Post by gothmother on Apr 14, 2021 8:16:53 GMT -5
GREAT EXPECTATIONS [MY HEART’S LIKE A WOUND]
[New York City, New York] SteelBones Wrestling
Tomorrow I will be better.
That was the one thing she kept telling herself the past thirty years, probably longer. Elena DeDraca never was a very open person, with every emotional letdown- another wall was built. By now it was hard to say how many walls were existing and if there was a way around them. But even though she wasn't the most vocal when it came to her feelings, people knew. Correction, the handful of people she allowed close knew. And while each of them had a different tactic approaching her about it, they knew when to give up.
It’s been weeks or maybe even months since she last had been to this place. And even though part of her still called it home, a lot of things had changed. To a degree she felt as if she had outgrown the setting. She was grateful for every little thing they had taught her, but at a certain point you had to walk your own path.
Just like him.
Bullshit.
She had just kicked the massive door open to escape the rain and wind, cursing something under her breath. Elena was quick to take off her jacket before finally letting her eyes wander over the property called SteelBones Wrestling. Just like expected half a dozen students were training- or better said getting their ass beat. It was all a matter of view. She inhaled deeply, allowing herself to take a walk on memory lane. Everything she ever wanted started here, with people pushing her buttons. It didn’t take longer than thirty seconds till her presence became known. A dark voice was screaming through the whole room.
“BREAK! Get yourself some water and take care of your bruises.”
A small grin formed on Elena’s face when she spotted the blonde female strutting towards her, smiling. It was one of those unreadable smiles. Dangerous but at the same time inviting. Slightly insane. Yeah, how could she ever forget about that. In front of her stood Shannon Summers in all her glory. One of the most gorgeous females she ever met, and also someone that just didn’t age.
“Took you a while to swing by, champion.”
It was hard to ignore the sarcasm combined with the thick Texan accent. Shannon had her arms crossed in front of her chest, waiting.
“You know how it is. Traveling, wrestling, trying to take over the world. The usual.”
For a long moment nothing happened, Shan just kept looking at her. Observing. Up to this day Elena DeDraca felt some kind of fear when it came to this female. Even now that she had been retired for a long time, there was zero chance she would ever wanna fight her. Shannon Summers probably ended more careers than either of them could count. The tension between them was almost viewable.
“Maybe so, although I believe you didn’t wanna run into a certain someone. You can breath though, Elena. He picked up his stuff and is no longer associated with this gym. I am not going to judge...no wait, this is absolute bullshit.”
“I don’t…”
Shannon raised her left hand which was something she used to do back when Elena was still training here. International sign for SHUT UP.
“I know you don’t wanna talk about it. Don’t sweat it, doll, I have no interest discussing cowards. And while I find it disrespectful towards the Rampage clan, I personally don’t care. I never had time to babysit runners or kiss someone's ouchies.”
Elena wanted to give an answer, but the truth was she didn’t have one. For the past weeks she was so consumed with her own pain, that she didn’t see what waves all of this would cause. Shania and Dorian Rampage were two of the most generous people she had ever met. Not only did they look out for their students, but they also taught them valuable lessons. Forgetting about her own emotions for a moment, all of this had been a huge slap to their faces. And even though they were professionals, she knew it did sting.
“I came to ask Shania for forgiveness. I somewhat feel this is my fault… .”
Without a warning Shannon stepped closer. Indeed so close that their noses touched.
“Okay, you listen now DeDraca. I am not sure how often I have been trying to tell you, but I guess not often enough. You are not responsible for people and their decisions. Even though they try to put their load on you. Sure why not? It’s easier than facing yourself in the mirror and realizing that you are full of shit.”
It was hard to hold eye contact, but Elena wasn't a teenager anymore. She wasn't the same girl that stepped through those doors on her first day. So instead of backing off, she held her ground. Feeling the hair on the back of her neck slowly rising.
“Many people in this world have a lot less than Dimitri Watson had. Do you see them make a Netflix drama out of that? No. I don’t wish the kid any harm, but when he walked out- he stopped being my business. And that is what you have to learn. He walked out on you too. He got an excuse for everything, but this won’t work forever.”
“Are you still addicted to cherry mint chewing gum?”
