Author's Note: Well, I've decided to rewrite the first and second chapter of this story, if it sucks blame my brain.
For the first time in months, Adam plopped down on the couch of his Tampa home, more ready than ever to catch the latest episode of Smackdown in nearly a decade.
This was the only Friday apart from the acting gig that was only now starting to turn into a full career that Adam had all to himself, which he knew he couldn't turn down even if he tried. Work was definitely important to him, but for one night he could enjoy the little time he found by just reclining on the sofa, watching wrestling. Since that morning, he had everything already planned out, going as far as buying things such as beer, popcorn, and mini ice cream sandwiches for the seemingly special occasion. If this would be the only time he could actually sit down and rot like a couch potato, he was going to do that, for not even he could pinpoint the next time he'd have a day off to chill. Grabbing the remote from the coffee table, his fingers lazily grazed the channel buttons, not even sure the channel the show happened to be on - this was one of the many things he hated about being away from home for too long: channels changed like titles did in pro-wrestling and in just a blink of an eye the title would be crowned to someone else. Flicking through the hundreds and hundreds of channels that he didn't even know existed, his attention was brought to none other than the ringing door bell.
The moment he heard that familiar chime echo throughout the spacious home, a smile spread across his handsome face. There was no denying that he was excited about tonight, for this seemed to be all new to him again - being able to sit in the comfort of his own home without the worry of reporting to an airport at nearly five in the morning or crawling out of bed full of anxiety, knowing he'd be attending an doctor's appointment soon to clarify whether he'd be able to compete at the next show or not. Standing to his feet, the blonde jogged to the door, anxiously awaiting for the large, pan pizza that he'd been waiting for for about twenty five minutes now. Give it thirty it would've been free, but he wasn't going to complain, although receiving a free pizza didn't sound too bad right about now. What time was it again?
He quickly unlocked the door, ready to tear it straight off it's hinges as he couldn't get it open quick enough.
"A large pan with extra pepperoni and cheese, $12.95," the delivery boy with long, shaggy red hair stated dryly before looking the older man in the eye. And just as quick as his green eyes met Adam's, that distinct face of the formee wrestler practically floored the kid, allowing a gasp to escape his brace-ridden lips, "Hey, I remember you...you're that wrestler Edge who retired early this year. Why did you retire? Were you not liking how Vince was running the company?", he queried, handing the pizza box over to Adam in exchange for the twenty dollar bill in his hand. He was just about to pull out some change to return until the Canadian raised his hand, clarifying that he keep the money.
"Just take it, but uh...what can I say? I was forced to retire due to a health condition that could've possibly killed me had-"
Before he could even finish his sentence, the shaggy haired teen with the thick brimmed glasses and lanky build cut him off when he took an actual glance at the wavy haired man's humble abode that his mother happened turned into his personal art gallery. Once the teen, who looked no older than a day over sixteen was in full view of the over-the-top decor in the Tampa mansion, courtesy of Judy Copeland, herself, his eyes practically popped out of his head, clearly in awe of the image before him. The marble floors, granite countertop, and installed fireplace was absolutely nothing of Adam's choosing and he knew that if he had it his way, the house would look nothing as he imagined. The stained shag rug he owned as a teen in the late 80's would've been the first possibility of decor, especially knowing his mother hated that thing to no end. A hearty chuckle escaped his thin lips just from thinking of how much hate she expressed from such a rug.
Back to the kid, Adam, he nearly told himself, noticing that hecwas getting sidetracked. Of course it wasn't like the kid was actually focused on him but rather his belongings that he didn't too much care one way or another for. Truth be told, his camo Jeep, shag rug, and of course hockey was all he needed to survive.
"Whoa, this house is sick! How much did you put down? You own it, right? I know I'm asking you all these questions, but this is just so cool to be meeting a childhood idol of mine. I stopped watching wrestling a long time ago since I found out it was fake but nice house, dude. Your chick live with you?"
Adam was beginning to grow annoyed, now. If anyone was able to test his patience it was surely the scraggly headed kid standing before him, who was obviously unaware that he was over-welcoming his stay. Didn't he have more pizza to deliver or something? He had half a mind to personally escort the kid back to his rusty 1970 stationwagon, but he didn't, because before his laid his hand on the incredibly thin child, he softly exhaled, running his fingers through his hair before closing his eyes for a few seconds. Once he opened them, he raised his hand to shut the kid up.
"I think its time for you to go, kid. I'm sure other people are waiting for their orders as well. Don't want to get fired, now do you?"
