March 2, 2021 – Santa Barbara
In the days following the gauntlet match, it was nice to just take a break and catch up on life. But soon enough, it was revealed that I would be tossed into yet another once in a lifetime opportunity of a match. I was picked by my old friend David Helms to compete in an 8-person scaffold scramble match. Win, and I’d get another shot at the world title. It was an incredible chance to right the mistakes I’d made over the past few months. But it was also a challenge that anyone would be fortunate to survive and win. I knew I’d need to be ready. My warm up was slated to come in the way of a tag match with Cookie against a team that was never in the tag league. A new opponent, even if the names themselves were not new to me. So Cookie and I headed to an actual gym to get ready. With Dave’s gym still putting the finishing touches on, we traveled to our old favorite Ante-Up. I wasn’t sure what to expect in the gym. It had been awhile since I’d been there. It was obvious that I was Team David in the whole fallout, and I don’t think Tommy took too kindly to my outburst when he got a world title match in the fall. Neither he or Kandis seemed very impressed when I called him unworthy. But that was months ago now. Everything had changed now. We had nowhere else to go.
As I expected, Cookie and I got stares when we walked in. No doubt it was Cookie drawing the most attention, but some of the old staff were still around. They’d become Tommy loyalists no doubt. So we kept to ourselves where we could and found a corner.
Cookie: I think people finally stopped looking at us. You must be a huge star now.
Jordan: What? How do you figure this has anything to do with me?
Cookie: Well, your show is probably gaining you lots of new interest. And why not? I thought it was pretty good.
Jordan: It hasn’t even debuted!? How did you… were you watching a different show entirely and you thought it was me?
Cookie: Uhh…
I laughed and rolled my eyes at her.
Jordan: Truthfully, they’re staring at you. Ethel, I think your sports bra is like two sizes too small.
Cookie: Actually it might be three… I think it’s yours.
Jordan: Wait a second…
I took a step closer and placed a finger on the side and studied the garment for a moment and then stepped back with my hands on my hips.
Jordan: Why are you wearing my clothes?
Cookie: It’s probably because I mixed our laundry together. To get a bigger load.
Jordan: Why would you do that? And how could you not tell?
Cookie: I don’t know, but that explains why these shorts are riding up my ass, too.
I put my face in my palm and shook my head as I laughed. I regained composure and stepped up to a heavy bag and threw a couple punches as Cookie stood by and watched. Out of the corner of my eye I caught Cookie staring at something and I couldn’t help but try to see what she was looking at.
Jordan: Something up?
Cookie: Is that… the reporter from the other day?
Jordan: The chick from Entertainment Weekly?
Cookie: Yeah…
I turned away from the bag completely and saw who she was looking at. Sure enough, Adriana Oliviera herself was sitting on a bench lifting a small weight with her right arm. It couldn’t have been more than 5 or 10 pounds. I looked at Cookie and shrugged.
Cookie: Kinda weird for her to be here.
Jordan: Is it? It’s a public gym. I’m not surprised she would be here.
Cookie: I don’t ever remember seeing her before. Plus, she’s been looking over here.
I threw a few punches and rolled my eyes.
Jordan: You always think everyone is looking at us.
Cookie: I’ve never said they were looking at us. They’re looking at me obviously.
I stopped and leaned against the bag and glared at her.
Cookie: But in this case, she’s clearly looking at you.
I turned around once more and looked Adriana’s way. I caught her glimpse and she quickly looked away. I turned back to Cookie and smirked.
Jordan: Perhaps your right. Not sure why she’d be here though.
Cookie: Who knows. Maybe she’s following you!
I gave Cookie a huffy laugh and rolled my eyes.
Cookie: Speaking of people hanging around like that, what’s going on with Sierra?
Jordan: I don’t know. I assume she’s taking care of her sister or something. She mentioned Sienna was back in LA.
Cookie: Probably needed a break from swamp twat down there in Louisiana.
Jordan: You get mean when you talk about them. You know that right?
Cookie: Maybe you don’t get mean enough?
We stared at each other for a moment but neither one of us said anything.
Cookie: Anyway, just thought it was a little weird that she hasn’t been around.
Jordan: You don’t hear me saying something about Vihaan not being at the house.
Cookie: Yeah, well, I’m not sleeping with Vihaan.
Jordan: I’m not sleeping with Sierra.
Cookie stopped in her tracks, her eyes went big, and then she leaned in closer.
Cookie: Hold up. Wait a minute. You need to clarify this for me for a moment. You and Sierra haven’t… you know?
Jordan: How hard is it to say sleep together after you’d just said it?
Cookie: Well I was going to say fucked, but there are children around!
I turned and looked around. Adriana was looking again and turned away. There were definitely no children here.
Cookie: Don’t take this the wrong way, but that seems very odd for you. Like, it seems like you sleep with partners very quickly.
Jordan: I don’t appreciate what you’re insinuating there.
Cookie: I have no idea what you mean!
Jordan: Uh huh… here’s the deal with Sierra. She’s never been with a woman before. Especially not in that way. So I was taking it slow. And I was taking advantage of taking it slow because we all know I move too fast sometimes.
Cookie: See, even you can admit it.
Jordan: I’m surprised you even asked about her. It was so obvious you didn’t like her.
Cookie sighed and crossed her arms.
Cookie: It has nothing to do with Sierra specifically. It’s just that I don’t understand how you can forgive them for what they did to you.
Jordan: I don’t know. I just… I guess I have.
