Post by Gabe Shelley on Feb 21, 2011 18:06:46 GMT -5
Thursday, September 16th, 2010 -- 6:25am
Gabe Shelley’s Apartment :: San Diego, California
Gabe Shelley’s Apartment :: San Diego, California
With a grumble and a moan a young man starts to move in his bed, a steady beeping coming from his bedside. The room is dark with just a hint of moonlight and night time lights shining in through the blinds. A click is heard as a low wattage lamb fills most of the room but giving us enough light to finally see features of the man but not enough to identify him. His hair is a shaggy mess as he sits up, running his fingers though the brown hair. His face is scruffy and unshaven, not quite long enough to be considered a beard. He reaches to the left of the bed and grabs the origin of the beep, a cell phone. He looks down at it and sees a voicemail, left about two hours ago. The reminder setting may have woken him but the actual call didn’t.
Natalie B.
The missed call log showed he had missed a call from a woman, leaving him puzzled at why she would call so early in the morning. He dials the voicemail extension and lays on his back as the speaker phone fills the room.
”Gabe, it's Natalie. There's no easy way to say this, so I'm just going to come on out and say it. It's become painfully obvious to me that you aren't as moved on or over Alexia as you thought, and rather than become party to some bitter, drawn-out feud that will be painful for all involved... I have decided to simply step back and remove myself from the equation. It isn't fair to either of us for our relationship to continue, not while your heart isn't entirely in it. No matter the road you decide to take, Gabe, know that I will be more than happy to be a shoulder for you to lean on... but it will only be available as a friend, and nothing more. I wish you well. Goodbye.”
Gabe Shelley. He lays motionless in his bed with the phone on his chest. His breathing is deep, steady. No sign of panic can be seen, no indication that he’s worried, or even upset.
”To delete this message, press 7. To save it, press 9.”
The voicemail options echo in the dead silence of the room as Gabe lifts his hand, not wanting to decide. He seems to hold his breath as he now holds the phone in one hand and stares at the screen.
”Are you still there? To delete this message, press 7. To save it, press 9.”
He finally lets out a sigh as he hits a button on the phone.
”You’re message will be saved for 21 days.”
Gabe hangs up the phone before rolling over to his side and pulls the blankets back up, drifting off to sleep.
Friday, September 17th, 2010 -- 8:45pm
Gabe Shelley’s Apartment :: San Diego, California
Gabe Shelley’s Apartment :: San Diego, California
“Mr. Shelley!?”
A hard knock on the door booms throughout the front part of the apartment. A split second a loud crash echoes down the hallway as the knocking continues.
“Mr. Shelley? Are you alright?”
The woman’s voice is concerned as she keeps knocking. A flower vase comes flying into the living room and crashes against the wall beside the door as the knocking stops. From somewhere down the hallway in walks Gabe Shelley. He dons a pair of blue running pants, a wrinkled Blue Jackets t-shirt, and a pair of sneakers. He reaches for the door handle and twists, allowing the door to come slightly ajar. “Yes?”
He speaks to the dark haired, middle aged woman at the door. She offers a warm but concern smile. “Hi, Mr. Shelley. I’m Gina Thomas... I live next door and well, I heard the rukus. Is everything ok?”
“Yes, ma’am, sorry about that. I was moving a few items around the apartment, I didn’t realise I was being so loud. I’ll make sure to keep it down for you, Mrs. Thomas, it won’t happen again.”
Gabe smiles kindly to her as he closes the door, sliding the chain lock on the door. He takes a step towards the living room and just falls onto the couch. He stares blankly around the door as his phone starts to ring. After the third ring, he finally looks at his phone and decides to answer it.
“Yeah?.... Sure, I’ll be there Kirs.”
Friday, October 8th, 2010 -- 11:40pm
The Tipsy Crow - The Underground :: San Diego, California
The Tipsy Crow - The Underground :: San Diego, California
The flashing lights of the club fill the room along with the loud dance music from the local DJ. People are spinning and dancing around the club to the pulse of the beat. The clanking of empty glasses chime as the bartender picks them up from in front of a man sitting down. The man looks up from his shot of Jager with a smile, Gabe Shelley. Gabe raises the glass and downs it with ease before sliding it forward.
“Someone told me I could find you here, looks like they were lucky and got it right.”
A voice belonging to a female, soft and kind.
“Or I’m becoming predicable.”
Gabe chuckles as he turns towards the woman behind him. His jaw almost drops as he sees the woman standing there with a smile on her face and arms folded. Her hair is curly, a shiny blond. She reaches out her arms as if she wants a hug. Gabe seems dumbfounded as he embraces her. They share a friendly hug before she backs up.
“Miss me?”
“I can’t believe it, Cassie. It’s been years. What are you doing here?”
“I came to see you, I was worried. I know what’s been going on and Aaron called me and told me you haven’t been yourself. Something about some girl troubles and not just being yourself anymore.”
“Does Alli know you’re here?”
She shakes her head and rolls her eyes.
