09-01-2020, 11:26 PM
FINDING FRIENDSHIP IN THE HEARTLAND?
DATE: Tuesday, September 1, 2020
TIME: 8:22 PM
CITY: Omaha, Nebraska
LOCATION: Marriott Hotel
[There are just times like these. Far too many if you ask me. What am I talking about? It’s simple. I’ll say this, it was nice to have some quiet time at home after Rise To Greatness, but with Sarah Vixen slowly becoming a teenager, her sweetness is definitely slowly yet surely wearing off. What she went through earlier on in the school year, prior to COVID striking, definitely has aided in that process. But when I was home, she was definitely doing things that were simply not necessary. I understand a girl being rebellious as she has almost always been that way, but she took it to a whole new level. And of course I was the one that had to go bail her out of trouble.]
[It was last Tuesday night actually that she inexplicably left the house and ran down the street towards Paul’s house. I saw her go. It wasn’t my fault or Martha’s. She was just from what I got out of her… “not wanting her parents right now”. You can imagine that I was feeling upset, so I did what any father would do, I followed right after her. She rounded the corner quickly and go figure, right when she got close to Paul’s house… her enemies from months ago approach her and corner her… all three of them. God was she lucky I was there. I picked up my pace and went right to the defense of my daughter. The three of them, upon seeing me, looked to be sizing me up but they all thought better of it. All three left the scene, which left me with Sarah. I remember exactly what I told her, in not a soothing voice at all. In fact I was amped up, much like how I am when I’m in the ring.]
Jay:
“Sarah, you could have been hurt! What were you thinking?!”
[I can still see her, with her back to me, likely almost crying. She said nothing but pointed towards her friend Paul’s house. Feeling betrayed I just gave up, threw my hands up, and walked back home. She did make it inside to Paul and back home to me and Martha later that evening, but that doesn’t mean I have to like it. The next morning I left early to fly out here to our Nation’s Heartland. But before I left I told Martha that we would be able to discuss things with our daughter the moment I am next back home, or over the phone if it is needed sooner. It is already bad enough that I couldn’t attend Breakdown last Wednesday due to what happened. I’m actually kind of still shocked that Sasha allowed me to stay at home once I told her. But I know this. I absolutely can NOT miss this one, especially being I am scheduled to compete for the first time since Rise To Greatness.]
[Now though, at this moment, I feel the worse I have felt in quite some time. When I got here into Omaha Saturday night I just felt like I needed to release the pressure inside me. I just needed to forget everything. I felt like I needed, well… Rehab. And so that’s where I went…]
DATE: Saturday, August 29, 2020
TIME: 10:59 PM
CITY: Omaha, Nebraska
LOCATION: Rehab Lounge
[The music is a little loud in here, but at least it is current music that is popular and not hot garbage. Sitting up here at the bar however just does not feel natural at all. I mean it has been a LONG time since I have been in a place such as this one, over a decade in fact. Thus I feel like just taking my beverage and perhaps traveling back in time with it, to a time where things were much easier than today’s world and today’s worries.]
[I stand up and head right out for the dance floor and being I am not wearing my wedding ring, left it in the hotel, I do get approached by a female who is clearly also here by herself. I don’t see any male pulling her back onto the floor and I don’t see any friends looking over towards her. She points to the closest table without saying a word, but I get the hint and put my glass down as the table close here to the dance floor is currently not being used. Don’t worry by the way, everyone here in the Lounge is wearing masks, including myself. I am not one that is going to take any chances. She pulls me gently by an arm out to the dance floor and I definitely look like a lost puppy dog, but only for a few moments. It doesn’t take much for me to remember how to dance. Even though I can’t see her mouth reaction, her eyes are telling me the story. She appears to be delighted with her choice for an impromptu dance partner. She’s not a bad looking blonde either, but she does look like she’s somewhere in her mid 20’s, when I will be 40 next May. But honestly, in this moment, with everything I am feeling? I don’t care. As the current song changes to another, I think I will allow myself to do what I came to do… relax, refresh, and renew. She reads my eyes as I think this and wraps her arms around my neck. I place my hands gently on her waist. It does feel weird, but she isn’t making it hard for me to adapt, not at all. She closes her eyes for the entire rest of the song. Despite us not even introducing ourselves yet, she seems to trust me, a total stranger, already. Unlike what my daughter did to me, I won’t betray this young lady’s trust. I just dance with her and honestly? For these three minutes, it feels really nice to forget. When I see her next open her eyes, she nods and goes to hold my right hand with her left. I let her, and we head off the dance floor, back to the table where my drink still sits. The two of us sit down and both of us take off our masks, being we are 6 feet apart, her opposite the table from myself. Neither of us speak right away though, as it is clear we are both nervous. I finally choose to break the ice after the awkward silence.]
