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When Jake Starr stared down the superintendent of the Des Moines Public School system, he did so with the hope of intimidation. It wasn't intimidation in the variety where he wanted someone to fear him, it was intimidation guided at simply letting the situation go away. In his mind, this wasn't an instance of trying to physical intimidation, but rather through the threat of legal means if things didn't calm down. Since that moment, neither Jake nor Roeper have heard anything regarding the "next steps" or whether or not the situation would be dealt with properly.
Jake hopes that something is conveyed before he leaves again because Roeper has not been able to shake the feeling that this is going to turn out for the worse. It's a frustration that Jake has been able to see, clearly, since the day it happened. In Roeper's mind, she completely understands why Jake did what he did. She understands that it was because he wanted to do what was best for his daughter, but she also feels that this could inevitably turn ugly. She's been trying to parse her thoughts to try and convey her feelings to Jake, and figures that she needs to just suck it up and do it. As Jake stands in the kitchen making himself a sandwich for dinner, Roeper walks in behind him. Jake can hear someone behind him, but doesn't know which member of his family it is. He figures if they need him, they'll say something, otherwise he'll just continue about his business. Roeper doesn't realize Jake is aware of her presence, and sighs loudly, trying to get him to acknowledge her. After a couple of, rather dramatic, sighs, Jake smirks and looks over his shoulder, and sees Roeper standing there. Jake Starr: Everything ok? Roeper takes this as her opportunity to begin venting, and pouring her thoughts and emotions out to Jake.
Roeper Hart: ... You know, I just cannot shake this feeling that this isn't going to end well... Jake cocks an eyebrow, and turns around confused.
Jake Starr: What're you talking about? Roeper Hart: Oh c'mon... This whole thing with Mara and her school. I just can't sit back, relax, and assuming this isn't going to turn into some major clusterfuck. I mean, I trust you. I know you're protective. I know you will do whatever it takes to make sure nothing harms Mara, but something tells me this isn't going to end well. Jake slowly turns around, and tries to be the calm and collected voice of reason.
Jake Starr: Babe... That may be the case, and you may end up being right. That guy may try and make this into a bigger ordeal than it needs to be. Deep down, I just don't think that's going to be the case, though. I mean, I could see the uneasiness in the man's eyes. He was fucking scared. Roeper Hart: And I hope you're right about that, love... But my intuition isn't normally wrong about these types of things, so it's just not easy to believe. Jake smirks again.
Jake Starr: And I get that... But everyone's intuition gets to be wrong every once in a blue moon. Even yours... Roeper Hart: But that's the thing... Mine has NEVER been wrong before, but for once in my life I'm hoping that it is. I just can't fathom the thought about going up to Mara, and trying to explain why she's not going to the school she's always known. I mean, she has friends there. She has teachers she loves! Jake quickly chimes in.
Jake Starr: But we can't worry about something that is completely out of our control. And besides, right now, how many friends does she even REALLY have? The way she's always talking, they've all basically just started isolating her, instead of talking shit to her. Roeper Hart: She actually has a couple of really close friends that are constantly by her side. On top of that, her teacher loves her, too. Hell, she even called me after that PTA meeting and told me that she was sorry about how we were treated, sorry she didn't say something, and that Mara is the epitome of the perfect student. She also said if we needed anything she'd be there to help. So Mara has a support system. She's still, luckily, young enough to where she doesn't need an entire brood of friends. She just needs what she has, and I can't fathom her losing all of that. Roeper gets a little sniffly.
Roeper Hart: ... I just don't want her to have to start all over, Jake... As Roeper is getting emotional, from behind the voice of Mara, herself, enters into the conversation.
Mara Jad Hart: What do you mean, mommy? What would I start over? Jake, without thinking, answers pretty bluntly.
Jake Starr: ... In school... Mara Jad Hart: Start over in school? Mara pauses and begins to put two and two together, knowing much about how difficult the situation has been for her at school.
Mara Jad Hart: Am I going to have to go to school somewhere else? Jake, realizing he's put his foot in his mouth, tries to now explain as simply and logically as he can.
Jake Starr: That is why your mom and I are trying to make sure DOESN'T happen, sweetie... Mara Jad Hart: But why would I have to go somewhere else? Where would I go? A sense of panic begins to set in.
Mara Jad Hart: ... And what about my friends, and my teachers?! I don't want to start over, Daddy! I want to stay where I am! Jake looks down and begins to see tears begin to well up in the corners of her eyes. He crouches down and gives Mara a hug. Roeper begins to try and console her daughter as well.
