Daddy

[Jana Rikar]

(FYI- Links to a Previous CD for Reference on this one - Thanks Jana)
Connections and Legacy  
Legacy Reborn  

San Diego, California
7:30 AM Pacific
Friday 7/20/2018

A chime is heard coming from her phone as she sits on the couch of her room at the house she’s staying at from AirBnB.. Looking out of the window, she has an amazing view of Naval Station San Diego, with ships moored into dock including the Theodore Roosevelt .

Feels almost like home with all the ships and the buzz going around. Gotta go see the Carrier for sure.. Reminds me of Norfolk and Virginia Beach. Wish I could be there, especially today.

The same chime is heard again and Jana looks over with a quizzical look.

That’s strange.

She picks up her phone and a smile comes to her face. She taps on the phone and the view of her mom and step father on Skype appears.

Momma! Todd! Hey! Whatcha doing?

Hey there!

I didn’t recognize the number that you two called from. It didn’t ring up with your usual tone. And Hey, since when do the two of you use Skype?

Our first time actually. 

Jana notices something and moves her head around, as if she’s trying to see behind them.

Where are you two at?

Todd backs out of the picture, and the view of a mausoleum appears beside of Chandra. Jana sniffles and tries not to cry as Chandra walks up towards the mausoleum. Fresh violets are placed in a small vase just to the side of the JACK RICHARDS name plaque. A picture of Jana in her ring gear is partially visible, slid in beside the plaque, as well as another indistinguishable photo.

We know you’re out in San Diego for your match tomorrow night, but we didn’t want you to not be able to visit your father today. It’s been 15 years and we’ve always made sure you had a chance to talk to him each and every time. We didn’t want this time to be any different. 

Todd walks back into the view with a small table then sets a stand on the table. Chandra looks over at Todd then back at Jana.

We’re gonna let you have your time privately. Just text us when you’re done. 

Um.. Okay… and .. Thank you!!

Jana composes herself as the view on her phone changes from Chandra and Todd to the mausoleum. She exhales and wipes her eyes, tears already starting to form.

Hi Daddy.

Her voice breaks then Jana smiles then sniffles a little.

Sorry I can’t be there today in person but I’m glad that Momma and Todd set this up so I can talk to you. I thought I was gonna miss out, but you know Momma, always thinking ahead. 

She fishes around in a bag beside the couch and holds up a crayon drawing, showing it towards her phone.

I was gonna give this to you when I got back on Monday. Seems fitting since you always watched me coloring. Even when you passed away, you were watching me color. I think you were watching me color last night when I was doing this one. Part of that ‘spooky sight’ that people said I had when I was little. I wish I… Like I said, I’m gonna bring this by Monday for ya. I was planning on coming back on Sunday but extended my stay til Monday cause the Comic Con is going on here in San Diego. 

She sets the drawing down beside of her.

I didn’t realize it was gonna be here but I went yesterday and it was awesome. And then, I saw a flier and there’s a Taco Bell that’s gonna be set in 2032, just like in the Demolition Man Movie! It’s gonna be awesome! And the timing is so perfect today. I’ll be able to celebrate you with all of the rest of the Demolition Men too! Might even try to find a San Angeles Police Department Uniform and get my name on it, if it’s not too expensive, Just for you Daddy!

Jana takes a sip of her drink and then exhales.

I didn’t plan on being here with Comic Con and I think I took this match on short notice so I could have a little cash to help tide me over but with everything being so expensive out here, I dunno if it’s gonna be enough. I got a few pieces of merchandise with me so maybe I can make a little bit there. I’ve got a little squirreled away but that was meant for the Rookie X Cup in September. I saw something about a new place opening up but … Dubai is such a long way away, and the Middle East? I’m not so sure about it. But the money…… is… SO… MUCH… I could really use it. 

She looks around at the room.

At least the BnB wasn’t that bad, and I did tell the people I wouldn’t be having any wild parties. They were a little shy about renting to me, just being 20 and possibly a wild child, but I gave them references, including Mr. Kincaid, so they ended up being all chill about it. 

She turns the phone towards the window

That’s the Theodore Roosevelt. They call it the Big Stick, cause, you know like “Speak Softly and Carry…” It’s a lot like you were, Daddy, from what Momma and Todd and Uncle Vince told me. You never said much but you laid in a heavy punch or two. Todd once told me he never liked being on the receiving end of that punch. I wish I could get away with that but I guess I gotta speak loudly to make up for having a smaller punch. 

She turns the phone back towards her face then sees a few shadows on the mausoleum.

Must be cloudy there today. It’s comfortable here along the coast but they’re talking about excessive heat inland. 

Jana sighs and chews on her bottom lip.

I’m rambling about the weather cause… I’m sure ya know what all went down with me and Lex. I… dunno what I’m gonna do though. I’m scared, Daddy. I mean I’ve always had Momma and Todd and I still will, but it’s not the same. I know Daddy. I’m just 20. I gotta lotta time to figure things out, but right now, I just wish I knew what I did wrong. I mean, I was there for him all the time and I thought I made him happy but… I thought I made Kaden happy to… and part of me isn’t not gonna care for him, just like I’m never not gonna care for Kaden either, but this is the first time I’ve been out on my alone, truly alone. I’ve had Lex with me. I’ve had Kaden with me. I’ve had the DWF people with me and I’ve always had Mom and Todd and you with me. But this… this … this is scary. 

She starts to say something but the light on the mausoleum brighten, making the second photo recognizable. Jana smiles widely as she recognize a photo of her on top of the barbed wire ladder, holding the WWH WildCard Title above her head.

You’re right, Daddy. I wasn’t scared when I did that match. I just went with it and I won the title, even if there might been some hokey stuff with it. I still won. Nobody can take that from me. That’s what I gotta do in life to, huh? Just go with it and let things fall as they may. 

The sunlight shines brighter, illuminating both pictures and the last name on the plaque.

I know. I’m a Richards. Always gonna be a Richards, not matter what my last name might end up being. Gotta make sure the legacy continues and I can’t do that being a scared little girl. I won’t be scared when I get in there with Romeo tomorrow night. I know you’re gonna be watching too, so I’m gonna do my best and make you proud, Daddy. 

She exhales and nods slowly.

I’m glad Momma and Todd did this. I really was afraid I was gonna miss out and I even thought about flying out just so I could get there then fly back Saturday morning for my match but… This works. And I’ll make up for it on Monday when I get back. Promise. 

The lighting fades on the plaque but not on the photos of Jana.

I know Daddy. You’re always gonna be shining down over me. Thank you, I’ll see you Monday. . I love you and I miss you. 

She kisses her phone then disconnects the phone. She sends a quick text then gets a reply chime. Jana wipes her face, clearing the tears from her cheeks.

No more blubbering around. Daddy said so. Time to see what’s going on at The Big Stick and at Comic Con.

A growl is heard from her stomach as she looks at the time and laughs.

But first - Breakfast.

She stands up from the couch, walks into the kitchen and takes down a box of cereal then walks out of view.