Marie Jones vs. Colleen

[The Matt]

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March 29th, 2024
Norwood, Massachusetts
Off Camera
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“The Phoenix” Marie Jones returned to Supreme Championship Wrestling hoping to revitalize her career and redeem herself in the eyes of her fanbase. The Boston, Massachusetts native expected a long and difficult road to redemption but much to her surprise, things have gone exceedingly well for her since her return. The fans have been more than willing to forgive her and embrace her with open arms. On top of that, Marie Jones has been quite the success story in the ring. She has thus far defeated Aisling, Cassie Wolfe, and Derek Adonis since her return to in ring action. Now all of this hard work might just pay off with her first championship match since her return; she challenges Colleen for the SCW Television Championship on Breakdown. The Television Title has been special to The Phoenix. She has held it twice before and winning this championship again would put her in rarified air, as one of an elite few with three reigns as SCW Television Champion. But this particular opportunity at the Television Title is more than just etching her name in the history books. This is about taking the next giant step forward in her journey back. Defeating Colleen to become a champion once again in SCW would be a symbolic way of definitively stating that she has returned, that she is back and is here to stay.

While Marie’s in ring redemption journey seems to be going swimmingly well, her journey to earn back the trust of her family has been anything but smooth sailing. Marie twice abandoned the family to join the Inner Peace cult, both times at the behest of a beautiful blonde named Julianne Buchanan. As a result, Marie’s family, specifically Kimberly Williams and their mother Angelica Jones, has found it difficult to trust her judgment. Despite this knowledge, Marie has maintained a romantic relationship with Julianne. Marie can honestly understand why her sister and mother have difficulty trusting her relationship with Julianne. This relationship did lead her to that cult on two separate occasions. But Marie still feels a strong bond with Julianne. Yet even a psychiatrist that Marie went to see seems to be concerned that Julianne might be taking advantage of her. Is it possible? Perhaps, but deep in her heart and soul Marie wants to believe that this is different. She wants to believe that Julianne, much like Marie, has changed. She wants to prove everyone, especially her family, wrong. She wants to make this relationship with Julianne work.

This is what brings us to Norwood, Massachusetts. This quaint place boasts a charming park nestled within its community, offering a serene retreat for locals and visitors alike. This is the place that plays host for Marie Jones and Julianne Buchanan’s latest romantic getaway. The redhead and her blonde girlfriend walk under a canopy of mature trees that welcomes them, their branches intertwining to create a natural archway. The landscape is a picturesque blend of manicured lawns, vibrant flower beds, and winding pathways that meander through the greenery. Marie is carrying a picnic basket and a blanket while she follows her romantic partner, Julianne, who seeks out a good spot to park. She goes to a lush green area and a smile forms across her face. The blonde turns to face Marie and nods her head.

“I think we found a great spot right here.”

“I agree.” Marie nods her head as she lays the picnic basket down. Then she takes the blanket and lays it out over a spot of grass. “Although to be honest, I’m not sure you could go wrong here.”

“You’re definitely right.” Julianne says with a warm grin on her face. “This park is so beautiful. Such gorgeous scenery. The pleasant fragrance of the flowers, the gentle wind, and just being out in the beauty of nature itself. It just feels so wonderful and so…” she sighs “...so right.” Julianne turns towards Marie, who has finished laying out the blanket and is sitting down on it. “What do you think about the park?”

“I have to admit, picnics are not usually my thing. But this park is absolutely gorgeous. I couldn’t think of a better place for you and me.”

“Come now, Marie.” Julianne says as she walks over and sits down next to Marie on the blanket. “You have to remember those many beautiful memories of you and I having picnics together years ago.”

“I do.” Marie nods her head. “But, uh…I’d rather not talk about them.”

“Why not?” Julianne asks curiously. “Is it because our last few picnics together was when we were on the Inner Peace Enlightenment Compound?”

“Well duh…” Marie nods her head in confirmation “...Inner Peace was not exactly a good memory for either of us, Julianne..”

“But we had each other.” Julianne smiles as she reaches over and runs her hand through Marie’s long luscious red locks. “That has to be a good memory.”

