Post by Metroll the Deplorable on Nov 16, 2016 20:59:13 GMT -5
“Who am I?”
“I am the darkness in your heart; born from misery and loneliness.”
“I am the personification of despair.”
“I am the one who balances the scorecard.”
“But why are you here?
“To save you …”
“From what?”
“It’s not from what …”
“Then whom?”
SILENCE
“Who are you?”
“I am abandoned desires, left to rot.”
“I am foregone dreams, long since lapsed.”
“I am … A Common Man”
“A … Common Man?”
“Yes”
“I don’t understand?”
“I know you do …”
“But why me?”
SILENCE
“Who are you?
“I am the way, the truth, but not the light”
“I am the edges of your consciousness”
“I am knowledge long since erased”
“Is this the end?”
“Or is it a new beginning?
“It’s been so long …”
“I know …”
“If I let you back …”
“I never left”
“Will I keep control?”
SILENCE
“Who are you?”
“I am you …”
“You are me …”
“We are one”
“Enough fuckin’ around!
The sound of a crystal glass shattering echoes around the offices of Samuel E. Stein as James Hart stares at him, Stein looking behind him first at the wall and then at the glass fragments on the carpet. “I’m not fuckin’ wrestlin’. You fucked this up, you figure a way out of it.
“There’s nothing I can do James” Stein replies in a flat tone. “It’s part of your contract with Disney. Unless you want the movie cheques to stop rolling in.”
“Da fuck ya mean it’s Disney? They’re not bank-rolling this show, they’re not puttin’ me on ESPN. You fuckin’ wit’ me Sam?
“No, it’s … it’s complicated.”
“Try me. Ya fuckin’ think I’m stupid, yeah? I ain’t fuckin’ stupid … I rode the legit bus to school: not the short fuckin’ yellow one with the retards!” James says to the dismay of Stein, at the same time making a mental note to mention to James that “retard” is no longer en vogue.
“Alright, essentially Code Red Wrestling never went bankrupt because they had no debts. The only company was Disney and they wanted to broadcast “E-Sports” in that slot on ESPN. Effectively, it’s as if the company has just sat for the past three ...”
“Man, enough of the fuckin’ Bolognese …”
“It’s legal-ease …” Stein interjects before Hart gives him a dismissive wave.
“Whatever – you’re boring me. Can we order Pizza?
“If you give me twenty-minutes without any lunacy we’ll go anywhere you want” Stein says as he grabs James’ contract off the table and holds it up. “Basically, you’re part of a joint venture that we drew up between Code Red Wrestling and Disney. It made sure that you got paid regardless of what happened, that you would get the movie deals and effectively …”
“Da fuck ya mean it’s gonna be twenty minutes for delivery! I want my fuckin’ Pizza now!” Hart says, his cellphone in front of him as Samuel E. Stein glares at him, the color in his cheeks rising. “Fuck you!” Hart says hanging up the phone as Stein shakes his head before clearing his throat, drawing James’ attention.
“Can you believe that guy? Does he know who he was talkin’ to? And then the way he spoke to me! Mother …”
“You’re an ass, you know that?” Stein responds before continuing on without giving James an opportunity to respond. “Basically, you have to appear when asked. If you don’t they take your money and the Supreme Court will have their back.”
At the mention of the Supreme Court James immediately perks up. “Man, those fuckers had Harambe killed we …” he says before being interrupted.
“No – they didn’t. And you, especially you, will not be in front of the Supreme Court.”
James gives a petulant stare at Stern before crossing his arms, a pout across his face. “Why?”
Stein stares at James, refusing to answer. The standoff lasts for a few moments before James’ face gives a short twitch and the pout is replaced by a smirk. “Say that last bit one more time.”
“What, that you’ll not be in front of the Supreme Court?”
“No, before that.”
“That you have to appear when asked.”
“Yeah, that one.”
Stein stare at James, shaking his head as he grabs the contract and begins reciting from it. “James Hart will appear at all Code Red Wrestling shows as required by Code Red Wrestling management. Pursuant to the terms of this agreement Disney …”
“Is there anything else important or is it just Jew-talk to cover …”
Once again, Stein freezes James with a glare, shutting him up as James leans back in his chair, putting it onto his two wheels as he rolls his eyes at the ceiling. “No, that’s it” Stein says as he quickly skims the rest of the contract. “You still are required to not have a public “romantic” relationship with anyone affiliated with Code Red but …”
“Man, I’m in fuckin’ Hollywood. I don’t need some wrestlin’ skank givin’ me herpes. I mean, who’d Code Wrestling get … that skank Burrows?”
