***ON CAMERA***
Monday, May 28
“What’s up Doc?”
(A local Cable television show where local doctors have guests on to discuss various medical issues)
A woman with short brown hair dabs her eyes with a black stained tissue. Her makeup is running. (Has she never heard of waterproof mascara? Like really...)
She takes a deep breath as Doctor Phil Stone pats her arm lightly.
Dr. Phil: “It’s okay Fran. Take your time. I know this is a difficult situation.”
The girl, Fran, is anywhere from fifteen to seventeen. She is dressed in a pink blouse which reveals the start of her cleavage. Her jeans are dark blue but it was hard to tell because they had deliberate rips all down the legs. If you looked closely, you could see a couple minor horizontal scars on the inside of her elbow.
Fran: “Well you see, I had a toxic relationship with my parents growing up. They never gave me the support I deserved. It is because of them that I am so depressed. Why I have anxiety.”
She sniffs back but her eyes remain dry now as she finds her voice.
Fran: “They never showed me that I was the most important person in their lives. Work always came first. At one point, I was home alone for hours until they both got back. They always told me no when I wanted to use my own money to buy things and they made me eat things I didn't like, made me dress in clothes that belonged to other people. I wasn't allowed to be an individual. So I would act out, for attention and still, they did nothing.”
Dr. Phil nods his head thoughtfully.
Fran: “They wouldn't congratulate me on my hard work at school. I got C’s and that was so hard. Instead they sent me to these awful tutors to force me to learn things I didn't want to learn. It was just awful.”
The doctor is about to respond but a voice in the studio audience speaks first, causing Fran and the doctor to turn toward the person.
Audience Member: “So what you are saying is that because you didn't get everything you wanted whenever you wanted that your parents caused you to have anxiety?”
The man is of course SCW star, Ty West. He stands up. Fran nods her head.
Fran: “But I was their daughter, I should have been the most important person. I should have come before anything else. My needs should come first!”
Her voice takes on that arrogant, narcissistic undertone that most kids born after 1990 had. (Even our Ty (circa 1992) had it a bit but not like this chick. Ug.)
Ty: “So you’re mad they both worked long hours and bought you things you needed but because the clothes weren't brand new and the food wasn't what you wanted that makes you a victim?”
Fran’s lips purse.
Ty: “You mean to tell me that by working shitty jobs for probably shitty pay that they were abandoning you? Why do you think you are so entitled that you can just demand things and have them served to you on a silver platter? Have you considered that there are a lot of kids that don’t even have what you have? You had two parents that did everything they could to give you the best they could. You wanted a cake and a party for C’s? And got mad when they saw your potential and got someone in to help you? And because they were trying to teach you fiscal responsibility by not letting you just waste your money on garbage, they were taking away your individuality? How? How is any of this abuse? Did your parents hit you? Call you names? Mentally & emotionally brow beat you?”
Fran is obviously angry now.
Fran: “It was abuse! They had me doing chores! Like at twelve I had to do my own laundry. I had to take out the garbage. I had to wash dishes! These are things that parents are supposed to do. Not kids.”
Ty steps out from his seat and walks along the row to stand in the aisle.
Ty: “So you think that kids don't need responsibilities? That life skills are not important?”
Fran: “Kids should be allowed to have fun. Be free. When I have kids they are not going to do my work for me.”
Ty chuckles and Fran’s face just darkens to Scarlett.
Ty: “And that is why kids are getting away with things. This is why this generation are a either self entitled assholes or special snowflakes that do not know the meaning of hard work and are offended over everything. They think they can just get what they want without having to earn a damn thing. Your parents were trying to teach you to be a valuable member of society. Someone who can contribute. Doing chores? It teaches responsibility and that you have to work hard for everything from money to freedom. Wearing hand me downs? Is not only being environmentally conscious and recycling things that still have use but always teaching the value of money. Getting you a tutor? Was trying to help you get grades good enough to get into university and not have to end up working like dogs and only be able to scrape by. All of this teaches respect. Something you and half of the people under the age of twenty-four have no idea what the meaning of it is. All of this is a desperate attempt to get out of having to take control of your own life. You want everything given to you. You are not abused at all. In fact, I would say your parents deserve a handshake for trying to give you a decent honourable upbringing in a world full of cretins. It's too bad you spit on them and all the sacrificing they did by being a brat.”
The rest of the crowd erupts into cheering and clapping. Fran stands, trying to yell out her explanations before bursting into tears and running off stage. After the audience died down, Dr. Phil invited Ty to come on stage.
Dr. Phil: “So that was pretty spirited. I can't help but wonder if maybe you have some experience in toxic parental relationships.”
Ty nods, and crosses his leg over his knee.
Ty: “My father wasn't around and when he was, he would try to manipulate me into giving him money. He never cared or loved me. That girl doesn’t know the meaning of what a toxic relationship is. At least both her parents were trying to give her a better life, for me it was all my mom. My mom worked two jobs and sometimes did seamstress jobs on the side for cash. All so I could have a better life. Sure, she wasn't perfect. She got angry. She got frustrated. I would be disciplined but it never affected how much I cared about her or how much she cared about me.”
