Bad Feeling

February 12, 2012
Battle Grounds

Jennifer Young: “Nice work.”

I shake my head, slumping in a chair.

Chad Mason: “I don’t get it.”

Jenny hops off the table she’s sitting on, walking over and taking a seat next to me. We’d been seeing each other for a few weeks now. She was cool. Ashley was right, the two of us got along great. There was just something about her that sparked my interest…I mean, besides the fact that she was super hot.

Jennifer Young: “What’s not to get? He didn’t show up, you win by default. You get Johan Alfredsson next week.”

I shake my head. Something wasn’t right. Chuck Matthews didn’t even show up. I mean…that didn’t happen. The only time I could ever think of when Chuck hadn’t shown up for a match, it was because he was in a coma, which he would remain in for the better part of the next two months. Even when he felt like shit, he would show up. He might get his ass kicked…but to him, there was nothing worse than not even trying.

Chad Mason: “Something’s not right.”

Jenny shrugs.

Jennifer Young: “Maybe he’s sick.”

Chad Mason: “That wouldn’t stop him. Chuck Matthews doesn’t just flake out. He ALWAYS shows up. It’s like, his law.”

Jenny laughs.

Jennifer Young: “The guy doesn’t care about anyone but himself. You really think if he didn’t want to come tonight, he’d be stopped by some sort of ethical code?”

I shake my head.

Chad Mason: “You don’t know him like I do.”

Jennifer Young: “What, are you in love with the guy? You know him so well, you can automatically tell when something’s wrong?”

I frown at her. She smirks, and punches my arm.

Jennifer Young: “You know I’m joking.”

Chad Mason: “He’s the guy that trained me to compete. That was one of his big rules. There’s nothing worse than missing a match. If you’re scheduled to compete, then damn it, you better compete, or you better have a damn good reason as to why you don’t.”

Jennifer Young: “Hm. And what do you suppose his reason is?”

Chad Mason: “I have no idea…”

There’s a knock at the door.

Jennifer Young: “It’s open!”

THe door opens, and Ashley Matthews walks in, Alison Williams close behind.

Chad Mason: “Ashley. Alison.”

Jennifer Young: “Ash! Sup girl?”

Ashley smiles.

Ashley Matthews: “Hey.”

She looks at me.

Ashley Matthews: “Johnny’s got nothing. He’s not answering my calls. Ali tried texting him. Nothing.”

I frown. Something definitely wasn’t right.

Chad Mason: “Think he’s alright?”

Ashley Matthews: “Most likely. He probably just didn’t want to fight you again. It’s Chuck. He does what he wants, whenever he wants to do it.”

Jennifer Young: “That’s what I said.”

Chad Mason: “Am I the only one that thinks this is a big deal?”

Jennifer Young: “Yes.”

Ashley Matthews: “Yes.”

Alison Williams: “Yes.”

I look at the three women.

Chad Mason: “Fuck it, then. It still feels wrong, though. I just got a feeling, I guess.”

Jenny scoots closer to me, and grabs my arm, wrapping it around her shoulders.

Jennifer Young: “You worry too much. It’s Chuck. Even if something did happen, who cares? When has he ever cared about anyone else? You have nothing to worry about.”

I sigh.

Chad Mason: “I guess…”

Jenny rests her head on my shoulder.

Ashley Matthews: “You guys are cute together.”

Jenny smiles.

Chad Mason: “Don’t you have a match next?”

Ashley Matthews: “I got a few.”

Alison Williams: “No, you don’t. As soon as that commercial break is over, you need to get out there.”

I laugh.

Chad Mason: “The girlfriend has spoken.”

Ashley shrugs.

Ashley Matthews: “I guess so. Let me know if you get any new info.”

Chad Mason: “Will do.”

Ashley smiles, and Alison grabs her hand, pulling her out the door.

Jennifer Young: “So…semi-finalist in that briefcase tournament. How about that?”

Chad Mason: “Crazy.”

Jennifer Young: “You think you can pull it off?”

Chad Mason: “I’m definitely going to give it a winning effort.”

Jenny kisses me cheek.

Jennifer Young: “You’ll do great. I know it.”

Chad Mason: “You coming out there with me next week?”

Jenny’s eyes light up.

Jennifer Young: “Can I?”

Chad Mason: “Why not? I’d love to have you there with me.”

Jenny throws her arms around my neck, hugging me tight.

Jennifer Young: “I’ll be there.”

I smile.

Chad Mason: “Awesome.”