Post by Mercedes Carter on Apr 17, 2018 19:38:58 GMT -5
CD was done by Avery Miles III, Dead Eye, Adrien Cochrane, and Cheyenne
Dry Branch, GA.
April 8th, 2018
Home of Avery and Serenity Miles
****
Inside of the Miles Home, Avery and Serenity were cooking up a Sunday dinner. It was the Sunday between Battle for London and Lest We Forget. Avery made sure to come back home to spend time with his pregnant wife. This was the first Sunday dinner where Avery and Serenity would have some close friends over.
Avery: I’ve got chicken cooking, babe. Mashed potatoes. Corn. Mac and cheese. Biscuits. A couple of pies cooling. What am I forgetting? What am I forgetting?
Serenity: Babe. Relax. This was a great idea. We always had Sunday dinners with Sawyer and Annie. This is a good idea to have it with everyone else.
He nods as there is a knock at the door.
Avery: I think they are here!
“Everyone else” was an accurate statement by Serenity. As the couple opens the door, we see that Charles James, aka Dead Eye, has arrived, along with his friend Cheyenne Rae.
CJ: What's poppin’?
Serenity smiles as she sees CJ and what appears to be a female friend.
Avery looks over Serenity’s shoulder as he smiles.
Avery: Hey man.
CJ: Serenity, Ave, this is Cheyenne Rae. Cheyenne, this is Serenity and Avery.
The couple smiles and nods toward her.
Chey: Nice to meet you.
Avery & Serenity: Hello.
CJ pats Serenity’s belly and fist bumps Avery.
CJ: Thanks for the invite.
Chey: Yeah, thanks a lot. Something sure smells good.
Chey hugs the two of them gingerly as she is just getting acquainted with the couple. Avery nods and looks past the two at two people in the foreground. Avery shakes his head and smiles.
CJ: Oh, yeah. I found a couple of stragglers along the way.
Avery: I see. I guess we COULD take them in. Please Serenity, can we keep them?
He jokes as Serenity has a small laugh at the expense of the third couple as if they were lost puppies. The camera pans behind CJ and Cheyenne, revealing Adrien Cochrane and Everalda Sears-Theron, along with her son Klaus who’s not shy to speak up.
Klaus: Hewwo!
Avery and CJ walk outside to greet the other couple and say their hellos. Chey and Serenity stay behind and strike up a conversation.
Serenity: So, how did you and CJ meet? We were figuring Charles would arrive alone but glad to see he has a friend.
She has a small smile with the word 'friend'. Chey does not react to the smile.
Chey: He was working out at the gym where I work.
Serenity: Oh, okay. What ya do there?
Serenity sees Avery and CJ entertaining Adrien and Everalda. She was happy to get to know any friend of CJ's; figuring it was good that he had someone to hang with other than a pregnant lady.
Chey: I'm a trainer. Been there for a few years now.
Cheyenne looked around the house, seeing how quaint and homely it was. Plenty of pictures on the wall, including a wedding photo of Avery with another woman. She does not ask about it for now.
Serenity: That is good. Do you like working there? I bet it can be a bit much at times.
Cheyenne nods.
Chey: Yeah, the people there are so nice. The place has such a positive vibe.
Serenity: I need to check on dinner. Join me?
Chey: Sure.
She looks back at CJ as he nods and smiles, seeing her already talking to Serenity. As Serenity and Chey walk into the kitchen to check on dinner, the others are walking in. Serenity and Cheyenne continue their conversation, as Chey compliments the kitchen. Serenity wasn't much of a good cook, Avery did most of the cooking, but Serenity was confident enough to at least check on things. The four others in the doorway finally make their way into the house as CJ calls Chey over. She joins CJ, Adrien, Everelda, and Klaus as Avery heads into the kitchen to help Serenity.
CJ: Chey, this is Adrien Cochrane, Everalda Sears-Theron, and her son, Klaus. Guys, this is Cheyenne Rae.
Chey: Hey, it's nice to meet you, you can call me Chey.
Cochrane politely extends his hand out to shake Cheyenne Rae’s. The blonde haired New Orleanian smiles as he does, always enjoying the opportunity to meet the special people in the lives of his friends.
Adrien: Pleasure meeting you, Chey. People still only call me Adrien.
