Apocalypse 2022 #2
A few days after the meeting at Lisa's office, the allegations made against Elias Stone made the news. And I don't mean only TMZ, Just Jared, and the other tabloid sites that gave me so much trouble years ago. I mean the news news. Like, local Fox 8 at 9PM, MSNBC news. Apparently a long-awaited movie sequel being shelved indefinitely due to one of the main actors being accused of sex crimes is a big deal. Lisa had been right about the media – both Dom and I got over a dozen calls the day the story broke. It really made me miss having Scott around to field these kinds of calls for me. He did call me himself, to check up on us. Love him. Anyway, after the first few calls it became easier to just say “No comment” and end the call. I don't like being rude but they were rude first by calling our personal numbers, right? How did they get our numbers, anyway? Maybe I should change mine.
It was a hot story for about a week, until some rapper drove drunk and crashed his car into someone's house and severely hurt a little girl who was sleeping in her bed. I feel bad for the girl and her family but I was happy that my phone finally stopped ringing.
Everything else was normal in the following weeks. Heath grew. Nora became more comfortable with us. And I was cleared for all activity, which meant I could go back to the gym. I started slow as my doctor and also Amy recommended, but it didn't take long for me to build my stamina and strength back up. By the week of my birthday, I was in the ring doing full sparring sessions. Amy has this new student who's kind of like a sponge, Jamison Logan. He had zero wrestling experience when he joined BlackOut and when I had my first full out spar? The kid really put me through it. I loved it though, I needed to be pushed so I can be back to the level I want as soon as I can. I don't want to be one of those wrestler mom's who waits til their kid is a year old to return. Wrestling fans have short memories. I've already been gone almost a year. If I wait too long, I'll be forgotten. Not just by the fans, but by the Board, when it comes to deciding who should get opportunities. I don't want to come back just to be mediocre. I want to be at my best, even better than before.
{{Saturday, July 9
Kenner
Bree's house}}
It's my birthday!
It's also Saturday, which gives me two good reasons to skip the gym today. I've been making good progress, and muscles need rest days anyway. Dom woke me up with breakfast in bed. I started to ask about Heath but he said Nora was taking care of him and we had plenty of time for breakfast. He sat next to me while we ate his creations – apple cinnamon pancakes, eggs over easy, bacon, and coffee. One of the things I missed the most while pregnant was coffee. I could have had decaf but it doesn't taste the same. Dom says that's ridiculous but its a hill I'm willing to die on.
After breakfast, I go into the nursery to see if Heath is awake yet, while Dom goes downstairs to clean up after breakfast. As I walk into the room, Nora hears the door and spins around, holding Heath in her arms up on her shoulder, a burp rag draped over it. She gives me a smile.
“Good morning, Momma! Look who had his breakfast already and needs a burp.”
She turns so Heath is facing me, peeking over her shoulder. I give him a big smile.
“Hey there Nugget! How's my big boy today?” He'd just started smiling a few days before, so when he smiles back at me, my heart melts. “Aww, look at that smile for me. Come here baby boy.”
Nora turns again and hands him to me. As soon as I put him on my shoulder, the elusive burp escapes.
“Good boy! Now let's go sit.” I go to the rocking chair and sit, watching as Nora puts away the can of formula and folds his blanket. I see his bottle on the changing table, with a small bit left at the bottom. “Looks like someone didn't want all of his breakfast.”
“No, not today. It's normal though, I'm sure he'll make up for it at second breakfast.” Nora smirks. I snicker at her little joke. I've learned that she's kind of a nerd, and I love that about her, its adorable.
“Probably so. That or lunch. We have a big day planned. Don't we, Nugget?” I kiss the top of his head.
“Birthday plans, right?”
“Yeah, nothing to0 fancy. Dom and I are taking him out to the park soon, before it gets too hot. Then just hanging out here all day. In fact, after you're done in here, you can have the rest of the day off.”
“Really? Are you sure? I don't mind staying with him if you and Dom want to go out for dinner or something.”
“I appreciate that, but we'd really rather stay in. It's a Saturday, the media know it's my birthday. Reporters in New Orleans tend to leave celebs alone but today? And with the movie scandal still going? They'd swarm us.”
