{The scene opens backstage at the E center last week, in Laughlin. Roxi and Keira, while not booked, made a special trip to the show to honor a request made of them. Roxi carries a plate covered with tin foil backstage while Keira follows her with a quizzical look on her face.}
Keira – What are we doing here again?
Roxi – “King†Despy asked me to make him some chocolate pretzels.
Keira – That’s what’s under there?
{Roxi nods and smiles.}
Roxi – Yes. He loves when I made things for him.
Keira – Well, at least he’s not making us hunt vampires anymore.
Roxi – Well, no, but it was Transylvania How many times do you every get to go to a place ripe with Vampire lore?!
{Keira shakes her head.}
Keira – Pretty much anywhere SCW is with the Fallen and the Clan around.
{Roxi stops, and looks at Keira, almost coming to this realization for the first time.}
Roxi – You know, I never actually thought of it that way.
Keira – Yeah, SCW has more Vampires than Transylvania… There weren’t any vampires there.
Roxi – I know…. That was kind of a bummer, wasn’t it?
{Keira scoffs as Roxi shrugs and both keep walking down the hall, making a turn and knocking on Despayre’s door. Despayre answers, still wearing a crown and celebrating his victory over Steve Ramone. Despayre has Angel in his hand, and he also has a little crown on. Roxi and Keira both smile.}
Roxi – Awww… who made Angel a little crown?
Keira – It’s adorable.
{Despayre clears his throat, almost as if he expects Roxi and Keira to do something, but they have no idea what he’s doing.}
Roxi – So, Despy… we’re –
{Despayre cuts them off and motions towards Angel and clears his throat again. Roxi looks at Keira, who looks back at her, and then to Despayre.}
Roxi – Is… something wrong?
Despayre – Ahem, well, I and still the king of SCW… And Angel is the prince. So, we just thought… maybe as loyal subjects…
{Roxi looks at Keira, and slaps her forehead. Coming to the realization of what Despayre wants.}
Roxi – Oh…. OH! I’m sorry Despy. Hang on.
{Roxi curtsies, as Keira follows her lead.}
Roxi – My king and prince…
Keira – Your majesties…
{Despayre gets a big smile on his face. Delighted that it went his way.}
Despayre – See?! You girls get it. I am the king! I mean, I rule over this majestic kingdom, and everything the light touches, is my kingdom.
Keira – Yeah, something like that.
Roxi – Keira!
Keira – What? They stole it.
Roxi – It’s really just a coincidence.
Keira – No, it’s not. Go watch Kimba and tell me it’s not the same!
{Despayre looks confused, not really know what they are talking about. He clears his throat again.}
Roxi – Oh.. sorry.
Despayre – So what brings the fair maidens to see the king and prince on this day?
Roxi – We brought you these chocolate pretzels…
{Despayre’s eyes light up as he looks at the plate covered with tin foil and smiles wide.}
Despayre – Really? You made them?
Roxi – Of course!
{Despayre forgets his “king†moniker for a quick second happily taking the plate out of Roxi’s hands and tearing off the tin foil and relishing what he sees.}
Despayre – These are the best! You made these for me, right? No take backs!
Roxi – Yes, they’re for you.
Despayre – Goodie! Yes! I mean - *Ahem* Thank you lady Roxi and Lady Keira for this tribute to your king.
Roxi – Sure thing your majesty. Ask and ye shall receive.
Keira – We aim to please.
Despayre – The royal kingdom is in your debt. We will certainly enjoy this gift from you fair maidens.
Roxi – We certainly hope you enjoy.
Despayre – Well, it’s certainly better than the drinks Mikah keeps giving me.
{Despayre breaks character momentarily. Roxi and Keira look at each other.}
Roxi – She’s giving you Tequila?
Keira – He looks old enough…
{Roxi gives Keira a stern look, shaking her head.}
Despayre – I am old enough! I’m the king!
Roxi – That’s…. not what I was questioning. Why is she giving you tequila?
Despayre – Because she likes it? I mean… I guess that’s why. I usually only get a shot handed to me.
Roxi – She really shouldn’t be drinking on the job anyway…
Despayre – It seems to work wonders for her at this point.
Keira – She’s just lucky Jenny and the others have had a shot yet.
Roxi – Speaking of which, why is Jenny even in SCW?
Keira – You got me. I try not to talk to her too much outside of work. She’s a bitch.
Roxi – So I’ve heard. Anyway, you’re not drinking it are you Despy?
Despayre – Well, no. I’m not a big drinking, just a hugger.
Roxi – I know. I’m glad you’re not falling under that influence. That leads to some bad things.
Despayre – I know. I tried to explain it to her, but she’s usually pretty drunk at that point, and right now? She’s probably passed out somewhere.
Keira – Figures. I hate that she used the Roulette title to buy more booze!
Roxi – Easy, Keira.
{Despayre shrugs, and looks a Roxi while tucking the plate against his body.}
Despayre – Maybe you’ll have better luck.
Roxi – What? Me? I don’t think so. I get dragged into conversations just to be told how lame I am. I doubt she really wants to talk to me.
{Despayre chuckles. A hand wave like Roxi was in the joke, when she is clearly not.}
Despayre – No, you silly. You and her, you have a match next week against each other.
