Post by Deleted on Apr 3, 2021 6:06:00 GMT
[FADE IN]
[The sights and sounds of a vibrant club in Atlanta, Georgia fill the air, as we see somewhere in the vicinity of 50 patrons. Each of them either drinking at the bar or dancing the night away. Without as much as a single care of the stresses and anxieties that fill them. After all, that's the primary focus of a trip to a nightclub like this. To alleviate those stresses. The bartender on duty is a young woman. In her early to mid 20's if we were to have a guess, and appears to be overwhelmed by the demand for alcohol from the patrons. None of whom are patient. Owing to both their present state of drunkenness' plus the fact that "last call" is only twenty-five minutes in.]
[One patron, however, is seated alone at the far end of the bar. Appearing stunningly sober, considering the drunken nonsense and overall rowdiness surrounding them. It's a male, who appears to be around the same age as the bartender. Maybe slightly younger, who has a bottle of water on the table in front of him and is looking downward at his phone. Hearing the last call shout, the man turns his body around and stands up.]
[Navigating his way through the crowd and towards a more quiet part of the bar. A lone table near the front window and the only place where a person can obtain any sort of peace in this club. Whether that be inner peace or outer peace. Sitting at the maroon cushioned wooden chair, the man once more looks down at his phone. Pressing a button.]
Hey Kasey.
Hey, Kaitlyn. [He states.]
You at the club? [She inquires, having heard the sounds surrounding him in the distance.]
Yeah, I'm at the Eagle. [He comments, as he looks around at his surroundings. Surprised that nobody has come to interrupt him.]
What did I tell you? [Her voice slightly flustered, she attempts to regain her composure. She had made it explicitly clear that he was not to visit any night clubs after 2am. Yet there he is, at 3:30am. In the Eagle.]
I know. I know. No going to clubs after 2. I promise I haven't had anything to drink though. [Kasey responds, hoping that will be enough to dissuade Kaitlyn from yelling at him. Especially over the phone. He knows the sort of person she is, however, and is bracing for her to yell at him either way.]
We have a meeting with IIW at 9am. I told you this last night. [Her remarks blunt, they cause Kasey to slightly slide his chair backward. He had forgotten about that meeting and had assumed that it was later on in the week. Yet he simply allows himself to maintain composure.] Or did you forget?
[His silence tells all she needs to know. Kasey knows it too, as he can feel the tension through the phone. He can sense that it's probably lucky he is here; not at Kaitlyn's, or she would be yelling right in his face.]
You know how important this is to us. You know that this is our opportunity to get our names out there. To "make it" in this industry. To achieve what we have been training for, Kase. [The frustration evident in her voice, Kasey simply lowers his head. Knowing that it's probably best that he let her continue on, lest he irritate her further.]
This is the break we were searching for when we decided to forego our senior years. When we decided that wrestling is what we wished to commit our careers to; you're at a nightclub hours before we have a chance to dip our toes into the water?
[Kasey remains silent, as he deeply considers her words. As he feels each one cut through him like a knife. Yet she's justified in this anger. This opportunity they have is what they were striving for when they elected to enter the professional scene instead of remaining in college. He empathizes with Kaitlyn, as he would be the same way if their roles were reversed.]
I'm sorry... [He finally begins to muster, before she cuts him off. Not wanting to hear any "apology" he might have.]
Why even go there? [She avers, as Kasey leans back against the oak back of the chair. Sighing softly.
I just wanted some time to myself. Gather my thoughts before tomorrow. [The explanation seems to have some effect on Kaitlyn, as she remains silent. Hoping that he will delve deeper; state why he went to the Eagles to "gather his thoughts". Though she is amenable to hearing him out.] I know how much wrestling means to you. I know how much you want to join IIW; get off on the right foot. I do as well. I truly do.
[He pauses, as he pushes the chair back; rises upward. Preparing to exit the nightclub. It's the best course of action he can take right now. Especially as he fucked up by even coming here in the first place, instead of simply going for a walk. Or even driving to Kaitlyn's house. However, he made his decision and accepts that he must now live with the consequences resulting from it.]
It's ... [She pauses, trying to think of how to phrase her statement.] It's just that you knowyou could have just driven here and stayed the night. You could have gone for a walk or a drive if you needed time to clear your mind.
