Post by riotgirl on Nov 19, 2006 23:30:08 GMT -5
Josh was gone; her parents dead, little girls were bleeding to death on the crispy white sheets of emotional hell, battle scars from warring against life itself. And through it all tears were shed, by Tristan, by Evan, by Amy, by Amber, tears of grief, tears of relief, they flowed down cheeks, were brushed away by loved ones and caught on crumpled tissues. She didn't cry. She stood strong, until she could no longer stand, then she quietly passed out at Tristan 's feet. He tucked her into one of the empty beds in the bustling hotel and when she woke her face was still dry, her mind too heavy to think, her heart too hurt to cry. And again she was back on her feet, taking care of the girls that needed it the most, bandages, food, plotting what to do next, hugs for Tristan, even a moment to comfort Evan who seemed distraught about being alive, she did it all.
Some people died, some didn't, she helped with small burials, gave a group eulogy, said how they had given their lives in a noble cause. She even saw Riana hastily wipe away a tear as they lowered the caskets into the ground, but Nina didn't cry. No, there was no time for tears, no time to process what had happened. There was so much to do, so much to figure out. A world full of warriors, it had never been done before, they were embarking on a new frontier. She had started this course; it was her job to see that it went as smoothly as possible. She didn't need sleep, just a strong cup of coffee, and work to busy her hands with. And so it went for ten days, passing out when she needed rest, waking as soon as emotion started to claw in. Her eyes aching from unshed tear, back stiff, head pounding and yet she trudged onward. She worked till she could work no more, till the infection from the stab wound she had left untreated decided to take its toll, till there was no more strength left. The last thing she saw before the darkness was Tristan's black boots rushing towards her, and Amber weakly crying out her name.
"Nina..."
Amber stood hovering over her, the brunette's head silhouetted in harsh fluorescent lights that caused Nina to blink, scrunching up her eyes.
"Nina..."
The voice sounded distant, an echo of a call. She turned her head, brown hair filling Nina 's vision as she spoke.
"She's awake."
Three more anxious faces appeared before her. Nina tried to sit up, her mind in a fog, eyes still aching against the brightness that encompassed her, intense lights bouncing off of white sheets and shiny machines that beeped quietly. Slowly she became more aware of her surroundings, an IV placed into her hand, a small coolness that flowed into her veins as the bag dripped steadily into the network of tubes.
"Wha-" Her voice cracked her mouth dry.
Amber quickly poured a small amount of water into a plastic cup and handed it to her sister. The water felt wonderfully cool and refreshing, gliding down her parched throat.
"What happened?" She finally managed.
"Very good question."
Nina blinked again, Tristan's face coming into view as she weakly managed to pull herself up, aided by Amy pushing a button on the mechanical bed. His face was worn; dark circles etched into his skin, a picture of fear itself. Nina couldn't remember the last time that she had seen him look so terrified.
"Geez Nina, why didn't you let anyone of us know you took a giant sword to the ribs? If you wanted watery Jell-O and a TV to yourself I am sure we could have worked something out."
Nina tried to force a smile; it was obvious how hard he was trying.
"Yeah." Amber chimed in.
"Watery Jell-O happens to be a specialty of mine." There were tears in her eyes.
"Sorry." Nina apologized sheepishly, glancing at the concerned friends around her.
"Hey...ummm..." Riana approached the group from where she had been sitting in the corner.
"If it's alright with everyone I am gonna head back." She gestured to the door.
"Kyle has got his hands full and I'm sure Caleb will want to know sleeping beauty is finally awake."
Tristan nodded, granting his permission. Riana turned at the door, glancing back to Nina.
“You’re not going anywhere on me?”
“When I have watery Jell-O and my own TV? Not a chance.”
Their eyes met for a moment, the question deeper than the reply Nina had given, a connection sparking that had not been dimmed by the emotions being spread among the masses. Riana hesitated a moment, her mouth open if about to speak but the word never came. She closed it with a soft plop, knowing now was not the time, not knowing if their ever would be the ‘right’ time, nothing was ever gonna be ‘right’ again. So with no other choice she left, frightened for the first time in what felt like forever, since she had turned herself in that fateful night.
