any of them in yet.

John parked himself on the couch and the other two sat on the bed.

“From the sound of it, he didn’t get laid.” Mark stated.

“Oh, no!” Carlito said, mockingly. “You didn’t get with the pretty thing from yesterday?”

“She’s not a thing!” Randy snapped, momentarily. “What the f**k are you guys doing here, anyway?” He asked, much calmly.

“Well, we didn’t see you get back last night.” John said, “We were just checking on you, dude. We’re your friends, we’re worried about you.”

“Yeah, we care if you get laid or not.” Mark said.

Right then, Ally came out of the bathroom, wearing her coat over the shirt and shorts she borrowed from him, carrying a plastic bag where she placed her clothes in, and her shoes.

Some of her clothes were sticking out of the bag because it was too small and she couldn’t fit them all in properly.

The boys all went quiet as they didn’t expect her to still be there, or be there at all.

“Oh, hey guys.” She said, shyly. She saw John and recognized him. “John! It’s nice to see you again.”

“Yeah…hi.” John said, his voice sounded like it got caught in his throat, until he cleared it. “Wow…you remembered me.”

She just smiled, and turned to Randy. “Well, I’m gonna go…back to my room…clean up.” She said, “Got to be somewhere in…about an hour…I’m gonna be late.”

“Okay.” He said, “I’ll see you later?”

“Hmm…maybe.” She said, walking past the guys towards the door. “Party’s tonight, remember?”

“Oh, right! The party…” He said, thoughtfully. “What time is that again?”

“Eight o’clock onwards.” She said, “I gotta go.”

“Okay…” He said, walking towards her. “One last thing…” He leaned down and planted a kiss on her lips. “Alright, go!” He said, slapping her butt a little before closing the door behind him after she rolled her eyes and shook her head at him.

When he turned back to the guys, there was just something in his smile that was undeniably different than what they were used to.

“Well…for a moment there I thought we disappeared!” John joked.

“Wait, maybe we did!” Carlito said, “Can you see us, Randy?”

“Shut up, dude.” Randy said. “Don’t you guys have other important things to do?”

“No, not really.” Mark said, “It’s still pretty early. But anyway man, tell us about uh…what’s her name?”

“It’s Ally.” John said.

“Right!” Mark said. John had basically told them who Ally was supposed to be in Randy’s life, because they wouldn’t stop bugging him. “So…Randy, what happened last night?”

“Last night? Well…nothing happened last night.” He said, with a smile. “Last night we just talked. That’s pretty much all that happened last night.”

“Yet you’re smiling like an idiot?” Carlit said, “I’m not buying this man. Come on, did you hit it or not?”

“Yeah, man, I mean, you haven’t seen each other in years!” Mark said, “I’m sure you missed each other like crazy, and that usually equates to crazy sex.”

“How the f**k did you know that anyway?” Randy asked.

“John told us.” Carlito said.

Randy shot another look at Cena, shook his head a little, and smirked.

“Blabber mouth.” He said.

John just shrugged and smiled.

“Come on, man! Just tell us already!” Carlito said, “You can’t be serious that nothing happened last night! She was wearing your clothes and you’re not wearing anything under that robe…obviously.”

Everyone became silent as they all looked at what Carlito meant.

“Awkward…” John said, making a face.

“You’re looking at his bulge, dude?” Mark asked, looking disgusted at Carlito.

“I can’t help it! It’s right there!” Carlito said, defensively. “It’s like poking out of his robe!”

“You guys should leave! Geez, man, I thought we were friends! You know I don’t swing that way!” Randy said, trying to stifle his laugh. “Oh and yes, I am...very...serious.” He smirked.

He took some clothes and his toiletries from his luggage a headed to the bathroom.

“Nothing happened last night…” He said.

But he stopped short of entering the bathroom. “But something did earlier this morning.” He said, just before he went in and closed the door.

“I knew it!” John yelled, “Attaboy!”

“Goddamn, the bastard played us!” Mark said, throwing a pillow at the bathroom door, laughing because he almost believed Randy that nothing happened.

“Hey, Mark…” Carlito said.

“What?”

“We’re sitting on the bed that…”

He didn’t have to finish what he was going to say because Mark got what he meant.

“Oh, f**k!” Mark jumped off the bed. “Damn it!”

“Let’s just go guys!” John said, laughing at them. “Hey, Orton, we’ll see you downstairs, alright man?”

“Yeah. Lock my door on your way out!” Randy yelled from the bathroom.

While he was taking a shower, he couldn’t help but recall all that happened last night, and especially earlier that morning, and he just couldn’t stop smiling.

------------------------------------------------------------------

I can see you there with the city lights,
Fourteenth floor, pale blue eyes, I could breath you in,
Two shadows standing by the bedroom door,
No, I could not want you more than I did right then...

It was already past four in the morning, and he had only been asleep for a couple of hours, after thinking about what had happened earlier that night, until he was too tired to stay awake, when he was awoken by a soft but persistent knocking on his door.

He covered his head with a pillow, and was going to ignore it, but it wouldn’t stop.

He got up slowly, a little bit pissed. He opened the door and was surprised to see that it was Ally. She had her head down and he couldn’t quite see her face. He didn’t turn his lights on, so there was only the light coming from the hall.

“Ally…c-come in.” He said, stepping out of the way so she could.

She went in, but looked as if she doesn’t know what she was doing there.

“Are you okay?” Randy asked, worried. “D-did something happen?”

She walked over by the window and looked down at the city skyline outside, ponderingly, taking deep breaths. Randy didn’t move from where he was standing by the door, and just looked at her.

The Moon looked as if it was paying homage to her as she stood there.

It was a full moon and it was very bright, and it gave her an almost celestial appearance. It gave him a peculiar feeling, deep in the pit of his stomach that he couldn’t explain.

He felt like she was going to disappear like in his dream and he had to do something about it. Slowly, he walked towards her.

“Ally…” He whispered as he was a couple of steps away from her. “What’s going on?”

She didn’t answer him. He only knew she was crying when she trembled, and sobbed softly when he put his hand upon her shoulder. “What’s wrong? Why are you crying?”

“I had a dream.” She whispered.

Her voice was soft and he could barely hear her from where he was standing. So he came closer, just a few inches away from her. He could smell her sweet perfume washing all over his senses.

He wanted to hold her, to wrap his arms around her, despite his arm still being on a sling. But he didn’t want to frighten her away again.

“About what?” He asked.

“About us…I dreamed we were back in St. Louis, like I never left.” She said, sniveling. “I was in my old house…but it was empty, and dark. Everything else was the same. My parents are divorcing. My dad’s with another woman...and my mom left me. Everything was falling apart.”

She looked up at him, tears brimming in her pale blue eyes. They were as bright as the moon that’s reflected in them. He looked at them, as if he’s never seen them before. They were more beautiful than he remember.

She was looking at him in that familiar way she does, all those years ago, when it was just the two of them. And it had always made him feel warm, and loved--special.

It felt like it was a lifetime ago that he’d seen that he’d seen it and felt that way.

“But you were there.” She said. Her tears were flowing freely then, as she touched his face. “You were there and everything was alright…I was alright. But it’s just a dream...I wish it was real. I wish I never left…and I wish I never lost you.”

He wiped her tears away and tipped her face up. “It doesn’t have to be just a dream.” He said, “I am here. Right now. I can make everything alright again.”

“How?” She asked. She turned away from him “We’re different now…You have your own life, and I have my own…We’re doing different things, and we move in different worlds…”

“I don’t know.” He said, “To tell you the truth, I’m not sure about a lot of things right now. I’m just going with the flow...where life takes me. But if I’m sure of anything, it’s that I want to be with you. I know you feel the same way. Don’t you?”

“I don’t know…” Ally said, “I just…I don’t know.”

The fact is she does want to be with him, deep in her heart. But her mind was making her doubt, and question a lot of things, making her uncertain, and that scared her.

She was starting to get her life together, with her career and she was doing well.

And then there’s Louis, who had been so helpful and loving. She owes so much to him and his father. They helped her put her life back together, they gave her life direction.

Was she supposed to just give it all up?

“I should just go…” She said, as she walked towards the door.

But she couldn’t go any farther. She couldn’t turn the knob and open the door. She couldn’t make herself move because even though her mind is telling her to go, her heart was telling her to stay.

Randy knows she does want to be with him too. But he could sense her uncertainties as well.

“Please…” He said, walking towards her. “I know you’re scared, and I don’t blame you. You’ve been through a lot, and you’ve lost so much.”

He put his hand over hers, the one she was holding the door knob with, hoping she would let go of it and hold his hand instead.

“But you don’t have to be scared. I know it must be hard to trust anyone with your heart anymore. You’re afraid to get hurt, I get that. But I’m not going to leave you like everyone did." He said, "This is our chance to get back what we’ve lost…what should have been ours in the first place. Please…please don’t run away again…Stay with me. I can’t lose you again.”

His heart was beating so loud that he could almost hear it. He held his breath waiting for her answer, for anything, any sign of what she would decide to do.


And it's hard to love again,
when the only way it's been, when the only love you know
Just walked away...
If it's something that you want,
Darling you don't have to run, you don't have to go...


She looked into his eyes again, and this time, with his eyes moist with impending tears, she could no longer fight what her heart was dictating.

With a sigh, she let go of the door and let her hand fall into his. It was like new life had been breathed into him as she did. He wanted to hold her and kiss her, but he was afraid she’d change her mind if he tried anything.

But then she took his hand, and held it close to her, over her cheek. He felt her tremble as she took a deep breath.

“I love you so much.” She sighed, with tears rolling down her cheeks.

He pulled her into his arm and held her tightly then, and she buried her face on the crook of his neck, wrapping her arms around him.

They stood there like that for a few moments, not saying anything at all, but at the same time telling each other everything they wanted to say.

“You have no idea how happy you’ve made me.” He said, after a while, as he kissed her hair. “I’ve dreamed of this moment for so long.”

She looked up at him then, her tears subsided. “It doesn’t have to be just a dream.” She smiled, looking lovingly into his eyes. “I am here. We can make it out reality now.”

The only thing he wanted to do right then was to kiss her, but he didn’t know if he should or if she would be receptive to it and not think he was moving too fast.

But then she wanted to kiss him too. She leaned in closer to express her desire, as nervous as she may be. He could feel her warm breath and her soft touch upon his skin.

She trembled a little as he moved his arms lower, around her waist, pulling her closer. She put her hands over his chest, feeling his heart beating so fast, and his breath abated.

She parted her lips a little bit, and it got his attention. He knew then that she wanted him, too. He pulled her in by the shoulder and kissed her. He kissed her with all the burning passion he had held back all this time. He kissed her slow and deep, and his passion almost burned her to the very depths of her soul.

He stopped and looked at her when she didn’t respond, only to see her with her eyes closed and tears in her eyes.

“Don’t be scared.” He whispered.

“I’m not.” She said, opening her eyes slowly, to look at him. “I just missed you so much.”

And then she kissed him, slowly, softly, but with as much passion as he had. She placed her hand at the back of his neck to reel him in. Her hands were warm, and her kiss even hotter. She couldn’t make sense of what she was feeling right then, but it was very powerful.

There were no more words left to be spoken. There was nothing left to say. There was nothing else to do, but to give in to their desires. It was like they both felt that fulfillment, that completion deep within themselves now that they’ve thrown away everything, every doubt, every worry, every inhibitions they each had.

He backed her up towards the couch by the door, but she broke the kiss.

“No…” She whispered, “There.” nodding towards the bed.

He was a little surprised that she would suggest the bed, because he wasn’t really expecting anything more than just to cuddle and make out. But he wasn’t going to say no either. Not to her. Not now, and probably not ever.

She was a little hesitant, too, but she brushed that feeling aside and took his hands. She backed him up slowly towards the bed, not taking her eyes off of his. When the back of his legs touched the edge of the bed, he sat down.

He held his breath for the inevitable. She took a deep breath as she placed his hands over her bosom, and climbed on top of him and pushed him down the bed.

I'm not sure where this is gonna go,
But in this moment all I know is the skyline through the window,
The moon above you and the streets below,
Hold my breath as you're moving in,
Taste your lips and feel your skin,
When the time comes, baby don't run,
Just kiss me slowly...

[Annaya]

Chapter 23


At the show that night, Randy had his shoulder checked by the trainers, and was told that he can take his sling off already, although he still has to make sure he doesn’t strain it too much for a couple of weeks.

He didn’t stay for the whole show either, saying he wasn’t feeling too well so he went ahead and left the arena. He wasn’t booked for the night, anyway, and he said he was going to go back to the hotel. He actually just wanted to drop by Ally’s party.

When he got back to the hotel, it was already 8:30 in the evening and he knew the party must have already been underway. He didn’t have much time to look for something to wear so he just went with the black dress shirt and slacks he was wearing at work and was just going to drop his stuff in his room.

When he came in the lobby, the concierge called his attention.

“Monsieur Orton? Excuse me, Monsieur Orton!”

“Yeah…That’s me.” He said as he approached, “What is it? I’m in a hurry.”

“Somebody left this envelope for you.”

He looked at the envelope on the desk and there was a “Stretch” written on it, in familiar handwriting that he just had to smile.

“What does it mean ‘stretch’?” The concierge asked, curiously.

“None of your business.” He said, taking the envelope with him and leaving at once. “Oh, thanks, by the way!”

He opened the envelope, and there were two items in it. One was the invitation with the exact location of the event, and the other, a piece of paper saying “Don’t get lost.”

He smirked, “You know me too well, Ally.” He said to himself, “too well.”

He hailed a cab and showed the driver the address of the venue and he was on his way. Meanwhile, at the event, Ally was already starting to get bored.

Even though she was introduced to everyone, and engaged in small talk, that was as far as it went. They all went about their own way, and grouped with their own friends and she just sat there at the corner, watching the live band they hired to perform.

It was at an exclusive club, and only people that are on the guest list were allowed inside, regardless whether they had an invitation or not. She wasn’t really expecting Randy to make it at the party and left the invitation at the concierge for him just in case.

Being as she wasn’t really into the club scene, she just sat there by the bar, thinking. It was all so fast, and she still couldn’t believe all that happened the day before.

How could one man just break down her walls that she built around herself for so long in just one night?

Then Louis came across her mind—Louis, who had been there for her all this time.

