THE LAST STAND?
I’ve been the EMERGE Champion since it’s inception earlier this year, it’s been quite the honor to hold this title and really focus on my career as a whole, mature and grow into the competitor I am today. Not too many people can say they have done what I accomplished so far and if Capital Shake-Up is the end with a Championship Scramble that honestly, I cannot control, holding my head high is the one thing I will do if this is to be my last match before I prepare to embark in the SCW or maybe even take a break before my next step moving forward. During that time, I’ve had relationships crumble, made new friends and most importantly, thrive in the position I am in. Will this be my moment to shine and cement a legacy in EMERGE that could be comparable to none?
Or is this the last chapter of a book written to define who I am as I take the next step in my development at a bigger stage?
I don’t know, it makes me nervous.
Hermosa Beach, CA.
A Few Days After the Last EMERGE
Training with Kelcey Wallace wasn’t as intense like before. She was three months pregnant now and well, can’t really get physical. She concentrated on the ring philosophy and Yoga aspect of things. Yoga was good for mental health, it prepared me for the vigor in the ring. I enjoyed our sessions, especially out on the beach. I always wore my short tights and sports bra, the sand between my toes sometimes made it harder to balance because on the beach, there was no leeway. Kelcey looked amazing each time I saw her, pregnant or not didn’t matter, she was Perfect…
Kelcey: “Try to focus all of your energy in the core, that is where your strength lies, love. That was the key to my success, a clean mind and focus. You can be the greatest athlete on the planet but if you lack discipline, it will hinder from you being the best.”
Peyton: “I understand.”
Kelcey: “I know you do.”
She always gave me that look, one of compassion, I always felt comfortable and positive around her. It was because of her that I have become a better wrestler and Champion. Ante Up taught me how to wrestle, Kelcey taught me HOW to be a wrestler….
Kelcey: “What you have coming up is the most important match in your career and I want nothing but your success. Which is why I needed to talk to you after the session.”
Peyton: “What is it?”
Kelcey: “It’s your future, love.”
I stopped once she said that, not because of the words, it was her facial expression that caught my attention. I was trying to balance on one leg. For some reason, that didn’t seem very important right now….
Peyton: “My future? In what way?”
Kelcey: “Have you talked to your father recently?”
She knew that was a touchy subject with me, one of the reasons I love Kelcey, she gets to the point….
Peyton: “He’s tried to call, that alone tells me he’s okay.”
Kelcey: “I don’t get involved in anyone’s personal life, you know that love but it’s your father and you mean everything to him and well, he means everything to you. I know you’re angry with him, a sociopath like Mika Kozlov put him in a very dangerous predicament, understand that.”
Peyton: “He had a choice. The problem has always been he doesn’t think that I can defend myself.”
Kelcey: “That’s what father’s do, they protect their daughter. Mine died before I could do the things, I had hoped he’d see and be proud of me, I don’t get the chance to do that anymore, you still do.”
That was pretty deep when she said that to me. I never looked at it that way, I almost lost my father once, it was just so painful that he allowed Mika to manipulate him like that and used me as the scapegoat. It angered me just thinking about it….
Peyton: “I’m just really angry.”
Kelcey: “I know you are, Peyton Let it go. Talk to your father, no one feels worse about it than he does. He’s a good man. I even saw his wrath when Mika hurt you, he was only looking out for your safety and best interests.”
Peyton: “My best interests is competing.”
Kelcey: “We both know that which is why I wanted to talk to you. Go see your father, please?”
All I could do was nod. It was something I’d have to think about. As for competition, I didn’t know what she wanted to tell me….
Peyton: “Competition?”
Kelcey: “Win or lose at Capital Shake-Up, it’s time you went to SCW.”
Peyton: “But…..”
Kelcey: “No buts, Peyton. You are ready.”
Peyton: “I don’t want to abandon Vanilla and I still have things left to do….”
Kelcey: “…. Yes, in SCW. You’re not abandoning Vanilla and with everything going in SCW, I think it’s the opportune time to go and you know that I am right. Look at Owen and what he has done now? My family is being overrun. Selena has always shown respect and admiration for you. There are people in SCW who will welcome you with open arms. I have already talked to Mr. D, you’re ready.”
