Lesson

[Ben M]

The scene opened backstage with Mike Kanellis walking down the hallway. Mike looked anxious.

Mike Kanellis: Maria! Baby where are you? You know I don’t feel whole when you’re not around...

As Mike turned the corner, Renee Young stopped him.

Renee Young: Mike? Can I ask you a few questions?

Mike sighed.

Mike Kanellis: Only if I can ask you a question first, Renee. Have you seen Maria? I’m not sure where she is...

Renee Young: Yeah she’s right...

Before Renee could finish her sentence, Maria snuck up behind Mike, putting her hands over his eyes.

Maria Kanellis: Guess Who!

Mike grabbed Maria’s hands, then turned around and hugged her.

Mike Kanellis: I’d recognise that touch anywhere. The touch of an angel. When you touch my skin, you touch my heart. Where were you baby? I missed you.

Maria smiled.

Maria Kanellis: I got you a little something.

She reached into her pocket and handed him a small stone. Engraved on the stone were the words “You’re my Little Rock”. Mike grinned, then kissed her.

Mike Kanellis: You rock! So thoughtful.

Renee rolled her eyes. It was as if Mike had forgotten she was there.

Renee Young: Ummm... Mike?

Mike turned around to face her. Maria hugged him from behind.

Mike Kanellis: Sorry Renee. I was in a world of my own then.

Maria Kanellis: The world of love!

Mike Kanellis: You wanted to ask me a few questions?

Renee Young: I did. First of all, I notice you aren’t involved in the Tag Team Classic. How do you feel about that?

Mike Kanellis: Well actually Renee, that was a choice I made. You see there’s only one partner I need, in the ring and in life, and that’s Maria. They wouldn’t let us enter the tournament as a couple, so I told Mr Jericho I didn’t want to be a part of the Tag Team Classic if Maria couldn’t be a part of it with me.

Renee tried to remain professional and stopped herself from rolling her eyes.

Renee Young: Well tonight you’re in singles action, against Tommaso Ciampa. I assume Maria will be in your corner?

Mike Kanellis: Of course. Which will inspire me to be great.

Renee Young: What are your thoughts on your opponent, Tommaso Ciampa?

Mike Kanellis: Renee, people call Tommaso “psycho killer”, but I’ve looked into those eyes. And do you know what I saw? A man without love. He’s all fight, no heart, and that’s why he’s struggling for success here. Now me, I’m a lover, not a fighter... but when I step into the ring, I’m strictly business. So I’m going to beat Ciampa, and teach him a valuable lesson.

Mike made an L shape with his right index finger and thumb. Renee couldn’t hide the scorn in her voice.

Renee Young: Let me guess... the lesson of love?

Mike Kanellis: No, the lesson of life! And what is life without love?

Maria Kanellis: Oh my!

Mike and Maria formed a heart with their hands, then walked away. Renee shook her head, then walked in the other direction.