Let the Journey Begin

[Cashman]

Let the Journey Begin


Friday April 19th 2002

You know you don’t have to do this! There are thousands of other people who have joined; it’s not too late to walk away Shawn!

Shawn: Yes it is Britney! I’ve sign the papers I am in this till the end…. this is what I want to do!!! Remember we talked about this.

Britney: Yes I know we did but its just so hard now, knowing when you step on that bus I won’t see you for a month, and then who knows how long I will be with you before you are over there fighting!

She jumps at him throwing her arms around him leaning her head on to his soaked t-shirt from the rain above. From behind them a man at the front of the bus sticks his head out and begins to speak.

You coming son?

Shawn: Just give us a minute…

You have one minute, then we are leaving!

Shawn nods his head, turning back to Britney pushing her off him, and wiping her hair off her face.

Shawn: Be strong for me honey, write me every week, can you promise me that?

Britney: I promise.

He picks up his bags and turns stepping one foot on the bus turning to look back one last time.

Shawn: I love you Britney!

She looks up at him clearly crying with her face flushed in sadness.

Britney: I love you too Shawn.

A brief smile and he turns walking up the steps as the door shuts behind him. The bus was full of men, most his age all of them where looking outside at their loved ones waving goodbye. The bus starts moving as Shawn walks down the bus until he came to an empty seat. He places his bags in front of him when he notices one of the zippers on the side is cracked open, and something was sticking out. He grabs a white envelope addressed to him. With a curious look he rips it open and begins reading.

Shawn,
I know the past months have been rough, with the attack and your uncles passing. I want you to know that your father and I love and support you! Where ever you are whatever you are doing don’t forget about that! Get through this month and I and your father will be waiting for you at home with your favorite meal. I will invite Britney over and we will have a time, you know I still have some embarrassing stories to still tell……..

Hey buddy

Nudge

Hey Buddy

Nudge

You alright

One of the staff members of the UWA was nudging the side of Shawn’s shoulder until he comes to.

Shawn: Wha….what?

You alright? Need some water or something?

Shawn: Oh no, I’m fine must have dosed off.

He smiles then stands up from the chair he passed out on. He took a look around at the room he was in, it was empty when he fell asleep now had people coming and going most of them grabbing from the two tables lined with food. The gentlemen who checked on Shawn now steps away and advances on the table. Shawn decides to introduce himself and do some recon on his fellow opponents that he was due to face. He makes his way over to a table lined with refreshments and pizza boxes.

Shawn: Hey bud sorry not to introduce myself the name Shawn, Shawn Cashman.

I’m Billy one of the stage hands.

Shawn: Nice to meet you Billy if don’t mind me asking you a question how long have you been with the company?

Billy continues to talk as he loads his plate full of food.

Billy: From the beginning.

He looks at his plate and then at Shawns.

Billy: You eating?

Shawn: Oh yea!

Shawn grabs a couple slices of pizza.

Shawn: So I guess you have seen a lot of people come and go. (taking a bite)

Billy: Pretty much.

He walks to a nearby table taking a seat. Shawn follows behind.

Shawn: I got signed last week I was thinking you could give me a heads up on my opponents at the ppv. If would know any of there tendencies or what not.

Billy: I guess I could give you a few pointers seeing that you are new. You are fighting in that fatal four way right?

Shawn: Yes sir! (Taking another bite smiling proudly)

Billy: Alright first you got Emma Sinclair and boy is she one hot…..

Shawn cuts him off in mid sentence.

Shawn: I know way to much about her lets move on to the next one.

Billy looks at him awkwardly and begins again.

Billy: Hmm lets see you have another newbie some chick named Joanne Canelli. I know as much about her as I do of you. But I have heard she has won a lot of gold in other organizations.

Shawn thinks to himself…

Hmm another female! I will have Emma concentrate on her, but keep a watchful eye out just in case Emma cant keep her own. It has been awhile for Emma but every time I underestimate her she surprises me.

Shawn: Ok Joanne Canelli Check! Who is the other guy?

Billy: Next we have Genocide!

Shawn: That’s his name or did his parents hate him?

Billy: (smiling) Ha! That’s funny. Well I don’t know him very well either he is new kid on the block just like you.

Shawn: Sounds like we all have something to prove out there.

Billy: It will be interesting to see the new talent in one ring.

Billy concentrates on his food biting into his meatball sub thinking he was done with the questing.

Shawn: One more question Billy.

He looks up from his plate looking a little annoyed.

Shawn: Who do you think is going to the super bowl? My vote….Patriots and the NIners….

They both start laughing as they talk about the upcoming games.

End Scene

Characters mentioned: Emma Sinclair, Joanne Carelli, and Genocide