Breakdown 9-30-20
{{Friday, September 11th
Kenner}}
I can't believe what I just heard. Jaina.... pregnant?! I look at the little white stick she's clutching in her hand as she cries. I sit next to her and take it from her hand, careful not to grab the narrow testing end. I look at it, it's one of the digital readout ones, so there's no pink lines. It literally says 'pregnant' as if reading a digital thermometer.
“Jay.....”
“I know... I don't.... what...” She's trying to talk through sobs but nothing really coherent comes out.
“How did this happen?!” The sobs stop for a second and Jaina looks at me incredulous. Okay, it was a dumb question. “I mean, I know how it happens.... but... I thought you were taking birth control?”
She takes a few breaths and calms herself, wiping her face. “I... I was. But I stopped when... when I was with Jordan. Wasn't really necessary, right?”
“Hm. I suppose not.....”
“And then this sort of happened unexpected with Reece... I called a doctor to get an appointment to get them again. But it takes forever to get an appointment these days, you know that.” I nod. She isn't wrong about that. I had to wait two months for my check up a few months ago. “So.... the appointment is actually next week. And we were being careful, I swear we were! But when you and Dom were in Paris, there was one time when.... when.... and....” Jaina sobs again and leans over, her arms around her stomach. I put my hand on her back again. I'm still holding the test stick.
“Listen to me, okay? Sometimes these things are wrong. Certain medicines or like if you have a UTI can make it come up positive even if you're not pregnant. Didn't you take some nausea meds?” She nods. “That might be one of them that messes with it.”
She looks up at me. “You think?”
“Maybe. I'm not totally sure what meds can do it. I'm just saying don't panic, okay? Keep your appointment, they'll do a blood test to be sure. When is the appointment?”
“Tuesday.”
“Okay. I'll take you. And this thing-” I wave the stick in the air. “-could be wrong. Sometimes even taking it right before or right after your period will-”
“But it's already three weeks late.”
I hesitate a second, but it's still possible. Right? “Oh. But it could still be wrong. Stress can make you skip, too. That used to happen to me a lot. So don't stress, okay? Just wait til you see the doctor and we'll go from there. Okay?”
“Okay. But... I mean, I don't think this is wrong Aunt Bree. Why do you think I bought it? Like I said, I'm three weeks late. I threw up on your plane, I feel sick randomly for no reason. I'm always tired. Mom was like that when she had Loki.”
“Okay. I get that. I'm just saying there could be other reasons for that and I don't want you to stress out about this and make yourself feel worse.”
Jaina nods, but she keeps staring at the stick I'm still holding. I think maybe I'm trying to convince myself instead of her. “Okay. I'll try. But you have to do something for me. You can't tell anyone. And I mean anyone.” She flicks her eyes to her bedroom window, which faces Reece's house.
“I won't.”
“Promise?”
“I promise.”
Jaina gives me a weak smile. We hug, and she leans her head on my shoulder. “Aunt Bree?”
“Yeah babygirl?”
“You're gonna help me, right?”
“Of course I will.”
“Okay. Cause I don't think I can do this.”
I rub her back to calm her. “Shh. Listen, remember what I said. Don't worry about it until you see the doctor. We'll figure it out after that, okay?” I feel her nodding on my shoulder.
There's a knock on the door. Jaina pulls away from me. I look up and see Dom in the doorway. He looks concerned.
“Everything okay in here? I happened to hear something about a doctor, you still sick Jay?”
I give Jaina a look. I'd literally just promised her I wouldn't say anything to anyone. I put my hand holding the stick behind my back and hope he didn't notice. But it didn't matter. Jaina nods.
“It's okay. I won't ask you to keep anything from him.”
I motion for Dom to come into the room. He walks up to us near the bed and I hand him the stick. “This is hers.”
He looks at it, then at both me and Jaina, stunned. “Oh. Shit... I, uh... I don't know what to say.”
“Me either....”
“I'm taking her to the doctor Tuesday, she already has an appointment.”
“Right. Good idea.”
“Can you not say anything? Please?”
“Of course not. None of my business. In fact...” He hands Jaina the stick. She stares at it. “I'll just leave you ladies to it. I'm headed to the gym.”
“Okay.”
Dom kisses my forehead over the bruise Hodges gave me, then gives Jaina's shoulder a light squeeze before leaving.
“Thank you for not making me lie to him. I'm glad you trust him like you trust me.”
“He's basically already my uncle even if you aren't married yet. Why wouldn't I trust him?”
I smile and we hug again. I remember the day she first met Dom, on her sixteenth birthday when I had him follow me to Amy's in the car I'd bought her. She knew who he was from the TV show he was on and had been starstruck. All of us have come a long way since then.
{{Tuesday, September 15th
New Orleans}}
Jaina and I are sitting in the waiting room at her doctor's office. I've never been to this office before, don't know the doctor. It's just who she called when she wanted to get back on the birth control pills. If she had asked me I'd have taken her to my OBGYN but... here we are. She's playing some game on her phone and I am pretending to read a magazine but I'm really thinking about Apocalypse.
You might think I'm angry about the way my match went down, and that isn't wrong, but I'm not angry for the reasons you might think. Even Scott thought I was pissed at the finish, the fact I didn't win, but that really wasn't it....
