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Messages - Avi

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1
Climax Control Archives / Disapointment
« on: August 03, 2018, 07:14:32 PM »
 The feeling of falling into that pool, watching as my aspirations of facing my mentor disappeared as I broke the surface, was like having my heart ripped out. When I reemerged, a member of the crew offered me a hand. I took it and a fluffy white towel. Maybe it was a bit petty of me, but I didn't stick around to wait to see who won. It didn't matter to me, because it wasn't me.

Once I got out of view, the tears started. I couldn't help but feel like I had let everyone down. I had come into this fight with determination, with strength. Maybe Mikah had been right.

Her apology had come too late but I accepted it nonetheless and once we were back on dry land, she had invited me to come see the center and to talk about getting our training going again. I wasn't expecting her to be a different person. I didn't want to be treated like I was some frail flower. Crying was not a weakness, it was a release. It let go of everything you were holding inside. After I cried, I felt better.

I needed to stop, so sliding down the wall, I sit on the floor of the corridor. I didn't care that I was dripping or that I was leaving a puddle on the beautiful linoleum floor. I cared about making an impact.

I was so caught up in my own miserable thoughts that I didn't notice when Effie sat down beside me. She was dressed in a pair of long shorts, not quite long enough to be capris though. A Bikini top over bronzed skin. Her blond hair was done in rows of braids, done by a local on one of the islands the ship had stopped at.

Effie: “You know, you have nothing to be ashamed of.”

I disagreed of course. I had come out there with so many hopes and dreams and now they were all at the bottom of the pool.

Effie: “It was a match full of high stakes. It really was all about circumstances, not skill.”

I still wasn't convinced.  It had everything to do with skill, just not necessarily all Wrestling skills.

Effie: “I will take your lack of speech as a silent protest.”

She pulls a cigarette case from her pocket and pulls out a stick. It looked like the ones you use for lollipops.

Effie: “Trying to quit, but I need something in my mouth...”

She nudges me firmly with her elbow, trying to get a laugh out of me. Best I can do is a smirk.

Effie: “Well there's something at least. Look, you are a tough girl. Anyone that says otherwise is just jealous. Do you realize how much potential you have? And no one in this company can fucking see it. Seems to be the folly of our bosses. If you are not crazy, an asshole or supermodel beautiful you get looked over. But isn't that life for us as women anyway? It is 2018 and there are still some people out there that believe that women shouldn't have rights?”

She shakes her head, chewing hard on the stick. I could see why she smoked in the first place.

Effie: “So those tears you are trying to hide, don't hide them. Don't let anyone tell you that crying is a weakness. It is just how you deal. See me? I get angry and that's not always good. This isn't the end. You are trained by the Bloody bombshell champion. If you weren't skilled she wouldn't have taken you on.”

It was true, Mikah didn't take on charity cases. I had to show her what I could do. She worked me for three days straight, eight hour days. Then she had been convinced I could hang.

She stands, watching me with this look on her face that I couldn't quite place. It was hard to know what Effie was thinking. She definitely wore a mask. Like the masks for comedy and Drama, only Effie's faces were indifferent and anger. So this was not something I was used to.

Effie: “I’ll see you around.”

She nods at me before walking back the way she came. Her words helped a little but I still felt like I let everyone down. I wasn't going to give up though. I just had to work harder. Be stronger. Be faster.


***
***ON CAMERA***

“I didn't come out victorious for the battle royal at summer extreme.”

Aviana sits at a table in front of a large window, a purple juice in a clear cup and lid, sits in front of her. She takes a sip and gives a half smile. She has her dark blonde hair in a ponytail. Someone walks by the window and you can now tell she is at a juice bar of some sort.

“And just like I thought, Crystal and Seleana worked together. It wasn't fair but life rarely is. I am not a mean or vindictive person but I for one am happy to see the end of the Mikah and Crystal back and forth. No one wants to see the same match, multiple times. As a wrestling fan, I would have been disappointed in that outcome but happy Mikah retained.”

She looks toward the window for a second, obvious that her loss was weighing heavily on her heart. She looks back to the camera now.

“But I wanted to be the one to win. I wanted to prove everyone wrong. So now, I have to just keep fighting my way to the top again, no matter how long it takes. I was trained by Mikah. I even incorporated some of her moves in my repertoire, but I am not Mikah and I won't be defined by her. I don't think Mikah would want that either, to her, it is not flattery to be emulated. But she does take a certain amount of pride in those she has dedicated time to training.”

She takes a sip of the drink. She then dabs the corners of her mouth with a napkin.

“I didn't get as much one-on-one as Courtney did, so expecting me to be a top billed person is unrealistic. I don't want to be defined by either of them either. A world full of people who all conform to the same mold would be a very dull place indeed.”

She attempts another smile but it falls flat. She seemed to be harder on herself than anyone else could ever be.

“I know that I am not a traditional wrestler but as you may have noticed I am not a traditional girl either. I do things my way and it does work, I just need to keep getting better. And I will.”

She inhales deeply, holding the breath before releasing it again. She is trying very hard to keep herself from getting emotional.

“So this match... a match billed as being special in some way, is against Parand Ara again. I am not going to be cocky and think that because I won before I will easily do so again. Parand was a tough fight. I need this win though and I am going to know what tools to bring into the ring this time. I am better prepared. I know her moves. She should know mine as well, but to be honest she strikes me as someone that doesn't pay much attention to her opponents that closely. She already judged me to be just as immoral and self righteous as every other bombshell.”

A determined look comes into her eyes. Probably more determined than the audience has ever seen her. As if this big loss has really provided the extra push she needed.

“In the end though, it was her own arrogance that cost her the match and I know it will cost her again this time too. I respect Miss Ara’s beliefs.  I understand why she feels that women should be more, submissive and agreeable. But forcing your views on others and telling them their beliefs are wrong, is just as wrong. Accepting differences is the only way to achieve peace on this planet. I hope that if anything, Miss Ara will accept my hand in respect at the end of another well fought match. And I do respect her. Her skills are awesome and she has a natural ring awareness. Those are valuable tools to bring to the table.”

She finally is able to give a genuine smile.

“Good luck, Parand.”

She finishes the drink and stands, walking to the garbage can and turning back to the camera.

“And to answer your previous question... yes, I do have faith, just not in the things you think.”

She nods her head as she adjusts a duffle bag on her shoulder and leaves the establishment.

***

Getting home from the gym, I noticed the blinking light on the answering machine. Yes. We still had a landline. Call it old school thinking. So we also had an old answering machine too. I have no shame in it.

Ana was at a doctor's appointment so obviously she wasn't here to answer the phone. I press the button while I start to unpack my gym bag, I was still feeling damp and needed a shower desperately. I didn't do communal showers. I even changed my clothes in a toilet stall. Don't judge.

“Aviana, this is Jessica. You know, Oceana’s aunt? Yeah well I wanted to tell you personally that I came back as a match. I still want to help by donating my kidney, but I want something in return. I can't just give anonymously. I want to know my niece. So, that's my only request. Give me a call when you get this and we can chat. Okies! Bye!”

Shit.


2
Supercard Archives / BOMBSHELL ULTIMATE X OVER THE POOL BATTLE ROYAL
« on: July 20, 2018, 11:08:11 PM »
 Ana and my parents had come with me to the airport. I was flying to Los Angeles where I was boarding the cruise ship. It wasn't an ideal place for me at all. I was horrible at social interaction, and I had a phobia of getting burned in the sun. It was like a game from the movie Saw, at least to me.

