Post by Awesome Stick Labor on Apr 3, 2017 4:26:14 GMT
Chapter XV
"EPILOGUE, PART IV ~ TO FARAWAY TIMES"
"EPILOGUE, PART IV ~ TO FARAWAY TIMES"
October 9, 2017 -- 6:00 PM (Day 14)
Outside Cowabunga Corner in St. Louis...
...a yellow cab pulls into the gravel-and-concrete hybrid parking lot, stopping just short of the old, antiquented building's front entranceway. Out of the back seat steps Johnny Gillmen and his girlfriend Yulia, their eyes gazing upon a crystal clear sunset in the heavens above. The weather was a bit cooler, but much nicer than when JJ left Missouri to go on his recently completed cruise of the Caribbean.
Yet on this night...he didn't celebrate his return to the side venture that made him a popular name--at least, in the eyes of the locals.
He perked up his right brow, noticing that the parking lot was packed from one end to the other was cars and trucks of all makes and sizes. Yet as he strolled up to the front door...
"JJ...?"
...JJ turned his head slightly to the right and noticed his former girlfriend Helena sitting on a bench and smoking a cigarette. Yulia raised both brows, thinking that JJ and Helena were about to repeat their infamous Skype screaming match from nearly two weeks ago...
...but something was different about the Berliner, who sported a black formal business outfit. She seemed quite apologetic towards him, and Gillmen--never thinking he'd see her again--seemed to understand her plight.
HELENA: It did not work out...
Johnny sighed, having learned that Helena's relationship with a proctologist ended in complete disaster.
JOHNNY GILLMEN: About the...ya know, the bad vibes, the screamin' we did...?
HELENA: When I heard about the accident, it got me thinking about a lot of things, mistakes I made...
JJ sat down on the bench next to Helena as Yulia silently watched.
HELENA: ...JJ, you did nothing wrong--I did. I hurt you emotionally, I said some things that I should not have said...and I'm very, very sorry for not listening to you. Forgive me...please.
JJ couldn't believe his eyes.
He had never been asked for forgiveness by anyone in his lifetime, and as a consequence, he had no idea on how to respond. Helena's genuine "mea culpa" had left him speechess, but even Gillmen knew that, deep down, whatever he wanted to say, he wanted to be sure that he meant well.
Instead, JJ and Helena embraced on the bench, with the latter rubbing her hand loving through his new clean-cut hairdo.
HELENA: You cut your hair...
JOHNNY: The ship's barber did.
Yulia giggled, prompting Helena to look upon her with an aura of curiosity.
HELENA: Who's she?
Yulia stepped forward, offering a handshake.
YULIA: I am Yulia.
The two women shook hands as Johnny stood up, hearing the sounds of laughter coming from inside the cornball arcade and bowling alley.
HELENA: Ahhh...JJ is an honest person to be around--one of the most loving, spirited people I have ever met. Any friend of JJ's....is a friend of mine.
Helena and Yulia both smiled at JJ as he marched towards the Cowabunga Corner front entrance, and as the troika set foot inside the tourist trap...
**********
JOHNNY GILLMEN'S LOG
March 28, 2017
'Sup dudes and dudettes?!
That was...fun, wasn't it?
Shoot, bein' back in the ring after a good long while, nursin' the back while trying to take care of some personal things...it felt great. I was happy out there among the gig's best, tryin' my darndest not to stick out like a sore thumb. Did I win the Roulette? Nahh...but in the end, it didn't matter if I won or lost. Deep within my soul, I cheered as Noah Field, the man who's been given EVERYTHING on a platter, lose his precious trophy, but nothin' compared to the excitement of seein' the most incredible thing happen...
...Spike Kane bein' the Roulette bridesmaid AGAIN--second time in, like, three or four years.
I was laughin' in my heart, watchin' as Andy-Jaco chuck him over the top rope and onto the floor, BUT I had an addendum to that--for I started to realize that the monster within Spike's livin' conscience would come out again someday and wreak havoc on Imperial. Unfortunately...I know that feelin' all too well...
...'cuz I was the first victim of his l'il rampage streak.
That's why Spike Kane, the man, doesn't owe me a thing...
...but the ragin' demon wihin his soul is the one that owes me a debt that's two months overdue.
And it's my duty to quell that monster before it does even more damage.
I've always believed that people don't "create" other people's personalities, stuff like that. No...the individual is responsible for what he chooses to be. We live out our lives each and every and take life for granted...that is, 'til we begin to understand that we ain't entitled to have a "tomorrow." Somewhere, in the heavens above, some higher power greater than all of us gives us a predetermined lifespan--and it's our duty, our obligation as human bein's, to live life in the fullest.
I try really hard to do so...yet my family--on my mom's side specifically--is dwindling. As I get older, I realize that I gotta let some things about my past go. Thing is, we keep losin' and losin'--losin' our friends, losin' our family, losin' our teachers--'til we start to ask ourselves "oh, what the hell's gone wrong with me, I ain't got no reason to go on!?!" It's at this point in time where we have a choice to make, one that carries great consequences yet brings great rewards.
