I of the Storm

“The Devil I Know...”

Bobby Priscott walked the aisles of the grocery store, adjusting the racks of products – in this case cans and cans of tomato sauce and salsa. The light hanging several feet above him, on the ceiling of the big grocery store building, provided an off amber color to his surroundings – a mixture of white and yellow that few would notice unless they worked here for hours a day like he had for the last few years.

He hated this job. 

Sure, the hours were steady and the pay was so-so (minimum wage and all) but it was so damn boring! The monotony of this full-time job, wearing the stupid, green apron uniform and then working with the same people who hated their jobs as much as he did only added to the misery.

Still better than being jobless and living with mom. He reminded himself – a thought he often had to rethink when working these long, eight-hour shifts. Again, as if to cement that point, he repeated the thought in his head as he stacked a new set of cans (these ones some kind of pesto sauce) on the shelf. A few minutes of repeating action later, and the section of products refilled, the boy pushed his cart further down the aisle, all the way to the end. He was lucky this particular aisle wasn't crowded with customers and their shopping carts – no one to get in his way or ask him dumb questions because they couldn't read the signs hanging overhead of each aisle.

There's gotta be more than this... That was the second thought that held residence in his mind every shift. At twenty-six years old, Bobby had certainly not expected to be working for meagre pay at this point in his life. As he finished his current section of the aisle, the dark-skinned employee pushed his green cart along the store towards his next aisle when his eyes caught the glowing numbers of this week's lottery “winnings”. He saw the big, double-digits the illuminated the screen, promises of millions of dollars – a total change in fortune – to the lucky winner that could predict a series of six or so numbers.

Yeah...right...  he thought bitterly. He had bought a ticket every week for such contests, using only a few dollars from his bi-weekly paycheck. True, it was one in a billion, but wasn't that better than having no chance at all? He'd be able to change his life with such a chance. For a moment, the young man allowed himself to hope and dream of what he would do with such a fortune – one of his favourite things to do during his shifts – dream...

So much so that he almost ran over the woman huddled in the corner of the middle mini-fridge that held some of the juice cans and frozen foods that were on sale!

“Oh Jesus!” he cried out on instinct, his 'day-dreaming' of a rich future forgotten as the cart aggressively pushed into the leg of the woman. Immediately, Bobby pulled the cart back, practically leaping backwards. The woman, meanwhile, snapped her head up before jumping to her feet, her shopping basket (made of black plastic) staying by her white running shoes.
“I am so sorry.” Bobby spit-out in a rush, his words barely more than a jumble. “I did not see you down there-”
“That's alright – it was my fault.” the came the response of insistence. 

The woman's voice, accented of some kind -  Bobby had no idea from where – was very pleasing to the ear. Soft, gentle, no edge or snip to it. Like a lullaby mom use to sing... he decided. The situation no longer as dire as he had feared, the young man was able to take in the sight of the customer. First thing he saw was the dark blue hoodie she wore – a good size or two bigger than her frame, it seemed. It didn't match the lighter blue of the woman's blue jeans. One last check upwards, less than a second so that she wouldn't think he was staring, gave him the sight of the woman's hood covering her entire head – but a single braid of platinum-blonde hair was slipping out of the hood, seeming to highlight the white snowflakes that embroidered the shoulders of the hoodie.

“Were...” he tried to say when he realized that she was staring down at her basket nervously. “Was there something you were looking for? Or did you drop something?” he offered.

“N...No...” the woman shook her hooded head.
“Is something wrong?” he tried again. “Because you were sitting on the floor and-”
“No, I'm okay.” the soft voice shook a little as it was released from within the hoodie. “I just was having a bad moment – needed to stop and clear my head. Does that make sense?”
“Sure.” Weird place to clear your head, lady.

An awkward moment of silence came between the two, causing Bobby to turn his head down towards the woman's basket. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary to him – the woman had purchased some ground beef, cans of sauces, milk, and even a trip to the liquor section of the store. Nothing out of the ordinary – so what would she be upset about that she would lose it in a grocery store?

“Do you need me to call someone?” Given the woman's white hair, he added. “Is someone here that could take care of you?”

The hooded woman seemed to look at him for a moment before suddenly laughing at the statement. Her laugh was quiet but bright. As she calmed, she shook her head. “No, I came here by myself.” she simply stated. 

The moment Bobby had been able to see the woman's face, complete with a pair of sapphire, yet bloodshot eyes, he had realized that he had made a mistake. Despite the light hair, this woman was clearly close to his age and not some old woman that had forgotten where she was.

“Well...okay then.” He offered lamely – wanting nothing else, in that moment, than to get back to work and his 'customer-free' aisles. “If you need anything, I'll be around.”
“Thank you.” the lady offered with a smile before picking up her basket and walking past Bobby and down an aisle, allowing the boy to run down the aisle he wanted to get to to be alone with his thoughts and 'dreams of fortune'.

Of course, had he of looked closer, he would have seen the trail of tears going down the woman's face – the reason for her bloodshot eyes. Had he of followed her, he would have seen the hooded woman tug on her braid harshly with her free hand, hurting herself to try and quiet the voices in her mind. Bobby would have seen someone whose troubles far outweighed his – perhaps giving him no perspective of his stock in life.

Sadly, he didn't see any of this. Preferring to dream of his future where the woman – three aisles down - was dreading hers.

*********************************

The night before...


Selena Frost could feel the sting in her sapphire eyes, forcing her to blink them closed and rub them with the back of her hands. How long had she been staring at her computer screen? She had honestly lost track of how many emails she had written and how many drafts she had put together for her upcoming promo for the next Breakdown – where Fatal Fortunes would play out. 

It was always the same issue. She'd start off with a Royal Letter and then something knew would be said on Twitter or some new rumor would come about or she'd be sent a youtube video link to hear the latest gossip from fans and people within SCW – always something. It didn't matter each and every time, but something would come to her that would make her rethink what she had wrote until she had deleted whatever work she had put together at that point and start again from scratch.

I can't just say what everyone else is going say... she sighed. She had done that last year and she couldn't even remember what fatal fortunes had been for her. Had it been a tag match or something? Or had that been the year before that? Actually, if she thought about – the Snow Queen could not recall ANY of her previous involvements with Fatal Fortunes. She knew she had been involved with them, but unlike her feuds with Past, Present and Future, all the way back to Red Rayne and even El Vengador – she couldn't remember what she did on the yearly event that filled up two weeks worth of Breakdown episodes.

True, she could look it up and be reminded, but that wasn't really the point. It means I've not done something worthwhile to remember it. Nothing new or exciting or anything!

And she refused to blame anyone but herself for that. She had often played the same kind of promo every other year (those she HAD looked up to refresh her memory). Always “I'll hope for the best!” and it was true, but how many people were going with that “fortune favours the brave” or “luck favours the prepared” set of lines? There were so many promos already aired across SCW's website that had used cliched lines like that. Cliched lines that SHE had used year after year.

Which left her in her current state – staring at a blank, white screen of her Word processor. 

Do I talk about title shots? Odds of those?
Fighting a certain superstar?

Her hands moved to her temples to rub them aggressively. This was not supposed to be this hard. Writing promos, like her Royal Letter or outlines for her Frozen Central segments, was one of her favourite things to do. She would go on walks, waiting for inspiration to hit her on approach and how best to promote SCW and its events. Then, she would just write her thoughts.

But right now, her thoughts were so bland. So...so cliche... so...so like everyone else.

The irony, in that moment, was not lost on the Snow Queen. For so many years, since childhood, she had wished on every star – even those that were non-shooting/falling – to be just like everyone else. Accepted as a person and not shunned for her beliefs or her appearance or anything of the sort. Hell, even when Platinum had turned on her and set out to make her life miserable, she had still wished for people to see her as she was, not what vile picture Regan or Sienna painted her as. Acceptance... that had been the word.

And yet, right now, there she was, trying to think of some way to stand out from the crowd – more so than just her appearance and abilities.

With a huff of an exhale, Selena ran her hands through her mane of platinum-blonde hair as she pushed herself out of her leather chair and paced around her circular office in the basement of her Manhattan house, trying to get her thoughts together by simply moving around the room.

Say the opposite of what is being said. 

What? That it DOESN'T matter? That the event doesn't matter or it doesn't matter what you get? What kind of promoting is that? 

What about beyond fatal fortunes? What would you do if fortune favours you?

Even Mr. D. is waiting to see how the shows end before putting any plans in place – no one knows what could happen!

It was infuriating! She had a dozen or so ideas of where to go but they all ended up with the same cliched line. Hoping and hoping and hoping for luck to be on her side.

“Come on!” she growled to herself as she paced around the room, her head abuzz. “If you're REALLY 'The Face of SCW', then you had better come up with something!”

“Talking to yourself?”

The voice came from the entry-way/exit of her office/study, causing Selena to turn around – or rather spin around on her foot. She almost lost her balance as her sarong swirled around her legs. The black tank-top she wore stayed in place but she had to pull the long, blonde hair out of her eyes as she saw the short-haired redhead smiling at her.

“Should I be worried?” she purred playfully as she leaned against the door frame.
“About me? Maybe later.” Selena sighed, tucking several strands of hair behind her ears. “I'm not going Gio on you.”

Deanna gave a roll of her eyes. “I hope not.” she stated. “Anyway, the kids are asleep.” 
“Oh good.” Selena replied without really hearing what Deanna was saying. As she continued to pace around the room. “Did they give you any trouble?”

Instead of an answer, the Snow Queen was suddenly stopped by a wall of softness as Deanna pushed herself against her wife's toned form. 

“Selena.” she stated with emphasis. “The kids. Are. Asleep.” 

She did not allow her wife time to respond, pressing her soft lips against Selena's. Initially caught off-guard, the platinum-blonde quickly recovered, wrapping her arms around Deanna's smaller frame and pulling her close to her. It was a second before her logic took over, and her brain, buzzing as it was, sent up warning flares! 

She's kissing you! She's going to find out!

Pretending to break the kiss to breathe, Selena eyed her wife. “Here? In the office?”

Deanna shrugged. “We have before – but I'm not picky. Bedroom? If you're worried about noise, we could go to the pool house.”

