Post by Red Bull Icon on Jul 25, 2009 23:31:20 GMT -5
(Our scene opens on a peacefully quiet winter’s morning. We’re standing in what is clearly a very nice and spacious kitchen. The aroma of fresh brewed coffee mixed with the subtle floral sent of a woman’s perfume fill the air as the sun cuts through the blinds and floods the room. We hear the slapping of bare feet on the cool Spanish tile floor alerting us to the entranceway and the emergence of Bryanah McCourt better known as Redd in her youth.
We watch as Bree, now in her late forties, glances at the clock over the stainless steel oven on her way to the French doors leading to the back patio. We watch as she bends over, as curvy as ever, to pick up her favorite pair of sneakers. We watch as she takes a seat at the small kitchen table to put on her shoes, and we watch as the sounds of coughing and hacking resonate through the house from the master bedroom.
When the almost animal like sounds switch to a snorting followed by an anguished groan, we watch as Redd stands and slowly makes her way to the coffee pot sitting on the countertop. As she begins pouring a cup in the Tasmanian Devil mug, Pall McCourt better known as SPARCX in his youth, hobbles into the kitchen, his knees popping and cracking with each step. SPARCX takes a slow drawn out seat at the table as Redd shovels in spoon after spoon of sugar into the coffee. Pall attempts to wipe the sleep from his eyes as he lights a Marlboro red forcing another morning coughing fit, and Bree adds the cream before carrying the mug over to the table.)
Bree; “Morning.”
Pall; “Good morning, babe. Is there coffee?”
(Bree places the mug in front of her husband, father to Cynthia McCourt and the late Ashton McCourt, and surrogate father to Randy Boolzian before taking her own place at his side.)
Bree; “Is there ever no coffee?”
Pall; “Thanks. Where’s Conni?”
Bree; “Randy came by earlier and picked him up. How’re the knees?”
Pall; “Right as rain. How’d Randy look?”
(It wasn’t so much a lie as SPARCX hates the rain, but she knows him to well and takes the opportunity to return the favor.)
Bree; “He looked good. A little banged up, but alright.”
Pall; “Good, good. Where’re you heading?”
Bree; “I just have a few errands to run, and do some grocery shopping. Why you want to go?”
Pall; “No, I don’t. Where’s Cinders?”
(She knew he wouldn’t want to go as soon as she mentioned the grocery store. She counted on it.)
Bree; “She went with Suzy to San Diego for the day. Still looking for an apartment. Left an hour ago or so, and why don’t you ever want to go shopping with me?”
Pall; “Cause you take too long.”
Bree; “I do not.”
Pall; “Yeah you do, and it’s annoying. There I am standing like a schlub while you ponder which salad dressing to buy.”
(He takes a slow sip of his piping hot coffee, then enjoys a drag of today’s first cigarette.)
Bree; “They might have a sale.”
(As soon as he puts his smoke into the ashtray Redd confidently takes the cancer stick, puffs away, and then snuffs it out.)
Pall; “Whatever. We both know we’ve always used Wishbone Italian dressing, and I’d rather pay an extra thirteen cents a bottle than eat the store brand.”
Bree; “Well fine then stay here you old fuddy duddy.”
Pall; “Yeah I’m ok with that.”
Bree; “That’s why I love you. Listen I have to go, do you need anything while I’m out.”
Pall; “Cigarettes. Wait you’re leaving, and Cinders is in San Diego? I have the house to myself?”
(A quick peck on the cheek, Bryanah grabs her keys and her purse, and heads for the door.)
Bree; “Enjoy, but keep that shit outside. Love ya babe.”
Pall; “Love you too.”
(As Redd leaves the frame SPARCX gingerly stands up from the table, grabs his lighter leaving the box of Marlboros, and heads to the back yard.)
*****
(We’re across town we think. It’s still early for some, but for the sea of people in attendance it’s just another day. No less than a hundred people sit in or stand around folding chairs conversing amongst themselves. We pass unseen and mingle through the crowd picking up random lines of speech.)
“Almost an hour late, how the hell does anyone think this is how to get anything done?”
“So I says to him just shut up and let me write or the deadline wont matter ‘cause you wont be getting nothing anyway.”
“Kid listen just be ready, you’re not getting more than one chance, so when he shows up just start shouting questions.”
“No baby, as soon as this jackass shows it’ll all be over in like ten minutes, tops. I’ll get home as soon as I get it.”
(We end by passing through a curtain to the backstage area and find Randy Boolzian standing next to a huge console with wires and knobs and switches and a technician standing idly by. BoolZ with wide nervous eyes under his scabbed forehead pulls back the curtain to see the crowd rather than peak every few seconds.
