Post by Charles "Dead Eye" James II on Nov 26, 2015 1:12:32 GMT -5
{Scene Opens: Power of One Martial Arts Center: LBC}
A white Toyota Corolla pulled into the parking lot of the address given to her by Dead Eye. She turned her headlights off, and opened her car door. Karin stepped out of her car, grabbing a gym bag she had brought with her. She looked around at her surroundings as it was now dark out. Her eyes trailed forward, looking at the gym in front of her.
Seeing the headlights turn off, Dead Eye quickly stops singing the song that was playing from his phone and tucks his headphones into the pocket of his hoodie. He tucks his phone into the other pocket and opens the door, waiting for Karin to get out of her car. After a few moments, she makes it to the gym door, seeing him for the second time in a day. Karin smiles and walks past him, putting a hand up in his face as she does.
Karin:
So this is yours?
Karin looks around, taking it all in. She thinks to herself that the place looks nice, alot of expensive looking equipment, then she spots it...the ring!
Dead Eye:
The original owner had some financial trouble and was looking at foreclosure, so me and this fool Bullcorn bought it. If you've looked back far enough, you may have seen his crazy ass show up in one time when cameras were following me around.
Dead Eye sees her eyes widen at spotting the ring.
Dead Eye:
I'm glad you didn't follow through on ya threat...I'm guessing by that look in your eye that I should skip the full tour for now and just show you the ring. By the way, the ice machine I told you about is on the right straight through that door.
The joke pulls her attention away from the ring and back to him. She laughs and playfully punches him in the shoulder.
Karin:
You are quite the comedian, trust me I’m good. Not gonna lie, ever since I started watching, I have wondered what it would be like to be in there. With all of the fans looking at me, hopefully as I kick somebody’s butt.
She runs her hands along her black yoga pants, taking a deep breath before immediately sighing after.
Karin:
Crap...crap crap!
She points down at her feet, wearing the same converse she was wearing earlier for the interview.
Karin:
Will these hold up in the ring? I should have brought another pair. I was too focused on making sure I looked pres...that I was ready to get in the ring, I forgot to grab my Nike’s.
Dead Eye:
That'd be probably be a good idea. I’d personally suggest maybe coppin a pair of New Balance while you get used to it. The basics are a bit tasking on ya feet, so the support those provide are real good. And I don't want you to feel bad if it takes a little while to learn something. What we do looks like it would be easy when you're watching on tv, but trust me...it's not. Some people flunk out just learning the basics. One of the first things we're going to do is make sure we get your cardio up. It takes a lot of endurance to wrestle. Cool?
Karin:
Hey, you’re the teacher. I’ll do whatever I have to. I’m pretty sure I won’t become a wrestler over night, but I’d like to do it one day. For now, I want to be able to at least protect myself at ringside...and maybe learn some stuff in case I decide to stick my nose into your match to help you.
She smirks devilishly as she reaches into her bag, pulling out a water bottle for herself and one for him. She holds it out towards him.
Karin:
You know I got that water on deck, for when I run circles around you. It's not Voss, but is it drinkable for Sir Charles?
Dead Eye taps her on the arm.
Dead Eye:
Don't be trying to play me. I only got that cuz that's all ma lil sis drinks. I swear that girl’s an Oreo. Me...I grew up drinking out da hose pipe, ya dig? I ain’t a boojy cat.
Dead Eye shakes his head more in thought that he doesn't want Karin to think that he's trying to be flashy with his new-found fame. Instead, he just tries to be generous with what he's been blessed with. He lingers in thought for a little too long… a definite character flaw of his.
Karin:
I was just messing around with you. I already like doing that, and it;s only day one. Imagine when I really get comfortable around you how bad it’s going to be.
Karin sits both bottles of water on a wooden bench and inches closer towards the ring. She stops just short of it, staring at it. It isn’t glamourous like she’s seen on TV, but its a real ring. Her eyes focus on the mat as she walks up to it, placing her hands on the mat while standing outside the ring. She traces her manicured fingers around it, a smile crossing her lips. She, much like Dead Eye moments earlier says nothing, but her mind has a million thoughts running through it.
Dead Eye:
It's good that you feel comfortable around me from the jump. I feel the same...and if you escalate your messing with me, I hope you can handle payback cuz I'm not just gonna be soft like your taste in music.
This gets Dead Eye a harder slap on his arm. He decides to over-sell the slap in a Ric Flair type way, taking a slip-step forward and going face-first onto the matted floor. He then unleashes a Jim Ross impersonation.
Dead Eye:
Bah Gawd, she killed him!
Karin burst into an excited giggle and puts her shoe on his back and raises her hands in the air, in a celebration pose.
Karin:
And the crowd goes wild for the new champion, Karin Jasper! Yassss!
