Post by badteacher on Jun 5, 2015 22:49:43 GMT -5
Fulton County Family Court
Chambers of Judge Julia Rollins
5/16/2015
"Nikki, this a pleasant surprise." Judge Rollins says as she opens the door to her chambers. "Please come in."
"Your honor, I wish it were under better circumstances." I say as I enter. "But I'm really confused about something."
"Ok, have a seat and let's talk about it."
"Your honor..."
"Nikki, we're not in court and you don't have your lawyer present." She cuts me off. "Please, call me Julia."
"Ok."
I feel like I'm being disrespectful by not recognizing her title, but I'd also be disrespecting her by not honoring the request. I breathe a deep sigh, because the idea of contesting a court's ruling isn't something I'd normally do. But for me, this isn't about this isn't blanket revenge like it is for Dustin. No, if Drake gets taken from me, it will destroy the very fabric of my family. They say up until the age of four children don't remember a lot, but I don't agree with that. Drake has been a fixture in Hunter's life since the beginning, and I believe if they were ever separated Hunter would know. That's potentially devastating to both kids, and I have to put my fear of being out of line to the side to prevent that from happening.
"Is this a joke." I ask, handing her the subpoena. "I really hope you aren't considering allowing it."
She studies the paper and lays it down on her desk. "Honestly, this is just a preliminary injunction. I want to see if he has any concrete evidence that could warrant a full trial."
"And to think, I never pressed him for child support." I say as Judge Rollins walks behind her desk. "He should've just said thank you for having no obligations relating to Drake."
"You were entitled to it through my initial ruling, why didn't you?"
"I couldn't rely on him to keep a job." I say, sitting my purse in my lap as I finally take a seat. "It was the same thing when we were married."
"I thought your reasons were abuse and infidelity?"
"They were, and I figured that was more important than being unable to keep a job."
"I can see that, and how far behind is he on his payments?"
"I haven't got one since he left me." I say, handing her a notice from the Department of Health and Human Resources. "I never cared about his money, especially now that I'm financially secure."
"That was actually the reason Dustin came to me to get a new hearing." She says, reaching into her desk drawer. "There were concerns about the environment you provide Drake."
"I assure you, Drake's environment is as stable as it's ever been."
"His claim is that you endorse violence and debauchery." Judge Rollins says, fishing through her paperwork before pulling out what was looking for. "Now you don't come across as a violent person or a street walker, so I want to see why he would think that."
"Drake's been involved with martial arts since before my husband and I got together." I say, trying to dance around what she's implying. "It could be that Dustin saw him practicing something Josh might've taught him."
"Is Josh involved in martial arts?"
"He's a part time instructor at the local jujitsu school, and he works with a lot of athletes in that profession."
Her eyebrows lower. She's hiding something from me and I'm not entirely sure what. But it angers me to no end for anyone to purposely leave out details. What bothers me even more than her omitting things is the fact she's has taken what I've said, stuff she knows to be true and is seemingly disregarding them. Five years ago when she was new to the bench, Judge Rollins may have been fair about looking over evidence. But I'm getting an uneasy feeling the subpoena I recieved is biased. Maybe she's taking Dustin's side now, depending of course on what he told her. I've come this far, I might as well ask her.
"What have you heard?"
"I'm not at liberty to say anything directly, Nikki." She says, removing her glasses. "You know that."
I sigh. "I find all of this very funny."
"Why's that?"
"Because you remember how I carried myself the first time around, how afraid I was of everything." I begin, moving my head along with hers. I want her to look me in the eyes and tell me he has a case. "That doesn't happen without a good reason, and here you are trying to tell me that he has a legitimate gripe."
She stiffens up and asks. "Are you accusing me of being corrupt, Ms. Brown?"
"Ms. Brown was my maiden name, a naive girl that was sheltered." I hiss. "Ms. Brown died because of things that son of a b*tch did to me. He ruined my belief in good people. But because of my husband and the determination I've gained, I'm not that broken girl you had to walk through the proceedings."
"You're treading dangerously close to being held in contempt of court." She says with a sneer. "I do not need to justify my ruling for your case being reopened."
"Then explain to me why all of a sudden you want to give him a chance." I demand. "Nothing has changed with him, so how is that any better?"
"I have to consider everything said to me in confidence, and he raised concerns about Drake's welfare with your lifestyle."
"That's bullsh*t, because he's grasping at straws." I pause before standing up from the chair, slamming my hands forcefully on her desk. "That prostitution claim is slander! But I see how this time around is going to go, and I believe I want to exercise my right to a fair trial."
"I've been assigned this appeal hearing."
I turn on my heel and walk toward the door of her chambers. I really believed I had a sympathetic ear in a high position. I guess I was wrong. My newfound confidence seems to rub people who knew me before the wrong way, but I like the person I am much more. I'm not going to apologize for refusing to be a victim to someone else's agenda. People have taken advantage of me, and I can't help but think that Judge Rollins only reopened the case so she could get her number of verdicts up at my children's expense.
