Post by Deleted on Jun 13, 2018 0:00:11 GMT -5
Something Different.
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May 27th
11:30 pm
Madison Square Garden back parking lot; New York, NY
11:30 pm
Madison Square Garden back parking lot; New York, NY
“You call for an Uber?” asks an older man, pulling up in a black Sedan.
“That’s me.” says Mesh, three hours removed from her brutal match against Ryan "Needles" Payne. She’s fresh off her examination from the WFWF doctors, her nose is bandaged up and a cold bag of ice is resting behind her neck. The back-parking lot of Madison Square Garden is nearly empty – everyone else is already gone aside from a few crew members. She sluggishly puts her bag in the car first, scooting in beside it. Mesh gives the driver directions to her hotel, but he already knew where it was. The driver speeds off, becoming one with the consistently busy New York traffic.
“How was it?” he asks, his eyes quickly glancing upward in the rear-view mirror.
“Excuse me?” she asks, adjusting so she can look at the driver.
“Wrestling in The Garden - how was it?” he asks again.
“It was so much fun!" she replies with a smile. The driver glances over again and notices the bandage on her nose.
“Jesus, what happened?” Mesh doesn’t answer right away.
“I got my ass kicked, that’s what happened.” she answers back.
“You look awfully happy for somebody who got their ass kicked.” he asks, chuckling. Mesh’s smile doesn’t leave her face, she looks out the window; intrigued by the constant stream of lights.
“Because I wrestled at Madison Square Garden."
“But you won, right?” the driver asks. Mesh stops and thinks: she did win; not the way she had hoped but she won. Winning by DQ is cheap but it wasn’t Mesh’s fault.
”Not the way I wanted to.” she says. The driver laughs.
“The people saw you take an ass-whooping and still managed to get up. That’s the kind of thing that makes people believe!” Mesh smiles.
“You think so?” she asks, her eyes forward, watching the oncoming traffic that delays her ride.
“Absolutely! The higher ups or whatever of the WFWF noticed – and you’ll get an opportunity to really shine soon!” Mesh chuckles.
“Right.” That really boosted Mesh’s confidence but deep down, she’s having a hard time believing the driver. He’s probably just being super nice, so she gives him a five-star rating.
“Well, thank you. I appreciate it!” The driver doesn’t say much afterwards which was fine, that allows Mesh to stare out the window like a little kid in silence. The remainder of the ride was smooth sailing as the driver pulls up to Hotel Pennsylvania. It’s a square building with hundreds of floors that seem to never end, disappearing into the sky.
“Thank you so much!” Mesh says.
As Mesh grabs her bag from the backseat, the driver, with a reluctant tone in his voice asks, “Listen, I hate to do this to you, but my granddaughter loves you. It would mean the world to her if she got your autograph!” the driver looks for something for Mesh to sign. Mesh smiles and starts to blush since she's never been asked to sign anything.
“Of course! How old is she?” Mesh asks, placing her bag on the ground.
“Eight. I used to watch wrestling back in the day and she would always watch it with me, but she’s been really getting into it ever since she saw you on TV.” Mesh laughs as the driver hands her a ripped piece of paper and a marker. Mesh signs it, drawing a cat underneath her signature.
“What’s her name?” she asks.
“Jadzia,” the driver responds, “It’s Polish.”
“It’s a very pretty name.” Mesh replies, making the signature out to the young fan. She hands him the piece of paper and picks her bag up from the ground.
“Thank you so much. This is going to make her happy!” Mesh smiles again and thanks the driver. He drives off, waving to Mesh.
She waves back as the driver and his car disappear into the city lights far off in the distance. Mesh sighs and heads inside the hotel.
As soon as she enters the stillness from within her hotel room, she throws her bag on the bed. She walks into the bathroom and looks into the mirror. Her black eyeliner is smudged, leaving small black tears down her face. Her nose is throbbing, but it doesn’t look as bad as it did before she left the arena. It’s still swollen and beet red. In all her years of the independent circuit, she never broke a bone or saw her own blood. The price of playing in the big leagues. She turns the hot water on and undresses. The hot water felt nice, washing away the blood, sweat and tears that she got, all in a days work. Once she’s out of the shower, she checks her phone and sees 7 missed calls: 1 from Kat, Mesh’s best friend….
And 6 from her mother.
Great!
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“I’m sorry but I had to stop watching the show, I couldn’t watch it after seeing what that psycho did to you.”
