Post by K.I.S.S. on Jul 23, 2014 21:12:18 GMT -6
This was never gonna work. That was the first thing that had gone through Ashley Kenyon’s head when UWA Head of Talent Samuel Johnson had brought a bunch of people together backstage and read them all the riot act. Truth be told, Ashley had simulateanously wanted to punch him out and run off screaming to get really, really wasted. She’d only stood there and taken it because she honestly didn’t want to be fighting with some of the people in that room anymore. Now, two days later, she was standing outside some crapass hole in the wall club in Tempe just hoping this wouldn’t be a gigantic waste of a perfectly good drinking night. She approaches the door, Bethany Kenyon, Nikki Peltier, Jeszika Gautier and Aerynn Donnelly right there with her.
Bouncer: Sorry ladies, private mic night tonight. You got tickets?
Jeszika pulls her ticket out of her pocket and hands it over.
Jeszika Gautier: I have mine.
Nikki, Ashley and Bethany each present one as well with Aerynn the last to present hers.
Bouncer: Ah! Good good!
The large man takes the tickets and opens a hand for them to enter behind him.
Bouncer: ...Drinks are on the house tonight, and Jayni and Michael Sullivan are gonna be performing last. Enjoy your night!
Jeszika Gautier: That’s the plan.
As they walk inside, Ashley leans over to no one in particular.
Ashley Kenyon: Are we supposed to know who that is?
Jeszika shrugs back as no one else seems to have a need to answer.
Jeszika Gautier: The performers? Maybe... but I don't, do you guys?
Ashley nods slowly, shrugging even as she simply follows everybody else towards the tables.
Nikki Peltier: From the looks on everyone's faces I'd say, no... and I'd say Aerynn doesn't care even if she does know.
Jeszika Gautier: And me... I just wanna go get a drink. Anyone else want? My shout.
Ashley Kenyon: Whatever whiskey they got...
Jeszika nods even as Ashley can’t wait to forget what this place looks like.
Jeszika Gautier: Anyone else?
Bethany Kenyon: Are you sure that's a good idea? As nice as this place is...
That tone always got to her. Why couldn’t Bethany just let her be?
Ashley Kenyon: I'll drink if I want to, thanks!
Jeszika Gautier: Worried you'll catch someone off the glasses B?
Bethany Kenyon: No, I just...
Aerynn Donnelly: Jameson whiskey.
Jeszika inclines her head to her acknowledging her order.
Jeszika Gautier: B? Nik? You guys too?
Bethany Kenyon: I'm ok for now.
Nikki nods.
Nikki Peltier: Me too.
There was that damn tone again!
Ashley Kenyon: Oh, so now you're too good to drink with us too?
Jeszika Gautier: I'm don’t think that’s what they meant Ash...
Nikki Peltier: No, she's right, beer.
Bethany Kenyon: ok.
Their switching almost made Ashley wish she hadn’t snapped so fast… almost.
Jeszika Gautier: What will you have, B?
Bethany Kenyon: Beer.
Jeszika Gautier: I'll be back soon then.
She starts heading over to the bar. Ashley just looks around the place, not really noticing much around her that’s outside of the table she’s at.
Ashley Kenyon: Man... what are we doing in this fuckin place?
Bethany sighs, would that tone follow?
Bethany Kenyon: Samuel probably figured if we went to the type of place we normally go, there would violence involved.
Ashley grins, almost laughing.
Ashley Kenyon: Samuel's not as dumb as he looks...
Aerynn pulls her cell phone out and stares at it for second, seemingly just killing time while she waits for her drink.
Aerynn Donnelly: Nae, he's no'.
Bethany Kenyon: So...
Just as she starts talking, Jeszika returns with their drinks.
Nikki Peltier: Who was that talking to you by the bar, Jez?
Jeszika shrugs, who was who talking to?
Jeszika Gautier: Just a fan. No one special. her name was Jayni.
Bethany Kenyon: Like... as in the chick they said was playing here tonight?
Jeszika Gautier: I suppose it was, B.
Aerynn looks up from where she had been staring down at the table and looks at each one of them in succession now that they were all at the same table.
Aerynn Donnelly: I wanted tae thank ye.. All o' ye.. Fer nae lettin' tha Children kill me.
She looks down at her hands again leaving Bethany, Ashley, Nikki and Jeszika to all stare at her in momentary shock. A second later, Jeszika recovers, looks over at Aerynn and smiles.
Jeszika Gautier: Was the least we could do. Thank you also, without you we wouldn't have survived as long as we have either. You're the one who's done the most work here.
This was going better than anyone could have hoped for.
Bethany Kenyon: Aerynn, has something more... happened?
Aerynn nods acknowledgingly to Jeszika before coming to Bethany. Almost the second she comes around, her gaze falls upon her hands on the table again.
Aerynn Donnelly: Logan's gone.
Ashley can’t believe her ears.
Bethany Kenyon: WHAT?
Jeszika Gautier: Gone? Like taken?
Aerynn shakes her head.
Aerynn Donnelly: Nae. No' taken.
Jeszika lowers her head.
Jeszika Gautier: He left you? Because of what happened last week?
Barely managing a nod, Aerynn reaches out, drags that shot of whiskey to her and downs it quickly.
Bethany Kenyon: Oh my God…
Really?
Ashley Kenyon: Like you care…
Ashley just looks at her sister, practically daring her to fire back.
Bethany Kenyon: Ok, let’s just put it all on the table now. Yes, I lied to you about Mama. She was dying and I could have helped her but she wouldn’t let me and she and Daddy decided it would be best to just tell you nothing could be done. They were trying to protect both of us and I hated them for it. I didn’t tell you because I didn’t want to admit I hated Mama for not letting me fight for her or that I hated myself for not doing it anyway. Now, anybody else got something they wanna hash out, let’s go...
Silence bathes their table again until Jeszika nods.
Jeszika Gautier: Fine, I'll go. Look guys, I know I'm not perfect and I know playing Brody how I did was a mistake, a mistake I regret daily. And Aerynn, when I first met you I hated you so damn much, hated Brody too. but I try my best to do what I think is right, and you must understand that with what I did to Brody I was only trying to help him see the error of his ways, help him see what he had done to so many girls in the past. I never meant for the two of us to actually fall in love like we did. I never meant for it to be as bad as it was. I'm sorry for the pain that I've caused to all of you over this.