* * * * * Apocalypse – Vancouver * * * * *
After the match, Scott and I get back to my locker room. My bruise hurts, just from the physicality. As soon as the door shuts I start taking my gear off. This is fine with Scott in the room cause one, he's measured me in various states of undress, including nude, many times for things he's made me over the years. And two? He's the gayest man I've ever met in my life and there's absolutely no danger of anything weird. It's like changing with Sienna. Anyway, I am somewhat calm, and that seems to make Scott nervous.
“Breezy?”
“Yeah?”
“Where's the screaming? The rage? You don' have to hold back for my sake. God knows you usually don't.”
I shrug and toss my gear top aside. “I'm not going to do any of that.”
“You're not?” I shake my head. “But you lost....” Scott crosses his arms and gives me a raised eyebrow.
“I mean, if you want me to throw a chair at you to make you feel better, I can. But I'm really fine.”
“Bree.”
“I am! And I'll tell you why. I didn't lose.”
“No? Then why was the arena playing Queen instead of Imagine Dragons?”
I smirk. “I didn't win, babe. But I didn't lose either. Was I the person Hodges pinned?”
“No....”
“Exactly! Despite all of his bullshit, getting involved in my match, knocking me out... he still hasn't pinned me. Which means he still has no actual claim to the World Championship, which means... my position is safe. I am still owed a rematch babe. And tonight? Doesn't change that at all.”
“Hmm. I think I prefer you raging and hysterical. This calm thing you have going on seems much more calculated. It's scary.”
“Good. People should be scared. I didn't say I wasn't mad. I'm just not going to waste energy on it right now because the fact that I wasn't pinned made this match meaningless. Don't for one second think I'm letting go of what Hodges did to me. Or the fact that the motherfucker was gonna tap if Owen Cruze hadn't dove onto our legs. He's gonna get what's coming to him, too!”
Scott smiles. “There's some of that anger! Now I feel better.”
I laugh. “Time and place, babe. That's all. Now I'm gonna shower, do me a favor and find me a coffee that's not garbage? I think I'll need it for the rest of this show.”
“Yes ma'am.”
He smirks as he walks out, he knows I hate that.
* * * * * Doctor's Office – New Orleans * * * * *
I grin to myself at the memory. Scott had indeed found me a decent coffee and I enjoyed seeing Blake get his ass handed to him. Cringed watching Xander Valentine try to break Tommy in half. I later heard he'd been checked at the hospital and was okay, so that was a good thing. But best of all? That cunt Glory Braddock failed, just like I knew she would, so once Sasha did what she knows is the right thing and gives me my rematch? I get to take the World Championship back from the man who took it from me.
“Miss Lancaster?”
I look up instinctively, then realize the nurse is calling for Jaina. She gets up, looks back at me, then to the nurse.
“Can my aunt come?”
“Of course.” The nurse smiles. I think she recognizes us. I get up and follow.
After waiting in the room a few minutes, a lady doctor comes in, she's kinda young as far as doctors go. “Good morning, I'm Dr. Bowen. Which one of you ladies is Jaina?”
Jaina raises her hand. “That's me. This is my aunt, Bree.”
The doctor glances at the chart in her hand, and I see the moment the names click, just a slight change in her eyes. Yeah, she knows me too. This could be a good thing.
“Very good. Just so you both know, we do very much value privacy here at this clinic.”
“Thank you.” I grin. They'd better, whether we were well-known names or not.
“Now Jaina, I see here than you called looking for birth control, but I'm to understand that's changed?”
“Yeah... it, um... might be too late for that.”
“I see. Well, let's get you up on this table here and get started.”
Dr. Bowen asked Jaina the typical questions, her last period and symptoms and all that. She said that since Jaina's period was three weeks late they weren't going to do a blood test, urine would be fine. Jaina gave me a look, I think we thought the same thing – that the test she took was probably accurate after all. Jaina gave a sample then we waited about then minutes. Dr. Bowen came back and confirmed, their test was positive as well. I could tell Jaina was trying very hard to keep herself together but she really wanted to cry again. I held her hand as Dr Bowen examined her.
After the exam, Jaina sits up and Dr. Bowen sits back in her chair.
“Okay. Given the positive result as well as my exam, I'm certain that you are indeed pregnant. Based on the date you gave me of the first day of your last period being July twenty-eighth, I'd calculate that currently you're at around seven weeks gestation.” She fiddles with some kind of calculator tool that was sitting on her desk. “That gives us a rough due date of around..... May fourth. We'll have a more accurate date though after you come back in a few weeks for an ultrasound. We'll give you a few appointment dates. Okay?”
Jaina just nods. I think she's like in shock or something.
“Sure, Doctor. I'll probably be coming with her so you can give the paperwork and such to me.”
“Jaina? Is that okay? We need your permission to share information with your aunt.”
“Oh. Yes. Please. Do I have to sign something?”
“Yes, we'll take care of that before you leave. I'm also going to give you some prescriptions, a prenatal vitamin and something for nausea. It will help you on your flights.”
Jaina just nods again. I smile at the doctor. “Thank you.”
“Okay. I'll be right back with the paperwork and prescriptions. You can get dressed.”
Dr. Bowen leaves. Jaina looks up at me, she looks ready to throw up. I squeeze her hand. I don't know what to say.
After getting the paperwork and Jaina signed the form making me a contact, we left. I had been driving about fifteen minutes, putting us halfway home before anyone said anything, and I was actually startled when Jaina spoke.
“I don't want it.”
“Wh.... what?” I glance at her a second. She has her hands over her stomach.
