Last Grasp of Reality #2
{{Sunday, January 10th
Kenner}}
I woke up warm, buried under the heavy blanket on my bed, and Dom's arm around me. My favorite way to wake up. Okay... second favorite. I start to turn onto my back slowly to not wake him up, but when I get into position and look at him, he's giving me a smile.
“Hey sleepyhead.” He kisses my forehead.
“Hey... I was trying to not wake you.”
“I've been up a while. I let you sleep.”
“Couldn't make yourself let go, huh?” I grin.
“Nope. You're warm.”
“Oh, that's the reason?” My grin gets bigger.
“Mostly.” He smirks. I elbow his ribs gently. “Hey!” We laugh.
“Did I ever actually thank you for the pool heater thing?”
“I'd say you definitely did.” He smirks.
“I mean with words....”
Dom laughs again. “Yes, you did.”
“Well, thank you again. Last night and this morning might have been the best time we've ever spent together.”
“Ever? Really? I mean, there was Iceland... and Berlin... and my Santa Monica house those times... oh, and Paris!”
“Baby...” I giggle.
“Okay, okay... I know what you mean.” He chuckles. “I think you might be right.”
He kisses me again. I hadn't meant just the sex, although that was pretty damn amazing. It was everything. The fact he'd done something big to the house just to remind us of when things were less complicated. The closeness that created. The way we went from warm water, to cold air, to this warm bed and then fell asleep holding each other almost immediately, drowsy from satisfaction. It was like the previous month or so of tension and arguments had never happened. I hadn't felt so relaxed in a long time, and I think he'd say the same if I asked. Which was why I really hated what I was about to do.
“As much as I love laying here with you and wish I never had to get up... I kinda have to.”
“You do? Are you late for something?”
“No... but I really have to pee.”
Dom laughs, and pulls his arm off me. I grin as I get up, then go take care of that immediate need.
After I'm done, I grab my robe hanging on the back of the bathroom door and wrap it around myself – I had slept nude. I go back into the bedroom, and Dom is still laying down, the blanket pulled up to his chest.
“Now that I'm up, I think I'm gonna go downstairs and make some coffee. Want some?”
“Sure. I'll try to force myself out of bed in the meantime.”
I grin as I tie the belt around the robe, I had nothing on under it and I didn't know who else was awake and moving around in the house. I go out into the hallway and before I can turn towards the stairs, I nearly run into Reece.
What?!
I instinctively pull the top of my robe closed more, even though it was already pretty tight. He looks at me like a kid who got caught stealing a cookie.
“Wow... you're still here...”
“Yeah... guess my plan to sneak out before anyone else woke up is foiled.”
“You really spent the night? With Jaina?” He just nods. “I see things are going much better between you.”
“You could say that.”
“I'm glad.” I force a smile. What I really want to do is run away from this before it gets more awkward than it needs to be.
“Listen, about last night...”
Dammit! “You don't have to say anything. Please, don't say anything.”
“I just wanted to apologize. I probably shouldn't have made it known I could tell what... uh, was going on.”
“Reece... please...” I can feel my face turning colors. A color. Red.
“But... I also want you know I didn't actually see anything. Or, not much.” I turn my face away, why won't he stop? “It was dark, and water makes things blurry...” Now I'm covering my face. I want to fall through the floor. “Okay, I can see I'm embarrassing you, I'm sorry. I just wanted you to know I didn't really see what you think I might have seen.”
I look up finally. “You didn't?”
“No. I saw your suits, and the way you were... positioned... and just the top of... you.”
“Oh God!”
“Yeah. Again... sorry.”
“Apology accepted. Can this be over now?”
“One question?”
I exhale hard. “If you must...”
“Was Dom upset about it?”
“No. Not at all. In fact, he thought it was hilarious. I however would really love to never talk about this again. Ever.”
“I think we can agree on that. Given how my night went last night... there's a pretty good chance you'll be asked about me staying over, and the last thing I want is more of this.... awkwardness.”
“How about this. You are welcome to stay over with Jaina at any time. No need to ask, in fact I will let her give you a key.” Reece's eyes widen a bit. “As long as last night's pool incident is never brought up again. Ever. Ever ever.”
Reece laughs. Actually laughs! “Deal. Should I mention that to Jaina, or...?”
“I will tell her. Wait... Oh my God, did you tell her?”
“Maybe....” I groan and cover my face with both hands. The top of my robe loosens, and I hastily grab it with one hand. This couldn't possibly get any worse. “I didn't want her to go out there and-”
“I get it. Thank you.”
“I'll just go now....”
“That would be great.”
“Sorry.”
I take my hand off my face and wave at him, not looking up or opening my eyes. I hear him chuckle nervously before then hearing footsteps walking away, and then down the stairs. I lean against the wall in relief. I look down at myself and see that my robe is closed tightly, no gaps, nothing could have been seen. Thank God. Not that it apparently mattered...
I wait a minute or so before going downstairs, to make sure that Reece had enough time to get out of the house before I got down there. I contemplate adding whiskey to my coffee as it brews.
* * * * * {{ Jaina - Harvey }} * * * * *
It was around lunch time, and Jaina was going somewhere she hadn't been in months... her parent's house. Jaina had only been back once to visit since she moved out, and that was mainly to see her brother. Mom hadn't been home that day, just Dad and Loki. Today though, she was going specifically to see Mom. She had called Jaina a few days ago, and admitted she'd asked Aunt Bree a dozen questions and Aunt Bree and finally told her to just call. Jaina admitted that thee were times recently where she wanted to talk to her, but wasn't sure if she would listen. Mom told her they could talk about it in person, if Jaina wanted to come by. They chose today because no one else would be there. Loki goes with Granny grocery shopping on Sundays, to give her a hand, and Dad has a standing appointment with one of his personal training clients every Sunday.
Jaina parks her Jeep in front of the house she called home since she was about six, next to her mom's different model and different colored Jeep. Even though Jaina had moved out, she still has a key, so she lets herself in.
“Mom....?”
“Hey Jay... in the kitchen!”
