BROKEN PROMISES
CHAPTER TWO
Thinking back, 2020 for Regan Street will be the year that she became Supreme Champion and finally be among the elite 11 of the SCW in its existence. Regan fought hard for that accolade, she was able to win both the TV and Tag Team titles in that time, culminating at Rise to Greatness, but after losing the belts to Suited and Booted, it was time for Regan to start analyzing what was next and where she needed to go with this all. The Tag league had two matches left, both two of the hardest they had encountered, and the two didn’t know what was left in the tank especially after not just dealing with the tournament but also Xander Valentine and how exhausting that has become especially for Regan Street who looked to face Xander at the end of the month in what would hopefully be their final encounter and a chance to become the United States Champion again. Regan couldn’t think about that now, especially after what happened on New Year’s Eve where if you ask anyone, Regan was the least bit not happy with the Handicap match, but Xander did pretty much make it happen on his behalf, whether arrogantly or not, he was primed to face two Supreme Champions and the Tag Team of the Year in 2020. While that is now in the past it is still fresh in her mind as Regan Street has to change her frame of mind and remember what is next on the docket as the gorgeous Hellcat sees her husband now going after his World Title again, and after it is settled, what will Regan do? Be United States Champion? Or will she even get the chance to do so?
Regan hasn’t told anyone of her plans except David Helms, and even then, she has to wonder if it is the right move for her and the family, but when it comes to her mother’s health, that is the main thing for her, to do anything she can to save her mom. Now Regan is at a crossroads in her life, and with it, so many avenues she can take. She wants to start a family, have a child of her own with David, and be able to do more at home when the time calls for it, maybe that is now, who knows, only Regan does, but she is not doing any favors for herself right now because of all that is happening, including being so overprotective of her adopted daughter, Jennifer that she doesn’t want her near the SCW right now because of Xander and other matters like The Wonderland who would surely use her to get to Owen and the rest of the Perfect Pack. Regan has a lot of decisions to make and the New Year only brings in one thing….
More uncertainty.
New Year’s Eve
Toronto, Ontario
Ten Minutes to Midnight
The Hellcat stood away from everyone else in the SCW who decided to get together and celebrate the New Year after another successful End of the Year Show. Frozen Hell defeated Xander Valentine, Bree Lancaster was still world Champion, the battle royal was won by an Uber Driver. Everything that was crazy would stay crazy and there was nothing more that could make Regan think deeply about what has happened. Selena was not there, David was talking to Chris and Lucas, everyone was having a great time, but Regan in her black blouse, bell bottom pants, ankle boots, with her long hair hanging down, sipping her glass of champagne knew a tumultuous 2020 was about to come to an end. She looked over to see Owen and Jennifer laughing, smiling and dancing, Kelcey and Blake, so many others just having drinks, talking and relaxing, many were not there, the one especially was Selena and Regan knew why, She couldn’t keep her eyes off Jennifer, what her future would hold and how she would react knowing about Giselle….
Giselle….
Damn it.
Cedars Sinai Hospital
12.29.2020
Regan sat there with her mother as the Doctors checked on her, giving her treatments and going over everything that she needed to understand about her condition. Regan in jeans, wedge sandals and a white long-sleeved halter top, toenails polished a matte red, long hair down looked down at her fingers, listening to Dr. Jackson explain to her about what was next….
Dr. Jackson: “Okay, so Miss Panabaker, as you know we have gone through all of your options, all have a potential for success, some more than others, and since Regan here is aware of the options and a perfect understanding of the procedures, I wanted to take this time to make sure that we are clear on your choices and my recommendations.”
Giselle: “Right, of course. I want what is best for me and my family. I know my daughter is a little more aggressive about it, as is my youngest who will be here shortly, but yes, I am ready for whatever it takes.”
Dr. Jackson: “That is good to hear. So, as we discussed, there are few options you can take, and there is of course the one that I would recommend working best, that involves a transplant. Both a kidney and a bone marrow which will indeed strengthen your immune system, help with the other medications that we will be administering, all we need now is for you to give the go ahead. I talked to Regan, with your consent, I would like to put you on the donor list.”
Giselle: “Yes, yes please.”
Dr. Jackson: “Excellent, well I have some great news on that matter, we were able to find a donor and matching pair for you, but as you know, nothing is guaranteed to work, and the best we can hope for that your body is able to accept the knew kidney, but from our work here, we are one of the best hospitals in the country so our success rate is rather high, you are in the best of hands.”
My mother’s hopes were at an all time high, and it was the first time in a while where I saw her genuinely smile. It felt good even for a moment as I knew things were going to start getting a little more complicated. Finally looking up, my eyes connected with Dr. Jackson. She nodded, wanting to tell my mother of what was happening and in this very second, I could feel a huge gulp in my neck….
Giselle: “A donor already? That is exciting news. Are they….. dead?”
Dr. Jackson: “Not at all, the suitable donor in this case has many factors involved, we always look at close family members first and foremost. I….”
Mikaela had finally arrived; she somehow always finds a way to get stuck in traffic. Looking a bit flustered, she excused herself and sat next to me and mom….
Mikaela: “Sorry, I am so late. An accident on Wilshire.”
Giselle: “It’s okay sweetheart. We all know how bad traffic is out there in Los Angeles, I am glad that you were able to make it though, Dr. Jackson was just about to talk to us about the choices I have medically and they have found a donor.”
Mikaela: “They have!? Mom that’s great!”
Giselle: “I know, I haven’t been this happy in a long time now.”
I couldn’t even look up anymore, I stared at my feet, examining my pedicure, she did a pretty damn good job, Lin. I had to look at something, all I could here was happening, but I knew the second the truth came out all shit was going to hit the fans and…. I have long toes….
Mikaela: “So when does she get the operation, Doctor?”
Dr. Jackson: “I am glad that you brought this up, Mikaela and welcome, good to see you again.”
Mikaela: “Same here.”