Selena, meanwhile, was scanning the room, the complete uneasiness she felt at being intimate with Deanna here. “Well, I just...” she started.
“What is it?” Deanna asked. “Are you busy?”
“No...yes...” Selena sighed, gently pushing herself away from her wife. “I can't stop thinking about work.”

A groan of irritation came from the redhead as she heard that. “That's not new.” she sighed. “You worried about Fatal Fortunes?”
“Just the promo, I guess.” Selena shrugged. “Actually, I really don't care what I get. Even if it's a show-opener.”
“Ouch. That would make certain people happy.” Deanna replied. “Selena at the opening of the show?”

Selena shrugged. “It's...” she didn't know how to express her thoughts right away, taking a moment to just walk around the room. “It's hard to get too excited about this. It's never really been something I remember the last few years and it's kind of pointless when you literally have a means to get any match you want at any time in the year.”

“So? Say that.” Deanna offered.
“Oh yeah! That will look good.” Selena shook her head as she walked around her desk. “These shows don't matter to me because I have the means to hit the jackpot without it.”
“So just be happy with what you get.” Deanna offered.

“Deanna...” Selena paused, running both hands through her hair. “I'm supposed to be 'The Face of SCW'. I can't just pass off on a match. I should be – I don't know – doing something creative to promote it! Something more.”
“You're not a clown, Selena.” Deanna offered gently. “Whatever you do – you do in the ring.”

The Snow Queen shrugged her shoulders. “I guess...I'm just... I don't know – I feel like more is expected of me.”
“You expect too much of yourself.” Deanna stated, moving around to take one of Selena's slender hands into both of hers. “If it really doesn't matter to you who you face or what happens, then just be happy that you're going to compete again. Be happy with whatever or whomever you face. And when it's done, you'll have a better idea of what is coming next.”

Selena sighed and nodded her head – at least to please her wife. Deanna couldn't possibly understand. She had done something a few weeks ago that she hadn't ever recalled doing. 

Main-evented a pay-per-view over the World Champion. 

It had stunned her when the news had hit that day of Apocalypse, SCW's last pay-per-view. The callsheet had been posted on the wall and there it was, in black and white: 

Main-event: Selena Frost vs. Giovanni Aries.

Placed after Sienna Swann facing Alistaire Allocco for the World Title. She had needed to read it five times to make sure she hadn't been hallucinating. She hadn't been. Her match was being placed after the world title match. 

And while it may not have been much to anyone else – probably no one really cared except for many a jealous few – to Selena, her brain had practically been on fire with Mr. Dracheywch's promise over a month ago.

Your best is not behind you...

She had trained so much harder, fought so much harder, to prove that – to believe that. She had beaten Alistaire before Sienna had. She had knocked out AJ Helms in a straight match – defeating the man that was seen as 'the new future of SCW' if PPF were to be believed. And then Apocalypse had happened... and now? People were lumping her into the notion of the United States Title – the title Regan Street had claimed Selena would “never hold”. All because she had said she wanted to complete 'personal goals'. A simple sentence and she was already in talks with the second highest title in SCW! 

She couldn't just follow all of that with something as benign as “I'm happy to be here”. It would be so lame. So undeserving of those that were talking about her – the True-Believers – the SCW staff that were calling her 'The Face of SCW' and even considering her as a possibility for the United States Title.

The Snow Queen easily became lost in those thoughts – so much so that she did not realize that her wife was kissing her fully again until Deanna had pulled back, her eyes filled with alarm. Snapping back to reality, Selena's eyes widened as she regarded her wife, who was wearing a simple silver nightgown – how had Selena not noticed that? She loved that gown on her wife – almost as much as Deanna wearing nothing.

“What is it?” Selena asked in a rush. “I'm sorry – did I not kiss you back? My mind was elsewhere -”
“Selena.”

Deanna's voice was suddenly devoid of desire and playful intonations as her emerald-green eyes stared into Selena's sapphire ones. Her small hands, which had, just moments ago, touched Selena's hands and body with such gentleness and need, were now clenched into fists at her sides. 

Her next words were like needles into Selena's heart and spine: “Why do I taste alcohol on your tongue?” 

Crap...

“And why did I smell it on your breath?”

Crap crap crap crap crap crap crap crap! Selena's brain stammered the singular word over and over again. This was why she wanted to avoid being so intimate with her wife! Especially here! 

“Deanna...” Selena slowly spoke but her beloved cut her off quick.
“Have you been drinking?” 

Her voice wasn't accusatory or angry – it was scared. And Selena could see that fear in her wife's eyes as she rushed towards the platinum-blonde. “You have to tell me if you are, Selena. I need you to be honest with me!”
“Deanna...I...”
“No, don't pass this off if it's something. Remember NX?”

Selena's eyes slammed shut at the memory. The painkiller her mother and that damn doctor had gotten her hooked on. How easily she had become addicted to that damn drug. She hated her mother and Doctor Paracelsus for that!

Yet, she knew it had been just as much her fault as it had been Anastasia's and her associate. Paracelsus had warned her about the risks – the potential side-effects – but Selena had been younger, naive, obsessed with looking strong and unbreakable in SCW – which she was far from. Regan fracturing her ribs had scared Selena to her core – she had not wanted to look weak as the SCW world champion. So, she had taken more than she should have. And Deanna had almost paid the price for it, herself.

It was your fault for almost killing her.
Just like it was your fault Sirus...I... was killed.

Selena's eyes flashed away to the corner of the room behind Deanna. Sure enough, standing there, with the same sick, twisted glare was Evangeline DeWinter's deceased daughter, Sirus. Her white hair and gangly appearance was still haunting, but now...

Now... as Selena took in the sight of her haunter, she saw a difference. Sirus grin – the twisted, crooked smirk, like that of a monster – a predator... Selena had seen it before.

On Giovanni Aries...

“Die, Lizard King!” the phantom hissed, but it was in Giovanni's voice, just as it had been that night a few weeks ago in Chicago, when he leaped off that platform with the intent to...to...

Kill me...

Selena's eyes slammed shut and she pushed herself away from Deanna – though she only wanted to get away from Sirus – turning her back to both of them as she fought the urge to shatter into pieces.

“Selena!” begged Deanna, taking the few steps closer to Selena, but the Snow Queen spun around, holding her hands up.
“I'm fine, Deanna.” Selena said as confidently as she could fake. “I've not been drinking. You know how I feel about that part of my life.”
“But...” Deanna's eyes were scanning Selena's, as well as the rest of the Snow Queen's body – Selena had been scrutinized by those emerald orbs long enough to know when it was happening. Deanna was looking for any signs of guile – any reason to suspect she was being lied to.

Don't give her one... her mind screamed.
GIVE HER ONE! Sirus hissed – her voice now a mixture of hers and the Mad Hatter of SCW.

“I know what I tasted and smelled.” Deanna reasoned.
“Deanna, didn't you have a glass of red wine tonight?” Selena offered. “I think it was your first one since Ami was born.”

“I...” Deanna's cheeks turned a slight red. “No. I just used it for a reduction tonight.”
“Oh come on.” Selena said playfully with a teasing smile – though she felt none of those emotions. “You can't pull that one on me. You expect me to believe that you didn't 'help yourself' to a sip? Hmm?”

“But...” Deanna reasoned, but her blush only grew. “I didn't drink that much. Just a sip – and that wasn't what I smelled-”

“Deanna.” Selena sighed, taking a step back from her wife but taking the redhead's hands firmly into hers. “Given the last few weeks and...what happened outside and with the club – maybe I've not been myself as much. I've had alot on my mind with things – I'm still terrified of what the Frosts are going to do to us. I'm constantly worried about messing up in SCW... and maybe I've tried to deal with those things myself. Maybe that was wrong of me. Because I can see now where that has lead your mind.”

“I...” Deanna had no counter for this. Selena was beyond concentrated on keeping her words clear and her mind as focused as possible on her single task: fooling Deanna. “I just don't want this to happen again.”
“Me neither.” Selena stated as evenly as she could. “I hated being addicted to that, and then to NX. But... I assure you... I am not going to lose myself to those demons again.”
“You promise?”

Selena spine went stiff and she saw Sirus' grin widen to almost inhuman lengths. Yes... it hissed at Selena. Promise her. Lie to her!

“I promise.” Selena breathed, feeling her heart finally shatter at the words, replacing everything with a cold, numbness that was all too familiar to the Snow Queen. “And I promise that if I ever do, I will tell you.”

As if to prove her point, Selena gently twirled her wife with her hand, surprising Deanna, who played along purely out of instinct. The Snow Queen pulled her wife to her before dipping her low, like she often did when they danced. “See?” she stated. “If I were drinking, could I possibly do that?”
“I don't know?” Deanna teased – convinced. “I've only seen you drunk once.”
“Yeah, I'm no fun drunk. Remember?”

“Disagree.” Deanna countered, pulling herself up to press her lips to Selena's. This time, however, Selena kept her lips sealed shut – a closed lip kiss – and held her breath so as not to breath at all on Deanna. Just as her lungs were about to burn and burst from holding her breath that long, Deanna broke the kiss, allowing Selena to pull her wife up and quietly exhale without alerting Deanna.

“Now...can we continue where we left off?” the redhead offered.
“In...” Selena thought quickly. “In a moment. You go upstairs and I'll be there shortly. I just had an idea for my promo!”
“From a kiss and talking about alcohol?”
“Sure!” Selena faked a smile. “Old demons, that sort of thing! It's perfect. Just let me get these ideas down and then...” she looked up to wiggle her eyebrows at her wife teasingly. “I'll get down on you.”

Deanna's eyes widened at her wife's brazen statement, but the blush to her cheeks told Selena just how much the idea was thrilling to the redhead, who scampered out of the room. The Snow Queen did not move as she heard the sounds of her wife rushing up the two sets of stairs. Did not move until those sounds were gone.

It was only a few seconds after that that the former world champion took a deep breath and walked towards the long bookshelf that stretched around the entire office in a circular banner. Reaching the left section, Selena quickly tugged at the novel “The Snow Queen” by Hans Christen Anderson, instantly unlocking the latch that opened the secret door she had often used for various reasons. Slipping into the secret room, Selena's eyes immediately rested on her wrestling accomplishments:

Replicas of the titles she had won.
Photos of some of her greatest career moments thus far.
The tournament trophies she had acquired.

