FALLOUT
When it comes to wrestling and Peyton Rice, the young beautiful and charismatic upstart has found t a little more difficult to deal with since her days in EMERGE. The SCW was a different monster to her altogether which for Peyton, coming into the company was fully aware of the transition period. Peyton Rice had to deal with a lot of outside distractions as well. The Beauty Factory and especially Sienna Swann showering her handicapped father after an accident years ago as firefighter with gifts that made Peyton uncomfortable to challenge or even try to take those things back from him, seeing how happy it made him feel to now the situation with Kelcey Wallace after giving birth to her son and having complications that led to the coma she is in now had curtailed Peyton some in the last month or so. She was at a crossroads and needed to make a decision, wrestle in Taking Hold of the Flame or be there bedside with her mentor and a woman who has been practically a mother to her?
She chose the latter and probably missed out on a great opportunity, she doesn’t care.
Peyton was happy for Alistaire Allocco, there was a part of her that liked him, he was handsome, well behaved but his father was the issue. Alistaire winning The Flame and Main Eventing Rise To Greatness to Peyton was inspiring, she saw more than just the guy people disliked or didn’t agree with his vision. For the young Rice though, it didn’t matter, she was living her life and though the walls sometimes seemed to come crumbling down around her, she stayed focus on what most important to her, family, friends and the wrestling business. Even though she lived a very good and productive life, always trying to do the right thing. It didn’t immune her from the problem’s others had who lived differently. She had love trouble with Jason Dillinger and especially Ricky Octavius who there was a strong bond between the two.
Now, it was time to be the woman she had always been, growing up too fast, never really living her late teens and early twenties with so much responsibility. Her father kept her busy and now she had chosen to watch over Kelcey knowing that Chris Cannon and Sienna Swann were pulling the strings. She hated that and yet for now she had nothing more she could do than to accept it as is and try her best to handle it without breaking, it was the only thing left she could do for her mentor.
Winnie Palmer Hospital
Orlando, FL.
Monday, 6.10.19
11:00 AM
Peyton was hunched over her chair wearing an off white, cream-colored crop short cut summer dress and wedge sandals, her nails polished white and long sandy blonde hair straightened hanging down. Her green eyes gazed at her phone intently. Kelcey was still in a coma, Christian was pacing back and forth in jeans, sneakers and a Final Fantasy T-Shirt. He glanced over at Peyton…..
Christian: “Anything?”
Peyton: “No, now I am starting to worry, what if something happened to him? Ricky never does this, he always calls or texts, even answer Twitter. Jennifer even said he was planning to come here and surprise me. Laura never said anything either about the shoot.”
Christian: “They are on the Cruise.”
Peyton: “She maybe but it comes back tomorrow, right?”
Christian: “Yeah, I think so. Pey, don’t worry, I am sure there’s a perfectly good explanation as to why he hasn’t been in contact. Ricky isn’t going to ditch you. He has a really good relationship with Jennifer, and they were together Thursday. I’ll try to call her later, see if she can tell us anything more. Bad timing considering the EMERGE Cruise, they don’t have the best cellphone reception.”
Peyton: “I know… I know. I’m just worried, I’ve known him a long time and he isn’t like this.”
Christian: “This was also before he joined the Beauty Factory, too.”
Peyton: “Yeah… don’t remind me. Loo, Christian, I’m sorry about my mood since I have been here. I really wanted to be in Taking Hold of the Flame, watching Ali win and the performances of people like your dad and Rachel Tatum Lee reminded me of what I missed out on. Part of me is upset, kicking myself in the butt, screaming WHY? The other part of me is happy I didn’t, stayed here with Kelcey in hopes that when she woke up, we would be the first faces she sees and know that everything was going to be alright.”
Maybe that was a pipe dream, I don’t know. I had been here since last Thursday and was starting to see things, hear strange noises and my body was so sore I couldn’t barely walk as I had not left the hospital room. I used the showers in the hospital, I didn’t even get a room which I should have, didn’t want her to wake up and no one here. Christian continued to invite me back to Kelcey’s place, I may finally take him on that offer, I need a good night’s sleep….
Christian: “We will be there for her when she does, Pey. I just hate seeing that you missed Taking Hold of the Flame.”
Peyton: “Seriously, Christian it’s alright. My choice. I’m sure my number went to someone special.”
Christian: “Probably the “Ode to Joy” guy.”
Peyton: “Shut up.”
Christian: “I was just kidding.”
Peyton: “I know, and you are probably right.”
Letting out a sigh, worrying about Kelcey and Ricky, just seems like everything was falling apart at one time. I was worried about my dad, Sienna and all her gifts, the baby. Even Alistaire though I’m sure he’s forgotten about me since winning The Flame. There was so much going on that I didn’t know what else to do. She was being transported tomorrow back to LA, then I must get back on track. I wish she would wake up…. It would make things so much better…
Christian: “Hey… are you hungry? You’ve barely eaten.”
Peyton: “I know… I…. Christian, can I ask you a personal question?”
Christian: “Sure.”
Peyton: “Why is your dad doing this?”
Christian: “He has his reasons Pey, I may not agree with them, but he feels really strong about them. I guess with Kelcey leaving him, he felt that was it, didn’t even try to fix it, it really hurt him and I honestly don’t think that was her intention, I think it was more Kelcey trying to convince him to stop or he would lose her and instead he felt like he already did and Sienna was there waiting with open arms.”
Peyton: “She has a way for that. I respect him so much, I looked up to Chris and Kelcey, I pictured their relationship as the one I always wanted and lately with me, all I am doing is juggling….”
Christian: “We are young, Pey, we are allowed to juggle.”
Peyton: “I know…. But you and Jennifer are adorable together.”
Christian: “You and Ricky are not?”
Peyton: “It’s not the same since he joined the Beauty Factory. Besides, I had Jason (Dillinger), I have feelings for him too, but I know that he manipulated things. Then there is Alistaire, deep inside he is a really good guy….”
Christian: “No he isn’t.”
Peyton: “Stop, give everyone the benefit of the doubt. Tell me something, how do you feel about Sienna right now?”
