A NEW SEASON
FRIENDS & BENEFITS
It was a huge first half for Peyton Rice, the beautiful Television Champion and former EMERGE Champion came with lots of promise and hopes to really make an impact in the SCW and follow in the footsteps of her mentor, Kelcey Wallace. It has been hard for Peyton outside of the ring, she is still trying to get over the death of Ricky though now the stages of grief have entered the anger and rage portion. The killer or killers have not been brought to justice, there is nothing that she can do about it right now. There is also Kelcey, who has been in a coma for a few months now and that has been killing her. The worst part of it is the unknown so Peyton has done all she could and concentrate her efforts into the wrestling aspect of her life, it is the only thing that brings her peace and sanity in an otherwise crazy existence. The lovely Peyton has taken advantage of her time off, with a budding relationship to Alistaire Allocco tat continues to grow though Peyton is treading the waters carefully to her friendships with Owen Cruze and Christian Cannon, the dissolve of her time with Jason Dillinger to the reveal of his plan between he and Ricky. Finally, her time spent with Ray Rice, her father who still is very nervous about her wrestling and is still getting gifts from Sienna Swann….
Peyton has had to find not only a balance but something to anchor her down where most people would probably break under the constant pressure…
That for her is wrestling.
Peyton challenged Kelsai Adamson-Mason, she wanted to defend the TV Title as she knew that a spot on the main card was going to be hard to come by considering her position at the time of RTG XVI, this was her way to get some exposure and wrestle in front of a great crowd against a woman she respected and saw as the future of the business along with herself. It was a great victory defending the belt and now she faces a familiar foe from EMERGE. For now, though the most important thing was that Alistaire defeated Syren and Glory Braddock, actually pinning Syren and winning the World Championship.
RTG XVI
Dallas, TX.
7.21.19
It was an incredible event that Peyton watched from the back. She was able to see her good friend Owen Cruze and Kennedy Street get a huge win over the Beauty Factory. She saw Regan Street finally get her revenge on Datura and walk out Adrenaline Champion. New Tag Team Champions were crowned, a brutal contest between Rachel Tatum Lee and Brittany Lohan, Donovan Kayl barreling through the Stewards, two legends retiring, it was so much and more and finally capped off with Alistaire Allocco winning the World Championship. She stood there hopping up and down clapping. The gorgeous rice was in tight designer jeans, open toed wedge sandals and a long sleeve black halter top. Her long-straightened sandy blonde hair hung down and nails polished white. She was perfectly made up with the TV Title next to her. She watched with Owen, Kennedy, Trinity, Regan, John Goddard and others when Alistaire scored the pinfall. It made Peyton’s night, she knew how hard he trained for this and all the things happening that were a distraction. She smiled at Goddard and Owen before running off to the Gorilla position, waiting for Alistaire to enjoy his moment in the ring and raise the title up high. After a few minutes, Alistaire made his way toward the back, his father was ecstatic somewhere in the arena. As he passed the curtain, he saw Peyton standing there with a smile on her face, that brought him even a bigger smile as she jumped into his arms, sweaty and all, she didn’t care. They embraced for a few moments before planting a kiss on his lips, at first reaction, Alistaire became a bit stiff but after a few seconds, he started to kiss Peyton back while many officials clapped….
Peyton: “You did it! I told you that this would happen! I had every faith in you and no matter what went on outside the ring, you pulled through and now are the world champion!”
Alistaire: “I… I don’t know what to say? I…. I won the World Title!?”
Peyton: “You did! You did! I am so proud of you Ali…..I really am.”
Alistaire: “Peyton, you never doubted me, always encouraging, believing in me when no one else would. Never listening to anything the rest said about me. You are not one to judge and for that, I thank you.”
Peyton smiles, blushing a little….
Peyton: “And you did exactly what I knew you could. I am so happy for you Ali! I really and I…..”
Before Peyton could finish her sentence, Adam Allocco comes barreling in and grabs his son, tossing him up into his arms and jumping up and down. Peyton giggles a little watching the father and son bonding moment which last a few seconds. A bit embarrassed, Alistaire takes a step back holding the World Championship. Adam then grabs Peyton and hugs her, even cops a feel of her tight ass which causes her eyes to widen but elects not to make a scene and say anything which Alistaire didn’t catch….
Alistaire: “Okay… dad, slow down. We are all excited here, I pinned Syren. I became World Champion on the biggest stage of them all but let us temper ourselves here for a moment.”
Adam: “Son, you won! Everything I said to that Glory on Twitter and to Syren was true! I am the father of the World Champion and it is time to celebrate! We are going to party in Texas tonight!”
Alistaire: “Dad… stop. We are not going to party, I will enjoy my World Championship with….. Pey?”
Peyton: “Of course Ali but you know what? You just won the World Championship, pinned the greatest World Champion this company has ever had, a Hall of Fame Inductee AND on the biggest stage of them all, Rise to Greatness MAIN EVENT! Your dad is right, this happens once in a lifetime, we should ALL go and celebrate and trust me, there are plenty of wrestlers right now that are in the mood for it, why not make it an awesome night out?”
Adam: “Marry her…. Marry her NOW!”
Alistaire: “Dad!?”
Peyton lets out a giggle, Adam wraps his arm around her shoulder and kisses her on the cheek….
Adam: “My future daughter-in-law has requested that we go out to celebrate and has agreed with the old man, let us ramble some people together and let’s….paaaarrrrtttyyyyy!”
Adam starts to dance around, Alistaire can’t find anywhere to hide so he simply facepalms while Peyton walks up to him, rubbing his back. Adam dances out of the room looking for people to invite for a night out on the town. Peyton rests her head on Ali’s shoulder and caresses his chest…
Peyton: “Your dad means well, and I’ll be with you no matter what.”
Alistaire: “Promise?”
Peyton: “Yeah, promise.”
