by Audrey RussowChapter OneKeeping a Promise(I was back in Philly for the first time in what seemed like forever. It was really great getting to go around to all my old favorite places, including my favorite little coffee shop where I was meeting my best friend from the old days, Jessica. Her and I grew up together, and we were thick as thieves. She was a big part of my support system getting into wrestling. Growing up, we were the only two girls who even acknowledged wrestling. She was a big Warriors fan, though I think that was mostly because she had crushes on Nick and Steven Xavior.)
Jessica: Girl, you look amazing!
(She smiles as I walk into the coffee shop. She gets up from her seat and gives me a hug.)
Audrey Russow: Thanks, so do you! I hope you haven’t been waiting too long.
Jessica: Not at all. I just got here a couple minutes ago.
Audrey Russow: Let me go order a drink then we can catch up.
Jessica: Alright, sounds good.
(I set my stuff down in the chair next to her, before going up to the counter to order a drink. After I get my drink, I come back and sit down next to her.)
Jessica: So, how have you been?
Audrey Russow: Honestly? Really good. Things have been going good with work, life with Aurora has been a dream. Dan has been amazing with her.
Jessica: Aww, she’s so precious. I can’t wait to see her again.
Audrey Russow: Yeah, she’ll be at the show on Tuesday, which reminds me...if you’re interested...I may or may not have gotten you a backstage pass.
(Her eyes light up with excitement.)
Jessica: REALLY!?
Audrey Russow: Haha, of course! It wouldn’t be the same to wrestle back in Philly if you weren’t there to see it. Plus...you I MIGHT have some connections that would let you meet a certain former “Extremist”.
(I can’t help but laugh at her face. The blushing is going on hardcore, and it’s the cutest thing ever.)
Jessica: I don’t know about all that….
Audrey Russow: Oh, come on!
Jessica: What would Brandon think?
(Sigh)Audrey Russow: Right, the boyfriend.
Jessica: Future husband.
Audrey Russow: How is the boy?
Jessica: He’s good...he’s...actually part of the reason why I wanted to meet you.
Audrey Russow: Oh?
Jessica: Yeah, so...there’s been some...developments, and we’re having to move the wedding up quite a bit.
Audrey Russow: Developments? What’s going on?
(I look at her, as I see a tear forming in her eyes. I wasn’t prepared for what she was about to tell me. An all too familiar pain was about to come back.)
Jessica: It’s my grandma. She’s...she’s not doing good.
Audrey Russow: No…
Jessica: I just...I can’t imagine getting married without her there….
Audrey Russow: When are you having to move it to?
Jessica: A little over a month from now...October 3rd...
(Shit.)Audrey Russow: That’s...okay...we can do it. I’ll be there. Dan too.
Jessica: I know it’s asking a lot of you.
Audrey Russow: Girl, I told you when you flew to NYC to be there for mine and Dan’s that I would be standing right beside you on the day you got married. I’m not breaking that promise.
Jessica: It was kind of silly we made that promise when we were twelve.
Audrey Russow: And you kept your part, so I have to keep mine. Besides, gives me an excuse to get Dan in a tux. That doesn’t happen all that often.
(We both laugh.)
Jessica: I can’t wait to see that.
Audrey Russow: So, Dan and I have a show in Chicago that next Tuesday, but we’ll make it work.
Jessica: Oh, Audz, if it’s too much…
Audrey Russow: No. It’s nothing, Jess. It’ll be good for me to be around that before the show. Get all the love and family in beforehand.
Jessica: Oh? What’s going on on that show?
Audrey Russow: Dan and I have a tag title defense. It’s shaping up to be our biggest match so far. I can only imagine the stress that’s going to be involved with it, so having some time at home celebrating love and you will be exactly what I need.
Jessica: If you’re sure…
Audrey Russow: Absolutely!