She felt bad about it. He’d been waiting and waiting still, for her to open her heart to him. But then, she didn’t expect that things to happen the way it did. She didn’t expect to see Randy again.

Her thoughts were interrupted when one of the securities approached her.

“Excuse me, ma’am.” He said, “There is a man at the door, he has an invitation but is not in the guest list. He says you know him? Name is…a Randy Orton?”

“Randy? He made it?” She asked, pleasantly surprised. “Let him in, he’s with me.”

The man nodded and spoke on his radio, “Let him in, he’s with her.”

“Thank you.” She said.

She waved her hand and he saw her finally, and a smile crossed his face. He’d been stifling his smile all day every time she crosses his mind, and now that she’s in front of him, he couldn’t control it anymore.

Why should he have to anyway?

“Hey, you made it!” She said.

“I did, and I’m glad!” He said, beaming. “Wow.”

“What?”

“That dress looks absolutely stunning on you.” He said.

“Really? So…you’re a fashion expert now?” She bantered.

“Come on, I’m giving you a compliment here.” He cocked his head, “Cut me some slack.”

She smiled, “I’m sorry. “ She said, touching his arm. “Thank you. Hey, you’re not wearing your sling!”

“Yeah, trainer said I can take it off.” He said, “Just told me not put too much strain on it…which makes me question its validity, cause if that’s the case then what happened last night was very bad for my shoulder.”

She punched him playfully on the arm. “Excuse you! I did all the work cause I was worried about your shoulder!”

“Hey, I did some work too.” He said, laughing.

“Barely!” She said.

“What’s the problem?” He grabbed her drink, turned around and leaning on the counter. “You like it on top anyway.” He said, before downing the shot.

“Well…” She turned in her seat towards the crowd too. “I can’t believe we’re talking about this in public.” She shook her head, smiling.

“Who cares? They’re French, they probably don’t get what we’re saying.” He said.

“You would be surprised.” She said, “So…what do we do now?”

He turned to her, putting his hand on the arm rest of her seat, rotating her seat so she would be facing him. “Wanna get out of here?” He whispered in her ear, in his deep baritone voice.

“You just got here!” She said, deflecting him and turning her seat back to the way it was before. “Try to enjoy the party a little bit. Besides, you owe me a drink.”

“Okay.” He turned back too, his elbow on the counter, with a cool distant look, whistling.

A French female model walked in front of them, and smiled at him obviously checking him out. And as if he was purposely trying to tick Ally off, knowing she saw it, he made no effort to be inconspicuous about checking the woman out too.

“Hey, baby.” He winked at the model, smirking.

“Seriously?” She shoved him a little.

“What? You said to enjoy the party.” He said, laughing.

But she didn’t say anything again and just looked into the crowd in front of her, with her eyebrows almost knitted together. He knew he succeeded. He gave her a few seconds to cool down.

“You wanna leave now?” He asked, stifling his smile.

“Give me a few minutes.” She said.

“How long?”

“Thirty minutes.” She said, without even looking at him.

“Really?” He said, teasingly.

“Fine, fifteen.” She said.

“Okay…” He said, satisfied. “Excusez moi! Two, por favor.” He said to the bar tender, gesturing with the shot glass.

She snorted, “That’s Spanish.” She said, pursing her lips to prevent herself from laughing.

“I know, I know…” He said, “I’m just trying to make you laugh.”

“Suuure.” She said.

He saw her rolling her eyes, so he turned her seat towards him again and tried to intimidate her with his angry stare.

“Oooh, so scary!” She said.

He growled and snapped his teeth at her playfully.

While the two were talking by the bar, playfully teasing each other, Simone couldn’t help but notice them and be curious as to what exactly their relationship was.

She had only seen Randy at the hotel the day before, and now he’s at the party flirting with Ally, who she believed is in a serious relationship with Louis.

No one could deny that the two are very close, with the way they are towards each other. Several people who are also close friends with the Salvatorres were also intrigued, since they have also heard of Ally from Louis, and from what he has told some of them, she was supposed to be very special to him.

Before they left, Ally told Simone that she was going with “her friend” and she didn’t need to drive her back to the hotel. She introduced him to her but did not say that he was a wrestler. One of the guests did that for them.

“Excuse me…You’re that wrestler, aren’t you? RNN?” A young man asked Randy while Ally was talking with Simone. “You’re that Orton…from Evolution, right?”

“Uh…yeah, that’s me.” He said, “You a fan?”

Ally turned around to them and just observed silently, just a couple of feet away.

“Yeah, man! I watch you guys a lot. You’re awesome!” The young man said, “The high end cars, the parties…the GIRLS! You rock, man. Where are Triple H and Flair and that big guy…Batista? Are they here?”

“They’re not with me...” Randy said. He saw Ally looking on. “I’m here with her.” He nodded in her direction.

The young man looked over at Ally, and then back at Randy, who was then staring at her as well. He winked at her and she smiled shyly. He reached for Ally and she held her hand out. He took her hand and intertwined his fingers in hers.

“You ready to go?” He asked Ally.

“I am if you are.” She said.

“Well, it was nice meeting you…um…” He knotted his brows trying to remember the young man’s name.

“It’s Jacques.” He said.

“Right! Sorry, Jacques.” Randy said, offering his free hand.

“It’s quite fine, I never said it.” Jacques said, shaking his hand.

After Randy and Ally were out of earshot, a few other guys joined Jacques and asked him if it was indeed Randy Orton of Evolution he was talking with.

“Evolution is so cool, man!” One of them said when he confirmed.

“Yeah…they really get all the hot girls huh?” Jacques said, still looking at Randy and Ally making their way out.



Of course, the two didn’t go straight back to the hotel. He had already hailed for a cab when she told him she told him she wanted to walk around for a while.

The night was very beautiful and Ally wanted to take advantage of it. She had been so stressed about the party the past days and now that it was over, she just felt free.

When they reached the park though, her feet were terribly sore from walking, especially since she’d been wearing a four-inch stiletto shoes.

“Umm…let’s sit over there for a while.”

“Why? I thought you wanted walk around?” He said, snickering.

He had already noticed she was limping a little bit a few minutes ago and knew her feet must hurt.

“I can’t walk anymore.” She said, “My feet hurt.”

“Who told you to wear those shoes anyway?” He said, leading her towards the fountain.

“They’re pretty!” She sat down on the fountain edge, “And they look good on my feet! See?” She flapped her legs a couple of times, as he sat beside her.

There was something in her that had kind of changed since the day before, and he couldn’t help but notice. Her aura was lighter, and she seems happier—playful even.

And for her, it definitely felt like a whole lot of weight had been lifted off her, and she felt freer. There was a certain feeling of familiarity that she feels being with him.

It’s like being home.

“Anything looks good on you.” He said, looking at her.

She looked at him and he had a really serious expression on his face, which made her smile, leaning in towards him, enticing him to come in for a kiss. Their lips almost touched when she suddenly spoke.

“Wait!” She said, “Did you hear that?”

“Hear what?” He said, throwing his head back in frustration.

“Ice cream!” She said, looking around and saw where the sound was coming from. “There! Oh, Randy, please get me one?”

“Get it yourself!” He said, turning away casually.

“Come on, please?” She moved closer and anchored her arm onto his, her chin on his shoulder. “My feet hurts remember? I can’t walk.” She purred in his ear.

But he didn’t he budge at all, even though he was smiling inside. He just wanted her to plead some more before he does what she was asking him to.

But then she became quiet instead, and just leaned her head on his shoulders, watching the people walking on by; old couples, families, young sweethearts—younger than themselves.

He felt her sighed, and looked at her. “What are you thinking?”

She shook her head, “I just remembered…when we were younger. Back when the world we’re moving in was just a small town in Missouri. Back when we didn’t have anything else to worry about…no responsibilities…no cares…just us. We thought we had all the time in the world to do the things we want…the things we love… You remember, don’t you?”

He kissed her forehead and rubbed his cheek on her head. “Yeah, I do.”

He placed his hand on her outer leg, moving her closer to him as she snuggled in his arm. Sometimes he misses those days too. Everything was simple then. They loved each other and that was that.

“I wish we could go back to that time.” He sighed.

She sat up and put his arms around her, scooting closer to him, and wrapping her arms around his waist. “Remember when you used to come up my window?”

“Hmm…yeah, yeah…I remember that.” He said, smiling.

“Yeah? And then we’d sneak out…go for a drive on your dad’s truck…”

“Uh-hmm…”

“..Then we’d go the ice-cream parlor.”

“Ah-hah!” He laughed, shaking his head. “I knew it was gonna go there!”

She looked up at him. “I really, really want some ice-cream.” She said, fluttering her eye-lashes at him. “Pleeeease?”

“Fine.” He said.




I have died everyday waiting for you
Darling don't be afraid,
I have loved you for a thousand years
I'll love you for a thousand more....


So he went to get her an ice-cream cone. He didn’t even ask what flavor she wanted because he already knew. As he made his way to the ice cream stand across the street, Ally found herself not able to tear her eyes away from him, and it struck a chord in her.

She’d been so used to being guarded that she suddenly felt a little worried at how fast it was all happening. She wondered if she should at least slow down—to hold back a little, just to be a bit cautious.

As she was deep in her thoughts, sitting there silently, barefooted. Randy was standing in line to buy her an ice cream cone, watching her from across the street. He thought she looked so beautiful.

The light sparkling from the fountain behind her was giving her an almost ethereal aura, like she was some sort of celestial being, lost in this big bad world.

He felt like all he wanted to do was to sweep her away, and hold her in his arms—to protect and take care of her for the rest of his life. He doesn’t want to lose her again. Not for a moment, much less a lifetime.

But then, he remembered he was supposed to fly out to Germany the next morning and he would have to leave her. He realized they only had the night left together.

“Monsieur?” The ice-cream man said, interrupting his thoughts. “What are you having?”

“Oh, good! You speak English!” He said, “Umm…chocolate, two scoops…actually, make it five scoops.”

“Five scoops then!” The man said, “Here you go, bon appétit.”

“Thank you.” Randy said as he paid. “Keep the change.”

“Merci, monsieur.” The man said, “Enjoy the night!”

“Yeah…that’s the plan.” He said, walking back to where Ally was.

She looked up then and saw him standing at the other side of the street, a huge pile of ice cream on the cone on one hand. He was waiting for the group of cyclist to pass. He was looking at her with a faint smile on his face, as he did a little wave, as if to see if she is looking at him too.

Her heart just started beating faster then. She waved back, and his smile grew more obvious, as he slowly walked towards her. Somehow, at that very moment, all her doubts just disappeared.

For the first time in a long time, it seems alright for her to feel vulnerable. She let go of all her fears and allowed herself to fall completely. Somehow, she felt braver.

“What are you smiling about?” Randy asked, suddenly, as he approached.

“That is too much ice-cream!” She laughed, “How many scoop is that?”

“Five.” He said, “I thought we could share…Unless, you don’t want to?”

“No, no…we can share.” She said, “I’d love that.”

They talked, and laughed and shared the ice cream as if they didn’t have a care in the world. A musical quartet settled a couple of feet from them, and started playing for the people there.

They couldn’t be happier if they tried. It was just such a perfect night; the stars in the sky, the fountain water softly sloshing behind them, romantic music playing in the background—and each other’s company. They couldn’t wish for anything more…well, except for one thing.

“I wish this night would never end.” She whispered, with her eyes closed as she was leaning on his shoulder.

“Yeah…me too.” He said.

And he meant it. If there was anything he could do to make it happen, he would have done it. But then the night was almost over.

“Hey…Ally…” He said. An idea popping in his head, but was hesitant if he should pursue it.

“Yes, Randy?”

“No, nothing…umm…I was just thinking…” Randy said, his voice trailing off. He didn’t want to push forward too fast. “I’m…flying to Germany tomorrow…”

“Oh…well…” She sighed. “Have a…you know, safe flight.”

She kind of braced herself for goodbye then. She knew it was going to come, and they have exchanged emails and cell phone numbers. But the reality is they have to go back to their real lives the next day, and they had no idea what’s going to happen.

“Al…” He took her hands again, “You said you wished the night would never end, right?”

“I did.”

“Well…the night is almost over but…” He said, “What are you doing tomorrow?”

“Umm…well, I don’t have a specific plan but…” She started to say, but she didn’t even finish.

“Come with me!” He said.

“W-what do you mean?” She asked.

“Come with me. I-I’m not asking you to come home with me to St. Louis…But the tour would end in Italy. …” He said, “This…all this…it doesn’t have to end tonight.” He paused and took a deep breath, nervously. “I just…now that I found you…I don’t want to let you go just yet. And I was thinking; maybe if we could spend more time together…maybe I could convince you to come home and stay with me…”

It caught her by surprise. She was supposed to have just one more day in Paris before she goes back to Italy. Going with him would mean spending a whole week with him.

But then what was she going to tell the professor? What was she going to tell Louis? They were supposed to be back over the weekend and she won’t be there when they do.

“C-can I think about it first?” Ally asked. “I mean, it’s just so sudden…I…”

Randy sensed her hesitation. He almost regretted asking, but he really wanted her to come, to stay with him. He just doesn’t want to be without her anymore.

“Yeah…yeah…of course.” He said.

As much as he was trying, he couldn’t hide his disappointment. He knows he kind of rushed into it in asking her, and he understood why she reacted that way, though. He rubbed his face with his hands calm himself down.

“Well, it’s getting late…we should go back to the hotel.” He stood up and said, a little bit snappy. “We’re checking out early tomorrow. Flight’s at eight.”

“Okay, let me just put my shoes on.”
“No, its fine…I’ll get a cab.” He said, “Just wait here.”

But he didn’t call a cab. He came back riding on a horse-drawn coach. He was about to hail a cab when he kind of felt bad about the way he acted towards Ally, and thought he should make it up to her.

It was going to be their last night together, and he thought he should make it special and not ruin it.

“What is that?” Ally asked, surprised. “I thought you were gonna call a cab?”

“Yeah, well…this one’s slower…so that means I can stay with you longer.” He said, as he got off the carriage to get her. “Aannd…I thought I’d grant your lifelong wish of riding on one with me and feel like a princess.”

“Shut up!” She laughed.

He laughed, too. “Well, come on. Hop on.”

He carried her on his back towards the carriage because she hadn’t put her shoes on, and her feet and calves still hurt. It was a pretty long ride, but the street was so beautiful with all the street lights. The top of the carriage was down too, so they could see the sky over head.

