Post by Chelsea Armstrong on Jan 10, 2014 23:18:04 GMT -5
**Scene One**
“Sometimes all you really need is to go back to where it all started…where it all began and remind yourself why you are really doing this.”
I was sitting in the driver’s seat of my husband’s black Aston Martin DB9, my head had been spinning all morning and as I gazed through the thick glass windshield of the car to the rising sun in front of me I couldn’t help but feel a sense of serenity pulse through my veins. I remember looking at the vibrant purple and red shades kissing the ocean blue sky as its rays streaked across looking like the scars on my fragile body after years of torturing myself in the ring. This was the very hillside I used to sit on every day for 16 years while I was growing up, even now when I see the tattered look of wispy clouds soaring across the sky I can’t help but think of home. Those memories flooded my mind making the first real smile in weeks touch my lips as I opened the door making my way toward the fresh green grass waiting to be flattened under my back as if it had been waiting for me, as if I had never left this yard. As I sat down on the warm ground I looked out over the valley as I thought back to a story my momma used to tell me, when I would sit out on this hill and stare out over the valley below she would sit behind me braiding my long black hair and tell me of how thousands of years ago a castle once stood where we now are. It was home to a beautiful princess who dreamt of changing her kingdom and making a home for all of her subjects whom looked up to her. She would always walk out of her chambers in the darkness of night and sit in this very spot; waiting…just waiting for the one person she knew could help her dreams come true.
It was this line when my momma would gently pull back the bangs covering my face and weave a single flower into my hair, after she made sure it wasn’t going anywhere she’d continue on, making me close my eyes to “draw a better picture in that book in your mind” as she used to say. She’d then continue with the story as she spoke of a giant that heard the princesses pleas and one night when she was waiting on that hillside he set off on a journey, jumping out from the clouds he turned them into patterns of ripped cloth before walking through the forest pinpointing just where to step and leaving houses in each footstep. He was a little clumsy though, just like me and tripped over the hillside and stepped right on the princess’s castle, it was shattered under his foot and in its place he left the very house in which we were living in today. After the story was done she’d wrap me up in her arms and carry me to the very room that princess lived in for the rest of her days, she place a kiss on my cheek and in the sweetest voice she’d look out the window and thank that gentle giant for giving us the home we had.
“Thank you gentle giant, for guarding us every night… watching your princess sleep in her chambers as you reach from the clouds painting her sky with a million tiny diamonds.”
Thinking back about her story I had found myself moving from the yard to the porch of the abandoned house, I couldn’t help but laugh to myself that day as I allowed my boot to move on the bottom wooden step hearing it squeak with my weight bringing even more memories back. It had been seven years since I even saw this place and now I felt as if I had never left, I was almost expecting my momma to open that white painted screen door and yell into the back yard with her voice booming out over the valley… ”Chelsea you better get your butt in out of this cold, if you wake up sick in the mornin it’s going to be your own fault.” I would always drop the toy I had been playing with and sprint toward the house feeling the dirt under my bare feet that my momma clearly told me to cover up before I went outside.
She was a strict woman but now thinking back she had always been only thinking of what was best for me. Even then, she wasn’t even there but I knew she was looking for what’s best for me…I always thought that was why I was drawn to go back home that day. After seven years I needed to remember why I ran to the career I did, and standing there on that porch and remembering the story she spoke to me, it helped me clear the dust from the empty attic space that had been forgotten deep within my shattered mind reminding me why I ran all those years ago.
“Since I joined the federation of WCF I have been enduring an endless struggle, I always tried to push it off on other people. They attacked me, that’s why I lost. I was jumped from behind, that’s why I lost my temper. Even repeating the lines back to myself I see the humor in those words, I can see why people laughed in my face at those idiotic excuses. I was never mad at those people within the federation that felt the wrath I tried so hard to deal out, my anger that developed from those occurrences lasted merely minutes and were nothing compared to the long agonizing pain that was ripping through my body from the inside and taking down anything that tried to mask the true pain I was feeling. It took me seven years to figure out that all the pain I even felt was truly coming from within…and it took me standing on that porch for it to finally begin to settle within the recesses in my mind.”
