Date February 5th 2018 / Time 12:01PM / Status Not Recording
Location Little Owl Restaurant – New York City, New York

Two weeks prior to now, I walking into a similar restaurant to this, one across town.. Carrying a bag of money that I was going to give to my parents. I felt helpless, used, but most importantly I felt abused. I was scared as I walked towards them, trying not to look into his eyes as I approached the table. I wished that Maggie were with me, I wished that her comfort were surrounding me like a blanket – but things didn’t exactly go as planned.

Silly me for thinking that two and a half million dollars was going to be enough for them, and even sillier me for believing that my piece of shit father wouldn’t have tried to turn Maggie against me.

What a miserable experience all around. We left still holding that bag of money, sent out with an order for more of the same… that what I had scraped up wasn’t good enough. We left feeling unsure, at least I know I did – Especially about that look in Maggies eyes when he tried to make her believe that I was only using her. I know we’re still new, I know that we’ve not truly been tested in this relationship yet, but I didn’t expect our first real test to be him… to be his lies and his deceit trying to rip us apart.

“Are we here at the right time?”

Fast forward to now.. Two weeks later. All of that tension, behind us.. I hope. The frayed nerves from Infinity are gone, and I’m actually content with the result even though I didn’t win. Now a different kind of nervousness fills my stomach with butterflies, but this time I’ve got Maggie with me and a bag filled with the three million he wanted.

I nod my head and adjust the bag on my shoulder as I look around the little restaurant. The Little Owl… What a fucking name. It’s like daddy dearest has a sick sense of humor.

“Yeah, he said noon.”

We move through the small lunch crowd and approach the back corner of the place, scanning the crowd as we went, making sure not to miss them – but there was no sign of them. He told me that they’d be in the back of the place, waiting at noon. Well, it’s just past noon and we’re staring at an empty table in the back of the little building…

“He told me they’d be here…”

I say quietly, scanning the table – expecting to find a steaming cup of coffee or some abandoned food.. Something to tell me that they were here and that maybe they’d went to the bathroom or something… but nothing. Just a clean table in front of us. I move closer to one of the little red chairs, and I lean on it, racking my brain to remember the conversation that I had with him yesterday, setting up this little ‘date’.

Did I miss a detail? Did I mishear him?

I feel Maggie step in beside me, her hand tracing a soft trail down my arm. I push off of the chair and she takes my hand, giving it a light squeeze. I look down at her and give her a reassuring smile, but I don’t really think she’s buying what I’m trying to sell. She’s just as confused, frustrated and scared as I am, I think.

“Then what the fuck is going on?”

“I don’t know, Mags. I thought I heard him right…”

They have to be in here. Somewhere. Unless…

“Excuse me, Ma’am.”

Startled, I turn around to see a young man standing behind us; nervously with what looks like an envelope in his hands. He couldn’t be any older than Maggie, with his hair slicked back and his eyes darting around at the other patrons of this establishment, but my heart sank as I realize that he’s wearing a police officers uniform.

“Is there a problem, officer?”

I spit out, trying not to sound as nervous and worried as I actually am. I let go of Maggies hand, so she doesn’t feel me shake as the young man moves in towards us, nodding his head.

“I’m looking for a Ms. Lucy Wylde?”

“That’s me… What is this about? I was just in here to meet–”

I hear Maggie beside me, pull in a hard breath. She’s probably thinking the same thing I am. That I’m about to be arrested for the shit that people saw in the paper the other week.. That supposed melt down I had at them… But is that even possible?

I gulp hard and it’s now that I realize that there’s nothing I can do to stop this. At least not now. I let the bag on my shoulder fall, catching it with my hand and handing it to Maggie. I glance down into her eyes and she looks a combination of shocked and scared. I can’t blame her. I feel the exact same way right now.

“Okay… I-”

“You’ve been served.”

“Wait, what?”

Before I can give myself up, he thrusts the envelope into my now empty hand.

“Have a good day, ladies.”

I grip the envelope as he turns and walks away, my stomach suddenly feeling a bit lighter now that I know he’s not taking me to jail today. But just as quickly that feeling of dread comes back when I realize what the man said as he handed me this envelope.

“You’ve been served? What does that even mean?”

I hear her questions, and I know the answer, at least I think I do – but there’s only one way to find out. I rip the envelope open and pull out the small pack of papers inside. I hesitate in opening them for a moment, but I know that I can’t put it off forever. I slowly unfold the papers until I’m finally looking at the title page; and I can practically feel the blood draining from my face.

“What Luce? What is it?”