Jaina goes down the hallway to the back of the house where the kitchen is. Mom is sitting at the island, she looks like she's waiting for a meeting. But when Jaina walks in, Mom gets up and gives her a hug.
“Hey baby, I'm glad you came.”
“You asked me to.”
They both sit, across from each other at the island.
“Has it always been that easy? If I had asked a long time ago, you would have come?”
“Of course. You're my mom.”
Mom smiles. “Silly me. I thought you were trying to keep your distance.”
“I was. Cause I thought you were mad that I moved out.”
“Oh baby. No. I didn't want you to leave, but I wasn't ever mad at you. I want you to do what makes you happy. Are you happy at Bree's?”
“Mostly.”
Mom looks concerned. “Mostly?”
“I mean, we've had some arguments. But that happens to anyone. I do really like it there. She and Dom are good to me. Sienna too, since she's been there. Sometimes I think Aunt Bree took the whole 'take care of me' thing a little too serious, but she's trying.”
“She's always done that, since the first time I asked her to babysit you. She didn't want to let me or your dad down.”
“I think that's a lot of her motivation, really. She puts a lot of pressure on herself. It took me a while to figure that out.”
“What do you mean?”
Jaina takes a deep breath. In order to explain that, she'd have to talk about the baby and the abortion. She hadn't decided if she was going to tell Mom about that, because she didn't want Dad to know. She knew that if she asked Mom not to tell him, she wouldn't. But there had been enough secrets kept.
“Well... okay. She keeps saying this thing about how she promised you and Dad she would look out for me. And she takes that to a whole level, Mom, you have no idea. Like, she left the church for me.”
“I don't understand. She told me she left the church, but she was really vague about why.”
“It's because of me. I um.... I have something to tell you. And I should have told you before, but I was scared how you and Dad would react, or think of me.”
“Jaina..."
“I was pregnant.”
Mom's eyes go wide, then turn into a question. “Was?”
“I had an abortion.”
“Gods.... when?”
“October. Aunt Bree tried to talk me out of it. She thought that convincing me keeping it was looking out for me, she thought I would regret it. But I don't.”
“So... the church...”
“She was so conflicted. She wanted to help me but she was afraid of the church, or God, or something. So she asked her priest if it was ever forgivable. He told her no. She wouldn't tell me everything he said, so I guess it was pretty bad, because she was so mad she hasn't gone back since.”
Mom nods. “I can just about imagine what was said....”
“I don't think I want to know.”
Mom leans on the island and reaches her hand out for Jaina's. Jaina lets her take it.
“You have to know that something like that wouldn't ever make me or Dad think any less of you. Why didn't you feel you could talk to me about this?”
Jaina shrugs, looking down at her hand holding Mom's. “I didn't tell anyone. Not even Reece.”
“So it was his?”
“Yeah. He knows now, but.... anyway, Aunt Bree only knew because she heard me scream when I took the test. I guess I didn't want to let you down. I must get that from Aunt Bree.”
“Look at me.” Jaina looks up. “The only way you could ever let me down, is if you did something illegal. Like... robbery, murder.”
“According to the church, I did do murder.”
“Fuck the Catholic church.”
Jaina laughs. “I think Aunt Bree said that when we were at the clinic.”
“She took you?” Jaina nods. “That surprises me.”
“I was surprised too. She decided the day before my appointment. I was about to call Kelsai to take me.”
“Kelsai knew?”
“No. I only told her afterwards. Like I said, I didn't tell anyone. For the longest time only Aunt Bree and Dom knew. Then Jordan saw me backstage when I wasn't feeling well.... you know, nauseated. She asked me what was wrong. I don't know why, but I trusted her, and I told her.”
Comprehension settles over Mom's face. “That's how all of this recent thing with you and her started.”
“It is. Aunt Bree thinks she used me being at a low point to get to me. I didn't think so at first, but... lately I think she's right.”
“Why is that?”
“You didn't hear Jordan's promo against Aunt Bree? She told the world everything. About us.”
“I saw it.” Mom said nothing further. Jaina found that odd, her mother didn't usually hold her opinions back.
“And? Don't you think that was fucked up?”
Mom sighs. “In a way, yes. But I also think Jordan was hurt and didn't know how to deal with it.”
Jaina glares a little. “Please don't tell me you're still defending her?”
“No. Not in the way you think. She shouldn't have done that, I agree with you. But I don't think she meat any harm by it, I think she was just trying to be accountable for her mistakes.”
Jaina stares at her mom for a moment. She had that look on her face, the one where she knows more than she's saying. “Have you talked to her?”
“Yes.”
“I see. And she said that?”
“Not specifically. But I can tell she doesn't want to hurt you. She cares about you.”
“Maybe she should have thought about that before she opened her mouth. Do you see how people look at me backstage now?”
“I haven't seen, no. But I know the feeling. I've been in your place.”
Jaina thinks back, and remembers a few years ago when Mom had started messing with this other wrestler guy who had a bad reputation. Jaina had been horrified when she found out it had started before her mom and dad had split up that year. But she also knew that mentioning that man was a touchy subject so she didn't. She nods in acknowledgment.
“I know. What am I supposed to do?”
“Don't let it get to you. I know that's easier said than done, but you can't let what everyone thinks about you and your actions get into your head. If you do, it'll drown you.”
“Is that what happened to you?” Mom tilts her head a bit questioningly. “The alcohol?”
“Oh. Yeah. Partially.”
“Okay. But, like... how do I not let it get to me? I mean, me and Aunt Bree fought over it when she found out, then I yelled at Jordan at Breakdown a few days ago about her promo.... I don't know how to let things go.”
“Just look forward. Learn from your mistakes and try to do better.”
“That's what I'm doing. That's why I had to tell you about the abortion. I don't want to lie or keep secrets or... fuck everything up anymore. Aunt Bree and I had this thing where I kept telling her to treat me like an adult. She did, she let me screw up and made me fix it myself. I was mad at her but she did the right thing. I have to act like an adult if I want to be treated like one. That means handling my mistakes.”
“Being an adult is more than marking a birthday on the calendar. You have to grow up, here.” Mom touches her temple. Jaina nods, she gets that now. “You said Reece knows now, you told him?”