Shannon immediately stepped back, giving her a puzzled look. Elena on the other side was smiling, now it was her turn to cross her arms in front of her chest.
“Lesson 420 by Shannon Summers, catch your opponent off guard to get the upper hand. But to show you the respect you deserve, you are right. I know that all the things you just said are the truth, but this is not why I came. Okay, Doctor Phil?”
Shannon visibly was still confused, but at least she finally had her attention.
“What do you need, DeDraca?”
“This building. For around two hours. Is that possible?”
MY NAME IS THE NIGHT [BUT YOU KNOW THE PAIN COMES HOME]
[New York City, New York] SteelBones Wrestling
Way later that day, after all students had left or made it to their room, only Elena DeDraca was left. All the lights, apart from the one right above the ring, had been turned off. And there she was. All by herself sitting right in the middle, her eyes closed. There was nothing glamorous about her appearance at that moment. Her long hair put together in a ponytail, make up almost completely missing.
For the first time in weeks she felt at peace. There were no worries, doubts or thoughts that kicked her off balance. Just a woman that was fully in sync with herself. Something she had been looking for all her life, but never managed to reach.
“You always meet twice in life. I am not sure this means anything to anyone at this point, but it does to me. Because the meaning of it goes way deeper that most people will realise. For me it is like this, everything you do has consequences. And if you are unable to live with them, think twice about what you wish for. Sometimes it doesn’t matter if you regret things, because what’s done is done.”
“Think about it. There is one thing that everyone knows when it comes to me, I am a hundred percent focused. No matter what is going left in my private life, I know when to switch to professional mode. Therefore, I wanna’ give a huge shout out to Alessandro Quagliaterre. You know the dude that has the tendency to vanish for months- then returns as if nothing has ever happened. The same guy that has the tendency to do a thousand things at once, not always reaching the finish line. But also a person I would consider a good friend, even though we couldn’t be any more different. You see AQ I do like you, but that doesn’t mean that I think you stand for good business. Without any offense, but when you came up and challenged me, I think you bit off a little more than you can swallow.”
She rolled her neck several times, as always waiting for the well known cracking noise. She would do it several more times till her body felt more relaxed.
“Please don’t think that I am all of a sudden becoming an arrogant bitch, but did you really think this through? I know that you have an awfully big mouth, everyone seen you run it on social media. And while I know how much you love to push buttons, you never were successful with me. It fills me with delight watching you try. And imagine you sitting behind your phone, getting all frustrated. We are certainly not cut from the same stone, love. Maybe I don’t have the humour one needs for social media, but it served me well all this time. My main question is though: What you think is going to happen? That after I worked so hard, fighting my hardest battles, that I will capitulate to you? That Elena DeDraca will raise the white flag and beg for mercy? Just kidding, I am aware that you know me better than this.”
“I have been asked several times if I think that Alessandro is a good wrestler? And I must say, I find that a very difficult thing to answer. You certainly have showman talent, I will give you that. You know how to entertain a crowd, but that has nothing to do with being a real fighter. So no. I highly believe that you should stick to hosting epic events and entertain those participating in them- or the audience. I certainly don’t say that to hurt your feelings, but I am also not going to beat around the bush. You had a few good runs, but you lack when it comes to passion. The one thing that makes a difference in difficult matches. I have been in situations where my opponent probably was better, but I still came out victorious. Because I don’t stop when it hurts, AQ, I stop when I am done. When my opponents think there is nothing left, I will push just a tiny bit harder. No matter who you are or what connection we have, I will not bend for anyone.”
Elena picked this moment for a dramatic pause, shrugging her shoulders.
“I assume you paid attention to what has been going on in Project Honor. Why do I think that? Because I know behind all your sarcasm and dull comments, there is a guy with a sharp brain. For whatever reason you hide that fact sometimes, but maybe you believe in what they say: Dumb people have an easier life. But back to the subject, I have been clawing my way to the top since day one. I faced people that thought of themselves to be superior towards the rest of the roster. I went one on one with people that appeared to be unbeatable. And while I did all that, I secured myself the place as the top champion. What have you been doing in the meantime? Getting yourself a pretty girlfriend and hosting duck races. Do you see where the main problem rests? Maybe you think I am tired or worn out, but I have to disappoint you. If you think I was good in previous companies, you ain’t seen nothing yet. I am certainly in my prime.”
