Curled up in a living chair, Nikki sitting on the couch opposite, Brie finishes her text to Stephanie.
"We'll just have to wait until they grow up! But then again, they're men, we might be waiting a while aha xx"
There. Simple enough she supposes. They'd been talking about how to keep in contact without physically seeing one another; as it turns out, Paul isn't a fan of Stephanie seeing Brie, just as much as Bryan is. To be truthful, they can't really work out why their husbands are against it. A while ago, maybe they could understand it - but now? They've seen how happy being friends has made them, so why haven't they changed their tune?
Regardless on misunderstanding, they both want to respect their husbands wishes - they're busy enough as it is, chances are, they wouldn't get to see each other in the flesh that often anyway. So, if they can't meet up in person, texting is the next best thing. Again, with their hectic schedules, they'd probably end up communicating via Iphones most of the time, despite how their husband's feel.
Although, Brie would be lying if she claimed to not be disappointed. Stephanie seemed to understand her; there aren't many people in her life she can say that about. At times, even Bryan and Nikki seem to perceive her differently than what's accurate. With that being said, the friends would've preferred to keep having coffee dates every so often, meeting up for lunch and all the stereotypical friend things. But if they have to keep everything on a phone, at least it's better than nothing.
Brie eagerly looks at her phone when a new text notification pops up.
"If you ever feel like a rebel, I'm always at Raw every week. You're obviously welcome to come visit any time. But if you ever need a chat about anything, just call me xx"
The young woman smiles at the message - Steph really was sweet to her, a definite change in tone to what she would've expected a few months ago. However, it is mildly annoying how visiting her would be considered 'rebellious' - what would they be doing wrong? She sighs, then looks up at Nikki, she was staying with Brie while Artem and Bryan were out, filming a scene for Total Bellas. For some reason, there was a curious grin plastered across her face.
"Has Bryan sent you a naked picture or something?" Nikki giggles.
"What the hell?" Brie chuckles.
"I'm just saying, your face lights up when that phone goes off - it must be something pretty special" she winks.
"Shut up, it's only Stephanie.."
Rolling her eyes, Brianna looks back at her phone, while Nikki's facial expression turns to genuine concern. Nicole isn't quite as adamant as Bryan; she won't tell Brie not to be friends with Steph, but she still wants her not to. Besides, telling Brie to stay away will probably push them closer together.
It's up for debate wether Bryan's hatred of Stephanie comes from a place of pride or concern, but at least Brie knows that Nikki's reservations come from a real place - she wouldn't just hate someone for the sake of it. Granted, with the way Nicole speaks to Stephanie, you'd be forgiven for thinking otherwise. But Brianna knows her sister, and knows that she has her best interests at heart.
"I won't pretend like I'm not relieved you aren't seeing her again.." Nikki says quietly.
"We're still friends Nicole, just not seeing each other in person." Brianna explains. "Besides, I really don't understand why you can't comprehend Stephanie being a nice person.."
"Because she's done so many not-nice things before." She points out. "Look, I hardly know the woman. It's not for me to decide if she's changed or not.. Just be careful, okay..? I don't want you getting hurt if her intentions aren't genuine."
Brie smiles weakly. Despite how much she wishes Nikki would accept Stephanie's kindness, she can't force it. Although, her stance has changed from 'completely hates' to 'doesn't fully trust' - maybe they're getting somewhere? Even if her family never truly comes to terms with it, Brie's found a true friend, and Stephanie's definitely a permanent fixture in her life now.
"Forgetting that, you look great today." Nicole smiles.
"Thank you.. so do you." Brie replies.
"Seriously though, your skin is literally glowing.. are you using some new face mask or..?"
"No, same as normal.. glad I look good though, because I really don't feel too great. I think I've eaten something weird." She answers.
Over the last few days, Brie's been feeling.. she isn't sure on the word. Off? Yes, she feels off. It's hard to put her finger on it - she doesn't feel sick or anything, just different to normal. But it is nice to receive the compliment - on top of being off, Brie hasn't felt that pretty recently. After all, Bryan won't pay her attention unless it's for making Birdie a sibling, and hardly anyone else sincerely compliments her.
Thinking of Bryan, both him and Artem walk through the front door, both of them smiling. Immediately, Artem walks over to his fiancé, kissing her cheek sweetly. Brie watched on with envious eyes - she couldn't be happier for Nikki, having someone who clearly adores her that much - but Brie wants that herself. To be honest.. she's jealous; That's exactly what she wants.
Obviously, she doesn't want Artem, but she'd like for Bryan to be as affectionate as him. As expected, Bryan simply walks past her and heads to see Birdie. Granted, she can't fault him for being more concerned with their daughter, but would it kill him to kiss her on the way? She misses feeling close to someone. Yes, they're still having sex.. but it isn't loving. So maybe that's a better way to put it - she misses being loved.
"Sweetface..?" She calls out to her husband.
"One minute.." he responds from Birdie's room, clearly without any intent to come back in.
Both Artem and Nikki head back to their home next door, holding hands as they walk. Again, Brie watches them while daydreaming of having that connection with another person.
Right now, there's only one person who Brianna feels even somewhat connected to, besides Birdie of course.. and it simply isn't Bryan.