Ambitchous

Breakdown 5-20-21 #1

I had Asher Hayes beat, dammit! That hollow bitch Holly Adams pulled him out from under me and cost me the win. I know, it looked like it was Chris who cost me, since he C4'd Asher and got me DQ'd, but it all goes back to Holly. That fucking gargoyle doesn't know how to stay out of my business. As I stood there watching Asher start to get up and Chris and I exchanged a glance, I could hear the confusion in the crowd, I even heard one fan behind me say 'why isn't she pissed?'

Why? Because Asher fucking deserved it.

When Scott and I got to my locker room after quickly speaking with Jaina backstage, Chris was waiting for me near my locker room door, where Marco was standing guard. They are talking casually as I walk up.

“Chris... ?”

“Bree, I thought we could talk for a minute. About that out there just now.”

“Right... that. You seem to be making a habit out of rescuing me. I appreciate it, even if this time it did cost me a win.” I grin.

“Listen, I am sick and tired of the lot of them and their games. I'll do what I can to put a stop to it all. I am sorry about the disqualification, though. Not really the best way to garner trust, is it?”

I wave my hand in the air dismissively. “I'm not mad about that. I get it, they screwed you out of the title and deserve every chance you get to pay them back for it. Besides, it's really Holly's fault, not yours. I had Asher pinned!”

“You did, and her interference is why I went out there. It's just not right. They did it to me and now they're doing it to you.”

“Careful, people are going to start to think we're on the same side again.” I smirk. Chris grins.

“Let them. We are, aren't we?” I nod, still grinning. I was skeptical after Sienna announced her pregnancy, and even a little bit after our talk at my house a few weeks ago, but that skepticism has been waning as of late. Tonight's events help. “Don't think I don't realize that I only walked away as champion that night because you got hurt and lost. We don't know what would have happened if you and I had faced each other like we thought we would. And as much as I'd love a crack at getting it back, I feel you should get your crack first. You lost it first, after all.”

“I appreciate that, thank you. You deserve your shot too, you were actually wronged. My injury was probably an accident.” I know I accused Glory of doing it on purpose, but it's more likely she was just clumsy and landed the move wrong.

“Probably.” He seems amused, no doubt at my admitting that.

“Anyway, thank you for having my back. Again.”

“Of course. I just couldn't stand by and watch them continue to make a mockery of things. I'm glad you're not upset about the end result.”

I shrug. “I know I had him beat, and so does anyone who was paying attention.”

“Right. Well, I'll leave you to it, I'm sure you'd like to clean up. See you later.”

Chris starts to leave. “Chris?” He turns. “Just in case you weren't sure after the last few weeks... I do trust you.”

Chris just nods with a slight grin, before walking away.

I feel a hand on my shoulder. I jump a bit and look, I had forgotten Scott was there.

“Did that really just happen?”

“What?”

“Getting the band back together? So to speak.”

“I think so.” I smile hopefully. I hadn't realized how much I wanted things to be as they used to be, until it seemed like it was actually happening.

“Well... I am with you, always, no matter what.”

I smile as I lay a hand on his arm. “I know Scotty. You're the most loyal person I've ever met. I can't thank Kara enough for giving you to me.” Scott is the brother of Kyle, the man my and Amy's friend Kara Abheri was dating at the time we were introduced. Kyle turned out to be kind of an asshole but Scotty is amazing so we kept him. He doesn't even really associate with his brother anymore.

“Oh, is that what she did? I thought she just introduced us because your gear looked like a high school cheerleader uniform and you needed my help.”

I laugh. He isn't wrong. “It really did, didn't it?” He nods with a grimace. I look down at myself, still in my gear – long black tights that lace up the sides with ribbon, and a purple halter top that pushes my boobs up making me look like I have more cleavage than I do. All made by Scott. “Not so much anymore though.”

“Vast improvement.”

“And you have my gratitude. Now shoo, I need to peel your work off me and shower.”

“Yes, ma'am.” Scott smirks, he knows I hate that. I wave him away and he walks off laughing. Marco had been watching and listening the whole time, and I see him trying to stifle a laugh. I lightly swat his arm.

“What are you laughing at?”

“Not a thing. Ma'am.”

I just laugh as I go onto my my locker room. These guys, I swear.

Since Breakdown last week I'd been splitting my time between keeping up my training, and making wedding plans. So far we'd found a florist, Scott has designed my dress and was looking for the right fabric, and I sent out invitations last week. We've already gotten a few RSVPs back via email as was printed on the invitation, even from David. I think Dom was more surprised than I was, even after the man had wished Dom a happy birthday on Twitter in front of God and the world. Maybe there is hope for them yet. Anyway... today Scott is coming over to show me some fabric samples for my dress, and he said he had something else for me, too.