As he watches the technician is seen flipping through the latest tabloid while BoolZ bites at his lips, and continuously flexes his fist. Another few seconds, a flick and a pop, and BoolZ is taking a huge drag from his Marlboro Blend 27 cigarette.
Then suddenly calm. His eyes narrow and focus confidently. His hands steady as he gently rubs his thumb up and down his right index finger. His lips now pull back from his teeth and crack with a sly smile as he stops panning the crowd. The technician continues reading.)
BoolZ; “Bro, what are you doing?”
Technician; “Huh, what? Just waiting for the man of the hour.”
BoolZ; “Well yeah, but what the fuck? You’re standing here like a doof reading your little magazine on the while that ginger hottie is trying to make eyes with you.”
Technician; “What? Bullshit.”
(A quick glance reveals a young woman with pale white skin dotted with orange freckles. Her green eyes wide with embarrassment, her unnaturally natural short red hair framing her face like a painting, and she’s smiling from across the room at the two men.)
BoolZ; “Take a look, and dude, what’s your name?”
Technician; “David Jacob, oh my god she is!”
(No sooner than DJ takes his pimply greasy face from his excuse of a gripping read and look out over the crowd does the women shift her head and her vision to the floor.)
DJ; “Oh, wait, no she was probably just looking at you.”
(DJ the shameful abomination that he is slinks back behind the curtain.)
BoolZ; “What? No, you’re wrong.”
DJ; “How am I wrong, girls are always spreading their genitals at you.”
(DJ returns to his cheap read as BoolZ smiles at the ginger red head as soon as he glances back in his direction.)
BoolZ; “Spreading their genitals? What the hell is wrong with you? But, no, back on track here. DJ you obviously know who I am, so I take it you obviously know I know that look, and I hope you know that I know when that look is directed at me.”
DJ; “Whatever, I guess so. But seriously no one likes me, this is just weird.”
BoolZ; “Son weird or not, sometimes you just have to go for it.”
(BoolZ glances to DJ, then as something catches his eye BoolZ stares through him. His attention is brought back to the moment by the burning of his fingers by his cigarette. He drops the smoke, stomps it out, and rushes a look to the women.
She smiles coyly, he smiles suggestively, he glances to an exit flanked by restrooms, she blushes, and then she stands.)
DJ; “Go for what? I gotta stay here to work the mic levels. I’m not getting fired for a number so I can just fuck up the date.”
BoolZ; “Jesus you’re a lost cause. Listen DJ you want to go your whole life without the thrill of some bathroom lovin’? Uh, some hetero bathroom lovin’. ‘Cause she’s on her way, dude.”
(The piece of shit writing DJ had grown too accustomed to falls to RBI’s feet where it belongs as he scrambles back to the curtain. The sight is plain and clear, she’s entering the women’s restroom sending one last glance over her shoulder to RBI.)
DJ; “Holy fuck, what do I do? I gotta stay here!”
BoolZ; “No, no, let me try to help you out, again, I’ll take care of this. It’s not too hard, right? Now you go get in that shitter where you belong!”
(David Jacob awkwardly attempts to stroll to the rest room as the noisy room quiets down before erupting in laughter at DJ’s attempted confidence which only resulted in pathetic bumbling to the crapper.)
*****
(Gone is the room of reporters and journalists. Replaced with patrons and waitresses. The intoxicating aroma of fresh garlic fills the air as plate after plate on each table displays awe inspiring salivating inducing Italian cuisine. Gone are BoolZ, David Jacob, and the ginger red head. Replaced by Bree, a young male waiter, and Madeline Misajon.)
Bree; “And, I’ll have the Frutti Di Mare please.”
Waiter; “Absolutely. Ladies, I’ll get this order in, and it shouldn’t be but another minute or so on stuffed mushrooms.”
Bree; “Thank you.”
(As the waiter leaves Madeline, better known to few as Maddy, takes a long look around. She scans each of the hundreds of pictures on the wall. She attempts to listen in on the conversation from the next booth. She drinks her water, and eats her bread dipped in oil and vinegar. She does everything she can think of not to look at Redd. Not to acknowledge or start the conversation that Redd surely had in mind when inviting her to lunch.)
Bree; “So, Madeline how have you been?”
(Maddy holds up her hand as if to ask for another few seconds to continue chewing before she answers.)
Maddy; “I’m good. Things are going good. Works good. I’m good. How are you and Mr. McCourt?”
Bree; “Oh we’re mostly good. You know his knees and hips have been bothering him for years now. I’m surprised his back and neck aren’t killing him too, but that’s my SPARCX. For all I know he’s just lost all feeling from the waist up. At least he’s alive from the waist down though!”
(The two share an awkward laugh. Bryanah and Pall have always been like a second set of parents to the children in the neighborhood, but also always just a little off. Maddy hated the familiarity of their closeness.)
