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{Rhiannon}
”It was her favorite song ever. I guess if there was a song called “Giani” it would be my favorite. I can remember goin’ over to her house when we was kids, and she would pop in a Fleetwood Mac tape. Yeah, I said tape… She would alternate between their self titled tape and their greatest hits. From a young age, she found serenity in the voice of Stevie Nicks. She was my best friend since preschool, ever since she shared her Oreo’s with me, we was tight. Runnin’ around each other’s back yards playin’ freeze tag, just the two of us mind you. That lasted about five minutes before we went to regular tag. No Tag Backs was a real bitch hahahaha…
We would run until we couldn’t run no more. Then we would collapse on the ground and just stare up at the sky. I’m surprised we never blinded ourselves. She always kept her distance though, cause boys and cooties and all that, but we was thick as thieves she used to say. Even from a young age though, I could see the sunlight in her blonde hair as we went back and forth on the swings. We swore one day we would swing over the bar…
She spent a lot of time around my place, but that damned boom box was always with her, playin’ a Fleetwood Mac song featuring strictly Stevie Nicks singing. I never understood why we were mostly at my place, but I didn’t argue too much cause I didn’t like walkin’ up that steep hill after runnin’ around for hours on end. She would go home when we was eatin’ dinner, but she came back and would sit in our back yard until I could come back out. My parent’s thought this girl was the weirdest kid they ever met, but we were almost inseparable. Eventually, they started invitin’ her in for dinner with us, I guess to save her from walkin’ home and then back again.
Ignorance is bliss. If I could go back to those days, I would in a heartbeat. I would love my biggest worry to be gettin’ at least a C on my math tests, and bringin’ home some macaroni art of my mom or Stevie Nicks… Yeah hahahaha… Guess who would talk me in to that? But, the answer was cause I was the best macaroni artist in the first grade, of course. I never really understood why she loved Fleetwood Mac and solo Stevie Nicks so damn much back then. I just thought it was cause of the song she was named after. It isn’t until now that I’m hearin’ the song play on the radio that I realize just how poetic and whimsical and deep the music really is. No matter how depressing the topic might be, the song always left ya with a good feelin’.
Why would a child be so in need of this help? Why would she beg me to panhandle on the Boardwalk, dancin’ with a shawl for nickels and dimes? Sure, kids have fears that seem trivial to adults, and they really affect their psyche as much as our problems do, if not even a little bit worse… but why did she always need it? Any time I would ask somethin’ like that, all I would get is a shoulder shrug. Even as thirteen year olds, I wondered the same thing. We were best friends, but there were times where we were as far away from each other emotionally as two people could get. Somehow though, our presence was good enough. But there is one day that I remember in particular that would give me some clues, and to this day, the song would make me shudder and tear up.[“/i]
We fade in to see a very young Giani, not even a teenager, lying down in the grass of a small backyard, which he was fortunate to even have. The setting sun casts an orange glow on his otherwise olive skin tone. His eyes are filled with such innocence that you would almost not even believe it were Giani. His white t-shirt advertising Gangsta’s Paradise is stained by the grass, and his blue jeans are tattered. His small chest heaves as he just watches the clouds pass him by. We pan out just a little bit to see a young girl about two feet away from him. She is wearing a turquoise dress with white daisies printed all over it, and a pink hooded jacket, further colliding with her sequined ruby red slippers. She is sprawled out on the grass, her turquoise eyes sparkling almost as much as her slippers as she stares up at the sky. Her namesake song has just started playing in the background as she softly hums along to it, occasionally singing to it.
Rhiannon: “Takes to the sky like a bird in flight and, who’ll be her lover?”
Giani found that her voice was just as soothing as Stevie Nicks. So much maturity in her voice for such a young woman. Giani never gave much thought to girls in a romantic light before, but the line suddenly seemed to spark an interest as he turns his head slightly.
Rhiannon: “All your life you’ve never seen a woman… taken by the wind. Would you stay if she promised you heaven? Will you ever win?”
Giani: I think I would.
Rhiannon looks over toward Giani, seeming to be a bit confused by what he said. Not that she didn’t comprehend it, but more that she didn’t understand where it came from, or if it was just another one of Giani’s jokes. She chuckles before fluttering her eyelashes and looking back at the sun as it melts across the horizon.
Giani: Rhiaaaaaaanooooon? … Rhiaaaaaaanooooon? … Rhiaaaaaaanooooon? … Rhiaaaaaaanooooon? …
Rhiannon: “She rings like a bell through the night. And wouldn’t you love to love her? …”
Giani: I wasn’t singin’, Ry… I was makin’ sure you was still here with me, or wonderin’ if you was taken by the sky or somethin’…
Rhiannon looks over at Giani, a smile on her face as she scoots just a few inches closer. Giani repeats this as he inches his way over toward her. The peculiar young girl holds her hand out, stopping him just where he’s at. She then rolls over on to her side and looks directly into Giani’s eyes.
Rhiannon: Wouldn’t it be so cool if we really were taken by the sky? Like, if the Goddess just reached down and scooped us up in her hands? Carried us up away from everything. I would take you to meet my grandma…
Giani: You only get in to heaven when ya die, and I don’t know about you, but I don’t plan on dyin’ ever.
Rhiannon smiled lightly as she crawls just another inch closer. Giani rolls over onto his side, feeling concerned for his best friend as the forming moon starts to dance in her eyes. She slowly nods her head at this idea.
Rhiannon: I know. I never said that we had to die. I was just asking how cool that would be. You always have to question everything I say.
Giani: We’re never gonna get old though. We’re gonna be young forever.
Rhiannon sticks her tongue out at Giani as if to taunt him, returning the favor. She closes her eyes for just a second and then she reaches over to brush a few locks of Giani’s skater cut from his face.