“This! I don't want it. I can't, I just can't.”
I take a deep breath. “Okay. Well, there's things you can do. Both you and Amy told me that Kelsai has been interested in adopting, you could settle two things at once and still be close to-”
“No!” She yells. I'm stopped at a red light and look at her, startled at her intensity. “You don't understand! I don't want it. I don't want to go through all of that. People would know, I'd have to tell Reece, he might not want to give it up and I just can't, okay? I don't want to do any of that, I'm too young for this! I want to get rid of it.”
“Rid?” A horn blows behind me. The light is green. I turn my attention back to the road and go. “What do you mean, rid? Because you can't possibly mean what I think-”
“What else would I mean? I want an abortion, and I need you to help me.”
I pull over into the next driveway I see, a strip mall which includes a phone store, a tattoo shop, and Chinese restaurant, that's all I see before I park. I then twist in my seat and stare at Jaina. She has that look of determination on her face that she gets from her mom, which tells me there will be almost no way of changing her mind.
“Do you have any idea what you are asking me to do?”
“Help me?”
“I am already lying for you because you asked me to keep this secret, and now you want me to help you defy the church?”
“Your church! That means nothing to me, I don't care what old men in robes and fancy buildings say.”
“Jaina...”
“I know it's asking a lot of you, but isn't it asking more of me to expect me to go through with this? I am eighteen, if I have to do this, it kills everything I wanted to do with my life!”
“Interesting word choice there.”
Jaina glares at me. “Are you really going to start that?”
“You're the one asking me to help you kill a baby!” Jaina exhales hard and puts her face into both hands. I want to do the same but I just grip the steering wheel harder. “That was harsh, I'm sorry. But Jay... you are over reacting, okay? You're just shocked and scared, and I get that. But you need to take some time and process this and really think about what you're saying here.”
“I know what I'm saying. I can't-”
“Stop. We're not discussing this anymore today. You need to take some time and get your head straight.”
I pull out of the parking space and get back on the road. Amazingly, Jaina remains quiet the rest of the way to get her prescriptions, and all the way home.
When we get into the house, Jaina immediately runs upstairs. I don't bother to try to follow or talk to her. I told her she needs time and I'm going to give it to her. I go into the den and Dom is in there on the couch, watching something on TV. He turns it off when he sees me so I don't get a chance to see what was on.
“What happened?”
“The test was right.”
“Shit. How's she taking it?”
I plop myself on the couch next to him. “She isn't. She doesn't want it.”
“Like... she wants to terminate it?”
I cringe. “That's a blunt word.... but yes. And she wants me to help her....”
Dom looks at me wide eyed. “She asked you that?” I nod. “Knowing your beliefs?”
“Yeah. She pretty much said something like... I know its a lot but I'm asking anyway.”
“What are you gonna do?”
I lean on him and sigh. “I don't know. I promised Wyatt and Amy I would look out for her, take care of her, when she moved here. But I'm not so sure helping her do this is the right way to take care of her.”
“Even if it's what she wants?”
I sit up again and face him. “It's what she thinks she wants today. What if she regrets it? What if it hurts her? What if something happens and she can't ever have a baby when she wants one?”
“Those seem like valid concerns, but I think it's a lot safer than you're worried about these days.”
“Maybe. But, what is God going to think of me for being a part of it?” I said that forgetting who I was talking to for a moment. Dom seems a little uncomfortable with it.
“You know, I'm not sure I'm really the right person for you to talk to about that sort of thing.”
“Yeah... that just came out with the rest cause it's been on my mind. But honestly, I don't have anyone else, baby. I promised Jaina I wouldn't tell anyone other than you.”
“I know, but it's just that I don't really think I can help you with that particular concern.”
“Maybe you can. You have a perspective different from anyone else I know. It might help hearing what you think. Besides, if we're gonna be married we should get used to this kind of thing.” I grin a bit. He nods, a small grin in return.
“Okay. Well... my first thought is, what's more important to you, keeping promises and following rules handed down from a deity you can't see or isn't accessible and hasn't really done anything for you, or keeping a promise to your family, people you see all the time and have been there for you?”
I frown. “How do you think God hasn't done anything for me? I work my dream job, I'm financially set for life, I have you...”
“You worked hard and trained for the job yourself, you got the modeling contract yourself too, talking them into giving you an exclusive deal. Trying to credit God for that discounts all of your hard work and talent and intelligence. As for me... no one made me be here, I chose you, remember?” He grins again.
“I'm not saying any of that is wrong, but-”
“Okay, think about the opposite. What about the things that have been taken from you? Your brother died too young. Your other brother made a tragic mistake and spent years in jail. Your parents are gone. You and your family fought for years, I remember you thought you lost them. And as much as I hate to bring it up, everything you went through because of Blake. Let's not forget the LeBlanc asshole. Should I go on?”
I frown again. “All of those things were tests.”
“Tests?”
“Yes. Tests of strength, tests of faith.”
“Okay. I can see how one would look at it that way. But what about how other people's actions forced you to break promises you made to God? You did everything right and still lost out.”
There was no explanation needed for that, he was talking about Blake and Nathaniel. My marriage vows and my accepting being Nathaniel's Godmother. I did what I promised until Blake and Chris took the option for me to continue away from me. It feels like a low blow but I know Dom didn't mean it that way. I asked for his thoughts and he's just giving them to me. I don't think I want to hear them anymore.