{Roxi looks at Despayre confused.}
Roxi – We do?
Keira – She does?
Despayre – Yup. It’s all over the website.
{Despayre looks back into his room, and turns back to the duo.}
Despayre – Now, if you fair maidens have any other issues? I must attend to my kingly duties.
Roxi – Uh… no…
Despayre – Then… fair thee well!
{Despayre turns and heads back into his room, before popping his head back out.}
Despayre – Thanks for the preztels, Roxi. You are awesome.
{Despayre pops his head back into the room and shuts the door. Roxi turns and looks at Keira, both of them almost at a loss for words.}
Keira – Well, you and Mikah huh?
Roxi – I… I guess. Check the website, see if that’s true.
{Keira gets a sly grin on her face.}
Keira – Are you doubting the king?
Roxi – No… If she’s giving him drinks all night…
{Keira pulls out her phone and checks the SCW website. After a few seconds, she nods and reads aloud.}
Keira: Roxi Johnson vs. Mikah. Mikah was meant to name her challenger for My Bloody Valentine II, but being who she is, she teased but named no one, and Christian Underwood is not happy. So much so that he has decided that the Champion will have to face perhaps one of the greatest women in the history of SCW; one-half of the reigning World Tag Champion in Roxi Johnson! Mikah has been absolutely unstoppable since winning the big gold, but if anyone can put her down for the count, it's Roxi!
{Keira finishes and puts away her phone.}
Keira – Looks like it’s true. I know you can beat her.
{Roxi exhales almost cartoonishly, puffing her cheeks out as she does so. Keira looks at her quizzically.}
Keira – What’s the matter?
Roxi – They make it seem like I’m… the last hope or something. It’s a lot of pressure all of sudden.
Keira – So? It’s not like you haven’t handled pressure before.
Roxi – I know, but… it’s like… weird for some reason. I’m not really sure why…
{Keira looks at Roxi with a serious tone on her face.}
Keira – Roxi are you… nervous?
Roxi – Not… really. Just kinda seems like the whole place is just like putting the pressure on me to beat her all of a sudden. Like if she wins then she’s just the greatest thing ever.
{Roxi shrugs and throws an arm around Keira.}
Roxi – I’m not sure what the big deal is, but whatever. I’ll just do my best like always.
Keira – I know you’ll kick her ass.
{Keira kisses Roxi on the cheek as Roxi smiles.}
Roxi – I will certainly try. You ready to go home?
Keira – Yeah, we need to check on Christine.
Roxi – Right…
{Roxi and Keira disappear down the hallway, the faint *whoosh* noise of them transmitting away.}
Boy this just got crazy all of a sudden. I had no idea that I was the savior of SCW. That all of a sudden, I was… the hope. I’m not trying to make myself out to be something I’m not, or blow this out of proportion. It just… It’s a lot on my plate out of nowhere. Like I’m being thrust up against this force, rather than a person. Like if I fail, it’s the same as George Costanza dying. Because all hope is lost. I seemingly am, the beacon of hope.
I mean, the fact that under peer review, I seem to be the favorite of many people, simply by being on the show. It seems to be a happier place when I’m around. I don’t know if that’s just me, but yeah, things certainly seem livelier. I try to bring the joy, the love, and the fun with me wherever I go, and I am very proud to do so each and every time I am needed, requested, or asked.
But, then, as always, the same old tired argument comes in. The same one that hasn’t left, and refuses to go away, like a cockroach, like a bad rash, or pimple on prom night. It’s been there. That somehow, me being happy, me being a positive person, and trying to uplift others, and keep others involved, and be a friend. Means that, I am fake. I am a phony and I have some kind of hidden agenda. That I am manipulating each and every one of you. That I am stringing you all along because in the end, I plan to reveal this whole master plan of how I… manipulated you. Apparently. I don’t get it either, trust me.
I have no reasons to manipulate, or hold anything over anyone. I guess because I’m not a complete bitch to people, I don’t start random arguments on social media, and I don’t whine and complain when things don’t always go my way, I am somehow the bad guy. I simply choose to be happy. Why do I need to let the bad things get to me? Why do I have to be upset over little things, or jump into people’s business and stuff? I don’t. I don’t go out seeking trouble, it seems to find me. But we all can get through the hard times, because no matter what, they don’t last. But rest assured, I went down that path of not caring, and it was almost disastrous for not only me, but my wife, and friends. And I swore from that day, I would never, ever stop caring and being there for you, because of all the love that you showed me.
But sure, I’m the bad guy because of that. I’m boring. I’m lame. I’m pretty much everything Mikah says because I don’t live my life the way she does. We’re pretty much polar opposites. And that’s okay with me. But I guess she just has a problem with it. Like Alexis seem to as well. They really just want to have a problem. Anyone else notice this? Like, they want to pick a fight, and really, guys, I’m not really a big talker of trash on social media, I’d rather just do it in the ring, and move on from there, win or lose. But they pick a fight, and it seems like, as long as someone trashes them back, they enjoy it. Although Alexis seems to be running out of steam. Before it was because I’m happy. Then it was because I was nice to her, then it was because of Keira, now, it’s the fact that I am married, she seems to deem that enough to trash me. I’m not quite sure why that qualifies, but I seems too.