Over my dead body.
"Well I guess my attorney and I will just have to go over your head, your honor."
****
Lenox Square Mall
Atlanta, Georgia
5/24/2015
"That top is so cute on you, Nikki." Penny says, looking at me as I step in front of the mirror. "And here you said you couldn't find anything."
"You don't think it's too revealing?"
"Honey, it's ok to be sexy."
"I know, but I've always had a body issue."
"Oh shut up!" Penny shot out as she playfully slaps my arm. "I'd do you."
"Penny!"
"What?" Penny asks. "Would you rather I lie?"
"No."
"Ok then, so there's no problem."
I look in the mirror, checking every profile. "I just want to be tasteful."
"I don't think anyone would accuse you of flaunting too much." Penny says, helping me adjust the top while I wince in pain. "Maybe not flaunting enough."
"I don't know about that."
"Oh come on, I'd love to look like you after having two kids."
Penny winks at me and all I can do is smile. I appreciate her honesty, even if it is masked with playful flirts. But I know that she would never cross the line of sisterhood, even if she did find me irresistible. But she doesn't know how much being here with me means, especially after my match with Michael Kyzer. My in ring life has been as much of a blur as my private life, and that's what left me open to Ante's attack. I should've expected it from such a sore loser, but I was more worried about getting into the ring with Kyzer. To this point in my career, he is the highest caliber opponent I've faced and he deserved my full attention. I'll deal with Ante in time, but only if he begs me. He doesn't deserve a rematch, because I proved at End Game his reign meant nothing.
"You're sweet, Penny."
"And you're too modest."
"I've never been the boastful type." I say, walking into the fitting room and closing the door. "I always hated those girls growing up."
"Ok, there's a lot more to this, Nikki." Penny shot out as she swung open the dressing room door. "I thought you liked shopping."
"I do, but I don't want to give anyone a reason to say things that aren't true."
"Who said what?" Penny asks. "I'll kick their ass for you."
"You know I went and saw the judge last week, right?"
"Yeah, how did that go?"
"I was basically accused of being a whore."
"What?"
"The judge didn't come right out and say it, but Dustin's complaint stems around my line of work." I say, sighing. "He says that I expose the kids to sex and violence."
"Sounds pretty desperate to me."
"It is, but Judge Rollins bought it hook, line, and sinker."
"So is the trial going to happen?" Penny asks as she takes her shirt off and tosses it on the bench.
"Yeah, and the bad thing is Josh can't be there."
"Well he should be..."
"No, I mean Dustin has a restraining order against him."
"Did Josh beat his ass or something?" Penny asks, examining the shirts she picked out. "Because he really should."
"Nope, never laid a finger on him."
"It's probably for the best." Penny says, picking up one of her shirts. "He's got enough to worry about."
"It's the principle behind it." I say, hanging up my normal shirt on the hook. "Can you help me with this?"
"You should get that checked." She says as she looks at the deep purple swelling on my arm.
"I did, Doctor Patton said nothing was damaged."
"If you say so."
I didn't want to tap out in my match with Kyzer, but I knew it was the smart move. You hear stories about how he 'crucified' Reverend Shadow or broke Drakz's back, but this time I was in his crosshairs. I know if he had the chance to reinjure my arm, he would've done it. He tried, and thankfully Trace Demon came down for whatever reason to stop it from happening. I knew when I came back that my arm as a whole would be a target. I think for Kyzer it was nothing more than another notch on his belt in this bogus conquest, another person he could say he took out. I can't picture him doing it to benefit Ante. Aside from a couple people, most in the locker room would probably be happy if I weren't able to wrestle. Men are so afraid of getting shown up by a woman.
"I'll agree though... it was pretty f*cked up he called you a whore." Penny shot out, helping me remove the store's shirt. "He's one to talk."
"It's not like I dress inappropriately when I go to the ring." I say, carefully slipping my shirt back on. "Sure, Roberta in wardrobe does a good job of making me look pretty, but I need something that functions."
"Have you called your lawyer?"
"Frank won't answer."
"I've never heard of a lawyer who didn't answer the phone."
"I'm thinking of calling another lawyer. Josh knows one that deals in a lot of custody battles."
"It couldn't hurt to hear him out." Penny says, adjusting herself. "How's this look?"
"That looks really good, though you're spilling out a little bit."
Penny winks. "You're not the only one that needs to keep up an image."
****
5/26/2015
"You've reached the office of Lucas Matthews. I'm currently away from my desk and can't take your call. Please leave your name, number, and brief message after the tone and I'll return your call at my earliest convenience. Thank you and have a wonderful day."
BEEP!
"Hi Lucas, this is Nikki Dean. Josh told me that I could enlist your services in the event I need an attorney. I'm sure you already know what's happening, and I'd like for you to review the case. Call Josh's the office so we can set up a consultation. I'll be in every day this week. Thanks, bye.
****
If you wanted a rematch Ante, all you had to do was ask.
