04-17-2020, 11:59 PM
Flashback
Two Years Ago
New York, New York
Blake Mason stood in front of a penthouse apartment with a pair of keys in his hand. He hesitated. He could easily slip the key into the hole, let himself in, no need for a dramatic entrance. Now wasn’t the time for subtly in his esteemed opinion. Blake took a deep breath. With all the gusto he could muster he banged on the front door of the penthouse. No one answered. He took a moment to compose himself. Again, he pounded on the door like his life depended on it.
“I KNOW you are in there” Blake screamed. “Open up or else I am going to kick the door down.”
He stopped to give whoever it was inside the penthouse an opportunity to answer his very heated threat. Again, no answer. He goes to knock on the door yet again, this time the door opens. On the other side is his brother Victor Mason. His brother was wearing a white bathrobe. The squinting he does indicates that he is clearly tired. Looking at the keys in his brother's hand, Victor sighs “You... could have let yourself in.”
Blake slips the keys into his khaki pockets. “What fun would that be?”
Victor smiles. “I’ll tell Abi you’re borrowing her idioms.”
Blake rolls his eyes. “Don’t think you are going to charm your way out of this one.”
Victor responds, “Heh, only Kelsia finds me charming these days.”
Blake storms past Victor into his penthouse. Heading straight to the living room, he hears his brother shut the door. Blake turns around. He glares at him.
“Where is she?” Blake demands to know.
Victor meets his brother in the living room. “She’s in the bedroom.”
“Did she move her stuff in yet?” Blake said clearly wanting to know.
Victor shakes his head. “Not entirely.”
“Good!” Blake says satisfied. “There’s time.”
Victor looks confused. “Time for what?”
Blake points at Victor. “To correct the mistake you made.”
Blake couldn’t believe that his own brother shrugged off his request. He grew further annoyed when Victor walked away from him. He followed Victor into the kitchen. His brother picked up a cup of coffee he likely prepared before answering the door. Taking a sip of the straight black coffee, Victor addresses Blake. “Don’t you have anything else better to do?”
Blake folded his arms into his arms. “ You mean like protecting our family? I am so sorry you don’t completely understand that. What the hell are you thinking, Victor? One day? One fucking day? Are you afraid of being alone that badly you MARRY the first girl who bats a goddamn eyelash?”
Victor sighs. “If I was going to marry the first girl to come along it would have been Ivy Knight, remember?”
“She’s a great girl. A solid head on her shoulders. She wouldn’t marry you after one date. What made you think this would be a great idea.”
“Kelsai.”
Blake tosses his hands in the air. “Of course!”
Victor sets the cup of coffee down. With absolute certainty, he says, “She made me realize I have been being too cautious with my life. I love her. Why not? Made perfect sense.”
“No Victor, none of this makes sense.” Blake sighs. “You don’t know that woman.”
“Her name is Kelsai Adamson-M--” Victor says aggressively.
Sensing what Victor would say, Blake angrily cuts him off. “Don’t you dare call her a Mason. She is NOT one of us. She will NEVER be one of us. Make this right, Vic or I will.”
“Normally I can tolerate your attitude.” Victor walks right up to Blake staring him seriously in the eyes. “Not today. You can’t come into my home and make demands. This is my life. When are you going to finally accept that?”
“Did Dad put the burden of protecting our family on you? No.” Blake says. “He knows I am the assertive one, not you. And to think you were supposed to be the more sensible one between us. I never got married after one date. This ends no--”
“BLAKE. IS THAT YOU?” Kelsai Adamson-Mason (sorry Blake), screamed from the bedroom.
It wasn’t long until the newest addition of the Mason family burst into the kitchen. Before Blake could react, Kelsai hugs him for dear life. Caught off guard he stood in place, unable to react to a woman he clearly didn’t want in the family and yet, she welcomed him with open arms. Blake turns to his brother looking for help. The only help Victor offered in response was to take a sip of his coffee. Blake just shakes his head, trying not to look amused because he is not .
“Hi.” Blake says coldly.
“Finally glad to meet my big brother.” Kelsai flashes a smile that spans from ear to ear.
“I am not your brother.” Blake says leaving no doubt how he truly feels.
Kelsia didn’t frown. She wasn’t deterred. She continues to smile. “Of course you are.” She flashes her wedding ring.
Blake stares at her wedding ring. “A wedding ring on your finger doesn’t make you family. You’ve barely known my brother for a week. That’s not how this works.”
