It was a beautiful day in Santa Barbara, CA, Road to Ruin was behind the Parkers but its memory still lingered. Butch was once again World Heavyweight Champion, Michael James’ long, 2 year winning streak had come to an end and for the first time during that period no one had heard a word from his repulsive mouth. The silence of his voice was symphonic to her. Watching him that night in Butch’s grasp, helpless, eyes becoming bloodshot, mouth agape and gasping for air, sweat and blood dripping from him…it was everything she could hope for. Seeing him back in top form the last few weeks made her happy. The media, which had never ceased clamoring for his attention was even more zealous for it, but above all his spirit was back. The dark, heavy cloud that had hung over his head and weighed upon his shoulders was lifted in James’ defeat. Butch was himself again…..only now….she wasn’t. That dark, heavy cloud remained in the Parker home and simply moved from Butch to her. As comforting as Butch had been privately, as much as he had stood up for her in the media and held them at bay, the cloud had her in its grasp and wouldn’t let her go. Once again Senester pulled the strings and made everyone dance in his macabre marionette play. There was a choice to be made, and she chose. Never before in her career had she felt guilt or much remorse for her actions because people deserved it. They were competitors and shit talkers but Mrs. Shevington was an innocent pawn. She didn’t deserve it, but it had to be done.
Over a year of constant ridicule at the hands of Michael James, he managing to stay one step ahead of them at all times, the smug grin on his face, his disgusting innuendos, breaking her husband’s spirit and there he was again about to slip out of it. The choice was simple, it was easy, and in that moment she didn’t consider the consequences. When she left the ring with Butch her mind was already made up, she just needed to get him out of the way. In her mind she kept saying “I’m sorry” over and over again. Not to Shevington, the fans, but to Butch. He had chosen differently. He had chosen to continue to wear that dark cloud, but she couldn’t let him. There was nothing in the world she wouldn’t do for him, even willing accept his burdens. The past few weeks had been a rollercoaster of emotions. Her only happiness was indeed seeing Butch engage the world once more with bright emerald eyes, chase Evina around the house, and simply enjoy life again. Yet, there was a woman still laying in the hospital, in and out of consciousness, clinging to her life. There was still a great deal of uncertainty but it had appeared over the last week and half that Shevington was slightly improving. Perhaps death was no longer knocking at her door. Perhaps it is silently creeping up on her. She was not for certain. The family had maintained a great deal of privacy, and had quickly taken legal action with a restraining order for both Wisdom, Butch and not to mention, Senester.
Today was a new day, and in any moment Butch will be raiding the kitchen following mid-day workout routine. She had lit the grill on the deck outside about 20 minutes ago and had been sitting there watching the flames die down until just waves of heat remained. Little things like that were mesmerizing when your mind is so full of things and can easily wander towards them. Small fascinations of the world have a way of capturing us and stealing time we hadn’t known to pass. She came back to her senses and jumped up to the kitchen where a few Rib Eyes were seasoned and ready to hit the grill. She began washing and cutting the Asparagus when the phone rang. She looked at the caller ID and managed a smile. She doesn’t get a word out to say hello before the voice of Vanessa von Richtoven on the other end shouts out “Are you ok?” They hadn’t spoken in a few weeks and it was obvious Vanessa was just catching up on the events of Road to Ruin. Why does someone asking such a question stir the emotions? She had just put them to the back of her mind, but even the most well of wishes causes them to resurface. She choked them back to have a conversation with her dear friend.
(Wisdom): I’m fine. It’s so good to hear your voice though.
(Vanessa): I wish we’d have known, we just got back to civilization where our phones work. Hans just tried calling Butch but he didn’t pick-up.
(Wisdom): He’s working out right now, probably didn’t even hear it. How was your trip?
(Vanessa): It was amazing. If you guys have never been to New Zealand you really must go. Gorgeous country, not a lick of cell phone service in those mountains and hills though. He won’t admit it, but I think Hans only wanted to go there because that’s where they filmed Lord of the Rings. “Oh, that’s right” he said. “Oh were close to this or that…we might as well stop and see.” He was so cute. I saw his eyes go wide at the little Hobbit village and hotel, you could tell he wanted to stay but he didn’t dare ask. That would definitely had outed his excitement. Anyway…I’m worried about you.
(Wisdom): I’m alright. I don’t know V, I just wish this part was over.
(Vanessa): Wisdom I know you. You’d sink a cruise liner with thousands of people on it if it meant making Butch whole. You did what you had to do. If you’re feeling guilty or whatever the case may be, you’ve got to forgive yourself and move on. There is nothing more you can do.
