Post by Aurora Graves on Dec 12, 2016 23:09:24 GMT -5
From the Journal of Aurora Graves
December 10, 2016
PHEW! What a day! First, an early drive out to Indio for a surprise wedding – well, a surprise for the bride, anyway. And then, on the way home, we got the word that our services were being requested... as babysitters.
But as soon as Jason got here with the twins, I could tell from the look on his face that this wasn’t just “one last date night” before their family of four became a family of five. Poor guy was an absolute WRECK, but doing his best to hold it together, if nothing else but to keep the kids from freaking out from seeing their mother in pain. Speaking of which, Alicia is quite the trooper. Looking at her, you’d never know she was in labor.
It’s gonna be a long night... but Damon and I have got this.
Graves Residence
Long Beach, CA
Saturday, December 10, 2016
4:00 pm.
Darion and Jaina stood beside Aurora as the twins watched their parents drive away, their little faces full of confusion as they watched the tail lights of Jason’s tank of a Hummer H1 disappear into the distance. Jaina had a death grip on Aurora’s hand as Darion tugged on the leg of Aurora’s jeans to get her attention.
Darion: Aunt ‘Rora?
Yeah, you try saying “Aurora” when you’re only four years old!
Aurora: What is it, sweetie?
Darion: Is Mama ok?
Aurora’s eyes shifted between brother and sister, offering them each a comforting smile as they stood outside the main entrance to the condo tower.
Aurora: Your Mama’s gonna be just fine.
Jaina: But she’s so quiet... she’s never that quiet unless she’s sick.
Aurora: She’s quiet because she doesn’t want you and your brother to worry about her. You know what’s happening with her, right?
Darion: She’s got a baby in her tummy.
Aurora: That’s right! Pretty soon, you’re gonna be a big brother and big sister.
Darion’s little forehead wrinkled as he glared at Aurora with all the intensity of his father.
Darion: I’m already a big brother!
Aurora couldn’t help but laugh as she turned to walk the kids inside. Indeed, Darion had been born first, with Jaina following a few minutes later... at least from what Aurora had remembered Alicia telling her.
Aurora: Well now, you’re both gonna have to help your mom with the new baby. As the big siblings, that’s your most important job.
Jaina: Did you help your mama with your brothers?
Aurora: Um... no. I was the youngest, so they helped my mom take care of me.
Darion: So how do you know about babies?
Aurora: Because I used to babysit the neighbor kids when I was younger.
Jaina: Oh...
Darion: Ok.
Wonderful... four years old and already finishing each other’s sentences.
Aurora: You guys want a snack? We’ve got some cookies in the kitchen.
Jaina: Are they raisins? ‘Cause I don’t like raisins....
Aurora: Raisins are abominations. We never put abominations in our cookies. Only chocolate chips.
Aurora and the twins walked into the house as the kids expressed their joy at the impending snacks.
Darion & Jaina: YAY!
Later that night
8:00 pm
The closing credits from “Frozen” were blaring over the home theater system; Aurora could hear Demi Lovato belting out “Let it Go” all the way from the far end of the condo. Aurora had her cell phone in her hand, listening carefully to the nervous male voice on the other end.
Aurora: How is she? Any news yet?
Jason’s Voice: Nothing yet. She’s progressing well enough, but I guess since she’s actually gone full term, things are taking a little bit longer than they did with the twins. Speaking of which, how are they?
Aurora: They’re fine... they just finished watching Frozen... again.
Jason’s Voice: That IS Jaina’s favorite movie. Anyway, I need to get back to Alicia before she starts yelling... And once again, I can’t thank you enough for taking the twins for the night.
Aurora: And again, you don’t need to thank me. Damon and I are more than happy to do it.
Jason’s Voice: How’s he handling, by the way?
Aurora: Like an old pro! Listen... don’t worry about us; we’re just fine. Just make sure Alicia’s comfortable and all that fun stuff. She’s the one doing most of the hard work!
Jason’s Voice: Don’t I know it. You guys take care... bye!
The call ended, and Aurora carried her phone with her as she stepped into the hallway. As the music shifted to an orchestral piece, she slipped quietly down the hallway and into the living room. There, amidst the sound of blaring brass horns and strings was a noise she was all too familiar with....
Damon: ZZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzZZZZZ....