No actually let me rephrase that, because see it's a little more complicated. Based on your ridiculous claim of being National Champion in my absence, you have a rematch waiting anytime you want it. Now whether I feel you deserve one is irrelevant. You'll get one on a technicality, even though there's a guy begging people to run that's earned a crack who should be in front of you.
Yeah, we'll have our dance Jack. I'm just waiting for you to gather enough nerve to ask me.
Technicalities seem to be swirling around me at every turn, but I'll continue to carry myself with dignity despite these attacks from you or anyone that decides to throw them out. But you had to take it a step further. Your rage stems from the fact I came back after a life threatening condition and beat you again. I ended your one claim to fame, and well you couldn't handle that. You couldn't handle that no matter how much better you got, I proved two things. One, that I am still better than you, and more importantly you have no heart. But I feel that the definition of heart will go over your head, so let me explain it in words you can understand.
You're a quitter.
Dealing with adversity is not your strong suit. You're easily thrown off your game the second that your plans go out the window. It's why you surround yourself with people who can actually think clearly, because of your own inability to think for yourself. Twice now you attempted to put me back on the shelf by someone else's orders, and even though I'm obviously sore I'm still here. I'm still the roadblock you can't get past. And at New Dawn, I prevent you from getting your filthy hands on another piece of championship gold. It's going to get harder to show your face around your crew every time you lose to a female.
I know that I haven't completely got past you Ante because you keep trying to take issue with me, but that's ok because everyone needs a rival no matter how lopsided the score is. And I guess until I make you feel what I felt those seven months I was at home, you'll never understand. But in the meantime my tag team partner can keep sending paychecks, and I'll make sure his dental insurance plan is put to use.
But you Michael Kyzer, deserve a much worse fate. Eventually you'll get it, because I believe in karma. The thing I can't understand is why a man of such a reputation had to resort to a sneak attack and a two on one advantage to beat little ole me.
That's weak, even for you.
The God of F*ck needs a fluffer, to reference the only thing you talk about besides how bad you are. I don't even care what strategy you're trying to put together for this tournament, because you just showed your cards Michael. You're just another run of the mill manipulator, convincing a guy that is at a low point in his career to take up arms with you.
Sounds like the 'great' Michael Kyzer can't fight his own battles. I don't touch drugs, but is that how you handle your addictions too?
Pathetic.
At New Dawn, just understand one thing. I've got plenty of back up besides SOS, and you will see what we're capable of when we send you to the loser's bracket where you both belong. You're going to have to do better than what you've previously done to break me.
And you're not man enough to do it.
****
Dean Residence
5/30/2015
"Open the door, you f*cking b*tch!"
The constant pounding and screaming wakes Hunter from his afternoon nap. The cries of the little guy carry downstairs and I immediately face palm myself. I was hoping to grade Drake's Social Studies test while Josh scouted a minor league baseball player on TV. I guess these things will have to wait.
"I hope he knows that I can legally kick his ass right now." Josh says as he stands up from his recliner. "How did he manage to weasel his way into your life?"
"I was young, and he put on a great first impression."
"That'll do it." He walks toward the front door. "This is beyond ridiculous, I'm about to handle this..."
"No Josh." I cut him off. "You'll go to jail."
"He came onto our property looking for trouble."
"Yes, but he had a loophole put in that restraining order." I say, sighing. "You can't go within a hundred feet, but he can come here if it's with the intent to see Drake."
"How did I miss that?"
"I swear I told you."
"You probably did." Josh says, changing directions to head upstairs. "Well, I'll just work on getting Hunter back to sleep."
"Thank you."
I think Josh knows how Drakz feels, or Drakz knows how Josh feels. Either way, he's losing patience with this restraining order, once again leaving me to another confrontation with my ex-husband. I take a deep breath and walk toward the door, where Dustin's still making a scene. I'm trying to be civil with him for Drake's sake, but when he's obnoxiously cussing out mine and Josh's neighbors I find it difficult to remain cordial. I'm still so angry with how my visit to Judge Rollins turned out. I just hope he's not here to gloat about it, because right now he has one over on me and I can't stand when he gets the last word. I've had to deal with that long enough.
I open the door and I'm taken aback by the smell of alcohol on him. He must've really got himself sh*faced before coming here. It's more than enough evidence to prove my case in front of an unbiased courtroom, unbiased being the key word. I can tell immediately by his arrogant grin this won't be pleasant.
"What do you want?"
"Where's my boy?"
"Your boy?" I ask sarcastically. "What is he, a piece of property?"
"That's what you treat him like."
"Look in the mirror, Dustin." I hiss. "He's just leverage to you."
"No, my agreement with Judge Rollins is leverage."
"So it's true, Rollins is crooked."
"Julia knows what a sure fire winner looks like." He barks, pointing a finger in my direction. "And she's not a big fan of what you've been doing recently."
"What's that, keeping a job?"
"Real classy Nikki." He says, frowning. "No, the part where you dump Drake on your dad so you can go be a 'wrestler'."