(Wisdom): I want to tell her I’m sorry, but I can’t even do that. It’s a whole mess, restraining orders and media instigations…you know the drill.
(Vanessa): You’re feeling helpless. I know that better than anyone. I sat at that commentary booth for years and it’s not easy. Calling a match is one thing, but the helplessness you feel when you have a friend in the ring and their being cheated, or blindsided in an attack, when something heinous is going down and you want to help. It can be overwhelming.
(Wisdom): I recall you coming from behind that desk on many occasions.
(Vanessa): A few, but the point is exactly that. Sometimes you just have to do what your heart is telling you. It was whole new ballgame for me when Hans and I started dating. My emotions took over more than they should. Here was a man I’d seen in the ring for years, go through every kind of match imaginable and suddenly I’m ready to jump out of my seat if he got so much as a scoop slam to the mat.
Wisdom and Vanessa both share a bit of a laugh. How funny and how true her statement is about human nature and the ways our emotions can lead us.
(Wisdom): You’re right…I know you’re right. I think if I just knew she was going to be okay, at least physically. I think that would set my mind at a bit of ease. Let’s talk about something else…please! When are the two of you giving Butch and me a little God son or daughter?
(Vanessa): Girl, don’t even go there. When we’re ready…that’s when. Right now, it’s just the most amazing the in the world to be in love and have the ability to enjoy one another and enjoy life. I’m so grateful, it’s not something a lot of people get to do in the same way as we do.
(Wisdom): I know. A year or so ago when Butch and I were all but retired from the business it was the same way. You see people jump up in the morning, maybe throw a piece of toast in their mouth before rushing off to sit in traffic to go to work for 8 hours, come back home in more traffic, hardly any time for themselves and just repeat the same thing. We’re so grateful too, but we’ve earned it.
(Vanessa): Now that Mr. Man is World Champion again what are you guys gonna do next?
(Wisdom): I don’t know. The UFC offer is still on the table. Dana is chomping at the bits for me and Rhonda to go at it. Dixie Carters given me a few calls, but during all this crap went down with Michael James the last year I just couldn’t get a time to have a real conversation with her. I’m not sure I’d want to go down there anyway. Who’s going to really give me a challenge? Kong is about it, be nice to get it on with Gail I guess, but all those other little skill less b###hes I’d break in half and die of boredom. Besides, for all that it is…when it comes to wrestling HWA is my home.
(Vanessa): Honey, it’s a lot of things and if Hans and I could walk away…so can you.
(Wisdom): Yeah, but you left together. I don’t want to leave Butch behind, I won’t. The UFC thing might work since it’s just the occasional fight. I don’t know…I have to think about Evina too. I don’t want to be some absentee mother where some nanny practically raises her child.
The doorbell rings and Wisdom’s head perks up wondering who the hell it is. She keeps the conversation going as she leaves the kitchen and heads to the main door.
(Wisdom): You know what I mean?
(Vanessa): Of course. That’s only natural. At least she’s old enough now where its much easier to bring her along with you guys.
(Wisdom): She is having a blast of it when she comes. The crew in the back are so kind and treat her so well. Hold on one sec…
Wisdom looks at the security panel on the wall next to the door and the cameras show that it’s the Santa Barbara Sherrif’s Department outside the door. She opens the door.
(Wisdom): Yes, how can I help you?
A quick glance over the officer’s shoulder she sees sitting in a car in the background Mrs. Shevington’s son who gave her a verbal lashing the other week at the hospital. He quickly rolls up the window when she spots him.
(Officer): Ma’am, are you Wisdom Parker?
(Wisdom): Yes, I am…what is this about?
(Officer): This is for your Ma’am…Wisdom Parker, you’ve been served!
(Wisdom): What?
The officer turns and walks back to his patrol car. Wisdom looks over and Mrs. Shevington’s son drives off following the officer. She stares at the envelope, addressed to her nearly forgetting she is on the phone until she hears Vanessa again.
(Vanessa): What’s going on? You alright over there?
(Wisdom): I…..I don’t know…I just got served by the Sherriff. Shevington’s son was here staring daggers at me from his car.
(Vanessa): Oh Jesus…what the hell now?
Wisdom opens the envelope and pulls out the documents. They’ve been drafted by Shevington’s family lawyer, and copied to Wisdom and Butch’s attorney. Her eyes scan over the writing and she’s blown away by what she’s seeing. She moves to the couch and sits down in utter shock.
(Wisdom): Vanessa…honey….I….I’m gonna have to call you back.
Wisdom hangs up the call and continues to look at the document.
(Wisdom): Oh my God!
The scene fades to black as Wisdom tries to absorb what she just read.
Message Thread
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