An Old Friend

[Denise du Pris]

Act 1: Risen from the Dead

“One can survive everything nowadays, except death, and live down anything, except a good reputation.”
Oscar Wilde

The scene opens on the Chief Examiners building in New York. The city's lights had come to life, while people made their way to the theater's, and to the clubs that only came to life when the sun went down. An ambulance pulls in to the back door where a young man in his early 30's stands waiting as they pull the body out of the back on the stretcher in a black body bag. The young man unzips it slightly and sighs, as he takes the stretcher into the building and into the Waiting Mortuary until the autopsy was done. He slides the body off of the stretcher, and onto the table still in the bag. He turns around to make sure that he was alone, and smiles.

Man: Come on out Denise. There's no one here.

The body bag sits up, as the zipper starts to move on the inside. We soon see Denise sitting there with a hand to her head, where there was a small cut with dried blood on it.

Denise: How did you know it was me Nick?

Nick: They handed me the death certificate again... When will you learn that you can't go speeding down the roads, and walk away? I mean there will be questions asked every time.

Denise: I'm sorry Nick. I didn't see that tree come at me when I rounded the corner on that road.

Nick: Just like the first time huh? You know Sam is going to be called again.

Denise: I know. But this time it wasn't my bike... It was my boyfriend's.

Nick: You're dating someone? I didn't think you would after you were with Jason. I mean he did ask you to marry him.

Denise sighs, as she plays with the rings that hung around her neck.

Denise: I know. But when he disappeared that was it. I have no idea where he is, or anything. No one does.

Nick: It's been what... Two years now?

Denise: About that.

Nick: So what's this new guy like? Is he treating you good?

Denise nods, as she hops off of the table and stretches as she stood in front of the mirror.

Denise: He's in the same business I am. I went back to the ring, and well we sort of hit it off. He's taken out on a few dates and gotten everything that I have asked for and some things I never asked for. The other night when an old friend of mine showed up, he was going to fight for me.

Nick: Nice.

Denise: I think it was.

Nick: I thought you were never going to go back?

Denise: I wasn't... But I got bored again. Now I have a match this week in the main event.

Nick: Nice. Who's it against?

Denise: Odin Balfore, Michael Santiago, and Shane Knight.

Nick: Never heard of them... Of course I don't really get a chance to watch TV...

Denise: I forgot about that... You spend all your time with dead people... Including me.

Nick just laughs, as he moves to one of the metal lockers, and pulls out one of the long metal trays. A body of an older man with eyes closed and paling skin lay upon it. Denise looks him over, as her mind flashes back to another time...

1912 South Hampton...

The scene soon changes to the docks in South Hampton. The docks were lined with people wanting to see the new ship that would sail across the Atlantic. For most people this was a chance for a new life, while for others it would be nothing more than leisure cruises to America. A young woman dressed in a very expensive dress stood looking up at the ship with a sense of foreboding. Something wasn't right, but it could be the fact that it had been some time Denise had left England. Her long hair was pulled back into a bun underneath a wide brimmed hat. An older looking man stood by her side, as they stood waiting to go up the gangplank to their rooms.

Denise: I don't know what it is... Something just doesn't feel right.

Eric: I'm sure it's nothing. You've sailed before, and it never bothered you.

Denise: I know... But there is just this feeling I can't shake.

Eric: Maybe you're not feeling well. I mean it could be an upset stomach. If it's that then I would recommend not sailing today. I'm sure there will be other times.

Denise: You're right. I'll have them remove my luggage and head home. Goodbye Eric.

Denise walks over to one of the luggage handlers and soon disappears from the newest ship "Titanic", as the scene fades back to the present.

Present

Denise sighs, as she leans against the counter, staring at Eric. He was a watcher, but knew that they could die just like anyone else. They just aged slower.

Denise: And that was the last time I saw him. I thought he died when the ship sunk, but I guess not.

Nick: So you didn't get on, all because of a feeling you had?

Denise: Yeah I know. Strange isn't it? I had the chance of a lifetime to sail on the most famous ship in history... But I backed away. I know it wouldn't have mattered either way... I would have survived.

Nick: True.

Denise: Did anyone call Sam?

Nick: Already done. The EMT's called her as soon as they found you, along with your boyfriend.

Denise sighs, knowing that Klayton would be worried. Of course he also knew that she couldn't die.

Denise: Great. Klayton is going to be upset. I hope he's all right.

Nick: Knowing Sam, she's already called him.

Denise: More than likely. Listen I'm going to wait outside for her. I'll talk to you later...

Nick: But what about him?

Denise turns around and looks at the corpse. There was a stab wound into the chest straight into the heart. No one could survive that. She looks for a mark somewhere on the upper half of his body, and finally spots the hourglass like mark on his lower arm.

Denise: He was one of the watchers all right. But the thing is, an immortal isn't aloud to kill a Watcher... It's one of the rules. When did he come in?

Nick: A couple of days ago why?

Denise: I wonder if Elena found him first? She was looking for me. I know Eric had no idea where to find me. When he wouldn't tell her, or rather couldn't... She killed him.

Nick: I take it she found you?

Denise: Yeah, when I was on a date with my guy. He knows what I am, and he witnessed first hand what I go through.

Nick: That must have been a shock for him. I've only seen it once, and I never want to see it again.

Denise smiles as she heads for the door.

Denise: It was. Make sure that Eric gets a decent burial will you?

