Ambitchous

Breakdown 7-15-21

In the week since I spoke with Dr. Lucio, she had turned out to be right, at least in the fact that the incident between me and Dom had only been a mild setback. We'd gotten back to where we were before my mini-freak out – sleeping in the same bed and no issues with him hugging or holding me. There was one night where he abruptly got up and left the room, and I didn't have to ask why. He returned about a half hour later, handed me a bottle of water, and we went to sleep like nothing had happened. I still hate everything about the way things are, but I've been afraid to try to test myself again yet. I've been reading more of the survivor story books I bought on my Kindle and a lot of them seem to have similar recovery patterns.

Anyway, it's Thursday a week and change after Taking Hold of the Flame, yet I am home. SCW decided to run Breakdown on Saturday this week as a special event. It's worked out though because Jaina has been back home for a few days. She and Reece had some kind of argument last week when she got back from St. Louis.... and she's been here since. She hadn't told me exactly what happened, and I didn't ask. I figured she would come to me if she needed. Since the mess that happened between she and Jordan a few months ago, I have been trying my best to step back and remember that she is grown, and just let her know that I'm here for her if she needs, but to keep out of her business unless she asks. It's hard, cause I've been more like protective older sister than an aunt for her whole life, even more so when Amy was at her worst with the drinking. But it's what Jaina has repeatedly asked for, both in words and actions, so I am trying my best to give her the space she wants. If it's this hard for me to step back from my grown niece, I can't imagine what I'll be like as a mother someday. I suppose it's good practice.

It's early evening and I am in my bedroom – well, outside on the small balcony that overlooks the backyard. Dom is outside tending to the pool, wearing just shorts. I offered to hire someone for that, but he said he likes doing it, so that was that. I'm going back and forth between watching him work and reading my Kindle. The door to the balcony from the bedroom is a sliding one, and I have it open just wide enough for Donatella to go in and out as she pleases. The balcony is covered and has an outdoor ceiling fan, so while it's hot out, it's not so bad in the shade under the fan. I have my bare feet up on the small coffee table and Donatella is curled up on the ground next to my chair. I am deeply engrossed in the survivor story I'm reading, as almost everything about it sounds very similar to my situation. The woman was married, her rapist was someone she didn't know, and she had similar problems getting back to some kind of normal intimacy with her husband. Something she did that worked for them gives me an idea, but I can't imagine myself actually asking Dom about it with words, out loud. Maybe I could have him read this, and say 'let's do that.' Then again, if I can't talk about it, could I do it?

I stare at the last sentence of the story contemplating this when I hear the sliding door open a bit more.

“Aunt Bree?”

I turn to look and Jaina is in the doorway, her phone in her hand and a troubled look on her face.

“Yeah Jay, come on out.” I set my Kindle aside, almost glad for the interruption. Jaina walks out, closing the door back to the slightly open position it had been in, and sits next to me on the patio style couch.

“Um.... I know I didn't say much about my argument with Reece the other day, but he just sent me this, and I'm not sure how to take it, or what I should do...” Jaina then hands me her phone, open to her text thread with Reece. All that's visible are texts from him, no replies from her. I ignore the older ones and only read the last one, the one she's talking about:

[This has gone long enough, we need to figure this out. If you can't or won't come over here tonight to talk to me, you might as well just not come back at all.]

I hand it back to her, frowning. “That seems a little harsh.”

“It does? I wasn't sure, since I've kinda been ignoring him.”

“Maybe you should tell me what happened.” I hadn't wanted to ask, but I can't help her if I don't know what I'm dealing with.

“I wanted to. I just didn't want to bother you with it, you have enough to deal with. This seems so trivial in comparison.”

Oh, my heart. This girl. “Babygirl, what did I tell you? I am always here for you.”

She sighs. “Okay...”

* * * * * {{ Jaina – Last Week }} * * * * *

Jaina and Reece had been spending more and more time together, to the point where she almost didn't live with Aunt Bree anymore. She only went 'home' to get certain clothes she wanted from her room, and to travel with Aunt Bree when they went to wherever SCW was running. It was after Taking Hold of the Flame, Jaina had stayed in St. Louis a day longer than Aunt Bree. She and Dom left only an hour or so after the show was over, Aunt Bree was upset and wanted to get home. But Jaina couldn't leave. Christian had been there for the show as well, to be there for his dad Chris' match.... and had been super upset when Chris was basically kidnapped by Minerva and Konrad Raab. Christian was Jaina's friend and she didn't want to leave him alone like that... so she stayed behind. Obviously they had their own hotel rooms but Jaina invited Christian back with her to hers. He had been hesitant, since the last time they were in the same hotel room together, things happened that shouldn't have, not with Jaina having a boyfriend. But she gently insisted, he shouldn't be alone in the mood he was in, so he agreed. They stayed up almost all night just talking. Christian angry and worried about what happened to his dad, what could be happening. It didn't help matters that Christian and Minerva had a sort of thing a year ago or something like that, so that just added another level of weird to the whole thing. Jaina tried her best to assure him that while Minerva and Raab were obviously unhinged, they weren't going to hurt him. If they wanted to do that, they would have in the match. It was more than likely some kind of mind game. Other topics came up – Jaina's boyfriend, the way he didn't want her speaking to Jordan (or probably Christian for that matter), Aunt Bree's whole situation, the upcoming wedding that Christian was invited to – he confirmed he would be there. Eventually Christian fell asleep and Jaina allowed herself to sleep, too, having successfully kept her friend from losing his head.

Aunt Bree had sent her plane back to St. Louis the next afternoon (after the pilot had time to rest) so Jaina could come home, Marco even volunteered to take the flight so Jaina wouldn't be flying back alone. When she got home, it was early evening, she went to her room at Aunt Bree's to drop off her suitcase and grab a few things, then headed to Reece's.

As soon as Jaina gets in the door, Reece greets her with a hug, spinning her around.

“Gods, you're acting like I've been away a week!” She laughs.

“What, I can't miss you?”

“Oh, I guess so.” Jaina laughs again as Reece sets her back on her feet. He holds her face between his hands to kiss her.... then backs away, his mood changed like a switch. He looks at her with a glare. Jaina's smile fades. “Um... what?”

“I'm just wondering why you came home a whole day after Bree.”

“Okay... so ask me, instead of looking at me all pissed.”

“I think I just did.”

Jaina scoffs. “First of all, that attitude isn't necessary.” Reece rolls his eyes a bit, but the glare remains. “I stayed overnight because my friend was worried about his dad so-”

“Christian?”

“Yeah... you watched the show?” Reece nods. “Okay, so then you know what happened. He was upset and no one else was there for him. I couldn't leave him there like that, his flight wasn't til this morning.”

“And you didn't stop to think to maybe let me know you weren't coming back with Bree?”

“Oh my Gods, they left at like midnight, I wasn't gonna call you that late!”

“Or text? What about this morning? I saw they were home and you weren't and-”

“And you sat here getting mad instead of calling me?”

Reece sighs. “Okay, I guess I could have called. But there's a bigger issue than a phone call.”

Jaina has a feeling she knows what's coming, she sets her hands on her his defiantly.
“Oh? What's that?”

“How about the fact you spent the night with a guy?”

Jaina laughs. “I knew that's what you were gonna say.”

“Because you know it wasn't right!”

