Post by russellmorris on Jul 19, 2011 18:37:35 GMT -5
*Russell Morris sits in the rocker on his back porch with a cigar in his left hand, a glass of scotch on the table next to him, feet propped up on the railing and the radio playing “No Diggity” by Blackstreet. Instead of the finest clothes, Russell is just in a Texas football t-shirt and athletic shorts. Russell nods his head with the beat. After the chorus, he begins quietly singing along with the song. When the second verse starts, he begins singing full-out, faking being able to carry a tune in a bucket as well as he can. When he begins to almost dance in the chair, Annabelle emerges onto the back porch in a long black robe. Instead of stopping, Russell looks right at her and starts singing to her, causing her to roll her eyes. Russell reaches over to turn down the radio.*
Russell: What?!
Annabelle: What the hell are you doing out here?
Russell: Anna, it’s the ritual. Always has been, always will be. A victory cigar and a glass of scotch, it’s a family thing. Today is today, tomorrow is tomorrow.
Annabelle: Alright. You know I was thinking about what we gotta do tomorrow…
Russell: We’ll take Mikey to the airport and then go to the gym. (Carrying on as if he knows what Annabelle is about to say) Yes, I know this is my first shot at championship gold. Yes, I’ll take it seriously. Yes, we’ll win the World Television Title next Monday.
Annabelle: That’s fine Russ, but *running her fingers across the sash on her robe.* Mikey is still at his little girlfriend’s house.
Russell: (Confused, unaware of what she is doing as he takes another puff of his cigar) Yeah, something wrong with that?
Annabelle: Oh no, nothing at all. *Looking at Russ’s ashtray* Can I get a puff off that cigar?
Russell: Yeah
*Reaching down to ash the cigar before handing it to her. When he turns back around, the camera switches to over her shoulder where the robe has dropped. He turns back and his jaw drops. He stammers, looking for words. Before he can find any, she begins.*
Annabelle: *Pointing at his hand and slyly.* That wasn’t what I was talking about.
*She picks up her robe, flings over her shoulder and walks into the house. Russell is still in a stupor. He shakes out the cobwebs, extinguishes his cigar in the ashtray, finishes his scotch and runs inside.*
…Play on Playette. Play on, play on, because I like it
*The next morning, Mikey walks into the house. As he heads towards the kitchen, he steps over a t-shirt and a robe which lead to a trail of more clothes down the hallway. Mikey pours himself a glass of milk and bowl of Honey Nut Cheerios. He takes his breakfast out onto the porch, afraid to wake up his cousin, and turns on the radio. About thirty minutes later, Russell stumbles out onto the porch, hair matted in some spots, standing on end in others, a pair of gym shorts and an old workout shirt.*
Mikey: *turning down the radio.* Sorry cuz. Didn’t mean to wake you.
Russell: *shaking his head* No no no bud. You’re fine.
Mikey: *looking at his cousin.* So…rough night?
Russell: *stretching his neck* It was something. And what about you? How long have you been here?
Mikey: *looking at his phone* Ohhh, about half hour or so. *Russell turns his head to the side like a dog listening to a high-pitched sound.* Well, after the show went off last night, I was gonna come back but I couldn’t remember how to get back here.
Russell: *confused* It’s just one left turn.
Mikey: *attempting to cover* Yeah, but your house kinda sneaks up on you.
Russell: *it begins to hit him, but he wants to play along* With a Texas flag on the mailbox?
Mikey: *Russell smirks and Mikey knows the jig is up.* Fine, Emily’s parents were in Philadelphia for the night. Show went off and, umm, one thing started, led to another.
Russell: *Puts his hand up to stop Mikey. He shakes his head in mocking disapproval while reaching out his hand to give Mikey a fist bump.* Fifteen, *turning to go get breakfast.* Hell yeah you’re a Morris.
*Russell goes into the house to get himself some breakfast. He walks back out with a cup of coffee some toast with butter on it. He sits in the other rocker next to Mikey. The radio softly plays in the background as Mikey breaks the silence between the two.*
Mikey: Oh, I forgot to congratulate you on winnin’ last night and keeping your job up here.
Russell: Thanks little man. You hear about my next match?
Mikey: Yeah, TV title, huh?
Russell: Yeah, it’s a step. I ‘spose it is just the first on my way up the ladder.
Mikey: Hell, everybody’s gotta get a start with some sorta title. Gonna make you third best in that company.