Nora finishes with Heath's crib blanket, then moves to a basket of freshly cleaned clothes and starts folding. It's mostly onsies, socks, and burp rags. “I guess that's a good point. Well, okay, if you're sure. I can go out somewhere for the day and be out of your hair.”
I give her a smile. “That's a fabulous idea. Not that I think you're in our hair, you're a godsend. But a family day would be nice.”
“Say no more. After I get this laundry put away, I'll give my bestie a call. She owes me lunch anyway.”
“Perfect.”
“So, I guess you're not working out today, then?”
“Work? On my birthday? Don't be ridiculous.” Nora laughs. “I'm actually taking today and tomorrow off from the gym, I'll hit it hard again Monday morning. Amy and I have a plan.”
“What's that?” The speed at which Nora can fold tiny clothes would have made my mom proud. Me? I'd have just tossed the onsies and socks in a drawer loose and called it good. Onsies don't wrinkle, and all his socks are white so pairing them doesn't matter.
“Well, she thinks I should have some new tricks in my arsenal when I go back, keep everyone on their toes. So she's been researching moves for me, and she has a few she wants me to try out. I saw clips, they look good. So, next week we're working on that together, after the academy classes are over.”
“I thought Amy couldn't get in the ring anymore? I mean, not full out?”
“That's what she wants people to think.” I smirk. Heath wiggles in my arms. I look down at him and he's smiling again. I give him one back before continuing. “But she can go. She had her knee fully replaced last year, and it's all good. She just keeps that to herself. All the better to surprise people with if she ever has to get physical on behalf of a client. Not that she has any at the moment, but you know.”
Nora nods, slightly in awe. “Wow. I would have never thought of something like that. Most of the locker room is playing checkers and Amy is out there playing chess.”
I laugh. “Something like that.” Heath squirms in my arms again, and I look down, he doesn't usually move this much. Then... I smell it. I crinkle my nose. “Well, now I know why he was squirming.”
“He was? Why..... OH.” Nora waves her hand in front of her nose. “I see what you mean. Give him here, I'll take care of that for you before I leave.”
Before I could say yes or no, Nora was across the room and taking Heath from me. I didn't mind, I wasn't looking forward to whatever devilry was in that diaper. I caught a whiff as she took him. “Whew! What have you been feeding my son?” I giggle.
“Whatever you gave me!” She giggles back.
Nora lays Heath on the changing table and speaks softly to him, soothing him as he cries when the air hits him once the diaper is off. Nora is very careful and gentle, but quick. Heath isn't undressed for very long, which is a good thing considering how cool we keep the house. Nora snaps his onsie back together at the bottom, then lightly rubs his tummy.
“There you go, Nugget. All clean and ready to go out with Momma and Daddy.”
The sound of my son's nickname coming out of Nora's mouth made my stomach clinch. I try to keep a neutral face as Nora picks him up and walks him over to me. I stand, ready to take him. There's no legitimate reason why I should be reacting like this to her using the name. I've called him Nugget since the day I found out I was pregnant. Everyone has heard it, plenty of people use it – Jaina, Wyatt, Amy, Sienna, Ms. Brenda. There's no reason why Nora shouldn't, too. But for some reason it rubbed me the wrong way hearing it. I couldn't say anything though, that would just be weird. Nora hands him to me, boops his nose, drawing a smile. She then kisses his forehead.
“See you later, little man.” Looking up at me, Nora smiles. “Thanks again for the day off. I hope you all have a good time. Oh, and happy birthday!”
“Thank you. Have fun with your friend.”
Nora just smiles again as she leaves.
Standing in the middle of the room holding my son, I look down at him. He's starting to look sleepy already, as he always does not long after eating. I rub the spot Nora kissed on his forehead with my thumb. Shaking my head at myself, I wonder why I did that. Isn't it a good thing that Heath's caretaker cares for him? It's caretaker, right?
I'm being ridiculous and I know it.
