Posted by Gemma Lockhart on September 3, 2004, 11:24 pm

[PREVIOUSLY]: Scruffy: You can make a change though. Gemma: How? Scruffy: You’re not too lost to be saved, Gemma. Don’t go back. Gemma scrunches up her face, confused. Gemma: I don’t understand. What are you trying to say? Scruffy: I’m saying stay in the UK. Don’t go back to California, don’t go back to America. Stay. Gemma steps back, further, suddenly looking shaken. Gemma: You can’t ask that --------------------------------- Gemma Lockhart is still in England. Nottingham, England. Most IWA wrestlers had left ages ago but Gemma hung around. She hung around because she wasn’t so sure anymore - she had been having trouble making up her mind whether or not to return home. When she had been trying to escape her demons she fled Florida for California. That hadn’t been distance enough. She didn’t know how far she’d ever have to go to win that battle. Maybe the United Kingdom was right for the moment No, it was a stupid idea. She couldn’t possibly just abandon her career, and her home So, why then, couldn’t she get the thought out of her head? She hesitates. Gemma, dressed casually in ripped jeans and a tight black vest, throws the door open and stalks into Scruffy’s unlocked apartment. She’s angry, and disturbed. Gemma – Why did you do that?!!! Her shout alerts Scruffy of her arrival and he slowly turns around to look at her, with a raised eyebrow, and a self-confident smirk. Scruffy – Well, at least for once she’s not running. Gemma glances behind her, suddenly aware that they are not alone. Friends of his are sitting in the corner of the room, slightly shocked, watching her. Suddenly, she’s not quite so confident but hides it well. Gemma – Why did you do that? Why did you have to make it so complicated?!!! Gemma shakes her head and turn to stare at Scruffy. He’s more concerned about her than ever right now, but he’s not willing to show it. He yawns and looks around, dismissing his friends. They slowly leave the room. Gemma – I asked you a question, Scruffy. Scruffy – I know you did. There is a pause. Gemma stares at him, waiting for him to speak. Gemma – So, are you going to answer it? Scruffy – No, not really. Gemma – You’re messing with me. Scruffy – I am? Gemma – I know you are! Scruffy – You know I am? You don’t really know anything about me – you’re always too busy running!!! Ask anyone. This is what you do. I’m surprised you haven’t sneaked back off to the States already. Gemma rubs her forehead, swaying slightly. Gemma – I want to go back to California... Scruffy – Okay, cool. Then why are you still here? Gemma frowns and pouts at his shortness with her. Gemma – ...I don’t know. She takes a step backwards, and turns to leave. Scruffy reaches out his tattooed arms and gets firm grip on her wrist and tugs on it. She cusses in shock as he whips her body around to face him and pushes her against the wall. He slams one fist against the wall, deliberately missing her face. The fury in his shadowy eyes slowly eases. His body towers above her and he uses his weight to hold her there. Scruffy – Would you stop running off? You’re so ####ing frustrating! You’re the one looking for answers – not me! Gemma looks at him strangely, taken aback at his angered tone, before averting her gaze to anything but him. This was not what she had had in mind. Scruffy – Were both adults, right? Gemma – Sure I am at least. Scruffy smiles, which is enough to knock Gemma even more. Scruffy – Scorpion never loses her sting, eh? ...Okay, so, let me ask you an adult question? Gemma tilts her head, and looks up at him. He leans in extremely close until their faces are barely inches apart. Scruffy – Do. You... Want to stay? Gemma looks nervous. Gemma – Look, I’m crazy, but I’m not that ####ing crazy! Scruffy remains calm. He pauses for a few seconds. Scruffy – Do. You Want to stay? Gemma swallows hard, unable to keep herself from nodding. Scruffy - That a yes? Gemma – Yes Scruffy – I have to admit, I really like your honesty. So, anything you need to ask me? Gemma pauses for a few seconds. She’s already given up half her sanity and dignity - she’s going for broke. Gemma - Do... you... want me to stay? Scruffy licks the corner of his lips. Scruffy – Now, that is an interesting question. He pulls a strand of her hair affectionately and she knocks his hand away. Gemma mentally kicks herself for being pulled into his mind games, unsure if he was playing them. She places her hand on his chest and pushes, hard. He steps back, not really stumbling at all, and folds his arms across his chest. Gemma – Don’t play games with me, Scruffy! I swear, you’ll— Touching her forehead, briefly, she pauses. Scruffy shakes his head. He reaches over and lights up a joint. He takes a prolonged drag before walking away from her to go sit on his sofa. Scruffy – You were really going to leave without saying goodbye. She couldn’t deny it; it was the truth. Gemma – Some things are better left unsaid. Scruffy grinds his teeth in disappointment. Scruffy – Why are you doing this? Why are you running away? Why do you always do this? One of these times I am not going to come find you! Gemma – Oh, give it up! You won’t change my mind about leaving. There’s nothing – no-one – to keep me here. And, anyway, if I were to stay – which, by the way, I’m so not – I’d still have to go back Loose ends, and all that! I have a successful career! I want to go home Gemma nervously pulled at fallen strands of her dark hair. She wavers, unsure whether to sit down, or remain standing, or make a brave retreat. Scruffy – You’re not so sure now, are you? He looked at Gemma with an accusatory stare. He was right; although she’d never admit it. She wasn’t sure she wanted to leave. She was having such an incredible time in the UK, away from all the drama and heartache and tragedy of the life she left. Although not at all uncomplicated, it was definitely less stressful. Scruffy – Who are you trying to convince? Gemma looks away, chewing on her lower lip, nervously. Gemma – You’re wrong. Scruffy – Fine. Leave. Run away like you always do. Gemma – But— Scruffy – LEAVE! She had accomplished nothing with the exception of hurting her friend and pissing him about. Gemma takes a couple of steps backwards, distressed and upset, before turning and fleeing the apartment.