A DEATH OF A FRIEND
CHAPTER ONE
When Peyton rice wont he Television Championship, she knew from the get-go that it was going to be nothing less than a grind. The gorgeous and young SCW upstart who spent a year in EMERGE as champion and no stranger to the title picture, was ready for anything to come down the pike as the challengers were going to line up one buy one and every single week she would need to defend the belt, her goal was to hang on as best she could, try to fend off as many opponents and prove that she did belong here in the SCW after being relatively quiet for much of the first six months. She had some success but her big break was defeating Katie Steward and winning this title which like Kennedy Street told her a few weeks back how important it was, one that saved the career of the Sexy Flawless Diva. Peyton also had a lot going on outside the ring, but the young woman was not the kind who brought her personal problems to work, she was a professional; that focused and had one thing in mind, to be successful. Unfortunately for Peyton, her mentor, Kelcey Wallace was in a coma, her best friend and first love of her life was missing. The rice family was dealing with her sister Rhiannon and her constant disappearances. Peyton and her dad were at odds with Sienna Swann and all the gifts she was buying, but at least they were still holding on to the strong bond that Peyton would never break for everything she does is for her father.
Then there was Alistaire Allocco….
Who was the Number One Contender to the World Championship at RTG XVI and was ready to compete against Syren until Glory Braddock decided to cash in. The night of Breakdown in Las Vegas, Peyton and Alistaire decided to go out again this time, a little more casual and just get to know each other more. She knew that Alistaire was probably going to be in a mood as his father, Adam wasn’t helping much either. Peyton didn’t care, this time she wanted Ali to have a good time and forget what happened tonight…
And for her, she needed the distraction after successfully defending her title against Jordan Majors.
After Breakdown
6.19.19
9:30 PM
She wore something a little more casual, jeans, thong sandals and a white halter top, her long hair was straightened, made up perfectly with her nails polished white. Alistaire was in a Black Polo Shirt, buttoned up, jeans and a pair of dress shoes. They both sat next to the fountain in Caesar’s Palace where the statue of Atlas with the fall of Atlantis. They had gone to eat at Mesa, Bobby Flay’s restaurant. Dinner was good but the conversation was at a minimum, it seemed like both of them were not in a talkative mood until they went to Cold Stone and bought a couple of Sundaes, they both sat down as Peyton stared at Ali before taking a bite of her ice cream….
Peyton: “Let’s go ahead and address the White Elephant in the room…. I know you are upset about Glory cashing in her Trios Contract and you have a right to be. Ali, you are a talented wrestler who became World Champion within months of your debut defeating some of the best. Then you outlasted 39 other wrestlers at Taking Hold of the Flame and let me tell you, that is the hardest thing to do, I saw how determined some of them were. If you can survive an Elimination Chamber and a Flame? You can accomplish anything; I have faith in you.”
Alistaire: “You are too kind to me Peyton. I don’t understand why Glory Braddock had to do that, this was my opportunity at Rose to Greatness and she doesn’t belong in the match. True sportsmanship doesn’t hijack matches, I’m tired of these wolves in sheep’s clothing.”
Glory had a right to cash in her contract as did Regan Street or even Kellen Jeffries. Regan was almost ready to cash-in until Datura showed up. I wasn’t going to argue that point with him because I saw both sides of the argument, instead I wanted him to calm down, relax and enjoy his time with me. Dinner was great, there just wasn’t a lot of conversation, this was bothering him and maybe I picked a wrong time to hang out with him again and still he went out, he wanted to be here with me and after all the things I have been through lately, it was a welcomed escape. Grabbing my spoon, I dipped into his and placed it outside his mouth, smiling….
Peyton: “Eat your ice cream.”
Alistaire: “You are always positive, why?”
Peyton: “Come, take it bite before it melts.”
He took a bite, a little poured from the side of his mouth and I wiped it clean, he finally gave me a small smile in return….
Peyton: “You have to be Ali when things usually don’t go your way, I’m not complaining. It’s what makes us who we are, you know? For example, your dad can be overbearing at times, I think his intentions are good, he wants you to succeed, he feels like all these silly games he plays are a necessity for your SCW success. He wants you to find a good woman that will take care of you and vice versa. Dads are funny.”
Alistaire: “You think so?”
Peyton: “Oh for sure. For me it was tough Ali seeing my father go from this strong Fire Fighter Chief to a man confined in a wheelchair. My family took it extremely hard and I found myself taking care of him. I had to drop out of college, take on some two or three jobs, try to make ends meet but during all that time the one thing I never lost was hope or my smile. I knew that my dad and me were going to be alright. He hates I wrestle, like I told you before, he is extremely overprotective and yet, he really does try to understand my position, passion and love for wrestling, like you.”
I took a bite of my ice cream, it was so good, the flavors were just swirling in my mouth, I felt like Chocolate and Peanut Butter tonight. I may have gone a little overboard and will probably be in a chocolate coma when I get back to my hotel room, but it was so damn worth it. Looking back at Alistaire, he seemed to have settled down some, he was enjoying his ice cream too. Reaching over he placed his hand on top of mine…
Peyton: “Ali, everything happens for a reason. What happened tonight on Breakdown, which by the way, I am still really sore, Jordan (Majors) can wrestle, if she just gets her head out of her butt and concentrate on that and not all this buying her way out of things and stuff, she is going to be really successful. Didn’t your dad try to hook you two up?”
He chuckled, shaking his head, electing to take another bite of his ice cream instead, I simply smiled and let out a slight giggle….
Alistaire: “I think he did.”
Peyton: “You do know she doesn’t like boys.”
Alistaire: “I don’t think my dad knew that besides, even if she didn’t, I could never date someone like her, she isn’t a very nice lady, like you. I’m glad you beat her tonight, looking great out there Peyton, I find it hard to believe that I found someone that believes in a lot of the things I do. You are not the type that would do something so unprofessional like Glory did. You wouldn’t take money from someone who is rich to give up a title that you want to honor and fight for. People like us are a rarity these days and it’s a shame. Social Media, television, video games, they have all contributed to this. You are different.”
Peyton: “Ali, I’m not different. I’m just Pey. A simple girl in a crazy world that is trying to find her place. If it wasn’t for wrestling, I don’t know what I would be doing right now. Maybe working as an EMT, that is what I was going to school for, maybe dance, that was my hobby, used to do a lot of competitions. Maybe modeling, I don’t know did that for a while to make ends meet and I have Laura Steinbeck hounding me all the time to do more modeling….”
Alistaire: “Don’t show off your body like the Beauty Factory, though, that’s not modeling, they objectify themselves with it.”
Peyton: “I understand what you are trying to say Ali. Modeling is art and beauty, it’s not exploitation but don’t worry, I’m not going to do it or would I ever join them. My point in this, I am trying to live my life not at the expense of others. My dad raised me well, so did my mom, she was a beauty queen and now is a hot shot designer. My sister, she’s out somewhere getting in trouble, me? I’m just trying to make ends meet. Like you Ali, a guy that had a big heart and great intentions yet sometimes misunderstood.”
He found that funny and took another bite of his ice cream before I presented mine to him…
Peyton: “Take a bite.”
