Broken Handcuffs [III]

xxv.

How would Paige describe Leah?

They were as complicated as complicated could be.

Yeah. That complicated.

At first there was the whole, you're-attacking-my-best-friend's-girlfriend-and-fucking-everyone-else-over-in-the-process thing, but Leah had caught Paige on an off day and things changed, at least from where Saraya was.

<<< should I say this is a flashback because it is >>>

"I always manage to find you somewhere isolated from everyone else." Leah was most likely headed home from a successful night of chaos on RAW, bag slung over her shoulder and she was dressed in casual clothes with her blonde hair in a high Ariana Grande-esque ponytail.

"Cameras are off. Leave me alone." And that was all Paige needed to say for Carmella to do the exact opposite. "Ugh! What is with you and irritating people?! What part of leave—" Leah shut her up by putting a lollipop in her mouth. It was grape, most definitely a Blow Pop. Why did she have one on command like that? Pretty soon Carmella had one in her mouth too, the color green and Paige wished she'd gotten the green apple instead.

"My brother used to tell me that when things were going bitter or sour in your life, to eat something sweet."

Paige kept the sucker in her mouth, "What's the logic?"

"You know how certain things can leave a bitter taste in your mouth? Putting something sweet can reverse it. If your atmosphere can affect your taste, then change the taste. Change the taste, you change your atmosphere too." Leah shrugged, "He taught me that when we were kids so it sounds dumb, but it's never failed me yet."

Saraya looked over at Leah, the woman looking off into space next to her. "I really wanted green apple."

"And I want to be free, but we can't have everything, now can we?"

"Be free?" Paige's interest was sparked. "What does that mean?"

"It means to mind your business," and just like that the walls shot right back up around Leah, clothing her in the arrogance of Carmella. "I didn't ask what had you in such a mood earlier."

"You could've. I would've told you." Leah looked over to confirm Saraya's sincerity of the statement and was visibly surprised when it was true. She looked away before getting up. "Thanks for the lolly. And if you want to talk to me about anything, I'm here. I at least owe you that for being here with me."

<<< flashback fin. >>>

While the war was kicking into its highest gear, Paige and Carmella were still on opposite sides while Saraya and Leah were getting closer and closer. They met in private, watched movies and laughed together then met on RAW and kicked the shit out of each other. It was weird but it was something they got used to. Leah didn't disclose much personal information to Saraya, especially not in the context of the "freedom" she wanted. It drove her mad with questions but she kept her space which was something Leah respected a lot.

It took a phone call while Leah was in the shower for Saraya to finally realize the burden Leah was carrying.

<<< flashback start >>>

With Leah gone in the shower, Paige was left alone in her room when Carmella's phone rang. It was the first time she'd left her phone outside and Paige didn't think much of the number and answered. Before she could even clarify that it wasn't Carmella, the other voice began to speak.