“No. You know her better than anyone and she and I have never been close anyway. Sometimes I wonder if she’s really my sister.”
“Tell me about it.”
She gives him a shove and points at him.
“I know what you’re trying to do and stop it. This isn’t about my relationship with Alli, it’s about whatever is going on with you. If Aaron says you haven’t been yourself then obviously something is going on.”
Gabe motions for Cassie to sit beside him at the bar as he orders a couple of drinks for them. Turning to her and just shrugging his shoulder.
“I don’t know, Cass. I really just messed up and I’m living with my choices. It took me too long to realise what I wanted, or well, who I wanted to be with.”
She puts her hand on his forearm and smiles.
“You’re fine. If there is someone out there you want just go and tell her. She’d be crazy not to want to be with you Gabe. I bet if you asked her she’d want to be with you more than you know. The old you would go for bust and just put it all on the line. You wouldn’t hide how you felt or what you wanted and you’d chase after that girl. Who are you now?”
He grabs his drink and thanks the bartender. Looking into the bottom of the glass makes Gabe sigh before taking a big gulp.
“I ask myself that every day.”
“And what do you answer?”
Gabe chuckles and slides the glass forward before turning his chair to look at her.
“I don’t have an answer.”
She puts her hand on his and smiles.
“Then go find one.”
He hugs her whispers into her ear.
“Thank you, Cassie.”
“You’re welcome, Gabe.”
Wednesday, November 10th, 2010 -- 8:20pm
Skully’s Music Bar :: Columbus, Ohio
Skully’s Music Bar :: Columbus, Ohio
It’s a small dark bar with a dance floor in front of the stage. Tonight the fans are all along the stage as a dark blue hue fills the room. A lone spotlight shines down on the stage, Gabe Shelley sitting on a stool with a guitar in his lap. He leans into the microphone and speaks.
“Thank you for having us tonight. We are Heaven From Above, I am Gabe Shelley, and this is our last song. It’s a spin of a little tune from a Canadian band called Marianas Trench. I give you ‘Cross My Heart’.”
Gabe starts to strum on his guitar as one of the band members joins in.
So here's another day
I'll spend away from you
Another night I'm on another broken avenue
My bag is ripped and worn
Then again now so am I
Take what you want to take
What you wanna take
What you..
I miss the stupid things
We'd go to sleep and then
You'd wake me up and kick me out of bed at 3 AM
Pick up the phone and you say dirty things to me
Do what you wanna do
What you wanna do
What you..
Take me with you
I start to miss you
Take me home
I don't wanna be alone tonight
And I do want to show you
I will run to you to you till I
Can't stand on my own anymore
I cross my heart and hope to die
Cross my heart and hope to die
Cross my heart and hope to..
I'll spend away from you
Another night I'm on another broken avenue
My bag is ripped and worn
Then again now so am I
Take what you want to take
What you wanna take
What you..
I miss the stupid things
We'd go to sleep and then
You'd wake me up and kick me out of bed at 3 AM
Pick up the phone and you say dirty things to me
Do what you wanna do
What you wanna do
What you..
Take me with you
I start to miss you
Take me home
I don't wanna be alone tonight
And I do want to show you
I will run to you to you till I
Can't stand on my own anymore
I cross my heart and hope to die
Cross my heart and hope to die
Cross my heart and hope to..
Two minutes and ten seconds later Gabe strums on the guitar one more time as the fans cheer. He stands and bows before getting close to the microphone again.
“That was for someone special, keep yours close. Goodnight.”
He walks off stage right and shakes a few hands before reaches the nearby bar top, nodding to the bartender who passes him a bottle of water. Gabe sighs before taking a big swig and is approached by a few young ladies. A brunette stands in front of her friends and starts to talk to Gabe.
“That was amazing, it was as if you lost yourself in the song.”
Gabe takes another drink, snapping out of his daze.
“Yeah, thanks. You really have to when you’re a cover band. People don’t want to just hear you sing a song, they want you to make it your own.”
“Well you did a great job.”
She starts to twirl her hair playfully as she puts her other hand on her side.
“So, my friends and I are wondering if you wanted to go to a party.”
He smiles out of politeness and just shakes his head.
“That is mighty kind of you but no thank you. I have to get to the airport actually and catch a flight back to San Diego.”
She seems bummed out and scribbles her number down on a napkin before handing it to him.
“Well, if you change your mind.”
He nods and looks around at the stage getting set up for the next act. People walk around in groups, holding conversations. Gabe sits at the bar on a stool, shifting through his thoughts. The other members of HFA come by to say their goodbyes. It gave him a good feeling to come and help them out with a gig once in a while when Alli Taylor couldn’t make it. Part of him missed doing that full time, part of him missed wrestling, and he had finally realised that he missed Alexia Fender. Not only did he miss her, he missed being with her.
There had been other girls; Natalie, Xaria, Alli. They all had their endings and regrets but none of them felt like this. Nothing had ever made him want to just drop everything and tell someone how he felt. Part of him said to listen to Cassie’s advice and just tell Alexia how he felt, try to get her back. The other part of him said it was too late.
