Apocalypse 2020
{{Monday, August 17th
New Orleans}}
Now that Dom and I had returned from our vacation and had the weekend to get settled again at home, Dom's agent Lisa Kagan asked us to meet with her over lunch today. He'd already spoken with her once about the status of the movie, and he and Kennedy had done some more promotional work, but Deep Cover has now been out for a month and she wanted to give him the most recent numbers. Usually when she asks me to meet with her too, it means there is some kind of appearance she wants me to make with him, or it's something big like another offer. For the last little while, at least since Dom took the Deep Cover job, Lisa had been acting as my agent too, in a way, since the movie and Rise to Greatness were promoted together and she helped arrange a lot of my appearances. I wondered if maybe she asked me to be present too because of that, like maybe she wanted to be my official agent, or did I owe her money for doing those things, or something like that. Not that I would have a problem with that, she's done a great job, and Scott was actually relieved to not have to worry about scheduling my appearances as well as keeping my SCW dates straight.
We meet at Veniza, a locally owned Italian restaurant, in the private dining room. After ordering, Lisa pulls some paperwork out of her messenger bag.
“Alright, no reason to wait to get to business. Right here I have the weekly numbers for the film, including weekend-only. Opening weekend, as you know, did very well, better than was expected if I'm honest, ranking number three. The following weekend was the same, the third weekend number 4, and similar from there.”
Lisa slides the reports over to Dom, and he looks at them. “These are great numbers, I have to admit I'm surprised.”
“You shouldn't be. Critics loved it after the premiere, the interaction on the SCW program got a lot of interest-” I glare, and Lisa gives me a nod. “I know, it wasn't the best thing for you guys personally, but I am convinced the whole thing helped these numbers to be what they are.”
“At least something good came from that debacle.” I know I sound petty but I can't help it.
“A lot of good is coming from it, mostly money. The film turned a profit the first weekend, and it's just going up from there. Everyone is making bank on this, including you.” Lisa gestures towards Dom.
“What do you mean? I've already been paid.”
Lisa raises an eyebrow. “Do you actually read your contracts? There's a clause stating that if the film reaches a certain profit level, you get a two mil bonus. Given the studio is extending the theatre run another four weeks, we're on track to meet that threshold next weekend.”
Dom smiles. “I had no idea, you could have told me about this you know.”
“The bonus, or the extended run?” Lisa smirks. “Either way, I just did.”
“This is fabulous news. I'm so proud of you, baby.” I give Dom my biggest smile.
“Hey, I can't take all the credit, Kennedy is at least half.”
“Yeah but I don't sleep with her, so...”
Lisa laughs, and Dom gives me a look. “Cakes...”
“Well I don't!”
Our server arrives with our meals. Lisa and I both have a grilled tuna salad, and Dom has a small strip steak. As we eat, Lisa continues.
“Other than the monetary aspect of the success so far, this will also allow me to get better contracts for you in the future, as we previously discussed. You're in a very good position now for me to ask for and get points. I wish I would have been able to do that for this film, but...." Lisa puts a hand up, as if to say 'oh well.'
“I appreciate everything you've been able to get for me, and whatever you can do in the future I'm sure will be great.”
“As to that future, I'm already getting offers in for you, and I'm hearing talk the producers of Deep Cover are considering a sequel for next summer or fall. I have some of the recent offers with me, and-”
“Whoa, whoa.... hang on. This one's still playing, isn't it a bit early to be looking at other things?”
“It's never too early to scope out your next project. Especially if one is a sequel. Listen, Dom, your name right now is hotter than it's ever been, it's just smart business to capitalize on that while you can. And whether this sequel pans out or you take something else, it doesn't matter if this film is still playing, it's never too soon to look for the next project.”
Dom gives me a look, the one that asks if I trust him. I nod. He turns to Lisa and sighs.
“Yeah... but I don't really want to do another project any time soon.”
Lisa stares wide-eyed for a few seconds. “I'm sorry, would you repeat that?”
“I'm not interested in another project right now.”
“But-”
“Listen. I've done three films almost back to back, kept me busy for the last year and a half. The last two caused personal issues, which you know about.... are you really that surprised I'm not all that excited about doing that all over again?”
Lisa glances at me. My stare back dares her to say something stupid.
“I understand there were issues, but Granger isn't a problem anymore and-”
“Oh yeah? You never got back to me about how she was allowed entry to the Deep Cover premiere when she isn't meant to be around my events.”
“Well... I... haven't heard, I will follow up on that today and get back to you. But-”
“You're not going to change my mind, Lisa. I'm sorry, but I really think I need to take a break from all this.”
Lisa sighs, and pushes her plate away. Great, Dom made her lose her appetite. “Okay. I do understand that. I just want you to understand that taking a break right now will... not may, will cause you to lose out on some very lucrative deals, and-”
“I don't care about money, you know that. I could never make another film again and live comfortably the rest of my life. That's not what I want to do by the way, before you get worked up. I just want some time. If I'm so sought after as you claim, I'm sure the offers would still be there in a year, right?”
“I mean.... possibly. Maybe. But it may not be what you could draw in if you signed for something now.”
“And I just told you I don't care about the money. ”
Lisa looks back and forth between Dom and me. “Is there something else going on here that I should know? Is there more trouble I haven't been informed of?”
Dom looks at me. We had made the decision to keep our engagement quiet from most people for now, including Lisa. Dom was afraid she would want to use it for publicity and he didn't want the media attention. My eyes involuntarily flick down to my hand then back up.
“I think we have to tell her, baby.”
“Yeah. Okay.”
“Tell me what?”
Dom sighs. “Listen, you know the issue Bree and I had during filming a few months ago, right?” Lisa nods. “Okay, well I'm not sure I really made it clear at the time how serious it actually was. For a while there I wasn't sure things would actually work out. Obviously, it did. We've actually made a decision that contradicts things we've both said to the media about our future.” Dom reaches for my hand, and I give it to him. He raises it up, showing off my ring. Lisa smiles.
