Sunday June 9th
A loud commotion is heard coming from the medical area in the backstage locker rooms. After being hit in the head with her own title, Misty's disciples thought it best she get checked out just to be safe. She wasn't bleeding, and was trying her hardest to get away, but her legs were proving to be quite unsteady, so Zane had helped her backstage. SCW nurse, Zoey Carpentar, is trying to examine her, but Misty fights with everything she has.
Zoey: Can one of you please get her to sit still?
Misty: Newsflash, little girl, they don't take orders from you! How many times do I have to tell you that I'm fine! I need to get my damn belt back!
Misty tries to stand up from the exam table, but in a shocking and brave move, Damien places a firm hand on her shoulder and pushes her back down, giving her a stern look. Misty looks up at him with rage in her eyes.
Misty: Damien, what the HELL do you think you are doing? I suggest if you don't want me to break every single one of those fingers, you will take that hand off my shoulder and let...me...go!
Damien: You are clearly in no condition to even attempt to break my fingers, my Queen. You can barely stand! Please, let the young woman do her job.
Zoey stands where she is, tapping her foot against the floor waiting as patiently as she can, but given her current patient, her patience is very low. (Okay, try saying THAT five times fast)
Zoey: I'd listen to your friends, Misty. The sooner you let me examine you, the sooner you can leave.
Misty: Oh shut up! I have my own doctor, thank you very much! I trust his judgement over yours!
Damien: Dr. Lord is back in Las Vegas, my Queen. We are not even heading back to Las Vegas before Into The Void II.
Misty again tries to stand up against their wishes, and she nearly falls forward. Damien thankfully catches her and he plants her right back on the exam table.
Misty: If you people weren't stressing me out so much, I wouldn't be so damn lightheaded right now!
Zoey: Not from what I can tell. From the looks of it, Misty, you could have a slight concussion. I think you should go to the hospital to get a CT scan done to be sure.
Misty shakes her head vehemently.
Misty: No, absolutely not. I don't need a damn CT scan. I've had concussions before. I know what it feels like.
Zoey: If you don't get checked out, you do realize I won't be able to medically clear you to compete in your title match at Into The Void II, right? Anyone who is injured during the shows has to be medically cleared before they are allowed to compete in any future matches.
Misty: I DARE you to try and keep me from competing in that damn match. All it will take is for me to go to Erik Staggs and he'll overrule any decision you make, sweetheart. I'm telling you...I'm FINE!
Damien looks to his Brothers and they all share a concerned look, but none of them knows how to argue with their Queen. Just then, the door to the locker room opens, and the petite and fiesty, Ruby, walks in, holding Misty's Bombshell Championship. Misty reaches for the title, yanking it out of Ruby's grasp quickly.
Ruby: Forgive my tardiness, my Queen. That wretched woman took her time in giving your title back, but I waited as long as was necessary.
Misty: No need to apologize, Ruby. You did your job tonight. Ugh! She got her disgusting finger prints all over my title! That bitch doesn't realize the hell that is in store for her after this.
Zoey: Okay, now that you have your title back, may I please examine you?
Misty clutches her Bombshell title tightly as if protecting it from Zoey. Misty finally nods, and Damien and the Brothers all breathe a sigh of relief and step aside. Zoey steps forward towards Misty, holding her pen light in hand. She clicks it on and looks at Misty.
Zoey: Okay, I need you to follow the light.
Misty glares at Zoey for a moment with a fiery look in her eyes. Zoey moves the pen light back and forth, but Misty's eyes don't follow.
Zoey: Misty? Did you hear what--
Misty: What did you say to me?
Zoey: I need you to follow the light...
Zoey shines the light in Misty's eyes once again, but Misty quickly smacks her hand away, causing the pen light to go flying across the room. Zoey is taken back by Misty's actions, and Misty's disciples look just as surprised.
Misty: Get away from me! I know what you're trying to do!
Zoey: I'm sorry, I don't understand why you're suddenly upset.
Misty clutches her title even tighter, and a paranoid look falls over her face. Ruby takes a step forward out of concern, but she doesn't speak.
Misty: The hell you don't! You're trying to distract me! You're trying to get me to focus on Odette Ryder again when I need to be worrying about Roxi Johnson! You want me to lose the title! You want Roxi to beat me!
Zoey begins shaking her head, looking more confused than before.
Zoey: Misty, that is not what I am trying to do here. You took a nasty hit to the head a little while ago and I'm just trying to do my---
Misty: Liar! You're lying! Roxi Johnson wants my title. She's trying to take my title away from me but she can't have it! Do you understand me! SHE CAN'T HAVE IT!
Misty's voice only gets louder and she jumps down from the exam table. Zoey jumps back a little as Misty takes a few unsteady steps forward, getting right in her face.
Misty: You tell that little bitch friend of yours that the next time she holds MY title, will be the day she pries it from my cold, dead hands! Roxi Johnson will have to kill me to become Bombshell Champion, and that will NEVER happen! Do you hear me?! NEVER!