CJ: Don't let the false modesty fool ya, Chey. Dude likes to be referred to as “The Dropkick King”. He be hatin’ on ma “Doctor of Kickology” nickname.
Dead Eye smirks and gives Adrien a fake stare down at the similarity between nicknames that never wedged anything in the friendship they developed fairly quickly after meeting over two years ago, regardless of both men’s competitive nature.
Once their handshake ends, Everalda smiles and extends her own hand to shake Cheyenne’s hand, herself. Klaus glances up, curious as to what’s going on.
Everalda: It’s very nice to meet you, Chey. I’m Everalda and this is my son, Klaus.
Klaus: Hi, I’m Kwaus!
The little one can’t quite grasp pronouncing the letter “L”, so he stumbles on his own name. Even though his mother and Adrien have introduced themselves, he decides to do it for them anyway.
Klaus: This is mommy and this is Adween!
Cheyenne bends down at eye level with Klaus and extends her hand to offer a handshake to the child. She does so squeezing her fingers close together to make her hand size smaller.
Klaus, although friendly, looks at her hand skeptically and up to his mother for confirmation. Everalda nods at him. Instead of returning the shake, Klaus runs up the couple steps back up to her, giving Chey a hug instead. This garners a collective “awww” from the women.
Chey: You're so sweet.
Everalda: He is. My son’s quite the charmer!
Klaus smiles and giggles, happily enjoying the attention for a moment.
CJ: So…
Avery: Hey CJ. You got a minute? We need to talk.
CJ: Uh-oh. What I do now?
Avery: Nothing, man. It'll just take a second. Give us a minute, please. We will be right back.
Cochrane nods his head as his girlfriend speaks on behalf of both of them.
Everalda: Of course, Mr. Miles.
Avery takes a step toward the living room and looks back to make sure CJ is following. CJ runs his right hand through his hair, pushing his dreads out of his face and toward the back of his head as he gets in-step with Avery. When the two are alone, Avery smirks. CJ raises an eyebrow.
Avery: So, Cheyenne?...
CJ: I'm CJ.
Avery: You know what I mean.
Avery gives him an inquiring look. CJ returns the look with a puzzled look of his own.
CJ: Actually, I don't. How ‘bout you stop beating around the bush and just spit out what's on your mind, bruh?
Avery: I think you know what I'm getting at? Or are you truly oblivious to the way you look at her?
CJ: Huh? Wha?
It's apparent from his posture and facial expression that CJ is truly at a loss with Avery’s words. He sits on a couch.
Avery: It's not the end of the world, man. So, you have a crush? Big deal. It’s kinda cute.
Avery has a little laugh at that.
CJ: That's just it, bruh. It's not like that. I just don't want people to read into something that's not there. Does it appear “that obvious” to everyone?
CJ runs his hand through his hair again and slaps at some of the dreads to get rid of an itch the more-than-normal tussle creates in his head. The anxious gesture has become more routine for James in recent times.
Avery: I'm afraid, so, man.
CJ: It's nothing on her. It's just…you know what I've been going through. I'm nowhere near ready for any kind of relationship any time soon. Chey is cool people. I'm just intrigued with her is all. In a different set of circumstances, maybe, but I'm dealing with enough as-is.
Clearly, both Serenity and Avery were on the same page with the chemistry the two friends, CJ and Chey, have in the short time they've known each other. The questions are: are those two oblivious? Or just in denial of what seems obvious to those around them?
The moment that Avery and Serenity met, they knew. But he would never push that sort of thinking onto anyone, especially someone that was coming off of the relationship and rollercoaster of a ride CJ was.
Avery: Friends? More than friends? Friends with benefits? Whatever you and she are, it is good that you both are hanging out and getting your mind off of stuff. Especially with you signing with NGW. Have you… told her? Or Adrien? I told Serenity to keep quiet about it. I am stoked, man… to have you back on the road? Especially with Serenity laid up at home pregnant.
He tried to alter the subject as they looked towards the future instead of the past.
* * * *
A bit later, all of them gather around the dining room table, Avery at the head of it.
Avery: Thank you all for being here. Charles, Cheyenne.
He nods at them.
Avery: Adrien, Everalda, Klaus.
He smiles.
Avery: And obviously Serenity. Pregnant with our little ones.
