Unexplainable [Original Version]

[chapter twenty-eight: "quite frankly"]

"Yep. If they no-show, it's me and Kev. He'll be taking Kid's match, and instead of the four of us meeting up backstage, it'll just be me and Kev. I'll still cut the same promo and everything post-match."

In all honesty, I can't help but wonder, will my return have the same kind of impact if there are just two of us? I'm sure the crowd will be happy to see me -at least, I hope so- but wouldn't they lose their shit to see Hall, Nash, Syxx, and Jolene together again? I hope this doesn't end up being a damn dud.

"You'll kill it, regardless of how many members of the nWo are with you. Trust me, everyone will just be happy to see you back on camera." Kim says in a matter-of-fact tone. I carefully apply my mascara before laughing.

"Thank you. I'd seriously be lost without you, girly." I mean that. Kim's wonderful.

We finish applying our makeup and then we work on our hair. Kim straightens my hair, simply because she wants to. I completely enjoy all of my time getting ready with Kim, don't get me wrong, but I can't shake this doubt that Scott and Kid will show up. Surely, they'll be here.

"Oh, shoot!" Kim exclaims as we pack up our makeup and our hair supplies. "I told Page we'd catch a bite at catering before the show." She looks over at a nearby clock and shakes her head before giving me a sympathetic look. "Do you-"

"Go ahead. I've got to go find Kev, too." I cut Kim off with a smile. She thanks me, gives me a hug, and then scurries off. I zip up my bag and leave after she does.

I find Big Sexy standing near our locker room with a scowl upon his face. He has already changed out of his street clothes, and I'd be lying if I said it didn't make my heart skip a beat. I've missed seeing him in his gear in person. It's a nice sight. As soon as he spots me, Kev's expression softens. His eyes roam over my body and for the first time in a long time, that causes a blush to come onto my cheeks. Kev grins when I stand in front of him.

"Goddamn, girl! You look hot! I mean, you always do, but seeing you in your usual gear... I love it." Have I mentioned that I love this man? Because I do.

"You look pretty fuckin' good yourself." I smirk up at Kev. He fakes this flattered look of surprise and excitement.

"Really? I did something different with my hair today. I didn't think you'd notice." He reaches a hand back and unties his ponytail, then he holds the tie out for me to see. "My hair band is white today instead of black, like I normally use." Kev then pulls his hair back once more.

"... I'm the one that bought the pack of four for you this morning." I giggle.

"Huh. How about that?" Kev chuckles before reaching into his pockets and pulling out my cigarettes and my lighter. His expression changes to one of both frustration and uncertainty as he hands them to me. "You're going to want to go ahead and get one of those out."

"Why?" I'm already pulling a cigarette from my carton.

"Let's walk outside." Kev says casually. I frown and follow him. Thankfully, our locker room is close to one of the exits. I place my cigarette into my mouth as we walk out of the door. "You're either going to be really pissed, or really upset. I don't know which one." The moment Kev starts talking, I know where he's going.

I take my first puff of my smoke before I reply, "They're not coming, are they?"

"I've done everything I could to try and find their asses, but they're missing." My heart shatters as I take a long drag on my cigarette. "Eric has already officially changed the plans for tonight. Now, it's us backstage, a solo match between me and Stevie Ray, and then your promo." Kev sighs heavily, looking so sadly at me with his deep, dark eyes. "I'm sorry, babe."