"But I can't let my fear stop me. God, please don't let it stop me."
-- Spider-Man (The Spectacular Spider-Man Vol 1 132)
{Our scene opens with Roxi and Keira at home, playing with Nate as they usually would before it is his bed time. Keira reads a play-a-sound books, trying to teach Nate to distinguish animals.}
Keira – This is the cow. Oh, now you gotta push the button, which one is cow?
{Nate studies this for a few seconds and matches up the picture in the book to the soundboard. He pushes the button, causing the “moo” sound to come from the audio.}
Keira – Very good! Can you make the sound the cow makes?
Nate – MOO!
Keira – Very good. Now what is this?
{Keira points to the cow picture.}
Nate – It’s a cow.
Keira – Good! Let’s see what other animals we have on the farm.
{Keira flips the page in the book to the Chicken.}
Keira – What is that?
{Nate studies the picture.}
Nate – Uh… I think it’s… uh… Rooster.
Keira – Close. This is the chicken. You know what chicken’s do?
Nate – Uh…
Roxi – They make something you eat for breakfast.
Nate – Uh… Toast?
Roxi – What else do you eat besides toast?
Keira – We make them in the frying pan.
Nate – It’s… the egg?
Keira – Very good! Chicken’s lay eggs. Okay, push the button.
{Nate pushes the button with the chicken picture causing the book to cluck.}
Keira – Yay!
Nate – Yay!
{Nate claps for himself and they finally put the book away.}
Keira – Alright monster, I think it’s time for bed.
{Nate seems a little disappointed, but nods and accepts a sippy cup as Keira points at Roxi.}
Keira – Tell Mommy good night.
{Nate runs around and kisses Roxi.}
Nate – Night night Mommy.
Roxi – Night night baby.
{Nate and Keira head off into the bedroom and soon Keira lays Nate down and tucks him in. She returns after this to sitting down next to Roxi and laying her head on Roxi’s shoulder.}
Keira – Are we back on yet?
Roxi – What do you mean?
Keira – I mean for SCW. As much as I enjoyed the latter part of this little vacation, I am itching to get back into the ring.
Roxi – I’m sure they will find a spot for you. But you need to just be patient.
Keira – At least I’m not you, looks like you’re gonna get fined!
{Roxi turns, bewildered at Keira’s statement.}
Roxi – FINED? Fined for what?
Keira – Because you aren’t on the show this week.
Roxi – So? Since when it is a requirement?
Keira – Ask Bobbie.
Roxi – What? Why? You know what? Whatever. If SCW wants to fine me for not appearing when I am not booked or advertised, then they can fine me.
Keira – I just think it’s funny that I can’t even get back on TV, and now you can’t miss it.
Roxi – I mean… I see the point Bobbie is making. I AM the Bombshell’s champion and it does set a good example that I am there. So, yeah, I kinda relate to it.
Keira – You are agreeing with Bobbi? What has happened to you?
Roxi – What? She may not be the greatest person to be around, and I certainly wouldn’t want to go on a long car trip with her, but that doesn’t mean she deserves to just be ignored when she has something important to say.
{Keira shakes her head and shrugs.}
Keira – She can do all the talking she wants, since she’s at the back of the line now.
Roxi – I don’t know who the next challenger is, I assume they will find someone.
Keira – Well… let’s see if we can find out.
{Keira pulls out her phone and brings up the next SCW card, she arches a brow and shakes her head.}
Roxi – And?
Keira – Senpai.
Roxi – What? Who is Senpai?
Keira – Crystal. You’re wrestling Crystal.
Roxi – Oh. Why are you calling her Senpai?
Keira – It’s… our thing. I’m pretty sure she wants to sleep with me.
Roxi – You’re pretty sure a bunch of women want to sleep with you. That doesn’t mean anything.
{Keira lightly pushes Roxi.}
Keira – Har har, very funny.
Roxi – I try.
Keira – We have a thing, it’s just a silly thing. Harmless.
Roxi – Okay…
Keira – What?
Roxi – Nothing. You have a thing with Crystal. It is what it is.
Keira – She’s in love with me. Okay, it is not the other way around.
