WWE The Shield's Recruitment: Behind The Scenes

Week 33: I'm Afraid I've Got Bad News

In the middle of the show, Stephanie Skye and the Shield are heading towards Vickie's office to tape their segment with AJ for later on. Tonight is supposed to be another step towards the Divas title. Vickie Guerrero is already waiting in the room for the segment.

"Hi Stephanie," Vickie greets her.

"Hey Vickie, where's AJ?" She asks.

Her face drops in disappointment, "You don't know? She hurt her knee pretty bad last week during a live event."

"What?" This is the first time she's heard of the news. "So where does the feud go with the championship?"

"Unfortunately, it'll be on hold. I'm so sorry Stephanie I know how much you've wanted this opportunity."

Stephanie puts on the happy mask face, "No, it's alright. You can't avoid an injury."

Once they finished filming the segment Stephanie rushes out of the office to take time to herself. Stephanie starts heavily breathing as her throat tightens and tears threaten to come out of her eyes. She clenches her fists and kicks a crate nearby.

"When will it be my time?" She whispers to herself.

Suddenly the quiet is disturbed when her phone rings in her pocket. She reads the caller ID as MOM. Another frustrated situation she refuses to deal with now but might as well or else there would be no end to the calling.

"Hi ma," She answers.

"Hello, what are you doing?"

"I am at work, you know working. Can you call back later?"

"I just have something really quick to tell you."

Stephanie rolls her eyes waiting for the next gossip she has to inform her about family members that usually takes forever to go over.

"Dad bought a new grill for the backyard so of course he thought it would be a good idea to invite the entire family to the house to come see it. You know how your dad is."

She started getting a headache knowing very well how her dad was. Whenever he bought something or installed something new in the house he had to share it with the world.

"Do I have to go?"

"Please, come home. Your brother has agreed to come and I really would like it if you would show up."

"Why should I? So the family can ask questions about my life and mingle amongst themselves about me like it's their business. Plus, dad continuing to ask what I plan to do with my life considering he doesn't understand that I actually have a career is not what I want to do on my day off."

Her mom sighs through the phone, "I know you dad and his side of the family can be difficult but can you just make an appearance and tolerate your dad's ranting like usual?"

Not wanting to upset her mom, she just finally gives in, "Fine, but only for you, mom."

"Thank you and I love you."

"Love you too, mom."

Stephanie hangs up the phone and without anymore will power to fight it she lets a few tears slide down her cheeks to relieve her of the stress.

"Hey," a very familiar voice calls.

Quickly, Stephanie rubs her cheeks and rakes her hands through her hair. "Yeah, what's up?"

Unknowingly to her, Dean had heard the whole conversation and followed her when she left the office.

Failing at looking normal, Dean sees Stephanie's puffy eyes. "You okay?"

"Yeah, I'm good. Just an eyelash got in my eye so I had to poke around for it."

"Steph, you can tell me. I know I may not look like a sensitive guy through the whole hard ass shell that I wear but I actually do care."

Hearing the comforting words, she just lets the rest of the tears come out. "I just can't deal with this right now. No championship and now my mom wanting me to come home for some stupid family get together with family that doesn't give a damn about me unless it came with a paycheck."

There's complete silence for a few seconds making her think that it was a little too much information that didn't really matter. Finally, Dean walks up to her and leaves no space between them. This confuses Stephanie on what he wants until he extends his arms around her back, fully holding her. Comforting her.

"If it'll make you feel any better I could go with you."

She looks up at him, "No, I can't ask you to do that for me again. I'll just go and-"

Dean stops her by placing a finger over her lips, "Just tell me when the reunion is."