A LONG ROAD TO GET THERE
CHAPTER THREE
Peyton found herself in a place she never thought possible, the old home of Chris Cannon and Kelcey Wallace. She had started to look for her own place, even thinking about leaving Southern California and moving back to Arizona, there wasn’t really much left for her to stick around. Ante Up Academy was sold, a new school by David Helms opened, her friendship with Owen Cruze was on the splits, all because of the stupidity she showed in hurting Jennifer the night Peyton’s marriage ended, and what hurt more for Jennifer was the fact Peyton helped her with the break up from Christian Cannon, which made this all the more heart wrenching and in Jennifer’s eyes, cruel. She was ready to live at an extended stay until she closed on a house or a beachside condo, yet Peyton wasn’t completely sold on even saying around town anymore, too many memories, lost friends and the feeling of overstaying her welcome became that much more of a letdown. How did she end up at Chris Cannon’s home, simple, Kelcey directed her there. She offered to let her stay with her and Scott, but Peyton refused, was too much of a burden, she was finally with her son, the last thing she needed was to have Peyton there when she was reunited with him at last, the fact Kelcey lived not too far from Owen was another obstacle.
Peyton simply didn’t want to deal with it.
Kelcey had the house up on the market with Chris, she was unaware at the time Chris had decided to take it off the market, told Peyton to go there, and when she showed up, Chris had already comfortable moved in, still unpacking, much to her surprise. It seemed like there was turmoil in Peyton’s life constantly, the calamity was becoming too much to bear and handle, all she wanted was to live her life happily and wrestle, thinking that she was going to have that with Alistaire Allocco who had plans of his own without ever talking to her about it first. Everything seemed to be falling apart, and her career was in a holding pattern, watching everything happen, seeing Kelcey get into it with The Wonderland, with Sienna, with anyone and this all happened so fast, after Rise to Greatness, Peyton felt lost, maybe what she needed more than anything was to just take a step back and reflect….
This was a start.
Chris Cannon Home
Hermosa Beach, CA.
A Few Days After Apocalypse
Peyton was in the laundry room, she was washing some clothes, wearing shorts, flip flops and a Perfect Ten t-shirt. Her hair was tied back in a ponytail and nails polished white. She was listening to some music, Adele’s Rolling in the Deep played through her air pods while folding some clothes, which was something that always helped Peyton when doing a few things around the house and the chores. It was nice change of pace and also comforting to know the house was right on the beach, the backyard led into the sand, so she would go out later, take a swim, work on her tan and exercise her options were limited only to her imagination. She was lost in the song even singing a little of the lyrics while looking at Bear who laid on the floor…
Peyton: “Baby, I have no story to be told. But I’ve heard one on you. Now I’m gonna make your head burn. Think of me in the depths of your despair, make a home down there cause mine sure won’t be shared.”
She smiled while humming some more of the song to herself but shortly notices Bear raise his head and stood to attention, his tail begins to wag excitedly…
Peyton: “Oh you liked that huh? You mean to tell me Mr. Cannon didn’t serenade you with songs?”
Bear barks which causes the Arizonian to giggle a little, she removes one of her air pod’s and picks her cell up to sift through her music collection…
Peyton: “So that’s how it is huh, now you’re making requests? What do you want stud?”
She scrolls through a variety of artists and nods to herself, after putting her air pods back in the case she hits play and places the phone down on the laundry. Dua Lip’s Don’t Start Now starts up immediately. Peyton now dancing towards Bear…
Peyton: “If you don’t want to see me…. Did a full 180, crazy thinking bout the way I was…”
As the lyrics stated Peyton too did a 180 and jumped back in surprise to see Chris Cannon leaning against the door frame watching…
Chris: “Oh don’t stop on my account.”
Peyton: “Oh my god… Mr. Ca… Chris, how long was you there?”
Chris: “Not too long love, but long enough. You seem happier that’s good.”
Peyton nods while walking over to her cell and pausing the song…
Chris: “So what have you been up to, teaching Bear how to do laundry or having yourselves a private party?”
Peyton laughed as she turned back to the laundry she was folding, Bear walked towards Chris who kneeled down to give him a good scratch behind the ear…
Peyton: “Something like that, I’m sorry if I was making noise with my singing but it helps me sometimes. Besides, I think Bear liked it. But he is like my shadow now, which I don’t mind at all, we have become best friends.”
Chris: “It’s fine love, whatever helps cheer you up. That is what is important they tell us.”
Peyton: “Yeah… Anyway, I’m sorry if you I overstepped my boundaries, but I took the liberty of doing your laundry as well while doing mine. Hope that is okay…”
Chris rolled his eyes and walked over to where Peyton stood, he looked down at the basket and laughed while resting a hand on her shoulder..
Chris: “Peyton, just because you are staying here doesn’t mean that you have to do my laundry love, I am capable of doing it myself.”
Peyton: “I never for a second imagined that Sienna did your laundry.”
Chris: “Good call, now if you want to help out around here more feel free to give that guy a bath he’s starting to need one.”
Bear immediately bolted out of the room into the kitchen area, both Chris and Peyton share a laugh as she continued to take the clothes out of the dryer while Chris followed after the dog….
Chris: “I went to the market and bought a few things, think I am going to make some stuffed cabbage rolls tonight, some good protein. Before I do, I wanted to see if you were going to have dinner, I’ll make you some as well.”
Peyton: “I’d like that, thank you.”
Chris: “Good, I think I’m going for a run on the beach later, as well. You’re more than welcome to join me if you like.”
Peyton: “Uh yeah sure though I wouldn’t want to impose.”
Chris: “You’re not imposing love. It’s been nice having someone around to talk to. There is only so much you can say to Bear before you start thinking you’re going mad.”
It was a relief to Peyton hearing those words, ever since breaking the engagement with Alistaire and her fight with Jennifer she had the overbearing feeling of being unwelcome in most places. A lot of the time she believed she was being judged by everyone. But staying here has certainly helped her mental state if nothing more… With the basket in hand she walks into the kitchen and placed it on the counter while Chris put things away…
Peyton: “Well I can’t think of anyone else I’d rather talk to than Bear, he’s a great listener. Besides I did decide that I should get out of the house, I know in Downtown Square there are a few clubs, figured I should go out and mingle, I haven’t gone dancing in a long time, and I bet neither have you.”
Chris: “Oh love, I’m a little too old to go clubbing. I mean, I don’t mind going to a bar and having a few drinks but dancing…..”
Peyton: “Then it’s settled, I know a good bar it’ll be my treat.”
Chris: “Peyton, I appreciate the offer but you don’t have to.”
Peyton: “And you didn’t have to let me stay here or hook me up with my new boyfriend.”
Chris: “…New boyfriend?”
She turns and hugs Bear, kissing the Akita on the face as he turns and licks her and begins jumping up at her….
Peyton: “Bear!”
Chris: “You two make a great couple.”
Peyton: “Thanks!”
It was the first time that he actually saw Peyton smiling again and in a good mood. She was settling in nicely living there, though Chris knew that she was in the process of looking for a place but was undecided if she would move back to Arizona or stay in Southern California. Now she was feeling a little more comfortable around him even after everything that he had done before splitting from Sienna. But Peyton was not going to touch that subject, instead she kept to herself, didn’t really try to interfere too much into his work, as Chris was going through a lot too, he had been with Sienna, married for a bit, they were planning a life together, and she was not about to let things go. That was one worry she had, the possibility of Sienna showing up at the house and assuming the worst, but for now, Peyton was trying to get by, she had decided to do whatever she could in order to get back into the groove, and Under Attack was the goal. With the basket by her side, she had folded all of Chris’s clothes, he was both very grateful and surprised that she went to those lengths…
Chris: “The rate you’re going Peyton, I should be buying you the drinks.”
Peyton: “No, seriously, it is the least I can do for taking me in with your warm hospitality while I look for a place, I really do appreciate it. Again, I know you didn’t have to.”
Chris: “No I didn’t have to you’re right, but I would have no matter what.”
Peyton: “And that means a lot to hear you say that.”
Chris: “It’s like I said, you never gave up on me and I know it has been tough for a while, breaking up is hard to do, we are both going through it and while it sucks, it gives us a chance to start fresh. Of course our situations are different, you don’t have a kid involved and well, there is no sugar coating it and a very unstable, estranged wife right now either, but I think getting away from everything and dealing with it in our own ways is the best therapy one could ask for.”