“What exactly do you think happened last night, Reece?” Reece crosses his arms and gives her a look, like she should know what he thinks. “Okay, so let me get this straight. You watched that show, saw what happened to Christian's dad, and somehow have the idea that because I didn't want to leave him alone while he was upset and worried, that either one of us was in the mood to hook up?! Are you actually insane?”

“Sex is one hell of a distraction.”

“Oh my Gods. You are insane. I thought we were past this whole you not trusting me thing!”

“You know, I was. But then you got on a plane with Jordan. And-”

“Ohmygods that wasn't even up to me! It's Aunt Bree's plane and she invited her!” Jaina had told Reece about Jordan taking the flight with them to Breakdown after Jordan arrived at Bree's basically pleading for help. “The fact that I told you about it should count for something.”

“Yeah, it did. But what would have been better, is if you hadn't got on the plane with her.”

“So what, you expected me to miss work?!” Reece sighs. It's clear he knows that's unreasonable but he doesn't want to admit it. They'd already had this particular conversation. “I had no choice! I couldn't not show up to work. I barely even spoke to her, we sat on opposite ends of the plane. And anyway what does that have to do with Christian?”

“Goes back to trust. I asked you to stay away from Jordan cause she's not good for you, and that didn't happen. Now you spent a night with a man I know you've been with in the past? Come on, Jay.”

“Right. Like I said. You don't trust me.”

“I would love to trust you, because I love you. But you keep doing things that make me question you.”

“Like what? Having friends?”

“Jay-”

“No, listen to me. When you basically demanded I cut Jordan off, I agreed with you and I did, because you were right. She isn't good for me. She gets to me. We argued twice in the few days she was at Aunt Bree's, both days I saw her. But Christian isn't Jordan, he's been my friend for a long time, and I'm not going to let you act like I did something wrong for being there for him and I'm not gonna apologize for it, either!”

“So I'm just supposed to forget that you and him have been together before?”

“Yes! Do you fuck every ex-lover of yours every time you see them? Do you hear how stupid that sounds?”

“Jaina...”

“No, Reece. You don't trust me so you're trying to control who my friends are. I'm not gonna put up with that. You should think about that for a bit.”

Jaina grabs the bag she walked in with and goes for the door.

“Jaina, wait, that's not-” Jaina doesn't wait to hear what he's saying and walks out slamming the door. She hears him scream the rest anyway. “Not what I'm doing!”

Jaina shakes her head and hurries back to Aunt Bree's. Maybe Reece would realize he was being an asshole if she left him alone for a few days.

* * * * * {{ Bree – Present }} * * * * *

“And that was over a week ago.”

“You didn't tell me he got mad at you about Jordan flying with us.” I suddenly feel very selfish for having asked Jaina to put her feelings aside and tolerate having Jordan around..

“I didn't want to upset you. She's your friend, you needed each other.”

“We did, but it was still a pretty bad position to put you in, I wasn't thinking about that. I should have realized after you and her argued that morning.”

“It doesn't matter, you wanted your friend on your plane, and I had to get to work. Reece was over reacting.”

“Oh, he definitely was, I'm not debating that. I'm just sorry I made things uncomfortable for you.”

“It wasn't that bad. Jordan and I even texted a little after that.” My eyes widen a little. “Yeah. Not much. Just I refollowed her Twitter and she noticed and texted me.”

“You had unfollowed her?”

“Oh. Yeah. Reece asked me to.”

“I see.” The more I hear about things between Jaina and Reece, the less I like. It sounds like she's talking about a different person. “Well, I can kinda understand that, he thinks she isn't good for you, and maybe she isn't, like you told me. I'm more concerned about how he reacted to you being there for Christian.”

Jaina sighs, looking down at her phone. The text is still open, she's scrolling. I can't read the screen from how far away it is, but can see that most of the text bubbles are from Reece, there are only a few bubbles on the other side, that she sent. “Yeah, that was worse.”

“He knows you've been friends a long time, right?” Jaina nods. “Then it doesn't make any sense for him to expect you to not see him ever. It just sounds like he's jealous, and there isn't any reason to be.” Jaina not only keeps her head down, but turns her face away from me. I saw a cringe before she turned her head, though. “Jaina? Is there a reason for him to be jealous?”

“I mean... he knows me and Christian hooked up before. But... no, not really. There shouldn't be.”

“Shouldn't be? Then why can't you look at me right now?”

“Okay, okay. I fucked up one time.”

“Jay....”

“When Breakdown was here. And Reece got pissy that I went meet with Christian for a coffee.” She looks back up at me, she seems hesitant to keep talking, but she does. “When you asked Sienna and Chris to come back here and and I said I wasn't coming home, I didn't go to Reece's. I went to Christian's hotel.” She flinches a little.

“Jaina.... did you....?” She knows what I mean, and nods. “I know you know better than that.” I had warned her against being a cheater when she was still with Owen Cruze and starting to get close to Jordan.

“I do! It was stupid and I feel terrible about it and I'm not ever gonna do anything like that again.”

“Does Reece know?”

“No. I mean obviously he suspects something is going on, but he doesn't know. No one does. Well, Kelsai... and now you.”

I knew Kelsai wouldn't betray her best friend's confidence, and neither would I. “Okay. Well, if you're past acting out that way, then there's no need to tell anyone else. And if Reece has no idea, then this jealously is baseless and ridiculous. Do you even want to reply to that text or go talk to him?”

“I want to. But I don't know if I should. That's kinda what I was asking you....”

“I can't answer that for you, babygirl. Even if I wanted to. Everyone has to decide for themselves what they're willing to tolerate, I've told you this before. Ask yourself if the way he's talking to you and the things he's getting upset with you about is something you can either live with, or work out somehow. Can I make an observation?” Jaina nods. “The fact that you reacted the way you did with Christian, what you just told me, after you and Reece argued about him, tells me that maybe it isn't.”

“I was wrong for acting out like that, I know that. I was just being... I don't know, petty? But that doesn't mean you're not right. I don't want to put up with that kind of shit. I grew up with Mom, remember?”

I nod. Jaina likes to act around Amy that she doesn't remember much about the man who treated Amy like trash, but she's told me that she does. “I know. So, you have to decide if you think you can work through this, or if you even want to try. You said you do want to try... I'm not going to tell you if you should or shouldn't. It's not up to me.”

Jaina sighs again, and puts her phone away. “I guess I feel like I should try to figure things out in a more... mature way, than I did back then.”

“That's one way to look at it.”

“Whether or not we can work it out isn't up to me, it's up to Reece, if he'll get his head out of his ass and see that he's over reacting.”

“I agree that he is most definitely over reacting.”

“But I won't know that unless I try.... right?”

“That's usually how it works. If you really want to, then go.” Jaina grins. “Whatever happens, I am here for you, okay? I have my own problems to work out too but that doesn't make me unavailable to you. Okay?”

“Okay.” We smile, and I give her a hug. Just as we part, we hear a splash from the pool down below. We look, and Dom had just slid in, he's swimming a lap.

“Hmm. I think I need to go join him, it's insanely hot.”

“You do that. I'm gonna go talk to Reece. I'll let you know if I'm not coming back here tonight.

I changed into a swimsuit and joined Dom in the pool. He and I spent the afternoon lazily swimming and talking. I told him what Jaina told me, and he agreed with me that it didn't sound very promising. In the back of my mind though, I was remembering the last survivor story I read, and the idea it gave me.

