Post by Lowri Moss on Apr 4, 2016 22:30:33 GMT
OOC: This follows on from the events of a previous RP, and is set a couple of hours after my earlier RP.
Outside the Corner Bar & Grill in Pembina, North Dakota, Natalie McKinley is seen getting out of a Nissan Versa Note. After locking the car, Natalie made her way inside the building. She then cast an eye around the venue, seemingly looking for someone. A smile crossed Natalie’s face, when she found who it was that she was looking for, and she walked towards a table, where, sat alone, was her friend Edie Frederik.
Natalie McKinley: “Hi, Edie.”
Edie finished a sip of her iced tea and stood up, walking around the table to greet her friend. She gave her a light hug.
Edie Frederik: “Natalie! So glad to finally see you in my humble city. I know it is a very long way from your home. Did you find the place okay?”
Edie smiled, trying to be natural and not defensive. After the debacle the last time they hung out, she took a deep breath and put forth her best smile. Sensing that Edie may be feeling anxious, Natalie smiled back at her, trying to put her at ease.
Natalie McKinley: “‘Humble’ is right. You did tell me that Pembina isn’t very big, but I was still surprised to see quite how small a city it is. I can’t imagine what it must be like to live in such a modest place.”
Natalie then quickly glanced over her shoulder, in the direction of the door that she had just walked in though, before looking back to Edie.
Natalie McKinley: “And yes, I managed to get here okay. Admittedly though, that was thanks in no small part to the GPS in my rental car - if I hadn’t had that to rely on, I’m sure I wouldn’t have gotten here so easily.”
Edie Frederik: “I have always liked coming back here. It is peaceful to me at least. Generations of my family kept roots here. I’ve traveled all over the world, but I’ll always be a small town girl. Keeps me honest. And thank heavens for GPS, sorry my directions weren’t great!”
She laughed and motioned for Natalie to sit, as she did just that.
Edie Frederik: “Are you hungry? This place will surprise you with how good the food is. Are you still not getting any bookings in the ring? I know that had frustrated you recently.”
Natalie McKinley: “I could murder a steak.”
Natalie took off her jacket. After placing it on the back of the chair opposite to Edie, she then sat down.
Natalie McKinley: “As for your other question, I have still not been booked at all in Sin City since my suspension there was lifted.”
There was a pause, as Natalie let out a sigh.
Natalie McKinley: “I am going to be getting back in the ring though, finally - it will just be happening elsewhere: I will be making a guest appearance for a fledgling promotion in the UK on their next show, this Sunday.”
Edie took another sip of her drink.
Edie Frederik: “Steaks are great here, prime rib is my favorite. I understand it has to be frustrating to not get booked for months at a time for the profession you choose. Hopefully your contract pays you something, whether you wrestle or not?”
Edie waved the waiter over, a fellow she was quite familiar with. They ordered their food.
Edie Frederik: “Guest shot on a UK show, hmmm? That sounds exciting. Closer to home for you at least. Wish I knew of a good promotion near Winnipeg, that would only be about two hours away from here, up in Canada. I think I’m becoming such a homebody.”
She sighed and played with her napkin.
Edie Frederik: “It is by design though, choosing to handle for the care of my brother personally. I’d rather keep him at home than put him in some sort of assisted living type place. I think that would crush his ego. He’s still young, although he can’t really care for himself. But I don’t want to trouble you with my strife. Anything else fun and exciting to report?”
Natalie rubbed her chin, pondering Edie’s question.
Natalie McKinley: “Nothing that I can think of off the top of my head.”
She then gave a slight shrug of her shoulders.
Natalie McKinley: “For the past couple of months, I seem to have been following the same routine, week after week: I go to the gym each day to work out, then on Sundays I attend the shows and watch from backstage, as everyone on the roster other than me gets their chance to compete.”
Natalie sighed again, as she lamented her predicament.
Natalie McKinley: “I am still getting paid, but essentially I’m being paid to be a spectator. Edie, you don’t need me to tell you how much I like spending time in the gym, but it’s frustrating to put in all the work during the week, and then come showtime, to be just be an onlooker. I’m sure some people would be happy to be in my situation, to be getting paid by their employer without actually having to do any work, but not me - I want to be in the ring, earning my pay.”
