Post by Ace Anderson on Apr 13, 2006 11:56:16 GMT -5
OOC Note: The following roleplay is set on the night of Wednesday, March 12, 2006.
As I step out of my car and into the parking lot of Boston Garden, dressed in my pressed black tuxedo, I can't help but feel a bit nervous. There are going to be some people in here that I need to impress. It’s hard to imagine that less than 24 hours ago I was in my comfort zone. I Exemplified Byrd and shut the mouths of the speculators and idiots who doubted Ace Anderson. They never learn their lesson, however, tonight isn’t about Ace Anderson. It’s about my father. It’s about me doing something important with my success. Something that would make him proud. Ace doesn't get nervous. It's too bad I do. I adjust my tie, and then I start across the parking lot.
As I walk onto floor level, I notice that there are a LOT of people here. More than I had expected. I guess Mike did his job well. Unfortunately, I don’t feel at all like talking to a million different people, so hopefully I won’t have to. I begin to walk across the floor, and I look up to the stage that they have set up at one end. Lajon and Sevendust are set up, and they are ready to rock out. From what I was told I’m going to give a speech to all of these celebrities, there is going to be some sort of...mingling...unnecessary mingling if I may add, and then the doors are going to open for the public to come in and listen to them play.
A hand grasps my shoulder unexpectedly, and I swing around. Mike is standing right in front of me, and huge toothy grin on his face. “Jason! Good to see ya buddy.” he says to me.
“Yes, overjoyed am I.” I reply, sarcastically, “when am I supposed to get on with this speech? The sooner the better.” I say to him.
“Well, after a little while. The concert doesn’t start until about eleven, and it’s only five. You’ll be happy to know that we’ve gotten some great donations. Twenty thousand from this guy, twenty thousand from that guy. Fifty thousand from one guy. These celebrities love to think that they matter to something. Ever hear of the one second film? You donate a bunch of money to have your name in a 90 minute credit reel. They eat that stuff up. They just love to think they’re involved, it’s kind of sick.” he tells me, taking a deep breath after he finishes.
“You talk too much, asshole. But I am happy to see that we’re getting some donations.” I say to him, as I try to think up an excuse to get rid of him. “I gotta go prepare for my speech.”
I lied my way out of that one, as I walked away practically in mid sentence, giving him a little half wave as I left. I headed right for the bathroom. I didn’t actually need to practice my speech. I’m a professional wrestler, who has never practiced for a promo in his life. I just wanted to get away from the excitement. I’m still a bit anxious. I don’t want to risk Ace’s career. Hell, it’s my career too. It’s a good thing there is no media allowed in here. Halfway to the bathroom, I almost trip over myself, as out of the corner of my eye I catch sight of the most beautiful thing I have ever seen in my life. She has shoulder length brown hair, lips that could hold a thousand gentle secrets, and, as her eyes catch mine, I can almost feel the hole they burned right through me with their intensity. I look away, and don’t look back. What would Ace think of that?
According to Ace, women are the center of all weakness. With Hostile Takeover coming up, and me trying to take out HHW, as well as keep my World Title, how can I afford to allow any sort of weakness? But she’s so damn pretty. I just want to talk to her, even if it doesn’t go any farther than that. It’s all about wondering.
Before I know it, I’m in the bathroom. I drain the main vein, and then I wash my hands. As I’m drying them on the paper towel, I can’t help but think about her. That hair, those lips. The eyes. They stick in my head like an arrow launched from an Elven bow...why am I thinking about Lantlas at a time like this? Hell...my thoughts are everywhere, and in minutes I have to give one of the most complicated speeches of my life. How am I supposed to explain that I just decided one day to start this thing, out of a whim? They’ll think I’m nuts. They’ll take their money back. Hell, it’s almost time. I better get back out there.
I leave the bathroom, and as soon as I get back out to the floor, Mike is waiting for me. He points me to the stage which Lajon is standing on right now. I gotta go up there? Well then, this is going to be interesting. I make my way across the floor to the stage, and I subconsciously hope that I see her again. After reaching the stage and not seeing her, I feel a bit of disappointment, but the show must go on. I walk up the stage, and everyone begins to clap. I reach the microphone, and raise my hands to signal everyone to discontinue their clapping.
