15 Minutes of Fame (Part 1 of 3)

15 minutes fame. I trust you’ve heard the _expression before. I’m sure you’ve heard people say “Everyone gets their 15 minutes of fame.” Or “His or her 15 minutes of fame is about to run out.” I never fully understood what the _expression meant as a whole. Until now that is. I never thought taking the time off to actually write a book about my life would lead to anything worth while. My intention on writing about my life was to serve as a means of therapy and healing. I never once thought that anything in my life would interest anyone in the slightest. I mean seriously, who’d want to read about the dark trials and suffering that defined my life, right?

Turns out a-lot of people did. Turns out people are enthralled when it comes to the misery of others. I suppose the complexity behind everything that had recently transpired was enough to grab the attention of the public at large. I guess the formula of a young woman’s search for truth, vengeance and closure amidst the backdrop of murder, rape, betrayal, and the IRA (Irish Republican Army) was what really drew people to even glance upon a copy of my book, “The Boomerang Effect.”

Now here I am, America’s new it girl, the latest flavor of the month, the one everyone wants to see now. I’m the one TV stations are scrambling to hire for the morning and late night talk shows. I’m the one being offered millions of dollars to endorse their products. I’m the one whose face is being plastered on magazine covers and billboards all over the nation.

I never wanted this kind of exposure. I didn’t even ask for this kind of publicity. My once quiet world had suddenly taken a drastic turn. I was a bit of celebrity before, but I was never this big. I used to soar under the radar as if I were a stealth bomber on a top secret bombing mission. No one ever really paid any attention to me and I liked it that way. Now I can’t even walk out of my door without being lynched by the media or crazed, cult like fans who’ve dubbed themselves “Bitches of The Bitch.”

Chase Martelle, welcome to your 15 minutes of fame!

For the sake of my sanity, I hope my 15 minutes of fame last a mere 15 seconds.

January 6th, 2005
On the set during a live telecast of “Live with Regis and Kelly”

Returning from a commercial break, the show fades in to display a quick pan above a cheerful studio audience in attendance. Suddenly the shot cuts to a zoom midway upon Regis and Kelly sitting comfortable on their stools on the middle of the stage set. Regis is adorned with yet another dark but tasteful navy colored suit, while Kelly fashions a very professional yet classy pinstriped pant suit with a lacey frill upon the cuffs of the collar.

We’re back from our commercial break and we’re still joined by the lovely… yet dangerous vixen of wrestling fame, Chase Martelle!

As Regis concludes his welcome back message, the sheer mention of Chase’s name prompts a heavy jubilation from the audience as well as a few cat calls from some overly excited male admirers in attendance. The combination of Regis’ re-introduction and the adulation of the live audience cause her to blush and smile bashfully. While the audience continues to applaud the picture cuts to a close, mid-drift shot of Chase sitting crossed leg on a stool just across from Regis and Kelly. Chase is decorated in a grayish blue, tunic blouse, dark navy jeans, with grayish blue stiletto boots pulled over the jeans.

Listen to this audience, they love this woman. They absolutely love her, Kelly!

Why wouldn’t they Reg, look at her she’s a ravishing young woman!

Kelly replied, animated as always. A quick close up of Chase’s face is shown blushing even more now after Kelly’s lively compliment. Following a few more cheers and cat-calls later, the audience settles down while Regis and Kelly turn their full attention to Chase who is smiling wide but remains coy to the situation, almost hiding her face from both Regis and Kelly and the cameras.

We don’t even get that kind of reception we appear on the set!

Regis exclaims, scolding the audience playfully provoking a few outbursts of laughter.

And you… why are you hiding yourself over there? My breath can’t be that bad? Can it?

Regis asked of Chase who laughed nervously in reaction to Regis outburst.

Oh you stop picking on her, Reg. You’re embarrassing her.

I’m not embarrassing anyone; I just don’t understand why she’s being so shy?

I’m sorry… I’m just not used to being on TV.

Her response elicits a puzzled look upon Regis brow which prompt further laughs from the audience.

Not used to being on TV? You’re a wrestler; you’re on TV at least once a week? You should be used to it by now!

Yeah but that’s different.

As before, her response brought forth yet another puzzled look on Regis’ face. Bewildered beyond comprehension, Regis glances at Kelly then out at the audience with utter disbelief on his face stirring the audience into another fit of laughter.

How is it different!? You’re still on TV either way, right!?

Reg, stop!

Kelly chuckled while shielding Chase from Regis the best she could. As the laughter from the audience settles, Chase slowly turns her head to glance at Regis, who, unbeknownst to Chase had snuck up to her poking his face right near her head. As Chase finally turns her head to see Regis, she jumps suddenly and laughs hysterically, as does Kelly and the audience.

You never answered my question.

Regis whispered jokingly in her ear.

I don’t know, It just is… Leave me alone!

She laughed in reply while shying away from Regis in the process.

Boy oh boy, I’ll tell you what. My wife, Joy, gives me that same answer EVERY time we argue about something. Then I’ll ask her what’s wrong and she’ll just tell me to leave her alone!

Well I’m sure Chase would like for you to leave her alone at this moment.

I wouldn’t be surprised. EVERYONE wants me to leave them alone!

