Bonds And Decisions

(Alison P.O.V)

“And the winner of this fight is Roxcy,” the referee said, raising my hand in victory. I couldn’t help but smile.

After that exhilarating victory, my journey in the ring continued. Fight after fight, I stepped into the arena, no longer underestimated by my opponents. It was as if the whispers of my previous triumph had spread through the ranks, a testament to the power of breaking stereotypes. This new chapter of challenges was both daunting and invigorating.

Gone were the smirks and dismissive glances. Instead, my opponents met my gaze with a steely resolve, a determination to match my own. They had seen what I was capable of, and they weren’t about to let their guard down. As the bell rang, signaling the start of each match, I felt a different kind of energy, a heightened sense of focus that pulsed through every fiber of my being.

The fights became more intense, a strategic dance of skill and strength. Each punch I threw was met with a calculated counter, and every move was analyzed and countered with precision. It was a chess game of sorts, a battle of wits and physical prowess that pushed me to my limits. And I reveled in it.

There was a newfound satisfaction in the challenge, in knowing that I had earned the respect of my opponents. The fights were no longer just physical; they were mental and emotional tests that I embraced wholeheartedly. It was a different kind of victory, one that went beyond the cheers of the crowd and resonated deep within me.

With each hard-fought win, however, came the toll of battle. My body bore the marks of combat – bruises that painted a vivid map of the fights I had endured. I couldn’t help but chuckle to myself as I imagined my parents’ reaction if they were to see me now.

*I would need to buy some more concealer to hide my wounds and bursaries from my parents so that, they wouldn’t freak out on me when they saw me,* I thought stepping out of the arena.

The moment I stepped out, a rush of emotions enveloped me, only to be replaced by the warmth of a strong, unexpected embrace. Ethan and Ellia, my steadfast friends, wrapped their arms around me in a gesture of pride and camaraderie. The weight of their support was a balm to my weary body and spirit.

“You did a wonderful job in there,” Ellie beamed, her eyes radiating genuine admiration.

Ethan, ever the joker, chimed in with a smirk, “Any doubts about my friend being a fighting machine, Robbin?”

Robbin, who had been a skeptic before, now wore a smile that revealed a newfound respect. “No, not anymore. You’ve proven yourself. But remember, you’ve only scratched the surface. There’s still a long way to go.”

His words held a mix of challenge and encouragement, a reminder that the path ahead was paved with both sweat and determination. “Don’t worry,” he added, his smile widening, “I’ll be there to guide you every step of the way.”

As the conversation settled, Ellia’s gaze shifted to my bruises, her worry etched across her features. Concern radiated from her eyes like a protective shield. “Alison, your wounds look painful. Are you alright?”

I offered her a reassuring smile, my voice gentle as I responded, “It’s nothing serious, really. A little medicine and rest, and I’ll be good as new.”

Her worry subsided, replaced by a glimmer of relief. Together, we walked towards the reception area, ready to claim the rewards that came with victory.

Robbin bid us farewell, his words carrying the promise of tomorrow’s training session. With a confident smile and a wave, he exited the club, leaving the three of us standing in the aftermath of another victorious fight. As he disappeared from view, I felt a renewed surge of determination – his guidance had become an invaluable compass on this uncharted path.

Ethan’s question pulled my thoughts back to the present as we walked out of the club’s entrance. “How are you planning to save the money you earned today?” he inquired, his curiosity piqued.

“I was actually thinking of opening a bank account,” I replied, my voice tinged with a sense of practicality. The idea of securing my earnings was becoming increasingly important as my victories piled up.

Ellia chimed in with a well-considered suggestion, “But perhaps it would be better if you open the account under a different name. That way, you can avoid unnecessary attention and questions.”

I nodded in agreement, appreciating her insight but hesitant about the idea of using fake documents. “But how can I do that without resorting to anything illegal?” I wondered aloud, my ethical compass firmly in place.

Ellia’s eyes sparkled with a solution. “I could open the bank account in my name for you. My income comes from being an author, and my mother wouldn’t suspect any extra money flowing into my account.”

The simplicity of her proposal resonated with me, and I found myself nodding in agreement. “That actually makes a lot of sense,” I admitted, gratitude swelling within me for the bond I shared with these two friends.

The rhythmic hum of the car’s engine accompanied our journey back to the twins’ mansion, the soft glow of city lights streaming through the windows. As Ethan skillfully navigated the streets, a conversation began to unfold, weaving threads of possibilities and caution.

“I think it would be better if we could invest the money somewhere to earn more than just keeping it safe in the bank,” Ethan mused, his voice thoughtful.

I considered his words, the idea of growth appealing to my practical side. Yet, before I could respond, Ellia’s voice chimed in with a counterpoint. “But investing comes with its own risks, and time is not on our side. Alison needs to address her father’s debt to loan sharks.”

Her words cut through the allure of potential profits, a reminder of the urgency that hung over my head like a shadow. The weight of my father’s debts was a constant presence, a driving force behind my determination to succeed in the ring. I nodded in agreement, echoing Ellia’s sentiment.

“Yeah, she’s right. We can’t afford to take unnecessary risks,” I added, my voice steady as I voiced my agreement.

Ethan’s response was swift, his voice carrying a reassuring confidence. “Don’t worry, I’m not suggesting we invest blindly. There are some schemes offered by banks that provide a certain level of security. I’ll look into them and let you know.”

The tension that had briefly taken root began to ease, replaced by a renewed sense of hope. The prospect of making the most of my hard-earned money without compromising its safety was undeniably appealing. Ellia’s skepticism, however, remained steadfast.

“Just make sure you thoroughly investigate before we make any decisions,” she cautioned, her concern laced with an air of protectiveness.

Ethan’s affirmative response carried a note of determination. “Of course, I’ll do a deep dive into the options before presenting anything to you.”