Nick: You know without any family, he'll be buried in a small grave in one of the cemeteries.

Denise: I'll make the arrangements for everything when I get back home then. He doesn't deserve to be forgotten. I'll get in touch with you.

Nick: All right. See you later, and good luck this week.

Denise smiles, and heads outside into the cool fall air. The stars were still shining brightly as she looked up into the sky, and sighs softly knowing her match was coming up. This wasn't going to be an easy match, but she would take great pleasure in helping Klayton and Neptune take their opponents out.

Denise: I don't even know where to begin with my opponents this week. Santiago you and I met briefly but when I looked at you I knew that you wanted more from me. But when I mentioned that I was involved with someone you eased up. I know that you wanted me to be your girl, but it was to late. Tell me if you take Klayton out, do you think I'll run to you and hope that you will comfort me? Hardly. I don't jump from man to man, and never have. Monday night is going to be a glorious night and when you are out on the mat, I will be smiling knowing that once again you have tasted defeat. I am not willing to lie down and let anyone walk all over me. This will be a night that you will never forget, and I will make sure of that. I watched the match between you and Neptune and I have to say that I am not impressed with you. You will have to do a lot better than that if you want to bring us all down.

Denise paces in front of the door, and smiles to herself.

Denise: Odin... The King of all the Norse Gods... You took your name from one of the most violent, insane, bloodthirsty, pantheons in the world. I know you aren't like that whatsoever. I mean sure you're insane, considering you have sided with a man that lost to my boyfriend's bitch. Funny how things work out in life isn't it? Do you really think that you can stand against me Odin? I have only lost one match, and I don't plan on losing any more, or the title I now carry. Hell Katrina couldn't stop me last week, so what makes you think you can stop me? Is it because you're big and strong, and have muscles, or is it because I'm a woman? Let me tell you something... I've been on this earth a long time and faced bigger guys than you. Brought them down on my own, and taken their heads. I'll beat you come Monday night, and show you why I am feared when I stand in the middle of the ring.

A set of car lights soon lights up the loading bay. Denise smiles softly as she sees the car stop, and Sam steps out.

Sam: I'm glad to see you're all right. I called Klayton, and told him you were still alive.

Denise: Good. I didn't want him to worry.

Sam: Did you figure out who the corpse was?

Denise: I did actually. It was Eric... I haven't seen him since that night that I left the docks at South Hampton.

Sam: So what happened to him?

Denise: Elena...

Denise and Sam walk to the car, and hop in, before pulling away from the building. They are soon out on the freeway heading back to Sleepy Hollow as the scene fades to black.

Act 2: Home Sweet Home

The scene opens on the small town of Sleepy Hollow. The camera soon focuses on the old warehouse that had been turned into a loft, as a black BMW pulls up to it. The garage door opens and the black BMW drives inside, only to have the door close behind it. We soon see Denise step out of the car, with Sam following behind. They head toward the freight elevator and step inside, closing the steel door behind them.

Denise: It feels good to be home.

Sam: I can imagine. You've been on the road for the last couple of weeks. Even when you were nearby you still didn't get a chance to come home and relax for a little bit.

Denise: I know. I just want to go in, put my feet up before I have to go to the show.

Sam: Sounds good. I get lonely when I'm here by myself.

Denise: You know you could come with me. I mean traveling across the country isn't that bad.

Sam: I guess I could go. I don't have anything to do here.

Denise: Perfect. I'll be spending some time with Klayton, but I'll spend most of my time with you. I haven't done that in a while, and I'm sorry for that.

Sam: Hey I understand. I mean it's been a while since you've been with anyone, and I'm glad to see you are happy.

Denise: Thank you.

Sam just smiles, as the elevator stops and they step into the main part of the loft apartment. Denise turns on the lights and sighs. She was home at last. Sam heads onto the kitchen, to make them something to eat as Denise moved to the bay window that over looked the town. She passes shelves that were filled with small trinkets from Egypt, and Japan. A small figure of one of the Pharaoh's done in gold watched her walk by, while a stuffed black cat and white tiger stared out with it's glass eyes. A fan with a scene from China was displayed in the finest red and blue silks. A gas mask from the 1940's sat on the bottom shelf along with a bit of a British flag that had been ripped when the building it had been attached to had been hit with a shell from the Germans. A few pictures littered the shelves of Denise and people from her past, while other things were dated from earlier than anyone care to remember. Denise stared out the window at the town below letting her thoughts wander.

Denise: So you won your match against Fear? Who cares? Klayton beat the holy hell out of him just two weeks ago and ended up getting the title away from him. What makes you think you're special? From what I can see nothing. Monday night, there won't be anything left of you when we are done with you. I'm not going to go easy on you, and I know Klayton, and Neptune won't either. This is going to be a night that none of you will ever forget, and I'm going to make sure of it.

Denise smiles to herself, as watches the town lights start to fade away with the first rays of the sun.

Denise: Tell me Shane, how long do you think you're going to be able to last against someone like me? So far since I've been in the UWA I've faced people like you time and time again, and only lost once. This week you will end up with another loss, and walk away with nothing while Klayton, Neptune and myself walk away with whatever Mr. Blake is going to be giving out for that lovely prize. I hope you will be ready by Monday night, because I know we will. See you soon.

Denise smiles as her steel blue eyes sparkle in the dim light that was coming from around her, as she continues to stare out into the night, as the scene fades to black.