December 31st. New Years' Eve.
Chelsea Forster had a lot to reflect on from the past year. She'd started the year embroiled in a passionate feud with Finella Edelstein, who seemed committed to embarrassing her, mocking her, and beating her down at every turn, never allowing her anything she could take pride in. And in truth, the reason Finella's taunts had gotten to her as much as they had was because Chelsea never had anything besides LAW. No one would ever get close to her. No one would ever want to be around her - they'd just be afraid of getting embroiled in her tumultuous life, if not attacked and beaten themselves. The only thing she had a chance worth anything in was wrestling, and even then, she barely had anything worth taking pride in there - her record since coming to LAW had been abysmal. Now, she wasn't even safe there. She was almost wondering why she bothered.
A lot had changed since then. Today, it seemed as though those worries and doubts were far away. She'd emerged from her feud victorious, having defeated Finella in a long and grueling street fight at We Are LAW that not only ended the rivalry, but earned her the Hellraiser's respect in the process. She had officially begun dating George Fortunato, who had long been a friend and close confidant to her fears, but now the two of them were finally ready to be open about the feelings that had been in them all along. She had accepted him as a manager, too, and she was ready to start a new stage in her career, with a new presentation, a new outfit, and a new outlook toward the fans who were ready now to cheer her on. She had a new home, a new dog, and she'd be carrying all of those things with her into the new year. She really would have a fresh start.
Thinking about it all, Chelsea couldn't help but get a little teary-eyed - but then, the new year always had a way of doing that to her. Now, she found herself sitting by a window at the Wolf and the Bunny, staring out at the dark night sky beyond. As she did, she began to hum a tune to herself, muttering the lyrics under her breath. It was a song she'd always heard sung on this day back in England, and it was one that never failed to bring a tear to her eye.
"Should old acquaintance be forgot, and never brought to mind? Should old acquaintance be forgot, and auld lang syne?"
George Fortunato had been struck with a nasty bronchitis after christmas and so he had to leave the pub to Chelsea and his waitressess. Not that he did'nt fully trust his girlfriend and his employes but George had always been a selfmade man, not used to lay back and let others do the work, so he more then once had found his way down only to get sent back to bed immediatly by Chelsea who seemed to be a natural talent. Not only had George finally had his true love by his side, he also seemed to had a good eye for the talents of his girlfriend. It was a busy time for any restaurants and pubs, many family fathers and uncles stormed the local drinking holes to escape the big family gatherings for one evening, others went for the cozy atmosphere as everything was decorated, an open fireplace spent warmth and there was plenty to eat and drink, to play and talk. The Pub was a like a second living room to some and for George, Chelsea and their dog Anfield it was their home.
George had become better, almost being back to strength again except for a nasty cough and got down the stairs. It was New years eve and the pub had just closed. Anfield, who was at his side the whole time, trotted down the stairs with him, making sure his Dad was ok. George loved his dog, very much so. It was like a child for him and Chelsea, who always had been shunned and ignored had built a strong relationship with him too.
When they came down, the Bulldog immediatly ran to his Mommy who was sitting by a window near the fireplace and jumped into her lap. He had grown quite a bit in this year and was now a fully developed British Bulldog, Englands national symbol.
George followed, wearing a fancy robe coughing on his way before he sank into a chair next to Chelsea by the fire.
He listened to Chelsea softly singing this song, that reminded them of home, in fact, he and Chelsea did sing quite often, they both had wonderful voices and no once they had sung some english, scottish or irish folk songs for their patrons, to thunderous aplause.
"Everything went smoothly Darling? Sorry for not being much of a help.",he said and reached out for Chelseas hand, taking it in his. "Were a few busy days but now we have closed for a week. And I am on my way to be healthy again. You know what that means...",he said with a wink before he burst into laughter, followed by a few coughs.
"Sorry, now, I just wanted to say thank you. Thank you for the best year of my life so far.", he smiled.
Lost in her own thoughts and her own reflections, Chelsea didn't notice George and Anfield's approach, up until the dog had hopped right into her lap. She was leaning over the windowsill, watching the stars twinkle overhead - but as soon as Anfield made his presence known, she doubled back with a yelp at first, but one that soon gave way to laughter. "Oi, yis, I 'aven't forgottun about ye..." she said, scratching him under the ear. And when she looked back at George, it was with a bright smile.
When George started coughing again, Chelsea winced a little. She hated knowing that the man she loved was struggling with his illness; after how long she had depended on him to be strong when she needed him, to support her when she couldn't hold herself up, she couldn't help but feel some pain inside of her. George was one of the strongest and most dependable people she knew. If he couldn't handle this, he was sure it had to be serious.