“Maybe you were right, you're not the best person for me to talk to about this. You're not a believer, you just don't understand faith.”
“Maybe not, but I'm wondering if you understand life.” I feel myself cringe and frown at the same time. That actually hurt. “That sounded bad, I'm sorry.”
“No... no. You don't have to apologize for what you believe, or don't believe. And I want you to understand that I'm not mad at you, I love you. But I am done with this conversation.”
“You asked me to-”
“I know. And thank you. But I'm done.”
I squeeze his hand before getting up and heading upstairs.
I decide to go check on Jaina. Her door is open a crack so I peek inside. She's curled up in bed under her blanket, asleep. Probably for the best. I go to my own room and lay down, too. I know I asked Dom to tell me what he thought, so I can't blame him at all, he was trying to help. But I really don't like the questions his comments are making me ask myself.
{{Wednesday, September 23rd
San Francisco}}
It might have sounded like things would have been a little awkward between Dom and I after that conversation, but it really wasn't. I should have listened to him in the first place and not tried have a conversation about God with a non-believer. It was the first time we'd ever really talked about God, other than me knowing he didn't believe in any of it, or me just vaguely talking about church. In a way I guess it was good for us, considering our future plans, to have the door open for that kind of thing, but maybe we should have done it when I'm not in the middle of a crisis.
The rest of the week was mostly uneventful. The football game this week was on Monday, which meant Reece was able to do the Saturday morning run, since they flew to... whatever city it was, Sunday morning instead. However, I turned down going with him and Jaina. I claimed I had some things to take care of, but I really just didn't want to be around them. I felt strange knowing this thing that Jaina wasn't telling him and I didn't trust myself to not say something and make things bad for her. So I stayed in. I also kinda hoped that if they went alone together Jaina might take the opportunity to actually talk to him and maybe tell him what's going on. When she got in though, I gave her a questioning look, and she shook her head before going up to her room. She didn't tell him. So much for hopeful thinking.
Sunday morning I went to church as usual. Just sitting there and listening to Father Robert, and the songs, and the prayers, made me feel better about things, after the way Dom's questions had made me start to maybe doubt some things. But I know better. God always has a plan, everything happens for a reason, and questioning that or Him is a lack of faith. I have faith. I believe that Jaina will rethink this once she calms down, and be reasonable.
Today, Breakdown is in San Francisco, and Scott, Jaina, and I have just got to the arena. Jaina went off to get her assignments, Scott went off to do his information gathering thing, and I went to my locker room. Sienna and Xiomara weren't here yet so for now I am on my own. I am not booked so there's nothing for me to get ready for, so I am sitting on the small sofa with my headphones on listening to music, while I wait for Sienna to arrive.
I'm not sure how much time has passed, other than I'm about four or five songs into my playlist when I hear a loud knock. Scott, Jaina, or Sienna would have just walked in. I know the show is starting soon, I wonder if it's a staff member telling me I'm needed for something. I pull my headphones out, get up and get the door. It's Amy. This could get dicey. I give her a smile.
“Hey.”
“Hi. Can I come in?”
“Sure.”
Amy enters and closes the door. “I'd say I hope I'm not interrupting anything, but I see you have the room to yourself.”
“Yeah, Sienna and Xio aren't here yet and Scott is being Scott.”
Amy nods. “And Jaina is being not-Jaina.”
“What do you mean?” Uh oh.
“Well, I saw her leaving the production meeting where she gets her assignments, and stopped to talk to her. She... well, to be blunt, she blew me off.”
“Oh I doubt that, she was probably going to look over her notes or-”
“No, she definitely blew me off. Before I could even say one word, she said 'Sorry Mom, I can't talk right now' and practically ran off. I thought she was doing better, she seemed in a good mood at your place when we had dinner.”
“Oh, she is better. Much better. In fact...” Shit. I had to say something. I hope Jaina wouldn't get mad at me for this. “She's been sort of distant from me too lately. She's just distracted. But it's a good thing, I promise.”
“It is? How can blowing both of us off be a good thing?”
“Well... don't tell her I told you. But she's kinda seeing someone. They talk a lot. Phone, text, you know.”
Amy smiles. “Really? Why wouldn't she just tell me?”
“Honestly Amy, I think I only know because she lives with me. I doubt she'd have told me if I hadn't seen them with my eyes.”
“Seen?”
“You don't want to know....”
Amy nods. “Got it. Kinda crazy that I have to ask this, but is it a woman or a man?”
I giggle. “Right? It's a man. My neighbor, actually.”
“Your neighbor? The football player?”
“Yeah, Reece. Again, please don't tell her I-”
“Isn't he something like twenty-five now?” Amy seems concerned. I get it, it was one of my concerns too.
“Nearly twenty-six, his birthday is next week. That... probably doesn't help.”
“Not, really, no. And you're sure this is a good thing?”
“Positive. He's a good guy, Amy. Really.”
Amy nods again. “Great. So my daughter and my husband are sleeping with people who are the same age... that's just fantastic.” She smiles, almost a dry smirk. Me? I cringe.
“Why did you have to go there?” I'd accepted my brother's involvement with Mikaela Street much like I'd accepted Amy's with Jason Helms. Doesn't mean I wanted to be reminded of it.
Amy laughs. “Right... sorry. I just find it amusing. Anyway... don't worry, I won't let on that I know.”