* * * * *

Around dinner time, Jaina had texted me that she and Reece talked things out and she would be staying there tonight. That gave me just a little bit more confidence, motivation, incentive, whatever you want to call it, to actually bring up the idea I had to Dom when we went to bed. It wasn't late, so we weren't going to sleep. We'd gotten into the habit of laying down together to watch a movie or read or talk, for a few hours before going to sleep. It was part of what helped me get and stay comfortable having him in bed with me, because bed wasn't only associated with sleep or sex. Not that we didn't watch movies together or whatever before, we just didn't always do it in bed.

Anyway, we got comfortable and laid down. We're both on our backs, I'm leaning against Dom, my head on his shoulder, his arm around me. I feel very relaxed and comfortable, the swim this afternoon helped with that.

“Feel like finding something to watch, or...?”

“No... not really. I kinda like just laying here relaxing with you.”

Dom holds me a little bit tighter and drops a kiss on my temple. I've always loved it when he does that. I turn a bit to look up at him and grin, then stretch more to kiss him back. For the first time since the incident a week or so ago, I felt that slight arousal come back. Before I could think about it too hard, I turn to my side and prop myself up and kiss Dom again... but properly this time. No closed-mouth foolishness. He instinctively holds me closer and puts his free hand on the side of my face. A few seconds later though, he pulls away.

“Bree... what are you doing?”

“Kissing you.” I grin.

“Yeah... I'm very aware of that... but you do know what you're doing, right?” His eyes flick downward so quick that if I didn't know better I'd have thought I imagined it. He also shifts his position slightly.

“I know.... okay, you know I never really did talk about this kind of thing much before, and what happened to me made it worse.”

“I did notice that.”

“So... I just felt really comfortable with you just now, not just comfortable but... you know...” I rest my had on his chest and move it a little, like I would normally do in bed. He grins, nodding. I got my point across. “So I had an idea. But I didn't know how to just... put it out there, so...”

“So you made me ask?”

“Yes?”

For a moment I thought he was going to think I'm crazy, but instead he just grins again.
“Okay. What's this idea?”

“Well... you know those books I've been reading?” He nods. “There's a thing a lot of the women in those stories said they tried, and it makes sense. Last week I reacted badly to, um... feeling you, because it was unexpected. Maybe I should have expected it, but I didn't, and it freaked me out. Make sense?”

“I'm with you so far.”

This was going to be the hard part, saying what I wanted. But, Dr. Lucio said that a person can't get help if they can't be specific about what they need. So, I make myself be specific. I'm talking to the person I trust more than anyone else, it can't be that hard.
“Okay. So... what if it was my choice? To touch you, I mean, instead of waiting to feel comfortable with you against me? And further, what if it was my choice to let you touch me, rather than waiting for you to try and see how I react?”

“Well first of all, I'm not gonna try anything like that unless and until you say it's okay.”

“Right. That's what I'm saying. What if we just did that... like we would normally do before having sex, just without the expectation that sex is gonna happen? Cause I'm gonna be honest with you, it's not.” I am shocked at myself that I said all of that. I guess once I got started talking about it, it was easier.

“That does sound like a lot less pressure to put on yourself. So, you just want to see if you can handle that sort of contact?”

“Yes. And if I can... then we keep going til, uh... the end.”

“Finishing?”

“Yeah. Ugh, it sounds so high school.” I shake my head.

“In a way, I guess. But if you feel like you want to try that, I'm more than willing. Whatever you think will help you.”

“I think it's a better step than trying to go from nothing to full sex.”

“Are you sure, though? It's a big step. I don't want you to push yourself too far away from what you're comfortable with.”

“I have to try something, baby. We can't go on like this forever. We're going to be married, I want to be able to give you... everything.”

Dom sighs. “I keep telling you, Bree, this isn't about me, that's not what's important to me. You-”

“It's important to me, okay?!” My volume surprises both of us, and Dom backs away a bit. I hadn't meant to practically yell. I speak lower, “I'm sorry... but it's important to me.”

Dom reaches up and rubs my face lightly, with a smile. “Okay. I just want you to be sure.”

“I am. I'll probably be a little nervous at first, but if I never push myself out of my comfort zone even a little bit, then I'll never get through it, I know it. And that's just unacceptable. So...”

I sit up, and take a deep breath, before pulling my cami off. I'm already anxious. But, I reach down and take my shorts off too anyway. Dom follows my lead and does the same, then we lay back down how we were, the sheet over us. You'd think it would have been warmer with clothes on, but being exposed to just body heat made it warmer.

“You okay?”

“Do you know what would make me really okay?”

“What's that?”

“If you didn't ask me if I'm okay after every little step.” We both grin, and he nods. “Just assume I am unless I say otherwise. Can you do that?”

“I think I can manage.” He smirks.

“Thank you.”

I settle in closer, getting more comfortable, making myself get refamiliar with so much skin on skin contact. Dom rests his hand on my stomach, just under my belly button. So far, so good.

“So... am I.... or are you....?”

I grin, he's unsure who's starting, so to speak. My response is to act without thinking too much and reach down, grabbing him gently, like I would have- no, like I have done countless times before that day in May. We kiss, and he moves his hand down slowly, about an inch. I must have breathed in sharply or stiffened or something, because he stops, and looks me in the eyes, silently asking permission. I nod. He smiles, then kisses me again, sliding his hand down at the same time....

Ten or fifteen minutes later, I am so relaxed and content that I feel like I could melt into the mattress. Not only because I was able to allow Dom to touch me that way and remind me how good that part of my body could feel, but also that I was able to do something for him, too. He'd been so insistent that all of this was about me, but part of me getting better is being able to give myself to him, even a little bit. I did that, and for the first time since I was violated... I feel like things really are going to be okay. We fell asleep shortly after, and it was the best sleep I'd had in weeks.

I got a lot of questions after Breakdown on Saturday, and I can't blame anyone for being curious. I was in a bad mood from the start because Owen Cruze decided to prove to everyone how much of a child he really is and refuse to pay his fine and come back to work. This meant that my plans of calling him out and finally teaching him a lesson in front of the world in my own way... was ruined. So by the end of the show when I saw Infamous basically trying to injure Ace Marshall...I had enough. I had just gone through watching Cid and Asher and Holly make a complete mockery of the World Championship, and now Ravyn and CHBK and the others were trying to screw with the Rise to Greatness main event by injuring the Flame winner. Ace and I used to be friends years ago, I'm not sure what happened to change that but he's been an ass to me for a while now... but I couldn't stand back while those assholes tried to hurt someone just for fun. I have never liked Ravyn anyway, and I admit it was fun spearing CHBK's ribs in half. He's always been condescending and annoying. A lot of people questioned why I would run out there to help someone I don't get along with, but it wasn't about Ace at all. It was about another group of people thinking they can just do whatever the hell they want without consequence. I'm tired of it.