But now, it was her turn to return the favor. George needed her - and she was grateful to be able to pay him back for all he'd done. "Mm, yeah. Believe me, I 'ad ter put a couple o' 'ewligans in their place...but if anyone can do dat, it'd be me, like." She chuckled at her own joke, but reached to take George's hand. As she looked up to meet his eyes, her expression softened; her eyes glittered with an eager joy as her smile grew wider. When George added that last little bit, she let out a gasp and her cheeks flushed red - but she looked back up at him with a smile anyway, and her hand tightened around his.
"...You're...you're welcome, George," she said, her voice soft and clear now. "And I should thank
you. You've really done so much for me, more than I could ever put into words, and I can't begin to tell you how grateful I am for that. You...you gave me a reason to
want to see the new year. I owe that to you."
Then, Chelsea's eyes began to water. She blinked and sniffled, glancing away from George. "Ah, erm, sorry, George...I always get a little teary-eyed on New Year's..."
George had been better by now, he just had a persistent cough but the worst had been behind him. Chelsea had really done everything to make it as comfortable as possible for him and she handled the pub on her own as if she never had done anything else in her life.
When Chelsea reached out for his hand, George softly pulled her up, took place and pulled her and Anfield onto his lap.
He smiled and looked at his girlfriend, giving her back the same big smile that she gave him.
Then George started to look around. "You know, when I grew up I was looking forward to have a pub of my own. Of course I knew that I would inherit my grandfa'hers watering hole, but I always wanted a place for myself, something I built up, with all my ideas. A place were people would come and feel right at home, enjoying their time here as much as I do... ", he smiled and softly petted Anfields head.
"And honestly, now that we are alone, I always wished for something like this here. A beautiful home, a loyal dog and...", he looked back at Chelsea, reached up and cupped her cheek. "..you. It always had been you Chelsea. My heart knew from the second you entered that you were the woman I want to spend my life with.", he smiled and looked back into the fire.
"I always get a little sentimental too at new years. Another year gone in our fleeting lives. We are born, we love, we die. But I think the important thing is, with whom we spend this time on earth. As for me, I am not worried anymore. For now everyday is a day of celebration for me.",he added and put their foreheads together before he softly started to hum a little tune.
"I gave my love a cherry that had no stone Gave my love a chicken that had no bone I gave my love a baby with no crying And told my love a story that had no end
How can there be a cherry that has no stone? How can there be a chicken that has no bone? How can there be a baby with no crying? How can you tell a story that has no end?
A cherry when it's blooming it has no stone And a chicken when it's pippin' there is no bone A baby when it's sleeping there's no crying
And when I say I love you it has no end"
He looked into Chelseas tearfilled eyes and sighed. "Thank god your dear Georgie is here to always dry your tears, darling.", he smiled and wiped away all of Chelseas tears, like he always did. And always would do, there was no question that George would do anything to see Chelsea smile
Chelsea honestly felt out of her element having to care for someone other than herself. She'd brought George his medication, she'd taken over business for him, and at the end of the day, all of it was aimed at one purpose - making him feel comfortable and safe. It almost felt surreal to know that she, of all people, was actually who someone else was depending upon; she barely even looked after herself. But she knew, too, that since she met George, everything had changed. Now, everything was so much better. And she wasn't about to look back.
As George reached over to cup her cheek, Chelsea's face flushed hotter beneath his hand. She glanced aside for just a moment, as though embarrassed by the idea of sharing eye contact with him. But the more he went on, and the more she thought of what it all meant, and what she had - what she meant to him - the more Chelsea smiled. It wasn't just her life that had turned around. George's had, too. And he owed that all to
her. She'd never had anyone in her life before who depended on her as much as George did. Some people might have found that intimidating. But to Chelsea, it was what told her that she really was important. That she really had a reason to be on this earth.
She listened along to his lyrics, humming softly as she swayed back and forth. He always did have a way with words - she'd seen that every time they'd joined for a duet, but now, in the warmth of each others' company, his voice - and the fact he was singing this for her,
about her - felt so much sweeter, enough to send a tingle down her spine. Letting out a long sigh, she leaned closer against him, letting her body go limp. She smiled a little wider when George brushed the tears from her eyes, but she shook her head, ever so slightly.