I can almost feel the sweat beginning to form on my forehead. This isn’t the same as cutting a promo in front of the camera. When I’m doing that, I’m in my own domain. Here, this isn’t me. This isn’t Jason. This isn’t even Ace. I guess I’m just going to have to make it my domain. This might be easier said than done. “Thank you everyone.” I say, even though it’s obvious that I’m grateful. “Thank you for coming out here tonight, and showing your support. I guess you’re all probably wondering what made me decide to upstart this project, and, I guess the best I can do is tell you the story.” I pause for a second, for emphasis, before I begin to tell them.
“It started with the death of my father. His dying wish was for me to do something of true meaning with my success, to be the best that I can be. This is what I figured out after a while. Helping the people who truly need it, instead of helping myself. The JMS Hope Foundation will recreate the lives that many have lost, without deserving it. I have a great life. This foundation could make great lives for many who struggle to live. Who wonder if they’re going to be around the next day. Contrary to popular belief, we can make a difference, and it all begins with taking a stand.” I pause now, and I scan the crowd, through their applause. My eyes stop dead in their tracks as I see her. Standing there. Clapping her hands. She is smiling. It is such a beautiful smile. Her eyes lock on to mine, and I lose myself within her. It is only a half second zone out, as the sound of clapping hands drown out and I can almost hear the sound of her voice, the voice I have yet to hear, echoing through my cranium. I come back to reality as the clapping begins to die down.
“Thank you all for your generosity, I couldn’t have done this without the help of all of you. Together, we can change the face of the world, for the better. We can change the lives of many, and ask for nothing in return. This is what success was made for. To help those achieve their own success. Once again, thank you, so very much.” I say, as I wave my hand out at the entirety of people standing in front of me. They are all clapping once more, and I walk down from the stage.
People speak at me, congratulating me, thanking me, but for what? Why thank me? They are the ones who should be being thanked. I walk past them all. I have to find her. I just have to know what her voice sounds like. The sound must be so sweet that it isn’t imaginable, yet I need to find out for certain if she truly does have the voice of an angel.
Listen to me. I sound like a buffoon. What happened to the Greatness that was in me? What have I become? I’m normal, that’s what is happening to me. I’m feeling normal things that normal people feel. I’m more than normal. I exceed everyone else at every aspect of life, yet I’m feeling this simple schoolyard-esque crush over a girl that I’ve only seen? Ace would be ashamed of me. Hell, I know he is ashamed of me. But for the first time in months, I don’t care what he thinks. This night is about Jason. It’s all about Jason. It has been about Ace for too long.
I reach her. I now find myself standing in front of her. I don’t know what to say. Hello would be a start, you jackass.
“Hello, I’m Jason.” I say to her. Formality is key. Let’s just hope she doesn’t take you for the asshole you are on television.
Her lips begin to move, and the anticipation surging through me almost pours out of every orifice. It would, without a shadow of a doubt, if it was liquid. “I’ve noticed.” is all she says. At least she knows who I am. Those two words sealed the deal for me. I’m knee deep in desire after just two words.
“What’s your name, if you don’t mind me asking?” I inquire. I can’t bare to wait. It must be a name of pure beauty. There is no doubt in my mind. There is no way a woman of such essence would have a name like Bertha or Agnes.
“I’m Katelyn. Nice to meet you,” she says as she extends a hand. I reach out and take it, and her skin is as soft as anything I have ever grasped that I could associated with soft. All of the softness of the world put into one. If only words could describe. If only thoughts could relate. “You are a very generous man, Jason.” she says to me, as I let go of her hand, and I sink deeper. I still can’t figure out how I am towering over her while I feel as if I’m half way through the floor. She must be about five foot six. I’d give myself about a foot on her, anyway.
She must think I’m crazy, just standing here not saying anything, but she is the one to break the silence anyway. “I think it’s really sweet, this thing you’re doing. Your father would be proud, I’m sure of it. I’m sorry to hear of his passing.”
“Don’t sweat it. I’m sure he’s happy no matter what. He just wanted to see me succeed, and I’m doing everything I can to keep his dreams alive.” I tell her. I still wonder whether or not she has seen the asshole that I am whenever I’m Ace. The side of me I’m starting to resent very much while being here. The side of me that says that everything that I’ve done in the last twenty minutes is totally wrong.
