REC:
The challengers have been lining up and it hasn’t been an easy road to the big show, has it? Back at Broken Beliefs I had to enter with the mindset there was only going to be one possible outcome, to walk out as the World Champion. I wanted ONE match, Selena Frost versus Kelcey Wallace. Just weeks prior to that I was granted that match, fresh off Retribution where I took a Glass Shard to the face by mistake and pinned in a moment I wish I could change, in the back of my mind I had two goals, beat Selena Frost and win the World Title, I had already set both of those to the side long enough. I don’t think anyone truly understands just how much I respect Selena, admire her passion, her tenacity and especially in recent months where she’s had to really turn the corner and become more aggressive, it just shows how one must evolve to the climate change in the SCW. When I faced Merrick Wiseman and Vixen Cain, I would not have accepted anything less than victory but it was still Selena I wanted….
Not for revenge, but absolution.
I could have that again, in the horizon and it should have been at Rise to Greatness, this match belonged in the Main Event of the biggest PPV of them all, it really did and instead all it took was two people to ruin it, that being Ace Marshall and Cassidy Carter with now the possibility and yes, I am a realist here, that I may not get the chance if Ace beats me for the Championship and Selena doesn’t defeat Cain. It seems there are always hurdles, obstacles I must overcome and since Broken Beliefs it has been no different from Torsten Voigt inside a cage who the monster still seems to want a piece of me to AJ Helms who one day will be a World Champion to Bree Lancaster, a woman that I had to defeat or the B & B Experience would have truly taken everything from me to finally Sienna Swann, another future World Champion and one day the face of this company. Oh, and I did not forget, Vixen Cain. I defeated Mr. Cain last week on Breakdown, he can come out and bitch, complain, use every excuse possible about being slammed on the chair and I will tune it out like I have all his words like white noise, that night was used to prove one thing, I belonged in the Main Event.
And yet, I still feel like something was missing.
The road to the end has begun, I will not claim for it to be Perfect, all I can do now is be the best I can with what I have left physically and mentally but one thing has never swayed, never changed. See, we might have our skills at one point diminish, become a little slower, maybe less tolerable to pain, the act sooner or later gets old, tired, rundown and passé. New wrestlers are always coming in, looking to take your spot, one that at this time next year, I will no longer have, it is part of life but my resolve, my dedication and the love I have of this sport will never diminish and THAT, Ace Marshall is what you do not have. If you respect the business, it will respect you back in return. It is one thing to be a great wrestler in the ring, it is another to be a great wrestler, period. There is a package which comes with someone that has been given the type of responsibility we have, going out there and fighting with everything left in our beaten and broken bodies, it is the makeup of a true World Champion. Many claim Ace will be next, he may hold this belt and if he does, it’s because he had to be just a little better than me and if that is the case, I have nothing more to say than to applaud his effort and hope this title is in good hands…
Sadly, I don’t.
This has never been about anything other than grandstanding, using this belt as a prop for his sexual endeavors, a chance to throw it back in your faces and show every single athlete in this company that you don’t have to take this job serious, instead you can act like an ass, jest and make fun of the very foundation which holds us at high regards to the community around us and the people who cheer us on a daily basis, the children who buy our merchandise, the fans who look up to us as role models and leaders, yes even I at one point turned my back on it, not to ridicule others, the hunger of victory sometimes takes over and when it does it is so bloody hard to nourish ourselves from starving to death in a famished world of success. You wouldn’t know any of that Ace Marshall, in his world, it’s all about hubris, his wants and needs, to hell with the rest and I didn’t kill myself against Tainted Justice and Bree Lancaster, Sienna Swann and AJ Helms, Torsten Voigt and yes, even Selena Frost to watch a person that doesn’t respect a single ounce of any wrestler who has sacrificed their very life to compete and for those who live vicariously through us because they themselves cannot.
I now know that the sands of my hourglass are slowly fading, I will not have very many more chance to be the woman I had hoped I would stay as for years to come. Ace, I wish there was some decency in you, maybe there is, Sophie James is proof of that, your wife on the other hand, is hopeless. Vixen Cain doubted me, he continued to pry, to find a way to destroy my character, me as a person and in the end, drowned in the muck of his own arrogance…
Take notes, Ace Marshall….
I’m going to humble you, Perfectly.
/REC
PROLOGUE: RAISING “CAIN”
The last stop for Kelcey Wallace in the ring was her arch nemesis, Vixen Cain. For Kelcey, it was about once again proving another point, this one was by putting the last nail on the coffin of a man that has not been able to beat her. Kelcey had Cain’s number, no matter how many times he faced her, the excuses he made, the shortcuts he took, the games he played, Kelcey always found a way to outsmart him. This was a huge match for her, a momentum breaker or maker, take your pick and for sure in the back of her mind she knew that Ace Marshall would be watching. Kelcey had to do her best to set herself up to walk into the biggest PPV of the year in Arizona, a loss to Vixen Cain would have been devastating. She kept what has been happening in her personal life to herself. She had to stay laser focused on the task at hand, it was the only way she would be ready for the challenge of Ace Marshall who aside from his jokes, inside the ring was getting it done.
After Vixen Cain had cost Selena Frost the match against Ace, the Breakdown before, Kelcey found herself wondering if the same fate would befall upon her. The one thing that gave comfort to Kelcey was the fact Selena was okay after the bus incident, that sickened Kelcey to the core, she was getting tired of all the grandstanding and the petty little games that suddenly became a norm in the SCW. Why did this become a pandemic all of a sudden, it was the Ace and Ravyn show to a much lesser extent, in Kelcey’s eyes, Ravyn was just piggy backing on Ace’s success because her tricks had become bland to the point they weren’t even shocking anymore, they were just annoying. Ace though was trying everything he could to get under the Perfect 10’s skin, she wasn’t about to let it go any further and a win over Vixen Cain after all the things he said about her…
Would solve many things including all the answers to the question he continued to ask…
What was the REAL Main Event.
Breakdown
Seattle, Washington
It was a tough battle, Cain once again tried his tricks, Ace was also involved and that never stopped Selena Frost from coming down to the ring and evening the odds with a chair and when chaos broke loose, the chair was left in the ring, Kelcey drove Cain’s head into it and then finished him off with the Perfect Ending….
It felt good for the World Champion who since losing at Retribution was on a roll. She pulled together a string of victories against some of the best and heading into Rise to Greatness she was ready to defend her championship at any cost. After Breakdown went off the air, Kelcey Wallace had calmed down some, Selena Frost was back there with her making sure that her friend was alright….
Kelcey: “Thank you.”
Selena: “You always have my back, you know that I will always have yours. I saw what he was about to do and there was no way that I was going to allow that to happen. I apologize if you felt like I was interfering, don’t think for one minute that I didn’t have all the confidence in the world in you, after last week I needed to do something, I wasn’t about to stand back and watch him get away with it and with Ace Marshall out there hovering and trying to play coy, I had to act, so please, I apologize.”
Kelcey faintly smiles at Selena, gently patting her hand…
Kelcey: “Selena, you have nothing to apologize for, again, thank you. Ace was a distraction but more importantly it felt good knowing you did have my back, he tried to play his stupid games and they didn’t work this time. I just don’t understand, I keep slapping the side of my head over and over, I don’t get, I just don’t. Mr. D. has his hands full, he has been trying to keep some semblance of order the past few months, I don’t know, it might be too much but all these stupid games, they need to stop. Did you see Ravyn out there with Mr. D? With Katya?”
Selena: “I didn’t even know what to say about that. You know how I feel about my sister in Platinum, Sienna Swann. I think it’s sickening but it seems like we are in the minority, doesn’t it?”
Kelcey chuckles a little because she knows that Selena is right, it seems that way these days, Breakdown is riddled with games, all this is about now is a bet and for both Selena and especially Kelcey Wallace, she is living it. The Perfect 10 sighs, holding the World Championship, knowing that it could fall in the hands of Ace Marshall….
Kelcey: “I don’t want my career to revolve around this. The title, it’s what our match should be about, the Breakdown after Rise to Greatness should be about you and I with this on the line, a fitting ending and win or lose, I know that the title will be in good hands no matter what, this at RTG? Is different. You were robbed at Taking Hold of the Flame, Cain wanted to try and lure you into turning against me, feed you a line of malarkey to feed his own bruised ego, whatever the case love, I need you to know that whatever happens, beat Cain. If I am to fall to Ace at Rise to Greatness…..”
Selena: “…. Do not talk like that Kelcey….”
Kelcey: “Selena, I have to be a realist here. I’m nervous, he’s at the top of his game, me? My skills are dwindling, every single match I go out there and wrestle it becomes that much harder, what if I have an episode? I am starting to lose a step, if I am off by half a second, I get a knee to my face, I’ve taken one before from Taylor Chase and Sienna Swann, they hurt. It does concern me though, so I need you to promise me, if I am to fall in battle at Rise to Greatness, you WIN that belt. You beat Cain and then Ace, okay?”
Selena: “Kelcey….”
Kelcey: “Promise me!”
Selena: “I promise.”
Kelcey: “And I will have your back, I will be there in your corner, I will make sure Cassidy does nothing to change that….”
Selena cuts her off….
Selena: “Kelcey? You haven’t lost anything yet.”
Kelcey: “I know… I’m just…..”
Selena: “What is it?”
Kelcey: “I’m scared Selena.”
Selena: “Of Ace Marshall?”