She pushes her foot on his back a little, laughing.
Karin:
Now what if I decide I don’t want to let you get back up? I got you, lightskin. You’re mine now.
Dead Eye:
LIGHT SKIN?! Oh, hell naw!
Dead Eye plays like he can't force her weight off his back. He stops, wraps his arm around her left knee, takes his right hand and grasps her right foot on his back. He pops up to his knees, pulls his left hand forward, and shifts his right shoulder to the left,using her own weight to send her back-first onto the mat with an obvious but momentary loss of breath. He stands above his downed student.
Dead Eye:
Lesson one, Karin-san. Never assume you are the one in control in any situation.
Dead Eye does a “hoy” grunt, completing his Mr. Miyagi impression. He then extends his hand to offer her assistance back to her feet. She takes his hand as he hoists her to her feet with ease. She rests a hand on her lower back, but nods at him.
Karin:
Yeah, I made a good investment by putting my faith in you. When I say you’re the future, not only does it sound cool, but it's the truth. How the...how did you do that? I was putting all of my weight on you.
Karin massages her lower back while staring at Dead Eye inquisitively.
Dead Eye:
One of the most important aspects of defending one’s self is to know pressure points and maneuvers to escape being pinned down. That's why I chose an ankle and the back of your knee. Applying a little pressure forces your opponent off-balance. In this case, I had to use very little of my own energy to get you where I wanted you. I mean...er...get your weight off of me.
Dead Eye scratches his neck right below his hair line and walks over to a water bottle to avoid immediate eye contact.
Karin follows behind him, grabbing a bottle as well. She reaches over and rests her hand on his cheek.
Karin:
Should I go grab that ice for you now? Face is a little hot.
She runs her hand up his cheek, laughing as she does.
Karin:
For real though, I don’t even have the proper shoes to wrestle today. And what you just did shows that I probably don’t belong near a ring now anyways. How long did you train before you really hit your stride?
Dead Eye does his best to hold back a smile from the soft touch and having his own ice joke used against him.
Dead Eye:
It's all a learning process, boo. Like you said, it's not gonna come overnight. For me, my learning curve was a bit shorter because of the karate and MMA...but even with that, it took me a few months of actually being on the road doing this to really get my stride. I don't just fabricate it when I tell opponents that I'm holding back cards from my playing hand. Each week, I learn more about myself. Take last weekend for example. Had I not trained with Carm the week my pops died, I might not have realized just how valuable my feet are to my game. Two pelé kicks is what won me my...ugh...future...title shot. So, don't be down on yourself for not knowing that I could flip the tables on you...like what you just did with my ice joke.
Dead Eye gives her a fake ‘stink eye’ for a moment.
Karin:
Why you gotta get all grumpy for? Man up, Lightskin.
The newly hired manager unscrews the cap on the Dasani bottle and takes a small drink.
Karin:
Speaking of Carmen, what’s up with you two? I remember at the funeral you mentioned her a few times during our conversation. You trying to boo her up?
Dead Eye:
I was wondering when that question would come up since I do talk about her a lot...for good reason though. For one, she's my best friend, and if it weren't for our match and training , I don't know if I'd have been able to be ready for big matches. I was still trying to completely figure out “the big leagues” when we fought, and she really made me step up my game a lot. Not to mention, she was my rock that week, so I owe her a lot. As far as “booing her up” she got a man...and we're just really close friends. Some people don't think that's possible, but it is.
Dead Eye takes a sip of his water and has no idea what to say next.
Karin:
That’s really sweet, actually. I could tell she meant a lot to you when you would talk about her.
The tiny manager sits her water down, and runs towards the ring without warning, breaking the awkwardness of the moment. She slides into the ring as Dead Eye comes following behind, sliding in as well. Karin stretches her legs out in front of her as she sits in the middle of the ring, symbolic in a way as the ring, and Dead Eye are potential life changers for her.
Karin:
Sorry to go back to the whole Carmen thing, but sometimes it's better not to mix business with pleasure anyways. Isn’t that like a code in wrestling or something?
Dead Eye:
It's fine. It depends on who you ask. Honestly, you might be surprised by the number of wrestling couples are out there. Most wrestlers travel a good bit, so the only way they could date somebody is if they work for the same company. Personally, I don't see a problem with it as long as the two don't let it interfere with their work environment because that's a bad look...homie. Just depends...anyway, I see you just couldn't resist getting into the ring. Good job not busting your ass doing it. That's a good first step. It actually does happen from time to time. So, what do you want to learn next?
Karin:
I should probably wait a little bit to learn any real moves. You’ve given me some good advice already. Baby steps I guess, although I’m not going to lie, I’d love to be able to team up with you or something. Lightskin really does his thing in the ring.