Peyton: “I totally agree. I was a hot mess when I came here, I think things are starting to improve and I just need to find some direction now in the SCW, really the only way for me to get back into the thick of things and…..”
Chris: “Yeah about that…”
Chris puts his hand onto one of Peyton’s stopping her from finishing the folding of clothes. He opens the door back into the beach where a couple of lawn chairs are placed in the sand…
Chris: “You have a few minutes?”
Peyton: “Sure.”
He leads her outside as they both sit down and take a moment to enjoy the cool breeze and the sound of the water on the beach. Bear walks out and sits next to Peyton while she pets him…..
Chris: “I’m glad you brought SCW up because I wanted to talk to you about that. I know what is going on in your personal life is something I can’t really help with, but your professional I like to think I can at least give you a pointer or two.”
Peyton: “Well I’d appreciate anything right now if I’m honest… I mean…”
Chris turned to look at the gorgeous Peyton who sat there glistening in the sunlight…
Chris: “Now, before I continue, I want you to understand that I am going to be very real and frank with you, love, do you think you can handle that?”
Peyton: “Yes, I would like you to be brutally honest with me, Chris. Kelcey is very honest with me too, but she tries to do it without hurting my feelings, at this point, if it does so be it, I need the constructive criticism.”
Chris: “Okay, Peyton, you are a very kind, respectable and honorable young woman. You’ve always followed the rules, played the game to the best of your ability, and have a love of the sport unmatched.”
Peyton: “Thank you, that means a lot.”
Chris: “It’s true. Just like the notion that you are a very huge inspiration to young girls out there who one day will want to become professional wrestlers because of women like you. They will look up to you because if anyone is honest, you are one of a few blueprint’s on how to do everything right in this business. Let’s forget what you are going through now in your personal life, I am talking about walking into the arena every single week, the house shows, Pay Per Views with a positive attitude, a face that no one, especially the fans would know how much shit you are going through right now and I commend you for that, it is how professionals act.”
She nods, very appreciative of the kind words by Chris Cannon, but she knew there was more coming he said he was going to be frank and well, all he had done so far was praise her….
Peyton: “There is a “but” somewhere though isn’t there?”
Chris: “Yes there is.”
He takes a moment to think about his words and how he was to address them…
Chris: “You allow for people and the company to walk all over you, and I don’t mean it in a bad way, you follow the rules, you do as you’re told, there are steps in the process where you trust and simply do not cross and for someone that has only been here for a little bit of time, I can understand that, you don’t want to walk right into a new company and alienate the roster which again I commend you for it. But in a few months you will be entering year three of the SCW, that is two whole years that you have been with the company and NOT once have I ever seen you storm out to the ring and call your shots.”
Peyton: “That’s because I want to earn my opportunities, Chris not have them handed to me. It’s how Ricky always did it, he said it was all about having the respect of everyone.”
Chris: “And I agree, but there is a thin line between respect and straight up aggression, and this is one of those moments where you need to start showing the SCW what you have by calling their attention on you.”
Peyton takes a deep breath; this wasn’t what she imagined he would be saying. Not that she had an idea of what that would be to begin with…
Peyton: “I don’t know if I feel comfortable doing that…”
Chris: “I understand, I do. It’s not easy but how do you think Sienna became one of the top faces of the company or Regan Street? Selena Frost? Syren and Ravyn? Bree even? Look at Matt Hodges calling his shots right now. They made sure the attention was always on them love.”
Peyton: “What are you saying? That I storm out to the ring and make demands? Become the same thing I’ve been against my entire career?”
Chris: “No, of course not. I’m just saying step up to the challenge and don’t give Sasha the chance to do it for you. This is where you need to get up to the plate and knock it out of the park. Don’t be like Sienna and I did, or how so many others that get lost in the shuffle, we made our demands and threats, look where that put us, but Owen? He was given what he asked for because he came out and issued the challenges without allowing anyone to tell him different. I wanted to slap the taste out of that cunts mouth back then… sorry, that slipped out, but at the end of the day I can respect the kid for what he has done, now it’s your turn or all you’re going to see is the Jordan Majors and the Subarashi’s and Holly Adams get all the press and again you’ll be left out in the cold. Is that what you want?”
Peyton: “No, of course not and I understand what you’re saying Chris and appreciate the words…”
Chris: “I know it isn’t easy, I’m in the same boat. If not for Lucas, I’d be retired right now. But I am trying to help you best I can. We can train together, we can share experiences in the ring, I can give you pointers, but you have been around long enough to know what is happening. The training wheels came off you a long time ago.”
Peyton was appreciative of what Chris Cannon was saying, he was being brutally honest with her and that was something that she really appreciated. He was right, it was time for Peyton to finally step in on her own, to go out there and make it happen, she didn’t know what yet, been sitting backstage waiting for a chance, it was time to make it, the question was always….
When?
Peyton: “Thank you. I think I know what I have to do.”
Chris: “I know you do, love. That’s why you have always been the best of us.”
Blushing a little, Peyton smiles, flattered by his compliment but also feeling down deep inside that she is nowhere near that. Sighing some, she digs her toes in the sand and stands up….
Peyton: “So… You want to go for that run?”
Chris: “Barefoot?”
Peyton shrugged while kicking off her flip flops…
Peyton: “It’s the beach.”
Chris: “Okay, let’s do it….. but try to keep up.”
Peyton: “That is so a challenge.”
They both start to jog on the sands of the beach as Bear follows, before heading toward the water and continuing their run, it was all part of what Peyton needed most right now, direction…
Later That Night
As promised, Peyton and Chris walked to the Downtown Marketplace about two blocks from his house. Chris was in a polo shirt, jeans, and loafers. Peyton had on a pair of tight white bells, wedge sandals and a tan colored halter top, her hair was slicked back in a ponytail. They sat at one of the tall boys at the bar, they ended up getting a dessert, a Crème Brulee to split. Peyton was drinking a glass of Red Wine, a Malbec, Chris had a whiskey sour…..
Chris: “Go on, get it out I know you want to say it.”
Peyton sipped her glass of Red and chuckled…
Peyton: “Never in a million years did I think you and I would be sitting at some random little local Hermosa Beach Bar and restaurant having drinks and sharing a dessert, I would be laughing right in the face of whomever would have suggested that.”
Chris: “I know right, funny how the world works. I think it’s good therapy, I can be myself, you can be yourself, and we can both get away from the world together and just let it pass by paying us no mind.”
Peyton: “Well, just to let you know, I have narrowed down my search to a few houses, well condos in the area, not here in Hermosa Beach but around. I am also keeping it open about Arizona, living with my dad while it isn’t the most private place, and I can’t really do whatever I want, we can at least be together and I can look out for him, and he for me.”
Chris: “Your dad loves you very much, Peyton. He is a good man. He should be proud of his daughter, that is how I hope I am with Nathaniel when he’s older. I wasn’t in Christian’s life much, but I am trying to make up for that the best I can. As for Nathaniel, I want my son to grow up and not make the same mistakes and take the same road I did. Which is why I know he belongs with Kelcey.”
Peyton: “If I ask you a question, would you be honest with me?”
Chris: “Sure love.”
Peyton: “Do you still love Sienna?”
Chris took a sip of his whiskey sour, taking a moment to answer the question truthfully….
Chris: “Yes, but I don’t know if I am in love with her anymore if that makes sense. Despite what everything thinks of her right now, I can’t deny Sienna was a good mother, even though the way we were able to get Nathaniel to begin with was questionable, well, you know I don’t need to explain it…”
Chris sighed a little while thinking about all that happened. Peyton wasn’t showing any signs of judgement however, just listening like has to her problems…
Chris: “I know deep down she is a very loving woman, and very loyal to those who are closest to her, but the problem she has, is the inability to handle adversity, she panics and does rash things which you have seen already yourself on shows. I do love her, and I honestly don’t know what the future holds, I have already filed papers, so we’ll see.”
That surprised Peyton hearing about the papers, she wasn’t aware things were at that stage… Immediately her brain begun to swirl with other thoughts as one does…
Peyton: “So does that mean you want to get back with Kelcey?”
Chris: “Wow, Peyton, going for the bloody jugular I see. Was this your plan all along, to get me drunk and spill my heart out?”
Peyton: “What, no of course not… I didn’t mean to pry I’m sorry…”
Chris “I’m kidding love, but as for wanting to get back with Kelcey? I don’t if that will ever be possible even if I wanted to. Right now, she is with my brother, Scott. So, I guess the answer would be no.”
