:D
Tuesday, July 15: WWE SmackDown taping – Fayetteville, NC; Crown Coliseum
(Show in progress)
Paige's POV
"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the most must see talk show in the history of the WWE, Miz TV!"
Miz's voice echoes through the arena as I'm waiting behind the black curtain with Bad News Barrett. Realizing that this is the final week of being a couple known as the "the pride of the UK", I reflect on the entire program up to this point. For what it's worth, this angle in my career has given me so many opportunities to grow and evolve. Looking at Wade, I wonder if he feels the same. I wonder if he holds any resentment with the end of the storyline, or with me building a mental barricade between us.
"Now please welcome my guest for this evening, the Divas Champion, the lovely—Paige!"
Back down on earth, my music booms. Out through to the entrance stage, the crowd of people opens up. The way my heart beats to my ears is nothing new, but this time it's a welcomed feeling. I'm no longer the petrified performer, I have actual reason to walk with a cocky face (now that I'm heel). All of this means the fans' reactions get more and more distinct. They don't like me, and my job becomes easier.
Inside the ring, I meet my boyfriend with a microphone in one hand with the Divas title resting on the other shoulder.
"Alright, Paige. Let's cut to the chase, I invited you here on Miz TV for one—just one—question... What possessed you to be with Bad News Barrett? Why him, huh?"
I'm almost clueless as to what Miz is going to pull with my answer, but I stick to what the writers want me to include, "First off Miz, you just asked two questions, but that's fine, I'll answer both..."
He does a smirk across the ring from me. What a cutie.
"Logic. Simple as that. Bad News and I joined forces because we both knew the two of us together as champions are better than one. We're the pride of England—practically royalty everywhere we go! And now, we're one of the most powerful couples in the history of this business."
"Logic? Really? Okay. You could've gotten together with any other champion, so please answer the other question: Why Barrett?"
"Miz, just look at him. He's an incredible representation of what a champion should be: he's English and a true knight in shining armor. But if you want to keep it short, let's just say I'm attracted to ruthless men who know when to deliver bad news." The words coming out of my mouth are so far off from my actual opinion. At the same time, I want to one-up Miz just to prove to those who doubt my ability in promos. With his help, I've gotten better—that's a given.
"No, Paige, I've seen him. But I don't get it. You do realize he's using you right? He doesn't care about you at all. To him, you're just a trophy wife," In each sentence, he gets closer to me. "Once he's done with whatever he has in mind, you'll be left to bite the dust. And once I defeat him at Battleground this Sunday and become the new Intercontinental Champion, he's gonna blame that loss on you. Then before you know it, bye bye! Now I know you've been a pain at my side for a few weeks now, but truthfully, you don't deserve that..." Damn, he's too good. Just another game we like to play. He knows how badly I want to defeat his promos, but he's on another level.
Barrett's music hits. "Paige, don't listen to this idiot of a man. He obviously doesn't know what he's talking about." He makes the trek down the ramp with the championship draped over a shoulder. "Using you is the last thing I'm doing—becoming an unstoppable duo is the first." Bad News enters through the ropes, ending up in front of me.
"Miz, when are you going to learn? When are you going to learn that this championship will never leave me? You know, I'm no teacher, but in our match, I'm going to use the Bullhammer Elbow as a tool to teach you one simple lesson... STAY DOWN." With that, Wade swings the microphone to his head. The pop sound hits against Miz's forehead, near his scar from the ladder at the last pay-per-view.
I stand near the ropes, watching all of the action unfold. Miz, on his knees now, pushes Barrett away then tries for a clothesline. Barrett ducks—I flinch, seeing Miz close to hitting me but he doesn't. His shocked blue eyes remain still when I get a chance to peek. My "distraction" allows Bad News to bring out the Bullhammer Elbow, and once Miz turns around, he bumps to the mat.
Everything perfectly executed, the audience collect in boo's and "You suck!" chants. Bad News and I stand in the middle of the ring, over a fallen Miz, and hold our championship titles in the air to close the segment.
(Post show)
(Still Paige's POV)
Tonight's SmackDown taping proved so much in my progress. Everything I did seemed to be cleaner than anything I've ever had to pull in televised programming. For example, the little stunt with the Bellas where I had to be on commentary for their match became a walk in the park. More and more people have given me compliments these past few shows, which also provides the confidence I've needed. I feel great—secure in my career more than ever. True credit goes to my awesome boyfriend. I couldn't have done any of this without him—in fact, this storyline would have never existed without him.
Inside the rental car, we get comfortable before driving to the airport. He's not much on talking at the moment, and I can feel the deep energy loom within the space. He has some media to do tomorrow, then it's straight to Los Angeles to sign the final divorce papers.
"Miz..." My voice in the quiet is startling.
"Paige." At least there's still a reaction from him.
"...You'll be okay."