Dr. Jackson: “Well, before I continue, I want you to know that I have already spoken to the donor, and the only thing left to do is sign a few more papers of consent and of course the legal stuff. It is quite a tedious process, but my goal is to eradicate this cancer from you Miss Panabaker, permanently. This hospital takes great pride in curing people with terminal cancer. Now, we did do some tests on your daughters, as well as other family members to see if there was a match.”
Giselle: “Well, it doesn’t matter, because I would never allow any of my family to do that for me, it is a price and a sacrifice I am not willing to burden.”
Mikaela: “Mom, stop. I am sure if one of us were a match, we would be more than happy to do it. I’m guessing it is me, Doctor?”
Finally, I had to cut in, time to let the cat out of the bag and put it all on the table. Fully ready to watch this sting as much as I hate it, this was about the life of my mother, the cost to me didn’t matter, though it was not fair to David what I did. Here goes nothing….
Regan: “No, it was me.”
Mikaela: “What!?”
Giselle: “Regan? Matching donor, for everything?”
Regan: “Yeah mom.”
Giselle: “Well, I am happy that you were compatible, it is a nice gesture and to know how close we are is comforting in the gene pool. Hopefully knowing this, we can take comfort in knowing that there is another donor on the list that is a perfect match, takes a huge weight off my shoulders. Couldn’t imagine putting you at risk sweetheart.”
Regan: “I am the perfect donor, mom. There is no one on the donor list, they put you on it so that there is hope they can find someone else but you could be dead by then, so when the Doctor told me about it, what other choice did I have? Either I watch my mother slowly get worse and possibly die, or I give up a kidney, some bone marrow and not drink soda the rest of my life. This wasn’t a decision, I made it. Should I have discussed it with David, maybe you two, sure I should have but we are beyond this point.”
I could see the color in my mother’s face coming back, but it was out of anger and not that she was feeling any better. She was going to fight me every step of the way, so I had to do my due diligence by standing my ground and not allowing my mom to get her away….
Giselle: “Regan, you do not get to make these decisions on your own without talking to your family, Are we clear?”
Regan: “I made the decision, mom.”
Giselle: “Dr. Jackson, is what she is saying true?”
Dr. Jackson: “We still need to get your consent…..”
Giselle: “Then NO.”
Regan: “MOTHER!?”
Mikaela: “Mom? Regan? What about wrestling, your future plans with David? What if something goes wrong, can it go wrong Dr. Jackson? Can something happen to both of them?”
Dr. Jackson: “There is always that possibility and risk, but it is usually very low. Could there be some complications, sure but I feel we are properly prepared for this procedure and the compatibility is almost perfect, but yes, Miss Panabaker, you do have the right to refuse the treatment …..”
Giselle: “Good, then I refuse.”
Dr. Jackson: “…. But in doing so you’re putting yourself at a higher risk of catching infections and other complications which could arise if you do not take advantage of this right now, Miss Panabaker. As your As your Doctor, I am strongly encouraging that you accept what your daughter is trying to do here, she is your best chance to survive this and we will make sure that we take every single precaution to ensure you are both safe.”
Giselle: “No! I can’t allow my Daughter who is barely in her thirties, the prime of her career, a family to take care of and so much to live for just to save me, I can’t….”
Regan: “I can, because I don’t know how the hell I would ever live with myself if I knew that I could have done something here and you would still be alive to see your grandkids from me, mom instead of I havening to show them pictures and tell them stories of how you were! I don’t know why you are so damn against this! It’s a kidney, some bone, I will survive, I may not ever be able to wrestle with one kidney again, but I had a good career, I am okay with what I have accomplished.”
Giselle: “No.”
This was exactly what I had expected, and my mother was going to fight mew all the way. No one was going to make her decide anything, she was too damn stubborn. I took after my mom, I was the same way and Mikaela just sat there, probably blaming herself for nothing she could do about things, wishing she was the one compatible, then none of this would have blown up like this, but I was determined to do this, sure David was upset, but we hashed things out, or so I hoped….
Mikaela: “What does David think?”
Regan: “I didn’t tell him until afterwards, he wasn’t happy about not discussing it with him, but he agreed, if I am the only chance mom has to live and beat this, then so be it. Why are we even arguing about this? This is your life we are talking about right now!”
Giselle: “I have heard enough, find another solution, or I will patiently wait until another donor is found, I will now ask my daughter to do this and give up so much.”
Dr. Jackson: “Miss Panabaker, I really wish you would reconsider, this is just as important to your lovely family as it is for you. This is another chance at life, to be able and extend, you’re still very young to be going through all of this. Regan gives us all the best option and if she is willing to do so, then at least allow her wish. We have done thousands of these with matching family members, please think about it.”
Mikaela: “Mom…. Maybe Dr. Jackson is right here, she does have a point, if Regan is able to do something and prolong your life, what more can be done. Regan can still live a normal life, she will just have to put that business management degree to use now.”
Regan: “Mom, Mikaela is……”
Giselle: “I am done listening to this, the option is off the table. If you want to give me other options then fine, I will do whatever it takes, but this, no way.”
Regan: “Mom!?”
She wasn’t listening, grabbing her things and storming out. I wanted to follow her, so I was springing out of my chair when Mikaela stopped me, surprisingly….
Mikaela: “Let me talk to her, you are too involved. She will never listen to you Regan, but let me try, she knows this is the only way, and I am scared shitless, I……”
Mikaela started to get emotional, so I hugged her, tightly….
Regan: “I trust Dr. Jackson and the staff here, Miks. This is about mom, not me. I will be fine, mom though we both know if she doesn’t take this treatment, she could die and I don’t think neither want of us want to live with the guilt, right?”
Mikaela: “I feel like this is all lose/lose to me, no matter what happens with this but if you can save her, then damn it, do it sis.”
Regan: “You know I will, but mom, she needs to understand this is the only way. Right Dr. Jackson?”
Dr. Jackson: “The best option, yes. If your mother gets to sick, then you two do have the power of attorney to do this procedure, especially if she can no longer make decision on her own, but I hope that we do not get to this point, if we do, that could mark this being too late.”