“So….” Tristan drawled. “I am trying to think of a witty way to break this silent tension thing but I got nothing.”
“Bad, bad llama.” Amber chimed in with a small chuckle. Four confused faces turned to her.
“Sorry. The visitor room has been playing ‘The Emperor’s New Groove’ like non-stop. I’ll be quiet now.”
“No, Amber.” Nina assured her sister as she reached her weak arms out for an embrace that Amber promptly returned.
“It’s fine.” She spoke into Amber’s brunette locks, caressing the silky hair softly, comforting her the same way her mother had done a million times. Guilt surged within Nina as she felt the first tear drop on the thin hospital gown. She tried to think of a way to apologize but she couldn’t, she couldn’t stand to explain that it hurt too much to think or to care, that it hurt too much to live. So instead she continued to repeat…
“It’s fine, Amber. Everything will be okay. It’s fine.”
“I was so scared.” The brunette confessed, burying her head in her sister’s shoulder.
“I can’t loose you too.” The stark honesty of those words made those watching the intimate scene shuffle their feet awkwardly. Nina even saw Tristan out of the corner of her eyes whip off his glasses and she assumed start cleaning them. Finally Amber pulled back as Amy quickly passed a small box of tissues to her.
“You carry a whole box with you? What? Was I at death’s door? Did I want him to play chess? ” Nina joked feebly.
“Well you certainly wanted something…” Kyle muttered, a sharp edge to his voice that Nina wasn’t used to.
“Now is not the time.” Tristan forewarned, taking command of the situation. Kyle whirled on him.
“So when is the time? Next time she lands herself in the hospital? I mean is this gonna be a weekly occurrence? Should I just clear my calendar? Maybe we can write up a nice little to do list. ‘Nina gets hurt and makes sure not to tell anyone’ check, ‘Has to be all superpower chick’ check, ‘Rush Nina to the hospital’ check, ‘Watch stupid Disney movies while waiting to find out if your best friend is gonna be dead or not’ double check!” He stood shaking with rage and fear.
“That is quite enough!” Tristan bellowed, tearing of his glasses. “If you can’t control yourself then I best suggest you – that you leave.” He gestured with his glasses to the open door.
Kyle didn’t say anything, but gave Nina a sad backward glance has he staggered from the room, looking as if he had just been kicked in the gut. Tristan followed him, somberly closing the door behind him. Nina knew that expression, Tristan had worn it a thousand times with her, lecture time. Amber, who looked visibly shaken, spoke up first, tears filling her eyes.
“I’m sorry Nina. I-I didn’t mean to.” She hurled the tissue box into the nearest trashcan, glaring at it as thought it was the cause of all the turmoil.
“I just started carrying them after mom and dad… ya know.” Seeing pain fill Nina’s face she silently berated herself for bringing it up.
“Just seems like everyone is a little emotional these days is all.”
“Yeah.” Amber piped up. “Like Kyle having a rant fest at my sick sister.”
“I’m sure he didn’t mean all of that.” Amy defended her best friend even though she was sure he meant some of it.
In fact she was having some of the same fears, of course she would never articulate them so badly, or at least she hoped she wouldn’t. Amber snorted in disbelief. Amy’s attention shifted from the youngest Arcania to Nina who was watching the scene with wary eyes.
“He didn’t, Nina. He has been messed up, two weeks at a hospital can get on anyone’s nerves.”
“Yeah I’m sure he didn’t mean to-“ Nina agreed before she noticed something.
“Two weeks! I’ve been here for two weeks?! What do you mean- two weeks?”
Amy apologized sheepishly. “Sorry. Forgot you didn’t know. But on the plus you look very rested.” She nodded vigorously.
Nina turned to Amber who caught Amy’s eye and started bobbing her head too in agreement.