Dr. Phil nods.
Dr. Phil: “Now by disciplined do you mean...”
Ty interrupts him.
Ty: “A smack to my rear? Of course. It was never to hurt me, only to make me realize and it was usually when I was the one acting like an idiot kid. I wasn't scarred for life, I learnt respect. I never feared her but I feared doing things I knew were wrong. I think that is where a lot of people get it wrong. But of course, this is just my opinion. I know others will disagree.”
Dr. Phil: “And do you use corporal punishment with your own children?”
Ty smiles.
Ty: “I don't have children and before all you crunchy granola parents start flinging your internet poop at me, let me explain. I do not consider myself someone cut out for parenthood. Not that I wouldn't be a good one or that I have some agenda about over populating a terrible world. It is because I refuse to bring a kid into the world that doesn’t have two devoted and loving parents. As in, devoted to each other. As a kid growing up without a dad, I would never want the mother of my children to ever need to struggle like mine did. Right now, in my life I would struggle to be a good partner to anyone. My Mother gave up on having the love of a significant other so that I could grow up with everything I needed.”
The Doctor taps his chin.
Dr. Phil: “You feel guilty about that.”
It wasn't a question but a statement. One that was very obvious based on Ty’s words.
Ty: “Yes. But I do not let it stop me from being the best I can be. I don't sit around and think of everything I didn't get, that would be like not acknowledging the sacrifice my mom made. That is like slapping her in the face. In fact, if we are going to talk about toxic people, I think Fran is the toxic one. She owes her parents an apology for how much she disrespects them.”
The crowd once again applauds as the scene fades to a quick commercial break.
~END SCENE~
***ON CAMERA***
The West-Ward Blogicles
Season 2, Entry #6-- “Toxicity”
Ty: “At first, I was angry over my loss. I wanted to kick both of those guys in the balls and yell at them. Every word I said and have said has been right. Emo Storms and Jon Snowflake are prime examples of what is wrong with the world today.”
Ty West, still our unequivocal hero, looks tired and disappointed as he looks right into the lens of the camera filming him.
Ty: “How can Jon be proud of another sneaky win that requires no skill. It was all a matter of luck. I guess you guys in the audience missed my look of disgust? So you know what? I quit.”
Wait... What? No. No Ty! You can’t quit now...
Ty: “I am quitting going for the Roulette title as long as Jon Dough or Caleb Storms hold it or are fighting for it.”
Phew! Had us all scared there for a minute.
Ty: “I am not interested in resuming a war with two of the most ungrateful, toxic people in this company. Let them say I am too scared to face them again. Let them waste their breath doing so.”
Ty’s eyes darken with anger and can’t say we blame him after that silly, ridiculous match. It was like a three ring circus and they made our Ty look like a clown. (Pouts)
Ty: “Those two deserve each other. I am not interested in facing a man that needs to find loopholes at every opportunity. He is an untalented piece of garbage. And Storms? Storms is so consumed with having titles and title shots that he lets everything else suffer including his skills in the ring. I am not interested in being their third wheel any longer. So good luck to them both. I am out. “
He abruptly ends the live feed, leaving us all feeling a little heartbroken at seeing *OUR* Ty this Melancholy.
~END SCENE~
***OFF CAMERA***
Skype Call
Tuesday, May 29
“What the fuck do you think you are doing?! You threw a tantrum on access cable and then posted that vlog saying you don't want another title shot? Are you high right now? Please tell me that is it and not you actually believing either of those things was a good idea!”
The irate face of Chester. L. Bannington Esquire stares back at Ty over a skype call, waiting for an answer. Ty only offers a shrug.
Ty: “I do not want any part of it, Chester. Their petty, nonsensical back and forth is pissing me off and being associated with either of them is tarnishing my reputation.”
Chester: “You still have never been pinned Ty. It means that neither of those guys stand a chance one-on-one. It's easy pickings.”
Ty is unimpressed.
Ty: “I don't want an easy win. I want a win that means something. All Jon can do is regurgitate my words in a game of ‘I know you are but what am I’ and Caleb sounds just like that spoiled, self entitled teen from the doctor show. Neither are grown men. They are children on borrowed time. I just have no patience to deal with it. I didn't sign up to become a babysitter.”
Chester: “You are the one that is being childish, Tyler. This world isn't going to be all sunshine and rainbows. There are going to be guys taking short cuts and other guys complaining about this or that. It is your job to wade through all the shit to find the prize.”
Ty rolls his eyes.
Ty: “A prize that is covered in shit? No thanks. I would rather not get infected with other people's fecal diseases. I told you, I do this my way, or not at all. So take it or leave it.”
Chester is still angry. He throws his arms in the air and is about to say something when his cell phone goes off. The ring tone is “Private Dancer” by Tina Turner and Ty doesn't have to guess what kind of call that is.
Chester: “I gotta take this, but this isn't the end of the conversation Ty.”
He ends the call and Ty closes his laptop. He leans back in his chair, clasping his fingers behind his neck.
~END SCENE~
***FLASHBACK***
February 14, 1992
Tucson Hospital ~ Tucson, AZ
“Ms. West. You just need to breathe.”
