#drew and isla

[honeybeehimbowrites]

@mysteriousxgirls | continued from here

Drew rolled his eyes at Isla's dramatism, he bet that she was the type of actress who would make her assistant go on the other side of town to get her something and then when her assistant returns she didn't want it anymore. "Well, we know you're not winning any Oscars with this performance of acting like you're in love." Drew said with gritted teeth, trying to pretend on the outside that he was having a good time, but it was hard. "Racoons? I don't think they allow racoons in whatever gated community you live in." Drew said with a scoff, he was so over this. Drew tried to casually look around, he knew the paparazzi had been tipped off, his management made sure of that. And he also knew what they wanted by the end of this dinner date. A kiss before they separated. Well he would let Isla take the lead on that, she was the actress after all. "So are all your relationships like this or am I just special?" he wondered if she actually dated, or this was just her status quo, fake relationship after fake relationship. Drew honestly wanted to quit music when they first suggested he do this.

[honeybeehimbowrites]

It was hard not to notice when the blonde left the party, something about the mood that changed when she wasn't there. Drew was pretty tired, but he felt mostly satiated, he lived for the music and everything was going right. Still there was a part of him that wanted more and that terrified him. After a few minutes Drew followed the blonde outside and it didn't take long for her to know he was there. Drew licked his lips, an amused smile appeared on his face "That depends, you mind sharing the spotlight?" Drew teased as he leaned on the balcony railing and looked over at the blonde. "I don't know if I'm trying to impress someone." Drew simply stated. "Out there." he admitted as he turned towards Isla, taking her in. She looked way too good for him to be worthy of her, still here they were playing this game. It was a battle of wills at this point and Drew didn't know how long he would be able to hold back. "I'm not really the groupie type." he quipped with a little knowing smile, amused at his own joke. The butterflies at the pit of his stomach was intense, it had gotten so bad that during concerts when he was playing he couldn't tell if it was nerves or it was just what he felt when he watched her perform.

closed starter for @honeybeehimbowrites!

The bassline from the party happening inside still thrummed faintly through the balcony doors. Everything was softer out here, the city muffled by the altitude, the air cool and Isla's mind wasn't racing as much as it usually was. She was exhausted, her body tired and worn but there was a fire inside of her that wouldn't let her rest, even after the concert they had just put on. She rested her back against the railing, the alcohol swirling through her system and the haze of the weed blurring lines of reality and fantasy. A fantasy she only thought of when he was around. "You looked like you were having a moment with that solo tonight. Should I be jealous?" It was a harmless, playful little quip, but by now it was probably obvious she had been teetering the line of keeping things professional and personal for a while now. Even though he wasn't hers and she wasn't his, Isla caught herself imagining what it would be like if he was and how damn jealous she'd be of just about everything, too. Not the best look, but she owed a lot of it to the longing and the cat and mouse game they had going on. "You always play like you’ve got something to prove. Makes me wonder who you’re trying to impress out there."

[dynamitekansai]

WWE RAW (AUGUST 19, 2024)

[leviiackrman]

DARCY MORGAN - Red Dead Redemption [full colour]

more art || character page || commissions

Tag list (ask to be added or removed): @carrionsflower @statichvm @risingsh0t @simonxriley @tommyarashikage @kanos @bbrocklesnar @confidentandgood @unholymilf @florbelles @thedeadthree @shellibisshe @roofgeese @aezyrraeshh @faerune @tekehu @jackiesarch @minaharkers @sergeiravenov @carlosoliveiraa @rosenfey @greenecreek @queennymeria @heroofpenamstan @alexxmason @tethrras @jamessunderlandgf @a-treides @solasan @bigbywlf @delzinrowe @fenharel @imogenkol

[butch-enjoyer-omo]

"Lips on the lid, love"

Taj! Wanted to capture her big sopping wet puppy eyes. From @twinkleomorashi 's Camp Counselor Omo Collection I've reread this scene at least 4 separate times.

[liquidfisch]

Bash in Berlin

[the-wrestling-cave]

WWE Bash in Berlin pack 3

[bijouxcarys]

𝐌𝐲 𝐔𝐧𝐟𝐢𝐥𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐡 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒

**SPOILERS AHEAD, don't be that dick that complains about spoilers when there's a clear warning, and it's been 2 whole days since the event**

All these opinions are my own, and some may not be popular, and most will be controversial in essence. Probably. Maybe I'm just not used to people agreeing with me?