In a Jigsaw voice...
“Hello Avianna, do you want to play a game? All your life the idea of being trapped and large unavoidable crowds have been two of your major fears. Survive the week in order to get out.. “


Shaking myself from my thoughts, I look my twin in the face.

Me: “I dunno Ana. I want to believe that this is going to be the thing that pushes me but I feel lost without you there with me. Without Mom, Dad or Ethan...”

Ana takes my head in both her hands. She gives me that reassuring, loving smile that only she can give me.

Ana: “I have faith in you, Avi. Even if you don't make it to the end, you are not a failure. Don't listen to Mikah. Mikah is being Mikah. You be Avi. Don't let anyone tell you that you are not strong enough.”

She envelopes me in a massive hug. My Dad steps up next, although he was much like me. Shy, reserved, he was warm and easy to talk to.

Dad: “Monkey, look at you... I am so proud of you. You have the love and support of your family back home. It is unconditional.”

I nod. My mom doesn't say anything, only hugs me impossibly tight. Her chest heaves with sobs she is trying to hold back. This was the longest I will ever be away from home, or at least the longest and farthest. And the longest I will be away from Ana too. I kiss my mom's cheek when she pulls back. She nods and moves back into my father's arms. They announce that my boarding is happening and I point to the ceiling.

Me: “That's me.”

They wave me off as I move through the gate. I could do this. Couldn't I? I had my family, even if I came back empty handed. At least, until Ana’s remaining kidney gave out. It was enough to make me that much more nervous leaving home. What if there was an emergency? What if she died and I didn't make it home in time?

My phone dings as I step into line behind others that are waiting to board. It's a text from Ana.

Ana
I love you Avi. Thank you for being the best sister in the world. Don't worry, nothing bad is going to happen to me and we will talk on the phone everyday that you are gone. Go bring me home a title!


Ana really was my rock. I needed her, sometimes I felt like maybe I needed her more than she needed me. What would I do if I lost her? I was only able to handle Ethan's death because she was there. Who would be there if she died too?

I sent her back a bunch of emojis and quickly checked my email. Still no word about whether Stephanie was a match. I had so much going on but I had to block it all out, focus on winning. That's what I needed to do first.

Flight Attendant: “Boarding pass Please “

I hand the attendant my package. She smiles politely.

Flight attendant: “Enjoy your flight, Ms. O’Connor.”

Not likely. Did I mention I hate flying too?


***

I hated lines. I hated waiting in them. I hated that other people in lines usually had no consideration for others, like the woman who was currently holding us up. Her big straw beach hat hid her face from me but she was arguing with the attendant about the yappy dog in her purse.  Don't get me wrong, I love animals but when people like this woman saw them more as accessories than pets, it really grinds my gears. Eventually she hands the dog over to her driver and pulls her luggage toward the ramp leading up to the ship. There were two people ahead of me and one antsy guy behind me that shifts his weight from one foot to the other. I can hear him huffing as we waited for people to dig out their ID, even though they clearly mentioned you needed it on every sign lining the poles to the checkpoint.

After another few minutes, finally it's my turn when the guy behind me pushes me forward. I stumble onto my hands as he walks around me. As he does he curls his lip in disgust.

Odd Guy: “No wonder Mikah has got a new protege. You suck.”

He quickly flashes his passport. I felt something in my belly. I wasn't prone to anger but this guy had made my blood boil. Uncharacteristically, I chase after the guy, pushing him. He takes off in a sprint as the attendants shout after me to come back.  I followed him through the crowds of people as we both dodge people coming from all angles. When he is suddenly stopped by a bunch of neatly stacked crates, I move in.

Me: “What do you mean, Mikah has a new student? Where did you hear this?”

Mikah had been blowing me off for weeks. No communication. Nothing.

Odd Guy: “I didn't hear it from anywhere okay, I saw it. At Mikah's new training center, okay?”

New training center? What in the actual fu... The guy is young, probably younger than me. He's in shape with a thin athletic frame.  His hair is the same colour of sandy blonde that you couldn't tell if it was a dark blonde or a light brown. But it was his eyes that really stuck out, Green was such a rare colour.

Odd Guy: “You didn't know, did you?”

The man's voice is snide and he laughs. I should have been used to people talking to me like this. When they confused naivety for being unintelligent. I was just uninformed.

Odd Guy: “You are a hot mess, girl.”

The attendant has caught up with us, he is huffing as he puts his hands to his knees to catch his breath. I turn toward him, wearily eyeing the man. I wanted... no NEEDED to know more.

Cruise worker: “Miss... you... need... to... show us... your ID.”

Me: “Sorry...”

I turn back only to see the new guy has disappeared. Who was he? How did he see Mikah with someone new? As the attendant checks my ID, My mind wanders. Who was that guy anyway? Why did he seem to know more about my supposed mentor than I did? Maybe it was time for a change.

***
Promo:
***On Camera***

Once again, Avi has opted for something low key. She is sitting in her room on the ship, using her phone. For once she is showing a little skin with a V-neck sleeveless blouse and Khaki shorts.

“The only one that really said anything bad about me was Mikah. Everyone else seemed to have some respect for me. They made guesses about how I was going to be coming into the match. That I would be determined to prove something after losing to Evie. I know what I can do in the ring. Yes, I am new. I am only two matches in and I am still finding a balance but I do not need to be someone I am not to win this match. I am not putting on fake confidence to fool you all into thinking I am hiding anything. This is me. There is no ulterior motive. There is no game. What you see is what you get and if all the people in this match, other than Mikah, are assuming I am not who I say I am, they will be disappointed.”

She offers a half hearted shrug, as if to say that there was nothing she could do about what people say or think.

“Why is being a decent human being such a skeptical thing? Is it because everybody nowadays is fake? The only thing I want to impress people with is my wrestling skill. My personality is irrelevant. I am nothing if not completely transparent. Lying has never been something I enjoy doing, nor is it something I am particularly skilled at either.”

She offers a smile smile to the camera. Despite her words, there is no ounce of anger in her voice.

“I may not be a lady, I may not be as sweet as Dani. I am not as relentless as Mikah or determined like Christina. I may not have my family in the ring with me but I am not unknown like Portia. I am a rookie, like newborn baby rookie. This is my third match in my career. I know the odds are stacked against me. I may be naive out there in the world but one thing I do know is what needs to be done in that ring.”

She hits her hand with her fist as she makes each point, her voice growing more and more confident with every syllable she says.

“Yes Evie beat me. To be honest, I would have been disappointed if she had been easy to defeat. She is a skilled, seasoned bombshell. No one should have been confident in me getting out of that match with a win. But I did win against Parard Ara. She is a ruthless, take no, excuse my language, shit individual but I got that pin. I earned it. You can't say I didn't. Two career matches against two very tough people. Instead of talking about how I lost, talk about how I got out alive. That is a real skill.”

She straightens her shoulders, sitting taller.

“Let's also remember that everyone in this match is new other than Christina. Dani has had a handful of matches with no wins. Seleana talks about how she is still learning. Apple is also entering this match as a rookie on her third in an SCW ring. Portia well... she didn't even say a word about this match last week so I think maybe she got scared and backed out.  If anyone has an advantage, it is Christina.”

She readjusts herself on the bed, stretching out her legs.

“I am all for people getting a fair shake but Christina has had more than her share. This will be her what? 4th time challenging for the bombshell title in a month? Maybe she needs to step back and reevaluate her strategy. I look at this match as more than just an opportunity to get a shot at the bombshell title. Mr. Underwood and Mr. Ward put us in this match to see who the next star is. Who among us can step up and lead the new generation of bombshells. I gotta be honest, I have never seen myself as a leader but my Dad tells me that with a little push I can be a role model. I want to be someone other girls can look up to just like I looked up to my Brother. Yes, he got involved with something bad but I am here to prove that not every O’Connor in wrestling is like that. I can show the world that you don't have to be an asshole to get to the top of the mountain.”

