Post by Manabu on Feb 16, 2012 18:43:10 GMT -5
Iron Sharpens Iron
Section 1
Cammy:
“Babe, guess what!”
Manabu adjusts his phone as he stirs a pot that is on his stove.
Manabu Fujiwara:
“What’s up dear?”
Cammy:
“I got a call today from the Women's Premier Soccer League. Apparently, officials from the Central California Heat want to talk to me tomorrow; they are thinking about signing me to a short-term contract!”
Manabu smiles
Manabu Fujiwara:
“That’s great dear!
“What time is your meeting tomorrow?”
Cammy:
“It’s at three thirty tomorrow.
“I was wondering, are you busy tomorrow? I would love for you to come with me. It’s been a long time since I had a contract negotiation meeting. And I’m not going to lie, I’m a bit nervous.”
Manabu Fujiwara:
“Sure dear, I’m free at that time.
“And there is no need to be nervous. Sure, you haven’t played competitively in a while. However, you have been working out and staying in shape. I’m sure the signing will go well.”
Cammy:
“Yay, thank you babe.”
Manabu Fujiwara:
“Of course.
“What time are you coming over?”
Cammy:
“I’ll be there in about an hour.”
Section 2
A middle-aged woman with sandy brown hair sits behind a tiny wooden desk. There are about four piles of papers, scattered all over the place. She looks flustered, a bit tired as well.
At the moment she is signing a couple of random documents. She takes those signed papers and attempts to create a new pile on the desk. About 30 seconds later, the phone on her desk brings to ring. She sighs and reluctantly picks up the phone.
Woman:
“Hello?”
Receptionist:
“Ms. Jones, Cammy Torrow is here.
“Would you like me to send her up?”
Ms. Jones:
“Yes, please send her up.”
Ms. Jones takes two of the piles and places them on the ground, so the person sitting across would be able to see her. She then begins to start organizing her desk before there is a gentle knock on her office door.
She walks over to the door and opens it. Standing before her is Cammy, dressed in a business suit, accompanied by Manabu, dressed in a black suit.
Ms. Jones:
“Cammy, it’s a pleasure to meet you.
“And, is…is that Manabu Fujiwara?”
Manabu nods his head.
Manabu Fujiwara:
“Yes ma’am. It’s nice to meet you.
“I hope you don’t mind; Cammy asked me to come along for moral support. She’s really excited about this opportunity.”
Ms. Jones puts on a large smile, so large that it appears fake.
Ms. Jones:
“Please you two, come this way.”
Manabu and Cammy step into the room. All three of them take a seat.
Manabu noticed something strange about the room. The first thing he spotted was the piles of papers that were resting on the floor. Then his eyes moved down to the carpet. It was cream color, but there were a few small patches of brown spots. He then glances at Ms. Jones’ desk. He could tell that desk had been in shambles before he and Cammy walked in.
“This place is a disorganized mess,” thought Manabu to himself.
After a few moments, Ms. Jones hands Cammy a pack of papers.
Ms. Jones:
“Well Ms. Torrow, I didn’t have a chance to tell you a lot of things over the phone. So, let me explain what we are trying to offer.
“We are looking to offer you a three year contract. We are very familiar with your work. We looked over your tapes from the L.A. Vikings and over some of your European games as well. We think you would be a very valuable addition to the team.
“Now as you know, the Women's Premier Soccer League is a semi-pro league. So, you won’t be making millions. But, we offering a very generous sum—you can find that number on page 11.”
Cammy flips over to page 11 and her eyes get big. She shows it to Manabu. There is no change in his face, he simply nods his head.
Ms. Jones continues to talk over a bit. Midway through, Cammy passed the contract over to Manabu. He skims over it a bit.
“Hmm, very interesting,” says Manabu to himself. “So, the Heat are asking Cammy to stay committed to the organization for two full years, no matter what—no trade. Her base pay will stay the same for the most part, but they can rework her pay if she under-performs. I’m mean; it’s not a BAD deal, being a paralegal I’ve seen worse. But, for someone with Cammy experience, it’s a bit weak.”
Manabu shakes his head, trying to refocus and listen to the conversation. However, he was late; the talk was over.
Ms. Jones:
“Well, what do you say Ms. Torrow?”
Cammy turns and looks over at Manabu.
Cammy:
“Could you give me a minute please?”
Ms. Jones:
“Sure.
“I’m going to get a drink of water.”
Ms. Jones walks out of the room and closes the door.
Cammy:
“So, what do you think babe?”
Manabu sighs.