Roxi – I said it was fine. You don’t have to get so defensive about it.
Keira – Anyway… she’s challenging you next.
Roxi – Really?
Keira – Yeap.
Roxi – That’s… okay then. I suppose it is time to get back to work.
Keira – Need any help?
Roxi – Well, I wouldn’t mind the company.
Keira – Great. I need to get back in the swing of things too. I want to fight Candy.
Roxi – Yeah… been meaning to ask, what that all about?
Keira – Candy…. Candy is a good person. I like her. And I think she’s good. Isn’t that what your whole message and call for competition is about?
Roxi – I… I guess it is. I get it. I kinda like that too.
Keira – See? I know what I’m doing. I’m going to go ahead and get the training chamber ready. Can you make sure that Nate actually went to sleep?
Roxi – Sure? Has he been having trouble sleeping lately?
Keira – Every now and again when I check on him, he’s wide awake and sitting up in his bed. He’ll sing to himself or whatever but, it’s odd.
Roxi – He’s got more energy. He’s growing and well, it’s a thing. Anyway, I’ll check on him.
Keira – Good. See ya down there.
{Roxi quietly walks towards Nate’s room listening and hearing Nate is indeed still awake, and actually talking.}
Roxi – What the?
{Roxi slowly opens the door and sees Nate sitting up wide awake, and he sheepishly grins.}
Nate – Sorry, Mommy. I not tired.
Roxi – You do need to go to sleep, baby. You need to rest.
Nate – Okay, Mommy.
Roxi – Who were you talking to?
Nate – My friend Amy.
Roxi – Oh? Who’s Amy?
Nate – She’s my friend. She lives in the clouds.
Roxi – I see… Well, Amy needs to let you sleep.
Nate – Okay, she’s gone now.
Roxi – Thank you. Good night Nate.
Nate – Night night Mommy.
{Roxi closes the door back and shakes her head, now apparently Nate has an imaginary friend. She shrugs and takes one last listen and not hearing anything out of the ordinary, heads down to the training chamber to train with Keira.}
Keira – Was he asleep?
Roxi – No, he was awake.
Keira – Ugh. That boy.
Roxi – Has he… ever mentioned someone named Amy?
Keira – No. Why?
Roxi – He told me Amy was talking to him. Said she lived in the clouds.
Keira – So, he…has an imaginary friend.
Roxi – I guess so.
Keira – Eh, it’s harmless. He is an only child… For now.
Roxi – Can we focus on other things here?
Keira – Alright, alright. You ready?
Roxi – Let’s hit it.
{Roxi and Keira step in the training chamber as the scene fades.}
{It is the next day, and after a night of light training, Roxi is doing her yoga stretches to keep herself limber. As she takes a good long stretch, Keira is eyeing her in the background.}
Keira – Rawr.
{Roxi giggles, breaking her concentration.}
Roxi – Are you just going to oogle me now?
Keira – I thought about it, yeah.
Roxi – Funny.
Keira – It’s a nice view.
Roxi – I’m trying to work out here! I have an important match coming up!
Keira – Okay, okay, calm down.
{Roxi finishes her last stretch and wipes her sweat on her a towel before standing up. Keira looks at her and backs up.}
Keira – You need a shower.
Roxi – Well, that’s where I was headed.
Keira – Good.
{Roxi walks to the bathroom and shuts to the door, taking her shower as Keira begins to walk into the kitchen, she is stopped by the wrist communicator. She steps away so Nate cannot hear her, and picks it up.}
Keira – What’s up Vision?
Vision – Looks like there’s a bank robbery in progress.
Keira – Okay… Where?
Vision – Downtown. Cops are already on scene.
Keira – So… what’s up? Can they not handle it?
Vision – Looks like the robber has hostages. And…
Keira – And? Don’t play that game with me, Vision. What’s going on?
Vision – We have positive ID on the robber.
Keira – Stop drawing this out! Is something wrong that they need our help?
Vision – Keira… It’s Amelia.
{Keira’s eyes widen as she begins to scramble for her costume.}
Keira – I’ll be there in two seconds.
