The Man (A Seth Rollins Story) (Reupload)

Chapter 26- Taylor

"You're so amazing!"

"Thank you so much. I appreciate it."

We were at our signing and I had several people ask me about Colby and Mania. I had met so many amazing people and I was happy. Our signing was almost over and I saw the last person in line start to walk up the stairs towards us. She was nervous, I could tell, as she handed what she wanted signed to Jon, then to Joe, then to Colby. She finally ended with me and as she looked at me, she started crying. I got up from the table and went around to hug her. I felt awful that she was so nervous.

"I'm sorry."

"It's alright. What's your name, sweetheart?"

"Taylor."

"That is a beautiful name."

"Thank you. Can I get a picture with you guys?"

"Of course."

She pulled out her phone and took a picture with all of us. I signed her picture and I could tell she was still upset. I saw a lot of myself in her. Scared, nervous, apologizing for behavior she couldn't control. The guys were walking away and so was Taylor.

"Hey, hold up a second."

The guys stopped walking and so did Taylor.

"You guys go on. I'm going to talk to Taylor for a second."

The guys looked confused but left with the security guys. I walked down the steps and walked with Taylor through Access. We walked backstage to a quiet room that had catering and tables inside. I sat down across from her and she still looked terrified.

"Why are you so scared, Taylor? Are you just nervous because you met us? Because we're just people, sweetie."

She shook her head. "It's...my parents."

"What about them?"

"My parents are always fighting, always yelling at each other. That is all I have ever grown up with. And then there is my boyfriend."

"What about him?"

"He...is not a nice guy."

"Does he hurt you, Taylor?"

"Emotionally, yeah. He puts me down every second he gets. He manipulates me all the time to stay with him and I just don't know if I can leave him because of that. I'm sorry that I'm pouring all of this on you."

"It's fine. I have a feeling I'm the first person you've talked to about this stuff."

She nodded. "I cried when I saw you because I look up to you so much. Wrestling has been my only escape from my parents and my boyfriend. It sends me to another world where nothing else around me matters. I bought my way here with my own money because I needed to get away from it all. But I am dreading going back. Because for the first time in years, I'm actually happy."

I couldn't believe that I was hearing all of this. This girl had not told anyone about these things and she was keeping them bottled up inside. I knew what that felt like. Maybe not the same situation but I did know what it felt like to bottle up emotions.

"I want to help you."

"Ok, how?"

"How old are you?"

"I'll be turning eighteen next weekend."

"Do you have means to move out?"

"No. I spent all the money I had to come here."

"Which state do you live in?"

"I live in Tampa, Florida."

I smiled. "If I was to give you a place to live in Miami, would you live there?"