End of the Year Special 2020 #2
I flew to Breakdown in New York alone. Well, not really. What I mean is, Dom stayed home. He hadn't come to bed after we argued, I later found out he'd stayed up all night in the library. Doing what, I don't know. I did see the prenup papers had been moved, I guess he read it. When I left for the airport, he was sleeping on the couch in the library. Part of me wanted to wake him up and tell him as far as I was concerned, things were alright... but I also didn't want to lie. I wasn't sure if they were. So I let him sleep, and drove myself, Sienna, Xio, and Jaina to the airport. Scott met us there, took one look at me, and asked me what was wrong. I didn't want to talk about it. Not because I didn't want to tell Scott, but because everyone was around, and I didn't want them to know. Not until I was sure of what was going to happen.
We got home Thursday afternoon after a fairly eventful show. David Helms and I had a face off in the middle of the ring, during which Sasha announced the winner of the fans vote for who would get to challenge me at the End of the Year Special for my title. That winner being.... Jordan Majors. I was afraid Sienna would blow a gasket, but she was excited about it. She sees it as another way for Jordan to think she's going to make herself a star only to be put down. I am not as eager to embarrass Jordan as Sienna was when they fought, but I have no intention of letting her win, either. I have added incentive – whoever wins on New Year's Eve goes on to face David Helms at the January pay per view, to unify the titles. In my view, he is carrying the impostor one, not me. And I have every intention of being the one to face him and prove that he cannot and will not beat me again.
When we got home, Dom wasn't there. I didn't know where he was, he hadn't texted me. When he got back though, he had takeout sushi with him for dinner. I knew that was his wordless way of trying to start to make things better, he knows it's my favorite. When we went to bed, he put his arm around me and it was only then when I felt like maybe we would be okay. He was trying to get back to normal. I had to try, too.
{{Sunday, December 20th
Hamilton, ON}}
I was only home a few days before I had to fly out again, this time to Hamilton, Ontario. Breakdown was running a special Sunday show because of Christmas. Things were still a little tense at home but seemed to be getting slowly better. If anyone noticed, they didn't ask me about it.
After checking into our hotel, Jaina and I head to the arena. Sienna said she and Xiomara would meet us soon, she had some business to take care of. I assumed that meant something to do with Giovanni and didn't ask. Once we get to the arena, we find my locker room, and Jaina goes off to get her assignments. I am in the locker room unpacking my gear, I was told my and Sienna's tag match was starting the show. Just when I have everything out and hung up to change into soon, there's a knock on the door. I open it, and Amy smiles at me, but she looks nervous.
“Hey, come in.” Amy nods and enters. I close the door. “Everything okay? You seem off.”
“Well, I don't know. That's what I came here to talk about.”
“Okay....”
“I actually meant to speak to you Wednesday, but you seemed a little busy with Sienna and I didn't want to add to that. So-”
“And we live in the same city. You know where my house is.”
“Yes, but my daughter lives with you, and this is about her. I needed to catch you alone.”
“What's going on?”
Amy breathes deep. “I guess there's no way to do this other than to be blunt. I know about Jaina and Jordan.”
I squint, confused. “What about them? I mean, Jaina was talking to her recently, but-”
“So you don't know?”
“Know what?” Now I'm getting annoyed.
“They've been seeing each other. Well, were, I don't know if-”
“Wait. Stop. Seeing each other?”
“Yes. Hooking up.”
I laugh. “That's absolutely absurd!”
“Yeah, that was my reaction. But Jason told me. This is gonna sound very high school, but he heard from David... who was told by Kathryn. Who was Jordan's girlfriend. Until Jordan told her about Jaina.”
I laugh again. “Amy... come on, you have to hear how ridiculous that sounds.”
“Has she been acting secretive?”
“She....” Fuck. Fuck! “Honestly? A little. But that doesn't mean-”
“You said they'd been talking. Apparently there was some issue she was going through that Jordan helped her with, do you know anything about that?” Oh. My. God. My eyes must have gone wide, cause Amy nods. “I see that you do.”
“Oh my God.”
“Just to be clear... you had no idea, neither you or Dom? Cause Jason seems to think you had to, since she lives with you guys.”
I glare. “Of course he would think that, he can't stand us! No, we had no idea! What the hell was she thinking....” I turn away, rubbing my forehead in despair. Jordan had a girlfriend! If Sienna hears about this....
“Okay. I'm sorry, I just had to-”
I turn back to her. “No, it's okay. You had to find out. Amy, I swear to you we had no idea. I thought she was still seeing my neighbor.” Well, not really, but obviously Amy didn't know what that 'issue' was that Jordan supported Jaina through, so I had to keep up the story. “I knew they were speaking, I actually spoke to Jordan myself a few weeks ago, after I found out they were texting or whatever. But Jaina never gave me any inclination that they were doing anything else. She's never had anyone over at the house, there was one time on the road when.... oh...” I thought back to Jaina' birthday, when I went into her hotel room and a person was in her bed, hiding under the covers.
“What? What did you think of?”
“I think I might have seen them. After her birthday. She overslept and I went into her room of my suite to get her moving. Someone was in bed with her, but they pulled the blanket up over their head.”
“Timing seems right, from what Jason said.”
“Goddammit! I will take care of this, thank you for coming to me. Have you talked to her?”
“No. I didn't think that was a very good idea.”
“And you wanted to know if I knew....”
Amy cringes a little. “I'm sorry, but Jason seemed adamant that you had to at least know, if not have helped. He said David wasn't so sure but-”
“No offense, but I really don't care what David thinks. Or Jason, for that matter.” Amy nods. “But it's fine, I understand. You can report back to the Helms Club that Dom and I knew nothing.”
Amy sighs. “Is that what you think I'm doing here? Fishing for information for them? Bree, she's my daughter!”
“Calm down, that's not what I meant, okay? I'm just frustrated over a lot of things, and this just added to it... I'm sorry.”
“Okay, I understand. You certainly have a right to be upset, if you really had no idea and Jaina has been keeping things from you. I'm sure the last thing you need right now is more drama when you're trying to put a wedding together by February.”
