Friday November 27, 2015
12:35am

We open up once again to Bryan and Psyche walking in the same store as earlier. To Psyche’s dismay, they were staying to see more Black Friday bullshit that was going on. This was a culture shock for Psyche. These things didn’t happen back home. They walked towards the clothing section, seeing people grabbing clothes from each other, ripping some as they did so. The entire store was like a zoo.

Psyche: “I still can’t believe you’re making me stay.”

Bryan: “I just want to see the TVs. That’s it.”

She rolled her eyes. Suddenly, a man pushed past them, shoving Psyche into Bryan’s side. She righted herself, clenching her teeth.

Psyche: “Are you joking with me? I’m done with this bloody place.”

Bryan put his arm around her as they watched what was unfolding. A woman came up behind them, holding a cell phone in her hand. She looked like an older version of Amy Jo Smyth.

Psyche: “Is that…? I think I’m going insane…”

The woman had the cell phone pointed at the man who pushed past them, recording.

Woman: “This man! This man here! He stole something! I watched him do it. I watched him steal.”

The man turned towards her, anger in his face. His hood covered most of his face, but he definitely looked like Skyler Fall. Psyche’s mind just about blew. He was almost a dead ringer. Everyone else was just pretty close, but this guy looked as if he was Skylers son that was still very close to his age. Then again, a lot of younger kids look like Skyler. It’s that hair in the face, grungy thing.

Guy: “Would you lay off, lady? I didn’t steal anything!”

Woman: “You did! I saw you! I saw you put something in your sweater!”

Guy: “It was my fucking cell phone, lady!”

He pulled it out of his pocket, showing it to her. She kept the phone on him, still recording.

Woman: “Pull out everything. I want to see. Show the camera.”

Guy: “Get away from me!”

He pushed the camera away from him, as she pushed it up to his face.

Woman: “Did you all see that?? He hit a woman! He hit me!”

Psyche stared at the woman, jaw dropped down. Now this was getting out of hand.

Psyche: “Seriously? Is she pulling that card?”

Bryan: “She… she is. But he also shouldn’t touch a woman…”

Psyche: “Oh please. If you’re going to get in someone’s face, you deal with the bloody consequences. Don’t play the ‘I’m just a woman’ game.”

The guy started to run off, the woman trying to catch him.

Woman: “Get back here! You stole! And hit a woman! Come back!”

Psyche and Bryan followed them, wanting to see what would happen.

Psyche: “Honestly… I don’t understand people like that. People that are always in others business. She’s like Amy Jo. Always forcing her way into someone else’s problems and making them her own. I’m sorry… We like her… but she’s just… really too much into everyone else. Always making a point to throw in her thoughts on everyone else. But never really dealing with her own issues. And she clearly has many. And she’s just so much older. She’s had s many injuries. How does she even fight anymore? She’s just like Amber. Damaged goods. She also doesn’t seem very stable emotionally. Is that mean of me? That’s mean. But I’m annoyed. And this woman is annoying me.”

They finally caught up to the older woman and young man. He was trying to get her away from him.

Guy: “Lady, please. Leave me alone. I didn’t do anything!”

The guy was starting to become angrier. Annoyed, really. He kept trying to back away.

Psyche: “And then there’s this guy. The Skyler Fall of this place. He’s just trying to do good. He’s trying not to stick out as much, but still just… there. He’s like a sheep. I love the guy. We have fun with him… but he’s more part of the flock than the shepherd. And that’s not good. He needs to step out of the crowd. Stick out. Show everyone he’s better than everyone else. But he just let’s people step all over him it seems. As if he’d rather someone else have a good chance before him. It is so incredibly nice of him… but you can’t do that in a place like this. He needs to fight harder. But he can’t. I can. And that’s where I have him beat…”

Bryan: “I can’t say anything about that...”

Psyche shakes her head. The two turn away just as the woman starts to manhandle the guy, trying to find what he ‘stole’. He was pushing her away, her still yelling that he was touching her. Psyche shook her head, ignoring it. Her anger was growing, but she was keeping her temper down. The two walked towards a new spot, close to where the electronics were. To the left, a group was digging through Blurays in a large round display. Beside that, a man was chatting up a woman. She looked to not be interested, but he seemed persistent. He was much shorter than the woman. His hair a dark shade of ginger.

Ginger man: “Come on! You know you want some of this.”

He had an accent, but Psyche couldn’t put a finger on it. Some kind of mixture of Irish and American. It was really throwing her off. The woman with the short man rolled her eyes at him.

Woman: “I’m… really not interested. Plus I have a boyfriend.”

Ginger man: “Fuck your boyfriend. He’s nothing compared to me.”

Woman: “He’s right over there... and definitely much bigger than you.”

The guy looked over at the group of people fighting over movies.

Ginger man: “I think he’s a bit preoccupied.”

The woman shakes her head.

Psyche: “This isn’t going to end well.”

Bryan: “That guy is going to get the shit kicked out of him…”

The guy leaned closer into the girl, kind of getting on his tiptoes, trying to kiss her. This awkward display was extremely off-putting.