He puts his hand on her tummy.
Avery: Please. If you could bow your heads for a moment. Lord, thank You for the food before us, the family and friends beside us and the love between us. Amen.
The food in front of them was varied. Fried chicken. Greens. Sweet potatoes. Homemade mac and cheese. Cornbread. Red beans and rice. Banana pudding. And Sweet tea. The usual suspects for a down, home Southern-style meal.
Avery: Thank you all for being here. I am glad to have you all.
CJ looks around at the table of his friends, smiling. Recently, he felt so alone in the world without Karin. Now, he's thankful for taking the opportunity presented to him by the Miles family to move nearby. He taps his glass with his fork.
CJ: Friends. As the guest of honor…
CJ pauses in an attempt to unsuccessfully maintain a straight face at his own shot at humor.
CJ: If I can be serious for a minute… I’d like to propose a toast to our grateful hosts, Serenity and Avery!
Everyone: Here here!
CJ: I said Serenity first cuz I ain't dumb. Gotta keep da pregnant lady happy.
CJ nods and smiles at Serenity. Avery nods as he knew exactly what Dead Eye was doing.
Avery: Getting into the good graces of my wife. Uh huh. My eye is on you.
He teases his friend.
Avery: And if I remember correctly… CJ… you have an announcement? Yes?
All eyes turn immediately to CJ with the exception of Klaus, who stares in awe of the delicious food. CJ nervously clears his throat.
CJ: Not pulling any punches today, huh, Ave? Well, everybody. Here it is. I'm pregnant.
CJ bursts out in laughter, as does Adrien, who nearly spits out his tea. Serenity and Chey sigh and Avery doesn't look amused. Everalda can’t help but giggle while Klaus looks confused at the variation of responses from the adults.
Avery: I thought you were being serious.
CJ: That minute has passed.
Avery: …
CJ: Okay, here goes. Everyone…
The moment is awkward, solely because of CJ’s behavior. The way he is acting gives the appearance that his announcement is of a bad or negative nature. That is not the case here, as his friends will see…and so will you.
CJ: I was recently been cleared completely by Dr. Andrews and have signed my contract to rejoin the NGW roster.
CJ lets out a breath of relief as the news is out to someone besides Avery. Although she’s the least familiar with CJ, Everalda offers a gentle smile and an approving nod.
Everalda: That’s wonderful, Mr. James! I’m very happy for you.
Seeing his mother’s happiness makes Klaus smile and clap his hands.
Klaus: Yay yay yay!!
Adrien: Great to see ole’ Dead Eye back in the ring! And on the same roster as me this time!
CJ: Ya know, we talked about this a few years ago, but it kinda feels surreal that it's actually gonna happen this rip.
Dead Eye has a “deep thought” expression on his face for a moment. He then looks around the table realizing that the moment truly is real.
CJ: Next?
Chey is usually an upfront person, but she's being pretty quiet. She's realizing how close she is to being in the ring herself. Finally, she smiles and says..
Chey: It'll be great to see you in action CJ, how are you feeling about your return to the ring?
CJ: Uh, well. I have a range of emotions on that. I'm excited because this gives me some sense of control in an aspect of my life. At the same time, I'm a little anxious because you never know how the body is going to react, especially with what I'm comin’ off of.
He lets out a barely-audible sigh and then smiles.
CJ: Besides, someone at this table…
He angles his head toward Avery.
CJ: …said they owe me an ass whipping.
CJ can't help but smirk. He looks over at Serenity, realizing she had no verbal response to his announcement. He comes to the conclusion that —naturally— Avery had already told his wife. A small smile creeps onto the face of Dead Eye as he gives Serenity a “you knew, right?” look. Serenity nods her confirmation of the unasked question.
CJ can't help but feel blessed at the recent change in his outlook on life. Just a few weeks ago, he was down in the dumps wondering if he could climb out of the slime pit he felt he was in. Now, things are looking up for him. As the moment turns into silence, now seems to be a good time to change the subject.
CJ: I don't know about y'all, but my stomach is practically yelling at me with the smell of all this southern food invading my nostrils. Shall we eat?
A few mumbles fill the void of silence as a resounding yes from the others. Klaus’s little eyes light up as Everalda pulls his little plate toward her as the opening dish of the meal is passed her way. Small talk fills the air, along with the sound of clanging dishes from the quick filling of plates. The screen fades to black.
