Post by Charles "Dead Eye" James II on Nov 30, 2015 22:52:25 GMT -5
There is an old expression that says that "everything happens for a reason". Sometimes, the most difficult aspect of accepting the phrase as truth is the time it takes for the reasoning(s) to be revealed. One event can set off a domino effect that can change things more than originally anticipated. November 11th and 13th, 2015, set off that type of effect for Charles James, who the world has come to know better as Dead Eye. After flying to California from a show in Seattle where he officially was introduced to the world via his first televised main event match in the United States, he was met with the news of his father's passing. It was a roller coaster of emotions that wold take some time to completely settle, if possible at all.
{Scene Opens: Garden of Sacrament: Forest Lawn Memorial Park: Long Beach, California: 11/13/15}
The scene opens on a mild day with a slight overcast. The camera pans around the park renowned for its 32-foot Paradise Mosaic. The back door of Dead Eye's Cadillac CTS is seen being opened by a driver since the 25 year-old had no idea if he'd be capable of driving after seeing his father one last time on this planet before being lowered into the six-foot hole. He slowly steps out, revealing the young man unmasked for only the second time since being signed by NGW. He looks up at the sky and around the scenic park/burial site, his eyes covered with sunglasses. He adjusts his three-piece suit from getting out of the car and takes off the glasses for a moment. He closes his eyes, lifting his head slightly before enhaling a deep breath.
Dead Eye:
Lord, please let me get through this morning in one piece.
He takes in another deep breath before putting the sunglasses back on before opening his eyes. He looks forward and sees his cousin Marcus walking up to him. The two exchange a handshake that finishes with what is commonly referred to as a "bro hug". Marcus "Tre" Adams is there for the funeral (obviously) from Indianapolis, where he owns a small promotion and wrestling school that Dead Eye helped finance.
Marcus:
Cuz, it's been too long.
CJ:
What? Since right after I came back from Japan when we were doing that paperwork, huh?
Marcus:
Yeah, then you signed with NGW...
CJ:
Yeah, it's been a crazy year, bruh. How's the biness going? You keeping our money flowing? I promise I'll stop by soon, man.
Marcus:
No rush, cuz. I understand; you're making a name for yourself like we always dreamed. Everything's good. We're about to have our first class graduate next month; you should deliver the commencement speech. Show them where this can take them.
CJ:
As long as I'm not in a ring, I'll be there. You got my word on that.
Marcus:
I'ma hold you to that. I'm sorry to hear about Unc, though...
Dead Eye holds a hand up.
CJ:
Bruuuuh, please don't. I ain't tryna be a dick, but I'm gon' hear enough fuckin' sorries today to hold me over for life, especially for those here for the wrong reasons. I dunno if I can deal with it, so just let me be saved from that for now, though.
Marcus:
I understand, cuz. If you need me, you know where I'll be.
CJ:
Ma bad, bruh. I'm just tryna get through this day.
Marcus:
You good, cuz. You musta forgot how much of an ass I was in your shoes.
Dead Eye laughs for a moment; then, the two exchange dap.
Marcus:
I'll catch ya later, bruh.
CJ:
Chuuch.
The two part ways, and Dead Eye makes a slow march to where the ceremony will be taking place in a short while. The seats ahead of him are aligned ten rows deep with a split in the center. He sees his mother standing in front of the casket. He cocks a half-smile...of course, she is adjusting and fixing the funeral director's dressing of her late husband. He walks up and puts his right hand on her left shoulder. She jumps and turns her head.
Sandra:
Damn, Charlie. You scared the shit out of me!
The two hug, and Dead Eye takes a deep breath.
CJ:
Ma b. I don't know how you do it, ma.
Sandra:
Do what, Charlie?
CJ:
Stay so strong...
Sandra:
Come; sit down.
Sandra grabs his hand, and the two take a seat on the front row.
Sandra:
It's not easy. Sometimes, you just have to remember that he's not struggling anymore, Charlie.
CJ:
I know, ma, but it's hard. I miss him so much.
Sandra:
I do, too, but just like I told you before your match, he wouldn't want us to agonize. We can keep him alive up here.
She points to his head. Dead Eye wipes the corner of his eyes.
Sandra:
I'm going to need you to not do that or I'm going to end up having to re-do my make up because you're going to get me started.
CJ:
Aight, I ain't tryna get busted upside the head for that. I'm going to go take a walk right quick and clear ma head.
