Walk With Me
As Clay walks away from the 12 x 16 foot screen he walks into a corner in the recess of the attic. Candles light the corner and we see that the walls are covered in photographs. At one time they were only of Emily and her mother Hannah. But now the wall is a virtual tapestry of photos, each one telling a different story. Each one telling a different part of Clay's history. One photo is of Kitty and Stephen in Montego Bay, Jamaica. The light in Kitty's eyes show the uncontainable joy that attracted him to her. Another photo shows Clay and Kitty with Jackie Sweets and Starlett at Walt Disney World as they are about to enter the Pirates of the Carribean ride. A smile crosses his face as he remembers that day. Jackie Sweets is a man he has come to respect and love as a brother over the last year. It seems so hard to believe that he once wanted to utterly destroy him and take his precious Starlett. But Sweets posseses a childlike wonder that is intoxicating, especially to a man who missed out on so many happy memories through the years. And what would his life be like if he had followed through on his mad designs to seduce Starlett and come between them in the way he couldn't between Tim and Hannah? He would have missed out on real love with Kitty. He would have missed out on the best thing to ever happen to him. He's glad that things turned out the way that they did.
So why does he have this gnawing feeling in the back of his mind that he is so close to losing it all? He should feel on top of the world. He narrowly avoided dying only a few months ago when the sinister John Solomon tried to wipe the MWA off the face of the Earth. Since that time he and Kitty have grown even closer and where once they laughed when speaking of a possible "ever after" life together, now they no longer laugh. Now they are desperate for that in a way Stephen has never felt before. Not with Hannah, not even years before with Marie. Is it real? Or is it some aftereffect of the shock that the explosion triggered. Good people died that day. And as he follows along the wall, he finds a photo directly above a candle. It is a photo of Amy Reyna. She died on that tragic evening and Stephen wonders if this feeling of desperation is because suddenly for the first time he can remember, he feels mortal. Kitty even mentioned the desire to someday name a daughter after her close friend. A sweat had broken out on Stephen's forehead when she uttered the words. True he has Emily, but how much time has he spent being a father in her life? Would he be ready if the time came?
A creak in the floorboards can be heard and Stephen turns to see the last person he expected. Tim Worthington is standing a few feet away with a glass of Merlot in his hand. A striking contrast is struck between the men. Stephen is dressed in a silk shirt and slacks in somber grays and blacks, while Tim wears a UKWA polo shirt and casual jeans. It mirrors the contrast between the deep thinking Stephen and the man of action Tim. A casual observer may think that they only interest they share is their appreciation for a fine glass of wine, but the history between these men goes back farther than either man cares to remember. Stephen breaks the ice with small talk.
Clay- The wine? Is it to your liking?
Tim- It's excellent. But then you always did have the best taste in wine. Even back in the day.
Clay- It seems like a lifetime ago.
Tim- It was. Um, Kitty thought you might need a hand up here, getting everything sorted and all.
Clay- No, it's done. I mean everythings ready. We can call everyone up.
Tim- If you don't mind, could that wait a tic? I think we need to get some things straight.
Clay wonders what could bring his one time arch nemesis to him. Surely it's not to talk about the weather.
Clay- I'm listening.
Tim- Well I'm back, for the long haul as it were. And that means we need to straighten out the matter of your visitation of Emily. I appreciate you letting us take her back to England with no objection as you did. It showed courage, good faith even. I told you then that I would owe you a favor. I'm a man of my word. We're back and living in Milwaukee and here you are not a stone's throw away. With the new lad it will be a tough job for Hannah and myself. And Emily did miss her "Uncle Stephen". I wondered, I mean she is getting to that age where she will hear things in the schoolyard, when... if you plan on telling her that you're her father?
Clay- Well Tim, you sure don't ask any easy questions do you?
Tim- What kind of bloke would I be if I made yer life a holiday?
Clay- I hadn't planned on telling her. As much as I want her to know, I'm not sure I've earned that right. You are the only father she's ever known and she adores you. With your son now, you have the best chance of giving her the complete family she deserves. What can I give her? A big house? Too big for a man and his daughter.
Tim- I had heard that you and Kitty were talking marriage. Was that not supposed to get out?
Clay- Where did you hear that?
Tim- Sweets of course. He's such a gossip you know. Talking to him is like watching an episode of "Coupling". If you know what I'm saying.
Clay- I do. When did he mention this?
Tim- Not twenty minutes past. Poor bloke is right soused I'd say.
Clay- Really? Starlett let him drink?
Tim- I'm afraid Grrrrr spiked his grape juice. Johnny and Starlett are having quite a row as we speak.
Clay- Why am I not surprised? Well Kitty and I have talked about it and I have to admit it's got me scared. I think you, Hannah and myself should sit down sometime and talk it over. About Em that is, and agree to something we all feel good about. I may be her father but your her dad. That means a lot.
