{OOC: Sorry for lack of colour coding.  This always messes up on me...}

Let me tell you all a story...

It's called Horace Jackson and Electra Styles throw the two lesser and insignificant mean girls all over that six sided ring.

Veronica... we meet again sweetheart.  I'm sure you probably think that your recent streak of wins is going to protect you somehow against me because in that big empty head of yours... You are the only person in the world that matters and facing facts here, if there really was a fire... you'd abandon your so called sisters in a heartbeat.

It's no secret how I feel about the Mean Girls in general.  The immature tactics, the undeserved air of superiority.  Let's not forget that you all cheat to win.  And please don't let me call up the fact that you treat Tessa like a dog.  Worse than a dog because pretty sure that Liz's Dogs get better treatment than that poor girl.

I'm going to do everything in my power to take down you two and every one else you chose to put the Mean girls moniker on.  Why?  Because it's absolutely disgusting how you treat people, how you demean and ridicule people.

You talk down to people like Misty and Roxi like they were nothing before any of you showed up but let me just remind you, Misty is a legend in this business.  She's done more in one match then you kids have done in your entire career.  Heck I've done more than you even if my career is separated by years of in-activity.

I never got girls that needed to put down others just for the pure and simple amusement.  Are your lives really that sad and pathetic that calling people names, insulting children and spending your days and nights on twitter is the highlight of your sad little existence?  I rarely go on twitter and you know why?  Because if I'm not training, I'm with my family and my friends.  I'm busy being a real person that people actually want to spend time with.  The only people that WANT to spend time with you girls are people blinding by this need to be accepted, like Katie Kensington and Tessa.  

Point in fact EVERYONE is tired of the bullshit.  I'm not going to sugar coat it.  Enemies are banding together just because of their united hatred of you and that means we're all somehow jealous?  Jealous of what exactly... your bleached hair? No... my blonde is natural thanks.  Or how about the super thin bodies that are probably the result of expensive fad diets that are really bad for you? nope I just eat healthy and go to the gym regularly.   Or is it that you have husbands and children that adore you... oh wait... that's me... that's Misty... that's Roxi.  We all either have one or both of those and well it's pretty obvious that we're all pretty happy with that.  Misty adores her daughter.  Roxi would die for Keira.  I am both for Ryan and my kids.

But wait, there's more... am I jealous of the fact that you have lots of ring experience and a celebrated career... oops nope wrong again because as I said, just those two women and myself have more credentials then you do.

Let's face it girls... your arguments are nothing more than filler.  Stuff you made up off the top of your head so that you seem really cool but in actual fact it's just a bunch of fairy tales.  Maybe there are some people out there that aspire to be just like you, maybe there are people out there buying the Mean Girls gear... who are cyber bullying. Who are telling their classmates to jump of roofs or to self mutilate.  Maybe there are girls out there emulating the way you dress, who are sticking their fingers down their throats in an attempt to lose those 5-10 lbs keeping them from a size 2.  It's truly disgusting.  It's even more disgusting that you all advocate this type of behaviour in today's world.

I mean I don't necessarily agree that everything should be sugar coated but I will not stand back and watch people like you try to be role models.  Especially when I have a little girl and in her barely two years of live she's got more brains than all of you guys put together.

So consider this a standing warrant of notice.  I intend to do everything in my power to take every single one of you out.  Not just for me, or the people I care about but for all the impressionable young girls that are either going to try to make someone feel bad about themselves for not having the 'Delia Darling' clothing line or for the girls that are going to be the victim of it.

So I give you all one last chance.  Step away from the idiocy.  You all have the potential to be something greater.  You don't need to follow some queen bee that needs her little followers.  If you walk away, and she's got no one to do her bidding... eventually she's going to also walk away. Maybe, I only hope anyway, that it will be to the realization that you don't have to be MEAN to be on top of this sport, you only have to work hard and prove that you deserve it.

Take it from me.

***

"Mommy..." The sweet innocent voice of Lexi's soon to be five year old son fills the bedroom.  It startles her from her sleep, sitting up she instantly jumps out of bed to kneel down beside her obviously still sleepy child.  His eyes are red, his dark blonde hair messy.  He rubs his eyes before throwing his arms around her neck to hug her hard.

"What's wrong baby? Bad dream?"

He nods against her shoulder and she stands, carrying him down the hall to his room.  The room is now decorated in super heroes.  His favourites are Spiderman and Hulk.  It's a big change from last year when there was Mickey Mouse and Disney's Cars.  She sets him down in his big four poster bed, sitting on the bed.

"Wanna tell me about it?"

He shakes his head no.  Electra takes a deep breath.  She was starting to feel guilty leaving him so often.  Ryan had mentioned the night terrors were getting steadily worse, especially when she was in Vegas or travelling for SCW.

"You know that whatever it is... Its not real right?"

"But it was real mommy..."

Lexi narrows her eyes, "Please tell me buddy... I can't make you feel better if I don't know what's wrong."

He looks down at his legs, answering but not looking her in the eyes.  "That blonde lady... well the taller one... she was calling you names and being mean to you mommy... she said you weren't a real champion. Is that true mommy?"

She sighs.  She knew that Ryan would sometimes let him watch her matches but that one in particular had been before she'd taken her leave of absence.  The young Matthew must have seen her distress and instantly wanted to defend his mother.

"I was a real champion baby.  You saw the belt yourself didn't you?"

He nods, "But that mean lady was saying you cheated..."

"No sweetie... I would never cheat to win.  You know what I tell you about lying?"

He nods again, "That it's better to tell the truth then to say something that isn't true even if it hurts the person."

"That's right.  So do you really think mommy would lie about something like that?"

He shakes his head with passion, "No Mommy.  I believe you won it fair. But how come that other lady has it now... the one that lives with Mr. Spike..."

Electra smiles.  She remembered when Spike had come over to her place.  Came to convince her not to give up over one loss or because of the Mean Girls.

"Mommy lost but it's okay.  Vixen is a nice lady too and she deserves her win.  Mommy is going to get another chance eventually. You'll see and no one..." she taps him on the nose which elicits a giggle from the young boy, "Is going to question whether Mommy deserves it or not."

"Okay Mommy.  I love you.  Will you be back home soon?"

It almost brings a tear to her eye but she holds it back, "Right after my match this week, I promise. I miss you guys so much but you know that this is important for me to do right?"

He smiles, laying down against the pillow. "You're going to win for me right... because it's my birthday that day!"