Kelcey: “God, no. I’m not afraid of Ace at all, I’m afraid of what he represents, I’m afraid of failing Mr. D. I can’t do that to him and his company, not now, not while I am so bloody close to walking out of this sport for good. Taking Hold of the Flame was an eye opener though, I don’t know what had happened, I collapsed, my body locked up on me and that episode put the fear of god into me. I didn’t know what was going on and what if it happens in the ring Selena? What then? What would I do? I don’t know, I didn’t tell my doctor, I can’t let this end prematurely, I have to see this through.”
Selena: “At the expense of your health?”
Kelcey says nothing, she can only stare at the World Championship, her reflection looking right back at her. The Perfect 10 knows that Selena is right, she understands that this is a huge risk she is taking but to fend off people like Cain and Ace from grabbing the World Championship, is it really worth it? To Kelcey it is….
Kelcey: “I can’t let this title fall in the hands of people like Cain and Ace, Selena. Can you imagine, Cain versus Ace at Breakdown? I have already failed Olek once, I can’t do that again. I will NOT relive that feeling I had after Retribution, not this close to the end, I can’t and will NOT. Trust me, I am not in any way blaming you, I just know what it was like when I sat up and watched Blake and Bree smiling in victory after we kicked their asses.”
The perfect ten begins to grind her teeth a little recalling that moment that would forever live on in history, minor in the grander scheme of things but still very much a blight on her legacy….
Kelcey: “I won’t go through that again, Rise to Greatness, 4 months ago? I didn’t think I would have been in the Main Event, I just wanted it to be you and me, that didn’t happen, I can’t botch it up now which is why I’m terrified. You have been so good to me….”
Selena: “And you the same. I would have never imagined this a year ago. We just need to stick together and you need to “Believe”, okay? Seriously. I’m just worried about you, after what happened, it scared me too and I don’t ever want to see you in that type of predicament again, okay?”
Kelcey nods when suddenly….
Voice: “What predicament?”
The Perfect 10’s blue eyes widen, she looks over Selena’s shoulders to see her best friend, Taylor Chase standing there in a black dinner dress and heels, a glossy finish on her nails and long hair hanging down….
Kelcey: “Tay?”
Taylor: “I came to congratulate you on the victory, I see that you’re busy.”
Selena: “Hello Taylor.”
Taylor: “Selena, long time no see.”
Selena: “Yes, it’s been a while.”
Taylor: “IWC I believe, when I eliminated you from Last Stand.”
Selena: “A match you were not even in.”
Taylor: “Funny how that happens.”
Kelcey quickly cuts in…..
Kelcey: “Okay… Ladies that was a while ago, can we bury the hatchet here? It was another time and another place. We have all been vocal about one another in the past, that is not the case now. So can we please just see past that and move forward? New company for you Taylor, fresh beginning, right?”
Taylor smirks, glancing over at Selena who winks….
Taylor: “Always right, Kelcey.”
Selena: “I agree.”
Kelcey: “Thank you….”
Taylor: “Now, what predicament?”
Kelcey: “Well….”
As Kelcey starts to talk, Selena cuts in, she sees that this really isn’t going to be beneficial for Kelcey if she were to stick around. Taylor and Selena are not fans of one another, both ladies breed tension that could be cut with a knife….
Selena: “I’ll let you two speak, I’ll be around if you need me, okay?”
Kelcey: “Okay, Give the family my love.”
Selena: “I will. By Taylor.”
Taylor: “Ciao.”
The Snow Queen walks out, Taylor turns back to Kelcey…..
Taylor: “Please tell me you don’t really trust her?”
Kelcey: “Hard as it may sound, I do, she’s become one of my best friends here in the SCW, Tay.”
Taylor: “That was until I arrived. There is something about her that I don’t like, I get it, you really didn’t have many friends to begin with, she was there, loyalty, totally understandable, but that’s over now. I’m here, that’s what is important. So, tell me, what is up? What were you two talking about?”
Kelcey: “It’s nothing Tay, just coming down from the high of beating Vixen Cain is all. That and of course, concern over my condition.”
Taylor: “Did you have an episode again? Is that why there is all this secrecy? I mean, be honest here to me Kelcey, I have at least earned that much.”
Reluctantly, Kelcey nods….
Taylor: “Let me guess, you don’t want it to get around because you feel Mr. D. will pull the plug on you and it will be over, right?”
Kelcey: “Yes.”
Taylor: “I see, so the fact you could go out there and seriously injure yourself or someone else if you suddenly lose control while in the middle of the room not incentive enough to come out and tell the truth? Isn’t that a bit selfish?”
Kelcey: “Taylor!? No!”
Taylor: “Pride Kelcey, remember that. You start showing to much of it and what happens? I should have come sooner to the SCW, that was my fault. I needed to take some time off, heal. IWC left me sour, I didn’t want to go to the UWA, I should’ve just came here.”
Kelcey: “You had a baby.”
Taylor: “I did and don’t think for one second I have forgotten about all of this, what is going on between Shaun Cruze and I is partly your fault, I trusted you so now I’m going to ask you to trust in me for once.”
Kelcey: “I apologized for that and honestly, at the time I felt it was the right thing to do and in many ways, I still do but had I known he would react that way and physically harm you? I would have never done it, so for that I am sorry.”
Taylor: “This isn’t about me, this is about you right now and your health. You are going to step into the ring with Ace Marshall, he’s an asshole, I read his comments on Twitter about me, not knowing who I was until Shaun made me famous….”
Kelcey: “Right, he just spoke for Katelyn Buehler when you faced her, he knew exactly who you were.”
Taylor: “That’s my point, he’s obnoxious and I was going to come in here and tell you that you have nothing to worry about, go out there and play your game, do what you have done your entire career and with that said, everything will fall into place but after walking in on your conversation which had you and Selena sharing secrets?”
Kelcey stops her right now, she knows that when Taylor gets on a roll there is no stopping her. She is talking this way too personal, feeling as if she can share things with Selena but not with her, that really hurts Taylor’s feelings and maybe it wasn’t fair for Kelcey to keep that away from Taylor but their relationship has been rocky the last six months or so, it is now just starting to get back on track….
Kelcey: “It wasn’t like that Taylor, Selena was there for me when it happened. That was all and I am glad that she was. If this was to get out, I could be told to pack it in now. How many times did you wrestle hurt or with your knee almost shattered and I had to bite my lip when I should have sung like a bird to protect you instead?”
Taylor: “It wasn’t a debilitating disease Kelcey.”
Kelcey: “No, but I bit the bullet for you flower so don’t get all self-righteous on me now.”
Taylor: “Whoa, slow down.”
Kelcey: “No, you are my best friend but are acting like I would never tell you what was going on. Do you think I would go off and tell Selena what happened had she not been there? No, I wouldn’t tell anyone, not even Chris, that’s how important this last run is for me. I have to talk to Mr. D. in a bit, tell him plans, you are more than welcomed to join me if you’d like.”
Taylor: “Sure, I will but Kelcey.”
Kelcey: “Yes, Tay?”
Taylor: “Don’t trust Selena.”
The tall and sultry Chase walks out of the dressing room, she doesn’t say anything else on the matter, Kelcey grabs the World Championship and walks out with a small piece of paper that she grabbed out of her carry-on bag and sees Taylor holding the door for her, she nods and walks out….
The two arrive at Mr. D.’s makeshift office, visibly upset about Katya, earlier. He is on the phone….
Mr. D: “Damn it, I have told you a thousand times already! Did you not already learn from the Red Rayne incident!? You are smarter than that!”
Taylor and Kelcey walk in, they stand there, Mr. D doesn’t even realize they are there…..
Mr. D.: “No, what I am saying is you know the talent in the SCW and you will NOT socialize with any of them again, are we clear on that matter!? I should have seen this coming a mile away but whatever, I am getting sick and tired of you and my family being used as pawns, this ends now, are we clear!?”
Kelcey sighs, thinking back when she too had Monarchy invade Mr. D.’s house. She also remembers the hell he went through with Red Rayne last year, she hates to see him upset. Just then he turns and sees both Kelcey and Taylor standing there….
Mr. D: “I have to go, yes I love you too, bye. Kelcey, Taylor, I apologize about that. Next time please knock.”
Taylor: “We did.”
Mr. D: “Right, what can I do for you? Kelcey I’d figured you’d be showered up and out on the town.”
Kelcey: “Taylor and I are going out later for drinks, join us?”
Mr. D: “Not good for the boss to socialize with the talent.”
Taylor: “Come on, one drink.”
Mr. D: “I’ll think about it, thank you for the invite. What can I help you with? I need to finish up here, I’ve had a hell of a night and by the way, congratulations on your win.”
Kelcey: “Thank you, here….”
She hands him the piece of paper, there are five names on the list, he reads down them…..
Mr. D: “This is?”
Kelcey: “My final opponents. After the list is complete, I’m done, World Champion or not.”
Mr. D: “Selena Frost? You may get her after RTG.”
Kelcey: “Possibility and then again it may not happen, either way I want that match.”
Mr. D: “Okay and….”
He sees one name, lifting his eyes toward Kelcey….
Mr. D: “Are you sure about this one?”
Kelcey: “Positive and after tonight and listening to your phone call? Even more so now than I was fifteen minutes ago.”
Mr. D nods, almost smirking before placing the paper down on the desk….
Mr. D: “I will do my best, good enough?”
