Diary Entry
1.21.2020
“I always thought that diaries were for young teenage girls and boys that wanted to write their feelings down but Owen came to me a few weeks ago and he saw how frustrated and agitated I was about a lot of things going on in the SCW, suggesting that I write things down, telling me it could help.
I went ahead and listened, this is my first entry and definitely need to say that it is helping already which is amazing, I’m not one to really vent much to people or cause confrontation and a rift with others if it’s avoidable though don’t take my kindness for weakness, if I need to fight, you can bet your butt I will. So many thoughts running through my head in my personal and professional life, to know that Ricky Octavius’s killer was caught is such a huge relief, a monkey off my back and now I don’t have that weighing in my mind as I step in the ring. I would cry myself to sleep some nights, privately in my room, which even my closest friends like Owen Cruze, Aaron Blackbourne, Jennifer Helms who I have to say, I love that girl and finally my boyfriend Alistaire Allocco who has been dealing with his own personal things, injuries and his dad, who Mr. Allocco at times is a head-scratcher, let me tell you.
I am so happy that Ali is back though.
I can close that chapter in my life, or at least know that justice will be serves, Lancelot Crane will hopefully go to jail the rest of his life and Ricky can still look down on me, giving someone like me who seems to make some dumb decisions at time, laughing knowing that I am my own worst enemy. I don’t know how I am going to react, have you ever been in a situation where you blurt out something on the whim and immediately are like, why did I say that? I have a huge problem with trust, I need to get out of that, seriously because no matter how doom or gloom I want to look at life at times, there are some really good people out there that I know will be there for me. My dad is the most important thing and I wish that I would have thought of the ramifications of some decisions I made when I was nineteen and in college. Even five years later, I still want to scream and jump into a pool and not come up for air when I think of this crap with Warren and Tessa Dowling, how she has squirmed her way into my father’s life really upsets me and now I have to deal with it.
I hate how this all turned out, and I can’t blame anyone but me.
Some would tell me to look for help, confide in someone you trust, it’s hard…
And the only person I do is engaged in her own wars, that being Kelcey Wallace. I wish I could just close my eyes, go to sleep and when I wake up it was all a bad dream, problem is, it’s real. Right now, I need to get my head on straight and focus on the here and now. I already agreed to work with Warren on his new business venture, the only thing about all that is, I don’t have the money he thinks I do, and I will never ask anyone for it, if I do?
Then my secret is out.
This totally sucks.”
ACE OF SPADES
PROLOGUE: ON SHAKY GROUND
To say that the frustration was mounting for Peyton Rice and all the attacks was an understatement, the young Arizona native was starting to lose faith in the system and the sport she loved. Peyton was having an extremely tough time in her personal life which amplified her professional one, giving her a shorter fuse and really making things much difficult to deal with. It all started months ago last year, attacks by hired goons at the hand of Jordan Majors to disrespecting a legend in Kelcey Wallace by Scarlet Grey who in turn pretty much cost Peyton a Trios Contract as well. It was downhill from there, though winning the TV title and her run was something special until it ended at the hands of Aaron Blackbourne who is a friend and she would encourage him to go on fighting when she was so close to breaking the record, one match away. It won Peyton, Rookie of the Year for the strong second half she had after the first half was a bit shaky. It also led to a budding relationship with Alistaire Allocco that up until now was nice, subtle and she could escape from the troubles in her real life and the mounting anger from the antics of so many on the SCW roster.
Peyton knew that if things were going to change, it would take people like her, Owen Cruze, Alistaire Allocco and Aaron Blackbourne to do so. It had become a free for all, she didn’t get it, too much to handle in one moment and that was what really got to her the most, the match with Bree Lancaster was no different, if anything that was the straw which broke the camel’s back. This whole thing with Damian Angel was weird, she was trying to gain some traction after losing the TV Title, some asked why she wasn’t in the End of the Year Battle Royal and the reasoning behind it but rest assured one thing she was targeting was being a team captain at the Trios Tournament and doing whatever she could to get along with her teammates, that at least was a shred of hope. For now, though, there were some personally things she was dealing with and after she won the Ricky Octavius Memorial Tournament back in EMERGE to end the Year…
It was one chapter that she could finally close and move from and give her feelings and the rightful attention to Alistaire Allocco.
After Breakdown
Cleveland, OH.
1.15.2020
She sat quietly in her hotel room looking out at the city lights of Cleveland. It was cold, with a glass of red wine in hand, a Chianti, one of Peyton rice’s favorite. She had on some Flamingo leggings to keep her warm, barefoot with her nails polished white, a long sleeve sleeping shirt with the silky sandy blonde hair hanging down her back. She had become accustomed to sleeping in the same bed as Alistaire, he started to feel a little more comfortable spending time with her yet his father had become an issue, worst part of that was Peyton never wanted to get on his bad side or even in a confrontation yet the week before she found herself in exactly that when he conspired with the same man that took Alistaire out all to get at Glory Braddock. Alistaire too was going through a lot and she knew it, wanting to be there for him especially after all that has happened to both. He was in the shower, looking down on her phone, her father had Face Time with his precious youngest daughter. She was very upset how everything had gone down, playing up appearances…
Ray: “Hey pumpkin.”
Peyton: “Hi dad, how are you?”
Ray: “Better than you I can see, is everything okay, sweetheart?”
Peyton: “Yeah it’s fine, we just had a show, so I’m just trying to compartmentalize it that’s all… I guess you see what happened…?”
Ray: “I did, I know you’re upset about the decision, but you’re a fighter, that is what I take most pride in. I don’t think I say it enough but I’m so proud of you Peyton. I know I wasn’t too hot with you getting into this business a few years ago, but I can proudly say I was wrong to believe that. Your spirit of competition reminds me a lot of me back in the day when I played football. and while things didn’t go your way tonight, I know my daughter isn’t the type of person that gives up, right?”
Hearing those words begun to form a small lump in the back of her throat with her trying to hold back tears. It was true he didn’t believe wrestling was the best fit for her for a long while, but hearing his praise always made her feel better about her decisions, it reminded her of her times with Ricky which were now long gone and simple memories…
Peyton: “I don’t know dad, sometimes I think about giving up… I think maybe you were right all along, and this isn’t for me. I thought it was, but some people suck the life out of it and everything else that’s happened in the last year hasn’t helped either.@
Ray: “I know darling…”
Peyton: “I want to good, be the best and at times I wonder if that is even possible. I don’t like feeling this way dad, maybe I will just come home and call it quits…”
Ray: “What?! No, Peyton. You are better than that and knowing my little girl which I think I do, she will regret every damn minute of it. It’s always darkest before the dawn sweetheart, that’s what you used to tell me back then when I was starting my rehab. I never used to believe that but now for you things are going to start looking up, tell me that your old man isn’t wise?”
A slight giggle escapes her lips…
Peyton: “I know you are dad. I just miss you.”
Ray: “I miss you too but hey, do not worry about me, I’ve kept busy and have been spending more time with Tessa and she is a darling, I am glad we ran into your teacher, she has been a Godsend for me, Pey, she really has and I don’t know what to say about it really. Feels too good to be true at times, I’m a lucky guy.”
Peyton: “Yeah… About that Dad….”
Ray: “What? I can see by the look on your face that you’re not happy for me?”
Peyton: “No…. no dad that is not it at all. I just… I just have something to tell you and….”
Her heart sunk a little, she didn’t want to be the barer of bad news especially given Tessa’s ties to Peyton’s past but she didn’t want to see her father being used like that, it was bad enough with Sienna with all the gifts…
But her father interjected first, cutting the young Rice off…
Ray: “Pey, can you at least be supportive for me here? People like me don’t get to date often and I have not been with anyone since your mother left, that was a long time ago and it took me years to get over it. Finally, I found a woman that makes me feel like I did before this god damn accident, for once since I have been confined to this damn wheelchair, I feel like I can run again. Is that so bad?”
Peyton: “Dad… no. That’s not what I was saying…. I mean…. My heads just all over the place right now… But I…. I’m happy for you, I really am.”
She was ready to tell him the truth about the Dowling’s, but the thought of breaking her father’s heart was too much for her to handle…..
Ray: “You really mean that or are you just saying that to appease your old man?”
Peyton: “Yes, dad really. I’m not the only one, I’m positive Ricky would be proud of you too, Tessa is beautiful.”
Ray: “She is. You know your mother was special to me Peyton, I’m not trying to replace her you know that….”
Peyton: “Dad, you have nothing to explain to me, alright? I am happy for you and after the PPV, I will come see you next week and we can talk more okay?”
Ray: “Now that is something I can get behind, I can’t wait to see you but Pey, keep your chin up, alright?”
Peyton: “I will dad, thanks, love you.”
Ray: “Love you too.”
She hangs up with her father, where almost immediately she hears Alistaire walk out of the bathroom in a t-shirt and shorts which doesn’t stop her from sipping her wine some more. Alistaire comes up from behind, wrapping his arms around her gorgeous frame….
Peyton: “Hey you, sneaking up on me like that.”
