“Happy Birthday to You… Happy Birthday to You… Happy Birthday, Dear Trish… Happy Birthday to you!”

The enthusiastic clapping of the road crew, her friends, and her daughter was all Trish needed on this Friday night. Yes, it was indeed her birthday, and the EBWF was somewhere in the midwest, winding their way toward Chicago for Christmas Eve of Destruction. Trish’s best friend, Natalie, had been kind enough to not put the numbered candles on Trish’s birthday cake, which sat perched on top of an equipment crate backstage. Instead, there were 5 little wax tiaras aflame over pink and white icing. Trish blew out her candles, and Natalie manned the knife and the serving spatula, until a girl in makeup decided she didn’t want to be the one standing there when “Mr. Ikeda” found his wife serving the underlings cake.

Natalya: Not exactly the pomp and circumstance that you deserve, but Happy Birthday anyway bitch!

Trish put her hands over Teagan’s ears, and gave Natalie a pointed look.

Trish Stratus: Trust me, I’d rather forget this birthday.

Trish pretended to be smoothing Teagan’s hair. The seven year old looked up at Natalie with big, hazel eyes that matched her mother’s.

Teagan Helms: Nattie, can I have a piece of cake?

Natalya: Of course, pumpkin!

Natalya handed a plate to the makeup girl who cut a slice up and served it to Trish's daughter.

Natalya: Who else wants a slice?

Wes Ikeda: There she goes with that Hart Hospitality. I missed the singing, didn’t I?

Natalie and Trish both turned to Wes coming out of the hallway and into the production space. He hugged Trish.

Wes Ikeda: Happy Birthday, Beautiful! Twenty-eight, huh? Looks good. Looks good.

She smacked his chest as he moved away from her.

Trish Stratus: That’s a good age. I like the sound of that.

Someone handed Trish a plate, and Wes took a step back, putting his arm around Natalie’s waist. He laid a peck of a kiss on her temple.

Wes Ikeda: How was your flight?

Nattie smiled brightly at him.

Natalya: No problems. Want some cake?

Wes Ikeda: No, they’re still working out whether or not I’m going to be taking a bump on Christmas Eve, and after that whole pepperoni pizza the other night, I’ve decided not to eat for the rest of the week.

Natalya: I'm sure Nonna would love to hear that. You sound like some of the girls in the locker room.

Wes Ikeda: Hey, you keep me well fed. And you know, as I’m approaching the big 4-0…

Trish Stratus: Excuse me, 28!

Natalya: Don't even. I don't think I could deal with a 28 year old Wes. He's badly behaved enough as it is.

Wes kissed her forehead.

Wes Ikeda: That, my dear, is the honest to God’s truth.

He smiled down at her.

Wes Ikeda: Did you leave CJ home with Jess?

Nattie nodded.

Natalya: That reminds me, I should check in with them.

Wes Ikeda: Shoot her a text. We’ll Facetime with him tonight. I better get back to work. I’ll see you for dinner?

Trish Stratus: I thought you weren’t eating for a week?

Wes chuckled, and Natalie shook her head.

Natalya: I'll be there. Trish and I just have to wrap up an interview and we'll be done here.

Wes Ikeda: Well don’t hurry to finish this little party.

He looked over his employee’s socializing, and smiled down at his wife again.

Wes Ikeda: You kind of boost morale around here.

She reached up and pecked him on the cheek.

Natalya: They're good people. Just like their boss.

He shook his head in genuine disbelief, wished Trish a happy birthday once more, and then turned to head back down toward the hallway where creative was meeting. Trish smiled at Natallie.

Trish Stratus: It’s nice to see you both so happy. Have I told you that lately?

Natalya: Yeah, we definitely found our groove lately. I'm not even sure what's changed.

Trish lowered her voice.

Trish Stratus: You married him. That might have seemed like a foregone conclusion to you and everyone else, but I think to him, it meant you really, truly trusted him.

Natalie thought that over and nodded.

Natalya: Never really thought of it that way.

Trish continued her low tone, considering some of the people around them.

Trish Stratus: Is he still blaming himself over…

She stopped talking, looking Natalie directly in the eye and mouthing “Randy and Nicole”. Nattie sighed. She matched Trish's volume.

Natalya: He's still pretty wounded about the whole thing. You can't lay this at his feet, and I think even Randy knows that, but he's still embarrassed.

Trish nodded.

Trish Stratus: Thanks for doing this. I thought I wanted everyone to forget but this was nice and…

Production Manager: ADAM! Come here! There’s food!

Trish didn’t turn around.

Trish Stratus: Please. tell me. it’s Adam from graphics.

Natalie's facial expression and wide eyes made it pretty clear it wasn't Adam from graphics.

Adam Copeland: Hey, Connor. I can always go for free food.

Female Voice: Plus, it’s kind of like you. Pretty sweet.

Natalie rolled her eyes, and looked at Trish whose face was scrunched up in disgust. “Alice”, Natalie mouthed, outing the flirter from wardrobe. Then Natalie cleared her throat a couple of times, but Trish wasn’t tipped off.

Adam Copeland: Trish.