Mikah however, just dislikes me, I think because she dislikes anyone who can’t do anything for her or doesn’t enjoy mass quantities of alcohol in one sitting. She seems to have some kind of Homer Simpson-esque lover for booze. I mean, what’s the first thing she says when the show is over? Let’s go have drinks. She’s drinking during the show, and handing them to other wrestlers… this is a much bigger problem than it seems.
And now, I get to wrestle her. Yay me! I’m not saying or even remotely trying to imply that this will some kind of cake walk, but I guess I have some hype to live up to all of a sudden. I have to turn it up and provide the hope. I have to be the hope. It may not be written on my chest like a good friend of mine, but it is what I stand for. What I believe in. It’s just me. It’s who I am.
I am the hope.
{Roxi and Keira have returned home, preparing to check on Christine, the surrogate, carrying Roxi and Keira’s child. She rest comfortably on the couch, napping as Roxi and Keira return. She stirs as they walk towards her, but she just rests her head back on the couch cushion.}
Roxi – How you feeling love?
{Roxi sits down begins her on the couch, lovingly rubbing her back.}
Christine – I’m okay. Been feeling a lot better. But it’s kind of cold in here…
{Roxi looks up at Keira, who nods.}
Keira – I’ll go turn the heat up.
Roxi – Thank you.
Christine – Oh, I just need a blanket or something.
Roxi – We’ll get you both.
{Christine smiles, but she shivers a little as Roxi comforts her, but upon feeling her skin, Roxi pulls away.}
Roxi – Chris, you’re frozen.
Christine – I don’t know what happened. Just the winter I guess.
Roxi – You need a blanket. What have you been doing all day?
Christine – I must have feel asleep. It’s been weird lately, Matt taking the kids to free me up so that you guys know the deal.
{Roxi frowns a bit. She stands up from the couch as pulls the blanket hanging off the edge of it, and drapes it over Christine.}
Roxi – I appreciate what he did, for you, and for us. I don’t know if I like you being in the house all alone though.
Christine – I’m okay. Sasha came to visit before. She’s alone too while Jocelyn is away. And I have Buster and Trixie to protect me.
{Buster barks hearing his name, and scrambles over as if he was called.}
Roxi – Hey buddy. You’ll protect Christine, right?
{Buster barks happily, his tail wagging. Christine places her hand near Buster, who licks it.}
Roxi – Now he’s just sucking up.
{Christine giggles.}
Christine – He loves me.
Roxi – Of course he does. Buster and Trixie love people.}[/b]
{Buster barks again as Trixie walks towards the couch and licks at Christine’s hand and arm. Keira walks back to the living room with a bowl of soup in her hand.}
Keira – What’s all this?
Roxi – I guess we’ve been replaced.
{Keira smiles and shakes her head as Christine sits up as Buster and Trixie lick her. Roxi sees the soup in Keira’s hand, and lightly swats Trixie on the hind legs, getting her attention.}
Roxi – What am I, chopped liver? Get over here you two!
{Buster and Trixie swarm Roxi and lick her too, as Keira hands Christine the soup.}
Keira – Go ahead and take it into your room. We’ll be in later for the bowl and to check on you. Your room is heated, and the bed’s warmed up too.
Christine – Thanks Keira. You guys are so good to me.
Keira – Roxi’s rubbed off on me. But you know we love you. We’re going to take care of you, because you have done so much for us. You didn’t need to carry this baby for us. It’s probably the nicest thing anyone could have ever done for us.
Christine – You guys deserve it, for all the things you do.
{Keira gives Christine a loving stoke on the cheek and leads her into her room before returning a few seconds later as Roxi finishes playing with the dogs, and leads them to their bowls for food. Roxi gives Keira a concerned look as they make eye contact.}
Roxi – I’m worried about her.
{Keira looks back as if checking to see where Christine is, or if she’s listening. She turns back to Roxi.}
Keira – Me too.
Roxi – She was frozen. Her skin was like ice. I don’t want her getting sick.
Keira – Well, the heat’s turned up, and her bed is warm. But I also don’t want her to… feel like a prisoner here.
Roxi – What do you mean?
Keira – I just… I look at her, and she’s alone most of the day, Well… Tasha’s here.
Roxi – I know. She’s pregnant too… I know you don’t like her.
Keira – The point is, she’s awake while you and I sleep, she’s sleeps while we’re awake, and the whole time she’s just trapped here. I… I don’t know, she’s pregnant, not helpless.
Roxi – I think she’s here because she feels safe. Granted, Tasha being here does make things a little uneasy at times. But Tasha’s 8 months pregnant. She really can’t do much. But you know, Christine knows, Sasha knows that if anything happens, this place is a fortress.
Keira – I don’t know how much longer I’m going to be comfortable with this. We have two pregnant women living her now. Sasha and Jocelyn live here... And we have enemies who can show up at any moment, like Amelia. Don’t you think it’s a huge risk?
Roxi – It is a huge risk. But where else will they turn? They don’t have any place else to go. We can’t kick Tasha out, she’s pregnant, and… she’s been better lately. Sasha and Jocelyn are comfortable here. And… You know we have to keep Christine here. We pretty much, are their last hope right now.
{Keira folds her arms, shaking her head.}
Keira – We still haven’t decided about moving out to L.A….
