The tree house had finally been completed, the design being slightly different in terms of size and the supports. Instead of being on the sturdiest branch it wrapped around the middle of the tree with the supports in places where they were needed the most. AJ had found rugs from second hand stores and laid them down on under carpet to make the floor more comfortable. Paige had got the signatures from the next generation giving them the impression it was something to do with the museum in Suplex City where as Bayley had collected the original groups ones. Giving them the colour pen they had used back then to make it appear as if it was the original piece of paper they had in there before. Randy had hung both framed pieces of paper next to the pictures of the group in which the signatures belonged to. Along with a pictures of Saraya and Ricky Knight, the people who gave each of them their start and help them grow into the people they had become.
At this moment in time Seth was on his way home with Roman, having received a phone call from Tyler asking him to come home due to a brawl which had broken out between Sophie and Saraya-Jade. The two girls hadn't seen eye to eye on anything since S-J revealed to her parents what she had been doing to cope with everything that happened and not being with her brother. Someone she loved dearly. Seth had picked Roman up on the way from the wrestling academy he and Paige owned only giving vague details due to knowing his wife was trying to keep the two girls parted. Roman of course continued to ask question in order to understand the situation, his only response to most of them was Seth gripping the steering wheel tighter until his knuckles turned white.
"Tyler" spoke Seth, quickly parking the car behind Paige's in the drive way and running to his now fifteen year old son. Seeing his arm had a large gash going down it and the tea towel he had used was near enough red. "What happened?" asked Seth looking at his son with concern in his eyes and dread on what he was going to find inside the house. Tyler's only response was to open the door to the house, revealing the family photos had been smashed and a droplets of blood where it appeared Tyler had been pushed into them. "Paige" called Seth worry flooding his voice as he lead Tyler back into their home, he felt some relief when he seen his wife appear, holding the first aid kit in her hands, an expression to match his own on her features.
"The girls are upstairs. Saraya-Jade locked herself in the family bathroom where as Sophie is trying to get her to open up. I don't know what caused the fight between them" spoke Paige to Roman's unasked question. She knew he was going to ask where the girls were, more specifically where Sophie was. The now soon to be fourteen year old was showing a mean streak on here. Tyler knew who started it but didn't understand why, he had tried to help his sister when Sophie pushed him away and whacked him with something, causing him to fall into the pictures and he arm injury he sustained. "Would you mind asking your daughter why she attacked ours?" asked Paige directly to Roman, seeing the confusion appear in his eyes, especially to learn his daughter had done something to someone she had once said was her best friend.
"Sophie attacked Saraya-Jade?" asked Roman almost in disbelief. He knew the two hadn't spoken to each other since their argument but didn't think she would take it this far. He was beginning to wonder if it was worth knowing Sophie self harmed herself to deal with her pain, losing her brothers and what her mother had done in the past. With S-J telling someone about it, she had affectively paid the price with her friendship with Sophie, since the two hadn't had a civil conversation about it. It wasn't long before S-J came running down the stairs having avoided Sophie at the bathroom door, she had heard her father's voice when he called for her mother. She knew if she got down there then she would safer than being upstairs with someone she used to be friends with. Sophie however got to her at the bottom of the stairs, both girls once again ending up on the floor with the younger one of the two raining punches on the older dark haired one. S-J refusing to do anything that could cause harm to the other teenager.
Roman and Seth quickly got to the girls, Roman taking hold of Sophie and pulling her away where as Seth quickly got hold of his daughter and lead her to the kitchen to be with her mother and brother. After seeing that he knew there was little hope of saving their friendship of Tyler being friendly towards her. He went back to make sure Sophie didn't have any injuries, knowing if his daughter did fight back it wouldn't be pretty, considering S-J had a few more years experience on Sophie.
"Sophie calm down and tell me what happened" spoke Roman putting his dad voice on as he called it. This had been the first serious incident he had with her since she had come to live with him just over a year prior. Although he could probably guess what had caused the entire fall out that didn't explain why she had attacked one that was once her best friend. Especially when the other girl wasn't fighting back, just defending her head as best she could from the main punches thrown at her. He was starting to wonder if he had a positive impact on her at all since she had come to live with him. "Sophie" demanded Roman when he pretty much acted like she didn't hear him, instead she looked at Seth who figured why she might not be speaking and took his leave, returning to Paige and their twins in the kitchen.