Roeper Hart: Mara, I promise we are going to do everything we can to make sure none of that bad stuff happens. Jake Starr: ... And Daddy is positive it won't! While buried into Jake's shoulder, Mara replies.
Mara Jad Hart: Are you sure? Jake Starr: I'm positive, Princess... Jake tries to deter the topic to something completely different, wanting to try and get the focus away from this difficult situation.
Jake Starr: ... And you know what I've been thinking, lately? I know you've been real bummed about me leaving a lot, and so I figured maybe it's time for you to better understand what I do when I'm gone. Mara Jad Hart: But I thought you just go out and fight people on TV, and make some people upset? Isn't that about it? Jake chuckles.
Jake Starr: My job is to entertain people, Princess. My job is to make people enjoy themselves. It's not just about beating people up, telling people off, or anything like that, like your friends and their parents think. There's actually a lot more, and I think you should truly understand that, too. Mara is confused.
Mara Jad Hart: Ok? Roeper becomes a little concerned about what Jake is insinuating.
Roeper Hart: ... So what are you suggesting? Jake Starr: I'm saying I want her to go with me on the road, sometime! Roeper's eyes immediately go wide.
Roeper Hart: Excuse me?! Jake chuckles at the completely shocked response from his wife.
Jake Starr: Don't worry, you could come, too! Roeper Hart: No, it's not that! I've been out there, Jake. That's not really a suitable place for her. Jake stands back from his crouched position with Mara, and looks at Roeper.
Jake Starr: ... And you know, in most family situations I would probably agree with you. But we're not a normal family situation. She's not a normal child. She needs to be exposed, so she can actually UNDERSTAND what I for real. She needs to be able to see what life is like backstage. She needs to be able to see how the fans respond and react up close. She needs to actually BE a fan for once in her life... Roeper isn't happy hearing this.
Roeper Hart: Mara, can you go wash up for dinner? Mara Jad Hart: Sure! She turns back to Jake.
Mara Jad Hart: Thanks again, Daddy! Jake Starr: My pleasure, Princess... Mara leaves to go wash up. As she gets out of earshot, Roeper begins to unload.
Roeper Hart: WHAT IN THE HELL ARE YOU THINKING, JAKE?! You and I BOTH know she doesn't need to be in that setting! Jake goes on the defensive.
Jake Starr: Roeper, she needs to be able to talk to her friends about me, and what I'm REALLY like. Not just from a "home" perspective, but a "work" perspective as well. She can't go walking around saying, "oh I love my Daddy, and he's nice to me." That doesn't do ANYTHING to help her or them. If she can't talk to them and actually SPEAK to the situation at hand, they won't believe SHIT! She needs to be able to look in their eyes and say, "no, that's wrong, and you don't know dick!" Roeper Hart: ... And if she goes there, she's liable to learn just how to say JUST THAT, and then she'll be kicked out of school regardless. Jake Starr: Oh c'mon, she hasn't repeated ANYTHING I've said thus far, and I doubt that would magically be the trigger that starts it. And besides, for once she needs to come with me to know I'm not leaving HER. She needs to know that Daddy is going to work, and coming home, to help support the family. She needs to realize I'm not just a "fighter" on TV, but someone who does what he does to provide for her. Roeper Hart: I get that... I just don't like it... She's too young, Jake. Jake Starr: Hell, I was younger than she is when my dad took me into the arena for the first time. I was raised in that place, and I turned out fine. Roeper Hart: But that was a different time, and different situation, Jake. You were a boy in a traditionally, "man's world." Jake fires back.
Jake Starr: Exactly... I was a boy in a "man's world," but now I'm a man in a world that is equally dominated by men AND women. I mean, Roeper, look at the SCW roster as it is now. Look at who have been the ones who have been the most successful as of late. It's been the women. It's been the strong women. I want Mara to be a strong woman for herself, and I don't want her to feel like being a part of a wrestling family is some kind of hindrance to her life in general. I don't want her just taking shit from others, you know? Roeper Hart: So you're saying you want her to fight? Jake Starr: No! That's just dumb... I just want her to be strong, and stand up for herself and her family. I want her to be able to stand up to those who are treating her like shit because of me. I want her to be proud of who she is, and who I am... I don't want her to be fearful, or question me as a person... Roeper sighs, and looks to the side, understanding where Jake is coming from, but still not liking the idea. As she stews, Jake's phone rings. Jake pulls his phone out and looks at it confused. He sees a local number that is unfamiliar, but elects to answer it anyway.