Darion was the first to spot Aurora, quickly giving her a stern look as he raised a finger to his lips.
Darion: SHHHHHHH! Don’t wake him...
Jaina: Unca Damon’s SLEEEEEEPING.
Aurora: That’s right... and now it’s time for you two to go to bed.
Jaina: Are Mama and Daddy back yet?
Aurora: No... not yet. Your mama’s gonna have to stay overnight, so you and your brother will be staying over. Is that okay?
Darion rubbed his big brown eyes, trying so hard to hide the fact that he was currently fighting a war with the Sandman... and clearly coming up on the losing end of the fight. He let out a yawn that caused his mouth to take up more than half of his face, frowning once he realized he was busted.
Darion: Ok, Aunt ‘Rora....
Darion and Jaina climbed down from the couch, but not before Aurora leaned over to kiss her husband on the forehead. The gentle brush of her lips against his skin was enough to snap him out of his slumber, as his eyes snapped open wide and he jolted to a sitting position.
Damon: ♪The cold never bothered me anyway!♪
He looked around to find Aurora staring at him with an amused look on her face. The twins giggled as Damon looked up at his wife.
Damon: What?
He looked at the TV screen, which had the Blu Ray menu for the movie on the screen.
Damon: Is the movie over?
Aurora nodded her head as she held out her hand.
Aurora: Mm-hmm. Now come on... you can help me put these two little munchkins to bed.
Damon got up from the couch as they both showed the twins to the guest bedroom.
December 11, 2016
Just after midnight
The living room was dark, save for the red lights of the Christmas tree and the television mounted on the wall, which now boasted a still shot of Aurora and Damon Graves standing in the middle of the ring, glaring in the direction of a retreating Chaos Love. Aurora sat on the couch, clad in a red satin robe. Against the glow of red lights, her sapphire eyes flickered with an almost demonic red spark as she slowly drummed her fingers against the remote control. Her gloss-coated lips glistened as a smile slowly crept across her face.
Aurora: In the summer, we celebrate daylight that lasts well into what would normally be considered evening, but in truth, once the first day of summer passes, the nights gradually begin to grow longer in length, increasing the darkness until that one night in December when darkness reaches its peak. This night – the longest night of the year – is known as the winter solstice.
I can’t help but find it appropriate that Devlin Scott has chosen to hold a pay-per-view of the same name over not one, but TWO nights! Call it “The Longest Pay-Per-View of the Year.” And my husband and I have the honor of closing out the whole show, as we get to right the wrong that was committed against us not once... but TWICE!
With a slight growl in her voice, Aurora pushed up from the couch, sending the remote clattering to the floor. She gave it a casual glance as she walked across the floor, her bare feet padding silently, almost catlike. She walked beside the television, draping her arm in front of the bottom edge of the screen. She glanced for a moment at the screen before narrowing her eyes to angry slits of blue. She gestured toward the image on the screen as she continued to speak, her voice dripping with contempt.
Aurora: THIS is what passes as championship caliber? A team that runs away with their tails between their legs because deep down, that’s the only way they know that they can guarantee that they can hold onto their titles? THIS is Chaos Love’s idea of “defending” their titles? Not to sound like a broken record or anything, but that shit makes me want to VOMIT!
She shook her head as she scoffed.
Aurora: Let’s take a look at the facts, shall we? Ever since you narrowly squeaked out that roll-up at Zero Hour, when it comes to Rebel Ink as a team, you two are winless against us. You can tell us until you’re blue in the face that you’re ready for us, but you’ve said it before, only to be proven just how dead wrong you are. If the only thing you can manage against us is a count-out, then I don’t see how you can call yourselves deserving champions. Ever since you’ve won those belts, you’ve had ONE – count it – ONE win as a team, and that was against the Black Light District... and your titles weren’t even on the line!
Meanwhile, Damon and I have continued to show why we are one of the best tag teams in the business today, not just in Redemption, but in #FSociety, and after Winter Solstice finds its way into the history books, Rebel Ink faces the possibility of holding gold in BOTH companies! Now, unlike you, Damon and I aren’t so arrogant that we’re guaranteeing victory, but we are confident enough in our abilities to know that even though we’ve got the two biggest matches of our career happening within 24 hours of each other, we’ve got the gold in our sights, and we won’t stop until they’re playing our music over the sound system.