“It does now, Big Brother.” She smiles. “Victor tells me you like bacon and eggs. I can make you breakfast.”
Blake shakes his head. “I hate to break this to you Kelsai, you are going to have to move out.”
Kelsai looks confused. She looks at Victor. “Are we moving already? I love it here.”
Blake snaps his fingers. “Look. My brother made a mistake, ok? He is going through some problems at the moment. A girl he knew for years broke his heart. He is still trying to find his way back. I have no problem with who he dates, that is his prerogative...”
Victor cuts in, unable to tolerate what Blake is saying. “Seriously! What girl have I ever dated you approved of?”
Ignoring Victor's question, Blake continues. “What I am trying to say Kelsai is, my brother is in a vulnerable position, he doesn’t know what he wants out of life. Here you come, full of energy, he decides to say screw it, let's get married because it was your idea? Was he drunk? What exactly did you do to convince him you two can make a life out of one goddamn date.”
Unflinching, Kelsai responds. “I have always admired your family. Especially you. I am not naive to some of the things you’ve done to upset your friends and family. You have always been a strong willed man that knows what he wants. Victor. Look at him. He has always come across like an exceptional man. My sister, Cassie--”
Cutting in, Blake states, “She’s not your sister.”
Undeterred, Kelsai picks up where she left off. “-- is so full of life. How can I not respect what your family represents.”
“Most of the business considers my family a cancer.” Blake says.
“Well, they are dead wrong.” Kelsia confidently says “Our family is the best. I am honored to be a Ma--”
Completely annoyed, Blake states. “Kelsai. Please. Don’t.”
“What? I am a Mason now.” Kelsai says standing her position.
“No!” Blake closes his eyes, takes a deep breath. Slightly less annoyed Blake demands. “Can you please pack up your stuff. Leave. We can get this marriage annulled. You don’t belong in our family. I would appreciate it if you stop using the Mason name from this day forward.”
Having heard enough, Victor asserts himself back into the conversation. “Blake! Enough! Get out!”
Kelsai walks over to her husband. She grabs his hand. “Victor, it’s ok. Can I talk to my Big Brother alone?”
Victor looks at Blake, then back at his wife. “In the mood he’s in? No!”
Kelsai please with her husband. “Please!”
“Yeah Vic... please.” Blake says mockingly.
Victor rolls his eyes. “Try anything and I’ll throw you out myself.”
Victor took his coffee and headed into the bedroom. Blake and Kelsai were alone. Her starry eyed enthusiasm about meeting Blake hasn’t favored. Blake still couldn’t properly gauge what Kelsai was about. No matter how much he screamed and demanded, she wouldn’t raise her voice or express any anger.
“All I am trying to do Kelsai is protect my family. This is nothing personal at all. You could be the nicest person to ever roam the planet in the history of mankind, all I see is a woman who decided to marry into my family after one God forsaken date, that’s not normal Kelsai. As much as I love this family, I haven’t elevated us to the highest of esteem. We’re not paragons. We are not a standard to aspire to, yet. I will do my best to change that. So you see, I can’t have it out there that my brother is going to be completely reckless, allowing someone he barely knows into our ranks, that is the last time the Mason’s need. We can sweep this under the rug. Just say you had a wild night in Las Vegas, had one too many drinks. Shit happens. My brother comes across like an adventurous playboy following in my footsteps. You become famous. Use your fame to lead into a modeling career. Everybody wins.”
“I already won. I’m a Mason.” she says proudly showing her wedding ring. “This is the greatest moment of my life.”
Blake blinks. “Are you high?”
Kelsai chuckles. “You're funny.”
Blake closes his eyes. He can’t believe he is making zero progress. Who is this woman? “I’m not trying to be. Kel--”
“It’s not conventional to get married in one day. When you love someone, you don’t let what makes sense stand in the way. I love my husband. Made sense. No regrets. One day I am going to prove to you Big Brother that I am worthy of being a Mason. I want to stay in this family more than ever. I now know you will protect me when it comes down to it. I love you.”
Kelsai hugs Blake again. He stands still for a moment. Not understanding why, hesitantly he wraps his arms around her. Catching himself, he prys Kelsai free from him. He could tell in that moment she was consumed by her own conviction to be a player for years to come. He turns his back to Kelsai, he walks towards the door. Looking back she waves at him.