Natalie them tucked an errant strand of hair behind her ear.
Natalie McKinley: “It’s good to visit you though - you can tell me about your ‘strife’ as much as you want, Edie, I don’t mind. I’m just sorry that I didn’t make the effort to come and see you sooner.”
Edie drummed her fingers on the table a moment, looking at her. She then cleared her throat and shrugged.
Edie Frederik: “I can fully understand, even doing a routine you love...bits of it anyway: working out, watching wrestling shows. If you're not able to get in the ring, it is incredibly frustrating. The real goal is competition. Do you think there is any reason they aren't booking you? Even though I guess you're reinstated or whatever, is there still a bitterness regarding what you did the last time you were in the SCW ring? You are over the gambling problem, right?”
She stopped. She was afraid of being too nosy, touching a raw nerve. But while she was here might as well hit the other nerve.
Edie Frederik: “I...I am glad you decided to visit. I know the last time we hung out, in Japan...ended uncomfortably on both our accounts. And I was the instigator. I took a leap and missed the mark. If I had it to do over again, I'd probably still have kissed you. I'm not sorry for doing it, but I am sorry for how it made you feel. But I am woman enough to know if you aren't interested in women...me, I can leave it alone and still have a great friend.”
She paused, smiling.
Edie Frederik: “And my strife? Just being the primary caregiver for my brother. Wheelchair bound. So vibrant and cut down in the prime of life. Doesn't allow me to get out much. But I've always considered myself selfless, but the days can be rough. Although, I am doing a small something to improve my mood: playing women's football if you can believe that.”
Natalie raised an eyebrow.
Natalie McKinley: “I assume that you’re referring to what most Americans would identify as football, rather than what I would call football.”
Natalie grinned at Edie for a moment, before then giving a response to what her friend had asked her about.
Natalie McKinley: “To answer your questions about SCW, I’m sure that the reason I’m not being booked is because one of the co-owners - the same one who banned me in the first place - wants to punish me still, even though I am no longer suspended. And as far as my gambling addiction is concerned, I haven’t had a relapse, I assure you.”
A pause followed, as Natalie considered discussing with Edie what had happened the last time the two were together, in Tokyo, but she chose to put that to one side for the time being, opting to instead speak about something else.
Natalie McKinley: “I know you’ve told me about your brother previously, but even so, it’s still sad to hear you talk about his plight. It is good to hear that you’re doing something for yourself, though, and actually, I...err...I...”
Natalie laughed slightly, before continuing.
Natalie McKinley: “I’m actually not as surprised as you might think by the news that you’re going to be playing football - believe it or not, a couple of weeks ago, I had someone put out feelers, to see whether I was interested in playing. I replied that I’m not sure I’m suited to the gridiron, but I would like to know more about your involvement in the sport, so tell me, Edie, how did this come about? Where is the team you’re going to be playing for based?”
Edie noted what Natalie chose not to talk about, perhaps a hint of being uncomfortable. Rapid switching of subjects. She smiled lightly and chose to leave that line of discussion lay where it was.
Edie Frederik: “Yes, it’s American football. Not what the rest of the world calls football, or soccer in my case. Some acquaintances of mine from GPW are players/co-owners of the San Francisco team. I know a lot of wrestlers seem to be joining this endeavor. Scheduling wise, it works out for me to zip over and play games. Make arrangements for my brother to watch either in person or on television or the internet. He was a really good amateur athlete, football especially. Aside from wrestling I feel it’s a good way to honor him. It’s less a grueling schedule than wrestling as well.”
The food arrives and a brief pause in the conversation unfurls.
Edie Frederik: “I’ll be on the defensive side of the ball, so it’s a bit similar to wrestling in that way. Keep your opponent in your sight and then tackle them down, spear, etcetera. I wouldn’t trust myself as a quarterback. I’ve only played in backyard settings and intramurals in college. It should be interesting, regardless.”
Natalie smiled wryly.
Natalie McKinley: “‘Intramural;’ there’s an American term that I had never heard until a couple of years ago - one of many.”