He didn’t answer right away, and I wouldn’t blame him either. That was a tough question to answer and I know Christian wants to say the right things in front of me. It seems like he’s always tried to impress me, maybe that is how he counteracts the close relationship Ricky and Jennifer have, I don’t know. Titling my head and half smiling though I could barely keep from yawning and my eyes open, I tried to make him feel more comfortable…
Christian: “It’s hard to say, don’t get me wrong, I don’t trust her at all, but she makes my dad happy. Sienna came to me last week and tried to apologize for what she did and pretty much said she wanted us to have a relationship or at least try and grow one. I don’t know.”
Peyton: “Do you think she is being sincere?”
Christian: “Part of me wants to believe that, the other part of me thinks she’s full of it. It’s tough to really tell with her. I don’t doubt the love she has for my father, that much is certain. I don’t know what to think right now. I have to be there for my brother, Kelcey and my dad. It’s a balancing act which will be tough.”
Peyton: “I want to believe in your dad, I want to believe in Sienna too, but it seems too convenient. I will always give others the benefit of the doubt no matter what. This one is hard especially with how they are going about this with Kelcey. I don’t want to think that way….”
Christian: “Can I share something with you, Pey?”
Peyton: “Sure.”
He pulled up a chair and sat in front of me. One thing I will say about Christian, he was always honest with me, I respected him for that….
Christian: “Both Chris and Kelcey admired one thing from you more than anything, your positivity. You are one of the few people who seem to always find a silver lining to every situation. You never let anything sway your judgment until you saw it yourself. Kelcey took you in because she didn’t want you to make the same mistakes, she did that led to her turning on the fans and Mr. D. Every day, Peyton she talked about you, praising the person you are. You can’t lose sight of this. It’s hard….”
Peyton: “Very hard. Some days I want to scream. The wrestling business is full of cheats and some of the most notorious people I have ever met. Look at the World Title match? Syren made Sienna look trustworthy which can be difficult at times. Grant it they both did some underhanded things but come on, this is stupid. Are we really going to sell our souls for a title? It hurts me Christian to see that. I am sitting here wondering if I should just go back and finish College, get my degree and forget this. It’s not right.”
Christian: “No, it isn’t. None of it is, Kelcey lying in a coma here isn’t either. This is why the SCW and the business as a whole needs people like you in it. Don’t give up on that, okay? I know the situation looks very bleak right now, we are strong people that can through this, you, me, Jenni, Ricky, all of us, okay?”
Christian was a smart guy that always found a way to make me feel better about this crappy situation. I nodded and felt a little better but hearing Ricky’s name put me back in worry mode. I’m sure there was a perfect explanation as to why he wasn’t returning my calls. I leaned over and hugged Christian…
Peyton: “Thank you.”
Christian: “Anytime. Now, you need to eat, and I am hungry. Sushi? Maybe that Jerk Chicken wrap you like? Anything, tell me what you want?”
Peyton: “Sushi sounds delish, I will take some and maybe a Diet Coke? Here, let me give you money….”
Christian: “I’ll take care of it.”
Peyton: “No, seriously, my treat and you get whatever you want okay? I thank you so much for this Christian.”
Christian: “That’s what friends are for. I’ll be back in a bit, don’t go anywhere.”
Peyton: “I promise, I won’t.”
As he left the room, I sat back down and looked over at Kelcey peacefully lying there. I wondered if she could hear me. Everyone said that she did. I tried to talk to her a few times, see if she would respond and nothing. Sitting there in silence, I reached over and grabbed her soft hand…..
Peyton: “Hey Kelcey, I hope you could hear me. I’m still here, not going anywhere. Tomorrow they are going to move you back to California, so you can be closer to home. I missed Taking Hold of the Flame and I know that you are going to be so disappointed in me when you wake up and find out what happened. I just couldn’t, it wasn’t right for me to be in that match, the one YOU won as the first female ever. Wanted to so bad, yet every time I did, all I could do is think about you. Ali won, that was cool and Rachel Tatum Lee last like 70 minutes and was the last one eliminated which I felt really bad because in many ways that would have been an awesome story. Chris was there for over 70 minutes too; he and Selena started the Battle Royal and they were both awesome which I am sure would make you smile. Ricky is missing, part of me is mad he’s not here as I thought he was going to come and see us. He knows how important you are to me. Then again, I’m really worried, he’s never done this before.”
I am worried, probably making myself sick over it….
Peyton: “I wish you would wake up; I could really use your advice right now. Everyone tells me how good of a person I am and yet I think about all the mistakes I make and how I tip toe around situations hoping they kind of work their way out and leave me without having to fix it myself? Kelcey, I like Ali, he really is a good guy. His dad is nuts and maybe Ali is misunderstood, I don’t know. He’s going to RTG XVI and Main Eventing though I wouldn’t put it past Regan or even Laura trying to get her contract and stepping into the match between he and Syren. I’m losing faith Kelcey in the business and I don’t want to. I had some rough personalities to deal with in EMERGE but nothing like this. I will say that things have been a bit interesting in SCW when it comes to me and Ali though. I don’t know if what I did was the right thing or not, but he asked me out on a date, and I accepted. Part of me I think did it because of what Mr. Allocco does with him, it’s not cool Kelcey, he doesn’t deserve it. He asked me out and I said sure…. And I must admit, it was quite interesting and at the same time….. he was very raw I guess but chivalrous at the same time. The next night after he asked me out….”
Brooklyn, NY.
5.30.19
Peyton Rice was pacing around the hotel lobby, they had finished Breakdown the night before and had a few off days. She was on the phone with her mother, the relationship there was still on the rocks, but Jo was more concerned about Peyton’s sister, Rhiannon who ended up quitting her job and never coming home. Peyton was wearing jeans, wedge sandals and a white long sleeve, V-Neck blouse, her nails polished white and long straight hair hanging down. Ruffling her fingers through the thick strands of sandy blonde hair, Peyton looked a bit flustered….
Peyton: “Mom, I can’t speak for Rhiannon, we don’t know what goes through her head half the time anyway. If she has text you and says she is safe, then take her word for it mom. I mean, I don’t know what else to tell you, she doesn’t call me, I was worried about her and then suddenly here she is again quitting another job and going on some escapade, for all we know she probably met another guy and he swept that girl off her feet and took her to Paris.”