Shit. I exhale slowly. “Yeah... about that... we postponed it.”
“Oh... why? Is something wrong?” There's suspicion in her tone, Amy was usually good at reading between lines. I wonder if she saw Twitter?
“Yeah... every venue and caterer and everything else is booked solid til at least June.” There I go with the damn lying again....
Amy grins, good. Suspicion averted. “That's a good reason. Pick a different time yet?”
“Not yet. It's not really important right now, I have a title match coming up, he wants me to focus on that.”
“I see. Well, when you decide, let us know.”
“Of course.” She nods, and I grin. “So... I need you to tell me you believe me about Jordan.”
“I do.”
“Thank you. If I had any clue I would have done something to put a stop to it, especially if I knew who Jordan was seeing! The last thing I want is another reason for David and Jason to give Dom shit. I would actually like to see them work things out.”
“Really?”
“They're family.” Amy nods, she knows that's important to me. “But Dom has been reluctant, and apparently the Helms' want nothing to do with that, especially not if Jason immediately thought we were in on this!”
“I will tell him you didn't know. Although I can't promise he'll believe that.”
“Of course not, he will think I lied to you and you bought it because I'm me.” Amy sighs, she knows I'm right. “I'm sorry, okay? I'm just stunned by this, I can't believe she hid this from me, and no matter what you say to Jason, I know I'm going to be blamed, and Dom by association.”
“I'll do what I can, you know that. Just.... I know when you talk to Jaina you have to tell her how you found out. Tell her she can talk to me. Please?”
“I will. I'll handle this. Thanks again.”
Amy smiles. “No, thank you. I'm glad she has you to look out for her.”
I smile back, and Amy leaves.
Look out for Jaina? I'm doing a bang up job of that, right? Glaring, I pull my phone out and text Jaina to meet me back in my locker room the moment she is done with production. I don't get a reply, but ten minutes later, Jaina walks in.
“Hey... you needed something?”
I glare, and Jaina steps back warily. “Yes. Lock the door and sit down right there.” I point to a chair that's next to the locker my gear is hanging in. She keeps eyeing me oddly, but does as I say.
“Is something wrong?”
“You tell me, Jaina. Is there anything you want to tell me about? Anything at all? I'm giving you this chance to come clean with me.”
“I.... have no idea what you're talking about.”
“You're sure?”
“Yes!”
I nod, crossing my arms. “Alright. In that case, I have one word for you.”
“Okay?”
“Jordan.”
“What about her?”
I have enough of this. I step closer and raise my voice. “Stop playing dumb with me Jaina! I know, okay? You and her getting together again!”
Jaina's entire face goes slack. She may have an ability to hide things like her mom, but she has zero poker face, like me. “What? How did.... I mean....”
“How did I find out? Get this.... your mom.”
“What?! How does she know?!”
“So you don't deny it?”
“Is there even a point of doing that?”
“Apparently not.”
“So... how does Mom know?”
“Apparently Jordan's now-ex girlfriend had a cry to David, and he told Jason.”
Jaina covers her face with her hands and leans over in the chair. She practically wails.
“Oh my Gods....”
“Yeah, you should be upset. Because Jason and maybe David now thinks that Dom and I knew and helped you sneak around!”
Jaina snaps her head up “What?”
“So any small chance there was for Dom to try to patch things up with his brothers is now out the window, even if he wanted to try!”
Jaina sits back in the chair, slumped against it. She looks like she wants to disappear into the wall.
“How did this get so complicated? We were just having fun...”
“Fun? You sneak around with a woman who lied to you, who turned against Sienna and me, and who had a damn girlfriend, and this is fun to you?” Jaina hangs her head again. If I wasn't so unbelievably angry I might feel sorry for her. “First you hid things from Reece, he found out anyway, so you ruined that for yourself. And now you hid this from me and probably ruined any chance I had of getting Dom to fix things with his family! No matter how much I can't stand them they are his family!”
Jaina looks up again, and this time she's glaring right back at me. “You know what, it's pretty fucking amazing how you have this ability to make anything about you. This isn't about you! At all!”
“No, it isn't! It's about how I told Jordan not to fuck with your head, and you let her get to you anyway, while cheating on her girlfriend! And now all of this is a steaming hot mess!”
Jaina stands up from the chair and gets almost in my face. “This isn't Jordan's fault! She didn't 'get to me,' okay? I wanted it just as much as she did, everything was falling apart around me and she was there!”
“Oh, so you knew exactly what you were doing, and you did it anyway?” Jaina just glares at me. “This is why I tried to tell you way back when you were with Owen that you shouldn't ever cheat on someone, or even be the other woman! You never know how far the ramifications can go!”
“Oh, so I was supposed to predict that Jordan was going to confess to Kath and then that Kath was going to vent to her kid's father? Who thinks like that?!”
“Adults do!” I scream. Jaina steps back, stunned at my outrage. “You screamed at me for months to treat you like an adult, stop trying to tell you what to do, and when I step back and do just that? The first thing you do is dig yourself a hole so deep that you're pulling everyone in with you!”
I see tears falling down her cheeks, she was doing that silent crying thing that freaks me out.
“I'm sorry.”
“You should be. Find a way to fix this! Oh, and you better hope that Sienna doesn't hear about it. I won't be able to protect you from her.”
I unlock the door and storm out of the locker room. I don't even know where I'm going. I just had to leave the room before I kept yelling and said something I would regret.
I walk myself down to catering to get coffee, water, anything. I'm debating hunting down Jordan and giving her a piece of my mind, too. How dare she? She told me I had nothing to worry about. I should have known better than to think we could have worked things out, been friends again. Maybe it was too much to expect Jaina to think that many steps ahead, but Jordan should have! She was the one dating David Helms ex-wife! Did it never once occur to her how this could play out? Sienna was right... Jordan only thinks about herself. What amazing timing too, when the fans voted her to face me in just over a week.
Fuck it. I am going to find her and tell her about herself. Right after I watch her match later tonight. Let her think she's getting off easy. Ha! Just fucking wait, bitch.
