Monday March 12
Las Vegas, Nevada
It’s Really Happening!
It’s been a whirlwind couple of weeks for Bobbie Dahl and her manager husband Artie. After winning her elimination chamber qualifier match and what she said was her final match anyway, Bobbie had spilled the news to Artie that she was pregnant! The two had thought that Bobbie could not get pregnant naturally and were ready to seek out alternative methods when low and behold it seemed the impossible was definitely possible. At least according to the pregnancy test she took.
Home pregnancy tests were not always accurate so the next day Bobbie made sure to schedule an appointment with her doctor as soon as she possibly could. And while Bobbie was over the moon and excited, Artie was a bucket of nerves. Hopeful, yes. Looking forward to becoming a father, also yes. But thinking the test was possibly a false negative was most of what he was feeling.
Luckily for the both of them, they had found out the news just a short while ago that the test was in fact true. Bobbie was indeed pregnant and not only did the blood test confirm, but the ultrasound did as well. They had just left the appointment and were heading to Bobbie’s parents house, both completely on cloud nine.
“I still can’t believe that little spot is a baby.” Artie says as he looks at Bobbie from the corner of his eye while driving. Bobbie was in the passenger seat, her eyes glued to the ultrasound photo they had been given. “We’re really gonna be parents, Bobbie.”
Bobbie continues to smile as she looks at Artie. “Did you ever think this would happen?!” She asks excitedly, turning the ultrasound photo towards Artie so he can glance at it again.
Artie lets out a slight laugh before he starts, “I dunno.” He shrugs and does his best to keep his eyes on the road. Although the two were technically childhood sweethearts, they didn’t officially become a couple until just a few years ago. “For a while there I didn’t even think we’d ever get married. I mean you did think I was gay for the longest time…”
Artie manages to laugh as he reminds her of this well known fact. Bobbie’s jaw drops as she just stares at him. “Did you really just bring that up again?!” She asks with a laugh of her own. “I’ve told you a million times that I didn’t really believe that, Artie. It was just some silly excuse my anxiety made up for why you weren’t telling me how you felt.”
Artie laughs again and shakes his head. “And what was your excuse for not admitting your feelings first?” He grins at her, trying to see her reaction from the corner of his eye. As he waited for her to respond, he couldn’t help but notice how happy he currently felt. It was the happiest he had been in quite some time. Any other time, bringing up their complicated history would still feel awkward to him. But now? It was just the funny story of how they met and got together that they would tell to their son or daughter one day.
“Hey!” Bobbie says loudly and frowns, but only for a second. “That’s not fair to turn this around on me, Artie. You know it was complicated for me!” She pouts, but her attention once again goes back to staring at the ultrasound photo and runs her finger over what Artie had referred to as the little ‘spot.’
Just as Artie is able to respond, they finally arrive at Bobbie’s parents house. He pulls into the driveway and puts the car in park, shutting off the engine. As Bobbie is about to open her door, Artie’s expression fades and he becomes a little sad. “I always thought if this ever happened, that both our parents would be here to celebrate with.” He sighs and shrugs again. “Ah well. I can Facetime Dad later. I know life doesn’t always work things out how we’d like it to.”
Bobbie places a comforting hand on his shoulder. “I told you we could have flown him back out here for a couple of days.”
Artie shakes his head then finally opens his door slightly. “I told you that Dad said he was busy so couldn’t make it out here this time. He said he’d celebrate with us very soon though.” He shrugs, still a bit disappointed. “I’m a bit curious what he’s busy with that is more important than celebrating us expecting our first child, but whatever I guess.”
They both finally get out of the car, shutting their doors at the same time. They hear Loki start barking excitedly from the backyard, and Bobbie smiles. “Loki, baby! Momma and Dad are back!!” More excited barking follows before Artie and Bobbie make their way up towards the front door.
Bobbie’s mother is quick to open the door and to greet her daughter and son in-law, and Bobbie’s father soon joins her. “Alright, tell me. How did it go? Do we have a little bun baking in that oven?!”
