AMA Everybody's Got History

[Nostradamus]

After a long day of training, and working at
Building Bridges: Community Outreach Organization,
Marquise Bridges is making his way home, AirPods
In and enjoying the remainder of his walk.

​

While carrying a duffle bag, Marquise
Has a little musically in-tune rhythm in
His step. Each motion matching the beat and
Lyrics in “Empire State of Mind”. He gazes around
His neighborhood, taking in the wonderful urban
Aesthetics of beautiful, expressive graffiti by all of
The local artists. The gritty exteriors of bodegas with
Signs that say “OPEN” to all of the people out there
Trying to survive. The friendly, and not-so-friendly,
Faces of his fellow New Yorkers roam by going on about
Their business. A smile adorns his face as he walks up the
Steps of his apartment building and retrieves his key, turning it
To unlock the front door as the music ends. Once inside,
He heads up to the third floor, where his apartment is located.
He walks up to his neighbor’s door and knocks. The muffled sound
Of smooth, slow music and locks being undone is heard.

​

“Marquiiiiiiise, what’s up big shot? How was your day?”
-
“Hey Liz, it was pretty good. I can tell you enjoyed yours too.”​

In the doorway stands a woman, almost
His height, but slightly shorter. She wears a white
t-shirt with Marquise’s Organization’s logo on it,
Black sweatpants, slippers, and a Puerto Rican flag
beanie with a Few braids peeking out the back of it.
Her skin is a shining caramel tone, and she seems to always
Catch Marquise’s eye. However the smell of marijuana,
Ironically, sobers his mind and snaps him back to the
Scene at hand.

“Ah-haaa, you know me, always hittin’ that good
Shit to chill out and enjoy my life. Too bad you
Don’t smoke anymore, man. Well I mean not too bad,
You’re doing way better for yourself, you get me?
Remember when we hung out all the time as kids, before
You became Mr. Goody-two-shoes, haha.”
-
“Haha, yeah I get you. And I do remember, they were good times.
I also remember getting in way too much trouble with you.
Like the time we shoplifted at Target and got caught.”
-
“Buuuuut I took the blame and paid it back myself because
You started crying.”
-
“We both know that’s not why you did it, Liz.”
-
“Ok, maybe I felt bad because it was my idea and you cried
Because I was crying, whatever, shut up.”​

They both laugh and smile at each other,
Taking some more time to reminisce about their
Younger days for a few minutes. All the activities and
Less-than-civil acts they engaged in, social situations
That were not the safest situations to be involved with
And places they may or may not have illegally gone into.
Liz’s playlist begins playing another song.

​

“Marquise Bridges and Eliza Torres, the two
Inseparable asshats, always up to no good.
Now look at you, a big-time wrestler guy
And giving back to your hood. I’m so proud of you.
Man, you were such a nerd for that wrestling shit
When you were a kid. Shoulda figured you’d
Actually get there.”
-
“You know Liz, you could have done the same.
Would have been great to still be partners in crime,
But metaphorically this time.”
-
“Marquise…You know I couldn’t. Too much shit and baggage
In my life. Besides, we’re just both meant for different things I guess.”
-
“That’s not true.”
-
“Stop, Marquise. We both made choices, and mine kept me here.
Honestly, I don’t know why or how you still put up with me.
You’re just using me so I can watch Baxter when you’re
Out, aren’t you?”​

The barks of Marquise’s white Bichon Frise, Baxter,
Are heard as he runs up in between Marquise
And Liz. Liz kneels down and plays with Baxter, who
Does a little dance for her, similar to the one he does for
Marquise.

“Yeah, that’s totally it Liz, haha.”
-
“Fuckin’ knew it, you bastard. Ain’t he just a little bitch, Bax?”​

They both laugh as Baxter yips and jumps
Between them, playing as a little energetic dog
Would. Marquise reaches down to pick him up and
Liz stands back up at the same time.

“So, I’m going to a party later. Few from the old group,
You’ll know everybody. I know you don’t do any of that other
Stuff anymore, but it would still be cool for you to come.
I’m know everyone would love for you to be there.”
-
“I’m sure they would. But I can’t Liz. That’s not my thing anymore.
You know I won’t go. I appreciate you inviting me though, I really do.
And I have to keep getting ready for my AMA debut. It’s a big deal,
I’m probably going to get my head knocked around and I’d like
To keep that within a wrestling ring and not on the streets or in
A party with some people that may or may not wish death on me.”
-
“Yeah, you’re right, I’m sorry for asking. But uhm, it was nice having
Baxter today. He’s a lot of fun. Definitely brightens up my day.
He reminds me of you actually.”
-
“Incredibly infectious positivity?”
-
“No, he’s a dog.”​

Marquise and Liz both laugh. Liz hugs both Marquise and
Baxter. They say goodbye, exchange a smile, and she closes her door.
The music in her apartment goes back to being muffled.
Marquise walks down the hall and gets to his apartment.
Baxter lets out a small whimper as Marquise puts his key in the lock.

“Yeah I know Bax. Me too. Come on, help me get ready for
My match Bax. You always help me get the win. Let’s get your
Favorite ball, yeah?”​

Baxter lets out an excited bark and Marquise opens the door.
He sets Baxter down, who scurries all the way inside the apartment.
Closing the door, Marquise sets his things down and goes to put on
Some music of his own, to help him mentally prepare.

​