I started moving up the wooden steps on the porch I had been letting my hand slide up the railing which I should have known was a stupid decision, no sooner than the splinter of wood runs through my skin do I feel another memory bubbling on the surface of my mind. Although this one hadn’t made me laugh, no not so much as smile as I remembered the summer day when I was only six or seven years old. I had been playing outside on the front porch, runnin around barefoot like I always loved to do. I was playing with my favorite imaginary friend as it had been my turn to race around the house; it had always been a game we played. On the word of go the one who was it would race down the wooden steps and run as fast as they could around the whole house and back up the steps to the swing located just off the left side of the house. I’d jumped over the last two steps and ran all the way around the house feeling the grass tickling my exposed feet as I helped so much to beat my ongoing record, as I raced back and around and went to climb the steps the clumsiness (which my mom said I got from the giant) took over and I went tumbling onto the porch. I wasn’t sure what had happened but I felt a sharp prick of pain on the bottom of my foot, I remember laying there yelling for my mom to come help as my childish over-dramatization clearly took the lead of my unknown actress skills as tears streamed down my cheeks, little did I know the pain would worsen as my mother tried to get it out with her pair of tweezers.
“I know as some are listening to this they are looking at me with faces of confusion and simply asking me…why should I care about this? Why should I sit here and listen to you talk about your childhood? The truth is, not every question has the answer that you are searching for. You’re not always going to hear the words you want and honestly, maybe I’m not certain myself on why you should listen to this. Maybe…maybe I’m talking of this because it’s easier for me to live in the past, maybe a part of me wishes I could have just stayed there at that house and forgot about everything. Forget I had a job, a life, a choice…and just go back to my old room and waste the rest of my years forgetting everything that had ever added to my stress.
But that’s what that trip helped me actually see, it helped me open my own eyes by gazing into the past I tried to keep hidden. When I was sitting on that hillside remembering the giant that walked through those trees, it made me remember how when someone is so much bigger than everyone else they like to use that to their advantage and just push their weight around. He didn’t care about the princess waiting quietly by her castle trying to save the people that looked up to her, he didn’t truly mean to be doing any good by his actions…no he saw something he could destroy without any consequences because others weren’t able to stand up to someone like him.”
As I finally moved to the front door I grabbed the door handle pushing myself into the house as I couldn’t help but stand in the doorway in amazement. Since my mother’s death three years ago and my father getting killed in a car accident when I was seven the house had been empty with me moving on to start my career. I had no brothers or sisters and any relatives I’d had through my parents were long gone and forgetting that I had even existed which meant that the house hadn’t seen a living person in over nine hundred and thirteen days, talk about abandonment. As I walked into the dust filled house the musky stench filled my nose showing that it would take a full team of house cleaners to even begin restoring this house to its former beauty. In my mind I knew though that it wasn’t the house itself I had come to visit, no it was that precious cornucopia sitting at the top of our swirling staircase that I wanted to see.
Moving up the stairs I heard my momma’s voice filling my ears as she spoke of the story about the princess and the giant. She used to let me dress up in her frills and flowers and make my descend down this case playing her magical music that I swore floated from her fingertips every time she sat at the piano in the living room. She’d introduce her proud princess, “the lady out to save us little people...” as I gave my best princess wave and made my royal subjects (my stuffed animals) bow at my feet as I finally stood at the bottom step. That day as I stood at the top of the stair case I turned around imaging my eight year old self gliding down those steps, tripping over my mommas high heels that I knew were too big for me but that she let me wear anyway. It was then I looked to the piano covered by a dirty white cloth picturing her in her favorite cotton dress, that bright smile staring back at me as I saw the amazement and proud look in her eyes.
“I love you momma...”
Shedding a single tear I then let my feet move to the left looking at the wooden door that often stayed wide open as I was growing up, that was one case in which my momma was different from other parents I’d heard about at school. Yeah she was strict but she never passed up the chance for me to run through that door and jump on her bed, more than once she’d join me as we’d have pillow fights ending in my falling asleep on the floor in a puddle of feathers as she softly picked the stray ones out of my hair. Pulling in a deep breath I moved toward the door watching my fingers close over the once silver door knob as I pushed it open feeling emotions hit me like a thunderstorm as I had to grab the wall to keep me up right. Nothing had changed; stepping into the room I saw her bed still made nicely with her old comforter that had kept me warm all those years ago. Turning slightly I then saw the family pictures hanging on the wall showing the smiles of a family torn apart way to soon as I can’t stop myself from falling to my knees, it was then that I remember telling myself I had to be hallucinating as I felt a rough calloused hand lifting my chin.