He's happy but Lexi isn't.  She kisses his forehead before telling him she loves him, leaving the room she breaks down into tears.  It would be the first time in five years she wouldn't be home for his birthday, but she was going to make sure that the Mean Girls would be disbanded so that she'd never have to miss another one of her children's birthdays for something as dumb and proving how useless they really were.

 .:: Sorry for no coding or colour this time, posting with my ipad and it's a pain in the butt but hope you enjoy it. Best of luck to Vixen ::.

***

{the scene opens up on what appears to be a grocery store. Shelves are lined with various kinds of snack foods. The camera keeps panning until it stops behind two women. One is tall, with a haphazard ponytail, the other us shorter, more curvasious and burnette}

Burnette: ....I don't think you have to worry Lex

{The blonde turns, the camera catches a view of her face. The beautiful Electra Styles. She looks just like any other tired, weary mother of a toddler. The toddler in question, a pretty little girl with a mop of blonde curly hair and bright blue eyes has been busily using her shoe as a teething ring as she sits in the front of the buggy. The burnette's cart also has a toddler although the little brown haired girl appears much older, her little voice belting out a off key rendition of 'do you wanna build a snowman' the burnette turns and shushes the gril with a slight furrow to her brow.  She almost looks like she could be a shorter, darker Electra}

Electra: How could I not worry Chris? You know I'm not that kind of person. I would never try and steal someone's partner and besides you know how I feel about Ryan. The last thing I wanted to do was to make her feel like that was my intention

{Her sister grabs another box off a shelve as they walk down the isle. Sophia the older cousin has started singing again, this time its lower}

Chrissy: Any body that believes you are anything more than the giant sweetheart you really are, doesn't know you at all. You are just trying to be friendly with the leader of your stable.

{Electra give a half smile, worry still in her thoughful brown eyes}

Electra: Well yes. I know he doesn't think of me like that. Spike loves Vixen. He's completely devoted to her. I'm sure if i was less attractive he's still be friendly and nice to me.

Chrissy: Right. Sometimes Lex you are too nice. If it were me I would have decked that french retard right in the mouth already!

{Lexi shushes her sister, looking slightly annoyed}

Lexi: You can't say that so loud...

Chrissy: What? That I want to kill the bitch for spreading rumours about my sister or the retard thing?

Lexi: That! You have to be careful. You don't want to offend anybody. Lord knows I'm making enough enemies just by being a good person, I don't need it made worse by you be politically incorrect in public.

{Chrissy shrugs}

Chrissy: The world is too sensitive nowadays. Every little think is examined through a microscope, even things deemed safe are scrutinized like they were a serial killer.  Did you know that Whooping cough has become a pandemic in California. A disease we peactically erradicated has come back all because some idoit decided not to protect their child with a vaccine. Its a simple choice, vaccinate and live...don't and die.  That's why I'm glad that it's mandatory for children here or they can't go to school. Promise me Lex that Matt and Aly will stay up here!

{Chrissy had been in a mood the moment she'd picked Lexi up this morning for this Shopping trip. Lexi didn't really need anything but she longed for some time with her sister and niece. Matthew was obviously in school, but her bright 18 month old daughter loved to go out even for a little shopping trip}

Lexi: I wouldn't up root them. My home is here Chris.  You think I'm being put under a microscope too. Delia is a determined individual. She's going to try to find any think thread she can find to see if yanking will unravel the whole thing. I'm not so easily undone. Now I have to go up against Vixen on sunday and defend my title. I can already tell she hates me, guess I shouldn't be surprised. Once you get a belt you become a target for every bit of stigma and jealousy there is

Chrissy: You think she's jealous?

Lexi: Maybe self consciously she is. I know if Ryan were suddenly doting on another girl like that I wouldn't be sitting idly by just watching it happen. I think maybe I should have a talk with Spike.

Chrissy: I think you should just stay out of it Lex. Whatever couple issues their currently having are all their own. I know you want to try and save everyone but some people you need to let save themselves. If you get involved I think it will just make things worse for everyone involved, including yourself.

{lexi's distress at the situation is painfully obvious as he prys a bag of rice from her daughter's fingers. She's at a stage where everything but her actual toys was something to play with. As they're both distracted, lexi with Alyson's new found kleptomania and Chrissy having a hard time choosing a cereal a man walks beside them. He's older, greying hair from beneath a fedora and dark eyes.}

Man: You're daughter lost a shoe

{He says polietly. Electra and Chrissy both start looking around, giving the man the un-noticed second he needs to drop a white envelope into Electra's open purse. Lexi rises, holding the shoe that not five minutes ago was the object of Aly's affection. She looks to offer thanks to the man, but he's already gone. She shrugs off the feeling of insecurity. The women continue to go about their shopping, Chrissy finding another subject to rant over with Lexi patiently listening}

***

{the camera is panning in and out, trying to focus. From behind it the voice of a man is heard. Its deep and obviously annoyed}

Man's Voice: why are you getting me to do this babe? I'm a retired wrestler not a freaking director...

{the camera finally clears and once again you can see Lexi Styles. She's sittin on the end of an ottoman, looking a might tidyier than she had the day before. She has her hands clasped together on her lap, her grey skirt stops just below her knees, showing her long, tanned legs. There are a few noticable healing bruises, a testiment to the abuse she put her body through by in-ring competiton. Behind her is a trophy case made mostly of glass. Inside are various awards, as well as a dozen different title belts}

Lexi: I think you got it now Ry.

{There is some noticable 'growling' and grumbling by the stay at home Daddy but he continues to stay behind the camera}

Lexi: Well here I am once again. Making sure I take a few minutes to address some concerns. I have no idea if any of what I say matters. It's not up to me to decide for you if you believe my words are genuine or not. I think Delia's cowardly actions of having her cronies attack me speak volumes about her character and even more so about any so called evidence she has against me to say i did anything to have her come out when I faced Brandi.

{She looks solemn. Gone is the happy bright smile that usually shone on her beautiful face}

Lexi: I havn't done anything other than be exactly who I am, I have never strayed from my convictions. There has been no falter in my character. I was determined to win this...

