Post by Tyrant Warstein on Jan 1, 2021 2:21:57 GMT -5
Chapter 6: Friends and Family
For as long as I can remember, I’ve always been one way. I’ve been driven. I’ve been focused. I’ve been always reaching for the top. No matter where I go, or how many people disregard me, I stand strong in the belief that this is what I’m supposed to be doing.
No matter what you may think of me outside of the building. The rumors have always been there. I’m not a nice person. I don’t play well with others.
I’m what you could call a difficult person.
Yet here I stand with four people behind me. Pushing me towards our collective goals. And one who is here just for me, or so I’d like to believe. For far too long I stood on my own and while that worked out, I had to shift focus. As a collective we can put our imprint on the industry. We can go wherever we want and claim whatever we want.
That’s exactly what happened here in Project Honor. I walked in the door and the flood gates had opened. Everyone wants to take a crack at the king.
But Shawn… you ask…. you’re not king.
Really?
Then why, since the day I walked in the door, has the roster doubled? Why are they now opening a second brand? Why are they so quick to appease Legacy? Tell me if it’s not for a shot at the crown…. then it’s protecting the fragility of the one who wears it now.
Yet we all know that isn’t the case. Why would they want to upset the balance and create the Legacy title?
Fitting isn’t it?
The Legacy Title.
A title built around people trying to build their Legacy. Yet what they should be concerning themselves with is taking their Legacy. Not allowing anyone to shake their confidence. Psst….. I’ve never allowed anyone to shake my confidence.
Ask anyone.
They will all tell you the same thing. Even after losses, my ego is still at an all time high. I don’t let little things break my confidence.
I don’t get rattled. It doesn’t matter who is standing across from me. Man, child, animal or woman…
That’s where you come into play, Elena.
Much like myself you’re climbing the Elite Five. You’ve made a name for yourself outside of Project Honor. You walked in, just as I did, with the adoration of few but the respect of many. It’s a damn shame that you and I have to meet here in the first round, and I’m sorry for what is going to happen. But please know this….
It’s nothing personal.
It’s just right now you’re swinging above your weight class. You’ve done well to get to this point, but I’m about to make that career ending injury you had...stick. That’s the funny thing about calling it a career ending... usually the career ends. I guess that’s just modern medicine for you. So while you have indeed done well for yourself you’re quickly approaching the peak of what you will ever become here in Project Honor.
That glass ceiling you're approaching is closer than you think. Slowly you fight for the respect you feel you deserve. You better bring everything you’ve got. It won’t matter if you bring a sledgehammer, C4 or an AK47. So long as I’m on the other side of glass, it’s bulletproof. It doesn’t matter, you’re just going to tire yourself out. Much like everyone when they step across from me in the middle of the ring.
Everyone has the same first reaction. That’s it? This is the big bad wolf? The guy that everyone is afraid of? Then, like Zeus coming down to Earth from the peak of Olympus, in an instant it all changes. You’ll watch as my pupils dilate. The whites in my eyes slowly become engulfed, and all you can see from my eyes is red. You see this isn’t a side hustle for me. I’m not like Big Drip, I’m not out here to push a shitty rap album. I’m not like others who use this as a platform to show other aspects of my life. Sure I have them, and I’ve strayed a bit here and there, but I always come back to the thing that launched me into the public conversation.
The wrestling ring.
For damn near twenty years, I’ve bled for the fans. Yet what did it get me in the long run? Placating to those ignorant fans for two decades? Constant questions of my ability. When is he going to retire? Why is he here? Why doesn’t he just leave?
I’ll let you all in on a little secret…..
I tried passing the torch, it didn’t work. I tried walking away but peons couldn’t keep their traps shut. So I came back to remedy some things. You know what I found?
This generation fucking sucks. A bunch of whiners who feel slighted at the thought of losing. Crybabies who will jump to twitter and cancel someone in an instant. Congratulations Elena, I’m not about to cancel you, I’m going to end you. And if I don’t…
I’ll be just fine knowing that for every dollar I’ll make in my lifetime, you’ll only get about seventy percent of it.
No matter the outcome.
The glass ceiling will always remain. Somethings are just meant to be.
December 31, 2020
6:30AM
New York
The sound of my annoying alarm begins to buzz next to my head, as I roll over onto my back and stare at the ceiling.