Misty then shoves her way through them and out of the room. Zoey looks around at the others, still slightly shocked, but she is left speechless. Ruby quickly follows after Misty, concerned for her well being as Zane and Sebastian follow Ruby. Damien and Dante stay behind for a few moments, and Zoey looks towards Damien, as he is the apparent leader of the Misty's disciples.
Zoey: I highly suggest keeping a close eye on her. I'm not sure what that was all about, but if it has anything to do with that hit to the head earlier, she may need to get checked out sooner rather than later.
Damien nods and looks to Dante. They both thank Zoey and head out of the room to catch up to the others. Zoey takes in a deep breath, sighs and gets back to her work.
***********************************
The mood is a very somber and melancholy one, as soft music plays in the background. The building is rather empty, which is a surprise given the reason one should be visiting such a place. The fragrant smell of various flowers fills the atmosphere. Roses and lilies being the two prominent and most recognizable scents, and the quiet sobs of a woman are heard coming from a room just a few feet away.
As we approach the room where the sobbing is heard, we see a woman standing just outside the door. Her long black hair falls past her shoulders and she is dressed in a knee length black skirt and a purple and black corset top. Upon getting a closer look, it is recognized as the Queen of The Damned, Misty, that is standing just outside this room. She is peaking inside the room, with a rather confused look on her face, and as she sees the people standing in the room, she finally takes a step inside, but stops soon after.
Misty: Ruby? Ruby, why are you crying? What are we doing here?
She is quietly thinking to herself that was a stupid question, as towards the front of the room, she sees exactly what she is doing there...what they are all doing there. Ruby is standing in front of a dark mahogany colored casket and Damien, Dante, Sebastian and Zane are seated on two couches off to the side of the room. They are the only ones here as they pay their respects to whoever has passed away, and lays motionless in that eternal bed.
Misty: Ruby...Ruby, speak to me. Who is this person? Who passed away?
Misty gets no response, however. It's as if Ruby is ignoring her, or she can't hear her. Misty looks towards the Brothers, and sees the somber expressions on their faces. It begins to worry her.
Misty: Damien?
No response.
Misty: Damien?! Dante?! Sebastian?! Zane?! Someone answer me, damn it!
Her words go unanswered, and seemingly unheard all together. Misty doesn't understand what is going on, so she slowly begins walking towards Ruby, and the casket in which she is standing over. As she gets closer, her heart nearly jumps out of her chest, and she stops, frozen as she gets a look at who is in the casket.
Misty: This...this isn't possible...
Misty begins panicking as she can't take her eyes off of...herself! There, in that casket, lifeless and sleeping eternally, is Misty...The Queen of The Damned. Misty begins shaking her head as she looks at her lifeless body inside the casket, and pulls at her hair. She looks around the mostly empty room, further confused.
Misty: I...I'm not dead! This isn't my funeral! Guys...I'M NOT DEAD!
As she shouts, trying to get them to hear her, the lights in the room flicker for a brief moment. Ruby and the Brothers lift their heads for a moment, looking around the room with questioning eyes, but they think nothing of it. Ruby finally walks away from the casket and takes a seat near the brothers. Misty approaches the casket, looking on nervously and completely confused.
Ruby: This disgusts me, Damien. More people should be here! She may not have been popular, but where is everyone? Where is her family? They can't even be bothered to bring her daughter here?! It is not right...not right at all.
Just then the arrival of another person surprises them. They turn and look towards the doorway to see "The Italian Stallion", Giani Di Luca, has arrived. He looks slightly uncomfortable, but shares the same saddened expression that the others do. "Ghost Misty" is relieved to see Giani, and she runs up towards him.
Misty: Giani! Oh thank God! Tell them...Tell them I'm not dead!
But Giani doesn't respond either, and he doesn't even look towards Misty. Misty waves her hand in front of his face, but he doesn't even blink. She starts to freak out even further, and is shocked when Giani begins walking forward towards the casket, he walks right through her! Her eyes widen, and she stands there frozen, and Giani stops for a moment, scratching his head. He shrugs it off soon after and approaches the casket, but is quickly met by Ruby.
Giani: Listen, I ain't here to fight with ya, ya feel me? I came here to pay my last respects to Misty...
"Ghost Misty" quickly turns around to watch the confrontation between her loyal disciple and...close friend in Giani Di Luca. Ruby holds up her hand, causing Giani to go silent. Ruby looks to Misty's lifeless body for a brief second, then looks to Giani.
Ruby: I know this, Mr. Di Luca, and I have no intentions of arguing with you. I am actually glad you came. As you can see the room is rather empty which infuriates me to no end!
Giani nods in agreement. "Ghost Misty" watches on, shocked to see the two acting civilized towards one another.
Giani: Somethin' we actually agree on? Never thought I'd see the day!
In an uncharacteristic move, Ruby actually cracks a bit of a smile but she takes a step back, allowing Giani the chance to approach the casket to pay his respects. He lowers his head and closes his eyes, quietly keeping his thoughts to himself. "Ghost Misty" approaches him, standing directly beside him. She looks at him, then back to herself in the casket, and what she sees in her hands surprises her, as she didn't notice it before now. Giani opens his eyes and looks at Misty in the casket.
