Post by gvb on Feb 12, 2023 18:30:44 GMT -6
3x14 Fixing A Hole
The Courtyard
February 7th, 2023
4:13
Taking a break from another busy day of training, Marina Marston decides to catch a breath of fresh air in the courtyard. Sitting on a bench near the basketball court is the former Academy student Jelena Shcherbakova. She may no longer be an active trainee, but she still lives inside the building even though she tries to stand on the sidelines and not interfere with her former fellow students.
Immersed in reading a thick book, the former Arina doesn’t even notice Marston at force, at least not until the member of Team Strike comes close and lightly taps on her shoulder.
Jelena Shcherbakova:
Oh… Hey Marina, I’m sorry I didn’t see you.
The Russian smiles kindly, closing her book. Marina can’t help but cast a glance at what her friend was reading: a journalism manual. Noticing the look of curiosity on her face, Jelena quickly explains.
Jelena Shcherbakova:
Yeah, I’m taking a journalism class. Gian said that with the new Network there may be some job opportunities opening in the future and I want to be prepared.
Marina nods her head, clearly understanding, before she gives her a big smile, always having been kind to the other girl during her short stay with the Academy.
Marina Marston:
Are you thinking about becoming an interviewer? That would be fun!
As she is speaking, Marina takes a seat beside Jelena, exhaling a deep breath to give herself another chance to cool down from her training.
Marina Marston:
It’s not the same as being in the ring granted, but it’s still close to all the action, and you get to share your insights.
Jelena Shcherbakova:
I’ve never felt like the ring was truly my place anyway.
Jelena says with a light shrug.
Jelena Shcherbakova:
I won’t miss the fights and all the unnecessary animosity but yeah… I think becoming an interviewer could be fun. Telling people’s stories, helping the fans see what’s behind someone’s actions, getting to know wrestlers better. I think it’s fascinating.
Marina’s eyes open wider when an idea pops into her head and the excitement is clearly all over her face. She turns slightly towards Jelena as she claps her hands together.
Marina Marston:
You could practice on me!
Jelena Shcherbakova:
Really? I would love that!
Jelena’s face lights up with excitement at the chance of practicing with Marina. When Marina confirms, sharing the same enthusiasm, the young Russian asks her to stand up. Bringing her hand close to her mouth, pretending she’s holding a microphone, Jelena greets the imaginary audience.
Jelena Shcherbakova:
Good evening ladies and gentlemen and welcome to The Academy. My name is Jelena and joining me tonight is one of the stars of the show, Team Strike’s own Marina Marston.
Her tone is professional as she introduces her former team mate, who replies with a smile at the camera.
Jelena Shcherbakova:
Marina, this coming Friday you will be competing against your fellow Team Strike members for a shot at the Gold Star. How do you feel about your chances?
Extending the pretend microphone toward Marston, she waits for the student’s reply. Marina clears her throat, waving to the imaginary audience, before she puts on the most serious expression on her face that she can manage.
Marina Marston:
I feel really confident. I know that everyone who is a part of Team Strike is very talented in their own ways, but I’ve shown more than once that I have that drive pushing me, that I can hang with some of the best in the ring. Being confident in your own abilities is really a great way to stay motivated no matter what the challenge.
The wannabe interviewer nods.
Jelena Shcherbakova:
Team Strike is definitely stacked with talent, every one there has the potential to become the next Gold Star and that match has everything to become the show-stealer. Speaking of your team mates, one of them unfortunately won’t be part of the match and, as of today, we still don’t know when, or even if, she will come back. Injuries are part of this business, but what happened to Ava one week ago can’t be described as an accident. What are your thoughts on this?
The expression on Marina’s face shifts as a frown forms and she nods her head slowly.
Marina Marston:
I think it was horrible what happened to Ava and I hope for nothing but the best in her recovery. I would love to see her be able to make a return one day, but the most important thing now is to ensure her well being. We never want to see something like this happen when we’re all still learning our way in this business. It is one with some huge risks and we saw first hand how scary it can get. I don’t think I’ll be forgetting that anytime soon.
Jelena Shcherbakova:
Nobody will.
Jelena adds, letting out a sigh. Quickly going back to her interviewer setting, she then continues with the next question.
Jelena Shcherbakova:
This had to be a difficult week for you and the rest of Team Strike. What happened to Ava has, of course, affected all of you. And on top of that, you haven’t been able to rely on your Team Leader all week, since Lady Magdalena has been suspended. How did the week go without her? And how do you feel about her as a head coach?