It's just after lunch and Dom and I are sitting outside near the pool, watching Donatella run around the grassy area, when I hear a voice near the back gate.

“Ding, ding, ding.”

I look over my shoulder and give Scott a smile. He has a gate pass for his car, so he can come in any time he wants. “Gate's open babe.”

Scott opens the gate and comes into the yard, he's carrying a brown leather briefcase. To anyone else it would look like something a lawyer would have, but I know it's filled with sketchpads, fabric scraps, and probably a few stray sequins. Scott sits next to me and across from Dom at the patio table.

“Hey bro, how's it going?”

“Peachy keen, thanks. You two look like you're enjoying the day.”

“If we weren't waiting for you, we'd be swimming.”

“By all means, don't stay dry for me.”

“Got spare trunks if you want to dive in.”

“They're not spare, I left them here.” We laugh. “Maybe after business. I have pretty things!”

Scott opens the briefcase and pulls out some fabrics. “Ooooh.” There are about a half dozen, various shades of white, cream, beige. I told him I didn't want 'bridal white,' I did that once and I want something different. Scott grabs a particular one and hands it to me. It's a deep cream, almost like coffee milk. For those of you not southern, that means half coffee, half milk. The fabric is ribbed, but very soft.

“This is my favorite so far. It's the shade in the middle, but the whole concept is lighter at the neckline, darker at the hemline. Strapless, silver belt. Here...” Scott then pulls out a sketchpad, flips a few pages, then shows me one. It's the same design he showed me before, but colored with color pencils. Even the top lighter color isn't completely white. “Now this top color here would be a sort of... antiqued white. And fade darker from there.”

“This is beautiful, Scotty. What do you think, baby?” I move to show Dom the sketch, but he turns his head away.

“I thought I wasn't supposed to see this?”

“It's a drawing, not the actual dress.” I giggle. Dom shrugs, then looks.

“It looks amazing.”

“Thank you both. Breezy, the fabric? I can do this design with any of these, but they don't all have the same shade range.”

I flip through the few samples he gave me, but the one he said was his favorite is mine, too. It's the softest, and the ripples have sparkly threads.

“I like this one.” I hand it over. Scott smiles.

“I knew you would. I'll order what I need Monday.” He starts packing everything away, then pulls out a sheet of paper. “Now then. I told you I had something else for you. Remember when you asked me to look into potential photographers?” I nod. Dom leans in, more interested in this than the dress. “Well, I put some feelers out with some of my contacts. I got a few leads, but this one guy kept coming up. I was even about to contact him myself on your behalf, but he emailed me first. He'd heard about your upcoming wedding and is very interested in covering it for you. I suppose he thinks it will get him some attention, because you're you. Here.” Scott hands me the paper. It's like a giant business card, with the man's picture, name, contact information, and a website where you can see some of his work.

“Jude Nelson, Professional Event Photographer. He looks young.” Dark brown or black hair, kinda long but stylish. Thin, but his arms looked muscular, at least in the picture on this page.

“He is, for the profession. Around your age. Been in the business a few years though, at least four of my fashion contacts recommend him. He's done magazines, some runway work, advertisement shots for.... I forget who, but he's legit. I spoke to him yesterday, he will be in New Orleans in two weeks for a job and he'd like to meet with you.”

“Hold on, let me pull up his site on my phone...” I grab my phone and type it in, then click Gallery. Dom gets up and looks at it over my shoulder as I scroll through. There are fashion shots, other wedding shots, and the ads Scott mentioned, which were for J. Crew. Not exactly high fashion but the shots are incredible.

“I'm sold. Baby?”

“I'm following your lead on this stuff.”

I give him a grin then turn to Scott. “Set it up. Just tell me when.”

“Perfect. I'll call him back this afternoon.”

“Fabulous. Now, about that swim...”

“I'm in."

Scott packed up his briefcase and put it in his car to keep it from getting wet, and the three of us had a relaxing time in the pool for a few hours.

* * * * * {{ Jaina }} * * * * *

Jaina had spent the last several nights at Reece's house. She had kept some distance for a week or so after they argued about her catching up with Christian Cannon. Eventually Reece apologized, she accepted it, and they slowly got back to normal. Jaina never told Reece she had seen Christian again that night, and she didn't intend to. This week though had been the best between them since the spat, and Jaina was happy to be spending most of her time with him at his place. In fact she'd only gone home to Aunt Bree's to get some clothes a few days ago. Not that she couldn't wash at Reece's, she just wanted something different to wear.

It's afternoon and the young couple are walking on the lake levee, Reece has his dog Benson with them.

“Are you excited for tonight?”

“What, fancy dinner with you at Brennan's? Nah... not at all.” Jaina grins. Brennan's is in the French Quarter and well known for fine dining.