Alistaire: “Oh, I couldn’t.”
Peyton: “Seriously…. Take a bite.”
Alistaire: “This is peer pressure.”
Okay that was funny, because I think he was actually being serious about it. I broke out with a laugh, it calmed him down some and he then smiled, taking a bite, I could tell that he liked mine more than his, I offered to trade….
Peyton: “You like mine better, here, have it.”
Alistaire: “I… I can’t. It is yours.”
Peyton: “Oh come on, don’t be like that. Seriously, take it, let’s switch.”
Alistaire: “But, double dipping and….”
Oh, for the love of God, I made the switch….
Peyton: “There, now enjoy it, I will, just watching you.”
Alistaire: “I will too and….”
Before he could finish his sentence, the animatronics of the Fall of Atlantis fountain started, scaring the heck out of both of us. We sprung to our feet and watched the show when I looked over at Ali and we both started laughing at how stupid we felt….
The night may have started rough, but he was beginning to loosen up.
We finished out ice cream and held hands, walking through Caesar’s Palace and then outside to the MGM Grand where most of us were staying while there for the show. It felt really good to get that monkey off my back and first title defense; he was upset about Glory Braddock. I couldn’t blame her for what she did, I was upset for Ali, not so much what she did, it was her right. While walking we stopped at the fountains of the Bellagio, their water display was pretty awesome, standing behind the gate….
Peyton: “Ali, this is beautiful. I had my doubts about going out again or eve the first time. I’m pretty sure your dad is somewhere around here spying on us.”
Alistaire: “I told him not to.”
Peyton: “Does he ever listen?”
Alistaire: “Never.”
Peyton: “I thought so. It’s okay, really. I didn’t know what to think after we went out on our first date, it was different. Tonight, it started off tense, I almost wanted to cancel, I didn’t think you would be in the mood. A lot happened tonight for both of us, I didn’t want to intrude and….”
Alistaire: “No… no, never. I can be, myself around you? I don’t have to try hard, I guess is what I am trying to say though I do get kind of nervous at times and I shouldn’t. Maybe its because I really do like you and this isn’t my father trying to hook me up with someone or even out of pity to get my dad to shut up….”
At first part of it was that, I didn’t like how his dad was treating Alistaire so yeah, that was part of the motivation. Then I started to see him for who he was. Sure, he is a little extreme on some things he believes in, I think to a certain extent we all are, and I can respect that. I looked him in the eyes and smiled…
Peyton: “I didn’t like the way your dad treated you and part of it maybe was motivated by that as to why I said yes but not now. I see what no one else does, something I try to see in everyone, the real Alistaire. I’m glad I said yes, I am having fun because there is nothing fake about it, we are two people who like to go out and enjoy each other’s company, crazy as it sounds. Well, it’s getting late…”
Alistaire: “Yes, I should walk you back to your room.”
Peyton: “A gentleman, thank you.”
He smiled, it was the perfect time, though I knew he would never make the first move and seeing the beautiful water show at night here, I went ahead in leaned in, he then did the same as we both locked lips and finally kissed…..
It wasn’t long but it was long enough. After we slowly pulled away, he smiled at me, I bit my bottom lip. We didn’t say another word, instead he walked me back to my room while we held hands, once I was at my door, we kissed one more time….
Peyton: “Goodnight Ali.”
Alistaire: “Goodnight Pey.”
Walking inside, I closed the door and smiled, that was like a real date, I felt like I was back in high school. No strings attached; he was such a gentleman. Now though was back to reality and I needed to see if there was anything new on Ricky, I hadn’t heard anything. I made my way to the mini fridge and grabbed a Sprite, poured it in a glass of ice and was going to turn on the TV when there was a knock on the door. I giggle a little and walked over to open it thinking it was Ali….
Peyton: “Ali…. Did you forget someth….”
As I opened it, I found it wasn’t Ali, but Regan Street was standing right there instead. I was a bit surprised; she was one of the last people expected to be knocking at my door at almost midnight. Tilting my head, I thought maybe she saw me with Ali and was going to give me some advice, but it wasn’t like Regan to be waiting by someone’s door. I could see a different expression on her face, knowing she had a pretty rough night at Breakdown as well with Datura…..
Peyton: “Is Kelcey alright?!”
That was the first thought that come to mind, in that instance it was the only logical thought she was her family… Regan looked at me in such a way, she wasn’t the Hellcat here. She was someone else entirely…
Peyton: “Regan is everything alright?”
Regan: “Can I come in?”
Peyton: “Uh yeah sure, of course… Where are my manners. Can I get you a drink?”
Regan: “No thanks.”
I stepped aside allowing her in and she walked over to a chair and took a seat while I sat on the bed…
Regan: “So is everyone okay? You’re the last person I thought I’d see tonight….”
Regan: “Peyton…. It’s Ricky.”
The moment his name left her lips my heart skipped a beat and my eyes widen with excitement… Oh my god they found him?!
Peyton: “Ricky!? They found him!?”
Regan: “Yeah kiddo, they found him.”
Peyton: “Is he alright!? Can I talk to him!?”
After I said that I knew something was immediately wrong as Regan just locked eyes with me, I could see her lips starting to quiver ever so slightly and my heart sank into my chest, suddenly I couldn’t feel my feet, hands or knees….
Peyton: “Ok now you’re scaring me… Where is he?”
Regan: “Shit… I don’t know how to do this…”
Peyton: “What?! Do what, where is HE REGAN?!”
My concern was swiftly changing to anger now with no answer in sight, I went to stand up but she spoke up. She said she didn’t know how to do it, she figured it out but it didn’t make anything easier for either of us…
Regan: “He’s gone Pey…”
Peyton: “What? GONE?! Gone where… Like out the country?”
She shook her head, that wasn’t it. It wouldn’t be something so simple… But the look in her eyes, the penny finally dropped, and I immediately begun to feel sick…
Peyton: “No……”
Regan: “I wish I didn’t have to tell you this Peyton but….”
Peyton: “NO you’re lying, he isn’t gone… You’re telling me he’s dead?!”
Again, she said nothing for a moment, I could feel tears flowing down my cheeks as my body started to become completely numb…
Regan: “I didn’t want to believe it either, but David had to identify the body….. Ricky’s gone Pey….”
Peyton: “No….. no……”
I couldn’t feel my legs anymore, knees buckled, stumbling back I fell to the ground as Regan grabbed me, suddenly losing all control of my body as I become overwhelmed with emotion no one should ever feel at once… Not Ricky, not Ricky….. I couldn’t come to term with this news, Oh God, please not him; I started to scream and after that I didn’t remember anything else the rest of the night….
The Following Morning
Las Vegas, NV.
8:00 AM
Regan already knew that Peyton would be a mess following the news of Ricky Octavius death. After sitting with Peyton for a few hours and letting her soak everything in, Regan gave her some chamomile tea to help her sleep. The Hellcat assisted the young TV Champion to bed where she passed out. She was not about to leave her alone, sleeping on the couch until Peyton woke up in the morning so she could assist her with anything she needed. Around 8, Peyton’s green eyes opened slowly, she found herself on the bed still in her clothes from the night before, barefoot and halfway covered in the sheets. Brushing her hair back, she could hear voices coming from the end of the bed, sitting up, across the room were Regan Street and John Goddard. Regan in her jeans, flips flops and Rolling Stones T-Shirt, blonde hair hanging down and nails polished a baby pink. Goddard was in jeans, boots, a matching jacket and t-shirt with hat.
