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It's been an emotional roller coaster for Jake Starr, and his fellow members of the group once known as, "The Brotherhood." They have felt the highs and the lows of the emotional spectrum, and faced moments of sheer happiness, to utter sadness. For Jake, his emotions have been usually sparked by the actions, or non-actions for that matter, of Shawn Winters. Jake has dealt with the mind games Winters has put forth, in the cases of Allocco and Porno Lad, and also with the frustration of knowing Winters is purposely doing everything in his power to avoid a confrontation with him. It's a set of emotions that Jake has been carrying with him both on the road, and at home. He has done his best to continually strive for a mentality that would allow him to separate his two lives, and truly be able to live a normal life at home. He's really desired that feeling that, while he's at home, work is a non-entity to him. He's wanted to only worry about the things that should matter outside of his job, when he's not there. In a sense, he's just wanted to feel normal again.
Unfortunately for all of the former members of "The Brotherhood," their roller coaster of emotions, and their head-to-head clash with reality would come in a very unfortunate manner. It began when the three of them were enjoying a fun night out together, along with their respective spouses and compatriots, at the bar owned by David, and his wife Katheryn. Out of the blue, Katheryn felt ill, and ultimately collapsed onto the floor. Her pants, clean initially, began to develop a red stain, that grew as the group awaited the arrival of the ambulance. Panic was impossible to avoid, and worry immediately sank in. After the ambulance arrived, and Katheryn, Kirsten, Tommy and David made their way to the hospital, Roeper made the executive decision that she, Jake, and Matty should stay behind. It was a decision that, she felt at least, was respectful to the situation. She knew that whatever was going on with Katheryn was an issue that needed only the closest of the close around her when everything came to fruition, and was explained. Roeper knew that if she were in Katheryn's shoes, she'd simply want the immediate "family" around her. In this case, that was Tommy, David and Kirsten. As a supplemental "idea" to Roeper's, Matty opted to suggest they go wait at David's house, and hope for news soon. He felt it was a location that allowed them to remain close to the situation, without overwhelming Katheryn or David. So with that revelation, they headed for the house. The hours couldn't have passed any slower for the three of them. Seconds seemed like minutes; minutes seemed like hours; hours seemed like an eternity. It was an uncomfortable and eerie period where each of the trio left behind had moments to reflect on what happened, what it all could mean in the long run, and if everyone will be ok. Roeper immediately took up residence on the couch, and in the whole period of waiting has moved very little. Her hands have virtually remained folded together since she initially sat down, thumbs under her chin, and her right knee continually bouncing. It's signs of nervousness that even someone blind and deaf could feel emitting from her body. Matty's reaction couldn't be any more opposite from Roeper. He's been pacing back and forth, looking out the windows, and hoping for the signs of someone coming home. His feelings deep down are to try and stay positive, and combat the overwhelming sense of nervousness... ... And then there's Jake... After walking into David's house, Jake immediately went to the kitchen and poured himself a small glass of water. His mouth was dry, and his mind was racing. He knew there was little to do, and knew that he needed to fight to keep control. After polishing off his glass of water in merely a couple gulps, he's taken up residence staring out the window facing the driveway, and the direction from which the others would be coming from. His eyes are fixed. His emotions are seemingly ice cold. He shows no sense of nervousness, worry, or any other emotion that Matty and Roeper have obviously been feeling, yet, deep down shares each one. Roeper, finally breaking her pose, reaches down to her cell phone which has been sitting in front of her, on the table. She unlocks it, and checks to see if she's missed any calls or any messages. It's a move that, while knowing she hasn't, is more of a reassurance and comforting feeling, for her. She knows, deep down, that her volume is up, signal is strong, and simply hasn't received any word from the hospital. Roeper's move catches the eye of Matty, who also thinks to check his phone, in the hopes maybe there are updates, and he simply forgot to turn his ringer back on too. Realizing he, too, hasn't missed anything, a bit of frustration begins to set in... Matthew Stone: C'mon guys, call us!! It's an exclamation that echoes everyones sentiments.
