Post by Jana Rikar on Jul 22, 2019 4:38:14 GMT
Forest Lawn Cemetery
Norfolk, Virginia
5:45 PM Saturday
The skies are hazy on this hot Saturday afternoon. Vehicles driving along Granby Street and along I-64 are simply background noise as a black truck pulls into a parking spot. The door opens and a female figure steps down out of the truck. Dressed in a trucker cap, black spaghetti strap top, jean shorts and flip-flops, the small frame of Jana Rikar carries a small backpack over one shoulder. She closes the truck door and walks along the sidewalk. A strand of blonde hair is seen from underneath the brim of the cap. She stops in front of a recognizable mausoleum, the name RICHARDS across the top.
“Hi Daddy. I missed you."
Jana takes a seat on the bench in front of the mausoleum, showing a beaming smile.
“I was watching some things about the Apollo 11 Landing that happened 50 years ago today while on the flights from Vancouver to Norfolk and it kind of made me wonder what it would be like to be taken by an alien spacecraft, then brought back to Earth and not realize that I'd even been gone. But who knows how long I’ve been gone: 20, 30, 40, maybe 50 years have passed and I still look the same but everybody else had changed. Sounds like a good premise for a TV show. It also kind of reminded me about how when I used to watch those shows with the little baby ducklings. When they would leave the nest, the babies just kind of jumped out and hopefully landed some way that they wouldn't get themselves hurt. Well, that's kind of how it's been for me these last 14 months in the business. I feel like the little duckling that just landed on the ground and kind of shaking herself off, walking over towards the pond so I can go for a swim. So the TSA agent looked at me very strange when I took out my phone and said “Doc, this is Norfolk Base. The Eaglet has landed.”
She chuckles to herself softly. Taking the hat off, she wipes her forehead then puts the cap back on.
“It’s hot as…."
A car horn blares as it drives by on I-64. She turns her head towards the car then back to the mausoleum with a sheepish smile.
“Sorry Daddy, I know. Don’t swear unless you just have to.”
She eyes the plaque on the mausoleum, noting the pictures that are slid against the sides of it - a picture of her just before her debut, another picture of her holding the WWH WildCard Title, a third of her holding the JWC title in front of the Burj Khalifa, a drawing of her sitting on the beach, and a picture of her dressed in her ‘San Angeles Police Department'’ gear.
“I know you don’t like me showing this much skin, but I’m not out thotting around and it’s very hot today. Amazing how it can be 70 in Vancouver yesterday and feeling like 110 here in Norfolk today. At least tomorrow is National Ice Cream Day so I'll be sure to get that Chocolate Dipped Special at Gilly's.”
The ambient light brightens as the haze clears slightly.
“I know, Daddy. I’m being careful. As you already know, I managed to win another championship. The OverPowered Title. I was just as surprised as everyone else when I got by everyone in the tournament to win it. Everyone thought it was fluky that I did it. But then I managed to hold onto the title through the Second OPT Tournament too. People aren’t looking at me as the underdog now, and I’m being clumsy when I speak because I’m not used to it. Making silly comments and mixing up dates, I guess I’m just nervous, ya know? I’ve got this big match at the opening night of OPT3 and I could lose the title without really losing, if Bethany and Elizabeth get their way.”
The haze becomes thicker and the outside lighting dims slightly. Sweat drips down the sides of her face as she continues.
“I know, there’s only so much I can control but I really don’t wanna lose without taking the loss. Sorta like, if they deserve to win, then I should take the loss directly. But then again, if I can just get by either one of them, I could really start being taken as more than just lucky."
She pulls an envelope out from her back pocket.
“I paid off my truck a couple of weeks ago and got the title.The money from winning the OPT Tournament has really come in handy since JWC shuttered for a bit. Hopefully they’ll reopen soon. I probably should’ve kept paying on it to build up my credit, but I got a couple expense cards for that. And yes, I’m making sure all the bills are paid on time too. Doc says I’m quite responsible with all of my things. We’re making this long distance thing work too. We talk all the time but we do our best to make some personal tie for the other too. With the twins and their momma not liking me, it’s sorta hard to see him like I want.”
She puts the envelope back in her pocket. Sirens are heard on I-64 as an ambulance drives past quickly.
“I know, Daddy, I’m trying to be patient. He has his family and the babies to deal with. Momma and Todd told me the same thing too. I know he wants to be with me, but we both have things we have to do too.”
The haze thins and a ray of sunlight shines down on the pictures against the plaque.
“How did you know? I DO have something else to add.”
Jana smiles as she stands up and takes a picture out her bag. She walks up and places the picture beside the others - It’s her wearing the OPT Championship around her waist.
“I had to hold it up with my hands the first time I put it on. It was too big for me. But I had the belt resized for now it’s Jana-sized for JanaChamp. I’m just hoping that it’s still JanaChamp in two weeks. I dunno what I’m gonna do after the OPT3 is over though. There’s not really been anything from Mr. Kincaid about that. Maybe he’s setting something up. I am gonna go see that WWA show on the 2nd. Might see if they’re interested or if they’re even hiring. I could go check out some of those MMA places too. Just have to do more work in Toronto with Mr. Raven if I do. Gotta keep networking, right?”
Jana sits back down, wiping the sweat from her brow as she does. She bows her head slightly and sniffles as a few tears drip off of her cheek
“I said last time I was here I wasn’t gonna cry, cause I’m not the little girl I once was. But seeing this place always makes me emotional. I’m sure people still think I’m looney for always coming to talk to you as much as I do. I guess the Baby Eaglet just needs to know that Daddy Eagle still spreads his wings and protects me as much as he can.”
A light breeze washes over Jana as she leans back up, wiping the tears from her cheek.
“I don’t know how you do that but I just know that you always do. And I love you too.”
Jana stands up and taps the remote start button. The truck fires up as she looks towards the mausoleum.
“Ok, I’m gonna go now. It’s stifling out here and at least the truck will be cool when I get there. I’ve got more work to do if I wanna be in this business for a long time. I’ve been way too lucky so far. Now, it’s time to get good and back it all up. I’ll be back soon and we’ll talk some more. Love you, Daddy.”
Jana walks back towards her truck, then looks back at the mausoleum with a smile. Jumping up into the truck, Jana taps the push button start, puts the truck into gear and drives away.