Jay:
“Hey, I’m Jay… Jay Gold.”
Lady:
“Hey. I’m Ashley. I um... “
Jay:
“Nice to meet you Ashley. I um…”
Ashley:
“Eh heh.”
[I get it. We’re both nervous. I probably have the bigger reason to be, but I guess I’ll find out soon enough if that’s true.]
Jay:
“Listen, I haven’t done this in quite some time. I’ll be honest with you. I’m married.”
Ashley:
“Oh.”
[That definitely deflates her. But I was not going to mislead her, not in any way.]
Jay:
“I’m sorry. I did see the look in your eyes, but hey, I am definitely still fine with talking. There’s nothing of any harm that will come from it.”
Ashley:
“Alright Jay. Um… I guess you kinda beat me to it. I’m married too. Just got married a few weeks ago but um, I’m not happy.”
[Well… that changes things.]
Jay:
“If you do want to share, I’ll listen Ashley. I won’t force you though. We don’t even know each other at all.”
Ashley:
“True, but I have to tell someone… anyone. And well, I trusted you out there and you didn’t let me down.”
Jay:
“Unlike my daughter.”
[Shit! I didn’t mean to let that slip. She really looks interested now, so I may as well just put my “time away” aside and snap back to reality.]
Jay:
“She’s 10 Ashley. Tough age, I know. Basically she ran out of the house a few nights ago on both my wife and I and attempted to run to her best friend’s house. She nearly got attacked by three girls that used to go to the same school as her. She put herself in a really bad situation and was lucky that I was there to save her. I would obviously do ANYTHING for my daughter. I’ve just been plain out upset since that moment. She didn’t even want to talk to me. Just went inside her friend’s house, which the friend happens to a boy, a boy that is very trustworthy. But still, she turned her back on her own father. You can see why I am so upset and why I just needed to-”
Ashley:
“Break away. I… I guess you do have it worse than I do Jay. I’m so sorry.”
Jay:
“Hey, you didn’t know.”
[I pick up my glass and take a swig of my beverage of choice. It’s a non-alcoholic drink, so nothing to worry about. When I look back at Ashley, I can see that she might be about ready to open up to me in return. I’m proven right.]
Ashley:
“Well, since you told me, I’ll tell you. Don’t get me wrong, I love my husband Jacob. I love him a lot. It’s why I agreed to marry him. But um… ever since the wedding night, the shine has just worn off. Now that I’m living with him, he just… never seems to pay attention to me. I don’t feel loved. And the other night, I um… I... “
[She looks very nervous now so I look her dead in the eyes, offering a reassuring look before speaking to her.]
Jay:
“You don’t have to tell if you’re uncomfortable. It’s okay.”
Ashley:
“I overheard him on the phone and it sounded like he was talking to another girl! There, I said it!”
Jay:
“Oh Ashley, you didn’t have to if you didn’t want to.”
Ashley:
“I NEEDED to tell someone. Who better than you?”
[I’m silent. I can’t think of what to respond to her with, so she picks up my slack.]
