Sunday December 22nd
Gold Coast Casino
What you didn't see after Climax Control...
The final Climax Control of 2013 has just finished and come to a close. Talk about a shocking way to end the show as Pro-Wrestling's Pedigree, Max Burke, had made his return and shown just what he has his sights set on next...Giani Di Luca's Heavyweight Championship. Giani Di Luca was none to pleased, given the stare down that took place following the match, and the other members of NXT were all abuzz at this latest development, but one person in the group was a little relieved to see Max Burke, even if it was only for a moment.
After watching Max's return after Giani defeated Damien Kingston, Misty was shocked to see her friend(?) Max back in SCW. After The Saviors had done what they did over a month ago, he hadn't been heard from since, and not even Misty's former henchwoman/guard dog, Ruby, was speaking on his condition or whereabouts. So, Misty relieved to see him safe and sound.
But her thoughts quickly turned back to the events that happened earlier in the evening. Everything was on track to being perfect. Seth had flown in from Chicago, and the two were on track to making their relationship work. Which is what the both of them had wanted. But, things had changed and it was all thanks to...mistletoe, Giani Di Luca, and Drake Green. Well, all that combined with the fact that Misty wasn't exactly truthful to Seth about what happened between her and Drake over Thanksgiving. Needless to say, Misty is now expecting the last two weeks of 2013 to be filled with a lot of "Bah Humbugs."
"Misty..."
She's seated in a chair in the NXT locker room with her arms folded across her chest, staring off in front of her. She's so distracted by her thoughts that she doesn't see Spike and Vixen walk up to her. Vixen looks at Spike, a little concerned for her tag team partner, and Spike snaps his fingers in front of Misty's face.
Spike: Hey...Earth to Misty!
Vixen: Is she...okay?
Spike: I'm not sure. Hang on a sec.
Spike then kneels down in front of Misty, again snapping his fingers in front of her face. This time, she snaps out of her trance, quickly shaking her head and moving her eyes to look at Spike. She looks at him, then to Vixen, slightly confused.
Misty: Huh? What's going on?
Spike: The show's over, Misty. Everyone is leaving and heading home now. What is wrong with you? Are you okay?
Misty takes in a deep breath and leans forward. She runs her hands through her hair, then nods.
Misty: Yeah, I'm fine. Or I will be. So, what are your plans for tonight? I'm sure you've got something special planned to celebrate your birthday, Spike.
Spike smiles and shakes his head.
Spike: Not really, actually. Eden is actually looking forward to having cake and ice cream at home. She already hi-jacked Dixie's cell phone and called me wondering when we were going to be home.
Misty smiles and lets out a laugh, not surprised to hear about Eden's excitement. But a small part of her is also surprised.
Misty: That has always been her favorite part hasn't it? But, Spike, it's your birthday today. I've got an idea. Why don't I take the kids tonight? I'm sure Eden wouldn't mind spending the night at my house tonight so you and Vixen can have a night out...or in.
Vixen smiles an almost uncomfortable smile, still getting used to Misty's understanding and acceptance of her relationship with Spike. Spike looks at Vixen, silently asking her opinion. She shrugs.
Vixen: It's your decision, sweetie. It's a very kind offer.
Misty: And I won't take no for an answer. I've got ice cream in my freezer, and I'm sure Eden would have a blast baking--
Spike holds up his hand, silencing Misty. For a moment, it appears as though he is going to turn her offer down, but a few seconds later, he smiles and nods, and Misty does the same.
Spike: I'd be stupid to say no. Thanks.
Misty: Consider it my birthday gift to you. Besides, I think Eden could definately help get my mind off of everything.
Spike: Oh I'm sure she could. Timmy, on the other hand, might be a bit of a problem. You're still not exactly on his good side.
Misty: Well, if he doesn't want to stay at my house I'm sure we could talk Jamie into having a guy's night at his house, while Eden and I have a girl's night. Right?
Spike laughs and nods, agreeing it could be entirely possible.
Spike: Alright then. I guess we should all get out of here.
Misty: I'm right behind you. I need to finish getting my stuff together and I'll meet you there to pick up Eden.
Spike: See you in a bit.
Spike and Vixen then turn and walk out of the locker room, leaving the Gold Coast Casino to head back to Spike's place. Misty starts gathering the rest of her things, and frowns when she finds that someone had placed the Santa's Hat with the mistletoe attached on her duffel bag. She slowly reaches down, taking it in her hands and closes her eyes as Seth pops into her mind once again. She shakes her head, then tosses the Santa's hat into her duffel bag, then quickly zips it closed. She turns and heads towards the door as the scene fades out.
*************************
The loud, excited childish laughter belonging to five year old Eden Staggs echoes throughout Misty's home in Las Vegas. In the kitchen, we find the look-a-like mother and daughter by the counter, surrounded by a plethora of ingredients. Eden is standing on a chair so she can reach the counter, and she is wearing a child-sized apron, though it is covered in flour, sugar, and just about every other ingredient on the counter. She is helping her mother pour the ingredients into a mixing bowl, stirring afterwards as they make some type of cake. Misty laughs as Eden pours a large amount of sprinkles into the batter.
Misty: I thought the sprinkles were supposed to go on the frosting?
Eden: They are. But I want sprinkles IN the cake too! You can never have enough sprinkles!
Misty smiles as that statement brings back happy memories. Misty stirs the sprinkles into the batter, and once everything is combined, she pours the mixture into a cake pan, then places it in the oven to bake. She makes sure to set the timer, because if past experiences are any indication, if she were to forget to set the timer, another burnt cake would be in her future. And with her first night alone with Eden in the longest time, she simply couldn't have that.