Vision – Stop! Stop!
Keira – What?!
Vision – She just wants Roxi. And she’s saying if she doesn’t show, she’ll kill the hostages.
Keira – She’s in the shower. I have to do something!
Vision – Get her out of the shower, then. We know Amelia is insane, and she’ll do everything she’s claiming.
Keira – I’m on it.
{Keira rushes to the door of the bathroom and almost knocks it down getting in, surprising Roxi.}
Roxi – Keira! Seriously!
Keira – You need to get out. Now.
Roxi – I just soaked my hair. What’s gotten into you?!
Keira – It’s urgent! It’s Amelia!
{Roxi stops, and looks at Keira.}
Roxi – Give me a minute.
{Keira shuts the door as Roxi steps out of the shower, and rushes to the bedroom to change.}
Keira – I told Vision that I would handle it, but… she just wants you.
Roxi – Figures. Where is she?
Keira – Vision, do we have a firm location?
Vision – Bank of America downtown. East Kennedy.
Roxi – I’m on it.
Keira – Why would she do this? What’s the game? Who robs a bank in broad daylight?
Roxi – I have a feeling that money isn’t what she’s after.
Keira – Why not? She’s a failed actress and she’s obviously desperate for money.
Roxi – That can’t be everything. The fact that she’s doing this… it’s to get our attention. It’s on purpose.
Keira – I don’t like this.
Roxi – Neither do I.
{Roxi finishes changing into her superhero costume and opens the window.}
Keira – Be careful.
Roxi – I will. Stay here.
{Roxi turns, but stops, thinking about things for a moment.}
Roxi – Stay with Nate. Lock the doors. Don’t answer the door until I come back.}[/b]
Keira – What? Why?
Roxi – Because this is personal.
{Roxi exits the window, flying away headed towards the bank. Keira stops, and quickly moves to the lock the door and calls for Nate as the scene fades.}
Hello SCW.
It has been a while, and while I can say with great pleasure that I enjoyed the long break between matches, I am of course itching to get back into the ring. But I would be remiss if I didn’t say that it also feel great to see be the Bombshell’s champion and continue on what is a more personal run with this championship.
You see, over this little break, I happened to look back through my SCW history, and more importantly, my history with this championship. And I came to the realization that I didn’t do what needed to be done with either of two other reigns. I feel as if those reigns were both life experience, and a dark memory. To be perfectly honest when I look back, I see that first title reign and I see a woman who had a lot of growing up to do, 7 long years ago. Even at age 27, I wasn’t what I knew I could be. I was just eager to prove myself as capable. I wanted to prove to all of you that I could do it. And to hold that championship made me proud, but despite all of that, I felt like I didn’t really deserve it. That perhaps I got lucky. Sure, had a couple of successful championship defenses and all that, but it took a very long time for me to get back into the spot once I lost it. I went through rough times and I ended up doubting myself.
And that lead me to the second title reign a little over a year later. And it serves as the memory that I still have yet to erase. I will forever be sorry to all of you for that reign going the way it did. I went astray. I lost sight of the friends and family that I alienated during that period of my life. Especially my wife, who I nearly lost because of my behavior. Winning this championship under those circumstances has given me a proverbial black eye, and really, the main reason I wanted to win this championship at least once more. To put that championship reign in the ground. Bury it, let it not be the last image of being Bombshell’s champion that everyone remembers about me. It’s not what you deserve from me. You deserve my best, and that, was not me at my best.
In fact, neither of those tile reigns were me at my best. I was inexperienced and searching for answers. And well, I’ve learned a few things during both my time here and away. I’ve grown up and you have all been a part of that, and despite not always coming out on top, you have stuck with me and given me the chance and to at least try and rectify that.
But I know I can’t do it alone.
It’s been the crux of this reign and my message during the entire thing. I want the best from everybody. Not because I’m out to prove that I am better than everyone, no, because the whole division can be and will be even stronger in the future. That’s my goal. To lead this division where the competition is at it’s peak, each and every week.