“This isn’t over...” he said one hundred percent certain she wasn’t going to win him over. With that, he opened the door, stormed out of his brother’s apartment. He was going to win, he had too....
Home of Victor and Kelsai Mason
New Orleans, Louisiana
Friday, April 17th, 2020
2 pm
This would be just like Kelsai, Blake thought silently to himself as he tried to wait downstairs in the living room patiently, but the pacing back and forth gave him away. He was not being patient about this, not at all, a fact that was accentuated by the way he keeps looking at his watch repeatedly. Blake Mason is not a man that is known for his patience however, especially when he is about to try and talk his sister out of what he has agreed to do with her today. His sister (technically his sister-in-law) Kelsai Adamson-Mason will have none of it however, because what they are doing today is important to her, and if she has her way it will end up being important to Blake as well.
What is it that they are supposed to be doing that Blake could be trying to figure a way out of while at the same time is so important to Kelsai that she will not let him not do it?
Volunteering at The Bourbon Street Diner of course, which has become something that is quickly becoming a very special place in the heart of Kelsai. It is more than just the owners of The Bourbon Street Diner, Cynthia and Sam, though they are wonderful people whose spirit exudes hope just to be around, or the way that people in New Orleans call The Bourbon Street Diner The Diner. It’s not even the way that both healthcare and public service workers who come into The Diner and eat for free during the coronavirus pandemic have started to recognize Kelsai and smile at her just the way that she smiles at them.
No, for Kelsai, as Blake is about to find out, the greatest reason for volunteering at The Diner is something much more personal. Blake right now though is getting increasingly agitated as he is still pacing in the living room back and forth while looking at his watch. Coming into the room with a slight grin on his face seeing the state that Blake currently is in, is Blake’s younger brother and Kelsai’s husband Victor. Feeling that someone else has walked into the room from behind him, Blake wheels around only to see Victor standing there.
Victor: “Looks like you are fit to be tied brother, what’s wrong?”
Not in the least bit amused by the fact that Victor can probably tell what is wrong with him and likely is asking for nothing more than just to see what he will get for a response from him, Blake shakes his head.
Blake: “Your wife, I am sure that she told me 2:30. Is she not able to read a watch? I know that she owns a rather nice one which you bought her for Christmas. Shame that she still might not be able to tell what time it is.”
Victor smirks while sitting down to put on his shoes, not even looking up toward his brother as he comments.
Victor: “Kelsai, she knows what time it is, I am sure of it. That is one of the things though about volunteering at The Diner. Cynthia and Sam don’t have a schedule for volunteers. So if Kelsai told you 2:30, it’s really nothing concrete.”
Blake just stops pacing immediately, looking at Victor like he is searching for answers after the previous statement.
Blake: “Can I ask you a few things about all of this volunteering, since it is just the two of us out here right now anyway Vic?”
Noting the crispiness in Blake’s tone of voice and noting that he is still rather annoyed at this point, Victor nods, if for nothing else than he wants to know where Blake is going with his line of questioning.
Victor: “Sure, you can ask me what is on your mind Blake. But why don’t you go ahead and sit down. It could be a few minutes yet.
Seeing that there is no other alternative, Blake takes a seat in the chair across from Victor, though somehow he still manages to retain his annoyed expression.
Blake: “First of all, since you just mentioned them a few minutes ago, who are Cynthia and Sam?”
Knowing that the interrogation is just starting, Victor smiles at the first question, knowing that this is one that he can answer with relative ease, and realizing that there will likely be others that will not be so easy to answer.
Victor: “Cynthia and Sam the owners of The Bourbon Street Diner. You will meet them today, because they are also the two people we work with.”
Blake is listening to his brother carefully, taking mental notes along the way, though his mind is racing as he decides where he would like to attack next.
Blake: “I am really glad that you mentioned that the two of them own the place, though doesn’t that make it hard to run a place like that when you don’t even have a schedule for when your employees come on?”
Victor smirks again, realizing that Blake doesn’t completely understand what is going on today.
Victor: “It would be kind of hard yes, except for the fact that Kelsai and I are the only other people that Volunteer in the back room at The Diner right now.”
Looking at his brother completely flabbergasted, Blake really doesn’t know what to say next after finding out Victor and Kelsai are the only volunteers in the back.
Blake: “The only volunteers in the back are you and Kelsai? That must get really exhausting for Cynthia and..Sam is it? They are not able to get more help from other people in the community. At least now I know why Kelsai does this, because she must know that she does not have to, and you certainly do not Victor.”