Ashley:
“You’ve been great so far Jay. It’s a shame that we’re both married. I do kinda have a thing for genuinely nice guys. I know you’re older than I am and probably by quite a bit, but I feel very comfortable with you. I was nervous yeah, just like I could tell you were too, but I’m not anymore. I’m from here in Omaha and I’ll be honest. I’m 24, almost 25. You?”
Jay:
“I’m from New York. 39. I’m only passing through though as I work with a wrestling company. Just one more thing on my platter that makes me feel betrayed sometimes, being we have an owner right now that just doesn’t seem to know what she’s doing most of the time.”
Ashley:
“It’s still cool that you wrestle though. You don’t mind if I come and watch next Wednesday, do you? I’m guessing you’re with Supreme Championship Wrestling. Saw a commercial for it the other night when Jacob had the television on.”
Jay:
“You’re right. I won’t stop you from getting a ticket to come and watch either. I guess I’m kind of more interested with trying to get away from what’s been dragging me down, even if it is only for just a little bit longer.”
Ashley:
“Mmm… Say no more. If you want to dance more Jay, I’m up for it.”
[I think on this, but only for a few seconds. I need this break before life takes back control.]
Jay:
“I am too. And Ashley?”
Ashley:
“Yes?”
Jay:
“Thank you for pulling me aside. It’s nice to know that I’m not the only one that’s having issues during such a hard time.”
[She blushes a little.]
Ashley:
“Don’t mention it. The feeling’s mutual.”
[Both of us put our masks on, and even though we do hold one another again a bit on the dance floor in a friendly manner, I feel safe with her. Both of us close our eyes this time. She reaches up a little towards my ear and whispers. I can barely hear her over the music, but her words resonate with me.]
Ashley:
“I won’t ever forget this or you. Friends?”
[I respond to her immediately.]
Jay:
“Friends.”
[We get carried away for these few more moments before we once again step back off the dance floor. I take a look at the time and it has definitely grown later than what I thought the time actually was. She glances down at her watch and looks nervous as well, but then looks back up at me.]
Ashley:
“I meant what I said Jay.”
Jay:
“I did too. Here.”
[I write down my cell phone number on a napkin for her, taking the hint that she is giving me. I then hand it to her and she places it into her purse.]
Ashley:
“Thanks. Um… I guess I should go.”
Jay:
“I need to also. If you want, I’ll walk you out.”
[I can kind of see her smile from within her mask. Side by side we walk out of the Rehab Lounge, a new friendship formed, despite tumultuous times in both of our lives. Will we see each other again? As much as I love Martha and my daughter, and I love them dearly… I do hope I see Ashley again. She and I understand one another really well. I can tell. Even with just spending such a short time with her, we connected on a friend level… something I have honestly never felt before with a female. It feels nice.]
[Once we are out on the street we nod at one another before parting ways for the night. I head up the street back to the Marriott I am staying at, with Ashley and a new friendship on my mind. Will I tell Martha and Sarah when I get back home? Maybe, but only when I feel it’s necessary to do so.]
DATE: Tuesday, September 1, 2020
TIME: 10:37 PM
CITY: Omaha, Nebraska
LOCATION: Marriott Hotel
[Friendships do feel nice. Saturday night was exactly what I needed. I didn’t know what to expect, but I came out the other side of that night with a new friend. Yes, I have already called her a couple times. Both of us, from what I could tell, enjoyed each other’s company on both instances, even if it was only over the phone. Honestly, neither of us has done anything wrong. We haven’t cheated on our significant others. Only a couple of dances and some talking, nothing further than that. I have no regrets, and clearly nor does Ashley.]
[But I know life must go on. And it shall. Tomorrow night I take on one half of the now former SCW World Tag Team Champions, Kandis. I know she, just like myself, is aggravated with how things are currently in SCW. She needs to understand something though. The whole world doesn’t revolve around just one person. Truly when I look at Kandis, and literally AT Kandis and not her assets, I see someone that is strong that can stand on her own two feet. I see quite a bit of myself in her. Which is why I feel I need to tell her what she needs to hear.]