“Here we go again”The fan spins and I follow it with my eyes. Without looking I reach for my phone. I glance and see a few messages that I promptly ignore. Tossing the phone aside I sit up as I run my hand across the other side of the bed, only to find it empty. After a deep breath and a stretch I set out on my daily routine. Shower, shave, you know the usual stuff. Eventually I make my way to the kitchen, throw on the television and make myself a cup.
“It’s always the end of the year that gets to me. For years and years I would look around and see people celebrating with their families and friends. So full of joy and happiness. Not a frown to be seen.”
“Then there’s me. I didn’t have friends. I don’t have family. For the better part of two decades the holidays were just another day. I would either be working, or getting high. Those were the two options and to be honest. It was a lonely experience but one that I have grown accustomed to.”
“Noah and I did the Christmas thing last year, and it was great. It’s just that it felt like something was missing. What that was I couldn’t tell you. Maybe I was just wearing a mask for his benefit. To give him the Christmas he deserved, but New Year’s Eve has been mine. For many different reasons, but one in particular.”
9:30AM
The sound of the front door opening pulled me from my thoughts as I quickly shook my head to clear the cobwebs. Noah comes bouncing in smile from ear to ear.
“Sup pops?” Noah gleefully said, while sitting down at the table across from me. Kicking his heelies up on the tabletop and leaning back in his chair.
“Nada. What the hell are you doing up this early? Thought for sure you’d be up all night chasing ghosts.” I replied while taking a sip of my coffee. (Mandatory fourth wall break: Noah and Jax have started a ghost hunting business. Aptly named Jackson and Jackson: Ghost Punchers. They are pretty good at it too. End fourth wall break.)
“Yeah, nah. We took New Years off from wrecking shit. Betsy has this whole big night planned for all of us.” Noah said. “I’ve been asked to come check on that stick up your ass and to see if you’re going to be joining us tonight.” Quickly I am lost in my own head.
“Betsy Granger. The First Lady of Legacy. Newest member of Legacy and basically a runaway freight train of dominance right now. God do I love what she brings to the table in the ring. It’s what she does outside of the ring that irks me a bit.”
“For as long as anyone has known me they will all tell you the same thing. He’s a loner. He doesn’t play well with others. He’d rather trudge along on his own rather than have anyone by his side.”
“Yet there Betsy is, with her constantly upbeat personality, trying to drag something out of me, that just isn’t ready to come out. I’m all for team bonding and building the brand, but unlike them…”
“I’ve still got work to do. I’ve got the Legacy tournament to focus on. I’ve got to make sure that I do US proud. How would it look if I was bounced in the first round? It’s a risk that I cannot take. Not just for me… but for Legacy as a unit and maybe I’m not even doing it for Legacy anymore. When we won the Tag Team titles something…No…. someone was awoken. I didn’t want them to see him, but I might have to do something I regret.”
“Nah Noah. I’ve got plans tonight.” I said and I watched his demeanor shift quickly.
“No you don’t cunt. Atty is going to be there, so I know you’re going to be there. Quit being a baby.” Noah knew by bringing up Atara that it would garner some sort of reaction. Especially considering everything that has gone on these past few months.
“Noah contrary to popular belief I do have a life outside of Legacy and Atara.” I shook my head and continued. “I’ve already told Betsy to count me out. There’s something I’ve got to do today that I can’t miss.”
“What? Playing PlayStation and getting drunk alone while you yell at kids on Call of Duty? Sounds like a real ripper of a time.” Noah rolls his eyes and then drums his palms on the table, as I sit there in silence. “Well at least I can tell Betsy that I tried.”
Noah stands up and we do the secret handshake and then he quickly heads towards the front door. I sit there and just listen for the door to close.
I set my coffee cup down and head upstairs to the bedroom. I sit on the edge of the bed next to a nightstand. My hand begins to tremble as I grab my wrist.
“Not this again.” I quickly reach into the top drawer of the nightstand. I dig in the drawer and shove the contents to the side.
“Fuck where is it?” Finally I feel my hand touch the cold metallic object. Grabbing it tightly as I pull it towards my chest and take a deep breath, quickly followed by another. “Just take a breath and breathe Shawn. Just a few more hours. You can do this.”
12:30PM
Standing outside of a church, the wind is howling as the snow falling drifts aimlessly. I quickly blow on my hands to warm them up. A few people walk past me and head up the stairs, as I follow behind a few of them. Once inside of the church I feel a buzz in my pocket. Without a second guess I decline the call.