"You don't need to worry about me, George," she explained. "I'm...I'm
happy. I don't know if you understand, but...every year, when the new year came, it was bittersweet, for me." She looked down, letting out a sigh as her thoughts took an unhappy turn. "Yeah, there was drinking and partying 'n all...but that was all I really had going for. At the back of my mind...I knew what it meant. Another year of nothing but disappointment, one less to go until the day I die. More of the same. And when I saw everyone happy, and wishing for the best, and looking forward to great things...it always made me sad, because I knew I wouldn't get that. That my life would always be disappointment. So, at the end of the day...I just drank until I passed out, so I wouldn't have to think about it..."
Her hands drifted even further up, to his chest, as she leaned closer to narrow the gap between them. "I'm...I'm sober tonight, George. I don't need to fall back on anything. I've got all I could have wanted."
"Oh Swee'hea...", he said and softly pulled Chelsea tighter, her head on his chest, hearing his steady heartbeat. He gave her a few kisses on her head and held his beautiful girlfriend close to him.
"Listen, what you did for me, when I was'nt able care for myself, was the biggest prove of love I could ever think of. You are a good person Chelsea, whatever had happened or will happen, you deserve happiness as much as everyone else. And now, look around... ", he said and lifted her head softly so both could look over the pub.
"Look what we got here. This is'nt just your favorite pub anymore. It's your home, our home, here we can be happy, it is our save haven, here do I wait for you, Anfield waits for you, two guys who really need your love and attention more then you can think off. ", he laughed.
"I know, new years eves can be a bit depressing, but not anymore. Next year we will have a big party here, inviting LAW Wrestlers for a big party. I know from now on you will get a lot of friends, we will get a lot of friends and Mad Tea Party, Darling, will be the new attraction of the Lightweight Division. See, all I do, all my time, money and effort is to see you smile. So smile, smile for me Chelsea. And smile for the whole world. ", he assured her and gave her a few soft kisses on her mouth before he gave her a big kiss on her forehead. "We will make it all work. And you know why? Because nothing can stop us when we are together. Oh, that reminds me...", he said and reached into the pocket of his expensive robe, giving Chelsea a little jewelry box. "Santa left something else for you. Come on don't be shy, open it...",he said as he pointed at the little box that looked like it could contain a ring. A certain ring...
When George pulled Chelsea closer up against his chest, the Englishwoman shivered a little. She wasn't used to such close contact, especially not so suddenly. But she wasn't going to fight it, either. Not from George. Not from the man she loved so much, and who had done so much for her - who had finally given her a reason to be happy. Her head came to rest against his chest as she pulled herself up close against him, feeling the warmth radiating from his skin. She wanted to get close to it; she wanted to feel it. She wanted to hold onto him and never let go.
Chelsea sniffled as she wormed her way closer. Tears budded at the corners of her eyes, dampening George's chest. She simply couldn't help herself when she was welling up with all this emotion, more than she could possibly keep to herself. "I'm...I'm sorry, George," she said. "I know this isn't me, I just...can't help it..."
What George said next caught Chelsea's attention. She looked back up at him with wide eyes, and for that moment, her tears stopped. "A...a party? You're throwin' a blewdy ruv? And I'm juss knowin' about it now!?" She shot a glare at him - but just a moment later, she burst into laughter, and the scowl on her face turned to a wide smile as she hugged him closer. She wasn't going to stay mad for long. "Well...I don't see why not. It sounds like fun! And really...this place has become a part of LAW's history now, hasn't it?" Her eyes wandered over to the picture on the wall, of her and Finella arm-wrestling. Even when that fateful night had been the start of so much grief, and had caused Chelsea so much hurt physically and emotionally alike...she couldn't help but smile when she saw it. It had also been the start of so many positive changes in her life - changes she was seeing right here and now. All thanks to George. She didn't need any prompting - she nodded her head, and she looked up to George with a wide smile.
"Don't worry, George. Don't worry. I'm only crying because...I'm just so happy..." She accepted every one of his kisses, pressing close against him as her arms ran closer around his side. She knew they were headed for the future now. And it was a future that could only be bright.
But there was more in store than Chelsea thought. When George announced something else, she drew back, her eyes going wide with shock. She couldn't begin to imagine what this meant. Certainly she didn't expect George to produce a small box - but when he did, she clasped a hand to her mouth with a gasp. It couldn't be. It all felt so soon; she could hardly believe things were happening so quickly. It felt like just yesterday they had comitted to being together. But she was sure there was only one thing this could mean.
"O-Oh, George..!" She gasped. "You can't mean-!" But she opened the box without another thought. She had to see this!