Jo: “Do you really think she is still doing that, Peyton? Give your sister some credit.”
Peyton: “Oh my Gosh, mom I am. She is living the life she wants. If Rhiannon doesn’t want anyone to know where she is, guess what, we are not going to know. Maybe she is out of the country? Traveling the world. You know she is just going to show up at your doorstep one day when either she needs something or decides it’s time to think about someone else other than herself.”
Jo: “You see really testy, are you okay?”
Peyton: “Yes, I am fine mom. I need to go; I’m meeting a friend for dinner soon. I wish that things were different with Rhi, they are not. She is a free spirit and going to do whatever she wants instead. Don’t worry about her and mom, maybe you should go visit dad once in a while, he would really like that, you know.”
Jo: “Peyton, I will try. It is hard for me to.”
Peyton: “Fine…. I need to go.”
Jo: “Peyton, I’m sorry.”
Peyton: “Yeah… okay. Bye.”
Jo: “I love you.”
I couldn’t even say it back, instead I hung up and shook my head. My mother is the one person that knows how to push my buttons and the sad thing is she doesn’t do it intentionally; it just happens to fall that way every time. What I did notice was Mr. Goddard standing behind me, quickly turning around, I jumped back a little….
Goddard: “Sorry, didn’t mean ta scare ya.”
Peyton: “It’s alright Mr. Goddard.”
Goddard: “Everythin’ alright with yer momma?”
Peyton: “I guess you heard huh? How long were you standing there?”
Goddard: “Long enough. Yer sister?”
Peyton: “Yeah, Rhiannon, she’s gone off to another escapade as usual. This is not out of the normal for my sister. We get all worked up, my mom calls me freaking out, then Rhiannon is on some yacht in Greece, quit her job, met some guy at a bar or meeting and she’s off with these rich guys. It happens all the time, I understand where she is coming from but after a while…. Eh.”
Goddard: “I get it. Ya and yer sister close?”
Peyton: “We were once. Now we rarely talk to one another, maybe five or six times a year, may see her once or twice, that’s it. Anyway, enough of my family, what are you doing here Mr. Goddard?”
Goddard: “I came to try and talk ya outta goin’ out with this kid.”
I had a feeling that was going to happen. He’s only trying to protect me, and I really do appreciate that….
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.”
Goddard: “Why? Because ya feel sorry for him?”
Peyton: “No, I don’t feel sorry for him, I hate the situation he’s in. Not fair, you know? He degrades his son…”
Goddard: “Kid isn’t exactly squeaky clean either.”
Peyton: “No, but I see the real Alistaire, or maybe I am lying to myself, I don’t know. Seems like everyone I like, or love finds a way to hurt me, this is innocent though, Mr. Goddard. We are going to get dinner and maybe catch a movie, I don’t know. That’s it, then I will come back here and go to sleep.”
Goddard: “Is that his intentions?”
Peyton: “Normally I would say every guy I go out with wants to sleep with me but Ali…. I don’t think so. He’s a gentleman, chivalrous even I would go as far to say.”
I could see some vomit forming in the mouth of Mr. Goddard when I said that…..
Peyton: “Mr. Goddard, come on! Give him the benefit of the doubt!”
Goddard: “I am tryin’ but his daddy is a punk and the apple doesn’t always fall far from the tree, lil’ one. I’m simply lookin’ out fer ya is all, I don’t like it one bit and that is fine. I know that ya can make decisions on yer own, a smart gall like ya isn’t gonna be taken fer a fool but just know that I don’t like snakes and the minute that guy does anythin’ ya don’t want him ta do….”
Peyton: “I promise you, he won’t. I am going to be alright. I am a big girl, I can take care of myself, it’s not my first rodeo.”
Goddard: “Alright, looks like he’s here, ya got my phone, call me when ya need me.”
Peyton: “Yes… dad.”
That made him smile some, but I could see just how concerned he was about this date and me. I was nervous, not going to lie, turning around Mr. Goddard was already walking away. Alistaire was there in slacks, a button up shirt and nice dress shoes. I smiled because his shirt was buttoned up all the way to his neck and it looked like he was choking himself to death. I gently reached up and unbuttoned the top and fixed his collar….
Alistaire: “Did I not button the shirt right?”
Peyton: “Not at all. You just looked really uncomfortable with it buttoned and besides, you have a nice chest, it’s okay to show off a little.”
Alistaire: “Ah okay. So, may I?”
He extended his arm toward me; Smiling I grabbed a hold as we walked out for this “wild” ride…. Oh Pey Pey, what are you doing?
Twenty Minutes Later
I thought I was nervous? I could see he was. There was an awkward silence almost the whole UBER ride down Brooklyn, I don’t even think he knew where we were going and I liked that, spontaneous, shows he takes risks, I would at least like to think so. There are some quirks about him that well, I may have to simply brush off, at least it gets him away from his dad and with Taking Hold of the Flame around the corner, the two of us will probably be competing against each other again. I have never been on a date with a guy that I wrestled before, kind of a new experience…..
Peyton: “So….”
Alistaire: “…. So I….”
We both paused and nervously laughed…..
Alistaire: “Please, you go first.”
Peyton: “Okay. Where are we going, have a place picked out?”
Alistaire: “Not really. Usually I am very prepared with all of this, but I didn’t know your eating habits. Looking at your body and physique, I would imagine a place where you can get a salad, women like you don’t like to eat a lot in front of guys like myself. I understand, it’s an ego thing. Always trying to look pretty and impress me…”
What? Oh heck no…..
Peyton: “I want pizza and beer.”
Alistaire: “That sounds… wait, what?”
His eyes widen, stopping dead in his tracks. I don’t think he was expecting that answer from me and honestly, I was in the mood for some New York Pizza, I don’t get to have it very much since I left New York while living here with Ricky after UWA. I had a mad craving for it and beer…. Yeah….
Alistaire: “Pizza, it’s so greasy and beer? I didn’t think you drank.”
Peyton: “I like wine, beer and sometimes an occasional drink like a martini or mixed drink. I don’t go getting drunk if that is what you’re asking. I’m not an alcoholic or a lush. Hey… relax okay, I’m not some wild child if that’s what you are afraid of.”