"She promised me she wouldn't tell anyone yet she told her parents who told you. Things would have been better if I stayed with mom" responded Sophie revealing she had attacked Saraya-Jade because she broke the promise of never telling anyone what she was doing. Sophie seen the look her father gave her, knowing she had hurt him when she spoke of her mother. "What I would have been, at least she would have understood it, plus you haven't been a thirteen year old girl you would never understand what its like. You've never been taken away from your siblings, had to live with what one of your parents did or had to watch as she was sent to prison again because of of something she didn't do" added Sophie tears coming to her eyes as she spoke, as she remembered what her life was like before when she lived with both older brothers and mother, how Rhys and Ryan would look out for her and how her mother would tell her stories of the past. Now sh e had nothing but the memories of what things were like. She was on her own with someone who didn't understand what it was like. While all her friends had the perfect life she felt as if she didn't have anything.
"You're right I don't understand what it is like being a thirteen year old girl. But I do understand what it is like being a teenager. The changes you go through, how alone you feel. But you're not alone, you never have been. Hunter and Stephanie wouldn't mind you going to see Ryan and I wouldn't mind if he come to you. But you have to stop blaming yourself for what your mother did. Those were her choices, she got what she deserved for doing them, just as Rhys did" responded Roman, giving her hope she could at least see one of her brothers again even if the other was doing time alongside their mother. Although he seemed to have realised his mistakes and apologised to Saraya-Jade and Jack asking for forgiveness from both of them he hurt that day. Roman knew it was going to take a lot for her to understand she wasn't alone and no one was stopping her from seeing her oldest brother.
"They okay?" asked Seth when he re-entered the kitchen, seeing Paige stitching up Tyler's arms and S-J holding some ice to her cheek while noticing their was blood coming from her mouth. He knew it was serious by the way Paige looked at him, so he quickly gave her a tea towel and ushered the teenager to the car, making sure to keep her as far from Sophie as he could. He knew she would need medical attention hence the trip to the hospital, although she wouldn't have to stay for a few nights as she did before when she was admitted there. "How bad is it?" questioned Seth assuming one of her teeth had been knocked out, or a similar thing happened to his little girl as what happened to Cesaro year prior when his teeth were forced up into his gum. He really hoped that wasn't the case as it would mean a trip to the one place S-J hated more than hospitals. The dentist.
"My piercing" responded S-J, putting the tea towel back over her mouth. She had felt when Sophie's bracelet got caught, on the tongue piercing she had been allowed to get before moving to Florida. Seth felt a tiny bit of relief knowing he wouldn't have the struggle of getting her to the dentist but also worried more about the extent of the damage done. "Her bracelet got caught on it. I felt a sharp tearing pain when she pulled her arm back" added S-J refusing to same the name of the girl in question, instead opting to call her by she. "And before you say I have to talk to her and get it sorted. I've tried it, the friendship between us is over, there's no going back to how we were now" finished S-J revealing she had tried to sort things out with Sophie in a mature way but nothing had worked.
"Okay. I'm proud that you tried to find a civilised solution to your problems" replied Seth, turning into the hospital parking lot. Quickly finding a space and walking with her into the hospital, explaining to the receptionist in the A&E department why they were, the young man nodded before telling them to take a seat. Both of them knowing she was going to need stitches. "Gonna text your mum let her know we are going to be a few hours" spoke Seth, quickly sending a text to Paige to let her known, at least trying to give her peace of mind everything would be okay. He smiled when S-J leant her head on his shoulder. Even when she was growing up, she still loved to be around her brother and parents. Her best friend and heroes, the people she looked up.
"Do you think mum would teach me some of her moves?" asked Saraya-Jade, wondering what her dad thought. She knew they were aware she wanted to become a professional wrestler, that was all she had wanted to do since she was five years old. To follow in her parents footsteps and prove she was worthy to be called their daughter as well as carry the Rollins or Knight Name. Maybe change or make it into the history books as both of her parents had done before her. Despite all the odds they proved so much. "Mum is my biggest inspiration when it comes to wrestling, how she changed so much and still made time to settle down to have children of her own. How she proved woman in the wrestling business are just as valuable as men" added Saraya-Jade revealing who it was she idolised in the wrestling business, a small smile stretching on Seth's lips at finally having the answer he and Paige had been wondering about for litterally years.
"I think you should ask her. As well as any other questions you might have. You know she will always answer them for you with complete honesty" responded Seth giving his fifteen year old the confidence she needed to ask her mum all the questions she had wanted to for a while. Including one about the possible ring name. "She's proud of you S-J. Neither of us might not show it but we are proud parents, you and Tyler have grown up to respect those around you, you're growing into descent young adults who are determined to bring their dreams true, you and Tyler are our pride and joy" added Seth knowing she had doubts on whether her parents were proud of who she had become, something he could answer for her since he knew both he and Paige were, just as they were of Tyler.
