11.12.2018
It’s early in the day, hours before the SCW event in Paris, France is set to start. Blake Mason is sitting in the back seat of a limousine. He wished he had his usual driver, he wasn’t going to allow one small detail affect his mood. The tour has been a long, exciting but lonely, extremely lonely. He didn’t anticipate the hoard of women who would wait after shows all for the privilege of basking in the afterglow of the Blake Mason Experience. Tempted as he may have been, this was one tour where he wasn’t going to rack up frequent flyer miles. The days where he took a random girl to his hotel after a show was over. It would be easy to revert back to his more reckless ways. He is 28. That life didn’t give him the thrill he needed anymore. Was it hard to resist temptation? Not as hard as the world believes. His one reason for keeping himself chaste is about to join him in the limo right now.
There is a knock on the door. He waste no time opening it. He slides over to make room for the person who decided to join him. Her name is Taylor Chase. She sent out a tweet giving Blake a heads up she would be in Paris to visit him and Owen Cruze. Seeing that in his mentions put a smile on his face. He misses her. One of the hardest parts of being on tour was knowing there was no way he could borrow a moment of her time.
As he stares into her enchanting eyes, he recalls the last time he spoke to her...
10.29.2018.
On that day he wasn’t in the backseat of a limo. He was in the front seat of a Lincoln Continental. In the driver's side seat was his Reverse Flash costume. There was one more stop he needed to make before he made his way over to Kelcey’s to take part in her yearly Halloween Party, an evening where everyone, including rivals, would put their differences to the side for one night to show that everyone can indeed get along. Blake didn’t want to miss this for the world. To this day he adores Kelcey. That’s why he pushed so hard to be her last match, to show Kelcey that he was sorry for all the horrible things he had done to hurt her. Blake wasn’t in regular communion with the Perfect Ten, for the best all things considered, he could live with the fact she wanted him there. No intention of missing the party.
Just as Blake is about to fire up the ignition, his phone rings. He answers the phone.
“It’s the weekend, Fen. Whatever it is can wait. I’m heading over to--”
Fenmore cut him off. Blake allows him to finish whatever he said. Whatever Fen told him elicits a sigh. “Are you serious?”
Blake continues to listen. He presses the button to minimize the phone screen. Scrolling for the Twitter icon, he opens his account. He types in Bree Lancaster in the search bar. Locating her account he sees her tweet about showing up to the Halloween Party. Pressing his ear against the phone again, he says to Fenmore. “Wasn’t counting on her being there. Great.”
He pauses to let Fenmore continue the conversation. Done with saying whatever he said, Blake chimes in. “You didn’t need to alert me, Fen. Don’t you have a lady to entertain? I appreciate all you’ve done for me. I don’t need an overseer. I can handle myself, ya know.”
Blake shakes his head, “Um, no. I’m not hooking you up with Mikaela. Don’t need that complication. I didn’t need this one either. That’s life, I guess. I have some thinking to do. Thanks for the heads up, bud. Remember, Mikaela is off limits.”
Blake hangs up the phone. He looks back at his Reverse Flash outfit. He questioned if he would be able to go to the same party Bree was at. Last year he put on a show bringing three girls with him. His intention was to have fun, he won’t deny that he wanted to get a rise out of Bree. Another year. Different circumstances. He was done with Bree for good this time. Doesn’t mean he doesn’t feel things. Knowing he had to made a decision fast, he picks up his cellphone, scrolling through his contacts he finds the name of Kelcey Wallace. She’ll forever be Wallace to him. Can’t bring himself to calling her Kelcey... Cannon. He calls her number. Didn’t take her long to pick up her phone.
“Listen, I’m afraid I can’t make it tonight. Bree posted on Twitter that she is going to be there. Figure it is in my best interest not to show up.”
Sits in silence listening to her response, “I know, trust me, I do. I appreciate the spirit of the night. Rising above our differences. I always believed in that ideal. Ok, not always. I have allowed pettiness to fill my heart. I am ashamed of that. I also need to be honest with myself, tonight I am not in the headspace to overlook the fact a woman I had to cut ties with will be there. Sienna will be there, too. We both know she will try something with Chris. I can’t promise I will be able to rise above that. I’ll always be protective of you, Kelcey. I failed you on multiple occasions. Don’t want to fail you tonight. Hope you understand.”
