Post by Avery Miles III on May 15, 2016 10:56:23 GMT
006 * Home
Scene 001 - Zoe’s House - Indio, CA - Late May - Spring 2007 - FLASHBACK
*It was the end of the seventh grade for Indio Middle School. The Holidays had come and gone, and Spring was early in its infancy. Though it was early March, the temperature in this part of California would reaches the low 100s during the day at some points of the month. The trio of Avery, Taylor, and Zoe had grown close to each other and were known to always be together. It was a Thursday afternoon after school, and the trio had walked to Zoe’s house since it was the closest to the school. They had always hung out after school; Taylor’s parents were a bit more well off and her house was further outside of the town center. Zoe and Avery both were raised in a middle class neighborhood not far from each other. Avery’s parents were not happy about two pretty girls being alone with him in his room, though nothing was going on. The three of them were just best friends to seems to enjoyed their time together. Avery’s father was often on the road as a part-time wrestler; shows in both Southern California and Northern Mexico. The three of them would typically go to Zoe’s house as her parents were usually gone into the evening as both worked day jobs. Afternoons would consist of homework, frozen foods thrown into the oven, and episodes of Ben 10 on the Cartoon Network. Throughout their three years together, they would spend both the school year and the breaks together*
Zoe: Done! Thank god, I am so over homework. Four weeks left, woo hoo!
Avery: Show off.
Taylor: And I am done, too!
Avery: Really? The both of you? I am on number 32 still.
Zoe: We only had to do up to 15, Ave.
Avery: Well I am done too then!
*Both Taylor and Zoe shake their head as they head to the kitchen. Avery slides his textbooks in his backpack and catches up with them. He jumps up on the kitchen counter, taking a seat*
Avery: So, your first Summer in Indio; you ready to hang out everyday Tay?
Taylor: I can’t wait. I am so glad that the both of you sat at my table this year; I don’t know if I would have gotten through school without the both of you.
Zoe: We are the three Musketeers, no matter what!
Taylor: You both are the best.
*Avery drops down to his feet, and the three of them hug it out. Taylor avoids eye contact with Avery, but he does not pay it any attention*
Avery: I could go for some pizza rolls, got any Zoe?
*Avery opens the freeze and searches around. Zoe comes up behind Avery and leans her chin on his shoulder. He smiles and continues searching the freezer*
Zoe: Find them yet?
Avery: Got them!
*He quickly grabs them as Zoe backs a step. He rips open the package as they all go flying. Both girl start laughing as the clumsy teen scrambles to grab them*
Avery: Five second rule! Ten second rule! Fifteen second rule!
*Taylor crouches down to help pick them up, and as Avery looks up his eyes meet the blonde girl’s blue eyes*
Taylor: Here Ave.
*Avery smiles as she places the loose pizza rolls on his plate. Zoe is sitting at the kitchen bar flipping through a Seventeen Magazine*
Zoe: Taylor, Ave is so gonna hate us. We are dragging him to the mall everyday and he has to go clothes shopping with us.
Avery: No way!
Zoe: There is a Cinnabon there!
Avery: Totally in!
*Zoe and Taylor laugh*
Zoe: Boys.
*Taylor sits across from Zoe who has her face buried in the magazine. Avery pops the pizza rolls in the microwave, while Tay can’t seem to take her eyes off of him. From a distance, she just hopes that one day he realizes her crush on him and it goes both ways*
Scene 002 - Westfield Palm Desert Mall - Palm Desert, CA - Early June - Spring 2007 - FLASHBACK
*Inside of the mall in Palm Desert we see Avery, Zoe, and Taylor all making their way through the mall. Avery is carrying their bags as the two girls chat looking at the line of stores on the right side of the mall. School had ended the week before and summer vacation had begun*
Zoe: I think we have a few great outfits. Anywhere else you want to stop?
Taylor: Yeah, this music store. I want to check to see if they have something.
Zoe: Okay, I will wait out here with Ave.
Taylor: Sounds good!
*Taylor had an idea in her mind. The three of them have been close, and she has developed feelings for Avery. Something that should be obvious to him, but is not. They’ve had their fair share of talk about music, movies, and television. One thing they found in common was a love for Gavin Degraw. It was not something Zoe preferred, she liked more upbeat Top 40 music. But the singer songwriter music was something that Ave and Tay could share. They even had shared a pair of earbuds, one in each of their ears, just to be able to enjoy the music together. Tay decided to run into the store and searched through the rows of CDs. Zoe and Avery had decided to remain inside of the mall itself*
Zoe: So Ave… you having fun?
Avery: Not at all. But the Cinnabon was definitely worth it.
Zoe: Well, my parents are taking me to the movies. I was thinking, maybe you could come?
Avery: Okay, sure. We can pick up Tay on the way.
Zoe: Well, I was meaning just us.
Avery: You and me? Well, okay. That’s fine, I guess. Is Taylor cool with it?
Zoe: I don’t think you are understanding. My parents will drop you and me off.
Avery: Okay, at the movies. Got it.
Zoe: Silly boy.
