TateCamden and I sit in the back of the car on the way to the air-port. I made Debs get her own ride in fear of me killing her before we reached the air-port. Upon leaving The Underground I can feel Camden's concern and worry dissipating into anger.He's going to be mad, but I'm just glad he knows."I can't believe you gave up the contract after all that," Camden mutters under his breath as he stares out the window."It was the right thing to do," I reply, looking at my feet.His head whips in my direction. His face turning into a blistering red."The right thing to do was to tell me about it! You lied! You fucking betrayed me... AGAIN!" I swallow, tears threatening to spill from bloodshot eyes. My heart beats against my chest in panic, looking for the words to defend my actions but they're lost. Every excuse floating in my head so fast I can't grab on to one."I'm sorry I didn't tell you, but you weren't completely honest with me either-" I cry."I've been complete
TateThree Days LaterI lay in Camden's bed, my body aching from head to toe. The second day was the worst when it came to pain, and each day gets better but I still hurt. My bruises are black and purple and look horrible. Breathing is still a chore with it comes to my ribs too. It's going to take some time to heal from this one.My hands under my chin, I stare at the half empty duffle bag sitting on the floor across the room. I paid Dad's debt and the house. He doesn't know, and I don't plan on telling him. I'm hoping he just thinks the banks gave up trying to get money. If I told him I took care of everything he'd think of it as a handout when in reality I'm trying to keep us together. My family is too fragile to lose something so sentimental. It would break us all over again if we lost the house.Fingers walk up my spine, as Camden lays next to me on his bed. The hairs on my neck raise from the tickle they leave behind."How do you feel?" he whispers in my ear. His brea
TateThe next day I grab everything I have on The Underground, and shove it into an unmarked envelope. NDA, Rules, Plane ticket, all of it.Stamping the dorms address on the front, I drop it off at the post office and await for Keegan to get it.I may not be able to say a word about The Underground but what is stopping some college student who is looking for her shot at a news anchor position from getting some anonymous tip?The Underground hurt someone I love, and who knows how many people died after being put in the cage like savage animals. It has to stop.CamdenLying in bed I stare up at the dark ceiling. Thoughts of trying to get back in the octagon keeping me up.I didn't kill Chase, so maybe I can get back in the game.The thought circles in my mind like a horror show on repeat. Tate stirs next to me and I move my arm off of her, nervous I'm putting too much weight on her."Can't sleep?" she mumbles half asleep. I furrow my brows in thought."Do you th
One week later.CamdenHitting the bag I display I don't have cage rust, and can still fight. My new coach watches pensively, his eyes narrowed with focus. His name is Les and he's fifty-three years old, and a retired MMA fighter. He's strict, but has a lot of respect for the sport. "You definitely have a strong hit, Camden. Let's see what you have when it comes to grappling." Les points at a man standing outside the ring. "Camden, this is Franklin, he's going to be your own living breathing punching bag."Franklin is the same height as me, looks to be the same age. Only difference is he has a bleach blond pretty boy haircut, and an eagle tattooed on his chest. He'll be a good sparring buddy, but he's not Pinky. I should refer Pinky here, he'd have a much better outcome and he could be my personal sparring partner.Until then, this guy will have to do.Franklin tries to grab me and I turn on my feet putting him into a choke hold. He's not very quick, and doesn't seem very
Seven months laterI watch Camden fight in the ring. His body is sweaty, his muscles bulging as he circles the ring. He's the sexiest thing I've seen. We've been training side by side every day for the last six months. We found a trainer in LA and flew them to Chicago to prepare Camden and I. Camden for this fight, and I have a fight next month in Detroit. WE are doing it, we are making dreams come true. We just had to have each other to make it happen.The crowd is going wild, chanting Camden's name as he takes Jake the Snake to the ground. I stand on my toes my fingers crossed as I watch Camden. Camden still as he straddles Jake on the floor. He looks to the side, looking for me. His extra push.I shove past the MFC crew and into the stage lights where he can see me. I give my nod, and it's all he needs. He flips Jake into a Rear Naked Choke hold and Jake instantly taps out. Camden jumps to his feet in victory."YOU DID IT!!" I scream jumping up and down in my spot. Ca
Sitting at my desk I chew on the end of my pen awaiting for Professor Kelly to finish writing on the whiteboard. This class drags by and it being at noon I'm always hungry half way through.Bored I trace the words stenciled into the top of my desk with my index finger.'Lick it before you stick it.'Where do people even come up with this stuff?"I love how her hand erases half of what she writes as she moves across the board," Keegan whispers next to me, bringing my attention from my tracing to Professor Kelly. Sure enough, the sentence on the left is half wiped off as she continues to write along the board. Keegan is the only person I talk to here at UCLA. I don't know if I would call her a friend, more of a roommate, and study partner. College isn't any different than high school and I'd rather stay to myself. If you're making friends then you're a part of the drama. Who is screwing who, drugs, and mean girls it's a vicious circle.Keegan and I click because she's diffe
TateGripping the steering wheel my hands begin to break in a nervous sweat. The setting sun casts an orange glow along the horizon and blinds my already stinging, blood shot eyes. The countless miles and hours of driving wearing me thin. The sign for Chicago Illinois finally comes into view and I sag into my seat with relief.My home. Finally.My chest constricts as I enter the city, my sudden unease slightly waking me from my catatonic state. I've been driving off and on for two days now, and I'm more than ready for a shower and a warm bed. Easing my way into the north side, my hands begin to tremble and my heart rate picks up. I knew coming back home wouldn't be easy.I moved to California four years ago for college. Sure I flew back home for Christmas, but I always had a return flight back, and quickly. When I left home I left behind heart ache, and I thought forgetting would be best for everyone. I was wrong though, because here I am... driving right back into it al
Police sirens startle me awake. Peeling my eyes open, red and blue lights flash along the walls of Chloe's room."What is that?" I groan pulling myself from the floor. Growing up we hardly ever saw police in this area. Has it gone downhill over the years?Chloe groans pulling her pillow over her face. Getting up I step on her bed to look out the window.Spreading the blinds apart, I spot the cop car stopping in front my old house and what looks like my sister and dad outside yelling at each other. Adrenaline wakes me like a cold glass of water to the face."Shit!" Jumping off Chloe's bed I nearly trip on the air mattress rushing out of the house."What is it?" Chloe hollers, but I don't stop.Exiting her house, the screen door slams as I run four houses up."No, you don't understand daddy." Journey pleads, her hands pressed up against my father's chest."I understand alright and he's going to jail!" My father points over Journey's shoulder. Following his finger I spo