Regan: “Go talk to her, Mikaela, please.”
Mikaela didn’t say another word and she took off pretty quick. I was hoping that she could talk some sense to my mother as I sat back down, deflated and defeated. With so much going on I had so many thoughts swirling through my head, that I didn’t even know what was right or wrong anymore. I love my mother and all I want to do is the right thing….
Why are people making me feel like it is so wrong?
New Year’s Eve
Toronto, Ontario
Seven Minutes to Midnight
The clock was ticking, it was getting closer and closer, the hand kept moving to the end of 2020 and the start of 2021. She went for another sip, realizing her glass was empty but when the waiter came back, she reached over to take another. She could see how much fun Jennifer was having, and the maturity she has developed over the years from the first time that Jennifer came into the lives of the Helms until now. Jennifer has had a rough life until her parents abandoned her and that is when Regan couldn’t allow her to be on her own, she saw her as a daughter and immediately Jennifer became a part of the family. The EMERGE Champion was looking for the next step in her career, taking some small independent bookings across the country, ready to make the next step to the SCW but Regan was completely against it. David was for it, but even he too had some concerns but she would be surrounded by friends and family, even her loved one, Owen Cruze which in many ways was starting to worry Regan, feeling they were getting obviously too close with one another. After the appointment with her mother at the hospital and an hour long fight about her decision, Regan stopped at Jennifer’s loft unannounced, she wanted to surprise her, take her out to a late lunch and just talk, explain herself why she didn’t want her in the Battle Royal to end the year in SCW.
Sipping her champagne, watching her dance, now Regan wished she hadn’t and just gone home.
Jennifer Helm’s Loft
Los Angeles, CA.
12.29.2020
Pulling in, Regan stepped out of her Mustang and made her way upstairs, she rang the bell and knocked a few times, waiting for someone to answer but that never developed, so the Hellcat had a key and let herself in. The Loft looked empty much to her surprise, most of Jennifer’s furniture was either gone or covered up, she didn’t understand what was going on. Regan looked around; it was obvious her daughter wasn’t there. She turned to some boxes on the floor, walking over and looking down there was one that had a lot of old bills and letters, Regan merely glanced at it for a moment before something caught her eyes, the name on a mass of the letters, reaching in she looked at the envelope, her green eyes slowly started to narrow, biting down on her jaw, suddenly forgetting everything else she was there for. Grabbing the box, they were all in, most of them unopen, she stormed out of the Loft with purpose, there was only one person that would make her act this way….
…. The man who tried to kill her.
One Hour Later
Chino Hills Penitentiary
She sat in the visiting room waiting, it took her half an hour just to get the pass to see the man who brought her so much fear after it was all set and done. Regan has dealt with Lunatics in the past, from Otis Winston Meyer to this man, who started to walk out in his white jumpsuit…
Lancelot Crane.
The man who killed Ricky Octavius and Rebecca Williams, and almost killed her and Jennifer. Biting down on her jaw, her eyes locked in as he grows a smile on his face seeing that it is Regan Street, the woman he saw as seductive and gorgeous, wanting to do so many things to her and satisfy his fantasies. He slowly walked up to her and smirked.
Crane: “This is an unexpected surprise.”
Regan: “Sit down and shut up. I got it from here officer.”
Officer: “We will be right over there; he has fifteen minutes.”
Regan: “It won’t take but five.”
Officer: “Yes Mrs. Helms.”
The officers stepped away and gave me enough space as I looked him right in the eyes, all I could think about was him trying to strangle me when Jennifer was with him, the morning he was finally caught and put away. I could feel the piano wire around my neck, throat tightening, breathing became shallow and then heavy, it was like my heart was pounding out of my chest, I could see him checking me out from head to toe, it was making me feel so fucking dirty that all I wanted to do was beat his skull in. I probably should’ve never come, I had no business here, but when I saw those letters, something snapped in me. Crane stared at me, always admired my beauty, wanting to take pictures of me in the nude, what a pig….
Regan: “Why?”
Crane: “I’m confused, you come to visit me as no one ever comes to visit me, not even the models I made into stars and you ask me “Why”? Why what?”
I stood up, grabbed the boxy that was by my feet and dumped the letters on the table and all over his lap and head. He sat there; a bit dumbfounded before finally breaking out in laughter. I was about to slip out of my sandals and kick him in the face, bone to bone….
Crane: “Ah, my letters to your daughter, I must say I was a bit disappointed when she didn’t write back. You know I think the world of Jennifer, do not take any angst in this, I simply wanted to apologize to her for my behavior and what I did to Rebecca and Ricky…..”
Regan: “You listen to me, son of a bitch. Don’t you ever write Jennifer again.”
Crane: “Wait a second, she never told you, what I see is a woman that walked into something she had no clue existed. So, Jennifer never told you about the letters, you so happen to find?”
Regan: “Lancelot, I am not here for small talk, I am here to tell you to stop writing my daughter or I swear to God as my witness I will make your life a living hell. You are a psychopath and Jennifer has a good life now, she is a Champion, she has a promising career, a loving boyfriend that could kick your ass, I suggest that you stop now.”
Crane: “She doesn’t know you are here, does she Regan?”
Regan: “No she doesn’t, and I contemplated for quite some time not even bothering to come and speak with you because I knew this would happen. I didn’t come here to rock off your jollies or be the first woman within reach in a year to come and see you…..”
Crane: “You’re not. Sienna came by to see me not too long ago.”
What the fuck, Sienna…..
Regan: “I am not concerned with what Sienna does, what I am concerned about is what you are doing to my daughter. She doesn’t need, want, or ever has to read whatever shit you are writing to her. I am asking you one time, to leave it alone and rot in jail and pay for your fucking crimes.”
Crane: “How’s the neck?”