Virginia Contessa West was red in the face. Huffing through a contraction as a nurse tries to calm her down.
Gina: “You Fucking breathe!”
The nurse isn't phased by her aggression though. The woman was in her mid-forties and had seen her share of births in her years as a maternity nurse. Her name tag, black with her name neatly printed in white, stands out on her powder blue scrubs. Veronica was her name. Veronica Tyler.
Nurse Veronica: “I will breathe with you, Ms. West. I will count with you...”
Instead, Gina grabs her shirt.
Gina: “Drugs. Just give me drugs...”
A doctor pops up from the end of the bed, pulling off his rubber glove with a dramatic snap.
Doctor: “Too late for that Ms. West. The baby is ready to come out. On your next contraction, you are going to give me a big push, okay?”
Gina thrashes her head side to side.
Gina: “No. I can't do this.”
Nurse Veronica takes Gina’s hand.
Nurse Veronica: “Yes you can. Your baby is about to come and he or she will be the most important person in your life. I know it because I saw it in your eyes when you came in earlier. And once that little one is in your arms, you will forget all about the pain you feel right now. Your baby is worth all of it.”
Nurse Veronica squeezes Gina’s hand. Gina smiles through tears and nods her head.
Doctor: “Okay Virginia, one more big push.”
~1 hour later~
Gina is snuggling her baby boy close to her chest. She had never loved anyone as much as she loved this boy.
Gina: “I promise little one, that I am going to move mountains to make sure you are successful in life. You are my only love.”
Nurse Veronica enters the room with a light knock. She smiles.
Nurse Veronica: “How is baby and Mommy doing?”
Gina looks up and smiles.
Gina: “Good. He’s perfect right?”
Nurse Veronica nods.
Nurse Veronica: “He definitely is. Do you have a name yet?”
Gina had been thinking about it the last hour, looking at her baby’s face, mentally trying name after name.
Gina: “Tyler.”
Nurse Veronica blushes.
Gina: “Without your support, I might have given up. I will never give up again because of your words. Thank you.”
~END SCENE~
***ON CAMERA***
The West-Ward Blogicles
Season 2, Entry #7-- “Finally...”
Cue the music to the 1991 Cece Peniston song, “Finally.” It plays only the chorus before shutting off abruptly. Ty appears in front of the camera looking much happier than his previous blog post.
Ty: “If I look happy today it is because I am. Finally... I am free of tweedle Dee and tweedle Dum. A new opponent. A fresh start. I can move past this fiasco and not have my name synonymous with that pair of clowns’ obnoxious, ridiculous whining.”
He sighs deeply, a calm relief falls over his well toned body.
Ty: “And you know, I cannot find it in my heart to rake Aaron over the coals because frankly, this man works harder, has been having a hard time getting over this losing hump but still shows up each show with a smile, ready to put his best foot forward. You also know what else is significant about Aaron? He has never complained about any of it. He has never demanded a title shot. He has never tried to puff out his chest and try to convince others he is better than he is. And you know why? Because the kid is here for the right reasons. Because he enjoys the sport. I can respect that.”
Ty nods his head. (Man, are we ever grateful that he is no longer mad. That was scary.)
Ty: “ Unfortunately, his best foot is just not going to be enough this time. While I respect this guy, I need to get back into my winning ways. Build from the ground up so that when I get back up to the Roulette title (Which frankly will not take long... have you see my competition?) I will be ready for the man that finally kicks both Storm and Dough to the curb once and for all. Then, we will have a real show. Until then, the Roulette title is once again a joke. A trifle passed around to pacify two men that disgust not only me but the fans. They deserve better. I deserve better. Which is why I am boycotting the title for the time being. Let Dough get his match with Ben. Let Ben remove the title from him. Maybe it will be enough for him to finally leave and open his roster spot to someone worthy of the opportunity. And Storms? Maybe during his next tantrum, the winds he kicks up will take him over to the other company he works for and he can keep his cheesy puns for that lot. How many times can you say a storm is coming when all we get is a mild sun shower that barely gets my head wet? Hmm. But enough about them. Where are my manners, this is Aaron’s time.”
Just when we thought he was done talking about those two (*cue disgruntled pout*)
Ty: “Aaron, what else can I really say. If this match wasn't facing myself I would really want this to finally be the match where yo see the other side of the mountain but it is not another match. It is against me and I have a good feeling that I will be victorious here. But at the end, I will undoubtedly shake your hand because I have seen your work. You are going to make me earn this win and I think we will both be better off for it.”
Ty flashes the camera a smile.
Ty: “My journey is not at its end. I reached a point where I couldn't go forward. A road block so to speak. So I backed up and took a different path but ultimately it is going in the same direction even if it is the long way around.”
Don’t you get pictures of Ty sitting atop a white stead looking for his lady fair, all to save her from a dangerous peril that only he can rescue her from? No? Well we do. Just look at that chiseled jaw, that perfect skin tone... (*Long expressive sign.*)
Ty: “So fear not my devoted fans, and be entertained as I open the show for you all. I guarantee my win will put you all in a good mood for the rest of the evening.”
He gives the camera a salute before it goes black to end.
~END SCENE~
