I had a story similar to this before, but I was dissatisfied with it so decided to start from the beginning. Also, disappeared for a bit for some real-life issues but I am back. Enjoy, thank you.
Each time I inhale a dull pain seems to travel through my body like blood through my arteries. The taut ring cables allow me a moment to catch my breath. Running a hand through my hair, a bit of it matted from dried blood that came from when my forehead was busted open. Adding to this is the exhaustion – both physically and mentally – causing every part of me to just want to give up. Yet, there is something that pushes me beyond any limits.
"Tegan! Tegan! Tegan!" From the several thousand fans that fill the arena.
Moving off the ropes and looking down at my opponent. My former longtime tag team partner, and my real-life love, partner, Jenna Grattan. Though, she goes by her ring name Portia Perez to nearly everyone except for me. As if she has a mask to hide behind without actually needing one. Her movements are indicative of a person with nothing left in her gas tank, a car teetering on empty. She stumbles a bit, into the corner behind her.
Moving over to Jenna, I hit a few forearms to her chest before grabbing her wrist. Pulling her out, I hear her say, "Let's finish it."
Kneeing her in the stomach, I place my head under her right arm. Wrapping my arms around her thin waist. It is easy even with my exhaustion to lift her up. With a bit of strength and flexibility, I bridge backward and slam her down into my Northern Lights Bomb I've been using for a couple of years now. Rushing towards the rope, I jump and springboard off the middle rope. Backflipping, I land chest first onto my small lover's torso. Though my knees hit the mat first and I barely land any weight on her. It still has the crowd popping to a deafening level. The ref slaps his hand on the mat for the third time. Ending the match finally.
Before I can react, Jenna breaks kayfabe just a little as she grabs my hand and squeezes it for a split-second. Letting go, she rolls out of the ring. The pain has long disappeared as I stand up. Grabbing my hand, the ref raises it before handing me the newly redesigned SHIMMER championship. Raising it above my head, a real, legitimate smile on my face. Before I clutch the thing to my chest. In a sense, my journey is over, but it has only just begun as well. I fall to my knees without thought, crying to myself in elation.
"The winner of SHIMMER'S first major pay per view main event, and your new SHIMMER champion – Tegan Rain!"
I would've been honored to be in the ring against anyone and win the belt. To get the torch passed to me to become the company's figurehead. Yet to do so with someone who not only knows me better than anyone else but can go toe-to-toe with me to the point of pure, raw, emotional energy. From the crowd and from ourselves. Now the heroic face has triumphed over the cunning heel, and the beginning of a true women's revolution in mainstream wrestling has begun, or so history will say, but now I only consider it the best match I've ever done. With my partner to boot. Yet, it didn't start her, not even close.
Nine Years Ago
"Ten," my cousin calls out my last rep. She grabs the barbell and helps me lift it back to its resting position on the old metal arms.
Standing just below my height with violet-colored tipped brown hair. She's almost as toned and muscular as myself, but a bit leaner than I am. Her name is Emily Storey, and as much as she hates being stuck with such an ordinary first name, she goes by Emy for short.
The gym is obviously old, ancient almost, but most of the equipment is in good repair and still is quite effective. While the old walls are covered with posters of wrestling and boxing events from yore. Including the likes of Stu Hart versus Killer Kowalski. Like a local Toronto museum to the sport. This is where I train and learn my craft every single day. After school, I come here to work out and follow it by some ring time.
"Damn," I exhale, sitting up as I feel my arms and chest ache a little. "Should have just stuck with eight."
Grabbing my towel, I wipe my forehead off before I clean the bench off with some sanitizer spray.
"Good work, Tee," Emy slaps my shoulder. "I'm going to see if I can get some ring time in. We got CWWF tomorrow night! Are you excited? Our second booking, dude!"
A chuckle escapes from my lips, before I reply, "Hell yeah I am. I'll be there in a bit. I want to take a quick shower. Nothing worse than a smelly wrestling partner."
My eyes drift over to the small crowd that surrounds the ring in the center of the gym. Where most of the inhabitants within the building has come together. The locker room smells of astringent cleaner, lit by fluorescent bulbs, and despite its age looks as clean as one can expect it to be. Unlocking the old metal cabinet. I pull out my bag to grab some clothes for the ring. With a towel over my shoulder, I head to the stalls.