Peyton really didn’t know what to do at this point, it was so surreal to her, still trying to decipher if it was a dream or not which with both John and Regan there in her room told her it unfortunately wasn’t… Ricky was gone and with that thought the overwhelming flood of emotion started to crawl back, she could feel it on the back of her neck… Goddard stood up; Regan sat there watching as he walked up to Peyton. Her feet touched the floor, still on the bed for a second with her head lowered. Goddard stood in front of her, placing his hands on her shoulders…..
Goddard: “Peyton…..”
I didn’t say anything, I was still in shock, I can’t remember much of anything after Regan told me what happened, I guess I must’ve fainted from the shock, I don’t know, I cried so much it sapped the energy out of me. The sun was already shining through the window, it must’ve been late morning, but I didn’t care not now… What did it matter now? My senses told me to look away when I felt his hand caress my cheek, turning my face toward his….
Goddard: “Lil’ One…. I’m sorry ta hear about friend, I know how much ya loved him and no man or woman that young should ever be dyin’. The moment I heard the news, I came last night but ya were already sleepin’. I left, and Regan stayed with ya, I was here before the crack a’ dawn and didn’t wanna wake ya up. If there is anythin’ ya need, I want you to know I’m here fer ya.”
Words were forming in my mouth, from the corner of my eye I could see Regan standing by the doorway now, she too looked pretty rough after last night. She knew Ricky well, the Helms family treated him like a son in many aspects. I know it was hard for her, David, Jenni, AJ and anyone else involved with Ante Up Academy… I wanted to say something to Mr. Goddard, anything and yet I couldn’t….
Goddard: “I understand, you don’t want to talk that’s okay… You can listen, I know yer sufferin’ and I’m gonna let ya mourn, I just wanted ya ta know that I am here fer ya and anythin’ ya need all ya gotta do is ask. Regan told me all she could about Ricky, and I understand he was very special. He was loved by a lotta people, I wish I would have been able ta meet the young man. It’s hard ta lose someone so close. When my Laurie died, I shut myself out to everyone that wanted ta support and love me… If you do anything please learn from this old fool and don’t make my mistakes Lil’ One, there are great people here, yer not alone.”
Still nothing, I stared at my feet, as he kissed the top of my head and started to walk away, but I grabbed his hand. My mouth started to move, the words were starting to form and then they were drowned out by my tears. I stood up and wrapped my arms around him; my body wouldn’t allow me to do anything else. I could feel his head turning toward Regan as she nodded to him, that is when I felt his embrace…
Goddard: “Ya have a right ta be sad, yer hurtin’ and the best thing ta do is let it all out Lil’ One. I don’t know what the circumstances were behind it but I know that kid is in a better place now lookin’ down at ya. He can take solace in knowin’ yer safe with us.”
Finally, I could speak, it took me a moment to compose myself and that is when the mourning and initial shock had become sadness and then I started to get angry, I don’t like feeling this way. I looked up at Mr. Goddard, having to muster the courage to make eye contact with him…. He looked so different now…
Peyton: “Why him?”
Goddard: “I can’t explain it; I ask myself the same question about my wife every day… Life works in mysterious ways Lil’ One. The good always die young while the rest seem ta live forever… It’s not fair I know but It was his time, everyone has a plan, Peyton.”
Peyton: “no… I can’t believe that, Mr. Goddard. I can’t. This was not his time…. It wasn’t. He had so much more to give to this world. He was a gentle soul, wouldn’t hurt a fly. I can’t believe he is gone… What happened, was it an accident? I need to know.”
The second I turned to Regan, she looked down and walked away, I didn’t understand why she was deflecting my question. I turned to look at Mr. Goddard who seemed to know more than me, I tilted my head, in a state of confusion….
Peyton: “Regan?”
Regan: “Kiddo, get freshened up, take a shower, I’m sure you want to get back my home ASAP. I booked us a flight, I need to get back to my family and you need to some time off before the next title defense.”
Was she being serious right now?!
Peyton: “You think I’m worried about some stupid title defense?”
Regan: “Ah, so you are going to let it slip from your fingers like you did Taking Hold of the Flame KNOWING that Kelcey would be totally against that?”
I don’t know where the energy come from but hearing those words lit a fire in me I don’t think I really knew I had… I let go of Mr. Goddard and stepped away to look at her…
Peyton: “Are you fucking kidding me?!”
Regan: “What?! Kelcey’s father died before she competed in Taking hold of the Flame, she then WON it. Used this emotion, you’re feeling now and made it work for her. You think she wanted to, I’m sure she wanted to break down and cry, but she couldn’t.”
Peyton: “I…. can’t just ignore what happened though!!! He’s dead! He’s gone and I don’t know why, I don’t know how, and you want me to think about a god damn title defense?!”
Regan: “You damn well know Ricky wouldn’t want this Peyton. He’d want you to keep fighting, to go out there and defend the belt, to persevere, isn’t that one of the traits he loved about you most, huh? Your spirit? Dedication? His death? Don’t let it be in vain Peyton.”
Peyton: “In VAIN!? HE’S DEAD!!!”
I felt Mr. Goddard’s hand on my shoulder but I ignored it all the same, my breathing started to get a little wilder…
Goddard: “Peyton, please darlin’ calm down….”
Peyton: “Calm down!? Ricky is dead, and she is trying to lecture me on wrestling is more important than this!?”
The second I spoke, something triggered Regan as she quickly jumped in my face. My heart was racing, shaking both out of anger and nerves but I wasn’t backing down. Regan was someone that I respected more than almost anyone because she never quit a fight, no matter what. My eyes widened….
Regan: “This is NOT about wrestling over his death! This is about doing what he would want you to do! This is about you promising him and everyone that you would never quit! I was there Peyton when the Ante Up Class made each other this promise! Have you ever laid down for anyone!?”
Peyton: “No… but….”
Regan: “It’s hard…. It’s so fucking hard, I know. Keep his memory alive by doing what he would want most! For you to succeed and live a happy life. Wrestling makes you happy…. Don’t let this stop his wishes because right now, he’s looking down at you wanting and needing for Peyton to collect herself and get back on her horse and ride!”
Peyton: “I don’t know if I can… We had so much to talk about, we were going to talk… I was going to tell him… Tell me How… How did he die?”
Her eyes shifted toward Mr. Goddard. After that Regan backed up, looking torn, frustrated even. I started to get anxious, there was something she was hiding from me. Mr. Goddard grabbed me from behind when I tried to go after Regan….
Goddard: “Lil’ One wait….”
Peyton: “I need to know! I need to know, please, Regan!”
Goddard: “Lil’ One, in time, right now do as she asks, just go get ready.”
Peyton: “I can’t not until I know what happened, please Regan….”
