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Jul 9, 2021 5:56:50 GMT -5
Karlie Nash, Quixote Della Torre, and 5 more like this
Post by ๐๐๐ญ๐ก๐๐ซ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐๐ฌ๐ญ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐ฌ on Jul 9, 2021 5:56:50 GMT -5
 The soothing sound of birds chirping offered a relaxing calm on a clear and sunny morning in Spring Valley, Las Vegas. A tired-looking Katherine Hastings walked along the sidewalk, a gym bag over her left shoulder. She appeared to look physically warn down, still jet-lagged from her long flight from London Heathrow to McCarran Airport only two days prior. Ahead of her: The Tap or Snap Fight Gym. She stands still for a moment on the sidewalk, taking a moment to gather her thoughts before entering the state of the art facility. She laid her bag down on the ground next to her feet. So, Iโm finally here - Tap or Snap, she thought to herself. Letโs hope this place is cracked up to be what Jack said it is, she in truth had already sacrificed more than enough just to get here. Katherine pulled her hair up, grasping it within her hands before tying it into a tight ponytail. God, that flight was so long, she thought. She was already exhausted, the hotel bed hadnโt helped her recovery. Iโm going to need to find myself an apartment ASAP! She chuckled to herself, making light of a less than ideal situation, and then she pondered whether or not to cross the road to buy another coffee from the Starbucks she had just spotted. She shook her head, and thought to herself, come on girl, pull yourself together! She looked up at the gymโs sign above the entrance. It definitely looked more modern than The Pit - that is for sure. There was something about that place though, the smell of the mat, the history soaked within the walls, it was still home. But this place; it is was like attending University, or College as the Americans call it. Nonetheless, she needed to make the change; the Pandemic had brought the UK scene to its kneeโs, she would never be able to fulfil her dreams back home in a dying wrestling scene. No, she thought, I needed to make the move over here, as much as it pained her to be away from her friends and family. She chuckled to herself, reminiscing over her family. Oh Mother never approved, she thought. Katherine's mother was not a fan initially of the kickboxing, and subsequent transition into wrestling. No, she hated it. Her Mother's lack of desire for her daughter to participate in a combat sport was the reason why Katherine was also signed up to participate in gymnastics. But in fairness, Katherine loved that too, helping her develop the physical shape required for her to excel in the sport she was more keen on, helping her to stand out. Katherine found that there was something different with combat sports - the adrenaline spike you would get from fighting another human being. Mother always thought that wrestling was a manโs sport, that as a girl; I should steer clear of the ring. She had never seen the likes of Bonnie Blue, Lissie Hope, Regan Voorhees or Atara Themis in the ring - they are trailblazers of this sport, and one day Katherine hoped she could be on their level. What did Mother expect? Katherine was the youngest of three, with two older brothers, and her Father, all obsessed with wrestling. It was only inevitable that it was going to rub off on her. Despite her initial reservations; Katherine knew her Mother was happy for her success, and that she getting to live out her dreams. She knew Matty and George, her two brothers, were over the moon, and if they themselves hadnโt been bogged down with married life, as well as Katherine's nieces and nephews, then she was sure theyโd be tagging along for the ride. She smiled, and I know Dad is proud, he always is, I love you, Daddy. With her face filled with a beautiful, loving smile, and after taking one final deep breath, Katherine reached down and picked up her gym bag. Come on Kat, youโve got this. Katherine finally opened the door and entered the gym, gazing from right to left as she stepped inside, admiring the state of the art facility. As she approached the reception desk; Katherine watched on as two female athletes sparred against each other within an MMA cage. She smiled, and then as she looked to her right, there were young, up and coming wrestlers learning how to take bumps within a standard wrestling ring. She put her bag down on the floor as she reached the desk. She nervously smiled as she waited for the receptionistโs attention; he was typing on his computer. โCan I help you?โ the receptionist asked in a gruff sounding voice. Katherine continued to smile, โHello, Iโm called Katโฆ Kat Hasting. I was told to come here and ask for Mickโ. The receptionist looked up from his screen, โOh Mick huh?โ Her smile retracted into more of a nervous grin, โYes, Mick. I have travelled here from London, on recommendation from my trainer, Jack Riley. He and Mick go back somewayโ. โIs that so?โ the receptionist replied, sarcastically. โMickโs not here yetโฆโ She sighed, the travel had already taken its toll, she began to worry that she wasnโt expected. The receptionist continued to type on the computer, and eventually, a cheeky grin formed on his face. โSo your this up and coming British wrestler Mick keeps talking about?โ Katherine was relieved, โI suppose that is meโฆ yesโ. The receptionist passed her a locker key, โItโs $35 a month for the locker, lights on at 0700, lights out at 2300, go get yourself readyโฆ heโll be here shortlyโ. She gladly took the key, โThank you so muchโ. โGood luck, you're gonna need it,โ stated the receptionist, โMickโs gonna push you to your limitsโ. She leaned down and picked up her gym bag once again, slinging it over her right shoulder. She nodded at the receptionist in a sign of gratitude, โThank youโ. As she walked over to the locker room, she stopped to soak in the atmosphere. Perhaps this will be my new home. Now the hard work begins, she thought to herself, as she pushed open the locker room door.  |