Aerynn calls over to a waitress and orders a whole bottle of Jameson. Quickly, the bottle arrives at the table. Aerynn quickly refills her shot glass and looks to Jeszika while pointing the rim of her glass towards Bethany and Ashley.
Aerynn Donnelly: Their problems are jus' tha'.. Theirs. They need tae figure this out 'tween them. As fer me an' ye.. I dinna care tha' ye dinna like me. At tha time, I was doin' me job. But yer no' tha only one tha' was tryin' tae help Brody see whot he was doin' wrong, Jeszika. We both were. Only.. Ye did it in a way tha' destroyed tha man..
She downs the shot and sets the glass back on the table.
Aerynn Donnelly: Ye wanna know whot really pissed me off at ye, Jeszika? Since we are layin' it all out...
Jeszika nods.
Jeszika Gautier: Lay it on me, I need to hear this...
Aerynn refills her glass again and downs another shot almost as quickly as the first two. She puts the glass back down, her eyes raising up to look at Jeszika.
Aerynn Donnelly: I dinna care whot ye do in yer personal life. Ye wanna ove Melissa, we're all happy fer ye. But ye could've done it a bit less publically. Did ye really think Joshua wasna gonna use tha' tae torture Brody? Ye gave him ammunition.
She refills the glass and downs yet another shot.
Aerynn Donnelly: We're at war, Jeszika.. An' ye handed tha enemy a gun.
Jeszika looks down, guilt written all over her face. She closes her eyes and sighs before she speaks.
Jeszika Gautier: I know I did, and it's a decision I am regretting every day...
Bethany Kenyon: Can any of us say we haven’t walked right into one of his traps?
Ashley cocks her head.
Ashley Kenyon: One?
Bethany nods slowly, acknowledging it’s been way more than one for her. Immediately, Ashley feels bad for having smacked her sister again.
Ashley Kenyon: You’re right… I’m sorry...
Jeszika Gautier: We've let them do this to us... I know you're pride will deny it, but we have all provided ammunition, some more than others.
Guilt crosses her face as she says this.
Jeszika Gautier: I don't know how we can make this right, but I intend to fight and try and at least repair some of the mess...
Jeszika pauses, glancing over at the stage.
Jeszika Gautier: Seems the show is finally starting.
A woman starts talking from the stage but Ashley pays her no attention at all.
Bethany Kenyon: So Logan’s gone, Carrie’s hurt, Melissa’s captured… have you found Billy yet?
Ashley shakes her head.
Ashley Kenyon: No.
Jeszika Gautier: An acoustic set... great... I need another drink now...
She gets up from the table.
Jeszika Gautier: Anyone else need a fresh drink?
Being six or seven shots into a big bottle already, shakes her head looking to Ashley.
Aerynn Donnelly: Yer guy's missin', also?
Ashley Kenyon: Yes. I've tried calling all his usual haunts and dealers... nothing.
More talking from the stage that Ashley just ignores. Aerynn glances up to the stage at the mention of the set being acoustic as if this means something to her.
Aerynn Donnelly: Hmm.
Jeszika leaves the table and goes to buy a round of eight shots. As she returns, Bethany notices a change in her friend’s demeanor. The two people on stage begin to play… something. Aerynn knocks back one more and looks around at the gathered women, watching Jeszika go up to the bar and then came back.
Aerynn Donnelly: We're a Motley Crew aren't we?
Bethany nods
Bethany Kenyon: I’m afraid Carrie’s gonna leave me too.
Ashley can’t believe her ears.
Ashley Kenyon: What?
Bethany nods.
Bethany Kenyon: Her head…
Jeszika Gautier: I'm afraid if we ever get Melissa back, she will too. I shafted her for months to sleep with a man while she waited at home. I'm afraid this may all be too much for her now, she's there cause of me...
She knocks back a quick shot.
Jeszika Gautier: I just want this all to be over. All I can wish for is some kind of do over but I know those type of things don't exist. I wish it hadn't got this bad. For Logan, for Melissa, for Carrie, for Billy, for Brody and for us all...
Singing starts up that seems to affect the others at the table. Ashley frowns at this, wondering what the big deal was. The guy was ok, but damn, it wasn’t THAT good.
Bethany Kenyon: I'll admit... I don't know what to do...
As a strange look comes over Jeszika, Aerynn leans back a bit and glances at Bethany.
Aerynn Donnelly: Ye wake up. Ye put yer pants on one day at a time.. Ye do e'erythin' ye been doin'.
Jeszika Gautier: Will it be that easy? To just go on living like that when your reason for living is gone?
Ignoring the singing, Ashley nods her agreement.
Ashley Kenyon: Sounds like we all have to ask that question... cept Nik...
Aerynn downs yet another shot and lowers her head before stealing a glance at the stage. Frowning slightly in almost the same way Jeszika was, Aerynn quickly disregards her glass and drinks straight from the whiskey bottle.
Jeszika Gautier: Yeah I feel ya there...
Jeszika fires down another couple of shots herself, looking more and more unsteady as the song goes on.
Ashley Kenyon: We're lucky this is all we can get here...
Jeszika Gautier: Agreed... God damn I could go for something stronger right now...
Suddenly, Jeszika just shakes her head. What was going on here?
Jeszika Gautier: I... I need some air...
More singing, what was going on here? Why was this seemingly driving Jeszika crazy? Ashley, Nikki and Bethany stand up to follow Jeszika out, Bethany pausing momentarily.
Bethany Kenyon: Aerynn... come on, let's go before we all do something we'll regret and he uses against us later.
Aerynn glances back to the stage and shrugs before standing up and heading out. As they get outside to find Jeszika in tears, Bethany notices something missing.
Bethany Kenyon: Dammit, left my phone on the table...
Ashley and Nikki nod as Jeszika and Aerynn both look like they can’t wait to get the hell up out of here. A few minutes later, Bethany returns and the wish for an exit is granted.