The latest item added was a framed copy of her Tournament Trios contract. Selena's eyes sought it out. There it was, framed and hanging on the wall. Her name was there in bold as “Trios Tournament Winner: Selena Frost”.

She took the necessary steps to walk towards the frame and, reaching out with her hands, she removed it from the wall to reveal a safe inside the wall. The fingers of her free hand moved quickly, turning the dial left and right until the safe opened easily. Inside, Selena's eyes gazed at some personal items of her. Certain family photos (in case the ones upstairs were ever ruined), personal data files on Malcolm Scythe (one of the many copies that existed for her family's safety)...

And an empty bottle of Crown Royal.

Closing her eyes, the coldness flowing through her veins, Selena reached into the safe and pulled the empty bottle out. Placing the Trios plaque down, she used her newly freed hand to close the vault door before placing the plaque back on top of it. That accomplished, Selena held the empty, glass bottle in her hands, turning it over and over again, her fingertips feeling the smooth contours of the designed glass.

SMASH!

The room was silent after that. No, Selena had not dropped the bottle after turning it so many times in her hands. Rather, she had simply looked at the bare, concrete wall on the other side of the secret room and thrown the damn thing with all she had, watching the pitiful substance shatter without any hesitation. The pieces fell to the ground, flying their merry way, released from the confines of uniform pattern.

She had just watched it all happen, as if in slow motion.

Because she was lying. She was drinking. She could admit that in this room. She was drinking again and she wasn't planning on stopping any time soon. She couldn't. 

Because Deanna just didn't understand.

This wasn't some addiction like it had been back in Nome. And this wasn't some innate fear of “looking weak” like it had been with the NX. 

No, Selena was awakening her old demon in order to shut up the one that was haunting her now. When she was facing the demon of her addiction, she could control it, ignore it. 

Sirus was not so easy. Sirus haunted her every time she felt even remotely at peace. Only the buzz of alcohol or the adrenaline of SCW could distract her enough to keep her locked away in a dark corner of her mind. Other than that, Sirus was a demon Selena had no idea how to beat.

But she could control her addiction.

She only needed a little to quiet Sirus. Only a little to shut the voices up. Long as it didn't get worse, it was the best situation. The devil I know... Selena had told herself. At least until Sirus went away, then she would stop again and lay her known demon to rest once and for all.

Yet, as she spied the shatters of glass on the floor, she could not help but feel the self-revulsion that filled her gut. That she was hiding this from Deanna – just like before. Except this wasn't addiction – this was KEEPING her from giving in and taking drugs or losing her mind. This was keeping her in the realm of reality – where Sirus hated Selena being.

“It's for the best...” Selena whispered, the cold sweeping in after her moment of rage in throwing the bottle. It did not take long for the Snow Queen to find a broom and dustpan, quickly sweeping up the glass pieces and placing them in a bag. She would have to take that bag with her when she left  day after tomorrow for Breakdown, so that Deanna wouldn't accidentally find the pieces, but it was a simple matter.

Carefully, she sneaked the bag out of the house, placing it in the back of her 'galaxy-designed' car. She was grateful the first show of Fatal Fortunes was being held in Buffalo, only about six hours of a drive from her home. Just as quietly, she sneaked back into the house just in time to see Sirus standing at the foot of the steps, her wrinkled, white arms leaning over the stair-rail. 

Selena stopped when she saw the phantom, narrowing her eyes at the ghost as she then cast her eyes upstairs to where her bedroom – where Deanna – was waiting.

“Not a word.” she whispered in a hiss to Sirus. “You've done enough today.”
“Clearly not.” the creature whispered back. “You're still alive.”

Selena left the demon at that. She would need to deal with her later – with the remedy she hated using. For now, she quickly went upstairs to the bathroom, rinsed her mouth out aggressively with the mouthwash (no sense in furthering Deanna's suspicions) before going to her children's room and giving all three of them: Elsianna, David and Amiliah a kiss goodnight on the cheek.

The nightly ritual complete, the platinum-blonde took a deep breath before casting her eyes down the stairs, where Sirus still stood.

I dont care what you do... Selena thought towards the white-haired ghost. I'm going to beat you.

She left the demon at that, preferring to carry the demon she knew far better inside her heart.

******************************

It was harder for Selena to be so confident out in public. When she had to hide from people she knew. When she was constantly terrified of being discovered by people in her neighbourhood. That's what she had worn her hoodie and why she had ducked down low in that grocery store. She had almost been spotted by one of her neighbours – Colleen and Thomson! She had ducked behind the middle-fridge of sorts as they had walked between aisles – and she had stayed there for a solid fifteen minutes until that young boy – the grocery store employee – had almost run her over with his cart.

Now? Selena looked down at her basket. She already paid for the two bottles – one of bourbon for Deanna and her reductions in her meals – and the other... to replace the one she had smashed last night. For a moment, the Snow Queen questioned herself:

How could she have been so stupid to smash the bottle? What if Deanna had heard that and come running down? How would she have explained the pieces of an empty Crown Royal bottle then? 

But she didn't. Her brain reminded her. And now, Selena had made sure the bottles were at the bottom of the basket, covered by her other grocery items. Yes, it was simple, but Selena delighted in the small victory over her fear. Better than hiding in the aisles – though next time, I'll buy it last.

Again: another victory. She was still disgusted with herself for indulging her familiar demon rather than deal with Sirus, but at least she was learning ways to do so more and more discreetly – and she was keeping things in a healthy control-

“Selena?”
Damn, I thought they were gone.

The voice caused the Snow Queen to take a deep breath before turning around and removing her hood from atop her head. She immediately spotted the older woman waving at her. Quickly, she waved back, repeating her familiar mantra mentally to keep herself calm. Conceal... Don't feel...

“Can't really talk right now.” she said across the hall from where she stood near the cashiers. “I'm in a hurry to get home and then work.”
“Oh...” the tanned woman (Selena thought the woman used too much spray-on tan to be honest) sighed before she suddenly scurried closer to Selena as the platinum-blonde removed the items from her basket to pay for them.

Crap if she sees the bottles...

The fear of the neighbour telling on her to Deanna prompted her next move. As gracefully as if she were wrestling in the ring, Selena grabbed a nearby grocery bag (with leaves designed all over it) and placed it on top of the two bottle. “This bag too.” she whispered to the cashier. “The two bottles I already paid for.” she said much softer.

“Got it.” the young boy, a teenager with spiky, blond hair, replied nonchalantly, clearly not a fan of his job.

Just in time, Selena turned her head to see Colleen reach her, the small, woman wearing a rather thick sweater for autumn.

“Hey.” Selena did her best to smile warmly. “Cold outside?”
“For me, it is.” The older woman laughed. “Where's Deanna?”
“I came alone.” Selena replied quickly, watching her basket move through the corner of her eye. “Deanna's watching the kids. Ami's still can't be by herself.”
“Oh, that's right!” Colleen nodded in understanding. “Took our little Richard so long to get use to a baby-sitter.”
“Well...we've had one on occasion.” Selena replied absent-mindedly.
“Really?” Colleen asked in surprise. “Aren't you worried the baby will get more use to the sitter than you?”

Selena shook her head. “I don't think so. We didn't have a problem with David. She has him and Elsianna and Deanna most of the time.”
“Well...” the woman shrugged. “I'm just saying it's best to be careful. Children are so impressionable.”

Precisely why I want to get home and hide this before I'm stopped by anyone else – especially Deanna! Selena thought as her purchased were rung through. Quickly, she paid for the items before placing them back into the basket.

“Don't you want them in the bag?” the cashier asked.
“That's okay!” Selena quickly replied, her speed surprising both the boy and Colleen. “I'll do it myself... I have a way...”

She was quick to walk through, but cast a “talk to you later” to Colleen before disappearing into a 'seating section' of the grocery store. As quick as she could, she pulled the bag out of the basket and stuffed the two bottles of liquor in first so no one could see her do it. This was followed by the rest of her items. With that task finished, Selena breathed a sigh of relief – another small victory.

Now I just have to sneak into my own house, get downstairs, stash the liquor without my wife or three kids seeing me do it. Should be easy... she thought as she made her way to her car. As she thought that thought, however, she was certain the demon of her past addictions was laughing inside her, which was better than Sirus again but it was still annoying as hell.

Because – Selena realized as she drove the car back home and prepared for her sneak-mission – with all this stress about hiding and demons...

Least I'm not worried about Fatal Fortunes anymore...

___________________________________

I'm reusing my Quinne RP from last week.

http://punkhazardichiban.com/2018/09/18/session-six/

OOC: Okay, so was a bit of a mad dash to get this completed, but I'm strangely happy with the cd and the shoot, I think I'm even happier with. Actual face Jason, with just a hint of douchebaggery involved haha. As usual, click on the graphic at the end of the CD section to read the shoot. Good luck again folks, and enjoy!

Wedding Bells



--------------------
Months ago
---------------------




“Hi Daddy” Bianca says walking to her father's grave she is wearing a white dress. Her hair cut shorter than when she had previously been seen by the SCW Audience. Infact she wasn't Bianca Evans quite yet but that of course is the story we are telling today.


“I miss you Daddy…” Bianca says kneels next to the grave touching her father's name engraved on the gravite stone of his tombstone. “I hope you can see me now...This is my wedding dress. Don't worry it's not slutty looking. I know you hated it when i wore short skirts or showed off my body. You always told me i was better than that..I was so stupid.”


She says closing her eyes trying to envision her father. “Some days i call your voicemail...just to hear the message just to hear you say “Von Aaron and Schwartz Law offices.” I don't want to forget that. I don't want to forget how you sounded Daddy. I can't believe that life is just carrying on without you. I hope if you are looking down at me… You are proud. That i’m not a disappointment. That i am living up to your expectations. I know I’ve never been the best person...and I doubt i’d ever be. But You weren't either but to the people you loved you were. You were always the best father to me. You always made me feel like a princess. “


Bianca than pulls out her wallet. “I’m not going by Lexi Anymore i know you didn't that name. You wouldn't have named me Bianca. If you hadn’t...That's what I’m going by now. The name you gave me. I am your daughter and i am so proud to say that. I am so proud to have had you as my father. And I know there were moments i disappointed you that i was a brat. But you never showed that. You always encouraged me even when i failed at things or fell...You were still proud of me. The last year...there were things i did you were ashamed of. But I promise you...i am not going to be stepped on any more. I am going to be the woman you wanted me to be. I am going to be what you always dreamed i’d become.”