Instinctively I reached for it, I don’t know why, fuck I just showed weakness to this bastard. It took me a long time to get over that incident, I even had to see a shrink because of it, and I thought I was in the clear, why did I come here!? Why!? Because I am stupid and pig-headed, I don’t fucking think and let my emotions get the better part of me. I looked away and it gave him an opening….
Crane: “Oh Regan, did I leave a scar, not physically but mentally. I always admired your tenacity and protective nature, I could never get close to Jennifer because of you, and yet I started to feel a connection with you instead. Behind that tough exterior is a scared little girl who is afraid to fail and not able to protect her young, like a wounded lioness.”
Regan: “I didn’t come here to get psychoanalyzed by you. I came here to tell you leave Jennifer alone. I already told your guards and your warden. If you think I am some scare little girl, then go ahead, think it all day. Deep down inside you know that I should have killed you that day, but I chose to abide by the law. Lancelot, you’re a dime a dozen, the coward here is you, preying on innocent women, having to attack Ricky from behind. You wouldn’t dare do anything to exploit who you were, that sounds like a bitch move to me.”
Crane: “Really? Did you read any of the letters I wrote?”
Regan: “I didn’t have to. I don’t read smut.”
Crane: “Shame really, because all I did was ask for her forgiveness. I wanted Jennifer to realize that what I did was wrong, and I could never take that back. See, when I killed Rebecca….”
I quickly cut him off….
Regan: “I don’t need to hear anymore. I am leaving and I will say it one more time, in your best interest, don’t you ever write my daughter again.”
I was done with this bullshit, I started to get up, and walk away when he then started to speak to me, and what he said next, I stopped in my tracks….
Crane: “I started at her feet, and slowly made my way up her legs and into her sweet spot, before moving up her abdomen and chest, then her plump lips and the smell of lavender on her skin, the salty aftertaste from her sweat, the spring aroma in her hair. See, Regan, I had Jennifer unconscious in my bed, and I did whatever I wanted to your daughter without her consent. She didn’t know, to this day she never knew what I did, and I felt guilty, I should have never violated her like that, but she made me so aroused, I couldn’t stop.”
Regan: “You’re lying…..”
Crane: “I wish I was. If I could take it back I would, we both know I cannot. Then after she woke up, didn’t have a clue what was going on, you showed up and I started to think about all the dirty things that I could do to you and…..”
SLAP!!!!
His head yanked violently after I slapped him so hard, I felt my wrist almost ready to break. The officers saw what happened, but they stood their ground, guess they thought he was a big piece of shit like everyone else. I glared at him, huffing and puffing, I didn’t know what to believe anymore. He was trying to get a rise out of me, or did he basically admit to raping my daughter after he drugged her? I could feel the rage slowly rising, I didn’t know how much longer I could control myself…
Crane: “That is the Regan I know. So much fire, trying to protect her little cub still. I was simply confessing to you because I felt like you needed to know the truth. I didn’t want to kill you, I admired your beauty too much, like your daughter but I panicked when you showed up. I can see that has worn you down, the moment that your life flashed in front of those gorgeous green eyes. Those were never my intentions Regan; the worlds needs a woman like you and with Xander Valentine….”
Regan: “Stop. What the fuck are you talking about!?”
Crane: “You know, it took me about 6 months to get to know how prison works. It is amazing what a carton of cigarettes and well…. A little love will get you here. Internet access, little newsletters, pictures of you and Jennifer, together or separate. I have kept up, your mother is sick, your husband has been hurt, at a crossroads in your career and life, wanting to have children but are too afraid to walk away? You put up a good façade, I will give you credit, it amazes me how tough you are on the outside and screaming for help in the inside. What I told you was not hyperbole, I wasn’t trying to anger, I wanted to be sincere and leave it all out in the open. Tell me something Regan, do those letters bother you so much, you were willing to come here and try to confront me about this?”
He spits blood out to the side, smirking, where I wanted to punch him this time, but I couldn’t. I was so sick and disgusted by what he told me, I was in denial, I didn’t want to believe any of it no matter how hard he tried. He was playing games and for some reason I was falling for them. I reached down and picked up one of the letter, opening them up…..
Regan: “Jennifer, it has been a long time and you haven’t responded to me. I just want to say that I have always loved you and never meant any harm to you and Regan, that was never the plan. Had I known of your existence before what I did to Rebecca, I wouldn’t have taken her from you either. Ricky unfortunately was necessary, but you will always blame yourself for that one, or his cute ex-girlfriend. I heard you are dating an outstanding young man now; I hope that he is treating you like I would have, a Queen. Please write me back, I want to hear from you, there is so much I need to tell you and would love to share them. We will always have the art gallery….. Lancelot….”
Crumbling the letter, I threw it in his face, then went right up to him, we were nose to nose, I could smell his ass breath…..
Regan: “There, I read one. Now I had a reason to come. It took me a long time to get over the attack, I couldn’t sleep, had nightmares, I even thought about coming to see you, but I decided at the last minute, it wasn’t such a good idea. I am now facing my fears, dying? Isn’t one of them anymore, you helped me with that. Failure, sure I have always been scared of not following through but in the end, I always found it easier to just put my head down and go. Xander is my monster who is real, much like you were to Jennifer, to me and so many others. My family is of no concern to you, Lancelot, from this moment forward you will leave them alone and never write another letter to my daughter again.”
Crane: “And if by chance, I do?”
Regan: “Then…..”
Going right up to his face, whispering in his ear…..
Regan: “I will kill you.”
As I started to step away, he was smiling at me, taking a whiff of something, maybe my perfume, whatever it was, I glared at him for a minute, emotionless, all these memories running through my brain like a rolodex, listening to this man talk to me, thinking of the damage he did, and why he is still even alive after committing those crimes. It was something I had to live with. Without another word spoken, I walked toward the guard, where he escorted me out, turning over my shoulder as he watched, waving goodbye. I had hoped never to see him again, but if what I learned was true, I could never tell Jennifer, I don’t know what it would do to her if this was right….
So instead, I made up my mind, and convinced myself, what he said never happened…
Even though I will always remember.