“Not exactly.... he found out because my mail from the clinic went to his house. He was mad, he didn't talk to me for a while. But it's better now. Not to be TMI but he spent the night with me last night.” Jaina grins. Mom grins back.
“Sounds like you're working things out, I'm glad.”
“Me too. I really like him.”
“And what does your aunt think?”
“I think she wants us to get married next week.” They both laugh. Jaina isn't kidding. Aunt Bree tried to act casual about it, but Jaina could tell she hoped things worked out for them. Jaina thinks even she knows that her thing with Christian wasn't ever going to me more than just friends who hookup sometimes.
Jaina and Mom had lunch and continued chatting and catching up for the rest of the afternoon. Jaina told her more details about Reece, and Jordan, and even about Christian. Jaina had thought Mom might have something to say about the way she'd been acting, but in the end she could tell that Mom was just happy she was telling her anything at all. Jaina promised herself she wouldn't keep her distance from her mom anymore. She hadn't realized til now how much she missed her input, her advice. Aunt Bree was great, but no one can replace a mother.
{{Wednesday, January 13th
Tacoma, WA}}
This is absolutely insane!
Breakdown wasn't supposed to go like this. Sienna and I were supposed to get our two points and ticket to the semi-finals thanks to JaMarcus Avery injuring Jake Starr last week and then handing us the forfeit, and then we were supposed to enjoy the rest of the show. But no. Oh no. Sienna had other plans, plans that she didn't tell me about. Like dying her hair! And trying to seduce Chris Cannon on air. And more bullshit with Kelcey and Giovanni. I am sick of this! And tonight is the last straw. I have just watched Sienna and Kelcey wreck into Selena Frost's bus, after Giovanni stuffed Kelcey into the backseat so Sienna could basically kidnap her, like she and Sierra did to Karina, Mr. D's girlfriend. I then caught David Helms of all fucking people trying to talk to Jaina, God only knows what he was saying to her. He tried to tell me it was nothing, just checking on her, but I don't trust anyone named Helms as far as I can spit, so I told him off until he went away. Jaina somehow thinks this accident was her fault, she spouted some nonsense about Sienna suggesting she talk to Kelcey, I didn't know what that was about but I intended to find out.
I lead Jaina back to my locker room and shut the door.
“Now tell me what David said to you. Why do you think this is your fault?”
“Because it is! Sienna suggested that it might be a good scoop to ask Kelcey if she saw what happened with her and Chris. I took the idea and went to Kelcey. Kelcey asked me where Sienna was, I told her she was leaving. It's my-”
“Wait. Stop. Sienna asked you to talk to Kelcey?”
“I mean, she didn't like tell me to. She just said seeing Kelcey's reaction might be funny. I know you both hate her and I thought it would be a good interview, so I went.” Jaina sighs hard in despair. Goddammit, Sienna! “I literally just worked things out with Mom, I'm trying to fix everything I fucked up, but I just fucked up again!”
She looks ready to cry. I try my best to hide how angry I am, I don't want Jaina to think I'm angry at her. “Listen to me, babygirl. This isn't your fault. Kelcey went out there on her own, you didn't do anything wrong. And you still didn't tell me what David said.”
“He was just telling me the same thing you are, that I didn't do anything wrong.”
“Honestly?”
“Honest. Why would I lie about that?”
I sigh. Great. I just threw Dom in his face for nothing. Oh.... shit! I wasn't supposed to.... and there was a camera... almost as if on cue to my realization, my phone rings. It's Dom. Fucking fantastic! I look up at Jaina.
“I have to take this, are you okay to go find out what's going on with Sienna?”
“Yeah. I will.”
“Thanks. And if you see Scott send him here please.”
Jaina nods as she leaves the locker room. I brace myself and answer the phone.
“Hey baby.”
“First of all, is everyone okay?”
“I don't know yet. EMT's were with Sienna, they sent everyone away to examine her.”
“I'm sure you'll hear something when they know anything.”
“I'm sure.”
“Now would you care to explain to me why you got in David's face and threw my name at him, when I specifically asked you to leave me out of it?”
“You know what, Dom? As soon as I saw it was you calling me, I knew this was what you wanted. And I am really not in the mood for this right now. It looked to me like the man was antagonizing Jaina and I used the example because he keeps fucking with my family! It wasn't meant to drag you into anything, okay?”
“Come on, Bree, you know he's just going to use the opening to start some shit. This is exactly what I was trying to avoid!”
“I'm sorry, did you miss the part where Kelcey made Sienna drive that car into a bus and left her bloody and barely able to stand? This is the fight you want to have right now?”
I hear him sigh. “I hope Sienna is okay, I really do, I know you know that. But-”
There's a knock on my door. “Hold on.” I move the phone from my ear without waiting for a reply, and open the door. It's one of the medical staff.
“Miss Lancaster? I was asked to inform you that the ambulance just left with Miss Swann. Miss Swa- uh, Sierra, went with her.”
“What?! And no one came to get me?” The man shrugs, not out of indifference, just that he didn't know why. I huff. It's not the peon's fault. “Thank you.”
I close the door and go back to the phone. “Dom?”
“Yeah.”
“I have to go, they took Sienna to the hospital. Can we get our priorities straight now?”
“Shit.... it didn't look that bad on air... did they say what might be wrong?”
“No, but I'm gonna assume at least concussion, I know she hit her head.”
“I really do hope she-”
“I know you do. I will call you as soon as I know something.”
“Alright. Look, I'm sorry I called angry-”
“Stop. We'll talk about it when I get home.”
I don't wait for an answer, I just end the call. Scott bursts into the room.
“Bree! The ambulance-”
“I know, a medic told me. I'm going to get Jaina and go, can you-”
“Gather your shit, of course. Give her my best when you see her.”
“I will, thank you.”
I rush out of the locker room, only stopping long enough to grab my clutch, it has the keys to our rental.
* * * * *
I found Jaina down the hall and around a corner. She was talking to Jordan of all people. I didn't hear what either of them were saying, I didn't care, I just grabbed Jaina's shoulder, told her Sienna had been taken away and we needed to go. Jordan, I gave her a glare before walking off.