She leans in again and they have a kiss, holding the World Championship to the victor went the spoils, the question was, what else would the night bring.
Private Medical Facility
Canyon Hills, CA.
7.23.19
After all the excitement of Rise To Greatness and the few days that followed, Peyton was headed back home to Venice Beach for a few days with Elvis, Kelcey’s dog. She then was going on a road trip to Arizona and spend a few days with her father and catch up on things. Going out and celebrating with Alistaire that night of course at the “request” of Mr. Adam Allocco, was “fun” to say the least, it brought a smile to her face that he was World Champion, at least for once the good guys came out on top for most of the card. Peyton wanted to take a few days off, lay on the beach, work on her tan and sleep. First though she wanted to check on Kelcey who actually twitched and even squeezed her hand before Peyton headed out to Dallas for RTG. Wearing a flower-patterned sun dress and thong sandals, she walked up to the facility’s security where they normally just let her in, Officer Donald Curry, the one in duty today who was also the officer that allowed Kennedy and Trinity see Kelcey under strict orders not to before RTG nods.
Smiling, Peyton went to grab the sign in sheet…
Peyton: “Hey Officer Curry, just coming to see Kelcey.”
Officer Curry: “I watched you at the Pre-Show thing for Rise to Greatness, congratulations, Ms. Rice.”
Peyton: “Call me Peyton or Pey, you know that.”
Officer Curry: “Okay, Peyton. Call me Donald.”
Peyton: “Thank you Donald.”
Officer Curry: “Unfortunately I can’t let you see Kelcey today.”
Peyton looked up at him with her signature half written, surprised and now worried, thinking something may have happened to her health wise….
Peyton: “Why… why!? Did something happen to Kelcey!?”
Officer Curry: “I’m sorry Peyton, I was instructed not to let you see her at this time, I have no further information.”
Peyton: “I’m a little confused here? I have always come to see her and there has never been a problem until now, what is going on? Who told you I can’t see her?”
Officer Curry: “The instructions came from Mr. Cannon himself. He told us that we are not allowed to let anyone in at any time, no matter who it is. I’m sorry Peyton, all I can do is leave him a message and when he returns, I can make sure that he gets back to you and make him aware that you came by.”
Peyton had a feeling this had to do with the results at Rise To Greatness and since she is close with Owen, the young TV Champion was being punished too, a simple case of guilty by association. She didn’t want to make a scene or be rude to Officer Curry knowing he was doing his job and not making the decisions. A sigh bellowed from her mouth before brushing her hair back and looking dejected…
Peyton: “Please tell me she is okay?”
Officer Curry: “From what I have been told by the medical staff, she is stable, and nothing has changed. I haven’t exactly seen her myself; I am going by what the Cannon’s, Swann’s and medical staff have told me. You are such a pleasant young woman and I hate to have to give you this news, again I am following orders, my apologies.”
Peyton: “It’s okay, I understand. I mean, I’m not going to lie, I don’t. If the reasons behind this are what I think it’s petty and silly. I know you are only doing your job; I can’t change any of that right now. I wish that things were different right now and my mentor and someone who means more to me than anyone other than my own family.”
She places the pen down and forces a smile before heading out….
Officer Curry: “Please call back, hopefully we can get this fixed.”
Peyton: “I appreciate it, thank you.”
As Peyton walks out of the medical facility, a worried and visibly upset Kelcey starts to text Christian Cannon, wondering what is going on and why she is not allowed to see him. After a few moments, she gets into her car and receives an “I Don’t Know” from the son of Chris Cannon. He then texts back, “I’ll look into it and text you back”. Peyton sends a smiling emoji. She starts to her car and drives off, not happy about the situation and wondering if there is more to it than just being upset about RTG XVI, maybe there is something seriously wrong with Kelcey….
At this point she must trust that Chris Cannon wouldn’t do anything to hurt her.
Father’s Home
Glendale, AZ.
7.26.19
It was a long car ride with Peyton and Elvis. She couldn’t shake what happened at the medical facility. She barely slept, there was obviously something going on as she tried to visit Kelcey on two separate occasions and was not allowed to see her and that troubled Peyton, there was something obviously the Cannon’s and Sienna were hiding, it was either that or they were just being petty to Peyton because of her friendship to the Streets and especially Owen, that is what she was thinking. It didn’t matter, she was going to go see Kelcey when she returned and if not, she would at least try to get answers. After a nice six-hour drive through the desert, she finally arrived at her fathers. Ray was sitting outside by his pond, watching the Koi swim around. His housekeeper and live in nurse, Margherita was out shopping for groceries in anticipation for Peyton coming. She wanted to tell her dad about his other daughter, Peyton’s sister, Siobhan. The decisions she had made to join Goddard’s compound in Tombstone among many other things. She knew her dad wasn’t going to be thrilled with the news, he was already taking it a lot harder about Ricky’s death as they had almost a father and son connection. Wearing jean shorts and flip flops, a University of Arizona Wildcat shirt and ball cap with her hair in a ponytail hanging out of the flap, the youngest daughter of Ray walks outside as Elvis, the white sheep dog runs at Ray who is caught by surprise….
Ray: “Hey there, Elvis, what’s going on buddy! So if you are here, that means that my daughter is standing right behind me.”
Peyton: “Hi dad.”
Ray: “Come here, you.”
Peyton walks over to him and they hug for a moment, she pulls back and smiles, happy to be home and take a few weeks to hang out with her father and catch up as things have been crazy since Ricky’s funeral. She sits down on the rocks by the pond, looking over at the Koi….
Peyton: “When did you get this pond?”
Ray: “Last week. Sienna called me asking how the chair was working and all the little amenities that she gave me. I said they were fine, asked if I wanted anything else, I said hell, a pond with Koi. I was totally kidding, a few days later, there are some dudes digging up the backyard and making me a pond.”