Kelcey responds. Blake nods. “Thanks for being a real angel. Talk to you later. Bye.”
Blake hangs up the phone. He didn’t want to back out of Kelcey’s party, a large part of his evolution he is learning day by day is coming to the realization that doing the right thing is extremely hard. He looks back at his Reverse Flash costume. He says “Maybe next year.”
He is about to fire up the engine. As he is about too for the second time, an idea comes to him. Today didn’t need to be a total loss. He grabs his phone, scrolls through his contact list to find his own saving grace... Taylor Chase.
Blake asked Taylor Chase to meet him at a nondescript location. From there, Blake drove the First Lady of Wrestling to his intended destination, the Beverly Ridge gated community. Showing the security guard his ID, the gates open. Driving all the way up to the garage, Blake stepped out the car. He walks around the car to let Taylor out. He grabs her hand, leading her to the front step. From their vantage point they can both see the mega mansion sits on top of a hill. They can see the large pool. If they went down the flight of steps on the next level down, a patio area where there are couches set up for anyones relaxation needs.
With her interest piqued, Taylor says. “Your brand new bachelor pad; huh?”
“Not exactly. Permanent place of residence. Finally sold the mansion in Bridgehampton, couldn’t justify living there anymore. Memories. Me and Kayla can have a fresh start. Will move in officially during the the pay per view break. Kayla will have so much fun. Hopefully you will, too. Sebastian as well. Six bedrooms, Taylor. Enough room for everyone.”
Stunned, Taylor Chase responds. “Whoa, you’re asking me to move in?”
“When you’re ready, Tay.” Blake reassures her. “Not going to force you to make a decision now. I was looking at this mansion, the first thought that came to my mind was, I know Kayla, Taylor and Sebastian will love it here. A gated community. All the privacy in the world. Top notch security. And a pool. Who doesn’t want a pool, right? It was a no brainier I needed to buy this place. Consider this purchase a declaration of intent that I plan to spend my days with you. True story.”
Taylor eases up a bit knowing that Blake wasn’t asking her to move in straight a way. A smile forms on her face. “Your fun, exciting. Always felt a connection to you. I’m a mother now, I need security. When Orlando was alive, dealing with him and Scott, enough to give me a migraine. Can’t deny you don’t have the greatest relationship history.”
Blake nods. “I only need to get it right once. One thing working in my favor. I’ll love your son unconditionally. Scott may not want to admit it, every time he sees Sebastian he’ll be reminded of Lando. Deep down he knows he will always be second best to a man who is better than all us, especially me. Search your heart, know it to be true.”
“Star Wars? When did you become a geek?”
“Blame Kayla.” Blake holds Taylor’s hand. “I’m moving in here regardless of what you decide. I hope you take the next step with me. I can sing my own praises. Words are just that, words. I’ll show you this is where you need to be. No one else has my attention, only you. The day you tell me there is no shot, I’ll let it be. Until then, I’m keeping the dream alive. I’m that confident you’ll find your way to me.”
“You can start by giving me a tour of the inside.”
“Gladly.” Blake reaches into his pocket, grabbing the keys, he place the right one in. With the door open, he gives Taylor a tour of his brand new home.
-
11.12.2018
Remembering two weeks ago made Taylor sitting in his limo next to him extra special. Blake knocks on the glass window dividing him and Taylor from the driver. The window lowers. “Can you take us back to my hotel, please?”
The driver responds. “Ok, Mr. Mason.”
The window raises up back to give Blake and Taylor privacy. He looks back at Taylor. “Glad you came.”
Taylor smirks. “You seemed bored.”
Blake knew she was referring to his late night tweets after shows to kill time. “I was. Being alone isn’t a talent I mastered yet. I’m getting there.”
Taylor softly kisses Blake. “Today you don’t need to be. Anything you want to do, I’m all in.”