Trying not to laugh at what Blake has just said, Victor can only shake his head about how wrong Blake is at this point.
Victor: “I think you are trying really hard Blake to understand why it is that Kelsai decides to do this, but if you think that it is simply a case of Cynthia and Sam not having enough help, I think that you are missing the point. I can tell you that for me, it makes me smile when I see the joy that this puts on my wife’s face, helping other people.”
Voice: “And for that? Just one more reason that I love you, Mister Mason.”
Coming into the room from behind, Kelsai joins Victor and Blake by jumping over the back of the sofa that Victor is sitting on, before sitting beside Victor and greeting him with a kiss, while Blake just rolls his eyes slightly, before grinning slightly at his precocious sister.
Kelsai: “Hi Big Brother!”
Blake: “Hi Kelsai. You still have not learned how to sit down in a living room. Impressive, for someone that is 23 years of age.”
Kelsai, knowing that Blake was going to say something about her entrance into the living room (and that indeed was why she did it) can only giggle in response.
Kelsai: “Sometimes I swear Big Brother that you have never had not even one day of fun in your entire life.”
Blake: “No, I just like my furniture to last for a little while after I have paid for it.”
Victor looks back and forth between two people that are huge parts of his life and their own lives for that matter but quickly realizes how quickly this conversation could go off the rails if they are not careful.
Victor: “Easy you two. Remember we are all on the same side here.”
Blake scoffs.
Blake: “I was just having some fun with Kelsai. Of course we are all on the same side here Victor. Although, I would like to know exactly what side that is before we head over to The Diner.”
Kelsai: “What would you like to know Blake?”
Blake: “You and I are going to Cold Blooded this Sunday with the opportunity to become the SCW World Tag Team Champions.”
Kelsai, as she always does, smiles from ear-to-ear, while Victor notices a change in demeanor from his brother, and realizes now that Blake believes that he might have a way to talk Kelsai out of going to The Diner.
Kelsai: “I know, is that not just the most incredible thing that you have ever heard of. You and I have never even been partners before. In fact, this is the first time that I will have wrestled in a tag team match in SCW other than matches involving the Trios Tournament.”
Blake: “I know, which is why I really think that we should talk about the match before, seeing how we have not talked about it yet.”
Victor: “And let me guess Blake you think that you are Kelsai’s time this afternoon would be spent better going through what you two want to do in that match Sunday rather than taking the time to volunteer at The Diner?”
Blake: “Now you are talking Victor, I knew that you would see things my way!”
Victor is about to say something else to Blake when Kelsai suddenly gets a very determined look on her face, speaking to her husband first.
Kelsai: “Victor baby, can I have a few minutes alone with my Big Brother please?”
Victor nods.
Victor: “Certainly. I will go wait outside in the car.”
Kelsai: “Thank you.”
Victor gets up and leaves out the front door, leaving Kelsai’s attention completely on Blake.
Kelsai: “We have come a long way in the past two years haven’t we Blake? I can still remember the first time that you and I met in New York, at the penthouse that Victor and I shared, do you remember that?”
Blake: “Yes I do Kelsai, yes I do very well.”
Kelsai: “You and I, we were on different sides of things that day. You were so funny, coming into my home and telling me that I was going to have to move out, do you remember that Blake, because I do. Tell me Blake, who won that day, who moved out?”
Blake sighs and drops his head, already being able to tell where this conversation is headed whether he likes it or not.
Blake: “Nobody moved out that day Kelsai, you won.”
Kelsai: “Right, I did. And I am going to win this Sunday too, when I get to team with you for the first time. If you do remember, I wanted that at the Trios Tournament, but didn’t happen.”
Blake: “Kelsai, I really am…”
Kelsai: “Sorry? No, Blake you had your reasons, whatever they were and I respect that. Understand this though please, this Sunday, we are facing TWO Jackasses alright? Nobody wants to make those two Jackasses pay by losing their belts to us more than I do. That means that between now and Sunday I will be sure that we have plenty of time to discuss what we want to do in that match. For now though, I would like for you to come with Victor and I to The Diner like you agreed, because Blake, I know you want to know why this is so important to me and the thing is this; I have never had to work a job my entire life, and yet all of those people on the front lines fighting against this virus, they look at my like I am a hero, but they are the real heroes…
Please come with us?”
Blake: “Ok.”