Rhiannon: Everybody dies. You can’t escape it forever. You just… make what you can out of the time you have. When I grow up, I’m going to be in a Stevie Nicks cover band. I’m going to dance across the stage in a top hat, these shoes, only bigger… and a white shawl. Spinning, and spinning… and spinning like it was my last chance to spin and feel the wind on my skin and through my hair…
Giani: That’s boring… When I grow up, I’m gonna be a ***edit out a certain entertainment company of the world wrestling variety*** champion. I’m gonna be the best there ever was cause I got the best right hook on the block.
Rhiannon: Close but no cigar. You will be the best though. I just know it.
Giani rolls back over onto his back, watching as traces of darkness start to enter the sky. He slowly and softly blinks his eyes as he takes in all of the wonderful colors of the sky, looking off over the sea.
Giani: You can’t be right about everything, Ry…
”And she was…”
Giani and Rhiannon go quiet as they seem to fade into “Gypsy” by Fleetwood Mac. It is so unnoticeable to Giani as the two songs almost always seem to melt together for him, but Rhiannon rolls over in the opposite direction quickly. Before Giani can even begin to notice, Rhiannon dashes over toward the boom box to see a woman standing next to it.
Rhiannon: MOM!
The woman leaves quite a bit to be desired. You can see that she was once just as beautiful as Rhiannon, but time was not kind to her, nor was her wardrobe. The woman drops her cigarette to the ground, stomping it out as she leans down to accept a hug from Rhiannon. Her baggy cleavage nearly falls out of her red dress, if Rhiannon weren’t there to stop them with her body.
Mom: Ohhh baby… It feels like I never get to see you since you are always with your boyfriend.
Rhiannon turns toward Giani and then back to her mom with a look of disgust on her face as she shakes her head. Her mom laughs in the same coarse manner that she had spoken in before. Years of chain smoking, amongst *other* very obvious things will do that. Giani slowly gets off of the grass and walks over toward the two.
Giani: Oh, uh, hey Ms. Smith.
Mom: Hi there. Boy, you sure are growing into a cutie. No wonder my daughter is never home, huh?
She playfully smacks Rhiannon who returns the favor, a smile on her face that is so fake that even Giani can tell it isn’t real. Giani nods his head as Ms. Smith turns back to Rhiannon.
Mom: Well, I just got back from the store after my client meeting. I decided I would make dinner tonight instead of ordering.
Rhiannon: Good, cause there’s a new guy at Nero’s and he doesn’t believe that I’m not playing a trick on him when I try to order. But Giani’s mom makes the best lasagna with lobster meat in it, and…
Mom: Lobster in lasagna? Sounds fishy to me… But, I got stuff for grilled cheese, and any kind of soup you want.
Rhiannon: TOMATO!
The two laugh and celebrate as if they had hit the jackpot with such a meal. For Rhiannon, it was the fact that she got to have a meal with her mother. Ms. Smith turns to Giani with a smile.
Mom: I saw your parents weren’t home yet. Would you like to join us, Giani?
Before Rhiannon could shake her head fast enough, Giani nods his, thinking that is what she would want. Her mother smiles proudly as Rhiannon gives Giani the look of death. He shrugs his shoulders as they begin walking down the steep hill toward their house. Up until they get to her steps, she refuses to even look at Giani again. They climb the many steep steps to get to the front door that would give the most athletic person a work out. Ms. Smith fumbles with the lock, muttering curses from under her cigarette before the door finally pushes open. A Persian kitten comes running up to Giani, instantly reaching it’s claws up to say a friendly hello. Her bone tag reads “Gypsy” (go figure). Giani waves his hand in front of his face from the stench and debris over the house. It was no wonder she didn’t want him to see this. As Ms. Smith walks into the kitchen, Rhiannon pulls Giani off to the side as the telephone rings.
Rhiannon: You have to promise me that you won’t tell anyone at school about this. They already think I’m a freak, and we won’t be able to be friends anymore cause they will try to beat you up too…
Giani: Screw what they think. We’re friends before anythin’ else. I wouldn’t tell anyone anyway. It ain’t their business.
Rhiannon look relieved as she gives Giani a hug. She squeezes him tightly before setting her boom box down on the coffee table? .. either that or a mound of trash in place of where one should be. The air is thick with smoke, almost making Giani gag until he gets used to it. In the background, Ms. Smith can be heard speaking.
Mom: … C’mon, Saul! Can’t this wait like a couple hours or something? I’m tryin’ to have dinner with my daughter for once… Yeah, I do want that electric bill paid, but… Whatever, fine…
The phone is heard banging against the receiver on the wall in the kitchen, causing Rhiannon to sink. The smell of grilled bread and cheese starts to fill up the house as the sizzle is heard. Rhiannon picks up the table and kicks over the table, revealing legs finally. She storms off past the kitchen and down a narrow, wood paneled hallway. Giani goes to follow her, but is cut off when Ms. Smith pokes her head out of the kitchen. She just shakes her head, trying to muster up the words until she smells burning on the stove. She mutters under her breath before returning to the kitchen. Giani chases after Rhiannon, getting to her bedroom door. She pulls him in and slams the door shut.
Rhiannon: She’s nothing but a drugged up WHORE!
Giani: Hey now, we ain’t supposed to say that kinda stuff about our parents. It’s against a commandment.
Rhiannon: Fuck those rules! It isn’t bad if it’s the truth. She has sex with men for money, Giani! They call her up and she goes to them, or they come here and I can’t stand it anymore! They do drugs and bang her headboard against my wall all night and can’t sleep. I… I…
Rhiannon screams loud enough for her mom to hear, but she soon bursts into tears. She wraps her arms around Giani’s chest and buries her head in it. Her mom comes bursting through the door when Rhiannon picks up her boom box and throws it at her, shrieking at the top of her lungs, loud enough to almost shatter glass.
Rhiannon: GEEEEEEEEET OOOOOOUUUUUUUUUT!!!!
Giani looks awkwardly uncomfortable when she begins slapping her mother out of the room. She locks the door and her eyes nearly bug out of her head. She growls before tackling Giani on to the bed. She presses her lips against his but he immediately pulls away.
Giani: What the…?
Rhiannon: Like mother, like daughter… You said you wanted to love me, didn’t you?