“Thank you. They're sort of, casual, testing things? Know what I mean? She doesn't want a whole lot of people to know about it until she knows if it's an actual thing. That make sense?”
“Perfectly. I'm just glad there's nothing wrong.”
“Not at all.” That's not technically a lie, right?
The locker room door opens again and Scott rushes in.
“Breezy, I... oh, hi Ames. Sorry to interrupt.” Amy waves him off. “Bree... Sienna is here. And well... we have a situation. You should probably see about this...”
“Situation?”
“She's storming to Sasha's office. And-” Just then, we hear massive boos from the crowd in the building. “Shit. I guess we're on air...”
I look at Amy, and she gestures to the door. “You should probably go.”
“Yeah... sorry. We'll talk soon.”
I follow Scott out the door, leaving Amy in my locker room. What the hell is Sienna doing now....?
{{Thursday, September 24th
Kenner}}
Sasha D is not one of my favorite people, she's not even one of my favorite bosses... but Sienna going off and hitting her was uncalled for. I get that Sienna is upset, she has a lot going on right now, she has lost so much. But none of it is Sasha's fault and as much as I do think she was being a bitch? She didn't deserve a damn concussion at Sienna's hands. I did my best to try to talk sense into her, keep her from going off again when she walked out to the ring and started to approach Jonathan Knots. Just like he told me at the movie premiere, he'd kept up his little cheap shots and disparaging comments about me, but I didn't care. He was doing his job. And I wasn't going to let Sienna put her hands on him. But then of course Mr. White Knight, Shadow of Hope himself had to stick his nose in where it didn't belong, and drag his wife and her bestie along with him. No one needed or wanted David Helms, or Regan Street, or Selena Frost out there! I had her under control until the officials showed up and started to restrain her. Everything got out of hand and SCW had her arrested. They wouldn't even let me go with her to sort things out. Xiomara went, I guess because she is Sienna's agent? So I did the only other thing I could do – told David Helms off about his self-aggrandizing bullshit.
Later, Katya, who I didn't even know was there, came to my locker room and had interesting news, not the least of which being that she was the ranking Board Member in attendance since Sasha was indisposed thanks to Sienna. I didn't trust Katya at first but it's possible I've been wrong about her. First, she has it out for Blake, which I admit I have been enjoying. But more importantly, she told me that Sienna would be my partner for the Tag League, which is what we hoped for. But also? She made the decision that Sasha had been hemming and hawing about in her stead – I have my rematch for Under Attack. Sure, it's a Three Way Dance with Tommy Valentine also involved, but I am okay with that. I owe David a receipt for Rise to Greatness, and Tommy owes me another match after inadvertently taking advantage of Matt Hodges bullshit. Tommy and I have a deal and I have all the respect in the world for him, but hopefully the two of them will tear each other apart and then I'll just have to mop up what's left and get my championship back.
Anyway, needless to say it was a very eventful night, and it didn't slow down when Breakdown ended. After everything was said and done with Sienna, by the time the night was over I had convinced her to come home with me, and stay with me a while. Katya had made it clear that her decisions about me were contingent on me doing my best to keep Sienna under control. First of all... I planned on doing everything I could to help Sienna anyway. But I also knew I couldn't do that to the best of my ability if I couldn't be with her all the time. So, she's coming stay with me. Katya gave us both the house shows off, Sienna because she was too riled up to be around the locker room, and me because I am apparently responsible for her now. Fine with me.
We got home from San Francisco a little after noon. I had called Dom this morning and told him Sienna and Xiomara would be coming home with me to stay for a while. Xio insisted on staying with Sienna. Woman had the audacity to suggest renting a place, as if I didn't have a room for her, too. I asked Dom to make sure the guest rooms were ready for them. Sienna and I took an Uber back to my house, as my plane turned right back around, with Xiomara to go to Sienna's house in Hollywood Hills and get more of her clothes and things, and her own things as well. When we got in, Sienna sat at the island in the kitchen, she looked exhausted. Jaina pulled me aside and asked me if Sienna knew about her issue. I told her no, not to worry about that, neither Sienna or Xio would know unless she told them. Jaina seemed unsettled by the two women coming here, and I guess I can't blame her given what she has going on, but I had to do something for Sienna. The last thing I want is for her to actually get fired, or worse... committed.
I take Sienna upstairs to her room, the same one she stayed in when she drank too much at my victory party after Cold Blooded, it's across the hall from my bedroom, next to Jaina's. Xiomara would be staying across the hall from Jaina, next to mine. It's the smallest of the guest rooms but I don't think she'll mind. At least they all have their own bathrooms. Anyway, I leave Sienna to get settled with the things she does have with her, telling her I am going down to figure out what we will have for lunch. Dom is in the kitchen already poking around to figure something out.
“Thank you for being so understanding about this, baby. I know it was last minute and-”
“Hey, she's your best friend, and she needs you. That's all that matters.”
I smile. I love this man so much. “You're the absolute best.”
“I don't know about that... you exist.” I grin, looking down. “No, really. You're there for everyone. Took Jaina in after her mess and she didn't feel comfortable at her parents. Now Sienna.”
“Sienna took care of me after my mess. I owe her. She isn't happy with me or Xio right now but she'll thank us later.”
“I'm sure she will.”
Dom gets out some things to make sandwiches, and I start helping put some together. The silence is comforting after the chaos of last night. After we make a few, Dom speaks softly.