"That's only when we leave the country."
In that moment I realize that I might've given him too much information to be used in court, especially since WFWF is leaving for Japan in the next couple months and I'm sure to be on that card in some form or fashion. Not every judge would understand my desire to fulfill an athletic dream, most probably wouldn't care either while we're on the subject. They also wouldn't realize that the opportunity is much greater than just my own goals, but a chance to expose Drake to more than just what he sees on television or reads about in a book. When I first decided to become a wrestler, these were the exact things I worried about. His education and social growth are the most important things in my life, plus he deserves the chance to do things I never got to do while reaching his full potential. With new policies and cirriculum being enforced by lawmakers at the capital, I don't have a lot of confidence in our school system now.
"So you just pull him out of school?" Dustin asks, obviously trying to set me up for an insult. "What kind of mother are you?"
"One that was smart enough to homeschool him." I snap back. "Or did you forget that I'm also a licensed teacher?"
"Well I..."
"That would require you to think beyond your own d*ck, so you wouldn't be interested in that."
"You know, I'm getting sick of your f*cking mouth..."
"And I'm sick of you thinking you have rights?" I say, noticing his fist starting to ball up. "You're gonna have to do better than my career choices, even with a judge in your back pocket."
I look at his fist trembling and I know he's seriously thinking about it. Before, I would cave in when he'd lose his temper and wait until he'd pass out to start crying. But now, I almost want him to hit me, just so I can give it back. Even if he were able to take a selfie with a black eye, I'd have our security cameras. He's a frail, pathetic excuse of a man, and where I've been fighting men recently I know he'd be nothing.
"You may have the judge convinced you're a changed man, but I know you haven't and you never will."
"All I need to do is convince the right people."
If ever there was something more prophetic than what Dustin said in that moment, I've yet to hear it. It doesn't take a whole nation to follow a charismatic leader for a revolution to start, just one or two who buy into it. I'll never mistake him for being intelligent or having a personality, but something he said to Judge Rollins apparantly made sense.
I peer out the corner of my eye as I see a Mercedes creeping down the street of our upscale subdivision. You get pretty familiar with which neighbor drives what cars, but this is one I've never seen. The car stops which causes me start to worrying a little bit, because Josh and I have made some enemies out of some bad people recently. I take my attention off Dustin.
"You better listen, you stupid c*nt."
He sounds likes a faint noise as my attention is completely on the man stepping out of the Mercedes. It's hard to miss the bright red patch in Tracy's hair, and I start getting even more nervous. Back in October, Trace had to tell me the terrible news that I would be stripped due to my injury. This was around the time SOS, more specifically Dave and to a lesser extent Josh, were battling Trace's Final Revolution. I don't have a problem with Trace since he's always been pretty fair to me, but he and Josh aren't on the best of terms after their fight. Josh ended up with a couple small burns on his face and Trace got a busted nose. I would've expected Trace to be petty and leave me to a violent assault by Kyzer and Witner, but I was more shocked to see him show up. Not so much as a word was said before he backed both of them down. Don't get me wrong I'm grateful, but still trying to process it all.
Dustin looks over his shoulder to see what has me ignoring his ramp, as if I needed help.
"And who is this homosexual?" He huffs, turning to Trace who doesn't look amused. "Another guy giving it to Nikki, eh. I thought she had bad taste with Josh but you, I mean come on."
Trace doesn't seem impressed with Dustin's bold proclamation, but if I were as decorated and had Trace's reputation I wouldn't be either. I sat in the back and watched him dismantle Joe Bishop, and it taught me very quickly what Trace is capable of. I probably should warn Dustin, but after what he's put me through he completely deserves it.
"What, you meant to be the strong silent type or something?" Dustin pipes up, challenging Trace in his drunken state. "Why don’t you just piss off back to whatever hole you crawled out of and let the adults talk alright?"
I'm sure Trace has been talked to worse than this, but it's still got to be annoying when he's never met the guy. I've always said Dustin was going to pay dearly for being rude to people, and since Josh isn't able to with that restraining order maybe Trace will. While I know he has a lot of knowledge relating to what happens to his employees outside the ring, Trace doesn't seem like the kind of guy to interject himself into someone else's business. But we are teaming together in this tournament.
"You trying to freak me out or something you… you freak!? I’ll knock you down to where you belong, I’ll…"
I see both guys clench their fists and it seems like a fight, well a one sided beating is about to happen. But Dustin loosens his grip, and his nerve. I think it's the way Trace is carrying himself right now that makes Dustin rethink his options.
"F*ck you man, and f*ck you Nikki, he’s my kid damn it! He belongs with me and you… You haven’t seen the last of me."
Dustin storms off, and Trace cracks a smirk. I have a good idea as to why he paid me a visit. I know he has a child and I can respect anyone who would go to bat for a child, even if it's one he doesn't know. As we start this tag team tournament, I have a feeling that our understanding of family will be an advantage. That or provide a common ground to keep me out of his crosshairs.