Today though, Dom and I are focusing on him. It's a nice change from all the attention being on me. I know, I know.... that sounds weird coming from me. But its true, I feel like I've been under a microscope for months – first the leaked pictures, then the assault. But today is all about Dom. We are meeting with Lisa, as the hiatus from acting Dom took last year is nearly up, and the sequel to Deep Cover they have been discussing... is now official. Lisa sent Dom a script about a week ago, and we've both read it. Technically I'm not supposed to... but I've learned how to keep secrets. There was no question Dom was going to accept, it was pretty much written for him... and Kennedy Street. It seemed I would be seeing a lot more of her, as she made her return to SCW as well, and she was looking for a match for Rise to Greatness. I kinda got the idea she maybe hoped I would accept her open challenge... but I had no interest in fighting someone I consider a friend. It was hard enough facing Jordan at the End of the Year Special, and we weren't on great terms at the time. Kennedy and I used to hate each other too, until she and Dom did the movie together. He and I had this huge fight while he was filming, and according to Kennedy, he was so upset about it that it was affecting his work. She basically told both of us off and demanded we get our shit together before it fucked up the movie. Sure, it was partially selfish because she didn't want her career to be affected by our shit... but she was also right. Obviously Dom and I worked out that issue, and Kennedy is partially to thank for that. She and I have been friendly ever since, and I'm just thrilled that she and Dom are doing this sequel together.

Dom and I sit across from Lisa's desk after being let into her office. Not even a minute later, Lisa walks out from her private office, a manila envelope in hand. She greets us with a big smile.

“Good morning, it's so good to see you both.”

“I was here two weeks ago, Lis.” Dom smirks.

“You were, but two weeks ago Deep Cover Two wasn't official.”

“Is that the title?”

“Working title. You saw the script.”

“We did. I loved it.”

“I was a little floored at the first scene... but it's a really good story.”

Lisa grins, a little sheepish. “I was wondering how you were going to react to that.”

“What, didn't think I would be okay with Dom and Kennedy's characters being married now?”

“Oh, I figured that would go over fine. I meant the scene itself.”

I had admitted to Dom that it was a little awkward to read... the first scene is the two of them in bed, establishing the fact that Chase and Maggie are married. Under normal circumstances it wouldn't have been as awkward, but here we are with our personal bedroom issues. Not that either of us were going to explain any of that to Lisa. At least I hoped Dom hadn't spoken to her about that...

“Right... that .Well, it's not like I didn't watch the first movie.” I shrug. There were two such scenes in that one, and I had to admit they were well done.

“Bree has come a long way in accepting things associated with my job, including the existence of those particular scenes.”

Lisa smiles. “Good, I'm happy that there won't be any issues over the script. I had some concerns, considering what you've been dealing with...”

I lean forward a little, smiling. “I appreciate that, I really do. But there really isn't an issue. What Dom will have to do for work has nothing to do with what I went through.”

“Of course. How are you recovering, by the way? I feel terrible I didn't ask right away.”

Lisa had spoken to me once or twice over the phone after everything happened, as part of being my agent, dealing with the media. But she and I never really discussed anything personal.

“Slowly. I think I'll feel better once everything is taken care of legally. And... well, a few other issues we're working through.” I feel my face turning red.

“I can imagine. I know I've told you this before but if there's anything I can do, just call me.”

“Thank you.”

Lisa clears her throat, and holds up the manila envelope. “Alright, this... is the reason you're here, Dominic.” It always amuses me how Lisa insists on using Dom's full name. “Your film contract, ready to sign.” She hands him the envelope. Dom opens it and pulls out the stapled stack of papers. He flips through it as Lisa speaks. “Just to remind you, your base salary is the same for this as the last one, but... just yesterday I got confirmation on something I've been trying to negotiate for you, and it's been included. You have points. Three of them.”

Both Dom and I smile big. Points means percentage points, of the movie's profits. Three percent might not sound like a lot, but when you think about how much money big hits can make... well, it's simple math.

“What, really? You talked them into it?”

“Finally. The success of last year's film really worked in your favor. And to clarify, the points are in perpetuity. Box office, DVD and digital sales, On Demand buys, future licensing to air on cable TV stations... all of it.”

“Holy shit.”

“All of those things being included in points has become increasingly common in the last year or two, with the way the industry is changing due to streaming providers. A film may not make three hundred million at the box office, but could make a sizable profit once DVD and streaming sales are accounted for. It's a very good deal.”

“Its fantastic, I can't thank you enough.” Dom keeps flipping through the papers, but stops and looks up. “Hang on. What about Kennedy? Is she getting the same deal?”

“I am not privy to the terms of Ms. Street's contract.”

“No, I know that... you wouldn't know her salary or such, I meant the points. She's just as important to this film as I am, it's only fair she get the same deal.”

“Right. As far as that, I am told she has points... I just don't know how many. My professional best estimate, is probably two or three. I can't see her getting more than you. She may be your co-star, but you have first billing.”

“Sounds fair. I suppose I could just ask her when I see her.”

“You could do. As an agent, I can't.”

“Of course.” Dom flips another page, nodding. “The rest of this looks great.... wait. Filming is set to start August second?”

“That's right, this one will be done fully in Los Angeles, six weeks.”

Uh oh. I turn to Dom. "Baby... that's-"

“I know. Can't do that.” Dom folds the papers back properly and sets it on her desk. “Bree and I will be on a trip after our wedding.”

Lisa blinks, stunned. “What do you mean... your wedding is in two weeks, I have my invitation in here.” She taps the top drawer of her desk.

“It is. But Bree has SCW's big pay per view, Rise to Greatness, the week after our wedding, on the twenty-fifth. We're leaving after that show, and we're away for two weeks.”

Lisa grabs a desk calendar and flips a page, I assume to August. She sighs. “Let me get this straight. You want Lion's Gate to push the entire production back a week-”

“Two weeks, ideally. We'd need time to get settled home after the trip, and for me to get prepared for filming. Mentally, physically. You know.”

Lisa closes her eyes a second, with another sigh. “Okay. Two weeks... for a vacation?”

“Yes, that's what I want. Look, you know I've never wanted to be the 'demanding Hollywood actor' stereotype, but this isn't just a vacation Lisa, it's a honeymoon. After everything that Bree has been through this year, is it really fair to ask her to cut a celebration short just-”

Lisa puts her hands up. “No, no, no. You're right. I hadn't considered that. Sometimes I get too caught up in the business details that I forget about being human.” She glances at me. “Sorry.” I just grin, I get it. “Bottom line, Dominic? This film doesn't happen without you. If that's the only change you want to get this done....?” She's asking.

“That's all I want.”

“Then I will get it done. Would August sixteen work?” Lisa flips her little desk calendar around for us to look at. We planned on being home the eighth. Dom gives me a questioning look, as if it's up to me.

“Looks fine to me.”

“Sixteenth works.”

“Great. Let me make a call.” Lisa gets up and turns towards her private office.

“Wait, right now?”

“Yes, now. The studio is aware we're meeting today. Sit tight.” She smiles, then disappears through the door.

Dom sits back in his chair and gives me a look. “Are you okay with all of this? It seems to be moving pretty quickly.”

“It is. But I'm fine with it. You took a whole year off, just for me. You've been there for me with work and... everything else. The least I can do for you is stand behind you on this.”

“I think you mean beside me.” He smirks.

“That too.”

“You do know what comes along with this, right? The appearances, the interviews, promotional tour with Kennedy leading up to release... all of that.”

“I know. I will be there with you for it all. Well, my own schedule allowing. I know you missed this, and you deserve to do what you love, too. I'm ready for it all.”

