Lancaster's Inferno - Preface to the Journey

I had had enough.

Scene I: Sacramento, CA - ARCO Arena, Crusade for the Chosen One II - Tuesday, March 25, 2003

I returned to the backstage area of the ARCO Arena after falling to defeat to the eventual winner of the Crusade for the Chosen One II Tournament - Chris Kline...a damn fine athlete - where I found Stephanie, pacing to and fro, talking on her phone.  I had wondered why during the middle of my match she had subtly walked off, and now I know why.

Edward was acting up again, back at the hotel.  We had hired a temporary sitter during the few days that we were in Sacramento for the event, but she apparently did not have Shannon's tact nor ability to tame Eddy's spats.  Over the past few weeks his temperment grew increasingly impatient and, well...tempermental.  If Stephanie and I were away from him for even a couple of hours, Eddy would explode into tears and would not stay still, eat, or even play with his favourite toys.

Edward's behaviour had been the catalyst for many conversations and debates between myself and Steph as of late.  That night proved to be no different.

"Listen, do whatever you can alright...I've already suggested what to try, just try to keep him occupied.  Robert and I will be out of here in a matter of minutes."

I sat there listening to Steph, deciding not to shower or change, but rather just pack up my things and head back to the hotel room, and then get back to Lincoln as soon as possible.  

I toweled myself off, wiping the sweat that seemed to be pouring from every sweat gland on my body, and sighed, as Stephanie continued to reassure the sitter - who obviously was very anxious - that we would be home in only a few minutes.

I had enough.  I looked up and yelled, without really yelling, so the sitter could not hear, out of frustrated despair.

"Hang up the bloody thing and let's just go...now, Stephanie."

Stephanie let out an audible sigh and shook her head, as she finally got rid of the panicky sitter.  She looked at me and without hesitation she declared that "This has got to stop."

I knew it had to, too.  I was growing weary of moving Edward about from city to city, across the damn country.  It couldn't be good for his development.  

Steph tossed her phone back in her purse, as she threw me something.  "I believe these are yours."

It was the gold plated brass knuckles I had used against Leprechaun.  I held them in my hands and smirked a bit.  It had been a long while since I used them.  My smile soon disappeared.  I recalled the jeers and disapproval the fans showed me when I unleased their power against the poor unsuspecting bastard.  I didn't even plan to use them,  but at the spur of the moment, I told Steph to hand them to me.  I don't know why.  But I had to do what I had to do...whether the fans love me for it, or hate me.

It wasn't enough though.  Chris Kline was the better man in the next round.  And rightfully so.  No matter, I thought.  There was always next time.

I stood up and grabbed my gear, as Stephanie stood ready to leave.  We walked out the door and through the backstage area, passing many stars and various techies working for the Coalition.  Steph entered the Jaguar as I opened the driver's side, still holding the pair of brass knuckles.  I spotted a near by rubbish bin and threw them in.  I had no wish to use them anymore.  I got in the car, and drove back to the hotel.

Scene I: Sacramento, CA - hotel of the Lancaster's - Tuesday, March 25, 2003

We arrived to find Edward crying his eyes out, and the babysitter, who looked like she was about to faint, sitting, staring at the door.

"Thank God you're here," exclaimed the sitter with a sigh of relief.  "He's been doing this non-stop since you left."

Stephanie threw her purse down and immediately picked up Edward, who kept on crying.  I went over to reassure the sitter.

"I don't know why he does this, but he'll stop in a moment or two.  I can't apologize enough...will you be okay?"

The sitter, who was about 33, gave out a nervous laugh, and nodded, before she threw her arms around me.  I could not help but feel bad for the poor woman.  She was probably scared out of her wits for the past five hours.  I pushed her back gently, and placed her on the bed.

"Now how much did I say you'd be paid for the night."

"A hundred dollars."

I nodded sympathetically and took my wallet, and handed her three instead.

"Thank you again Ms. Stewart."

Stephanie and I showed her to the door and bid her farewell.

Edward had finally settled down as Stephanie put him on her knee to breastfeed him, whereas I simply collapsed on the bed, exhausted from my matches against Leprechaun and Klein, and from dealing with Edward's fussing.

"Well what do you think my dear," I called out from the bed, still wearing my wrestling gear.  "Think we should check him in to the local insane assylum?"  I looked over at Steph, a slight grin on my face.  She merely glared back.

"Perhaps you should be the one who's checking in," she retorted with a small sneer.

"Maybe you're right," I responded.  "After all, I am the one to blame for Edward's personality...well, half to blame at least."

I rolled onto my stomach and looked at my wife.  She sat quietly, looking at Edward.  

"Stephanie."  Her eyes met mine in a gaze of obvious occupation - something was engulfing her mind.  "What's wrong."

She did not respond for a moment.  "Robert.  We both know.  This can't go on for much longer."

Immediately I knew to what she was referring.  

"Then what do you suggest we do about it.  Demand to Marshall that all cards be held in Lincoln, just for our sake?  We knew this would happen the day we found out you were pregnant."

"I know Robert...I know.  But I didn't expect things to be this way."

I sat up from the bed and headed over to the mini fridge, pulling out a small bottle of Jack Daniels bourbon.  I grabbed some ice quickly and filled a glass, before pouring Mr. Daniels' finest to mingle with the ice.  I stood silently, my head down, thinking, trying to gather my thoughts.

"Stephanie, I want both of you to be here with me.  You told me you would always be by my side while I wrestled."

She just shook her head, holding her hand up.  "Listen,  Robert, it's late...I want to sleep now...this can wait...please.  Just finish your drink, and come to bed..."

I greedily downed the liquid and wiped my lips, unsure what to think, what to do, what to say.  I was afraid that I'd have to make some very hard decisions in the next few weeks and days.

"Alright.  Let me shower first, and I'll be out in a few minutes."

She nodded as I put my glass down and locked myself in the bathroom.  I got in the shower and set the water to a very high temperature, almost hoping that the hot water would wash away my worries.  I wiped my hands over my face, getting my hair out of my eyes.  I could not do anything but speculate on what was to come.  The decision, it seemed, was not in my hands.

What mattered was not that I had had enough.

She had had enough.