* * * * * {{ Kenner City Park }} * * * * *
There are several parks in the area near our house. There's the boat launch and pier on the lake, but it was usually full of people having parties, picnics, and such on weekends. They play loud music and it wouldn't be very relaxing. There's Veteran's Memorial Park closer to the river, its usually a little quieter as far as large groups of people, but it's also closer to the airport, and the planes overhead are super loud. I wasn't sure it if it was a good idea to bring Heath there just yet. So, we settled on Kenner City Park. There's a walking track, a pond in the middle with fountains. There's also a playground for kids, and benches to sit and relax, feed the dozens of ducks. A fair amount of large trees provide plenty of shade. The best part? Even on a Saturday morning, the park was relatively empty. When we got there, I saw two people walking the track, and an elderly couple on a bench near the pond, tossing what looked like grapes to the ducks. That was all. Dom carried our bag with drinks and snacks while I pushed Heath in his covered stroller over to a spot far away from well traveled areas of the park, and under a tree. Dom spread a large blanket out, and folded another one into a sort of bed, which I then laid Heath on before sitting next to him. It's the middle of summer, but it's only 10 AM and we're in the shade so it's not as hot as you might think.
Dom pulls some water bottles out of the bag and hands me one, then gets the cracker and cheese “tray” I'd packed in a plastic container out.
“Looks like we picked the best place to come.”
“I knew it would be quiet here. It usually is.”
We have a few bites of our snacks, and watch Heath as he looks around at the birds flying overhead. The peace is broken by Dom's phone ringing.
“Shit, I thought I turned this off... oh, it's Lisa...”
“You should get it.”
He nods, then taps the screen. “Hey Lisa... not really but kinda.... ha, I'm at the park with Bree and the baby, it's Bree's birthday today.... I will.... oh, what news? ........ Oh really..... that's shameful... no no, it's okay, I'm happy for the update... we sure will, you do the same... bye.” Dom taps a few times, this time actually silencing the phone. He throws it into the bag our supplies were packed in. “Lisa says happy birthday.”
“Aw, I'll text her later and say thanks. What news did she have?”
“Oh, about Stone.” I make a face. “The latest lead they followed, finding some security footage from outside the studio we filmed the prison scenes, turned up nothing. There was footage but it didn't go back far enough. Apparently just like everyone else, old data gets overwritten for new footage.”
“Oh... that sucks.”
“Yeah, it kinda defeats the purpose of recording if you ask me, but no one did. So most places have a date cut off. Six months, a year. So, on to the next lead.”
“There's another one?”
“Yeah, the studio where we had the housing sets. My characters house, Stone's house, a restaurant, that kind of thing. The sets are gone but Gary thinks they might still have the security film. They're checking things based on what the women remember about where and when things happened.”
My stomach starts to turn. “Right... baby, I'm glad you like Lisa's updates and I'm sorry this one wasn't good, but can we please not talk about this any more today?” I can feel myself making a face of distress.
“Absolutely. I hadn't planned on it at all, except she called. Say no more.” Dom leans over and kisses me. “What does my birthday girl want to talk about?”
“I don't know. Anything else?”
“Okay... I have something. How about we...” Dom digs into the bag, and pulls out a small box. “Talk about this? It's your gift.” He hands it to me. It's slightly larger than a jewelry box, wrapped in pink paper.
“Baby... you didn't have to get me anything, I already told you that.”
“I know... but I'm not a naive enough husband to think that really means don't get you anything.” He grins. I laugh a bit, in most cases he'd probably be right, but this time? I really wouldn't have minded. “It's nothing extravagant, I promise. Just something I thought you might find useful when you go back to work.”
Now I'm curious. I tear the pink paper and open the brown box. Inside is a black box, Samsung wireless earbuds. I smile. “Oh wow, this is great baby! I always think about getting some of these when I see someone with them but I never actually bought it. Thank you!” I lean over and kiss him.
“That's what I figured, it's something you'd never buy for yourself, but I knew you'd love. I see you fighting with the cord for your headphones all the time when you work out or run.”
“This is really so thoughtful, you're amazing.” I read the box a bit, then put the lid back on the brown gift box. “I'll figure them out when we get home. I want to be used to them before I start work again.”
“Have you decided when that'll be yet?”
“Not really. Obviously after Rise to Greatness. Even if I was ready by then, it would be short notice to promote anything. They probably wouldn't let me til after anyway, even if I asked.”
“Good point, I hadn't thought about that. Rise is such a promotion machine, almost like pushing a film.”
