Post by Deleted on Apr 10, 2006 17:03:20 GMT -5
The morning did indeed come without a warning. The sound of birds, so sweet and beautiful began singing a colorful melody. This was what I like best about morning, this here, lying in my bed, looking across watching the one I love sleep softly with her head snuggled against the white feathery pillow. I listened as the sound of her deep sleep reminded me of my father. I would run into his room and watch the breathing patterns of his stomach, each breath he took made a different sound. I always loved sitting here next to her. Watching her made me forget about all else in the world, because when I was with her the world stood alone, and I for one wasn’t going anywhere.
It wasn’t long before Julie headed for work, and I to the gym. The days were long, especially without rehab and other medical arrangements worked into my day. My morning is basically waking up and having my breakfast, going to the gym, coming home exhausted, having supper and going to bed. Exciting? I know it is, but every moment I’m awake I keep thinking about that gold prize, the North American championship. With only two weeks left, I knew I must keep positive and train myself mentally if I was going to beat Non Compos Mentis. The challenge isn’t mentally; it’s also a physical challenge which is why I now find myself standing outside the local gymnasium.
The car door slams shut, as Benjamin Banks collects his gear from the back and walks into the Miami local gym. As Benjamin walks into the entrance, a man from the back yells out “Benjamin Banks? Is that you?” Benjamin looks to locate the man, and quickly he turns back at the worker standing to his left now. “Did you hear that?” Benjamin asks the worker. The worker just points in the direction of the man standing behind the desk. “Wow, is that you Sean?” The man replies “Yes, what’s going on, how’ve you been?” “Not to bad, what are you doing here, in Miami?” The man now recognized as Sean steps around the counter and meets with Benjamin as the two shake hands and then sits down.
Sean- Benjamin, so I heard your back into that wrestling shit again. How is that going for you?
Benjamin- You know that “shit” is going pretty well. I have a North American championship match set at the PPV. I am looking forward to that, you should get it. It’s going to be a riot!
Sean- You know I hate that shit, wrestling in my life is over. I’m never going to go back into wrestling. Ever since 02, I wasn’t able to even look at WWE while flipping through the channels.
Benjamin- Well what if you just go to the bar on thirty second and eighth street. They always have the events on, free of charge.
Sean sits up from his seat and looks back at Benjamin with a look of anger on his face.
Sean- I told you, I can’t do it so please stop pestering me with this shit.
Benjamin just sort of nods his head and uses his arms for leverage to lift himself up from the seat.
Benjamin- Well it was nice to see you, I enjoyed having out chat. We should hit the bar after this game. Even better, you still play cards right? I will pick you up at 9 ok?
Sean- Yah man, I am always up for some poker. Be at my mothers around 9 or whatever.
After Sean made his exit, Benjamin changed into his gym clothes and began to workout. When Benjamin finished his workout it was around 2 pm. The day was still young as most people were out working. This left hardly ay people out on the streets, so Benjamin decided to simply head home and wait to pick up Sean. Benjamin found his car in the parking lot, climbed in while setting his gym bag in the back seat and drove off. While Benjamin was on the highway back to his home, a radio broadcast was alerting the people of Miami of a hazardous storm heading their way in the next few days. Benjamin looked into the sky watching the clouds form into familiar objects and animals. While looking back to the read he seen a roadblock up ahead, this meant it would be another 20 minutes to get home. Benjamin signaled left and cut onto the exit on rout to upper Miami. Benjamin just continued on, looking at the beautiful scenery while driving faster and faster. The time was not 2:30. Benjamin could now see the turn off onto his street. Once Benjamin arrived at his house, he decided to rest for a bit. But, before he could do that he would shower and clean himself up. Just in case he awoke around 9 and there was no time for a shower. After the shower, Benjamin climbed back into his bead a rested his head on the pillow directly across from that of his girl friends. Time began to pass, as Benjamin found himself growing tired so he closed his eyes and fell into a deep sleep.