{She holds up the bombshell title which until this moment had been sitting beside her.}

Lexi: I have never lied about wanting this, in fact it was my main reason for getting back in a ring, to prove I still had it. To prove I was worthy to be a champion after so many things had held me back, stifled my growth as an athlete, as an entertainer. Did I ask to be honoured with a title match at my supercard debut? No. Absolutely not. As much as some people think it I have had little to no contact with management so any rumours about 'sleeping' my way to the top are not only completely rediculous, but also unfounded. I won't be modest about my win record here. I win, its part of knowing what you're doing out there. Watching your opponents, knowing exactly what counter moves to perform to outlast them and better yet its about being smart enough to outlast them so that you can get that one last mive in that takes them down for a pin.

{The passion she has for this business is evident on her face as she speaks so candidly and determined to prove that any rumours being spread about her were unfounded and false}

Lexi: I don't need to be sneaky, underhanded or coniving like Delia and her group. The mean girls are nothing more than spoiled little rich girls that after getting so used to Daddy giving them their hearts desires with a flash of a charasmatic smile that a situation like this one is nothing short of a disapointment and with that comes the jealousy. And with jealosy comes the lashing out irrationally. I'm not really mad at Delia, in fact she's really just sad. She lacks confidence in herself because I have been here a significant amount of time less, but yet I managed to prove myself worthy of being the face of the SCW bombshells division, where her... She would rather spend time digging up dirt on people and filling the pages of some childish book like a teenage girl lost in the midst of a raging PMS fit. I am no stranger to the rage of women being envious of what I have. Nature and genetics blessed me with this face, this body. A body that grew to fast than the woman who possessed it.

{She takes a sigh, unsurity and doubt evident in her expressive brown eyes}

Ryan *off screen*: You're doing good Lex, don't stop there

{she nods, taking an obvious deep breath brfore continuing}

Lexi: I have never hid my past. In fact it's my past that has made me the person I am today. I am stronger simply because everything I have i had to fight a battle to earn, to possess and to keep. Which brings me to the main reason for this video. My second title defense for the bombshell title. I am going up against Vixen. A stablemate, the future wife of a man I am starting to consider a good friend and a multi-time champion herself. A woman I hold a large amount of respect for despite how much distain she probably holds for me. Vixen you continue to prove why you deserve all the accolades you do. You're skills in that ring are nothing short of, well let's not mince words here, amazing. Even though you are younger, and have less experience than me you have shown why sometimes wisdom is not always the most important thing. It takes more than just a pretty face to climb through those ropes each week. To step in front of crowds of people who either adore you or hate you. To deal with countless nay-sayers who love to hate a good guy sometimes because genuine people like us seem like easy targets for people who need to look like a smart ass know it all. That see confident intelligent women making something of themselves in an obvious male dominated sport. This is my passion, my motivation. To get between those ropes. To sometimes, take out my stress and frustrations to that release I feel while sparring back and forth in a ring, for a company that in my mind, there is no doubt that SCW holds the absolute best women's divsion out of all the companies out there. We hold some top teir talent. Talent that I am honoured to be a part of. I habe never felt so comfortable in a place as i have since joining SCW. In fact, the idea of facing you Vixen, was on the top of my bucket list for my evental retirement from this sport

{Another sigh comes out, but its more a release and relief at being able to speak her mind}

Lexi: I will give you a fight Vix, I will make sure that if you're going to take this title from me, I will make you work for it because as much respect I have, how much I think you are a smart, strong and heck I'll admit it, sexy woman, you are still trying to take this belt from around my waist and I have no intention of giving up without a fight. And no, not the way Delia thinks title shots should be given or Titles retained, but simply getting in that ring and putting your skills to the test. Proving not just to all those people out there, but to yourself that you deserve to be the one on the top of the mountain. I know I deserve to be here, and I know in the past you deserved to be here too, but do you still have what it takes now? I want to see it all.  I know you're upset with me, though I have done nothing and that's fine. I fully expect that to be something that drives you in our match. I'm looking forward to the challenge you will bring. May the best woman win

{Electra tries to remain strong but her resolve falters before the camera shuts off}

 You know a dream is like a river
Ever changin' as it flows
And a dreamer's just a vessel
That must follow where it goes
Trying to learn from what's behind you
And never knowing what's in store
Makes each day a constant battle
Just to stay between the shores...and

I will sail my vessel
'Til the river runs dry
Like a bird upon the wind
These waters are my sky
I'll never reach my destination
If I never try
So I will sail my vessel
'Til the river runs dry

~*~



Oh what a tangled web we weave...

It's a very common phrase that we use when things are just a giant mess with no end in sight.  Now not only was I entangled with Roxi and trying to free her from the Tyrant Cyrus, but I was also stuck in-between a woman I'd known for 16 years; considered a little sister no less and an Ex-boyfriend that I'd started to rekindle a friendship with.

Not to mention that this week... This week I had to tag with Roxi, a woman that tried to take me out one week, and then run from me the next.  To say Roxi's actions bothered me was an understatement.  All this was on my mind still as I stared at my little boy on the computer screen.

"Mommy?  Are you okay mommy?"

I shake myself free of the thoughts, feeling guilty that I'd let it actually interfere with what little time I had with my son

I give him a smile, "Yes, I'm sorry baby."

The little boy that looked so much like me there was no denying he was mine gave me the same worried expression that I was sure that I gave others more times then I liked.

"It's okay mommy.  I know you're going to win again in this match right? And me and Aly will be cheering for you so loud you'll here it all the way over there!"

His face lights up and every time I see that smile I fall in love with him all over again. I still remember the moment I'd looked at him for the first time and then giving him up to my sister and brother in law has pulled me apart.  Hind sight is 20/20. If I had to go back I would do things differently for sure, but I thanked god everyday that I'd been able to keep a great relationship with him despite him thinking I was his Aunt for the first 3 years of his life and now, it was as if nothing had ever happened.  I can't help but laugh at how animated he is.  He continues by telling me about how he is always telling everyone at school how his parents are famous wrestlers and that his mommy is going to win a big title.  Of course I'm sure the teachers simply humour him by looking interested but I knew that Matthew Styles was my biggest fan

"Daddy says he wants to talk to you now. I love you mommy!"

I can't help but smile, "I love you more. I will talk to you tomorrow."

He blows me a kiss, and I pretend to catch it and place it on my chest where my heart is.  He smiles as two large hands grab him and drop him down to the floor where he runs off.  In seconds, my handsome husband has replaced him on the screen. He smirks at me before speaking

"So how are you holding up out there without me?"

