Page 13 of Bruised Hearts

“Breaker asked me to take you back to your car.” Nodding, I got in. Landon had no idea that him not coming after me told me everything I needed to know.

I know I was the one that ran away, but he could have at least tried. Him not coming after me told me everything I needed to know. I was right for leaving. I didn’t belong in that setting. That was home like Landon said, and that was something I wasn’t worthy of experiencing.

I looked down the block one last time. A tiny part of me hoping he would come running, screaming for me to stop. All I saw was darkness and an empty street that mirrored my feelings. Tuh, home. Yeah right! That shit wasn’t meant for girls like me.

“This is not a confession, I’m kinda possessive. Your body impressive, your time is too precious. I treat it like a diamond and bezel; I’m trying to patek ya. Ain’t trying to let you out my protection. I’m tryna caress ya, these other niggas tryna correct ya. I’m just trying to let you be you, baby. I promise no pressure. I honor your presence. See you, act like I found me a treasure. And time is of essence, I want you to know mine is invested.

- Lil Wayne

Round 3 Ariyah vs Veracity

9- Landon “Breaker” Mercer

“Can you take me shopping today? I really want to just hang out with you. All we do is fuck and lay up.” Tan was getting on my nerves, and I was tired of trying to get her to understand she wasn’t my girl.

“You know I’m in training. Here, go shop yourself happy.” Pulling out my black card, I handed it to her. “It’s no limit on this card, but act like it is. I’ll be back later to get it.” Her smile was big as fuck as she ran towards me. Tan placed a million kisses on my face. Putting my slides on, I grabbed my gym bag and walked out the door. Titan was already standing by my door with it open, so I climbed in. It’s been two weeks since that incident at my house with Ariyah and I haven’t seen her since.

The first day she didn’t show up, I thought maybe she was embarrassed, but by day four, I realized she wasn’t coming back. Being at The Ninth Round only made me think about her while I was there, and a nigga couldn’t train that way, so I stopped coming. When I needed to relieve some stress or my mind wouldn’t stop thinking about Ariyah, I hit up Tan. She was always so eager to see a nigga, so it made it easy. However, I realized me showing up to her crib every day for two weeks got her thinking this is more than it’s not, so tonight when I came back to get my card, I was gone nip this shit in the bud.

When we pulled up to the gym, I sat there for a minute and stared at the building. Boxing has always been my safe haven, but this shit with Ariyah had me off my game. It was time to get back to training, and I needed to let everything else go. Danger wasn’t like my other opponents, and if I wanted to come out on top, I needed to remember what I was up against and what I was fighting for. Getting out, I walked inside. Doing my normal routine, I went in the back and put on my gym shoes, gloves, and mouth guard. When I smacked my gloves together, I was ready.

Heading out the locker room, I paused. I could feel her even though I didn’t see her. Scanning the room, I saw her in the corner working with Jimmy. As if she could feel me, she looked up and our eyes met. We were locked in on each other before I broke the stare and continued to the ring. I could feel her still looking on me, and knowing Ariyah, I’m sure she looked shocked and hurt. However, it was time for me to lock in. Was I over her, hell naw, but I wasn’t about to beg nobody to be in my life. If Ariyah wanted me, she was gone have to stop running long enough for me to catch up. Cracking my neck, I shook off any lingering thoughts and got in my stance. Swift put up the mitts and nodded. Jab. Jab. Hook.

“Awww, I see a nigga took some time off and forgot how to fight. What kind of swing is that? You ain’t gone break nobody with that shit.” Biting down on my mouth guard, I swung harder. More intentional. The harder I swung, the faster Swift worked the mitts. Some boxers had speed, some had power, it was a rare few of us that had both. I was locked in. Today was exactly what I needed. After going hard for three hours straight, I was done for today.

“Aight. We good for today.”

“Says who? Last I checked, the corner tells the fighter what he needs to do.” I shook my head at Swift. This nigga would work you in your grave if he could.

“Mannn, jit gone head on. You acting as if the fight is tomorrow. I got time, and I’m on schedule for where I need to be.”

“Break, you ain’t been in here for over a week, and that nigga ain’t missed a day yet. Your conditioning, and footwork is on point, but as strong as your hits are, they are not good enough to do damage to Danger.” I stopped and looked at him shocked.

“In all the years you have been training me, I’ve never seen you worried. You think I can’t win?”

“Listen to understand. What I’m saying is, it ain’t gone be a walk in the park. You almost lost your last fight and he’s not as good as Danger.”

“And Danger’s not me.” I know I was coming across defensive, but everyone was acting like this nigga was undefeated. I was the undisputed champ, but mufuckas was making me out to be the underdog.

“Get out yo feelings and hear me out. If I didn’t believe you can do it, I wouldn’t be in here wasting my time. You are the IT factor, fuck having it. That don’t mean you don’t need to be ready for whatever. If he gets the advantage and it comes down to a split decision, you’re the reigning champ, so you’re going to win. Why let it come to that? Do it right, or do it twice. That’s all I’m saying.” Relaxing, I leaned against the ropes as I chewed on my mouthguard.

“What you think I need to work on?” Swift nodded knowing I could finally take in the advice he was giving.

“You have the speed. You have some power, but its tricky. The type of power you need behind the swing, you can’t do it swinging fast. It has to be timing, strategy, and strength. He’s a fast fighting power house. You need to be one too. So, yes, you hit hard, but I need you to be able to do that quickly. Your jabs need to be strong enough to knock that nigga out as well.” I nodded in understanding.

“Aight.” Nodding, he put the mitts up and got into his stance. Putting my mouthguard in, I got ready as well. We got back to work and I zoned in.

****

Swift finally felt we made enough progress, so we wrapped it up. Walking into the locker room, I took a look at myself in the mirror. I could see that fourteen year old lil boy staring back at me smirking. I came along way, and I grinded my way to the top. None of this shit was given to me, so I refused to let it be taken. Everything I did was for him, and no matter how many people thought Danger had the upper hand, I was walking away with my title.

Grabbing my stuff, I walked out the locker room and it was pretty much empty now. Glancing over to the corner Ariyah was working in earlier, I was surprised to see she was still there. She looked at me hopeful. I smiled, and walked my ass out the door. Titan looked at me disapprovingly, but I was lost on how I was the bad guy.

“What? She wants space, so I’m giving her space.”

“Whatever you say, boss.” Walking to the car, I threw my bag inside, and climbed in. We got about five blocks before I changed my mind.

“Fuckkkk!!! Go back.” I ignored Titan laughing as he turned around. We pulled up, I jumped out and ran inside. Going over to her corner, she wasn’t there, but I knew she had to be there. I could still feel her. Looking around, I saw her sitting in the middle of the ring. Making my way over, I climbed inside and was shocked to see a tear streaked face.