Blake takes her hand, squeezing affectionately, he says, “Works for me.”
And with that, Taylor rest her head on Blake chest. He wraps his arms around her. True. Story.
11/23/2018
Friday morning, the twenty third of November to be precise, Blake Mason sits in the kitchen of his childhood home wearing a white satin robe and blue fuzzy slippers. Holding a cup of coffee in one hand; he is looking at a montage of Cassidy Carter wrestling. Yesterday was great. Thanksgiving is always a blast. The second he woke up the following day, it was back to business. In two days he has a shot to become the number one contender for the SCW World Championship. His first one on one shot in years. His head needs to be in the game. He knows it. Cassidy Carter is a dangerous opponent. Had no intention of taking her lightly. Taking a sip of Folgers coffee, he places the cup down. The sound of the doorbell breaks his concentration from the footage he is scouting. He hits pause on the tablet. Standing to his feet he makes the long trek from the kitchen to the auburn double doors that provide the entrance to the home he has stayed in since childhood.
Opening the door his eyes widen as his sister-in-law, Loretta Inglewood-Hemingway stands there bundled up due to the negative three degree wind chill making everyone who isn’t outside miserable. He steps to the side. Loretta walks in. With the door shut behind him, he offers to take Loretta’s coat. She offers it to him. Feeling that he needs to point out the obvious, Blake asked, “Where’s my brother?”
As if she knew the question was coming, Loretta doesn’t waste any time responding. “He’s fine. It is going to take more then Gavin Taylor and his security team to stop our Purity movement.”
Blake walks over to the coat rack. He says while hanging up Loretta’s jacket. “Glad he’s ok. That doesn’t answer my question, Loretta. Where is Drake?”
“Can’t speak openly about that. All you need to know Blake, your brother is back to doing what must be done.”
Blake faces Loretta once more. She stared blankly back at him. Deciding not to push the issue, he replies back. “Ok. Fair enough. What brings your here?”
There is a silence that grips the air. He has always known Loretta as this strong, stoic, often passionate woman. Acting unsure of herself is a sight he isn’t used to. He stood there patiently waiting for Loretta to struggle to get the words out. “I... need your assistance.”
Blake is surprised by her request. Just recently his brother was tossed through a window backstage after the latest Emerge show. Drake’s feud with Gavin is beyond personal, both men’s careers are at stake Blake felt. No way he could involve himself. For starters, Drake has followers in hoods who are tall enough to get the job done. Beyond that, his brother’s desire to purge Emerge of the darkness was not a fight he can stand by, he changed, for the better. With regret, Blake informed Loretta. “You should go to someone else.”
The fire he is used to seeing from Loretta comes out. She glares at him as offended he would casually dismiss her call for help. “Why? We’re family.”
“If you have come to ask me to assist you with your... movement. I can’t. All the chaos and destruction you and my brother are unleashing on the Emerge roster is not right. You can spin it anyway you want. Hurting people for the greater good is beyond wrong. Simply not worth it.”
Loretta takes a deep breath. She calmly states. “I respect that, Blake. I did not come all this way to ask for that level of help. I’m here for another reason.”
Blake crosses his arms. “Shoot.”
"Marrying your brother was unexpected. Never in my wildest dreams did I expect to marry anyone. I appreciate his gesture. Putting a ring on my finger showed me how much I mean to him. I am forever in your debt arranging our marriage. I have come upon a complication. A wench who believes she is entitled to my husband’s physical vessel.”
“So Kandis doesn’t want my number anymore?” Blake flashes a sly smile hoping to lighten the mood.
Loretta predictably doesn’t. Knowing it was best to keep his mouth shut, he allowed Loretta to carry on. “I continue to wonder why your brother has given his attention to an Outsider. Why does he trust her? She’s a siren who cares about nothing other then her carnal lust. Kandis doesn’t wish to indoctrinate herself into our ways. Even if she said she does, I wouldn’t trust her. Part of me is concerned that Kandis may have corrupted your brother. I can’t have that. So, what I came all this way to ask you is, can you ask your lawyer, Fenmore, to draw up some divorce papers.”