They didn’t talk much throughout the ride, though. It was like they were both just trying to savor each moment that they had together. He had his arms around her as she leaned her head on his shoulders.

As they got to the hotel though, Randy got quiet, like he was in deep thought. He held her hand tightly, and didn’t let go until they got to the door of her room. She could feel the heaviness in her heart then, and thought it must have been why he was being so quiet.

“Well…good night, then.” She said. She gave him a long kiss goodnight.

“Yeah…” He sighed.

He turned to walk away, back to the elevator, but he couldn’t take more than two steps and turned back around.

“Listen, Ally…I’m sorry…I-I shouldn’t have asked you what I did…I mean, it was too fast. I didn’t wanna rush you…you know…” He said.

“I know.” She said.

“Right…I’m gonna…just go… yeah. Good night.”

As she stood there watching him walk off, she felt like her heart wanted to get out of her chest and run after him, knowing that it would have been the last time she’d see him for a long time. She had never felt that kind of attachment wit h anyone, except for him. It has always been that way.

When he was a couple of meters away, Ally called him back. It was uncanny that he felt a chill run up his spine.

“Randy…”

“Y-yeah…?” He said, without turning around, bracing himself for what she was going to say.

He tried to calm himself down because he didn’t want to expect anything and be disappointed in the end.

“I thought about it…” She said.

“…and…?”

“Would you get back here, I’m trying to tell you something.” She said.

He took a deep breath before turning around and walking back to her. He kept his head down, like he didn’t want her to see how nervous he really was. His heart was beating so loudly, like he was on the verge of something big.

“I haven’t really been around Europe even though I’ve lived here for two years now…” She said, “So…I thought this would be the perfect time to do a little trip…and make it special…by spending it with…someone as special.”

He looked up then, with bright eyes and a big smile. “You mean you’re…”

She smiled, “I’m going with you!”

She made the decision. She felt bad for Louis, but what can she do? She didn’t expect to be in love with him all over again, but that’s what happened. She never truly loved before or after him. There was nothing that could change that. She loves him, and only him. She knows that now.

“Awesome! Great!” He said, excitedly. So excited in fact, he didn’t know what to do next. “All right, so…umm…check out at six…I guess I should go to my room.”

“No.” She smiled, amused at how seemingly excited he was.

“No?” He asked, puzzled.

“No.” She winked. She turned around and walked inside her room. She left the door wide open. “Lock the door behind you.”

“Ahh…” He smiled, when finally got what she was saying. “Yes, ma’am!”


---------------------------------------------------------------


3:18 AM the next morning.


Randy was sleeping soundly beside her, when Ally suddenly woke up. She’s a light sleeper so she heard the faint ringing of her cellular phone inside her bag.

She knew there was only one person who would be calling her at that time. She slowly moved his arm off of her so she could get up. She put her robe on, grabbed her bag and went to the bathroom.

“Hello?” She whispered.

“Finally! Where are you? I was getting a bit worried.” Louis said.

“I’m in my room.” She sat down on the edge of the tub. “Why?” Ally asked.

“Well, you weren’t answering your phone earlier.” He said

“I uh…” She said, “I probably didn’t hear it…the music was loud at the party.”

“I called Simone and she said you had already left.”

“Oh…I…was sleeping…I was really tired…I took some sleeping pills so I could sleep.” She lied. “I hadn’t been sleeping enough the past couple of days.”

Well, that part was true. She thought. “Look, ok…why are you calling anyway?”

“Right! Well, I was just gonna tell you that we’re extending our trip.” Louis said, “We can’t come home on Monday yet. We need to stay a week longer.”

“I see. That’s…that’s fine.” She said. She was going to say it was great, but fortunately she stopped herself. “If you’re worried about me, don’t be…I mean, I can take care of myself. I’ll be just fine. Do what you gotta do.”

“You sound…tense.” Louis asked. “Are you sure?”

“Yeah, yeah…” She said, “Very sure. Listen, Louis…umm…I’m really sleepy. Tired. I really need more sleep.”

“Oh, I know it’s like three in the morning there.” Louis said, “I’m sorry I woke you up.”

“That’s fine! Just uh…we’ll talk later. Maybe. I’ll call you.” She said, “You have a great day and say hi to your dad.”

“Alright, I’ll let you go back to your sleep.”

“Great.” She said, “Ok. Bye.”

“Bye. I lo—“

She ended the call then and didn’t hear him say that he love her. She was trying to relax and calm herself down after that tense phone call for a few minutes before deciding to go back to bed.

She was about to open the bathroom door when suddenly it opened, and Randy was standing there, naked.

“There you are!” Randy said, sleepily.

“Holy shit!” She exclaimed, clutching her bag in front of her chest. “Damn it, Randy! You startled me!”

“Sorry. I was just gonna pee.” He went to the toilet bowl, lifted the seat up and pissed, as she sat back down on the edge of the tub. “What are you doing here?”

“Watching you pee.” She said, smiling goofily.

He laughed. “No, really.” He said, as he was pissing. “What are you doing here with the lights off? You hiding something from me?”

“What?! No!” She said, “I’m not hiding anything…”

“Why do you have your bag with you?” He said, suddenly stopping. “Wait, you’re not skipping out on me, are you?”

He looked like a kid suddenly fearing being left.

“No, no, no! Of course not!”! She stood up, walked towards him and she cupped his face. “I was just…I was going to take a shower…but I realized it was still too early so I changed my mind.”

“Oh…okay…” He relaxed then, taking a deep breath, as he finished peeing. “Well, it is still very early…”

He smiled mischievously. “We got plenty of time left. We should make the most of it.”

He pulled her towards him by the hips, wriggling his eyebrows. She could feel his masculinity pressing against her stomach through the soft fabric of the robe she was wearing. She knew exactly what he was thinking, but she didn’t want to be so obvious. So she played it coy.

“What do you have in mind?” She asked, innocently.

“Well…Since we’re already here…” He said, playing right along.

He backed her up towards the shower until her back was against the glass door. His arms were on either side of her, cornering, pinning her there.

His eyes grew darker with lust as he stared longer into her. Letting his eyes navigate down the loose opening on the front of her robe.

It was almost like she could feel his eyes setting fire on her skin, and it excited her. He leaned in closer, and she could literally feel his body heat emanating from his searing flesh, his warm breath burning the delicate hair on her neck as spoke.

“Take your robe off.” He whispered, softly yet forcefully. Each word sounded commanding and with conviction.

And she did just as he wanted. She did everything exactly as he wanted.

[Annaya]

Chapter 24

“Where’s Orton?” Hunter asked. “Cena, you seen him?”

They were loading the bus that will take them to the airport for their flight to Germany, and they were about to leave, but Randy hasn’t shown up yet.

“He left early last night, said he wasn’t feeling good.” John said, “Haven’t seen him since.”

“Well, call him!” Hunter said, “We have to leave now.”

John was about to call him on his cell phone when he saw him coming out of the hotel. “Oh, there he is!” He said, “And by the looks of it, we’re gonna have an extra passenger.”

“Where’ve you been, Orton?” Hunter asked.

“Sorry, I didn’t get to pack last night…I was uh…” Randy started to say.

“He stayed in my room.” Ally said, “He was…not feeling well, so I took care of him.”

“And who are you supposed to be?” Hunter asked Ally.

“Oh, this is Ally…she’s my…”

“Cousin.” Ally said, “I’m his cousin. From St. Louis. Nice to meet you, sir.” She held her hand out.

Hunter held her hand and shook it, while he looked at her from head to foot and back again, pursing his lips.

“Cousin, huh?” He said, glancing at Randy. “Okay, let’s pretend I believe you. My name’s Hunter, and I’m this asshole’s mentor. Nice to meet you, too. Now what?”

Randy took Hunter aside and asked if Ally could come along. Hunter didn’t consent to it at first, but he promised that she won’t be in the way and that he’ll be responsible for her. Hunter liked the idea of teaching him responsibility, so he relented.

He also told Randy that he needs to explain everything to him when they got a chance to talk soon. He didn’t buy that she was his cousin for one bit.

It was a little bit awkward when she got on the bus. Everyone was looking at her like she was some kind of science experiment exhibit, until Hunter told everyone that she was Randy’s cousin. Of course, a few of them knew it wasn’t the case.

“Wait, I thought she was his high school girlfriend?” Carlito whispered over to Mark. “You mean he banged his own cousin?”

“No, stupid.” Mark said, “She’s not really his cousin. They just said that so nobody would ask any more questions.”

“Oh! I get it…” Carlito said, “That’s cool.”

John raised an eyebrow at Randy when he passed by him, and Randy just shrugged. They sat behind John, with Ally by the window. But then, even though they told everyone else that she was his cousin, they still kind of had a feeling that it wasn’t the case, because of the way they act around each other.

It wasn’t so much physically, since they were trying to act like normal cousins in that aspect—at least in public. It was in the way he looks tenderly and talks to her so softly. They didn’t know much about her, but she was rather obvious as well—especially when she gets jealous.

It was after their show in Germany, and Ally was waiting for him backstage. She was watching him on the TV for his segment, so when he came in backstage she went to see him in the dressing room. But when she got there, there were a few divas surrounding him as he was sitting there.

They were touching him, and grabbing his arms. One of them even had her hand on his thighs. She stood there for a little while, by the door looking at them. If looks could kill, Randy would’ve exploded already and he wouldn’t even know until he heard Dave.

“Oh, sorry, Ally!” Dave said as he walked inside, bumping into her.

Randy looked up then when he heard Dave say Ally’s name, and he saw her standing by the door. His smile disappeared suddenly, being caught. When Ally noticed that he finally saw her, she turned and stormed away.

“Ally!” Randy stood up hurriedly, and went after her, stumbling over his boots because the laces were already loose. “Hey, Ally! Wait up!”

“What’s with his cousin?” Candice asked, “She acts like she’s his girlfriend or something…”

“I know, right? And Randy is kind of weird too…” Torrie said, “He’s like super sweet to her for a cousin.”

He knew wasn’t going to go anywhere, but he still couldn’t find her until a staff told him he saw his cousin by the equipment boxes at the back. He went there and saw her sitting on one of the boxes. She wasn’t doing anything, just sitting there quietly, as if contemplating. He approached with caution.

“Can I sit?” He asked.

She just shrugged in response, still with a faraway look in her eyes. It was better than he expected, because if she was mad at him, he wouldn’t be able to sit beside her. But then her silence was a little discomforting.

“Are you mad at me?” Randy asked, after a few moments.

“Should I?” She asked back.

“No.” He said, with conviction as he took hold of her hand.

She didn’t take her hand away nor flinch, even when he slipped his fingers in the gaps of hers.

“Listen, I asked you to be here…to come with me. That’s because I want to be with you.” He said.

“I know.” She said, “And I understand, really, I get it. I just…I can’t help it if I feel jealous, you know? I mean, just look at them…Who wouldn’t feel insecure? And they were all over you, too.”

He smiled and shook his head a little. How someone like her could can ever be so insecure, when she’s the most beautiful girl in the world for him, he wondered.

“Come here…” He put his arms around her shoulders and pulled her in. “I don’t want anyone else. I only want you. Even if I happen to be surrounded by hundreds of girls in skimpy outfits or whatever, I’ll only want you. No one else, okay?”

“Okay.” She sighed. “I really want to kiss you right now….” She said after a moment.

“Why don’t you?” He snorted.

“Because people think we’re cousins…?”

“Cousins kiss.” He said, teasing her.

She looked at him, “Not the way I want to kiss you.” I can’t even hug you the way I want because it would look awkward.”

“I didn’t tell you to pretend anyway.” He said, “You told them you were my cousin.”

“I didn’t know it would be this hard and frustrating!” She moped, “Why didn’t you stop me?”

“Stop you? What did you want me to say?” He laughed, “’What do you mean you’re my cousin? We just f**ked last night!’”

“Ah!” She exclaimed with a look of disgust, as she hit him on his side.

“Okay, sorry!” He said, still laughing. “I mean ‘made love’”

She rolled her eyes and looked away. She took a deep breath, tapping her fingers on the box beneath her. “Nah…we did…it was good, too.” She said, nodding.

He raised his eyebrow in surprise, and smirked. “Yeah?”

“Yeah…” She looked at him again, “Now wipe that smug look off your face!”

“Right.” He said, sitting up formally, stifling his smile. “So, let’s go back to my dressing room?”

She jumped off the box, and he stood up, taking hold of her hand. They were already halfway back when she stopped to a halt, pulling him back.

“Wait! What are we gonna do?” She asked, “I mean, do we go in there and just tell them I’m not your cousin?”

“Nah…Who cares about them anyway?” He said, “I’m just glad you’re finally gonna stop pretending.”

“Just me?” Ally asked.

“Well, baby, if you haven’t noticed…I never pretended.” He winked, “I’m not this nice to any of my cousins, you know.”

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It was a pretty awkward transition for Ally for a while, with everybody giving them looks. But since Randy didn’t seem to care and just ignored it. She decided he was right, and just dropped all pretenses.

Eventually, everybody just realized that they were never cousins in the first place. Besides, no cousins ever treated each other the way they do.

During the whole bus ride from the arena to the next city, he would always have his arms around her, and she would play with his hands.

For the most part, it was like nothing could touch them—nothing could go wrong. They were together, travelling, he was doing what he loves and she was there to support him.

When he’s busy, she takes off and spends time with herself, walking around the city and taking pictures, but they were talking constantly on the phone. They were having the time of their lives.

That is until that faithful Monday afternoon in Madrid, Spain when Randy was at the gym, working out with his friends and she decided to take a walk around town.

She was walking along a narrow alley on her way back to the hotel when she saw a familiar face sitting inside a coffee shop.

She went inside to take a closer look, just to be sure.

It was her dad, Henry. She hasn’t talked to him for over a year by her own choice, but seeing him in the state that he was, she couldn’t help but wonder and worry.

He did not look like the same man he was when they last saw each other. He was merely a shadow—an empty shell of the man she called her father. He must have lost about 30 pounds or so, his face and eyes were sunken, and his hair had ten times more gray than she remembered. He didn’t even dress the way he used to.

It was like he threw his life away since he left them.

Then she thought that he deserved what happened to him for leaving her and her mom. He deserved what he got for choosing some broad over his family.