Alistaire: “I heard you talking to someone. Your dad?”
Peyton: “Yeah, he was checking up on me after tonight is all, he worries too much sometimes. I do the same about him, so I get it, I’m just happy to have you back and on the road with me after everything. I’m going to finish this glass of wine and go to bed, I’m tired and just want the day to end.”
Alistaire: “I Understand, I feel the same way.”
Peyton: “Yeah, you have been quiet a lot lately, I try not to pry, I take it has something to do with Mr. Allocco?”
Alistaire: “Among other things, I don’t want to bring it up, and I especially do not want this to affect us. My father makes some very odd and strange decisions at times and thinks he is helping me out when in reality he’s not. A few weeks back, I know you and he had that altercation….”
Peyton: “… you know why, and I hated it. I don’t want any friction between your dad and me, I know that if it came down to it, you would take him over me Ali, I’m not stupid.”
There was a little fire behind her words, Peyton was already agitated and annoyed, this only added to her frustrations. Finishing the glass of wine, she placed it on the end table and started making her way toward the bed…
Alistaire: “Peyton, that’s not true at all.”
Peyton: “No Ali, it is true. We are alike in many ways and one is the love of our dads and no matter what underhanded things he does and how crazy he may act at times; you still love him with all your heart. I don’t want this to escalate between him and I. I know at times he means well; at other times he oversteps the boundaries, and this is one of those times. Look, I’m really upset right now, and I am taking it out on you which I shouldn’t because you’ve done nothing but been supportive of me, even if we have our crazy little relationship here going. I think I just need some sleep and wake up in the morning having a better day.”
Alistaire: “It’s not going away, Peyton.”
As she turned to take off the robe and lay in bed, sighing, Peyton turns around, facing Alistaire….
Peyton: “What isn’t going away, Ali? This crap that happens in SCW every week? The fact I bust my butt to do good in a business that more than half the roster takes shortcuts to win. Even most of the Champions we have, heck all the Champions we have do the exact same thing and I am supposed to just accept it? I went through the same thing in EMERGE, there though I was THE Champion, I don’t remember how many times I was assaulted from behind, sent to the hospital freaking out my dad to the point that he was practically begging me to leave the sport, if he could get on his knees he would, Ali.”
The young Peyton sighed heavily before shrugging her shoulders…
Peyton: “That’s the sad part in all of this, Ali…. You’re right, it’s not going away and tonight was a perfect example of that with Damian Angel, Bree Lancaster and Kimberly Williams which by the way it’s not the first time I’ve had a run-in with her, we go way back. But doesn’t mean I have to accept it, Ali.”
Alistaire: “No one ever has to accept it, look at me. I wrestle, I don’t need to cheat, I don’t need shortcuts, I do it for the sport just like you and I think this common ground and this philosophy is part of the reason why we get along so well. I just don’t want you to ever change Peyton, no one is asking or telling you to.”
Peyton: “I don’t intend to, but I also don’t know how much more I can take of this Ali, something has to give you know? I have a Trios thingy too coming up which is super important, teaming with Ace Marshall, Jordan Majors and Kelsai Adamson-Mason has me a little nervous.”
Alistaire: “Why are you nervous about that, it’s quite a team.”
Peyton: “Because I know what Ace means to you, and I have this feeling he may use that against me. That’s another story though, I just need to lay down.”
After taking off the robe, Peyton slides into bed, Alistaire follows suit lying next to her, looking up at the ceiling….
Alistaire: “Despite what people think about him, Ace helped me become a World Champion in my first few months in the SCW, you know. He has his way; I don’t agree with it at the best of times, but I can’t lay here and lie to you about how smart and talented the guy really is.”
Peyton: “I know. I remember watching him beating Kelcey at Rise to Greatness. These days Ali I don’t know if I can trust anyone. Jordan and I practically hate each other. Kelsai and me had a huge match for the TV title at the RTG Pre-Show thingy, so I don’t really know if there is still any resentment toward that and Ace, well his ties to you I get this feeling he’s going to exploit those on me.”
Alistaire: “I don’t believe he would, he wants to win more than anyone that I’m certain.”
Peyton: “Maybe… I just don’t know… I have talked to him many times before; this was even before EMERGE. I really just don’t know Ali, after last year with Chris Cannon and Scarlet Grey, it makes me wonder what will happen next, who will ruin it all for me, you know?”
Alistaire: “We can cross that bridge when it happens.”
Peyton: “It’s easier said than done though… Ugh I’m sorry I know I’m just being moody and negative, it’s not fair to you considering all the stuff you’re going through too and it’s selfish of me.”
Alistaire: “We are all human Peyton; we are entitled to have our days like this. I know that this bothers the both of us and you’re right, Ace will use my relationship with him to influence you. I don’t know but one thing I do know, he’s a winner and he wants a Trios, so do you. Imagine having the power to draft a member on your team, that’s quite something isn’t it?”
She thinks about it for a second, it would be nice, she turns around with a smirk and faces him, laying her head on his bare chest….
Peyton: “You totally want me to draft you.”
Alistaire: “No… no I never said that.”
Peyton: “You didn’t have to, you really do, and I don’t know, I was thinking of drafting Owen.”
His eyes widen as Peyton giggles….
Alistaire: “That is not cool.”
Peyton: “Oh no? Imagine Owen and me winning Trios?”
Alistaire: “Peyton…. Now you done it.”
Peyton: “Done what….”
He quickly grabs her sides and tickles Peyton, she starts to laugh out loud, turning over, pressing her down….
Alistaire: “Are you going to draft me!?”
Peyton: “YES! YES!”
She continues to laugh as he lets go and drops back into bed, she quickly straddles him, pinning down Ali on the bed….
Peyton: “That was NOT fair!”
Alistaire: “Isn’t that what we have been talking about all night, the unfairness of life?”
Peyton: “You are good Alistaire Allocco, you are very good and totally sneaky. Tickling me is warfare, I hope you know that.”
Alistaire: “I do and…..”
But before he could say anything, she leaned in and they kissed. He wrapped his arms around her, it was the first time Alistaire had invited this, usually he would tense up and feel uncomfortable. He had to show restraint, he didn’t want it to go too far because of his beliefs but her warm, half-naked body pressing on to his was almost too much to bear. It was difficult to stop with such a beautiful woman like Peyton Rice on him. He tried to slow down when she stopped and sat up, tilting her head and looking down at him with her green eyes…
Peyton: “I respect your decision but gosh, it’s hard to do this all the time.”
She rolled off him and turned away, lying there, closing her eyes and ready to fall asleep. He stared at the ceiling for a moment, then turned toward Peyton and scooted close, their bodies touching each other. Her eyes closed, she concentrated on just ending the day and hoping tomorrow was a better one when she felt his hand on her chest. Her eyes shot open quickly as he continued to rub her body, whispering in her ear….
Alistaire: “I love you.”
A smile came across her face as she whispered back….
Peyton: “I love you too.”
… losing herself in his embrace and finally feeling comfortable being with another man that wasn’t Ricky. She didn’t feel guilty anymore, instead she felt….
Right.
THE “PERFECT” STORM
The death of Ricky Octavius had taken a mental toll on Peyton Rice, luckily for her, after Lancelot Crane was found to be the killer and arrested after he attacked both Regan and Jennifer Helms, it seemed like it was finally the day justice was served. When Jennifer told Peyton what had happened, it seemed like her prayers were finally answered. Peyton could move on but that didn’t mean that things were in the clear, dealing with her annoyance in SCW over all the rule-breaking and attacks that have occurred in recent months especially the ones that took out great wrestlers like Alistaire and Rachel Tatum Lee. It delved away from her problems with the Dowling’s, the family which used to run the escort service she once worked for, a secret she had kept under wraps for quite some time. Peyton seemed to have been keeping to herself. She wasn’t going out much, staying at home even when Owen was away, traveling with SCW, coming straight home or even just talking to her father, not visiting him which he found odd, she didn’t want to do that, spending time over Christmas but that was it, Tessa had a lot to do with it.
Peyton could not afford for this news to be leaked.
She had agreed to go into partnership with Warren, trying to keep things under the rug, unfortunately, Peyton wasn’t rich, there was no way that she could foot the bill for what he was asking. She couldn’t tell Owen or Kelcey, she was too embarrassed, not trusting their opinions or how they would look at her, terrified of what their opinion would be. Peyton knew that this next week would get interesting and her trip to Chicago after Breakdown would mean even more when Ace Marshall of all people wanted to get together and try to do some team building.
But first things needed to change.
Owen Cruze Home
Hollywood Hills, CA.