Matthew Stone: We need some answers! Roeper, hoping to maybe begin to calm Matty down, extends an invitation to him.
Roeper Hart: Matty, come sit down by me. Pacing is just going to work you up more, and we need to simply be strong. On top of that, you pacing is causing me to be more and more nervous. Matty pauses and realizes his pacing probably has caused an unnecessary extra stressor amongst the group, and obliges. He realizes that he's been allowing himself to get too carried away, and ultimately needs to calm down. He plops down next to Roeper, and begins to take some deep breaths.
All while this is happening Jake's emotionless gaze continues to be immovable. For some reason, whether it's a gut instinct, whether it's some sort of premonition, or just a serious belief, he knows what happened to Katheryn. From the top of his head, to the toes on his feet, what he saw told him what unbelievable catastrophe had befallen his friend's personal life. It's at this point, the nightmare that Jake had, surrounding the miscarriage of his child, and the subsequent eerie similarity that the actual day Mara Jade was born had, replays in his head. Over and over he remembers the uncertainty of wondering what is going on, not having answers, and being stuck driving to the hospital, he remembers the panic he felt when Roxie came around the corner, yelling his name, and him fleeing after her down the hallways of the ER, he remembers the feeling he had in his dream when he found out the baby was lost. Every moment, every emotion, every feeling, it all plays out in Jake's mind over and over. It tears into his soul, making him think about the reality that could have befallen his wife just as out of the blue as it has Helms's. It's an emotional cavalcade that is taking a toll on him, knowing what David is experiencing, even though he's never physically lived through the same ordeal himself. Even with this internal strife and horrid emotions, he knows he cannot show those emotions to Matty and Roeper. He knows he is the one who has to stand strong, and be the one to act as the proverbial "glue." Out of nowhere, Matty's phone rings. He jumps up, and stares at the illuminated screen, and sees Tommy's phone number calling his. He frantically answers the phone, but does his best to sound strong, not knowing who is using Tommy's phone to ring his. Matthew Stone: Hello...? Tommy Valentine: Hey man... Kirst, David and I are on our way home for a bit. Kath is being kept overnight for observation, but we should be home soon... Matthew Stone: Man... What happened? Is everything ok? Why is she staying overnight? What's going on? Tommy Valentine: We'll talk about everything when we get there... Matty, still wanting answers and not getting any, feels a sense of frustration come over him again. But again, he knows he needs to stay calm in case his frustration may cause problems on the other end.
Matthew Stone: Alright... See you when you get here... Tommy Valentine: Sounds good... Bye... Matty hangs up, and flashes looks both at Jake and Roeper as he explains everything he found out.
Matthew Stone: So apparently Kath is staying overnight and being observed. The other three on are on their way back here, for how long I don't know, but they're on there way back. Tommy said we'll talk about everything when they get here, so honestly I hope everything is ok. Jake, in hearing the update from Matty, turns his head slightly, giving off a slight profile of one eye and his lips to those behind him.
Jake Starr: Trust me, things are not ok... Jake immediately turns his head slowly back forward, and resumes his staring out the window.
Matty, hearing Jake's finite answer in a sense of uncertainty, is caught off guard. Matthew Stone: What do you mean? Jake responds without turning his head.
Jake Starr: Things are not going to be ok. Everyone needs to be prepared for the worst. Matty's frustration begins to come to the surface.
Matthew Stone: Dude, Kath is still alive. She's just being kept overnight for some observations! Jake's eyes remain front, and his response comes out monotonous, and devoid of feeling.
Jake Starr: You're right... SHE'S still alive... Matthew Stone: What in the hell is that supposed to mean? Jake doesn't reply. Instead, he allows the silence to fill the room. He allows the non-answer to speak for itself. It's during this silence that the reality of his insinuation begins to sink in with both Roeper and Matty. It's a feeling that makes them both feel utterly sick to their stomachs, with a side note of curiosity how Jake, of all people, would know or even be able to speculate on such a thing.