All four share a quick laugh before Artie and Bobbie share a quick glance. They pretend to look disappointed but Bobbie can’t pretend for very long before she holds the ultrasound photo up for her parents to see. “We sure do!! Here’s our little bun bun!”
Bobbie’s mother squeals with delight as she and Bobbie head inside quickly to fawn over the exciting news. Bobbie’s father laughs and shakes his head as he steps aside and let’s Artie walk in after him. “Congratulations, son.” He says, patting Artie on the back proudly. “You two are going to make great parents.”
Artie smiles and shakes his father in-law’s hand thankfully. Just hearing the words again sounded so strange. “Thanks, Mr. Dahl. I’m just happy that we finally get to make you a grandpa!” Artie cracks a smile and waits for his reaction.
Bobbie’s father scratches his head and chuckles. “You a father and me a Grandpa? Crazy thought, ain’t it, son?” To Artie’s surprise he wasn’t at all put off at the word grandpa. He seemed ready to embrace it. “And now that Bobbie has some nice extended, if not permanent time off from wrestling, you have all the time in the world to truly get ready for what is to come.”
“Well, Bobbie is taking time off,” Artie starts without hesitation. “But I’m not.”
Bobbie’s father raises an eyebrow and looks at him curiously. “What do you mean? You’re her manager.” He folds his arms across his chest.
“Well, I mean yeah I am. But this Blast From The Past memorial is coming up soon and I signed up for it.” Artie says, breaking the news. Normally Artie would have been nervous to say anything, but it’s like the news of becoming a father has caused him to grow up even a little bit more today. “Even after that, I’m going to continue with wrestling. I need to do something to provide for us while Bobbie is out. And who knows, maybe by the time Bobbie has the baby, I’ll be the champion and can make her and our son or daughter proud.”
“Artie, my boy,” he starts, patting Artie on the back once again. “No matter what you do, you’ll make them proud. You make me and Barbie proud to call our son in-law everyday. Now come on, let’s head out back and go celebrate.”
Artie smiles from ear to ear and he follows behind his father in-law as they head towards the back door. When Bobbie’s father opens the door, Loki quickly runs over to greet them excitedly before backing up so they could walk outside.
Monday April 7th
Appointment Number 2!
How Could This Happen?
It’s been just short of a month since Bobbie’s last appointment. Artie had learned that due to not only Bobbie’s difficulty in getting pregnant, but her age and size as well, her pregnancy had been deemed high risk and therefore she would have more appointments than a non-high risk pregnant woman would have. As scary a thought as it was, he did not at all mind this, as he wanted to make sure that Bobbie and their baby were healthy the next several months before Bobbie gave birth. And not only that, but he was hoping that Bobbie’s doctor would be on his side about a little argument they were having the last week or so.
What argument you might ask? Well, with SCW’s next tour beginning this week and Artie’s first round match of the Blast From The Past also taking place, Bobbie was set on travelling with him for as long as she could. She was even more determined because this first week was the stop in Iceland- home to her two favorite people, Fenris and Aron!
“I’m telling you, Bobbie, because you’re high risk there is no way they’re going to want you to do much travelling, especially not by plane.” They are currently waiting for the doctor to come into the exam room. The ultrasound technician had already been here and handled their part of the appointment, but the doctor was due in next.
Bobbie shakes her head. “Nope. There is no way I am letting anything stop me from going to Iceland to see Aron and Fenris’ homeland!” She says, absolutely refusing to accept any other possibility.
Artie knows that Bobbie’s stubbornness would prove difficult to overcome, but if it meant the health of her and their baby? Artie would do his best to put his foot down. But even then that might not be enough to keep Bobbie from doing what she wants to do. They remain there in silence for a couple of more minutes before a gentle knocking is heard and the door pushes open a few moments later.
“Bobbie? Hello.” The soft and friendly female voice of Bobbie’s doctor is heard as she steps inside the room, closing the door behind her. “How are we feeling today? Hello, Artie.”
Artie and Bobbie smile as they greet the doctor. “I’m feeling great, Dr. Morgan.” Bobbie quickly says, as she no doubt appears to be in great spirits and feeling just as great at the moment.