[/font]
Chambers of Judge Julia Rollins
5/16/2015
"Nikki, this a pleasant surprise." Judge Rollins says as she opens the door to her chambers. "Please come in."
"Your honor, I wish it were under better circumstances." I say as I enter. "But I'm really confused about something."
"Ok, have a seat and let's talk about it."
"Your honor..."
"Nikki, we're not in court and you don't have your lawyer present." She cuts me off. "Please, call me Julia."
"Ok."
I feel like I'm being disrespectful by not recognizing her title, but I'd also be disrespecting her by not honoring the request. I breathe a deep sigh, because the idea of contesting a court's ruling isn't something I'd normally do. But for me, this isn't about this isn't blanket revenge like it is for Dustin. No, if Drake gets taken from me, it will destroy the very fabric of my family. They say up until the age of four children don't remember a lot, but I don't agree with that. Drake has been a fixture in Hunter's life since the beginning, and I believe if they were ever separated Hunter would know. That's potentially devastating to both kids, and I have to put my fear of being out of line to the side to prevent that from happening.
"Is this a joke." I ask, handing her the subpoena. "I really hope you aren't considering allowing it."
She studies the paper and lays it down on her desk. "Honestly, this is just a preliminary injunction. I want to see if he has any concrete evidence that could warrant a full trial."
"And to think, I never pressed him for child support." I say as Judge Rollins walks behind her desk. "He should've just said thank you for having no obligations relating to Drake."
"You were entitled to it through my initial ruling, why didn't you?"
"I couldn't rely on him to keep a job." I say, sitting my purse in my lap as I finally take a seat. "It was the same thing when we were married."
"I thought your reasons were abuse and infidelity?"
"They were, and I figured that was more important than being unable to keep a job."
"I can see that, and how far behind is he on his payments?"
"I haven't got one since he left me." I say, handing her a notice from the Department of Health and Human Resources. "I never cared about his money, especially now that I'm financially secure."
"That was actually the reason Dustin came to me to get a new hearing." She says, reaching into her desk drawer. "There were concerns about the environment you provide Drake."
"I assure you, Drake's environment is as stable as it's ever been."
"His claim is that you endorse violence and debauchery." Judge Rollins says, fishing through her paperwork before pulling out what was looking for. "Now you don't come across as a violent person or a street walker, so I want to see why he would think that."
"Drake's been involved with martial arts since before my husband and I got together." I say, trying to dance around what she's implying. "It could be that Dustin saw him practicing something Josh might've taught him."
"Is Josh involved in martial arts?"
"He's a part time instructor at the local jujitsu school, and he works with a lot of athletes in that profession."
Her eyebrows lower. She's hiding something from me and I'm not entirely sure what. But it angers me to no end for anyone to purposely leave out details. What bothers me even more than her omitting things is the fact she's has taken what I've said, stuff she knows to be true and is seemingly disregarding them. Five years ago when she was new to the bench, Judge Rollins may have been fair about looking over evidence. But I'm getting an uneasy feeling the subpoena I recieved is biased. Maybe she's taking Dustin's side now, depending of course on what he told her. I've come this far, I might as well ask her.
"What have you heard?"
"I'm not at liberty to say anything directly, Nikki." She says, removing her glasses. "You know that."
I sigh. "I find all of this very funny."
"Why's that?"
"Because you remember how I carried myself the first time around, how afraid I was of everything." I begin, moving my head along with hers. I want her to look me in the eyes and tell me he has a case. "That doesn't happen without a good reason, and here you are trying to tell me that he has a legitimate gripe."
She stiffens up and asks. "Are you accusing me of being corrupt, Ms. Brown?"
"Ms. Brown was my maiden name, a naive girl that was sheltered." I hiss. "Ms. Brown died because of things that son of a b*tch did to me. He ruined my belief in good people. But because of my husband and the determination I've gained, I'm not that broken girl you had to walk through the proceedings."
"You're treading dangerously close to being held in contempt of court." She says with a sneer. "I do not need to justify my ruling for your case being reopened."
"Then explain to me why all of a sudden you want to give him a chance." I demand. "Nothing has changed with him, so how is that any better?"
"I have to consider everything said to me in confidence, and he raised concerns about Drake's welfare with your lifestyle."
"That's bullsh*t, because he's grasping at straws." I pause before standing up from the chair, slamming my hands forcefully on her desk. "That prostitution claim is slander! But I see how this time around is going to go, and I believe I want to exercise my right to a fair trial."
"I've been assigned this appeal hearing."
I turn on my heel and walk toward the door of her chambers. I really believed I had a sympathetic ear in a high position. I guess I was wrong. My newfound confidence seems to rub people who knew me before the wrong way, but I like the person I am much more. I'm not going to apologize for refusing to be a victim to someone else's agenda. People have taken advantage of me, and I can't help but think that Judge Rollins only reopened the case so she could get her number of verdicts up at my children's expense.