The echo of a guitar fills the room, making Gabe almost jump out of his seat unprepared. He turns to see the next band coming to stage, his cue to leave and head to the airport. Back “home” to San Diego. An empty home. Gabe grabs his guitar case and heads for the door, nodding to a few familiar faces in the club. He steps outside and the brisk air hits his face, sending chills down his spine. He reaches into the pocket of his coat and pulls out a blue New York Mets beanie, pulling it over his ears as he walks down the street and into the not too far parking lot.
Gabe reaches his car and places the guitar up against the trunk. Fumbling for his keys in his jeans as his phone starts to vibrate. He reaches for it and checks the screen.
Wade Mason
“Hello?”
Gabe answers the phone but seems surprised by the call.
“Hey Gabe, how you been?”
“Oh, you know, still livin’.”
Wade chuckles on the other end of the phone as Gabe finishes putting his guitar into the trunk.
“What can I do for ya, Wade?”
“Well I’m hoping you can make it to a wedding.”
Gabe climbs into his car and straps on his seat belt before starting the car.
“I think that can be possible. I’m actually coming back to San Diego in a few hours.”
“Good cause I want you there, Jessie wants you there.”
He knew who else would be there, it wouldn’t be possible to NOT see her. Alexia would obviously be there along with the other Sirens. His heart started to race as he thought about her, driving down the street. Gabe’s head spun with memories and what it would be like to see her again.
“Yeah, I’ll be there.”
“Gabe, I know what you’re thinking. I’ll make sure that you two aren’t at the same table.”
“It’s fine, Wade, I’m a big boy.”
They both start to laugh for a moment before Gabe sighs.
“I miss her, Wade.”
“Well you know where she is so go and get her.”
“I gotta go.”
Gabe hangs up and tosses his phone into the seat beside him as Wade’s advice echoed in his ear. The car sped along towards the airport as he flipped on the radio, letting the music take him away.
Monday, December 27th, 2010 -- 11:13pm
The Arena District :: Columbus, Ohio
The Arena District :: Columbus, Ohio
The air is crisp in Columbus during the winter and tonight is no different. Gabe Shelley leans on the edge the top floor wall of the parking garage near Nationwide Arena. The city is lit up in the clear night sky and a few Blue Jackets fans are making their way to cars after cocktails or dinner after the recent win. Gabe is wearing his “blues” as many fans have come to call them, his home style Blue Jackets jersey. His CBJ knit hat is pulled down tight as his hands and arms are folded on the wall. He stares out into the skyline, the buildings, the people on the streets. It’s here where he really feels at home however this time he feels like a piece is missing. The soft patting of Gabe’s hands hitting the wall picks up, drumming along to something.
He turns his head and his headphone become visible under his knit. He reaches into his pocket and pulls out his cell phone, flipping to the calendar. He slides the screen over to the only two entries in February. One is the 12th and is marked with “Wade and Jessie’s Wedding 1”.
This was the important one, the one that counted. Wade and Jessie were set to wed with their friends and family this day. The other was marked on the 15th, were Wade and Jessie would hold a ceremony on TGW’s Animosity. The only problem is Gabe hasn’t decided if he will go. He knows that Alexia will be there and seeing her would bring mixed emotions. He missed her and he hated it.
Gabe pulls his headphones down and whatever song he was listening to changed something. He dialed a number and waiting an answer but only getting Voicemail.
“Wade, it’s Gabe. I wanted to let you know that I will be at the wedding and all that. There’s something I’m going to need to do though and I think the rehearsal would be the perfect place to do it. I’ll get you the info and what not but.... I just really need to do this.”
Gabe hangs up the phone and turns to his car across the lot. He takes one more look out to the city, knowing that something was about to change. He slides out the keyboard on the phone and starts to type out a message to “Aaron”.
‘Hey man, I need you to watch my apartment for me. I’m going to catch the first flight to San Diego and I’ll be gone until after the wedding. Need to get some things ready out there.’
He slides the phone shut and sticks it into his jean pocket and takes a deep breath. He inhales the cold air as it sends a shiver up his spine. He turns to his car and opens the door, climbing inside.
Thursday, January 15th, 2010 -- 2:19pm
1455 Kettner Blvd. :: San Diego, California
1455 Kettner Blvd. :: San Diego, California
“What do you think, Mr. Shelley?”
Gabe stands in an empty apartment, staring out the glass wall to the balcony over looking the Pacific Ocean. He turns to the young lady in a business suit, her brown hair hanging down to her shoulder. She holds a clipboard in her hands which are held up to her chest. Gabe slowly nods and extends his hand.
“I’ll take it, it’s perfect.”
She smiles and extends her hand as they shake. She hands Gabe the clipboard and points to a few areas with her pen.
“I just need you to sign a few places and we’ll get you the keys. When can we expect you to move your things in?”
“It’ll be a process. I plan to buy a lot of new things instead of moving them across the country, so a slow process.”