New Year’s Eve
Toronto, Ontario
Four Minutes to Midnight
Thinking about him angered her more, all she wanted to do was drink but decided it was best she didn’t and took the high road. The smile on Jennifer’s face was enough to keep her at ease, knowing that she never wrote him back and most of the letters she threw in a box and wanted to discard, but the part which now bothered Regan was pretty obvious, Jennifer was moving in with Owen and tat alone rested on her shoulders. She wasn’t going to confront her right now, it wasn’t the right moment, so instead she just let it go. Jennifer had no clue that Regan saw Crane, even though that was the last of her worries, it seemed like he knew more about what was going on in her life than he should have.
As the clock ticked down, still there was no Selena Frost, this hurt her, but knew that she deserved it after all they had been through. She could only think back to the last few hours, and how it went all down.
End of The Year Special
A Few Hours Ago
Regan and Selena were victorious in a hard-fought battle with Xander Valentine, kicking off the show. They were also voted as Tag Team of the year, which was special as well, a well earned honor, even if they were no longer the Champions, there was still a chance for them to be able and take their turn in grabbing the gold again by winning the Tag League, but as Regan was pondering decisions, she sat in their locker room, still in her wrestling gear, hair soaked with sweat, relieved they were able to pull out the win against one of the most dominant forces in the SCW. Selena felt vindicated, Regan saw it more as another chapter in their war though she was visibly not a fan of the Handicap match. Regan watched Selena pace, happy, excited, feeling good about for getting the last laugh. Selena though could tell something was wrong with Regan, turning to her, hands placed firmly on her hips….
Selena: “We just won sis! We finally shut him up! He is a very tough bastard, see, you are rubbing off on me now, but I knew that if we worked together, we would take him down. There were times when he overpowered us, but in the end, the tide turned, he was arrogant, and we capitalized on that. I feel good, stepping back now and allowing you to finish it and take the Unites States Championship!”
I heard what she was saying, but honestly that was the last thing I cared about was the strap or even facing Xander again. Unrolling the tape on my fists and wrists, it was hard to get too invested after all the shit running through my mind, she had a right to know, this woman was very ambitious and wanted what was best for the two of us, that is why I trusted her with my life and that of my family…..
Regan: “You know that this is not about the United States Championship, and had it been on the line tonight, I would have let you score the pin anyway. All this did was piss him off more, and I am glad you were able to get some comeuppance, that means a lot to the both of us, clear your mind and focus now on you and….”
Selena: “No sis, US. Focus on US, we have two matches left for the Tag Team League and they are both are toughest opponents. Suited and Booted caught us off guard, we were stretched thin, and that is not the case now. Xander is in the rearview and….”
Had to cut her off right there…..
Regan: “Your rearview, not mine. I still have that son of a bitch to deal with at Last Grasp of Reality. I’m looking forward to it, once and for all, you know how I felt about this match.”
Selena: “Yes, I do but he was the one who put himself in this predicament.”
Regan: “Yeah I know, he wanted to tell us that he could beat us both, he wanted to monster up and that was fine, because we put our reputations and necks on the fucking line. Imagine had he beaten us, forget losing to Cookie as the most humiliating experience in my career, no wait, maybe it was the last Taking Hold of the Flame and Jordan Majors broke the record, gee. I don’t; have anything to prove next Breakdown. I know I am acting like a pessimist, a Debbie Downer, I just have a lot on my mind and wish shit would just, I don’t; know change, get better, who fucking knows these days.”
Selena: “See though, that is the fire and the passion I am used to from the Hellcat! Yes, I can see it already, and you always know that it is about winning the Tag League, already switching your focus, because we both know that our backs are to the wall and there is no tomorrow in the Tag League for us. Use what they did, the passion and desire, to get back what they took, we stay alive and Dark Fantasy is last. We know they are good people, they are great gals, but we are in it to win it and after tonight, I feel revitalized, I feel like we can take on the world! The Psychonauts are….”
It was time yet again to cut her off, and I hated doing that as I know how high on Cloud 9 she was after what happened in our match. I couldn’t even concentrate hearing the monitor behind me, everyone was screaming that the fucking Uber Driver had won. Jesus, it seems like anything Jordan, Cookie and Vihaan touch turns to gold, Jordan might be World Champion tonight and here I am pissed off at the world for so many reasons. I looked into her eyes and I could see the relief she was feeling, I didn’t want to take that away from Selena but felt like I needed to say something and put the brakes to it….
Regan: “Sis…. Look behind me, the Uber Driver won the Battle Royal. Vihaan won the whole fucking thing. These girls have the magic touch, I don’t know what it is about them, but they always find a way to fucking win. I can’t lose to them, not again, and if that is desperation coming from my voice, well it is. Cookie took my TV title, Jordan is on another level now, we cannot take these two lightly and look, I get it, you are happy that we won, I know what kind of burden this lifts off your back. You haven’t been the same since he choked you out at Under Attack and have been wanting some sort of measure of revenge. It ate you up inside that I was getting another shot at him and you didn’t get your rematch, but this handicap match I hope at least fulfilled and was able to alleviate some of that.”
Selena: “It did but this wasn’t just about me or some personal vendetta, it was about us and the respect or lack of that he was showing.”
Regan: “We weren’t exactly being respectful either. Look Selena, the last few weeks you have shown this brazen fire and I am happy that I am sort of rubbing off on you. You have always had it in you though, but I see what you try to do, but honestly, this isn’t about labels and monikers, this is about Selena Frost, the woman, Selena Frost the wrestler, Selena Frost the mother, wife, and sister she is. This is not about the “Shadow” or “Face” of the SCW, that is all bullshit sis. In my eyes you are the Snow Queen, that is what you will ALWAYS be to me, just like I am The Hellcat, and it will never change, but under all of that shit though, is Regan Street, it is Selena Frost, two empowered women that toppled a giant monster tonight and have stood toe to toe with him already. You remember that long after I am gone, this is about who you are inside, not what Sasha or anyone else wants to call you or me.”
