Post by Benny on Aug 19, 2016 11:08:33 GMT -6
Brie Larson checked the appointment in her phone one more time.
Correct day.
Correct time.
So why was nobody here?
Larson stood in the darkened and empty lobby of the Diamond Boxing Club. The conditions of her participation were murky at best. It had happened fast and Brie had learned not to scrutinize an opportunity with no downside. It was a chance to finally participate in the world of the FCBA, the greatest sports organization in the world. The most beautiful girls, in the toughest and purest of athletic contests. She felt a chill run through her as she realized how close she was to beginning her own career. Brie was so excited for the opportunity, she had purchased an entirely new outfit at great cost, just to make a good impression.
She walked down the hallway, taking note of the expansive map that showed all the facilities contained at Diamond. All of this for one girl?
Brie could hear the sounds of leather gloves popping a heavy bag drifting towards her from down the hall. Layered over the crisp popping sound were the sounds of intense exertion. Someone was pushing themselves.
She pushed open the door. Anna Kendrick worked over the heavy bag in an otherwise empty gym. Anna’s cadence and rhythm remained unbroken. And as she neared the end of her routine, the pace intensified. Sweat flew from her brow and her ponytail shook violently. A small clock emitted a digital horn, calling an end to the proceedings. Anna Kendrick loaded up on one more big hook. The bag rattled as the sound of the impact reverberated throughout the room.
The only sound in the gym was Anna’s heavy breathing. She stood with her hands on her hips and her back to the door. Brie Larson froze as she puzzled how to approach. But before she could say something, Anna broke the silence.
“Right on time. Off to a good start.” Kendrick turned around with a huge smile. “I’m so glad you could make it!” She bounded across the gym and wrapped Brie up in a bear hug. Larson did her best to return the gesture while trying not to think about how sweaty and gross this girl she’d never met was making her new clothes.
“It’s… nice to meet you…” Brie returned the hug tentatively. She attempted to ignore the damage to her new garments and push forward with the purpose of her visit. “I wasn’t sure… I mean… I was just told to be here for something related to boxing… I hope I dressed ok…”
Kendrick grabbed her by the shoulders and flashed her a huge grin. “You are perfect. I am so happy you are here. And that… is a super cute outfit… that I totally just sweated all over! Oh! I’m so sorry!”
Brie took a deep breath as she continued. “It’s ok. It’s ok.” Even though it wasn’t. It was a brand new outfit! At least Anna apologized, but it was still not a great start! “I wasn’t given much information in the letter. I was told that there would be an opportunity for me…”
“Yes! It’s going to be great! You’re familiar with the Olympics? In Rio? They wanted something SPECTACULAR for the closing ceremonies! Sort of a, send-‘em-off-in-style kind of thing? Well, I don’t know if it was the Olympic people, or if Benny pulled some strings, but they wanted ME!” Anna was positively beaming as she recounted the circumstances of the bout.
Brie stood with a neutral expression. She still didn’t see why she was here.
“Right, so where do you fit in, Brie? Well, it’s a beach boxing match. Bikinis, beach, boxing, Brazil… It’s going to be such a great fight! But… It’s just so different from the kinds of matches I’m used to. Benny really wanted me to have someone by my side to help me through the fight.”
Brie was still perplexed. “But you have trainers. You have great people in your corner. It doesn’t seem like you want for anything here…”
Anna collected herself. “This fight is… different. High stakes. Huge crowd. On the beach. Eyes of the WORLD on that ring! Benny thought… I needed a true second. And he thought it should be you.” She said this with a warmth and a vulnerability that struck a chord with Brie. She could feel herself soften just a bit towards the ball of optimistic energy in front of her.
Brie tried to wrap her head around what was happening. “I… I mean, I’d love to help… but you know I don’t have any ring experience, right?”
Anna only shrugged in response. “You have to start somewhere. I told Benny I needed help and he sent you. So you must be the right person.” She saw the apprehension still on Brie’ face. “I really just need you to be with me as I train, and surrounding the fight. We’ll teach you some basic cornerwork, but the trainers will still be there. I need someone like you to watch my back and help me get ready to fight her.”
Brie nodded slowly. “Her? You still haven’t told me who…”
“Hayden Panettiere.”
Brie’s eyes widened in shock. “Hayden… She’s top ten… Former champion… That's WAY out of my league right now! I don’t know what I cou-”
“Just be there for me, ok? I need someone like you to help. And we can get through this together. We just might be able to get a win. Or at least give Hayden a really tough fight.”
“This… is not what I expected…” In her heart, she had wanted to fight. To climb in an FCBA ring and box the best and most beautiful girls in the world. This was close. Close enough for now. And she could not pass up the opportunity. Brie nodded. “Yes. I’ll do it.”
Anna squealed in delight and pulled her in for another hug “Oh… don’t worry. Your clothes are already sweaty!” Brie was excited, but something still troubled her. And as Anna pulled away, she saw it written on her face. “What’s with…? What’s still on your mind?”
Brie Larson surveyed the well-appointed gym and felt a twinge of envy. “It’s just that… Benny didn’t really say if he wanted to sign me as a boxer, or if I was just here to train you?”
Anna began to remove her gloves and handwraps. “Yeah… he’s like that. He doesn’t always say much.” A silent moment hung in the air. “But trust me, he will take care of you. He’ll give you just what you need.”
“How can you be so sure?”
Anna stopped and looked her in the eye. “He has always taken care of me. I mean... you’re here, aren’t you?”
Hopefully, Brie will get the chance to make her FCBA debut one of these days. Mary will be watching with interest.