At the hospital, there are lots of people here in the waiting room, clearly separated by who they are here for. Sierra and Xiomara are on one side talking to each other quietly. On the other... Peyton Rice, Owen Cruze, And Blake. Of course. I had to walk past that group to get to Sierra ad Xio. I half expected Blake to say something stupid to me, but he just gave me a death glare as I went by. I did my best to ignore him. I didn't need Dom mad at me over two things he asked me not to do in one day. Sierra sees me and Jaina first and walks up.
“Oh sweetie, you made it! Sienna was asking for you.”
“You saw her? Is she okay?”
“I rode here with her. I don't really know, they took her to the back as soon as we got here. She just asked where you were while we were on the way here.”
“Those inept fuckers didn't tell me she was being taken here until after you left.”
Sierra shakes her head as Xio approaches. “Bree, you're here. Jaina, you too. Good.”
“I'm sorry.”
Xio looks at Jaina like she spoke from a second head. “What for, munequa? You didn't do anything wrong.”
“Everyone keeps saying that, but-”
“Because it's true. Come, sit with me, let's talk.”
Jaina gives me a glance, I nod at her, and she goes with Xio. Sierra and I just stand there, waiting. There was nothing else to say really, until we heard something.
We waited in silence while Jaina and Xio talked quietly for about fifteen minutes. Then, two doctors walked out from the back. One went to the group around Blake, and one came towards us.
“Miss Swann?”
“Yes?” Sierra waves at Xio and Jaina, and they walk over to hear. The doctor waits for them before speaking.
“I've just finished with Sienna, I'm certain she has a concussion, we're just waiting on some test results to ensure there's nothing more serious going on. If you, or someone else here for her wants to see her, you can. But please, only two of you. There's limited space.”
“Thank you. Bree, you can go, she asked for you.”
“Thanks babe. Xio-”
“Can I go? I want to see her. Please?” Jaina sounds desperate.
“Of course. Send her my love.” Xio gives her a smile.
Jaina nods. We then follow the doctor to the back. He leads us to an exam room at the end of the hallway to the left. I look down the one to the right and see Blake walking to the end of the other side. Apparently the staff here were told to keep everyone separated. The doctor pushes a door open.
“Thank you.”
Jaina and I walk in as the doctor leaves. Sienna is in a hospital gown laying on a stretcher. I have a quick flashback to the plane crash. I don't like it. They've cleaned up the blood that had been coming out of her nose, but a few smudges remain. Her eyes look bruised, I guess from hitting her nose. She has her eyes closed.
“Sie?”
Sienna opens her eyes, and smiles when she sees us.
“Bree, Jay. You're here.”
“Of course we are. We came as soon as they told me they took you.” I grab her hand and she squeezes it. “How do you feel?”
“My head and my nose hurts. But other than I'm okay.”
“Have they told you anything?”
“No. I had some kind of head scan. CT, I think? I think they are waiting for that.”
“Sienna, I'm sorry.” Dammit, Jaina. I look at her but she's not paying attention to me.
“For what, sweetie?”
“This is my fault. I took your suggestion seriously and Kelcey found out from me you were leaving, that's how she found you in the parking lot. I-”
“Shhh, no Jay. This isn't your fault. I won't allow you to think that. There is only one person to blame for this, Kelcey. I only wanted to know what she thought about me talking to Chris, I didn't think she would chase me down.”
“But I saw Giovanni out there, he forced her into the car... it looked like a set up.”
Now that I hear Jaina say that, I realize that's exactly what it was. I glance at Sienna over Jaina's shoulder. She looks back at me, I can see in her eyes that it's true. She turns back to Jaina.
“Don't be silly, sweetie. Of course not. I didn't know Gio was outside, he must have heard Kelcey saying she was coming to find me. When I saw her walk out, I thought it was an opportunity for us to talk. Just talk. Gio thought he was helping by putting her in the car. If Kelcey would have stayed calm and listened to me, I would have explained that I wasn't even going to drive out of the parking lot, I just wanted to get away from the cameras. And talk. But she flipped out, she made me wreck! This is all Kelcey's fault. Don't you dare blame yourself, Jaina.”
Jaina just nods. Sienna lets go of my hand to take Jaina's. They both smile.
“Okay. If you say so. I just hate to see anyone be hurt.”
“I will be fine. I've survived worse than this. Ask your aunt.”
“It's true.” Jaina seems more relaxed. “Would you do me a favor, babygirl?”
“Yeah?”
“Can you go see if there's anything to drink back here? Water maybe?”
“Okay.”
Jaina leaves, leaving the door open. I go behind her and close it all the way, then turn back to Sienna.
“Sienna.”
“What?” She gives me that innocent look that I am always able to see through. I take a breath to sta calm.
“I am not going to yell at you because I know you're hurt and your head hurts. I have had concussions and I know loud noises make it worse. But please understand that I mean this with as much emphasis as I can give while keeping my voice level. I am only going to say this once, because honestly, I shouldn't even have to be saying it the first time, but listen very closely. Don't you ever use my niece again to set up another one of your tricks or schemes. Are we clear?”
“I have no idea what you mean, Bree. You heard what I said to Jaina, I-”
“Don't lie to me, babe. I'm not stupid. She might have bought that pile of shit you tried to sell, but I know you better than that.”
“Bree-”
“You know I hate all of this shit you have been doing with Giovanni, I have been warning you and warning you that he was only going to mess with your head and make things worse. But no, you insisted you knew better. You insisted you knew what you were doing. Now what? He's made you crazy, he fed into your obsession with Kelcey to use you to help him fuck with Owen, and now you're in the fucking hospital with a concussion and you're lucky you weren't killed!”
Sienna puts one hand to her head. “You said you weren't going to yell...”
“I'm sorry. But I'm angry, I was scared, this could have been a lot worse, all because you can't leave Kelcey alone. I wish you would get over this and move on, but I don't think you will. I am done with it, you do what want about her, I don't care anymore. What you will do though, is leave Jaina out of it. She is not a tool for your personal vendetta use. I'll ask you again, is that clear?”
