Diary Entry
6.8.2020
The road heading into Rise To Greatness is here. Another Breakdown in the books and I am cuddled up in bed ready to count sheep, I am really tired today both physically and mentally as a lot has been going on. Gosh where do I start?
Taking Hold of the Flame was a great experience, even though I really didn’t get to do what I wanted. To be in the ring with all those superstars was special, competing with the best. My number was eight, not exactly the best but it gave me a chance to go out there and compete for like 45 minutes is what I was told. Jordan Majors was out there for like 80 minutes, double my time, I’m sure she found that as a victory over me again, she seems to be petty when it comes to things concerning us. Anyway, it was also very cool to have my dad there, watching the whole thing unfold. I didn’t get to finish. Was eliminated by Xander Valentine, could have been earlier but Owen caught me as he was entering.
I wish I could have helped Owen and Alistaire more, I think it was the biggest regret I had in the whole match.
The biggest thing coming out of the weekend was my father visiting me, I know that Kelcey was the one who went and talked and convinced him to come and see me. I was pretty happy about it all and I think moving forward we need to start building our relationship more, it is going to take time for him to trust me again, see me for the woman I am and not the one he thinks, all I ever did was try to help him, I would never do anything like that again or then some. Having that connection, being able to talk to him and share my experiences is what really was missing from my life. Now that I think about it, I have lost a lot in the last year, and with the anniversary of Ricky’s death now, as he had died a few weeks before his body was found on June 20, 2019, the emotions are starting to resurface again, it was a really bad time in my life and if I am honest with myself?
I never was able to get over it.
I don’t know if Alistaire realizes that or not, recently he has experienced tragedy in his life too with the death of his stepfather. I wish I could do more for him, he definitely needs me right now and sometimes I don’t know how to be that rock for him, he can be complex at times, probably the most infuriating part of it all. I must be there for him, even if deep down inside I am an emotional wreck. Things are not always rosy and with a title defense in a week against Coach Tommy Valentine, I need to be on my game, because if I am not?
I won’t be Adrenaline Champion come Rise to Greatness.
Time to get some sleep.
XOXO
THE UNDERLYING TRUTH
CHAPTER ONE
PROLOGUE: THE FLAME
Taking Hold of the Flame lived up to it’s hype, there were surprises and the winner came out of nowhere and took the Flame, that being David Helms, a person who is very important in the life of Peyton Rice, he was one of a few coaches that gave her the opportunity and for him to finally win after coming out of retirement was a special moment for everyone especially in Newark, New Jersey, his hometown and state. For Peyton though, she had lasted over 45 minutes, it was her chance to show off some skills as the Adrenaline Champion, finding herself in a hot mess and being thrown out by Xander Valentine, the almost 7-foot monster. Peyton was content but not happy with her performance, feeling like she cheated herself and let down Kelcey. While she was impressive, there were others who had better success, like Jordan Majors who it seems like they have this little rivalry going. For Peyton though, she needed to put the even in the rear view, it was a great experience, her first ever, and lasting over 45 minutes is not too shabby at all for the young woman.
She was on the Road toward Rise to Greatness and as Adrenaline Champion, this was her time to be able to walk into the biggest event of the year with a marquee matchup. That is of course if she was still champion, and Peyton was going to be tested.
At least on a personal level it seemed like everything was okay. She and her father, Ray were on speaking terms again, the engagement with Ali was going great though with the death of his stepfather, Richard Herr, things seemed to be pretty difficult for Ali, though he was disguising them pretty well, at least leading into the Taking Hold of the Flame. A win for him and Main Eventing, Rise to Greatness again would have been a great feather on his cap, made him feel better, but Allocco wore a heart on his sleeve, he was very open and emotional when feeling like needing a release. Peyton was worried about him, wanting to make sure that everything was going to be alright.
The problem was….
They weren’t.
Taking Hold of the Flame
The Following Morning
Newark, New Jersey
It was a very quiet evening, Peyton, Ray and Ali had a late coffee and some snacks after the event. Peyton wanted to go celebrate with the Helms clan but with her father there, she felt like her time was needed there. Ali had been quiet, she knew he was grieving, could tell that it really hit him hard, so all she could do was be supportive of him. Walking out of the bathroom, she had on a white silk robe, towel over her head to dry her hair, with nails polished white. She was sore, bruised up, fell asleep the minute her head hit the pillow, as did Alistaire, yet she was concerned. He was already dressed in a Polo button up shirt, khakis and dress shoes, his bags all packed up and ready to go. She smiled, sitting down next on the bed, watching him get his things together.
Peyton: “What are you doing?”
Alistaire: “Packing, I need to get back to Rochester, it is a good five-hour drive.”
Peyton: “Awesome, I’ll come with you and catch a flight back in a few days to Arizona and stay with my dad.”
Alistaire: “Wait, Pey, I need to do this alone.”
Peyton: “You shouldn’t be alone, Ali. Not after what happened to Richard. Besides, I would love to meet your family, I know it is under excruciating circumstance, but I would really like to be there for the funeral and all.”
His father’s funeral had already passed the other day, Alistaire had already buried the man he called a stepfather, at the same time had a falling out with Zeke and Joanna, his stepsister and cousin as they decided to leave Ali along with Claire Bailey, Peyton knew none of this….
Alistaire: “That is not possible right now Peyton.”
Peyton: “Why not Ali? We have a week off, I would love to come with you to New York, I want to pay my respects too, I am your fiancé, don’t you think that I should be there?”
Alistaire: “It’s not that, the funeral already happened.”
Peyton was taken back a little by that revelation, she didn’t understand how all this happened so fast and she wasn’t even aware of the funeral which would explain his nonchalant attitude when he arrived to New jersey and met her father. She knew that Alistaire was going through a lot, but she didn’t expect this at all. Peyton in many ways felt hurt, a little betrayed, she was sitting there trying to stay calm and keep her emotions grounded, didn’t want to add to the already volatile situation she thought was starting to slowly simmer in the room. He continued to pack, giving her a cold shoulder and while Peyton has dealt with Ali’s emotionally mood swings before, the feeling of going through hell with him at times, including the kidnapping, the accusations he made, everything that has come up and down, there were more good times then there were bad. She sighs, looking at Alistaire…
Peyton: “It happened already? Did you not want me there? Are you trying to hide me from your extended family?”
Alistaire: “No, not at all. I just didn’t want you in a situation that we could avoid. It happened quickly and I really don’t want to talk about it.”
Peyton: “Ali, don’t shut me out here. I want to help, I want to be here for you, we are going to spend the rest of our lives together and I think that we need to have an open line of communication, right? I know how much you are hurting right now with Richard’s death, you were there for me even if it was awkward when Ricky died, let me at least come with you, I can meet Joanna, Ezekiel, even Claire, I mean I would love to meet your roomie slash trainer here.”
Alistaire: “Now is not a good time, Peyton. I seriously need to get back on the road, I will call you when I get there, maybe I can travel out to California after Breakdown, we can hang out for a few days.”
Peyton: “I would like that, I made arrangements to go tour some wedding venues out there.”
He seemed a little annoyed, maybe Peyton was rushing things, or it could be that it was all happening in the West Coast, which suddenly clicked in Peyton’s mind…
Peyton: “Wait… is this about it on the West Coast? Ali, we can talk about it you know, but it seems like you don’t want me to come to New York and meet any of your family.”