And we fade.
Two Years Ago
New York, New York
Blake Mason stood in front of a penthouse apartment with a pair of keys in his hand. He hesitated. He could easily slip the key into the hole, let himself in, no need for a dramatic entrance. Now wasn’t the time for subtly in his esteemed opinion. Blake took a deep breath. With all the gusto he could muster he banged on the front door of the penthouse. No one answered. He took a moment to compose himself. Again, he pounded on the door like his life depended on it.
“I KNOW you are in there” Blake screamed. “Open up or else I am going to kick the door down.”
He stopped to give whoever it was inside the penthouse an opportunity to answer his very heated threat. Again, no answer. He goes to knock on the door yet again, this time the door opens. On the other side is his brother Victor Mason. His brother was wearing a white bathrobe. The squinting he does indicates that he is clearly tired. Looking at the keys in his brother's hand, Victor sighs “You... could have let yourself in.”
Blake slips the keys into his khaki pockets. “What fun would that be?”
Victor smiles. “I’ll tell Abi you’re borrowing her idioms.”
Blake rolls his eyes. “Don’t think you are going to charm your way out of this one.”
Victor responds, “Heh, only Kelsia finds me charming these days.”
Blake storms past Victor into his penthouse. Heading straight to the living room, he hears his brother shut the door. Blake turns around. He glares at him.
“Where is she?” Blake demands to know.
Victor meets his brother in the living room. “She’s in the bedroom.”
“Did she move her stuff in yet?” Blake said clearly wanting to know.
Victor shakes his head. “Not entirely.”
“Good!” Blake says satisfied. “There’s time.”
Victor looks confused. “Time for what?”
Blake points at Victor. “To correct the mistake you made.”
Blake couldn’t believe that his own brother shrugged off his request. He grew further annoyed when Victor walked away from him. He followed Victor into the kitchen. His brother picked up a cup of coffee he likely prepared before answering the door. Taking a sip of the straight black coffee, Victor addresses Blake. “Don’t you have anything else better to do?”
Blake folded his arms into his arms. “ You mean like protecting our family? I am so sorry you don’t completely understand that. What the hell are you thinking, Victor? One day? One fucking day? Are you afraid of being alone that badly you MARRY the first girl who bats a goddamn eyelash?”
Victor sighs. “If I was going to marry the first girl to come along it would have been Ivy Knight, remember?”
“She’s a great girl. A solid head on her shoulders. She wouldn’t marry you after one date. What made you think this would be a great idea.”
“Kelsai.”
Blake tosses his hands in the air. “Of course!”
Victor sets the cup of coffee down. With absolute certainty, he says, “She made me realize I have been being too cautious with my life. I love her. Why not? Made perfect sense.”
“No Victor, none of this makes sense.” Blake sighs. “You don’t know that woman.”
“Her name is Kelsai Adamson-M--” Victor says aggressively.
Sensing what Victor would say, Blake angrily cuts him off. “Don’t you dare call her a Mason. She is NOT one of us. She will NEVER be one of us. Make this right, Vic or I will.”
“Normally I can tolerate your attitude.” Victor walks right up to Blake staring him seriously in the eyes. “Not today. You can’t come into my home and make demands. This is my life. When are you going to finally accept that?”
“Did Dad put the burden of protecting our family on you? No.” Blake says. “He knows I am the assertive one, not you. And to think you were supposed to be the more sensible one between us. I never got married after one date. This ends no--”
“BLAKE. IS THAT YOU?” Kelsai Adamson-Mason (sorry Blake), screamed from the bedroom.
It wasn’t long until the newest addition of the Mason family burst into the kitchen. Before Blake could react, Kelsai hugs him for dear life. Caught off guard he stood in place, unable to react to a woman he clearly didn’t want in the family and yet, she welcomed him with open arms. Blake turns to his brother looking for help. The only help Victor offered in response was to take a sip of his coffee. Blake just shakes his head, trying not to look amused because he is not .
“Hi.” Blake says coldly.
“Finally glad to meet my big brother.” Kelsai flashes a smile that spans from ear to ear.
“I am not your brother.” Blake says leaving no doubt how he truly feels.
Kelsia didn’t frown. She wasn’t deterred. She continues to smile. “Of course you are.” She flashes her wedding ring.
Blake stares at her wedding ring. “A wedding ring on your finger doesn’t make you family. You’ve barely known my brother for a week. That’s not how this works.”