Peyton: “Dad, you promised that you were not going to allow her to buy you more gifts, there is a price that will be paid in full here by her and trust me, I will be the one paying it. After Ricky’s death, the last thing I want you involved in is the Beauty Factory as I have this feeling that may have something to do with his death but right now, I can’t prove anything.”
Ray: “Are you still beating yourself up over that?”
Peyton: “It was my fault.”
Ray: “Why do you keep saying that.”
Peyton: “If I hadn’t been such a…. bitch to him then maybe he would still be alive as he wouldn’t have gone off and joined the modeling industry.”
Ray slowly takes off his hat, seeing his daughter still playing the blame game and still taking this way too harder on herself when she shouldn’t, using curse words that she normally wouldn’t was a sign of stress for Peyton as well, he was worried about her. He lost a son too as both Ray and Ricky were so close….
Ray: “Had I not been an asshole to your mother, I wouldn’t be single right now. Had I not run into the burning building to save those two people and let them burn in the fire, I would be walking right now. Pey, we all make choices that will lead to others and then we sit back and ask ourselves what the fuck did we just do? I sit here everyday and think how different my life would be had I done this or that. At the end of the day does it really matter? Maybe at the present moment but all of it works out. Ricky was like a son to me and everyday I think about that boy, I miss him dearly Peyton, but you have to move on.”
Peyton: “I am trying dad; I really am but there are things that are killing me right now. He was going to ask me to marry him. Had the ring and everything. I don’t even know what to do anymore dad, I wish I could turn the clock and tell him how much I loved and cherished him. All I do is mope and …. I don’t know. My friends have helped out a lot.”
Ray: “Aren’t you dating that virgin kid?”
Her eyes widen….
Peyton: “Dad!? How did you know he was a virgin!?”
Ray: “I was just joking, is he really? Doesn’t surprise me. Hell, throw a white shirt on him with black slacks and a black tie, hand him a bicycle and call him Elder Allocco.”
Peyton: “Oh my gosh, stop! He did go to BYU though….”
Ray: “No shit, I can spot a Mormon Virgin a mile away.”
Peyton: “Dad! Ali is a sweet guy that really enjoys spending time with me and we have fun, I mean it is completely different. I was going to invite him out here to stay with us but felt that would probably be too awkward for him.”
Ray: “He’s no Ricky and at least I don’t have to worry about you popping babies with him anytime soon.”
She facepalms….
Peyton: “You are terrible, you know that!? Dad, I am just having fun right now, something I really need in my life more than anything. It’s been tough on me to say the least, keeping my mind off the things that has happened recently.”
Ray: “Pey, you know more than anyone I would have loved to see you and Ricky get married. You made some tough decisions, and no one is ever going to hold you responsible for that boy’s death. Ricky is here in our hearts. I can hear him laughing right now at us.”
Peyton: “He probably is right now dad. I didn’t want to be a downer, with Kelcey and everything else going on….”
Ray: “How is she?”
Peyton: “I don’t know, I went to the Medical Facility yesterday and they wouldn’t let me see her. It was weird, I think Mr. Cannon and Sienna are upset after RTG and are punishing me since I am friends with Owen and Kennedy.”
Ray: “Maybe you need to go talk to them then? That doesn’t sound like something they would do, I thought they liked you?”
Peyton: “I thought too. I don’t know, maybe when I get back, I will go and talk to Mr. Cannon and find out what is exactly going on. I’m worried that she is never going to wake up.”
Ray grabs his daughter’s hand….
Ray: “Kelcey is a tough woman, I have seen her got through so much with that disease and how she used to wrestle in the ring. I am not worried about her waking up, if anything she will soon.”
Peyton: “She squeezed my hand once, I thought she was going to wake up but didn’t. I hope that she does soon though dad. Right now, though, I don’t want to think about Sienna, Chris, anything right now other than spending time with you.”
Ray: “I can go with that. Also, congratulations on RTG.”
Peyton: “Thanks, I really loved being a part of the Pre-Show with Kelsai (Adamson-Mason). Dad, one more thing, I need to talk to you about Rhiannon, has she called you?”
Ray: “No, she hasn’t. What’s your sister doing now these days? What kinda shit did she get herself into now?”
Peyton: “Well…. Maybe we should talk about this over dinner…. Tacos?”
Ray: “Tacos is perfect and what the fuck did she do now?”
Peyton: “It’s a little complicated….”
Peyton was about to tell her father about Rhiannon when Margherita arrived with the groceries. There was plenty of time to tell him, they had two weeks together and it was best left for dinner conversation as she didn’t know how he would react or simply laugh it off. With John Goddard seeing over her as a protector, who knows what is in store for her sister….
But for now, Peyton was going to enjoy her rest and relaxation….
She earned the time spent with her father.
Venice Beach, CA.
8.16.19
Peyton had been away for a few weeks in Arizona with her dad, she had text Christian a few times to see what was going on with Kelcey, he didn’t say much. She had finally arrived at home and was settled in, she decided to pamper herself with a mani/pedi and hang out at home, debating trying to go back to the medical facility to see Kelcey. Peyton was not getting the answers she was looking for and was worried. At the same time, she saw that Owen was going through a rough time. Even after RTG there was a lot that seemed to have been bothering him and felt like being away she was not the friend he needed. She decided to text him and see if he wanted to go out and grab a burger and a movie, she wanted to see Spiderman. At first Owen didn’t want to but she insisted and after a while he agreed. Peyton was aware that people talked about the relationship the two had, they were friends, had been for a long time. When Owen was 17 and Peyton just turned 21, she had taken him under her wing with Ricky Octavius, they were huge supporters of Owen and that stuck with them.
