Takeover

Chapter 16: A Storm Is Coming

Cammi and Cassidy pulled into the parking lot of the arena where SmackDown would be held in later that night. Cammi, the designated driver, turned the ignition off and undid her seatbelt with one hand. Returning it back to the wheel, Cammi took in a slow breath and let it out just as slow. Cassidy looked at her with a curious eye, but made no effort to move or to even question it. She knew what was on Cammi's mind. Cassidy reached up to touch her own lip. With a gentle caress of her thumb, circling the the bruised area that looked much better than the previous night, Cassidy slightly cringed at the touch. The injury was still tender. Cammi took notice. Her head snapped in Cassidy's direction, giving her a look that was swirling with a range of different emotions: anger, concern, guilt. Cassidy closed her eyes and leaned back into her seat.

"Cammi..." Cassidy began. "Don't."

"Don't what?" Cammi responded with an apathetic tone, acting as if she didn't know what her friend was talking about.

"Don't... look at me like that." Cassidy pleaded.

"Like what?"

"Like I'm some poor sick little puppy. I'm fine."

"You're not fine. Your lip is busted."

"It's not like it hasn't been busted before. We've both gone through worse and you know that."

"Yeah, but when did you ever get injured for being cocky or for me not being there in time when you needed me." There was anger surrounding every word Cammi just said. When she didnt blame Cassidy, she blamed herself. Even when Cassidy was out there making mistakes or overdoing it or something, Cammi figured it was her job to keep her partner, her best firend, safe. She failed to do that the other day.

"Don't go blaming yourself now." Cassidy quickly interjected.

Cammi stayed silent.

"Cam."

"Why didn't you just tag me in?"

"We've been through this before..."

"I just find it funny that you don't want me to treat you like a wounded animal but then you go and treat me like I'm one."

"I didn't say..."

"You didn't have to. I know you think I'm weak..."

"Cam."

"No just stop it! I don't want you to go out there and act like you're some sort of machine that can't get hurt and can't rely on me. I want to be there for you and I can't do that if you treat me-- treat me like a child."

"Alright. I won't."Cassidy said simply. Cammi didn't believe her words.

"Cas."

"I won't. I promise. We've made enough of a statement these last few days. We can just take today to scout out other girls and see what they're up to. Okay?" This time, Cassidy words were more genuine. It wade Cammi feel better. Comforted.

"Okay." Cammi smiled at Cassidy, happy that they can still make some sort of impact backstage without putting Cassidy in any immediate harm. For the time being, Cammi just wanted Cassidy to heal up and rest and be ready for when the time came for them to really unleash some havoc on the division. Cassidy undid her seatbelt and opened her door. Both girls got out of the car and brought their luggage with them. They agreed that it would only be in case of an emergency appearance or something they needed to make. Either way, they brought it with them.

Walking past a crowd of fans waiting to see who would come into the area next, Cammi and Cassidy walked their way into the building. Neither one acknowledged the screaming crowd no matter how much both really really wanted to run up to them and embrace them. They knew that showing a soft spot, even to fans, would make them look weak. Not long before entering, both girls were graced with the sound of a very annoyed and extremely ticked off voice.