Eden jumps down from the chair, and as Misty starts cleaning up their mess of ingredients on the counter, she looks at the cake in the oven several times. After the third time, Eden runs over to the refrigerator to grab some juice, when she spots a picture on the outside. She points to the picture, then looks over to her mother.
Eden: Who's THAT?
Misty: Who's who, sweetie?
Misty looks up and over to Eden. She sees that Eden is pointing to the picture of her and Seth taken back in Chicago, and she tries to keep herself from getting upset again, and she thinks of her response carefully.
Misty: That...That is Mommy's friend, Seth.
Eden: Oh...How come I haven't met him yet? I've met all of Daddy's friends.
Misty lets out a small laugh. She stops cleaning for a moment, grabbing a cup from out of one of the cabinets before she walks over to the refrigerator. Knowing Eden was wanting some juice, she grabs the juice from out of the refrigerator and pours her a glass and returns the juice back to its place in the refrigerator. She instructs Eden to go sit at the table, and she grabs the picture of her and Seth from under the magnet and joins her daughter at the table.
Misty: Well, sweetie, Seth doesn't live her in Las Vegas. He lives all the way in Chicago where Mommy grew up, and where Grandma and Grandpa still live. He doesn't get to visit here very often, but he was here earlier today.
Eden: How come he's not here now?
Misty: It's hard to explain, sweetie. It's grown up business, but you don't need to worry about that okay? You and I are going to have fun tonight, because you're officially on Christmas break from school and Timmy is at Uncle Jamie's. So it's just you and me tonight.
Eden: Is Seth going to be my Daddy too?
Misty is taken by surprise at her daughter's question. She looks at the picture of her and Seth, then sets it down on the table and slides it away from her.
Misty: Why would you ask that, Eden? You know your Daddy is the only Daddy you've got and I know for a fact he's the best Daddy anyone could ask for, right?
Eden: Oh I know that, but I've got two Mommy's. And my friend Ashley at school, she has two Mommy's AND two Daddy's. And you look really sad when you look at the picture of Seth. Like you miss him really bad.
Misty: You're getting too smart for your own good, you know that?
Eden nods excitedly.
Eden: I know!
Misty: Well how about you slow down just a bit, okay? I'm not used to it.
Eden giggles as she takes a big gulp of her juice.
Eden: So do you?
Misty: Do I what?
Eden: Do you miss Seth?
Misty sighs as she glances at the picture again.
Misty: Yeah, sweetie, I do. But, I've got you here with me tonight and that makes my night one hundred percent better.
Eden: If you miss him, why don't you call him?
Misty: Because sweetie, sometimes when grown ups are fighting, they need some time to cool off. And right now, Seth is mad at Mommy so I need to give him some time to himself. Don't you worry your pretty little head about Mommy and Seth, okay? We'll be fine.
Eden seems a bit disappointed that her mother doesn't want to talk about Seth, but she listens to her none-the-less. She finishes her juice and a short while later , the timer goes off, signaling the cake should be done. Misty checks, and it is indeed done so she takes it out to cool down completely. Misty keeps her daughter pre-occupied while they wait for the cake to cool down before they put the frosting(and plenty of sprinkles!) on.
Later on that night, long after Misty puts Eden to bed and heads off to her own room to sleep for the night, Eden comes sneaking into Misty's room. Misty is in a deep sleep and doesn't notice Eden sneak in and take her cell phone from off her night stand next to her bed. Eden quickly and quietly sneaks back out of the room and down to the hall to her room and begins searching through Misty's phone until she finds what she is looking for...a phone number! She hits send and puts the phone to her ear, waiting for the person she is calling to answer. After about four rings, the sleepy voice on the other end answers.
"...."
Eden: Hi...Is this Seth??
"...."
Eden: I'm Eden! You're friends with my Mommy!
"...."
Eden stands by her bedroom door, listening just in case Misty wakes up. Luckily for her, Misty still doesn't hear her, so Eden is free to talk to Seth.
Eden: Mommy is fine...Well, kinda. She's really sad, though she's trying to hide it.
"...."
Eden: Because she misses you a lot.
"...."
Eden: I think Mommy likes you a lot, too, and I think she realllllly wants you here for Christmas! Seth will you come over for Christmas so Mommy can be happy again and not sad anymore?
Eden pouts her bottom lip out as if Seth can see it. She listens intently as Seth speaks on the other end. Her frown grows and she looks like she is about ready to cry.
"...."
Eden: Pleeeeease? You could be Mommy's Christmas present!!
Eden goes silent again as Seth debates his decision over in his head. He doesn't know Eden very well, but there is no way she will take no for an answer. Fortunately for them both, she doesn't have to.
"...."
Eden: Yay!! Thank you Seth! Mommy is going to be soooo happy! I can't wait for Christmas!
Just then, Eden hears Misty moving around in her room just down the hall.
Eden: Gotta go! See you soon Seth!
Eden then quickly hangs up the phone, and she jumps into her bed, hiding Misty's phone under her pillow just a second before Misty walks into her room. Misty looks at her daughter, folding her arms across her chest.
Misty: Eden? What are you doing awake? Who were you just talking to?
Misty looks around almost nervously as she expects someone to be in Eden's room. Eden holds up her teddy bear and gives her mother the most innocent smile she can muster.
Eden: Oh...I was talking to Teddy! We were just going over what we think Santa is bringing us for Christmas.