The hot water helps to ease a bit of the soreness from my exercise routine. Relaxing me almost fully and lifting my mood a bit. Not that I really needed it. Once out of the stall I am quick to dress.
Stepping back into the locker room. A woman I've never seen or met before sits with her back to me. Which isn't so unusual, but I know all the regulars here. The brunette's chin-length hair is held back with several black and pink star-shaped clips. Keeping her bangs out of her eyes. Sitting away from me, she pays me no heed while removing her purple shirt. Just leaving her in a sports bra and some jeans. Averting my gaze, I move to my locker to stuff my dirty clothes into my bag.
"Oh, hey," The woman says.
Forcing my attention to her arms as she pulls on a black sleeveless tank top. Muscular, lean, powerful, and it is easy to see a fellow wrestler.
"Hi. I don't think we've met. I'm Tegan," Feeling extremely socially awkward, I step over the bench and offer my hand to her. "Tegan Rain."
Her grip is firm, not surprising, and her hand is soft despite this. A smile crosses her face before replying, "Jenna Grattan. It is a pleasure to meet you. Going to get some ring time, eh?" She gestures toward the door.
A sly grin crosses my face, like a kid with nefarious plans, I reply, "Yeah. I, um, well my cousin and I will be at the CWWF show tomorrow night. We got a booking."
"Me too," The interesting woman pushes a strand of hair away from her eyes. An outlaw strand that escaped from one of her hair clips. "It is my first booking. I have no idea who I will be wrestling with. But that seems to be how it goes."
Nodding, "This is our second booking. She jobbed for Kira, and I ended up doing the job for Lufisto. Which was freaking awesome."
"Did she stiff you?"
"Well, yeah. That's to be expected for us newbies," I say.
"No, I know, but Lufisto is so awesome, and since she is all about the puro. I was curious."
"She is really nice, but her forearms, elbows, and slaps were so painful. Like thunder claps each one. To the point, I felt them rocking my core with each hit. Still, it was amazing to be in the ring with her."
Just talking about it brings back the memory of each bone-rattling hit on me. My face winces at the sheer thought of it.
"I bet," She replies.
A moment of silence passes between us before I say, "I'm going to head out. It was a pleasure to meet you. Maybe I will see you in the ring."
"I look forward to it."
Walking back to the main room, I can spot Emy running the ropes before she ducks a clothesline. Coming back and jumping to hit a front dropkick on Julia Roode. Causing both of them to fall on their backs. The ring shakes in response.
Squeezing through the crowd, I slap on the apron and shout out words of encouragement to Emily. She is back on her feet at the same time as Julia. In which they engage in an elbow tie-up. Pushing each other back into the ropes. Turning a bit as they jockey for an advantage, and it looks very realistic.
Julia pushes Emy off her. Following up with a stiff clothesline right after. A small, shrill buzzer goes off. Signaling the end to the pair's time in the ring. Roode offers her hand to my cousin. Who accepts it and is back up to her feet before she gives the other woman a quick hug, considering she was in the same training class as Emy and I, we've gotten to know her quite well.
"Good work you two. Realistic, and move transition was smoother than last time," Tyson Dux, the veteran who runs the school that trained most of us, and still mentors me. As we can use his facilities all we want, thanks to the tuition fee, so most of us are his former students. "Tegan, want to get into the ring?"
"Been looking forward to it all day," And the words are true, but it doesn't help my nerves. No one here will judge me or boo me. Even though I had been in over ten matches before I graduated and have wrestled in front of an actual live crowd. On top of the fact that I am here every day.
"Now," But before Tyson can continue, he is cut off from the same woman I met earlier.
"Um, sir, can I get in the ring with her? If she doesn't mind, that is," Jenna says.
Wearing that same sleeveless tank top but with matching tight spandex ring shorts. Black shoes with pink trim complete her outfit. Sheesh, like, she is very cute, and I can totally see myself crushing on her. Looking away from her for a second, I hope my blush isn't as noticeable as it feels.
But I look back at her with a smile, replying, "I have no issues at all. Should be fun."
"Works for me. Five minutes. Have at it," Tyson nods at me and moves to the side.