Maddy; “Well, I guess that’s better than having his health. You know I was quite surprised when you called me this morning. We should do this more often.”
Bree; “I agree. It’s nice to get out of the house, and with Cinders starting college in the spring I’ll need a woman to talk to.”
Maddy; “Oh yeah, so Cynthia got accepted at SDSU. That’s great! I was a little worried when she said she was only applying at one school.”
Bree; “Yeah, it’ll be great to have another woman to talk with.”
(Maddy looks down that plate of freshly brought stuffed mushrooms as Bree innocently smiles at the young woman.)
Maddy; “Alright, so what do you want to talk about?”
Bree; “Randall.”
Maddy; “I don’t, I don’t want to talk about Randy.”
(Redd reaches with her fork for a mushroom, places it on her plate, and uses her fork to cut it into smaller pieces calmly.)
Bree; “He’s at the end of his rope, Maddy. He came by the house this morning to pick up Conni, and I almost didn’t recognize him. He’s hurting, and it’s bad.”
Maddy; “It’s also his own fault. There’s only so much I can do, so much rejection I can put up with. I can’t wait forever.”
Bree; “I know it’s his fault. You’re a woman though, and our task in life is pretend to accept our loves faults while secretly forcing them towards what we know is right. And no one is saying you have to patiently wait.”
Maddy; “Did you know Ash proposed to me the day of the accident?”
Bree; “I did not. What did you say?”
Maddy; “Considering he’s dead now, probably the wrong answer.”
(Enjoying her appetizer Bree looks up at Maddy who is now sipping her red wine.)
Bree; “Honey, you don’t know that. No one knows, or could know, what changes were necessary to prevent that accident.”
Maddy; “I almost think Ran blames me. You know he lost his best friend that day, but I lost them both. I lost my best friend and the man that I love.”
Bree; “Well which ever Randall was or is you haven’t lost him yet.”
Maddy; “You know I slept with Randy once.”
Bree; “Yes, anyone with eyes could see how you looked at each other. That tortured mix of shame, guilt, and right. Just like anyone with eyes can see he’s chasing you with each conquest this ‘BoolZ’ takes.”
Maddy; “I don’t think that’s the case.”
Bree; “I think he needs saving. I think he’s spiraling out of control and losing himself in some twisted obsession. I think he needs to be reminded of home. I don’t want to lose another son.”
(Maddy has finished her glass of red wine, poured a second, and finished that as tears begin welling in her eyes. There is nothing but silence and time passing by until Maddy stands up almost seemingly panicked.)
Maddy; “I can’t, I just can’t. Uhm, I have to buy some warm boot, I’m driving to Big Bear Mountain tonight. I… I just… I have to go.”
(No sooner than Maddy leaving Bryanah at the table alone do the entrees arrive. The waiter looks suspiciously around until Bree speaks up.)
Bree; “Wow, these look great. Can we get them to go, and I’ll have the check please.”
*****
(The restroom door swings shut as BoolZ watches from behind the curtain. His smile in unmistakably warped, as he turns his attention to the podium up front. His smile shifts from warped curiosity to twisted hate as he sees Travis Roberts standing arriving at the podium.
The Red Bull Icon takes a moment to savor the moment as each one of dozens of television camera capture ‘The Headliners’ every movement. He pulls back as the sudden outburst as seemingly thousands of journalists begin barking question after question to ‘The TWiSTeD Icon’. BoolZ can’t take it anymore and as Travis leans in to start one of his famous rants BoolZ flips a few switches on the console, grabs a microphone, and enters the room as Travis now speaks to himself while looking at the microphones in front of him.)
BoolZ; “I hope the TwiSTeD Fallacy doesn’t mind the interruption…”
(The sea of journalists all silence and whip their heads in RBI’s direction.)
BoolZ; “Oh who am I kidding, of course he doesn’t mind. After all I’m sure the TWiSTeD Has Been is quite used to being walked on. Being an actual stepping stone and all. I mean wow, so many great people great moments, where to start? It’s like Mary-Jo only really used Travis to get in front of a camera, and make a fortune. She ditched him as soon as she could, and last I checked she’s well on her way to having a whole lot of his money.
How about eD Case? The little furry bastard used Travis to get away from being pimped by vampires. Get off the ‘Street’ and all that shit. Now look at him. Lived high while the ‘Revolution’ were running things, then as soon as they weren’t he betrayed The TWiSTeD Sucker, and has found a new meal ticket.
And speaking of the ‘Revolution’ hell it’s no secret Declan lined up that whole hand holding committee to further establish the GIW, and more specifically his own motives. One only need look at what happened the first time Travis failed to hold onto the title that Prescott so eloquently arranged him to have to see what’ll happen with the weaker half of the ‘Revolution’ loses his new title to me at Infinity.