Kelcey: “Yes. I will have an exact date for you later when my last match will be. Mr. D., Katya is a good girl, we all make mistakes, I know I hurt you too and you forgave me. Give her a chance, she deserves it.”
Mr. D: “I don’t blame her, she’s young… But thank you.”
Kelcey smiles and turns to walk out….
Mr. D: “Maybe I will join you for one drink.”
Kelcey: “That’s the spirit. I’ll text you where, see you then.”
Mr. D: “Okay, thank you and Taylor, welcome to SCW.” Taylor nods….
Taylor: “It’s been way too long.”
The tall Chase walks out, Kelcey follows her, they make their way down the hallway back to her dressing room…..
Taylor: “You two are really close. Huh?”
Kelcey: “He sometimes is more of a father to me than my own is.”
Kelcey brushes her hair back and continues to walk, Taylor cracks a smirk, seeing some fire in the Perfect Ten but at the same time worrying about her, she has always been protective of Kelcey but one thing she has going for her is hear and determination and that will carry her through even with her sickness….
It’s Selena Frost that has Taylor worried….
And no one, not Ace, Cain or Selena to name a few will ever hurt Kelcey Wallace while Taylor Chase is there….
Again.
TRIAL BY ERROR
For once in a long-time, things had been going right for Kelcey Wallace in her personal life besides the fact she had Parkinson’s Disease. The problems with her father, Rory Wallace stemmed from some actions he took thinking he was helping out his daughter with Christian, the other was a secret that Rory wanted to keep, one that sent Kelcey over to London looking into some papers she had found, secrets that were uncovered like fixed pageants and bribes, it led to Liam McGregor who spoke to Kelcey and was about to blow the whistle as to why he was even there in the first place in Wormwood Scrubs but before they could talk, Liam was killed in a prison fight when they finally let him out of his solitary confinement. Kelcey wanted to look into it more but she saw how Chris and Rory had become so close, Chris needed that father figure, Kelcey wanted a father, it was the only thing that made any sense to her whatsoever. So, she let it go, tried to sweep it under the rug for the sake of her family. Things were not easy for Kelcey, she was going through a lot of emotionally trauma, even her career was flashing in front of her eyes, the Perfect Streak was gone, she didn’t even know who she was anymore. All she cared about was trying to fix things, yet she was going about all wrong, making up for the abortion, trying to keep the marriage together with Chris even after all that happened in the SCW, between Chris and Blake Mason, all leading up to her war with Blake and Bree. Things at home started to fall apart and Kelcey had become desperate, trying anything she could as a band aid and it just didn’t work and when she realized that she had to stop acting that way and do things right, Rory had already acted…
Things though eventually smoothed over, her falling out with Rory before they renewed their vows was unexpected but necessary. Before that Kelcey had ran away, left her family behind after Retribution, ashamed of what she had done and failed. Christian brought her back, she ended up winning the World Championship and things started to get change, after finding out that the road for her was almost over, Kelcey started to become at peace with her future and in the process settled down, knowing what she wanted and priorities changed, no matter whether she won or she lost, she still had her family to go home to and that was what became most important in her life. The pieces continued to fall into place, first with the go ahead of her Foundation and Charity Event in October. Then the reconciliation with her mother, a relationship that almost all her life was rocky…..
Things were starting to look up….
Until her mother text her and soon, the accident happened….
And everything changed.
Three Weeks Ago
Cedar Sinai Hospital
Kelcey sat bedside, leaned over in jeans, flip flops and a Superman T-Shirt, her long hair hung down, it was late morning the next day. Her mother lied in the hospital bed, having emergency brain surgery to get the swelling down. Not saying a word, Kelcey just stared at her mother, holding Ana’s hand, not knowing what to do other than hope and pray. Chris was outside with Christian talking to Dr. Morgan, a leading Brain surgeon ….
Chris: “Please don’t sugar coat it Doctor, what’s the prognosis?”
Dr. Morgan: “We were able to get the swelling down but she had major trauma to the brain. At this point, the next 72 hours are going to be very critical Mr. Cannon. All we can do is make her comfortable and hope for the best. The surgery however was a success, so now all we can do is wait.”
Chris: “Any way to know when she will wake up?”
Dr. Morgan: “Too hard to say, we don’t know. Best case for her right now is to stay unconscious, any sudden brain activity could do more harm than good. She is in the best care right now, that I can assure you.”
Chris: “Thank you.”
Dr. Morgan: “My advice? Take your wife home, there is nothing she can do here, if anything changes, we will call you.”
Chris: “That’s easier said than done, mate. Thanks.”
The Doctor nods and walks away, Chris sighs and places his hands tucked in the pockets of his jeans, Christian peaks into the room and sees Kelcey sitting there, with her head down…..
Christian: “I want to stay with her, we should go in.”
Chris: “I know… We need to get Kelcey home, she needs to get some sleep, that’s what is important right now. You heard the Doctor, there is nothing left that they can do for her now, so we have to do our best to comfort Kelcey. She’s a strong woman and so is Ana, she’ll pull through, I know she will.”
Christian: “Just when everything was starting to come together, first Rory, now this. I don’t get it?”
Chris: “I don’t either mate. Sometimes I wonder if we are forever snake-bitten. Talk to her, I’m going to fill out some paperwork and get all the information stuff down for Ana, watch her okay?”
Christian: “I will dad.”
Chris ruffles his hair a little and walks toward the nurse’s station, Christian walks in as Kelcey just sits there in silence. He can tell that she’s in some shock right now, it’s a very hard situation for her to handle especially after the great evening she had with her mother, things were finally starting to look up, Kelcey was liberated, happy to have been building a good relationship with her mom and then this happened. Kelcey sits there, Christian puts his hand on her shoulder, she gently grabs it…
Kelcey: “My mother would get mad at me when I sat at the window watching the other kids playing outside, she was always afraid I would get hurt so my life was pretty sheltered. She wouldn’t let me out of the house for anything, overprotective and I used to get so mad that she would do that. There were times that I wanted to just open the door and walk right out, I didn’t even care. Yet, I never did….”
Christian: “Why? Didn’t want to get hurt?”
Kelcey: “No, I respected her too much not too. I sit here now looking at her and now I want to yell out her for being careless. She was so worried about me, look at her now.”
Christian: “I’m sorry.”
Kelcey: “It’s fine, you’re with me and that’s what my mother would want, for us to stay strong as a family. We are just being tested again and again. Every time we think we win the war, another battle emerges, this one is not different. We will get through this, we always do.”
Christian: “I know we will but it still scares me, that you are sick and now Ana is like this, it’s not fair to us. Maybe your mother was right?”
Kelcey: “About what?”
Christian: “You never leaving the house again.”
Kelcey shakes her head….
Kelcey: “That’s not going to happen.”
Christian: “Is she going to be okay?”
Kelcey: “I hope so Christian…. I hope so. Life is a fickle bitch, love. One day she wants to give you everything, the next she wants to take it. For years I fought with my mother and I may lose her and never get the chance to show her how much I really did love her…”
A few tears starts to trickle down her cheek…..
Kelcey: “I wasted so many years blaming her for my problems when I created them, not her. I may have been socially awkward or asked for the ridicule that I have been faced with all these years but this, it wasn’t supposed to happen to her.”
Christian: “I could say the same thing about you, mum… When was that supposed to happen to you? What about Jenni and her sister, Rebecca, when was that supposed to happen? The day she was murdered? When is anything supposed to happen these days? I don’t even know anymore, that’s the problem, none of us do and it isn’t fair. We can’t predict the future as much as I would like.”
Kelcey: “No, we can’t. I have learned that whatever is going to happen, will happen. I have tried to live my life being Perfect for so many years that I forgot how to just live my life. There comes a time and a place for everything, living in a world where failure never existed in my vocabulary was a pipe dream but you know what? It saved my life. No one will ever truly understand that and it’s fine, I don’t expect any one too. My mother wanted the best for me, it took me twenty-eight years to realize that and now she lies there, I don’t know if she is going to make it or not and it scares the hell out of me because for as many times I blamed her for what I felt I had become….. now I feel empty without her.”
Christian starts to rub her back as Kelcey sighs and looks over at him and smiles, wiping her eyes a little as they become teary eyed. She is hurting deep inside, it is extremely hard for her to deal with what had happened to her mother and at the same time to accept what is going on within herself and the realization of how she was raised, why it had happened and the bond she started to rebuild with her. All of this and it always came down to timing. She sighs when Chris walks in, he had filled out some paperwork…..
Chris: “Kelcey? There are a few papers they need you to sign out front.”
Kelcey: “Yeah, sure I will be there in a second.”
Chris: “Christian, can you give Kels and I a minute, mate?”
Christian: “Sure, I’ll go grab a drink, be back in a bit.”
As Christian gets up to walk out, Kelcey grabs his hand, he turns and she stands up, hugging him. The two embrace for a moment before she finally lets go, running her fingers through his hair while smiling. He walks out….
Chris: “He really loves you.”
Kelcey: “And I love him.”
Chris: “They have paperwork for you to sign love.”
Kelcey: “He did this to her.”
Chris: “What? Who did what to who?”
Kelcey looks down at her mother and she begins to grind her teeth again as a scowl begins to furrow on her brow….
Kelcey: “Rory.”
Chris: “What do you mean?”
Kelcey: “I want her car inspected.”
Chris moves closer to his wife and places a hand on her should, she turns to look at her husband…
Chris: “Wait, Kelcey, what are you saying love? You think Rory tampered with her car? That he caused this to happen? I know you’re upset love, but those are some strong accusations.”