I roll my eyes and shake my head, "Barely. I do miss you guys really bad.  I wish we were closer to home for this run"

He takes a big sigh before responding, "You are doing great out there Lex.  Only one loss so far and even that loss wasn't too bad, I mean you did make it to the final opponent eliminated after all, that's still nothing to scoff at...and now... did I hear right that you're going to have a title shot at the supercard?"

"That's the rumour floating around, but nothing is confirmed.  I don't expect to be already getting title shots.  I am a big advocate for earning your spot in those kinds of things and if they're already giving me a shot well... that's great, I am excited to be able to have a chance at it so soon. I just don't want anybody to think that I'm doing backstage favours to get ahead because you know I'm not that kinda girl and I want everyone else to know that as well." I chew the inside of my cheek with the worry of that thought being on the mind of anybody else on the roster.  Not that I particularly care what others think of me per say, it was more that I didn't want to be a disappointment to the fans. If I was going to be their next bombshell champion, I wanted it to be because I legitimately deserve to be so.

Ryan smiles and winks, "That's right, I'm the only one you give backstage favours too..."

I roll my eyes at him again, "You are never going to let me forget that are you?"

Yes, I wasn't ashamed to say that in the last year when Ryan had been a major part of WWO, there had been many times that we'd had a little fun backstage away from the eyes of everyone else.  There was certainly something to be said about having sex in a public place, it makes it so much better when you think you could be caught at any moment

I can't help the heat that rises up in my cheeks and of course my darling husband notices it right away and laughs. "Damn you Ryan.  I hate that you love torturing me with that all the time.

He shrugs, still smirking in that cocky way that often makes me mad.  There were certainly times his non-chalant attitude actually pissed me off, but this was not one of those times.  No right now I was only mildly annoyed but in the end... I did like the naughtiness the action had been.  Every girl had her moments, whether she was a good girl or not

"Could we possibly talk about something else now?  How is Alyson? Still giving you trouble eating?"

His look turns to one of frustration. Knowing our daughter, she was really pushing his limits

{The scene fades out as Ryan starts to complain about coping with his Baby daughter on his own}

***

I was feeling rather lonely.  Both Drake and Kahlan were both avoiding me. I was slightly pissed off over Kahlan's childish tweet to me when I had expressed how I didn't want to be in the middle and Drake had gone into some kind of frenzy over how she had ended the match. I was glad that she'd re-kindled things with her estranged husband but I didn't expect that.  She had confessed to me months ago about her alter personality 'La Diosa Alada' and I had promised to keep quiet about it but I had no idea that she'd been planning to turn it all around on Drake.  How she had pretended to be intimated by Drake and his partner Omega simply to stall so Jackson could come out.  I had to admit it was clever and it really did show how far Kahlan had come but on the other hand my heart ached for Drake because I knew now what little was left of his control had been stretched way to thin....and then Violet.

I had sent him a text to tell him he was making a mistake letting her go, but it remained unanswered...which usually meant that I was right and he just didn't want to admit it by replying.

However, I had a hard time thinking on one straight thing, especially since right at this moment I was standing in front of the most majestic animals I'd ever had pleasure to be this close too.  The elephant towered over me, looking calmly ahead, not nearly as enthralled with the taller than average human standing in front of her.  She even uses her trunk to pluck off some leaves from a nearby tree and stuff them into her mouth as if nothing special was happening.  I look over as the tour guide walks calmly over and smiles at me.

"Hello there, could I get your name miss?"

I can hear his accent very clearly, but his English is still clear enough that it's easy enough to know what he's saying...actually most of the people that I've met on this whole tour had been pretty fluent.  I answer him while still staring at the "cow", "Electra Styles..."

"Eleanor is a beauty. One of the gentlest we have on the tour. I hope you don't mind but since you are here alone, we've paired you up with a gentlemen that is also alone on this tour." He points and I look up to see where his hand is pointing too.  My voice catches in my throat.  He's very good looking and if i were single, this would be a very cliché starting to me flirting relentlessly.  He walks over and looks at guide, "This is her?"

The guide nods before walking away to the aid of someone else trying to get up on another Elephant.  The man, with dark shaggy hair and cargo shirts over a stark white polo gives me a shy smile.  He extends his hand to shake,"I'm Francis Halton.. the third but you can me Jimmy."

I give him a curious look, it was an unusual nickname and very different than his given name but who was I to judge."Electra Styles, but you can call me Lexi."

We shake hands and his are clammy, indicating that he's nervous.  Maybe from the idea of being so close to the Elephant or maybe because he was talking to me. I got the impression that he was rather shy.  I walk closer, placing my hand on the girl's flank and rub gently.  She turns her head toward me, using her trunk to sniff at my hair and I can't help but laugh a little.  I was definitely glad I'd decided to fly to the main land for a few days to do some touristy stuff.  "Jimmy" looks at me with interest.  He's furrowed his brow watching me and it kinda makes me suspicious. I continue to gently rub the animal as he watches and then he finally takes the couple steps to stand beside me again

"I know you...You work for SCW don't you?"

I can't help but smile. It was probably the first time I'd been recognized in public for my actual identity. There had been times I'd been mistaken for someone else but I was kinda excited that this guy knew who I was. I give him a bright smile, "Yes I do."

He begins to pet the elephant as well and I know he's been thinking in his head of something intelligent to say because the silence is almost on the verge of being uncomfortable before he breaks it with more questions"I'm a fan. I...I... I hope you win this weekend, even if you have to pair up with Roxi

"Why do you say it like that? I know that a lot of people think that Roxi is the bad guy now but really... it's not about being good or bad, it's about the fact that she's had someone sitting on her shoulder for weeks convincing her that every single person has been out to get her. I don't know how he was able to do it, I guess he just happened to find the perfect time to drawn her into his propaganda"

Jimmy doesn't seem convinced."I think you're being far too nice to her.  Especially with how she came after you the week before last and then last week she ran... ran away like a coward.  I really don't know why you want to help her."

Then he kind of cowers back from me as if I'm going to lash out at him but I remain calm because it's not really his fault that he's believing everything Cyrus has been feeding him and every other fan "Because I don't believe anything she says, or that he says for that matter. I just know deep down that the real Roxi is still there, she just needs help coming back to us. And... I don't intend to give up on it either.  It's quite possible that I'm going to be fighting a 3 on 1 battle this weekend because I'm sure Cyrus is going to be chirping in Roxi's ear to destroy me and make it easy for my defeat in Cape Town, but I'm not going down that easy.