She takes a moment to compose her thoughts before continuing.

“I didn't start school until high school. I went in thinking that it was just like how they portray it on tv and movies. The truth was that tv only glamorized it. I hated High School. It was all about fitting in to a group. I had nothing in common with any of them. So needless to say I am used to sitting on the outside looking in. I didn't come to SCW expecting to find common ground with anyone. And knowing how petty and jealous women get, especially of each other, I wasn't expecting to make friends with the other bombshells. The one way to tell who someone really is, put them in a competitive setting. People in general will sacrifice anyone for a prize.”

Her hand goes to a silver locket around her neck, closing around it and holding it.

“Are Christina and Seleana willing to sacrifice each other for a shot at that title? Christina has been in a back and forth battle with Mikah for months. It seems to be the only thing that matters to either of them. I am not going to discount how skilled Christina is. I know how good Mikah is, and she has beat her on several occasions, but I think having her wife, newlywed wife I might add, is going to have her doubting herself. And Seleana? She seems like a sweet person. I don't want to stereotype her, since that is what people do to me on a constant basis, but is she fierce enough to push her wife over the rope? More than likely they will work together at first, eliminating people as a team until it is simply the two of them squaring off. At least, I would think that if it weren't for the other competitors in the match.”

She opens the locket, looking at the pictures before looking back up at the camera with soulful hazel eyes.

“I appreciate your words to me about my brother, Christina. It is nice to know that there are other people who have walked a mile in the same shoes. After this match is done, maybe we could get a coffee. I do not have many friends and the ones I do have still don't understand the loss in my heart.”

She closes the charm abruptly, her eyes seemingly a little glossy.

“Apple Coren. Effie was right, that really is an unfortunate name. But I am not one to pick on people over petty details. She has already proven herself to be someone who doesn't stand around and wait for things...  wait... yes she does. She waits for water and food. All while her assistant does the work for her. She calls herself a lady. Does she realize that this distinction in the United States really doesn't mean anything? That in the wrestling ring, you could be a bonafide princess and you could still end up with broken bones and missing teeth? It seems just as strange for a woman with so much social and economical advantages as it does for this nerdy little bookworm to want to beat people up for a living.”

She shrugs with a smirk.

“Wrestling brings a plethora of different people together, all in the name of being seen as a winner. What I don't get is with all your advantages, what are you compensating for?  I know personally I am doing this not just for the memory of my brother, but because I don't want people to think I am not strong. Is that your reason Apple? Do you need people to take you seriously? Do the people closest to you see you as some doll they can dress up and pose to impress others? I am not going to offer my pity. That, in my opinion is worse than demeaning you with insults. But I do know how to play on that weakness. You are going to fight tooth and nail to avoid being embarrassed. That and the disaster it would be should you get soaked.”

She chuckles a little.

“I can see you using that fire to push yourself far Apple. As much as my words probably don't mean much to you. Just know that you are not the first bully I have encountered and you won't be the last. I am not dying at your hands. Not on Sunday. It means too much to me even to get the opportunity to stand opposite Mikah in that ring. You wouldn't understand and I don't expect you to, just needed to be said.”

With a quick nod she moves on.

“Portia Alexander. The mysterious opponent that none of us know anything about. Other than you are from a ghost town in Mohave County, Arizona. I have never been there but my friend Ty is from Tucson and he has said it is creepy. The other thing we know is that you have Dragon themed names for your moves. What those moves are, not sure, but it gives me reason to believe you fancy yourself some sort of Dragon Lady.”

She smiles, it reaching up to crinkle the skin in the corners showing true amusement.

“Well Khaleesi, unfortunately in this realm Dragons don't exist, at least not anymore, if you believe that research. And you don't seem especially tough when you cannot even get in front of a camera to talk about how lucky you are to have a title opportunity in your debut match. It will probably earn you a quick dunk in the drink. That should extinguish that flame and roar.”

She hooks her fingers, imitating a creature as she gives a soft ‘roar’ sound, before going back to her quiet, reserved voice.

“Where does that leave us? Dani right? I like Dani. She is sweet, kind and also tough. It is everything I think a bombshell should be. I commend you on your tenacity and the fact that after so many losses you are still sticking it out. You are a true fighter. I can appreciate that. I think that you and I would probably get along well outside of wrestling. However, the one thing I have that I didn't really see you having was adaptive learning. That is the ability to take the mistakes you have made and use them as your motivation to improve, so you don't make the same mistakes again. That's my strength. After losing to Evie, I have made it my goal to improve on anything that contributed to that loss. I know you don't do that because you continue to lose. It is why, I do not have confidence that you will move on to face Mikah. But, it is anyone's game. Maybe you will surprise everyone on Sunday.”

She offers a thumbs up and it is in no way mocking or sarcastic. Then her face takes on a dark turn, her lips curling into an emotion not yet seen on the young rookie before.

“And of course, Mikah. You are the ultimate prize. In my quest to prove that you didn't give me enough credit, I want to be the one challenging you. What makes it better is that you already expect me to lose. And I may get eliminated before I can but I will chalk that up to having a mentor who never comes to her scheduled training sessions. You gave up on me long before I joined SCW. You saw me as a bug. You hate that I wear my heart on my sleeve because it is scary. It is scary to you that someone can walk around, exposed. Why would I make myself so vulnerable, right? Your job was not to rewire me into a carbon copy. Your job was to give me the knowledge to win wrestling matches. How can I learn when you never show up to teach me?”

Her voice is raised higher than normal, this is the first time this audience has seen Aviana this angry. Tears well in her eyes as her voice takes on a snarl.

“Damn you Mikah. That's right. You are counting me out over one loss. Two matches in SCW and you’re saying you are tired of seeing ME lose? No. I am not buying it. I can see where this is heading. You are opening your new facility and you haven't even told me personally about it. I had to learn from other people. I also learned that you have a new girl. Were you even going to tell me about it? Were you ever going to complete my training? I chose you because you came recommended. Ethan may not have trained under you, but he did know you and when he mentioned you in passing one day, I remembered your name. I suppose I was wrong to put my faith in you.”

She shakes her head before wiping her angry tears with the back of her hand.

“You are a selfish woman Mikah Green. Whenever something doesn't go the way you plan, you abandon it for a new project. And I know this new girl you have is just that. I am not going to let you use me as a doormat. Thank you for the knowledge and experience but I am not going to do this anymore. I am not a nobody. I no longer require your services, I will find someone that actually wants to train me and be there. So don't worry, the ‘disappoint’ you feel right now you can let go of because as of right now, I am no longer your student.”

A new tear drops from her eye and runs down her cheek but her initial anger is gone, replaced with reason and determination to succeed.

“I don't need people in my life that treat me like garbage. And I know that you brush all of this off like you don't care, but that is a common occurrence with you. You only care when it benefits you and even then you are cold. I have been doing just fine training with all the,   replacements you send, so why am I paying you? I will be stronger for this but I am not going to stand here and let you count me out. I am better than that. Let's face facts, you never wanted to train me, did you? I don't know why you agreed in the first place. It couldn't be about the money, lord knows you like to brag about how much you have already. I wasn't coming to you because I needed to change who I was, I came to you because you are noted as one of the best female wrestlers this business. I wanted to learn how to wrestle. I would say you assimilated Courtney into your image but I just think she was always a bitch.”