“Chad...is the kind of guy you always warned me about...men of power...men who know what they want. He is a bit of a bastard...But he’s strong he’s made me stronger. You’d want to kill him if you knew the things he’s done to me. But through it all it has made me stronger. It has made me a better person. I don't want people's approval any more i don't feel this need to be loved. I realize now who i have to be. So long i was weak so long i was afraid to be alone afraid to stand up on my own. I was afraid to fail...i mean just saying that..it's hard to say. Because I want to be the best. I want to be special...i don't want to just exist. I don't want to be OK..or good enough because that's not how i was raised. And For a time maybe for too long i thought i needed others. Be it Chad...or Mitb or even Aj Helms I thought i needed others to lean against to hide my flaws. The problem right there was i was admitting i have flaws. That I have weakness. Thinking that you have pretty much lost the fight already. It seemed to work for me...and honestly it did. I am sorry If I disappointed you.” She says as she pulls some dead flowers from the grave and puts the new flowers she had brought with her.


“For so long Hate has been my motivator hating the fans, hating SCW, hating Amy, Hating just the world in general. It's weird because of how in control of your emotions you were. And me I can be such an emotional mess I guess that is another thing i can blame on mom. I wish you were the one with me instead of her. I know that you’d tell me to focus you’d tell me not to allow others to manipulate me to control me. That's why I think you would be ashamed of me. Or at the least my actions The only thing i cared about was Chad. My god my salvation. He showed me that after all the torture all he had put me through. The lies, the slut shaming, making me think i lost my virginity….Daddy don't be mad at me believe me. I am going to make it right...i am going to make you proud. “ Bianca says this as she adjusts the flowers on her father's grave.


“You use to tell me that Doubt would always be my greatest enemy. I understand that now I understand that I could...no I should be so much more than i am now. Tag team champion..that's not enough. I am better than being part of a team I am better than just being part of the crowd. Just another face in the crowd. You always called me you're little princess and I understand now that I was born to rule. I was born to not just accept being good. I have to be better i have to always continue to get better.” She says as she makes the final Adjustments on the flower before standing up.


“I’m ready Daddy I am ready to become the woman you always wanted me to be...Now I wish i could stay and talk but I have to go get married...I have you're old watch with me. The one grand dad gave you...It's old...clunky...if it wasn't yours i probably wouldn't even touch it. But having it with me...holding it in my hand it kind of feels like you are with me. I know that's stupid. You’d say it's stupid but i think i just need that stupid belief to make living life without you easier that you are with me. That you aren't just completely gone. That's just...just something that scares me to think. I don't know...you’d probably call it stupid say dead is dead. Some weaknesses are hard to drop i guess.” Bianca says pulling the watch from her pocket an old timey watch she moves her thumb around it and nods. Psyching herself up this was the day this was going to change the rest of her life. Because this was the day that Lexi Von Aaron was no more and she became Bianca Evans.


She left the cemetery It was a long drive but she needed to do this first even if it took a large portion of her day. Or what seemed that way but the drive back to her home...which was strange because even though she had lived with chad for nearly a year. Was this a mistake….To be honest I didn't mind how i was treated till i found about the lie. That's what bothered Bianca the abuse the stuff other people would hate or make a big fuss about i didn't mind so much. I liked the rough stuff like when Chad would hit her most times more than the sex. But in general sex just hasn't been for me.


Bianca had been wondering why she said yes. Why did she agree to marry Chad. Part of her believed this was the worst they had been. Especially with what else Chad did to her. He had gotten Bianca pregnant and some would say that's why he wanted to do this. Some people are old fashioned like that want to be married when they pop out a kid. She wonders if this was the reason or was that an afterthought Bianca hated it when she figured it out. She hated the morning sickness  She hated the feeling of something growing in her gut. She never wanted this she never wanted to be a parent it was never something she planned on Bianca was always so careful. But you can't be careful when others meddle with your birth control.


That was the last time Bianca would allow things to slip out of control like that. This wasn't Chad’s game anymore Bianca realized if she were to go forward with this. To take this step Bianca couldnt be like Chad’s previous wife. Alexis she was weak she allowed chad to push her around… she was like Lexi but with inhibitions Lexi never had those. One could think that's why Bianca or Lexi won out in the end. Alexis got chad bored after years of boring marriage. Years of never being challenged years of trying to just be his wife. For any other man maybe Alexis would have been the ideal life. But That's the problem she let him decide Alexis tried to be a good wife.And that was the problem everything is a game to Chad especially Love. Or his concept of it at least.. After what happened between Chad and Lexi that fateful night after he did what he did Bianca had a choice. A)I could have allowed things to continue as they were B)Kill herself or C) Take Control make her own move in this game with Chad. At first yes She was weak Lexi didn't understand that it was all just a game of control.


Chad gave her that chance In that instant :Lexi realized she could have the power in her life. Not just over chad but over everything She didn't need to be so dependent on others she didn't need to do anything for the approval of others she did things for herself and only herself.Plans began to unfold in her mind ideas. The picture of her destiny was starting to take form.


“Lexi I am so happy that you are having me here.” Bianca looks up in disgust forgetting that my mother was there with her in the limo. Bianca had decided to let her in on the wedding maybe it was momentary insanity or just i wanted someone that i shared dna with there.


Bianca/Lexi glares at her in response. I never really got along with my mother. She always treated me like a prop something to make her look better in her own little social circles. Shed dress me up as her own personal little mini me for her friends “Oh look at Ophelia and her cute little daughter” . But she always liked Ethan more she always paid more attention to Bianca
‘s/Lexi’s older brother Ethan: He was the star in her eyes she didn't mind to share her precious spot light with him.


“You look so Beautiful Lexi.” She says to her daughter. She didn't like that sound that sound of this name her mother had given her. The name that had been forced on her because it seemed to be cuter. To fit more the image Ophelia wanted the painting of the reality of the beautiful mom and her cute daughter. But when the doors were closed when there was no reason to pamper her daughter or care for anything she did. Not the way Lexi’s father did he encouraged her her did things to make Lexi happy. Like taking her to the fair or buying her gifts. Ophelia was more concerned about getting tans or talking to her friends on the phone.


That's how Lexi see’s it at least that her mom was always more interested in herself than being any sort of mother. She blamed her mother for her parents seperating.For Lexi her mother was an excuse for everything that went wrong with her childhood. Her mother was the reason her learning disabilities went undiagnosed for several years. Why she didn't have many friends (never mind her own personality)


There was no doubt that Ophelia was a vain selfish person. That had not changed at all since Lexi’s childhood. But she realized age was catching up to her. And she had noticed many of her friends were proud of their children's achievements be they doctors, therapists or actors or whatever. She now saw that if her daughter was successful shed be successful by association. And Lexi knew this she knew that her mother wasn't trying to repent for her pathetic showing as mother during Lexi’s childhood. Having someone as rich as Chad evans as your son in law was definitely something that Ophelia could brag about. And Lexi’s career as a professional wrestler was really starting to hit its stride.


Maybe it was genuine pride in her daughter but that would never be the case if you asked Lexi herself. She had made it clear mother was the one she had wished died instead of her father on more than one occasion. Lexi had her mother here because she honestly didn't have anyone else to help her prepare for this. And the fact that Had hated her mother helped. Sure Lexi didn't like the presence of her mother but she wouldn't show it in front of Chad. If it aggravated Chad her “beloved” husband to be. Lexi would suffer through the annoyance of her mother.


“I am so excited to walk you down the Aisle Lexi” Lexi snarls in contempt at the thought of that. That her mother not her father would be walking her down the aisle. And the aisle wasn't a church but Chad. Because what church would allow a man that claims to be god get married within it. Chad just wanted a justice of the peace to do the ceremony as quickly as possible. Lexi would not have any of that.


“Yea...it's great.” That was the most Lexi could get out without losing her lunch. The thing was in reality she would probably have liked no one at the wedding as well just like Chad, they weren't that much different the fact was she had did like to do things purely to spite her husband to be. But at the same time. She did love Chad in her own way she admitted to herself that even when her hate for chad was at its worst she still have deep feelings. Hell there were moments where she was tempted to submit to him just out of habit and the fact...she kind of enjoyed it especially when he really took control when he really showed her who was boss. But this was there game they were playing for control.for power in the relationship.


“I can't believe how much you've grown up. It seems like only yesterday you were a little girl that was refusing to go to school without her daddy”  Ophelia says filling with a genuine emotion remembering Lexi as a little girl. How different she was than...shy and innocent. She would have never thought that the girl she dressed up in cute little pigtails in matching outfits with her would turn out like this, This woman who just seemed to Exude confidence and power. Outside of her own selfish motivations she was legitimately proud of the woman Lexi had become. How much she had grown in the last year.


“Shut up Mom I don't need a trip down memory lane.” Lexi says in a very aggravated tone.


Ophelia sputters a little she was doing her best to stay on her daughters good side but that seemed to be a impossible task. Her daughter was different even from when she had spent time with her last year during that debacle with Aj Helms. Lexi was a different person than desperate for attention she thought that Aj Helms would be able to make her into something more. She was wrong but the spiral she fell in after that brought her to where she was now with Chad. And now an almost completely different person,


=====
One Day Earlier
====-



Bianca had showed up at her mom's home less than twenty four hours earlier looking like a modern day jackie o wearing a classy womens white designer outfit. She wore a pair of black sunglasses so Ophelia couldn't even tell if her Daughter was even looking at her most of the time.