“Now now baby girl, you’re gonna get tears all over your momma’s carpeting.”
Out came a laugh mixed with tears as I stared into the worn face of a man I’d lost so many years ago. My dad kneeled in front of me as it was as if I was six years old again, just as he used to he didn’t say another word as he pulled me into his arms letting my tears ruin the soft white shirt he was wearing as he cradled my head and let me get all the bad things out of my head. “Just let all them bad thoughts run away child, daddy’s not gonna let nothin hurt you.” It was never a secret that I was a daddy’s girl; often I think that losing him when I did was the reason for my behavior that I have picked up since I chose my career path.
“I miss you daddy…you and momma. I feel like just giving up and going home to you two…things are so hard without you here.”
“We know sweetheart, but we’re not ready for you here. You got a lot still to do here baby, you got a baby of your own…you gotta make sure she grows up big and strong and who else is gonna tell her bout her stubborn grandparents?”
Letting another laugh fall from my lips I nod knowing they are both right as my momma had wrapped her arms around both of us as I lay on that dusty wooden floor, just aching for them to stay with me for a moment longer.
“I don’t want to lose you guys again.”
“Chelsea, we’re always with you darlin. Who do you think had been watching over you girl? We know you’ve had a rough ride to where you are but we’ve always been there sweetheart, even when you didn’t believe it.”
“Really?”
“Listen to your farther sweetie, we’ve seen everything. The birth of that adorable little girl, you finding that wonderful man…we’ve watched all of it. We always said we’d watch over our little princess, did you really think we wouldn’t? You’ll always be our little girl hunny, nothing will ever change that.”
I had nodded knowing in my heart that she was telling me the truth but I also hesitated because I knew that meant our conversation was coming to a close that I didn’t want to see. I felt one last hand graze my cheek before they had both placed a soft kiss against my cheek and forehead, I didn’t want to open my eyes as I just remembered them in my head as one last whisper touched my ears.
“Check in the closet Chelsea, there’s something you need up there. We’re always with you sweetheart, take care baby girl.”
A cool breeze ran over my body making me shiver slightly before I managed to pull myself up off the floor, I had been trying to tell myself it hadn’t happened but as I stood up and looked at my silhouette made out in the dust on the floor I was surprised to see two sets of foot prints as if they had been standing around me. I had looked through the rest of the room but that was the only place they had shown as I could only smile before wiping the tears from my dirty face and remember the words that my momma had whispered to me. It was then as I ran toward the closet, standing on my tippy toes I reached as far as I could into the top shelf on the closet as my hands grasped something soft and fluffy. Pulling it down I couldn’t believe what was in my hands, stumbling backwards I felt myself sit on the bed as dust flew everywhere but it didn’t bother me as I stared down at the soft pink baby blanket now spread out over my legs. Tears had stung my green eyes as confusion then began to set in, the blanket looked as if it had just been freshly washed and packed away as no dust had settled into the pale pink yarn that made the blanket. Holding it up to my face I took in a deep breath as I was shocked to smell the fresh scent of the fabric softener my momma used to use when I was little, I couldn’t keep the tears from falling as I stood up carefully folding the blanket before I then walked back over to the dresser and took a few pictures off the wall. Walking out of the room I kept everything held tight against my chest feeling a new found sense of courage and determination flooding my senses helping me walk out of the house, stepping out onto the front porch I looked around one last time before picking up the small turtle shell at the edge of the door and grabbing the spare key as I made sure everything was locked up tight, giving me comfort as I kissed my hand then placing it against the door frame as I felt in my senses that it knew I would be back to visit.
The sun had already rose sitting in the middle of the bright baby blue sky causing a warm smile to settle against my lips matching the warmness that had been radiating around me. In one swift motion I put my belongings into the passenger seat before gazing back at the house one last time, I had leaned against the car resting my back against the warm black metal as I then looked toward the sky seeing the wispy clouds as I swore one had even waved a simple hello at me.