I had a feeling this conversation was going to pop up with Kelcey sooner rather than later. I had been thinking about it for some time, I just didn’t know if I was 100% ready. Maybe I am, instead of having the confidence, I should listen to her…..
Peyton: “I’m just nervous.”
Kelcey: “Of failure?”
Peyton: “Part of that, yeah.”
Kelcey: “The other? Letting down your dad and possibly me?”
This is where she knew me all too well….
Peyton: “Yes.”
Kelcey: “You are ready, Peyton, go up there and show them. I know that in time, you can be a World Champion. Do you trust me?”
Peyton: “With everything, yes.”
Kelcey: “Then do it love, if not for you, do it for me and your father.”
She was right, the decision needed to be made….
Peyton: “Okay, I will. Capital Shake-Up, no matter what, my last match in EMERGE.”
Kelcey: “Thank you.”
Peyton: “Can I share something with you?”
Kelcey: “Always.”
Peyton: “J-Dilly (Jason Dillinger) told me a few days ago he loved me.”
I could see a sigh escape Kelcey’s lips. I don’t think she was a huge fan of J-Dilly. It seemed like she didn’t trust him. I could see how that could come across for a few people, but he’s not shown me that…
Kelcey: “You need to be careful with him Peyton. I know that you two have been very close in recent months, there was something genuine about Rick (Octavius) I liked, though his choice in friends lately is definitely one to question. Jason, doesn’t seem like that….”
Peyton: “… probably because he’s cocky to everyone else but to me he’s pretty genuine. There were a few times I was hurt, and he was right there to take care for me and that was before we started “dating”. I trust him Kelcey.”
Kelcey: “It’s your call, your life, something about him rubs me the wrong way. He came to see me the other day as well.”
My eyes widen, I didn’t know J-Dilly came to see her….
Peyton: “What? He came to see you? What did he say?”
Kelcey: “He wanted to make sure that he and I were cool.”
Peyton: “See, he’s trying.”
Kelcey: “I have been around a lot of people in my life, love. I don’t know if he came across genuine or not. It really doesn’t matter now. I’m not trying to sway your decision, I want to be honest with you. You’re a grown woman that can make her own decisions, just be aware there’s a chance he may be your opponent at Capital Shake-Up and if he is?”
Peyton: “I’ll deal with it, then.”
Kelcey: “Okay. I know that you’ll do what is best for you.”
Peyton: “Thank you for believing in me.”
Kelcey: “Anytime love.”
I could see the concern and doubt in her face when it came to J-Dilly. I was hoping it was nothing more than a personal taste she had and was a fan of Ricky instead. J-Dilly is a good guy and I know that he would never hurt me….
Ever.
I started back Yoga with Kelcey, one of my favorite times of the week, I was going to enjoy it.
A Few Hours Later
Venice Beach, CA.
I was pretty sore and tires, a nap sounded pretty good right about now and then I’d run out and get some lunch, meet up with J-Dilly. As I pulled into the driveway of my townhouse, there realizing there was a black car parked there with a very large man leaning against it, this didn’t look like a friendly visit. I pulled in and stepped out, still in my Yoga pants and sports bra with flip flops…
Peyton: “Can I help you?”
Man: “Maybe I can help you instead, sunshine.”
He had a British accent, I know I’ve heard his voice before and he looked very familiar…. Oh wait, yes he used to be in IWC….
Peyton: “Do we know each other? Taylor… right?”
Alistair: “Alistair Taylor, good memory.”
Peyton: “I try. IWC, right? Monarchy?”
Alistair: “Pretty good. I’m impressed, love.”
Peyton: “Can I help you with something? I imagine this isn’t some random visit.”
Alistair: “No. it isn’t. I wanted to talk to you about Jason Dillinger.”
This didn’t sound very good….
Peyton: “J-Dilly? Is he okay? What happened?”
Alistair: “Can I buy you a cup of coffee? We can talk.”
Peyton: “I’m not really dressed for it and I don’t know you. I have this thing about going out with strange men.”
Alistair: “I assure you, we know each other well.”
Peyton: “In what way?”