*Avery looks confused as Zoe leans forward into him and presses her lips against his. He is taken back for a second, but presses his lips and they kiss. Taylor comes out of the music store with the CD in hand seeing the two of them kiss. She stops in her tracks, as her heart sinks into her stomach. She cannot believe it as it appeared that Zoe had decided to make her move. Taylor swallows her pride and slides the CD into her bag and strolls forward. Zoe pulls back and smiles at Avery. Taylor steps forward to them, obviously that she saw what happened*
Taylor: You two ready?
Zoe: Yep.
Avery: What did you get Tay?
Taylor: Oh, just a silly CD…
Zoe: Let’s get going, the bus is on its way.
*Avery looks at Taylor, who is avoiding eye contact. Zoe seems focused on Avery as he is not sure how to take what just happened. He had always considered Zoe a best friend, and never saw her in that light. Regardless, Zoe made the move*
Avery: You ready Tay?
Taylor: Yeah, I’m ready to get home.
*Avery smiles as Taylor heads towards the exit ahead of Avery and Zoe. The three of them head out towards the bus stop, Zoe and Avery hand-in-hand. Taylor had become the official third wheel at that point. She had pushed her feelings down and just swallowed them to not lose her best friends. The three of them would hangout everyday that summer, but it was never the same; it used to be Zoe, Taylor, and Avery… and not it was Zoe and Avery, and Taylor. Things would go on like this. Boys might come and go for Taylor, but there was only one Avery to her. She had accepted this… for now*
Scene 003 - Avery’s Vegas Home - Henderson, NV - May 14th, 2016
Avery: My new place.
*Avery smiles, carrying in a box of things with “KITCHEN” written in sharpie. Avery Miles III has decided to make a home in the Vegas suburb as a way to be close to some friends, close to Valentine Wrestling Syndicate, and a fresh start outside of his hometown. For Avery is has been a tumultuous half of a year; the death of Zoe and their unborn child, being able to actually move on with Alycia until her miscarriage of the twins, their separation, and dealing with his own mental illness. Avery simply needed to get away, to start fresh, and to deal with things a little bit at a time. It has been almost two weeks since the loss of the twins, and almost a week since he last heard from Alycia. He had hoped that all was still well, but she said that he needed to take some time to find himself again and this was the first step. A man that has become a big brother of sorts, Levi, has suggested him moving out to Vegas and Avery agreed to view houses. The first house was perfect, and Avery had put in a bid on it. It has plenty of room as he had some company staying with him for the time being; Taylor and her daughter Brooklyn. Taylor had been dealing with her own personal demons as well and needed somewhat of a fresh start on her own. She had promised to get a job to help pay for things and three bedrooms were plenty with the three of them. Over the next week, plenty of furniture buying would take place and home decorating. A house warming party was also in the works with plenty of self invites already*
Taylor: It is really a great place, Ave.
*She carries a box walking behind him*
Brooklyn: Avey! Box!
*Even Brooky carries a box to help the load as much as possible*
Avery: We still have the suite at the Monte Carlo for now until we are moved in, and Levi is supposed to come over sometime to help me load some of the heavy stuff.
Taylor: I’m excited to meet him.
Avery: He is a good dude. He is someone I can trust, and can talk to. He sees me as a little brother.
*Avery carries the box inside, and places it on the granite countertop. The kitchen is adorned with brand new appliances, new cabinets, and even as island with plenty of room. The agent made sure to tell them that everything is updated, new, and modern. Nothing is more than 2 years old here in the kitchen*
Avery: I can’t wait to start cooking up some carnitas tacos…
Taylor: What?!?! You have the recipe to your moms carnitas tacos?
Avery: Yes I do!
Brooklyn: Ca-nee-tas!
Avery: Exactly.
*Avery reaches down and picks up Brook, and dances in the kitchen causing the blonde girl to giggle and squirm around. Taylor leans forward on the counter just smiling, knowing how great of a dad Avery would have been, He dances around some more before putting Brook back down. She clings forward to his leg and begs for more dancing*
Taylor: You used to be only able to cook pizza rolls, Ave. And barely that.
Avery: I’ve grown up, thank you. I can cook for myself and for others. Right Brooky?
Brooklyn: Uh huh!
*Taylor heads over to the fridge, opens the freezer door, and reveals several bags of pizza rolls. She takes one out and tosses it into the air smiling*
Avery: I never said I don’t cook pizza rolls, also.