“I didn't think so. Let's cancel and have hot dogs and chili.”

“Sounds great.” They laugh. “Seriously though, I am looking forward to it. I haven't been there in a long time.”

“Shame on me for not taking you sooner.”

“As if you haven't taken me almost literally everywhere else.” It's true. Commander's Palace, Galatoires. Tujague's. They'd been to most of the classy restaurants in the city.

“Would you believe I have a list?”

“Yes... yes I would.” They laugh again. “Why do I get the feeling you've been doing all of this as some weird... apology food tour?”

“Is that what it seems like?”

“Either that or you're trying to make me fat.” Jaina smirks. Reece puts his hand on her waist.

“I would never do that. This is perfect.” He gives her a slight squeeze. Jaina wasn't chunky by any means, but she isn't skin and bones either, so there's a little something to grab on to, especially around her hip area. She giggles.

“Stop, that tickles.”

“I know, that's why I did it.” He grins as he squeezes again. Jaina laughs harder and backs away, laughing.

“Stoooop!”

“Okay, okay. I'm done. To be honest, some of the dinner thing is I guess apologetic. I was an ass cause I made myself believe it was something more than it was, and now I'm trying to make up for it. Would you prefer something else?”

Jaina sighs. “You don't have to make up for anything. You apologized, you promised you won't try to stop me from having my friend, and that's that. I don't want you to take me all these places out of obligation.” Having her friend... ha. Jaina laughs to herself at the double entendre.

“It's not all that... I do actually like taking you out, I know you enjoy it. Besides, what kind of man would I be if I didn't like to show off my girl?”

“Proud of me, huh?”

“Proud of you, love you.” Reece stops walking, turns to Jaina, grabs her face, and kisses her. She smiles back.

“I love you too.”

They continue walking, now back towards the house. “Speaking of your friend... is he going to Bree's wedding?”

“Of course. His dad is one of her friends, remember?”

“Right, he's the one with the complicated relationship with Sienna.” Jaina nods. “Maybe I should meet him before that day. Just to make sure there's no misunderstandings.”

“Why would there be?”

“I assume you told him about our fight...?”

“Oh.... yeah... I did.” That was as much as Jaina was going to admit to.

“Okay, so I'd like to clear the air. And not at the wedding, cause Bree will kill all of us if we bring drama to her wedding.”

“That's a good point. Okay. I don't know when he'll be coming back here, he's been busy training and stuff with his dad. But I can ask.”

“Great.”

They walk in silence about a minute, until Jaina's phone buzzes. She pulls it out and reads the text...

“Oh my Gods! I have to get home!”

“Is something wrong?”

“No! Not at all... one my family's friends who we haven't seen in literal years just showed up at Aunt Bree's! I have to go there and see her!” Jaina sighs... she hates to do this, but... “I'm really sorry, but.... can we do that dinner tomorrow night?”

Reece looks at her blankly for a moment, then smiles. “Of course. It sounds like this woman is pretty important to your family.”

“Thanks babe. You should come too and meet her! I've kept in touch with her and she knows about you.”

“Nah... you go ahead. I wouldn't want to intrude on something important to you guys. We'll do dinner tomorrow night.”

“Are you sure?”

“Positive. Go have fun.”

Jaina bounces excitedly on her feet. “This is so amazing!”

They walk faster back to the Gabriel levee gate, and part where the sidewalk between Reece's house and Bree's splits, with another kiss.

Jaina put Reece and that fancy dinner out of her head as soon as she walked into Aunt Bree's door.

* * * * * {{ Bree }} * * * * *

It's mid-afternoon and Dom, Scott, and I had gotten out of the pool for the day. Scott had to call that photographer back, but didn't have time to get home first, so he went into the library to make the call. Dom and I are in the den relaxing when my phone rings. It's the front gate, which can only mean someone is there trying to get in to see me. I frown in thought a bit as I answer, I wasn't expecting anyone, and everyone who comes over regularly has an access code.

“Lancaster.”

“Good afternoon Ms. Lancaster, I have a visitor here for you, a... Mrs. Lawson.”

I sit up straight. “A Mrs. Who?”

I hear a perky voice in the background. “Abheri! Tell her Abheri!”

Oh. My. God!

“She says to tell you her name is Abheri. Kara?”

“Yes! Yes, send her in, please!”

I am already getting to my feet as the guard keeps talking. “She has a gentleman and three children with her.”

“Yes, that's fine, let them in.”

“Yes, ma'am.”

I hear the call click and I toss my phone on the couch, as I search for my shoes. Dom sits up.

“Um... who's here?”

“Kara! And I guess Shane and the kids... can you believe it?!”

“Kara, as in Amy's former best friend who lived next door to her and moved away because of Jason, Kara?”