Manabu Fujiwara:
“Babe, I’ll be honest, it’s a ‘fair’ deal. But, I think you could do better. I’ve seen you play, you are amazing.”
Cammy:
“Yeah.
“But babe, I haven’t gotten a call or a contract in months—from the U.S. or abroad. I kind of figured my soccer career was done, and had gotten used to working a regular job.
“But now I’ve got a chance, a way back in.”
Manabu Fujiwara:
“I understand dear. But, this is going to be a challenge. Trust me, I know how it feels to have to work your way back up the ladder.
“I would never tell you what to do with your soccer career. But, I just want you to know that it won’t be easy.
“But, if your heart is truly set on it, then you have to do it. I joined with UWA to prove something to myself. If this is something that you NEED to do, then do it!”
Manabu gentle brushes some hair away from her forehead.
Manabu Fujiwara:
“And of course, I’ll be right here next to you on this journey.”
Cammy gives Manabu a small kiss and then gives him a large embrace.
…
Section 3
Manabu is sitting on a bench in his locker room, with his head in his hands. His gym bag is resting next to him; the UWA championship is inside of it.
He is dressed in his ring attire.
After a few seconds Manabu runs his hand through his hair and looks up at the camera.
Manabu Fujiwara:
“You know, things have been a bit different around UWA. I don’t mean to brag or be cocky, but, I’m the UWA champion. So, the hell am I wrestling in the middle of the card? Does that make any sense to any of you all?
“Meanwhile, they have got Jake Eaton wrestling in the main event.
“Jake ‘f*****g’ Eaton!
“This is the same fool who has wrestled like a zombie in the ring for the past three weeks. This is the same guy who has been running around in back causing trouble.
“UWA, is this the guy you want representing YOU!?”
Manabu sighs.
Manabu Fujiwara:
“But hey, f*** it.
“Let’s talk about this match that I’m about to walk into. This week, I probably face my greatest challenger in this company.
“That would be Shawn Cashman.
“You see, he’s done everything right ever since he signed to the company. He didn’t walk in acting like he knew everything. He didn’t run his mouth, and he didn’t take shots at the top guy. That would be foolish. You see, Cashman is a soldier. A soldier sits back, analyzes the situation, and then figures out the best course of action.
“That’s exactly what Shawn did. And that’s why he is undefeated.”
Manabu nods his head.
Manabu Fujiwara:
“Do you know who else was undefeated when he arrived here Shawn?
“That’s right, yours truly!
“But you see, there’s one thing that’s different between you and I Shawn. You see, I’m not a soldier, and although I did excellent in school, I’m not one to sit back and analyze. I’m a man of action Shawn—and if stuff comes up, then I come up with a new strategy on the fly.”
Manabu laughs for a bit.
Manabu Fujiwara:
“Now, normally I would come out here and talk about how much better I am than my opponent. But, I can’t exactly say that about you can I Mr. Cashman? The fact of the matter is, you have been on a roll lately.
“But you see, the wrestling business is dynamic Shawn. That’s why the people love it—anything can happen at any time. One week you can be on top of the world, and the next moment you can be down in the pits. Shawn, I was undefeated here for nearly two months; UWA hadn’t seen anyone like me. But, do you know what happened? People in UWA began to screw with me, wrestlers and management alike. They began to put me into situations that were designed for me to fail. Take all those triple threat matches Shawn. A triple threat is a statistical machine gun—there is a 67 percent chance that you will lose.
“I’m not trying to make excuses, that’s just the way it is.
“The same thing is happening to you this week Shawn. UWA doesn’t believe in you; that’s why they booked me against you. They are tired of your streak; they want to see you fail. They want to see you crushed. Heck, our match isn’t even in the main event for crying out loud!”
Manabu stands up.
Manabu Fujiwara:
“Cashman, you and I have battle once before, in another one of those triple treat matches that I talked about earlier. Even though you didn’t pick up the win, you did very well for yourself. You prove that you could at least compete on my level. This week is another test for you. No one here has been able to stand toe to toe in the ring—not Eaton, not Callahan, not Neptune. I came to UWA to find competition, and I haven’t found much of it. Are you going to fill that void sir? Are you coming to provide the challenge I’ve been waiting on?
“You see Shawn, I’m not afraid of losing. Losing is a part of the growth process; it’s how you become a better wrestler. But, I REFUSE to lose to people who aren’t worthy! I’ve fought too hard, endured too many things to let that happen.
“So the question is, are you that worthy challenger?”
Manabu reaches down and retrieves the UWA Championship. He hoists it over his shoulder.
Manabu Fujiwara:
“Sir, only YOU can answer that.