Before Dead Eye can reply to that, Karin talks over him as she kicks him with her Converse, playfully.
Karin:
Don’t even trip, I was giving you a compliment. Besides, I won’t keep you too much longer. Seeing me twice in one day is enough for anyone, and I know you still have to be on your A game for Thanksgiving tomorrow.
Karin twirls her curly hair, staring at her new boss. She wouldn’t say it out loud, but she enjoy’s his company, even if it's only day one of their official business partnership. She could definitely get used to it.
Dead Eye:
Like what you see?
Karin swings her foot back at Dead Eye, but he grabs it.
Dead Eye:
This gives me an idea. Stay like that. I'm gonna teach you a couple moves from this position. Let's just call this a head start lesson. You game?
Karin:
As long as it doesn’t involve you breaking my foot, I’m game, Lightskin.
Dead Eye:
Keep calling me Lightskin, and you may face consequences. Okay, so let's see how athletic you are, shawty. So, I’m gonna catch your leg with both hands. When I move my hands up to your ankle, it will give me a moment of vulnerability because it will cause me to duck a little to get a better hold on you. When I scoot up, you're going to put all of your weight onto your left leg, jump into the air, and swing that leg to the back of my neck. Ready?
Karin:
So you want me to actually kick you? I might be tiny, but trust me, it won’t feel good when I put these feet on you.
She rubs her hands together nervously, not wanting to hurt the man she’s now managing, and also not wanting to upset him if she does hurt him to where he’ll fire her on day one.
Dead Eye:
I want you to relax and don't be like me with life and over think things. The biggest thing newcomers flop on is being inside their own heads too much. Let your body carry you, along with your instincts. Besides, I've taken some unbridled kicks in the octagon. I think I’ll be aight. Just believe in yourself and just go with your body. So, go ahead and kick at me and just do what I said.
Karin:
Aight bae, it's on you if you get hurt.
They both get to their feet, and Karin throws a light kick towards Dead Eye, which he catches with ease. Karin presses her free foot to the mat as Dead Eye grabs her ankle, she then jumps into the air and swings her free foot right at the back of his neck like he instructed her to do!
The two crash to the mat. Karin immediately springs up and jumps for joy. Dead Eye sits up, obviously having underestimating his tiny manager’s strength. He shakes the cobwebs and gets to his feet, seeing his student bouncing around yelling “yaaaas!” He smiles.
Dead Eye:
Well, you're definitely athletic and can kick about as hard as me. I can't wait to teach you the Pelé kick, but I think I'll wear some padding for that one. Do you want to try another move?
Karina:
Of course. That felt freaking incredible. I felt like I had the power to not only just defend myself, but to really make an impact. Imagine if I do that to one of your opponents, I could actually help you win.
Dead Eye:
Trust me if you kick them mugs like dat, they won’t know what hit ‘em. That first move was an Enziguri, by the way. This second move won't be so much about athleticism as the first. I just wanted to gauge your flexibility and range of motion. This move will be what is generally referred to as the “Code Breaker” since Chris Jericho made it prominent. It's more about timing than anything. So, again you will use my grabbing up to your ankle as the indicator of when to set your counter in motion. When I grab, you’re going to leap forward and straight at me. As my head is leaning, you’re going to wrap both hands around the back of my head. The moment your hands touch each other, you drop back onto the mat while pulling my head and body forward. While you’re doing this, you’re gonna tuck your knees up almost like you’re getting into a fetal position. You’re going to be aiming each knee to a corresponding rib cage. Got it?
Karin:
Yeah, I think I can handle that. Piece of cake...chocolate cake, because it's the best.
She laughs, and without hesitation again throws her leg at him, which he catches again. She takes his advice, but as her hands touch and she pulls him, her hands slip, and she falls to the mat, back first while Dead Eye falls back away from her. They both crash to the mat with a thud!
Karin immediately tears up, trying to catch her breath more than anything, feeling the pain shoot through her body while she’s on the mat.
Dead Eye:
Oh, shit. Are you okay?
Dead Eye kips-up and rushes over, extending his arm out to help Karin up. She grabs his arm, but stays laying down for a few moments, catching her breath. Finally, she sits up, not letting go of his arm. She wipes at her cheek with her other hand, knowing that crying in front of him probably was more embarrassing than anything she’s said to him so far that made him blush.
Karin:
I lost my grip, and I messed up...I’m sorry.
The tiny manager sniffles a little and lets go of his arm, looking in the opposite direction.
Karin:
Can that be the end of the wrestling lesson today?
Dead Eye:
We can take this at whatever pace you want, but hey...look at me…
Dead Eye kneels down and sits in front of Karin. He puts his hand under her chin and slowly turns her head in his direction. He puts his other hand on her shoulder.