Peyton decided to pick him up, she was wearing jeans, thong sandals and a white halter top, her hair straightened and down, nails polished white. Owen was in jeans, sneakers and a loose shirt, they drove to the movie, the Cineplex in Beverly Hills close to where Owen was staying and shared a box of popcorn and soda. Peyton kicked up her feet on the back of the chair and slumped in comfortably waiting for the movie to start. Owen sat there and looked over at her as she offered him popcorn, at first, he shook his head then she shoved it in his mouth and giggled…
Owen: “NO you didn’t!”
Peyton: “I so totally did. I mean I couldn’t help it. You have been shooting me down all day, so I took my opening and shoved popcorn in your mouth. Owen, seriously babe, loosen up, I know things have been going rough lately but please, remember that you have a friend in me, and things will ALWAYS look better. Look at RTG! Look at the loving family you have…. Am I overstepping my boundaries?”
Owen: “No…. no… not at all. I’m fine, Pey, really.”
Peyton: “Would you ever lie to me?”
Owen: “No.”
Peyton: “Liar.”
Owen sighs and shakes his head, he starts to laugh some as Peyton grabs his hand, tilting her head and trying to charm him with her infectious smile….
Owen: “Okay…. Okay. You’re right. I rather be sitting at home in my room watching TV and just trying to figure things out. Moving away from New Orleans and being with mom right now is nice. I get to spend time with my brother, I get to spend time with Taylor as we know that things were pretty crazy then.”
Peyton: “Your uncle Shaun cares about you too, a lot of people do, you know.”
Owen: “I don’t know what is going on right now with half my family these days or with Jaina. I try not to talk about it. Instead I rather just try to enjoy the night with you and think about something else.”
Peyton: “I will never pry, Owen. I will never ask you what is going on with your life or expect you to tell me. Just know that I am your friend and I will NEVER judge you; I am here to listen. It’s been hard for me the last few months and you know that. Losing Ricky has been probably the most difficult thing I have ever dealt with in my entire life.”
Owen: “I miss him so much, he used to give me good advice, used to care about me.”
Peyton: “Ricky thought the world of you, Owen. He would be sitting here right now throwing popcorn at you.”
Owen chuckles a little….
Owen: “I know he would. Probably throw the whole bucket over my head.”
Peyton: “Probably.”
Owen: “Pey, can I ask you something?”
Peyton: “Anything.”
Owen: “How do women think? Like, how do I know I am doing my girl right when I feel like everything that I do seems wrong? I left New Orleans for a reason, had a falling out somewhat with her family though things are better now. I didn’t know how to control my emotions and while things went Kennedy and my way at RTG, I feel like I have lost control at times of who I am. I almost cost my friendship and respect with Kennedy; still don’t know how she feels about me really. Jaina and I have had issues and that has been tough to handle too. At times I feel like things are falling apart and…..”
Peyton: “Hey…”
She gently caresses his face, cupping her hand on Owens cheek….
Peyton: “We have all been there. Breaking up is hard to do Owen, I live with the guilt that if I had never broken up with Ricky, he would be alive today and….”
Owen: “Pey…. Don’t do this.”
Peyton: “It’s true Owen….”
Owen: “NO… it is not. Like you said, we all have made mistakes, but I am not going to sit here and listen to you put that burden on yourself, no frigging way. Besides, didn’t you say we were going to go out and have fun?”
Peyton: “I did and instead we are like pouring our hearts out BUT you did ask me a question and the answer is simple, women like men with emotions, they want you to understand us. I’m not saying agree with them, I am saying try to see our point of view. I like a man with a sense of humor too and….”
Owen scoffs, Peyton catches that….
Peyton: “What was that for?”
Owen: “Alistaire Allocco does not have a sense of humor.”
Peyton: “He does!”
Owen: “No he doesn’t. He is definitely not the type of guy I would think would be your boyfriend.”
Peyton: “Okay, wait. First off Ali and I are not boyfriend and girlfriend, we are friends. Second, we have fun, he is cute and quirky, it makes me laugh. Ali is very innocent….”
Owen: “He is NOT innocent, Pey. I’m not trying to be a jerk here; I know you see something in him the rest of us don’t. Ali is a World Champion now; he has everyone’s attention. You defend him and that’s cool, but I don’t think he’s the right guy for you.”
Peyton: “Awww…. Are you looking out for me now, Owen?”
Owen: “Someone has to, Ricky isn’t here anymore Pey and…. Wait, I didn’t mean it that way.”
Her eyes start to swell up a little, she tried to play it off some, smiling before grabbing the soda and taking a sip, the theater was starting to dim, the previews were about to start. Pey leaned in and talked in a whisper….
Peyton: “It’s okay, really it is. I know what you meant and it’s sweet. Owen, we are friends, I appreciate someone like you in my life to protect me. Sometimes I need that because God knows I have a hard time protecting myself especially after his death. It’s hard for me these days to find a common ground with my feelings. Seeing Ali bothers you; I get it. To be fair, I am really protective of you too and Jaina being so close to Bree lately as they are always Tweeting about hanging out and stuff recently is a red flag for me.”
Owen: “Jaina isn’t going to allow Bree to influence her, Pey. Honestly though, that’s not my issue anymore.”
Peyton: “No? You asked me about women, as a woman I’m telling you when someone like her at that age has a polarizing figure like Bree around? You’d be surprised at the habits they pick up; I was her age once too Owen. You guys are split, I get it but there is love there, it doesn’t die out that fast. Tell you what, how about we make a pact right now, okay? I watch your back and you watch mine? We may say things to each other that we may not always want to hear but it’s only because we care about one another. Agreed?”
He nods ….
Owen: “Agreed. I’m sorry I said that. I just hate seeing you with Ali.”
Peyton: “Ali and I are friends, though I will admit that his father wants us to marry and that was funny to me. I think he even grabbed my ass when he said it too….”
Owen: “Adam?”
Peyton: “Yeah.”
She giggled it off, Owen didn’t find it very amusing….
Owen: “Pey!?”
