As they entered Durham Tees Valley Airport, the weariness of the journey clung to them, but it couldn't dampen their enthusiasm. Stu-E's broad shoulders carried not just the weight of their luggage, but also the anticipation of a homecoming, the familiarity of the airport bringing a sense of comfort.
Laney, her small hand clasped firmly in her father's, glanced around with wide-eyed wonder. The sights and sounds of the bustling airport stirred her imagination. She was no stranger to the excitement that accompanied their travels, having accompanied her father to wrestling events around the States now for a good few week. But this time, the journey held a special significance.
As they made their way through the terminal, Stu-E's presence drew glances from passersby—whispered conversations and sidelong gazes from those who recognized the wrestling star. Stu-E acknowledged their nods and smiles with a humble nod of his own, never one to let his fame overshadow his down-to-earth nature.
The father-daughter duo finally reached the baggage claim area, where they patiently awaited the arrival of their belongings. Stu-E, always mindful of his role as a role model, used the opportunity to engage with Laney in lighthearted conversation, casting away the weariness of the journey.
"Laney," Stu-E said, his voice filled with warmth and affection. "What's been your favorite part of our wrestling trips so far?"
Laney's eyes lit up, her voice bubbling with enthusiasm. "Oh, Daddy, it's hard to pick just one! The wrestling match last Havoc was amazing! And the time we spent exploring the city together was so much fun. But the best part was watching you in the ring. You are my superhero!"
Stu-E's heart swelled with paternal pride. He knew the impact he had on his daughter's life, and he cherished their shared love for wrestling. His eyes met hers, and he smiled, his voice tinged with both tenderness and determination.
"Laney, you're my greatest fan, and you inspire me every day," he said. "I want to keep creating memories with you, in and out of the ring. Together, we'll write new stories, conquer new challenges, and show the world what we're made of."
Their luggage finally emerged onto the conveyor belt, and Stu-E swiftly gathered it, his muscles rippling beneath his shirt. With their belongings in tow, the father and daughter embarked on the final leg of their journey—a journey that would lead them back home, to the familiar streets of Darlington.
As they walked through the airport's exit, Stu-E and Laney breathed in the crisp, refreshing air of their homeland. They shared a knowing glance, their eyes shining with anticipation.
The scene cuts to them in the back of a taxi cab, getting driven to Darlington. Stu-E, the epitome of strength and resilience, found himself faced with a difficult conversation as he sat beside his young daughter, the weight of their journey back to England hung heavy in the air as he mustered the courage to explain the reason behind their sudden return.
"Laney," Stu-E began, his voice filled with both gentleness and concern. "You know your Mam has been poorly? Well, she thought she was getting better but she’s not and the doctors are taking care of her at the hospital in Darlington."
Laney's eyes widened, a mixture of worry and confusion flickering across her face. She clutched onto her father's hand, seeking reassurance and a better understanding of the situation.
"Daddy, what's wrong with Mammy?" she asked, her voice trembling with a hint of fear.
Stu-E took a deep breath, mustering the strength to explain the gravity of the situation to his daughter, all while striving to provide a sense of hope and comfort.
"The doctors think your Mommy might have something called sepsis," Stu-E gently explained, his voice tinged with a mixture of concern and tenderness. "It's a serious infection that needs special treatment. But don't worry, the doctors are doing everything they can to help her get better."
Laney's brow furrowed as she absorbed the information. Concern etched into her features, she looked up at her father with a mix of innocence and strength beyond her years.
"Daddy, what can we do to help?" she asked earnestly, her eyes shining with determination.
Stu-E's heart swelled with pride and love for his daughter's unwavering compassion. He took a moment to collect his thoughts before responding, his voice filled with warmth and encouragement.
"Laney, all we can do is be there for her." he replied, his tone laced with a gentle resolve. "We'll visit her at the hospital, bring her support and strength, and remind her that we're all in this together."
Laney nodded, her little face reflecting a newfound sense of purpose. She squeezed her father's hand, finding solace in their unbreakable bond.
"Daddy, I want to be strong for Mammy," she declared, her voice filled with determination. "We'll bring her drawings and cards, and tell her stories to make her feel better."
A soft smile graced Stu-E's lips as he marveled at his daughter's resilience. He leaned closer, wrapping his arm around her shoulders in a tender embrace.
"That's exactly what we'll do, Laney," he murmured, his voice filled with warmth and pride. "Together, we'll sort it out."
As the taxicab drove down the bland motorway, Stu-E and Laney embraced the uncertainty ahead. They found solace in each other's unwavering support and the hope that, with their support and the expertise of the medical professionals, Laney's mother would find healing and restoration.
Again, the scene fades, to Stu-E & Laney, arriving at a small, terraced house nestled on Whitby Way in Darlington. The familiarity of the neighborhood embraced them as they approached the weathered front door.
As they stepped inside, the warm scent of home enveloped them, intermingled with the comforting aromas of a home-cooked meal. The living room, adorned with framed family photographs and well-loved furniture, exuded a sense of nostalgia and love. It had been months since they last visited Stu-E's parents, and the reunion was met with anticipation and joy.