Roxi – Well, we certainly can’t right now. For all the reasons you mentioned. Look, once…
{Roxi runs her fingers through her hair and sighs. She looks back up at Keira and places her hands on Keira’s shoulders.}
Roxi – Look, once Tasha has the baby, once Sasha and Jocelyn manage to piece what they are doing together, and once things settle down with Christine and Matt… we’ll look into L.A.
Keira – I wish we could take them with us. I really don’t feel safe anymore. Last time we barely survived.
Roxi – But… we survived. We’re here.
Keira – For now.
{Roxi pulls Keira in close for a hug.}
Roxi – You can’t think like that. We have gone through so much, and here we are, still here, still fighting, and still extremely successful. All in all, we had a great year last year. We have friends doing well, and we’re about to be parents. We cannot afford to be afraid now. We have too much left to do. And we’re going to do it, like we do everything else.
Keira – Together…
Roxi – That’s right.
{Keira backs away from the hug, lifting her head up, and kissing Roxi lightly.}
Keira – You always know what to say.
Roxi – I’m just trying to keep everything together. Let’s no fall apart when we’ve come this far.
Keira – We won’t.
{Keira turns away and heads towards Christine’s room.}
Keira – I’m gonna go check on her. Maybe she went to sleep.
Roxi – Alright. I’ll check on Tasha.
{Roxi follows Keira as they break off for separate rooms as the scene fades.}
I can’t lie and say doing what I did is any kind of bed of roses. I don’t do it for the adulation, I just do it because it’s right. Tasha’s pregnant, actually wrestled while pregnant, and then, after she broke up with her girlfriend, she was all alone, on the streets. How could I not have taken her in? Granted, I know Keira and her aren’t exactly buddies. In fact, I think they sometimes hate each other. But even if for one shining moment, maybe it was done for me, but I really hope that Keira knows why I brought Tasha into our home. Because it was right. Even Keira couldn’t say no. But it’s more than that. It’s about just human decency. Sometimes there are bigger things in life than petty squabbles.
I look back and even last year, Amy Marshall backstabbed me, and yet, we got over it. She called me fake, and phony, much like Alexis does, and I’m sure much like Mikah will too. You’ll hear it from her, because she thinks, much like they all do, that it’s some big thing they have over me. Truthfully, it doesn’t bother me one bit. Why should it? I know who I am. I know what I’m about. I would think that if I was going to lure everyone in, I would have done something by now. I’ve been here for 3 years. It’s like the slowest reveal in history at this point. Or, much like Mikah’s booze bottles, that talking point is just empty and hollowed out. I’m just me. Nothing more, or less. I’m nice, I play fair, and I don’t wish bad things on people, even if they wish them on me.
I’ve had friends turn to enemies, and enemies become friends. Through it all, I’ve stayed the same for the most part. I lost track for that brief period there. I’m not perfect after all, never claimed to be either. But what Mikah and those like her seem to think, is that I portray this as some kind of act. I am far, far from perfect. I’ve just tried to be me, be humble, and never take myself too seriously. Although I guess a spade is a spade is that I’ve grown and matured into being a lot more responsible than I was when I started. But I’ve had to, far too many people have depended on me. And I have to be there for them. Because I’ve seen it far too many times, that people who need a kind word or a helping hand… never seem to get them. It’s why I do, what I do. To make sure that they know, someone, is out there, and someone cares. I do. I will always care.
I even care about Mikah. Regardless of how she takes it. Now I know I’ve set myself up to hear a while of angry whining and bitching about me this week, about how she doesn’t want, or need anything from me. And that’s okay. It’s not for everybody, I get that. But because one person doesn’t want it, doesn’t mean that it’s not needed. I mean, I think of it like McDonald’s. Not everyone eats the plain old hamburger, but you know what? Someone does. And that someone should get a plain old hamburger when they walk in and want one. But, maybe that’s just me. I would have said egg mcmuffin… but… that would just be a lie. Who doesn’t love an egg mcmuffin? I think we can all agree the egg mcmuffin is delicious.
I’m sorry, I’m getting off track here…
The point is, Not just as a superhero, but more importantly, as a person, I’m going to be there, and be the kind, smiling face and helping hand people need. Friend, foe, or indifferent. I will be there. One bright shiny ray of hope when someone needs it. I will not change for anyone, or because someone doesn’t like me, for me. Mikah’s just going to have to learn to live with it. When we meet in the ring, she will be the dominant champion, she will be the unstoppable force cutting a path through SCW.
I will just be me.
I will be who I am. Seemingly the plucky underdog in this fight. I will be the one looking for an upset I guess. I will be what my friends, my family, and even my opponents have made me.
I will be the hope.
{The next day, still inside the house, Roxi prepares to head out while Keira lounges on the couch. She looks back to see Roxi, grabbing a jacket.}
Keira – Where are you off to?
Roxi – I think I’m going to visit Misty. Check on her.
Keira – Oh, is she alright?
Roxi – I think so, but it’s been a while since we visited.
Keira – True.
{Keira turns back to her phone, but then back to Roxi.}
Roxi – What?
Keira – Why do I think you’re really going to visit Owen, and not Misty?
{Roxi chuckles, knowing she was caught.}
Roxi – Am I that obvious?
Keira – Yes.