As the thought begins to sink in more and more into Matty and Roeper's psyches, Matty fights back first. He doesn't want to believe Jake is right in his theory of a possible lost child. He doesn't want to believe that such an atrocity would befall his friend. He jumps up, reeling from the emotion Jake's suggestion put into his head, and storms up to Jake, ready to challenge his conclusion, voice raised. Matthew Stone: How in the hell would YOU know such a thing? Are you a damn doctor? Have you studied babies, and have a PhD? Who are you, thinking you know David and Kath so well, huh? You're not giving them any positive thoughts at all, and you're instead wishing these kinds of things on them. What kind of friend are you, huh? Jake remains unfazed by the accusations and the yelling, but does give an answer to hopefully give Matty an insight into his thought process.
Jake Starr: I just know... It's a response that doesn't give Matty the feeling of comfort he was wanting, and ultimately feels Jake's premonition is unfounded. He storms off to another room to pour himself a quick drink, with the hopes it calms him down, and gives himself a little more insight to what may be avoiding his understanding of the situation. He mixes himself a small double shot of Jack Daniels, and throws it down in one gulp. The "poison" must have been rather strong, due to the facial expressions that followed the swallowing of the drink.
He has a couple more, followed by some calming deep breaths, and realizes his reaction toward Jake might have been a bit harsh. He opts to return to the room where Roeper and Jake still are, and still haven't left their respective positions. Roeper has, though, begun to crane her neck, trying to look out the window, hoping to see signs of life heading their way. Matty approaches Jake, and extends his hand onto Jake's shoulder. His tone is much different, much more subdued, and much friendlier than when he stormed out moments earlier. Matthew Stone: Listen... I'm sorry for all of that. I... I just am a bit on edge right now, and that's a lot to take in. Jake flashes a glance in Matty's direction, and nods slightly at him.
Jake Starr: It's ok. None of it was taken personally. It's an emotional time for all of us. Jake's comments make Matty feel better, knowing Jake understands that it was mere emotion that fueled his outburst, and not because of any ill-feelings toward Jake himself. With that reassurance, Jake returns to staring stoically out the window, and Matty returns to the couch next to Roeper.
After a few more moments of silence, a set of headlights illuminate the room where the trio occupies. Jake breaks the silence, with an emotionless, and direct, statement. Jake Starr: They're here... Matty immediately springs up off of the couch, and Roeper slowly rises as well. The three can hear people approaching the front door, and fumbling to unlock the door in the darkness. As the door finally swings open, Jake's neck makes the first full turn to the side to see everyone coming in. His face is still frozen, emotionless. Tommy enters first, followed by his wife Kirst, and David slowly bringing up the rear, with his head slumped down a bit.
Matty then wastes no time in breaking the uncomfortable, and obviously awkward silence. Matthew Stone: Well? David slowly looks up, and the dried tears on his face tells it all. They con both now believe that, somehow, someway, Jake's premonition was accurate.
Roeper immediately begins to tear up, as it sinks in. She approaches David without missing a beat, and embraces him tightly. Roeper Hart: I'm so sorry! It's a touching moment that was repeated multiple times at the hospital, and now at home. As Roeper pulls back, David looks at her and musters up a faint smile in gratitude for Roeper's condolences. She steps away, and Matty makes his way over to show the same love to his dear friend in his time of grief.
With Jake still standing to the side, staring a hole through Helms, Tommy, Matty, and Kirst make their way to the kitchen to begin to talk about the results, and to try and make sense of everything. David notices Jake hasn't moved, and looks over at him, realizing that Jake's eyes have been glued on him since he walked in the door. He gulps down his saliva, and takes a jittery deep breath. Jake turns his body, and takes a couple steps in Helms's direction, and both look around realizing they're the only two in the vicinity. Still in a sad state of silence, Helms reaches into his pocket and pulls out his cell phone. He unlocks it, and shows Jake, displaying the last text message he received. It was a text message from Jake that had apparently been sent shortly after the ambulance had taken Katheryn away from the bar, saying simply, "I'm sorry." David looks up at Jake, with tears still in his eyes. David Helms: How did you know? Jake simply begins to shake his head.