Alistaire: “I just didn’t realize that you drink, alcohol is bad for you, it makes you lose all inhibitions and causes a person to say and do things that they normally do not.”
Peyton: “That’s true but like anything else, only if it is abused, right?”
He nods, knowing that I hit a point, but I understood what he was trying to say. Such a goody two shoes, I admired that. In many ways so was I just not to the extreme, I smiled at him to calm his nerves and make him feel like I was having a really good time…
Peyton: “If you want something else Ali…. Can I call you Ali?”
Alistaire: “I prefer Alistaire ….”
Peyton: “Okay, Alistaire.”
Alistaire: “No… that’s not what I meant. I prefer Alistaire but for you, Ali is fine.”
Peyton: “Okay, awesome! Ali. Call me Pey or Pey-Pey, I’m cool with either.”
Alistaire: “Thank you.”
Peyton: “Look, Ali…. If you don’t want pizza and you rather we go somewhere else, so you can have something healthier, I am okay with that too, you know.”
Alistaire: “No… Pizza and Be…. Beer is good, yes very very good.”
I felt like he was forcing himself to go somewhere he didn’t want to all for me and that is so sweet of him and so crappy of me to do so. I was about to tell him no on the pizza, I didn’t want to come across a demanding hag when suddenly….
Alistaire: “UBER Driver… Tony? Take us to the BEST Pizza place in Brooklyn.”
Tony: “Yous got it, I know the perfect place, Juliana’s, best New York pie yous will ever eat.”
Alistaire: Thank you.”
He turned to me and smiled, whispering…
Alistaire: “Yous got it. Now I feel like I have dummied myself down.”
Peyton: “Yeah, but it’s cute.”
Giving him a wink, I think calmed him down some. He smiled and sat back, we enjoyed the ride for probably a few more minutes before we arrived at the place…
Juliana’s
Brooklyn, NY.
The place was packed, that was a good sign, meant the pizza was good though I don’t think Alistaire really likes crowded places. It took a while for him to finally get some sort of semblance, looking around like a lost child in a department store. We were sat down in a booth, the nice thing about it was they were pretty private so no matter how busy the restaurant was, we were able to have some time of our own…..
Peyton: “No what you want on your pizza?”
Alistaire: “I’ll let you order for both of us.”
Peyton: “Are you sure?”
Alistaire: “Positive.”
Peyton: “Okay….”
Server: “Can I take your order?”
Peyton: “Sure, can I get a Stella, a Coke and meat pizza, I mean all the meats, New York size.”
Server: “You got it.”
Alistaire looked over at me like I ran over his dog, though I don’t know if he even has one. Adjusting in my seat and clearing my throat, I connected eye to eye with him and gave out a sheepish grin….
Peyton: “Go ahead, say it.”
Alistaire: “I am worried about your health. You have this incredible figure; do you know how much cholesterol is in all that meat? Not to mention the salt and saturated fats? The last thing I want to see is you die young of congestive heart failure or hypertension at such a young age, that would devastate me to know those diseases crawled up on you because of the food you are consuming.”
I wanted to burst out laughing so loud, instead I tilted my head, lost in between finding this both funny and insulting. I again cleared my throat when something caught my eye, leaning over the table I swore I thought I saw someone looking over at our direction. Whatever….
Alistaire: “What is it?”
Peyton: “Nothing, look Ali, I don’t eat this stuff every day, actually I eat healthy all the time. Once in a while I like to let go, be myself, even a little rebellious long as it doesn’t hurt anyone. What we are doing now? It’s Pizza and Beer.”
Alistaire: “I don’t drink.”
Peyton: “I respect that about you And I will NEVER force you to do anything you don’t want, that’s why I ordered the Coke.”
Alistaire: “The Coke? So full of sugars, you can develop diabetes….”
Peyton: “Okay, we will get you a water, relax.”
Alistaire: “I…. no….. no. I’m fine, I will drink the pop.”
Peyton: “Pop? Seriously, do you want to just go?”
Alistaire: “Go? Go… no, no! I’m fine. Pizza and Beer…. Coke, it’s perfect. I mean I didn’t mean it like that. Do you bake?”
That was an off the wall question out of nowhere and totally off-subject but okay…..
Peyton: “Do I bake, like cookies and brownies?”
Alistaire: “Yes.”
Peyton: “Yes, I do.”
Alistaire: “Do you ever see yourself getting married? Maybe have children, a family? Maybe drive a Caravan, be a Soccer Mom or take your sons to Pop Warner Football?”
Peyton: “Uh…. Yes. One day. I’m only 22 right now so I have a long way to go before I reach that next step in my life, but yeah, I do want to get married one day, have kids? Absolutely, even have a dog and a nice house with a backyard and a garden.”
Alistaire: “A huge kitchen with an island?”
Peyton: “Yes, that would be so cool….”
Alistaire: “So you can bake cookies!?”
Peyton: “Uh…. Yeah and…..”
Server: “Here are your drinks.”
Oh, thank God, that conversation was taking a turn past the point of no return….
Peyton: “Thank you.”
Server: “Your pizza will be up shortly.”
Alistaire: “She killed my mojo, that was rude.”
Peyton: “Ali, it’s okay. Would you like me to bake you some cookies? Considering you were just talking about diabetes and sugars?”
Alistaire: “Okay, I do have a sweet spot.”
Peyton: “Okay, tell you what, win Taking Hold of the Flame, I will come over and bake you some cookies.”
His face lit up though he tried extremely hard to keep it tempered….
Alistaire: “You don’t want to win Taking Hold of the Flame?”
Peyton: “I do, if I win, then you and I are going out to eat again and I get to pick. This time though you have to eat it, no matter what. Deal?”
I stretch out my hand, he gently shakes it and nods….
Alistaire: “Deal.”
It seemed like our conversations went in waves, one minute everything was fine, the next we were sitting there in awkward silence. He wanted to say something, I could feel his brain running a thousand miles an hour trying to figure out what to say next….
Peyton: “Ali, I know this is weird for both of us but let’s just relax and have fun. Your dad is not here to pester and make this a really huge uncomfortable situation. Mr. Goddard is not here trying to protect me from you. This is us now.”