As I opened my eyes I looked around the room trying to situate my clothes and the time. It was now 7:46 and Sean would be ready at 9, which only left me time to clean up and perhaps take another shower. No, I will take another shower. Benjamin cleaned himself up and then hopped into the shower once more. By the time he was ready it was 8:30. It would take Benjamin approximately 20 minutes to get back in town. So with little time to waste, Benjamin walked out to his red corvette got in and pulled away. The way back into town wasn’t as long as it was coming in. The highway was now open which would buy Benjamin quite some time. This way he wouldn’t need to rush himself. Once Benjamin arrived at Sean’s house, he sounded the car horn. Sean shouted out which signified that he would be another few more minutes. Benjamin just waited and once Sean walked out he then noticed a slight hunch in the back of Sean. Benjamin got out of his car slightly and asked Sean the obvious question. “What is wrong with your back?” Sean just waved his hand which explained to Benjamin that it was no big deal. Benjamin got back into his car and allowed Sean to step in.
Sean- Man, this back thing is fucking killing me!
Benjamin- Well, I think we should have gone another time. What happened though?
Sean- Oh nothing, I walked into my house and tripped. No big deal.
The minute after Sean said what he said, Benjamin noticed something wasn’t right. Sean usually wasn’t this way, the last time he remembered Sean being like this was when he was in his slump during the wrestling career. Benjamin just sort of nodded as the two of them drove off. When they arrived at the bar Benjamin got out and watched Sean struggle himself out of the to some extent low convertible. Benjamin asked Sean if he would like some help and Sean quickly snapped back at Benjamin. Benjamin just looked back towards the front door and headed in the same direction. Sean dragged himself behind; Benjamin knew he would get the truth from Sean. It was going to take some drinks and a lot of questions. As the two sit down they exchange with old stories, and drink back a few cold ones before Benjamin begins his questioning.
Benjamin- So Sean I know you don’t like talking about this but I need to know. You didn’t hurt your back walking into your house. Something else happened, something nobody knows about.
Sean quickly cuts in.
Sean- Look I told you that I wasn’t going to tell you anymore. I don’t see how me telling you is going to change any of the fucking facts. I hurt my back, and no it wasn’t the reason I explained to you briefly before. I won’t tell you so stop asking!
Benjamin continues to drink from his beer, although he is drinking a lot faster and in larger gulps now. Before long both Benjamin and Sean are drunk are literally drunk with laughter. The two have forgotten about what Benjamin had mentioned earlier. Time continued to drag on when Sean now with a concerned look on his face says to Benjamin “I think we should go home now Benjamin.” There wasn’t anything Benjamin could say to this request. He just looked down at his watch noticing it was only 11pm. This seemed very strange that someone would go home only 2 hours after arriving at a bar. Then again, Benjamin was feeling a bit tired and he knew his wife would be just getting to bed right now anyway. Benjamin calls for a cab and the two await it out. Benjamin assigns someone to bring Benjamin’s car to his house the following morning. So this way Benjamin had nothing to worry about. During the wait Sean doesn’t say a word, he just moves his head back and froth to the sounds of the music blaring through the speakers stationed all over the room. Benjamin turns to Sean and is about to say something but then he notices that Sean isn’t in any mood for conversation so Benjamin makes he act for talking to Sean a simple movement for Benjamin to call for some nuts. The cab arrives shortly, Benjamin and Sean both get in while Benjamin tells the driver where the first stop would be. Once the driver stops at Sean’s house, Benjamin holds Sean’s are back before he can leave the car. Sean turns back with a pale look to his face.
Benjamin- Listen, you can’t hide something just because you know people don’t think you should do something you love. Look where that has gotten you with wrestling. I don’t understand you now man. I love you no matter what. So please, let me know your secret and I will promise to never tell a single person.