Cookie: You have every right to hold a grudge. They tried to manipulate you into endorsing them to take your brother out. I know your family situation is complicated, but you have no reason to ask anyone to take out your brother. And now it’s like… you’re one foot out and one foot in. First you got back with Jaina or whatever that was. And now you’re dabbling with the idea of Sierra. These are bad people.
Jordan: They’re not bad, they’re just–
Cookie: Kylie. They’re bad people. I don’t want to be someone drilling it into your head because that’s how they operated. With me, you’ll always be free to make any decision you want. I will support you even if I don’t necessarily agree with your choices. That’s why even if I don’t like Sierra, I’m not going to tell you not to be with her if it’s what you want. I just want you to be careful.
I let out a sigh and looked away from Cookie and shook my head. I didn’t even know what to say. I didn’t feel like I was flirting with danger or playing both sides as Cookie seemed to think. I was just trying to make my way through the world.
Jordan: Well, here’s the thing. I’m not too worried about what’s going on with Sierra because I’ve got a lot of stuff to figure out right now with this TV Show. Like, it has become a big part of my focus. Other than us making sure we win those tag titles sooner rather than later. I’ve honestly never cared more about something in my career than making sure you and I could see this journey together through to the end.
Cookie: Did you just change the subject on me instead of addressing this head on? That’s such a Kylie move.
Jordan: Hey! Actually, shit… I just realized I forgot to check in with the studio about who they were interested in signing from the SCW roster.
Cookie: You’re still trying to change the subject…
I laughed as Cookie stepped past me and threw a few punches into the heavy bag. I looked beyond her and caught Adriana looking our way again. She looked away and I smirked.
Jordan: Be right back.
I walked along the outside of the wall and made my way toward the other side of the gym where Adriana was lifting her weight. Every time I’d looked she was lifting the same wait, flexing her right bicep over and over. I approached her out of view, and ten watched as she looked in the direction of where Cookie and I were training. Her eyes grew wide and she seemed to be searching the gym for where I had gone. Inexplicitly, it seemed Cookie was right. She WAS watching me.
Jordan: Might wanna increase your weight after a while if you’re working on that bicep.
Adriana jumped and dropped the weight to the floor as she turned to see me. I watched as the 5-pound dumbbell rolled away on the floor.
Jordan: You’re not going to get all that much done with just 5 pounds. Unless you’re trying to get one hand larger than the other.
Adriana: J-Jordan? What are you doing here?
Jordan: I believe what I’m doing here is called working out. How about you? What are you doing here? Because it doesn’t really look like you’re here just to work out…
Adriana: I’m not sure what you mean. I’m just here to work out.
Jordan: Yeah, what’s this gym called again?
I tilted my head as I watched her and waited. She took a moment to think about it, opening her mouth and then second guessing herself. Then it seemed like a lightbulb illuminated above her head. I watched her demeanor gain a bit of confidence as she smiled.
Adriana: Listen, it’s not my first time at Pony Up.
I laughed, I might have even snorted when I laughed. It wasn’t just a fail on her part, but a bit of an epic one.
Jordan: Well, you got one word right. But it wasn’t the important part of it. This place is called Ante Up. So explain what you’re doing here.
Adriana: So maybe it’s my first time working out here. So what?
I looked at her stuff sitting nearby. She hadn’t even made an effort to put her stuff in the locker rooms. Her notebook was just spilling out of a backpack.
Jordan: Here to ask more questions?
I gestured to the notebook and she leaned down and stuffed it back in the backpack.
Adriana: What on earth makes you think that? My story is done.
Jordan: You’re a terrible liar, boo. I’m just not sure why you’re lying to someone you barely even know.
Adriana: You know what!? I don’t have to put up with this kind of accusation.
Adriana leaned down and grabbed her stuff and huffed as she bumped into me and walked toward the front doors of the gym. I scratched the back of my head in confusion. Wondering what the hell just happened.
Cookie: Weird.
I jumped and turned to see Cookie standing right next to me.
Jordan: Damnit! I hate when you sneak up on me like that!
Cookie: What just happened?
Jordan: You know… for once I have no idea.
Cookie: For once? Name one time you’ve ever known what just happened.
Jordan: What!?
Cookie: Exactly!
Jordan: Why are you being a bitch to me today?
Cookie: Hey, what? I’m not being a bitch. Does it make me a bitch to want to see you be successful in life?
Jordan: Is that what we’re talking about here? I can’t tell you what this weirdo was just doing in here?
Cookie: Have you thought about getting some additional training in something like… awareness?
Jordan: Ok, Ethel. Clearly this bitch was spying on me. Why? I have no idea. Maybe she thinks you and I are secretly fucking on the side and she wants the inside scoop.
Cookie: Eww!
Cookie scrunched up her face and stuck out her tongue.
Cookie: Although…
I watched as she raised a brow and looked slightly up like she was thinking about it.
Jordan: You’re not supposed to think about it like that with me standing literally a foot away.
Cookie: Or am I…
Jordan: Anyway, hopefully she doesn’t spy on me again.
Cookie: Yeah. Although what can you do about it? Call her mom?
Jordan: I don’t know her flippin’ mom!? I would call the magazine.
Cookie: Oh! That makes more sense.
I shook my head and laughed.
Jordan: Let’s just hope this isn’t one of those things that seems to happen to the rest of the SCW roster where a small piece of personal information gets into the press and grows into this huge deal with wide-ranging implications that affects the future of the industry as we know it.
Cookie: What did you say to her anyway? To get her all riled up?
Jordan: Heh, she told me she works out here all the time. So I asked her the name of it. If you can believe this, she told me the name of the gym was Pony Up.