“You guys are really bad liars.” Nina sighed, suddenly feeling very tired.
She let them cluck over her, comforting her about everyone having seen her bed head, and fill her in on the past two weeks, which turned out to be extremely quite, before her eyes closed and giving into slumber.
Light filtered into the dark room, silhouetting a body, the shadow falling across the floor. Nina shifted, squinting her eyes, expecting to find another nurse, or that maybe Amber had come back, or even the Easter bunny, but she sure as hell didn’t expect to find Riana.
“What happened?” She questioned, pressing the button causing the bed to prop her up and then pulling the cord attached to the florescent light above her bed.
“Nothing.” Riana shrugged setting down a black duffle bag on the floor. “Just thought you might want some company is all.”
“What time is it?” Nina asked, stifling a yawn.
“Late.” Riana settled herself down in one of the stiff backed chairs besides Nina’s bed.
“Or a little too early for comfort. Josh left about a half an hour ago.”
“I didn’t see him. I mean, I didn’t mean to act like-“
“Don’t sweat it, Nina. He didn’t want to wake you. He has been keeping watch since Amber and Tristan left.”
“Keeping watch?” Nina snorted. “What am I under surveillance now? You my new prison guard? Should I call you ‘warden’?”
“Think of it more of a babysitter sorta thing. Who knows if you’re good maybe I will sneak you up a pizza later, that is if you promise not to spill the beans.”
“I think I might have to decline your offer.” Nina replied with frosted voice. “I don’t need a babysitter or anything else. Now if you could just run your little self on back home and tell them that I can get back to my beauty rest.” She rolled to her one side, refusing to look at Riana.
“You need something.” Riana stood, feet planted firmly on the ground. “And hey I’m not sure I can be the one to give it to you but I just thought maybe you would want someone to talk to.”
“I have friends.” Nina bit out the word
“Why would I ever talk to you?”
“Maybe because they are too close? Maybe because even if you want off that pedestal they put you on they won’t ever let you? Maybe because unlike them I actually understand what you are going through?”
“You?!” Nina turned, sitting up. “How could you have any idea of what I am going through?! You just came in at the last moment. You haven’t been here since day one. You weren’t the one with all of it placed on your shoulders.”
“Maybe not.” Riana conceded. “But I know what you’ve lost.”
“Yeah I’m sure you do. ”
“I do.”
“Don’t” Nina shook with rage, her voice fading out before gaining strength.
“Hey” Riana took a step back, hands in the air. “All I’m saying is you still got people who care for you.”
“So what?”
“You are supposed to deal which is something you’re not doing.”
“Oh because you are such an expert at ‘dealing’?” Nina pressed the sword of past pains into Riana’s gut. “Sorry but I think I will get my advice from someone who isn’t a quitter.”
Riana let out a chuckle. “Figures.”
“What?” Nina glared, annoyed that Riana hadn’t taken the bait, that she was actually laughing.
“That you would go for the quitter card. You always were predictable like that.”
“Well don’t want to bore you with my predictability so why don’t you just leave already?”
“Why don’t you just let me say what I came here to say?”
Nina sighed. “Then will you leave?”
Riana nodded. “Fine then talk.”
Riana paced the floor, her heavy boots smacking loudly with every step, a finger hooked in to her belt buckle.
"Okay." She finally stopped pacing, eyes on Nina, as if she had just gotten straight in her head what she wanted to say.
I'm all ears." Nina spoke, sounding as though she wanted nothing more than to get this over with.
"The way I see it Nina is that this isn't just about Josh.."
Nina sat up, outraged. "How dare you come in here and tell me-"
"I just said it isn't all about Josh." Riana cut short her tirade. "I figure him leaving like that has got to have hurt. But it's more than that and you know it, whether or not you are ready to admit it. Part of it is got to be about what you lost, and I don't mean the house or the nights banging Mr. Hottie. I mean you have been the 'It' girl for awhile now and suddenly you have people just stepping all over you showing the ability that you gave them to do just that."