Peyton: “It’s harmless Owen, we pick and choose our battles, that’s one I rather avoid. Let me ask you something. Outside of Jaina, well, I guess I shouldn’t include her, who would be a woman you crush that we both know?”
Owen: “Well let’s see…. Aside from you….”
Peyton: “Oh hush, seriously.”
Owen chuckled a little….
Owen: “Okay… okay on a serious tip….. I would say….. Jennifer.”
Peyton: “Helms!?”
Owen: “Yeah… why?”
Peyton: “I didn’t see that one coming. She’s hot, nice girl, very different in front of the camera but I can respect that. Her parents rock but I’m biased.”
Owen: “They are awesome. But Christian is my boy, so none of that. What about you?”
Peyton: “Hmmm….”
Owen: “It’s going to be someone I dislike, you seem to go after the bad boys, since Ricky.”
Peyton: “That’s not fair…. Okay maybe a little fair.”
Owen: “Dillinger, Ali?”
Peyton: “Ha…. Yeah, I can’t argue that point. Well if it was someone from SCW or EMERGE? I would have to say, probably your uncle….”
Owen: “You are so trying to make me vomit right now.”
Peyton starts to laugh some as the previews begin, leaning in and resting her head on his shoulder, grabbing his arm as they both start to watch the screen….
Owen: “Thanks for being here, you’re right, I needed this.”
Peyton: “No, thank you for coming out tonight, the best is yet to come.”
Owen: “Yeah, the movie is going to be good.”
Peyton: “Screw the movie, I was talking about In N’ Out and shakes.”
Owen chuckles as Peyton smirks, they kick back and start watching the film. They are like brother and sister, best friends and have grown even closer since the death of Ricky Octavius. Many people may not see it this way and think something is brewing between the two. Owen and Peyton don’t care, they know the truth and enjoy each other’s company which means more to them than anything else and without each other, sometimes the hardest things neither one of them would get past.
A Few Hours Later
Hollywood Hills, CA.
On her way home, Peyton decided to make a detour and head over to Sienna Swann’s home. She had fun with Owen, it took her mind off things and at the same time was able to cheer up a friend that was in need and having a tough time with his relationship, moving away from Jaina. He also helped her at the same time still dealing with her own pain. She was stuffed after the burger, fries and milkshake and could only think about going back to her place and crashing early getting some extra sleep but what happened with Kelcey and the facility was still bothering her. Peyton understood, she had something similar with Ricky Octavius which helped dealing with Owen. The gorgeous Television Champion parked her white Tesla Model 3 and stepped out. She was nervous at first, hadn’t seen Chris or Sienna since RTG XVI. She walked up to the door and knocked. She waited a for moments before the door opened, there stood Chris Cannon in shorts, a Superman t-shirt and sneakers, he looked like he had been working out. She tries to brandish a smile but finds it harder to fake one….
Peyton: “Hello Mr. Cannon.”
Chris: “You know to call me Chris, Peyton. What are you doing here? Is everything alright?”
Peyton: “Not really, I was hoping to speak to you if you had a minute, I am sorry that I came here unannounced, I have never been here before but had passed the house going to Laura’s for the reception after Ricky’s funeral and hoped you or Sienna was here to talk.”
Chris: “We both are, she’s upstairs with Nathaniel, watching TV. I was working out, what can I do…. My apologies, please come in.”
Peyton: “Thank you.”
Chris steps to the side, allowing Peyton to walk in. She looks around nervously wondering why she even came but the fact was Peyton was worrying too much about Kelcey and hadn’t seen her in almost two weeks. They walk into the living room where she sits down on the couch, Chris wipes his sweat and sits across from her…
Chris: “What’s the matter? It must be something very important that you would come here to speak with me and “cross enemy lines”.”
Peyton: “Sir, first off I am not your enemy and never was. I don’t agree with the approach you or Sienna are taking with the situation involving Owen and Kennedy, but I have always shown you respect.”
Chris: “You have, I cannot deny that.”
Peyton: “Good, then why are you keeping me from seeing Kelcey? I would have brought this up to you a few weeks ago, but I went to Arizona to visit my dad and stayed out there until this morning when I came back. Your son couldn’t give me an answer and right now, I would like to see her. I hope that this has nothing to do with Owen, he is one of my best friends, a brother to me and was there after Ricky died, I don’t know how I was able to get past it and really I haven’t but he has been a huge support. I know you and Sienna can’t stand him and everyone is entitled to their opinion, I get it. If I am not allowed to see Kelcey due to my association with Owen, I think that is pretty petty sir and would like an explanation why you would do that to me when I have shown you and Sienna nothing but respect, knowing how close I am to her and the relationship we still hold. She is my mentor, she is like a mother figure to me, Chris. It’s not fair to me that…..”
Chris cuts her off….
Chris: “…. Peyton… please stop. Let me explain.”
Peyton: “I’m just really upset here and want to know why I can’t see her. You have already denied access to her family. Kennedy, Trinity, Regan…. All of them. I try to understand why even though at times I am still trying to wonder. Kelcey before RTG squeezed my hand.”
His eyes widened some, before letting out a sigh….
Peyton: “Oh my gosh…. Something happened to her didn’t it….. please tell me. Is she dead?”
Chris: “No. No she is not dead Peyton, look I can see you are really frazzled right now, love. Let me explain. The same thing happened to me with Kelcey, she squeezed my hand so we were hopeful that she would wake up soon. The reason I didn’t allow anyone to see her was because of the sensitivity of this matter. Peyton, it has NOTHING to do with your relationship with Owen. I don’t care about Owen or Kennedy. Sienna and I had nothing to prove to anyone at RTG XVI, we were basically forced to wrestle a match neither one of us were interested in. Now that the explanation is over, what I wanted to say to you was that we have our reasons why I want no one to see Kelcey, in due time I will be at liberty to go further into detail, right now, I cannot.”