“I’m getting married….I don't really have any other family but you and my idiot brothers and i sure as hell don't want either of them to walk me down the aisle so i guess it comes down to you….I really should have just texted you but i’m not sure i actually want you to have my number.” Lexi says she had a snobbish tone to her voice kind of reminding Ophelia of herself. Especially when she was younger more specifically when Lexi was a little girl. But Ophelia of course prefered to show off her body a lot more than Lexi was. But that comes with spending a fortune on work to make your body attract the eyes of any straight oxygen breathing man.


“Lexi I am so happy for you sweetheart! After all you’ve been through this is so great to hear.” Ophelia went to hug Lexi but Lexi stepped away giving her a look of what could only be described as disgust.


“Please don't….Will you be a part of my wedding...or should I hire a stand in?” Lexi says looking over the condo that she lived in just over a year ago. She ran her gloved finger over a family picture. She moves the dust from her own image. Tilting her head to the side as she inspected herself.


“When is the wedding?” Ophelia asked.


“Tomorrow...so I’m in a bit of a hurry” Lexi says pulling out her phone


“Isn't that a little quick.” Ophelia asks


“Chad and I just want to get it over with...do you have a problem with that.” Lexi says lowering her sunglasses and glaring at her mother.


“No of course not it's your big day.” Ophelia replies she could see her daughter was in a very irritable state.


“Alright i’ll send a car for you….wear something….that doesn't make you look like a complete whore the mother of the bride should not look like she belongs at a boat show or some shit. “


“Lexi...do you want me to help you get ready?...for the wedding?” Ophelia asks she wanted to get closer to her daughter to repair their relationship however she could...and also she was kind of broke and was hoping that maybe if Lexi wasn't so mad at her maybe she could lend her mother some money.


Lexi takes a breathe thinking for a second. “Why not you can be a bit of a judgemental cunt so you should be able to bitch people out if they are fucking shit up. “ Lexi says in a pretty aggravated tone.


=====
The Wedding
=====


I take a breathe as i look at my reflection in the mirror. Here we go...I’m getting married everything changes at this point. I want to look my best for him. I may be doing things for the soul purpose of pissing off my husband to be. But at the same time I want him to at the same time not have any i guess you would call it buyers remorse.


“Holy shit look at you bitch” I recognize the voice instantly as my former rival turned friend Channel Hunter. Which really is strange that we became friends after all she kicked my ass several times. I may have been kind of ok completely racist during our rivalry in chimera. But somehow we became friends. And it wasn't really fate or anything stupid like that it was Lenore Price Mason probably my only other friend who stood next to her smiling. I got up and quickly walked over to them and the three of us hugged.


“I can't believe you two are here.” I said smiling probably the first time on my wedding day.


Lexi looks to her mom and than flatly says “Mom….fuck off.I’ll get you when i needed you” Ophelia shakes her head and leaves the room.
“This is so awesome” Lexi says.


“I couldn't believe when i heard that my girl was getting married I told Channel and I just had to see...I was kind of half praying that it wasn't another Aaj situation but i can honestly say i'm not to sure if this is actually better. “ Lenore replies.


“But I didn't send anything...oh shit would Chad?” I say wondering. Would Chad actually do something like that for me. Invite my best friend to our wedding that really didn't seem like a Chad thing was he going to murder her or something or could Chad actually have good intentions.


“It wasn't you?” Lenore asks


“No weird...but that doesn't matter I am just so happy to have you two here that means i can actually have bridesmaids. “


“We’ll have to get with the bachelorette party later. We are gonna get you so fucked up” Channel says


“”Lets just worry about getting our girl ready for her big day.”


“I can't believe you cut your hair” Channel says looking me over.


“I wanted a change...you know for this new step in my life what do you think?”


“It does make you look older. Really you do look a lot more mature and it sure beats the pigtails you had earlier in the year” Channel says.


“Yea it was a phase i guess but i'm over it I really want to get serious you know not just with this relationship but just my life as a whole. You guys you always had it together or more than me. Lenore running her huge Company and Channel well you're just a badass. But I think all i ever had was i was the crazy one the goof ball. Channel was the badass,...Lenore was the Technician and what was i? I just… i feel like for so long I’ve depended on others.”


“You are always you're own worst critic Lexi”


“And sometimes what a team needs is the crazy one...at least for comedic relief.” Channel says.


“You’ve proven over the last year you don't need us to succeed. And I for one am proud of my best friend.” Lenore says pulling a single loose hair off my dress.


“So what have you two been up to?” Lexi asks.


“Work mainly i’ve been able to go on a few tours but the family business has really taken up alot of my time. “ Lenore says.


“I’ve traveling seeing the world had an awesome tour of europe that went from england to germany. Had some really good times girl but really it's not the time for that we gotta get that cute little ass of you're ready to get married. Even if it is to a giant asshole by the way what kind of prenup did he hit you with.” Channel remarks


“None….sure he’s been married before but to me this isn't an agreement i can take back on. We have our issues Chads an ass 90 percent of the time. But divorce isn't an option. This is literally till death do us part.” I respond.


“That's cute and all babe but lets face it most marriages don't last especially in this business” Channel says.


“I know but Chad and I are different. For me there is no one else. Even at his worst even when i despise chad more than anything in the world. I can't see myself being with someone else i don't see another option it's like impossible. I mean there are times that i hate the guy there are times that i want to crush his testicles into a smooth paste but no. I can't imagine being with anyone else. “ I say being the most honest I have been in some time.Often with chad it seemed to be a game well that's what it was but it seemed like we were always trying to deceive each other. Chad will always be smarter than me i know that. And for the last year this has been chads game he has controlled me in nearly every way but now it was my turn now it was my time to take the power but still. There was part of me that had moments where i just wanted to go back to being Chad’s personal toy...there were times where i kind of liked it….ok alot of times but still...there wasn't time for this i had to keep my head in the game.


“That’s sweet a tad on the demented side but sweet” Lenore says


“You two know I’m a terrible people person mainly because people are stupid but also just because I feel so much annoyance and anger pretty much all the time. With chad it’s strange yea I’m not the same submissive slave I was months ago but for me like I said there is no one else this isn’t going to be a blink and you’ll miss it marriage done for sweeps.” I quip


With the help of channel and Lenore and I guess I’ll admit it my mother she helped a bit to. This seemed to be just as important for her as it was me screaming at the florists to fix to floral arrangements. Most of the guests were just random people chad did his many outside of wrestling business ventures.or maybe chad just hired people to show up I don’t know but I could swear I saw cid turner and James Exeter out there at one point


We finish getting ready and the girls leave to take their place and i psyche myself up this is it,


“Lexi it's time to go...you look so amazing” My mother says.


“Fuck off mom” I respond.


She hands me the bouquet and one last moment as the old me I thought and that was truth this was the end of Lexi Von aaron the girl who came into SCW in the shadow of her brother. The third wheel in money inthe bank. The chick that got humiliated by Aj helms and his idiot friends over and over again. That girl was about to be erased and a woman would stand in her place. A woman that wasn't just Chad Evans wife because let's face it that shit has been done before but his equal. That is my mission now that is my purpose to be the equal to this man...no god I am married to.


The music hits and we walked down the aisle My mother is walking too close it just feels like she is trying to steal my spotlight so i send an elbow into her midsection she gasps for air taking a step back getting the message loud and clear this was my moment this was my time.


I look up and finally meet eyes with Chad he looks at me in only the way chad can i shoot him a smirk back. I tried to hide the genuine happiness i was feeling because if chad was feeling anything he was hiding it but i doubt he was hiding anything he looked relax but it wasn't like he looked like he was in heaven or anything.


The priest of non descript religion began “We are gathered here today to celebrate this union of this woman...and this man….i mean this God. In the union of marriage a sacred vow between two people….do i really need to say this….”


Chad glares at the priest.


“This God and His bitch…. United together in marriage on this day. Will be a day celebrated for years to come. Now…..if you will the rings.”


Lenore Brings me my ring while Chads lawyer i guess he couldn't get anyone else to be his best man brings him his.
“The ring signifies the bond between the two for you.”


I roughly force the ring on chads finger i admit i may have tried to break his finger in the process. But Chad he just smiles and carefully slides the finger on my hand.


“The Bride and groom have written their own vows”


“Lexi...When i first met you. You were going to kill yourself...well we may have met before that but honestly you didn't make the slightest impact on me. Anyways when we met you were weak. Stupid and ignorant. And at least now you are only one of those. Over the last year i have seen you grow as a person. You were a vicious little cunt already but now you are calculating and sometimes downright diabolical. You make me want to slap you in the face almost constantly with how smug you are sometimes just by that ignorant expression on your face. You are a one of a kind person. I thought at one point you were just another stuck up rich girl with daddy issues. But yes you are definitely a stuck up rich girl with daddy issues. You are also a greedy conniving bitch that nothing is ever enough for. You sometimes disgust me to my very core with just how awful a person you can be...And I’m Chad fucking Evans that shouldn't be possible. I hate so much in this world. And the very thought of how i feel for you deep down it has made me sick to my stomach. But you just never gave up you never flinched no matter how i treated you. But I will admit it now Lexi I love you.” Chad says holding my hand I smile as i feel that he is now bending my finger he was such a bastard.


“Chad my god..,, I was a girl when we first got together. A stupid ignorant girl that was obsessed with a boy whose balls haven't dropped yet. I didn't know what I needed because I didn't need a pathetic boy with daddy issues and a sickening case of peter pan syndrome. I needed a god who would use me and abuse me. And make me his in every way possible. You taught me how weak i truly was. You pushed me to limits i didn't know existed.You could make me feel like Shit chad you did things to me that were so terrible i think most of the people here would be puking. But I took it all because I wanted to be worthy. I wanted to be more than i was and because of that and because of you. I have become stronger.I had to or you would have just cast me aside like all the other woman you've had in your life. I knew if i wanted to be anything to you i had to take you're very worst. And the thing is no matter how bad it was no matter how cruel the things you did to me were. I wanted it I wanted you're worst to prove that i was worthy of being by your side this was my goal this was my end game. And in the end...yes I love you Chad I love you more than anything I have ever loved in my entire life...but more importantly...I win. “ I says with a victorious smile.


“Now do you Chad...take this woman as your wife.”The priest asks.


“Well after that I suppose i have to” Chad says looking at me/


“Do you Take Chad as you're husband till death do you part.” the priest says to me.