Now, that did almost get corrupted by Bobbie Dahl, but at the end of the day, her methods and actions only served to backfire in her face. But that doesn’t mean she didn’t do what I asked. In a roundabout way, she absolutely stepped up her game and ended up rising to the number one contender status. So, for… the effort anyway I have to thank Bobbie for pushing the boundaries of my message. But at the end of the day, it is not corrupted and the message lives on. Keep getting better.
I see it from half of the Blast from the Past field. The ladies are tearing it up. The guys too, obviously, but I am looking to see who’s going to win the whole thing and challenge for the Bobmshell’s championship.
Mainly because I plan on being the champion when they win.
But that of course brings me to this week and this match against Crystal.
One more time with an old friend and one more time to set the example of exactly what it takes to be the bombshell’s champion. I fully 100% expect Crystal to give me everything she has and to push me like only she can. She’s always been a top contender and I will always welcome a match against her. Now, I’m not sure if this something she got tossed her way or something like that, because I do know that Crystal has tried to assist Mark and Christian or whatever the situation is. And as well as I know Crystal, I know she has and will do things to give herself a little bit of an edge every now and again.
Not that I’m saying she did, but my old friend doesn’t fool me too much anymore. I don’t put much past her and she’s… for the most part, been straight with me. I certainly don’t approve of things she’s done and things she used to do, but you know, something has happened recently. Something I have been paying attention and maybe it’s what I said, maybe it’s something else, I can’t quite put my finger on it, but right now, I can clearly see it.
Crystal is in a good place in life.
I see it, and you know, it actually makes me happy. Happy to see her happy, and it makes this match we’re about to have all the more fun.
Unless… my old friend is pulling a fast one.
But that’s what I love about Crystal. She keeps me on my toes. Because if I walk into this match and I’m not focused, and I’m not ready, then all I wanted to do with this championship reign will be put on hold. I still have so much to do, so, I sincerely hope that Crystal isn’t banking on me slipping.
No, I threw down this gauntlet. I asked for the best, and well the worst from everybody! And because that is on me… I will be ready.
{In the meantime, Roxi travels across the city at speed and lands outside the bank, She is met by the hostage negotiator.}
Hostage Negotiator – I’m Detective Phillips. She’s been waiting on you.
Roxi – I heard. How many are inside?
Detective Phillips – 10. Maybe 12. It’s a busy day.
Roxi – Have your men back off.
Detective Phillips – I can’t do that.
Roxi – She just wants me. If we keep the show of force she may get antsy. Just… humor me on this.
Detective Phillips – I don’t like it…. We’ll do it your way, I’ll give you 10 minutes. Then, we’re moving in.
Roxi – Just stay back, we don’t need any casualties or more hostages.
{Phillps grunts as he motions for the team to back off.}
Roxi – Thank you.
Detective Phillips – 10 minutes.
{Roxi slowly enters the Bank, and Amelia smiles wide and jumps up and down, clapping her hands like a anime school girl.}
Amelia – You came! I’m so happy! Now the party can begin!
{Roxi’s eye flash across the room, there are 10 hostages, all of them duct taped to their chairs, gagged.}
Roxi – What do you want, Amelia?
Amelia – You. I wanted you to show up! Duh!
Roxi – And? I’m here. What’s this about?
Amelia – I just wanted to talk to you. You know, a little heart to heart with my favorite.
Roxi – So… talk.
Amelia – Jeez, you are so uptight these days. Not getting enough at home? It’s all about small talk. I have to give the Villain monologue. You know how this goes. I have to tell you that you walk right into my trap and now you’re done for. And that in the end, I will break you.
Roxi – Good luck.
Amelia – See?! Now you’re getting it! But again, we have to start small. Very small. Let’s just talk about what I’ve been doing since you locked me away all those years ago. You know, in prison, they let us watch movies?
{Amelia begins to wander around the room. She walks past several of the hostages, and brandishes the gun in her hand in their general direction.}
Roxi – Must be nice.
Amelia – It was! Now, I am a quality actress, but I came across a movie, and it reminded me of you. You know? It’s funny how that happens sometimes. Now, it’s an old movie, but it’s just perfect. You ever see the movie Chasing Amy?
Roxi – Yes.