Kelcey: “Are they? Damn it Chris, she had just seen him, she texts me that I was right about him, the things he did. What am I supposed to think? He said something to her, was it mere coincidence that she goes up to his house and then loses control on a road that my mother had driven down a thousand times over and almost dies!? No! I refuse to believe that. He did this to her, He had this happen to try and shut her up so that I wouldn’t find out something. That is all I have been thinking about this morning sitting here in silence. He did it Chris, he bloody did it that bastard…”
Chris: “Okay, okay…”
He tries to calm her down, rubbing her shoulders and sighing. All he can do at this point is trying to ease her nerves, she is worked up right now, there is nothing more that he can do at the moment considering they are in the hospital. He expects Rory to show up at some point, maybe he did do something, maybe he was involved, that is too early to tell but Kelcey is convinced that he was somehow involved in Ana’s accident…..
Chris: “Let’s relax for a minute here and think for a second, I know it is easy to get caught up in everything, we can talk about so much right now and how this could have happened or that but we need to keep a level head about this before we start shooting off accusations love, okay?”
Kelcey: “My gut feeling tells me otherwise. I have been wrong before, I know I have but this? My mother was a good driver, Chris, she had driven that road all the time, she was upset when she talked to me, she was going to call me later, I can’t just let this go on, I can’t.”
Chris: “I know Kelcey, but you can’t just throw accusations like this out into the open.”
Kelcey: “So what do we do? I have to do something, stand up for what I feel is right no matter the cost and if that means look into my father’s eyes and accuse him of this then I will but damn it, we draw the line, here!”
Chris: “Okay, say that we do that and we are wrong, Kelcey? What if you are accusing an innocent man? Then what? That’s the problem we face, Rory may not have had a damn thing to do with this. I know you are upset….”
Kelcey: “Don’t patronize me Chris….”
Chris: “I’m not, I just want you to be aware that if we are going to start throwing this type of verbiage out there it can have huge implications, I went through the same shit with my brother’s years ago. At the end of the day Kelcey, he is still your father, that may not be what you want to hear but the fact is it’s true. We all committed acts we are not proud of….”
Kelcey: “We didn’t have anyone killed!”
Chris: “We don’t have proof. I talked to the Doctor, they said there is nothing more that we can do right now so let’s go home, let’s get out of here so you can get some sleep. That’s what is important right now. Much as I wish that were not the case it is. Ana needs to rest; the Doctor doesn’t think she will wake up anytime soon. Can we do that. Please?”
She lowers her head and reluctantly nods….
Chris: “Thank you, let’s sign some paper work and get you home, love.”
Kelcey: “Okay but I know he had something to do with this Chris, I just know it.”
Chris: “I know love, I know.”
He grabs her hand, ready to pull her out of the room but she instead leans in and kisses her mother before being escorted out by her own husband. She has a gut feeling, at the same time Kelcey Wallace blames her father right now for a lot of things, how quickly they had a falling out and he may not have anything to do with it but history says otherwise. She gets to the nurse’s station, fills out the rest of the paperwork before they leave and go home….
A FEW HOURS LATER
Kelcey had gone home and fallen asleep, she hadn’t had much rest all night. Chris made sure that she was in bed, covered up before he went downstairs where Christian was talking to Jenni on the phone. Chris, in jeans, a polo shirt and dress shoes, grabbed his keys and was ready to leave….
Chris: “Christian, I’m taking off for a bit, I will be home later mate.”
Christian: “Okay dad. Is it okay if Jenni comes over?”
Chris: “That’s fine but Kels is sleeping, just don’t disturb her and once in a while, peak in and make sure she is okay.”
Christian: “I will.”
Chris: “Talk to you soon.”
Cannon leaves, he hops in his Jeep and drives off. Christian continues to talk on the phone for a second before hanging up. He makes his way upstairs and looks in the bedroom, Kelcey is lying on her stomach in shorts and a tank top, fast asleep, not even under the covers. He walks over and removes a strand of hair from her face and kisses her on the forehead, she stirs a little before falling back asleep. Christian is worried about her, there are so many things happening that could potentially trigger her disease. He starts to make his way back downstairs when there is a knock on the door. He walks over and opens it to see a large man standing there and a blonde woman, it is Kristen and Kraven Wallace….
Christian: “Kristen? Kraven?”
Kristen: “Hey handsome, is Kelcey home?”
Christian: “She is but she’s sleeping.”
Kristen: “That’s okay, we can wait.”
Kristen pretty much invited herself in, Kraven follows. Kristen wearing ripped jeans, wedge sandals and an off-white halter top, her nails polished a bright red. Kraven is in jeans, dress shoes and a button up shirt, untucked with the sleeves rolled up….
Kraven: “How are you lad.”
Christian: “Good sir, you?”
Kraven: “Good as always. Where’s Chris?”
Christian: “You just missed him, do you want me to call him back?”
Kraven: “It’s fine, we can wait, wanted to see him, just dropped by the hospital to see mum.”
Christian: “Yeah, sorry about that.”
Kristen: “Kelcey is sleeping upstairs?”
Christian: “Yeah.”
Kristen: “I’ll go wake her.”
Christian: “But, she just fell asleep…. I don’t think….”
Kraven puts his arm around Christian and pulls him away….
Kraven: “So how are you liking it here?”
Christian: “Good, I love it…. Kristen?”
She pays him no attention, making her way upstairs, she walks in and sees Kelcey asleep on the bed. Kristen sits next to her and runs her finger down Kelcey’s nose for a moment before her blue eyes open, Kristen smirks, Kelcey’s eyes widen as she shoots up, a bit discombobulated and confused….
Kristen: “Good morning sunshine.”
Kelcey: “Kris…. Kristen? What time is it? What….”
Kristen: “Oh you must’ve been sleeping hard, sorry about that. Kraven and I were passing through, we just wanted to see you. Came to visit mom, heard what happened, it’s terrible, are you okay?”
Kelcey: “I am, upset but I think I’ll be okay. I’m more worried about her than anything really, Kris.”
Kristen: “I know you are but mother is a tough old bird, she will be fine. Have you talked to uncle Rory?”
Kelcey: “No.”
Kelcey stretches, she brushes her hair back and takes a second to compose herself. The Perfect Ten is surprised that Kristen is even there visiting them, their relationship has never been hostile, just distant. Kelcey and Kristen just never hit it off, unlike her and Kraven who at least had some sort of relationship though it was more of Kraven being too much of a big brother to Kelcey…..
Kristen: “It sounds like there is something going on there.”
Kelcey: “Nothing. So, you decided to come and visit me? Not like you Kristen.”
Kristen: “No, it isn’t. I think we have had this invisible barrier between us for far too long, and with mother in the hospital, I think she would appreciate that we come together as a family and stick together for her sake, wouldn’t you agree?”
Kelcey: “I would, yes.”
Kristen: “Good. I’m glad to hear that. So, how are you? I see the wrestling thing is going well for you, World Champion and all, congrats on that by the way. We are all proud of you for it and good luck in Arizona.”
Kelcey: “Thank you, easier said than done but I feel that I had to go out there and give it a good run before I decide my next step in my life and marriage. Is Chris downstairs with Kraven?”
Kristen: “Chris was not here when we got here, Kelcey. Kraven and Christian are catching up downstairs. Look, I know this is out of the blue and all but I just want us to start fresh again. We have had this tension between us for far too long and I would like to fix that, I mean, with mum in the hospital, I think it would be nice for her to wake up to seeing her whole family together again, don’t you think?”
Kelcey smiles and nods….
Kelcey: “I think she’d like that, I would like that.”
Kristen: “Me too. I’m sorry I woke you up, get some sleep, I will be in town for the foreseeable future, looking to move out here, open up a training facility maybe.”
Kelcey: “Really? That would be great.”
Kristen: “Closer to you and mum. Same with Kraven. Anyhow, get some sleep.”
Kelcey: “Nonsense, I’m up. I’ll make us some coffee, okay?”
Kristen: “Sounds perfect. See what I did there?”
The two sisters share a laugh as Kelcey gets out of bed, slips on her flip flops and heads downstairs where Kraven has Christian in midair, ready to body slam him on the couch….
Kelcey: “Hey you, big lug, put my stepson down before you hurt him.”
Kraven laugh’s and drops Christian on the couch, he hugs Kelcey….
Kraven: “Good to see you little sister.”
Kelcey: “You too.”
The two give each other a hug, Kelcey heads to the kitchen as Kristen smirks at Kraven. They sit at the counter while Christian watches…..
Kraven: “Shame I missed Chris, I wanted to talk to my mate.”
Kelcey: “I don’t know where he went, must’ve been after I fell asleep. Christian, where did your father go?”
Christian: “He didn’t say.”
Kelcey: “I’ll text him in a bit.”
Kristen: “Isn’t this nice? All of the siblings together under one roof chatting, bonding, what more can we ask for right?”
Kelcey smiles and nods….
Kelcey: “Right, didn’t see this coming. Have you two eaten yet?”
Kristen: “Oh, we’re fine, we can’t stay long anyway. Came by to catch up, we must’ve just missed you guys at the hospital. I think from this day forward we need to band together and be a family especially for mum.”
Kraven: “Agreed.”
Kelcey: “Agreed.”
She grabs the phone and goes to text Chris…..
Collision Center
West Hollywood, CA.
Chris Cannon waited for the mechanic to come out, he walks over, wiping his hands with a cloth, his name is Joe….