She doesn't even try to apologize for the cuss word.

“Effie showed me your comments. So instead of coming to me yourself, you chose to belittle me on a public forum where I cannot even defend myself. I think Effie is a nice person, at least she has been to me, but I don't need her defending me but, the most amusing thing about this whole situation is that you are opening a training center. You want to train other people but yet you can't even train me. You give up and run when things get tough. Maybe not in a ring, but in life. You disappeared for weeks. I can't even begin to know why and at this point, I am done caring what happens to you. Ana says that you ‘Shit on the most precious gift’ by abandoning me. I want to believe her but I do not consider myself precious or a gift, but I do know that my trust is not easily earned and once earned it is hard to lose. But you managed to do both.”

She laughs sardonically.

“I hope that none of your other new students have to be subjected to your hot and cold nature. That you don't give up on them like you did me. They don't deserve to have their feelings toyed with anymore than I did.”

She takes a deep, steadying breath.

“So I am going to be the last woman standing in that match, come hell or high water so that I can stand toe-to-toe with you. The bombshell title is a bonus. Not to impune how much of an honor it is to be in this opportunity, but the real prize is going to be that I beat you. I will have beat my giant. I think it is the last lesson I want to learn from you, Mikah. After that? I will be able to move forward and continue with my own dream. You know at first I felt bad that Courtney has to wait but now it is just going to push me to be the last woman standing. And if I end up in that ring against you Mikah, I’m going to make sure you eat your words about me. Even if I don't end up the bombshell champion, I will not just be an easy conquest ”

The confidence in the young girl is a huge change from her earlier promos.

“Not all of us are ogres Miks, but we all have layers like one. Too bad you weren't willing to see more of mine.”

She offers a wave before the promo ends abruptly.

***
“So how did you end up getting trained by Mikah. You are nothing like her, and when she picked Courtney it kind of makes sense...”

Ty West sits across from me, he was very handsome and all sinewy muscle that threatens to rip the tight white tank top. It is hard not to stare so I avert my eyes into the cup in my hands. A iced drink that was more cream then actual coffee.

Me: “I know it seems weird. I am not someone that Mikah would associate with in the real world.”

He chuckles at me, eyeing me over the rim of his mug of coffee.

Ty: “...Real world? You don't think this is real?”

He moves his hand, referring to the crowds of people on the ship. I bite my lower lip. I did often refer to wrestling like this. I suppose it was just because that is how my parents always treated it.

Me: “No... it's... complicated...I dunno...”

He smiles again. I am being appraised. For what I didn't know.

Ty: “Are you nervous around me Aviana?”

I give him a nod and he reaches across the table to pat my hand.

Ty: “You don't have to be. When I said I wanted to be friends, I meant it. I was stupid to listen to Effie and should have just followed my own instincts.”

I look up. What did that mean?

Ty: “Effie told me that asking you out would make Courtney jealous. I honestly thought she didn't care.”

What the fuck! I was over here feeling bad about it all and the whole time I was being used!

Me: “So you only did this because of Courtney? Not because you genuinely wanted to be friends?”

I don't think I had ever felt more infuriated with someone. But I tried not to let that show too much in the tone of my voice. Not even Mikah had made me this mad before. He immediately shakes his head. The first thing I do is look into his pupils. They enlarge. It was usually a sign of sincerity in people.

Ty: “I know, it was a jackass move. It is not something I would normally ever do. Can you forgive me?”

I had to admit, he did look sincere. I could tell that he regretted the whole situation. I couldn't punish him for that when he seemed to be punishing himself internally already.

Me: “Fine! But if you take advantage again I will do worse than try to punch you in the face.”

He laughs. Good. That's what I was going for. I got the feeling he was looking for someone other than Effie to confide in. I didn't know her well at all, but she struck me as someone that had a lot of pent up issues not yet dealt with.

Ty: “Deal. I don't have a whole lot of friends and people around here seem to think I am this vain jackass. I hardly talk about my looks, even in promos. It's that damn nickname.”

I shrug. There was one way to stop it.

Me: “Drop it then. Stop acknowledging when people use it. They want to keep bringing your looks into the mix then just ignore it. Eventually, when they see that it isn't making its mark, people will find something else to try and get under your skin.”

He nods, taking a sip of his coffee and then looking at me.

Ty: “And you? How are you dealing with people assuming you have no wins in SCW?”

I had to admit that did bother me. It was like no one acknowledged my debut match at all, it was all about that loss to Evie Baang.l

Me: “People are focusing on the one loss I had against someone that has been a wrestler for way longer. I am new, a loss should be expected and not a surprise. Yes, Mikah trained me, but I am not Mikah. I do things differently, think differently. I let people see the real me. I know it comes with risks. I know that makes me vulnerable but it also takes away any power they might get by finding some secret to use against me. Mikah tried to do that by bringing up Ethan. It is no secret that he died, but she can't use him against me like that. He would be proud of me for getting this far. What bothered me was her saying I had no chance or that I shouldn't even be counted as a threat. It actually shows a lot about her.”

Ty nods. He gets it. You know, people want to try and say he is just some pretty boy nitwit but if they took time to actually talk to him they would see how wrong they were.

Ty: “It shows that she failed as an instructor when you lose, she is saving face by acting like she never cared.”

Me: “Bingo. Mikah wants to play all her hands close to the chest. She also is angry that Courtney did something stupid. So who better to take it out on then me, right? And she has this girl now. I bet Mikah treats her better than me. So I think it might be time to move out of Mikah’s shadow, just like Courtney did. Who by the way lost to Evie too.”

Ty smirks. Then he chuckles.

Ty: “The mouse does have a little bite back. I like it. You should do that more often, especially in promos.”

I feel suddenly insecure and slouch in my chair. I was so afraid that people would judge me or not accept me. But he was right. I needed to take back my power. I had been so focused on impressing Mikah that it was hurting me. I was hurting myself way more than Mikah ever could.

Me: “Do you know anyone looking to take on students? I might be in the market.”

Ty smirks and nods.

Ty: “Bliss recently took on that GM job but there are plenty of qualified trainers at Olympia. I’m sure they can help you out.”

It was nice to talk to people that actually thought I had potential. A lot could be said for having faith and patience.

***
“You fired her? In a promo? What were you thinking Avi? You still need some polishing and who is going to do that?”

Ana’s voice is disappointed over the phone. I was just at my breaking point.

Me: “I will find another trainer, Ana. It's not a huge deal. She has taken me for granted for months. She had no intention of telling me about the new training center. To her, I’m a failure because I am not beating everyone like Courtney. She just wants to forget that I exist and I will not stand for it. Everyone in this match thinks that I shouldn't be here because I am too nice. That I’m scared.”

Ana: “Avi, you are strong. You are strong when it counts and you are good at this. Don't compromise who you are just so some dummies don't say some untrue things about you. I think Mikah is actually scared of you. She knows that the moment you get some confidence she is in trouble, so by belittling you it keeps you under her thumb.”

So why was she trying to convince me not to fire her?

Ana: “Maybe that's why she was doing it? To grab a psychological advantage?”

I shake my head, and then remember that Ana can't see me.

Me: “No. I just think she doesn't care. She hasn't cared in months. I am not wasting anymore money. We were paying her for her expertise only for her to send others. She is just taking advantage. When I get back, I'm going to start looking for another trainer. Someone that actually wants to help me get better. Don't worry Ana.”

She was going to have other things to worry about. Like the fact that in a few short weeks, her biological aunt could be donating a kidney...

Ana: “Easier said then done, Avi... I always worry about you.”

