“Massive,” Lauren responded quickly. “I saw what happened. The court case. And why. I’m so sorry.”
“This is what you wanted to talk to me about? Oh... look, it’s fine. Well, no it’s not. But hey, I tried. I faced up to it, finally. The result didn’t go my way, but I’m not sorry I stepped forward. It’s justice I suppose.”
“That ain’t justice. That was bullshit. Fucker deserves to be in prison and skinned by bikies. People like us, you and me, we make our own justice.”
Ava’s eyes roamed over Lauren’s face at those words. It was here she noticed a few things in quick succession. Lauren’s eyes had carried a spectacular sparkle like shine, almost like glitter contacts. But they’d dulled as Lauren spoke while staring at Ava. Something about Lauren’s words struck a chord with Ava. “People like us” she’d said and suddenly a wave of clarity hit Ava. Why Lauren was here.
Something had happened to Lauren since that night they’d shared. Something horrific. Strangely enough, words weren’t needed when people shared something of that magnitude. Without thinking,
Ava pulled Lauren in for a hug. “I’m so sorry.”
“Don't cry for me, Argentina. I was messed up for a long while, but Clive, and others, saw me through that. And don't worry about your creepy doctor. Karma has a weird sense of humour.”
“What do you mean?”
Lauren smiled, and the sparkle in her eyes returned. “Life’s a bitch. And so am I.”
Ava had no idea what that meant, and as she got the call from one of the floor guards that her locker room was open, she had no time to really think it over. Lauren gave her a cheeky wave and wished her luck. Whatever notions she had in her head left with her as she walked away with Clive to their seats.
“Good evening, fight fans! G’day to all the Aussies tuning in. We are HERE! You asked for it. You demanded it. You got it. The match the world wants is finally here. We will be bringing you every fight of the night live and ad free as we countdown to the main event. Veronica Nash versus Ava Beckinsale for the Undisputed Championship. Good evening, John, how are you feeling about tonight?”
“I’m feeling nervous as all hell. Thankfully my fighting days are over. I cannot imagine what these fighters must be feeling right now. The biggest crowd I ever faced was maybe fifteen thousand with change, and that was an experience I’ll never forget. Here tonight, the sold-out sign has been up for weeks. That’s over eighty thousand people crammed into this beautiful and enormous stadium to witness the best in the business go at it. Huge night for the sport, and a huge night for Australia. Sydney in particular has made us feel so welcome. We’ve been here for over a week, meeting fans, doing interviews, promoting the event and MMA has gripped this city in what’s been described as ‘Ava Fever’.”
“You spotted those shirts too, did you, John?”
“Very hard to miss.”
“It’s amazing how one fighter has generated such love and support among the fans, and you don’t even have to be Australian! I’ve seen quite a few countries’ flags being waved by people wearing those fever shirts today.”
“Very true but you look out among this crowd and the Australian flags are out in force, here to cheer for their hometown girl. I mean, let’s think about this, there is a possibility that after tonight Australians could hold both the Undisputed male and female Championship titles.”
“Oh definitely. We saw the first Australian Heavyweight Champion crowned at this very stadium, and many fans here tonight would’ve probably been here for that. The Aussies are definitely in the house to cheer their own. I just don’t think it will be enough tonight.”
“The bookies have Nash as an overwhelming favourite, almost unbackable. You agree with that, John?”
“I do. As much as most of us love an underdog story, and Beckinsale is most definitely that, I just can’t see the crowd getting her home tonight. The Champ has a lot on the line and a lot to prove. Bar believing in a miracle, and as excited as I would be to see that, I think you have to go with Nash on this one. This will be Beckinsale’s second pro fight up against the best there is. We all know what happened the last time these two met, and Veronica Nash can’t possibly be accused of not taking her opponent seriously this time. The Champ is hungry and determined.”
“I think it’ll be a lot closer than most people think, but I also predict The Champ takes this one. She’s just got too much class and experience.”
Veronica finished up her shadow boxing and was being towelled dry by Pete when they were interrupted by an official peeking her head around the door.
“It’s time. I’m going to have Beckinsale make her way out.”
“No,” Veronica answered, pulling the championship belt out of her bag and wrapping it around her waist. “I’m going first. She can wait.”
“But the champion always comes out second?” the official replied, but after staring at Veronica for a few seconds, she relented.
The official didn’t understand, but she didn’t need to. Veronica wanted to get a look at that crowd. To absorb their energy. Their hatred even. She had said there would be no games, no playing. And there wouldn’t be once the bell rung. But, before that, she wanted to psyche her opponent out. Veronica wanted to be inside the Cage, waiting, silently letting Beckinsale know what she was in for as she walked down to meet her.
Veronica marched out of her locker room and made the short trip to the gorilla press position, clutching the belt she loved so much around her waist, heart racing.
“Oh man, here we go! The Champ is in the building and... out first, if you don’t mind! The very pro Beckinsale crowd letting Veronica Nash know she’s not in Kansas anymore. Nash taking her time, looking out over the crowd, pausing at the top of the ramp, unhooking the belt.”
“Holding it aloft! I don’t know if it’s meant to taunt the crowd or Beckinsale, who would be watching backstage you would think.”
“I think she might be reminding them of who she is. A champion is a champion wherever they find themselves fighting.”
“In any case, this crowd letting her know what they think of that as Nash makes her way down and into the Cage. She takes a few more seconds to take the applause and boos in. Now, she... she’s staring straight ahead, towards the ramp. Unmoving, like a shark.”