Chris: “Hey mate, how are you.”
Joe: “Good, Mr. Cannon. I checked out the Mercedes that drove over the cliff, the car is totaled.”
Chris: “Not really worried about that to be honest mate, I just want to know if you found anything weird with the car. That’s all. Maybe a malfunction, something that must do with the make of the car, it shouldn’t, it’s a 2016 but in this day and age mate, you just never know.”
Joe: “You’re telling me, the other day there was this… You know what you don’t need to hear about that. I did find something, come with me.”
Joe leads Chris through the Collision Course until they get to Ana’s car which is completely totaled. Chris sees the windshield shattered where Ana’s head seemed to have crashed into it and broken on impact. He shakes his head and sighs just trying to imagine how it all happened….
Joe: “Lemme tell you I’ve seen some crashes in my time but the damage of this car and when I heard the driver was still alive, I was completely shocked. I can’t imagine anyone surviving this.”
Chris: “Yeah I know, my mother in law is one tough cookie.”
Joe: “Yeah she is, I hope she fully recovers.”
Chris: “Thanks mate, so what do you have?”
Joe: “The electrics were fine, that’s what I figured it might be at first, but that wasn’t it at all. Turns out it was the brake line, it was broken, fluid leaked out and so she had no brakes to stop the car going downhill.”
Chris: “So what are you telling me mate, that they were cut?”
The mechanic shakes his head to the relief by Chris but then he pulls it out and shows him….
Joe: “No, it was ripped out completely.”
Chris eyes widen as he bites down on his jaw and clenches his fists….
Hermosa Beach, CA.
Same Time
Kelcey and her siblings continue to talk. She now sits with them and enjoys the conversation. Christian is on the couch watching TV, waiting for Jenni to arrive….
Kristen: “Mum will obviously need help, we can take turns caring for her until she recovers. It’s all over the news, the Fashion World is in shock right now. She’s tough though, she will be back stronger than ever and we have to be there for her now more than ever, we have to be there for each other.”
Kelcey: “One thing I always admired about you Kristen was the loyalty you showed for this family. I was impossible at times to deal with so for that I am sorry. I was really hard on you Kris, you too Kraven though during the whole Silas fiasco, you kind of put me in my place.”
Kraven: “I was dumb then, that should never have gotten that far, Kelcey. I wish I could take all of that back and break that wankers scrawny little chicken neck, but I can’t.”
Kelcey: “You don’t have too. I was telling Chris and Christian last night that everything was finally starting to come together for all of us in this family both in my personal and professional career. I even worked things out with mum than this happened. You two being here with me means so much right now.”
Kristen gets up and runs over and hugs her, shaking her a little….
Kristen: “I love you sis! No seriously, I have waited so long for us to be a whole family again. Come on Kraven, get over here! Sibling hug!”
Kraven: “That’s poofy.”
Kristen: “Come on big guy!”
Kraven shakes his head and walks over, getting a hug as the three are finally bonding, showing the Wallace family is together while Christian watches on….
30 Minutes Later
Hollywood Hills, CA.
There is a knock at the door, Rory Wallace walks over, wearing a suit, ready to walk out, he goes to open it and a surprise look and smile comes across his face….
Rory: “Lad! Glad ya….”
But before Rory can finish his sentence a fist connects with the bridge of his nose knocking it back and instantly shattering it, he falls over the side table, into the house and on to the floor. He holds his face, bleeding, looking up at Chris Cannon with a scowl on his face and fists clenched….
Rory: “Chris….?”
Chris: “Why did you do it!?”
Rory: “Lad…I…. I don’t know what the fuck ya are talking about I…”
Chris doesn’t give him a chance to finish, he picks him up by the shirt and connects with a right cross and then a left before finishing with an uppercut. Rory falls on the floor. Chris kicks him a few times, picking him up and but is surprised by a few hooks coming from Rory, Chris stops the comeback quickly, punching him in the stomach, dropping him to his knees. He stands over the fallen Rory who is spitting out blood….
Chris: “She may fucking die because of you, how could you after all the times I’ve tried to stick up for you!”
Rory: “Lad….. *Cough*…. I don’t know what yer talking…. *cough* about…..”
Chris: “Ana!”
Rory: “Ana?”
His eyes widen, lips start to shake some, his eyes are already teary eyed from the broken nose. Suddenly Chris realizes that he doesn’t know what happened to Ana but that still doesn’t mean he didn’t have anything to do with the accident….
Chris: “She had an accident last night after she left here, she drove off Canyon Road!”
Rory: “God…. No…..”
Chris: “Stop acting like you didn’t know mate!”
Rory: “Why…. Why would I know? WHY THE FUCK WOULD I KNOW ABOUT THAT?”
Chris: “Because you ripped the brake line in her Mercedes!”
Rory falls back, against the wall in complete shock, he has absolutely no idea what to say. Chris still thinks it’s an act, he grabs him by the shirt and lifts him back up to his feet and pushes him into the wall….
Chris: “I’m going to break you mate do you hear me!? I don’t want you around my wife or my kid ever again, to think I actually wanted you and Kelcey to make amends!”
Rory: “Chris…. Lad…. I had nothing to do with Ana’s accident. I swear to ya….”
They stare at each other for a minute before Chris lets him go. He crumbles to the floor as Chris heads out the door and slams it shut. Rory lays on the floor trying to compose himself best he can but it’s hard so he turns on his back and starts to cry, screaming in anger at the news of Ana….
Hermosa Beach, CA.
45 Minutes Later….
Kraven and Kristen hug Kelcey and Christian…..
Kristen: “We won’t be strangers anymore, I promise.”
Kelcey: “You better not, I’m going to hold you to that okay?”
Kristen: “Okay, you better.”
Kraven: “Bye sis.”
Kelcey: “Later big guy.”
The siblings leave. Christian and Jenni are now on the couch watching TV. Kelcey closes the door and heads back upstairs…..
Kelcey: “I’m going back to bed, you two behave.”
Christian: “We will, promise.”
Kelcey: “When your father gets here tell him to wake me please?”
Christian: “Will do.”
Kelcey smiles and heads upstairs. Outside, Kristen and Kraven get in the car. She looks over at the big man and smirks…..
Kristen: “That went well, do you think she had a clue?”
Kraven: “None.”
He turns on the car, backs up and drives away….
1 Hour Later
Chris arrives at home, Jenni and Christian are asleep on the couch, cuddled up. He makes his way upstairs and sees Kelcey lying there, quietly he goes into the bathroom and starts to wash his hands. Kelcey was awake, she snuck up behind him, putting her arms around startled Chris and hugging him tightly, he just looks in the mirror and sighs, she can feel him breathing heavy, slowly turning him around and noticing there is some blood on his shirt….
Kelcey: “What the hell happened?”
He looks away…..
Kelcey: “Chris!? What the hell happened, love!?”
She then sees his knuckles are red and bruised, she grabs his hand to investigate it further, putting two and two together until finally coming to the realization he was in a fight but it didn’t look like he was scathed at all….
Kelcey: “Who was it Chris? What did you do? Did they hurt you!?”
Chris: “I went to the mechanic, they were looking at your mums car, they showed me the brake line was ripped out.”
Kelcey: “What!? You went to see my dad….”
Chris: “Yeah…”
Kelcey: “Chris, what did you do to him!?”
Chris: “I broke his nose, punched him a few times and that was it. Then I left.”
Kelcey: “I can’t believe him, not this time, he is NOT getting away with this. I’m calling the police.”
As she turns to grab the phone, Chris takes her arm, then the phone and hangs it back up….
Kelcey: “Chris, he needs to pay for this!”
Chris: “Kelcey, I saw the look on your father’s eyes when I told him what happened, he had no clue. I don’t think your father did it.”
Kelcey: “What?”
Her eyes widen as he leans back and sits on the edge of the bathroom counter, glaring at his shocked wife who is not more confused than ever and has no idea what to do or which direction to go, all she knows is that someone ripped the brake line and if it wasn’t her father? Then was it an accident….
Or someone else?
EPILOGUE: UNCOVERED
Life as a wrestler was tough, a lot of traveling, not always time to visit family, take time for yourself, instead you were expected to be there, drop everything that you were doing and dedicate yourself to the rigors of the ring. For nine years Kelcey Wallace had put everything secondary when it came to wrestling, she didn’t care what it was, this business was her top priority, it is one of the reasons she was so successful in her career and many called the Perfect 10. That road was coming to an end but that didn’t mean that Kelcey wasn’t going to go out in a bang, the career was about more than just the World Title, if she were to retire as Champion, great, if not, she would make it about her career. With her mother in the hospital, recovering from severe brain trauma, Rory who she blamed even though she had no proof he had anything to do with it, along with her brother and sister coming back into her life and the confrontation she had with someone who was obviously following her she felt déjà vu all over again, seeing her life slowly start to fall apart, the only rock she had left was Christian and Chris and even her stepson was starting to act different around Jennifer Williams and Kelcey wasn’t too impressed with it but she kept a positive outlook on everything that was happening. Taking to Rory though, that was imminent, was not something that Kelcey wanted to do but had to. Then there was the Private detective and who hired him, that was also a mystery within itself that Kelcey would eventually figure out soon enough….
But things were far from over, with Rise to Greatness just a week away, Kelcey had to start focusing on one thing, victory. Win or lose she had to bring her best to Rise to Greatness, she was going to come on strong at any cost and be the woman and champion she knew she could be.