“That's fantastic news, congratulations!”
I smile. “Thank you.”
“Yeah, thanks. But you see, this is the main reason I'm not really in a hurry to go back to doing the work that's caused issues between us. I'd really like to be able to focus just on us personally, and Bree's work, as she can't really take a break in her industry. We have enough to deal with in wrapping our own heads around the fact we're actually doing this, and also figuring out the logistics of how a wedding is actually going to work, even if it's not going to be for a while yet.”
Lisa nods, seeming to finally understand. “Of course. That I understand. I knew there had been issues, I didn't realize things were that strained. It makes perfect sense that you'd want to step back for a bit to focus on yourselves. I can actually use this as a way to keep some of these offers on ice.”
Dom waves his hand in the air, cutting her off. “No, no, no. I don't want that. We don't want this news made public yet. We've had enough of our names in the spotlight calling our relationship into question and everything else. We don't want the attention that would go along with this being public.”
“I just want to say that I agree with everything Dom is saying, he isn't making these decisions on his own. If we could keep the trash media headlines to a dull roar, that would be great.”
Lisa turns to me, both her gaze and tone accusatory. “So this is your idea then? The secrecy, the break, all of it?”
“No, the break was all mine. Bree wasn't aware of it until I just said it to you, because I literally just decided.”
“But I do agree. He isn't wrong about the strain that filming these movies has put on us. It's been a thing literally our whole relationship, since before we were even actually an official thing. I think maybe we do need some time to just be us. Figure out what that is while we work out this whole wedding thing.”
Dom gives me a smile. I squeeze his leg under the table. Lisa sighs.
“Listen, I'll do whatever I need to do for this film, you can book me a few appearances here and there just to keep my name and face out there, but other that? I need this break. We do.”
Lisa sighs again, then nods. “Alright. It's your call, as always. I will contact the people behind these offers and see if they're willing to wait. And I'll look into this sequel rumor, that might pan out timing-wise. As for appearances and whatnot, I won't book them without asking you first. How does that sound?”
“Perfect. Thank you. I admit I expected more pushback.”
Lisa forces a smile. “You're the client. You pay me, I work for you.”
“Don't give me that shit, I wouldn't be in the position to be able to step back for a while without your work.”
“You do actually pay me though... all of this is your call. I respect that.”
“Well, I have to say I respect your work ethic and how much you push him, you just want him to be the best he can be. I appreciate that, and I want to say thank you personally for everything you've done for the both of us.” Lisa gives me a smile. “Oh and don't worry, you are absolutely on the guest list for the wedding.”
Dom gives me a smirk. “There's a guest list?”
I shrug. “There is now. In my head.”
Dom and Lisa laugh. I just grin.
We finished our lunch, Lisa gave Dom a date for one more appearance he and Kennedy had to do for the movie, and we parted ways. I admit I hadn't expected Dom to make a decision like that at all, but I love him even more for it. It shows me that I wasn't the only one who felt like his work was creating problems, and the fact he decided on his own to put it aside for a little while to focus on each other is just more proof that he really is totally invested in this crazy idea we agreed to. Not that I didn't believe him when he repeatedly insisted he was serious and certain and all that.... but saying it is one thing, acting like it is wholly different. It's really comforting when a person's actions match their words.
I'm starting to become less terrified.
{{Tuesday, August 25th
Kenner}}
A lot of people don't know this, but the New Orleans airport isn't actually located in New Orleans. It's in Kenner, about twenty miles away from the city proper, and maybe three miles away from my new house. They have a private plane garage there, and a private plane gate, which makes the fact I bought a house where I did even more convenient. It was especially so this morning, when it was time to leave to fly to El Paso. Breakdown this week was scheduled for Houston, but there's this hurricane named Laura in the gulf headed almost straight for Houston, so SCW moved the show. This meant we had to leave earlier so I would still be there in time to meet with HR about some contract stuff later this afternoon, and be ready for the show tomorrow. The convenience part comes in because it was like dragging bricks to get Jaina awake, dressed, and ready to go. I don't know if she stayed up too late or what, but she seemed really tired, even though we weren't leaving super early. By the time I actually got her moving and dressed and her bag packed, Dom had to practically speed down the street to get us there on time. Scott met us there, Dom dropped us off. It might seem like being late doesn't matter since it's my plane and theoretically it should leave when I tell it to. But private planes have to file flight plans too and if you miss your scheduled time by too much, you have to file a new plan and it delays you further. We just made it in the air on time, all thanks to Jaina dragging ass.
I can tell that we're still ascending, the three of us in our upright seats and belted in, when Jaina leans over, her hand over her mouth. Ever hear the expression, someone's face turned green, and thought that was hyperbole? So did I, until that moment. The girl looked ready to ruin the carpet.
“Jay? Are you okay?”
Jaina shakes her head, then unclips her seat belt and bolts to the back where the lavatory is. She slams the door and then I hear the unmistakable sound of a person losing their breakfast. I then hear the toilet flush, and water running. I assume she's rinsing her mouth and washing her face. Scott gives me a questioning look. I shake my head, I have no idea. I hear the ding that means we're at cruising altitude. I unclip my own seat belt and get up to go check on Jaina. But as I'm about two steps away from the lavatory door, it opens. Jaina comes out, holding her stomach. Her face is pale.
“Jaina? What's wrong?”
“I don't know...” She slowly steps over to the divan and sits. I sit next to her.
“You have to have some idea, babygirl.”
She shrugs, looking down at the floor. “I don't.... I mean, Reece and I went out for dinner last night.” I nod, I remember when she left for that. “Maybe the food was bad?”
“You think? Where did you go?”
“Dot's Diner.”
“Hmm. They're not shady. I guess it can happen anywhere. Do you know if he's been sick?”