Sienna lowers her hand and looks up at me, defeated. “Fine. I'm sorry. I would have asked you but-”
“I don't care. You have Xio, Sierra, Scott, and even me when it's not dealing with Gio for these kinds of things. But Jaina doesn't get it, did you see how upset she was?” Sienna nods. “I mean it Sienna, I don't put my foot down with you very often, but I am on this. You know how I am about my family. Leave Jaina out of your shit.”
“Okay. I will. I promise.”
“Thank you.”
“I didn't think she would blame herself, the idea was to make Kelcey look like she can't let it go.”
“It doesn't matter what the point was. I don't care about Kelcey. I care about you. You're going to ruin yourself with this.”
Before Sienna can say anything in reply to that, there's a knock, then the door opens. The same doctor from before walks in.
“Miss Swann, Miss Lancaster?”
“Yes, doctor?” Sienna sits up a little straighter.
“We have your test results in. You don't have any fractures from the impact. The bloody nose was just from fragile capillaries.”
“Thank God."
“And the concussion?”
“Mid-grade, which we determined from the footage of you passing out for a second while trying to walk away, and the Impact test you were given on arrival. I'm going to put you on a two-week medical leave, but that could be extended. It depends on how your recovery goes and further examination closer to that date.”
“Two weeks? But we're in a tag tournament, I have to-”
“You have to get better, babe. Two weeks is before we would be back to work after Last Grasp, you could be fine. Don't worry about that right now. ”
The doctor nods. “Your friend is right. It will all depend on how well you recover. I'll be sending paperwork to your employers, and you'll have a copy for your own doctors at home. Speaking of home, I recommend once you get there, you limit your travel. Flying can really aggravate the symptoms of a concussion.”
“Yes, doctor. Thank you.”
“I'll go see about your discharge. You can get dressed. Go slowly.”
The doctor gives us both a nod before walking out.
After he leaves, I turn back to Sienna. “Does this fiasco make you finally realize that you need to do something about this?”
“What do you mean?”
“What I asked Amy to talk to you about. Seeing someone.”
Sienna looks hurt. “You think I'm crazy. You said so a few minutes ago, you think I'm crazy like everyone else does.”
“I hate to say this babe... but yes, I do.” I see Sienna clench her fists and her jaw tightens. “I don't mean it the way everyone else does though. I just don't know another word to use. It's not your fault, a lot of things have driven you here, but you can take control. All you have to do is take the first step. Talk to someone. Please. I am literally begging you now.”
Sienna turns away from me, then rubs her forehead. I can't tell if it's because it physically hurts, or if it's a mental thing. “I will think about it.”
“You said that before.”
“I know, but I mean it this time. I just want to get better, physically, first.” She turns back me. “Okay?”
“Of course. I want you healthy, in every possible way.”
She gives me a weak smile.
Jaina finally comes back in, with two water bottles. She hands them to me and Sienna, and I explain what the doctor said. She's relieved. But not nearly as much as I am.
{{Saturday, January 16th
Kenner}}
As much as I wanted to go home with Sienna and help her get better, Sasha would not allow me to miss the house shows. She claimed that Sienna had Xiomara and Jaina to take care of her at my house, she didn't need me, but SCW needed it's Interim Champion to make the appearances I was advertised for. I told her if she called me the Champion I would stop pushing it. Sasha didn't like that, all I got was a glare. Unfortunately I couldn't do anything about it if she refused to let me off. So, Sienna, Xio, and Jaina flew home and Scott stayed with me for the rest of the circuit.
I still don't work the Saturday shows as per my contract, although I bet Sasha was wishing she could make me just for annoying her, so I landed this afternoon around two. It was weird flying with only Scott to keep me company again, I had gotten used to a plane full of people since Jaina moved in and Sienna and Xiomara have been staying with me. Scott and I parted ways at the airport, and I actually walked into my door just before three.
I haul my bag upstairs to be unpacked later, then go to check in on Sienna. She's laying in bed resting, watching something on TV. That's strange, she usually doesn't, but I guess she was bored. She tells me that Xio is out back enjoying the heated pool. I poke my head into Jaina's room, she isn't home. I assume she is next door. I then go downstairs and look for Dom. I had called him to tell him Sienna's diagnosis and that she and Xio would be coming home without me, but we hadn't spoken about my slip up on TV. I knew what was waiting for me when I found him in the library.
“Hey baby.”
Dom looks up from the couch, he was reading a book. An actual book, not on a tablet. I'm impressed. He sets it aside though, giving me a smile.
“Hey. I didn't hear you come in.”
“No one can hear anything back here.”
He pats the couch next to him, for me to sit. I take the hint and sit next to him.
“Good flight?”
“Quiet, actually.”
“I bet.”
Hell with this small talk. I'm diving in. “So, I want to get this over with before it festers any further.”
Dom nods, he knows what I mean. “Right, good idea.”
“You were right.” “I shouldn't have called-” We spoke at the same time. I wave my hand at Dom, telling him to go first. He nods again.
“Okay. As I was saying, I shouldn't have called you angrily like that when you were in the middle of a crisis. In my defense, what I saw really didn't look that bad. I only saw the replay, not the part where Sienna fell. I only saw that after I spoke to you.”
“Okay, that's fair. I was told there was a commercial break after the accident so I get that.”
“Yeah, I had a phonecall and stepped away for a moment. When I looked back, they were showing the replay. Then there you were with David."
“Right. And I get it, okay? You were right. You asked me to leave you out of it and I didn't. I just.... saw red when I saw him talking to Jaina. I say things without thinking when I'm angry, you know that. I just thought he was trying to mess with her head.”
“According to her, he wasn't. And what was shown on air shows that.”
“I know, she told me. I haven't watched it back but I believe her. I'm sorry. I won't let it happen again.”
Dom sits back, shaking his head. “I don't know, cakes. Maybe it's just not possible to leave me out of it, as much as I'd like to stay out.”
“What do you mean?”
“Everything is just too intertwined. Everyone knows I'm with you but related to him. Fucks sake, David even had Jason at ringside for his match!”