*He smiles as Brooklyn as she giggles back towards him*
Scene 004 - Hotel 32 at the Monte Carlo - Las Vegas, NV - May 14th, 2016
*We open as Avery is sitting on a couch. He has a pair of headphones on and seems to be listening to some music. It is loud but it can’t really be made out. They had done quite a bit of moving from items in storage back in Indio. Avery’s home with Zoe had been vacant for a number of months and it is hitting the open market soon. Too many memories still there for him, and so Vegas will become his new home. Taylor and Brooklyn had gone out for a walk and to have some fun, leaving Avery inside of the room alone. It was two days before his next match in VWS. He pulls the headphones down around his neck, opens up the VWS website, and begins to record on his laptop*
Avery: Last Monday, I made my own wishes known. We saw that our current “Champion” Alex Jones celebrated his title win but how much can one brag about a win over one man that is released from the company and another man that is “missing”. It seems awfully convenient that the two men that fought him for the title are now gone. I hope he or Ana does not think I am that easy to get rid of; it is going to take much more than what they’d dished out already. I don’t back away from a challenge, no matter how much the odds are stacked against me. Bigger? Stronger? It does not matter to me as I do not back down. Ask Cable Arcane about our match last week, so many people were picking him to easily defeat me. I mean, he IS what he is… and while he didn’t tap I was able to pick up the win. I respect him for what he did inside of the ring last week, and I hope to match up with him again as I want to show that I can beat him again. But this week is not about Alex… and it is not about Cable. I have been booked in a tag team match. I guess Ana thinks that having to rely on a partner gives me a better chance to lose, but I have faith in my partner this week. Johnny has been a stellar competitor and I am honored to have him on the same side of the ring with me. There is a reason that he won the VWS Number One Contender Battle Royale at Uprising, and I fully expect him to make a run as well. We may end up facing off against each other in the near future, but for now we have our work cut out for ourselves.
*Avery sits up and leans forward into the camera*
Avery: It looks like we are going to be facing Amok and Night Rider. Both teams have no experience with each other, except the fact that I wrestled against Gillmen at March Madness. I know what he is capable of, and that is greatness. We both might be risk takers and willing to take to the sky a bit, but working together as a team is what this is all about. Amok and Night? I doubt they will be cohesive at all. Night Rider, what a name, already came out and said that if Amok gets in his way there will be a problem. That gives Johnny and myself the head start already. Whether or not we want to team together, we both want to win and understand that we can do that by working together. An ego is the fault of any tag team, and that is nothing that either of us will bring inside of the ring.
*Avery cracks his neck*
Avery: Let’s begin with Amok; He beat some Jimmy guy, but I believe he was eliminated third at Uprising? I mean, what sort of beast is he when he can even throw some smaller guys over a top rope? It is obvious that he is beatable and someone that Johnny and I can take on. Johnny already outlasted him in that match. I am sure that Amok will claim that if he went one-on-one… so on and so forth. You know, at March Madness I was involved in a similar match where multiple competitors existed. I finished second to last, which while it isn’t a win, is not terrible. And yet, where is Gabriel Ellis now? And where am I? Point made. Amok is going to be just another contract to tear up when he decides that he cannot hack it and tucks his tail. Only those that truly respect the game are the ones that end up lasting. Guys like Johnny and myself are in for the long haul, not some flash in the pan talent that looks to make a quick buck and disappears. So until Amok develops himself as a wrestler and not just a sizable opponent that just fights… he has a long way to go.
*Avery decides to slide back into the couch while picking up the laptop. He places it on his lap and continues recording*
Avery: And then there is Night Rider; someone brand new to VWS. He could be the wildcard of the match, the unknown. But I prepare myself for anything and everything. That said, he made some wild claims and some quite stupid ones. He likened Gillmen to a fish because… well, I don’t really know? I guess because of the word “gill”? Does a guy that called himself “Night Rider” have much room to talk about a name? I mean, if you were David Hasselhoff in the mid-80’s I guess you could get away with it. He then goes on to have fun with the fact that I am the third in line to carry Avery as my name; it almost sounds like he is jealous of people with actual names while he portrays being this cool guy with a super badass name. “Night Rider”. Pfft.
*Avery shakes his head*
Avery: Mr. Rider, if that’s his real name, goes on to say that I don’t understand that my opponent’s shoulders are supposed to be pinned? Yes, correct… except in an “I Quit match” which was last week. I did pin Gillman at March Madness by the way, so there goes THAT theory. As far as referees refusing to call my matches because it wears their arms out… it I did not pin people how exactly are their arms getting worn out?
*Avery pauses for a solid fifteen seconds with a deadpan look*
Avery: And is he REALLY smoked weed ON camera? I am fairly sure that in Nevada it is STILL illegal and while Ana might not be the most up-and-up sort of owner, most companies sort of test for those things. Will “Night Rider” even make it to Tenacity? Who the hell knows. I know that I will be there, and ready to walk away a winner regardless.
*A deep breath and again a shake of the head*
Avery: Either I am thrown random opponents that disappear or have little experience of myself, VWS, or the industry as a whole. I guess I will continue to make the best of it as I am making VWS a second home regardless of Ana and Alex. I have moved into a place here in Vegas, and I am enjoying being close to friends. Home is something important to me, and if I can be the face of this home and represent the company… that means that’s much more. I want to offer a safe haven for others to come and show off their skills without having to look over their back constantly by our “champion” and his wife. I intend on going nowhere, and intend on elevating the company. To the roster, you can help me or you can work against me. Regardless, get used to it VWS… I will lead the company very soon and make it a place that other’s can call home as well.