As the masses head straight towards the second set of doors, I turn left and head towards a set of stairs leading down. My phone once again buzzes in my pocket. Again I choose to ignore it. I walk through a set of double doors. To my right is a table with a few snacks on it, and to the left is a few coat racks. In the middle of the room are a bunch of chairs in line and a few rows deep. I take my coat off and hang it up on the rack, and take a seat near the back. My phone once again buzzes in my pocket.
“Oh fucking come on…One day. I asked for one fucking day.” I haphazardly pull my phone out and answer. “What?”
“Rude.” The Grecian voice on the other side is heard. “Where are you?”
“I’m out. What do you want?” I said while turning my back to the room as people began to fill up the seats.
“Well I’m at your house and you’re not here.” A sound of disappointment hangs in her words. “I got worried. I was just going to ask you….”
“Yeah I’m not going out with you guys tonight.” I interrupted her before she could finish. “Noah already stopped by earlier.”
“I know. Who do you think sent him?” A slight scoff could be heard from the otherside of the phone.
“Figured as much. Just go out with them and have fun. Listen I’ve gotta go…. we can talk later. Bye.”
“Fine, I…” I hang up the phone before she could finish and jam it back into my left pocket and feel around for the metallic object on the opposite side. A man stands at the front of the room and begins to address everyone, as I slowly drown him out and get lost in my own head again.
”Listen I know a lot of people dislike me for various different reasons. Some justified, some are pure speculation. She however never listened to any of them. She tuned them all out and made the decision for herself.”
“And I thank her every day for making that choice on her own. However I can’t get past the fact that I put it all out there for her, only to be rebuffed. Spat on and left all by myself.”
“That is going to be the last time I leave myself open for anyone. I won’t allow myself to be broken like that again. I’m done.”
“Maybe I’m destined to be alone. I mean let’s be honest right now. Everyone looks at me as the weak link in Legacy. I wonder if maybe they would be better off without me. I’m sure James would be able to find someone else to hold the Tag Team title. I was looked down upon my arrival in Project Honor, so much so that I’m pretty sure if I just left not a single soul would notice. I don’t know. Maybe this place would be better off without Shawn Warstein. Maybe HE needs to come back. I don’t think I can do it without him.”
Suddenly all eyes in the room fall on me. I look around and give them a slight nod. The creak from my chair echoes in the room. Each step I take towards the front reverberates throughout. I stand there at the podium, as my hands rest on either side. A sly smile comes across my face.
“Hello. My name is Shawn.” Silence from everyone in the room. “And I’m an addict. At eleven fifty nine tonight it will be ten years clean. However this year, much like all of you, has been a struggle. Filled with many ups, and seemingly many more downs. On this journey we have all taken, we fight. We battle. We stay strong. And for what? Those who love us? For our friends? Family? For people to shout good job, keep up the good work. Or for people to give snide remarks in hushed tones, hoping that you don’t hear them.”
“What they don’t realize is we hear it. We hear everything. It’s whether or not we choose to do anything about it. We sit back and bite our tongues, only for that to be seen as weakness. They don’t realize that every day is a fight. Every day is a struggle.” I pause briefly and pull out a small metallic chip and place it on the podium.
“I’m sorry. I can’t fight anymore. I’m tired. I’ve got no one…. I think it might be better to let him out, and let the chips fall where they must. If I don’t see any of you again, just know, while I’m not capable of fighting this anymore…. you are. You have people to turn to. I’m unfortunately out of options. Thanks.”
I walk away from the podium, leaving the chip behind. Sheepishly I avoid all eye contact with everyone in the room. Hastily I put my jacket on and walk up the stairs and out into the air.
I began to trudge through the snow on my way back to my brownstone. With the weather the way it is, the city isn’t bustling as much as usual. A few homeless people are begging for change. I pull out some cash and toss it in their cups.
“Get a room for the night. It's supposed to be bad later.” The man smiles.
“That’s too much.” He said while trying to hand some of it back.
“Don’t worry about it.” I said while pushing the money back towards him. “I’m not going to need it.”
The man reluctantly accepts the money, as I toss my hood up over my head. The snow drifts are deep as I power through towards home but make a quick stop to get some food on the way.
3:30PM
After lunch I called an Uber as I didn’t feel like walking the rest of the way. As the car pulls up to the brownstone I notice some movement inside of the front window.
“Really? You’re still here…” I muttered under my breath. The steps leading to the front door have been shoveled and salted. My hand extends for the door knob, gone are the trembles, as I grip the handle and swing open the door.