Blake can’t believe it. He has known Loretta to be a unique person. This is the first time he has seen her out outright, human. Definitely a sight to see. He composes himself. He points out to Loretta. “Don’t you think you’re being a little extreme?”
Scoffing at the notion, Loretta fires back with a resounding, “No!”
“Has Drake touched her?”
“No.”
“To your knowledge has he slept with her?”
She scrunches her face. “No.”
Blake offers a smile. “You’re overreacting, Loretta. Can’t divorce someone just because another woman has goo goo eyes. Women like the bad ass; tattoo, cult demeanor. Charles Manson got women to kill. Who knows, may be that’s Kandis type. If she has one.” Blake shrugs.
Loretta rolls her eyes. “Her type is anyone with a penis.”
Raising an eyebrow, Blake responds, “Not gonna lie, I have heard rumors...”
“You wouldn’t?”
“The version of me several years ago would have.” Blake shrugs.
“Back then; the old me would have taken that ass to pound town, a lot has changed, especially now. I arrived at a point Loretta that I need to set clear standards in my life. No more taking a woman to bed just because she looks pretty. My judgement needs to be better. If my brother is the man he claims to be, he won’t cross that line with Kandis. Nice girl. Don’t get the impression she is very pure. ”
Blake acknowledging what Loretta feels to be true brings a smile to Loretta’s face. “Thank you for seeing that.”
“I’m not pure either, Loretta. We both know if I asked you to go upstairs, you wouldn’t deny me.” Blake winks.
Loretta’s eyes widen. She gulps. “Don’t be ridiculous.”
“Not to sound arrogant; but I know when a woman is into me. It’s my sixth sense, Loretta.” Blake smirks. “Every time you and your brother come to see me, your cheeks become flush. There is an extra twinkle in your eye. The few times me and Drake argued, you’d always take my side. You don’t look at my brother that way. It surprises me in a way you are so defensive about Kandis wanting to strip Drake of his purity, when the truth is, you wouldn’t mind me stripping you of yours. Not like your marriage is a traditional one, is it?”
“Tradition? According to who?” Loretta places her hands on her hips. “It took until the 19th century for Western World to romanticize the concept of marriage. Back then marriage was pure, marrying for love was rare. Our marriage is based on tradition. Not love. No emotions to bind us together; honor defines who we are. Drake made a commitment to us. Kandis could care less. Her flagrant disrespect bothers me. Why doesn’t Drake see that? I came here today as a precautionary measure. If that siren somehow slithers her way into his pants, she will not soil my marriage.”
Blake rest a hand on Loretta’s shoulder. He sternly looks at her. “Not giving you what you want. I refuse to let you take the easy way out. I know all about that. Come with me.”
Loretta follows Blake to the living room. Both take a seat on the couch. Blake continues. “My relationships with Rachel. She left me once, I left her the last time, in both instances could have been prevented. The night I slept with Mary Mallory, I thought I needed her help to protect Kelcey, I wound up hurting Kelcey anyway. Those are my three biggest mistakes, relationship wise. All because I took the easy way out. I should have fought to keep Rachel with me, both times. My actions with Mary showed Kelcey I had lost faith in myself to keep her safe. I can go on and on. You get the point. In life; it's easy to take the cowards way out a situation. I’m urging you; don’t. This is a mistake. We both know it.”
“Blake--”
“Loretta. Listen.” Blake says cutting her off. “I won’t allow you to take the cowards way out. Don’t show my brother you’re losing faith. Drake asked to marry you. Think about that. What can Kandis truly offer him that you can’t?”
Loretta ponders what Blake just asked her. With a firm expression on her face, she responds with one hundred percent certainly. “Nothing. She is an amoral jezzabelle. I saved his life. Drake is indebted to me.”
“No. He isn’t Loretta.” Blake shakes his head. “I don’t doubt you made a difference when he needed you most. Indebted? No. Doesn’t work that way.” Blake grabs her hand. “Don’t doubt I am on your side. I don’t agree with your views on purity, looking beyond that. You are a passionate, determined, driven woman. Always been that. Kandis may have the physical attributes. Bigger is not always better. You have nothing to worry about.”
