Post by badteacher on May 16, 2015 15:23:12 GMT -5
5/5/2015
The Rhythm Room
Phoenix, Arizona
"I want to make a toast." I say, holding my champagne eye level. "To health, success, and family."
"Here here!" Josh and Dave shout simultaneously.
"Aww, you guys are like twins."
"I wouldn't say twins." Dave says, tipping back his glass. "But I'd say all of our work together is finally starting to pay off."
"This has been a long time coming for us." Josh says, taking a sip from his glass. "The last few months have been a very trying time for SOS, and we should be proud of our accomplishment tonight."
"I'll drink to that." Dave says, refilling his glass before emptying it as quickly. He lets out a loud belch. "Ok, who wants tequila shots?"
A chance to exhale sounds about right for this celebration. Ever since Penny and I both went down with injuries, a lot of pressure was placed on Josh and Dave's back to live up to the buzz that surrounded us. They're doing as guys do when given a reason to cut loose and for me, the champagne tastes sweeter than usual. But validation should be that way, and until now I haven't had the opportunity to truly savor it. I can't help but think that something's missing from making tonight perfect, but that could be just me trying to find something to worry about.
Dave makes his way back from the bar and tailing behind him is a petite brunette carrying a tray full of tequila shots. I'm sure she's a nice girl and it's her job to flirt, but out of instinct I clutch Josh tightly to show that he's spoken for. Josh smiles as I lean my head on his shoulder and the waitress nods, acknowledging that I'm territorial. She brushes Dave's loose hair back behind his ear as they share a laugh, and he provides her with a hearty tip as his grin widens like a Cheshire cat. He takes a shot with Josh and I following suite. The last time Josh and I drank tequila we ended up with Hunter nine months later, but being as sore as I am from the ladder match a bubble bath sounds about as good.
"Drink up guys, I opened a tab for the whole night."
"You sure you got that kind of money Dave?" I ask, reluctantly taking a shot glass. "Josh and I don't mind paying our own way."
"Nonsense." Dave replies, waving me off. "This is my way of saying thank you."
"I don't know what we've done."
"Because of you guys, I finally feel like I have a purpose in this company." Dave begins, taking another shot. "And I can't tell you how good that feels."
"You've earned it by busting your ass since coming back." Josh says, matching Dave with a shot. "Nikki and I surround ourselves with good people. That's you and Penny, buddy."
"You know it's still weird hearing that."
"You can't define yourself from when you were a rookie or even a couple years ago." I say, finally taking my tequila shot. "You are who you are now."
"I guess you're right." Dave says, nodding his head. "Besides, being honorable has got me a lot further."
I nod my head along with him. "The whole bad boy thing may work for some, but I still believe in chivalry."
It's the thing I love about Josh and what attracted me to him in the first place. When I first met him I didn't know who he was, obviously because he was a stranger who held the door open at the neighborhood coffee shop. But I never followed wrestling until he told me later on about his past. I think what made me realize I could have a better life was when he was approached by a couple fans asking for an autograph one night at dinner. I didn't have the sudden starstruck eyes of a groupie once he revealed his celebrity status either, instead I was most impressed with how he humbly shrugged it off with a slow exhale and a smile. He didn't seem annoyed by the fans, and he was genuinely kind to them. When I started my wrestling career last year, I took that example as the way to treat fans when so many others stay in character. It's paid off because now I get those same people approaching me now and I hope when they walk away they realize I'm a normal person like them.
Dave and Josh have started doing triple shots, and I can tell by how he's swaying that Dave is close to reaching his limit. You never forget the effects that alcohol has on people and mine is deeply engrained from the nights Dustin would stagger in at a decent hour, which to him was three in the morning. He'd barge in smelling like vomit, waking and berating me for any gripe he had at that instance. I spent a lot of time trying to work up the courage to say something in return, but stayed quiet out of fear for the repercussions. I had to come to those terms on my own and it wasn't easy, though I can say I'm better for it. It would also partially explain why my social drinking is few and far between.
"You guys trying to buy the bar out?"