{{Monday, December 21st
Hamilton, ON}}
When I found Jordan, she was talking to Jaina. I guess Jaina warned her, cause Jordan blew me off and walked away. I had looked at Jaina and started to say something, but she stormed off, too. After the show I got a text from Andrew, he lives in Niagara Falls which isn't all that far away from Hamilton, so he came to the show. He had decided last minute to attend, which was why he didn't contact me before the show. Instead, he offered to meet up with me for breakfast, before I left Hamilton to go home. Obviously, I agreed.
We decided to meet at a diner about three blocks away from my hotel. I had suggested the hotel's restaurant, but he didn't want to be in the vicinity of SCW fans. Can't say I blamed him there. So, I walk into the diner, and see Andrew sitting at a booth in the back. I give him a wave and walk over to join him.
“Hey stranger.”
“Hey yourself. And don't give me that, you know where my house is.”
“You know where mine is too.”
I smirk as I sit. “I have a busier schedule than you.”
“You don't know what I do when I'm not booked for GCW.”
“I don't think I want to know.”
He laughs, and I smirk again. “So, how's things? And don't give me the watered down version that plays out on TV. What the hell is Sienna getting you into?”
I sigh. “It's fine. It just looks weird on TV cause she is fucking with Mr. D.”
“And you're okay with all this nonsense?”
I shrug. “Not really. But if I don't play along, I can't be there to bail her out when and if it gets out of hand.”
“I think that ship sailed, sister.”
“If you mean last night, that went pretty much as she planned. It's all fine, no one was arrested. Someone got it fixed for everyone, Sienna wasn't sure who. Personally I don't care.”
“I heard a rumor that she's living with you?”
I nod. “She is. She was losing it, babe. Practically stalking Kelcey. I had to do something.”
The server appears and I order scrambled eggs, bacon, and hot tea. Andrew has what the place calls a 'Whole Breakfast' that consists of eggs, bacon, hash browns, and toast with a large coffee. I could never eat that much in the morning.
“How's it working out?”
I shrug. “Mostly fine. I mean, she aligned herself with Giovanni Aries and caused some trouble at Kelcey's Halloween party, but other than that...”
“That fainting business?” I nod. I wasn't supposed to tell anyone about that. I didn't say anything, so technically I didn't tell Andrew anything. “Gotcha.”
“She's been in a much better mood since Kelcey announced her engagement.” I roll my eyes a little. Andrew laughs.
“I bet that went over like a lead brick in your house. How hard was it to not throw up when you wrote that tweet?”
“Not hard at all. I meant it.” Andrew raises his eyebrows at me. “What? I did! Why does no one believe me?”
“Who else thinks that's bullshit?”
I hesitate a second. I wasn't sure if I wanted to get into this. But, it's Andrew. “Dom. According to him, I shouldn't care one way or the other.”
“I take it he didn't care for your words?”
“Not at all.” I quickly explain everything, about my dress stunt and then the argument last week, leading to putting the wedding off. “So... at least you don't have to worry about being available in February.”
“Fuck, Bree. That's some shit.”
“Yeah, well.... I can't say I didn't bring it on myself. Maybe he had a point, maybe I do give Blake more attention than he deserves.”
“You give him shit because he deserves that. Your boy was there when the fuckstick left you high and dry, he should know better than anyone.”
“Yeah... but that's also why I need to respect his point of view, he was there. You know?”
“I can see that.”
We are interrupted by the sever bringing us our order. Even after she leaves, we remain quiet a minute or so.
“Guess I ruined breakfast, sorry.”
“Don't be stupid, you didn't ruin anything. You clearly needed to vent. I just wish I could be of more help. Relationship shit isn't really my area of expertise.”
“There's an understatement.” I smirk over my tea mug. Andrew gives me a fake glare.
“I can't even pretend to be mad at that, I walked into it.”
“Blindly.” Andrew chuckles. “But hey, you did help. You always do, even when you think you don't.”
“How'd I manage that this time?”
“Taking my side, even though I don't really deserve it.”
“Someone has to. It should be Dom.”
“I don't know... I mean I gave him a reason to be skeptical, but I do also think he's over reacting just a little bit.”
“Sounds like maybe you both need to quit digging your heels in.”
I smile. “See? You know more than you think you do. You're probably right. We just haven't had much chance to talk about things, with SCW running shows so close together.”
“You're going home today, right?”
“Yeah.... but some other drama is gonna take precedence, I'm afraid.”
“Is there ever a dull day with you?”
“Never.” I sip my tea, grinning.
“So what's the other drama?”
“You wouldn't be interested.”
“Try me.”
“It's about Jaina and her ex-girlfriend.”
Andrew pulls a face. “You're right... not interested.”
I laugh. “I'll just say this... she hid things and lied, and now it's coming back to bite her in the ass.”
“Apple.... tree... metaphor...” He smirks. Clear reference to Amy. He will never get over hating her, I have come to accept that.
“Yeah, yeah. Don't think I haven't thought that.”
“Seriously though, good luck with that. Despite her parentage, I always thought she was a good kid.”
“She is. She's just.... I don't know. She hasn't really had the best life, you know? I mean... you do know.” Andrew nods. “I got so angry with her last night, I screamed at her. That isn't helping, I'm supposed to be taking care of her.”
“Maybe, but she has to start taking care of herself at some point.”
“I know. I go back and forth from wanting to fix everything for her, and washing my hands of it all and making her fix it herself.” And I hadn't even mentioned the whole abortion thing. I trusted Andrew with anything but that was not my place.
“Maybe making her fix it herself is the best way to help her. Eventually everyone has to learn to deal with their own shit.”
I laugh. “I swear to God, Andrew, do you even hear yourself sometimes?”
“Hey, I never said I dealt with things properly. But I do deal with it.”
“You and your semantics.”
Andrew laughs. “I'm nothing if not entertaining.”
“Among other things.”
We discussed other things as we finished our breakfast, I asked how things were going for him in GCW, he was still butting heads with Blake's cousin Lenore. I told him about the hurricane smushing my car. I didn't say it but he'd also managed to help me about Sienna, too. Everyone has to learn to deal with their own shit. I had done everything I could think of for Sienna, given her options by asking Amy to speak to her. The rest was up to Sienna. I would be there for her and support her but I couldn't make her do something she didn't want to do. It was time I back off and let her work out her own shit, and only intervene if and when she asked me to.