Psyche: “Look at that prat. Trying to kiss another mans bird. Who does he think he is? He’s like CJ, trying to start shit with everyone. Making a complete arse of himself. He doesn’t care about anyone but himself.”

Bryan: “This is sad…”

Psyche pointed her arm towards the scene.

Psyche: “It is! Look at him! He’s a waste of space. Just a short little man that isn’t worth anyone’s time. Just like CJ. He’s a prick and he’s very good at it. He throws his own bird off to the side and then tries to go for other women. And starts shit with anyone he can. He does not impress anyone, really. Definitely not me. I’m not afraid to go up against him. He’s nothing to me, much like most of these people.”

Psyche frowns, looking back to the scene. The man is pawing at the woman, trying to kiss her. She’s trying to push him away, but he is relentless. Psyche’s fists ball up and she gets ready to step in to stop the whole thing. A large man comes up behind the short ginger, tapping his shoulder. The ginger man turns, his face meeting the fist of the larger man. He goes down like a ton of bricks, sprawled on the floor.

Bryan: “Should I… get my gear and stop him from going further?”

Psyche: “Nah… He bloody well deserved it.”

She grabs at Bryans hand, pulling him away. The larger man takes his lady and leaves with her, kicking the ginger man in the ribs on the way. Bryan and Psyche finally get to the TVs. Bryan’s eyes light up when he sees a lone TV sitting on a display. It is massive and on sale for half price. Psyche couldn’t believe it. Bryan runs towards it, grabbing it. He motions Psyche over to help him. She slowly makes her way there as a random guy runs to the TV, grabbing the other side.

Man: “I saw it first!”

Bryan: “I touched it first! Get out of here, man!”

Man: “No! It’s mine! I’ll fight you!”

With Bryan being stooped a bit to get the box he looked small. But he stood straighter and puffed up his chest, making himself look more like a wrestler. Psyche came to Bryan’s side, raising a brow at the man.

Psyche: “How about you let go of the box, mate. We were here first, yeah?”

He was caught off guard first by Bryan, and then by Psyche making herself known. He dropped his side of the box and raised his hands, backing off.

Man: “Alright. Whatever. Take it.”

Bryan smiled, feeling proud of himself. Psyche shook her head and walked over to the other side, grabbing on. The two started to carry it to the front of the store.

Psyche: “So what if this thing doesn’t work? Or is broken, like I said it would probably be.”

Bryan: “It won’t be! You just have to stay positive, Psyche. Just… It’ll be fine.”

Psyche: “Whatever you say, love. So how about we go and buy this and then go for some proper shopping, hm? Things are starting to die down a bit more.”

Bryan nodded, agreeing with the idea. The two carried the large box to the front of the store, getting in line. There was a woman ahead of them with long dark hair. She was much shorter than the two behind her. She was wearing extremely high heels and a short dress. Something a woman shouldn’t be wearing at an event like this. Psyche looked her up and down. Reminding her of someone specific. She turned her head for a moment, looking at some items beside her. Her face was practically made of plastic. Her lips were totally blown out from injections. Practically see through. Psyche clenched her teeth, flashbacks of a few weeks ago coming back. She put the TV down on her side and went to go for the woman, reaching an arm out to grab her hair. Bryan quickly snaked his arm around Psyche’s waist, holding her back.

Bryan: “It’s not her, babe. It’s not Julliet.”

He whispered it to her, calming her. She turned to look at him, her teeth unclenching. She nodded slightly. She must be tired or something. These people were getting to her. The woman stepped up to the cash, it was finally her turn. She handed the cashier a bag, not saying a word. The cashier raised a brow, looking at the woman.

Cashier: “What is this?”

Woman: “I’d like to make a return.”

Even her voice was irritating. The cashier looked at her, confused.

Cashier: “Ma’am… we don’t do returns at the cash register… and we don’t do returns on Black Friday. It is store policy.”

Woman: “I want to return that.”

Cashier: “Yes... I understand that… but I can’t do that right now.”

Woman: “Just do the return, okay? No problem.”

Cashier: “But there is a problem, ma’am… I can’t process returns here.”

Woman: “How about this... you just do the return and it will be over and done with.”

Psyche’s hand clenched again. She was about to hit this lady.

Cashier: “Ma’am… I can’t return this.”

Woman: “You can. Just return it. It isn’t hard. Just do the return.”

Cashier: “Our policy says I can’t do a return. So I can’t.”

Woman: “Then get me a fucking manager. I want to see a manager. I need to return that item.”

The cashier looked at her with her mouth dropped open. She picked up a phone, calling for a manager.

Cashier: “Ma’am, would you mind stepping aside for a moment so I can help the next customer?”

Woman: “I do mind. I’m staying here until you return my items.”

Psyche lunged forward again, Bryan quickly catching her.

Psyche: “Move out of the way, you fucking slag, or I’ll rip your fucki-“

Bryan’s free hand shot over Psyche’s mouth, stopping the words. She was still saying things against his hand, however, glaring at the woman.

Bryan: “I’m so sorry. She’s over tired and she has a mental disability. We would just like to purchase this TV and get home.”

Woman: “Control that animal, please. My goodness.”