"Wasn't planning in it." Dave says as I giggle. "But that's not a bad idea.
"Sweetie, it was a joke."
"I might do it anyway." Dave says, moving with the music. "I'm on fire!"
I look at Josh as Dave continues to 'dance' toward the bar. "You about ready? I'm starting to hurt."
"Yeah, but I need to at least tell Dave we're leaving." Josh says, pulling me up gently by my hands. "I owe him that much."
"Well you're going to get your chance, because here he comes."
"Second round coming up!" Dave shouts, his expression changing as he sees me holding my purse. "Aww, don't tell me you guys are going already."
"Yeah, sorry dude."
"It's my fault Dave." I say as I give him a hug. "I'm really sore and I can't get comfortable enough to enjoy myself."
"No, it's cool." He says, picking up a shot of whiskey. "You go rest up. Josh will take care of you, I'm sure."
"Ok, but thank you for drinks." I say as I lean on Josh. "Who knows, maybe some nice girl will come over soon and join you."
"Yeah?"
Josh grins like a sly fox. "Never know buddy."
"Well, I'll just have to show off my charm."
"Please be safe tonight, Dave."
"No worries Nikki." Dave says, winking at us. "I got it covered."
*****
5/15/2015
Dean Residence
"I've been served?"
"That's what this looks like." Josh says, staring at the legal document in his hands. "I've never actually seen one. Usually I'm the one having papers served."
"What does it say?"
"Here take a look for yourself."
Josh hands me the document. I sit down on the sofa and begin to read it aloud.
"The Fulton County Family Court has ordered your appearance on May 21, 2015 regarding case number 176: Custodial agreement with regard to Drake Aaron Gillespie, a minor child. Failure to appear will result in a modification of the custodial agreement." I say, my heart dropping with each line read. "And it's signed off by Judge Rollins. She handled the initial case."
"Sounds official enough to me." Josh says. "Is there another number you can call?"
"Doesn't look like it." I sigh. "I guess he was serious."
"Who, Dustin?"
"Yeah." I say, lowering my head. "I knew it was just a matter of time."
"Is there something I'm missing?" Josh asks. "He usually talks to Drake when he calls."
Josh looks at me, puzzled by this situation. I guess there is only so long I can keep my face to face confrontation with my ex away from him. I feel hypocritical because I've always stressed openness to him, and believe me breaking through that wall was a task. I don't want to dump all of this on Josh knowing he's up to his neck with Dave's release being made public, but it's been eating at me for a couple months now. But he deserves to know the truth, if for no other reason than the expectations we've set for each other.
"Dustin came and saw me before my return."
"Where?"
"At the hospital, when I had that clot in my forearm."
"That dirty..."
"I know." I interrupt. "He came in making a bunch of threats and as time went by, I thought he lost his nerve."
"Listen, this is something we knew could happen." Josh calmly says, walking into the kitchen. "Now we've got to face it."
"No Josh, I have to face it." I retort. "Just like I did with Ante Witner."
"What kind of husband would I be if I can't have your back?"
"A good one that has enough respect for me to honor my request." I say, taking his hands. "You didn't call his bluff, I did."
"What am I supposed to do then?"
"There isn't much you can do." I reply. "He's got that restraining order on you where even if you wanted to be there, you couldn't."
"Yeah and I hate it."
When Josh and I started dating, Drake let it slip to Dustin that I moved on. I really think that he put the restraining order on Josh in place just to make it uncomfortable for me when Drake would stay with him in the summer. He could run his mouth and verbally abuse me in front of Drake with Josh forced to witness it all from a distance. One of his favorite tactics was to make me feel awful for leaving, playing on Drake's naive desires to have both parents together. Even though it was two weeks, those two weeks seemed much longer than the seven months I was injured. And the worst part was how quiet Drake would be about trips to his father's, never telling me anything about what he saw or was exposed to in Macon. He knows I'd probably flip out and put in my own modification of the court order that would effectively keep Dustin from seeing Drake all together. It wouldn't be much different than how it is now, but at least I'd have it in writing.