Roxi – Well, I could use the mom practice.
Keira – You’re going to be a great mom…
Roxi – Still, a little practice couldn’t hurt.
Keira – Yeah, yeah…
Roxi – You coming?
{Keira shakes her head and waves Roxi off.}
Keira – Nah. I like Misty, but… I don’t want to leave those two alone. Who knows what could happen.
Roxi – Good point.
{Roxi walks over and kisses Keira on the top of the head, and hugs her shoulders.}
Roxi – I’ll be back soon then. Let me know if anything happens while I’m gone.
Keira – Rox, you don’t have to worry about anything here.
{Roxi shrugs, but also gives Keira a stern look.}
Roxi – I don’t have much of a choice. I know how you are. Just… be nice, and call me if you need anything.
Keira – I will.
Roxi – I love you.
{Keira turns and smiles, blowing Roxi a kiss.}
Keira – I love you more.
{Roxi transmits away, arriving a block away from Misty’s home. She can barely contain her excitement as she walks up to the door, and knocks. After a few seconds, Misty’s daughter Eden answers and her smile grows when she lays eyes on Roxi.}
Eden – Auntie Roxi!
{Roxi bends down to give Eden a hug.}
Roxi – Hello love! Boy, you are getting so big! I missed you.
Eden – I missed you too! I always like to come to Mommy’s house when Daddy’s busy.
Roxi – Are you being a good girl and helping your mommy with your brother?
{Eden nods.}
Eden – Uh-huh! I’m gonna teach him how to play with all the toys here!
Roxi – That’s very good. I’m very proud of you Eden.
{Eden giggles as she lead Roxi by the hand into Misty’s house, where Misty is coming down the stairs with Owen in her arms. She smiles warmly at Roxi.}
Eden – Mommy! Mommy! Auntie Roxi is here!
Misty – I see. Thank you for getting the door sweetheart. Hey Rox.
Roxi – Hey Misty. You doing alright?
Misty – Oh, I’m fine. This guy keeps me company, and keeps me busy.
{Roxi lays eyes on Owen, who gives her a small smile, and it sends Roxi beaming.}
Roxi – Hi buddy! I missed you too!
{Owen coos slightly. Misty smiles as Roxi gets close and kisses his forehead.}
Roxi – Is he working out?
Misty – He’s a handful. But he just woke up from a nap. It’s his lunch time.
Roxi – Need any help?
Misty – I think I can manage.
{Eden curiously checks the door behind Roxi, as if looking for someone.}
Misty – Eden? What’s the matter sweetheart?
Eden – Auntie Roxi? Where’s Auntie Ke? How come she didn’t come?
Roxi – Auntie Ke is a little busy. She’s watching some friends at our house. She misses you, and she wishes she could be here.
Eden – Are you guys… okay? I saw you fighting… I didn’t like that. You don’t need to fight her.
Roxi – I know. It’s just what happened. But Auntie Keira and I are just fine.
Eden – You promise?
{Roxi smiles, stroking Eden’s face.}
Roxi – I promise. Next time we visit, we’ll both be here. Just for you.
{Eden giggles as Roxi picks her up and hangs on to her. Misty checks outside too, her curiosity peaking}
Misty – Did you drive here?
Roxi – Oh, no, I …
{Roxi looks at Eden.}
Roxi – I flew here.
{Eden gasps.}
Eden – You can fly?
Roxi – Of course. Superheroes always fly if they can.
Eden – They do?
Roxi – Uh-huh. You know, your mommy knows another superhero too.
Eden – Mommy, you know a superhero?
Misty – I sure do.
Roxi – And you know what her name is?
Eden – What?
Roxi – Eden.
{Eden beams with a smile.}
Eden – That’s my name.
Roxi – Well, let’s see. Your mommy knows you, right? And you’re name is Eden, so the superhero must be you!
Eden – Me?!
Roxi – Oh yeah! In fact, I bet you can fly!
Eden – I can’t fly!
Roxi – Oh, I don’t know. Let’s see…
{Roxi puts Eden up in the air and swings her around gently, making her “fly†around the room. Eden giggles at all the fun she’s having until Roxi puts her down, with an amazed looks on her face.}
Roxi – See?! I knew it!
Eden – Mommy! I flew!
{Misty smiles and gives Eden a knowing grin.}
Misty – I saw! You got all kind of super powers!
Roxi – But, you gotta keep it a secret. Just between us and your mommy. Okay?
Eden – Okay!
Roxi – Okay, I’m gonna chat with your mommy for a little bit, and then we’re doing some more hero stuff outside. So can I trust you to play for a little bit before we do?
Eden – I will.
Roxi – Thank you my hero!
{Eden places her finger over her mouth to shush Roxi.}
Eden – Shh! It’s a secret.
Roxi – Oh! Whoops. Sorry. My lips are sealed. I promise.
{Eden runs off, as Roxi stands back up as Misty still gives her a familiar look.}
Roxi – She’s awesome.
Misty – I know. You didn’t answer my question Roxi.
Roxi – Oh… I took a cab Misty. It’s not that big of a deal to rent a car to come see you.
Misty – Alright, alright, I was just wondering.
{Roxi pats Misty on the back.}
Roxi – It’s alright.
Misty – And um… are you sure you and Keira are okay?
