• Saturday May 24^th, 2008 “Osborne Estates”: CJ's Birthday Party.

The time is six o'clock on the night of CJ's birthday party. CJ's usually quite estate has been transformed into party central. An endless supply of nearly every type of alcohol has been brought in for the bar, to be set up in a corner of the pool deck. Enough food to feed a small country has already been ushered in and set of in a buffet style along the wall of a dining room that half the size of a football field. The mile long drive way is a well light stretch because on both sides of the road are lamps approximately twenty feet apart. Each lamp has been decorated with streamers and balloons.

A valet service has been employed to take the guest cars to a safe place out of the way of the party. Over to the left of the house behind a well place row of trees designed to prevent this area from behind seen while your on the driveway is were cars are being safely parked. This event hasn't been approved by the MWA as a blue area, so the threat of violence by anyone in the MWA is good possibility. With that in mind CJ has beefed up his already large security at this event. Each security guard has been given a stun gun and a pair of handcuffs. The higher ranked security on CJ's staff are carrying a approved firearm that is to remain concealed unless needed.

The guest have begun to arrive as CJ stands on a balcony overlooking the front of the house. He is watching his guest arrive. He wears a traditional black tuxedo, with a vest and tie. A silver watch with gold trimming and his blond hair has been gelled to spike just in the front. Hope Marie appears from the door that leads to the house. She wears a silver dress that fits to every curve of her body. Diamond Earrings and a necklace complete her outfit as she approaches CJ from behind. “You ready?”

CJ turns and looks deep in her eyes. “I'm ready as ever.” Hope doesn't think anything of CJ's mood, but he is especially looking forward to this night. Its not just because it his birthday, but because on this nigh he is going to ask her to marry him. “Is everything prepared?”

Hope moves closer to CJ and wraps her arms around CJ and pulls him close. “Would you stop worrying about everything? This is your birthday, so let me worry about details. You just relax and have some fun.” Hope grabs CJ's hand and begins to pull him toward the door.

CJ tries to protest. “Do I have to? Most of these people barley know me anyway. They are only hear in hopes I give shit away.” His complaints fall on deaf ears.

Hope gives him a look thats says you better knock it off. “Those people are here to celebrate your birthday with you. Besides I have friends and family flying in from L.A. So I'm going o show you off weather you like it or not.”

CJ smiles as he hugs Hope and gives her a kiss. “Ah, so we have the truth.”

“The truth is these people came to see you. So get moving” Hope pushes CJ towards the door.

CJ moves with out a fuss and looks at Hope. “I love you to."

 

• Birthday Party 6:30

CJ is at the pool deck at his mansion greeting his guest as they arrive. Most of the guest have arrived by now, but a few stragglers are still filing in. One of the last groups of people is the four men that combine to make the Wicked Intentions. They are all smiles as they are in awe of the huge mansion they are in. Chris Pressler walks over to CJ and offers a hand.

“Happy Birthday man.”

CJ return his hand and shakes Chris hand. “Thanks, I hope you enjoy yourself tonight.”

Chris smiles as he reaches in his pocket. “Oh I'm sure I will” He pulls a cigar out and hands it to CJ. “A gift”

“Thanks,” CJ takes the cigar. “I don't usually smoke, but I suppose one cigar can't hurt. You have a lighter?”

Chris fishes one out of his other pocket. “I Do” He hands it to CJ who lights the cigar. CJ hands it back to Chris, but he refuses. “You keep it.” Chris then walks back to the rest of the group.

About the time Chris Pressler reaches the rest of his group of friends a loud bang is heard and every is looking around. The four men all bust out laughing as CJ in his tuxedo is covered in the cigar he was just given. It seem the boy from Wicked Intentions thought a practical joke would be funny. CJ simply disappears inside the house as some of the guest looking at the group of men in a disapproving manor.

• Birthday Party 7:00

After the accident with the exploding cigar CJ had retreated to his room and changed out of his tuxedo. After washing the remains of the cigar out of his hair CJ restyles it the way he likes it and outs another nearly identical tuxedo on, but this one has a blue vest. CJ returns to his party downstairs and as he walks out to the pool deck he spots the four members of Wicked Intentions and the party responsible fo the exploding cigar. The first one to see CJ is Cris Pressler

“How ya like the cigar?”

