The Raven sat in Dr. Reeves' office, feeling uncomfortable in the current conversation they were having. "Raven eventually everyone must die, it is the cycle of life. In your case, you have had to deal with the untimely death of those that you love, it does not mean you are cursed Raven. Think about all the people that you love that are in your life now, who are alive and healthy."
"But how do I deal with this fear of getting close to someone and thinking they will die because I love them.", The Raven said sadly.
"Let's approach this differently." Dr. Reeves said patiently. She was in her early forties, with long brown hair, which she currently had in bun. She had brown eyes and cream colored skin. Her facial features were soft and pleasant, which always helped to put The Raven at ease. "Do you want to eventually have a family of your own?"
"Yes of course I do."
"Do you want children of your own?"
"Yes."
"Then how do you expect to accomplish this without a partner?", Dr. Reeves asked gently.
"I don't know."
"Raven, you have to decide what is more important holding on to the fear or living and making the family you long to have. I can't make that decision for you, you have to want it and fight for it like you did for your career, when your family was so against it." By the time Dr. Reeves had finished The Raven was crying, she knew she was right but it was just so hard. Dr. Reeves handed her a box of tissue.
"Let me ask you one more question. Is Seth Rollins worth the effort?"
The Raven thought about the times she had spent with him. How at easy she was in his company, the strong attraction she felt toward him, his passion for the sport that he loved and his determination to reach his goals. She looked up at Dr. Reeves, "Yes, he is worth it."
"Then live in the moment Raven, he may not be your soul mate or he could be, but you will never know if you don't try. Don't let your fear decide for you. You are stronger than that, every time you have that fear or doubt,push it aside and move forward, because that is all anyone can do."
Seth sat in his father's living room, he was having Thanksgiving a day before with his father and stepmother Gabby. He would be celebrating with his mother, siblings and some cousins tomorrow. His brother and sister would be joining him later on at his father's. His father walked into the living room and handed him a beer. "Are you dating anyone right now, son?", his father asked casually. Seth was taking a long time to answer. "So what's her name?", he asked when Seth did not reply. "Its no big deal. I just went on one date with her.", Seth replied shyly.
"If I have to pull teeth to get an answer from you, then it is a bigger deal than what you are letting on. So, what is her name?", his father again asked patiently. Seth rolled his eyes, "Her name is The Raven."
"The Raven?", Joseph arched his brow that was different, he thought.
"Yeah, she is a wrestler."
"I see, and how long have you been going out with her?"
"Dad, I told you, we have only gone on one date.", Seth replied annoyed.
"Ok, how long have you known her then?", his father asked curiously.
"Well, we first met about 3 years ago briefly and then again just 2 months ago."
"She must be really special that you are so touchy about her."
"I am not-, " He was being touchy about her. "I am just not sure about her that's all."
"Why?"
"Well, she has this reputation with having lot of guys."
"Are these rumors or is it a fact?"
"Well, I don't know but even Roman and Dean have warned me about her."
"O, really and you still went out with her."
"I can't help it Dad. I am really attracted to her and I like her company. But I am not sure if I can trust her to be faithful to me. After all the shit I went through with Danielle and Elizabeth, I am not sure if I can do it again." When he was around her, he had no doubts, but when he was away from her, he wondered what she was doing and who she was with.
"Have you guys slept together?", his father asked
"No, we haven't done anything."
"Really, I thought you said she had reputation." Seth gave him a dirty look, before he continued. "Look Seth, she is obviously worth the trouble or you would have heeded Roman and Dean's advise. Just take it slow and when it starts to get serious and you still feel the same let her know. Hey son, you have never played it save and look how far you have come in your career, so don't start now. Remember the best things in life are worth fighting for."
It was Thanksgiving and Seth was trying to enjoy his family's company, but he kept thinking about a certain raven haired woman. He wondered what she was doing? Who she was with? He finally decided to stop wondering and text her.
Seth - Happy Thanksgiving Raven!
The Raven - A minute later: Happy Thanksgiving to you too, Seth!
Seth-I think we have already over eaten and we still haven't had dinner yet LOL
The Raven- LOL we are going to have to work it off.
Seth- LOL So what are you up to?
The Raven - I am just here at my uncles house with his family, my nephew his mom, and my grandpa. We are watching football and looking at family photos. You?
Seth felt a great deal of relief at her response: The same pretty much. well you take care and see you in 2 days. :)
The Raven- See you then :)
"Colby, I hardly ever see you and when you are home you are stuck on that phone of yours. Put it away and come join us.", his mother insisted.
"Its a girl! Look at that grin he has on his face.", his brother teased.
"Mind your own damn business.", he said sharply.
"You see it is a girl."
"O really, what's her?", his mom asked.
"I really don't want to talk about it. I am just barely getting to know her. If it gets serious I will let you know.", he didn't want his mom to give him the 3rd degree, especially when he wasn't sure where it was going with The Raven.
"Fine but I want you to join us in the living room." Elena knew not to push Colby, she did not want to argue with him. She wanted to enjoy his company. It had been nice to have him home the past couple of days. She had really missed him. Since, he and Danielle had broke up, he rarely came to visit, she was always having to travel to him.
Seth sat next to his mom on one sofa and his brother Paul, his sister Teresa and her fiancé Roger sat at the other sofa across from them. They talked about what they had been up to and about Teresa and Roger's upcoming nuptials in July. Teresa then steered the conversation toward Danielle. "You know I bumped into Danielle the other day. She isn't with that guy anymore.", Teresa said cautiously trying to gauge Colby's reaction.
"Why would I care to know that?" Colby asked annoyed with his sister. He knew they were best friends before he started dating her but he didn't realize they stayed in contact.
"Well Colby, you guys were good together-
"Enough, I don't want to hear this. Remember she is the one that cheated on me." Seth erupted before leaving the room. Even after 5 years the pain of their break up was still fresh in his memory.
The Raven was having a great Thanksgiving for once with her family. The only issue was when her brother Maximiliano came with his family to visit grandpa. The Raven had to make sure she was not there while they visited. She did not want to cause any problems, her grandpa didn't need that right now. But other than that she loved spending time with her nephew Apollo Jr. and seeing her grandpa in better health. He was still fighting the cancer but so far he seemed to be beating it.
She was sitting in the living room with Andrea, Apollo Jr., grandpa, her uncle Anton and her two cousins Adela and Anton Jr. They were catching up on what the others were doing. They spent the day watching football and looking at old family photos. Reminiscing about the past, when they were interrupted by a knock on the door. Her uncle got up to answer the door. When he came back to the living room, it was obvious that someone was standing behind him. He cleared his throat so he had everyone's attention. "I wasn't sure if he was going to make it on time, so I kept it a secret." They all had a look of confusion on their faces until, her uncle stepped aside and there stood Alexander in his military uniform.
The Raven's mouth dropped open and tears instantly fell on her cheeks. "Alex!" She got up and ran toward her older brother, she launched herself at him and he caught her as her legs went around his waist and she gave him the tightness bear hug ever. "Raven, Raven you are going to break my ribs if you keep hugging me that tight.", Alex jokily said. The Raven loosened her hold and started to pepper kisses all over his face, he smiled at her affection. "Your home and your alive, your alive.", she said again before starting to cry. "But don't cry, I thought you would be happy to see me." The Raven was too overcome with emotion to speak, all she could do was shake her head yes. By the time she let go of Alexander, everyone in the room was crying relieved that he had come home alive and safe. They were all truly thankful.