“Talfourd” Stein replies as James shakes his head.
“Fuck buddies. And speaking of which …”
“You said you were hungry?” Stein interrupts quickly, attempting to change the subject.
“Yeah, that mother …”
“Let’s, finish up here than and get something to eat.” Stein says, promptly realizing that subject may not have been the best to switch too. “Anyways, you have to appear …”
“Yeah, fuck, I’ve got a plan. I can’t believe you didn’t think of it. I should be a lawyer if this is all you do all day.” James says as he kicks back in the chair once more, the smirk on his face as he quickly licks his lips.
“We can’t buy ‘em off with hookers. That’s not the answer …”
“Man, who said anything about hookers? That’s Pancho’s deal. Naw, this is better” James replies as Stein shrugs, mouthing something to himself before looking back at James.
“Alright, hit me with it …”
“Well … it’s simple really. All I need to do is …”
“So what I can I do for you Mr. Walsh.”
Rorey sits in his office across from a man of about sixty, his hair white and his face as if it were chiseled from granite. “On behalf of Disney, I’m here to discuss the contract of Mr. Hart.”
“I don’t believe there’s much too discuss. Let me be one hundred with you, Mr. Hart is contracted to appear in Code Red Wrestling and we intend to enforce the contract as is” Rorey says without blinking.
Walsh stares back at him, giving a subtle nod before reaching into the briefcase beside his chair and producing a manila folder. “We’re quite heavily invested in Mr. Hart” he says as he slides the folder across to Rorey “and feel that him wrestling is counterproductive to both of our goals.”
“Are we talking about James Hart, teenage girl heart throb? Or are we talking about someone else?”
“Anyways” Walsh grunts “we’re prepared to seek an injunction against Code Red Wrestling forcing Mr. Hart to appear on television on the grounds that Code Red has been in breach of contract for the past three years by not appearing on television.”
Rorey shrugs at Mr. Walsh, un-phased by his comments. “As it was explained to me by Mr. Wilkinson's lawyers, you have rights to the old tape libraries, there’s nothing says it had to be original content.”
“We beg to differ, but nevertheless you’re just starting up. Do you really believe that you’ll be able to finance the promotion at the same time as bankrolling a lawsuit? Can you really afford to pay Mr. Hart your share of his appearance fee?”
“Look, I was able to front the bill for the early parts of this revival, and once James appears, his appearance will pay itself. And he will make those appearances, as he is a member of Code Red Wrestling's roster, as stated in the emails and phone calls.”
Rorey stares at Walsh, waiting for him to flinch. Instead, he reaches into his briefcase and pulls out a single sheet of paper. Rorey stares at it for a moment as Walsh checks it briefly, before passing it to him. “Consider this a one time offer” he says “that’s six months payroll …”
“Look we could get local TV deals with ease if that's what we wanted man. Get out of here with your stand up act.”
“I don’t …”
“Let’s be honest – Hart’s worth ten times that in publicity alone” Rorey states with supreme confidence. “You want a serious offer – let’s go with 10MM, superstar promotional appearances on Sports Center before our big events, we can send you season schedule when we finalize it, and we figure out a replacement star at a later date who won’t wrestle.”
Walsh looks at Rorey, his mouth agape. “You’re not serious?”
“… like diabetes in a Samoan.”
Walsh stares at him with a fierce intensity hitherto unseen. Grabbing the paper off the desk he shoves it into his briefcase as he stands up. “Well then, I believe we’ve reached an impasse” he says as he begins towards the exit. “I can see myself out, we’ll see you in court.”
Rorey looks at the departing specter, a smug grin on his face as he absently begins to twirl the pen in his hands. “Bring it on …” he says calmly to the empty air around him.
“Bring it on …”
“Why are you here James?”
James Hart shrugs his shoulders, the camera only seeing the back of the other person in the room, a hood covering the back of his head. “It’s been a while.”
“Has it?”
“Man, it’s been since last Christmas. Ya didn’t even make it out to my birthday. Sally was …”
“I’m sure you had your fun.” the other person interrupts causing James to smile as he runs his hands through his hands through his hair absentmindedly. Leaning back in the chair, James surveys his surroundings, the walls whitewashed and bare of any decoration, the furniture plain and inauspicious.