Dry Branch, GA.
April 8th, 2018
Home of Avery and Serenity Miles
****
Inside of the Miles Home, Avery and Serenity were cooking up a Sunday dinner. It was the Sunday between Battle for London and Lest We Forget. Avery made sure to come back home to spend time with his pregnant wife. This was the first Sunday dinner where Avery and Serenity would have some close friends over.
Avery: I’ve got chicken cooking, babe. Mashed potatoes. Corn. Mac and cheese. Biscuits. A couple of pies cooling. What am I forgetting? What am I forgetting?
Serenity: Babe. Relax. This was a great idea. We always had Sunday dinners with Sawyer and Annie. This is a good idea to have it with everyone else.
He nods as there is a knock at the door.
Avery: I think they are here!
“Everyone else” was an accurate statement by Serenity. As the couple opens the door, we see that Charles James, aka Dead Eye, has arrived, along with his friend Cheyenne Rae.
CJ: What's poppin’?
Serenity smiles as she sees CJ and what appears to be a female friend.
Avery looks over Serenity’s shoulder as he smiles.
Avery: Hey man.
CJ: Serenity, Ave, this is Cheyenne Rae. Cheyenne, this is Serenity and Avery.
The couple smiles and nods toward her.
Chey: Nice to meet you.
Avery & Serenity: Hello.
CJ pats Serenity’s belly and fist bumps Avery.
CJ: Thanks for the invite.
Chey: Yeah, thanks a lot. Something sure smells good.
Chey hugs the two of them gingerly as she is just getting acquainted with the couple. Avery nods and looks past the two at two people in the foreground. Avery shakes his head and smiles.
CJ: Oh, yeah. I found a couple of stragglers along the way.
Avery: I see. I guess we COULD take them in. Please Serenity, can we keep them?
He jokes as Serenity has a small laugh at the expense of the third couple as if they were lost puppies. The camera pans behind CJ and Cheyenne, revealing Adrien Cochrane and Everalda Sears-Theron, along with her son Klaus who’s not shy to speak up.
Klaus: Hewwo!
Avery and CJ walk outside to greet the other couple and say their hellos. Chey and Serenity stay behind and strike up a conversation.
Serenity: So, how did you and CJ meet? We were figuring Charles would arrive alone but glad to see he has a friend.
She has a small smile with the word 'friend'. Chey does not react to the smile.
Chey: He was working out at the gym where I work.
Serenity: Oh, okay. What ya do there?
Serenity sees Avery and CJ entertaining Adrien and Everalda. She was happy to get to know any friend of CJ's; figuring it was good that he had someone to hang with other than a pregnant lady.
Chey: I'm a trainer. Been there for a few years now.
Cheyenne looked around the house, seeing how quaint and homely it was. Plenty of pictures on the wall, including a wedding photo of Avery with another woman. She does not ask about it for now.
Serenity: That is good. Do you like working there? I bet it can be a bit much at times.
Cheyenne nods.
Chey: Yeah, the people there are so nice. The place has such a positive vibe.
Serenity: I need to check on dinner. Join me?
Chey: Sure.
She looks back at CJ as he nods and smiles, seeing her already talking to Serenity. As Serenity and Chey walk into the kitchen to check on dinner, the others are walking in. Serenity and Cheyenne continue their conversation, as Chey compliments the kitchen. Serenity wasn't much of a good cook, Avery did most of the cooking, but Serenity was confident enough to at least check on things. The four others in the doorway finally make their way into the house as CJ calls Chey over. She joins CJ, Adrien, Everelda, and Klaus as Avery heads into the kitchen to help Serenity.
CJ: Chey, this is Adrien Cochrane, Everalda Sears-Theron, and her son, Klaus. Guys, this is Cheyenne Rae.
Chey: Hey, it's nice to meet you, you can call me Chey.
Cochrane politely extends his hand out to shake Cheyenne Rae’s. The blonde haired New Orleanian smiles as he does, always enjoying the opportunity to meet the special people in the lives of his friends.
Adrien: Pleasure meeting you, Chey. People still only call me Adrien.
CJ: Don't let the false modesty fool ya, Chey. Dude likes to be referred to as “The Dropkick King”. He be hatin’ on ma “Doctor of Kickology” nickname.