“What? Jason was there?”
“Right, you'd left before his match... yeah. Jason was in his corner the whole time, acting as his manager.”
“God, he's really trying to turn this into a family affair. Maybe you're right. I can try, but-”
“Don't bother. I've been thinking about this since Wednesday night, I really don't think it's possible.”
“Do you think Jason will be out there for my match against him? Like, did it look like it was a permanent thing?”
“I couldn't really tell. He wasn't announced as a manager, just 'accompanied by.'”
“That's how they announce Scott, too.”
“That's true... so, maybe. Why? What are you thinking? Do you want me out there...?”
I gasp, that's insane. “God no! That's the last thing I need, being distracted worrying about you when you're not a fighter.”
“That may be true, but as much as those two are not on my side at the moment, I really don't think either one of them would attack me.”
“Oh really? Did you forget about that fight you and Jason had that got on the internet?”
“For the record... I hit him first.”
“And I bet he remembers that.”
“I guess that's possible.”
“No, I don't want you out there. I doubt SCW would allow it anyway, or Lisa for that matter.” Dom nods, conceding that point. He once skipped a Mardi Gras parade to avoid potentially getting hit in the face with beads. Ringside? Lisa would go apoplectic. “I'm just trying to work out what I'm in for.”
“If Jason is out there for the match, you can't let him distract you. That's what he does, that's probably the plan, to troll you live and in person and take you off your game. You can't let that happen.”
“I won't. I know what his tricks are. David's too, apparently.”
Dom raises an eyebrow. “David pulled a trick? I didn't think he knew how.”
“Yep. Amy told me that he helped Jordan prepare to fight me.”
“What? But if she would have beat you, he'd have been facing her.”
“That's the point. He didn't want to face me.”
“You know... just a year ago if someone would have suggested that, I'd have called it preposterous. But after everything since Rise to Greatness, I don't put anything past the man anymore. Either he didn't want to be exposed, or he's trying to do everything he can to avoid the both of us.”
“Exactly. The reasoning doesn't matter, the point is he was trying to duck me by helping my opponent. I wonder how Jordan would feel if she realized she was used, like she used Jaina.”
Dom smirks a little, I know he was upset about all of that. “Well, kick his ass soundly this time and you'll be done with him.”
“I plan to.”
“And listen, I'm serious about mentioning me. I don't think there is a way to get around it. I don't like it, but I get it. Do what you have to do. End this. I want to be rid of all of it.”
“I will do whatever's necessary. I do also have an idea.”
“What's that?”
“I want to call Andrew to come help me.”
“In what way?”
“Train. Sienna is hurt, she can't work out with me like we usually do to prepare. I need someone who can.”
“Isn't GCW overseas right now?”
I look at Dom blankly. “Are they?”
“How is it that I know that and you don't?”
“You saw a commercial on TV? I don't know.”
Dom shrugs. “I like the idea. He's ruthless, he can help you do what needs to be done.”
I lean back and look at Dom as if he's a different person. I hadn't expected that reaction at all.
“Really? I seem to remember you last year questioning me when I hurt Rachel Tatum Lee and attacked Kim Williams after she stole the US title from me. Now you want me to be ruthless? What changed?”
“I've spent more time around the business with you since I haven't been working. Everything you do was harder to understand when I wasn't seeing everything I've seen recently. But I have a better understanding now. You were right when I questioned you, sometimes playing dirty is necessary. If that's what it takes to get David off your back and prove that you are the real World Champion? I'm on your side.”
I smile. I had come into this room expecting another argument, yet we ended up on the same side, me with Dom's full support in anything I needed to do.
“Thanks baby, that means a lot to me.”
“I'm always on your side, Bree, even if sometimes it doesn't sound like it.”
“I know. I'm starting to understand that better.”
“Go ahead and call Andrew. It's a good idea.”
“I will. Tomorrow, and after I look up the GCW schedule. If you're right then it could be stupid o'clock wherever he is and I don't want to wake him up. Can we just relax the rest of today? It's been a hell of a week.”
“Done. Sushi dinner?”
“Yes please!”
It's not quite dinner time yet, so I kick my shoes off finally and lean against Dom on the couch to relax. He picks up his book again and reads, and we just chill out until dinner time.
{{Saturday, January 23rd
Kenner}}
Turned out, Andrew was with GCW in goddamn Uruguay. I didn't even know where that is, I had to Google it. But, I called him at an appropriate time after Livewrire was filmed, and even though he was a little sore from the way that show ended, he agreed to come to New Orleans and help me. I sent my plane for him and he arrived Wednesday. Still sore, but ready to work with me starting Thursday. I told Sienna not to worry about not being able to work with me, I had help. She was glad to hear it, and thanked Andrew when he was over for dinner after our first day working. It's been good to train with him again, the last time we did was over two years ago when he was still in SCW. It was refreshing to get a different perspective after working with someone else for so long. We had good talks about strategy, mindgames, and other things. I asked him to come with us to watch the match, and he agreed.
It's Saturday afternoon, Andrew and I had finished our last session before I had to get ready to leave for Denver. We planned to fly out in the morning, its not a very long flight. Sienna was upset she couldn't go, Xiomara agreed to stay here with her and watch everything on TV.
Anyway, I get home from the gym, Andrew had gone back to his hotel room. Dom is in the den watching TV when I come in. I go upstairs to shower, and when I come back down, he's in the kitchen, with hot tea made for me. I smile as I sit and take it.
“Thanks.”
“Good workout today?”
“Yeah, really intense. Just what I needed.”
“Think you're ready?”
“I know I'm ready. I was ready before. I just have a better mindset to go with it now.”
“I like to hear that.” Dom grins. I sip my tea. I hear footsteps coming down the stairs, and look towards them, it's Sienna. She has a strange look on her face, and her phone in her hand. She walks over to me and sits across me at the island. She looks down at her phone, then back up at me.
“Is something wrong, babe?”
“Yes. Sierra just texted me an Inside Edition article link. You should see this. But I have to warn you, Bree, it's bad.”
“Okay... let me see it....”
Sienna glances at her phone again, almost hesitant to show it to me. But then she hands me her phone. As I read.... I become nauseated....