Over my dead body.
"Well I guess my attorney and I will just have to go over your head, your honor."
****
Lenox Square Mall
Atlanta, Georgia
5/24/2015
"That top is so cute on you, Nikki." Penny says, looking at me as I step in front of the mirror. "And here you said you couldn't find anything."
"You don't think it's too revealing?"
"Honey, it's ok to be sexy."
"I know, but I've always had a body issue."
"Oh shut up!" Penny shot out as she playfully slaps my arm. "I'd do you."
"Penny!"
"What?" Penny asks. "Would you rather I lie?"
"No."
"Ok then, so there's no problem."
I look in the mirror, checking every profile. "I just want to be tasteful."
"I don't think anyone would accuse you of flaunting too much." Penny says, helping me adjust the top while I wince in pain. "Maybe not flaunting enough."
"I don't know about that."
"Oh come on, I'd love to look like you after having two kids."
Penny winks at me and all I can do is smile. I appreciate her honesty, even if it is masked with playful flirts. But I know that she would never cross the line of sisterhood, even if she did find me irresistible. But she doesn't know how much being here with me means, especially after my match with Michael Kyzer. My in ring life has been as much of a blur as my private life, and that's what left me open to Ante's attack. I should've expected it from such a sore loser, but I was more worried about getting into the ring with Kyzer. To this point in my career, he is the highest caliber opponent I've faced and he deserved my full attention. I'll deal with Ante in time, but only if he begs me. He doesn't deserve a rematch, because I proved at End Game his reign meant nothing.
"You're sweet, Penny."
"And you're too modest."
"I've never been the boastful type." I say, walking into the fitting room and closing the door. "I always hated those girls growing up."
"Ok, there's a lot more to this, Nikki." Penny shot out as she swung open the dressing room door. "I thought you liked shopping."
"I do, but I don't want to give anyone a reason to say things that aren't true."
"Who said what?" Penny asks. "I'll kick their ass for you."
"You know I went and saw the judge last week, right?"
"Yeah, how did that go?"
"I was basically accused of being a whore."
"What?"
"The judge didn't come right out and say it, but Dustin's complaint stems around my line of work." I say, sighing. "He says that I expose the kids to sex and violence."
"Sounds pretty desperate to me."
"It is, but Judge Rollins bought it hook, line, and sinker."
"So is the trial going to happen?" Penny asks as she takes her shirt off and tosses it on the bench.
"Yeah, and the bad thing is Josh can't be there."
"Well he should be..."
"No, I mean Dustin has a restraining order against him."
"Did Josh beat his ass or something?" Penny asks, examining the shirts she picked out. "Because he really should."
"Nope, never laid a finger on him."
"It's probably for the best." Penny says, picking up one of her shirts. "He's got enough to worry about."
"It's the principle behind it." I say, hanging up my normal shirt on the hook. "Can you help me with this?"
"You should get that checked." She says as she looks at the deep purple swelling on my arm.
"I did, Doctor Patton said nothing was damaged."
"If you say so."
I didn't want to tap out in my match with Kyzer, but I knew it was the smart move. You hear stories about how he 'crucified' Reverend Shadow or broke Drakz's back, but this time I was in his crosshairs. I know if he had the chance to reinjure my arm, he would've done it. He tried, and thankfully Trace Demon came down for whatever reason to stop it from happening. I knew when I came back that my arm as a whole would be a target. I think for Kyzer it was nothing more than another notch on his belt in this bogus conquest, another person he could say he took out. I can't picture him doing it to benefit Ante. Aside from a couple people, most in the locker room would probably be happy if I weren't able to wrestle. Men are so afraid of getting shown up by a woman.
"I'll agree though... it was pretty f*cked up he called you a whore." Penny shot out, helping me remove the store's shirt. "He's one to talk."
"It's not like I dress inappropriately when I go to the ring." I say, carefully slipping my shirt back on. "Sure, Roberta in wardrobe does a good job of making me look pretty, but I need something that functions."
"Have you called your lawyer?"
"Frank won't answer."
"I've never heard of a lawyer who didn't answer the phone."
"I'm thinking of calling another lawyer. Josh knows one that deals in a lot of custody battles."
"It couldn't hurt to hear him out." Penny says, adjusting herself. "How's this look?"
"That looks really good, though you're spilling out a little bit."
Penny winks. "You're not the only one that needs to keep up an image."
****
5/26/2015
"You've reached the office of Lucas Matthews. I'm currently away from my desk and can't take your call. Please leave your name, number, and brief message after the tone and I'll return your call at my earliest convenience. Thank you and have a wonderful day."
BEEP!
"Hi Lucas, this is Nikki Dean. Josh told me that I could enlist your services in the event I need an attorney. I'm sure you already know what's happening, and I'd like for you to review the case. Call Josh's the office so we can set up a consultation. I'll be in every day this week. Thanks, bye.
****
If you wanted a rematch Ante, all you had to do was ask.
