Post by gvb on Mar 14, 2023 14:50:40 GMT -6
It was early in the morning, but Ava Grimes was already awake. The currently injured student was sitting on her bed, her back turned to the door and her gaze fixed outside the window. The big news, definitely a good one, was that for the first time since the second concussion one month ago, she was working out. Nothing major, just lifting some light weights, but undoubtedly a first step toward the return. It was at this point that the door opened, wide and true, as a figure backed into the room on this cold, dreary morning. The figure was attired in a navy tracksuit, clearly designer in make, and their midnight locks were tied up into a very sharp bun. As they turned, their ruby red lips curled up into a soft smile, though their dark eyes seemed to be filled with sadness.
Lady Magdalena:
I do hope I am not disturbing you, my dear.
The Fair Lady uttered, pacing into the room carrying a tray. It seemed she was carrying in a continental breakfast, complete with croissants, sliced meats and cheeses, a variety of different fruit based spreads and the customary coffee and freshly squeezed orange juice. She sat the tray next to her bed on a table, before sitting next to her and checking her temperature.
Lady Magdalena:
This should help with your energy levels. Some of you students are far too lax on the breakfast front, what with your protein shake recipes and all. Something good and proper would surely do you well.
She held her hand in hers, taping on it very lightly.
Lady Magdalena:
Do tell me how you are feeling, my dear girl.
Ava’s eyes trailed down on breakfast. Ever since the injury occurred, she had been on a strict diet to boost her iron level, fight the anemia and hopefully speed up her recovery. Nothing she could complain about, it was a pretty varied diet and even though it came with some painful sacrifices such as sensibly cutting down on coffee and milk, Ava took it in stride and followed the doctor's order to a T. Right now though, Lady’s gift looked ever so inviting and tempting, making it hard to resist.
Ava Grimes:
I’m feeling better with every passing day, thank you.
She replied, taking her focus away from the rich breakfast and looking up to her Team Leader with a soft smile.
Ava Grimes:
I finally got cleared to start physical therapy, and even though we don’t have a comeback date yet, I’m optimistic that I’ll be able to step again in the ring before graduation. Which is more than I could've said a couple of weeks ago.
The young student reached on the trail and grabbed a glass from it, taking a sip of orange juice.
Ava Grimes:
And thank you for all this. I haven’t had a breakfast like this since my trip to Paris last year.
Ava sat down on her bed, inviting Magdalena to get comfortable on the chair in front of her.
Ava Grimes:
I know you have to meet with… “Her” later on, but there’s something I wanted to discuss with you before you do.
Lady moved over, taking a seat on the chair as she crossed those deadly, neverending legs of hers, the near six foot Parisian looking over to her student with a softness in her usual darting eyes.
Lady Magdalena:
My dear, sweet girl… I am all ears. Please, do go on.
She responded, pouring a fresh cup of coffee for her young student.
Ava seemed to be stalling, taking a deep breath to buy herself a few more seconds as if she was trying to find the right words.
Ava Grimes:
FIrst of all, I wanted to apologize if what I said yesterday came across as disrespectful to you. When I said that Reign ruined Team Strike in the few weeks she has been in… I don’t want you to feel like I blame you or anything. My opinion of you hasn’t changed, what you’ve done to me, even before the injury… ESPECIALLY before the injury… What you’ve done for CJ, Dakota, Marina.. You’ve always been there for us, and that harmony we had in our team, that’s all thanks to the stellar job you have done.
Her voice cracked as she pushed through the emotions to continue her speech.
Ava Grimes:
Now that I know for sure that I WILL be back, I’ve been thinking a lot… And I’m not sure if I can do it.
She had kept her eyes glued on her Team Leader up until now, but at this point she couldn’t endure her stare anymore.
Ava Grimes:
I don’t know if I can be on the same team as her, not after what she said to me. As much as it pains me, and believe me it truly does, I think it might be better for me if I get traded. I don’t even care where, I know that neither Helena nor Kayla can give me what you did, but… I just can’t, I’m sorry…
Lady reached over to Ava, seeing her student growing more and more emotional as she spoke on. She took her hands in hers, her eyes watering a little as the hint of a slight sniffle came from the usually cool and calm Frenchwoman.
Lady Magdalena:
There, there, Ava.
She uttered, composing herself as her thumbs gently graced over her knuckles.
Lady Magdalena:
I always promised I would do right by you. I made that promise to the entire team. Our team… Since you joined this group, I have looked upon you all like you were my very own flesh and blood. And I promised to prepare you for the outside world of wrestling, this business and life itself.
She smiled softly at her, moving her hand to the coffee cup she had poured for her.
Lady Magdalena:
And I am not breaking that promise. I swear by it… I will be doing everything in my power to not only make things right by you, but the entire group. I promise you this… So no more talk of trades, please. All I want from you is to get better, recover and return to being the strongest, best version of yourself.
Lady then stood, taking a breath as she gazed down at Ava.
Lady Magdalena:
I will take care of the rest
Grimes ran the back of her hand under her eyes, wiping away some tears. She gazed up at the tall Frenchwoman, nodding her head slightly.
Ava Grimes:
I trust you, but you already know that. I just… Please, keep it in mind if what you’re planning doesn’t work out.
Ava stood from her bed and moved in front of Lady.
Ava Grimes:
I don’t really want to leave the Team, but I would as a last resort.
Lady Magdalena:
You are not leaving OUR team.
Lady responded, pulling Ava in for a hug, her hand stroking her hair as she held onto her student, a stern look on her face as she blinked back her own tears.
Lady Magdalena:
I am making this right.
At that point, there was nothing Ava could add. Lady's reply was resolute and decisive that it didn't leave any room for argument. And perhaps, it was better that way.
Ava Grimes:
Thank you.
She whispered, before abandoning herself into the arms of the woman who quickly stepped into the role of the most important figure in the younger Grimes' growth, replacing her real mother who, unlike Lady, never really fought for her and often left her at the mercy of events.
Ava Grimes:
For everything.