Peyton: “Then let me see her, just so I know that she is okay. Tell them tomorrow that I will visit, it is all I ask, please.”
Chris: “Sorry, I cannot.”
Peyton: “Why!?”
Her voice raised some, she caught herself and didn’t mean to do so but she was anxious and nervous, there was something that Chris Cannon was hiding, and Peyton knew it. Just then she could hear someone walking down the stairs, it was the gorgeous “Heavenly Angel” Sienna Swann in yoga shorts and tank top, her hair slicked back in a ponytail, nails a glossy coating. She had barely any makeup on, wondering what Peyton was doing in her house…
Sienna: “Have I missed something? Peyton? What are you doing here sweetie?”
She asked curiously in her South African accent….
Peyton: “Sienna, hi. I’m sorry to intrude, I was out this way and before driving back to Venice, I wanted to stop by and talk to Chris about Kelcey, they won’t let me in to see her and I want to, I’m anxious, worried about her and I need to know what the heck is going on. I thought at first it was because of my relationship with Owen but he tells me that is not the case.”
Sienna: “It isn’t. Chris and I have nothing but respect and admiration for you. We are not petty people, we want to protect Kelcey and allow everyone to see her without causing a ruckus, unfortunately her family seems to do that, you do not. On a side note, know that I still have the reward out for Ricky’s killer or killers, the police have received some hits but nothing concrete yet, I assure you that I am doing everything I can to find who did that.”
Peyton: “I appreciate it.”
Sienna: “Also your father, is a very sweet man. I will make sure that he is taken care of with all his needs, I want to bring him aboard and help me with the #ForThePeople campaign, but we can talk semantics later, love.”
That was the last thing Peyton wanted but she was not going to get confrontational about it now, instead she just wanted to see Kelcey and the whole reason for her coming was to get access to visit her mentor. Instead Peyton nodded and smiled….
Peyton: “Thank you, I appreciate that.”
It was all she could say to keep Sienna at bay….
Sienna: “Great. As for Kelcey, look sweetie, Chris and I have our reasons and they are not personal in anyway, she is at a stage where she needs to be……”
Chris: “…. Sienna…. Stop love.”
Sienna: “Chris?”
Chris: “She deserves to know the truth.”
Sienna’s eyes widen, not really sure if he should take this course of action ore not. Sienna breathes a bit and turns to Peyton, they both know that the young Rice’s honor code would prevent her from saying anything, if they could trust anyone, it would be her….
Sienna: “Fine. Tell her.”
Peyton: “Truth, what truth?”
Chris: “I received a call from my brother during the Hall of fame about Kelcey and…..”
Peyton: “She’s…. she is …..”
Chris: “Peyton, no she is not deceased if that is what you are insinuating. Kelcey is gone.”
Peyton: “What do you mean, gone?”
Sienna: “She’s gone. We don’t know if someone took her or if she walked out on her own. The security cameras conveniently saw nothing, so we do not know if they were tampered or she woke up under her own power and sneaked out or if someone came in and took her. We have the police involved and have kept it hush. The ONLY reason Chris is telling you this is because he respects and admires you, so do I. We feel like we can trust you and if Kelcey is in anyway contacted you after we had this conversation, we would hope that you’d call us.
Peyton quickly turns to Chris; he could see the fear in the young Peyton’s face…
Chris: “You cannot tell anyone what is going on right now, Peyton, can I count on you for that?”
Peyton: “I….”
Chris: “Can I count on you to not tell anyone and I mean even your father, love?”
Peyton: “I…. yes…. I won’t tell anyone. I don’t understand why she hasn’t contacted me yet…”
Chris: “For me that means she is still in a coma and someone took her. Peyton, I understand that this comes as a shock to you, but I need that you remain calm, okay?”
She could only nod, the shock of it all was starting to become a little too overwhelming. Peyton slowly stood up and headed to the door….
Sienna: “Peyton, are you okay? Stay a little while, have a drink with us. You are more than welcome to sleep here, sweetie, I have plenty of room.”
Peyton: “I need to go home and feed Elvis, I….. I won’t tell anyone. I have to go.”
Chris: “Keep this between us, Peyton.”
Peyton: “I will, sir.”
She opens the door and half smiles, Chris and Sienna smile back before Peyton makes her way to the Tesla. She sits inside her car for a second and tries to process everything that had just happened. She finally starts to cry; the unknown frightens her more than anything else right now. Kelcey had been missing for almost a month and she had no clue. Where did her mentor go, is she awake? Why didn’t she contact her? Is she dead?
Peyton lost Ricky…..
She can’t lose Kelcey too.
SCENE FADES
PURIFIED?
The Scene Opens….
The Freedom Trail is a 2.5-mile-long path through Downtown Boston, that passes by 16 locations significant to the History of the United States. Marked largely with brick, it winds between Boston Common to the Bunker Hill Monument in Charlestown. Stops along the trail include simple explanatory ground markers, graveyards, notable churches and buildings, and a historic naval frigate. While most of the sites are free or suggest donations, the Old South Meeting House, the Old State House of Boston and the Paul Revere House, charge admission. The Freedom Trail is overseen by the City of Boston’s Freedom Trail Commission and is supported in part by grants from various nonprofits and foundations, private philanthropy, and Boston National Historic Park.
The Freedom Trail was conceived by local journalist William Schofield, who in 1951 suggested building a pedestrian trail to link important local landmarks. Boston mayor John Hynes decided to put Schofield’s idea into action. By 1953, 40,000 people were walking the trail annually. The National Park Service operates a visitor’s center on the first floor of Faneuil Hall, where they offer tours, provide free maps of the Freedom Trail and other historic sites, and sell books about Boston and United States history.