The look in his eyes, he's near to tears and I hadn't realized it. My hand gets encased under his, with a light touch, "Thank you."
There's nothing else I can say after him. I don't want to make things worse by an attempt at lightening the mood. But at the same time, I hate seeing him dwell like this. Let him think it out, he'll come back...
In the midst of our career success, I know he's going through inner turmoil. Everything we've done has made amazing memories. Though a bright smile is present more than ever, when I look at him, there's a part of me that just turns sad. I would do anything to get rid of his troubles. I would do so much for this man.
He's told me countless times how much I mean to him but, damnit, it doesn't feel a hundred percent to me. Saraya, you need to drop that habit. The habit of always criticizing myself has been with me ever since I was a child, and it comes in forms of voices.
One small whisper inside my mind keeps getting stronger and louder... Am I enough?
Thursday, July 17: Orlando, FL – Paige's apartment
(Morning; 7:00AM)
Waking up, the bed has never felt more empty, despite the fact my pets are scattered around me. My sleep was broken and took me in patches of an hour, if I was lucky, maybe an hour and a half. The only person on my mind is Miz.
To my left, I grab my phone which is charging on the drawer. Anticipation jumps, hoping that there's some form of contact with him.
Nothing.
Damnit. There's plenty of other messages and emails from family members and friends. Tending to them takes the focus away for a split minute, but it's back to worrying afterward. I sincerely doubt he'd be calling me later anyway. It's not like he's announcing big news out of happiness, it's the opposite. That's what's killing me. I want to be there with him to make a smile on his face.
Glancing at the floor, my Divas Championship sits over my bag which brings me to Battleground this Sunday. I have a triple threat match with the Bella twins.
Nikki. I wonder if Cena did talk to her. She has been acting somewhat civil with me this week—coming up with spots for our match, actual communication... The thoughts of them turn back to Miz and John's conversation in Japan, turning me back to the Tokyo trip, then all back to Miz. Ugh.
There really is no escaping what I gladly let take over my life. How many hours am I going to have to worry? Can I just sleep all day, would that even help? It's worth a try...
(3 hours later)
There's barking in the other room, which usually means Sooki has to go release her bladder and bowels. Times like these I wish she'd use a litter box like my cat, Jovi.
My eyelids come up slowly. Tearing the sheets off me, I get up and slip some shoes on. Sooki's waiting at the door when I attach a leash on her, then it's out to the grassy area we go. The weather is extreme today, humidity and warmth is a deadly combination. I can already feel the sweat roll down my forehead. Sooki does her thing, quickly thank god, and we're back inside.
Through the kitchen, the clock on the microwave reads 10:10AM. It's still that early? I remember when Miz was in here, making breakfast for us after that night.
Miz.
By now, it should be all said and done. Papers should be signed and everything. The wait is pure agony. I'm guessing I won't get a chance to speak with him until tomorrow night for the live event. Will he even call me tonight? I just want to know if he's okay. I just want him back...
C'mon Saraya, you need to take your mind off this.
Maybe I'll go visit the Performance Center today. Maybe a little training or a good workout will help me pass the time. Like Miz said, I could use this day off for something useful.
Friday, July 18: WWE Live SummerSlam Heatwave Tour – Pensacola, FL; Pensacola Civic Center
(3 hours before bell time)
Miz should be here by now. Where is he? I'm frantically searching every inch and hall of the backstage area, asking around for him, but no such luck. He usually arrives before anybody else. This morning's short flight was incredibly stressful for me. It's been a while since I've traveled alone and dealing with the tickets was a giant mess in confusion. None of it became easier when I was dead tired from the lack of sleep the night prior.
I've called him a few times, but he didn't answer. After the third attempt, I didn't want to push anything so that was that. Not even a text. Ugh.
I see Dolph Ziggler walk my way. Surely, he should know Miz's whereabouts; they're best friends after all.
"Dolph! Hey Dolph, did you happen to see Miz anywhere?"
He stalls for a moment, thinking it out, "Hm, nope, sorry Paige. I don't think his car even pulled into the arena today."
"Are you serious?"
"Yeah, sorry again. But I think I heard Dave say Miz wasn't booked for tonight's show."
"Oh, o-okay, thanks Dolph." I pass him in the hall and head to find Dave, one of the main writers for Raw. He also deals with who gets to be in each live show.
In a small locker room, I spot him leave the entry way, and then run after him. I repeat the same question I've been asking everyone all day. He explains to me that Miz is only supposed to work Saturday's live event and Sunday's pay-per-view this weekend. My tracks have been stopped in discovering the answer. More waiting? There's a swell of disappointment mixed with anger inside as I thank Dave for the information.
Now I know Miz isn't here for the show, it doesn't explain the fact that he hasn't answered any of my calls.
I breathe out. Calm yourself. Don't be that needy girlfriend. Whatever he's doing, I'm sure he's fine. I can go about tonight on my own—I've done it before. Before my entire life changed with one handshake...