[Kasey gently nods to himself, as he opens the exit door of the nightclub; steps out onto the sidewalk, headed towards his car. A sangria 2004 Ford E250. Handed down to him by his father as a 21st birthday present last year.]
I know. [He softly comments, waiting a moment to see if she wants to reply. When she doesn't, he continues.] I promise I won't do this again.
It's okay. [Her tone softer than earlier, she understands why he went there. Plus, at least he didn't drink anything while there. So, he won't have a hangover on top of potentially being late to the meeting with IIW executives. That would be a double blow and could possibly have hindered their chances at obtaining the contract they desire. Negotiations that are paramount to them.]
[Opening the driver's side door with his left hand, Kasey slides into the driver's seat. Waiting for Kaitlyn to continue with her statement. Or at least say something to assuage the tension growing in the air.]
Kaitlyn?
Yeah?
[He smiles as she says that. He had figured she may have hung up the phone or something. Her silence was uncommon for her, though considering that it is nearly 4 in the morning; they need to be up in four hours, it is understandable. He could hear the tiredness in her voice.]
I'm driving home now. [He remarks, as he places the keys in the ignition.]
Okay. [She states, pausing to yawn.] I'll call you at 7:30.
Okay. Talk to you then,
Night. [She states, before continuing.[ Make sure you get some sleep, okay?
I will, mom. [He remarks sarcastically, but Kaitlyn has already hung up the phone; likely fallen back asleep.]
[He slowly puts the car into reverse, placing his phone on the dashboard before pulling out from his parking spot; beginning his drive back home.]
[FADE OUT].
[FADE IN]
[Kasey sits, a bottle of 3 Springs mineral water on the floor in front of him, inside of the lobby at the offices where the IIW executives said they would meet them; go over their contract details. Seated next to him, her hair tied into a ponytail at the back and dressed in a midnight black pinstripe suit, is Kaitlyn. She appears to be the more alert of the two as well, as she surveys the lobby. Waiting for the executives to call them into the conference room. She had learned about these situations from the multitude of contracts her father had negotiated throughout the course of his career; the lessons he taught her about the process. Lessons that she has been trying to pass onto Kasey, whose only experience with this sort of practice, is from the collegiate recruitment process back in high school.]
[Glancing across at Kaitlyn, Kasey reclines in his seat, as nerves begin to form in his stomach. A mixture of the impending meeting and the fact that he only had an hour's sleep, due to having been at the nightclub earlier as well as needing to make sure he was appropriately dressed for this meeting. As in, not wearing the simple t-shirt and jeans that he would otherwise have worn if Kaitlyn didn't explicitly tell him he couldn't; needed to at least wear a formal shirt. Noticing his look, Kaitlyn smiles at him, before noticing out of the corner of her eye, an executive looking male in his mid to late thirties coming out from the first conference room, and making his way down the hall.]
[Softly tapping Kasey's right forearm, she motions to him before slowly pushing herself upward.]
Hey. [She states to the man as he makes his way to the lobby.] Are you the IIW executive we were supposed to be meeting?
Are you Kaitlyn Finley? [He asks, glancing first at her, then over her left shoulder at Kasey.]
Yeah.
[Looking behind her, Kaitlyn motions for Kasey to follow her.]
I'm guessing the man with you is Kasey Miles?
Yes.
Then yes. I'm the one sent to meet with you. [He remarks, turning around before making his way down the hall. Towards the conference room he had exited.] Follow me.
[Kaitlyn makes her way down the hall, following the man, as Kasey follows her. Having had to pick up his bottle of mineral water before commencing the walk. Turning right, the executive reaches a room with a brass sign that has "Conference Room 1" engraved into it, slowly placing his hand on the knob; turning it clockwise. Pushing the door open, he steps inside and begins to make his way over to the head of a square oak table, where two seats can be seen. One on the left side of the table, the other on the right hand side. In the middle of the table, are two pieces of paper; two blue pens.]
I'm Evan, by the way. [The man states as the two make their way over to the vacant chairs.]
[Kaitlyn taking the seat on the left; Kasey the one on the right, as he takes a sip of his water. Feeling his eyes attempting to force themselves closed.]