Holy hell, now how about that. How about me. You could even say I’m only really using Travis Roberts. I mean let’s be honest folks before Travis I was only stealing the show dominating the mid-card. Now I make pay per view main events. Literally, I decide who wrestles. I wonder what’ll happen after I disgrace the TWiSTeD Victim.”
(BoolZ pauses long enough to light a new cigarette and open a fresh Red Bull. He then spends more than a few seconds trying to figure out to hold the mic, his smoke, and the Red Bull before deciding to finish the sweet, sweet, nectar and continue. He’s promptly interrupted however by a bloody DJ stumbling out of the bathroom holding his eyes as the distinct stench of mace fills the room. He stumbles away as the ginger red head chases after him with a high heel in her hand.)
Ginger; “You get back here you perverted little son of a bitch! What you going to let a women kick your ass!”
BoolZ; “ Anyway, we all know the only relevant question for The TWiSTeD Jock Carrier is how bad did I hurt his arm. That really is a nice ‘protective case’, splint, cast? Anyway, let me reassure everyone here, and all the outlets you all work for. If Travis wasn’t smart enough not to see through that harpy MJ’s ploy all those many, many, years ago than he’s not smart enough to take a week or three off to heal up. He’ll be in action this week as sure as I’ll put him out of action at Infinity. Now that out of the way he can probably leave, or well just hide behind his glasses dumbfounded. It doesn’t really matter.
I mean there are some serious issues I think that need addressing. First and foremost is Mickey Dragon. Ya’ll should have seen, well I guess you did, but there he was at Sentinel. The two of us ran into each other backstage, and again he tried that tired line of questioning about doing it for yourself, or good and evil, or some other random thoughts brought on by his mentor. There he was so sure of himself because he kidnapped a manager, a manager off all things, an eD Case or Immies . That takes some gumption I guess. Anyway all proud and puffed up, and then he loses.
And believe me, I’m not someone to rub a losers face in there loss I mean there just aint enough hours in the day if I were. I’d do nothing but gloat over the people I’ve beaten if I was, so there is a reason I brought up Mickey. See it all comes down preparation. Mickey Dragon worried and pushed and the little piece of garbage put the torture of a nonfactor ahead of preparing for the match. That’s a mistake I will not make.
See I’m facing Ezekiel Pax this week. The same guy that beat up Mickey Dragon last week. Now I know a lot of people think I’m obsessed with this waste of space at the podium, and I know there are even a few people that think I’ll over look Mr. Pax. Well they’re wrong. See I know ‘Zeke that you’re proud of being ‘TWiSTeD Light’. I know you’re a champion in the GIW. I know you’ve got a hell of a record that really almost puts you in my company. I know you’re a hell of a fighter, a never say die type of guy, and really just tough to the bone. Plus skinny little nothings like you tend to fight until you just can’t fight anymore. I know all this, I’ve watched you in the ring, and that is why I won’t be unprepared. That’s why I don’t care about Marek’s sister. See, I’ll be ready, and when Marek gets in the ring, I’ll pay you both back for that kick to the head at the TWiSTeD Disaster of Roberts post Horizons celebration party.
So to recap. The TWiSTeD Condom, used then thrown away, is too foolish not to compete this week. He will lose the title to me at Infinity. Mickey Dragon should worry about wrestling instead of playing grab ass with citizens. I owe Pax a kick in the head. And I’m going to be ready for Marek to inevitably try to save his partner instead of his sister. Thank you and good night, CHICAGO!”
(The reports burst into a barrage of questions for RBI as he turns and calmly begins walking back to the curtain. As if a light bulb went off in his head he remembers Travis standing at the podium. He turns and throws the microphone at The TWiSTeD Revolutionary who surprisingly with one bad hand and years of dulling his senses catches the microphone with his left hand. Travis arrogantly smiles as BoolZ turns and slowly walks back to the curtain paying Travis Roberts little to no attention.)
Travis Roberts; “Now before that walking STI so rudely interrupted ‘The Bless’…”
(Once behind the curtain BoolZ flips another switch on the console and Roberts’ voice is silenced. BoolZ then promptly throws up.)
*****
(It’s dark and peaceful. It’s warm and relaxing. It’s a cabin on the west face of Big Bear Mountain. Snowflakes slowly float to earth as we near the hideaway. Closer still and we can smell a romantic fire burning. From the window looking in we can see a huddled gyrating mess on the floor surrounded by empty wine bottles. The voice is unmistakable.)
Jeremy; “Yeah, yeah, how’s that bitch! Who’s yo daddy! Uh, yeah, I’ma wear that shit out!”
(We examine the scene. Maddy in the missionary position with Jeremy on top and showing his strain though not sweating as he violently thrusts. Slowly she turns her head with only crying eyes the only sign beside disinterest.)
