Soldiers of Recovery/It's a Date!

[Vance Voltoro]

Tragic Engagement RP#2

Vance “Victorious” Voltoro

w/ Rebecca Stiletto

February 17, 2014 7:00pm

[The scene opens in a room that is nothing out of the ordinary. Just a group of regular looking people sitting around a conference table drinking coffee. From a first glance it doesn’t seem like anything special, yet there is something extraordinary going on behind these walls. Every person sitting around this non-descript table with their paper cups and loose lips are true heroes. These regular looking people battle demons on a daily basis that would destroy the average soul. They defeat this eternal struggle by any means necessary and do it with the help of every other person in this room. This is the weekly meeting of an addictions recovery group. All of these people have the superhuman strength and courage just to get through another day without using their substance of choice. If you look into their eyes you just know there is something different about them. They have suffered through experiences that would terrify most, and live to talk about it week after week. This is where we find Vance at his most relaxed, open, and calm state. Where he can open up without fear of judgment and deal with his worst inner demons]

Vance: “So as many of you guys know already, this past December I officially hit my four year mark.”

[There is a chorus of cheers and clapping as Vance tries to hide the proud smile and stay humble. This is a big milestone in an addict’s life. Every anniversary makes them feel stronger and more committed to staying clean.]

Vance: “Well thanks guys, I couldn’t have made it this far without any of you. But I’m not here looking for praise or admiration tonight. Earlier this week I got some amazing news that I would like to share with my family. I have officially been hired by the UWA and have had my first match scheduled for February 23rd. This is a dream come true for me and I am hoping can be some inspiration for any of you that have been struggling recently. Hard work and dedication does pay off my friends. Everything that you have been doing to dedicate your lives to sobriety will pay off exponentially; you just have to be patient.

Everything happens for a reason, which is why, to this day; I do not regret a single choice I have made in this life. If I were to change any minor detail of my previous experience the events leading up to this day would have been different. This is the calling I have been waiting for. This is where I am supposed to dedicate my life. I want to share this blessing with everyone and say thank you for you continuing support. This first match will be dedicated to all of you, the soldiers and survivors of recovery. Thank you.”

[There is a huge round of applause mixed with a few tears and a large group of hugs. Vance has a smile on his face that nothing would be able to change. This is his night and he wants to share it with the people he loves most. He is hoping to catch a glimpse from one member in particular, a woman he has been keeping his eyes on for quite some time now. Rebecca Stiletto slowly gets around to his side of the table and gives him a big hug.]

Rebecca: “Congratulations Vance, I am so freakin happy for you! I know that you will be great.”

[The beautiful blonde says this with all the sincerity in the world. The two have been starting to make a connection as of late. Vance immediately notices how good she smells and quickly pulls back to get a good look at her. She is absolutely stunning, even with the unsightly scar along the right side of her jaw line. At six foot one she is taller than a lot of women he has been with. Her long golden curls fall playfully on her shoulders. Tonight she is wearing that bright red lipstick that he likes so much. She is just perfect for him yet he has never had the courage to move to the next step. Tonight may just change that though, he is feeling extra confident and wants to strike while the iron is hot.]

Group Leader: “Thank you so much for your input this week everyone. Yet again it was a very quick two hours. I wish everyone the best for the upcoming week and as always would ask that we hold hands and end with the serenity prayer.”

[Rebecca stays beside Vance and slowly takes his hand in hers. There is a quick moment where their eyes meet and they both give a little grin. For such a large man Vance can show quite a tender side and softly holds her hand as the prayer begins. It just feels right.]

Group: “Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change. The courage to change the things that I can. And the wisdom to know the difference. Keep coming back, it works if you work it, so work it you’re worth it.”

[The people slowly start moving towards the door to exit the meeting. A few people mull around having mixed conversations. Vance decides he is finally going to man up and ask Rebecca out.]

Vance: “So Rebecca, do you have any plans for tonight?”

Rebecca: “Just the same old thing hun, going home and flopping down on the couch. Pretty boring life I live in recovery ha ha ha. But it keeps me safe. What about you?”

Vance: “I don’t have any plans at all. I was wondering… umm… any chance you would want to grab a coffee with me? Would be nice to get to know you a little better.”

Rebecca: “What took you so long hun? I’ve been waiting months for you to ask me on a date. Beats the hell out of sitting at home alone. Besides I’ve been wanting to pick your brain about a few things. You have been through so much compared to most of us and still continue to stay strong. Do we take your car or mine?”

[Vance starts scratching his arm and looks obviously embarrassed.]

Vance: “Actually I don’t own a car at the moment…. I walk everywhere I go. You mind giving me a drive? I promise I don’t bite….”

[Rebecca puts her bright red lips into a sexy pout and quickly smiles from ear to ear.]

Rebecca: “Well that is no fun baby, I don’t mind a bit of pain.”

[She says this and let’s out a heartfelt laugh. The two stand and stare at each other for a few moments not knowing where to proceed from here. Vance interrupts the awkward silence by clearing his throat.]

Vance: “We might as well get going Becca… I could really use the caffeine fix at this point in the day, This staying sober stuff never seems to get any easier ha ha ha.”

[Rebecca gives a quick smile and grabs his hand. They walk together to her car chatting it up like old friends. Vance looks completely at ease and happy for the first time in a long time. Things really seem to be coming together for him, hopefully he doesn’t do anything to fuck it all up. As an addict it is always on the back of his mind, what if he relapses and throws it all away?]

