Post by Deleted on Aug 5, 2017 5:01:15 GMT -5
Two steps forward. One step back...
What was that?
Aliyah is looking at herself in the mirror of the small bathroom, in her quant apartment. The voice of her bestie, Tracy is heard from another room. She sighs as she inspects her neck, checking for any brushing for her most recent outing in SCUV. Tracy dips her head into the room, watching her.
One barely notices it. They cut you down quickly enough...
Not helping.
Aliyah shoots a glance at Tracy, then goes back to the mirror. She doesn't seem to be staring at her reflection this time, she's looking past it. She isn't seeing the strong willed pro wrestler most do nowadays, she's seeing the frail teenager whom grew up on the streets of Knoxville, literally.
After the death of her parents, that horrible car accident that took them from her, she was sent to live with an aunt and uncle. That didn't go so well. She raged out on them and left in a huff. They had asked where she would go, and she had no idea. Away just seemed like the best course of action.
Aliyah rubs her hands through her hair and turns her head back to Tracy.
Have I told you thank you before?
For what?
Aliyah just motions all around her.
Everything. If it hadn't been for you, I don't think I'd ever have come up with enough money to get into Sterling's school.
Girl, you would have gotten to it eventually. I just gave you a boost.
Aliyah goes back to inspecting her throat one last time.
One last "fuck you" from Julian Cortez. I hope that man rots in Hell.
She glares long and hard at her reflection for a moment and then walks out of the bathroom, brushing past Tracy and takes a seat near the open window of their shared apartment living room, focusing at nothing at all.
Aliyah knew she should be happy that Julian was out of power, and part of her was grateful for it, but she couldn't feel a little disappointed in the fact that it wasn't her dealing the final blow. But the way things had been going for her as of late, maybe it being out of her hands was for the best.
Tracy walks up behind Aliyah and gives her a half hug, as best she could from her position.
How's things with Kevin?
Aliyah points at a shadowy figure just down the street, peering up in their direction.
That's him. Looking like a list little puppy dog. I think I will have to get a hold of his old trainer, James. Maybe he can do something. Obviously he won't listen to me.
Tracy sighs and nods. They stay there in awkward silence for a moment then Tracy breaks it.
Make a statement.
What?
Your match. Use it as a way to make a statement. Yeah, you came up short. That happens now and then. But you bounce back. Always have.
Aliyah nods.
I mean, those two might be brash asshole, but they are green. Both of them. And what wins out nine times out of ten?
Experience.
Mmhmm. Also I'm willing to bet Linc will try to get into your head, saying he beat you, but he wasn't the one whom wrapped the rope around your neck, you took him out before he could do that. He can't lord that over your head.
Aliyah smiles.
And how long have you and Reece been friends? Fought each together and against each other?
Years. That is what they'll be missing. Cohesion. Reece and I have worked together as a team a winning one before. Hell against Noah, even. They might be good singles wrestlers, but that doesn't always translate in a tag team environment.
Besides, you have the UltraViolent Champion in your corner, that HAS to count for something.
Aliyah grins as she looks out over at the buildings around her instead of down at the street.
You got this, Alicia. You can keep your calm when others don't. So what if you get knocked down from time to time? What's more important than getting knocked down?
Aliyah laughs as she replies to her friend.
Getting back up.
That's right.
Tracy pats Aliyah one the shoulder.
You're gonna get roughed up along the way. It happens. To everyone. But you can't let it consume you. Rise above that, like I know you do. And show San Deigo what you're made of. That you don't back down from a fight. That through it all, you're still standing. You survived Julian's bullshit reign and thrived dispute he vendetta against you. Even won a belt when he clearly didn't want you to.
Aliyah nods, obviously relishing in that last fact.
Keeping on, keeping on.
Can't hit a home run of you take yourself off the team, right?
Right.
Tracy leans over her seated friend and kisses the top of her head.
Scott and I have faith in you. Always have.
And most of the time, that's enough.
She smiles knowingly back at Tracy.