Psyche bit Bryan’s hand as she struggled away from him, but he kept his hold. The cashier was about call someone, when Bryan looked over at her, smiling a bit.

Bryan: “She has Complex Hypertensionaldelusionitis… It’s a problem sometimes. I hoped this trip would be okay. I wanted to get her this TV for her birthday tomorrow. She’s my sister.”

The cashier nodded, looking sympathetic. The woman made a disgusted face.

Woman: “Well maybe you shouldn’t take that thing out in public. And why do you have different accents? Why does she sound so foreign and you sound… normal?”

Bryan: “She’s my half sister. Do you mind?”

He pointed to the box.

Woman: “Fine. But hurry up. And that manager better be here soon. I don’t want to catch anything from her.”

The woman backed away as Bryan and Psyche moved up. Bryan still held onto her with one arm, his hand still covering her mouth. His free hand dragged the TV box for the cashier to scan and paid for it. The two left the store, Bryan letting Psyche go so she could help with the box. Psyche reluctantly grabbed the other side, helping him bring it out.

Bryan: “Lost your cool a bit there, huh?”

Psyche: “That fucking woman. That FUCKING woman. Just like Julliet. I almost ripped her bloody head off, Bryan. I really did.”

Bryan: “I know. I almost couldn’t stop you.”

Psyche: “Thanks for that. If you hadn’t, I would have been deported. And you would miss me.”

Bryan nodded, smiling.

Psyche: “But she just really bugged me. Just like Julliet. She poured ashes into my mouth. I still am not over that. And she’s disgusting. She’s sleeping with your father. And Julliet is like… 13 steps down from the trashiest of women he’s slept with.”

Bryan: “Like Rorie?”

Psyche: “No… Rorie is like… 35 flights of steps higher than Julliet.”

Bryan nodded.

Psyche: “She’s talentless. Probably only here because she slept with someone. She was sleeping with that creature CJ before too… so clearly her taste is off as well. But honestly… I can’t stand her. Absolute waste of a pretty face. And so ugly on the inside. I still can’t believe I trusted THAT. I know better.”

They were at the car. Bryan put his side down and walked over to Psyche, hugging her.

Bryan: “Don’t worry. You’ll kick her ass and get back at her…It’ll work out.”

He smiled at her, kissing her forehead. Psyche sighed, wrapping her arms around his waist.

Psyche: “You’re right, love. Let’s get this in the car and do our proper shopping, hmm?”

Bryan: “Maybe let’s change our sweaters, then. Don’t want them to realize we came back.”

Psyche nodded as they put the TV into the car.

---

“I’m sure a lot of people are thinking to themselves… ‘Why was Psyche put into this match? She can’t win anything.’ Honestly… I sort of thought the same thing when I was told I was nominated for the match. I looked at all the other names on that list, thinking to myself… why? Why would someone put me with these people who, admittedly, have a lot of talent? Was I really good enough? Could I really bring anything to the table? But then I realized… I’m worth being here. I’m worth that nomination to be part of this match. I fought as hard as I could and people recognized that. Some of them just don’t even deserve these extra chances. Some of these people don’t deserve to be given that nomination because they haven’t tried as hard as they could. But me? I did. I gave everything I had into my matches. And when I have failed, I do what I always do… get right back up. I may not always be a winner in the same way as all of these other people by having a title… I’m a winner in a different way. I’m a winner because I continue to fight. I don’t give up. I don’t let defeat take me down.”

“I won’t stay to the side and wait. I want fall down and let someone take advantage of me. I won’t let people step over me to get their win. I will fight. I will show you all exactly why I am here. I will go after those cases and fight as hard as I can to get one. I will make it my goal to walk out of that match with a case. I have been working my arse off to become a better wrestler. My previous tactics just didn’t work here. But with help, I’m becoming better and better. I am turning into what I was meant to be. You will all see that.”

“This is my own war to fight. A war… me against all of you. There’s no fear inside of me… just determination. My fear faded when I realized my own worth. And I will use that to help me in this match. You will all remember me. You will all see me. I will come to be at your level. I may not have been there before… but I’ve built my way up there. You will all see... You will all see me.”

---

Friday November 27, 2015
2:47am

Psyche and Bryan are now home. The box sits in the bedroom of Bryan’s new place. Psyche sits on the couch, watching Bryan as he eyes the box, considering his first move.

Bryan: “So we’re putting it on this wall, right? In front of the bed?”

Psyche: “Yes. That was the plan.”

Bryan nodded and started to open the box. It is massive. He grabs the sides of the TV, slowly lifting it out. The Styrofoam pieces fall off along with the white fluffy plastic stuff on it. As they fall off, Psyche sees something. She shoots her hands up, covering her mouth. Her expression was that of complete shock. Bryan tilts his head at her and cranes his neck, looking at the front of the TV. Right in the center is a massive radial crack.

Bryan: “ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME?!”

He puts the TV back in the box, defeated. Psyche starts to laugh uncontrollably.

Psyche: “I fucking told you, mate! I fucking told you!”

Bryan glares at her for a moment. And then goes in for a pounce, pushing her back on the bed. The aftermath of that tackle is a secret. Shh.