Jenna climbs into the ring and offers me her hand, and I give it a quick shake. Then we circle each other with quick movements. She grabs my wrist, but I break her grip and push her against the ropes. A quick Irish whip and I lift the small, light woman up and drive her down into a ring-shaking spinebuster slam. Trying to impress my ring partner with my strength. Which elicits a round of slaps on the apron and encouraging words.
Knowing she is going to go on the offensive. I go to pick her up and am not surprised when Jenna sweeps out my feet with her right arm. Grabbing my left foot, she sits on my back and positions me into a single leg Boston crab. Adding just enough torque to make it look realistic but not enough to really hurt. My flexibility allows me to be in such a position without hurting. However, she doesn't keep me in this position for long. With expert ease that one wouldn't expect from someone so young. She transitions to a crossface, but only uses it to lay several forearms to the back of my head.
"This is fun!" Jenna calls out after she gets off me and gives me a chance to stand. A grin on her face as she undoubtedly enjoys showing off after I just showed off as well.
Grinning I give her a high five that she offers before hitting a forearm across her chest. Following it up with an overhand slap down onto her chest. Jenna retorts with an equally powerful forearm and a shove to get me out of arms reach for a moment. Before taking a step in to hit a thumb right beside my eye, but I sell the eye poke. Allowing her to grab my shoulders, Jenna places her head under my jaw and falls to her knees. She pulls me down having my chin hit the top of her head for a moment. Yet, I sell it by falling backward and holding my jaw. Another round of slaps against the apron comes as that move is expertly executed.
Jenna hits a few stomps to my chest before bouncing off the near ropes to drop the tip of her elbow across my face. She ends up just missing, but how can one really tell. With my superior strength, I can push her off when she tries to mount me. Scrambling back to my feet, I duck under a punch and get behind her. Wrapping my arms around her waist and clenching my wrist. I lift her again, arch my back, and slam her down onto her shoulders. Without letting go I get us both back standing and give her one more German suplex before the buzzer goes off.
"You were right. That was fun," I say, offering Jenna my hand.
She grins, moving some stray hair out from her eyes. Taking my hand, I pull her back to her feet.
"Yes, it really was."
We're giving applause as we exit the ring. Smiling, and I can feel the heat of a blush rise to my cheeks. I've never experienced this before and my natural stage fright returns. Emy comes up to us and compliments the two of us before realizing she doesn't even know the woman beside me.
"I'm Emily Storey," Emy introduces herself to Jenna, but realizing how mundane and normal her name is. My cousin is quick to correct herself. "Emy, please call me Emy. I'm Tegan's cousin."
"Jenna Grattan, it is a pleasure to meet up," The shorter woman says, as a very charming smile appears on her face. "Anyways that was loads of fun. We should do it again."
"Yeah definitely," I reply as we fist bump.
"See you two tomorrow at CWWF."
"Yeah of course. See ya later," Emy replies.
I can't help but check out this woman as she walks away.
Emy nudges me, causing an eyebrow to raise as I say, "What?"
"Nothing."
"Good. Let's head back to your place. I'm starving," I say.
With a loud yawn that I fail to stifle. I find myself staring at my computer as I watch, analyze, an old Stardom match between Io Shirai and Momo Watanabe. For, easily, the thirtieth time as it is a great, underrated match between them. Then I notice my Facebook tab add a one. Spotting a friend request from the woman I met earlier today Jenna. I don't even think when I accept it. And, I'm not surprised that I get a message a minute or so later.
Hey, dude, that was fun.
Hell, yeah it was. Thanks for getting in the ring with me.
Just wanted to say I thought you were cool when we met. So, wanted to look you up and say hey.
Well, you are cool, too.
Looking to learn more about her I go through the young woman's page, and it tends to be the same bands, wrestlers, and even video games that I am into. As well as pictures of her and her family, who look adorable together. In New York City, in LA, at the Grand Canyon, so many family trips. A sigh escapes my lips as I realize the only pictures that I have on my Facebook is of myself and Emy hanging out and in our wrestling gear. After some time, I change tabs to go back to what I was watching on YouTube.
Near the end of the match, I get another message from Jenna.
Anyways, can't wait for tomorrow. Hope I wasn't bothering you. Have a good night.
No, you weren't bothering me at all. I think you're cool so could never. No worries. Have a good night, too.
Bringing my laptop over to the bed. I end up falling asleep watching another match. Something I tend to do most nights. My eyes are open before the sun breaks over the horizon. Putting on some sweat pants and a hoodie, I am out in the cold for my morning jog. Listening to some of my favorite bands of all time as I jog the several kilometers that is part of my routine.
