As she reached the door, the coach driver exited to greet her. It really hadn't changed at all! With a smile on his face as he greeted Mia as though it were only yesterday he'd last seen her.
"Morning Miss Mia. Looking lovely as usual. You all ready to leave. Who is this gorgeous chap?"
He crouched down holding a hand out in a friendly gesture towards Duke waiting for him to accept him. Surprisingly it didn't take him long and he happily bounded over to introduce himself.
"Thanks George! The guys had just headed to the gym as you arrived so i'll give them Jon a text telling him they can't be too long. By the time they get back I should have our stuff all in place for us to leave straight away. This is our dog Duke, we've only had him a few days. We rescued him from the side of the road on our way into town."
Still smiling he stood aside for Mia to make her way onto the coach to take a look around. As she stepped inside all of her childhood memories seemed to fill to the surface again. The seats had been upholstered since she was last on the coach, the kitchen benches and appliances replaced but apart from that it hadn't really changed.
"Oh I remember You and Chloe running up and down the coach till all hours as kids. I'm so sorry for what happened to her. I was devastated when Mr Mc Mahon told me. I guess its only fitting, considering your heritage that you are with a wrestler. I feel honoured to look after the next generation of your family when I looked after you as a child and your father as a young man."
George was never just been a coach driver for her father. He'd look after her and Chloe while Stephanie, Vince and her father were all in the ring for the shows or doing interviews. If they had problems sleeping he'd always welcome them to sit with him up front while he drove then once they'd fall asleep he'd pull over and carry them back to bed before continuing the journey, even if it made them get into town for the next show after the rest of the roster. If they were the Wayne family, George was definitely their Alfred. Loyal to the very end.
"Thanks, its been a nightmare since Chloe but I think I finally have things going my way with Jon and Duke in my life now - its going to be a while before the next generation is on their way though!"
There was an uncomfortable laugh before a slight knock on the door of the coach, Jon's mam had obviously noticed they were all missing and decided to investigate. Looking around the luxury coach her eyes widened.
"So this is where you're are going to be living from now on!?"
Mia smiled and nodded before introducing her to George. For the next few hours the three of them transferred all of the essentials Mia and Jon had picked up for Duke and organised them before placing their belongings in the bedroom ready for Joe and Colby to claim two of the five bunks when they returned. Duke had fell asleep in his bed at the front of the bus beside George's seat and was gently snoring as they sat talking when the boys returned. They bustled on to the bus, waking Duke who immediately ran to greet Jon. Their eyes almost popping out of their heads as Colby spoke.
"Whoah! I'm going to get used to travelling like this mind so no dumping him Mia!"
The coach filled with laughter, more so as Joe and Colby began to argue over which bunk was going to be theirs.
"Seriously Guys! There's two of you and five bunks without including George's bunk up front. Daresay there's enough for you to pick without arguing!."
They both stared at the floor embarrassed for a moment before Joe grabbed his bag, throwing it on the desired bunk before Colby could react.
"Taxed this bunk!"
Colby's face turned red with anger but didn't say anything as Jon stood laughing at them. George stretched as he rose, turning towards Mia.
"Well Miss Mia, are we ready to leave now?"
There was a nod of agreement around the room as they said their farewells to Jon's mam and the coach door closed behind her.
"I'd suggest Miss Mia, before we leave for the show I drop by the supermarket and we get in any food supplies for the humans. It's going to be a long journey after all."
Giggling Mia nodded and made herself comfortable on the sofa bed beside Jon while Joe and Colby settled in the diner booth for the start of the journey. They seemed deep in discussion as they muttered to each other while they scribbled down on a notepad.
"What the hell are you two doing?"
Jon's tone was quizzical, it seemed strange he was the one acting sensible. They paused for a moment before Colby ripped the paper from the pad, folding it into a paper aeroplane and sent it sailing towards Jon and Mia. Opening it, Jon looked at their obviously proud faces.
"So i take it we are going in for the shopping and you to are going to stay here and continue to fight it out over who gets what bunk!?"
Obviously proud of their decision, they nodded their heads like a pair of bobble heads, vacant expression on their faces to match. He grunted as he grabbed Mia's hand and along with George, they headed inside the store, still able to hear the two fighting over the bunks as they headed across the car park.