Jeremy; “OH GOD, YEAH, YEAH, UHHH!!!”
(From the window we watch as he collapses on the Buffalo rug. Calmly she stands, takes a swig from the last bottle of wine, and drunkenly stumbles towards the back of the cabin as Jeremy starts to snore.)
We watch as Bree, now in her late forties, glances at the clock over the stainless steel oven on her way to the French doors leading to the back patio. We watch as she bends over, as curvy as ever, to pick up her favorite pair of sneakers. We watch as she takes a seat at the small kitchen table to put on her shoes, and we watch as the sounds of coughing and hacking resonate through the house from the master bedroom.
When the almost animal like sounds switch to a snorting followed by an anguished groan, we watch as Redd stands and slowly makes her way to the coffee pot sitting on the countertop. As she begins pouring a cup in the Tasmanian Devil mug, Pall McCourt better known as SPARCX in his youth, hobbles into the kitchen, his knees popping and cracking with each step. SPARCX takes a slow drawn out seat at the table as Redd shovels in spoon after spoon of sugar into the coffee. Pall attempts to wipe the sleep from his eyes as he lights a Marlboro red forcing another morning coughing fit, and Bree adds the cream before carrying the mug over to the table.)
Bree; “Morning.”
Pall; “Good morning, babe. Is there coffee?”
(Bree places the mug in front of her husband, father to Cynthia McCourt and the late Ashton McCourt, and surrogate father to Randy Boolzian before taking her own place at his side.)
Bree; “Is there ever no coffee?”
Pall; “Thanks. Where’s Conni?”
Bree; “Randy came by earlier and picked him up. How’re the knees?”
Pall; “Right as rain. How’d Randy look?”
(It wasn’t so much a lie as SPARCX hates the rain, but she knows him to well and takes the opportunity to return the favor.)
Bree; “He looked good. A little banged up, but alright.”
Pall; “Good, good. Where’re you heading?”
Bree; “I just have a few errands to run, and do some grocery shopping. Why you want to go?”
Pall; “No, I don’t. Where’s Cinders?”
(She knew he wouldn’t want to go as soon as she mentioned the grocery store. She counted on it.)
Bree; “She went with Suzy to San Diego for the day. Still looking for an apartment. Left an hour ago or so, and why don’t you ever want to go shopping with me?”
Pall; “Cause you take too long.”
Bree; “I do not.”
Pall; “Yeah you do, and it’s annoying. There I am standing like a schlub while you ponder which salad dressing to buy.”
(He takes a slow sip of his piping hot coffee, then enjoys a drag of today’s first cigarette.)
Bree; “They might have a sale.”
(As soon as he puts his smoke into the ashtray Redd confidently takes the cancer stick, puffs away, and then snuffs it out.)
Pall; “Whatever. We both know we’ve always used Wishbone Italian dressing, and I’d rather pay an extra thirteen cents a bottle than eat the store brand.”
Bree; “Well fine then stay here you old fuddy duddy.”
Pall; “Yeah I’m ok with that.”
Bree; “That’s why I love you. Listen I have to go, do you need anything while I’m out.”
Pall; “Cigarettes. Wait you’re leaving, and Cinders is in San Diego? I have the house to myself?”
(A quick peck on the cheek, Bryanah grabs her keys and her purse, and heads for the door.)
Bree; “Enjoy, but keep that shit outside. Love ya babe.”
Pall; “Love you too.”
(As Redd leaves the frame SPARCX gingerly stands up from the table, grabs his lighter leaving the box of Marlboros, and heads to the back yard.)
*****
(We’re across town we think. It’s still early for some, but for the sea of people in attendance it’s just another day. No less than a hundred people sit in or stand around folding chairs conversing amongst themselves. We pass unseen and mingle through the crowd picking up random lines of speech.)
“Almost an hour late, how the hell does anyone think this is how to get anything done?”
“So I says to him just shut up and let me write or the deadline wont matter ‘cause you wont be getting nothing anyway.”
“Kid listen just be ready, you’re not getting more than one chance, so when he shows up just start shouting questions.”
“No baby, as soon as this jackass shows it’ll all be over in like ten minutes, tops. I’ll get home as soon as I get it.”
(We end by passing through a curtain to the backstage area and find Randy Boolzian standing next to a huge console with wires and knobs and switches and a technician standing idly by. BoolZ with wide nervous eyes under his scabbed forehead pulls back the curtain to see the crowd rather than peak every few seconds.
As he watches the technician is seen flipping through the latest tabloid while BoolZ bites at his lips, and continuously flexes his fist. Another few seconds, a flick and a pop, and BoolZ is taking a huge drag from his Marlboro Blend 27 cigarette.
Then suddenly calm. His eyes narrow and focus confidently. His hands steady as he gently rubs his thumb up and down his right index finger. His lips now pull back from his teeth and crack with a sly smile as he stops panning the crowd. The technician continues reading.)
