A/N: I know I haven't been saying this much but thanks to the readers and also the ones who care to review STOL! Much appreciated :")
Drake's Take Care is the inspiration behind this chapter.
By far, my favorite chapter of STOL... I hope you enjoy this one!
I own no one else but Zariah and her family; not including Daniel Bryan.
:)
P.S: I may be using '* * *' to signify a new scene since the line doesn't work! Sorry about that :(
23rd August 2013, Friday – Fresno, California
As promised, I'm up early at 5 in the morning to meet Colby again. Since I've gotten some time off from Teen Wolf, I'm determined to stick by the plan of training with Colby – just as we used to a couple of years back. That is until I kind of slack away from the CrossFit lifestyle that he has chosen to live by, dedicatedly. Each day back in Orlando – before Colby was aware of CrossFit, we'd start the day with a jog before going full hours straight of working out.
Thinking back of old times, I recalled as to how Colby used to be the early bird. Now, I seemed to be the one waiting for him and as I stand in front of New Era CrossFit. I've gone a couple of rounds around the area yet he has yet to arrive after being nearly half an hour late – just like the past 2 days.
I sigh loudly and enter the empty gym, starting on the workout that I've set for myself today. Juggling with two careers now, it can be draining at times – okay, who am I kidding?
I'm drained almost every day, travelling back and forth to live events and California for filming. Also, not forgetting to hit the gym five days a week. However, there's nothing that a good night sleep or a cup of tea or even a long hot shower can't fix.
Although, I'd love to have some time to myself. Just to be all alone and do something to unwind. Gosh, it has been a while since I hiked though. That's usually it. I'd hike whenever I have any little bit of free time, to get my mind off things and break a little sweat while enjoying the beauty of nature.
"HEY!" Colby gave me a scare, appearing from behind. "Sorry,"
"You idiot!"
I take a quick second to push him away, annoyed at him for the scare. He happily strides in here, expecting me to accept the apology he's willing to give after making me wait. Doesn't he know how precious time is? Moving on to sit-ups, I ignore his apology and walk away from Colby.
"I'm sorry! Takes a little more time to look this good, okay."
Rolling my eyes at his excuse and cockiness, I pay attention back to my workout. 10 more sit-ups to go, I tell myself after doing 5. Colby then joins me, after placing his things aside and had his workout of the day written on the board. It's right next to mine, I noticed as I move on to do 10 Goblet squats with a 35 kettlebell.
"If you're late next time, better believe I'll leave you on your own."
"Come on, Z. You can't be serious."
I turn to him – who's doing pull ups, with a stern expression to prove my seriousness. It's inexcusable for him to be late each time we meet. I need to spend my time wisely from now onwards. I could still be dozed off in bed at this timing yet here I am. I even wasted half an hour just lingering around, when I could have had an extra 20 minutes in bed.
Instead I'm wide awake at 5am sharp and working my butt off, to maintain my fitness. As if I was the Divas' Champion, I muttered to myself. It's insane that years have gone by; yet my hard work never seemed to be noticed by anyone significant in the WWE.
Being a Divas' champion is something I aspire to be. Despite not being a fan of the term Diva, I still want to be remembered as a champion in the history books of the company. I know that WWE have been portraying a diva as a female wrestler that is not only sexy but smart and tough, but that doesn't cut it for me.
I'm in favor of the Women's Championship; just like the one in NXT.
To be known as a Women's champion too, besides being a Divas champion. Because that's not who I am. That word goes against whatever I'm not intending to do while working in this company. A photoshoot, to revamp my move set to suit being a diva wrestler and even be anyone's eye candy in a storyline.
I may have worked with it for a couple of months when I was first called up to the main roster but not anymore. I'm not going to linger around as a referee any longer, if they're not going to come up with plans for me. Hence why I resorted to kick-start my acting career.
"Z, hey. What's wrong?" He asked, before continuing with GHD sit-ups.
"I'm just mad alright?" I drop the barbell to the ground. "And I feel like I need to let off some steam."
I walk away to catch my breath, moving on to burpees. A couple of people are now entering the gym and I'm trying my best to keep a low profile. It's easier for me since I've yet to make my television debut and I'm merely a referee in a huge sports entertainment company. So basically, I'm not a big deal in comparison to Mr. Seth Rollins... ⅓ of The Shield.