Mom, it’s okay. This is what I signed up for – trust me, it could’ve been a lot worse than a little nosebleed.
“That’s what scares me – that it could’ve been worse. And it wasn’t just a little nosebleed.”
Mom, please – I hate seeing you upset. I’m fine.
“I know you do, sweetie but…I’m just afraid that you’ll get seriously hurt to the point where I’ll have to take care of you again.”
Oh, mom…
“I worry about you, that’s all. Ever since you signed with the WFWF, you’re always on the road. I’m not used to the house being quiet. It was always noisy when you were here.”
Geez, mom! Thanks.
“I meant it in a good way! You were always doing something creative, like making your own outfits or taking pictures for your 8x10s in front of your tie dye backdrop but of course, I’m referring to you getting mad at video games. When you rage, I can’t help but laugh.”
You have no idea how infuriating it is being the healer in the party and the other players have no idea what to do which results in us wiping because they don’t know the mechanics! I’m the healer! I can only do so much!
Mesh’s mom laughs.
“I’m sorry for worrying. I promise not to freak out anymore. I trust you.”
Thank you. I’ll be sure not to get hit with anymore baseball bats.
“Very funny.”
You still recorded the show, right?
“Of course, I did.”
You’re the best!
Mesh's mom laughs again.
“Okay, then. I’ll let you go. I’m sure you’re tired. Have a good night sweetie. I love you.”
I love you too. Good night!
Mama Bear hangs up, leaving Mesh alone with her thoughts. She sighs. Mesh doesn’t like her mom worrying. Normally, she doesn’t but the beating Mesh took at the hands of Needles was different. As gruesome as it was, that beating rejuvenated her. Hopefully now, the world witnessed how tough Mesh is. That’s what she hopes anyway. The adrenaline coursing through her veins is preventing her from falling asleep. As she sits on her bed, the beautiful night lights continue to grab her attention. Mesh grabs her phone and earbuds and heads outside to her balcony.
There’s a small breeze and the air smells like rain but it’s a nice night. Faint sounds of car horns and chatter can be heard as they fade away into oblivion.
It’s so pretty.
Mesh grabs a chair and moves it, so her knees touch the metal bars surrounding the balcony. She puts the earbuds in and with the accompanying sounds of trance music, Mesh reflects on the events that took place, late into the night....
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June 6th
10:13 AM
Mama Bear’s house; Los Angeles, CA
Mesh returns home after getting some breakfast with Kat. She has her crimped hair in pigtails and she’s wearing a purple scarf adorned with paint splatters and skulls, a black tanktop, ripped skinny jeans and metallic blue boots. She usually wears her glasses at home. She walks in her bedroom about to change for the gym until her phone starts to vibrate. She checks her phone but doesn’t recognize the number, even though it’s from the Los Angeles area. Mesh lets the call go to voicemail, going back to changing into her gym clothes. A couple of minutes go by and a notification pops up on her phone.
10:13 AM
Mama Bear’s house; Los Angeles, CA
Mesh returns home after getting some breakfast with Kat. She has her crimped hair in pigtails and she’s wearing a purple scarf adorned with paint splatters and skulls, a black tanktop, ripped skinny jeans and metallic blue boots. She usually wears her glasses at home. She walks in her bedroom about to change for the gym until her phone starts to vibrate. She checks her phone but doesn’t recognize the number, even though it’s from the Los Angeles area. Mesh lets the call go to voicemail, going back to changing into her gym clothes. A couple of minutes go by and a notification pops up on her phone.
Hello there! This is Lila Sleater, general manager of the WFWF. I need to speak with you as soon as possible. It pertains to the upcoming show in Boston. Please call me back at this number when you get the chance. Thank you!
Mesh is confused. She’s heard the name around backstage and she’s only seen Sleater in person in passing.
Huh? Why would she call me?
Mesh calls the number back and almost immediately, Sleater answers the phone.
“Hello?”
Yes, it’s Mesh. You called me a little bit ago about the upcoming show?
“Oh, yes! I hope I didn’t catch you at a bad time?”
Mesh immediately stops what she’s doing and sits on the floor.
No, of course not! I’m just getting ready to go work out.
“I like your dedication. You know, being a WFWF superstar isn’t just about being skilled in the ring – it’s also about looking like a star and I always appreciate it when the talent goes that extra mile, you know?”