Dead Eye smirks and gives Adrien a fake stare down at the similarity between nicknames that never wedged anything in the friendship they developed fairly quickly after meeting over two years ago, regardless of both men’s competitive nature.
Once their handshake ends, Everalda smiles and extends her own hand to shake Cheyenne’s hand, herself. Klaus glances up, curious as to what’s going on.
Everalda: It’s very nice to meet you, Chey. I’m Everalda and this is my son, Klaus.
Klaus: Hi, I’m Kwaus!
The little one can’t quite grasp pronouncing the letter “L”, so he stumbles on his own name. Even though his mother and Adrien have introduced themselves, he decides to do it for them anyway.
Klaus: This is mommy and this is Adween!
Cheyenne bends down at eye level with Klaus and extends her hand to offer a handshake to the child. She does so squeezing her fingers close together to make her hand size smaller.
Klaus, although friendly, looks at her hand skeptically and up to his mother for confirmation. Everalda nods at him. Instead of returning the shake, Klaus runs up the couple steps back up to her, giving Chey a hug instead. This garners a collective “awww” from the women.
Chey: You're so sweet.
Everalda: He is. My son’s quite the charmer!
Klaus smiles and giggles, happily enjoying the attention for a moment.
CJ: So…
Avery: Hey CJ. You got a minute? We need to talk.
CJ: Uh-oh. What I do now?
Avery: Nothing, man. It'll just take a second. Give us a minute, please. We will be right back.
Cochrane nods his head as his girlfriend speaks on behalf of both of them.
Everalda: Of course, Mr. Miles.
Avery takes a step toward the living room and looks back to make sure CJ is following. CJ runs his right hand through his hair, pushing his dreads out of his face and toward the back of his head as he gets in-step with Avery. When the two are alone, Avery smirks. CJ raises an eyebrow.
Avery: So, Cheyenne?...
CJ: I'm CJ.
Avery: You know what I mean.
Avery gives him an inquiring look. CJ returns the look with a puzzled look of his own.
CJ: Actually, I don't. How ‘bout you stop beating around the bush and just spit out what's on your mind, bruh?
Avery: I think you know what I'm getting at? Or are you truly oblivious to the way you look at her?
CJ: Huh? Wha?
It's apparent from his posture and facial expression that CJ is truly at a loss with Avery’s words. He sits on a couch.
Avery: It's not the end of the world, man. So, you have a crush? Big deal. It’s kinda cute.
Avery has a little laugh at that.
CJ: That's just it, bruh. It's not like that. I just don't want people to read into something that's not there. Does it appear “that obvious” to everyone?
CJ runs his hand through his hair again and slaps at some of the dreads to get rid of an itch the more-than-normal tussle creates in his head. The anxious gesture has become more routine for James in recent times.
Avery: I'm afraid, so, man.
CJ: It's nothing on her. It's just…you know what I've been going through. I'm nowhere near ready for any kind of relationship any time soon. Chey is cool people. I'm just intrigued with her is all. In a different set of circumstances, maybe, but I'm dealing with enough as-is.
Clearly, both Serenity and Avery were on the same page with the chemistry the two friends, CJ and Chey, have in the short time they've known each other. The questions are: are those two oblivious? Or just in denial of what seems obvious to those around them?
The moment that Avery and Serenity met, they knew. But he would never push that sort of thinking onto anyone, especially someone that was coming off of the relationship and rollercoaster of a ride CJ was.
Avery: Friends? More than friends? Friends with benefits? Whatever you and she are, it is good that you both are hanging out and getting your mind off of stuff. Especially with you signing with NGW. Have you… told her? Or Adrien? I told Serenity to keep quiet about it. I am stoked, man… to have you back on the road? Especially with Serenity laid up at home pregnant.
He tried to alter the subject as they looked towards the future instead of the past.
* * * *
A bit later, all of them gather around the dining room table, Avery at the head of it.
Avery: Thank you all for being here. Charles, Cheyenne.
He nods at them.
Avery: Adrien, Everalda, Klaus.
He smiles.
Avery: And obviously Serenity. Pregnant with our little ones.
He puts his hand on her tummy.
Avery: Please. If you could bow your heads for a moment. Lord, thank You for the food before us, the family and friends beside us and the love between us. Amen.