She cut a piece off her steak.
Natalie McKinley: “Another of my friends has joined up with the team in Las Vegas. I guess I’ll have to follow the progress of the two of you, to see how both of you fare.”
Natalie then ingested the chunk of meat.
Edie Frederik: “It is a surprising venture, I hope everyone does well. We’ll see, it’s all new. And that’s the thing about us Americans, we love making up new words, I suppose. But then I guess you’ve got words for things over there that we never use too.”
Natalie McKinley: “Yeah, I’m sure I could easily come up with some British terms that would confuse you - and that’s without even mentioning any Welsh words!”
Natalie smiled at Edie, before continuing to devour her meal. Edie took another drink, noticing the diner beginning to fill up a bit more. She ate some more food and smiled at a familiar face or two from the neighborhood. Any other place in the world she seemed a bit of a wallflower at first, but home was familiar.
Edie Frederik: “What do you think of the steak then, does it live up to the billing or have I oversold it?”
After finishing another bite of her steak, Natalie looked back up at Edie and shook her head, as she responded to the question.
Natalie McKinley: “No, I wouldn’t say that you exaggerated the quality of the steaks - this one is certainly very good.”
Edie smiled brightly, glad.
Edie Frederik: “Who knew North Dakota had cuisine, eh?”
Natalie McKinley: “Not me, that’s for sure!”
Natalie grinned at Edie’s quip. She then decided to ask about something that was playing on her mind.
Natalie McKinley: “Edie, once we’ve finished eating, can we...”
Natalie hesitated for a moment, before eventually asking the question.
Natalie McKinley: “Can we go somewhere elsewhere to talk? I want to talk to you about what happened that night in Tokyo, but I would like to talk about it in private, away from prying eyes.”
Edie paused and put her fork down, rubbing her hands together in thought.
Edie Frederik: “Oh...of course. I wasn’t sure you’d want to talk about it really, but sure. I know a little coffee house with a back room, could get privacy there. Or we could go up to the house if you like. Your call.”
Natalie McKinley: “Maybe it would be best if we went to the coffee house. I assume your brother will be at home, and I don’t really want to impose myself upon the two of you.”
Edie nodded and smiled, taking a drink to clear her throat.
Edie Frederik: “He is there, yes. Along with the lady that helps me part-time when I’m away. So the coffee shop it is. It’s not too far. Much like everything else in this little town. Just let me know when you’re done, Natalie.”
Natalie McKinley: “Will do.”
A short while later, Edie and Natalie can be seen sat together inside the back room of the aforementioned coffee house. After taking a sip from her mug of coffee, Natalie put the mug down, and looked to Edie, as she began to discuss the events of their night out in Tokyo.
Natalie McKinley: “Okay, so, about what happened in Tokyo, I want to say that I’m sorry I abandoned you, leaving you in that club on your own - especially when it was me that had dragged you there.”
Finishing a sip from her own mug, she blew on the top of it since it was a bit warm. She looked up, took a deep breath.
Edie Frederik: “Well, you know me...I really don’t get out a lot. But...I understand why. The abruptness of it. I caused it, I know I did. So you don’t need to apologize...”
She trailed off.
Natalie McKinley: “That’s kind of you to say, Edie, but I do still feel bad about the way that night ended. I think earlier you referred to the kiss as you taking a leap, and I’m guessing that it might not have been easy for you to make such a bold move - not when you couldn’t possibly have known how I would respond.”
Natalie looked away from Edie, gazing towards the floor.
Natalie McKinley: “I can’t imagine what emotions you were going through at that time, Edie - especially after the way that I then reacted, rushing for the exit, and leaving you there on your own. I didn’t know how else to react, though. Your kiss came as such a surprise, and things felt so awkward - all I could think to do was to get out that club as quickly as I could.”
She then looked back up at Edie.
Edie Frederik: “You’re right. I had no idea how you would react. I suppose the alcohol had loosened me up a bit, I don’t know. You clearly weren’t expecting it, obviously. It...was the first time I’ve ever kissed a girl actually.”
Now it was Edie’s turn to stare at the floor.