“Yes! I have to go meet her outside. Oh my God, Scott's here! Can you go get him from the library? He's going to lose. His. Shit!”

“You mean like you're losing yours?”

“Worse.”

Dom laughs and gets up, heading to the library.

Me? I grab my phone, remembering that Jaina is at Reece's, to text her, and then run to the door. I fling it open in time to see a navy blue Ford SUV, clearly a rental, park in front of my house, since there is no room in the driveway with Scott's car. As soon as it stops, the front passenger door opens and Kara hops out, a huge smile on her face. She looks as beautiful as ever, a few pounds lighter on her tiny frame than I remembered, I guess not working out for wrestling made her leaner and even more slight, but still healthy. She runs up to me, and stops just short of tackling me with a hug.

“Bree! Oh my Zod you look amazing!”

“Thank you.... you too!”

We then hug, Kara practically squeezing the breath out of me. She is a lot stronger than her size would suggest.

“Not that I'm not ecstatic to see you babe.... but what are you doing here?!”

Kara puts her hands in the air in an 'of course' gesture. “I got a wedding invitation. So here I am!”

I laugh. “The wedding is in July!”

“Of course it is, which means I only have two months to help you make it fabulous!”

“You came to help me with the wedding?”

“Well of course. I helped Amy put hers together in a week, imagine what we can do with yours! Where is the lucky groom?” Kara looks behind me towards the house. I then notice the other doors of the SUV opening. Shane, as in Lawson, Amy's friend and former owner of VWA, has a back door open as children spill out. He still has that stupid haircut. I'm torn between watching them and answering Kara.

“Um... he's inside, getting Scott.”

“Scotty Too Hotty?! He's here?”

I laugh. “Yes, he was here on wedding business. Dress fabric samples and such.”

Just then Shane walks up, two young girls behind him, and a little boy in his arms.

“See how she leaves me to wrangle the progeny?”

I smile. “Hi Shane. It's good to see you.”

“You might not believe me, but same to you.”

“Nah, I believe you. So... while I have both of your attention... what's with this 'Mrs. Lawson' business the gate guard gave me?”

“Um, well... you see, when a woman marries a man, she typically changes her name.”

“You're married?!” Kara was the most staunchly against marraige person I knew, before I met Dom. Then again even he changed his mind.

Both Kara and Shane laugh. “Kinda had to, so I could be Hope's legal mommy. It was a quicky at the courthouse, you didn't miss anything fancy.”

I was about to mention I knew about courthouse quickies, but then out of nowhere, I am tackled from the side by one of the girls. I immediately know who she is though, those big blue eyes looking up at me haven't changed at all.

“Bree! I missed you so much!”

“Hey Sami girl, I missed you, too.” I bend down to hug her, Kara's daughter from an ex who doesn't deserve to be named, Samantha. I used to babysit her when she was two, three years old. Now she's nearly seven. She likely only remembers me because Kara and I kept in touch occasionally over the years. She looks so grown! I look towards the other girl, I had only met her a few times. Hope, Shane's daughter from his ex, who also doesn't deserve to be named. She was very shy when I met her years ago. She seems to have grown out of that some, although not much, as she gives me a wave from her dad's side. If I remember right, she's nearly ten. I stand up from Sami and wave at her.

“Hi Hope, I'm happy to see you, too.” She just smiles. I then turn to Shane. “And who is this handsome young man?” The boy in his arms smiles. He looks about two or three, which fits, as Kara was pregnant when they moved away.

“This... is Jeremy.”

“Otherwise known as JerBear.” Kara smiles at her son.

“Mooommmy. Only you call me that.”

I laugh. “Hi Jeremy, I'm happy to meet you. Do you know who I am?”

“Mommy says you're Bree. Very good friend.”

“That's me.” This kid was gonna be a heartbreaker.

I hear the door open behind me, immediately followed by a high-pitched squeal.

“Scotty!”

Kara breezes past me, I turn and see Scott hug her and pick her up, spinning her around. Dom is in the doorway, laughing.

“Oh my Goodness sweetheart, what on earth are you doing here?!”

Scott sets Kara on her feet. She holds her arms out at her sides. “I was summoned by wedding bells. I brought the brood.”

Kara gestures at her family. Scott walks over, as does Dom. The necessary introductions are made, ending with Shane and Dom shaking hands.

“That last flick was killer, bro.”

“Thanks, appreciate it. Don't tell anyone, but there's a sequel in the works.”

I give Dom a surprised look. He's always telling me not to repeat things like that. He shrugs.

“I am very good at keeping secrets.” Shane and Kara exchange a look, then he glances at me. I grin a bit. Shane once faked his own death while deeply depressed, and let the ruse go on for over six months. He is very good at keeping secrets, indeed.