She turned to me, her eyes were a bit teary, I could tell she didn’t want to have this conversation with me. Preparing myself for the worse, I stood my ground and slowly walked up to Regan who grabbed my hand….
Peyton: “Please, tell me? Was it….an accident?”
Regan: “No Peyton… he…. “
Peyton: “…. Suicide?”
Regan: “No Peyton…. It wasn’t suicide….”
Peyton: “Then what!?”
Regan: “He was murdered!”
When she said that, I fell into Mr. Goddard’s arms, luckily, he caught me as I started to feel faint. Why would anyone want to kill Ricky Octavius, why!? It made no sense to me, I couldn’t even comprehend the act, I see it every day in the news, it sickens me but never hit home like this. It was Ricky, everyone he came in contact with loved and respected him, He wouldn’t hurt anyone, that is not who Ricky was…..
This can’t be true, it can’t.
The room began to spin, keeping my balance became a chore as I started to make myself sick and couldn’t hold anything in, embarrassing as it was, I started to vomit before being helped on the couch….
And like last night, the rest was blur.
Later that Day
Los Angeles CA.
3:00 PM
After a very rough morning, thanks to the assistance of Regan and Jon Goddard and able to get through it, Peyton was given permission to go home and off the rest of the house shows until Breakdown in Des Moines, Iowa. After taking a flight out that afternoon with the help from the Street family and Jon Goddard, Peyton arrived at LAX. She was having a tough time coping and meeting up with David and Jennifer Helms along with Christian Cannon certainly helped. The Beauty Factory was not far behind, Laura was also flying back to address the media and talk to the police. Peyton was wearing a white loose blouse, long sleeve, jeans and thong sandals, her nails polished white and long hair hanging down. The gorgeous Rice had been picked up by David and taken to the police station where they were going to release Ricky’s belongings to her. While she was there waiting patiently, Peyton tried to keep her composure, Jennifer was there in black jeans, open toed black heels and a red button up shirt, untucked, her nails a glossy coating. Christian wore jeans, sneakers and a t-shirt, David in jeans, boots and a black button up shirt untucked. David was talking to the cops. Jennifer had barely spoken a word, the young Helms eyes had been puffy from all her crying, Christian tried to comfort her best he could. Peyton didn’t know what to say yet the only thing that came from her mouth was….
Peyton: “I want to see him…”
Christian looked at me with the same look everyone else had given me when I said this, it wasn’t that crazy I thought… I deserved to see him…
Christian: “I don’t think that’s a good Idea Pey…”
Peyton: “Why?”
Jennifer: “Its….”
Jennifer couldn’t finish her sentence; she was like me in a lot of ways. Ricky and she were close I knew that already, which I thought would help prove my case, she would understand…
Peyton: “It’s what? I need to see him Jennifer, I have to make sure it’s him. I can’t help it; I have all these thoughts rushing in my brain this is all a bad dream and somehow it is a mistake. He’s going to burst in here and scream “SIKE!”. I can’t think straight; I can’t accept it until I see him with my own eyes and….”
Christian was quick to grab me; he had this intense look in his eyes which told me right there just how serious he was in his stance. I had to see him though, I needed it to be real no matter how much I trusted the Helms family and Christian. Taking a deep breath, I stood my ground….
Peyton: “Christian, I know that you are trying to protect me here, but no. I want to see Ricky.”
Christian: “Peyton, look at Jennifer, look at me, look at her dad. We saw him, we identified the body and the last thing I should have done was let Jenni in there but like you, she needed to know and please, I do not ask for much, I care about you and our friendship, I know how much you loved Ricky, I know how much this would mean to you but I am begging you Pey, not this time.”
Peyton: “Tell me why?”
Christian: “We can’t….”
Frustration setting in I pull away from his grip…
Peyton: “Christian, you have become one of my best friends, you know that I trust and respect your opinion more than anyone. But I need to see him, I have to…”
Christian: “Pey….”
Again, he reached out to me, but I stepped away from him and screamed…
Peyton: “NO! I NEED TO SEE HIM!”
I couldn’t control my outburst, what have I done? Covering my mouth quickly, I turned, looking away, I couldn’t bear the anxiety anymore, the pressure I was putting on myself through was starting to boil over and taking it out on the people who were trying to help….
Peyton: “I am so sorry….”
Christian: “No, it’s okay… You don’t need to apologize.”
I felt David Helms come over, standing behind me, he was always a voice of reason. Massaging my shoulders, before holding my hand…
David: “I know you want to Peyton, I want you to, we all do but Christian and Jennifer are right. We all know how bad you want to see him but Peyton, me personally I want you to remember him the last time you saw him. His smile, demeanor, his class? He was a man that many wished could be like him, its why they were jealous.”
Peyton: “That doesn’t help me David…”
David: “I know but I need you to trust me more than ever. I wouldn’t ask this of you doll, if it wasn’t important. The entire time you have known me and my family I have never steered you wrong Peyton… I wouldn’t not with this…”
I looked down and could again feel a tear roll down my cheek… A lump begun to form in my throat, I think for the first time my body was beginning to accept along with my mind… Even if my heart wouldn’t….
Peyton: “It’s him? Are you sure? Are you sure, Mr. Helms?”
David: “I’m sure, down to the Mercy tattoo on his arm…”
Hearing that I thought I was about to throw up…. I remember when he got the tattoo, he got it after his mother died…
Peyton: “They found him in the Hills? In a ravine?”
Mr. Helms didn’t want to talk details with me, all he did was shake his head, I kept asking questions. Christian came behind and tried to get me to sit back down until Ricky’s possessions were brought up. Pulling away, I looked right in his face….
Christian: “Peyton, let’s not do this.”
Peyton: “I want to know! Why do you get to know and not me, huh? Tell me that Christian…?”
Christian: “You think I wanted to know, I didn’t but Jennifer asked me to go with her… Peyton, listen to Mr. Helms, he knows what he’s talking about. We don’t need to talk about this right now. Let’s get his stuff and go. We still need to swing buy the Beauty Factory and grab the rest of his things. Come on Pey….”
Peyton: “Ricky…. I want to know….”
David: “I know sweetheart and you will, not right now. Remember Ricky for who he was, keep those images in your memories.”
Peyton: “How can I when all I think about is him suffering, how can I be knowing that he needed me, and I wasn’t there… I…”
I walked away I couldn’t be there anymore, needing some fresh air, stepping outside, I took a deep breath and paced some. Mr. Helms was doing his due diligence, while I’m acting absurd and impossible. I didn’t know how to grieve, I never had someone I loved killed, it was a feeling that I had not dealt with before. Christian walked out with Jennifer to check on me, all I could do was stand there in silence before Christian and Jennifer both hugged me….
Jennifer: “Dad is done, he’s coming out with Ricky’s belonging’s that were on him. His phone and wallet are missing…”
Peyton: “A robbery?”
Jennifer: “I don’t know Pey…. I don’t know. We’ll go to the Beauty Factory and grab the rest of his things so you can take them home.”
Peyton: “Okay…. Okay…..”
A robbery? All this for his phone and wallet? Sometimes I seriously do not understand the crazy world we live in. His life ended over a senseless crime; such a beautiful soul taken away from us for that? I needed to stay strong for him, for me, family and friends but I couldn’t help getting angry and maybe it wasn’t, I don’t know, yet as I think about it more and more…..