Hermosa Beach, CA.
5 Days Before Rise to Greatness
Kelcey was outside, it was early in the morning, she was doing her Yoga, wearing short tights and a sports bra, a glossy polish to her nails and long hair slicked back in a ponytail, she continued to go through her exercises, focusing on her core when she could see from the corner of her eye, someone down further on the beach taking pictures She at first didn’t react, acted like she had seen nothing… the sun wasn’t even out yet, she started to slow down and continued to watch the person before she decides to stop, pack her things and starts to walk back to the house, there is some brush there. The man walks up a little closer to where she was at and get a glimpse of her house. He turned the corner to peak around and see if he was able to get a picture or something of Kelcey when suddenly he is pushed from the side and falls on the sand, Kelcey storms out and grabs his camera….
Kelcey: “Who the hell are you!?”
Man: “Just taking pictures, I swear!”
Kelcey: “Just taking pictures? You have been following me for weeks haven’t you!? Who hired you!?”
Man: “Nob….”
She yanks the camera from him, he quickly tries to take it back but she threatens to open it up and expose the film to the sunlight….
Man: “No!”
Kelcey: “Who hired you!?”
Man: “Some Private Investigator! He said to follow you, take a few pictures and send them to him, that’s it, I swear! I don’t know anything else lady, I am a freelancer, I get paid by the pictures I take, that in your hand is my livelihood!”
Kelcey: “What’s your name?”
Man: “Derek.”
Kelcey: “Alright Derek, you go back and tell that PI, if he wants to dig dirt on me? He can come do it himself because the next time I see you following me or anywhere near my house, I will make sure to call the authorities and have you arrested for trespassing or I’ll just have my big, muscular husband that would break you in half…. Well, break you in half. Are we at an understanding?”
Derek: “Yes, yes we are.”
Kelcey: “Get the hell out of here.”
The Perfect 10 throws the camera at him, he quickly stands up and runs off. Kelcey watches him leave before going back into the house….
The Following Day
After visiting her mother at the hospital, she still hadn’t regained consciousness after 10 days. Kelcey needed to pack so she started putting everything together, when Christian ran upstairs with a manila folder, sealed in a protective case…..
Christian: “Somebody left this at the doorstep. I don’t know who, they ran the bell and when I came to open it, it was there, addressed to you, wasn’t UPS or FedEx.”
Kelcey: “Hmmm… okay, thanks love.”
Christian: “Anytime. You okay?”
Kelcey: “Perfect.”
Christian: “Call me if you need anything.”
Kelcey: “I will.”
Christian heads downstairs, Kelcey looks at the folder for a moment before she starts to open it, there are some papers and pictures there, slowly taking them out, she notices copies of her medical file and personal pictures of herself taken while she was out and about. Her eyes narrow when she sees the name responsible for hiring the PI and a note attached….
Kelcey,
I know everything,
I’ll text you when to meet me.
-Blake
She slowly closes her eyes and lets out a grunt before crumbling up the note….
July 29th, 2017
Some Hotel…
William ‘Blake’ Mason needed privacy for what he needed to say, assuming his guest decided to show up at all. Given the tense relationship between Blake and this person, there was no guarantee the person would come. He was prepared. Blake sat at a table inside a hotel room, on his side of the table he was staring at a salad. On the other side of the table was a vegetarian meal. His guest is a vegan. He wanted to make sure his guest is as comfortable as humanly possible. The aroma of the food wasn’t his mean concern. He kept staring at his rolex watch, patiently waiting for his guest to show up. Right on cue he heard a knock on the door. He sprung to his feet. He straightened up his tie. Each step to the door felt like an eternity to him. Standing in front of the door he looks through the keyhole. A smile creeps on his face. He opens the door, standing in the hallway is… Kelcey Wallace.
He greets her with a smile. The expression on her face is far from pleasant, it was clear she didn’t want to be in a hotel room with him.
Blake: Thanks… for joining me. Whatever happened between the moment she stepped in his room to the moment she made the decision to be alone with him inside a expensive classy hotel room, life brought them together again. All Blake cared about was Kelcey was here. She would have the opportunity to hear him out, possibly for the last time. She walked over to the table. Before she could pull out her own chair, being a gentlemen, he pulls out her chair for her. She takes a seat. He takes his. The tension in the room could be cut with a knife as she looked on cautiously, waiting his next move.
Blake: I assume you read through the file I sent you.
Kelcey: Graduated to stalking now?
Blake: Hiring a private investigator isn’t stalking. I wouldn’t do that.
Kelcey: Excuse me but I don’t believe you.
Blake: Fair enough, Kelcey. I wasn’t expecting you to show up. Figured I had nothing to lose, had to take a chance. I appreciate you showing up.
Kelcey: You had no right digging into my personal life..
Blake: See, that’s where you’re wrong, Kels. Listening to what you said in your promo leading into Taking Hold of the Flame, it hit me. It finally hit me something was wrong. What sense does it make for someone who is still at the top of your game to allude to hanging it up? You remain the best wrestler on the planet, no one can hold a candle to you. Ace will lose. I’m confident of that. I didn’t ask you here to sing your praises, my words don’t carry much weight with you. Rightfully so, considering the crimes I committed…
He removes the shades from his face to reveal a very somber look in his eyes.
Blake: Wish you told me about the Parkinson’s.
Kelcey sighs.
Kelcey: I was going to… but things changed. After everything that happened between you and Chris, the way you humiliated me in Las Vegas, I knew the man I once respected was replaced by a man I don’t recognize anymore.
Blake: I am still the same guy who would take a bullet for you.
Kelcey: The William Mason I know wouldn’t sneak into a building he was barred from to attack a sixteen year old boy. Blake sighs. He hates anyone bringing up his assault of Owen Cruze.
Blake: I don’t want to talk about that.
Kelcey: Why not? Afraid to take responsibility?
Blake: I hate the fact I stooped that low in the first place. Sensing that he was getting angrier the more and more what he did to Owen was spoken about, he takes a deep breath to calm himself down.
Blake: I have lost sleep over it. I crossed the one line I don’t think I can walk back. For the rest of my life I will be reminded what a horrible human being I became that day.
He reaches over the top to grab her hand, she wants no part of his comfort. He frowns.
Blake: When I found out about the severity of your condition, it reinforced to me the second line there is no coming back from is causing you pain. I made a choice nine months ago. Makes no difference what my reasoning was that night, I asked myself recently has the past nine months worth one person’s head, the answer is no, no it wasn’t. Look at what one decision piled on a dozen other bad decisions has gotten me? I lost your respect. You used to look at me with admiration. You used to speak about me with such high praise. Now, I’m the devil in your eyes. I’m a pariah. I’m Satan. The way you used to look at me, I miss that. And I’ll never get that back. That’s my cross the bare. He closes his eyes for a moment trying to fight back tears. Saying all this is hard for him. Never thought he would have the opportunity to tell Kelcey face to face. Reopening his eyes, he has a smile on his face.
Blake: Looking at you today, I can honestly say that you are one of the most remarkable people I have ever met. It’s not because you’re World Champion. It’s not because you are the best wrestler on the planet. Knowing that you are continuing to fight knowing full well the fate that is store for you takes courage, heart, grace, qualities I knew you had when we first met, Kels. You’re a goddamn hero, a true to god inspiration. I admire you more now then I ever have. That’s saying a lot, I have always been your biggest supporter. Was your biggest. I haven’t been much of a friend to you. I’m not expecting forgiveness. You’ve forgiven me so many times in the past. I wound up proving I was unworthy. Not going to bother. But, there is one last thing I can give you before you walk out of my life forever.
Kelcey: There’s nothing you can offer me.
Blake: I beg to differ, one last dance in the ring. I want to be your last dance.
Kelcey: Why now? Believe you can take advantage of me knowing that I’m sick.
Blake: FUCK NO!
Kelcey is startled by Blake’s emotional outburst. Realizing he needs to keep his emotions in check he takes a deep breath.
Blake: I’m… sorry. I didn’t mean to yell. I… don’t know what came over me. Look, the reason I ducked you Kelcey, I wanted this to be over. Retribution was supposed to be the end. I wanted no part of you anymore. It tore me apart having to stand across the ring from you month after month. I was content to move on, especially with you being World Champion. I want what you have. I couldn’t bring myself to challenge you. I didn’t want to… until I found out about your Parkinson’s. I don’t want you to hate me anymore. All the fame, the glory, the infamy, and anything that has from my actions is not worth the bond we used to have. If I could take everything back, I would. I would have shown Chris mercy. I would have pinned him when I should have. I would have listened to you… I should have stopped.
Blake pauses a moment to let his words sink in.
Blake: “I can’t take that back. All I can now is atone for everything. The best way for me to do that Kelcey is to give you the match you want. I want your last memory of me to be a positive one. Before you walk out of my life forever, I want you to see that the man you remembered isn’t lost. William Mason still exist. He’s not dead. William wants to give you one last dance. That’s all I’m asking. I want to share the same ring with you for the last time…”
Blake extends his hand to Kelcey….
Blake: “Kelcey… dance with me.”
Kelcey looks down at his hand for a moment, she says nothing before standing up, he follows suit, she turns and starts to make her way toward the door but he stops her by cutting Kelcey off….
Blake: “Please, give me the honor?”
He extends his hand out one more time. Kelcey stares at it for a moment before looking back up at him and nodding before suddenly….