Cookie: Wow, what an idiot. Everyone knows this place is called Living Dangerously Dojo.
Jordan: Dude, this is Ante Up. That other place isn’t even open yet?
Cookie: This is Ante Up? I was wondering why it had a certain… aesthetic to it.
Jordan: Oh, big word! But what do you mean?
Cookie: It looks like… Tommy threw up on the walls and then Kandis rubbed her butt on it to spread it around.
Jordan: Well… good point.
Cookie: Come on, we have real work to do. Plus, I rented a freeway billboard to train you for that scaffold match.
Jordan: Uh, what!?
I followed Cookie back and continued training, but I couldn’t help but wonder what the hell was going on with that reporter. Had I become some sort of target of paparazzi because of the show? Or was this something different entirely. Was she trying to get more from me than she immediately let on? And was Cookie intending to put me out of my misery on the side of a Los Angeles freeway? These were all questions I desperately needed answers to. But for some reason, it didn’t seem likely that I would be getting them anytime soon. That’s just the way my life rolls.
March 6, 2021 – Los Angeles
Cookie and I had a successful venture back into the ring together, taking care of Vengeance with ease for the most part. They were more concerned with the shenanigans on the outside of the ring. When Cookie and I left, I couldn’t help but think about how I hadn’t been hearing back from Sierra enough. A few days after we got back home, a voice in my head was saying ‘fuck it.’ I got a ride to the place where I knew Sienna lived. When I got there, I encountered an immediate obstacle: I’d forgotten it was entirely gated. Vihaan was worried, convinced I was trying to break into some secret facility. He drove down the street. I saw him watching me with binoculars from a distance. I walked along the perimeter looking for a spot to enter the Swann compound and decided on a spot near the back.
I struggled to get my footing at first as I pulled myself up the wall, but when I reached the top I lost all balance all together and fell 10 feet down to the ground. I landed on my face with a thud and heard an immediate reaction from someone and looked up to see Sienna sitting up in a chair near her pool. I took a quick mental note to not make that mistake in the scaffold match. I stood up slowly and put my hands up in a show of no harm. We stared at each other for what felt like ages before anyone said a word.
Sienna: What in the hell do you think you’re doing here!?
Jordan: Uh, Sienna… hello.
She stood out of her chair quickly.
Sienna: Give me one good reason why I shouldn’t call the police before I kick your ass for the third time. Breaking into my backyard? Are you literally insane!?
Jordan: Listen, I knew you wouldn’t let me in the gate because, well, you obviously hate me…
Sienna: Why are you here!? What do you want from me!?
Jordan: I’m actually not even here for you at all.
I started making my way toward her and her pool and she bent down and grabbed her cell phone from a nearby table.
Sienna: I don’t have time for this nonsense. I don’t know if you’re been mixing pills and booze again or you’re high on drugs like your mom, but you’re definitely out of your mind coming here.
She was backing up slowly toward her house. It was beautifully crafted of mostly glass. You could see into all of it from the backyard. Looking up, I caught Sierra standing and looking straight toward me. She was shocked. Her eyes were as big as saucers. I swore I saw her mouth a few obscene words.
Jordan: I’m not here for you, actually…
Sierra suddenly dashed away from her spot and started toward the door to the pool area.
Sienna: What?
Sierra came dashing into the backyard and stood next to Sienna.
Sienna: Sierra, call the police and then get Xiomara for me. We’ll keep her here until they come to arrest her. Jordan is clearly under the influence of something.
Sierra: Actually… I’m pretty sure she’s here for me.
Sienna: What!?
Sierra: Because I haven’t responded to her in a few days while I was helping out around the house.
Sienna shot Sierra a quizzical look. She put her hands on her hips as I approached slowly from around the other side of the pool.
Sienna: Why would you be talking to Jordan?
Sierra: Well, I… that’s a good question. Jordan?
Sierra made a face and looked at me. I laughed to myself. I knew this was going to get us both in trouble. Maybe Sierra more. I looked at Sierra and tilted my head.
Jordan: You really want me to tell her?
Sienna: What the hell is going on? Just tell me!
Sierra swallowed hard and looked down. Then she nodded to me.
Jordan: So, please don’t kill anyone here. But Sierra and I have been dating.
Sienna: Oh my god! OH MY GOD!
Sienna had her hand on her chest. She turned and stared a whole through Sierra, who was smiling as innocently as she could while Sienna burned a hole through her skull with her laser eyes.
Sienna: You’re fucking her? Of all people?
I laughed quietly to myself, but loud enough that Sienna glared my way for a moment.
Sierra: I don’t know what to say.
Jordan: I do.
Sienna: Well this ought to be rich then.
Jordan: We’re actually not fucking at all. We’ve kissed, sure. But I haven’t been pushing anything like that. For once, I was taking my time. And I like your sister. I like her a lot. So I was trying to respect what she wanted and try to make sure that she was comfortable. But I haven’t heard from her in a few days and I wanted to be sure that she was ok.
Sienna looked at me with some skepticism. She turned to Sierra, who shrugged and nodded.
Sierra: She’s not wrong. Before you moved back to LA we spent just about every day we could together, but I’ve been worried about you and I wanted to make sure you were ok, so… I haven’t been talking to her as much.
Sienna looked between us. She had one brow raised as she looked back and forth. I could tell she was utterly confused. For the moment, I went on like it was just me and Sierra.
Jordan: All you had to do was just say something to me. I’ve been worried that you were ghosting me.
Sierra sighed.
Sierra: In a way I was. I started to think that the easy thing to do might be just ignoring things until you gave up. But then you showed up here like some crazy person and hopped over my sister’s wall.