Her eyes closed as she took a deep breath. The aroma of cinnamon from the carefully arranged scented pine cones on the shelves around the TV filled her nostrils as she smiled.
Aurora: The last time my husband stood in front of a camera, he spoke of how the holiday season was a time of giving. Well, while he may be in a bit of a giving mood, you might as well consider me the Grinch of Rebel Ink, because I’m here to tell you that you might as well enjoy what little time you have left with those belts, because come Winter Solstice, Damon and I will be taking them away from you and placing them around our own waists.
Chaos Love, you’ve had your fun, but play time is officially over. At Winter Solstice, the four of us will square off once and for all, and end this shit the same way it started. Just don’t expect for this match to have the same outcome as last time. Even if it comes down to just one of us from each team... I’ll be damned if I let the same mistake happen twice. No... this time, Damon and I know exactly what we’re up against, and no matter how “prepared” you think you are, once you step into the ring with Rebel Ink, you won’t know what hit you.
As for Damon and myself, we’ll be making room underneath our Christmas tree for two VERY special stocking stuffers... the Redemption Tag Team Championships. Because at the end of the day, it doesn’t make a damn bit of difference which team is “closest,” and if you think that’s what really matters, then maybe you don’t belong in this business after all. The only thing that matters is who will be the last ones standing when that final bell sounds. And if Rebel Ink has anything to say about it – and I’d like to think that we do – we’re going to make damn sure that it’s US!
Aurora walked beside a glass cabinet in the hallway, inside of which sat the #FSociety and NGW Tag Team Championships, along with several pictures depicting Aurora and Damon in various moments of triumph. The top section was noticeably empty, with the cabinet light shining down on the thick glass shelf. On top of the cabinet itself was a copy of “The Night Before Christmas.” Looking at the book brought a sudden spark into Aurora’s eyes as she chuckled softly.
Aurora: And as Rebel Ink trains to prepare for this fight, Merry Christmas to all... now get out of my sight!
Aurora turned away, walking down toward the door on the far end of the hallway. As she reached for the door with one hand, the other hand reached up to hit a switch on the wall, turning off the light overhead.
December 10, 2016
PHEW! What a day! First, an early drive out to Indio for a surprise wedding – well, a surprise for the bride, anyway. And then, on the way home, we got the word that our services were being requested... as babysitters.
But as soon as Jason got here with the twins, I could tell from the look on his face that this wasn’t just “one last date night” before their family of four became a family of five. Poor guy was an absolute WRECK, but doing his best to hold it together, if nothing else but to keep the kids from freaking out from seeing their mother in pain. Speaking of which, Alicia is quite the trooper. Looking at her, you’d never know she was in labor.
It’s gonna be a long night... but Damon and I have got this.
Graves Residence
Long Beach, CA
Saturday, December 10, 2016
4:00 pm.
Darion and Jaina stood beside Aurora as the twins watched their parents drive away, their little faces full of confusion as they watched the tail lights of Jason’s tank of a Hummer H1 disappear into the distance. Jaina had a death grip on Aurora’s hand as Darion tugged on the leg of Aurora’s jeans to get her attention.
Darion: Aunt ‘Rora?
Yeah, you try saying “Aurora” when you’re only four years old!
Aurora: What is it, sweetie?
Darion: Is Mama ok?
Aurora’s eyes shifted between brother and sister, offering them each a comforting smile as they stood outside the main entrance to the condo tower.
Aurora: Your Mama’s gonna be just fine.
Jaina: But she’s so quiet... she’s never that quiet unless she’s sick.
Aurora: She’s quiet because she doesn’t want you and your brother to worry about her. You know what’s happening with her, right?
Darion: She’s got a baby in her tummy.
Aurora: That’s right! Pretty soon, you’re gonna be a big brother and big sister.
Darion’s little forehead wrinkled as he glared at Aurora with all the intensity of his father.
Darion: I’m already a big brother!
Aurora couldn’t help but laugh as she turned to walk the kids inside. Indeed, Darion had been born first, with Jaina following a few minutes later... at least from what Aurora had remembered Alicia telling her.
Aurora: Well now, you’re both gonna have to help your mom with the new baby. As the big siblings, that’s your most important job.
