Ayla 3 [A WWE Multiverse]

Chapter 22 - You think they'll listen?

The sun was warm and the air filled with the earthy scent of soil as Shane and Ayla worked side by side in the garden. Ayla was kneeling, carefully planting some flowers, while Shane tended to a nearby shrub. The peacefulness of the garden was a welcome escape from the complexities of the household.

"Looks like you've got a green thumb, Uncle Shane," Ayla said, smiling as she patted the soil around the flowers.

Shane chuckled, wiping his hands on his jeans. "I've had a bit of practice. Gardening helps clear my mind, gives me time to think."

Ayla nodded, her gaze focused on the flowers. "I can see why. It's peaceful out here."

Shane observed her for a moment, noticing the way her shoulders tensed slightly, despite the calm setting. He could tell there was something weighing on her mind. He decided to ease into the conversation.

"Ayla, I've noticed you've been spending a lot of time with Darcy and Stephanie lately," Shane began, his tone casual but laced with concern. "How's that going?"

Ayla hesitated for a moment, her hands pausing in the soil. "It's... it's good. I mean, it's nice getting to know Darcy better, and I've always been close with Stephanie. But..." Her voice trailed off as she glanced up at Shane, unsure of how to express what she was feeling.

"But?" Shane prompted gently, setting his tools aside and giving her his full attention.

"N-nothing... It's... It's just... great" Ayla covered, not really in the mood to talk about it.

The garden was a sanctuary, a place where the world's noise faded, leaving only the rustling of leaves and the chirping of birds. Shane and Ayla worked side by side, the rhythmic motion of planting flowers calming yet focused. Shane had always found solace in the garden, and he hoped Ayla could find the same peace here.

After a few minutes of comfortable silence, Shane glanced over at Ayla. "You know, Ayla, I can tell something's been on your mind lately. It's more than just the usual family stuff, isn't it?"

Ayla hesitated, her hands momentarily still in the soil. She wasn't used to opening up easily, but there was something about Shane's gentle tone that encouraged her to speak. "Yeah... it's been kind of overwhelming."

Shane nodded, leaning on his spade planted into the soil. "I can imagine. It must be hard having both Stephanie and Darcy trying to connect with you in their own ways. What's that been like for you?"

Ayla sighed, her gaze focused on the flowers in front of her. "It's... confusing. I mean, I'm grateful to have both of them in my life, but sometimes it feels like they're pulling me in different directions. Like they're trying to prove who loves me more."

Shane watched her carefully, noting the way her shoulders slumped slightly as she spoke. "That sounds exhausting. When they do that, how does it make you feel?"

Ayla paused, considering the question. "I guess it makes me feel... guilty? Like I'm somehow responsible for their feelings. I don't want to hurt either of them, but it feels like no matter what I do, one of them is always going to be upset."

Shane nodded again, his expression thoughtful. "I can see why that would weigh on you. But what about when they're not competing? Are there moments when you can just be with them, without all that pressure?"

"There are," Ayla admitted, a small smile tugging at her lips. "Like when mom is just being her usual self, doting on Aurora or teasing me about something. And with Darcy... we've had a few moments where it feels like we're starting to connect, like we're getting to know each other."

Shane smiled softly, sensing there was more to unravel. "Those moments must feel good, huh? But do they ever get interrupted by that tension you mentioned?"