1.20.2020
Peyton had just come home from a photoshoot for a local magazine in Los Angeles just before she started working on “O-Cru”, Owen’s new clothing line. The young former TV Champion also was out getting her nails done. She was beautiful as ever walking in wearing skinny jeans, a blue halter top and thong sandals, her nails polished nude and long sandy blonde hair hanging down. As she entered the home, she hoped for a peaceful late morning, early afternoon, unaware that both Jennifer Helms and Owen were home, they were outside in the backyard talking and hanging out. Jennifer was wearing jeans, a Victoria Secret t-shirt and flip flops, her long hair hanging down, nails a glossy color. Owen was in jean shorts, a red O-Cru tee and matching Nike’s. Jennifer and Peyton had become great friends, a bond that could not be broken and it was even more fortified when they both reached the finals of the Ricky Memorial Tournament, a fitting end considering they were the two closest to Ricky Octavius. She was happy that Jennifer and Owen were spending more time together after her and Chris Cannon split. Their friendship was budding, she could tell that they were developing feelings for each other, she also knew that Regan (Street) would probably murder if she ever saw the two dating, Peyton was certain those thoughts ran through the gorgeous Helms, mind. Peyton tried to sneak through, but Jennifer saw her…
Jennifer: “PEY! You’re home!”
She rushed up and hugged Peyton…
Peyton: “Hey you…. sorry, just had my nails done.”
Jennifer: “Oops, sorry about that. I haven’t seen you in a minute, everything alright?”
Peyton: “Yeah… yeah everything is okay.”
Owen: “Come hang out with us for a bit.”
Peyton: “Well…. I….”
Jennifer: “Please?”
Peyton: “Okay…. Okay fine.”
The two didn’t give her much choice. Forcing a smile, Peyton put down her purse and things, she walked outside and sat across from them in the beautiful courtyard. Usually she is bubbly and all smiles but lately things have really taken a toll on her. She was happy that they found Ricky’s killer which brought Jennifer and her closer, knowing the hell they both went through, brushing her hair back she looks up at the bright sun….
Owen: “Are you sure everything is alright?”
Peyton: “Yeah, yeah don’t worry about it, just have a lot of things to do before I get packing and who knows, we might be facing each other in Chicago.”
Owen: We still have a lot to do in order to get there but will be fun, I don’t want anything to wedge in-between us. You and Jennifer definitely survived the storm.”
Jennifer: “We did, and it was all for Ricky. I came over to see you, Owen happened to be here, so I started talking to this hunk here, lost track of time but here you are. Wanted to see if you wanted to go do a little shopping on the Golden Triangle?”
Peyton: “That is really tempting….”
Owen: “You two should go and….”
Jennifer: “Nuh uh… you are coming with us. Nice try trying to sneak out but nope, that is not working this time. I know you have to get ready for Breakdown and Day of Infamy, a couple of hours will not hurt you two, besides, we can have lunch, my treat.”
Owen glances at Peyton who didn’t really want to go but thought it would be very insulting and most of all upsetting if she didn’t, besides Jennifer had always been there for her after the tragedy of Ricky and she was trying to play matchmaker with Owen and Jen, she had to do something. Peyton finally nodded….
Peyton: “Okay, I am down, I just can’t stay out too late, I have some things to take care of.”
Jennifer: “Awesome! I’ll drive, I’ll see you out at the car?”
Peyton: “I’ll be there.”
As Jennifer left, Owen knew something was wrong with Peyton. He walked up to her concerned….
Owen: “Is everything alright with Alistaire?”
Peyton: “Yeah, everything is fine, I promise.”
Owen: “Then what is it?”
Peyton: “I have a lot on my mind right now and I need to deal with it on my own. You know I am not one to go and ask for help even if I needed it. I have a few things I need to deal with and figure out how to do it, is all. My dad is great, he has a new girlfriend who is someone I know, my boyfriend and relationship are fine, I wish we were more intimate because I feel like I really need that connection right now more than anything but I am willing to wait, I do love him and I know he loves me. I have a few things outside the ring I need to handle on my own….”
Owen: “Do you need money?”
Peyton: “Damn it, Owen….”
Owen: “I’m sorry, I had to ask.”
Peyton: “… I would never ask you for money, I don’t care how financially desperate or in debt I was. You are my friend, both you and Jennifer are actually my best friends and probably two of the only people besides Kelcey, the Helms and my dad that I fully trust. Seriously, I am fine.”
Owen: “Could it be the PPV, what happened on Breakdown last week?”
Peyton: “Thank you for trying to help, if I want or need it, I will ask.”
Grabbing her purse, she walked outside leaving Owen there thinking there was obviously something wrong with Peyton and she wasn’t telling anyone. She was never this agitated, the way she came across was worrisome as this young woman loved life, she was never this aggressive or brash with Owen and that really had him concerned. He grabbed his phone and made a call hoping they would pick up…
Owen: “Hi, yeah I’m fine. I need a favor, I’ll even leave the pass code to the gate and the key in the right flower pot…..”
A Few Hours Later
After going down to Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, spending time with Jennifer and Owen, Peyton had come back home, a nap sounded really good at the moment. Peyton had driven her own car in case she wanted to leave a little early and allow more time spent for Jennifer and Owen. Walking inside, Peyton paid no attention to anything, she was sleepy and wanted to crash in her own bed for a nice afternoon siesta, feel a little more refreshed and tackle the packing for a week of SCW wrestling and activities. As she walked up the stairs, Peyton slipped off her sandals and opened the door to her room, laying down her purse and shoes, as she was about to close she jumped, startled to see a woman there in jeans, a black long sleeve pull over blouse with sand blonde hair hanging down, peep toe pumps and nails polished a dark matte pink, she was looking at the glass casing with some of Peyton’s titles and awards the Arizona Wildcat won throughout her short three year career. Peyton recognized her, it was her mentor, Kelcey Wallace…
Kelcey: “I hope you don’t mind me coming in here and taking an opportunity of seeing what you have accomplished in recent years. It’s a beautiful home you two live in, I am proud of Owen and what he has done, living with him is nice, I like to see you two care for another, puts me at ease.”
Peyton: “Kelcey? What are you doing here? How did you get in?”
Kelcey: “That’s not important right now, Peyton, why I am here is. You.”
Peyton: “Did Owen call you?”
Kelcey: “Does that really matter, love?”
Peyton: “It matters to me.”
Kelcey slowly turned around, it was almost as if Peyton had formed a scowl, something you rarely see. The Welsh beauty already knew right there that Peyton was off, she had never seen her act this way, always level headed and positive, this was not the Peyton she mentored, adored or sat next to an unconscious Kelcey for a few months while she was in a coma. Peyton on the other hand saw how beautiful and healthy Kelcey looked, it was the best she had been since retiring. She looked strong and dare she think, Perfect….
Kelcey: “What you are telling me is that I need to leave?”
Peyton: “I…. I want to be alone.”
Kelcey: “And if I refuse?”
Peyton: “I really don’t need this shit right now and….”
Kelcey: “Okay… STOP. I don’t know when you started cursing and when you found it to disrespect me when I am here to check on you but what I think right now is that you turn around, walk out that door, check the attitude at the door and walk back in so that we can have a conversation like two grown adults because that is what I thought we were, Peyton.”
Peyton: “Me? You barged in here, this is my room and I am telling you that nothing is wrong and all I want to do is take a nap, I am fucking tired!”
Kelcey’s eyes widen, taking this in before walking past Peyton who realizes what she said. She quickly turns as her mentor is about to step out of the room….
Peyton: “Wait.”
Kelcey stops and slowly turns around, folding her arms, eyebrows furrow…
Peyton: “I didn’t mean to say that. I’m sorry.”
Kelcey: “Apology accepted, now tell me what is going on?”
Peyton: “I have things in my life, like I told Owen, I must deal with myself. I’m not happy about this PPV, I am not happy about SCW right now, I am not happy about things I need to personally handle which have come back to haunt me from my past and do not feel comfortable sharing with you. I don’t know how many times I run the same scenario in my head where I try to tell you the truth, where I know that you won’t judge me yet part of me thinks you would. Top that off with the fact I don’t know if I could take it if you thought less of me, your opinion besides my father’s means more to me than anything.”
Kelcey: “I would never judge you, I have no right to. There are mistakes I have made and paid for, the most known is Silas Mason when I was drugged and drunk out of my mind, signing away my life to him before I passed out. Four years later it came back to haunt me. Turning on the fans hurt my reputation and my dignity all for Gold. I know better than anyone what it is like to screw up and have to pay for it later. Look at Chris….”
Peyton: “No… Kelcey….”
Kelcey though cut her off from saying anything….
Kelcey: “…. Let me finish, love.”
Peyton: “Okay, sorry.”
Kelcey: “Look at Chris. Every single day I regret comparing him to Silas Mason. That was on me and I pushed him away. This doesn’t excuse what he has done to me, to so many others and what he and Sienna have accomplished in the SCW along with the people they have hurt, including taking my son, oh no, it does not. But if I could go back in time and stop myself from saying those things and walking out on our marriage, basically throwing him into Sienna’s arms, I would. Granted, I am happy now. Scott and I have a very good relationship and surprisingly even with his storied past, he has become someone I trust and care about deeply. We ALL make mistakes. Perfection was a state of mind, everyone knows that true Perfection doesn’t exist, it’s what we make out of our lives and at what level we feel is perfect for us as individuals. Peyton, I am not asking you to tell me what is going on, I am simply offering my help.”