BoolZ; “Bro, what are you doing?”
Technician; “Huh, what? Just waiting for the man of the hour.”
BoolZ; “Well yeah, but what the fuck? You’re standing here like a doof reading your little magazine on the while that ginger hottie is trying to make eyes with you.”
Technician; “What? Bullshit.”
(A quick glance reveals a young woman with pale white skin dotted with orange freckles. Her green eyes wide with embarrassment, her unnaturally natural short red hair framing her face like a painting, and she’s smiling from across the room at the two men.)
BoolZ; “Take a look, and dude, what’s your name?”
Technician; “David Jacob, oh my god she is!”
(No sooner than DJ takes his pimply greasy face from his excuse of a gripping read and look out over the crowd does the women shift her head and her vision to the floor.)
DJ; “Oh, wait, no she was probably just looking at you.”
(DJ the shameful abomination that he is slinks back behind the curtain.)
BoolZ; “What? No, you’re wrong.”
DJ; “How am I wrong, girls are always spreading their genitals at you.”
(DJ returns to his cheap read as BoolZ smiles at the ginger red head as soon as he glances back in his direction.)
BoolZ; “Spreading their genitals? What the hell is wrong with you? But, no, back on track here. DJ you obviously know who I am, so I take it you obviously know I know that look, and I hope you know that I know when that look is directed at me.”
DJ; “Whatever, I guess so. But seriously no one likes me, this is just weird.”
BoolZ; “Son weird or not, sometimes you just have to go for it.”
(BoolZ glances to DJ, then as something catches his eye BoolZ stares through him. His attention is brought back to the moment by the burning of his fingers by his cigarette. He drops the smoke, stomps it out, and rushes a look to the women.
She smiles coyly, he smiles suggestively, he glances to an exit flanked by restrooms, she blushes, and then she stands.)
DJ; “Go for what? I gotta stay here to work the mic levels. I’m not getting fired for a number so I can just fuck up the date.”
BoolZ; “Jesus you’re a lost cause. Listen DJ you want to go your whole life without the thrill of some bathroom lovin’? Uh, some hetero bathroom lovin’. ‘Cause she’s on her way, dude.”
(The piece of shit writing DJ had grown too accustomed to falls to RBI’s feet where it belongs as he scrambles back to the curtain. The sight is plain and clear, she’s entering the women’s restroom sending one last glance over her shoulder to RBI.)
DJ; “Holy fuck, what do I do? I gotta stay here!”
BoolZ; “No, no, let me try to help you out, again, I’ll take care of this. It’s not too hard, right? Now you go get in that shitter where you belong!”
(David Jacob awkwardly attempts to stroll to the rest room as the noisy room quiets down before erupting in laughter at DJ’s attempted confidence which only resulted in pathetic bumbling to the crapper.)
*****
(Gone is the room of reporters and journalists. Replaced with patrons and waitresses. The intoxicating aroma of fresh garlic fills the air as plate after plate on each table displays awe inspiring salivating inducing Italian cuisine. Gone are BoolZ, David Jacob, and the ginger red head. Replaced by Bree, a young male waiter, and Madeline Misajon.)
Bree; “And, I’ll have the Frutti Di Mare please.”
Waiter; “Absolutely. Ladies, I’ll get this order in, and it shouldn’t be but another minute or so on stuffed mushrooms.”
Bree; “Thank you.”
(As the waiter leaves Madeline, better known to few as Maddy, takes a long look around. She scans each of the hundreds of pictures on the wall. She attempts to listen in on the conversation from the next booth. She drinks her water, and eats her bread dipped in oil and vinegar. She does everything she can think of not to look at Redd. Not to acknowledge or start the conversation that Redd surely had in mind when inviting her to lunch.)
Bree; “So, Madeline how have you been?”
(Maddy holds up her hand as if to ask for another few seconds to continue chewing before she answers.)
Maddy; “I’m good. Things are going good. Works good. I’m good. How are you and Mr. McCourt?”
Bree; “Oh we’re mostly good. You know his knees and hips have been bothering him for years now. I’m surprised his back and neck aren’t killing him too, but that’s my SPARCX. For all I know he’s just lost all feeling from the waist up. At least he’s alive from the waist down though!”
(The two share an awkward laugh. Bryanah and Pall have always been like a second set of parents to the children in the neighborhood, but also always just a little off. Maddy hated the familiarity of their closeness.)
Maddy; “Well, I guess that’s better than having his health. You know I was quite surprised when you called me this morning. We should do this more often.”
Bree; “I agree. It’s nice to get out of the house, and with Cinders starting college in the spring I’ll need a woman to talk to.”
