New Beginnings- Part Deux

PRIME’s medical staff swarmed Bryan moments after he emerged backstage following the brutal engagement with Rose. He was a bloody mess with a few gaping holes in his forehead, bruises littering his body and splintered wood stuck in his back. Bryan had never been in a match like that, and after this one he wasn’t quite sure he wanted to again.

One of the medics focused on repairing the source of Dawkins’ crimson mask, the other checked on the numerous bruises and contusions that littered his body. Meanwhile, Dr. Fihlguud completed the customary concussion and head trauma test.

“Gonna need to stitch these ones up, doc” one of the medics stated as he packed gauze into one of the gashes in Bryan’s forehead. While that sensation certainly wasn’t ideal, the worst injury he suffered that night was to his ego. He was so sure he had Rose’s number and not only did he lose the match, but he lost it after taking his own barbed wire wrapped pineapple to the dome.

How embarrassing.

“This is gonna sting a b–” he warned as he injected the anesthetic into the wounds.

“AHHHHHhhHHHHhhhh BRUH, WHAT THE HELL?!”

Caught him by surprise there. Who could blame Dawkins, though? His mind was still wandering, replaying the match that ended mere minutes ago over and over in his head.

How could I let her win like that? Weak, Bryan, weak. 

“Err…sorry?” the medic responded without a modicum of remorse.

As the medic stitched Dawkins’ forehead back together, he caught movement from the corner of his eye. Just outside the door, down the corridor, Adam Ellis and Ginny Van Lear peeked around the corner. Adam nodded stoically toward his defeated partner while Ginny looked on apologetically. Dawkins returned the nod and was jolted back to reality as the medic moved on to the second wound.

“Bruh, could you please take it easy? I’m dyin’ over here…” he pleaded.

If the medic heard Dawkins’ ask, he didn’t acknowledge it as he continued to patch Dawkins’ forehead back together like a Hawaiian Humpty Dumpty.

“Dad?”

Nicholas.

Bryan’s head shot around, drawing the ire of the medic who almost pierced Dawkins ear with the needle. He turned Bryan’s body to face the door so he could continue working.

“What’s wrong with you?”

Okay, okay…be strong, can’t let him see you be weak.

Just outside the doorway stood Nicholas, flanked by his mother. His eyes were welled up with tears as he watched.

“I thought you said you were gonna beat Rose? You promised.”

He’s not wrong.

“Your father has a history of making promises he can’t keep.”

Neither is she.

Dawkins’ heart sunk. Just as he opened his mouth to respond, Kai continued as she laid her arm across the broad shoulders of her son.

“You’ll be better off if you just assume nothing that comes from his mouth will actually happen.”

…

As she consoled Nicholas, his frown morphed into a slight smirk.

“You’re right. I should’ve known. Even all my friends said he was a loser - he’s never come close to winning a match this year…It doesn’t even matter if he’s got a younger, better tag team partner to drag his dead weight!”

It was then that Dawkins sat straight up and peered around the darkened room, searching for the time. His body was soaked in a cold sweat and his heart rate wasn’t dissimilar to what it would be mid-match.

The alarm clock read 3:11 AM.

It was just a bad dream.

How much of it was true, though?

That question could wait.

He had a flight to St. Louis to catch.

***

Eyes wide open… staring at the ceiling, the full moon cast an eerie light into the bedroom of Adam Ellis and Ginny Van Lear and illuminated the room in a streak of silver against the darkened room.  Adam lay awake in bed while the curtains rustled softly in the cool evening breeze, a stark contrast to the turmoil raging inside Adam's mind. He listened to the sound of his wife's gentle breathing beside him.

Beside him, Ginny Van Lear slept soundly, her red curls spilling over her face like a fiery veil.

Her arm was wrapped tightly around his chest, as if trying to anchor him to her and provide some sense of security while a blanket intertwined and covered them except for Adam’s chest, Ginny’s bare shoulders, and their legs. Ginny’s leg was locked around Adam’s.

Despite the warmth of comfort of Ginny’s embrace, Adam Ellis couldn’t find any peace or comfort that would allow him to slip into a state of sleep.  He couldn’t help but watch his wife as she slept and envied her ability to find peace amidst a time full of chaos with everything going on with Adam’s wrestling career.

The soft, rhythmic sound of baby Abbigail's breathing could be heard faintly through the monitor, a comforting reminder that their precious newborn was safely slumbering in the next room.

Adam lay in bed with his eyes wide open, unable to quiet his restless mind. He couldn't shake off the weight of responsibility that seemed to grow heavier with each passing day. His wrestling career, baby Abbigail, the future – they all weighed heavily on his mind and shoulders.