All of us go inside and into the kitchen. After fetching drinks for everyone – tea for me and Kara, beer for the guys, and juice for the kids – we settle around the island, kids at the table. At some point I'd remembered to text Jaina, and just as Kara was about to start telling me about their trip, Jaina comes in the door.

“Aunt Kara!”

Kara jumps up and they meet in a hug. Jaina is slightly taller than Kara, has been since she was fifteen.

“Babygirl! I was so hoping you would be here!”

“I was out with Reece, but Aunt Bree texted me.”

“And where is this strapping young man of yours?”

“Oh, I asked him to come but he said he didn't want to intrude.”

Jaina then greets Shane, and the girls, then is introduced to Jeremy. We soon settle in again around the island.

“So, as I was starting to say... I got the wedding invitation in the mail, and immediately knew I would not be waiting until July to come. I couldn't live with myself if I wasn't here to help. So, I dragged the brood from Toronto to here, and here we are.”

“Kara... I wouldn't have dreamed of asking you to do anything other than attend. Honestly I didn't even expect you to come at all, but I had to send you an invitation.”

Kara puts a hand over her heart. “Oh, Bree. I'm hurt. Why wouldn't I come?”

“Uh.. well, I mean... I know why you left... and they'll all be there.. so...”

“You mean Amy and.... yes. Well, I've had a lot of time to process that and I've decided it's none of my business as long as she's happy. She is happy, right?”

“Extremely.”

“All of them seem to be.”

“Seem to be? Wouldn't you know?”

“My brothers and I are currently not on speaking terms.”

“Oh. I see. I'm sorry.”

“Don't worry about it. Actually I think things might start to get better. Dave actually reached out, if you call a Twitter happy birthday blessing 'reaching out.'”

“I do. And I think you should have done more than just reply. He has a phone number.”

“So do I. Yet he chose Twitter.”

“It's a start, though.”

Dom nods. “Yeah, it is.”

“Okay, I definitely missed something, but I don't want to drag the mood down so let's table that for later, shall we?”

“Bree is more than welcome to explain everything to you later.” Kara nods.

“But, since we brought up Amy.... have you called her? Does she know you're here?”

“I have not, and I would appreciate if you didn't. I want to go see her myself.” Kara eyes Jaina. “Have you-”

“No. I didn't text her. I didn't know if you wanted to see her.”

“I do. Just... one on one. I wanted to come here first. And doesn't SCW have a big show this weekend?”

“We do. It's in Pittsburgh and has the stupidest name imaginable. I think D was high when he chose it.”

Kara laughs. “I remember reading it, and immediately forgetting it. Are you feeling good about your match?”

“Pretty good. Gavin can go when he wants to, but it's hard to tell when he'll want to, or when he'll just want to play around. But you didn't come all this way to ask me about work. We need actual drinks! And dinner! Let me call for delivery. Unless you want to go out....”

“Delivery will be fine. We're not fancy, you know this. Besides, the progeny are probably tired of being cooped up traveling. We left early this morning, long flight, you know how it is.”

“Not anymore... I bought a plane.”

Kara's eyes go wide and her jaw drops. “You bought a what?”

“A private plane. With my Dior money. They're not as expensive as you might think.”

“For the love of Bruce, Bree.” Kara laughs. “I would have thought you'd have used your share of your ex's money for that.”

“I don't have any of his money. I didn't want it.” Kara knew Blake had walked out on me but I never told her the details in the few times we'd spoken over the years.

“Hm. Fair enough. Good for you.”

I decided to change the subject, anything to do with Blake was still touchy around here.

“You could have called me and I'd have sent it for you.”

“I wanted to surprise you all.”

“You did that for sure!”

“And I want to surprise your mom, too. So please just let me show up at her door, okay?”

“No problem. But she stays busy with the academy and the shelter, and sometimes she comes to SCW shows, so when were you planning to go? Just to make sure she's home.”

“Well... I was thinking after the show this weekend. That will allow us to get settled in town somewhat, and visit with you a bit first. Maybe plan some things?”

“I can show you everything I've put together so far.”

“That would be great.”

“Meanwhile us guys can just shoot the shit and drink all the beer, am I right?”

“Most of the beer. My agent insists I keep myself in screen shape, even though I'm technically on hiatus.”

“Dude... don't take this the wrong way, but your agent has nothing to worry about.” Shane makes a point of looking Dom up and down. We all laugh.

“That's what Bree says.”