Jake Starr: I don't know how I knew, but I did. Whatever it was that made me realize what was going on, caused that dream to reply in my head, over and over again. Every emotion I felt when I thought it was happening to me began to flood through my body. Every emotion I knew you were suffering, and that I suffered in my own imagination was right there in front of me, in reality. It was like I was reliving it all again, this time it was real, and this time I was on the giving end of the bad news. All I knew to do at the time was tell you I was sorry. David Helms: Is there really anything else anyone could say? Jake just shrugs at his grieving friend.
David Helms: ... I did appreciate it though. I really did. Jake nods slightly.
Jake Starr: Are you ok? Helms gently shakes his head.
David Helms: I'm not ok, but I will be. Kath and I will be. This isn't something we can just brush off like a stubbed toe, but we're strong and resilient. We will get through it. Jake Starr: Well I know you've probably heard this several times today, if there is anything Roeper or I can do for you, just let us know, and we'll do it. David Helms: Thanks... That means a lot to me, and I know I speak for Kath too on that... The two slowly turn to head toward the kitchen.
David Helms: .. So, um, I'll take several thousand dollars, in small, unmarked, bills. Jake freezes, and stares at Helms with a definite sense of confusion on his face. David notices the confusion on Jake's face, and explains his comment.
David Helms: ... You did say if there was anything you could do for us, you would, so I figured I'd go for money. Jake smirks, realizing his friend mustered up enough courage to throw out a bit of humor, and takes solace in believing it's a sign that, indeed, he and Katheryn will emerge from this catastrophe much stronger. He throws his arm around Helms, and they bring up the rear, going into the kitchen, where everyone has begun pouring themselves a little libation, in the hopes of just feeling a little calmer.
It's times like these that put families to the test, and really test ones ability to emerge from a dark situation a better person. For Jake, it's a feeling that reality and work truly are separate worlds, with separate stressors. It's a reality check for him, that he wishes his friend didn't have to go through. It's also a reality check that tells him to truly take advantage of the graces that Mara Jade brought him and Roeper. This moment has given Jake a sense of clarity. He knows his quest for Winters has occupied his mind a lot, but also knows he needs to be mindful of the things that truly matter in his life. He knows his desire to prove to the world that he's deserving of a shot at Winters, and everything Winters stands for means a lot to him, but there will always be something that means more. His wife, and his child, are at the forefront of his life, and at the forefront of who and what he provides for. Nevertheless, though, when it comes to Supreme Championship Wrestling, when it comes to fighting, when it comes to work, Jake's sights are set. It will always be "Winters or Bust," for the one true "Czar of the Shooting Five Starr." Jake Starr: Just when you think you have everything figured out, BOOM, boy do things get turned around on you, like nobody's business. I mean, hell, at Apocalypse, I walked in thinking that if Winters was able to luck-out again, and retain his championship against Shaun Cruze, it would be Shilo and I each getting our rightful chance at Winters at Under Attack. We both figured that we each had a legitimate claim to getting our hands on that fuckwad, and then, all hell breaks loose in SCW, again! I honestly think that's a prerequisite to running the organization, "when everyone feels like it's obvious of what SHOULD happen, thrown immense curve ball, and fuck everything up." Which is what Sasha did. She, pretty much Kanye West'd me. It was like I was playing the role of Taylor Swift, accepting my award for finally getting an opportunity to fight Shawn Winters, finally getting the chance to righting the wrongs of the world, and finally shutting his dumbass mouth up, when she comes running into the ring all dressed in her bling-blang-BLOW, saying, "Yo Jake, I know we built this whole Starr/Winters thing up to be a major confrontation, and a major event, but, DIS