“Ya ever think of makin’ this place a little less … wack?”
“It’s calming.” the other person responds as he removes the hood from his head, exposing his shoulder length blond hair.
“It’s fuckin’ creepy is what it is. It’s like you’re in the fuckin’ looney bin or some shit.
“Speaking from experience?
James chuckles as he absent-mindedly cracks his necks. “Fuck you. That’s your deal he says, eliciting a muted chuckle from the blonde haired male. “Apparently Sam isn’t as good at lawyerin’ as we thought. Some loop-hole shit in my Disney contract means I’ve got to go back to CRW.”
“And …”
“I don’t fuckin’ know” James replies as he leans forward in the chair. “Disney’s tryin’ to get me out of it but it’s not Talon in charge anymore … or at least he’s not running the show. It’s some other cunt apparently.”
“Why are you even lettin’ Disney fight it? Just don’t show up” the other person says.
“Somethin’ ‘bout breach of contract or some shit. Sam said it’d void my contract and …”
“Exactly” the faceless figure responds. “They tear up that contract, you sign an exclusive one with Disney and you’re good.”
“Bitch … let me finish.” James says with a hint of mock frustration in his voice. “Sam was sayin’ they’d file a conjunction …”
“Injunction …”
“Shut up …” James sneers, flipping him off before continuing. “Anyways, he said it’d mean I couldn’t do movies or anythin’. I’d basically have to sit on my ass mopin’ around. I’d basically fuckin’ be you but with a slut on my dick as opposed to a pity party.
The other person shakes his head for a moment but without any hint of taking any umbrage from James’ comments, evidently used to them. “Fuck, we’re only like two hours from Montreal. Why don’t we …”
“We’re not going to the strippers …”
James leans back in the chair as he crosses his arms across his chest as the other person gets from his seat and walks off camera for a moment. “So what are you actually here for? We’re a long way from fuckin’ Hollywood or Ibiza” the voice says a little quieter, muted by the distance.
“I was gonna get there but ya kept interruptin’ James replies a little louder, the other person evidently having continued to walk further away. “I want your help.”
James sits patiently for a moment before the other person returns, a small case in his hands with his head covered by the hood once more, casting his face into shadow and obscuring any facial features. “No …” he says as he takes his seat and sets the case on his lap. Opening it up, he pulls out a cloth bag from the inside as well as a small tin of something and sets them down beside him before he closes the case.
“I didn’t know you started back up.” James comments with a smile on his face.
“It’s calming” the other person responds once more causing James to snort.
“Man, that hippy bullshit doesn’t fit ya!”
“Not like that James” the other person responds. “I’m getting tired”
“Tired? James asks incredulously. “It’s fuckin’ nine thirty! Ya fuckin’ ball sack ain’t that droopy yet, is it?
The other person shrugs shugs his shoulders in a show of indifference as he grabs the cloth bag and undoes the drawstring and pulls out a marijuana pipe. “Am I packing for two?” he asks.
“Is the Pope a Nazi? James replies.
“Man, that one retired like four years ago. You really …”
“Ya, and he was old as balls. Ya ain’t so fuckin’ …” James responds before stopping himself as he the other person lets out a small laugh.
“I set myself up for that one” he says before he opens the tin and begins to fill the pipe with the pot from inside. “The answers still no.”
“Why not? James asks curiously. “Ya can’t fuckin’ sit …”
“You of all people can’t try and rationalize something to persuade me James” he interrupts. “It just doesn’t suit you.”
James stares at him as he continues to pack the pipe. “Pass me that light will you?” he asks, satisfied with the job done. James grabs the lighter off the table next to him and expertly flips it across to the other person who deftly snags it out of the air.
“So why not? Is it because of her?” James asks. The other person doesn’t respond as he lights up a corner of the weed and inhales before letting his thumb off the air-hole. Holding it for another couple moments he exhales, the greyish smoke billowing from his mouth before drifting towards the ceiling and dissipating.
“No” he answers flatly as he offers the pipe to James.
“Is it because of me …”
James takes the pipe and lighter from him and puts it to his mouth before sparking up again and taking a hit. Exhaling James looks skyward for a moment, pondering for a moment before a smile comes to his face. “Not bad. You have to come to Cali at least once … that shit’ll fuck you up.”
“I’m not trying to get fucked up” the other person replies as he takes pipe back.