Sean hunches himself out of the car and begins to rehearse Benjamin a lovely dance. Sean is seen spinning in the air and performing insane dancing stunts. Sean then stops and looks over at Benjamin. Benjamin just stands in aw. During a minute moment of silence Benjamin begins to clap. Sean just smiles and in a few words says. “So now you know. I’m a ballroom dancer.” Benjamin walks up to Sean as notices that Sean is now crying. Something Benjamin hasn’t seen before in his life. Sean crying is like it snowing during the hottest day of a summer day. Today it must have been June 22nd because what once never existed became a reality. “Keep your head up, you’re a beautiful dancer a good one at that. Why are you crying?” Sean looks up and replies “because I’m gay. My parents won’t except the fact I like men rather than woman. Why do you think I came here instead of going back home?” Benjamin doesn’t say much more because he is in complete disbelief. Sean was the type of person who would get all of the woman after wrestling events. He would have a list let alone a few here and there.
Benjamin- Yours status doesn’t change who you are Sean. You need to be true to who you are and never let the opinion of someone else change the way you live your life. You need to approach your parents instead of allowing them to talk to them. Show them you want them in your life.
Sean- I know what you’re saying, it’s so hard though. Everyday I get up and look at the phone but I can’t find it within myself to call them. I always wonder what they are thinking.
Benjamin- Well if I was you I’d get some sleep and in the morning call your folks and see what they are up to. Maybe show up if you know what I’m saying.
“Yeah, I think I’ll do that. Thanks a lot Benjamin.” Replies Sean. Benjamin gives Sean a hug goodbye and gets back into the cab. The cab driver then asks Benjamin the way home. After arriving at the Banks residence, Banks walks into the house and tries not to make a sound. He creeps up the stairs and into his room. He unchanged quickly trying not to awake Julie. He slips into the blankets and turns towards Julie who is now awake looking into Benjamin’s eyes. The two look each other I the eyes until Benjamin gets closer and delivers a soft and gentle kiss. Julie offers a kiss to Benjamin as the two doze off. Minutes later Benjamin wakes up just to see *his wife to be* for the first time. He touches her shoulder as she wakes up and smiles at Benjamin while he reaches under his pillow and pulls out a black box. Julie quickly jumps from her rest position. Benjamin gets on one knee and reveals the ring hidden inside the box. Julie accepts the ring and the engagement. They both kiss each other and fall beneath the covers as the scene fades to darkness.
It wasn’t long before Julie headed for work, and I to the gym. The days were long, especially without rehab and other medical arrangements worked into my day. My morning is basically waking up and having my breakfast, going to the gym, coming home exhausted, having supper and going to bed. Exciting? I know it is, but every moment I’m awake I keep thinking about that gold prize, the North American championship. With only two weeks left, I knew I must keep positive and train myself mentally if I was going to beat Non Compos Mentis. The challenge isn’t mentally; it’s also a physical challenge which is why I now find myself standing outside the local gymnasium.
The car door slams shut, as Benjamin Banks collects his gear from the back and walks into the Miami local gym. As Benjamin walks into the entrance, a man from the back yells out “Benjamin Banks? Is that you?” Benjamin looks to locate the man, and quickly he turns back at the worker standing to his left now. “Did you hear that?” Benjamin asks the worker. The worker just points in the direction of the man standing behind the desk. “Wow, is that you Sean?” The man replies “Yes, what’s going on, how’ve you been?” “Not to bad, what are you doing here, in Miami?” The man now recognized as Sean steps around the counter and meets with Benjamin as the two shake hands and then sits down.
Sean- Benjamin, so I heard your back into that wrestling shit again. How is that going for you?
Benjamin- You know that “shit” is going pretty well. I have a North American championship match set at the PPV. I am looking forward to that, you should get it. It’s going to be a riot!
Sean- You know I hate that shit, wrestling in my life is over. I’m never going to go back into wrestling. Ever since 02, I wasn’t able to even look at WWE while flipping through the channels.
Benjamin- Well what if you just go to the bar on thirty second and eighth street. They always have the events on, free of charge.