“So, can I bring up something else from last night?”
“Of course.”
“Your rematch.”
I stop what I'm doing, and put the butterknife I was using for mayo down. In the chaos of everything with Sienna, that had actually slipped my mind.
“Oh, that. Yes, Katya is much more decisive than her sister.”
“I'm glad, although I'm not sure about the addition.”
“I don't mind that she put Tommy in it, too. He deserves the shot.”
“Not saying he doesn't. But after the way things around Rise to Greatness went down, I'd have kinda liked to see a straight rematch, you know?”
I nod. “I know. David really upset you. He pissed me off, too. And he's going to get what's coming to him, regardless if someone else is in the match or not. In fact, I'm hoping Tommy helps with that. You know how bad things are with them.”
“Yeah, I know.”
I grab the knife again so I can have something to do rather than look at Dom to say what's on my mind next. “Speaking of how bad things are... have you given any thought to my suggestion that you just try to talk to David?”
“No, There's nothing to think about. If he gave a half a damn about trying to make up for what he did before Rise to Greatness, he'd have contacted me by now. He has my phone number. Yet I haven't heard a thing. He's too wrapped up in this new business venture of his since he sold out of his old one.”
“It is hard work starting up a new business...” I stop myself. Why am I defending him?!
“Yeah but if something is important enough, you make time. I told you cakes, if he calls me, I'll listen. But I'm not gonna be the one to start it, I'm not the one who fucked things up.” Dom shakes his head. “It's such a far cry from the way things were when I was there during filming.”
“'I'm telling you baby, he's pissed that you didn't do what he wanted and ditch me.”
“Maybe. I keep thinking about that conversation. If he was being sincere or if he was trying to subtly talk me into giving up on you. It's just not something he would usually do, you know?”
“I know. But he's been different since Tommy.”
“Yeah. I wonder if he even knows how much that shit affected him.”
“That's why I'm saying just talk-”
“No.”
I shake my head. “I don't know who's more stubborn out of the three of you.”
“Jason. Easily.” Dom smirks. He's probably right. “Why are you so insistent about this? You're just as upset with him as I am.”
“Because I want there to be some kind of a chance that everyone can be getting along enough to be in the same room, so that when we do have a wedding, both of our families can be there and not have it look like the Flame.” I drop the knife again. “Is that too much to ask?”
“Honestly? It might be. I am surprised you'd want my family there, you can't stand either of my brothers.”
I shrug. “So? They're still your family.”
Dom grins. “Yeah, I guess so. Well, its not like we're doing it next month, there's plenty of time for things to potentially be worked out. You shouldn't be worried about that though, you have enough on your plate. Keep your concern about Dave to this match. Learn from the last one. Well, the last two, if you include Tommy... and do what you need to do to get your title back.”
“But-”
“That's what I want you to do for me, okay?”
I give up. “Okay. I'll leave it alone and focus on the match.”
“Thank you.”
Dom then looks up and over my shoulder, towards the stairs. I turn and see Sienna coming down.
“Hope I'm not interrupting.”
“Of course not, babe. Is everything good in your room? Do you need anything?”
“It's all fine sweetie. Thank you. I know I resisted coming here but I appreciate what you're doing for me.”
“You would do the same for me.”
Sienna smiles. Dom comes around the island and puts a hand on my shoulder.
“Why don't you two go sit out by the pool? I'll finish fixing up lunch and take it out. Sound good?”
“Great idea, baby.”
“Yes, fresh air sounds lovely.”
Sienna and I go out the back door and take seats at the patio table. It's wrought iron with cushions on the seats, and an umbrella over the table, although with the oak trees on the other side of my fence it's not needed most of the time. There's a breeze coming from the lake as usual.
“Are you sure everything is okay in your room? I promise I won't call you ungrateful if you want something different.” I grin. Sienna smiles back.
“I'm sure. It's fine, really. The things I want that you don't have, Xio will bringing back. My robe and slippers, face wash, my favorite candle.”
“Okay. I just want you to be comfortable. I know I sort of forced this.”
“You did, but you were right. I hate that Katya has put you in this position, basically making you into my keeper. I still say I do not need a babysitter.”
“I'm not babysitting you, Sie. I'm taking care of you. It's not the same thing. Besides, I don't mind it. Katya is only giving us the chance to be the best team in the Tag League. If we're always together, we'll be more in sync than we have ever been.”
“That's very true. I bet she didn't think of that when she thought she was making things difficult for you.”
“Probably not. But that's typical of her whole family, only thinking about what they want and not seeing things from all sides.”
“Just like I'm sure she thinks she's not giving you what you wanted by throwing Tommy Valentine into your rematch.”
“It's not what I wanted, no. But I don't hate it. Like I told Dom, Tommy deserves the chance. And even if I was upset about it, I wouldn't give Katya the satisfaction of knowing it.”
“Yes well I have no problem letting her know I'm upset that she is holding me back from getting a shot myself! I've beaten that little ska-”
“Hey, Jaina is upstairs...”
Sienna looks up, and lowers her voice. “Right. Sorry.”
“Look, it's not fair, I know. Once again, we will not be allowed to keep our promises after I get the title back. I've given up on expecting either Katya or Sasha to allow us to do so. But remember babe, she only said the World Championship. She said nothing about other titles. I remember you talking about wanting a shot at the US. I would have happily given you a match before I decided to give it up. You could push for that instead. Everyone already knows you can beat Selena, and if Xander murders her? Well, you can be just as dangerous as he is, I think you can take him.”