* * * * * {{ Kenner }} * * * * *
The flight home today was probably the quietest one we've had. Sienna and Xiomara weren't in any mood to talk after nearly being arrested at that diner, and Jaina and I weren't speaking. Not like we could discuss the issue with Sienna on the plane anyway. I might be pissed at Jaina for the way she let herself be played, but I wasn't going to put her in Sienna's crosshairs. Scott seemed the most uncomfortable out of everyone, he wasn't used to the silence between the four of us. He sat next to me and asked me what was going on, and I told him I'd tell him later. Whether or not I actually do remained to be seen.
We got home late afternoon, and Jaina immediately ran upstairs, past Dom, who eyed her quizzically before turning to me. Sienna and Xiomara weren't even inside yet. I wanted to shower and bring my bag upstairs before getting into everything though.
I've just gotten out of the shower and dressed. When I come out of the bathroom, Dom is waiting for me in the bedroom. We have a fireplace across from the bed, and a small sofa, like the kind they call a loveseat, at the foot of the bed. That's where he's sitting.
“Feel better?”
“Much. I love my plane but I hate plane smell.” I sit next to him. He grabs a cup from the side table and hands it to me, its hot tea. I smile. “Thank you.”
“You looked like you needed it. Jaina running past not saying anything, Sienna and Xiomara looking a lot less happy than a few days ago...” He stops himself. He was talking about the day Kelcey and Blake announced their engagement and Sienna was over the moon. I guess he thought he'd best not talk about that day much. I decided to ignore it. I sip my tea, it's chamomile.
“Everything is fucked up, baby.”
“Want to tell me about it?”
I take a deep breath, and tell him everything. Jaina and Jordan. The roundabout way Amy found out and told me. And the screaming match between me and Jaina.
“So... if you happen to get more static than usual from David and Jason, that would be why. Apparently Jason and maybe David thinks that we knew about it and helped them sneak around.”
Dom shakes his head. “That's easy enough to clear up, I'm sure Jaina would settle it now that everyone knows.”
“Please baby, Jason thinks she did this because she's taking after me, they're not going to believe anything she says!”
He shrugs. “I guess not. It doesn't really matter though, we know the truth. They can believe whatever they want, I don't care. I've been done with the both of them for a while now.”
“I know, but they're your-”
“Stop it. Listen, I know you've been wanting me to try to settle things with them, or at least David, and I know why. You blame yourself for the way David acted around Rise to Greatness, disrespecting me because of you. But that's just it, Bree. Jason disrespected you and I years ago, before we were actually together. Jason might have backed off some because of Amy, but David just picked up the flagpole. He didn't care that he was fucking with me while I was promoting the film by messing with you. He wasn't thinking about the family when he knocked you down in front of me, then didn't bother to try to reach out at all when I was obviously pissed about it. It's clear to me that they think I've chosen a side so they've dusted their hands. What happened between Jaina and Jordan won't make a difference, other than giving them a little bit more reason to continue to ignore me.”
“But-”
“And I am fine with that. Let this go, you can't blame Jordan for something that's been over with.”
“Listen, I am going to fight Jordan anyway thanks to the fans. She is going to try to take the title I should be fighting David for away from me. She got into Jaina's head, she caused her to lie to me... all of this after she and I spoke and I told her there was a chance we could be friends. This is how she reacts to that? This match didn't have to be personal, but she made it that way!”
“Then be mad at her for that. Taking advantage of Jaina when she was vulnerable, lying, throwing your goodwill back at you, all of that. But don't do it for me. I don't care in the slightest if David and Jason think we knew about this, I don't care if they're mad about it. It's their problem.” Dom makes a show of dusting his hands off. “I'm done. And when you beat Jordan and go on to fight David next month, I would really appreciate if you would leave me out of it. I didn't have a problem with what you said in July but... I'm over it.”
I look down into my tea mug, and nod. “I can try.” I look up. “But if he drags you into it-”
“Then say what you must. But otherwise... just don't. Please.”
“Okay.”
“Thank you.”
It's quiet for a moment, I feel like we argued again even though we really didn't. I sip my tea again.
“I hate that things are this way for you and them because of me.”
“It's not because of you. It's because they don't like my choices.”
“Yeah... you chose me.”
“I did. And I still do. Every day.” I smile a little. This almost feels like we didn't have a blow up just a week ago. “I just don't want you to make this about me. If they want to go there, they can go alone.”
“Okay. I won't.”
Dom grins for the first time since I got home. He gets up, drops a kiss on the top of my head, and leaves the room.
Alone with my tea, I curl up on the couch and hit the remote to turn on the fireplace – the bedroom one is gas-powered. I guess all this time I've been hoping that Dom and his brothers could straighten things out, I've been foolish. I just thought that since me and my family got back together, so could they. The difference is, we wanted to. It doesn't seem like either side wants that in Dom's case. I sip my tea, and do as Dom asked... let it go. It's actually a relief, that I don't have to try anymore. I had pushed it because I wanted both our families to be there when we get married and not have any drama. But that wasn't happening any time soon now. None of it matters anymore.
{{Thursday, December 24th
Kenner}}
It's Christmas Eve and I have been running around the city all morning. I thought I was done Christmas shopping but I suddenly had an extra person to have something for, thanks to Jaina. Not that I minded, even though I was testy with her at first – she invited Christian Cannon to visit and stay for Christmas. My first thought was that she was getting herself into something else that would blow up in her face. But then I remembered how he and Sienna are on good terms and she would likely very heavily suggest that he treat her well. So I agreed when she asked. And I can't have a house guest without a gift under the tree, now can I? I also remembered a few things I needed to pick up for Christmas dinner.
Anyway, I've found last-minute gifts, got the few grocery items I needed, and have just parked my new Mercedes in the driveway, behind Dom's BMW and next to Jaina's Jeep. Sienna's lease is in front of the house rather than the driveway. I get out and open the trunk to get the bags. When I shut it, bags looped over my arm, I see Reece outside with Benson. The retriever sees me and barks, running towards me. I guess he missed me. Benson stops in front of me and sniffs my feet. I reach down with my free hand scratch between his ears.