The first time we went to court was a nightmare. Endless amounts of mudslinging on his part, though I'm glad to see there were people who had enough decenty deciding Drake's fate. They saw Dustin for who he was and if I were trying to read his mind, I know he couldn't handle the fact that these outsiders weren't snowed by his normal facade.
"I really should talk to Judge Rollins." I say, folding the paper up. "There's no way she'll grant the motion."
"Do you want me to send Lucas with you?" Josh asks, pulling a cup down from the cabinet. "He's the best custody lawyer I know."
"I'll just call Frank Carmichael." I say, motioning for a cup. "He got me full custody the first time around."
"Different circumstances."
"Well, I know where to find him if I need a different approach." I say, giving him a kiss on the cheek. "Besides, you've got a lot going right now and I don't want to add more onto it."
"Yeah, that does remind me, I need to fly for Dave's trial in the morning."
"Our friends need you, Josh." I say with a reassuring touch. "Focus on that."
"If you insist."
I nod.
"Ok then. I better call and book my flight to Phoenix."
"And I'll get my evidence ready."
*****
5/17/2015
"You've got a lot of nerve showing up where you're not welcome."
"I do have a legal right to have a relationship with my son, which means I can see him when I want."
"Funny, you've never shown much interest before."
"Well-that was a rude way to welcome a guest." Dustin smirks. "Seems like you're a bit jealous."
"A guest is somebody you invite, and I don't remember asking you to join me for lemonade."
Dustin feigns laughter, exaggerated by holding his side. "Watch out, we've got a comedian. You know what I'm talking about, Nikki."
"Actually, I'm not sure what exactly you have that I'd want?" I quip, tilting my head to the side. "Sorry, but I don't have a burning desire to revisit the trailer park."
"You think you're so much better than me because of your nice house." He says, flashing me a look of contempt. "You've forgotten where you came from, but I haven't."
"It's this mentality that lets me know I made the right decision in leaving you."
"I'm always going to be a part of your life, and there's nothing you can do about that."
"You know, consider yourself very fortunate right now."
"Oh, and how so?"
"One, because you coming to my property violates that protective order that you just had to place against my husband. One hundred feet, correct?" I begin, clinching my fist. "You were very adamant about the distance. Well I'm pretty sure this is trespassing, which means I have the right to protect myself."
"What are you gonna do, hit me?"
"We've got cameras surrounding this place Dustin." I say. "But no, I'll just call Atlanta PD and let them figure it out."
"You know you really are a b*tch."
The unforgettable smell of alcohol lets me know he's drunk. Plus I can tell it by his abnormally puffed out chest and degrading remarks. It's probably the main reason I harvest so much hatred for Dustin, though using that word to describe my sentiments is often out of character because I believe that it's lazy. It also indicates an emotion that's conceived blindly, and I'd like to think I'm justified in my reasons for such strong opinions on the guy. I want to punch him in that snarky mouth of his and do what's been needed for a long time, but I gain nothing out of this and I know it. Leave it to my luck that he's already got the 911 dialed or Drake would see me in the midst of delivering vigilante justice. I grudgingly swallow my pride when it pertains to Dustin because I've worked too damn hard to have Drake's image of me soiled by a guy hard up for a payday.
"You'd love that, wouldn't ya?" I assert, placing my fist behind my back. "It'd be the smoking gun you'd need. Tell me, how stupid do you think I am."
"You don't have the guts to do anything." Dustin huffs, taking a step closer to me. "You may play some kind of fighter on TV, but I know that you cave any time your plans don't come together."
"Once upon a time I did, but that was a long time ago."
"No one changes overnight."
"You're one to talk." I retort, my fists trembling in anger. "You're still the same selfish pig I kicked to the curb five years ago."
"And here I thought we were building bridges again."
"You missed that boat Dustin when I took you back, only to find out you were f*cking my cousin on the side!" I snap. "I tried to do what Drake wanted instead of what was best, all because he keeps you on a pedestal..."
"I deserve that pedestal!" He shouts. "I'm his father..."