Sienna: She didn’t hop. She fell on her face like she usually does.
I rolled my eyes and looked away. I don’t even know how Sierra responded to it. I looked back and shook my head.
Jordan: I only did that because I cared enough to make sure things were ok. If you wanted to end things, you could have just told me. I don’t think I’m that scary. I’m not that hard to talk to. But… message received. I understand.
I looked at Sienna and smiled.
Jordan: Really sorry for breaking in, no need to call the cops. I’ll just be heading out.
I turned away from them both and let out a sigh and then started walking back to the wall where I climbed over. I couldn’t believe I had gone to this trouble. It sucked. Why couldn’t she just tell me?
Sienna: Wait!
I stopped and turned around slowly.
Sienna: At least go out the front gate.
I looked down and started laughing as I changed courses and started walking toward the front of the house. I looked over to see Sierra looking down and scratching at her arm. I could feel myself frowning. It just plain sucked.
Sierra: Ok, stop.
Sierra came running toward me and grabbed me and pulled me in for a kiss. I was completely caught off guard. Was this a break up of a short-lived thing or was there still some hope?
Sierra: I can’t believe you just showed up here you crazy bitch. I’m probably gonna get kicked out of the house now…
She grinned and shook her head and then pressed her lips against mine again. Sienna had apparently made her way over to us and folded her arms on her chest. We both looked at her.
Sienna: So let me get this straight. Nearly a year ago you decided you wanted to go to war with me, threw everything I’d done for you in my face, and made my life hell for months while I dealt with some of the most personal shit of my life. And after all of that… you two are apparently dating now?
I shrugged, Sierra laughed, and then I looked at Sienna.
Jordan: I don’t know what to say here. It just sort of happened.
Sienna: When?
Jordan: December?
Sienna: Oh, so conveniently right after you stopped fucking Jaina and ruined your last relationship.
Sierra: Sienna!
Sienna: I’m just saying!
Jordan: It’s ok, boo.
I smiled at Sierra and pulled her in close.
Sienna: Let me just say that this is a little weird to me because never, ever did I get any idea that my sister was into women. I’m not disappointed that she is or anything, don’t get me wrong. But why did it have to be you?
I laughed and shrugged.
Sierra: Seriously, Sienna!
Jordan: It’s fine. I get it. Believe me, the last thing I ever imagined was this happening. Or you ever finding out about it. But I would much rather you know then you find out about it months down the line and getting pissed at Sierra. Because she’s not doing anything wrong. I’m the one that went after this. I’m the one that asked her out until she said yes. So, as always – and I’m sure you’re surprised by this – it’s my fault.
Sienna: Of course it’s your fault.
Jordan: And I know you probably still hate me, but I frankly don’t care about all of that crap anymore. I like your sister, and all the grief from you is worth it.
Sienna shook her head at us and then sighed.
Sienna: Honestly, I can’t believe I’m going to say this… but I’m ok with this.
Sierra: What!?
Jordan: Holy shit… did I just die? Is this a dream?
Sienna: Don’t try to be funny. The thing is, if Sierra is happy and no one is getting hurt, who am I to judge who she’s with? I’ve spent so much time being judged for everything I do these last few years. It’s ridiculous. So this time I’m going to be the person that doesn’t judge and I’m going to put my feelings about Jordan aside and I’m going to say, go for it.
I was genuinely shocked. I felt my skin was probably pale white in the surprise I was very clearly wearing on my face. Sierra was the same way. We had debated ever telling her. We had even considered calling off the relationship because of her. Never, in a million years, did we expect this.
Sienna: But I need to say one thing. I love my sister more than almost anything on this earth. And if you hurt her like you have hurt so many others before, you better believe I will be there to hurt you far worse than I ever did we were in the ring together and I was stomping your dreams to dust.
Jordan: Yeah, but I still got up everytime. Before you and–
Sienna: Don’t test me. I just opened my arms to you and I told myself I would never do that. I told Bree I would never invite you back into my life. Consider this your one chance with me. Do not mess this up.
We stared at each other, making strong eye contact. I nodded and then looked down at her hand. I hesitantly extended my right arm out toward her and then looked at her again.
Jordan: Truce?
Sienna: We’re good. Sierra, make sure you show her through the gate when she leaves. Although I have to say, seeing you fall from the top of my fence to your face was a rewarding experience…
I rolled my eyes and let out a soft laugh.
Sienna: Good bye, Jordan.
Sienna turned and left us where we stood as she headed back to the house. Waiting at the door for her I saw Xiomara looking on. She had the same kind of shocked look on her face that Sierra and I were wearing just moments ago. I turned to Sierra and scratched the back of my neck.
Sierra: You idiot! What were you thinking showing up like this?
Jordan: Pssh… isn’t it obvious? I was only thinking about you. I had no idea what would happen when I got here. And then I got here and I realized I had no plan for how to get in here.
Sierra: I’m glad you came. I didn’t want you to just give up, but Sienna was going through some stuff and I needed to be here for her too. My family is very important to me. If you and Sienna were going to have an issue, this was never going to work.
I smirked and brushed some hair out of her face.
Jordan: You heard her. If we have an issue she’ll just beat my ass again.
Sierra rolled her eyes at me and shook her head while I laughed.
Sierra: If what she said is true about you climbing that wall, maybe you should get some specialized training on climbing.
Jordan: Jesus… first Ethel and now you.
Sierra: What use are you to me if you just tumble off that scaffold and break your neck? I don’t need to be taking care of a concussed sister and a paralyzed girlfriend.
