Meeting the Friends

47 0 0
                                    

The warm sun beamed down on the crystal-clear waters of a tropical island, where the rhythmic sound of waves gently lapping at the shore created the perfect soundtrack to a much-needed escape. Bayley and Jade were lounging on sunbeds, sipping drinks with little umbrellas in them, both completely at peace after a whirlwind year. Their vacation had been everything they'd hoped for—long walks on the beach, lazy afternoons by the pool, and quiet nights under the stars.

But today was special.

Today, they were meeting up with Bayley's closest friends—Charlotte, Becky, and Mercedes. It had been a while since they'd all had the chance to be together. Between wrestling schedules, travel, and life in general, their paths hadn't crossed as much as they'd have liked. But this reunion felt long overdue, and Bayley couldn't wait to introduce Jade to the women who had been by her side through some of the biggest moments of her life.

"I still can't believe they're all coming here," Bayley said, adjusting her sunglasses as she glanced over at Jade. "It feels like forever since we've all been in the same place."

Jade smiled, placing her hand on Bayley's. "You talk about them so much, I feel like I already know them. It'll be nice to finally meet the people who've seen you through it all."

Bayley grinned, a mix of excitement and nostalgia flooding her. "Yeah, they're more than friends. They're like family."

Just as she spoke, a distant voice cut through the air. "There she is! The big champ!"

Bayley turned toward the voice, her face lighting up. Charging down the beach, looking effortlessly glamorous in a flowy dress and oversized sunglasses, was Charlotte Flair. Her long blonde hair flowed behind her as she waved enthusiastically. Behind her, Becky Lynch strolled with a confident grin, her fiery red hair unmistakable against the bright beach backdrop. And finally, Mercedes Moné—better known to fans as Sasha Banks—was bringing up the rear, her blue-tinted hair catching the sunlight as she walked with her signature swagger.

Bayley stood up, a wide smile spreading across her face. "There they are!"

The group collided in a flurry of hugs, laughter, and excitement. Even though they'd kept in touch through texts and calls, nothing compared to being together in person.

"Girl, you look amazing," Mercedes said, pulling back from their hug to give Bayley a once-over. "That WrestleMania match? I've never been prouder. You killed it!"

Bayley beamed. "Thanks, but you know I had to pull out all the stops. Had to make sure the fans didn't forget me."

Charlotte rolled her eyes playfully. "As if anyone could forget you. Please."

Becky laughed, giving Bayley a light punch on the shoulder. "Yeah, and now you've got a vacation in paradise. Honestly, I'm jealous."

Jade watched the reunion unfold with a warm smile. She had heard so much about these women—the stories of their ups and downs, their victories and challenges. And seeing them now, she could tell just how much they meant to Bayley. They shared a bond that went beyond wrestling; they had been through the trenches together, fought battles both inside and outside the ring, and supported each other through it all.

Bayley finally turned back to Jade and waved her over. "Guys, this is Jade."

Jade walked up with a smile and waved shyly. "Hi, it's so great to finally meet you all. Bayley talks about you non-stop."

Charlotte was the first to step forward, extending her hand with a warm smile. "The infamous Jade! It's great to meet you. Bayley's been absolutely glowing since you two got together."

Jade laughed, shaking Charlotte's hand. "Well, I could say the same for her. She's pretty amazing."

Becky crossed her arms and gave a knowing look. "If she's putting up with this one"—she gestured toward Bayley with a grin—"then she must be a saint."

Mercedes smirked, nudging Bayley with her elbow. "You're lucky, Bay. Jade seems like a keeper."

Bayley blushed, wrapping an arm around Jade's waist. "Trust me, I know."

As the group settled into a spot on the beach, the conversation flowed easily. They talked about everything—Bayley's recovery, Jade's work at the hospital, and the hectic lives of WWE Superstars. There was a lot of laughter, especially when Charlotte told stories of their early days on the road, the wild pranks they used to pull on each other, and the countless hours they spent traveling from city to city.

"Remember that time we all had to cram into that tiny hotel room because the booking got messed up?" Mercedes said, her voice full of amusement. "We were practically sleeping on top of each other."

Becky laughed loudly, wiping away a tear. "Oh my God, I remember that! And Bayley kept complaining about my snoring!"

"I was just stating facts!" Bayley protested with a grin. "You snore like a chainsaw."

The friends continued to reminisce, their voices filled with affection and warmth. Jade listened intently, feeling like she was part of something special. These women had a history together, a connection that went beyond the glitz and glamour of their careers. It was about loyalty, trust, and the shared understanding that they had each other's backs, no matter what.

At some point, the conversation shifted toward the future.

"So, what's next for you, Bay?" Charlotte asked, taking a sip of her drink. "Now that you've reclaimed your spot, any big plans?"

Bayley glanced at Jade, her expression softening. "Honestly? I'm just enjoying the ride right now. I love wrestling, but I also want to focus on life outside the ring, too. Jade and I are planning to travel more, spend time together, and just... live."

Jade squeezed Bayley's hand, her heart warming at the thought. They had both been so focused on their careers, but now, they were finding time to build something together—something lasting.

Mercedes raised an eyebrow. "Does that mean we're going to lose you to the 'normal life' soon?"

Bayley shook her head with a laugh. "Not yet. I'll still be in the ring. But I'm learning that it's okay to step back sometimes and take care of myself, you know?"

Becky nodded, her expression turning thoughtful. "That's important. We all get caught up in the grind, but life's short. Gotta make the most of the moments we get."

The group fell into a comfortable silence for a moment, the sound of the waves filling the space between them. They were all thinking the same thing—about how far they had come, and how much they still had to look forward to.

Charlotte leaned back in her chair, looking content. "Well, whatever you decide, we'll always be here. You know that, right?"

Bayley smiled, her heart full. "Yeah, I know. You guys are stuck with me."

The rest of the day was filled with laughter, teasing, and more stories—just a group of friends enjoying a rare moment of calm in their hectic lives. As the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the beach, Bayley realized just how lucky she was. She had a career she loved, friends who were more like family, and a partner who made her world brighter.

And for the first time in a long time, Bayley felt like she truly had it all.

HEALING HANDS (Bayley x OC)Where stories live. Discover now