Lowering my head in frustration, I ran my fingers through my sweaty hair. I had to vent, tell Selena how I felt about everything, including Xander Valentine, including The Psychonauts, including my true feelings on so many other subjects lately I have swept under the fucking rug wishing they would go away. Nothing ever fucking goes away, nothing. I could tell I either struck a nerve or she was debating trying to figure out the hidden messages behind my words….
Selena: “Where did that all come from. If there is something going on that I need to know about, then tell me? I thought you would be happy that we took it tonight, sure it was not our cup of tea sis, but we did it together. All I see is someone who is frustrated and acting like we lost? AM I missing something here?”
Regan: “Did you hear anything I just said?”
Selena: “Yes, basically that I worry about labels and I need to concentrate on me. Well, how about I concentrate on US, because after we win the Tag League and WE get back OUT Tag Team titles, then we can go on and continue Frozen Hell, then all the big events start toward Rise to Greatness! That is what I am going to focus on and this….. whatever it is, needs to be downed at midnight tonight for OUR New Year and…..”
Regan: “Selena, I don’t know how much time I have left.”
I blurted it out, and she quickly paused. The room was silent, I could hear Jordan’s music playing as she was walking out for her match against Bree Lancaster. Standing up, I walked up to Selena to break the news….
Regan: “I wasn’t going to say anything sister, at least not now. But as we continued to climb the ranks, win matches then tonight happened and what we have in front of us, I have to tell you the truth.”
Selena: “What is the truth?”
Regan: “My mother is dying Selena.”
Selena: “I understand, totally and you need to spend time with her.”
Regan: “No…. no that is not it. My mother is dying, and the only way she will have a shot at living is if she gets a kidney and bone marrow transplant. They put her on the donor list and before that, they found the perfect match.”
Selena: “That is great news, take all the time off you need Regan, I will be here… wait…..”
Her eyes started to swell up because she knew exactly where this conversation was going. I stood there glaring into her eyes, trying to stand my ground and not be so emotional about it. But I could see that she was starting to get worried, angry, and flustered….
Selena: “It’s you. You’re the perfect donor?”
Regan: “Yes.”
Selena: “What…. What are you going to do?”
Regan: “Save my mother’s life.”
Selena: “When…. When did you know about this?”
Regan: “A few weeks ago. I didn’t tell many people, not even my mother knew until a few days ago. I made the decision the minute the option presented itself to me and I had to take it. I didn’t talk to anyone, not even David, it wasn’t a choice, Selena.”
Selena: “All this time, and you said nothing to me? You kept allowing me to believe that we were headed onward in 2021. This night was special because it was about us against a man that for almost two years has been running rampant on our friends, family and the two of us, and I wanted to shut him up, I wanted to humble him and so did you, but when we were wrestling out there, instead of telling me, you were fighting knowing there was going to be an end and soon? How soon!?”
Regan: “I don’t know, but it will be soon.”
Selena: “I…. I can’t….. I have to go.”
Regan: “Selena listen to me, I was going to tell you, but I didn’t even know myself what the hell I was doing!? Sometimes I can’t tell anymore, what I am even fighting for anymore. I don’t care Selena, all I want is my mother to live. I am sorry that I was not truthful with you, but I have to do this and if it means my career is over…. Then it is over, and I will break a promise to your daughter, I will go back on my word to what I said to Elsy, that I would never leave your side and….”
Selena: “Don’t……”
She started to walk away, not wanting to hear me out and I was not about to chase her…..
Regan: “Selena…..”
Selena: “…. Don’t talk about my daughter.”
She turned and left the room, my knees became weak and I fell back in the chair, almost lifeless, not knowing what else to do because I already knew I fucked up. I was scared to disappoint anyone, especially those I love….
… and my worst fears have come true.
New Year’s Eve
Toronto, Ontario
One Minute Until Midnight
Thinking about earlier made Regan a bit teary eyed. David pointed to her as she looked up and nodded, making her way toward her husband. As she is almost at his arms, through the corner of her eye she sees Selena walk in, looking like she had been crying some. Regan stopped, turned to her, as she walked fast up to her, embracing her tightly as David looked a little confused. The Countdown clock began….
10….
9…..
8…..
7….
6….
5….
4….
3….
2….
1….
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!
The celebration started and Regan glared into the eyes of Selena, muttering the words “I am sorry”, but couldn’t finish when Selena pressed her fingers against her lips, shaking her head. Instead they stared at one another, David smirked, wrapping his arms around Regan as Selena joined in the hug….
It was a New Year, a fresh start….
…. And a new journey, wherever that may end….
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And days of auld lang syne?
And days of auld lang syne, my dear,
And days of auld lang syne.
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And days of auld lang syne?
SCENE FADES
THE LIFELINE
The William G. Milliken State Park and Harbor is a public recreation area located on the Detroit River just east of downtown Detroit, Michigan, on a portion of the city’s International Riverfront. The state park’s 31 acres include wetlands, paved trails, and a 52-slip harbor of refuge. A 63-foot conical brick lighthouse tower, designed as a scaled-down replica of the Tawas Point Light, marks the harbor entrance. Here is where we find The Hellcat of the SCW, Regan Street, a woman who continues to truck along best she can as she tries to at least one more time win back the SCW World Tag Team Titles and finish the Tag League on a high note. It has been a rough 2020 for Regan, and though it ended on a positive note with both her and Selena Frost defeating Xander Valentine, for Regan it didn’t solve anything, she never wants the advantage or even an excuse. With her war and match looming with Xander at Last Grasp of reality, Regan must first finish the Tag League and prepare herself at the same time to face one of the biggest challenges in her career, United States, Tag Team Championship or not, this is about finishing strong, but the question is, will she even be able to make it there if she does go through with the transplant to help save her mothers life.