Jordan: Oh, so you’re my girlfriend now?
Sierra smiled and looked down.
Sierra: I just said it, didn’t I?
Jordan: Yeah…
I smiled and bit my lip. I could feel my cheeks turning red.
Jordan: Don’t worry about me. I’ll take care of myself. And if I get hurt, Cookie will push the wheelchair so you don’t have to break a nail.
Sierra: Shut up! Don’t act like I couldn’t take you in the ring, too!
Jordan: Oh? Is that right?
I playfully shoved her a little bit and she cocked her head sideways like she was giving me a non-verbal warning. She still bore that smile though, the one that told me we were just playing.
Jordan: So, what now?
Sierra: Now…
Sierra leaned in and kissed me again. She let it linger. When she broke the kiss, she leaned her forehead against mine.
Sierra: We have nothing to hide. Nothing to be scared of.
She moved to look into my eyes. There was a peace coming from her that I hadn’t felt before. In some way, Sienna must have had a slight hold on Sierra. She cared deeply about what her sister thought. For that reason, I had complicated things. What if Sienna had been angry with her? It made sense that she was now feeling a certain sense of… serenity? Ok, maybe a bad word given my history with a certain member of the Lohan clan. Sierra and I had both gotten a certain weight off of our shoulders by addressing this first hand. I wasn’t sure I would stop being shocked about how Sienna had reacted. It was very Sienna-like, but then… not at all. That hatred between us, it had seemed to dissipate in the very area around us. It was a new day between me and Sienna. But finally, Sierra and I could maybe give this a real chance.
March 10, 2021 – Downtown Los Angeles
I got a sort of random message from Dave Helms on a Tuesday. Apparently he thought we needed to talk about something. I tried to pry it out, but he insisted any conversation take place at his new gym. I figured it was about time I gave it a visit, signed up for the new place, and saw what he did without my money. With Kath squarely on my mind in the past, I had offered the man money. This time he wanted to do without a partner. I respected the decision, I suppose. I hitched a ride from my trusty steed, Vihaan, and made my way down to the Living Dangerously Dojo. A strange name, but maybe Dave was planning on churning out a few of those MMA fighters. Maybe he saw himself as a Mr. Miyagi. Wow, has Cookie taken over my inner thoughts? The place looked nice when I walked in. And then my eyes fell on the million-dollar smile of the former SCW World Champion himself.
David: Jordan… when I said you should come by soon I didn’t realize you thought that meant the next day.
Jordan: Well, wanted to see the place for myself. It’s nice. Fresh.
David: New paint can do that for a place. You telling me Ante Up was never this nice?
Jordan: It smells.
David: Well, take it up with the manager?
Jordan: Don’t really care to associate myself with douchebags if I don’t have to.
David gave me a bit of a look. I didn’t know him enough to know what it meant, but it seemed like he had an opinion he didn’t know exactly how to share. He gestured for me to follow him and began walking away. I followed him into an office of sorts. It had a simple, yet neat layout. Again, just a fresh look. Dave sat down at a desk and pushed his chair back, propping his legs up on the surface in front of him. I sat down across from him.
David: I took the liberty of getting you all signed up already. So you are officially a member of the Dojo.
Jordan: So…?
David: So?
Jordan: You said you had something you wanted to talk with me about. I’m just dying to know what it is.
David: Right, so where to start. Listen, doll, I’ve noticed that you seem to be a little out of sorts. I wanted to check in and make sure you’re still focused on the right path?
Jordan: I don’t understand…
David: So, what was it, last week? I logged on to social media and I saw you getting into it with Asher Hayes.
I rolled my eyes and leaned back, letting a sigh escape me.
David: Ok, that’s it right there. Just the mention of that and you seem… different.
Jordan: Different how?
David: You know what I mean. That sigh, the eye roll… the language you were using with him… I’m not going to pretend you’re some angel or the most innocent person on the planet. That would be disingenuous toward you. But I wonder, is something going on with you?
Jordan: I mean… nothing is going on, Dave. I’m just fine. Nothing has changed. I was just being honest with Asher.
David: And let me say, I don’t necessarily disagree with all you were saying about him, it’s just…
Jordan: Just that what?
David: I haven’t seen that kind of hatred and vitriol coming from you. At least not for a long time.
Jordan: Oh… you thought I was being hateful?
David: Well, after that I wasn’t sure. But then you and Jason got into it a bit. And I’m pretty sure you were about to say something about Amy before I stepped in.
I smirked. A little bit of laughter escaped from deep within my lungs. Dave didn’t seem impressed by the reaction. He seemed more confused than before. I shook my head and looked at him.
Jordan: Why the sudden worry about little old me?
David: Little old you?
Jordan: I’m just wondering, because I think things are fine. If something was wrong, I’d expect Cookie to tell me. Or someone else.
David: That’s just the thing. Kathryn told me if it weren’t for her sending you a message last week you might have continued with the things you were saying about Asher. That’s why I knew stepping in could stop you from going further with Jason.
Jordan: What… is this? Some sort of intervention on behalf of the whole Helms family?
Dave stared at me for a minute and let the silence hang between us.
David: Does it need to be?
Jordan: Oh, fuck off with that.
David: Excuse me?
Jordan: I’m fine. Why is everyone concerned about me? There’s no reason to be concerned about me.
David: I know you’ve got a lot of things going on. I know firsthand how that can feel. On top of stuff in the ring and your movie or whatever, the stuff with Kath just–
I put a hand up to stop him and he suddenly went quiet. I looked down and shook my head.
Jordan: I’m not sure that you and I should talk about that.