“Very funny guys” CJ smiles as he extends his hand. “I can take a joke so don't worry about me getting pissy and sending my security after you. As long as you didn't put any wildlife in my house we are cool.”

Chris shakes CJ’s hand followed by Ryan, Mike, and then finally Rick as they all continue to just smirk at the host of the party. “Don’t worry about the critters they’re safe none of us really hunt, but next time don’t have strict dress codes…”

Rick elbows Chris. “You stop complaining…”

Mike seems to take offense to Rick and buts in. “Hey not everyone is like you and CJ and like to dress in monkey suits.”

CJ just smiles at the wackiness of this group. “I'll take it under advisement.”

Ryan begins look around causing everyone in the group to look at him. “Just for the safety of my ears and sanity… is there karaoke here tonight? If there is can we keep the Talbots away from it?”

Mike smiles to himself. “I didn’t think there was anything wrong with their singing…”

Chris laughs in a mocking manor “No offense Mike, but your tone deaf.”

Mike joins in with the laughter from the group. “None taken.”

Rick looks to CJ after the laughter has died down. “So party boy… why are you hanging out with the us old guys… shouldn’t you be hanging with your girlfriend or the strippers that should be arriving?”

CJ shakes his head as he laughs. “No karaoke tonight. So the people who get wasted will not be singing.” CJ Looks at each one almost as if he wants to drive this next point home. “No strippers tonight and I will be spending alot of time with my lovely women tonight and for a long time after.” CJ pulls a huge ring out of his pocket “Tonight I'll be proposing, so keep it down low. IF people find out I'm holding you all responsible.”

Rick almost looks offended, but then he remembers who CJ is talking to. “Don’t worry… we’re married men here we know the importance of the element of surprise.”

Chris looks at Rick is shock.“Dude… I am not married… never been engaged… and didn’t you order the…”

Rick elbows Chris the ribs to shut him up “Samantha wouldn’t let me.”

CJ again rolls his eyes. He is making mental note to thank Samantha the next time he sees her. “I was wondering if I could talk to Rick alone for a second?”

Mike looks at CJ with a confusion on his face. “Sure, but why we keep no secrets… besides if you want to join Wicked Intentions you have be accepted by us all.”

Rick shakes his head. He knows CJ has no interest in joining them. “I seriously doubt that CJ wants to join our little motley crew he’s trying to better his image, right CJ?”

Chris has grown bored with the conversation. “Tis all French to me… I am going to try to get laid…”

“Chris… you have no shame…” By the time Ryan finished getting all the words out of his mouth Chris had already disappeared into the rest of the party guest.“Anyways where’s your bathroom CJ?”

“A bath room is through that door” CJ points to a door to their left about thirty feet from where they are standing. “Go down the hall and theres one on the third door to your left.” Ryan didn’t stick around to hear what it is that CJ wanted to talk to Rick about as he took off running towards the bathroom in hopes of not forgetting the directions. “I guess if you guys all talk about everything I wanted to tell Rick I am aware of the legal issues he is having, and I am offering my assistance with that issue.”

Mike looks at CJ and responds almost unhesitatingly. “That…”

Rick interrupts his brother “Mike shut up… go find Chris before he makes a scene”. Mike just looks at Rick for a second before he trudges off to find Chris. “That’s very generous of you CJ, but I humble decline your offer. I have the utmost confidence in my lawyer… not to mention I have known him since I was saving his lunch money from bullies”

CJ nods in understanding. “I can respect that. Just know if you change your mind the offer is on the table. I wish you luck with the entire unfortunate situation. I'd love to stay and chat, but I got to make a few more rounds before I do my thing.”

“Again thank you for the offer and happy birthday... enjoy it while you can,because it gets old fast.” Rick extends his hand out towards CJ this time for the handshake.

CJ accepts the hand and smiles. “Thanks...” CJ looks around for a second “This stuff got old along time ago....I don't know who half these people are.”

• Birthday Party 7:15 P.M.

Almost from the moment he arrived till this point in time the newest member of the MWA has stationed himself in the area around the bar. He is on his third glass of whiskey and and just starting to feel the buzz. Since this is his party, CJ feels the need to make the rounds. He spots the newest member of the MWA enjoying his drink while he watches man men and women playing in the Olympic sized pool.

“So your Larry Gowan?” CJ begins to speak as he takes a seat at the table Gowan is currently using. “I'm CJ, and this is my place.” CJ extends his hand toward Gowan. “Its good to meet you.”