Misty can't help but smile at her daughter. In the past, she would be a little upset with Eden for being awake at such an hour, but because she had missed so many of these nights over the last couple of years, she shrugs it off this time.
Misty: You were huh?
Eden nods, and Misty walks over and sits on the edge of Eden's bed. Eden lays back, placing her head against the pillow again as Misty tucks her in again.
Misty: Well, if you stay awake this late the next couple of nights, Santa might have to skip over your room. You need to sleep, sweetie, okay? I'm sure Santa will bring you plenty of presents because I know you've been an extra good girl this year.
Eden: Yes I have! And, I think Santa will bring you good gifts too!
Misty smiles, trying to agree with Eden, but in her mind she knows that, even if she believed in Santa, the only thing she'd be getting for Christmas this year was a big lump of coal...or even worse, nothing at all. Because she deserved it.
Misty: I guess we'll see in a few days, won't we? As for right now, you need to get back to sleep, sweetie. You and Teddy both.
Misty tucks Teddy in with Eden, then leans down and kisses Eden's forehead. Eden yawns, the tell-tale signs of her exhaustion shining through and Misty smiles.
Eden: Goodnight Mommy.
Misty: Goodnight Eden. I'll see you in the morning.
Eden snuggles in under the blanket and closes her eyes. She yawns one more time and Misty stands up and leaves the room. As soon as she disappears out of the room, Eden opens her eyes and a mischievous smile grows on her face as she looks forward to the days ahead. She closes her eyes again a second later, then drifts off to sleep for the night.
******************************
Christmas Morning
The sun is just beginning to shine through the windows of Misty's bedroom. She is still fast asleep in her bed, as Spike had been gracious enough to allow her a couple extra days with Eden. Eden had opened her Christmas presents last night before Misty had taken her back home to Spike, Vixen and Timmy. It wasn't an easy task to do, as neither Eden nor Misty were ready for her to go home; Eden being the tougher one to persuade. In the end, Misty had told Eden that Santa was under special instructions to visit her Daddy's home, and that she needed to spend time with Spike. Eden understood, and she was more than happy to go back home, eagerly awaiting Santa's arrival. As for Misty?
She won't be spending Christmas alone, thankfully. Her mother and father were once again in Vegas and had promised to stop by, sometime in the early afternoon. This was fine with Misty as she would use the opportunity to sleep in. Or so she thinks, as she is about to get the surprise of a lifetime.
The handle of her front door starts to jiggle a little bit, and a few seconds later, the sound of the lock clicking is heard, and the door swings open. Who should walk in, holding a big bag of gifts in his hand? Seth. And he also has a large bow placed on top of his head. He steps inside, making sure he makes little to no noise, and quietly closes the door behind him, then places the bag of gifts down on the floor by the door. He looks into the living room, making sure Misty hasn't slept in there for the night, then creeps his way down the hall towards Misty's room. He stands by the doorway and looks inside, just watching her sleep. A smile creeps over his face as he quietly walks inside, but Misty's remains fast asleep.
Misty begins to stir just a bit as Seth approaches her bed, standing directly next to her. As his large form blocks the sunlight that was shining directly into Misty's eyes, this causes her to blink her eyes and open them. At first she only sees his legs and, thinking there is a strange intruder, she bolts upright in the bed ready to defend herself. Seth jumps back, holding his hands up protectively, and Misty is surprised to see him.
Seth: Whoa, whoa...Relax! It's just me!
Misty shakes her head, then holds her chest.
Misty: S-Seth? My God...You scared the shit out of me! W-what the hell are you doing here, and how did you get in?
Seth takes a seat on the bed next to Misty, grinning.
Seth: You showed me where the spare key was last time I was here, remember?
Misty: Oh...right. But that doesn't answer my other question. What are you doing here? And why are you wearing that bow on your head?
Seth reaches his hand up to his head, touching the bow with another grin.
Seth: Are you forgetting what day it is? It's Christmas and I wanted to surprise you. I guess it worked.
Misty: I know it's Christmas, Seth. But...why did you want to surprise me? I thought you hated me after what happened on Sunday.
Seth smiles, thinking back to the phone call he got from Eden the other night.
Seth: Well, if I'm honest, after Sunday I did hate you. Or I thought I did. I went and got a hotel room for the night, because I couldn't catch a flight back to Chicago until Monday morning. I was ready to get back home and never come back here.
Misty lowers her head and frowns, feeling absolutely terrible about everything that has happened. She can't even look at him, even when she speaks.
Misty: What changed your mind? Obviously you didn't catch that flight back to Chicago.
Seth nods and removes the bow from his head, toying with it in his hands, and he takes in a deep breath.
Seth: One of Santa's little elves called me in the middle of the night...
Misty lifts her head suddenly, looking at Seth with a raised eyebrow. She seems a bit confused, but Seth points to a picture of Eden that Misty has placed on her dresser. Misty grows even more surprised.
Misty: Eden? Eden called you?
Seth nods again, but then Misty soon nods as well, putting two and two together.
Misty: So she wasn't talking to her teddy bear then. The little sneak came into my room and took my phone. That explains why I found it out in the kitchen the next morning when I swore I had it on my nightstand.
Seth: Apparently so. I've gotta say, she's very persuasive. She wouldn't take no for an answer.
Misty: What did she tell you?
Seth shakes his head.
Seth: I'll let you ask her. Right now, you and I need to talk about everything that has happened. I hate to do this on Christmas, but I think I deserve an explanation.
Misty: Does it even matter, Seth? I can't change what I did...
Seth: But would you?