Marina Marston:
It has definitely been different without her…
There’s a brief pause for a moment as Marina bites down on her bottom lip, before she quickly shakes her head.
Marina Marston:
Something is definitely missing, you know? She’s been so wonderful since day one when she even picked me to be part of Team Strike. It’s her encouragement that has helped me to feel confident in my abilities to better learn inside of the ring. I only hope that we can show her how much we’ve learned under her years of experience with this match. Win or lose. This entire match is about one thing and that’s Team Strike, because with everything that’s happened, we need to stick together.
Marina manages to bring the corners of her mouth upwards into a slight smile as she places one hand on Jelena’s elbow as a thank you for the interview.
Marina Marston:
I think you’re gonna do great as an interviewer.
Hearing those words put a big smile on the Russian’s face.
Jelena Shcherbakova:
That’s so kind of you to say, Marina. Thank you so much for letting me do this, it’s been very interesting.. And fun.
She adds, giving Marston a quick hug.
Jelena Shcherbakova:
And good luck in your match, I’m definitely rooting for you.
Now that the interview is over, the two girls sit back on the bench, chatting a bit more as the camera cuts away.
The Classroom
February 8th, 2023
3:22 PM
Dakota was pacing the hallways, probably heading toward the gym or simply looking for somewhere quiet to stay alone with her thoughts for a while. The classroom usually was empty at this time of the day, making a perfect hideout away from the rest of the students, but that wasn’t the case today. As she approached the door, Dakota could hear some noises coming from inside. A cadenced humming, occasionally followed by what a musician like Dakota would recognize as fingers sliding on strings.
The door had been left ajar and Dakota could peek in. One of the new faces of the Academy, Alice Wagner, was there, sitting on one of the tables playing her bass with her headphones on, which explained why we couldn’t hear any music. She stopped for a moment, putting down the instrument, picking up a pen instead, writing something down in her notebook.
For some reason, maybe feeling a presence behind her back, Alice turned around noticing Dakota standing on the threshold.
Alice Wagner:
Oh.. Hey there!
Dakota very nearly turned on her heels and walked down the hallway, having been caught spying, yet she stayed anyway. She nodded her head in acknowledgement instead, still not entering the room.
Dakota
Hey… What uhh..what’cha playin’?
She held onto the door, leaning forward a bit.
Dakota:
Sorry, welcome and stuff too.
Alice Wagner:
Oh, that?
She chuckled nervously, glancing at her notebook.
Alice Wagner:
It’s nothing really… Just a little thing I’m writing, I want to write something for my cousin, something he can use as his entrance song. I got this cool bass line in mind, but it just feels like something is missing. What are you doing there, anyway? Come on in… Dakota, right?
Dakota:
Yeah, Dakota.
She stepped in with a sigh, leaning back against the door to click it shut once on the other side.
Dakota:
I was just looking for a quiet place to scream over some family stuff, but uhh…yeah. Anyway.
Dakota stopped herself, brushing her messy bangs out of her eyes.
Dakota:
A killer bass line is a great start, but a few other instruments might be the missing link there.
The comment was dripping with sarcasm, but was delivered with a joking smile.
Dakota:
It’s nice to have a fellow musician on hand.
Alice’s eyes opened wide at Dakota’s last line.
Alice Wagner:
Hold on a second, you’re telling me that you’re a musician too? Please tell me that you play guitar, please tell me that you play guitar…
Dakota:
It’s my favorite instrument to play, for sure.
She shrugged her shoulders.
Dakota:
Whether or not I’m any good is up for debate, I suppose.
Dakota was still talking, but Alice had already hopped off the desk she was sitting on and ran to the corner of the room, grabbing a guitar case. She quickly opened it and pulled out the instrument, which she handed over to a puzzled Dakota.
Alice Wagner:
I brought this over, figured I had time to learn how to play it decently when I’m not training… But since you’re here..
After handing the guitar over to Dakota, Alice picked up her bass and unplugged her headphones from the mini-amp, plugging in both instruments instead. After turning the volume down (not wanting to disturb any of her fellow students), she smiled at Dakota.
Alice Wagner:
Maybe you can help me. This is what I got so far.
Her fingers began moving quickly between the chords, she definitely knew what she was doing! The line she produced was truly catchy, a powerful groove to which Dakota listened intently.