I blame myself.
One Hour Later
Beauty Factory
Downtown Los Angeles
Very upset and yet trying to keep it together, Peyton Rice cautiously stepped into the Beauty Factory with Jennifer Helms, she didn’t know what to expect. After walking out of the elevator, there were models and workers looking at her, it seemed like all eyes were on the beautiful Peyton Rice. After walking through the uncomfortable situation, she arrived at Laura Steinbeck’s office, Jennifer led the way, opening the door and allowing Peyton to walk in. Laura wasn’t there. Jennifer went into one of the drawers and took out a set of keys….
Jennifer turned to Peyton with keys in hand, taking a deep breath, her eyes fixated at the palm of her hand….
Peyton: “Jennifer?”
Jennifer: “Yeah…. Yeah I’m fine it’s just…”
She sighed, it looked like she wanted to tell me something but at the same instance couldn’t do it for the life of her, something was holding her back…
Peyton: “Jenni, seriously, talk to me please?”
Jennifer: “Pey, let’s just get this over with I don’t want to out stay my welcome…”
Feeling the same way and sharing the exact sentiments, I followed Jennifer to the individual dressing rooms of the star models of the Beauty Factory. Jennifer opened the door and walked in, the police had already searched and found nothing of evidence. Jennifer pauses again, I could see how difficult it was her for her, almost terrifying. Christian had headed over to see Kelcey, it had completely slipped my mind about her, how terrible of me, I was losing it…..
Jennifer: “The police were already here so I was told; they didn’t find anything and so we need to clean all out. I brought a box, it’s on the floor. Anything you don’t want; I can donate it or….”
Peyton: “I’m taking everything except the clothing, donate all that, Ricky would want you too.”
Jennifer: “I will, I promise.”
Grabbing the box and looking around, I saw Ricky’s vanity, he actually had a vanity which made me crack a smile, I could picture him making faces in the mirror while getting prepped for a shoot or show….
Jennifer: “What’s with the smile?”
Peyton: “Oh… He always used to make fun of me and my Vanity, and here I am finding out he had one of his own.”
Jennifer: “Oh… Yeah couldn’t keep him away from it.”
We both laughed, a lot to paper over the cracks of how we were truly feeling…. Continuing to look there was a picture of us at the Lake in Havasu, hanging from his mirror, another of us with David Helms, Tommy Valentine and Sir Matty Stone. For the first time in a day, I smiled, plucking it from the mirror, running my fingers over the pic….
Peyton: “Wow I remember this. It’s when he and I graduated from Ante Up. That was such a good day. This one here, we went to the Lake and he taught me how to fish, I swear, I could NOT get the worm on the hook, it was so gross at first but once I was able to get the hang of it, that was it. I caught some fish, not as many as him which was good, didn’t want to show him up but mine were bigger. We were so happy, and I screwed it up…”
Jennifer: “No, you are NOT going to do this, you screwed nothing up. Things happened, decisions were made, look at me for example. I joined the Beauty Factory and I was so enamored by the glamour of it, I never once thought about the consequences. Peyton, he felt the same way, he always loved you, all he ever did was talk about Pey-Pey. You were his soulmate, he told me that more than once…”
Hearing that made my eyes start to water….
Peyton: “You talked to him last didn’t you?”
Jennifer: “I did….. well….. I sorta did…”
Peyton: “What do you mean, sorta?”
Jennifer: “The day he disappeared, I saw him, we had a shoot together not too far from here. He looked a little concerned and wanted to talk to me about a few things. When he left, I remember we agreed that he needed to go see you in Orlando which I think led to those tweets. I wanted him so bad to finally go and proclaim his love to you. He had eyes for one woman, and that was you Pey.”
Peyton: “So what happened after that?”
Jennifer: “He tried to call me, I missed it and when I called back, he never answered his phone.”
Peyton: “Did he leave a message?”
She turned and shook her head, Jennifer wasn’t telling me everything and I wasn’t going to try and pry anything out of her today, it was too soon but we WERE going to visit this conversation again. I know that Jennifer and Ricky had something going, she was too emotional about him, developed feelings and it’s hard not to with Ricky, I would never hold any of that against either one….
Jennifer: “No. Peyton I’m sorry… It’s just Ricky meant the world to me. He was my rock in the Beauty Factory, he understood the shit I was going through, always telling me to keep my head up.”
Peyton: “Yeah, he always had a way of doing that… I remember at Ante up he’d help the guys who struggled…”
Jennifer: “I can imagine, David told me a lot about him back then… Wish I could have known him… Peyton can I be honest with you….”
Jennifer shook her head, running a hand through her hair… She was lost, confused, sad, a wreck we both were on the inside… But I didn’t need to be a mind reader what she wanted to talk about…
Peyton: “No Jenni, it’s okay….”
Jennifer: “No… It isn’t, at least not to me… See Ricky and I hooked up a few times while I was split with Christian and he was single. It just happened you know, the thing is, he looked at me different then when he spoke about you and it was then I knew that I could never replace you in his eyes. It took me some time to realize how much I wanted Christian; how much I loved him but at the time we were both hurting. No one else knows this but I want you to know he regretted joining the Beauty Factory.”
Peyton: “What, why?”
Jennifer: “Because he lost you.”
I paused and had to catch my breath after Jennifer said that….
Jennifer: “I’m sorry if I angered….”
Peyton: “Ok Stop… never. Don’t ever apologize, we’re all adults here okay? I get it, I know Ricky cared about you like he did everyone and you were there for him when I wasn’t. So please don’t apologize for something you did alright.”
Jennifer: “Yeah, I know, it’s just… Christian doesn’t’ know…”
Peyton: “Well I won’t tell him okay? You don’t have to worry about that.”
Jennifer: “I appreciate that… I know you don’t have to.”
Peyton: “It’s okay, I want to… It brings me back to the idea that I messed up and now I must find a way to piece everything together. I just need to gather his things and get out of here, going home right now, picking up Elvis from the Dog Hotel and taking a warm bubble bath is all I can think of to clear my mind and honestly I don’t know if that is enough…”
Jennifer: “Okay, I need to grab a few things anyway, I will meet you by Laura’s office.”
Peyton: “Thank you.”
As Jennifer left, I took a moment to try and compose myself before I started rummaging through his things and placing them in the box, I took everything of sentimental value he had, they could donate all his clothing and the modelling stuff. As I looked in his drawers, I found a small box with a few articles and trinkets. Opening it was a picture of his mother that instantly hit me hard, my heart skipping a beat before sinking into my chest… One thing I could do is take solace that he was now reunited with her… He had some folded papers, mostly receipts and things. As I was ready to close it, I see one piece of purple paper, it had a picture of he and I from one of those silly photo booths at the carnival, I remember that, in upstate New York, it was right before UWA went under, I had lost my Cruiserweight championship in ladder match that had so many competitors in it, I was a little bummed out and Ricky came to the rescue yet again….
He always knew how to cheer me up.