[Carefully I adjust my travel tripod and place it on the desk here in the hotel room. After I hit the record button, I’m on.]
Jay:
“I have to tell the truth. Ever since Rise To Greatness I have not felt the same. It’s not because I didn’t get the win and the United States Title shot either. To be frank about that I am more than okay with Xander getting that opportunity. He earned it. Selena and I can have our second go at another time and place.”
“No, I haven’t felt the same because of matters outside of SCW. I won’t be going into those as those are my problems and not anyone else’s. The world doesn’t revolve around me, just like it doesn’t revolve around a single one of us. We are ALL important in our own way. So yes, I do get it Kandis. I get exactly where you are coming from. You’re angry because Regan and Selena finally were able to wrestle the tag title belts away from you and Tommy. But the thing you need to understand is… nothing material lasts forever. As much as people give you flack for flaunting yourself, I won’t be doing that. I get that too. If you have it, flaunt it while you can. But also realize that when the time comes for all that to end, you will feel sad. Sad that you didn’t accomplish anything on your own. So really, tomorrow night is a chance for you to expand your horizons. You get a chance to break away and shine, outside of being an object for Tommy Valentine’s affections. Personally Tommy is better than what he has become to, and lately he has shown that by knocking off David Helms.”
“To be perfectly honest with you Kandis? I think you’re better than what you currently are too. I am in NO WAY looking past you. I’m not dumb. You’re here in SCW for a reason and it’s not just to show off the fact that you have a big behind. Tomorrow night against me you have your opportunity to show what you can do in a one on one match, with the lights on bright. I know you said you believe that I am on the downward spiral and in the twilight of my career. That may be so, but I am FAR from done. I will be the one that will choose how I end my career. Make no mistake about that. Just like I will show you that I can be successful, despite inner struggles.”
[I find myself pausing for a breath, but I jump right back in before I lost my thought.]
Jay:
“Tomorrow night I consider a little bit of a vacation actually. Look Kandis, clearly the two of us are aggravated. Many of us on the roster are as Rise To Greatness didn’t really resolve much of anything. I didn’t think it would though, so I’m not disappointed. So I’m just putting that weekend in the rear view mirror and I hope you do too. This match between us is something fresh and new. Even though I have been sent Knee Deep by Tommy before, I look forward to seeing what you can do… without Tommy. And I also look forward to showing you and the rest of the world that this Hall of Famer still has what it takes to impress the masses.”
“So yes, I’m ready to do more than just wrestle. If you want to fight in that ring, I’m all for it. Both of us have this chance to get out our aggression and maybe, just maybe, Sasha will realize that there is more to the both of us than meets the eye. I honestly hope, regardless of the outcome between us, that you DO get the opportunities to shine even more Kandis. Just remember that I too am looking for those same opportunities. Because I am done with dealing with Giovanni Aries’ cronies. I am done dealing with people that believe the whole world revolves around just them. And I am done with seeing others getting disrespected. I know you think of me as this “good guy” Kandis, but this “good guy” wants the playing field to be fair. Perhaps you will see that I’m not full of the crap that you think I’m full of. That’s where I’m different from Selena Frost, and she already knows this. If I was the same as her I would have NEVER picked Xander Valentine for a teammate for the Trios Tournament. I would have NEVER pulled Selena aside to tell her the truth. Simply put Kandis, I’m an open book.”
“Tomorrow night, this open book is going to take you to school. A Golden Moment is indeed in your future here in Omaha, but it’s not the one you want Kandis. But don’t worry, after this is over, I just know you will have learned from it and will be better down the road. I for one will be keeping an eye on you, and NOT because of your ass. But instead because of the wrestling talent that I sense you possess.”
[I nod before turning off the camera. In that I did not tell one lie. As much of an ass that Kandis’s tag team partner is, I see something different in her. Starting tomorrow night she has her chance to show it. Just like I have my chance to show that I have more victories left in me… that I have much more to give before the Golden Sun sets on my in-ring career. During these tough times though, I don’t want to think about the end. Right now, I am here. I am here to stay.]