Maddy; “Oh yeah, so Cynthia got accepted at SDSU. That’s great! I was a little worried when she said she was only applying at one school.”
Bree; “Yeah, it’ll be great to have another woman to talk with.”
(Maddy looks down that plate of freshly brought stuffed mushrooms as Bree innocently smiles at the young woman.)
Maddy; “Alright, so what do you want to talk about?”
Bree; “Randall.”
Maddy; “I don’t, I don’t want to talk about Randy.”
(Redd reaches with her fork for a mushroom, places it on her plate, and uses her fork to cut it into smaller pieces calmly.)
Bree; “He’s at the end of his rope, Maddy. He came by the house this morning to pick up Conni, and I almost didn’t recognize him. He’s hurting, and it’s bad.”
Maddy; “It’s also his own fault. There’s only so much I can do, so much rejection I can put up with. I can’t wait forever.”
Bree; “I know it’s his fault. You’re a woman though, and our task in life is pretend to accept our loves faults while secretly forcing them towards what we know is right. And no one is saying you have to patiently wait.”
Maddy; “Did you know Ash proposed to me the day of the accident?”
Bree; “I did not. What did you say?”
Maddy; “Considering he’s dead now, probably the wrong answer.”
(Enjoying her appetizer Bree looks up at Maddy who is now sipping her red wine.)
Bree; “Honey, you don’t know that. No one knows, or could know, what changes were necessary to prevent that accident.”
Maddy; “I almost think Ran blames me. You know he lost his best friend that day, but I lost them both. I lost my best friend and the man that I love.”
Bree; “Well which ever Randall was or is you haven’t lost him yet.”
Maddy; “You know I slept with Randy once.”
Bree; “Yes, anyone with eyes could see how you looked at each other. That tortured mix of shame, guilt, and right. Just like anyone with eyes can see he’s chasing you with each conquest this ‘BoolZ’ takes.”
Maddy; “I don’t think that’s the case.”
Bree; “I think he needs saving. I think he’s spiraling out of control and losing himself in some twisted obsession. I think he needs to be reminded of home. I don’t want to lose another son.”
(Maddy has finished her glass of red wine, poured a second, and finished that as tears begin welling in her eyes. There is nothing but silence and time passing by until Maddy stands up almost seemingly panicked.)
Maddy; “I can’t, I just can’t. Uhm, I have to buy some warm boot, I’m driving to Big Bear Mountain tonight. I… I just… I have to go.”
(No sooner than Maddy leaving Bryanah at the table alone do the entrees arrive. The waiter looks suspiciously around until Bree speaks up.)
Bree; “Wow, these look great. Can we get them to go, and I’ll have the check please.”
*****
(The restroom door swings shut as BoolZ watches from behind the curtain. His smile in unmistakably warped, as he turns his attention to the podium up front. His smile shifts from warped curiosity to twisted hate as he sees Travis Roberts standing arriving at the podium.
The Red Bull Icon takes a moment to savor the moment as each one of dozens of television camera capture ‘The Headliners’ every movement. He pulls back as the sudden outburst as seemingly thousands of journalists begin barking question after question to ‘The TWiSTeD Icon’. BoolZ can’t take it anymore and as Travis leans in to start one of his famous rants BoolZ flips a few switches on the console, grabs a microphone, and enters the room as Travis now speaks to himself while looking at the microphones in front of him.)
BoolZ; “I hope the TwiSTeD Fallacy doesn’t mind the interruption…”
(The sea of journalists all silence and whip their heads in RBI’s direction.)
BoolZ; “Oh who am I kidding, of course he doesn’t mind. After all I’m sure the TWiSTeD Has Been is quite used to being walked on. Being an actual stepping stone and all. I mean wow, so many great people great moments, where to start? It’s like Mary-Jo only really used Travis to get in front of a camera, and make a fortune. She ditched him as soon as she could, and last I checked she’s well on her way to having a whole lot of his money.
How about eD Case? The little furry bastard used Travis to get away from being pimped by vampires. Get off the ‘Street’ and all that shit. Now look at him. Lived high while the ‘Revolution’ were running things, then as soon as they weren’t he betrayed The TWiSTeD Sucker, and has found a new meal ticket.
And speaking of the ‘Revolution’ hell it’s no secret Declan lined up that whole hand holding committee to further establish the GIW, and more specifically his own motives. One only need look at what happened the first time Travis failed to hold onto the title that Prescott so eloquently arranged him to have to see what’ll happen with the weaker half of the ‘Revolution’ loses his new title to me at Infinity.
Holy hell, now how about that. How about me. You could even say I’m only really using Travis Roberts. I mean let’s be honest folks before Travis I was only stealing the show dominating the mid-card. Now I make pay per view main events. Literally, I decide who wrestles. I wonder what’ll happen after I disgrace the TWiSTeD Victim.”