==========
Bree Lancaster Deleted Pic!
- 1/23/21 -- 2:25PM
Inside Edition received today from an anonymous source the photo below, said to be an unused shot from a Dior photo shoot in 2018. Readers may recall the infamous shoot done by now-incarcerated Lancelot Crane, as one where the two allegedly had sex before taking several of the photos. Both Lancaster and Crane denied the reports, however due to negative press concerns, Dior released Lancaster from her modeling contract. Our source tells us this photo was rejected by Dior for that ad campaign, but did not give a reason why. Scroll below to see the photo.
Lancaster appears to be completely nude in the shot, a contrast to the Black Friday ad that caused trouble in 2018. In that shot, she was seen to be wearing a gold bikini, although the bottom was difficult to see due to shadow. If this one is unedited, it would be the only nude photo ever released of Bree Lancaster, who currently is a wrestler with Supreme Championship Wrestling, and it's current Interim World Champion.
This is a developing story, please check back for updates.
==========
“Oh.... my.... God....” I drop Sienna's phone on the counter and put my face into my hands. I hear Dom next to me.
“Can I look at that?”
“Sure. In fact, you should.”
I hear the sound of Dom picking up Sienna's phone. I then brace myself for his reaction.
“Holy shit! Bree....”
I don't look up as I speak. “I know what you're going to ask me. No, I was not actually nude for that.”
“You weren't? Are you sure? I know how that cretin-”
I look up at Sienna. “I wasn't. I swear. I had on the same bikini top as the ad that was released, and teeny thong underwear. The string was airbrushed out.”
“Okay. I just... you know...”
“You can speak freely, Sie, Dom knows all about it.”
“Oh. Alright.” She glances at Dom. He nods, a look of disgust on his face. “Right, I only asked because I know what he did to you, I was hoping you weren't hiding something else.”
“I'm not. That shot was actually taken before the... the other one.” I had been about to say 'before the sex” but I couldn't make myself say it. Both Sienna and Dom nod, they knew what I meant.
“Do you know why Dior didn't use it?"
“Yes, Sara Claiborne told me they didn't like my hair, or that I looked totally nude. The rejected ones were supposed to be destroyed!” I put my head back down into my hands. “No one is going to believe I wasn't naked, not after they brought up that old story! This is a nightmare... a fucking nightmare!” Just think, two weeks agoI was so concerned over the fact my neighbor had accidentally seen my breasts, and now the entire damn internet thinks they're looking at me nude! I feel Dom's hand on my back, rubbing me gently, trying to comfort me. That motion usually works but right now I just want to throw up.
“Most people didn't believe that story, sweetie, this article even says you both denied it. All you have to do is make a statement-”
Dom's phone rings. I look up at him in despair. “That's Lisa. Bet.”
Dom pulls his phone out and looks at the screen. He nods. “Yeah. I'll go in the other room.” He taps the screen. “Hey Lis.... yeah, we've just seen it....” He walks into the den to continue the conversation.
I turn back to Sienna. “I have to call Dior. Sara Claiborne. I still have her number on a business card somewhere. She can look into this, find out why this wasn't destroyed like it was supposed to be.”
I start to get up, intending to go into the library and dig around for that card. Sienna reaches out and grabs my hand to stop me.
“Wait. I don't think this has anything to do with Dior.”
“But... it was done for them, they had the shots. Someone didn't do their job, babe!”
“Listen to me, Bree. I think it's Crane.”
I sit back down slowly. “What? How? He's in prison!”
“I know, but he still has people loyal to him who work for him. He could be directing this from prison.”
“But why? It doesn't make any sense, we haven't done anything to him, he's been in jail and we've moved on!”
“Not exactly....” Sienna has a guilty look on her face.
“Sienna... what are you talking about?”
“I have something to tell you. Last year... I went to the prison to see Crane...."
Oh. My. God. Sienna, what have you done?
ON CAMERA
Once again we are greeted to an opening shot of the SCW World Championship belt, the slow zoom lingering over the engraved name BREE LANCASTER, before panning out. The belt rests around the waist of the woman herself. Bree has her hands at her sides, resting on the top of the strap. Bree appears to be in a hotel suite as usual, but the wall behind her is blank save for a generic black and white photograph of snow-capped mountains. Dressed in dark blue jeans and a red sweater, her hair loose around her shoulders, there is an air of amusement on the champions face, even on a day where there is very little for her to be amused about.
I have been waiting for this for a long time, David.
You know it, the fans know it, everyone knows it. I have wanted this match to happen again since about five seconds after you took my championship away from me at Rise to Greatness. You on the other hand... have not. You seemed ecstatic when Glory Braddock cashed in her Trios contract, preventing me from getting an immediate rematch. You were all about facing her, you were ready to move on. It was clear that you thought there would be a different challenger waiting after you put Glory away. But you should know by know that I don't go away easily.
Bree smirks, then removes the belt from her waist and sets it aside, somewhere off camera, likely a table or chair.
Let's put that aside for the moment though, as there really is a lot to unpack here between you and I. Let's get the obvious out of the way first, whether either of us like it or not, at some point in the near future, you and I are going to be related. Not some weird quasi relation based on the fact that I am dating one of your brothers and my sister-in-law is seeing the other one. No, I mean real, live, legal in-laws, babe. And believe me, the idea disgusts me just as much as it probably disgusts you, but that doesn't mean it's going to stop me from one day marrying the true love of my life. In fact, I look more forward to it, because the more I can annoy you, disgust you, anger you? The happier I will be.
It's what you deserve, after all, David. After everything you have done this year. The whole debacle before Rise to Greatness when you disrespected not only me but Dom too, when he was just doing his job. But I am not going to retread old ground, everyone knows what happened then, it's been replayed over and over again, everyone knows that you clearly don't let family get in the way of your desires. No, instead I am going to talk about what you have done since.
You looked past me when you were faced with Glory. Then Tommy Valentine made his intentions known, as he had every right to do, having a victory over you. The three of us were all set to decide this thing in a Three Way Dance, leaving no room for doubts.
