Not that bad // Rhea Ripley

34- Morning Light

"Winter comes, skies to gray , it's the same old same old everyday"

Palaye Royale

The next day arrived quickly. We didn't see Phil for the rest of the night, he just sent us a message to tell us he was okay, and was staying at a hotel because he needed peace and time to think. So it was only Scott and I for the evening and the night. I finally made him my Carbonara, since he asked so long ago, and we watched a movie before going to sleep. Next morning we went early to the training center, since I had to meet the bookers. I went alone and Scott went to meet up with everyone else to train. I knocked on the door and they were there, with the makeup artists, the hairdressers and the lady that does the costumes.

" Hey Roxanne, come on, sit with us!" One of the makeup artists said.

I smiled at them and sat down, and quickly after, the booker said they wanted to turn me into a heel, or actually get Punk to turn me into a heel.

" We're also aware that you'll have to go and get surgery during the winter break, correct me if I'm wrong."

" No no, you're right."

" Okay, so we thought that you could appear on the show this Sunday. It will be publicly announced that Mickie James won't be a wrestler here anymore, mainly because of what she's done to you." He explained. "That will make some people hate you, and the rest of the heel turn will be once you come back. Sunday, we'll have Punk ask you to be his partner and to drop Colt Cabana. You'll keep the Straight edge persona, of course. But we'll have little changes done to your appearance and outfit, if you're willing to."

" Well, what kind of changes are you talking about ?" I asked, intrigued.

" I'll talk first if you're okay with it?" The hairdresser said and the rest nodded. "I thought of keeping your hair that lenght, maybe dyeing the bits a wilder color, but that's up to you, and doing an undercut, to get a more 'rebellious vibe' to it."

" Okay now, concerning your outfit, I thought of something still pretty simple and not that revealing, black ripped shorts with fishnets thights, combat boots, like the ones you wear, and a black sports bra."She trailed off.

" And to finish with the appearance part." The make up artists said. "I kinda see you with a lipring, but that's a big change, you'll think of it, and not too much makeup, eyeliner, doing your eyebrows, and dark lipstick."

All their changes sounded so amazing too me, I couldn't even say a word. I just nodded furiously.

" So that's it." The booker said. "Sunday, Punk will ask you to be his partner, and you'll say you'll think of it during your remission, and when you'll come back after New Year, we'll take care of the changes."

I tanked them all and went outside the office. I wanted to scream my joy. It would probably mean so much more training, but that's what you get when you're Punk's partner. I told Scott as soon as I saw him, and then crossed Phil's path.

" Hey, did you accept the suggestion of the bookers?" His low voice sent shivers down my spine.

" Y-Yeah I did." I stuttered.

" Well." He leaned down and whispered to my ear. "I look forward to working with you, partner."

What the actual fuck was that! Where did that change of behavior come from? Like yesterday I went to watch them train, and I did that the rest of the week, until Sunday. Phil didn't act weirdly with me until this Sunday. I was waiting for our moment of the segment while talking to Scott. One of the managers told us it was our time, so I went to the side of the backstage we were filming in. I sat where I was supposed to, falsely looking at a non existent screen in front of me.

" Hello you." Punk slurred walking towards me. "Congratulations for the match last week, even though you didn't win."

" Ah yeah, thanks for the reminder." I sighed. "I definitely needed it."

" Hey, I wasn't trying to be rude you know."

" For once." I rolled my eyes.

" Sassy, I like that." He looked at me up and down. "If you had let me finish, I would have said that with a little more training, from a pro, you could have won this match easily."

" What do you mean Punk ?" I asked, cocking an eyebrow.

" You, me, a team." He said simply. "I used to have a partner, but she won't be anymore."

" You know I won't be wrestling until January right?" I reminded.

" That'll leave you some time to think about how great my offer is." He smirked.

"I'll think about it" I said, getting up and leaving the camera field.

I left to talk with Scott, and then went to find Phil. When I came around the corner, I was pressed up against someone. I wanted to look up, but he was maintaining my head.

" Don't look at me, please." Phil's voice cracked.

" Phil, what's happening, you're acting weird." I said. "You're actually scaring me."

" I'm sorry, I don't know what's getting into me lately." He let me go and wiped his tears.

" You know you can talk to me right Phil ?" I reminded him.

" Yeah, I know, I will eventually, I promise." He smiled kinda warmly at me. "Enjoy your trip back home and call me eventually please? So that I don't worry too much."

" You're worried about me?" I asked in disbelief.

" Yeah, but enough confession for the day alright." He kissed my cheek and I blushed. "I'm sorry I was such a huge dick to you."

He left, and all I ended up with was questions, hopes and worries.