You didn't sleep, did you? [She sternly whispers, noticing how drowsy Kasey looks; how he slumped into the chair.]
I did. [He defensively retorts, before admitting.] Only an hour though.
Kasey.
[Her whisper sharp, she simply shakes her head. It is his own fault for going out, that he wasn't able to get an appropriate amount of sleep. They both then turn to Evan, who has been patiently waiting for them to stop their conversation; turn their focus to the contracts placed in the middle of the table. Reaching out, Kaitlyn pulls her contract toward her chest, as Kasey does the same with his. Followed by the two repeating the action with the pen.]
Let me know if there's anything you want to discuss pertaining to the contracts.
[Almost as soon as he states that, Kaitlyn glances up from her contract; shoots him a curious look.]
What do you mean by an "injury waiver"?
It means that IIW waives any responsibility or liability for any injuries that you might suffer for the duration of the contract.
I know that. [She firmly comments.] I mean, wouldn't that already be covered by insurance?
[Evan looks at Kaitlyn, taken aback by how well she knows contracts. He had only given this one a cursory glance himself, so didn't realize that specific term was in there. He was merely instructed by Osh Vaughn to ensure that her and Kasey sign on the dotted line.]
It's for those injuries that your insurance provider won't cover. [He calmly states, hoping that is enough to answer her concerns.]
[Reading over his contract, Kasey lets out a yawn before picking up the pen. Making sure to re-read the contract as he takes another gulp of his water. Kaitlyn picks her own pen up, calmly combing through the contract a second time. Ensuring she understands all the listed terms, before swiftly signing her name on the provided line; pushing the contract and pen across to Evan.]
Kasey?
Yeah? [He sleepily states, before remembering where he is.] Oh, right.
[Kasey then signs his name on the line, before sliding the contract across to Evan.]
There you go.
[Evan warmly smiles, as he extends his hand across the table. Offering the pair the customary welcome hand shake.]
On behalf of the IIW board, I'd like to be the first to say: Welcome aboard. We hope you both enjoy it here.
Thanks.
[Replying in unison, Kaitlyn and Kasey then reach out with their left and right hands respectively; accepting the handshake before rising up, turning around; preparing to leave the conference room. Kasey being sure to pick up his mineral water as he does.]
[FADE OUT]
[FADE IN]
[Kasey lays in his single bed within his bedroom, comforter over his body as he stares up at the snow white plaster on his ceiling, deep in thought about the contract he signed with the IIW. He knows that much like when he signed with the Georgia Bulldogs in college, this is the most important step of his life. An opportunity for him to get his name out there; become renowned as one of the best professional wrestlers in the industry today. Just as he had the chance to be known as one of the best O-Linemen in college football with the Bulldogs. Which, although he was one time second time All-SEC, didn't exactly end up being the case.]
[He doesn't regret it though, as he played an important role in the Bulldogs being one of the top teams in the conference; the ability to share a locker-room with players that would go onto the NFL.]
The IIW ... Where dreams are made, or dreams are broken. [He states aloud, recalling one of the promotional advertisements he had seen on Netflix for the company during a cursory glance through the site.] This is my opportunity to make my name. To showcase to the world just what I am capable of between the ropes. My chance to show that I'm not simply another football star, trying to use wrestling as a means to grab some paychecks and go through the motions.
[He pauses, before taking a deep breath.]
to show that I am here because this is my passion. This is where I want to be; that when I step between those ropes. When I set my feet into the squared circle, I am the most dominant athlete in that ring. That I am everything they advertise me to be. I plan on grabbing it with both hands; shattering the 'brass ring'. I don't just want this. I need this. This is what I live for. This is what I plan to die for, in the middle of that ring if it comes to that. I'm more than prepared for what will be coming my way.
[Kasey pauses, feeling his eyes slowly close, but managing to keep them over. At least for now.]
I hope you're ready for what will be coming your way, IIW. Because I do not plan on letting this go to waste. I do not plan on being just another person who happens to exist here. I plan on being THE man to beat. The one everybody wants to beat.
[With that, Kasey finally allows his eyes to close. He knows that soon enough, he will get his opportunity. It's on him to grasp the ball; run with it.]