Peyton: “I’m sorry I am asking these personal questions, just was always interested in what you were thinking between Sienna and Kelcey I guess.”
Chris: “It was a very rough situation, one I don’t ever want to revisit again, but yes, a lot of wrong decisions were made, ones we regret.”
Peyton: “Tell me about it.”
Chris knew that she was talking about Ricky, it wasn’t hard for him to figure out that even after an entire year she was still not able to get over her trauma…..
Chris: “He was a good man, Peyton. But you already know that don’t you. There isn’t a day that goes by I don’t miss him.”
Her eyes started to tear up some, Peyton started to try and laugh it off, touching the sides of her eyes so her makeup wouldn’t run…..
Chris: “I remember when I met Ricky, I looked at him and I knew he had it. A great young man, so polite and vibrant, a breath of fresh air, especially when he joined the Beauty Factory. I know Orlando loved that kid too, so many hall of famers and legends had respect for him and you.”
Peyton: “Yeah Ricky never disappointed anyone, I did.”
Chris: “No Peyton, you haven’t, you’re just going through a rough time love. Just like me. Whatever doesn’t kill us can only make us stronger.”
Peyton: “We rough it together, right?”
Chris: “Yeah, you’re becoming like my partner in crime.”
Peyton: “Superman always needs his Supergirl. Though I am nowhere near a Supergirl, more like Lana Lane, not even Lois.”
Chris: “Well you’re in luck cause I’m the furthest thing from being Superman.”
Chris laughs some, enjoying the company and seeing that Peyton does have a sense of humor. He takes the last of his drink….
Chris: “Right, I better head back, it’s getting a bit late love. What are you going to do?”
Peyton: “I don’t know, check out that Liquid Crystal club, I need to let loose a little tonight and not be judged, you know? I’ll be home later; I can come in through the back.”
Chris: “Whatever works for you it’s just… I’m not trying to be your dad here, but I am ten years your senior and did say I’d look out for you so don’t be out too late, a beautiful woman like you, the last thing I want is for you walking down these streets late at night. I know how they can be.”
Peyton: “Awww….”
Chris: “Okay, shut up.”
Peyton: “…. That is so cute, you care about me.”
Chris: “Peyton, I am being serious and Kelcey would never let me hear the end of it if something happened to you, alright? Humor me if nothing else and promise that you will come home right after.”
Peyton: “I promise, I just want to maybe spend an hour, get on the dance floor. All I do is sit home and mope, think of Ricky and cry myself to sleep. He wouldn’t want me to do that. I mean, just a month or so ago I was planning my wedding, now nothing. I just need a night out, I wish you would come with me are you sure I can’t convince you?”
Chris: “Oh no, the club scene is not for Chris Cannon.”
Peyton: “You sure…. Don’t know how to dance, huh?”
He chuckles some and rather not say. He goes for his wallet, but Peyton grabs his arm….
Peyton: “I told you, I am paying for this.”
Chris: “You don’t have to.”
Peyton: “I want to. Go home, old man.”
She grins, sticking her tongue out as he points, with a smirk….
Chris: “Old man? Well in that case, be back by midnight or you’ll be grounded young lady.”
Peyton: “Yessir!”
Peyton jokingly salutes Chris and chuckles…
Chris: “Don’t stay out too late, if you need a lift give me a call.”
Peyton: “I won’t and I will.”
Chris winks at Peyton and heads out leaving her at the bar though he was thinking better of it and not leave her alone but he trusted Peyton to do the right thing and go for a little while and come back to the house, It was around 11, and Chris headed back. Peyton gestured for the Bartender to hand her the check, before she grabbed her purse, paid, and walked out, as every man there turned to look at the gorgeous young SCW Superstar. Walking out, she saw the Liquid Crystal Club and proceeded inside…
Three Hours Later
Chris couldn’t sleep, crawling out of bed, he was in shorts and a tank top, deciding to sit outside in the back with bear, maybe the sound of the ocean, the cool breeze and moonlight would do him some good. He figured Peyton was already home from the club, he was curious, so went upstairs and slowly cracking her door open, much to his surprise she wasn’t there. He turned on the light….
Chris: “Peyton? Pey, are you home?”
He went down the stairs to the living room, she hadn’t even been home. Now he was starting to get a little concerned after looking at the time. He opened the back door with Bear and walked around to the side of the house and then the sidewalk, he didn’t see her. Now really worried, he walked back inside to get dressed, as he stepped back out, Bear suddenly smells something and starts to bark and takes off….
Chris: “Bear!?”
Chris chases Bear when suddenly he sees someone jump out from the bushes by the alleyway and run off as Bear begins to sprint after him….
Chris: “BEAR!?”
Then, much to Chris’s horror he looks in the bushes and sees Peyton semi-conscious, some of her clothes was ripped, it looked like she had been hit in the mouth….
Chris: “PEYTON!?”
Chris could hear Bear growling as he had tackled the man who had run off, Chris quickly runs and tackles him down again as he tried to get back up….
Chris: “WHAT THE FUCK DO YOU THINK YOU’RE DOING?!”
The man didn’t have a chance to say anything, Chris starts unloading fist after fist on him, Chris was relentless, the anger and utter angst on his face was scary. He felt a hand on his shoulder Peyton behind him trying to pull him off to no avail, Chris was like a man possessed….
Peyton: “STOP! YOU’LL KILL HIM!”
Chris: “NO! He hurt you Pey!”
When Chris said that, she froze, falling back some, it was as if Ricky was channeling through Chris, he sounded just like him, he even looked like him for a split second…
Peyton: “…Ricky?”
Chris stopped, the assailant was unconscious, his face beaten bloody, turning to Peyton who’s eyes rolled to the back of her head and fainted…..
Thirty Minutes Later
The Hermosa Beach Police were questioning Chris when Peyton started to get her bearings, she was on the front step drinking some hot tea as an EMT tended to her scratches and wounds. The man who attacked her was loaded into an ambulance and taken away. After Chris gave a statement to the police, Peyton then had to give one, they wanted to take her to the hospital, but she refused, she had some bumps and scratches.
Police Officer: “I suggest you take her to a hospital tomorrow since she refuses tonight. So, it looks like it was someone from the club that followed her home. He tried to rob and maybe even possibly rape her, luckily you and your dog came before he could do the latter. Seems like he struck her on the side of the head, blindsiding her and knocking her unconscious. She was a lucky woman. We keep telling them these streets aren’t like they used to be.”
Chris: “Thanks officer, I will do that, and I hope that son of a bitch gets what he deserves.”
Police Officer: “Mr. Cannon, I think he already did, we may be in contact. Goodnight sir.”
Chris: “Goodnight mate.”
As the EMT’s and officers leave, Chris helps Peyton up and brings her inside. He takes her to the bed where she sits down. Chris takes off her sandals and vest…..
Chris: “Peyton…. I told you to call me if you needed a lift back.”
Peyton: “I know…. I should have just come home with you.”
Chris: “It’s okay, the important part is you are safe. Come on, try to get some sleep.”
Peyton: “I think I want to shower first…”
Chris: “Okay. I’ll be right next door.”
Chris stands up to leave the room when Peyton grabs his hand, which showed signs of heavy bruising of its own. He turns and looks over at her as she stands up looking at the abrasions on his knuckles and everything she could recall in that instance and without hesitation hugs him….
Peyton: “I don’t want to think about what would have happened if you and Bear…..”
Chris: “It’s like I told you, he was your new boyfriend.”
Bear hops on the bed sitting next to Peyton, drying her eyes, leaning up against the Akita as Chris walks out of the room. Peyton proceeds to get undressed and takes a shower, inside she squints her eyes, water running down her bare back, believing that she is starting to go crazy, because for a second there, she thought that Chris was actually Ricky…..
That was not possible.
Slamming the walls of the shower multiple times, she crumbles to the floor, covering her face of tears as the water from the shower drowns them away. Bear looks on sensing her distress and he sticks his head into the shower and starts licking Peyton making her cry harder.
A while had passed for Peyton and after showering and getting into her shorts and tank top, she crawls into bed, Chris opens the door, with a glass of water which he puts to the side before covering her up with the blanket, he then sits next to her.
Chris: “Are you okay?”