“I love you momma and daddy, you’re baby girl’s gonna be ok.”
*Scene Two*
Walking down the bright hallway of the arena my eyes observed over the walls and people as I was noticing things I hadn’t seen before. As my worn black boots beat against the concrete floor I noticed the once stares toward a new girl had become friendly hellos and waves of now new friends within the federation that I had never taken the time to really see before. As I was walking toward the interviewing area I couldn’t help but pull in a deep breath of nervousness and slight confusion knowing I couldn’t do anything to brace my being for the questions that were going to come shooting at me like bullets out of a gun. I knew then that the best thing I could do was keep the conversation as light as possible as to not put anymore unnecessary thoughts into my already cluttered mind. While holding in that very breath I had felt my hand hitting the cold door handle before I was ready causing a slightly gasp to pass over my crimson painted lips, within seconds of torturous anticipation the door opened to me showing the warm smiling face of a tired Hank Brown.
“Come on in Chelsea.”
Giving a brisk nod I walked through the opening feeling the pale carpeting give way under my feet showing me the signs of a well-worn room as I then began to realize that there was no way I was going to get out of doing this. Allowing that thought to settle into my mind I cross over the rest of the floor before I sat down in the cold metal chair he had graciously provided me. My eyes rested easily against my hands trying to avoid any eye contact as to keep my body as relaxed as I knowingly could, at least for the time being. I knew it was going to be no use but it came to an end sooner than I expect as his voice broke through my freshly made barrier once more.
“Everything ok Chelsea?”
“Yeah, yeah everything’s fine. I’m ready. “
“Ok 3...2...1.... Welcome WCF fans this is Hank Brown here with another WCF podcast interview and I am here with Chelsea Black Armstrong, thanks for joining us today.”
“Thank you for having me here Hank. “
“Right first off I would like to get your views on what happened to your friend Matthew Robinson recently.”
“What happened to him is definitely a situation that is not happy or better no matter which way you spin the details. I read where he got hospitalized…but then again by what I heard that could have been avoided if he had listened to doctors’ orders. The look on your face shows it all as clearly you’re not getting the response you want here, what? Do you want me to turn on the water works and say how Stacy is going to make Oblivion pay for what he did to Matt! How he should rest in hell for the pain he is putting on that family? No, no I’m not saying any of that, that hospitalization could have been avoided if he would have simply taken a bus or called someone to drive him up. Luckily Stacy can take care of herself in the ring because now thanks to Matt’s idiocy she’s going to have to. “
“O..k. Carrying onto your match the past few weeks we have seen changes in you that has surprised people, what has brought on these changes in your opinion?”
“That answer is simple; these changes that people talk about are merely characteristics of myself that people just didn’t want to notice in me before, just how I never wanted to admit that they have always been there. I’ve come to a crossroads in my life where I am starting to see things I never paid much attention to before; I have let people speak for me for too long now and by doing what I want in the ring that is why you are seeing the differences. It’s not me changing who I am; it’s me showing who I’ve always really been. It’s time people look and see who the real Chelsea Black Armstrong is, whether they like it or not she’s showing and she’s not going anywhere any time soon. “
“Now onto your match this week, how are you feeling going into a match against the world champion who is also the same person who helped get your husband Seifer fired.”
It was at this question that I started to feel an unsettling feeling in the pit of my stomach, this was a situation I knew I could not escape from being in and now looking across at a man that could very well have the power of the world resting in his very hands I had to force my mouth to form the words my brain was oh so desperate to speak.
“This is a type of match that could very well jumpstart or end any career that you have built up to this very point. Every night since I read that very match on the card I fall asleep and I look into the splintering eyes of a man that does not care, a man that feels as if he has the week off in this match and each time I stare into those dull eyes I get a stronger urge to show him exactly who he is dealing with. I addressed him last week and clearly I must have done something right, for my team came out victorious. I already said that I am not interested in his championship and that is still the case, I don’t care about that title, all I want is to stand across the ring from that man and have him look into the eyes of a woman he has clearly underestimated and see that a fight is all he is going to get. “
“Have you got any plans going into the match, any strategies?”
