Post by Stella Basch on Jul 28, 2024 1:17:09 GMT -5
Basch Vacation Rental
Tallahassee, FL
Saturday, July 27, 2024
It had been a long day of flying, time change adjustments, and getting settled in in preparation for Florida Wrestling Prestige’s biggest event yet… Prime. But with everything on the agenda for the day officially checked off, it was finally time to relax.
Granted, some of us had different ideas on what “relax” actually meant. For me, it was a simple float along the surface of the clubhouse swimming pool. For my brother Donovan – as I observed through the clubhouse window – it meant taking full advantage of an otherwise empty gym. Through the glass, I could see my brother standing beside the bench press, spotting Damon Graves as he worked through a set. But as much as I would’ve loved to just lay there and let the rest of the day float away like the feather that fluttered onto the water’s surface from who knows where, I had business to attend to. It was the main reason I was there…
Jackson Cole.
No more floating for me… I turned over and began swimming to the side of the pool where the ladder was, grabbing the handles and pulling myself up, not even bothering with the steps. As I sat on the edge of the pool, I glanced once more through the window into the club house. Now it was Donovan’s turn on the bench press.
I scooted away from the pool’s edge, then stood up, grabbing the towel I’d set on the foot of one of the poolside lounge chairs and wrapping it around my black bikini-clad body. Through the glass, the guys looked out at me and waved; I waved back, then proceeded to sit down on the lounge chair, my back to the clubhouse. Taking a second to wring out the ends of my hair, I took a deep breath.
Stella: What a strange trip it’s been, eh Jackson? It seems like it wasn’t that long ago when we were both in the first round of the Prestige Championship Tournament… and that same night, we both got eliminated. Me by one of my coaches, and you by one of the others that helped train me. And then the following show...
I paused as I took a moment to reflect on the first time Jackson and I stood across the ring from each other.
Stella: We faced off for the first time in a match that could’ve gone either way, had it not been for one minor little slip. Now, if there’s one thing my coaches would always drill into my brain...
I tapped my temple with my finger.
Stella: It’s that you ALWAYS keep an eye open for a window of opportunity, no matter how small it may be. And when that window presents itself, you make full use of it. Which is precisely what I did that night. Had it not been for that one instance, there’s no real way of knowing how that match would have ended up. Perhaps you would’ve walked away with the win, or perhaps it still would have been me. We’ll never know, will we?
I shook my head as I stood up, letting the towel fall off and into my hand. I began drying off my arms.
Stella: From that point on, things were hit or miss for me...
I clenched my teeth, forcing out a hissing sigh.
Stella: While you just couldn’t seem to find your groove.
I quickly threw my hands up in an apologetic gesture as I shook my head.
Stella: Don’t get me wrong, Jackson… that’s not a knock on your in-ring ability. Believe me; I know better than that. Sometimes, the greatest wrestlers in this business fall into slumps from time to time. It’s a question of how you decide you’re gonna pull yourself out of it.
With my body as dry as I could get it while still wearing a wet bathing suit, I reached into my bag and pulled out a black mesh cover-up and slipped it on, then stepped into a pair of black sandals.
Stella: So I can’t fault you for wanting to call me out for a chance to go back to where you think everything went south. Honestly, I would have probably done the same thing. Of course, this brings us full circle, doesn’t it? Only this time, the stakes are a little bit higher than they were last time. This time...
Another pause as I glanced skyward. A few rather ominous clouds were gathering overhead, and the air was heavy with the smell of impending rain.
Stella: This time, another championship opportunity has presented itself. You and I were going to face off regardless, but the chance to participate in the Blitz match for the Coastal Championship is icing on the cake. Before, we were just trying to find our footing here in FWP. Now, we’re fighting not only to settle the score once and for all, but to position ourselves one step closer to gold. The only problem is that as much as you want to “right the ship,” as it were, is that a lot has changed since the first time we tangled.
I heard a tap on the window, glancing over my shoulder to see Donovan gesturing for me to come in while pointing at his phone. I in turn pointed to the sign posted on the door leading into the clubhouse that said “NO WET SWIMWEAR,” shrugging my shoulders before turning back around.
Stella: When this whole thing started, I was greener than Kermit the Frog, with only a handful of in-ring experience under my belt. And while it may not seem like a lot of time between then and now, I’ve learned a lot since then. I’m sure you have as well. So what it really boils down to is which one of us will apply what we’ve learned since our last encounter, and finally take it to that next level?
Damon and Donovan emerged through the door and out to the poolside area. I nodded my head to acknowledge them, but also as a means of letting them know not to interrupt me.
Stella: Four more days, Jackson...
I looked down at the ground, noticing a splotch of water hit the concrete, and then another.
Stella: That’s how much longer it will be before we settle this matter once and for all. Honestly, I hope you are able to turn things around, but I’ll be damned if I let it happen at my expense. You want this fight? Then you’d better show me that the last time we faced off was just a fluke.
I moved under the overhang that provided a modicum of shade, and as soon as I did, the rain began to pick up. As Damon and Donovan stood on either side of me, my brother gestured off into the distance, to a cluster of townhomes just beyond a row of hedges that lined the median in the road.
Donovan: It’s a good thing we don’t have that far to walk to get back to the townhouse...
Stella: You can say that again! Let’s get out of here before it really starts coming down.
Donovan: There was something we wanted to discuss with you, Starr.
I gestured toward the gate that led out to the aforementioned road, taking a few steps toward it as Damon and Donovan followed me. Even as we walked, the rain drops began falling more frequently, but not to the point where our only option would be to run. Sure enough, as we walked toward the gate, the first peals of thunder began to rumble overhead...