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*RAW, March 20, 2006*
Trish looked up as she saw a flash of red in her peripheral vision. Sure enough, Amy had just entered the women's locker room. Her friend was massaging her jaw a bit, and the blonde figured it was a small bit sore after the Mandible Claw she'd just received from Mick Foley out in the ring.
"Hey." She approached the other woman with a wan smile.
"Hi," Amy replied.
"Anything on the vandalism front?" the blonde whispered, taking hold of the redhead's wrist as she leaned in closer. She knew all about Amy's place having been trashed not too long ago and that her friend had been staying in Toronto with Adam ever since, except for an odd night when she would stay at her mom's.
She shook her head in frustration.
"Well, when we talked to the police, Adam insisted *she* did it."
Trish knew the situation well enough to know exactly who "*she*" was, and nodded.
"They paid her a little visit and asked her a few questions. Turns out, she had an alibi they think cleared her."
"What?" the blonde said incredulously. She shook her head. "That's crazy! And did you tell the police your history with that woman? It all matches up to something she would do!"
"Of course we did," Amy said. "But they said there was no proof."
Trish rolled her eyes.
"And what about the roses incident?" she asked.
"Adam mentioned that... But they *still* didn't find that to be sufficient proof."
The blonde's pretty face was full of indignation.
"Wow, some justice system this country has... I'm glad I'm Canadian!"
Amy didn't laugh at the remark, but then again, neither did Trish, which implied the comment hadn't been made humorously.
Although other women were also present, yet another suddenly appeared as she entered the locker room. She drew both their attention at once.
It was Ashley Massaro, hobbling with her crutches and with a small bit of effort.
Amy watched Matt's current girlfriend with more curiosity than anything else. She was momentarily puzzled as to why the injured woman was here - but then she remembered that a spot was planned between Trish, Mickie James and Ashley for later on RAW.
Trish bounded away from Amy to help the other blonde.
"Hey, Ash! How's the leg?"
The young woman thanked her and nodded.
"It's coming along." She smiled, but somehow, Amy interpreted it to be forced.
The eyes of Matt Hardy's ex-girlfriend and those of his current girlfriend met.
"Hi," Ashley said.
"Hey." The redhead smiled.
The blonde bowed her head, hating that, as of the last two months, she was evidently no longer able to control her emotions. She felt about on the verge of breaking into tears.
"Is something wrong, sweetie?" Trish asked, taking hold of the other blonde's arm. She eyed her with concern, exchanging glances with Amy.
The redhead, on the other hand, would have bet that she knew exactly what was troubling the girl - Matthew Moore Hardy. She would stake her life on it.
Ashley shook her head, somehow miraculously not giving in to the tears that wished to fall.
"I need to talk... Trish?"
"Of course, hun."
The 2005 RAW Diva Search winner then glanced at Amy, shocking the redhead with her question.
"I... I know we've never really talked or anything... but I'd really like to talk with *both* of you?" The last few words were tentative, uncertain.
"Amy quickly exchanged surprised glances with Trish before responding. She nodded.
"Um... Sure."
"Not here," Ashley whispered. She glanced around at the others present.
"We'll go somewhere to talk after RAW?" Trish suggested.
The redhead glanced sharply at her. As far as she knew, she and Adam were leaving immediately after the show and heading to Toronto. On the other hand, she really wanted to go back to her own house - she had things to tend to at home and hated backing down from any challenge life threw her way. The way she saw it, if she *didn't* go back home, it would be like admitting defeat. She made up her mind and spoke.
"That sounds fine to me."
*
"What do you mean, you're not coming back with me tonight?" Adam's face was full of concern as he eyed his girlfriend questioningly. They were in his locker room and she'd just broken the news.
"I'm going to hang out for awhile after RAW - with Trish and Ashley."
"Ashley?" the blond man asked with surprise. As long as the Diva Search winner had been around, Amy had never really spoken with her, and neither had he. But yet, she was going to be hanging out with her?
"Yeah," the redhead said. "She came into the locker room so unhappy tonight, Adam... She said she needed to talk to Trish *and* to me."
"What could she possibly need to talk to *you* about? You guys hardly know each other!"
"My guess would be Matt."
The Canadian groaned and rolled his eyes with exasperation.
"Oh, yeah... Of course!"
"She seems like a nice girl," Amy said softly. "And she was *so* upset. I couldn't say no... Besides, if I can help her in any way, I think I'd like to at least *try*."
"So, after your girl's night out, you'll fly back to my place?"
The woman bit her lip and shifted her eyes. Here was the part he really wouldn't like.
"Well," she said, "not exactly. I'm gonna fly back home instead."
"What? Why?"
"Adam, it's my home - *my* home... And I think I should go back there and tend to it." She winced at the look that suddenly came into his eyes. "Baby..." She drew nearer to him and reached up, placing her hand to his cheek. She loved the feel of his stubble under her palm. "... I *have* to go back home. I can't just cower forever. It would be like telling the vandal that they beat me."
He nodded, his gaze locked on hers.
"Yeah... You're right."
Amy smiled softly, wanting him to smile as well in the worst way. She nuzzled him affectionately, and he closed his eyes, sighing at the touch.
"Don't worry, baby... I'll be *fine*," she insisted in soft tones. "And you'll spend a few nights and days with there this week.
Finally, the tall blond man smiled.
"Of course."
Amy's smile brightened, and she craned her neck to meet him halfway as his lips softly met hers.
Despite himself, and as they kissed, Adam couldn't help but feel worried.