“In order to have any chance of being victorious one must always have a battle strategy, the one thing that most forget about though is you never let your enemy in on those ideas. I have my ways to work this match and soon enough everyone will see just how much of a force I am going to be in this federation. “
“Have you been talking to Seifer about his previous experience facing Fly in the past?”
“Of course I have, he has experienced how a match one on one with Fly can go. He is the only person I am close to in this federation that can give me any insight as to what to watch and what to do first to get the advantage quick. I’m taking advantage of everything he picked on up Fly in that match. “
“That makes sense, now on to what happened last week on slam have you been in contact with Scott Savage since he handed you his business card?”
“Actually I have not, it’s actually kind of funny…because I got his card no one on the main roster wanted anything to do with me. They couldn’t care less about where I ended up in this federation, and then as soon as Scott Savage hands me that business card I had messages from wrestlers who used to never even give me the time of day telling me not to do this. They want me to throw the card away now and run in the other direction…but then I started thinking, why would these people…people who never cared about me before suddenly have this interest in me? Obviously they all know the power that Savage holds in his hands and jealously is already taking effect. I have no contacted him but his card has stayed on me every day since that encounter."
“Has Seifer had anything to say about the situation?”
“As of this moment no, but it hasn’t really been something that I’ve brought up in casual conversation. It’s really been something I have been attempting to keep to myself as to keep the confusion to a minimum. “
“Ok, now I have to ask how is little Shelley after the ordeal she went through with Lilith?”
A flutter of butterflies began to fill my stomach as I noticed for the first time I hadn’t mentioned my daughter the past few weeks, a cool calm breath filled my lungs allowing my mind to calm it’s tidal wave as I stared into the waiting eyes of Hank Brown.
“Shelley is better than I could ever ask for. The situation that happened was scary for all of us but it was also a stepping stone for our family. She has recovered quite well in the sense that I have not heard of any abrupt outburst at night by the cause of nightmares, she looks at me with the loving eyes that a daughter should and I love her more than I can ever tell you. She is being kept safe at home with Seifer when I have to work as we don’t feel she should be back in the arena just yet, thinking back I still feel blame as I brought her into this environment in the first place. But she will be ok and she is already better than ever, and we thank everyone for the support they have sent our way since that terrible incident occurred. “
“It all turned out well in the end which is what matters, she’s back with her family where she belongs, and finally before we finish here I would like to ask you if you have any last words to say to your opponent or anyone else.”
“The only thing I have to say to everyone in this federation is to watch who you underestimate when it comes to the wrestlers backstage, because all it takes is one little misperception of someone to make you fall flat on yourself. “
“Very wise words Chelsea and may we say good luck in your match this week. “
Giving a slight nod I remember forcing a smile to show on my lips as I allowed the camera to be turned off before standing up and leaving the room as quickly as I could without so much as a goodbye to Hank. I wasn’t sure what was causing it but after being in that room for that long I had become nauseous and unable to say a lot as the time went on. Moving through the hallway I allowed my mind to ignore everything surrounding me before pushing my way out to my husband’s car that had been waiting to take me back to our hotel.
**Scene Three**
Walking through the wooden door of our hotel room I wasted no time allowing it to close behind me welcoming the split second of absolute silence that followed. Standing there I had a feeling that it would soon end as I was right as my daughter’s subtle giggle floated toward my ears causing me a sense of serenity instead of stress. As I moved further into the room I saw the bright smiling faces of Shelley and Seifer as I simply leaned against the wall allowing my mind to take in the situation.
“Hey look whose home, everything go alright babe?”
“Yeah, about like usual. I had to get out of there pretty quick but that’s just my own mind playing with me, how was everything here while I was gone?”
As I looked at his smiling face I pushed off the wall walking over to the bed where I sat down next to them two of them allowing my daughters attention to soon turn toward me briefly before she continued to play with Seifer.
“Everything’s been great here, she’s been really well behaved as usual, gave her her food about an hour ago and you’re just in time to help her go to bed if you want.”
“Of course, come here sweetheart."
Arms outstretched I gave her a small smile as she giggled before crawling to my arms, as I picked her up I felt her trying to hide a yawn that was slipping out of her mouth causing a smile to show against my lips as she did. As I held her against my chest I allowed my body to rock gently coaxing her to close her eyes showing me the first sign that she’d be out like a light within ten minutes.