George smiled as he listened to Chelseas little outbursts. He knew that she was like she was, all of her rough edges and all of her sweet habits. He smiled softly and wrapped his arms tighter around her as Chelsea nestled against him. "Heyhey... No tears, and no sorries anymore, yes? Don't want people to think that Molly sits here, huh?", he quipped before he laughed.
Then he pulled out something from his pocket and gave it to Chelsea. He saw her reaction, knowing that she was ready to see a certain something." Well, what you are waiting for, darling? ", he said and when Chelsea opened it he cleared his still sore throat. "Chelsea Forster. Thank you for almost a year of love and countless years of friendship. I can't describe enough how much your care and kindness had made me a better man. So, if you would accept whats in there, I would be deeply honored.", he smiled as Chelsea finally opened it with trembling hands, bringing to the light...
George chuckled a bit. "Sorry for leading you into a wrong direction darling.", he smiled and when Chelsea opened it a little music box version of "And I love her" started to play. George pulled it around her neck and then moved Chelsea closer to him as both eyed it. "This is my lucky charm for you at this years end, my talisman I give you to protect you and making you smile when ever you see it. And your little light to guide you out of darkness. My dear Chelsea Forster...", he then said. "There is another thing tough..." (Bearbeitet)
Chelsea's heart was pounding with anticipation as she opened the box. Was it a ring? It had to be, surely - it was just the right size and shape to be. But would George propose to her so soon? It all seemed to be happening so quickly...but then, on the flip side, it
did seem like something George would do. If anyone would jump in head-first, it would be him. She didn't know what to think about it. Everything seemed to be moving too quickly for her to keep track of. But then, there was no one in the world who Chelsea would be happier to spend her life with than George.
When she lifted the lid, it wasn't a ring that awaited her. But she wasn't the least bit disappointed. The sight of the locket left her face aglow with happiness, and when she opened it up, she let out a gasp at the music that began playing, bringing back warm memories of the night they first decided to admit their feelings. "O-Oh, George...it's quite all right. I love it. Truly, I love it..." George had wanted to immortalize a special moment for the two of them, making it into a locket so that she could reflect on it whenever she needed, and always keep it close to her. That meant too much for her to feel anything short of awe.
When she listened to George describe what it meant, and what Chelsea could do with it, the Scouser looked up at him, tears of joy budding in her eyes. She couldn't help herself; she wasn't even trying to hide it any more. This all meant so much, and it was all for her. She couldn't keep her emotions to herself.
"...I love it, George. Really...you never needed to go all these lengths for me. I've never...felt like I've deserved it. But if I mean this much to you, then, well..." She clasped it tightly against her chest, holding it right over her heart. "I'll wear it wherever I go. I can't ever let go of it...not of something like this..."
If the night had ended then and there, Chelsea would have been perfectly happy. But George mentioned that he still had something more to share. And she blinked a few times in bewilderment, looking back up. "Huh..?"
Georges smile grew wider and wider as Chelseas eyes went from being nervous, to being surprised, to sparkle with love as he presented her the locket with their picture and their song in it. "Remember when we had our first dance to that? And... Our first night after it? Was'nt that just magical?", he whispered.
Now it was common for them to sleep with each other but their first time had consisted of nervousness, many tears, fear, hope, love, a whole colourpalette of emotions that the drunken state they had been in only made that more shining and special.
As special as the locket Chelsea had in her hands. "Yes Darling, wear it wherever you go and I am with you. Whatever happens I will be with you. In the ring as home. We do make it Chelsea. We are making it big. Like Molly and Moni.",he said and then he cleared his throat. "Darling I want to be more then your manager and partner. I want to fight alongside you.", he suddenly said and whoever knew George was aware that he had never been a fighter, at least not with his fists but as he talked to Chelsea he seemed more then serious. "Ahem... You did'nt know about it but when you were out I took some lessons from Moni and Molly, just basics and all and I wanted to ask you to go on with it.",he said. "I am still young enough to start and...", he sighed.
"When you were in trouble m, when you got hurt, I did everything I could but I only could do so much... That showed me that being at your side is'nt enough. I want to be able to really help you. To protect you. Please Chelsea...let us do it. I am ready for it, I promise. ", he said and looked into her eyes.
Only the sounds of the logs cracking in the fire could be heard for a long moment...