Misty goes silent for a moment as Seth stares at her.
Seth: If you could go back to Thanksgiving weekend, and change what happened between you and that Showtime guy...Would you?
Misty: Honestly? No, I wouldn't.
Seth narrows his eyes, clearly not getting the answer he was hoping for.
Seth: Well at least you're being honest for once. That one stung a little though.
Misty: Seth, just because I wouldn't change what happened between Drake and I, doesn't mean that I don't want to be with you.
Seth: What the hell are you talking about? That makes absolutely no sense.
Misty: Yes, it does. So just let me explain. I'm not sorry that I slept with Drake. I'm sorry that it happened when it did, because it hurt you. What happened with Drake should have happened a lot sooner than it did.
Seth scratches his forehead at a complete loss for words as Misty tries to defend her actions. He looks away from her as Misty continues her explanation.
Misty: Drake has been a great friend to me the past few months. I can't deny that. But he is who he is, and if there is something I realized, it's that I'm not the woman for him, and he's not the guy for me.
Seth: But a part of you wants him to be, doesn't it?
Seth looks at her and Misty shakes her head.
Misty: No, I don't. I think I knew that before I even slept with him, which is why it didn't happen sooner.
Seth: Again, that doesn't make any sense.
Misty: Seth, I've done a lot of horrible shit to everybody I've encountered over the last few years. I've hurt one person after another, and Drake...he was the only friend I had when I was finally trying to get my life back on track. I didn't want to hurt him. For months I knew he was attracted to me, but...I knew I would probably do what I did with Giani if it happened sooner. Giani might have been a hard ass months ago, but I did hurt him. And I didn't want to do the same to Drake.
Seth: But you were perfectly fine with doing the same to me, right?
Misty shakes her head again and sighs. She scoots closer to Seth, thankful he doesn't move away from her.
Misty: No, I wasn't. Seth, I wasn't even sure if we were even together when I slept with Drake. If I knew for sure, it wouldn't have happened. You've gotta believe me on that.
Seth: You just contradicted yourself. You just said a few minutes ago--
Misty: I know what I said a few minutes ago. Look, this is only getting more confusing as I try to explain myself even more. I'm tired of my life being this big giant soap opera with every choice I make. If you want to hate me, then fine...Hate me. You have every right to, and I wouldn't blame you.
Seth: If it's a big soap opera, Misty, you only have yourself to blame. You know that.
Misty: Yeah, I do know that, but I also know that I'm finally ready to settle down and stop making horrible decisions left and right. I'm going to be thirty-five years old in four months, Seth, and over the last six months, I've made decisions that I should have made in my early twenties. You know I've had people point out to me that I've turned into somewhat of a slut.
Seth manages to let out a laugh, and even Misty can't help but smile at that, but the smile fades soon after as the seriousness of her decisions comes back to the forefront.
Misty: I was hoping I could make things work with you Seth, I really was, but we have to be honest with each other here. Can we really make it work when I'm all the way here in Las Vegas, and you're working for Frankie back in Chicago? It's not fair to either of us to travel back and forth all the time. I'm sure Frankie doesn't really like the fact that you've been flying back and forth to Vegas as much as you have.
Seth: He actually doesn't care. He's the one who keeps pushing me to visit more, honestly.
Misty seems genuinely surprised to hear this.
Misty: Really? Why would he do that?
Seth: Do you even have to ask that? He's been trying to get rid of me for years, Misty. He's happier when he doesn't have to deal with me.
Seth laughs, as does Misty. Seth sets the bow down on the bed in between him and Misty, and she glances down at it with a tiny smile.
Misty: So if he's been trying to get rid of you, then why hasn't he just fired you? I'm not saying he should, but knowing Frankie, I thought he would have by now if you think he's been trying to get rid of you.
Seth: You'll have to ask him that honestly, because I have no clue. I would have quit a long time ago, but I like pissing him off. That and after my knee injury, it's really all I could do to stay in the wrestling business.
Misty: I think I'm gonna have to have a chat with Frankie soon.
Misty smiles and laughs, and then an awkward silence falls between the two of them as they both try to figure out what to say next. Things are clearly strained between the two of them, and the regret that Misty feels is evident in the look on her face.
Misty: Seth, I can't tell you enough how sorry I am that I hurt you, and I know you'll probably never trust me again, but I want you to know that I've been paying for it for the past three days thinking you hated me. I've been miserable thinking you flew back to Chicago and that I'd never see you again. Seth I...
Seth looks up at her, and she hesitates and stumbles before she can finish that thought. Her face turns a light shade of red and she takes a deep breath as Seth stares at her, waiting for her to finish that thought.
Misty: I love you Seth. I know my actions have said otherwise, but I'm telling you here and now that I love you, and I know you don't feel the same way but---
Misty is suddenly silenced as Seth leans in, bringing his lips to hers, kissing her with more passion than he has before. She kisses him back and when their lips finally part, she looks at him, almost shocked.
Seth: Babe, why do you think I stayed in Vegas and came back to surprise you? I haven't loved anyone in a long time, and I couldn't believe when you walked through the doors of Frankie's gym.
Misty: So...What exactly are you saying?
Seth: I love you, too, Misty. I want to wipe the slate clean and start over. I'm not ready to give up on us, and you shouldn't either.
Misty: How are we going to make this work, Seth? I'm just starting to rebuild my relationship with my daughter. I can't move back to Chicago, and you--
Seth places a finger to her lips, silencing her.
Seth: Let's not worry about that right now, okay? We'll worry about it all as it comes at us, but you can't get all pissed and upset when we're not together. We've got to make this work...together. It goes both ways.