"Oh, my boss isn't going to care. It's not like he does anything, anyway. All he does is sit on his fat ass and complain. We could throw bugs in your food and he wouldn't move a fat arm, the guy's a total d-bag. I once-"
"Alright, now its time to go. Get out of here, kid before I call the call the cops. I really don't think mommy and daddy would appreciate seeing their son lying in a hospital bed after getting his ass kicked by little old retired me."
"Alright, I'll go!" He screeched, raising his hands up in defense. "Boss isn't the only douchebag." The redhead mumbled as he turned to make his way to the dilapidated vehicle out front.
The minute Adam saw him get inside the car and speed down the narrow road, he slammed the door making the pictures on the mantle rattle. He took the pizza box with him into the living room and sat it next to him on the couch. Once he was there he remembered he was missing something: his ice cold beer that was calling his name. He hurried into the kitchen to grab the cold beverage before Smackdown came back from a commercial break. When he got there, a smile appeared on his face when the cameraman went to his best friend who was preparing for an upcoming tag team match with none other than Randy Orton, Jason Reso. Many people, including Adam couldn't be quite as happy for the younger Canadian as they were now, especially Adam. Before either of them were signed to World Wrestling Federation, they both made a promise to eachother that they would one day be world champions, whether it took them twenty years plus to get the job done, they would do it, so as Adam watched the fomer World Heavyweight, who he couldn't help but be happy for, a light clap filled the room. It didn't matter if no one was around to hear him, the fact that it was to show was respect for the man on that tv screen mattered the most.
Out of all the people in the company who doubted that he would ever be world champion, he was one of the only few who actually had faith in him. He might have no longer been champion, but he was still able to accomplish that dream that Adam had so greatly encouraged him to follow. Now here he was as a two time champion and Adam couldn't be more proud. He chuckled lightly before turning his attention to the pizza sitting in front of him. After hearing about the comments with the bugs he no longer had an appetite for that so instead he grabbed the bowl of popcorn, that had yet to been touched, "Popcorn will just have to do tonight, bud," he laughed, popping the salty treat in his mouth.
Hours after Smackdown went off, Adam found himself in bed reading a novel he intended on reading since he got back home. That never happened, but now was the perfect time to do so. Just as he was about to turn the page of the book to go to the second chapter, the cordless phone that sit on the nightstand beside his bed rung.
"Great, now I'll never know why Janie didn't just grab her sister's hand." He rolled his eyes. Yanking the phone from its cradle, Adam ran his fingers through his wavy hair before lazily saying, "Hello?"
"Now, what kind of way is that to greet your mother? You know I've taught you better." Judy Copeland smiled into the phone, knowing her son must've picked up the phone without the caller ID, because he never greeted her in that tone, whether he was annoyed to no end or not.
The corners of Adam's lips coiled into a smile, "Mom, how are you? I'm sorry, I didn't know it was you. I-I picked up the phone that doesn't have the caller ID."
Judy chuckled, "I know you did. I'm more than happy now, knowing I've finally gotten in touch with you - the girls kept me at the garden club longer than I expected. Who knew over a hundred-fifty plants could be planted in just one day? And how are you? You didn't sound too hot by the way of that 'hello', am I interrupting something?"
"If it was anyone else, yes, but you - no, mom, you're not. I was just reading the book you sent me last week. I've finally just started reading it tonight, very mysterious, if I do say do myself."
"You haven't seen mysterious until you've read the whole thing, kiddo," she laughed again. "So how's acting been treating my son?"
Adam wanted to say nerve-wrecking, but he wouldn't dare say that, because he knew how over-protective his mother could be at times, even despite him being near the age of forty. The moment he talked negative of the whole project she'd literally drop everything back in Toronto to make him happy. She was too good of a mother - too damn good, he might add.
"It's a work," he nodded his head, knowing full well she'd see right through his words or lack thereof.
"That doesn't sound like a sure statement, but I'll accept. Do you know when you'll be back in Toronto? Your cousin, Maureen is having a birthday party for Josey next month, you know a wrestling themed one? She wanted you to come by so his friends could meet you since its a wrestling concept, do you think you'll be too busy then?"
"Hmm...I don't think so. By that time I'll have the film with WWE wrapped up and Haven will have already had its finale, so I'm sure I can be there, how old is the little guy turning? Last time I saw him he was still a baby? Please tell me Maureen and Scott haven't cut his hair, he was starting to look like me!"
"Yes, they did! Unfortunately for them little Josey's hair keeps growing back. He likes it long, so I don't understand why they want to keep it short. He's five, ready to be six. He told Maureen that he didn't want any clowns, dinosaurs, or Spongebob, that he wanted you to be there."
"Oh, well I'll try. I assume I have to put on my wrestling gear, huh?"