“Almost. So, sometime after the break? If I feel ready. Amy thinks I could be.”
“I think you can be, if that's what you want.”
“We'll see this week, after Amy gives me those new moves she wanted to show me.”
Heath starts fussing, so I pick him up, ad Dom grabs a pre-made bottle out of the bag and hands it to me, without either of us needing to say a word about it. I get Heath comfortable and feed him as we continue talking.
“There's something else I wanted to ask you about going back to work. How do you want to handle travel?”
“What do you mean? I have a plane...”
“I know, I meant with Heath. Do you want to take him and Nora with you? Do you want to go to work alone and I'll stay home with him, with Nora's help here?”
The idea of Dom and Nora being alone together makes me want to throw up. It's irrational because I trust Dom completely, and I don't think Nora is the type to go after someone else's man, but I can't help it. It's a visceral reaction. But even more than that, I can't fathom the idea of being separated from my son for two, possibly three days out of the week, every week.
“I don't think I should be away from him for so long at a time, not when he's still so little. You and Nora will just have to come with me.”
Dom nods, as if he expected my answer. “That's what I thought. I'm okay with that, it's not like I have anything to do for a while. But we'll have to talk to Nora. Traveling with you for SCW was a hypothetical when we interviewed her. We need to make sure she's still okay with doing it. If not, we'll need to find someone who is.”
I don't really like the thought of maybe having to replace the caretaker. I don't want to make things confusing for Heath. “I'll talk to her. I think she'll be okay with it.”
“If she hesitates, we can offer like a travel bonus or something.”
“That's a good idea, but I mean... she'd already be getting paid to travel around the country on a private plane. What other incentive could she need?”
Dom laughs. “When you put it like that, it sounds like a sure thing.”
“I'll make it a sure thing. I don't want things to change too much for Heath, not when we'll be away from home so much. Babies need consistency and stability.”
“You're right, they do. I hope you're right and she's happy to do it.”
Heath turns his head away from the bottle, he's had enough. He drank a little over half. So much for Nora's second breakfast theory. I made a mental note to speak to her about traveling as soon as I could.
ON CAMERA
We open to a shot of the inside of an almost empty arena, from the upper deck. We slowly pan around the building, and any fan of wrestling immediately recognizes the iconic architecture as Madison Square Garden. The floor can be seen, where a wrestling ring is being assembled by about a dozen crew members. The 4-sided scoreboard hanging above has all screens on, showing the SCW logo, with “Apocalypse” streaming along the top. Moving more quickly now, the shot spins around to the seats, and sitting in the middle of the very last row of Section 210, we find Bree Lancaster. Wearing black jeans and a baby blue sleeveless top, Bree looks around the building a little before smiling directly at the camera.
I have to say, it's pretty awesome to be making my in-ring return in this building. If it couldn't be in New Orleans, this is the next best place. I'm here early, I wanted to walk around, get my head in the game, so to speak. And of course, sit all the way up here to speak to all of you. My return to SCW came with little fanfare. I simply walked out there to to show my friend, and everyone, that I am one more person who isn't standing for The Brand and the Haus of Nirvana's antics. I didn't ask for airtime, I didn't make some long soliloquy detailing why I chose now to return, what my plans are, any of that. I know a lot of people want to know those things, so I'm gonna start off here by explaining that to you.
Firstly, I'm gonna tell you what I'm not back to do. This isn't some kind of redemption tour. Too many people use that word when they feel they need to get back into the good graces of the company, or the fans. Over time it's lost it's meaning. It isn't repentance for a mistake, or atonement for guilt anymore. Those things are personal, they're meant for a person's own growth and self-worth. These days in wrestling, redemption seems to mean... doing whatever is necessary to get the fans to love them again. No one is doing it for themselves, it's all a show to regain popularity.
I'm not interested in that.
Don't get me wrong, I know there are people who have supported me my whole career, and a few more who started to come around last year when I decided I didn't want to be the person I had been anymore.. and I love those people for their support. But I've never been the type to pander for anything, and I'm not starting now.
No, I'm not here for redemption.
Bree leans forward a little, as if speaking with a close friend.