*Russell turns his head down looking a Mikey with a “What?!” look and the two share a laugh. Mikey looks at his phone.*
Mikey: Well, I’m gonna finish packing up my stuff so I can get out of here and get back to Denton.
Russell: Alright man.
*Mikey takes his bowl and glass into the kitchen. Russell turns the radio up a little bit and finishes his breakfast. About an hour later, Russell, Annabelle and Mikey are all at the airport. Mikey first hugs Annabelle, then his cousin.*
Russell: *While hugging his cousin.* Alright man, good to get to spend some time with ya.
Mikey: *As the two release the embrace.* Yeah. Thanks for all your help on my project, in the ring, and outside it. *Both smirk as Annabelle looks at Russell. Looking at his phone.* Well, I better get on through security. *Reaching his hand out to shake Russell’s.* Later cuz.
*Russell grabs his hand to shake, then pulls Mikey into another embrace. Russell and Annabelle wish Mikey goodbye as he walks into the Lancaster Airport terminal. Russell and Annabelle get into the Tahoe and drive towards the gym in Lancaster. Russell emerges from the locker room in the same workout shirts and shorts he had on earlier. He and Annabelle begin working out. About a half hour later, Russell goes to get water from the juice bar. He gets the bottles and walks back towards where he and Annabelle had been working out. When he rounds the corner, he sees a tan guy with spiky black hair and a muscle shirt who is most likely on steroids. Annabelle is blowing him off, but the guy won’t take the hint. Russell decides to take it upon his self.*
Russell: *pushing this guy’s shoulder back* Can I help you with something?
Other Guy: (To Annabelle) This guy give you a problem?
Russell: No, I’m giving you a problem.
Other Guy: *realizing who it is* Hey, I know you. You’re one of them wrestlers from TV. What is it, Russell Morris? *Morris steps back, looking up at the ceiling, then back at the guy* Man, that wrestling stuff is so fake is ridiculous, especially if your fat ass can do it. *Russell glares at the guy as a crowd of the guy’s workout buddies have gathered around the commotion.* I just figured she deserved to see a real man. *Annabelle shoots the guy the same glare as Russell.* Can’t help you’re jealous of this body. *Russell grabs Annabelle’s shoulder turning her as they leave. The guy grabs Russell’s shoulder and turns him back around.* Whoa, what, you leaving because you know your girl would rather be with this beefcake than your fat, fake athlete ass?
Crowd: Yeah! Tell ‘em Nicky! Kick his ass!
Russell: Whatever you say mamaluke?
Nicky: *shoving Russell* Whatchu call me?
Annabelle: *As Russell gets more in Nicky’s face, she steps between the two.* Russ! Let’s go!
Russell: *guiding Annabelle to his side.* You heard me guido?
Nicky: *flung into a rage, he looks and sees the boxing/wrestling ring* In there, right now.
*The crowd of people follows Nicky to the ring as they step in. The management of the gym has seen this scuffle and wants to step in before it escalates. Russell stops them, pulls out his wallet and hands the manager $500, promising if anything happens, he will back the gym. The manager reluctantly agrees, however, Annabelle is a different story.*
Annabelle: What the HELL do you think you’re doing?
Russell: Babe, relax…
Annabelle: RELAX?! Do you realize what you’re doing?
Russell: Yeah, training.
*His smug look is met with a disapproving leer from Annabelle. She motions him towards the ring though, letting him fight his own battles. He steps through the ropes. One of Nicky’s friends at ringside rings the small bell next to him. Russell stretches his neck side-to-side and gets in both hands up to begin. As Russell goes for the tie-up, Nicky jacks him in the jaw, dropping Russell to one knee. Annabelle winces, Nicky backs up to celebrate dropping the pro wrestler with one punch. Russell straightens out his jaw and gets to a vertical basis. He removes his shirt and throws it Annabelle.*
Nicky: *motioning mockingly afraid* OOOOO, I’m so scared.
*Russell doesn’t acknowledge his comment. He comes set and the two circle, eventually locking up. Nicky tries to back Russell in, but Russell puts on the brakes, then backs Nicky into the opposite corner. As Nicky’s friends yell at Morris for the clean break, he backs out, hands in the air, before giving Nicky a stiff knee in the midsection. Russell then wraps Nicky’s overly muscular right arm around the top ring rope. As Nicky cries out in pain, Russell just applies more pressure. Russell finally unwraps the arm, only to pull Nicky into a stiff short clothesline. Russell shakes his wrist loose before picking up the stunned instigator. Russell shoves Nicky hard into the corner. So hard in fact, that Nicky stumbles back out into the waiting arms of Russell, who plants Nicky with a spinebuster, knocking the wind out of his impromptu opponent. Nicky looks towards his friends who are in a stunned silence. Russell slaps Nicky across the face, adding insult to injury. With Nicky rolling onto his stomach, Russell applies a hammerlock to Nicky. Russell then uses his leverage to drive his knee into the wrenched arm of his opponent.