“Yes, but still…”

“Hush now.” Julianne says quietly. “Don’t worry about the past. Just focus on the here and now.” She smiles at Marie with a grin that immediately disarms Marie and comforts her. “Focus on this park. It is lovely, isn’t it?”

“Yeah…” Marie admits “...a great spot for you and me to just be together.”

“Have you seen such exquisite beauty in nature before?”

“No…” Marie shakes her head “...honestly, I haven’t. I’ve always been too busy preparing for a big match or busy raising my son to just stop, sit back, and enjoy surroundings like this.” Marie lets out a light bit of laughter. “Heck, I’m still distracted.”

“Distracted by what?”

“Well I do have a Television Championship Match coming up next week for starters.” Marie points out. “Not only that but it still bothers me knowing that my son is out there and I can’t see him. So yeah, I am a little distracted.” Then suddenly, without warning, Julianne leans over and plants a kiss on her lips.

“Feeling better now?”

“That certainly helped.” Marie says with a grin on her face. “Oh you’re right, Julianne. The Title Match will be fine. My son is in safe hands. I shouldn’t worry myself over such things. My attention is entirely devoted to you.”

“That’s what I wanted to hear.” Julianne reaches into the picnic basket and produces some grapes. She hands them to Marie who starts to snack on them. Julianne takes a few and eats. Julianne then produces a bottle of wine and places it down on the blanket. Marie spots the wine and smiles. She wasn’t expecting it but is certainly pleased to see it.

“Wine? What’s the occasion?”

“Anytime you and I are together is worth celebrating.” Julianne states.

“That’s romantic but be real, it’s early morning and you are NOT an early morning drinker. Plus it’s my favorite.”

“Maybe I brought it just for you?” Julianne hands Marie the now opened bottle of wine. “Because you’re right, I am not an early morning drinker. But of course I could make an exception.”

“And if I’m willing to share.”

Julianne reaches back into the picnic basket and produces two glasses. Marie pours the wine into the two glasses. Julianne takes one for herself and Marie takes one. Julianne then holds up her glass for a toast and Marie follows suit.

“Cheers…to this wonderful place, Norwood in Massachusetts…and to what will become our future!”

“Cheers!” Marie clinks her glass against Julianne’s and they each take a sip. But Marie then furrows her brow in curiosity. Something about that exchange bothered her. “Uh, Julianne, what do you mean by that?”

“Funny you should ask.” The blonde smiles with a hint of mischief in her eyes. “I have already praised this place for its beauty, its gorgeous elegance, and its absolute stunning wonder, but it isn’t just about the park. This whole town, Norwood, Massachusetts, is a diamond in the ruff. It is a treasure among trash. Your average person might drive right on through this beautiful place and not give it a second thought. Even the people who live her do not understand the beauty that they have right in their backyard.”

“I admit that it is a nice little place.” Marie nods her head in agreement. “Are you thinking about moving here?”

“In a manner of speaking.” Julianne says with a wry grin on her face.

“Oh now don’t be like that, Julianne.” Marie complains. “You know I don’t like the whole cryptic stuff. Tell me what you have in mind because obviously this has been thought out for quite some time now.”

“Ok, ok, fine.” Julianne takes a big gulp of her wine before sitting the empty glass down. “This isn’t just a romantic getaway for the two of us, Marie. I wanted this to be my opportunity to let you in on my little secret.”

“What secret?”

“Right here…in Norwood, Massachusetts…this will be the relocated home of a new, rebranded and restructured Inner Peace Enlightenment Retreat.” Julianne declares loudly and cheerfully.

But those words do not strike happiness, joy, and cheer within Marie Jones. Marie is shocked at first and then afraid. She thought Inner Peace was over after its second and most recent downfall. And she was certain that Julianne, like Marie herself, had enough of cults like Inner Peace. She had refused to believe her sister Kimberly or their mother Angelica about their reservations when it came to Julianne. Marie hates to admit that they might have been right all along.