Unfolding the piece of paper, it was a letter to me? Dated February 26, 2019? Why didn’t he give this to me, seemed like he was just sitting here one night and wrote his thoughts down. I don’t know if I could read this, or if I should… It was probably too much at the time. I closed the little box and was going to place it with the rest of the things when I had this sudden urge to read it. Sighing, I opened it back up, took out the note and started to read….
Dear Peyton,
Seeing you in Miami during the Trios Tournament reminded me of how much I missed your smile, quirky laugh and most of all, the way you make me feel… I know I’ve made a lot of mistakes with our relationship, maybe I didn’t fight hard enough when things started to go down in EMERGE with Jason. As much as that guy annoys me, I do have a respect for him, it’s one of those love/hate things if that makes sense and I know he cares about you a lot… Honestly, I don’t even know why I am writing this, I doubt I’ll ever let you read it… I’m about to head out to the runway, I’m all covered in glitter and you would be laughing at me right now.
I know that you don’t understand why I chose to join the Beauty Factory when I did. You gave me that ultimatum on the beach last week and I thought long, hard about it and you are right, this isn’t me, but I had to find something to take my mind off losing you which was my greatest failure in life to date… It was probably the wrong thing, well, obviously it was and to this day, I want to just walk out of here, knock on your door and scream, HEY PEY! I’M BACK! The problem with that is of course, I am afraid you wouldn’t take me back. I look at all the relationships around me and I know what I’ve lost… Nothing they have compared to what we did, deep down inside, I firmly believe you are my soulmate…
I knew it the first moment I laid eyes on you at Ante up, I knew it the moment we sat to watch Rise to Greatness as you lay your head on my lap… I don’t know if I will ever have the courage to give you this note, I guess I figured writing my feelings down would help me cope a little more but holding you in my arms again would do so much more.
I miss you Peyton, I love you more than you know and one day I will have the courage to give you this and hope you understand why I made these decisions, please forgive me and we can move on together.
Love Always,
Your Boy, Ricky.
Standing there for a moment, a few tears dropped on the piece of paper smudging a little of the ink, Ricky, why didn’t you give me this…..
Why?
I walked over to the box and placed the rest of his things in there, the note in my back pocket, trying to dry my eyes, that is when I stopped, the box fell out of my hands and I let go of everything I had left, sitting down on the floor, covering my face….
With the grim realization, that I lost him and I will never see him again.
Venice Beach, CA
Later That Night
6.20.19
The last almost twenty-four hours for Peyton had been the worst in her life. There were so many angles and questions surrounding the death of Ricky, Peyton was dealing with so much on an emotional level, yet she still kept herself strong and focused especially when visiting her father. He already knew what had happened, calling and texting, Peyton talked to him briefly but promised to visit him in Arizona soon. After picking up Ricky’s things, she had a really tough time trying to think of anything other than him suffering, she knew something happened and it was due to his relationship with the Beauty Factory. Ricky didn’t have enemies, Jason Dillinger and Ricky had a rivalry, but it was never tense enough to lead into murder. Even if foul play was involved, murder was the one word the police were not saying at this time. If David and Jennifer were so intent on not allowing Peyton to see his body, it must’ve been pretty bad….
But David Helms was right, remember him the last time she saw him and not how he was now.
Peyton was never one to sink hers sorrows into alcohol; tonight, was the exception. She sat in her cast iron tub, bare feet kicked up with her second glass of wine, laying back in some warm bubble water, Elvis, Kelcey’s dog laying on the rug next to the tub. Her eyes started to tear up, she could hear his voice talking to her….
Just like the time he helped her move into this home. It seemed like yesterday, looking toward the doorway expecting to see Ricky show up with his infectious smile and joking demeanor. It brought a smile to her face when she thought about how he always found a way to cheer her up and make something out of nothing. When Peyton stared long enough, she realized no one was coming. She kept hearing her phone buzzing, at this point Peyton didn’t care to answer, instead her head swamped with memories swirling on loop and never stopping…..
With her eyes closed a few tears started to trickle down her cheek, it was weird for her she was in the middle of both sorrow and joy thinking of the fun times with Ricky. Opening her eyes, she finally reached for her phone and had ten missed messages and texts. Instead of sifting through them, she opened up Twitter and scrolled to the last message Ricky sent her…
@RickyOctavius_
9:21 AM June 6, 2019
@PeytonRice_95 I haven’t said much about what’s been going on lately. Been trying to process it all. Hopefully we can talk about everything soon. I miss talking to you like we used to. I just want you to know that I’m here for you and for Kelcey. If you need anything, just ask.
@PeytonRice_95
9:23 AM June 6, 2019
Thanks Ricky, I miss you too. How about you come by this weekend and we can talk.
@RickyOctavius_
9:24 AM June 6, 2019
Replying to @PeytonRice_95
I’d like that.
@PeytonRice_95
9:27 AM June 6, 2019
Replying to @RickyOctavius_
I’ll see you then. 
The kiss emoji did it, she meant it and now wishes he was standing right there to kiss him again, this time to tell Ricky how sorry she was ever doubting him. Her lips started to quiver, with tears falling down her cheek, Peyton pressed the phone against her chest and sat there alone, living in a surreal existence, losing her first love and a man she had always planned and trying to make things work again and to her own guilt, she never gave him the chance because of the Beauty Factory….
And had she?
He may still be alive right now and that is the heavy burden the young Peyton must live with the rest of her life.
SCENE FADES
POWERFUL EXCUSE MAKER
The Scene Opens…
The Iowa State Capitol, commonly called the Iowa Statehouse, is in Iowa’s capital city, Des Moines. As the seat of the Iowa General Assembly, the building houses the Iowa Senate, Iowa House of Representatives, the Office of the Governor of Iowa and the Offices of the Attorney General of Iowa, Auditor State of Iowa, Treasurer of Iowa and Secretary of State. The building also includes a chamber for the Iowa Supreme Court, although court activities usually take place in the neighboring Iowa Supreme Court building. The building was constructed between 1871 and 1886, and is the only five-domed capitol in the country.
Located at East 9th Street and Grand Avenue, the Capitol is set atop a hill and offers a panoramic view of the city’s downtown and the West Capitol Terrace. Various Monuments and Memorials are to its sides and front, including the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument and the Lincoln and Tad statue. The exterior of the building is entirely of stone with elaborate columns and handsomely designed cornices and capitals. Iowa stone is the foundation for the many Porticoes of the building. The building is brick with Limestone from Iowa, Missouri, Minnesota, Ohio, and Illinois. The substructure is of dark Iowa stone topped by a heavy course of wari-colored granite cut from glacial boulders gathered from the Iowa Prairie. The superstructure, or main part of the building, is of bluff colored sandstone from quarries along the Mississippi River in Missouri.
Both front and back porticoes have pediments supported by six Corinthian Columns each. The pediment over the front entrance discloses a fine piece of allegorical sculpture. Here is where we find the current SCW Television Champion, Peyton Rice who was successful in her first defense against Jordan Majors after the young woman tried to pay Peyton off and give her the championship, Peyton wasn’t going to hear any of it and instead she stuck to her guns and defeated the rich and talented rookie. That didn’t mean the challenges weren’t going to get any easier as she now faced the ultra-powerful and dangerous, Casterillo who since coming back after a small hiatus had been on a roll. What made this match hard though was the fact Ricky Octavius, Peyton’s first love and one of her dear friends had gone missing and his body was found not too long after Breakdown went off the air last week.