He gives me a little smile as if he approves but doesn't want to say it out loud. "I think you'll defeat them all, including Emma Rose."

I give him a smile. I had my work cut out for me against Emma, especially since she'd been the one to defeat me in the battle royal and went on to become the Roulette champion. "Thank you. That means a lot to me."

After a few minutes, the guide returns to say that it's time to get on the Riverboat which will travel down the  Zambezi River.  I follow along, with Jimmy right behind me.  While boarding, i go to step into the boat when a child, about the same age as my oldest, zooms past his parents and nearly pushes me out of the way to board ahead of me.  It causes me to lose my balance and in my head I'm thinking I'm about to land in the water but Jimmy grabs my arm, pulling me back upright.  the parents of the tyke offer me profuse apologies before I board and find a seat near the Bow. Jimmy of course takes the empty seat beside me

"So I've always looked forward to what you have to say... are you doing another podcast this week?"

The boat jerks to a start and I can't help but admire his interest in me. I can tell that part of his knowing who I am is probably due to the fact that I know I'm fairly attractive...I'm not being conceited or egotistical here, if anything I was always quite modest when it came to me talking about my looks...I never openly admitted that I was beautiful, despite other people saying it, or in the Mean Girls case, hiding their jealousy by calling me things such as 'homely'...ok there Delia, perhaps you need a new mirror...but I humour this man by answering him

"Not this week. I've been trying to fill my time with either training or by doing touristy stuff. Just trying to keep myself busy so I'm not thinking about either the conflicts in my life or the fact that I insanely miss my family."

"That's too bad.... he's legitimately disappointed by my answer.  He must look forward to my podcasts or even just a regular video that I'd sometimes do when I was short on time. I almost felt bad for causing that little frown on his face.  I could tell just by the look of him that he was significantly younger than my own 31 years.  Far be it from me to disappoint a fan

"Tell you what, I'll tell you what I would have told a camera, will that make you smile?" His face lights up and he shakes his head.  It's enough to make me feel like if at least one fan felt this way about me as a wrestler then maybe I was doing something right. I clear my throat before beginning

"Emma is going to be a challenge but I have stood up to almost every 'challenge' I've been presented Thus far in SCW.  She's obviously a great competitor and I hold nothing but respect for her, especially after eliminating me and going on to actually win the roulette belt...but that respect isn't going to stop me from doing everything in my power to get yet another win in SCW.  I may be modest on some things but when it comes to reaching my goal to be everything I couldn't' before... unfortunately when we get in that ring she won't be the woman I respect outside the ring, she'll be just another number on my list of people I won against.  Mercedes.. well I don't know much about her but I do know that when it came to our match in the battle royale, not only did she not even mention me as if I were not worth it, but she also lost. She claimed she was a favourite to win. Glad I didn't bet money on that assumption.  I'm not discrediting that fight she gave.  There is a big reason why all of us were selected for that match but as I've been saying the whole time I've been a part of SCW I came here to win.  Not to cry in front of a TV and talk about my short comings, not to talk up my opponents and certainly not to lose.  I like winning.

His eyes are wide with glee and I can tell that's on the edge of his seat because he's waiting to see what I have to say about Roxi.  God... I don't think there was enough time in one day for me to talk about everything I had issue with but I'd attempt to sum up a few good points on my tag team 'partner'

"And Roxi, they've got me paired up with her and it's like asking for me to get a few unfair shots.  the old Roxi I would trust with my life, but the Roxi that's out there right now... I can't trust her with anything...and so unfortunately not only do I have to watch out to see what Mercedes and Emma are going to try to pull, I also have to keep one eye in Roxi's direction as well.  It's very frustrating to know that right below the surface that real Roxi is sitting there, waiting for the right moment and opportunity to pull her back from this abyss she's fallen into.  I find it really funny that Cyrus complains and tries to convince people that everyone has turned their back on her and only want to use her when in reality... Cyrus has been using Roxi this whole time. I only wish I knew what his main motive was...because that's really the thing that is needed to break his hold on Roxi. if i could just get some leverage...but I'm not giving up on her....and the one thing that Cyrus cannot say about me is that I have turned on her...because this whole time I have been doing everything I can to be there for her and to try and get her to see reason...On Sunday... it's going to be a crap shoot about how it's all going to turn out.  Who knows maybe Roxi will be more like her old self and actually be honourable in the way she tags with me. maybe she'll actually have my back against Emma and Mercedes...or maybe she won't.  maybe she'll stand at her corner and watch and laugh.  Regardless I will win this match on my own if I have too."

I smile and then I hear a resounding applause and look up to see that this end of the boat had all listened to my monologue with interest.  Jimmy is clapping the loudest of them all. I can't help but blush a little but still I give them all a shallow bow. I hadn't expected that I'd been with a group of fans, or at least they seemed to be now.

The day was fun.  The scenery was breathtakingly beautiful.  I exchanged social media information with jimmy and then wished him the best on the rest of his trip.  I made the solo trip back to my hotel where I walked in and collapsed onto the soft bed.  Tomorrow I had to head back to Madagascar and spend most of the weekend training for this match. As my phone connects to the Hotel wii fii my phone gives me multiple notifications, including texts from Drake. Responses to my questions about what happened between him and Violet.  I wanted to know why he'd suddenly gone from thinking that she was different to basically calling her a 'slut' on twitter. When that went unanswered I finally text him stating how much I think he's going to regret what he's doing

Drake Hunter: I've got thousands of regrets. You starting all of this is one of them. I think I'll make that mistake. In fact, I have...Multiple times...

Electra Styles: She's Different than me...Then Kahlan. You can't treat her the same

Drake Hunter: This isn't and never was your business. And your Right, She isn't the same. She's so much better. And she's still going to cut me open

Electra Styles: Alright Drake, I know I deserve your anger. How I left was shitty. Kah deserves it too but not her. She wasn't going to leave you. but it's not up to me to change your mind. Goodnight from Johannesburg

Drake Hunter: You don't deserve my anger Electra. Unfortunately I don't actually hate you. I hate what you did to me, I hate what you've become and I hate the fact that you're blinded by Kahlan. I don't want to hurt you, but I won't be hurt again. I will not be the victim again. And Violet isn't worth the trouble

The texts end after that one.  He doesn't want to admit what he knows to be true. I knew it was killing him that he'd been so harsh and that he couldn't go and take care of her while she was breaking down, or at least that's the way it seemed based on her tweets...and now she'd broken into a third personality.  That couldn't be good either.  He wanted to lash out at me, fine. I could take his brow beating.  He hadn't had a chance to do that when we broke up. I knew that once this little episode was over, he'd talk to me again. I could wait.  As long as he needed. Until then, I wouldn't bother him again.