Peyton: “I need to take care of this alone.”
Kelcey: “I can respect that, but I know it’s more than just this problem, it’s the SCW. I can see it in your eyes, I watched Breakdown last week, your demeanor says it all.”
Peyton: “I hate it.”
Kelcey: “Don’t say that. Peyton, the only thing I can tell you is that you’re too reserved, and what I mean about that is there are times to fight and there are times to respect, by watching what happens and then react. How many times are you going to sell yourself short?”
Peyton: “I don’t sell myself short.”
Kelcey: “You do, love. Out of UWA, you didn’t think of going to SCW when you were ready, scared and very self-conscience, instead you spent a year in EMERGE and while successful, look at Owen.”
Peyton: “I’m not Owen.”
Kelcey: “No, you were better prepared than he was. What about this Battle Royal? Passing on an opportunity to become a World Champion, why?”
Peyton: “I wasn’t ready, I want to earn the title shot and…”
Kelcey: “No, damn it Peyton you ARE ready, again selling yourself short and while it is admirable to want and earn a shot, who says you haven’t yet? Therefore, anything that comes, you take it and show them that you have EARNED it. This “Hate” of the current status of the SCW? It’s not you.”
Lowering her head, Peyton couldn’t even look into Kelcey’s bright blue eyes, it was hard for Peyton to say this because, she loved SCW and the opportunities given to her. Her personal issues weighed in, the constant interference and backstabbing was becoming a pandemic. She wasn’t speaking about it but showed on the last Breakdown some of that frustration boiling….
Kelcey: “Hate is a strong word, I personally know how much you love SCW. You were the Rookie of the Year in 2019, they saw what you brought, one of the longest reigning TV Champions, an undefeated EMERGE Champion, the winner of the Ricky Octavius Memorial Tournament and beaten some of the best in the industry. Unfortunately, things like what you’re experiencing happens. I don’t know how many times I was scolded, cheated and betrayed. We take the good with the bad and sometimes Peyton, it feels like the walls are closing in on you and there is no room to breathe, right?”
Peyton: “Yes, and I have kept it in. I don’t care if I win or lose on my own skill and merit, it’s when stuff like the last Breakdown happens that drives me crazy. I wanted to beat Bree… after what she did to you and Rachel Tatum Lee? You don’t know how bad I wanted to win that match and then I was screwed out of it. I feel like I let you down and now I am teaming with Jordan, Kelsai and Ace. What he did to you….”
Kelcey again quickly cuts in, grabbing Peyton’s hand and leading her to sit on the bed. After they get comfortable, the Perfect Ten brushes her hair back…
Kelcey: “There is something about Trios that brings the best in people. I wasn’t a fan of AJ Helms or Casey Holiday when I won my last Trios, but we did work as a team. I know Ace well, yes, he can be a clown, someone that doesn’t always take things seriously yet when he shows up to the ring, the guy comes to wrestle and he is one of the best. Ace is a winner, no and or ifs about it. Jordan and you have history, talk to her. Get on the same page, Kelsai isn’t a problem, she wants a Trios. Have faith in yourself, your ability and most of all try to trust your team. There is no Scarlet on this team and even when you draft, you can choose at least one and the chances of getting another great team member are high. You can do this, Peyton… trust yourself and believe in the team. I imagine Ace wants to get everyone together?”
Peyton: “He does, though I don’t know what he has in mind, some team building exercises or something, I don’t know.”
Kelcey: “Try your best, love that is all I ask. As for Bree? She’s a bitch and will always hate me for the whole Blake thing. Honestly between you and I, she will get hers. Much of a talent she is, doesn’t matter, her attitude leaves a hole in her legacy. You can defeat her and hopefully the next time you face her, I’ll be there to see it.”
Peyton: “Promise?”
Kelcey: “Promise, I won’t leave you again, love…. Ever.”
Peyton tries to hold back her tears as Kelcey leans in and they embrace. Finally, she lets out some of her frustration, muttering the words….
Peyton: “I’m sorry.”
Resting her head on Kelcey’s shoulder.
One Hour Later
Ricky Octavius Memorial Youth Center
East Los Angeles
Kelcey had left shortly after their talk, Peyton was able to take a small power nap then decided to shower up and put on some ripped skinny jeans, White Converse, a designer hoodie and a white halter top, perfectly made-up and take a drive to Ricky’s memorial statue at the Youth Center though she was aware that Sienna had threatened to recently close it. She hadn’t been since the holidays, all the traveling and time spent with her family, the tournament in EMERGE, she found herself quite busy and out of town. After driving for about half an hour, it was the late afternoon, early evening, the sun was still up, light though would be gone in an hour. While it wasn’t the best of neighborhoods, the youth center itself was immaculate yet the parking lot was empty. Before she was able to get out of the car she received a text from Warren Dowling. She opened it…
“Are you trying to ignore me? I thought we had a deal. Pey, I like you a lot and it seems like Tessa likes your dad a lot too so let’s make this easy okay? I don’t want to blackmail you into this, I want it to be a partnership. Hit me up, is the deal still on?
Peyton let out a sigh typing back….
“Yes, it’s still on, I just need a little more time figuring everything out, give me a week, okay?”
Waiting for a response, it came back…
“Alright, one week, I will call you then.”
Typing back, she wrote…
“Thank You.”
After hanging up, Peyton stepped out of her Audi and walked toward the statue of Ricky, as the young Rice stepped closer, she could see some trash on the ground, the center doors were locked with chains, it saddened her that this had to happen….
Yet she was not ready for this.
Walking up she noticed someone spray painted “BITCH” across Ricky’s chest. Peyton started to shake in anger; her eyes began to tear up….
Peyton: “No…. no…. no…..”
She quickly climbed the stand to the statue, grabbing her hoodie and taking it off, trying to rub the paint off rapid and desperately….
Peyton: “Why!? WHY!? Would they do this! Ricky… I am so sorry; I will clean this up… I swear!”
Panicked, she even spit on it and tried to rub it off. The statue was covered in bird droppings, dust, leaves, it hadn’t been maintained in weeks. She continued to clean it, then realizing it was doing nothing, she hopped off and ran to the car. Peeling out, she headed to the local store where she bought the chemicals to clean.
Peyton rushed back, spraying what she had purchased and trying to scrub what she could of it off his chest. She was there for over an hour before it was finally gone. Exhausted, Peyton slowly dropped to the ground, leaning against the base where his name and history was written. Leaning her head back she looked up at the statue before tears started to steam down her face…
It was then she knew, this chapter will never be closed.
EPILOGUE: TEAM BUILDING EXERCISES
Peyton was skeptical to what Ace Marshall and team had planned. To know that they had a shot to Captain Trios Tournament teams was a great opportunity come true and something they could all have an advantage to win though the third member would be drafted randomly. What Peyton didn’t know was that this meeting on a boat on a wintery Grand Lakes in Chicago would actually set sail into the water where Ace basically had some sort of Boot Camp with Asher Hayes. At first Peyton wasn’t thrilled but 4 Tequila Shots later which she herself couldn’t believe that she participated in and the young Rice had loosened up, finding herself in a pool full of lubricant, wrestling Jordan Majors, a rival of hers and actually having fun with it while annoying Jordan. Peyton was so wound tight over everything that had been going on with her life that she let loose some, starting to buy in into Ace’s zaniness which seemed like it was working even if it involved sex toys.
After they wrestled, Peyton was declared the winner, they took more shots and she was pretty drunk already as it was. She didn’t want anyone to know what was going on that boat. Asher and Ace wanted them both to shower together while Kelsai Adamson-Mason chose to be the good one.
The Jolly Roger
Grand Lakes
Chicago, IL.
1.23.2020
Peyton Rice was asking herself how the hell did she get on this boat and why did she ever agree to it. From Ace Marshall dressed like a Pirate to Asher Hayes dressed like a bad B-Movie, High School Gym Coach. It was called a Team Building project, after the emotions which Peyton had felt throughout the last month, and getting Alistaire’s blessing even if he didn’t know what was going on the boat though she was pretty sure he could take a guess as Ace was his mentor, Peyton was surprisingly relaxed after the initial start and the dart game. Peyton started off on Ace’s team but an awkward conversation between her and him early on the trip forced Ace to pair up with Jordan and Peyton with Asher. The alcohol helped her ease up and let loose a little, this was probably turning out to be one of the better ideas where she could just forget all her crap and have fun with the team building exercises.
Peyton was bundled up in jeans, sneakers and a warm hoodie. As Asher was breaking down the dart game and Ace had his hand bandaged from the bullseye Jordan Majors scored on him, he walked over to her while still wearing his Pirate gear…
Peyton: “Are you going to take that stupid thing off?”
Ace: “Parlay! Are you going to stop cucking Ali?”
Her eyes widen, jaw almost dropped to the ground, it looked pretty clear that one slipped out of Ace and he knew it, no turning back now, grinning he reached over with his injured hand and grabbed the bear which slipped and spilled all over her shoes, quickly hopping out of the way, she yelled…
Peyton: “REALLY!?”