All of George's words brought back fond memories to Chelsea. She closed her eyes, thinking back on the past with a soft hum as she leaned closer to his chest, and a smile played across her face. Yes, that night ended with them sharing a drunken encounter in George's bed, where Chelsea found herself too overcome with emotion to go the night alone. Yes, she had looked back on that night as an awkward embarrassment she would rather forget - until now. What was important now was that it had brought her and George together, and in a way, it had all led up to this moment. She couldn't run away from that now. Now, when the Englishwoman thought back on everything that had brought them here, all she could do was smile, curling in closer to George; she wanted to get as near to him as she could. If it had led to this moment now...maybe it all was worth it.
But then, it was time for George to make his announcement. And when Chelsea heard it, she jumped back from him with a gasp. "What!? You and me? In the ring together, as a team!?" When she heard it, it seemed almost unbelievable. She had only known George as a fool and a fop; his cane had some interesting gadgets to be sure, but she would never imagine him holding his own in a fight. But he was committed to stay by her side no matter what, in the ring and out. The more he said, the more it all made sense. And the more Chelsea spoke it aloud, the more she, too, saw all the pieces fit together.
George wanted to be with her, no matter what she did. They wanted to share in their rise to glory, no matter how. Chelsea hated herself for it, it hurt feeling such things about her own family, but she couldn't help but feel jealous some times when she saw her sister going on to dominate the tag scene without her - it stirred back up all those feelings of inferiority in her that always held her back. But she wouldn't need to worry about that any more. She could still be part of a team again. But now that she'd proven herself capable, and she had George in her corner to back her up, as devoted as always, she would forge a path forward that was better than ever.
She nodded her head, beaming up to George with a grin. "I'd love to. You know, George, you and I can make magic together as it is...but I think it's about time we brought that to our opponents!" She laughed, but then, looking down at the locket, she looked back out the window with a content sigh. The future looked bright. And when Chelsea thought about that...she realized how glad she was that she was, at last, able to say that.
"We really have a lot ahead of us in the new year, don't we?"
George heart beat fast in his body. The real reason he got such a strong bronchitis was the fact that he had left the last secret training session with Molly and Harmonia with wet hair as temperatures had fallen quickly. First he had'nt said anything to Chelsea, because he was afraid she would laugh or would get angry or worried. But when had made the locket for her, he already had made his decision.
He never had been much of a fighter, at least not with his body but Moni had promised him that he had all the makings to become a capable wrestler if he stayed dedicated. George never would have thought that he ever would put his body on the line, not for him, not for fame and glory. But now he had found a reason. And with every match of Chelsea were she had been hurt or was in need of help, he had wished he would have been there.
And now he would, not just as her manager but as her partner in the ring. Soon, when they started training together, the world would know their name.
"Indeed we do Darling. Mad Tea Party. We will become legens swee'hea.", he grinned and softly stroked Chelseas her. "All I do, I do for you, you hear? For us. The Wolf and the Bunny, lead by the legendary Chelsea Forster and George Fortunato, the March Hare and the Mad Hatter. I can't hardly wait.", he smiled and closed his eyes as they came close to each other. "I love you, Bunnygirl.", he whispered and pressed his lips on hers while Anfield yawned and snuggled in between them.
Chelsea sniffled a little, just thinking of it. She was already looking forward to the grand debut of Mad Tea Party, eager to start a new chapter in her life, and one that would lead her toward a glorious future. But that was just from reinventing herself - putting her past behind her, the past where she struggled to keep up with her sister, and when she was only greeted by scorn from those who would never understand her, and becoming someone who people could feel proud cheering for. That was just for herself. When George himself was in the mix, that made things so much better. She had seen how quickly Molly and Harmonia had grown to become tag team sensations practically overnight, all thanks to the passion only a loving couple could have. When she saw the two of them fighting side by side, their hearts beating as one as they bore through every struggle for each others' sake, Chelsea couldn't help but be moved. Now, she would have that too.
Her eyes misting over with a film of tears, the Scouser nodded her head, leaning in closer to George. "Believe me, George...I can't wait, either." She looked back over her shoulder with a wider smile, and she nodded her head. "But we'll face it all in the new year, you and me. Together, like always." She grinned a little wider; Chelsea could hardly believe such sweet, cloying sentiments were leaving her throat. A year ago, she wouldn't even think about speaking such things so openly. But she didn't care. She was happy.
Her hand brushed over George's own as she hummed out a few more words of her song - a hope to the future, for many days of happiness and prosperity to come. And somehow, Chelsea already knew she had it.
"And there's a hand, my trusty friend, and give me a hand of thine! And we'll take a right good-will draught, for auld lang syne!"
Happy New Year LAW!