CHAMBER MATCH IS GONNA BE DA BOMB YO!" So, I was sent to the back burner again. I was put aside, in the hopes I'd stay quiet, be the good little employee, and simply go wait my turn, AGAIN... I mean, doesn't that sound like a great plan? Doesn't this idea of Sasha's, the one where Shawn Winters gets his way, YET AGAIN mind you, sound just peachy? Truthfully, it sounded like utter garbage to me. It sounded like Sasha simply looking at me, and like a child at Christmas, thinking his mommy and daddy were going to surprise him with a new Xbox or Playstation, was disappointed when I opened this massive box, to only get knew thermal socks. Whoopedy doo!!! That was the point it all clicked for me. Everything made sense. Much like how my career in SCW kicked off, the front suits wanted Jake Starr out of the limelight as quick as possible. For some reason, the fact I've been successful, and continue to put SCW on my back, take on ANY and ALL challengers, beat them, and rise through the rankings, is a bad thing. Why it's not OK for me to be doing what I do best, and doing what needs to be done, is beyond me. It's just fucking beyond me. So I took measures into my own hands. You see, everyone has been clamoring about the fact Shilo and I made a little deal about Winters, and how we planned to deal with him. People can't believe I would align myself with him, especially for Winters. But what nobody realizes, is we both did what we needed to do. We both knew the other had a rightful claim to Winters, and we both knew it was pointless for the two of us to jockey for position. So, while neither of us can really stand the sight of the other, and quite frankly, neither of us really want to be in the other's presence, we put it all to the side. We manned up, and made the deals we had to make. Next thing I know, I've gotten Winters, along with the Hamburgler, Grimace, and his Chicken McNuggets getting into a bit of a clusterfuck, and guess who makes his surprise return, Big Daddy D. Talk about a sight that, well, wasn't the most pleasing for me. For those who don't know, Daddy D and I have a bit of a salty history together. He never liked me, and quite frankly, the feeling, I would assume, is still mutual. But he surprised me. He really did. He came out and put Winters in a position where, for the first time since he won the SCW World Championship, he has to show that he truly is a champion. Daddy D decided to take Winters out of the Chamber Clusterfuck, and put him in, not one, but TWO matches. Firstly, Winters has to defend that championship against the winner of the Chamber match, and prove that he's worthy of that title being around his waist, but more importantly, Winters must defend his pride, his words, and his legacy of being this "bad boy," and "greatest in SCW history," against ME! That's right... Don't adjust your sets... Don't fine tune that audio... Daddy D did something that I fully am in favor of, and PRAISE him for. How about that? Anyone know if Hell has started getting a little chilly? Can someone check my vitals? Jake begins to check for a pulse, and pretends to check and see if he's potentially running a fever.
Ok, phew, I seemingly am ok! Call of the ambulances! I'm ok! Nevertheless, I agree with something Daddy D did. He did what needed to be done. And now, at Under Attack, the epic confrontation WILL happen. No longer will Winters be able to hide. No longer will Winters be able to bring some ex-boy/girlfriend out of retirement to protect him. It's Jake Starr, and it's Shawn Winters. So for once since I came back, I don't have to ask when, and I don't have to think about IF it'll happen. I know who's coming my way at Under Attack, and I know what WILL happen that night. Which allows mw to begin to harness that emotion, and know it can be unleashed in less than a month on the man who basically created it all. I can begin to prepare myself for that match now, and use everything until then as practice. I can use every match I'm thrown in before Under Attack as an opportunity to continue to evolve, and hone my skills. ... And trust me when I say it begins at Breakdown! Jake cracks his neck from side to side. Jake got wind from the bookers of SCW that The Redeemer had requested a rematch with him, feeling that the first one wasn't representative of his true abilities.
