This was the place. The Mental Health care center. Not the kind of place Id ever want to step in, but desperate times called for desperate measures.
The center looked mostly empty at this time of the day. They said it wasnt easy to get appointments here, but it didnt seem like that. The hall had all kinds of leaflets and magazines about mental health issues. I couldnt imagine reading any of these. The reception had directed me towards the office that read Dr. Kelly Johnson. After a bit of asking around, I thought finally found the place.
Dr. Kelly Johnson- The name plate read right. So I opened up and went in, but there was nobody. I was a little anxious.
Take a seat. Shell be right here momentarily. The voice startled me. It was one of the nurses. I heeded her call and sat down at the sofa in her office.
10 minutes passed. I was already agitated. But finally
Oh, Im so sorry. I had to visit one of our patients here, miss
Call me Gale.
Alright, Gale.
Gale, Allison, Wren. How many more aliases?
I was trying to suppress that voice.
So, how may I help you?
I just needed prescription for antidepressants. I lost my prescription and I cannot find it and Im already out. Could you please help me?
Oh no! We dont do it here like that. Do you have your medical file or history?
There was none, and I nodded as such.
In that case, Ill have to take a look and see what the problem is.
See, Im fine. I just need my antidepressants.
She was really annoying me.
Without a proper case, I cannot prescribe any sort of medicine. We dont even know if you need any medicine. We need to diagnose you first.
She was clearly playing on my patience. But then I wouldnt have had to do any of this if my old contact hadnt dropped off. And no medical store in 100 mile radius would hook me up without a prescription.
Gale, talk to me. Well help you.
Not the kind of help I needed.
See, I just have a little anxiety and thats all. I have to travel all the way to the UK for an event that I have to attend and Im out of meds. I just need you to write me a prescription for the meds I need.
Yes, because thatll help you somehow.
Shut up!
I didnt know how loud the scream was, but the doctor sure looked a little shaken.
Gale, youre clearly not all right and this is clearly not just anxiety. Work with me and Ill help you through your situation.
You clearly know nothing about my situation. I had grabbed a pen involuntarily, like something had taken over me.
Put the pen down.
I realized what I was doing. I dropped the pen and tried to calm myself down.
Im OK. Im OK. I kept muttering to myself.
See, Gale. I can help you. You clearly need help. Just talk to me.
You clearly cant.
I stormed out of her office as she looked on. I knew this was a bad idea. But now I was worried. The show was upon me and I had no meds.
***
St James Park, Newcastle.
Leon is supposed to be here at least half an hour ago. Combine that with my current predicament, I was a very irritatated person.
This wont go well for you.
I dont need your inputs. Ellie, or whatever the voice is, nags me more and more each day. Thankfully, Leon is here.
What took you so long?
Nothing really. I thought we were meeting in the dressing room, didnt know youd want a sit down in the middle of the playing area.
I like the view. The empty stadium. Its calming.
But before we start, I wanted to ask a question. Where is Wren?
Oh its the same question again and again. Heres the standard response: shes not here. Shell be here tomorrow for her match. You dont have to worry about that.
Alright.
I thought you wouldve gotten used to interviewing me by now. Anyway, how if we do it while walking around this wonderful stadium.
We start walking. The gentle breeze was really a calming influence even if my mind wasnt calm at all.
So, Ms Gale
Call me Gale. Its alright.
Okay, so Gale. Wrens actions have attracted a lot of criticism from her fans in recent weeks.
Isnt that what fans do anyway?
My point is, what does Wren have to say about that? Last Ascension, she flipped the crowd, as if signaling
There was no signal. It was just what that crowd deserved. What really mattered was that Wren won. Not only that, she destroyed Vee. I cant see how hes coming back from that.
Stranger things have happened in wrestling. Having said that
My mind kept wandering about.
Do you like soccer? Or football as the brits say?
Leon looked a little perplexed.
Not really. But why do you ask?
You know this stadium has a rich history. Over 125 years of existence. And yet, the team that plays here hasnt won the top division title in over 90 years.
Whats your point?
My point is this stadium is epitome of the people here: losers. These people dont know what success looks like.
I dont see how
A smile came upon my face.
Leon, what Im trying to say is these people havent seen a proper winner in years. They are yearning for one. Somebody who actually wins something.
And you think somebody is Wren?
May be. For far too long, Wren was like Newcastle. History that had become irrelevant in modern WZCW, a la Newcastle history in Premier League. Everybody loved her because she wasnt a threat to anyone. The good little soldier fighting the right way.
Okay? But
I am not finished yet.
Leon sheepishly looks at me.
See, everybody likes a Newcastle. Nobody likes to be a Newcastle though. Wren isnt this wretched football club. She has realized that theres no glory in losing with honor. The only thing that matters is victory. She realizes that. Fan adulation doesnt matter. These fans do not matter. Look at any sports and tell me if they do.
Leon is a little confused. But he gathers himself.
About Wrens upcoming match
Against Vega and Vee? You already know Vee has been destroyed by Wren twice already. As for Vega, I dont get him. Hes a criminal who is here because? Why did he even return? He thinks somehow his trying to do the right thing now will make everything better for him? That it will somehow get him the spotlight he so craves? Heres the thing. When hes in that ring, hell have to face one of the fiercest rivals in Wren. She doesnt fear her past, or his present. Hes a two bit criminal who should know his place.
Very strong words.
Indeed. And yet, the more I think, the more Vega seems like me. A man with aliases. A man with a past. A man who wears masks. And both gunning for the same prize.
This will all go on the TV, right?
Yes.
So heres a message from Wren. Vee, just quit and never come back. Your time is up. And Vega, nobodys falling for your ruse. I see right through you. All this guilt, the atonement for years of crimes. The crowd adulation, this is just a way to mask the hole you have in you. You can have the crowd cheering all you want, but come Ascension, theres only one person standing tall. And that aint you.