Ayla 3 [A WWE Multiverse]

Chapter 23 - Oh, really? Try me

Ayla was on the floor of the living room, playing with Aurora, who was giggling as she attempted to catch the small ball Ayla gently rolled towards her. The sound of Aurora's laughter was soothing, a brief respite from the tension that had been building up over the past few days.

Stephanie entered the room, her gaze softening as she watched Ayla and Aurora together. "You're such a good big sister," she said with a warm smile. "I was thinking, tomorrow we could take Aurora to the park. Just the three of us. It'll be nice to get some fresh air and relax."

Ayla nodded, appreciating the offer but feeling a slight unease. Before she could respond, Darcy walked in, her expression carefully neutral. "Or, Ayla, how about we spend the day together? There's that museum downtown, and I thought it might be nice for us to have some time alone—mother and daughter."

Ayla looked between them, feeling a familiar tension begin to tighten in her chest. She opened her mouth to respond, trying to find a way to balance both suggestions, but Stephanie spoke up again.

"I think what Ayla needs right now is something relaxing," Stephanie said, her tone gentle but firm. "She's been through a lot, and a quiet day at the park would be good for her."

Darcy's eyes narrowed slightly. "You think going to a museum with me would be stressful for her?"

Ayla's patience began to wane, but she took a deep breath, trying to keep calm. "Both ideas sound nice," she said slowly, trying to appease them both. "Maybe we can—"

Stephanie interrupted, her voice growing more insistent. "Ayla needs a break, Darcy. She doesn't need more running around."

Darcy's voice sharpened in response. "She also needs to spend time with her real mother. Don't you think it's important for us to bond?"

Ayla felt her patience wearing thin as the two continued to talk over her, turning what should have been a simple decision into a power struggle.

Stephanie crossed her arms, her tone becoming defensive. "I've been here for her every single day, Darcy. I know what she needs."

"And I'm her mother, Stephanie!" Darcy shot back, her voice rising. "I deserve time with her too!"

Ayla clenched her fists, trying to hold onto the last thread of patience she had. "I appreciate both of you wanting to spend time with me," she said, her voice tight but controlled. "But—"

Stephanie interrupted again. "You don't need to feel guilty about taking some time to relax, Ayla. You've earned it."

Darcy wasn't backing down. "She shouldn't have to choose between us. I'm her mother, and I need to be with her."

Stephanie's face hardened slightly. "Well, flash news, Darcy. I'm her mother too. And you know what? Ayla's had a lot on her plate lately. Maybe what she needs is a little break, something light and fun, not more running around the city."

Darcy's eyes narrowed. "You think spending time with me is a burden to her? She's been running around for everyone else, why can't she have some time with her real mother?"

Ayla's heart began to race as she sensed the tension escalating. She tried to focus on Aurora, who was blissfully unaware, still playing with the ball.

Stephanie's voice grew colder. "I've been here for Ayla every day. I know what she needs right now. And it's certainly not more pressure."

"And I suppose you think you're the only one who understands her?" Darcy snapped back, her voice rising. "I may have just found her, but I am still her mother, and I deserve time with her too!"

"She's been with me all these years! I know her better than anyone!" Stephanie shot back, her voice laced with frustration.

Ayla felt a surge of anxiety and irritation bubbling up inside her. The constant tug-of-war was exhausting, and the peaceful moment she had been enjoying was rapidly unraveling.