Sure!
“Anyway, since you’re busy, I won’t keep you long. I was calling to let you know that you, miss are going to be in the main event at Breakout, against Frank Lynn in a non-title match!”
Mesh is confused again. She knows that an authority figure like Lila Sleater wouldn’t joke around. Mesh is stunned, quiet. She moves the phone away from her ear and blankly stares into the distance, really taking in the news that’s just been dropped on her.
WHAT?!
“I beg your pardon?”
Sorry, I’m just…so confused and excited and nervous, all at the same time.
“I can understand. Being in the main event is never an easy task for a rookie like yourself. Now, while my relationship with Frank is a bit…unconventional to say the least, I trust that he will be fair, and he won’t try anything in the match with you. Frank doesn't cheat unless his opponent cheats first. Just a bit of advice.”
The two laugh.
Thank you for the opportunity, Ms. Sleater.
“Please, don’t thank me – you’ve earned it. I know it may not seem like it but we - and by we, I mean the higher ups of the company notice when somebody is working hard. Yes, you’ve only been a part of the company for two months now, but you are extremely popular with the audience, especially our younger fans!”
Really?
“Absolutely! We’ve noticed and decided that maybe it’s your time to shine. To really show the world that you are capable of being a world champion, capable of being a representative of the company.”
Wow, thank you. That means a lot coming from you!
“Well, I’m glad. Now if you’ll excuse me – I have other phone calls to make as well as take care of other business.”
Oh, I’m sure!
“You have a wonderful day and it was so nice to finally talk to ‘the blur haired girl’ that I hear a lot about!”
It was nice talking to you as well!
“Bye bye!”
Bye!
As soon as Sleater hangs up, Mesh can hear and feel her heartbeat. Sleater just dropped a bombshell. Normally, Mesh would’ve called her mom but she’s at work. Instead, Mesh immediately calls Kat.
“Hey”
Guess what?
“You got your own car?”
No! Guess again!
“You moved out?”
Guess again!
“Umm….I don’t know. What?”
I’m in the main event at the next show!
“Holy s#*t, dude!”
I know right?!
“Congrats! Did you just find out?”
Pretty much. As soon as I got off the phone with Ms. Sleater, I called you!
“Ms. Sleater? Look at you being a corporate shill.”
Dude, she’s my boss. I’m just being nice.
“I’m just messing with you, dude. So, who's your opponent?”
Frank Lynn, you know – the guy I told you about? He let me hold his championship belt at the last show?
“Right, him. Considering the situation now, it’s funny looking back on that you know?”
That’s exactly what I was thinking too!
“Are you ready?”
I mean – yes and no.
“Elaborate”
Well, I know Frank is like the martial arts type - very technical. He uses a bunch of submission moves and he’s more of a striker. He’s faced some of the best wrestlers around the world and more times than not – he’s won. He’s beaten guys like Mak Cross, Michael Kyzer and Trace Demon, who are all considered legends in the WFWF. He’s a world champion. He’s proven to everyone that he is one of the best so that’s terrifying but I’m not any of those guys. What I lack in size and strength I make up for by having heart. Frank can do whatever he wants to me, but I know that I’ll still be standing when it’s all said and done – win, lose or draw.
“Geez! Look at you, cutting a promo! You're messing with the group dynamic: I'm the s#*t talker and you're the comic relief!”
Ha! I’m getting used to it now. I learned that from you!
“They grow up so fast!”
Mesh laughs.
But yeah – basically, he’s good. Really good.
“The best?”
Pretty much.
“You’re technical too though. You know how to work – granted, not a lot of people know that, but you do.”
I know – that’s the edge I have on Frank. He doesn’t really know what to expect from me. I’m sure he’s seen the few moves that I’ve done but I know so much more than that.
“I mean – he knows how tough you are. Not everyone would get up after having their head confused for a baseball. Yes, there’s been crazier things that have happened in the WFWF but still – nobody expected you to get up from that, that’s my point.”
I’m sure Frank been through worse though. I know he once got really beat up at a show where he had a whole bunch of cuts all over his body, bruised ribs and a concussion. Knowing Frank, he probably saw what happened to me and just shrugged it off.
“Sure, but if he’s smart he won’t underestimate you.”
I don’t know. He does have a manager though – that’s where it gets interesting…
“Ahh – watch out for….”
Daphne.
