Pampered

It’s still very hot in Los Angeles, California but that wasn’t stopping people from going about their lives and handling business. The scene opens up inside of the Champagne Nail Lounge on Hollywood Boulevard just as Astrid Sedin, Jazmin Davis and Astrid’s soon to be 13 year old sister Hanna walked in. They were there to get mani-pedi’s, part of a three day birthday celebration for Hanna and she had picked this place… probably because of the pops of purple that were in the chairs throughout the salon. The muted, neutral tones made the place feel very cool and comfortable, a nice change from the hot chaos going on outside.

ASTRID SEDIN
Whoa Banana, this place is gorgeous. How did you find it?

HANNA SEDIN
I just googled nail salons with purple chairs. Purple is my favorite color.

ASTRID SEDIN
I thought blue was because that’s why you’re obsessed with Ravenclaw.

HANNA SEDIN
I like both equally. A girl has to have her bases covered.

Jazmin Davis
This isn’t bad at all. Nice pick, Hanna. You sure you’re only turnin’ thirteen and not thirty-one?

HANNA SEDIN
I swear… Uncle Leo and Aunt Clair have always told me, well since I’ve been staying with them, to be prepared and if you want to try anything new, research it. I also watch a lot of HGTV.

A slight giggle escaped from the almost a teenager’s lips as Astrid checked the three of them in for their appointments.

ASTRID SEDIN
With the PPV coming up, I really could use thus manicure. My nails looked jacked as ever.

Jazmin Davis
You know what to say. I have a big tag team match coming up too. And...only since you brought it up, but you ready for your big tag team match?

ASTRID SEDIN
Honestly, I am not the biggest fan of tag team matches ever since my little run with Josh’s “friend” The Mongrel when I had to carry his fat ass for six months. But hey, the last one with Brianna wasn’t so bad and I know that Brooklyn, well Cerberus, he isn’t a person who takes things lightly… a bonafide badass.

The three ladies look over the swatches of nail polish, trying to choose the right one.

Jazmin Davis
I know it’s probably a sensitive subject but you really think you carried Uncle William?

ASTRID SEDIN
Pretty much… I’m sorry but he’s just a big heap of blah. The only thing I’m really looking forward to is kicking the living crap out of The Monstimals and shutting them the hell up. All of them are annoying as hell and Samuel needs to be in a home that can help him. But then again they’re all mentally deranged.

Jaz giggles as a soft grey catches her interest from the swatches.

Jazmin Davis
I couldn’t imagine bein’ in match like that? An enclosed steel cage with how many teams involved? Four? Five?

ASTRID SEDIN
Too many to count. And don’t tell Joshua this… but I kinda wished I would have been paired up with Brianna. We could’ve called ourselves Team Queens or something like that. It was kind of cool getting to work with her instead of against her. I know that her and Joanna are going to be the biggest hurdles for myself and Cerberus.

Jazmin Davis
Wait, wait, what?!

ASTRID SEDIN
Ssh!

Astrid put her fingers up to her lips as she pointed out a black polish with multi colored glitter.

ASTRID SEDIN
I will say this… it was a high defeating Judith and Savannah… and having her on my side for once.

Jazmin Davis
Wow… I think the universe is about to implode. Maybe you should talk to Uncle Joshua about makin’ it somethin’ permanent?

ASTRID SEDIN
I wouldn’t go that far. And right now, I need him to get past Meltdown and concentrate on August. Then I could talk to him about something so earth shattering.

Astrid sat down next to Hanna who was already in the process of getting a sparkly purple polish put on her nails.

HANNA SEDIN
I can’t wait for Harry Potter World tomorrow and then HAWAII! I’ve never been to Hawaii!

Jaz settles in on her first mind of the soft grey before taking a seat next to her aunts-to-be.

Jazmin Davis
Hawaii?

HANNA SEDIN
The wedding… Did you forget that we’re going to Aulani?

ASTRID SEDIN
Sshh… Hanna… we don’t want details getting out. Josh and I are trying to keep things very, very private.

Jazmin Davis
Oh yeah. I thought you guys were goin’ to Hawaii right after Universal. I was goin’ to be like dang I’d like a trip to Hawaii when I turn twenty-one in August!

ASTRID SEDIN
No we’ve got her birthday dinner Friday and then Saturday we have to head up to Toronto for Meltdown. And if you want to go to Hawaii for your birthday, maybe we can talk Josh into making it a dual birthday trip since my birthday is October 31.

Astrid smiled as she sipped at the iced coffee from Starbucks that she brought in with her.

ASTRID SEDIN
Might take some convincing but I think we could do it.