Sean sits up from his seat and looks back at Benjamin with a look of anger on his face.
Sean- I told you, I can’t do it so please stop pestering me with this shit.
Benjamin just sort of nods his head and uses his arms for leverage to lift himself up from the seat.
Benjamin- Well it was nice to see you, I enjoyed having out chat. We should hit the bar after this game. Even better, you still play cards right? I will pick you up at 9 ok?
Sean- Yah man, I am always up for some poker. Be at my mothers around 9 or whatever.
After Sean made his exit, Benjamin changed into his gym clothes and began to workout. When Benjamin finished his workout it was around 2 pm. The day was still young as most people were out working. This left hardly ay people out on the streets, so Benjamin decided to simply head home and wait to pick up Sean. Benjamin found his car in the parking lot, climbed in while setting his gym bag in the back seat and drove off. While Benjamin was on the highway back to his home, a radio broadcast was alerting the people of Miami of a hazardous storm heading their way in the next few days. Benjamin looked into the sky watching the clouds form into familiar objects and animals. While looking back to the read he seen a roadblock up ahead, this meant it would be another 20 minutes to get home. Benjamin signaled left and cut onto the exit on rout to upper Miami. Benjamin just continued on, looking at the beautiful scenery while driving faster and faster. The time was not 2:30. Benjamin could now see the turn off onto his street. Once Benjamin arrived at his house, he decided to rest for a bit. But, before he could do that he would shower and clean himself up. Just in case he awoke around 9 and there was no time for a shower. After the shower, Benjamin climbed back into his bead a rested his head on the pillow directly across from that of his girl friends. Time began to pass, as Benjamin found himself growing tired so he closed his eyes and fell into a deep sleep.
As I opened my eyes I looked around the room trying to situate my clothes and the time. It was now 7:46 and Sean would be ready at 9, which only left me time to clean up and perhaps take another shower. No, I will take another shower. Benjamin cleaned himself up and then hopped into the shower once more. By the time he was ready it was 8:30. It would take Benjamin approximately 20 minutes to get back in town. So with little time to waste, Benjamin walked out to his red corvette got in and pulled away. The way back into town wasn’t as long as it was coming in. The highway was now open which would buy Benjamin quite some time. This way he wouldn’t need to rush himself. Once Benjamin arrived at Sean’s house, he sounded the car horn. Sean shouted out which signified that he would be another few more minutes. Benjamin just waited and once Sean walked out he then noticed a slight hunch in the back of Sean. Benjamin got out of his car slightly and asked Sean the obvious question. “What is wrong with your back?” Sean just waved his hand which explained to Benjamin that it was no big deal. Benjamin got back into his car and allowed Sean to step in.
Sean- Man, this back thing is fucking killing me!
Benjamin- Well, I think we should have gone another time. What happened though?
Sean- Oh nothing, I walked into my house and tripped. No big deal.
The minute after Sean said what he said, Benjamin noticed something wasn’t right. Sean usually wasn’t this way, the last time he remembered Sean being like this was when he was in his slump during the wrestling career. Benjamin just sort of nodded as the two of them drove off. When they arrived at the bar Benjamin got out and watched Sean struggle himself out of the to some extent low convertible. Benjamin asked Sean if he would like some help and Sean quickly snapped back at Benjamin. Benjamin just looked back towards the front door and headed in the same direction. Sean dragged himself behind; Benjamin knew he would get the truth from Sean. It was going to take some drinks and a lot of questions. As the two sit down they exchange with old stories, and drink back a few cold ones before Benjamin begins his questioning.
Benjamin- So Sean I know you don’t like talking about this but I need to know. You didn’t hurt your back walking into your house. Something else happened, something nobody knows about.
Sean quickly cuts in.
Sean- Look I told you that I wasn’t going to tell you anymore. I don’t see how me telling you is going to change any of the fucking facts. I hurt my back, and no it wasn’t the reason I explained to you briefly before. I won’t tell you so stop asking!