Jaina shakes her head, but pulls out her phone. She types a text. In a few seconds her phone dings. She shakes her head. “He says he's fine. But we did have different orders.”
“Well, I guess I can go ask questions when we get home. But for now, you lay here, I'll get you a water. Maybe you'll feel better after we land.”
Jaina nods, and lays back. I hand her a pillow, then turn to get her water, but Scott already has it and hands it to me. I give it to Jaina, then sit in the seat across from her. She's curled up on the divan, one arm under her head and the other over her stomach.
“I hope so, I really don't want to be sick the first night back to work.”
“We'll worry about that tomorrow. For now just relax, okay?”
Jaina nods, and leans her head down on the pillow. She still looks pale.
I get up and go sit near Scott. “What do you think?”
“Well... I know you've been flying all over the world, Miss Paris Vacation, but it's been over a month since she's flown anywhere. Might be a reaction to takeoff?”
“Hmm. I hadn't thought of that. Maybe. We'll see what happens when we go home I guess.”
I look back to Jaina laying down. It looks like she's sleeping. Again.
“You're worried.”
“Yeah. I'm supposed to be taking care of her, and I don't know what's wrong, to take care of.”
“Sometimes people get sick for no known reason. I'm sure she's fine, Breezy. Relax.”
I force a grin. “Yeah. You're probably right. Well, I'll sit up here with you til we get there, you can help me put together my wording for demanding my rematch.”
Scott smirks and rubs his hands together like an evil villain. “Ooh, that sounds fun.” Scott grabs his sketch book. “Let me write this shit down.”
{{Wednesday, August 26th
El Paso}}
My meeting with HR went fine, we had both apparently missed signing something when I redid my contract in February, but everything is good now. I did get a nice base salary bump, and I agreed to one more house show date a week as a part of that bump. Seemed reasonable to me, finally getting paid as the main event star I am was worth an extra day on the road. For some reason that didn't kick in when it was supposed to but it will now.
Anyway, the little speech Scott and I worked out turned out to be useless. Tommy Valentine got to the ring before me trying to call his shot, and I had to go interrupt. We were just about to make an agreement when we were both interrupted by Glory fucking Braddock. This bitch, who I never trusted despite trying to give her a chance because Sienna asked me to, knocked the both of us out of the way with her Trios Contract! After she finally shut up, Scott and I just stormed off, leaving Tommy and Kandis in the ring still stunned, probably fuming. Once Scott and I got through the curtain, Scott said he was going to find out what we could do and practically ran off. I head towards my locker room, really wanting to put my fist through something. I hear a voice behind me.
“Hey. Bree! Wait a second.”
I turn and see Tommy catching up to me, without Kandis. He looks just as irritated as I am.
“Yeah?”
I must have spoken with an attitude, because Tommy puts his hands up. “Listen. I just wanted to tell you that before we were rudely interrupted... I was gonna agree to your request.”
“You were?”
“Yeah. You have a point. We already had a deal, for starters. And I know how frustrating it is to be made to wait for a rematch you know you deserve. So yeah, I was going to step back for you, provided our previous agreement remained in place?”
“Of course. I always keep my word, when possible. I can't make Sasha allow it, but I can make it clear what I want to do, once I get that championship back.”
“Gotta admit, Bree, your confidence is inspiring.” Tommy chuckles. I smirk.
“Well, it doesn't matter who wins at Apocalypse, I have no reason to think I can't beat either one of them. Sure, Rise to Greatness happened, but like I said, I can reset, learn from it, and beat him next time. As for Glory?” I shake my head in disgust. “Do not get me started on that bitch.”
“Thought you were supposed to be friends?”
“She was Sienna's friend. I never trusted her. I played nice because Sienna asked me to. But that is clearly done. If she finds a way to beat that asshole, I have no problem kicking her ass instead. Although I admit I'd much rather beat him.”
“Totally understand that. It means watching him carry that belt a little longer, but would be worth it in the end for you, right?”
“Absolutely. But... as long as we're still on the same page here, I have a suggestion.”
“I'm listening.”
“Well, despite the fact you were going to agree to my request, even if we both tell Sasha? There is no guarantee she'll do what we want, or what we agree to. We have no idea who is actually going to get the shot after Apocalypse. And even though we also both agree it would be more rewarding to take the belt from David than Glory... I think we need to step back and let them fight on their own. We shouldn't get involved to try to ensure that David keeps the belt. We can't give Sasha a reason to deny one or both of us our due.”
Tommy thinks about this a second. The hesitation concerns me. “That's a valid point.”
“But you're not sure?”
“I haven't thought that far, to be honest.”
“Thing is, to keep up at the top level, you have to think that far, always be a step ahead. I know, I probably sound presumptuous trying to give you advice. You've been doing this a lot longer than me, Hall of Fame and all that. And I know you're not ignorant. But from what I can tell you're also a sort of fly by the seat of your pants kind of guy, so-”
“No, no. I get it. No offense taken. Let's just say I'll take it under advisement.”
I grin. “Fair enough. And after Apocalypse, whoever Sasha does grant the shot to, assuming it's one of us and we win? Can we agree to do everything we can to make sure the other gets their shot?”
“No problem with that. You're just keeping your offer up, and I'm agreeing the same.”
“Fabulous. I knew you were a reasonable man, despite what people say. I admit I originally spoke to you before Rise to Greatness due to our mutual enemy, but I like to think we're starting to become friends.”
Tommy smirks. “And here I thought we were making business deals.”
“Can't it be both? Mutually beneficial and all that?”
“Let's just see how all this plays out, yeah?”
I get it. Tommy just had a major falling out with someone who was a good friend for a long time. It would make sense that he would be hesitant to create any new friendships. I can work with that.
“Sounds reasonable.” I grin at my own play on words.
“Good. And just so you know, as much as you say you're a woman of your word, I am a man of mine. So you don't have to worry about this deal falling through, as long as Sasha doesn't get in the way.”