“Till my dying breath…and forever after that” I respond.


“Than with the power vested in me I now pronounce you god...and do i really have to say this….”Chad looks sternly at the priest “Fine...God and his Bitch Wife you may now kiss the bride.”


We kiss and it's good he holds me tight in his arms this is my moment my victory i’ve beaten chad he tortured me used me and treated me like garbage but in the end i won. Our lips move together for several moments and  than i move my lips to his ear and whisper “I had an abortion” and than I kiss him once more smiling as I pull away i have him Chad is shocked. Chad is shaken I wonder how mad he is but i know that this is my moment in our game...I won. See the reason I had my mom involved in this wasn't just to walk me down the aisle but to drive me to and from the abortion clinic. If she wanted back in my life she had to do that she had to help me execute my end game on Chad.


Later while we are signing the Wedding certificate that's when the end of Lexi Von Aaron truly came. I saw Chad sign his name and I realized that i didn't have to be the girl i was that i wasn't that girl anymore and in fact Lexi wasn't even my real name. Well i didn't just realize it. And it came as mother said “I am so proud of you lexi” In genuine excitement as i was about to sign my name. I hated the name Lexi...I hated the person Lexi because it represented my weakness. Because in truth I may have been known to the world as Lexi Von Aaron. I was always Bianca that was always my birth name the name my father gave me. And that was the name I signed…


That was my rebirth I had won the game with Chad. I had transformed myself and grown more than i ever thought I would. I was ready for a new life. I was ready for more and to have everything that i ever desired….Lexi Von Aaron is Dead…..Long Live….


Bianca Evans.





===========
Shoot-On Camera
===========


Ophelia: Ladies and Gentlemen I am Ophelia Von Aaron Mother to Ethan Von Aaron...And more importantly the future of SCW. My Pride and joy Le- Bianca Evans. It is my honor to introduce her to you all on what may be the most important series of shows that may define the rest of her career. Fatal Fortunes the one time of year where everything is dependant on Luck. Anything is possible. My daughter is walking into this event with nothing. She has nothing to lose you may think that means that she is nervous you may think that this puts her at a disadvantage. But No Bianca is laser focused because this may be the night she may win Her first Singles title in SCW. Or maybe a match against one of the company's biggest stars. Or maybe a rematch for the tag team titles… or a match against an old rival. Anything is possible but mark my words Bianca will shine. Bianca will make the most of this opportunity. Apocalypse didn't go exactly as she planned or was this a statement. To show the world that some things aren't meant to be. Katie Steward was handed the opportunity to complete her legacy. She was handed the opportunity to become Supreme Champion and she failed not Bianca. You may say Bianca was pinned but that wasn't her fault. That was Katie's Failure as a partner that was because my Daughter spent the entire match carrying the entire weight of the team on her back alone. She thought she was teaming with a Goddess. A woman that could carry her own weight but...this was Bianca’s one and only mistake she believed that Katie was the woman she was years ago. She believed that Katie wanted this...She wanted to make history.


Ophelia shakes her head is disgust.


Ophelia: Katie let my daughter down because of her weakness because she is a shell of the woman she once was. My daughter stood by her and praised her legacy. She made the mistake of believing she was teaming with someone that wanted to do something amazing. That Katie wanted to do something that would place her name in the company of some of the greats in SCW history. But Katie Steward she pretty much proved herself to be perhaps the greatest case of false advertisement in perhaps the history of everything.


Ophelia: Katie Steward committed a cry against my daughter. My daughter looked up to Katie she gave her an opportunity she made gave up an opportunity at regaining the tag team titles with her husband Chad Evans. But my daughter perhaps the greatest up and coming star in SCW. Saw something in Katie she believed Katie still had it in her she still was the Goddess she once was. The Goddess she still claims to be but that is a LIE. Because a Goddess would not have let her partner down in the manner that Katie Steward let down my daughter,. As a goddess it was Katie’s duty as a goddess. To bring about Victory...so the truth is…


Ophelia. The truth is the one truth is that Katie Steward is a LIAR! So now as I let that sink in as this is the thought i want to leave you with before hear the sweet sound of my beloved daughter. The WIFE OF GOD HIMSELF Chad Evans….Ladies and gentlemen my pride and joy and the greatest thing I could ever claim to have any credit in creating. Bianca Evans.


Ophelia steps away and walks off camera as the curtain behind her pulls open. And We see Bianca Evans sitting on a toll bar stool like chair wearing a black fluffy fur coat. With a silver blouse beneath it. And a wearing a pair of black leather pants with black heels.



Bianca: I apologize for my mother she's ridiculously annoying, a bit of an idiot and she's also unemployed. Wait I’m not sorry but all of the rest of it is true.But My mother despite being both unemployed and stupid is correct in what she said just now.


Bianca: So Apocalypse...I said Apocalypse was the beginning that it was where I begin my journey. And that's what i did tonight. You may not think it with the result you may ignorantly believe that i failed. But that was just one step


Bianca: But now that i’ve done that it's the next step. Because tag team wrestling isn’t my goal. History is my goal. Will i wrestle in tag matches of course it really can't be avoided. But i’m not here to make a division better i’m not here to make any specific title matter. I am here to make history i am here to be the talking point after every show. I am here to go out there every night be it with a microphone or be it in that ring. And make myself the soul focus. Even if i only have a single moment on breakdown you can sure as hell believe i will make it be the one moment you remember.


Bianca:I’m not here to open shows...or just earn my paycheck. I am here to mark my words make history. I am here to make myself the center of SCW by any means necessary. And by the mere fact that i am God's wife this is my right damnit. Earlier this years i had one of the best win loss records in SCW. I left because honestly i hated SCW i hated the politics i hated the favoritism. I hated the fact that there were people in that locker room that aren't even worth cleaning the dirt from my boots with their tongues. Given more opportunities than me. Getting tv time that should have been mine. It's



Bianca: And I wish it was because I wasn't good enough i wish it was. But it's all about who you know. How much money you're “Supporters” put in. Whose ass you kiss. I’ve been here nearly 3 years. And The fact that i get better than i was each day. That I crash through each glass ceiling they “Try” to put over my head. Proves even further just how good i am. There are people within SCW that didn't want me to ever hold a title they never wanted me to ever hold a title because the heat the von aaron name carried. From the things my brother did in here and in IWC. But I’m not my brother he was at one point a perverted asshole who thought he was better than he ever could be. I KNOW I am better than he EVER was. I did that by doing what he could never do by winning the SCW tag team titles.


Bianca: And you think once I showed this company that i was worthy that i could be a champion they would start showing me the damn respect I deserve. But instead they stack the deck against my husband and i. They make it the one match where you can get counted out or dqed and lose a title. They wouldn't have done that to a helms...or a street or the celestial cow but they did that to me they did that to my husband and i because no team had what it takes to beat us in the ring. No team had it in them to be good enough to pin either of us or make us submit.


Bianca: Chad then came back my sweet hubby and nearly won Taking hold of the flame. So close yet again my love but so far. He’s always been great when motivated he’s always been able to adapt with the times. He sent me back here to SCW to make my own story. Yes he is a part of it. He always will be till the day we are both dead. But right now it isn't his story...it's mine. Gods bitch...Wife. And I am going to make history. Bianca Evans will be the name on everyone's lips. Be it from my actions inside the ring or out it makes no difference because each show whether you love me or you hate me I will be the one you will be talking about. And not cause of my ass or how attractive i am. No because of my actions. I’ve transformed myself because i don't need to wear short skirts. I don't need to have my ass half out. Or look like some fetish the idiot fanboys may have. I am here to win...to take advantage of every opportunity I earn because believe me i will have earned each and every opportunity i will have earned each moment of SCW television time i receive. Because I am that good because i am better than everyone else in this company.



Bianca: The Tag titles...they aren’t enough for me...for me they are just the opening act of my legacy. And what an opening Act winning the tag titles from two beloved world champions. One who would move on to main event and win rise to greatness. And another...who didn't end up quite so well. But that's not important now what is...is the future. IS the Right now not the relics of the past that litter this company. That take up time that young talent that talent that is just hitting it's prime should be getting. But instead we are getting yet another scw equivalent of another shitty jurassic park sequel.


Bianca: I am not alone in this belief that SCW is obsessed with becoming some sort of decrypt old folks home. The SCW Champion Sienna Swann she agrees with me. We don't want to see Syren vs Starr for the one thousandth time. We don't want to hear Rayvn Drown on about how smart she is. Or Chbk drag his decomposing corpse out to the ring again in an attempt to steal the spotlight yet again. The time of the Ancients is over. It is time for SCW to step forward to step into the future. Our Numbers are only growing. Young talented wrestlers who don't want to just open the show. Don't want to wait for their spot in line. We want to TAKE what we deserve.


Bianca:I for one am not going to wait in line when someone takes their 30th shot at the SCW Title before i’ve had my first. I am not going to warm up the crowd to work my ass for some giaratric ass. It's time for the future and these Fossils they aren't going to accept that. No they are just as entitled as they are old. We need to TAKE what is rightfully ours. And I am going to do just that with YOU Katie Steward.



Bianca :I gift wrapped the chance to make history to be a supreme champion. And you failed I didn't fail you did. It is ALL your fault. You were selfish and weak and that is why we aren’t tag team champions right now. That is why I didn't get to make the moment of history i promised. But you have something I want...The title of Goddess Katie...I want it. I deserve it. I am the wife of GOD HIMSELF Chad Evans. You need to face the reality that I am everything you were in your prime. Before you were relegated to preshows and hardly an afterthought. When you were the focus of this company when this world revolves around you instead of barely noticing you like it does now.


Bianca: See I saw this as going one of two ways you pass the torch to me. In thanks for handing you the one accolade you had failed to achieve or I take it from you by force. That is what this is about that's what it was always about from the moment i came back. Tj was just the beginning I will take everyone from you. I will beat your daughters if that's what it takes. I will break Robin Brooks arm. I will cripple each and every member of you're little brat pack. If that is what needs to be done. Because I am the future...and you are the fuse that the torch of my legacy will be lit from. You surround yourself with people that tell you how great you are. Like tj...which by the way i hope he delivered the message to you. That I will never beg...for ANYTHING again. I don't ASK for what I want I TAKE it. You are a legend in this company...one of the greatest ever. But you’ve stayed past you're time because let me see….