[FADE OUT.]
[The sights and sounds of a vibrant club in Atlanta, Georgia fill the air, as we see somewhere in the vicinity of 50 patrons. Each of them either drinking at the bar or dancing the night away. Without as much as a single care of the stresses and anxieties that fill them. After all, that's the primary focus of a trip to a nightclub like this. To alleviate those stresses. The bartender on duty is a young woman. In her early to mid 20's if we were to have a guess, and appears to be overwhelmed by the demand for alcohol from the patrons. None of whom are patient. Owing to both their present state of drunkenness' plus the fact that "last call" is only twenty-five minutes in.]
[One patron, however, is seated alone at the far end of the bar. Appearing stunningly sober, considering the drunken nonsense and overall rowdiness surrounding them. It's a male, who appears to be around the same age as the bartender. Maybe slightly younger, who has a bottle of water on the table in front of him and is looking downward at his phone. Hearing the last call shout, the man turns his body around and stands up.]
[Navigating his way through the crowd and towards a more quiet part of the bar. A lone table near the front window and the only place where a person can obtain any sort of peace in this club. Whether that be inner peace or outer peace. Sitting at the maroon cushioned wooden chair, the man once more looks down at his phone. Pressing a button.]
Hey Kasey.
Hey, Kaitlyn. [He states.]
You at the club? [She inquires, having heard the sounds surrounding him in the distance.]
Yeah, I'm at the Eagle. [He comments, as he looks around at his surroundings. Surprised that nobody has come to interrupt him.]
What did I tell you? [Her voice slightly flustered, she attempts to regain her composure. She had made it explicitly clear that he was not to visit any night clubs after 2am. Yet there he is, at 3:30am. In the Eagle.]
I know. I know. No going to clubs after 2. I promise I haven't had anything to drink though. [Kasey responds, hoping that will be enough to dissuade Kaitlyn from yelling at him. Especially over the phone. He knows the sort of person she is, however, and is bracing for her to yell at him either way.]
We have a meeting with IIW at 9am. I told you this last night. [Her remarks blunt, they cause Kasey to slightly slide his chair backward. He had forgotten about that meeting and had assumed that it was later on in the week. Yet he simply allows himself to maintain composure.] Or did you forget?
[His silence tells all she needs to know. Kasey knows it too, as he can feel the tension through the phone. He can sense that it's probably lucky he is here; not at Kaitlyn's, or she would be yelling right in his face.]
You know how important this is to us. You know that this is our opportunity to get our names out there. To "make it" in this industry. To achieve what we have been training for, Kase. [The frustration evident in her voice, Kasey simply lowers his head. Knowing that it's probably best that he let her continue on, lest he irritate her further.]
This is the break we were searching for when we decided to forego our senior years. When we decided that wrestling is what we wished to commit our careers to; you're at a nightclub hours before we have a chance to dip our toes into the water?
[Kasey remains silent, as he deeply considers her words. As he feels each one cut through him like a knife. Yet she's justified in this anger. This opportunity they have is what they were striving for when they elected to enter the professional scene instead of remaining in college. He empathizes with Kaitlyn, as he would be the same way if their roles were reversed.]
I'm sorry... [He finally begins to muster, before she cuts him off. Not wanting to hear any "apology" he might have.]
Why even go there? [She avers, as Kasey leans back against the oak back of the chair. Sighing softly.
I just wanted some time to myself. Gather my thoughts before tomorrow. [The explanation seems to have some effect on Kaitlyn, as she remains silent. Hoping that he will delve deeper; state why he went to the Eagles to "gather his thoughts". Though she is amenable to hearing him out.] I know how much wrestling means to you. I know how much you want to join IIW; get off on the right foot. I do as well. I truly do.
[He pauses, as he pushes the chair back; rises upward. Preparing to exit the nightclub. It's the best course of action he can take right now. Especially as he fucked up by even coming here in the first place, instead of simply going for a walk. Or even driving to Kaitlyn's house. However, he made his decision and accepts that he must now live with the consequences resulting from it.]
It's ... [She pauses, trying to think of how to phrase her statement.] It's just that you knowyou could have just driven here and stayed the night. You could have gone for a walk or a drive if you needed time to clear your mind.