- - - - - - - -
To Ashley Kenyon, Firelight had gone seemingly well enough, even if Aerynn had marched off drunk to seemingly just go off and live down to the Irish stereotype about getting drunk and fighting. Of course, Ashley didn’t really know if she had since she, herself, had been too busy seeking out another bottle that she could take back to the hotel room she was sharing with Nikki Peltier. The members of Arsenal had decided to split rooms on this trip so that none of them would be left alone for long periods of time. Tonight, Ashley had decided she wanted to go out while Nikki stayed in the room to talk to her boyfriend on the phone. As she walks into the hotel bar, she spots Jeszika Gautier sitting there, a bottle of Jack Daniel’s sitting in front of her next to a glass that appears to be in use in conjunction with the bottle.
Ashley Kenyon: Hey, Jezzy… rough night?
Jeszika nods to the bottle.
Jeszika Gautier: Understatement...
Ashley nods.
Ashley Kenyon: Me too.
She pushes the bottle toward Ash.
Jeszika Gautier: Feel free to have some.
Ashley nods gratefully.
Ashley Kenyon: I had to stop myself earlier. I got offered other stuff.
Jeszika can’t believe her ears.
Jeszika Gautier: And you didn’t accept it? Damn... I would have!
Ashley shrugs.
Ashley Kenyon: Not all of it, no...
Jeszika almost laughs.
Jeszika Gautier: I'd take anything right now not to hurt anymore Ash...
Ashley nods, swallowing hard. She reaches into her pocket and sits a vial on the bar in front of Jeszika.
Ashley Kenyon: If you’re sure…
Jeszika takes the vial from the bar and opens it
Jeszika Gautier: What is it? Coke? Speed? Not that it matters cos I'm taking it anyways...
Ashley nods slowly. She’d been offered many things but had only taken this one.
Ashley Kenyon: Coke... guy offered me smack too but I wasn't in the mood to pass out that fast.
Jeszika takes a snort from the vial.
Jeszika Gautier: I don't think I could have turned it down.
Ashley shrugs.
Ashley Kenyon: It feels wonderful but…
Jeszika frowns at Ashley’s demeanor. It wasn’t like her to not just gush about partying like this.
Jeszika Gautier: But what?
Ashley takes a deep breath.
Ashley Kenyon: It's scary. It's the only thing I've ever taken where I don't care if the bad effects hit at all. You know like, you get drinking, you wanna stop before you puke. With that, I didn't care and I could see that going further than just, oh this'll be fun tonight...
She trails off, almost wanting to run out of the place despite the siren call of her favorite poisons right at her fingertips.
Jeszika Gautier: You could see yourself being addicted?
Ashley nods.
Jeszika Gautier: So not something you'd recommend?
Ashley shakes her head.
Ashley Kenyon: No... it's, you feel like you're floating off every time but the really scary part s it makes you not care if you float back.
Jeszika nods, almost seemingly wishing Ashley had some on her.
Jeszika Gautier: Sounds like just what I need....
The looks on Jeszika’s face makes Ashley wish she’d never brought it up.
Ashley Kenyon: It really scares me Jezzy because I know that's what Billy's doing...
She pauses, trying not to choke on the lump in her throat.
Ashley Kenyon: And sometimes I'm afraid he loves that more than he loves me.
Jeszika shakes her head almost instinctively.
Jeszika Gautier: I'm sure he doesn't Ash. When did you last see or hear from him?
Ashley sniffs.
Ashley Kenyon: It's been a while. He wasn't a fan of me not partying anymore.
Jeszika nods, almost like she’s expecting the answer.
Jeszika Gautier: I see...
Not really wanting o hear this or even think about it, she forces herself to confront the issue.
Ashley Kenyon: Why, you don't think something else happened to him, do you?
Staring at the bottle, Jeszika goes momentarily quiet.
Jeszika Gautier: I don't know what to think Ash... I wish I could offer you some comfort, but all the options I can think of for what’s happened him to him... None of them are good for you...
She shakes her head.
Jeszika Gautier: Is he OD'ing somewhere? Did he leave you? Did the Children take him too? I don't know, I really don't know!
Ashley swallows hard.
Ashley Kenyon: I know… thus…
She nods to the vial.
Jeszika Gautier: Meanwhile mine... God he could be doing anything to her... And I can't stop it... And then other other night, at the bar... I... I just couldn't handle it... That damn acoustic music... I couldn't handle it anymore...
Ashley cocks her head, confused.
Ashley Kenyon: Why?
Jeszika Gautier: Why what?
Nodding slowly but expectantly, Ashley presses for more.
Ashley Kenyon: Why does acoustic music make you freak out?
Jeszika Gautier: Brody...
She sighs.
Jeszika Gautier: He used to sit and play acoustic guitar and sing to me... Songs he'd written for me, songs he'd written about me...
She shakes her head and knocks back a shot.
Jeszika Gautier: And goddamn that guy’s voice sounded just like him... It just brought back memories is all, memories I've tried so hard to forget...
Ashley nods slowly, chuckling slightly, mirthlessly.
Ashley Kenyon: It’d almost be funny if that WAS him and he just blew us all off again. Be par for the course, the way things are going.
Almost sounding angry, Jeszika cocks her head.
Jeszika Gautier: What do you mean blew us off? You know he contacted me right? But yeah... Be funny if it was him, if he was actually... But he wasn't, it was just my memories playing tricks on me. He's gone from our lives Ash... He's moved on and isn't coming back... That much is becoming obvious to me...
Ashley shrugs.
Ashley Kenyon: It’s times like these I almost wish I liked girls…
Jeszika side eye’s her friend.
Jeszika Gautier: What difference would that make? its not like Joshua descrimates sex... He took and guy and he took a girl...
Ashley nods, trying to make this make sense.
Ashley Kenyon: Yeah... but then I wouldn't have waited for Billy to come back.
Jeszika Gautier: Are you saying you'd go find someone new now? if you liked girls?
Ashley shakes her head.
Ashley Kenyon: No, I'm just saying I wish Billy wasn't my type and I wasn't...
She pauses.
Ashley Kenyon: Such a fucking pathetic little bitch...
Jeszika Gautier: You’re not a pathetic little bitch, Ash!