DATE: Tuesday, September 1, 2020
TIME: 8:22 PM
CITY: Omaha, Nebraska
LOCATION: Marriott Hotel
[There are just times like these. Far too many if you ask me. What am I talking about? It’s simple. I’ll say this, it was nice to have some quiet time at home after Rise To Greatness, but with Sarah Vixen slowly becoming a teenager, her sweetness is definitely slowly yet surely wearing off. What she went through earlier on in the school year, prior to COVID striking, definitely has aided in that process. But when I was home, she was definitely doing things that were simply not necessary. I understand a girl being rebellious as she has almost always been that way, but she took it to a whole new level. And of course I was the one that had to go bail her out of trouble.]
[It was last Tuesday night actually that she inexplicably left the house and ran down the street towards Paul’s house. I saw her go. It wasn’t my fault or Martha’s. She was just from what I got out of her… “not wanting her parents right now”. You can imagine that I was feeling upset, so I did what any father would do, I followed right after her. She rounded the corner quickly and go figure, right when she got close to Paul’s house… her enemies from months ago approach her and corner her… all three of them. God was she lucky I was there. I picked up my pace and went right to the defense of my daughter. The three of them, upon seeing me, looked to be sizing me up but they all thought better of it. All three left the scene, which left me with Sarah. I remember exactly what I told her, in not a soothing voice at all. In fact I was amped up, much like how I am when I’m in the ring.]
Jay:
“Sarah, you could have been hurt! What were you thinking?!”
[I can still see her, with her back to me, likely almost crying. She said nothing but pointed towards her friend Paul’s house. Feeling betrayed I just gave up, threw my hands up, and walked back home. She did make it inside to Paul and back home to me and Martha later that evening, but that doesn’t mean I have to like it. The next morning I left early to fly out here to our Nation’s Heartland. But before I left I told Martha that we would be able to discuss things with our daughter the moment I am next back home, or over the phone if it is needed sooner. It is already bad enough that I couldn’t attend Breakdown last Wednesday due to what happened. I’m actually kind of still shocked that Sasha allowed me to stay at home once I told her. But I know this. I absolutely can NOT miss this one, especially being I am scheduled to compete for the first time since Rise To Greatness.]
[Now though, at this moment, I feel the worse I have felt in quite some time. When I got here into Omaha Saturday night I just felt like I needed to release the pressure inside me. I just needed to forget everything. I felt like I needed, well… Rehab. And so that’s where I went…]
DATE: Saturday, August 29, 2020
TIME: 10:59 PM
CITY: Omaha, Nebraska
LOCATION: Rehab Lounge
[The music is a little loud in here, but at least it is current music that is popular and not hot garbage. Sitting up here at the bar however just does not feel natural at all. I mean it has been a LONG time since I have been in a place such as this one, over a decade in fact. Thus I feel like just taking my beverage and perhaps traveling back in time with it, to a time where things were much easier than today’s world and today’s worries.]
[I stand up and head right out for the dance floor and being I am not wearing my wedding ring, left it in the hotel, I do get approached by a female who is clearly also here by herself. I don’t see any male pulling her back onto the floor and I don’t see any friends looking over towards her. She points to the closest table without saying a word, but I get the hint and put my glass down as the table close here to the dance floor is currently not being used. Don’t worry by the way, everyone here in the Lounge is wearing masks, including myself. I am not one that is going to take any chances. She pulls me gently by an arm out to the dance floor and I definitely look like a lost puppy dog, but only for a few moments. It doesn’t take much for me to remember how to dance. Even though I can’t see her mouth reaction, her eyes are telling me the story. She appears to be delighted with her choice for an impromptu dance partner. She’s not a bad looking blonde either, but she does look like she’s somewhere in her mid 20’s, when I will be 40 next May. But honestly, in this moment, with everything I am feeling? I don’t care. As the current song changes to another, I think I will allow myself to do what I came to do… relax, refresh, and renew. She reads my eyes as I think this and wraps her arms around my neck. I place my hands gently on her waist. It does feel weird, but she isn’t making it hard for me to adapt, not at all. She closes her eyes for the entire rest of the song. Despite us not even introducing ourselves yet, she seems to trust me, a total stranger, already. Unlike what my daughter did to me, I won’t betray this young lady’s trust. I just dance with her and honestly? For these three minutes, it feels really nice to forget. When I see her next open her eyes, she nods and goes to hold my right hand with her left. I let her, and we head off the dance floor, back to the table where my drink still sits. The two of us sit down and both of us take off our masks, being we are 6 feet apart, her opposite the table from myself. Neither of us speak right away though, as it is clear we are both nervous. I finally choose to break the ice after the awkward silence.]
