Relief

Chapter Seven

Katelyn's POV

Today was my last day on the road, the TLC PPV. Don't get me wrong, I love my job, but I love my family more, so the only logical thing to do was leave WWE. By the time we got to the arena, backstage was empty. Drew dropped our bags off and insisted that we headed to catering for some food. Everyone had gathered in catering for a small party for me, a banner pinned to the wall reading 'We'll miss you Katelyn' and pictures of me with all my friends that I'd made. Naturally I started crying, ruining my make-up. I was pulled out of Drew's arms and into Alexa's.
'Girl, I am gonna miss you so much,' she gushed.
'You're always welcome to come and visit when you're not on the road, ' I said to her. Alexa had become a pretty good friend. She was the first person who I fully bonded with, apart from Austin. 'Besides, AJ needs his fairy Godmother to take him to Disney.' She squealed. That was one of the things that made us become such good friends, our mutual love of Disney. And music. Seth and Becky muscled in on me.
'I'm gonna miss you so much,' Becky blubbed.
'Jesus, you're all acting like I'm moving to the moon or something,' I joked. 'I don't want to do this, but I have to.' There was a chorus of 'speech' from the gang. I held my hand up to silence them all. 'Now, I've not had the easiest time here, but I wouldn't change it for the world. I've made some lifelong friends and me leaving means that I can concentrate on being the best mum and wife I can be. I'm going to finish my degree in fashion design from home and maybe I can work on some new ring gear for some of you. But for now, this is what's best for me and my family. We also have Randy's trial coming up and I'm gonna need all the help and support I can get from you guys. I'm gonna go before I start to blub like a baby. I'm gonna miss each and every one of you, thank you all so much for bringing me into this chaotic family. I love you all.' I buried my face into Drew's chest as everyone cheered and toasted to my future.

Later that night, I made my way to the ring, where Renee was waiting to do an interview with her on the pre-show. The WWE Universe had no idea about the announcement that I was going to make. I stepped into the ring for the last time and was handed a microphone by a ring tech. Renee hugged me, choking back tears. She was ever the professional.
'So, Katelyn, ' she began as we sat on the stools put out for us. 'You requested this interview with me tonight, saying you had a big scoop. Wanna elaborate?' I cleared my throat.
'As you all know, life has been pretty hectic for me in the 19 months I've been here. Drew and I got married, had a baby had a miscarriage and I was attacked on 2 seperate occasions by 2 different men. Tonight I officially announce that I am leaving WWE, for the safety of myself and my family.' The crowd started a 'no' chant. 'Guys, trust me when I say that I don't like this idea as much as you do, but when your 6foot 7inch tall husband and 7 foot tall best friend can't keep you safe, you have no choice but to take yourself out of the situation. Who knows, maybe I'll be back at some point, but for now, I'm going to go home and spend time with my son and finish my degree from 10 years ago.'
'Wow, Katelyn, I was not expecting that. What prompted this decision?'
'It was an easy one in the end. At first Drew and I fought, a lot, but then I started to see his point. He was trying to keep me safe.'
'It's been well documented that you've had a lot of health problems, did that have any influence on your decision?'
'Kinda. I mean, I wake up every morning feeling like I've been run over by a train. Some days it takes a handful of painkillers just to get me out of bed, but I manage to put on a brave face and come to work. I can't wait to be able to stop hiding behind a smile and pretending that everything is okay.'
'We have some messages from people who couldn't be here tonight.' Renee pointed up to the titantron. The first message popped up.
'Hey doll face ,' Sheamus said. 'Sorry I can't be with you tonight. I can't believe you're leaving. Hopefully you'll feel safe enough to come back soon. Gonna miss ya. Keep doing you girl. Sending lots of love.' The next message began to play and the audience went crazy.
'Hey momma,' came Joe's voice. I stared at the screen, blinking back tears. 'I just wanna say that I miss you and can't wait to hang with you when you get home. I'm sad that you're leaving before Drew and I can do battle again, but I get why you're leaving. I'll have the coffee brewing for when you get home. Love you lots.'
Next came Drew, even though he was sat backstage, AJ sat on his lap.
'Katelyn, it amazes me every day just how strong you are, maybe even stronger than Braun. I wouldn't change a single thing that has happened because it has made us grow stronger both as a couple and as individuals. I love you and I'm going to make you a promise right now. If I win a world title in the next 12 months, you can come back and reprise you role as my manager. We love you princess.' Drew held up AJ to show the t-shirt he was wearing, which read 'My momma is the best.' 'I have a surprise for you when we get home tomorrow. I hope you like it. For now, there is one more person who wants to say goodbye...' What happened next I was not expecting at all.
'SHOCK THE SYSTEM,' played throughout the arena. I looked to the curtain, but nobody was there. Somebody tapped me on the shoulder.
'AUSTIN!' I squealed, forgetting that I was meant to be in character. I jumped up and hugged him. 'What are you doing here?' I said into his ear as we hugged.
'You think I was gonna miss your retirement? Not a chance. Besides, I have a little bit of business to deal with whilst here.' We both pulled away and Drew's music hit. He walked out looking pissed.
'Well if it isn't Adam freakin' Cole. Didn't I warn you before about keeping your hands off my wife?' Austin grabbed the mic from Renee as she ushered me out of the ring.
'Oh, McIntyre, it must make you feel so good to know the entire male locker room wants to bang your wife. I know I would, given half a chance.' Drew stopped beside me, gave me a chaste kiss and climbed up onto the apron.
'Shut your mouth, Cole, or I'll shut it for you.'
'You don't have the balls anymore. Since you came to Raw, you've become complacent. Who'd have thought that The Scottish Psychopath would've gone soft? Tell me Kate, does he have the same problem in the bedroom?' I simply glared at him, playing my role perfectly.
'How about this Cole? You and me, TLC match tonight?' Drew issued the challenge to Austin. The crowd went wild.
'I didn't come here to fight you tonight. I came here to let you know that you will be in for the fight of your life because I'm gonna take your family away from you. And there's not a damn thing you can do about it.' Renee pulled me further up the ramp as Drew climbed between the ropes and hit Austin with a Claymore kick.
'Don't you ever think about coming near my wife and son because next time I will Claymore your bloody head off.' Drew threw the mic onto the canvas and climbed out of the ring. He grabbed my hand and led me backstage. Austin came through the curtain a few minutes later.
'You guys were awesome out there,' Vince said, clapping Drew and Austin on the shoulder. 'Katelyn, I want to thank you for all your effort these last 18 months. I know it hasn't been easy for you, but you made it through. Just know that you will always be a part of the WWE family and if and when the time comes, you will always have a job here too.'