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Lita glanced furtively around, her breath held as she stood up. As the male members of Evolution who were present in the room had their backs turned, she managed to make it to the door and slipped out, unnoticed.
Once out in the arena hallway, she let out a breath of relief and ran as fast as she could. It was about time! She had made a few attempts to leave earlier, but each time, either Flair or Batista or Triple H himself would prevent her from doing so.
The frustrated diva felt her heart racing as she kept moving quickly. She was so focused on getting to the women's locker room that she didn't see the person whom had suddenly entered her direct path and collided with him.
"Oops, sor-" She cut herself off, her heart sinking all the way down to her toes as she realized who was standing before her.
"Hey, it's no problem, Red," the self-proclaimed Legend Killer said as he offered her a winning smile. "Heading to the divas' locker room, are you?" He arched an eyebrow at her as he studied her nervous-looking face.
Lita was nearly at a loss as she searched for the words to give him. She stuttered as she tried to appeal to him.
"Look, Randy, I... I would appreciate it if you didn't tell the other guys you ran into me out here."
Orton shrugged indifferently.
"Why would I? I don't care if you go and visit your little friend Trish Stratus."
The redhead's mouth went dry as she realized just how transparent she apparently was... or was it just that the young man was perceptive? She wasn't sure which was the answer, but it didn't matter at the moment. She hoped he meant what he'd just said.
"So, you won't tell them?" she asked.
He shrugged again.
"You know, Red... No offense, but-" He laughed. "-I really do have better things to do with my time than tattle on you."
Lita felt like dancing, as he really did seem sincere. One thing she definitely knew was that Randy Orton was very self-absorbed - so he probably meant what he said. She felt like thanking him, but her voice was momentarily lost again, and she nodded instead before continuing on her way.
Lita didn't bother turning back to check whether the Legend Killer was still watching her as she reached the women's locker room. She grabbed the knob in a haste and quickly pushed her way inside. She was met by a plethora of stares by the divas, most likely due to the fact that they knew she was now a member of Evolution, albeit a reluctant one. She ignored all but one as she spotted Trish near one corner and made a beeline for her.
"Lita..."
"Hi, Trish," she said, sad that she knew what was going to happen later that night.
The little blonde placed a hand on her friend's arm.
"Judging by the look on your face, I take it you're not getting along with your new faction."
"Eww... I can't stand them. Ric needs to learn to act his age, the way Batista looks at me makes me want another shower, and Hunter is just... ugh, Hunter." She made a face to display all of her disgust. "Well, actually, Orton's not so bad."
"Really?" Trish asked with surprise.
The redhead recalled the very recent run-in she'd had with the Legend Killer out in the hall.
"Yeah," she said. "He's actually pretty okay. But enough of him. I have something to tell you, Trish, and it's not good news."
"Uh oh." The blonde's expression darkened. "Then you'd better tell me. What is it?"
Lita bit her lip, her gaze falling to the floor as she began to explain.
"You know you're scheduled for a match later, right?"
"Sure," the Canadian diva nodded. "Chris and I have a mixed tag match. We haven't been told who our opponents are."
The redhead lifted her gaze so that it met her dear friend's chocolate-brown eyes. Then, slowly, she elaborated.
"You two will be facing... Triple H and me."
Trish stared at her with shock.
"What?"
Lita nodded, running a hand through her rich red locks. With despair, she sighed and said, "Yeah. Hunter just told me. Victoria's the lucky one - she's being put into a program with Molly for the title." She managed to keep her voice at a whisper so as to not alert the brunette Women's Champion just across the room. She shook her head. "I... I don't want to fight you, Trish. You're my friend. You and Chris."
The little blonde's face softened, and she grabbed hold of the other diva's hand.
"I know," she said evenly, "and it really sucks that you were forced into Evolution. But we'll come up with something to get you out of there." She knew there had to be a way... The only question was how? "We'll plan something, okay?"
Lita met her eyes and somehow suddenly filled with a small spark of hope. She nodded.
"Okay." She hugged Trish and whispered as they parted a moment later. "And don't worry - I don't plan on fighting you. And if Hunter is in there with you, I'll make sure he doesn't get to do anything."
The blonde nodded.
She didn't know how she was going to do that, but Lita was determined not to let her friend get hurt... Even
if she had to face the wrath of her new faction's leader.