Jay:
“Hey, I’m Jay… Jay Gold.”
Lady:
“Hey. I’m Ashley. I um... “
Jay:
“Nice to meet you Ashley. I um…”
Ashley:
“Eh heh.”
[I get it. We’re both nervous. I probably have the bigger reason to be, but I guess I’ll find out soon enough if that’s true.]
Jay:
“Listen, I haven’t done this in quite some time. I’ll be honest with you. I’m married.”
Ashley:
“Oh.”
[That definitely deflates her. But I was not going to mislead her, not in any way.]
Jay:
“I’m sorry. I did see the look in your eyes, but hey, I am definitely still fine with talking. There’s nothing of any harm that will come from it.”
Ashley:
“Alright Jay. Um… I guess you kinda beat me to it. I’m married too. Just got married a few weeks ago but um, I’m not happy.”
[Well… that changes things.]
Jay:
“If you do want to share, I’ll listen Ashley. I won’t force you though. We don’t even know each other at all.”
Ashley:
“True, but I have to tell someone… anyone. And well, I trusted you out there and you didn’t let me down.”
Jay:
“Unlike my daughter.”
[Shit! I didn’t mean to let that slip. She really looks interested now, so I may as well just put my “time away” aside and snap back to reality.]
Jay:
“She’s 10 Ashley. Tough age, I know. Basically she ran out of the house a few nights ago on both my wife and I and attempted to run to her best friend’s house. She nearly got attacked by three girls that used to go to the same school as her. She put herself in a really bad situation and was lucky that I was there to save her. I would obviously do ANYTHING for my daughter. I’ve just been plain out upset since that moment. She didn’t even want to talk to me. Just went inside her friend’s house, which the friend happens to a boy, a boy that is very trustworthy. But still, she turned her back on her own father. You can see why I am so upset and why I just needed to-”
Ashley:
“Break away. I… I guess you do have it worse than I do Jay. I’m so sorry.”
Jay:
“Hey, you didn’t know.”
[I pick up my glass and take a swig of my beverage of choice. It’s a non-alcoholic drink, so nothing to worry about. When I look back at Ashley, I can see that she might be about ready to open up to me in return. I’m proven right.]
Ashley:
“Well, since you told me, I’ll tell you. Don’t get me wrong, I love my husband Jacob. I love him a lot. It’s why I agreed to marry him. But um… ever since the wedding night, the shine has just worn off. Now that I’m living with him, he just… never seems to pay attention to me. I don’t feel loved. And the other night, I um… I... “
[She looks very nervous now so I look her dead in the eyes, offering a reassuring look before speaking to her.]
Jay:
“You don’t have to tell if you’re uncomfortable. It’s okay.”
Ashley:
“I overheard him on the phone and it sounded like he was talking to another girl! There, I said it!”
Jay:
“Oh Ashley, you didn’t have to if you didn’t want to.”
Ashley:
“I NEEDED to tell someone. Who better than you?”
[I’m silent. I can’t think of what to respond to her with, so she picks up my slack.]
Ashley:
“You’ve been great so far Jay. It’s a shame that we’re both married. I do kinda have a thing for genuinely nice guys. I know you’re older than I am and probably by quite a bit, but I feel very comfortable with you. I was nervous yeah, just like I could tell you were too, but I’m not anymore. I’m from here in Omaha and I’ll be honest. I’m 24, almost 25. You?”