I was so excited for this PLE, and the fact that it was held in Scotland. I'm not Scottish, but I do live in Northern England, which is the closest I've ever been to a WWE PLE.

On the run-up to CATC, these were my predictions:

Cody Rhodes d. AJ Styles Bianca Belair & Jade Cargill d. Alba Fyre & Isla Dawn and Shayna Baszler & Zoe Stark Sami Zayn d. Chad Gable Bayley d. Piper Niven Drew McIntyre d. Damien Priest

We'll go chronologically...

Cody Rhodes vs AJ Styles - "I Quit" Match

I'm a realist when it comes to things like this, so I knew that AJ wasn't going to win the championship. However, that doesn't deter from the fact that I wanted him to win so badly.

If you follow me or know me, you'll know my stance on Cody Rhodes... I hate him. I used to really like him, but as soon as he won the 2024 Royal Rumble, he became really tedious to me. Sure, he's a good athlete. But you have to be to make it in WWE. I truly don't understand the hype he got in Scotland, or the hype he gets in general. His "reign" is embarrassing, and so weak coming off the back of Roman Reigns' title run. I don't like the way he holds the belt, I don't like how arrogant he is. And I especially don't like the saviour complex and the "good guy" image he tries so hard to protect and project, when he was quite happy to see his fanbase verbally brutalise another (that's not even mentioning the race-themed insults...)

Anyway, the press event on the Friday solidified how annoying he is to me. The crowd surf? So unneccessary. It was like you could sense the raging hard-on he was getting from the fan's reactions to him being in their presence. There's a way to appreciate support without being a dick.

I enjoyed seeing AJ beat the crap out of Cody, despite the fact I knew that he wasn't going to win. And I actually agree with the fact he didn't win; as much as I love AJ, that title needs to be taken from Cody by someone who's a lot bigger than him. After all, the reason why Cody's win over Roman at WMXL worked was because of the long-form storytelling and the feud that slowly built between them. That, and it was time for Roman to move on to bigger and better things than Cody bloody Rhodes. Believe that.

Also yes I fucking screamed when Solo made his appearence, and then the boys, I'm--

Bianca Belair & Jade Cargill vs. Shayna Baszler & Zoe Stark vs. Alba Fyre & Isla Dawn - Triple Threat Tag Team Match

I have a fair amount of followers/people I'm following who love Jade and Bianca. I understand it. And I 1000% agree with anyone who says Bianca is a phenomenal athlete and has brought a lot for the WWE. I can see Jade's potential, though I'm not entirely sure she's ready to handle anything more than a Tag Team Championship just yet.

I know a lot of people disagree with the outcome of this match, and I can't say that I fully understand why it panned out the way it did. I can only guess that it was the necessity to have at least one Scottish opponent win during a PLE in Scotland.

Bianca and Jade not winning this match is a positive for them, in my opinion. It gives Jade a chance to perhaps develop her presence as a solo performer and athlete, now that Bianca has helped with her exposure to the masses. I'm interested in where they plan to take the two of them as characters and how they evolve in the future... potential enemies? Can't say for certain just yet, but their reaction to the loss was significant and will mean more than we realise as of right now.

That being said, I have the utmost respect for Alba for getting through this, considering what she's had to deal with recently. Losing your mum in such a tragic way is devestating, and I commend her for her strength and ability.

I like Alba and Isla a lot, and I'm hoping that we see more of them in the future now that they have the championship. They deserve a bit of a push.

However, I have to say that I really wanted Shayna and Zoe to win this one. They're a badass tag team, and the crowd's chant of "Shayna scares me" had me rollinggggg!

Sami Zayn vs. Chad Gable

I don't have that much to say about this match. If they chose to take the title from Sami, it would just be weird. To me, anyways.

What I do find wholesome about this whole story is Otis and Maxine. How they're under the manipulative guise of a heel, and Sami sees right through it. Sami harbours no ill feelings towards Chad's subjects, and shows compassion to Otis in particular. Otis' development and personal growth is showing, and I'm so excited for what they're going to do with him in the future.

In regards to the match itself, I don't think anyone can say it was a bad match, or a boring one for that matter. People often forget just how incredible of a wrestler and athlete Sami Zayn is, and mostly remember him as the "Ucey" guy. And whilst I love comedic Sami, I adore the version of Sami we have currently. The hard-hitter, the no-bullshit fiery warrior. Gah!

All in all, in terms of the actual wrestling, this was my favourite match of the night. It was the most entertaining and most satisfying as a viewer.