9:00 pm

[We come to the couple sitting at a table in an old run down Tim Hortons. They seem to be getting along like old friends laughing and sharing their war stories. Vance couldn’t be happier at the moment as his life seems to be just where he wants it. In the corner of his eye he spots a suspicious looking character walk through the door and into the washroom. He figures it is just his paranoia from being locked up and having to watch his back all day.]

Rebecca: “Well hun how does it feel to have your first match scheduled? Are you nervous at all?”

Vance: “I am completely at ease Becca, this is what I have been working for and am pumped to get in the ring. In all honesty I would fight the two of em right this second if I had a chance. These wannabes are gonna get a hundred and ten percent of my heart and soul in this match. I just can’t lose at the first card I’m signed to, it won’t happen.”

Rebecca: “You sound pretty confident in yourself hun… you don’t know anything about these people. What if they turn out to be a lot better than you? I’m just worried about what will happen if things don’t go your way.”

Vance: “Don’t have to worry about me babe. Losing wouldn’t be an excuse to go back to my old ways. That part of my life is dead and buried and never coming back. If for some miraculous reason I don’t win it will just have me coming back stronger. I will say I have no idea what to expect out of them. Haven’t heard a single word from either of em yet, so it makes things hard to judge. Who knows what kind of personalities I’m gonna be facing in that ring. Doesn’t really matter though, I’ve dealt with every kind of idiot out there and this won’t be any different. Just gotta focus on my last week of training and make sure I am in perfect form come Sunday. I will be victorious!”

[Vance smiles at her warmly to reaffirm his words. The last thing he needs is the girl of his dreams worrying about his sobriety. He has gotten through a hell of a lot worse and one little loss wouldn’t change how he felt about his life right now. She just doesn’t know how much dedication he has to this new life.]

Rebecca: “Oh my god… please don’t tell me you are planning on saying that during your wrestling match hun. Not to sound like a bitch… but that is pretty awful…”

Vance: “Jesus is it really that bad? Even the old man has been riding me about coming up with a new catchphrase. I kinda like the one I have.”

Rebecca: “Oh hunni, thank god you are good lookin.”

[They both burst out laughing like school kids. Vance is so happy they are getting along well, he had no idea what to expect from this trip.]

Rebecca: “Hey Vance, do you see that weird looking guy over by the counter? I think he is up to something.”

[Vance takes a look over and sees the man from before with his hood pulled up and wringing his hands by the display case. He doesn’t look like he is ordering anything and Vance can smell the nervousness from a mile away.]

Rebecca: “I think that guy is going to do something hun. Maybe we should leave?”

Vance: “Gimme a minute babe, I wanna get another coffee before we take off.”



Thief: “Gimme all the goddamn money bitch or I’ll slit your fuckin throat!”

[In two huge strides Vance is at the counter and grabs the thief by his knife hand and throat. His eyes are staring death into the small man and his jaw is set with determination.]

Vance: “Little man you better think about what the fuck you’re doin before I snap you like a twig. This ain’t worth a trip to the emergency room.”

Thief: “Go fuck yourself freak and mind you fucking business!”

[The thief decides to try and swipe his knife at Vance but doesn’t realize the strength of the man who is currently holding his arm. Instead of moving the knife towards his captor the arm gets bent in the other direction faster than he can comprehend. There is a slight crack as Vance snaps the man’s forearm in half. The thief let’s out a blood curdling scream and lunges at his attacker. With barely a thought Vance picks the crazy little man up over the counter and slams him to the ground on his back. The would-be robber is knocked senseless and curls up in the fetal position on the floor. Vance decides the man has had enough and quickly kicks the knife out of his broken grip. He then sits on top of his opponent with a triumphant look on his face.]

Rebecca: “Holy hell Vance, I’ve never seen anyone move so fast. That was so brave of you! I’ll call 911 so the police can handle this.”

[Vance looks up at the frightened cashier who is still in awe of what just happened two feet away from her.]

Vance: “Are you okay young lady? Did he hurt you at all?”

Cashier: “I’m fine mister, thank you so much for saving me. I thought that guy was gonna kill me!”

Vance: “Not a problem, I have a bit of a bone to pick with people like this. Why don’t you go out front and wait for the police.”

[The young girl just nods her head and quickly runs to the front door and outside. Rebecca walks over as she is putting her phone in her pocket.]

Rebecca: “Well the police are on their way. I suppose we are gonna have to wait around and give them statements eh?”

Vance: “Probably the smart thing to do considering I am a convicted felon. Don’t need any reason for the cops to come looking for me. This shouldn’t take too long, sorry to get you involved. I can’t stand people picking on hard working, innocent people.”

Rebecca: “I’m guessing because you see your old self and wish someone would have beat this shit out of you all those times….”

Vance: “I guess you’re right Becca, never really thought about it that way but it makes sense even to me. I have done a lot of bad things in my life and figure doing things to help is just a start to pay back the community.”

Rebecca: “Well I’m proud of you hun, you really are a good person. Besides, you gave me a first date that will never be topped in excitement. I felt like everything was going in slow motion when you grabbed him. Maybe those other wrestlers really don’t stand a chance at the pay per view.”

Vance: “First date? Well… I…. ummm….”

[As Vance sputters and embarrassingly looks for the right words to say a long, deep moan escapes from the little thief curled up on the floor. He certainly picked the wrong shop to try to rob tonight. Most likely he will consider a career change as he mends his wounds in a prison hospital.

The police cars arrive outside with their lights flashing and tires screeching. Vance slowly stands up from his prisoner and looks at his coffee date. She is staring at him with pure admiration on her face and he can’t help but think how lucky he is to have had a date with her tonight. She walks over and puts her arm around his waist and they walk to the front of the store together to talk to the police.]