The scent of ivory and rose fills the air. That damn smell. It already puts me at ease. I walk into the living area and see the candle that was given to me as a gift, lit and sitting on the mantle above the fireplace.
I walk up and grab it. I watch as the flame dances in the air and the scent fills my olfactory glands. With one blow, the candle is extinguished. A small billow of black smoke wafts in the air for a moment and then dissipates. Someone clearing their throat gets me to turn towards it.
“I had that lit for a reason.” Atara said with her hands on her hips.
“I know. I just don’t want to waste it.” I said while placing the candle back on the mantle. “Why are you here? I thought you’d be at home getting ready for tonight?”
“I wanted to see you. You didn’t sound okay on the phone. I figured you’d need to see a friendly face.” She sauntered towards me, and placed both hands on my shoulders, pulling me in closer. My hands stay at my side before she grabs them and wraps them around her. “Now I know something isn’t right.”
“Maybe.” I said while peeling her arms off of my shoulders and taking a step back. “I don’t know. I just need to be alone right now.”
“Yeah you have said as much, but guess what buttercup…. I ain’t going anywhere.” She said with a smile as she lightly tapped me on the cheek.
“Yeah you’ve said that before.” I don’t know what I was thinking. I know what saying that is going to do and how she’s going to react. Fuck it, time to double down. “Remember… Don’t Worry I’ve Got You… remember that?”
“What is your problem?” Her demeanor is shifting with each word.
“No, I'm just wondering how long until you bolt again. Right? Are you gonna do it before or just right after I lose my titles? Or right when James adds another one to the trophy case?” What the fuck am I doing?!? “Right or are you going to call me out again? Then run away and not talk to me for months, only to come back?”
“We went over this already….” She said while throwing her hands to her side. “•”This isn’t you…. what’s going on?”
“No. You don’t get to play the ‘This isn’t you card.’...I showed you exactly what and who I am. I told you fucking everything.” I turned my back towards her. “I think it’s time for HIM to come back.”
“No. Just no.” She said while taking a few steps towards me. “No one wants that. YOU don’t want that.”
“That’s the funny thing about all of this…” I let out a small chortle. “You think you have a choice in this. You think I have a choice in this.”
“Well I do don’t I? Don’t you?” She asked as I turned around to face her.
“I lost the privilege of choice the second you walked away. You were the only thing keeping him at bay.” Tears begin to well up in my eyes. “You were the one that could stop him….”
“Well I’m here now aren’t I?”
“Just….. don’t.” I hold out a hand and clench my fist. “Look… I just need to do this on my own. You can’t be here for it. I’m sorry.” The look of either sadness or disappointment falls across her face. Ever the defiant warrior she is, she firmly declines.
“No. I’m not going anywhere. So you can yell at me, scream, do whatever you want, but I’m not leaving.” She takes one more step towards me, and with her hand raises my head to meet her eye line. “If you’re going to do this, you’re going to do it with someone here. Someone to protect you. Someone who cares for you.”
“....”
“I didn’t say anything. What else was there for me to say? I tried shoving her away, and she stayed. I’ve tried everything in my power to not become what I truly am, and she’s still here.”
“What does that mean in the grand scheme?”
“I wish I knew, but at least this time when I fall, I know there’s at least one set of hands to catch me.”
“And that’s the irony of the situation. I did everything in my power to bolster her. Lift her up at times when she was down. She was the reason for so many things. The drive that I had to be the best version of me. To become the father I was supposed to be for Jacob. The man I was supposed to be for Jules. She was everything….. Is?...... Oh fuck I’m lost again.”
8:30PM
The sound of house music is muffled by the shut door of my bedroom. Atara still hasn’t left, and has made herself comfortable by getting ready for their evening at my house. As I sit at my desk drumming my fingertips across the top of the desk the music abruptly cuts off.
The sound of high heels clacking against the hardwood floors slowly approaches the door. With a quick knock, and jingle of the knob.
“Dammit Shawn…. open the door.” A clearly frustrated tone as she attempts once more to open the door. “Your son is on the phone.”
“Tell Noah I’m busy.” I said without looking up from my daze.
“It’s not Noah.” She said in a matter of fact tone. I quickly jump up from my chair and open the door slightly. I reach a hand out and wait.
“Really? Atara hands me the phone with a massive eye roll . “Just bring it back when you’re done.” I listen as I hear her footsteps disappear into the home. I return to my chair and take a deep breath.
