Us [18+]

Chapter 2

MADELINE'S POV⛓️

It was Iris. And if you're wondering who "Brody" is, it's her brother- Kayden. The one we were laughing at last night. I don't know where Iris got "Brody" from but she's called him that since we were little and it made me laugh everytime.

I watched as Kayden picked her up and spun her like it was nothing, their smiles almost blinding. He noticed me- finally and walked over with a serious face.

"Madeline."

"Conan Junior."

We had a stare off until we both burst out laughing. He picked me up and spun me around like he did Iris. When he put me down, I hit him.

"I'm the kickboxing champion, you cannot pick me up like that in public." It was a struggle trying not to laugh as I scolded him.

"Yes, I hear you, munchkin." I turned red and it was Iris's turn to laugh.

I adopted a mocking tone. "Listen here, Brody, if you call me munchkin again, I'll rip a whole through your pants."

"We're going to be late, munchkin." The meathead was already walking away. But from his stance, I knew we were going into work mode.

I kissed Iris on both cheeks then went after Kayden.

"-been here for about 15 minutes. You're not late, she's just early." I gathered that he must have been talking about my opponent. I hummed as a response before he continued.

"She has an air of confidence and it's kind of amusing. That's always the case with new boxers. Don't go too hard on her, okay, munchkin?"

"Yes coach- and it's 'Madeline'." I was glaring.

He ignored me.

"Since Iris is back, we're all coming to your house. I'll call Jared and Dexter; I'm sure she's called Morty alre-"

"Wait, hold on. Why my house? Can't we go to yours or something?"

"Your house is cozy and somehow bigger than ours." You've got to be kidding me.

"Dexter's girlfriend is around, you should invite her, too."

"Okay. 5pm till dawn." He winked and pushed me towards the changing room.

There goes my plan of breeding Iris.

                            *-*-*-*

I got into gear, walked into the ring and came face to face with a woman about the same height as me. She had pale skin and short hair. She has full lips that were tipped up slightly. I could feel the confidence that perched dangerously close to arrogance that Kayden was talking about.

This should be interesting.

I gave my signature wave and waited for the referee. Pow.

We started the fight by feeling each other out. It was my way of assessing who I was up against. She had precise kicks and powerful punches. Here we go.

I utilized my quick footwork and powerful kicks to keep her at distance. She countered with an incredible forward pressure. Color me impressed.

In the second round, I continued with a barrage of kicks, throwing in a highlight-reel head kick that sent her stumbling back. She recovered and launched a fierce comeback- a series of solid punches and kicks that left me momentarily stunned.

This intensified in the third round. I could see she was giving it her all, but, it wasn't enough. My superior conditioning and technique began to pay off as I landed several brutal kicks to her head and body. She refused to back down but my relentless pressure earned me my well deserved victory.

The gym erupted in cheers and instead of basking in it, like I usually do, I found myself reflecting on that fight. This woman is skilled and has sharp instincts. She's better than anyone expected her to be. She's a threat. She's a worthy rival and that thought brought a smile to my face.

But, as usual, part of me was worried. Beyond the thrill of it all, was the pressure that weighed on me, the pressure of being the best. Our real match is in two months- I'll have to work my ass off till then. My championship is on the line.

I caught Kayden's eye and saw him searching my face for something. I knew he was thinking the same thing I was but I wasn't going to let him see that it bothered me. I'm undefeated and it'll stay that way. Plastering a smile on my face, I winked at him.

I walked out of the ring and into Iris's arms. I pulled back and looked at her curiously. I thought she'd be off exploring or something. I appreciate the support, nonetheless.

                            *-*-*-*

Outside my changing room, was the pretty woman I fought. I offered a polite smile and took her outstretched hand in a firm handshake.

"I look forward to fighting you for real. The name's Julia Maybach- don't forget it. I won't let you, anyway."

"Who's your trainer?" I was curious about that.

"Maze Gilliams." Oh?

The corner of my mouth tipped up at that. I see where she got that attitude from. I turned and walked off to where Iris was waiting for me.

"Ready?"

She looked at me. "You know it."

                              *-*-*-*

"You were awesome in there!"

"I'm kind of offended. Were you expecting anything less?" I feigned annoyance at those words. They came from a 19 year old regular- who happens to be a huge fan.

"Nuh uh. You're always awesome!"

"Thank you." My smile was genuine. But even that was short-lived, as he just became another reason this win was so important.

                             *-*-*-*
I threw my head back and let out a sigh. We were currently going to have the waffles I promised Iris. I felt her hand on mine and I, in turn intertwined our fingers.

"You'll do amazing." She always seems to know what I'm thinking. I offered her a doubtful smile.

"I'll do what I can."
          
                           *-*-*-*

I know the beginning has a bland feeling to it, but, hang in there. It gets better. Also, I don't have a schedule- I'll upload when I feel like it until I can work out a routine.