Ashley Kenyon: Sure I am. I’m the annoying tag along sister. Nobody ever looks to me for anything, they always look to Bethy. I’m almost always just the spare one in the room. You guys have always tried to make me feel like you needed me but, let’s be honest, you guys could have gotten anybody to be the bait the way I usually am on our jobs. Nikki’s the coordinator, Bethy makes things go boom, you kick ass and I… shake my ass. Nikki’s the brains, you’re the heart, Bethy’s the soul… what am I?
She shakes her head, snorts some of the powder in the vial and then takes a shot off the bottle.
Ashley Kenyon: I probably drove him away just like I drove everyone else away. Why can’t I keep anyone’s trust, Jezzy? Nikki always tells me last when we have a job, Bethy’s always talking to me like she expects the worst…
Jeszika Gautier: You have my trust Ash... Otherwise I wouldn't be here talking to you now! Ash, I treasure you as a friend, even if you do say the wrong thing sometimes, I know you wouldn't let anything happen to any of us and that you would fight to the death with anyone who hurt us. I trust you with my life!
Ashley sits up in shock, her bottom lip quivering as fresh tears well up in her eyes.
Ashley Kenyon: You do?
Jeszika Gautier: Of course I do! I'm kinda insulted that you think I don't!
Shocked, Ashley stammers, searching for the words that won’t come to her.
Ashley Kenyon: I…
Jeszika Gautier: Ash... Don't you ever let me hear you say you’re a tag along again, cos you are so much more than that. You're the person we can depend on to do a job, no matter what it takes. You're the one of us who has no fears or qualms about a job being too risky, you charge in head first no matter what, and I admire that.
Touched, Ashley stares at Jeszika in shock, her eyes going wide even as they swim with tears.
Ashley Kenyon: You… do?
Jeszika Gautier: Of course!
She looks down for a moment, then up at Ashley.
Jeszika Gautier: I'm sorry I punched you.
Wiping away her tears, Ashley manages a grateful smile.
Ashley Kenyon: Sometimes sisters fight…
Jeszika Gautier: Exactly... it’s what sisters do.
Ashley Kenyon: I love you guys, Jezzy. I don’t know what I’d do without you.
Jeszika Gautier: I don't know what I'd do without you either, Ash.
She hugs Ashley, a sad look passing over her face as she does so. Knowing that if she does, in fact, do what she thinks needs to be done regarding Melissa, Ashley was going to be hurt from this, but she hides this look from Ash, not wanting to alarm her.
Jeszika Gautier: I call you sister for a reason, Ash.
Ashley Kenyon: I call you one too, Jezzy.
Jeszika Gautier: I know Ash, I know.
And they spend the rest of the night getting numb together, neither allowing the other to be alone.
- - - - - - -
Ashley walks up to the table in her hotel room and flips on Nikki’s laptop. She fires up the camera and nods to the audience she knows is watching.
Ashley Kenyon: Hey, McFuckstick…
She nods as if she knows there’s laughter coming back at her.
Ashley Kenyon: Yeah, I’m talking to you, Joshie Boy, your wannabe priestess and your Bible thumper twins, I’m still here and I ain’t fucking leaving!
Glaring accusingly, Ashley cocks her head to the right and nods slowly.
Ashley Kenyon: You’ve come after my friends, my sister, their lovers and you’ve forced me into matches that should honestly have nothing to do with me and what did it really get you? Aerynn’s still the champion, Bethany and I are still regarded as a great team and Jeszika’s still a highly regarded competitor too. You’ve tried to strip us of our loved ones and of each other and we’re still standing here in your way and for what? Do you even know what you want?
A hand raises up to stop his answer.
Ashley Kenyon: Yeah I know, oh you know but do we, that’s the real question, right? Spoken like a true bullshit artist that really and truly doesn’t have an endgame! Look, everybody, it’s Bowler hat guy with his fucking T-Rex...
The hand drops as ashley just shakes her head in disgust.
Ashley Kenyon: As for our opponents, the prostitute and the biker chick, I don’t know which is sadder, Lacey, that you pounded the hell out of you being a rookie, quote unquote, or that you couldn’t go five seconds without calling somebody a bitch and then justified it by saying you were just calling somebody on their bullshit. No you weren’t, you were trying to establish that you were a, “take no shit,” kinda gal and tough, bad ass biker chick that everyone should take seriously. Well, we’re not Kyle Travis, we’re not gonna tell the world that you’re worthless and weak just for getting in the ring with us. You’re obviously a talented athlete and competitor or Samuel would never have even thought about signing you here. There’s no need for this half-assed, mysteriously vague, “All will be revealed in time,” bullshit. All that tells me is you really don’t have a plan so you’re gonna make sure you can have it both ways so if you don’t get the reaction you’re looking for you can say you never wanted or asked for it and thus never pandered to the crowd for anything.
Snickering, Ashley shakes her head as if she’s heard this speech a million times before.
Ashley Kenyon: All that yammering and you really didn’t tell us much about you other than you wanna crap on everyone else to prop yourself up and you haven’t even proven you need to do that yet! If you were really half as confident as you want people to think you are, you wouldn’t have felt the need to hide everything and just tell us everything that we’ve done wrong. We already know we’ve fucked up, thanks, we’ve only had every schmuck in this goddamn place telling us every week. We’ve had Kyle Travis tell us it’s because we don’t believe in anything while the Silver Baron just calls us weak because he can’t decide if he’s a nice guy or not either. And on and on and on and on it goes until Samuel Johnson has us in the backstage area last week lecturing us like we’re fucking Kindergarteners who’ve gone crazy at recess…
She shakes her head, seemingly ready to scream.
Ashley Kenyon: We know, we get it, we fucked up, big deal, so has everyone else. Fuck, your partner there, Skylar, just spent five years running like an idiot from the only person who ever gave two shits about her because she wouldn’t bother to slow down and see what he wanted despite supposedly being in love with the guy. For fuck sake, if Billy came staggering up to my room tomorrow, I’d at least wanna hear him out before i treated him like dogshit! And yet, I don’t lose respect for the woman because I know it was just a mistake and that shit happens, especially to people with day jobs that aren’t exactly your normal nine to five business deals! The woman has been through hell, lived to tell about it and forged herself into a kickass warrior in the ring and yet, if Lacey is to be believed, that one major mistake should render her into somebody who doesn’t deserve any kind of benefit of the doubt and that’s just fucking ludicrous!