“Understood. I trust you.”
Tommy nods and offers me a hand. I take it and shake, just like a business deal. He can see it that way if he likes, as for me? Making agreements and keeping them is very personal. A person is only as good as keeping their word, and the truth they speak. I pride myself on doing both.
* * * * *
After speaking to Tommy, I had an idea to try to get Sasha to grant me my rematch before Apocalypse, get all of this out of the way so that things weren't as complicated for my and Tommy's agreement. But apparently Glory specifically wanted to face David Helms, so I had to wait. That no-good bitch probably waited til someone beat me because she didn't want to fight me. Probably smart on her part. But now I really do have to wait til after she has her shot. I wonder what she thinks will happen if she somehow wins? She'll just have to face me anyway. Maybe she isn't all that smart, after all.
Anyway, the show is over. I am unhappy, Sienna is just.... I don't even know. She beat Jordan at Rise to Greatness but that wasn't good enough, she attacked her earlier, after Jordan's match with Tommy. Jordan got the upset, and Sienna jumped her. She later said she wants to end her career. I don't know how serious she is about that or if it's just meant to intimidate Jordan. I wish she would just leave it alone, but Sienna hasn't been thinking straight for a while now, since before the whole mess with Nathaniel and Chris giving him back to Kelcey. I still don't get it, if he really believed Sienna was a good mother, and that Kelcey tried to hurt the baby before he was born, why would he do that? I haven't had the nerve to ask him myself, I don't know how I would react to whatever he says. I've already had experience with him being angry with me and I am in no hurry to have another hand around my throat. Why is it that every time Sienna asks me to trust someone, that person ends up betraying us both? Chris asked me to be Nathaniel's Godmother for God's sake! I can't fulfill my duties with the child in Kelcey's care. She'll never let me see him again. I've accepted that but the more time passes the more I think I will never accept any reason Chris had for doing what he did. It's just as well he didn't sign a new contract because I don't know if I could stand to look at him. Sienna is broken. And I don't know if I can put her back together.
I had all of this on my mind as I was looking for Sienna before getting ready to leave the arena. We hadn't spoken all night and there was much to talk about. I find her in her own locker room, when I looked there the first time she wasn't there. But she is now, changed and ready to leave. The door is half open but I knock before walking in anyway.
“Sie? Can I come in?”
“Sure sweetie.”
I go in and close the door. I decide to start with something not about Jordan. “I'm going to assume that you had no idea Glory was going to pull this tonight.”
“Of course not! I would have told her to wait her turn. But don't worry about it Bree, if David was able to beat you, he won't have any problems with her. You won't have to deal with her.”
“That.... that is not the point! She was supposed to be on our side, babe. Getting in my way is not on our side!”
Sienna waves her hand, brushing me off. What the fuck? “She's just ambitious, but it won't last. Even if she wins, you can take her. Don't worry so much.”
“Sienna... are you even serious right now?”
She stops packing her bag and looks up at me, innocently. “Of course. I understand you're angry, but it's not as if the woman is trying to steal your reputation! Jordan-”
“I mean she kind of is. She's looking to be a double champion like I was!”
“Well... that may be true. But so what? You're the only Bree Lancaster there is, she can have ambition but you are Ambitchous. Remember that. Just like no matter what that little skank Jordan says, I am the Iron Angel! And she's going to keep dealing with me until she understands her place!”
I sigh. I tried to keep the topic of Jordan from coming up, but Sienna has a one track mind right now. “I think she knows her place, babe. It's not even her saying she outlasted you, it's others.”
“Oh she said it.”
“After other people did. You already beat her, you bruised her face, you've already proven you're better than she is and she made a mistake. There's no need for you to-”
Sienna glares at me. “Are you taking her side, Bree? She broke both of our trust, she broke Jaina's heart!”
“No. Of course not. I just don't think you have anything left to prove.”
“Well I do. And she is not getting off that easily with me. You're with me, right?”
“Always, babe.”
Sienna smiles. “Thank you. Now are you ready to go? We can get something to eat. Bring Jaina and Scott with us. Xio is looking for a place now.”
“I was about to leave, but actually Jaina wasn't feeling well yesterday or today. I think I'm gonna take her back to her room and make sure she's okay. But you can meet me at mine later if you want?”
“Oh no, sorry to hear that. She looked fine on screen.”
“She says it comes and goes.”
“Well you tell her I said I hope she feels better. We'll talk tomorrow then. Okay?”
“Okay. I'll tell her. And Sie?”
“Yes?”
“Please take care of yourself. You've been way too stressed.”
“I will sweetie, don't worry about me.”
I nod, and we hug before I leave.
Walking back to my locker room, I admit I am more than a little steamed that Sienna seemed to brush this whole Glory Trios thing off. I mean, two years ago when Josh Hudson used his on her, I immediately told him to fuck off, even though just earlier in that night I had been debating if I was going to risk telling Sienna about me and him having a kind of thing, because at the time I thought I actually liked him. Now Glory, a woman who was supposed to be our ally and Sienna's friend just betrayed that in a similar way? I shake my head, reminding myself that Sienna isn't in her right mind right now. The fact that she wasn't immediately pissed at Glory for fucking with me tells me just how mentally off she is. I am now more worried about her than I was before.
* * * * *
At the hotel, I get Jaina settled in her room, across the hall from mine. I have a regular room instead of a suite since Dom wasn't with me. I gave her Sienna's well wishes, and made tea while she showered. I hand it to her as she comes out of the bathroom, ready for bed. She looks better than this morning, but I can tell she's still off.
“Thanks Aunt Bree. You didn't have to come here and do stuff for me.”
“Why wouldn't I? Sit. Sip that.”
She sits on the edge of the bed, and sips the tea before setting it down. “I guess me telling you that you don't have to fuss over me won't stop you?”