[Kasey gently nods to himself, as he opens the exit door of the nightclub; steps out onto the sidewalk, headed towards his car. A sangria 2004 Ford E250. Handed down to him by his father as a 21st birthday present last year.]
I know. [He softly comments, waiting a moment to see if she wants to reply. When she doesn't, he continues.] I promise I won't do this again.
It's okay. [Her tone softer than earlier, she understands why he went there. Plus, at least he didn't drink anything while there. So, he won't have a hangover on top of potentially being late to the meeting with IIW executives. That would be a double blow and could possibly have hindered their chances at obtaining the contract they desire. Negotiations that are paramount to them.]
[Opening the driver's side door with his left hand, Kasey slides into the driver's seat. Waiting for Kaitlyn to continue with her statement. Or at least say something to assuage the tension growing in the air.]
Kaitlyn?
Yeah?
[He smiles as she says that. He had figured she may have hung up the phone or something. Her silence was uncommon for her, though considering that it is nearly 4 in the morning; they need to be up in four hours, it is understandable. He could hear the tiredness in her voice.]
I'm driving home now. [He remarks, as he places the keys in the ignition.]
Okay. [She states, pausing to yawn.] I'll call you at 7:30.
Okay. Talk to you then,
Night. [She states, before continuing.[ Make sure you get some sleep, okay?
I will, mom. [He remarks sarcastically, but Kaitlyn has already hung up the phone; likely fallen back asleep.]
[He slowly puts the car into reverse, placing his phone on the dashboard before pulling out from his parking spot; beginning his drive back home.]
[FADE OUT].
[FADE IN]
[Kasey sits, a bottle of 3 Springs mineral water on the floor in front of him, inside of the lobby at the offices where the IIW executives said they would meet them; go over their contract details. Seated next to him, her hair tied into a ponytail at the back and dressed in a midnight black pinstripe suit, is Kaitlyn. She appears to be the more alert of the two as well, as she surveys the lobby. Waiting for the executives to call them into the conference room. She had learned about these situations from the multitude of contracts her father had negotiated throughout the course of his career; the lessons he taught her about the process. Lessons that she has been trying to pass onto Kasey, whose only experience with this sort of practice, is from the collegiate recruitment process back in high school.]
[Glancing across at Kaitlyn, Kasey reclines in his seat, as nerves begin to form in his stomach. A mixture of the impending meeting and the fact that he only had an hour's sleep, due to having been at the nightclub earlier as well as needing to make sure he was appropriately dressed for this meeting. As in, not wearing the simple t-shirt and jeans that he would otherwise have worn if Kaitlyn didn't explicitly tell him he couldn't; needed to at least wear a formal shirt. Noticing his look, Kaitlyn smiles at him, before noticing out of the corner of her eye, an executive looking male in his mid to late thirties coming out from the first conference room, and making his way down the hall.]
[Softly tapping Kasey's right forearm, she motions to him before slowly pushing herself upward.]
Hey. [She states to the man as he makes his way to the lobby.] Are you the IIW executive we were supposed to be meeting?
Are you Kaitlyn Finley? [He asks, glancing first at her, then over her left shoulder at Kasey.]
Yeah.
[Looking behind her, Kaitlyn motions for Kasey to follow her.]
I'm guessing the man with you is Kasey Miles?
Yes.
Then yes. I'm the one sent to meet with you. [He remarks, turning around before making his way down the hall. Towards the conference room he had exited.] Follow me.
[Kaitlyn makes her way down the hall, following the man, as Kasey follows her. Having had to pick up his bottle of mineral water before commencing the walk. Turning right, the executive reaches a room with a brass sign that has "Conference Room 1" engraved into it, slowly placing his hand on the knob; turning it clockwise. Pushing the door open, he steps inside and begins to make his way over to the head of a square oak table, where two seats can be seen. One on the left side of the table, the other on the right hand side. In the middle of the table, are two pieces of paper; two blue pens.]
I'm Evan, by the way. [The man states as the two make their way over to the vacant chairs.]
[Kaitlyn taking the seat on the left; Kasey the one on the right, as he takes a sip of his water. Feeling his eyes attempting to force themselves closed.]