Giani: I bet she's crackin' a smile seein' the Bombshell title in the casket with her. Kudos for pullin' that one off.
"Ghost Misty" does manage to crack a smile and let out a slight laugh as Ruby walks up and stands next to Giani, her eyes once again falling on her Queen, and the Bombshell Title in her grasp.
Ruby: It was hers and only hers, Mr. Di Luca. She may no longer be with us, but she is and always will be the one true Bombshell Champion, no matter what any of those other women think.
Giani is about to say something in response, when the sound of a woman clearing her throat is heard coming from the doorway. They all turn and look at who is there, and the expressions on their faces reveal that they are not happy with who it is. "Ghost Misty" is especially less than thrilled. The woman slowly makes her way to the casket, with only her back visible and her long dark red hair flowing down her back. Ruby steps in front of the casket protectively, trying to stop her from going any further.
Ruby: What are YOU doing here? You have no ri---
Ruby is quickly shoved away as the mystery woman walks up to the casket, standing there for a moment. "Ghost Misty" gets even more furious.
Ghost Misty: Get the hell out of here! Stop her!!!
It doesn't matter how much she screams and pleads, "Ghost Misty" is helpless in stopping what she is witnessing. The red-haired woman approaches the casket quickly, reaching into it and taking a hold of the Bombshell Title, right out of Misty's cold...dead...hands...."Ghost Misty" lunges forward, just as the woman turns around...
"STOP HER!!!"
Misty suddenly bolts upright in the bed of her hotel room. Beads of sweat drip down her face as she looks around the room, slightly panicked. She turns on the light next to the bed and looks around the room, until her eyes fall on the clock. It reads two thirty in the morning, and Misty sighs, reaching for her phone. Just as she is getting ready to send a message, the sound of a key card being inserted into the lock is heard coming from the door and it swings open moments later. Ruby bursts into the room looking very concerned and her eyes fall right on Misty, and the now fading look of panic on her face.
Ruby: What is wrong, my Queen? Why did you scream like that?
Ruby walks over to Misty's bedside, just as Misty is swinging her legs over the edge of the bed and is taking in a few deep breaths. She still grasps her phone in her hand and Ruby takes a seat next to her.
Misty: It was just a nightmare, Ruby. You can go back to--
Before Misty can even finish her sentence, her phone begins ringing. Misty nearly jumps out of her skin, not having expected a phone call so early in the morning. She looks at the caller i.d and looks confused. Ruby stares at her for a moment, as Misty doesn't answer the call right away.
Ruby: Who is calling you at such an hour?
Misty stares at the number for a moment, blinking a few times.
Misty: I think...I think it's my mother.
Ruby seems just as surprised as Misty, but taps her screen and answers the call anyway.
Misty: Hello?...Surprisingly no, I was not sleeping...Damn it, slow down! What is going on?...When did this happen?
Ruby watches on quietly, given the bad feelings she had for Misty's mother. The feeling was mutual no doubt, but she let Misty continue the conversation out of respect, but grew more curious, as Misty's tone turned more concerned and probing.
Misty: What hospital is she at?...Okay, and what have the doctors said?...I'll be on the first flight there...No, I will call you when I get there.
Misty then taps the screen of her phone again, ending the call. She springs off the bed and begins rushing around the room, gathering her things. Ruby watches with a confused look as Misty tosses her things into her suitcase.
Ruby: My Queen? What are you doing?
Misty: I have to get to Chicago.
Her tone is even more panicked than it was when she woke up from her nightmare, causing Ruby to grow even more concerned. Ruby stands up and walks over to Misty, but Misty is too focused on something else, to even look at Ruby.
Ruby: Chicago? What for?
Misty: I can't talk about it right now, Ruby. Please don't question my reason. I need to get out of here now.
Ruby: Okay. I will go get my bag--
Misty: No. You are staying here with the Brothers. My business in Chicago doesn't concern you, and your presence there will only cause a problem. Just stay here.
Misty darts her head up and glares at Ruby, but quickly gets back to packing. She zips her suitcase closed, as Ruby looks on, baffled by Misty's sudden behavior.
Ruby: My Queen, your title match is less than a week away.
Misty: I don't care about that right now, Ruby! I have to get to Chicago! Go back to bed. I will call you or Damien later when I get to there and explain everything.
Misty doesn't even give Ruby a chance to respond as she grabs her phone and her room key and darts out of the room. Ruby stands there, blinking it utter confusion. She takes in a deep breath and shakes her head, before disappearing out of the room and back to her own room next door.
***********************************
I felt bad rushing out of the hotel like that without offering Ruby so much as an explanation, but I simply didn't have the time, or the mind focus to give her one so early in the morning. The fact is, I need to get home to Chicago, because each minute that passes that I am not there, is another minute wasted. It's funny that I just called Chicago home, but in all honesty, it is my home. It always has been, regardless of where I may be living at the time.