“Not a chance.”
“I really do think I'll be fine by tomorrow, maybe Friday at the most. I think it was the dinner at Dot's”
“How do you feel right now?”
“Mostly normal. Maybe slightly queasy but at least I haven't thrown up again since the plane. I thought I was gonna earlier at the arena, but I didn't.”
“Oh? What happened?"
“It wasn't long after that whole thing with you and Tommy Valentine and Glory Braddock at the start of the show. I guess it upset me and I felt weird. I went into the nearest restroom, one of the women's ones near the interview area, your locker room was too far away. When I came out, I.... sorta ran into Jordan. We talked a minute.”
I sit on the bed next to her. As far as I knew, they hadn't spoken since Jaina broke up with her.
“Oh really? How did that go?”
Jaina shrugs. “About like you would think. She was ending a phone call and I heard her tell someone she loves her.”
I blink a few times, surprised. “That was quick.”
“She moves quick. I know that from experience. Anyway, she told me about her girlfriend, and I told her I was kinda sorta seeing someone, she assumed it was a girl, asked if she knew her. I told her it's a guy. We talked about Sienna.... that got tense. She could tell I wasn't feeling well, she kept asking me what was wrong. Even tried to give me some “I'm her for you to talk to” line. As if I could ever trust her with anything after everything that happened.”
“Would you want to?” I don't know what made me ask that. Jaina shakes her head.
“I don't even know. I do kinda wish Sienna would leave her alone. I might not be able to trust her, but I don't want to see her hurt.”
“I agree with you, I tried to talk sense into Sienna earlier. I don't think she's thinking straight right now though. I don't think either of us can stop her. But Jordan is a tough woman, I think she can withstand it.”
“I hope so.” Jaina looks up at me oddly. “You still care about her too, don't you?”
“Jordan?” Jaina nods. “Yeah... I guess I do. Not that she would believe that. I think too much has happened for things to be fixed. We just have to move forward.”
“I think you're right.”
Jaina leans against me. I put my arm around her shoulders for a moment.
“It gets easier, I promise. I should get back to my room and get to bed.” I reach over and grab her tea mug and hand it to her. “You finish this and get some rest, okay? We're leaving here early.”
She takes the mug and smiles. “Thanks.”
I smile back and get up to leave.
Jaina might think she'll feel better in a day or so but if she's still like this when we get home I am taking her to the doctor whether she likes it or not.
The flights to the house show cities and home went fine. Jaina didn't get sick again, and she said she felt fine, but personally I thought she looked a little pale. But that could have just been me seeing things because I was worried about her. I know she wouldn't lie to me so if she said she felt okay then I believed her.
{{Saturday, September 5th
Kenner}}
Another Breakdown, another week where it remains unclear who is going to get the next title match after Apocalypse. Tommy Valentine started the show off again, this time calling out Xander Valentine, who he would be facing at Apocalypse. I wondered if he would even be able to fight a World Championship match after they're done with each other, but that really isn't my concern. What is my concern, is that since Sasha said she wasn't making an decisions past Glory yet, all these people are coming out of the woodwork trying to claim their shot at the World Championship. Matt Hodges, Owen Cruze! As if either of them had any claim whatsoever! Oh, Hodges went to a draw with me in an ironman match. So what? He didn't even pin me in either fall. Owen is a former champion, and? He's been busy playing mind games with Giovanni Aries, he must still be hallucinating. I tried to talk Owen into fighting me instead of Hodges, because a decision between them means nothing as far as the championship is concerned, but me? That would mean something. I wasn't expecting Ace Marshall of all people to be the one to interrupt me and cause trouble. Anyone who just started paying attention to SCW would never guess that he and I used to be friends. I don't know where this shit is coming from but I am not amused by it at all. After the show, Scott got news that all four of us would be facing each other at Apocalypse. I am not happy about this at all, but I can't do anything about it. I hate multi-person matches, I almost always get screwed somehow. I'm sure this is Sasha's plan. That bitch.
We'd left Des Moines right after the house show, they tend to end earlier than TV, and got back last night at a decent time, it's only a two hour flight. This morning, Reece and I went for our usual run. Things between us had gotten back to normal almost immediately after our conversation about Jaina. I have been doing my best to not make any comments about it, to be accepting. And honestly, it's been easier than I thought. They seem to enjoy each other's company a lot, and Jaina always seems happy when she gets back from spending time with him. She'd been so stressed about Jordan, and then upset after ending it with her, and it's really good to see her in a much better mood. She did fine on the flights this week too, so she and I both chalked up the brief illness to that dinner she mentioned having something wrong with the food and I let it go. Until this morning anyway, when she didn't feel up to coming for the run with Reece and I. She'd stayed on the road with me for the house shows, and said she was just too tired to get up and come with us. I am starting to think there is actually something wrong with her, she never used to sleep this much before, even when she did stay with me for the house shows. I let her sleep though when I left though, I didn't want her to know I was still worried. She'd just tell me I was being over cautious or something.
Reece asked me where she was, and I told him. He sort of laughed, claiming it might be his fault because they were on the phone late last night. I guess that would explain that. I was being ridiculous worrying about her.
We just got back from the run and Reece walked with me to my door. “Do you mind if I come in for a minute and go up and see her?”
“Not at all.”
We go in, and Dom is in the kitchen. I smell coffee. “Hey, how's it going?”
“Good, good. Just gearing up for the season to start. Gotta head to work right after leaving here.”
“Yeah, that's why we went earlier than we'd been used to. Damn football job getting in the way.”
Reece gives me a grin. “Hate to break it to you, but once the season gets going, this isn't happening on weeks we have away games. We have to fly out on Saturday mornings.”
“It's fine. With me doing Friday house shows now, I might not even be home yet some Saturday mornings. Guess we'll have to pick another day.”
“We'll figure it out. Um, I'm just gonna go up then, okay?”