Alistaire: “Now is not a good time, Pey.”
Peyton: “Then tell me why Ali, I can help.”
Alistaire: “I can’t right now, but I promise that I will later. Please, just trust me here.”
Peyton: “Okay… fine. I do want to meet Claire.”
Alistaire: “May I ask why?”
He was a bit rash and snappy about it, Peyton tilted her head and now she was starting to get annoyed….
Peyton: “Because she is your roommate and trainer, you know mine, I would like to know yours, since we are engaged, I think that is a piece of info I would think is important here.”
Alistaire: “Don’t get upset and I will set something up but not now. I need to get back to Rochester and fix a few things, I don’t want you there right now until it blows over. I have had a very difficult time with this and ask for privacy.”
She reluctantly nodded as Alistaire kissed her on the cheek…..
Alistaire: “I love you.”
Peyton: “I love you too.”
As he walked out the door, he opened it to find Kelcey and Ray there ready to knock. Alistaire was walking out with his bags, as Ray smiled…
Ray: “Everything alright, Alistaire?”
Alistaire: “Yes sir, just need to get back to Rochester, take care of some family matters is all, recently had a death in the family. We will talk again soon.”
Ray: “Sounds like a plan, have a safe trip.”
Alistaire: “You too. Bye Kelcey.”
Kelcey: “Yeah, bye.”
The Perfect Ten turned toward Peyton who just shrugged her shoulders and grabbed her clothing….
Ray: “Everything alright?”
Peyton: “Yeah dad everything is fine. He’s going through some personal problems is all, I understand. I wanted to go with him, but I can at least spend half the day with you before heading out. You and Kelcey, I know Owen, Jennifer, Aaron and Liane are all waiting for us downstairs for breakfast. Let me get dressed really quickly and I will be right out.”
Ray: “Take your time.”
Peyton heads into the bathroom with her clothes, and heads out to get dressed, he slowly turns to Kelcey who looks down at him while in his wheelchair….
Ray: “Tell me about this Alistaire kid, I am still trying to figure him out.”
Kelcey: “So am I Ray, so am I.”
They wait as Peyton gets ready, she stands in the mirror looking at her own reflection, thinking about the conversation which just happened. She keeps telling herself to trust him, that is all, just trust him and things will blow over, but the Rice intuition says otherwise, and it’s not exactly making Peyton happy….
But more suspicious.
PERFECTION HAS A PRICE
While things were a little rocky with Alistaire, Peyton was used to him sometimes being odd, different and not always in touch with the way he handled things, this was part of the charm of Alistaire, but she was offended, it did hurt her when he didn’t tell his fiancé about the funeral, and just went, never mentioning anything. When she wanted to go to upstate New York and be with him after Taking Hold of the Flame, he outright had said no, he didn’t want her around all that mess, but she was starting to think this was more about Claire Bailey. Peyton though was trusting, she was going to believe in him, last time she let that trust go, the young Rice lost Ricky Octavius forever. Peyton had already started looking at venues for them to be married, but most importantly, she was already looking at places to move in together and try to get him away from New York and start a life with her in the West Coast.
To Peyton, Ali needed this.
With a huge match coming up against Tommy Valentine as well, Peyton had to direct her focus on a multitude of things, With her father back in her life, she at least had that figure presence, whenever she needed, always turning to her father. It was a little concerning and it plagued the back of her mind about Ali, but she was very good at staying positive and having no concern, he did put a ring on her finger. Peyton on this day set up a little lunch date with Kelcey and Jennifer, hang out with them and then start looking at some venues, even places to live. She loved hanging out with Kelcey but had noticed that after Taking Hold of the Flame, she too was acting a bit distant. It wasn’t a cold shoulder by any means but more less talkative, giving short answers, not texting her as much, and then on this day, things seemed really odd….
Because Kelcey Wallace never showed up to lunch.
Santa Monica, CA.
6.13.2020
3:00 PM
Lunch was great, the Corner Bistro had some awesome California Spa Cuisine, a great place for two women like Jennifer and Peyton to dine at. She had received a text from Kelcey that she couldn’t make it, feeling a little under the weather. She knew that Scott Cannon was out of town in San Francisco over the weekend, so Kelcey was by herself and that concerned her. Peyton was looking at one of the venues for the wedding, she had a House Shopper in hand too, wearing jean shorts and a white halter top, thong sandals and nails polished white with her long Sandy Blonde hair hanging down. Jennifer was in black shorts and a blue summer top, her long hair hung down, a glossy coat on her nails as she looked around very impressed at the beachside venue, where they could get married outside and have the reception in doors and have access to the Laguna and the Pier. Candace, the planner is showing them around….
Candace: “The entire floor plan is yours, the room separates into three different ballrooms, but if you like, depending on the size of your wedding, all three become a grand ballroom. As you can see the view of the ocean, the sand is right outside, a perfect place for pictures. I am going to guess you two are actresses. Maybe Models?”
Peyton and Jennifer look at one another before giggling, they both nod at the same time…
Jennifer: “Something like that, yeah.”
Candace: “You both look very familiar.”
Peyton: “Our faces have been on a billboard or two.”
Candace: “Ah! See, I knew it. Anyway, there is a stage there for a live band or a DJ, we also provide a menu with five different packages, and have an incredibly talented cake designer out of Malibu, all included in the package.”
Peyton: “Really? Wow, this really sounds awesome, what do you think Jenni?”
Jennifer: “I love it, personally.”
Candace: “Great! Well, I am sure that your fiancé would love to stop by and see the property along with everything we offer, I am going to give you my card and all the pamphlets which include the packages and menu, then we can set up another walk through with….?”
Peyton: “Alistaire.”
Candace: “Yes, Alistaire. Then we can really sit down and talk about all the amenities.”
Peyton: “Wow, yeah this sounds great. We love the place and I am sure Alistaire will too, when we get a chance hopefully in a week or so, as he is out of town, we can swing by here and you can show us around again, he would really like that.”
Candace: “So would I, it was such a pleasure to meet you Peyton and Jennifer.”
Peyton: “Yes, same to you, thank you so much for your help, I will call you soon.”
The two ladies shook hands, Peyton and Jennifer walked out, the young Adrenaline Champion was quite impressed with the venue, but in the back of her mind she was worried about Kelcey. It took them about 45 minutes to get home with some traffic. Jennifer was going to hang out with Owen, Peyton didn’t know if they were headed to Jenni’s loft in the city or she was going to stay here. As she pulled into the driveway, Peyton made her way to the front of the house…
Jennifer: “Hey, where are you going?”
Peyton: “I’m going to take a walk up to Kelcey’s, only about three quarters of a mile up the canyon.”
Jennifer: “Let me at least drive you there.”
Peyton: “No, I’m okay, I want to take a walk, have a little me time. Why don’t you guys have the house to yourselves, hang out, do something fun.”
Jennifer: “We had planned for you to be with us, are you sure?”
Peyton: “He needs you right now. He loves you Jen.”
Jennifer: “I love him.”
Peyton: “Sometimes, I’m jealous at the love you two have.”
Jennifer didn’t know what to make of that statement. She was going to respond but instead just smiled as Peyton turned and slowly walked up the Canyon road….