“Whatever” James says. “If it’s not her than what’s the reason? What are you afraid of?”
“Are you afraid of me?
Taking another hit, the hood goes down once more as he leans back and blows the smoke out towards the ceiling. “Imagine no girls, no movies, no fame. Imagine yourself broken and broken and bitter. Imagine yourself with nothing James because of one thing. Now, let me ask you to not just go back to that one thing but embrace it and treat as if nothing happened. Could you do that?”
“I don’t know. I think you …”
“Again, don’t fuckin’ try and be rational James. It’s a yes or no question.” he says as he once again offers the pipe to James. The two sit in silence for a moment, James holding the pipe but letting it smolder on top. “You’re asking me why not? I’m asking you why would I?”
“Revenge!”
James stares at him for another moment before taking a hit and leaning back in the chair himself as he begins to prepare himself for the impending high. “My contract says I have to appear on television. It doesn’t say anythin’ about havin’ to wrestle. I got too much goin’ on to risk some bullshit …”
“So you want me to be the sacrificial lamb and take the blows for you? Is that it? the other person interrupts. “Not only do you want me to go back and lose everything, but basically for the same fucking reason too?”
“I didn’t …”
“You didn’t think this through? I don’t normally expect you to fuckin’ think James. You’ve never done that but come on man. What the fuck was runnin’ through your head?” he says angrily. “He can do my dirty work for me. He’ll have my back and I’ll be like the Teflon Don. He’ll do all the grunt work but when it’s time to reap the rewards I’ll be able to step in and claim it for myself. The Gold, the glory, the recognition. Everything. All eyes will be on me and he’ll be okay with it because he’s always been like that.”
“That’s never been you Ch…”
“I …” the other person interrupts but is unable to get more than a single word in edgewise.
“Let me finish! You still carry weight. You comin’ in and helpin’ me out keeps CRW off my ass and those idiots aren’t goin’ to try and take liberties with me to make a name for themselves because you’re …”
“Really? Are you that fuckin’ dense? Why would that give a shit about me? I was what … 2 and thirty or some shit. I was the fuckin’ punching bag that was great for business, made them money hand over fist but that doesn’t help you. News flash James … I’m not scaring anyone.”
“But you can …”
“He’s right. You have it in you …”
“Oh, so that’s it? No, it’s not let’s tear at old wounds. Let’s just go for the jugular instead. Do you really realize what you’re asking James? he says, a violent anger now present in his voice.
“Calm down …”
“Calm I …” he interrupts once more before cutting himself off as he looks around the room.
“Was it really that bad? Think about it. You were king …”
Taking a hit from the pipe the other person runs his other hand through his hair before exhaling as he leans back in the chair. The two sit in continued silence, rhythmically taking hits from the pipe before passing it back in forth. “I’m sorry …” the other person says, finally breaking the silence.
“No, don’t apologize. I promise I didn’t mean that … never. I couldn’t. I wouldn’t. Everyone knows you can be the best and that if you came back you’d be able to make stars the same way you did before. People respect you. We’ve all seen what you’ve done before; the stars you’ve made and not by them puttin’ you down but by you pullin’ them up. Nobody’s goin’ to do me wrong with you around ‘cause they know that’s not goin’ to get them ahead in any sort of meanin’ful way.”
“I’m not stepping foot in the ring again. There’s nothing in it for me.”
“But what if there was? Would you?
“Selfish doesn’t suit you.” James says as the other person takes another hit. “But think about it … think of all the good that came out of wrestlin’? Sally, Jay, Dante … hell if it wasn’t for wrestlin’ you’d have never met her in the first place.”
“That’s as good an argument as any for not considering it.”
“Maybe” James continues on. “Do you really want that to be peoples … no, sorry, your last memory?”
“He’s right. After everything that happened … don’t you deserve to write your own ending?
“I’m not going to put myself through that again. I don’t want to get hurt …”
“Then be the one who does the hurting …”
“I don’t …”
The other person sparks it one more time before he gets out of his chair as he exhales. “Look, I appreciate what you’re trying to do but I’m not going back. I just about didn’t make it the last time my heart was broken. I’m not putting myself in position to give it a second chance …”
“Together, we’d be fine. I can help you …”
“I …”
“I’m going to bed … you can kill the rest.” he says as he gives James the pipe and walks past him out of sight. James holds the pipe for a moment, staring around at the now empty chair before moving on once more to the barren white washed walls as he takes a hit.