Sighing again, I take a short break after completing 8 burpees. To cool off, I walk towards my bottle and gulp on what's left of it. I remain standing there, watching Colby as he finishes his push-ups and grabbing his own bottle to drink. He makes his way towards me but I don't intend to stay. Placing the bottle back down, I dodge from having to talk to him again and perform 5 toes to bar.
For an entire hour, Colby and I didn't say a word to each other. At least not until I pick my things up to leave and I turn around to stand face-to-face to him. There he is with his duo colored hair and raised eyebrows, standing tall and straight to show concern of whatever that's bothering me. This is Colby's way of telling me that he wants to know. He always does, even when we're on the phone. It's like he could see and hear right through me, sensing my every emotion easily.
"Look, I've been busy lately and I've not seen or spend time with a lot of people. To start with, I don't even have a lot of people that I'd want to be with. I just want to see Shaé and Stefan and travel with Bryan again..."
Colby then clears his throat, whistling soon after as he glances around the gym. Clearly, expecting me to tell him how much I've missed him too since I've been living the double career life.
Giving him a soft jab to the shoulder, Colby backs away as he chuckles.
"I'm spending time with you right now am I?"
"Yeah, and spent 90% of the time sulking and fuming at me."
He shakes his head at me before getting his own things. I watch him do so, waiting to give him another nudge to his ribs. Once Colby turns back to face me, I jump up slightly to put him in a headlock instead.
"Hey, you were late! And you still have time to be cocky about it."
I maintain the tension of my hold, as I reminded him of my reason being mad at him. Colby tries to make me let go but I tighten the hold each time he attempted to do so.
"I'm sorry again for being late..." He begins, eventually giving up to be released. "I've been tired too, travelling around, you know."
At the reminder as to how he is in the biggest faction WWE has had in a while and have been included in most live events and TV shows, I loosen my hold on his head. Realizing so, Colby takes the chance to carry my weight – lifting me off the ground. Instantly, I let out a yelp before hugging his head tighter to my chest.
"I'll put you down if you let me go!"
I managed to hear him yell out, despite facing down and having my arms covering a part of his mouth. Without saying anything though, I waited to be let down by Colby. It has been a while since I've been lifted off by anyone – especially in wrestling. Finally having both feet touch the ground, I release my headlock from him and backs away.
Heaving a sigh, I look back at him – hoping to continue with our conversation.
"I get you, by the way. I really do, especially working at most live events when I just started, it's crazy I tell you. Lesser time home and I spent little time with my family, whenever I'm home though I try to fit in as much time as I could. At least one entire day with them, just being home and chill."
He told me as we make our way out from New Era CrossFit. I listened, wondering why I hadn't heard him complain or let alone tell me about this. I know that they have been getting such great reaction by the fans that it made WWE to make them present in most events but, I thought Colby was doing fine.
"You never told me about this C…" I responded softly, then bit on my bottom lip.
"I just got too tired to complain to you about it and now, I'm just used to it, I guess."
I turn to take a glimpse of him, as we walk back to his rental car. I didn't know how Colby struggled with it too. At that time when he was called up to the main roster, I was too caught up with my own matters. What with Shaé's recovery after Raé's birth and launching my acting career.
Both of us have been somewhat distant yet here we are, talking as though not a day went by when we've been apart for quite some time. It feels pretty much the same but this time, I'm the one to complain unlike Colby. Now, he's in a better spot than he was in FCW and I couldn't be gladder for him. He deserves it after being in developmental longer than he should.
"Give it a couple more months, you'll settle in with the lifestyle." He continued, as we're drawing nearer to his rental car. "Trust me, you'll be alright. I've been through it but not exactly the same one, but similar enough."
"Anymore to add on?"
I blurted out before chuckling as he shakes his head. If he wants to, Colby could continue babbling till the sun sets. He's the only one capable of making me laugh, with how he'd say anything and everything to make sure I'll finally be fine. Although not everything he said makes me feel better, I'd take it as a form of advice that I'm learning from – coming from an independent wrestler.
Get used to it, I sigh. It seemed as though I'd be missing the people that I love a lot for the sake of my careers. Feeling slightly lightheaded, I walk over to the passenger side of the car on my own as Colby gets in the driver seat.
Everything appears and feels as though it's spinning. While I wanted to have something to hold on to, I know deep down it's just my mind. It's merely a kind of fatigue that I've been dealing with recently.
Like I've always said, there's nothing a short nap can't fix.