“Hey Bennie-boy. How are you? Good?”
He tilts his head up and licks my hand. I laugh. I then see Reece has walked over.
“Hey... sorry if he's bothering you.”
“Don't be ridiculous. Benson is never a bother. And neither are you, if that's what you're worried about.”
“I wasn't, but thanks.” He smiles. “I just thought it was best if I kept my distance for a while.”
“I understand. How have you been?” I set the bags down on the trunk, no reason to hold them if I was gonna stand here and talk a few minutes.
“Good. Just focusing on work. It's been a rough few weeks.”
“Oh, really? Why is that?”
Reece looks at me blankly for a moment, then shakes his head. “I have to keep reminding myself that you don't follow football. You're the only person I speak to regularly that doesn't.”
“Sorry... did something bad happen?”
“Somewhat. Our QB was injured. So the whole gameplan for a few weeks changed cause we had someone else starting. Change the game plan, you gotta change training. And that creates chaos for me.”
“Sounds hectic.”
“Yeah, it was. But he's mostly healed up now, back in the game. So it should calm down a bit.”
“That's good to hear. I've heard here and there that the team is doing well, I hope that continues.”
Reece smiles, I don't think he believes me. But I heard it on the news. I missed the part about the guy being hurt though. “Thanks.”
We stand there a few seconds, I pat Benson's head again. Fuck it. “Okay, I'm just gonna ask you. Have you spoken to Jaina?”
Reece lets out a sharp breath, as if he should have expected that. “No. I'm still processing everything. How is she?”
“Could be better. She and I aren't on the best of terms at the moment.”
“Is everything okay?”
“Not really. But I don't feel at liberty to discuss it with you, if you and she aren't speaking.”
Reece nods. “Of course. I'll admit I feel like I should talk to her, and maybe I want to.... I'm just don't know if its the right time yet.”
“Nonsense. It's Christmas. It's the perfect time. In fact... you should come over tomorrow. When you're done with your family.” As soon as the words were out of my mouth I wanted to take them back.... just that quick I'd forgotten that Christian was arriving later today.
“As tempting as that sounds...” Reece gives me a look filled with sarcasm. “I actually have to work tomorrow. Game day.”
Whew. Crisis averted. “Oh. Since when is there football on Christmas?”
“It doesn't happen often, every few years. It's a long, complicated explanation that I'm sure would bore you to tears.” He smirks. I grin.
“I see. Well, good luck.”
“Thanks.”
I smile, and grab my bags again to go inside. Reece snaps at Benson and they start to walk off. Just as I turn towards the house, Reece calls out.
“Hey Bree?”
I turn back. “Yeah?”
“I don't want you to take that to mean I'm not gonna talk to Jaina at all. I will. Just... not yet.”
I just nod, I didn't really have a comment for that. He nods back, and heads across the yard to his house.
As I go inside with the bags, I hope Reece decides to do it soon. I don't mind Christian coming here as much as I made it sound when Jaina asked me, he's a smart guy and has been a good friend to Jaina as far as I can tell, regardless whatever else they may be up to. But it doesn't seem to me like a thing that would go any further than just friendship and a few side benefits. He doesn't strike me as a man currently interested in that. If Reece and Jaina could somehow work things out? That would be a lot more stable. But I am done with trying to manipulate things for her. If there's one thing all of this year's mess with Jaina has taught me, its that I have to let her do her own thing, regardless how it turns out.
* * * * * {{ Jaina }} * * * * *
Jaina smiled as she watched Christian walk to her Jeep at the airport. He had planned on getting an Uber to the house, but sometimes the gate guard gave Uber's trouble so Jaina insisted on just going pick him up. The airport isn't far from Aunt Bree's house anyway. They made small talk as she drove back home, Christian asked if Sienna knew he was coming, Jaina said yes, she told her. Once they got to the house, Christian said hello to everyone, Sienna and Xiomara were in the den chatting while Aunt Bree and Dom were in the kitchen preparing for Christmas dinner the next day. Jaina grinned as he seemed impressed by Aunt Bree's large Christmas tree near the main staircase, then she led him upstairs to her room... where he would be staying, since there was no guest room available as Sienna and Xiomara were occupying them both.
Once in Jaina's room, Christian set his bag down near her dresser. “Is this okay?”
“Yeah, fine. Are you sure you're okay with staying in here? If it's weird you could probably use the library, there's a couch in there. It's pretty comfortable, I've slept on it.”
“Nah, this is fine, I'd rather not be tucked away far from everyone.”
“So it's not weird?”
“Not to me. Do you think it's weird?”
Jaina sat on the edge of her bed, crossing her arms. “Maybe a little. Aunt Bree seemed to think so for a minute when I asked her about you coming here.”
“Oh? I thought she was okay with this?”
“Well.... we've kinda been fighting. So it was super awkward....”
Jaina then explained to Christian what happened a few days prior, when she asked if she could invite him to stay for Christmas....
* * * * {{ December 21st }} * * * * *
Jaina had gone downstairs to Aunt Bree's library. She knew Aunt Bree was in there doing some kind of work, probably schedule stuff. Even though the door was open, she knocked on it. Aunt Bree looked up and waved her inside.
“Hey... are you super busy?”
“Not really. I just have this document to look over, and I need to pay a few invoices online. Do you need something?”
“Well.... I was just wondering if it's okay if I invite someone here for Christmas.”
Aunt Bree gave Jaina a sideways look. “Someone like who? If you say Jordan I will-”
“Gods no. I'm not trying to incite a murder in your house. Besides, we're kinda not talking now anyway....” Aunt Bree smirked a little, it seemed like that satisfied her.
“Okay, then who is it?”
“Christian.”
“Really? I didn't know you two were like that.”
“Does it matter? Or is there some really convoluted reason I can't hang out with and potentially sleep with him, too?”
Aunt Bree glared, then shrugged. “Don't ask me, ask Sienna.”
Jaina glared back, and set her hands on her hips. “Seriously? That's your answer?”