Twenty Minutes Later
Scott Cannon’s Home
Peyton knew that Scott was out of town, he wouldn’t be back until tomorrow afternoon. Peyton knocked on the door a few times, no one answered. She could hear the TV on though, it was rather loud, sounded like she was watching a wedding or some sort of ceremony. Peyton tried to open the door, but it was locked, so she used the key Kelcey gave her. She walked in, the curtains were closed, lights were one, it was already around 6 pm. As she walked into the living room, she saw some Chinese Take Out boxes on the coffee table, it seemed like the whatever she was watching quickly changed to wrestling. Kelcey sat there wearing baggy long sweats and an Elvis T-Shirt. Her long sandy blonde hair hung down, bare feet rested on the table, toe nails polished a matte lavender. Her blue eyes widened, turning toward Peyton. She noticed a half glass of red wine in her hand and an empty bottle sitting next to her, looking a little flushed. There was a plate of Chinese cuisine in front of her, looks like most was eaten. There was a burner phone sitting on the coffee table too, she found that quite odd…
Kelcey: “Pey? What are you doing here?”
Peyton: “I was worried about you. You have been acting the same since Taking Hold of the Flame and when you didn’t show up today knowing how important your opinion is to my decisions, I became worried. What is going on here, Kelcey?”
Kelcey: “Nothing, just felt like staying home today, haven’t been feeling good.”
Peyton: “Is it your Parkinson’s?”
Kelcey: “No… no. I am okay, it is more just going through a phase, I guess. I was going to open another bottle of wine, I’m sure you would love a glass of Merlot?”
Peyton: “Sure, I would like that. Kelcey, how much have you had?”
Kelcey: “Oh, I probably started drinking at ten this morning. Come sit down, if you’re hungry, I ordered from the Panda Inn, there is some pork belly mango and walnut salad, crispy beef, lo mein and garlic eggplant. Don’t be shy, there might be a few spring rolls there.”
Peyton: “I…. I don’t want to impose.”
As Kelcey stands, she stumbles a little to the kitchen and grabs another bottle and glass, along with a plate and chopsticks….
Kelcey: “You are the last person to ever impose in anything, understood?”
Peyton: “Yes, ma’am. I was really worried about you.”
Kelcey: “I’m sorry I scared you, one of those days where I just wanted to stay home and be by myself.”
Peyton: “I can leave and…”
Kelcey: “No. Please stay, the night even unless you have plans.”
Peyton: “I can stay and I….”
As Peyton was talking, she noticed the match that was on the huge 80-inch screen. Her attention suddenly floated to TV. Kelcey was staring right at Peyton, when her eyes shifted then narrowed…
Peyton: “This was…..”
Kelcey: “Broken Beliefs, the last time I won the World Championship. I defeated Vixen Cain.”
Peyton: “I remember watching this while in the UWA.”
Kelcey: “IT was my last great match.”
Peyton: “No… you had more than these that year.”
Kelcey doesn’t say a word, she prefers silence over speaking, and sipping wine after pouring Peyton a glass, the cling in a toast. The match mesmerized Peyton though, her eyes were glued to the television….
Mr. D looks confused as he turns and starts to move towards the back. Selena then heads to the ring. Cain throws Kelcey down. Cain turns and runs at Selena and Selena tries to block the shot, but Cain nails her with a forearm. Selena falls back, holding her ribs. She rolls over. Kelcey grabs the SCW World Championship and glances back as Cain turns around and Kelcey nails Cain with the World Title belt. She slides it out of the ring, right in front of Jason Phillips. The crowd erupts in cheers.
Sharper: “Kelcey! She just nailed Cain with the World Title! Turnabout!”
Knots: “Disqualification!”
Sharper: “Referee is down!”
Mr. D turns back. He looks confused as Selena looks up and Kelcey checks on the official who starts to turn over. Cain slowly rolls over and gets up, half dazed. He turns and Kelcey runs at him and nails him with the Perfect Ending. The crowd cheers. Kelcey drops down. The referee turns.
1!
2!
3!
The crowd roars and the bell sounds. Mr. D then walks back towards the ring. Selena slowly gets up, wincing. Mr. D walks over to her and Selena just says “Sorry” before getting up. Kelcey turns and looks around as Phillips places the title back onto the apron.
Phillips: “Here is your winner, via pinfall, and NEW SCW World Champion, Kelcey Wallace!”
The crowd cheers. Kelcey turns and grabs the SCW World Championship and looks at it. She then leans down in the corner, the adrenaline wearing off as she holds her arm. She looks around and notices Selena Frost backing to the back, holding her ribs.
Sharper: “Kelcey Wallace back on top of the world here in SCW! Even with the arm, Cain looking to attack her with the gold, Selena Frost with the assist and making sure Cain wouldn’t do whatever he had planned and Kelcey didn’t hesitate!”
Knots: “She used the World Title to win it! She hit him!”
Sharper: “Cain did too. And I guarantee she’d rather take it as she did than by disqualification. Kelcey had her reasons. Selena had hers too. I still wonder what D is thinking. But one thing is for sure. Cain is no longer champion. Kelcey Wallace is and she’ll see what awaits her at Fatal Fortunes on Breakdown! That’s all from us. Good night everyone from Newark!”
Kelcey Wallace looks around as her music plays and the crowd cheers. She then holds the title up as she favors her arm. The crowd cheers some more as we slowly fade to black…
She pauses the TV….
Kelcey: “I didn’t want to say anything when we went to Taking Hold of the Flame, but that was the last time I was in Newark, New Jersey before a couple of Sundays ago. In that very building was the LAST time I won the World Championship. It’s hard to reminisce some days, thinking what could have been had I not lost three years of my career. When we walked into the building, before anyone was there, I walked out to the ring, I thought about my win at Taking Hold of the Flame, then I thought about that night, when I walked out as World Champion. I remember the cheers of the crowd, how I felt hoisting the World Championship again….. and then I stopped it.”
Peyton: “Why?”
Kelcey: “Eat please.”
Peyton: “I am….”
Peyton starts to fill her plate up with some things. She starts eating, turning and looking back at the TV….
Peyton: “Why?”
Kelcey: “I have my reasons. No point in talking about them now, we all have our problems, right? Some more severe than others but I refuse to take away the spotlight off you, or Alistaire, Owen and Aaron. Instead I have the memories I can hold on to. Sit here with a glass of wine and good take out and enjoy my triumphs.”
Peyton: “Is this why you didn’t want to get out of the house?”
Kelcey: “No, this is not why, but if I want to close and board myself up and watch reruns when I meant something once, then it is my prerogative.”
Peyton: “You still mean everything.”
Kelcey: “Did you watch that just now? When I used the chair to win the World Championship? Why didn’t you say something? Wasn’t it cheating? Wasn’t it going against everything I am teaching you and the boys now? This is exactly what I am talking about Peyton, sitting here wondering if I am truly the right person to lead you four. Do I really need to be back in the SCW? Or is it just a distraction with a damn custody battle which has been made public? Being in Newark, watching David Helms win in his own hometown, gave me the rush, the feeling once again that I could step back in the ring and do it again, but at what cost? MY own well-being? You and the rest of the guys career? I could easily block you all and I already did that once with AJ Helms and that other cunt not too long ago. That moment was there was magical for me and I had no remorse using the belt to do so.”
