Rachel's P-O-V

It's raw time! I watched few matches on the TV monitor after I had my victory speech in the opening slot. Nobody was scheduled to interfere as the wwe authority doubted my medical status and decided for no confrontation. I got a call from Hunter a minute ago who said he had my reports. He didn't reveal it but he would be here any moment now. I paced through the catering waiting for my fate. I hope things go well. Just then my careless self bumped into something..or someone..barely touching my knees.

I looked down concerned.

'Oh no! Sorry little one! I was just not looking.' I said to the little soul in front of me. She looked up at me without a word. She was 6 years old, perhaps,  with a sort of yellowish brown complexion, brown curly hairs held into a pony tail and she had big glossy eyes that were prettier than any beauty filter could ever try. But, did I scare her? I got to know.

'Did I scare you doll?' I said with a smile, holding her chin affectionately getting myself to her level. The girl looked into my eyes and shook her head.

I smiled at her. So adorable! Who is this girl?

'Oh! so...I didn't scare you, huh? Then, would you tell your name to your new friend?' I said childishly.

'Friend!' she exclaimed, frowning her beautiful eyes. I nodded.

'Yes, friends!' I said extending my hands towards her. She took it gleefully as her smile widened.

'So.. my name is Rachel. You can call me Rache. What's your's?' I asked.

'Joelle. My dad calls me Jojo.' She said. I giggled at the way she kind of blushed at the pet name.

'Wow! Both the names are so sweet...I must say..! But, what are you doing here Joelle?' I asked looking around in confusion.

Usually, the superstars or the wwe crew  don't bring their kinds in the locker room area and even if they do..they actually make sure the kids aren't off their sights..considering the big arena and security issues.

'I am…' she looked around too..'waiting for my father.' She said sadly.

'Your father! Who is your father?' I asked curiously

Joelle was about to say something bit before she could...

'Jojo! Sorry for being late bab..' a deep voice caught my attention and I turned around to see Roman Reigns. Of course, who didn't know Roman Reigns? Wwe's MVP at this moment. But, I've only talked to him once or twice and that too quite formally amongst others. I was close with his friend's Seth and Dean though. I stood up as I saw him. Is Joelle his daughter?

'Daddy!' Joelle squealed inexcitement and Roman smiled at her and sat on his knees.

'You're late Daddy!' Joelle said in a  complaining tone. 'I have been waiting for 100 hours.' She said and I coldn't help but giggle.

'That was just ten minutes dear and Daddy promises he would never be late again.' Roman said pinching his daughter's cheeks. The scene was so adorable as they hugged. Then, suddenly Joelle's eyes fell on me and she looked up.

'Daddy! Meet my new friend Rachel.' She said pointing to me. Roman looked around to me and I smiled at him. He smiled too.

'So, she's your friend Jojo?' Roman asked looking at Joelle.

'Yes, she said so.' Joelle said with delight. I walked to her and pinched her nose. 'Yes, we are good friends and Roman and you have got a really sweet daughter.' I said.

Roman stood up.

'Yes, I know that. I'm lucky to have her.' He said pulling the girl closer.

'Rachel! Mr. Levesque is already in the office.' Tim, a crew member informed me and I nodded.

'Okay little one. I've a meeting now. I got to go.' I said bending over to Joelle. 'I'll see you soon.' I said ruffling her hairs a bit. 'Bye.'

Joelle's face seem to drop.

'C'mon Jojo, say bye to Rachel.' Roman said holding his daughter's hand.

'Bye Rachel.' She said with a heavy heart. I smiled at her with a wave and walked towards Hunter's cabin.

30 minutes later

I got out of Hunter's cabin with tears all over my face. I tried to rub them but they just ran more. My world was dark and on the edge of the cliff. I went to the washroom and splashed some water on my face. Hunter's words hammered my mind.

'RACHEL MORRIS, THE REPORT SAYS YOU HAVE TWISTED YOUR KNEE TO ALMOST 60 DEGREES.'

'I GUESS THIS IS THE END OF YOUR WRESTLING CAREER.'

'WWE WOULD WAIT FOR THE DOCTOR'S ULTIMATE REPORT AND THEN PROCESS THINGS.'

'I'M AFRAID YOU NEED TO RELINQUISH YOUR TITLE NEXT WEEK.'

'NO EXTENSION OF CONTRACT…NO ADVANCES..I'M SORRY.'

I don't know what to do now. My career is over and I don't have any sustaining aid. Dad's treatment, Rena's education…all over. My head spun hard and I quickly walked to the bench in the hallway to grip a seat. I was over. I shook my head and more tears rolled. Suddenly, I felt a small hand on my shoulder. I looked uo to see Joelle looking keenly at me. Her eyes were so doodling.