Amelia – It’s good, right? I mean, a man bones a lesbian, and it turns around that Silent Bob has been basically chasing Amy his whole life because of his bad choice. It is… excellent. Don’t you agree?
Roxi – It’s a fine movie.
{Roxi keeps her eyes trained on Amelia who continues to walk almost aimlessly.}
Amelia – And really, it reminds me of you. You are… you know, Amy. Or am I? I don’t know, it’s weird. Wait… No, I’m Jay! Yes. I’m Jay. But you are 100% Amy. But the point is you haven’t had any in while, have you? Wait… no, that wasn’t the point… Bah, who cares, right? I know, I’m all over the place. My head’s all cloudy. The real point is… I am just glad you are here and we can talk.
Roxi – Yeah. Is that all you wanted to talk about?
Amelia – For now. I have some things I need to take care of. But I needed to deliver a message and now, it is done.
{Amelia takes a bow and walks towards Roxi, gun now firmly pointed in her direction.}
Roxi – So?
Amelia – So… I guess we’re done here for now. I’ll just take my leave.
Roxi – You aren’t going to just walk away, Amelia.
Amelia – No? Damn. I thought that would work.
Roxi – Cut the crap. You’re going back to jail.
Amelia – Okay, okay… but first…
{Without warning, Amelia turns and fires a shot, nailing one of the hostages in the shoulder. The impact knocks him down and causes the chair to tip over. Amelia gasps as Roxi tackles her to the ground.}
Amelia – Whoa… you got me.
{Amelia offers no resistance, even tossing her own gun away and not even bothering to fight back to avoid capture. Roxi quickly places her in zip cuffs as the SWAT team moves in securing the room and unbinding the hostages as Roxi hands Amelia over to Dectective Phillips.}
Roxi – Get her out of here.
Amelia – See you soon, Honey!
Roxi – And sweep this whole place. There may be surprises around here.
Amelia – Oh… dang it! You got me! I have surprises! Some big! Some small!
Detective Phillips – Let’s go sweetheart.
{Roxi watches carefully as Amelia is hauled off and put in a squad car, and it quickly drives off after Amelia is loaded in the back. Roxi watches as the SWAT team clear the building as the scene fades.}
{Roxi returns home, having changed into normal clothes before coming back. She knocks on the door and Keira looks through the peephole and slowly opens the door.}
Keira – Is everything okay?
Roxi – Yes… And no.
Keira – That’s not very reassuring.
{Roxi enters the house and sits down, shaking her head at the situation.}
Keira – So? What happened?
Roxi – We talked, and then… just like that, she gave up, almost without a fight.
Keira – Weird.
Roxi – She shot one person, and… he’ll survive. There’s something wrong here.
Keira – It does sound odd. But she’s bat shit crazy, what do you expect?
Roxi – I don’t know. But I don’t like this at all.
Keira – Well... what did she want to talk about?
Roxi – Movies she watched in prison.
Keira – Wait… what?
Roxi – She told me she watched –
{Roxi stops, and her eyes widen in terror.}
Keira – What?
“But again, we have to start small. Very small.”
“I know, I’m all over the place. My head’s all cloudy.”
“You ever see the movie Chasing Amy?”
“You are… you know, Amy. Or am I? I don’t know, it’s weird.“
Roxi – Oh my god….
Keira – What?
{Roxi stands up, and stares at Keira.}
Roxi – Where’s Nate?
Keira – In his room, everything’s closed and locked. Why?
Roxi – That bitch has been here.
Keira – WHAT?!
Roxi – Amelia told me that she saw Chasing Amy, things about her head in the clouds, big and small surprises. Very small talk. God… why didn’t I see it before.
Keira – What are you talking about?!
Roxi – Nate told me last night that he has an imaginary friend, named Amy, who lives in the clouds! Amy is Amelia! She knows about Nate!
{Keira has to compute all this information quickly, and a tear rolls down her cheek as the anger boils over.}
Keira – I’M GOING TO KILL HER.
