“A wicked person earns deceptive wages, but the one who sows righteousness reaps a sure reward" - Proverbs 11:18
We enter the inner chambers of The Good Shepherd’s suite on the Sun Princess cruise liner. Father Gerald and Mother Mavis are out, preparing a sermon for the arriving guests of the ship. David has opted to stay behind and gather his thoughts. This comes across as sitting at a desk with his arms laid out across the top of it and his eyes narrowed as he stares off at something that appears to make him angry.
Ginny walks through the area and throws open the curtains to reveal a view of the decks. She grunts as she goes over to the desk and sits on it, smoothing out her Sunday best. She waits for any kind of response from David but she is not given that courtesy so she lets what is on her mind flow out.
Virginia: Why are you sitting here in the dark, looking like someone done trampled over your spirit? David doesn’t move. He continues to look forward silently. Ginny waits and waits for an answer, but one doesn’t come. She then leans in closer.
Virginia: Honey? What’s going on with you lately? I can understand staying quiet with your parents, but I’m your future wife and I deserve to know what’s going on with you. I’m here for you, but you gotta talk to me. David: No, I don’t. I don’t have to explain myself to anyone but the man upstairs. Ginny growls at this but tries to keep herself calm. She puts her hand on David’s shoulder but he shakes it off and stands up.
Virginia: David, what in God’s name is going on here? We’re a family and we need to work things out before they get out of control. It is what God wants, David. David jumps out of his chair and looks right at Ginny. He glares silently for a minute and Ginny practically challenges him.
David: What in Heaven are you talking about? My father diminishing my accomplishments because he’s upset that he didn’t get the opportunity to enter the Mayhem Survival? Or the opportunity to take the SCU Television Championship from the heathen, Holly Wood? He’s jealous and he’s taking it out on me. That’s NOT what God would want for this family. Virginia: But- David’s eyes open up wide as he challenges her, but he doesn’t give the opportunity for her to speak.
David: “But” nothing! There’s nothing besides his own pride and greed that is getting in the way of our true mission. He has his sins. All of His holiest creations do. But when I sin, I get lashings. I get told I’m going to hell. I am humiliated in front of the church. What happens when he sins? God is loving! God is forgiving! He understands and provides mercy! What a great fucking God he is suddenly! Ginny gasps.
Virginia: David! David: That’s my name. Do not wear it out! David storms out of the room and out onto the deck. He seems to be on a mission which he doesn’t even seem to know where that mission will lead. He comes to a door and stops, knocking without even thinking about it. He taps his foot, the reality sinking in as he starts to turn away. However, the door opens and Andrey Azarov of GRIME answers the door. He grins widely and steps to the side.
Esther: Babe! Who is it? David straightens out his dress shirt and walks into the room. It’s just as nice as the one he was just in, but with a smoky aura in the room. He looks around and then to the couch where Esther is seated. Her hands are wrapped up around the palms, but a cigarette sits between her fingers. She giggles as she sees David standing there.
David: Hey, sis. Esther jumps up from her seat and wraps her arms around David, hugging onto him for a long time. She finally breaks the hug and steps back, keeping her hands on David’s arms as she looks up at him with a big smile.
Esther: Did you finally come to your senses about joining GRIME? I will give you a glowing recommendation, and- David: No. I- I came to check on you. See how you were doing. I- I missed you, but this was probably a bad idea. Esther shrugs as she walks back over to the couch. She sits down and crosses her legs as she flicks her cigarette ashes into the ashtray. David reluctantly walks over and sits down on the couch.
David: Please tell me that you’re still praying every night. You can abandon everything else, but not that. Esther: I say “Oh God” multiple times every night thanks to Andrey. And clearly Vixen took me to church at Into the Void. Esther waves her hands up so David can see the obvious. He nods and takes a deep breath, sighing in disappointment.
David: You made your point. Forget mom and dad. You have to do what is right for your soul. You have an eternity of an afterlife to look out for. Just keep that in mind. Esther: Thanks for the advice, Brother. But instead of worrying about my afterlife, why don’t you focus on what’s right in front of you with Holly Wood and that TV title? That’s something you actually stand a chance of saving. David and Esther share a smile of recognition, bonding just like the olden days. She puts her cigarette out and uncrosses her legs to lean forward.
David: I already know I will represent SCU’s Television Division much better than a man that dresses as a woman, flaunting his sexuality like a badge of honor. Esther: Just like you wish you could do instead of being tethered to that awful, plain, father fucking, slut for Christ. You can be yourself. I feel like if there truly is a God, then he would want you to do that. And if not, then fuck him. Live YOUR truth and you might find that stick sliding out of your ass. David: I am not gay. Esther watches as David looks away from her, giving her the exact opposite impression.
David: I just don’t want to have him rubbing his body all over me, taunting me, and making a mockery of my beliefs. All while the fans laugh at me and cheer for him. I try to save his eternal soul, and I’m the bad guy? That’s backwards. But also, that’s fine. When I walk out of Summer X-Treme, because I refuse to acknowledge the other two “X”s, with the Television Championship, then I can stand in his glory. And Father will be forced to humble himself and acknowledge me as a credible member of The Good Shepherds. Esther rolls her eyes and tunes out while David makes his speech. Andrey just watches silently with a smile on his face. David is ready to continue when Esther stands up and yawns in an exaggerated manner.
Esther: Well, it’s already- 5pm, wow, I really should get some shut eye. But you know where I’m at if you are able to open your eyes. David looks a little shocked.
David: Early to bed, early to rise to do His work, I suppose. I will be in touch. They embrace as Andrey comes up behind and joins a group hug. David pauses and looks back as Andrey nuzzles in close.