Jake Starr: ... Hello? ... Yeah, this is he ... Yeah, I am ... Jake's voice begins to get louder as something is said that catches him off guard.
Jake Starr: ... PARDON ME?! ... Is that so, huh?! ... Yeah, well I can promise you we will see about that one ... Oh no, I hear you LOUD AND CLEAR, but I can promise you that this will NOT be the case ... Oh I don't particularly care if you think this is the final decision, it's not, and I can promise you that ... Yeah, whatever... Jake hangs his phone up, and Roeper can see by the look on his face something is not right.
Roeper Hart: Jake? What's going on? Jake continues to stare at his phone, not looking up. He sighs, and finally responds.
Jake Starr: ... Well apparently your intuition is still firing on all cylinders after all... Roeper's heart sinks.
Roeper Hart: Oh no! Jake explains.
Jake Starr: ... Apparently Mara can finish the rest of this school year, but next year we have to take her somewhere else... Roeper Hart: WHAT?! Jake Starr: Yeah... Roeper Hart: NO! Roeper begins to feel tears welling up in her eyes.
Roeper Hart: What are we going to do? Jake begins to get more and more angered at the situation.
Jake Starr: This fight is far from over, and you were right, it's about to get ugly... REAL ugly... Roeper continues to hold the emotions back.
Roeper Hart: We CANNOT let her see any of this. Jake Starr: She won't... I promise... We will find a way to shield her from all of this. Whether it's her being kept in the dark here, or we get her out of the house, we'll figure it out. Hell, we can send her to my parents, if need be. Jake sees Roeper fighting back more and more tears. He immediately issues an order to his wife.
Jake Starr: ... Fight back the emotions... Hold them back... She cannot know anything is wrong... Roeper takes a deep breath, and realizes Jake is right. She begins to try and hide her feelings as Mara makes her way back into the kitchen. Roeper isn't able to hide her teary eyes, and Mara catches a glimpse.
Mara Jad Hart: Mommy, what's wrong? Roeper immediately feels her body control her emotions for her daughter.
Roeper Hart: Oh I just got stupid eyelashes in my eyes, and I can't get them out. I was just about to go to the bathroom to try rinsing them out... Mara believes the, seemingly legit, statement.
Mara Jad Hart: Oh... Ok! With those words, Mara immediately begins to sit down, and Jake shifts his attention from his sandwich to making Mara a meal. Roeper heads for the bathroom to regroup emotionally, and emerges as Jake sets everyone's food on the table, including a snack for Roeper. Jake and Roeper are able to act normal, while having virtual conversations with their eye contact, without Mara figuring it out.
The concern now is fully engrained into both parents, as they worry about what it will take to get this situation handled in the easiest manner possible. In Jake's mind, he knows he has to now call in reinforcements to ensure this battle is done on a level he isn't as well-versed in as he should be. He knows he'll have to battle this on a political and legal scale, but doesn't know what all will be included. He just knows now, more than ever, he has to be there for his daughter and can't be as emotionally unstable. He has to be her rock, just like he has to be the rock of his wife now, more than ever before. He also has to be able to truly put the needed focus in his family life because of the difficulties that could be on the horizon. Jake Starr: There comes a point when everyone has to look back and begin to reflect on everything that has happened, and try to figure out what it all means, and why it all matters. I've been there multiple times, lately, but this time feels a lot different. This time doesn't remind me of the rest because, for me, reflection has been focused around why I am screwing up. The past few times I've "reflected," I've been trying to find out why things have been happening, and why I can't get my legs back under me. Today... I'm reflecting on 2017, thus far, and how vastly different it has been from recent years... I look back at just the end of 2016, and I see a lot of things I don't like. I see things that just scream "mediocrity." I would win and succeed in very minor instances, but I wasn't doing anything meaningful or relevant. And I get that I didn't really deserve the right to say I deserved to be rewarded for it, but it didn't stop me. It didn't stop me from making demands, making accusations, and trying to strong-arm my way to whatever I wanted at the time. I look back and realize I didn't care if I deserved it, either. I just wanted it because I thought that because I was Jake Starr, that alone made me worthy. Now, when I talk about all of this, and I talk about why 2017 is different, I look back just a few months ago and wonder if it almost didn't happen. Why do I say that? Why do I talk about how this resurgence may have almost not happened? Look at what I said, and how I acted to begin the year. Look at what I said before my first match of the year. I walked out on this very spot, which I stand on today, and I brought some fly-by-night, fresh off the ambulance chase, lawyer, threatening to sue SCW. I had some guy trying to MAKE SCW give me a United States Championship match that, I won't lie, I still feel like I deserve. Now, having said that, let me explain something... I feel, and will probably ALWAYS feel, like I deserve everything... ... Go figure, huh? But I realize things don't really come to those who demand. I realize that those who demand, threaten, or piss and moan incessantly, don't tend to actually get what they want. So I realize that I started 2017 just like I finished 2016, doing all of the above. But I think there was something inside me that felt like it was necessary to address it in a different way. I think it was my way of letting management know how deeply I felt about it, even though I knew it wouldn't work. But what it did do, however, was act as the final chapter in that part of my life... ... Because I moved on! I began 2017 anew! Jake smirks.