Scene 005 - Century at the River Movie Theatre - Palm Desert, CA - Early June - February 2008 - FLASHBACK
*Avery and Zoe have been dating for eight months and the three of them still manage to hang out. Eighth grade is more than half over as they are looking forward to high school. Avery’s parents dropped him off at the movie theatre to meet up with Zoe, Taylor, and a guy that Taylor has been seeing for a few weeks. Avery is dropped off and he is first there. He waits outside wearing a hoody as it is a cool mid 60’s in Southern California. A couple of moments later, Taylor arrives with a guy arm-in-arm.*
Taylor: He Ave, this is Vince.
Vince: Hey.
Avery: Nice to meet you.
Vince: Yeah. So what lame movie are we seeing, Taylor?
Avery: It’s called “Definitely, Maybe”. It looks really good. Tay and Zoe are both Ryan Reynolds fans.
Vince: Whatever, can we go inside now?
*A car begins to pull up*
Avery: That is Zoe!
*Avery hurries to the door and opens it for Zoe. He was raised to always be a gentleman, and that is one of the things that both girls liked about him. Zoe gets out of the car and waves her parents bye. She leans forward, and the two of them offer a brief kiss. Meanwhile, Vince decides to check Zoe out in plain sight of Taylor. She hits him in the chest*
Vince: What? Come on.
*He grabs her arm and throws it down, but quickly so that neither Avery or Zoe realize*
Zoe: Hi, I’m Zoe!
Vince: Sup? I’m Vince.
Zoe: You go to Indio?
Vince: Yeah-
Taylor: Vince goes to the high school. He’s sixteen.
Zoe: Oh, wow. Okay. Well the movie is going to start soon, let’s get inside.
*The four of them head inside as they lined up for tickets. Avery goes first as he buys two, and hands one to Zoe. Next up is Vince, and he only buys one ticket making Taylor pay for her own. Avery shakes his hand, but Zoe whispers to him that it is not worth it. And they head into the theatre. This time Avery let’s Vince go first, and when he sees that he does not get Taylor anything, Avery steps up and makes sure that she doesn’t pay for herself. They head into the movie as Zoe and Avery snuggle up close to each other, and a row behind them Taylor and Vince sit. Thirty minutes into the movie, Avery can see out of the corner of his eye that Vince is trying to make a move on Taylor. He hand keeps sliding closer on her thigh, and she keeps pushing it back. Finally she says something to him and he does not look happy.*
Vince: Come on Taylor! We sat back here for a reason, why do you have to play games?
*Taylor stands up as there is luckily no one else in the theatre except for the four of them*
Taylor: I am NOT that kind of girl! I came here to watch a movie that I wanted to see. I thought that you were a nice guy and I was wrong. Enjoy the movie, ass.
*Taylor smacks him across the face, and storms out into the lobby and to the outside. Avery, a typically calm and reserved person, stands up and turns back to him*
Avery: What the fuck dude?
Vince: Mind your business, bitch.
Zoe: Avery, let it go.
Avery: No, fuck this guy.
Vince: No, fuck you!
*Avery climbs over the chair and gets into the face of Vince*
Avery: You want to talk a big game? She is a sweet girl, and does not deserve to be treated like this.
Vince: Get out of my face, now.
Avery: Or else what?
*Avery pushes him in the chest*
Vince: You don’t want to do this.
*Zoe hurries out of the theatre trying to get someone to break them up*
Avery: Yes I do. You don’t disrespect my friend like that!
Vince: And who are you? Her Prince Fucking Charming?
*Avery pushes him again*
Vince: That is it, I’ve had enough of you.
*Vince rears back and punches Avery square in the face. He catches his nose as Avery drops to a knee, blood begins to pour out of his nose. He reaches his hand down to wipe and realizes that he is bleeding*
Avery: Is that all that you have? You are DONE seeing Taylor.
*Avery turns to walk away, ready to just be done with it*
Vince: Good. The little bitch wasn’t my type anyways. I felt bad for her, anyways.
Avery: That’s it.
*Avery turns around and sends a huge punch back to Vince, knocking his square on his ass and to the ground. He falls and his the back of his head. Zoe rushes back into the theatre with theatre security pulling Avery back and checking on Vince*
Avery: Get your hands off of me, he punches he first. It’s fine, I am out of here.
*Avery backs off throwing his arms up into the air*
Avery: Let’s go Zoe.
*Zoe looks around, and she cannot believe that Avery knocked the guy right out. Someone that is two years older and quite a bit bigger than he. Avery storms out of the theatre, through the lobby, and to the outside. His nose his still bleeding as he looks around, and locates Taylor sitting against the building, crying her eyes out. Zoe hurries behind him, as he was a man on a mission.*
Avery: Tay, you okay?
Taylor: Ave- what happened? Why is your nose…
*She stands up*
Taylor: Did he sucker punch you?
Avery: Are YOU okay, Taylor?
Zoe: Taylor, he laid Vince out inside of the theatre. He is out cold.
Taylor: Oh my gosh… I am so sorry. I thought he was a nice guy. He was not like this at all.
Taylor quickly runs up to Avery, throwing her arms around him and hugging him.
Taylor: I am fine, thank you.