Nina looked like she wanted to interject but said nothing as Riana continued.
"Now I know I didn't earn respect the old-fashion way, I mean I was born into this scene with you already in the lead role but even I feel the change. Here we are with a freaking army of men at our backs and there is so much shit we can accomplish. And it just sorta makes all the other sacrifices seem small, like the shit we did isn't gonna be a freaking footnote. Only thing we are gonna be noted for is giving them their wins, they are gonna get the glory, gonna be the ones to change the world, not you and I."
Hate flamed in Nina 's eyes, her voice laden with venom. "What do you know about sacrifice? You just take and think about yourself first and to hell with everyone else."
Riana met her gaze. "I know that just wasn't your power you decided to play share time with."
"So what? So you do one thing and suddenly you know what the cost of being a wrestler is? I gave up everything! Tristan, Josh, even my life. So you had to work on the good side for a change and that meant you had to let go of a part of you? So what?! I've done it everyday for eight years!"
"And it kills you! It kills you to know that you aren't special anymore; that you might have done your job and that you might not be valuable anymore! That you did all of that and now you have all these kids crawling on your turf!"
"Get out." Nina commanded eyes filling with tears. Riana nodded, picking up the duffel bag and setting it on Nina 's bed. Her voice was softer as she spoke, pain mirroring Nina's
"I wasn't trying to say that what you are doing is wrong. Not trying to say it’s right either. But its what you do, I know that feeling, its part of being a woman in a mans world. Maybe you aren't the star anymore; maybe you just have to be normal. All I'm trying to do is remind you that's what you always wanted, that you shouldn't cave just when you got a real life."
Nina couldn't speak, anger and self-pity still too strong.
"Here I got you this." Riana gestured to the bag. "I know it's not the same but..."
Her voice trailed off, as she slowly turned walking across the room to the door. With curious fingers, Nina unzipped the bag and pulled out a replica of the PCW Heavyweight title. Suddenly the dam broke, as tears fell down her cheeks. She didn't try to stop them or hold back any longer, she let herself cry, let herself grieve over all she had lost.
"Riana?" She called, catching her childhood friend with her hand on the doorknob. Riana looked back.
"Thank you." Nina knew it wasn't enough, but left the rest go unsaid.
Riana nodded. "You’re not going anywhere on me?” She asked with a broken smile.
Nina shook her head, tears still falling…
No, she wasn't going anywhere.
Some people died, some didn't, she helped with small burials, gave a group eulogy, said how they had given their lives in a noble cause. She even saw Riana hastily wipe away a tear as they lowered the caskets into the ground, but Nina didn't cry. No, there was no time for tears, no time to process what had happened. There was so much to do, so much to figure out. A world full of warriors, it had never been done before, they were embarking on a new frontier. She had started this course; it was her job to see that it went as smoothly as possible. She didn't need sleep, just a strong cup of coffee, and work to busy her hands with. And so it went for ten days, passing out when she needed rest, waking as soon as emotion started to claw in. Her eyes aching from unshed tear, back stiff, head pounding and yet she trudged onward. She worked till she could work no more, till the infection from the stab wound she had left untreated decided to take its toll, till there was no more strength left. The last thing she saw before the darkness was Tristan's black boots rushing towards her, and Amber weakly crying out her name.
"Nina..."
Amber stood hovering over her, the brunette's head silhouetted in harsh fluorescent lights that caused Nina to blink, scrunching up her eyes.
"Nina..."
The voice sounded distant, an echo of a call. She turned her head, brown hair filling Nina 's vision as she spoke.
"She's awake."
Three more anxious faces appeared before her. Nina tried to sit up, her mind in a fog, eyes still aching against the brightness that encompassed her, intense lights bouncing off of white sheets and shiny machines that beeped quietly. Slowly she became more aware of her surroundings, an IV placed into her hand, a small coolness that flowed into her veins as the bag dripped steadily into the network of tubes.
"Wha-" Her voice cracked her mouth dry.