“Oh, of course. I assume you know where it is?”
He just smirks before going upstairs. I know he knows where her room is, she told me he'd been here a lot during the two weeks Dom and I were in Paris.
Dom hands me a cup of coffee. “That's really bothering you right now, isn't it? Him going up there?”
“No, actually. I think I'm okay with it."
“You think?”
I have some coffee then exhale. I hate being wrong. “No. I am. I guess I didn't want to admit it, after the way I reacted. But they seem good for each other.”
“I'm glad you've gotten used to the idea. I think it's a good thing.”
I don't have anything to say to that, so I just sit and drink my coffee. Dom sits across from me, checking emails on his phone. After a few minutes, Reece comes back down.
“Thanks for that. She's still kinda tired so she said she's going back to sleep for about an hour.”
“Okay. Thanks for the message. Do you want coffee?”
“No thanks, I gotta get showered and get my ass to work.”
“Okay. Bye.”
“See you later, bro.”
Reece gives us a wave and leaves.
I don't want to say it out loud, because Dom would tell me I'm being silly, but I can't shake the feeling that something really is wrong with Jaina. I tell myself to keep a closer eye on her when we go to work next week. I hope I'm being paranoid for nothing.
{{Wednesday, September 9th
Portland}}
Sasha really does enjoy her little games. Tommy Valentine and I made it clear we had an agreement, a deal of sorts, that he would allow me to have my rematch before he got his shot he felt (and I agree) he earned. So what did Sasha do? Book us to face each other, of course! Not that I minded, I needed an actual challenge in my first match after Rise to Greatness, to prove that just because David Helms beat me didn't mean I was done. I am far from it. So, Tommy and I went out there with the same mindset – to show that both of us are deserving of a title match, and hoping that a win would tilt Sasha's decision. Unfortunately, the actual result of the match settled nothing. Tommy pinned me, but as a direct result of Matt Hodges sticking his nose in and punching me with brass knuckles. The motherfucker actually knocked me out, all I remember is seeing his fist glinting with metal, and next thing I know Scott is smacking my face. Tommy then came over and rolled me up, I tried to kick out anyway but I was still discombobulated and was too slow. To say I was pissed is an understatement of epic proportions. In the ring Tommy tried to tell me he didn't see Hodges but I wasn't buying it. He's just as opportunistic as I am and I guess this whole mutual respect thing didn't matter when there was a title shot hanging in the balance. I left the ring and Scott walked me to the back.
As soon as we get through the curtain, the head trainer, Rich, is waiting for me.
“I know, I know, you have to examine me, let's get it over with.”
He leads me to a room not far from gorilla and has me sit on a table. I feel my forehead, and the bruise that's over my left eyebrow. “I know this is a moot question because I was watching but I have to ask... after that blow were you unconscious?”
“You said it, you know I was. I don't know how long. Scotty?”
“Oh, I'd say a good five seconds. Maybe ten.”
Hmm. About the same as at Retribution and Evans' chair shot. Rich nods, and gives me the usual checks. I am starting to get too accustomed to this. “Okay, well your eyes look fine and your focus is good. I can't really say you're concussed, since you check out. But being unconscious even for a few seconds isn't a good thing, I'm sure I don't have to tell you that.”
“I'm aware of that. But I feel fine, other than this knot throbbing. I'm not dizzy or anything.”
“Understood. However, with your recent history... the concussion in March, the stiff shots at Rise to Greatness, and now this? I'm going to have to recommend that you have a full exam and impact test Sunday morning before we can clear you to compete at Apocalypse.”
“What?! That's ridiculous, you just said I just passed everything!”
“I did, but sometimes signs of head injury don't appear for a few hours, up to a day later. We can't take any chances, especially not with someone of your status.”
I exhale hard. “I appreciate your concern Rich, I really do. But just like I told the over-cautious medic in Minneapolis, I am fine.”
“Were you unconscious at Rise to Greatness?”
I hesitate. Maybe, for like a split second after that curb stomp. But I didn't want to admit that.
“No! Just a little loopy.”
“Then you'll agree that tonight was worse, and that being excessively cautious when you have a pay per view match in four days is reasonable. Right?”
I glare. He tricked me. “Oh fine, not as if I can change your mind anyway. Can I go now?”
“Sure, we're done. Oh, you might want an icepak for that knot.” He tosses me one. I catch it.
“Thank you."
I leave the small medical room, Scott following me. On the way out I realized there were a few other medics or security or something hanging around the door, probably guarding it. Back in my locker room, I look at the bruise in the mirror. It's purple and swollen. Fucking Matt Hodges. He has no idea what he's done. I'm in no condition to do anything about it tonight, though. I shower and get my things together to leave. There's no reason for me to stay here for the rest of the show.
On the way out, I saw Tommy, Kandis, and the large guy about to leave. I asked Scott to hang back and stopped Tommy, and we had a talk. Or more accurately, I yelled at him accusing him of being a dick until he made very good points that left me with no other choice but to believe he really didn't see Hodges' attack. He was right after I thought about it, being in on it or even just taking advantage after seeing it didn't do him any favors. A cheap win does nothing to prove anything as far as getting the next title shot was concerned. So... I backed down, we're good. I even told him about the way medical was treating me, he seemed genuinely concerned. It was a brief moment of me doubting everything, understandable after being out cold, right? But in the end I realized I can still trust him.
{{Friday, September 11th
Kenner}}
Thank God for no house shows on pay per view weeks. I got home yesterday morning. Dom was very concerned about the bruise on my forehead. The swelling had gone down but it was still purple and ugly. I assured him I felt fine, but I did tell him what Rich decreed about Sunday. I was a little annoyed that Dom agreed with him. Why does no one believe me when I say I am fine? I even went to the gym as normal and went through my usual workout without any problems. I had a concussion in March thanks to James Evans, I know what it feels like. And this isn't it. I am not dizzy, or nauseated, or anything like that at all. The bruise only hurts if I touch it. Well, it did throb a bit when I ran the treadmill, but that's just from blood pumping. I know I will be fine Sunday morning and then I will give Hodges his receipt for what he did to me, along with the other two who honestly don't belong in this match.