Jaina: Did you help your mama with your brothers?
Aurora: Um... no. I was the youngest, so they helped my mom take care of me.
Darion: So how do you know about babies?
Aurora: Because I used to babysit the neighbor kids when I was younger.
Jaina: Oh...
Darion: Ok.
Wonderful... four years old and already finishing each other’s sentences.
Aurora: You guys want a snack? We’ve got some cookies in the kitchen.
Jaina: Are they raisins? ‘Cause I don’t like raisins....
Aurora: Raisins are abominations. We never put abominations in our cookies. Only chocolate chips.
Aurora and the twins walked into the house as the kids expressed their joy at the impending snacks.
Darion & Jaina: YAY!
Later that night
8:00 pm
The closing credits from “Frozen” were blaring over the home theater system; Aurora could hear Demi Lovato belting out “Let it Go” all the way from the far end of the condo. Aurora had her cell phone in her hand, listening carefully to the nervous male voice on the other end.
Aurora: How is she? Any news yet?
Jason’s Voice: Nothing yet. She’s progressing well enough, but I guess since she’s actually gone full term, things are taking a little bit longer than they did with the twins. Speaking of which, how are they?
Aurora: They’re fine... they just finished watching Frozen... again.
Jason’s Voice: That IS Jaina’s favorite movie. Anyway, I need to get back to Alicia before she starts yelling... And once again, I can’t thank you enough for taking the twins for the night.
Aurora: And again, you don’t need to thank me. Damon and I are more than happy to do it.
Jason’s Voice: How’s he handling, by the way?
Aurora: Like an old pro! Listen... don’t worry about us; we’re just fine. Just make sure Alicia’s comfortable and all that fun stuff. She’s the one doing most of the hard work!
Jason’s Voice: Don’t I know it. You guys take care... bye!
The call ended, and Aurora carried her phone with her as she stepped into the hallway. As the music shifted to an orchestral piece, she slipped quietly down the hallway and into the living room. There, amidst the sound of blaring brass horns and strings was a noise she was all too familiar with....
Damon: ZZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzZZZZZ....
Darion was the first to spot Aurora, quickly giving her a stern look as he raised a finger to his lips.
Darion: SHHHHHHH! Don’t wake him...
Jaina: Unca Damon’s SLEEEEEEPING.
Aurora: That’s right... and now it’s time for you two to go to bed.
Jaina: Are Mama and Daddy back yet?
Aurora: No... not yet. Your mama’s gonna have to stay overnight, so you and your brother will be staying over. Is that okay?
Darion rubbed his big brown eyes, trying so hard to hide the fact that he was currently fighting a war with the Sandman... and clearly coming up on the losing end of the fight. He let out a yawn that caused his mouth to take up more than half of his face, frowning once he realized he was busted.
Darion: Ok, Aunt ‘Rora....
Darion and Jaina climbed down from the couch, but not before Aurora leaned over to kiss her husband on the forehead. The gentle brush of her lips against his skin was enough to snap him out of his slumber, as his eyes snapped open wide and he jolted to a sitting position.
Damon: ♪The cold never bothered me anyway!♪
He looked around to find Aurora staring at him with an amused look on her face. The twins giggled as Damon looked up at his wife.
Damon: What?
He looked at the TV screen, which had the Blu Ray menu for the movie on the screen.
Damon: Is the movie over?
Aurora nodded her head as she held out her hand.
Aurora: Mm-hmm. Now come on... you can help me put these two little munchkins to bed.
Damon got up from the couch as they both showed the twins to the guest bedroom.
December 11, 2016
Just after midnight
The living room was dark, save for the red lights of the Christmas tree and the television mounted on the wall, which now boasted a still shot of Aurora and Damon Graves standing in the middle of the ring, glaring in the direction of a retreating Chaos Love. Aurora sat on the couch, clad in a red satin robe. Against the glow of red lights, her sapphire eyes flickered with an almost demonic red spark as she slowly drummed her fingers against the remote control. Her gloss-coated lips glistened as a smile slowly crept across her face.
Aurora: In the summer, we celebrate daylight that lasts well into what would normally be considered evening, but in truth, once the first day of summer passes, the nights gradually begin to grow longer in length, increasing the darkness until that one night in December when darkness reaches its peak. This night – the longest night of the year – is known as the winter solstice.