“I just want to help …”
“I am the darkness in your heart; born from misery and loneliness.”
“I am the personification of despair.”
“I am the one who balances the scorecard.”
“But why are you here?
“To save you …”
“From what?”
“It’s not from what …”
“Then whom?”
SILENCE
“Who are you?”
“I am abandoned desires, left to rot.”
“I am foregone dreams, long since lapsed.”
“I am … A Common Man”
“A … Common Man?”
“Yes”
“I don’t understand?”
“I know you do …”
“But why me?”
SILENCE
“Who are you?
“I am the way, the truth, but not the light”
“I am the edges of your consciousness”
“I am knowledge long since erased”
“Is this the end?”
“Or is it a new beginning?
“It’s been so long …”
“I know …”
“If I let you back …”
“I never left”
“Will I keep control?”
SILENCE
“Who are you?”
“I am you …”
“You are me …”
“We are one”
~GASP~
---
“Enough fuckin’ around!
The sound of a crystal glass shattering echoes around the offices of Samuel E. Stein as James Hart stares at him, Stein looking behind him first at the wall and then at the glass fragments on the carpet. “I’m not fuckin’ wrestlin’. You fucked this up, you figure a way out of it.
“There’s nothing I can do James” Stein replies in a flat tone. “It’s part of your contract with Disney. Unless you want the movie cheques to stop rolling in.”
“Da fuck ya mean it’s Disney? They’re not bank-rolling this show, they’re not puttin’ me on ESPN. You fuckin’ wit’ me Sam?
“No, it’s … it’s complicated.”
“Try me. Ya fuckin’ think I’m stupid, yeah? I ain’t fuckin’ stupid … I rode the legit bus to school: not the short fuckin’ yellow one with the retards!” James says to the dismay of Stein, at the same time making a mental note to mention to James that “retard” is no longer en vogue.
“Alright, essentially Code Red Wrestling never went bankrupt because they had no debts. The only company was Disney and they wanted to broadcast “E-Sports” in that slot on ESPN. Effectively, it’s as if the company has just sat for the past three ...”
“Man, enough of the fuckin’ Bolognese …”
“It’s legal-ease …” Stein interjects before Hart gives him a dismissive wave.
“Whatever – you’re boring me. Can we order Pizza?
“If you give me twenty-minutes without any lunacy we’ll go anywhere you want” Stein says as he grabs James’ contract off the table and holds it up. “Basically, you’re part of a joint venture that we drew up between Code Red Wrestling and Disney. It made sure that you got paid regardless of what happened, that you would get the movie deals and effectively …”
“Da fuck ya mean it’s gonna be twenty minutes for delivery! I want my fuckin’ Pizza now!” Hart says, his cellphone in front of him as Samuel E. Stein glares at him, the color in his cheeks rising. “Fuck you!” Hart says hanging up the phone as Stein shakes his head before clearing his throat, drawing James’ attention.
“Can you believe that guy? Does he know who he was talkin’ to? And then the way he spoke to me! Mother …”
“You’re an ass, you know that?” Stein responds before continuing on without giving James an opportunity to respond. “Basically, you have to appear when asked. If you don’t they take your money and the Supreme Court will have their back.”
At the mention of the Supreme Court James immediately perks up. “Man, those fuckers had Harambe killed we …” he says before being interrupted.
“No – they didn’t. And you, especially you, will not be in front of the Supreme Court.”
James gives a petulant stare at Stern before crossing his arms, a pout across his face. “Why?”
Stein stares at James, refusing to answer. The standoff lasts for a few moments before James’ face gives a short twitch and the pout is replaced by a smirk. “Say that last bit one more time.”
“What, that you’ll not be in front of the Supreme Court?”
“No, before that.”
“That you have to appear when asked.”
“Yeah, that one.”
Stein stare at James, shaking his head as he grabs the contract and begins reciting from it. “James Hart will appear at all Code Red Wrestling shows as required by Code Red Wrestling management. Pursuant to the terms of this agreement Disney …”
“Is there anything else important or is it just Jew-talk to cover …”
Once again, Stein freezes James with a glare, shutting him up as James leans back in his chair, putting it onto his two wheels as he rolls his eyes at the ceiling. “No, that’s it” Stein says as he quickly skims the rest of the contract. “You still are required to not have a public “romantic” relationship with anyone affiliated with Code Red but …”
“Man, I’m in fuckin’ Hollywood. I don’t need some wrestlin’ skank givin’ me herpes. I mean, who’d Code Wrestling get … that skank Burrows?”