Peyton: “That was different Kelcey….”
Kelcey: “Was it? We have both said it, love. Two wrongs do not make a right. I failed you guys at Taking Hold of the Flame. I failed Aaron in winning the World Title, I failed you, Alistaire and Owen in the actual Flame, and here I am sitting wondering if my presence is only making things worse or if they are making them better. Do you really need me or not? I was a three time World Champion, I won the Flame being the first woman to ever do it, but as I stood watching Bree holding up both of those championships, I thought to myself, I could step in the ring and take them from her, once she beat Aaron and I shouldn’t even remotely have those thoughts in my head if I am going to properly train and lead you four into battle. So yes, I sat here and watched some of my old matches, even the last one with Ace Marshall at Rise to Greatness where I looked absolutely pathetic and lethargic. The matches with Selena Frost where I knew I could beat her especially on this night right here if it wasn’t for bloody Cain. My life has been full of regrets, I hate it because this is about YOU. II think of this time last year when I was in a coma and you missed out on The Flame, ask myself, what could have been then? I am trying to put my head around it all Peyton but sometimes I can’t come up with any answers and so I sit here sipping wine and wondering what am I going to do with the knowledge I have.”
Peyton started to come very concerned with Kelcey’s demeanor, she knew a lot of it was the alcohol talking and that she didn’t really know what she was saying, but at the same time people speak the truth when they are angry or drunk, she seemed to be both. Peyton didn’t want her to feel this way, her green eyes staring at the paused picture of Kelcey holding up the World Championship in Newark…
Peyton: “You are my mentor, my teacher and most of all a mother figure, a woman that I admire, love and cherish so dearly. I wish I could be half the person you were not only in the ring but outside it too.”
Kelcey: “No you don’t Peyton, you’re doing a fine job by yourself, I envy your positivity, everything that you stand for, which is why I hate to watch you upset, seeing you sad and angry over trivial things. Allow the business and all its backstabbing and rule breaking get to you, love. Then I think of all that I did when I was in Monarchy or even here, in this match. How I allowed myself to fall into the trap and here I am mentoring you.”
Peyton: “No… no. You had your reasons and while I may not agree, this was not out of malice or malevolence, this was out of survival, we all know how big of an ass, Vixen Cain was, there is no denying it whatsoever, Kelcey. He was just that, you did what you had too, but you’re right, it wasn’t right, you know that. I have to ask though; what information are we talking about?”
Kelcey said nothing, instead she sat back on the couch and sipped her wine. It took a minute before her blue eyes narrowed some, she didn’t even look at Peyton when she asked her the question the young Rice didn’t expect….
Kelcey: “Are you willing to do what I just did to preserve the Adrenaline Championship and walk into Rise to Greatness with it against a man who knows your every move, who trained you since the infant stages, who will do ANYTHING and EVERYTHING to take it from you? Tommy is not the man he was once, Peyton, I hope you know that going into Breakdown.”
Peyton: “I…. I do. I hate it, but I do.”
Kelcey: “So are you?”
Peyton: “If I successfully defend the title, then I need to do so with the same set of skills he taught me. I can’t compromise who I am, even you told me that.”
Kelcey: “I did, but why listen to me, when you know that I wouldn’t do the same?”
That caught Peyton off-guard, she didn’t know what was going on with Kelcey, maybe these were feelings she had tucked away deep down inside and they were finally being released. Peyton wanted to make sure that her mentor, the woman she loved and adored dearly was okay. She was starting to worry more and more…
Peyton: “Because I know the woman sitting in front of me right now, wouldn’t do what she did back in 2017. It was a trying time for you, this was all after the Blake Mason crap you went through. He and Bree put you through hell, you had to come back stronger than ever and eventually get your revenge on Bree and on Blake. Kelcey, you are everything I ever wanted to be as…..”
Kelcey: “STOP SAYING THAT! “
Peyton’s eyes widen, taken back some by Kelcey’s outburst….
Kelcey: “You don’t want to be me; you need to be YOU. Don’t you see, I have been given news just the other day and I am sitting here, wondering what the hell I am going to do with it, because if I choose one way, then I betray everything that I have said and done for you and the boys. If I choose the other, than at one point to I just let go and let the doves I have in my little cage fly and let the bricks fall where they may? People like Aries and Bree, they will always make fun of or question Perfection, they don’t and will never understand what it means to us, reaching a level that we feel, in perception is perfect, and yes there was a time once when I did want to be Perfect, where I wanted to be untouchable, those days are long gone, they will never be here again, but again at what cost?”
Peyton: “Cost, what is it!?”
Peyton’s voice finally raised as she was starting to get frustrated and angry….
Kelcey: “I have been given my medical release!”
The young Rice froze. Slowly putting down the chopsticks and grabbing the glass of wine, her hand shaking, nervously drinking it all and placing it on the coffee table. Kelcey looked away, her eyes were starting to tear up some. Peyton was confused, she would have thought this is what Kelcey wanted, but instead it has become a decision that she has played with for some time….
Peyton: “I…. I am so happy for you!”
Kelcey: “I was this bloody close to entering Taking Hold of the Flame as a surprise entrant, this bloody close but I thought about YOU, about Alistaire, Aaron and Owen, I couldn’t take it away from you guys, I couldn’t focus on me, this was and will always be about you. I see all these old-timers coming back, blasts from the pasts and all I can do is sit here with sweaty palms and feet itching to step back into the ring and test myself one more time. I can’t do that to you guys, I can’t.”
Peyton: “Kelcey, we will support you in any way, promise.”
Kelcey: “No, it’s settled, but I will be surprising a lot of people if I need to get physical, that is for sure.”
In a way that brought a smile to Peyton’s face but there was a lot more going on with Kelcey than just being able to return to the ring. There was almost a sadness to her demeanor, Peyton couldn’t exactly pinpoint it out. She was watching something earlier; she couldn’t figure out what it was. She wanted to ask….
Kelcey: “So that’s it, sorry about that.”
Peyton: “No, it’s fine. I really missed you today looking at the wedding venue, I would like you to come when Ali is able is take a look at it.”
Kelcey: “He’s going to hurt you.”
Peyton: “What? I beg your pardon?”
Kelcey: “He’s going to hurt you Pey. He’s too perfect, like Chris. Men like him have this ego, they are proud individuals who need the support of a good woman to feed them constantly how great they are, it is a narcissism they play off people like you and me, the ones willing to believe, to trust them unconditionally.”
Peyton: “I thought you liked him, Kelcey? That is a shitty thing to say to me. I was having a good day and…. I need to go.”
Kelcey: “Peyton. Is he hurting you now emotionally?”
Peyton: “Things are a little tense, but I think that has more to do with the death of his stepdad.”
Kelcey: “Shutting you out.”
Much as Peyton wanted to disagree with Kelcey, it was the truth, but she had a plan, try to convince him to move in together, stay with her out here amongst friends and family, she wanted to have Ali see the other side of things and get him away from New York. She looked at Kelcey and reluctantly nodded…
Kelcey: “And then you blame yourself, thinking over and over again what did you do wrong to cause it.”
Peyton: “Yeah, I do.”