Dead Eye:
You have NOTHING to feel bad about. You're doing great for this being your first day in the ring. It'll come to you. Losing grip is something even 20-year veterans do. So, keep ya head up, shawty. You gonna get it. I have faith in you. If you wanna keep going, cool. If you wanna continue another day, cool...but don't feel bad about what just happened. Okay?
Karin nods her head slowly. She lifts her hand up, placing it on Dead Eye’s hand that’s still holding her chin up. She catches herself rubbing his hand with her index finger, and freezes up.
Dead Eye takes in a deep breath, looking at her eyes to try to read them. The eyes tell all, right? That's usually the case, but it's also easy to misinterpret.
Dead Eye:
Gawd, I’m so conflicted. I want to kiss you so bad right now, but I don’t wanna be wrong about what I’m feeling out of this moment.
Karin:
I think when I kicked you it rattled something, and when I fell down, the same thing happened to me.
She gives his hand one last rub with her finger and looks into his eyes.
Karin:
You’re staring at me….
Dead Eye:
I’d say that I'm sorry, but I'm not a good liar, nor do I like liars. So, yeah, now that I've made an ass out of myself, I’m gonna go use the bathroom right quick. That water went right through me…
Dead Eye hurries to buy himself some time, and ask himself what he’s doing, but when he finally comes back, Karin is outside of the ring, zipping her gym bag up. Dead Eye approaches her, and she smiles but lifts her phone up and points to the time.
Karin:
Yeah, my back is sore now and it's getting late. I think it's time for me to go home and take a hot bath, and you need to get in the kitchen and make sure things are straight for tomorrow. Right?
Dead Eye:
Well, I'm good with stuff for tomorrow, but yeah. Get your back rested. If it hurts after your bath, switch between a hot and cold compress for 20 minutes. In the future, when you're going down backwards, extend your arms out completely if you can. That'll spread out the impact across more of your body. So, um...sorry about just now...it just…
Karin cuts him off by placing her finger on his lips.
Karin:
Shhhhh...it’s cool.
She stands on her tippy toes and leans in closer towards him, removing her finger and...kisses him on the cheek. Unlike other times, Dead Eye is unable to keep his face straight and has a boyish grin. He thought for sure he had just created the most awkward of a working environment on the first day, but perhaps she has taken a similar liking to him. Also to the contrary of normality, Dead Eye catches himself before he mentally trails off. He heeds his own advice about Karin using her instincts and puts his left hand into her right hand, snaking his fingers through hers. With his right hand, he points toward the door.
Dead Eye:
Here, I’ll walk you to your car for the second time today. This neighborhood isn't quite as white as the one I live in.
Karin smiles and tightens her grip on his hand as she lifts her bag with her free hand. They walk outside, to her car.
Karin:
Well, I guess this is goodbye for real until tomorrow. I’ve seen enough of you today.
She laughs as she rests her back against her Corolla. Dead Eye decides to use his impersonation habit again...this time via Austin Powers.
Dead Eye:
Ouch baby...very ouch!
Dead Eye is met with another playful slap on his shoulder.
Dead Eye:
I guess this is the part where you remind me that you can't leave without your hand, so I guess I'll give it back to you in a second since you've seen enough of me for one day.
Dead Eye takes a moment to look at how their hands seem to fit together perfectly. He brings her hand up and kisses it as he opens her door. He then releases her hand.
Dead Eye:
Oh, and I wrote down a figure on this piece of paper, but promise me you'll wait to look at it til you get home...and let me know tomorrow if it sounds good to you?
Karin:
I promise. Not gonna lie though, I’m excited. I’m about to find out how much I’m making to travel the world, walk you to the ring in front of people, and help you better your career. It’s an amazing job as it is, and the money just makes it that much better.
He pulls the folded piece of paper out of his pocket and hands it to her. She clutches the paper close to her chest, keeping her word and not trying to peek at it.
Dead Eye makes sure she's securely in the car and lightly closes the door. He gives a brief smile as she again rolls her window down, just like earlier in the day.
Dead Eye:
Okay, if you don't go I'll end up keeping you here til somebody call da po-po thinking we doin some kinda drug deal in the parking lot. I don't think that would suit either of us. So, you gonna peel out one mo’ ‘gain...or nah?
Karin:
You know it. So, do you want me to text you when I get home?
Dead Eye:
If you want...no pressure…
Karin:
I’ll think about it bae.
Without another word, she starts the car and peels out of the parking lot, screeching as she disappears into the night.
Dead Eye shakes his head curious about where things will go for him in both a professional and personal standpoint. Today’s events have definitely made him a lot less apprehensive about his first major holiday without his father. He walks back up to the gym, cracking the door open just enough to slip inside to cut the lights and set the alarm. He gets into his Cadillac CTS as the scene fades.