Finally giving in to exhaustion, Adam drifted off to sleep. But when he woke up, dawn had already broken and he found himself sitting at the kitchen table with a cup of coffee in hand. Ginny moved gracefully around him in just her robe, preparing breakfast with ease and comfort. The sweet aroma of eggs and bacon filled the air, making Adam's stomach grumble in anticipation.

He tried to help Ginny with breakfast, but she insisted he just sit down and relax while she took care of everything. As she hummed a cheerful tune under her breath, Adam couldn't help but feel grateful for having such a loving and capable wife by his side.

But as he wiped the sleep out of his eyes, Ginny caught a glimpse of the worry lines on his forehead. She knew he was still consumed by his struggles and doubts – about his career, about their daughter's future, about everything. She wished she could take away some of that burden and help him find peace in this moment of tranquility before another day filled with challenges and uncertainties.

Adam stood up from the chair in Ginny's cozy kitchen. "Are you sure you don't want any help?" Adam asked.

Ginny chuckled and waved him off with a flourish of her apron. "Y'all just sit right there and let me fix ya up before ya go on out," she drawled in her southern accent, giving Adam a gentle shove back into his seat with a mischievous grin. She leaned down to plant a kiss on his lips, feeling a spark of excitement ignite within her.

But as their lips lingered longer than usual, Adam couldn't ignore the worries nagging at him. Today was the day he would introduce Bryan Dawkins to Sunny O'Callahan - an important business connection that required him to drive all the way to St. Louis.

"I wish y’all didn't have to go," Ginny whispered against his ear, her voice tinged with disappointment.

"I know, darlin'," Adam sighed, running a hand through his hair. "But it's kind of important."

Ginny nodded understandingly but couldn't hide her disappointment. She leaned in close to Adam's ear and whispered, "I ain't too sure about Miss Sunny, but if you say she's okay then I'm afixin' to trust you." She pressed herself even closer and whispered sweet promises sweetly of the new negligee she couldn’t wait to model for him and what they would be doing later that night when he returned home, causing Adam's cheeks to flush.

"Okay... okay," he said with a chuckle. "I will drive my ass back home tonight as quick as I can. I promise."

"You'd better," Ginny teased with a playful swat on his shoulder before going back to her task.

***

The afternoon sun beat down on the cars in the MVW headquarters parking lot and heat permeated up from the asphalt.  Adam Ellis climbed out of his Volkswagen Jetta and he stretched out, his large frame making him stand out to the man he would be meeting - Bryan Dawkins.

Dawkins sauntered towards him with his colorful Hawaiian-print shirt fluttering in the breeze.

"Adam! How’s it goin’, bruh?" Bryan called out, his easy grin a stark contrast to Adam's stoic expression.

“Hey.”

Dawkins could sense the hesitation coming from his young partner.

“You good, bruh?” Ironic, this question coming from a guy who would admit he is anything but good.

Adam nodded slightly. "Sunny's inside," he replied, his voice low and measured.

“Let’s go meet her,” Bryan said. Dawkins then led the way and as they entered the building, Adam couldn't help but let his mind drift to Ginny and Abbigail back at home. A pang of guilt twisted in his gut, but he pushed it aside. Bryan was a bit distracted himself, given the lifelike dream of a night ago.

The first person Adam saw… Joe Bergman.

“Adam,” Joe greeted him with a firm handshake. Then he turned to Dawkins.  “Bryan, good to see you again.”

“Likewise, bruh. How’s Missouri Valley treating ya these days?”

“Never a dull moment,” Joe smiled.  “Just another day in paradise.”

“Where’s Sunny?” Adam impatiently asked.

Joe Bergman motioned them to follow him. "Gentlemen, right this way."

Adam couldn't ignore the nervous flutter in his chest as they approached the conference room. The door swung open, revealing Sunny O'Callahan in all her rock 'n' roll glory. Her frizzy blonde hair cascaded over a loose black spaghetti strap top, accentuating her edgy vibe. She wore tight jeans and heels, and a bottle of Southern Comfort dangled casually from her fingers.

"Well, if it ain't the Hawaiian BBQ themselves!" Sunny drawled, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Bryan Dawkins, pleasure to meet ya, darlin'."

Bryan, still somewhat reeling from the last managerial adventure the team had, stood back and offered a polite nod and grin.

“Good to meet ya, Sunny.”

“I’ll let you guys talk then,” Bergman said and quietly excused himself.

Sunny settled into a chair with confidence, crossing her legs and taking a sip of her drink. "Shall we get down to the brass tacks then? Bryan, let me tell you what I’ve done so far in my managerial career."

