Originally written in January 2008
DISCLAIMER: I own nothing. The pretty boys belong to themselves and the characters they portray belong to WWE. This is a work of fiction.
September 10, 2001 – San Antonio, Texas
Walking around backstage at the Freeman Coliseum in San Antonio, I wonder what made me come here. I really should be in Birmingham, rehabbing. After all, the company's already pushing me for that return at Vengeance in December. Also, I promised the doctors just before Summerslam that I'd stop flying to the shows all the time to not slow down the whole healing process. I think I mentioned that I'd only go to the big events like the PPVs.
However, somehow tonight's RAW felt like a big enough event for me.
My physical therapist just laughed when I told him I was going to fly to Texas. "You just can't stay away from the business for too long, can you?" he asked.
No, I suppose I can't. I miss hanging out with the boys. I ran into Mark first thing upon getting here and had a quick lunch with him, Kurt and Steve. Kid also stopped by when he heard I was there, but still had some things to get over for his tag match tonight. He was out the door within minutes again, but not before mentioning that Shawn would also be here tonight.
Seriously, who am I kidding? He's the reason I felt like I couldn't miss this show. We haven't talked since he blew up at me at Smackdown in March. Six months ago.
That's an awfully long time for two friends that were considered to be "closer than a lot of brothers" as J. R. always used to say during our DX days.
I suppose I could have picked up the phone and called him sometime. After all, it's not like I have much to do in the evenings after rehab and training at the gym. Even Steph tried to push me to make the first step because she was aware of how this whole grudge between us was eating away at me when I let myself think about it.
But what was I supposed to tell him anyway? That those words he threw at me in Detroit fucking hurt? Or that it hurts at least as much that he hasn't even bothered to get in touch with me once after I got injured to see how I was doing?
Knowing Shawn, he'd only bask in the satisfaction that he managed to get under my skin yet again. I know it sounds harsh, but that's just how he is more often than not. And it's not like the pills are helping much, either, I suppose. Kev's been telling me that he's still riding Shawn's ass about those, but most of his words continue to fall on deaf ears.
And despite all of that, I'm here. To be honest, I'm not exactly sure what I'm hoping for.
Either way, I take a seat at one of the monitors and watch the show unfold. The Jakked taping has already started and right now Kid's busting his ass in the ring like he always does. I smile when he and Albert come out as the winners and prepare myself to get up and catch him when he comes back.
As I'm approaching him, I see a familiar figure standing next to him. The ever-present cowboy hat on his head, scruffy beard, and that deep laugh at something Kid just said told me exactly who it was.
Although Shawn was the reason I came here, I now find myself hesitating. But before I can make up my mind, Kid has already spotted me and waves me over.
Even from a distance, I can already see those features that were just laughing darkening just a little and I try not to let it bother me too much.
"Great match, Kid!" I say while giving him a pat on the back, before I turn my attention to Shawn. "Hey. How have you been?"
He doesn't even acknowledge me and instead turns to Kid. "I'll catch ya later. Rebecca is waiting outside. Don't forget to stop by my place after the show."
Shawn's already walking off, before Kid even gets a chance to respond. He just shrugs his shoulders. "I'm sorry, man. You know how he is."
I just nod. Yeah, I probably should've expected it, but that doesn't mean it doesn't sting. So much for reaching out and trying to patch things up with my best friend. Former best friend, it seems, I remind myself.
All of a sudden I don't really feel like hanging around for RAW anymore.
After Kid is off to the showers, it doesn't take me long to find Stephanie and I let her know that I'm going to go back to the hotel already. It's evident on her face that she doesn't buy my lame excuse that my leg's feeling stiff, but for now she lets it slide. Instead she just asks gently, "Are you okay?"
I give her a faint smile. "I will be. Don't worry."
When I make my way out of the arena and towards the rental, I can't help but wonder if this is really it. A friendship of six years down the drain.
I don't know. And it doesn't seem like tonight was the night to find out, either.