Broken Handcuffs [III]

ii.

Three days were spent exercising, wrestling and nights constantly hovering her finger over the green call button after inputting the therapist's number in so many times. Nicole just couldn't muster up enough courage to call and get an estimate with the doctor. Money was no issue, especially after the checks from the Women's War and "emotional distress" Vince insisted on. That package deal also came with a two month all expense paid vacation that Nikki surprisingly hasn't used yet. While Bri was at home with her baby girl Birdie (Nicole loved that little girl), Daniel and John were silently hovering over Nikki, hoping the woman would spill about the potential therapy.

Even though her and Alexa sorted things out, there were times Nikki still overdid a few moves and instead of Alexa complaining she just did the same. Nicole thought twice about bodyslamming the smaller one too hard when Lexi dropped her full 108 pounds into her stomach by way of the knees in Alexa's move Insult to Injury. She could've sworn one night she had the wind knocked out of her.

It was when Nikki was told that she'd be placed into a new rivalry that she finally called the therapist.

"Nicole, we've decided that we're pushing you into the title picture." And that was some of the best news she'd heard in her life, she now had an opportunity to become Smackdown Women's Champion for the first time. "Of course, you know who the current champion is." Nikki swore she felt her face heat up at the mention of her. "We know you and Carmella have a rocky relationship but we trust that you'll be professional in these matters." The rest of the meeting was a blur: a blur of memories unwanted, things that shouldn't have been said, done, and for the first time in ten months, Nicole found herself in a depressive state again.

She was in the parking lot, her wrestling gear and body covered in some rainbow throw-up blanket Bayley had lent to her from the trunk of her car. Successfully hidden behind the bustle and large production truck, she got to a quieter place in that bubble and dialed.

.....

"Hello, this is the office of Dr. Parrilla. Who am I speaking to?" A light cheery voice floated through, almost making Nikki gag at the sweetness. This doctor clearly wanted you to spend your money with them, and could possibly be the shittiest one there is. But because Brie recommended her, Nikki stayed on the line.

"Hi, I was interested in getting an estimate sometime soon? This is my first shot at solo therapy and I wanted to see if I could perhaps meet you in person."

"I'm sorry, I'm not the actual doctor! She stepped out to go get her son and won't be returning."

"Then why are you open?" Nikki snapped and immediately recoiled at the harsh tone.

"The office is still open for people like yourself wanting an estimate and other questions you may have. The closest time for a possible walk-in is actually.... Saturday at 2 PM. I can reserve this and you get up to three hours free of charge, courtesy of the doctor. Will that be fine?" Three hours was an actual session, and although Nicole was still on the fence about therapy in general, maybe these three hours could be that deciding factor for her. Plus it was free.

"Sure, you can."

"That's great to hear! May I have your name and number please?"

"Nicole Colace, this is my personal number." The wrestler looked around to make sure there were no prying eyes or loose lipped coworkers. Websites like Diva Dirt got their "sources" from somewhere and honestly, not every signed wrestler gets paid like John Cena or even herself.

"Okay Ms. Colace, I have you set up for a free walk-in consultation on Saturday at 2 in the afternoon. Any more questions for me?"

"No, thank you."