He deserved what he got for what he put her through. She turned around and was about to leave when Henry noticed her and recognized her immediately.

“Ally?” He called.

She didn’t turn around but she stopped walking. She felt chills run up her spine and it made her freeze right where she was standing.

“Ally?” Henry called again, “Ally, is that you?”

Finally, after a moment of psyching herself up, she turned around and faced her father. Her eyes were cold as ice. She blocked all the emotion she had towards him.

“Hey, dad.” She said flatly. “Fancy seeing you here.”

“Ally…” Henry stood up and walked over to her. “What are you doing here?” He asked. His voice trembling with emotions. “I-is your mother with you? Where is she? How have you been? I’m so happy to see you…”

He held her face and looked at her, and then, with tears rimming in his eyes, he hugged her. She did not return the gesture though.

“Calm down.” Ally said, “You’re causing a scene.”

Henry pulled away then, finally catching the coldness in her tone. He took a good long look at her and it almost felt like a dagger was driven into his heart. He felt like a stranger with the way she was looking at him. There was no love there at all.

He couldn’t really blame her though. It was his fault after all. But he couldn’t help but feel hurt.

“I’m sorry.” He said, “Can we sit and talk for a while?”

“I’m kind of in a hurry.” Ally said, “I have to get back to my hotel…Ran…Someone’s waiting for me.”

She hesitated telling him she was with Randy, though she didn’t know why. Perhaps, subconsciously, she was still traumatized with what happened before—when Henry took her away from him.

“Just for a few minutes.” Henry said. Pleaded. “Please, Ally. Just one cup of coffee.”

“Alright, fine.” She said after a moment of consideration.

Henry ordered her a cup of coffee, and she was surprised that he knew exactly how she liked it.

There was a moment of awkward silence between them as they waited for her cup, until Henry started asking her a few things, to sort of break the ice.

“How’s your mom?”

“She’s ok.” She said, “She’s back in the States.”

“How are you though?” Henry asked, “I thought you were living in your professor’s house?”

“I am.” She said, “And as you can see, I’m doing just fine…without you.” She added.

“Yeah…I can see that.” Henry said. “So…what are you doing here? Business?”

“No…”

Right then, an advertisement about the WWE show that night aired on the TV inside the café. It featured some of the most prominent Superstars of the company, such as Triple H, Shawn Michaels, Mick Foley, and The Rock as well as the new crop of up and comers such as Brock Lesnar, Batista, John Cena and Randy Orton.

She was watching the ad and she just couldn’t hide the pride she felt upon seeing Randy. Harlan didn’t fail to notice how her eyes turn softer and how a little smile appeared in the corner of her lips, and he knew.

“You’re here with him?” He asked.

“With who?”

“Randy.”

She took a moment to think about what she was going to say—how best she could hurt him.

“As a matter of fact, I am.” She said, “See, even though you tried your damndest to tear us apart, we still found our way back to each other. That’s how much I love him and that’s how much he loves me.”

“I hope so.” Harlan said. “I hope you are right.”

“What do you mean?”

“Ally…I didn’t do it because I hate him.” Henry said, “I did it for you.”

“You did it for me?” She asked. The contempt in her voice slowly rising. “You taking me away from everything I know, from everyone I love—from him, making me think that I was doing it to save this family—That was for me? How dare you?”

“You don’t understand…”

“No, I don’t.” She said. She could feel her eyes getting warm as tears were bidding to form.

“He was all I had, dad. When you and mom weren’t there, he was all I had. And I don’t understand how you could be so manipulative as to take me away from the one person that mattered to me the most.”

She paused then, took a deep breath, and composed herself. She wasn’t going to show him any sign of weakness. After a couple of seconds, she grabbed her stuff and stood up.

“This conversation’s over.” Ally said, “I’m leaving.”

“I just wanted you to be strong.” Henry said, grabbing hold of her wrist. “He was your weakness.”

“He’s my strength.” She said, as she tried to pull her arm away.

“No. No, Ally, he was your weakness.” Henry insisted. “You loved him too much you’re willing to give everything up for him. And if there’s one thing I learned in life, it’s that the one who loves more loses the most. I hope he loves you as much as you think he does. You can never be sure with men…especially ones like him. I should know." He said.

"He’s just starting his climb to the top. You move in different worlds now." Henry said. He sounded both angry and hurt. "There’s always someone younger and prettier than you in his world and he’s going to forget about you when he reaches the top. And you’re going to be left all alone and miserable in your own world.”

“You don’t know what you’re talking about.” She said. “You don’t know him at all.”

“But I know you.” Henry said to himself. “And you’re just like me.”

And with one final pull, she released herself from his hold and took off. She walked away as she can, without looking back. She walked in a harried pace. Her heart beat was going off and her breathing was erratic.

How spending a few minutes with Henry could turn her into a nervous wreck was uncanny. It was like all the emotions and feelings she put a lot of effort to control just exploded.

All she wanted was to get to the hotel and see Randy and everything was going to be alright.

[Annaya]

Chapter 25




That evening…


They were doing Monday Night Raw in Madrid that evening, and the atmosphere was busier than usual, for Ally, at least. She had only ever been in house shows the past few days, and OVW shows before, but never a live televised Raw.

Randy was booked to appear with the new stable, Evolution that night and he was very occupied. Everybody was walking around doing their thing, warming up, memorizing lines, rehearsing promos and stuff, and Ally was just relegated into a corner by herself.

She hasn’t even talked to Randy about what happened that afternoon. When she got back to the hotel, he was already packing his stuff to go to the arena and there wasn’t time to talk about it.

It was fine with her. She would be content just being with him, wrapped inside his arms. But even that wasn’t possible that evening.

It was hard for her to just sit there, especially with what’s going on in her head and the atmosphere backstage wasn’t helping at all.

She wanted to be somewhere quiet and ease her mind of the tension she’s been carrying since she left that coffee shop.

She decided she was just going to go back to the hotel, but she needed to tell Randy first in case he looks for her. So she went to find him.

She found him in the TV room, talking with Hunter and Ric Flair. They were discussing about the promo they were going to do that evening.

“Excuse me.” She said, as she knocked on the already opened door. “R-randy?”

“Oh, hey, babe!” Randy said, “Oh, this is Ric Flair…you remember him from the TV right?” He turned to Ric, “We used to watch wrestling together…in my room.” He winked.

Ric laughed, “You have fine taste, boy. .wooooo! Come in, pretty lady.” He said, “You have a name?”

“Her name’s Ally.” Randy said.

“Pleased to meet you Mr. Flair.” She said, offering a hand shake.

“Pleasure is mine.” Ric took her hand and kissed it instead.

“Umm…R-randy…can I talk to you for a minute?”

“Uhh…Later, babe.” He glanced at Hunter, who looked absolutely serious. “After the show, alright?”

“But…”

“Later, we’ll talk later.” Randy repeated, ushering her towards the door. “Go hang out with the divas or something. I’ll catch up with you later.”

He kissed her on the forehead and then closed the door, before she could say another word. Some of the divas were outside and saw what happened.

She felt rather embarrassed being thrown out of the room, and the divas giggling in mockery didn’t help. She walked away with her head down, without looking at anyone.

That’s when she bumped into John Cena.

“Hey, watch where you’re go….” John turned around, “Oh! Ally! Hey!”

“Hey…sorry about that.” She said, rubbing her head. “Ouch…you’re like a brick wall.”

John laughed, “So…what are you doing here? Where’s Orton?”

“Umm…he’s in a meeting with Hunter…and Ric Flair.” She said, “He kind of threw me out of the room…”

“What? Aw…he probably didn’t mean that.” John said, “It was probably an important meeting…”

“Yeah…probably.” She said, “It was just kind of embarrassing…with the girls laughing at me.”

“Oh, don’t mind them…” He said, “They’re just you know…girls kind of get a little territorial…and you’re new, so. They probably weren’t even laughing at you…”

She just gave him a knowing look, and he smiled. They both knew the truth and that he was just saying that to console her.

“Anyway…could you just tell Randy I went back to the hotel?” She said, “I really don’t feel like staying here tonight.”

“Oh. Well, if it’s because of the divas, you can just hang around with me and the guys…”

“No, no, it’s not them…” She said, “I just have a lot on my mind right now...and it’s too hectic here. I just want to be somewhere quiet…and I’m kind of tired too, so…”

“Oh, okay…” John said, “I’ll tell him then. You want me to call you a cab?”

“No, it’s okay…Just walk me to the exit?” She said, “I can’t seem to remember where it is.”

“Yeah, of course.” John smiled, “Come on.”

“Hey Cena!” Batista said, “Where you goin’ with Orton’s girl?”

“None ‘a yo business!”

----------------------------------------------------------------

Later that night at the locker room…


“Hey, you guys seen my girl?” Randy asked as he came in the locker room, towel wrapped around his waist.

“Oh, she wasn’t in the shower with you? You took quite a while in there.” Mark joked.

“Very funny.” Randy rolled his eyes, walking past Jindrak to his locker. “If she was, I wouldn’t be out yet. I told her to wait for me after the show. I haven’t seen her around since. Not picking up her phone either.”

“Oh, you lookin’ for your girl?” Dave asked, “I saw her with Cena earlier, I don’t know where they’re goin’”

“Somebody called my name?” John asked, walking in.

“Yeah, you seen my girl?” Randy asked, putting on his pants.

“Oh, Ally? Yeah, I helped her get a cab earlier.” John said, “She told me to tell you that she was going back to the hotel…after you threw her out of the room.”

“I didn’t throw her out…” Randy said, “Is she okay?”

“I think so…she just looked stressed to me.” John said, “You should talk to her.”

---------------------------------------------------------------------

Randy didn’t go straight to the hotel after the show though. He hung out with a few of the guys at a local club first. He was worried about Ally, but he didn’t want to seem so whipped, so to speak, so he went anyway.

While he was partying with his coworkers, Ally laid awake in their bed, thinking about her dad—what he said, and why he said the things he did.

What did he mean that she’s just like him? He said she loves Randy so much that she’s willing to give everything up for him, but how did that make her just like him?

He certainly didn’t love her mother that much. He gave his family up to be with that woman.

“That woman…” She whispered.

What happened to her dad? Why did he look so broken? She wondered what happened to them. She didn’t want to care, but it made her curious. She wanted to understand. She wanted to know what happened but she didn’t want to see him again.

Perhaps in the back of her mind, she was actually afraid to find out.

She was already sleeping when Randy came in. He was tired and a little drunk, but he didn’t want to lie down next to her smelling like beer so he took a shower before going to bed.

He lay down behind her, wrapping his arms around her. He didn’t want to wake her up, but she did anyway.

“Did you just come in?” She asked, half asleep.

She burrowed herself in the curve of his body as she pulled on his arms to embrace her tighter.

“Yeah.” He said.

He kissed the curve of her neck a couple of times, rubbing the tip of his nose at the back of her ears. She turned around to face him, and kissed him on the lips then. She could smell the alcohol in his breath still.

“You smell like alcohol.” She said.

“Yeah…I had a couple of drinks with the guys after the show.” He said. His eyes still closed. “Sorry about that.”

“Oh…that’s fine.” She said, “So…c-can we talk now? You told me we’d talk after the show…”

“Uhh…” He laid on his back. “I did…but can’t it wait ‘til morning? I’m tired…”

“Oh…of course.” She sighed.

He opened his eyes and looked at her, in the dim light of the room. He could sense she was disappointed, with the tone of her voice.

“Sorry...”

“It’s okay.” She said, brushing her fingers through his hair. “You’re tired. You should sleep. We’ll talk tomorrow.”

“Mmhhmm…” He mumbled.

“I love you.” She whispered.

Her soft, tender touch lulled him to sleep in no time and she didn’t even realize it until he snored softly. With a sigh, she put her arms around his chest and her head on his shoulder and went back to sleep.

------------------------------------------------------------

The next morning…


“Babe, I’ll wait for you at the lobby, alright?” Randy said.

“Can’t you just wait for me?” Ally said. She was inside the bathroom, drying her hair. “I’ll be done in a minute.”

“Hunter’s looking for me.” Randy said, “I’ll take the bags with me so you don’t have to carry ‘em. Hurry up, alright?”

“Yeah, yeah…ok.”

And just like that, he was out the door with their stuff. She decided not to finish drying her hair, and dressed up in a hurry. They were on the last leg of the tour and they were heading to Italy, where they will have two shows.

She was about to get in the elevator, when her phone rang. It was her mom.

“Mom?”

“Ally? Where are you? Are you okay?” Alice asked. She sounded worried.

“I’m fine, mom.” She said, “Are you okay? Why did you call?”

“What kind of question is that?” She said, “I’m still your mother and I’m worried about you.”

“Sorry…I didn’t mean it that way. It’s just you never really call.”

“Or you never pick up when I call.” Alice argued.

“I’m busy.”

“Apparently, you’re not busy now…since you’re in Spain.” Alice said, “What happened? Why are you there? Did you run off or something?”

“How’d you know I’m here?” She got out of the elevator and looked for Randy. She saw him sitting at a corner of the lobby talking with Hunter.

“Your dad called me.” Alice said. “I was so surprised that he did. He said you’re in Spain and you saw each other. And…I got worried. I know how you feel about your dad…I wanted to know if you’re alright.”

“I’m fine.” She said, “I’m actually here with Randy.”

“You are? How?” Alice asked, surprised.

“We found each other in Paris.”

“Oh, my god…how romantic!” Alice exclaimed, “I always knew you two are meant to be.”

“Right…” She glanced over at Randy, who was still talking with Hunter.

What her mom said made her smile, and in her heart, there was nothing else she wanted than to be with him all her life.

“So…how was your dad?” Alice asked. “How’s he doing?”

“Umm…well…” Ally took a few seconds to answer, because she didn’t know what to say. “He looked different…Actually, he didn’t look so good. He looked sick and unkempt…and old.”

“Oh…”

That was all Alice could muster up to say. Her silence made it clear that she still cared about Henry. And despite how Ally felt about her dad, it still kind of pinched at her heart no matter how she try to deny it.

“Mom?”

“Yes, honey?”

“Do you know…what happened to him?” Ally asked, “It’s just…he looked kind of…”

“Broken?” Alice asked.

“Yeah…how did you…”

“Oh, honey…it’s a long story.” Alice said.

“I have time.” Ally said, “I want to know.”