"Only by DNA." I interupt. "Cum stains don't make you a dad."
"F*ck you Nikki!"
"No thanks. I'm married, I'm clean and I want to keep it that way."
I reach into my pocket and pull out a fifty dollar bill. I've had all I can stand from this uncomfortable visit. It's an intimidation Dustin tries to use when his tired verbal barbs don't work. He seems prepared to throw down the gauntlet to wrestle Drake away from me, although he's finding out very quickly that I refuse to cower. I didn't ask to make this custody battle ugly with Dustin, and I've been more than accommodating to him since we split. His drunken tirades will stop one way or another, and I can only hope Drake forgives me when his father's rights get permanently revoked.
"Go home Dustin, and think about your life." I say, offering the money to him. "You're a mess and in no condition to raise a child."
"We'll see what the judge says."
"I guess we will." I respond, stuffing the bill into his shirt pocket. "Take a cab and have dinner on me."
"I hate you."
"Goodbye Dustin."
I turn around and walk inside, shutting the door in his face.
*****
What do you say to a man that appears to be bulletproof? A man with a legend so vast that it crosses the border of blasphemy. A man that calls himself the be all, end all in this sport. A man who prides himself on living a lifestyle so full of excess that many within our promotion are placing bets on his eventual drug related death. What ground do you cover that others have already unsuccessfully tried, because you can't recreate the wheel? How do you approach this man with such a stellar record that his losses, no matter how clean, seem to be swirled in controversy. A man, that when he set foot in WFWF torched everything in his path until he sat atop the mountain. What do you do?
Breathe slow.
Perceptions are so overrated.
I know the grandeur that surrounds you, Michael Kyzer. Yet here I am, willing to sign my name on a contract to mix it up with you in the ring. Rumor has it that you specifically called me out, and it feels like I've been getting a lot of that lately. I don't know if I should consider it a compliment or an insult, being called out by a guy with an ego 'allegedly' the size of his penis.
Said no woman ever, but there's no reason I should resort to hitting you where it really hurts. I'm not heading into Ascension looking to go all Lorena Bobbit and literally esmasculate you because I'm better than that. I just want to compete, further etching my name in this company's rich history because I actually believe in giving respect to WFWF's past which unfortunately includes you. I know the heinous things you've done to people to get your reputation because you won't shut up about it. Reverend Shadow, Drakz, EBR, Meg, Kylie Olsen. No one would forget these acts of malice to begin with, let alone because you make it a point to bring it up every time you get near a camera or a microphone. Get some new material darlin', because some people like to live in the present.
No one will ever compare us, in or out of the ring. And how can they when I'm much more appealing on the eyes.
I'm not going to predict victory at Ascension, because that would be foolish of me as a rookie to do so. What I am going to do is fight like I always do when I step in the ring, ensuring that everyone knows who I am by the end of the night. And what a better way than to do it against the second biggest fish in the ocean.
Oh, was I supposed to call you the big fish?
Sorry, but I can't bring myself to do it. Because since I've been around this company, Drakz has been the one with that distinction. That's got to sting a little bit, coming from someone that's a means to an end. To you I'm the beginning of a long line filled with bodies that leads you to the ultimate showdown with Drakz. I believe they call it the high stakes round. It'd be a real pity if this mission got detoured by a female, you know the weaker, subservient gender. As great as you are Michael, and you've got the list of victims all over your resume to back that up, I see a deadbeat in all walks of life. So why don't we just add name that to the list. It could be your nickname's nickname's nickname's nickname, since your monikers apparently have the ability to reproduce. And they'd probably do a better job of raising their offspring than the stories I've heard about you.
I don't know if anyone's told you yet, but deadbeats turn me into a real b*tch. And that's a big problem for you at Ascension.
So laugh it up, shoot up, snort as much as your little heart desires, Michael. You might pin me, but I won't be broken. But you will realize that you made a mistake calling me out because even if I lose, I'm taking a piece of you with me.