Roxi – Ke-
Keira – No. No. No. No. Don’t you DARE try and justify this Roxi. This bitch has been stalking our family! If she touches one hair on Nate’s head, I will break every bone in her body! And THEN I will torture her, and THEN I will kill her.
Roxi – We need to –
{Roxi and Keira instantly turn to hear sounds from Nate’s room. They move quickly towards it, and it’s the same play a sound book from the previous night. Nate appears to be playing with it. Their hearts continue to race as they open the door to find Nate, causally playing and pressing the buttons on the book.}
Nate – Hi Mommy. Hi Mama.
Keira – Hi baby, are you okay?
Nate – Uh-huh. I like this book.
Roxi – It’s a fun book.
Nate – Uh huh.
Roxi – Okay.
{Roxi almost power walks to the closet, checking it for any remains or signs that Amelia was there. She discovers a piece of paper wadded up and unfolds it, scribbled is one word…
Hi!
{Roxi covers her mouth and her anger boils over as he crumbles the paper back up and storms out of the room. Keira close behind.}
Keira – What is it?
{Roxi doesn’t answer at first, going right back to put her costume on once again. She tosses the paper on the ground and Keira picks it up and she to reads it. She begins to change as well. Roxi stops her and shakes her head.}
Roxi – No.
Keira – What do you mean no?! I’m going to kill this bitch!
Roxi – I said no!
{Keira is actually taken aback by the tone of Roxi’s voice. She even takes a physical step back.}
Keira – What are you…
Roxi – Stay here. Keep the door locked. Keep an eye on Nate.
{Roxi brushes past Keira and heads out as the scene fades.}
{Roxi arrives at the police station where Amelia was taken. She storms in marching to the front desk.}
Roxi – Where is she?
Reception Officer – Who?
Roxi – Amelia. Tell me. Now.
Reception Officer – Whoa, calm down. She’s finished being processed and you supers aren’t going to interfere with the process altogether. You’ve done enough.
Roxi – I need to speak with her. It’s important.
{Roxi can hear Amelia squealing with glee as she is taken down a hallway, cuffed and shackled. Roxi wastes no time charging down the hallway and marching right down to meet Amelia. Amelia smiles as she sees Roxi fidgeting to get loose.}
Amelia – Miss me already?
Roxi – Shut up. I need to speak with her alone.
Amelia – Oooh… kinky. But I get my phone call, you know?! I have to get some people to get me out of here.
Roxi – Give me 5 minutes.
{The officers don’t move until Lieutenant Murphy appears.}
Lieutenant Murphy – What the hell is going on here?!
Roxi – I need to speak with this prisoner.
Lieutenant Murphy – Why? This isn’t procedure.
Roxi – It’s personal. Just give me 5 minutes. Lietuenant, I’ve never asked you for much, but this needs to happen.
Lieutenant Murphy – …
Roxi – …
Lieutenant Murphy – Interview 2.
{Murphy motions as the officer’s drag Amelia into an interview room. Roxi attempts to go in, but Murphy stops her.}
Lieutenant Murphy – 5 minutes. No more. We’re watching
{Roxi simply nods as she enters with Amelia still cuffed and shackled sitting in an interview chair. Roxi is visibly shaking as she sits in front of Amelia.}
Amelia – You can’t stay away can you? You’re going to make people jealous, you know.
Roxi – Shut up.
Amelia – MAKE ME!
Roxi – …
Amelia – I see that you figured everything out.
Roxi – You stay away from my family. Do you understand me?!
Amelia – Or what? You see, you have all that power surging through you. You can stop me, forever if you want to. But you can’t do it. You don’t have the guts. Now… Keke, on the other hand. She’d do it. And not even think twice about it. But you? No. That’s why you’re so fun to play with.
Roxi – You were in my home. You were near my family. There is no forgiving or understanding anymore. You had better pray, you stay here, or you get transferred far, far away from here.
Amelia – I’m not going anywhere darling. You can come visit me any time you want. But you and I both know, that sooner or later, I’ll get out. Whether it’s tomorrow, or 10 years from now. Until YOU decide to end it, until you break, I’ll never be too far away.
Roxi – If you step foot anywhere near my family ever again…
Amelia – You’ll what? You can do the job right now! You can save yourself the headache and stop me. But you won’t.