We chat and catch up some more, and I call for my favorite sushi delivery. After dinner, it's just past sunset, and the group of us go sit outside near the pool. The girls really wanted to swim, and I was fine with that, but Kara was skeptical since they didn't have suits. Shane though suggested they just go in their clothes, and Kara was basically outvoted. Jaina went in with them and we had a great time until way past the kids' bedtime. Kara tried to pack them up to get to their hotel, but I wouldn't hear it. I have plenty of room so I offered them to stay here. Kara agreed, but only for the night. She didn't want to impose on me with three kids for longer than that. Honestly? I wouldn't have minded. But there's no talking her into or out of things when her mind is made up. The girls stayed with Jaina in her room, they called it a slumber party. Jeremy stayed with Kara and Shane in their guest room. He could have had his own room but he didn't want to sleep alone in a strange house. Can't say I blame the little boy.

I went to bed tired from the excitement of the day, and happier than I had been in a long time. My friends are back!

Thanks to Jaina offering an invite in public on Twitter, I couldn't refuse allowing Kelsai Adamson to fly with us to Pittsburgh for Be Careful What You Wish For. It turned out better than I thought though, we had a nice conversation. We've come to an understanding... she's married to Blake's brother Victor, and as such sees Blake as family. As long as she doesn't speak about him to me, I won't give her shit about being close to him. Easy enough, right? For Jaina's sake, since she and Kelsai are close friends, I extended Kelsai and Victor an invitation to the wedding. It'll be.... interesting, if Victor decides to attend with his wife, especially now that Kara is in town.

Speaking of Kara, I offered to get last minute accommodations for her and 'the brood,' as she calls her family, for the show, but she said she didn't want to put me or SCW through any trouble. Shane later told me she was more concerned about putting the kids on another flight. Which is fine. They were staying at a hotel for the weekend, she didn't want to go back to her house next door to Amy's – where her mother still lives – until she saw Amy first, she didn't want Amy to see her before she was ready to talk.

Anyway, the show was fine. Gavin Taylor and I fought a clean match, as clean as it could be for two people known to use less than honorable tactics at times. I think he was trying to prove something, and honestly? So was I. I didn't want to give D any reason whatsoever to deny my rematch claim. After I won, I even gave Gavin a small nod of respect. He actually fought me, he didn't try to cheat his way out of it. Maybe something I said stuck in his head.

Anyway, after cleaning up after the match, I watched the rest of the show in my locker room with Dom, as Jaina still had assignments. I admit watching David fight Owen was weird, I was hoping for a way they would both lose, especially once Aries got involved. I saw Dom cringe when David went down, it was the first time he'd reacted in any way to one of his matches since I fought him. I wondered if maybe they'd spoken and he hadn't told me yet for some reason, but it wasn't the right time to ask. I admit the curbstomp Owen gave him looked pretty brutal.
After that was Chris against Asher. I really wanted Chris to kick Asher's ass. It's sickening to keep watching him squeak by with wins on the books yet by anything other than clean means. That night wouldn't be the night though, as Chris was counted out thanks to some fighting outside the ring. I sighed, then lost it when Chris speared Asher through the set! He didn't get the win but he got more payback. You love to see it. Well, I did.
And finally... the World Championship match. I was pulling for my girl Datura – excuse me, Liz. She and Cid went to war, it seemed like... yet in the end Cid caught her. I was really hoping to have a fun competitive match with her, assuming D grants my rematch... instead it looks like I'll have to be the one to knock Cid off the pedestal that Asher and Holly are propping him up on.

I am getting more and more disgusted by the day of their bullshit, their disrespect for the championship, for their opponents, for the business itself. It's sad to say and I would probably never admit it out loud, but... Holly reminds me of myself, when Blake and I were teaming and terrorizing the roster. Watching her help Asher cheat, doing everything she can to keep him from losing... it makes me wonder if I was really that despicable back then. I've changed a lot since then, I don't feel the need to cheat most times... I am capable of hurting my opponent enough to where I don't need to take shortcuts... but that bitch just makes me step back and think... I don't want to be seen like her, like them. They're delusional, they have no respect for anyone, Asher is using Cid to stay relevant and Holly is using them both for the same reason. Anything it takes to stay on top, other than actually fighting and being the best.

That's not who I am.

Maybe it was years ago but it's not now. I won't let myself be lumped in with the likes of them. I can't, they don't speak truth, they don't stand for truth. If I am going to live up to my word as a Woman of Truth, I have to do everything I can to distance myself from the idiocy and disrespect they are spreading through this company. Funny how Holly gives me shit over Twitter (so I'm told, I blocked her) cause she doesn't like my pictures, yet watching her antics with Asher and Cid was like a mirror, I saw what the real ugliness is... and I don't want to be a part of that anymore.