Alistaire: “About my dad…”
Peyton: “You don’t have to explain. Your dad is who he is. The guy is a nut and I have no idea why he does what he does but I have just come to accept it. I really want to believe that your dad wants what is best for you, I do. I think at times he lives vicariously through you.”
Alistaire: “Don’t all parents live vicariously through their kids Pey?”
Peyton: “Some for sure. I don’t know if my dad lives vicariously through me. He doesn’t like me wrestling, afraid I could end up like him in a wheelchair. He’s always been overprotective to say the least, I see where he is coming from, I understand the fear there is especially after EMERGE when Mika Kozlov piledrove me, knocked me out and I was in the hospital over night with a neck injury. I…”
Alistaire: “Your father is right.”
Peyton: “Wait… wat?”
Alistaire: “Peyton, you are too beautiful and too good a person to be in the ring with these animals. They are not like me who is a wrestler, someone who values the integrity of the sport, like you. This is the reason we connect, why I am attracted to you besides what I am looking at, it is the pure soul you have like mine that wants to change this business one match at a time by simply doing what we are supposed to do, wrestle with integrity. I would not want to see you get hurt.”
Peyton: “Ali, I can handle myself, you know.”
Alistaire: “Do you want to end up like your dad?”
Did he really just ask me that? That was not nice….
Peyton: “What!? End up like my dad? That’s not cool…..”
Alistaire: “Wait…. I….”
Peyton: “My dad is paralyzed because he went back into a burning factory and saved some workers that were trapped and would have died had he not gone in. My dad is a hero, Ali and that wheelchair is his confinement for the rest of his life, the price he paid to save another. I’m not saving lives wrestling or anything like that but what I am doing is living a dream. I could have been a model or a stripper or even a soccer player, I chose this and just because there are a bunch of a-holes in the SCW that want to hurt people like you and me, they want to mimic Kelcey Wallace or rob the company of it’s pride and honor through the world Championship, then it is up to people like us to stop them from doing so. If I walk away, then what does that say about me?”
Alistaire: “… no one is judging you. I just asked if you wanted to raise a family and you said yes.”
Peyton: “Yes, I do Ali but at what cost? My career and happiness!? My dad is the most important thing in my life and whether he likes it or not, I do this for him too. I get you and your dad don’t have the best of relationships, I’m only going by what I see, he is overbearing and pushed you to do things that I know deep in my heart you wouldn’t without his influence. I came out with you tonight because you’re handsome, well mannered and deep down inside you are a good guy, I don’t care what your dad does or say. Does he aggravate me at times? Sure, did he cost my team a match at Tabula Rasa? Yes. Does Mr. Goddard want to kill him? Sure. All that though doesn’t matter, what you think and do does matter. I don’t know how you feel about me and who you think I am but Ali, this is me. I have nothing to hide, I’m not a fake. Some people don’t like me because they think I’m naïve, even stupid. They take my kindness for weakness; I’ve learned to accept this. Have I ever made mistakes judging others? Sure, do I think I made one now? No.”
Alistaire: “Peyton, I didn’t mean it that way, I’m just trying to be truthful and reasonable. I’m not saying women shouldn’t compete, all I am saying is you are a prime candidate for others to hurt you. Look at everything that is happening right now, there is no more sportsmanship, we are no longer rated by our talent and charm, it’s what have you done for me lately. Right?”
He was right there so I nodded, before finally taking a sip of my beer though I stopped right as the rim of the glass realizing we hadn’t toasted yet. I lowered the beer and held it up, Alistaire cautiously took his and begrudgingly I may add, toasted with the soda….
Peyton: “I don’t want o talk about wrestling, our dads and the way the business is, it upsets me, and I don’t want to be upset. Can we promise not to mention this anymore? At least tonight?”
Alistaire: “You are right, it angers me too when we talk about something so simple that has to be manipulated to fit other people’s agendas. Instead let’s talk about you.”
Peyton: “Me?”
Alistaire: “Yes, you.”
Peyton: “Before you do, I have one question.”
Alistaire: “Okay, ask away.”
Peyton: “You played football, right? BYU?”
Alistaire: “You read my profile.”
Peyton: “No, I saw you play a few years ago, I was a cheerleader for University of Arizona, we played against you guys!”
His eyes widened, small world we were in the same place a few years ago. That was a pretty good icebreaker and even though I was aware of what happened to him at least from what the news said, he was thrown off the team, I was never going to bring that up….
Alistaire: “Wow, such a small world and I am sure that I didn’t look over at the opposing cheerleaders, sorry.”
Peyton: “It’s okay Ali, don’t worry about it. So, go ahead, ask me anything.”
Alistaire: “You are a woman of moral standard and class; I know this is a silly question because I already know the answer to this but are you a virgin?”
After almost choking on my own spit, I paused, feeling my pupils slowly dilate. Tilting my head and trying to answer this the best I could without…. Wait why was he asking me this? My first thought was to drink beer…. A lot of it. I took a big sip and placed the glass down, smiling uncomfortably….
Alistaire: “Was that too forward? I always thought sexual intercourse should be saved for the wedding night. I am a traditionalist and believe in the sanctuary of marriage.”
Peyton: “There is nothing wrong with that…. Why would you ask me that?”
Alistaire: “I wanted to get to know you better….”
Peyton: “… Ali…. How about favorite color, food to eat, favorite hobby, life goals and ambitions, what do I like to wear, what do I look for in a man… that sort of thing…. But this was a little too, I don’t know…. Awkward?”
Alistaire: “Maybe it was….”
Peyton: “That’s something your dad would ask me, Ali…. Ask me something you want to know about me Ali. What is it about me that you like? I mean besides my looks?”
Alistaire: “I like you…. I…..”
Oh, thank God, the Pizza has arrived!
Server: “Here you are, pizza is ready. Can I get you anything else?”
Peyton: “Nope, thanks! Looks yummy!”
The Server leaves, this couldn’t have happened at a more opportune time. I quickly served him a piece on the plate and handed it to Alistaire. He looked at it like he’d seen a ghost or the grim reaper. I already was trying to pick it up with my hands….