“Hi Dr. Morgan.” Artie replies. “She’s feeling good today, though she’s had a few bouts of some nasty morning sickness lately.”
Dr. Morgan nods as she walks up next to Bobbie and begins prepping the ultrasound equipment. “Yes, that can be expected in the early stages of pregnancy, but sometimes even for extended periods of time.” She squeezes some of the ultrasound gel on to Bobbie’s abdomen. “But other than that you’ve been feeling fine? No spotting or bleeding at all?”
Artie starts to grow concerned as Bobbie shakes her head, thinking nothing of it. “Nope. Everything is going great. I mean I know I’m high risk, but I’ve felt great.”
“Is everything okay?” Artie asks as Dr. Morgan starts to run the ultrasound wand over Bobbie’s abdomen. Just as they had seen when the ultrasound technician was in earlier, they can see their baby as Dr. Morgan studies the screen in silence.
Bobbie looks at Artie, suddenly confused herself before both turn their attention to the monitor also. Bobbie still smiles as she sees her baby, but Artie has a sinking feeling in his stomach and when Dr. Morgan places the wand down and wipes the remnants of the gel from Bobbie’s abdomen. Artie can tell something is wrong.
“What is it Dr. Morgan?” He asks, wanting to get straight to it. “Something is wrong. What aren’t you telling us?”
“Artie, shush.” Bobbie says, waving off his fears. “We both saw the baby on the monitor.”
“Bobbie…Artie…I’m so very sorry.” Dr. Morgan starts, looking directly at Bobbie. Artie was already shaking his head. “There was no heartbeat.”
Artie is immediately crushed to hear the words, but Bobbie seems to be frozen. She doesn’t appear to be upset or even in denial and Artie watches her closely, waiting for her reaction. “Ok…so…what is next?”
Artie places a hand on her shoulder, quietly comforting her even though he is saddened by the realization that they had lost the baby. Dr. Morgan pulls her rolling stool over next to Bobbie and sits down. “Well,” she starts, and Artie is just as curious about what happens next. “There are two options, though I am going to highly suggest one. Since your body has not started to physically miscarry the pregnancy, we can wait and allow it to do so naturally.”
Bobbie shakes her head. “I’d rather not wait. We’re going to Iceland this week and I don’t want something to happen if the miscarriage starts to happen while we’re there.”
“Bobbie…” Artie begins, but she turns and shakes her head at him. Before she can respond to him, dr. Morgan continues.
“Either way, Bobbie, I would not advise on doing any long distance travel. The 2nd option, which I was going to suggest, is scheduling a D&C as soon as possible.” She says, urging her to take this option but also concerned for Bobbie’s desire to travel. “If you let your body naturally miscarry, you run the risk of being in a lot of pain or even complications if something goes wrong. If you go with the D&C, you’ll also be in some discomfort as you recover from the procedure.”
“Bobbie, I can reach out to Christian and have my match rescheduled…” Artie pleads with her. He wasn’t even thinking about his match, nor did he even care. They were both now grieving the loss of their baby.
Bobbie again refuses. “No, Artie. We have to go to Iceland.”
Artie sighs. He knows there is no talking Bobbie out of this, but he turns his attention to Dr. Morgan. “If she does the D&C will she be okay to travel later in the week if she rests for a few days? What can we expect recovery wise from that procedure?”
Dr. Morgan sighs. “First we have to see how soon we can schedule the D&C. I might be able to get you scheduled first thing in the morning but let’s get that sorted first. If, and only if, we can schedule it for tomorrow, I will clear her to travel, but she will be sore for several days. And if any complications happen, she will need to go to the hospital right away.”
Artie shakes his head. “No, we’re not going. Bobbie, we just found out that our baby doesn’t have a heartbeat. I’m not going to be in any frame of mind to wrestle on Sunday. Fenris and Aron will understand. We can go another-“
“No, Artie!” Bobbie shouts, taking both him and Dr. Morgan by surprise. Dr. Morgan gives them a few minutes alone and steps out of the room to go check her schedule. “You need to use all of the emotion your feeling right now and channel it against Eddie Lyons. And I will tell Fenris and Aron in a week or two. I’m not going to—“
“Are you even upset that we lost the baby?!” Artie shouts, afraid to even know the truth. He didn’t understand how she could be as calm as she was during such a heartbreaking situation for them. “I thought you were excited to be pregnant?”