Giani tries to overpower her, but she holds him down and tries to lift up his shirt. The taller, stronger girl was getting the better of him until he works his knees under hers and pushes her off of him and in to a collection of vintage tapes. He goes for the door, but she tackles him in to a wall.
Rhiannon: NO! You might be the fighter… You might be the heartbreaker, Giani, but you won’t break mine! You will never know what love is so long as you live. You can have what always makes you happy… your self… your fighting, but it won’t be real…
Rhiannon spits at him before opening her door and charging out of the room. Giani rubs the back of his head as he tries to catch his breath, unsure of what just happened. He feels sick to his stomach as he slowly goes after her. The door is heard slamming as he gets to the hallway. He has a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach as he walks to the end of the hallway. Ms. Smith comes out after him, her mascara running down her face as they walk over to the door. As soon as Giani puts his hand on the door handle, the loud screeching of tires can be heard along with a thud. Giani freezes and the color drains from his face as her mother scoots him out of the way, flinging the door open and within seconds, she shrieks and disappears. Giani looks out of the doorway, a blank stare on his face before the screen fades back out to white.
”I really would have loved to love her later on in life… even though I kinda think I already did. Who am I kiddin’? I always did… We had somewhat of a mature friendship beyond what most adults have. I admired her free spirit. The way she twirled around with her mother’s shawl to “Gypsy” and “Rhiannon” for hours on end. Feeling the wind on her skin and through her hair.
I know she didn’t really mean what she said to me. She was disappointed about her mother “working” instead of havin’ dinner with her. She was hurt by the rejection of her advances. She needed to get away from the situation. She was hurt, and I was her safety zone. She felt betrayed and she said some things she didn’t mean. But the fact of the matter is that, up until now… she was kinda right. I could never love someone again. I’m not even sure if I’m there yet with Dixie, but it’s the closest I been since I was a kid.
Rhiannon… if ya watchin’ me from Heaven where I know ya really are… I guess ya finally let up with the grudge? I’m really sorry, but I’m sure ya understand we was just kids. I’ve got a tear in my heart, and it reflects you. But in the end, I guess you really was taken by the sky that night. Tell ya grandmamma that I said hi, and maybe one day when I’m done bein’ a kickass indy wrestler here on Earth, I will get to meet her like ya always wanted me to. Anyway, wish me luck with Dixie, will ya? Thanks…”
There is so much I want to say right now. I have so much motivation to just rip into almost every single person I’ve ever encountered in my life that has brought me to this point. So many people I want to thank. So many people I just wanna punch in the freakin’ throats for bein’ such douchebags. But there are a lot of people that I would love to just sit down with them and ask ‘em… “why?” Why? Why? Why?
Jeremiah Hardin… Why do ya pass up on an opportunity to be heard right before what could be the single greatest match of ya career? Why are ya takin’ this match so lightly? Why is it that you seem so nonchalant about a shot at the Sin City Wrestlin’ Heavyweight Championship? Why do ya disrespect me so much as if to think ya can just ignore me, and ya other challengers, and still expect the chance to win the title? Why do ya think you was put into this title match? Why do ya think I had mostly good things to say about ya last week? Because, as one of the people who shows signs of the brightest future in Sin City Wrestlin’, I kinda figured you would step up above all else and prove that ya earned the shot. But ya nothin’ more than a coward, bro. There is only one man that I even have an ounce of respect for in this match, and that’s…
Kain… Why do ya think ya earned this shot at me? Why, above every one in SCW, was you picked to be in this match? Why does gettin’ knocked over the head with a steel chair qualify you to come at me for the Heavyweight title? Why are ya considered to be one of the most dangerous men in SCW, even though ya couldn’t answer a simple question two weeks ago? Why do ya deserve a shot at me and MY title? Why should I give ya the time of day? Why couldn’t you just try to convince me, or anyone, that you belonged in this match? I purposely went out there three weeks ago and poked at every single male in SCW, and I got only one thing in response, and it was from the guy who knocked ya over the head with the chair in the first place, tellin’ me why he DIDN’T want the shot at me. He wanted to wait for the people who really wanted the shot to get theirs, but obviously no one’s got the balls to come at me for the title, and do it for real. Are ya gonna half-ass it bro? And then claim later on that you wasn’t at your best, and that’s why I beat the ever livin’ FUCK outta ya? The whole freakin’ place ain’t at their best, bro. Seems like I’m the only shooting star in the Men’s Division these days. Everyone else has passed their prime, includin’ you, Kain…
Then there was Max, the afterthought… Why do ya feel so deservin’ of a shot at me? Why do ya feel like you’re so entitled after doin’ exactly fuck all since losin’ the title to Jeremiah Hardin, and then gettin’ beat down by The Saviors? Why did ya decide that it was a good idea to come back and fuck with me? Why not go after the title you were lucky enough to get in the first place? Why are ya so into this “Wrestling’s Pedigree” gimmick? No one is payin’ attention to this match because of you. The only thing makin’ this match such a big draw is because my name is in it. Why are you even in this match? Why must you brown nose ya way into a Supercard Main Event match for the Heavyweight Championship? Better yet, why does “Hot Stuff” Mark Ward buy this crap ya sellin’? Why, wasn’t it just a year ago, we was fightin’ on the same side of the Team Wars… AGAINST Mark? Yet, for some reason, you are able to assure him that you’ve changed when you are still the sneaky, slimy, skeazy little punk ass you was since the day you joined Sin City Wrestlin’. So again, I ask you… WHY are ya in this match? WHY do ya deserve to be here? WHY can’t ya tell me what exactly it is that you’ve done to earn the right to compete against me? Why haven’t you fought a single match since you returned, yet you are Main Eventing? It don’t make sense, Max. Why is it that I’m startin’ to see that Erik Staggs had the right idea with the rebellion?
Why? … Why? Why? Why? Why? Why?