Tegan and Sara's Time Running, my theme song and my favorite of their entire discography, is playing as I enter my house. Pulling out of the earbuds just in time to hear my mom.
"Hey, Tee, hungry?" She asks.
"Yeah, starving," I reply. "I'm going to take a quick shower."
"Egg whites, turkey bacon, rye toast?"
"Sounds great. Thanks, mum."
For the most part, she's been supportive of my career decision to become a professional wrestler. Especially considering several family members have done so in the past. I know she'd rather I do anything else, though. Still, as I get clean, I know there's nothing else in the world I want to do. Sighing as I run a hand over my face feeling a bit tired. I know she will want to talk about it again.
There's nothing wrong with a routine, in fact, I have plenty, but this is one that must end. I'm out of the shower and ready to go as the smell of the bacon fills the house. Causing my stomach to grumble. An old Bret Hart t-shirt and a pair of ripped, faded pants along with my Doc Marten's to complete the look. Before stuffing my wrestling gear and a change of clothes into my gym bag. Making sure I have all my essentials; phone, wallet, keys. Then I am down the stairs at a quick pace. Eager to satisfy my hunger, this pang, this need in my stomach. To the point, I doubt I will taste the food as I shovel it into my mouth.
"Emy picking you up?" My mother asks as I place my gym bag beside my chair and sit down.
She knows the answer, but it helps her start a conversation. So, I nod, "Yeah. She'll probably be here in half-an-hour or so."
My mother stands in front of me with a plate in her hand. A middle-aged woman that was easily a knockout back in the day. Someone who has done everything to give me a good life, and it shows on her face and the graying in her hair. Despite the nagging she gives me. I smile at her and say a small thank you for the meal. Then I dive into the food as she returns with a glass of pineapple juice to complete the meal. She chuckles, shaking her head before sitting across from me with a large mug of coffee.
"I'm not having this conversation again," I say between bites.
A deft nod of her head, she says, "I know, I know. Your mind is made up, and I acknowledge it isn't a passing phase. You've been into wrestling since your uncle Tommy took you to a show when you were four. Always been athletic as well. I've come to terms with this and the fact you could get really hurt."
"It is very rare for major injuries to happen, mom."
"And a career can leave a body in a bad state even without that."
I can't argue this point.
"Just don't want you to end up like uncle Freddie. Barely forty-five and in a wheelchair," My mom says, rubbing her forehead. As if she finally says what she has been wanting to say for a while.
Finishing my meal off with a chug of the rest of my juice.
"I love Freddie, but he used one of the most dangerous moves innovated. The diving headbutt. All those years of the impact on his neck. I don't do insanely dangerous moves like that," I reply, my phone vibrates, letting its presence known on the table. "Emy's waiting for me. I'm not saying I expect you to show up for my matches. Not like when I was freestyle wrestling. Still, this is my choice, my life. In a few months, I'd be graduated, I'd be eighteen, and can do this on a full-time schedule. Thank you for the concern, but I will be okay."
"I love you, my fiercely independent young woman," She replies, a smile on her face.
"I know. I love you, too."
Grabbing my jacket and my gym bag, I step outside to a morning full of snow. Falling even more so than it was when I went out jogging. An icy wind threatens to blow me over. Spying Emy's beat up truck. I make my way over towards it. A welcoming rush of heat hits me full on as I enter.
"Hey, Emy," I say, tossing my bag on the bench behind us.
"No classes for us today. Want to hit the gym and the ring early before lunch? Get quite a bit of extra ring time in before tonight," Emy says, running a hand through her hair.
"Sounds like a plan," I reply.
The day, and I'm thankful for it, goes by quick, and we arrive at the local Boys and Girls club where Canadian Women's Wrestling Federation run their shows out of. One of my favorite local promotions as they treat women's wrestling as a serious athletic competition. No showing of skin, though some wrestlers still do as sex appeal never hurts, you aren't getting pushed on looks. Talent, skill, willingness to do the job, and popularity is all that matters. Emy and I have been coming here to see the shows for years, and now here we are coming in as wrestlers.