When we all got home, I really wanted to speak to Amy about some of this, but I also knew that Kara wanted to go see her. I decided to wait and let Kara have her moment before I took too much of Amy's attention. So here we are today, chosen because I knew Amy had the day off from the Academy thanks to a doctor's appointment, for her knee. Kara told me what time she would be going to Amy's, and asked me to arrive about an hour later. She thought the three of us could then catch up together, and talk wedding plans. The real conversation I wanted to have with Amy would have to wait.

* * * * * {{ Amy }} * * * * *

It's around noon when Amy returns home from her doctor's appointment. She hadn't told anyone publicly, but about a month ago she had a procedure done on her knee, the third. This one was essentially a partial knee replacement, Amy didn't remember the medical term for it, but she had her patella completely replaced, and the knee joint underneath resurfaced. The healed fractured patella had healed uneven on the underside, and the ridges were causing a type of arthritis in her knee joint. It was affecting her work training her students mostly, but also in just everyday life – it would catch when she drove, or went up and down stairs. And there are a lot of stairs in Amy's daily routine, at the gym, the shelter, and of course at home. She tried to put it off but it had to be done. Today though she was cleared to remove the brace tomorrow, and given a physical therapy schedule. Even though the incision was still healing, her knee already felt better than it had in years, since before she retired. Amy's doctor told her that once it was fully healed, she would be able to do more in training, and if she wanted to... possibly return to the ring herself. Amy's heart fluttered for just a second, but then she put the thought away. Those days were done. Her time was over, it was up to Bree and Kelsai, the BlackOut graduates who have gone on to make their names in the business – D'Nae, Bethany, TD, and of course those still training who Amy knew had bright futures – Lynn, Jodi, Spencer. They would carry the business forward.

After getting in, Amy left Wyatt a text update for him to see when he had a moment, and went to the kitchen to pour herself a glass of tea. As she's taking a sip, she hears a confident knock on the front door. The kind you usually hear from say, a door-to-door salesmen, or maybe a politician. Setting the glass down, Amy makes her way to to the door wondering who it could be. She expected to see Bree later this afternoon, but she knew Bree's knock and that wasn't it. When she opens the door, the smiling face she sees is the last one she expected.

“.... Kara?”

“Hi sweetie.” The Aussie's smile turns sheepish.

Amy looks around, towards the SUV Kara apparently drove here, looking for if anyone else is with her. There's no one.

“I... what are you doing here? Oh Gods, is something wrong with-”

“No, no, no. Nothing is wrong. Everyone is fine. Amazing. Wow, I didn't think you'd think I came because something happened... I should have called...”

“Stop, no... its okay. Come in.”

Kara walks in and Amy shuts the door. The two women, former best friends, who went through hell together in VWA and a little bit more in SCW, stare at each other for a few seconds.... then embrace. Amy isn't sure who's holding tighter, herself or Kara. After a few moments they pull away, both smiling.

“So... what are you doing here?”

“Our girl is getting married. I couldn't stay away.”

Amy laughs. “Is that all it took?”

“It's a good excuse. To be honest, I've been thinking about coming back for a while now. I've missed everyone. Shane told me how you and he have been talking. He'd let the kids talk to you. I almost called more than once.”

“Why didn't you?”

“Stupid pride, I guess. The longer I was away, the more I felt like a right knob for leaving here the way I did.”

Amy isn't sure what to say to that. Kara had moved away because she didn't agree with Amy and Wyatt's marriage arrangement, and had accidentally walked into Amy's kitchen when Jason was over, and seen them hugging. It was too much for her and she didn't want to risk seeing something she didn't agree with again. So the family moved, to Toronto, where Shane is from. Amy gives Kara a smile, and points down the hall.

“Kitchen? Tea?”

“Yes, please.”

In the kitchen, with fresh hot tea, the women sit at Amy's kitchen island.

“So, my excuse for finally coming back is Bree's wedding, I've offered to help her with anything she might need. But there are things I should say to you, too, and that's why I came here alone. Shane and the kids are home. Well, I mean, next door. With Chloe.”

Amy knew Kara's mom had stayed in the house rather than Kara selling it. They'd even been friendly over the years. Amy suspects that Chloe didn't know Kara was coming, either, or she would have told her.

“I'm listening.”

Kara takes a deep breath, holding her tea mug with both hands. “Firstly, I am sorry. Some of the things I said to you that day disgust me when I think about them.”

“Kara-”

“No, let me.” Amy nods for her to continue. “I was so stuck in my ways then, still healing from various traumas... and seeing what you were doing threatened everything I held dear. But that wasn't your problem, it was mine. It should have been on me to process it, not blame you for living your life the way you and your husband decided made you happy. Bree told me you all are still... in that arrangement, so clearly you are happy. And I need you to know that I've accepted it and I'm happy you've all found something that works for you.”

“Are you serious?”

“As a bullet wound.”