David: And why not?
Jordan: She’s your ex-wife. She’s the mother of your son. I’m sure you have opinions about what went down and, yeah, you’re entitled to all the shit you think about me as a result of that.
David: Just, even trying to look at it from an outside perspective – as far away from it as I could let myself be – it doesn’t make sense. You and Jaina… you aren’t even together.
Jordan: So?
David: So what you and Kath had was just nothing then?
Jordan: Dave, I’m not going to talk about this with you. It’s too personal. Ok?
He leaned back as far as he could in his chair. Then he nodded.
David: Just so you know, Jordan. If anything is ever going on. If you need someone you can talk to. You can talk to me.
Jordan: I’ve got plenty people to talk to.
David: Wow! Ouch?
Jordan: It’s nothing personal. I owe you a lot. You flew me all over the world with your family just because your ex-wife was with me. You’ve helped me train. You put me in this match instead of using the cash in for yourself like most people would. But, I don’t feel right about counting on you for anything. Why would you want to help me after everything I did? Just helping me prepare for Bree gave her something to use against you. I’m not worth it. I’m not worth the trouble I’ve caused you and your family.
David: Jordan, stop. You’re a good person. What the hell is going on?
I tightened my grip on the arms of the chair and stared at Dave. After a moment of thought, I smiled and stood up and walked out of the office. I headed immediately for the exit of the gym, walking by a few rings and some equipment. I let my fingers trail across a heavy bag as a voice sounded out from behind me, stopping me from going any further.
David: Hold up!
I turned on my heels to face him. He stopped about 15 feet away from me and put his hands on his hips.
David: Seriously, doll. What is going on with you? And don’t just say nothing. It’s obvious something is on your mind and you’re just not saying it. You’ll feel a hell of a lot better if you just come out and say it.
Jordan: Why does something have to be wrong? Why can’t I just be living my life?
David: If this is you living your life, then something changed.
Jordan: Something changed? Sure, I know you’ve been paying attention enough to know that a few things have changed.
I shook my head.
Jordan: But you’re sticking your nose into my business for no reason. I don’t need you worrying about me.
David: Hold on a minute. You’re the one that came to me the first time and made it my business to stick my nose in. You told me things that were going on. Both physically and mentally. You asked for advice. We supported each other. You even offered me your two cents on things that were going on for me. Yeah, our relationship is made more complicated because of what happened between you and Kath. But that doesn’t change the fact that I view you as a friend. It doesn’t change a thing between us where that’s concerned. So because I thought you might be going through something, I wanted to talk about it.
I turned toward the heavy bag and pounded the bottom of my first into it and sighed. I shook my head at my own thoughts and then I looked at Dave and I smiled.
Jordan: I’m glad to know how you feel about me. But I don’t need your help. I don’t need your sympathy right now or your advice. I don’t need that from anyone. Nothing anyone has given me has helped lately, so it’s time I do it on my own.
I nodded to myself one more, pounded the bag lightly and then took a step back and put a hard right into the bag before looking back at David and making my way to the exit.
Jordan: Nice gym…
David: Jordan!
I headed through the doors and out to where Vihaan’s car was, opening the door and stepping inside. I closed it as Dave opened the door and watched us pull away. I leaned back into my seat and caught Vihaan’s eyes looking at me through the mirror.
Jordan: What?
Vihaan: You look a little flushed… is something wrong?
Jordan: Nah. Everything is just perfect, V.
Vihaan: Did you just… you know… with Mr. David Helms?
Jordan: What!? Gross, Vihaan. Shut up and drive the car.
Vihaan: That handsome son of a bitch! I’ve only seen you look like this one other time, Miss Jordan. I waited outside to pick you up and you were late. I almost left. But you came out with crazy hair and your clothes all messed up. And red, just like right now.
Jordan: Fuck! What are you? A detective now? I pay you to drive!
Vihaan: I am a driver. Unlicensed psychiatrist. An amateur pilot. The future owner of your best friend’s heart.
Jordan: Eww…
Vihaan: You shut up! Cookie will be mine!
Jordan: I’m not in the mood for this, V. I’m really not.
Vihaan: I am also personal investigator. I got my license from a reputable website I found on Google.
I rolled my eyes at his stupidity and leaned against the door to look out the window as Vihaan drove us away from the gym. I was pissed that Dave had called me down here to question if something was wrong with me mentally. Clearly my mind was fine. Maybe something was wrong with his mental state. To even question me? It didn’t make a lot of sense to me. Who was he to think something was going wrong in my mind when he had better things to worry about. And why even worry about me at all. I had people to count on, and I didn’t need to count on David Helms right now. I had better things to worry about. Like winning a scaffold match, and then waving the world championship in front of his face when I won it. Heh, not a bad idea actually.
March 12, 2021 – Los Angeles
With my flight for Retribution coming up in a day, and my show dropping on Netflix on Sunday, I made a trip back to the studio to get answers to a question that was weighing on me. I’d left Tim a few messages and voicemails, but our trusty director seemed to be avoiding me. Maybe he was worried it was going to be like some of the discussions in his office. Maybe he was just flat out staying away from that sort of confrontation. Vihaan and I made the trek and I walked in to some surprised looks from some staff members who were more than likely already preparing for the Season 2 Netflix expected to be ordering within the week. There was always the off chance, of course, that the whole slow fell flatter than me climbing over Sienna’s wall. But the hope, the expectation, was that this would continue. I made my way through the corridors and to Tim’s office where I found him sitting down and looking at the very phone that I’d tried calling.
Jordan: So, you have been avoiding my calls.