Some observers have noted the tendency of the Freedom Trail’s Framing of Social Sciences to omit certain historical locations, such as the sites of the Boston Tea Party and the Liberty Tree. Here is where we find the beautiful SCW Television Champion, Peyton Rice, wearing red pants, thong sandals and a blue and read form fitting long sleeve top, her long sand blonde hair straightened, hanging down and nails polished white, brandishing the Championship over her shoulder. Peyton faces an old nemesis from her past in Drake Hemingway from her days in EMERGE as they battled for the Championship, he even has scored a pinfall over Peyton in a Scramble Match she ended up winning when she took the last fall over Drake himself. There is history and she is all too familiar with Loretta as well and what she poses for Drake which could in turn be a deciding factor in the match though for Peyton, all she will do is stick to her guns and concentrate on defeating the threat of this man and continue defending her TV Championship.
It has been a month since she successfully defended the championship against Kelsai Adamson-Mason at RTG XVI, but Peyton is 24/7 when it comes to wrestling and she has been staying in shape, training hard and most of all perfecting her game even if her personal life has its challenges. She walks the freedom Trail on a beautiful early afternoon, her green eyes covered by the blue lens of her glasses. The recording begins as she looks into the camera and smirks…
REC:
Peyton takes a second to collect her thoughts before speaking, knowing that Drake poses probably her toughest challenge to date. She ten turns and talks in her sexy yet cute and charming voice….
“Boston, the Freedom Trail. A road that leads to all the historical landmarks here in this beautiful city. Some may say that I am in hostile territory. The connection with the Mason family is alive and well here in this great city. Finishing off the last season of the SCW and entering a new one where I will get to actually experience a full year from this great company has me both really excited and nervous. Talk about the emotional rollercoaster at Rise to Greatness alone? From wrestling on the Pre-Show against such a talented and aspiring wrestler in Kelsai Adamson-Mason to seeing Alistaire Allocco become the World Champion and all the pieces in between, the PPV lived up to its name and the hype. Having the time off also helped heal some injuries both physical and mental, gave me the chance to really charge up the batteries again look forward to getting back in the ring with the Television Championship, a title that has not only help me grow as a wrestler and competitor but also a woman. It came at a time when I lost my best friend and I know that when the Pre-Show came on, Kelsai and I not only stole it, he looked down at both of us smiling at the effort we put in.
Kelsai, anytime, anywhere whether as challenger or partners, I am always here.
Now it’s time though to get back to business, as they say, the vacation is over. Rise to Greatness has come and gone, after taking off a whole month in a much-needed vacation, the sun, beach, sleeping and exercising all mixed in with spending time with my loved ones really helped me mentally and physically. That still doesn’t mean that I wasn’t training, ready for my next challenge. Entering the SCW in January after my EMERGE Championship reign ended, not by losing the title, it was time that I tested my skills against the very best and right now, I am so looking forward seven months later to what is in store for me int his company. I have had my ups and downs, lost my debut, felt like I rebounded nicely and in doing so I also found some new friends, crushes, relationships and lost some very close and personal to myself.
The balancing act I have learned is the hardest thing when being a wrestler.
I’m young, sometimes stupid and have a lot to learn. One day I know this will all make sense to me. In time though, I am slowly seeing what I must do to survive in this business which includes defending the TV Championship every single week for long as I can and not try to look ahead at what is next. Knowing that I started to make some waves and the top stars are starting to slowly notice me at a crawl, does get me both anxious and excited….
Because the best is yet to come from Peyton Rice.
One thing that I have noticed is how many people are trying to push their own agendas and hide them under something genuine and truthful. I am not the type of woman that will ever try to question anyone’s motives, that is not my place, which seems like a common practice in general for this sport. I am learning everyday about people, those I work with and those that I don’t know well. Some may surprise you; others seem like the same thing over and over just in different context. I think for me, the biggest problem I have is no one takes me seriously, mistaking my kindness for weakness or trusting nature. When did we forget to give others the benefit of the doubt? Take Alistaire Allocco for example, there are a lot of wrestlers and fans that were not behind him, I saw his true nature because I took the time to see it.
We give up too easily on someone, though there are those that make it impossible to like, I get that….
I want to believe they are few and far in-between. We all have our reasons why we’re here, maybe the death of Ricky motivated me more? Maybe it gave me a higher purpose? It could be that it opened my eyes so that I could see life shouldn’t be taken for granted. I know now what I must do to survive in the SCW. Syren, Ravyn and Abigail Lindsay showed me that on the last Breakdown before RTG XVI. In a way, I’m happy they did, I’ll need it against Drake Hemingway.
Life has a funny way of sending us all a message….
And mine was an easy one that I failed to see.
Never give up and be yourself.
Then, you never have to lie to hide the truth.”
Peyton stops for a second, walking up the Freedom Trail and smiles, enjoying the sun, the cool breeze and the opportunity to wrestle Drake Hemingway with Loretta at Breakdown. These two have some unfinished business that Peyton looks forward to closing. They were successful at RTG XVI and have some momentum on their side. The gorgeous Rice looks into the camera and speaks….
“This is where things get a little sticky. When I was in EMERGE, there were plenty of people there to push their own agenda. We had a GM that wouldn’t allow that to happen in Vanilla Skyy, who reminds me a lot of Sasha. I dealt with Mika Kozlov, Dylan Cent, Kandis and others but there was one man that stood out, one man who I knew would make waves in this business, that being Drake Hemingway. Not only is he a blood relative to someone that I respect in Blake Mason, a person who was the villain of the story for the longest time but has turned out to be an outstanding father and someone that a beautiful and talented woman like Taylor Chase needed in her life. Drake is nothing like that and while his intentions are “pure” and maybe he means well because yet again, I will never doubt anyone that there is some goodness somewhere, what he is doing right now with Loretta is pushing his own agenda to fit their narrative and I’m not cool with that. Drake wants to talk about purity and how he will cleanse the SCW like he tried to do the EMERGE brand? Don’t we already live in a nation that is divided and there are people telling us how to live our lives?
