Forgiveness Through The Eyes Of A Child

[Shea O’Hara]

SheaOHara.com/Vlogs/Latest


October 24th, 2024

Just Business.

~Shea O’Hara sat on a wooden stool in front of the camera. She wore a white leather jacket over a ‘Motörhead logo t-shirt and matching skirt and ankle boots. She didn’t look quite as well put together or settled as she usually was, and it had very little to do with the fact that she was booked to face one of the women who was training her to deal with Charlotte Shimizu’s unique offensive style, or that she was being partnered with one of her most outspoken rivals in recent memory, Serenity Holmes.~

Well, this is quite unexpected.

I suppose it was only a matter of time before management started booking some true star power on Coliseum. After all, there’s only so many combinations of Nick Danger, TJ Alexander, RAM and Itami squash matches you can have every week before it becomes boring and dreadfully predictable, like.

This week then, the powers that be have decided to shake it up and partnered me up with a woman who I’m pleased to admit has been a pleasantly dominant force as the Invictus Champion. When Serenity Holmes first stepped foot in my home promotion, I really didn’t believe she’d last. Certainly not as long as she has.

I figured at best she’d be another so-called ‘Platinum Standard’ or some other egotistical bitch like Alexander Calaway who took her ball and went home as soon as she lost the one thing that even made her remotely relevant in my company. But for all her personality flaws, where Serenity has continued to impress me most is that she’s actually stuck around, dedicated herself and improved. Now, she’s one of the most dominant Invictus Champions IWF has ever had, and more importantly she’s earned my respect, at least professionally.

I’m not looking to outshine Serenity this week, merely share the spotlight with someone who has proven themselves deserving. In an ideal world, we wouldn’t have to sacrifice one of my mentors or a woman I suspect is still not completely over the sudden and unexpected death of her boyfriend, Steve Awesome, but this business can be remarkably cut-throat at times.

And make no mistake, Ciara, Candy, this match ain’t personal, just business, for me anyway. If it makes it any easier for the two of you to deal with the inevitable loss this week, think of it as proof positive that the student has indeed surpassed the teacher and is more than ready for the biggest challenge of her life at Survival of the Fittest.

You’ve taught me so much, not just in the last few weeks when I reached out to you specifically for help with preparing for my cash-in, but over the years too. Thank you for everything, like.

Honestly, I think we can both agree that the best way for me to repay you now is to not let you down in all the ways I know Dawn Halliwell and Vivienne Daniels have in the past. You and I may never be pals, but you’ve been one hell of a precious resource and I’ll never forget all you’ve done to rehabilitate my career, I promise.

And someday soon, after I become World Champion again, if you still wanna test just how far I’ve made it under your tutelage, you’re more than welcome, because as you always like saying:

Come and have a go if you think you’re hard enough, like.

~Shea playfully winked at the camera to end her vlog~

🎸🎸🎸

SheaOHara.com/Blogs/Latest


October 25th, 2024

Shea’s Spotlight: New League Of Distortion!

 Sample my favourite track, ‘Crucify Me’ from their latest release, Galvanize, below.

🎸🎸🎸

October 26th, 2024

Exclusive Warren Kidd Halloween Photoshoot Added!

Delighted to announce that I persuaded Warren Kidd to once more don the body paint in the spirit of the season! He is offering exclusive signed photos through my shop until midnight on November 2nd. In accordance with his wishes, all proceeds will go to a number of domestic violence prevention charities and women’s shelters.