You didn't sleep, did you? [She sternly whispers, noticing how drowsy Kasey looks; how he slumped into the chair.]
I did. [He defensively retorts, before admitting.] Only an hour though.
Kasey.
[Her whisper sharp, she simply shakes her head. It is his own fault for going out, that he wasn't able to get an appropriate amount of sleep. They both then turn to Evan, who has been patiently waiting for them to stop their conversation; turn their focus to the contracts placed in the middle of the table. Reaching out, Kaitlyn pulls her contract toward her chest, as Kasey does the same with his. Followed by the two repeating the action with the pen.]
Let me know if there's anything you want to discuss pertaining to the contracts.
[Almost as soon as he states that, Kaitlyn glances up from her contract; shoots him a curious look.]
What do you mean by an "injury waiver"?
It means that IIW waives any responsibility or liability for any injuries that you might suffer for the duration of the contract.
I know that. [She firmly comments.] I mean, wouldn't that already be covered by insurance?
[Evan looks at Kaitlyn, taken aback by how well she knows contracts. He had only given this one a cursory glance himself, so didn't realize that specific term was in there. He was merely instructed by Osh Vaughn to ensure that her and Kasey sign on the dotted line.]
It's for those injuries that your insurance provider won't cover. [He calmly states, hoping that is enough to answer her concerns.]
[Reading over his contract, Kasey lets out a yawn before picking up the pen. Making sure to re-read the contract as he takes another gulp of his water. Kaitlyn picks her own pen up, calmly combing through the contract a second time. Ensuring she understands all the listed terms, before swiftly signing her name on the provided line; pushing the contract and pen across to Evan.]
Kasey?
Yeah? [He sleepily states, before remembering where he is.] Oh, right.
[Kasey then signs his name on the line, before sliding the contract across to Evan.]
There you go.
[Evan warmly smiles, as he extends his hand across the table. Offering the pair the customary welcome hand shake.]
On behalf of the IIW board, I'd like to be the first to say: Welcome aboard. We hope you both enjoy it here.
Thanks.
[Replying in unison, Kaitlyn and Kasey then reach out with their left and right hands respectively; accepting the handshake before rising up, turning around; preparing to leave the conference room. Kasey being sure to pick up his mineral water as he does.]
[FADE OUT]
[FADE IN]
[Kasey lays in his single bed within his bedroom, comforter over his body as he stares up at the snow white plaster on his ceiling, deep in thought about the contract he signed with the IIW. He knows that much like when he signed with the Georgia Bulldogs in college, this is the most important step of his life. An opportunity for him to get his name out there; become renowned as one of the best professional wrestlers in the industry today. Just as he had the chance to be known as one of the best O-Linemen in college football with the Bulldogs. Which, although he was one time second time All-SEC, didn't exactly end up being the case.]
[He doesn't regret it though, as he played an important role in the Bulldogs being one of the top teams in the conference; the ability to share a locker-room with players that would go onto the NFL.]
The IIW ... Where dreams are made, or dreams are broken. [He states aloud, recalling one of the promotional advertisements he had seen on Netflix for the company during a cursory glance through the site.] This is my opportunity to make my name. To showcase to the world just what I am capable of between the ropes. My chance to show that I'm not simply another football star, trying to use wrestling as a means to grab some paychecks and go through the motions.
[He pauses, before taking a deep breath.]
to show that I am here because this is my passion. This is where I want to be; that when I step between those ropes. When I set my feet into the squared circle, I am the most dominant athlete in that ring. That I am everything they advertise me to be. I plan on grabbing it with both hands; shattering the 'brass ring'. I don't just want this. I need this. This is what I live for. This is what I plan to die for, in the middle of that ring if it comes to that. I'm more than prepared for what will be coming my way.
[Kasey pauses, feeling his eyes slowly close, but managing to keep them over. At least for now.]
I hope you're ready for what will be coming your way, IIW. Because I do not plan on letting this go to waste. I do not plan on being just another person who happens to exist here. I plan on being THE man to beat. The one everybody wants to beat.
[With that, Kasey finally allows his eyes to close. He knows that soon enough, he will get his opportunity. It's on him to grasp the ball; run with it.]
[FADE OUT.]