Now It's Personal - Part II

Scene I: Lincoln, NE - after Wildfire! - Sunday, February 16, 2003

Divorce is not a pretty thing.  Too many hurt feelings, squabbles about the smallest details, too much spite and contempt.  Too much bullshit, period.

Robert Lancaster sighed heavily as he left the locker room of his compatriot Jeff Kushner, whom he had just visited moments ago, discovering that his marriage to one Honey Chylde lay in ruins, to the point where he had been served notice for divorce.  All Lancaster could do at that moment was invite his chum to his new home the next night for dinner and drinks.  He hoped that would help.

Kushner deserved far better, and this ate at his friend's mind greatly.  Lancaster never fully trusted Honey from the get-go, but she was Stephanie's friend, and expected the world from her, because Jeff deserved it, truly.

What a let down.

Lancaster continued to sigh, and shake his head, muttering "that bitch," to himself many times, as he headed for his locker room to depart for their home.  The Duke moved gingerly through the hallway, Napalm having taken a great deal out of the Englishman.  He really discovered that Napalm's moniker of "the Lord of Chaos" was true, every word of it.  He was glad that he and Big Scary now fought on the same page against the same forces, because as a foe, Lancaster knew that it would take God Himself to empower the Duke to counter such a man.

He made it to the locker room, where Stephanie sat on her cell phone, a look of impatience crossing her face.

"My love?"

"Shhhhh."  Lancaster did as he was told and sat beside his wife, quietly.  Steph hummed and hawed, listening to the phone ring and ring and ring.

"Damn, no reply," she slammed the phone shut, and dropped it in her purse.

"Who were you trying to reach."

"Honey. I've tried to reach her recently, but to no avail.  I wonder what's up."

Lancaster knew exactly what was up, but did not want to dwell on it at that moment.  It was time to get home and check on Edward, who was in Shannon's good hands, and rest, for the three hour drive to Topeka the next day.  The Duke also knew he had to get back to training as soon as he could, to try and out-wrestle, out-maneouver, and most importantly, out-wit Jonny Five.  What mattered at that moment however, was his friend, and seeing his son.  He tried to change topics.

"Well, whatever.  We should go now,  cause I'm bloody well exhausted from that beating."

Stephanie furrowed her eyes.  She knew something was plaguing her husband's mind, but, went along with his suggestion.

They drove home silently, Lancaster not feeling in the best of moods to talk.

Scene II: Lincoln, NE - home of the Lancaster's - Sunday, February 16, 2003

They reached home a short time later, and found Shannon doing her homework quietly in Edward's room.  She smiled at the couple and welcomed them home.

"I actually sat down and watched your match Mr. Lancaster."

"Robert, please, call me Robert," declared the Duke as he stood at the doorway, as Stephanie went to pick up Edward.  "And how did you think I did."

"Oh you totally got your ass whipped," Shannon said with a snicker.  "But you came out on top.  That's all that matters I guess, even in that barbaric sport."

Lancaster rolled his eyes as Stephanie smiled down at Shannon.

"She's a smart girl.  You're going to go a long way my dear."

"Thanks Steph.  Well if that's all I guess I should be going."

Finally, thought Lancaster.  He had to tell his wife what was going down with Jeff, and he wanted Shannon gone.

"Well thank you as always Ms. Robins."  Lancaster pulled out a fifty dollar bill from his wallet and gave it to Shannon.  He showed her to the door and made sure she made it to her car safely before she pulled out and drove off.  Robert sighed and headed for the living room, where he helped himself to a scotch...a double scotch on the rocks.  The amber liquid constructed by the artisans at Glenfiddich warmed Lancaster's innards and soothed his troubled mind.

"Alright Robert. Out with it."

Lancaster turned around, the glass still at his lips, to find the Duchess, dressed down and relaxed, standing at the entryway to the living room, her arms crossed.  There was no time like the present, he surmised, to come clean.  He lowered his glass, and stared directly at her.

"You want the truth then.  Honey has left Jeff and filed for divorce."

Her expression turned distinctively sad.  "Oh no...no wonder I haven't been able to reach her.  How could this have happened."

Lancaster shook his head.  "I really am not sure.  But I did invite him over tomorrow night for drinks and dinner.  I hope you don't mind."

"Course not hun..." She walked forward and wrapped her arms around Robert's waist.  "I just hope this doesn't throw either of you in your upcoming matches...you know I'm here for you both, always."

Lancaster braved a smile, his love for his wife apparent and pure.  "Thank you my sweet."

He leaned forward and kissed her gently, hoping to God that his marriage would never be subjected to such horror as it almost did a few years prior.  The torment he went through was utter hell, but he and Stephanie made it through.  He only hoped that Jeff would be so lucky.