Stu-E's mother, Angela, emerged from the kitchen with open arms, her eyes lighting up with a mixture of relief and affection. She enveloped Laney in a tight embrace, her love palpable in the way she held her.
"It's so good to have you and Daddy back home," Angela whispered, her voice filled with genuine warmth. She then turned to Stu-E, her smile radiant. "About time you visited!"
Laney beamed, reveling in the embrace of her grandmother's love. The three of them settled into the cozy living room, catching up on the events and happenings that had unfolded during their time apart. Laughter and shared memories filled the air, reminding them of the unbreakable bonds of family.
After a while, Stu-E excused himself, promising to return shortly. He retreated to the dining room, where he had set up his laptop and a few papers. A mix of determination and concern played across his features as he focused on the screen, his fingers dancing across the keyboard.
Laney had snuck in and watched her father intently, sensing the gravity of the moment. With curiosity in her eyes, she approached him, her voice laced with a blend of innocence and concern.
"Daddy, what are you doing on the laptop?" she asked, her gaze fixed on the screen.
Stu-E paused, a mix of emotions passing over his face. He turned to Laney, his eyes reflecting a father's love and a desire to protect.
"Laney, there are some things I need to take care of," he began, his voice steady and gentle. "I just want to make sure everything is in order while we're here. But don't worry, it won't take long, and I'll be right back with you and Nanny."
Laney nodded, her understanding shining through. She knew her father's commitment to their family, both in and out of the ring. With a reassuring smile, she retreated to the living room, allowing Stu-E the space he needed.
As Stu-E delved into his work, his mind focused on the details that demanded his attention, his heart remained tethered to his daughter and his family. The clatter of keys and occasional murmur of conversation formed a backdrop to the love and unity that defined the Price household.
As Stu-E Price delved into the depths of his laptop, navigating through the digital realm of wrestling information, a mix of anticipation and curiosity coursed through his veins. His fingers danced across the keyboard, unveiling the upcoming card for the next episode of Havoc, a platform where legends and rising stars collided.
However, as the screen displayed the name "Fallen" next to his own, Stu-E's eyes widened, his expression morphing into a blend of surprise and contemplation. Fallen, the wrestler who had distracted Sean Parker, an individual Stu-E beat purely because of the distraction, would be his opponent for the upcoming match.
Stu-E's mind whirled with conflicting emotions. On one hand, he recognized the opportunity to avenge Sean Parker while on the other, he understood the gravity of the situation.
As he brought up the video producer software on his computer, he relaxed back in the seat but made sure there was nothing embarrassing behind him in view, such as an old junior school photo of himself. As the red light flickered to say it was recording, he sighed, he did not really expect to be facing Fallen in all honesty.
“Steven, some people will say I owe you a beer and a thank you for your little distraction the other week. Some people will say you’re a dumbass, but me?” Price pauses for a brief moment, “I see a 40-year-old man child who still isn’t over his Dad passing away. You’re a walking cliché of childhood trauma, the type of man who has spent his life trying to be who his Daddy could have been.”
He sighs and holds his hands up, “But mate, that is not a completely bad thing. Nobody can take it away from you that you went out and found your family and united them, nobody can take it away from you that you’ve done your bit for this business with the wrestling schools you’ve opened. Sure enough, you’re quick to pull some dumb crap but with those schools you’ve given hope to many people who were probably hopeless. And for that, I tip my hat to you, if I was wearing one.”
Stu-E smiles, he even surprised himself with what he just said, even when he was a rookie he never took notes or made bullet points; just went with the flow.
“It’s almost poetic, that Sean Parker challenges me because of your distraction costing him and low and behold, I get penciled in to face you right before I potentially face him again. I’m looking forward to it, Steven, because your fighting style amuses me, it’s not something I’ve seen since 1998 and I just love kicking it back to the old school.
And maybe, just maybe, I’ll go watch some old tapes of my 10 Hardcore title victories? Because I’m sure this ‘technical/hardcore’ style of yours was done better by lesser wrestlers twenty years ago, pal. Either way, I promise you when I walk down that aisle and stand across that ring from you, you’re going to have absolutely no idea what I am about to do to you. Stun Cutter? Choke you out? Wrap a chair round your head? In the words of Gary Barlow, it only takes a second, girl.”
He closed the laptop, momentarily shutting off the world of wrestling that had consumed his thoughts. The room fell into a contemplative silence as he weighed the potential reply from Fallen. In the depths of his being, Stu-E Price remained an honest, hard-working man who valued integrity more than anything else. He believed in the power of sportsmanship, of lifting others up rather than tearing them down. The thought of engaging in a potentially brutal encounter with Fallen, regardless of the circumstances, gave him pause.
He rose from his seat, a determined glint in his eyes as he prepared to rejoin his daughter and mother. He carried within him a renewed sense of purpose, ready to face whatever Steven Angel might throw at him.