Dakota started getting a feel for what Alice was playing, all while plucking a few strings of the guitar and tuning it accordingly. Once happy, she tapped out a rudimentary beat on the floor with the heel of her boot.
Dakota:
Right, right… And then the guitar comes in like…
Still tapping her foot, Dakota’s fingers came to life, matching Alice’s bass line with a few quick chords repeating, before branching out into something a bit heavier. Alice’s full attention was on Dakota. She listened carefully at the melody played by her new friend, nodding her head rhythmically as a smile appeared on her face.
Alice Wagner:
Holy shit girl, that’s… That’s so good.
Without wasting any more time, she took up the bass and played along with Dakota. The song was starting to shape up, the two girls played it over and over for a couple more minutes. Alice even embellished the melody they were playing with her voice, singing some lyrics she had written in her notebook. When the music stopped, Wagner smiled at Dakota, visibly pleased with the outcome of this improvised jam session.
Alice Wagner:
You know what? That wasn’t half bad at all…
The two new friends smiled at each other, continuing to play as the footage faded to black.
The Gym
February 9th, 2023
8:47 PM
The scene opens in the gym, Reign Reyes dressed in a sports bra and yoga pants, is standing before the torso of a training dummy, using it as target practice. Over and over again Reign crouches down, coils and unleashes a hellacious buzzsaw kick, reminiscent of her mother’s finisher The Long Kiss Goodnight. Each time the move connects and the dummy whiplashes to one side Reign frowns and shakes her head unsatisfied with the result.
Not too far from her Alice Wagner can be seen practicing the same kick, with an objectively much better outcome. Coming into the Academy after a year and half away from the ring, the young Alice is slowly shaking away the ring rust that inevitably affected her performances in the first few weeks, starting to show why she was considered one of the best prospects coming out of Nightfall Fights. Wagner looks laser focused, keeping her eyes on the target. She doesn’t seem to have even noticed Reign standing not far from her.
Reign definitely notices Alice though, in fact she leans against her practice dummy and studies Alice’s form as she hits the kick beautifully once more. Reign scowls for a second, resets her positioning, draws a deep breath and performs the move admirably… just not admirably enough for the standard she’s trying to meet. In frustration Reign grabs her practice dummy and hurls it. She’s not aiming for anyone or anything, she’s just angry. It’s been a bit of a week for her, in case people haven’t noticed. Anyways, she throws the dummy and it ends up taking out Alice’s dummy just as she’s about to execute another kick. In fact Alice has to hold up at the last second in order to not smash her foot off the base.
Alice Wagner:
What the fuck?
Alice blurts out, turning toward the direction from where the dummy came flying. She finally notices Reign, staring at her for a second while taking off her air pods.
Alice Wagner:
The hell, Reign?
Reign sort of shrugs as she brushes past Alice on her way to retrieve the dummy.
Reign Reyes:
My bad. Sometimes these things have a mind of their own.
Alice shakes her head, watching Reyes pick up the dummy and head back to her spot.
Alice Wagner:
Right.. Look, I don’t know what your problem is, I don’t know what you are used to here but this shit doesn’t fly with me. So get over whatever crawled up your ass and let me do my thing.
Reign stares at her for a long moment, a smile tugging at the corners of her mouth.
Reign Reyes:
Right, what I’m used to. Faith warned me you were a bit of a goody two shoes. Hate to break it to you but there’s only room for one by the book nerd here and CJ took that spot. It’s a cute look on him, on you it’s just obnoxious.
Reign shrugs in the most condescending manner possible before turning to put the dummy back in its spot. A chuckle coming from Alice makes her turn back toward the Team Jones’ member.
Alice Wagner:
Of course… I didn’t connect the dots until now, but it’s so clear. And kinda funny, to be honest.
Reign raises an eyebrow, not sure what Alice meant with that.
Alice Wagner:
They say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, and your Faith impression is almost perfect. You got the bitch attitude nailed down already, still have some work to do on the in-ring ability tho. If you focused on that more, you’d be Gold Star already.
Reign’s eyes scan back and forth as she processes each and every word as it leaves Alice’s mouth. She listens intently, her hands balling into fists for just a moment before she breaks into a fake smile.