Feeling exhausted I strip off the sundress I'd been wearing that day and walk to the bathroom in my bra and underwear I pull my hair down and stare at my face in the mirror.  I was ready for anything they threw at me.  I was ready to knock some sense into Roxi. I was ready to win that Tag Team match even if It might end up a handicap. I was ready to tell both Kahlan and Drake to keep me out of the nasty mind games they were playing with each other because it had nothing to do with me, besides I had enough of my own problems to deal with.  I continue to stare into my own brown eyes.  So full of worry, so full of determination and so very tired.

"So ready to be done with all of this!"

I give myself a smirk before leaving the bathroom, turning off the light and plunging the bathroom into darkness

 For once its me giving Kahlan a troubling look over the Skype call. She raises an eyebrow at me.

"What's not to get Lex... Chick is certifiable."

"Maybe but she certainly believes that based on her history that i am nothing more then a stepping stone."

"Well then she'll be in for the shock of her life when you beat her skinny ass and go up against that other chick"

"Amy Marshall. I don't like what she did to Delia but I have no say in that. After facing two of her stable mates in Morocco I can only guess that her list of offences is enough that she deserved it? Besides between preparing for this match and the high likely hood that I will go on to the Main Event, plus trying to think of a way to get Roxi alone... I have no time to pick anymore fights that aren't my own. Let Delia's little pard of skanks take care of that."

Kahlan's eyes go wide, "Wow, Lexi... Getting a bit fired up there...I think I like it.." She laughs

"No its just people like that really grind my gears. I'm not usually that harsh in my judgment of people."

"Oh like how you just up and forgave Drake and your talking to him again?"

"Kah... Come on. Drake didn't do anything to me. In actuality I think I might have been the most stable girlfriend he's had."

"But everything he's done to me...."

I shake my head at her, "You were the one that told me to stay out of your business... That and I quote 'You were a big girl that could fight her own battles', You told me this even long before you married Jackson."

She avoids looking me in the eye which is a big indicator that she knows I'm right

"I told him my stance on things pertaining to you and that I wasn't going to give him any fuel for this obsession of his, but seems it might be lessening up since he started seeing this new girl"

"Hmpf. Ya now she's obsessed with me. She actually stayed a night in my hotel here in Vegas to spy on me. They seem to have this crazy idea that I'm this masked Mexican chick in WWO."

I look into her eyes for a minute because I can see something that she doesn't know I can. Ever since I had met her at 11 years old I could tell when she's hiding something. I wasn't going to press it though because I had promised not to try to fight her battles for her

"Why are you staying in a hotel?"

"Jax is here. I let him stay in the condo"

"Kah just make up with the guy. Its obvious that he loves you. He gave you the space you needed after..."

She cuts me off, typical Kahlan fashion when an uncomfortable topic comes up

"I know. I don't want to talk about that Lex."

"Talking helps. You can't avoid it or Jackson forever"

"I'm still not ready."

"Ok sweetie."

There is a few seconds of awkward silence before she talks again

"Are you really going to train with him?"

"Kahlan we've been over this. You have to admit that he has a great in ring prowess that i might just need to tap into if I hope to get to the top of this division. These are some really tough women."

She laughs, "Women are tougher.... Why can't I show you some stuff?"

I give her a smile, "Trainee showing the trainer.. How ironic"

"I've learned a few things since I was that 17 year old hot head. Things are different"

"Ya now you're a 25 year old hot head"

She narrows her eyes at me and I laugh.

"He may be younger than you Kah but he has way more experience. Don't take it personal"

She crosses her arms across her chest and scowled. It would always be a competition to her when it came to Drake Hunter.

"And Roxi... How is that going?"

"I asked Justin to look up some history on this Cyrus guy, if he's got dirt Ash will dig it up"

"Just... Get the real Roxi back ok? I may not like her...fuck I admit it...I hate her, but this just ain't right. Whatever that shithead did to her is akin to mental rape."

I take a big sigh. I know. I knew it all too well. Besides the physical sexual abuse I had endured for almost two years from my step father, I had also lived with that scared feeling daily. It wasn't until I met and started dating Justin Fischer that I started to realize that i wasn't helping Chrissy by being a victim. It was then I started training with Justin's father, I started taking Judo and Tae Kwon Do. Then I had revenge. My vicious assault had left him paralysed from the waist down. Kinda ironic.

"I don't think its escalated to anything sexual...yet. But we both know that it will go there eventually if I don't do something."

"Maybe you should talk to her girlfriend."

It wasn't a bad idea. Even if Keira was suffering what I could only describe as a mental break. Would she even talk to me in her current state?

"I will start there."

I was also going to mention to the only person I knew that was the best innovator when it came to manipulation, perhaps he could tell me how to undo the damage... That is if he was willing to help a woman that had been hell bent on destroying him and Kahlan last year. Still I and every other roster member had not failed to notice that Roxi's drastic change of demeanour was not normal or healthy. I still had no idea how to undo the damage before it became irreversible.

"Another girl... Jessie... Her ignorance astounds me. She assumes because I'm new to SCW that I'm a newb to this sport and business so that automatically makes my stake in this match negligible."

"Hmm. Yeah some chicks boobs are bigger than their brains. I wouldn't worry about her Lex cuz when you rake her over the coals she'll know what's up. And she will have only herself to blame for her stupidity."

I take another big sigh. Maybe I was too nice in my assessment of people. I lacked the ability to just trash someone like Kah did.

"Thinks her tenure means more than skill"

"So what she really wants is a prize for not running away? Pfft. Belts are about who gets their ass kicked and who walks away, not about who's got a longer anniversary date. Like i said anybody who under estimates you is in for a huge surprise. Your height alone is a marvel in upon itself!"

I give a chuckle, Kahlan had always been jealous of the fact that I was nearly 6 feet tall. A marvel... Freak of nature maybe.