Loretta nods. “You’re right. I allowed my insecurities to get the best of me. Sorry I wasted your time.”
Loretta stands up. She is prepared to leave. Before she can get too far, Blake grabs her wrist. “Helping family is never a waste; I haven’t always been the greatest family man. I’m changing that, one step a time.”
Loretta smirks. “Drake is lucky to have you as a brother.”
Blake chuckles. “Don’t tell him you said that.”
“You were right.” Loretta sits back down. “You are an temptation, I confess. Where you’re wrong is I wouldn’t succumb to my lust.”
“All in the name of purity?”
“Partially.” She was going to stop at that. Blake has a way of making people feel comfortable. In the moment she felt comfortable enough to let him in on a little secret. “I share an emotional bond with your brother, one I have tried my best to suppress... until now. I couldn’t betray him. Much like you wouldn't.”
“Sleeping with anyone connected to my siblings is a deal breaker.” Blake smirks. “Word of advice, being pure should not mean you need to deny your needs. Think about it, you wouldn’t be here if your parents didn’t have sex. Drake wouldn’t be here if my mom didn’t cheat on my father. You care about my brother. He cares about you. He’s not a virgin, cement your claim. You’re a Mason now. Take what’s yours.”
Loretta blushes, “I can’t, Athena would be ashamed.”
Blake sighs, “So you care more about pleasing a Greek Goddess then a man you clearly admire? Only live once, Loretta, don’t lose my brother’s heart over a work of fiction.”
Loretta kisses him on the cheek. “Thanks.”
“No need to thank me. We’re family. You must be cold. I’ll have the maid make you some hot chocolate. While you’re here, you can help me prepare for my match on Sunday.”
Loretta nods, “Of course.. brother.”
Fin.
<PROMO TIME
“Something Bigger.”>
<The opens inside the TD Banknorth Garden. The camera scans all the seats in the arena to reveal all the seats are completely empty. Focusing on on the floor, we can see that the SCW ring is set up. Sitting on the steel ring steps is Blake Mason. No fancy suit. Not expensive wardrobe to show off how rich he is, taking inspiration from his older days all he is wearing is a black Alter Bridge t-shirt, black jeans, a pair of Nike sneakers. He is leaning his back against the ring post. He gives off the impression he is in deep contemplation. His locks his eyes on the camera. With a stoic expression written across his face, he opens his mouth to speak.>
“November twenty fifth. Boston, Massachusetts. Blake Mason; that’s me, has a chance to become the number one contender for the World Heavyweight Championship in his own hometown. Feels like a fairytale, does it? Anyone who knows the real me will tell you emphatically I don’t believe in fairytales. Reality feels more tangible.”
“There has been a mantra going around SCW for months. Erase the past. Sienna has been championing that for the longest time. Sounds cute. A nice catchphrase to put on a t-shirt. Life does not exactly work like that. It would be easier to erase the past. To undo all the mistakes I made. The decisions I committed to, to make my life a lot more complicated. I don’t have that luxury, do I? I can’t erase losing to Syren with the World Title on the line inside the ring of the steps I am sitting on. Little hard to escape the past. I can’t forget about it. All these people calling me a pretender and a fraud won’t allow me. To tell you the truth, I don’t want to.”
“What I said on Breakdown was true, Syren did outclass me. What I didn’t share was how broken I felt that night. I stayed in the back. I waited until everyone left the arena. With all the wrestlers gone, I went back out to the ring. The ring crew was nice enough to keep the ring as is. I sat in this very spot pondering what my next move would be. In true Blake Mason fashion, the very next week, I walked down to the ring, I did my best to communicate how I felt. Typical me couldn’t be real enough to express how I felt. In shame I walked up the ramp, walked to the back, didn’t bother to get my clothes. Walked straight out the arena. I had no intention of coming back to this company. Yes, I was that broken. That feeling of loneliness has carried with me for the past four years. I was so embarrassed I didn’t feel I could come home again. Me and my big mouth, right? Challenging the once former best in the world to a match in my hometown. Go big or go home...”