“I’ve seen you on television. You’re nothing like that in real life, thank god.” she answers my question as though she can read my mind. At least she’s not appalled with the way that I act while I’m on the camera. I still don’t know why I’m so hell bent on having this girl be impressed with me. I can’t possibly start a relationship. Especially not with a girl that I just met, that I’ve only talked to for two whole minutes.
“If you’re not careful, I couild be!” I say jokingly. Thankfully she laughs. That would have been awkward if she didn’t. Risks are risks. You try to be yourself but you always wonder what if they aren’t impressed. Proven fact, unfortunately.
This goes on like this for another few minutes, until eventually we break into a full fledged conversation. If I was asked the details, I couldn’t recall. It all seemed to go by so fast. Just a blur of talking, and thoughts, and emotions. On a few occasions I got lost in those eyes. Those intense blue-green eyes. Her brown hair falling around her shoulders, her lips so perfect. By the time they started going around telling everyone that the public would be coming in soon, I was actually disappointed. There was no way I was staying here, however. Couldn’t risk being seen in public. Too many possible fans. Or non-fans, as Ace would like to call them. I turned back to Katelyn, who was looking at my strangely.
“What’s up?” I ask her. She tilts her head to the side.
“Well, the thing is, whenever I imagined who started this whole thing, what my dad was putting his money into, I didn’t see it being you. Not Ace Anderson. I feel so embarrassed to say I’ve watched wrestling before!” she exclaims. I don’t see why it’s so embarrassing. Who wouldn’t want to watch me? Good thing I didn’t say that. Boy am I glad she can’t hear what I’m thinking.
I laugh a bit at this, and I look at her. “Sometimes, you don’t know a person until you really look into their eyes. What you see there could mean everything.”
“Well when I look in your eyes, I don’t see a jerk. I see a guy who cares about things like this, a guy who wants to make a difference. How come you change when you’re on that camera? What’s wrong with being yourself?” she asks me. I’m almost offended. Ace is furious. I hate to admit it, but I love being Ace Anderson. He’s so carefree, so sarcastic, everything that I can’t be in real life without getting my ass kicked.
“It’s fun. That’s really all I can tell you.” I have to tell her the truth. I couldn’t lie to this girl if I tried.
“What’s so fun about being a jerk?” she asks, as if she doesn’t understand. I’m not too worried about that though. Nobody would understand it.
“I don’t expect you to understand, because on some days I don’t either. All I know is, Ace is the side of me that has what it takes to be World Champion. He has what it takes to beat Geno at Hostile Takeover. He has what it takes to beat anybody who tries to take over my place at the top.” I tell her, and this is where she gets a confused look on her face.
“But aren’t you Ace in the first place? So aren’t you the one who has what it takes?” puzzled, is what she is now. As am I. What she is saying seems to make sense, but it is of no matter. Ace and Jason will always remain two separate entities. Ace is the on camera persona that I must take on, and Jason is who I am whenever I’m off the camera, who I’ve always been.
“I have to go now. Maybe I’ll see you around.” she says to me unexpectedly.
“Maybe I can answer your question when I find the answer for myself. Here, I’ll give you my number. Maybe you can call me sometime.” I tell her as I pull a pen out of my inside coat pocket. Without thinking, I grab her hand and write my number on the inside. She laughs at this, and then she walks away from me. I sit there for a moment or two, and then I walk out of the building, nodding at Lajon as I leave the floor. He nods back.
Once outside, I walk over to my car, and I get in. I start it up and I pull out, heading home to go to sleep. Hostile Takeover is in only four days. It’s about time for Geno to meet his breaker. Not his maker, for God made Geno. Ace Anderson isn’t God. He’s better than that. Tomorrow I’ll get a good start on my training for the match. But what if she calls? Would I really blow off training to be with a female? Ace deserves better than that. But what about what Jason wants? It’s always been about Ace. But now, at one of the most important and challenging times of his career, what decision will I make?
Not even I know this yet, even though I should. I have a short drive to think about it, and all night while I’m sleeping in my bed, so I’m not that worried, yet.