Bianca checks her phone.


Bianca: Well what do you know it says your time is up. And it's time for someone else to take up that flame. You're daughters they can't. They just don't have it in them. It's MY TIME NOW. I already took your place at Chad’s side. I already did the one thing you couldnt. And I am not finished because I am going to make my legacy in this company. And beating you is what i am going to do. Katie I am coming for you…And not just to pin you in that ring...not just to make you submit but for so much more.


Bianca: Fatal Fortunes...This is something that you can never tell where you are going to be. Anything can happen. You are going in blind to what may be just another day in SCW. Or the biggest opportunity of a lifetime. I could be facing some idiot like Total Terror. Or I could finally have an opportunity at that is a career highlight. I am preparing for the latter. I am going into this show preparing to face the very best in SCW. I am training with the idea that since I am God's Wife. I will be given the opportunity I DESERVE. I am putting my chips on the table with the confidence knowing whatever is put in front of me. I am going to get everything I can out of it.


Bianca: Three years i have waited i have been patient i have been one of the hottest acts in this company. And I have yet to get what I deserve I have yet to be treated with the prestige that should be given to me. So the obvious solution is to forget about being given what I deserve and TAKE it. Snatch up whatever i can not like a rat taking the scraps...But like a bird of prey swooping down and snatching that rat and tearing it apart.


Bianca: Boss man...You are looking at one of the people on this roster that is going to be carrying this company for years to come. I am ready for whatever match you give me. What ever opponent...I will WIN. I will beat who ever you put against me because i am done playing games I am done being manipulated or doing anything anyone else that isn't me. I have this belief you see that fate...It's on my side. That i am going to hit the jackpot in these nights it doesn't matter if it's week one or two. Part of me obviously hopes that on night one i hear my name called and i walk through that curtain and All eyes will be on me. And you Boss man will see with your own eyes why despite everything i’ve done. Despite all of the trouble i’ve caused. All the valuable members of this roster that i came from a second from crippling. I know i’ve been a pain in the ass. I know i’ve been a sliver away from being unemployed. But Now for your patience boss man for the faith you had in me. It's all going to pay off. I am going to show you that every penny of my contract that scw pays me. Is worth tenfold. That I am the greatest investment this company has ever made. I am you're building block to the future. And you can talk about my demons...about my past issues. But In that ring you can NEVER deny that I have DELIVERED each and every time SCW has bet on me.



Bianca: Boss man you’ve gotta just face the facts. That this bitch right here...me Bianca Evans. I am this company's future. I am that once and a lifetime talent company’s just pray falls into their laps. This isn't spoken from ego or some bullshit false sense of entitlement like some other idiots in that locker room. GOD HIMSELF has gifted you with the new franchise of this company. You can take those old mules you’ve been dragging out for years. Out back and put a bullet between their eyes...Or better yet allow me the pleasure but not just a bullet A “B-Trigger”


Bianca says pointing to the camera with both hands in a gun like gesture.


Bianca: It's time that this company takes another step in the future. I said it already I am not alone there are others that agree with me. That it is time for change it is time for a new SCW. It's the nature of Business Boss man. You know it's true SCW needs to change with the times it NEEDS to evolve. If it doesn't it's going to fall apart just like these relics we have on the roster are. Injured bruised and broken shattered visions of the stars they once were. SCW has been a kind employer to these people but the truth is it's time for SCW to move on it's time for SCW to back a new horse. It's time to get over the long term denial SCW it's time to stop hitting rewind and retreading the same thing for the millionth time. Accept the Future accept the reality that it's time to move on.


Bianca: I am OUT OF PATIENCE! I am Sick of waiting for my time to come. I am SICK and tired of being told to just take a damn spot in line. I am NOT going to wait in line for a second longer while others who have had the opportunities i deserve hundreds of times. Get second chance after second chance. SCW doesn't belong to the relics of the past. No more waiting this Bitch is coming into fatal fortunes with the intent purpose of making an impact of taking advantage of any and every situation. If you don't believe me just sit back and watch the show...As I steal it. It's this bitch here’s time!


Bianca says pointing to herself.

Here you go guys, loved writing this... love this event to be fair

Good luck to everyone :-)

Lucky

The rattle of chains and cages can be heard, overcut by footsteps moving closer and closer to the source of the sounds. As the poorly-lit corridor illuminates, Damian Angel can be seen walking through his catacombs until he reaches his caged quarters…
 
The home of Behemoth, Malphas, and Kali, the trio who complete Har Megiddo. Damian walks to them, a smirk on his face as they turn away from each other, facing him up front. Damian sets his cane against the wall behind him, stepping forward and opening their cages. They step through, surrounding their leader.
 
Damian: “The time is at hand…”
 
Damian turns to walk away from them, expecting the trio to follow. However, they do not. Damian, not hearing footsteps behind him, stops, turning his head in their general direction.
 
Damian: “It’s time to go.”
 
He remains in place, his head turned towards the three, who confer amongst themselves. Damian, growing impatient, turns to face them.
 
Damian: “We have a war to attend to. You three are my soldiers. I am your General and when your General says “march”, you march. Do you understand?”
 
They do not answer. Instead, they snarl and stand in place, prompting Damian to completely turn towards them, a forced smile on his face.
 
Damian: “We are at a critical impasse in our quest to purge the cancer that is Supreme Championship Wrestling out of the landscape. And while you three have failed me before, I am still offering you a pivotal role in the change. And when we are successful, you will be subject to riches beyond your limited comprehensions. You will be revered almost as highly as I am. Do you understand?”
 
The trio look to each other… Kali steps forward.
 
Kali: “No more cages.”
 
Damian cocks his eyebrow, a smirk forming in the corner of his mouth.
 
Damian: “Demands?”
 
Kali: “No more chains.”
 
Damian steps forward, surveying the lone woman and de facto leader of the trio when Damian is not around. He looks her up and down, circling around her like a shark.
 
Damian: “Fine. I’ll return your quarters to the tower.”
 
Damian turns to walk down the corridor.
 
Damian: “Now let’s go. We don’t want to be late.”
 
Without further questioning, Kali begins to follow Damian, soon followed by Malphas and Behemoth. The quartet exits the dungeon quarters and the scene fades.
 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
KALI
“Fatal Fortunes… hehehe… I love the name of it! The fortune you seek can be SNATCHED out of your grasp, and you will be left writing and bleeding, left FATALLY wounded! It’s just so DELICIOUS, isn’t it? Damian tells us that this is our chance to bring some CHAOS to SCW… to take on some poor SUCKERS who think they’re going to get ahead… but they won’t get ahead, oh no! Not on us! No… they’re going to STAND in front of us and FALL under our feet! We are going to take whoever is put in front of us and make them SUFFER! It isn’t wins and losses… we’re not your typical “rasslers”. Har Megiddo isn’t a group… it’s a storm! IT’S A GALE FORCE HURRICANE TEARING THROUGH YOUR TOWN! Leaving you destitute! You make FATAL… hehehe… FATAL mistakes every time you treat us like we’re JUST ANOTHER GROUP! WE ARE NOTHING LIKE YOU! And we will not hesitate to do WHATEVER WE DAMN WELL PLEASE to leave you broken, bloodied and EMPTY Inside! Your little bells… I LOVE your little bells ringing! DING DING DING DING DING!!! You use them thinking they will STOP us, but they just ENCOURAGE us! And through Fatal Fortunes… hehehehehe… we will DESTROY you!”
 
MALPHAS
“It is written that people oppose what they do not understand… what they FEAR. You are right to stand against Har Megiddo. You are right to FEAR US! You are right to fear ME. I have been imbued with great power by our master, Damian Angel, and that power releases me from the bonds and restrictions that had once dragged me down. That power frees me from your rules and your expectations. I answer to one master alone – and it is not you people. It is Damian, and when He bids that I rip apart some poor, hapless individual, I do so without hesitation. Whether you understand or not, whether you accept my position or not, I do what He bids. And I… and Har Megiddo… we are not alone. What you do not TRULY understand is that we are not alone. You look at us… you see us three standing behind The Devil Himself, and you think we are the end of it. We are only the beginning. You think His influence stops with us? Do not be fooled. You think escaping us ends the threat of Har Megiddo? It. Does. Not. We are everywhere. We are always watching… waiting… and ready to rip you apart!”
 
BEHEMOTH
“I WILL DESTROY ANY WHO STAND IN MY PATH! YOUR NAMES… YOUR REPUTATIONS… ARE IRRELEVANT! I WILL CRUSH YOU WITH MY BARE HANDS AND WEAR YOUR BLOOD AS A BADGE! YOU WILL NEVER SURVIVE BEHEMOTH!!”

“This should be fun,” Abigail Lindsay said to Katelyn Buehler while looking at her menu as they wait for Dawn and Daisy at Homestead On The Roof, a restaurant on the rooftop of Roots Homemade Pizza.   




For Katelyn, Abigail knew those magic four words were music to her ears. To the company they are expecting to join them on this day? (Or anyone for that matter) Her saying ‘this will be fun’ are words they normally dread. And that is the way she prefers it. She enjoys the notion of keeping people on their toes. Life is best enjoyed without knowing what is going to happen next, in truth, Abigail didn’t know what was going to happen next. All she knew is she wanted this double date more than anything. What happens next, she hopes Dawn will find a way to forgive her if everything went wrong...


Abigail suggested weeks ago that herself, Dawn, Katelyn and Daisy Lee spend a night on the town together. Why not? They earned it. Dawn’s main concern was if Daisy would feel comfortable being out among a huge group of people. From what Dawn has told Abigail, Daisy has her good and bad days, nothing over the top, the whole ‘Red Rayne’ thing. For Abigail, the curious bee in her finds Red Rayne fascinating. Strange response? Probably. As the SCW universe has found out, Abigail is far from normal herself. Dawn did come through for Abi. Daisy agreed to join them in Chicago. That made Abigail more excited then Dawn was anticipating. Hence the worry on Dawn’s end. Abigail feels Dawn does trust her, what Dawn will always been anticipating is what the heck Abigail will say next.  