Reign Reyes:
Wow. That’s some great advice, Alice. Thank you SO much for sharing it. If I’m being honest, I agree. Not about the imitating Faith part but about the focus. I’m working on it. But hey, you and me have stuff in common too, right? We both have parents who made headlines in this sport… or in my case a parent and a grandparent. For so long I tried to figure out which one I was going to emulate but it finally dawned on me that I just gotta be me. You or the other hand?
Reign chuckles.
Reign Reyes:
I think you’re trying too hard to make up for your daddy’s misdoings… to not be like him or compared to him. It’s tripping you up.
Reign motions towards Alice’s dummy.
Reign Reyes:
You’ve clearly got great form but that head of yours is a mess.
Reign smiles sweetly and turns her back to Alice. Clearly she considers this conversation to be over.
Alice just stands there, staring at the dummy in front of her. Reign’s words seem to have gotten under her skin, the ghost of her dad’s actions that once pushed her away from wrestling is still haunting her. All of a sudden she explodes with a sudden, powerful kick, catching the mannequin right on the chest and knocking it down, a few feet away from where it was originally standing. The thud of the dummy falling on the floor causes Reign to stop and turn around.
Alice is still there, visibly pissed off, almost foaming from her mouth. Her fists are clenched and it seems like Reign is going to join the practice dummy on the floor real soon.
Alice Wagner:
Don’t fucking talk about my family, you hear me?
Without waiting for an answer, she turns around and walks away. Reign watches her storm off with mild amusement but before Alice can reach the exit Reign calls out after her.
Reign Reyes:
If it’s that easy to throw you off then just pack up your shit and leave now. Save us the trouble of having to go another few weeks before you ghost and the teams get reshuffled again. Let go of the past, Alice, before you blow your shot a second time. You’re too fucking talented.
Alice stopped when she heard Reign’s voice. She stands there to listen to what Reyes has to say, letting her words sink in for a long moment. But she doesn’t reply, nor does she turn. A couple of steps forward and she disappears down the hallway, leaving the whole gym for Reign.
The Cafeteria
February 9th, 2023
11:53 PM
The scene opens long after curfew in the cafeteria of the Academy. Much like the first night they met, Sammy and Reign have snuck into the cafe and are currently enjoying ice cream. Why ice cream? Because if you’re gonna break the rules you do it in style. They’re seated at one of the long tables when Reign’s eyes suddenly go wide, an idea has struck her. She points her drippy spoon at Sammy.
Reign Reyes:
I have an idea! Stand up on the table like you’re on a stage. We’re going to make this a working session. Practice our press conference skills.
She makes a shooing motion towards him.
Reign Reyes:
Go ahead. Up you go!
Sammy looks at Reign with confusion.
Sammy Grimes:
Uh… okay?
He laughs lightly and shakes his head before getting up on the table.
Sammy Grimes:
Let’s get this show on the road I guess! Weirdo!
Reign clears her throat, flips back her hair and tries to strike a professional pose while raising her hand to ask a question. Sammy points at Reign with a furrowed brow.
Sammy Grimes:
You! The cute girl in the baggy pajamas! What’s your question?
Reign smiles brightly.
Reign Reyes:
Reign Reyes from Pro Wrestling Daily.com. It feels like of late your family’s been targeted. First you were kidnapped and assaulted by Jack Graves. Your brother Gavin has been the recipient of several assaults and is currently on the shelf. Your sister Ava is dealing with her second head injury in a matter of weeks. Is this all just coincidence or does the wrestling world at large have some sort of vendetta against the Grimes family?
Sammy shrugs his shoulders.
Sammy Grimes:
It could be a coincidence, some would say, but I don’t think it is. I think people are fucking peanut butter and jealous!
He nods confidently.
Sammy Grimes:
This family has been dominating this sport for far too long and people wanna put a stop to it. Look at my sis? Honestly? I know how good I am, I think I’m great, even, but Ava? She’s got that potential to be the best and people like those cult fucks wanna cut that out before it gets a chance. It’s lame.
Reign nods and hops up on the table herself, proudly displaying her fuzzy wolf slippers while doing so.
Reign Reyes:
Your turn to ask me. We’ll alternate. Now sit down like a good reporter… actually, wait!
She leans in and steals an ice cream kiss before wrinkling her nose playfully.
Reign Reyes:
Now you can sit.
Sammy grins before getting down off the table and sitting in a chair.
Sammy Grimes:
Ms. Reyes, you’ve seemed upset with a certain Italiano as of late. He’s kind of a bumbling buffoon, even more so than Mario’s brother, Luigi. Do you care to comment?