“It does now, Big Brother.” She smiles. “Victor tells me you like bacon and eggs. I can make you breakfast.”
Blake shakes his head. “I hate to break this to you Kelsai, you are going to have to move out.”
Kelsai looks confused. She looks at Victor. “Are we moving already? I love it here.”
Blake snaps his fingers. “Look. My brother made a mistake, ok? He is going through some problems at the moment. A girl he knew for years broke his heart. He is still trying to find his way back. I have no problem with who he dates, that is his prerogative...”
Victor cuts in, unable to tolerate what Blake is saying. “Seriously! What girl have I ever dated you approved of?”
Ignoring Victor's question, Blake continues. “What I am trying to say Kelsai is, my brother is in a vulnerable position, he doesn’t know what he wants out of life. Here you come, full of energy, he decides to say screw it, let's get married because it was your idea? Was he drunk? What exactly did you do to convince him you two can make a life out of one goddamn date.”
Unflinching, Kelsai responds. “I have always admired your family. Especially you. I am not naive to some of the things you’ve done to upset your friends and family. You have always been a strong willed man that knows what he wants. Victor. Look at him. He has always come across like an exceptional man. My sister, Cassie--”
Cutting in, Blake states, “She’s not your sister.”
Undeterred, Kelsai picks up where she left off. “-- is so full of life. How can I not respect what your family represents.”
“Most of the business considers my family a cancer.” Blake says.
“Well, they are dead wrong.” Kelsia confidently says “Our family is the best. I am honored to be a Ma--”
Completely annoyed, Blake states. “Kelsai. Please. Don’t.”
“What? I am a Mason now.” Kelsai says standing her position.
“No!” Blake closes his eyes, takes a deep breath. Slightly less annoyed Blake demands. “Can you please pack up your stuff. Leave. We can get this marriage annulled. You don’t belong in our family. I would appreciate it if you stop using the Mason name from this day forward.”
Having heard enough, Victor asserts himself back into the conversation. “Blake! Enough! Get out!”
Kelsai walks over to her husband. She grabs his hand. “Victor, it’s ok. Can I talk to my Big Brother alone?”
Victor looks at Blake, then back at his wife. “In the mood he’s in? No!”
Kelsai please with her husband. “Please!”
“Yeah Vic... please.” Blake says mockingly.
Victor rolls his eyes. “Try anything and I’ll throw you out myself.”
Victor took his coffee and headed into the bedroom. Blake and Kelsai were alone. Her starry eyed enthusiasm about meeting Blake hasn’t favored. Blake still couldn’t properly gauge what Kelsai was about. No matter how much he screamed and demanded, she wouldn’t raise her voice or express any anger.
“All I am trying to do Kelsai is protect my family. This is nothing personal at all. You could be the nicest person to ever roam the planet in the history of mankind, all I see is a woman who decided to marry into my family after one God forsaken date, that’s not normal Kelsai. As much as I love this family, I haven’t elevated us to the highest of esteem. We’re not paragons. We are not a standard to aspire to, yet. I will do my best to change that. So you see, I can’t have it out there that my brother is going to be completely reckless, allowing someone he barely knows into our ranks, that is the last time the Mason’s need. We can sweep this under the rug. Just say you had a wild night in Las Vegas, had one too many drinks. Shit happens. My brother comes across like an adventurous playboy following in my footsteps. You become famous. Use your fame to lead into a modeling career. Everybody wins.”
“I already won. I’m a Mason.” she says proudly showing her wedding ring. “This is the greatest moment of my life.”
Blake blinks. “Are you high?”
Kelsai chuckles. “You're funny.”
Blake closes his eyes. He can’t believe he is making zero progress. Who is this woman? “I’m not trying to be. Kel--”
“It’s not conventional to get married in one day. When you love someone, you don’t let what makes sense stand in the way. I love my husband. Made sense. No regrets. One day I am going to prove to you Big Brother that I am worthy of being a Mason. I want to stay in this family more than ever. I now know you will protect me when it comes down to it. I love you.”
Kelsai hugs Blake again. He stands still for a moment. Not understanding why, hesitantly he wraps his arms around her. Catching himself, he prys Kelsai free from him. He could tell in that moment she was consumed by her own conviction to be a player for years to come. He turns his back to Kelsai, he walks towards the door. Looking back she waves at him.