Her fist pounds the table.
Ashley Kenyon: We get it, you’re new here and you wanna make an impact and hey, we’re in the way and we’ve had shit happen. Bring it on, ladies, this is so what we need right now it’s not even funny! Jeszika and I are gonna enjoy every minute of this because win or lose, we’re gonna make sure you know not to make this mistake again!
Bouncer: Sorry ladies, private mic night tonight. You got tickets?
Jeszika pulls her ticket out of her pocket and hands it over.
Jeszika Gautier: I have mine.
Nikki, Ashley and Bethany each present one as well with Aerynn the last to present hers.
Bouncer: Ah! Good good!
The large man takes the tickets and opens a hand for them to enter behind him.
Bouncer: ...Drinks are on the house tonight, and Jayni and Michael Sullivan are gonna be performing last. Enjoy your night!
Jeszika Gautier: That’s the plan.
As they walk inside, Ashley leans over to no one in particular.
Ashley Kenyon: Are we supposed to know who that is?
Jeszika shrugs back as no one else seems to have a need to answer.
Jeszika Gautier: The performers? Maybe... but I don't, do you guys?
Ashley nods slowly, shrugging even as she simply follows everybody else towards the tables.
Nikki Peltier: From the looks on everyone's faces I'd say, no... and I'd say Aerynn doesn't care even if she does know.
Jeszika Gautier: And me... I just wanna go get a drink. Anyone else want? My shout.
Ashley Kenyon: Whatever whiskey they got...
Jeszika nods even as Ashley can’t wait to forget what this place looks like.
Jeszika Gautier: Anyone else?
Bethany Kenyon: Are you sure that's a good idea? As nice as this place is...
That tone always got to her. Why couldn’t Bethany just let her be?
Ashley Kenyon: I'll drink if I want to, thanks!
Jeszika Gautier: Worried you'll catch someone off the glasses B?
Bethany Kenyon: No, I just...
Aerynn Donnelly: Jameson whiskey.
Jeszika inclines her head to her acknowledging her order.
Jeszika Gautier: B? Nik? You guys too?
Bethany Kenyon: I'm ok for now.
Nikki nods.
Nikki Peltier: Me too.
There was that damn tone again!
Ashley Kenyon: Oh, so now you're too good to drink with us too?
Jeszika Gautier: I'm don’t think that’s what they meant Ash...
Nikki Peltier: No, she's right, beer.
Bethany Kenyon: ok.
Their switching almost made Ashley wish she hadn’t snapped so fast… almost.
Jeszika Gautier: What will you have, B?
Bethany Kenyon: Beer.
Jeszika Gautier: I'll be back soon then.
She starts heading over to the bar. Ashley just looks around the place, not really noticing much around her that’s outside of the table she’s at.
Ashley Kenyon: Man... what are we doing in this fuckin place?
Bethany sighs, would that tone follow?
Bethany Kenyon: Samuel probably figured if we went to the type of place we normally go, there would violence involved.
Ashley grins, almost laughing.
Ashley Kenyon: Samuel's not as dumb as he looks...
Aerynn pulls her cell phone out and stares at it for second, seemingly just killing time while she waits for her drink.
Aerynn Donnelly: Nae, he's no'.
Bethany Kenyon: So...
Just as she starts talking, Jeszika returns with their drinks.
Nikki Peltier: Who was that talking to you by the bar, Jez?
Jeszika shrugs, who was who talking to?
Jeszika Gautier: Just a fan. No one special. her name was Jayni.
Bethany Kenyon: Like... as in the chick they said was playing here tonight?
Jeszika Gautier: I suppose it was, B.
Aerynn looks up from where she had been staring down at the table and looks at each one of them in succession now that they were all at the same table.
Aerynn Donnelly: I wanted tae thank ye.. All o' ye.. Fer nae lettin' tha Children kill me.
She looks down at her hands again leaving Bethany, Ashley, Nikki and Jeszika to all stare at her in momentary shock. A second later, Jeszika recovers, looks over at Aerynn and smiles.
Jeszika Gautier: Was the least we could do. Thank you also, without you we wouldn't have survived as long as we have either. You're the one who's done the most work here.
This was going better than anyone could have hoped for.
Bethany Kenyon: Aerynn, has something more... happened?
Aerynn nods acknowledgingly to Jeszika before coming to Bethany. Almost the second she comes around, her gaze falls upon her hands on the table again.
Aerynn Donnelly: Logan's gone.
Ashley can’t believe her ears.
Bethany Kenyon: WHAT?
Jeszika Gautier: Gone? Like taken?
Aerynn shakes her head.
Aerynn Donnelly: Nae. No' taken.
Jeszika lowers her head.
Jeszika Gautier: He left you? Because of what happened last week?
Barely managing a nod, Aerynn reaches out, drags that shot of whiskey to her and downs it quickly.
Bethany Kenyon: Oh my God…
Really?
Ashley Kenyon: Like you care…
Ashley just looks at her sister, practically daring her to fire back.
Bethany Kenyon: Ok, let’s just put it all on the table now. Yes, I lied to you about Mama. She was dying and I could have helped her but she wouldn’t let me and she and Daddy decided it would be best to just tell you nothing could be done. They were trying to protect both of us and I hated them for it. I didn’t tell you because I didn’t want to admit I hated Mama for not letting me fight for her or that I hated myself for not doing it anyway. Now, anybody else got something they wanna hash out, let’s go...
Silence bathes their table again until Jeszika nods.
Jeszika Gautier: Fine, I'll go. Look guys, I know I'm not perfect and I know playing Brody how I did was a mistake, a mistake I regret daily. And Aerynn, when I first met you I hated you so damn much, hated Brody too. but I try my best to do what I think is right, and you must understand that with what I did to Brody I was only trying to help him see the error of his ways, help him see what he had done to so many girls in the past. I never meant for the two of us to actually fall in love like we did. I never meant for it to be as bad as it was. I'm sorry for the pain that I've caused to all of you over this.
Aerynn calls over to a waitress and orders a whole bottle of Jameson. Quickly, the bottle arrives at the table. Aerynn quickly refills her shot glass and looks to Jeszika while pointing the rim of her glass towards Bethany and Ashley.