It is no secret that I didn't have the picture perfect childhood, but not many people can say that they did. I was never close to my parents, and to this day, that hasn't changed. Aside from my horrible relationship with my parents, as well as my sisters, I've kept other aspects of my childhood pretty much hidden away from the outside world.
Until now.
I haven't talked about it until now, but there was always a single source of unconditional love and positivity when I was growing up. One person was always there for me, no matter what the circumstance. This person never judged me, or tried to get me to change who I was. She loved me and my sisters equally, and my love for her has never faded.
She is my grandmother.
When I received that phone call earlier, my whole world changed. I was one hundred percent focused on heading to Into The Void II and successfully defending my Bombshell Title against Roxi Johnson. Nightmare be damned, I knew what I had to do. But then I got that unexpected phone call from my mother, and things changed. I may not have any type of loving relationship with my mother, but my Grandma is a whole different story. She needs me, so you bet your ass I am going to be there for her.
I don't know what to expect when I get there, but one thing is clear right now. I have to be strong, not only for myself, but more importantly for my Grandma. My strength will hopefully give her strength. I have no doubt in my mind that this will not be an easy task for me, but all I can do is take it day by day.
Chicago is where I need to be right now, so Chicago is where I am going.
***********************************
The last few hours have been a blur for the Bombshell Champion. She was able to catch a flight back to Chicago after receiving an emergency phone call from her mother, and while it ended up costing her a pretty penny to pay for the flight, money was no object at a time like this. The entire flight to Chicago, there was only one thing going through her mind. There was only one thing consuming her entire mind, and it was the reason she was heading back to Chicago on such short notice. Her grandmother.
She hadn't seen her grandmother in years. It was too long, in fact, and given the reason she was heading to see her at this moment, the regret and the guilt that was playing through her mind was beginning to take its toll on the Queen of the Damned. With her match against Roxi Johnson just days away, this latest development could very well be what finally brings the Queen down. This could be what causes Misty to lose the Bombshell Championship and sending it into the hands of the resident Superhero, Roxi Johnson. This could be it for the Queen of the Damned, and is she thinking about that?
No...she's not. She can only think about her dear grandmother and getting to Chicago in time to see her. The closer she gets to the hospital, the more nervous she becomes and the uncertainty of what she is walking into begins to sink in. She knew the details of why her grandmother was brought to the hospital, but she had no idea the extent of her condition.
It takes just over an hour to get to the hospital her grandmother is at outside of Chicago. Misty had never been to this hospital, as it was just built over the last couple of years and had just recently open its doors in its new location. Regardless, from the outside it looked like an acceptable place for her grandmother to be treated, but she would form a long term opinion once she went inside. After parking her rental car in the lot near the main entrance, she shut the engine off and just sat in the car for a few moments. She takes in a deep breath, gathering herself before she opens her door and walks out. She enters the hospital, walking up to the registration desk and finds out which floor and room her grandmother is at. The receptionist gives her a visitor's pass for the day and she heads over to the elevator, hitting the button that will take her up to the appropriate floor. The elevator dings and the door opens and she steps inside, hitting the button for the appropriate floor and a few moments later, the doors close.
The elevator begins making its way up a few floors, and when it stops, Misty steps out, looking a the signs. She follows the hallway in the directions labeled with her grandmother's room number, and as she gets closer, her heart begins to race. What would be waiting for her just beyond that door? Well, she is about to find out. Misty stops at the nurses station just down the hall from her grandmother's room, and one of them leads her over to the door
Nurse: I'm not sure if you are aware, but there are already some family members inside.
Misty: No, I wasn't, but thank you. I just got into down a little while ago.
Nurse: If you need anything, just press the call button.
Misty nods and the nurse walks away. She takes in a deep breath, puts her hand on the door and slowly pushes it open. She can hear familiar voices inside, and one in particular is more familiar than the rest. When Misty pushes the door open and steps inside, she looks around the room at the four other visitors already with her grandmother, and they all look equally shocked to see her, though it is the look on her sister, Desiree's face that says it all.
Desiree: I'm surprised to see you here...
Misty gives Desiree a silent glare, telling her now is not the time nor the place. The other three people in the room look at Misty, giving her polite smiles regardless.
Misty: There was no way I wasn't going to be here, Des. Bethany...Corey...Anna...it's great to see you three again.
Misty turns her attention to her three cousins sitting on the sofa near the window. They all greet her, and she walks over to her grandmother's bedside, focusing all her attention on her grandmother. It is a hard sight to handle, and she almost chokes back tears as her grandmother turns her head and looks right at her, though Misty can see the distance in her eyes.
Misty: Hey Grandma...How you doing?
Misty has to speak in a raised voice so her grandmother can hear her. Her grandmother looks at her for a moment, then slowly turns her head to look back to Desiree. Her frail condition has no doubt left her in a confused state, and Desiree looks at her with caring eyes.
Desiree: Grandma, do you know who that is?
She turns her head to look back to Misty again, and Misty smiles at her.
Grandma: Yes.
Desiree: Who is that, Grandma?