"Saraya-Jade Knight" whispered S-J, looking up to see her father's brows sown together in confusion, to which she smiled a little. "My ring name. Everyone knows I'm a Rollins. So to make sure they don't forget the family mum comes from. Knight is in her honour and that of grandma and grandpa so no one forgets who they were and the family in which they are apart of" added S-J revealing she was going to use her mother's maiden name as her ring name, to show she was proud to be apart of the heritage and proud to be the third generation star she was set to be. Seth smiled when he heard that, she showed she knew her maternal grandparents were also great professional wrestlers before their untimely deaths years before. "Plus it isn't like any of my cousin are going to step into the ring. Uncle Zack's wife made it pretty clear that wasn't going to happen. They don't even know what happened to Colby or that we've moved here to Florida" continued S-J, remembering her cousin wouldn't even know what they looked like any more it had been that long since they had seen each other.
"Eleanor, Ezra, Ethan and Ellis weren't allowed to be around wrestling, their mother only seen the dangerous side of it. But that doesn't mean she can hide their paternal heritage from them forever. Eventually they are going to question it. Maybe one day they will come and find their biological dad again" spoke Seth knowing Zack's wife had remarried when the children were young, the oldest being seven and the youngest being just three. Tanya had moved from Florida to Nevada with the children with the permission of their father. Although Zack didn't see the four he did send birthday, Christmas and Easter presents and cards every year, so they knew their dad still cared.
"But that's like you and mum keeping me and Tyler from knowing who our maternal grandparents were. Niether of you would do that. You were honest with us and told us who they were when we reacted ten as well as the truth on what you two actually did for a living, or at least what it entailed" responded S-J hearing her name be called by a nurse to which she looked around then back at her father. "I will be okay to go in on my own" continued S-J before hugging her father and walk up to the nurse, he watched as she left the waiting room, knowing she was growing up so fast like Tyler was. Although it brought a smile to his lips when she told him what she wanted her ring name to be. Knowing everyone already knew she was from the Rollins family, so she wanted to do something to honour her mother and grandparents.
With Roman he had gotten Sophie home, and been on the receiving end of her silent treatment since taking her from the Rollin's residence. He knew she was angry at him for something, that was evident when she had said she wished she had stayed with her mother, despite everything that happened. He was at least thankful Jo-Jo was with Galina now, somewhere where she was safe and out of earshot of any arguments and out of the way of the wrath likely was likely to come from Sophie. It was they neared the apartment did he realise what might have been responsible for her over reaction. He knew if that was the case then there wasn't much he could do other than find something that would calm her.
"Sophie. Please talk to me" spoke Roman as they walked up the stairs to the apartment, he was practically begging her to talk to him now, he was also wondering if this was what Randy, Sami, Sheamus, Seth, Dean and Dolph had gone through when their daughters had reacted their teenage years especially Randy who had two daughters. He knew he would have to work things out although it would likely be trial and error. How was he supposed to find a solution to the problems his daughter was facing when she was refusing to look at him let alone talk to him. "Will you please talk to me so I can help you with the problem" added Roman wondering if he said he wanted to help her with her problems if she would open up to him. He was at least a tiny bit relieved when she looked around at him, although the look on her face wasn't the best.
"You wanna know how you can help?" asked Sophie moving her black hair from her ice blue eyes. Trying to get the fringe back in place since it had been messed up during her fight with Saraya-Jade. She watched as her father nodded to her question. "Stop expecting me to follow you into the wrestling world, I don't wanna be a wrestler like you and I hate how you think that's what I want to do for my job. I don't care that I'm technically from a wrestling family. I just want to be free to follow my heart like everyone else is, instead of worrying what my dad has planned for me" added Sophie revealing she hated the idea of being a professional wrestler, nor did she even have plans to be one. She just wanted to be free and do as she pleased rather than live up to expectations someone else had for her.
Roman looked a little shocked to hear her words but knew he couldn't force her into anything. She had to make her own choices in life if she was going to be happy. He knew from Dean and Seth he had to support his daughter. Both of his Shield brethren had supported theirs in every decision they had made with each of them ending up with a happy home life, and their children having learnt a valuable lesson when something didn't go as they thought. The father daughter duo walked up the stairs in silence after that, Roman unlocking the door to their apartment shortly after, allowing his teenage daughter to enter and go to her room. He noticed their neighbour had once again dropped off the mail while they were out. As normal he would flick through to see what was there, noticing one from the prison Star had been sent to. He knew what it was and also knew he had to do what was right by Sophie rather than what he wanted.