Ace: “Let me grab you another…”
Peyton: “No, forget the beer, what is this crap about me cucking Ali? Is it because I’m living with Owen?”
Ace: “If he was living with let’s say…. Jordan….”
Peyton: “She’s a lesbian, I could care less.”
Ace: “Uh…. Bad example, okay what if he was living with Kelsai…”
Peyton: “She’s married to Victor and never cheat on him.”
Ace: “Damn it…. Work with me here….”
Peyton: “Fine, Kandis.”
Ace: “For fucks sake, her ass would swallow him whole.”
Peyton: “You asked, I answered.”
Ace: “Alright, Kandis, would you be pissed?”
Peyton: “Yeah, because I know she would try to sleep with him, she’s promiscuous.”
Ace: “I see what you did there.”
Peyton: “Point is Ace, Owen and I are friends, the living arrangements is convenient, I don’t make the money you guys do. One day, maybe. It’s not like I can live with Ali!”
Ace: “I can tell you’re sexually frustrated.”
Asher’s ears and eyes piqued. Asher and Peyton have had conversation before this cruise on Twitter, she was always fond of him and the style, he seemed to like her too, every part of it. Ace caught it…
Ace: “Calm down Sandusky…… so…. You don’t have sex.”
Peyton: “That is none of your business!”
Ace: “Asher…. We need the tequila.”
Asher gives a thumbs up as Ace turns back to Peyton with a grin on his face. Peyton was not amused, no matter what he has done to make Ali a better wrestler or if better person can even be spoken in the same sentence. Peyton was about to walk away but was met with a Tequila shot by a bandaged Ace hand. Jordan and Kelsai looked on, Kelsai seemed to be the cheerleader this whole trip…
Kelsai: “GO FOR IT PEY!”
Jordan: “You do know that is Tequila, not Sprite Zero.”
Kelsai: “Oh… ugh…. Pey don’t do i……. Whuigqiubviqbiuqnuvnou3nvuuo4nounonuhwiufiubniuwbn….!”
Jordan: “Please continue.”
That was Kelsai trying to speak while Jordan smothered her hand over the chatty mouth of the girl that LOVES YOU ALL! She then turned to Pey and winked, wanting to see her demolished, not realizing that soon she would be next….
Peyton: “You seriously want me to drink that after accusing me of cucking my boyfriend and prying into my sex life?”
Ace: “You’re right, I should’ve started off proper and with formalities, so here we go…. Are you a virgin?”
Peyton: “For crying out loud…”
Without another word, she takes the shot and shoots it down her throat, wincing, it burned, when Peyton finally let out a huge…..
Peyton: “Fuck….”
Ace: “YES!”
Asher blew the whistle repeatedly before it flew out of his mouth and he screamed instead. Jordan looked on with an annoyed smirk and Kelsai looked like she was ready to cry. Peyton slammed the shot glass on the table and sighed…
Peyton: “No, I’m not and no, he is saving himself for marriage.”
Ace: “I am so sorry…. For you.”
Peyton: “Oh shut up… oh and you sucked as a mentor.”
Ace: “I’m offended, he always grabbed me coffee in a timely manner! Asher, she’s on your team now!”
At this point Peyton didn’t care, she was annoyed and ready to get off the ship but one thing about Rice, she always saw the bigger picture and a Trios Contract, a guaranteed captain and the chance to draft your own member. Peyton took a deep breath and walked over to Asher, standing next to him, making him feel wanted. Her eyes glared over at Ace who smirked then winked, because Peyton had absolutely no clue what was coming next….
An Hour Later
The thought she wrestled in a pool of lube with sex toys was beyond her comprehension, luckily, she had quite a few shots of Tequila before this even happened. After the initial little spat with Ace, Peyton started to get a little wild, it was remedy, she needed this in a very weird kind of way. Peyton was proud of herself, beating Jordan again seemed like another moral victory though it didn’t mean a thing in the real world. She stumbled a little, covers in lube that simply was pouring down to her feet. Her hair was soaked, clothing gelatinized. Jordan was not amused at all. Ace handed the two ladies towels, though he offered to take their clothing right there. Peyton actually thought out it for a second, shrugging her shoulders and dropping her shorts, Asher’s eyes widen seeing her in a thong, Ace Marshall could just smile while Jordan rolled her eyes and Kelsai rushed to grab a towel or anything to cover her up. Peyton smirked and dropped the shorts at Ace’s feet. Asher lost all concentration and motor skills, Ace stood there, remembering he was married, and this was his protégé’s cucking girlfriend as Kelsai ran in and wrapping her up in the towel….
Ace: “Now to finish the exercise, I need you two showering together, I think it will build trust, camaraderie and remind Asher he’s a man.”
Jordan: “No.”
Peyton: “I’m showering first.”
Peyton walked into the cabin of the boat, Ace and Asher looked on, as he then turned to Jordan….
Ace: “What kind of lesbian are you?”
Jordan: “Whatever.”
She responded, walking out and kicking a dildo that was on lying on the deck almost hitting Kelsai whose reactionary senses grabbed it then freaked out, bobbling the slimy thing in her hands before it falling on the deck again causing her to run after Peyton. Jordan shook her head and walked off, Ace turning to Asher…
Ace: “I think this is working.”
About half an hour had passed. Peyton was sitting on the bow of the boat, watching it the waves splash as it trollies though the icy Grand Lakes. Peyton was in a long sleeve Under Armour thermal shirt, matching tights, ankle socks and warm slippers with a beanie on her head trying to sober up as she was pretty drunk. Looking down on her phone the reception was spotty at best. She could hear someone sneaking up from the back, her motor skills were a bit slow, as Jordan sits a few feet from her….
Peyton: “What?”
Jordan: “I don’t know why I am back here to be honest.”
Peyton: “It’s the tequila.”
Jordan: “Probably. We actually wrestled in a lube pool. I know that we don’t like each other, and Ace probably thinks we are torn ex-lovers, but truth be told, I think we need to keep this and the kiss to ourselves; don’t you agree?”
Peyton: “I think both of us would benefit from that, or we will be single. Though I think you liked it.”
Jordan: “And excite Asher, he still thinks he can bring me to the dark side because we are both from Chicago and no, I hated it.”
Peyton: “Welcome home, I guess. Much warmer where I live.”
Jordan: “Arizona, right?”
Peyton: “Yeah, Arizona. Look, seriously and part of this is the alcohol talking, I am a cheap date, but I am a loving, smart drunk. We need to work together, no matter how we feel about one another, I hope you agree.”
Jordan nodded, somewhat reluctantly, she knew Peyton was right and though there was animosity between the two, she felt comfortable sitting and talking with her. It was probably the Tequila…
Jordan: “I do, for a Trios, right?”
Peyton: “Yeah. Alright, good talk.”
As Peyton goes to stand up, Jordan seemed like she wanted to get something off her chest, this was a better time than any since the liquid courage was flowing deep within her veins…
Jordan: “Haven’t you ever wondered why I dislike you so much?”
Peyton: “No. After you hired those goons, The Network to jump my team last year before our match, I didn’t care why you disliked me, I figured it was another self-entitled brat who had a ton of money and decided to waste it on nothing but to make herself look cool. I never thought it was any deeper than that.”
Jordan: “You make a good point.”
Peyton: “But if you are willing to share, I am willing to listen.”
Peyton sits back down, folding her arms, giving Jordan her full attention….
Jordan: “It was Owen.”
Peyton: “Owen? Why the hell does everyone think I am sleeping with Owen? I have never even kissed him, I see him as my younger brother, that is it. Sure, we live together, we have known each other a long time, while I was training back three years ago, almost four. I knew him since he was like fifteen. My name isn’t Peyton Robinson, I will never see Owen in that way and our mutual friend was Ricky, he knew how much I loved him and now I’m with Ali. Why Owen?”
Jordan: “He broke Jaina’s heart, Peyton!”
Peyton: “Jordan, I am sorry that happened, but this was all made up by insecurities and assumptions. I would never get in the way of anyone’s relationship, you have to believe me here.”
Jordan: “Her heart was broken; I mean things turned out okay as we are together now but that’s not the point. If you really wanted to know, now you have it.”
Peyton: “Okay, fair enough.”
Jordan: “You think I am this terrible person, I’m not.”
Peyton: “I don’t and I didn’t think my opinion of you mattered.”
Jordan: “It doesn’t.”
Peyton nods and goes to stand back up….
Peyton: “Right… you know, I came on this boat to get away from stuff. I have been wearying of the SCW culture for a while and things I have been dealing with in my personal life. If you don’t like me, I don’t know what else I can do to change your mind. I’m not a big fan of yours either, but I at least know right from wrong which is why I helped you when Infamous decided to attack after our TV Title match. I don’t think you’re a bad person Jordan, I just think that who you are and what you portray are two different entities and I think the one you portray sucks.”
As Peyton once again tried to stand, Jordan sighed, turning to her….