Gowan smiles nervously, his fingers moving to wrap around the glass on the table. “Happy Birthday, man.”

“Thank you. You enjoying yourself tonight?”

Gowan looks away, his gaze settling on the impromptu game of volleyball that seems to have started in the pool. “Yeah, sure... I... yeah. It's a good party... music and stuff... drinks are... yeah. It's good.”

“Good good. I must say I was impressed with your debut last week. I think you could have a real shot at winning your match at Nemesis.” CJ looks over at the volleyball game. “You wanna join in over there?”

Gowan chuckled nervously, “Nah, I'd just... get in the way or something. I'm good right here.”

CJ looks around for a minute a bit worried about Gowan's lack of desire to mingle with his fellow superstars, but he just writes it off as him being the shy new guy. “I read that you wrestled for awhile before coming here. Hows was that?”

“Yeah,” Gowan takes a drink of the whiskey, grimacing as the liquor burns down his throat. “For a couple years, yeah. Won some belts, lost some matches. Good times. Guess that's why I'm here, really. Nostalgia biting me in the ass.”

“I hear you there.. Are you liking MWA so far?” CJ is beginning to wonder about this new guy.

Gowan nodded, saying nothing for a long moment. “Yeah. Seems like a good place.”

“Yeah It is.” CJ looks a round for a minutes before looking back at Gowan. “Some people around here can be a pain in the ass, but most of them are good people.”

“Pain in the ass? Now which of those categories might you fall into?” Gowan laughed, finishing off his drink.

CJ Laughs “I guess that depends on who you ask.” CJ thinks over the majority of the roster that has a very negative opinion of him.

"No skin off my back, man. You seem ok to me.”

CJ smiles as he realizes there might be at least one person who gets to know him before they judge him. “Certain people have reason to dislike me, but thats all in the past. If you need anything just let me know. As you can see I'm not hurting for money.” CJ motions his hand around his place. “ I really try give when I can. So you need something don't hesitate. I hope you enjoy the rest of the evening. I got to finish making the rounds. Remember there is plenty of food in the dinning room.”

“Thanks, man.” Gowan raises his empty glass, and makes a mock toast. “Probably good enough from me.”

• Birthday Party 8:00

CJ has entered the dinning room as he continues to move around the party and meet the guest. As he enters the room he spots the head of MWA security, Blaze Alexander. Along with Blaze is his Finance Denika and their daughter Elric Marksson, Starla Rivers, and Darc Kharg.

The group has just sat down at a table with food from the buffet, as CJ approaches and extends his hand.“I hope everyone is enjoying themselves tonight.”

Blaze stands and shakes CJ hand.“Ya, it's always nice to come to a party and not have to work.” Both men pull a seat out and sit down. “Although I still have my eye on a few people.”

CJ smiles, “That is good to know. I see you brought the whole family this evening.”

Blayze shrugs “Ya, I always travel with everyone. Never know what might happen. Hey Starla hand the birthday boy his gift.” Blayze looks back at CJ. “Sorry, it's hard to find out what to get the man who can buy anything.”

CJ looks surprised. “Thanks, I'm a bit surprised. I never expect birthday presents these days anymore, and its for that reason. No one knows what to get the man who has what I have. But I open this when we serve the cake later.”

Blayze laughs “Well it's not like I don't have money to spend either, not in the excess of your wealth, but I do very well for myself. Not bad for a guy from Canada, eh?”

CJ nods his head in agreement. “Nope, Not to bad at all. I've actually been considering expanding things more into Canada.”CJ calls a staff member over ad hands him the box that was given to him by Blaze. “So I guess your enjoying Your more relaxed Schedule now that your not in active competition.”

Blayze nods “It is a lot easier, specially with a newborn around, and with me still trying to find out what has happened to my son. I can focus on those things instead of trying focus on a different opponent every other week.”

CJ thinks for moment. “That is understandable...Just small piece of advice. I'd watch myself if I were you. Especially being around Thomas Craig as much as you are.”

Blayze laughs, “CJ, if you knew what I did before becoming a wrestler, you should know that, I'm always being watched, but in the position that I am in, I can at least payback people who made my career a living hell.”

CJ nods hesitantly. Not sure how to react to Blaze's thoughts of being the head of MWA security. “I guess.....I go to keep moving, but if you need anything please let me know.”