***


3
Supercard Archives / BOMBSHELL ULTIMATE X OVER THE POOL BATTLE ROYAL
« on: July 14, 2018, 09:15:15 PM »
 "Secrets"

Looking in my closet, you would hardly call my wardrobe fashionable. I wasn't the type to show a lot of skin. So there were not very many options for a cruise ship. I chew on my lower lip while trying to decide what I should pack. I supposed t-shirts for sure, although I owned very few of them. I hated the idea of getting burnt and skin cancer so the majority of my tops were light long sleeve cotton. Mostly plain white. And jeans. Jeans were utilitarian. It was easy to fit into a social setting, although I did own a few pairs or cords and a pair of Bermuda shorts. I put the shorts in my open bag, along with my socks and underwear. I owned only one bra and I was wearing it currently.

There is a light knock on my door and Ana enters. She smiles as she enters with a handful of multicolored clothes. She walks in placing them in the bed.

Avi: “Did Karen leave already?”

Karen was the nurse that came in the mornings to help with Ana’s dialysis treatments. We had two other nurses that came as well. One in the afternoon and one in the evening. It was easier that going to the hospital that often.

Ana nods. I look at the clothes she has brought in and I shake my head.

Avi: I’m not going to wear your clothes Ana...

Ana takes a seat on my bed, placing her hands on her lap. She looks too skinny to me. Maybe because we had been inseparable since conception I noticed even slight changes. It could also be because I was perceptive though.

Ana: You are going on a cruise, you should look pretty Avi. Not that you aren't pretty now, just... you have guys asking you out. Think of the possibilities with a spruce up of your old boring wardrobe.

I shake my head as she holds up a bright blue tank top. I had never shown that much skin before. It was bad enough my wrestling gear was tight.

Ana: Avi, you can't stop living because I’m sick. What happens if they don't find a donor? I can only be on dialysis for so long.

Avi: If you let me find Bethany...

Ana holds up her hand. The look on her face was enough to shut me up though.

Ana: We talked about this. I don't want anything to do with her. She is not our mother Aviana. Our parents gave her the option to be part of our lives and she disrespected them. She abandoned us.

I didn't see it that way. I think Bethany gave us a better opportunity to bond with our mom, without her around to undermine that. Ana saw it as abandonment. I saw it as mercy. Plus, imagine how hard it was to have to give up her biological children.

Avi: Okay, Ana. I won't go looking.

Ana: Promise me Avi. Promise me you won't go poking around. We will be okay. We have spent the last 23 years doing just fine without her.

The determined set of her face has me nodding my head. Now I had it on my conscience that I was going to betray my twin.

***
Promo

Avi: “I’m going to tell you all a secret. I am terrified of this match.”

Aviana sits against a window, the lower manhattan skyline evident through it. It is raining, the sky is grey and miserable.

Avi: “My third match in and I am being put in a position I was not expecting. I position I have not earned. I really appreciate Crystal’s kind words of encouragement. It really means a lot but it still doesn't change the fact that I feel like I am getting a shot on the back of someone's misfortune.”

She looks out the window, the camera catches her side profile. She uses her finger to trace a droplet down the pane of glass.

Avi: “What's worse is that Courtney is in that position because of me. If Ty hadn't asked me out, she never would have gotten angry at him. Never would have foolishly acted out. And honestly, her injury is her own fault but the events leading up to it involve me and I cannot help but feel guilty about that. Maybe she needs to take some anger management. She did tell him she wasn't interested and he walked away. What else did she want from him?”

She shrugs, turning back to the camera.

Avi: “Ty said he would like to get a cup of coffee. As friends. I don't have any of those so I am not going to turn that away. Maybe I am too inexperienced with guys to not see some hidden innuendo or meaning but when someone tells me something I take it at face value.”

She sighs heavily, it is easy to see that this weighs heavily on her mind.

Avi: “And should I be lucky enough to come out the winner, I go on to face my instructor. This woman trained me, she knows my moves. Me going up against her well, I don't know if I am ready for that but I am going to give it my all. This ring is going to be full of people with different levels of experience but the thing about it though is that the winner is not going to be a winner because they were the best wrestler, it will be because they outsmarted the rest. I don't know why people are saying I am going to be gunning for this win. That somehow I am going to turn into someone I am not. I am not some fierce, powerful woman. I do want to earn my chances based on my skill. That skill will lead to accomplishments. I want to be recognized for that, not for becoming a unrecognizable beast, hulking up in a ring.”

She wipes at her eyes with the back of her hand. Aviana was never great at expressing her emotions but it is obvious that she wears her heart on her sleeve.

Avi: “I know... there is no crying in wrestling. I get that. I know my opponents will see this as a weakness but my ability to feel and care is one of my greatest assets. I am not out there to purposely hurt people, or take anyone for granted. I am not willing to step on people to be first in line. I want to be first in line because I earned that spot.”

She pulls her legs up under her on the window seat. Her oversized T-Shirt has the SCW logo on it, but it seems to swallow her small frame within it.

Avi: “That is what people like Apple and Mikah do. They will do whatever it takes to win. Crystal also seems to often flip between being a mentor and being on the verge of insanity. Seleana has had kind of tough go lately but maybe this is the push she needs, pun unintentional. Dani Weston seems to be a lot like me. She is here for the right reasons, at least what I think are the right reasons. Portia, well? There isn't even a lick of information on her available. I hope she doesn't think this means that she will have an advantage simply because her opponents are going in blind. No one is headed into SummerXXtreme more Blind than Mikah. She has to prepare for six different opponents, because she doesn't know who is going to be lucky enough to stay on dry land.”

She looks down at her fingers, which can't seem to keep from fidgeting with the hem of her shirt. Her fingernails are short and clean. Her hands though show more lines and wisdom than someone half her age. She constantly is keeping herself busy, being interested and knowledgeable in a variety of subjects.

Avi: “I don't really know much about any of these five girls I am facing. I am not here to talk trash about them and tell you how I am better. That isn't going to win me this match. Knowing their weaknesses and strengths isn't going to.help me either. The only way to move on is to dump five other girls over the ropes and into the drink. That involves using your brain. It involves watching and waiting for opportunities.”

She seems to have gained a little more confidence now, her voice becoming stronger, no stopping to hold back her sobs.

Avi: “That kind of planning is best suited for the second round. A one on one with Mikah. And you know, I don't even know her on a personal level. She plays it all close to the chest. Doesn't let anyone in. I don't begin to understand or know why but I believe it is because some dramatic happened that caused her pain. She just couldn't stand to feel that sort of pain again. I suppose I can respect that, but closing off your heart isn't going to do anyone any good. Not in wrestling, not out there in the real world.”

Avi reaches off screen and comes back with a picture frame. The camera can only see the back of it and not the actual picture inside it.

Avi: “I am doing this in my brother's memory. This was his dream. And now it is mine. I am doing this to help keep his memory alive. Using some of the moves he taught me as well as those that Mikah showed me. I have natural athletic ability and I’m a perfectionist. When I lost to Evie last week, I was devastated but I did make her earn it. I didn't crumble like other rookies. I have spent hours in a practice ring working on the things I got wrong. I have done nothing but prove what I could be capable of. Will that be the next bombshell champion? It could very well be. I know I want to be.”

She clasps her fidgety hands tightly together to still them and gives the camera a smile.

Avi: “I do know this, I am not going down without a fight. I am not going to be a girl known for just giving up. I am going to fight until there is no fight left. Show me someone else on the roster willing to do that, and I will prove they are liars. I am going to be, unstoppable.”
***

I look down at the paper in my hands while standing across the street from a pizza place, the address matches the one I was given at the records office. Our mother lived in the apartment above the store while pregnant with us. No wonder Ana and I both loved pizza with the works.