Trish couldn’t respond, because of the shrill voice that rang out from near the production trunk where the cake was.

Teagan Helms: ADDDAAAAAAAAAAAMMMMMMMMMM!

Adam turned and crouched down as the little girl ran toward him. Natalie heard Trish’s quiet voice as she spoke through the joyous noise of the child.

Trish Stratus: Leave it to my daughter to playback my internal dialogue.

Natalie smirked as Teagan wrapped her arms around Adam. She waved at him.

Natalya: Want some cake, Adam?

Adam Copeland: Yeah, I might have some. How are you, Speed Racer?

He turned to Teagan.

Adam Copeland: Get in good bike accidents lately?

She nodded and held up her arm, pointing to a scab on her elbow.

Adam Copeland: Good girl. I don’t have time tonight, but maybe tomorrow I can take you to get some lunch. Jimmy John’s still your favorite.

She nodded.

Teagan Helms: I can’t though. I’m going home with my dad tomorrow.

Adam Copeland: Next time then.

He hugged her again, and stood up straight. Trish and Natalie both watched him as he ran his right hand through his short, blonde hair. He took a plate of cake, and a plastic fork. Natalie saw him hesitate for a second, and then he balanced the plate in his large hand, and reached into his pocket. He turned toward Trish, pulling out a velvet box, about the length of a credit card.

Adam Copeland: Happy Birthday.

Natalie’s eyes were wide, and Trish reached out a tentative hand, taking the gift box.

Adam Copeland: I’ll see ya.

Before she could open it, he turned and walked away, going the same direction Wes had gone, down the hallway. Natalie's eyes followed him as he walked off. She turned and looked at the gift with wide eyes.

Natalya: If it's a Starbucks gift card, I'm going to lose it.

Trish shoved the slim box into her back pocket.

Trish Stratus: I’m going to drop Teagan off with Lynne and then I’ll be back for our interview. Has Wes ever considered setting up an in-shop daycare? I mean, I don’t see “childcare” in Lynne’s job description.

Natalya: You wouldn't believe the number of things that aren't in her job description, that she does anyway.

Trish Stratus: That cashmere sweater she got… I mean Wes got you for your birthday, was. amazing.

Natalya: I know, right? Exactly. Though onsite daycare might not be a bad idea.

Nattie smiled.

Natalya: He picks out the gifts that count.

Trish Stratus: I’m not opening this right now.

Natalya: But I wanna know what it is!

She pouted dramatically. She finally huffed and folded her arms.

Natalya: Well, I'll find out sooner or later. I'll see you in a little bit, and then we'll go tell four women how terrible they are.

Trish nodded. That sounded like a plan.

------------

The cameras were following Todd Grisham through the arena hallway. He appeared to be on his way to Paul Heyman’s locker room, but instead, he was stopped in his tracks when he heard the sound of clicking heels heading toward him.

Trish Stratus: Oh, Todd! Excuse me… Todd!

He turned around and found Trish Stratus and Natalya. Trish wore the Women’s Championship around her waist, and she was holding a piece of paper.

Trish Stratus: What. is. this?

Todd Grisham leaned over and took a look at the sheet of paper that Trish had partially crumpled up in her fist.

Todd Grisham: It's, um... it's the card for Christmas Eve of Destruction.

Natalya: Yes, thank you Professor. What is this about us having the share the ring with Paige and AJ Lee?

Trish Stratus: And WHO dug up the Mean Girls?! I BURIED THEM.

Todd Grisham: I don't... I don't make the matches. I just interview talent...[/color]

Natalya: Well then do your job and interview us, you idiot! How many times do we have to beat these women before they just stop getting title shots?! I literally just tapped AJ Lee out and she's going to get another opportunity at a championship.

Trish Stratus: Do you not understand that we should just be awarded the championships? They should just be given to us. By default! Because I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again. I beat Sasha Banks, and she beat everyone there was to beat. So, there’s no one left for me to face. I am Queen of the Mountain. I am at the very top. And Natalya, is right. there. with me.

Todd Grisham: Well, don't you think...[/color]

Natalya: Todd, please. We're talking. Trish Stratus' accomplishments are enough to earn her the tag team championships by default! There's just no one that compares. Then, you add me as her tag team partner, and the fact that we have to compete against a bunch of women we've destroyed individually is completely ridiculous!

Trish Stratus: Are you going to ask us a question or not? What do they pay you for?

Todd Grisham: Well, you've got...

Natalya: Todd! Seriously, stop being so disrespectful. You know, for a few years now, Trish and I periodically get plucked from our paid vacations to come shine up some newcomer, and make them look good. Every time, we wind up beating whoever it is they put in front of us. Now, finally after all this time, they give Trish Stratus the respect she deserves and put her in a title match against the best Women's champion the EBWF has seen in some time. What happens? Trish destroys her and walks away with the title. Time and time again we prove that we are the best that the Women's Division has to offer, and instead of HANDING us the tag team titles, we have to fight for them in a ladder match on Wes Ikeda's little wonderland pay per view event? I haven't seen something this mind boggling since Kelly Kelly had a job.