Aunt Bree gave an exasperated sigh. “You know what Jaina? I've always told you to treat this house as if its yours too, and you're an adult, right? You do whatever the hell you want. You're going to anyway.”
Jaina just stared at her aunt for a few seconds before responding. “I just didn't want to assume I could do 'whatever the hell I want,' since apparently everything I do is wrong.”
Aunt Bree looked down a moment, then back up with a softened expression.
“Honestly Jay, it's fine. I like Christian. Just make sure Sienna knows, okay?”
Jaina gave her aunt a nod, then walked off to find and talk to Sienna.
* * * * * {{ Present }} * * * * *
Christian chuckled a little as he sat in the purple chair Jaina has next to her bed..
“Well that explains the strange look Bree gave me walking in just now. Why is she so angry with you?”
“Bluntly? I fucked up. I kinda sorta had a thing with Jordan and kept it a secret, but she found out in some roundabout way and it ended up causing some problems.”
“Wow... okay. I had no idea you and Jordan were still friends.... or whatever.” Jaina just nodded. “What kind of problems?”
“Helms ones. Jordan was seeing David's ex-wife. For some reason Jordan told her about us, and they broke up.”
“Damn, I see the problem. That would explain your dire tweet a few days ago that you wouldn't discuss over the phone.”
“Yeah.... too much was going on around here and I didn't want anyone to hear me. Especially Sienna...”
Christian nods. “I see the problem that would cause, too. Don't worry, she won't hear it from me.”
Jaina smiled. “Thanks.”
“Of course. I'm happy to be here and provide a distraction for you from all the drama.”
“I'm really glad you came.”
“To be honest, I had planned on seeking out Sienna and asking to spend Christmas with her, anyway. I didn't know she was still here, so this worked out well.”
“Really? What about your dad?”
Christian made a face, Jaina wondered if she shouldn't have asked about Chris. “He's spending the holiday with Lucas and the Knights. Not that I'm much in the mood to be around him anyway.”
Jaina frowned a bit. “Are you on the outs?”
“Not really, not all that dire. I am annoyed though that he's refused to try to help me get into SCW, though.”
“Why? You don't need anyone's help for that.”
“Come off it, your mom helped you get the reporter gig, didn't she?”
“Yeah.... but I didn't have any real life experience, just a lot of training and prep with Aunt Nadine, and some journalism classes in school. But you? You can get in on your own merit.”
Christian smirked. “You think so? And what makes you an expert?”
“Um, literally growing up around wrestling? Ever since I was about three, my mom has taken me to more wrestling shows than you've probably even ever worked on. I know talent when I see it, and you have it. I've seen you fight, babe. You don't need your dad or anyone to get you into SCW's door.”
Christian smiled. “Thanks. I hope you're right.” Jaina smiled back. She was almost certain she was right, if Christian wanted to go to SCW now that he was done with Emerge, she had no doubt that all he would have to do is ask. Christian then got up from the chair and sat next to Jaina on the edge of her bed. “So... are you really sure Bree doesn't mind me being here? I mean, like staying in here with you?”
“I'm pretty sure. I think maybe she secretly likes the idea of you and me. She could have told me no when I asked.”
Christian smiled. “I'm glad she didn't. As I said, I'm more than happy to provide a distraction.”
Jaina grinned back. “Oh, you are, huh?”
Christian nodded, and glanced towards her closed door. “That thing have a lock?”
“Of course it does.” Jaina got up and locked the door, then sat back down on the edge of the bed next to him. “So... you were saying?”
“Forget saying. I think I'd rather be doing.” He then grinned again before cupping her face and kissing her.
Jaina leaned back and allowed herself to be completely distracted.
{{Friday, December 25th
Kenner
Christmas}}
Dinner was great, I took a chance and attempted a ham, it's actually a lot easier than I always thought. The directions are right on the package. There was also roasted potatoes and green bean casserole, and of course wine. It was a smaller gathering than Thanksgiving, Amy and Wyatt didn't come. They were having something at their house and I think Jason and his wife were there, although I'm not certain of that. Anyway, it was just the six of us – myself, Dom, Sienna, Xiomara, Jaina, and Christian. I admit at first I had second thoughts about telling Jaina it was okay for Christian to come, but Sienna was happy to have him, too, and he's really a good guy. Jaina seemed very relaxed with him there, it was almost like her having a friend over cut the tension there had been between us since I confronted her about Jordan. I hadn't brought it up again, I decided I had been too hard on her and all of this was actually probably Jordan's fault. She knew Jaina was in a bad place and she took advantage of that, I just knew it. So, I let it go for now. I didn't want to let any kind of drama whatsoever ruin Christmas. I would deal with Jordan on New Year's Eve.
After dinner, we exchanged gifts. Christian was surprised I had something for him. Everyone enjoyed their gifts, then went separate ways for the rest of the evening. That meant Dom and I stayed in the den while everyone else went upstairs. The four of them were talking among themselves so for all I know, they all went to Sienna's room to hang out.
Dom and I are on the couch in the den, I have a glass of wine and he has a beer. I think he wanted to go upstairs, but I asked him to sit with me. We're sitting on opposite ends of the couch, I have my legs curled up under me.
“I thought I wanted to relax in bed but this is nice, it's probably loud up there.”
“Yeah... it's quiet. I like quiet.”
“Seems like we need some quiet lately, huh?”
“Yeah, we do.” We both smile, I knew what he meant. We've had a lot of drama for the last week or two. Maybe longer if you count the whole dress incident. “I want to say thank you for making today so good. I know things have been more than a little tense around here, especially between us, since that day...” Dom nods, he knows what day I mean. “It was just nice to have day that felt like things were normal.”
“Did it just feel normal, or are things normal? I admit I'm not really sure where we stand right now.”
“I'd like to think it's normal. I know I've been busy with work and that hasn't really helped since I haven't been home much, but I need you to know that I do want to find a way to work past all of this.”
“I know you do, so do I.”
“I just wanted to be clear. I know I messed up when I lied.... now you don't trust me and there's this weird insecurity thing, which I know is partially my fault. I want to change that.”
“I believe we can and we will, Bree. But it's not as easy as just wanting it.”