Entering through the front door. We walk past a dozen people setting up the ring, placing folding chairs, setting up the barriers, and everything else. Even some wrestlers setting up their merch tables off to the side. The two of us don't quite have merchandise yet, but soon.
"Tegan, Emy!" Jenna spots us the moment we enter the locker room. "Isn't this awesome?"
Nodding with a big grin on my face, I reply, "Hell yeah."
"You rookies are so cute," The intimidating Jessika Havok quips, a smile on her face.
"Aren't they?" The platinum blonde Candice LeRae adds.
Jenna takes my hand, and I feel something electric? Maybe? I look over at Emy, who gives me a shrug, before I follow the smaller woman to where she has set up her locker. Placing my bag down, I begin to strip out of my street clothes. Not really feeling any shame about doing so as most of us are in some state of undress to get into our gear.
"Black and pink, eh? It looks good on you," I comment to Jenna. She is pulling up the tight wrestling shorts over her narrow hips, and I can't help but glance a split-second too long, so I look away.
Noticing Emy standing beside me getting her own red and white wrestling singlet over her tight black wrestling shorts.
"Well, yeah, I can be so girly when it comes to pink. Totally my favorite color," Jenna replies to me. "Plus, as Portia Perez, it fits in my head. I don't know why."
Pulling on my black spandex shorts with my name spelled on the back in red with a white outline. Following it with my matching wrestling top. Adjusting everything to make sure I am decent, and nothing is hanging out. I spot Emy removing her makeup kit, and she along with Jenna walk up to one of the many mirrors to apply their makeup. Standing beside damn near all the other wrestlers.
Personally, I only use mascara and eyeliner as I like what they do to my eyes, and without the need or desire to fight for space at the mirrors right now. I sit on the cold wooden bench. Pulling on my tall wrestling boots, I lace them tight. A smile crosses my face without conscious thought as I hear my cousin and Jenna laugh about something. It seems she is a friend of ours now. Our first friend in the business that wasn't involved in our training class. Though, not to say that people haven't been kind or helpful to us. These were older people. Much older in some cases. Wrapping my wrists in tape before I pull on black kneepads that are just above my boots. Looking up, I am checking out Jenna again without even thinking.
She is small but god she has so much muscular definition in a good way. From her legs, up her back, and to her shoulders and arms. Yet, somehow, she is still so soft-looking and feminine. A wave of guilt hits me like this should be a safe space from perverted eyes, and even if she is gay, which I don't know if she is, I shouldn't act like a lecherous fool. I lose myself in my thoughts, and when I wake a second later, I lock eyes with Jenna who is looking over her shoulder. Causing a huge blush to come up on my face. With a wink, she looks back at Emy who is helping her apply some makeup.
"Ladies! Ladies!" Nattie Neidhart calls out, causing the joking, the conversations to go silent. "Welcome and thank you for coming out tonight. Our schedule is as follows: Havok over Kira. Ariel over Emy. Kimber Bombs over Tegan Rain and Portia Perez. Intermission. Candice LeRae over Mickie Knuckles. Lufisto Over myself for the strap. Have fun out there, be safe, and get with me before leaving tonight."
"Fuck yeah," Emy says, walking over to talk with the wonderfully talented, highly respected Ariel about their match.
Meanwhile, Jenna is by my side and we high five, before our opponents for the evening walk up to us.
"I'm Tegan and this is my friend J-," I begin but can't finish my sentence.
"Portia Perez," Jenna says with a smile.
"Pleasure to meet both of you. Call me Kimber Lee, and this is Cherry," The blonde says. "So, let's talk about how the match is going to go."
The crowd is rather neutral to us as Jenna and I come down to the ring to my partner's choice of a theme song Joy Division's Love Will Tear Us Apart. Yet, we do the babyface thing. Slapping hands of the fans who just enjoy supporting the face. Entering the ring, Jenna climbs up a turnbuckle with both arms raised. While I lean against the ropes for a moment. Tugging up on my tights a bit to make sure my ass isn't showing. Trying my best to shove my nerves back down.
"Relax. Just pretend the crowd isn't here, and it is just us in the ring, okay?" Jenna somehow knew that I was anxious. Maybe I show it on my sleeve. Maybe, despite only knowing me for just over a day, she can see that in me. I don't know but it is reassuring.