Misty smiles and nods, in full agreement. The two share another kiss and Misty wraps her arms around Seth in an embrace when she remembers something.
Misty: You know...you picked a really good day to come back and surprise me.
Seth: Oh yeah? Why is that?
Misty: Because my parents are coming over in a few hours. Guess who is getting put on the spot and meeting the parents today?!
Seth gives Misty an awkward look before he lets out a laugh and shrugs.
Seth: Fine by me, but I think I'm more looking forward to meeting that five year old that called me at one o'clock in the morning.
Misty: I could probably come up with a good excuse to get Spike to bring her over here for a few minutes today. Fair warning, though...she's a handful.
Seth: With you as her mother, I can't expect anything less.
Seth grins and Misty gives him a playful smack on his arm. Misty then pulls the covers from over her legs and gets out of bed, as she starts rummaging through her dresser and closet for some clothes. Seth walks up behind her, wrapping his arms around her and kissing her neck.
Misty: I have to take a shower. You're more than welcome to join me, though I'm sure you don't really need the invitation.
Seth: Tempting offer, but I've got something I need to do.
Misty: What are you up to now?
Seth: You'll see. Now go take your shower.
Misty shrugs, but she does as she's told and disappears out of her room and into her bathroom. Seth, meanwhile, heads back to the living room and grabs the bag of gifts. He heads into the living room, and begins placing the gifts under Misty's Christmas tree, smiling proudly once he is finished. He takes a seat on the sofa, waiting patiently for Misty to finish taking her shower.
******************************
New Year's Eve- Chicago, Illinois
It's winter in true Midwest fashion on the last day of 2013. The temperature is in the single digits, and with the wind chill, it feels even colder. And to top it all off, a winter storm system will be hitting the area the next few days, bringing upwards of a foot of snow in some areas. Not exactly the type of weather Misty is used to these days, but when she visits the city she grew up in, during the winter, she has grown to expect just about any type of weather.
After spending Christmas and the few days after back home in Las Vegas, she and Seth caught a flight back to Chicago to spend as much quality time together as they could during SCW's break. Once the card had been announced on Sunday, Misty had come to find out she wasn't booked during the next show, but she had contacted Christian Underwood asking for a special slot during the next show to make an announcement. Already people were curious as to what her announcement is going to be, but the three time former Bombshell Champion and one half of the current Bombshell Tag Team Champion is keeping mum about what she is going to say. She won't even tell Seth about it.
Seth: So you're really not going to tell me this announcement you're planning to make at your next show?
Seth and Misty are seated on the ring apron in Frankie's gym. Frankie is somewhere in the building as well, after all of his trainees have been sent home for the day. Seth looks at Misty, raising an eyebrow trying to get the secret out of her, but she grins and shakes her head.
Misty: Nope. It wouldn't be a complete surprise now would it?
Seth: I get that, but why the hell do you have to keep it a secret from me?
Misty just keeps the grin on her face, not saying a word. Just then, Frankie walks into the training room, looking directly at Seth.
Frankie: You've got a phone call in the office, Seth.
Seth: What the hell? Who is calling me here?
Frankie: I'm pretty sure it's your brother. He says he's been trying to call your cell phone.
Seth rolls his eyes.
Seth: Figures. I leave me cell phone at home and the idiot calls here. I'll be right back.
Seth leans in and gives Misty a kiss on the cheek and she nods. Seth walks past Frankie and to the office to take the phone call, and Frankie turns his attention to Misty as she stays seated on the ring apron. He folds his arms and just stares at her, and Misty studies the look on his face, shaking her head curiously.
Misty: What? What are you looking at me like that for?
Frankie: Oh I'm just wondering how long it's going to be until one of you pisses off the other again. I swear, you two have been like a couple of teenagers.
Misty laughs and shakes her head. Frankie walks over to her and leans against the ring next to his former student.
Misty: You have a point there, but don't worry about one of us getting mad at the other anytime soon. We both want things to work out. We understand each other better now.
Frankie just nods, but the look on his face says that he's not completely sure if he believes that statement or not.
Frankie: Well, all I know is that when he's in a pissed off mood, I've got to deal with his shit more. That's why I've tried to tell him to visit you more often. He's got enough vacation time anyway, and between you and me, I'm sick of seeing him all the time. He's the best employee I've had, but a pain to deal with.
Misty: So you pushing him to visit me more is for selfish reasons then? To get him out of the gym for a while?
Frankie laughs as Misty gives him a serious look.
Frankie: That's part of the reason, but not entirely. Between you and me, I pushed him so much more for him and not me. He's gotta grow up sooner or later...gotta move on from this place. He's been like a son to me for so long. I don't want him working in this dingy shithole for the rest of his life...or mine.
Misty: Most people would just fire people they wanted to be rid of Frankie. Not that I think you should, but why didn't you?
Frankie looks towards his office, glancing into the window at Seth. He watches as Seth is obviously in a heated argument with his brother.
Frankie: I thought about it a few times over the years, but I couldn't do it. So, I did the next best thing. Tried to make him as miserable as possible in this place so he'd give in and quit. Son of a bitch never did.
Misty: So you're plan backfired. Instead of ridding yourself of the headache, you made it worse. You've both made each other's lives hell. Good job.
Misty laughs and she, too, glances at Seth in the office, wondering why he hasn't hung up on his brother yet. His voice gets louder in the office, almost to the point where Misty and Frankie can hear what he is saying. Misty shakes her head, then looks down to the floor, debating something over in her mind.
