The Sibirian Express - COMPLETE

CHAPTER 1

Chapter 1

Looking at my reflection in the mirror, I try to figure out what to do with my hair. Note to myself don't sleep with your hair wet. After brushing it and straigthen it I decide to do a half ponytail. „Good enough". Last look around the apartment. Bag, keys, wallet should have everything. Exiting my apartment building I make my way to work at Sports Illustrated. „Alexa, there you are. You have a lot of work to do". Christopher Jankins, my boss tells me while rushing past me. „Whats going on? Why is everyone so hyper?" Betty the oldest and beside myself and Tina the only other woman in this company looks at me „Haven't you heard? A russain boxer is coming to America and rumor has it, that he wants to challenge Rocky Balboa."

„Yeah and that means we have a lot of work to do and a lot of newspaper to sell. The only question remains who is going to have to honor to write all about that?", Paul brings himself in the conversation.

„That's a good question, Paul", I didn't even realize Christoph standing behind me. „Well since  Betty is the oldest I wanted her to do it, but she insited, that she already has too much work and wanted Alexa to have to honour."

Paul scoffs at that and a gasp escapes my mouth. „Really? That's awsome. Thank you so much!"

„That also means, you have to go to every press conference and also get an appointment with this russain guy and ofcourse Mr. Balboa and if possible Mr. Creed after all he always has something to say. You also have to go to every fight. This thing is huge and brings a lot of money so if you want to keep your job you better not screw this up." I give him a nod and wirte everything down that he just said. After he goes back to his office I ignore the dirty looks Paul gives me and turn to Betty.

„Why did you pass up on this story?", she looks at me and smiles. „I'm old, I hate boxing, I don't have that much energy or the nervest to go everywhere and watch the matches how many there ever will be and most importantly", she puts her hand on mine. „It'll bring you some extra money and a young women like you needs it more, then I do."

I look at her and thank her again and again. Ever since I started this job 6 months ago, she was always there to help me and teach me. The guys don't like us and we know that we're not wanted so that was even more of a motivation for Betty to get me started here. She writes something on a sticky-note and puts it on my desk as she stand up to go get her morning coffee. As I look on the note there is only a name. IVAN DRAGO.

I start and try to find something out about this men. Either the russains really like to keep private or this boxer isn't that „famous" if you even want to call it that. I could only find out where he was trained and he name of his trainer and a few of his previous fights.

Going straight to work I give it my best to right the first article about Ivan Drago. Wrighting and erasing. Again and again. Trying to find the right words. I'm so focused at working that when I finally look up it's already dark outside. Only 3 people are left in the building. I didn't notice when everyone left. But at least I got the first article done. "The Sibirian Express" is the headline. I gather up my paperwork and put it on Christophs desk for him to read over it and give his aproval for the publishing. He looked at it for a minute. „Well I guess this'll do for now."

I turned around to go „Alexa", he called „The big guy is landing tomorrow but you don't need to go to the airport. Try to get the in touch with Balboa and Creed for the interview." I give him a simple nod.

„One more thing", I turned around again. „I only gave you this opportunity, because Betty begged me to, don't think you deserved it, after all what does a girl like you know about men's sport" I close the door go over to my desk and pack my stuff. It's not the first time that I heard something like this. Being a young female journalist in a male dominanted company you have to listed to these kind of things everyday. From coworkers as well as the boss.

Finally getting home from work. Thankfully its already Friday so I have the weekend off. I open the door to my apartment and lock it behind me. My bag drops down tot he floor and my Chuck Taylor come off as well. Heating up some left over that was left I turn on the TV and sit down to eat. The news are on and of course they talk about this boxer. I wonder what he looks like, not like I'm going to have to interview him soon enough. Getting up I rinse off my plate, grab my phone and call Rocky. I've known Rocky ever since I worked at Migthy Mick's Boxing Gym. I've met him and Apollo and they've been as nice and helpfull towards me as anyone has ever been. I was always on my own from one forster care to the other and at fifthteen I ran away. Mick took me in and gave me a job. After he passed Rocky did everthing to get me a proper job, since I always denided his money or his place. His wife insited on me staying with them, but I wanted to make it on my own.

„Hello?", Adrian, Rocky wife answers the phone.

„Mrs. Balboa? It's me Alexa. I'm sorry to bother but I was wondering if Rocky was there?" I can hear her call for her husband and giving him the phone.

„Alexa? Is everthing ok?"

„Yes. Everthing is fine. Umm you know I hate to ask you this, but do you have time this week for an interview?" I hear him laughing in the backround.

„For a moment there I thought you needed a real favour." For a moment its silent. „How about Tuesday? I'll ask Apollo to come over if you also need an interview with him."

„Thank you so much!"