“Talfourd” Stein replies as James shakes his head.
“Fuck buddies. And speaking of which …”
“You said you were hungry?” Stein interrupts quickly, attempting to change the subject.
“Yeah, that mother …”
“Let’s, finish up here than and get something to eat.” Stein says, promptly realizing that subject may not have been the best to switch too. “Anyways, you have to appear …”
“Yeah, fuck, I’ve got a plan. I can’t believe you didn’t think of it. I should be a lawyer if this is all you do all day.” James says as he kicks back in the chair once more, the smirk on his face as he quickly licks his lips.
“We can’t buy ‘em off with hookers. That’s not the answer …”
“Man, who said anything about hookers? That’s Pancho’s deal. Naw, this is better” James replies as Stein shrugs, mouthing something to himself before looking back at James.
“Alright, hit me with it …”
“Well … it’s simple really. All I need to do is …”
---
“So what I can I do for you Mr. Walsh.”
Rorey sits in his office across from a man of about sixty, his hair white and his face as if it were chiseled from granite. “On behalf of Disney, I’m here to discuss the contract of Mr. Hart.”
“I don’t believe there’s much too discuss. Let me be one hundred with you, Mr. Hart is contracted to appear in Code Red Wrestling and we intend to enforce the contract as is” Rorey says without blinking.
Walsh stares back at him, giving a subtle nod before reaching into the briefcase beside his chair and producing a manila folder. “We’re quite heavily invested in Mr. Hart” he says as he slides the folder across to Rorey “and feel that him wrestling is counterproductive to both of our goals.”
“Are we talking about James Hart, teenage girl heart throb? Or are we talking about someone else?”
“Anyways” Walsh grunts “we’re prepared to seek an injunction against Code Red Wrestling forcing Mr. Hart to appear on television on the grounds that Code Red has been in breach of contract for the past three years by not appearing on television.”
Rorey shrugs at Mr. Walsh, un-phased by his comments. “As it was explained to me by Mr. Wilkinson's lawyers, you have rights to the old tape libraries, there’s nothing says it had to be original content.”
“We beg to differ, but nevertheless you’re just starting up. Do you really believe that you’ll be able to finance the promotion at the same time as bankrolling a lawsuit? Can you really afford to pay Mr. Hart your share of his appearance fee?”
“Look, I was able to front the bill for the early parts of this revival, and once James appears, his appearance will pay itself. And he will make those appearances, as he is a member of Code Red Wrestling's roster, as stated in the emails and phone calls.”
Rorey stares at Walsh, waiting for him to flinch. Instead, he reaches into his briefcase and pulls out a single sheet of paper. Rorey stares at it for a moment as Walsh checks it briefly, before passing it to him. “Consider this a one time offer” he says “that’s six months payroll …”
“Look we could get local TV deals with ease if that's what we wanted man. Get out of here with your stand up act.”
“I don’t …”
“Let’s be honest – Hart’s worth ten times that in publicity alone” Rorey states with supreme confidence. “You want a serious offer – let’s go with 10MM, superstar promotional appearances on Sports Center before our big events, we can send you season schedule when we finalize it, and we figure out a replacement star at a later date who won’t wrestle.”
Walsh looks at Rorey, his mouth agape. “You’re not serious?”
“… like diabetes in a Samoan.”
Walsh stares at him with a fierce intensity hitherto unseen. Grabbing the paper off the desk he shoves it into his briefcase as he stands up. “Well then, I believe we’ve reached an impasse” he says as he begins towards the exit. “I can see myself out, we’ll see you in court.”
Rorey looks at the departing specter, a smug grin on his face as he absently begins to twirl the pen in his hands. “Bring it on …” he says calmly to the empty air around him.
“Bring it on …”
---
“Why are you here James?”
James Hart shrugs his shoulders, the camera only seeing the back of the other person in the room, a hood covering the back of his head. “It’s been a while.”
“Has it?”
“Man, it’s been since last Christmas. Ya didn’t even make it out to my birthday. Sally was …”
“I’m sure you had your fun.” the other person interrupts causing James to smile as he runs his hands through his hands through his hair absentmindedly. Leaning back in the chair, James surveys his surroundings, the walls whitewashed and bare of any decoration, the furniture plain and inauspicious.