Aerynn Donnelly: Their problems are jus' tha'.. Theirs. They need tae figure this out 'tween them. As fer me an' ye.. I dinna care tha' ye dinna like me. At tha time, I was doin' me job. But yer no' tha only one tha' was tryin' tae help Brody see whot he was doin' wrong, Jeszika. We both were. Only.. Ye did it in a way tha' destroyed tha man..
She downs the shot and sets the glass back on the table.
Aerynn Donnelly: Ye wanna know whot really pissed me off at ye, Jeszika? Since we are layin' it all out...
Jeszika nods.
Jeszika Gautier: Lay it on me, I need to hear this...
Aerynn refills her glass again and downs another shot almost as quickly as the first two. She puts the glass back down, her eyes raising up to look at Jeszika.
Aerynn Donnelly: I dinna care whot ye do in yer personal life. Ye wanna ove Melissa, we're all happy fer ye. But ye could've done it a bit less publically. Did ye really think Joshua wasna gonna use tha' tae torture Brody? Ye gave him ammunition.
She refills the glass and downs yet another shot.
Aerynn Donnelly: We're at war, Jeszika.. An' ye handed tha enemy a gun.
Jeszika looks down, guilt written all over her face. She closes her eyes and sighs before she speaks.
Jeszika Gautier: I know I did, and it's a decision I am regretting every day...
Bethany Kenyon: Can any of us say we haven’t walked right into one of his traps?
Ashley cocks her head.
Ashley Kenyon: One?
Bethany nods slowly, acknowledging it’s been way more than one for her. Immediately, Ashley feels bad for having smacked her sister again.
Ashley Kenyon: You’re right… I’m sorry...
Jeszika Gautier: We've let them do this to us... I know you're pride will deny it, but we have all provided ammunition, some more than others.
Guilt crosses her face as she says this.
Jeszika Gautier: I don't know how we can make this right, but I intend to fight and try and at least repair some of the mess...
Jeszika pauses, glancing over at the stage.
Jeszika Gautier: Seems the show is finally starting.
A woman starts talking from the stage but Ashley pays her no attention at all.
Bethany Kenyon: So Logan’s gone, Carrie’s hurt, Melissa’s captured… have you found Billy yet?
Ashley shakes her head.
Ashley Kenyon: No.
Jeszika Gautier: An acoustic set... great... I need another drink now...
She gets up from the table.
Jeszika Gautier: Anyone else need a fresh drink?
Being six or seven shots into a big bottle already, shakes her head looking to Ashley.
Aerynn Donnelly: Yer guy's missin', also?
Ashley Kenyon: Yes. I've tried calling all his usual haunts and dealers... nothing.
More talking from the stage that Ashley just ignores. Aerynn glances up to the stage at the mention of the set being acoustic as if this means something to her.
Aerynn Donnelly: Hmm.
Jeszika leaves the table and goes to buy a round of eight shots. As she returns, Bethany notices a change in her friend’s demeanor. The two people on stage begin to play… something. Aerynn knocks back one more and looks around at the gathered women, watching Jeszika go up to the bar and then came back.
Aerynn Donnelly: We're a Motley Crew aren't we?
Bethany nods
Bethany Kenyon: I’m afraid Carrie’s gonna leave me too.
Ashley can’t believe her ears.
Ashley Kenyon: What?
Bethany nods.
Bethany Kenyon: Her head…
Jeszika Gautier: I'm afraid if we ever get Melissa back, she will too. I shafted her for months to sleep with a man while she waited at home. I'm afraid this may all be too much for her now, she's there cause of me...
She knocks back a quick shot.
Jeszika Gautier: I just want this all to be over. All I can wish for is some kind of do over but I know those type of things don't exist. I wish it hadn't got this bad. For Logan, for Melissa, for Carrie, for Billy, for Brody and for us all...
Singing starts up that seems to affect the others at the table. Ashley frowns at this, wondering what the big deal was. The guy was ok, but damn, it wasn’t THAT good.
Bethany Kenyon: I'll admit... I don't know what to do...
As a strange look comes over Jeszika, Aerynn leans back a bit and glances at Bethany.
Aerynn Donnelly: Ye wake up. Ye put yer pants on one day at a time.. Ye do e'erythin' ye been doin'.
Jeszika Gautier: Will it be that easy? To just go on living like that when your reason for living is gone?
Ignoring the singing, Ashley nods her agreement.
Ashley Kenyon: Sounds like we all have to ask that question... cept Nik...
Aerynn downs yet another shot and lowers her head before stealing a glance at the stage. Frowning slightly in almost the same way Jeszika was, Aerynn quickly disregards her glass and drinks straight from the whiskey bottle.
Jeszika Gautier: Yeah I feel ya there...
Jeszika fires down another couple of shots herself, looking more and more unsteady as the song goes on.
Ashley Kenyon: We're lucky this is all we can get here...
Jeszika Gautier: Agreed... God damn I could go for something stronger right now...
Suddenly, Jeszika just shakes her head. What was going on here?
Jeszika Gautier: I... I need some air...
More singing, what was going on here? Why was this seemingly driving Jeszika crazy? Ashley, Nikki and Bethany stand up to follow Jeszika out, Bethany pausing momentarily.
Bethany Kenyon: Aerynn... come on, let's go before we all do something we'll regret and he uses against us later.
Aerynn glances back to the stage and shrugs before standing up and heading out. As they get outside to find Jeszika in tears, Bethany notices something missing.
Bethany Kenyon: Dammit, left my phone on the table...
Ashley and Nikki nod as Jeszika and Aerynn both look like they can’t wait to get the hell up out of here. A few minutes later, Bethany returns and the wish for an exit is granted.
- - - - - - - -
To Ashley Kenyon, Firelight had gone seemingly well enough, even if Aerynn had marched off drunk to seemingly just go off and live down to the Irish stereotype about getting drunk and fighting. Of course, Ashley didn’t really know if she had since she, herself, had been too busy seeking out another bottle that she could take back to the hotel room she was sharing with Nikki Peltier. The members of Arsenal had decided to split rooms on this trip so that none of them would be left alone for long periods of time. Tonight, Ashley had decided she wanted to go out while Nikki stayed in the room to talk to her boyfriend on the phone. As she walks into the hotel bar, she spots Jeszika Gautier sitting there, a bottle of Jack Daniel’s sitting in front of her next to a glass that appears to be in use in conjunction with the bottle.