'Are you crying Rachel?' she asked in a sympathetic tone. I quickly wiped my tears with my hand and shook my head. But, she looked at them curiously. Her eyes had something mysterious that I felt I couldn't lie to her. I don't know why I was feeling this submissive trait within me all of a sudden!

'Don't lie. I know you are hurt. Who hurt you?' she asked in loving tone, now placing both her little palms on both my shoulders. My eyes fell on her eyes again. Why do they look too glossy and angelic?

She blinked like a little doll and I pulled her into a hug.

'Nobody hurt me Joelle. I just injured myself.' I said hiding my face in her neck.

'Come with me. I have a gel that cures every pain.' She said innocently. I chuckled. I wish there was one such gel!

I cupped her cheeks and kissed her forehead.

'Come with me.' She said and pulled my hand, making me get up. I chuckled at the kid and followed.

'Where are we going Joelle?' I asked the girl who was making me run with her.

'To the Shield's room.' She said and finally stopped outside a locker. Oh no! My dried tears were already visible and Seth would be there too!

Joelle knocked the door with a firm grip on my hand. I wanted to escape but I didn't want to hurt her emotions either.

The door opened as Dean smiled at Joelle. His eyes fell on me and he was confused at first but then he smiled.

'Hey Joelle! Hey Rachel! Come on in.' he said opening the door for us. I've never been to men's locker room. I felt nervous. I walked in with Joelle as my aid.

'Where were you Jojo?' Roman asked and then his eyes fell oin me. 'Hey Rachel!' he said visibly confused to see me.

Just then the door of the washroom opened to reveal Seth Rollins. He seemed puzzled to see me.

'Hello Joelle and…good to see you here Rachel!' he said. He threw me a questioning look which only I could see.

'Hello guys.' I said awkwardly. Joelle then went to her father Roman and clung to him.

'Dad! My friend has hurt herself and she was crying. Can I take her to McDonald's?' she said sheepishly.

What?!

I almost felt like chuckling at her words even amidst the throbbing headache.

Roman looked at her in surprise, then looked at me and then back to her. I saw Seth surprised too.

'Uhm…Jojo actually….' Roman tried to say something but Seth interfered.

'Why was your friend crying?' Seth said with a serious and concerned look towards me.

'I'm fine. It was just then she thought I was hurt.' I lied. Seth raised his eyebrows.

'Daddy no. She was sad..really sad.  Please, let ms take her to McDonald's. It's been a while I've been to McDonald's.' Joelle said. Roman kept quiet for a while.

'Okay then. But, Daddy's got some work now. We all can go later.' Roman said cupping his daughter's face. I actually didn't know what to say.

'No. I want to go now.' Joelle said grabbing Roman's hand. 'You can join another day.'

Roman smiled and sat on his knees.

'Baby..if I don't join you, who'll get you home?' Roman said in a playful tone.

'Well.. I will.' Seth said. We all looked at him in shock. 'I mean I'm free and I know where to drop her.' Seth pointed. Roman quirked his eyebrows. 'Besides, Jojo seems quite excited about this thing..' he added sparing me a look that made my heart skip.

I knew his reason for this.

'Yeah…let's go Rachel. Uncle Seth's gonna join us too.' Joelle said looking at me excited and Seth smirked looking at me. I knew he was going because of me. But, I don't know if I was ready to face him with my harsh truth.

'Okay..fine...' Roman said after quite a hesitation.' But get home soon, okay.' Roman said kissing Joelle's forehead.

'Don't worry I'll make sure she's fine.' I said to Roman. I wonder why Joelle's mother isn't here! I really expected her to be here, or at least a call when her daughter is going out with people.

Roman smiled and nodded.

'Okay Dean! Get my jacket bro. I'll be at the car.' Seth said patting Dean's shoulder.

'What the…why me?' Dean said but then shook his head and went out for it.

I could not help but chuckle. Seth joined too.

'Okay then Jojo. Let's go.' Seth said. Joelle giggled and ran to grab Seth's hand. 'Bye dad!' she waved.

'Bye Jojo.' Roman said. Seth and Joelle went out. I saw Roman still tracing his daughter. He must be so attached to her.

'Bye Roman.' I said and turned to leave.

'Rachel!' I heard Roman's deep voice call. I turned back and saw him walk to me.

'Well..Jojo's a poor eater. Please look after her.' He said with a hesitant plead. That's probably because we haven't spoken much and it was quite surprising for him to let his daughter's responsibility on someone she just met.

'Don't worry Roman. I'll make sure she enjoys the food.' I said with a consoling smile. He smiled too.

'Thanks.' He said.

*****

So, that's another chapter.

Poor Rachel! ☹

Also, we have lovely Joelle 🥰

What do you think?

Shall I continue?