Amber quickly poured a small amount of water into a plastic cup and handed it to her sister. The water felt wonderfully cool and refreshing, gliding down her parched throat.
"What happened?" She finally managed.
"Very good question."
Nina blinked again, Tristan's face coming into view as she weakly managed to pull herself up, aided by Amy pushing a button on the mechanical bed. His face was worn; dark circles etched into his skin, a picture of fear itself. Nina couldn't remember the last time that she had seen him look so terrified.
"Geez Nina, why didn't you let anyone of us know you took a giant sword to the ribs? If you wanted watery Jell-O and a TV to yourself I am sure we could have worked something out."
Nina tried to force a smile; it was obvious how hard he was trying.
"Yeah." Amber chimed in.
"Watery Jell-O happens to be a specialty of mine." There were tears in her eyes.
"Sorry." Nina apologized sheepishly, glancing at the concerned friends around her.
"Hey...ummm..." Riana approached the group from where she had been sitting in the corner.
"If it's alright with everyone I am gonna head back." She gestured to the door.
"Kyle has got his hands full and I'm sure Caleb will want to know sleeping beauty is finally awake."
Tristan nodded, granting his permission. Riana turned at the door, glancing back to Nina.
“You’re not going anywhere on me?”
“When I have watery Jell-O and my own TV? Not a chance.”
Their eyes met for a moment, the question deeper than the reply Nina had given, a connection sparking that had not been dimmed by the emotions being spread among the masses. Riana hesitated a moment, her mouth open if about to speak but the word never came. She closed it with a soft plop, knowing now was not the time, not knowing if their ever would be the ‘right’ time, nothing was ever gonna be ‘right’ again. So with no other choice she left, frightened for the first time in what felt like forever, since she had turned herself in that fateful night.
“So….” Tristan drawled. “I am trying to think of a witty way to break this silent tension thing but I got nothing.”
“Bad, bad llama.” Amber chimed in with a small chuckle. Four confused faces turned to her.
“Sorry. The visitor room has been playing ‘The Emperor’s New Groove’ like non-stop. I’ll be quiet now.”
“No, Amber.” Nina assured her sister as she reached her weak arms out for an embrace that Amber promptly returned.
“It’s fine.” She spoke into Amber’s brunette locks, caressing the silky hair softly, comforting her the same way her mother had done a million times. Guilt surged within Nina as she felt the first tear drop on the thin hospital gown. She tried to think of a way to apologize but she couldn’t, she couldn’t stand to explain that it hurt too much to think or to care, that it hurt too much to live. So instead she continued to repeat…
“It’s fine, Amber. Everything will be okay. It’s fine.”
“I was so scared.” The brunette confessed, burying her head in her sister’s shoulder.
“I can’t loose you too.” The stark honesty of those words made those watching the intimate scene shuffle their feet awkwardly. Nina even saw Tristan out of the corner of her eyes whip off his glasses and she assumed start cleaning them. Finally Amber pulled back as Amy quickly passed a small box of tissues to her.
“You carry a whole box with you? What? Was I at death’s door? Did I want him to play chess? ” Nina joked feebly.
“Well you certainly wanted something…” Kyle muttered, a sharp edge to his voice that Nina wasn’t used to.
“Now is not the time.” Tristan forewarned, taking command of the situation. Kyle whirled on him.
“So when is the time? Next time she lands herself in the hospital? I mean is this gonna be a weekly occurrence? Should I just clear my calendar? Maybe we can write up a nice little to do list. ‘Nina gets hurt and makes sure not to tell anyone’ check, ‘Has to be all superpower chick’ check, ‘Rush Nina to the hospital’ check, ‘Watch stupid Disney movies while waiting to find out if your best friend is gonna be dead or not’ double check!” He stood shaking with rage and fear.
“That is quite enough!” Tristan bellowed, tearing of his glasses. “If you can’t control yourself then I best suggest you – that you leave.” He gestured with his glasses to the open door.