Radioactive by Imagine Dragons begins before Cherry Bomb and Kimber Lee appear from between the curtain. Their arms raised above their heads. Their steps in time with the music for a moment. Before they turn around and show off their asses that spell Kimber Bombs on their wrestling shorts.
After their strutting, posing, and shit-talking they are in their corner of the ring. Jenna and I are across from then waiting for the match to begin. The announcer does his job, and the Kimber Bombs get jeers as Jenna climbs through the ropes to hang out on the apron.
"You got this," She says to me.
The bell ring, Kimber and I hook up into an elbow tie up. With me pushing her into a neutral corner. Hitting her with a hard forearm, following that up with a chop against Kimber's chest. And it raises a welt upon her pale chest. Hitting a thumb right beside my eye, has me playing it off as if she pokes me in the eye. The ref admonishes her while I stumble back a little. Kimber grabs me around my head, and we turn to force both of us onto our backs in a twisting neck breaker. Mounting me, she unloads several punches to my face, but I grab her right wrist. Roll her off me, and with a knee to the side of her face. I drive the other knee into her arm. Holding onto her wrist, I slam her arm down onto the canvas before standing back up.
The match goes better than any of us thought it would. With Jenna ending up taking the fall. Laying in the ring as I scramble back up to my feet just as the ref slaps the mat a third time. Which gets the crowd to boo and I roll under the bottom rope to enter the ring.
"You good?" I ask Jenna, the blaring music muffling my words to anyone but her.
She nods, replying, "I'd so be smiling right now if it wasn't for kayfabe."
"Let them celebrate. Come on. I need something to drink," I say.
We exit the ring, and I can feel my sore muscles ache with each step.
"That was so, so awesome. My first match, our first match working together. Thanks for doing the job with me," Jenna almost seems to bounce out of her skin before giving me a quick hug.
Not that I had a choice as it was booked that way, but to be honest we wrestle well together.
"It was fun. I mean, was it me, or did we have some actual chemistry out there?" I ask and mean it. Our tags were smooth and timed well. Our double team moves, both on the fly improvisation during the match, fluid as if we've been teaming for years.
"Here in CWWF you two are a tag team now, and I would advise you two to market yourselves as such," Nattie comes up to us with a large smile on her face. "Fantastic work out there, rookies." She hands both of us a wad of cash. "See you guys next week. A permanent spot on the roster. I promise you."
I can't complain about thirty-three dollars for the match tonight. Glancing over at Jenna she seems content with her pay. So, with a shrug, I stuff it between the waistband of my tights and myself.
"Thanks for the match Kimber Bombs! You two rock!" Jenna explodes a bit giving the two older women hugs. She is so full of excitement and energy. Making her even more adorable.
"It was an honor," I add, "Thank you. It was awesome."
"You two are the awesome ones out there," Cherry Bomb replies. "Like, the chemistry between you two was just, I don't know, palpable. Never have I seen, or wrestled, rookies with so much talent."
"Agreed, so much agreed, you two are going far," Kimber adds. She looks at Cherry before the two say goodbye and walk off.
Jenna smiles, nudging me a bit and I return the smile.
"We need to come up with a good team name and a signature move," I say, happy to be spending time with Jenna on a more long-term basis.
"And sync our outfits as well! Oh, lots to do."
"Dudes, that was a great match to send the fans to intermission. They will be talking about you," Emy comes up to us as we enter the locker room. "Let's get out of here and head to Tim Horton's. I am starving.
"I'm game," Jenna quips. "Just let me get out of my ring gear."
"A plate of poutine would hit the spot," I add.
We change and grab our bags before wishing the other ladies a good night and see you later. Heading off towards the back exit, Jenna stops us just at the door.
"I walked here tonight. Can I get a ride home after we eat, please? It isn't too far at all," Jenna asks as an almost uncharacteristic downcast attitude overcomes her. At least from what I've seen of her.
"Of course, dude," Emy replies with a wave of her hand. "You're cool. Besides, I got to drop Tegan's nondriving ass off too."
"I am working towards it," I defend myself.
"Thanks," Jenna says, her attitude back up to its previous level. Still, it makes me think for a moment.
At least that is until the back door is open, and we must walk all the way to the front parking lot through a heavy snow storm. Almost blizzard-like with its strong gusts of wind that kick up the snow causing it to nearly blind you. It isn't until we get to the truck that Emy and I remember that the back bench is full of bullshit collected over the two years my cousin has had it.