Misty: Hey Frankie, if I tell you something can you promise not to tell anyone? Not even Seth?
Frankie looks at Misty, raising an eyebrow. He folds his arms across his chest and nods.
Frankie: Well this should be interesting. What's on your mind kiddo?
Misty: It's about the announcement I'm making on Sunday. I haven't told anyone, and I think I need to.
Frankie: Oh hell, Seth has already asked me if I knew anything about that. Shit, don't tell me the idiot went and knocked you up?!
Misty's eyes widen and she bursts out laughing and shakes her head.
Misty: Jesus, Frankie, no! Don't you think if he had, that he'd be the first to know?
Frankie: True, but what else would you feel the need to be so secretive about like this?
Misty takes in a deep breath, and looks at Frankie. He gives her a pressing look, and she can't put off her silence any longer.
Misty: I'm retiring.
Frankie: Excuse me?! You're what?!
Misty: Shhh! Keep your voice down, would ya? And relax, I'm not retiring this week. I'm retiring sometime this year. I just don't know when.
Frankie: Have you lost your mind? And just why are you retiring? You're not hurt. You're still in good shape. Why would you want to go and end your career when you've still got everything going for ya?
Misty shakes her head, disagreeing with Frankie.
Misty: Because, Frankie, I've done everything I possibly could with my career. I'm going to be thirty five years old in less than four months. I have a daughter who I still barely see, and Seth...
Frankie: Oh please...Please don't tell me you made this decision because of that knucklehead? If it's that important to ya, I will fire him. That'd be motivation enough for him to get his ass out to Vegas permanently.
Misty shakes her head and looks at Frankie, pleading with him not to. She glances to Seth in the office, making sure he is still on the phone.
Misty: No! Don't do that, Frankie! I didn't make this decision just because of him. It's everything, Frankie. I've just finally realized, it's time to call it quits. It's time to settle down and live my life away from all the craziness that wrestling brings. Don't get me wrong, I've loved every minute of my wrestling career, and after I had Eden, I missed it. But, I think it's finally running out of my system. I think it's time to let someone else accomplish what I've accomplished, if not more.
Frankie: And you think when Seth finds out that he's going to believe that? You know how pissed he's going to be if he thinks he is the reason you're retiring? Shit, I'm gonna have to deal with his grumpy ass--
Misty: Back me up on this Frankie. If he even thinks that after he finds out, make him understand that he's not entirely the reason. You gotta believe me Frankie. This wasn't an easy decision to make.
Misty stares at Frankie for a long while, pleading with him in the look in her eyes. He is completely speechless, and just as he is about to say something, Seth walks out of the office and heads towards them...in a very grumpy mood now it seems. He walks up to the two of them, and senses the tension as he looks back and forth between the two. He jumps onto the ring apron, taking his seat next to Misty again.
Seth: What's going on? What were you two just talking about?
Misty: Huh? Oh, nothing. He was just giving me hell for getting involved with your stubborn ass. Isn't that right, Frankie?
Frankie just has a blank expression on his face. Misty and Seth are both looking at him, and Seth just lets out a laugh, believing Misty's lie.
Seth: Why doesn't that surprise me? In my defense though, babe, you're just as stubborn as I am and he knows it. Seems like we're made for each other if you ask me.
Misty looks at Seth with a smile and the two share a quick kiss. Frankie rolls his eyes with a shake of his head.
Frankie: I couldn't agree more, Seth. Shit...something we agree on. You've worked for me too long, you know that? Makes me wonder why I never fired your ass.
Seth: Maybe because you know if you lose me, you'll lose a lot of students, too. Give it up, Frankie. You're stuck with me.
Misty gives Frankie a thankful smile, but he just shakes his head.
Frankie: Oh goody. You two need to get on out of here before the snow starts. I'm closing up here in a few and heading home and I suggest you two do the same.
Misty: Don't worry. We plan to do just that. Seth has a nice fireplace at his house that we plan to take advantage of.
Frankie: I didn't know you had a fireplace Seth?
Seth grins and then looks at Misty with a wink.
Seth: That's because you're not a cold helpless woman that I can offer the comfort of my romantic fireplace to.
Frankie: Please...spare me any extra details, Seth.
Misty chuckles, gently elbowing Seth in his arm. He laughs, too, and the both of them jump down from the edge of the ring, grabbing their coats from off the bench.
Misty: You take it easy, Frankie. And have a Happy New Year. I'm not sure when the next time I'll see you will be.
Frankie: Not a problem by me. I welcome any break from your pain in the ass any chance I can get.
Frankie smiles and winks and Misty rolls her eyes. She zips her coat and puts her gloves on, ready to brace the chilly temperatures outside. Seth does the same.
Seth: See ya Thursday Frankie.
Frankie: Yeah, yeah...Thanks for the warning! Now get the hell out of here!
Seth shakes his head as he and Misty walk past Frankie, heading outside to Seth's truck. Frankie looks out the front window from a distant, slowly shaking his head as the two drive off, and he disappears back into his office to finish some paperwork.
******************************
Monday January 6th
The scene opens up inside Misty's home in Las Vegas. We find the Bombshell Tag Team Champion seated on her sofa. She has her laptop in her lap and her legs are covered by a light blanket, proof that much of the nation has been gripped by colder temperatures than normal. Las Vegas included. She's currently involved in a Skype conversation with her long distance love, Seth, who is back in Chicago, braving much colder weather than here.
Misty: You're not planning to go anywhere anytime soon, right? That weather is brutal out there, and you don't need to risk your life driving in that crap.