{Scene closed.}
A white Toyota Corolla pulled into the parking lot of the address given to her by Dead Eye. She turned her headlights off, and opened her car door. Karin stepped out of her car, grabbing a gym bag she had brought with her. She looked around at her surroundings as it was now dark out. Her eyes trailed forward, looking at the gym in front of her.
Seeing the headlights turn off, Dead Eye quickly stops singing the song that was playing from his phone and tucks his headphones into the pocket of his hoodie. He tucks his phone into the other pocket and opens the door, waiting for Karin to get out of her car. After a few moments, she makes it to the gym door, seeing him for the second time in a day. Karin smiles and walks past him, putting a hand up in his face as she does.
Karin:
So this is yours?
Karin looks around, taking it all in. She thinks to herself that the place looks nice, alot of expensive looking equipment, then she spots it...the ring!
Dead Eye:
The original owner had some financial trouble and was looking at foreclosure, so me and this fool Bullcorn bought it. If you've looked back far enough, you may have seen his crazy ass show up in one time when cameras were following me around.
Dead Eye sees her eyes widen at spotting the ring.
Dead Eye:
I'm glad you didn't follow through on ya threat...I'm guessing by that look in your eye that I should skip the full tour for now and just show you the ring. By the way, the ice machine I told you about is on the right straight through that door.
The joke pulls her attention away from the ring and back to him. She laughs and playfully punches him in the shoulder.
Karin:
You are quite the comedian, trust me I’m good. Not gonna lie, ever since I started watching, I have wondered what it would be like to be in there. With all of the fans looking at me, hopefully as I kick somebody’s butt.
She runs her hands along her black yoga pants, taking a deep breath before immediately sighing after.
Karin:
Crap...crap crap!
She points down at her feet, wearing the same converse she was wearing earlier for the interview.
Karin:
Will these hold up in the ring? I should have brought another pair. I was too focused on making sure I looked pres...that I was ready to get in the ring, I forgot to grab my Nike’s.
Dead Eye:
That'd be probably be a good idea. I’d personally suggest maybe coppin a pair of New Balance while you get used to it. The basics are a bit tasking on ya feet, so the support those provide are real good. And I don't want you to feel bad if it takes a little while to learn something. What we do looks like it would be easy when you're watching on tv, but trust me...it's not. Some people flunk out just learning the basics. One of the first things we're going to do is make sure we get your cardio up. It takes a lot of endurance to wrestle. Cool?
Karin:
Hey, you’re the teacher. I’ll do whatever I have to. I’m pretty sure I won’t become a wrestler over night, but I’d like to do it one day. For now, I want to be able to at least protect myself at ringside...and maybe learn some stuff in case I decide to stick my nose into your match to help you.
She smirks devilishly as she reaches into her bag, pulling out a water bottle for herself and one for him. She holds it out towards him.
Karin:
You know I got that water on deck, for when I run circles around you. It's not Voss, but is it drinkable for Sir Charles?
Dead Eye taps her on the arm.
Dead Eye:
Don't be trying to play me. I only got that cuz that's all ma lil sis drinks. I swear that girl’s an Oreo. Me...I grew up drinking out da hose pipe, ya dig? I ain’t a boojy cat.
Dead Eye shakes his head more in thought that he doesn't want Karin to think that he's trying to be flashy with his new-found fame. Instead, he just tries to be generous with what he's been blessed with. He lingers in thought for a little too long… a definite character flaw of his.
Karin:
I was just messing around with you. I already like doing that, and it;s only day one. Imagine when I really get comfortable around you how bad it’s going to be.
Karin sits both bottles of water on a wooden bench and inches closer towards the ring. She stops just short of it, staring at it. It isn’t glamourous like she’s seen on TV, but its a real ring. Her eyes focus on the mat as she walks up to it, placing her hands on the mat while standing outside the ring. She traces her manicured fingers around it, a smile crossing her lips. She, much like Dead Eye moments earlier says nothing, but her mind has a million thoughts running through it.
Dead Eye:
It's good that you feel comfortable around me from the jump. I feel the same...and if you escalate your messing with me, I hope you can handle payback cuz I'm not just gonna be soft like your taste in music.
This gets Dead Eye a harder slap on his arm. He decides to over-sell the slap in a Ric Flair type way, taking a slip-step forward and going face-first onto the matted floor. He then unleashes a Jim Ross impersonation.
Dead Eye:
Bah Gawd, she killed him!
Karin burst into an excited giggle and puts her shoe on his back and raises her hands in the air, in a celebration pose.
Karin:
And the crowd goes wild for the new champion, Karin Jasper! Yassss!
She pushes her foot on his back a little, laughing.