It takes her grandmother a moment, but she finally opens her mouth to respond.
Grandma: That's Princess...
A faint smile appears on her grandmother's face, but it is only for a moment, and she turns her head once again fading into whatever world her condition has taken her too. Misty smiles again, though she is unable to hold back the tears that have formed in her eyes this time, as a few make their way down her cheeks. She wipes them away, taking in a few deep breaths and tries to regain her composure.
Desiree: I think she has graduated from Princess to Queen now, but yes, that is Princess.
Desiree and Misty both manage to share a laugh before Misty looks at Desiree and nods her head towards the door, silently telling her she wants to speak to her. Desiree nods and stands up from her chair, and the two sisters walk towards the door, as their grandmother appears to focus on the television and the cooking show that is on at the moment. Misty and Desiree step just outside the door to talk.
Misty: Alright, Des...Be honest with me. How is she?
Desiree: How does she look, Misty? She's not good. The doctor was in a little while ago. She had a mild heart attack and is in congestive heart failure, but he said considering that, her heart sounds good.
Misty peaks inside the room at her ailing grandmother and shakes her head. Her grandmother is asking one of her cousin's something about the TV, which brings a slight smile to Misty's face.
Misty: Well the doctor is apparently full of shit don't you think? She looks awful. It's hard seeing her like this.
Desiree: Don't tell me you actually have a heart, Misty? How long has it been since you've seen her anyway?
Misty glares at Desiree as her attitude suddenly changes.
Misty: Don't start that shit, Desiree. When it comes to Grandma, you're damn right I have a heart. And don't give me that crap about me not seeing her in a while, because last I checked, neither have you.
Desiree: Excuse me for being just a tad bit surprised that you actually caught a flight back here, given the fact that you're supposed to defend that title of yours against Roxi Johnson in a few days.
Misty: I'll still be defending my title, Des, don't you worry about that, but I needed to be here. I had to come and see her, and given the condition she is in, I don't regret coming here either. This may be the last time I get to see her.
Misty and Desiree's three cousins then walk out of the room and up to the two of them. Anna looks turns her attention to Misty.
Anna: We're going to go down to the cafeteria to get something to eat.
Desiree: Why don't we come with you? I'm hungry myself.
Misty: You can go with them, Des. I'll stay with Grandma.
They all stare at Misty, surprised.
Desiree: You sure you want to stay with her by yourself? She'll be fine for a little while. She's been sleeping off and on anyway.
Misty: I'm sure. I could do with spending some time alone with her right now anyway. Go on and get something to eat.
Desiree: Okay then. Mom should be back in town in a couple of hours.
Misty nods as she turns her head to peek back inside her grandmother's room. Her cousin Bethany places a gentle hand on Misty's shoulder before the four of them head of down the hall towards the elevators. Misty walks back inside the room, walking around the bed and to the seat Desiree was seated in just a short while ago. Her grandmother has drifted off to sleep once again, but Misty doesn't wake her. She just sits at her bedside, carefully reaching for her grandmother's hand, taking it in her own. Misty watches as her grandmother's chest rises up and down slowly, noticing the clear signs of her labored breathing caused by the congestive heart failure, and the memories that flood her mind, bring her to tears. Misty lowers her head against the bed and lets out quiet sobs, still holding her grandmother's hand, trying to focus her mind on the good memories of the woman who showed her unconditional love, and not the frail dying woman in front of her.
***********************************
I feel guilty for even thinking of leaving at a time like this, but I know I have to leave in just a couple of days. I know my grandmother wouldn't want me to be upset right now and she would want me to be strong, but it is a whole lot easier said than done when the one source of strength you've known you're entire life is so frail and weak right now. It's hard to look at her, wanting so hard for to recognize me or my sister or my cousins, but she doesn't. And things only keep getting worse.
Anyone who knows me, knows I'm far from the religious type. I'm the complete opposite of my grandmother, honestly. Everyone keeps telling me to pray for my grandmother, but if I'm honest, what am I supposed to pray for? She may have lived a long life, but it's hard looking at her knowing that soon, she's not going to be around. I can only dream of living to be ninety-three, like she has, but the thought of a world without my loving grandmother? Not something I can grasp right now.
So, how am I supposed to visit her this short amount of time I have right now, just a few days away from Into The Void II, knowing that when I walk out that door, it could very well be the last time I see her? I've been told to pray for her, but what do I pray for? Can I look at her in the condition she is and pray for her to live...pray for her to get through this so I can have more time with her? It's a selfish thought, I admit. Or, do I pray for her mind, where ever it may be, to realize that it is okay for her to let go?
Or maybe...just both. I'm looking at my grandmother, and I can see how tired she is, and how little fight she has left in her, so whatever thought process is going through my mind right now, one thing is clear...I just want her to be comfortable. If she stays with us longer, I am going to cherish every single second I have with her, but if it is her time to go...I have to accept it...As long as she is comfortable either way. Because seeing her in any other condition isn't acceptable in my mind. The thought of heading back to California if she isn't comfortable will be harder for me to deal with than anything else.
Only time will tell...