Bayley vs. Piper Niven

Oh Piper...

I love both of these women to pieces, and it must have been so cool for Bayley to go out there on her birthday and have people acknowledge that.

I always enjoy Piper and Bayley when they're in the ring, together and separately. I still maintain that Bayley and Iyo's match at WMXL was the best of the whole weekend. Bayley's transformation over the last 5 years has been nothing short of entertaining and I love seeing her flourish with the championship.

Piper Niven has one of the strongest willpowers I've ever seen, and it shows in the way she conducts herself in the ring. I would have liked to see either of these win the match, however, I wouldn't have necessarily agreed if Piper did win.

Personally, I think Bayley needs to keep the title a little longer before it's taken from her, and Piper needs to be put in big matches like these for a little longer until she takes a title like that. Like I said with Cody vs. Roman, it's about the build up that makes a win credible, or satisfying.

Chelsea is growing on me, too. She's incredibly funny and talented, and I wish they pushed her a bit more. She's got a huge personality and has the potential to be a lot bigger of a star.

Drew McIntyre vs. Damien Priest

Where's the *sigh* button?

I recently started reading Drew's autobiography so watching Drew have such incredible moments over the weekend only 30 minutes from his hometown hit me a little harder than it should have. And yes, I did tear up at the simple prospect of Drew winning.... Imagine if he did?

Drew is up there in my top 5 favourite wrestlers of all time, and Damien is in The Judgement Day, which is my second favourite faction (after The Bloodline ofc), so deciding who I wanted to win was a very difficult decision. I was positive that they were going to give Drew this win, purely with it being in Scotland, and that the build up has been weighty enough for it to pay off in a win. But the fact that Hunter has chosen to take the other path... makes me nervous for what he does have up his sleeve for Drew.

I was disappointed that CM Punk decided to pop in and fuck everything up (again), but after a while I started to think about it a bit more... It wouldn't have actually made sense for Drew to win this match. And I'll tell you why.

Unless I'm mistaken, the Heavyweight Champion will go on to face Gunther at Summerslam, right? Why would Drew be needing to face Gunther? Surely the only person that it would make sense for Drew to be fighting right now is Punk! Damien has found himself in a situation where he's not involved in the feud between Drew and Punk; he isn't involved in any of that. So Damien vs. Gunther makes more sense, and it allows that space for a Drew McIntyre vs. CM Punk match at Summerslam, or any other PLE.

Not only that, but Damien needs to keep a championship, otherwise Mami has a completely broken faction to return to. Between Finn and Damien's tension, and Dom's predicaments with Liv, a titleless faction is not something they need at the moment.

So, yes, I'm sad for Drew that he didn't get to have his moment in his home country, but it absolutely makes more sense for Damien to win and for the tension between Punk and Drew to intensify... Once again... long-form storytelling always pays off in the end. I'm confident Drew will get a title in the future, and keep it. He really deserves that. And I can only hope that Hunter sees that.

Hunter may not always make the best decisions, or what may seem like it at the time, but he's been in the game (hehe) long enough... I have faith in him that he knows what he's doing and he's got some good stuff lined up for us.

[lulu2992]

Inktober 2023, Day 5: Map.

Very old and made for tourists… but still useful.

[prowrestlingindustrialcomplex]

Y’all, I think Drew’s been doing witchcraft with Alba Fyre and Isla Dawn lately. Those are some strong ass “prayers”. 👀🧙🏽

[iconicpromo]

Do you have what it takes to be ICONIC?

Then @iconicrp​​ is the place for you! We’re a longstanding RP group that has plenty of  popular roles still available and also accepts OCs, so check us out and  join in the fun!

Taken | Message | Apply

[theuntitledblog]

WWE Clash at the Castle (2024) - REVIEW

WWE's third UK PPV event in recent years is an interesting one. The card for me wasn't quite exciting as the previous Clash in 2022 nor did it quite compare as either Backlash or King and Queen of the Ring during the last couple of months. What I did like was that the event offered opportunities for newer talent to stand out such as Piper Niven, Alba Fyre, Isla Dawn and most of all, Damian Priest. Priest in particular may not necessarily be new but this was his first main event showing against a proven main event star and it offered an opportunity for him to finally click as World Champion.

I did not like the result of the main event on Clash at the Castle in 2022, I felt McIntyre should've gone over but it was an event overall that provided quality matches and surprising moments. Clash in 2024 for me didn't quite deliver like the event in 2022 but that's not to suggest it wasn't fun.

