Meadow seemed different next day. Different in a good way. She had to be nervous for the upcoming interview, but she didn't show it. It seemed like she had found a new self confidence all of the sudden.
She had insisted that Roman called Naomi and asked his cousin's wife to take Meadow shopping. She wanted to look presentable for the interview. He warned her about reporters maybe catching her in public, but she was ready to face the world.
She returned after lunch with what seemed like way too many shopping bags. It really wasn't considering she had almost nothing. Now that she had money she could finally buy things. She had bought most of what was needed in a wardrobe. Her and Naomi had been lucky. No one had spotted them. Naomi always knew the right places to shop.
Vince, Hunter, Stephanie and Shane showed up around 2.30 PM. The crew was scheduled to arrive at 3 PM, but the bosses wanted to meet her first, and make sure she was comfortable with everything. She held on to Roman's hand the entire time, once again needing his silent support. She couldn't quite grasp the attention that was on her for being kidnapped for 15 years. She wanted this interview done, give the public what they desired, and then hopefully be allowed to live a quiet life.
At 3 PM two other cars drove up. One with the cameraman and the soundguy, and one with Dean and Renee. Roman had specifically asked for Renee to do the interview even though that wasn't what she did for WWE any longer. He trusted Renee completely. Meadow would be safe with Renee. And he wanted her to know his friends.
The interview was supposed to be split up in two parts. One part with Roman telling his side. How he had gone to the beach that day, and how he had met her and gotten her away from that place. The other part would be her story. How she had been kidnapped, and what she had suffered in 15 years.
They shot her part first. Roman and Dean stood back, listening to the interview, whispering to each other every once in a while. It wasn't easier for Roman to hear her story again, and even Dean felt uncomfortable when he realized how much she had been through. 15 years of hell, and she sat there looking strong.
"So how are you doing now? You're free to roam wherever you like for the first time in 15 years. How's life treating you?" Renee asked her final question.
"Really good. I found a light," Meadow looked at Roman. "I found my light in the darkness."
No one would be able to see that she was looking at him, but that didn't matter. He didn't need the world to know. He just needed to know she felt the same way as he did.
"Thank you for sharing your story," Renee said.
Afterwards Roman took the seat for his part while Meadow moved over to Dean. They listened for a few minutes until Dean leaned in to whisper to her.
"You're his light too," he said.
"I don't know about that," she said.
"But I do. Big dog can't keep anything from me. He's in love with you," he said.
"You think?" She asked.
"Think? Mark my words, Meadow. One day I'll be his best man, and Renee will be your maid of honor. If you don't believe me, ask him," he said.
"What is he afraid of?" She asked.
"I don't think he's afraid of anything, but he's not too fond of big birds close to him," he said.
The interview ended. The cameraman and soundguy disappeared right away. There was a guy waiting to cut the interview together so it could air that same night. The McMahon family stayed behind to thank her personally for letting them into her life.
"If you ever need a job, let me know," Stephanie said.
"Doing what?" Meadow asked.
"How about backstage interviewer? You can go on the road with Roman and work at the same time," Stephanie said.
"I don't wanna be anymore out in the public than I have to," Meadow said.
"What would you like to do then?" Shane asked.
"I always wanted to be a sports massage therapist," Meadow answered.
"We can make that happen easily," Shane smiled. "Think about it for the next three weeks. If you want the job, go on the road with Roman. We'll make it happen, and you can work for us."
"Thank you," she said.
The McMahons said their goodbyes and went on their way.
"You're okay with Dean and Renee staying for dinner, right?" Roman asked.
"Sure," Meadow answered. "Roman, can I get parrots?"
"You want a parrot?" He asked.
"No, silly," she laughed. "I want two."
"You want two parrots?" He stared in shock. "Sure, if that will make you happy."
She started grinning and looked at Dean who started laughing.
"I told you," he said. "Well played, Meadow. I like you. She's a keeper, Roman."
"What did I miss?" Roman asked.
"Nothing," Meadow stood up on her toes to kiss him. "I can't believe you were gonna let me get parrots."
"So we're not actually getting parrots?" He asked.
"No," she laughed.
"Thank fuck!" He sighed in relief. "Big birds aren't really my cup of tea."
"So I heard," she laughed.
Dean and Renee stayed for several hours. They treated her like Roman did. Normal. Not like she was a lost girl. Not like she was a victim. Like she was their friend.
"I like them," she said as Roman closed the door behind them.
"I'm happy to hear that since you'll be seeing them a lot," he said.
"Dean seems to think we'll get married one day," she said.
"We probably will," he said.
"You're not scared of that thought? A life with me?" She asked.
"No, it makes me smile," he pulled her in and held her close. "I was lost too. You found me that day too. You're also my light in the darkness."
THREE WEEKS LATER
"I'm anxious," she said. "In a good way."
"You'll be fine. Everyone's gonna love you like I do," he said.
"You love me?" She asked.
"I love you, sweetheart," he pecked her lips. "How many times do you need me to tell you to be absolutely sure?"
"At least once a day," she grinned. "I love you too, big man."
"Let's get you to the right place," he said.
They walked down the hall of the arena together. Everyone greeted Roman and welcomed him back. They finally reached the doctor's station and went inside.
"One masseuse trainee delivered," he chuckled.
"Roman," the man greeted them both. "And you must be Meadow. I'll be working with you. I'm Tim, by the way. Ready to get started?"
"As ready as I'll ever be," she said.
"You'll do great," Roman pecked her lips and moved his mouth to her ear to whisper. "And I'll get special massages at night, right?"
"Roman!" She giggled. "Run along now so I can get started."
"See you, sweetheart," he backed up to the door. "And, you know, just saying it again. I love you."