"Sophie" called Roman, hearing her bedroom door open and close again a few seconds later. He knew she probably wanted to be left alone, but also knew the envelope with her name of was a lot more important than her trying to wind down and come to her senses with her actions earlier in the day. It wasn't long before she appeared, holding to her phone, her pink headphones resting on her head. Roman only held up the letter to her, giving it to her shortly after. She opened it carefully when she realised it was from her mother, clearly surprised she had sent anything to her or even remembered where she was. For the first time her mother showed she did care although she had a weird way of showing it, especially if her actions were anything to go by. Roman left her to it, preparing to cook something for dinner and quickly giving her something to put on her swelling cheek from where she mentioned she crashed into the bathroom door while chasing after Saraya-Jade.
Dear Sophie,
I know I haven't been the best I could have been. I concentrated more on my revenge rather than giving you and your brothers everything I could. I know now my top priority is you. I recently spoke to Rhys, and learnt from him what it was I did wrong. Thanks to me and my actions I have ruined so many lives including yours. If I could go back and change it I would. You are one of the best things to happen to me, instead of cherishing it, I wasted my chance and because of it you suffered.
I know how I taught you was wrong. You should always own up to your mistakes, and always think before you do something. I didn't do that and now I am where I belong, learning my lesson the hard way. I don't want you to grow up how I did or turn out how I did. Nor do I want you to blame yourself for what I chose to do. Your father will always be there for you and teach you what I couldn't. I only hope you can forgive me for the mistakes I have made as I hope you can forgive your brother in Rhys for everything he has done that has resulted in the three of you being parted.
I hope you will accept my invitation to come and visit me, so that I can see you again even if it is just for a little while, there we can talk and catch up so that I can be a better mother to you than I was before. Just remember no matter what I will always love and I will spend every moment I get with you trying to make up for my past mistakes, with the hope of everything I have done will be forgiven, even by those who were apart of your father's high school friends. They too deserve an apology for what I have done to them, and especially for what Damon did. They also deserve an explanation. Something I am hoping to give each of them.
I want you to know I have learnt a lot since being away from you. Lacey comes to visit me often and tells me how you are doing, although she says you appear sad, something I don't wish on you or anyone. I know whatever sentence I am given at the court hearing I will deserve and accept. Its time I learnt from mistakes and buried the hatchet with those who I have hurt over the years including you. If you don't come and visit me I will understand, just promise me you will never make the same mistakes I have, and you will learn the important life lessons. Keep your friends close my little angel. One day you will need them more than anything else.
I love you, and miss you so much.
Your mother
Sta x
Sophie read over the letter with tears in her eyes, before walking over to her dad and giving him a hug. Allowing him to read the letter she had received, for the first time showing she had been the mother Sophie had wanted and showing she was truly sorry for the mistakes she had made and the misery she had caused of the years. Roman smiled slightly at the letter, he could see the Star he had fallen for when he was fifteen years old, that alone brought a soft smile to his lips to see that girl wasn't gone forever, but just needed a serious wake up call. Something that had now happened.
"Do you wanna go to the visit?" asked Roman, leaving the decision to Sophie since the letter and the visiting order were both addressed to her. He was surprised when Sophie wrapped her arms around his mid section and snuggled into his chest, she hadn't done that since she first moved in with him. He rubbed her shoulder in a comforting way while waiting for her answer. She soon nodded when he looked down to her. "Okay then, when is it for?" again asked Roman, willing to go with her to see his ex-wife, but only due to her being so young and knowing she would need an adult with her. "Okay I will pick you up from school that day, take you there" added Roman once he had looked at the order, knowing it was a school day. He smiled when she went on her tippy toes to kiss his cheek before going back into her bedroom.
With Dean and Summer, they were currently looking at the letter they had received a few days ago. Summer had seen it in the mail and noticed it was from the county prison decided to leave it on the side in the kitchen. She knew it was from Star due to the only one who would address a letter to a pair of them from there. Since Danielle and Jon were staying at friends houses for the night and Baby Colby was spark out. The pair sat in the living room with the baby monitor and letter in front of them, wondering whether or not to open it and find out what was inside or just sit there staring at it as if it was about to grow legs and run away, wondering what was inside it.
"We might as well open the damn thing. Its not like she can do anything now" spoke Dean, reacting over for the sealed envelope and quickly but carefully tearing the top of it off, reaching it to it to grab hold of the neatly folded off white paper that had the prison logo stamped in the corner. He quickly unfolded reading over the formal letter in Star's hand writing. He was expecting the worst if he was honest. He always wondered what Roman had seen her, especially when she showed she was nothing like he had described to her, or at least personality wise she wasn't. She had actually done the opposite of what Roman had said to the point even he didn't recognise her. "It's an apology" added Dean confused on why the woman was apologising now, especially after over 25 years, it also made him wonder if there was an ulterior motive. He soon handed the letter over to Summer allowing her read the apology which Star had written them, he was also starting to wonder if Seth and Paige had received a letter similar to their one or if Star had even sent one to them at all.