She shakes her head, “no”, trying to hold back tears. She sits up and Chris embraces her again, holding her tight as she continues to cry but soon it stops, as Peyton had fallen asleep in his arms from the stress. Chris slowly lays her down, he stands up to walk out of the room, Bear lays next to her….
Chris: “You stay and protect her tonight mate. You did good Bear….. you did really good.”
Bear lies his head on Peyton’s legs as she sleeps. Chris smiles and closes the door. Taking a deep breath, he walks back into his bedroom, he sits down looking at his cell phone, before reaching over and dialing Kelcey’s number, but he then stops. Instead placing it on the nightstand, laying down, and staring at the ceiling thinking about one thing….
Why Peyton called him Ricky.
The Following Morning
Chris gave Peyton some tea to help her sleep, as she dozed off, but the next morning, the memory was still there, and her life continued to fall from one chaotic event to another. Peyton didn’t know how to thank Chris Cannon for what he did, now she didn’t even want to go anywhere alone, that is when she was still lying in bed, having woken up after a deep sleep, doing nothing else but stare at the ceiling. She was in her Yoga tights and sports bra. Peyton had a bruise on her lip and a cut, most of her other bruises were around her body but she knew she was lucky not to get hurt seriously. Slowly she crawled out of bed, washed up, brushed her teeth, Bear was on the bed, looking on as he had slept with her all night.
She steps out and grabs her Yoga mat, doesn’t even think about what had happened to her just a few hours before, opening the door, Bear ran out, making her way down the stairs, she walks out to the beach and lays the mat down. Stepping on it, Peyton closes her eyes, trying hard to erase the negative thoughts surrounding everything that has been happening to her. Thinking about the attacks be it in SCW or just the other night, this time she started to phase out the memories, thinking of Ricky and all those who have helped her along the way…. Peyton starts to do her Kata routine, a deep form of Asian Karate and Yoga. Preparing herself to go back on Breakdown and make some waves, she couldn’t let the attack, or all her misfortunes hold her back. Her gorgeous body and form is on the beach as the sun is up, Bear is off to the side digging a hole in the sand.
Chris walked in from the garage, he has a cup of coffee in hand, he is preparing breakfast when he stops, seeing Peyton on the beach doing her Kata. For him it is the first time he has seen her doing this form of exercise, gazing at her presence, a smile forms on his face. He heads to the back sliding glass door and continues to watch, her eyes closed, doing strikes and kicks, it was like something just snapped in her and suddenly she looked determined and focused, it intrigued Chris, even after what happened just hours before, she was not lying in bed, scared to get out.
It was time for a turnaround maybe.
Peyton turned, continuing with her motion, all she could hear is his voice talking to her the entire time…
“You can do it Pey, don’t disappoint me, ass.”
… it gave her strength, determination, drive and most importantly the one thing she had lost in the process…..
Hope that the future could be better.
Chris looked on at a woman he not only respected, felt a connection reforming between the two. One that while he was trying his best to help her, by doing so at the behest of Kelcey in turn she was unexpectedly helping him as well…
After Breakdown
Two Weeks Later
Peyton Rice somehow was inspired by her string of bad luck and the talks she has had with both Chris and Kelcey. They were right, Peyton needed to for once finally call her shot, she had to be the one to walk out to the ring and make something out of nothing, that is where the challenge to the Elimination Chamber came in. For Peyton, this was her time, this was the only chance she had to get into the thick of things, a win inside the Chamber meant she was right back on track. She had been training hard, ready to go all out and a huge match with Christy Matthews showed just how determined and ready Peyton was, but as she went back to Hermosa Beach, contemplating moving back to Arizona or finding a new home in the Los Angeles Basin or by the beach, tragedy happened….
Alistaire Allocco was hit by a car and is now in the ICU up in Rochester, New York.
And then just like that again, Peyton didn’t know how to react…
She had come back after hearing what had happened, all her feelings for him resurfaced, most were of the good times, and it was then she realized just how much he had meant in her life, he was going to be her husband… Peyton had walked outside on the beach, she had on a white sundress, barefoot with her long sandy blonde hair hanging down, nails polished white. Her green eyes stared out into the beautiful sunset across the ocean, she had a large bottle of water in her hands. Her makeup had run some, there were like 20 missed calls on her cell that sat next to her from friends, family, and fellow wrestlers alike. All she could think about was a few nights before RTG and how everything had gone down. That is when the sliding glass door opened, she could hear it and Chris Cannon walked out. Lowering her head, she didn’t want to face him or anyone. He sat down next to Peyton……
Chris: “I heard what happened, are you okay?”
Peyton didn’t know how to respond to that question because there was no obvious answer. She sat there in silence not saying a word for a few minutes, Chris didn’t want to push her into speaking if she didn’t want to…
Chris: “Well we can just sit here and say nothing if that’s what you prefer. I’m not going anywhere; I have nowhere to be.”
Another minute passes and Chris had just started to get to his feet and head back inside to leave her be, but then Peyton spoke from behind her sandy blonde hair of hers….
Peyton: “I used to think that I was bad luck, maybe even cursed.”
Chris: “I don’t believe that to be true at all.”
Peyton: “Really? Because bad things always happen to the people I care about, and it always occurs after I hurt them emotionally. For the last 16 months I have blamed myself every single day from the moment I wake up in the morning until the minute I go to bed, that it was my fault Ricky is dead. I have lived with this torture and I can never escape it. I have changed because of this and not for the better…”
Chris didn’t know how to respond to that, she blamed herself for Ricky’s death which was the furthest thought on his mind…
Peyton: “I tend to make so many mistakes now, I live in fear of people I care about and I look at myself in the mirror and hate what stares back at me. I lost Ricky and I never was given the chance to tell him how much I loved him and wanted to spend the rest of my life with him… Then along came Alistaire, and for a while I thought that I found the man of my dreams. Ali can be a nuisance at times, but he cared and I know he loved me, he did things in his own way, I don’t know maybe it scared him that he allowed someone into his life, a situation he just couldn’t control by himself, I don’t know. But now he is in an ICU, I can’t even see him, I can’t fly up to be with him, even if I am his ex-fiancé… I’m not welcome there.”
Chris: “This was not your fault; Peyton I hope you know that.”
Peyton: “No? You don’t think that what I did to him didn’t play a part on him emotionally? Maybe he was distracted, maybe he was thinking about what I did to him and that led to him not paying attention to the car that hit and almost killed him? I am trying so hard right now to wrap my head around everything. Who is next? Kelcey? Owen? Jennifer? Christian? You?”
Chris retook a seat beside the young Peyton who was going through a lot, it pained him to see her this way because it looked like things were on the up for her both mentally and career wise.
Chris: “Peyton, you need to stop blaming yourself for all of this, look what you have done in the last few weeks, finally took control of your career, you bloody went out to the ring and called your shot to the Elimination Chamber of all matches. What happened to Alistaire was an accident, that had absolutely nothing to do with you these things happen.”
She wasn’t buying it, it hit too close to home, always wondering who or what was next, it was the guilt and grief she was suffering from as it had taken its toll on her and all she could do is think about all things she could have done to change what has happened. Peyton truly believed that breaking up with Alistaire caused this accident…
Peyton: “I’m going crazy, aren’t I? I swear it feels like I don’t know whether I am coming or going… I just want the world to swallow me up whole…”
Chris: “No love, you are not going crazy. You’re a young woman that has been struck with grief and rather than face it, buried deep for a long time… Now you need help, and I know this hurt’s, and it is easy to blame yourself for what happened, but you can’t keep this up Peyton, it is torture, you are too young to be thinking like this. Alistaire is a grown man that makes his own decisions, my son and I have both been in that situation with car’s, and I wish I could blame Blake Mason for this, but I know for a fact he wasn’t in New York.”
Peyton took a moment to pause and think about what he just said, she slowly turned to Chris who smiled, she let out a chuckle before it turned into tears, he brought her in close, placing his arm over her shoulder. After her attack, he has seen how Peyton has used it as a pillar of strength, intensifying her workouts, the morning Yoga, the claim of the Elimination Chamber even taking a shot by Richter, then going toe to toe with Christy Matthews the week after in a Double DQ. He saw that Peyton was starting to get her footing and that alone made him happy, but now this had to happen and the concern is back, she was retreating back into her own head something he knew all too well with his own experiences…..