“Yeah, her. She’s probably going to try and f#*k you over so be careful.”
Yeah, I know she tends to get involved in Frank’s matches. Last time he wrestled, she got ejected from ringside.
“Yeah, dude – watch your back.”
I will. Are you sure you can’t come down to Boston with me?? Having you in my corner would mean so much to me!
“Yeah, I can’t. Sorry, man. I’ll make it up to you by taking you to breakfast when you come back. Besides, you’ve done a good job on your own so you can do this! I’m proud of you.”
Thanks, boo.
“So, are you going to get a title shot if you win?”
I think that’s the plan but I'm not sure.
“You know - hypothetically, if you were to beat Frank at Breakout and if you do get a title shot and win, that might be a good enough reason for me to come back to wrestling..."
Mesh's eyes widen.
Really?!
"No."
Mesh frowns.
You're such a horrible person.
The two friends laugh together.
“So, I was on their website the other day because I was bored, and I read some of their history – The Dog Who Eats Cheeseburgers….”
Oh yes! I’ve heard about that! Okay, so taking a baseball bat to the face isn’t nearly as bad as being carved into little pieces, doused in lighter fluid, and set on fire but I don’t think it was that big of a deal what Needles did to me.
“Are you kidding? Needles or whatever his name is was making his debut – what better way to make a statement on your first night by using a baseball bat to break somebody’s nose and possibly give you a f#*king concussion?”
I guess so but I’m still new. I’m a nobody. If Bat Boy wanted to make a statement, then attack a veteran or something. Him breaking my nose means nothing.
“To you but to everyone else, it makes him look like a complete psycho.”
Hmm…. I disagree.
“Then I guess we can’t be friends anymore.”
They both laugh again.
“You’re not a nobody – you’re in the f#*king main event!”
Mesh and Kat continue to bicker like best friends. Of course, they can talk for hours on the phone, so Mesh ends up NOT going to the gym but that's okay. It was leg day anyway.
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June 21st
9:36 AM
Outside the TD Garden; Boston, MA
Mesh gets dropped off across the street from the TD Garden. There’s a bit of traffic but nothing too crazy. She manages to walk across the street safely, scurrying along the sidewalk. She stops and takes a quick selfie from outside the venue for the social media but also for the memory. She finds the parking lot that leads to the back entrance. She figures that there won’t be enough time to do a vlog, so she pulls out her phone again and…
9:36 AM
Outside the TD Garden; Boston, MA
Mesh gets dropped off across the street from the TD Garden. There’s a bit of traffic but nothing too crazy. She manages to walk across the street safely, scurrying along the sidewalk. She stops and takes a quick selfie from outside the venue for the social media but also for the memory. She finds the parking lot that leads to the back entrance. She figures that there won’t be enough time to do a vlog, so she pulls out her phone again and…
Hey guys, it’s Mesh! I’m doing something different for this vlog. I’m in the parking lot outside the TD Garden! I arrived in Boston a little bit ago and while I haven’t had the chance to go on an adventure here – I have a plan. I found this list online of twenty-five things you absolutely, positively have to do in Boston, so I’ve decided that I’m going to stay in Boston for a bit after the show to complete that list! It’s dumb, I know but yeah. Unfortunately, this vlog is going to be a short one but it’s beautiful right now so why not? So, I have a big match in a few hours, a really big match against one of the greatest wrestlers in WFWF history and I just wanted to say-
In-mid sentence, Mesh is interrupted by a small group of young fans as they approach her! They’re all starstruck and talking all at once, making it impossible to understand what they are saying. There’s one little girl in particular with kandis like the ones that Mesh wears and she’s wearing a blue wig.
Oh my God! You are so cute!
Mesh crouches down to hug the young fan, a big smile beaming from her face. The other fans are all either in awe of standing next to Mesh, all trying to talk to her or they’re taking pictures of her on their phones. Most of them have fanart or posters that they want Mesh to autograph. Funny considering what happened to Mesh in New York. Some have nothing at all, they just want a picture with Mesh, but all the fans are smiling.
You guys totally surprised me! Say hi to the internet, kids!
Mesh crouches down again, only this time the group assembles behind her. They all do the peace sign with their hands and stick their tongues out – just like Mesh does. Mesh laughs and interacts with the young fans. She does her best to keep recording while signing autographs.
Gahh! It’s a bit difficult trying to film all of this while being socially awkward!