It’s like I already knew this was coming, from the moment I held the envelope in my hands, so how can I still be this flabbergasted that my vile, piece of shit father would keep jerking me around. I blink a few times and hand the paper over to Maggie, listening to her breathing change as she reads the page in front of her.

“Wait.. So he’s–”

“He’s suing me for four million dollars.”

Hearing those words come out of my mouth doesn’t really seem real. How can this situation get any worse? As if I thought this was just going to go away. I knew it the moment I saw them for the first time, I knew that this wasn’t just going to go away; that he wasn’t just going to go away.

“But how?”

The more I think about it, the more ridiculous it seems. Wouldn’t it just be easier to take what I’m offering and hit the fucking road? Why keep jerking me around? Why keep this bullshit going? And now we’re going to court? Now my name is going to be further drug through the dirt and the shit?

Of course it is, that’s his game. And he always wins.

I let out a laugh and move back towards the table; bringing myself to my ass inside the booth while Maggie looks at me incredulously.

“Does it really matter how? It’s happening. Might as well have lunch to celebrate, huh?”

I laugh again and Maggie shakes her head.

“Luce, don’t do this. We’re going to fix th–”

“I’m just going to have to sell the condo. My car. Maybe everything.”

“You know that won’t be enough, right? He won’t stop…”

I know he won’t stop.

“Until he’s broken me.”

I know this won’t end until I’m broken and crying at his feet, begging him to stop. He won’t be satisfied until he’s taken everything from me, everything that he didn’t get the chance to take because I ran away before he could. I know this won’t end until I put a stop to it myself… It’s just…

I don’t know how.

Maggie sits down across from me, holding that bag in her lap and laying the court papers on the table between us. It’s like the tension from two weeks ago has been replaced by a new tension, a new kind of wall between us.

“I’m going to–”

I shake my head.

“No… Don’t. I don’t want you involved. I don’t want anything to happen to you.”

I couldn’t bear it if he started the same shit with her. I already feel an insane sense of guilt just because she met him, heard his voice, felt his control… There’s no way I’m letting her get any further into this than she already is. Remembering back to the way he looked at her when he told her that I was only using her, it makes my eyes tear up. I don’t want to see her hurt. Dealing with this myself is bad enough, I don’t want to place her in harm’s way – she’s got so much to lose.

“Luce..”

 

Date February 10th 2018 / Time 8:41AM / Status Not Recording
Location Springhill Suites – Green Bay, Wisconsin

Maggies phone starts ringing on the dresser. She stops packing her suitcase, walks over and picks it up. I glance over and she nods at me, tossing it over the bed and into my hands.

“Kyra?”

I’m honestly surprised that she called me back. Then again…

“Who is this?”

Then again, I knew she wouldn’t recognize the number. One of the reasons using Maggie’s phone was the best bet in getting a hold of her. It’s been a few days though since I called her, after getting those court papers and everything, I felt it right to warn her.

“Kyra, it’s me.”

“Lucy?”

I know she’s not exactly my biggest fan right now, and I can’t blame her. I’d want to get the hell away from me too, if I acted the way I did towards myself. But that’s not really the point right now.

“Don’t hang up.. Please.”

“Why the hell shouldn’t I? Who’s phone are you using anyway?”

I look up into Maggie’s eyes, and sigh. She watches me intently. She’s been doing that quite a bit lately, especially since that day in the restaurant. I’ve got to head back to Maryland next month… and face another fucking court. Just what I need. I’m sure she can tell that the stress is starting to get to me.

“Kyra, I just needed to talk to you.”

“Yeah? Well I don’t really want to talk to you.”

I close my eyes. She’s so damn frustrating sometimes. It’s hard to believe sometimes that we’re even sisters. Then again, I guess I act just as stubborn and pig headed as she does.

“I know, I know.. But it’s important.”

“Let me guess, you want to tell me more about how dad–”

I cut her off, partially because I don’t want to hear about what I said to her again, and partially because she’s too damn snarky for her own good sometimes.

“It is about dad damnit, Kyra. Just listen okay?”

I think she detects the seriousness and the desperation in my voice, and finally she shuts up. Now’s the hard part. Telling her.

“I saw them, when I went to meet that journalist asshole who wrote that original article about me… They set me up. They wanted money, or they were going to ‘punish’ me. I got their money, and I met them again, but they raised the price…. The other day, I went to meet them again and now they’re suing me back in Maryland for damages… I just wanted to warn you, incase they decide to come at you next…”

“Oh Jesus…”

I nod my head as Maggie comes to sit beside me.

“I know..”

“What the hell? After all these years?”