“Ya ever think of makin’ this place a little less … wack?”
“It’s calming.” the other person responds as he removes the hood from his head, exposing his shoulder length blond hair.
“It’s fuckin’ creepy is what it is. It’s like you’re in the fuckin’ looney bin or some shit.
“Speaking from experience?
James chuckles as he absent-mindedly cracks his necks. “Fuck you. That’s your deal he says, eliciting a muted chuckle from the blonde haired male. “Apparently Sam isn’t as good at lawyerin’ as we thought. Some loop-hole shit in my Disney contract means I’ve got to go back to CRW.”
“And …”
“I don’t fuckin’ know” James replies as he leans forward in the chair. “Disney’s tryin’ to get me out of it but it’s not Talon in charge anymore … or at least he’s not running the show. It’s some other cunt apparently.”
“Why are you even lettin’ Disney fight it? Just don’t show up” the other person says.
“Somethin’ ‘bout breach of contract or some shit. Sam said it’d void my contract and …”
“Exactly” the faceless figure responds. “They tear up that contract, you sign an exclusive one with Disney and you’re good.”
“Bitch … let me finish.” James says with a hint of mock frustration in his voice. “Sam was sayin’ they’d file a conjunction …”
“Injunction …”
“Shut up …” James sneers, flipping him off before continuing. “Anyways, he said it’d mean I couldn’t do movies or anythin’. I’d basically have to sit on my ass mopin’ around. I’d basically fuckin’ be you but with a slut on my dick as opposed to a pity party.
The other person shakes his head for a moment but without any hint of taking any umbrage from James’ comments, evidently used to them. “Fuck, we’re only like two hours from Montreal. Why don’t we …”
“We’re not going to the strippers …”
James leans back in the chair as he crosses his arms across his chest as the other person gets from his seat and walks off camera for a moment. “So what are you actually here for? We’re a long way from fuckin’ Hollywood or Ibiza” the voice says a little quieter, muted by the distance.
“I was gonna get there but ya kept interruptin’ James replies a little louder, the other person evidently having continued to walk further away. “I want your help.”
James sits patiently for a moment before the other person returns, a small case in his hands with his head covered by the hood once more, casting his face into shadow and obscuring any facial features. “No …” he says as he takes his seat and sets the case on his lap. Opening it up, he pulls out a cloth bag from the inside as well as a small tin of something and sets them down beside him before he closes the case.
“I didn’t know you started back up.” James comments with a smile on his face.
“It’s calming” the other person responds once more causing James to snort.
“Man, that hippy bullshit doesn’t fit ya!”
“Not like that James” the other person responds. “I’m getting tired”
“Tired? James asks incredulously. “It’s fuckin’ nine thirty! Ya fuckin’ ball sack ain’t that droopy yet, is it?
The other person shrugs shugs his shoulders in a show of indifference as he grabs the cloth bag and undoes the drawstring and pulls out a marijuana pipe. “Am I packing for two?” he asks.
“Is the Pope a Nazi? James replies.
“Man, that one retired like four years ago. You really …”
“Ya, and he was old as balls. Ya ain’t so fuckin’ …” James responds before stopping himself as he the other person lets out a small laugh.
“I set myself up for that one” he says before he opens the tin and begins to fill the pipe with the pot from inside. “The answers still no.”
“Why not? James asks curiously. “Ya can’t fuckin’ sit …”
“You of all people can’t try and rationalize something to persuade me James” he interrupts. “It just doesn’t suit you.”
James stares at him as he continues to pack the pipe. “Pass me that light will you?” he asks, satisfied with the job done. James grabs the lighter off the table next to him and expertly flips it across to the other person who deftly snags it out of the air.
“So why not? Is it because of her?” James asks. The other person doesn’t respond as he lights up a corner of the weed and inhales before letting his thumb off the air-hole. Holding it for another couple moments he exhales, the greyish smoke billowing from his mouth before drifting towards the ceiling and dissipating.
“No” he answers flatly as he offers the pipe to James.
“Is it because of me …”
James takes the pipe and lighter from him and puts it to his mouth before sparking up again and taking a hit. Exhaling James looks skyward for a moment, pondering for a moment before a smile comes to his face. “Not bad. You have to come to Cali at least once … that shit’ll fuck you up.”
“I’m not trying to get fucked up” the other person replies as he takes pipe back.
“Whatever” James says. “If it’s not her than what’s the reason? What are you afraid of?”