“That's not a bad idea. You and I could be the top two again, just reversed.”
“Exactly! And don't forget the Tag League. Come Retribution you and I could be Tag Team Championship on top of everything else. That's something to focus on too. One match at a time, until we have beaten everyone.”
Sienna smiles again. “I like the sound of that.”
“Good. In the meantime, I am going to make sure that you actually get some help. First of all... you are going to come to church with me.” Sienna pulls a face. “Hey, would you rather go to rehab?”
“Rehab? Bree, I am not some dirty drunk-”
“First of all... Amy went to rehab and she isn't a 'dirty drunk' either. There's nothing wrong with it, okay?”
“Fine. But I still don't want to do that. I'd have to take time away from SCW.”
“Exactly. So. Church?”
Sienna sighs. “Okay. Church it is.”
I smile, and reach across the table to pat her hand. “I know it seems like I'm pushing you into a lot, but I'm doing this because I love you and I want you to be okay.”
“I know. I love you for it, sweetie.”
The door opening makes us both look towards the house. Dom and Jaina are coming out, both carrying things. Dom has a tray with the sandwiches on it, and Jaina has a pitcher of tea and some glasses. They sit and we have lunch. Jaina looks like she feels better, the flight this morning had made her a little queasy.
All of the days serious topics were brushed aside in favor of Dom telling us the latest he'd heard from Lisa about the movie's numbers, and then telling stories from on set that Sienna and Jaina hadn't heard, and even some he hadn't told me. It was almost surreal how we were having such a good time, almost like there was no care in the world, despite all of the issues and troubles each of us had on our minds. I told myself I had to do everything I could to keep my strange little family together, and keep them from individually falling apart.
ON CAMERA
We find Bree Lancaster in a typical setting for her, seated in a plush armchair in a hotel suite. Dressed in black jeans and a plain blue silk top, she sits with her hands folded in her lap. Unlike usual though, it's impossible to tell her mood by the look on her face – her expression is uncharacteristically blank.
Before I say anything else, I would like to send my best wishes to Sasha for a quick recovery. I know that when I tweeted that I hoped she would be okay, Sienna didn't seem to care for that comment. That's because she didn't understand me. Yes, I want Sasha to be okay and able to return to work. Not because I've changed my opinion of her, or because I think she didn't at least partially provoke Sienna. But because I think it will make my and Sienna's dominance over this Tag League and the SCW as a whole so much more rewarding if Sasha can be there to watch it all happen up close and in person.
So, get well, Sasha. I'm looking forward to seeing you backstage.
Bree smirks.
Now then. We move along to Katya. Katya, Katya, Katya. Don't for one second think I don't see through you, too. Yes I said I would have to reassess my opinion of you, but that doesn't mean I all of a sudden like or trust you now. Oh no. It means that you're a little smarter and more calculating than I gave you credit for. Swooping in almost immediately after Sasha was taken away and declared unfit to run the show. Making decisions, handing out decrees. Don't get me wrong, I am pleased with your judgment on the World Championship situation, although it sounded like you thought I would hate it. Why would I hate getting what I have been demanding ever since Rise to Greatness was over? Is it because you threw someone else in the match, and I have a history of despising triple threats? I suppose I can see that point, but the difference here is that in the past, those other triple threats I was screwed by had people thrown in who did not belong in the conversation, much less the match. In this case? Tommy Valentine absolutely belongs in both. I have no issues with this Three Way Dance whatsoever.
What I do have an issue with, or rather who... is David Helms himself.
One again, he had to walk himself out into a situation that had absolutely nothing to with him, and try to make it about himself! The man just doesn't know when to stop or step back. First he just had to stick his nose in trying to make a point before Rise to Greatness when Dom was just doing his job, and only made himself look like a hypocrite... and now he decided it was his duty to get involved with Sienna's business, because why? He's the current World Champion and he thinks that gives him the right to play SCW Police over everyone? To further fuck with me and the people I care about? I am not going to stand for this, and he knows it, because I said it to his face! I was tired of his sanctimonious bullshit before he pulled out a victory that very few people have done over the last two years, and now I'm disgusted by it!
Bree shakes her head, her mood now perfectly clear by the look of disdain and, yes, disgust, on her face.
But, this week is not the time for me to take him to task for that. All in good time, as the saying goes.
No, this week is the time for a different focus. Tag League. Myself and Sienna Swann, collectively known as the Ambitchous Angels, even if SCW refuses to call us by that name. Yet another example of the disrespect that gets shown to us weekly. Just look at what all of your disrespect has done! Sienna was left with no recourse but to physically show Sasha how utterly livid she is at everything that has been done to her over the last few months. Constantly being underminded and talked down despite having defeated Jordan Majors, not once but twice. Yet Jordan is the one touted as the survivor, the 'iron woman.'
You want iron women? Take a look at Sienna and I. No one else has dominated this company over the last two years like she and I have. World Championship reigns. United States Championship reigns. I was a double champion, and not Tag and another undercard championship like some people like to brag about. No! I was World and United States Champion at the same time!
And now Sienna and I are teaming. Everyone should be afraid. Not just our block. Everyone. Because no matter who is at the end in the other block? They will have to contend with us after we run this block and take everyone down who steps in front of us.
Tomorrow night? We start with Aaron Blackbourne and Owen Cruze.