The food in front of them was varied. Fried chicken. Greens. Sweet potatoes. Homemade mac and cheese. Cornbread. Red beans and rice. Banana pudding. And Sweet tea. The usual suspects for a down, home Southern-style meal.
Avery: Thank you all for being here. I am glad to have you all.
CJ looks around at the table of his friends, smiling. Recently, he felt so alone in the world without Karin. Now, he's thankful for taking the opportunity presented to him by the Miles family to move nearby. He taps his glass with his fork.
CJ: Friends. As the guest of honor…
CJ pauses in an attempt to unsuccessfully maintain a straight face at his own shot at humor.
CJ: If I can be serious for a minute… I’d like to propose a toast to our grateful hosts, Serenity and Avery!
Everyone: Here here!
CJ: I said Serenity first cuz I ain't dumb. Gotta keep da pregnant lady happy.
CJ nods and smiles at Serenity. Avery nods as he knew exactly what Dead Eye was doing.
Avery: Getting into the good graces of my wife. Uh huh. My eye is on you.
He teases his friend.
Avery: And if I remember correctly… CJ… you have an announcement? Yes?
All eyes turn immediately to CJ with the exception of Klaus, who stares in awe of the delicious food. CJ nervously clears his throat.
CJ: Not pulling any punches today, huh, Ave? Well, everybody. Here it is. I'm pregnant.
CJ bursts out in laughter, as does Adrien, who nearly spits out his tea. Serenity and Chey sigh and Avery doesn't look amused. Everalda can’t help but giggle while Klaus looks confused at the variation of responses from the adults.
Avery: I thought you were being serious.
CJ: That minute has passed.
Avery: …
CJ: Okay, here goes. Everyone…
The moment is awkward, solely because of CJ’s behavior. The way he is acting gives the appearance that his announcement is of a bad or negative nature. That is not the case here, as his friends will see…and so will you.
CJ: I was recently been cleared completely by Dr. Andrews and have signed my contract to rejoin the NGW roster.
CJ lets out a breath of relief as the news is out to someone besides Avery. Although she’s the least familiar with CJ, Everalda offers a gentle smile and an approving nod.
Everalda: That’s wonderful, Mr. James! I’m very happy for you.
Seeing his mother’s happiness makes Klaus smile and clap his hands.
Klaus: Yay yay yay!!
Adrien: Great to see ole’ Dead Eye back in the ring! And on the same roster as me this time!
CJ: Ya know, we talked about this a few years ago, but it kinda feels surreal that it's actually gonna happen this rip.
Dead Eye has a “deep thought” expression on his face for a moment. He then looks around the table realizing that the moment truly is real.
CJ: Next?
Chey is usually an upfront person, but she's being pretty quiet. She's realizing how close she is to being in the ring herself. Finally, she smiles and says..
Chey: It'll be great to see you in action CJ, how are you feeling about your return to the ring?
CJ: Uh, well. I have a range of emotions on that. I'm excited because this gives me some sense of control in an aspect of my life. At the same time, I'm a little anxious because you never know how the body is going to react, especially with what I'm comin’ off of.
He lets out a barely-audible sigh and then smiles.
CJ: Besides, someone at this table…
He angles his head toward Avery.
CJ: …said they owe me an ass whipping.
CJ can't help but smirk. He looks over at Serenity, realizing she had no verbal response to his announcement. He comes to the conclusion that —naturally— Avery had already told his wife. A small smile creeps onto the face of Dead Eye as he gives Serenity a “you knew, right?” look. Serenity nods her confirmation of the unasked question.
CJ can't help but feel blessed at the recent change in his outlook on life. Just a few weeks ago, he was down in the dumps wondering if he could climb out of the slime pit he felt he was in. Now, things are looking up for him. As the moment turns into silence, now seems to be a good time to change the subject.
CJ: I don't know about y'all, but my stomach is practically yelling at me with the smell of all this southern food invading my nostrils. Shall we eat?
A few mumbles fill the void of silence as a resounding yes from the others. Klaus’s little eyes light up as Everalda pulls his little plate toward her as the opening dish of the meal is passed her way. Small talk fills the air, along with the sound of clanging dishes from the quick filling of plates. The screen fades to black.