Edie Frederik: “I’ve never been much a relationship person, sexual person. My family had me on a schedule growing up and that bit of it didn’t equate into the schedule; it was all work all the time. Train, fitness...go go go. So...you weren’t the only awkward one.”
Natalie sighed regretfully.
Natalie McKinley: “I realise that, in hindsight. That’s why I’m sorry about the way that I handled the situation.”
Edie took another drink of coffee.
Edie Frederik: “It’s in the past I suppose. I wonder, with all the time in between since then, did you give it much thought? Or is it...best forgotten?”
Natalie shrugged her shoulders noncommittally.
Natalie McKinley: “I would be lying if I said I hadn’t thought about it. That’s why I wanted to pay you a visit - so that we could talk about it face-to-face. I’m just sorry that it has taken me until now to visit you.”
She then laughed, feeling self-conscious.
Natalie McKinley: “I know I keep apologising, even though you told me I don’t need to, but I can’t help it.”
Edie Frederik: “So let’s talk about it then, we’re adults. Last time I checked anyway. And relax, okay?”
She patted Natalie on the knee briefly but then pulled her hand away.
Edie Frederik: “Now I’m the one that needs to apologize, hmm?”
Natalie picked up her mug of coffee, and gave Edie a reassuring smile.
Natalie McKinley: “Only if you think that you should. Besides, I’ve probably done enough apologising for the both of us.”
Natalie then took a drink from her mug.
Edie Frederik: “Then I won’t. Because I get the feeling I shouldn’t. And you shouldn’t anymore either. So I guess now that the time has passed, how did it make you feel? After the shock has worn off. Had anyone ever attempted that with you before, I’m curious.”
She took a good long drink of her coffee and regarded her warmly.
Natalie McKinley: “No-one of the same sex, no.”
Natalie had another sip of her coffee, before putting her mug down again.
Natalie McKinley: “You know, it’s funny you used the word ‘curious’ - that reminds me of something Simon told me recently.”
Edie grew more attentive and sat her mug down too, leaning forward a bit.
Edie Frederik: “Now what did he say? Simon’s a good fellow and I know you two are close.”
Natalie McKinley: “Well, I don’t know if you’re aware of this already, but Simon hasn’t spent all of his working life in the ring. He has had a couple of hiatuses from the sport, and during those breaks from wrestling, he could instead be found working in an office. Now, Simon still keeps in contact with a number of his former co-workers, and recently, he told me something about one particular former colleague of his: a girl, who is around the same age as me, just a month or two older than I am - I think.”
Natalie frowned for a moment, as she went over the details in her mind, trying to make sure that she got them correct. She then shook her head, and continued.
Natalie McKinley: “Anyway, either at the end of last year or at the beginning of this year - I forget which - this girl broke up with her boyfriend. She and her boyfriend had apparently been together for several years - but, for whatever reason, they broke up.”
Natalie shrugged, not knowing the cause of the breakup.
Natalie McKinley: “So, now single again, she went on some dates, as she began to look for a new boyfriend. However, after none of those dates led to anything more, she then decided instead to try going on dates with other girls. And not because she thought she might be gay, or bisexual, or whatever, but because she was...‘curious.’”
There was a short pause, before Natalie spoke again.
Natalie McKinley: “I’m not entirely sure why Simon felt compelled to tell me about this girl that he used to work with, but the more I’ve thought about what he said, and the more I’ve thought about what happened in Tokyo, I’ve come to realise, Edie, that I’m...”
Natalie placed a hand on Edie’s leg.
Natalie McKinley: “I’m ‘curious’ too.”
Edie looked at the hand, indeed a bit shocked at this turn of events. She cleared her throat and looked back up at her.
Edie Frederik: “That description...‘curious’...I think maybe it fits me too, you know? Since I’ve never really acted on any sort of urge, other than in Tokyo, with you. I guess you never really know what you’re about...or what it’s about, unless you eventually give in to curiosity, you know?”
Now she blushed a bit, licking her dry lips.
Edie Frederik: “I guess...maybe, just maybe...we could figure out just how curious we are, hmmm?”
With big eyes she looked at Natalie, sliding her hand down over Natalie’s on her own leg, as they smiled at one another.