This time though, I didn't even have time to reach to the door before I fall down to the ground.
* * * Throughout the entire ride back to the hotel, I remained silent and so did Colby. Both of us hadn't say a word since we left the clinic. For my case, I was embarrassed. I thought that by putting on some waterproof make up and applying a tinted lip balm would cover up the fact that I'm tired. I thought feeling tired was just it.
Fainting and taking a trip to Clovis Urgent Care wasn't how I expect my morning would be.
I don't know why Colby have been silent though. He wasn't this silent when the doctor was checking on me and my condition. We may have argued a little but that was merely a little dispute. I don't get why he'd be too upset with it, but still willing to send me back to my room and tuck me in bed.
"Look, you don't have to do this, okay? I got it."
I bluntly told him, as he places a glass of water and the medication provided on the bedside table. If he isn't brave enough to break the silence, I'm doing so – and I did.
He then sits at the side of my bed, with a blank expression still. His expression keeping me in wonder, what is running through his mind?
"No you don't. Z, you wore make up for goodness sake to hide from being sick. You need a break, and this is how you take a break. By letting people help you, okay. Just let me help you."
"I don't need your help, or anyone else's."
Annoyed at the thought of being helpless and weak alone, I don't need Colby to insist how I need someone to look after me. I'm not the child who lose her parents when she was less than a year old any longer. I'm a grown up now... A 23-year-old who's more than capable of handling her own life.
"Could you just stop being stubborn right now and just care for your own health and recovering? It's for your own good."
"Colby, I don't need this right now. I'm swamped with work which needs to be done A-SAP and I can't afford to just rest and do nothing." I pull the covers away. "I need to get going,"
Cutting my rant short and preventing me from getting out of bed, Colby moves forward to plant a kiss on my lips. His hand cups the side of my face as his lips pressed on mine. I keep my eyes shut till Colby pulls away.
The fleeting moment leaving me stunned.
My eyes refuse to gaze back to Colby, feeling uneasy of what had occur. He has a girlfriend, for fuck's sake. I can't help but use profanity to emphasize the point. I even know her and Leighla have been nothing but nice to me.
What just happened here?
"I ordered some food for you."
Colby takes his turn to break the silence, rubbing the back of his neck. He then gets up from the bed, taking careful steps backwards as he heads for the door. Clearly we're both a little shaken by what had taken place; even when he's the one to initiate it.
"Please just stay in bed and rest for the day. Don't forget to inform Carrano that you're unwell to work today too, the ring is not the place for you to be in..." My eyes darted to him swiftly. "Only for today."
Colby added almost immediately, once he saw my gaze at him. At least he did try to correct himself – after unthinkingly constructing his sentence in this situation, making me less angry for what he said. If he ever dares for a second to think that I don't belong in that very ring, he doesn't know me as well as I thought he does.
I don't need another man in my life to tell me what I can't – or can – do. It's enough, I've had enough of people not allowing me to live my life and be happy to support me.
He stands inches close to the door, observing me for a short minute. In my frenzied state, my eyes look away. I choose to keep my eyes glued to the ground instead. Without waiting for any verbal response, he left the room.
Colby may have walked out of this room and the kiss was over, but I'm not over it. I don't even want to walk away from this matter because... I can't let it happen again, or ever. To be honest, I don't want that to lead to something else, more than ever.
Not Colby's breakup with Leighla or even the end of my friendship with him. No matter how annoyed I am with him, I still do very much like having him around. He's the best friend that I could never find in someone else. Not Victoria, not Nicole or Brie, certainly not anyone else that I'll meet in my run as an actress.
Colby is one of a kind.
No one could ever replace him in my life. Because I know that no one could ever match to how supportive he is of me, his concern of my health, progress and mind-set about wrestling and reminds me of how much passion I have for this business. He's that one person who I look up to and drives me to crave for more accomplishments that I could go for in this company.
For that, I can never be thankful enough to have met and know him personally. Just that, I don't want to get too personal with this guy. And I can only hope I'd be courageous enough to face him again to talk about all of that as soon as possible.
"What did I tell you?"
I sigh, burying my head in the pillow to ignore the noise. I most definitely regret my decision to open the door, less than a minute ago. As soon as he saw my face, Bryan just goes on and on about how he rushed here hastily when Colby told him about the incident earlier.