Alice told Ally the whole story, despite her refusal. Ally insisted she wanted to know, and argued that he was still her father and she should know. Alice told her everything then.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

-


Five Months Ago…


Henry called Alice one night and she was surprised that he would even call her more than a year after they separated. She was starting to put her life back on track, putting up a business—a flower shop for special occasions.

She was in the process of filing their divorce papers as well. And as much as she was angry at him for what happened, she couldn’t put the phone down.

Henry was crying, and she couldn’t bear to. He told her Sylvia, the woman he ran off with, had left him.

She left him for another man, much younger and richer than him. Alice knows how much Henry loves Sylvia. He wouldn’t have left them if he didn’t, after all.

He gave everything up for that woman, and now she left him for someone better, and left him with nothing. Not even self-respect.

“I’m sorry…” Alice said, “I wish I could say something…to make you feel better.”

“Alice….why did this happen to me?” Henry asked, “I loved her so much…”

“Why are you asking me?” Alice said. “Didn’t you do the same thing to me—to our daughter? You left us…” She paused then, and waited for Henry to say something.

“I’m sorry, Alice…” He uttered, breaking into sobs. “I shouldn’t have called…”

She didn’t want his apologies. She didn’t want anything to do with him at all. But even though she has moved on from him, she couldn’t deny the fact, that he was the man she loved half her life—her first love. And no matter how much she wants to forget him, he will always have that spot, deep in her heart.

“No, I’m sorry.” She said, “I didn’t mean to raise that issue…Listen, Henry…We can’t fix anything that has already happened. You left me, she left you…that’s final. But it doesn’t mean I don’t have to be civil towards you. We may never have what we once had…but I’ll be here if you need me…if you need a friend. We don’t have to lose that.”

Henry didn’t say anything else. But she could tell by the sound of his breathing, that he was crying. Her heart just couldn’t bear it anymore, so she decided to end the call.

“Henry, you should rest.” She said, “You’ll feel better in the morning. I’ll…I’ll call you.”

“You don’t have to do that.” Henry said.

“I know.” She said, “But I want to. Just to check up on you, I guess. Goodnight, Henry.”


She called him the next morning like she said, to check up on him, but he didn’t pick up the phone. Instead, he sent her a message telling her not to worry and that he will be okay.

He didn’t want to bother her more than he already did. They never spoke again until that day after Henry saw Ally in the café.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ally sat there at the hotel lobby quietly by herself for a while, taking in all what her mother revealed to her. She didn’t realize it, but she must have looked really distressed because John just had to come and ask her if she was alright.

“Hey, Ally…you feeling okay?” He asked, sitting to the couch adjacent to hers.

“Huh?” She looked at him, disoriented for a moment. “Umm…yeah, I’m just fine.”

“Are you sure?” John said, “Randy didn’t do anything stupid, did he?”

“No, no…he didn’t do anything.” She looked up at where Randy was, and saw him approaching them. “He’s great…he’s good to me.”

“Hey, babe…” Randy said. He gave her a kiss, as he sat down on the arm rest of the couch she was on. “You bothering my girl, Cena?”

“Nah…I’s just checking up on her.” John said, with a roll of his eyes. “She looked a little distressed, I thought maybe you did something stupid.”

Randy looked at Ally. “You okay, baby? Something wrong?” He asked, concerned, his brows knitted.

“I’m okay, really.” She smiled at him, but her eyes couldn’t hide how she was feeling. And Randy could tell. “Are we leaving yet?”

“Yeah, we are…But you had something you wanted to tell me last night, right?” Randy asked, “Is that what’s bothering you?”

“Hey guys! Let’s go! Get in the bus, we’re leaving!” They heard somebody say.

“No, it’s not important.” She said, she stood up in front of him and cupped his face. “It could wait. We should get on the bus.”

“Are you sure?” Randy asked, looking into her eyes.

“Babe, I’m sure.” She said, “Now, come on, before they leave us.”

She pulled at his arm to make him stand up and he did with a sigh. John was just sitting there watching the scene in front of him, trying to stifle his smile. He had never seen Randy act so soft, and it was amusing to him.

“Cena! You coming or what?” Randy asked John.

He knew what John was thinking.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Despite what Ally said, what she learned bothered her a lot. She was often quiet and just thinking. Even when she’s around Randy, she would sometimes stare off and he would catch her not paying attention.

He knew something was bothering her, and he had asked her several times about it but she wouldn’t tell. He inquired about what it was she was supposed to tell him too, but she told him she had forgotten what it was.

She didn’t forget. She just wasn’t sure if she wanted to tell him anymore especially with what Henry told her, and now with what she knew.

It made her think something she doesn’t even want to picture happening, but she couldn’t help it. What if he was right?

That thought lingered and casted doubt in her psyche. What if what happened to him would happen to her too? She’d been hurt before, and it was the single most painful thing she had ever had to go through.

It scared her to death to even think of going through that kind of heartache again.

Subconsciously that little seed innocuously planted in her head by Henry was growing at an astounding pace. In her mind, deep in the recesses of her psyche, there is that feeling that it would be the death of her if it did.

A little part of her was telling her she shouldn’t have opened up, that she should’ve kept her distance. And so, subconsciously, she was pulling away from Randy.

And he didn’t fail to notice that either.

[Annaya]

Chapter 26

I’m wandering
I’m crawling
I’m two steps away from falling
Just can’t seem to get around



Rome, Italy


They were going to have two shows in Italy, one in Rome and one in Milan where Ally has been living the last two and a half years. They were going to stay there for a total of four days. They landed at the airport in the morning, so Randy and Ally decided to step out of the hotel and take walk about the city.

Despite having lived in the country, Ally has never been to Rome and it kind of surprised Randy.

“You’ve never been here?” He asked.

“Nope…not even once.” She said, before taking a sip of her coffee.

“Why? I mean…I know you like sightseeing, and going to places like this…” He said, “And you live just in the next city…”

“I know…” She put her cup down, and stared off, thinking. “I guess I lost interest…in everything.”

She looked at him. She thought about opening up to him, telling him what exactly she was thinking. She wanted to tell him how it was hard losing him. How broken she felt without him. How life just seemed dull and dark, despite all the beauty and colors surrounding her. And that she couldn’t bear to lose him again.

But she couldn’t.

Those words her father told her at the coffee shop still resonate in her mind. And when she learned what happened to him from her mom, she figured out why he said those things.

He gave up everything for love, and he ended up the loser. It scared her, to think that it could happen to her.

You’re just like me… The one who loves the most loses the most…You’re gonna be left alone and miserable in your own world.


She heard her father’s words in the back of her mind. She’d been there before—alone and miserable, in her own world. And it was Louis who had always been there to ease her out of her misery.

“Hey, are you okay?” Randy put his hand over hers, pulling her out of her thoughts.

“Umm…yeah. I’m fine.” She said as she pulled her hand away. She didn’t want it to seem awkward so she took her cup again and took another sip. “So…where are we going next?”

But Randy still felt there was something wrong. He knew her well enough and had felt it so often from her that he was sure something was bothering her. He was never one to be vocal though, so even though he wanted to dig into the matter, he didn’t.

“Anywhere you want, I guess.” He just said.

When they left, he didn’t even attempt to hold her hand. She didn’t hang onto his arm either. It all just felt awkward. They walked around with her holding on to her bag, and him with his hands in his pocket. They talked, but they wouldn’t even get close to each other like usual.

Until Randy couldn’t take it anymore and did something about it.

She was walking a few steps in front of him when she passed a stall selling flowers. He noticed she looked at them but continued to walk. So he stopped in front of it and called her out.

“Hey, you! With the gray coat!” He called after her. She knew it was him so she turned around. “Come here!” He said.

She frowned a little but walked back towards him anyway. “What is it?”

“You like those flowers, right? Those white ones.” He gestured over the white Holland tulips.

“Yeah…” She wasn’t sure what he was up to, since he just looked bored. “Why?”

He took the whole bunch that was on display which was about three dozen, “How much for all these?” He asked the vendor.

“What? No, Randy…Don’t buy that, he’s charging you too much!” Ally said. She told the vendor he was charging too much for the flowers in Italian. “Put it back, Randy.”

“What, I can pay for it!” Randy said. He took his wallet and counted some dollars. “I’m taking them.” He said to the vendor.

“Randy! He’s overcharging you!” Ally argued.

“Do you like the flowers or not?” He asked her.

“I do, but…”

“So I’m taking them.” He said. Not letting her finish. “Wrap it up.” He told the vendor, as he was handing the money.

“Uh! Okay, look…” She took his money and wallet. He looked at her surprised, and she gave him a reprimanding look. “Not the whole bunch…We’ll take three.”

“One dozen.” He said, trying not to laugh.

“Six pieces.” She said, giving him the same look.

She gave the vendor enough money for six flowers—on the right price, and told him that was enough. She put the rest of his money back in his wallet and handed it back to him.

“Put it away.” She told him.

With the flowers on her left arm, she hooked her other arm around Randy’s and pulled him away from there. They were a few meters away from the stall when she noticed he was laughing a little.

“What are you laughing at?” She looked at him.

“You.” He said, laughing even more. “And that scene you caused there.”

“It’s not funny! He was charging you double than usual.”

“Eh…it doesn’t matter.” He said, “Served it’s purpose.”

“What purpose?”

“You’re holding on to me again.” He said, “We’re talking…” He took her hand, and kissed it. “…and I’m holding your hand. I would’ve paid five times more.”

She couldn’t say anything. It touched her that he would do something like that. She figured it the way she was acting must’ve bothered him, and she wanted to apologize. But she would have to explain more extensively if she were to do so. And she doesn’t want to. She would be too emotional, and she doesn’t want to seem weak.

“You’re crazy.” She said instead, leaning her head on his shoulder as they walked.

“Crazy about you!” He added, as he kissed the top of her head.

She felt happy to hear that more than usual, due to all that she’d been carrying in her mind. It was good to know that he felt that way. She felt that perhaps, she didn’t have to worry after all.

I’m heavy
I’m weary
Not thinking clearly
I just can’t seem to find solid ground
Since you’ve been around

-----------------------------------------------------------

“Orton, where the hell were you?”

That was the question Dave welcomed Randy with when he got to the dressing room before the show that evening. He had arrived at the venue with Ally, since they came from some Authentic Italian restaurant she suggested they have an early dinner with.

They didn’t anticipate it was going to take as long as they did, since they had to wait for a while to be seated. He left her at the mess hall before heading to the dressing room. But she followed him shortly because no one else was there.

“Hunter’s been looking for you!” It was obvious that Dave was agitated by the way he talked.

“Yeah, I have.” Hunter suddenly said, appearing behind Randy.

“Where were you? You should’ve been here an hour ago.”

“I’m sorry…” Ally said, trying to explain. “It was my fault…We didn’t mean to be late. It’s just that it took us so long to get seated at the restaurant…”

Hunter didn’t seem too pleased with her explanation, and basically brushed it off. He was pretty mad at what happened, and took it as Randy being unprofessional.

And Ally trying to explain to him further aggravated him. In his head, Randy should take responsibility being the man. But furthermore, he feels like Randy wasn’t as committed as he should be. His head wasn’t in the job, that he was lacking focus, because of Ally.

“Just get ready.” Hunter told Randy. “You and I are going to talk later.”

Hunter left abruptly then. Ally could feel the heaviness of his words to Randy, and she felt guilty.

“Randy, I’m really sorry…” She groveled. “If it wasn’t for me, you wouldn’t get in trouble with Hunter. I was the one who said we should go to that restaurant…”

“Ally, just….Stop, okay?” He said, snappily. “Just go…wherever you go, I’ll look for you later.” He turned around and faced his locker, started to take out his stuff that he was going to use.

“But…”

“Ally, please…” Randy said, throwing his head up in annoyance. “Just go. I have to get changed.”

“Okay…” She said, sadly.

She was walking around, not able to look at anyone in the eyes, because she felt guilty about getting Randy in trouble. She felt like everyone knew and was casting their eyes at her, blaming her.

She ended up going to the parking lot, where the equipment buses were, without even realizing it. She was going to go back inside, but then she didn’t know where she was supposed to go.

Randy was busy, and apparently didn’t want to see her until after the show. She didn’t want to bother him as he seemed aggravated as it was.

She could still see how he looked when he told her to leave, and how hard he sounded like saying it. She knows he might have been frustrated about what happened, but he didn’t have to take it out on her. She felt dismissed and it kind of hurt.

“I wanna go home.” She muttered, not realizing until after she said it.

She always felt that way whenever she and Randy had a misunderstanding before, she supposed. But they’re not kids anymore. They’re a thousand miles away from Missouri. And she doesn’t even have a home.

“Yeah, I do.” She said to herself. “Closest thing I got to one, anyway.”

I’m running
I’m hiding
But you’ll never find me
Cuz I’ve always felt lost in a crowd

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Ally ended up going home to Milan. She took the train on a whim and didn’t even bother calling Randy to tell him where she was going. She’s still a little hurt about how he dismissed her. When she got in front of the Salvatorre’s house, she felt a kind of warmth envelop her—like a relief had been applied to her aching soul.

She took a deep breath and took out the key from her bag. She went inside and turned a few lights on, but headed straight to her room and laid down on her bed. It felt like home. She always felt safe there—safer than anywhere else.


I’m sinking
I’m drowning
I’m so afraid of losing
My head’s been spinning round and round
Since you’ve been around



She was starting to fall asleep on the bed, in her clothes when suddenly her phone rang. It was Randy.

“Where are you?” He said, “Somebody told me you went out. Are you at the hotel?”

“Umm…no…” She said, “I’m…I’m in Milan.”

“Milan? What are you already doing there?” Randy asked, a little confused.

“I live here, remember?” She said, “I wanted to go home.”

“Oh, you couldn’t wait till tomorrow?” Randy bantered. She didn’t respond though and he knew he pushed the wrong button. “Ally, is this about what happened earlier…”

“I don’t know, Randy. Is it?” She responded tersely. “You just dismissed me like I’m…like I’m nothing!”

“Oh, come on! Are you gonna give me this too?” He said, “I already got shit from Hunter, I don’t need this right now.”

“I-I’m sorry…” She said.

She didn’t think she would break that easily, but she just couldn’t stand him being like that. She understood the pressure he must be under from Hunter. She didn’t want him to be mad at her either.

“I was just…I was just upset. I’ll come back there now if you want.”