"For five and six year old's to recognize you I would say yes. Oh, don't forget to bring your championship - you know to let them wear it."
"Mom, it's a title, not a toy! I'll get my hands on a replica, okay?" Adam laughed. "Judy, you're a real character, you know that?"
"Look who's talking. Well, I'm going to let you get back to reading, I'll call you back soon. Love you, sweetheart. Bye."
"Bye, mom."
Adam placed the cordless phone back in its cradle before turning his attention back to his mystery novel. Just as he was about to turn the page of the book to go to the second chapter, the light sitting on the nightstand abruptly went out.
Well, there went his reading time.
Yes, it was raining, but the last thing Adam expected was a storm of some sort to take place. A booming noise filled the air, clarifying that there indeed was now. He knew he needed to grab some batteries for the flashlights around the house if he wanted to have any kind light source in his house. What good would sleeping the rest of the night be when he wasn't even sure how bad this storm could get? The Canadian pulled the covers from his body and climbed out of bed, trying his best not to bump into anything. He slipped on a pair of slide-in sandals and continued on through the pitch black house.
Finally, after a minute or two of trying to watch his step in the dark house, Adam managed to find his car keys and phone. He grabbed both items and hurried out of the door, so he wouldn't get completely drenched in the heavy rain. The sky was now dark and the rain was falling against the pavement like a sack of bricks. He opened the door of his black Corvette and got inside. He slowly backed out of the driveway and progressed down the road, praying silently that the sports car wouldn't spin out control due to its slick tires. Every street the Canadian turned down the lights happened to be off.
From local drugstores, to fast food restaurants, just about every light in the small neighborhood was out. He knew if he wanted to be able to have some kind of light in his house, he would have to drive far out over to the next county, which was a little under an hour away. He saw no reason in checking into a hotel since the lights would be on probably an hour or so after he arrived back home. The further he drove, the rain hit the windshield in even harder.
Adam squinted his green eyes to try to make out if any stores were open. The windshield was so blurry that he could barely make out anything besides the stop lights in the distance. To make matters worse the streets were getting slicker as he continued his journey of trying to find at least one business that had its lights on. It was going on thirty minutes now and there was still no sign. He wasn't going to turn around and quit just yet. A soft, yet frustrated sigh escaped his lips as he continued driving. He was almost over in the next county. Hopefully they would having some source of light there.
And it did. The storm had seemed to even calm down there. Adam pulled up to a small convenience store, his wavy locks now drenched. Looking around the store for about five minutes he found just what he was looking for. A pack of Double A batteries. The kitchen cabinets were already stocked with snacks for the night, so there was need for buying any food until tomorrow if the lights weren't on by the time morning arrived.
The Canadian grabbed the batteries and took them to the counter. The cashier nodded his head at Adam with a smile before ringing up that one item. "Caught in the rain, I see."
Adam ran his hand down his face, "Yep. I had to come all the way out here from the next county to purchase. From what I've seen we have no lights on at all. Some of the stop lights are even out. It was really bad out there. Trees were blowing, debris flying everywhere. I really don't want to imagine how its going to look tomorrow morning."
"Have you thought about staying in a hotel? And your total is $5.43."
"I did, but you know, I don't want to check in a hotel or whatever and the lights are on as soon as I get settled in."
"True, well I wish you the best on your trip back home. From what I've heard on the radio the storm is going to pick back up over here as well as other counties near here. Mostly likely including yours if its gotten calmer by now. Be safe, sir." The cashier handed Adam the bag.
"Thank you. You too." Adam waved the older man goodbye before heading back out into the storm. He started his car up and headed down the road, prepared for whatever the storm would bring him once he got back home.
The traffic had finally started once Adam was near home. He found himself nodding off to sleep every now and then once he came to a stop at the light. He looked over at the watch sitting on his wrist. 1:05. He was never up this late and couldn't help but feel drowsy, especially since it was raining out. His eyelids were beginning to droop, blinking them each time he closed his eyes at the wheel.
A few more blocks and he would be home. He rubbed his tired eyes, trying his hardest to stay awake. He was almost home, no time for falling asleep. Just as Adam put his foot on the gas, another driver in the intersection did as well. The driver in the SUV slammed his foot on the gas despite the slippery conditions, not caring enough to think about any others. And just as he quick as he sped, even quicker did the green SUV slam directly into the side of Adam's black Corvette, jerking the vehicle, sending it skidding down the slick road.
The Canadian tried his best to take control of the vehicle, but it was no use. Like a train wreck, the other cars in the intersection managed to skid into the chaos as well, smashing into eachother like a domino effect, causing Adam's head to viciously collide with the steering wheel. He lay there, limp as ever, bloody and bruised.