“I know… I don’t understand it either.”

We sit in silence for a few minutes; neither of us really sure of what to say. I can hear her breathing on the other end, if I can even call it that. It sounds like she’s having a silent panic attack.. Probably the same way I’ve felt every time I’ve come face to face with him over this last month or so.

“Do you think he’ll come for me too?”

Maggie grabs my hand as a tear slides down my cheek. Jesus I hope he doesn’t come for her too. I don’t think she could handle it the way I have, although I haven’t really handled it very well myself. I glance over at the muted TV, only to see a snowy white owl flying through the air. My eyes are transfixed on it’s white feathers, and my heart nearly stops as it swoops down, sending its talons into an unsuspecting field mouse.

It’s hard not to make the comparison between that poor mouse and myself… the owl being my father, circling his prey until he goes in for the kill shot. I pull myself away from the television and turn my attention back to Kyra’s labored breathing on the other end of the phone.

“I- I hope not, Kyra. I hope he just goes back to the hole he crawled out from after I give him what he wants.”

“You’re still going to give him the money? How much? Jesus Lucy! You can’t give him what he wants! He won’t fucking stop if you do!”

She just doesn’t understand. Neither she or Maggie understand. I thought Kyra would get it. I don’t know what to do. I don’t know what will keep him away… This is my best bet.

“You don’t know that.”

“He hasn’t this far! Don’t be an idiot, Lucy.”

Her words wound me. I know she’s been through a lot. More than I could ever imagine. But I’ve been in that house too. I was tortured, beaten and abused. I feel the same fear when I think about him, when I think about that time in my life.. When I’ve had to look into his cold, calculating eyes.

“This is what’s for the best.”

“What? That you let him take you for everything that you–”

“Hasn’t he already done that?”

I shout into the phone, the tears streaming down my face.

“Hasn’t he already sapped the fucking life out of both of us?!?!”

“Lucy, I–”

“You what? You forget that I’ve been the punching bag too! You forget that I’m the one being threatened right now! I’m trying to keep you out of it, I’m trying to tell you to lay low… Don’t give away your location to anyone… Maybe he won’t find you. You haven’t had to face him like I have…”

“Luce…”

Maggies soft voice enters my ear, but I feel as if I’m already too far gone at this point. I can hear Kyra on the other end of the phone breathing heavy, I can’t tell if she’s crying or not. I take a deep breath, and I keep my mouth shut, fearing that I’ve already pushed my sister away even further than she was.

“I haven’t.. But if you need me to, I’ll be there with you…”

I shake my head.

“No, I won’t ask you to do that. Listen, I’ve got to go.. Maggie and I are getting packed up to head down to Phoenix.. I’ll call you back later?”

“Yeah, sure… That’s fine. Let me know if anything changes.”

“I will. See you.”

 

Date February 15th 2018 / Time 11:11AM / Status Not Recording
Location The Wylde Residence – New York City, New York

I walk in the house, drop my keys on the table and close the door behind me. I’m tired. I’m worn the fuck out. Ever since Maggie got hurt, shit’s been a mess. I haven’t had much chance to really think about anything other than making sure she’s taken care of. Sure, she’s got Nadette and the other girls at the shop to help her with anything she needs but I’ve taken it upon myself to do anything I can to get her back to as close to normal as we can get her.

I can’t even describe how scary it was to hear her screaming in pain after that mist in her eyes did whatever it did. Otaki, or whatever her fucking name is… she’ll fucking pay for what she did. But I can’t even focus on that right now.

I told Maggie I’d be back later on today, because I needed to come here and grab some clothes and take a shower. Luckily she’s back on track, she can see again – but she’ll need contacts to correct the visual defects that may or may not heal up. I’m just glad she can see again.

Those headaches though, I can tell they’re hell on her. It’s definitely taken a toll on her mood as of late, which is totally understandable. I’ve just been doing my best to do what she needs and stay the fuck out of her warpath… Which I’m definitely over exaggerating… At least in my general direction. Other people, especially those who have been shitting on her recently… I can’t really say the same.

But I digress.

I sigh and strip my jacket from my frame and let it fall to the floor as I approach the stairs that lead up to the bedroom. Something catches my eye though as I turn the corner. The owl mask that Gabriel took off after he distracted me in my match with Vain. That ugly, piece of shit mask… Why I kept it I’ll never know.

It only reminds me of shit I’ve lost.

I walk over and pick it up, examining its exterior and turning it over – staring into the space that Gabriel’s face once occupied. It’s funny how small things like this can make you think of so much more. The mystery, the mystique of Gabriel Baal – the way I was entranced by him, only to have been made a fool when he joined the Court.