“There comes a time for everyone where they have to make the most essential decision. What am I gonna do with my life? And while I didn’t have the privilege to come out of a wealthy household, I always had something that so many miss. Willpower. There never was a day in my life, where I had doubts about my future. Sure some things didn’t go as planned, but after every fall I stood back up. I don’t need to camouflage my flaws, Alessandro. And that is why the fans stood with me through almost two decades. It’s called authenticity. I don’t need to be perfect to be the best. I just need to be me, darling. And I think despite you showcasing a huge ego, behind that rests a very insecure boy. One that didn’t get the love he deserved. One that wanted everything and when he had it, he didn’t know how to handle it. That is what I see when I take a closer look. Maybe this is my real power. Seeing people for what they truly are?”
Right in this moment she spotted several students looking at her through the huge glass window. Remembering it from her own days here, they were able to hear every word she had to say. Again there was a smile spreading on her face.
“You like to be the talk of town, don’t you? Shooting early against me. But I am sure you had that problem before. Either way, I am sure that everything you said was colourful and packed up in cool words- but do you really think that makes a difference? I still can’t wrap my head around certain people and their tactics. Instead of concentrating on what truly matters, someone's quality as a fighter, they try to sniff out private stuff. It’s all fun and games till someone cries, right? I am not informed what you had to say, but usually it doesn’t matter. It is either cold coffee, or things that didn’t bother me in the first place. Maybe I would have been more successful if I had watched more Gossip Girl, or whatever all that nonsense is called.”
“But don’t begin to sweat it now, AQ. You won’t find me talking about failed marriages or forgotten kids. That is not my style. Honestly, it is no style at all- but to each their own. My main focus rests on what you are capable of when your life depends on it. Okay, that is a little dramatic but you get the idea behind it. I know you have been wrestling under certain banners as of late, so at least I know you are not going to have a heart attack in the middle of the ring. You know that is no joke, right? People these days with their fancy lifestyles. I would hate for you to fail because you don’t take this seriously. Never forget that I know you a little better than you think. I have been paying attention, even when there was no sign of it. Alessandro, can you say the same? Can you focus on something long enough to be victorious?”
With every word spoken the students dragged closer, right behind them Shannon Summers.
“You need dedication to get where I am today. I don’t judge people having different interests, it’s a well known fact that I do too. But the moment I enter that ring, all I think about is wrestling. Not cupcakes. Not my fashion line. But the fact that I am going to hurt people. And even though that might sound cruel, it is what is the bottom line of this business. Imply as much pain as you can, most importantly though, more than the other person can take. And while you might get a waxing right now, this is nothing compared to what is going to happen at Public Execution. A very fitting name, by the way.”
“I want your everything and just when you think there is nothing more, I will add more pressure. I live for this, AQ. I could pretend that being older, a mother, a wife has softened me- but we are not going to lie. Right? If anything it made me stronger and harder on everyone on the outside. After the match we shake hands and get a snack backstage. If you can’t get up I even will carry you, old man. But during the match, you are not my friend. You are not the guy my daughter calls uncle Quack. You are the one person that stands between me and my legacy. There won’t be any hard feelings between us, or at least I hope, but I will go out there to destroy you. Every fibre of your body will feel the impact of this encounter. And if you are not willing to give it your all, this will lead to even more suffering. I will sense your every insecurity, darling.”
With more elegance than anyone had expected she rose from the mat, looking around the ring. It felt as if the whole gym had made their way, surrounding her. Once more she was looking for the eyes of her former mentor, finding her doing a little bow.
“Come what may, I feel very honoured you picked me as an opponent. Just remember this, you are coming into my yard. This ain’t neutral territory. I know it. You know it. And love, the fans know it. I have been their first ever Legacy champion. I have given them a voice when management was deaf. What are you going to give them? A few funny, snarky comments? And then what? You will exit and live your life. Me? I will continue to fight the fight, as if my life depends on it. And maybe that is what it comes down to. Last but not least, good luck Alessandro Quagliaterre. Or did you prefer Alejandro? I am never sure. I will see later.”
“You’re welcome.”
It now was her time to bow to an invisible opponent, or maybe to all the people that decided to listen to her. Moments after the camera went off, students would get in the ring- a little over excited. But her eyes never left the face of Shannon Summers, memorizing the proud expression on her face.