And what happened next? Well, you will have to use your imagination for that.
Outside the Corner Bar & Grill in Pembina, North Dakota, Natalie McKinley is seen getting out of a Nissan Versa Note. After locking the car, Natalie made her way inside the building. She then cast an eye around the venue, seemingly looking for someone. A smile crossed Natalie’s face, when she found who it was that she was looking for, and she walked towards a table, where, sat alone, was her friend Edie Frederik.
Natalie McKinley: “Hi, Edie.”
Edie finished a sip of her iced tea and stood up, walking around the table to greet her friend. She gave her a light hug.
Edie Frederik: “Natalie! So glad to finally see you in my humble city. I know it is a very long way from your home. Did you find the place okay?”
Edie smiled, trying to be natural and not defensive. After the debacle the last time they hung out, she took a deep breath and put forth her best smile. Sensing that Edie may be feeling anxious, Natalie smiled back at her, trying to put her at ease.
Natalie McKinley: “‘Humble’ is right. You did tell me that Pembina isn’t very big, but I was still surprised to see quite how small a city it is. I can’t imagine what it must be like to live in such a modest place.”
Natalie then quickly glanced over her shoulder, in the direction of the door that she had just walked in though, before looking back to Edie.
Natalie McKinley: “And yes, I managed to get here okay. Admittedly though, that was thanks in no small part to the GPS in my rental car - if I hadn’t had that to rely on, I’m sure I wouldn’t have gotten here so easily.”
Edie Frederik: “I have always liked coming back here. It is peaceful to me at least. Generations of my family kept roots here. I’ve traveled all over the world, but I’ll always be a small town girl. Keeps me honest. And thank heavens for GPS, sorry my directions weren’t great!”
She laughed and motioned for Natalie to sit, as she did just that.
Edie Frederik: “Are you hungry? This place will surprise you with how good the food is. Are you still not getting any bookings in the ring? I know that had frustrated you recently.”
Natalie McKinley: “I could murder a steak.”
Natalie took off her jacket. After placing it on the back of the chair opposite to Edie, she then sat down.
Natalie McKinley: “As for your other question, I have still not been booked at all in Sin City since my suspension there was lifted.”
There was a pause, as Natalie let out a sigh.
Natalie McKinley: “I am going to be getting back in the ring though, finally - it will just be happening elsewhere: I will be making a guest appearance for a fledgling promotion in the UK on their next show, this Sunday.”
Edie took another sip of her drink.
Edie Frederik: “Steaks are great here, prime rib is my favorite. I understand it has to be frustrating to not get booked for months at a time for the profession you choose. Hopefully your contract pays you something, whether you wrestle or not?”
Edie waved the waiter over, a fellow she was quite familiar with. They ordered their food.
Edie Frederik: “Guest shot on a UK show, hmmm? That sounds exciting. Closer to home for you at least. Wish I knew of a good promotion near Winnipeg, that would only be about two hours away from here, up in Canada. I think I’m becoming such a homebody.”
She sighed and played with her napkin.
Edie Frederik: “It is by design though, choosing to handle for the care of my brother personally. I’d rather keep him at home than put him in some sort of assisted living type place. I think that would crush his ego. He’s still young, although he can’t really care for himself. But I don’t want to trouble you with my strife. Anything else fun and exciting to report?”
Natalie rubbed her chin, pondering Edie’s question.
Natalie McKinley: “Nothing that I can think of off the top of my head.”
She then gave a slight shrug of her shoulders.
Natalie McKinley: “For the past couple of months, I seem to have been following the same routine, week after week: I go to the gym each day to work out, then on Sundays I attend the shows and watch from backstage, as everyone on the roster other than me gets their chance to compete.”
Natalie sighed again, as she lamented her predicament.
Natalie McKinley: “I am still getting paid, but essentially I’m being paid to be a spectator. Edie, you don’t need me to tell you how much I like spending time in the gym, but it’s frustrating to put in all the work during the week, and then come showtime, to be just be an onlooker. I’m sure some people would be happy to be in my situation, to be getting paid by their employer without actually having to do any work, but not me - I want to be in the ring, earning my pay.”