{Sweet Nothing (Pt 2)}
The whole world seems like its standin’ still for almost an hour. Here I am, on bended knee, professin’ my love to this girl who I’ve only known since Thanksgiving. My fingers nervously rub against the satin outside of the box. I can feel my heart firing adrenaline through my veins like a cannon. It beats like drum inside of my hear, and my throat tightens up. The sweat drips down my forehead like I was in the gym, and the salt of it burns my eyes. I’m just a big mess, both inside and out. My best dress shirt is stained with red wine, my hair is startin’ to mat with sweat like I was workin’ out or something, I’m pretty sure I ate a whole clove of garlic, and I’m literally geekin’ out here!!! But all I can do is look into her eyes, glowing under the light of the moon, and it’s like I can see straight in to Heaven itself. Ya might be thinking to yourself “Ey, yo Giani… Broski… why the hell are ya freakin’ out like that when ya get a glimpse of heaven like that?” If I ever find the answer, I will be sure to tell ya…
Giani looks up from his crouched down position, his breaths shallow as he confronts the biggest fear of his entire life. Just the idea that he could be rejected seems to be the hardest part for him out of all of this. Well, that and the fact that he has only ever opened his heart on two different occasions, and neither one worked out very well for him. Some might remember that one of them happened to be Dixie’s sister, Misty. He blinks his eyes, studying the mixed expression on her face, a total confliction building inside of her.
Giani: Well…?
Dixie takes in a deep breath, stifling it as she exhales. She fumbles around nervously with a napkin as if she could possibly be as nervous as Giani. His lips quiver into a smile as he remains focused on her eyes. She nibbles at her lower lip as a frown come across her face.
Dixie: No…
The word seems to stab him a million times over as his look of joy seems to melt away from his face. He looks away from Dixie and over to the ground. He holds the ring out toward her without thinking as he purses his lips, unsure of how to properly react.
Dixie: I mean… not yet. Not now… I hardly know you, Giani. That’s almost completely unfair of you to spring that on me like that.
Giani: Well, I’m sorry, I never done this before. Excuse the hell outta me if I thought you was worth askin’…
Dixie lifts her head up, breaking her gaze on him long enough to roll her eyes. She lifts his chin up, looking down into his eyes, watching the pain resonate within them, causing her to tear up a little.
Dixie: I’m not saying no for good. I’m just saying that right now probably wouldn’t be the best time for this. We still have so much to learn about each other, Giani. Can you at least understand where I’m coming from?
Giani clinches his jaw, refusing to hear the words she is saying. He climbs up off of his knee, walking over to the wrought iron guard railing. He leans down, resting his elbows on the railing as he stares out into the water rippling in the pool. Dixie sighs as she debates whether or not to follow him. She decides to air on the side of caution and stay back to give him his space for a moment.
”I gotta admit… that sucked balls, like seriously… Every freakin’ time I open my heart up to some broad, they throw me away like a piece of trash. Why do I even bother, for real? I know that it’s kinda sudden, and completely outta nowhere, but still… Why can’t someone look at me and see me for the man that I am? I mean, am I really that freakin’ horrible of a person?”
Giani takes in a deep breath. He fumbles around in his pocket, picking the box out of his pocket as he fishes out a cigarette. He lights it in an instant as he pulls the ring box out of his pocket. He holds it open and looks at it for all of three seconds before he tosses it out toward the pool. At this point, Dixie seems to feel as if she doesn’t have any other choice but to come over to him. She stands up from her seat and her heels click against the ground as she approaches Giani.
Giani: Just… don’t, okay? I don’t need to hear some pitiful story about why I ain’t husband material.
Dixie: But, Giani…
Giani: No! Do ya have any idea how that feels, especially for someone who has never opened up to any other girl before? Like, at all?
Giani doesn’t even dignify Dixie by turning around to face her. Instead, he simply takes another drag from his cigarette as he watches the rippling water of the pool, and the steam rising from it. He taps the butt end of the cigarette, seeming almost mesmerized by the water, so much that emotion is absent from his face. Dixie places her hand on Giani’s shoulder, a tear streaming down her cheek.
Dixie: Will you please listen to me? You’re an amazing person. If you weren’t, I would definitely NOT be here with you. I would have run away at the first sign of trouble.
Giani chuckles under his breath as he lifts the cigarette to his lips once more. He takes a long drag as a sarcastic smile comes over his face. He slowly looks over to Dixie as if she had just said the funniest thing ever.
Giani: That’s me. That’s all I ever heard. “Giani… You’re nothin’ but trouble.”
Dixie: No, that’s not what I meant, Giani…
Giani: Then why don’t ya elaborate for me “babe”…?
Dixie pulls her hand off of his shoulder, almost gritting her teeth at him as she is fuming. She takes a deep breath and takes a few steps away. She leans on the railing, staring out toward the pool as well. She reaches over and takes the cigarette from Giani’s hand and takes a surprisingly big drag, holding it in before slowly exhaling.
Giani: I didn’t know ya smoked…
Dixie: I don’t…
Dixie narrows her eyes as she glares at him for no more than a split second. She holds the cigarette back out toward Giani as he gently takes it from her fingers. Once he has it, she looks back out to the pool, watching the reflection of the moon dance with the wind through the ripples.
Dixie: Do you remember the first time we met?
Giani: Roly’s Bakery, the Wednesday before Thanksgivin’… One pumpkin pie left.
Dixie: And you were gentleman enough to let me have it. I can remember the cheesy smile you gave me when you slid me your number, and then snapped a surprise picture for your contacts, because you were so sure I would call. I remember thinking “This guy CAN’T be serious!”
Dixie and Giani both chuckle a little, lightening the mood ever so slightly. Giani tries not to let it be too obvious, but he slowly inches his way toward Dixie, pausing between each movement.
Giani: Well, I guess somehow I knew that you was gonna be at the same party and that I wouldn’t need it, cause I always win. Obviously ya changed ya mind about callin’ me too or we wouldn’t be here right now.