“This isn’t over...” he said one hundred percent certain she wasn’t going to win him over. With that, he opened the door, stormed out of his brother’s apartment. He was going to win, he had too....
Home of Victor and Kelsai Mason
New Orleans, Louisiana
Friday, April 17th, 2020
2 pm
This would be just like Kelsai, Blake thought silently to himself as he tried to wait downstairs in the living room patiently, but the pacing back and forth gave him away. He was not being patient about this, not at all, a fact that was accentuated by the way he keeps looking at his watch repeatedly. Blake Mason is not a man that is known for his patience however, especially when he is about to try and talk his sister out of what he has agreed to do with her today. His sister (technically his sister-in-law) Kelsai Adamson-Mason will have none of it however, because what they are doing today is important to her, and if she has her way it will end up being important to Blake as well.
What is it that they are supposed to be doing that Blake could be trying to figure a way out of while at the same time is so important to Kelsai that she will not let him not do it?
Volunteering at The Bourbon Street Diner of course, which has become something that is quickly becoming a very special place in the heart of Kelsai. It is more than just the owners of The Bourbon Street Diner, Cynthia and Sam, though they are wonderful people whose spirit exudes hope just to be around, or the way that people in New Orleans call The Bourbon Street Diner The Diner. It’s not even the way that both healthcare and public service workers who come into The Diner and eat for free during the coronavirus pandemic have started to recognize Kelsai and smile at her just the way that she smiles at them.
No, for Kelsai, as Blake is about to find out, the greatest reason for volunteering at The Diner is something much more personal. Blake right now though is getting increasingly agitated as he is still pacing in the living room back and forth while looking at his watch. Coming into the room with a slight grin on his face seeing the state that Blake currently is in, is Blake’s younger brother and Kelsai’s husband Victor. Feeling that someone else has walked into the room from behind him, Blake wheels around only to see Victor standing there.
Victor: “Looks like you are fit to be tied brother, what’s wrong?”
Not in the least bit amused by the fact that Victor can probably tell what is wrong with him and likely is asking for nothing more than just to see what he will get for a response from him, Blake shakes his head.
Blake: “Your wife, I am sure that she told me 2:30. Is she not able to read a watch? I know that she owns a rather nice one which you bought her for Christmas. Shame that she still might not be able to tell what time it is.”
Victor smirks while sitting down to put on his shoes, not even looking up toward his brother as he comments.
Victor: “Kelsai, she knows what time it is, I am sure of it. That is one of the things though about volunteering at The Diner. Cynthia and Sam don’t have a schedule for volunteers. So if Kelsai told you 2:30, it’s really nothing concrete.”
Blake just stops pacing immediately, looking at Victor like he is searching for answers after the previous statement.
Blake: “Can I ask you a few things about all of this volunteering, since it is just the two of us out here right now anyway Vic?”
Noting the crispiness in Blake’s tone of voice and noting that he is still rather annoyed at this point, Victor nods, if for nothing else than he wants to know where Blake is going with his line of questioning.
Victor: “Sure, you can ask me what is on your mind Blake. But why don’t you go ahead and sit down. It could be a few minutes yet.
Seeing that there is no other alternative, Blake takes a seat in the chair across from Victor, though somehow he still manages to retain his annoyed expression.
Blake: “First of all, since you just mentioned them a few minutes ago, who are Cynthia and Sam?”
Knowing that the interrogation is just starting, Victor smiles at the first question, knowing that this is one that he can answer with relative ease, and realizing that there will likely be others that will not be so easy to answer.
Victor: “Cynthia and Sam the owners of The Bourbon Street Diner. You will meet them today, because they are also the two people we work with.”
Blake is listening to his brother carefully, taking mental notes along the way, though his mind is racing as he decides where he would like to attack next.
Blake: “I am really glad that you mentioned that the two of them own the place, though doesn’t that make it hard to run a place like that when you don’t even have a schedule for when your employees come on?”
Victor smirks again, realizing that Blake doesn’t completely understand what is going on today.
Victor: “It would be kind of hard yes, except for the fact that Kelsai and I are the only other people that Volunteer in the back room at The Diner right now.”
Looking at his brother completely flabbergasted, Blake really doesn’t know what to say next after finding out Victor and Kelsai are the only volunteers in the back.
Blake: “The only volunteers in the back are you and Kelsai? That must get really exhausting for Cynthia and..Sam is it? They are not able to get more help from other people in the community. At least now I know why Kelsai does this, because she must know that she does not have to, and you certainly do not Victor.”