Adam leaned forward eagerly, hanging on her every word as she detailed her successful career in managing wrestling superstars.

"I managed Redneck' Bill Dickinson during his record-breaking year and a half MVW title reign. I led the Alabama Gang to victory in the Tag Team title match, and helped Drew Mitchell secure a title win in HOW," Sunny boasted confidently.

Bryan listened intently, not wanting to tip his hand. Adam couldn't help but let his thoughts distract him while Sunny made her pitch to Bryan. .

“Bryan, I’ll admit it…,” Sunny continued, her voice gentle now. "I've always had a soft spot for Adam here.”

Her gaze turned to Adam and he sat straight up

“He’s a good kid. He’s got a ton of potential.  And after that whole mess with Dawn and her getting kidnapped and brainwashed by the Soviet Bloc… well…”

Adam's heart raced and his palms grew clammy at the mention of Dawn's name. He could feel Bryan's piercing gaze on him, but he couldn't tear his eyes away from Sunny's kind expression.

“I figured this was the time for me to step in and help him.  I want to see Adam reach his full potential.”

As the sales pitch came to an end, Dawkins leaned back into the chair and took a few moments.

“All due respect, Sunny, but I’ve been doin’ this whole wrestling thing for a long, long time. I was a big part of PRIME back in the ReVival days and then spent nearly a decade wrestling at a high level with Bang! in Japan.”

Sunny continued nursing that drink, allowing Bryan to speak his piece.

“I, too, saw something in Adam. He’s done tremendous things in MVW and there aren’t too many in this business at his age with a resume like his.”

He grabbed his younger partner’s shoulder, bringing him in close.

Probably closer than Adam would’ve preferred to be.

“I saw an opportunity to help the kid out and give some veteran wisdom. But if I’m bein’ totally honest, I think teamin’ with Adam has helped me even more. On a personal note, he and Ginny have taken me into their family and welcomed me with open arms.” He smiled at his partner. “On a professional level, I’m not sure if you’ve seen my track record since I returned to PRIME, but its…”

“You guys haven’t had a whole of luck, Bryan,” Sunny interjected. “And I know all about this stuff with Rose.”

“Yeah well, that’s really no secret. But Adam and I have been getting closer every day and it’s only a matter of time until we put this thing together. My question to you - what do you have to offer to us?”

Another weighted pause.

“More importantly, why? I know you said about potential and havin’ a soft spot for ole Adam here, but…why?

Bryan leaned forward, his colorful sunglasses sliding down his nose as he fixed Sunny with a penetrating stare.

Sunny took a slow sip of Southern Comfort, her frizzy blonde hair catching the fluorescent light. She placed her drink back on the table and met Bryan's gaze head-on. "Good questions, Bryan," she replied, her voice a melodic blend of California cool and Irish lilt. “I know this much, Bryan… you have every right to be suspicious of my motives. I would be stepping into the same role that Dawn McGill had taken on while Ginny was pregnant.  And after what happened with Dawn… her mysterious disappearance at the hands of the Soviet Bloc and her later betrayal to Adam… everything still fresh in everyone's minds… it’s understandable why you would have reservations about me.”

Adam shifted in his seat, his muscular frame tense. Bryan couldn't help but wonder if bringing Sunny on board was the right move. The memory of Dawn's betrayal still stung.

"Look," Sunny continued, gesturing with her glass, "I may be only 25 years old, but I've gained a lot of knowledge going through the wringer in HOW.  Yeah, I made some… no… a LOT of… bad choices that nearly tanked my career." She paused, her eyes growing distant. "There was a time I thought I was done with this business for good. Then Joe Bergman came along and he took a chance on me when nobody else would. And you know what? I figured it out.  I learned how to do things the right way.  And I flourished. Became the 'manager of champions.' The Alabama Gang and Bill Dickinson hired me on and I led them to become champions or in Bill’s case... helped continue a record-setting title run."

Bryan leaned in, intrigued despite his reservations. Sunny's passion reminded him of his own journey in the ring.

"With me in his corner, Joe snagged the HOTv title from GREAT SCOTT, held onto it like a champ," Sunny continued, her voice gaining momentum. "Then came March to Glory. Lee stacked the deck and stuck Joe in a title defense against three other challengers, and Dan Ryan pinned Scott Stevens in that four-way clusterfuck to win the title."

Adam winced, remembering the controversial match. "Yeah, that was a rough night for Joe."