Kyle didn’t say anything, but gave Nina a sad backward glance has he staggered from the room, looking as if he had just been kicked in the gut. Tristan followed him, somberly closing the door behind him. Nina knew that expression, Tristan had worn it a thousand times with her, lecture time. Amber, who looked visibly shaken, spoke up first, tears filling her eyes.
“I’m sorry Nina. I-I didn’t mean to.” She hurled the tissue box into the nearest trashcan, glaring at it as thought it was the cause of all the turmoil.
“I just started carrying them after mom and dad… ya know.” Seeing pain fill Nina’s face she silently berated herself for bringing it up.
“Just seems like everyone is a little emotional these days is all.”
“Yeah.” Amber piped up. “Like Kyle having a rant fest at my sick sister.”
“I’m sure he didn’t mean all of that.” Amy defended her best friend even though she was sure he meant some of it.
In fact she was having some of the same fears, of course she would never articulate them so badly, or at least she hoped she wouldn’t. Amber snorted in disbelief. Amy’s attention shifted from the youngest Arcania to Nina who was watching the scene with wary eyes.
“He didn’t, Nina. He has been messed up, two weeks at a hospital can get on anyone’s nerves.”
“Yeah I’m sure he didn’t mean to-“ Nina agreed before she noticed something.
“Two weeks! I’ve been here for two weeks?! What do you mean- two weeks?”
Amy apologized sheepishly. “Sorry. Forgot you didn’t know. But on the plus you look very rested.” She nodded vigorously.
Nina turned to Amber who caught Amy’s eye and started bobbing her head too in agreement.
“You guys are really bad liars.” Nina sighed, suddenly feeling very tired.
She let them cluck over her, comforting her about everyone having seen her bed head, and fill her in on the past two weeks, which turned out to be extremely quite, before her eyes closed and giving into slumber.
Light filtered into the dark room, silhouetting a body, the shadow falling across the floor. Nina shifted, squinting her eyes, expecting to find another nurse, or that maybe Amber had come back, or even the Easter bunny, but she sure as hell didn’t expect to find Riana.
“What happened?” She questioned, pressing the button causing the bed to prop her up and then pulling the cord attached to the florescent light above her bed.
“Nothing.” Riana shrugged setting down a black duffle bag on the floor. “Just thought you might want some company is all.”
“What time is it?” Nina asked, stifling a yawn.
“Late.” Riana settled herself down in one of the stiff backed chairs besides Nina’s bed.
“Or a little too early for comfort. Josh left about a half an hour ago.”
“I didn’t see him. I mean, I didn’t mean to act like-“
“Don’t sweat it, Nina. He didn’t want to wake you. He has been keeping watch since Amber and Tristan left.”
“Keeping watch?” Nina snorted. “What am I under surveillance now? You my new prison guard? Should I call you ‘warden’?”
“Think of it more of a babysitter sorta thing. Who knows if you’re good maybe I will sneak you up a pizza later, that is if you promise not to spill the beans.”
“I think I might have to decline your offer.” Nina replied with frosted voice. “I don’t need a babysitter or anything else. Now if you could just run your little self on back home and tell them that I can get back to my beauty rest.” She rolled to her one side, refusing to look at Riana.
“You need something.” Riana stood, feet planted firmly on the ground. “And hey I’m not sure I can be the one to give it to you but I just thought maybe you would want someone to talk to.”
“I have friends.” Nina bit out the word
“Why would I ever talk to you?”
“Maybe because they are too close? Maybe because even if you want off that pedestal they put you on they won’t ever let you? Maybe because unlike them I actually understand what you are going through?”
“You?!” Nina turned, sitting up. “How could you have any idea of what I am going through?! You just came in at the last moment. You haven’t been here since day one. You weren’t the one with all of it placed on your shoulders.”
“Maybe not.” Riana conceded. “But I know what you’ve lost.”
“Yeah I’m sure you do. ”
“I do.”
“Don’t” Nina shook with rage, her voice fading out before gaining strength.