They both chuckle.
“I understand Mr. Shelley. I actually moved out here from Missouri a few years ago.”
“Something about California, huh. I’m sure there are tons of people who make the move to LA and such all the time. I have a feeling it’ll be me, a bed, and a little T.V. for a few weeks at least. That and a lot of take out.”
Gabe finishes signing the papers as they shake hands again. The young woman reaches into her jacket pocket and hands him the keys.
“If you have any questions you copy of the paper work has all of the numbers to the property managers numbers and anything else you might need.”
“Thank you.”
Gabe walks her to the door and closes it behind her before walking back through the empty living area and onto the balcony. He looks down the 29 stories to the ground below and then out to the city in front of him. He takes it all in and smiles before pulling out his phone. He takes a picture and uploads it to Twitter, sends it to his friends and family, and saves it. He quickly dials a number and leans on the railing, knowing he won’t get an answer. A woman’s voice is heard as the voicemail kicks on.
“Hey. I am either too busy to answer or I didn’t hear my phone going off, so just leave me a message. Thanks.”
Gabe takes a deep breath before the beep and clears his throat.
“Hi, Alli. It’s me. I knew you wouldn’t answer but I am finally getting all settled in to San Diego, just signed my new lease. I can actually see the TGW arena from here. So...”
He seems hurried, not wanting to leave a long message.
“...now that I’m in town and I’ve done a LOT of thinking, I need to see you. I don’t care where or anything, you can pick. I just want to sit down with you and talk about some things, stuff I need to get off my chest. So let’s go grab a bite to eat, a drink, I don’t care. Just text me the address and I’ll be there. Bye.”
He hangs up and sees a few texts back about the view that makes him smile.
Friday, January 16th, 2010 -- 9:28pm
2044 Kettner Boulevard :: San Diego, California
2044 Kettner Boulevard :: San Diego, California
The Waterfront Bar & Grill in the Little Italy area of San Diego is busy this Friday as people are gathering for drinks. The music is up loud but it’s not impossible to hold a conversation. The actual bar is jammed pack full of people, minus one chair. A man in his mid-thirties goes to sit down but is cut off as the man seated next to it puts his hand on the chair.
“I’m sorry, someone is sitting here.”
“Hey no problem.”
The two men nod at each other as we see who is sitting at the bar, Gabe Shelley. He’s wearing a vintage New York Mets Jersey. He shifts in his car stool and seems nervous. His head nods to the music as his fingers start to drum on the bar. The lights are low so Gabe starts to look around, checking if he can see whomever it is he is supposed to meet. He starts to reach into his pocket for his phone as a hand is placed on his shoulder. He spins around in the stool and stands TGW Majority Owner, Alli Taylor. Gabe’s ex.
“I was wondering if you’d come.”
“Gabe, have I ever said no to you?”
He stands up and gives her a friendly hug. He offers her the chair beside him and she places her purse on the counter as the bartender makes his way over.
“What can I get for you?”
She smiles and pulls out her credit card, sliding it to him.
“Vodka tonic, another round for him, and keep it open for me?”
The bartender takes the card and walks away. Alli sighs as she turns to Gabe who seems lost in thought.
“So why did you want to see me, Gabriel? The last time we actually talked you told me to get our of your hotel room, that you were moving on with your life.”
The bartender returns with the drinks and they thank him. As he walks away Gabe nods to Alli.
“Yes I did. Then you proceeded to frame your kidnapping in Paris. Oh, what fun times we used to have huh? The whole sleeping with my brother after he kidnapped me and locked me in that train car for days on end, all the mind games, great times.”
He quickly takes a few gulps of the beer in front of him and just sighs as he puts it back down. He goes to slide his chair out and stand up.
“I shouldn’t have done this, it was a bad idea.”
She reaches over and grabs his arm, urging him to sit back down.
“Just, calm down. I’m sorry ok? I was far from perfect and I know it. I’ve made a lot of mistakes in my life and I pay for them. I lost my best friend because of all the things I did to you. Hurting you was something that may have looked like it was so easy for me to do, but it wasn’t. Gabe, you were my world before I even knew how to live. I’ve known you since we were 8. I also know that things will never be the same between you and I. Just...”
Her face seems kind, she offers a warm smile, runs her fingers through her hair.
“...talk to me. What did you want to talk about?”
He sits up straight and starts to bite on his lower lip, a nervous habit. He looks away from her and down to the bar as his fingers still drum to the music.
“I need to just...”
He thinks about his words carefully. He seems to get lost in thought as Alli bumps him playfully.
“You need to do what?”
“Alli, I realised something the other day as my plane touched down in San Diego. Do you know what that was?”
She smiles and starts to blush as she reaches over for his hand.
“What’s that?”
“I realised that I went back to you so many times. Every time I started to give us another chance some time horrible happened. I feel like a broken statue of myself and every time we glued the pieces back together, you’d smash it again. So many times in fact that now, the pieces don’t all fit right. I gave up wrestling. I went through such a hard time after I found out about you and Jason that I tried to kill myself and things were never the same. I was never able to focus on the things that I loved after that day. But here’s the catch...”