Let me tell you a story. It'll won't be too long, I promise. Years ago, in what now seems like a whole other lifetime, I met and fell in love with a man, and that man changed me. Or rather... I changed to be more like him. That set me on a course to eventually be one of the most hated people on the SCW roster, and maybe even the business itself. I only cared about myself, and that man.... until he left me. Some people might have turned a corner then, decided to follow a different road. Not me. I stayed the course, became even more self-centered and arrogant. Basically... I lost myself.
Bree shakes her head at herself, and flips her loose-hanging hair back out of her face.
It took something horrific, the worst tragedy that can happen to a woman that leaves her still alive, to break me down and see what I had allowed myself to become. Somehow, the man who is now my husband and father of my son, always saw the real me underneath the facade I presented to the world. He's the only person I know who has supported me completely since the day I met him, never wavering in his faith in me, or his belief that despite what the world, or even I thought of myself – I am a good person. Once I had that epiphany, and realized that I didn't want to be who I had become anymore... I knew I had to make changes, right then and there. And I tried, you know I did. I hated what Asher Hayes and Cid Turner were doing to the World Championship, and I tried to get it back. But I failed. At the time I wrote it off as proof that I shouldn't have fought a World Championship match only a few days after being assaulted, as my head obviously wasn't in the right place. But, I know better now. At that time, I wasn't truly ready to make the necessary changes and adjustments needed to move forward.
My problem was that I was still fighting against something. Against Asher's degradation of the championship by claiming it was his, Cid's disrespect of it for letting Asher do what he wanted. I should have been fighting for the championship. It might seem like a small difference, maybe even playing semantics, but it really is a different mindset, one that I didn't have then and I'm working to have now.
Bree sits back again, a small smile on her face.
So, if I'm not here for redemption, what am I here for? Well, I think what I'm trying to do would be better called a reclamation. As I said, I lost myself. For a long time I played a part, I showed the world a version of me I thought was expected of me, based on my previous actions before that man who changed me, walked away from me. It can be argued that the way I behaved is a part of me, or else I wouldn't have been capable of doing some of the things I did. Hurting people, injuring people, ending a career or two. I won't argue that, everyone as some darkness inside them, along with the light. It's impossible not to, you can't have one without the other. They're two sides of the same coin. The important thing though, is to not let one side overtake the other.
When I first started in this business, I was all light. I was happy to be wrestling, I tried to be everyone's friend. I was too much light. I guess I overcompensated here in SCW, you know my history. I don't have to run down the list of things I've done. For years, I was too much darkness.
There has to be a balance. And I believe that in that balance, when the darkness and the light are equal, is where I will find who I truly am... and reclaim myself.
Bree looks to the side, clearly looking out into the empty arena. She sighs, as someone with a lot weighing on their mind might do.
I hope I'll start to find me, once I get back in that ring out there.
Bree turns back to the camera.
I've often said that in the ring is where I feel most comfortable, the most like where I belong. I thought my return match would either be something like an exhibition match, just for the spirit of competition. Maybe a bout between friends, out of respect for each other. As time went on though, it became clear to me what my return needed to be.
My friend is in trouble, and I need to fight for her.
Datura, one of my two favorite Trios partners and a woman who since then has become one of my best friends. I watched her be injured. Helped her to recover. Watched her lose her confidence because of it, she was too much in her own head over it. It was easy, so easy, for someone well versed in preying on someone with insecurities to get to her.
Holly Adams and Giovanni Aries.
Gio and I go way back, I'm fully aware of the kinds of mind games he plays with people. He messed with Sienna's head, he played games with Jason Helms... and both of them were in a strong mind at the time. Datura though?
Bree shakes her head again.
Datura will tell you that she became involved because of Cid Turner. They had something of a rapport going on, a mutual respect thing. And he convinced her that The Brand helped him, so maybe they could help her. Well, Holly and Gio saw the door crack open, and they blew it off the hinges.
Datura... Lizzie babe. I'm talking to you now. First I want you to know that when you and I promised to have a dance with each other, this isn't quite how I thought it would go. We were supposed to meet one on one, two friends putting on a show, tearing down the house, just to see who would have good-natured bragging rights. It wasn't supposed to be you on the side of a woman who uses everyone she meets to get ahead, including you, against me and a woman I've rarely gotten along with, except for this.