In reply Dom smiles, then leans over and kisses me. “You're gonna be the best Hollywood wife.”

I giggle. “I'll have to work hard to match up to you being the best wrestling husband.”

“Is that a thing?”

“Of course it is. Ask my brother.” We both laugh.

“Now that's a standard to live up to.”

Before I could answer with something witty, Lisa's private office door opens, and she walks back in, a single sheet of paper in hand. She takes her seat before saying anything.

“Alright. That was a lot easier than I thought. August sixteen it is. Here's the amended schedule.” She hands the paper to Dom. He looks it over, and nods.

“This will work.”

Lisa smiles as she picks up the envelope and pulls the contract out. “Alright. Give me one moment here....” She produces a staple remover from somewhere, pulls apart the contract papers, removes a page, and replaces it with the one Dom looked over. She then staples them back together and hands the whole thing to Dom. “There you go. All that needs is your signature. Three times.”

Dom grins. “Pen?” Lisa hands him one, and I watch as he signs it, the grin stuck to his face. I can tell he is so ready to get back into this. He hands the contract back to Lisa, and she stuffs it back into the envelope.

“Alright. I'll get this sent to everyone who needs it, and send you a copy.”

“Excellent.”

Lisa smiles. “I have to tell you how excited I am for this. It's a great project, it's already getting buzz. It's great to have you back.”

“I'm not back yet.”

“Oh yes you are. You know damn well this machine starts long before the first take.”

“Yeah... I suppose you're right. It'll start as soon as this thing is announced, won't it?”

“Honey... it's gonna start as soon as you leave this office. I have a signed contract.” Lisa waves it around a bit.

Before leaving, it was decided that Dom would make the announcement himself over Twitter on July fifteenth, the day of the last Breakdown before Rise to Greatness. That way he and Kennedy could use some of the hype to get word out about the movie.

I'm excited. Not only that Dom is getting back into the work he loves, but that something positive is going to take some attention away from me and everything negative that's happened to me this year. It's good to have something positive to focus on.

With the movie finally official, on paper and everything else, Dom immediately knew the first thing he had to do. Get himself into a gym regularly and get into what he calls 'camera shape.' Not that he ever got out of shape, but it's an action movie and since Rope Break where he was shirtless for at least half his screen time, it's kind of an expected thing for him to be 'well defined.' And that hasn't been a thing since he's been on hiatus. So, when I went to BlackOut today to help with Amy's classes as I've been doing, Dom came with me, to make use of the gym. He'd been here a few times but we both usually do our regular workouts at a gym near my old house. On the drive over though, we decided to just start coming here for everything from now on. I know Wyatt and Amy will be glad to have us there more.

We walk in, both carrying gym bags and dressed to work. Wyatt sees us and walks over.

“Hey strangers... interested in a membership?” He smirks as he and Dom shake hands.

“I think I might be.... what are your terms?”

“Um... take care of my sister forever.”

“Deal. Show me to your best weight bench.”

They laugh. “You really here to work?”

“Yeah bro, Bree was coming anyway for Amy's class. I have this thing to get ready for, so I came with her.”

“Thing? Like a movie?”

“Yeah.... just don't let that get out yet.”

Wyatt pantomimes zipping his mouth. “I heard nothing.”

I can't keep from laughing anymore. “You two are ridiculous. Is Amy here yet?”

“She is, she's upstairs. A few students are here early, but they haven't started yet.”

“Okay, thanks. I'll go meet her. ”

Wyatt nods, and Dom kisses my forehead. “Okay, I might come up and say hi later.”

“I'm sure the students would love that.” I grin. Dom heads towards the weights he asked about, while I make my way upstairs to the academy area.

* * * * * {{ Dom }} * * * * *

After Bree went upstairs to meet Amy, Dom and Wyatt chatted a bit, then Dom went to the weights area he had jokingly asked about. Except he really wasn't joking. Bree had assured him that he looked fine to her, but Dom knew that everything looks different on film. If he stood in front of a camera today, what looks fine to Bree and maybe most other women in person, would look out of shape and blah on a big screen. It used to bother him, how much the producers and directors focused on his looks and body. But a few films in now, he gets it. Action films depend on their action stars to look physically capable of being the hero. Sell the fantasy. They need men and women to spend money to see the film. Dom never thought himself to be particularly good looking, but if the internet can be believed, most people thought otherwise. The only opinion he really cared about was Bree's anyway. Regardless, Dom knew what he needed to look like before showing up for the first day of filming, and he didn't have a whole lot of time to get there.

After going through the first set of the routine Dom had created for himself last year, he sits on the weight bench taking a break. Water bottle in one hand, phone in the other, he's reading over the next set in the routine, in an Evernote file. He shakes his head to himself, wondering if he was really the masochist who came up with this. A delicate clearing of a throat pulls his attention away from the app. Dom looks up, and Kelsai Adamson-Mason is standing in front if him.

“Oh... hey Kels.”

“Hi Dom. Um, not that I'm not glad to see you, but... why are you working out here?”

Dom chuckles a bit. “Guess I'll be getting asked that a lot. Can you keep a secret?”

“Sometimes. If it's really important.”

“It is... you wouldn't want me to get in trouble, right?”

“Of course not! I can keep whatever it is to myself.”

“Okay. I'm doing this-” He waves at the weight bench. “In preparation for a film. I signed the contract yesterday.”

Kelsai smiles huge. “That's amazing! But... that doesn't explain here.”

“Oh. Well, Bree and I decided to start coming here instead of the place we'd been going. Family loyalty and all that.”

“I love that.”

“So you'll likely be seeing more of us.”

“That's always a good thing.” Kelsai's smile fades a bit, and she looks around nervously. “So um.... since you're here, can I talk to you about something? I was going to call you, but here you are.”

“Sure. Have a seat.” Dom points to the weight bench next to the one he's on. Kelsai sits, straddling it to face him.

“Well, it's about Jaina.”

Dom frowns a bit. “I'm not sure I'm the right person to talk to about her.”

“But you are. You see, I'm very concerned about her, and I'd rather not worry Bree if I don't have to. She's already dealing with so much. And I could be wrong, but...” Kelsai sighs. Dom can see the worry all over her face, and she had a point about Bree. She always put on a strong front but he knew she was still fragile on the inside.

“Okay. Tell me what you're worried about, and we'll decide together if we need to involve Bree.”

Kelsai nods. “Okay. It's not really Jaina so much I'm worried about, as her boyfriend.”

“Reece?” Dom squints his eyes, confused. As far as he could tell, Reece was a great guy.

“Yes. I know you know about the argument they had last week or so, right? Jaina told me she went back home for a while.”

“Yeah, I knew there was something. I didn't know what until she went back though, she and Bree spoke and Bree told me.”

“Okay, so you know about how Reece basically demanded that Jaina not speak to Jordan at all?” Dom nods, that he knew from weeks ago. “And how he got very upset that she stayed in St. Louis with Christian?”

“Yeah... that's what Bree told me. From what I could tell, he over reacted a bit, but from a guy's point of view, I can't say I blame him for being a little upset. She didn't tell him til after.”

Kelsai nods. “Yes, I told her the same thing. I love Jaina like a sister but I think you and I both know she doesn't always make the best decisions.”