Karin:
Now what if I decide I don’t want to let you get back up? I got you, lightskin. You’re mine now.
Dead Eye:
LIGHT SKIN?! Oh, hell naw!
Dead Eye plays like he can't force her weight off his back. He stops, wraps his arm around her left knee, takes his right hand and grasps her right foot on his back. He pops up to his knees, pulls his left hand forward, and shifts his right shoulder to the left,using her own weight to send her back-first onto the mat with an obvious but momentary loss of breath. He stands above his downed student.
Dead Eye:
Lesson one, Karin-san. Never assume you are the one in control in any situation.
Dead Eye does a “hoy” grunt, completing his Mr. Miyagi impression. He then extends his hand to offer her assistance back to her feet. She takes his hand as he hoists her to her feet with ease. She rests a hand on her lower back, but nods at him.
Karin:
Yeah, I made a good investment by putting my faith in you. When I say you’re the future, not only does it sound cool, but it's the truth. How the...how did you do that? I was putting all of my weight on you.
Karin massages her lower back while staring at Dead Eye inquisitively.
Dead Eye:
One of the most important aspects of defending one’s self is to know pressure points and maneuvers to escape being pinned down. That's why I chose an ankle and the back of your knee. Applying a little pressure forces your opponent off-balance. In this case, I had to use very little of my own energy to get you where I wanted you. I mean...er...get your weight off of me.
Dead Eye scratches his neck right below his hair line and walks over to a water bottle to avoid immediate eye contact.
Karin follows behind him, grabbing a bottle as well. She reaches over and rests her hand on his cheek.
Karin:
Should I go grab that ice for you now? Face is a little hot.
She runs her hand up his cheek, laughing as she does.
Karin:
For real though, I don’t even have the proper shoes to wrestle today. And what you just did shows that I probably don’t belong near a ring now anyways. How long did you train before you really hit your stride?
Dead Eye does his best to hold back a smile from the soft touch and having his own ice joke used against him.
Dead Eye:
It's all a learning process, boo. Like you said, it's not gonna come overnight. For me, my learning curve was a bit shorter because of the karate and MMA...but even with that, it took me a few months of actually being on the road doing this to really get my stride. I don't just fabricate it when I tell opponents that I'm holding back cards from my playing hand. Each week, I learn more about myself. Take last weekend for example. Had I not trained with Carm the week my pops died, I might not have realized just how valuable my feet are to my game. Two pelé kicks is what won me my...ugh...future...title shot. So, don't be down on yourself for not knowing that I could flip the tables on you...like what you just did with my ice joke.
Dead Eye gives her a fake ‘stink eye’ for a moment.
Karin:
Why you gotta get all grumpy for? Man up, Lightskin.
The newly hired manager unscrews the cap on the Dasani bottle and takes a small drink.
Karin:
Speaking of Carmen, what’s up with you two? I remember at the funeral you mentioned her a few times during our conversation. You trying to boo her up?
Dead Eye:
I was wondering when that question would come up since I do talk about her a lot...for good reason though. For one, she's my best friend, and if it weren't for our match and training , I don't know if I'd have been able to be ready for big matches. I was still trying to completely figure out “the big leagues” when we fought, and she really made me step up my game a lot. Not to mention, she was my rock that week, so I owe her a lot. As far as “booing her up” she got a man...and we're just really close friends. Some people don't think that's possible, but it is.
Dead Eye takes a sip of his water and has no idea what to say next.
Karin:
That’s really sweet, actually. I could tell she meant a lot to you when you would talk about her.
The tiny manager sits her water down, and runs towards the ring without warning, breaking the awkwardness of the moment. She slides into the ring as Dead Eye comes following behind, sliding in as well. Karin stretches her legs out in front of her as she sits in the middle of the ring, symbolic in a way as the ring, and Dead Eye are potential life changers for her.
Karin:
Sorry to go back to the whole Carmen thing, but sometimes it's better not to mix business with pleasure anyways. Isn’t that like a code in wrestling or something?
Dead Eye:
It's fine. It depends on who you ask. Honestly, you might be surprised by the number of wrestling couples are out there. Most wrestlers travel a good bit, so the only way they could date somebody is if they work for the same company. Personally, I don't see a problem with it as long as the two don't let it interfere with their work environment because that's a bad look...homie. Just depends...anyway, I see you just couldn't resist getting into the ring. Good job not busting your ass doing it. That's a good first step. It actually does happen from time to time. So, what do you want to learn next?
Karin:
I should probably wait a little bit to learn any real moves. You’ve given me some good advice already. Baby steps I guess, although I’m not going to lie, I’d love to be able to team up with you or something. Lightskin really does his thing in the ring.
Before Dead Eye can reply to that, Karin talks over him as she kicks him with her Converse, playfully.