🎸🎸🎸

~~~

It was 4.15 am when Shea O’Hara sent her first ever personal email to Dean Harper through the safety of her website, electing not to contact him too intimately, given they weren’t exactly the best of even casual acquaintances. Warren had offered to pass along his personal cell number to make things easier, but Shea had declined, politely.

She understood through Warren that Dean had a subscription to her website, and the contact email he’d left on sign up several years earlier was what she used. She crossed her fingers, hoping that it was still active.

Hey, it’s Shea.

Mai is having vivid and lucid nightmares. Visions of broken chains, shattered seals and demons calling specifically for your blood. I don’t think I need to tell you what that means. Watch your back. I’ve told Warren to look after Damien for the meantime because that’s where I believe he is safest right now.

Take care of yourself.

Shea O’Hara.

<>

Shea,

I appreciate the concern, I do. But Rowan is still in the coma I put her in and whether or not Mai is having vision what makes you think Warren of all people has any idea how to keep my son?

Dean.

<>

Oh I don’t know. Maybe it’s because I’ve seen with my own eyes how much he loves and genuinely cares for the boy. His feelings for you may have changed, but Warren is still capable of honouring his promises to Max. Trust me.

Shea O’Hara.

<>

But you don’t think I can? Hurtful.

Dean.

<>

I don’t think you want to risk him as collateral damage in her quest for infernal vengeance. Rowan has never come after Warren, so I think he’s the safer option right now, at least until we are sure that Rowan is still as out of commission as you believe her to be.

Shea O’Hara.

<>

If she wanted Damien there is nothing anyone could do to stop her. My main concern is having him away from home. He doesn’t have any of his stuff for school there. Warren hasn’t been the best at keeping a schedule for him and I get it’s just kindergarten but it’s still important for him to be there consistently. Also What am I meant to do? Just let Warren keep him? If she is up and about, which I’m not convinced she is–I’m just meant to give up ever seeing him in? That’s insane. He’s my son. Warren only started giving a shit about him when we separated. I get you see him as this great guy, but I’ve seen the really shitty parts, and I don’t think he can handle Damien having a meltdown or a nightmare or getting overstimulated. That’s always been stuff he’s withdrawn from.

Dean

<>

Listen. Don’t worry about the schedule stuff. I can keep on top of that for Warren, I’ve done it before. I still have some of Damien’s clothes and toys with me from the last few times Warren left them with me. I’ve handled Damien’s meltdowns and overstimulated state. I’ve got this.

If you don’t trust Warren, I’m asking you to please trust me on this.

Shea O’ Hara.

<>

…Fine. I will give it a week. I expect Warren to stick to making sure he gets some protein even though he still has his food pickiness. I’d like a video call at least once a day. I don’t like the idea of not seeing him this long.

Dean.

<>

Thank you.

Nobody said you couldn’t stay in contact, Dean. I would never ask that of you. Video calls and texts are fine.

Shea O’Hara.

<>

Make sure Damien charges his phone and someone should get his tablet from me so he can do his school work. And…I guess his Halloween outfit. I want pictures from trick or treating. I hate this.

Dean.

<>

I can personally make sure of all that. I can come by and pick up his stuff if you’d rather not have Warren do it.

Shea O’Hara.

<>

I wouldn’t say no to you coming. But whoever makes the time is fine.

Dean.

<>

I’ll always make time for the little guy. I’m gonna need your address and number though.

Shea O’Hara

<>

Dean sent his new address and his cellphone number to Shea. The ‘See you soon’ and a smile emoji at the end was casual, even friendly. They set a time to meet the following morning.

****

The next day, Shea arrived promptly at ten o’clock in her rental car. As Shea was at best a casual acquaintance and didn’t anticipate staying long, she honked her horn as she pulled up outside the small property.

The house had more then a few kid friendly Halloween decorations out front. Specifically a few Bluey themed ones and a giant werewolf statue wearing a Bluey tshirt clearly to make it less scary.

Dean stood in the doorway wearing a pair of tight black jeans and a black tank top. He waited to see if Shea was expecting him to just walk to the car or if she was coming up. Bluey, Damien’s actual beloved Blue Heeler was by Dean’s side wagging her tail excitedly.

Shea rolled down her window from a safe distance in his driveway, “Don’t have all day, Harper,” she smiled. She wasn’t going to presume they were close enough to be invited in.

Dean reached inside the door and grabbed the bag he’d packed for Damien and walked to Shea’s car while Bluey followed behind clearly trained but excited to see Shea. Dean brushed the slightly long hair of the mohawk off his face as he handed the bag to Shea. “I also threw in the raccoon plush that has lavender in it. Microwave it for like five minutes: it’s warm, soft and weighted. It helps with his nightmares. I know Bluey put in one of her squeaky toys too.”

“I expect Bluey is coming along, Damien doesn’t like staying without her for long. They’re inseparable. Are you okay with that though, or do you need her, like? If you do, I’m gonna have to call Damien so you can explain. He’s expecting her, but excited to be staying with Warren a little longer,” Shea said. “You said he has nightmares? Are they frequent? Not about Rowan, are they?”

“Not Rowan related. Mostly Zombie related. We watched a scooby doo movie that had evil cat people and zombies ever since…” Dean rubbed the back of his neck. “Which makes me sort of feel like shit. I thought ‘oh a Scooby movie, that’s kid appropriate and safe’.”

Dean scratched Bluey’s ears, “As much as being home alone is the last thing I want to be, I’m not going to deprive Damien of his best friend if Warren’s got a pet friendly room finally. If you got a minute I can grab her stuff.”

“Of course he’s staying in a pet friendly hotel, he’s got Mimi with him, hasn’t he?” Shea smirked and Dean laughed, a real one that made his whole face light up for a minute. “Sure, I can wait.” Shea pet Bluey’s head as she approached the open window of the rental.

Dean looked down at Bluey. “Stay.” Before he retreated into the house to grab a to go bag for her.