It was my true springboard to my resurrection! From that moment on, I began the process of rebuilding my name. I began the process of doing what I needed to do to PROVE my worth, once again. I realized that if I truly wanted to make Jake Starr a household name again, and make myself a major player in this business, I needed to not just talk the talk, I needed to finally put up, or shut the FUCK up. ... And let's be real, Jake Starr shutting up is about as realistic as a yeast infection not smelling like a drawer of warm, rotten, eggs... It's what has led us to today because I have worked my ass off this year. I have been through hell and highwater to FINALLY get some recognition. I won the Trios, and it cemented me with ANY opportunity to do ANYTHING that I want, ANY TIME. It's something that I am STILL thinking about how and when to use, but it was "step one." "Step two," for me, was success at Tactical Warfare. It was going out there and doing what I have become synonymous for doing, and that's taking the CANCERS of SCW and, effectively, curing them. Those two milestones caught the attention of management, and they decided to give me an opportunity to prove myself. They gave me Jinn last week on Breakdown. They gave me a chance to EARN an opportunity of a lifetime. They gave me the chance to earn my shot to be "the first." And I knew Jinn would come out there with the BELIEF that he could hang, and prove to the world that he should have moved forward in the Shot of Adrenaline Tournament, but I also knew that the REALITY of the situation would dictate what REALLY happened. He ran into me, and he ran into me hard. He realized, FIRST HAND, what it's like to be inside the ring with Jake Starr, and it was something he could NOT handle. It wasn't indicative of failure in the future for him because he could very well have a bright future. But his future is not his present. His future is not MY present. My present involves me being the hunter and being the guy who continues this resurgence from obscurity back to relevancy. My present is putting my name back on the SCW map because I was forgotten. I was ignored. I was omitted from existence. But now, now that all changes. Now my name goes on a line it hasn't been on for some time. Now I'm the number one contender for the Television Championship. So the big question of all of this is simple... Why am I droning on about any of this? Why am I reflecting on something that happened back in January? It's simple. That moment marked a turning point in SCW for two people. One of those people was Jake Starr. It showed the world that 2017 was going to be a NEW and FRESH year. But it also marked a moment where one man decided to turn the corner and be someone in his own right, and that man is Brett Sinclaire. See, back in January, Jake Starr was in a match with Rachel Foxx and Brett Sinclaire. The three of us were there simply trying to get the year started off right, and I'll be blunt, when it came to how I addressed Brett, it was a bit, well... Jake smirks.