Todd Grisham: Actually, it’s not called Wes Ikeda’s Christmas Eve of Destruction this year, because… [/color]

Trish Stratus: You listen to me, Gollum! It will ALWAYS be Wes Ikeda’s Christmas Eve of Destruction. And it’s no wonder why Natalie and I were needed for this match, because history will be made, and you know Trish Stratus will have to be involved when Diva’s history is being recorded. The first ever Triple Threat Diva’s Tag Team Ladder Match. These vacated belts will be high above the ring, and me and my girl, Nattie, are going up to get them. This is what I love about Natalie. She’s my ride or die. She could have gotten all jealous and bitchy when I brought home this title, but she didn’t, because she knows that my success is her success. That’s what we have that Summer and Eva don’t have. Paige and AJ sure as hell don’t have it either. Gold gets between them, but me and Natalya? We already know we’re the best. Nothing gets between us and our drive to succeed.

Natalya: Velvet Sky and Angelina Love currently hold the record for the longest reigning Women's Tag Team Champions. Guess what? Not if, WHEN we climb the ladder and take those titles down, We're going to hold on to them for a lot longer than those two. Who's going to stop us? Eva Marie? Paige? You're looking at Beautiful Dangerous, Todd. The best and ONLY women's tag team that is forever. You will never see me turn on Trish, nor will you see Trish turn on me, because one of the many things that we have in common, besides our home country, is our desire to win. The only thing AJ Lee and Paige have in common is their desire to look like prepubescent teenagers, and the only thing that Summer and Eva have in common is the one IQ point they share between them.

Todd Grisham: You've got to imagine that--[/color]

Natalya: No, that's enough out of you Todd. Here's what's going to happen. At Christmas Eve of Destruction, the world will witness the yuletide implosion of two of the most overrated hodge-podge tag teams the EBWF has ever seen. The world will watch as Trish ascends one ladder, and I ascent another, and we both claim our Women's Tag Team championship belts. On that day, we will usher in a new era for the Women's Division. One that has been sorely lacking as of late. One of WRESTLING. One of athleticism. One of intelligence. We've let this company march out Summer Rae and Eva Marie and call it entertainment for far too long. Trish and I are going to set fire to the landscape of EBWF to allow for real competition to come in.

Trish Stratus: And maybe, just maybe, once that new competition comes in, EBWF will hire some new people to actually INTERVIEW them. What's your problem, Todd? You are terrible!

Trish scoffed at Grisham with disgust and flippantly walked off. Nattie smirked at Todd.

Natalya: See you on Christmas Eve.

With that, Natalya walked off as well, leaving Grisham to wrap up. The scene faded to an EBWF logo.

--------

It was Christmas Eve in Chicago, and the city felt peaceful. Except where EBWF had set up shop for their most sadistic night of the year. Trish was in her ring gear, doing her hair with a curling iron, when Natalya came out of the bathroom, adjusting the hot pink top that was part of her gear.

Trish Stratus: Not going with Christmas colors. I like that.

Natalie laughed.

Trish Stratus: What did Wes get you for Christmas.

Natalya: You know, I’m not sure. He hasn’t given me my present yet.

Trish Stratus: He’ll probably just scoff and say “I’m here aren’t I?”

Natalya: You know him. So well. Hey, I’ve been meaning to ask you. That gift Adam gave you last week. What was it?

Trish looked up for a moment, and then blinked.

Trish Stratus: I…. I still don’t know. I took it out of my pocket that night, looked at it a few times since then, and shoved it in my bag. Haven’t seen it in a few days.

Natalya: You never opened it?

Trish Stratus: No. I… I should probably open it right? Send him a little note to thank him.

Natalie was nodding, and Trish was already walking over to her bag. She dug through it for a moment, and came up with the nondescript jewelry box. Trish didn’t hesitate. She just opened it. Then she gasped. Natalie leaned in to look. The necklace that was before them was breathtaking.

Natalya: Trish that’s beautiful! And expensive. Diamonds and pearls? That’s a classy necklace for a classy lady. Look at that thing.

Natalie looked up in time to see the tears in Trish’s eyes.

Natalya: Don’t cry. He didn’t want you to cry.

Trish Stratus: It’s his mother’s.

Natalie’s face showed that she was a little stunned.

Natalya: What?

Trish Stratus: It’s his mother’s. She let me wear it in New York City, 2004. The last time Adam took me to the Hall of Fame Ceremony. We were both in WWE. I…. love this necklace. He always said I could have it…. when we got married.

Natalya: It’s… a nice gift.

Trish Stratus: He’s given up on me.

She closed the box, clamping it shut.

Trish Stratus: And if I don’t get my shit together, we’re going to fall off that ladder and lose this match.

She shoved the box back in her bag.

Trish Stratus: Here, help me finish curling the back.

She stomped toward the mirror. Natalie opened her mouth to speak. To tell her that she was sure that wasn’t it. That Adam was probably just being thoughtful. If her husband was any indication, men didn’t think like that. But fearing that more talk of Adam would only distract Trish further, Natalie picked up the curling iron, and went about styling Trish’s hair, knowing that if they both focused, this match was in the bag.