“Sure will - have fun.”

CJ smiles and heads back out to the pool deck. “Same to you all.”

 

• Birthday Party 9:00

Everyone has been gathered together as CJ stands on a make shift stage. The party is about half over and it come time for cake and Ice cream to be served to the masses. CJ stands in front of everyone as the caters prepare the cake to be served.

CJ looks out at the crowd. “I would like to thank you all for coming out tonight.” CJ raises his champagne glass, “And thank you for drinking all my bozo's” The crowd of people gathered in front of CJ laugh. “Its great to see so many people here tonight. Many of which I honestly never expected to see here, but I digress.” CJ shifts around the stage nervously for a moment. “Many people have asked my why I decided I wanted to change my image, and that is a very good question that deserves an honest answer.”

“The reason is sitting right over there.” CJ points at his girlfriend Hope Marie. “When I meet her something inside of me wanted to wanted more from my life. More than I was getting doing things the way I did them.” CJ walks off the stage and over to where Hope is sitting. He look grabs her hand and looks deep in her eyes so she knows he is talking to her and only her. “The last few months have been great and I've never been as happy. This feeling I never want to go away.” CJ reaches in his pocket and pulls out a small box that contains the ring, as he gets down on one knee. “Hope, will you marry me.”

Hope stares at CJ and ring in shock for a few moments. The fact that everyone stood in complete silence made the few seconds seem like hours. She looks up at CJ. “Yes, of course I will.” The crowd erupts in applause as everyone continues the celebration.

 

• Birthday Party 9:15

Hope is ecstatic right now. Of course what women wouldn't be right now. Hope having just been proposed to by her billionaire boyfriend, is smiling from ear to ear as she makes her to the bar to get a bottle of water. Also getting water is Brianna, the wife of MWA star Ryan Singer.

Brianna sees Hope and decides to talk to the happiest girl at the party. “It's Hope, right?”

Hope turns to see is talking to her. “Yes” She puts her bottle of water down and shakes Brianna's hand. “Your Brianna, Ryan Singers wife?”

Brianna nods, “That would be me. I guess congrats are in order.”

Hope blushes a bit. “ Thanks, it was most unexpected. I think I'm still in shock....” She looks at the ring again and then back at Brinna. “I hear you should be getting congrats as well.”

Brianna blushes slightly. “You've heard correctly.”

Hope smiles as she thinks about the situation Brianna is in. “I'm starting to feel sorry for you. I mean two small children already, one of the way. Plus I'm sure keeping up with Ryan is a full time job.”

Brianna nods as she smiles. She fully understand what she Hope means. “Well, keeping up with him is a task unto itself, but I think I've done a pretty good job so far. And I've always wanted children, so I welcome the addition of the newest one.

“I honestly don't know how you put up with those other three. They always seem to be getting into some kind of trouble.”

Brianna rolls her eyes as she thinks of the antics those men pull.“Honestly, it's best to just let them go off and do whatever they do without asking any questions. It's best that way nine times out of ten.”

“You have all my respect for that. I know I couldn't do it, but hey I'm still getting used to this place.” Hope points to the huge house beside them.

Brianna looks around the house. “It's impressive. You must be on cloud nine right now.”

Hope can't help, but smile again. “I am,” Hope grabs Brianna's arm as if she just had the greatest idea ever. “We should hang out some time. I want to get to know some of the girls around MWA. I haven't been able to like I want.”

Brianna seem,s to like that idea as she responds with equal enthusiasm “I think we can arrange that. I'll give you my cell number and we can get together later sometime.” Brianna looks through her purse for something to write with.

Hope is almost giddy with excitement “Great, I'd love to take you shopping for baby stuff.”

Brianna look up from her purse. “Excellent! And I'd love to help you get wedding stuff lined up.”

Seeing that Brianna is having trouble finding something to write with has an idea. “Awesome...Ryan should have my number at my office. Its on the invitations to the party here and was on the charity invitation from a few weeks back.” Brianna nods as she gives up. “I got to get back to CJ. It was nice to finally meet you. So just give me a call next week.”

“I will do. It was nice meeting you to.”

 

• Birthday Party 9:30

Hope Marie is off talking to a few of her friends as they all admire the rock that CJ has just given her. CJ is sitting at his table watching her in her excitement with her friends and family. CJ just sits and smiles as he watches everyone around him, but the person he doesn't notice is Steven Talbot. Steven walks up behind CJ. Steven takes the empty seat next to CJ.