Roxi – Sure. Why?
Misty – This whole thing, the pregnancy, and Christine carrying for you guys… She seems awfully depressed lately. You’ve got people living with you guys, it’s an awful burden you guys have. And now you’re here hanging out with me. Seems like you guys have… way too much on your plates.
Roxi – Yeah… *Sigh* Christine offered to carry for us. It was… her way of paying us back.
Misty – Paying you back?
Roxi – We took care of her. I guess. When she was down, we were there. She’s always felt like she owed us something.
Misty – And this was okay?
Roxi – It was a tough choice. I didn’t particularly want Christine carrying so soon, she had just given birth a few months ago. I was nervous and scared this could hurt her, and more so, I… I can’t lie, I wanted to carry our child. But being the SCW tag team champions, having so much to do, and having so many friends and family that we needed to take care of, Christine’s offer made more and more sense. Trust me, Keira had to convince me for weeks before I agreed.
Misty – I hope she’s doing better than the last time I talked to her.
Roxi – Yeah, she’s doing alright. Getting better.
{Roxi places a finger in front of Owen who grabs it, and tries putting it in his mouth to see what it is. Roxi feigns pain at being bitten.}
Roxi – Owowowoow! You’re eating me up! Are you eating me up? Hmm?
Misty – He’s hungry.
{Misty walks with Owen into the kitchen with Roxi trailing behind. Misty begins getting out the baby food for Owen while Roxi looks over her shoulder. Misty turns, curiously looking at Roxi.}
Misty – What are you doing?
Roxi – Research.
Misty – Research? I’m making the baby lunch…
Roxi – Exactly. Also… I can take him while you do that…
{Misty almost begrudgingly hands over Owen to Roxi.}
Misty – He’s my baby, you stay right where I can see you.
Roxi – Misty?! I wouldn’t steal your baby.
Misty – You tried last time.
Roxi – Honest mistake.
Misty – Uh-huh.
{Roxi looks at Owen, kissing him on the forehead and bouncing him gently.}
Roxi – Mommy is a spoiled sport, that’s all. But she’s making your lunch, huh? You see that? Lunch.
Misty – Oh, he knows. It’s just a question of whether or not he’s going to actually eat it, or just fling it at me.
{Misty chuckles to herself, brushing her hair out of her face as she readies the food.}
Roxi – Let’s go find your high chair buddy.
{Roxi sits Owen in the high chair and sets the tray in place. Owen instantly starts hitting the tray rapidly.}
Roxi – Are you drumming?
Misty – He just likes to make noise. He likes to push my buttons.
{Misty brings over the baby food and a baby spoon to feed Owen. Roxi looks up at her.}
Roxi – I can do it.
Misty – I’m glad, then you can pick Vegetable chicken and apple strawberry banana’s out of your hair.
Roxi – Funny.
{Misty gives Roxi the food and sits down next to own, making faces to entertain him while Roxi tries to feed him.}
Roxi – Speaking of pushing your buttons, what is up with that Bella person?
{Misty scoffs.}
Misty – I have no idea. I just know she’s bad news. Anyone with Brother Grimm, and it scares me about Tim. I really don’t want her anywhere near him. Even if I have to do something about it myself.
Roxi – It seems really random and odd that she’s just popped up here. I think she’s just trying to scare you.
Misty – She’s pissing me off more than anything.
{Roxi gets Owen to accept the first spoonful of food.}
Roxi – There we go… you like that, huh? I know you do.
Misty – I don’t know what to do about her though. I mean, I can’t… you know… legally do anything.
Roxi – Don’t worry. I’ll keep an eye on Tim for you.
Misty – Roxi… no.
Roxi – Misty, you need to be here. You need to be with Owen.
Misty – Tim is my son. I will not let –
Roxi – Owen is your son too.
{Roxi give Owen another spoonful, only this one gets more on his face, than in his mouth.}
Roxi – Oop. Got a little on your face buddy.
{Roxi uses Owen’s bib to clean his face off.}
Misty – I’m not going to let this poison his mind. I won’t let her, or anyone else mess him up… more than he is.
Roxi – Misty, stop that. Tim is going to be okay.
{Misty gets a deathly serious look on her face, a lot of emotional boiling to the top.}
Misty – No, Roxi. Maybe you’ll understand when you have kids… how important that they are. I messed up with Tim. But no matter what, I will not let someone else mess him up.
Roxi – Misty, listen to me. I know how you feel. More so than you’d think. But you’re talking like you’re going to do something drastic, and that won’t help anybody.
Misty – I will be there, for my son.
Roxi – Just let me help you.
Misty – You’ve done enough. Can… can we talk about something else? Please? Jesus…
{Misty is clearly flustered as she blows her hair out of her face, which makes Owen giggle. Misty notices as Roxi feeds him another spoonful.}
Misty – You think that’s funny, don’t you? Huh? Are you laughing at me?
{Owen giggles again staring at his mother. He starts banging on the tray and splattering the food into the air. It catches Misty and Roxi at the same time.}
Misty – Ugh…
Roxi – You brought that one on yourself.
Misty – At least he got you too.
Roxi – It’s okay.
{Roxi turns back to Owen, who still have a small grin on his face.}
Roxi – It’s okay. You just like a make a mess. Huh? Yeah… Ready for some more?