“What’s up buddy?” I said as my voice cracked. I haven’t talked to my son in months. Ever since Atara cold cocked his mother, it’s been an uphill battle for a few moments of his time.
“Mom said I should call you and say thanks for the Christmas gifts.” I honestly don’t remember sending any gifts.
“No problem kiddo. I’m just glad you like them.” I see a pair of feet outside of my bedroom door. “So what gift did you like the most?”
“Well the PlayStation was nice, but it was all the books about dinosaurs. How’d you know which ones to get?” I wish I could tell you that I figured it out through all the time spent with him, but that’s not the case.
“Just a lucky guess kid. I’m glad you like them.” There was an awkward bit of silence for a moment.
“I love you dad.”
“Love you too buddy.”
“When are you coming home to Chicago? Mom said we can hang out when you’re here.” She did?
“I don’t know, but you’ll be the first to know. I promise.” With that we sat in silence, said our goodbyes and hung up with each other. I set the phone down on the desk and open the top drawer. Inside is a small bag of white powder, a spoon, a cotton ball, a needle and a lighter. I grab the lighter and flick it a few times. Once again a knock on the door breaks my concentration.
“What?” I mumbled from my desk.
“Phone? I’d like to have it back.” Atara demanded from the otherside of the door.
“It’s open.” She quickly opened the door and sauntered in. She holds out a hand waiting for the phone. “Where’d your shoes go?”
“Can’t have you knowing when I’m coming dear. Just give me the phone.” She gives me a sly smile, and whips her hair like gently to the side.
“Thank you.” I said without looking towards her.
“For what?”
“Jacob.”
“No worries. It was a bitch getting Jules to actually talk to me without the snide comments, but once I said it was for him it was pretty easy.” Atara leans against the desk and once again moves my chin to meet her oceanic eyes. “I told you I’m here.”
“I know.” I grab her hand and hold it tightly. When her eyes shift towards the drawer and she pulls her hand away.
“If you’re going to do it….” She stands up and sits on the edge of the bed. “You’re going to do it with me in the room.”
“You know I can’t.” I said as I turned towards her. “You can’t be in here when I do it.”
“Do it Shawn. Show me that you don’t love me anymore. Show me how little Noah means to you. Show me exactly how you feel about Jacob.” I look away in disgust. “Look at me when I’m talking to you.” I take a deep breath and turn towards her again. “Show me that you are willing to throw everything away… and for what?”
“I don’t know.”
“That’s bullshit and you know it. For as long as I’ve known you, you always had a plan. Guess what asshole...plans change. People change. Get over your fucking self.” The anger in which her words were said started to resonate. “I don’t know why you’re dead set on burning these bridges. They care for you. I care for you. Why do you think no one does?”
“I…. just….” I couldn’t finish the statement before the doorbell rings. Atara gets off of the bed and walks towards the door.
“We are not done here. You touch any of that and I’ll castrate you. If you’re going to do it, you’re going to have an audience.” She stomps off towards the front door. Left alone I pick up the baggie from the drawer and hold it in the palm of my hand.
9:15PM
As I’m holding the bag I lift it towards the light and give it a quick shake. The white powder sticks to the side of the baggie, as a rumble of footsteps cascade down the hall. I barely had enough time to jam the baggie inside of the drawer and close it before Noah bursts into the room.
“What the fuck man?” Noah exclaimed while grabbing me by the arm and attempting to lift me from the chair. “You were supposed to be ready quarter an hour ago. Step-Mum’s been covering for you.”
“Dammit Noah. I told you I’m not going. I don’t care what Betsy has planned. I don’t care where y’all are going. I just wanted on fucking day, and I couldn’t even get that.” I yank my arm away from him in a huff. “Look I get what you guys are trying to do, and I appreciate it, but this is something I have to do.”
“That’s not entirely true Shawn.” The bubbly voice of Betsy is heard from the doorway. She smiles and walks into the room. “Come. Don’t come. I really don’t care, but if you do what James thinks you’re going to do… you’re going to lose everything.”
“Is that a threat?” I defensively said while getting up from my chair.
“Not at all. It’s nothing but the truth. You go down that path and all of Legacy goes with it…. Come on Noah. Let’s leave him to get ready.” Betsy taps Noah on the shoulder, and he gives me a look that conveys worry but also understanding. He gives me a final nod and turns to walk out the door. Betsy stops in the doorway, turns around and gives me a smile.