I am the National Champion and that may not mean much to you, but I really don't care what you think. You're nothing to me but a man that's about to get eaten. [/font]
The Rhythm Room
Phoenix, Arizona
"I want to make a toast." I say, holding my champagne eye level. "To health, success, and family."
"Here here!" Josh and Dave shout simultaneously.
"Aww, you guys are like twins."
"I wouldn't say twins." Dave says, tipping back his glass. "But I'd say all of our work together is finally starting to pay off."
"This has been a long time coming for us." Josh says, taking a sip from his glass. "The last few months have been a very trying time for SOS, and we should be proud of our accomplishment tonight."
"I'll drink to that." Dave says, refilling his glass before emptying it as quickly. He lets out a loud belch. "Ok, who wants tequila shots?"
A chance to exhale sounds about right for this celebration. Ever since Penny and I both went down with injuries, a lot of pressure was placed on Josh and Dave's back to live up to the buzz that surrounded us. They're doing as guys do when given a reason to cut loose and for me, the champagne tastes sweeter than usual. But validation should be that way, and until now I haven't had the opportunity to truly savor it. I can't help but think that something's missing from making tonight perfect, but that could be just me trying to find something to worry about.
Dave makes his way back from the bar and tailing behind him is a petite brunette carrying a tray full of tequila shots. I'm sure she's a nice girl and it's her job to flirt, but out of instinct I clutch Josh tightly to show that he's spoken for. Josh smiles as I lean my head on his shoulder and the waitress nods, acknowledging that I'm territorial. She brushes Dave's loose hair back behind his ear as they share a laugh, and he provides her with a hearty tip as his grin widens like a Cheshire cat. He takes a shot with Josh and I following suite. The last time Josh and I drank tequila we ended up with Hunter nine months later, but being as sore as I am from the ladder match a bubble bath sounds about as good.
"Drink up guys, I opened a tab for the whole night."
"You sure you got that kind of money Dave?" I ask, reluctantly taking a shot glass. "Josh and I don't mind paying our own way."
"Nonsense." Dave replies, waving me off. "This is my way of saying thank you."
"I don't know what we've done."
"Because of you guys, I finally feel like I have a purpose in this company." Dave begins, taking another shot. "And I can't tell you how good that feels."
"You've earned it by busting your ass since coming back." Josh says, matching Dave with a shot. "Nikki and I surround ourselves with good people. That's you and Penny, buddy."
"You know it's still weird hearing that."
"You can't define yourself from when you were a rookie or even a couple years ago." I say, finally taking my tequila shot. "You are who you are now."
"I guess you're right." Dave says, nodding his head. "Besides, being honorable has got me a lot further."
I nod my head along with him. "The whole bad boy thing may work for some, but I still believe in chivalry."
It's the thing I love about Josh and what attracted me to him in the first place. When I first met him I didn't know who he was, obviously because he was a stranger who held the door open at the neighborhood coffee shop. But I never followed wrestling until he told me later on about his past. I think what made me realize I could have a better life was when he was approached by a couple fans asking for an autograph one night at dinner. I didn't have the sudden starstruck eyes of a groupie once he revealed his celebrity status either, instead I was most impressed with how he humbly shrugged it off with a slow exhale and a smile. He didn't seem annoyed by the fans, and he was genuinely kind to them. When I started my wrestling career last year, I took that example as the way to treat fans when so many others stay in character. It's paid off because now I get those same people approaching me now and I hope when they walk away they realize I'm a normal person like them.
Dave and Josh have started doing triple shots, and I can tell by how he's swaying that Dave is close to reaching his limit. You never forget the effects that alcohol has on people and mine is deeply engrained from the nights Dustin would stagger in at a decent hour, which to him was three in the morning. He'd barge in smelling like vomit, waking and berating me for any gripe he had at that instance. I spent a lot of time trying to work up the courage to say something in return, but stayed quiet out of fear for the repercussions. I had to come to those terms on my own and it wasn't easy, though I can say I'm better for it. It would also partially explain why my social drinking is few and far between.
"You guys trying to buy the bar out?"
"Wasn't planning in it." Dave says as I giggle. "But that's not a bad idea.