Peyton: “You know, for a guy that is from this state, you sure don’t act like it.”
Alistaire: “ I don’t go out a lot and I don’t eat too much pizza especially with all this meat and …. I feel like… I am doing my body injustice.”
Peyton: “Take a bite, for me please?”
Alistaire: “Okay, okay here we go….”
He took a bite and so did I at the same time, I think he really liked it but wasn’t about to say so and instead stand his ground. I knew different and it made my day. For the next thirty minutes or so we ate a few slices of pizza and had some small talk, I kept looking behind Alistaire, for some reason I felt like someone was watching us. It didn’t matter now. I finally was settled in and I think that Ali was as well. I still can’t believe he basically asked me if I was a virgin….
I gabbed a slice of meatball from the pizza, reached over and fed it to him, I couldn’t stop giggling at his face when he tried to be all smooth and eat it, he definitely looked like a guy that was doing something seriously wrong……
Peyton: “… my favorite color is white though I don’t think that is actually a color, so maybe Navy Blue? I love the beach, hence why I live in Venice Beach, I love to ride my bike, swim…. Oh, I collect Funko Pop figures, I like a sensitive man that is not afraid to show his emotions, I think that is sexy. I like to laugh, love scary movies and read. I lay a lot in my hammock or the bathtub and just read.”
Alistaire: “That sounds very relaxing.”
Peyton: “Yeah, it is. You?”
Alistaire: “Do you like walks?”
Peyton: “Love them, why?”
Alistaire: “Central Park? After dinner?”
Spontaneous, I like it….
Peyton: “Love too.”
After we ate, skipping dessert, Alistaire hailed us a taxi and we went to Central Park. I was sitting next to him, this time a little closer, our shoulders were touching. We didn’t talk much, maybe it was letting our food digest, instead we were a little touchier feely but nothing out of control, just snuggling against Ali. I turned to him and he smirked, smiling back I could see the park in the distance as we pulled up….
Central Park
New York City, NY.
1 Hour Later
It was around ten, still early but not too late. We stepped out and took a walk down into the Park, it was always beautiful at night with the lights lit up, during Christmas it was amazing, Ricky Octavius and I used to come here all the time and ice skate. I do miss Ricky, it seems like he’s my soulmate but honestly after accepting to go out with Ali, I actually am having a good time even of some of the conversation was odd or intense. We walked down the path into the small bridge over the water. For some reason I still felt like someone was watching us, always looking back some but maybe that was just me being stupid and paranoid…
Alistaire: “Are you okay? You keep looking back at something? If there is anyone out there, do not worry, I will protect you.”
Peyton: “You are chivalrous, don’t see that a lot in men these days. A great quality to have and no, I’m just being paranoid I think, there is nothing there.”
Alistaire: “I like it here, looking over the water and the moon reflecting off it like glass, it’s amazing, peaceful, quiet.”
Peyton: “I know what you mean, it’s really nice. Thank you, this is a night I needed….. even if we had some hiccups….”
Alistaire: “No, thank you. I didn’t think you would honor me with your presence tonight.”
Peyton: “You ate pizza and drank soda.”
Alistaire: “I did…. But you are going to bake me cookies.”
I chuckled a little and nodded, when our eyes locked. Somehow, he was drawing me close to him, his breath was hitting my lips as they were about to lock in a kiss….
“Yes, son!”
Oh, heck no. We hear someone fall out from one of the bushes, I was right, there was a person tailing us, it was Mr. Allocco! Ali and I both turn at the same time and stare at him as he picks himself back up from the ground….
Alistaire: “DAD!? Are you serious!?”
Peyton: “Wow….”
I stepped back and let Ali handle this one, he was infuriated. Mr. Allocco tried to run and Alistaire chased him down the pathway. All I could do was watch, leaning against the bridge and shaking my head….
Always me.
Winnie Palmer Hospital
Orlando, FL.
Monday, 6.10.19
11:30 AM
I had to laugh a little more the way that night ended I was still holding Kelcey’s hand, telling her the story of my date. I wish she could hear me and respond, I miss her laugh, so loud and obnoxious at times, it’s what made Kelcey who she was and so unique….
Peyton: “So yes, can you believe that? Mr. Allocco was following us the whole time and when we almost kissed, he was so excited he couldn’t contain himself and fell out of the bush he was hiding behind. I guess I can never win at this, you know Kelcey? Maybe I wasn’t made to have anyone? Maybe it’s someone like Ricky but the more and more time he spends not calling or texting me back that probability is highly unlikely. So, I don’t know what else to do now, to be honest Kelcey. I do have to get back to Breakdown, I have a TV Title match with Katie Steward, I know you two knew each other well. I’m super excited about the opportunity and maybe I can win my first title though I don’t know if I can beat Katie. Anyway, I will be back soon as my road run is done, with RTG season starting it is going to be interesting to see what happens. My dad is really concerned about you…. And me. I know though that you are going to pull through this…. Your son needs you, your family, fans, friends, me…. We all need you back…. Please wake up….”
As I was talking to Kelcey, I didn’t notice that Christian was already back in the room. He had brought me some sushi and an Evian. I don’t know how much he heard me say, I was almost afraid to ask….
Christian: “You really did go out with Alistaire Allocco? I thought you were joking earlier.”
He heard enough….
Peyton: “Oh I did, I had fun. Yeah, I was telling Kelcey about it. He is a nice guy; I think maybe a little misunderstood, but his dad is something else. Thank you so much for the sushi, you are a life saver.”
Christian: “Anytime. When she wakes up, Kelcey is going to look at you with the arched eyebrow…”
Peyton: “…. Oh yeah! You know she is like totally p’od at you. She’s given me that a few times for sure. I’m just ready to get back into the ring, I know I made the right decision staying here with her… right?”
Christian: “Do you have any regrets?”
Peyton: “No.”
Christian: “Then you made the right decision.”
That made me feel better, I needed a little reassurance. As I went to open my sushi box, the phone started to vibrate, I looked over and it was a number I didn’t recognize, a Hollywood number, I answered…..
Peyton: “Hello?”
Voice: “Peyton, it’s Laura Steinbeck, darling.”