“See you out there.”
Manabu walks out of his locker room.
END.
Section 1
Cammy:
“Babe, guess what!”
Manabu adjusts his phone as he stirs a pot that is on his stove.
Manabu Fujiwara:
“What’s up dear?”
Cammy:
“I got a call today from the Women's Premier Soccer League. Apparently, officials from the Central California Heat want to talk to me tomorrow; they are thinking about signing me to a short-term contract!”
Manabu smiles
Manabu Fujiwara:
“That’s great dear!
“What time is your meeting tomorrow?”
Cammy:
“It’s at three thirty tomorrow.
“I was wondering, are you busy tomorrow? I would love for you to come with me. It’s been a long time since I had a contract negotiation meeting. And I’m not going to lie, I’m a bit nervous.”
Manabu Fujiwara:
“Sure dear, I’m free at that time.
“And there is no need to be nervous. Sure, you haven’t played competitively in a while. However, you have been working out and staying in shape. I’m sure the signing will go well.”
Cammy:
“Yay, thank you babe.”
Manabu Fujiwara:
“Of course.
“What time are you coming over?”
Cammy:
“I’ll be there in about an hour.”
Section 2
A middle-aged woman with sandy brown hair sits behind a tiny wooden desk. There are about four piles of papers, scattered all over the place. She looks flustered, a bit tired as well.
At the moment she is signing a couple of random documents. She takes those signed papers and attempts to create a new pile on the desk. About 30 seconds later, the phone on her desk brings to ring. She sighs and reluctantly picks up the phone.
Woman:
“Hello?”
Receptionist:
“Ms. Jones, Cammy Torrow is here.
“Would you like me to send her up?”
Ms. Jones:
“Yes, please send her up.”
Ms. Jones takes two of the piles and places them on the ground, so the person sitting across would be able to see her. She then begins to start organizing her desk before there is a gentle knock on her office door.
She walks over to the door and opens it. Standing before her is Cammy, dressed in a business suit, accompanied by Manabu, dressed in a black suit.
Ms. Jones:
“Cammy, it’s a pleasure to meet you.
“And, is…is that Manabu Fujiwara?”
Manabu nods his head.
Manabu Fujiwara:
“Yes ma’am. It’s nice to meet you.
“I hope you don’t mind; Cammy asked me to come along for moral support. She’s really excited about this opportunity.”
Ms. Jones puts on a large smile, so large that it appears fake.
Ms. Jones:
“Please you two, come this way.”
Manabu and Cammy step into the room. All three of them take a seat.
Manabu noticed something strange about the room. The first thing he spotted was the piles of papers that were resting on the floor. Then his eyes moved down to the carpet. It was cream color, but there were a few small patches of brown spots. He then glances at Ms. Jones’ desk. He could tell that desk had been in shambles before he and Cammy walked in.
“This place is a disorganized mess,” thought Manabu to himself.
After a few moments, Ms. Jones hands Cammy a pack of papers.
Ms. Jones:
“Well Ms. Torrow, I didn’t have a chance to tell you a lot of things over the phone. So, let me explain what we are trying to offer.
“We are looking to offer you a three year contract. We are very familiar with your work. We looked over your tapes from the L.A. Vikings and over some of your European games as well. We think you would be a very valuable addition to the team.
“Now as you know, the Women's Premier Soccer League is a semi-pro league. So, you won’t be making millions. But, we offering a very generous sum—you can find that number on page 11.”
Cammy flips over to page 11 and her eyes get big. She shows it to Manabu. There is no change in his face, he simply nods his head.
Ms. Jones continues to talk over a bit. Midway through, Cammy passed the contract over to Manabu. He skims over it a bit.
“Hmm, very interesting,” says Manabu to himself. “So, the Heat are asking Cammy to stay committed to the organization for two full years, no matter what—no trade. Her base pay will stay the same for the most part, but they can rework her pay if she under-performs. I’m mean; it’s not a BAD deal, being a paralegal I’ve seen worse. But, for someone with Cammy experience, it’s a bit weak.”
Manabu shakes his head, trying to refocus and listen to the conversation. However, he was late; the talk was over.
Ms. Jones:
“Well, what do you say Ms. Torrow?”
Cammy turns and looks over at Manabu.
Cammy:
“Could you give me a minute please?”
Ms. Jones:
“Sure.
“I’m going to get a drink of water.”
Ms. Jones walks out of the room and closes the door.
Cammy:
“So, what do you think babe?”
Manabu sighs.
Manabu Fujiwara:
“Babe, I’ll be honest, it’s a ‘fair’ deal. But, I think you could do better. I’ve seen you play, you are amazing.”
