Russell

Dissatisfaction

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Samantha

I was eagerly waiting for Russell to come out of the dressing rooms. A big smile on my face as I see spectators ask for him, waiting on him to give autographs. I couldn't believe it. Is this really happening?

I mean, I thought this wasn't a big fight, it was supposed to be just a small fight. The big show was still happening inside, yet so many people had gotten out of their seats to wait on him.

He finally comes out, next to Uncle Fred and his uncle Caleb. Fred looked so happy. But I could see Caleb's fake smile. I've always been able to tell when people are faking it, and this guy was totally faking his happiness for them.

I mean, I don't get it. What is his deal? Why can't he be happy for them? He hasn't seen Russell for years. Why can't he be happy that he finally has a chance to catch up with him?

He's giving me a bad vibe, and I have a feeling he is going to give us a bad time.

"Get some sleep kid. I expect you back in Cali tomorrow afternoon for training. You did well today. But it's not enough if you want to be the best. I will set up the arrangements for your new gym. I'll send you the details tonight. Fred!" Caleb says, not minding that he stopped and stood right in front of Phoebe and me, giving us his back.

He fisted his hands, turned on his heels, and left without a word.

"What was all that about?" I asked as Russell wraps his hands around my waist, sighing deeply and burying his head in the curve of my neck.

"Nevermind. Let's just go home," he says, making me feel worried. He seemed so happy up there.

Sure, he was tired, sore, and probably hurting. I mean, I doubt he has completely healed from his broken ribs from the previous fight, but still... He looked so down. I wanted to go and punch the guy in the nuts or something he seems like such an asshole.

"But... It's late. Why don't we just sleep here tonight? And why does he want you in training tomorrow? Don't they usually give them a few weeks off to recover from the fight?" Phoebe says, making me agree.

"Yeah, but... That's Caleb for you. I told you, son. He is no good. I am warning you, he is going to try everything in his power to break you and make you quit. Now, either quit now, or you better suck it, yah hear me? Phoebe. Baby, I'm sorry, but it looks like I am going to have to prolong my stay here. If you want I can get you a ticket to go back home,"

"Nonsense. If you're staying, then I'm staying. I'm sure the kids won't mind if we sleep at their place for a few nights longer, do you?" Phoebe asks with a smile, making Russell and I look at each other worriedly. I doubt it was any trouble, but if Mom finds out Russell is a cage fighter, she will surely look for more excuses why I should be dating Craig instead.

"I'm ok with it, I suppose," I said, doubting my words. "Great, then it's settled. We can leave tomorrow early in morning. Now, let's get out of here and go to sleep." she says cheerfully as we make our way out.

The cameras go off in every direction. People gather around Russell, asking for photos and autographs. I can't help but feel awkward, but happy for him. I step to the side and let him have his moment of victory. At least this made his smile grow again. So, twenty minutes later and security escorted us safely to the hotel, we finally made it to our room.

It was going to be a long night. Russell kept wincing at the pain each time he needed to move. His ribs were tender again, and I had already given him painkillers, but it was of very little to no use. The ointment I placed on his skin to aid his pain and help the bruising was of no help either.

Around four in the morning, he finally managed to sleep a little. But his uncle came just an hour after, ready to go.

"There is no way in hell you're driving that motorcycle back to Cali with that broken rib, Rus."

"Well, what am I supposed to do? I can't just leave it behind. This is my only way of transportation." Russell was being difficult this morning. The lack of sleep was making him grouchy. "Ok, and what if you get into an accident, or you need to make a quick maneuver? Or what if,"

"Fred, sweetheart, why don't we just rent a car back? We have the extra cash from the canceled airplane tickets, we can take a car out there. We can ask for a trolley or whatever that thing is to tie the bike to the back of the car." Phoebe suggests and if I'm totally honest, I was so sleep deprived too.

Driving in a comfy car sounded so much better than riding in the back of Russell's motorcycle right now. Russell and Uncle Fred sigh unanimously and close their eyes. They are both so stubborn, and neither one would budge. I wrapped my hands around Russell's waist, leaning my head on his back as I sat behind him on his bike.

I couldn't help but yawn. I was so tired, I just wanted to be home, asleep in my comfy bed, and forget about everything else.

"Fine. I guess we could do that. But only because I know Sam is tired. I wouldn't want her to fall off the bike or something." he says, making me chuckle as I stayed in that position. My eyes were closing on their own. I was so tired.

So, we rented an SUV along with a motorcycle trailer attached to the back and we made our way. It was going to be a long way drive, and to make matters worse, Russell's uncle expected him to be at practice by late afternoon.

His uncle saw how tired Russell was, so I praised the gods that he and Phoebe offered to drive while he and I slept most of the way. I'm worried though... Russell's uncle gives me really bad vibes.

The face of dissatisfaction on his face was scarry-some. Uncle Fred was right, we need to stay vigilant and not trust so much in him.

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