Jazmin Davis
Shoot, I rather Egypt than Hawaii but with classes starting back up in August, I’m not sure if I’d be able to that trip anyway. I’ll be so glad when graduation day finally gets here.

ASTRID SEDIN
Don’t you have a break sometime in October for like a holiday or something? I think I did when I was in college. If need be, we can wait till Hanna comes back for winter break and go then. Either way… we will get there. Ooh, what about Tokyo too?

Jazmin Davis
Oh Japan would be jumpin’. I remember visitin’ when I was about ten or so and always wanted to go back once I got old enough. But I’ve really been thinkin’ about relocatin’ permanently out here. I haven’t talked to my parents yet but I went ahead and submitted my transfer papers from GSU to Monica College.

ASTRID SEDIN
Oh that is awesome and I’m pretty sure Joshua would love to have you here so he can keep an eye on your.

Astrid laughed a little bit.

ASTRID SEDIN
Will you be continuing to stay with us? Or you going to be getting your own place?

Jazmin Davis
Well if I can convince my parents to let me make the move I think eventually I’d want my own space. I mean, you and Unk will be newlyweds and will want to do what newlyweds do without havin’ to be cautious about anyone bein’ in the house.

ASTRID SEDIN
I think that if you tell your parents you’ll be staying with us it would help in the long run. Besides, the house is close to campus and if we wanted to do anything… there’s always the beach house… or his office.

Astrid giggled a little bit as Hanna rolled her eyes a bit.

HANNA SEDIN
Really, you’re going to talk about that right now?

[color=RedJazmin Davis
Hahaa. Yeah, that’s not the mental image I want either.[/color]

ASTRID SEDIN
Well Banana, you’re going to have to learn about that sooner or later. Especially if you keep on insisting that I should let you watch something like Game of Thrones. But Jazzy, have you ever considered… expanding your horizons in the wrestling world?

Jazmin Davis
Such as…?

ASTRID SEDIN
Joining your uncle and I in EHWF. We could use some fresh talent and girl… I don’t think they’ve seen anyone like you. And don’t worry, I’d protect you from the pervs.

Jazmin Davis
I actually had asked Unk about that months ago and he was dead set against it. Since I’m only supposedly here just for the Summer, it wouldn’t benefit anyone by me joinin’. Then on top of that since I am wantin’ to stay in Cali permanently, EHWF moves around way too much and that would interfere with school. Stayin’ and finishin’ school on schedule is the only way I know my parents are goin’ to let me do anythin’.

ASTRID SEDIN
Girl, you are almost 21 years old! You can make your own decisions. Besides, Josh would probably make sure you’re only booked at shows that are closer to LA. And hey, you could get paid to go to Japan if we go again.

Just then a thought came across Astrid’s mind, causing her to perk up and slightly jerk her hands away from her manicurist.

ASTRID SEDIN
What if we went to New Orleans for your 21st? You, me, some of your CWD friends… would be fun.

Jazmin Davis
[ii]Oh that sounds like a great idea! I know Mischa, T-Roy, and Alex would be down for sure. I’ll shoot the a text later on about it.[/i][/color]

The “niece” of Joshua Samson, Esquire leans forward and takes a sip from the straw poking out from the Starbucks cup in front of her.

Jazmin Davis
Honestly I’m happy bein’ with just CWD. I grew up around wrestlers that didn’t venture out like that. They spent their entire career with one organization and that left a HUGE impression on me.

ASTRID SEDIN
I only joined other companies because, well, to be honest, EHWF got to be boring cause I was facing the same people all the time and I wanted a bit of a challenge. Then I found out about some drama that I just wasn’t cool with so I left there. And I have no idea what’s going on in the other place but I don’t think I’m sticking around there either. But right now, I’ve got the Meltdown Chamber to concentrate on.

Jazmin Davis
I hope you didn’t take that as a knock? It definitely wasn’t meant to be.

ASTRID SEDIN
Oh no I don’t. I understand you want steady, consistency in your life right now. Just know if you ever change your mind… we’d love to have you.

Jazmin Davis
Cool but me comin’ into EHWF would be just another distraction for you. With everythin’ you have goin’ on right now lookin’ after little ol’ me is just goin’ to get in your way. Like you said, concentratin’ on the Meltdown Chamber should be your only concern.

ASTRID SEDIN
Girl, no… I would not consider it a distraction, merely assisting you grow as a wrestler is how I view the whole thing. I get stuff handled there and if anyone were to give you problems… they’d have to deal with me.

Jazmin Davis
Well maybe one day because I don’t plan to quit this wrestlin’ thing anytime soon.

ASTRID SEDIN
Yes… maybe one day. And if we do go to Tokyo, I will personally talk to your professors saying that you’re my assistant or something. I don’t know… I’ll find some kind of excuse.