Letting my brain process why Miz hasn't contacted me, a bit of sense returns after the wave of anger dissipates. He's on a plane, he could be sleeping, he could be waiting to tell me face to face... He could be regretting this entire relationship...
No. That thought shouldn't be in my head. Why does it take just one sliver of doubt to ruin the trust I've built with him? It's just another bad habit that needs to be dropped. Honestly, he's doing all of this for you.
Back into the Divas locker room, I grab my championship and jacket. Two versions of me are fighting back in forth; I seriously need to just shake it off. Focus, Saraya. Just for tonight.
Saturday, July 19: WWE Live SummerSlam Heatwave Tour – Tallahassee, FL; Donald L. Tucker Civic Center at Florida State
(2 hours before bell time)
(Still Paige's POV)
My heart has been building in anxiety for the past twelve hours. Miz is already in the arena from what I've heard, but I haven't stepped out of the Divas locker room yet. My baby is here and I couldn't be more scared or excited to talk to him. I fix myself one more time in the vanity mirror, gear in check—good to go.
Out the door, my head does a swivel from left to right before going down the correct hall. Each step paces faster after the other where my eyes scan in every direction in hopes of finding a "Haters Wanted" shirt. In the backstage area, some Superstars and Divas greet me but I end up giving a one-word reply past them. Hopefully, they don't take any of my hurry personal.
Drinking a cup of coffee near a large trunk is a man who's not wearing any pants, but black and red trunks instead. "The old ones are starting to like me", on the back of his t-shirt flashes a white-inked signal and I rush to him.
I give a few taps on this man's shoulder. His head turns to the left and his body follows around. Miz's sharp blue eyes are still the same piercing windows I get trapped in. A smirk pops on his face, "Hey, babe."
Two words are all I need to throw my arms around his shoulders. He smells fresh, with a hint of the new cotton of his shirt. His sturdiness was one of the main things I missed, because I felt safe in his embrace. Those thick limbs go around my lower back and I feel myself get lifted from the ground. Back in his arms, safe and sound.
We stay in this hug for a little longer before my feet touch the floor. When we part, I get a look at those baby blues and all I do is smile. My smile gets interrupted by his lips on mine. I probably missed this the most.
Is it wrong that I don't want to ask anything regarding his time in Los Angeles? I feel like bringing it up would only push him back two spaces.
"I missed you," I say after the kiss.
"I missed you too." His voice sounds well-rested.
"Oh, did you? Not returning any of my calls sure seemed like it," this is meant to come out as a joke but the twist on his face reveals some guilt.
"Sorry, babe. C'mon, I'll tell you everything."
Miz takes my hand, and the pretend anger is replaced with my signature curiosity. He begins with arriving at the attorney's office on Thursday where Maryse was already waiting. They were officially separated the night Miz told her about us. He said she wasn't interested at all with reconciling, or saving, the marriage. By the sounds of it, he was backed into a corner with little to say and power only in the pen. They said it would take a few months for the divorce to be absolutely final, but the papers are officially signed.
"And yesterday was just a lot of time to myself," we stop near a table with authentic shirts displayed in rows, I do a quick glance at mine on the edge. "I went home and sat there, on the couch, for hours doing nothing. Just me and my thoughts."
"What were you thinking about?" A part wants to hear he was thinking of me.
"Everything that lead to Maryse and I's marriage."
Silly Paige to put myself first.
"I was thinking about how we met, years of dating, when I finally had the guts to propose, our engagement, the wedding..." There's a shy smile on his face and my heart is losing hope. What could he be getting to? Was I right about the regret?
"Oh." Is all I manage to say.
The grip in his hand gets stronger and tightens as he lifts our joined palms up to his lips. "All of that reminiscing only brought pain... Then I realized, I should stop thinking in the past. So I began thinking about you and I—about everything we've been through in such a short amount of time. I started thinking in the future. My future, with you."
The remains of my insides have been melted at these words. I gulp, just taking in this moment—to make sure I'm not dreaming.
"The past is left behind. I want to live happily with the person right in front me."
I love this man to death. He'll probably be the cause of my death if he keeps making my heart beat this fast. Really, how did I end up this blessed? I worried for nothing...
"I love you, Saraya." Don't forget. His words repeat in my head. I guess I did forget in the middle of the commotion. It's a lesson learned to always have faith in him. Miz takes the side of my jaw and leans in. Gladly accepting another kiss, the burden where I was afraid he'd leave, lifts.
He'll always come back to me.
Yay long chapter! Hope it was a good read for you guys :) I made Paige frantic and antsy here because a girl her age should be pretty new to this situation, her worry for Miz only shows how much she cares for him. What do you think? I'd love to hear your thoughts on her behavior!
(I'm gonna be at the RAW show tonight, in Vegas! Wearing a Miz shirt lol I can't wait!)