Sunny set down her glass, her eyes locking with Adam's. "Someone needs to take a chance on you, Adam, like Joe did with me. That's why I'm here." She spread her hands wide. "No ulterior motives, I swear. Well..." A mischievous grin spread across her face. "Maybe deep down I want to prove myself in PRIME.  Maybe, deep down I want to show PRIME that I can be the best manager.  I’m certainly a better manager than that cheating hussy Vickie Hall is… that’s for sure.”

Adam’s face froze over briefly at the mention of Vickie Hall. Bryan quickly dismissed the mention of the airhead and got back to business.

“Great, so you thought ‘why not hitch my wagon to a young upstart and PRIME vet’, right? Maybe jump aboard a rocket that’s got nowhere to go but up and get your stock to rise as well, eh?” The irony of his accusation was not lost on Dawkins. One could make the argument he was doing the same thing by teaming with Ellis.

“I get you’ve helped a few wrestlers in, let’s face it, the minor leagues. This is PRIME. Odd are, any trick you pulled in HOW isn’t gonna fly here. What I’m asking is what can you do for us?”

Dawkins sat back in his chair, sliding the sunglasses back into place and completely shielding his eyes. Meanwhile, Sunny continued to sip her Southern Comfort, casually devising her response.

“We’ve got a matchup against Kinetic Innovation coming up. Jamaal and Cory Ingram. Members of KING…”

Dawkins paused in disgust.

“...close to Rose.” Sunny picked up where Bryan left off.

“Yeah, you got it. What can you tell us about them?”

Might as well take her out for a test drive, right?

Bryan leaned back in his chair, his colorful sunglasses perched atop his head, skepticism etched across his face. He drummed his fingers on the table, the pineapples on his shirt seeming to dance with each tap.

“Fine.”  Sunny turned and faced the camera. “Hey Kinetic Innovation… Jamaal Ingram and Cory Kensington. You’re big, strong, nasty and aren’t afraid to bend… or just ignore… the rules. Big, dumb, and stupid cardboard caricatures of pro wrestling bad guys.  You’re unique… just like every other heel in PRIME.  Basically, you’re bigger, stronger versions of Rose… who can’t win matches without breaking the rules.  Well, listen close boys.  Fuck you Rose.  Fuck you Jamaal Ingram.  Fuck you Cory Kensington.”

Bryan's eyebrow arched. Is this chick for real? he thought.

Sunny continued, her voice rising with passion. "I don't give a fuck about Rose, Jamaal, or Cory and neither should Bryan Dawkins and Adam Ellis. Bryan’s loss at UltraViolence. We all saw what happened. Rose cheated and won.”

Sunny twirled her finger derisively.

“Because that’s the only way Rose can win.  Rose can’t beat Bryan in a fair fight.  Whatever, that's in the past and when that bell rings, Bryan Dawkins and Adam Ellis are gonna have one thing on their mind – kicking Kinetic whatever-the-hell-their-name-is’s asses all over the ring."

Sunny's gaze shifted to Adam, her expression softening. "And you, Adam? After all the crap that's gone down this year, it’s time for you to man up and get your ass together. Everything that’s happened before today is ancient history. When you both step into that ring, your minds are on one thing and one thing only – kicking ass, pinning shoulders, and walking out winners."

Sunny stood up, her loose-fitting top swaying with the movement. "And Rose? I’m convinced Rose will probably do something… she’ll have to hold Jamaal and Cory’s hands and make sure they don't screw everything up. However, if that bitch even thinks about coming near the ring, I'll personally make sure she'll be running to the back faster than a prairie dog spotting a hawk."

Bryan couldn't help but crack a smile at the imagery.

"Mark my words," Sunny concluded, her eyes blazing. "You two need to take out all your frustrations on the Kinetic Rejects.  Bryan, you want to get back at Rose?  Go out there and kick their asses.  Adam, you want to stick it back to Agent Zarya?  Go out there and kick their asses.  Enough pussy footing around.  You two are good wrestlers.  It’s about fucking time you went out there and showed it."

As Sunny's words hung in the air, Bryan and Adam exchanged a look. The skepticism in Bryan's eyes had softened, replaced by a glimmer of respect. Maybe, just maybe, this unconventional partnership could work after all.

Dawkins, satisfied by the response, flipped his sunglasses up and onto the top of his head, uncrossing his arms and softening his expression. After glancing at Ellis, who was off in his own mind at the moment, he focused back on Sunny.

“Well, ya did the research. Can’t fault you for that. And Ellis is good company. A good person. Doesn’t have a bad bone in his body. Does the right thing even when no one is watchin’, ya?”

His question was met with an affirming nod from Sunny.

“So if he’s on board, I’m on board.” He glanced at his tag partner, who still seemed preoccupied.

After a quick nudge, Ellis came back to reality.

“I’m good.”