Trying not to laugh at what Blake has just said, Victor can only shake his head about how wrong Blake is at this point.
Victor: “I think you are trying really hard Blake to understand why it is that Kelsai decides to do this, but if you think that it is simply a case of Cynthia and Sam not having enough help, I think that you are missing the point. I can tell you that for me, it makes me smile when I see the joy that this puts on my wife’s face, helping other people.”
Voice: “And for that? Just one more reason that I love you, Mister Mason.”
Coming into the room from behind, Kelsai joins Victor and Blake by jumping over the back of the sofa that Victor is sitting on, before sitting beside Victor and greeting him with a kiss, while Blake just rolls his eyes slightly, before grinning slightly at his precocious sister.
Kelsai: “Hi Big Brother!”
Blake: “Hi Kelsai. You still have not learned how to sit down in a living room. Impressive, for someone that is 23 years of age.”
Kelsai, knowing that Blake was going to say something about her entrance into the living room (and that indeed was why she did it) can only giggle in response.
Kelsai: “Sometimes I swear Big Brother that you have never had not even one day of fun in your entire life.”
Blake: “No, I just like my furniture to last for a little while after I have paid for it.”
Victor looks back and forth between two people that are huge parts of his life and their own lives for that matter but quickly realizes how quickly this conversation could go off the rails if they are not careful.
Victor: “Easy you two. Remember we are all on the same side here.”
Blake scoffs.
Blake: “I was just having some fun with Kelsai. Of course we are all on the same side here Victor. Although, I would like to know exactly what side that is before we head over to The Diner.”
Kelsai: “What would you like to know Blake?”
Blake: “You and I are going to Cold Blooded this Sunday with the opportunity to become the SCW World Tag Team Champions.”
Kelsai, as she always does, smiles from ear-to-ear, while Victor notices a change in demeanor from his brother, and realizes now that Blake believes that he might have a way to talk Kelsai out of going to The Diner.
Kelsai: “I know, is that not just the most incredible thing that you have ever heard of. You and I have never even been partners before. In fact, this is the first time that I will have wrestled in a tag team match in SCW other than matches involving the Trios Tournament.”
Blake: “I know, which is why I really think that we should talk about the match before, seeing how we have not talked about it yet.”
Victor: “And let me guess Blake you think that you are Kelsai’s time this afternoon would be spent better going through what you two want to do in that match Sunday rather than taking the time to volunteer at The Diner?”
Blake: “Now you are talking Victor, I knew that you would see things my way!”
Victor is about to say something else to Blake when Kelsai suddenly gets a very determined look on her face, speaking to her husband first.
Kelsai: “Victor baby, can I have a few minutes alone with my Big Brother please?”
Victor nods.
Victor: “Certainly. I will go wait outside in the car.”
Kelsai: “Thank you.”
Victor gets up and leaves out the front door, leaving Kelsai’s attention completely on Blake.
Kelsai: “We have come a long way in the past two years haven’t we Blake? I can still remember the first time that you and I met in New York, at the penthouse that Victor and I shared, do you remember that?”
Blake: “Yes I do Kelsai, yes I do very well.”
Kelsai: “You and I, we were on different sides of things that day. You were so funny, coming into my home and telling me that I was going to have to move out, do you remember that Blake, because I do. Tell me Blake, who won that day, who moved out?”
Blake sighs and drops his head, already being able to tell where this conversation is headed whether he likes it or not.
Blake: “Nobody moved out that day Kelsai, you won.”
Kelsai: “Right, I did. And I am going to win this Sunday too, when I get to team with you for the first time. If you do remember, I wanted that at the Trios Tournament, but didn’t happen.”
Blake: “Kelsai, I really am…”
Kelsai: “Sorry? No, Blake you had your reasons, whatever they were and I respect that. Understand this though please, this Sunday, we are facing TWO Jackasses alright? Nobody wants to make those two Jackasses pay by losing their belts to us more than I do. That means that between now and Sunday I will be sure that we have plenty of time to discuss what we want to do in that match. For now though, I would like for you to come with Victor and I to The Diner like you agreed, because Blake, I know you want to know why this is so important to me and the thing is this; I have never had to work a job my entire life, and yet all of those people on the front lines fighting against this virus, they look at my like I am a hero, but they are the real heroes…
Please come with us?”
Blake: “Ok.”
And we fade.