“Sometimes I feel I’m getting too good at this."
“It’s because she knows she’s safe with you, it’s pure comfort for her.”
“That is reassuring…I suppose I had never thought of it that way. Although she does the same for me so I suppose it is only fair. Anyway, did you get to do much today?”
“Bits and pieces, to be honest it’s been nice to be able to chill out for a while, there’s so much I felt I was missing before with her with my schedule before, but inside I know I’m starting to feel a bit restless.”
“Baby I know exactly how you feel, remember that time I was out when I was pregnant with Shelley? That was nearly a full year away from the ring…I know exactly what you mean when u say you’re starting to feel restless, trust me though if you’re feeling that now once you step into that ring that first match is going to be so exhilarating. You won’t be able to believe you’ve been away that long. “
“Also the way it all ended still leaves a bitter taste in my mouth.”
“I don’t blame you sweetheart; I know Fly is going to be at the top of your list when you return to WCF. I can’t imagine how you’re feeling when it comes to that situation. “
“Both Fly and Twilight along with Lilith, the hit list grows longer and longer. Of course some retribution should be achieved this week.”
“You couldn’t be any more right with that statement, I have nothing on my mind but defeating Fly….I couldn’t care less about that stupid championship, I was given this match for a reason I know it. That reason being to being some closure to our family, and I will do just that. “
“I hope so, but I get the feeling nothing will get better till Twilight is no longer in charge, for now you need to make sure never to let Fly out your sight for a moment in your match, the only reason he is still champ is because he’s more crafty than a barrel full of snakes.”
“What all can you tell me about having a match with him? You’ve been in there with him, I know you had to of picked up a lot on how he works. Other than him being sneaky what do I need to watch?”
“To be honest in the ring he is a lot of bark and not too much bite, when you boil it down to the bare bones of it he is not that great, main thing is he can take a hit and keep on coming but not much skill in my opinion, I would say keep the impact hard and constant and you should be fine because I know that’s how you work best.”
“Thanks, I’ll try my best. Just after last week I know he’s underestimating what I can do here…although being honest I think over half of the roster is doing that. Feels like I’m starting at the beginning all over again."
“In a way we both are, with the collapse of the NWA a lot of us have much to prove all over again because they do not understand what they have. I feel the exact same way and it’s what drove me to try and fight against the likes of Twilight and its nothing I regret even with the outcome. I think it’s a case of knowing your battles and fighting them the best you can, if they underestimate the likes of us then it’s their problem because it will be their downfall.”
“You couldn’t be any more right, I know I have what it takes to win this match and anyone who believes different will have to wallow in their self-pity when I show just how dominate I plan to be within this company. I might be starting from the bottom but I’ve already skyrocketed to the top of the card, two main events in two consecutive weeks…someone backstage obviously likes what I have to offer."
“Exactly, take this advantage in its whole and make it entirely your own, I have said it before and I will say it again there are few if any that can beat you at your best and I know you will bring your best this week.”
“This week I will take your confidence and mesh it with my own, this is one match I am going into with no doubt in my mind that I will prove myself. People have said for months that he has weaseled his way to keeping that championship and winning his matches…I will put an end to this and show him that he’s messed with the wrong person. “
“Show him the power of our family, make sure he realizes he can’t cross one of us without inviting the wrath of the other; I can’t wait to see you make that scum crawl in pain.”
“I plan on doing just that; I have never gone into a match with this much confident already built up. He’s built a fire that he cannot control…and now it’s time he burns in it. “
“I can’t wait to see it.”
A grin washed across his lips for a brief moment causing a smile to appear on my own as I knew then at that moment that everything was going to work out as it should. As I looked into his eyes I felt my own fire rising as all thoughts of stress and frustration began to really melt away.
“Shall we get the little one to bed and we can chill out with a movie and maybe something else, what do you think?”
I felt my head nod as I looked down having forgot I still had Shelley now sleep in my arms, as I stood up I gave him one last smile before heading toward her crib letting my voice travel back to him.
“That sounds great.”