Peyton: “I have always done what I thought was right and followed the rules, I made mistakes, sure but I tried to amend them the best I can, own up to the ones that really affected others as well. I loved Alistaire, I really did. I didn’t mean to hurt him, he just hurt me, he took away the joy of a partnership because he became too overzealous. I didn’t want this to happen to him, Alistaire didn’t deserve it.”
Chris: “Everyone knows that Peyton.”
Peyton: “I want to see him, hold his hand and tell Ali that everything is going to be alright, but I know that I am not welcomed up there, they would throw me out faster than I arrived and it kills me. He did this to me though, he alienated me from his family and now I can’t even go, and fucking see him…. I just want to see him!!”
Now she was starting to get angry, sitting up and then getting to her feet, pacing some in the sand as the wall which held back her raw emotions began to crack…
Peyton: “It was Adam Allocco’s fault; he did this to him! He was part of the reason this engagement never worked! I am always blaming myself, thinking that I did so much wrong and yet this bastard, this…. This jerk uses and treats his son in that way!? He tries to cop a feel on my ass, he had a bunch of Russian thugs’ chloroform and kidnap me, he…”
Chris: “WHOA! Peyton!? What are you talking about love!?”
Peyton: “There was so much you don’t know Chris. You have no idea the hell that man put me through just because I loved his son. Since RTG, I have been a wreck. Then finally by mistake of all things because Jennifer wants to be a bitch about your son and I, end up at his dads which shockingly has become the best thing that has happened to me in the last year… I end up almost getting raped by some sicko at a Night Club that you told me not to go in, but I didn’t listen…”
Peyton stops in the sand and just trembles with all manner of emotion now… It was like the cracks in the dam she had built were about to break…
Peyton: “But I tried to focus on my career, I finally used how I feel as a motivator, the anger and frustration I had, turned and used it for my advantage and now… Now Ali may be dying in some hospital, and I… I just can’t… and now you think I’m crazy and I …..”
Chris now stands, he goes to comfort Peyton, but she steps back….
Peyton: “No…. no. I can’t be in your arms…”
Chris: “Peyton, what’s going on.”
Peyton: “I am not going to try and cross that line, for every time I am, all I think about is Ricky.”
She starts to walk away, back into the house leaving Chris there standing, seeing what this young woman and the turmoil within herself is going through. Now he was convinced that he wasn’t going to be able to do this on his own. Reaching into his pocket, he grabbed his cell…
Chris: “Hey Siri, call Kelcey Wallace…”
A Few Hours Later
Peyton wasn’t eating, she was a complete mess. For all the good she had done to get things on track, it felt like it was all for not with it all beginning to unravel… Chris didn’t know what else to do, there was only so much he could do and so he called for Kelcey to come over and help him with her. He was slowly seeing her deteriorate, even though she was ready to step into the Elimination Chamber, but with her head in the state it was in Chris was starting to really worry about her, just like her parents. Peyton was lying in bed in shorts and a tank top, curled up on a body pillow watching Cobra Kai on Netflix. She had no idea that Kelcey was coming over to see her, as she hadn’t really come out of her room since her conversation with Chris on the beach. Downstairs the front door opened, Kelcey walked in wearing jeans, peep toe pumps and a blue blouse, her long sandy blonde hair hung down, nails polished a matte sky blue. Chris smiled as she went ahead and hugged him, catching him by surprise….
Kelcey: “Hey love, thanks for calling me.”
Chris: “If I didn’t think it needed your touch, I probably wouldn’t have if I’m honest. How’s the arm and neck?”
Kelcey: “You know I have had a lot worse; everyone still doesn’t believe I’m better now.”
Chris: “Are you really?”
Kelcey: “There are times I’ll admit I worry, but the doctors say I am and because of that people like Giovanni Aries will get his again, that I promise. How have things been going?”
Chris: “Can we sit for a second?”
Kelcey: “Sure, what is it?”
They both sit down on the couch. Chris and Peyton never told Kelcey about the attack near the house, she didn’t want anyone to know, but Chris felt like Kelcey should know. You never go into a situation without having all the facts…..
Kelcey: “Something’s happened with Peyton hasn’t it?”
Chris: “Look, I don’t want you to be alarmed, but a few weeks ago Peyton was attacked walking home from one of the local bars…”
Kelcey: “CHRIS!?”
Kelcey sat up right ready to go upstairs but Chris grabs her by the hand and shakes his head…
Chris: “Peyton didn’t want me to worry you, she is fine, nothing happened except for that bruise on her cheek and lip which she told you happened in training.”
Kelcey: “So that’s what happened…”
Chris: “Yeah, for what it’s worth I made sure that son of a bitch paid for what he did, but that incident triggered something in her… She went out and made her call for the Elimination Chamber spot, her workouts have intensified, I have never seen her more focused Kelcey, things were actually going very well, she has also been looking for a place although I admit, Bear and I love having her around….”
Kelcey looked at Chris a little confused…
Kelcey: “Who… is Bear?”
Chris: “He’s a dog I rescued a while ago, he’s an Akita and absolutely adores her.”
Kelcey: “How big is this dog?”
Chris: “Big enough, anyway he and Peyton are like a couple now. If not for him I wouldn’t know something was wrong, Kelcey and….”
He pauses, and now Chris starts getting a bit emotional, his eyes tear up a little, much to Kelcey’s surprise, as she starts to rub his back…..
Chris: “I don’t know what I would have done if something had happened to her under my watch… You asked me to do this favor for you and I was hesitant as you know… and if…”
Kelcey: “Well nothing happened okay, so don’t put weight on your shoulders Chris.”
Chris pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed…
Chris: “I know I shouldn’t, but I can’t help it sometimes. She…. While you asked me to help her there is no denying she’s helped me as well… Peyton has given me hope, made me feel like I am actually doing something important by helping her through these struggles she faces and there is no denying it has become therapy for me too, because the way she looks at me…..”
Kelcey: “Like how?”
Chris: “Like how you used to look at me, back when things were simpler. She’s a good kid Kelcey, I want to help her, I want to set Peyton straight, and there is nothing more I would want than to see her win that Chamber, but more importantly, she needs to get over the grief from Ricky’s passing…”
Kelcey: “I was afraid of that. I want to help her… But I’m not sure where to begin.”
Chris looks to his eye wife and nods…
Chris: “Yes you do Kelcey, you understand better than most about grieving, I recall how you were after Remington passed. I know how I felt when it happened, it took us both a while to get over that.”
Kelcey: “Yeah…”
Chris half smiles and rests a hand on Kelcey’s…
Chris: “That said, admittedly for the most part you and I kept up appearances like she has, but we were fortunate back then to have each other to lean on at our most vulnerable. She doesn’t seem to believe she has that right now and with Jennifer acting the way she had with her, I don’t blame her for feeling like that. But we need to do something about that.”
Kelcey: “Then we need to show her that she isn’t alone. There have been studies that show the grieving process can take up to four years, maybe even longer. She can’t fight this battle alone.”
Chris: “No, she can’t. I remember how I felt when they told me that you died during Nathaniel’s birth… I never want to feel that way again and if it is remotely half of what she is feeling, then she doesn’t need to be judged for her mistakes she may have made.”
Kelcey’s eyes widened some, she didn’t expect to hear that from Chris. Her hand gently rests on his face as she smiles some….
Kelcey: “You won’t. Where is she?”
Chris: “In her room, it used to be my study.”
Kelcey: “Okay, I’ll be right back.”
Chris nods, Kelcey stands up and walks up the stairs, while he looks on, sitting back on the couch and thinking what he once had with her, and how she and Peyton compare in similarities, two very smart, loving women that have been through hell but he was positive much like Kelcey, Peyton would come out of this better for it..
Kelcey walks in. Peyton and Bear are sitting on the bed. She slowly turns surprised to see Kelcey, Bear hops off, doesn’t even bark, instead playfully jumps on Kelcey and licks her face…
Kelcey: “You must be Bear!”
Peyton: “Yeah, that’s Bear.”
Kelcey: “Handsome fella!”
Bear drops down and walks out of the room, back downstairs with Chris. Kelcey offers her hand…
Peyton: “What?”
Kelcey: “I loved this house, every afternoon, when the sun was setting, I would go for a walk, allow the water to brush against my feet, there was no feeling like it. Come, let’s go for a walk.”
Peyton: “Okay.”
She takes Kelcey’s hand, as they both walk out, Chris and Bear are out in the back as the ladies take off their shoes and walk out into the beach….
Kelcey: “We’ll be right back.”