Many people deal with loss differently, likewise the same applies to their overall perception of the world around 'em. How we choose to deal with life itself is up to US, but some choose to harbor demons within their hearts through a variety of things...
...things like grief, pride, or consumption.
And if left unchecked...those things can cause a seemingly uncontrollable monster to be created.
**********
...they were greeted by an incredible sight.
When Johnny Gillmen left the establishment for his two-week voyage, Cowabunga Corner was in a state of extreme disarray, devoid of customers and in need of a complete overhaul. But now...it was a completely different scene. JJ slowly took off his glasses and smiled, watching as hordes of people cheered each other on in the bowling alley. He cried with tears of joy, taking in the sights of men, women, and children of all descriptions playing Galaga along with the many other classic games in the arcade. Even the smell of burgers and pizza seemed fresh to him as he inched closer to the center, listening to a house band playing instrumental tunes in the background.
Nothing, however, compared to the sight of gold letters above the bowling lanes--creating an inscription that read "DIEGO AND AURELLY CORTEZ MEMORIAL LANES."
It touched Johnny's heart, knowing that Diego and Aurelly had something to do with this transformation, but just as he was about to contemplate what they had done...
"SURPRIIIIIIIIISE!!! LOOK WHO'S HERE!!!"
...a husky, booming voice blared from the PA system. The music stopped--and so did the action--as Tim Bowman, JJ's business partner and former wrestling team partner clad in a red suit with matching bowtie, strolled in from the upstairs offices to greet him. He was met by the security personnel wearing red shirts, as well as the custodians in spiffy new green uniforms.
Gillmen and Timbo manly embraced each other.
TIM BOWMAN: Well bubba...we ain't gonna be torn down no more! You believe that shit?!
JJ breathed a sigh of relief, knowing that the news was, indeed, good when it came to the status of his venture.
TIM: That Mr. Reed guy said your speech to the Aldermen made quite an impact--they've decided to scrap the demolition plan. We're BACK, my man...and it's thanks to you.
But Johnny, in his soul, would not take credit for something he didn't do.
For the renovation was truly the work of a team--but more importantly--symbolic of a friendship that will last forever and ever, even beyond the grave. Yet in his heart, he knew that the choice he had to make was about to come fast and swift.
JJ turned his head, peering upon a smiling Yulia, a chuckling Timbo, and a humble Helena before approached the latter.
JOHNNY: Helena...how much do ya know about runnin' a business?
HELENA: My parents owned a bakery...what's wrong?
Gillmen closed his eyes for a moment, trying to think of the right words that he wanted to say. At this moment in time, he started to fully realize that while it was fun watching the people play games, he felt that it was more important for him to become a player himself...
...metaphorically speaking, this also applied to his "other" career.
Deep down, Johnny had always been a wrestling fan at heart, watching his in-ring heroes ply their craft on a weekly basis. Yet he always wanted to be a wrestler himself, often dreaming of being a part of something bigger, something special.
JOHNNY: As much as I love this place...I can't find the time to run it no more 'cuz I'm gonna be doin' lots of travelin', livin' out my real dream. I want you to take over Cowabunga Corner for me, run it full-time. It's gonna be a heckuva lot of hard work...but would ya be willin' to do it?
The ambience was silent. The people who were gathered inside stood pat, watching the scene unfold in front of their eyes.
Helena, knowing that business was in her family blood and came natural to her, proudly nodded her head. The assembly erupted in cheers and applause as Bowman handed her the master set of keys. The four friends--Johnny Gillmen, Yulia Malakova, Helena Nowitzki, and Tim Bowman--stood shoulder to shoulder as the games resumed.
**********
In the case of Dorian Hawkhurst, the demon of consumption applies.
His story reminds me a lot about my Uncle Johnny, who sadly passed away last Sunday, leavin' my Aunt Betty to be the lone survivin' sibling on my mom's side of the family. He turned to drinkin' off and on 'cuz he had been sufferin' from misguided perceptions about how to life life in an ever-changin' world. It was those perceptions that led him to drinkin', which in turn caused him to harbor a demon in his heart for many, many years. He eventually had a bad car wreck one day, an accident that would leave him in a wheelchair for the rest of his life.
He sobered up...and did some REALLY good things later on, got married and settled down, became a writer.
Mr. Hawkhurst is, I firmly believe, is about to hit the very same crossroads as my uncle once did. Shoot, I like the kid--he's very well-meanin', very versed into the tactical aspects of the gig, focused upon what he wants to do while tryin' his best to stay on the upswing. Yet his focus is often misguided as he tries to learn about what it takes to be a "good dude" in a world that will eat him alive, and it's those misguided perceptions regardin' his own career that lead him to hittin' the sauce off and an....
...and that's not a good thing, yeah?