Russell: Wanna give up? *Nicky just grunts and groans, but doesn’t say a word one way or the other.* Okay. Just remember, you brought this on yourself.
*Russell keeps a knee in Nicky’s back, but lifts Nicky’s arm vertically. Leaving his knee in the back, Russell looks out, then falls back quickly, nearly ripping the arm out of socket. Nicky rolls around, clutching his right arm and screaming in pain. Some of his friends are trying to convince him to get out of the ring, but he won’t listen. Russell goes into the corner with Annabelle and drapes himself over it while talking to her. Nicky tries to sneak attack Russell, but Russell ducks. As Nicky hangs over the ropes, Russell chop blocks Nicky. Nicky falls back in the ring, clutching his knee.*
Russell: Damn boy, you just won’t learn.
*Russell grabs the right leg of Nicky, rips it to the inside three times before finally throwing himself backwards. He repeats this process two more times.*
Russell: *looking to Annabelle* Think its time?
*She nods and Russell picks up Nicky’s right leg, spins around it, applies the Figure Four and falls back. Nicky screams in pain. Russell keeps wrenching the hold*
Russell: You know what to do to make me stop!
*Finally, Nicky slaps the mat in submission. Russell finally breaks it and stands over his fallen victim.*
Russell: Yeah, real fake, huh? Go tell your friends how fake it is. *looking at the friends and holding them at bay* Anyone else?
*After they all back away from ringside, Russell walks over to Annabelle and asks for his wallet. She gives it to him, after which he opens it, pulls out a twenty, and tosses it back to her. He walks out to where Nicky is still writhing in pain.*
Russell: *tossing the twenty on Nicky’s chest.* Thanks for the tune-up kid. Use that money to buy yourself something not offensive to my all of my senses. And think of it this way, you gotta story for your grandchildren one day. Got made a fool of by the greatest.
*Russell steps through the ropes, drops to the floor and walks out with a now more relaxed Annabelle. As the scene fades out, Russell speaks softly under his breath.*
Russell: Ryan…Kaylyn…*smirking* they ain’t gotta Chinaman’s chance in hell.
Russell: What?!
Annabelle: What the hell are you doing out here?
Russell: Anna, it’s the ritual. Always has been, always will be. A victory cigar and a glass of scotch, it’s a family thing. Today is today, tomorrow is tomorrow.
Annabelle: Alright. You know I was thinking about what we gotta do tomorrow…
Russell: We’ll take Mikey to the airport and then go to the gym. (Carrying on as if he knows what Annabelle is about to say) Yes, I know this is my first shot at championship gold. Yes, I’ll take it seriously. Yes, we’ll win the World Television Title next Monday.
Annabelle: That’s fine Russ, but *running her fingers across the sash on her robe.* Mikey is still at his little girlfriend’s house.
Russell: (Confused, unaware of what she is doing as he takes another puff of his cigar) Yeah, something wrong with that?
Annabelle: Oh no, nothing at all. *Looking at Russ’s ashtray* Can I get a puff off that cigar?
Russell: Yeah
*Reaching down to ash the cigar before handing it to her. When he turns back around, the camera switches to over her shoulder where the robe has dropped. He turns back and his jaw drops. He stammers, looking for words. Before he can find any, she begins.*
Annabelle: *Pointing at his hand and slyly.* That wasn’t what I was talking about.
*She picks up her robe, flings over her shoulder and walks into the house. Russell is still in a stupor. He shakes out the cobwebs, extinguishes his cigar in the ashtray, finishes his scotch and runs inside.*
…Play on Playette. Play on, play on, because I like it
*The next morning, Mikey walks into the house. As he heads towards the kitchen, he steps over a t-shirt and a robe which lead to a trail of more clothes down the hallway. Mikey pours himself a glass of milk and bowl of Honey Nut Cheerios. He takes his breakfast out onto the porch, afraid to wake up his cousin, and turns on the radio. About thirty minutes later, Russell stumbles out onto the porch, hair matted in some spots, standing on end in others, a pair of gym shorts and an old workout shirt.*
Mikey: *turning down the radio.* Sorry cuz. Didn’t mean to wake you.
