The Calm Before

Edward's Perspective.

An hour earlier...

As I returned from the doctor's office I ran into Olawale in the passageway 

"You're alright, yeah?" I asked.

"Oh yeah, I'm good," he replied. "I saw you practiced for the uppercut."

"Practiced the hell out of it," I confirmed drawing a burst of laughter from him.

"Hey, you've got a nice uppercut yourself."

"Yeah, yeah," he replied dismissively.

"What next? Heard you turn pro soon? Hope I didn't spoil the show."

"Oh, no, no, no. I'm not turning pro just yet, you know, still a little bit more to learn. But when I'm ready, the whole world will know. Trust," he declared.

"I hear you champ. Well done, all the best in life, see you at the top."

"Yeah, thanks bro, God bless you."

"Same here. Stay blessed."

I walked down the passageway, turning to glance at Olawale one last time.

"Hey, Eddie."

"Yes, sir?"

"I want to fight you again," he announced with a determined look on his face.

"Let's do it, champ," I responded. "I'm down for the trilogy anytime, just get the money right and let me know."

"Cool, cool," he replied with a nod.

"Stay blessed, champ."

"Same here, bro. Take care."

The hallways were sparsely populated, with only a handful of lingering individuals. As I made my way towards the exit, a familiar voice halted my progress. A group of CHPS students stood near a black door, and though I could only recognize a few faces, the voice had a distinct tone that lingered uncomfortably. Eventually, the voice ceased, leaving a bitter taste in my mouth and a sense of irritation. My curiosity led me to what I was seeking – a student emerged from the room marked "Stevenson Change Room," but the jacket sleeve bore the insignia "CPHS Football." It was Alexis, exiting Mikaela's room unaccompanied.

He exchanged a handshake with James at the door and then stepped aside to let Brooke pass through. Turning towards my direction, I quickly pivoted, pulled up my hoodie, and fixed my gaze on my phone.

Walking by me casually, he bragged on the phone about his team reinstatement, emphasizing his role in the upcoming football match. "They can't do anything without us, George. I'll get you back on as well, just hold on, bro."

With all the information I needed and mindful of Coach McMahon's untrustworthy character, I recognized that it was just a matter of time before things escalated to this point. Confirmation provided a reassuring certainty, and now I was convinced that I had to take matters into my own hands. Determined not to let this opportunity slip away, I swiftly pocketed my phone and turned the corner, closely shadowing him.

Alexis exited the arena and headed east towards the parking lot. I remained a couple of yards behind, ensuring not to arouse his suspicion. Once he arrived at his vehicle, I quickened my pace and walked up to him.

"Hey," I greeted, he turned around, dropping his keys in surprise.

"Miller?"

"One Chance, apologize." I declared as I pulled down my hoodie.

"What the hell are you talking about?"

"You've got one chance to make things right. Apologize," I repeated.

"Listen, Miller, I don't have time for this bullshit. I'll see you at school."

"No," I replied, placing my hand against the car, preventing him from opening the door.

"Get the hell out of my way," he declared.

"Not before you apologize," I countered.

"You've lost your mind, haven't you? Get the hell out of my way."

"You're going to have to make me," I stated, moving closer.

"Are you kidding me? This is a joke, right?"

I maintained my position.

"Listen, you have some nerve showing up here, ok? You're lucky I'm not beating your ass right now. I'd love to."

"So do it," I replied, "because that's the only way you're getting out of here."

"I'll beat your ass."

"I doubt that."

"Okay, so you want to fight, let's fight."

"Fine."

"Here? Right now?"

"Wherever, whenever," I replied.

"Oh, you're going to regret this," he threatened.

"Enough chatter," I teased, placing my hands against my mouth to stifle a sigh.

"Don't say I didn't warn you."

"Yeah, yeah," I muttered dismissively.

Alexis clenched his fists. "Alright, let's do it then," he declared, moving forward.

"Stop right there," I declared, halting him with a finger. "Now, listen. I just won a fight so I'm in an alright mood. One last chance, apologize or prepare to get hurt. "

"Are you serious? No way! You know what, no, never mind. Come here, come here. Let's do it," he declared, pushing me back.

In a single fluid motion, I pulled back and quickly countered, seizing him by the scruff of his collar with my left hand. I pulled him towards me before releasing my grip, allowing my right hand to forcefully connect with his mouth. The impact sent him crashing into the door of his car and then tumbling onto the ground.

"Oof!" he groaned.

"Apologize," I ordered.

"What the hell! You crazy?"

"Apologize," I repeated as I advanced.

"Okay, okay, look. I'm sorry, okay. I'm sorry. Now, leave me the hell alone," he pleaded. "I'm sorry," he repeated, struggling to stand. "Just please, leave me alone."

"See, that wasn't too hard, was it?" I taunted, walking past him.

"You crazy piece of shit!"

I turned around. "Don't mess with me," I threatened. "I won't hesitate."

"I'm telling you, man. You're going to regret this. You're dead," he muttered as I walked away.

"Yeah, whatever. See you around, punk," I replied.

Shaking my hand, I reentered the arena with a cut just above my knuckle, blood trickling from the wound. "Idiot," I muttered as I adjusted my hoodie.

Mikaela's Perspective.

The present...

"She's out, folks. That knockout was a clean shot from the champ. There's no coming back from that," the announcer declared. "This is a new chapter for Damaris, and I believe her reign as the champion has just begun.

"Come on, champ, let's get you out of here," Tim's voice sounded.

I opened my mouth to speak, but no sound came out.

"Let's go, champ," he encouraged, gently taking my arm and looping it around his shoulder.

As I shuffled out of the ring, Brooke held my head up with her left arm, and her right hand gripped the waistband of my shorts, steadying me as I moved forward.

"Champ! Champ! Champ! Champ!" the crowd roared.

I felt the energy from the spectators' excitement, and I waved weakly.

"Mikaela, can you hear me?" Eddie asked. "Don't worry. You're going to be okay."

I glanced up at him, unable to voice my thoughts. "It was you..." I attempted weekly.

"I'm going to lift you now," he informed, his eyes locking onto mine.

With a nod, I closed my eyes and allowed him to pick me up and carry me down the hallway.

"I'm so proud of you, champ," Eddie whispered.

"You did great, Mikaela," Brooke echoed.

"We're going to take you back to the clinic and patch you up," Tim announced.

My strength failed me, and I lost consciousness.