{Roxi offers the spoon to Owen, but he swats at it, knocking it away. More food goes flying. Roxi chuckles and opens up the apples container and tries giving Owen some.}
Roxi – Okay Mister…We’re gonna eat some food, and not splatter it everywhere, you copy that downtown? You’re gonna be good for me. Because you know who your favorite is, huh?
{She holds the spoon in front of Owen, which he now accepts.}
Roxi – That’s what I thought.
{Misty can’t help but chuckle.}
Misty – Sometimes, I really worry about you.
Roxi – I’m learning. I think this mom thing is pretty simple right now, but, I’m sure I have a lot to learn.
Misty – You don’t know the half of it.
{Owen takes a few more bites of his apple strawberry banana mix, before refusing the spoon a few more times. Misty clears the food away and Roxi wipes down the tray before picking up Owen and bringing him to Misty, who throws away some napkins.}
Misty – Mommy loves you…
{Misty holds her finger up, as Owen puts it in his mouth, and Misty feels around. She looks at Owen, smiling.}
Misty – I think you’re getting a tooth. I feel a tooth in there!
Roxi – Yay Owen!
{Roxi begins lifting Owen up, but then begins to smell him.}
Roxi – Oh… that must be breakfast.
{Misty smirks, turning and walking into the living room.}
Misty – I’m glad you’re doing research then… because you can change him.
{Roxi looks worried at first, but nods and shrugs.}
Roxi – I can do that.
Misty – Good.
{Roxi walks with Owen, and goes through the process of changing his diaper, albeit slowly, trying to figure out the nuances of the diaper. Misty gets a little pleasure out of seeing Roxi struggle. She finally fixes it and Owen is changed.}
Misty – Was that you’re first time?
Roxi – I’ve only changed a couple in my life. I also didn’t expect to almost get pee’d on either.
Misty – Yeah, boys tend to do that. Don’t know why.
Roxi – Oh well. Live and learn, now we’re all set for some other stuff too!
{Misty grabs a bottle and Roxi takes it and feeds him some, holding Owen against herself.}
Misty – You’ll get the hang of it. I’m sure you and Keira will be great moms.
Roxi – Lucky for us, we have you, and Amy to coach us up.
Misty – Yeah, well… for now. I’m just glad that he’s here, and O’Malley’s around now. It feels like I’m almost there.
Roxi – Almost… except for Tim.
Misty – Please…
Roxi – I’m just saying Misty, I can be your eyes and ears. You don’t have to worry. I’m in this too… somehow.
Misty – Roxi, listen, you’ve always tried to help me, even when I constantly tried to get you to stop. Sometimes you’re too stubborn for you own good. But you don’t need to fight all my battles for me. I’m a grown up. I can fight my own battles. And if you remember, I’m pretty damn good at it.
Roxi – I’m just telling you, I’ll keep an eye on Tim. If anything happens…
Misty – If anything happens to Tim, I’ll be there. End of story. You focus on your match this week. That’s what you need to do.
Roxi – It’s been on my mind all week. I guess that’s part of the reason I came out here. To not focus on it. Trying not to make a big deal about it, but… I know it is.
Misty – What do you mean?
Roxi – It’s almost like… I’ve got to win this match or it’s the end of the world or something. Mikah’s been going awesome and it’s all of a sudden become, important that I stand up to her.
Misty – If anybody can…
Roxi – See… that’s what the match description on the website said too!
Misty – Roxi… are you trying to say that you don’t know you’re good? You’ve won almost every bombshell’s championship. You have more wins than just about anybody, you’ve wrestled more than most of us. You’re a freaking machine. You seriously cannot be that modest.
Roxi – I’m just doing my job. But with everything now, it’s like… it’s all on my shoulders all of sudden.
Misty – Mikah’s good, there’s no question about that. She’s been beating everyone left and right. Every once in a while there’s people like that in SCW. I was like that, Delia, and now Mikah. But you know what else there’s been? You. To step up and fight all of us when challenged to do so. I have no doubt that if and when someone else steps up, you’ll be there again. You’re too stubborn to stop trying.
Roxi – You think so?
Misty – I know so. You did to me many times. You never gave up on me. Always tried to give me hope…
Roxi – You are my friend…
{Misty cracks a small smile}
Misty – I know… and I’m glad.
{Roxi smiles as Owen pushes the bottle out of his mouth and wiggles so that Roxi lets him down on the floor. She watches as Owen scoots along the floor.}
Roxi – How long until he’s crawling?
Misty – Could be any day now, the way he is. He’s sneaky fast too. Moves around like he was shot out of a canon.
Roxi – Has… Melody come by yet?
Misty – Not yet, but I expect her any day now.
Roxi – You know she just misses you.
Misty – She also tries to get me in a lot of trouble, and you encourage her.
Roxi – I encourage everyone…
Misty – You tag along with her for this Super Sprinkles Unicorn Lovers United.
Roxi – You’re part of the group too you know.
Misty – Roxi… you know those days are over. I’m not wrestling anymore.
Roxi – You know one day she’s gonna try and pester you until you do, right?
Misty – No, I’m done. If you want to hang out, you’re more than welcome.