“I know. And that's why I wanted to thank you for today, at least acting like nothing is wrong so Christmas would be good.”
“Figured it was a good place to start.” Dom grins. “I'd do anything for you.”
“I know that, too." I give him a smile. Forget this opposite ends of the couch shit. I get up and scoot over and sit next to him. He puts his arm around my shoulders and pulls me closer. I feel a kiss on the top of my head.
“I want you to know something... I do trust you. I know it didn't sound like it that day, you sounded hurt by the idea that I didn't, and I'm sorry for that. Now that we're removed from the high emotions though, can I tell you what my concern is?”
I sit up and face him. “Please.”
“That if you keep worrying about what he's doing all the time, making those petty comments, drawing his attention in any way... it'll be that much easier for him to get under your skin. I hate seeing you upset, especially because of him. He's put you through enough.” I didn't have to ask who he was talking about, it was obviously Blake. He seemed to be waiting for me to respond, but I didn't really have anything to say. I just nod. “And more than that, I worry that you're so used to the drama and misery that comes with associating with him that you don't know how to function without it.”
My heart drops into my stomach. “I.... never thought of it that way. Maybe you're right.”
“Yeah? I thought I might get static over that.” Dom grins, nervously.
“Yeah. I mean... Blake and I know exactly how to push each other's buttons. He gets off on confrontation. Maybe I do, too.”
“Maybe?” That comment comes with a smirk.
“I mean, I do.... but it's especially satisfying to see him pissed, after everything he did to me.”
“I can understand that, but at some point don't you think enough is enough?”
“It is. That's what I want you to really listen to and understand. I meant it when I said I was done after those couple tweets. I said what I felt I needed to say and that's that. If circumstances in SCW force me to have to fight him, if he ever gets rid of those contract stipulations... then I will have to deal with that. But otherwise? I am done. That part of my life is over. My life is you now.”
That draws a smile, but it looks hesitant. Or maybe skeptical. “I hear you. I really do. But after the last few weeks, I hate to say it but it's gonna take more than your word for me to believe that. I have to see it.”
“I understand that, and it's fair I suppose. But can I share something with you that Andrew told me the other day?” Dom nods. “He said... everyone has to learn how to deal with their own shit. At the time I took that to mean that I had to back off both Sienna and Jaina.... I can't fix things for them no matter how much I want to, they have to do it themselves. But... I have to fix my shit. It's one thing for me to say I am done and over all the bullshit, but like you said... it's another thing to act like it. I need to do that.”
“That's big for you to recognize that.”
“And you.... I wish you would believe that my one mistake doesn't mean you can't trust me at all.”
“I told you that I do trust you.”
“You did. But then you said you have to see it to believe it. That's not full trust.” Dom looks away a second, then back at me, nodding. He gets it. I think. “I also need you to understand that he never has been and never will be a threat to you.”
“Well... there was that time we kinda had a thing, and then you went back...” He looks almost embarrassed to say that out loud.
“Oh my God.... is that what's been in your head over this?”
Dom shakes his head, annoyed at himself. “I know, it's fucking irrational. I know better, I do. Guess that's my shit to fix, huh?”
“I guess so.” I can't believe that is at the bottom of all this questioning and anger over Blake. Then I did something fucking stupid like wear my old wedding dress and..... God, no wonder he was so upset! All of this is completely messed up. But its out in the open now, and that means we can shovel the shit away. Dom reaches his arm around me again and pulls me against him.
“Come here.” I lean in, and he holds me tight. “You know... I think we're gonna be okay.” I feel another kiss near my temple.
“I think so too. I love you.”
“Love you. Merry Christmas.”
I smile, unsure if he can even see it. “Merry Christmas.”
ON CAMERA
Bree Lancaster is seated on a black leather couch inside a large hotel suite. The SCW World Championship belt is draped over the back of the couch next to her. There's no smirk on Bree's face this time, she isn't amused or cocky. Nor is she frowning or scowling, she isn't mad – at least not yet. No, Bree sits with one leg crossed over the other at the knee, wearing white skinny jeans and a pale blue sweater, with an almost relaxed look on her face. As if she was about to speak to an old friend. Because as a matter of face.... she is.
Jordan. Hi babe.
Normally I start these things off with some confident statement, or maybe a story. Sometimes I talk about what happened at the last show before sitting to do one of these, my last match. But I'm not going to do that today. No, because I want you to be certain that there is nothing else on my mind right now, nothing more important to me than facing you tomorrow night. Everything that's been going on with Sienna and Giovanni and Sierra and Karina.... it doesn't matter right now. You matter, Jordan. Just you.
You might already know this, but I've been wanting to face you one on one for a long time. We did cross paths in a six person tag match right before Rise to Greatness, where I scored the winning pinfall over David Helms. And as much as I like to keep reminding the world about that.... as far as you and I are concerned? It wasn't good enough. All the way back in April, you made a choice. You got tired of what you said was people pulling you back and forth, trying to force your hand, determine your path.... and you chose your own path. You planted Sienna with a Cash Out, and in that moment... everything changed. Not just for you. But also for Sienna, for me.... for Jaina. Jaina took care of her end pretty quickly. Sienna got her pound of flesh from you, and then some.
Now? It's my turn.
And you know, this could have been only about that. The fact that I never got my chance to face up to you for what you did, making me look like a fool to Sienna because I asked her to trust you, and the fact that the fans wanted to see you challenge me. It could have been that simple, babe. But no. Oh no. You had to make it personal. Now, I am not going to put the ugly details out there about what you did out of respect for the other party involved, but you know what you did. It's why you blew me off and walked away when I tried to speak to you about it.
You know. And you know you are in the wrong.
It's pretty clear to me that you must have had an improper upbringing, because you have obviously never learned what family and loyalty actually means. You could have had that with Sienna and I, you know. The friendship, the bond. You could have been the third 'sister,' that's what I wanted for you. That's how much I cared about you and wanted to help you become something better. But here's the problem, Jordan. You have this terrible habit of ruining every good thing you come across. Let's take stock, shall we?
Bree starts ticking off fingers as she lists things.
