She knew she shouldn’t have to. But it tore at her heart to know the two people that should love her unconditionally, didn’t because of something she couldn’t help. And, despite her anger, she would give anything to have her mother wrap her arms around her and say she loved her no matter what.
But, she thought, wiping her tears away,that won’t happen.
She turned to her side, and as she reached to turn off the light, spotted magazines on her bedside table. Her eyes immediately focused on the cover model of the top publication. She leaned over to get a better look, and to read the caption. IN A LEAGUE OF HER OWN: VERONICA NASH ON WINNING INSIDE THE CAGE AND OUT.
Ava got out of bed and headed downstairs., not bothering to put on any more clothes. Excitement and determination fuelled her steps, keeping the depression and sadness at bay. She stopped outside the entrance to the lounge room, and the boys, who were sitting next to each other on the couch, both saw her at the same time.
“You OK, hun?” Chris asked.
“Better than OK. I’ve figured out what I want. I’ve figured out what I want to be. What I want to do.”
“That was quick,” Ruben said.
Ava handed him the magazine, showing him the cover. “You said I was good. Or I could be.”
He looked at it with Chris looking over his shoulder. “You are better than good,” Ruben said. “I talk to Chris about you all the time. But... given everything, I don’t know if this is the best way forward for you right now.”
“Please. I’ve got nothing. This is it,” she said, gesturing to herself. “All I’ve got. But it’s all I need. The best thing about rock bottom? There’s no better place to start again. I’ve spent so long denying this about myself. I want this, guys. I want this so bad. But I need your help. I don’t know if you can or will, but you’re the best chance I have.”
Ruben glanced at Chris, who appeared to be making up his mind before speaking. “I’m not going to promise anything. Tomorrow. We’ll all go to the gym and see what you’ve got.”
They didn’t get to the gym as early as Chris had intended, but it wasn’t Ava’s fault. She only had her gym clothes from the day before, and they needed to be washed and dried, which held everything back. But once she stepped inside the gym again, none of her worries entered her head. As her fists and feet pounded the pads, she finally felt alive for the first time since that day at school.
Both men gave instructions, but Ruben, the former fighter, mainly circled Ava and Chris. Watching. Then called a break and they all sat on the gym floor. For the most part, the other members had given them a wide berth, letting them train with plenty of space.
“OK...” Ruben said, looking down for a minute. Pausing for effect? “Your instincts are incredible. You’ve only been training at the gym for two years and you need tweaking before we can really nail this, you’re not fight ready by any stretch, but you’re closer than most would be at this stage.”
Chris nodded. “And you hit hard. Really hard.”
“Look,” Ruben said, looking from Chris to Ava, “I can’t promise anything, but if you’re willing to put in the hard work, I’m willing to go in to this with you.”
“Me too,” Chris said. “I can work your fitness. Rubes can work your technique. No one should expect miracles or get too far ahead, but together, we might just be able to make you a decent living. How’s that sound?”
“Sounds like a dream come true.”
“Well it ain’t. Believe me,” Chris said, “It’ll be the hardest you’ve ever worked. You’re ready when we say and only then. Agreed?”
“Chris, guys. You don’t have to do the hard-arse coach thing. I’m so grateful to the two of you for helping me. I’ll do whatever you want. Just tell me.”
“Well you better be sure. Because there’s one thing that can wreck any career, no matter how promising: ego. Believe me. I know,” Ruben said.
“It happened to you?”
“Yes. I didn’t have nearly the raw talent you do but after a few wins my head got fifty times as big. Chris’ uncle was my trainer and told me I wasn’t ready for the big leagues. But I didn’t want to hear it. He was holding me back, I thought. So I had my first pro match without him. And I got my arse handed to me by Robert Gasnier. It was my first and last pro fight. That should tell you how ‘ready’ I really was. Before I got a chance to apologise to Chris’ uncle, he passed away from an aneurism. Just like that.”
“That’s why you quit?”
“My mentor was gone. I was devastated. My arrogance cost me much more than I can ever give back. I had so much experience, so much knowledge, but I couldn’t let go of what I’d done. How I’d behaved. So I walked away. I figured I could make a living by being a trainer and running MMA style classes. It’s what I was best at, so might as well earn some money. But never in my wildest dreams did I ever think someone would come along that could pull me back in.”
Ava touched his forearm and gave a light squeeze. “I won’t let you down. Teach me. I can do it.”
6
“Thanks for dropping me off.I really appreciate it.” Jasmine said, turning to Adam at the end of what had been their fifth date. It had been fourteen months since she’d seen Ava but Adam was the first person she’d dated.
They had met when they’d been two of a group of new young people paired up by the pastor of their church some time ago. When her parents met him and began to push about her needing a nice young man, she had thought it best to keep the peace and agree to go out with him. It made her parents happy she was trying to avert hell and she had already started to trust him.
One of their trust exercises had been to admit a truth in private to each other that they feared went against the teachings of the church. The first thing he’d said was he didn’t think homosexuals deserved to go to hell. Just like that. That had been his big secret belief that went against the traditional teachings.