{Roxi reaches, but only for a moment, before she stops and sits back down.}
Roxi – You’re right. I won’t.
Amelia – I knew it.
Roxi – Not because I can’t. But it’s because it’s what you want.
Amelia – And now you understand the game!
Roxi – And so… I get my play my hand.
Amelia – Oooh… what’s it gonna be? You gonna punch me? You gonna cripple me? I’ll heal.
Roxi – No. I’m not. I have an even better idea.
{Roxi stands up, and slowly walks towards Amelia, who is grinning ear to ear.}
Amelia – Come on! Come on!
{Roxi stares at Amelia and then turns and opens the door.}
Roxi – Good-bye Amelia.
Amelia – What? What are you doing?
Roxi – What I should have done a long time ago.
Amelia – What?
Roxi – We’re done here. Thank you.
Amelia – Hey! No! You come back here! I am the one in charge of this game!
Roxi – And you win. I’m not playing your game. It’s over.
Amelia – Oooh… Oh no, this is far from over! You hear me!
{Roxi simply walks out of the door, closing it behind her.}
Roxi – She’s all yours.
{Roxi calmly walks away and heads back home as the scene fades.}
{Roxi returns home, and Keira is there to greet her, Roxi has a small look of relief on her face.}
Keira – What happened?
Roxi – Nothing. Nothing at all. I knew what she was doing.
Keira – Care to share?
Roxi – Amelia was hoping that I’d snap. She was counting on playing with my emotions. If I had done what I really wanted to back there, she really would have won. Made herself a martyr and given both you and I a bad name. She tried to pray on the fear she caused.
Keira – You forgave her?!
Roxi – No. I’m forgetting her. Fear is healthy, but you can’t live in it. We were just today. And that is no way to live. She violated a lot. And it took everything I had not to completely turn her into a pile of ash. But we’re better than that. I know we are. And that’s what we have to show. We will not live in fear.
Keira – I get it but… I can’t just let it go. I will never forget what she has done this.
Roxi – You don’t have to. But you know how we win? We get through this.
{Keira nods and hugs Roxi.}
Keira – Together.
Roxi – As a family.
{Keira and Roxi both share a sigh and a kiss and then go to be with Nate as the scene fades.}
It will feel good to be back in the ring this Sunday, with a familiar face.
It is no secret that Crystal is and was one of the best wrestlers in the world. Period. That’s not one anyone who can really deny that based on all her success. Everywhere she’s gone, she’s ended up at the top. She’s a hall of fame wrestler with SCW. And there is no denying she is still capable of doing many great things.
But as I touched on earlier, it finally seems like Crystal has finally grown up and matured in front of all of us. She’s not acting out and making a fool of herself anymore. She seems more reflective and at peace with herself. And that, is an amazing thing. Because there’s no doubt there were many who never would have ever imagined the day that Crystal just calmed down and went with the flow. Maybe it was Sel finally getting to her and making her realize that this isn’t all about chasing championships and a race to see who has more at the end.
The late, great Bob Marley was once asked if he was a rich man. He was confused by the question. He asked “what makes someone a rich person?” And that’s really a good question. Does having things make you rich? Does it make you rich? Or, can you be rich with things other than materialistic possessions?
And that’s where I draw the comparison with Crystal.
I sited earlier about how I had to grow and learn and make mistakes and fail and everything that comes with it. I had success and failure, and so did Crystal. Crystal experienced, in a way, everything we all do. We both have walked the line of what success and failure is. But where we differ is how long it took us both to realize that it’s not all about being the most successful in the ring, it’s about the legacy you leave.
And yes, while possibly deep down Crystal would revel in the idea of becoming the Bombshell’s champion for a fourth time, I feel that now perhaps that Crystal has understood that it’s not all about how many times you do something, but what you do when you have it.