Gabe leans closer towards her with a smile on his face, a shocked look on hers.
“...I know where all the pieces are and it’s just the process of putting them back together. That’s why I came back to San Diego. Yes, Columbus is my home and I love it and will go back there but there are things here that I need to fix. People that are here that need to be in my life again.”
She interrupts him and just shakes her head.
“Gabriel, you don’t understand. There is a reason that our lives keep intertwining together the way they do. These aren’t some chance occurrences in our lives and we keep running into each other. We’re fated to be together and you know it. We’ve.... I’ve done horrible things in the past but each time we some how cross paths yet again. It’s us getting another chance to make it riight.”
Alli reaches her hand up and touches his cheek as her eyes sparkle. He looks deep into them and leans a little closer. His hand is supporting him as it’s placed on Alli’s thigh. She gathers her nerves and kisses him softly. It lasts for a few brief seconds before Gabe pulls away slowly.
“You know what I felt?”
She smiles as she flips her hair back.
“What?”
He sits up and finishes his drink in front of him before turning his eyes back to her.
“Nothing.”
She is stunned and upset but keeps herself composed.
“Alli, when I look into your eyes all I see is betrayal, mistrust, and broken hearts. My broken heart. That’s what I wanted, I wanted to make sure I knew that there was nothing left in this gas tank. I wanted to make sure you understand that my feelings for you have long since passed. Will there be a day that you and I can co-exist and there not be some sort of animosity between us? Maybe. But you have to understand in these coming weeks that I’m going to be moving on with my life. I’m saying goodbye to all of the things that hold me down and make me feel weak. I’m leaving behind the things the beat me up inside. You were the first thing I had to say goodbye to, Alli.”
She sits up and clears her throat, choking back tears. She extends her hand to Gabe for a handshake.
“Gabriel, I understand. I can’t fault you for doing what you believe you need to do. I know that I lost my chance to be with you a long time ago and don’t worry, I’m not going to try and frame a kidnapping. We’re both adults and can just walk away from this.”
He nods and stands up, stepping aside. She stands by her stool and puts her arms out to the side a bit.
“Can... I at least get one more hug?”
He pulls her in and hugs her, his eyes closed. The let go of the embrace as he puts his hands in his pockets. The people all around them move about, Gabe had forgotten there were even there.
“Thank you for the drink.”
She smiles as he walks away to the exit of the club. Alli asks the bartender for a few shots, Gabe slides through the crowd as hits the streets of San Diego.
Tuesday, February 8th, 2010 -- 5:10pm
1455 Kettner Blvd :: San Diego, California
1455 Kettner Blvd :: San Diego, California
The sun shines off the Pacific Ocean and into the paneled windows of Gabe Shelley’s living room. The sound of a door closing fills the quiet room as Gabe walks out of the bathroom, wearing a pair of shorts and a towel draped over his shoulder. His hair is still wet from a shower as he uses the towel to ruffle his hair as he plops down on the couch. He kicks his feet up onto the table in front of him and just sighs. He looks over on the table and notices the flashing LED on his phone that signals a voicemail. Gabe leans and grabs his phone and sees a missed call.
Wade Mason
He checks the call log and dials into his voicemail. As he enters his password he gets instructed about one of his saved messages.
“The following message will be deleted from your mailbox in 7 days.”
”Gabe, it's Natalie. There's no easy way to say this, so I'm just going to come on out and say it. It's become painfully obvious to me that you aren't as moved on or over Alexia as you thought, and rather than become party to some bitter, drawn-out feud that will be painful for all involved... I have decided to simply step back and remove myself from the equation. It isn't fair to either of us for our relationship to continue, not while your heart isn't entirely in it. No matter the road you decide to take, Gabe, know that I will be more than happy to be a shoulder for you to lean on... but it will only be available as a friend, and nothing more. I wish you well. Goodbye.”
It takes Gabe by surprise as he had forgotten all about it. He chuckles to himself and looks at the screen. He starts to smile and hits ‘7’, deleting the message. Gabe lets out a relieved sigh as the next message starts to play.
”Hey Gabe, I wanted to give you a heads up on something that might be of interest. You need to be at Bar Pink off 30th, tonight, say...9:30 or so...”
There is a pause in Wade’s speech as he hesitates to continue.
”..Alexia is back in town. She has a show and you should go. Jess and I will be there... Don’t be stubborn and go.
Gabe deletes the message and hangs up. He checks the clock on his phone and tosses it beside him. He gets up and heads into his room and starts to get ready.
Tuesday, February 8th, 2010 -- 9:05pm
3829 30th Street :: San Diego, California
3829 30th Street :: San Diego, California
Bar Pink is somewhat busy for a Tuesday as groups of people are sat around the bar area and the tables scattered around the bar. Off in the corner a few stools are set up in the “stage” area with a drum set in the back. From the front door we see Gabe Shelley walking in the door. He gives his ID to the man inside the door and sees Jessie Blake, Wade Mason, and Alexia Fender. He approaches them slowly as he sees the shocked expression on Alexia’s face. He pats Wade on the shoulder as he smiles to the girls. Alexia smiles back at Gabe and nods.