No actually let me rephrase that, because see it's a little more complicated. Based on your ridiculous claim of being National Champion in my absence, you have a rematch waiting anytime you want it. Now whether I feel you deserve one is irrelevant. You'll get one on a technicality, even though there's a guy begging people to run that's earned a crack who should be in front of you.
Yeah, we'll have our dance Jack. I'm just waiting for you to gather enough nerve to ask me.
Technicalities seem to be swirling around me at every turn, but I'll continue to carry myself with dignity despite these attacks from you or anyone that decides to throw them out. But you had to take it a step further. Your rage stems from the fact I came back after a life threatening condition and beat you again. I ended your one claim to fame, and well you couldn't handle that. You couldn't handle that no matter how much better you got, I proved two things. One, that I am still better than you, and more importantly you have no heart. But I feel that the definition of heart will go over your head, so let me explain it in words you can understand.
You're a quitter.
Dealing with adversity is not your strong suit. You're easily thrown off your game the second that your plans go out the window. It's why you surround yourself with people who can actually think clearly, because of your own inability to think for yourself. Twice now you attempted to put me back on the shelf by someone else's orders, and even though I'm obviously sore I'm still here. I'm still the roadblock you can't get past. And at New Dawn, I prevent you from getting your filthy hands on another piece of championship gold. It's going to get harder to show your face around your crew every time you lose to a female.
I know that I haven't completely got past you Ante because you keep trying to take issue with me, but that's ok because everyone needs a rival no matter how lopsided the score is. And I guess until I make you feel what I felt those seven months I was at home, you'll never understand. But in the meantime my tag team partner can keep sending paychecks, and I'll make sure his dental insurance plan is put to use.
But you Michael Kyzer, deserve a much worse fate. Eventually you'll get it, because I believe in karma. The thing I can't understand is why a man of such a reputation had to resort to a sneak attack and a two on one advantage to beat little ole me.
That's weak, even for you.
The God of F*ck needs a fluffer, to reference the only thing you talk about besides how bad you are. I don't even care what strategy you're trying to put together for this tournament, because you just showed your cards Michael. You're just another run of the mill manipulator, convincing a guy that is at a low point in his career to take up arms with you.
Sounds like the 'great' Michael Kyzer can't fight his own battles. I don't touch drugs, but is that how you handle your addictions too?
Pathetic.
At New Dawn, just understand one thing. I've got plenty of back up besides SOS, and you will see what we're capable of when we send you to the loser's bracket where you both belong. You're going to have to do better than what you've previously done to break me.
And you're not man enough to do it.
****
Dean Residence
5/30/2015
"Open the door, you f*cking b*tch!"
The constant pounding and screaming wakes Hunter from his afternoon nap. The cries of the little guy carry downstairs and I immediately face palm myself. I was hoping to grade Drake's Social Studies test while Josh scouted a minor league baseball player on TV. I guess these things will have to wait.
"I hope he knows that I can legally kick his ass right now." Josh says as he stands up from his recliner. "How did he manage to weasel his way into your life?"
"I was young, and he put on a great first impression."
"That'll do it." He walks toward the front door. "This is beyond ridiculous, I'm about to handle this..."
"No Josh." I cut him off. "You'll go to jail."
"He came onto our property looking for trouble."
"Yes, but he had a loophole put in that restraining order." I say, sighing. "You can't go within a hundred feet, but he can come here if it's with the intent to see Drake."
"How did I miss that?"
"I swear I told you."
"You probably did." Josh says, changing directions to head upstairs. "Well, I'll just work on getting Hunter back to sleep."
"Thank you."
I think Josh knows how Drakz feels, or Drakz knows how Josh feels. Either way, he's losing patience with this restraining order, once again leaving me to another confrontation with my ex-husband. I take a deep breath and walk toward the door, where Dustin's still making a scene. I'm trying to be civil with him for Drake's sake, but when he's obnoxiously cussing out mine and Josh's neighbors I find it difficult to remain cordial. I'm still so angry with how my visit to Judge Rollins turned out. I just hope he's not here to gloat about it, because right now he has one over on me and I can't stand when he gets the last word. I've had to deal with that long enough.
I open the door and I'm taken aback by the smell of alcohol on him. He must've really got himself sh*faced before coming here. It's more than enough evidence to prove my case in front of an unbiased courtroom, unbiased being the key word. I can tell immediately by his arrogant grin this won't be pleasant.
"What do you want?"
"Where's my boy?"
"Your boy?" I ask sarcastically. "What is he, a piece of property?"
"That's what you treat him like."
"Look in the mirror, Dustin." I hiss. "He's just leverage to you."
"No, my agreement with Judge Rollins is leverage."
"So it's true, Rollins is crooked."
"Julia knows what a sure fire winner looks like." He barks, pointing a finger in my direction. "And she's not a big fan of what you've been doing recently."
"What's that, keeping a job?"
"Real classy Nikki." He says, frowning. "No, the part where you dump Drake on your dad so you can go be a 'wrestler'."