It has been an extremely tough time for Peyton who has had to really deal with so much and yet she had made it a promise to herself, Ricky and those that believed in her that she would stick to road and come to wrestle and defend the championship. She had her time to mourn, it was time to focus on Casterillo. Wearing red pleather pants, open toed heels and a tight form fitting long sleeve blue multi-color patterned top with her long hair hanging down straightened, blue sunglasses and nails polished glossy coating. With the TV Title hanging over her shoulder, she gets ready to address her opponent…
REC:
Peyton takes a second to collect her thoughts before turning toward the camera and speaking in her adorable and sexy voice…
“I didn’t know what to expect when coming out here to address my opponent for Breakdown along with my fans, family and friends. To say the last week has been anything short of painstaking is an understatement, trying to find the silver lining when you lose someone so close to you is difficult if not nearly impossible. When looking for a place to record this, I chose somewhere that was visible, crowded so I could feed off the energy of the normal day grind at the Iowa State Capital where it is beautiful here and the architecture is timeless, it is very welcoming and I needed that.
On the last Breakdown, I wrestled Jordan Majors for my first TV Title defense, it was a tough match, Jordan is as talented as they come and one day, she is going to be a champion when she realizes that money isn’t going to buy her the success she is looking for, it’s the hard work she claims but never puts it to good use. On a talent level, I have nothing negative to say about Jordan, she is part of the future the SCW has here along with myself and so many others, I do look forward to more matches with her down the road especially when it comes to this time of year, Rise To Greatness and everyone paving their way to Texas. Things change, the Main Event is now a Three-way, as of a few days ago in Vegas, Alistaire Allocco isn’t too thrilled about it, in my opinion with he, Syren and glory Braddock, it will be a Main Event for the ages, I have faith in his pursuit. I was positive in the results of my match with all the things going on outside of the ring like the disappearance of Ricky….
And then it all came crashing down.
One of the highlights of my career is Ante Up Academy, World Hazard Festival and UWA where I was able to share the ring or spotlight with Ricky on so many different events and stages in our careers. Ante Up was fun, we were all groomed to one day take our spots in this crazy industry and show off what we learned. What helps when you sometimes doubt yourself or are down, thinking maybe this sport isn’t for you, physically can you compete with others and start questioning your abilities is someone who believes in you and always has your back no matter what…..
That was Ricky Octavius.
I don’t know how many times, I would drop my head, wondering if I made the right career move or was intimidated by all the other superstars who were bigger and meaner than me. Ricky picked me up, he’d put his arm around me and his sense of humor with a constructive and practical outlook on everything was so contagious that he made ME and everyone around him a better person. I promised myself that I would not get emotional talking about this. Ricky was one of a kind and a wrestler, model and all-around friend who would take his shirt off his back for anyone. I get it, most people are pretty cliché when talking about someone deceased, the speech is already written and they all say the same thing, I really mean it. Ricky should have been a Champion in SCW, I knew that one day he would be, already testing himself in this company when I was too afraid to join, taking the bull by the horns and going up against the very best…
And he didn’t skip a beat.
This match coming up now would be one of those moments where I would look at Ricky and ask him with absolutely no confidence in my voice…. “Can I?”
He would simply smile and then playfully kick my butt because he KNEW that I could go into that ring and defend this Television Championship against a beast of a man like Casterillo. The more I step in the ring, match by match, week by week, I start to realize that I do belong here, something that Ricky had been telling me for years. I would be lying if I said I wasn’t angry, asking so often “WHY?” him? A person who gave so much and asked for so little. This morning, looking in the mirror, I didn’t see my reflection, I saw his. He’s with me right now, always having my back to each and every fight. I made so many mistakes in the last year with him that I promise Ricky, his family, fans and friends I will never let his memory fade by making up for those errors.
Instead?
It’s time to do what he would want from me and that’s to buckle up, pull up my big girl pants, lace up the boots, knee pads and get in the ring and do what we spent 15 months preparing for, matches like this against a man that has a nasty attitude, cruel and downright disrespectful in Casterillo.”
Peyton takes a second to breath and compose herself. Thinking about Ricky, the wounds still fresh and deep need to be put to the side, focusing solely on the monster, Casterillo who has been on a tear since returning, upsetting Alexis Quinne and Tommy Valentine, one of Peyton’s trainers to enter the Taking Hold of the Flame Battle Royal. Peyton understands this man’s power and one wrong move will cost her the Championship. She turns back to the camera with he title drenched over her shoulder and continues to speak…..
“Mr. Casterillo, I show respect to all my opponents, no matter what my underlining feelings are for them on a personal level, this is about wrestling and not a popularity contest. You are a man that doesn’t care about the fans and we all know you care even less about management especially Sasha and Mr. D though you had absolutely no problem siding with Katya when she was in charge. You are a mixed bag sir when it comes to your actions and words. There is no denying that at 6’8” and almost 300 pounds, you are the biggest wrestler I have ever faced. I can’t match power with you, we all know if you get a hold of me chances are, you’ll break me into pieces, I may not be a pessimist, but I am definitely a realist. The key there is IF, for I know that speed is on my side. After Retribution you took a little break, disappeared and made your return at Taking Hold of the Flame. Before that, your dominance in matches was unparalleled, If I stood here and told you that I am not concerned of being hurt in this match, I would be dishonest so I will come out straight and say it Mr. Casterillo, yes, you do indeed scare me a little but that’s okay, fear makes me stronger.
I have had to do a lot of growing up early and fast in my life. Outside the ring and inside. When I came to the SCW, I didn’t know what to expect, it was like a tornado sweeping me off my feet and throwing me wherever the heck it decided to, much like you could do, Mr. Casterillo. See though, it took me a good six months adjusting to the culture here and understanding how things work. Many struggle to find a winning formula, I’m not trying to toot my own horn, I would never be that ignorant, but in the last two years I have learned a thing or two about winning. I lost my first singles match here, started to wonder if I was in over my head, looking at what I have now, I can see this is going to be more than just a competitive match as I will have to dig deep inside to come out a victor against a behemoth like you sir. While I am trying to be respectful here though, I do not appreciate the things you say about the company as a whole or the competitors that bust their butts every single week to make the SCW the best in the world.
You have an agenda and it has nothing to do with wrestling.
For as big and strong as you are, what I have noticed is you complain a lot, come up with excuses and blame everyone else when it comes to your shortcomings instead of just taking responsibility for yourself. Jordan Majors last week? She may try to buy her way to the top and has a really bad approach and even worse attitude, that said she can at least take responsibility for her actions, victories and defeats where unlike you if things do not go your way, there are many colorful terms and phrases used to explain why. Mr. Casterillo, the world of wrestling doesn’t revolve around your sour approach, lack of sportsmanship and outright dishonor shown to fellow wrestlers and the owners alike. Complain about Sasha and yet she has given you an opportunity to win the TV Title from me which on paper is a no brainer, right?