Kelcey: “That’s the thing Peyton, you did nothing wrong love. Do you know how many times a day I regret calling Chris, Silas Mason? I sit here often, at least once an hour wondering where I would be right now had I not treated Chris like this, knowing what he has said and done, yet deep down inside I ask myself, why did I say that? Why did I not just give him the benefit of the doubt, why did I let that bitch take him? Every single day I think that to myself and the LAST thing I want is to see you go through the same torture. I want you to think long and hard about this engagement, because once your married things become much more difficult to handle. Now I find myself in the middle of a custody battle with my son, who they named Nathaniel and I can’t even change it to what I want because its not like I am adopting a fucking a dog. I don’t even know if I am going to win, and instead I will be the one who lost the husband, the son and everything else that wen with the life I made my vows in.”
Peyton: “Kelcey… I trust Ali to make the right decisions, even if he has a hard time dealing and expressing his emotions. As for Chris, don’t blame yourself, he made that choice without thinking twice about it. I don’t; think he has any remorse. Soon, you and Scott will have Nathaniel here, with you.”
Kelcey sits up, running her fingers though the long strands of sandy blonde hair…..
Kelcey: “I don’t know if that is possible, too Peyton. They were right.”
Peyton: “Right about what?”
Kelcey: “I did try to kill the baby in an emotional rage before Regan stopped me…. and I regret that too every day since. I’m not perfect… I’m anything but.”
Peyton sat there in silence; she couldn’t believe the revelation that Kelcey told her. Before too long, Kelcey started to cry, Peyton quickly sat next to her, holding her tight. She continued to cry for a few moments before she went silent. Her head resting on Peyton’s shoulder, realizing she had passed out from all the drinking….
Peyton: “Kelcey?”
She groaned some, Peyton helped Kelcey to her feet and escorted her to the bed. She laid her down and covered her up, kissing Kelcey on the forehead, running a few strings of hair from her face before heading back downstairs. She sat on the couch, staring at the burner phone, she picked it up and looked at it, the number on it seemed familiar, was it Blake Mason? Nah. She shook her head and put it down before Peyton poured herself another glass of wine and stared at the paused footage of her match for a moment, before she looked at the remote and hit the “Back” button, suddenly she sees the recording from her wedding with Chris, and then it dawned on Peyton, they recently celebrated an Anniversary, it would have been 6 years. Peyton starts to watch….
Taylor wipes some tears from her face as Scott hands her a hanky, she turns to him and smirks….
Kelcey and Chris stand side by side while the wedding guest look on…..
Father O’Reilly: “”No other human ties are more tender and no other vows more important than those you are about to take. Both of you come to this day with the deep realization that the contract of marriage is sacred as are all of its obligations and responsibilities. Chris Cannon, please turn to Kelcey and giver her your vows.”
Chris turns to Kelcey and holds her hands…..
Chris: “It can take a lifetime for some people to find that one person they wish to spend the rest of their life with, I can say without uncertainty that am blessed having found you so soon into mine. Just the thought of you when I wake makes my heart skip a beat, staring at you now with our friends and family here today knowing we’re about to become husband and wife? This is our perfect moment. On this day as I look into your eyes I give to you my heart and my soul, Kelcey Martika Wallace. With this ring I give you my promise that I shall walk with you, hand in hand wherever this journey we’re about to undertake guides us. In doing so, I promise to help shoulder any and all challenges, for together we are stronger than we ever could be apart. Ever since we’ve gotten to know each other like we do now, you’ve called me your rock and well to me you are my everything. From now and forever I promise to you perfect love and perfect trust, these are my vows to you, my perfect ten… I love you.”
Kelcey’s eyes tear up, Taylor tries to hold back more tears and extends her hand for Scott to give her the hanky back…..
Father O’Reilly: “Now Kelcey please give your vows to Chris.”
Kelcey’s warm smile and face tell it all as she holds Chris hands….
Kelcey: “Chris, you are so many things to me, and I am sure you will be many more in our life together. No one is truly perfect I have learned that, but with all your strengths and weaknesses, and with all of mine, together we ARE perfect. You complete me in more ways than I could have thought possible. I knew before my heart did that, we were made for each other. Now my heart has caught up, and the joy that I feel from the love that I have for you is incomparable, and I know that you feel the same because your love radiates from you and surrounds me in warmth. Because of all these things, I want with all my heart, to be the best person I can be for you. I will love you forever. I will laugh with you when times are good, and I will lift you up when times are hard. I will be the joy of your heart, and I will be the food of your soul. I promise to wash away your tears with my kisses and hold you with passion. My affection will know no bounds. With this marriage I give to you my body, my mind, my soul, my ENTIRE BEING.”
Now Chris, who tries to show no emotion becomes a little engulfed…..
Kelcey smiles as they turn to Father O’Brien……
As Peyton watches, her eyes swell up in tears, thinking about the heartache Kelcey has gone through and the toll it has taken, and then she thinks about herself. Peyton begins to cry, wondering if she is making a mistake…..
Maybe Kelcey is right.
EPILOGUE: A YEAR OF TRAGEDY
The Following morning Peyton slowly crawled out of the bed, not to wake Kelcey, she had a rough night and was still sound asleep. The sun was barely coming up, Peyton slipped her feet into the sandals and walked out. She ended up walking about half a mile home, the air was a bit cool, the birds were just starting to sing. All she kept doing was looking down at the ravine, the tragic thoughts of Ricky were still haunting her, because this would have been the day his body was dumped there. It was a memory she wished wasn’t so embedded in her head but like Kelcey was thinking of her anniversary, this was the one where Ricky was taken from this world. Peyton was going to stay strong though, not think about it, instead later on go pay her respects to him at the cemetery. As she arrived back at the house, she was surprised to see Owen Cruze sitting out in the back sipping a cup of hot tea. Owen was an early riser but for Peyton, she always was one that tried to get an early start of the day. She also was very contradicting with her thoughts, holding on to everything that she saw Becca do in the room, steeling from Owen. Peyton was already knee deep with so many other issues, totally unaware of the “sexual tension” brewing between her fiancé and his “trainer”, Claire Bailey. Again….
Peyton needed to show trust.
She stood outside the house for a moment, closing her eyes and taking a deep breath. What happened with Kelcey last night was eye opening, in many ways it also hurt too, this was one of those times where she wishes Ricky would show up behind her with a blanket to warm her up and tell Pey that everything was going to be alright. Unfortunately, that was not the case.
The Following Morning
June 14, 2020
Peyton walked into the house finally, she tried to be quiet and thought Owen would have stayed with Jennifer last night. As she passes him from behind, he slowly turns around, seeing Peyton barefoot tiptoeing across the wooden floor, he smirks as she sighed when caught. She walked outside and sat next to Owen as he passed her some tea…
Owen: “Stayed at Kelcey’s last night?”
Peyton: “Yeah, Jennifer asleep still?”
Owen: “Yeah, didn’t want to wake her. Is Kelcey alright?”
Peyton wanted to tell Owen last night but felt like maybe that was not her place. She didn’t even know if Kelcey would remember half the things she said to her anyway and wanted to keep that their secret. Peyton nodded and smiled before sipping the tea…
Peyton: “Everything was fine. We hung out, ate Chinese Take Out, drank a lot of wine and watched old wrestling videos, nothing special, we both ended up passing out pretty early, it was relaxing, you two?”