"I'll sit in the back since I'm the smallest," Jenna says.
"Shit, sorry," Emy replies as the two of us move everything to one side, and when Jenna is in the back and myself in the passenger seat, I pull it up as much as I can.
"You good back there?" I ask, looking at her over my shoulder.
I see her smiling even though it is obvious she is tired, replying, "I'm all good, captain."
Causing me to chuckle a little bit.
If it wasn't for the fact Emy and I have been through worse snow storms we might have just went home. This isn't too bad, though. Slow and steady and of course Tim Horton's is still open regardless of the weather. They'd still be open even if the end of the world comes.
After a greasy yet delicious meal, the three of us just sit around enjoying each other's company. Talking about our favorite wrestlers, matches, most impressive-looking moves. The whole time the incomparable Jenna Grattan sits right beside me. Insisted that we shall the same side of the booth. Which gave Emy a reason to eye me off and on the whole time.
"Dropkicking Kimber's knee and forcing her down to one knee," I begin between sips of lukewarm coffee. "Which it was apparent that she was surprised, and she just went with it. Then gave her one of the nicest, stiffest-looking DDTS I have ever seen. Jake The Snake would have been so proud. I think because she didn't have to bend down. It looked a whole lot more natural. Ya know, considering…"
"That I'm so short, right? Trust me, I understand. My trainer insisted I do it that way. It works and looks great," Jenna replies, glancing over at me for a moment, smiling a little.
I raise an eyebrow and she looks back toward Emy as if it was something normal. My cousin excuses herself for a moment, and it is just me and Jenna sitting beside one another. A content sigh escapes my throat, happy I am not feeling as sore as I was. In fact, I feel quite relaxed, if not tired as all hell.
"I've been meaning to say this since we first met the other day," Jenna begins, catching me off guard. "I think you are cute and very cool."
"I-I w-well thank you," I stutter like some socially awkward fool. Because that's what I am, yet I compose myself. "So are you. I have found it hard to keep my eyes off you. Even in the ring. Like, I hope the crowd didn't notice how often I almost broke kayfabe."
"Same here," She replies.
It is nice to feel that you aren't the only one that feels attraction. That it is a two-way street, and it sends my heart aflutter. That it is a mutual thing, but now a silence has fallen over us.
"In fact, kind of had a crush on you since we first met. I guess the reason I brought it all up was to see if you want to go on a date with me tomorrow."
"I would love to," I reply, smiling at her.
But before we can come up with the details Emy returns.
"Well, it is getting quite late and I am sure your mom will be hitting up your phone soon," She says looking at me with a raised eyebrow.
Standing up and letting Jenna out of the booth the three of us place some money on the table before heading back outside. Thankful the snow has stopped.
Sitting in a comfortable silence until we drop off Jenna who wishes us a good night. Tells Emy thanks again and gives me a wink before walking off humming towards a one-story ranch-style house.
"She asked me out on a date," I say, grinning like a child with their favorite toy. "No one has ever asked me on a date before."
"Well, there was that one dude a couple of years ago."
"He was gross. That doesn't count. Besides Jenna is cool, cute, and talented. So not even close."
"I fucking knew something happened," Emy claps her hands together for a moment. "She's nice and fun to be around. Will it be tomorrow?"
I don't really know, but I reply, "I don't know yet. I'll send her a message when I get home. If she doesn't hit me up beforehand."
Emy punches my shoulder, "Good on you, dude."
Once home I take a quick shower and put my clothes in the washer down in the basement. So, I can toss it in the dryer before I pass out. Not wanting to wake my mother up, I tiptoe back to my room. Feeling comfortable in my safe space.
Hey cutie. Hope you don't mind if I call you that.
I spot Jenna's message on my Facebook page. Which causes me to blush and smile.
Tomorrow night. An early dinner at six and an ACWP show?
Feeling giddy now that there is a plan, I type out.
Sounds perfect. Where at?
Do you like Greek?
Love it.
Meet you at Mamakas Taverna then.
We spend the rest of the night just chatting. This is the first time I've ever crushed on someone and liked them so quick. She is beyond awesome, and as I fall asleep, I look forward to the future more than ever. My best friend, my future career, and a cute, hot, beautiful, handsome woman now in my life. Still, can't get too far ahead of myself. It is just one date.