{Roxi finally throws her hands up in surrender.}
Roxi – Alright, alright. I get it.
{Eden comes back into the living room a small on her face.}
Eden – Can we play now Auntie Roxi?
Roxi – Of course! I can’t wait to see what other stuff you can do!
Eden – Me too!
{Roxi stands up, looking at Misty with a look of respect and love.}
Roxi – Thanks for the chat. I promise you I will do everything I can to –
Misty – Just… focus. Okay?
Roxi – You got it. Come on Eden, let’s go!
Eden – Yay!
{Eden leads Roxi outside to play as Misty watches them with a smile and the scene fades with Owen climbing up on the screen door to see them.}
I mean it when I say I have the best friends in the whole world. I never would have thought Misty and I would grow have the respectful relationship we have today. I never imagined, of all people, she would pick me to put her into the hall of fame. It was, and will always be my honor to ever be even in her presence, much less be her peer and trusted friend. Though I wish sometimes she wasn’t as stubborn as she is. But I know, that’s her, and I don’t ever want her to change. But outside of the time we talked about Tim, and everything going on with him, she seemed very happy. And that makes me happy.
But, of course, if you believe what Mikah says, it’s all just an act. It’s an attention thing, or something. I’m really just doing this so people like me. It must be. Why else would I seemingly take a genuine interest in people, or their issues and problems, if I wasn’t looking to benefit? I have to have an agenda it seems. It’s all part of my evil plan to…
To uh…
I have no idea.
I am interested and concerned for everyone. It’s part of my job as a superhero. I can’t just neglect people. I try to make them all feel special, because to me, they are. To me, life is precious and I don’t want to waste it with my own self-centered thoughts. I could be like that, I was, once, like that. Thinking only about myself, and you all know, it didn’t turn out well. I let things pile up. I didn’t help anyone. I nearly lost my life and my wife, and people were afraid I wasn’t ever going to come back. That was pretty rough. I swore to you, and to everyone I’d never go back there. And it’s a promise I intend to keep.
And if that makes me lame, or stupid, or weak, or whatever Mikah wants to call it…. I’m okay with that. I’m okay with being friendly, and happy, and having a boatload of friends. That’s what makes me happy. I’m not like some who take pleasure in the misfortunes of others. I’m not one to criticize others for their life choices, or bully. Now, I am the support. I am an encourager, because the world is full of critics. Mikah can be my critic, and try and cut down everything I do. That’s okay. But this myth that I am weak, because of being happy, or nice, or friendly is just that, a MYTH. Just like the myth that Mikah is unbeatable. She can be beaten, she will be beaten again. And if it’s me, who beats Mikah, like I believe, no, that I KNOW that I can, Mikah will just know that I was better than she was. Keira and I already beat her, and Alexis Edwards in a tag match. Now, of course, Mikah will tell you, like she always does, she doesn’t want anything to do with tag teams. It’s such a weak excuse for not wanting to go out and give the fans what they paid for. I’m pretty sure before that match, in the match for the Internet championship, she cared so little she didn’t even bother trying. But that was for a singles title. So it’s clear that Mikah just tries when she feels like it, and that’s unfair to everyone who paid to see us. We have to give 100% each time we go out and perform. But, you know, after Mikah didn’t win the Internet champonship I figured that would just be the end. So, in that way, Mikah clearly surprised me. But as people know have followed me know, I’m full of them too.
I won’t sit here and tear Mikah down, I know she’s good. Heck, she’s not good, she’s GREAT. She’s the bombshell’s champion, and she’s been steamrolling everyone. She took down my friend Mel. She took down Raynin, She even beat Keira. Those are not easy wins by and stretch of the imagination. I take nothing away from Mikah from an athletic or wrestling standpoint. She is phenomenal. If you don’t believe me, just ask her, she’ll tell you. It’s not that that I take issue with. It’s her attitude I don’t agree with, but then again she doesn’t agree with mine. So, I guess we’re going to have agree to disagree on lifestyle. It’s why we’re settling this little dispute in the ring. And in the ring, is where I do some of my best work.
And where I will do my best to shine again this week.
{It’s the early morning when Roxi is finishing a nightly patrol. She heads back into the house, looking for Keira, who isn’t anywhere to be found. Roxi quietly opens Christine’s door, and finds her sleeping, the repeats the process to find Natasha sleeping too. She opens their bedroom door, and finds Keira, who is bundled up far more than she should be, groaning in bed. Roxi runs her hand up the bed as she reaches it only to see Keira wide awake and looking awful.}
Roxi – Hey.
Keira – Hi…
Roxi – You don’t look so good, are you okay?
Keira – I feel like crap. I think I got a virus or something. Maybe I hung out with Christine too much. *Cough* *Cough*
Roxi – Just get some sleep. Maybe you’ll feel better later.
Keira – Yeah… *Cough* Maybe… ugh…
{Keira throws the covers off, and rushes out of bed, sprinting towards the bathroom, where she slams the door and throws up. After a few seconds she opens up the door, wiping her mouth.}
Roxi – Feel better?
Keira – No.
{Roxi gently leads Keira back to bed as she covers her up. Keira still looks miserable as Roxi feels her forehead.}
Roxi – You’re burning up. You need to stay in bed.
Keira – Ugh… no problem.
Roxi – When did this start?