“I admit that's true, but she's young. I wasn't a pillar of morality at nineteen, either.” Dom grins. Kelsai laughs.

“I can imagine. But... all of those things worried me, and they've been adding up, you know? I've met Reece, he seems like an amazing person. But all these things she's told me....” Kelsai shakes her head. “The most recent thing she told me though is what really has me worried that something really not good is going on here.”

“Are you sure you want to be telling me about this, repeating a private conversation?”

“Under normal circumstances, I wouldn't. But I feel in my heart I have to.”

“Okay. What it is it?”

Kelsai takes a deep breath, brushing her hair back out of her face. Dom can tell that even thought she's already decided to talk, she's still torn about it. But, she sets her hands on her lap and looks back up, determined. “When I spoke to her yesterday, she told me that Reece has now decided that she lives with him now, and not you and Bree.”

“Wait, he decided?”

“That's how she said it. It was the day they made up. She said he told her he reacted the way he did because he felt like her staying there with Christian made him less important.” Dom raises an eyebrow, incredulous. “I know, right? He said he needed to know that he was the most important person in her life. Over everyone else.” Kelsai shakes her head.

“Okay, that doesn't sound out of line. I'm sure you feel that way about your husband, that's how I see Bree.”

“Yes, but you and I don't demand that Victor and Bree stop talking to friends of theirs that we don't like.”

Dom nods, deciding it was for the best to not mention how he had actually asked Bree to stop antagonizing Blake. That was different anyway, Bree and Blake were hardly friends.
“That's true. So, what? You're worried he's being too controlling?”

“That's exactly it. It seems like he's trying to isolate her from everyone. She suddenly lives with him now, she can't speak to Jordan or Christian... it doesn't sit right with me, Dom.”

“When you put it all together like that, it doesn't sit well with me, either.”

“What can we do about this?”

Dom sighs, knowing that Kelsai wouldn't agree to bringing Bree into this to ask for her suggestion. That left only one real option. “I'll talk to Reece myself. See if I can figure out what's going on.”

Kelsai leans forward, eyes wide. “How are you going to do that? You can't tell him anything I said! He'll know it came from me because I'm the only other friend she talks to, and so far he doesn't seem to have an issue with Jaina talking to me, but-”

“No, no, no. Don't worry, Kels. I won't let on that I know anything. He won't suspect a thing. Or did you forget what I do for a living?” Dom smirks, and Kelsai giggles a little, some of her nervousness subsiding.

“And you're damn good at it, too.”

“Thanks for that. If anything seems off when I speak to him, I'll let you know. And then we'll see if we need to let Bree know.”

“I really hope I'm wrong. But it just doesn't feel right.”

“I hope so, too. But leave it to me, okay?”

“Okay. Thank you.”

Kelsai gets up and smiles before walking off. Dom sighs. He picks up the free weight was using before Kelsai approached, to start his next set. He has a bad feeling that despite both Kelsai and his desire to not add anything else to Bree's plate, they may not have a choice. Just when you think you know a guy....

Breakdown a few days ago went well. I got the win over Katie Steward, something I really needed. I had a conversation with Jordan backstage, she's facing Selena next week and had no idea why she would be put in the ring with her. That woman really is oblivious to how amazingly talented she is. I spoke to Kennedy briefly too, but she walked away before I could say anything about the movie. It was just as well, that shouldn't have been around the cameras anyway. I tried to find her later but couldn't. Scott told me he heard she was in a meeting with some of the board. He didn't hear what about but I'm guessing it's about her match for Rise to Greatness. I decided to just try to speak to her next week. I could call I guess, but I'd rather talk in person.

Besides, I have important personal things to deal with this week. Friday I got a call from Officer Vega, the responding officer when I was attacked. He and the ADA wanted me and Dom to go to the NOPD station, about my case. He wouldn't say more over the phone, so to say I was nervous over the weekend was an understatement. Dom did his best to keep me calm, one night we even did a repeat of last week and my bedroom idea... I admit that helped in more ways than one. But this morning when it was time to leave for the station, it all came back.

We were asked to be there for 10AM, so we walk into the door of the NOPD station about five minutes early. A receptionist takes my name, and we don't even have time to sit before a door opens and Officer Vega appears.

“Ms. Lancaster, Mr. Teller. Thanks for coming down.”

“Of course.”

“What can we do for you?”

“It's more what we can do for you. Follow me, ADA Marcello is waiting in the back.”

We follow Officer Vega through the door and down a hallway, into a meeting room. A tall black man about myage stands and greets us with a handshake. He's in a nicely made suit, clearly a lawyer.

“Good morning, I'm Travis Marcello, Assistant District Attorney. Pleasure to meet you both.”

Marcello gestures to the table and everyone takes a seat.

“We called you in today to have a discussion about the case against Jude Nelson. We have some test results back and... something to propose to you.”

“Test results?” I was drawing a blank.

“Yes. Namely, your rape kit from the hospital.” I then notice that Marcello has a folder in front of him on the desk, as he taps it with one finger. The paperwork must be inside.

“Oh... of course.”

“DNA testing usually takes a few weeks to get results, it actually came back sooner than I expected. The results confirmed his DNA was present on your person. We were also able to confirm your blood present on the knife recovered at the scene.”

“Not that we didn't know it would be, but it's good to hear it's on record.”

“Indeed it is. We presented Nelson with this information, and you'll also be glad to hear that he admitted to everything. The photos, assaulting you, all of it.”

“My God, really?” I glance at Dom and he seems just as stunned as I am.

“I admit I was surprised, too. We've come up with a plea deal that would put him in prison for thirty years, and there would be no need for a trial.”

“Thirty years? I thought the maximum was forty?"

“It is, Mr. Teller. But... plea deal. We'd like for you, Ms. Lancaster, to be in agreement before we make it official.”

“What if I don't agree?”

“Well... that would be unfortunate. I could push it through regardless just to ensure justice is served. Or, we could have a trial anyway. That would more than likely require you to testify, and-”

“I don't want to do that.”

“In that case I would strongly suggest you agree to this deal.”

Dom and I exchange a look. “Do I have to see him to do this?”

“You certainly can if you want to.”

“I don't.”

“Then no, you don't.”

Officer Vega pulls a laptop out from a case I hadn't seen sitting on what I thought was an empty chair. He sets it on the table. “We do have video of the interrogation and his admission. If you're comfortable with it, we'd like you to watch it, so you can hear everything for yourself and better decide if you agree to the deal.”

“I don't know if that's a good idea.” Dom grabs my hand.

“No, it's okay. I can watch a video.” I give his hand a squeeze, and he squeezes back.

“Alright.” Officer Vega opens the laptop. He scrolls, clicks, then turns the screen around to me and Dom. The video is pulled up, Jude Nelson is seated at a table, his hands cuffed and resting on the table. Only his profile is visible but unfortunately for me his face would be forever burned into my memory. Standing across from him is Marcello, the video paused just as he was going to sit down. It's in color, but slightly faded. “Just hit play.”

I reach to the laptop and tap the pad. Dom holds my hand tighter as the video starts....

“...morning Mr. Nelson. As you know but I will state for the record as this is being recorded, I'm Assistant District Attorney Travis Marcello. I'm here to discuss the charges against you, in reference to an assault and rape of one Ms. Bree Lancaster. Do you understand why I'm here?”