The way I see it, when he loses focus...he gets angry, and anger clouds the mind. If it's turned inward, it becomes a seemingly unconquerable enemy. He's a unique guy, Dorian is, in that he chooses to face this enemy alone, but as he faces it, I want him to understand one thing. This is from my heart to you, the people--on't forget about the people around you, who guide you into bein' the best person in the world today.
And don't forget about the most important parts of livin' an honest life--your heart and mind. For as long as ya put your heart and mind to anything, you can accomplish it.
#Dare2Dream
His story reminds me a lot about my Uncle Johnny, who sadly passed away last Sunday, leavin' my Aunt Betty to be the lone survivin' sibling on my mom's side of the family. He turned to drinkin' off and on 'cuz he had been sufferin' from misguided perceptions about how to life life in an ever-changin' world. It was those perceptions that led him to drinkin', which in turn caused him to harbor a demon in his heart for many, many years. He eventually had a bad car wreck one day, an accident that would leave him in a wheelchair for the rest of his life.
He sobered up...and did some REALLY good things later on, got married and settled down, became a writer.
Mr. Hawkhurst is, I firmly believe, is about to hit the very same crossroads as my uncle once did. Shoot, I like the kid--he's very well-meanin', very versed into the tactical aspects of the gig, focused upon what he wants to do while tryin' his best to stay on the upswing. Yet his focus is often misguided as he tries to learn about what it takes to be a "good dude" in a world that will eat him alive, and it's those misguided perceptions regardin' his own career that lead him to hittin' the sauce off and an....
...and that's not a good thing, yeah?
The way I see it, when he loses focus...he gets angry, and anger clouds the mind. If it's turned inward, it becomes a seemingly unconquerable enemy. He's a unique guy, Dorian is, in that he chooses to face this enemy alone, but as he faces it, I want him to understand one thing. This is from my heart to you, the people--on't forget about the people around you, who guide you into bein' the best person in the world today.
And don't forget about the most important parts of livin' an honest life--your heart and mind. For as long as ya put your heart and mind to anything, you can accomplish it.
#Dare2Dream
**********
Moments later...
Johnny proudly watched as a female took the stage to sing a song, played by the house band. Yet in his heart, he felt solemn--realizing that he was about to close out a chapter of his life.
Go, sail away from today
When light fades away
Will we meet again?
Hope shining on an aching soul
Though fate must let you go,
a new dawn begins
Remembering faraway lands
Time to reflect and understand
A promise clenched in your hand
Carries you to faraway times
When light fades away
Will we meet again?
Hope shining on an aching soul
Though fate must let you go,
a new dawn begins
Remembering faraway lands
Time to reflect and understand
A promise clenched in your hand
Carries you to faraway times
JJ smiled warmly as he and Yulia wrapped their arms around each other, watching the musical act ply their craft when suddenly, we hear a shrill voice coming from a corner of the arcade.
REDSHIRT: 'EY!!! WHO STOLE MY GODDAMN DONUTS!?!
He laughed hard as a scrawny-looking, curly-haired teenager, around 15 years of age and wearing a St. Louis Cardinals jersey along with black shorts and red sneakers, bursts from out of the arcade carrying a small box of Krispy Kreme donuts, pursued by a strong-armed Redshirt carrying a baton. The crowds all started laughing their asses off as the chase continued across the bowling alley. Now Helena got into the fun, helping the enraged guard tail the teenaged buffoon.
REDSHIRT: GET BACK HERE YA LITTLE SPOONY BARD!!!
DONUT THIEF: I SWEAR TO GOD, THEY RIGGED THEM BOWLIN' LANES SO EVERYONE CAN THROW A GUTTERBALL!
REDSHIRT: I'M-A-GONNA MAKE YA THINK GUTTERBALL WHEN I SHOVE MY BATON UP YOUR BUTT!!!
Watching the chaos firsthand, JJ, Timbo, and Yulia each giggled as the donut thief sprinted out of the establishment, followed closely by the guard and his new boss.
The Islander alum, though, shed a tear--for he knew this was going to be his last night at the creation that had been once considered a pipe dream. His old childhood buddy stepped up to him, handing Gillmen a white business card--which surprised him.
JOHNNY: Yo Timbo...what's this?!
TIM: Some fella who runs a better gym in Corpus Christi than the one you're goin' to now. Take your time before goin' to see him...
JJ nodded as he looked down upon the card, which read "THE TWILIGHT ZONE GYM - Est. 1997 - Founder: ROCKIN' RICKY GRAWN." He began to suspect that, perhaps someday, this new gym would be the catalyst for a new and exciting adventure.
What lies beyond our sky
Visions of another life
The memories of light
Calling from a distant night
Feel the music floating through endless skies
off to far away times...
Visions of another life
The memories of light
Calling from a distant night
Feel the music floating through endless skies
off to far away times...
The gallery applauded as the female lead singer switched places with the band's guitarist--but not before winking at him and yelling out, to the crowd's delight...
~THE END~
Well howdy there pardner.