Sorry for the long delay! It's hard thinking of plot lines and balancing life! Enjoy!
Chapter 2: "Family"
Alex winced as she watched John in his match on the monitor of his locker room. He was wrestling The Big Show in the last match of the night at the WWE houseshow. She watched him being thrown out of the ring hitting the ground hard.
"Mommy, is Daddy okay?" Emma asked behind her. Alex turned her attention to her daughter.
"He's fine. Aren't you supposed to be playing with your dolls?" she asked picking her up and walking over to the toys scattered on the floor. She didn't approve of Emma watching her father wrestle at such a young age without understanding what was going on. In fact, she didn't like traveling with her daughter on the road. Alex preferred to leave her with family when she went away, preferably no more than two days at a time. She sat her down and then joined her on the floor.
"Come on, let's play some more," Alex said taking one of the dolls and brushing her hair.
John opened the door to his locker room and walked inside. He had already stopped by the set up medics station backstage where he received five stitches for a cut on his forehead caused by his match.
"Daddy!" Emma greeted him as she got up from her spot on the floor and ran up to him.
"Hey Princess," John said patting her on the forehead. Alex got up and walked over to them.
"Ems, come on. Let's go pick up your toys while Daddy gets ready," she said. Emma nodded her head and walked back over to her toys.
"How are you feeling?" Alex asked John touching his shoulder.
"I just have a massive headache right now. I need a shower," he said rubbing his forehead. He had won his match with the Big Show, much to the dismay of most of the fans out in the audience that night who had boo'ed him throughout his match.
"Aw baby," she said kissing him on the cheek. "We'll let you go and get ready to head out of here."
"Okay," he said kissing her on the lips. "I love you."
"I love you too," she said smiling. John walked past her in the direction of the shower.
About an hour later, John had packed his duffel bag and was ready to go.
"All right, you ready?" John asked pulling on his hoodie.
"Yeah," Alex said closing the zipper to her bag. Emma had fallen fast asleep on the couch. John took his duffel bag and walked over to the couch and picked up his daughter.
They walked out and greeted the people they passed good night as they made their way to the parking lot where John's rental car was parked.
"Let me drive John," Alex said as they approached the car. Although he would've hesitated to this since he would've preferred driving over his wife, John was extremely drained. He fished the keys out of his pocket with his free hand and handed them to Alex.
After getting settled in and driving past the group of fans that waited outside for a glimpse of the wrestlers, they finally made their way to their hotel. It was a quiet ride, mostly, with some small talk. The couple had grown accustomed to each other, becoming comfortable enough to share those quiet silences that often drew couples apart.
Alex parked the car and they made their way inside to John's room. They were both used to the glances they received, on account of John's fame, so when they were getting them from some of the hotel guests, they ignored it and made their way to their hotel room.
"You have no idea how excited Emma has been to see you," Alex said as she walked out of the bathroom and started to change into her nightwear. Emma was sleeping the bed next to theirs and John was on his laptop.
"She hasn't slept in her own bed these past couple of days, and she's been working on a surprise for you," Alex said as she finished getting ready and climbed into bed next to John.
John chuckled. "Well, I can't wait to see what she has in store. I missed her, I missed both of you."
"We missed you too. I missed you. This is the longest you've been on the road," Alex said. And it was true. John was usually on the road no more than three or four days at a time before making a stop at home for about two days, on a good week. But because of his projects other than wrestling, he hadn't seen his family in two weeks.
John put his laptop on the night table beside him. "Come here," he said. Alex scooted herself and sat in between his legs. He kissed her neck and Alex closed her eyes at his touch. John wrapped his arms around her, holding her close.
"It's been a hectic two weeks. I'm drained Alex. I need a vacation," he said softly. "But everything I do, I do for you guys. I wouldn't be here without you two."
"I know," Alex responded. "Don't worry, we'll plan something soon."
"I can't wait," he said nuzzling into her shoulder. "God, I missed you so much."
Alex stayed quiet and just soaked in his embrace. She wasn't sure when he would be getting back home, but she planned on enjoying every single moment with him as much as she could. For now, it was just about enjoying the little moments within their small family.