... Honest? See, at the time, Brett was a nobody. He was someone who I didn't know, nor did I really care to know. He was a guy I wasn't concerned or worried about because, at that time, he was lucky to even be in the same breath as me. I was getting Brett attention and a spotlight he had NEVER BEFORE been able to command on his own. I mean, as I stated then, he was in a match with two first ballot hall of fame inductees. He was a man amidst wrestling royalty, and when the shoe fell, it showed. He got to be part of a war between Rachel and I that, every time it happens, is epic. And I would like to think it was that match, that moment, that OPPORTUNITY to share the ring with Rachel and I, that led him down the path he has forged because what he has done is gone from being a nobody, to being someone who is now the prey! Why is that? Why is Brett now the food for which those predators of SCW can now feast? He's a champion. He's gone from being someone nobody gives two shits about, or looks at more than once, to being someone who everyone realizes is who they want to topple. He's someone who now has to play the role of a man who has to endure the pressures of defending the championship against any and all comers. And unlike with most championships, the Television Championship commands a little more of the infamous "intestinal fortitude," as it has to be defended EVERY TIME HE STEPS FOOT IN THE RING. Now for some, that's too much of a challenge. The idea of fighting week after week, knowing you have to defend ALL THE TIME, and not just within a timespan, is daunting. Brett is someone who is really starting to understand that pressure relatively quickly because he hasn't had to be the hunted in the past. See, he didn't just beat a nobody to get that title. He beat Ravyn Taylor. He beat someone Jake Starr has only bested in tag team competition. He beat someone who is truly one of the most difficult people to beat in the industry. But he did it... That means now he is the champion, and has to defend against whomever gets the next blessing from that title eliminator. He's now forced to look over his shoulder for who's next at every turn because SCW could put ANYONE in that role. SCW could throw ANYONE out there for an opportunity to face him. So now he's in a new place... He hasn't had to feel the breaths of the masses always on the back of his neck, just waiting to strike. And earlier this year, if you had asked me, I would have bet he would have failed. I would have bet money he wouldn't have survived one title defense. I would have said he would have crumbled because you traditionally don't be a superstar like Ravyn for your first title, and not have the nerves and overzealous emotions not get the best of you. But he did that too... Just like I beat Jinn on Breakdown, Brett proved my normal assumptions wrong. Now he's got another legend. Now he's got to prove that he can defend against someone whom he knows CAN and HAS beaten him in the past. Now he's being forced to stare down the biggest challenge of his life... AGAIN! But this time, he's got the champion's advantage. He's got the odds in his favor because that simply comes with the terrain of being a champion. He's got a defense under his belt, so he knows he can actually do it. But that won't matter this time... Jake smirks again.
You see, Brett, this is where the rubber meets the road. You did beat Ravyn. I commend you for that because it's not something just anyone can do. You DID defend your title successfully, again, which is commendable. But now you have to stare me down. You have to look into my eyes and know I'm not a nobody who was fortunate enough to get through the title eliminator. I'm Jake FUCKING Starr! And a lot of people who think they know me put me in a position where I'll say this title doesn't matter, or it's just a springboard to something bigger, but it's not. This is the ONE CHAMPIONSHIP I don't have. This is the ONE TITLE that no other Supreme Champion has. I've said it before, but winning this would make me, effectively, the first TRUE Supreme Champion in SCW history. It would be a night where this title would go into the history books, and mean THE WORLD to me. And if it weren't to happen then, whenever it did, it would be that important. It's not just important this time, or next time, or the time after that. This championship will be the defining moment in my resurgence because it will DEFINE what there is for me going forward. Whether it's other titles, other big matches, title defenses, whatever, winning the Television Title will mean the most of ANY championship I've ever won because it will cement my name in HISTORY. Can Alex Drake say that? Can Ravyn say that? Can Shane Lawson say that? These were the people who ultimately guided you to this moment, so if the answer is no, which it is, then it is irrelevant what you have done in the past because I am your present, and the FUTURE of that title. I am the one who is going to walk in there and define his career at Breakdown, not you. I know you're a new man than you were earlier this year. I know you may have not given it everything you had, then, but I don't care. ALL I care about is going out there, and taking you to task, man. ALL I care about is doing something I can honestly say means something, and not just say it because I think it'll help hype me up. This is my moment to shine, again. Jake's tone gets much more serious.
Brett... We began this year opposing one another, and looking to define our careers for the year. It's April, and we're about to do it again. The only difference is that the stakes are much higher. Now there's gold at stake. There's history at stake. There're career definitions at stake. And it's not a nobody against Jake Starr and Rachel Foxx. It's the Television Champion against the challenger, Jake Starr. We both have a lot to gain. YOU have a lot to lose. That alone means the pressure on you is undeniable, and it's on YOU to show the world whether or not you can handle it. So bring your A game... Bring your B game... Bring the entire fucking alphabet with you for all I care... Come Breakdown, you're going to have your reign ended. You're going to walk out empty handed. You're going to see a celebration the likes of which you have never seen, and you're going to remember it was because of YOU that it happened. So I hope you're ready to find out if you can truly handle that kind of pressure. I hope you're ready to see if you can avenge the fact that I BEAT you to kick this year off. I hope you're not wanting to simply blow this match off, and not show what kind of champion you are, or were. But... I guess it's like you said to Ravyn, at Breakdown, it'll be fun finding out once the bell rings... Ding ding, motherfucker! Let's see what you're made of... Fin |
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