Tim wears a surprised look on his face. He smiles.
Tim- You've changed Stephen. For the better. We'll do just that. And feel free to involve Kitty if you wish. Assuming of course you intend to make a future with her.
Clay- Why do you say it like that? You just heard that we're talking marriage.
Tim- Because I'm a man and I can tell that your a bit torn. You have some feelings for Sierra don't you?
Clay- What? I don't know what you........... Does it show?
Tim- Little bit. I doubt anyone else has noticed but I know you fairly well I wager. And that woman has single handedly tried to alienate everyone she's ever met and yet you keep giving her the benefit of the doubt. There has to be something, some kind of feelings you have for the bird.
Clay- I guess so. Scratch that, I know so. For the longest time I felt responsible for her. Then she tried to change and I actually admired her. We spent a lot of time on the road together and she was one person that never judged me. She also never was very nice to me but eventually that changed.
Tim- When she wanted to shag you rotten, am I right?
Clay- More or less. Well lately she she has been more persistent and I can't help but feel, I don't know, torn. I love Kitty but I can't deny that I feel something. I imagine that's how you feel about Marcie, am I right?
Tim stands with his mouth open in serious shock that anyone knows about his own temptations with his long time friend Marcie Du Toit.
Tim- You know?
Clay- It's not at all obvious Tim. Relax. Like you said. We've known each other a long time and seen each other at our worst. Maybe the reason i can see it is because I'm in a similar boat.
Tim- Well trust me, each day is harder than the last. You won't tell anyone?
Clay- I'm not that man anymore Tim. We've confided in each other. That means a lot to me. I respect you more than you know.
Before Tim can respond they both hear a creak of the wooden steps. Behind them Sierra Devereaux is ascending the steps. The men clam up as she approaches.
Tim- Sierra, you're looking lovely.
Sierra almost rolls her eyes as the words come out of her mouth.
Sierra- Well thank you Tim, you're such a gentleman. I hope I'm not interrupting.
Tim- No, not at all. I should probably collect Hannah and Emily and herd everyone up here. The night ain't gettin any younger, eh Stevie?
Clay- Uh, no it isn't. Yeah Tim, send everyone up. The sooner the better.
Sierra- You can find them out in the courtyard by the pool. Sweets fell in. I think he was pushed. Either that or the lightweight really can't hold his alcohol.
Tim- Right-o. Back in a tic.
Sierra- No rush.
Sierra waits a moment to make sure Tim is out of earshot then gives Stephen a piece of her mind.
Sierra- Well that sure was cozy. What are you doing talking to him like girlfriends? I thought you hated that guy.
Clay- Sierra that was the old me. I'm not that guy anymore.
Sierra- Hmmm, I know. Sometimes I wish you were. Now you're all noble and thoughtful. I miss the Stephen that would stop at nothing to get what he wants. I need you like that so we can get my win at the PPV.
Clay- Your win? I thought we were a team.
Sierra- We would be, if you could get your head out of your ass long enough to make smart decisions.
Clay- And what mistakes have I made.
Sierra- You invited her!!!!
Clay- Are you referring to Mary Jane?
Sierra- Who else would I be referring to? Were you even at Battlezone? Do you even remember the match? Did you see how that bitch acted in the match? And her little partner was in my face. My face! Did you see that? He's lucky I didn't bite his nose off the bastard! And then you get the bright idea to invite her here. Tonight! What were you thinking?
Clay- Sierra, Mary Jane is my friend. Your's too in case you've forgotten. So it's only natural that she be here. I've wrestled friends before and there is no reason to lose your cool and ruin a good friendship.
Sierra- She did that by choosing a bastard like John Patrick over me. Who needs her anyway? If you do your part I'll do mine and soon enough the $1 million bucks and the World Tag Team Title will be mine. I mean ours. And then all my plans will finally come together.
Clay- Like your plan to use the Tag Titles to springboard yourself back to the World Title?
Sierra- So what if it is. I never got a rematch and I deserve one more than Richman or that freak Grrrrr. I will be the World Champion again no matter what!
Clay- You know I just had a thought. One of the Teg champs gets a shot at the World Champ after a certain number of Title defenses. But what if only one partner gets the shot and they happen to choose me?
Sierra- What? They woudn't dare!
Before Sierra's venom can hit a boiling point, the door to the attic opens and the whole group of guests ascends the staircase. Kitty takes her place with Stephen as Sierra slinks off into a leather seat to sulk as Stephen prepares to start the movie. The lights dim and Emily takes a seat between Kitty and her favorite uncle and the crowd quiets down for the show. Stephen looks at Kitty and now wonders how he could have possibly been jealous of Sierra talking with Kevin Rollins. This is what he wants and where he belongs. Winning the Tag Titles at the PPV will only make it that much easier to make his dreams come true.