Jordan: “Your father is the most important person in your life, right?”
Peyton: “Yes, he is. Why?”
Jordan: “So is my mother who I have been through hell with when she was an alcoholic. I don’t know why I am telling you this, but my mom blamed me for my dad leaving. She would abuse me physically and mentally. I don’t know, Pey. It seems like ever since I was able to get this money, all I wanted to do was live int his shell outside my own circumference. I wanted to live life a little, feel important, wanted or hated, liked or disliked, it didn’t matter, I wanted the attention, people to look up at me. It’s hard keeping appearances.”
That last sentence struck a nerve with Peyton as she sat back down and listened to Jordan…
Jordan: “Somehow I get the feeling; you know what I mean.”
Peyton: “I do.”
Jordan: “See this….”
Jordan combs her hair back showing a scar on her upper forehead, Peyton sees it, her green eyes turn and face Jordan…
Jordan: “I could easily forget my mother and move on, but I can’t, I won’t. Leaving her alone to fight those demons, what kind of daughter am I? That scar is a daily reminder of what I went through and why I fight. You may not agree with my tactics at times or the decisions I made, that’s fair but don’t judge me just on that Peyton. Just like I won’t judge you on who you perceive to be in the SCW.”
Peyton: “And what is that?”
Jordan: “Ms. Your Shit Doesn’t Stink, Perfect in every way, the most trusted and liked female on the roster. We all wear masks, Peyton.”
Peyton: “I’m not that and we do but I don’t share my stories.”
As she stood up, Jordan closes her eyes and sighs, there was a bit of anger behind it, knowing she opened up to Peyton but did not return the gesture, this was supposed to be team building and trust, even they are both drunk….
Jordan: “That’s it. Huh? I spill my guts and you still keep appearances? I thought we were supposed to start building trust, bitch.”
Peyton stops and turns, walks right in front of Jordan who looks up at the gorgeous Arizona native. Peyton doesn’t look happy at all, pointing her finger right at Jordan…
Peyton: “What do you want me to tell you, huh!? What deep dark secret do you want to know!? The fact that when my father had his crippling accident he was confined to a wheelchair, my mother and older sister left and at 17 years old I had to take care of him? To pay for college tuition, the rent and put food on the table on top of taking care of my father’s medical bills that were not covered by the Fire Department, I worked as an escort and hated every second of it so I got out soon as I could and almost six years later they are haunting me again and basically begging me to pay back the money they lost when I left which I don’t have, it’s like 3 Million which is nuts, I wouldn’t have ever made that much or they are going to tell my dad where he will be crushed? There you go Jordan, one of my deepest, and darkest secrets. I am sorry about your mother, I really am and everything you went through, it was wrong, but I try to be a good person who makes dumb mistakes and bad decisions at times. Now that I told you something that no one else doesn’t know, I am now going to pass out and regret it all when I wake up and probably jump overboard in hopes I freeze to death and not have to hear the story come out.”
Jordan: “Peyton…”
She wouldn’t get through to her, Peyton walked away, she couldn’t stand there anymore, she was tired, drunk and now upset with herself. Jordan sat there for a moment a bit shocked at what Peyton told her. She could use that against her just like Rice could do the same with her though hers was more damaging and instead she didn’t think that. After about ten minutes, Jordan stood up, she could hear Ace and Asher talking over beers at the front of the boat, Kelsai was in the upper cabin reading. Jordan knocked on Peyton’s door but there was no answer. She slowly opened the door to see her in the fetal position already asleep on the bed. She didn’t even take off her slippers which Jordan did. She stood there for a second staring at her before turning to her purse on the counter. Jordan looks over her shoulder, where Peyton still hasn’t moved. She reaches out her phone but can’t unlock it, luckily, it’s an iPhone 11 Pro, holding it up to Peyton’s face it unlocks with Face ID.
Searching through her phone she sees her PayPal address, then places it down and grabs her own, typing in some dollars and cents, she hits send, then grabs Peyton’s phone and sees it has been transferred. Jordan smirks, placing the phone back in her purse and lying hers on the table.
As Jordan goes to leave, she starts feeling like she too needs to lay down, kicking off her shoes and laying next to Peyton, where it only took seconds before she passed out.
2 Hours Later
Ace and Asher are both leaning against the doorway looking at Jordan spooning Peyton, both women are dead asleep. Ace extends his hands as Asher grumbles, pulling out a $100 dollar bill. Ace smirks and pats him on the back…
Ace: “Told you it would work. Now we need to take pictures, make up some good stories out of those photos.”
Asher simply smiles and grabs the camera phone…
The Next Day
Chicago’s West Side
2.24.20
The strip club was an epic failure. While Ace believed having male strippers would be a good thing, he didn’t count on a prude in Kelsai and obviously Jordan found men disgusting. Ace and Asher were not there for muscular thongs, though they tried to even strip themselves which got a “raise”, the only one who seemed to enjoy herself a little though felt a bit bad looking was Peyton. She didn’t say much, instead she just watched. Peyton had on a red dinner dress, black designer jacket and thigh high black boots, looking ready to kill. Asher and Ace were quite impressed with how she dressed, Kelsai seemed to have on a very unflattering long dress with sleeves and ruffles on her neck, Jordan was black pants, a cute blue halter and jacket with ankle boots, Ace and Asher were dressed to the nines. After the Strip Club seemed to bore the hell out of Ace, he took the girls to another place in Chicago, Pilsen to be exact. They arrived at a warehouse where some big Spanish men were standing guard…
Ace: “Orale vato locos!”
Spanish Guard: “That’s Mexican, we are Puerto Rican.”
Ace: “Well shit, uhhh…. Que paso mama bichos!”
Peyton: “My good friend is Hispanic, so I have picked up a few things from her and I’m pretty sure you just called them ummm…..”
Peyton leans in and whispers in his ear “Cock Sucker”, Ace’s eyes widen….
Ace: “Mi amigos!”
Asher looks ready to fight but smiles, trying to ease the tension, instead Peyton steps in, she looks up at the two men and smiles…
Peyton: “Perdona mis amigos, ello son gringos locos y le gustan a hacer risa.”
The Spanish guards laugh and open the door…
Spanish: “Eres una munequa mamacita, por favor entra.”
Peyton: “Gracias.”
Peyton turns to the group….
Peyton: “Come on we are in, I’m glad I listened to her parents speak and took those lessons in Spanish. They really helped when you are traveling a dangerous part of City in the ice-cold weather in front of some creepy warehouse and two huge Puerto Rican’s standing guard because yeah, this isn’t weird at all, ACE!”
Ace: “I don’t know what you said to him…”
Peyton: “I said you two were crazy white guys that liked to make people laugh…. But aren’t funny.”
Ace: “Okay, Ali doesn’t deserve you, and just surpassed the other two in hotness points. When you dump Ali, you need totally date my man, Asher.”
Peyton: “He’s too old.”
Ace: “Ouch.”
Jordan: “Where are we?”
Ace: “A buddy of mine, well a drug dealer I know told me about this place last time I was in Chicago. Always wanted to come and why not now?”
As they walk in the Salsa music was blasting, there was a dance floor where many were on having a good time. In the distance there was a pig being roasted, a buffet line with sorullos, empanadas, Acapurria’s, bacalaitos and croquettes. It was a Puerto Rican feast. Before the three girls knew it, Asher is standing in front of them with Coconuts and straws…
Ace: “See? I told you girls, TEAM BUILDING! Strip Club was a flop, now we can dance a little salsa, drink some coconuts with a little rum, eat some pig and all kinds of stuff I have no idea what it is.”
Peyton: “You know what Ace, you’re okay.”
Ace: “My heart has warmed up, just remember that at Day of Infamy.”
Jordan: “Yeah, you’re alright, Ace and Asher.”
Ace: “Don’t get excited dude, she still digs chicks.”
Kelsai: “OMG! I love Puerto Rican food!”
She runs off to the food, Peyton starts to move her body and hit the dance floor, Jordan follows as Ace and Asher watch the fruits of their labor as the two start to dance, Asher joins them. A Man by the name of Jose walks up to Ace….
Jose: “Hey, mano, como estas?”
Ace: “Jose! Arriba derci or whatever, thanks for having us, are we all set?”
Jose: “Oh jes, hermano. I got joo the best one all on that one?”
Ace: “Yes, Hurricane Maria is the name right?”
Jose: “Jes, rightfully so. It’s starting soon.”
Ace: “Excellent we’re right here.”
After Ace finishes talking to Jose, he walks over to the dance floor, Peyton, Jordan and Asher are dancing, Kelsai is eating some Puerto Rican goodies as the crowd starts to center around the space by the dance floor. Peyton stops and looks over in curiosity, Ace is there watching the setup….
Peyton: “What are they doing?”
Ace: “Setting up for the main attraction.”
Peyton: “What is the main Attraction, Ace?”
All he does is smile, as two men bring out cages, her eyes widen, Kelsai slowly makes her way over as does Asher and Jordan, they start collecting best and money as people scream who they want to win…
Peyton: “ACE!?”