And then, you stepped away.
Bree smirks again, crossing her arms.
I have many theories as to why, and none of them involve any actual injury, given one was never disclosed. Yet, even though you let the fans who have supported you through this return of yours down, you bailed on them and you didn't even give them a reason why.... somehow, they still voted you as the SCW Male Wrestler of the Year. At first I didn't get it, were there no other options? Well, maybe not, other than your former best friend who kicked your ass. But after I thought about it, I realized what it had to be.
Because of me.
Only three people were able to pin me in all of 2020, and two of them were suspect. You were the one that was not. People were shocked that you pulled that off, you weren't expected to do so. I will give you that, I have always credited you with being the sole person to actually beat me in the last year. But let's be honest here, if Tommy had managed to actually beat me as well to claim the title you left behind, he would have gotten that award instead of you, and you know it. The point I am making here David is that even though you won the biggest award for men on the roster... it was only by comparison to me.
I am the measuring stick around here.
For anyone who thinks I am speaking out of ego or vanity, I refer you to everything that happened in all of 2020. David, you made a surprising comeback, first wrestling under a mask, I presume to hide your shame if you fell on your face. Yet you didn't, so you took the mask off. You went on to win Taking Hold of the Flame. Then you beat me on the biggest stage in wrestling, you handed me my very first Rise to Greatness loss. Congratulations. Two brilliant flashes in the pan in an otherwise mediocre year.
I mean, let's look. You lost to Jordan Majors. I beat her. You lost to Tommy Valentine. I beat him. You then, and I can't repeat this enough, gave up your championship claiming an undisclosed injury. Meanwhile I have been the most consistent person on this roster all year! Can you name anyone else who has only been pinned three times in the last twelve months? I'll wait. Actually, no I won't, you can't. That is the difference between you and me David and why I say that even with all your accolades this year, you are still second to me. You can pull out brilliant performances when it matters, shock the world.
I pull out brilliant performaces each and every time I step foot into the ring, consistently. Not occasionally. You win big when it matters... to me, it always matters!
Bree reaches out of the shot and grabs the title belt, we can see a hand, someone handed it to her. She holds it up to the camera.
That is why I say I am the true World Champion, and you are an impostor. This belt that I carry is the real championship belt, not that replica SCW let you keep, because it is carried by a real champion.
Real champions don't withhold information from their fans. Real champions don't only show up and show out when something big is on the line. Real champions beat everyone in their path, not just the ones they care about not losing to.
Bree hands off the title again.
Do you know what else real champions don't do? They don't try to duck fights they don't want.
Oh, I know, you're going to say I have ducked people in the past, spouting the same nonsense that everyone else does, but I have proved time and time again that is a fallacy. I will fight anyone and everyone who is worthy to challenge me. If SCW deems someone worthy that I do not agree with? Well, I might not like it, and I might bitch about it... but I will still bring everything to the fight.
But you, David?
Bree laughs a bit.
No, you tried to manipulate who you were going to be facing tomorrow night. Didn't think I would hear about it, did you? Well, I did. I know all about your little training session with Jordan Majors before the End of the Year Show. How you helped her prepare to face me, hoping to help her beat me. It didn't matter to you the way she hurt your family, because you saw an opportunity to not have to face me again. Admit it David. You hoped Jordan would beat me so you would then go on to face her instead, because deep down inside, you know that you had your one shot at pulling off a victory against me and you used it. You can't do it again.
You know, now that I think about it, maybe your scheming goes back farther than that. Maybe... you have been trying to get out of facing me again since the Three Way Dance was announced! Did you think you were going to face Tommy again instead of me? Were you hoping to get your win back over him and solidify yourself as a champion? Then when it was clear you had him and me, you wanted absolutely no part of that, so you pulled a phantom 'injury' out of your ass just to get out of stepping up to me again, even in October? It does make one think, doesn't it?
But now you don't have a choice because despite your planning and assistance in getting Jordan to beat me, short of actual cheating, I still beat her and here we are.
Bree smirks again, then shakes her head.
Okay, maybe that's a little far-fetched, I suppose it's possible you actually had an injury that you kept to yourself in an effort to keep your future opponents from having a very clear target on you. Fine. The fact is though, you still tried to help Jordan beat me so you didn't have to fight me for this championship. Maybe you just wanted your win back, maybe you have more of an ego than you want people to believe. But I see through you, I always have. That's the real reason why you can't stand me, David, because you can't fool me. You are just as egotistical and manipulative as I am, the only difference is... I don't try to hide it. I don't try to pretend to be something I am not.
For years you have walked around SCW as if you are the Guidepost of morality, the standard that all should aspire to, nothing and no one could touch you when it came to being a stand-up guy, SCW's White Knight, the Last Shadow of Hope... all that garbage that people spout when they find someone they consider a hero and set them up on a pedestal. It's unfortunate for you that your pedestal is made of glass, and I have a reputation for breaking things. The crash will be hard, David. Quick, sudden, and it's gonna hurt when you hit the ground and face the reality that you are no longer the competitor you once were. You threw everything you had into beating me at Rise to Greatness, now there is nothing left for you to pull out on me that I can't overcome.
What I am going to do, is prove beyond any shadow of a doubt that I am the True World Champion.
While you had your moments in the past year, and they were great ones, I will give you that... they were just that – moments. Occasional rays of brightness, while I have not only been in the spotlight all year, I have held the spotlight, and you are only relevant because I shined it on you. Your moments are over, David. You've given it a good run but the race is over. I know you'll fight me til your last breath, til you physically can't move anymore, but when that moment comes, I will prove to you and everyone else watching that despite all your previous greatness, now? You're just a broken down old horse who should have stayed in the stables.
I will be the one to put you out of your misery. And you won't have to be vague about any injuries this time, babe, I promise you that if you limp or are carried out of the Pepsi Center, everyone will know exactly what is wrong, because I will have done it to you. And after you're home, convalescing and rehabbing another injury, you can quietly fade out of relevance again and live your life in peace.
You're welcome.
Bree is handed the title belt once more, and she smirks as she places it over her shoulder. She adjusts it proudly as we fade out.