He reminds me of my father.

This mask fits them both perfectly. Both hunters of the night, searching for prey – weak and defenseless, with which to feast upon. For both of them I guess I represent the perfect target, and for both of them, they were right.

How’d I get myself into this shit?

And why do I continue to treat everyone like they’re worth trusting? Haven’t I been burned enough times to have learned that particular lesson? Any other person would say yes, and that would be it – but me? I just can’t do that. I can’t let one persons wrongdoings towards me taint my perception of everyone else.

No matter how much I want it to.

I consider snapping the mask in my hands, and throwing it where it belongs – in the garbage. But I don’t. I set it right back down where it was before and I start towards the stairs once more. I kept it as a reminder.. Not of what I lost, but what I could lose if I change who I am.

Just as I get to the top of the stairs, my phone starts ringing. I can’t help but to smile as I read my girlfriends name on the screen. It’s nice to be needed, no matter how tired I am.

“Everything okay?”

“Yeah.. I just wanted to tell you that we need to go to the store when you get back.”

“Can I just stop on the way?”

“No, we have to do this together. Trust me. See you when you get back.”

I shake my head and roll my eyes.

“Don’t you roll your eyes at me.”

“Yes, Ma’am. I’ll be back soon.”

 

It’s really nice to see that the Court is using their Global dollars responsibly. Buying out an entire card; making your own matches… Have you guys given up on any hopes of a championship already? I mean shit, Eden just lost hers and Jet didn’t lose the world title that long ago. Gabriel, how long has it been… Hmm? Just about as long as it’s been since you’ve seen the inside of a….

Oh, now that’s not very nice, is it? I apologize.

No, really. I do.

I’m better than those frat boy insults.

Of course, according to ya’ll, I don’t have much room to talk anyway. Considering I did lose the Cross-Hemisphere championship to Vain just before Infinity and I didn’t walk out of Infinity with the World Title. By george, you’re right. I really don’t have a leg to stand on. You are all so wise. It’s no wonder you guys use the owl as your mascot… except for one thing.

You’re really not that wise.

You’re just a bunch of bullies who have believed their own hype for so long that you can’t see the world any other way. And the rest of us are forced to pay for it with stupid shit like this.

A triple tag team match? Pitting Rogan, Jase and I against one another? Do you really think that that’s going to be the thing that rips us apart? If anything, and I’m being honest here… Jase and Rogan incessant arguing is going to be the thing that fucks us… Sorry guys, but seriously.. Stop that shit. It’s annoying.

But back onto the point at hand… We all know that fighting each other isn’t the end of the world. So nice try Eden and your little group of Bitches… but it’s not going to work. Putting me with French Bitch isn’t going to work either. I mean, she’s annoying and I’m like fifty percent sure that she’s going to try and crucify my at least once by the end of the match – but let’s be honest, she ain’t shit.

Yeah, sorry… Bordy? I don’t even care to know your fucking name. Bring your crazy ass out to the ring on Monday and we’ll see what we can do about winning this fucking thing. But the shit about you being better than me has got to fucking stop. I’m guessing you haven’t watched my career from before you decided to reenter this world of craziness – and I’m guessing that that was because whatever place you were in had four padded walls and a locked door with a slot that they fed you through. But regardless of what most of these assholes around here say, I’m not to be fucked with.

I’m one of the toughest competitors on this roster and I’ve proven that fact over and over again.. Haven’t I guys? Jessica? Got anything to say about that? Yeah you respect me, I get that. And I appreciate it. The number of people around here that actually respect what I’ve done and accomplished is growing and it’s looking like that number is finally eclipsing the number of those who find me to be a has-been and intolerable.

Me? Intolerable?

That’s impossible!

Anyway, There’s a lot going on in this match and I do wish everyone in it the best of luck. Even you Angelica. And I don’t really mean that in a negative way. It’s just.. Your friend Sarah… She’s gotta stop with the fucking pigeons. I still can’t figure out how they carried that coffee mug to my house the other day. It’s getting to be too much.. And well, since you’re her friend, I automatically have to look at you like you’re a part of her evil plot.

I hope you understand.

I don’t. But I hope you do. Blame Sarah. It’s her fault.

My opinion might not be the most popular, but I say we go out there on Monday and we give a big ‘Fuck you’ to ol’ Gabe, Edie and Jet. They wanna book us in this stupid ass match because they wasted their money on having their own show to stroke their egos? Let’s do the exact opposite of what they want.

Whatever that means.

 

OOC: Maggie used with permission!