Chris: “Okay, are you going to be staying for a while?”
Kelcey: “I can, Nathaniel is with Trinity, your brother is on business.”
Chris: “Stay for dinner?”
Kelcey: “I’d like that.”
Chris: “I’ll order from Pazzini’s.”
Kelcey: “Yum, haven’t had that in a long time.”
Chris smiles and grabs his phone. Peyton and Kelcey walk out and head to the water, taking a small stroll….
Kelcey: “Chris cares about you, and you know I love you like a daughter. He told me what happened a couple of weeks ago and I need for you not to be mad at him.’
Peyton: “I can’t be mad at him and I didn’t want you to worry. Chris and Bear saved me, and they have become a part of my life. I honestly don’t want to move out, but I know eventually that you two….”
Kelcey: “Wait…. Peyton. Do not put the wagon before the horse love, we are all living our lives now, you know that.”
Peyton: “I do, I don’t know, but I may move back to Arizona with my dad.”
Kelcey: “No, you are staying.”
Peyton: “I can’t.”
Kelcey: “Peyton listen to me; I understand that you are going through some tough times right now. What happened to Alistaire is terrible, I cannot believe that, he is such a vibrant and talented young man that I wanted to guide, but unfortunately he had his own way of doing things, I blame a lot of that on his father. What happened to him was an accident Peyton, Chris told me you were taking it pretty hard, well all I can say is that you had nothing to do with that. Don’t allow this to affect you in this way, you’re already carrying a heavy burden.”
Peyton doesn’t respond, looking down at her feet as the water brushes over them. Kelcey turns as Peyton glances over her….
Kelcey: “When my father died, it took me a long time to get over his death. There were moments when I could hear him talking to me. I went into a bit of self-destruction. One night I got so drunk, I passed out on that sand hill over there and Chris had to carry me inside, that night I thought I saw him, it was so real, and ever since then, I have had to slowly let go. Then my mother died in a car accident, that was tough too, though she and I never always saw eye to eye, the one thing she wanted for me was to be Perfect. I never reached that goal, but the one caveat to all of it, I became stronger. Sometimes we lose people that are a vital part of our lives and it is hard to get over it. Did you know that I too contemplated ending my life?”
Peyton stops, turning toward Kelcey…
Peyton: “You talked to my father?”
Kelcey: “I did. Why don’t you come to me? Why don’t you confide in me, Peyton, I am the closest family you have here.”
Peyton: “I…. I can’t.”
Kelcey: “Why?”
Peyton: “I…. just can’t.”
Kelcey: “WHY!?”
Peyton: “BECAUSE I DON’T WANT YOU TO GET HURT! I don’t know what I would do if I lost you. That is why I sat bedside with you the entire time, I paused my career and my life to make sure that yours didn’t end and when Breakdown went off the air and you were being choked out by Giovanni Aries while Sienna screamed that he break your arm, while I can’t speak for Aaron or Owen, I can sure as hell speak for myself, that I am worried they will use you to get to us, Owen and Aaron may not see it that way, but I sure as hell do! Don’t you see it, Kelcey!? Every single person that I love end up getting hurt or dead!”
Kelcey: “That is not going to happen to me, I am alive and well and if you are worried about Giovanni Aries and The Wonderland, don’t be. Look at me, Peyton. I am in the best shape of my life and can defend myself. I will make sure those battles are won at my hand, he and Sienna, but that is not your concern, you made your call to the Elimination Chamber, and I wish you would have talked to me about it first, but you didn’t. That is a structure which is unrelenting and unforgiving.”
Peyton: “And you won it. So, can I. A couple of weeks ago, I didn’t know what I was going to do, I was lost in my own little world trying to feel sorry for myself, wondering if I was even going to wrestle or go back to school and do something else, because let’s face it, you have spent more time with Owen and Aaron then me. I’m not mad, I get it, priorities and all that good stuff, but now Aaron is in the Chamber too, and if you think I am going to hold back, you’re wrong. I am frustrated, I am angry at so much right now, all I want to do is scream and what happened to Ali was wrong, it hit me hard because I don’t want him to end up like Ricky, I don’t want my decisions to cost someone’s life like it did Ricky’s and….”
Kelcey holds up her hands, gesturing for Peyton to stop for a moment…
Kelcey: “Peyton, if I came across as giving more time and attention to Owen and Aaron, I am sorry, then that means I am not doing my job as a manager and mentor. You were my centerpiece since day one, I built the Perfect Pack around you, and there is nothing I want more than to see you succeed, and I know you will, I also know that you have a great chance in winning the Elimination Chamber, but that doesn’t mean you will, look at the heavy hitters in the match. I am worried about your state of mind right now, and this grief you are experiencing is crippling, I have been there, I know! It smothers you in every sense of the word but you can’t let it and we all know that Ricky wouldn’t want you to be this way, and instead celebrate and honor his life, do it by living as Peyton Rice would, and wrestle like Peyton Rice would…. And win the Elimination Chamber like Peyton Rice would…. While Ricky was still alive.”
Peyton’s eyes widen some, before in a sobering way lowers her head….
Peyton: “I’m going to win that Chamber and not allow all that has been happening to me outside the ring affect what I do. You saw me bring the fight to Christy, you saw me go out there and make the call to enter the Chamber, and I did so with the advice by Chris. He never pointed me to the Chamber, but he told me the greats make things happen and that is exactly what I did. At Under Attack, I’m walking out of there the winner, there is no other option…..”
Kelcey: “…. I know you are and….”
Peyton: “… but I am doing it without you.”
Kelcey was taken back by what Peryton had just said. Kelcey didn’t exactly know what she meant but the young Rice quickly cleared it up…
Peyton: “You are and will always be my manager and mentor, but at Under Attack, I need to do this on my own. You have become a target and a huge distraction. I have to worry about five other wrestlers and not worry about you. I hope that you understand.”
Kelcey: “I do, and I am sorry that it had come to that, I never meant for my issues with these maniacs to spill out into your path to the top. I promise moving forward I will make sure they don’t. I respect that about you Peyton, that you are willing to go into this fight alone, but you will NEVER be alone, Chris and myself along with so many others will be back there cheering you on.”
Peyton: “Thank you, for everything you have done for me, I won’t let you down again, I promise.”
Kelcey: “You never let me down.”
As they embrace and the cool ocean water brushes across their feet, Kelcey kisses her on the forehead, for Peyton is not just her protégé, she has stated many times that she is like her daughter and how she has also helped Chris, it shows what kind of person the young woman is, one that while she may have her own issues and has made a lot of mistakes, Peyton is learning from them, growing and focusing now on what she can control. They hold hands, walking again down the beach, no words, just the sea.
The Next Day
Shady Grove Cemetery
Peyton had taken her sandals off, wearing a black sundress, her hair down and nails polished white. She sat on a blanket, she felt at peace when she talked to him. This was her way of staying sane, but at the same time, Peyton needed to somehow have closure, let go and when she thought it happened last year, it didn’t, once the engagement was over and RTG, the realization that she was suffering from stricken grief was a slap to her face, and she needed to get help, as it had started to affect her life to the point she wasn’t being herself anymore…..
Peyton: “So yeah, I walked right into the ring and I grabbed the mic and how you taught me, I go…. “But there is one thing that I can throw myself into and challenge myself to take the best step forward in the remaining part of 2020. A year that’s had so many ups and downs for everyone, me included. It’s a bit of a tradition around here and I haven’t heard it mentioned. The Chamber!”, I was so pumped, the crowd went nuts, I didn’t think they knew I was going to mention that. It was like, forgotten so I took it upon to remind everyone of it, throw six of us in there and make it for something, right? I’m probably going to get myself killed.”
She let out a laugh, thinking that Ricky would be doing the same thing right now, shaking his head at her but proud that she took the initiative to make that call….
Peyton: “I figured you would be proud of me. So also, Chris is no longer with Sienna, I’m sure that makes you smile, considering that bitch tried to get you to recruit me, and let’s see what else…. I am living with Chris Cannon right now; he is my new beau… I’m just kidding babe, but I will say that sometimes I think he channels your spirit somehow and I….”
Peyton looks up at the sky, chuckling a little as her eyes tear up again, always finding it difficult to deal with the loss….