“What are you talking about?” Marie asks. “Inner Peace is dead. It’s dead and gone. Raul Alfaro is in jail awaiting trial for his crimes. You can’t possibly be serious about any of this!”

“Oh but I am serious, my sweet.” Julianne attempts to kiss her again but Marie shies away this time. Julianne chuckles. “It’s ok, Marie, just listen to me. There is nothing sinister about any of this.”

“I apologize for not believing you.” Marie states as she looks nervously at her lover. “But twice before I bought into the Inner Peace philosophy and twice before it ruined me. I won’t make that mistake for a third time.”

“You…and myself…we both fell for a corrupted doctrine taught by Raul.” Julianne begins. “Raul corrupted Inner Peace and used it as a device to lure vulnerable women into his clutches and brainwash them into becoming his personal sex objects. But this time it will be different.” Julianne insists. She takes Marie by her hands and holds them tightly. “My Inner Peace Enlightenment Retreat will be about EMPOWERING women, giving them the true inner peace necessary to change their lives for the better.” She pats Marie on her back. “And I want you to join me.”

“Me?” Marie asks. Julianne nods her head.

“Of course. You are the perfect candidate to help me lead the new Inner Peace. You were with it from the beginning, like me, and by my side you can help me build it into something good. And who needs the new Inner Peace philosophy more than you? Don’t think I have ignored your journey of redemption. You walked out on SCW and have bravely returned to try and prove to the world you have changed. You desperately want to gain the approval of your family, to win their trust back. And you find yourself torn between what your mind tells you is right and what your heart tells you is right. Inner Peace can help that journey become so much easier, so much smoother.” She grins warmly. “Wouldn’t you like that?”

Julianne’s voice is quite intoxicating and her words are very alluring and enticing. Marie Jones knows that while her redemption journey in SCW has gone well thus far, that it is still far from over. She knows that even beyond her Television Title Match against Colleen that there will still be far more challenging hurdles to overcome, obstacles that may prove to be insurmountable. And her family, she worries that she may never win them back. Throughout her life Marie has often resorted to using shortcuts to get what she wants. But those shortcuts never seem to pan out and they typically make things worse for Marie. Is Julianne’s new Inner Peace philosophy just another shortcut that would make things worse for the Phoenix or is this something she should legitimately consider? Could this be the thing she needs? And just like Julianne said, Marie is torn between her logical mind and emotional heart. Her logical mind tells her that she tried Inner Peace twice before and it made things worse. Her logical mind tells her that a third time would potentially ruin any chance of earning her family’s trust and ruin any chance of getting her son back. But her emotional heart looks at Julianne with love. She loves this woman and she trusts her. She would go to hell with this woman. Is she blinded by her love?

“I’m not…” Marie sighs and shakes her head “...honestly, I’m not sure.”

“What’s wrong, Marie?” Julianne wraps her arms around her lovingly. “Tell me.”

“I joined Inner Peace twice now…both times because of you. And I left twice when I realized it was just taking advantage of me.”

“Raul was taking advantage of you.” Julianne says. “Not me.”

“And Inner Peace nearly cost me my career and my family. I love you, Julianne, but I know if I go back to Inner Peace for a third time, I may not get my family back. And I don’t…” Marie shakes her head “...I don’t know what to do.”

“Hush now.” Julianne says quietly. “You do not have to decide now. Just think about it.”

“Think about it?”

“Yes, just think about it. I do not want an answer now.” Julianne smiles devilishly. “Right now all I want is you.”

All Julianne wants right now is Marie and if that’s all she wants then Marie is happy to oblige. Marie and Julianne begin to passionately kiss one another. But as they make love, as they show their affection towards one another, Marie cannot help but think that her redemption journey has become more complicated. She cannot help but think to herself that a trap has perhaps been set, perhaps by Julianne herself, to sabotage her redemption journey. Marie wants to believe that Julianne is sincere and that she is trying to redeem Inner Peace, much like Marie is trying to redeem herself. But is Inner Peace redeemable? Is this a rabbit hole Marie wants to go down? Is Marie willing to take the chance and try to redeem Inner Peace at the expense of possibly losing the trust of her family?