That is something Regan must remember, for if she indeed goes through with it, then all will be lost and done for, and for a woman like her who is very complex and at the same time determined to succeed it is a rough go at it. Regan has never been a quitter, she knows how much the Tag league and their chances of winning it is tough, but she does have a strong motivator, people within the SCW locker room are doubting Frozen Hell and in many ways, they are walking in as the underdogs after winning the 2020 Tag Team of the Year award and wrestling Xander in a handicap match win to end the year, but this is now the true test, for Regan has NOT forgotten what Cookie did earlier in the past year, upsetting her for the TV Title, a loss that Regan has remembered for the veteran takes it very personal losing to talent she knows could be defeated especially with her experience. Maybe Regan took her lightly, but there are two women both winners of Star of Tomorrow and they are undefeated in the Tag League. Regan has heard it all and now she is ready along with Selena to make a huge difference. Wearing jeans, knee high black boots, a cheetah print halter top and leather jacket, a clear polish on her nails and long sandy blonde hair hanging down, the Hellcat looks determined and while alone, she looks out at Lake Michigan as the camera begins to record…
REC:
She takes a moment before speaking in a very calm and focused tone, not her usually fired up self….
“There are times in my career when I really don’t know where to start, speak about the past year, talk about my goals in the New Year if I even have any. At this point I don’t know how much time I have left or even if I will finish 2021 as an active wrestler or member of this roster. Sure, I have done it all when it comes to gold, a Supreme Champion, but there is still the elusive Taking Hold of the Flame, The Main Event at Rise to Greatness and not with a Trios, I want it to mean something and not just a chance to do what I want, and doing it like my husband, David Helms is the way to go. I have been fixated on success, there is no question about it, where we must do things that are not usually our norm. In my quest to be the best and walk away with my head held high on the day I either decide to take a break, go on hiatus or outright retire from the sport, I want to know that I did everything I could in my power to ensure that all of you remember who I am, “The Hellcat” Regan Street, one of the women who came into this promotion almost nine years ago green as grass and made herself into one of the most consistent wrestlers in the world today. After RTG, things were on a high, but they slowly started to crumble, from David taking time off for being hurt, to watching Selena Frost get choked out by Xander Valentine and lose the United States Championship, to Peyton Rice having the same thing happen in her hometown, and finally losing our Tag Team titles to Suited and Booted. Yeah, the last month of 2020 sucked ass, so what better way to end it than in a handicap match against Xander which if I am to be honest, while he is big, bad, ugly and one of the most dominant and dangerous men to ever step foot in the SCW, he was facing two women that have practically done it all combined, and no matter how great one wrestler is, it’s pretty hard to defeat two great wrestlers at the same time no matter the size.
This match only proved one thing, Xander Valentine bit off more than he can chew, aside from this?
Nothing.
Frozen Hell didn’t come out as Queens, Xander Valentine didn’t come out as weak, all this did was piss him off even more, gave a little sense of revenge for Selena, and now I await my turn with The Executioner in three weeks, so there was a taste, but haven’t we already seen Xander versus Regan twice before and I still haven’t pinned the son of a bitch, which will change come Last Grasp of Reality. Listen closely Xander, what happened at the End of the Year show has no bearing on what is going to happen when you and I face for the United States Championship, for it is one on one and your chance to finally put the last nail on the coffin, or for me to throw the final mound of dirt on your grave, whatever the case, I am ready for anything and everything that you have to bring, but I will not stretch myself short, because if there is one thing I want more than anything, is the chance to defeat Cookie after what she did earlier in 2020 by upsetting me for the Television Championship, only a few matches in and taking a title I fought hard to defend to win her first gold, and not to mean sounding like a bitch, but you’re not getting over me for two chances at a title….
No fucking way.
Selena Frost and I when we talked about becoming a tag team, at first it was her way of telling me that she had my back, ready to help me grab the elusive Supreme title, she didn’t have to do it, not at all, but chose to for one reason, she was my sister in arms, selfless in her journey, dropped everything else that she was pursuing to help me attain my dreams, those are things you never forget. Selena has been by my side the whole time, she has pushed me to limits beyond even my own capabilities, and for this I will always be indebted to her. I don’t take this tag team lightly, this isn’t some pet project, we should be standing here holding the tag team titles, but maybe Selena and I stretched ourselves thin, we had too many roads taken at the same time, I could even say we were looking ahead at this match, why?
Because all I ever here is how the Psychonauts are going to win the Tag League
Over my dead body.
Here is where the shit gets real, and I don’t care if I come off a bitch or not, to me that doesn’t matter, this is professional wrestling, we are here to make money or make friends, I have both already, what I am here now for is to win the Tag League and get our titles back, and there is a reason for this, because after this tournament is over, I don’t know what the future holds for the Best Tag Team of 2020, I don’t know where Regan Street goes from here if we fail in our attempts to get the titles…
Both Jordan and Cookie stand in our way, you two might as well call yourselves Dark Fantasy, for that is how I am approaching this.”
Still calm, the cool wind blowing through her hair, Regan thinks about all the possibilities that could happen with this match and the Tag League. She understands this is it, and if they lose here it is over for them and they will be playing spoiler against Dark Fantasy. That cannot be the case, the match between them and Dark Fantasy needs to mean more, and for both women, they are ready to do whatever it takes to get there. She continues to speak….
“I needed some place peaceful and quiet, where I could collect my thoughts and think about what I had to do because you see, for the Psychonauts, even in a loss, they still have a chance to win this whole thing, but for Selena and I? If we lose, it is over for us, we have no chance of winning, we can’t go on to the Finals, that is why our backs are to the wall and these two women have gone undefeated. Jordan Majors, has become the most improved wrestler in 2020, she came storming out of the gates, had a great beginning to the year, then fell into some traps with Bree Lancaster and Sienna Swann, which led to the war with my former tag team partner and best friend, no one knows Sienna better than me, I mentored and helped nurture her in the early years of her career and really up to a year or so ago, I was always on her side, but Jordan showed me something, she became a part of the family in a way, began to train at Ante Up, David took a liking to her, she even defeated him in a match which impressed a lot of people, and who could forget her accolades for Match and Feud of the Year with Sienna. Kid, you have come a long way and I am proud of what you are doing, tough break with the World Title, I really thought you had it, but it becomes another stage in your career, for trust me, it took me a long time to defeat the very best in the business. When I was first starting, Syren to me was like Sienna was to you, no matter how hard I tried, the bitch seemed to have my number until one day on Breakdown, I took her down and suddenly it changed everything for me, she hasn’t beaten me since, and that is the break you are looking for, maybe the Tag League is that for you Jordan, seems like you and Cookie have a great chemistry and are having fun, there is nothing wrong with that, but I need to be serious here with you, so don’t take this personal, or do at this point I don’t give a shit….