Katelyn leans over to kiss Abigail on the cheek. “Every moment with you is fun.”


Abigail set the menu down. She looks into the sparkling eyes of her girlfriend. “You always find the sweetest things to say.”


“I can’t help it.” Katelyn smirks.


Abigail takes a quick scan of the restaurant, everyone is consumed either eating their food, having idle conversations with their current company, the waiters at the establishment are going about their normal business. She checks her watch wondering what is taking Dawn and Daisy so long. Shrugging, she leans in, kisses Kate on lips. Then she presses her lips next to Katelyn’s year.


“I dropped my pen.” Abigail mischievously says.


“I didn’t see with-” Katelyn stops herself. “Oh? But your sister and Daisy could be here any minute.”


Abigail mischievous whispers. “And...”


Abigail pulls away. Katelyn takes a quick scan of the restaurant to see if anyone is watching. Before Katelyn can make any move to “retrieve Abigail’s pen;” Abigail sighs seeing Daisy and Dawn step onto the rooftop. She waves at them to come over where they are seated. Dawn pulls a chair out for Daisy. She sits down. Dawn takes a seat herself.


Abigail nudges Katelyn in the shoulder. “Kate... pen.”


“Not now.” Katelyn giggles.


“You dropped your pen, Abi? I can get it for you” Dawn says looking to be helpful.


Abi and Kate both look at each other. They share an all knowing laugh. Dawn looks at both of them confused why they are having a blast over the most mundane thing. Daisy on the other hand does not appear comfortable at all as she does her best to avoid soaking in her surroundings.


“That’s okay, Dawnie. Perfectly fine.” Abigail smirks.


“Aren’t you going to pick up your pen?” Dawn ask.


Abigail waves Dawn off.“No worries. Both of you are here.” Abigail says with a smile. She looks at Daisy. “That’s the most important. Daisy. You look stunning.”


With a stoic expression on her face, Daisy says “Thanks...” Then Daisy looks at Katelyn. “This isn’t awkward for you?”


Katelyn shakes her head. “Nope. Not at all. I don’t hold your sister putting mine in a wheelchair against you. Clean slate as far as I’m concerned.”


Daisy nods, “Good to know.”


The exchange between Katelyn and Daisy brought a smile to Dawn’s face.


Abigail clears her throat. This makes Kate, Dawn and Daisy collectively turn their attention to her. “Ladies, thanks for agreeing to this lovely get together. Means a lot. Granted, Katelyn will follow me into a desert if I asked. That in itself is besides the point. The four of us have come a long way. You two...” she points to Dawn and Daisy, “went from two members of a colorful blood cult to lovers. Me and Kate? You already know our story. True loves prevails in the end. So I was told. We need to remember to stop to smell the roses from time to time. Tonight is all about celebrating the fun times.”


As moving as Abigail’s speech was, Dawn tilts her head to the side. “Abi...”


“Yes dear.” Abigail responds.



“You’re right. We have come along way. I’m just curious, what do you have planned?”


“I’m hurt.” Abigail frowns. “Would I really try anything with a roof top full of people?”


Kate, Abi and Daisy collectively give Abigail the ‘who are you trying to fool’ look. This makes Abigail smirk. “Relax Dawnie. Nothing out of the ordinary is going to happen. Scouts honor.”


Dawn half halfheartedly smirks. “That’s not reassuring.”



“Dawn--” Katelyn interjects. “Enjoy the show. Nothing bad is going to happen.”



“Don’t mind me. I just want tonight to be perfect.” Dawn grabs Daisy’s hand. “Thanks for inviting us.”



“What would make this night even more perfect? If Britt was here. Still holding out hold for Brittany and your sister, Daisy.” Abigail winks in Daisy’s direction. Reminding everyone that at one point Brittany was so horny for Rachel once (probably still is...) cuts the tension in the air. Katelyn; Dawn, even Daisy collectively laughs.   



“Don’t let Britt hear you say that.” Dawn smiles.  


“Hey! You’re the one who preaches about hope; I learned from the best.” Abigail responds.  



“Don’t put this on me.” Dawn



“It could happen.” Daisy cuts in.


Dawn curiously looks at Daisy. “It could?”


Daisy shrugs. “Life is unpredictable. Like your sister said. I was your... mother. Look at us now. Stranger things have happened.”


“See, Dawnie.” Abigail says with great enthusiasm. “Daisy gets it.”


Abigail extends her fist over the table. Daisy bumps fist with Abi. This brings a smile to Dawn’s face. So far, so good. The evening has been in her point of view, wonderful.    


Idle chat followed. A white female waiter with blonde hair made herself available to the foursome. Abi ordered a 16 oz New York Strip Steak. Katelyn ordered Roast Chicken. Dawn requested the Alaskan Halibut, and Daisy order the Filet Mignon. When the waiter went away, Dawn cautiously looked at her sister. “Are you sure you’ll pay for all this?”
  


Abigail nudges Kate. “Show’em Kate.”


Katelyn digs into her wallet to produce a black card. Dawn and Daisy are taken by surprise that Kate has a black card, she has never been known for making outlandish purchases. “Blake gave it to me. I didn’t want to take it. He insisted. I mainly use this if the kids really need anything. He wouldn’t mind us putting this to good use.”


Taken aback, Dawn says; “Wow. Never expected that.”


“Blake has made a lot of mistakes. Haven’t we all? I have. The biggest mistake I nearly cost me the love of my life.” Katelyn kisses Abigail on the cheek. She blushes instantly.


“You know how to make a girl feel special, Kate.”



Katelyn places her hand on Abigail’s, “Can’t help it.”



“There’s still a pen on the floor, Kate.” Abigail giggles.


Katelyn briefly looks at Dawn, then Daisy, then back to Abigail. With a mischievous grin she ask, “Are you sure?”


The light bulb finally goes off in Dawn’s head. Up until now she believed Abigail was talking about a literal pen. She sighs to herself for not getting the context of what Abigail is saying. “Now I get it.”


Daisy looks at Dawn. “Get--” Not wanting to leave Daisy out of the inside joke, Dawn leans over to whisper in Daisy’s ear what Abigail has been alluding to since the both of them arrived for dinner. At first, Daisy’s widen, she knows Abigail can be out there. Didn’t figure Abi to be that much of an exbitiionist. Once the shock wears off, Daisy shakes her head.


“Come on...” Abigail pouts. “It's better when people watch.”


“I disagree.” Dawn insist.



“Still hung up on the whole sister thing? Does it make it half awkward that we’re half sisters?”    


Dawn shakes her head. In response, Abigail smirks. Katelyn shakes her head while chuckling underneath her breath. Daisy looks at everyone likely thinking what the heck did I just get into.


“Ok. Fine.” Abigail shrugs. “It's no secret that I love to play games. A girl has to entertain herself somehow. Kate, Dawnie, you girls know me well enough that I try the best I can do be who I am without complicating your lives too much. Chaos can’t be controlled. It can be minimized to an extent. I do get my thrills cheaply. Could be worse. I could be New Eden Abigail all over again. Fun times, right?”  


Everyone at the table shakes their head as Abigail expected. “Thought so. I want to run an idea by you girls. Don’t freak out. It has the possibility of being fun.”


Abigail takes a deep breath. “Daisy, you said it was possible that Britt could get everything she ever wanted. How about we test that theory.”


Daisy responds. “What do you suggest.”


“WE... the four of us find a way to see if we can nudge Britt and Rachel together.”


Katelyn, Dawn and Daisy didn’t know how to react at first. The idea of ribbing Brittany for her obsession about Rachel was a funny talking point, to but to try to make magic happen? Only Abigail could come up with a chaotic idea like that. Dawn is the first to speak up, “Slight problem with that, Abi. Rachel is married. Britt found happiness with Matty Stone.”


Abigail shrugs. “So?”


“This was going well.” Daisy remarked. She leans forward, subtly glaring at Abigail. “I am not up for disrupting my sister’s life for you play matchmaker.”



Abigail nonchalantly replies, “Do you truly think, in your heart of hearts, that Josh Hudson is the guy?”


Daisy ponders what Abigail just said. Leaning back in her chair, she responds, “I have my doubts about him, yes. Rachel loves him. Nothing we can do about it.”


Abigail drinks from her glass of water. “This isn’t about love or my desire to see what could come of this. At the end of the day, this is about the established order of things. We will all win. The Lee/Lohan connection has always been strong. We can solidify that.”



“What about Matty?” Dawn interjects, “What about our niece [Miranda]? She has taken a liking to him. We can’t play God with people’s lives like this.”



“Your sister is right, sweetie.” Katelyn grabs Abigail’s hand. “I know you mean well. I truly do. Love conquers all in the end. If Brittany and Rachel are meant to be, they will be meant to be. No games. Please. Drop this.”


Abigail looks into Kate’s eyes as her girlfriend pleads with her to drop this idea that playing matchmaker for a second time is not the career path she wishes to take. Especially this. Abi doesn’t take long to ponder her reckless decision. She sighs. “Ok. Fine.”  


Katelyn, proud of Abi for listening to her, hugs Abi as tight as she can. Abi frowns, denying herself a chance to play a dangerous game. Dawn, on the other hand, smiles at the fact Katelyn does have some influence over her sister. That’s a positive. Daisy, she breathes a sigh of relief. Could have gotten awkward.   


Dawn says with appreciation,  “Thanks Abi.”


Abi kisses Kate to let her know she appreciates her for being the good person that she is. Soon, the female waiter returns to the table with some of the dishes in her hand. She places a plate in front of Dawn and Daisy. As the evening continues, all Abigail can think about is the next game she wants to play. She has every intention of dropping the Brittany-Rachel ship. She needed to have fun. Just a matter of where she gets her next fix...


Abigail stands up. All three look at her. With a charming smile she says, “Ladies room is calling my name.”


Abigail makes the long walk all the way to the bathroom. Once inside, she locks the door to ensure no one comes in. As she stares in the mirror, she thinks about the time Supreme Championship Wrestling went to Las Vegas to do a show. She closes her eyes...

A Decent Proposal