With a deep breath I step out, narrowly making it across before a yellow cab speeds by me honking. This was New York for you though. Everyone was always in a hurry. It had taken me years to perfect a way to maneuver through crowds without being in anyone's way while still able to maintain my own pace. The door for the apartment is beside the one leading into the restaurant but it is locked. Deciding to be bold and not give up on this journey, I pull open the door to the restaurant and step inside.

My senses are overwhelmed by the true Italian feel of the place. The background music is low but I distinctly hear the crooning of Dean Martin in the background. The restaurant is fairly empty except for one man in the back corner, nursing a tiny cup of what I assumed was expresso and reading an Italian imported newspaper.

I take a deep breath as I walk up to the counter and hit the bell, waiting for someone to come. My hands begin to shake as I hear the words,

“Qualcuno è qui...”

I was fluent in Italian. Just one of the things I excelled at in school. The man that comes through the swinging doors has my next words catch in my throat. He looked so much like Ana. Could he be related to Bethany somehow? In return, the man stops, blue eyes going wide.

“Beth...”

When he gets closer, he realizes I am much too young to be her but he continues to appraise me before shaking himself.

“I’m sorry, you just look like my daughter...”

It was time to break the ice. This was my grandfather. Something I never thought I would ever have and here he was, standing in front of me.

“Is your daughter Bethany Masterson?”

The man's eyes roll as he mutters some swear words.

“Masterson is not her last name. She changed it when she ran away from us. My name is Corrado Alessandri. Why are you looking for Beth?”

He was the type to cut to the chase. Ana was like that too.

“Because she's my birth mother...”

***

When we were children, Ana and I made a pact, to tell each other everything. To never have secrets. It killed me that I had to break so many promises just to save her life. I would do anything, even if it meant Ana was mad at me for a while. I would rather a lifetime of her hating me then going the rest of my life knowing that my siblings both died when I could have done something about it. Finding our birth family was a ticket to finding a donor.

***

Corrado moves my chin from side to side in his palm. He has a goofy smile on his face as he appraises me.

“Elena... she looks just like Bethy... it is amazing....”

Elena was Corrado’s sister. A plump older woman with greying hair. She steps forward while placing a pair of reading glasses on the tip of her nose. She looks me over as well. I feel like a zoo animal at this point.

“Her eyes are a different colour though. Bethy had blue eyes.”

Had? Was it just a figure of speech because she was no longer living here?

“My dad has hazel eyes.”

I speak up and my voice cracks. Both of them look at me curiously.

“So tell me, are you the baby she had with the man that paid her?”

I could understand why this man would feel so indifferent to in vitro. I had learned that Corrado and his sister had immigrated to New York when they were both in their 20’s. Corrado had married young but lost his wife due to complications from Bethany's birth. Elena, unmarried, had stepped up as the matriarch of the family.

“Yes, me and my sister...”

The two elders identical eyes go wide and I suddenly realized they were fraternal twins, like me an Ana were. Usually, twinning was passed down on the mother's side of a family but maybe my grandmother had it in her family too?

“You have a sister? Is she the same as you?” Corrado waves over a waiter and tells him to put on a pot of espresso in quick short Italian.

“I’ve never tried Expresso.”

Corrado beams at me. It is obvious that my knowledge of his language has impressed him.

“You speak our language. Did you know that your family was from Italy?”

I shake my head no.

“I want to be transparent here. I have always been curious about my birth mother but my sister never was. She asked me not to go digging.”

“but?”

“But Ana is sick. She has a kidney disease and needs a transplant. She has a rare blood type so me nor my dad are matches...”

Elena seems to turn white. She makes the sign of the cross while muttering a prayer. I look at Corrado and notice he too seems to have become sadder.

“Beth was engaged once. A fine young man but he had a kidney disease and because of a rare blood type they could not find a donor in time. He died before Beth gave birth.”

Elena pulls a handkerchief from her bosom to dab at her eyes. Corrado looks equally grief stricken. Something suddenly clicks. Ana wasn't anything like my Dad. Like me he was reserved, shy. Caring and sensitive. Not to say Ana wasn't caring, she just had a different way of showing it. What if, by some fluke, Ana wasn't really my twin? That somehow Bethany had hyper ovulated because of the fertility drugs? And in so doing, she got pregnant by her fianceè as well...

There was no doubt that I was my Dad's daughter. But Ana... including a rare genetic kidney disease and rare blood type...

“Did he have any family?”

***

Although I wanted to continue to search for Bethany, if my suspicions were right, I needed to find out if Ana’s potential birth father had family that matched. It was a matter of life and death. Maybe I could convince a matching family member to donate anonymously. Corrado and Elena had directed me across town. Calvin Masterson was the fianceè's name. It explained why Bethany had changed her name. In was in honour of Calvin.

I was now standing in front of a house, complete with white picket fence and tire swing. It was pure American at it's finest.  With a deep breath, I forced myself up the driveway and rang the doorbell. I didn't know what to expect. It was all happening so fast.

The door is answered by a young girl, probably only a few years younger than me. She looked like she could be Ana and I’s sister she was so similar. She seems to see the resemblance as well.

“Who are you?”

“Stephanie, whose at the door?”

A middle aged woman with salt and pepper hair appears behind the girl at the door.

“Bethany? But it can't be...”

It was the second time today I had been mistaken for my birth mother. I had never even seen a picture of her to see the similarities myself.

“I am Aviana O’Connor. Bethany is my birth mother.”

Susan Masterson is reluctant to let me in so we sit on the porch. She is Calvin's mother and Stephanie is his sister, born after Calvin's death. Since Calvin was an only child, the Masterson’s decided to try again. Not a replacement for Calvin though, as she made sure to tell me a few times during our conversation. I did learn however that Stephanie might be a match and was willing to at least get tested to see.

The sense of relief I had leaving the Masterson residence relieved a bit of my tension but there was still the waiting. I didn't want to talk to Ana about any of it until I had definite answers. I knew she was going to get angry, so better to make it worth it.

4
Climax Control Archives / Challenges
« on: July 06, 2018, 11:18:41 PM »
 I don't know how to take this.

My first match in SCW was against a very tough opponent in Parand Ara. She really pushed me to my limit. I don't know if I will fair well against a former bombshell champion like Evie Baang.

I am realistic. I am a newbie and Evie is... well Evie is... seasoned.