Tim jumped when he heard my voice and then quickly put his phone in the top drawer of his desk like I was oblivious and might not see it.
Tim: Jordan, uh… hey. What’s up?
Jordan: You know what’s up… I’ve been trying to call you for weeks at this point.
Tim: What was that about again?
Jordan: Are you being serious?
Tim: To be honest with you, I never listened to the voicemails.
Jordan: What!? Why!?
Tim: I didn’t want to deal with whatever is going on. You’re supposed to tell your agent and she’s supposed to call the production people… you’re supposed to follow the procedures.
Jordan: Yeah, but you and I both know my agent is total shit and I thought we were friends.
Tim: Are we though?
Jordan: Apparently not!
Tim: I’m more of like… your boss. So even you being here right now and doing whatever this is, well, it’s highly unprofessional for sure. You could be fired for something like this.
Jordan: Fired for coming to work?
Tim: Yeah, but you’re not on the schedule.
Jordan: I didn’t know this like McDonald’s now, christ.
I rolled my eyes and let out a sigh as I leaned down against his desk.
Jordan: I only had a question. I’m not here to harass you.
Tim stared at me for a moment. He leaned forward and folded his hands together, and then he smiled. He leaned back and his smile seemed to grow into something of a cocky grin.
Tim: I know what this is about.
Jordan: Do you?
Tim: This is about the new cast member for Season 2. The one we’re teasing with the mid-credit scene. How did you find out? Did your agent actually tell you?
Jordan: No, some chick from Entertainment Weekly spilled it to me.
Tim: So what did you think? Did we make a right choice?
Jordan: Tim… I don’t even know who it is.
Tim: Holy… you’re kidding me!? That agent really is the worst. How about I just show you the scene?
Jordan: Or, how about you just tell me who it is?
Tim: Nah, this is going to be too much fun. Come on. Follow me.
Tim got up and walked past me. I followed him through the maze of hallways to an area where a few guys were sitting around chatting. They were surrounded by various monitors and equipment that I’d never seen before. I wasn’t familiar with any of it, nor what it does. Both men turned to their computers as we approached in a sort of pretend we’re busy kind of way. Tim laughed.
Tim: No worries guys. Can you pull up the finale credits scene for Ms. Majors here. She feels out of the loop.
Jordan: Does anyone else not know?
Tim: I’m not sure that many of the cast know much yet. They sure don’t know him.
Jordan: Him?
Tim smiled at me and folded his arms together.
Tim: Back after we shot our final scene you were meant to stick around. Apparently your agent didn’t tell you that. So we had a phone meeting that day with some reps from SCW. We asked if they had any other talent they would recommend for a role. We explained the role to them, and a guy named… uhh.. Dan Black?
Jordan: Dean?
Tim: Right! Well, he had an idea for us. So we met with the guy and his reps. We pitched the idea and he was sold. We told your agent that we wanted you to be a part of that meeting, too, but I gather you never heard.
I shook my head and then put it down in my hands.
Jordan: I really, really need to fire Karen.
Tim: Well, probably. But… since you didn’t ever respond or show up, we assumed yes and just pushed forward. So for Season 2 we have our antagonist. The mastermind behind all the stuff that happened in the first season. Even if the characters don’t know it.
Tim took a que from one of the guys at the computers and he gestured to me to look at the screen.
Tim: Take a look…
The video started and showed a burned down area of a city. The fires still burned as a camera panned in to show the back of a man standing with a large sword at his side. He pulls the sword up and sheathes it as his long hair waves in the wind. The sounds of the fire grow louder as the camera starts to move on him. A fairy flies in and lands on his right shoulder. A voice in the distance yells out an indistinguishable word and the man slowly turns around and looks at the camera. Instantly, my jaw dropped. Blue eyes I’ve seen a thousand times stared at me. The makeup made him look different, as did the color of his long, mousy hair. But there was no doubt who I was looking at. And I couldn’t believe it. The scene faded out and went back to the credits. I was speechless.
Tim: Personally, I think Chris Cannon will be a great addition to the show.
Tim gave me a pat on the back and walked away as I stood there. Chris Cannon was now my co-star on Grimm’s Tales.
What. The. Fuck.
Promo
A shot opens in a dark room. A figure is seen coming into the picture and sitting down. An arm is barely visible as a click sounds and a lamp illuminates Jordan Majors sitting in the chair. She pulls her arm back down into her lap and looks at the camera.
Throughout my wrestling career, opportunities have come and gone. But rarely have they ended with me standing in victory. And now, another opportunity is placed at my feet. Another opportunity not that I earned, but that was given to me by means of a friend or acquaintance. Earned opportunities for me, well, they’ve been few and far between. If I win, I have the chance to challenge for the world title for a third time. But only the first time I’ve truly earned it. This is a chance for me to have my moment in this company. I have failed over and over to prove that I truly belong with the top talents of SCW. But always, I’m someone else’s moment. I’m always taking the fall for someone else to be built up. I’m that wrestler that is constantly within an eyelash of having their moment of glory. And I’m fucking tired of it.
Jordan leans forward and stares directly into the camera.
People have been asking me if something is wrong. They want to know if there’s some issue that’s causing me to speak my mind instead of sitting there quietly like the good girl I’m supposed to be. It’s because I’m tired of being the doormat. I’m tired of being someone else’s path to the top. Seven other people in this match are going to tell you all about how they’re going to win this and beat the world champion and hold that belt up high. And I’m just supposed to be the one that says thanks again David, while I get back in line and hope, just freaking pray, that another opportunity comes along. Fuck that! Why not me? Why not Jordan Majors earning her way to a world championship opportunity? I want it. And I don’t care what I have to do to get it.