Peyton: “…. I’m not getting married anymore, because like Mr. Blake Mason told me a month or so ago, that any guy that I date will be measured by you, so in other words I’m going to grow old and alone. Ricky, I came here because I wanted to tell you I need to get over this and I don’t know how. I think that is why I chose the Elimination Chamber, because I need to prove to myself that I can do it without you or anyone for that matter, as I have to be me, Ricky. I have to be that girl who loved life when you were in it, and still to this day….”
She wipes tears from her face….
Peyton: “…. I can’t let my soul rot away and die inside. I love you so much and I miss you, God, I fucking miss you. I’m lost without you, Ricky….. I am. That is why I have to find myself again. And maybe the Chamber is a start. I promise you, that I am going to give it my best, and walk out a winner. Wrestling is all I have left….. it is all I have left.”
Placing her hand on his gravestone, she lowers her head and cries, feeling at the end of her rope, and looking for anything to give her hope…..
… and maybe Under Attack will be the start.
SCENE FADES
NOTHING PRETTY ABOUT THE ELIMINATION CHAMBER
Centennial Olympic Park is a 22-acre public park located in downtown Atlanta, Georgia owned and operated by the Georgia World Congress Center Authority. It was built by the Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games as part of the infrastructure improvements for the 1996 Summer Olympics. It plays host to millions of visitors a year and several events, including a summer popular music concert series and an annual Independence Day concert and fireworks display. The park is surrounded by many major Atlanta Landmarks; the Georgia World Congress Center, College Football Hall of Fame, State Farm Arena, the CNN Center, and Mercedes-Benz Stadium are all on the west side of the park and the Georgia Aquarium, National Center for Civil and Human Rights, and the World of Coca-Cola on the north side of the park. It is bounded by Marietta Street to the west, Baker Street to the north and Centennial Olympic Park Drive to the east and south. Andrew Young International Boulevard, named for the former Atlanta mayor and United Nations ambassador, runs through the southern portion of the park. Since 2008, the area around the park has been marketed, and increasingly referred to in the press, as the Luckie Marietta District. The Atlanta Streetcar passes along the east side of the park, with a stop for the park on Centennial Olympic Drive.
Here is where we find the beautiful, young and talented Peyton Rice along with her manager, Kelcey Wallace and though Peyton doesn’t want to put Kelcey in harm’s way, she will enter the chamber and has requested she concentrate on Owen and stay in the back for her match. After all that has been going on recently in the SCW, Peyton is worried about her, and yet not herself as she has been going through a difficult time both in and out of the ring. Peyton seems to have been always dealing with things in her personal life, the latest was the breakup of her engagement to Alistaire Allocco, the loss of the Adrenaline Championship at Rise to Greatness, her inability to somehow find her footing, and some other personal issues which have led to her moving out of Owen’s house and now in the process of buying a home herself, or more like a condo, she has decided to stay in Kelcey’s old beach house with Chris Cannon, though she was very unaware that he was living there now, as the house never sold and Chris decided to take it off the market in Hermosa Beach. Now it is about the Elimination Chamber and five other wrestlers, a mix of veterans and newer stars ready to make the jump, elevate themselves to a shot at the United States or Adrenaline Title.
Peyton is ready to become a champion again.
She knows what is at risk, and ready to go all out. Wearing jeans, wedge sandals and a tan halter top, her hair in a high ponytail and nails polished white, the gorgeous Rice with Kelcey in jeans, a blue blouse, thong sandals with her nails polished a matte sky blue and long sandy blonde hair hanging down stands back and allows Peyton to address her opponents…
REC:
She takes a second before finally taking a deep breath and speaking in her girlish yet sexy tone….
“Centennial Olympic Park has a lot of history, the bombing, Richard Jewel, but it is also a home full of memories, a dedication to the great athletes who competed, their sweat, blood and tears representing their various countries in honor to be the very best. I chose to come here for a little inspiration, the City of Atlanta was a hot bed for professional wrestling for a long time, this is the capital of the South if you ask anyone, and it is also the home of this year’s SCW Under Attack PPV, famous for the Elimination Chamber. It is no secret how I have been feeling since right before Rise to Greatness and afterwards, to the point I even had Damian Angel concerned about my well-being, and that shows me something, where even a man that dangerous and influential in the wrestling spectrum could see that I was going through some dark times. See, I bleed this sport, I have dedicated my life to it, for when I was at Ante Up with so many others who came up the ranks, it was Ricky Octavius and I all the way, thinking that in this business we would always be together, wrestling for the biggest company in the world, that was always our goal….
One that was never reached.
How many times do we set out to do something special, enter an arena and proclaim that tonight is your night to make a name for yourself, to actually take what you want, grab it, hold on to it and never let go? For two years I have done things the right way, followed the rules and never questioned authority. I was able to grow within this company, take my lumps, learn some valuable lessons and most importantly mature within myself, but during all of that, many wondered why I wasn’t at the very top already, considering so many others had who came after me or I had been successful against had, I can tell you why…
I never once came up to the plate like Babe Ruth, pointing to left field.
It was time that Peyton Rice made the move, which is the reason I chose the Elimination Chamber. No one had talked about, there wasn’t one mention of it as the entire roster was so focused on the titles already booked and being defended or the tag team league where so many of the best are involved in right now, but I wasn’t. It was time that Sasha, Katya, whoever was in charge to look me in the eyes after I spoke those word and give me what I wanted. As I stood there talking though, Christy Matthews comes out and interrupts me and has some very nasty things to say, but before I even get to that, I know what I am stepping into, I have watched this structure be so unforgiving to the wrestlers who have stepped inside, it has changed lives and careers, you are never the same again when walking out of the “Belly of the Steel Beast” as Kelcey Wallace used to call it. The very best in this sport have at one time experienced the structure and look at all the legends and Hall of Famers that can never say they won it….
I’m going to change my fortunes and be one of the select few who can say they survived and won the Chamber.
What is at stake was the cherry on top, another chance to hold the Adrenaline Championship or the opportunity to elevate my game further and go after the United States title. Whatever the case, the prize is nice and rewarding, but that is not why I came out to the ring a few weeks ago and laid it all out there. I did it for me. Not in a selfish way, I needed to remind myself why I came to the SCW, why I chose professional wrestling, and why I am here now, not sitting in the back watching the rest of the wrestlers elevate themselves as I brood backstage moping, wondering if my time will ever come again, no….
I made it my time.
For some of us this is a chance to put ourselves back on the playing field. Jake Starr who is not only a veteran but one of the greats in the SCW, Hall of Famer, and Mr. Everything finds himself filling in for Jason Helms who went down with injury. He not only gets to enter the Chamber; he also now needs a new tag team partner in the League Series. Problem is Jake thinks I demanded this and haven’t earned anything, where yet again this is a disappointment coming from the same guy who used his Trios Contract to get a shot at every title in one night. I didn’t demand a damn thing, Mr. Starr, I did what every one else like you had done, made a play. Don’t disrespect me, Jake Starr, I haven’t done that to you. Jake Starr though isn’t the only one that can benefit from this, Crystal Zdunich has the chance many do not get to elevate herself to another level by walking out the winner of the Chamber and getting a shot at one of those prestigious championships. They are in the same boat I am, but unlike Jake, who has been in the Chamber before, for a girl like me, this is a new experience, and I must deal with that unknown entity which hovers over me.
At some point I needed to get over my fears and take a leap of faith…
Under Attack is the ledge I jumped off.”
Peyton paces a little, knowing that the Elimination Chamber is the most dangerous contraption that exists in the SCW and with five other hungry competitors there, what Peyton knows better than anyone, is that she is in it for not only to survive but to win, and while Jake Starr and Crystal Zdunich are threats, there are three more wrestlers who are gunning for her elimination, one of them is her stablemate and good friend, Aaron Blackbourne. She turns, continuing to speak to the camera…
“While I am a participant in the Chamber, and decided to bring the subject up, that is when I saw women like Kandis, and Christy Matthews jump at the opportunity. There was something Christy had said to me that stuck, before I was punched by her yes-man, Christopher Richter, and that was, if I left the SCW tomorrow and faded into obscurity, no one would give a damn about what I did with the exception of a few college guys who masturbate to my picture. Well, I don’t know about the last part, but I can’t disagree. She is right, if I left tomorrow, sooner or later I would be a trivia question at the local watering hole. I want to thank you though Christy, because while you are completely wrong about Kelcey Wallace trying to live vicariously through me and the rest of the Perfect Pack, she can handle her own self in the ring and you know it. Unlike you though Christy who belongs in the Hall of Fame and has had one of the most memorable careers, you talk about people forgetting you, they didn’t, they never forgot what Christy Matthews the wrestler has done, they have forgotten the bitch Christy Matthews became.