Jay:
“I’m from New York. 39. I’m only passing through though as I work with a wrestling company. Just one more thing on my platter that makes me feel betrayed sometimes, being we have an owner right now that just doesn’t seem to know what she’s doing most of the time.”
Ashley:
“It’s still cool that you wrestle though. You don’t mind if I come and watch next Wednesday, do you? I’m guessing you’re with Supreme Championship Wrestling. Saw a commercial for it the other night when Jacob had the television on.”
Jay:
“You’re right. I won’t stop you from getting a ticket to come and watch either. I guess I’m kind of more interested with trying to get away from what’s been dragging me down, even if it is only for just a little bit longer.”
Ashley:
“Mmm… Say no more. If you want to dance more Jay, I’m up for it.”
[I think on this, but only for a few seconds. I need this break before life takes back control.]
Jay:
“I am too. And Ashley?”
Ashley:
“Yes?”
Jay:
“Thank you for pulling me aside. It’s nice to know that I’m not the only one that’s having issues during such a hard time.”
[She blushes a little.]
Ashley:
“Don’t mention it. The feeling’s mutual.”
[Both of us put our masks on, and even though we do hold one another again a bit on the dance floor in a friendly manner, I feel safe with her. Both of us close our eyes this time. She reaches up a little towards my ear and whispers. I can barely hear her over the music, but her words resonate with me.]
Ashley:
“I won’t ever forget this or you. Friends?”
[I respond to her immediately.]
Jay:
“Friends.”
[We get carried away for these few more moments before we once again step back off the dance floor. I take a look at the time and it has definitely grown later than what I thought the time actually was. She glances down at her watch and looks nervous as well, but then looks back up at me.]
Ashley:
“I meant what I said Jay.”
Jay:
“I did too. Here.”
[I write down my cell phone number on a napkin for her, taking the hint that she is giving me. I then hand it to her and she places it into her purse.]
Ashley:
“Thanks. Um… I guess I should go.”
Jay:
“I need to also. If you want, I’ll walk you out.”
[I can kind of see her smile from within her mask. Side by side we walk out of the Rehab Lounge, a new friendship formed, despite tumultuous times in both of our lives. Will we see each other again? As much as I love Martha and my daughter, and I love them dearly… I do hope I see Ashley again. She and I understand one another really well. I can tell. Even with just spending such a short time with her, we connected on a friend level… something I have honestly never felt before with a female. It feels nice.]
[Once we are out on the street we nod at one another before parting ways for the night. I head up the street back to the Marriott I am staying at, with Ashley and a new friendship on my mind. Will I tell Martha and Sarah when I get back home? Maybe, but only when I feel it’s necessary to do so.]
DATE: Tuesday, September 1, 2020
TIME: 10:37 PM
CITY: Omaha, Nebraska
LOCATION: Marriott Hotel
[Friendships do feel nice. Saturday night was exactly what I needed. I didn’t know what to expect, but I came out the other side of that night with a new friend. Yes, I have already called her a couple times. Both of us, from what I could tell, enjoyed each other’s company on both instances, even if it was only over the phone. Honestly, neither of us has done anything wrong. We haven’t cheated on our significant others. Only a couple of dances and some talking, nothing further than that. I have no regrets, and clearly nor does Ashley.]
[But I know life must go on. And it shall. Tomorrow night I take on one half of the now former SCW World Tag Team Champions, Kandis. I know she, just like myself, is aggravated with how things are currently in SCW. She needs to understand something though. The whole world doesn’t revolve around just one person. Truly when I look at Kandis, and literally AT Kandis and not her assets, I see someone that is strong that can stand on her own two feet. I see quite a bit of myself in her. Which is why I feel I need to tell her what she needs to hear.]
[Carefully I adjust my travel tripod and place it on the desk here in the hotel room. After I hit the record button, I’m on.]