*Zoe looks at the two of them, and it is there she realizes there is something more going on. She sees that Taylor has feelings for Avery, whether or not he knows it. Avery was just doing right by his friend, but it meant more than just that for Taylor*
Avery Miles III
Scene 001 - Zoe’s House - Indio, CA - Late May - Spring 2007 - FLASHBACK
*It was the end of the seventh grade for Indio Middle School. The Holidays had come and gone, and Spring was early in its infancy. Though it was early March, the temperature in this part of California would reaches the low 100s during the day at some points of the month. The trio of Avery, Taylor, and Zoe had grown close to each other and were known to always be together. It was a Thursday afternoon after school, and the trio had walked to Zoe’s house since it was the closest to the school. They had always hung out after school; Taylor’s parents were a bit more well off and her house was further outside of the town center. Zoe and Avery both were raised in a middle class neighborhood not far from each other. Avery’s parents were not happy about two pretty girls being alone with him in his room, though nothing was going on. The three of them were just best friends to seems to enjoyed their time together. Avery’s father was often on the road as a part-time wrestler; shows in both Southern California and Northern Mexico. The three of them would typically go to Zoe’s house as her parents were usually gone into the evening as both worked day jobs. Afternoons would consist of homework, frozen foods thrown into the oven, and episodes of Ben 10 on the Cartoon Network. Throughout their three years together, they would spend both the school year and the breaks together*
Zoe: Done! Thank god, I am so over homework. Four weeks left, woo hoo!
Avery: Show off.
Taylor: And I am done, too!
Avery: Really? The both of you? I am on number 32 still.
Zoe: We only had to do up to 15, Ave.
Avery: Well I am done too then!
*Both Taylor and Zoe shake their head as they head to the kitchen. Avery slides his textbooks in his backpack and catches up with them. He jumps up on the kitchen counter, taking a seat*
Avery: So, your first Summer in Indio; you ready to hang out everyday Tay?
Taylor: I can’t wait. I am so glad that the both of you sat at my table this year; I don’t know if I would have gotten through school without the both of you.
Zoe: We are the three Musketeers, no matter what!
Taylor: You both are the best.
*Avery drops down to his feet, and the three of them hug it out. Taylor avoids eye contact with Avery, but he does not pay it any attention*
Avery: I could go for some pizza rolls, got any Zoe?
*Avery opens the freeze and searches around. Zoe comes up behind Avery and leans her chin on his shoulder. He smiles and continues searching the freezer*
Zoe: Find them yet?
Avery: Got them!
*He quickly grabs them as Zoe backs a step. He rips open the package as they all go flying. Both girl start laughing as the clumsy teen scrambles to grab them*
Avery: Five second rule! Ten second rule! Fifteen second rule!
*Taylor crouches down to help pick them up, and as Avery looks up his eyes meet the blonde girl’s blue eyes*
Taylor: Here Ave.
*Avery smiles as she places the loose pizza rolls on his plate. Zoe is sitting at the kitchen bar flipping through a Seventeen Magazine*
Zoe: Taylor, Ave is so gonna hate us. We are dragging him to the mall everyday and he has to go clothes shopping with us.
Avery: No way!
Zoe: There is a Cinnabon there!
Avery: Totally in!
*Zoe and Taylor laugh*
Zoe: Boys.
*Taylor sits across from Zoe who has her face buried in the magazine. Avery pops the pizza rolls in the microwave, while Tay can’t seem to take her eyes off of him. From a distance, she just hopes that one day he realizes her crush on him and it goes both ways*
Scene 002 - Westfield Palm Desert Mall - Palm Desert, CA - Early June - Spring 2007 - FLASHBACK
*Inside of the mall in Palm Desert we see Avery, Zoe, and Taylor all making their way through the mall. Avery is carrying their bags as the two girls chat looking at the line of stores on the right side of the mall. School had ended the week before and summer vacation had begun*
Zoe: I think we have a few great outfits. Anywhere else you want to stop?
Taylor: Yeah, this music store. I want to check to see if they have something.
Zoe: Okay, I will wait out here with Ave.
Taylor: Sounds good!
*Taylor had an idea in her mind. The three of them have been close, and she has developed feelings for Avery. Something that should be obvious to him, but is not. They’ve had their fair share of talk about music, movies, and television. One thing they found in common was a love for Gavin Degraw. It was not something Zoe preferred, she liked more upbeat Top 40 music. But the singer songwriter music was something that Ave and Tay could share. They even had shared a pair of earbuds, one in each of their ears, just to be able to enjoy the music together. Tay decided to run into the store and searched through the rows of CDs. Zoe and Avery had decided to remain inside of the mall itself*
Zoe: So Ave… you having fun?
Avery: Not at all. But the Cinnabon was definitely worth it.
Zoe: Well, my parents are taking me to the movies. I was thinking, maybe you could come?
Avery: Okay, sure. We can pick up Tay on the way.
Zoe: Well, I was meaning just us.
Avery: You and me? Well, okay. That’s fine, I guess. Is Taylor cool with it?
Zoe: I don’t think you are understanding. My parents will drop you and me off.
Avery: Okay, at the movies. Got it.
Zoe: Silly boy.