The sellout who needed to be a part of Infamous instead of going on her own, the one who was about to rip Ravyn into pieces for messing with her family and then helped Syren become a World Champion to be a part of her little circle, not as an individual or the star of the show like you should have been, but instead as a third wheel. The fans do not respect that, they don’t want to see a talented former World Champion take a backseat to some self-entitled spotlight hog like Syren. The real reason you came out during MY airtime, when I finally decided to speak up for once was because you couldn’t stand the fact, I was calling a shot. You could have done the same thing Christy, instead decided to interrupt me, have your gorilla punch me in the face and then have to deal with Jason Helms until I found my opening to remind you why I was out there in the first place, shame that Jason was hurt, and he is not able to participate in the Chamber, that still leaves you and I. Last Breakdown I went toe to toe with you, Christy. I can say without any conviction in my voice that you are one of the toughest women I have ever wrestled, and I know that inside the Chamber you are the most dangerous competitor in it. Christy, unlike you I will never degrade your talent, and yes you have done MILES more than I have, the problem is the company never forgot about Christy Matthews, you did that to yourself, and young as I am, while I may not even be close to the same accolades as you, and have gone down to defeat to vets like Hodges and losing my Adrenaline Championship to Glory Braddock, yet with each one of those fights, I continued to grow, I learned more and more what not to do, and one thing I can say that even throughout my struggles, everything that has been piled on me since whether it is in the ring or my personal life, one thing is certain…
I will never change how I feel about the SCW.
This isn’t going to become an excuse for me to change my attitude, suddenly becoming bitter and upset with the powers that be, I leave that play to the veterans like Christy and Glory who want to blame their failures on everyone else. Christy, you are looked upon as a working mother who has broken ceilings for young women in the sport like me….
YOU CHOSE TO BE FOROTTEN BY YOUR ACTIONS!
I refuse to become you, veterans think they can push their weight around, I don’t care if you think I am incapable of surviving the Chamber or defeating you, Christy, I know that I can walk out of there the winner whatever entrant I come out as, for I knew what I was signing up for, I had a strong feeling that whatever was going to happen, I would not allow anything less than victory to define me. Your act to berate me was out of desperation, you hate to see the younger talent get the attention, when you don’t need it, the accolades alone that you have Christy is the attention you receive but that is not good enough, so let me ask you this…
What happens if I eliminate you? What happens if you are not the person to walk out of the Chamber and it is me? This is the reality you must deal with for like I have been saying all week, I am on stage now, I am the one who is taking control of her career, I went through my motions, I earned my stripes, I put in the work and now I will reap in the rewards, for I control my own path now and if you want to come out and tell me how things are going to play out in my career, let me tell you, they will not. I have too much faith in the SCW, the fans and wrestlers in the locker room who are not looking for hand me outs. I promised my father and the woman standing behind me, I will NEVER be corrupted by the shine of gold or some rough patches here or there….
It is part of the journey….
And they will remember you not just by how many titles and huge matches you won, but by the person you are….
…. That is why, your experiences will never be mine, I am not nor will I ever be Christy Matthews.”
Kelcey takes a deep breath at the speech Peyton just spoke, she has really turned a corner the last few weeks for when things started back after RTG, she was in really bad shape. Her personal issues too have become a huge problem for her as well, which is why it is refreshing to see Peyton try to deal with all and stay so focused on the Chamber. She turns back to the camera….
“While Christy, Jake and Crystal all look to make their moments become a reality inside the Chamber, an old nemesis from EMERGE in Kandis is also a part of it, who we have had our matches before here too, also steps inside, but unlike the rest of them, Kandis seemed to be inspired after what I had done a few weeks back on Breakdown, but again, it was for her own gain and nothing more. See, Kandis is one of those women who is extremely deceiving, you see her size, yet she moves with precision. A very strong and skilled wrestler with a huge butt, yet that she uses to her advantage. I have been on the other side of what she can do in the ring, we are no strangers, and we are also not friends. I think and maybe I am out of line here, but there is at least a mutual respect between the two of us, this is about competition and though I will never agree with how she handles her business in and out of the ring, I was not a fan of how she and Tommy Valentine, one of my old trainers, played a part in David and Regan Helms journey to Rise to Greatness, it was disrespectful. Kandis is looking to break out, with Tommy having a chance at the World Championship, she would love to stand next to him with an Elimination Chamber win holding one of those titles that will be the prize to whomever survives, I can relate to how hungry Kandis is, the tag team division has been her bread and butter, and now she wants to be a singles champion, always so condescending in her approach toward me like she did right after I mentioned the Chamber and suddenly she wants in?
You’re welcome Kandis, that I gave you the idea, for as I look at it, the more the merrier. I am actually glad that you chose to step into it with me, we are the two members of the old EMERGE who have really made our names here and shown just how talented the first season was, but the two of us have taken different paths to get here, and I for one am not surprised that yours never changed. See, the Elimination Chamber is going to be that career defining moment for one us including Crystal and Aaron, or another day in the office for Christy and Jake. I’m not in the mood to allow you to walk out of the Chamber a winner Kandis all so you can share the limelight with Tommy, proving you can do it without him, we all know you can, that was never in question, this Elimination Chamber though Kandis, is not going to be the platform you use to get there….
… it will be mine.
I have never been a bitch to you, times have changed and I am more determined and driven then ever to walk into the Chamber, the relentless steel and take my lumps as they come, broken or not and that goes to you too Aaron, my friend, my stablemate and a man that Kelcey sees a World Champion in. Let’s talk about truth though Aaron, when I was ready to break the TV Title record, you stopped me one defense shy of it. Then you went on to face James Evans and Bree Lancaster for the World Title in classics, matches that everyone still talks about today, while I had to settle for any type of match I could get to stay afloat. I’m not mad at you Aaron, I don’t hold grudges, what I do is never forget. All I have seen is a guy doing everything he can to become the very best in this business, and I have nothing but admiration for you…..
All part of the process.
So am I though Aaron, and somedays I feel like I have taken a backseat to you and Owen, while you guys have done so much here in the SCW and rightfully so, I am the one person in the Perfect Pack that has fought through quicksand and the more I struggle, the further I sink, I can’t drown anymore Aaron…..
It’s time for me to swim and if that means I have to take out and eliminate my own friend and partner to do it, you know I will, for if there is anything that is more important than this Chamber to me right now, I invite you to find it. I have nothing but love for you, Aaron, I do there will be no rift or animosity after this, but, in this match, you are no different than the other four standing in my way. Kelcey knows it, and so do you Aaron, which is why I have had to do a lot of soul searching these past few months….
And decided it was time that I took my place at the dinner table too.
I have allowed for my personal issues to interfere with my life. So often, grief causes me to freeze up and remain stagnant in pain and doubts leaving me to hide in the darkness alone. I have had a hard lesson since RTG to not allow this grief and pain, sever my relationships or control my existence….
For as I enter the Elimination Chamber, I take back that control and will do so as a woman focused on one thing….
Survival.”
Peyton tilts her head as Kelcey stands behind her protégé, Rice’s green eyes glare into the camera before speaking….
“When this over, the Elimination Chamber will claim five victims, and only one will stand tall. That individual will remind the entire SCW….
Peyton Rice is not just another “Pretty” face.”
She continues to glare into the camera before finally cracking a smirk as Kelcey stands behind her, proud and nodding in approval.
FADE TO BLACK
/REC
Owen: “Pey, you’re back?”
Jennifer: “Ahem…. So now you are going after my boyfriend too?”
Blake: “You told her the July 4th story?”
Peyton: “I’m sorry about earlier… I wish I know what come over me…”
Peyton: “Well as you can see, I’m getting ready for bed.”
Christian: “Okay, I’ll leave but Let me get this right first, everyone, and I mean everyone is partying right now because of Rise to Greatness. Kelcey, Owen and Aaron are drinking it up with Blake, Jennifer, Regan, Selena, David, Jordan even are all beat up, you name it.”
Ray: “Hey pumpkin, getting some sun?”
Peyton: “That wasn’t funny.”
Jo: “Hi, is everything alright, you usually don’t call me.”
Margherita: “Is Peyton okay? She doesn’t seem like her happy, jovial self?”
Peyton Rice 