Cammy:
“Yeah.
“But babe, I haven’t gotten a call or a contract in months—from the U.S. or abroad. I kind of figured my soccer career was done, and had gotten used to working a regular job.
“But now I’ve got a chance, a way back in.”
Manabu Fujiwara:
“I understand dear. But, this is going to be a challenge. Trust me, I know how it feels to have to work your way back up the ladder.
“I would never tell you what to do with your soccer career. But, I just want you to know that it won’t be easy.
“But, if your heart is truly set on it, then you have to do it. I joined with UWA to prove something to myself. If this is something that you NEED to do, then do it!”
Manabu gentle brushes some hair away from her forehead.
Manabu Fujiwara:
“And of course, I’ll be right here next to you on this journey.”
Cammy gives Manabu a small kiss and then gives him a large embrace.
…
Section 3
Manabu is sitting on a bench in his locker room, with his head in his hands. His gym bag is resting next to him; the UWA championship is inside of it.
He is dressed in his ring attire.
After a few seconds Manabu runs his hand through his hair and looks up at the camera.
Manabu Fujiwara:
“You know, things have been a bit different around UWA. I don’t mean to brag or be cocky, but, I’m the UWA champion. So, the hell am I wrestling in the middle of the card? Does that make any sense to any of you all?
“Meanwhile, they have got Jake Eaton wrestling in the main event.
“Jake ‘f*****g’ Eaton!
“This is the same fool who has wrestled like a zombie in the ring for the past three weeks. This is the same guy who has been running around in back causing trouble.
“UWA, is this the guy you want representing YOU!?”
Manabu sighs.
Manabu Fujiwara:
“But hey, f*** it.
“Let’s talk about this match that I’m about to walk into. This week, I probably face my greatest challenger in this company.
“That would be Shawn Cashman.
“You see, he’s done everything right ever since he signed to the company. He didn’t walk in acting like he knew everything. He didn’t run his mouth, and he didn’t take shots at the top guy. That would be foolish. You see, Cashman is a soldier. A soldier sits back, analyzes the situation, and then figures out the best course of action.
“That’s exactly what Shawn did. And that’s why he is undefeated.”
Manabu nods his head.
Manabu Fujiwara:
“Do you know who else was undefeated when he arrived here Shawn?
“That’s right, yours truly!
“But you see, there’s one thing that’s different between you and I Shawn. You see, I’m not a soldier, and although I did excellent in school, I’m not one to sit back and analyze. I’m a man of action Shawn—and if stuff comes up, then I come up with a new strategy on the fly.”
Manabu laughs for a bit.
Manabu Fujiwara:
“Now, normally I would come out here and talk about how much better I am than my opponent. But, I can’t exactly say that about you can I Mr. Cashman? The fact of the matter is, you have been on a roll lately.
“But you see, the wrestling business is dynamic Shawn. That’s why the people love it—anything can happen at any time. One week you can be on top of the world, and the next moment you can be down in the pits. Shawn, I was undefeated here for nearly two months; UWA hadn’t seen anyone like me. But, do you know what happened? People in UWA began to screw with me, wrestlers and management alike. They began to put me into situations that were designed for me to fail. Take all those triple threat matches Shawn. A triple threat is a statistical machine gun—there is a 67 percent chance that you will lose.
“I’m not trying to make excuses, that’s just the way it is.
“The same thing is happening to you this week Shawn. UWA doesn’t believe in you; that’s why they booked me against you. They are tired of your streak; they want to see you fail. They want to see you crushed. Heck, our match isn’t even in the main event for crying out loud!”
Manabu stands up.
Manabu Fujiwara:
“Cashman, you and I have battle once before, in another one of those triple treat matches that I talked about earlier. Even though you didn’t pick up the win, you did very well for yourself. You prove that you could at least compete on my level. This week is another test for you. No one here has been able to stand toe to toe in the ring—not Eaton, not Callahan, not Neptune. I came to UWA to find competition, and I haven’t found much of it. Are you going to fill that void sir? Are you coming to provide the challenge I’ve been waiting on?
“You see Shawn, I’m not afraid of losing. Losing is a part of the growth process; it’s how you become a better wrestler. But, I REFUSE to lose to people who aren’t worthy! I’ve fought too hard, endured too many things to let that happen.
“So the question is, are you that worthy challenger?”
Manabu reaches down and retrieves the UWA Championship. He hoists it over his shoulder.
Manabu Fujiwara:
“Sir, only YOU can answer that.
“See you out there.”
Manabu walks out of his locker room.
END.