MATCH 1 - I Quit Match for the Undisputed WWE Championship

Cody Rhodes (champion) vs. AJ Styles

I wondered whether WWE might pursue this feud after the stellar match they had at Backlash and to be honest it felt the right call to intensify the feud this time as well as adding the 'I Quit' stipulation. This was also the right match to start the show and it was a match of the highest quality both in terms of wrestling and moments. What was noticeable for me was that Cody went through his standard arsenal of moves early on in the match which told you it was going to be different from the first. The match utilised brawling in the crowd, weapons, blood and even Cody Rhodes' Mum which felt somewhat random though fun. The slaps to Styles got a huge pop but I felt something of a disappointment as I felt this was something that perhaps should've been held back for the teased feud with the Rock down the line. If there was one thing counting against the match itself then that would be that the result was never going to be in question but that didn't take away from another memorable clash between the two which could've been the main event on any other PLE.

4.5/5

MATCH 2 - Triple Threat Match for the Women's Tag Team Championship

Biance Belair & Jade Cargill (champions) vs. Zoey Stark & Shayna Baszler vs. Alba Fyre & Isla Dawn

This was a very fun match that felt well put together and was helped along by a vocal crowd who injected it with extra life. Bianca and Cargill are on another level in terms of look and physicality and they dominated to the point where Baszler/Stark and Fyre/Dawn teamed up to take out the champions. This was a smart move and allowed Baszler/Stark and Fyre/Dawn to have the best moments as a wrestling match. The high spots and power moves from Belair/Cargill are truly spectacular although there was a noticeable botch from Cargill involving the top rope and a few sloppy moments. I'm not always a fan of dominant displays such as this as I feel it can make the competition look weak. So it was a surprise for the hometown team of Alba Fyre and Isla Dawn to overthrow the dominant champions and give the Scottish crowd a reason to cheer and celebrate which they did.

3/5

MATCH 3 - Intercontinental Championship Match

Sami Zayn (champion) vs. Chad Gable

This is a feud that has been steadily brewing since WrestleMania, carried over into King & Queen of the Ring and has seemingly been settled here. In my review for King & Queen of the Ring I noted how pleased I was to see that the Intercontinental title was still being utilised in a noteworthy fashion and this has only continued under Sami Zayn. Chad Gable deserves credit for his as well as his heel turn and abuse of the Alpha Academy has made this storyline a must watch of Monday Night Raw. Also given that Gable has recently signed a new contract with WWE, I was expecting Gable to win the title on this show. That he didn't marks one of the major surprises on the show. I don't think the match here was quite on point as the triple threat match the previous month, but this still a enthralling match with an injection of drama involving Otis and Maxxine Dupri that only elevated it further. The result makes me wonder what's next for Chad Gable and if this is it for him in terms of the Intercontinental title for now, then this was a entertaining story indeed.

3.5/5

MATCH 4 - WWE Women's Championship

Bayley (champion) vs. Piper Niven

Receiving a high place on the card, this was not an instant classic nor was it to the level of quality that we saw between Bayley/Naomi/Stratton at Backlash. It was however a great showcase for new talent as Piper Niven looked good against the veteran Bayley and they produced a good match that kept the crowd vocal throughout. Also adding was some fun interludes by Chelsea Green for good measure. Another predictable result perhaps but Bayley looked strong heading into what seems to be an inevitable clash with Nia Jax at SummerSlam.

3/5

MAIN EVENT - World Heavyweight Championship

Damian Priest (champion) vs. Drew McIntyre

When all is said and done, this match will be remembered for the noisy crowd, Damian Priest's determination following a painful botch and of course the ending. During the match it almost felt like a forgone conclusion for McIntyre who looked so dominant in front of a very friendly crowd to the point that Priest almost felt like an afterthought. This however was Priest's best match as champion especially following an embarrassing but painful looking mistake with the top rope that looked like it caused an injury. Ironically the match became more competitive after this with Priest in particular putting in a strong effort despite being in obvious discomfort. Drew McIntyre is a proven main eventer and with this performance, Damian Priest showed he could also deliver. The result is a testament to the long term storytelling approach of current WWE and CM Punk's interference was masterfully done on tv with the perfect choice of camera angles and only intensifies what is an already incredibly story brewing between McIntyre and Punk. Yet it is the same outcome for Drew McIntyre as it was in 2022, screwed out of a world title win due to outside interference.