Dixie: You’re missing the point. My first impression was that you were just another player out there trying to play me, and I only played back nicely because I searched all over town for a quality pumpkin pie, and I always get what I want…
Dixie sticks her tongue out playfully at Giani, causing his almost stone-like expression to soften a bit. The corner of his lip curls into a smile as he stares into her eyes once more. He nods his head at her as if thinking of himself as an example.
Dixie: When I saw you at Spike’s house on Thanksgiving, I wanted to run out of there so badly… But I sat back with Desiree and watched you. I saw where your heart really is. I watched you playing around with Eden like you were just a big kid yourself. I saw a person, and not just a player.
Giani almost doesn’t know what to say as he just stares at her. She smiles sweetly as she nestles herself against his warm body, closing her eyes as he gently envelopes her in his arms.
Dixie: I watched you conquer some of your biggest demons, and seeing that bravery made me feel… I don’t know… safe? Secure? It was a sort of culture shock seeing you kiss my sister before Christmas, then her ex-husband. And then those Mean Bitches raping you with their eyes. It is going to take some getting used to, Giani, and I am not one who makes promises I’m not one hundred percent sure I can keep. And if you are the man that I think you are, you will understand.
Giani cocks his head to the side, staring down at Dixie as if he had just caught her in the act of something. He pauses for a moment, puffing his chest out as he thinks about it for a moment.
Giani: Are ya sure you’re not just as big a player as me? You seem to have that line down, girl. Ohhhh, that’s cold…
Dixie: I don’t mean to sound spoiled, but like I said before… I always get what I want, and I want you. I’m just not sure I’m ready to be your wife.
Giani: I guess I can’t complain too much about that. I mean, I don’t know if I’m willin’ to jump after it and into that water in this weather anyway. I might ask again in, oh, I don’t know… May? June?
Dixie groans in delight as she makes herself comfortable in Giani’s arms. She practically melts into him as she rests her face against his beating heart.
Dixie: That sounds perfect… Just make sure to wear black, or serve white wine instead…
Giani chuckles under his breath as he runs his fingers through her hair. He stares down at her, gently rocking to the music playing softly in the background. He would almost swear that he could see her glow under the moon, as if she truly were an angel. He, too, closes his eyes softly as we fade out.
”So, needless to say, I got a lot on my mind right now. I’m not nearly as focused right now as I should be. I’m basically a mental wreck. I understand where Dixie is coming from, I really do. But what guy could be alright after proposin’ to a chick he’s mad about, and havin’ her say no? If there is a man out there like that, I could really use some advice right about now…
But it ain’t just that. I’m losin’ it right now for a few reasons. I just don’t understand how three of these no-names could be challengin’ me for the Heavyweight strap in the Main Event. It’s just a collision of bureaucracy by Erik Staggs, vested interest by “Hot Stuff” Mark Ward, and wishful thinkin’ by Christian Underwood. Nobody proved they was good enough for me, yet here we are in just a few short days. I even went out in front of the entire SCW fan base and BEGGED people to tell me why they were good enough to come at me. All I heard was Simon Jones sayin’ he wanted to wait until I was worn down by anyone else who thought they deserved a shot at the strap, followed by a million crickets chirping. Kinda shit is that?
Clearly nobody thinks that they are worthy of the belt. That, or they are afraid of me cause I’m on a roll. The funny thing is that I been on a roll since I came to Sin City Wrestlin’. Nobody seemed to be afraid of me until I decided to focus on the top prize. Then, all of these cowardly motherfuckers parted like the Red Sea so that I could walk right up to the champ and snatch it from him. I set out to make the SCW Heavyweight Championship somethin’ that people could be proud of. When the day comes that I am bested by someone, I want them to remember that I brought this belt back to life, and brought it back to the standard that it should be held at. I wanna make the likes of Gabriel, Nick Jones, and Spike Staggs proud of what the belt has become, instead of embarrassing them like the last several champions did. To live up to their standards, I really need to step things up.
I said that I would fight any challenge that comes my way, cause I’m a fightin’ champion, so don’t think that I plan on takin’ this match lightly. I’m proud to be the SCW Heavyweight Champion, and even if I have to do it all on my own, I WILL make this strap truly the biggest prize in the game. I will continue to inspire people to reach for the stars, and to work their way to the top. That’s the only way to know that you truly deserve to sit on top. That’s the only way that you can fight off the vultures like Max Burke. That’s the only way you can be sure that you can take down any wild card like Jeremiah Hardin. That’s the only way that you can stand up to a ruthless challenger like Kain.
Rectifying this has been my mission since the day I decided I wanted to go after the SCW Heavyweight belt, but now… it’s my whole fuckin’ existence…
{Secret Crowds}
The fans clamor at the entrance to the Star of the Desert Arena in Primm, Nevada. Most are wearing their favorite SCW Star of Bombshell merchandise, waving signs, or in many cases, replica’s of the Angel teddy bear. As the camera passes them, the fans try to make as much noise as they can to get noticed, even if only for a brief second. We push through the doors to see that the large crowd outside is nothing compared to the crowd inside of the arena. The biggest fans of SCW have gathered for another promotional event, this time being for My Bloody Valentine, airing in just a few short days. We work past the large crowd of the lobby to find a stage set up through the booing crowd. A mysterious hooded figure walks through them, gently brushing past them as he comes up toward the stage. Standing in front of a microphone is Mean Girls’ very own Delia, with Angelica and Holly Wood to each side of her. She purses her lips, ready to spit venom at the audience.
Delia: Such lack of respect? I would expect such from z’e trash of regular Climax Control shows, but you are supposed to be z’e best fans z’is place has to offer…
Angelica clears her throat as she steps closer to Delia, taking her spot in front of the microphone. She flips her hair out of her face as she peers out into the audience, looking less than pleased.
Angelica: This Q&A session is now over. You don’t deserve to be graced with our presence any longer.
The crowd claps for her announcement that they no longer have to be tortured by them. She rolls her eyes and spins on the heel of her shoe toward the curtain set up behind them. She starts to walk off along with Delia as Holly Wood steps up to the microphone.