"Sweetie, it was a joke."
"I might do it anyway." Dave says, moving with the music. "I'm on fire!"
I look at Josh as Dave continues to 'dance' toward the bar. "You about ready? I'm starting to hurt."
"Yeah, but I need to at least tell Dave we're leaving." Josh says, pulling me up gently by my hands. "I owe him that much."
"Well you're going to get your chance, because here he comes."
"Second round coming up!" Dave shouts, his expression changing as he sees me holding my purse. "Aww, don't tell me you guys are going already."
"Yeah, sorry dude."
"It's my fault Dave." I say as I give him a hug. "I'm really sore and I can't get comfortable enough to enjoy myself."
"No, it's cool." He says, picking up a shot of whiskey. "You go rest up. Josh will take care of you, I'm sure."
"Ok, but thank you for drinks." I say as I lean on Josh. "Who knows, maybe some nice girl will come over soon and join you."
"Yeah?"
Josh grins like a sly fox. "Never know buddy."
"Well, I'll just have to show off my charm."
"Please be safe tonight, Dave."
"No worries Nikki." Dave says, winking at us. "I got it covered."
*****
5/15/2015
Dean Residence
"I've been served?"
"That's what this looks like." Josh says, staring at the legal document in his hands. "I've never actually seen one. Usually I'm the one having papers served."
"What does it say?"
"Here take a look for yourself."
Josh hands me the document. I sit down on the sofa and begin to read it aloud.
"The Fulton County Family Court has ordered your appearance on May 21, 2015 regarding case number 176: Custodial agreement with regard to Drake Aaron Gillespie, a minor child. Failure to appear will result in a modification of the custodial agreement." I say, my heart dropping with each line read. "And it's signed off by Judge Rollins. She handled the initial case."
"Sounds official enough to me." Josh says. "Is there another number you can call?"
"Doesn't look like it." I sigh. "I guess he was serious."
"Who, Dustin?"
"Yeah." I say, lowering my head. "I knew it was just a matter of time."
"Is there something I'm missing?" Josh asks. "He usually talks to Drake when he calls."
Josh looks at me, puzzled by this situation. I guess there is only so long I can keep my face to face confrontation with my ex away from him. I feel hypocritical because I've always stressed openness to him, and believe me breaking through that wall was a task. I don't want to dump all of this on Josh knowing he's up to his neck with Dave's release being made public, but it's been eating at me for a couple months now. But he deserves to know the truth, if for no other reason than the expectations we've set for each other.
"Dustin came and saw me before my return."
"Where?"
"At the hospital, when I had that clot in my forearm."
"That dirty..."
"I know." I interrupt. "He came in making a bunch of threats and as time went by, I thought he lost his nerve."
"Listen, this is something we knew could happen." Josh calmly says, walking into the kitchen. "Now we've got to face it."
"No Josh, I have to face it." I retort. "Just like I did with Ante Witner."
"What kind of husband would I be if I can't have your back?"
"A good one that has enough respect for me to honor my request." I say, taking his hands. "You didn't call his bluff, I did."
"What am I supposed to do then?"
"There isn't much you can do." I reply. "He's got that restraining order on you where even if you wanted to be there, you couldn't."
"Yeah and I hate it."
When Josh and I started dating, Drake let it slip to Dustin that I moved on. I really think that he put the restraining order on Josh in place just to make it uncomfortable for me when Drake would stay with him in the summer. He could run his mouth and verbally abuse me in front of Drake with Josh forced to witness it all from a distance. One of his favorite tactics was to make me feel awful for leaving, playing on Drake's naive desires to have both parents together. Even though it was two weeks, those two weeks seemed much longer than the seven months I was injured. And the worst part was how quiet Drake would be about trips to his father's, never telling me anything about what he saw or was exposed to in Macon. He knows I'd probably flip out and put in my own modification of the court order that would effectively keep Dustin from seeing Drake all together. It wouldn't be much different than how it is now, but at least I'd have it in writing.