“Atty said you’ve got ten minutes to get dressed and you better not be wearing a hoodie.” Betsy ushers Noah out of the room and shuts the door behind them.
I place my hands on the top of my head and sigh deeply. Then begin to search through my closet. Pulling out clothes and setting them on the mattress.
“BeTtEr NoT bE a HoODiE” I said in an obvious mocking fashion. I glance towards the drawer and then back towards the mattress.
“That’s it isn’t it? To a person with a normal brain this is an easy decision. Simple. Go out with your friends, get fucked up and if you keep your foot out of your mouth you might get lucky.”
“Unfortunately for me it isn’t quite that easy. As if it hasn’t been blatantly obvious, there aren’t many people I fully trust. Even to this day people are just waiting for the shoe to drop on Legacy. Waiting for James to realize that I am the weak link, or for me to get fed up and explode.”
I look over towards the desk.
“Maybe that’s what tonight was supposed to be. Maybe this was the way Legacy was to end. Maybe this is ground zero for everything going to shit.”
My attention turns back to the clothes on the bed.
“Or maybe this is an opportunity for me to finally become something greater than just myself. Maybe Atty is right. If I can’t give myself one good reason, why am I going to risk everything I have right now? I’ve got two titles draped around my waist. I’ve got a beautiful woman who puts up with my shit. I’ve got friends…. I’ve got friends. That’s honestly the first time I could say that….”
9:30PM
The sounds of them sitting in the living room filled my head as I walked down the hallway and down the stairs. I couldn’t help but think maybe I made the wrong decision. They are probably down there right now talking behind my back. Saying how weak I am, how now that the dirty work is done they can throw me back to the wolves.
Each step I take down the flight feels like an eternity. I finally reach the bottom as all their eyes fall on me. All of them are dressed to the nines… even Noah. Betsy must be some kind of sorceress to get him out of jeans and into a nicely tailored suit.
“Look at the Prom Queen everyone, he finally decided to join us.” Raven said while holding up a glass.
“Fuck you.” I said while walking into the living area.
“Shut up man.” Jax pats me on the shoulder while taking the last drink from his glass. “By the way you’re out of your Old Fitzgerald bourbon.”
“You asshole that’s a three thousand dollar bottle you guys cashed out.” Jax gives me a shrug™ and then gives me a high five as I hold my hand out.
“Well it looks like we are all here. Everyone is dressed appropriately.” Betsy stands up to address everyone. “Shall we go ring in the New Year?” Everyone agrees and gets up and begins to walk towards the door.
“What the fuck guys?!?” Everyone turns around towards me. “Y’all are just going to leave your shit out for me to pick up later?” They all shrug™ in unison and walk away. Atara is hanging around the door waiting for someone to help her with her jacket, when Betsy comes up and gives me a hug.
“You knew what you were doing didn’t you?” I asked as she gave me a smile.
“I have no idea what you’re talking about…” Betsy points towards Atara. “I think someone else had other ideas, I just made sure everyone was where they were supposed to be. You should definitely go thank her.”
Betsy pats me on the shoulder and heads out the front door. I cautiously walk up to Atara, and she quickly hands me her coat. I help her put it on. I give her a quick kiss on the cheek.
“Thank you.” I whispered into her ear as I pulled her closer.
“For what?” She asked in response.
“For not giving up on me.” We look right in each other’s eyes.
“You said it first and I’ll say it now…” She pauses for a second and smiles. “Don’t worry, I’ve got you.” One more kiss and we walk out to the rest of the group. Atara groups up with Betsy and James, as Noah and Jax slap fight one another.
“This is what I’ve been missing for so many years. I mean with all the accolades I’ve had over the years. All the titles I’ve won, and this right here is better than all of it.”
I look at Noah and Jax.
“The two sons I never wanted, but ended up with and have come to consider my own.”
James and Betsy try to stop Noah and Jax from fighting, as it’s become more feral.
“The Brother and Sister in law that keep everything on track.”
Atara pulls out her phone to record the fight and subsequent fallout.
“And the partner I don’t deserve, but the one I need. The one.”
A quick smile comes over my face.
“And that’s it. These five people are the reason for everything. They are the reason why I won’t allow myself to become him again. I finally found a legitimate reason to keep fighting. For my crazy, wild and totally fucked up friends.”
“Fuck that.”
“My Family”
Fade To Black.