Seth: No, babe, I'm not going anywhere. I've got the fireplace going, and the heat cranked up so I'm nice and toasty warm. Too bad you're stuck out there, though. I think I'd like a repeat of our last warm up session in front of the fireplace. Wouldn't you?
Misty laughs and rolls her eyes, taking notice of the mischievous wink Seth gave her.
Misty: Yeah, that would definately keep us both pretty warm wouldn't it? Don't worry, after this title defense on Sunday, I'll be on a flight back there anyway. I've already told Mark and Christian not to expect me at the show on the nineteenth.
Seth: Looking forward to it, but before that, we need to have a little chat.
Misty: Oh boy...What did I do now?
Seth laughs and shakes his head, gives him a curious look. She has been on her best behavior she thought.
Seth: You didn't do anything, but I just wanted to talk to you about that announcement you made last night. Why did you want to keep it a secret from me?
Misty: Because I didn't want to tell anyone about it.
Seth: But you told Frankie?
Misty bites her lip, and raises an eyebrow, knowing Seth has a point.
Misty: Well, yeah...I knew he'd be understanding about it, and besides, he trained me. I'm in this business because of him. Not to mention I didn't want you to get the wrong idea about it.
Seth: Should I get the wrong idea about it? I mean, the way you went about this is almost like you're trying to hide something.
Misty is suddenly taken aback by Seth's comment. She sits up straight, giving him a serious look.
Misty: I'm not hiding anything from you Seth. What do you think I'd be hiding from you?
Seth shrugs.
Seth: I don't know. Babe, if you were pregnant you'd tell me, right?
Misty's eyes widen and she starts to get more frustrated as this conversation continues.
Misty: Are you serious, Seth? Of course I'd tell you! But I'm not pregnant so there is no point in getting on this subject.
Seth: Alright, alright. I'm sorry. I just had to ask.
Misty: No, you didn't have to ask, but thanks for proving again that you don't completely trust me.
Seth takes in a deep breath, and tries to give Misty as much of a relaxing look as he possibly can. He goes silent for a moment, trying to think of something else for them to talk about.
Seth: I do trust you, okay? But, do you really want to retire this year? Do you really think you're ready to give it all up?
Misty's shoulders seem to ease up, as her tension lightens up a bit. She leans back on the sofa again and lets out a sigh.
Misty: Do you think I'd make that announcement if I wasn't ready, Seth? Like I said last night, I'm not ready right now, at this moment in time, but that could all change a few months down the line. But, by the end of the year, I'm done. This year is it for me.
Seth: I get that, but let me put it this way...Do you think that SCW is ready for you to retire?
Misty: What do you mean?
Seth: You know what I mean. You're the biggest reason the Bombshell division is what it is today. If you retire, don't you think a big part of SCW will be missing? There are going to be some pretty big shoes to fill once you're gone.
Misty shrugs and the corner of her mouth turns up in the hint of a smile.
Misty: Have you been speaking to Simon Jones?
Seth: Who?
Misty: Simon Jones...former Heavyweight Champ in SCW. He said the same thing to me earlier on Twitter.
Seth: He has a point.
Misty: Maybe, but I'll tell you what I told him. I'm hoping once I decide to call it quits that there will be no need to say something like that. I'm hoping that either one of the other Bombshells will really step up and lead the division to where it once was and keep it there, or maybe a new Bombshell will come in and take over. I don't know. All I know is that I'm not going to stick around and destroy my body or my health.
Misty looks at Seth as he laughs and folds his arms across his chest in front of the camera. She raises an eyebrow and stares at him.
Misty: What? What is so funny?
Seth: You. I never took you for the type to worry about your image.
Misty: It's not like that Seth. Don't get me wrong, I love SCW and the thought of not being around kills me, but I'm not getting any younger and neither is my body. There comes a point in time where you have to say no to the risks, and I'd like to be able to...
Misty suddenly stops, letting that sentence trail off. Seth leans in, thinking he didn't hear Misty, but she plays innocent.
Seth: I'm sorry, what was that?
Misty: Nothing...Absolutely nothing. Anyway, like I was saying, hopefully when I do retire, I won't be as missed as people think. I think now that the FoShan Bombshells are here, there is some hope for the division.
Seth stares at Misty, not sure how to take her sudden change of subject. He doesn't press the issue, however, secretly plotting a way to get it out of her in the future, because he knows he can.
Seth: Aren't those the chicks you and Vixen are facing this week?
Misty: Yeah, and if I'm honest, it's not going to be easy. Last time we faced them we just barely squeaked by with the win. They may have come into SCW not really wanting the tag titles, or any title for that matter, but they sure proved they deserve it.
Seth: Babe, you're not going to hold yourself back in this match are you? You're not going to, I don't know...Let them win?
Misty: Why would you say that? Of course I wouldn't do that. I wouldn't do that to Vixen.
Seth: Well, you said yourself, as long as you hold those titles with Vixen, you'll be around. If you're really set on retiring, I wouldn't blame you for maybe giving less than one hundred percent.
Misty closes her eyes and takes in a deep breath. She follows it up with a long frustrated sigh, and shakes her head.
Misty: I'm not going to do anything to cost us the match. I don't want to lose these belts, especially not now. If the FoShan Bombshells beat Vixen and I, it'll be a legit victory...a deserved victory. You better believe I'm not going to let them win.
Seth nods, trying to show he believes her.
Seth: That's what I was hoping to hear.
Misty: You know, Seth, as much as I'd love to have another shot at the Bombshell Title, I know that's not going to happen. Is that selfish of me to say?