Amy laughs, leave it to Kara to make her point without the usual metaphor. “I'm very happy to hear that from you, thank you.”

“You should thank Bree. If she hadn't send me that invitation I wouldn't have had the nerve to come here and say it.”

“I don't believe that. You'd have eventually missed us too much.”

“Maybe.” Kara smiles. “So... tell me about the happy couple. I stayed with them Friday night, but it's still very hard for me to see the man as a real person and not just the actor.”

Amy grins, amused. The first time Kara met Dom, he had come to the house with Bree to deliver Jaina's 16th birthday gift, a new car. Kara had recognized him from the cop show he was in on TV.
“I get it. He's actually a pretty big goofball. Imagine Jason... but less... brash?”

“Asshole-y?”

“Yeah, that.” Amy knows Jason's rep. They laugh. “Cornier sense of humor. Makes me roll my eyes, but Bree eats it up.”

“I did notice some of that. He had the girls in fits. But I meant more like.... how does he treat her?”

“Like a princess.” Kara laughs, but Amy is serious. Kara's laugh fades.

“Really?”

“Yeah. Really. He'd do anything for her. He used to be just as much against marriage as you are, but here we are. Jason thought it was a joke when they announced it.”

“Wow. I guess it does take someone pretty special to change an opinion like that....” Kara glances off to the side a bit.

“Wait. I know that look, what aren't you telling me?”

Kara takes a deep breath. “Should have known I couldn't hide anything from you. May as well spill it, Bree already knows. Shane and I are married.”

“You... what?”

Kara nods, smiling. “Shane got full custody of Hope, and we had to be married for me to adopt her. So... we did the thing. No fanfare, just signing papers at the judge's office.”

“Well, congratulations anyway. But, what about Hope, what happened with Rekkah?” Rekkah Star, Shane's ex and Hope's mother.

“That's a long and ugly story best told on a day when we haven't just made up.”

“I can respect that. Best to keep things positive.”

“The important part is that we have her and as far as she is concerned, I am Mom. Rekkah is referred to as 'daddy's ex' or 'my mother.'”

“Mm. Kinda like Loki with Dad and 'my father.'”

“Exactly. How is Loki doing? Still causing trouble at school?”

“Not so much anymore. He's back into the youth MMA classes, and Bree has actually taught him a few holds I can't get on the mat with him and do. He's also not so little anymore, he's as tall as Jaina.”

“My goodness. He'll be able to toss me over his shoulder when he's eighteen.”

“Maybe sooner. He can arm drag Bree.”

“Wow.” They laugh.

Their catching up is interrupted by the sound of the front door opening, followed by Bree's voice calling out. “Ammmyyy! There's a Bree in the house!”

“We're in the kitchen!”

Seconds later, Bree enters, and smiles wide seeing Amy and Kara sitting across from each other, having tea.

“Bree!” She startles at Amy's tone. “Since when can you keep secrets and didn't tell me Kara was here?”

* * * * * {{ Bree }} * * * * *

I knew Amy wasn't really mad at me, the smile on her face gave that away.

“Hey, I've learned a few things over the years, thank you very much.” I sit next to Amy at the island, across from Kara. “So, did I miss anything?”

“Oh, just some yelling, a slap here and there... a few threats. But we talked it out.”

“And that was just over who was going to help you get dressed for the wedding.”

I laugh as they both smirk at each other. “Funny. Very amusing. As if I won't have both of you and Jaina there. And possibly Sienna.”

“To get dressed?”

“I mean I can dress myself. But you know.... hanging out. Kara, I know you and Sienna had issues but-”

Kara waves me off. “Don't even worry about it. I've followed your career enough to know she is a good friend to you. As far as I'm concerned, all in the past.”

I smile. “I think she'll agree. She's really calmed down a lot since she got pregnant.”

“Mmm. It can do that. So.” Kara claps her hands one time, in her way of changing the subject. “Before we share the latest wedding details with each other... I have some news I wanted to tell you both at the same time.”

“Are you pregnant, too?”

“Ha, no. Three children are enough for the Boss and me. But, I think you'll be happy anyway. Shane and I have decided to stay at home. Next door.”

“That makes sense, especially if you're going to be here til the wedding.”

“Nono. I mean stay. We're moving home. For good.”

Amy and I look at each other, then both squeal. I know, I'm shocked Amy made that noise too! All of us get up and end up in a group hug.

Life is impossibly good right now, I don't know how it could get any better. Kara is back, for good. She and Amy made up. Things will be back to the way they were years ago, before Blake threw a wrench into me and my family, before Kara had even more of a problem with Jason than I did and bailed. It's even better than the way Sienna and Chris worked things out and he and I made up, too. The three of us spent the afternoon talking wedding ideas and further catching up about all the kids.

I feel like nothing can bring me down.