As Stu-E Price sat with his laptop, contemplating the upcoming match against Fallen, his mind began to wander towards another opportunity that had presented itself. A spark of inspiration ignited within him, and he realized that he had a chance to not only settle the score with Sean Parker but also pay homage to the rich history of wrestling.
With a determined glint in his eyes, Stu-E reached out to his friend and rival, Sean Parker. He knew that their paths were intertwined, both in and out of the ring, and it was time to propose a challenge that would not only showcase their skills but also honour the past.
Crafting his words carefully, Stu-E typed a message to Sean on his phone, his fingers tapping the letters with a mix of excitement and respect:
"Hey, Sean! How about we make this encounter even more special? How about we pay tribute to your legendary uncle, Butch, by having a submission match?"
He paused for a moment, allowing the weight of his words to sink in. This was more than just a chance to prove their mettle; it was an opportunity to connect with the deep roots of their wrestling heritage.
"In a submission match, we can showcase our technical prowess, our mastery of holds and maneuvers, just like your uncle did back in the day. It'll be a testament to the artistry of wrestling and a tribute to the legends who came before us. What do you say, Sean? Are you up for the challenge?"
Stu-E's heart raced as he pressed the send button, waiting anxiously for Sean's response. He knew that this proposition carried significance, not just for them but for the wrestling community as a whole. It was a chance to remind everyone of the rich tapestry of history and honor the legends who had paved the way.
In that moment, Stu-E Price embraced the essence of wrestling—a blend of competition, camaraderie, and respect. He awaited Sean's reply, hopeful that they could create a match that would leave an indelible mark on the annals of wrestling history although he did forget about the time zone difference.
Stu-E Price's attention was momentarily diverted from his wrestling career as his mother approached him with a gentle smile, her eyes filled with warmth and concern.
"Stuart, would you and Laney like to have tea at mine? I've prepared some of your favourites," she offered, her voice carrying a hint of anticipation.
Stu-E's gaze softened as he looked at his mother, grateful for her unwavering support and thoughtfulness. He understood the comfort and solace that a shared meal could bring, especially during challenging times. However, he knew that their immediate priority lay elsewhere—the hospital where Laney's mother was undergoing treatment.
His voice filled with appreciation, Stu-E responded, "Cheers, Mam. I would love to have tea with you, and I know Laney would too. But right now, we need to get to the hospital. We want to make sure Mum is okay and show our support."
Angela's eyes reflected a mix of understanding and maternal concern. She nodded, her love for her son and granddaughter evident in every gesture.
"I'm here for you both, and whenever you're ready, we'll have that tea together," his mother assured them, her voice filled with unwavering support.
Stu-E warmly smiles, conveying his gratitude and love. Laney, sensing the unspoken emotions, joined in and embraced her Nanny, creating a tender moment of unity and reassurance.
"Thank you, Nanny," Laney whispered, her voice tinged with a mixture of appreciation and affection.
With their hearts filled with love and determination, Stu-E and Laney prepared to leave for the hospital. As they bid farewell, they carried her love and well-wishes with them, knowing that her home would always be a sanctuary awaiting their return.
Together, they embarked on their journey, guided by the strength of their family bond.
The scene cuts to outside, the sun dipping below the horizon, casting a warm glow across the neighbourhood, Stu-E Price and Laney embarked on their walk from Stu-E's childhood home to the hospital, their footsteps weaving a path of determination and hope. Each stride carried with it a sense of purpose; their minds focused on the well-being of Laney's mother.
Amidst the peacefulness of their walk, Stu-E's pocket buzzed with the familiar vibration of his phone. With a flicker of curiosity, he retrieved the device, noting the name flashing on the screen—Butch Parker.
As Stu-E answered the call, Laney's playful antics swirled around him like a gentle breeze, her laughter echoing through the air. The warmth of her innocent spirit brought a smile to Stu-E's face, momentarily distracting him from the conversation unfolding on the other end of the line.
Butch's voice resonated through the receiver, his words carrying an air of familiarity and urgency. He spoke of a favour, a chance to appear on the esteemed This Morning TV show, hosted by Holly Willoughby and Dermot O'Leary. The offer hung in the air, its significance unfolding with each passing second.
However, as Butch conveyed the details of the appearance, an important piece of information slipped through the cracks of Stu-E's awareness. Amidst Laney's gleeful laughter and their shared moment of joy, the mention of Sean Parker's presence on the show went unheard, lost in the symphony of childhood innocence.
Caught in a momentary lapse of attention, Stu-E hesitated. With a sigh, he reluctantly accepted the invitation, unaware of the unexpected twist that awaited him.
Little did Stu-E know that destiny had played its hand, entwining his path with that of Sean Parker's on the very stage he had unwittingly agreed to grace. The clash of these two wrestlers, each driven by their own motivations loomed on the horizon yet remained hidden from Stu-E's unsuspecting gaze.
As they continued their walk, a sense of anticipation and uncertainty mingled in the air. Stu-E, blissfully unaware of the impending collision, walked beside his daughter, cherishing the simple joy and playfulness she exuded. They moved forward together, their bond unbreakable. As they continued their walk to the hospital, the scene faded out.
Message Thread
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