HEALING HANDS (Bayley x OC)

Rekindled Sparks

Jade stood in front of the mirror in the locker room, adjusting the laces on her wrestling boots. The hum of the arena outside vibrated through the walls, and she felt the familiar twinge of excitement she hadn't experienced in years. She had come full circle, stepping back into the world she once left behind. A world that had always held a special place in her heart.

It had been a whirlwind few months since her medical career was upended by the plagiarism scandal. After losing her job, Jade had felt lost, questioning her place in the world. But Bayley, as always, had been there to guide her toward a different path. The suggestion that Jade return to wrestling had initially seemed absurd—she hadn't been in a ring since college. But as the idea marinated, it started to feel like more than just a fallback. It felt like destiny.

Now, Jade was preparing for her first major match in over a decade. Her nerves were electric, the kind of nervous energy she used to thrive on in the operating room. Only this time, the stakes were different. The crowd was different. The roar outside grew louder, and she could feel the pulse of the audience from her place behind the curtain.

As she finished tying her boots, the door to the locker room swung open, and in walked Bayley, along with two familiar faces—Charlotte and Becky.

"Ready to go out there and show them what you're made of?" Charlotte asked with a confident smile.

Jade looked up, her reflection catching the glint of excitement in her own eyes. "I think so," she replied, standing up and brushing off her gear.

"You've got this," Becky added, stepping forward to give Jade a playful punch on the arm. "You've always had it."

"I just hope I'm not too rusty," Jade admitted, her voice tinged with a hint of doubt.

Bayley shook her head, crossing the room to stand beside her. "You're going to kill it out there. Just remember why you're doing this. You belong in that ring, Jade."

Jade smiled at Bayley, her partner's unwavering faith giving her the strength she needed. She had always admired Bayley's passion and resilience, and now, standing on the edge of something new, she understood that same fire within herself.

Just as Jade was about to respond, another familiar face appeared in the doorway, someone Jade hadn't seen in years—Saraya, the former WWE Superstar Paige, who had paved the way for women like Jade and Bayley. Saraya's eyes lit up when she saw Jade, and a wide grin spread across her face.

"Look at you!" Saraya exclaimed, walking into the room and wrapping Jade in a tight hug. "I can't believe you're back in this world!"

Jade laughed, hugging her back, her heart swelling at the sight of her old friend. "It's been a long time," she said, pulling away to get a good look at Saraya. "You look great."

"You too!" Saraya said, stepping back with a beaming smile. "I heard the news and had to come see it for myself. Never thought I'd see Jade Storm back in a wrestling ring."

"Neither did I," Jade replied with a chuckle. "Life's funny that way."

Saraya glanced around at the others before turning her full attention back to Jade. "We need to catch up—it's been what, ten years?"

"At least," Jade said with a nod, the memories flooding back. "A lot's changed since then."

Saraya's expression softened. "Yeah, tell me about it."

As Charlotte and Becky excused themselves to give the two old friends some space, Jade and Saraya found themselves caught up in a long-overdue conversation. They talked about everything—the highs and lows of their careers, the unexpected twists that life had thrown at them, and the shared struggles they had faced, both in and out of the ring.

"I heard about the hospital stuff," Saraya said after a while, her tone serious but filled with understanding. "I'm sorry you had to go through that."

Jade nodded, taking a deep breath. "It was tough, but honestly... I think I needed it. It made me realize that maybe I wasn't as happy as I thought I was. Wrestling was always my first love, and it feels good to be back."

Saraya smiled warmly. "Well, the ring missed you. And so did I."

Jade grinned. "I missed you too. It's crazy to think how different everything is now, but it feels... right, you know?"

Saraya nodded. "I do. And I'm proud of you, Jade. Coming back like this, it's brave."

Jade looked down at her wrestling boots, the weight of Saraya's words settling in. "Thanks. I just hope I can live up to it."

"You will," Saraya said with certainty. "You've got more fight in you than anyone I know."

Jade smiled, her heart lighter than it had been in a long time. For the first time in years, she felt like she was exactly where she was meant to be.

As the call time for her match drew closer, Saraya gave Jade one last hug and a wink. "Go out there and show them who you are. I'll be watching."

Jade nodded, feeling more ready than ever. The roar of the crowd grew louder, and with her friends' support, Jade stepped toward the curtain, ready to embrace her new beginning.

As the arena lights dimmed and her entrance music began to play, Jade took a deep breath. She was no longer Dr. Jade Storm, the renowned surgeon. She was Jade Storm, the wrestler. And she was about to prove to the world—and to herself—that she still had what it took to shine.

With a final glance over her shoulder at Bayley, who gave her an encouraging nod, Jade stepped through the curtain and into the spotlight, her heart pounding in anticipation. The roar of the crowd hit her like a wave, and for the first time in a long time, she felt truly alive.

This was her moment. This was her comeback. And nothing could stop her now.