*Avery looks confused as Zoe leans forward into him and presses her lips against his. He is taken back for a second, but presses his lips and they kiss. Taylor comes out of the music store with the CD in hand seeing the two of them kiss. She stops in her tracks, as her heart sinks into her stomach. She cannot believe it as it appeared that Zoe had decided to make her move. Taylor swallows her pride and slides the CD into her bag and strolls forward. Zoe pulls back and smiles at Avery. Taylor steps forward to them, obviously that she saw what happened*
Taylor: You two ready?
Zoe: Yep.
Avery: What did you get Tay?
Taylor: Oh, just a silly CD…
Zoe: Let’s get going, the bus is on its way.
*Avery looks at Taylor, who is avoiding eye contact. Zoe seems focused on Avery as he is not sure how to take what just happened. He had always considered Zoe a best friend, and never saw her in that light. Regardless, Zoe made the move*
Avery: You ready Tay?
Taylor: Yeah, I’m ready to get home.
*Avery smiles as Taylor heads towards the exit ahead of Avery and Zoe. The three of them head out towards the bus stop, Zoe and Avery hand-in-hand. Taylor had become the official third wheel at that point. She had pushed her feelings down and just swallowed them to not lose her best friends. The three of them would hangout everyday that summer, but it was never the same; it used to be Zoe, Taylor, and Avery… and not it was Zoe and Avery, and Taylor. Things would go on like this. Boys might come and go for Taylor, but there was only one Avery to her. She had accepted this… for now*
Scene 003 - Avery’s Vegas Home - Henderson, NV - May 14th, 2016
Avery: My new place.
*Avery smiles, carrying in a box of things with “KITCHEN” written in sharpie. Avery Miles III has decided to make a home in the Vegas suburb as a way to be close to some friends, close to Valentine Wrestling Syndicate, and a fresh start outside of his hometown. For Avery is has been a tumultuous half of a year; the death of Zoe and their unborn child, being able to actually move on with Alycia until her miscarriage of the twins, their separation, and dealing with his own mental illness. Avery simply needed to get away, to start fresh, and to deal with things a little bit at a time. It has been almost two weeks since the loss of the twins, and almost a week since he last heard from Alycia. He had hoped that all was still well, but she said that he needed to take some time to find himself again and this was the first step. A man that has become a big brother of sorts, Levi, has suggested him moving out to Vegas and Avery agreed to view houses. The first house was perfect, and Avery had put in a bid on it. It has plenty of room as he had some company staying with him for the time being; Taylor and her daughter Brooklyn. Taylor had been dealing with her own personal demons as well and needed somewhat of a fresh start on her own. She had promised to get a job to help pay for things and three bedrooms were plenty with the three of them. Over the next week, plenty of furniture buying would take place and home decorating. A house warming party was also in the works with plenty of self invites already*
Taylor: It is really a great place, Ave.
*She carries a box walking behind him*
Brooklyn: Avey! Box!
*Even Brooky carries a box to help the load as much as possible*
Avery: We still have the suite at the Monte Carlo for now until we are moved in, and Levi is supposed to come over sometime to help me load some of the heavy stuff.
Taylor: I’m excited to meet him.
Avery: He is a good dude. He is someone I can trust, and can talk to. He sees me as a little brother.
*Avery carries the box inside, and places it on the granite countertop. The kitchen is adorned with brand new appliances, new cabinets, and even as island with plenty of room. The agent made sure to tell them that everything is updated, new, and modern. Nothing is more than 2 years old here in the kitchen*
Avery: I can’t wait to start cooking up some carnitas tacos…
Taylor: What?!?! You have the recipe to your moms carnitas tacos?
Avery: Yes I do!
Brooklyn: Ca-nee-tas!
Avery: Exactly.
*Avery reaches down and picks up Brook, and dances in the kitchen causing the blonde girl to giggle and squirm around. Taylor leans forward on the counter just smiling, knowing how great of a dad Avery would have been, He dances around some more before putting Brook back down. She clings forward to his leg and begs for more dancing*
Taylor: You used to be only able to cook pizza rolls, Ave. And barely that.
Avery: I’ve grown up, thank you. I can cook for myself and for others. Right Brooky?
Brooklyn: Uh huh!
*Taylor heads over to the fridge, opens the freezer door, and reveals several bags of pizza rolls. She takes one out and tosses it into the air smiling*
Avery: I never said I don’t cook pizza rolls, also.