Jude smirks, and leans back in the chair, but keeps his hands on the desk. He was likely told to.

“Yes, yes... I understand.”

“Good. Now then, the charges as of now are aggravated assault and second degree rape. We submitted evidence found at the scene and on Ms. Lancaster's person for testing, and based on the results of those tests and her statement on the incident, I feel I have a pretty good chance at adding attempted murder to your charges.”

Jude picks up one hand and makes a 'hurry up' motion. “And what is this evidence, exactly?”

“DNA. Yours, all over her. Blood. Hers, all over your knife.” Jude scoffs. “I'm aware you gave a brief statement when you were arrested, but in light of this evidence, would you like to amend your statement now?”

“I'm afraid there isn't much to amend, as all I previously stated was... that bitch is a liar.” Jude smirks. I'm starting to feel sick, just hearing his voice. I remind myself that this is just a video and I don't have to see him in person.

“Yes, I have a... transcript here. I'll ask you again, would you like to amend your statement?”

Jude sighs, and leans forward, resting his arms on the desk. His position change makes more of his face visible. I close my eyes and just listen.

“I might as well. You clearly have an open and shut case on your hands, am I right?”

“It seems that way.”

“Fine. You got me.”

“I'm going to need you to elaborate.”

“I did it all, Mr. ADA. That bitch's pictures. Getting information and ideas from Lance, deciding that she needed handling.”

“To be clear for the record, by Lance, you mean Lancelot Crane, correct?”

“That's right. My former boss, mentor, and friend. He and I decided that this bitch had gone too far in degrading his name, with her lies! He gave me the idea for the photos, but everything else was my doing.”

“Define 'everything else.'”

I can't take not looking anymore, so I open my eyes again. Jude is still leaning on the table, while Marcello appears to be taking notes.

“The meeting over her wedding pictures. I couldn't believe my luck when I heard her agent or whoever was putting out feelers for a photographer. I reached out. She came to my rented studio. And now we're here.”

“And how did we get here, Mr. Nelson? What did you do?”

“You already know the answer to that.”

“If you are amending your statement then you need to actually state it.”

Jude rolls his eyes and exhales hard in annoyance. “Fine. I locked her in the studio, told her how much of a liar and hypocrite she is, then I took from her what she gave Lance willingly.”

Dom squeezes my hand again. I get the idea it's more out of anger than trying to comfort me, though.

“What exactly do you mean by that?”

“I made her have sex with me.”

“You raped her?”

“If that's what you must call it. I planned to kill her too, but the bitch had more fight than I expected.”

Marcello puts his notebook away and looks Jude in the eyes. “So what you're telling me is... you admit to the assault, rape, and attempted murder of Bree Lancaster?”

Jude slams his hands on the table. “I already told you I did all of it!” To Marcello's credit, he didn't flinch. “And I'll tell you this too, that bitch didn't suffer nearly as much as she deserved and if I had the chance? I'd do it again.”

I gasp and cover my mouth with my free hand. Dom quickly reaches over and pauses the video, then turns to me.

“Are you okay?”

I nod, trying to keep myself calm.

“My apologies, Ms. Lancaster. I forgot about that particular statement.”

“It's okay. I, um... I think I needed to hear that.”

“Would you like to take a break?”

“No, let's just finish it.”

“Are you sure?” Dom seems skeptical, but I just want it done.

“Yes, get it over with.”

Dom nods, and presses play on the video.

“I see. May I ask why you're being so forthcoming now, as opposed to when you were brought and you said nothing?”

Jude leans back in the chair again. “You have your evidence. I'm going to prison no matter what I say. But more importantly... I'm not a liar like she is.”

“Noted. So to be clear. You are confessing to the charges against you? Aggravated assault and second degree rape? In return we'll give you a thirty year sentence.”

“Now why would I do that, when I could make you put me on trial and perhaps get convicted of say... attempted rape, and sentenced to maybe ten years?”

“First of all, it doesn't work that way. You haven't been charged with attempted rape, you've been charged with second degree rape, since there was a deadly weapon involved. That will stick due to the fact your DNA found on her... came from inside.” I squeeze my eyes shut again for a second. I hear Dom breathe out hard, and he squeezes my hand so hard that I pull it away. “Secondly... if you take the deal, I won't push for attempted murder, which as I said before, could easily be added due to her blood on your knife, and the fact that you just admitted that you planned to kill her. You know what attempted murder gets you on top of the rape? Life.”

“You're a tough negotiator.”

“Does that mean you accept the deal?”

“Yes. You win. I will accept your deal.”

Marcello glances up at the camera for a split second, it's like he was hoping it was recording.
“Good. Now I just need to make sure all the T's are crossed. I'll be back to see you later on the week with the paperwork.”

“Oh, you mean that you're going to ask Ms. Lancaster if she agrees with this little plea bargain of yours?” Marcello stares at him, stoic, but it's obvious to me at least that he didn't expect Jude to know that. “Yes, I know how that part works. I told you I've spoken quite often with Lance. Go ahead...” Jude waves his hand in the air dismissively. “Get her permission. I'm sure she'll appreciate being given a choice.”

Marcello glares at Jude, then turns to leave the room. The video ends.

Officer Vega closes the laptop. Marcello speaks softly. “Thoughts?”

“Are you sure we can't get the death penalty for that scumbag?”

“Dom!”

“I'm afraid that's reserved for First Degree Murder.”

Dom sighs. I know he knows better. I don't have to think very hard or long about this at all.
“My thoughts? Give him the deal.”

Dom turns to me and grabs my hand again. “Are you sure about that?”

“Yes. I absolutely do not want to sit in front of a courtroom full of people and explain, in detail, everything he did to me, to only get an extra ten years. If he's going to sign a confession and spare me – us – that? Do it.” Dom gives me a nod. I turn back to Marcello. “Today.”

“Yes ma'am. It won't go through today, but I can get the paperwork started when I get back to my office.”

“Do I need to sign anything?”

“No ma'am, we'll take it from here.”

“For what it's worth, I think you're doing the right thing.”

I give Officer Vega a smile. He was the one who first pushed me to officially report everything that happened to me that day. “Thank you. For everything.”

“Yes, thank you both.”

The drive home was silent. Maybe Dom didn't know what to say, maybe he was processing everything we heard. I know I was. As soon as I heard Jude Nelson say he would do it again if he could... a large click went off in my head. Everything Dom, Amy, and Dr. Lucio had tried to tell me, to convince me of... was right. None of this was my fault. Jude Nelson is a psychopath who planned to hurt me, every step of the way. As soon as I agreed to meet him about wedding pictures, it was all out of my hands. He had a plan and he followed through.

All I had done was try to salvage my reputation with a lie that almost anyone else in the world would have told... and this man took it personally and chose to use it as an excuse to hurt me and try to kill me. I never had a choice.

It wasn't my fault.

ON CAMERA

We find Bree Lancaster seated outside, in what is clearly the pool area of an upscale hotel. Bree is at a glass patio table, seated in a white metal chair, complete with a red cushion. Dressed in a light green sundress and tan flats, Bree has one leg crossed over the over at the knee, her hands folded into her lap as she sits back comfortably. Sunglasses perched atop her head act as a headband holding her loose blonde hair out of her face, as they aren't needed to cover her eyes thanks to the umbrella attached to the table. The edge of the pool can be seen off to the left.