I am not giving up though. I am going to train hard. I am going to watch her matches. And I am going to pray. Even though I never really believed in a god.

~~~

*Off Camera*

When Ana and I were two, Ana was diagnosed with Polycystic kidney disease. When we were thirteen, she had one removed. When I researched the disease, it said it is often genetic. That was when we found out that we were adopted by my mother but biologically we were my father's due to IVF. After we were born, our biological mother skipped town. Not that it bothered my parents much, but now, I knew nothing about our actual family history. I needed to know who she was, but back then my search had hit a brick wall.  Today, I knew I needed to punch through it.

We had been waiting for a few minutes when the doctor came through the door softly and sat in front of us. He had hair the colour of steel, small dark eyes hidden behind wire frames, but the first thing I took notice of was his hands. They were age worn. Wrinkled, age spots but the most important thing was that they were rocksteady. I trusted this doctor.

Dr. Raymond Holmes had only been Ana’s doctor for about a year. When Ana started having signs that the disease had started affecting her remaining Kidney. Ana had been waiting on the donor list for just as long.

Dr. Holmes: “As you know, the disease has spread into Oceana’s remaining kidney. Function is decreasing which could account for her symptoms as of late. Fatigue, lack of appetite and weakness.”

I immediately grab my sister's hand and squeeze gently. She returns the squeeze and we look at each other briefly. She gives me a small smile, she is trying to reassure me. Trying to help me stay positive even though we were running out of time.

Dr. Holmes: “I would like to put you on Dialysis daily until a donor is found, Oceana. It will give us a bit more time.”

Fear flows through me. What if a match wasn't found? I couldn't lose Ana too.

Avi: “What about me? I wasn't a match?”

I knew that if I donated a kidney, my wrestling career was over before it could even begin but nothing was as important as Ana. The doctor shakes his head.

Dr. Holmes: “You nor your parents are matches. Oceana has a rare blood type.”

I was about to ask something else when my biology classes came back to me. How could my Dad not be a match? Could it mean that our mother was a rare blood type too?

Avi: “Is that common?”

The doctor nods, but there is something odd in his eyes. Like there is more he is not telling us.

Dr. Holmes: “It is probably from your birth mother. But we do have Oceana on the top of the donor list now. I have confidence that a right match will become available.”

He dismisses us after setting up Ana’s dialysis for the next day. As we are walking toward our car, I look at her. How could she be so calm? I get her door open and turn to her.

Avi: “Maybe we should find Bethany.”

Ana had always been against finding Bethany Masterson. Our birth mother. In Ana’s eyes, we had our mother and there was no reason to go looking and I had always backed off... not pushed it but now, Ana was on borrowed time. What if Bethany was a match or could at least put me in contact with her family. There had to be someone willing to save Ana’s life. Ana shakes her opens the passenger door of our shared car.

Ana: “No. We don't need her Avi. A donor will come up.”

I hated how stubborn she could be. When she made her mind up about something it was hard to sway her from it. She had always said that Bethany may have given birth to us, that we were biologically hers but that didn't make her our mother. And I agreed with her on that front. I wasn't looking to find the woman so that we could create some bond after 23 years, I just wanted to know my history. I wanted to know where I came from and even more so to find out if Kidney issues ran in her family.

Avi: “It's already been a year Ana. And now you have to be on a machine to filter your remaining Kidney. That is only going to work for so long. You having a rare blood type makes it difficult.”

I slide into the driver's seat and look at Ana. She's tired. In the last two weeks she had started slipping more and more. Her appetite was waning. She was losing weight. She had pain that even the percocet wasn't helping. She was dying and I was not going to lose another sibling while I stood back and did nothing. I was just going to have to find Bethany without telling anyone. Not even Ana. The answers were there and I was going to find them.

~~~

*On Camera*

Aviana offers a smile to the camera. It seems to be self filmed with her phone. Avi looks like she has just woken up. Her hair sandy blonde hair in a messy bun and a tank top.

“Evie is a tough pick for someone like me. I am barely getting my feet wet and already I am facing one of the names synonymous with SCW. I wish I could say Mikah prepared me to face her but that isn't the way she operates. I learned pretty quickly that Mikah truly treats this like a job, training me that is. So as hard as it is, I just keep my mouth shut and learn the moves. It is better in the long run I suppose but, I am here now. I am breaking out of that shell and moving forward.”

She offers an easy going smile.

“I am not going to say that if I beat Evie I should be gunning for titles or main events. I know I have to earn those things and even if I end up pinned on Sunday, I sure as hell am going to make Evie work for it. I know I am not as seasoned but that doesn't mean that I have no chance of winning. Every Dog has its day. Being optimistic has got me through some really tough situations. It got me through my brother's death and it will get me through this match as well. I can't say why they chose to give me two tough opponents in a row, but I know it can't be because I have done something to make them upset with me so I choose to believe that this is a test. They saw how good I was against Parand, so they are stepping up the skill level. Seeing what I am capable of.”

She appears confident and ready.

“I have spent my entire life having to work for everything I have. Nothing has ever been handed to me. Win or lose, I gain experience and that is more valuable to me than a tick beside my win column. With every loss, you learn how to get back up and try again. To use a different strategy. That isn't anything Mikah taught me though, that is the way I have approached every situation. It has served me well. So if Evie wants to waste her breath throwing insults at me or thinking that using her experience will intimidate me, it won't work. But I will wish her well and I’ll see her in the ring on Sunday.”