Laughter consumes the studio whole. Kelly and the audience continue to chuckle mildly from Regis recent antics. While the warm laughter ensues, Regis nudges Chase and smiles, prompting her to do the same. Finally the laughter diminishes allowing Regis and Kelly to carry on with their interview.

Sorry about that Chase, sometimes I just get carried away in the spirit of fun. Now, before the break we we’re discussing your martial arts background. Now… you’re an actual black belt in Tae Kwon Do, correct?

Yes I am.

An actual black belt in Tae Kwon Do, how about that! Now what exactly is Tae Kwon Do? Is that like Karate or something?

Well, no. To sum it up, Tae Kwon Do is an action philosophy, the Korean art of self defense. Translated, Tae Kwon Do means “Foot, hand art.”

Interesting. Now, how did you learn Tae Kwon Do?

Let’s see here, I left Ireland for the United States. Now, when I got here I was penniless and had no relatives living over here, with the exception of my sister. However I couldn’t go to my sister for help and you’ll understand why when you read my book. So I basically migrated to Trenton, New Jersey and lived out on the streets.

My god, that’s horrible. How did you survive that ordeal?

Kelly inquired, expressing genuine interest and concern.

I did what I had to do. I stole and just did a number of less then admirable things to get by. Then one day as I was running from an angry shop owner for stealing some cash from a register he accidentally left open and that’s when I bumped into Son Yi Chun, the man who, to this day I consider the only true father I ever had in my life, and the rest is history. From that day on, Son and I made promise to each other. He offered to take me in, feed me, school me, whatever, what have you, and I promised not to revert back to my life of crime. In the process he taught me Tae Kwon Do among many other things and we were soon as close as a real father and daughter would be.

Now, that particular story is in your book, right?

It is, briefly. However, I didn’t really get too in depth with it in my book. The day he was killed was and still is a particularly hard day for me to deal with to this very moment.

I can’t even imagine how hard that has to be on you. I mean I’ve read your book and I’m simply amazed at the fact that you’ve somehow managed to get through all this and become the woman you are today.

Here, here.

Hearing Kelly’s remark prompted a moving, round of applause for the lovely young woman. Chase nods acceptingly in reply while simultaneously mouthing the words “Thank You” back at the audience.

Thank you, guys.

Now, their a-lot of, dark and horrible things within the contents of your book that I won’t mention for the sake of our audience. Not to mention that these particular incidents really took place, this is beyond comprehension.

Heh, yeah it’s definetely not the type of book you leave atop of your coffee table.

Chase giggled in response.

My question to you is, what’s the message you’re trying to convey to the public with your book? Don’t get me wrong it’s a very enthralling and chilling read, albeit a very dark one, though I would certainly recommend it to anyone who has an open mind and isn’t easily offended.

The question had Chase squirming in her seat. She wasn’t sure how to respond. After a brief moment of silence and thinking she reluctantly answered.

I guess the message I’m trying to convey would be… hope. Hope in the face of such terrible despair. One of the things I learned in my recent trials is that no matter how bad things get… they could always get worse. However, in moments of such hopelessness if you simply grab on to and hang on to the notion that one day everything will be alright… then one day you’ll be surprised to find that everything is… alright. I’m not sure if that makes any sense to you or anyone watching this right now. It does however make perfect sense to me and I guess in the long run, that’s what truly matters more then anything.

A brief hush fell over the crowd. Suddenly, the audience erupted in applause for the insightful wisdom befallen upon them.

Well said.

Regis stated while applauding in unison.

Indeed. Well Chase, the book is an excellent read. I applaud you for your bravery and courage in revealing your life to the world. Now, I’ve heard that there is a website were people can go so that they can read “The Boomerang Effect” online?

Yes, I understand that there are people who are less fortunate as I once was and can’t afford to drop down 20 dollars just to read about my life. So, if people are interested in reading “The Boomerang Effect” they can simply log on to www.chasemartelle.com www.chasemartelle.com and they can read the book their. I’ve already posted the first couple of pages from the book on the website and their will be more pages added daily until there are no more pages to post.

That is great. Now, one last question before you go. What’s left for you now? What are you gonna do with yourself now that all that you’ve been through is finally over?

Well, I’ve been wanting to get back into wrestling desperately. I’ve never been as happy as was when I was in the ring. I’ve always had a passion for the business so… if any of you road scouts are looking for more talent to add to your promotion… Here I am, call me!

Excellent idea. Well the book is called “The Boomerang Effect” and this extraordinary young woman is none other the Chase Martelle! Chase thank you for being on the show this morning! Give this remarkable woman a round of applause.

Thank you for having me.

While the audience breaks out in one final round of applause, Chase hugs Regis while kissing him on the cheek then proceeds to do the same with Kelly. After shaking both of their hands and engaging in some final departing words, Chase exits, stage left while waving one final goodbye for the audience.

Coming up next, Ashlee Simpson will be on to perform her hit…

Along with that 15 minutes comes the façade. A constant smile you must bear or the media will really let you have it. So I did what was expected of me in light of my unwanted publicity. I did the talk shows, I endorsed the products, and I smiled for the magazines and billboards to be plastered through out the nation. It made me sick to my stomach, but was I to do? As disgusted as I felt, nothing could prepare me for the nausea I was about to encounter next.

It took place not even two minutes after I walked off the set of that god forsaken show.

To Be Continued…