The first time we went to court was a nightmare. Endless amounts of mudslinging on his part, though I'm glad to see there were people who had enough decenty deciding Drake's fate. They saw Dustin for who he was and if I were trying to read his mind, I know he couldn't handle the fact that these outsiders weren't snowed by his normal facade.
"I really should talk to Judge Rollins." I say, folding the paper up. "There's no way she'll grant the motion."
"Do you want me to send Lucas with you?" Josh asks, pulling a cup down from the cabinet. "He's the best custody lawyer I know."
"I'll just call Frank Carmichael." I say, motioning for a cup. "He got me full custody the first time around."
"Different circumstances."
"Well, I know where to find him if I need a different approach." I say, giving him a kiss on the cheek. "Besides, you've got a lot going right now and I don't want to add more onto it."
"Yeah, that does remind me, I need to fly for Dave's trial in the morning."
"Our friends need you, Josh." I say with a reassuring touch. "Focus on that."
"If you insist."
I nod.
"Ok then. I better call and book my flight to Phoenix."
"And I'll get my evidence ready."
*****
5/17/2015
"You've got a lot of nerve showing up where you're not welcome."
"I do have a legal right to have a relationship with my son, which means I can see him when I want."
"Funny, you've never shown much interest before."
"Well-that was a rude way to welcome a guest." Dustin smirks. "Seems like you're a bit jealous."
"A guest is somebody you invite, and I don't remember asking you to join me for lemonade."
Dustin feigns laughter, exaggerated by holding his side. "Watch out, we've got a comedian. You know what I'm talking about, Nikki."
"Actually, I'm not sure what exactly you have that I'd want?" I quip, tilting my head to the side. "Sorry, but I don't have a burning desire to revisit the trailer park."
"You think you're so much better than me because of your nice house." He says, flashing me a look of contempt. "You've forgotten where you came from, but I haven't."
"It's this mentality that lets me know I made the right decision in leaving you."
"I'm always going to be a part of your life, and there's nothing you can do about that."
"You know, consider yourself very fortunate right now."
"Oh, and how so?"
"One, because you coming to my property violates that protective order that you just had to place against my husband. One hundred feet, correct?" I begin, clinching my fist. "You were very adamant about the distance. Well I'm pretty sure this is trespassing, which means I have the right to protect myself."
"What are you gonna do, hit me?"
"We've got cameras surrounding this place Dustin." I say. "But no, I'll just call Atlanta PD and let them figure it out."
"You know you really are a b*tch."
The unforgettable smell of alcohol lets me know he's drunk. Plus I can tell it by his abnormally puffed out chest and degrading remarks. It's probably the main reason I harvest so much hatred for Dustin, though using that word to describe my sentiments is often out of character because I believe that it's lazy. It also indicates an emotion that's conceived blindly, and I'd like to think I'm justified in my reasons for such strong opinions on the guy. I want to punch him in that snarky mouth of his and do what's been needed for a long time, but I gain nothing out of this and I know it. Leave it to my luck that he's already got the 911 dialed or Drake would see me in the midst of delivering vigilante justice. I grudgingly swallow my pride when it pertains to Dustin because I've worked too damn hard to have Drake's image of me soiled by a guy hard up for a payday.
"You'd love that, wouldn't ya?" I assert, placing my fist behind my back. "It'd be the smoking gun you'd need. Tell me, how stupid do you think I am."
"You don't have the guts to do anything." Dustin huffs, taking a step closer to me. "You may play some kind of fighter on TV, but I know that you cave any time your plans don't come together."
"Once upon a time I did, but that was a long time ago."
"No one changes overnight."
"You're one to talk." I retort, my fists trembling in anger. "You're still the same selfish pig I kicked to the curb five years ago."
"And here I thought we were building bridges again."
"You missed that boat Dustin when I took you back, only to find out you were f*cking my cousin on the side!" I snap. "I tried to do what Drake wanted instead of what was best, all because he keeps you on a pedestal..."
"I deserve that pedestal!" He shouts. "I'm his father..."
"Only by DNA." I interupt. "Cum stains don't make you a dad."