Reign considers for a moment, her eyes glancing towards the security camera she knows is recording this.
Reign Reyes:
While I appreciate the query and certainly have my share of frustration when it comes to the Italian in question, I also appreciate the leniency he shows when it comes to myself and my significant other bending rules. You know, like curfew or sleeping arrangements. So it would be foolish of me and in very poor taste if I were to insult him when in reality, by doing so little he’s also doing so much.
She thinks for a second and then smiles, pleased with her response. Then she hops off the table and watches as Sammy takes her place.
Reign Reyes:
Mr. Grimes, you’ve been critical of Former Liberty Pro Champion and your current coach, Helena Noir. You’ve even gone so far as to blame her, at least in part, for the assault on your sister. Others contend that Ms. Noir is one of the most responsible and helpful employees at the Academy. How do you explain these contrasting opinions?
Sammy sighs and shakes his head.
Sammy Grimes:
I don’t know? I’m conflicted. I like her, she’s been a good teacher to me and has taught me so many things but she promised my brother that she would look out for us. But then because of her looking out for Saoirse? It was my sister who got hurt. It’s bullshit and somehow? Some way? Helena needs to help make it right. Not just shrug her shoulders like Gian and say ‘oh well! Saoirse is gone now!’ What a joke.
Reign frowns at his response but hops onto the table as the two switch places.
Reign Reyes:
Man, that reporter asks some tough questions, huh?
Sammy Grimes:
Yeah… sure does.
She chuckles and shrugs, waiting for Sammy to ask his question but Sammy stands up and shakes his head.
Sammy Grimes:
I think I’m done working on this conference shit. My mood is shot to shit now.
Reign exhales, clearly disappointed as she pads her slippers to the edge of the table before hopping down.
Reign Reyes:
Right. You can just go back to the room or whatever. I’ll clean up here.
He squints at Reign.
Sammy Grimes:
You don’t want me to come back to yours?
Reign squints back as she gathers up their ice cream debris.
Reign Reyes:
I said THE room. Meaning whatever room it is we’re sleeping in tonight. Yours. Mine. Doesn’t matter. Don’t look for drama where there isn’t any.
Sammy Grimes:
Why do you assume I’m looking for drama? Just because this stuff got me heated a little bit or what? Because I’m not trying to fight, okay? It’s just been a lot to deal with.
He starts to walk away.
Sammy Grimes:
I’ll see you at my room then.
Reign stands there, hip jutted to the side, her body language dripping with sass. It looks like maybe she’s about to flip him the bird while his back is turned but she remembers the camera is there and thinks better of it.
Reign Reyes:
Yup. See you in a few.
He turns toward her and shakes his head.
Sammy Grimes:
Actually, just go to your room tonight. I’m good.
She blinks.
Reign Reyes:
What? Why?! Because I asked tough questions? Holy shit, Sammy. You sure this business is right for you?
Sammy laughs mockingly.
Sammy Grimes:
No, it’s not that. It’s because more and more I’m starting to realize that you’re making what happened to Ava more about you than it is about her. Maybe it’s some lingering guilt since you were the one that hurt her in the first place. I don’t know though, you tell me?
Reign’s jaw drops, as does the ice cream spoon she was holding, which clatters to the floor.
Reign Reyes:
I’m sorry? Making it more about me?
She stands there for a moment, processing… then she laughs softly.
Reign Reyes:
You’re right. I do feel guilty. Partially because I caused the first concussion but mostly because it was what Trinity did to Nine that led to Saoirse lashing out. Saoirse tried to get to Nine and I stopped her. We had our little “Ding Dong the Witch is Dead” moment for about ten seconds before that shit went sideways and Ava ended up back in the hospital. So I think a better word than guilt is responsible. I feel responsible for what happened to her. But hey, if you really believe I’m that self important then just tell me to fuck off and be done with me. I’m a big girl. I promise not to cry.
Reign glares at him defiantly.
Sammy scoffs and rolls his eyes.
Sammy Grimes:
Don’t give me that ‘be done with me’ shit. That’s not where this is going. All I’m saying is that you’ve been going scorched Earth on everyone and everything since this shit happened and it’s been the Reign show. Which in most cases? Is fine. Sure. But I’m honestly tired of it. You keep begging and pleading to get back at Saoirse.
Sammy steps closer, standing right in front of Reign, his eyes almost glaring at her at this point.