4/5

OVERALL

With Clash of the Castle in 2022, we had the classic between Gunther vs. Sheamus, the betrayal of Dominik Mysterio and the debut of Solo Sikoa costing Drew McIntyre the title. Clash of the Castle 2024 for me isn't quite at that level, the I Quit Match was the best match on the night for me and that CM Punk moment was certainly fun but didn't hit quite as hard as Sikoa back in 2022. Clash 2024 for me represents another solid PLE from WWE with the 5 match formula seemingly working for them, but this was the weakest of the 3 for me since WrestleMania.

[axelwolf8109]

Imma say it: I'd do anything for the wrestling Irish and Scottish

[dynamitekansai]

WWE BASH IN BERLIN (AUGUST 31, 2024)

[nia1sworld]

Guidebent

[prettygirl-gabi]

Title: Happy Tears in Tampa

Pairing: mom!Paige Bueckers x mom!Azzi Fudd x gf!mom!Reader, oc!daughter (Isla)

Fandom: UConn Women’s Basketball

Summary: their last 40 mins on that court in the huskies jerseys, but they’ll spend a lifetime in your heart

🏷️: @paigeshirleytemple , @unknowgirlypop , @yailtsv , @nicebellee , @sitawita , @thatonesuschix , @vamptizm , @elalfywhore , @starfulani , @authentic-girl03 , @paige05bby , @paxaz535 , @azziswrld , @jadasogay , @paigeluvvr , @melpthatsme , @lessi-lover , @courtsidewithlani , @shikaizer

I don’t think I’ve ever cried as hard over a basketball game in my life. And I’ve cried over a lot of basketball games.

But tonight… tonight was different.

“Let’s go, Paige! Come on, Azzi!” I yell, my voice cracking from the sheer force of emotion. My hands are trembling around Isla’s tiny ones, and my heart’s pounding like I’m the one who just played forty minutes.

Except I didn’t play. I stayed back in Storrs during the Elite 8. I wasn’t in Spokane when Paige dropped 71 points- both games combined and Azzi having off game shooting wise, but on defense she was a monster. I wasn’t in the stands when they beat Oklahoma and then USC to get here. But I made it to Tampa.

And I wasn’t alone.

“Isla, do you want to sit with Nana Katie and Grandpa Tim again?” I asked her at the start of the fourth, her curly puffs bouncing as she shook her head.

“Nooo, stay with Mama,” she said, cuddling into my side.

We were sitting next to Aaliyah, who flew in just to support the girls. She held Isla during the second quarter, whispering jokes that had our daughter giggling into her braids. But by the time the final few minutes rolled around, Isla wanted to stay close.

Aaliyah leaned toward me now, grinning as she nudged my elbow. “You good?”

I sniffled, nodding. “I’m so proud of them. Like, so proud.”

“You’re gonna make me cry, too,” she teased, brushing under her eyes. “This is crazy.”

And it was.

1:32 left on the clock. We were up 82 to 53.

That’s when it happened. The moment I think I’ll remember for the rest of my life.

“Foul on Azzi Fudd,” the announcer said.

I leaned forward, my hands tight around Isla’s waist. “Alright, baby, Mommy Azzi got a little handsy.”

Azzi raised a hand, shaking her head with a soft smirk as she turned to the bench.

And then, almost in perfect sequence…

“Subbing in for UConn: Qadence Samuels, Allie Ziebell, Caroline Ducharme, Aubrey Griffin…”

The crowd roared.

The tears hit.

I watched Paige, grab the towel from Allie also giving the ones who subbed in high-fives before walking over to Geno, who stood on the sidelines already tears building in his eyes.

She wrapped her arms around him so tight, and he hugged her right back.

That’s when I felt it. The heat behind my eyes, the burn in my throat. My chest caved in.

I was crying.

Not because they were losing. Not even because they were winning.

But because they did it. She did it. They did it.

Paige Bueckers. Azzi Fudd. UConn women’s basketball team. National Champions.

“Mama?” Isla asked, frowning up at me as she wiped at my cheek with her tiny fingers. “Why are you crying?”

I grabbed her little hand and kissed it. “Because I’m happy, baby. Mommy Paigey and Mommy Azzi worked really hard for this. These are happy tears.”

She looked over to the bench where Paige was wiping her own face, then at me, then at Azzi—who was grinning so hard her cheeks looked like they might burst. Azzi had her arm around Aubrey, motioning toward the stands, probably at Katie and Tim.