I can’t help but find it appropriate that Devlin Scott has chosen to hold a pay-per-view of the same name over not one, but TWO nights! Call it “The Longest Pay-Per-View of the Year.” And my husband and I have the honor of closing out the whole show, as we get to right the wrong that was committed against us not once... but TWICE!
With a slight growl in her voice, Aurora pushed up from the couch, sending the remote clattering to the floor. She gave it a casual glance as she walked across the floor, her bare feet padding silently, almost catlike. She walked beside the television, draping her arm in front of the bottom edge of the screen. She glanced for a moment at the screen before narrowing her eyes to angry slits of blue. She gestured toward the image on the screen as she continued to speak, her voice dripping with contempt.
Aurora: THIS is what passes as championship caliber? A team that runs away with their tails between their legs because deep down, that’s the only way they know that they can guarantee that they can hold onto their titles? THIS is Chaos Love’s idea of “defending” their titles? Not to sound like a broken record or anything, but that shit makes me want to VOMIT!
She shook her head as she scoffed.
Aurora: Let’s take a look at the facts, shall we? Ever since you narrowly squeaked out that roll-up at Zero Hour, when it comes to Rebel Ink as a team, you two are winless against us. You can tell us until you’re blue in the face that you’re ready for us, but you’ve said it before, only to be proven just how dead wrong you are. If the only thing you can manage against us is a count-out, then I don’t see how you can call yourselves deserving champions. Ever since you’ve won those belts, you’ve had ONE – count it – ONE win as a team, and that was against the Black Light District... and your titles weren’t even on the line!
Meanwhile, Damon and I have continued to show why we are one of the best tag teams in the business today, not just in Redemption, but in #FSociety, and after Winter Solstice finds its way into the history books, Rebel Ink faces the possibility of holding gold in BOTH companies! Now, unlike you, Damon and I aren’t so arrogant that we’re guaranteeing victory, but we are confident enough in our abilities to know that even though we’ve got the two biggest matches of our career happening within 24 hours of each other, we’ve got the gold in our sights, and we won’t stop until they’re playing our music over the sound system.
Her eyes closed as she took a deep breath. The aroma of cinnamon from the carefully arranged scented pine cones on the shelves around the TV filled her nostrils as she smiled.
Aurora: The last time my husband stood in front of a camera, he spoke of how the holiday season was a time of giving. Well, while he may be in a bit of a giving mood, you might as well consider me the Grinch of Rebel Ink, because I’m here to tell you that you might as well enjoy what little time you have left with those belts, because come Winter Solstice, Damon and I will be taking them away from you and placing them around our own waists.
Chaos Love, you’ve had your fun, but play time is officially over. At Winter Solstice, the four of us will square off once and for all, and end this shit the same way it started. Just don’t expect for this match to have the same outcome as last time. Even if it comes down to just one of us from each team... I’ll be damned if I let the same mistake happen twice. No... this time, Damon and I know exactly what we’re up against, and no matter how “prepared” you think you are, once you step into the ring with Rebel Ink, you won’t know what hit you.
As for Damon and myself, we’ll be making room underneath our Christmas tree for two VERY special stocking stuffers... the Redemption Tag Team Championships. Because at the end of the day, it doesn’t make a damn bit of difference which team is “closest,” and if you think that’s what really matters, then maybe you don’t belong in this business after all. The only thing that matters is who will be the last ones standing when that final bell sounds. And if Rebel Ink has anything to say about it – and I’d like to think that we do – we’re going to make damn sure that it’s US!
Aurora walked beside a glass cabinet in the hallway, inside of which sat the #FSociety and NGW Tag Team Championships, along with several pictures depicting Aurora and Damon in various moments of triumph. The top section was noticeably empty, with the cabinet light shining down on the thick glass shelf. On top of the cabinet itself was a copy of “The Night Before Christmas.” Looking at the book brought a sudden spark into Aurora’s eyes as she chuckled softly.
Aurora: And as Rebel Ink trains to prepare for this fight, Merry Christmas to all... now get out of my sight!
Aurora turned away, walking down toward the door on the far end of the hallway. As she reached for the door with one hand, the other hand reached up to hit a switch on the wall, turning off the light overhead.