***********************************
It has been a long couple of days for Misty, as her grandmother's condition only deteriorates more each day. In her mind, Misty keeps telling herself she can't stand seeing her grandmother like this, but she can't get herself to stay away. Even though her grandmother is so weak now, she can barely open her eyes or stay awake longer than a few minutes at a time, Misty can't stay away.
She is sleeping on the sofa in her grandmother's room, clearly exhausted from the past few days. The door to the room quietly opens, and Misty's mother, Colleen, walks in, taking notice of her sleeping second born daughter on the sofa, before she looks over to her own mother in that hospital bed, silently hoping to see any sort of improvement. Sadly, she doesn't see one and she quietly walks over to Misty. Colleen takes a seat next to her daughter, causing Misty to wake up.
Colleen: You can go back to sleep, Misty. I can tell you're exhausted.
Misty shakes her head then pushes herself up to a seated position on the sofa. She looks over at her grandmother and yawns.
Misty: I'm fine. I wasn't really sleeping anyway. Have the doctors said anything new?
Colleen takes in a deep breath, glancing over to her mother. Misty can tell she is clearly fighting back tears, and for the first time in a long time, she looks at her mother with a very concerned look.
Misty: What? What is it?
Colleen: I just spoke with the doctor a few minutes ago. I caught him on my way in and he was heading here shortly, but I spoke with him in another room. There is really nothing more that they can do for her here, Misty. Medically speaking, they've done all they can, but she continues to get worse. She is basically shutting down internally. Someone from hospice care will be here later to speak with me.
Misty just nods, as the reality she'd been growing to accept these past few days was finally confirmed. Her grandmother wasn't getting any better. Her mother begins to sob and goes to hug Misty, but Misty pulls back, standing up from the sofa.
Misty: Don't...I...I can't be here right now. I'll be back later.
Colleen: Misty...wait...
But Misty doesn't listen. She just dashes out of the room, ultimately heading out of the hospital and to her rental car. She roars the engine to life, and speeds off out of the parking lot and away from the hospital.
***********************************
Before my mother even told me what the doctor had said, I knew...I knew that she wasn't improving, and that she wasn't going to. I thought I was the only one accepting the reality that my grandmother was dying, but the way I reacted at that moment said otherwise apparently. I had a weak moment, and I knew that I couldn't let my grandmother feel that negative energy, because she has been everything but negative my entire life. So, I temporarily went as far away from that hospital as I could, while still being in the area.
I knew where I was going. It was a place I hadn't been for several years, but given the situation, it was the right moment. I had to go to the cemetery where several of my family members were laid to rest...
Where just six years ago...my Aunt...my grandmother's first born daughter, was laid to rest. I had to go there...
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Misty's rental car pulls into the front gate leading to the cemetery just fifteen minutes away from the hospital. Several of her family members were buried here, and soon, her grandmother would be as well. It had been a while since she'd been here, and she tried to remember the area of the cemetery she was looking for, but she followed the areas that were familiar to her and that jogged her memory, until she found the right place. She parked her car along the edge of the grass, shutting off the engine and stepping out of the car. She walks over the grass past all of the graves until she finds the first familiar grave, looking down at the gravestone.
Misty: It's hard to believe it's been nearly six years since you've passed...
Misty stares down at her aunt's gravestone as she speaks.
Misty: I wasn't sure I could ever get myself to come back to this place, if I'm honest. I've never been one to deal with death easily, even when I know it's coming. You're passing was proof of that.
She recalls the time six years ago, when she was leave from her career, when her aunt was terminally ill. The cancer was taking a toll on her body, and the weaker she got, the harder it was to see her like that. Not so different from what was happening now.
Misty: When you got sick...the doctor's said we'd be lucky to have you around another six months, but you proved them wrong, didn't you? You kept fighting, and you lived another year and a half. You fought for so long, didn't you? You were so tired, and before the cancer came back, you told Bethany that if you had to do the chemotherapy or the radiation all over again, you wouldn't...but you did. You kept fighting...
Misty chokes a bit, once again fighting back the tears.
Misty: And all the while, you still took care of Grandma...You watched over her, even though you were sick, and you took care of her. So where are you now? I know you can see the condition she is in, and how can you stand it?! I may not be the picture perfect person of this family, but sitting back and watching her like this just pisses me off! You were supposed to watch over her! You were supposed to make sure she didn't go like this, but look at her now.
Misty falls to her knees over her aunt's grave, as the anger really starts to kick in.
Misty: She lived with you for so long, and when she outlived you...it broke her heart! Seeing grandmother cry isn't exactly easy, but its nothing compared to what I'm seeing her go through now. You're supposed to be her Guardian Angel...You and Grandpa.
Misty lifts her head, looking behind her to another grave about ten feet away. She composes herself and gets back to her feet, and walks over to the grave, looking down at it.
Misty: I never got to meet you, Grandpa....You died before I was even thought of...You died when my mother was just five years old, but I know you've watched over every single one of us, Grandma especially...Or so I thought. You were the love of her life, and she was yours, but where are you now, huh? Where are you now?!