Natalie them tucked an errant strand of hair behind her ear.
Natalie McKinley: “It’s good to visit you though - you can tell me about your ‘strife’ as much as you want, Edie, I don’t mind. I’m just sorry that I didn’t make the effort to come and see you sooner.”
Edie drummed her fingers on the table a moment, looking at her. She then cleared her throat and shrugged.
Edie Frederik: “I can fully understand, even doing a routine you love...bits of it anyway: working out, watching wrestling shows. If you're not able to get in the ring, it is incredibly frustrating. The real goal is competition. Do you think there is any reason they aren't booking you? Even though I guess you're reinstated or whatever, is there still a bitterness regarding what you did the last time you were in the SCW ring? You are over the gambling problem, right?”
She stopped. She was afraid of being too nosy, touching a raw nerve. But while she was here might as well hit the other nerve.
Edie Frederik: “I...I am glad you decided to visit. I know the last time we hung out, in Japan...ended uncomfortably on both our accounts. And I was the instigator. I took a leap and missed the mark. If I had it to do over again, I'd probably still have kissed you. I'm not sorry for doing it, but I am sorry for how it made you feel. But I am woman enough to know if you aren't interested in women...me, I can leave it alone and still have a great friend.”
She paused, smiling.
Edie Frederik: “And my strife? Just being the primary caregiver for my brother. Wheelchair bound. So vibrant and cut down in the prime of life. Doesn't allow me to get out much. But I've always considered myself selfless, but the days can be rough. Although, I am doing a small something to improve my mood: playing women's football if you can believe that.”
Natalie raised an eyebrow.
Natalie McKinley: “I assume that you’re referring to what most Americans would identify as football, rather than what I would call football.”
Natalie grinned at Edie for a moment, before then giving a response to what her friend had asked her about.
Natalie McKinley: “To answer your questions about SCW, I’m sure that the reason I’m not being booked is because one of the co-owners - the same one who banned me in the first place - wants to punish me still, even though I am no longer suspended. And as far as my gambling addiction is concerned, I haven’t had a relapse, I assure you.”
A pause followed, as Natalie considered discussing with Edie what had happened the last time the two were together, in Tokyo, but she chose to put that to one side for the time being, opting to instead speak about something else.
Natalie McKinley: “I know you’ve told me about your brother previously, but even so, it’s still sad to hear you talk about his plight. It is good to hear that you’re doing something for yourself, though, and actually, I...err...I...”
Natalie laughed slightly, before continuing.
Natalie McKinley: “I’m actually not as surprised as you might think by the news that you’re going to be playing football - believe it or not, a couple of weeks ago, I had someone put out feelers, to see whether I was interested in playing. I replied that I’m not sure I’m suited to the gridiron, but I would like to know more about your involvement in the sport, so tell me, Edie, how did this come about? Where is the team you’re going to be playing for based?”
Edie noted what Natalie chose not to talk about, perhaps a hint of being uncomfortable. Rapid switching of subjects. She smiled lightly and chose to leave that line of discussion lay where it was.
Edie Frederik: “Yes, it’s American football. Not what the rest of the world calls football, or soccer in my case. Some acquaintances of mine from GPW are players/co-owners of the San Francisco team. I know a lot of wrestlers seem to be joining this endeavor. Scheduling wise, it works out for me to zip over and play games. Make arrangements for my brother to watch either in person or on television or the internet. He was a really good amateur athlete, football especially. Aside from wrestling I feel it’s a good way to honor him. It’s less a grueling schedule than wrestling as well.”
The food arrives and a brief pause in the conversation unfurls.
Edie Frederik: “I’ll be on the defensive side of the ball, so it’s a bit similar to wrestling in that way. Keep your opponent in your sight and then tackle them down, spear, etcetera. I wouldn’t trust myself as a quarterback. I’ve only played in backyard settings and intramurals in college. It should be interesting, regardless.”
Natalie smiled wryly.
Natalie McKinley: “‘Intramural;’ there’s an American term that I had never heard until a couple of years ago - one of many.”
She cut a piece off her steak.