Now, I wasn’t here for a lot of Crystal’s run to the top of the mountain, but honestly, I think even she would look back on them and find a certain… emptiness. She would find that her reigns were simply for her, and her alone. I completely understand the idea that when you’re on top, you gotta let it rock, as they say. But even Crystal has to look at them now and she really would have to stop and think if even she is happy with what she did with those reigns. Honestly, I don’t really remember anything other than the first Bombshell’s survival match. And to I remember that that Crystal was an obnoxious, bad winner and sore loser. A Crystal willing to do anything and everything so long as she got what she wanted.
And I stood by and I hoped that soon, she’d figure it out. But it took a lot longer and a lot further staining of her own reputation and legacy for maybe, just maybe her to realize that she now has to live with those consequences.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. No one has done more to damage Crystal Hilton, than Crystal herself.
And there’s a lot I want to believe now. I want to believe that Crystal has finally, after all this time, based on her behavior, turned the corner to just being herself and living life. I want to believe that this is just going to be a match between old friends and at the end of the day, nothing is going to change our friendship. I want to believe that we will finally see a mature, grown-up married woman begin to finally live her life.
But I remember, that while not directly to me, Crystal has done this MANY times before. And while this time feels like her most sincere effort, It could be the greatest acting job she’s ever done. And while that would disappoint me personally, it wouldn’t be the first time and having gotten away with before, doesn’t mean she won’t do it again. There’s always that spark in Crystal when she gets something she wants. An opportunity to make history stands before her, so I wouldn’t doubt that she would turn on “Crystal Mode” in order to win. I would of course be disappointed that she would once again stoop to that and not actually learn from it, but I know my old friend very well. Again, as much I want her to have this lesson finally reach her, the allure of a shiny championship will drive her.
I know what they say, old habits die hard. And as much as I wish she wasn’t like this, History, honor, prestige and a place in history are far more interesting to Crystal. Perhaps it is to make up for all those reigns of inaction and sitting pretty. Maybe it’s just the same old Crystal Hilton that has always been here and always been underhanded and manipulative when the moment strikes her.
That’s not really the Crystal I want to wrestle, but I fear it’s what I’m going to get.
And that’s the one that is no fun to wrestle in the ring, and beat both in ring and at several video games. That’s the one who is eager to smile in your face and stab you in the back. I don’t want the selfish, manipulative, ego-centric Crystal. I want my friend in the ring. I want my friend who is one of the best to do this without is being strictly about winning this championship.
I can only hope that that Crystal, the old Crystal is gone and the lesson has sunk in. But, as with many people, as with many who’s ego gets out of control. I have to step in. I have to sit here and be the reality check. I have to serve that humble pie. And in case that this wasn’t motivation enough, in case that holding this championship and being the champion I need to be wasn’t enough for me? In case that the old Crystal popping back up and forcing Crystal to make those crazy, selfish, YOLO decisions… I have more motivation from the past.
The fact that the last one on one match, Crystal beat me.
Crystal did that and that was the Crystal I was, and I still am hopeful will appear in the Colyer-Fergusson Music Building. I want those hundreds of people that will be there to see a true classic between two friends, rivals, and competitors. But in the back of my mind, I feel this will be an old battle between myself, and a woman desperate to cling to an accomplishment. Desperate for something new to hang her hat on. A woman who just lost her previous match and is now going to be extremely confident walking into England to try and take this championship.
For all the wrong reasons.
I know my reasons my not be the most correct, I am human, I make mistakes, but I am aiming to rectify that this time around. Because it’s not about me, it’s about the division. It’s about rising to the top for the division, not for yourself. And I stand as the standard bearer for this division and I stand here no longer fearing which Crystal comes at me. I can’t live with fear, I have to thrive on my ability.
And you know, it’s funny, we play video games a lot together. And you know what usually happens? I win. And every now and again Crystal wins. So, consider the last time we went one on one, Crystal’s big victory. Because this time, this time I’m going to show Crystal, whichever Crystal shows up that the end result will be the same.
I will take your best, and I will give you my best. All of me, everything I have, for the good of the division, not the good of Roxi Johnson. I wrestle for something more. And in Crystal’s case, the old Crystal, that something, is more powerful than a lust for success.
I do wish my friend luck. I just hope she understands, that for me,
Fear is not an option.
I will see you all in Canterbury!