We wanted you to be a part of the Beauty Factory, you didn't care for Sienna's tests of your loyalty so you betrayed us.
You had a loving girlfriend who was going to marry you, yet you lied to her and pushed her away.
You got past that though, and you had something else going well for you, didn't you? I said I wouldn't speak details and I won't, but you found a way to fuck that up too, yet this time you managed to pull so many threads together into one giant knotted mess that it affected me.
And for what, Jordan? Why would you do the things you did, hurt the people you hurt? To find some way to get back at me because I stood by Sienna? To get inside the head of someone who was vulnerable to make yourself feel better?
For fun?
Bree shakes her head in disgust.
I don't think I'll get answers to any of that, you've already shown me you have no interest in speaking to me about the whole ordeal, and that's fine. I don't need answers. I'll tell you what I think, though. And I'm not saying this out of spite or an attempt to be petty like I know I can be. I am saying this because I believe it's the truth, and maybe if you hear it spoken out loud you might recognize it and take steps to rectify your behavior before it's too late to unfuck your life.
I think... that you are actually afraid of having nice things. You're afraid of healthy relationships. You're afraid of success. I don't know why, maybe you think you don't deserve those things, maybe you think you only end up losing them anyway so why have them in the first place? But all we have to do is look at your track record and you and everyone will see that I'm right. You have sabotaged every good thing you've had since you came to SCW, and I am willing to bet you have done the same thing your whole life.
I want you to think about this really hard, babe. Because you have a pretty good thing going right now with your tag partner Cookie. You two are tearing up your Tag League bracket. It would be a shame if the winners from my block put an end to that and stopped you from going to Retribution to fight for the titles, now wouldn't it?
Bree finally gives the smug smirk she is known for.
You also have something good going with the fans, don't you? They immediately rallied behind you when you attacked Sienna, they have supported you all year, they are the reason you are facing me tomorrow night. They gave you this opportunity to become World Champion.
Do you feel the pressure yet?
Are you scared?
You say you're ready, you say you want this, but your track record says otherwise. Your short-lived run as Adrenaline Champion. The way you kept getting up and going back for more against Sienna when she beat you down. That was almost like you wanted to be beat more.
Listen babe. I am going to do you a favor. You won't have to think too far ahead about how you're going to self-sabotage yourself out of being Champion. I will take care of that for you. You won't have the chance to fail, you won't have the opportunity to let anyone down, because I will not give it to you. This-
Bree takes the belt off the back of the couch and holds it up.
-Will not be your responsibility.
Bree lays the belt across her lap.
You have ruined enough for yourself. Let enough people down. Stabbed enough people you claimed to care for in the back. And I've realized that it's all because you really only care about yourself. You only care about how you feel, if you're comfortable in your position or not. Sienna was right about you, and I should have listened to her rather than try to extend an olive branch. You grabbed it from my hands and snapped it in half with your actions. I can't be sure if everything you did behind the scenes was out of pettiness or selfishness, or part of your whole self-sabotage, playing the victim thing you have going on, but the fact remains that you....
Bree cuts herself off, and looks aside a moment, shaking her head.
No... I said I wasn't going to elaborate to spare others some embarrassment, and so I will stop there. But again... you know what you did.
I do wonder though... if the fans had any idea how you truly operate, if they would have voted for you for this opportunity? I guess we'll never know... to revert back to a former version of myself for a moment, I have too much class to spill others' personal business. Regardless... I have to do as you did, Jordan, when you sent out that little video that was nothing more than a giant thank you to everyone who voted for you and a promise not to let them down.
I have to thank the fans.
If not for each and every person who clicked your name on that poll, I might have never had the chance to get in your face in front of the world and let you know exactly what I think when you can't walk away from me, and exactly how I feel about the way you allowed all of this to go down. I know you've seen my wrath unleashed on others and you have felt Sienna's more than once. Look at what she put you through just for betraying her.
Me? I fight back hard when I am disrespected or insulted, but when you fuck with my family?
Bree laughs in a low, almost sinister manner.
Oh babe.... I don't think you have any idea what you are up against. You can train as hard as you want, you can be in the best shape of your life, claim you are as ready as you will ever be, but I promise you that you are not ready for me. You are not ready to take on the mantle of being World Champion, no matter what the fans, or Cookie, or Chris Cannon, or Asher Hayes thinks. I will not allow you to claim this only to fuck it up for yourself like you have done with literally everything else good you've ever had. This-
Bree holds up the belt again, a glare now in her eyes.
-is not some tool for your self-depreciating mind games, this is the SCW World Championship! It represents the best in this business, and there is no room for second guessing yourself or being too afraid of success to be comfortable at the top.
If you fuck this up, if you sabotage yourself when you are World Champion? You not only devalue yourself, but you devalue the championship itself.... and I just can't allow that to happen.
Bree sets the belt aside as she shakes her head.
It's far too risky with you, Jordan, the woman who has found a way to ruin or destroy every good thing you ever had, every opportunity you were given to become something more. I know you're going to come at me with everything you have babe, you always do no matter who you're facing. The way you and Cookie have been tearing up the Tag League is a testament to that. You kicked Syren's ass in a cage when everyone thought you were insane for choosing that stipulation. You never backed down from Sienna even though she was literally trying to end your career.
I won't try to end your career. I will do everything I can though to put and end to this dream of yours of becoming World Champion, so that you do not have the chance to turn it into a nightmare.
Bree's glare slowly turns into another smirk.
And then when I'm done with you? I have a second date with one Mr. Helms to look forward to. Hi David. I hope you're watching closely. Because I am coming for you.
Bree winks, then looks down at the belt a second, before looking back up, the smirk gone.
But I know I have to get through you first, Jordan. I know it isn't going to be easy. But when it's all over, after I have relieved you of the burden of a position you are not ready for and probably afraid of, when you realize that you won't have to formulate some plan to self-sabotage your way out of a position you can't handle.... I fully expect you to find me backstage, shake my hand. And after everything you have done to me and my family both professionally and personally?
All I will have left to say to you is....
…. you're welcome.
Bree picks up the belt once more and holds it up. The shot focuses in on the faceplate for a few seconds before fading out.