Then Isla smiled. “Oh… okay.”

The buzzer sounded and the arena exploded.

Final score: 82-59.

Confetti launched. The band played. The girls jumped and screamed and fell into each other’s arms.

I made my way toward the family section as the trophy ceremony started. It was chaos, but the good kind.

I spotted Amy and Bob—Paige’s parents—and their partners, along with Lauren, Ryan, and Drew, cheering their hearts out. Tim was lifting Isla’s arms, making her cheer. Katie had her hand over her mouth, completely stunned.

“MOST OUTSTANDING PLAYER OF THE TOURNAMENT… AZZI FUDD!”

I saw Azzi freeze a bit, her eyes wide before she was pulled forward. Paige clapped the loudest out of everyone, grinning from ear to ear. Sarah throwing confetti in her face as she walks to the middle of the stage they were on.

“She’s gonna sob later,” I muttered.

“Gonna?” Aaliyah teased. “Sis is already started from when she hugged Paige.”

Net-cutting time was next. Azzi before paige, next Paige climbed the ladder second to last, CD cutting her pieces, and with Geno going up last.

She looped the net around her neck, turned to the crowd with the biggest, brightest smile I’d ever seen—and scanned until she found us.

“ISLA!” she screamed, laughing.

I hoisted Isla up and waved.

When she and Azzi finally made their way to the tunnel, they paused right at the barricade. I squeezed forward as bob and everyone around us let me get to the front, holding Isla tight.

“Hi, my loves,” I breathed, voice thick with emotion.

Paige’s hair was slick with sweat under her championship hat, the net still around her neck. She was practically glowing. Azzi wasn’t much better, her eyes slightly red, but had biggest smile on the face of a winner.

Paige had reached her siblings first. Ryan got to hug her over the barricade first. Then Lauren and finally, after pulling drew into a really tight hug arms wrapped around his head, Drew reached for his handshake with Paige—an elaborate, goofy routine they’d perfected since he was little. She nailed it with the biggest grin ever.

After tapping his head back. She looked at us. Isla and I like we were her true prize. Before I could make my move fully.

Isla squirmed. “I want Mommy Paigey!”

Paige’s face lit up.

She reached over the barricade, grabbing Isla from me and hugging her to her chest. “Oh, I missed you so much, baby girl!”

Azzi leaned in, kissing my cheek, then my lips softly. “Thank you for being here,” she whispered. “She’s gonna remember this forever.”

I kissed her back. “So will I.”

“Mommy ZeeZee,” Isla said, reaching for her with one arm while clinging to Paige with the other. “I wanna go with you and Mommy Paigey!”

“Then let’s go,” Azzi said with a wink.

“Can she come too?” Paige asked, nodding toward me.

A staff member overheard and nodded. “We’ll come back for her once the press clears.”

I squeezed Paige’s hand and mouthed, I love you.

Fifteen minutes later, one of the assistants waved me down from the floor.

I was ushered through a side tunnel, weaving through wires and empty Gatorade cups. The door to the locker room opened, and I stepped in just in time to hear a chorus of singing.

“We are the champions, my frieeeends!”

Azzi was standing on the benches, Isla in her arms, Paige beside her with her arms wrapped around both of them. Sarah and Ashlynn were dancing like idiots with their hats backward, and Kk had her phone up recording the whole thing.

Geno was nowhere in sight—thank God.

“Hey! Mama’s here!” Paige called out.

“MAAAMAAA!” Isla yelled, reaching for me.

I ran to them, hugging Azzi and Paige both as they leaned down to squeeze me between them.

“I’m so proud of you,” I whispered.

Paige buried her face in my neck. “This means everything with you here.”

“Don’t start crying again,” Azzi joked, nudging me.

“No promises,” I said, sniffling.

“Hey, team pic with Isla!” Aubrey shouted.

Everyone gathered in. Paige held Isla. Azzi hugged me from behind. Sarah threw up a peace sign. Caroline was crying for the third time.

The flash went off. The room buzzed with love.

Isla yawned, rubbing her eyes. “Can we sleep now?”

Everyone laughed.

“Yeah, baby,” I said, kissing her head. “You earned it.”

Paige and Azzi looked at each other, then at me.

“I think we all did.”

And for the first time all week, I believed it too.

National Champions.

A family.

Happy tears. Always.

■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■

                 -Thank You For Reading!🩵🩶

                             -prettygirl-gabi🎀✨️