“No.” Randy sighed. “It’s very late already. Just stay there. We’ll be there by tomorrow anyway. I’ll just take your stuff with me. Text me your address tomorrow.”

“Okay.” She said, “Randy…are you mad?”

“I’m not mad.” He said, in a controlled voice. “I’m just…I just need to cool my head, alright? I’ll talk to you tomorrow. You should go to sleep.”

“O-okay. I’ll call you first thing tomorrow…”

“Sure.”

“I lo…” She started to say, but she heard the line died. “…love you.” She said anyway.

She put the phone down on her side table and decided to wash up a little so she could sleep, when the phone rang again. She thought it was Randy calling again, perhaps to apologize, but it wasn’t him. The screen was showing an unlisted number.

“Hello?” She said, cautiously.

“Hey! Did I wake you?”

“Louis!” She said, surprised. “Umm…no…I was just about to go to bed. Is everything alight?”

“Yeah…I just…I just miss you, that’s all.” Louis said, softly. She could hear the sadness in his voice. “Where are you?”

“I’m home, in my room.”

“You are…?”

“Yeah…why? Is there something wrong?”

She could sense there was something bothering him, like he suspects something. Or perhaps, deep down inside, her conscience was eating at her. She had felt bad about going with Randy, like she was betraying Louis somehow. But she just loved Randy too much and wanted to be with him, so she kept brushing those feelings off.

“It’s just…I heard some things…” Louis said.

“What kind of things?” She asked. She felt her heart strain.

It took a while for Louis to speak. He didn’t know how to tell her what it was, or if he even should. He didn’t want to hurt Ally by making her think he believed the things he heard about her. But he didn’t want to lie to her.

“Louis…?”

“I just…” He took a deep breath and decided to just tell her, “Simone said you disappeared without a word…and that you had company.”

“Did she…?” She said. Her mind was racing. Should she confirm it or deny it. She knows it’ll hurt him, and she didn’t want to do that. “Do you believe her?”

“I don’t know.” He said. “She doesn’t have a reason to lie. She barely knows you.”

“But you do.” She said, “You know me.”

“I do. And I trust you.” He said, “I love you, Ally. You know that. That’s why I’ll believe only what you tell me…even if it hurts. I won’t be angry.”

“Louis…” She said. Her breath abated, waiting for what is to come. “It’s true…I saw an old friend…from back home…while I was in Paris. B-but we just hung out, that’s all…I didn’t…I didn’t go with him.”

“I see.” Louis said. She sensed her hesitation, but didn’t play it up. “That’s what I thought. Simone said you looked like you knew each other really well and were pretty close.”

“Oh…umm…yeah, we ah…we grew up together.” She paused. “Louis…you believe me, right?

“I do. I believe you. And trust you. I trust that you’re telling me the truth. That’s how much I love you.” He said.

And then there was silence. Both of them were just listening to each other’s breaths, as if waiting for some sign to which direction they should go. Waiting on each other to cast the die.

“Well, it’s pretty late over there. You should go to sleep.” Louis said, breaking first. “I just called to check up on you..I’m about to go to work, we’re finishing up over here.”

“Are you? So umm…when are you coming home?” She asked.

“This weekend.” He said, “I have to go. Sleep tight.”

“Right…ok.” Ally said, “Have a good day.”

Then she ended the call. She stayed up all night thinking about what she’d done. She had lied to Louis, about basically everything and she felt bad about it. She knows how much he loves her, how much he trusts her and she just lied to his face.

Meanwhile, Louis was thinking about their conversation as he sat inside his rental car. He doesn’t know what it was, but even though he wanted to believe what Ally had told him, he got the feeling that she was hiding something from him. And he just had to find out what.


I’m foolish and crazy
I just think that maybe I gotta things to figure out
I’m winning
I’m losing
I’m afraid of never choosing this heart of mine, so beaten down
Before you came around

[Annaya]

Chapter 27

Ally didn’t get to sleep at all that night, and decided to just get up and clean the place a little. It had gathered a lot of dust since she was last there. She kept trying to figure out how Louis could be so calm and accepting, when she knew deep inside that she has hurt him. Not just once, but numerous times before, and now this.

She made a promise to him. She promised him that she would give him a chance, that she would open her heart to him when he gets back. He had been so patient with her. And this is what she was going to do to him?

She can’t deny to herself that she had thought about going home to America with Randy. It was everything she had ever wanted all her life. She wants to be with him for the rest of her life, get married and have kids—build a family. Randy hadn’t asked her, and she wasn’t even sure if he would. But can she do that to Louis’ expense if and when it comes to that point?

Then she remembered Randy and his group was coming to the city that morning. He told her to text him her address so he could take her stuff to her. But she didn’t feel it was right to let him in the house, considering the circumstances. It was one thing to lie to Louis about Randy, but it was another to lie to him inside his own home.

But she didn’t want Randy to know about Louis either. He knew she was staying at her professor’s house, but he didn’t know about her personal relationship with Louis. What was she going to tell him anyway? That she has a fling with her professor’s son who’s living under the same roof as her? What would he think? What would he say?

And so she made up her mind. She can’t let Randy come to the Salvatorre’s house. She’ll meet him somewhere else.

------------------------------------------------------------

It was around one in the afternoon when Randy decided to leave the hotel in Milan to look for Ally’s place. They arrived around seven in the morning, but he decided to sleep in for a while longer since he didn’t get some the night before. He was worried, annoyed and remorseful all at the same time about Ally.

They were coming to the last leg of the tour and he was hoping he could convince her to come home with him, but with how he’s been towards her lately, he was afraid he had driven her off. Especially since she basically ran away from him and went home to her professor’s. She called the place home. That’s what really bothered him. Has it become such a home for her that she would choose to stay instead?

“Signore, we are here.” The cab driver said, disrupting his thoughts.

“Oh…” He looked out the window, and it didn’t look like how he imagined at all. “Are you sure this is the right place?”

“Yes, signore! It is correct.” The driver confirmed.

“Okay, thanks.” He paid, the driver and got out. “Here.”

He stood outside the building’s entrance, and looked around the surroundings. There were stores and restaurants outside, and the street was relatively busy. He thought the house would be something like a renaissance period kind of house from what Ally had described. He took his phone out and called Ally.

“Randy?” Ally said as she answered the phone. “Where are you? You didn’t get lost, did you?”

“I don’t know…” Randy said, “I’m in front of a building, and there’s a café called Federicos.”

“Oh, you’re here! I’ll be right down in a second!” She said excitedly.

“I guess it’s the right place.” Randy said to himself.

It didn’t take a minute for Ally to come, as she ran down the stairs from the fifth floor. She was panting, but happy and it showed it her eyes. But she didn’t rush into him, thinking he might still be a little mad at her for leaving without telling him. When she saw him, he had a serious look on his face, so she was careful upon approaching him.

“Hey…Was it hard to get here?” She asked, speaking softly, barely making eye contact.

“Nah…I got on a cab, gave the address to the driver, took me straight here.” Randy said. “That’s good…” She said, “D-do you want to come up?”

“I guess.” He said.

She tried to take her suitcase from him, but he didn’t give it to her. She walked a couple of feet in front of him as they went to the elevator, and kept the distance while inside. He was very quiet and it didn’t make her feel comfortable at all. She wanted to apologize to him again, but was afraid he would just brush it off.

Randy was just walking behind her quietly—watching her, observing her demeanor, wondering if she missed him like he missed her after spending just one night away from her. He thought it was crazy to feel that way, that’s why he was trying to control himself and playing it cool.

The place was huge but there weren’t much anything inside. It was more like a workshop than an apartment. There was only a small round table by the balcony, a chair, and a cot right inside, the sliding door, shielded only by blinds. It had a lot of windows, so there was good ventilation, as well as a great view of the plaza.

Randy couldn’t help but be curious as to why they were there, though.

“I thought you were staying at your prof’s house?” He asked. “Doesn’t look like anybody actually lives here.”

“No, this is actually my studio…well, it’s going to be…I just got the place a few weeks ago…I haven’t quite moved in yet.”

“I see.” Randy said, scanning the room. “You stayed here all night?”

“Yeah…” She said, “The house is too big…I didn’t want to be alone.”

“You wouldn’t be alone if you didn’t leave.” He bantered.

“I wouldn’t have gone if you weren’t so snappy.” She said, irritated.

“So what? You’re just gonna run away whenever I’m in a bad mood?” He snapped, “Way to stick by me, Ally! Thanks for being loyal!”

“It’s not like that!” Ally said, hurt about what he said.

They were both quiet then, just standing there, not even looking at each other. Randy regretted what he said. He knew he was brash and he spoke without even thinking, and he hurt her. He wanted to take it back, but he couldn’t. He didn’t want to grovel. Ally wanted to say more, but she couldn’t bring herself to. She wasn’t going to defend herself nor plead to him. They both were too proud to yield.

“Right, well…” Randy said, feeling the tension in the air. “You got your stuff…I’m gonna go, I’m supposed to be at the gym anyway.”

“Fine.”

It felt heavy in his chest as he slowly turned his back on her and walked towards the door. He didn’t really want to leave things that way, but she didn’t seem to want him to stay.

“The show’s tomorrow night, by the way.” He said, his back still towards her. “You could come if you want…it would be great if you could.” He added.

He took a deep breath and proceeded to go to the door. As he was about to step out, Ally suddenly grabbed him from behind, wrapping her arms around his waist. He could feel her heart beating in her chest. She held on fast to him, and he couldn’t move in his surprise.

“Don’t go...” She whispered, burying her face on his back. “I’m sorry. Please stay?”

He dropped his head as he felt his heart rupture. He dropped his gym bag to the floor, and gently took her arms off of his waist, turned around and looked at her.

“I thought you’d never ask.” He said, cupping her face.

She looked at him, with eyes so mellow, “I love you.” She whispered.

And then he kissed her. He wanted to apologize, to admit that he was wrong too. But he was the man and he was too damn proud to say it aloud. So he thought he’d put it in that kiss, and she’d know.

On the other hand, she just wanted everything to be alright. She didn’t even need to hear him to apologize. She just wanted to show him and prove to him how deeply she loves him.

They just stood there for a while, holding each other, until her stomach grumbled. She hasn’t eaten anything since they had dinner at the restaurant.

“Wow…you have a dinosaur in there?” Randy joked.

“I haven’t anything since last night, at dinner.” She said.

“Why not?” He said, shifting to a worried tone. “You should take better care of yourself. Come on, let’s go get something to eat.” He said,

He grabbed her wrist and tried to take her with him out the door, but she pulled back. She was worried about people seeing her with him—people that might know Louis. But of course, she wasn’t going to tell him that.

“Umm…I’d rather we eat here…” She said, “There are restaurants downstairs. You stay here, I’ll just buy something and come back up. We can eat here.”

“Are you sure? I can go…” He offered.

“No, it’s okay…You don’t speak Italian.” She said.

So she went out and bought a whole lot of food that would probably last them until the next morning. They sat on the cot, because there was only one chair, and they wanted to stay close to each other. He teased her about it—that she’d get fat if she eats that much all the time.

“Would you stop loving me if I get fat?” She moped.

“Nah…I’d whip you back into shape!” He bantered.

“And if I don’t want to? You know I don’t like to work out…” She said before she took a mouthful of pancake.

“Well, then…I guess I’m going to have to make a few concessions.” He said, putting his cup of coffee down.

There was a twinkle in his eyes that was very familiar to her that she knew he was up to no good. “What? What are you thinking? Randy!”

He just suddenly started tickling her. She stood up to try and get away, but he grabbed her around the waist and continued tickling her around her ribs. She was laughing and struggling so much, and he couldn’t quite control her, until he managed to get her under him.

Then he suddenly stopped and just stared at her smiling face.

“What are you thinking now?” She asked, knowing he can’t be thinking something good.

He smiled, “Nothing…I just thought of something I might do to get you back in shape if you ever get fat.” He kissed her on the lips.

“Oh? And what’s that?” She said, pinching both his cheeks.

He grabbed a hold of both her wrists with one hand and pulled them over her head. He had the most mischievous smile on his lips. “You know, research says kissing burns a lot of calories.” He said, before kissing her on the neck.

“Yeah, I’ve heard of that.” She said, “What, you’re gonna kiss me back into good shape?”

“Nope. But I figured, if kissing burns calories…” He said, as he kissed her on her collarbone, tickling her. “How much more calories can we burn if we were to make love instead?”

“Hmm…I’m not sure. But we can try and find out.” She bit her lips. She anchored a leg around him pulling him down closer.

“Now, you’re thinking like me!” He said, before kissing her again.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Standing at the balcony, watching them from the hotel across the street was Louis. He had arrived that morning and didn’t find Ally at their house. He figured she was there, but when he called her to confirm, she lied and told him she was home. So he didn’t tell her that he was already in Italy.

He’d been standing there for a while since he saw Ally come out to buy some food. He wondered why she bought so many, and then saw Randy walked by the window and got his answer. He watched how they interacted with each other, playing with the food, teasing—touching each other. He watched them until he couldn’t bear it anymore.

He was going to stay the night at the hotel, but the thought of Ally being with another man just across the street was just too much. He decided to leave without checking out, and went home instead.

He felt like a ghost--an empty shell. He had never seen Ally as happy as she was when he saw her with him. In the back of his mind, he knew that he could never make her that happy and it tears him apart. Perhaps it was the biggest reason of all that really breaks his heart.

He went to her room and walked around, looking at her stuff. Maybe he was thinking that if she decided to leave, he won’t her things again. She went to her table and picked up her perfume.

He sprayed it once in the air, and as the scent spread out he felt his heart shatter. His knew went weak and he had to bend and kneel. Kneel like he’s giving up—giving her up.
He tried to stand up, grabbing the chair for support, but he couldn’t. His knees were to weak, and his heart was too heavy. He saw her night gown neatly hanging on the back of chair, and he took it.

He has never shed a tear since his mother passed away until now, and it burned. His tears burned his eyes, and he had to close them. He clutched her night gown close to his heart. He knew what defeat looks like, and he knew he was defeated. But he couldn’t help but hope for something that seems impossible right at that moment.

“Ally…Come home.” He whispered, as tears rolled down his face. “Please, come home to me.”

[Annaya]

Chapter 28

“Can’t you stay longer?” She asked Randy.