Karin:
Don’t even trip, I was giving you a compliment. Besides, I won’t keep you too much longer. Seeing me twice in one day is enough for anyone, and I know you still have to be on your A game for Thanksgiving tomorrow.
Karin twirls her curly hair, staring at her new boss. She wouldn’t say it out loud, but she enjoy’s his company, even if it's only day one of their official business partnership. She could definitely get used to it.
Dead Eye:
Like what you see?
Karin swings her foot back at Dead Eye, but he grabs it.
Dead Eye:
This gives me an idea. Stay like that. I'm gonna teach you a couple moves from this position. Let's just call this a head start lesson. You game?
Karin:
As long as it doesn’t involve you breaking my foot, I’m game, Lightskin.
Dead Eye:
Keep calling me Lightskin, and you may face consequences. Okay, so let's see how athletic you are, shawty. So, I’m gonna catch your leg with both hands. When I move my hands up to your ankle, it will give me a moment of vulnerability because it will cause me to duck a little to get a better hold on you. When I scoot up, you're going to put all of your weight onto your left leg, jump into the air, and swing that leg to the back of my neck. Ready?
Karin:
So you want me to actually kick you? I might be tiny, but trust me, it won’t feel good when I put these feet on you.
She rubs her hands together nervously, not wanting to hurt the man she’s now managing, and also not wanting to upset him if she does hurt him to where he’ll fire her on day one.
Dead Eye:
I want you to relax and don't be like me with life and over think things. The biggest thing newcomers flop on is being inside their own heads too much. Let your body carry you, along with your instincts. Besides, I've taken some unbridled kicks in the octagon. I think I’ll be aight. Just believe in yourself and just go with your body. So, go ahead and kick at me and just do what I said.
Karin:
Aight bae, it's on you if you get hurt.
They both get to their feet, and Karin throws a light kick towards Dead Eye, which he catches with ease. Karin presses her free foot to the mat as Dead Eye grabs her ankle, she then jumps into the air and swings her free foot right at the back of his neck like he instructed her to do!
The two crash to the mat. Karin immediately springs up and jumps for joy. Dead Eye sits up, obviously having underestimating his tiny manager’s strength. He shakes the cobwebs and gets to his feet, seeing his student bouncing around yelling “yaaaas!” He smiles.
Dead Eye:
Well, you're definitely athletic and can kick about as hard as me. I can't wait to teach you the Pelé kick, but I think I'll wear some padding for that one. Do you want to try another move?
Karina:
Of course. That felt freaking incredible. I felt like I had the power to not only just defend myself, but to really make an impact. Imagine if I do that to one of your opponents, I could actually help you win.
Dead Eye:
Trust me if you kick them mugs like dat, they won’t know what hit ‘em. That first move was an Enziguri, by the way. This second move won't be so much about athleticism as the first. I just wanted to gauge your flexibility and range of motion. This move will be what is generally referred to as the “Code Breaker” since Chris Jericho made it prominent. It's more about timing than anything. So, again you will use my grabbing up to your ankle as the indicator of when to set your counter in motion. When I grab, you’re going to leap forward and straight at me. As my head is leaning, you’re going to wrap both hands around the back of my head. The moment your hands touch each other, you drop back onto the mat while pulling my head and body forward. While you’re doing this, you’re gonna tuck your knees up almost like you’re getting into a fetal position. You’re going to be aiming each knee to a corresponding rib cage. Got it?
Karin:
Yeah, I think I can handle that. Piece of cake...chocolate cake, because it's the best.
She laughs, and without hesitation again throws her leg at him, which he catches again. She takes his advice, but as her hands touch and she pulls him, her hands slip, and she falls to the mat, back first while Dead Eye falls back away from her. They both crash to the mat with a thud!
Karin immediately tears up, trying to catch her breath more than anything, feeling the pain shoot through her body while she’s on the mat.
Dead Eye:
Oh, shit. Are you okay?
Dead Eye kips-up and rushes over, extending his arm out to help Karin up. She grabs his arm, but stays laying down for a few moments, catching her breath. Finally, she sits up, not letting go of his arm. She wipes at her cheek with her other hand, knowing that crying in front of him probably was more embarrassing than anything she’s said to him so far that made him blush.
Karin:
I lost my grip, and I messed up...I’m sorry.
The tiny manager sniffles a little and lets go of his arm, looking in the opposite direction.
Karin:
Can that be the end of the wrestling lesson today?
Dead Eye:
We can take this at whatever pace you want, but hey...look at me…
Dead Eye kneels down and sits in front of Karin. He puts his hand under her chin and slowly turns her head in his direction. He puts his other hand on her shoulder.