Although, I do wonder… Had C told him the whole incident or just the one where I fainted? Before Bryan may – or may not – question me about the kiss, I remain silent... Or not, as I groan loudly for him to stop nagging at me like Shaé used to. That was ages ago and she only nagged because I wouldn't take a day off from lacrosse practice...
Shit, I then realized how it's for the same damn thing. Have I always been this stubborn?
"Are you listening to me Zariah Carmine?"
Bryan asked firmly, which make my eyes dart to him immediately. With mouth slightly opened, I only nod to him with nothing being articulated. All of a sudden, my mind went back to Colby.
He was right… I am stubborn.
"Zariah, it's okay to be benched for one day. You need more rest and you know it." Bryan sits by my side, on the bed. "Don't push yourself too far, this is new to you and you'll need time to adapt to it. You can't simply force yourself and your body, especially to handle it with no sweat."
He then places the palm of his hand against my forehead, checking if I were to have fever. I remain silent though I frown upon his overly-concerned self for me.
"It's just fatigue, Bryan." I wailed, pulling his hand away.
"I'm just checking on you. Shaé have been worried sick and you're giving her a reason to be. Could you please listen to my advice for once and get someone to help you out?"
Heaving a soft sigh, this time I really am considering it. The last time Bryan mentioned this, I was reluctant. I thought I could go through it all on my own, until now. I realized how much nagging I'll be getting if I continue to be selfish and headstrong about running my very own one-woman-show.
It's not possible, obviously.
"Fine." I simply replied, accepting his suggestion seriously now.
"Good. And... It's never too late to say I told you so, right?"
Instinctively, I nudge his ribs and continue eating the plate of Fajitas Salad with Grilled Steak Colby ordered for me. While Mexican isn't my favorite – especially not on a cheat day, I realized how he had done so to make sure I get enough nutrients. He also ordered a typical salad to make sure I get to consume my daily choice of meal.
"Oh, and I brought a smoothie for you. You're welcome by the way."
I smile as Bryan hands me over the drink in hand. After much nagging, at least he bought me a smoothie to enjoy with my food. I haven't had the time to get one earlier on, due to Colby driving us back straight to the hotel from the clinic.
"Tha—" I was reaching out for it when Bryan pull it back.
"But," My eyes shifts up to look at him pointedly. "Promise me you'll tell Carrano that you need a day off."
Sighing, I can't believe how many times people would bug me about this. I'm sick, I get it. I need to stay away from work for a day, I get that too. Although disappointed and frustrated, I know all too well that both Bryan and Colby would meet Carrano straightaway if they were to see me anywhere backstage later on.
Instead of responding to Bryan verbally, I turn to the side table to get my phone. I dial Carrano's number silently while Bryan watches me, in curiosity.
"Hi, Carrano. It's Zariah here." I paused, listening to his response. "I won't be able to make it for work today."
Bryan was mouthing something which I couldn't make out. I stare at him, distracted while I'm still on the line with Carrano.
"I'm not feeling too well."
I added, realizing he hasn't spoken a word on the other line. Once I disclose so, I bit my bottom lip as Carrano question more on my condition. Before eventually ending the call – unlike Bryan and Colby, he actually wishes for me to get well soon.
Once I place my phone aside, I then slap Bryan's lap. I've wanted to do that earlier on though it wouldn't be appropriate since I'm on the phone with one of the management personnel. He has been such a mom, nagging at me then lecturing before saying 'I told you so' – just to prove he was right all along.
"OUCH!" He yelped, jumping slightly at the strike. "What was that for?!"
"Give me the smoothie and you'll be safe."
Without saying more Bryan hands it over and I gleefully slurp on it once I have it in my hands. He stayed a little longer to keep an eye on me before preparing to drive to the arena. Passing the medical certificate to Bryan, I entrust him to pass it over to Carrano later on. Before leaving with the piece of paper, he placed a kiss on my forehead and promised to fetch me later on.
I sigh, watching him leave the room and head over to work. As for me, I remain in bed with food that I don't normally consume and fell asleep soon after – due to boredom.
25th August 2013, Sunday – Ontario, California
"I'm sorry."
There's silence soon after. Literally, none of us spoke for nearly a minute. I'm not even sure if Shaé is still there on the other line, or should I say more? On the other hand, I have no idea what to say.
"Shaé, you there?" I asked, after apologizing immediately once my call was answered. "Please say something."