“As enticing as that is, and tempting as you look, I can’t.” He said, “We have this media soiree in the evening and I still have to go back to the hotel to change.”

“Alright…” She sighed, before laughing.

They were still lying there on the cot, naked. She was flat on her back with her eyes closed, still reeling from the effects of their little experiment. He was on his side, peering over at her, running his eyes over her delicate features, thinking how lucky he was to be there—to have found her again, the love of his life.

He was quiet for a while, and she could feel him staring at her, so she opened her eyes. He had the mellowest look in his eyes, and she had to wonder what he was thinking.

“Penny for your thoughts, Mr. Orton?” She asked, as she touched his face softly.

He took her hand and took a deep breath before he spoke. It was now or never, and he had been thinking of asking her for a while now, since they’ve been together.

“Come home with me.” He said, “We’re leaving tomorrow night, after the show. Come home with me…to Missouri.”

She looked at him, with a worried look in her face. A doubt and fear of all she had ever known played in her mind. What he was asking was a big step for her to take. It means putting everything on the line. He knew what she was thinking.

“Look, I know this all very sudden for you. But I just…I just don’t want to lose you again.” He said, “I want to a life with you, just the two of us.”

“I just…I can’t decide right now.” She said.

“Why not?” He asked, a bit hurt. “Don’t you want this? Don’t want to be with me?”

She cupped his face, caringly. “No, of course I do…I just…”

“Then come with me!” He said, “Come home with me, Ally. If you love me, you’ll come with me. Please? I don’t want to go on without you anymore.” He said, holding her tightly in his arms.

“Randy…” She sighed, thoughtfully. She could feel that he means what he is saying, but she doesn’t know if she could trust what she feels.

---------------------------------------------------------------

After Randy went, she was left alone with her thoughts weighing her choices. She was looking down the balcony, watching people walk by. How they seem to have such purpose in their stride.

Then she noticed a woman sitting at the coffee shop that seems to be anxiously waiting for someone, sipping on her coffee. She watched her for a while, when she noticed a man sneaking up from behind the woman. He stopped right behind her, and gently tapped her shoulder. She turn around and saw him, and was delightfully surprised when she did. She stood up and hugged him, and they kissed passionately.

It made her think how life would be like if she turns this chance down. Can she go back to how she has been living her life without Randy for the last couple of years? She doesn’t want to go back to that phase in her life. She doesn’t want to be without him. Right then she made her decision. She’s going to come home with him.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ally decided to go to the Salvatorre’s to pack her stuff. When she got there, she got a feeling that something wasn’t right about the place. Like, someone had been there. But she shrugged it off, because she knew no one was going to be there.

She went to her room and started packing. She wasn’t going to bring a lot of things, just her clothes and a couple of equipments and nothing else. Then she went to her vanity table and took out her jewelry box from the drawer, and opened it. She found the old high school ring Randy gave her. She has not worn it since her parents separated.

She took the ring, and was going to put it on her finger but she already had one on. She’s wearing the ring that Louis gave her. The ring in which he gave with a promise that he would wait for her.

“I’m sorry, Louis.” She whispered. “I can’t keep my promise to you anymore…”

She kissed the ring, like it was a kiss goodbye, and placed it in the box. Then she took off her necklace, slipped Randy’s ring in it, and wore it like she used to—close to her heart.

It was already getting late and she was sure the show was probably over by then. She called Randy earlier to tell him that she was coming with him, and for him to wait for her at the airport.

He sounded so happy when she did. He booked a ticket for her in the same flight as his, soon after they talked.

She went down the stairs with her luggage, when suddenly the front door opened, and Louis came in. He looked like he hasn’t slept all night. He looked disheveled and tired, and he smelled of alcohol.

“Louis!” She exclaimed, “What are you… Louis!”

She ran to him because he looked like he was about to fall over from drunkenness. She caught him just in time, and led him towards the couch. Louis was still coherent, although his motor sense isn’t working for him much.

“Louis, what happened to you?” She asked him, worried. “What are you doing here? Why are you drunk?”

He looked at her, despairingly, and she knew.

“Are you leaving me?” He asked, tears forming in his eyes.

She turned away. She couldn’t look at him. She just felt like her heart was breaking for him. Out of the corner of his eyes, Louis saw her luggage by the stairs.

He had always had that fear that she would leave him, no matter how much he shows her that he loves her. He also knew he could never have her heart completely, even if she stayed.

“I’m not going to stop you.” He said, “You’re free to go…You were never mine in the first place. I know that. I just love you so much it hurts to let you go.”

“Louis…” She said, surprised by what he said. She could feel how much it’s hurting him to say it, and her tears just started to fall on their own.

“Don’t cry…” He touched her hand. “I only want you to be happy. I know I can’t…I can never be the reason for your happiness…This is the only way I know how to make you happy.”

He stood up, still wobbly from the alcohol. “I’m just gonna go upstairs so I don’t have to see you leave.”

He started to walk away, but she suddenly grabbed his wrist to stop him from taking any more steps. She just felt like she needed to explain—to justify to him why she had to do this to him.

“Louis, I didn’t mean to hurt you…” She started, “You’ve been so good to me…It’s just that he’s…”

“I know about him, Ally.” He stated, stopping her from speaking.

He didn’t want to hear about him, or how much she loves him anymore. He already knows that. He knew what she was trying to do though.

“You don’t have to explain. You’ve made your choice…I know where I stand.”

He shook his arm loose from her hand, and went on his way to the stairs. She listened to his footsteps as he got farther away from her. They were slow and light, even though his heart was so heavy. He stopped at the bottom of the stairs, right where her suitcases were.

“Take care of yourself, Ally.” He said. His voice all cracked up. “I won’t be there to take care of you anymore…”

Then he went upstairs. She heard his bedroom door open and close gently behind him, and with a gasp, came the sudden release of her tempered emotions. She cried uncontrollably, and she didn’t even understand why.

Louis had set her free. Free to be with Randy. And he did it without being angry at her at all. How could he be so giving? How could he be so selfless? Everything he said left a mark in her heart and mind.


Even as she was riding in the back of the cab on her way to the airport, to go home with the only man she had ever loved, it was making her doubt if she was doing the right thing. What if she ends up like her father?

What if she picked someone she loves over someone who loves her more than anything? Sure Randy loves her too. He wouldn’t leave her when things get tough, or when he gains more success, would he? She can’t handle that. She can’t be as strong as Louis.

The thoughts plagued her mind, as the voice of her father ring through her head. She tried brushing it off by saying—convincing herself that she made the right decision. That she was doing the right thing.

She kept telling herself that Randy loves her, and that there is only happiness with him. That he would never hurt her or leave her.

And yet, she couldn’t shake off the feeling in her chest. And it just got stronger and stronger as she walked around the airport to look for Randy.

Randy had been waiting for her anxiously. Although he was trying to act cool around his friends, it was still a obvious. So he decided to step away from them a little to prevent getting teased about it. He just has this strange feeling that he couldn’t shake off.

His hands and feet were cold, and he felt kind of nervous. He tried calling her cell phone, but she wasn’t picking up. She couldn’t hear it ringing because it was inside her bag and was on silent mode.
In the back of his mind, he was afraid that she won’t show up.

He’s afraid that maybe she changed her mind, that she wasn’t coming. He’s been telling himself that she was going to come, that she’ll be there any minute. But every minute that passes, he feels more and more scared and nervous and he didn’t know why.

He went to the bar for a while to get something to drink, thinking—hoping it would calm his nerves. He tried calling her again to no avail, which didn’t help. Fortunately for him, there were a few ‘fans’ –women, that recognized him in the bar that took his mind of his worries for the mean time.

Then again, maybe it was unfortunate. He didn’t realize how much he had already drank, and it made him relaxed than he wanted. He was enjoying their company. In fact, he was enjoying it so much he didn’t notice when Ally walked by and saw him. She stood there only for a few seconds, looking at him from behind.

But when he was about to turn around, she suddenly ran behind a pillar and hid. He almost saw her but missed just by that much.
She didn’t know why she hid. It was like her feet just took charge and decided to run.

It was almost like how she felt when they were in high school, and found him kissing his ex-girlfriend, when she was supposed to be with him.

She peeked around the pillar and watched him with his fans. She tried to tell herself not to be jealous, that it’s a part of his job like he told her. He looked happy and really having a great time.

He loves the attention and adoration of his fans. This is the life for him…but what about her?

Then it dawned on her. She realized what she was really scared of. The fear was as powerful as it was irrational. But it was all she’s ever known and the fear is screaming loudly inside her mind. The words of her father resounded in her head, louder than ever.


“You loved him too much you’re willing to give everything up for him. He’s just starting his climb to the top. You move in different worlds now. There’s always someone younger and prettier than you in his world and he’s going to forget about you when he reaches the top. And you’re going to be left all alone and miserable in your own world.”






That is what she fears the most. She was more afraid of getting abandoned by him than anyone else in her life. She was barely able to bear what happened before. She couldn’t handle the possibility of it happening again. It scares her to death.

She took her phone out of her bag, and called him as she was looking at him from outside the bar. She saw him excuse himself, and even composed himself before answering her call, as if she could see him. He moved closer to where she was, even though he didn’t know, and she could see him better.

“Hey, where are you?” He said, when he answered. “I’ve been waiting for you…Are you here yet?”

“Umm…no.” She said, forcing herself to do what she has to. “I’m not the airport.”

“Well, hurry up. They’re gonna start boarding the plane in half an hour. We still have to check your luggage…”

“No.” She could barely speak. It’s like there was an invisible lump inside her throat. “Randy, I’m not coming.”

“Wha-what do you mean you’e not coming?” He asked, suddenly nervous again. “You’re gonna be late? We could take a later flight, I don’t mind. I’ll wait here…”

“No, Randy, you’re not listening to me!” She said, raising her voice. She turned around and hid behind the pillar again. She couldn’t bear seeing him, seeing his face any longer. “I’m not going with you. I’m staying right here.”

“Ally, what are you saying? You said you’re coming home with me…” He said, confusion lining his face. “I already booked us a flight...we’re taking off in an hour. Just get here…I’ll wait. I’ll wait here if you want.”

“I changed my mind, ok?” She said, “I’m sorry. I’m not coming home with you. I have a life here… This is my home now. I belong here.”

“You belong with me!” He said.

“Randy, please…” She said, closing her eyes. Everything was just gripping at her heart. “Don’t make this harder than it already is. I have a lot going here…I can’t just leave. I had my future planned out before you came.”

“And I’m not part of that future?” He said, hurt. “Is that it?”

“Randy…that’s not what I mean…” She wanted to say so much more, to tell him all that she feared. But she didn’t.

Randy felt frustrated. “You know what, fine. Do what you want.” Randy said, “I just can’t believe you told me you were gonna come and had me buy you a plane ticket and then you’re gonna do this? What the hell, Al?!”

He took a deep breath and tried to remain calm. He couldn’t let this go just like that. He tried talking sense into her, gave her a chance.

“Okay, listen…I’m gonna wait here. I’m gonna wait until the last call. If you’re not here by then…Then I’m leaving without you.”

She was quiet for a while, leaving him hanging for her answer. But her mind was made up even though her heart doesn’t want to agree.

“I’m sorry…” She couldn’t keep talking to him, couldn’t keep hearing his voice. Every second that passes, every word said between them felt like a blade slashing at her heart. “I’m sorry…” She whispered.

And then she cut the call, and her tears flowed out again like waterfall. She felt like her world was collapsing, like the earth was moving beneath her feet.

She couldn’t stand with her own power because her knees suddenly got weak. She fell on her knees as her, as she stared on the screen of her cell phone. He was trying to call her back, but she won’t pick up.

Randy just stood there, dialing her number over and over every time the ringing stops. He was confused, and hurt, and frustrated. It was so painful that it paralyzed him.

He didn’t understand what happened; he couldn’t wrap his head around it. He wants to know why she changed her mind, but she wouldn’t even answer his calls.

The women approached him and asked what was wrong.

“It’s nothing.” He said.

He walked past them, and took his jacket and bags and went back to the boarding area. But even as he stood there, he was still hoping she would come. He held on for as long as he could to the hope that she would show up at the last second, but she didn’t.

So, reluctantly, he went and boarded his flight. He sat there all the while thinking about what she’s done. He just wants to know what’s going on with her, but all he does know is that she hurt him. She made him believe—gave him hope that they can be together again, like he always wanted, and then dropped out at the last second.

Ally didn’t leave too soon, though. She stood there hiding and waited until the last call to board the plane came. She could see Randy standing there, not moving an inch even though everyone else was piling towards the plane entrance.

There were times she wanted to just come out of her hiding and go with him, like her heart was telling her to. But she keeps convincing herself to stop. She only left after the plane took off.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Back at the Manor…


Louie was sitting in his room, with bottle of pills in his hand. He purchased it before he came home to find Ally on her way out the door—out of his life. He’d attempted to take a bunch of pills to try and OD, but somehow, something keeps stopping him.

What if she finds out about what he did? She would feel so guilty and think that it’s his fault. He doesn’t want her to feel that way, despite everything. He still loves her, and he meant what he told her.

He does want her to be happy. That’s when he decided to not go through with it. He couldn’t hurt like that even after all that’s happened.

He didn’t realize he had fallen asleep until he heard some noise coming from downstairs. He thought he heard the gate open, but when he listened for the front door to make a sound, nothing came. It was already morning though, so he decided to get up anyway.

He went downstairs and went about his routine. He walked around the house, and every turn he makes just made him long for her. After he made his coffee, he decided to go outside, to get some fresh air at the gazebo and read the morning paper. But when he opened the front door, he was surprised at what he found.

“Ally?” He said, stunned. She was sitting by the front door steps, leaning on the pillar, sleeping. He put his coffee down, and rushed to her. “Ally! What are you doing here?”

He noticed she was shivering then. When he touched her, her skin felt so hot with fever. He cupped her face and she looked so pale. She didn’t say a word, but her eyes said it all.

“Were you out here all night?” He asked. She nodded in response. “Oh, God…you’re so hot. You’re running a fever. Let’s get you inside.”

They didn’t say another word to each other after that. He had to rush her to the hospital because she started to shiver really bad and he didn’t know how to take care of her. He never left her side, not even for a minute, until she was better.

And even after then, he didn’t try to ask her what happened, why she came back. Whatever the reason was, it didn’t matter to him. She was there, and he’s never going to let her go again.