"Well I have confidence in myself and the naysayers are not going to even scratch that. I made a promise to myself I wasn't retiring again until I reached my goal of a top tier belt and my sights are set on the bombshell title. I will work my can off to EARN my spot and no one can do a damn thing about it. If I beat these women and make it to face Amy I will be ecstatic. If I beat her I will be astounded and grateful but it wont stop me anymore than some bully photographer is going to stop me from saving Roxi. I tried playing nice and he wouldn't budge so now its time to play a little hard ball"

"Hmpf. Kick him in his TINY hard balls, grab Roxi and run like hell"

"I wish it was as easy as that. She's already in the second stage, where she's lost herself. I have a very limited window before i can get her away cuz if she falls completely she'll be trapped and nothing short of a miracle will help her then"

Kahlan gives me a knowing concerned look. As much as she claimed to hate Roxi, she cared too. She cared that some guy had that much control over a strong independent woman. Kahlan had so much respect for Roxi, more than any other person even me and for Kahlan that meant almost as much as having her love. I had a feeling if I hadn't of taken up the mission to save her, Kahlan would have just gone in guns blaring and really she would demolish Cyrus with everything she had and setting herself up for jail time in the process. No this had to have a methodical and well thought out action plan and I was just the girl to do it. Delia called shady...I wasn't shady and she had no idea who I was or what I stood for. This went beyond SCW. This was about sisterhood. About being there for someone when everyone else just watched it unfold. I only wished I had been the one she had run into first.

I was standing up for a girl in trouble. I recognised this girl. I vowed after nobody helped me with my silent pleas after enduring the years of abuse I did that if I ever saw that same look in another if was my sworn duty to do whatever was necessary to make sure she didn't have to fight alone. Or worse lose herself. Roxi was still there. I had seen it last week. People like Delia had no effing clue what it felt like to be truly enslaved. So what she got handcuffed while Amy punched her. That's nothing in comparison to someone using your body and mind as a weapon against you. To make you feel like you are not good enough on your own. To trap you without even having to use handcuffs.

No. Roxi was a strong beautiful confident woman. A former bombshell champ... A former WORLD champion. Why she felt she needed to surrender to a virtual stranger I don't know but I would be damned if I didn't do everything to get her outta there.

Hold on Roxi, I may not be a real superhero but I was going to be your hero come hell or high water.

***

In my opinion the woman sitting in front of me is beautiful, her skin is naturally a bronze colour, her hair straight black and so healthy the light from the sun glints off it. She turns almost pitch black eyes toward me and I cant help but have a little bit of a woman crush. She's from so local magazine here in Egypt but damned if I remembered which one it was.

"So Electra, thank you so much for meeting with me. The magazine will be delighted to a interview with such a well known name in the sports industry."

She speaks perfect English but there is a hint of an accent like she had been away from home for an extended amount of time.

"I appreciate that compliment Selena but I'm hardly that famous."

"Well you certainly have a large number of years under your belt, so anything I noticed your opponents either neglect to acknowledge or respect in the slightest"

I chuckle. She's pretty astute this girl. I think I like her

"I find that a lot of the younger talent has gotten lazy, reckless and greedy. Not to mention that it doesn't seem to be about the skill or the training. They like to throw tenure in my face. Or question my, to them, seemingly good nature. Lets not forget to mention that many women in this sport would rather spend their money on something from a doctors scalpel and imagination than focusing on what truly matters"

She shifts in her chair. A slight breeze blows through, ruffling her dark hair into a curtain of black silk around her face. I swear I must be dreaming or in a movie cuz that sorta thing NEVER happened in real life, it was much too perfect.

"And what does really matter?"

"Hardwork. Sacrifice. Skill and best of all god given talent. Not everyone can do this. I have seen hundreds of pretty little faces come through the doors of my best friends training gym and not many stay. And the ones that do end up getting scouted. Well if their cockiness doesn't get them injured their arrogance gets them pink slips."

"So you beat those odds? I wouldn't exactly say that you weren't an attractive woman"

I smile. Yup thinking I am going to keep her

"I know I'm good looking but I don't need to spend three quarters of my day reminding people of that fact. Fact is my looks have no barring on what I can do in a wrestling ring. And at the end of the day, at the end of my match... Its going to come down to skills over beauty, talent over tenure."

"So what do you have to say about your opponents in your up coming match?"

"I could easily do what the others have done and sit here and list all their flaws but what good is that going to do. I would be no better than some catty blondes in the back. In fact I give my opponents in the battle royal the best of luck and I pray their arrogance doesn't get them hurt. As for Amy, well she earned her spot as the #1 contender for the roulette belt. I have a tremendous amount of respect for that. But don't mistake my respect for weakness. So many others have written me off because I'm just this girl with a big heart and a NEED to help others in trouble. The one thing I probably have over most if not all these women is the things I learned by being a mother. There is nothing in the world that can truly prepare you for that journey and look at me, both my kids were pure and utter miracles. I learned as I went and I truly believe that if anything is making me determined to win its my two #1 fans sitting at home cheering for mommy. The best part about it is, win or lose I have their love unconditionally. That's my motivation for everything I do, its to make those two munchkins proud to have such a strong confident mommy. Bringing home a belt probably wouldn't hurt either."

Selena gives a bit of a giggle.  I can tell she doesn't have kids, she seems much to perfect, but maybe that was just my idolation of her right now thinking that.

"I think if I were in your position I wouldn't care what anybody thought of me either.  Except for your Son and Daughter."

"Well Ryan's opinion does matter somewhat too."

I laugh and give her a wink to which she only laughs some more.

"Despite everything I am that many will see as a flaw or an advantage to them... I am not just some cupcake they can smash.  I proved that last week when I took out three other women.  Plus Veronica's little lackey.  I don't like cheaters.  I don't like people that have to have someone fight their battles for them.  Veronica is in this match this week as well and guaranteed her little floozy friend will be at ringside again.  I'll be keeping an eye out for her as should the officials.  As much as some people will say otherwise this isn't about advantages and being an opportunist.  Getting a chance at a title.. any title is an honour.  Something that I take a lot of pride in being included in.  I plan on winning the battle royal and I plan on beating Amy.  I don't care if I get a bunch of flack for being new here....because something I'm not is someone that takes an easy way out.  I earn everything I'm given and should I win the Roulette championship I will be a champion worthy of the fans, worthy of SCW.  I am nothing but genuine."

"Thanks Lexi... can I call you Lexi?"

I nod.

"Of course.  I prefer it actually.  It was a pleasure to meet you Selena.  I hope I gave you enough to do a decent article."

"Oh you did."