“Are you afraid of me?
Taking another hit, the hood goes down once more as he leans back and blows the smoke out towards the ceiling. “Imagine no girls, no movies, no fame. Imagine yourself broken and broken and bitter. Imagine yourself with nothing James because of one thing. Now, let me ask you to not just go back to that one thing but embrace it and treat as if nothing happened. Could you do that?”
“I don’t know. I think you …”
“Again, don’t fuckin’ try and be rational James. It’s a yes or no question.” he says as he once again offers the pipe to James. The two sit in silence for a moment, James holding the pipe but letting it smolder on top. “You’re asking me why not? I’m asking you why would I?”
“Revenge!”
James stares at him for another moment before taking a hit and leaning back in the chair himself as he begins to prepare himself for the impending high. “My contract says I have to appear on television. It doesn’t say anythin’ about havin’ to wrestle. I got too much goin’ on to risk some bullshit …”
“So you want me to be the sacrificial lamb and take the blows for you? Is that it? the other person interrupts. “Not only do you want me to go back and lose everything, but basically for the same fucking reason too?”
“I didn’t …”
“You didn’t think this through? I don’t normally expect you to fuckin’ think James. You’ve never done that but come on man. What the fuck was runnin’ through your head?” he says angrily. “He can do my dirty work for me. He’ll have my back and I’ll be like the Teflon Don. He’ll do all the grunt work but when it’s time to reap the rewards I’ll be able to step in and claim it for myself. The Gold, the glory, the recognition. Everything. All eyes will be on me and he’ll be okay with it because he’s always been like that.”
“That’s never been you Ch…”
“I …” the other person interrupts but is unable to get more than a single word in edgewise.
“Let me finish! You still carry weight. You comin’ in and helpin’ me out keeps CRW off my ass and those idiots aren’t goin’ to try and take liberties with me to make a name for themselves because you’re …”
“Really? Are you that fuckin’ dense? Why would that give a shit about me? I was what … 2 and thirty or some shit. I was the fuckin’ punching bag that was great for business, made them money hand over fist but that doesn’t help you. News flash James … I’m not scaring anyone.”
“But you can …”
“He’s right. You have it in you …”
“Oh, so that’s it? No, it’s not let’s tear at old wounds. Let’s just go for the jugular instead. Do you really realize what you’re asking James? he says, a violent anger now present in his voice.
“Calm down …”
“Calm I …” he interrupts once more before cutting himself off as he looks around the room.
“Was it really that bad? Think about it. You were king …”
Taking a hit from the pipe the other person runs his other hand through his hair before exhaling as he leans back in the chair. The two sit in continued silence, rhythmically taking hits from the pipe before passing it back in forth. “I’m sorry …” the other person says, finally breaking the silence.
“No, don’t apologize. I promise I didn’t mean that … never. I couldn’t. I wouldn’t. Everyone knows you can be the best and that if you came back you’d be able to make stars the same way you did before. People respect you. We’ve all seen what you’ve done before; the stars you’ve made and not by them puttin’ you down but by you pullin’ them up. Nobody’s goin’ to do me wrong with you around ‘cause they know that’s not goin’ to get them ahead in any sort of meanin’ful way.”
“I’m not stepping foot in the ring again. There’s nothing in it for me.”
“But what if there was? Would you?
“Selfish doesn’t suit you.” James says as the other person takes another hit. “But think about it … think of all the good that came out of wrestlin’? Sally, Jay, Dante … hell if it wasn’t for wrestlin’ you’d have never met her in the first place.”
“That’s as good an argument as any for not considering it.”
“Maybe” James continues on. “Do you really want that to be peoples … no, sorry, your last memory?”
“He’s right. After everything that happened … don’t you deserve to write your own ending?
“I’m not going to put myself through that again. I don’t want to get hurt …”
“Then be the one who does the hurting …”
“I don’t …”
The other person sparks it one more time before he gets out of his chair as he exhales. “Look, I appreciate what you’re trying to do but I’m not going back. I just about didn’t make it the last time my heart was broken. I’m not putting myself in position to give it a second chance …”
“Together, we’d be fine. I can help you …”
“I …”
“I’m going to bed … you can kill the rest.” he says as he gives James the pipe and walks past him out of sight. James holds the pipe for a moment, staring around at the now empty chair before moving on once more to the barren white washed walls as he takes a hit.
“I just want to help …”