Owen: “Same. Had a nice quiet night. Oh, hey by the way, I have something for you.”
Peyton: “What is that?”
Owen: “Here….”
He stood up, and went inside the house for a moment, bringing her an envelope. She looked at it a bit strange before opening it up and seeing a check for 3 million dollars…
Peyton: “What is this?”
Owen: “The money you paid off Warren Dowling.”
Peyton: “How….?”
Owen: “Don’t worry. Kelcey and I took a trip to Arizona, I am sure she already told you.”
Peyton: “Actually she told me nothing.”
Owen: “Oh, well yeah we went. She talked to your dad and I took care of Warren.”
Peyton: “Owen….. you and Kelcey did that for me?”
Owen: “That’s what friends are for. He won’t be bothering you again.”
Again, Peyton became a little teary eyed, knowing the great friends she had in Kelcey, Jennifer and Owen. She didn’t know what to say, smiling and nodding as he smiled. Peyton stood up and gave him a huge hug, kissing him on the cheek as Jennifer walked in, rubbing her eyes….
Jennifer: “Hey, get your hands off my man.”
Peyton: “Caught!”
The three shared a laugh, and a little tea early in the morning. It was a nice way to start as Peyton headed upstairs to lay down and sleep a few more hours. Just then her phone buzzed, it was a text from Kelcey.
“I’m sorry about last night. I don’t remember all of what I said but I know I messed up. Please forgive me and if you want to talk about it, I am here.”
Peyton smiled and text back…
“I love you no matter what, Kelcey. I will call you later and we can catch up.”
She responded….
“I love you too, thank you.”
Peyton laid the phone down and crashed for a few hours, because she knew the rest of the day was going to be hard…..
Five Hours Later
Peyton wore a black sundress and some wedge slip on black sandals. Her long sandy blonde hair was straightened. She showed up to Ricky’s memorial, on the anniversary of his death. She stood there for a moment before laying down a blanket, she had in hand his favorite brand of whiskey he loved to drink, poured a shot of it and placed it on the Tombstone along with some flowers and a picture of her and Ricky taken a few months before he passed. She took off her shoes, brushing her hair back…
Peyton: “Hey you. It’s been a year since you left me, and I am here trying to figure out how to live my life still and I don’t have all the answers. I know that you told me to move on, that was always you though Ricky, telling me to move on and never look back, right?”
Peyton looks down at her engagement ring, twirls it a little around her finger before letting out a sigh. She is in touch with her emotions, she is also done lying to herself. Peyton wants to be happy, she wants to be in love with someone special who would treat her right, and she still believes that Alistaire is that person, but he will never be Ricky and that is what she is having trouble dealing with more than anything right now…
Peyton: “I took your advice and I tried to move on, yet everyday all I do is think about you….”
She starts to cry, trying to hold her tears back, fighting being emotional but with what has been happening recently, it is hard. Peyton takes a second. Clearing her throat and drying her eyes….
Peyton: “I promised myself that I wouldn’t cry and here you are making me break my promises. Kelcey, Owen and Jennifer tell me all the time that I need to continue living my life without any regrets, and yet I can’t because my stupid decisions pushed you away and I lost the love of my life. I am trying so hard Ricky to get past all this and when I woke up this morning, I looked at Kelcey who was sleeping peacefully, thinking of all she went through and she told me that you were the one, two years ago…. And I didn’t listen….”
She starts crying again, looking at the engagement ring, a tear falls on the diamond, as Peyton again tries to compose herself. The gorgeous Rice has hut internally for a whole year, she may act at times like she had gotten over Ricky, but that is a lie. She again composes herself…
Peyton: “Ricky, I got engaged to Alistaire Allocco, he is a good man and he treats me right. In many ways he reminds me a lot of you. Now before you start dumping rain on me, he isn’t you, but he is the kind of guy that I know I can trust. I want to be a good wife, Ricky, I want to one day be a good mother and that person you always saw me as and not who I really was. I don’t want to disappoint you in anyway and I feel like I have, because no matter what anyone says, I will always blame myself for leading you down this path and never looking back. If I could give anything for you to be here right now so I could be in your arms and here you tell me I love you one more time, I would do it all, rewind the hands of time and take back anything stupid I did to cause this because no matter who I am with, they will NEVER be you.”
She reaches over and grand the shot of whiskey….
Peyton: “You are my soul mate; you will always be my true love. I’ll see you again one day, because as much as I hate to say this, this ring should have been yours.”
Trembling, she takes the shot of whiskey before hearing something behind her, she turns and sees Kelcey standing there with tears in her eyes. Jennifer and Owen there as well, both of them also sobbing…
Peyton: “How long have you guys been standing there.”
Kelcey: “Long enough love.”
Upon hearing that Peyton starts to break down, Kelcey kneels and embraces her as the young Adrenaline Champion finally let’s out all the emotion, she had bottled up inside for over a year. Jennifer hugs Owen as he tries to fight off the tears but a few trickles down his cheek….
Peyton: “I miss him so much….”
Kelcey: “I know, we all do.”
Peyton: “….. so much….”
She can’t stop crying, as Kelcey glances over at Owen and Jennifer, they both nod as The Perfect Ten holds her tighter, in sadness, celebrating the life of the one-man Peyton Rice will love eternally….
… and forever miss.
SCENE FADES
Diary Entry
6.13.2020
I have always been a very emotional person; I don’t think I have ever denied or swayed from that term. Wrestling has become my life; it is the one thing I excel at. Making some pretty poor decisions throughout the years has cost me at times, I am learning to deal with those in a timely manner and with the friends I have, it has helped a lot. Ali seems to be a bit distant since the death of his stepdad, maybe it is time that I have the conversation with him about moving in together, I think that would be awesome, he could be here with me instead of hauling all the way to New York. This Claire girl sounds nice but at the same time, I really don’t know anything about her, should I be nervous?
I would think not.
I’m not the jealous type, I put trust on people and when I lose it, things like what happened to Ricky are because I lost the faith I once had in the person and never gave them the benefit of the doubt. I really messed up there and going to his grave earlier, I couldn’t control myself, I cried so much, it was I think all the frustrations I have had recently which finally came out, feeling like Ricky would understand. I’m nervous about this title defense, in a way I think I let Giovanni Aries get in my head a little which Kelcey could see, and speaking of her, I had never seen her like that before. Without Scott around, what would have happened had I not gone over? Kelcey is not a drinker, so for her to get that bad had to do with a lot of thoughts and guilts she had been harboring inside. The thought she told me about the baby while she was pregnant, freaked me out. The emotional duress she was going through all this, she never once mentioned that and now thinks it had resurfaced and she is never going to get her kid back is pretty deep and intense. It was a side of Kelcey I had never seen.
Vulnerability like that.
She questioned herself and the way she was leading us. I don’t know how much of the conversation she remembers, the morning after Kelcey seemed fine but embarrassed, asking me what she did and I said nothing, I lied to her when I shouldn’t have, but with everything going on, her secret was safe with me. Kelcey and my friends accepted me for who I am and the mistakes I made; I cannot judge them on faults alone either. This is what I probably needed though, a dose of reality.