Bluey wagged her tail but sat where Dean had told her to until Dean returned with a bag with her bowls, leash and papers confirming her vaccinations.

“Okay. Be a good girl Bluey.” The dog stood up and wagged her tail excitedly, “Oh. I forgot to mention and obviously tell Warren to be chill about it, but Damien has a crush on a girl in his class. Her name is Sophia. Because of that he usually gets a little excited right before school and lays on the floor after school for about ten minutes.”

“Oh Warren knows about it, he thinks it’s cute. Even been giving the tyke lessons on how to deal with his first crush.”

Dean’s body language tensed up, “Oh. Right. Don’t know what I expected. Well, at least he’ll already be prepared then.”

“Yeah, don’t worry, I’m there to lend a girl’s perspective too. I know what boys think if left completely on their own about these things. Especially with how Warren is about his own love life.”

“I already did the prep talk about if she doesn’t like him back. He knows you can’t expect someone to like you back and it’s not okay to lash out about it.” Dean shrugged, “His first impulse was to tell her he wanted to get married, so guess he got that from me.”

“Yeah, Warren’s already checked him on that. Told him to slow down so he doesn’t repeat Warren’s mistakes and fall too hard and fast for the wrong person. Mimi gave him some serious side eye for that perspective.”

“Why? It was about me. I think we can all piece those context clues together.” Dean crossed his arms, “Really obvious, actually.”

“Yeah, but you don’t know Mimi. She’s been pushing him to meet her family and stuff. I think it’s all too fast for him. She’s trying to lock him down without actually saying that.”

“I know enough from what Damien’s told me about her. If the bitch makes my baby cry again, they will never find her body.”

“Oh? Why? What happened?”

“There’s been a lot of little stuff. Hints of evil stepmother personified. Last time Damien went over she apparently freaked out about him slipping up on the Daddy thing. She doesnt like him but he won’t tell Warren because he’s scared that Warren won’t want to see him anymore. And I obviously wouldn’t be believed if I said the sky was blue and water was wet because it impacts his love life.”

“Looks like Mimi and I are overdue a little chat,” Shea said, opening her car door for Bluey to hop in. “I had no idea. I figured she was harmless and good for Warren, but if she’s just a bitch, I’ll set her straight or send her packing. Warren doesn’t need that kinda negativity in his life.”

“An autistic, clingy stepkid was likely not what she expected. I get it's an adjustment, but not the kids' fault. I, too, am surprised he still prefers Warren. But what do I know? I keep my bitterness about that on the inside.” Dean joked with a half smile. “Anyways, next time you come, I’ll have to offer you coffee or tea or something to make up for dragging this goodbye out so I’m not alone.”

“Oh is that what you were doing? Here I thought you were just enjoying my sparkling company,” Shea teased. “Well, you have my number now, so anytime you need someone to talk to, you can hit me up.”

“I always enjoy your company.” There was that smile, the one from a lifetime ago. The one he used to give her from behind a camera whilst shooting some of her earliest rookie promos, softer and more vulnerable than the one he typically showcased in his own promos nowadays. “I just know Warren is likely counting the minutes to see how long it takes you to get back. I might just take you up on the offer of having someone to talk to though, that’d be nice. Maybe get back to the chill acquaintance we used to have before all the Rowan bullshit.”

“I’m surprised you still remember that part of your past,” Shea said. “Warren’s convinced she purged that version of you long ago, but if the cute camera guy is still in there somewhere, it’d be nice to see him again, someday, like.”

“He never went anywhere. I didn’t get lobotomized. Just got some…upgrades and downgrades in the impulse control department. Wouldn’t be a very good right hand if I was still too shy to speak, would I?”

“Shyness ain’t something I’ve seen you have a problem with for years now. You always say what you think, regardless of what anybody else thinks. I kinda admire that, actually.”

“There are some things which I do hold back for other people’s comfort.”

“You mean you do have some basic human compassion after all?” Shea teased. “I’m shocked. Imagine what it’d do to your reputation if the dirtsheets knew the shocking truth behind what Dean Harper was really like. Scandalous!”

Dean leaned forward, resting his elbows on her car door. Now they were only a few inches apart. “Guess we’ll just have to keep it between us, then?”

“Don’t worry, your secret’s safe, I promise,” she smiled. “I’m good at hiding stuff that would only fuck everything up for everybody. It’s a real skill I’ve mastered over the years, almost instinctual now.”

“Really? Well, now I want to test it.” Dean grinned devilishly.

“Feel free, whenever you want, like,” Shea said confidently.

Dean smiled a little,“Here’s a secret for you. I was going to invite you to come ‘Trick or Treating’ with me and Damien then invite you to stay to watch a movie with us. See if friendship was still possible under the circumstances. Guessing with the current situation being what it is, it seems unlikely. Nightmares about Rowan and all.”

“I’d be a bit of a hypocrite if I wanted you to stop living under Rowan’s control, and then at the same time allowed her to hold all the power over who I choose to spend time with,” Shea said. “It’s my life, not anybody else’s. If you want to genuinely be friends again, I have no objections. You were one of my earliest blog supporters. I haven’t forgotten that, and it was me who encouraged Warren to go after you. I thought you’d be good for him. Guess I got that one spectacularly wrong. I’m sorry, for what it’s worth. But you really were a different person then.”

Dean huffed, “I was nothing to him. That’s not on you.”

“Thank you, Dean. I did wonder if all the homewrecker stuff was because you blamed me for pushing the two of you together, way back in the day. I’m glad you don’t hold that against me as much as I worried that you did.”

“That was…as I said, mostly being pissed Warren put you like a barrier between us. I couldn’t get close because you already knew him. That’s on him. Not you. Sorry, again.”

“It’s okay,” Shea said softly. “I forgive you.”