“Hey” Riana took a step back, hands in the air. “All I’m saying is you still got people who care for you.”
“So what?”
“You are supposed to deal which is something you’re not doing.”
“Oh because you are such an expert at ‘dealing’?” Nina pressed the sword of past pains into Riana’s gut. “Sorry but I think I will get my advice from someone who isn’t a quitter.”
Riana let out a chuckle. “Figures.”
“What?” Nina glared, annoyed that Riana hadn’t taken the bait, that she was actually laughing.
“That you would go for the quitter card. You always were predictable like that.”
“Well don’t want to bore you with my predictability so why don’t you just leave already?”
“Why don’t you just let me say what I came here to say?”
Nina sighed. “Then will you leave?”
Riana nodded. “Fine then talk.”
Riana paced the floor, her heavy boots smacking loudly with every step, a finger hooked in to her belt buckle.
"Okay." She finally stopped pacing, eyes on Nina, as if she had just gotten straight in her head what she wanted to say.
I'm all ears." Nina spoke, sounding as though she wanted nothing more than to get this over with.
"The way I see it Nina is that this isn't just about Josh.."
Nina sat up, outraged. "How dare you come in here and tell me-"
"I just said it isn't all about Josh." Riana cut short her tirade. "I figure him leaving like that has got to have hurt. But it's more than that and you know it, whether or not you are ready to admit it. Part of it is got to be about what you lost, and I don't mean the house or the nights banging Mr. Hottie. I mean you have been the 'It' girl for awhile now and suddenly you have people just stepping all over you showing the ability that you gave them to do just that."
Nina looked like she wanted to interject but said nothing as Riana continued.
"Now I know I didn't earn respect the old-fashion way, I mean I was born into this scene with you already in the lead role but even I feel the change. Here we are with a freaking army of men at our backs and there is so much shit we can accomplish. And it just sorta makes all the other sacrifices seem small, like the shit we did isn't gonna be a freaking footnote. Only thing we are gonna be noted for is giving them their wins, they are gonna get the glory, gonna be the ones to change the world, not you and I."
Hate flamed in Nina 's eyes, her voice laden with venom. "What do you know about sacrifice? You just take and think about yourself first and to hell with everyone else."
Riana met her gaze. "I know that just wasn't your power you decided to play share time with."
"So what? So you do one thing and suddenly you know what the cost of being a wrestler is? I gave up everything! Tristan, Josh, even my life. So you had to work on the good side for a change and that meant you had to let go of a part of you? So what?! I've done it everyday for eight years!"
"And it kills you! It kills you to know that you aren't special anymore; that you might have done your job and that you might not be valuable anymore! That you did all of that and now you have all these kids crawling on your turf!"
"Get out." Nina commanded eyes filling with tears. Riana nodded, picking up the duffel bag and setting it on Nina 's bed. Her voice was softer as she spoke, pain mirroring Nina's
"I wasn't trying to say that what you are doing is wrong. Not trying to say it’s right either. But its what you do, I know that feeling, its part of being a woman in a mans world. Maybe you aren't the star anymore; maybe you just have to be normal. All I'm trying to do is remind you that's what you always wanted, that you shouldn't cave just when you got a real life."
Nina couldn't speak, anger and self-pity still too strong.
"Here I got you this." Riana gestured to the bag. "I know it's not the same but..."
Her voice trailed off, as she slowly turned walking across the room to the door. With curious fingers, Nina unzipped the bag and pulled out a replica of the PCW Heavyweight title. Suddenly the dam broke, as tears fell down her cheeks. She didn't try to stop them or hold back any longer, she let herself cry, let herself grieve over all she had lost.
"Riana?" She called, catching her childhood friend with her hand on the doorknob. Riana looked back.
"Thank you." Nina knew it wasn't enough, but left the rest go unsaid.
Riana nodded. "You’re not going anywhere on me?” She asked with a broken smile.
Nina shook her head, tears still falling…
No, she wasn't going anywhere.