Natalie McKinley: “Another of my friends has joined up with the team in Las Vegas. I guess I’ll have to follow the progress of the two of you, to see how both of you fare.”
Natalie then ingested the chunk of meat.
Edie Frederik: “It is a surprising venture, I hope everyone does well. We’ll see, it’s all new. And that’s the thing about us Americans, we love making up new words, I suppose. But then I guess you’ve got words for things over there that we never use too.”
Natalie McKinley: “Yeah, I’m sure I could easily come up with some British terms that would confuse you - and that’s without even mentioning any Welsh words!”
Natalie smiled at Edie, before continuing to devour her meal. Edie took another drink, noticing the diner beginning to fill up a bit more. She ate some more food and smiled at a familiar face or two from the neighborhood. Any other place in the world she seemed a bit of a wallflower at first, but home was familiar.
Edie Frederik: “What do you think of the steak then, does it live up to the billing or have I oversold it?”
After finishing another bite of her steak, Natalie looked back up at Edie and shook her head, as she responded to the question.
Natalie McKinley: “No, I wouldn’t say that you exaggerated the quality of the steaks - this one is certainly very good.”
Edie smiled brightly, glad.
Edie Frederik: “Who knew North Dakota had cuisine, eh?”
Natalie McKinley: “Not me, that’s for sure!”
Natalie grinned at Edie’s quip. She then decided to ask about something that was playing on her mind.
Natalie McKinley: “Edie, once we’ve finished eating, can we...”
Natalie hesitated for a moment, before eventually asking the question.
Natalie McKinley: “Can we go somewhere elsewhere to talk? I want to talk to you about what happened that night in Tokyo, but I would like to talk about it in private, away from prying eyes.”
Edie paused and put her fork down, rubbing her hands together in thought.
Edie Frederik: “Oh...of course. I wasn’t sure you’d want to talk about it really, but sure. I know a little coffee house with a back room, could get privacy there. Or we could go up to the house if you like. Your call.”
Natalie McKinley: “Maybe it would be best if we went to the coffee house. I assume your brother will be at home, and I don’t really want to impose myself upon the two of you.”
Edie nodded and smiled, taking a drink to clear her throat.
Edie Frederik: “He is there, yes. Along with the lady that helps me part-time when I’m away. So the coffee shop it is. It’s not too far. Much like everything else in this little town. Just let me know when you’re done, Natalie.”
Natalie McKinley: “Will do.”
A short while later, Edie and Natalie can be seen sat together inside the back room of the aforementioned coffee house. After taking a sip from her mug of coffee, Natalie put the mug down, and looked to Edie, as she began to discuss the events of their night out in Tokyo.
Natalie McKinley: “Okay, so, about what happened in Tokyo, I want to say that I’m sorry I abandoned you, leaving you in that club on your own - especially when it was me that had dragged you there.”
Finishing a sip from her own mug, she blew on the top of it since it was a bit warm. She looked up, took a deep breath.
Edie Frederik: “Well, you know me...I really don’t get out a lot. But...I understand why. The abruptness of it. I caused it, I know I did. So you don’t need to apologize...”
She trailed off.
Natalie McKinley: “That’s kind of you to say, Edie, but I do still feel bad about the way that night ended. I think earlier you referred to the kiss as you taking a leap, and I’m guessing that it might not have been easy for you to make such a bold move - not when you couldn’t possibly have known how I would respond.”
Natalie looked away from Edie, gazing towards the floor.
Natalie McKinley: “I can’t imagine what emotions you were going through at that time, Edie - especially after the way that I then reacted, rushing for the exit, and leaving you there on your own. I didn’t know how else to react, though. Your kiss came as such a surprise, and things felt so awkward - all I could think to do was to get out that club as quickly as I could.”
She then looked back up at Edie.
Edie Frederik: “You’re right. I had no idea how you would react. I suppose the alcohol had loosened me up a bit, I don’t know. You clearly weren’t expecting it, obviously. It...was the first time I’ve ever kissed a girl actually.”
Now it was Edie’s turn to stare at the floor.
Edie Frederik: “I’ve never been much a relationship person, sexual person. My family had me on a schedule growing up and that bit of it didn’t equate into the schedule; it was all work all the time. Train, fitness...go go go. So...you weren’t the only awkward one.”