She leans back and crosses her arms.
This match… it’s different. The winner of this doesn’t become a champion. They earn the chance to become a champion. I haven’t earned the opportunity to fight for a championship in a year. That’s right. It was Retribution 2020 when I defeated Asher Hayes and Marie Williams for the Adrenaline Championship. It’s my only taste of gold in SCW. It slipped away a month later. I haven’t earned a title shot since. I was granted a world title match by the fans. I was included in Ace Marshall’s gauntlet. But only one other time did I even have the chance to earn a title shot. And I’m tired of it. I’m tired of being passed over when I know I’m good enough. It feels like it’s because I’m not out here fighting for it. I’m not screaming at the top of my lungs and demanding that Sasha give me what I want. Maybe it’s my fault for going with the flow. But I’ve busted my ass in this company at every turn and what do I even have to show for it? Is my legacy just that I gave people trouble in the ring, but they always put me away in the end. I want more than that. I NEED more.
Jordan folds her hands together and looks down.
I have some sort of history with almost everyone in this match. Aaron knocked my ass out. Ace was a mentor to me. Blake and I have some of the same kinds of “old friends,” Datura stood by my side at Trios, Giovanni and I seem to have this strange connection, Konrad and I have battled, and Ricky believed I cost him his shot at a title opportunity at the end of the year. There’s very little that separates the eight of us. But only one of us can win this. That means someone has to be willing to go beyond themselves and do anything it takes. Sure, they’ll tell you that they’re going to do it. But I will do it. This isn’t about them. It’s about me. David Helms selected me for this because he views me as some sort of friend or prodigy, or I don’t even know. But by selecting me he has already chosen the destiny of the other seven in this match. I don’t care what I am to you or what you think about me, each one of you are going to suffer the same fate. Each of you WILL lose and you will recognize me as the No. 1 contender to the World Championship.
Jordan brings her eyes up to the camera and then she nods to herself.
I keep asking myself, how many chances will I get? How many more handouts will I need before I get this opportunity. And then I think to myself, if I lose this… is this it? Am I watching my career slowly die before my very eyes. Is my destiny just to be that nice girl they like to cheer? The fun one they wish they could be friends with? The lovable one that always comes up just a bit short? That’s not enough for me, and it never will be. Maybe they’ll hate me for what I’d be willing to do, but I have no issues being called a bitch. I crave this too much to just be content with taking the backseat and watching the rest of the world walk the steps to the top of this industry. I don’t want to be forgotten, I don’t want to just fit into the mold of this company. I want to reshape it. I want to change it. I want to be at the top. I know I’m not alone in that frustration. I’ve seen what the likes of Chris Cannon and Glory Braddock have done recently. If they can do it, I damn well can do it too!
She leans back in her chair and lets out a deep sigh.
I don’t want to be a role player in SCW. I want be one of THE players. I can’t escape the feeling that my back is against the wall here. I either sink or I swim. There’s no guarantee that anything will be left for me if I don’t win this match. I can either remain in the status quo, winning just enough to be relevant without getting to that next level… or I can chart a new path right now and never look back. The choice is obvious, isn’t it? This is what I have to do. I don’t want to forever be known as the star of tomorrow. I need to be the star of today, tomorrow, the next day… of right the fuck now! So no longer will I wait. No longer will I take my time or be patient. No longer will I simply play by your rules. It’s my time to shine, and I refuse to accept any other option than that. Maybe that means people don’t like me as much anymore, but it’s not about them either. It’s only about me.
Jordan smirks and then she shrugs.
Call me selfish, call me whatever words come to your pretty little minds. But just know that I mean every word of what I’ve said. You better all thank Helms for the privilege of getting to share this moment with me when I turn my career in the right direction. When I end this slow death and revive with a pure shot of adrenaline that changes everything forever. Every preconceived notion you might have about me, you can forget about it. The idea of failing at this, it scares me. I don’t know who I’ll become if I fall short again. This pent up frustration and anger inside of me, it’s just burning at my skin. I feel it demanding to be let loose and given an outlet. This is a side of me that I’ve long kept to myself. But my patience is running thin. The only option is winning this. There is no other choice.
She leans forward toward the camera and she folds her hands together as she stares into the camera again.
On Sunday I will ascend to the top of that scaffolding, and I will reach up and I will pull my destiny back into my hands. The last year of scratching and clawing just for nothing to come my way, it will be at an end. I WILL earn my way to a shot at the SCW World Championship and there’s not a damn thing a single one of you can do about it. I’ve failed before. I can’t fail again. I can’t be that person that just exists here. This is my moment. This is MY turn. Finally, I will step into the spotlight and earn my spot at the top of the world. I don’t care who walks out of Retribution as the World Champion. They’re just another obstacle until the rightful queen takes her throne. I’m not a bad person. I have absolutely no intention of becoming another one of these wrestlers who go out of their way to make everything about them and play the victim at every decision that doesn’t go their way… but in a match like this? There’s no perks for being a wallflower. Sometimes you have to fight fire with fire. I can’t play nice and just sit around waiting and hoping anymore… I have to act and take what I want for myself. I’m going to take my opportunity at the title this Sunday. Even if I have to destroy every other person in that match. You don’t have to like it, but you won’t have any choice but to accept it. You can take that to the bank. Because this bitch is money.
Jordan doesn’t blow a kiss or wink like she usually does, but she reaches over to the lamp and pulls the cord to turn out the light as the video comes to a sudden end.
Everything You Wish You Could Be 