Ace: “What? You weren’t interested in dicks at the strip club, so how about a little cockfighting!?
Peyton: “Oh my Go….”
As Peyton finished her sentence, the two cocks were let loose and they began to fight. Peyton stood there watching in horror wondering how the hell did she ever get in this mess….
Just as Kelsai screamed while Ace cheered.
SCENE FADES
Diary Entry
1.24.2020
“What the heck have I done?
I have gone against everything I believe in and acted a fool, why?
To have a little camaraderie with my teammates and hopefully beat a Syren led team at Day of Infamy so we can be Team Captains? I do have morals, I may not always show them but one thing I do know is people who try to be kind, considerate and do the right thing don’t wrestle in lube filled pools with sex toys, they don’t and blow if off, which is probably a poor choice of words but they are my thoughts, so whatever. I thought it was funny, I know that was the tequila talking, I don’t do very well with hard liquor, hence why I hardly ever try to drink it or do it in the privacy of my own home…
Because honestly, I am so afraid to portray a negative image of myself and not be truthful to me and the those I consider close. I know Ace Marshall though, he is always a wild, very eccentric guy who doesn’t give a damn about anything. Maybe I needed to loosen up a little though half the night was a huge blur and waking up next to a rival and seeing what she did for me was awkward and I don’t know how to respond. My dad always told me I was entitled to have a little bit of fun, let go sometimes, I’m too serious, relax and I tried, I don’t know, I felt free in a way but at the same time I felt dirty. Here I go again as I sit in the cabin, just finished touching up my toe nail polish, somehow the crap we wrestled in screwed up my nails, and then we go on to see strange things like roosters trying to kill each other, what am I doing, why am I here?
Trying to justify myself is stupid, a waste of time so yet again I need to stop worrying about Warren and Tessa Dowling, I need to stop worrying about my dad, what Kelcey would think since this is the guy whop beat her for the World Title on her last run and here I am entertaining them with so many underlining definitions which make me want to jump overboard but if the hypothermia doesn’t kill me, something in that water would.
The one thing that really chaps my butt though, is I was wrong about Jordan Majors.
I take a lot of pride being a good judge of character and this simply reinforces that I was responsible for Ricky’s death for if I had believed him and been a better judge of character, I would have trusted and never pushed him again. I guess you learn something new about people and Jordan is no different. Whether I was intoxicated or not, my playful part came out and I wanted to agitate her, could be a little revenge for what she had done to me the last couple of previous encounters and now it seems like I understand her better.
The scary part is I liked this time away, what Ace and Asher have done has actually worked.
Even if it was at the expense of my morality.”
THE PERFECT OPPORTUNITY
The Scene Opens….
Millennium Park is a public park located in the Loop community area of Chicago in Illinois operated by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and managed by MB Real Estate. The park was originally intended to celebrate the third millennium and is a prominent civic center near the city’s Lake Michigan, shoreline that covers a 24.5-acre section of northwestern Grant Park. The area was previously occupied by parkland, Illinois Central’s rail yards, and parking lots. The park, which is bounded by Michigan Avenue, Randolph Street, Columbus Drive and East Monroe Drive, features a variety of public art. As of 2009, Millennium Park trailed only Navy Pier as a Chicago tourist attraction and by 2017 it had become the number one tourist attraction in the Midwestern United States. In 2015, the park became the location of the city’s annual Christmas Tree lighting.
Planning of the park began in October 1997. Construction began in October 1998, and Millennium Park was opened in a ceremony on July 16, 2004, four years behind schedule. The three-day opening celebrations were attended by some 300,000 people and included an inaugural concert by the Grant Park Orchestra and Chorus. The park has received awards for its accessibility and green design. Millennium Park has free admission, and features the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Cloud Gate, the Crown Fountain, the Lurie Garden, and various other attractions. The park is connected by the BP Pedestrian Bridge and the Nichols Bridgeway to other parts of Grant Park. Because the park sits atop a parking garage and the commuter rail Millennium Station, it is considered the world’s largest rooftop garden.
Some observers consider Millennium Park the city’s most important project since the World’s Colombian Exposition of 1893. It far exceeded its originally proposed budget of $150 million. The final cost of $475 million was borne by Chicago taxpayers and private donors. The city paid $270 million; private donors paid the rest and assumed roughly half of the financial responsibility for the cost overruns. The construction delays and cost overruns were attributed to poor planning, many design changes, and cronyism. Many critics have praised the completed park.
In 2017, Millennium Park was the top tourist destination in Chicago and the Midwest and placed among the top ten in the United States with 25 million annual visitors. Here is where we find the beautiful Peyton Rice, a young woman who was the second longest reigning TV Champion and also the SCW Rookie of the Year award winner in 2019. She has had a great second half of the year as the first one was more of an adjustment period from EMERGE to the SCW. Peyton also won the Ricky Octavius Invitational Tournament defeating the likes of Sierra Swann, Jennifer Helms in the finals and Selena Frost. Now she has a chance to enter a match with Ace Marshall, Kelsai Adamson-Mason and a rivalry of hers, Jordan Majors with a chance to be team captains and draft one member to help win a Trios Contract. Wearing tan pants, white boots and a matching coat, gloves and beanie, the gorgeous Peyton stands next to the Silver Globe on this wintery day where there is some snowfall, breathing some mist as she turns for the camera….
REC:
Peyton leans against the structure, her green eyes to the camera as she speaks in her cute, girly voice while at the same time she is bothered by things going on in the SCW….
“I’m an Arizona girl that doesn’t get a lot of snow so when I get the chance to be outside and see it come down like this is exciting. I must admit the last three months have been quite challenging for me in many ways, after losing the TV title to my good friend, Aaron Blackbourne, I hit the reset button and focused my attention on something broader, my SCW career and not just individual goals. I’m not going to lie to you fans, standing here in the beautiful Millennium Park, next to this thing that looks like a huge blob of mercury, as I can see my reflection, I don’t always like what I am looking at because I know that strength comes from within and many times, I tend to sell myself short, feeling weak. I did it before EMERGE coming out of the UWA and I am doing it now. Maybe I wasn’t prepared for the culture of the SCW, I definitely had a taste of it in EMERGE as it’s champion, which is why the Ricky Octavius Memorial Tournament was so important to me winning, it was about wrestling, what this sport is supposed to mean and how Ricky went about it. I don’t know if I was ever ready or so damn naïve to the point I didn’t think people would be cheating, backstabbing and the skullduggery which has become common practice in the SCW and I am sure most of you saw that I was not happy about the results between Bree Lancaster and myself a few weeks back and for good reason…
I’m sick of it.
I came to the greatest wrestling company in the world because unlike many, this was my dream. I was a huge wrestling fan as a kid, I never knew a girl like me, my size would ever be taken serious and then my peers, the SCW Universe and those in the promotion voted me as the 2019 Rookie of the Year, making it extra special, knowing that my hard work and dedication to this profession didn’t go unnoticed, so THANK YOU! This is my life, I do it for my dad, making sure he has a roof over his head and able to live a normal and productive life. All I want to do is go out there, win or lose on my own talent NOT robbed, getting better as I go. Watching Kimberly Williams attack Bree after she was trying to leave thanks to Damian Angel which I still don’t know to this day what his deal is, really upset me because this was a match I not only wanted, but it was one that I could have won, taking nothing from Bree, there is a reason she is the United States Champion, I just can’t ignore the derogatory things she has said and done to my mentor. We are here to make a living and hone our craft, it is our chosen professions, this is what we do and to see people trying to take that away from others really makes me angry. From Alistaire Allocco at the hands of Clyde Sutter to innocent fans in the crowd trying to enjoy a show and Selena Frost thanks to Xander Valentine to finally Rachel Tatum Lee, it is out of control! Jordan Majors getting jumped by Infamous, they turn around and attack James Evans, so does the Wonderland, I don’t get it….
That is why this match at Day of Infamy is so important to me on all scales…
Winning a Trios contract makes a difference.
When I first came to the SCW last January, exactly one year ago, I promised to myself that my goals and attitude would never change, to be the woman my father raised, not some caricature on TV, pretending to be this and that, what you see in the ring and on the air is the same person I am outside of it, I have no gimmicks, just Peyton Rice, it might be boring, but it is still me, like the old saying goes, “Be the person your dog thinks you are”, which is an oath I made to my dad and myself, no matter how hard things are, no matter how frustrated or angry I get, I stay the course because yes, I am human and I do get upset, I am like everyone else, there are times I am mad, thinking to myself why I even do this and then when I come to work excited to wrestle and have the honor of being called an SCW Superstar, being a part of a company that has revolutionized wrestling no matter its faults, that is when I can look back at the reflection of Peyton Rice and remember what Kelcey Wallace did for this promotion. Remember what Ricky Octavius did for the sport, remember why growing up as a little girl, I looked up to these top stars that I climb into the ring with now when I was twelve, thirteen years old even if now they are nothing who I believed they were…..