I get home from the gym and go inside. Just as I'm grabbing a water from the fridge, Jaina comes in behind me. She doesn't even speak to me as she practically runs past me and up the stairs, a white plastic bag in her hand. I got enough of a look at her face to see that she seems concerned, or upset.
“Jaina?”
No answer. I just hear her running up the stairs. What in the world....? I get up and follow her. I get to the hallway just in time to see her go into her bedroom and close the door. I walk to her door, which didn't close all the way. I then hear her bathroom door close, with a thud. That one is definitely closed. Oh... I guess she ran up here because she needed to use the restroom. I really need to stop being paranoid about my niece.
Shaking my head at myself, I go to my bedroom and undress to take a shower. Just as I start the water, I hear Jaina screaming. I jump so hard I almost slip on the tile in my bathroom. I shut the water off, wrap a robe around myself, and run back down the hallway into her room.
“Jaina?! What....”
She's sitting on the edge of her bed, her body heaving up and down trying to breathe properly. I wonder if that's what I look like when I hyperventilate. I go over and put my hand on her back, rubbing like Dom does to me to calm me down.
“Babygirl... what's wrong? Jaina... can you say something?”
She seems to calm her breathing down a little bit and looks up at me, eyes full of tears.
“Jaina. Talk to me. What's wrong? What happened? Are you okay?”
“No....” She holds up what looks like a plastic stick. It's white. “I'm pregnant.” She then bursts into sobs.
Sweet mother of God....
ON CAMERA
Inside a locker room, we find Bree Lancaster seated on a bench, straddling it. She's dressed in street clothes - deep blue jeans, Chucks, and one of her gray “#Ambitchous” SCW shirts. Her luggage can be seen against the wall behind her. Still present on her forehead is a bruise over her left eyebrow. It's clearly fading, still purple in the middle but shades of yellow around the edges. Bree rubs it lightly before speaking.
I know, I look a hot mess still thanks to the events of Wednesday night at Breakdown. And I will address the person behind those events shortly, but before I get to all of that, I want to make one thing clear.
This four way match? It makes zero sense to me! I should be in the goddamn main event, not halfway down the card, fighting off a handful of mongrels looking for scraps!
You heard me last week. Owen Cruze and Matt Hodges posturing over which one of them should be in the conversation for a World Championship shot. Owen seems to think beating Matt will put him in contention... yet I can't fathom why that would make any sense whatsoever. Why, because Matt beat Alistaire and Alistaire is the person Owen beat to become champion a year ago? That's asinine, Owen. No one gives a damn what happened a year ago. None of that matters anymore. What matters is... you're trying to shoehorn your way into a situation by beating a man who couldn't beat me when I carried that championship. I think you're suffering from lingering effects of whatever it was Giovanni did to you, babe, if you think that trying to go through Matt Hodges to get noticed for a World Championship shot rather than going through me makes any kind of sense at all.
Then again you've always had some kind of twisted logic in that head of yours. Maybe Giovanni's mind games actually have nothing to do with it, and you really believe that this is the way to go about getting what you want. I'm gonna need you to pay real close attention here Owen, because I want you to really understand this.
You are so far down the line of people who deserve being considered for what you want, that I don't think you can even see the front of the line! You know, the one I am at the head of and everyone else is standing behind me! I'm not going to keep repeating the agreement Tommy Valentine and I made, all I will do is confirm to everyone that the agreement is still intact, despite what happened a few days ago. But I will get to that later. Owen, what I want you to understand is, that you are trying once again to play with the adults, and listen. I know you've come a long way since your start here. You've been World Champion. You've beaten legends, Hall of Famers, you have shown that you can hang with the adults.
But with your asinine logic in trying to catapult yourself into a situation that you have no place in? You're just showing everyone that despite the way your in ring skills have grown, mentally? You're still just a gangly teenager trying to fit in. It's awkward, babe, and almost embarrassing. I'd feel sorry for you, except I don't actually care enough about you to put out the effort. I am however going to make every effort imaginable to ensure that this lesson actually gets through to you this time.
Stop getting in my way. Stop inserting yourself into my business. People who do so don't usually come out unscathed.
Bree smirks, and rubs her forehead again.
And speaking of getting into my business for no discernible reason? Ace... babe... I have to ask... what the hell is your problem? What did I ever do to you for you to all of a sudden dislike me? The whole cutting my banner down after Cold Blooded... then interrupting my speech to Owen about his bad judgment? I'm asking you sincerely, what happened? We used to be friends. Good friends even. You were one of the first people to speak to me and be friendly when I came to SCW. I know you remember that Valentine's Day we hung out, right? The dinner, Bon Jovi, the white flower. I remember all of that. There was once you invited me to a party at your hotel room, and... well, I probably shouldn't talk about that publicly, other people may get upset. You celebrated my birthday with me once at a hotel bar, remember that? We visited sick kids together at a Children's Hospital. I admit I was angry with you for a while, after you decided to use Katelyn's kids to mess with her head. I have a soft spot for one of them, I think everyone knows that. And dragging innocent little girls into your bullshit was not cool babe. I don't care if you did turn out to be a father to one. But.... after some time passed I was willing to overlook that, because sometimes people do desperate things when it comes to children. I understand that a lot better now.
What I don't understand... is what I did to piss you off? The only thing I can really go on is that maybe you're finally tired of your wife's bullshit, and you thought back to those fun times we had as friends, and now you're mad that you apparently missed your chance. And don't try to make anyone believe you never looked at me that way, I know better. In fact... I have no problem admitting that there was a point in time where if you had tried? I would have probably gone for it. Unfortunately that succubus has had her claws in you for years, I had my own problems... and I guess it just wasn't meant to be.