Ashley Kenyon: Hey, Jezzy… rough night?
Jeszika nods to the bottle.
Jeszika Gautier: Understatement...
Ashley nods.
Ashley Kenyon: Me too.
She pushes the bottle toward Ash.
Jeszika Gautier: Feel free to have some.
Ashley nods gratefully.
Ashley Kenyon: I had to stop myself earlier. I got offered other stuff.
Jeszika can’t believe her ears.
Jeszika Gautier: And you didn’t accept it? Damn... I would have!
Ashley shrugs.
Ashley Kenyon: Not all of it, no...
Jeszika almost laughs.
Jeszika Gautier: I'd take anything right now not to hurt anymore Ash...
Ashley nods, swallowing hard. She reaches into her pocket and sits a vial on the bar in front of Jeszika.
Ashley Kenyon: If you’re sure…
Jeszika takes the vial from the bar and opens it
Jeszika Gautier: What is it? Coke? Speed? Not that it matters cos I'm taking it anyways...
Ashley nods slowly. She’d been offered many things but had only taken this one.
Ashley Kenyon: Coke... guy offered me smack too but I wasn't in the mood to pass out that fast.
Jeszika takes a snort from the vial.
Jeszika Gautier: I don't think I could have turned it down.
Ashley shrugs.
Ashley Kenyon: It feels wonderful but…
Jeszika frowns at Ashley’s demeanor. It wasn’t like her to not just gush about partying like this.
Jeszika Gautier: But what?
Ashley takes a deep breath.
Ashley Kenyon: It's scary. It's the only thing I've ever taken where I don't care if the bad effects hit at all. You know like, you get drinking, you wanna stop before you puke. With that, I didn't care and I could see that going further than just, oh this'll be fun tonight...
She trails off, almost wanting to run out of the place despite the siren call of her favorite poisons right at her fingertips.
Jeszika Gautier: You could see yourself being addicted?
Ashley nods.
Jeszika Gautier: So not something you'd recommend?
Ashley shakes her head.
Ashley Kenyon: No... it's, you feel like you're floating off every time but the really scary part s it makes you not care if you float back.
Jeszika nods, almost seemingly wishing Ashley had some on her.
Jeszika Gautier: Sounds like just what I need....
The looks on Jeszika’s face makes Ashley wish she’d never brought it up.
Ashley Kenyon: It really scares me Jezzy because I know that's what Billy's doing...
She pauses, trying not to choke on the lump in her throat.
Ashley Kenyon: And sometimes I'm afraid he loves that more than he loves me.
Jeszika shakes her head almost instinctively.
Jeszika Gautier: I'm sure he doesn't Ash. When did you last see or hear from him?
Ashley sniffs.
Ashley Kenyon: It's been a while. He wasn't a fan of me not partying anymore.
Jeszika nods, almost like she’s expecting the answer.
Jeszika Gautier: I see...
Not really wanting o hear this or even think about it, she forces herself to confront the issue.
Ashley Kenyon: Why, you don't think something else happened to him, do you?
Staring at the bottle, Jeszika goes momentarily quiet.
Jeszika Gautier: I don't know what to think Ash... I wish I could offer you some comfort, but all the options I can think of for what’s happened him to him... None of them are good for you...
She shakes her head.
Jeszika Gautier: Is he OD'ing somewhere? Did he leave you? Did the Children take him too? I don't know, I really don't know!
Ashley swallows hard.
Ashley Kenyon: I know… thus…
She nods to the vial.
Jeszika Gautier: Meanwhile mine... God he could be doing anything to her... And I can't stop it... And then other other night, at the bar... I... I just couldn't handle it... That damn acoustic music... I couldn't handle it anymore...
Ashley cocks her head, confused.
Ashley Kenyon: Why?
Jeszika Gautier: Why what?
Nodding slowly but expectantly, Ashley presses for more.
Ashley Kenyon: Why does acoustic music make you freak out?
Jeszika Gautier: Brody...
She sighs.
Jeszika Gautier: He used to sit and play acoustic guitar and sing to me... Songs he'd written for me, songs he'd written about me...
She shakes her head and knocks back a shot.
Jeszika Gautier: And goddamn that guy’s voice sounded just like him... It just brought back memories is all, memories I've tried so hard to forget...
Ashley nods slowly, chuckling slightly, mirthlessly.
Ashley Kenyon: It’d almost be funny if that WAS him and he just blew us all off again. Be par for the course, the way things are going.
Almost sounding angry, Jeszika cocks her head.
Jeszika Gautier: What do you mean blew us off? You know he contacted me right? But yeah... Be funny if it was him, if he was actually... But he wasn't, it was just my memories playing tricks on me. He's gone from our lives Ash... He's moved on and isn't coming back... That much is becoming obvious to me...
Ashley shrugs.
Ashley Kenyon: It’s times like these I almost wish I liked girls…
Jeszika side eye’s her friend.
Jeszika Gautier: What difference would that make? its not like Joshua descrimates sex... He took and guy and he took a girl...
Ashley nods, trying to make this make sense.
Ashley Kenyon: Yeah... but then I wouldn't have waited for Billy to come back.
Jeszika Gautier: Are you saying you'd go find someone new now? if you liked girls?
Ashley shakes her head.
Ashley Kenyon: No, I'm just saying I wish Billy wasn't my type and I wasn't...
She pauses.
Ashley Kenyon: Such a fucking pathetic little bitch...
Jeszika Gautier: You’re not a pathetic little bitch, Ash!
Ashley Kenyon: Sure I am. I’m the annoying tag along sister. Nobody ever looks to me for anything, they always look to Bethy. I’m almost always just the spare one in the room. You guys have always tried to make me feel like you needed me but, let’s be honest, you guys could have gotten anybody to be the bait the way I usually am on our jobs. Nikki’s the coordinator, Bethy makes things go boom, you kick ass and I… shake my ass. Nikki’s the brains, you’re the heart, Bethy’s the soul… what am I?
She shakes her head, snorts some of the powder in the vial and then takes a shot off the bottle.