Wrong.
I watched your problems with Glory Braddock who is now thanking you for being in the Main Event at Rise To Greatness. I have taken notes on how a woman like her stood on her own against a monster like yourself and it was inspiring. See, Mr. Casterillo, let me warn you now about something, now more than ever before in my life and career, I wrestle until the bitter end, refusing to trash talk or even claim that I promise victory, I can’t….
Instead what I will promise is to give my very best and if that is not enough? Then I will give more and more until it is. If you think for one minute that you’re going to walk out there in the ring and roll me over? No, I can’t and won’t allow that to happen, not after this, I would be shaming the man who just passed away if I laid down and let you trample all over Peyton Rice….
So instead Mr. Casterillo, you’re going to get the very best of me which means that you will have to tap into that arsenal of yours and be better than you’ve ever been. Now, of course, I can picture you laughing at me, thinking since I am more than half your size, I’m a walk in the park, right? No Mr. Casterillo, the TV Title I have hanging over my shoulder? Means more to me than anything as it is a symbol of what the fans come and pay to see….
The VERY BEST Wrestling on TV.”
Peyton has fire behind her voice and demeanor, knowing that the odds are against her and she is still optimistic, finally believing in herself. The support she has from her friends and family especially trough this tough time has been what she needed to get her through one of the worse stretches of her life. Losing Ricky will take a long time to get over but concentrating on defeating Casterillo and retaining the TV Title on the other hand keeping in mind this would be her loving friends wishes, is all she needs. Peyton continues to speak….
“There was something you said Mr. Casterillo leading into Taking Hold of the Flame. There was a generalization made on the roster here, at least 99.9% of us. It was about stamping our feet and yelling out in protests and until we are given what we want? What about you? Have you stopped for a moment and listen to the words that come out of your mouth? Do most of this roster change the narrative to feed our egos? Do we twist results, try to sell others on some bologna story on how things “REALLY” went down? I don’t claim to be the best judge of character; I try to see people for who they are as individuals. What I see from you, Mr. Casterillo? I see a man so desperate to sell himself as this unstoppable bulldozer plowing through the competition so cold and calculating that nothing can hurt you and it is always Casterillo in control?
Control can be the biggest lie, just when you think that nothing can change and remove those hands firmly on the steering wheel, that is when suddenly the wheel turns and you end up running off the road, within seconds control is gone. It’s easy to paint a picture for yourself, lying and swearing upon it when everyone else sees the truth. When that happens, Mr. Casterillo, you are no longer a monster, credibility is lost, you are seen as a mere man who rather manipulate the chronology and erase lines in a script already written. Personally, I own up to my mistakes, losses, failures, I respect people more who look me in the eyes and say…. I messed up then try to cover it with nonsense and irrational conspiracy theories. You don’t have to tell me how awesome and strong you are. Put it on repeat Mr. Casterillo over and over, the same message is sent, and I have received it loud and clear.
Now?
I want you to think about something for me.
Mr. Casterillo, if I beat you tomorrow night in the ring and walk out as Television Champion, I am challenging you to be the man you claim and own the loss. Tell the SCW that in Des Moines, the mighty fell to a woman who in stature may be small but in heart?
Is a giant.
I have a motivation to not only shock the entire SCW, especially you, sir, also show that size has never mattered. The bigger they are, harder they fall, David and Goliath, that sort of thing. Unless you are a celestial being, no one is untouchable, no one is impenetrable and no one is invincible, Mr. Casterillo no matter how many times you tell yourself that you’re better than me or anyone else on the roster, take a moment out of your busy day being the unstoppable force and immovable object? Flip the pages and “rewrite” the history books, or better yet continue to bash the company that signs your checks and are a man who is privileged to even compete under their name and brand?
And see that someone like me? A woman that loves this sport, this company and the ladder I have slowly been climbing to one day reach the very top and have my name be in the same sentence as some of the legends the SCW has seen come and go throughout the years while you still try to find any and every justification to lie and weasel your way from giving your fellow competitors their just due all for this reasoning it has no semblance to what you believe in?
Then maybe wrestling in the SCW isn’t for you then sir.
Let those that want to compete and appreciate each second, they have living out their dream like me and walk away. For tomorrow night, if for one second the thought that I will be your next victim has crossed your mind, I hate to disappoint. I don’t need to be stronger or more calculating than you, Mr. Casterillo….
I need to be the one on top scoring the three count.”
Peyton brushes her hair back, looking over at the TV Title, taking it off her shoulder and holding it up high while standing in front of the State Capital Building, ready more than ever to take on this large man and once again show that Peyton Rice will continue on the road to Texas and Rise to Greatness beating the toughest competition SCW has to offer and throw at her. She lowers her blue glasses and glares into the camera…
“I lost the first love of my life but in return I find the strength he left in me to go on and do what I trained so hard with Ricky for, moments like this. I am laser focused, not thrilled with Casterillo’s take or his challenge and still, I will be here to do my best, standing tall, head on with this man who hates us all?
Well, Mr. Casterillo, then I will give you something to really hate me about when I surprise the audience and walk out as Television Champion. Then, you must come to terms that Peyton Rice?
Is NOT just another “Pretty” face.”
Peyton looks up and blows a kiss….
“This one’s for you Ricky.”
She places her glasses back on, holds up the TV Title for a second before nodding and pointing at the sky…..
FADE TO BLACK
/REC
Peyton: “Thank you so much for being there for me. It has meant the world considering that I don’t think I was really prepared for all the cutthroat and shenanigans the SCW is going through. You kept me levelheaded, always watching my back. I don’t know how I can ever repay you!”
Kennedy: “We are so proud of you honey. That title saved my career, and this will make yours soar. I was so honored to be the Television Champion and I know that you will do it justice. Trinity and I both squealed like little girls when we saw you beat Katie!”
Owen: “Hey Hey Pey Pey! You did it! I knew you would!”
Adam: “Adam, please. Look at her son, NOW she is a champion too! So, where is Goddard?”
Chris: “Hello Peyton, glad you could come.”
Sienna: “Christian told Chris that you were at the Police station earlier?”
Margherita: “He’s a little hurt, munequa. Go talk to him, I think that is all he needs. Joor papi is very worried about joo.”
Ray: “I can’t be mad at you, Pey. I know what’s going on and I know that what happened to Ricky, I don’t have a good feeling about, Pey.”
Peyton: “Never dad. We hit a rough patch. I wasn’t happy about all the gifts Sienna sent you, it seemed like you didn’t want to listen to anything that I had to say. It upset me nonetheless dad but no matter what, I was going to let you keep the stuff. You have a high opinion of Sienna; I’m not going to change that. As for the TV Title, I didn’t think you were watching. That makes me happy to know that you were…. I don’t want you to be mad at me. I need you right now more than ever.”
Jo: “Do you really think she is still doing that, Peyton? Give your sister some credit.”
Peyton: “Mr. Goddard, I understand your concerns, trust me I have them too, but Ali is a good guy, he’s not his dad. Mr. Allocco is completely nuts. I don’t know what else to say about that. I think it is the right thing to do.”
Laura: “Peyton?”
Peyton Rice 