Laura calling me? Suddenly I felt sick to my stomach, she wouldn’t be calling me unless something was wrong…..
Laura: “Peyton?”
Peyton: “Yes… yes Ms. Steinbeck, I’m sorry.”
Laura: “It’s okay. Listen, Ricky never showed up to his Modeling shoot. It cost me a lot of money. I don’t know where he is but if you get a hold of him, tell him that this is coming out of his check.”
Peyton: “Wait…. He didn’t show?”
Laura: “No, he didn’t show. When you get a hold of him, tell him to call me. I sent a few models to his house and he was not home.”
Okay…. Now I am really worried….
Peyton: “I will tell him to call you the minute I hear anything but Ms. Steinbeck? He never does this.”
Laura: “He never has before. I’ll let you go.”
Peyton: “Thank you.”
Laura: “How is Kelcey?”
Peyton: “The Same.”
Laura: “Alright, ciao.”
Peyton: “Bye.”
Placing the chopsticks down, the last thing I could think of was eating. Christian knew something was wrong. I stood up and paced a little, I was shaking nervously, trying to handle my phone. I started to surf the net…
Christian: “What is it Pey? Ricky?”
Peyton: “Yeah, he didn’t show up to his shoot. No one knows where he is.”
Christian: “What do you want to do? Maybe I can call Jennifer….”
The phone started to ring on the other end….
Voice: “Los Angeles Police department, can I help you?”
Peyton: “Yes, I would like to report a missing person….”
Christian looked on; all I could think about was the worse possible scenario for Ricky. For the first time in a long time….
I was terrified.
SCENE FADES
PICKING UP THE PIECES
The Scene Opens….
The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art is one of Charlotte’s most inspired and inspiring spaces. Designed by the eminent Swiss architect Mario Botta, the museum’s architecture displays a sculptural power that connects to the dynamic art inside it. A key design element of the four-story structure is the soaring glass atrium that extends through the museum’s core and diffuses natural light throughout the building. The open atrium allows for visual interplay between spaces. Other notable features include a vaulted skylight system and an enveloping terra cotta exterior. The building’s dominant feature is the fourth floor gallery which makes a bold and dramatic statement as it flies out from the core of the building, cantilevered and supported by a swelling column rising from the plaza below. Inside, Botta maintained a rigorous but elegant simplicity in the palette of materials which include steel, glass, terra cotta, black granite, polished concrete and wood. Botta also designed select pieces of furniture for the museum including the reception desk, café bar, gallery benches and hanging globe lights. The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art is the result of a successful public-private partnership between Wachovia/Wells Fargo, the City of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County. The Arts & Science Council of Charlotte-Mecklenburg led a successful campaign that raised new and additional endowment support for the Bechtler and several other Charlotte cultural institutions.
Here is where we find the beautiful Peyton rice, the young woman who was the EMERGE Champion and never lost the title, electing to coming up to the SCW for her chance to finally live her dream and though it’s been a slow start for her, the fact she is getting Television Championship match excites and terrifies her at the same time for her opponent is someone that she has always admired and held in high regards, the woman who has done it all in the SCW, Katie Steward. Peyton is a student of the game, she has watched these legends the last ten or so years while waiting to be old enough to compete, it is quite intimidating. Throw in everything she has been through lately from the whole situation with the Allocco’s to Kelcey’s coma and how to deal with the Cannon family and Sienna Swann to her father and finally Ricky’s disappearance, she has a lot weighing on her mind but when she steps in the ring, everything is clear and it’s all business. Standing next to the silver statue outside the Museum in a black sundress and wedge sandals, nails polished white and long sandy blonde hair hanging down, looking pretty as ever.
This was going to be the toughest challenge she has faced, the most important match of her career against one of the best in the business and she knew it. The young Rice looks over at the camera as it begins to record….
REC:
Peyton takes her time getting ready, trying to transfer her thoughts into words as she has had a lot to say but really didn’t know how to express them. She finally starts to speak in her cute and sexy voice…
“This is such an awesome place to visit, the art culture here is second to none. I needed to find a place that made me smile, gave me some peace in another wise crude and cold world we live in. I have a lot of things going on in my personal life that has caused me to miss the Taking Hold of the Flame Battle Royal. Kelcey Wallace to me is like family and while some may not agree with my actions to be by her side, we all know she would be upset knowing that I missed the biggest match in the SCW calendar, I had to do what I felt was right. My decision to forgo the match came with a price, doesn’t really matter if I had a chance to win it or not, everyone who enters The Flame does. Someone who has become a friend won and I want to be the first besides Mr. Allocco himself, to congratulate Alistaire Allocco! I am so proud of you, you earned it! Don’t worry, I will bake you, cookies have them for Breakdown. There were so many others like Chris Cannon, Rachel Tatum Lee, Selena Frost and others had some very memorable moments and unbelievable times. It was inspiring to see legends come back, I was at the edge of my seat wondering the whole time what could I have done in this match?
Then I would glance over at Kelcey and it reminded me where my place was.
Right at her bedside.
I’m not going to exploit that anymore, much as I respect Chris Cannon, what he did filming his message was wrong. She had no place in there and should have been left alone. I will not go any further into this, Mr. Cannon has been good to me even if what has been happening lately goes against anything, I have ever believed in. Instead, I am going to use this as a positive and make my mentor proud. I lost out on one big chance, I will not on this one and that is a Television Championship match against Katie Steward, one of the pioneers for all women in professional wrestling and the Goddess of the SCW. When I came to this company, I walked into practically a storm. There was so much chaos and anarchy, the controversy surrounding the World Championship for 6 months now, the bosses flip-flopping, it was making my head spin that I actually started to question my dream of coming here and if it was a mistake. It seems like the more you cheat the business, the more successful you are and that’s not cool, it is not the way I was trained, and it was not the way I was brought up. I rather lose with grace and honesty then win by deceit and manipulation which the question now begs to differ….
Which Katie Steward am I going to get?
I can stand here ALL-day Katie and run down the list of accolades you have; it would take up my whole promo time to do it. You amounted this reputation and power which win or lose makes no difference, Katie Steward is one of the women who broke barriers and ceilings. Do you know how awe-struck I am even though we shared a ring at Tabula Rasa AND I was partners with Gigi and Maddie a few times, they are fun girls to hang out with, this time though the stakes are higher and I am going to tell you right now Katie….
