He slumps onto the sectional sofa, visibly exhausted and stressed. He mops his face with his hand before running it through his hair and pinching and massaging between the bridge of his nose and the corners of his eyes.
Wisdom enters the room, noticing his tired state. She approaches him with a warm smile, announcing her presence before leaning over the back of the couch to tenderly kiss his cheek and massage his scalp.
(Wisdom): Hey, sweetheart. I saw the press conference. You handled it well all things considered. I hope he doesn’t do anything silly. Have you heard from him since? Or Michelle for that matter?
(Butch): I drove out to Pasadena, thinking of finding him, but I realized it wouldn’t solve anything. So, I came back home. Haven’t heard from him since then.
Wisdom continues to rub Butch’s head and neck, creating a soothing atmosphere. They briefly discuss the firing of Fallen and Legion and the possibility of pressing charges.
(Wisdom): I mean, it did happen during HWA programming, so technically, we have grounds, but I think we should leave it up to Michelle. It’s her decision. Maybe we could speak to Alexis?
(Butch): What for?
(Wisdom): Her girlfriend is a cop. I’m sure I heard saying to Sarah at the academy she’s working on getting a transfer to a precinct here in LA.
Butch adopts a contemplative expression.
(Butch): I guess it wouldn’t hurt to ask.
They share a moment of silence, the gentle touch of Wisdom’s hands providing comfort on Butch’s scalp down his neck and shoulders. One of Butch’s hands find its way to Wisdom’s cheek, stroking it tenderly. She turns her face inward and she kisses his hand.
(Butch): You know, Matthew mentioned that booking Sean for Havoc might not be a good idea, considering his current state of mind.
Wisdom raises her eyebrows, understanding the concern.
(Wisdom): And what do you think?
Butch sighs deeply, his thoughts weighed down by the complexity of the situation.
(Butch): I don’t know, maybe. If it’s not Matt or Jeremy, Stu-E would probably be the best choice for an opponent. But… I just don’t know. And then there’s Laney… we need to talk to him about her. What do we do, babe? Should we ban her from being involved? We can’t risk putting children in danger. What if it were Evina or David?
Butch feels his anxiety beginning surface, his breathing becoming slightly labored. Wisdom recognises the signs and reaches over, placing her hands inside his shirt and on his bare chest, guiding him to focus on his breathing.
(Wisdom): Deep breaths, my love. Remember your breathing. And have you taken your medication today?
Butch shakes his head, realizing he forgot to take his medication.
(Butch): No, I haven’t. I got caught up in everything. I need to take them.
(Wisdom): Don’t worry, I’ll get them for you. You’ll feel better after dinner dinner sounds perfect. I’m making blackened salmon with that chili jam you love.
She rises from the couch, heading towards the kitchen to fulfill her promise as Butch nods appreciatively, grateful for Wisdom’s understanding and attentiveness. He takes a deep breath, trying to steady his thoughts. A moment later, she reappears with a glass of water in-hand and Butch’s pills. He chugs them back and Wisdom takes the glass back through to the kitchen but not before giving him a kiss on the top of his head. As Wisdom disappears back into the kitchen, small footsteps can be heard and before long, Butch’s daughter Evina skips into the room and climbs on to the couch and snuggles up to her dad.
(Butch): Hey darling, how was school?
(Evina): It was ok, I got an A on my Spanish quiz.
(Butch): That’s great! Where’s your brother?
(Evina): He’s upstairs playing. Are you ok dad, you look tired.
(Butch): Yeah, I’m fine sweetie, that’s exactly what daddy is; just tired.
(Evina): Dad?
(Butch): Yes, lemon pie?
(Evina): Some kids at school said a man attacked Sean’s girlfriend on your wrestling show is that true?
Butch hesitates before answering, sitting up. He gently lifts Evina up and sits her on his lap.
(Butch): That…is right, sweetheart, he did attack her.
(Evina): Was it not part of a match?
(Butch): No, darling, it wasn’t.
(Evina): So why did he attack her?
(Butch): Because…some men aren’t very nice, Eevee. Some men do horrible things and it’s not nice.
(Evina): So did you fire him?
(Butch): I did, because dad is the boss and sometimes I have to make decisions like that.
(Evina): Was it hard to do?
(Butch): Firing him? No, sweetheart, of all the decisions your dad has to make being the boss, that was probably up there with the easiest.
(Evina): And is she ok? Michelle, I mean. Will be she be ok?
(Butch): I’ll be honest, sugar plum, I don’t know.
(Evina): Jessica Pritchett said Sean was really angry when you were talking to the internet people today.
(Butch): Well…Jessica is right, he was really angry.
(Evina): Is he going to beat that other man up for hurting Michelle?
Butch doesn’t answer straightaway and stammers slightly.
(Evina): If someone hurt mom, wouldn’t you want to beat him up?
(Butch): Well, yeah I would but let’s be honest, your mom doesn’t need me to fight her battles. Girls don’t necessarily need a boy to fight for them but in this case, yes, your big cousin kinda wants to hurt him. But that doesn’t make it right. We should only be fighting when it’s an absolute last resort.
Butch holds Evina close, his voice gentle and filled with love as he tries to explain the complexities of the situation.
(Butch): You’re right, Eevee. If someone hurt your mom, I would feel anger and want to protect her. But it’s important to remember that violence doesn’t the answer. We should always try to find peaceful resolutions and use our words to communicate and solve problems.
(Evina): But Dad, Sean wants to hurt the man who hurt his girlfriend. Isn’t that the same?
Butch takes a moment to gather his thoughts, wanting to explain in a way Evina can understand.
(Butch): Sean’s feelings are valid, and it’s natural for him to feel angry. However, hurting someone the way Sean wants to do to this man isn’t always the right way to handle the situation. You know, there are laws and rules. It would be different if it were in a wrestling ring but dad can’t have that man working for him and mom anymore.
Evina listens attentively, her young mind trying to process the information.
(Evina): So what can we do to help Sean and Michelle?
Butch smiles, proud of Evina’s empathy and willingness to help.
(Butch): We can offer our support and be there for Sean and Michelle. We can encourage them to seek help from the right people, like the police and counselors who can assist them through this difficult time. We can show them love and understanding, and let them know that we believe in them.
Evina nods, taking in her dad’s words. She wraps her arms around him in a tight hug.
(Evina): I love you, Dad. I hope Sean and Michelle will be okay.
Butch holds Evina tightly, returning the hug with equal fervor, squeezing her tight.
(Butch): I love you too, lemon pie. Now go on, skedaddle, tell your brother dinner’s nearly ready.
As Evina jumps off the couch, Butch doesn’t notice Wisdom observing the heartfelt conversation between fathe and daughter. As Butch readjusts his seated position, Wisdom approaches him, her admiration evident in her eyes. She gently turns Butch’s head towards her and leans in for a deep, loving kiss. After their lips part, Wisdom looks into Butch's soul-captivating emerald-green eyes, her voice filled with sincerity.
(Wisdom): You never cease to amaze me, Butch Parker. Please, never change.
Butch's eyes soften.
(Butch): I hadn’t planned on it.
Wisdom smiles warmly, her heart overflowing with love as David and Evina come down the stairs. The four of them make their way to the dining room to get ready for dinner as the scene fades to black.
Message Thread
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