Alistair: “You sure about the cup of coffee? After Yoga, you might need it, on me.”
It took me a second to decide what to do. I grabbed my purse and locked up the car, walking over to his where he showed chivalry and opened the door. We went to a small coffee shop a few blocks down, he was a gentleman. After a few minutes we were brought our coffee where I sat back and crossed my legs…
Peyton: “Okay, so what do you have to tell me.”
Alistair: “Jason, your boy has been a bit naughty, love.”
Peyton: “Naughty? Okay, first off, how do you even know Jason?”
Alistair: “He hired me. While I am not wrestling, I do side jobs, always been my nature, some call me a goon.”
Peyton: “Goon? He hired you for what?”
Alistair: “To break you and Ricky Octavius up.”
What?
Peyton: “Bullshit, J-Dilly wouldn’t do that.”
Alistair: “He wouldn’t? Remember when Ricky no showed and he claimed to have been beaten up and his wallet was stolen?”
Peyton: “…. Yeah.”
Alistair: “That was me.”
Peyton: “No, this is lies.”
Alistair: “Remember the time some man assaulted you outside a club in the alley? That was me.”
A chill suddenly came down my spine to my toes, I remember that night, he hurt me pretty good, I ended up passing out on J-Dilly’s couch. This can’t be true….
Alistair: “You were passed out on the couch, I came to talk to him because I wanted to get paid, that was when he reneged from our deal. Told me he loved you too much to hurt you and yet, he went that far for your affection.”
Shit….
Peyton: “Okay…. I’m not listening to this anymore.”
I stand up and don’t even want the coffee anymore. This guy is a thug who is trying to get in our way and I don’t appreciate it. I grab my purse….
Alistair: “You aren’t done. Let me at least drive you home.”
Peyton: “After you attacked me in the alleyway? I should have you arrested, you sick asshole. Stay away from me and J-Dilly!”
Alistair: “He’s the problem, not me.”
Peyton: “Fuck you.”
Never was I the type to curse unless I am pushed passed the point and that’s what happened here. I stormed out and walked home. I was not going to jump into conclusions and instead, I would hear the story out if its’ true. It could be Ricky behind this…. All I know is that I am not going to let this distract me…. I can’t….
Two Hours Later
I sat on the couch, my feet kicked up on the coffee table. After a shower, I slipped into a white summer dress to match my nails. Waiting for Dilly to show as the door opens, yeah, I gave him a key….
J-Dilly: “Hey babe….”
Peyton: “Hey.”
J-Dilly: “Everything okay?”
Peyton: “I don’t know.”
He kissed me on the cheek….
J-Dilly: “What’s wrong.”
Peyton: “A man came to see me today.”
J-Dilly: “Who?”
Peyton: “Alistair Taylor.”
I could feel him tense up a little, tilting his head, the look in his eyes told me that at least he knew he this person was, then again it was general knowledge. I could take his word for it and hear him out. He sat next to me, holding my hand….
Peyton: “Is it true?”
He went to answer the question….
It was not what I expected.
SCENE FADES
REC:
“There will be times in this business where your mettle will be tested. Now it’s one of those times for the simple fact, I don’t know who I am facing at Capital Shake-Up, the only thing I do know is that it’s a Scramble Match for my EMERGE Championship. We know the rules, doesn’t matter how many pin falls you get, the person who scores the last one in the allotted time will be the Champion and it’s hard to predict, I could lose my belt and never get pinned or submitted for it. It was an Elimination Chamber, that changed, I don’t question Vanilla’s decisions, that’s for sure. I’m ready for any wrestler on the roster to face, it doesn’t matter, I’ve taken pride in knowing that no matter what happens I’ve taken this title and elevated it to something important and as the first to ever hold it, it has a special place in my heart.
The question is what’s next for Peyton Rice?
I have concluded that I am ready for the SCW. Management agrees and so I would like to leave as Champion. If I don’t, then I can look back at my time here and know that I gave you all my best and will continue to do so in a bigger stage. Come Monday, I’m here to fight to the very end and no matter what happens, who is in the match or the outcome?
I can smile knowing without a doubt….
I was “Pretty Perfect”.
/REC
Peyton Rice 