“Hey.”
Gabe nervously throws his hands into his pockets and leans forward to the front of his feet.
“Hey, Alexia.”
She slowly looks up at him and forces out a small smile.
“Hey..”
His eyes scan her but trying to not make it obvious how nervous she is. Gabe clears his throat and rocks on the heels of his shoes, trying not to blush.
“You look.... great.”
She smiles and bites her lip.
“Thanks.. You look good too.”
She looks over for Jessie and Wade but realize they left. She grits her teeth and runs her hand through her hair. She starts to think of what to say, not wanting to look silly.
“So.. How have you been?”
He shrugs and lets out a small smile.
“I'm OK, trying to keep busy with this and that.”
“I know that feeling.. Hows um... Natalie?”
His smile clearly becomes fake as his right hand brushes though his hair.
“I have no idea.”
She looks over at him and raises an eyebrow.
“What?”
He shrugs and nods.
“We broke up a while ago.”
She does her best to not smile at what he had just said.
“Oh.. I'm so sorry.”
She bites her lip and takes a deep breath.
“Its her loss, Gabe.
She looks at the ground and mumbles to herself.
“Trust me I know...”
He seems confused and looks around before trying to catch her eyes.
“What do you mean?”
She looks in his eyes then blinks and shakes her head.
“What do I mean by what?”
“What is it you know?”
She bites the inside of her cheek hard and takes a deep breath to say something but someone walks over to her and whispers in her ear, she nods.
“Stay here...? Please?”
He nods and assures her.
“Yeah.”
Alexia goes over to the stage area and begins her show. After her set is over she thanks everyone for coming. She waves to a few people and walks over to the bar where Gabe had been sitting and watching the show.
“You stayed...”
It takes him a moment to snap out of his daze and his attention turns to Alexia. He spins around in his chair to see her standing there.
“Of course I did.”
She looks down at the bar, playing with her nails fighting back the tears from knowing he just heard the song she wrote only the night before, about him*
“Thank you.”
“Of course... I ... uh.. I really liked hearing you sing again”
She looks over at him.
“Really? ...Its not your kind of music.”
“You know I don't have a kind of music.”
“I suppose...”
She looks back down at her nails fighting back more tears as the line "and I feel you forget me like I used to feel you breathe" runs through her head.
“It was a great song..”
He knew the meaning behind it, he didn't have to ask. He's unsure of what to say to her, not wanting to upset her or cause a stir of emotions. She looks over at him and takes a deep breath.
“Thanks.”
She takes a small step backwards away from the bar, and him, gritting her teeth.
“You probably have all kind of plans tonight so don't let me sitting here keep you.”
She swallows hard and takes a deep breath.
“I'm sure you do too.. I'm sorry.. It was selfish of me to ask you to stay.”
He shakes his head and spins his empty glass.
“None.”
“Come on.. I'm sure you have a date or something.. Need someway to get over Natalie right?”
She closes her eyes and shakes her head, not wanting to think about it.
“No date, no other women, just sitting here at this bar.”
“Alone?”
He simply nods.
“Yes ma'am.”
She looks towards the dressing room area, and tries harder to fight back a few tears before looking at him.
“...Want company?”
He looks up from the bar and smiles at her.
“Only if it's you.”
She walks back to the bar and sits up on the stool next to him, looking down at her hands. She gets handed a bottle of water and looks at him.
“I'm sorry..”
He tilts his head to her and raises an eyebrow.
“For what?”
“For le... That umm.. That Jessie has made Wade too lame to hang out.
She sighs and drops her head, not wanting to let her real emotions out.
“I like it better this way.”
“Sitting in a bar.. while they break down a stage..?”
He pauses for a moment before looking at her, smiling.
“Just here with you.”
She looks over at him and can’t help smiling a little.
“...Really?”
“Really.”
“Why?”
He doesn't want to answer and so he just holds back.
“Just... because.”
“Cause of my awful music?”
She laughs a little and takes a drink from her water as he smiles and nods.
“Yeah, that's it.”
Her jaw drops and she nudges him with her elbow.
“Hey!”
He smiles and his hand touches the top of hers, his eyes catching hers.
“I love your music.”
She looks in his eyes and smiles.
“I love your... Shirt.”
She looks at him and laughs a little. He chuckles and shrugs.
“It's alright.”
She leans in a little closer and looks at his shirt, then looks up at him with a smirk on her face.
“I bought you that.”
He winks and laughs.
“Oh! I guess you did.”
They both laugh briefly as she sits back up and looks around.
“We're like the only ones here.”
His eyes scan around notices that many of the people have cleared out of the bar.
“I guess we are.”
“Hey Gabe.... You wanna get out of here?”
“What do you have in mind?”
She shrugs and starts to stand up.