“Hey CJ how are you.”

CJ turns to see Steven Talbot sitting next to him. CJ shakes his hand. “I am very good right now. How are you.”

Steven takes a sip of his drink. “I am good, got the all clear from the medical center, Jason is still there”

Steven nods toward Hope and her friends “Congratulations, I don't know Hope that well but Beth thinks alot of her, your a lucky man CJ.”

CJ looks over at Hope as well and he can't help but smile. “Thanks, She is quite a girl. Part of me can't believe how fast and easy this went.”

Steven really has no idea about this, because hes never been married. However he acts like he knows. “Well when you know she is the one, it makes it alot easier”

“Very true...” CJ think back to his time with his first wife and how badly that ended up being. “As long as it turns out better than my first marriage. Which I know it will. She so much better than Lori.”

Steven was in GWE when CJ's first marriage hit the fan so he knows what CJ is talking about. “I wish you nothing but good times, I am sure this is the one for you CJ.”

“So you said Jason was doing well?”

Steven nods “Yea he hopes to get out this evening took a bump to the head which knocked him out but nothing major.”

CJ gives a genuine look of concern .“Any leads on what happened?”

Steven shrugs “Apparently the engine just blew coming into land, the pilot was forced to make an emergency landing at Heathrow. Been put down to a simple technical fault.”

CJ looks sceptically at Steven. “I have a hard time believing that.” CJ shakes his head. “Just to much goin on with Jason for this not to be connected.”

“I don't know, maybe with everything thats been going on there is a link but police seem to think it was a simple malfunction on Richards jet caused by overuse.”

“I don't know.” CJ just can't shake the uneasy feeling he has about the entire issue. “I'll gonna have my people look into it a bit. See if they can find anything.”

Steven seems reluctant to believe that there was any wrong doing. “Cheers, ah speak of the devil.”

As he says that Richard Cambridge walks over and extends his hand to CJ. “Congratulations CJ!”

CJ look at Richard with caution. “You'll have to understand why I don't shake your hand.”

Cambridge retracts his hand “Yea man, look I am sorry, I over stepped the mark last week on Battlezone.” Cambridge reaches into his pocket and pulls out an envelope and hands it to CJ “Happy Birthday!”

CJ takes the envelope, and eyes Richard. “Whats this?”

Richard laughs “A birthday present isn't much of a surprise if I tell you is it, I think you will like it don't worry”

CJ opens the envelope and pulls out two tickets “Wow” The tickets are to NFL Europe match in Cambridge's private box. “I don't know what to say. Thanks.” CJ is still unsure of Richard as this point. This gift was most unexpected, but its not enough to make CJ not keep his eye on him.

“Think nothing off it, part apology for last week and part birthday present.”

Just as he says that Jason walks up and taps CJ on the shoulder CJ turns around and Jason hugs him. “Congratulations my friend.”

CJ stares a bit in shock that Jason is there. CJ never expected Jason to be there. “JASON!! How you feeling?”

Jason smiles “Aye I'm good got the all clear from doctors today and made my way here,” he glances at Steven. “Sorry bro, I wanted it to be a surprise.”

“Its ok, good to see you up and about again.” Steven hugs his brother

“So CJ, Beth filled me in on the news, congratulations man.”

CJ can't help but smile again as he watches Hope again “Thanks, I wish you could have been here to seen it.”

Jason Nods, “As do I, it would have been an amazing moment to see, but I'm sure it will be all over th TV come tomorrows breakfast news.”

“Your probably right.” CJ laughs as he knows it true. “ Are you going to be ok for next week?”

Jason nods his head “Yea man, I got Ryan Singer for the title, I'm good to go. I realized something the other day not only are you and I champions at the same time, but you just made the record books by being the first two time bloodlust champion. Congratulations again”

CJ stops and thinks for a minute. He recounts the previous champions and Jason is right. He is the only person to win the title multiple times. “I guess your right. Jason you want to go get some food, something to drink?”

Jason Nods, “Sure, but non alcoholic, I'm not allowed to drink just yet.”

CJ smiles as he begin to walk in the direction of the buffet. “I'm sure I can find something for you.”

“Thats cool,” Jason looks over at Steven and Cambridge “I will catch up with you guys later, enjoy the evening”