[New York City, New York] SteelBones Wrestling
Tomorrow I will be better.
That was the one thing she kept telling herself the past thirty years, probably longer. Elena DeDraca never was a very open person, with every emotional letdown- another wall was built. By now it was hard to say how many walls were existing and if there was a way around them. But even though she wasn't the most vocal when it came to her feelings, people knew. Correction, the handful of people she allowed close knew. And while each of them had a different tactic approaching her about it, they knew when to give up.
It’s been weeks or maybe even months since she last had been to this place. And even though part of her still called it home, a lot of things had changed. To a degree she felt as if she had outgrown the setting. She was grateful for every little thing they had taught her, but at a certain point you had to walk your own path.
Just like him.
Bullshit.
She had just kicked the massive door open to escape the rain and wind, cursing something under her breath. Elena was quick to take off her jacket before finally letting her eyes wander over the property called SteelBones Wrestling. Just like expected half a dozen students were training- or better said getting their ass beat. It was all a matter of view. She inhaled deeply, allowing herself to take a walk on memory lane. Everything she ever wanted started here, with people pushing her buttons. It didn’t take longer than thirty seconds till her presence became known. A dark voice was screaming through the whole room.
“BREAK! Get yourself some water and take care of your bruises.”
A small grin formed on Elena’s face when she spotted the blonde female strutting towards her, smiling. It was one of those unreadable smiles. Dangerous but at the same time inviting. Slightly insane. Yeah, how could she ever forget about that. In front of her stood Shannon Summers in all her glory. One of the most gorgeous females she ever met, and also someone that just didn’t age.
“Took you a while to swing by, champion.”
It was hard to ignore the sarcasm combined with the thick Texan accent. Shannon had her arms crossed in front of her chest, waiting.
“You know how it is. Traveling, wrestling, trying to take over the world. The usual.”
For a long moment nothing happened, Shan just kept looking at her. Observing. Up to this day Elena DeDraca felt some kind of fear when it came to this female. Even now that she had been retired for a long time, there was zero chance she would ever wanna fight her. Shannon Summers probably ended more careers than either of them could count. The tension between them was almost viewable.
“Maybe so, although I believe you didn’t wanna run into a certain someone. You can breath though, Elena. He picked up his stuff and is no longer associated with this gym. I am not going to judge...no wait, this is absolute bullshit.”
“I don’t…”
Shannon raised her left hand which was something she used to do back when Elena was still training here. International sign for SHUT UP.
“I know you don’t wanna talk about it. Don’t sweat it, doll, I have no interest discussing cowards. And while I find it disrespectful towards the Rampage clan, I personally don’t care. I never had time to babysit runners or kiss someone's ouchies.”
Elena wanted to give an answer, but the truth was she didn’t have one. For the past weeks she was so consumed with her own pain, that she didn’t see what waves all of this would cause. Shania and Dorian Rampage were two of the most generous people she had ever met. Not only did they look out for their students, but they also taught them valuable lessons. Forgetting about her own emotions for a moment, all of this had been a huge slap to their faces. And even though they were professionals, she knew it did sting.
“I came to ask Shania for forgiveness. I somewhat feel this is my fault… .”
Without a warning Shannon stepped closer. Indeed so close that their noses touched.
“Okay, you listen now DeDraca. I am not sure how often I have been trying to tell you, but I guess not often enough. You are not responsible for people and their decisions. Even though they try to put their load on you. Sure why not? It’s easier than facing yourself in the mirror and realizing that you are full of shit.”
It was hard to hold eye contact, but Elena wasn't a teenager anymore. She wasn't the same girl that stepped through those doors on her first day. So instead of backing off, she held her ground. Feeling the hair on the back of her neck slowly rising.
“Many people in this world have a lot less than Dimitri Watson had. Do you see them make a Netflix drama out of that? No. I don’t wish the kid any harm, but when he walked out- he stopped being my business. And that is what you have to learn. He walked out on you too. He got an excuse for everything, but this won’t work forever.”
“Are you still addicted to cherry mint chewing gum?”
Shannon immediately stepped back, giving her a puzzled look. Elena on the other side was smiling, now it was her turn to cross her arms in front of her chest.