Jay:
“I have to tell the truth. Ever since Rise To Greatness I have not felt the same. It’s not because I didn’t get the win and the United States Title shot either. To be frank about that I am more than okay with Xander getting that opportunity. He earned it. Selena and I can have our second go at another time and place.”
“No, I haven’t felt the same because of matters outside of SCW. I won’t be going into those as those are my problems and not anyone else’s. The world doesn’t revolve around me, just like it doesn’t revolve around a single one of us. We are ALL important in our own way. So yes, I do get it Kandis. I get exactly where you are coming from. You’re angry because Regan and Selena finally were able to wrestle the tag title belts away from you and Tommy. But the thing you need to understand is… nothing material lasts forever. As much as people give you flack for flaunting yourself, I won’t be doing that. I get that too. If you have it, flaunt it while you can. But also realize that when the time comes for all that to end, you will feel sad. Sad that you didn’t accomplish anything on your own. So really, tomorrow night is a chance for you to expand your horizons. You get a chance to break away and shine, outside of being an object for Tommy Valentine’s affections. Personally Tommy is better than what he has become to, and lately he has shown that by knocking off David Helms.”
“To be perfectly honest with you Kandis? I think you’re better than what you currently are too. I am in NO WAY looking past you. I’m not dumb. You’re here in SCW for a reason and it’s not just to show off the fact that you have a big behind. Tomorrow night against me you have your opportunity to show what you can do in a one on one match, with the lights on bright. I know you said you believe that I am on the downward spiral and in the twilight of my career. That may be so, but I am FAR from done. I will be the one that will choose how I end my career. Make no mistake about that. Just like I will show you that I can be successful, despite inner struggles.”
[I find myself pausing for a breath, but I jump right back in before I lost my thought.]
Jay:
“Tomorrow night I consider a little bit of a vacation actually. Look Kandis, clearly the two of us are aggravated. Many of us on the roster are as Rise To Greatness didn’t really resolve much of anything. I didn’t think it would though, so I’m not disappointed. So I’m just putting that weekend in the rear view mirror and I hope you do too. This match between us is something fresh and new. Even though I have been sent Knee Deep by Tommy before, I look forward to seeing what you can do… without Tommy. And I also look forward to showing you and the rest of the world that this Hall of Famer still has what it takes to impress the masses.”
“So yes, I’m ready to do more than just wrestle. If you want to fight in that ring, I’m all for it. Both of us have this chance to get out our aggression and maybe, just maybe, Sasha will realize that there is more to the both of us than meets the eye. I honestly hope, regardless of the outcome between us, that you DO get the opportunities to shine even more Kandis. Just remember that I too am looking for those same opportunities. Because I am done with dealing with Giovanni Aries’ cronies. I am done dealing with people that believe the whole world revolves around just them. And I am done with seeing others getting disrespected. I know you think of me as this “good guy” Kandis, but this “good guy” wants the playing field to be fair. Perhaps you will see that I’m not full of the crap that you think I’m full of. That’s where I’m different from Selena Frost, and she already knows this. If I was the same as her I would have NEVER picked Xander Valentine for a teammate for the Trios Tournament. I would have NEVER pulled Selena aside to tell her the truth. Simply put Kandis, I’m an open book.”
“Tomorrow night, this open book is going to take you to school. A Golden Moment is indeed in your future here in Omaha, but it’s not the one you want Kandis. But don’t worry, after this is over, I just know you will have learned from it and will be better down the road. I for one will be keeping an eye on you, and NOT because of your ass. But instead because of the wrestling talent that I sense you possess.”
[I nod before turning off the camera. In that I did not tell one lie. As much of an ass that Kandis’s tag team partner is, I see something different in her. Starting tomorrow night she has her chance to show it. Just like I have my chance to show that I have more victories left in me… that I have much more to give before the Golden Sun sets on my in-ring career. During these tough times though, I don’t want to think about the end. Right now, I am here. I am here to stay.]