My anxiety is growing as each second passes by. I'm sure I deserve this but, Shaé couldn't stay mad at me forever… Could she? She's my sister. The only one who knows how I truly am when I'm committed to something. I lose track of time and may even neglected some of the people I love; though it's unintentionally.
Shaé have to know that.
"Are you feeling better?" I smile widely at the sound of the voice.
"Yeah." I blurted out, relieved that the silent treatment has ended. "I didn't want you to worry about that."
"But I was, and I still am."
Her stern voice though managed to wipe the smile off my face quickly. Instead, I press my lips together due to the guilt. For nearly 2 weeks, I have yet to return Shaé a call or text due to my fatigue and work. Either I was too occupied at work or I fell asleep anywhere and anytime I could.
I can't help it. My body is still trying to get used to my new lifestyle and, I'm trying my best to not faint ever again. Sighing, I finally realized that I should have listened to Bryan. While I hate it for him to be right all the time, he couldn't be more spot-on this time.
I need help.
"Ria, do you have any idea how worried sick I am of you? It kills me not to know how you're doing. And for two weeks, I haven't heard from you. I don't like that Zariah Amrie Carmine; so don't you even think you can pull that same stunt by going MIA again."
"Okay, okay… I said I'm sorry, and I really mean it."
It's not every day I'd hear Shaé or Bryan call me out by my full name. That's only when I screwed up big time, and I guess… This is one of the times. I did faint and if it wasn't for Colby, I wouldn't know what would or could have happened to me.
Colby…
"Apology accepted." Shaé voiced. "I know how hard you've been working Ria; I'm only nagging because I love you. You do know that right?"
I chuckled before nodding my head in response. I lean back against the seat of the car, smiling weakly. Thankfully Shaé cut my thoughts short before I could recall how exactly Colby's lips felt against mine. The lingering thoughts he left for me to ponder even after days… It's unreal.
"Shaé, I need to ask you something?" I paused, changing my mind almost immediately. "A favor, actually."
My hands are quivering as I think of the right ways to form the sentence. This is a huge deal and I'm doing this, hoping, that Shaé will understand where I'm coming from. It's not that I want to add more to her plate of being a mum for two beautiful angels and also my personal seamstress but…
"I'm wondering if you'd like to be my PA… With Reed, if it's not too much for you."
The only reason why Shaé is the first person I thought of is because I trust her. I believe in her and she have the skills required to do this job. She owned a boutique once, after working her way up from the bottom. My sister is not only talented but she's business-minded. She knows her ropes within the fashion industry but quit to dedicate her time fully as a mother.
Being my PA would be little, in comparison to running a boutique. So, I'm hoping with fingers crossed that Shaé would accept this proposal which I have sugar coated; making it seemed like a favor.
"Hmmm…" She began, but no coherent word was said. "I'll have to think about it honey."
"Sure, I mean, I don't expect you to answer it now."
I admitted, finally realizing how unrealistic it'd be for Shaé to accept the offer straight away. She still has to care for two of her kids, and her husband then there's me.
Even when I'm 23 years old, I still need my sister to be involved with my career. Sighing, I just wish I wouldn't be such a burden to her for long. As soon as I get back on both feet, or get myself another PA, Shaé no longer have to be bothered working with me.
All she has to worry about is being my sister, full time.
"And Shaé?" I added, before we end the call. "I do have something else to ask you…"
"I hope it's not another favor..." She joked. "Ask away."
"Okay, so basically, hypothetically, if a friend were to kiss her other close friend would it be weird? Especially when they have never spoken about anything beyond being friends, ever."
I remain silent after that, still uneasy to think about the kiss. It has been bothering me ever since Colby pulled back then left me, dumbfounded. Shaé is somehow the first I've told about this. I figured, if I couldn't tell her specifically of what happened, I could at least get it off my chest and end the confusion it's giving me.
Like, what can I do next? Do I end my friendship with him which I cherish a lot? Or do I just continue to avoid him for the rest of my life? It's getting really hard, especially since he's now on the roster and we meet in the ring at least twice each week.
"It was just a kiss though right? Didn't escalate to anything more?" Shaé queried.
"No, nothing, just one kiss." I straighten my so-called narrative quickly, with much composure. "Nothing else happened."
"Well, I think that both of them needs to think things through. They have never talked about it before, which adds the awkwardness; I'm sure. So, it's best for them both to give each other some space and meet to talk when they're ready."