<Blake feels vulnerable enough to drop the stoic mask, he allows the expression on his face to become solemn. >
“But Blake, you don’t want to erase that moment I can anticipate you asking while as you watch me recount a huge failure of mine. No. I don’t. And I’ll tell you why. Not winning the World Championship here in my hometown wasn’t the brightest moment I had. Walking away from SCW for a couple months is not a shining light on my resume. The one thing I learned that has proven to be true more times than I can count...”
“I am one stubborn son of a bitch.”
<Blake chuckles.>
“Just when I thought I was done. Just when the world had counted me out, I come back more stubborn than ever. More driven than ever. Cassidy, I haven’t lost sight of what your husband has tweeted about me. What you will more than likely parrot; makes sense, you two share the same Hive mind. Newsflash, it doesn’t matter how much you use your words to cut me down, for ten years I have been listening to the world count me out, why should I care anymore that people like you, people like Ace, can’t forget about Chad; as well. The Hive mind will always recycle the same crap. Go ahead, illuminate that you think I’m a fraud. None of that matters anymore. Unlike certain wrestlers on the roster, I am not going to use the words of a few doubters to motivate me to prove them wrong. What does that prove? It proves they have power over me. I’m done giving the world the power to dictate how I will and will not act. I can proudly say that I have discovered the inner strength necessary to make my dreams come true.”
<Blake smiles.>
“For years, yes, I was a fraud, not in the manner you’re all assuming. I shot video, after video, after video trying to convince the world how I was the greatest thing since sliced bread. I needed everyone to believe I was some Modern Day God. Most importantly, I tried to make people believe the Blake Mason Experience was the greatest thing in the history of space and time. I... didn’t believe. Look at my actions. Look how many friendships I ruined. The bridges I burned, all so I could try to control the narrative of my own self imposed greatness. Those days are gone. It is a brand new day. I am convinced beyond a shadow of a reasonable, not only will I become the number one contender for the World Championship. Big picture? I can give this company a World Champion they can be proud of.
“Whoever wins the Hudson and Sienna match, the World Title will continue to be trapped in purgatory. I put it upon myself to raise the World Championship into the light and not just for me. I owe Mr. D a lot. He didn’t need to extend my contract. He could have let me walk. He would have been justified. I’m grateful he gave me another shot. I want to do it for Katelyn. I haven’t been the greatest person in the world. She has always had faith in me, no matter what. For my family. They didn’t really have a choice. Kinda stuck with me, for better and worse. Most importantly, the fans of SCW. You decided to give me another chance. That speaks volumes. All I want to do is come to work. Do my job. Become the World Champion of the greatest company in the world. Your belief gives me that much more motivation to get another crack at the top prize.”
<Blake leans forward. He stares sternly into the camera.>
“You probably don’t care, Cassidy. Might as well forewarn you, it is the right thing to do. I have sacrificed more than you know. If you actually believe I am going to allow a sociopathic party girl who doesn’t give a damn about the sport that has given my life meaning to beat me? Ha. You are in for a rude awakening. We can play the what-if game until the cows come home. You were runner up in the battle royal AJ won? That’s your claim to fame? Here is one fact you always gloss over...
I.
Beat.
You.
<Blake points to the camera Uncle Sam style.>
“Remember that Cassidy? I do. I beat you clean in the center of the ring shortly after Rise to Greatness. I gave you the Blake Mason Experience for being a complete bitch to Katelyn and her girls. One of them happens to be mine by the way. I didn’t stand for your douchebaggery then. No chance in hell I am standing for it now. That match was about getting my pound of flesh, the right way, by pinning you. Bound By Blood will be a repeat performance, I am not fighting to teach you a lesson. I’m killing whatever claim you feel you have at a shot for the World Championship. Bound for Blood is MY night. This MY city, with God as my witness, I will not fail it.”
“Welcome to the Blake Mason Experience, Cass.”
“Thanks for coming.”
Blake stands up. He steps on the protective matting, walks to the entrance ramp. Blake walks to the back. The lights inside the arena go out. Scene fades.