"That's only when we leave the country."
In that moment I realize that I might've given him too much information to be used in court, especially since WFWF is leaving for Japan in the next couple months and I'm sure to be on that card in some form or fashion. Not every judge would understand my desire to fulfill an athletic dream, most probably wouldn't care either while we're on the subject. They also wouldn't realize that the opportunity is much greater than just my own goals, but a chance to expose Drake to more than just what he sees on television or reads about in a book. When I first decided to become a wrestler, these were the exact things I worried about. His education and social growth are the most important things in my life, plus he deserves the chance to do things I never got to do while reaching his full potential. With new policies and cirriculum being enforced by lawmakers at the capital, I don't have a lot of confidence in our school system now.
"So you just pull him out of school?" Dustin asks, obviously trying to set me up for an insult. "What kind of mother are you?"
"One that was smart enough to homeschool him." I snap back. "Or did you forget that I'm also a licensed teacher?"
"Well I..."
"That would require you to think beyond your own d*ck, so you wouldn't be interested in that."
"You know, I'm getting sick of your f*cking mouth..."
"And I'm sick of you thinking you have rights?" I say, noticing his fist starting to ball up. "You're gonna have to do better than my career choices, even with a judge in your back pocket."
I look at his fist trembling and I know he's seriously thinking about it. Before, I would cave in when he'd lose his temper and wait until he'd pass out to start crying. But now, I almost want him to hit me, just so I can give it back. Even if he were able to take a selfie with a black eye, I'd have our security cameras. He's a frail, pathetic excuse of a man, and where I've been fighting men recently I know he'd be nothing.
"You may have the judge convinced you're a changed man, but I know you haven't and you never will."
"All I need to do is convince the right people."
If ever there was something more prophetic than what Dustin said in that moment, I've yet to hear it. It doesn't take a whole nation to follow a charismatic leader for a revolution to start, just one or two who buy into it. I'll never mistake him for being intelligent or having a personality, but something he said to Judge Rollins apparantly made sense.
I peer out the corner of my eye as I see a Mercedes creeping down the street of our upscale subdivision. You get pretty familiar with which neighbor drives what cars, but this is one I've never seen. The car stops which causes me start to worrying a little bit, because Josh and I have made some enemies out of some bad people recently. I take my attention off Dustin.
"You better listen, you stupid c*nt."
He sounds likes a faint noise as my attention is completely on the man stepping out of the Mercedes. It's hard to miss the bright red patch in Tracy's hair, and I start getting even more nervous. Back in October, Trace had to tell me the terrible news that I would be stripped due to my injury. This was around the time SOS, more specifically Dave and to a lesser extent Josh, were battling Trace's Final Revolution. I don't have a problem with Trace since he's always been pretty fair to me, but he and Josh aren't on the best of terms after their fight. Josh ended up with a couple small burns on his face and Trace got a busted nose. I would've expected Trace to be petty and leave me to a violent assault by Kyzer and Witner, but I was more shocked to see him show up. Not so much as a word was said before he backed both of them down. Don't get me wrong I'm grateful, but still trying to process it all.
Dustin looks over his shoulder to see what has me ignoring his ramp, as if I needed help.
"And who is this homosexual?" He huffs, turning to Trace who doesn't look amused. "Another guy giving it to Nikki, eh. I thought she had bad taste with Josh but you, I mean come on."
Trace doesn't seem impressed with Dustin's bold proclamation, but if I were as decorated and had Trace's reputation I wouldn't be either. I sat in the back and watched him dismantle Joe Bishop, and it taught me very quickly what Trace is capable of. I probably should warn Dustin, but after what he's put me through he completely deserves it.
"What, you meant to be the strong silent type or something?" Dustin pipes up, challenging Trace in his drunken state. "Why don’t you just piss off back to whatever hole you crawled out of and let the adults talk alright?"
I'm sure Trace has been talked to worse than this, but it's still got to be annoying when he's never met the guy. I've always said Dustin was going to pay dearly for being rude to people, and since Josh isn't able to with that restraining order maybe Trace will. While I know he has a lot of knowledge relating to what happens to his employees outside the ring, Trace doesn't seem like the kind of guy to interject himself into someone else's business. But we are teaming together in this tournament.
"You trying to freak me out or something you… you freak!? I’ll knock you down to where you belong, I’ll…"
I see both guys clench their fists and it seems like a fight, well a one sided beating is about to happen. But Dustin loosens his grip, and his nerve. I think it's the way Trace is carrying himself right now that makes Dustin rethink his options.
"F*ck you man, and f*ck you Nikki, he’s my kid damn it! He belongs with me and you… You haven’t seen the last of me."
Dustin storms off, and Trace cracks a smirk. I have a good idea as to why he paid me a visit. I know he has a child and I can respect anyone who would go to bat for a child, even if it's one he doesn't know. As we start this tag team tournament, I have a feeling that our understanding of family will be an advantage. That or provide a common ground to keep me out of his crosshairs.
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