“Anywhere but here.”
“If only my motorcycle was parked out front and I had two helmets on it...”
He stands up and pulls his jacket on before reaching in his pockets and pulls out his bike keys, playing coy.
“Oh, wait. I do. Let me take you home, it’s the least I can do.”
She smiles and nods as he makes his way to the door.
Friday, February 11th, 2010 -- 6:25pm
1 Pico Boulevard :: Santa Monica, California
1 Pico Boulevard :: Santa Monica, California
The sun has set and we’re at Shutters on the Beach in Santa Monica. There are many cars parked outside as the place is lit up. The sound of the ocean crashing on the beach fills the air as it pulls a crisp breeze toward the building. Inside there is a lot of talk all mixed together as the rehearsal dinner for Wade Mason and Jessie Blake is going on. Everyone is dressed nicely as a small four piece band plays quietly in the corner. Gabe sits left of Wade and leans over to excuse himself. Wade nods as Gabe gets up from the table and walks out to a small deck looking towards the beach. He puts his hands into his pants pockets as the wind makes his hair move slowly. He becomes lost in thought as a hand is placed on his shoulder, hearing someone say his name over and over.
“Gabe... Gabe?”
He snaps out of it and turns to see Alexia Fender standing there with a smile on her face.
“Everything OK?”
He nods and runs his fingers though his hair and then leaning back on the railing behind him.
“Yeah, just came out for some air.”
“I just wanted to thank you for the ride the other day and everything you’ve done this week with helping me get ready for this match. It means a lot to me.”
“Of course.”
She blushes and twirls her hair between her fingers.
“This place is so beautiful, Jess and Wade are so lucky.”
He nods and looks around before looking back at her.
“You look great now... I can only imagine how you’ll look in your bridesmaid dress.”
She quickly looks down as her face is bright red.
“Thank you...”
She looks around and sees Jessie smiling at her from inside. She quickly turns around to Gabe who has taken a step towards her.
“You better go check on your bride in there. I have something that I need to do, just.... Make sure she doesn’t send you out anywhere.”
Alexia seems confused as she nods, Gabe walking inside somewhere. He sends Wade a heads up and walks over to the small band. He shakes their hands and talks to them for a couple minutes as everyone is finishing up eating and getting refills on beverages. Gabe pulls a microphone stand over towards the piano sat at the side of the small stage. People start to take notice and Jessie nudges Alexia to look up from the table. Her eyes get real big and she finds her heart racing.
Gabe taps the microphone and clears his throat as people quiet. He takes a deep breath and softly talks into the microphone. Beside the piano is one of the band members sitting in a stool and holding a guitar.
“Good evening everyone. My name is Gabe Shelley, I’m one of Wade’s groomsmen and I have to say that this place is absolutely beautiful. On behalf of the bride and groom I’d like to thank everyone for being able to be here tonight and tomorrow for the wedding. There is someone out there that might mean a lot to you, make sure they know it. A wedding is the perfect place to rekindle that love you share. Tonight, I wanted to take the moment to sing a little something for the bride and groom and for someone special... She knows who she is..”
Gabe plays the first few notes and sings into the microphone.)
The best thing about tonight's that we're not fighting
Could it be that we have been this way before
I know you don't think that I am trying
I know you're wearing thin down to the core
But hold your breath
Could it be that we have been this way before
I know you don't think that I am trying
I know you're wearing thin down to the core
But hold your breath
The band member starts to strum the guitar along with Gabe as Alexia watches a few feet away.
Because tonight will be the night that I will fall for you
Over again
Don't make me change my mind
Or I wont live to see another day
I swear it's true
Because a girl like you is impossible to find
You're impossible to find
This is not what I intended
I always swore to you I'd never fall apart
You always thought that I was stronger
I may have failed
But I have loved you from the start
Oh
But hold your breath
Because tonight will be the night that I will fall for you
Over again
Don't make me change my mind
Or I wont live to see another day
I swear it's true
Because a girl like you is impossible to find
It's impossible
So breathe in so deep
Breathe me in
I'm yours to keep
And hold onto your words
Cause talk is cheap
And remember me tonight
When your asleep
Over again
Don't make me change my mind
Or I wont live to see another day
I swear it's true
Because a girl like you is impossible to find
You're impossible to find
This is not what I intended
I always swore to you I'd never fall apart
You always thought that I was stronger
I may have failed
But I have loved you from the start
Oh
But hold your breath
Because tonight will be the night that I will fall for you
Over again
Don't make me change my mind
Or I wont live to see another day
I swear it's true
Because a girl like you is impossible to find
It's impossible
So breathe in so deep
Breathe me in
I'm yours to keep
And hold onto your words
Cause talk is cheap
And remember me tonight
When your asleep
Gabe looks out as he hits “breathe me in, I’m yours to keep” and stares directly to Alexia. Her eyes are swollen with tears and a big smile on her face. He goes through and sings the chorus again as everyone is holding a loved ones hand, smiling. Wade has his arm around Jessie and is looking back at Alexia to see her reaction. Gabe finishes up the song and gets a clap from everyone as he pulls the bench out from the piano.