Holly: Mean Girls merchandise is now available right over there sweethearts… Can a girl get a new pair of shoes? Werk…
Angelica grips onto Holly’s arm and yanks her away, getting a few giggles from the audience before the tandem disappears behind the curtains for good. The mystery figure chuckles under his breath as he joins in with the applause. He stands there as Justin Decent comes back to the stage, wearing nothing more than his usual lycra shorts and a bow tie collar. He is greased up, getting a reaction from several of the ladies in the audience, as well as a few of the men.
Justin: Thank you, Mean Girls! Yeah… right? Next up, we’ve got a very special guest. We will hear from the returning Bombshell of crazy…!
The audience claps their hands together as the mystery fan starts to walk off. The fans discuss who it might be, tossing out names such as Trish Newborn or Kittie as he shakes his head, laughing softly through his nose. He walks down the hallway a few paces to spot Vixen standing in between two female fans wearing New X-Tremes gear. They have their arms around her as she leans over just a bit, placing a finger against her glossy lips, as if to let the audience know that she has a secret she is about to let us all in on. *FLASH* After the camera goes off, she shakes hands with both ladies who walk over to the side to get copies of their photo. A glimmer of recognition enters Vixen’s eyes as she cocks her head to the side at the mystery fan. He gives her a nod before turning to walk down the hallway. A male fan rushes up to her for his spot in line, so she is unable to go after the fan.
Fan 1: Hey! Watch where you’re going, asshole!
The mystery fan looks to his fellow comrade and pats his shoulder gently as if to offer a silent apology. The other fan shakes his head in disgust, flipping off the fan as he walks off. The mystery fan walks over to see a small meet and greet table set up with Erik Staggs and Christian Underwood as they speak with several fans at once. The mystery fan walks up to the two of them and slams his big almost veiny hands down on the table. Christian doesn’t budge an inch, but Erik leans back in his chair, peering down the hood before sighing in irritation.
Erik: Christian… precious fan base…? Will you please excuse me while I attend to some… business? Thank you.
Christian looks just a bit concerned as Erik steps off to the side with this extra special fan. He straightens out his jacket partially before pulling it closed over his dress shirt. He takes in a deep breath as he waits for some sort of verbal lashing. However, it doesn’t come. Instead, he can feel the harshness of the stare burning through him.
Erik: Look… what do you want me to say? I finished fighting with you months ago… I just want peace around here, for once, and…
Disclaimer: voice is disguised to protect the identity of the mystery fan
Mystery Fan: Is that why you decided to let such debauchery take place in front of your peers last week? In front of the entire viewing audience? We had a deal, you nitwit, and it didn’t involve caving to the demands of Twinkle Toes or the Big Buff Wolf.
Erik: No… the deal was that I wouldn’t let any real threat slip through the cracks for Giani. As much as I fucking hate to see it happen, he is quickly becoming the true Golden Child around this place, and I’m not going to let that change so soon.
Erik make sure to keep his voice down as he nervously looks around for whom might be watching him. He takes a deep breath and then looks dead into the eyes of this mystery “fan”.
Mystery Fan: This match was set up months ago, and Kain was supposed to face Giani at My Bloody Valentine, before the event even had a name…
Erik: Right, and being so damned obvious is really going to help things. I said I wouldn’t give Giani a challenge he couldn’t handle, but face it… No body short of God himself could knock that kid off of the throne. His biggest threat is himself.
Mystery Fan: But this? None of it was part of the deal. Grow some fucking balls and stick to the plan from here on out. I don’t want to hear how the kid is invincible. He’s got a big wide open Achilles ’ heel and it’s only a matter of time before someone exposes it. Besides, bitch-hood doesn’t suit you very well…
Erik rolls his eyes as he looks away from the mystery fan and back over to Christian to see that he is preoccupied with the many fans. He breathes a sigh of relief before turning back to the fan.
Mystery Fan: We wouldn’t want to have to stage another rebellion, would we? Everything down to the last detail of the plan must be followed from here on out. It’s not like I ask much of you. It’s justice, really is all… Now, I have to go. Giani is doing an interview with Rocky Mountains so he can be seen with his *air quotes* adoring fans…
Erik: Do us both a favor and never come to me in public like that again…
The mystery fan nods his head as he turns to walk away. His head is bowed so not to reveal his face, only the overshadowed silhouette. He gets about two feet away when a worried expression comes over Erik’s face.
Erik: He still doesn’t know, does he?
The mystery fan stops dead in his tracks, the camera flash shows nothing but an eerie smile made up of overly white teeth before disappearing into the shadows once again.
Mystery Fan: Not a clue…
Erik: Excellent.
The mystery fan continues on his way as Erik returns to the table next to Christian. Our fan walks past the photo op station once more, chuckling quietly to himself as he sees the fans crowd around Jon Dough. He turns toward the large crowd gathering around Giani Di Luca off in the distance. The ladies rush him, trying to cop a feel of the star of the evening.
Mystery Fan: He’s so Hollywood, even if he is from Jersey… A champion that we can truly be proud of. No active male deserves this as much as he does. A hard worker since day one, we will always remember his climb to the top. But no one will ever know the whole story, not even Giani…
Giani lifts his sunglasses off of the bridge of his nose, allowing it to rest on his forehead. The cameras flash almost constantly as the fans want to catch just a small glimpse of “The Reflection of Perfection”. It almost seems to give him a radiant glow, showing off his confidence with flying colors. He moves through the crowd as Ms. Rocky Mountains stands by, admiring Giani just as much as the fans are. He stops in the middle of the crowd and peels off his white “Italian Stallion” hooded shirt to show, giving it to an aspiring Giani fan who nearly faints. Giani holds the man up for a second, patting him on the chest, giving him a few words of encouragement before continuing over toward Rocky.
