This was it.
I was making my return to Smackdown, to the WWE Universe, tonight.
I was shaking with excitement.
I'd gotten all my ring gear on, and was holding the white trainers tape I used to wrap my shoulder, in my hands.
I stared at it, then dropped it back into my bag.
New Eli, meant new Eli in every way.
I accepted that I had no control over my alcoholism, now I needed to accept that I had no control over the body I was born with.
I pulled on the new leather jacket I'd gotten from Taker, and grabbed my phone, and left the locker room.
I needed to find someone to help me with this damn phone.
I'd spent over an hour earlier trying to make one damn phone call, before I got pissed.
I was tempted to throw that one too.
A few minutes later I was staring down at Jakie's face on the screen as it screamed H2O, and I had no idea how to stop it.
"Forget how to use a phone, Eli?"
I snapped my head up, seeing my dear friend, Teddy DiBiasie.
I gave him a big ol' smile.
"Hey Teddy! No, I don't know how to use this damn thing in the first place!" I grumbled as his hand came down on my leather clad shoulder.
"Here, let me show you." he laughed, using one finger to get me to the screen that dialed numbers.
"Oh thanks Teddy!"
He smiled his big Southern Gentlemen smile as he backed a few feet down another hallway.
"No thank you, Eli, for coming back! I missed you!"
I laughed.
Then a thought came in my head.
"Hey, did you tell Randy something about me and Punk breaking up?"
Instantly, his blonde brows furrowed, and he walked back towards me.
"No, I didn't even know you were! I'm sorry to hear that."
He heaved a huge sigh.
Like something was worrying him.
"What's up?"
He paused for another second.
"It's just weird. Because I remember hearing Punk say that he didn't want to be the one to break your heart..." he trailed on, seeming honestly confused.
"And the only person I talked to about it was Kelly. But she wouldn't spread rumors about you, would she?"
My jaw dropped.
Kelly?
Never.
I was about to interrogate for more information, when he spoke.
"Wait! There was Kaitlyn. I'm pretty sure she was listening in."
That sounded better.
Her and Randy must have been chatting behind my back.
Sounds like the real Randy Orton to me.
No matter what he used to be like.
We both heard Ted's name being called from down the hall.
"Sorry Eli, gotta go! It's show time!"
He flashed that white-light grin again and dashed away.
I looked down at my phone, and dialed the number to my second apology.
"Hey, I just called. Why didn't you answer?" Jakie's voice buzzed into my ear.
It was hard to think that, a month ago, I would have said I hated him for forcing me to Texas.
But right now, I couldn't thank him more.
"Kelly bought me a new phone and I have no idea how to use it!" I grumbled.
"By the way, how the hell did you get my credit card number?"
He laughed.
"Sorry, it had to be done. But I remember telling her to keep it simple. What'd she end up getting you?"
"How the hell is an iPhone simple?"
"I told her about your technology defect!"
I laughed this time.
I was never good at figuring out new tech.
That's why I'd kept the same phone for the better half of a decade.
I sighed, and remembered why I'd called him in the first place.
"Hey, Jakie."
I started, my tone serious now.
"I just want to say thanks for pushing me to go to Texas,"
"Well. You're welcome. Finally, I get some recognition around here! I'm not just a sexy ass, blind guy here!" he laughed.
"I also want to apologize for being a massive tool."
I could hear him try and choke back a laugh.
"Eli. You're the only person I've ever met, who was a massive tool at the age of five. You don't need to apologize for being yourself."
"Well, thanks. I guess. I meant as of lately. But wow do I feel loved." I muttered.
I heard him laugh.
"And, can you tell Rosie I'm sorry too?"
"For what?"
"For being an absolutely horrible role model. But don't worry. I'm good now."
"I hope it stays like that."
"Don't worry. I'm not planning on going anywhere anytime soon."