Sammy Grimes:
It’s time to move the fuck on. Why? Because when you’re dealing with people like this? Nine? That whole cult and now Saorise? Someone is always going to get hurt and they will continue to get away with it. So? Simply put? Let it go. Let Saoirse go. Let go that she cut bait and bailed. Move on before she ends up coming back because you antagonized her and somebody else gets hurt again, before YOU get hurt.
He places his hands on Reign’s shoulders and the glare turns to a look of concern.
Sammy Grimes:
I’m tired of this shit. I’m tired of seeing my sister getting hurt and I’m tired of worrying that it’s going to be you next. You walk around like you’re untouchable because of Julian and his goons but you’re not, Reign. They couldn’t save you from Nine and their cult idiots, someone else had to. And who knows what might happen next, who knows who might be waiting right around the corner when you’re by yourself? All I know is that I’m sick of this shit and I want to move on. Forget those assholes and move on. Do what you set out to do in the beginning and win the Gold Star. It might be tainted now but if anyone here can fix that? It’s you… and you, me and the world knows that.
He lets go of Reign and turns to walk off.
Sammy Grimes:
Good night.
Reign goes to respond but decides against it, instead she slumps back against the table and folds her arms. She stands there and her eyes begin to well up with tears but she glances at the camera and quickly wipes them away.
Reign Reyes:
Fuck this.
With that she tosses the ice cream containers in the trash and walks off in the opposite direction, keeping her face hidden from the camera.
The Medical Area
February 10th, 2023
2:20 PM
It’s been a series of long days and even longer nights for Ava Grimes this past week. Ever since her injury one week ago, the young Academy student hadn’t been able to sleep much; not when she was in the hospital, not now that they moved her in the Academy medical bay. It wasn’t the concussion per se that kept her up, nor the anger and the desire to get revenge on Saoirse Tyrell.
It was the concern for her health. Will she recover from this? Will they allow her to get back in a ring? Or did her dream end on February 5th? The nurses never told her much, which only increased her concerns. Only Dr. Martell, Scott’s father, would update her during her daily visit, but he never answered those questions that plagued the young Grimes.
Laying on her bed with her eyes closed, she heard Dr. Martell approaching the room. And he wasn’t alone.
Scott Martell:
Hey… you’re awake.
Came the voice of Scott Martell, accompanying his father into the room. He looked a little hesitant, even a tiny bit worried as he sat down at the side of her bed, putting down what seemed to be a protein shake and a small box of chocolates. He didn’t really allude to them, his eyes glancing over at his father as the doctor began placing scans up for Ava to see.
Scott Martell:
How are you feeling? Last couple of times I’ve been over, you were fast asleep.
Ava cracked a smile, briefly turning her attention to the scans before looking back at Scott.
Ava Grimes:
Really? I feel like I haven’t slept in a week, I sure as hell know I can’t sleep at nights.. I guess Saoirse really fucked me up pretty bad this time..
She looked at the doctor as she said that, almost hoping to hear him saying that it wasn’t as bad as she thought. But he didn’t reply, too intent on reading the results of the last exams.
Ava Grimes:
But I’m ok, I guess. Bored out of my mind but…
A quick shrug.
Ava Grimes:
How are things on the other side? I see there’s some big matches scheduled for tonight.
Scott Martell:
Yeah, yeah. They’re pitting every team against each other to crown a new Gold Star, what with the way the last match finished and the tattooed bitch leaving the Academy.
He let out a little sigh, probably with the memories of that night flooding his memory.
Scott Martell:
Thought I had the Gold Star myself last week. I had Reign where I wanted her, all I had to do was finish it but…
He paused in his words as he looked at Ava laying there. It was true that he had a massive advantage during that contest. Reyes was prone, and all Martell may have had to do was hit The Scoop and he might have been the Academy Champion. It was at that point that he moved his hand over to Ava’s, holding it for a second.
Scott Martell:
… some things are more important.
He said with a smile, nodding his head to her.
Scott Martell:
Now we all have to start all over again. Gotta face all my team, and two of them I barely know bar their entry Twitter rants when they signed up. Haven’t had a good enough feel for what they can do with what little I’ve seen of them in training. It’s all a little… unpredictable. And I don’t like that.
Ava Grimes:
Yeah, that’s not ideal. But you proved last week that you are Gold Star material.
Ava replied, smiling up to him.