Russell: *shaking his head* No no no bud. You’re fine.
Mikey: *looking at his cousin.* So…rough night?
Russell: *stretching his neck* It was something. And what about you? How long have you been here?
Mikey: *looking at his phone* Ohhh, about half hour or so. *Russell turns his head to the side like a dog listening to a high-pitched sound.* Well, after the show went off last night, I was gonna come back but I couldn’t remember how to get back here.
Russell: *confused* It’s just one left turn.
Mikey: *attempting to cover* Yeah, but your house kinda sneaks up on you.
Russell: *it begins to hit him, but he wants to play along* With a Texas flag on the mailbox?
Mikey: *Russell smirks and Mikey knows the jig is up.* Fine, Emily’s parents were in Philadelphia for the night. Show went off and, umm, one thing started, led to another.
Russell: *Puts his hand up to stop Mikey. He shakes his head in mocking disapproval while reaching out his hand to give Mikey a fist bump.* Fifteen, *turning to go get breakfast.* Hell yeah you’re a Morris.
*Russell goes into the house to get himself some breakfast. He walks back out with a cup of coffee some toast with butter on it. He sits in the other rocker next to Mikey. The radio softly plays in the background as Mikey breaks the silence between the two.*
Mikey: Oh, I forgot to congratulate you on winnin’ last night and keeping your job up here.
Russell: Thanks little man. You hear about my next match?
Mikey: Yeah, TV title, huh?
Russell: Yeah, it’s a step. I ‘spose it is just the first on my way up the ladder.
Mikey: Hell, everybody’s gotta get a start with some sorta title. Gonna make you third best in that company.
*Russell turns his head down looking a Mikey with a “What?!” look and the two share a laugh. Mikey looks at his phone.*
Mikey: Well, I’m gonna finish packing up my stuff so I can get out of here and get back to Denton.
Russell: Alright man.
*Mikey takes his bowl and glass into the kitchen. Russell turns the radio up a little bit and finishes his breakfast. About an hour later, Russell, Annabelle and Mikey are all at the airport. Mikey first hugs Annabelle, then his cousin.*
Russell: *While hugging his cousin.* Alright man, good to get to spend some time with ya.
Mikey: *As the two release the embrace.* Yeah. Thanks for all your help on my project, in the ring, and outside it. *Both smirk as Annabelle looks at Russell. Looking at his phone.* Well, I better get on through security. *Reaching his hand out to shake Russell’s.* Later cuz.
*Russell grabs his hand to shake, then pulls Mikey into another embrace. Russell and Annabelle wish Mikey goodbye as he walks into the Lancaster Airport terminal. Russell and Annabelle get into the Tahoe and drive towards the gym in Lancaster. Russell emerges from the locker room in the same workout shirts and shorts he had on earlier. He and Annabelle begin working out. About a half hour later, Russell goes to get water from the juice bar. He gets the bottles and walks back towards where he and Annabelle had been working out. When he rounds the corner, he sees a tan guy with spiky black hair and a muscle shirt who is most likely on steroids. Annabelle is blowing him off, but the guy won’t take the hint. Russell decides to take it upon his self.*
Russell: *pushing this guy’s shoulder back* Can I help you with something?
Other Guy: (To Annabelle) This guy give you a problem?
Russell: No, I’m giving you a problem.
Other Guy: *realizing who it is* Hey, I know you. You’re one of them wrestlers from TV. What is it, Russell Morris? *Morris steps back, looking up at the ceiling, then back at the guy* Man, that wrestling stuff is so fake is ridiculous, especially if your fat ass can do it. *Russell glares at the guy as a crowd of the guy’s workout buddies have gathered around the commotion.* I just figured she deserved to see a real man. *Annabelle shoots the guy the same glare as Russell.* Can’t help you’re jealous of this body. *Russell grabs Annabelle’s shoulder turning her as they leave. The guy grabs Russell’s shoulder and turns him back around.* Whoa, what, you leaving because you know your girl would rather be with this beefcake than your fat, fake athlete ass?
Crowd: Yeah! Tell ‘em Nicky! Kick his ass!
Russell: Whatever you say mamaluke?
Nicky: *shoving Russell* Whatchu call me?
Annabelle: *As Russell gets more in Nicky’s face, she steps between the two.* Russ! Let’s go!
