Redneck Dragon – Part XXXVIII – Did You Laugh?

INT. – GYMNASIUM – LATER

We see the winner board, names crossed off down to the last match in the first round.  The two names remaining are BOBBY LEE BUNCH and LESTER COBB.  Cobb has been introduced.  He’s thin and tall, but has the wiry frame of a farmer.  His eyes are close set.  He paces the ring.

OFFICIAL #2

And our final contestant needs little introduction to Old Mill regulars.  His father, JASPER BUNCH, fought in the championship here years ago.  JASPER has since left us under – questionable circumstances.  His son, BOBBY LEE BUNCH, fights from the gold corner.  Weighing in at one hundred ninety-two pounds.

At the end of the gymnasium the doors open.  The music starts up again, and the crowd ripples with light, uncertain applause.  BOBBY LEE makes his way to the ring, flanked by JAKE and EARL.  He looks very serious, and does not glance at either TERRI or the officials. As he slips under the ropes, the music suddenly cuts off, and the voices of the officials whispering resonates through the sound system.

OFFICIAL #1

Yep..”Whoof!”

BOBBY LEE stops in his tracks. The room falls silent then a snicker rises, followed by a short laugh.  In a few moments the gymnasium is rolling with laughter.  BOBBY LEE stands very still, then slides into the ring and stands staring across at LESTER.  Slowly, the laughter fades.

OFFICIAL #2

(clearing his throat)

Well then, you boys have heard the rules. They basically don’t exist.  Keep your fingers out of each other’s eyes, and try not to kick where your feet don’t belong.  Let’s get to it!

The bell rings, and BOBBY LEE strides into the center of the ring without hesitation.  LESTER tries to dance to the side, but BOBBY LEE is too fast.  He lunges at his opponent and swings. LESTER ducks and slams a fist into BOBBY LEE’s ribs, sliding to the side.  BOBBY LEE grunts, but ignores the pain, turns, and follows.  Again, he lunges.  Again, LESTER avoids him and delivers a hammering blow to the side of his head.  BOBBY LEE staggers, puts a hand to his ear, and smiles.  LESTER takes that opportunity to move in and BOBBY LEE moves so fast it’s a blur.  He sidesteps LESTER’s attack, sweeps his leg out, trips the taller man up, and kicks hard. LESTER goes down, but before he’s even hit the floor, BOBBY LEE leaps into the air and comes down with both feet in the small of his opponent’s back.  LESTER cries out and rolls, and BOBBY LEE drops to one knee, driving his fist into LESTER’s chin.  LESTER’s eyes glaze.  He tries to slide away, but BOBBY LEE hits him again, and then rises, stepping back.  LESTER is still in the center of the ring, and after a moment the bell rings.

OFFICIAL #2 (CONT’D)

Your winner in round one, BOBBY LEE BUNCH.

BOBBY allows the man to raise his arm.  He steps over to where LESTER is just sitting up.  LESTER cringes, but BOBBY LEE ignores this.

BOBBY LEE

(leans in close)

Did you laugh?

LESTER

Huh?

BOBBY LEE

When they said “Whoof,” did you laugh?

LESTER shakes his head.

LESTER

Came here to fight.

BOBBY LEE leans down and offers a hand, lifting LESTER to his feet.  He gives the man a quick chest bump and steps back.

BOBBY LEE

Thank you.

BOBBY LEE turns and leaves the ring without looking back, disappearing through the crowd.

OFFICIAL #2

Okay folks.  Ten minutes recess, and we’ll be back with the second round.  The beer tent is open.

A couple of men help LESTER out of the ring, and the crowd disperses.  Throughout it, we hear voices, some raised, and some lowered, repeating.  “Whoof!”

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