**Scene Four**
Sitting in the spacious empty hotel room the endless clock ticking sounded behind me on the wall as it felt as if it haunted my thoughts making me stare at the light brown wooden table in front of me. My arms were outstretched making me feel my muscles tense as a single business card rested between my shaking fingers. A look of concentration had settled over my pale tired features as my calm hazel green eyes studied the card carefully; I even turned it over and over in my hand as if expecting the words to change by the tenth time it had turned. The words never changed though as I looked at the words “Scott Savage. Talent Agent & CEO Savage Enterprises.” written in careful script across the small card.
“What are you thinking?”
“You know exactly what I’m thinking…but…”
“But what?”
“But others don’t want this to happen; I can’t even bring it up to Seifer. Did you see the people backstage telling me to just throw it away while I had the chance?”
“If you’re going to make all of your decisions around them you might as well throw that card in the trash right now. Weren’t you the one yelling a month ago about how you wanted to do stuff on your own? You have the chance to do what you want; no one is here to hold you back.”
“But Seifer…and Matt and Stac”
“Matt and Stacy are gone, that became apparent when she let you walk out of that locker room. Forget about her and do what you really want to do here. Listen to me…let me handle this…”
“It’s not that easy anymore, this isn’t the same as the old days when we were together. The playing field has changed…I’ve changed...”
“Have you really Chelsea? Tell me, how have you changed since our last encounter?”
“I’ve grown a lot in your absence…I had to deal with a lot while you hid yourself from me.”
“You mean you got your ass kicked because I wasn’t with you. When you decided you could go on your own what happened? You nearly get yourself killed and then you lose your championship! That’s what happened Chelsea, you might have changed but it’s not for the better!”
“Shut up!”
I had grabbed my head with both hands making the card fall lifelessly to the table as I clenched at me long hair bringing it in front of my face trying to mask my eyes with the foolish thoughts that it would actually get rid of her.
“You don’t know what you’re talking about!”
“Oh I think I do, and I think you’re scared to hear the truth! Do you honestly think you can go toe to toe with WCF’s World Heavyweight Champion on your own and come out victorious? You’re delusional child! You’re nothing without me; you’ve never been anything credible unless I’ve been at your side!”
“Then what should I do? Let you take over and endanger my family? I’m not doing that!”
“Please, you play this card every time and yet you know the answer that follows! They are my family too Chelsea, have you never noticed that while you have Seifer his dark side lingers towards yours? We are one in the same! I’m here to get the job done and show people that you are more than a puppet in the games that have been played against you.”
“Every time you come into my life, someone else gets hurt.”
“But is it ever you? Seifer? Shelley? Have I ever endangered those you care most about? You know the answer to this Chelsea, you know you can’t deny the truth that is falling from my black lips…you need me…you want to feel me again.”
“I do but…”
“But nothing, you need me if you’re going to stand any change at all in this match. You heard Seifer, Fly is a snake that has slithered his way through WCF. He is sneaky and deceiving…that is what you need to be if you’re going to play on his level.”
“But what about recently? Hasn’t he been going to see a therapist? Didn’t just last week he say he didn’t want to hurt people anymore?”
“Didn’t you once say that as well?”
“But…but he said he’s going to change…what if he’s different than when he faced Seifer?”
“Chelsea…you should know better than anyone that those feelings that come to you when you hurt or kill people never go away. He might be trying to change but we both know that all it will take it once slip up and he’ll be going down the same path he was before. Unlike him, you’re slip will be intentional…we need you to slip Chelsea, we need you to embrace what you have and show a side that not even your closest friends have seen before. What we have is a power that has been pushed back for far all long…it’s time to do what you came to do Chelsea…let me out…show them who you truly are.”
“How?”
“Leave that up to me sweetheart, you know how much I like playing games.”
“Promise?”
“I promise…now do what you have to do…my plan is already in the works.”
A deep breath rushed through my lips sending my head to fall against the table as I kept my eyes closed hungry to feel the power of her touch. In a single movement my hand reached for the business card tucking it securely in my pocket as I moved across the floor then stepping in front of a small glass mirror rested right by the door. Slowly I opened my eyes seeing her sweet color smiling back at me as I opened the door letting her lead me where she needed to go.
“I’m ready.”