*He smiles as Brooklyn as she giggles back towards him*
Scene 004 - Hotel 32 at the Monte Carlo - Las Vegas, NV - May 14th, 2016
*We open as Avery is sitting on a couch. He has a pair of headphones on and seems to be listening to some music. It is loud but it can’t really be made out. They had done quite a bit of moving from items in storage back in Indio. Avery’s home with Zoe had been vacant for a number of months and it is hitting the open market soon. Too many memories still there for him, and so Vegas will become his new home. Taylor and Brooklyn had gone out for a walk and to have some fun, leaving Avery inside of the room alone. It was two days before his next match in VWS. He pulls the headphones down around his neck, opens up the VWS website, and begins to record on his laptop*
Avery: Last Monday, I made my own wishes known. We saw that our current “Champion” Alex Jones celebrated his title win but how much can one brag about a win over one man that is released from the company and another man that is “missing”. It seems awfully convenient that the two men that fought him for the title are now gone. I hope he or Ana does not think I am that easy to get rid of; it is going to take much more than what they’d dished out already. I don’t back away from a challenge, no matter how much the odds are stacked against me. Bigger? Stronger? It does not matter to me as I do not back down. Ask Cable Arcane about our match last week, so many people were picking him to easily defeat me. I mean, he IS what he is… and while he didn’t tap I was able to pick up the win. I respect him for what he did inside of the ring last week, and I hope to match up with him again as I want to show that I can beat him again. But this week is not about Alex… and it is not about Cable. I have been booked in a tag team match. I guess Ana thinks that having to rely on a partner gives me a better chance to lose, but I have faith in my partner this week. Johnny has been a stellar competitor and I am honored to have him on the same side of the ring with me. There is a reason that he won the VWS Number One Contender Battle Royale at Uprising, and I fully expect him to make a run as well. We may end up facing off against each other in the near future, but for now we have our work cut out for ourselves.
*Avery sits up and leans forward into the camera*
Avery: It looks like we are going to be facing Amok and Night Rider. Both teams have no experience with each other, except the fact that I wrestled against Gillmen at March Madness. I know what he is capable of, and that is greatness. We both might be risk takers and willing to take to the sky a bit, but working together as a team is what this is all about. Amok and Night? I doubt they will be cohesive at all. Night Rider, what a name, already came out and said that if Amok gets in his way there will be a problem. That gives Johnny and myself the head start already. Whether or not we want to team together, we both want to win and understand that we can do that by working together. An ego is the fault of any tag team, and that is nothing that either of us will bring inside of the ring.
*Avery cracks his neck*
Avery: Let’s begin with Amok; He beat some Jimmy guy, but I believe he was eliminated third at Uprising? I mean, what sort of beast is he when he can even throw some smaller guys over a top rope? It is obvious that he is beatable and someone that Johnny and I can take on. Johnny already outlasted him in that match. I am sure that Amok will claim that if he went one-on-one… so on and so forth. You know, at March Madness I was involved in a similar match where multiple competitors existed. I finished second to last, which while it isn’t a win, is not terrible. And yet, where is Gabriel Ellis now? And where am I? Point made. Amok is going to be just another contract to tear up when he decides that he cannot hack it and tucks his tail. Only those that truly respect the game are the ones that end up lasting. Guys like Johnny and myself are in for the long haul, not some flash in the pan talent that looks to make a quick buck and disappears. So until Amok develops himself as a wrestler and not just a sizable opponent that just fights… he has a long way to go.
*Avery decides to slide back into the couch while picking up the laptop. He places it on his lap and continues recording*
Avery: And then there is Night Rider; someone brand new to VWS. He could be the wildcard of the match, the unknown. But I prepare myself for anything and everything. That said, he made some wild claims and some quite stupid ones. He likened Gillmen to a fish because… well, I don’t really know? I guess because of the word “gill”? Does a guy that called himself “Night Rider” have much room to talk about a name? I mean, if you were David Hasselhoff in the mid-80’s I guess you could get away with it. He then goes on to have fun with the fact that I am the third in line to carry Avery as my name; it almost sounds like he is jealous of people with actual names while he portrays being this cool guy with a super badass name. “Night Rider”. Pfft.
*Avery shakes his head*
Avery: Mr. Rider, if that’s his real name, goes on to say that I don’t understand that my opponent’s shoulders are supposed to be pinned? Yes, correct… except in an “I Quit match” which was last week. I did pin Gillman at March Madness by the way, so there goes THAT theory. As far as referees refusing to call my matches because it wears their arms out… it I did not pin people how exactly are their arms getting worn out?
*Avery pauses for a solid fifteen seconds with a deadpan look*
Avery: And is he REALLY smoked weed ON camera? I am fairly sure that in Nevada it is STILL illegal and while Ana might not be the most up-and-up sort of owner, most companies sort of test for those things. Will “Night Rider” even make it to Tenacity? Who the hell knows. I know that I will be there, and ready to walk away a winner regardless.
*A deep breath and again a shake of the head*
Avery: Either I am thrown random opponents that disappear or have little experience of myself, VWS, or the industry as a whole. I guess I will continue to make the best of it as I am making VWS a second home regardless of Ana and Alex. I have moved into a place here in Vegas, and I am enjoying being close to friends. Home is something important to me, and if I can be the face of this home and represent the company… that means that’s much more. I want to offer a safe haven for others to come and show off their skills without having to look over their back constantly by our “champion” and his wife. I intend on going nowhere, and intend on elevating the company. To the roster, you can help me or you can work against me. Regardless, get used to it VWS… I will lead the company very soon and make it a place that other’s can call home as well.