Sandra:
Okay, son.
Dead Eye gets up and puts his hands in his pockets after adjusting his glasses. His head is a bit low as he slowly walks the area. Before he can realize it, he accidentally bumps into the corner of a table, knocking a small flower arrangement to the ground. He drops down to pick it up, grabbing the vase. When he lifts his head up, his eyes meet with some curly hair in his face. He feels his cheeks a little flush since the accident didn't go unnoticed.
Young Woman:
I'll get that.
The young woman gathers up the bundled flowers that came out of the vase as it crashed to the ground. He looks at the young lady for a moment, realizing he hasn't replied yet to what she said.
CJ:
No, it's my fault. I have to at-least help you.
Woman:
Yes, but you're going to get your suit dirty.
CJ:
I'll be fine.
Dead Eye thinks how different the girl's reaction is compared to most would have been presented with the situation. He mesed up what she was working on, but she was more worried about him getting his suit dirty from kneeling in the grass. Dead Eye stands up, putting the vase on the table. The young lady puts the flowers back into the vase, pouring a little water into it. Meanwhile, Dead Eye isn't quite sure why he hadn't dismissed himself and contintued his walk. He was looking to escape thoughts, and the awkward moment seemed to do just that...regardless of how embarrassing it was to walk right into the table.
Woman:
There...all better.
CJ:
Sorry about that again...I wasn't paying attention.
Woman:
It's okay. Accidents happen...at-least you didn't like knock over the casket or something.
Dead Eye laughs.
CJ:
No, I don't think my moms would appreciate that.
Woman:
Probably not.
She offers a smile to the stranger of a man.
CJ:
Well, I better get back...thanks.
She gives a puzzled look.
Woman:
For what?
CJ:
I took this walk to clear my head, and you kinda did that for me.
Woman:
You're welcome, then.
She smiles as he walks away. When he looks up, Dead Eye sees that the bulk of the seats have been filled. The preacher is already standing in front of the crowd, so he makes his way to his seat, greeting his sister and her boyfriend.
Sandra:
I saw you talking to that girl. Did you get her number?
CJ:
Oh, c'mon, ma!
Dead Eye looks back to the table, but the young lady is gone.
Sandra:
What? She seemed like a nice girl, all smiling at you and whatnot.
CJ:
I think she was just trying to make me feel less stupid for running into a damn table. Besides, that would be highly inappropriate to be tryna pick up a number at my pop's funeral.
A part of him wonders if that was a mistake. He stares off in-thought but is startled back down to earth as the music starts to play. The scene fades out.
{Scene closed.}
The scene opens on a mild day with a slight overcast. The camera pans around the park renowned for its 32-foot Paradise Mosaic. The back door of Dead Eye's Cadillac CTS is seen being opened by a driver since the 25 year-old had no idea if he'd be capable of driving after seeing his father one last time on this planet before being lowered into the six-foot hole. He slowly steps out, revealing the young man unmasked for only the second time since being signed by NGW. He looks up at the sky and around the scenic park/burial site, his eyes covered with sunglasses. He adjusts his three-piece suit from getting out of the car and takes off the glasses for a moment. He closes his eyes, lifting his head slightly before enhaling a deep breath.
Dead Eye:
Lord, please let me get through this morning in one piece.
He takes in another deep breath before putting the sunglasses back on before opening his eyes. He looks forward and sees his cousin Marcus walking up to him. The two exchange a handshake that finishes with what is commonly referred to as a "bro hug". Marcus "Tre" Adams is there for the funeral (obviously) from Indianapolis, where he owns a small promotion and wrestling school that Dead Eye helped finance.
Marcus:
Cuz, it's been too long.
CJ:
What? Since right after I came back from Japan when we were doing that paperwork, huh?
Marcus:
Yeah, then you signed with NGW...
CJ:
Yeah, it's been a crazy year, bruh. How's the biness going? You keeping our money flowing? I promise I'll stop by soon, man.
Marcus:
No rush, cuz. I understand; you're making a name for yourself like we always dreamed. Everything's good. We're about to have our first class graduate next month; you should deliver the commencement speech. Show them where this can take them.
CJ:
As long as I'm not in a ring, I'll be there. You got my word on that.
Marcus:
I'ma hold you to that. I'm sorry to hear about Unc, though...
Dead Eye holds a hand up.