The woman you faced that PPV is not the same one now.”
Peyton takes a step back; the young and gorgeous highflyer knows it was a missed opportunity in Quebec and Taking Hold of the Flame so now she must pick up the pieces and move on to the next challenge. This is the biggest match of her young career right now, and the way she has been feeling lately, it was a nice welcome change. She aims to make Kelcey proud and step out of Charlotte with some gold…
“Katie Steward, you have heard this a thousand times over, as I am starting my career in the SCW, I’m not even going to count UWA and EMERGE right now, I have had a rude awakening. It seemed like everything was so much easier then, for I didn’t get caught up in all the hoopla and turmoil which seems to have maybe calmed down a little after Retribution yet still we saw it last week in the World Title match and that makes me wonder, because I see you at times pulling the tricks too, when you have been in this business for so long, is this what you call reinvention? Or is IT desperation? Why would ANYONE question the talent and ring savvy of Syren or Katie? After everything they have given to this company and wrestling fans around the world, the moments shown when a Breakdown broadcast comes on the air, the countless hours of footage, the messages sent, none of you know how big of an impact that has on someone like me who was training while Katie Steward and Kelcey Wallace were at war and giving us five star matches, while Syren was World Champion or she was fending off New Eden going around the world giving us hope and that is what bothers me the most about all of this….
Two women…
Two champions…
Two Leaders….
Two people that right now have spit in the face of the wrestling business.
I’m just a rookie but even I know what it takes to make it here and I was given a crash course and a dose of reality when I moved up from EMERGE and things have not been any easier. I will never complain about my position in the SCW. When they feel like I have earned something, I know they will give me the break or prospect of rewarding for my hard work, then fine, it will pay off. I have watched Kandis get every chance she can at a title, I am happy for her, yet people want to compare our success? They want to create this argument she has done more than I have in the SCW….
Fine.
I’m not here to measure up to anyone’s expectations but my own. I care about my father, Kelcey, family and friends. My fans, those that have supported me through thick and thin, they are the reason I do this, not my own personal glory. It’s troubling, heartbreaking even this is even happening so Katie, let me make one thing perfectly clear so we understand each other. You’re one of my inspirations, a woman that has become the pinnacle of this business. When Kelcey first came here, many were comparing her to you, same with Kennedy Street and pretty much any woman that would call themselves Perfect or Flawless. On beauty alone they were seen as the NEXT Katie Steward. To have your name mentioned like that, to be the measuring stick for any wrestler is special….
And like I said before, I’m sure many people have said this in the past, if I could accomplish even half what you done, Katie, I would call it a career. Know what though, Goddess?
Like you, everyone starts somewhere and all it takes is for that ONE huge win to put your name on the map, in the conversation and this is my first time experiencing Rise to Greatness season and what better way to start than by defeating a Hall of Famer and Icon for my first SCW Championship?
Maybe this is where I start, Katie Steward.”
While the confidence of Peyton hasn’t always been there, she seems a little more vigorous, determined and focused. Spending time with Kelcey, the disappearance of Ricky Octavius, the games being played by the Beauty Factory on her father, it has all come to a head and still, she remains ready to fight in the biggest match of her career with a chance to walk out with some gold. She turns, pacing a little and speaks into the camera…
“I may not know much Katie, I grew up in a simple family from Arizona. I was never prom queen or the most popular girl at school. I wasn’t an attention getter, have the time if I was at a party or social outing, most didn’t even know I was there. I liked it that way, it’s how I go about living. I never wanted to rule the world, I wanted to make a difference in it. Yeah, I’m not a scholar or even graduated college as I chose this instead. I lost my late teen years to take care of my dad, I had to grow up really fast in a short amount of time and think I did a pretty good job of it considering I missed out on a bunch.
Like The Flame though?
I have no regrets either.
The one thing I do know and am certain of? Is I respect the ring, the sport and you as a competitor and trailblazer for young women like me, so thank you Katie, I will never forget that contribution. I know that I am wrestling an uphill battle. What you bring is experience and I will have to tap into the deepest part of my repertoire to even stand a chance. Confidence is one thing and I am slowly learning from past experiences what exactly to do. I’m not perfect, I will never have a streak like Kelcey had. I lost my first singles match here after being undefeated in EMERGE and UWA in this format, it was a wake-up call and Katie, I see how determined you are, how the SCW no matter how much it evolves you’re always in the thick of it. They can talk about Sienna Swann, Syren, Ravyn Taylor, Rachel Tatum Lee, Regan and Kennedy Street, Bree Lancaster, Selena Frost and so many other women who are the headliners going into Rise to Greatness and in the conversation is always Katie Steward, a testament to what you have done here…..
But there comes a time when one needs to simply shut up, put up and go into that ring to fight.
I’m ready to for that fight Katie. I learned a lot from Gigi and Maddie, the praise and admiration for you is warranted. Thing is, there comes a moment of clarity where I need to just stop and look at myself in the mirror and believe in me. It’s no longer about being the fan girl, trying to pinch myself if this is some dream, I’m in. No, I’m awake, this is reality and now it is MY turn, MY time to walk into Breakdown and remember why I am here in the SCW….
To compete against the best and Katie…. You ARE the best.
This is my Road to Greatness now and fittingly it starts with you.
Tomorrow night, Goddess…
The TV Title is coming back with me because if I continue to think I’m not good enough to compete with the likes of you then why am I even here? Why do I constantly have to ease my father’s concerns that his little girl will not end up in a wheelchair? Why did I sit bedside with Kelcey Wallace and miss one of the largest PPV’s of the Year?
This is why….
It’s who I am and Katie Steward, you will know who Peyton Rice is….
I’m not the future or some hot shot rookie, I’m just a girl that wants to make it in a very treacherous world and when I walk out with the Television Championship?
Then Katie, like the rest of the SCW roster will take notice….
I’m not just another “Pretty” face.”
Peyton glares into the camera with her beautiful green eyes for a moment before taking a deep breath and cracking a smirk…..
FADE TO BLACK
/REC
Peyton Rice 