Scene 005 - Century at the River Movie Theatre - Palm Desert, CA - Early June - February 2008 - FLASHBACK
*Avery and Zoe have been dating for eight months and the three of them still manage to hang out. Eighth grade is more than half over as they are looking forward to high school. Avery’s parents dropped him off at the movie theatre to meet up with Zoe, Taylor, and a guy that Taylor has been seeing for a few weeks. Avery is dropped off and he is first there. He waits outside wearing a hoody as it is a cool mid 60’s in Southern California. A couple of moments later, Taylor arrives with a guy arm-in-arm.*
Taylor: He Ave, this is Vince.
Vince: Hey.
Avery: Nice to meet you.
Vince: Yeah. So what lame movie are we seeing, Taylor?
Avery: It’s called “Definitely, Maybe”. It looks really good. Tay and Zoe are both Ryan Reynolds fans.
Vince: Whatever, can we go inside now?
*A car begins to pull up*
Avery: That is Zoe!
*Avery hurries to the door and opens it for Zoe. He was raised to always be a gentleman, and that is one of the things that both girls liked about him. Zoe gets out of the car and waves her parents bye. She leans forward, and the two of them offer a brief kiss. Meanwhile, Vince decides to check Zoe out in plain sight of Taylor. She hits him in the chest*
Vince: What? Come on.
*He grabs her arm and throws it down, but quickly so that neither Avery or Zoe realize*
Zoe: Hi, I’m Zoe!
Vince: Sup? I’m Vince.
Zoe: You go to Indio?
Vince: Yeah-
Taylor: Vince goes to the high school. He’s sixteen.
Zoe: Oh, wow. Okay. Well the movie is going to start soon, let’s get inside.
*The four of them head inside as they lined up for tickets. Avery goes first as he buys two, and hands one to Zoe. Next up is Vince, and he only buys one ticket making Taylor pay for her own. Avery shakes his hand, but Zoe whispers to him that it is not worth it. And they head into the theatre. This time Avery let’s Vince go first, and when he sees that he does not get Taylor anything, Avery steps up and makes sure that she doesn’t pay for herself. They head into the movie as Zoe and Avery snuggle up close to each other, and a row behind them Taylor and Vince sit. Thirty minutes into the movie, Avery can see out of the corner of his eye that Vince is trying to make a move on Taylor. He hand keeps sliding closer on her thigh, and she keeps pushing it back. Finally she says something to him and he does not look happy.*
Vince: Come on Taylor! We sat back here for a reason, why do you have to play games?
*Taylor stands up as there is luckily no one else in the theatre except for the four of them*
Taylor: I am NOT that kind of girl! I came here to watch a movie that I wanted to see. I thought that you were a nice guy and I was wrong. Enjoy the movie, ass.
*Taylor smacks him across the face, and storms out into the lobby and to the outside. Avery, a typically calm and reserved person, stands up and turns back to him*
Avery: What the fuck dude?
Vince: Mind your business, bitch.
Zoe: Avery, let it go.
Avery: No, fuck this guy.
Vince: No, fuck you!
*Avery climbs over the chair and gets into the face of Vince*
Avery: You want to talk a big game? She is a sweet girl, and does not deserve to be treated like this.
Vince: Get out of my face, now.
Avery: Or else what?
*Avery pushes him in the chest*
Vince: You don’t want to do this.
*Zoe hurries out of the theatre trying to get someone to break them up*
Avery: Yes I do. You don’t disrespect my friend like that!
Vince: And who are you? Her Prince Fucking Charming?
*Avery pushes him again*
Vince: That is it, I’ve had enough of you.
*Vince rears back and punches Avery square in the face. He catches his nose as Avery drops to a knee, blood begins to pour out of his nose. He reaches his hand down to wipe and realizes that he is bleeding*
Avery: Is that all that you have? You are DONE seeing Taylor.
*Avery turns to walk away, ready to just be done with it*
Vince: Good. The little bitch wasn’t my type anyways. I felt bad for her, anyways.
Avery: That’s it.
*Avery turns around and sends a huge punch back to Vince, knocking his square on his ass and to the ground. He falls and his the back of his head. Zoe rushes back into the theatre with theatre security pulling Avery back and checking on Vince*
Avery: Get your hands off of me, he punches he first. It’s fine, I am out of here.
*Avery backs off throwing his arms up into the air*
Avery: Let’s go Zoe.
*Zoe looks around, and she cannot believe that Avery knocked the guy right out. Someone that is two years older and quite a bit bigger than he. Avery storms out of the theatre, through the lobby, and to the outside. His nose his still bleeding as he looks around, and locates Taylor sitting against the building, crying her eyes out. Zoe hurries behind him, as he was a man on a mission.*
Avery: Tay, you okay?
Taylor: Ave- what happened? Why is your nose…
*She stands up*
Taylor: Did he sucker punch you?
Avery: Are YOU okay, Taylor?
Zoe: Taylor, he laid Vince out inside of the theatre. He is out cold.
Taylor: Oh my gosh… I am so sorry. I thought he was a nice guy. He was not like this at all.
Taylor quickly runs up to Avery, throwing her arms around him and hugging him.
Taylor: I am fine, thank you.
*Zoe looks at the two of them, and it is there she realizes there is something more going on. She sees that Taylor has feelings for Avery, whether or not he knows it. Avery was just doing right by his friend, but it meant more than just that for Taylor*
Avery Miles III