She soldiers on, recording the impromptu meet-and-greet. There are about 25-30 people in the parking lot, most of them are kids – all dressed in bright colors and extremely happy to be in an up-close situation with their idol. Mesh is smiling throughout; she’s hugging fans, personalizing their autographs. She looks into her phone with a smile as a couple more fans join in the crowd.
"You got this, Meshy!" one fan says to her as Mesh hugs them.
Am I going to see all of you at the show tonight? She asks, slightly raising her voice. The small, yet rowdy crowd all cheer, as to say “Of course, duh!” in complete sync. The majority of the vlog shows Mesh interacting with the fans and posing for selfies.
"You are my favorite wrestler ever and I love your hair!" says another fan to Mesh who continues to blush and smile.
Thank you so much! You’re the best! Mesh says again for the hundredth time, giving that fan a big hug. Suddenly, Mesh’s theme song is played. The quality of the song isn’t the best, probably being played from someone’s phone. Without a warning, the small crowd gathers around Mesh and start mimicking Mesh’s dance routine!
Oh my God! A flash mob! I can’t believe this is happening! Mesh can’t help herself, she starts laughing and smiling. Still filming with her phone, Mesh starts to spin in place – capturing everything. Off in the distance Mesh sees a familiar face leaning on the fender of their car. As they make eye contact, that’s when she realizes that it’s Frank Lynn, her opponent in a couple of hours. She stops mid-spin. Pointing her phone directly at the champion
.
Oh hey, everyone! Look who it is! Your WFWF International Champion; Boston’s own – Frank Lynn everybody! Hey, Frank!
Oh hey, everyone! Look who it is! Your WFWF International Champion; Boston’s own – Frank Lynn everybody! Hey, Frank!
There are some cheers but nobody in that flash mob cared. The fans dancing like dolphins were relishing in this moment with Mesh, who in turn – was enjoying every bit of it. Mesh waves at Frank, but he doesn’t respond. He stays still – sitting on the fender of his car with his arms crossed. Mesh waves Frank over but he doesn’t move. Frank Lynn has accomplished a lot in his career and Mesh respects him. All Mesh wants is to earn his respect. And see him laugh a little.
Frank, come dance with us! I see you!
Mesh keeps waving at Frank but he ain’t budging. Frank’s demeanor is drab. After looking on with literally zero emotion, he suddenly gets back in his car and drives off. Mesh isn’t upset or disappointed – she knows how somber Frank is. Her attempt at making him laugh at End Time didn’t exactly go over well. Frank refusing to take part, let alone acknowledge Mesh didn’t bother her. She gets it. It would’ve been disrespectful if Mesh hadn’t acknowledged Frank. At least, that’s what she’s thinking.
Looks like Frank isn’t a fan of dancing! she says as the crowd continues to dance and cheer.
It’s okay, he’s missing out! Her attention goes back to the flash mob who continue to dance although most of them have no rhythm, so they’re lost in place. Once the song ends, the pint-sized crowd let out a cheer with Mesh applauding.
I love all of you! That was, seriously the coolest thing ever! Thank you! Unfortunately, I have to go now…. the crowd groans in disappointment, but Mesh reassures them, but I will see all you lovelies inside!
She says farewell the only Mesh knows how as the crowd repeats it back. Mesh blows kisses to the crowd, they return the favor and cheer! Mesh walks away, making her way to the staff parking lot nearby. She's blushing and her smile hasn’t gone away. She starts laughing as people and staff walk by and stare at her, completely unaware of what just occurred.
That was amazing. I’m sorry if the vlog is a bit shaky but I had so much fun right there! I gotta say – being in the center of a flash mob, that’s a new one! That gave me a bit of confidence. I can’t let those kids down. Now, seeing Frank was totally unexpected; I am a bit disappointed that he flat out refused to take part in our little flash mob though. That’s okay – maybe he’s a shy dancer. Like he dances when there’s no one around. That’s how I started. I could be wrong. Anyway, I have to go and get ready, but I want to end this vlog on this – being in the ring with somebody like Frank “The Lethal Weapon” Lynn will make me a better wrestler because if I win, that’s a big deal and that will only lead to bigger and better things but if I lose, I lose to a world champion and a future Hall of Famer. Either way, Frank – good luck out there.
With a serious demeanor, Mesh looks into her phone and stops recording. She heads inside the TD Garden where in a couple of hours – it’s showtime!