Mystery Fan: He doesn’t even realize how arrogant he still is. Nobody does. He’s the cockiest man to ever grace Sin City Wrestling’s roster, but they fucking love him. Manipulating the fans is way too easy these days. You can be a raging prick, but say that you are happy to be in their shitty town, and they roar with approval. Case en point…
Giani shows off his NXT shirt, spinning around in a circle slowly before flexing his muscles, putting a massive amount of strain on his NXT arm band. He pumps his fist as he works his way through the last section of the crowd, stepping up to Rocky Mountains who extends her hand out politely toward Giani. He takes it, planting a kiss on the back side of it like a true gentleman. She blushes as she looks out into the audience with a look of surprise. They quietly talk for just a moment as the cameraman prepares himself for the interview to start.
Mystery Fan: He makes it look so easy, but it’s not. He must work out for hours every single day, drinking all sorts of chemical cocktails to maintain that physique. But the hard part has got to be playing this audience like a guitar. The idiots eat it up like it was going to run out. But that ego will only get bigger and bigger until they can’t handle it any more. Go on, Giani… Talk yourself up. Tell us why you are somehow better than your opponents, even if you are just another cog in the machine, same as them…
Giani gives one last fist pump session as the cameraman holds his thumb up. The crowd roars for him as Rocky turns slightly toward Giani, trying to get the smile off of her face to get down to serious business.
MRM: Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to the My Bloody Valentine Weekend Bash! All of your favorite Sin City Wrestling Stars and Bombshells ARE PRESENT here tonight, and will be all weekend. This is all leading up to the much anticipated Supercard on Sunday. Major announcements to be made, and some exciting matches guaranteed to keep the fans on the edge of their seats!
The fans erupt into cheers once again as Rocky hypes the upcoming show. She allows them a second or two to get it out before she turns a little more toward Giani.
MRM: And what a way to kick things off than a web exclusive interview right here from the Star of the Desert Arena with none other than the SCW Heavyweight Champion… GIANI DI LUCA?!?
The fans cheer once more before the cameraman turns to get Giani in the shot. Giani pumps his fist quickly in the air for his fans before he turns a little more toward Rocky, but keeping his eye on the fans.
MRM: Thanks for being here, Giani.
Giani: I wouldn’t miss it for the world. The fans are the whole reason we do what we do, so of course I’m gonna be here.
Mystery Fan: … kiss ass…
Giani nods his head as he turns away from the microphone, mouthing something at the fans to get them to cheer him on again. He soaks it up like a sponge, welcoming it to continue pouring in until Rocky brings his attention back to the interview.
MRM: The entirety of the SCW fandom was shocked to hear that you would be defending your title against, not one, not two, but THREE men in the Main Event at My Bloody Valentine. What are your thoughts on that?
Giani: Bring it on, baby! I told the fans, and all the doubters and haters, that when… not if, but when… I won this title, I would rise to the occasion for any defense, whether it be the biggest, baddest kid in SCW, or whether it was every single one of them. I ain’t no scared champion. I’m proud of the title and the history behind it, and I wanna be one of the great names listed when people remember this belt. I begged people to come at me. Fuhgeddaboudit, Rocky…
Giani shrugs his shoulders as he lifts the corner of his mouth up just a bit as if to ask why he wouldn’t be thrilled about this defense. He winks into the camera before nodding his head and returning his focus to Rocky.
Mystery Fan: Play it up, kiddo… Work that camera, and the fans. I’m the only one who sees what a jackass you really are…
Giani: But in all seriousness, I asked people to tell me why they deserved it. Do ya know what I got? A whole freakin’ lot of nothin’, that’s what! As the champion, I am a leader, and I take that role very seriously. I let it slide this once, but I’m goin’ on record right now as sayin’ that from here on out, I wanna see this roster step it up about fifty fuckin’ notches, dawg. I ain’t gonna deal with half assed competition after My Bloody Valentine…
MRM: Half assed roster? Are you implying that your opponents for My Bloody Valentine are anything less than stellar?
Mystery Fan: To say the least…
Giani lowers his sunglasses for a moment as he rolls his eyes. He places the palm of his hand on his forehead and shakes it shamelessly as the audience chuckles at his display. Giani turns fully toward them as he holds his arms out to his side as if to ask them what they were laughing at. Rocky shakes her head, trying to conceal a smirk as Giani finally turns back around.
Giani: Um, fuck yes! THAT is exactly what I’m sayin’. Maybe I should rephrase it so that even the simplest of minds like Jamie Staggs could get it… They are lazy. They are needlessly arrogant. They have a whole helluva lot to prove that shoulda been taken care of before this match was booked. It looks like three people just pulled names outta their asses. Now, don’t get me wrong. I’m not bitchin’ about facin’ three guys at once. But I said it before, and I’ll say it again. These guys? They freakin’ suck! Sorry, but I ain’t gonna lie…
MRM: We all know that you have some pretty strong opinions on Max Burke, but is it possible that it is because you allowed him to attack you without any repercussion at all?
Mystery Fan: Oh shit… We just might see the asshole come out after that one. Use that restraint that you have deep down not to smack a bitch, please…
Giani bites at his bottom lip, and only the most observant of spectators could see the tiny bit of blood that comes from this bite. He licks it away quickly and then smiles, laughing at the question posed to him.
Giani: Have ya seen My Bloody Valentine yet? Oh no, cause it hasn’t happened yet. I coulda tracked down that slimy, cowardly little bastard backstage somewhere. I coulda sniffed out his girlfriends smelly parts like a bloodhound. I coulda beat the ever livin’ piss outta him. But I don’t handle my business that way. I let it eat at me. I let the ignorant comments, like the one you just made, build up inside of me, and then I get the bitch in the ring, and I embarrass him in front of an entire audience. I don’t need to attack him backstage, or from behind like a punk. I got him in the ring this Sunday, and I don’t care if I gotta work my way through two other motherfuckas to get to him, he will pay. Fuhgeddaboudit…
Rocky: Why don’t you tell us how you really feel? Heh, now on to…
Giani holds up his hand for a second, stopping Rocky dead in her tracks. She looks confused as Giani leans in over the microphone, looking directly into the camera.