Natalie sighed regretfully.
Natalie McKinley: “I realise that, in hindsight. That’s why I’m sorry about the way that I handled the situation.”
Edie took another drink of coffee.
Edie Frederik: “It’s in the past I suppose. I wonder, with all the time in between since then, did you give it much thought? Or is it...best forgotten?”
Natalie shrugged her shoulders noncommittally.
Natalie McKinley: “I would be lying if I said I hadn’t thought about it. That’s why I wanted to pay you a visit - so that we could talk about it face-to-face. I’m just sorry that it has taken me until now to visit you.”
She then laughed, feeling self-conscious.
Natalie McKinley: “I know I keep apologising, even though you told me I don’t need to, but I can’t help it.”
Edie Frederik: “So let’s talk about it then, we’re adults. Last time I checked anyway. And relax, okay?”
She patted Natalie on the knee briefly but then pulled her hand away.
Edie Frederik: “Now I’m the one that needs to apologize, hmm?”
Natalie picked up her mug of coffee, and gave Edie a reassuring smile.
Natalie McKinley: “Only if you think that you should. Besides, I’ve probably done enough apologising for the both of us.”
Natalie then took a drink from her mug.
Edie Frederik: “Then I won’t. Because I get the feeling I shouldn’t. And you shouldn’t anymore either. So I guess now that the time has passed, how did it make you feel? After the shock has worn off. Had anyone ever attempted that with you before, I’m curious.”
She took a good long drink of her coffee and regarded her warmly.
Natalie McKinley: “No-one of the same sex, no.”
Natalie had another sip of her coffee, before putting her mug down again.
Natalie McKinley: “You know, it’s funny you used the word ‘curious’ - that reminds me of something Simon told me recently.”
Edie grew more attentive and sat her mug down too, leaning forward a bit.
Edie Frederik: “Now what did he say? Simon’s a good fellow and I know you two are close.”
Natalie McKinley: “Well, I don’t know if you’re aware of this already, but Simon hasn’t spent all of his working life in the ring. He has had a couple of hiatuses from the sport, and during those breaks from wrestling, he could instead be found working in an office. Now, Simon still keeps in contact with a number of his former co-workers, and recently, he told me something about one particular former colleague of his: a girl, who is around the same age as me, just a month or two older than I am - I think.”
Natalie frowned for a moment, as she went over the details in her mind, trying to make sure that she got them correct. She then shook her head, and continued.
Natalie McKinley: “Anyway, either at the end of last year or at the beginning of this year - I forget which - this girl broke up with her boyfriend. She and her boyfriend had apparently been together for several years - but, for whatever reason, they broke up.”
Natalie shrugged, not knowing the cause of the breakup.
Natalie McKinley: “So, now single again, she went on some dates, as she began to look for a new boyfriend. However, after none of those dates led to anything more, she then decided instead to try going on dates with other girls. And not because she thought she might be gay, or bisexual, or whatever, but because she was...‘curious.’”
There was a short pause, before Natalie spoke again.
Natalie McKinley: “I’m not entirely sure why Simon felt compelled to tell me about this girl that he used to work with, but the more I’ve thought about what he said, and the more I’ve thought about what happened in Tokyo, I’ve come to realise, Edie, that I’m...”
Natalie placed a hand on Edie’s leg.
Natalie McKinley: “I’m ‘curious’ too.”
Edie looked at the hand, indeed a bit shocked at this turn of events. She cleared her throat and looked back up at her.
Edie Frederik: “That description...‘curious’...I think maybe it fits me too, you know? Since I’ve never really acted on any sort of urge, other than in Tokyo, with you. I guess you never really know what you’re about...or what it’s about, unless you eventually give in to curiosity, you know?”
Now she blushed a bit, licking her dry lips.
Edie Frederik: “I guess...maybe, just maybe...we could figure out just how curious we are, hmmm?”
With big eyes she looked at Natalie, sliding her hand down over Natalie’s on her own leg, as they smiled at one another.
And what happened next? Well, you will have to use your imagination for that.