Benjamin continues to drink from his beer, although he is drinking a lot faster and in larger gulps now. Before long both Benjamin and Sean are drunk are literally drunk with laughter. The two have forgotten about what Benjamin had mentioned earlier. Time continued to drag on when Sean now with a concerned look on his face says to Benjamin “I think we should go home now Benjamin.” There wasn’t anything Benjamin could say to this request. He just looked down at his watch noticing it was only 11pm. This seemed very strange that someone would go home only 2 hours after arriving at a bar. Then again, Benjamin was feeling a bit tired and he knew his wife would be just getting to bed right now anyway. Benjamin calls for a cab and the two await it out. Benjamin assigns someone to bring Benjamin’s car to his house the following morning. So this way Benjamin had nothing to worry about. During the wait Sean doesn’t say a word, he just moves his head back and froth to the sounds of the music blaring through the speakers stationed all over the room. Benjamin turns to Sean and is about to say something but then he notices that Sean isn’t in any mood for conversation so Benjamin makes he act for talking to Sean a simple movement for Benjamin to call for some nuts. The cab arrives shortly, Benjamin and Sean both get in while Benjamin tells the driver where the first stop would be. Once the driver stops at Sean’s house, Benjamin holds Sean’s are back before he can leave the car. Sean turns back with a pale look to his face.
Benjamin- Listen, you can’t hide something just because you know people don’t think you should do something you love. Look where that has gotten you with wrestling. I don’t understand you now man. I love you no matter what. So please, let me know your secret and I will promise to never tell a single person.
Sean hunches himself out of the car and begins to rehearse Benjamin a lovely dance. Sean is seen spinning in the air and performing insane dancing stunts. Sean then stops and looks over at Benjamin. Benjamin just stands in aw. During a minute moment of silence Benjamin begins to clap. Sean just smiles and in a few words says. “So now you know. I’m a ballroom dancer.” Benjamin walks up to Sean as notices that Sean is now crying. Something Benjamin hasn’t seen before in his life. Sean crying is like it snowing during the hottest day of a summer day. Today it must have been June 22nd because what once never existed became a reality. “Keep your head up, you’re a beautiful dancer a good one at that. Why are you crying?” Sean looks up and replies “because I’m gay. My parents won’t except the fact I like men rather than woman. Why do you think I came here instead of going back home?” Benjamin doesn’t say much more because he is in complete disbelief. Sean was the type of person who would get all of the woman after wrestling events. He would have a list let alone a few here and there.
Benjamin- Yours status doesn’t change who you are Sean. You need to be true to who you are and never let the opinion of someone else change the way you live your life. You need to approach your parents instead of allowing them to talk to them. Show them you want them in your life.
Sean- I know what you’re saying, it’s so hard though. Everyday I get up and look at the phone but I can’t find it within myself to call them. I always wonder what they are thinking.
Benjamin- Well if I was you I’d get some sleep and in the morning call your folks and see what they are up to. Maybe show up if you know what I’m saying.
“Yeah, I think I’ll do that. Thanks a lot Benjamin.” Replies Sean. Benjamin gives Sean a hug goodbye and gets back into the cab. The cab driver then asks Benjamin the way home. After arriving at the Banks residence, Banks walks into the house and tries not to make a sound. He creeps up the stairs and into his room. He unchanged quickly trying not to awake Julie. He slips into the blankets and turns towards Julie who is now awake looking into Benjamin’s eyes. The two look each other I the eyes until Benjamin gets closer and delivers a soft and gentle kiss. Julie offers a kiss to Benjamin as the two doze off. Minutes later Benjamin wakes up just to see *his wife to be* for the first time. He touches her shoulder as she wakes up and smiles at Benjamin while he reaches under his pillow and pulls out a black box. Julie quickly jumps from her rest position. Benjamin gets on one knee and reveals the ring hidden inside the box. Julie accepts the ring and the engagement. They both kiss each other and fall beneath the covers as the scene fades to darkness.