She did tell him before they got into it that they needed some protection, but Sean said “No” and that it would be better without it…she gave him an uneasy look, and he gave her one back that said “Trust me!” and again…she gave in. Looking out the window, the sun now cresting over the top of buildings…she thought how it was all behind them now, there was no turning back, but the little pang of guilt remained. She dreaded telling her parents…mostly her father who was still a bit uncomfortable with her relationship with Sean. He was already concerned about the influences Los Angeles presented, but said he knew how boys think and how they encouraged young women into having their way. She’d never hear the end of it. She pulled the Starbucks Venti Pumpkin Spice Latte from between her legs, took another sip and said out loud…
(Michelle): Darn you Sean Parker, I think I’m hooked on this thing!
He was right, on a nice cool morning like today the protective sleeve would have dulled the warmth of the cup, and while she thought it was too big at first, she had already finished half of it …just in the walk back to her apartment. Her father was right too, falling into the coffee craze of a big city, paying almost $7.00 for a cup was something she couldn’t have ever fathomed doing before. “Nothing wrong with a whole $10 tub of Folgers or Yuban” he would say. They had waited months for fall to arrive and this little guilty pleasure wouldn’t last long, then she’d go back to normal. She just hoped she didn’t still crave it in the months to come, it was so ding-dang delicious. She lingered for a few minutes more before pulling herself up. Maybe she had taken her time this morning because she was kind of dreading thinking about work, thinking about the world and she was a little sad which is why Sean had come over early and got a run in with her. So many fan messages had come in and she wanted to give her thoughts on Havoc and reply to some of them. Maybe it was the coffee and the caffeine but as she got moving she felt a little perked up at least physically. She got to her laptop choosing it over her phone, logged into the employee portal and got her recording started to send out a few messages.
(Michelle): Hello there HWA Fanverse, its still a bit early here in Los Angeles, but if you look out over the skyline and see all the beautiful purples and pinks and orange hues in the sky as the sun rises…who can’t think that this is a day that the Lord hath made? While our skies are beautiful and bright I know others around the world have rockets and bombs flying through theirs and I pray for everyone. It saddens me to see God’s children at each others throats like wild animals. Please pray with me for the Israeli and Palestinian people, and the Russians and the Ukranians.
Michelle pulls her hair back and leans in her chair. Tears are starting to form in her eyes and she sniffle trying her best to contain them.
(Michelle): There’s something I need to get off my chest and its really bothering me the last few days. I’ve really just had no words. Erica, how could you? How could you be so mean and nasty to Hans and Vanessa? They haven’t done anything to you. Please stop, please stop this crazy behavior. This is not the friend I knew, you’re better than this and you’re running peoples lives. Maniac has you wrapped around his little thumb and is pulling your strings, I just know it. You don’t have to go down that path, you don’t have to be like him. Please, meet me at the academy…lets talk like we used to…I know my friend is still in there somewhere. God hasn’t turned his back on you Erica, if you won’t take his hand…take mine and let me guide you to him. Please!
She couldn’t help it, the tears had come and she wiped at them with her Starbucks napkin.
(Michelle): I’m sorry guys, I know you think I’m silly and naïve and I should just leave it be, but I just know I can help, it’s my duty to help others. The LumberJill match at Havoc I guess was a little proof of that. I’ll do what I need to do, but that doesn’t mean I’ll give up on someone. Well let’s talk about some better things shall we?
I want to give my congratulations to Jesse and Kratos, welcome to the main roster guys. I wish you both all of the success in the world. Rain, I know you’re waiting on the bench but I’ve seen you in training, I’ve seen you in that weight room…you’re what they call a “total package” and I know you’ll be great. I don’t know much about what’s going on with you and the Blackthornes girls or this Fallen Fan Club thing, but I’m hoping you’re just a young woman who got caught up in things and some old family history. I can tell you from experience that, that man is no good and so far Lilianna and Brair don’t seem to be nice young ladies either. Please be careful.
Suddenly she smiles.
(Michelle): Speaking of your family though, Mr. Draconis…everyone saw what you did at Havoc coming to help Jeremy while we were all barricaded in. You were probably the last person he expected to see but as a friend, I just wanted to say…Thank you!
She takes a sip of her latte and continues.
(Michelle): Everywhere I’ve gone the last few days I’m asked about my boss showing up at Havoc. No, I didn’t know anything about it, none of us did that I know of. And, No, I don’t feel avenge by what happened. I know what Brandi did to me back in April. She got a little out of hand, and I’ve forgiven her for what she did. It’s not my place to say what is going on between them, I know it’s gotten pretty personal and I pray they work their differences out because I think they were all really good friends before. God willing they get back to that.
Ummmm…I have to say something now that I know may not be too popular but I just…I think someone needs to say it. I’m sorry Matt, but I don’t think they should approve that deathmatch thing you want for the ppv. I think we saw enough violence at Art of War and it just isn’t necessary. I have nothing against you having a match with Maniac, but don’t you want a clean win? Anyone can go beat each other with weapons until one can’t stand anymore…but that’s not winning. If you do this, you may never really know if you can beat him or not, really beat him. Look what happened to Jeremy at Havoc, I thought he had him but things took a turn and look where it got him. I don’t want that for my friends, everyone walking around with indefinite aches, pains, burns, bruises and scars. Seeing Sean backflip off that cage 30, 40, 50 however many feet up it was…still scares me to death. Butch and Wisdom can’t allow this kind of thing to go on, they just can’t. Please don’t do this Matt, you’re better than that.
Michelle feels like she got that off her chest and is a little lighter.
(Michelle): Okay Fanverse, I think that’s enough for now. I’ll see you on the road when we come to your town, and for everyone else I’ll see you at Havoc. God Bless!
Michelle’s sweet and beautiful smile fills the screen as she waves and publishes her recording. By now Sean was home and showered and the Pumpkin Spice had given her courage to ask him something she was hesitant to before. She knew he’d be on board with it, but it was completely new territory for her and once again she needed his guidance navigating this thing called Los Angeles life, and some aspects of life outside the Mormon bubble in general. She grabbed her phone and called but it went to voicemail. He may have made a stop on the way home so she left a message which may have been better if she decided to pivot at the last minute and chicken out.
(Michelle): Hi Sean, it’s Michelle….oh…of course you know that already. Ummm…I was just wondering…well I was thinking that this year I might…..its silly but I thought that I kind of wanted to…
She cringes as she speaks…
(Michelle): ….celebrate Halloween for the first time. I know I’m too old to Trick or Treat but I think there are some pumpkin patches that give candy. Would you help me pick out a costume? Nothing kinky like those maid costumes or cops with the really short skirts. Oh and nothing to do with the devil or evil….maybe I could be a Disney Princess or something. That doesn’t take the fun out of it does it? I’m sorry, I’m rambling…you can call me later. It was just a silly thought. Bye.
Michelle kisses into the phone making a smooching noise as she presses the end button. She has a few dregs of coffee left that she downs and it ready to get the rest of her day going as the scene fades to black.
Message Thread
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