Seth: Hell no, it doesn't. You accomplished a lot with that title. It's not wrong to want it back. That's why I want to be sure that you're sure you want to end it this year. Don't make a decision you'll regret.
Misty: Trust me, babe, I've thought about it for a while now. I've been one half of the Bombshell Tag Champions for almost five months now, with two different partners. I've done everything I can do with my career. It's time to let someone else have the spotlight for a change, and I'll make sure that happens. If it's the last thing I do in SCW.
In the background on Seth's side, Misty can hear Seth's cell phone start to ring. Seth growls and rolls his eyes, and Misty laughs.
Misty: Your brother again?
Seth: Probably. The little shit is annoying the hell out of me lately.
Misty: Just go answer the call, Seth. I need to get out of the house for a bit anyway, so I'll talk to you later.
Seth: Why are you always encouraging me to talk to my pain in the ass brother?
Misty shrugs and smiles genuinely at her man.
Misty: Because I know that while he may be annoying and a pain in the ass, he's still your brother. I've got three sisters, one of whom I haven't seen in almost two years. It's not something I'm happy about, Seth. Just deal with it because he's your brother and you need to have a relationship with him, even if you fight every so often. Call him back and see what he wanted.
Seth: Look at you being the family type. Who are you?
Misty: I know, it's scary isn't it? My eyes have just been opened that's all, Seth. Now, I'm gonna get out of here for a bit. I'll talk to you later, okay?
Seth takes in a deep breath and lets out a long sigh. He doesn't seem to agree with the decision, but he goes along with it anyway.
Seth: I guess. Talking to you and seeing your face on Skype may not be the same, but it makes it a little easier.
Misty: I know. I'll be there early Monday, so don't worry. I'll see you soon, babe.
Seth: Not soon enough. Love you, babe. Talk to you later.
Misty: Love you too.
They end the call with that. Misty closes her laptop, setting on next to her on the sofa. She takes in a deep breath and looks around, deciding what to do. It may be chilly outside, but she ultimately decides to get some fresh air and go for a walk, and later, she would come home and do a bit of writing.
******************************
The Beginning...of the End
My Final Year
Hello everyone, and welcome to my new online blog. I've always enjoyed writing, and I just decided to switch things up a bit and do what a few others have done. After all, you all have only so much longer to hear my thoughts and feelings on everything. So this is it. This is where it all starts.
I made it official when I announced that this year would be my final year as an active wrestler, and I can't express how hard that decision was to make, but it had to be done. Whether you love me or hate me, it simply doesn't matter anymore. I'm not resigned to making you all love me before I retire, because I know that it's really an impossible task to accomplish. So, here is what I intend to do. I intend to make my final year wrestling the absolute best that it can be. Will I be around the whole year? That I'm not sure of, but I'll be around as long as I see fit...as long as it takes.
As I sit here, writing this, I'm looking at my SCW Bombshell Tag Team title belt and thinking about how much it has helped me...How much it has changed me since I first won it with Odette Ryder almost five months ago. It's funny, I've held it longer than I ever held the Bombshell title in a single reign. Everyone always pointed out how successful I was on my own, yet I've held the tag team title for five months already? It doesn't seem that long. But, the beginning to the title reign was as rocky as this one, I guess it's understandable.
Odette Ryder and I hadn't even held the titles for two months when she left SCW and disappeared. I haven't heard from her since, and who knows if I ever will. The fact is, Vixen earned her right to hold the tag belt with me, and even though the first two matches of our reign weren't successful, we've done better since then. We're on the same page, and we're fighting to keep these belts in our possession.
But we've got something standing in our way now. Two women who, at first had no desire to win the tag team titles, but now that they've seen just how close they came to taking them away from us, their eyes have been opened to the possibilities. They've changed their ways, and have now shown their desire to hold the belts because they know they can...they know they have what it takes.
Song and Orchid...Collectively known as the FoShan Bombshells...You and your mentor, Master Lily, have shown me the respect that so many others haven't. The respect that, for many reasons, I didn't deserve up until recently. You all want the same thing as I do...to make the Bombshell Division great and respectable. For that, I've got a great deal of respect for you. But, you'll have to forgive me ahead of time for one thing.
You see, the second you showed interest in taking the tag team titles from Vixen and I, was the second you sealed your fate. I have no intentions of doing anything extreme to stop you, but you be warned, I'm not giving these belts up without a fight. Don't get me wrong, there is no doubt in my mind that you will hold these belts, quite possibly sometime this year, but now? Now is not that time. I'm not ready to give up the tag titles, so Vixen and I will be sure to do anything and everything to stop you.
Ladies, as much as I know you'll do great things as the Bombshell Tag Champs one day, Vixen and I...well, we have a lot more work to do trying to restore the titles back to greatness. Once the Fallen got their hands on the titles, nobody wanted them...Nobody cared about them, but as the ladies of NXT, Vixen and I will work together to restore that interest, and to bring dignity back to the titles. But, this isn't just about the titles, either. This is about SCW as a whole, and what NXT is trying to accomplish. Things have been a bit of a rollercoaster over recent months in SCW, and we're out to change that. SCW needs stability...reliability...consistency. Song, Orchid...You ladies want the titles? Work your asses off and learn from Vixen and I what true champions are like.
2014 is just beginning ladies, and I'll be damned if I'm going to let my first official match of the year end in a loss. I simply won't allow it. Best of luck to you, ladies. Vixen and I will see you Sunday in Reno!
**END FEED**