Ava Grimes:
I watched last week’s replay, you could’ve won the match… But thank you for stopping for me. And for calling your dad afterward.
She turned toward Dr. Martell, the tone of her voice lowering as she almost apologized to him.
Ava Grimes:
I should’ve listened to him, I wasn’t ready to come back.
Dr. Martell:
No, you weren’t. But all that concerns me now is getting you on the mend.
Scott’s father stated, pinning up a couple more scans.
Dr. Martell:
Apologies for interrupting your moment, but we do have a few things to go over. Namely this… One of the reasons why I suggested you took longer to recover.
Dr. Martell passed over a document to Ava, letting her scan over it as he stood beside them.
Dr. Martell:
I saw on your records that you were Anemic. I would have thought you would have mentioned this and your iron supplements yourself.
She nodded her head, her eyes quickly going through the document.
Ava Grimes:
Yeah, I am. I never made a secret of it, I didn’t think it was relevant to my injury…
Dr. Martell:
Over half of patients suffering from brain trauma are anemic, Ms. Grimes. And through my own studies, I have found that there is very clear evidence that anemia negatively influences the outcomes of traumatic brain injuries.
He pointed a finger at the document, pinpointing certain information he had listed there.
Dr. Martell:
In your own time, I would like to sit and discuss the options you have here. Including how to increase your hemoglobin levels, which will be vital to a speedy recovery for you. I will give you time to think over these options, but please promise me that you will adhere to my advice going forward? I do have your best interests at heart.
Ava gulped, the news Scott’s father just broke definitely hit her.
Ava Grimes:
I learned my lesson, Dr. Martell.
She forced a smile, hiding all her concerns behind it.
Ava Grimes:
I’ll talk with my brothers, of course, but I don’t think they will object. Do you think…
She hesitated, taking a deep breath before continuing.
Ava Grimes:
Do you think this will work?
Dr. Martell:
I wouldn’t offer you these options if I didn’t think they would. But they will in time.
The Doctor nodded his head before exiting the room, leaving Ava and Scott there. Scott moved his hand to hold onto Ava’s once again, not saying a word to her as he gave a hesitant smile in her direction.
Scott Martell:
It’s… a lot to think about, huh? But don’t feel bad about it. You couldn’t have thought that Tyrell would have gone as far as she did.
She gave his hand a light squeeze, trying to find the courage to say what was going through her mind. Finally the tension disappeared from her face, as she relaxed into a bright, sincere smile.
Ava Grimes:
I… I thought it was over, you know? After my first injury I read a few reports about concussions and stuff and.. Let’s say that when I woke up after Saoirse’s kick I got seriously worried. These last days have been so heavy.. I tried not to show it with Sammy, Reign and CJ but…
She stopped, visibly getting emotional.
Ava Grimes:
Your dad just gave me hope, and it’s exactly what I needed. I don’t care what I have to do or how long it’ll take, now I know that I’ll be back. As for Saoirse… Fuck that bitch, she’s gone now. We can all forget she was a thing. Actually, we should. What’s done it’s done, and it was nobody’s fault.
Scottie nodded his head, gently moving one of Ava’s hairs away from her face in a really affectionate manner. He then blinked, retracting his hand from hers.
Scott Martell:
And… And I’ll be here to help you get back to where you belong in anyway I can. We’ll both get to where we belong.
Ava Grimes:
You’re definitely getting there before me.
This time, she was the one moving her hand onto his.
Ava Grimes:
But maybe… You can stay here a little longer.
Scott didn’t say a word, he simply nodded and smiled at Ava.
Team Jones Five-Way Match
Gold Star #1 Contender
Gold Star #1 Contender
Kyle Ashton VS The Rizz VS Alice Wagner VS Adrianna Garcia VS Missy Propaganda
WINNER: Alice Wagner BY: Submission (Backstabber/Dragon Sleeper combination), 10:22 |
Team Strike Four-Way Match
Gold Star #1 Contender
Gold Star #1 Contender
Marina Marston VS Reign Reyes VS Dakota VS CJ Night
WINNER: Reign Reyes BY: Pinfall (swinging neckbreaker), 9:56 |
Team Noir Five-Way Match
Gold Star #1 Contender
Clementine Smith VS Brighton Lancaster VS Sammy Grimes VS Scott Martell VS Leon Alexander
WINNER: Sammy Grimes BY: Pinfall (Springboard Moonsault), 15:29 |