*SLAP*
She slaps him so hard it almost makes his head spin….
Kelcey: “That’s for embarrassing me in Las Vegas!”
*SLAP*
She smacks him even harder….
Kelcey: “That’s for Retribution and that fluke, forcing me to use my Trios Contract on you and Bree!”
*SLAP*
Even harder the third time and each time Blake takes it which in a way surprises Kelcey…..
Kelcey: “That’s for having a Private Investigator follow me and invade my privacy when you had no fucking right! I didn’t want you to know, I didn’t want anyone to know!”
She bumps him out of the way but stops at the door, she opens it and takes a second to recollect herself, Blake’s back is still turned as she sighs and shakes her head…..
Kelcey: “Yes…. I’ll give you the honor.”
He slowly turns around to face her and nods, he extends his hand again….
Kelcey: “I’m not shaking your hand. You want to be my last match? You have it. Damn you Blake for making me despise you when I never wanted it to be like this.”
After that, Kelcey doesn’t say another word and walks out. She didn’t even eat, the Perfect 10 gave her answer and left. Blake stands there for a second before rubbing the side of his face, closing his eyes and remembering what they once had…
Seemingly, a far distant memory.
SCENE FADES
I am slowly realizing thing happen for a reason and when they do, I wonder at times if anything was ever a plan, a design set to give us an opportunity and chance to be something we’ve wanted and instead are held back by the forces we cannot control. If you submit, all that I have left is memories and right now that’s not all I want to hold on to. I’m not ready to walk away, try to balance myself on a high wire, teetering each way to see when I would fall.
Not now….
Not ever.
THE PERFECT ADDRESS
THE “ACES” OF PERFECTION
The Scene Opens….
The Grand Canyon is a steep-sided canyon carved by the Colorado River in Arizona. The Grand Canyon is 277 miles long, up to 18 miles wide and attains a depth of over a mile, 6,093 feet. The canyon and adjacent rim are contained within Grand Canyon National Park, the Kaibab National Forest, Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument, the Hualapai Indian Reservation, the Havasupai Indian Reservation and the Navajo Nation. President Theodore Roosevelt was a major proponent of preservation of the Grand Canyon area, and visited it on numerous occasions to hunt and enjoy the scenery. Nearly two billion years of Earth’s geological history have been exposed as the Colorado River and its tributaries cut their channels through layer after layer of rock while the Colorado Plateau was uplifted. While some aspects about the history of incision of the canyon are debated by geologists, several recent studies support the hypothesis that the Colorado River established its course through the area about 5 to 6 million years ago.[1] Since that time, the Colorado River has driven the down-cutting of the tributaries and retreat of the cliffs, simultaneously deepening and widening the canyon. Here is where we find the SCW World Champion, Kelcey Wallace. The beautiful Perfect 10 is ready for her final appearance at Rise to Greatness where she will face Ace Marshall, the man who earned the right to battle for the Championship at Taking Hold of the Flame. The war of words had been going on for quite some time now, it was obvious these two individuals were from different sides of the spectrum, Ace was the jokester, the guy who wasn’t afraid to “entertain” while Kelcey was more serious, she didn’t mince her words and though like anyone else she loved to have a good time, Kelcey was about one thing when it came to wrestling….
It was all business in the ring.
Kelcey was proud of being World Champion, not too many people knew that she was sick with a debilitating disease and that her time in the sport was coming to an end so for the Perfect 10, every match was her last. Ace had already come out and said a few things, he tried his best to get under Kelcey’s skin, push the right buttons and frazzle the World Champion….
It won’t work.
One thing that she is? Big Match Kelcey and she is used to the huge matchups, the spotlight and the fourth Main Event in third Main Event in Five Years on the grandest stage on them all. For now, Kelcey remains laser focused. Wearing jeans, black boots and a purple sleeveless blouse, her hair hanging down and nails polished a glossy clear coat, the Perfect 10 holds the World Championship over her shoulder as a familiar voice speaks to her….
“You ready, honey?”
Kelcey nods as the camera begins to record…
REC:
Kelcey stands with the Grand Canyon in the background, made up perfectly as always, she speaks in her sexy Welsh accent….
“My work is my Legacy….
Strong words from the late Patrick Swayze, a man that even after death is talked about to this day for the movies and roles who played in. When I think of legacy, I look back at not only my career but my life as a whole, men like Ace Marshall and Vixen Cain, would have you believe that you live and die in the ring, that anything you do in life will be determined by the outcome of a match, actions in the heat of battle define character, that is not true. For many years, I freely admit, I did live by this mantra, losing was not in my vocabulary, is that so wrong? No, but for many they don’t find it realistic. In this day and age, it’s hard to determine what is fantasy and reality, some claim we live in this made up world with larger than life characters portrayed on TV to entertain all of you while putting our bodies on the line. Why do we do this to ourselves? Why must we find comfort and purpose through barrages of insults? In the last few months what have we all learned about Ace Marshall?
That he doesn’t care?
He beats to his own drum?
An acquired taste?
Or just another caricature created to get a rise out of others both literally and figuratively?
Ace Marshall has shown he will do whatever it takes to win the World Championship by disrespecting the sport and all others who want the same thing. He’s put his goals and wants above anything else not to be a leader and a Champion, not to represent the SCW as the face of the company and revolutionize this industry, not to withhold the traditions set forth by our mentors, the athletes we look up to, for Ace Marshall, the World Championship is a symbol, a trinket to wear around his waist so he may show off like the little child on the playground screaming for everyone’s attention just to watch him swing higher when the rest of the kids are doing the exact same thing. Ace would have you believe everything is contrived, refurbished in different parts, put right out there for the fans to choose, same car, different paint job and in doing so he fails to see his own faults by trying to sensationalize mine.
Legacy.
Isn’t this what we all want to build when we finally take that last step in our journey, our very last match and smile knowing what you left behind was of your own and not some fabrication, a falsity created to garner attention by giving nothing in return to the sport that gave you this vessel so you may run amuck with your pants down like a 13-year-old boy finding out what puberty is for the first time. What Ace Marshall is?
Not the Past
Not the Present.
Not the Future.
None of the above, he’s just the chosen antagonist until the next one comes along. He is what is wrong in society today. Those like Ace Marshall are about self-interests alone, never realizing their derogatory actions only play into a more perverse existence making it seem cool and cutting edge to be disrespectful and rebellious NOT to the standing order but to the morals that make us who we are by being an example, a role model instead of using this to exact revenge or some sort of self-inflicted satisfaction to justify the poor upbringing you had. Ace Marshall is the real tragedy because he has the ability to lead, to stand tall and be the loudest voice in a crowded room and instead he rather farts and clear it just so he can say he did….
Showing once again that Ace Marshall isn’t as confident as it would seem.”
She looks out into the canyon for a second, reflecting back on the matches and the career she has had. The battles won and lost, it never was about just the World Championship, it was about so much more. Losing the belt to Ace would change everything for the SCW, it would not be in good hands, so Kelcey will do whatever it takes to prevent that from happening. She turns back to face the camera and speaks….
“Have you forgotten what this is all about Ace? It’s not just about the World Championship, it’s not just about impressing your wife, it’s not even about YOU or ME. This is about Rise to Greatness, a concept you yet fail to still grasp. Everything that I have heard from you all leads to one thing, what you want this to become and not what it is. There are many wrestlers that have agenda’s, I am included in that, some are here for glory, others for money and the rest for fame and competition. This World Championship represents the BEST in this company and in the World, I would put this up against ANY wrestler from any promotion and walk out victorious. This title symbolizes the very fabric and fiber we are as athletes, if you are not here to win the belt, then why are you wasting your time. For the last FIVE years I have wrestled hurt, sick, happy, sad, good, evil, it didn’t matter I have NEVER missed a day of work in this company, NOT ONE. I was never on injured reserve, I never took time off to clear my head even when I contemplated quitting after my actions led to unnecessary injuries, when things didn’t go my way I had to regroup and be at the tapings the following Wednesday and since November of 2012 that has been my routine. I had my chapters, the wars with the Coalition, the fall of the Perfect World, the coercion of Silas Mason, the turn to Monarchy, the fighting wife of a fallen husband and each time there was ONE common denominator, I was in the trenches.
Now Mr. Marshall, it’s a known fact since I have been here, you have taken the path of least resistance. Even now, you stand with a Trios Contract, one that can be used as a fallback if you falter in Arizona, a position I was in last year. You wonder why I am so high on Selena Frost? On Amy Chastaine? Even Jake Starr? And yes Syren? They have fought tooth and nail without any sort of “Golden Opportunity” but for you Ace, it seems you are lucky, a man who is always at the right place and the right time. From Gauntlet Matches to the Taking Hold of the Flame Battle Royal, one after the other you swoop right in and take without hardly having to get dirty and I can’t fault that….
That’s why it’s there
In 2014, I won Taking Hold of the Flame, I was the first woman to ever win it and only one of two. When I lost at Rise to Greatness in the Main Event I was crushed, shattered, upset for I knew that one moment was taken from me. The Trios Contracts played their part, it was hard to deal with it at first, it humbled me and made me bitter. That bitterness grew into hatred and I started hating the system because of it. That is why I turned to Monarchy. Why am I telling you this? Life isn’t always fair, Mr. Marshall, we have to accept the good with the bad, I know that now yet you think that what I stand for and the way I conduct business disgusts you….
No, Ace, I’m human and I’m smart enough to admit it.
You on the other hand call it looking outside the box….