The party is over.
IT’s time now that you start to realize what else is at stake. I am glad the fans voted you for the title shot, the accolades and awards you’ve picked up throughout the years, there is nothing more prevalent than a young wrestler that continues to grow and walk up those steps until she gets to the very top, and that alone you should be proud of, but then there are always going to be lessons learned. I brought you into my home, played with my kid, got to know my family, friends and inner circle, even helped saved Jay from an allergic reaction, all that and so much more, I appreciate it all the way, your efforts will never be seen as anything other than sincere….
This is where it stops, because Jordan, we are wrestlers and when it is time to compete I don’t give a fuck what you have done for me and my family, or what we have done for you, this is about one thing, competition, aiming to win, that is it and when it comes to the Tag League, there is only one result for us, win and we are still in, making your road a little more difficult, lose and we are out, pissing me off and there isn’t a soul in this fucking promotion who wants that. I have nothing but the utmost respect for you Jordan and the talent you possess, but now it is time for things to get real kiddo, if you think the Regan Street you talked on planes, shared some Vodka Tonics, had our little chats about the biz, and the rest of the horse shit that we did is the Regan you are facing?
You will lose.
I am The Hellcat, bitch and when I know that I have one lifeline left, it is when I’m at my best. I am not going to fail Selena Frost, she has broken her back for me, I will break my back for me anyway I can. That means we are walking into Breakdown with every intent on catching and earning 2 more points and making this bracket a little more interesting. You are a Star of Today, tomorrow passed a long time ago, but I have been a Star since I set foot into this company, I am the measuring stick here along with Selena Frost, if you two are going to win this, you’re going to have to earn it….
But I promise that we come to fight, and we have no plans of relinquishing our spots at the top of the Tag Team Division. Last Laugh was an anomaly….
Come Breakdown when we give you two your first loss, that will be the norm.”
Now she turns to the camera, because Regan Street remembers full well when Cookie took her out. She knows what it was like to lose to a rookie, and now she eyes some revenge and a little payback, and though they are both nice young women that are doing things right, Regan doesn’t care, this is about winning and advancing, even forcing a semi-final if need be. Her green eyes narrow some…
“I think about my performance at Taking Hold of the Flame, how shitty it was, then I look at Jordan breaking records, but that was also when I lost the TV title to Cookie and yeah, I was embarrassed. Sure, I gave out a little smile and laugh, I handed Cookie the belt and raised her hand because the kid caught me with a wrestling move and going into the match I challenged her to wrestle me, she did, sure it was the right thing to do by giving her the credit she deserves, but Cookie, all the titty shaking, cosplaying, smiles and falling over stan’s by so many people around who have fallen in love with you are sure going to hate me with what I have intended. Cookie, do you know how many times I had to convince myself in this moment not drop you on that fucking head? I was humiliated, Regan Street doesn’t lose to rookies, she doesn’t drop titles to wrestlers who can count how many matches they had in one hand at the time. I was wondering myself what the fuck happened, had to question if this was it, was the business passing me by, did I not have what it takes to get the job done. I mean even the best lose matches they were heavy favorites to win, look at Syren and Derek Adonis, it happens but what that did Cookie, it revitalized me after I was able to shake off some of that humility. It gave me a chance for some clarity, gave me the focus I needed to become a Supreme Champion.
I was not about to allow ANYONE to embarrass me again.
Since then, you have been extremely successful, so it wasn’t a fluke which makes me feel better, you didn’t sputter and fade away, instead you became Rookie and Star of Tomorrow. It is a big deal, I won Rookie of the Year in 2012, it was the launching pad to my career, so I get it and the accolades are well earned and deserved but what I want you to start to think about as we enter this match, I am solely focused on one thing with Selena Frost, beating the Psychonauts. Now it is your turn for a little humility, I am going to take away from you like you did me. This time I want you to feel what it is like to lose and how you will respond, what will you do to win the Tag League when Frozen Hell makes it that much more difficult. I am happy for that you two are doing, it is great that so many fans have jumped on board, but when I think and hear their comments, that of other wrestlers already writing Frozen Hell off from the Tag Team League, for months all they have been talking is how you two are going to win and it is practically a cake walk, it makes me wonder if you two have bought into your own press, believe that we are just a formality much like they speak of the TV title. See Cookie, I’m not your enemy, or Jordan, neither is Selena, but we are your opponents, and when that bell rings is when shit starts to get real. I am not here to have fun Cookie, we are not going to high five and hug, no, I am going to beat your ass to a bloody pulp if I have to so that we can stay alive in this shit so don’t for one second convince yourself otherwise.
I am not Regan Street in this match, I am THE HELLCAT.
You gave me a very down moment in my career, one that I will NEVER forget, but let me tell you a little secret, there isn’t a wrestler in this company that I haven’t faced who I have not defeated….
Except for you.
So now I am going to make sure that I stay on that track, when Selena and I come out with every intention to do one thing and that is make sure this becomes a lot harder for whomever wins this and trust me in the end it will be US.
Sorry girl, but that is the way the Cookie crumbles…
When the Psychonauts night ends?
In a CATastrophe.”
Biting down on her jaw, Regan walks right up to the camera, whispering the words….
“Roar Bitch, Roar.”
She arches an eyebrow before winking.
FADE TO BLACK
/REC
Regan Street 