I smile at her as she stand to shake my hand and walk away back to her car.  Yes it was true and I was not regretting the decision to come back at all.  The only thing I missed were my babies but their encouragement to keep going, well at least Matty.. Aly still kinda gurgled and tried to type on the keyboard during the calls.  I know he missed me but when I came home in a few weeks it would be as if I'd never left.

 This takes place 3 weeks ago....

The scene opens on a very expensive looking den. As the camera pans around there are two Trophy cases, one is overlapping with various title belts and awards, the other is significantly smaller, more feminine but inside is only 1 belt. The shiny front gleams showing the words, 'NYCCW ALL-ACTION CHAMPION - ELECTRA STEVENS' The rest of the shelves in the case are bare. Panning around some more one wall is filled with pictures, they are all with different people but one long blonde haired man is the same in each one. Swinging around again the camera sees a bar, the front is decorated with padded black leather, behind it are various bottle of alcohol but the thing that really stands out is the 60' LCD to the right of it. On the screen is a wrestling Match in full living colour. Moving closer the camera catches a long legged blonde curled into the soft black leather of the couch. The glasses she wears are nearly half way down her nose, her expression is nearly unreadable. She's wearing a loose fitting cotton shirt over a pair of grey sweat pants. Her hair is tied back but wisps have fallen free around her almost perfectly unmarred face but when she turns, there is a very faint red line down her cheek. Something that was healing. She's still intently watching the television but she has the sound off. Studying the people on the screen

"What you doin'?" She looks up as the same blonde man from the pictures enters the room but his hair is now shorter in a type of buzz cut, sits beside her. He looks at the screen and then back to her.

"This is the North American Title qualifying match."

"The one you lost to 'Bleep'?"

She nods

"Guess I can't play my PS3 then?"

She turns to glare at him and his response is simply a half smile and a smirk

"Well..."

"Ryan you can be such an dick, you know that?"

"Yup but you married me...twice..."

Electra shakes her head, pushing her dark rimmed glasses up in the process.

"Yes I am reminded everyday of that unfortunate arrangement."

He gives her a smirk, watching the match finish and 'Bleep' get his hand help up in victory. The image of him on screen pulled at her stomach. It was a mix of regret, maybe a tiny bit of love she had for the non crazy 'Bleep' but about 80% of the feeling was pure hatred. Ryan watches her a second before taking the remote from her fingers and switching it to the PS3 welcome screen

Electra stands and starts to walk away

"Wait, Lex what's bothering you? You know I'm not this sensitive guy and I never will be but I do know you well enough to see when there's something on your mind"

She sighs before answering

"When I left wrestling it wasn't supposed to be permanent or for this long. I left to help Chrissy..."

"And run away from Drake Hunter..."

"No..."But she knows he can read right past her lie, "Ok maybe. Look I have never been good at picking boyfriends and I'm even worse at leaving them."

"Naw, I'd say the picking them is still pretty terrible. Let's see... Justin Fischer.... Jimmy....Me... Drake Hunter... 'Bleep'... And me again. Look Lex your taste of men is horrible but... Its only cuz you have such a big heart and have this incessant need to fix or help everyone. Its a fault but its also one of the things that make you, you"

His eyes go wide and he shakes his head as he picks up his PS3 controller

"There's my good husband deed of the week, now time to have the Seahawks crush the Broncos again!"

He starts to play and Electra stands thinking then finally speaks, "I think I want to get back in the ring."

He stops for a minute and looks up at minute, "You serious?"

"Yes. Ever since Outcast kidnapped me its just made me feel like I've gone soft. That I'm just some old house wife now. I need to validate myself again."

"Babe you are far from old... Or weak. Nobody thinks you're weak. Outcast is a sick perverted Fuck. We made him pay. "

"I'm the one with the physical reminder." She points to the healing red line down the left side of her face.

"The laser treatments will fade that out, it will hardly be noticeable in a few weeks. You really need to get back in a ring again?"

"Yes. Its been almost two years Ryan. Now is my last chance before I will have to retire for good. Would you train me?"

He smirks while continuing to play his game. "If this is what you want then I will support you but what about the kids?"

"'Bout time your old ass did something useful around here."

He gives her a narrow eyed expression.

"So you're making a house husband outta me are you?" He shakes his head as his team scores a touch down, he puts his controller on his lap and rubs his hands together in excitement, a trait that Electra had grown quite used to in the almost 10 years they had been together.

"It's my turn, and I will be home on weekends. I think you can manage the two of them for a few days at a time."

"You already have a place lined up don't you? Why not go to WWO?"

She shook her head. "You know why that's a bad idea. I will be at everyone's mercy simply because I'm married to you. I don't want to have a target on my back."

He continues to stare at the screen. Most women would get angry at their husband not giving them their full attention but Electra had grown to understand that this was simply the way Ryan was.

"I start talking contracts with a few places in a few weeks. I want this scar to be almost gone before I do. Plus I need some time in a practice ring. Kahlan said we can use the one at Olympia."

He nods his head and Electra rolls her eyes. She bends down and kisses his temple before heading up to bed. She opens one bedroom door to a low lit bedroom adorned with Various famous wrestlers, Ninja Turtles and Superheroes. Against the wall is a single bed. Electra walks over, bending she moves the comforter to reveal the dark blonde head of her eldest child, her son Matthew. She brushes some hair stuck to his temple before kissing his head and leaving the room. She continues to another bedroom with a minnie mouse decal on the door. This room is a soft pink. The crib is in the center of the room, its a Queen Anne style. The first gift Ryan had bought his daughter after learning the results of the paternity test. Looking in, Alyson is sleeping peacefully, curled up with a crocheted blanket that Electra's mother had made previous to her death. It brought a tear to her eye seeing her daughter clutching it so intimately. Kissing her as well she finally goes to her own bedroom that she shares with Ryan. A huge King size bed dominates the room. She disappears into a walk-in closet and returns moment later dressed in a pair of cotton pyjama bottoms and a T-shirt with an old fed logo from a very long time ago.

Sitting on the side of the bed she stares for a few moments, wondering if she really was serious about returning. She had been thinking about it for the last year...since Aly was born. She did miss the action, the excitement, the feeling of being a strong independent woman in a male dominated industry.

No. She was still determined to do this. Even if she never won another title that wasn't the point, the point was that she was good at this, it was the only thing she was good at besides being a mother and wife.

Her resolve was there and it was finally her time to shine again.