“Lesson 420 by Shannon Summers, catch your opponent off guard to get the upper hand. But to show you the respect you deserve, you are right. I know that all the things you just said are the truth, but this is not why I came. Okay, Doctor Phil?”
Shannon visibly was still confused, but at least she finally had her attention.
“What do you need, DeDraca?”
“This building. For around two hours. Is that possible?”
MY NAME IS THE NIGHT [BUT YOU KNOW THE PAIN COMES HOME]
[New York City, New York] SteelBones Wrestling
Way later that day, after all students had left or made it to their room, only Elena DeDraca was left. All the lights, apart from the one right above the ring, had been turned off. And there she was. All by herself sitting right in the middle, her eyes closed. There was nothing glamorous about her appearance at that moment. Her long hair put together in a ponytail, make up almost completely missing.
For the first time in weeks she felt at peace. There were no worries, doubts or thoughts that kicked her off balance. Just a woman that was fully in sync with herself. Something she had been looking for all her life, but never managed to reach.
“You always meet twice in life. I am not sure this means anything to anyone at this point, but it does to me. Because the meaning of it goes way deeper that most people will realise. For me it is like this, everything you do has consequences. And if you are unable to live with them, think twice about what you wish for. Sometimes it doesn’t matter if you regret things, because what’s done is done.”
“Think about it. There is one thing that everyone knows when it comes to me, I am a hundred percent focused. No matter what is going left in my private life, I know when to switch to professional mode. Therefore, I wanna’ give a huge shout out to Alessandro Quagliaterre. You know the dude that has the tendency to vanish for months- then returns as if nothing has ever happened. The same guy that has the tendency to do a thousand things at once, not always reaching the finish line. But also a person I would consider a good friend, even though we couldn’t be any more different. You see AQ I do like you, but that doesn’t mean that I think you stand for good business. Without any offense, but when you came up and challenged me, I think you bit off a little more than you can swallow.”
She rolled her neck several times, as always waiting for the well known cracking noise. She would do it several more times till her body felt more relaxed.
“Please don’t think that I am all of a sudden becoming an arrogant bitch, but did you really think this through? I know that you have an awfully big mouth, everyone seen you run it on social media. And while I know how much you love to push buttons, you never were successful with me. It fills me with delight watching you try. And imagine you sitting behind your phone, getting all frustrated. We are certainly not cut from the same stone, love. Maybe I don’t have the humour one needs for social media, but it served me well all this time. My main question is though: What you think is going to happen? That after I worked so hard, fighting my hardest battles, that I will capitulate to you? That Elena DeDraca will raise the white flag and beg for mercy? Just kidding, I am aware that you know me better than this.”
“I have been asked several times if I think that Alessandro is a good wrestler? And I must say, I find that a very difficult thing to answer. You certainly have showman talent, I will give you that. You know how to entertain a crowd, but that has nothing to do with being a real fighter. So no. I highly believe that you should stick to hosting epic events and entertain those participating in them- or the audience. I certainly don’t say that to hurt your feelings, but I am also not going to beat around the bush. You had a few good runs, but you lack when it comes to passion. The one thing that makes a difference in difficult matches. I have been in situations where my opponent probably was better, but I still came out victorious. Because I don’t stop when it hurts, AQ, I stop when I am done. When my opponents think there is nothing left, I will push just a tiny bit harder. No matter who you are or what connection we have, I will not bend for anyone.”
Elena picked this moment for a dramatic pause, shrugging her shoulders.
“I assume you paid attention to what has been going on in Project Honor. Why do I think that? Because I know behind all your sarcasm and dull comments, there is a guy with a sharp brain. For whatever reason you hide that fact sometimes, but maybe you believe in what they say: Dumb people have an easier life. But back to the subject, I have been clawing my way to the top since day one. I faced people that thought of themselves to be superior towards the rest of the roster. I went one on one with people that appeared to be unbeatable. And while I did all that, I secured myself the place as the top champion. What have you been doing in the meantime? Getting yourself a pretty girlfriend and hosting duck races. Do you see where the main problem rests? Maybe you think I am tired or worn out, but I have to disappoint you. If you think I was good in previous companies, you ain’t seen nothing yet. I am certainly in my prime.”