Russell: *guiding Annabelle to his side.* You heard me guido?
Nicky: *flung into a rage, he looks and sees the boxing/wrestling ring* In there, right now.
*The crowd of people follows Nicky to the ring as they step in. The management of the gym has seen this scuffle and wants to step in before it escalates. Russell stops them, pulls out his wallet and hands the manager $500, promising if anything happens, he will back the gym. The manager reluctantly agrees, however, Annabelle is a different story.*
Annabelle: What the HELL do you think you’re doing?
Russell: Babe, relax…
Annabelle: RELAX?! Do you realize what you’re doing?
Russell: Yeah, training.
*His smug look is met with a disapproving leer from Annabelle. She motions him towards the ring though, letting him fight his own battles. He steps through the ropes. One of Nicky’s friends at ringside rings the small bell next to him. Russell stretches his neck side-to-side and gets in both hands up to begin. As Russell goes for the tie-up, Nicky jacks him in the jaw, dropping Russell to one knee. Annabelle winces, Nicky backs up to celebrate dropping the pro wrestler with one punch. Russell straightens out his jaw and gets to a vertical basis. He removes his shirt and throws it Annabelle.*
Nicky: *motioning mockingly afraid* OOOOO, I’m so scared.
*Russell doesn’t acknowledge his comment. He comes set and the two circle, eventually locking up. Nicky tries to back Russell in, but Russell puts on the brakes, then backs Nicky into the opposite corner. As Nicky’s friends yell at Morris for the clean break, he backs out, hands in the air, before giving Nicky a stiff knee in the midsection. Russell then wraps Nicky’s overly muscular right arm around the top ring rope. As Nicky cries out in pain, Russell just applies more pressure. Russell finally unwraps the arm, only to pull Nicky into a stiff short clothesline. Russell shakes his wrist loose before picking up the stunned instigator. Russell shoves Nicky hard into the corner. So hard in fact, that Nicky stumbles back out into the waiting arms of Russell, who plants Nicky with a spinebuster, knocking the wind out of his impromptu opponent. Nicky looks towards his friends who are in a stunned silence. Russell slaps Nicky across the face, adding insult to injury. With Nicky rolling onto his stomach, Russell applies a hammerlock to Nicky. Russell then uses his leverage to drive his knee into the wrenched arm of his opponent.
Russell: Wanna give up? *Nicky just grunts and groans, but doesn’t say a word one way or the other.* Okay. Just remember, you brought this on yourself.
*Russell keeps a knee in Nicky’s back, but lifts Nicky’s arm vertically. Leaving his knee in the back, Russell looks out, then falls back quickly, nearly ripping the arm out of socket. Nicky rolls around, clutching his right arm and screaming in pain. Some of his friends are trying to convince him to get out of the ring, but he won’t listen. Russell goes into the corner with Annabelle and drapes himself over it while talking to her. Nicky tries to sneak attack Russell, but Russell ducks. As Nicky hangs over the ropes, Russell chop blocks Nicky. Nicky falls back in the ring, clutching his knee.*
Russell: Damn boy, you just won’t learn.
*Russell grabs the right leg of Nicky, rips it to the inside three times before finally throwing himself backwards. He repeats this process two more times.*
Russell: *looking to Annabelle* Think its time?
*She nods and Russell picks up Nicky’s right leg, spins around it, applies the Figure Four and falls back. Nicky screams in pain. Russell keeps wrenching the hold*
Russell: You know what to do to make me stop!
*Finally, Nicky slaps the mat in submission. Russell finally breaks it and stands over his fallen victim.*
Russell: Yeah, real fake, huh? Go tell your friends how fake it is. *looking at the friends and holding them at bay* Anyone else?
*After they all back away from ringside, Russell walks over to Annabelle and asks for his wallet. She gives it to him, after which he opens it, pulls out a twenty, and tosses it back to her. He walks out to where Nicky is still writhing in pain.*
Russell: *tossing the twenty on Nicky’s chest.* Thanks for the tune-up kid. Use that money to buy yourself something not offensive to my all of my senses. And think of it this way, you gotta story for your grandchildren one day. Got made a fool of by the greatest.
*Russell steps through the ropes, drops to the floor and walks out with a now more relaxed Annabelle. As the scene fades out, Russell speaks softly under his breath.*
Russell: Ryan…Kaylyn…*smirking* they ain’t gotta Chinaman’s chance in hell.