They took me out of a situation I couldn’t handle, the money is wired back to Jordan, I am still worried about Ali, I feel like he is being a bit distant, hoping it is all a phase, and finally my dad is back in my life, which we need to take baby steps.
But something yet still bothers me about all this, and it’s Kelcey.
I’m going to make sure that everything works out for her…
Even at the sacrifice of my own interests.
I’m off to bed.
XOXO
TEACHER VS. STUDENT
Bricktown is an entertainment district just east of downtown Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States. It was formerly a major warehouse district. The major attractions of the district are the Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark, the navigable Bricktown Canal, and the 16-screen Harkins movie theatre. Bricktown Entertainment District includes some 50 square city blocks bounded between the Oklahoma River on the south, I-235 on the east, Deep Deuce District to the North, and the Oklahoma City Central Business District to the West. The general boundary of the Bricktown Core Development District (also known as Upper Bricktown) is as follows: An area bordered generally by the BNSF Railway; Reno Avenue; Centennial Expressway; and the railroad right-of-way between Main and NE 1st.
The district is administered by the Bricktown Urban Design Committee which was established by the City of Oklahoma City to oversee modifications to the buildings and new construction within the district. Downtown Oklahoma City Inc. (an arm of the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce) is charged with maintenance and operations of the district and oversees promotion alongside the Oklahoma City Tourism and Visitors Bureau. All entities are united with the ultimate goal of preserving Bricktown’s historic ‘warehouse district’ flavor while allowing modern entertainment, commercial, retail, and residential development to flourish. The district contains a number of public sculptures and murals, including a monument to the Oklahoma Land Run. The Centennial Land Run Monument, a large bronze sculpture by artist Paul Moore, is at the south end of Bricktown Canal. It commemorates the Land Run of 1889, which marked the opening of the Unassigned Lands area to settlement. This area is now a city park, open 24 hours a day, year-round, and there is no admission fee. An annual Bricktown Art Festival is held in mid-July.
Here is where we find Peyton Rice, the current Adrenaline Champion and a woman that has a lot to prove and looks to bring the title with her come Rise to Greatness. She knew that there were going to be challenges ahead, this one for sure is one, against a man she knows all too well, one of the coaches that trained her to be a wrestler, Tommy Valentine, one half of the World Tag Team Champions. Peyton has been waiting for this moment, and it just so happens that her fiancé is wrestling Kandis, Tommy’s partner and girlfriend on the same card. Peyton looks to come out victorious and head into RTG with the belt but that is easier said than done/ She stands on the walkway of Bricktown with Kelcey Wallace behind her. Kelcey is in jeans, open toed heels and a purple blouse, her long sandy blonde hair hanging down, nails polished a matte lavender. Peyton is in red jeans, a tight long sleeve floral top and thong sandals, her nails polished white, long sandy blonde hair straightened and hanging down, the Adrenaline Championship over her shoulder as the camera starts to record…
REC:
She takes a second, her and Kelcey quietly converse some before she turns and talks to the camera…
“Bricktown is a very cool place, the kind that many come to hang out and eat at restaurants, do a lot of shopping and can take in the culture of Oklahoma City. This is one of the perks of being a professional Wrestler for the SCW, the travel around the world. So guys, Taking Hold of the Flame came and went, the first Breakdown on the Road toward Rise to Greatness also has passed, we saw a lot happen there including some matches being shaped up for the biggest event of the year, but there is one person right now who is in limbo, me. Let me start by saying, that it was an honor to compete in The Flame for the first time, a HUGE congratulations goes out to one of my coaches in Ante Up and a man who was responsible for training me for this business. It was a story book ending for David Helms, with his wife Regan right there, to celebrate with him. I was really happy to see it, and at the same time disappointed that it wasn’t me, Alistaire Allocco or Owen Cruze. We saw Jordan Majors last around 80 minutes, kudos to her, as we did have something in common, we were both “Kissed By An Angel”. We also saw some very talented wrestlers show off why they are the cream of the crop in the SCW, including the Cannons. All that aside though, while I may have lasted over 45 minutes, I still think I let Kelcey, my friends, family and especially my fans down, but I promise that I will continue to learn, improve and do better because this is only the beginning for me. Rise to Greatness is such an important event, the culmination of what you have done for the last year and while I was the Main Event of the Pre-Show in 2019 where no doubt, Kelsai Adamson-Mason and me tore the house down for the TV Title, there was a little of that competitive spirit that wanted to be on the main show. With that all happening though, it is another chance for me to look forward to once again hopefully this time being a part of it on the main broadcast….
But my feeling is in order to do so? I need to have this Adrenaline Championship in tow but after seeing what I am up against, this could be in grave danger as I face a man that I know all too well, another one of my coaches, who I have teamed up with in the past, and he has always been there to help me when I needed guidance early in my career, a living legend in Thomas Valentine. As I have been paying attention, both as a fan and wrestler, I keep up with everything going on in the SCW. A few days ago, Giovanni Aries and I had a little spat on Twitter, I know he has had the same with Kelcey, though she wasn’t as nice as I. He brought up some pretty valid points, and one was if I felt vindicated holding a title, if this Championship like the TV belt I held last year, defined who I was and if I needed to be Peyton Rice.
The answer is no, the wrestler doesn’t need the title for it to be important, the title needs the wrestler. How they conduct themselves, treat it, defend and respect its tradition, those who held it before me, this is what makes a Championship like the Adrenaline, TV, US, Tag, World so very important. I don’t think Gio will ever get that….
But Coach Tommy does.
He is a man who has been around a long time, he is the epitome of SCW along with the returning David Helms, Matt Hodges, Infamous, Kelcey Wallace, Regan Street and others who have paved the way for stars like myself to have a chance to be a part of something so special, the greatest array of talent under one roof. It is NOT easy to win a title here, so for me to have two under my belt seem pretty special. Now though, comes the test, I beat Jordan Majors at her BEST to win this Championship, then in turn defeated a game Kandis and Scarlet Gray during Fatal Fortunes defending this without knowing who my opponents were pulling double duty that night, also in a tag team match with Valeria Garcia. Now on this Breakdown, while Ali is going one on one with Kandis, I will be in the fight of my life with a man that knows me move for move…
Because he taught me them.
And I am both nervous and excited about the chance to prove myself against my old teacher.”
Kelcey knows just how important this match is for Peyton, she sees how ready she is to defend the Adrenaline Championship and get the chance to walk into Rise to Greatness with it around her waist. She takes a second, looking down as they walk, she stops though, Kelcey listens carefully as Peyton turns to the camera and speaks….
“In the anniversary of Ricky Octavius death, there were three people that he and I agreed were what represented the sport we loved most. David Helms, Tommy Valentine and Matty Stone. They were our lifelines, the teachers who nurtured us, showing us everything from wrestling holds to ring psychology, all of it was taught and it made me the wrestler I am now. Ricky and I used to joke about who our favorite trainers were, I always liked Sir Matty, he and I would escape and get chiliburgers all the time. Ricky loved you, Tommy. I am talking directly to you now coach because I want these words to resonate, there is a need here for you to understand how I feel going into this match and is much more than competition, it is personal. Coach Tommy, Ricky admired your grit and honestly, you had this love for the sport that no matter when the chips were down or you were flying high in the sky as a champion, nothing was ever going to bring you down. That passion, heart and drive you showed in the SCW week after week inspired us to go out there and compete. Do you remember Taking Hold of the Flame in 2017? Ricky was in it, one of the best performances I had ever seen, he attributed it all to your teachings, that is how powerful your words were Coach Tommy….