So, avoiding Colby is the way to go?
I'd never thought I'd do exactly as what Shaé would say, before she even says it. It's a surprise but also a relief to know that I don't have to meet Colby soon. That's the thing, while I'd want to know why he kissed me… I also feel inadequate standing in front of him. Especially knowing how he actually does have a girlfriend back home, this is baffling.
Just when you thought you know your best friend a little better, I sigh softly.
"Ria, if you're thinking about a relationship right now, my advice is to keep your mind on your career and yourself. You need to be able to keep up with what you signed up for and make sure your reputation is in a good light. You wouldn't want to burn the bridges with anyone, especially WWE."
This time, I'm lost for words. There's nothing else to say until I meet the man himself. He's the one who have to do the explaining while I'll figure things out then. For now, Shaé is right. I have my careers to cope with and I have to be on top of my game.
That'll show WWE what I'm made of. A well-deserved future champion of the company, who can do it all – but modelling.
That's a huge ass no.
26th August 2013, Monday – Phoenix, Arizona
After officiating two matches, I'm done for the night. One match alone has been quite draining, I can't imagine how I've been keeping up living as a referee for this long. In comparison to being a wrestler, I feel like referee puts in more effort in doing their job.
When I initially started, I only had to do one match which lasted 5 minutes' tops. But seeing the reaction and how much drama I stir with my officiating, the management have decided to place me in 2 matches after a month in the roster.
On the bright side, I do get to have more on-screen time than the rest of the women. Even though I didn't get to wrestle out there, the WWE universe still recognizes me. I'm the rebel in the business, the one who causes trouble every single time she's in the ring. That's what people are going to remember me as, for now.
Now changed in a tank top and black skinny jeans, I linger backstage in time to watch the main event. Joining Vic, my sights fell on Colby. Apparently, he's starting off in the gauntlet match with Bryan. Sitting next to her, I stay silent – seemingly engrossed in the match.
When in fact, I can't stop thinking about him… and the kiss.
I wanted to give him a call earlier but I don't even know how to start off the conversation. It's awkward what not with the kiss and for me to avoid him since it happened. Now, to suddenly want to see him again, it's odd.
It feels odd.
"Ouch, that's gotta hurt."
Vic winced, at Colby's expense. Snapping back to reality, I watch how Colby is seated at the turnbuckle, after being countered from the top suplex Colby intend to put Bryan in. I smiled and cheer for Bryan, pretending as though I had been paying attention all along.
But to think of Shaé's advise, I have to do this. I've taken more than enough time and space to think this through. He's in a relationship with Leighla, and I'm not going to be the one to ruin that for him. It's not what I do or even thought of doing… Leighla has been so nice to me; and Colby is my friend.
A dumb friend who kissed me, shit. Why did he have to do that?
"Do what?" I turned to Vic as soon as she voiced out.
"Do what?"
I repeated after her, confused as to what she meant. She couldn't have heard me… I thought I was merely using my inner voice, or did I not?
"You said something… Right?" She checked, still adamant about hearing me a minute ago.
"I was saying, why does Ambrose have to do that?!"
Swiftly, I turn Vic's attention back to the main event. Looking back at the television, I realized how John had attacked Bryan from the back as soon as he pinned Colby. Bless John and his lunatic alter ego, I sighed once Vic turns back to the television. Both of us worrying for Bryan as John continued his attack on my cousin, until he put John in his 'Yes Lock'.
"SO CLOSE!" "COME ON!"
I yelled after Vic after the referee stopped the match. Clearly, it ended in a disqualification with Bryan winning it but at what cost? He's now beaten down by all members of The Shield. Bryan's on his own, taking the beating as the rest of the roster watched on – helplessly.
After putting Bryan in a triple powerbomb, my eyes gaze fixatedly on the man with two-toned hair. Biting on my bottom lip gently, I can't believe we'd end up like this. It's weird to think how different things were a year ago, or even 5 years ago when we first met.
Just an 18-year-old hanging around Ring of Honor before the event, Southern Navigation when someone bothered me. I did leave him sprawled before exiting the ring and uniting with Bryan. It wasn't until 2 years ago when we formed a friendship when we meet again at FCW. Certainly unfazed by how our first encounter went, Colby introduced himself properly and I took a chance on him.
I smile at the thought of how we've been the closest friends since then… at least, up till last Friday.