Ashley Kenyon: I probably drove him away just like I drove everyone else away. Why can’t I keep anyone’s trust, Jezzy? Nikki always tells me last when we have a job, Bethy’s always talking to me like she expects the worst…
Jeszika Gautier: You have my trust Ash... Otherwise I wouldn't be here talking to you now! Ash, I treasure you as a friend, even if you do say the wrong thing sometimes, I know you wouldn't let anything happen to any of us and that you would fight to the death with anyone who hurt us. I trust you with my life!
Ashley sits up in shock, her bottom lip quivering as fresh tears well up in her eyes.
Ashley Kenyon: You do?
Jeszika Gautier: Of course I do! I'm kinda insulted that you think I don't!
Shocked, Ashley stammers, searching for the words that won’t come to her.
Ashley Kenyon: I…
Jeszika Gautier: Ash... Don't you ever let me hear you say you’re a tag along again, cos you are so much more than that. You're the person we can depend on to do a job, no matter what it takes. You're the one of us who has no fears or qualms about a job being too risky, you charge in head first no matter what, and I admire that.
Touched, Ashley stares at Jeszika in shock, her eyes going wide even as they swim with tears.
Ashley Kenyon: You… do?
Jeszika Gautier: Of course!
She looks down for a moment, then up at Ashley.
Jeszika Gautier: I'm sorry I punched you.
Wiping away her tears, Ashley manages a grateful smile.
Ashley Kenyon: Sometimes sisters fight…
Jeszika Gautier: Exactly... it’s what sisters do.
Ashley Kenyon: I love you guys, Jezzy. I don’t know what I’d do without you.
Jeszika Gautier: I don't know what I'd do without you either, Ash.
She hugs Ashley, a sad look passing over her face as she does so. Knowing that if she does, in fact, do what she thinks needs to be done regarding Melissa, Ashley was going to be hurt from this, but she hides this look from Ash, not wanting to alarm her.
Jeszika Gautier: I call you sister for a reason, Ash.
Ashley Kenyon: I call you one too, Jezzy.
Jeszika Gautier: I know Ash, I know.
And they spend the rest of the night getting numb together, neither allowing the other to be alone.
- - - - - - -
Ashley walks up to the table in her hotel room and flips on Nikki’s laptop. She fires up the camera and nods to the audience she knows is watching.
Ashley Kenyon: Hey, McFuckstick…
She nods as if she knows there’s laughter coming back at her.
Ashley Kenyon: Yeah, I’m talking to you, Joshie Boy, your wannabe priestess and your Bible thumper twins, I’m still here and I ain’t fucking leaving!
Glaring accusingly, Ashley cocks her head to the right and nods slowly.
Ashley Kenyon: You’ve come after my friends, my sister, their lovers and you’ve forced me into matches that should honestly have nothing to do with me and what did it really get you? Aerynn’s still the champion, Bethany and I are still regarded as a great team and Jeszika’s still a highly regarded competitor too. You’ve tried to strip us of our loved ones and of each other and we’re still standing here in your way and for what? Do you even know what you want?
A hand raises up to stop his answer.
Ashley Kenyon: Yeah I know, oh you know but do we, that’s the real question, right? Spoken like a true bullshit artist that really and truly doesn’t have an endgame! Look, everybody, it’s Bowler hat guy with his fucking T-Rex...
The hand drops as ashley just shakes her head in disgust.
Ashley Kenyon: As for our opponents, the prostitute and the biker chick, I don’t know which is sadder, Lacey, that you pounded the hell out of you being a rookie, quote unquote, or that you couldn’t go five seconds without calling somebody a bitch and then justified it by saying you were just calling somebody on their bullshit. No you weren’t, you were trying to establish that you were a, “take no shit,” kinda gal and tough, bad ass biker chick that everyone should take seriously. Well, we’re not Kyle Travis, we’re not gonna tell the world that you’re worthless and weak just for getting in the ring with us. You’re obviously a talented athlete and competitor or Samuel would never have even thought about signing you here. There’s no need for this half-assed, mysteriously vague, “All will be revealed in time,” bullshit. All that tells me is you really don’t have a plan so you’re gonna make sure you can have it both ways so if you don’t get the reaction you’re looking for you can say you never wanted or asked for it and thus never pandered to the crowd for anything.
Snickering, Ashley shakes her head as if she’s heard this speech a million times before.
Ashley Kenyon: All that yammering and you really didn’t tell us much about you other than you wanna crap on everyone else to prop yourself up and you haven’t even proven you need to do that yet! If you were really half as confident as you want people to think you are, you wouldn’t have felt the need to hide everything and just tell us everything that we’ve done wrong. We already know we’ve fucked up, thanks, we’ve only had every schmuck in this goddamn place telling us every week. We’ve had Kyle Travis tell us it’s because we don’t believe in anything while the Silver Baron just calls us weak because he can’t decide if he’s a nice guy or not either. And on and on and on and on it goes until Samuel Johnson has us in the backstage area last week lecturing us like we’re fucking Kindergarteners who’ve gone crazy at recess…
She shakes her head, seemingly ready to scream.
Ashley Kenyon: We know, we get it, we fucked up, big deal, so has everyone else. Fuck, your partner there, Skylar, just spent five years running like an idiot from the only person who ever gave two shits about her because she wouldn’t bother to slow down and see what he wanted despite supposedly being in love with the guy. For fuck sake, if Billy came staggering up to my room tomorrow, I’d at least wanna hear him out before i treated him like dogshit! And yet, I don’t lose respect for the woman because I know it was just a mistake and that shit happens, especially to people with day jobs that aren’t exactly your normal nine to five business deals! The woman has been through hell, lived to tell about it and forged herself into a kickass warrior in the ring and yet, if Lacey is to be believed, that one major mistake should render her into somebody who doesn’t deserve any kind of benefit of the doubt and that’s just fucking ludicrous!
Her fist pounds the table.
Ashley Kenyon: We get it, you’re new here and you wanna make an impact and hey, we’re in the way and we’ve had shit happen. Bring it on, ladies, this is so what we need right now it’s not even funny! Jeszika and I are gonna enjoy every minute of this because win or lose, we’re gonna make sure you know not to make this mistake again!