Jaz can’t help but let a laugh out loud.

Jazmin Davis
Don’t listen to your sister, Hanna. Education is very important and she wouldn’t lie in any kind of way to get me out of classes. Hehee.

ASTRID SEDIN
You forget I went to law school and although I didn’t take the bar, I haven’t forgotten how things work. And hey, I’m going to be studying as well… your uncle has talked me into taking the California bar exam.

HANNA SEDIN
Him and Uncle Leo… because she wants to become my guardian and that was the deal. Astrid takes the bar and Uncle Leo and Aunt Clair would let her become my legal guardian. That way she has a backup in case she has to stop wrestling.

ASTRID SEDIN
That is true. I even already have a job.

Jazmin Davis
Oh really? Some big law firm downtown?

ASTRID SEDIN
Not a law firm… a… OK it’s with ISM as their in house counsel. I just need to take the bar.

Jazmin Davis
That’s nice! Definitely good to keep it all in the family.

ASTRID SEDIN
One of your uncle’s terms for paying for my test as I joined ISM. I told him what would happen though if I were to join ISM. He just shrugged it off.

Jazmin Davis
It’ll definitely be interesting around the office.

ASTRID SEDIN
It will be… because things will have to change and some people, one in particular, will find their management contracts cancelled.

Astrid raises her hands to look at her nails, smiling as she likes what she sees. A few moments pass by and the ladies are escorted to three pedicure chairs, the workers bringing over their respective drinks.

ASTRID SEDIN
I really do like this place. I think I’ll come here from now on.

Jazmin Davis
It’s definitely more upscale than the one Mischa wants she and I to always go to that’s for sure.

HANNA SEDIN
I like the look of this place. Some nail places feel a bit too… blah to me. Like they want you in and out so they can get more clients in their chairs.

Jazmin Davis
Yes indeed. I’ve been to several of those back home in Atlanta, Hanna. We’ll have to make this our go to spot every two weeks.

ASTRID SEDIN
I’ve already made pre-Hawaii appointments. Just need to know when you wanna do hair cause I know my bright blonde and pink will need touching up so I look amazing in the photos.

Astrid sat back in the chair and smile as she quickly checks her phone.

Jazmin Davis
I’m down for whatever dates you need me, Asti. It’s going to be your big day so I’m here for you.

ASTRID SEDIN
I have to double check with Joshua and the colonel about the travel dates cause I’m not 100% sure what day we’re flying out. I don’t even know if he even went suit shopping yet.

HANNA SEDIN
Doesn’t he have like a thousand suits already?

Jazmin Davis
Good point.

ASTRID SEDIN
He has a lot I will admit that. But this… this is a special suit. It will be the best one he ever wears. Besides, none that he has really go with my dress. Aunt Clair will be bringing that from West Chester along with the… uh wedding night attire. I had to hide them there or Josh would’ve found them.

Jaz chuckles while shaking her head.

Jazmin Davis
At the rate you guys are goin’ you’re goin’ to be pregnant two times over or he’s goin’ to have a massive heart attack!

ASTRID SEDIN
Oh don’t worry… I’m protected. I had an IUD implanted a few months ago. No baby here for a while. Unless he decides he wants one and I take it out. Pretty sure the only kid he would mind having in his home right now is Miss I’m Almost a Teenager over here.

Hanna, with a Cheshire cat grin, looks up from her rose gold iPhone 6.

Jazmin Davis
Man, that would be crazy weird to see Unk with a baby.

The second generation wrestler physically shivers upon the thought.

ASTRID SEDIN
Maybe someday… I don’t know. It’s up to Josh. But I don’t think it will happen because I don’t think he’s much of a baby person.

A sad giggle stifled the mood slightly.

ASTRID SEDIN
Let’s think about Meltdown, and then the wedding and then maybe someday a kid. That’s what he would say.

Jazmin Davis
Sounds about right. Anyway….we should check out a movie after this?

HANNA SEDIN
Do I get to pick since it’s technically by birthday celebration?

ASTRID SEDIN
Well what’s in that people want to see?

Jazmin Davis
I’m down for whatever.

ASTRID SEDIN
Even Disney? Why don’t we all go seen Ant-Man… that’s not too Disney.

Jazmin Davis
Cool. I did like the first one. That work for you, Hanna?

HANNA SEDIN
Well considering I want to know where he was during Infinity War…. yeah it’s cool with me.

ASTRID SEDIN
I’ll order tickets now.

Snatching her phone up, she quickly orders three tickets at the nearby theater for Ant-Man and The Wasp. The scene then slowly fades out as all three young women smile and enjoy their pedicures.