Giani: I didn’t say I was finished. See, I wanted to make sure that Max Burke hears me loud and clear. I am the champion, and I have this belt for a reason. I destroyed Goth in Match of the… Entire Existence of Sin City Wrestling just a little under two months ago. I was bruised, bloodied, and battered, and I got that painted up freak to mutter the two words nobody every thought he would say… “I Quit”… Nobody thought I could handle hardcore cause I’m a spotless technician. Hell, let’s step back a little over a month before that even. I took out Kain and Simon Jones, even scoring a pinfall over the second longest reigning Heavyweight Champion of SCW History in Nick Jones. I was the only person in that match who had never been within inches of the belt. The Jones’ both former champions and Kain a challenger a few times over. I won the right to face Goth and took the belt from him. I defeated Damien Kingston two weeks later. I proved my worth. What has he done since he got here? Let’s see…
Giani acts like he is thinking hard about this one, but it only lasts half of a second before he opens his mouth in faux shock.
Giani: Oh yeah, exactly fuck all! Do I sound like a broken record lately? Well, when ya got someone who has done nothin’ but beat Kain’s ass twice, and lose to Jeremiah Hardin, then get *extreme air quotes* injured by The Saviors… it’s kinda hard to come up with somethin’ new to say about him. I would bring up the fact that he walks around with Mark Ward’s shit on his nose, but the big brown spot is proof enough of that. He don’t deserve to be in this match, but I’m not gonna let it stop me from pickin’ off the weakest link first. My Bloody Valentine is get-back time, dawg… That little sneak attack is suddenly gonna seem like a really bad idea, Maxi Pad… Now I’m finished with him…
The audience howls in approval at Giani’s point as he shakes his head from side to side to emphasize his point. Rocky seems taken aback by this as she has to soak it all in, taking a few deep breaths as Giani waves his arms up in the air to get the fans going again.
MRM: Clearly you came prepared for that statement. As much as I would like to disagree with your opinion of Max Burke, I can’t fight that… But what about Jeremiah Hardin?
Giani: He only wishes he was where I was when I debuted here. Yeah, he got a belt and had a small run with it where my first title reign came much later… but I was takin’ out bigger threats with my eyes closed. And if someone had the balls to call the entire roster out, you better bet ya damn life that I woulda came out and had a few words to say. But Hardin stayed in the back like a punk. He probably shit himself when he heard he was gonna have to face “The Italian Stallion” in a Main Event at a Supercard. I actually heard that happened from Kenny Chisholm, but that’s off the record… It would explain why he kept his mouth shut last week and didn’t put nothin’ up for the fans to see. He was embarrassed that people saw him ride the Hershey Highway straight outta the venue two weeks ago. Not to mention the fact that he probably realizes that he’s got no chance, and that he was put in there as a consolation prize for losin’ to Brother Grimm like a week before that.
Mystery Fan: Somebody get this guy a shovel, because he is digging shit up right now…
Giani shrugs his shoulders as the fans get quiet for the other fan favorite in this match. Giani raises an eyebrow, but he would rather be honest and unpopular for it than lie his way through this interview.
Giani: I’m just statin’ facts here. Could Hardin be a badass? Yeah, he’s got the makings of a FUTURE Heavyweight Champ. He’s got style. He’s got class. He’s even got some charisma. But he ain’t seasoned enough, at least in a company with potential talent like Sin City Wrestlin’. Learn the ropes around here, kid, and maybe one day I might take ya serious, and we could have a good time puttin’ on an amazin’ show for the fans. But until then, just remember that if ya stay outta my way, I won’t hafta pin ya ass in the middle of the ring, and ya won’t be too embarrassed. No hard feelin’s, bro… it’s just business.
MRM: Well, I would like to suggest that we move on to Kain, but I better make sure you’re finished with talking about Hardin before I do so…
Giani nods his head, flashing her a playful smile as if to apologize for snapping a few moments ago. He wraps his arms around her, holding her closely to erase any idea that he might truly be an asshole.
Giani: Yeah, not much to say about that one. Really, Kain is no different than the others. Even if he half way earned a spot in this match, it still don’t mean he truly deserves it. To be honest, nobody in SCW has shown that they deserve it lately, except for yours truly of course… But I can at least understand how Kain made it here. He won a Number One Contenders match by disqualification. Sucks to say, but technically he’s got a case. Now, I’m not sayin’ that Kain ain’t good at what he does. I’ve seen some of the bloodiest matches involving Kain. He’s taken down some beasts in the ring. But the facts are this… Kain ain’t at my level. He was one of the guys I beat to get the Number One Contenders spot to begin with. He is blinded by rage in the ring, and he lacks the focus of a Heavyweight Champion. If he ever learns to control his temper, and get off his ass when a top dog issues pretty much an open challenge… Then I might take him serious. But until that day comes, I know I got absolutely nothin’ to worry about. On February 3rd, after all the dust settles, I already know that I’m still gonna be the champion. I’m not worried, but I’m not gonna take this lightly either. I’m gonna get in there and make short work of these jokers, and then I’m gonna go out and celebrate after the show. As a matter of fact, anyone who sees this is invited to the celebration party I never got to have after I won this thing to begin with… I’ll even buy the first round!
The audience cheers as Giani pumps himself up. He raises his arms in the air as the fans chant his name. He hoists the Heavyweight strap up into the air proudly, shaking it to the beat of their song.
MRM: Wow, some powerful words from the champion! That concludes this interview, but check the website all weekend for exclusive promos and interviews from the Stars and Bombshells of Sin City Wrestling! I’m Ms. Rocky Mountains, reminding everyone to tune in to My Bloody Valentine, streaming live from scwrestling.net!
The cameraman slowly pans out to show the cheering fans for a moment before cutting the camera off. However, Giani’s self indulgence doesn’t stop there. He walks back in to the crowd, getting them all worked up as the mystery fan turns around and walks off in the opposite direction. Another camera flash shows the wide, perfectly sadistic smile as we fade out…
{I got my speakers on, speakers on, speakers on… I got my speakers on WRECKED!}
{fin}