Look, I am not someone that abuses vices. I’m not a drunk though at times I have drank enough wine to be fall unconscious for two days. I have never done drugs or sleep around, I choose to live that life because we as human beings have CHOICES and in the world of Drake Hemingway and Loretta, you do not. If I want to date Alistaire Allocco, I’m going to. If I decide to drink a glass of wine or gosh forbid, a flaming tequila shot, I will. If I want to party all over the world and see every rock concert out there the next calendar year, I will. If I decide to streak naked at the Coachella Festival, then I might. If I want to pick up a couple of modeling gigs and show off the body, I am darn proud of, then I will. Will people judge me? Sure, people judge everyone these days, it is how you conduct yourself and act that matters. I love my fans, I would take off my shirt for one of them right now if they were cold and walk around in a bra, I would take off my sandals and walk barefoot the rest of the way if needed. I don’t care because I am going to live my life the way I want. I choose to be clean; I want to be a role model. Loretta claimed on Twitter that I was pure and didn’t need cleansing?
No one is pure on earth.
I have done things in my past that could be considered dirty, I’m not proud of them but the situation called for it at the time and I will never be ashamed. I am a woman that is strong, a person who will never second guess herself anymore after what happened to Ricky. I have to live with the guilt I put on myself when I think about how his death could have been prevented. See Drake, I understand your motives, I get why you want to do this, we all believe in some sort of higher power. I believe in God, Heaven and Hell, I look up right now that Ricky is staring at me as we speak, knowing that one day I will see him again. Drake, I live my life as good as I can, I promised my father that I would never let this business corrupt me or my beliefs. Too many times I have seen it happen to great people, I watch it now with Chris Cannon and Sienna Swann. I see it with Syren and Christy Matthews, even Jordan Majors and others, they want to win, they want to succeed, they want what they feel is deserved. I will work for my keep and even if I ever get to be half of what some of those talented wrestlers are, I will continue to grow and learn from my mistakes.
Where I draw the line is when someone tries to push their own agenda and beliefs down my throat.
At RTG XVI you and Loretta were able to get what you wanted and defeat both Cookie and Derek Adonis, two individuals who are having harmless fun and do it all in jest and yet like some dictator, you try to sap it all out and make it about yourself and purifying others?
What exactly is purity?
Freedom from adulteration and immorality?
So, what are you doing then Drake if the means by making someone pure is by beating it into them?
It’s hypocrisy, dude.”
Peyton shakes her head just thinking about what the message that Drake and Loretta are sending. It is also troubling that Loretta talks about purifying the belt more than anything which really struck a nerve in Peyton who feels like the TV title means so much to her in more than just defense, she is a young woman that had to see it for more than just a Championship, he refocused and made her a better wrestler. She turns back to the camera and speaks….
“When we were in EMERGE, don’t think that I forgot you pinned me in the scramble match after booting me in the head. I remember and then it was I that pinned you to win the title back in the same match, my LAST match in EMERGE. Drake, then you saw that the wrestlers and those you opposed were too much for this Purity crusade that was going on and the SCW is no different. Maybe instead, try having a little faith in humanity? I know that when we turn on the TV all we see is the bad in this world but for every bad news story there are fifteen really good ones that we never get to see. I love the SCW and this Television Championship, the minute I heard Loretta speak about purifying the belt and calling it the Pure Championship only motivated me more to go out there tomorrow night and win this match, preserve what the TV belt means to me and the SCW, show them all that I worked hard to bring this Championship into he forefront again like so many great stars before me.
Do you want pure?
I will give you my pure thoughts, this is not hyperbole, this is truth. Drake Hemingway, you are talented and one of the most dangerous men in professional wrestling, by none. Loretta is smart, she is also talented in the ring and I see big things for you both in the SCW. Here is the hiccup though, if you live your life trying to make everyone like yourself, you will live in misery and disappointment. I will never try to change anyone, if I could only do my best to be there for them in need, then that is what I will do. Drake and Loretta, this championship is not yours for the taking, real talk here….
This title doesn’t need purification and you know why?
Wrestling as an art is its purest form and that is exactly what I have done with this championship. I go out there and I wrestle, I don’t cheat, I don’t take shortcuts and I will never dummy myself to become so desperate that I have rob someone of the chance to be a Champion, if they are better than me on that night, so be it. If you can pin me again Drake, then there is mothing I can say but you see, that is where your narrative ends and mine begins. This title is the SCW Television Championship, it’s not yours to rename it, it’s not yours to change what it really means because you can’t….
I already purified it in WRESTLING alone.
I look forward to this match, I know that it will be talked about for a long time. As the new season approaches, the one thing I want to accomplish is the climb, I had my feet wet, I finally was able to get a taste of this business and see exactly how tough the SCW is. So far, so good. Defending this title every week even after an extended break will make me better and no lesson in purity will ever change that Drake and Loretta. I am a woman that is focused. With my mentor out of commission and the things I have had to deal with, at first made me weak, now I grow stronger, each passing day is a new lesson for Peyton Rice. I know that no matter what happens, this belt will stay pure in the sport it was meant to be competed in.
I am my own woman; I will not change for anyone. You may say what you want about me Drake and Loretta, that’s fine, just remember this. I never needed an angle to get here, I will either succeed or fail with my approach. A very important woman in my career and development said something that stuck to me once when I sat in her office frustrated….
She said, “Don’t try to change the world, the world was here first”.
Drake and Loretta, those are words to learn by and one more thing, after tomorrow night, both of you will learn, purity or not…..
That Peyton Rice is not just another “Pretty” face.”
Peyton winks after lowering her glasses, then pressing them back up and smiling while holding the TV Title. She slowly starts to walk away….
FADE TO BLACK
/REC
Peyton Rice 