Bobbie is left speechless as she stares at Artie. He is going through the anger phase rather quickly even though neither has had enough time to process this loss yet. “Sorry, I shouldn’t have asked that. I just…how does this happen?! One day it has a heartbeat and the next it doesn’t?!”
Bobbie shakes her head, just as confused. “I…I don’t know. It just happens for no explainable reason sometimes. It was still early, Artie.”
To Bobbie’s surprise, tears form in Artie’s eyes. “I should have known. I got too excited too soon.”
“Artie…” Bobbie tries to reassure him.
He shakes his head and quickly wipes at his eyes, trying to gather himself. “I’m fine. I’ll be fine. Like you said, I’ll channel all of my anger and everything against Eddie. It’s the best thing to do.”
Neither one knows what to say next. They sit there in silence waiting for Dr. Morgan to return, hopefully with news of Bobbie’s appointment being scheduled. And although Artie is going through with their travel plans, he wasn’t sure if he’d be able to hold his emotions in check.
“Is this thing on?”
The camera clicks on focused on Artie’s face as he fumbles with the camera and checks for the little red recording light. He leans back in his chair and looks into the camera.
“Heyyyy everyone. Bet you all never thought you’d see me in this position again? You’re all so used to Bobbie being the active wrestler, but it looks like life threw us a curveball so we had to change things up a bit. So I’m taking over the reigns of being the wrestler for now, and I gotta say…I’m excited!”
He rubs the palms of his hands together with anticipation as he remains focused on the camera.
“So last year my whole involvement in the tournament was a total accident and I was forced to go through with it along with my partner. It wasn’t easy, but it gave me this rush and I knew after we were eliminated that I wanted to wrestle again at some point. And I tried for a bit after that, but for personal reasons I just wasn’t fully ready. Well, fast forward to today and here I am again! But..no accident this time!”
He smiles and then gives a thumbs up.
“I am disappointed about something though. And I’ll tell you what. I’m disappointed in the fact that I’m still considered THE underdog of this whole memorial tournament! Like, way to make a guy feel good about himself by calling him an underdog every chance you can get. But hey, it’s okay. I’ll just prove everyone wrong and go out there and kick some butt!”
He throws some air punches as he tries to pump himself up and be even slightly intimidating.
“Ya know, this year I don’t have to worry about letting down a tag team partner since the tournament has been split individually. The only person I can let down…is myself. Well, and my family, but that goes without saying. I don’t have a partner that needs my help as much as I need theirs to win the tournament so this is all on me.”
He takes in a deep breath and closes his eyes for a moment while he thinks of the possibilities.
“Earlier this week, Eddie Lyons had said on Twitter or X or whatever you want to call it, that this is going to be a battle between expecting fathers. To that I have to say, the fact we are both expectant fathers is irrelevant because it doesn’t effect what happens inside that ring. At least I don’t think it does. If you ask me, this is more a battle to see who wants this more, because the prize for this tournament as we all know is a shot at the World Heavyweight Championship. Sounds pretty awesome to me!”
Artie suddenly stands up and does the belt motion across his waist.
“Artie Miller…WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION! Has a nice ring to it, right? I may not be more experienced than Eddie or be as strong as him, but I can do this! What people don’t know is that I’ve done more training over the last year and I’m honing in my skills and I can do this whether you think I can or not! The underdog is always someone to look out for so take that as food for thought!!”
He sits back down and leans in closer to the camera.
“Eddie Lyons…I’m really looking forward to this fight and just know that if you choose to underestimate me? If you choose to count me out and think you’ve got it won? Well…You’ll find out what happens!! May the better man win! Good luck to ya, Eddie!!”
He waves into the camera before reaching out of view of the recording before the scene fades to black.