Bree shrugs, then shakes her head.
Okay, I realize that sounds ridiculous, but honestly Ace, I am at a loss here as to why any of this has your attention. You come and go as you please, you don't seem to care about anything in SCW other than causing trouble, and I haven't done a damn thing to cross you that would make you coming after me make sense. So... I have to assume that you're just up to your usual antics of causing trouble and you decided to pick on me because I happen to have all of SCWs attention right now. Yes, you heard me. I have the attention, even though the World Champion is currently someone else. Everyone wants to know what I'm going to do, how I will react, what I will say.... when will I get my rematch! And you just have to be the center of attention, so you're doing what you can to try to steal it away from me.
I'm just not going to let that happen. I've just decided that I don't really care what your motivation is. You don't belong in this match, you have no vested interest in anything that's going on around me right now. I'm not going to discount your talent... when you decide to care enough to fully use it. But I don't think you care right now. You just want to annoy me. So, I am going do my best to shoo you away like the annoying little pest you currently are. I have more important things to deal with than playing your stupid games.
Bree rubs her forehead again, and her expression changes from mild annoyance to anger. She curls her finger, beckoning whoever is operating the camera to zoom in. The shot does, and Bree points to the bruise on her forehead.
Important things like this. Do you see this? This bruise that was a swollen knot for a whole day, that marks the spot where Matt Hodges hit me with a foreign object and knocked me out cold?
Get a good look. Especially you, Matty. I want you and everyone else to understand that this isn't just a bruise. It's not simply a calling sign of your interference that nearly ruined a business agreement I made. No...
Bree shakes her head and lowers her finger away from pointing at the spot.
It's actually the contract for the hit you put out on yourself the second you decided to get involved in my business!
I don't know how I can make it more clear. Getting in my business, attacking me, cheapshotting me... is very hazardous to one's health. There are a list of people you could ask for their experience with that. I'm not going to do your work for you, you can look it up yourself. I guess it wasn't enough for you to come this close to beating me at Fatal Fortunes, was it?
Actually, let's talk about Fatal Fortunes. Because there's something about that Ironman match that really irritates me when people talk about it, and given it's actually relevant now, I'm going to point it out. Everyone loves to talk about how I outlasted Matt Hodges, I survived Matt Hodges... but let's be honest here, Matty. You and I know the truth.
And the truth... is that you survived me.
You were fresh on your return here, you'd had what, one previous match? If that, I don't remember. You were drawn to challenge me for the World Championship and we went thirty minutes. My detractors like to focus on the fact I stayed out of the ring near the end, because there was less time left on the clock than a ten count, and I let the match end on a draw, thus retaining my title. But that wasn't an act of cowardice or survival.
It was an act of mercy.
I had picked your knee apart the whole match, and all of the problems you've had since then with it? Are my doing. I didn't see a need to rush into the ring and try to get a rushed pinfall on you when you were already broken. You knew that. You knew I could have finished you if I wanted to. I mean, in that whole thirty minutes, you never pinned me. Your falls were a submission and a DQ. But I pinned you. And I could have easily done so again, but there was no need.
Mercy.
But after this?
Bree points to her forehead again.
Mercy doesn't exist. You're going to meet the mercenary.
The thing is, I think deep down you know all of this. You know that despite the narrative SCW likes to paint of me being the lucky one who survived you, that you are the one who walked away lucky that night. That's why you carried yourself to the ring Wednesday night and nailed me with those knucks, isn't it? You looked at the card, at this match, and knew that I am the most dangerous person in it, and you knew that if you were to have any chance of winning, you had to take me out with some kind of preemptive strike. You're a smart man, you thought you could take care of two problems at once - cause distrust between myself and Tommy by making it appear to me at first that he was in on your little sneak attack, or at least took advantage of it, and dispense of our deal. And secondly, make tonight a little bit easier for you by softening me up. Am I right?
I admit Matty.... it almost worked. I confronted Tommy about the way the match ended, but we cleared everything up and our agreement? Is still intact. More importantly though.... You almost succeeded in actually taking me out, not just out of my game, making me weaker prey.... but out of the match entirely!
SCW medical nearly didn't clear me for this match tonight thanks to your knockout shot. I had to go through a battery of tests this morning to ensure that I wasn't actually injured or concussed because of your actions. Unfortunately for you, I passed every single one of their tests, protocols, whatever you want to call it. And I am cleared to get into that ring tonight and make you understand just how egregious of a mistake you've made.
You almost took me out, babe. But in the end all you did was piss me off. And nothing good happens to those who piss me off when I am all out of mercy to give. I hope that Sasha was right when she said that your medicals came back clear, that your knee is good to go. It's so much more rewarding to break down a healthy knee than it is to pick apart one that's already half gone. And if you thought I wrecked it before during Fatal Fortunes?
Well, that was before you tried to break my skull and get me out of the way to protect your chances and your ego.
Bree stares into the camera with barely controlled rage. It's clear she is trying to save it, channel it for the match later tonight.
As for Owen and Ace? If you think you can hold me back or distract me enough to prevent me from doing whatever I want to Matt Hodges? I will remind you once again to stay the fuck out of my way. If you get in my way, you may end up collateral damage.
This is not the time for people who have no right to be in the World Championship conversation to step up and try step over me! I am going to prove that to all of you tonight, and after its over, when I dispatch all three of you and make it crystal fucking clear that I am not backing down, I am not stepping aside, when I prove that I deserve the rematch I have demanded?
All of SCW will be thanking me for taking out the mongrels and being the Woman of Truth that I have always been, that they know they need but are afraid to admit to.
As I stand with my arm raised... I'll say two simple words to all of you.
You're welcome.
Bree smirks, and rubs the injured spot on her forehead one more time, almost as a reminder of why she has to do what she has said she is going to do.
Fade.