[Annaya]

Chapter 29

A couple of days after…


Ally was about ready to be discharged from the hospital. Louis went out for a bit to settle their bill, when her phone rang. She picked it up and looked at the screen to see that it was Randy calling. She stared at it for a while, contemplating whether to answer or not. Then she decided not to answer it, and tucked the phone away in the bedside drawer, just as Louis came in.

“Who was that?” He asked.

She looked at him, wide-eyed. She didn't think he saw what she did. “It was no one…” She said, “Can we go now?”

“If you’re ready.” He said.

“Ok, I’m just gonna wash up a little.” She stood up and went to the bathroom.

He was getting her stuff ready while waiting for her, still wondering whose call it was that she didn't take. He had a feeling it might be Randy, and he really wanted to know why she didn't want to talk to him or why she didn't left with him. His curiosity got the best of him, when she got a text message. So he took the phone from the drawer and read the message.

[Why won’t u answer my call? I’m sorry 4 wut I said. Can we pls talk? I’ll wait til ur ready. Call me pls. I luv u.]

He figured they must have had a little misunderstanding, that’s why she didn’t leave with him. He wanted to know what the argument was about but it didn’t really matter anymore. All he knows is he can’t let them fix their problem. He can’t give him a chance to take Ally from him again.

He deleted the message and placed the phone back in the drawer, slamming it closed when she came back out from the bathroom.

“Is something wrong?” She asked.

“Huh? Umm…No.” He said, moving away from the drawer. “Nothing at all. Let’s go?”

She opened the drawer, took her phone. To Louis’s surprise, she turned it off before placing it in her bag.

“Let’s go.”

-----------------------------------------------------

Back in St. Louis, in Randy’s apartment.


Randy tried to call Ally’s phone again, after sending her a text. He was hoping she would answer after she read his text, but he was very disappointed when his call wouldn’t go through. In fact, he wasn’t just disappointed—he was more disgruntled than anything.

For several days and weeks, he tried to reach her. He called her cell phone several times, but he could never reach her. He tried to call her home phone, but it was changed and the new number was unlisted. It was like she cut off any and all their means of communication. She never even replied to any of his emails.

It all made him so mad. He wanted to lash out, to release his anger somehow. But then he thought why should he release his anger? Why not keep it? Why can’t he just stay angry? Who does she think she is anyway? If she didn’t want him to be in her life anymore, then he doesn’t need her in his.



Months and years went by and both Randy and Ally were able to get back to their “normal” lives—or at least some semblance of it.
Randy focused on his career, and as a result, he became the youngest World Champion in history.

He was in some of the most publicized storylines on TV, and faced some of the most decorated superstars in the industry. His career really took off and he was headlining show after show. Being on the road all the time kind of helped him cope as well.

Of course, the perks that came with his job also helped, although there were times when he would lose control of himself. He partied and just let himself go.

He was even suspended for sixty days due to his unprofessional conduct, and was sent to do some anger management sessions. He was able to come back from it though, and continued his ascension to the top of the food chain.

His relationship with Samantha had also become more serious. He would even have her travelling with him, and showed her off on live TV sometimes. He lived loud and large like he had the world by the balls, because he did.

But when the lights are turned off, and there’s no one around, he still felt empty. He still felt hurt. He still felt angry. He used all the aggression and anger he had and used it as motivation. But deep inside, he knew he was just using it as a front to mask how he really feels, all his regrets, what he could have done differently.



Ally was also able to get back into the normal flow of things. She put all her time in her craft, and rose to prominence in her career. She became a sought after fashion photographer, with the help of the Salvatorre’s connection and her own talents, of course.

The fashion world provided her with all the distraction she needed to take her mind off of her heartaches. She went to parties and social events all over the world and became a well known figure in Europe’s high society. She and Louis were often featured in society pages of the most popular broadsheets and magazines.

But despite of it all, there was still emptiness in her heart that can never be filled. Not by anything, not by anyone. She lived every day putting on a brave and happy face to cover it up.

And for most of the people in her circle, she did it successfully—except for Louis. No matter how many times she tells him that she was fine, he knew, deep in her heart, she still longs for the man from her past.

--------------------------------------------------------------------

December 24, 2005, Italy, Christmas Eve



Ally hosted a Christmas party with Louis. It was a lot of fun for her, since she knew most of the other people that were there. She also met some industry folks from all over the world that were interested in working with her.

Louis couldn’t be more proud of her, at how far she’s come and what she has achieved. But he was about to make the night more interesting, with what he was planning.

He went to the center of the stage, where a band was playing and took to the mic.

“Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention for a brief moment here.” Louis said, “I just have a very important thing that I have to do. Ally, would join me here, please?”

Ally went up the stage, clueless as to what he was about to do.

“What are we doing? Are you going to sing for me?” She joked.

“No, but I will do it if that’s what you want me to do.” Louis smiled. “Friends, I am sure most of you have known what this woman means to me. She is my world, she holds my heart. She is my everything.”

“Louis…you’re making me blush.” She said.

He took her hand and kissed it. “Please, bear with me, love?” He said to her, “She is embarrassed. Well, let me not prolong this and get to my objective. I have loved this woman from the moment I first laid my eyes on her. She looked like an angel, come to save me from my life of boring monotony…”

“And debauchery!” Somebody yelled, and everyone laughed.

“Hey, I resent that!” Louis responded, laughing himself. “Anyway, yes, she made me want to be a better man, and I did…My father would attest to that. But there is just one more thing that is missing…and I very much hope that this Christmas, that I will receive the best gift I could ever hope and wish for.”

He looked at her, nervously, and then slowly he knelt on one knee.

“Ally…I love you…so much. And all I can ask for this Christmas, the only thing that I could ever need…is to have your hand in marriage.” He took out the ring from his breast pocket, “Will you marry me, please?”

Ally was surprised at his actions. She knew what was going to come then, but she couldn’t react. She looked into his eyes and he looked so hopeful, and she just couldn’t bear to hurt him by saying no.

She has hurt him several times before, and he had stuck and forgiven her for everything, and just kept loving her all this time.

Maybe this is what’s meant to happen, she thought. Maybe she was meant to be with him and not with Randy. It had been more than two years since. And so, she accepted her fate.

“Yes…” She said, “I will marry you.”

Everyone roared with happiness. Louis put the ring on her finger and stood up to kiss her. He couldn’t be happier, and it showed in his eyes and his smile.

“You have made me the happiest man in the world.” He said. “I love you.”

She smiled, even though her heart wasn’t cooperating. “I love you, too.” She said, more to convince herself than in response to him.

-----------------------------------------------------

December 31, 2005 St. Louis, MO


It was New Year’s Eve, and it was one of those rare occasions where Randy wasn’t on the road, working. He chose to spend the holidays at home with his family, and his girlfriend Sam. They spent the whole evening together, but then Randy decided to take Sam to see the fireworks at the park.

The countdown to the New Year was going to start in a few minutes, when Randy left Sam for a while to get something to eat, and also so he could take a smoke. He was lighting up when he saw someone familiar, that he didn’t expect to see. It was Ally’s mom, Alice, and she was with a guy Randy didn’t know.

He hesitated about approaching her and took a few second to think about it, but then she turned around and saw him. They made eye contact, and she recognized him a little bit, but wasn’t sure. He thought it would be rude not to say hi.

“Mrs. Carson! Hey!” He said, throwing his cigarette away. “Happy New Year!”

“Randy? Randy Orton!” She said, “Oh my goodness, look at you! Not a sign of the boy I knew, you look great!” She gave him a quick hug, “Happy New Year to you too. It’s Mrs. Waldorf now, by the way. But you can still call me Alice! Where are your parents?”

“They’re at home.” Randy said, “I’m here with my girlfriend.”

“Oh…” She said.

Her smile dimmed a little, knowing what happened with him and her daughter. Why she didn’t go with him. Although she was happy to know that he has moved on, and probably her daughter as well—being engaged now to Louis, she still felt Ally and Randy should have been together.

“That’s good.”

“What are you doing here? I didn’t expect to see you around these parts.” Randy said, looking at the guy she is with. “Are you just here for the New Year?”

“Oh, this is my new husband…Andrew Waldorf.” She said, “Andrew, this is Randy…he’s a friend of Ally’s.”

“Pleasure to meet you, son.” Andrew said, offering a handshake. “You’re that wrestler, aren’t you?”

“Oh, you watch WWE?” He asked, “Yeah, that’s me. Pleased to meet you, too.”

“He’s in real estate.” Alice said, “We just brought a house here, a few miles from where we used to live. We’re hoping to be settled in by the end of the month.”

“Oh, that’s cool.” He said, “What’s the address? Maybe I’ll drop by sometime.”

“Of course!” Alice said. She took out a business card and wrote their home address at the back of it. “I was planning to see your mom during the week, too. Do they still live in your old house?”

“Yeah, they still live there.” He said, “I got a small two bedroom apartment by the airport though.”

“That’s good. Good for you.” She said.

“So…umm…How’s…umm…” He hesitated asking about Ally, but she immediately knew who he was pertaining to.

“Ally?”

“Yeah…”

“She’s doing well.” Alice said, “She just got engaged last week, actually.”

“Oh…” He almost choked when he heard that. “That’s…that’s nice.”

He almost looked like the color drained out of him. He tried forgetting her all this time, and he thought he has. He didn’t expect to feel that way, learning what he did. Now he regrets asking about her.

“Well, I gotta get back to…my girlfriend. It was nice seeing you. I guess I’ll see you guys around, Alice, Mr. Waldorf.”

He went back to Samantha, forgetting to get the drinks he set out to buy. He was just so out of it.

“I thought you bought some refreshments?” Sam asked.

“Umm…they were out.” He said. He still looked pale, and upset.

“Are you okay?” She asked.

“I’m just fine.” He said.

-------------------------------------------------------

Two months had passed after that unexpected meeting with Ally’s mom, and Randy still couldn’t resign to the fact that she was already engaged to someone else. It was almost like he was angry all the time, and every little thing could piss him off so much.

He was even more discomfited when he learned that the wedding was going to be in St. Louis. He almost didn’t want to come home because every time he would, he bumps into someone who knew him from high school and they would ask them about Ally and her upcoming wedding.

It affected him so much that it became a point of argument between him and his girlfriend, which led them to decide to want to cool off with their relationship for the meantime.

His mother didn’t even want to let him know, but he learned about it through his sister. She told him they were going to have it at a farm and vineyard down in Potosi, at the end of April. There’s a small chapel inside the farm, and the reception was going to be outdoors.

The main house was going to be used to accommodate the guests who would be arriving from abroad and outside the city. It was going to have this old country theme to it, just like she always wanted.

He couldn’t help but remember the times when they would sit in his car, parked at a hill, overlooking the city. He remembers how she would talk about how she wants her dream wedding to be like.

Ally’s mom was taking care of everything for her, but he knew it was all her idea. And that’s what pisses him the most. She dreamed it with him. She planned it with him. And in her plans, she was supposed to marry him. Was she doing this to hurt him?

Then he heard that she and Louis were going to come to St. Louis two weeks prior to the wedding day to look over everything. And that’s when he thought of a plan. He wasn’t going to let her win so easily.

-----------------------------------------------------------

“What’s wrong with doing it in your hometown?” Louis asked, “I have never been there. I want to see where you grew up, meet your old friends.”

“But I haven’t even talked to them in a long time.” Ally said, “I’m not even sure they’d remember me.”

It was Louis’ idea to have the wedding in St. Louis. He remembered Ally told him before, a long time ago, what her dream wedding would be like, and he got the idea to give it to her exactly as she wanted. But that wasn’t the only reason.

He knew that man who almost took her away from him would be there, and he wanted to show him who the winner is, right in his own backyard.

He contacted her mother to start the wheels turning. Alice didn’t have the slightest idea about his ulterior motives, but she knew Ally always wanted a wedding like it, so she agreed.

“It’s perfect then!” He said, “You can rekindle your friendship. Come on…” He wrapped his arms around her waist as she was looking out the window. “It’ll be fine. I know you didn’t have the best memories there, but maybe our wedding could replace your old memories.”

That’s the problem…I had the best memories of my life there, but also the most tragic. She thought. And all of them involve Randy.

The truth is she was scared to go back and see him. She knew he has moved on and now has a steady girlfriend, according to her mom. But even so, she knows that no matter what happened between them, no matter how painful the way they parted was, he is still the one her heart is crying out for.

And no matter how she tells herself that she’s happy and in love with Louis, she knows deep inside her heart is still an empty space that only belongs to Randy.

“There’s really nothing I can do now, anyway.” She said, “You and my mom almost got everything together already.”

“Not everything. Not yet.” Louis said, “The guests will arrive there a few days before the wedding, I want to make sure everything is set…"

“That’s why we’re leaving two weeks ahead, right?”

“Well, I actually have to take care of a few things before I can leave…make sure our I’m not leaving any job hanging before we leave for our honeymoon after.” He said, “So…you’re going to go by yourself for the meantime.”

“What?” She turned around. “What do you mean?”

“You’ll leave a few days ahead of me.” He said, “I’ll follow you as soon as I can, ok? It will be a good time to bond with your mom, her new husband and your new kid brother.” She kissed her on the forehead.

She couldn’t say anything else but to let out an audible sigh. She only hoped no mishaps will happen to her while she’s there.

----------------------------------------------------------

Lambert International Airport. St. Louis, Mo. Two weeks before the wedding.


Ally had just landed from Italy, walking about with her bags in the airport. She was on her phone with her mom. Apparently, Alice was going to be late in picking her up, because she had to drop by the school to pick Andrew’s son on the way.

“It’s okay, mom.” She said, fishing for something in her bag. “I could just get a cab. You don’t have to pick me up. I have your address right here.”

“Are you sure?” Alice asked, “You could wait for me, it’ll just be a few minutes.”

“Yeah, I’m sure.” She said, “I just wanna get out of here…I hate airports.”

They both got quiet then. Alice knew why she hates airports. It’s where her most heartbreaking experiences have happened so far, and both involved the same man.

“Alright…I’ll see you later then.” Alice said, “I love you.”

“I love you, too.” She said, just as she accidentally bumped into someone, literally. “Oh! I’m so sorry! I wasn’t…looking.” Her voice trailed off when she saw who it was. “Randy…?”

“Ally.” Randy said.