She offers a wave before turning off the camera.

~~~

*Off Camera*

The New York records department was not as busy as I thought it would be. It didn't take long for my number to be called and I nervously came to the counter where a stern looking Hispanic lady looks at me with large dark eyes. It catches me off guard to the point of forgetting why I was there.

Records Clerk: “Can I help you with something or did you just come to stare into.my eyes?”

I shake myself out of the trance.

Avi: “Oh geeze, I'm so sorry... I just... your eyes are just...”

The woman smirks at me but it is that friendly amused way and not at all angry. Thank god. Sometimes I made people mad.

Records Clerk: “It’s alright sweetie. What can I help you with.”

I pass her my ID and tell her that I was in search of mine and my sister's birth records. She returns a few minutes later with a printout.

Records Clerk: “That's all we got. If your birth mother moved out of State, we aren't able to keep track of her here. You would have to try the police department.”

I nod. The paper was essentially the original information from our birth, before my mother legally adopted us. Listed my father as biologically ours and an address where my birth mother had been living during the pregnancy. I thanked the woman and sat on one of the chairs in the waiting room. Maybe Ana was right. Maybe it was a dead end. But I couldn't lose Ana too. Not when I could at least try to do something about it. The address wasn't far from where we lived.

***To Be Continued***



5
Climax Control Archives / Here you come again
« on: June 22, 2018, 01:39:07 PM »
 **Author’s note: All the off screen scenes will be done in first person and all on camera scenes will be in third ***

Every single day, I am haunted by my brother's death. My sister, my twin, older by a full eight minutes tries to tell me that there was no way I am to blame for Ethan’s Overdose. He alone decided to take too many pills. He decided to use the pills at all.

Before Ana and I, my parents didn't believe in modern medicine. They thought the earth would provide all they needed. That was before my mother had undiagnosed preeclampsia and nearly died, taking my brother with her. After that, she had issues conceiving.  When it came to expanding their family, modern advancements didn't seem so bad anymore.

Ana and I only met our surrogate mother once. She had broken down in tears at seeing us and that was it. She couldn't come to grips with the fact that she had willingly carried us and let us go. Her eggs, my father's semen. We were biologically hers. I hoped one day to find her again. Find out if twins ran in her family or if it was the result of the fertility drugs. To know if I still had biological grandparents, cousins, aunts & uncles. My parents had no one. Both orphans who had met in the foster system. I suppose that was why they didn't trust any government sponsored facilities. The Foster system had subjected them both to a terrible existence and let’s be honest, is our medical system really any better unless you are wealthy?

To this day, both my parents rely on the advice of naturopaths and herbalists. They haven't seen a medical doctor since Ana and I were born. They owned a plot of land in upstate New York, their closest neighbors were miles away. They relied on mostly their own grown food. They had chickens and goats and my Dad would often trade skills for things but usually it wasn't money.

They shared one cell phone which Ana and I had included on our plan, so we could at least get a hold of them and they had a way to call for help if something happened.

It probably seems primitive to people, but it makes them happy. Who am I to argue it?

~*~

I had gone to see my parents on my own. Ana had some things she needed to do but I wanted to tell my parents about my contract and my first match in person.  They had been so supportive and happy for Ethan and when I had taken up the mantel after he passed, they encouraged me. I know they were worried though. Wrestling for a woman is different than for a man.

If you didn't know what you were looking for, it would be easy to get lost in the tall oaks that hid my parents house from the main road. My Dad had built it himself. Of course it was... different.

The house was a three bedroom bungalow. My dad had a knack for building and construction. It was probably the most solidly built house I had ever seen.

The bricks were not all the same colour. Since most of the materials for the house were found or traded, my family home was a rainbow of different coloured bricks. Being in a wooded area it always made me feel like it was something out of Oz or Wonderland. The windows were the same size, but a different styles. The door was bright red with brass handles and locks, although my parents rarely locked the door.

My house was a menagerie of things but one thing for sure I could say was that I had a good childhood. Homeschooled until high school I was leagues ahead of my classmates. Ana and Ethan were the same. So we took more advanced classes. Did night school and summer school. I did in two years what most kids needed four to complete. School had never been a challenge academically. Socially? Well I didn't make friends. I never went out. Ana and Ethan had different personalities though. They had friends. They went to the mall and movies. Both had significant others and were involved in behavior that worried my parents. I suppose I just never wanted those things. Although wrestling was never in my mind as a career choice.

When I was sixteen, Ethan was twenty. He was finished his training. He was working local shows and I never missed a single one. I adored my big brother. I would sit in the front row and idolize him.

My mom opening the front door breaks me from my daydream. She waves me inside and I open the car door. Ana and I shared the ten year old honda civic. It got us where we needed to go.

Susan O’Connor didn't look her forty-three years. Her face was still flawless with no wrinkles. She never wore makeup, but she didn't need too. Her Auburn hair was pulled up into a half-knot. The woman wasted no time in coming down off the porch to wrap her arms around me. I loved my mom. I didn't need a biological link to her to feel completely devoted to her. She always hugs a little too tight but I never complain.

“Aviana, come in. Where is Oceana?”

My mom looks to my side at the empty passenger seat of the car.

“I broke down and I had to trade her for parts to fix the car. Don't worry, I heard that the sex trade is really profitable for young girls.”

My mom's mouth drops open before she hits me with the dish towel still in her hands.

“She had some things to do today. She sends her love.”

In actuality, Ana wasn't fond of our childhood home. She loved our parents just as fiercely as I did but it was a shrine to our long gone brother and it took everything Ana had not to break down in tears, as soon as you stepped through the front door.

Once inside, it is easy to see how proud of us my parents are. All our accomplishments were framed and on the walls of the living room. Pictures of caps and gowns. Ethan's baseball trophies. Ana’s dance competition ribbons and my lonely medal for academics. Mom ushers me toward the sofa where she has already set up cookies and tea.

“Your father and I missed you girls so much. It's a shame that Oceana was too busy to see her only parents.”

She pours tea into my cup and the dishwater colour tells me it isn't tetley. I was sure the cookies were probably bitter and tasteless as well but I was polite and took one.

“She's doing some community work. It's not personal.”

If by community work, I meant sitting on our couch with a tub of ben & Jerry's while binge watching “This is Us" then sure... community work.

“Well Dad will be back soon. He was just taking some eggs to the Robertson's.”

Pamela & Judy Robinson had done the same thing my parents had. Bought land miles away from the city and built their own house. Spinster sisters (although do we even really use that work anymore?) That just hated city life. Dad had become suspiciously close to the duo. Unlike me and Oceana who were fraternal, Judy & Pamela were identical. I was actually glad Ana and I looked different. The idea of being confused for the “better twin" would have probably driven me to self harm. Sorry... I know that's not funny at all.

“Well that's good.”

Why was this always awkward. Not just talking to my mom, but being here? Knowing that just down the hall my brother's room looked exactly the same as the day he died. It was a shrine an no matter how many times Ana and I spoke to my parents about dismantling it, the refused.

“We have some news too.”

My mom blurts it out. I look up from the cup of tea to stare at her. She was wringing her hands.

“We finally cleaned out Ethan's room.”

Really? Was I dreaming? My parents were moving on?

“I’m proud of you mom. I know how hard it must have been.”

She offers a half smile. I try to hold back my tears. I couldn't ever seem to get Ethan out of my mind. Like the words of Dolly’s song, “Here you come again, just when I’m about to get my life together...”

“It was. We were going to talk to you. We were thinking about taking in a couple borders. For short periods of time. Just to make some extra money.”

This of course snapped me back to attention. The idea of strange people staying in my family home worried me but it really wasn't my place to say no.

“Are you sure? I mean these people could be anyone...”

Too late. Thanks mouth for just blurting that out.

My mom bites her bottom lip but before she can say anything, the front door opens and my father steps through the door. Every Time I saw him, it made my heart hurt. Ethan and him were identical. Beside him though, was a man I didn't recognize.

“Aviana!”

My Dad's face lights up and he takes large strides to engulf me in his huge arms. My dad was comparable to a typical lumberjack. Thick arms, stocky muscular body. He was a catch. It made me wonder how he had fallen for my plain, ordinary mother. I suppose you couldn't pick who you fall in love with.

“This is Henry. He has been helping out around the farm.”

My dad motions for the man to come closer. He was decent looking. More Ana’s type than mine. He smiled. I could tell he was nervous by the way his hand shook when he offered it. He quickly made his exit after that and my mom gave me an encouraging smile. I ignored it. I wasn't here to play the dating game. I was here to tell my parents that on Sunday I was in a match with a muslim lady I was pretty sure hated me based on the country I was born in.

My Dad took a seat next to my mom. Both looked at me earnestly.

“So? What was this news lovebug?”

Normally, I hate cutesy nicknames but my Dad had a bunch of them for us. He got a free pass.

I quickly filled them in and both seemed both happy and worried. They asked me endless questions. They also seemed relieved that the show didn't have mixed gender matches. After some more swamp water and me claiming to have dinner plans, I was back on the road. On my passenger seat was a cardboard box. It was full of Ethan's things. I look over and see his smiling face in a photograph. He was in the middle of me and Ana. We were happy, excited for the future.

“All you gotta do is smile that smile
And there go all my defenses
Just leave it up to you and in a little while
You're messin' up my mind and fillin' up my senses...”

Ethan was more than my big brother... he was my best friend. I missed him.

***

“I am not really a fan of amusement parks. I get nauseous easily. I know that seems like a bad trait to have as a wrestler who does a lot of dives of the top rope. For some reason, it is completely different when I step into that ring. I become someone else.”

Aviana smiles at the camera as she stands at the entrance of Dollywood, where on Sunday she would be taking on Parand Ara. A Syrian wrestler that seemed to have a chip on her shoulder the size of her home country.

“But in no way am I anything like the women that Parand seems to despise. I don't wear revealing clothing. I don't sleep around. I had a pretty wholesome upbringing and I respect myself and others. I finished high school early and I am not slowly obtaining a bachelor of science degree in night school. I have never gone under a knife to change my looks and the most makeup I wear is mascara and a bit of eyeliner. I am not here to sleep my way into any advantages. If anything I admire Parand. She has strong beliefs and is constantly pressured into conforming to what our society deems as the “perfect American life". It is not fair.”

Avi shakes her head. She obviously has respect for the differences in people.

“I can't blame her for being upset. In her culture, a lot of Americans would be considered disgraceful in the way they disrespect others and themselves. I may not agree with her beliefs but I can respect them. But in this match, I hope we can simply meet each other in the neutrality of the ring and fight a good match. Without prejudices. Only two women looking to work our way to success.”

Avi offers a genuine smile. You can tell she really just wants Parand to know that she sees her as a person, not as her religion or any other stereotype.

“I hope that Parand can see these things as well. I look forward to our match.”







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