(BoolZ pauses long enough to light a new cigarette and open a fresh Red Bull. He then spends more than a few seconds trying to figure out to hold the mic, his smoke, and the Red Bull before deciding to finish the sweet, sweet, nectar and continue. He’s promptly interrupted however by a bloody DJ stumbling out of the bathroom holding his eyes as the distinct stench of mace fills the room. He stumbles away as the ginger red head chases after him with a high heel in her hand.)
Ginger; “You get back here you perverted little son of a bitch! What you going to let a women kick your ass!”
BoolZ; “ Anyway, we all know the only relevant question for The TWiSTeD Jock Carrier is how bad did I hurt his arm. That really is a nice ‘protective case’, splint, cast? Anyway, let me reassure everyone here, and all the outlets you all work for. If Travis wasn’t smart enough not to see through that harpy MJ’s ploy all those many, many, years ago than he’s not smart enough to take a week or three off to heal up. He’ll be in action this week as sure as I’ll put him out of action at Infinity. Now that out of the way he can probably leave, or well just hide behind his glasses dumbfounded. It doesn’t really matter.
I mean there are some serious issues I think that need addressing. First and foremost is Mickey Dragon. Ya’ll should have seen, well I guess you did, but there he was at Sentinel. The two of us ran into each other backstage, and again he tried that tired line of questioning about doing it for yourself, or good and evil, or some other random thoughts brought on by his mentor. There he was so sure of himself because he kidnapped a manager, a manager off all things, an eD Case or Immies . That takes some gumption I guess. Anyway all proud and puffed up, and then he loses.
And believe me, I’m not someone to rub a losers face in there loss I mean there just aint enough hours in the day if I were. I’d do nothing but gloat over the people I’ve beaten if I was, so there is a reason I brought up Mickey. See it all comes down preparation. Mickey Dragon worried and pushed and the little piece of garbage put the torture of a nonfactor ahead of preparing for the match. That’s a mistake I will not make.
See I’m facing Ezekiel Pax this week. The same guy that beat up Mickey Dragon last week. Now I know a lot of people think I’m obsessed with this waste of space at the podium, and I know there are even a few people that think I’ll over look Mr. Pax. Well they’re wrong. See I know ‘Zeke that you’re proud of being ‘TWiSTeD Light’. I know you’re a champion in the GIW. I know you’ve got a hell of a record that really almost puts you in my company. I know you’re a hell of a fighter, a never say die type of guy, and really just tough to the bone. Plus skinny little nothings like you tend to fight until you just can’t fight anymore. I know all this, I’ve watched you in the ring, and that is why I won’t be unprepared. That’s why I don’t care about Marek’s sister. See, I’ll be ready, and when Marek gets in the ring, I’ll pay you both back for that kick to the head at the TWiSTeD Disaster of Roberts post Horizons celebration party.
So to recap. The TWiSTeD Condom, used then thrown away, is too foolish not to compete this week. He will lose the title to me at Infinity. Mickey Dragon should worry about wrestling instead of playing grab ass with citizens. I owe Pax a kick in the head. And I’m going to be ready for Marek to inevitably try to save his partner instead of his sister. Thank you and good night, CHICAGO!”
(The reports burst into a barrage of questions for RBI as he turns and calmly begins walking back to the curtain. As if a light bulb went off in his head he remembers Travis standing at the podium. He turns and throws the microphone at The TWiSTeD Revolutionary who surprisingly with one bad hand and years of dulling his senses catches the microphone with his left hand. Travis arrogantly smiles as BoolZ turns and slowly walks back to the curtain paying Travis Roberts little to no attention.)
Travis Roberts; “Now before that walking STI so rudely interrupted ‘The Bless’…”
(Once behind the curtain BoolZ flips another switch on the console and Roberts’ voice is silenced. BoolZ then promptly throws up.)
*****
(It’s dark and peaceful. It’s warm and relaxing. It’s a cabin on the west face of Big Bear Mountain. Snowflakes slowly float to earth as we near the hideaway. Closer still and we can smell a romantic fire burning. From the window looking in we can see a huddled gyrating mess on the floor surrounded by empty wine bottles. The voice is unmistakable.)
Jeremy; “Yeah, yeah, how’s that bitch! Who’s yo daddy! Uh, yeah, I’ma wear that shit out!”
(We examine the scene. Maddy in the missionary position with Jeremy on top and showing his strain though not sweating as he violently thrusts. Slowly she turns her head with only crying eyes the only sign beside disinterest.)
Jeremy; “OH GOD, YEAH, YEAH, UHHH!!!”
(From the window we watch as he collapses on the Buffalo rug. Calmly she stands, takes a swig from the last bottle of wine, and drunkenly stumbles towards the back of the cabin as Jeremy starts to snore.)