CJ:
Bruuuuh, please don't. I ain't tryna be a dick, but I'm gon' hear enough fuckin' sorries today to hold me over for life, especially for those here for the wrong reasons. I dunno if I can deal with it, so just let me be saved from that for now, though.
Marcus:
I understand, cuz. If you need me, you know where I'll be.
CJ:
Ma bad, bruh. I'm just tryna get through this day.
Marcus:
You good, cuz. You musta forgot how much of an ass I was in your shoes.
Dead Eye laughs for a moment; then, the two exchange dap.
Marcus:
I'll catch ya later, bruh.
CJ:
Chuuch.
The two part ways, and Dead Eye makes a slow march to where the ceremony will be taking place in a short while. The seats ahead of him are aligned ten rows deep with a split in the center. He sees his mother standing in front of the casket. He cocks a half-smile...of course, she is adjusting and fixing the funeral director's dressing of her late husband. He walks up and puts his right hand on her left shoulder. She jumps and turns her head.
Sandra:
Damn, Charlie. You scared the shit out of me!
The two hug, and Dead Eye takes a deep breath.
CJ:
Ma b. I don't know how you do it, ma.
Sandra:
Do what, Charlie?
CJ:
Stay so strong...
Sandra:
Come; sit down.
Sandra grabs his hand, and the two take a seat on the front row.
Sandra:
It's not easy. Sometimes, you just have to remember that he's not struggling anymore, Charlie.
CJ:
I know, ma, but it's hard. I miss him so much.
Sandra:
I do, too, but just like I told you before your match, he wouldn't want us to agonize. We can keep him alive up here.
She points to his head. Dead Eye wipes the corner of his eyes.
Sandra:
I'm going to need you to not do that or I'm going to end up having to re-do my make up because you're going to get me started.
CJ:
Aight, I ain't tryna get busted upside the head for that. I'm going to go take a walk right quick and clear ma head.
Sandra:
Okay, son.
Dead Eye gets up and puts his hands in his pockets after adjusting his glasses. His head is a bit low as he slowly walks the area. Before he can realize it, he accidentally bumps into the corner of a table, knocking a small flower arrangement to the ground. He drops down to pick it up, grabbing the vase. When he lifts his head up, his eyes meet with some curly hair in his face. He feels his cheeks a little flush since the accident didn't go unnoticed.
Young Woman:
I'll get that.
The young woman gathers up the bundled flowers that came out of the vase as it crashed to the ground. He looks at the young lady for a moment, realizing he hasn't replied yet to what she said.
CJ:
No, it's my fault. I have to at-least help you.
Woman:
Yes, but you're going to get your suit dirty.
CJ:
I'll be fine.
Dead Eye thinks how different the girl's reaction is compared to most would have been presented with the situation. He mesed up what she was working on, but she was more worried about him getting his suit dirty from kneeling in the grass. Dead Eye stands up, putting the vase on the table. The young lady puts the flowers back into the vase, pouring a little water into it. Meanwhile, Dead Eye isn't quite sure why he hadn't dismissed himself and contintued his walk. He was looking to escape thoughts, and the awkward moment seemed to do just that...regardless of how embarrassing it was to walk right into the table.
Woman:
There...all better.
CJ:
Sorry about that again...I wasn't paying attention.
Woman:
It's okay. Accidents happen...at-least you didn't like knock over the casket or something.
Dead Eye laughs.
CJ:
No, I don't think my moms would appreciate that.
Woman:
Probably not.
She offers a smile to the stranger of a man.
CJ:
Well, I better get back...thanks.
She gives a puzzled look.
Woman:
For what?
CJ:
I took this walk to clear my head, and you kinda did that for me.
Woman:
You're welcome, then.
She smiles as he walks away. When he looks up, Dead Eye sees that the bulk of the seats have been filled. The preacher is already standing in front of the crowd, so he makes his way to his seat, greeting his sister and her boyfriend.
Sandra:
I saw you talking to that girl. Did you get her number?
CJ:
Oh, c'mon, ma!
Dead Eye looks back to the table, but the young lady is gone.
Sandra:
What? She seemed like a nice girl, all smiling at you and whatnot.
CJ:
I think she was just trying to make me feel less stupid for running into a damn table. Besides, that would be highly inappropriate to be tryna pick up a number at my pop's funeral.
A part of him wonders if that was a mistake. He stares off in-thought but is startled back down to earth as the music starts to play. The scene fades out.
{Scene closed.}