It was a lasting influence you had on us.
After Ricky passed, I saw how you felt, no matter what was going on in the SCW and who you were wrestling against, I saw the REAL Tommy Valentine again, the guy who loved this business, his students in Ante Up, we cried together when he was buried, you hugged and told me that everything was going to be okay and we would remember him for the great man he was….
How?
By turning on your best friend over words said in the heat of a moment for a huge tag team, match?
Over common wrestling hyperbole?
Regan Street is Regan Street, it isn’t like you and Kandis went soft on her either, there were a lot of words said, some may have hurt all parties because of how personally close you guys are all but at what price Coach Tommy? The Next Level? Ante Up Academy where we look up to you three guys as the Kings of Wrestling, a place I call and will always see as my home? I refuse to believe you’re this selfish ass that we see on TV, who is blatantly trying to destroy David and Regan, stop her from becoming a Supreme Champion and almost costing David the Taking Hold of the Flame win in his hometown, why?
WHY!?
This upsets me and look, Kandis and I have had our feud and there has been some professional heat between us both, she has pinned my shoulders to the mat in EMERGE, I have defeated her at RTG and Fatal Fortunes, we are no strangers to each other here, but I don’t hate Kandis, and whether she dislikes me or not, that’s her issues not mine. Stick and stones, Coach Tommy, it is what this is all about. There is no love loss between Kandis and myself, I know that she will be looking to put my fiancé down just like you are looking to do the same to me but at the end of the day I respect Kandis as a competitor and so does Regan, we don’t have to like each other but purposeful malevolence is NOT what I ever thought I would see from you and her toward Regan and David?
Forcing him to choose between his best friend and his wife? No, no!
Making this personal when it didn’t need to be, you two were like brothers! No, scratch that, you ARE brothers and for me to see this breaks my heart and this is HOW YOU HONOR RICKY’S MEMORY, BY PISSING ON HIS GRAVE!?”
A bit upset, Peyton steps back for a second, taking a deep breath. Kelcey rubs her shoulders some, trying to calm her down. She whispers something in her ear, causing Peyton to nod. Kelcey then turns around and clears her throat for a moment before she speaks for the first time…
“I know better than anyone, what it is like to turn your back on best friends and family. Tommy, David, we have known each other a long time, competed in the ring, made some incredible moments that are still talked about today. When we get in these scuffles and feuds, sometimes we forget the people it affects most. I know I did. Peyton Rice is a woman of honor and integrity, there isn’t one malicious bone in her body, something I wish all of us were. That is not the case, she is a rare breed, and nothing has torn her apart more than watching the dissolve of The Next Level, what will follow?
Ante Up?
Careers?
Are we going to judge and base everything on our significant others who are doing their jobs as wrestlers to say what they want and promote the match? Peyton isn’t stupid, she’s not blind to this Tommy. She is fully aware of the threat you bring and what you will do to take the Adrenaline Title she fought so hard for, where she wants to proudly defend it at Rise to Greatness and to you it becomes a mere accessory, No Tommy, that is not going to happen on my watch love….
Not going to happen because while you taught her so much, you didn’t teach her everything, flower.”
Kelcey’s blue eyes glance over at Peyton who whispers the words, “Thank You”, collecting herself as she now is in the right frame of mind, looking into the camera with her beautiful green eyes. She takes a second, adjusting the Adrenaline Championship before speaking.
“If Ricky were here, he would be very disappointed in what has become of you Coach Tommy, but like Kelcey said just now, I’m not waking into Breakdown blind or deaf. I see the writing on the wall and there is nothing more that both you and Kandis would want then to defeat Ali and I in separate matches and then desecrate the title I hold proudly right now in some celebratory debauchery. This is how far you have gone down, coming from a man that used to tell us how important it was to be a champion and the respect you needed to show the title for it was a reflection of yourself and look at you now. Everything that you have taught us, was a lie. Why? Because of Kandis? Don’t even say it was the SCW and it started to go by, this phantom disrespect, and you had to evolve, for if there was anyone that defined the word consistency, Tommy it would be you. See, I can’t let you take this Adrenaline Championship, for then I go against everything that I set myself to accomplish. You’re one half of the tag team champions, you’re basically dangling that title like a carrot over Regan’s head, well this title here is mine….
And Ricky as my witness, with Kelcey standing right here, I made them the promise I would defend the belt at the biggest show of the year and the grandest stage of them all. I am sure you’re salivating at the fact of becoming a dual champion AGAIN within a few months, and watching me eat crow, throw it in my face, when I was one of your best students and that’s it, Coach Tommy….
I’m going to personally teach you what you taught me, make sure that you remember just how good I was then and now. There is no doubt in my mind that you can take this from me and then all my dreams to have a moment so meaningful by defending one of the top titles in the SCW at RTG is gone, would break my heart, and then I would again sit here wondering what is next….
Well this time, I am not walking into Breakdown without any doubts Coach, I will not think about anything other than defending the title against one of the greatest wrestlers I have ever had the pleasure of knowing and training after, but has completely lost his way. This moment forward, I’m not calling you Coach anymore, having already shown all of us that you don’t care about what made you the respected man and icon you were. Ante Up is life, it is about bringing up the greatest talent in the world up to this stage one day and seeing them succeed. Ricky, Greeny, J-Dilly, me and so many others from that class who made their mark one way or another, it was ALL because of you, Tommy Valentine. Standing with your family, that is who we were. ONE BIG FAMILY. Now that is over, and I know what I must do moving forward. Tomorrow night, I will walk in as Champion and leave as Champion. I cannot concern myself with what plans and aspirations you have toward Regan and David, you will NOT USE ME as a message or a ploy to get back at them, NO! Instead, it is my turn to teach you a lesson, Tommy….
One of humility, where the student puts down the teacher, and let the entire SCW know full well just how accurate you trained us and how I respond to the way you have become. If you don’t change for the sake of your friendship, then do it for those who idolized and looked up to you like Ricky and me. This Adrenaline Title? Is coming with me into Rise to Greatness. I’m too close to let you or anyone else ruin it. I hope that one day Tommy, you’re able to see what you’ve done and the bridges that have been burned. It never had to be this way…
… but you made it this way.
I hold the last piece of YOUR puzzle, to grasp what you have been holding hostage from Regan, the Supreme Championship and how fitting that YOUR student will do the same to you because a Hellcat will reach it before you, Tommy if I have anything to say about it. And so when we wrestle, we go out there, putting on a show, deep in my heart, whether I hate it or not, I know you’ll do everything in your power to take or steal this from me. So, I will you send you the same message I did back in 2016 looking at you right in the eyes Tommy when I was told by Coach David and Matty along with yourself that I was ready for THIS.”
She brushes her hair back, looking at the title for a moment before turning back to the Camera as Kelcey looks on….
“Giving you the same answer now, I gave back then.
I am not just another “Pretty Face”.”
Her green eyes narrow, holding up the Adrenaline Championship as Kelcey stands in the back, a smirk cracking from her lips….
FADE TO BLACK
/REC
Peyton Rice 