“Thank you.”
He starts to walk outside and contain his swelling emotions. Gabe starts to walk on the beach and heads toward the ocean. The moon is shining down on the water as he breathes deeply and slips his hands through his hair. He hears someone calling him from behind him, off towards the building.
“Gabe!”
He turns and Alexia stands on the edge of the deck. She searches for the words to say as he takes one step towards her but she takes off running at him. He keeps walks, picking up speed. He reaches out and her arms go up and around his neck as he spins her around. His forehead rests against hers and he smiles.
“That song was for you.”
“I know.”
“I’ve thought about you every day.”
“I know, I have too.”
She runs her fingers though his hair and breathes deeply. She still can’t find the right words as her mind is swimming in emotions.
“Gabe...”
“Shh.”
He pulls her close and kisses her deeply as they share a romantic embrace. The kiss seems to last a lifetime as Jessie and Wade whistle from the deck. Gabe pulls away softly and looks deep into Alexia’s eyes. They take each others hands and smile.
“Alexia, I came back to San Diego for you. I never let go of my feelings for you and I never will.”
“I’m so sorry that I left, I was stu-..”
He cuts her off again with a kiss before putting his hand on her cheek.
“No sorry, no excuses, just now and the future.”
She nods and smiles as she squeezes his hand tightly before locking their fingers together. They look up towards the building and start to walk together. He helps her climbs onto the deck and spins her around.
“Alexia, be mine. OK?”
“You don’t even have to ask, Gabe. I’ve missed you so much.”
He leans up toward her and kisses her softly.
“Now, let’s go get these two married.”
She smiles and nods as they walk back inside.
Friday, February 11th, 2010 -- 11:45pm
1 Pico Boulevard :: Santa Monica, California
1 Pico Boulevard :: Santa Monica, California
A few hours later every one has left for either nearby hotels or into the rooms at Shutters. Outside on the beach we see Gabe Shelley sitting in the sand with a pair of headphones connected to his cellphone. He stares off into the distance as someone taps him on the shoulder. Wade Mason sits down beside him as Gabe starts to pull off his headphones and gives Wade a “what’s up” look.
“Lost in thought out here?”
Gabe chuckles and nods turning the music off on his phone.
“Something like that.”
“Honestly, I’m surprised that you are inside with Alexia.”
“One thing at a time, Wade. I want to do this right and not rush anything. Plus she has to help keep your woman from freaking out from all the stesrs.”
Both men laugh and Gabe sighs as Wade shifts in the sand and gets serious with his friend.
“So what’s next for you?”
The question takes Gabe by surprise and makes him think. It was one he had been asking himself for most of the evening. He was slowly putting pieces back into place in his life and it was just a matter of, “what’s next”. Before he can answer Wade pipes up.
“You could always come and work in TGW. The roster needs talent like you, or you could even work backstage in some capacity.”
“Thanks for the offer but I would have to decline. You know all the ties to Alli and everything... I just couldn’t do it. Plus...”
Gabe starts to smile and shrugs.
“... I might have to go to Milwaukee. There is a belt out there with my name on it and I need to go and pick it up.”
“You know, I would have thought you’d go back to eWo and not BWF.”
“It’s one of those things that I’d be happy with either decision. I know that eWo is going to be fine, they have always had a great roster. It’s been almost 4 years since BWF has been opened and is going to need some help getting back off the ground. I’m at that point in my career where I’m happy with my achievements and just want to pass the torch.”
“Plus, Dave is holding your World Title hostage.”
Gabe laughs and nods.
“Exactly.”
The buzzing of a phone is heard as Wade reaches into his pocket and checks a text message.
“It’s Jessie, better go see what she needs.”
“Make sure to keep your eyes closed. Your wedding is tomorrow and the bad luck and all.”
“Yeah, thanks.”
The two men shake hands as Wade heads up to the resort. Gabe lays down on the beach and stretches out and closes his eyes. A smile comes across his face as he realises that things have turned around. He has Alexia back, he’s ready to get back into the ring, and things are only looking up. As he starts to doze off to the sound of the water crashing along the shore, he feels a set of soft lips pressing against his. He opens his eyes, knowing the kiss. Alexia looks down at him as they break the upside down kiss. She runs her fingers through his hair and massages his scalp.
“How about you come inside and sleep in a bed? I’m sure it can’t be all that comfortable out here, hun.”
“It’s not too bad, plus, I can hear the ocean.”
She stands and starts to pull him up.
“You can hear the ocean from my bedroom and it has a comfy bed. So, let’s go mister.”
Gabe thinks about it and smiles as he stands. He sweeps her off her feet and her arms go up around his neck. They kiss again and he starts to carry her to the resort, joy in his voice as he talks.
“I love you, Alexia.”
“I love you too.”
He grabs the door handle and swings it open and steps inside. He starts to head towards her bedroom as both of them feel on top of the world.