Call it what it really is Ace, you’re compensating.
You are a man that hates anything which takes the spotlight away from you. Success by others angers you Ace, it’s a jealousy, hidden behind these faux passionate speeches. It is easy to look at my former profession, stereotyping is just another senseless and childish act Ace Marshall is very good at. Every model is anorexic or they have fake tans, every blonde is an idiot though that one could be true looking at his wife, every person that wants to strive to be better are vain, selfies to show off their proud physiques lead to arrogance and not being proud of who you are and what you did to get there? Why can’t they just accept mediocrity and be a yeoman, not a captain? This is Ace’s philosophy and by twisting words, exploiting “Perfection”, chastising the mere thought by grouping everything into one huge terrible bubble suggests that he’s a man miserable of his existence, lost, looking for his place in this world….
You have it Mr. Marshall….
Falling at the feet of Perfection.”
Biting down on her jaw, the gorgeous Perfect 10 continues to stay calm and focused. She respects the talent of Ace Marshall, he is a hell of a wrestler, it’s everything else she cannot stand. For her, it’s now about making it a wrestling match, she is the best in the game at it but she is well aware there are many outside forces that could play a part in all of this. She continues to speak….
“Look at the road you’ve taken, first cheating Selena out of the Flame, wrestling in women’s clothing, from the minute you were named the number one contender, you tried to make this into a joke. From the first Breakdown to Supreme Saturday, anything to take away from the wrestling, each time you have to be out there, did you see me in your matches Ace? Did I need to go down to the ring and play these games? Do I need an edge? Cut a corner or break a couple of rules to make it that much more interesting? What bothers me most is the hypocrisy both you and Vixen Cain spew. So quick to point the fingers and the biggest culprits I stare at across the ring. Yes, Selena and I wanted our match, that wasn’t going to happen instead of just letting nature take its course, ask Vixen Cain about that one and how Broken Beliefs took place. Every single time Ace you have had a chance to make a splash, you did but not through your wrestling or athleticism but through your porous and ridiculous acts…
Which will come to a head on Sunday.
When you came back to the SCW, most wondered how long you’d stick around, when you never left, that is when you were started to be taken seriously and instead of trying to prove others wrong and compete like you’re capable of doing, you bring your bedroom antics and tricks on TV instead. I on the other hand, find a threat in any wrestler who steps in the ring, it never really mattered but you see Ace, I want to talk to you for a moment, away from the typical stuff we continue to throw at each other and instead I want to talk about finales. Ace, have you ever thought of what you’ll do if you couldn’t do this anymore? There was a time where I believed I couldn’t be hurt. I can walk out in front of a moving bus and come out unscathed. It was delusional but it was my way of building confidence within myself. Shortly after I was injured by two women that threatened my career for they didn’t take too kindly to Perfection, then I knew, that bus could kill me.
When I wanted to come back to wrestling, I did whatever I could, I slept my way, used drugs, alcohol, partied in Las Vegas nightclubs, waking up the next morning in someone’s hotel room, not knowing what the hell happened the night before with white powder in my nose, I did it so they would sign me to a contract, no one wanted to take a chance on me hurt and when I was finally signed, I thought it was all worth it, then one day Silas shows up on my doorstep with a contract I signed while drugged out of my mind and you know what? Maybe selling your soul to the Devil wasn’t such a good Idea.
I believed to be Perfect, the Best of the Best, I went into that tournament flying high, I didn’t care that I was beaten in cages and Underground matches, I made the excuse they weren’t real, suddenly Selena kicks me in the head, knocks me out and I’m not the Best of the Best anymore. Apocalypse was a chance to change that, and did it? No, matter of fact it solidified Selena was better than me. Here I was thinking I had friends, people I could trust, my husband was Superman, he could take anything until Blake Mason took him out and humiliated me on TV, defeated me even fluke or not. All of this happened for a reason, it was part of the road I took in my journey to hold this Championship. That’s the part your missing, you think this title is just given not earned, that you have a claim to it when it is a privilege not a right to wear it and my battle scars prove it. Do you think I don’t know fetishes and sexual fantasies? I was a woman of needs once, sunshine, look up my old promos and you will see that I at one point were a lot like you the difference is….
I grew up.
There was no way that road was going to lead to this, my career became about leaving a legacy, at first it was gold, all I wanted was gold but when you wear it, the responsibility with it? That is when I saw that I needed to become more than just some average John or Jane, I needed to stand out like a polarizing figure as World Champion and you detest that and why?
You want the same and can’t tell the truth.
So in the last year I have had to come to the grim realization my road is almost done…..
And this will be my LAST Rise to Greatness.”
Kennedy behind the camera looks on somber, Kelcey catches it and nods in comfort. It was time that Kelcey Wallace came out and let them know, this is it, the journey is almost over but before she goes, she is going to leave her mark on the SCW landscape and one day be remembered. She takes a moment to compose herself before looking back at the camera and speaking…
“I don’t get another shot, there is no next year for Kelcey Wallace. This is it, that opportunity to Main Event one more time and walk out as World Champion. Ace has been here, this is his second in a row but there is always another day for you though I don’t think that even matters Ace. I have watched patiently and quietly at your Twitter berating, the celebration practices, the arrogance you call me on in full display allowing you to grandstand, take it all in, soak up it up so when you lose? I know a little about falling hard Ace, remember I’m the one that has made life and death out of winning and losing through Perfection, yet you still don’t get it. This is all aesthetics for you, decoration, the true meaning is foreign and that’s why I can’t allow you to take this Championship. We talk about legacy, I have built one, yes not only the brand you try to piss on but a list of accomplishments that in a short period while in your absence I took full advantage of and now that you’re here you want to make up for lost time?
You’re late to the party and the bar is closed.
It’s unfortunate your warped sense of what this world is has polluted your mind. You’re not a free thinker like you believe you are, instead you have to carry yourself and play the Devil’s Advocate, never accepting what is, wanting to change it for the sake of watching others suffer, that makes you a sadist sir for it’s the only way to bring some sort of meaning in your life and that of your wife’s, we’ve seen it firsthand. Do you even know what an elitist is Mr. Marshall? Or is that the definition you give to anyone who doesn’t buy into your rhetoric disguised as sense, a real people person who must point out everything that is wrong and nothing that is right? Living in a world where imperfections are the focus do not facilitate change or a drive to empowerment because that’s what really disgust you Mr. Marshall, others believing in themselves, not all of us are about self-discovery and experimentation, that happens in college so I suggest you go back to school, it’s obvious you never attended a day in your life. The frat life is over, immaturity on display….
I have taken full responsibility of everything I have done and if being a loving mother, wife, sister, daughter and friend who goes out to the ring to represent this company with the utmost respect, entertaining the crowd with what they really came to see and trying my best to be a successful and a productive citizen as my time winds down then yes, I am everything you called me and more…
Thank you for the compliments.
At least I know who I am and not trying to hide behind a façade and being the little puppy on the leash for my significant other. You make a career out of embarrassing people, trying to exploit their weaknesses, it makes you a predator and a bully, it’s why you exist, without it you would be Ace Marshall, the guy who likes to wear Women’s underwear. For everything they say you don’t agree with becomes wrong, a negativity which stands for your own brand of what? Smut. In the end, the world will continue to revolve around progress, those who seek to achieve will be the driving force, the others who accept the status quo and attempt to bastardize it will have their moments and ultimately disappear, fade away like those before you. What you want to accomplish is a fool’s errand Mr. Marshall much like your belief in Perfection, you can’t take away what has already been established, there is no erasing memory, we can’t all start over….
You’re just an entity in a pervasive world.”
She looks over at the World Championship, Kelcey sighs and takes it off her shoulder and looks right into the camera with narrowed blue eyes. After everything that Ace Marshall has said about her, all that is left is the match. Ace can question her character, her beliefs and presence but he can never question the wrestler, the athlete and Champion. Kelcey brushes her hair back and tilts her head as she speaks….
“This has become my road to finality. In the next few months I will finish my engagements, with or without the Championship. I promised Selena that I would see her at Breakdown and I don’t want to break that promise. The sands are running out and I have come to terms with that and in doing so I will stand proud as Champion walking into the Main Event. When they questioned me, I proved them wrong, when they poked fun, I shut them up, when they challenged my stance I pushed back and when they tried to destroy my Perfection, I kept it alive. This is MY legacy and nothing that happens on Sunday, Ace will change any of it. You can’t take away what I have done in eight years in ONE match. Win or lose, it doesn’t matter because on the day I leave this sport….
I will do it on my terms.
No one ever had the courage to make a stance and live by an ideal that is unreachable. For every Ace Marshall, there are twenty other clowns ready for the Big Top. I stand as the Perfect 10, Ace on his “Empire of Dirt”….
And come Sunday?
As the World Champion, Rising to Immortality.”
Kelcey pauses for a second. Holding the World Championship, knowing how important it is, the representation, the title itself, the SCW, all eyes on her, even for Mr. Drachewych, she cannot and will not let them down. Ace Marshall came to fight, Kelcey Wallace comes to win. She looks back at the camera…
“My father once told me when I was a little girl and my mother pushed perfection on me at a young age that I could either accept it or use it to create and define who I was. He was right for when I step foot out the doors of the SCW, I will do so knowing the goal wasn’t to live forever, is was to create something that will….
Perfectly.”
She slowly stares in the camera and arches an eyebrow, holding up the World Title…..
FADE TO BLACK
/REC
.