Dead Eye:
You have NOTHING to feel bad about. You're doing great for this being your first day in the ring. It'll come to you. Losing grip is something even 20-year veterans do. So, keep ya head up, shawty. You gonna get it. I have faith in you. If you wanna keep going, cool. If you wanna continue another day, cool...but don't feel bad about what just happened. Okay?
Karin nods her head slowly. She lifts her hand up, placing it on Dead Eye’s hand that’s still holding her chin up. She catches herself rubbing his hand with her index finger, and freezes up.
Dead Eye takes in a deep breath, looking at her eyes to try to read them. The eyes tell all, right? That's usually the case, but it's also easy to misinterpret.
Dead Eye:
Gawd, I’m so conflicted. I want to kiss you so bad right now, but I don’t wanna be wrong about what I’m feeling out of this moment.
Karin:
I think when I kicked you it rattled something, and when I fell down, the same thing happened to me.
She gives his hand one last rub with her finger and looks into his eyes.
Karin:
You’re staring at me….
Dead Eye:
I’d say that I'm sorry, but I'm not a good liar, nor do I like liars. So, yeah, now that I've made an ass out of myself, I’m gonna go use the bathroom right quick. That water went right through me…
Dead Eye hurries to buy himself some time, and ask himself what he’s doing, but when he finally comes back, Karin is outside of the ring, zipping her gym bag up. Dead Eye approaches her, and she smiles but lifts her phone up and points to the time.
Karin:
Yeah, my back is sore now and it's getting late. I think it's time for me to go home and take a hot bath, and you need to get in the kitchen and make sure things are straight for tomorrow. Right?
Dead Eye:
Well, I'm good with stuff for tomorrow, but yeah. Get your back rested. If it hurts after your bath, switch between a hot and cold compress for 20 minutes. In the future, when you're going down backwards, extend your arms out completely if you can. That'll spread out the impact across more of your body. So, um...sorry about just now...it just…
Karin cuts him off by placing her finger on his lips.
Karin:
Shhhhh...it’s cool.
She stands on her tippy toes and leans in closer towards him, removing her finger and...kisses him on the cheek. Unlike other times, Dead Eye is unable to keep his face straight and has a boyish grin. He thought for sure he had just created the most awkward of a working environment on the first day, but perhaps she has taken a similar liking to him. Also to the contrary of normality, Dead Eye catches himself before he mentally trails off. He heeds his own advice about Karin using her instincts and puts his left hand into her right hand, snaking his fingers through hers. With his right hand, he points toward the door.
Dead Eye:
Here, I’ll walk you to your car for the second time today. This neighborhood isn't quite as white as the one I live in.
Karin smiles and tightens her grip on his hand as she lifts her bag with her free hand. They walk outside, to her car.
Karin:
Well, I guess this is goodbye for real until tomorrow. I’ve seen enough of you today.
She laughs as she rests her back against her Corolla. Dead Eye decides to use his impersonation habit again...this time via Austin Powers.
Dead Eye:
Ouch baby...very ouch!
Dead Eye is met with another playful slap on his shoulder.
Dead Eye:
I guess this is the part where you remind me that you can't leave without your hand, so I guess I'll give it back to you in a second since you've seen enough of me for one day.
Dead Eye takes a moment to look at how their hands seem to fit together perfectly. He brings her hand up and kisses it as he opens her door. He then releases her hand.
Dead Eye:
Oh, and I wrote down a figure on this piece of paper, but promise me you'll wait to look at it til you get home...and let me know tomorrow if it sounds good to you?
Karin:
I promise. Not gonna lie though, I’m excited. I’m about to find out how much I’m making to travel the world, walk you to the ring in front of people, and help you better your career. It’s an amazing job as it is, and the money just makes it that much better.
He pulls the folded piece of paper out of his pocket and hands it to her. She clutches the paper close to her chest, keeping her word and not trying to peek at it.
Dead Eye makes sure she's securely in the car and lightly closes the door. He gives a brief smile as she again rolls her window down, just like earlier in the day.
Dead Eye:
Okay, if you don't go I'll end up keeping you here til somebody call da po-po thinking we doin some kinda drug deal in the parking lot. I don't think that would suit either of us. So, you gonna peel out one mo’ ‘gain...or nah?
Karin:
You know it. So, do you want me to text you when I get home?
Dead Eye:
If you want...no pressure…
Karin:
I’ll think about it bae.
Without another word, she starts the car and peels out of the parking lot, screeching as she disappears into the night.
Dead Eye shakes his head curious about where things will go for him in both a professional and personal standpoint. Today’s events have definitely made him a lot less apprehensive about his first major holiday without his father. He walks back up to the gym, cracking the door open just enough to slip inside to cut the lights and set the alarm. He gets into his Cadillac CTS as the scene fades.
{Scene closed.}