"F*ck you Nikki!"
"No thanks. I'm married, I'm clean and I want to keep it that way."
I reach into my pocket and pull out a fifty dollar bill. I've had all I can stand from this uncomfortable visit. It's an intimidation Dustin tries to use when his tired verbal barbs don't work. He seems prepared to throw down the gauntlet to wrestle Drake away from me, although he's finding out very quickly that I refuse to cower. I didn't ask to make this custody battle ugly with Dustin, and I've been more than accommodating to him since we split. His drunken tirades will stop one way or another, and I can only hope Drake forgives me when his father's rights get permanently revoked.
"Go home Dustin, and think about your life." I say, offering the money to him. "You're a mess and in no condition to raise a child."
"We'll see what the judge says."
"I guess we will." I respond, stuffing the bill into his shirt pocket. "Take a cab and have dinner on me."
"I hate you."
"Goodbye Dustin."
I turn around and walk inside, shutting the door in his face.
*****
What do you say to a man that appears to be bulletproof? A man with a legend so vast that it crosses the border of blasphemy. A man that calls himself the be all, end all in this sport. A man who prides himself on living a lifestyle so full of excess that many within our promotion are placing bets on his eventual drug related death. What ground do you cover that others have already unsuccessfully tried, because you can't recreate the wheel? How do you approach this man with such a stellar record that his losses, no matter how clean, seem to be swirled in controversy. A man, that when he set foot in WFWF torched everything in his path until he sat atop the mountain. What do you do?
Breathe slow.
Perceptions are so overrated.
I know the grandeur that surrounds you, Michael Kyzer. Yet here I am, willing to sign my name on a contract to mix it up with you in the ring. Rumor has it that you specifically called me out, and it feels like I've been getting a lot of that lately. I don't know if I should consider it a compliment or an insult, being called out by a guy with an ego 'allegedly' the size of his penis.
Said no woman ever, but there's no reason I should resort to hitting you where it really hurts. I'm not heading into Ascension looking to go all Lorena Bobbit and literally esmasculate you because I'm better than that. I just want to compete, further etching my name in this company's rich history because I actually believe in giving respect to WFWF's past which unfortunately includes you. I know the heinous things you've done to people to get your reputation because you won't shut up about it. Reverend Shadow, Drakz, EBR, Meg, Kylie Olsen. No one would forget these acts of malice to begin with, let alone because you make it a point to bring it up every time you get near a camera or a microphone. Get some new material darlin', because some people like to live in the present.
No one will ever compare us, in or out of the ring. And how can they when I'm much more appealing on the eyes.
I'm not going to predict victory at Ascension, because that would be foolish of me as a rookie to do so. What I am going to do is fight like I always do when I step in the ring, ensuring that everyone knows who I am by the end of the night. And what a better way than to do it against the second biggest fish in the ocean.
Oh, was I supposed to call you the big fish?
Sorry, but I can't bring myself to do it. Because since I've been around this company, Drakz has been the one with that distinction. That's got to sting a little bit, coming from someone that's a means to an end. To you I'm the beginning of a long line filled with bodies that leads you to the ultimate showdown with Drakz. I believe they call it the high stakes round. It'd be a real pity if this mission got detoured by a female, you know the weaker, subservient gender. As great as you are Michael, and you've got the list of victims all over your resume to back that up, I see a deadbeat in all walks of life. So why don't we just add name that to the list. It could be your nickname's nickname's nickname's nickname, since your monikers apparently have the ability to reproduce. And they'd probably do a better job of raising their offspring than the stories I've heard about you.
I don't know if anyone's told you yet, but deadbeats turn me into a real b*tch. And that's a big problem for you at Ascension.
So laugh it up, shoot up, snort as much as your little heart desires, Michael. You might pin me, but I won't be broken. But you will realize that you made a mistake calling me out because even if I lose, I'm taking a piece of you with me.
I am the National Champion and that may not mean much to you, but I really don't care what you think. You're nothing to me but a man that's about to get eaten. [/font]
I dont know good luck 