At Breakdown, I face a definite feeling of deja vu. I walk into Breakdown, having embodied the role of Bill Murray in "Groundhog Day." I'm going into Breakdown having been booked in a rematch against The Redeemer. It's a match that, I found out, he asked for specially. It's a match that he wanted because he felt like our first one wasn't indicative of what he can really bring. It's a match he wanted because he honestly feels that, the fact I won, wasn't right. It wasn't how things were supposed to happen, and The Redeemer wants to prove it. It's a commendable desire. I'm serious when I say that, too. I commend a man who, on a day when things may have not gone his way, isn't willing to just make excuses. I appreciate someone who is willing to do everything out there to prove he's not what people may perceive him. The Redeemer is no different. He's a man who walked into Breakdown, against me, and was beaten. I'm riding a wave of momentum that many would want to avoid. Many people would look at me, right now especially, and try to avoid me at all costs. Ask Porno Lad and Adam Allocco what that momentum has done for them. It's lead to the same outcome as the last edition of Breakdown. Yet, it doesn't phase The Redeemer. He knows how tough I am to face right now, and yet, wants it again. It's confidence, it's cockiness, it's determination and it's admirable. It doesn't make it any less stupid, though... See, The Redeemer, and his determination remind me much of myself. ANY time I have suffered a defeat, no matter who it was to, I made a mental note of the perpetrator, and mentally vowed revenge. That's, pretty much where the similarities end. We both may have the determination, but I also knew when to pick my battles. There has only been one time I made the wrong choice with that, and that was against my good friend David Helms. I tried to avenge that loss, and I came up short. I was so blinded by own ego, that instead of regrouping, I let emotion get the best of me. I wanted the World Title back so bad, and wanted to prove to David that my view on all of the "goings on" was the "right" view, I rushed it. It's a hard lesson I learned from, and apparently The Redeemer still needs to experience. That's, again, what Breakdown is for! When it comes to The Redeemer, like I said, I see a lot of myself in him. Well I see a lot of me when I was younger. He's got that certain "je ne sais quoi" about him that tells me he definitely will do something special in this business. The Redeemer will be a force to be reckoned with, and will do many spectacular things. It's much like when I was young, and I wanted to storm out of the gate, prove to the world that I could run with the big boys immediately, and be a major player fresh out of the gate. It's where the my experiences in SCW comes into play. See, I had to learn the hard way that it's smart to bide your time. Just ask Allocco. I didn't jump into fighting him right after get caught me napping. The Redeemer needs to realize, I'm still not going to be napping. I'm not just expecting to have a repeat of the last Breakdown. I'm not just assuming it's a foregone conclusion that, because I won before, I'll win again. Don't get me wrong, I plan to go in there and most certainly win, I just don't believe it's because I won before. I believe that was indicative of things to come, but I'm not stupid enough to get overconfident. I'm not believing I'm going to win because I bested The Redeemer once. Instead, it's because of the momentum. It all goes back to that wave that I'm riding. I've been facing the top tier caliber opponents since the day I came back, and I've been showing the world that giving Jake Starr ANY kind of break, where he can recuperate from his injuries, and regroup in his mental game, he can ALWAYS compete at the highest of levels. The Redeemer is a man who, one day, will have that ability. He'll one day be able to know he can walk out there, face anyone and everyone, and truthfully be in a role where he can put up a fight and more often than not, win. It's just not that time yet. He's shocked the world, and he's got a lot of people who have a microscope on him, waiting to see if he'll be able to pull another miraculous upset. Many of those people hope, in this case, he does. The last time, it was an unpopular event. He's shown the world not to just count him out. So people know that the possibility is there. I know the possibility is there. I'm not naive to think I'm invincible, but I'm damn sure confident to think I can repeat what I've done once. So the respect is there. The Redeemer has shown me he's not willing to just accept a defeat, and go about his life. He's shown he's willing to battle for a chance to prove he can hang with the big boys. I'm proud to walk into the ring for a second time with him, and put on a show for the fans. I think he and I can steal the show, and make it a match fans go home and talk about with their families. But I also think that the outcome will have an eerie similarity to the last Breakdown. The Redeemer is a man with passion and no fear. It's commendable, like I said. But it's also stupid. There is a time and place for everything. There is a "right time" for everything. It's too bad it's a lesson best learned first hand because I feel he could really push me to a limit if he had prepared a little more before coming back for more. Instead, however, Phil Connors will once again travel down to Gobbler's Knob, step in the puddle, listen to the "Prognosticator of Prognosticators," Punxsutawney Phil say he's seen his shadow, and show that, indeed, it's the same thing all over again. Fin |
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