Misty chokes back tears as the anger is fueled even more.
Misty: I was at Grandma's bedside the other day...She looked right at my mother and do you know what she said? She asked her, clear as day, when is your father going to get here? She's waiting for you, Grandpa...She's waiting for you to come for her, but where are you? We are all sitting back, watching her in pain...watching her go through this...and you haven't come for her yet. She wants to go, Grandpa...She's ready to go, but you're not here for whatever reason.
Her face flushes red as the tears begin to stream down her face.
Misty: How the hell am I supposed to be strong for her right now? How am I not supposed to be angry, when I'm sitting back, watching her die right before my eyes, knowing she's ready to go, but she's stuck...she's stuck hanging on, and you're just letting it happen!
Misty wipes her tear soaked eyes and cheeks and takes in a deep breath.
Misty: I may call myself the Queen of the Damned, and think everyone on this planet is damned in some way, but hell if I think that about my Grandmother! You know as well as I do that her soul is anything but, so why does SHE have to go through this? What did she ever do to deserve this fate? Why couldn't she simply fall asleep and pass peacefully in her sleep instead of having to suffer like this? Why was all of this intended for her, huh?!
She kneels down, running her hand over the grave marker over her grandfather's grave. Directly next to it, her grandmother's name was already there, though one date was yet to be filled in...Misty closes her eyes, knowing it wouldn't be that way for much longer.
Misty: I've accepted the fact that she's leaving us, but what I can't accept, Grandpa, is if you even allow her to suffer...She doesn't deserve it. She is the only one who doesn't deserve it! I know you can hear me...I know, where ever you are, you're watching and listening to me, so I'm going to make this plain and simple...I'm on my knees...I'm begging you...Stop letting her suffer! I don't know what your reason for waiting is...but please...just stop! Let her go peacefully, because I'm leaving tomorrow, and I can't walk away knowing she's in pain or uncomfortable...I can't do it.
Misty lifts her head for a moment when a car drives down the gravel road past her car and to another part of the cemetery. She takes in another deep breath, wiping away the last of her tears before getting back to her feet. She brushes a little bit of dirt and grass from her knees, regaining her composure.
Misty: I mean it, Grandpa...Don't let my last memory of her be one where she is in pain, because if it is...People are going to hate me worse than they do now. Mark my words...
Misty looks at the grave marker one final time before she turns and walks away. She doesn't stop at her aunt's grave again, but heads back to her rental car and leaves the cemetery, knowing she would be back sometime in the foreseeable future.
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My Grandfather and Aunt must have been listening somewhere, because before I left the next day, I stopped to see my Grandma for what could be the last time. She was still hanging on, yes, but she seem more restful. She was sleeping more, growing less and less responsive, but the fact that she was no longer clearly in pain when someone simply touched her, made me feel a little more at ease. It still wasn't easy watching her fade away, but as long as she was comfortable, it was easier to deal with. But it was still hard leaving, not knowing what the future holds...
***********************************
Earlier today Misty's grandmother was released from the hospital, and transported back to the nursing home she called home for the past five years. Her condition hadn't gotten any better, and she would now be under hospice care during her final days, however long that would be, away from the hospital. The nurses on her floor were getting her settled back into her room, and in her bed, and Misty waited just outside the door, along with her mother, Colleen. Misty's flight back to California was later this evening, and she wanted to see her grandmother before she left.
A few minutes later, the nurses walked out of the room, signaling it was okay for the two to head back inside. Her mother thanked the nurses she was all too familiar with, and Misty headed into the room before she did, walking over to her grandmother's bedside, pulling up a chair. Her grandmother was sound asleep, a pillow underneath her legs to prop them up just a bit. Misty reached for her hand again, grasping it gently.
Misty: Okay Grandma, I have to go today. I don't want to, but I've got an important match in California, and I know that you wouldn't want me to miss it, right?
Misty speaks to her grandmother, knowing she won't get an answer. Misty's mother walks up behind her, staying just a few feet away.
Misty: You just keep resting, because I know you're tired, Grandma. This rest is what you need the most, but I want you to know that you don't have to keep fighting if it's not what you want, or if you don't have the strength to do it anymore. I'll understand, and while I admit it'll be hard and I will shed some tears, it won't be because I'm sad for you, okay? You fight as long as you want to keep fighting, and go when you're ready to go.
Misty smiles a moment as she notices her grandmother's eyes open a bit, and she looks right at Misty. Misty's mother walks up behind her, smiling also.
Misty: Hey, there are those eyes...Do you know who I am?
Misty's grandmother nods.
Grandma: Yeah...Misty...
The words are quiet and a bit raspy, but Misty can understand them, and she smiles again as the tears form in her eyes again. Shortly after, her grandmother closes her eyes again, quickly drifting off to sleep.
Misty: It's okay...You can rest now, but I'll see you later, okay?
Misty doesn't expect her grandmother to answer, but a hushed "okay" escapes her grandmother's mouth, and Misty smiles once again. Misty lightly pats her hand, and stands up from her seat, letting her grandmother rest again, before she turns around to face her mother.