And again, it all starts with a Trios.
This match at Day of Infamy is one of the most important in my short time here in the SCW, it’s a second chance at gaining a Contract that will give me any match I want. Kelcey was right, Owen was right, even Chris Cannon back before all this happened with him and Sienna was right….
I don’t just belong here, I am a part of this roster and in 2020 I will not only walk out a Trios Winner, I am going to put some more gold around my waist and climb the mountain to the very top and become a World Champion…
Because after the End of the Year Battle Royal, and my decision not to enter as I felt I hadn’t earned it, now in hindsight 20/20, I understand it was a missed opportunity and while I want to admit it or not, someone who was close to me once said, I need to adapt or perish….
Well, I am ready to adapt.”
With conviction in her voice, Peyton starts to walk a little in the park, tucking the hands in her side pockets. She has had quite the adventurous last few days, finally is all cleaned up, had a healthy breakfast, sober and ready to take on Team Syren and her squad of wrestlers vying to win the match and become Team Captains. Peyton has been frustrated with a lot of things in SCW, with things in her personal life but is now laser focused and ready for her next chapter in 2020. She turns and speaks…
“One of my biggest faults has become the inability to trust others. I lost that in the last year and maybe the problem lies within myself. I don’t trust my judge of character anymore, it had a lot to do with Ricky’s death and while his killer is now behind bars, it doesn’t change the fact I have always blamed myself for pushing him away which is why when I saw a Team led by Ace Marshall and the new rules pertaining to the Trios Tournament, at first it made me gulp, I felt a knot in my throat. I know a lot of wrestlers are wondering why they were not chosen as Team Captains or their fate now lies in either being drafted or hoping they get the random draw, all I know is I was chosen to be on a Team with Ace as Captain, Kelsai Adamson-Mason who I have a ton of respect and admiration for as we tore the house down at the Fan-fest right before RTG XVI, and finally one of my rivals in Jordan Majors who admittedly I had a strong dislike for but can say that I don’t feel this way anymore. I honestly thought that Ace was crazy, I didn’t trust him for many reasons. He was the mentor to my boyfriend, Alistaire Allocco. There is no secret he took him all the way to the World Championship in such a short time among other things. Ace also ended Kelcey’s last World Title Reign at RTG XIV, I remember sitting in the stands watching it unfold with my dad, you never forget moments like this so to say I had a little animosity and trust issues with Ace was an understatement, a foregone conclusion. I was hesitant about this team, I knew I couldn’t trust Jordan either, there was too much going on between us from the whole paying off the Network to attack my team back in Seattle last year to everything from the relationship of Owen and Jaina which to this day, people think there is something going on between us…
SPOILER ALERT: There isn’t.
The one thought which kept going through my head was Trios, and the sacrifices I needed to make to win the tournament.
This contract and the event itself will always bring strange bedfellows together, last year Scarlet Grey and Chris Cannon were my partners, Chris and I worked well together, this was before all that mess happened, Scarlet though ruined it so I understand what it is like to have a bad seed on a team that is out for themselves, this match though gives us a chance to choose one member and leave the other to fate, blind faith if you will which is what I needed when I agreed to join Ace, Jordan and Kelsai in some Team Building stuff the last few days and all I can say is Ace Marshall is frigging nuts which I knew already but Kelcey once told me….
He maybe a clown but when it comes to the ring, he gets it done, Ace is a winner.
It’s true, I can’t deny facts, Breakdown was proof of that when he scored a huge pinfall win over Syren which I’m sure rattled her cage a little. I look at my team now and think to myself, I feel a lot better about it. Sure, Ace is Ace, his wife is not someone to be trusted or turn your back on, she’s obviously a bit unstable, she seems like a loose cannon, to each their own. Jordan and I have come to a truce, a bit of an understanding and we both know this is about putting ourselves in a position to win, she was voted the Star of Tomorrow and I think we all know why. I can’t believe I am about to say this but I am glad to be on her side, I was wrong about her in some ways and yet again, here we go about my ability to judge someone’s character, we never know what a person will do or how they will react to certain situations and instead we are quick to point fingers. We will always be rivals but that doesn’t mean we can’t respect one another. Kelsai is a sweetheart and you could team her up with New Eden and she would make the best of it, which is why the new TV Champion, I am so happy to be next to in this fight, she earned the belt, defeating Katie Steward a legend, someone that I also defeated for the TV Championship. It’s about time that she finally was able to get some gold around her waist especially after the other week which like me, the same atrocities happened to her. It makes me smile when the good guys win which is why tomorrow night at the United Center, there is one woman on the opposing team who cannot get a Trios Contract and if she is to be in the tournament, it’s because someone had the guts to draft her or she was randomly chosen….
Syren.
Who along with her is an old nemesis of mine in EMERGE where we had our first experience in the SCW at Rise to Greatness XV, in Kandis. Also, on the team is a legend in Jake Starr who will be going up against his tag team partner and sis, Jordan Majors and the always fun-Loving Derek Adonis with Cookie by his side….
And somebody must lose…
It will NOT be us.”
She stops, looking away from the camera for a moment, thinking about how she is carefully going to address this. She was very uncomfortable at first with her team and now after the last few days, no matter what anyone says, she feels a lot better about her chances and having the experiences to be a part of what she feels is a well-oiled machine that understands what is on the line. Of course, after the match is over, if they do win, they must face each other, and order of elimination will determine where they get to choose in the draft. Peyton is looking at it in two steps, first win and be guaranteed a spot in Trios, then win and get a high pick for the draft. She turns and speaks….
“Remembering Trios last year in Miami was like yesterday, outside the event it was a special moment for Ricky and I, in the ring we were eliminated by Syren, Bree and Madison Steward, the bitter taste was still in my mouth because of the way we lost, thanks to Scarlet and her stupid games. I want to rectify it, get another chance and put Syren in the same position she put me in last year, on the outside looking in. Maybe someone will take the leap and draft her, but I would love to leave all that to chance. Kandis as well, I never agreed with her tactics, I respect the heck out of her in the ring, always had from our time in EMERGE but this is about something greater, an opportunity to change our lives and careers. Feeling like I’m my own worst enemies sucks. Hesitant about taking chances, risks have always been my problem sometimes I just need to close my eyes and take a huge leap of faith….
This is it.
Syren will always be Syren, I don’t think she will ever change, this is her true form, pounding she is the “Best in the World” over and over into the ground, throwing her accomplishments in our faces as a Hall of Famer and continuously making demands when she has no one but herself to blame for the slipped opportunities between her fingers. Her constant attacks, bounties and manipulation is old, and I have had enough! I think we all know that this Trios will give her a new lifeline, that is scary to think about her as World Champion, nothing will change and be back at square one. I can’t allow that to happen and I think Ace, Jordan and Kelsai all agree with me. Kandis knows what is at stake, but I have always had her number and plan to continue showing it. Jake Starr was a Trios winner a few years ago with Ace, he too gets it and a guy like Derek who not many people take seriously can change minds and opinions quickly with a contract….
Yet, much as I like the last two, I can’t let it happen and will do my part with my Team to make sure it doesn’t. I’m not going to hurl a bunch of insults here, there is no point, the time for talking is over. I look at the other match, two people I respect and adore greatly in Owen Cruze and Selena Frost face each other with their respective team and one of them too will be on the outside looking in. Is it fair? No, life never is, a lesson I have been learning quite often the last year, we just need to make the best with the hand dealt. Syren, I will never say your time is over, because it isn’t, I would never insult you in that way but what I will say is that now is the time for you to step to the side, because an evolution is happening, that next breed of wrestler is starting to make its mark in the SCW. People like Owen, Aaron, Ali, Jordan, Kelsai, Kandis and me to name a few are making their stand, we are the next level of star, a new decade and a new direction. It starts at Trios. The game changes, for all of us, this PPV sets the tone for 2020, we have seen a lot go on in 2019, some stays the same, which is why I won’t accept it….
I will instead change the culture doing my part, but not alone.
There is nothing wrong with doing what you feel is best for this business and the SCW. I simply want to compete and I am doing so along three individuals I trust now and if we are victorious, then it all goes back to wrestling each other and doing our best to get whatever pick we can and lead our teams to victory….
I like the sound of that.
It has been a tradition for years and Syren, Kandis, Jake and Derek, for some of you I really do hope that some way shape of form, you’re in the tourney, as for Syren, I can’t see anyone passing you up for a spot on their team and then again, you’ve burned so many bridges, it’s not always about choosing the best partner to win, it’s about choosing the right teammate….
And at Day of Infamy, I have the right ones.”
Brushing her hair back, she turns, tilting her head, glaring into the camera…
“Ace, Jordan and Kelsai understand this is about change…..
…. And when I walk out of Chicago, no matter what pick I have in the draft, the entire SCW roster and the Trios Tournament will know that Peyton Rice?
Isn’t just another “Pretty” face.”
Peyton winks and cracks a smile before backing up and slowly walking away from the camera.
FADE TO BLACK
/REC
Peyton Rice 