This isn't right, Liz. I know you know that. You might want to keep putting on the front that you believe in The Brand and their nonsense, because no one likes to admit being wrong, or that they were suckered in. But let's look at recent events, babe. You were brought to The Brand by Cid, you even recently said on air that maybe he was right and they could help you. I know I've told you this before in private but I think the world needs to hear me say it to you. Even Cid Turner finally saw through the bullshit and broke away from Holly and Gio. If you hold him in such high esteem then I think you should pay attention to that, how his association with them ended.
That's not all though. Look at your Adrenaline Championship match against Clamidya. Holly flat out demanded that you just lay down and let that woman take your championship, so that it would be a part of The Brand. There are several problems with that, aside from the fact she wanted you to throw a match. First of all, the woman wanted you to lose on purpose, to get over losing? What kind of sense does that make? None... unless you're Holly Adams and you want a title you don't hold. Think about that, babe. Holly wouldn't let you carry your own belt, she carried it herself, as if it belonged to her. If you had done what she asked and let Clamidya pin you, do you think she would have let her carry the belt?
Of course not!
Holly Adams doesn't give a damn about anyone except Holly Adams. She wants that title for herself, and I see exactly what her plan was. She wanted you to drop the title to Clamidya, so she could then demand or even force Clamidya to then drop it to her. The fact that you refused... tells me that deep down, you saw through it too. I want you to focus on that, Liz. That small voice in your head that's telling you that Holly and Gio are just using you. It's the truth. Everyone sees it clearly except you, and I hope that by the time tonight is over with, you see it clearly too.
Bree takes a deep breath, and her expression hardens.
Now. Holly Adams. I want you to understand something. I don't care what you think of me. I know that may come as a shock to you, because you think everyone hangs on your every word, but it's the truth. While I've been away growing a baby, giving birth, and getting back into shape, I had a lot of time to myself. For the first time since I was in college, I didn't have any responsibilities other than taking care of myself. I spent a lot of time doing exactly that, not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually. I read a lot, talked with Amy a lot, more than I had ever talked to her about that sort of thing. There was a lot of introspection, soul searching, working with my shadow. And one thing I read a few months ago really stuck with me, and I'm bringing it to the ring with me.
It said, “Don't take criticism from a person you would never take advice from.”
Holly, all you ever do when you talk about me is make nasty comments about my appearance, my photos. You throw out passive aggressive 'tips' on makeup application or diet, or whatever else you can think of that you think might make you sound clever while pissing me off. Thing is, neither happened. I've come to the conclusion that the reason you come after me so hard is because putting me down is the only way you can make yourself feel better, because you are just jealous of me. I'm younger than you, I'm better looking than you, and most importantly... I've been more successful than you. I don't need any of your tips,advice... whether you mean it backhandedly or not. The fact is Holly, that everything you say to me or about me, means nothing to me. You can't get inside my head and live rent free if I never give you a key, babe. I see through you, and I'm going to make sure that Datura does, too.
Bree stands up, signaling that she's nearly done. With her arms folded comfortably, she grins.
You know, all of this boils down to what I said before. Fighting against or for something. Holly, Gio, The Brand, Haus of Nirvana... they've been fighting against the world for years now. To prove their way is the only way. To steal positions and opportunities and titles because it's easier than working for them. To play mind games and manipulate people into doing their bidding. For years you've been fighting against the people deadset on stopping you. Myself, Jason Helms, Selena Frost, Owen Cruze... even Cid Turner. Meanwhile... Datura has been fighting for something. Herself, her self-respect, her self-confidence. Those are things worth fighting for. Me? I'm fighting for Datura. I'm doing everything I can to make sure I save my friend from the absolute bullshit you have been filling her head with. It turns out that meant even fighting her. In the end, I believe it'll be worth it.
I am coming to reclaim my friend from your brainwashing, Holly. There isn't anything you can do about it, but step aside.
Bree puts her hands up, palms together in what looks like a prayer position.
And Liz... babe. I promise you... after this is over, I can help you find yourself again, just like I've been finding myself. We can find the balance together, you and I. What do you say?
Bree smiles one more time, then lowers her hands and turns to walk away. The shot pans upward, showing an SCW poster underneath a banner reading Madison Square Garden... then fades out.