As I sit here this morning thinking about what I offered to do tonight, and the challenge that Lucas Knight and I face later tonight at Breakdown... I can almost hear some of the comments and accusations that are going to be hurled at me. That I don't know what I'm getting into, that this is none of my business. That I'm a hypocrite.

I am fully aware that in the past, I have called people out for getting involved in things that don't affect them. And I can see why someone might think that I'm doing exactly what I criticized those people for, by offering to team with Lucas against Minerva and Konrad, when SCW was going to give Chris Cannon the opportunity. I haven't been involved in this issue, this war, at all... not until now. All of this started months ago when Minerva attacked Peyton Rice inside Chris' home and beat her black and blue, broke her knee and her jaw. Chris, obviously, took offense to that. It was his house, Peyton is a friend of his. All these other people stepped up, as Minerva, Konrad, and their friends Tommy Valentine and Kandis terrorized this roster. People like David Helms, Jordan Majors, and yes, Lucas. David got a broken leg for his troubles. Jordan's friend got his car stolen. And Chris and Lucas? Could have burned to death.

While every step of that war was going on, I had my own issues. I was injured. I lost the World Championship. I was the victim of photograph leaks. I was assaulted. I tried to get the World Championship back, to restore it's credibility and honor. I failed.

Yet, while all of that was swirling around me, something else was swirling in my head. That I had focused on myself for so long... what I wanted to be known for, where I wanted to be, how to keep myself in the position I was in... that I lost sight of the bigger picture. Holding the World Championship doesn't matter as much if the company is a living, breathing dumpster fire. Being recognized as the best in a sea of monsters and psychopaths doesn't really say much, does it?

While I was focused on keeping myself on the pedestal I had put myself on, SCW was burning down around me.

When I failed to get the title back, and then failed to win the chance to try again at Taking Hold of the Flame, I realized that I had to do something different. You heard me say it on Breakdown, I had to set my sights on the bigger picture. For the first time in a long time.... none of this was about me anymore.

I looked around and saw what was going on, really looked... and I knew what I had to do. Maybe it doesn't make sense to most of you that I ran out to stop Infamous from trying to injure Ace Marshall. Or that I ran out to help Selena fight off Asher. Just like it probably doesn't make sense that I offered to fight with Lucas in Chris' place.

But if you look at it through my eyes, with the understanding that I've recently come to accept... it all becomes crystal clear.

Bree uncrosses her legs and leans forward, resting an arm on the table as if she was leaning in to speak to a friend.

All of this is my business, because SCW is my business, and everyone I've been pushing back against is trying to destroy it.

Asher Hayes, Cid Turner, Holly Adams? They tried to destroy the dignity of the World Championship. As much as I wish it was, that isn't my fight anymore, so I will leave that to the woman who's job it now is to defend it. As much as I dislike Selena, I will credit her with being someone who will try her best to restore that honor.

Ravyn Taylor and the rest of Infamous? They tried to take out Ace just for fun, to see what would happen to the Rise to Greatness main event. They don't care about anything or anyone but themselves and their own amusement. Ravyn basically admitted as much when she talked shit to my face and tried to corner me in the ring with my niece, who is just a reporter and not a trained fighter. Thank God for Kennedy Street coming in and diffusing the whole thing. I could say a lot more about Ravyn and Kennedy, but today isn't the day to discuss them.

Minerva and Konrad Raab, and their friends... what are they calling themselves, the Jackals? They have been acting much like Infamous, in using SCW as their playground, and those they consider their enemies as toys. They've left so many people broken! Peyton Rice, David Helms, Josh Hudson, Pat Evans.... and recently? Damn near Lucas Knight and Chris Cannon. And that... is where this becomes my business, not only because they are terrorizing the roster and this company that I have called home for the last six years, but because Chris is my friend, he's my best friend Sienna's man and father of her unborn child, and I promised her that I would always have her back, no matter what that means. Right now... that means keeping Chris from doing something he would regret before he has the chance to face Minerva one on one, where it counts.

It's my business, because Minerva and Konrad were part of creating the whole situation that led to Kandis breaking David Helms' leg... look, you all know that for a long time David and I never saw eye to eye. Just look at Rise to Greatness last year, look at this past January when we fought to unify the World and Interim Championships. But there comes a time when differing opinions about how to do things in the ring and family squabbles have to be put aside. In a few days he and I are going to be family, I am marrying his brother. But even if that weren't the case, even if all David ever was to me was a rival.... no matter how much we disagreed over who was better suited to carry that championship, or who's method to get there was better.... he didn't deserve what that group of monsters did to him. Neither did Peyton Rice. Their careers likely ended, and for what? Amusement? Some kind of sick revenge plot over this business? It's absolutely sickening.

Bree shakes her head in disgust.

I know I've done some pretty brutal things in the ring before, I've set out to hurt people.... but just enough to get the win. I've never wanted to literally end someone's career. Call me a hypocrite for that too if you like, throw Amy Chastaine's name at me... even she will tell you what I did to her was an accident. Almost no one believed me at the time and I'm willing to bet there are still people who don't believe me now. Nevermind the fact that I have built my career and reputation on the basis of being the most truthful person you are likely to come across in this business. I speak truths that people don't want to hear, are hard to accept. That's one thing about me that will never change, so when I tell you that I never meant to force Amy to retire, and that I don't think any of the people that Minerva, Konrad, and their ilk have hurt and taken out deserved it.... please believe me.

So if you wanted to know why I stepped up to fight alongside Lucas Knight, a man who in the past hasn't been very nice to me, and looking back at the way I've carried myself, I can't say I blame him... if you wanted to know why I volunteered to take Chris Cannon's place in this match that SCW put together against Minerva and Konrad... here is your answer.

Chris had his home broken into and his friend beaten while staying there. He's been antagonized, literally kidnapped, and nearly burned... all because of this woman Minerva who has been walking around SCW as if she's checking off a list of targets. Chris has his match with her at Rise to Greatness, she will have to wait to get another chance to try to hurt him like she and her friends have done to so many others.

Chris is my friend and he's been dealing with this for a long time, and I've just now realized that I have a duty as a friend and a part of SCW to do something to stop the terror. Maybe I should have jumped into this before now, maybe I should have paid closer attention. But I've recently learned that it doesn't do any good to play the what-if game looking at the past, and nothing good comes from blaming yourself for things that are so obviously not your fault.

It's not my fault that Minerva has been targeting everyone she deems her enemy. It's not my fault that other issues demanded my attention. What's important now is that I've recognized that Minerva and Konrad are part of a larger problem in SCW. They are just more people who are tearing at the foundations of what SCW stands for, in their own way. Some people attack championships. Some people create chaos. And some.... try to hurt everyone they can who they feel are in their way.

I know I'm just one person, and it might seem like I am taking on more than I can handle alone. But I'm not alone. Tonight, I have Lucas Knight. After that.... we'll see. Maybe I'm being foolish, maybe I should have left well enough alone.

But I've made my choice, I've seen what looking away and pretending these things aren't my problem has done to this company. Too many people see what's going on and think... that's not my business

I'm not afraid to be the one to stand up and say, enough. I made this my business, because I'm a part of this company, and I'm sick of seeing people tear it apart.

Enough.

Bree gives a determined and confident gaze for a few seconds before the shot fades out.