“There comes a time for everyone where they have to make the most essential decision. What am I gonna do with my life? And while I didn’t have the privilege to come out of a wealthy household, I always had something that so many miss. Willpower. There never was a day in my life, where I had doubts about my future. Sure some things didn’t go as planned, but after every fall I stood back up. I don’t need to camouflage my flaws, Alessandro. And that is why the fans stood with me through almost two decades. It’s called authenticity. I don’t need to be perfect to be the best. I just need to be me, darling. And I think despite you showcasing a huge ego, behind that rests a very insecure boy. One that didn’t get the love he deserved. One that wanted everything and when he had it, he didn’t know how to handle it. That is what I see when I take a closer look. Maybe this is my real power. Seeing people for what they truly are?”
Right in this moment she spotted several students looking at her through the huge glass window. Remembering it from her own days here, they were able to hear every word she had to say. Again there was a smile spreading on her face.
“You like to be the talk of town, don’t you? Shooting early against me. But I am sure you had that problem before. Either way, I am sure that everything you said was colourful and packed up in cool words- but do you really think that makes a difference? I still can’t wrap my head around certain people and their tactics. Instead of concentrating on what truly matters, someone's quality as a fighter, they try to sniff out private stuff. It’s all fun and games till someone cries, right? I am not informed what you had to say, but usually it doesn’t matter. It is either cold coffee, or things that didn’t bother me in the first place. Maybe I would have been more successful if I had watched more Gossip Girl, or whatever all that nonsense is called.”
“But don’t begin to sweat it now, AQ. You won’t find me talking about failed marriages or forgotten kids. That is not my style. Honestly, it is no style at all- but to each their own. My main focus rests on what you are capable of when your life depends on it. Okay, that is a little dramatic but you get the idea behind it. I know you have been wrestling under certain banners as of late, so at least I know you are not going to have a heart attack in the middle of the ring. You know that is no joke, right? People these days with their fancy lifestyles. I would hate for you to fail because you don’t take this seriously. Never forget that I know you a little better than you think. I have been paying attention, even when there was no sign of it. Alessandro, can you say the same? Can you focus on something long enough to be victorious?”
With every word spoken the students dragged closer, right behind them Shannon Summers.
“You need dedication to get where I am today. I don’t judge people having different interests, it’s a well known fact that I do too. But the moment I enter that ring, all I think about is wrestling. Not cupcakes. Not my fashion line. But the fact that I am going to hurt people. And even though that might sound cruel, it is what is the bottom line of this business. Imply as much pain as you can, most importantly though, more than the other person can take. And while you might get a waxing right now, this is nothing compared to what is going to happen at Public Execution. A very fitting name, by the way.”
“I want your everything and just when you think there is nothing more, I will add more pressure. I live for this, AQ. I could pretend that being older, a mother, a wife has softened me- but we are not going to lie. Right? If anything it made me stronger and harder on everyone on the outside. After the match we shake hands and get a snack backstage. If you can’t get up I even will carry you, old man. But during the match, you are not my friend. You are not the guy my daughter calls uncle Quack. You are the one person that stands between me and my legacy. There won’t be any hard feelings between us, or at least I hope, but I will go out there to destroy you. Every fibre of your body will feel the impact of this encounter. And if you are not willing to give it your all, this will lead to even more suffering. I will sense your every insecurity, darling.”
With more elegance than anyone had expected she rose from the mat, looking around the ring. It felt as if the whole gym had made their way, surrounding her. Once more she was looking for the eyes of her former mentor, finding her doing a little bow.
“Come what may, I feel very honoured you picked me as an opponent. Just remember this, you are coming into my yard. This ain’t neutral territory. I know it. You know it. And love, the fans know it. I have been their first ever Legacy champion. I have given them a voice when management was deaf. What are you going to give them? A few funny, snarky comments? And then what? You will exit and live your life. Me? I will continue to fight the fight, as if my life depends on it. And maybe that is what it comes down to. Last but not least, good luck Alessandro Quagliaterre. Or did you prefer Alejandro? I am never sure. I will see later.”
“You’re welcome.”
It now was her time to bow to an invisible opponent, or maybe to all the people that decided to listen to her. Moments after the camera went off, students would get in the ring- a little over excited. But her eyes never left the face of Shannon Summers, memorizing the proud expression on her face.
