The Bet

21) Concsuscsxghj

Sam's POV

  I definitely didn't miss getting punched in the face the past few days I've been out of the fighting scene, but I did miss making the big bucks.

With one fight here, I earn what takes me a whole day to make at the diner.

My takedowns are as effective as always, so I spend a lot of time visiting the betting table to collect my winnings.

  "Hey kid, long time no see," Cal showed up, replacing the guy that receives payments on the rare occasion Cal isn't doing it.

  I giggled, but was careful to keep it under my breath, "It's been four days, Cal. Far from an eternity."

  Do I really come here that often?

  "Still, you look all small and weak but still manage to kick ass, and the people like to see it, so you bring in the big bucks. I've missed that."

Classic Cal, all he sees is green, but I scowled at his testament. "I'm not small."

  "Sure, kid, whatever. What're you betting next?"

  I'm not small.

  "Five grand."

  I've already won two thousand dollars from my last couple fights. I'm trying to get this tuition paid for with fights alone.

Cal was clearly taken aback by my next bet, but his surprise was immediately replaced by excitement. "That's what I'm talking about, Kid. You're in the big leagues now."

  I just hummed and held out the money.

  He had to pry it from my hands a bit, but it ended up in the betting box eventually.

I've never been the type to bet so brazenly, but I got a call from Mickey's school yesterday saying that HSFL only accepts yearly tuition payments, not semesterly. I looked into payment plans, but of course, those accumulate interest.

  Screw capitalism.

  That, and Miss Camila and I are going to a theme park tonight so she can have the imperative experience of riding a roller coaster, so I'd like to get this over with by dinner.

~~~~~~

Okay, things aren't going swell, but they're also not going terribly.

The woman I'm brawling with has a mean right hook and a determination I fear may rival my own.

Wait, in the crowd, is that Miss Camil —

And, the lights are out.

~~~~~~

I woke up on the knock out cot.

God damn it.

Rubbing my temples, I tried to get my bearings, remember how much I bet.

Through the pounding, a number flashed.

OH MY —

"Good, you're awake. Move."

My train of thought got completely derailed.

I squinted at the man that was talking too loudly to try and understand. He and another guy were hauling some half conscious man into the small room.

I cringed. He doesn't look too good.

I looked down at myself. Is that what I look like?

Yikes.