Bree pauses a second, laughing to herself.
My birthday was in July, and it's not Christmas, so I'm really not sure what the purpose of this gift is, but I am certainly going to accept it, and make the most of it. These two men are constantly referred to as the future of SCW. At least, Kelcey Wallace says so anyway, but you'll have to pardon me for not putting any stock whatsoever into anything that woman says. Let's look at results. Let's look at truth. Results and truth show that the so-called future has been supposed to be here by now, yet they aren't. They keep stumbling.
Aaron. Hi again babe. You've recently had three chances to realize the potential, the expectations that people have placed on your shoulders. And all three times, you came oh-so-close, yet not close enough. I am proud to have been the most recent to knock you back down to reality. I have said many times before and I will say it here again, you are one hell of a talent, babe. Twice we fought over titles and twice there were moments where I thought you might have got me. Yet I persevered. I dug deep, I found the strength to withstand your skills and to this day you have never beaten me in any match. There may be a day when you do find it in you to defeat me, Aaron. But I really don't think that day will be tomorrow. You've been playing games with Shilo Valiant rather than doing everything you can to up your game enough to the point where you can beat me.
Not only that, it's not just you and I babe. You're facing me and Sienna, and you have Owen in your corner.
Yes, I know, Owen Cruze has been World Champion before. But it was for like five minutes a year ago, and since then he has yet to manage to pull himself back up to that level. The entire World Championship level has risen, and Owen has remained stagnant.
Bree wiggles her fingers waving, with a smirk.
Owen. Hi babe. I didn't think I would get the chance to kick your ass again so soon after Apocalypse, but here we are. And babe? You are in some serious trouble.
The problem here is that not only do you think you have some kind of moral high ground based on who mentors you and who's sperm made you, but you also appear to be cut from the same cloth as David Helms and Selena Frost and the other 'faces of the company' who claim they get involved in other people's business for the good of the business, but really only want to make everything about them. Because what good is a hero or a Shadow of Hope without a cause, right? So, you have clearly made sticking it to me your cause. First you opened your hole talking about trying to get noticed for a World Championship shot, then at Apocalypse? You ruined my moment! I was two seconds away from making that asshole Matt Hodges tap out, until you took it upon yourself to try to break four legs at once! I have to admit I was a little impressed by that, I didn't think you had it in you, babe. But as angry at you as I was in that moment, and later that night after the match was over... I realized it kinda didn't matter. My legs are fine. You didn't win the match, either. And I am getting my chance to take the World Championship back from David Helms anyway. So everything you did, babe... the posturing and interfering and trying to jump the line? Meant nothing.
I would say maybe you should take some direction from your friend Aaron. He doesn't jump into things that don't involve him. He doesn't go looking for trouble or asking for opportunities. He waits patiently to be given them, for trouble to find him. I mean, last year you had to talk him into challenging me, didn't you? This year, Taking Hold of the Flame, he didn't demand to face me. He won a contenders match that he didn't ask to be in. But, that method hasn't worked out very well for him either, so maybe the two of you are just one extreme to the other, and that doesn't make for a very good team.
Bree shakes her head.
You want to see a good team? Look at me and Sienna. And I swear to baby Jesus, Owen, if I have to listen to you one more time try to convince the world that one of us is eventually going to turn on the other, I might just claw my own eardrums out. For someone who didn't want others to repeat the same old comments about you, you sure have been singing the same tune yourself for a long time. People have been waiting nearly three years for one of us to stab the other in the back, and to all of them I say you will keep waiting, because it's never going to happen.
Learn it. Accept it. Deal with it. Love it.
I would think that by now it would be clear and people would stop clinging to this wishful thinking. But I know why the idea persists. People hope that it happens, because the two of us together, unified, will always be a threat to this roster. You want us divided because you think we'll be easier to conquer that way. Unfortunately, you'll just have to learn to live with disappointment.
What Sienna and I have isn't any plain old partnership. We have a bond forged in near-death and held together by giving each other strength when it's needed. We have been there for each other through failed friendships, failed relationships, failed whole marriages... and everything in between. When you look at us you see more than a friendship, you see a sistership. You're not looking at just Bree and Sienna of SCW. You're looking at.... Lucy and Ethel. Laverne and Shirley. Thelma and Louise. Nothing and no one is going to come between us or tear us apart.
Now can we please stop with the theories and warnings and wishful thinking? You're only making yourselves sound foolish.
Another smirk crosses Bree's face, and she leans forward just a bit for emphasis.
I realize Owen and Aaron are called the future, and while I admit they may be, the truth is that the present is still here, and that is myself and Sienna. We aren't going away just because you think it's time we stepped aside. We won't back down just because you think it's your turn. We aren't going to let you two, or anyone, run us down just because you're tired of seeing us be successful. The future will rise when we say so, when we are weary of carrying this company on our backs. For now, we are content to continue to be the best, and you? Will have to be content to wait your turn.
Even under the watchful eye of so-called Perfect Kelcey Wallace, you will not rise to our level. We don't need to be perfect to beat you, we just need to be better than you. Luckily for us and unfortunately for you.... we've already proven that we are. And we will prove it again tomorrow night. Mark my words, babes, Ambitchous Angels are going to run this block and there isn't anything anyone can do about it, but accept it while witnessing greatness. And you don't have to thank us, babes.
Bree blows a kiss at the camera.
You're welcome.
Click.