Misty: I can't stand leaving her when she's like this...
Colleen: I know...I know...But we're just in a waiting game right now. She's in good hands here, and I'll be by every day to check on her, and so will your Uncle Roy. Go do what you have to do and just take it easy...this is hard on all of us.
Misty: You call me if anything happens. I don't care what time it is, day or night.
Colleen: That's what I did the other morning, wasn't it? Don't worry, I'll call you if anything changes. Just get back to California and get some rest before Sunday. Try not to focus on this right now.
Her mother goes to hug her again, but again, Misty pulls back. She holds a hand up and shakes her head.
Misty: Not there yet, Colleen. This doesn't fix things. I'm here for her...not for you.
Misty's mother nods, though the disappointment is clear in her eyes.
Colleen: I understand...
Misty: I've gotta go...I'll see you later.
Misty looks at her grandmother one last time, her expression frozen and almost numb. She sighs, then turns and walks out, knowing the waiting game will wreak havoc on her mind. But she is bound and determined to focus her mind on the one thing she can use as the best distraction from this hell she was currently in..
...her match against Roxi Johnson...
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The past few days have been far from easy. My mind has been in a million different places, and the stress I have been under has been unbearable at times. I haven't slept much...I've lost my appetite at times, and I've felt physically sick sometimes also, but I have to change that. I have to turn things around, because not only is what I need right now, but it is what my grandmother needs. It's time to lift my head up, and be strong for her, and to live each day as best I can, because its what my grandmother would want.
I'll admit I've only been focused on her this entire week, but I need to distract myself from that thought process, because I know if I continue to worry about a situation that is out of my control, it'll bring me down and I can't allow that...so I need a distraction.
Roxi Johnson...I know what you are probably thinking. You're probably thinking that I'm fooling myself going into this match now, with everything going on. You're thinking that I'll walk into that ring on Sunday, defending my title against you, and my mind won't be there. I won't be focused on our match, but if that is what you are thinking, you are very wrong. You see, when we step into that ring on Sunday, YOU will be the distraction I need from everything going on around me, and that isn't good for you, sweetie.
I have a lot of pent up anger and frustration right now, and you will be the center of attention, Roxi. You want to take something that is mine, and I'm not going to allow it. You may think you're ready...You may think you stand a chance, but what you don't realize is that I'm at the most dangerous right now. My mood is highly unpredictable...highly unstable, and you...you could get very hurt.
Think back to two weeks ago when you hit me over the head with my title, Roxi. Think about it long and hard, and what you did afterwards. You held the title up, as if you have just won it...as if you just defeated me. You were trying to send the message that you would be the one to end my reign as Bombshell Champion, but you know what that did, Roxi? Seeing you holding my title in your hand just pissed me off more, and made me more determined than ever to prevent that from happening.
You may have earned this shot, Roxi...You may deserve it, but my time as champion is FAR from over, do you hear me? You think you are ready to lead the Bombshell Division, but you're not...You're not ready unless I say you're ready, understand? But, let me be honest with you...shock you perhaps...
You see...my world was turned upside down earlier this week...I'm losing the one person in my life that keeps me human, and while I can accept that fact of life, because it will eventually happen to us all, what I won't accept...what I can't accept...
...is losing the Bombshell Championship to you.
I can't control my grandmother's fate, but what I can control...what I will control this Sunday...is the fate of the Bombshell Championship. I can control how I choose to let everything effect me, and the fact that you are so bound and determined to take it from me, has me hell bent on stopping you, but not because I think I'm better than you, because that isn't the case. Oh no, that is not why.
Let me be honest with you again, Roxi...There were a few times over the last couple of weeks where I thought you could very well be the one to end it all for me...to finally be the one to take my title from me. I've been more than confident going against every other opponent thus far in my career, but you, Roxi...You've thrown me for a loop, and I'll tell you why.
Because I never know what to expect from you...You've been the most unpredictable opponent I've had thus far, and no amount of confidence can change that. I've seen the fire in you since you've shown your desire to be the Bombshell Champion, and it worried me...I've watched you fighting and clawing your way to get this shot that you deserve...Yes, I said it...But I can't allow it, Roxi. I can't let you take the Bombshell Title from me...Not now.
It's the one thing that is trying to be taken from me that I can control right now, and you better believe that I'm going to fight with everything I've got to keep it in my possession. I'm going to fight to remain the Bombshell Champion, because it is who I am. I was dangerous before, Roxi, but come this Sunday...I'll be at a whole new level.
A new Hell is upon you and everyone else, Roxi...and your fight to finally end my reign of terror will be unsuccessful. The good that you fight for...the people you are trying to save from my reign over the Bombshell Division...will still be in the same situation they were in before. With me as their Queen and the Bombshell Champion.
And it's not because I think I'm better.
It's because I KNOW I'm better...
This Sunday at Into The Void II, Roxi...The Queen's reign WILL continue....Because any other outcome just isn't acceptable. See you soon, Crab Girl...
**END FEED**
